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http://www.richardchewphotography.com/latest-photos http://www.richardchewphotography.com/storks http://www.richardchewphotography.com/netherlands-december-2019 http://www.richardchewphotography.com/treecreepers http://www.richardchewphotography.com/portfolio17056.html http://www.richardchewphotography.com/albatrosses http://www.richardchewphotography.com/harvest-mouse http://www.richardchewphotography.com/portfolio236645.html http://www.richardchewphotography.com/butterflies http://www.richardchewphotography.com/red-foxes http://www.richardchewphotography.com/lakes-and-lochs http://www.richardchewphotography.com/other-mammals http://www.richardchewphotography.com/european-trips-hungary-slovakia-and http://www.richardchewphotography.com/south-and-west-spain-april http://www.richardchewphotography.com/insects-and-beetles http://www.richardchewphotography.com/estonia-and-north-east-finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/portfolio517553.html http://www.richardchewphotography.com/deer http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photos-of-the-month http://www.richardchewphotography.com/finland-and-norway-may-and http://www.richardchewphotography.com/mountains-and-uplands http://www.richardchewphotography.com/dragonflies-and-damselflies http://www.richardchewphotography.com/owls http://www.richardchewphotography.com/portfolio563304.html http://www.richardchewphotography.com/whales-and-dolphins http://www.richardchewphotography.com/sunsets http://www.richardchewphotography.com/black-cuillin-of-skye http://www.richardchewphotography.com/robins http://www.richardchewphotography.com/latest-photos-iceland-june-2015 http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29486894.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_159630087558107c4c7d855.jpgGoldeneye The Goldeneye is a medium-sized diving duck, named for its golden-yellow eye. Adult males have a dark head with a greenish gloss and a circular white patch below the eye, a dark back and a white neck and belly. Adult females have a brown head and a mostly grey body. The Goldeneye breeds on the lakes and in the rivers of boreal forests in Scandinavia, Canada, north USA and north Russia. Naturally it will nest in cavities in large trees but it will also readily use nestboxes put up on trees close to water. This has enabled a healthy breeding population to establish in the Scottish Highlands from 1970 where it is increasing and slowly spreading. The Goldeneye is migratory and most winter in protected coastal waters or open inland waters at more temperate latitudes. The Goldeneye forages by diving underwater for crustaceans, aquatic insects and molluscs. Insects are the predominant prey while nesting and crustaceans are the predominant prey during migration and winter. Date: 23rd May 2016 Location: Wild Brown Bear Centre, near Vartius, Kainuu, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12744408.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18591739234e705b248b147.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 4th November 2008 Location: Portnahaven, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/black-wheatear https://images.on-this.website/4752_150283830852528b98443e1.jpgBlack Wheatear The Black Wheatear is a large, big-headed and deep-chested black wheatear with a broad white rump and black T on white tail. The male is all black whilst the female is more dark brown rather than black. The Black Wheatear is largely resident and sedentary although partial or total altitudinal migration occurs in some mountain regions. It can be found breeding in holes in rock walls, cliffs and caves in arid, stony plateau country in mountainous regions and along coasts in Spain, Portugal, southern France and north west Africa. The European breeding population of the Black Wheatear is small and has declined significantly. Date: 8th September 2013 Location: Los Llanos de Libar, Sierra de Grazalema, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/waxwing https://images.on-this.website/4752_20856134294d0d036b14822.jpgWaxwing The Waxwing is a plump bird which is slightly smaller than a Starling. It is buff or pinkish-brown in colour with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings, a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest. The bird’s name is derived from the red tips to some of the wing feathers which are said to look like they have been dipped in sealing wax. Waxwings breed in the dense forests of northern Europe but they occur in varying numbers in the UK from October to March. In some years they can occur in large numbers (known as irruptions) when the population in the breeding areas gets too big for the food available. The first UK arrivals each winter are usually seen on the east coast from Scotland to East Anglia but birds then move inland in search of food. They can be found in parks and gardens and even busy public places such as supermarket car parks, typically where there are berry-bearing trees and bushes such as rowan, hawthorn, cotoneaster and rose. Waxwings seem fearless of humans so it is relatively easy to get very close views of these stunning birds. Waxwings make an easily recognisable high-pitched trilling sound like a bell. Date: 11th December 2010 Location: Folkestone, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37403960.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12991151825c6828d5e8fee.jpgGrey Partridge The Grey Partridge, also known as the English Partridge, is a game bird in the pheasant family. It is a rotund bird, 11 to 13 inches in length, brown-backed, with grey flanks and chest and an orange face. The belly is white, usually marked with a large chestnut-brown horseshoe mark in males and also in some females. When disturbed, it flies a short distance with whirring wings and occasional glides and often calling. The Grey Partridge is widespread and common throughout much of its range and breeds on farmland across most of Europe in to west Asia. The nest is usually located in the margin of a cereal field where the hens lay up to 20 eggs. The Grey Partridge has also been introduced widely into Canada, the USA, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. It is a non-migratory terrestrial species and groups of up to 15 to 20 birds known as coveys are most usually seen outside the breeding season. In the UK, the Grey Partridge is traditionally found in lowland arable areas but although once very common and widespread, it has undergone a serious population decline throughout most of its range due to a loss of breeding habitat through the intensification of agriculture and possibly due to the loss of food supplies. Numbers have fallen by as much as 85% in the last 25 years and the species is now designated as a Red List species. The Grey Partridge is a seed-eating species but the young in particular take insects as an essential protein supply. During the first 10 days of life, the young can only digest insects. Date: 9th February 2019 Location: Flitcham-Anmer, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41505233.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11519778245f37b32849236.jpgWhite-tailed Eagle The White-tailed Eagle is the fourth largest eagle in the world, 27 to 36 inches in length with a 72 to 96 inches wingspan. Females are slightly larger than males. It has broad "barn door" wings, a large head and a thick "meat-cleaver" beak. The adult is mainly brown except for the paler head and neck, blackish flight feathers, distinctive white tail, and yellow bill and legs. In juvenile birds the tail and bill are darker, with the tail becoming white with a dark terminal band in sub-adults Some individuals have been found to live over 25 years although 21 years is the average. The White-tailed Eagle breeds in northern Europe and northern Asia with the largest population in Europe along the coast of Norway. The World population in 2008 was estimated at only 9,000 to 11,000 pairs. They are mostly resident with only the northernmost birds such as the eastern Scandinavian and Siberian population migrating south in winter. In the UK, the White-tailed Eagle became extinct during the early 20th century and the present population in Scotland has arisen from a reintroduction programme which commenced on the island of Rhum in 1975. It is still a rare breeding bird which was previously confined to the west coast of Scotland although a reintroduction programme has taken place in east Scotland. Date: 3rd July 2019 Location: near Komagvær, Varangerhalvøya National Park, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/may-2008-puffin https://images.on-this.website/4752_17785050414e3a579c137a5.jpgMay 2008 - Puffin Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11265428.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084980.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21339029885d3089d46ce56.jpgRaven The Common Raven, also known as the Northern Raven or simply as the Raven, is a large passerine bird in the crow family [i]Corvidae[/i]. There are considered to be 8 to 11 geographical sub-species. The closest relatives of the Raven are the Brown-necked Raven found in north Africa and the Middle East, the Pied Crow found from sub-Saharan Africa down to south Africa and the Chihuahuan Raven found in south west and mid west USA and north Mexico. The adult Raven ranges from 21 inches to 26 inches in length with a wingspan of 45 to 51 inches. Recorded weights range from 1.5 to 4.5 pounds making the Raven one of the heaviest passerines. Birds from colder regions are generally larger and heavier compared with those from warmer regions. The Raven has a mostly black iridescent plumage. The bill is large and slightly curved and it is one of the largest bills amongst passerines. It has a longish, strongly graduated tail at 8 to 10.5 inches. The throat feathers are elongated and pointed and the base of the neck feathers are pale brownish-grey. Juvenile plumage is similar but duller. Apart from its greater size, the Raven differs from other crows by having a larger and heavier black beak, shaggy feathers around the throat and above the beak and a wedge-shaped tail. Flying Ravens are distinguished from crows by their tail shape, larger wing area and more stable soaring style which generally involves less wing flapping. Despite their bulk, the Raven is easily as agile in flight as the smaller crows. Between 15 to 30 categories of vocalization have been recorded for the Raven, most of which are used for social interaction. Apart from its wide and complex vocabulary, the Raven can mimic sounds from their environment including human speech. Non-vocal sounds produced by the Raven include wing whistles and bill snapping. If a member of a pair is lost, its mate reproduces the calls of its lost partner to encourage its return. The Raven can thrive in varied climates and it has the largest range of any member of the crow family and one of the largest of any passerine. It ranges throughout the Holarctic region from the Arctic and temperate habitats in north America and Eurasia to the deserts of north Africa and to the islands in the Pacific Ocean. In the UK, the Raven is most common in the upland areas of south west England, Wales, the north Pennines and the Lake District and much of Scotland. The Raven is generally resident within its range for the whole year although some birds may move south from the Arctic regions in winter. It can be found in a wide variety of environments but it prefers wooded areas with large expanses of open land nearby or coastal regions for their nesting sites and feeding grounds. The Raven is usually seen in mated pairs although young birds may form flocks. Relationships between Ravens are often quarrelsome yet they demonstrate considerable devotion to their families. Juvenile Ravens begin to court at a very early age but may not bond for another 2 or 3 years. Aerial acrobatics, demonstrations of intelligence and the ability to provide food are key behaviours of courting. Once paired, Ravens tend to nest together for life and usually in the same location. Breeding pairs must have a territory of their own before they begin nest building and reproduction and thus they aggressively defend a territory and its food resources. Nesting territories vary in size according to the availability of food resources in the area. The nest is a deep bowl made of large sticks and twigs bound with an inner layer of roots, mud and bark and lined with a softer material such as deer fur. It is usually built in a large tree or on a cliff ledge or less frequently in old buildings or utility poles. The female lays between 3 to 7 eggs and incubation by the female only is about 18 to 21 days. In most of the range, egg laying begins in late February although in colder climates it is as late as April. The young are fed by both parents and fledge after 35 to 42 days. They stay with their parents for another 6 months after fledging. Owing to its size, gregariousness and its defensive abilities, the Raven has few natural predators. The eggs and young are preyed on, albeit rarely, by large hawks and eagles, large owls, martens and canids. The adults are often successful in defending their young and drive off predators by flying at them and lunging with their large bills. The Raven can be very long-lived especially in captive or protected conditions. Individuals at the Tower of London have lived for more than 40 years but lifespans in the wild are considerably shorter at typically 10 to 15 years. The Raven is omnivorous and highly opportunistic and its diet may vary widely with location, season and luck. It will prey on small invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, small mammals and birds and scavenge by feeding on carrion as well as the associated maggots and carrion beetles. Plant food includes cereal grains, berries and fruit. It may also consume the undigested portions of animal faeces and human food waste. The Raven will store surplus food items, especially those containing fat, and it will learn to hide such food out of the sight of other Ravens. It will also raid the food caches of other species such as the Arctic Fox and it will sometimes associate with another canine, such as the Wolf, as a kleptoparasite, following them to scavenge kills in winter. The crow family is well known for its intelligence and the brain of the Raven is among the largest of any bird species. Through extensive scientific experimentation, it has been proven that the Raven displays ability in problem-solving as well as other cognitive processes such as imitation and insight. In addition, there has been increasing recognition of the extent to which the Raven engages in play with others of its own species or with other mammals and birds. Juveniles are among the most playful of bird species. The Raven is also known for spectacular aerobatic displays such as flying in loops or interlocking talons with each other in flight. Over the centuries, the Raven has been the subject of mythology, folklore, art and literature. In many cultures, including the indigenous cultures of Scandinavia, ancient Ireland and Wales, Bhutan, the north west coast of north America, Siberia and north east Asia, the Raven has been revered as a spiritual figure or god-like creature. Date: 6th June 2018 Location: Libearty Bear Sanctuary, Zărneşti, Brașov County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11328572.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18528544334e1d6762d9573.jpgCoot The Coot is an all black bird with a distinctive white beak and “shield” above the beak from which earns it the title “bald”. Its feet have distinctive lobed flaps of skin on the toes which act instead of webs when swimming. It patters noisily over the water before taking off and can be very aggressive towards other birds. Coot can be found all the year round mainly on freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers and town park lakes. Sometimes they can be seen offshore, especially in winter if freshwater areas are frozen. They breed in areas of fairly shallow standing freshwater with a muddy bottom and plenty of vegetation at the sides, usually in lowland areas. Date: 2nd February 2008 Location: Northlands Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/white-stork-nest https://images.on-this.website/4752_19812526824ff544d4c275c.jpgWhite Stork nest The White Stork breeds in open farmland areas with access to marshy wetlands, building a large stick nest in trees, on buildings or on purpose-built man-made platforms. Each nest is 3 to 7 feet in depth, 2 to 5 feet in diameter and 130 to 550 pounds in weight. Several bird species often nest within the large nests of the White Stork. This photo shows a nest which had Lesser Kestrel, Spotless Starling, Spanish Sparrow and House Sparrow in attendance. Date: 26th April 2012 Location: La Serena, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39083872.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9491534125d308277e68b2.jpgWestern Rhodopes Mountains, Smolyan Province, Bulgaria The Rhodopes Mountains are a mountain range in south east Europe. They are spread over 5689 square miles of which 4723 square miles are located in south Bulgaria and the remainder in north Greece. The Rhodopes Mountains are about 149 miles long and about 62 to 75 miles wide with an average altitude of 2575 feet. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 7188 feet and is situated 12 miles to the west of Smolyan. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rhodopes Mountains gives its name to the terrestrial eco-region Rodope montane mixed forests that belong in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The area is particularly notable for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans plus its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms such as the Trigrad Gorge. The Rhodopes Mountains can be sub-divided in to 3 sections: The Western Rhodopes are spread over 66% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and they are higher, the most infrastructurally developed and the most visited part of the mountains. The highest and best known peaks are located in this section with more than 10 over 6562 feet high including the highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7188 feet). Some of the deepest river gorges in the Rhodopes Mountains are located in the west as well as several large lakes. The Eastern Rhodopes are spread over a territory of about 34% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and are much lower in height. The large artificial dams of Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets are located in this part of the mountains. Almost every species of European bird of prey nests in the Eastern Rhodopes including the rare Black Vulture and Egyptian Vulture. The Southern Rhodopes are the part of the mountain range that is located in Greece and they are characterized by numerous peaks of relatively low altitude. The Trigrad Gorge is a canyon of vertical marble rock cliffs in the western Rhodope Mountains. It is the third longest gorge in Bulgaria. The gorge encloses the course of the River Trigrad which plunges into the Devil's Throat Cave and 1740 feet further emerges as a large karst spring. It later flows into the River Buynovska. The west wall of the Trigrad Gorge reaches 980 feet in height whilst the east wall reaches 980 to 1150 feet in height. Initially, the 2 walls are about 985 feet apart but the gorge narrows to about 330 feet in the northern section. The gorge is situated just north of the village of Trigrad at 4760 feet above sea level. It has a total length of 4.3 miles, of which the gorge proper comprises 1.2 to 1.9 miles. It can be visited on the narrow single track road from Teshel to Trigrad which follows the River Trigrad for about 7.5 miles. The Trigrad area was a restricted border zone in the past (it is less than 4 miles from the border with Greece) so access was very limited during the Communist era but it is now a popular tourist destination. The area is considered as one of the most beautiful in the Rhodopes Mountains with numerous designated routes for hiking, mountain biking and horse riding routes. Date: 28th May 2018 Location: Teshel to Trigrad via Trigrad Gorge, Western Rhodopes Mountains, Smolyan Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533181.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_134746608062ca7affd40e0.jpgSpotted Flycatcher The Spotted Flycatcher is a small passerine bird in the Old World flycatcher family. It is an undistinguished looking bird with long wings and tail. The adults have dull grey-brown upperparts and off-white underparts and a streaked crown, throat and breast. The legs are short and black and the bill is black and has the broad but pointed shape typical of aerial insectivores. The sexes are similar. Juveniles have ochre-buff spots above and scaly brown spots below. The Spotted Flycatcher breeds in most of Europe and west Asia where it can be found in deciduous woodlands, parks and gardens, with a preference for open areas amongst trees. It builds an open nest in a suitable recess, often against a wall, and it will readily adapt to an open-fronted nest box. The Spotted Flycatcher is migratory and winters in Africa and south west Asia. It is declining in parts of its range. The Spotted Flycatcher is a declining summer visitor to the UK and can be seen from late April or early May to September. It can be found throughout the UK but it is now very scarce in many areas. Recent dramatic population declines make the Spotted Flycatcher a Red List species. The Spotted Flycatcher hunts from conspicuous perches, making sallies after passing flying insects and often returning to the same perch. The upright posture is characteristic. Date: 13th June 2022 Location: NWT Weeting Heath, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52699096.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_186176763967b0c7a8db64b.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 5th February 2025 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072289.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3282175244bf6d95923250.jpgEkkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway Ekkerøy is one of the oldest fishing villages on the Varanger peninsula in Finnmark county in north east Norway. The village lies along the European route E75 about 9 miles east of the town of Vadsø. Ekkerøy is one of very few places in Finnmark that was not burnt and destroyed under Operation Nordlicht, a German operation during the Lapland War at the end of World War 2. Date: 12th April 2010 Location: view from route E75 looking towards Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41539333.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7253866295f3e4ba6c3d82.jpgRed-throated Diver The Red-throated Diver is the smallest and lightest of the world's diver or loon species. Like all divers, it is long-bodied and short-necked and with its legs set far back on its body. The sexes are similar in appearance although males tend to be slightly larger and heavier than females. In breeding plumage, the adult has a dark grey head and neck with narrow black and white stripes on the back of the neck, a triangular red throat patch, white underparts and a dark grey-brown mantle. The non-breeding plumage is drabber with the chin, foreneck and much of the face white, the top of the head and back of the neck grey and considerable white speckling on the dark mantle. The bill is thin, straight and sharp and the bird often holds it at an uptilted angle. In flight, the Red-throated Diver has a distinctive profile. Its small feet do not project far past the end of its body, its head and neck droop below the horizontal (giving the flying bird a distinctly hunchbacked shape) and its thin wings are angled back. It has a quicker, deeper wing beat than other divers. The Red-throated Diver has a large global population and a significant global range but some populations are declining. Oil spills, habitat degradation, pollution and fishing nets are among the major threats and natural predators, such as various gull species and both red and Arctic foxes, will take eggs and young. The Red-throated Diver breeds primarily in the Arctic regions of northern Eurasia and north America and it winters in northern coastal waters, sometimes in groups of considerable size. Unlike other divers, it regularly uses very small freshwater lakes as breeding sites. In Europe, it breeds in Iceland, northern Scotland, Scandinavia and northern Russia and it winters along the coast as far south as parts of Spain. Date: 5th July 2019 Location: near Gednje, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7950514.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2666467034d03d4a669df6.jpgDate: 15th November 2010 Location: View from Horsey staithe, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072253.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8588921724bf6d58ba7f75.jpgSiberian Jay The Siberian Jay is noticeably smaller, slighter and proportionately longer-tailed than the Jay with a much shorter and more pointed bill. It is the smallest and most delicate of the Western Palearctic crows and is rather drab brown-grey with rufous-chestnut near the wing-bend and on under wing coverts, rump and sides of tail which set the bird “on fire” in flight. The Siberian Jay is a widespread and highly sedentary resident in Fennoscandia and Russia with Europe accounting for less than half of its global range. It breeds across the higher latitudes of the Western Palearctic and is predominantly at all seasons a bird of coniferous forest, mainly dense stands of forest unmodified by man rather than open growth. The Siberian Jay contrasts with the Jay in a lack of fear of man, readily attaching itself to human travellers and their living quarters, but this has little effect on choice of habitat since its normal range is largely uninhabited by people. Date: 10th April 2010 Location: Neljan Tuulen Tupa near Kaamanen, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41389697.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8248703525f2695dfbbdcb.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 1st July 2019 Location: Vardø, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28883745.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_213440606457cc16c67d77d.jpgRed-backed Shrike The Red-backed Shrike is a carnivorous passerine bird and member of the shrike family. The general colour of the male’s upper parts is reddish. It has a grey head and a typical shrike black stripe through the eye. Underparts are tinged pink and the tail has a black and white pattern similar to that of a Wheatear. In the female and young birds the upperparts are brown and vermiculated and the underparts are buff and also vermiculated. The Red-backed Shrike eats large insects, small birds, frogs, rodents and lizards. Like other shrikes it hunts from prominent perches and impales corpses on thorns or barbed wire as a "larder." This practice has earned it the nickname of "butcher bird." The Red-backed Shrike breeds in most of Europe and western Asia and winters in tropical Africa. Once a common migratory visitor to the UK, numbers declined sharply during the 20th century. The bird's last stronghold was in Breckland but by 1988 just a single pair remained, successfully raising young at Santon Downham. The following year for the first time no nests were recorded in the UK but since then sporadic breeding has taken place, mostly in Scotland and Wales, and in September 2010 the RSPB announced that a pair had raised chicks at a secret location on Dartmoor where the bird last bred in 1970. This return to south west England has been an unexpected development and has raised speculation that a warming climate could assist the bird in re-colonising some of its traditional sites, if only in small numbers. Date: 18th May 2016 Location: Mehikoorma to Haavametsa, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43629108.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18896381366118ac7bd797d.jpgEmerald Damselfly Flight period: June to September The Emerald Damselfly is widely distributed in uplands and lowlands throughout the UK. They can be found around small, shallow standing water with luxuriant vegetation such as rushes and sedges. Date: 18th July 2021 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13593659.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4052292644ec8dae793c80.jpgOtter The Eurasian Otter, also known as the European Otter, Eurasian River Otter, Common Otter and Old World Otter and commonly known as the Otter, is a semi-aquatic mammal and the most widely distributed member of the Otter sub-family of the Weasel family (Mustelidae). The Otter is a typical species of the Otter sub-family and is brown above and cream below. It is 22.5 to 37.5 inches long excluding a tail of 14 to 17.5 inches. The female is shorter than the male. The Otter's average body weight is 15 to 26 pounds, although occasionally a large old male may reach up to 37 pounds. The Otter differs from the North American River Otter by its shorter neck, broader face, the greater space between the ears and its longer tail. However, it is the only Otter species in much of its range so it is rarely confused for any other animal. The Otter is the most widely distributed Otter species and its range including parts of Asia and Africa as well as being widespread across Europe. The Otter can be found throughout most of the UK with the highest densities in Scotland, especially the islands and the north west coast, Wales, parts of East Anglia and the West Country. The Otter declined across its range in the second half of the 20th century primarily due to pollution, habitat loss and hunting. However, populations are now recovering in many parts of Europe. In the UK the number of sites with an Otter presence increased by 55% between 1994 and 2002. In August 2011, the Environment Agency announced that the Otter had returned to every county in England since vanishing from every county except the West Country and parts of Northern England. The recovery of the Otter population in Europe is due to a ban on the most harmful pesticides that has been in place since 1979, improvements in water quality leading to increases in prey populations and direct legal protection under the European Union Habitats Directive and national legislation in several European countries. In general, the Otter’s varied and adaptable diet means that it can be found on any unpolluted body of fresh water, including lakes, streams, rivers and ponds, as long as the food supply is adequate. It can also be found along the coast in salt water but it requires regular access to fresh water to clean its fur. When living in the sea it is sometimes referred to as a "Sea Otter" but it should not be confused with the true Sea Otter which is a North American species much more strongly adapted to a marine existence. The Otter's diet mainly consists of fish. However, during the winter and in colder environments, fish consumption is significantly lower and other sources of food are eaten including amphibians, crustaceans, insects, birds and small mammals. Hunting mainly takes place at night whilst the day is usually spent in the Otter's holt (den). The Otter is strongly territorial and is primarily solitary. An individual's territory may vary between 1 and 25 miles with the length of the territory depending on the density of food available and the width of the water suitable for hunting (it is shorter on coasts, where the available width is much wider and longer on narrower rivers). The Otter uses its spraints to mark its territory. Territories are only held against members of the same sex so those of males and females may overlap. The Otter is a non-seasonal breeder and males and females will breed at any time of the year. It has been found that their mating season is most likely determined simply by the Otters' reproductive maturity and physiological state. Female Otters are sexually mature between 18 and 24 months old and the average age of first breeding is found to be 2.5 years old. Gestation is 60 to 64 days and after the gestation period, 1 to 4 pups are born which remain dependent on the mother for about 13 months. The male plays no direct role in parental care although the territory of a female with her pups is usually entirely within that of the male. Date: 10th November 2011 Location: Loch Scridain, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/sound-of-mull-mull-argyll https://images.on-this.website/4752_134493230650ded0ae6e5bb.jpgSound of Mull, Mull, Argyll The Sound of Mull is the body of water that separates the island of Mull in Argyll and Bute from the Scottish mainland at Morven and stretches for a distance of approximately 18 miles with a maximum width of 3 miles. It is an important waterway for CalMac ferries sailing from Oban to Mull and the Western Isles. Ferries also cross the Sound of Mull from Kilchoan to Tobermory and from Lochaline to Fishnish. Date: 18th November 2012 Location: view from the southern shore between Salen and Aros Mains http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071686.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1121984086643357c429b5.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 4th May 2023 Location: Bwlch Nant yr Arian, Llywernog, Ceredigion http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40755824.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9578690525e204491b0a1d.jpgGreater (Russian) White-fronted Goose The Greater White-fronted Goose is a species of goose which is closely related to the smaller Lesser White-fronted Goose. The Latin name, [i]Anser albifrons[/i], is derived from [i]anser[/i] meaning "goose" and [i]albus[/i] meaning "white" and [i]frons[/i] meaning “forehead”. The Greater White-fronted Goose is 25 to 32 inches in length with a 51 to 65 inches wingspan and weighs 4.3 to 7.3 pounds. It is smaller than the Greylag Goose and, as well as being larger than the Lesser White-fronted Goose, it lacks the yellow eye-ring of that species and the white facial blaze does not extend upwards so far. The Greater White-fronted Goose is a greyish-brown goose with a light grey breast dappled with dark brown to black blotches and bar, a pinkish bill and orange legs and feet. The male is typically larger in size but both sexes are similar in appearance The Greater White-fronted Goose is divided into 5 subspecies. The nominate subspecies Eurasian or Russian White-fronted Goose, [i]A. a. albifrons[/i], breeds in the far north of Europe and Asia and winters further south and west in Europe, including England and Wales. The very distinct Greenland White-fronted Goose, [i]A. a. flavirostris[/i], breeds in west Greenland and is much darker overall with only a very narrow white tip to the tail (broader on the other races), more black barring on its belly and usually has an orange (not pink) bill. It winters in Ireland and west Scotland. Some ecological studies suggest that the Greenland White-fronted Goose should probably be considered a separate species. Weather conditions are a key factor in the annual breeding success of the Greater White-fronted Goose. In the Arctic, the window of opportunity for nesting, incubating eggs and raising a brood is open briefly for about 3 months. Arriving in late May or early June, Greater White-fronted Geese begin departing for their wintering areas in early September. This means that a delayed snowmelt or late spring storm can significantly reduce breeding success. Date: 10th December 2019 Location: De Putten and Pettemerpolder area near Camperduin, Noord-Holland, Netherlands http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833577.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_565649144559ceca27ba29.jpgWhite Stork The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan, and is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers with red legs and a long red bill. They walk slowly and steadily on the ground and fly with necks outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the Second World War and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 12th May 2015 Location: near Kirkini village, Lake Kerkini, Central Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo22527546.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_80624956954227cbf4ea6e.jpgWhite-tailed Eagles The White-tailed Eagle is a very large bird with a 72 to 96 inch wingspan and is the fourth largest eagle in the world. It has broad "barn door" wings, a large head and a thick "meat-cleaver" beak. The adult is mainly brown except for the paler head and neck, blackish flight feathers, distinctive white tail, and yellow bill and legs. In juvenile birds the tail and bill are darker, with the tail becoming white with a dark terminal band in sub-adults. The White-tailed Eagle breeds in northern Europe and northern Asia. The largest population in Europe is found along the coast of Norway. In the UK it became extinct during the early 20th century and the present population in Scotland has arisen from a reintroduction programme which commenced on the island of Rhum in 1975. It is still a rare breeding bird which was previously confined to the west coast of Scotland, although a reintroduction programme is now taking place in east Scotland. Date: 8th September 2014 Location: Creag Mhor, Loch na Keal, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41537255.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1051737825f3cfe0d0d4c0.jpgKittiwakes The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 4th July 2019 Location: Flåget, Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/helsinki-uusimaa-finland https://images.on-this.website/4752_3516453705f059dbdc29d3.jpgHelsinki, Uusimaa, Finland Helsinki is the capital and largest city of Finland. It is located in the extreme south of the country on the shore of the Gulf of Finland of the Baltic Sea, 50 miles north of Tallinn in Estonia, 250 miles east of Stockholm in Sweden and 190 miles west of Saint Petersburg in Russia. It is the main financial, industrial, cultural, educational and research centre of Finland. Together with the cities of Espoo, Vantaa and Kauniainen, and surrounding commuter towns, Helsinki forms the Greater Helsinki metropolitan area which has a population of around 1.5 million. Often considered to be Finland's only metropolis, it is the world's northernmost metropolitan area as well as being the northernmost capital of an EU member state. After Stockholm in Sweden and Oslo in Norway, Helsinki is the third largest municipality in the Nordic countries. Date: 26th June 2019 Location: view from the Tallinn to Helsinki Viking ferry http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41537242.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15624241635f3cfde39d73e.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 4th July 2019 Location: Flåget, Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493242.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1546356575f326e638eaf9.jpgShag The European Shag, Common Shag or simply Shag is a species of cormorant. It is 27 to 31 inches in length with a 37 to 43 inches wingspan. It is mainly black in colour but with a glossy green-tinged sheen in adults. It has a longish tail and a yellow throat-patch. Adults have a small recurved crest in the breeding season. It is distinguished from the Cormorant by its smaller size, lighter build, thinner and narrower bill, and, in breeding adults, by the crest and metallic green-tinged sheen. The Shag breeds around the rocky coasts of west and south Europe, north Africa and south west Asia, mainly wintering in its breeding range except for the northernmost birds. It nests on rocky ledges or in crevices or small caves and the nests are untidy heaps of rotting seaweed or twigs cemented together by the bird's own guano. The nesting season is long and begins in late February although some nests are not started until May or even later. The female lays 3 eggs and the chicks hatch without down and so they rely totally on their parents for warmth, often for a period of 2 months before they can fly. Fledging may occur at any time from early June to late August and exceptionally to mid-October. In the UK, the Shag breeds at coastal sites, mainly in the north and west of the country, and more than half of the population is found at fewer than 10 sites. It can be seen during the breeding season at the large Scottish colonies on Orkney, Shetland, the Inner Hebrides and in the Firth of Forth. Elsewhere it can be seen commonly around the coasts of Wales and south west England, especially in Devon and Cornwall. The Shag feeds in the sea and, unlike the Cormorant, it is rare inland. It is one of the deepest pursuit divers among the cormorant family and it has been shown to dive to at least 150 feet. When it dives, it jumps out of the water first to give extra impetus to the dive. The Shag forages for food on the sea bed and eats a wide range of fish although the commonest prey is the sand eel. It will travel long distances from its breeding and roosting sites in order to feed. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41424238.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2486296345f2aa763e05f3.jpgVaranger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway The Varanger peninsula is situated in Troms og Finnmark in the extreme north east of Norway. With an area of 800 square miles, it is the largest area within the Arctic climate zone in mainland Norway and is bordered by Tanafjord to the west, Varangerfjord to the south and the Barents Sea to the north and east. The area has a rugged mountain terrain with altitudes up to 2077 feet and it has an Arctic tundra climate. The coast of the Varanger peninsula is an important area for breeding, migrating and wintering birds, especially some notable Arctic species. The Norwegian Directorate for Nature Management has a project on the Varanger peninsula to reintroduce and protect the Arctic Fox which is critically endangered on the Norwegian mainland. The Varangerhalvøya National Park (Norwegian: [I]Varangerhalvøya Nasjonalpark[/I]) lies to the west of road Fv341 and protects a majority of the land on the Varanger peninsula. The eastern part of the Varanger peninsula can be accessed from Vardø, via Svartnes, to Hamningberg. Hamningberg is an abandoned fishing village situated on the Varanger peninsula and on the shores of the Barents Sea. It’s only road connection is via the narrow and winding road Fv341 which runs for about 25 miles north from Svartnes. This is a very scenic road which follows the shores of the Barents Sea. It is considered to be one of the wildest and most memorable drives in Norway and passes through a bare and barren but awe-inspiring Arctic landscape. The road is closed during the winter months from October to late May. Traditionally a fishing village, Hamningberg is one of very few places in Troms og Finnmark that was not burnt and destroyed under Operation Nordlicht in 1944 and 1945, the German “scorched earth” retreat from Finnmark. It was depopulated and abandoned in 1964 although some of the houses are still in use as summer cottages. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: view from road Fv341 between Svartnes and Hamningberg, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33820952.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1579318705a3d07c635404.jpgCoot The Coot is an all black bird with a distinctive white beak and “shield” above the beak from which earns it the title “bald”. Its feet have distinctive lobed flaps of skin on the toes which act instead of webs when swimming. It patters noisily over the water before taking off and can be very aggressive towards other birds. Coot can be found all the year round mainly on freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers and town park lakes. Sometimes they can be seen offshore, especially in winter if freshwater areas are frozen. They breed in areas of fairly shallow standing freshwater with a muddy bottom and plenty of vegetation at the sides, usually in lowland areas. Date: 12th December 2017 Location: Kensington Gardens, London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405558.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2074765326586fbe98ecc0.jpgReeves' Muntjac The Reeves' Muntjac, also known as the Chinese Muntjac, is a small, hump-backed deer species. It is named after British naturalist and employee of the East India Company, John Russell Reeves (1774 to 1856). Reeves came across them when he lived in China and sent specimens back to England. It is also called the “barking deer” due to its distinctive barking sound, although this name is also used for other Muntjac species. The barking sound is common during mating or when provoked. The Reeves' Muntjac grows to 1 foot 8 inches high at the shoulder and 3 feet 1 inches in length plus a short tail up to 4 inches long. It is reddish-brown in appearance with striped markings on its face. The belly is creamy-white with lighter fur extending to the neck, chin and the underside of the tail. The males have short antlers, usually 4 inches or less in length, and long upper canines or tusks, usually about 2 inches in length The Reeves' Muntjac is found widely in south east China (from Gansu to Yunnan) and Taiwan but it has also been introduced in Belgium, the Netherlands and Japan. In the UK, it was introduced to Woburn Park in Bedfordshire in 1894 by the then Duke of Bedford and was deliberately released into surrounding woodlands from 1901 onward. Releases, translocations and escapes from the 1930s onwards resulted in wide establishment in south east England and the population is still increasing and spreading across the UK where it can be found in deciduous woodland with a good understorey plus hedgerows, gardens, parks, conifer plantations, railway embankments, etc. Since the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it has been illegal to release the species except where it is already established. The Reeves' Muntjac is a solitary and crepuscular animal and both males and females defend small territories that they mark with preorbital gland secretions that are thought to be pheromonal in nature The Reeves' Muntjac feeds on herbs, blossoms, succulent shoots, fungi, berries, grasses and nuts and it has also been reported to eat tree bark. Eggs and carrion are eaten opportunistically. Date: 6th December 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41352880.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4483839065f2151f5a84f9.jpgGatekeeper Flight period: mid-July to early September. The Gatekeeper or Hedge Brown is common and widespread throughout the southern half of the UK. They can be found in areas with hedgerows or in scrubby woodland with wide and sunny rides. Date: 20th July 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11204068.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20443199124e186e457426b.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 31st May 2008 Location: Sumburgh Head, South Mainland, Shetland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41537261.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6153887015f3cfe1bcae6a.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 4th July 2019 Location: Flåget, Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33568369.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4809974445a106a90dcb96.jpgLoch Gruinart RSPB reserve, Islay, Argyll Loch Gruinart is a shallow sea loch on the northern coast of the island of Islay in Argyll. It is 4 miles in length and there are a few houses but no significant settlements around its shores. There are extensive sand dune systems around Ardnave Point and Killinallan Point at the mouth of the loch. At the head of the loch is a large area of coastal mudflats, salt marsh, moorland and woodland owned by the RSPB. [url=https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/find-a-reserve/reserves-a-z/reserves-by-name/l/lochgruinart/]RSPB Loch Gruinart[/url] is a special kind of nature reserve because it includes a working farm. In fact, it is the biggest farming operation on a nature reserve anywhere in the UK and possibly in Europe. Roughly a third of the reserve comprises farm land for grazing or for silage or arable crop production. The rest consists of approximately 250 hectares of mudflats and salt marsh and 980 hectares of heather moorland. There are walking trails through the moorland and the woodland areas near the loch. The most popular destination for birders are 2 hides located on the edge of the loch and reached by a trail through the woodland. This provides an excellent place to observe not only birds but other wildlife such as Roe and Red Deer, Otter and Brown Hare. The RSPB also manage a visitor centre which is open all year and provides information on walking trails, special events, guided walks and what to look for in terms of birds and other wildlife. There is something to see all year round on the reserve although the most spectacular time to visit is in October and early November when 45% of the world's population of Barnacle Geese and 60% of the world’s population of Greenland White-fronted Geese return from Greenland for the winter. A maximum count of 24,000 geese has been recorded on the reserve. At the same time Pale-bellied Brent Geese and Whooper Swans fly in from Iceland and stop for a short rest before heading onwards to Ireland. Late autumn/early winter is also a good time to see birds of prey including Golden Eagle, White-tailed Eagle, Hen Harrier, Merlin and Peregrine. Date: 4th November 2017 Location: view from the woodland trail, Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623095.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13128075406117d76d5c807.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15454049.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17040459274ff5493d12b1d.jpgSlender-billed Gulls The Slender-billed Gull is a mid-sized gull which is most easily identified by its distinctive profile with a long, sloping forehead and a long, slightly drooping beak after which it is named. It is slightly larger than the Black-headed Gull which it resembles although it does not have a black hood in summer. The head, neck, rump and tail are white while the back and the upper surfaces of the wings are grey with a white leading edge to the wings and black tips to the outer primary feathers. The underparts are white, sometimes with a rosy tinge. It has long, blackish-red legs, a dark red beak and yellowish-white eyes with a red eye ring. The Slender-billed Gull breeds at widely scattered, isolated locations from Senegal and Mauritania in Africa and the south and east of the Iberian Peninsula, through the Mediterranean, Black Sea and Middle East and into Asia as far as Kazakhstan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and north west India. Only some populations migrate and some also winter at the Caspian and Black Seas and around the Mediterranean. The Slender-billed Gull is sometimes recorded outside of its normal range, for example in other parts of Europe. The Slender-billed Gull breeds in colonies and like most gulls it is gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Slender-billed Gull breeds on the coast as well as on inland seas, steppe lakes and on beaches, islands and sand-spits in shallow, tidal water. It also uses meadows, grasslands and freshwater or brackish marshes near river deltas during the breeding season. In winter, it is almost always found on the coast, generally using shallow, inshore waters and salt pans. Date: 2nd May 2012 Location: Salinas de Bonanza near Jerez de la Frontera, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453934.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14526011504ff545c7eac94.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox's distinctive red-brown fur and its long bushy tail are a familiar sight in towns and in the countryside all over the UK but they are absent from many Scottish islands. They are present in virtually every habitat including woodland, scrubland and mountains as well as in urban areas and especially residential suburbs and gardens. Foxes are very adaptable mammals and have successfully established themselves due to their opportunistic, unfussy nature and their very varied diet. Foxes are very social animals and each group includes a dog, a vixen and cubs in the spring. Foxes mate in December and January and between March and May the females give birth to a litter of 4 to 5 blind and deaf cubs covered in dark grey fur. They are independent by the autumn and some move away from their parents but others may remain to help rear the next litter of cubs. Foxes eat almost anything from rabbits, field voles and berries to earthworms, insects and fruits. In towns, they scavenge food from rubbish bins, gardens and bird tables. In Parque Nacional de Monfragüe, the Red Fox is common and widespread. Date: 27th April 2012 Location: La Malavuelta, Parque Nacional de Monfragüe, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405468.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13804178096586e1fbae90e.jpgLittle Grebe The Little Grebe, also known as the Dabchick, is the smallest member of the grebe family measuring 9 to 11.5 inches in length. The adult is unmistakable in summer, predominantly dark above with its rich, rufous colour neck, cheeks and flanks and bright yellow gape. The rufous is replaced by a dirty brownish grey in non-breeding and juvenile birds. Juveniles have a yellow bill with a small black tip and black and white streaks on the cheeks and sides of the neck. This yellow bill darkens as the juveniles age, eventually turning black as an adult. The Little Grebe can be noisy with a distinctive whinnying trill. The Little Grebe can be found across Europe, much of Asia down to New Guinea and in most of Africa. It breeds in small colonies in freshwater wetlands with muddy bottoms and edges and still or slow-moving water with plenty of emergent vegetation such as lakes, gravel pits, canals and rivers. Most birds move to more open or coastal waters in winter but it is only migratory in those parts of its range where the waters freeze. Like all grebes, the Little Grebe nests at the water's edge since its legs are set very far back and it can not walk well. Usually 4 to 7 eggs are laid. The young leave the nest and can swim soon after hatching but are often carried on the backs of the swimming adults. The Little Grebe is an excellent swimmer and diver and pursues its fish and aquatic invertebrate prey underwater. It uses the vegetation skillfully as a hiding place. Date: 9th October 2023 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071493.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13457541066431ffa6f071.jpgCoot The Coot is an all black bird with a distinctive white beak and “shield” above the beak from which earns it the title “bald”. Its feet have distinctive lobed flaps of skin on the toes which act instead of webs when swimming. It patters noisily over the water before taking off and can be very aggressive towards other birds. Coot can be found all the year round mainly on freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers and town park lakes. Sometimes they can be seen offshore, especially in winter if freshwater areas are frozen. They breed in areas of fairly shallow standing freshwater with a muddy bottom and plenty of vegetation at the sides, usually in lowland areas. Date: 29th April 2024 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623243.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3223999786117d9ad67a9a.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50931109.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13546773686627d68d677fe.jpgTufted Duck The Tufted Duck is a small diving duck. The adult male is all black except for white flanks and a blue-grey bill. It has an obvious head tuft that gives the species its name. The adult female is brown with paler flanks and is more easily confused with other diving ducks. In particular, some have white around the bill base which resembles the Scaup although the white is never as extensive as in that species. The Tufted Duck breeds widely throughout temperate and northern Eurasia. It occasionally can be found as a winter visitor along both coasts of the United States and Canada. It is migratory in most of its range and winters in the milder south and west of Europe and southern Asia where large flocks form on open water. The Tufted Duck breeds close to marshes and lakes with plenty of vegetation to conceal the nest. It is also found on coastal lagoons and sheltered ponds. The Tufted Duck feeds mainly by diving for molluscs, aquatic insects and aquatic plants. Date: 14th April 2024 Location: RSPB Rainham Marshes, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41537229.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18623787215f3cfd29f19ca.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 4th July 2019 Location: Flåget, Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14863196.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14881645414fae2b0cd1462.jpgGlossy Ibis The Glossy Ibis is a wading bird and a member of the ibis family. Breeding adults have reddish-brown bodies and shiny bottle-green wings whilst non-breeders and juveniles have duller bodies. They have a brownish bill, dark facial skin bordered above and below in blue-grey (non-breeding) to cobalt blue (breeding) and red-brown legs. Unlike herons, ibises fly with necks outstretched and often flocks fly in lines. The Glossy Ibis is the most widespread ibis species breeding in scattered sites in the warmer regions of Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and the Atlantic and Caribbean region of the Americas. They are also migratory with most European birds wintering in Africa. The Glossy Ibis nests colonially in trees often with herons. It is also gregarious when feeding in marshy wetlands when it predates on fish, frogs and other water creatures. The Glossy Ibis is a very rare visitor to the UK although some individuals have stayed here for many months or even years. The species is prone to occasional influxes and in 2009 the UK enjoyed the biggest influx ever with small flocks discovered in several counties. This photo shows a Glossy Ibis that was seen at various locations in Essex during March and April 2012. The bird was ringed at El Rocio in the Coto Donana National Park in southern Spain in September 2007. Date: 2nd April 2012 Location: Baddow Meads flood plain, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41389688.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2624292255f2695b7bea76.jpgNesseby, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Nesseby is a small village located on the southern coast of the Varanger peninsula near the inner part of the Varangerfjord in Troms og Finnmark in north east Norway. The European route E75 highway runs through the village on its way from Varangerbotn to Vadsø. Nesseby Church lies on a small peninsula on the coast of the village. It was designed by Christian Heinrich Grosch and built of wood in 1858 and fully restored in 1983. The prayer books in the church are in the Northern Sami language since that is the predominant language for the people of the area. The village and the municipality of the same name are bilingual and have 2 official names: Nesseby (Norwegian) and Unjárga (Northern Sami). Date: 1st July 2019 Location: view from Nesseby, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/kjlnes-lighthouse-varanger-peninsula-troms https://images.on-this.website/4752_14159816485f4d201d82896.jpgKjølnes lighthouse, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Kjølnes lighthouse is a coastal lighthouse located about 3 miles east of the village of Berlevåg in Berlevåg municipality in Troms og Finnmark county in north east Norway. The lighthouse was established in 1916, destroyed during World War 2, rebuilt in 1949 and automated in 1994. It was listed as a protected site in 1998. The white, square, concrete tower is 72 feet tall and it has a round red lantern on top that emits 3 white flashes every 40 seconds. The light can be seen for up to 17 miles and operates from 12 August until 24 April each year. The light is off during the summer due to the 24 hour daylight and the midnight sun. Date: 6th July 2019 Location: view from road Fv890 between Kongsfjord and Berlevåg, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28884660.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_81225468057cc2989190cb.jpgCitrine Wagtail The Citrine Wagtail is a member of the wagtail family. It is a slender bird, with a long, constantly wagging tail characteristic of the genus Motacilla. The term “citrine” refers to its yellowish colouration. During the breeding season, the male Citrine Wagtail is easily identified by its striking bright yellow head and underparts, black hind-neck collar and 2 bold white patches on the wing-coverts. The upperparts are dark slate-grey with a wash of olive-grey on the sides of the body and often blackish spots on the breast. The upper-tail is black and the bill and legs are blackish-brown. At other times of the year, the male bird becomes paler in colour and more similar in appearance to the duller female. The juvenile has little or no yellow plumage, with olive-brown on the breast and sides of the body. The Citrine Wagtail breeds in north central Asia. Typically it leaves the northern breeding grounds between August and October and migrates to winter in south Asia. Its range is expanding westwards and it is a rare but increasing breeding bird in eastern Europe (e.g. Poland and Estonia) and an increasing vagrant to western Europe. The Citrine Wagtail typically breeds in open country near water and favours marshes, bogs, the edge of lakes, wet grassland, areas of willow bushes in mountain meadows and occasionally fields near villages. Outside of the breeding season, it also occupies coastal marshes, brackish lagoons and river sandbars and artificial environments such as sewage farms and irrigated land. The Citrine Wagtail is an insectivorous bird and it walks along the water’s edge, foraging and picking prey off the low vegetation It may also wade into shallow water to consume insects floating on the water surface. Date: 17th May 2016 Location: Aardla polder, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46535411.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_166509998162caaa134eee7.jpgSmall Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Small Skipper has a rusty orange colour to the wings, upper body and the tips of the antennae. The body is silvery white below and it has a wingspan of 25 to 30 mm. It is very similar in appearance to the Essex Skipper but the undersides of the tips of the antennae are yellow orange in the Small Skipper whereas they are black in the Essex Skipper. The Small Skipper is a common and widespread butterfly in most parts of England and has been expanding its range northwards. It can be found in rough grassland, roadside verges, edges of fields and woodland clearings where it is often seen basking on vegetation or making short buzzing flights among tall grass stems. Date: 6th July 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21955206.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_193767460253da0ba0736d5.jpgInner Farne, Farne Islands, Northummberland The Farne Islands are a group of islands off the coast of Northumberland. There are between 15 and 20 islands depending on the state of the tide and they are scattered about 1½ to 4¾ miles from the mainland and divided into two groups, the Inner Group and the Outer Group. The main islands in the Inner Group are Inner Farne, Knoxes Reef and the East and West Wideopens (all joined together on very low tides) and the Megstone. The main islands in the Outer Group are Staple Island, the Brownsman, North and South Wamses, Big Harcar and the Longstone. The two groups are separated by Staple Sound. The highest point, on Inner Farne, is 62 feet above mean sea level. The Farne Islands, an important wildlife habitat, are much visited by boat trips from Seahouses. Local boats are licensed to land passengers on Inner Farne, Staple Island and the Longstone. Landing on other islands is prohibited to protect the wildlife. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: view from the boat from Seahouses Harbour http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21829025.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_33917880853cb9c111ed95.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 11th June 2014 Location: Bempton Cliifs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49002249.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11397440146468eabe30f7d.jpgGreen Woodpecker The (European) Green Woodpecker is a large green woodpecker species. There are 3 sub-species with subtle differences between them whilst the Iberian Green Woodpecker found in Spain and Portugal and the Levaillant's Woodpecker found in north west Africa were formerly considered as sub-species but are now treated as separate species based on the results of studies published in 2011 The Green Woodpecker measures 12 to 14 inches in length with a 18 to 20 inches wingspan. Both sexes are green above and pale yellowish green below with a yellow rump and red crown and nape. The moustachial stripe has a red centre in the male but is solid black in the female. The lores and around the white eye are black in both male and female. Juveniles are spotty and streaked all over with a dark moustachial stripe initially although juvenile males can show some red feathers by early June or usually by July or August. Although the Green Woodpecker is shy and wary, it is usually its loud calls known as “yaffling” which first draw attention. Unlike many other woodpecker species, it rarely “drums” but often gives noisy calls while flying. The flight is undulating with 3 to 4 wingbeats followed by a short glide when the wings are held by the body. More than 75% of the range of the Green Woodpecker is in Europe although it is absent from the extreme north and east and also from Ireland, Greenland and the Macaronesian islands. Otherwise it is distributed widely with over 50% of the European population thought to be in France and Germany with substantial numbers also in the UK. It also occurs in west Asia. The Green Woodpecker is highly sedentary and individuals rarely move far from where they were born. The Green Woodpecker is generally found in semi-open landscapes with small woodlands, hedges, scattered old trees, edges of forests and floodplain forests. Suitable habitats for feeding include grassland, heaths, plantations, orchards and lawns. The Green Woodpecker is the largest of the 3 woodpecker species that breed in the UK. It can be found all year round and it is mainly a lowland species that breeds in open deciduous woodland, parks, orchards and farmland in England, Wales and Scotland although it is absent from the far north and west of the UK. The nest hole of the Green Woodpecker is larger but similar to those of other woodpecker species. It may be a few feet above the ground or at the top of a tall tree. Oaks, beeches, willows, aspens and fruit trees are the preferred nest trees. The hole may be excavated in sound or rotten wood with an entrance hole of 2.5 to 3 inches. The cavity inside may be up to 16 inches deep and excavation work is performed mostly by the male over 15 to 30 days. Some tree holes are used for breeding for more than 10 years but not necessarily by the same pair. The female lays 4 to 6 eggs and, after the last egg is laid, they are incubated for 19 to 20 days by both parents. The chicks fledge 21 to 24 days after hatching. The Green Woodpecker's diet consists primarily of various ant species and it spends much of its time foraging on the ground in grassland areas where the availability of ant nests is high. At ant nests, it probes into the ground and licks up adult ants and their larvae with its long tongue that wraps up and around the back of its head. Other insects and small reptiles are also taken occasionally. Date: 12th April 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41187497.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20161576805ea6e013d2b3c.jpgCanada Goose gosling The Canada Goose belongs to the Branta genus of geese which contains species with largely black plumage distinguishing it from the grey species of the genus Anser. The black head and neck with a white "chinstrap" distinguish the Canada Goose from all other goose species with the exception of the Cackling Goose from north America and the Barnacle Goose which has a black breast and grey rather than brownish body plumage. The 7 sub-species of the Canada Goose vary widely in size and plumage details but all are recognizable as Canada Geese. Of the "true geese" (i.e. the genera Anser, Branta or Chen), the Canada Goose is on average the largest living species. It ranges from 30 to 43 inches in length and with a 50 to 73 inches wingspan. The male usually weighs 5.7 to 14.3 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 8.6 pounds. The female looks virtually identical but is slightly lighter at 5.3 to 12.1 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 7.9 pounds. It is also generally 10% smaller in linear dimensions than the male. The Canada Goose is native to north America where it breeds in Canada and the north USA in a wide range of habitats. The Great Lakes region maintains a very large population. It occurs all year round in the southern part of its breeding range, including most of the eastern seaboard and the Pacific coast. Between California and South Carolina in the south USA and north Mexico, it is primarily present as a migrant from further north during the winter. Outside north America, the Canada Goose has reached north Europe naturally as has been proved by ringing recoveries. It has also been introduced in to Europe and had established populations in the UK in the middle of the 18th century, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany and Scandinavia. Most European populations are not migratory but those in more northerly parts of Sweden and Finland migrate to the North Sea and Baltic coasts. Semi-tame feral birds are common in parks and have become a pest in some areas. In the early 17th century, explorer Samuel de Champlain sent several pairs of Canada Geese to France as a present for King Louis XIII. Canada Geese were first introduced in to the UK in the late 17th century as an addition to King James II's waterfowl collection in St. James's Park. They were also introduced in to Germany and Scandinavia during the 20th century. During the second year of its life, the Canada Goose finds a mate. It is a monogamous species and most couples stay together all of their lives. If one dies, the other may find a new mate. The female lays from 2 to 9 eggs with an average of 5. Both parents protect the nest while the eggs incubate but the female spends more time at the nest than the male. The nest is usually located in an elevated area near water such as streams, lakes and ponds and the eggs are laid in a shallow depression lined with plant material and down. The incubation period, in which the female incubates the eggs while the male remains nearby, lasts for 24 to 28 days after laying. As soon as the goslings hatch, they are immediately capable of walking, swimming and finding their own food (a diet similar to the adults). Parents are often seen leading their goslings in a line, usually with one adult at the front and the other at the back. While protecting their goslings, parents often violently chase away anything from small birds to lone humans who approach, after warning them by giving off a hissing sound and then attacking with bites and slaps of the wings if the threat does not retreat. Although parents are hostile to unfamiliar geese, they may form groups (crèches) of a number of goslings and a few adults. The goslings enter the fledgling stage any time from 6 to 9 weeks of age. Once it reaches adulthood, due to its large size and often aggressive behaviour, the Canada Goose is rarely preyed on although prior injury may make it more vulnerable to natural predators. The lifespan in the wild of birds that survive to adulthood ranges from 10 to 24 years. The UK longevity record is held by a specimen tagged as a nestling which was observed alive at the age of 31. The Canada Goose is primarily a herbivore although it will sometimes eat small insects and fish. Their diet includes grasses, aquatic plants, beans and grains such as wheat, rice, and corn when they are available. In urban areas, it is also known to pick food out of rubbish bins and it will readily take a variety of food from humans in parks. Date: 26th April 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/jay https://images.on-this.website/4752_17387744655eb97545b7fe4.jpgJay The Jay is a colourful member of the crow family that is about the same size as a Jackdaw. The Jay is mostly a pinkish brown colour with the underparts being slightly paler. The head has a black and white flecked crown, black moustache and white throat. The white rump contrasts starkly with the black tail. The iris of the eye is a pale blue, the bill is black and the legs are pink-brown. The wings are mostly black with white patches but also have striking blue patches, but close to these wing patches are actually bands of graduated shades of blue. Although it is the most strikingly colourful member of the crow family, the Jay can be quite difficult to see since it is a shy woodland bird and rarely moves far from cover. It can often be seen flying across a woodland clearing or glade giving its raucous screeching call. The Jay can be found across most of the UK, except northern Scotland, and occurs in both deciduous and coniferous woodland, parks and mature gardens. It particularly likes oak trees in the autumn when there are plenty of acorns which it seeks out and buries for retrieving later. The majority of the UK population is sedentary but European birds are irruptive when there is a poor acorn harvest and may arrive in large numbers along the east coast of the UK in the autumn. Date: 8th May 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19507429.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15368724452528b6259b7e.jpgGriffon Vulture The Griffon Vulture is a typical Old World vulture in appearance with a white bald head, very broad wings and short tail feathers. It has a white neck ruff and yellow bill. The buff body and wing coverts contrast with the dark flight feathers. They are very large birds around 37 to 43 inches long with a 91 to 106 inches wingspan. Like other vultures, the Griffon Vulture is a scavenger, feeding mostly from carcasses of dead animals which it finds by soaring over open areas, often moving in flocks. The population is mostly resident in its breeding range in the mountains of southern Europe, north Africa, and Asia. In Spain, there are tens of thousands of birds from a low of a few thousand around 1980 although the Pyrenees population has apparently been affected by an EU ruling that due to danger of BSE transmission, no carcasses must be left on the fields for the time being. Although the Griffon Vulture does not normally attack larger living prey, there are reports of Spanish Griffon Vultures killing weak, young or unhealthy living animals as they do not find enough carrion to eat. Date: 8th September 2013 Location: Los Llanos de Libar, Sierra de Grazalema, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28566624.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_163312283957a856cea5dfa.jpgGreen Woodpecker The (European) Green Woodpecker is a large green woodpecker species. There are 3 sub-species with subtle differences between them whilst the Iberian Green Woodpecker found in Spain and Portugal and the Levaillant's Woodpecker found in north west Africa were formerly considered as sub-species but are now treated as separate species based on the results of studies published in 2011 The Green Woodpecker measures 12 to 14 inches in length with a 18 to 20 inches wingspan. Both sexes are green above and pale yellowish green below with a yellow rump and red crown and nape. The moustachial stripe has a red centre in the male but is solid black in the female. The lores and around the white eye are black in both male and female. Juveniles are spotty and streaked all over with a dark moustachial stripe initially although juvenile males can show some red feathers by early June or usually by July or August. Although the Green Woodpecker is shy and wary, it is usually its loud calls known as “yaffling” which first draw attention. Unlike many other woodpecker species, it rarely “drums” but often gives noisy calls while flying. The flight is undulating with 3 to 4 wingbeats followed by a short glide when the wings are held by the body. More than 75% of the range of the Green Woodpecker is in Europe although it is absent from the extreme north and east and also from Ireland, Greenland and the Macaronesian islands. Otherwise it is distributed widely with over 50% of the European population thought to be in France and Germany with substantial numbers also in the UK. It also occurs in west Asia. The Green Woodpecker is highly sedentary and individuals rarely move far from where they were born. The Green Woodpecker is generally found in semi-open landscapes with small woodlands, hedges, scattered old trees, edges of forests and floodplain forests. Suitable habitats for feeding include grassland, heaths, plantations, orchards and lawns. The Green Woodpecker is the largest of the 3 woodpecker species that breed in the UK. It can be found all year round and it is mainly a lowland species that breeds in open deciduous woodland, parks, orchards and farmland in England, Wales and Scotland although it is absent from the far north and west of the UK. The nest hole of the Green Woodpecker is larger but similar to those of other woodpecker species. It may be a few feet above the ground or at the top of a tall tree. Oaks, beeches, willows, aspens and fruit trees are the preferred nest trees. The hole may be excavated in sound or rotten wood with an entrance hole of 2.5 to 3 inches. The cavity inside may be up to 16 inches deep and excavation work is performed mostly by the male over 15 to 30 days. Some tree holes are used for breeding for more than 10 years but not necessarily by the same pair. The female lays 4 to 6 eggs and, after the last egg is laid, they are incubated for 19 to 20 days by both parents. The chicks fledge 21 to 24 days after hatching. The Green Woodpecker's diet consists primarily of various ant species and it spends much of its time foraging on the ground in grassland areas where the availability of ant nests is high. At ant nests, it probes into the ground and licks up adult ants and their larvae with its long tongue that wraps up and around the back of its head. Other insects and small reptiles are also taken occasionally. Date: 27th July 2016 Location: Laindon, Essex (from the window of my flat!) http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801133.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_184827661064edacf62b778.jpgSpoonbills The Spoonbill is an unmistakable wading bird. Breeding adults are all white except for dark legs, a black spoon-shaped bill with a yellow tip, a yellow breast patch and a crest. Non-breeders lack the crest and breast patch and immature birds have a pale bill and black tips to the primary flight feathers. Unlike herons, Spoonbills fly with their necks outstretched. Feeding birds swing their heads and sweep their bills from side to side through the water. The Spoonbill breeds from the UK and Spain in the west through to Japan and also in North Africa. In Europe, only the Netherlands, Spain, Austria, Hungary and Greece have sizeable populations. Birds from north west and south west Europe winter mainly in west Africa whilst those from south east Europe winter in the Mediterranean and north Africa. Eastern European and Turkish birds appear to move to north east Africa, the Middle East and India. The Spoonbill became extinct in the UK but sporadic breeding attempts in the early 21st century finally culminated with the formation of a colony at Holkham in Norfolk in 2010. The Spoonbill can be found in extensive shallow, wetlands with muddy, clay or fine sandy beds. They may inhabit any type of marsh, river, lake, flooded area and mangrove swamp, whether fresh, brackish or saline but especially those with islands for nesting or dense emergent vegetation such as reedbeds and scattered trees or shrubs. The Spoonbill may also frequent sheltered marine habitats during the winter such as deltas, estuaries, tidal creeks and coastal lagoons. Threats to the Eurasian Spoonbill include habitat destruction through drainage of wetlands and habitat degradation by pollution. Date: 17th July 2023 Location: RSPB Frampton Marsh, near Boston, Lincolnshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28884665.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_26327826657cc29c83395b.jpgCitrine Wagtail The Citrine Wagtail is a member of the wagtail family. It is a slender bird, with a long, constantly wagging tail characteristic of the genus Motacilla. The term “citrine” refers to its yellowish colouration. During the breeding season, the male Citrine Wagtail is easily identified by its striking bright yellow head and underparts, black hind-neck collar and 2 bold white patches on the wing-coverts. The upperparts are dark slate-grey with a wash of olive-grey on the sides of the body and often blackish spots on the breast. The upper-tail is black and the bill and legs are blackish-brown. At other times of the year, the male bird becomes paler in colour and more similar in appearance to the duller female. The juvenile has little or no yellow plumage, with olive-brown on the breast and sides of the body. The Citrine Wagtail breeds in north central Asia. Typically it leaves the northern breeding grounds between August and October and migrates to winter in south Asia. Its range is expanding westwards and it is a rare but increasing breeding bird in eastern Europe (e.g. Poland and Estonia) and an increasing vagrant to western Europe. The Citrine Wagtail typically breeds in open country near water and favours marshes, bogs, the edge of lakes, wet grassland, areas of willow bushes in mountain meadows and occasionally fields near villages. Outside of the breeding season, it also occupies coastal marshes, brackish lagoons and river sandbars and artificial environments such as sewage farms and irrigated land. The Citrine Wagtail is an insectivorous bird and it walks along the water’s edge, foraging and picking prey off the low vegetation It may also wade into shallow water to consume insects floating on the water surface. Date: 17th May 2016 Location: Aardla polder, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40952863.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4424479475e53941861c3a.jpgNewgrange, Brú na Bóinne, Co.Meath, Ireland Newgrange is a prehistoric monument in the Brú na Bóinne area of Co. Meath located about 5 miles west of Drogheda on the north side of the River Boyne. It is an exceptionally grand passage tomb built during the Neolithic period around 3200 BC, making it older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids. Newgrange is the most famous monument within the Neolithic Brú na Bóinne area along with the similar passage tomb mounds of Knowth and Dowth and as such is a part of the Brú na Bóinne UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site consists of a large circular mound with an inner stone passageway and chambers. Human bones and possible grave goods or votive offerings were found in these chambers. The mound has a retaining wall at the front made mostly of white quartz cobblestones and it is ringed by engraved kerbstones. Many of the larger stones of Newgrange are covered in megalithic art. The mound is also ringed by a stone circle. Some of the material that makes up the monument came from as far away as the Mourne Mountains in Co. Down in the south east of Northern Ireland and the Wicklow Mountains principally in Co. Wicklow in the east of Ireland. There is not complete agreement about what the site was used for but it is believed that it had religious significance. Its entrance is aligned with the rising sun on the winter solstice when sunlight shines through a “roofbox” and floods the inner chamber for a few minutes. In this respect, Newgrange also shares many similarities with other Neolithic constructions in Europe, especially Gavrinis in Brittany, Maeshowe in Orkney in Scotland and Bryn Celli Ddu in Wales. After its initial use, Newgrange was sealed for several millennia. It continued to feature in Irish mythology and folklore in which it is said to be a dwelling of the deities, particularly The Dagda and his son Aengus. Antiquarians first began studying the site in the 17th century and archaeological excavations took place in the years that followed. Archaeologist Michael J. O'Kelly led the most extensive of these and also reconstructed the frontage of the site in the 1970s. Newgrange is a popular tourist site and is regarded as one of the most important megalithic structures in Europe. According to the archaeologist Colin Renfrew, it is [i]"unhesitatingly regarded by the prehistorian as the great national monument of Ireland"[/i]. Date: 3rd February 2020 Location: Newgrange, Brú na Bóinne, Co.Meath, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493255.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7247897215f326f1a4700b.jpgShag The European Shag, Common Shag or simply Shag is a species of cormorant. It is 27 to 31 inches in length with a 37 to 43 inches wingspan. It is mainly black in colour but with a glossy green-tinged sheen in adults. It has a longish tail and a yellow throat-patch. Adults have a small recurved crest in the breeding season. It is distinguished from the Cormorant by its smaller size, lighter build, thinner and narrower bill, and, in breeding adults, by the crest and metallic green-tinged sheen. The Shag breeds around the rocky coasts of west and south Europe, north Africa and south west Asia, mainly wintering in its breeding range except for the northernmost birds. It nests on rocky ledges or in crevices or small caves and the nests are untidy heaps of rotting seaweed or twigs cemented together by the bird's own guano. The nesting season is long and begins in late February although some nests are not started until May or even later. The female lays 3 eggs and the chicks hatch without down and so they rely totally on their parents for warmth, often for a period of 2 months before they can fly. Fledging may occur at any time from early June to late August and exceptionally to mid-October. In the UK, the Shag breeds at coastal sites, mainly in the north and west of the country, and more than half of the population is found at fewer than 10 sites. It can be seen during the breeding season at the large Scottish colonies on Orkney, Shetland, the Inner Hebrides and in the Firth of Forth. Elsewhere it can be seen commonly around the coasts of Wales and south west England, especially in Devon and Cornwall. The Shag feeds in the sea and, unlike the Cormorant, it is rare inland. It is one of the deepest pursuit divers among the cormorant family and it has been shown to dive to at least 150 feet. When it dives, it jumps out of the water first to give extra impetus to the dive. The Shag forages for food on the sea bed and eats a wide range of fish although the commonest prey is the sand eel. It will travel long distances from its breeding and roosting sites in order to feed. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40952867.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2470316715e53943809c13.jpgNewgrange, Brú na Bóinne, Co.Meath, Ireland Newgrange is a prehistoric monument in the Brú na Bóinne area of Co. Meath located about 5 miles west of Drogheda on the north side of the River Boyne. It is an exceptionally grand passage tomb built during the Neolithic period around 3200 BC, making it older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids. Newgrange is the most famous monument within the Neolithic Brú na Bóinne area along with the similar passage tomb mounds of Knowth and Dowth and as such is a part of the Brú na Bóinne UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site consists of a large circular mound with an inner stone passageway and chambers. Human bones and possible grave goods or votive offerings were found in these chambers. The mound has a retaining wall at the front made mostly of white quartz cobblestones and it is ringed by engraved kerbstones. Many of the larger stones of Newgrange are covered in megalithic art. The mound is also ringed by a stone circle. Some of the material that makes up the monument came from as far away as the Mourne Mountains in Co. Down in the south east of Northern Ireland and the Wicklow Mountains principally in Co. Wicklow in the east of Ireland. There is not complete agreement about what the site was used for but it is believed that it had religious significance. Its entrance is aligned with the rising sun on the winter solstice when sunlight shines through a “roofbox” and floods the inner chamber for a few minutes. In this respect, Newgrange also shares many similarities with other Neolithic constructions in Europe, especially Gavrinis in Brittany, Maeshowe in Orkney in Scotland and Bryn Celli Ddu in Wales. After its initial use, Newgrange was sealed for several millennia. It continued to feature in Irish mythology and folklore in which it is said to be a dwelling of the deities, particularly The Dagda and his son Aengus. Antiquarians first began studying the site in the 17th century and archaeological excavations took place in the years that followed. Archaeologist Michael J. O'Kelly led the most extensive of these and also reconstructed the frontage of the site in the 1970s. Newgrange is a popular tourist site and is regarded as one of the most important megalithic structures in Europe. According to the archaeologist Colin Renfrew, it is [i]"unhesitatingly regarded by the prehistorian as the great national monument of Ireland"[/i]. Date: 3rd February 2020 Location: Newgrange, Brú na Bóinne, Co.Meath, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623361.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9676050476117dd4dd20bc.jpgTree Sparrow The Tree Sparrow is a member of the sparrow family Passer, a group of small passerine birds that is believed to have originated in Africa and which contains 15 to 25 species. The Tree Sparrow's name is derived from 2 Latin words: passer meaning "sparrow" and montanus meaning "of the mountains". The common name is given to suggest the preference for tree holes for nesting. However, this name and the scientific name montanus do not appropriately describe the Tree Sparrow’s habitat preferences: the German name Feldsperling meaning "field sparrow" comes closer to doing so. The Tree Sparrow is around 5 to 5.5 inches in length with a wingspan of about 8.3 inches, making it roughly 10% smaller than the House Sparrow. The adult's crown and nape are a rich chestnut and there is a kidney-shaped black ear patch on each pure white cheek. The chin, throat and the area between the bill and throat are black. The upperparts are light brown streaked with black and the brown wings have 2 distinct narrow white bars. The legs are pale brown and the bill is lead-blue in summer becoming almost black in winter. The Tree Sparrow is distinctive even within its own family in that there are no plumage differences between the sexes. The juvenile resembles the adult although the colours tend to be duller. The contrasting face pattern makes the Tree Sparrow easily identifiable in all plumages and the smaller size and chestnut (not grey) crown are additional differences from the male House Sparrow. The Tree Sparrow's breeding range comprises most of temperate Europe and Asia south of about latitude 68°N (north of this the summers are too cold) and through south east Asia to Java and Bali. It is sedentary over most of its extensive range but northernmost breeding populations migrate south for the winter and small numbers leave south Europe for north Africa and the Middle East. The Tree Sparrow has been introduced outside its native range but it has not always become successfully established, possibly due to competition with the House Sparrow. Ship-carried birds have colonised some areas and birds have also occurred as vagrants. Despite its scientific name, the Tree Sparrow is not typically a mountain species and reaches only 2300 feet in Switzerland although it has bred at 5600 feet in the northern Caucasus and as high as 14010 feet in Nepal. In Europe, the Tree Sparrow is frequently found in open countryside with small isolated patches of woodland but also on coasts with cliffs, in woodland along slow water courses and in empty buildings. It shows a strong preference for nest sites near wetland habitats and avoids breeding on intensively managed farmland. In Europe, where the Tree Sparrow and the House Sparrow occur in the same region, the House Sparrow generally nests in urban areas while the Tree Sparrow nests in rural areas. Where trees are in short supply, both species may utilise man-made structures as nest sites. Whilst the Tree Sparrow is mainly a rural bird in Europe, it tends to be an urban bird in Asia and Australia. In the UK, the Tree Sparrow is scarcer in upland areas and the far north and west of the and the main populations are now found across the Midlands and south and east England. The Tree Sparrow may breed in isolated pairs or in loose colonies. The male calls from near the nest site in spring to proclaim ownership and attract a mate and he may also carry nest material in to the nest hole. The Tree Sparrow typically builds its nest in a cavity in an old tree or rock face. Some nests are not in holes as such but are built among roots of overhanging bushes. Roof cavities in houses and nest boxes are also readily used. In addition, the Tree Sparrow will breed in the disused nest of a Magpie or other crow species or an active or unused nest of a large bird such as the White Stork or a heron or raptor species. It will sometimes attempt to take over the nest of other birds that breed in holes or enclosed spaces such as tit species, flycatcher species, Swallow, House Martin, Sand Martin or European Bee-eater. The untidy nest is composed of hay, grass, wool or other material and lined with feathers which improve thermal insulation. The female lays 5 or 6 eggs which are incubated by both parents for 12 to 13 days and the chicks fledge after a further 15 to 18 days. There are 2 or 3 broods each year. Hybridisation between the Tree Sparrow and the House Sparrow has been recorded in many parts of the world with male hybrids tending to resemble the Tree Sparrow while female hybrids are more similar to the House Sparrow. The Tree Sparrow is a predominantly seed and grain eating bird which feeds on the ground in flocks and often with House Sparrows, finches and buntings. It may also visit feeding stations. It additionally feeds on invertebrates including insects, woodlice, millipedes, centipedes, spiders, etc. especially during the breeding season when the young are fed mainly on animal food. Adults use a variety of wetlands when foraging for invertebrate prey to feed chicks and aquatic sites play a key role in providing adequate diversity and availability of suitable invertebrate prey to allow successful chick rearing. Large areas of formerly occupied farmland no longer provide these invertebrate resources due to the effects of intensive farming. The Tree Sparrow has a large range and a large population. Although the population is declining, the species is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List. For this reason, the Tree Sparrow is designated as being of “Least Concern”. Although the Tree Sparrow has been expanding its range in Fennoscandia and east Europe, its population has been declining in much of west Europe, a trend reflected in other farmland birds such as the Skylark and Corn Bunting. The collapse in population seems to have been particularly severe in the UK where there was a 93% decline between 1970 and 2008. However, recent Breeding Bird Survey data is encouraging and suggests that numbers may have started to increase albeit from a very low point. The decrease in population is probably the result of agricultural intensification and specialisation, particularly the increased use of herbicides and a trend towards autumn-sown crops at the expense of spring-sown crops that produce stubble fields in winter. The change from mixed to specialised farming and the increased use of insecticides has reduced the amount of insect food available for chicks. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833622.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_886685604559ceeae6ccbf.jpgWhite Stork The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan, and is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers with red legs and a long red bill. They walk slowly and steadily on the ground and fly with necks outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the Second World War and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 12th May 2015 Location: Lake Kerkini, Central Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29487240.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_86703160858107e8039e02.jpgCommon Gull The Common Gull is a medium-sized gull. The north American subspecies is commonly referred to as the Mew Gull although that name is also used by some authorities for the whole species. The Common Gull is noticeably smaller and more gentle looking than the Herring Gull. It is grey above and white below with greenish-yellow legs. It has black wingtips with large white "mirrors". Young birds have scaly black-brown upperparts and a neat wing pattern and grey legs and take 2 to 3 years to reach maturity. In winter, the head is streaked grey and the bill often has a poorly defined blackish band near the tip which is sometimes sufficiently obvious to cause confusion with the Ring-billed Gull. The call is a high-pitched "laughing" cry. The Common Gull breeds colonially near water or in marshes in north Europe, north west north America and north Asia. It is most numerous in Europe with over half (possibly as much as 80 to 90%) of the world population. In the UK, the Common Gull can be found in summer along the coasts and inland marshes and lakes of Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England. Elsewhere in England and Wales, it can be found in winter on farmland, on marshes and lakes and on the coast. Date: 29th May 2016 Location: South Harbour, Helsinki, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43082705.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_86856939060dd86ae97481.jpgPheasant The Common Pheasant is native to Asia but it has been widely introduced elsewhere as a game bird. In parts of its range, namely in places where none of its relatives occur such as in Europe (where it is naturalised), it is simply known as the Pheasant. Body weight of the Pheasant can range from 1.1 to 6.6 pounds, with males averaging 2.6 pounds and females averaging 2 pounds The adult male Pheasant is 24 to 35 inches in length with a long brown streaked black tail, accounting for almost 20 inches of the total length. The body plumage is barred bright gold or fiery copper-red and chestnut-brown with an iridescent sheen of green and purple. The wings are white or cream and black-barred markings are common on the tail. The head is bottle green with a small crest and distinctive red wattling. The female Pheasant is much less showy with a duller mottled brown plumage all over and measuring 20 to 25 inches long including a tail of around 8 inches. Juveniles have the appearance of the female with a shorter tail until young males begin to grow characteristic bright feathers on the breast, head and back at about 10 weeks after hatching. There are many colour forms of the male Pheasant, ranging in colour from nearly white to almost black in some melanistic examples. These are due to captive breeding and hybridisation between sub-species reinforced by continual releases of stock from varying sources to the wild. The Pheasant is native to Asia with its original range extending from between the Black and Caspian Seas to Manchuria, Siberia, Korea, mainland China and Taiwan. It can now be found across the globe due to its readiness to breed in captivity and the fact it can naturalise in many climates. At least since the Roman Empire, the Pheasant has been extensively introduced in many places and it has become a naturalised species in Europe, including throughout most of the UK where successive introductions have led to it becoming well adapted to the climate and able to breed naturally in the wild without human supervision on farmland and in copses, heaths, scrub, commons and wetlands. The Pheasant nests solely on the ground in scrapes lined with some grass and leaves, frequently under dense cover or a hedge. Occasionally it will nest in a haystack or in an old nest left by other birds. The male is polygynous and is often accompanied by a harem of several females. A clutch of around 8 to 15 eggs is laid during April to June, sometimes as many as 18 but usually 10 to 12. The incubation period is about 22 to 27 days. The chicks stay near the female for several weeks although they leave the nest when only a few hours old. After hatching they grow quickly, flying after 12 to 14 days and resembling adults by only 15 weeks of age. The Pheasant eats a wide variety of animal and vegetable food including fruit, seeds, grain, mast, berries and leaves as well as a wide range of invertebrates and insects. Small vertebrates like lizards, small mammals and small birds are occasionally taken. The Pheasant is a well-known gamebird and perhaps the most widespread and ancient one in the world. It is one of the world's most hunted birds. The Pheasant is bred to be hunted and it is shot in great numbers in Europe, especially in the UK where they are shot in the open season from 1st October to 1st February. Generally they are shot by hunters employing gun dogs to help find, flush and retrieve shot birds. Pheasant farming is also a common practice and it is sometimes done intensively. Birds are supplied both to hunting preserves/estates and to restaurants. Date: 15th June 2021 Location: Old Lodge SWT reserve, High Weald, East Sussex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453933.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5446132614ff545c10ddc2.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox's distinctive red-brown fur and its long bushy tail are a familiar sight in towns and in the countryside all over the UK but they are absent from many Scottish islands. They are present in virtually every habitat including woodland, scrubland and mountains as well as in urban areas and especially residential suburbs and gardens. Foxes are very adaptable mammals and have successfully established themselves due to their opportunistic, unfussy nature and their very varied diet. Foxes are very social animals and each group includes a dog, a vixen and cubs in the spring. Foxes mate in December and January and between March and May the females give birth to a litter of 4 to 5 blind and deaf cubs covered in dark grey fur. They are independent by the autumn and some move away from their parents but others may remain to help rear the next litter of cubs. Foxes eat almost anything from rabbits, field voles and berries to earthworms, insects and fruits. In towns, they scavenge food from rubbish bins, gardens and bird tables. In Parque Nacional de Monfragüe, the Red Fox is common and widespread. Date: 27th April 2012 Location: La Malavuelta, Parque Nacional de Monfragüe, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41225590.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8271089665eda017a85047.jpgCommon Whitethroat The Common Whitethroat is a common and widespread [I]Sylvia[/i] warbler. It is one of several [i]Sylvia[/i] species that has distinct male and female plumages. Both sexes are mainly brown above and buff below with chestnut fringes to the wings. The adult male has a grey head and a white throat. The female lacks the grey head and the throat is duller. The song is fast and scratchy with a scolding tone. The Common Whitethroat breeds throughout Europe and across much of temperate west Asia where it can be found in areas of open countryside and cultivation with bushes for nesting. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, Arabia and Pakistan. In the UK, it is a summer visitor from April to October and a passage migrant. It breeds widely throughout the country although avoids urban and mountainous areas. Like most warblers, the Common Whitethroat is insectivorous but it will also eat berries and other soft fruit. Date: 27th May 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38397326.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3221374385ce127f8bb6e3.jpgSandwich Terns The Sandwich Tern is a medium-large tern, gull-like in appearance but usually with a more delicate, lighter build and shorter, weaker legs. It is very closely related to the Lesser Crested Tern, Chinese Crested Tern, Cabot's Tern and Elegant Tern and it has been known to inter-breed with the Lesser Crested Tern. It is 15 to 17 inches in length with a 33 to 38 inches wingspan. It has long, pointed wings, which gives it a fast buoyant flight, and a deeply forked tail. The upperwings are pale grey and the underparts are white. It has a shaggy black crest. The thin sharp bill is black with a yellow tip and the short legs are black. It looks very pale in flight although the primary flight feathers darken during the summer. In winter, the adult's forehead becomes white. Juveniles have dark tips to their tails and a scaly appearance on their back and wings. The Sandwich Tern has an extensive global range and, whilst population trends have not been quantified, it is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List. For these reasons, it is evaluated as “least concern”. The Sandwich Tern breeds in very dense colonies on coasts and islands and exceptionally inland on suitable large freshwater lakes close to the coast. It nests in a ground scrape and lays 1 to 3 eggs. Unlike some of the smaller white terns, it is not very aggressive toward potential predators, relying on the sheer density of the nests and nesting close to other more aggressive species such as the Arctic Tern and the Black-headed Gull. In the UK, the Sandwich Tern can be seen from late March to September and there are breeding colonies scattered around the UK coasts including the north Norfolk coast and at Minsmere in Suffolk and Dungeness in Kent. The Sandwich tern feeds by plunge-diving for fish, almost invariably from the sea. It usually dives directly and not from a hover favoured by other terns. The offering of fish by the male to the female is part of the courtship display. Date: 10th May 2019 Location: Beaumaris to Penmon, Anglesey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30825777.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_184765105858f34a09164396.39853470.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 9th April 2017 Location: EWT Blue House Farm, North Fambridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28884642.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_53394378957cc248700ffa.jpgBlue-headed Wagtail The Western Yellow Wagtail is a small passerine in the wagtail family. The breeding adult male is basically olive above and yellow below. In other plumages, the yellow may be diluted by white. The heads of breeding males come in a variety of colours and patterns depending on the subspecies. The male Blue-headed Wagtail has a blue-grey head with white supercilium and malar stripe in males, much washed with buffish green in females. The Blue-headed Wagtail breeds in much of temperate Europe and Asia. It is resident in the milder parts of its range, such as western Europe, but northern and eastern populations migrate to sub-Saharan Africa and south Asia. Date: 18th May 2016 Location: Aardla polder, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41537235.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4730382405f3cfdb865dc7.jpgKittiwakes The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 4th July 2019 Location: Flåget, Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453911.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2259750694ff5452166ce1.jpgCrested Lark The Crested Lark is slightly larger and plumper than the Skylark and has a long spiky erectile crest. It is greyer than the Skylark and lacks the white wing and tail edges of that species. The body is mainly dark-streaked grey above and whitish below and in flight it shows reddish underwings The song is melodious and varied with mournful whistles and mimicry included. The Crested Lark breeds across most of temperate Eurasia from Portugal to northeast China and eastern India and in Africa south to Niger. It is non-migratory and the sedentary nature of this species is illustrated by the fact that it is only a very rare vagrant to the UK despite breeding as close as northern France. The Crested Lark is a common bird of dry open country and cultivation, nesting on the ground. Date: 26th April 2012 Location: steppes of Belén, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo441403.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_653574092467ee35b42082.jpgSeven-spot Ladybird The Seven-spot Ladybird is a very familiar and widespread in the UK. They are small round beetles with three and a half spots on each of their two elytra (wing cases). The thorax is black with two white marks at the side and the head is small and black. The Ladybird's bright colours are a warning to predators of its foul taste. When disturbed the Ladybird will secrete small amounts of its oily foul-smelling yellow blood from its legs as a further warning to predators such as ants or birds. They inhabit gardens, woodland, hedgerows and meadows and have a varied diet of small insects but favour plant-lice and aphids. They are known as the gardener's friend as they eat garden pests. The average Seven-spot Ladybird will eat more than 5,000 aphids in its year-long life. Ladybirds will hibernate in large groups in sites which are used year after year. In the main breeding season during May and June, mating Seven-spot Ladybirds are a common sight in hedgerows and gardens. In her short life, a female may lay more than 2,000 small yellow eggs. The name Ladybird comes from the Middle Ages when the colourful insects were known as the "beetle of Our Lady". They were named after the Virgin Mary because in early religious paintings she was often shown wearing a red cloak. The 7 spots symbolise 7 joys and 7 sorrows. Date: 25th March 2007 Location: EWT Langdon Conservation Centre, Dunton, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/berlevg-varanger-peninsula-troms-og https://images.on-this.website/4752_13700260875f3e4bbc58a67.jpgBerlevåg, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Berlevåg is a small village located on the north east coast of the Varanger peninsula along the Barents Sea in Berlevåg municipality in Troms og Finnmark in north east Norway. The village lies along road Fv890 and the Hurtigruten boats stop daily. Berlevåg is one of the largest fishing villages in Troms og Finnmark and there are 4 large breakwaters protecting the village and harbour from the ocean. Near the end of World War 2, the Germans retreated from Finnmark from September 1944 to February 1945 and under Operation Nordlicht they used "scorched earth" tactics resulting in all buildings in Berlevåg being burned down. Date: 5th July 2019 Location: view from road Fv890 entering Berlevåg, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30825691.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_165412177758f3496eb7ff57.48002226.jpgBlack-headed Gulls The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 9th April 2017 Location: EWT Blue House Farm, North Fambridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493254.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8476494085f326f1552d65.jpgGreat Black-backed Gull The largest of the gulls, the Great Black-backed Gull is a dominating and opportunistic predator, scavenger and pirate that has been described as a “merciless tyrant” due to its aggressive feeding habits. The Great Black-backed Gull has a thick-set body with a large, yellow, red-tipped bill, strong legs and wide, webbed feet which have a delicate pink hue. The breast and head are snowy white and sit in stark contrast to the black back and wings. Young Great Black-backed Gulls undergo several plumage changes before taking on that of the adult. Juveniles are pale brown with heavy white mottling whilst immatures are also mottled but have a distinctive whitish head and breast but with a dark-tipped, pale bill The Great Black-backed Gull occurs along the coastlines of northern Europe and northern Russia as well as the east coast of north America and central America and it can be found in a variety of coastal habitats, including rocky and sandy coasts and estuaries as well as inland habitats such as lakes, ponds, fields and moorland. It breeds in areas free of or largely inaccessible to terrestrial predators such as vegetated islands, sand dunes, flat-topped stacks, building roofs and sometimes amongst bushes on salt-marsh islands. During the winter, the Great Black-backed Gull often travels far out to sea to feed. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37190328.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2724990625c2a1ec6023bc.jpgCalgary Bay, Mull, Argyll Calgary Bay is a sheltered bay located on the north west coast of Mull about 5 miles beyond Dervaig and 12 miles from Tobermory. It is framed by partly wooded low hills and is the location of a shimmering white shell sand beach and craggy headlands, home to a rich variety of birdlife and the haunting ruins of stone forts and abandoned villages. The hamlet of Calgary lies at the eastern end of the bay. The name Calgary comes from the Gaelic, Cala Ghearraidh, meaning "Beach of the Meadow". A broad area of machair (a grassy meadow growing on calcareous sand) lies between the land and the beach. As the tide falls a river meanders across the sands. Date: 27th June 2018 Location: view from the B8073 road http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41292200.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4019718175f10b936af3ff.jpgPasvikdalen, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Height 96 (Norwegian: [i] “Høyde 96”[/i]) is a former military border observation tower dating from the Cold War era. Located close to Svanhovd in Pavikdalen, the tower is open from June to August and offers extensive views of the Pasvik valley and Nikel, the closest town on the Russian side of the River Pasvikelva. Nikel is the administrative centre of Pechengsky District of Murmansk Oblast in Russia. It is located on the shores of Lake Kuets-Yarvi 122 miles north west of Murmansk and 4 miles from the Norwegian border. Nickel is linked to the Norilsk Nickel plant Kola MMC nearby where many of its citizens are employed and which causes environmental and health concerns for the population. The nickel smelter which has been an eyesore in Norway–Russia relations for decades due to its extreme pollution levels usually deposits its sulphur dioxide fumes to the south of the town where the countryside is a brown moonscape of bald hills and barren of plant life. Over the last 15 years, however, emissions have lowered significantly and by 2025, Norilsk Nickel plans to reduce its overall emissions by 90% as part of its long-term development programme announced in 2019. Date: 30th June 2019 Location: view from Height 96 watchtower, Svanhovd, Pasvikdalen, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41424266.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16995315045f2aa92dd7840.jpgReindeer The Reindeer, also known as the Caribou in North America, is a deer from the Arctic and sub Arctic, including both resident and migratory populations. Whilst it is overall widespread and numerous, some of its subspecies are rare or already extinct. The Reindeer is a widespread and numerous species in the northern Holarctic, being present in tundra (frozen arctic plain with lichens, mosses and dwarfed vegetation) and taiga (marshy pine forest) regions. Originally, the Reindeer was found in Scandinavia, eastern Europe, Russia, Mongolia, and northern China. In North America, it was found in Canada, Alaska and the northern USA from Washington to Maine. It also occurred naturally on Sakhalin, Greenland, and probably even in historical times in Ireland. Today, wild Reindeer have disappeared from many areas within this large historical range, especially from the southern parts where it has vanished almost everywhere. Large populations of wild Reindeer are still found in Norway, Finland, Siberia, Greenland, Alaska, and Canada. Wild Reindeer hunting and herding of semi-domesticated Reindeer (for meat, hides, antlers, milk and transportation) are important to several Arctic and Subarctic people. Domesticated Reindeer are mostly found in northern Fennoscandia and Russia with a herd of approximately 150-170 Reindeer also living around the Cairngorms region in Scotland. Reindeer vary considerably in colour and size. Both sexes grow antlers, though they are typically larger in males. Even far outside its range, the Reindeer is well known due to the myth, probably originating in early 19th century America, in which Santa Claus's sleigh is pulled by flying Reindeer, a popular element of Christmas. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hamningberg, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21959208.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_156373585653da65c1c6a44.jpgCommon Guillemots The Common Guillemot, also known as the Common Murre or Thin-billed Murre, is a large species of auk. The auks are a family of seabirds which includes the Brunnich's Guillemot or Thick-billed Murre, Razorbill, Little Auk and the extinct Great Auk. The Common Guillemot is 15 to 18 inches in length with a 24 to 29 inches wingspan. In breeding plumage, it is black or dark brown on the head, back and wings with white underparts. It has a thin dark pointed bill and a small rounded dark tail. Legs are grey and the bill is dark grey. Males and females are identical. Some individuals in the North Atlantic, known as "Bridled Guillemots", have a white ring around the eye extending back as a white line. This is not a distinct subspecies but a polymorphism that becomes more common the farther north the birds breed. The Common Guillemot flies with fast wing beats and has a flight speed of around 50 mph. Groups of birds are often seen flying together in a line just above the surface of the sea. However, it is not a very agile bird and take-off is often difficult. The Common Guillemot becomes flightless for 45 to 60 days while moulting its primary feathers. The Common Guillemot is a pursuit diver that forages for food by swimming underwater using its wings for propulsion. Dives usually last less than one minute but the bird swims underwater for distances of over 100 feet on a regular basis. Diving depths up to 590 feet have been recorded. The Common Guillemot has a circumpolar distribution and it occurs in low Arctic and boreal waters in the north Atlantic and north Pacific. It spends most of its time at sea and only comes to land to breed on rocky cliffs, sea stacks and islands. Some birds are permanent residents but northern birds migrate south to open waters off New England, southern California, Japan, Korea and the western Mediterranean. The Common Guillemot breeds in colonies at high densities and nesting pairs may be in bodily contact with their neighbours. No nest is made and the single egg is laid and incubated on a bare rock ledge on a cliff face. The egg hatches after 30 days incubation and the chick is born downy and can regulate its body temperature after 10 days. Some 20 days after hatching the chick jumps off its nesting ledge and heads for the sea unable to fly but gliding for some distance with fluttering wings and accompanied by its male parent. The chicks are capable of diving as soon as they hit the water. The female stays at the nest site for some 14 days after the chick has left. The Common Guillemot can venture far from its breeding grounds to forage and distances of 60 miles or more are often observed although if sufficient food is available closer by, birds will only travel much shorter distances. It mainly eats small schooling fish 8 inches long or less such as Polar Cod, Capelin, Sand Lances, Sprats, Sandeels, Atlantic Cod and Atlantic Herring. It also eats some molluscs, marine worms, squid and crustaceans. It is often seen carrying fish in its bill with the tail hanging out. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Staple Island, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847632.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_170564912059bd5448e53a1.jpgMarsh Frog The Marsh Frog is the largest European frog. It is very similar in appearance to the closely related Edible Frog and Pool Frog. These 3 species are often referred to as "green frogs" to distinguish them from the more terrestrial European species which are known as "brown frogs" (best exemplified by the Common Frog). Marsh Frogs show a large variation in colour and pattern, ranging from dark green to brown or grey. The Western European populations are generally dark green to black with dark spots on the back and sides and 3 clear green lines on the back. Females can reach a maximum length of around 6.5 inches but males are smaller at around 4.5 inches. The head is proportionally large and the hind legs are long which gives them excellent jumping abilities. The Marsh Frog is usually gregarious and diurnal and more tied to aquatic habitats than the Common Frog. It is tolerant of brackish conditions and typically it is found on or in the water of its favoured drainage channels and pools throughout the year. Marsh Frogs frequently sunbathe on the bank of the water body where they are often inconspicuous until disturbed when they will jump in to the water with a characteristic “plop”. They can often be seen on lily pads or floating at the surface amongst vegetation with only their heads exposed. During the breeding season (and sometimes beyond) the male Marsh Frog calls very loudly with a sound reminiscent of a loud chuckle which is often very raucous and can be heard all day and night. Dominant males establish territories from which they call. After mating a female may produce up to 16,000 eggs in a season, laying them in clumps of a few hundred in aquatic vegetation below the surface. They hatch in about a week, tadpoles being rather solitary and living in deep water with vegetation. Newly metamorphosed frogs are up to 1 inch in length and take 2 years to mature. The diet of the Marsh Frog consists of dragonflies and other insects, spiders, earthworms and slugs. Larger frogs also eat small rodents and sometimes smaller amphibians and fish. Date: 2nd June 2017 Location: Leles to Boľ area, Latorica, Košice region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/svartnes-harbour-varanger-peninsula-troms https://images.on-this.website/4752_2094386405f2a9bdd283d8.jpgSvartnes harbour, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Svartnes is a small village and port on the Varanger peninsula in Troms og Finnmark in the extreme north east of Norway. It is located on the mainland across the Bussesundet strait from the island of Vardøya and the town of Vardø. The European route E75 runs through Svartnes just before entering the Vardø Tunnel which goes under the strait and connects to the town of Vardø. Svartnes has a large harbour and port which is protected by a large breakwater. The harbour often holds large numbers of gulls and, in winter, large flocks of sea ducks. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Svartnes harbour, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24834025.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_970506263559cf3b78805c.jpgEvros Delta, East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece The Evros Delta is located on the border with Turkey and covers a huge area of around 75 square miles, much of which was declared a Ramsar protected wetland site in 1974. Despite this and other designated protection, the Evros Delta faces major issues of freshwater management, overgrazing, overfishing, hunting and drainage. The Evros Delta has a rich diversity of habitats including freshwater lakes, brackish and seawater lagoons, rivers, reedy ditches, tamarisk forest, sandy islets, swamps, reedbeds and a small area of riverine forest. As such, it is one of the most important wetlands in Europe and offers excellent wildlife watching opportunities with 40 species of mammal, 28 species of reptile and amphibian and 46 species of fish. More than 320 bird species have been recorded and the biodiversity, as well as the presence of rare species, are characteristic of the Evros Delta. The geographical position together with the vast areas of natural habitats contributes to its value for wildlife. The western section of the Evros Delta has free public access but a permit is required to visit the eastern section which is a military designated zone adjacent to the border with Turkey. Date: 8th May 2015 Location: Evros Delta (west), East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7439572.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4285253994cd571c36e51a.jpgGriffon Vultures The Griffon Vulture is a typical Old World vulture in appearance with a white bald head, very broad wings and short tail feathers. It has a white neck ruff and yellow bill. The buff body and wing coverts contrast with the dark flight feathers. They are very large birds around 37 to 43 inches long with a 91 to 106 inches wingspan. Like other vultures, the Griffon Vulture is a scavenger, feeding mostly from carcasses of dead animals which it finds by soaring over open areas, often moving in flocks. The population is mostly resident in its breeding range in the mountains of southern Europe, north Africa, and Asia. In Spain, there are tens of thousands of birds from a low of a few thousand around 1980 although the Pyrenees population has apparently been affected by an EU ruling that due to danger of BSE transmission, no carcasses must be left on the fields for the time being. Although the Griffon Vulture does not normally attack larger living prey, there are reports of Spanish Griffon Vultures killing weak, young or unhealthy living animals as they do not find enough carrion to eat. Date: 7th September 2010 Location: Sierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain - road to La Lancha and Embalse del Jándula http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084778.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19410914175d30880aa82fe.jpgLake Izvorul Muntelui, Neamț County, Romania Lake Izvorul Muntelui, also known as Lake Bicaz, is the largest artificial lake in Romania. It was created after the completion of a dam built between 1950 and 1960 on the River Bistrița. The dam is located just north of the town of Bicaz and is used to generate hydroelectricity at the Bicaz-Stejaru hydro-plant. Lake Izvorul Muntelui has a length of 25 miles an area of 12 square miles and it is an important tourist destination in the area, especially during the summer when boat trips operate. Date: 4th June 2018 Location: view from near Ruginești, Neamț County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41292171.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10280324275f10b2346be00.jpgPasvikdalen, Troms og Finnmark, Norway The Pasvik valley (Norwegian: [i]Pasvikdalen[/i]) is a river valley located in Norway and Russia. The Norwegian side of the valley is situated in Sør-Varanger municipality in Troms og Finnmark and the Russian side is located in the Pechengsky district in Murmansk Oblast. Øvre Pasvik National Park (Norwegian: [i]Øvre Pasvik Nasjonalpark[/i]) is located in the south eastern part of the valley and covers an area of 46 square miles. It is dominated by Siberian-like taiga consisting of old-growth forests of Scots pine, shallow lakes and bogs. Proposals for a national park in Øvre Pasvik were first launched in 1936 but it was not created until February 1970. It originally covered 25 square miles but was expanded in August 2003. Øvre Pasvik National Park is part of the larger Pasvik–Inari Trilateral Park along with the adjacent Øvre Pasvik Landscape Protection Area, the joint Norwegian and Russian Pasvik Nature Reserve and Finland's Vätsäri Wilderness Area. The fauna and flora of the Øvre Pasvik National Park is typical of the Siberian taiga. This includes Brown Bear, Wolverine, Wolf, Lynx and Elk and a very interesting diversity of northern and eastern species of birds which breed on the lakes and rivers and in the forests. The River Pasvikelva runs through the valley (giving it the name) and the river defines part of the border between Norway and Russia. It is the outlet from the large Lake Inari in Finland and flows through Norway and Russia to discharge into the Bøkfjorden (which later flows into the Varangerfjorden and then the Barents Sea) not far from the town of Kirkenes. The river has a watershed of 7106 square miles and is 90 miles long. A series of hydroelectric power stations are situated along its course. Since 1826, the River Pasvikelva has marked parts of the border between Norway and Russia, except from 1920 to 1944 when it was along the border between Norway and Finland. The southern part of the valley is also the location of the Treriksrøysa (Three-Country Cairn), a cairn which marks the tripoint where the borders between Norway, Finland and Russia meet. The site is on a hill called Muotkavaara situated west of the River Pasvikelva. It is the only place where 3 time zones meet: Central European Time, Eastern European Time and Further-Eastern European Time. The tripoint can only be approached by the public from the Norwegian side since both Finland and Russia maintain extensive border zones where public access is prohibited. Date: 29th June 2019 Location: view between Melkefoss and Nyrud, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833563.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_347967929559cebe5eb55f.jpgGreat Prespa Lake (Megali Prespa), West Macedonia, Greece The Prespa lakes constitute 2 freshwater lakes located in the north west corner of Greece and shared by Greece, Albania and Macedonia. Of the total surface area, 68.07 square miles belongs to Macedonia, 17.88 square miles to Albania and 14.05 square miles to Greece. They are the highest tectonic lakes in the Balkans, standing at a height of 2,798 feet. The Prespa lakes are separated by a narrow causeway. The Great Prespa Lake (Megali Prespa) is divided between Albania, Greece and Macedonia. The Small Prespa Lake (Mikri Prespa) is shared only between Greece and Albania. The lakes and the area surrounding them are well known for their natural beauty and they offer a wonderfully rich diversity of habitats, from deep water, shallows, reedbeds, wet meadows, farmland, forests, hills and mountains. The area hosts 40 species of mammals, 260 species of birds, 32 species of reptiles and amphibians and 17 species of fish including a number of endemic species. Date: 13th May 2015 Location: view from near Laimos, West Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4088228.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6925180204b193dcd74396.jpgWhite Stork The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 8th November 2009 Location: Aiguamolls de l'Emporda, Catalunya, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13657294.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17397522724ed36ce2c4ebd.jpgMarsh Frogs The Marsh Frog is the largest European frog. It is very similar in appearance to the closely related Edible Frog and Pool Frog. These 3 species are often referred to as "green frogs" to distinguish them from the more terrestrial European species which are known as "brown frogs" (best exemplified by the Common Frog). Marsh Frogs show a large variation in colour and pattern, ranging from dark green to brown or grey. The Western European populations are generally dark green to black with dark spots on the back and sides and 3 clear green lines on the back. Females can reach a maximum length of around 6.5 inches but males are smaller at around 4.5 inches. The head is proportionally large and the hind legs are long which gives them excellent jumping abilities. The Marsh Frog is usually gregarious and diurnal and more tied to aquatic habitats than the Common Frog. It is tolerant of brackish conditions and typically it is found on or in the water of its favoured drainage channels and pools throughout the year. Marsh Frogs frequently sunbathe on the bank of the water body where they are often inconspicuous until disturbed when they will jump in to the water with a characteristic “plop”. They can often be seen on lily pads or floating at the surface amongst vegetation with only their heads exposed. During the breeding season (and sometimes beyond) the male Marsh Frog calls very loudly with a sound reminiscent of a loud chuckle which is often very raucous and can be heard all day and night. Dominant males establish territories from which they call. After mating a female may produce up to 16,000 eggs in a season, laying them in clumps of a few hundred in aquatic vegetation below the surface. They hatch in about a week, tadpoles being rather solitary and living in deep water with vegetation. Newly metamorphosed frogs are up to 1 inch in length and take 2 years to mature. The diet of the Marsh Frog consists of dragonflies and other insects, spiders, earthworms and slugs. Larger frogs also eat small rodents and sometimes smaller amphibians and fish. The Marsh Frog is not a native species of the UK. It was first introduced to Walland Marsh, Kent in 1935 and is now found in several areas of Kent and East Sussex. Other introductions exist, including colonies in London. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28885515.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_32959314257cc3286a603f.jpgWhinchat The Whinchat is similar in size to its relative the Robin. Both sexes have brownish upperparts mottled darker, a buff throat and breast, a pale buff to whitish belly and a blackish tail with white bases to the outer tail feathers. The male in breeding plumage has blackish face mask almost encircled by a strong white supercilium and malar stripe, a bright orange-buff throat and breast and small white wing patches. The female is duller overall, in particular having browner face mask, pale buffy-brown breast, and a buff supercilium and malar stripe and smaller or no white wing patches. Males in immature and winter plumage and are similar to females. The Whinchat is a fairly common migratory species in Europe and western Asia with birds arriving at their breeding grounds between the end of April and mid May and departing between mid August and mid September. They winter primarily in tropical sub-Saharan Africa with small numbers also in north west Africa. Date: 15th May 2016 Location: Pikla ponds, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833648.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_601209400559cefe72770a.jpgLake Kerkini, Central Macedonia, Greece Lake Kerkini is one of the most important wetlands in Europe and is considered to be one of the top European birding destinations due to the wealth of resident, breeding and migratory birds. It is situated along the migratory flyway for birds en route to the Aegean Sea, the Balkan region, the Black Sea, the Hungarian steppes and beyond. Lake Kerkini is located close to the border with Bulgaria 25 miles from Serres and 60 miles from Thessaloniki, and it is surrounded by Mounts Belles and Mavrovouni. It is approximately 9 miles long and its maximum width, when full, reaches 5.5 miles. Lake Kerkini is an artificial irrigation reservoir fed by the Strymon River that was created in 1932, and then redeveloped in 1980, on the site of what was previously an extremely extensive and uninhabitable marshland. More than 300 species of birds have been recorded in the area, including 140 resident species and 170 species that migrate through every year on their way to the Aegean Sea, the Black Sea, and the Balkan region. Date: 12th May 2015 Location: view from Mandraki, Central Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29486909.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_100479007958107c74e3cca.jpgGoldeneye The Goldeneye is a medium-sized diving duck, named for its golden-yellow eye. Adult males have a dark head with a greenish gloss and a circular white patch below the eye, a dark back and a white neck and belly. Adult females have a brown head and a mostly grey body. The Goldeneye breeds on the lakes and in the rivers of boreal forests in Scandinavia, Canada, north USA and north Russia. Naturally it will nest in cavities in large trees but it will also readily use nestboxes put up on trees close to water. This has enabled a healthy breeding population to establish in the Scottish Highlands from 1970 where it is increasing and slowly spreading. The Goldeneye is migratory and most winter in protected coastal waters or open inland waters at more temperate latitudes. The Goldeneye forages by diving underwater for crustaceans, aquatic insects and molluscs. Insects are the predominant prey while nesting and crustaceans are the predominant prey during migration and winter. Date: 23rd May 2016 Location: Wild Brown Bear Centre, near Vartius, Kainuu, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23806406.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_561901835512a052b22a9.jpgCommon Pochard The Common Pochard is a medium-sized and stocky diving duck. The adult male has a long dark bill with a grey band, a red head and neck, a black breast, red eyes and a grey back. The adult female has a brown head and body and a narrower grey bill band. The triangular head shape is distinctive. The Common Pochard is superficially similar to the closely related Redhead and Canvasback found in north America. The Common Pochard breeds in marshes and on lakes in much of temperate and north Europe and in to Asia. It is migratory and spends the winter in the south and west of Europe. In the UK, the Common Pochard breeds in east England and lowland Scotland plus in small numbers in Northern Ireland. Large numbers from Russia and Scandinavia winter in the UK on lakes, reservoirs and gravel pits, often mixing with other diving ducks such as the Tufted Duck. In a number of countries, the Common Pochard is decreasing mainly due to habitat loss and hunting. It is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. The Common Pochard feeds mainly by diving or dabbling for aquatic plants, molluscs, aquatic insects and small fish. Date: 7th March 2015 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo16548222.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15674371265083a3bcacc6d.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 7th October 2012 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo16548212.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_467812995083a374552d1.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 7th October 2012 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833764.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1593032074559cf0e8ee7ae.jpgCirl Bunting The Cirl Bunting is a member of the bunting family and is similar to a small Yellowhammer. The male has a bright yellow head with a black crown, eyestripe and throat, a greenish breast band across its otherwise yellow underparts and a heavily streaked brown back. The female is much more like a Yellowhammer but has a streaked grey-brown rump and chestnut shoulders. The Cirl Bunting breeds across southern Europe, on the Mediterranean islands and in north Africa. It is a resident of these warmer areas and does not migrate in winter. It is common in all sorts of open areas with some scrub or trees including farmland. It can tolerate a certain degree of urbanisation and can be found in green spaces in some towns and cities. Changes in agricultural practice have affected the Cirl Bunting very adversely at the northern fringes of its range and in England, where it once occurred over much of the south of the country, it is now restricted to south Devon and Cornwall. In the summer the Cirl Bunting’s natural food consists of invertebrates whilst in the winter it feeds on small seeds from over-wintered stubbles, fallow land, set-aside and the over-winter feeding of stock with grain or hay. It tends to feed in flocks during the winter. Date: 12th May 2015 Location: Mount Belles foothills, Ano Poroia, East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19507330.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1071182046525289ecb560f.jpgStraits of Gibraltar and northern Africa The Straits of Gibraltar are a narrow strait that connect the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea and separate Gibraltar and Spain in Europe from Morocco in Africa. The name comes from the Rock of Gibraltar, which in turn originates from the Arabic Jebel Tariq (meaning "Tariq's mountain") named after Tariq ibn Ziyad. It is Europe and Africa are separated by 8.9 miles of sea at the Straits’ narrowest point and the Straits’ depth ranges from 980 and 3,000 feet. On the northern side of the Straits are Spain and Gibraltar (a British overseas territory in the Iberian peninsula) while on the southern side are Morocco and Ceuta (a Spanish exclave in north Africa). Its boundaries were known in antiquity as the Pillars of Hercules. There are several islets, such as the disputed Isla Perejil, that are claimed by both Morocco and Spain. The Straits are an important shipping route from the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean. There are also ferries that operate between Spain and Morocco across the Straits as well as between Spain and Ceuta and between Gibraltar and Tangier. Due to its location, the Straits are commonly used for illegal immigration from Africa to Europe. Date: 11th September 2013 Location: view from Cazalla near Tarifa, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51332405.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11437959966676dd2006f72.jpgLarge Skipper Flight period: June to July. The Large Skipper is a small golden butterfly which is widespread throughout England and Wales and it is also extending its range northwards in to southern Scotland. They can be found in areas of tall, uncut grassland, woodland rides, roadside verges and hedgerows. Date: 9th June 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533200.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_203647539462ca7f4055603.jpgRuddy Darter Flight period: mid June to mid September. The Ruddy Darter takes its name from its colour and its swift flight behaviour. The male has a deep russet colour over the entire body and the abdomen has a pinched section close to where it joins the thorax. Females are slightly smaller, golden yellow in colour and being less obviously marked are more difficult to identify than the males. There is more than one red coloured darter species in the UK and they can be easily confused with each other. The commonest red species, the Common Darter, can be distinguished as having red veins at the base of the wings and a less ruddy colouration across the body. However, the Ruddy Darter has entirely black legs, distinguishing it from all other red darters which have longitudinal yellow stripes on their legs. The UK range of the Ruddy Darter has undergone something of an expansion in recent years. Although still relatively uncommon in the west and north of Britain, it is increasing in numbers in the Midlands and eastern England. The population is augmented by continental migrants. It is also found over most of Europe except for northern Scandinavia, as far east as western Siberia and south to north Africa. The Ruddy Darter prefers water bodies with tall emergent vegetation, such as reeds and club rush, and it is known to breed in ponds, lakes, canals, ditches and sluggish rivers. They can also be found near coasts and can breed in fairly brackish water. Date: 15th June 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo44044951.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_782056254614f1492ae56f.jpgWhite-tailed Lapwing The White-tailed Lapwing or White-tailed Plover is a medium-sized, long-legged and fairly long-billed plover species. Adults are slim erect birds with a brown back and foreneck, paler face and grey breast. Its long yellow legs, pure white tail and distinctive brown, white and black wings make this species unmistakable. The White-tailed Lapwing is the only plover species likely to be seen in other than very shallow water where it picks insects and other small prey mainly from the surface. White-tailed Lapwings breed semi-colonially on inland marshes in Iraq, Iran and southern Russia. The Iraqi and Iranian breeders are mainly residents but Russian birds migrate south in winter to south Asia, the Middle East and north east Africa. The White-tailed Lapwing is a very rare vagrant in western Europe, the first record in the UK being found in Warwickshire in July 1975. There were 11 UK records prior to this bird. Date: 6th September 2021 Location: RSPB Blacktoft Sands, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28139794.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1663828182577a30ff96d4d.jpgGreat Crested Grebe The Great Crested Grebe is the largest member of the grebe family measuring 18 to 20 inches in length with a wing span of 23 to 29 inches. It is a graceful bird with its long neck, long bill and slender outline. In summer, the adults of both sexes are unmistakable being adorned with beautiful head-plumes which are reddish-orange in colour with black tips. There is also an erectile black crown. Non-breeding adults lack the full crest and have a dark crown bordered by a white face, the white extending down the fore-neck and chest. The sexes are similar in appearance but juveniles can be distinguished from adults by having a striped black and white head and neck. The Great Crested Grebe can be found across Europe and Asia and it breeds on shallow, reed-fringed freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs and slow rivers. It is resident in the milder west of its range but it migrates from the colder regions of its range to freshwater lakes, reservoirs and sheltered coastal areas in winter. The Great Crested Grebe has an elaborate mating display. Like all grebes, it nests on the water's edge since its legs are set relatively far back and it is thus unable to walk very well. Usually 2 eggs are laid and the fluffy, striped young grebes are often carried on the adult's back. In a clutch of 2 or more hatchlings, male and female grebes will each identify their “favourites” which they alone will care for and teach. Unusually, young Great Crested Grebes are capable of swimming and diving almost at hatching. The adults teach these skills to their young by carrying them on their backs and diving, leaving the chicks to float on the surface. They then re-emerge a few feet away so that the chicks may swim back on to them. The Great Crested Grebe feeds mainly on fish but it will also eat small crustaceans, insects and small frogs and newts. The Great Crested Grebe was hunted almost to extinction in the UK in the 19th century due to being hunted for its head plumes which were used to decorate hats and ladies' undergarments. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was set up to help protect the Great Crested Grebe which is now again a common sight. Date: 18th June 2016 Location: Loch of the Lowes SWT reserve, Perthshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230732.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_168340544864916fe46b366.jpgRWT Gilfach, Powys RWT Gilfach is located just 4 miles north of Rhayader. For centuries, it was a working hill farm but now it is a spectacular nature reserve tucked away in the Marteg valley in the heart of rural mid-Wales. The old farm buildings are used as visitor facilities and a series of way-marked trails provide access to the woodlands, rough grazing areas and heather moorland. A hide close to the reserve entrance overlooks the River Marteg. Date: 14th May 2023 Location: RWT Gilfach, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081455.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_210780354263a84a3b0219a.jpgLapwings The Northern Lapwing, also known as the peewit, pewit, tuit or tew-it (imitative of its cry), Green Plover (emphasising the colour of the plumage) or (in the UK) just Lapwing (which refers to its peculiar, erratic way of flying), is a bird in the lapwing family. The Lapwing has rounded wings and a crest. It is also the shortest-legged of the lapwing species. It is mainly black and white but the back is tinted green. The male has a long crest and a black crown, throat and breast contrasting with an otherwise white face. Females and young birds have shorter crests and have less strongly marked heads but plumages are otherwise quite similar. The Lapwing is a vocal bird in the breeding season with constant calling as the crazed tumbling display flight is performed by the male. The typical contact call is a loud, shrill "pee-wit" from which they get their other name of peewit. The Lapwing is common through temperate Eurasia and breeds on cultivated land and other short vegetation habitats. The ground scrape nest and young are defended noisily and aggressively against all intruders. It is highly migratory over most of its extensive range, wintering further south as far as north Africa, north India, Pakistan and parts of China. It migrates mainly by day, often in large flocks. Lowland breeders in the westernmost areas of Europe are resident. In winter, it forms huge flocks on open land, particularly arable land and mud-flats. In the UK, the Lapwing has suffered a significant decline in the last 25 years and is an Amber List species because of the importance of its UK wintering population. It breeds on farmland throughout the UK, particularly in lowland areas of north England, the Borders and east Scotland, and prefers fields of spring sown cereals and root crops, permanent unimproved pasture, meadows and fallow fields but also wet grassland and marshes. During the winter, the Lapwing can be seen on flooded grassland, estuaries, coastal wetlands, short grassy fields and ploughed fields. In addition to the UK population, large numbers of north European birds arrive in the autumn for the winter. The Lapwing feeds primarily on insects and other small invertebrates. It often feeds in mixed flocks with Golden Plovers and Black-headed Gulls, the latter often robbing the plovers, but providing a degree of protection against predators. Date: 9th January 2022 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847639.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_206260548759bd545eec991.jpgBlack Stork The Black Stork is a large wading bird in the stork family. Whilst slightly smaller than the White Stork, the Black Stork is a large bird, 37 to 39 inches in length with a 4.5 to 5 feet wingspan and standing as tall as 40 inches. Like all storks, it has long legs, a long neck, and a long, straight, pointed beak. The Black Stork’s plumage is all black with a purplish green sheen, except for the white lower breast, belly, axillaries and undertail coverts. The breast feathers are long and shaggy forming a ruff which is used in some courtship displays. The bare skin around its eyes is red as are its red bill and legs. The sexes are identical in appearance, except that males are larger than females on average. The Black Stork walks slowly and steadily on the ground and, like all storks, it flies with its neck outstretched. It has a rasping call but rarely indulges in mutual bill-clattering like the White Stork when adults meet at the nest. The Black Stork is a widespread but uncommon species that breeds from eastern Asia (Siberia and China) west to central Europe, reaching Estonia in the north, Poland, Lower Saxony and Bavaria in Germany, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Italy and Greece in the south with an outlying population in Spain and Portugal. The Black Stork is a strong migrant, wintering in tropical Africa and India. It migrates from its breeding areas from the middle of August to the end of September and returns in the middle of March. A broad-winged soaring bird, it is assisted by thermals of hot air for long distance flight, although it is less dependent on them than the White Stork. Since thermals only form over land, storks, together with large raptors, must cross the Mediterranean at the narrowest points, and many Black Storks can be seen going through the Straits of Gibraltar and the Bosphorus. The Black Stork prefers more wooded areas than the White Stork and it breeds in large marshy wetlands with interspersed coniferous or broadleaved woodlands but also inhabits hills and mountains with sufficient networks of creeks. Date: 2nd June 2017 Location: Leles to Boľ area, Latorica, Košice region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50931123.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16085210336627e0e844afc.jpgCollared Dove Collared Doves are distinctive birds with their buffy-pink plumage and black neck collar. They are usually seen singly or in pairs, although flocks may form where food is plentiful. They feed on the ground but readily perch on roofs and wires and in trees. The Collared Dove is not migratory but it is strongly dispersive. Over the last century, it has been one of the great colonisers of the bird world. Its original range at the end of the 19th century was warm temperate and subtropical Asia from Turkey east to south China and south through India to Sri Lanka. In 1838 it was reported in Bulgaria but not until the 20th century did it expand across Europe, appearing in parts of the Balkans between 1900 and 1920 and then spreading rapidly north west, reaching Germany in 1945, the UK in 1953, Ireland in 1959 and the Faroe Islands in the early 1970s. Subsequent spread was “sideways” from this fast north west spread reaching north east to north of the Arctic Circle in Norway, east to the Ural Mountains in Russia and south west to the Canary Islands and north Africa from Morocco to Egypt by the end of the 20th century. In the east of its range it has also spread north east to most of central and north China and locally (probably introduced) in Japan. It has also reached Iceland as a vagrant but has not colonised successfully there. Date: 22nd April 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4088225.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2478842544b193dc73f2bd.jpgWhite Stork The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 8th November 2009 Location: Aiguamolls de l'Emporda, Catalunya, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512257.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_102735881562c9965e376a9.jpgDartford Warbler The Dartford Warbler is a small warbler distinguished by its long tail compared with that of other warblers. Its plumage comprises unobtrusive and muted tones which blend in with its preferred habitats. Like many warblers, the Dartford Warbler has distinct male and female plumages. The male has a grey back and head, reddish underparts and a red eye. The female is paler below, especially on the throat, and a browner grey above. The song of the Dartford Warbler is a distinctive rattling warble. The largest populations of Dartford Warbler are found in Iberia with smaller populations in France, Italy and the south of the UK. In Africa, they are found in small areas in northern Morocco and northern Algeria. The Dartford Warbler breeds on heathlands amongst gorse, heather and other scrub bushes, sometimes near coasts. Dartford Warblers are named after Dartford Heath in north west Kent in the UK where the population became extinct in the early 20th century. They almost died out in the UK in the severe winter of 1962/63 when the national population dropped to just 10 pairs. However, this species can recover well in good quality habitat, thanks to repeated nesting and a high survival rate for the young. In the UK, Dartford Warblers can now be found at various heathland locations in south and east England. Date: 11th May 2022 Location: Morden Bog, Wareham Forest, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49798214.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_152515473264ecadd50119f.jpgSix-Spot Burnet Flight period: June to August. The Six-Spot Burnet is one of the commonest of the UK's day-flying moths. They can be found in meadows and woodland clearings. Date: 3rd July 2023 Location: Durlston Country Park, Swanage, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15454055.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6628117514ff5496428a93.jpgSpoonbills The Spoonbill is an unmistakable wading bird. Breeding adults are all white except for dark legs, a black spoon-shaped bill with a yellow tip, a yellow breast patch and a crest. Non-breeders lack the crest and breast patch and immature birds have a pale bill and black tips to the primary flight feathers. Unlike herons, Spoonbills fly with their necks outstretched. Feeding birds swing their heads and sweep their bills from side to side through the water. The Spoonbill breeds from the UK and Spain in the west through to Japan and also in North Africa. In Europe, only the Netherlands, Spain, Austria, Hungary and Greece have sizeable populations. Birds from north west and south west Europe winter mainly in west Africa whilst those from south east Europe winter in the Mediterranean and north Africa. Eastern European and Turkish birds appear to move to north east Africa, the Middle East and India. The Spoonbill became extinct in the UK but sporadic breeding attempts in the early 21st century finally culminated with the formation of a colony at Holkham in Norfolk in 2010. The Spoonbill can be found in extensive shallow, wetlands with muddy, clay or fine sandy beds. They may inhabit any type of marsh, river, lake, flooded area and mangrove swamp, whether fresh, brackish or saline but especially those with islands for nesting or dense emergent vegetation such as reedbeds and scattered trees or shrubs. The Spoonbill may also frequent sheltered marine habitats during the winter such as deltas, estuaries, tidal creeks and coastal lagoons. Threats to the Eurasian Spoonbill include habitat destruction through drainage of wetlands and habitat degradation by pollution. Date: 2nd May 2012 Location: Trebujena marismas near Jerez de la Frontera, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833203.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_84964445559ce7ee4740b.jpgCommon Wall Lizard The Common (European) Wall Lizard is a small, thin lizard which can grow to about 7.9 inches in total length and whose small scales are highly variable in colour and pattern. Its colouration is generally brownish or greyish and may occasionally be tinged with green. In some individuals, the row of spots along their backs may form a line whilst others may have a reticulated pattern with dark spots on the side and scattered white spots that can be blue in the shoulder region. The tail is brown, grey or rust in colour and may also have light bars on the sides. The belly region has six rows of larger rectangular scales that are generally reddish, pink or orangish. There may also be dark markings on the throat. The Common Wall Lizard has 6 distinct morphological forms which are identified by the colouration of its throat and underbelly. The Common Wall Lizard can be found in rocky environments, including urban settings, where it can scurry between rock, rubble, debris and buildings. Its natural range spans mainland Europe but it also occurs as an introduced species in southern UK and north America. Date: 14th May 2015 Location: Great Prespa Lake (Megali Prespa), West Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082198.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15477054185d307b09bd0d7.jpgAvocets The (Pied) Avocet is a large black and white wader in the avocet and stilt family. It is one of 4 species of avocet that make up the genus Recurvirostra. The genus name is from the Latin recurvus meaning "curved backwards" and rostrum meaning "bill". The Avocet is a striking white wader with bold black markings. Adults have white plumage except for a black cap and black patches in the wings and on the back. They have long, upturned bills and long, bluish legs. Males and females look alike whilst juveniles resemble the adult but with more greyish and sepia tones. The Avocet breeds in temperate Europe and western and central Asia. The breeding habitat is shallow lakes with brackish water and exposed bare mud where they build a nest on open ground in a lined scrape or on a mound of vegetation. The Avocet is a migratory species and most winter in Africa or southern Asia. Some remain to winter in the mildest parts of their range such as in southern Spain and southern England. The Avocet feeds on crustaceans and insects in shallow brackish water or on mud flats, often scything their bills from side to side in water (a feeding technique that is unique to the avocet species). The Avocet was extinct as a breeding species in the UK by 1840 but its successful recolonisation at Minsmere in Suffolk in 1947 led to its adoption as the logo of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Date: 21st May 2018 Location: Pomorie, Gulf of Burgas, Burgas Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32709024.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_61523505759ad2738514815.59923294.jpgWhite Stork The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 19th May 2017 Location: Hortobágy, Hortobágy National Park, Hajdú-Bihar county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072373.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3273586074bf6e1478d3fd.jpgKongsfjordfjellet, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway Kongsfjordfjellet is a bare mountain tundra area in the north west of the Varanger peninsula in Finnmark county in north east Norway. Date: 14th April 2010 Location: view from road 890 over Kongsfjordfjellet, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874837.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_555584731561ccf5ec57ec.jpgHaukadalur, south Iceland The Haukadalur geothermal area is located in south west Iceland to the north east of the Reykjanes peninsula and Reykjavík. Here can be seen some of the most famous sights of Iceland: the geysers and other geothermal features which have developed on the Laugarfjall rhyolitic dome. The biggest geysers of Haukadalur are Strokkur and Geysir. There are also more than 40 other hot springs, mud pots and fumaroles nearby. The oldest accounts of hot springs at Haukadalur date back to 1294 when earthquakes in the area caused significant changes in the local neighbouring landscape creating several new hot springs. Changes in the activity of Geysir and the surrounding geysers are still strongly related to earthquake activity. Strokkur is a fountain geyser and is one of Iceland's most famous geysers. It is very dependable and erupts about every 5 to 10 minutes with boiling water reaching a height of 50 to 65 feet and sometimes up to 130 feet. Geysir, sometimes known as The Great Geysir, was the first geyser described in a printed source in the 18th century and the first known to modern Europeans. Since unusual natural phenomena were of high interest to society during the Age of Enlightenment, the term became popular and has been used for similar hydrothermal features worldwide since then. The English word geyser derives from Geysir whilst Geysir itself is derived from the Icelandic verb <i>geysa</i> ("to gush"). Eruptions at Geysir can hurl boiling water up to 230 feet in the air but eruptions are now very infrequent and have in the past stopped altogether for years at a time. The Haukadalur geothermal area, usually referred to as Geysir, is popular with tourists and, together with the magnificent waterfall at Gulfoss and Þingvellir, it is part of a group of the most famous sights of Iceland known as the "Golden Circle". Date: 7th June 2015 Location: Strokkur at Haukadalur http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072238.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4169478784bf6d51d58853.jpgSiberian Jay The Siberian Jay is noticeably smaller, slighter and proportionately longer-tailed than the Jay with a much shorter and more pointed bill. It is the smallest and most delicate of the Western Palearctic crows and is rather drab brown-grey with rufous-chestnut near the wing-bend and on under wing coverts, rump and sides of tail which set the bird “on fire” in flight. The Siberian Jay is a widespread and highly sedentary resident in Fennoscandia and Russia with Europe accounting for less than half of its global range. It breeds across the higher latitudes of the Western Palearctic and is predominantly at all seasons a bird of coniferous forest, mainly dense stands of forest unmodified by man rather than open growth. The Siberian Jay contrasts with the Jay in a lack of fear of man, readily attaching itself to human travellers and their living quarters, but this has little effect on choice of habitat since its normal range is largely uninhabited by people. Date: 10th April 2010 Location: Neljan Tuulen Tupa near Kaamanen, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42222321.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10135130466023a2ffd3cc9.jpgNorthern Hawk Owl The Northern Hawk Owl is a medium sized owl, 14 to 16 inches long and with a wing span of 8.5 to 10 inches. Females are slightly larger than males. The term "hawk" refers to its falcon-like wing shape and long tail. The facial disc is whitish and broadly rimmed blackish at the sides. The eyebrows are white and the eyes are pale yellow. The upperparts are dark grey to dusky greyish-brown with the crown densely spotted whitish and the nape has indistinct false eyes. The mantle and back are dusky grey with some whitish dots and the scapulars are mainly white forming rather broad white bands across the shoulder. The flight feathers are dark grey-brown with rows of white spots. The tail is long and graduated and dark greyish-brown with several narrow whitish bars. The underparts are whitish and barred with greyish-brown. The legs and toes are feathered. The Northern Hawk Owl is found in the boreal coniferous forests of North America and Eurasia, usually on the edges of more open woodland, and hunts in semi-open country with scattered trees or groups of trees. It nests in large tree cavities or uses nests abandoned by other large birds and moves widely within its area of distribution, breeding where food is abundant. The Northern Hawk Owl is a partially diurnal owl which hunts voles and birds like thrushes. It waits on a treetop or other perch and takes advantage of its rapid flight to overtake prey. It has exceptional hearing and can plunge into snow to capture rodents below the surface. The typical male call is a rapid, melodious, purring trill of up to 14 seconds long which consists of about 11 to 15 notes per second. It begins softly, rises slightly in pitch and increases to a vibrating trill before breaking off abruptly. This is repeated at various intervals. Females utter a similar, higher-pitched, less clear song. Date: 9th July 2019 Location: Iivaara, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41254058.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17358158835f059e068c24f.jpgPorvoonjoki river at Porvoo, Uusimaa, Finland The Porvoonjoki is a small river in the south of Finland. The city of Porvoo is situated in the river delta. Porvoo is a city and a municipality situated on the south coast of Finland approximately 30 miles east of Helsinki. It is one of the 6 medieval towns in Finland and the country’s second oldest city. It was first mentioned as a city in texts from the 14th century. Porvoo is the seat of the Swedish-speaking Diocese of Borgå of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland. Porvoo Old Town is a popular tourist destination with its timeless atmosphere, unique buildings, cobbled streets, narrow lanes, idyllic parks and riverbank views. It is especially well known for its well-preserved 18th and 19th century red painted riverside warehouses and the 15th century Porvoo Cathedral. The Old Town together with the valley of the Porvoonjoki river is recognised as historically and culturally significant as one of the designated national landscapes of Finland. Porvoo is internationally considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in Finland. Porvoo can be easily reached by a main road from Helsinki in about 50 minutes but also by a much more leisurely 3.5 hour trip on the steamship m/s J. L. Runeberg along the coast and through the Helsinki Archipelago. The m/s J.L. Runeberg was built in Helsinki in 1912. Originally she sailed under the name s/s Helsingfors Skärgård (”Helsinki Archipelago”). In the beginning this steamer cruised west from Helsinki to Porkkala but in the 1930’s the name was changed to s/s J.L. Runeberg and the ship cruised to Porvoo for the first time. Date: 26th June 2019 Location: Porvoonjoki river at Porvoo, Uusimaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo2918167.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20535461204a4a62ed694c7.jpgFulmar The Fulmar is almost gull-like but is a grey and white seabird that is related to the albatrosses. It flies low over the sea on stiff wings with shallow wing beats, gliding and banking to show its white under-parts and then grey upper-parts. At its breeding sites it will fly high up the cliff face riding the updraughts. Fulmars feed in flocks out at sea and defend their nests from intruders by spitting out a foul-smelling oil. Fulmars breed on coastal cliffs with suitable ledges and grassy slopes but will occasionally breed on buildings. Fulmars are best looked for at seabird colonies and are most abundant along the Scottish coastline especially in the Northern Isles. They are least common along the east, south and north-west coasts of England. Adults are present at the breeding colonies nearly all year although young birds leave in late summer. Away from the breeding colonies, Fulmars spend their whole time offshore at sea. Date: 17th May 2009 Location: Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072278.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6170509304bf6d80584bc5.jpgPurple Sandpiper The Purple Sandpiper is a small wading shorebird. Adults have short yellow legs and a medium thin dark bill with a yellow base. The body is dark above with a slight purplish gloss and mainly white below. The breast is smeared with grey and the rump is black. The Purple Sandpiper breeds in the northern tundra and Arctic islands in Canada and coastal areas in Greenland and north west Europe and nests on the ground either elevated on rocks or in a lower damp location. The males makes several scrapes following which the female chooses one and lays 3 or 4 eggs. The male takes the major responsibility for incubation and tends the chicks. The Purple Sandpiper is migratory and moves to rocky ice-free Atlantic coasts in winter where it is fairly gregarious, forming small flocks and often associating with Turnstones. It is also relatively tame and approachable. In the UK, the Purple Sandpiper occurs in winter in good numbers, principally along the east and south coasts where it favours rocky shorelines adjacent to the sea. It is a very rare breeding bird and is found only in a localised area of the Cairngorms National Park where 1 to 3 pairs have bred since the 1970s. Date: 11th April 2010 Location: Nesseby, Varangerfjord, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081469.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_212923189963a8556a302de.jpgShelduck The Shelduck resembles a small short-necked goose in size and shape. It is larger than a Mallard but smaller than geese such as Greylag and Canada Geese. The Shelduck is a striking bird with a reddish-pink bill, pink feet, a white body with chestnut patches and a black belly and a dark green head and neck. The wing coverts are white, the primaries are black and the secondaries are green and chestnut. The underwings are almost entirely white. Sexes are similar but the female is smaller with some white facial markings whilst the male is particularly crisply coloured in the breeding season with a bright red bill bearing a prominent knob at the forehead. Ducklings are white with a black cap, hindneck and wing and back patches. Juveniles are greyish above and mostly white below but already have the adult's wing pattern. The Shelduck breeds in temperate Eurasia where it nests in rabbit burrows and tree holes. Most populations migrate to sub-tropical areas in winter but it is largely resident in west Europe apart from movements to favoured moulting grounds such as the Wadden Sea on the north German coast. The Shelduck is common around the coastline of the UK and Ireland where it can be found on salt marshes, tidal mudflats and estuaries although it can also be found around inland waters such as reservoirs and gravel workings. It can be seen all year round but the population increases significantly during winter with the arrival of birds from continental Europe. Date: 9th January 2022 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230789.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_155862740164917f7e4df17.jpgGrass Snake The Grass Snake is the UK’s largest terrestrial reptile reaching up to 6 feet in length although such large specimens are rare. Females are considerably larger than males and typically reach a size of 2 feet 11 inches to 3 feet 7 inches when fully grown whilst males are approximately 8 inches shorter. The Grass Snake is typically olive-green, brown or greyish in colour with a variable row of black bars along the sides, occasionally with smaller round markings along the back in double rows. The underside of the Grass Snake is off-white or yellowish with dark triangular or rectangular markings. A characteristic black and yellow collar is present behind the head. The Grass Snake is one of only 3 snakes to occur in the UK and it is distributed throughout lowland areas of England and Wales. It is almost absent from Scotland and is not found in Ireland at all which has no native snakes. The Grass Snake is an aquatic species that is usually closely associated with water where it preys almost entirely on amphibians, especially the Common Toad and the Common Frog, although they may also occasionally eat mammals and fish. It is a strong swimmer and is found in habitats featuring ponds, lakes, streams, marshes and ditches which provide access to sunshine for basking and plenty of shelter. The Grass Snake may also be found in open woodland, rough grassland, wet heathlands, gardens, parks and hedgerows. The Grass Snake, as with most reptiles, is at the mercy of the thermal environment and it needs to overwinter in areas which are not subject to freezing. Therefore it will typically spend the winter underground where the temperature is relatively stable. Date: 24th May 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43082721.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16563084160dd89aedcf5f.jpgBroad-bodied Chaser Flight period: May to August The broad, flattened body of the Broad-bodied Chaser is distinctive and makes this dragonfly appear “fat”. The male has a powder-blue body with yellow spots along the sides and a dark thorax whilst the female is green-brown with paler spots. There are several medium-sized, pale blue dragonflies that can be confused with one another. The Broad-bodied Chaser can be distinguished by the combination of its broad, blue body and chocolate-brown eyes. The Broad-bodied Chaser is a common dragonfly of ponds and small lakes and it may be the first to colonise such habitats. It regularly returns to the same low perch after swift flights out across the water looking for insects. The Broad-bodied Chaser is widespread and common throughout southern and central England and south Wales. Date: 15th June 2021 Location: Broadwater Warren RSPB reserve, High Weald, East Sussex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41254059.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20857996185f059e0ce32c1.jpgPorvoonjoki river at Porvoo, Uusimaa, Finland The Porvoonjoki is a small river in the south of Finland. The city of Porvoo is situated in the river delta. Porvoo is a city and a municipality situated on the south coast of Finland approximately 30 miles east of Helsinki. It is one of the 6 medieval towns in Finland and the country’s second oldest city. It was first mentioned as a city in texts from the 14th century. Porvoo is the seat of the Swedish-speaking Diocese of Borgå of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland. Porvoo Old Town is a popular tourist destination with its timeless atmosphere, unique buildings, cobbled streets, narrow lanes, idyllic parks and riverbank views. It is especially well known for its well-preserved 18th and 19th century red painted riverside warehouses and the 15th century Porvoo Cathedral. The Old Town together with the valley of the Porvoonjoki river is recognised as historically and culturally significant as one of the designated national landscapes of Finland. Porvoo is internationally considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in Finland. Porvoo can be easily reached by a main road from Helsinki in about 50 minutes but also by a much more leisurely 3.5 hour trip on the steamship m/s J. L. Runeberg along the coast and through the Helsinki Archipelago. The m/s J.L. Runeberg was built in Helsinki in 1912. Originally she sailed under the name s/s Helsingfors Skärgård (”Helsinki Archipelago”). In the beginning this steamer cruised west from Helsinki to Porkkala but in the 1930’s the name was changed to s/s J.L. Runeberg and the ship cruised to Porvoo for the first time. Date: 26th June 2019 Location: Porvoonjoki river at Porvoo, Uusimaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9681542.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14361505224db7ec830a9be.jpgShoveler The Northern Shoveler, known simply as the Shoveler in the UK, is a common and widespread dabbling duck. The Shoveler is unmistakable due to its large spatulate bill. The breeding male has an iridescent dark green head, white breast and chestnut belly and flanks. In flight, pale blue forewing feathers are revealed which are separated from the green speculum by a white border. In early autumn the male has a white crescent on each side of the face. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male resembles the female. The female is a drab mottled brown with plumage much like a female Mallard but easily distinguished by the long broad bill which is grey tinged with orange on the cutting edge and lower mandible. The female's forewing is grey. The Shoveler can be found in open wetlands, such as wet grassland or marshes with some emergent vegetation, in northern areas of Europe and Asia and across most of north America. It winters in south Europe, Africa, the Indian sub-continent, south east Asia and central and northern south America. In the UK, the Shoveler breeds primarily in south and east England and in much smaller numbers in Scotland and west England. In winter, breeding birds move south and there is additionally an influx of continental birds from further north. The UK is home to more than 20% of the north west European population. The Shoveler prefers to nest in grassy areas away from open water. The nest is a shallow depression on the ground lined with plant material and down. Females typically lay about 9 eggs. The males are very territorial during the breeding season and will defend their territory and partners from competing males. Males also engage in elaborate courtship behaviours both on the water and in the air. The Shoveler feeds by dabbling for plant food, often by swinging its bill from side to side and using the bill to strain food from the water. It uses its highly specialized bill (from which their name is derived) to forage for aquatic invertebrates. Date: 25th April 2011 Location: Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230796.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6376954056491848b7d528.jpgCommon Whitethroat The Common Whitethroat is a common and widespread Sylvia warbler. It is one of several Sylvia species that has distinct male and female plumages. Both sexes are mainly brown above and buff below with chestnut fringes to the wings. The adult male has a grey head and a white throat. The female lacks the grey head and the throat is duller. The song is fast and scratchy with a scolding tone. The Common Whitethroat breeds throughout Europe and across much of temperate west Asia where it can be found in areas of open countryside and cultivation with bushes for nesting. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, Arabia and Pakistan. In the UK, it is a summer visitor from April to October and a passage migrant. It breeds widely throughout the country although avoids urban and mountainous areas. Like most warblers, the Common Whitethroat is insectivorous but it will also eat berries and other soft fruit. Date: 28th May 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49277086.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1055420998649971c60f48e.jpgMute Swan The Mute Swan is a species of swan native to much of Eurasia. Despite its Eurasian origin, its closest relatives are the Black Swan of Australia and the Black-necked Swan of south America, not the other Northern Hemisphere swans such as the Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan. The name “mute” derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. The adult Mute Swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob at the top of the beak. All Mute Swans are white at maturity although the feathers (particularly on the head and neck) are often stained orange-brown by iron and tannins in the water. Young birds (cygnets) are not the bright white colour of mature adults and their bill is dull greyish-black for the first year. The plumage may range from pure white to grey to buff with grey/buff being the most common. Cygnets typically retain their grey/buff feathers until they are at least 1 year old. On average, the Mute Swan is the second largest waterfowl species after the Trumpeter Swan although the male Mute Swan can easily match or even exceed a male Trumpeter Swan in mass. The adult Mute Swan typically ranges from 55 to 63 inches in length (although it can range in extreme cases from 49 to 67 inches) with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. Males (cobs) are larger than females (pens) and have a larger knob on their bill. The Mute Swan is one of the heaviest flying birds. In several studies from the UK, males were found to average from about 23.4 to 26.2 pounds, with a weight range of 20 to 32 pounds, while the slightly smaller females were found to average about 18.7 to 21.3 pounds, with a weight range of 17 to 23 pounds. The Mute Swan is less vocal than the noisy Bewick's Swan and Whooper Swan although it does make a variety of grunting, hoarse whistling and snorting noises, especially in communicating with their cygnets and threatening competitors or intruders trying to enter their territory. The most familiar sound associated with the Mute Swan is the vibrant throbbing of the wings in flight which is unique to the species and this can be heard from a range of up to 1 mile. The Mute Swan is found naturally mainly in the temperate areas of Europe across west Asia and as far east as Primorsky Krai in the far east of Russia. It is partially migratory throughout the northern latitudes in Europe and Asia as far south as north Africa and the Mediterranean. It is also often kept in captivity outside its natural range as a decoration for parks and ponds and escapes have occurred. The descendants of such birds have become naturalised in east USA and the Great Lakes region across the USA and Canada border. The Mute Swan population in the UK has increased recently probably due to better protection of this species. Some birds are resident all year whilst others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into east England. Mute Swans nest on large mounds that they build with waterside vegetation in shallow water on islands in the middle or at the very edge of a lake. It is a monogamous species and often reuses the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Males and females share the care of the nest. The female lays from 4 to 10 eggs and broods for around 36 days. Cygnets are unable to fly before an age of 120 to 150 days and this limits the distribution of the species in the northern edge of its range since the cygnets must learn to fly before the water freezes. The Mute Swan is usually strongly territorial with just a single pair on smaller lakes although in a few locations where a large area of suitable feeding habitat is found they can be colonial. The largest colonies can hold over 100 pairs such as that at the colony at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset in the UK. Non-mated juveniles up to 3 to 4 years old commonly form larger flocks often at regular traditional sites and these can total several hundred birds. The Mute Swan can be very aggressive in defence of its nest and it is highly protective of its mate and offspring. Most defensive attacks from a Mute Swan begin with a loud hiss and, if this is not sufficient to drive off the predator, are followed by a physical attack. It attacks by smashing at its enemy with bony spurs in the wings accompanied by biting with its large bill. Smaller waterbirds such as ducks are normally grabbed with the bill and dragged or thrown clear. Large waterfowl, such as the Canada Goose, more likely out of competition than in response to potential predation, may be aggressively driven off. The wings of the Mute Swan are very powerful although not strong enough to break an adult man's leg as has been claimed anecdotally. The Mute Swan feeds on a wide range of vegetation, both submerged aquatic plants which they reach with their long necks and by grazing on land. The food commonly includes agricultural crop plants such as oilseed rape and wheat and feeding flocks in the winter may cause significant crop damage, often as much through trampling with their large webbed feet as through direct consumption. Date: 9th June 2023 Location: Bosherston Lily Ponds, Bosherton, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45948287.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1822601186284a91d07ab3.jpgLapwing The Northern Lapwing, also known as the peewit, pewit, tuit or tew-it (imitative of its cry), Green Plover (emphasising the colour of the plumage) or (in the UK) just Lapwing (which refers to its peculiar, erratic way of flying), is a bird in the lapwing family. The Lapwing has rounded wings and a crest. It is also the shortest-legged of the lapwing species. It is mainly black and white but the back is tinted green. The male has a long crest and a black crown, throat and breast contrasting with an otherwise white face. Females and young birds have shorter crests and have less strongly marked heads but plumages are otherwise quite similar. The Lapwing is a vocal bird in the breeding season with constant calling as the crazed tumbling display flight is performed by the male. The typical contact call is a loud, shrill "pee-wit" from which they get their other name of peewit. The Lapwing is common through temperate Eurasia and breeds on cultivated land and other short vegetation habitats. The ground scrape nest and young are defended noisily and aggressively against all intruders. It is highly migratory over most of its extensive range, wintering further south as far as north Africa, north India, Pakistan and parts of China. It migrates mainly by day, often in large flocks. Lowland breeders in the westernmost areas of Europe are resident. In winter, it forms huge flocks on open land, particularly arable land and mud-flats. In the UK, the Lapwing has suffered a significant decline in the last 25 years and is an Amber List species because of the importance of its UK wintering population. It breeds on farmland throughout the UK, particularly in lowland areas of north England, the Borders and east Scotland, and prefers fields of spring sown cereals and root crops, permanent unimproved pasture, meadows and fallow fields but also wet grassland and marshes. During the winter, the Lapwing can be seen on flooded grassland, estuaries, coastal wetlands, short grassy fields and ploughed fields. In addition to the UK population, large numbers of north European birds arrive in the autumn for the winter. The Lapwing feeds primarily on insects and other small invertebrates. It often feeds in mixed flocks with Golden Plovers and Black-headed Gulls, the latter often robbing the plovers, but providing a degree of protection against predators. Date: 14th April 2022 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23806416.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6837294005512a6fe42861.jpgRed-crested Pochard The Red-crested Pochard is a large diving duck. The adult male is unmistakable. It has a rounded orange head, red bill and black breast. The flanks are white, the back brown and the tail black. The female is mainly a pale brown with a darker back and crown and a whitish face. Eclipse males are like females but with red bills. The Red-crested Pochard feeds mainly by diving or dabbling. They eat aquatic plants and typically upend for food more than most diving ducks. The Red-crested Pochard breeds in southern Europe and Central Asia and winters in the Indian subcontinent and Africa. Their breeding habitat is lowland marshes and lakes. It is a gregarious bird forming large flocks in winter, often mixed with other diving ducks. The status of the Red-crested Pochard in the UK is much confused because there have been many escapes and deliberate releases over the years, as well as natural visitors from the continent. However, it is most likely that UK birds are escapees that are now breeding wild and have built up a successful feral population. This bird was part of the captive collection at the WWT Wetland Centre. Date: 7th March 2015 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871709.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12612542634eff20eae3b52.jpgReindeer The Reindeer, also known as the Caribou in North America, is a deer from the Arctic and sub Arctic, including both resident and migratory populations. Whilst it is overall widespread and numerous, some of its subspecies are rare or already extinct. The Reindeer is a widespread and numerous species in the northern Holarctic, being present in tundra (frozen arctic plain with lichens, mosses and dwarfed vegetation) and taiga (marshy pine forest) regions. Originally, the Reindeer was found in Scandinavia, eastern Europe, Russia, Mongolia, and northern China. In North America, it was found in Canada, Alaska and the northern USA from Washington to Maine. It also occurred naturally on Sakhalin, Greenland, and probably even in historical times in Ireland. Today, wild Reindeer have disappeared from many areas within this large historical range, especially from the southern parts where it has vanished almost everywhere. Large populations of wild Reindeer are still found in Norway, Finland, Siberia, Greenland, Alaska, and Canada. Wild Reindeer hunting and herding of semi-domesticated Reindeer (for meat, hides, antlers, milk and transportation) are important to several Arctic and Subarctic people. Domesticated Reindeer are mostly found in northern Fennoscandia and Russia with a herd of approximately 150-170 Reindeer also living around the Cairngorms region in Scotland. Reindeer vary considerably in colour and size. Both sexes grow antlers, though they are typically larger in males. Even far outside its range, the Reindeer is well known due to the myth, probably originating in early 19th century America, in which Santa Claus's sleigh is pulled by flying Reindeer, a popular element of Christmas. Date: 30th May 2009 Location: Inari to Utsjoki, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26008782.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_194348394056351d0b8bdfc.jpgSlavonian Grebe The Slavonian Grebe is a member of the grebe family of water birds. It is also known as the Horned Grebe in north America. Unmistakable in summer, the plumage of both the male and female Slavonian Grebe shows a black head with golden puffy earlike tufts along the sides of its face. It shows a deep rusty red neck, scarlet eyes and a small, straight black bill tipped with white. During the winter, the Slavonian Grebe is mainly white with a sharply defined black cap. The Slavonian Grebe breeds in vegetated areas of freshwater lakes across Europe and Asia. It also breeds in remote inland parts of the United States and much of Canada. Like all grebes, it builds a nest on the water's edge, since its legs are set very far back and it can not walk well. Most birds migrate in winter to the coast. Date: 4th June 2015 Location: Lake Mývatn, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084730.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1703372875d3087ed0c99d.jpgBicaz Gorge, Neamţ and Harghita Counties, Romania The Bicaz Gorge, known locally as Cheile Bicazului, is a gorge located in north east Romania in the Eastern Carpathians group of the Carpathian Mountains. It is the deepest gorge in the country and connects the historical regions of Moldova and Transylvania. It was created by the River Bicaz and it is one of the most breathtaking natural attractions in Romania. The Bicaz Gorge is included within the Cheile Bicazului-Hășmaș National Park. The DN12C road runs through the Bicaz Gorge and is one of the most scenic drives in Romania. The gorge twists and turns steeply uphill for 5 miles with hairpin bends and deep drops and cuts through sheer 985 feet high limestone cliffs. At one point, the narrow mountain road runs uncomfortably beneath the overhanging rocks in a section known as Gâtul Iadului (“the neck of hell”). Beyond the cliffs there are spruce and beech forests and upland grazing pastures. Date: 4th June 2018 Location: Bicaz Gorge, Neamţ and Harghita Counties, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072348.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19821809934bf6df9fca158.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill <i>"kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake"</i>. The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 13th April 2010 Location: Hornøya, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230677.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_124493291364916dfe95955.jpgBlack Grouse The Black Grouse is a large game bird in the grouse family. The male has all black plumage with distinctive red wattles over the eyes and striking white stripes along each wing in flight. It has a lyre-shaped tail which is fanned out and raised to show white under-tail feathers when displaying. The female is smaller and grey-brown in colour. The Black Grouse is a sedentary species and breeds across northern Eurasia in moorland and bog areas near to mostly boreal woodland. Although it is declining, it is not considered to be vulnerable globally due to the large population and slow rate of decline. Its decline is due to loss of habitat, disturbance, predation by foxes, crows, etc., and small populations gradually dying out. In the UK, the Black Grouse are found in upland areas of Wales, the Pennines and most of Scotland, especially on farmland and moorland with nearby forestry or scattered trees. Habitat loss and overgrazing have resulted in severe population declines which make the Black Grouse a Red List species. Positive habitat management and re-introduction programmes are helping it to increase in some areas. The Black Grouse has a very distinctive and well-recorded courtship. At dawn in the spring, the males strut around in a traditional area (lek) and display whilst making a highly distinctive and bubbling mating call. This photo was taken at a well known roadside lekking site. If visiting, please remain in your car to avoid disturbance to these vulnerable breeding birds. Date: 13th May 2023 Location: World's End, Denbighshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41424272.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15799032775f2aa941b691c.jpgReindeer The Reindeer, also known as the Caribou in North America, is a deer from the Arctic and sub Arctic, including both resident and migratory populations. Whilst it is overall widespread and numerous, some of its subspecies are rare or already extinct. The Reindeer is a widespread and numerous species in the northern Holarctic, being present in tundra (frozen arctic plain with lichens, mosses and dwarfed vegetation) and taiga (marshy pine forest) regions. Originally, the Reindeer was found in Scandinavia, eastern Europe, Russia, Mongolia, and northern China. In North America, it was found in Canada, Alaska and the northern USA from Washington to Maine. It also occurred naturally on Sakhalin, Greenland, and probably even in historical times in Ireland. Today, wild Reindeer have disappeared from many areas within this large historical range, especially from the southern parts where it has vanished almost everywhere. Large populations of wild Reindeer are still found in Norway, Finland, Siberia, Greenland, Alaska, and Canada. Wild Reindeer hunting and herding of semi-domesticated Reindeer (for meat, hides, antlers, milk and transportation) are important to several Arctic and Subarctic people. Domesticated Reindeer are mostly found in northern Fennoscandia and Russia with a herd of approximately 150-170 Reindeer also living around the Cairngorms region in Scotland. Reindeer vary considerably in colour and size. Both sexes grow antlers, though they are typically larger in males. Even far outside its range, the Reindeer is well known due to the myth, probably originating in early 19th century America, in which Santa Claus's sleigh is pulled by flying Reindeer, a popular element of Christmas. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hamningberg, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39081949.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3876098365d30786d5bbc1.jpgEuropean Bee-eaters The European Bee-eater is an incredibly colourful bird with an unmistakable appearance. In breeding plumage, it has a rich chestnut crown that blends into gold on its back. The forehead is white, the throat is yellow bordered by black and the underparts are blue. The male European Bee-eater has a chestnut-coloured patch in the middle of the wing while in females this patch is usually smaller or even absent. Occasionally, females may also be distinguished from the males by having a green back. The wings and backs of juvenile European Bee-eaters are entirely green and the eyes are brown in contrast to the bright red eyes of adults. The European Bee-eater breeds in southern Europe and in parts of north Africa and western Asia. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, India and Sri Lanka. European Bee-eaters are occasionally seen in northern Europe (including the UK) as a spring overshoot north of its range with occasional breeding occurring. Just as the name suggests, the European Bee-eater predominantly eats insects, especially bees, wasps and hornets which are caught in the air by sorties from an open perch. Before eating its meal, a European Bee-eater removes the sting by repeatedly hitting the insect on a hard surface. Lizards and frogs are also taken. European Bee-eaters are gregarious, nesting colonially in sandy banks preferably near river shores and also feeding and roosting communally. Date: 17th May 2018 Location: Vetren, Silistra Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833995.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2052131402559cf258a6fbe.jpgWhite Stork The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 9th May 2015 Location: Thimaria, East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26008478.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9288094456350270d8eb0.jpgHarlequin Ducks The Harlequin Duck is a small sea duck which takes its name from Harlequin, a colourfully dressed character in "Commedia dell'arte" (a form of Italian theatre with masked characters). The adult male Harlequin Duck has a colourful and complex plumage pattern. The head and neck are dark slate blue with a large white crescent marking in front of the eye, a small round dot behind the eye and a larger oval spot down the side of the neck. A black crown stripe runs over the top of the head with chestnut patches on either side. A black-bordered white collar separates the head from the breast. The body is largely a lighter slate blue with chestnut sides. A black-bordered white bar divides the breast vertically from the sides. The tail is black, long and pointed. The speculum is metallic blue. The inner secondary feathers are white and form white markings over the back when folded. The bill is blue-grey and the eye is reddish. The adult female Harlequin Duck is less colourful with brownish-grey plumage with three white patches on the head, a round spot behind the eye, a larger patch from the eye to the bill and a small spot above the eye. The Harlequin Duck has smooth, densely packed feathers that trap a lot of air within them. This is vital for insulating such a small body against the chilly waters that it inhabits and it also makes it exceptionally buoyant, making it bounce like a cork after dives. The Harlequin Duck breeds alongside cold fast moving streams in the northern regions of north America, Greenland, Iceland (the only European site) and western Russia. The nest is usually located in a well concealed location on the ground near a stream. They are usually found near pounding surf and white water. It is a short distance migrant and most winter near rocky shorelines on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. The Harlequin Duck is a very rare migrant to western Europe. The Harlequin Duck feeds by swimming under water or diving and also by dabbling. It feeds on molluscs, crustaceans and insects. Date: 4th June 2015 Location: River Laxá, Lake Mývatn area, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28885440.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_106274247657cc3128d73b4.jpgWhite Stork The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 15th May 2016 Location: Soomaa National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41254060.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14426661665f059e16116c3.jpgPorvoonjoki river at Porvoo, Uusimaa, Finland The Porvoonjoki is a small river in the south of Finland. The city of Porvoo is situated in the river delta. Porvoo is a city and a municipality situated on the south coast of Finland approximately 30 miles east of Helsinki. It is one of the 6 medieval towns in Finland and the country’s second oldest city. It was first mentioned as a city in texts from the 14th century. Porvoo is the seat of the Swedish-speaking Diocese of Borgå of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland. Porvoo Old Town is a popular tourist destination with its timeless atmosphere, unique buildings, cobbled streets, narrow lanes, idyllic parks and riverbank views. It is especially well known for its well-preserved 18th and 19th century red painted riverside warehouses and the 15th century Porvoo Cathedral. The Old Town together with the valley of the Porvoonjoki river is recognised as historically and culturally significant as one of the designated national landscapes of Finland. Porvoo is internationally considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in Finland. Porvoo can be easily reached by a main road from Helsinki in about 50 minutes but also by a much more leisurely 3.5 hour trip on the steamship m/s J. L. Runeberg along the coast and through the Helsinki Archipelago. The m/s J.L. Runeberg was built in Helsinki in 1912. Originally she sailed under the name s/s Helsingfors Skärgård (”Helsinki Archipelago”). In the beginning this steamer cruised west from Helsinki to Porkkala but in the 1930’s the name was changed to s/s J.L. Runeberg and the ship cruised to Porvoo for the first time. Date: 26th June 2019 Location: Porvoonjoki river at Porvoo, Uusimaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/common-dolphin https://images.on-this.website/4752_9020253434ee9b87335e90.jpgCommon Dolphin The Common Dolphin is a medium sized dolphin, smaller than the Bottle-nosed Dolphin. The colour pattern on the body is unusual. The back is dark and the belly is white, while on each side is an hourglass pattern colored light grey, yellow or gold in front and dirty grey in back. The Common Dolphin is widely distributed in temperate, sub-tropical and tropical waters throughout the world in a band roughly spanning 40 degrees south to 50 degrees north. Deep off-shore waters and to a lesser extent over continental shelves are preferred to shallow waters. Some populations may be present all year round whilst others appear to move in a migratory pattern. The total world population is unknown but numbers in the hundreds of thousands. Common Dolphins travel in groups of around 10 to 50 in number and frequently gather into schools numbering 100 to 2000 individuals. These schools are generally very active with groups often surfacing, jumping and splashing together. Typical behaviour includes breaching, tail-slapping, chin-slapping, bow-riding and porpoising. Common Dolphins are among the fastest swimming cetaceans, Date: 12th September 2008 Location: photo taken from Portsmouth to Bilbao P&O ferry http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49276704.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_952609148649962aa20468.jpgNorthern Wheatear The Northern Wheatear or Wheatear is a small passerine bird that was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family but is now more generally considered to be an Old World flycatcher. It is the most widespread member of the Wheatear genus in Europe and Asia. The English name has nothing to do with wheat or ears but is probably derived from the Middle English whit ers meaning "white arse" and referring to the prominent white rump of many Wheatear species The Northern Wheatear is larger than the European Robin at 5.7 to 6.3 inches in length. Both sexes have a white rump and tail with a black inverted T-pattern at the end of the tail. The summer plumaged male has grey upperparts, buff throat and black wings and face mask. In autumn it resembles the female apart from the black wings. The female is pale brown above and buff below with darker brown wings. The Northern Wheatear makes one of the longest migratory flights of any small bird, crossing ocean, ice and desert. It migrates from sub-Saharan Africa in spring to breed in open rocky country, tundra, moorland, heaths and pastures over a vast area of the Northern Hemisphere that includes northern and central Asia, Europe, Greenland, Alaska and parts of Canada. In autumn it returns to winter in central Africa. In the UK, the Northern Wheatear is a summer visitor and passage migrant arriving in early March and leaving in September. It breeds mainly in western and northern Britain and western Ireland although smaller numbers also breed in southern and eastern England. The Northern Wheatear is primarily an insectivorous bird and feeds mostly on beetles, ants, caterpillars, grasshoppers, flies, etc. It also eats spiders, centipedes and snails and berries in the autumn. Date: 7th June 2023 Location: RSPB Ramsey Island, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29486951.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7705349458107cd9c8e2b.jpgGoldeneye The Goldeneye is a medium-sized diving duck, named for its golden-yellow eye. Adult males have a dark head with a greenish gloss and a circular white patch below the eye, a dark back and a white neck and belly. Adult females have a brown head and a mostly grey body. The Goldeneye breeds on the lakes and in the rivers of boreal forests in Scandinavia, Canada, north USA and north Russia. Naturally it will nest in cavities in large trees but it will also readily use nestboxes put up on trees close to water. This has enabled a healthy breeding population to establish in the Scottish Highlands from 1970 where it is increasing and slowly spreading. The Goldeneye is migratory and most winter in protected coastal waters or open inland waters at more temperate latitudes. The Goldeneye forages by diving underwater for crustaceans, aquatic insects and molluscs. Insects are the predominant prey while nesting and crustaceans are the predominant prey during migration and winter. Date: 23rd May 2016 Location: Wild Brown Bear Centre, near Vartius, Kainuu, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308891.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_39134681663ee3829c5bda.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 21st January 2022 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26270074.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_141387458456655010a21a1.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 4th December 2015 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29486497.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_188745225558107801ba595.jpgGoldeneye The Goldeneye is a medium-sized diving duck, named for its golden-yellow eye. Adult males have a dark head with a greenish gloss and a circular white patch below the eye, a dark back and a white neck and belly. Adult females have a brown head and a mostly grey body. The Goldeneye breeds on the lakes and in the rivers of boreal forests in Scandinavia, Canada, north USA and north Russia. Naturally it will nest in cavities in large trees but it will also readily use nestboxes put up on trees close to water. This has enabled a healthy breeding population to establish in the Scottish Highlands from 1970 where it is increasing and slowly spreading. The Goldeneye is migratory and most winter in protected coastal waters or open inland waters at more temperate latitudes. The Goldeneye forages by diving underwater for crustaceans, aquatic insects and molluscs. Insects are the predominant prey while nesting and crustaceans are the predominant prey during migration and winter. Date: 23rd May 2016 Location: Wild Brown Bear Centre, near Vartius, Kainuu, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46027956.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15021445776291ef9b1b018.jpgBlack-headed Gulls The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 21st May 2022 Location: EWT Two Tree Island, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/castellar-de-la-frontera-andalucia https://images.on-this.website/4752_905446330525289d06b7e8.jpgCastellar de la Frontera, Andalucia, Spain Castellar de la Frontera is a village perched high on a hilltop in an isolated location and located in the province of Cádiz in Andalucia. The village is contained within a castle surrounded by the walls of a well preserved Moorish fortress. The history of the village goes back to prehistoric times and the Bronze Age, after which it became a medieval fortress. The prehistoric presence is still evident in the many caves around the area where enthusiasts can see the wonderful cave drawings as proof of its heritage. It played an important role in the wars between the Spanish and the Moors. In such a high up advantageous strategic position, peoples of many cultures wanted to control this strong vantage point. The village was abandoned in the 1970’s and its inhabitants moved to the aptly named Nuevo Castellar (New Castellar). The derelict state of the village attracted a number of Germans who took over the empty houses and built temporary dwellings outside the walls. The village was later repopulated. The village has commanding views over the Embalse de Guadarranque and on clear days you can see the north African coast, Gibraltar and the villages on the mountains near Málaga to the north. Date: 10th September 2013 Location: Castellar de la Frontera, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45948286.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17885218646284a918919b5.jpgLittle Grebe The Little Grebe, also known as the Dabchick, is the smallest member of the grebe family measuring 9 to 11.5 inches in length. The adult is unmistakable in summer, predominantly dark above with its rich, rufous colour neck, cheeks and flanks and bright yellow gape. The rufous is replaced by a dirty brownish grey in non-breeding and juvenile birds. Juveniles have a yellow bill with a small black tip and black and white streaks on the cheeks and sides of the neck. This yellow bill darkens as the juveniles age, eventually turning black as an adult. The Little Grebe can be noisy with a distinctive whinnying trill. The Little Grebe can be found across Europe, much of Asia down to New Guinea and in most of Africa. It breeds in small colonies in freshwater wetlands with muddy bottoms and edges and still or slow-moving water with plenty of emergent vegetation such as lakes, gravel pits, canals and rivers. Most birds move to more open or coastal waters in winter but it is only migratory in those parts of its range where the waters freeze. Like all grebes, the Little Grebe nests at the water's edge since its legs are set very far back and it can not walk well. Usually 4 to 7 eggs are laid. The young leave the nest and can swim soon after hatching but are often carried on the backs of the swimming adults. The Little Grebe is an excellent swimmer and diver and pursues its fish and aquatic invertebrate prey underwater. It uses the vegetation skillfully as a hiding place. Date: 14th April 2022 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28884664.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_85517986357cc29ba160f2.jpgCitrine Wagtail The Citrine Wagtail is a member of the wagtail family. It is a slender bird, with a long, constantly wagging tail characteristic of the genus Motacilla. The term “citrine” refers to its yellowish colouration. During the breeding season, the male Citrine Wagtail is easily identified by its striking bright yellow head and underparts, black hind-neck collar and 2 bold white patches on the wing-coverts. The upperparts are dark slate-grey with a wash of olive-grey on the sides of the body and often blackish spots on the breast. The upper-tail is black and the bill and legs are blackish-brown. At other times of the year, the male bird becomes paler in colour and more similar in appearance to the duller female. The juvenile has little or no yellow plumage, with olive-brown on the breast and sides of the body. The Citrine Wagtail breeds in north central Asia. Typically it leaves the northern breeding grounds between August and October and migrates to winter in south Asia. Its range is expanding westwards and it is a rare but increasing breeding bird in eastern Europe (e.g. Poland and Estonia) and an increasing vagrant to western Europe. The Citrine Wagtail typically breeds in open country near water and favours marshes, bogs, the edge of lakes, wet grassland, areas of willow bushes in mountain meadows and occasionally fields near villages. Outside of the breeding season, it also occupies coastal marshes, brackish lagoons and river sandbars and artificial environments such as sewage farms and irrigated land. The Citrine Wagtail is an insectivorous bird and it walks along the water’s edge, foraging and picking prey off the low vegetation It may also wade into shallow water to consume insects floating on the water surface. Date: 17th May 2016 Location: Aardla polder, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo20140141.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_61443915352c0034d4bce9.jpgBarnacle Goose The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 9th December 2013 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24834000.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_186946698559cf2a306562.jpgDadia-Lefkimi-Soufli Forest, East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece The Dadia-Lefkimi-Soufli Forest constitutes one of the most important protected areas in Europe, since it hosts a variety of habitats such as pine and oak forests, shrublands, networks of streams, pastures and cultivated fields. Due to these characteristics, the forest presents an ideal habitat for birds of prey: Dadia Forest hosts 36 out of the 39 diurnal raptor species of Europe and 3 out of the 4 European vulture species. Among the latter, the Black Vulture, whose only reproductive colony in the Balkans is to be found in Dadia, constitutes the area’s flagship species. Date: 9th May 2015 Location: view from the road from Lefkimi to Kapsalo, East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/sandwich-tern https://images.on-this.website/4752_662025554e3129c10b3a7.jpgSandwich Tern The Sandwich Tern is a medium-large tern, gull-like in appearance but usually with a more delicate, lighter build and shorter, weaker legs. It is very closely related to the Lesser Crested Tern, Chinese Crested Tern, Cabot's Tern and Elegant Tern and it has been known to inter-breed with the Lesser Crested Tern. It is 15 to 17 inches in length with a 33 to 38 inches wingspan. It has long, pointed wings, which gives it a fast buoyant flight, and a deeply forked tail. The upperwings are pale grey and the underparts are white. It has a shaggy black crest. The thin sharp bill is black with a yellow tip and the short legs are black. It looks very pale in flight although the primary flight feathers darken during the summer. In winter, the adult's forehead becomes white. Juveniles have dark tips to their tails and a scaly appearance on their back and wings. The Sandwich Tern has an extensive global range and, whilst population trends have not been quantified, it is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List. For these reasons, it is evaluated as “least concern”. The Sandwich Tern breeds in very dense colonies on coasts and islands and exceptionally inland on suitable large freshwater lakes close to the coast. It nests in a ground scrape and lays 1 to 3 eggs. Unlike some of the smaller white terns, it is not very aggressive toward potential predators, relying on the sheer density of the nests and nesting close to other more aggressive species such as the Arctic Tern and the Black-headed Gull. In the UK, the Sandwich Tern can be seen from late March to September and there are breeding colonies scattered around the UK coasts including the north Norfolk coast and at Minsmere in Suffolk and Dungeness in Kent. The Sandwich tern feeds by plunge-diving for fish, almost invariably from the sea. It usually dives directly and not from a hover favoured by other terns. The offering of fish by the male to the female is part of the courtship display. Date: 13th July 2009 Location: Blakeney Point, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493238.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9059764705f326d977d783.jpgHornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Hornøya is a small uninhabited island lying in the Barents Sea in Troms og Finnmark in the extreme north east of Norway. It lies just east of the larger island of Vardøya where the town of Vardø is located. The island is the easternmost point of Norway. Vardø Lighthouse is situated at the highest point of the island, at an elevation of 213 feet above sea level, and it protects the shipping lanes around the town of Vardø. Daily boat trips run to Hornøya between 1st March and 1st September from Vardø harbour offering the chance to spend several hours on the island. The seabird colony at Hornøya hosts approximately 100,000 seabirds of up to 11 breeding species. The cliffs are dominated by Common Guillemot, Razorbill, Puffin and Kittiwake. Around 500 pairs of Brünnich´s Guillemots, an auk distributed across the polar and sub-polar regions of the Northern Hemisphere, breed between the Common Guillemots. During the seabird breeding season, visitors to Hornøya have a good chance of seeing White-tailed Eagle and Gyrfalcon hunting along the cliffs. In addition to the huge number of birds, Hornøya is also a good location to see Atlantic Grey Seals, Orcas and occasionally Belugas. Hornøya is open to the public but, due to its status as a nature reserve, visitors must stay within the designated areas during the breeding season and it is forbidden to pick plants or disturb the wildlife of the island. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847513.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_209391024459bd520f63dab.jpgSlovak Paradise, Slovakia Slovak Paradise (Slovenský raj) is a mountain range in eastern Slovakia. It is a part of the Spiš-Gemer Karst, which in turn is a part of the Slovak Ore Mountains (Slovenské rudohorie), a major subdivision of the Western Carpathians. It is located between the towns of Spišská Nová Ves in the north and Dobšiná in the south. Slovak Paradise is a plain with high plateaus between 2625 feet and 3280 feet. The highest peak is Ondrejisko at 4167 feet. The area is mainly formed of karst limestone and dolomite. The karst plateaus show phenomena such as sinkholes and limestone pavements. Other typical features are canyons, gorges and ravines which form picturesque rocky scenes with waterfalls which were created mainly by the Hnilec and Hornád rivers and their tributaries. 80% of the area is covered with spruce forests. There are more than 200 caves and underground abysses. Among the caves, Dobšinská ľadová jaskyňa (Dobšinská Ice Cave) and Medvedia jaskyňa (Bear Cave) are the best known. Slovak Paradise is protected by Slovak Paradise National Park (Národný park Slovenský raj), one of the 9 national parks in Slovakia. It covers an area of 76.3 square miles with a surrounding buffer zone of 50 square miles. It is situated in the Banská Bystrica region, Prešov region and Košice Region. The highest peak is Predná hoľa at 5069 feet. Slovak Paradise National Park includes 11 National Nature Reserves and 8 Nature Reserves and around 185 miles of hiking trails, often equipped with ladders, chains and bridges. It also contains about 350 caves but only the Dobšinská ľadová jaskyňa (Dobšinská Ice Cave), a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000, is open to the public. The first protected reserve in the area of the Slovak Paradise was founded in 1890. The name Slovenský raj first appeared in 1921 in the "Krásy Slovenska" magazine and replaced many names used until that period. In August 1964 the first Protected Landscape Area in Slovakia was established in Slovak Paradise. The area was redesignated as Slovak Paradise National Park in January 1988. Since 2004, parts of the national park have been included in the Natura 2000 ecological network, the network of nature protection areas within the European Union. The best known tourist centres in Slovak Paradise National Park are Čingov, Podlesok, Dedinky and Kláštorisko. Date: 31st May 2017 Location: Podlesok, Slovak Paradise National Park, Košice region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28885831.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_144363022457cc365f3a8d1.jpgLapwing The Northern Lapwing, also known as the peewit, pewit, tuit or tew-it (imitative of its cry), Green Plover (emphasising the colour of the plumage) or (in the UK) just Lapwing (which refers to its peculiar, erratic way of flying), is a bird in the lapwing family. The Lapwing has rounded wings and a crest. It is also the shortest-legged of the lapwing species. It is mainly black and white but the back is tinted green. The male has a long crest and a black crown, throat and breast contrasting with an otherwise white face. Females and young birds have shorter crests and have less strongly marked heads but plumages are otherwise quite similar. The Lapwing is a vocal bird in the breeding season with constant calling as the crazed tumbling display flight is performed by the male. The typical contact call is a loud, shrill "pee-wit" from which they get their other name of peewit. The Lapwing is common through temperate Eurasia and breeds on cultivated land and other short vegetation habitats. The ground scrape nest and young are defended noisily and aggressively against all intruders. It is highly migratory over most of its extensive range, wintering further south as far as north Africa, north India, Pakistan and parts of China. It migrates mainly by day, often in large flocks. Lowland breeders in the westernmost areas of Europe are resident. In winter, it forms huge flocks on open land, particularly arable land and mud-flats. In the UK, the Lapwing has suffered a significant decline in the last 25 years and is an Amber List species because of the importance of its UK wintering population. It breeds on farmland throughout the UK, particularly in lowland areas of north England, the Borders and east Scotland, and prefers fields of spring sown cereals and root crops, permanent unimproved pasture, meadows and fallow fields but also wet grassland and marshes. During the winter, the Lapwing can be seen on flooded grassland, estuaries, coastal wetlands, short grassy fields and ploughed fields. In addition to the UK population, large numbers of north European birds arrive in the autumn for the winter. The Lapwing feeds primarily on insects and other small invertebrates. It often feeds in mixed flocks with Golden Plovers and Black-headed Gulls, the latter often robbing the plovers, but providing a degree of protection against predators. Date: 13th May 2016 Location: Sõrve peninsula, Saaremaa island, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847595.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_115056471859bd53922d420.jpgEuropean Bee-eater The European Bee-eater is an incredibly colourful bird with an unmistakable appearance. In breeding plumage, it has a rich chestnut crown that blends into gold on its back. The forehead is white, the throat is yellow bordered by black and the underparts are blue. The male European Bee-eater has a chestnut-coloured patch in the middle of the wing while in females this patch is usually smaller or even absent. Occasionally, females may also be distinguished from the males by having a green back. The wings and backs of juvenile European Bee-eaters are entirely green and the eyes are brown in contrast to the bright red eyes of adults. The European Bee-eater breeds in southern Europe and in parts of north Africa and western Asia. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, India and Sri Lanka. European Bee-eaters are occasionally seen in northern Europe (including the UK) as a spring overshoot north of its range with occasional breeding occurring. Just as the name suggests, the European Bee-eater predominantly eats insects, especially bees, wasps and hornets which are caught in the air by sorties from an open perch. Before eating its meal, a European Bee-eater removes the sting by repeatedly hitting the insect on a hard surface. Lizards and frogs are also taken. European Bee-eaters are gregarious, nesting colonially in sandy banks preferably near river shores and also feeding and roosting communally. Date: 2nd June 2017 Location: Leles to Boľ area, Latorica, Košice region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24302970.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_859172535555aeb9fc1596.jpgWater Vole The Water Vole is found throughout the UK although it is less common on higher ground. It is infrequently recorded from parts of northern Scotland and is absent in Ireland. Water Voles are legally protected in the UK and recent evidence suggests that they have undergone a long term decline. On current trends it is predicted that they may eventually disappear from 94% of their former sites. The shocking decline in both the range and numbers of the Water Vole is due to a number of factors. The large-scale loss and fragmentation of sensitive waterside habitats due to riverbank modification, drainage and flood defence works has been an important factor as has the pollution of waterways and poisoning by rodenticides. Perhaps the most serious threat facing the Water Vole is predation by the introduced American Mink. Water Voles are sometimes confused with Brown Rats which often also live near water courses. They are sometimes called "the water rat" which is the origin of the Water Vole’s fame as "Ratty" from Kenneth Grahame's book “The Wind in the Willows”. Prime Water Vole sites are found along densely vegetated banks of slow flowing rivers, ditches, lakes and marshes where water is present throughout the year. Water Voles are herbivores and feed on a huge variety of waterside vegetation, consuming 80% of their body weight each day. They excavate extensive burrow systems into the banks of waterways and have sleeping/nest chambers at various levels in the steepest parts of the bank. Burrows usually have underwater entrances to provide a secure route for escape if danger threatens. Water Voles usually have 3 or 4 litters a year depending on the weather. In mild springs the first of these can be born in March or April although cold conditions can delay breeding until May or even June. There are about 5 young in a litter and these are born below ground in a nest made from suitable vegetation such as grasses and rushes. Young water voles grow quickly and are weaned at 14 days. On average, Water Voles only live about 5 months in the wild. Their most important predators are Mink and Stoats although Grey Herons, Barn Owls, Brown Rats and Pike are also known to take them. Date: 9th April 2015 Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49003031.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11748591046468fc973a2cd.jpgAdder Adders are widespread throughout mainland UK but they are absent from Ireland. They occur throughout Europe, with the exception of the Mediterranean islands, and across Russia and Asia through to northern China. They are the UK's only venomous reptile. Adders are relatively short and robust snakes with large heads and a rounded snout. Males are usually a grey or buff colour with vivid black markings although they can also vary from silver to yellow or green in colour. Females are brown with dark red-brown markings that are less prominent than in the males. Both sexes have a zigzag pattern running along the back with a / or X-shaped marking at the rear of the head. Adders can be found in a variety of habitats, including open woodland, hedgerows, moorland, sand dunes, riverbanks, bogs, heathland and mountains. They are active during the day and spend time basking until their body temperature is high enough to hunt for food. Adders use venom to immobilise prey such as lizards, amphibians, nestlings and small mammals. After striking their prey, they will leave the venom to take effect before following the victim’s scent to find the body. Mating takes place between April and May with males often fighting for females. Females have a 3 to 4 month gestation period and Adders are one of the few snakes that are viviparous (give birth to live young). In late August females give birth to between 5 and 20 live young and the young remain close to their mother for a few days before going off in search of food. Adders hibernate from September to March often using deserted rabbit or rodent burrows or settling under logs. They sometimes hibernate communally. Males emerge 2 to 5 weeks before the females and shed their skin before setting off in search of females. Adders are not aggressive snakes and they will only attack if harassed or threatened. Although an Adder’s venom poses little danger to a healthy adult, the bite is very painful and requires urgent medical attention. Date: 3rd May 2023 Location: Benfleet and Hadleigh Downs, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/dark-bellied-brent-goose https://images.on-this.website/4752_1017632463529089b630d88.jpgDark-bellied Brent Goose The Brent Goose belongs to the [I]Branta[/I] genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the [I]Anser[/I] genus of grey geese. [I]Branta[/I] is a Latinised form of Old Norse [I]brandgás[/I], meaning "burnt (black) goose", and [i]bernicla[/i] is the medieval Latin name for the barnacle. The Brent Goose and the similar Barnacle Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be the same creature as the crustacean, a myth that can be dated back to at least the 12th century. The Brent Goose, [I]Branta bernicla[/I] is divided into 3 sub-species: Dark-bellied Brent Goose [I]B. b. bernicla[/I], Pale-bellied Brent Goose [i]B. b. hrota[/i] (sometimes also known as Light-bellied Brent Goose) and Black Brant [i]B. b. nigricans[/i]. Some DNA evidence suggests that these forms are genetically distinct and a split into 3 separate species has been proposed. However, other evidence upholds their maintenance as a single species. The Brent Goose is a small goose, 22 to 26 inches long with a wingspan of 42 to 48 inches. The under-tail is pure white and the tail black and very short (the shortest of any goose). The Dark-bellied Brent Goose is fairly uniformly dark grey-brown all over and the flanks and belly are not significantly paler than the back. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds on the Arctic coasts of central and west Siberia and winters in west Europe with over half the population in south England and the rest between north Germany and north west France. The Pale-bellied Brent Goose appears blackish-brown and light grey in colour and the flanks and belly are significantly paler than the back and present a marked contrast. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds in Franz Josef Land, Svalbard, Greenland and north east Canada and winters in Denmark, north east England, Ireland and the Atlantic coast of the USA from Maine to Georgia as well as in a small but significant area in north France. The Black Brant appears blackish-brown and white in colour. This sub-species is very contrastingly black and white with a uniformly dark sooty-brown back, similarly-coloured underparts (with the dark colour extending furthest back of the 3 sub-species) and a prominent white flank patch. It also has a larger white neck patch which forms an almost complete collar. It breeds in north west Canada, Alaska and east Siberia and winters mostly on the west coast of north America from south Alaska to California but also in east Asia, mainly Japan. It sometimes appears as a vagrant in Europe when it associates with the other Brent Goose species. The Brent Goose used to be a strictly coastal bird in winter, seldom leaving tidal estuaries where it feeds on eel-grass and seaweed. In recent decades, it has started using agricultural land a short distance inland, feeding extensively on grass and winter-sown cereals. This may be behaviour learned by following other species of geese. Food resource pressure may also be important in forcing this change since the world population increased over 10-fold by the mid-1980s, possibly reaching the carrying capacity of the estuaries. In the breeding season, the Brent Goose uses low-lying wet coastal tundra for both breeding and feeding. The nest is bowl-shaped, lined with grass and down and located in an elevated position often near a small pond. The Brent Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds applies. Date: 30th September 2013 Location: Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/bressay-shetland https://images.on-this.website/4752_7823674784866c2d92d196.jpgBressay, Shetland Bressay, meaning “Broad Island”, is an island with a population of around 400 people, the main density of population being on its west coast. The island is separated from mainland Shetland, by Bressay Sound, on the west side of which lies Lerwick, the capital of Shetland. Bressay lighthouse stands at Kirkabister Ness at the south entrance to Lerwick Harbour. It was built by the Stevensons and first lit in 1858 but is now automated. Date: 1st June 2008 Location: view from Noss boat trip from Lerwick http://www.richardchewphotography.com/nuuksio-national-park-uusimaa-finland https://images.on-this.website/4752_162339995758107f8625319.jpgNuuksio National Park, Uusimaa, Finland Nuuksio National Park was established in 1994 and covers an area of 20 square miles of forests and lakes around Espoo, Kirkkonummi and Vihti. About 20 miles north west of Helsinki, it is the second closest National Park to the capital after Sipoonkorpi National Park. The [url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siberian_flying_squirrel]Siberian Flying Squirrel[/url] is the emblem of the Nuuksio National Park due to the density of its population. Date: 30th May 2016 Location: Hogbacka, Nuuksio National Park, Uusimaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453922.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6097481264ff5457bc0959.jpgGriffon Vulture The Griffon Vulture is a typical Old World vulture in appearance with a white bald head, very broad wings and short tail feathers. It has a white neck ruff and yellow bill. The buff body and wing coverts contrast with the dark flight feathers. They are very large birds around 37 to 43 inches long with a 91 to 106 inches wingspan. Like other vultures, the Griffon Vulture is a scavenger, feeding mostly from carcasses of dead animals which it finds by soaring over open areas, often moving in flocks. The population is mostly resident in its breeding range in the mountains of southern Europe, north Africa, and Asia. In Spain, there are tens of thousands of birds from a low of a few thousand around 1980 although the Pyrenees population has apparently been affected by an EU ruling that due to danger of BSE transmission, no carcasses must be left on the fields for the time being. Although the Griffon Vulture does not normally attack larger living prey, there are reports of Spanish Griffon Vultures killing weak, young or unhealthy living animals as they do not find enough carrion to eat. Date: 27th April 2012 Location: Location: Portilla del Tiétar, Parque Nacional de Monfragüe, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871768.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16561050234eff222896334.jpgSlavonian Grebe The Slavonian Grebe is a member of the grebe family of water birds. It is also known as the Horned Grebe in north America. Unmistakable in summer, the plumage of both the male and female Slavonian Grebe shows a black head with golden puffy earlike tufts along the sides of its face. It shows a deep rusty red neck, scarlet eyes and a small, straight black bill tipped with white. During the winter, the Slavonian Grebe is mainly white with a sharply defined black cap. The Slavonian Grebe breeds in vegetated areas of freshwater lakes across Europe and Asia. It also breeds in remote inland parts of the United States and much of Canada. Like all grebes, it builds a nest on the water's edge, since its legs are set very far back and it can not walk well. Most birds migrate in winter to the coast. Date: 7th June 2009 Location: Siikalahti near Parikkala, Etelä-Karjala, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26006674.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_123811227756349b6d857f8.jpgOystercatcher The Oystercatcher is a wader in the oystercatcher family. It is an obvious and noisy bird with black and white plumage, red legs and a strong broad red bill which is used for smashing or prising open molluscs such as mussels or for finding earthworms. Despite its name, oysters do not form a large part of its diet. The Oystercatcher is unmistakable in flight with white patches on the wings and tail with otherwise black upperparts and white underparts. Young birds are more brown, have a white neck collar and a duller bill. The call is a distinctive loud piping. The bill shape varies: Oystercatchers with broad bill tips open molluscs by prising them apart or hammering through the shell whereas birds with pointed bills dig up worms. Much of this is due to the wear resulting from feeding on their prey. Individual Oystercatchers specialise in one technique or the other which they learn from their parents. The Oystercatcher is the most widespread of the oystercatchers with 3 races breeding in western Europe, central Eurasia, Kamchatka, China, and the western coast of Korea. It is a migratory species over most of its range. The European population breeds mainly in northern Europe but in winter the birds can be found in north Africa and southern parts of Europe. Although the species is present all year in Ireland, the UK and the adjacent European coasts, there is still migratory movement within these populations. The Oystercatcher breeds on shingle and rocky beaches, sand dunes, salt marshes and on the grassy tops of small islands and also inland on shingle banks of rivers, lakes and gravel pits. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Steingrímsfjarðarheiði to Ísafjörður, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072389.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12849677934bf6e1d863bda.jpgKongsfjord, Varanger Peninsula, Finnmark, Norway Kongsfjord is a small fishing village in Berlevåg municipality in Finnmark county in north east Norway. Date: 14th April 2010 Location: view from road 890 south of Kongsfjord, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo44253547.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_118914714561654daa8abc3.jpgPied Wagtail The White Wagtail, Motacilla alba, is a small passerine bird in the wagtail family. A number of sub-species are recognised including Motacilla alba alba found in Europe from the Iberian Peninsula to the Ural Mountains, Turkey, the Levant, Iceland, the Faroe Islands and Greenland's east coast and Motacilla alba yarrellii (Pied Wagtail) found in the UK and Ireland and which has a much blacker back than the nominate race. The nominate sub-species Motacilla alba alba is basically grey above and white below with a white face, black cap and black throat. It is a slender bird with a characteristic long tail. The most conspicuous habit of the White Wagtail is a near-constant tail wagging, a trait that has given the bird its common name. In spite of the ubiquity of this behaviour, the reasons for it are poorly understood. It has been suggested that it may flush prey or signal submissiveness to other wagtails. A recent study has suggested instead that it is a signal of vigilance to potential predators. The White Wagtail breeds throughout Eurasia up to latitudes 75°N, only being absent in the Arctic from areas where summer temperatures are less than 4 °C. It also breeds in the mountains of Morocco and western Alaska. It is resident in the milder parts of its range such as western Europe and the Mediterranean but migratory in much of the rest of its range. Northern European breeders winter around the Mediterranean and in tropical and subtropical Africa, Asiatic birds move to the Middle East, India and south east Asia and birds from the north American population also winter in tropical Asia. The White Wagtail has a wide range and whilst the population size is unknown it is believed to be large since the species is described as "common" in at least parts of its range. Population trends have not been quantified but the population in Europe appears to be stable and it has adapted well to human changes to the environment and has exploited human changes such as man-made structures that are used for nesting sites and increased open areas that are used for foraging. The White Wagtail is an insectivorous bird of open country, often near habitation and water. It prefers bare areas for feeding where it can see and pursue its prey. In urban areas it has adapted to foraging on paved areas such as car parks. It nests in crevices and holes in stone walls and similar natural and man-made structures such as bridges and buildings. The diet of the White Wagtail varies by location but terrestrial and aquatic insects and other small invertebrates form the major part of the diet. These range from beetles, dragonflies, small snails, spiders, worms and crustaceans to maggots found in carcasses and flies. It is somewhat unusual in the parts of its range where it is non-migratory as it is an insectivorous bird that continues to feed on insects during the winter when most other insectivorous birds in temperate climates migrate or switch to more vegetable matter. Though it is known to be a host species for the Cuckoo, the White Wagtail typically deserts its nest if it has been parasitised. Date: 9th October 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/januaryfebruary-2013-short-eared-owl https://images.on-this.website/4752_136069469851ab00c745be0.jpgJanuary to February 2013 - Short-eared Owl Please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/photo17408564.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645435.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_175690473351e3ce2459d86.jpgWhite Storks The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 20th May 2013 Location: Biebrza area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084051.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6214839505d3083d4f283c.jpgHouse Martin The Common House Martin, sometimes called the Northern House Martin or, particularly in Europe, just House Martin, is a passerine bird and member of the swallow family [I]Hirundininae[/I]. There are two geographical sub-species, the western nominate sub-species and the eastern sub-species. The adult House Martin of the western nominate sub-species is 5.1 inches long with a wing span of 10 to 11 inches. It is steel-blue above with a white rump and white underparts including the underwings. Even its short legs have white downy feathering. It has brown eyes and a small black bill and its toes and exposed parts of the legs are pink. The sexes are similar but the juvenile bird is sooty black and some of its wing coverts and quills have white tips and edgings. The white rump and underparts of the House Martin are very noticeable in flight and prevent confusion with the other widespread Palearctic swallows such as the Barn Swallow, Sand Martin and Red-rumped Swallow. The eastern sub-species differs from the western nominate sub-species in that its white rump extends much further on to the tail and the fork of its tail is intermediate in depth between that of the western nominate sub-species and that of the Asian House Martin. The House Martin is a noisy species, especially at its breeding colonies. The male's song, given throughout the year, is a soft twitter of melodious chirps. The western nominate sub-species of the House Martin breeds across temperate Eurasia east to central Mongolia and the River Yenisei in Siberia and in north Africa in Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria. It migrates on a broad front (i.e. birds are not funnelled through the short sea crossings used by large soaring birds but cross the Mediterranean and the Sahara) to winter in sub-Saharan Africa. The eastern sub-species breeds east of the River Yenisei in Siberia to Kolyma in the Russian Far East and south to north Mongolia and north China. It winters in south China and south east Asia. As would be expected for a long distance migrant, the House Martin has occurred as a vagrant east to Alaska and west to Newfoundland, Bermuda and the Azores. The preferred habitat of the House Martin is open country with low vegetation, such as pasture, meadows and farmland, preferably near water. It is also found in mountains up to at least 7200 feet. It is much more urban than the Barn Swallow and it will nest even in towns and city centres if the air is clean enough. The House Martin does not normally use the reed-bed roosts favoured by the Barn Swallow on migration. The House Martin returns to its breeding areas in Europe between April and May and nest building starts between late March in north Africa and mid-June in north Scandinavia. It typically returns a few days after the first Barn Swallows. However, like that species, it seldom goes straight to its nesting sites but instead hunts for food over large fresh water bodies, particularly when the weather is poor. The House Martin was originally a cliff and cave nester and some cliff-nesting colonies still exist with the nests built below an overhanging rock. It now largely uses human structures such as bridges and houses. Unlike the Barn Swallow, it uses the outside of inhabited buildings rather than the inside of buildings such as barns or stables. The nests are built at the junction of a vertical surface and an overhang, such as on house eaves, so that they may be strengthened by attachment to both planes. The nest is a neat closed convex cup fixed below a suitable ledge with a narrow opening at the top. It is constructed by both sexes with mud pellets collected in their beaks and lined with grasses, hair or other soft materials. The mud, added in successive layers, is collected from ponds, streams or puddles. The House Martin tends to breed colonially and nests may be built in contact with each other. A colony size of less than 10 nests is typical but there are records of colonies with thousands of nests. The female lays 4 or 5 eggs and undertakes most of the incubation which normally lasts 14 to 16 days. The young chicks leave the nest after 22 to 32 days depending on the weather and the fledged young stay with and are fed by the parents for a further week. There are normally 2 broods each year and the same nest is reused for the second brood and repaired and used again in subsequent years. Hatching success is 90% and fledging survival 60 to 80%. The average annual mortality for adults is around 40 to 60% with most deaths outside the breeding season. Although individuals aged 10 and 14 years have been recorded, most survive less than 5 years. For weeks after leaving the nest, the young congregate in ever-increasing flocks and, as summer progresses to autumn, birds may be seen gathering in trees or on rooftops or on telephone wires with Barn Swallows. By the end of October, most House Martins have left their breeding areas in west and central Europe although late birds in November and December are not uncommon and further south migration finishes later anyway. The House Martin is similar in habits to other aerial insectivores, including other swallows and martins and the unrelated swifts, and it catches insects in flight. In the breeding areas, flies and aphids make up much of the diet and the House Martin takes a larger proportion of such insects than the Barn Swallow. During the winter, other insects such as sawflies, wasps, bees and ants are eaten. The House Martin typically hunts at an average height of around 70 feet during the breeding season but at lower heights in wet conditions. In winter, it tends to hunt at greater heights of over 160 feet. The hunting grounds are usually located within about 1500 feet of the nest with a preference for open ground or water, the latter especially in poor weather. However, the House Martin will also follow agricultural vehicles and large animals to catch disturbed insects. Date: 29th May 2018 Location: Hotel Melnik, Melnik, Blagoevgrad Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9579332.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7017767254db00c9090b77.jpgOystercatcher The Oystercatcher is a wader in the oystercatcher family. It is an obvious and noisy bird with black and white plumage, red legs and a strong broad red bill which is used for smashing or prising open molluscs such as mussels or for finding earthworms. Despite its name, oysters do not form a large part of its diet. The Oystercatcher is unmistakable in flight with white patches on the wings and tail with otherwise black upperparts and white underparts. Young birds are more brown, have a white neck collar and a duller bill. The call is a distinctive loud piping. The bill shape varies: Oystercatchers with broad bill tips open molluscs by prising them apart or hammering through the shell whereas birds with pointed bills dig up worms. Much of this is due to the wear resulting from feeding on their prey. Individual Oystercatchers specialise in one technique or the other which they learn from their parents. The Oystercatcher is the most widespread of the oystercatchers with 3 races breeding in western Europe, central Eurasia, Kamchatka, China, and the western coast of Korea. It is a migratory species over most of its range. The European population breeds mainly in northern Europe but in winter the birds can be found in north Africa and southern parts of Europe. Although the species is present all year in Ireland, the UK and the adjacent European coasts, there is still migratory movement within these populations. In winter, large flocks can be seen on major estuaries in the UK. The Oystercatcher breeds on shingle and rocky beaches, sand dunes, salt marshes and on the grassy tops of small islands and also inland on shingle banks of rivers, lakes and gravel pits. Date: 7th June 2007 Location: Loch Spelve, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13593657.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19451942184ec8dad95162e.jpgCommon Buzzard The Common Buzzard is a member of the genus [I]Buteo[/I] and the family [i]Accipitridae[/i], a group of medium-sized raptors with robust bodies and broad wings. The [I]Buteo[/I] species of Eurasia and Africa are usually commonly referred to as buzzards whilst those in the Americas are called hawks. Under current classification, the genus [I]Buteo[/I] includes approximately 28 species. The Common Buzzard includes between 7 to 16 sub-species and the western [i]Buteo[/i] group includes [i]Buteo buteo buteo[/i] which is found more or less continuously throughout Europe including the UK. The Common Buzzard is a medium-sized raptor that is highly variable in plumage. It is distinctly round headed with a somewhat slender bill and it has relatively long wings that either reach or fall slightly short of the tail tip when perched, a fairly short tail and somewhat short and mainly bare tarsi. It can appear fairly compact in overall appearance but may also appear large relative to other commoner raptors such as the Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. The Common Buzzard measures between 16 and 23 inches in length with a 3 feet 7 inches to 4 feet 7 inches wingspan. Females average about 2 to 7% larger than males in length and weigh about 15% more. Body mass can show considerable variation from 0.94 to 2.6 pounds in males and 1.07 to 3.02 pounds in females. In Europe, the Common Buzzard is typically dark brown above and on the upperside of the head and mantle but this can become paler and warmer brown with worn plumage. Usually the tail will be narrowly barred grey-brown and dark brown with a pale tip and a broad dark subterminal band but the tail in the palest birds can show a varying amount of white and a reduced sub-terminal band or even appear almost all white. The underside colouring can be variable but typically shows a brown-streaked white throat with a somewhat darker chest. A pale U across the breast is often present followed by a pale line running down the belly which separates the dark areas on the breast side and flanks. These pale areas tend to have highly variable markings that form irregular bars. Juveniles are quite similar to adults and are best told apart by having a paler eye, a narrower sub-terminal band on the tail and underside markings that appear as streaks rather than bars. Beyond the typical mid-range brownish Common Buzzard, birds in Europe can range from almost uniform black-brown above to mainly white. Extreme dark individuals may range from chocolate-brown to blackish with almost no pale colour showing but with a variable or faded U on the breast and with or without faint lighter brown throat streaks. Extreme pale individuals are largely whitish with variable widely spaced streaks or arrowheads of light brown about the mid-chest and flanks and may or may not show dark feather-centres on the head, wing-coverts and sometimes all but part of the mantle. Individuals can show nearly endless variation of colours and hues in between these extremes and the Common Buzzard is among the most variably plumaged diurnal raptors for this reason. The Common Buzzard is often confused with other raptors especially in flight or at a distance including other [i]Buteo[/i] species such as Rough-legged Buzzard and Long-legged Buzzard and also Honey Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, Golden Eagle, Booted Eagle and Short-toed Eagle. The Common Buzzard is found throughout several islands in the eastern Atlantic islands, including the Canary Islands and the Azores, and almost throughout Europe. In the UK, it is found in Northern Ireland and in nearly every part of Scotland and England. In mainland Europe, there are no substantial gaps in the range from Portugal and Spain to Greece, Estonia, Belarus and the Ukraine, although it is present mainly only in the breeding season in much of the eastern half of the latter 3 countries. It is also present in all larger Mediterranean islands such as Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily and Crete. Further north in to Scandinavia, it is found mainly in south Norway, the southern half of Sweden and in the southern two-thirds of Finland. The Common Buzzard reaches its northern limit as a breeder in far eastern Finland and over the border in to European Russia and nearly to the Kola Peninsula. In these northern limits, the Common Buzzard is present typically only in summer. The Common Buzzard generally inhabits the interface of woodlands and open ground and typically lives in forest edge, small broad-leaved, coniferous or mixed woodlands with adjacent grassland, arable fields or other farmland and open moorland as long as there are some trees. It is absent from treeless tundra and sporadic or rare in treeless steppe. The Common Buzzard can be found from sea level to elevations of 6600 feet although it breeds mostly below 3300 feet. It can winter to an elevation of 8200 feet and migrates easily at 14,800 feet. The Common Buzzard is a partial migrant. Autumn and spring movements are subject to extensive variation, even down to the individual level, based on a region's food resources, competition (both from other Common Buzzards and other predators), the extent of human disturbance and weather conditions. Short distance movements are the norm for juveniles and some adults in autumn and winter but more adults in central and south Europe and the UK remain in their year-around areas than do not. The Common Buzzard is a typical [I]Buteo[/I] in much of its behaviour. It is most often seen effortlessly soaring for extended periods at varying heights although it can appear laborious and heavy in level flight. It is also often seen perched prominently on tree tops, bare branches, telegraph poles, fence posts, rocks or ledges or alternatively well inside the tree canopy. It will also stand and forage on the ground. The Common Buzzard is a generalist predator which hunts a wide variety of prey given the opportunity. The prey extents to a wide variety of vertebrates including mammals, birds (from any age from eggs to adult birds), reptiles, amphibians and fish as well as to various invertebrates, mostly insects. In total, well over 300 prey species are known to be taken by the Common Buzzard. However, dietary studies have shown that it mostly preys upon small mammals, mainly small rodents. Furthermore, prey size can vary from tiny beetles, caterpillars and ants to large adult grouse and Rabbits up to nearly twice their body mass. At times, the Common Buzzard will also subsist partially on carrion, usually of dead mammals or fish. Hunting in relatively open areas has been found to increase hunting success whereas more complete shrub cover lowered success. A majority of prey is taken by dropping from a perch and is normally taken on the ground. Prey may also be hunted in a low flight, by random glides or soars or by foraging on the ground. The home range of the Common Buzzard is generally 0.19 to 0.77 square miles and the size of the breeding territory seems to be correlated with food supply. The territory is maintained through flight displays and in Europe territorial behaviour usually starts in February. However, displays are not uncommon throughout the year in resident pairs, especially by males, and can elicit similar displays by their neighbours. In the display, the Common Buzzard generally engages in high circling, spiraling upward on slightly raised wings. Mutual high circling by pairs sometimes goes on at length, especially during the period prior to or during breeding season. During the mutual displays, the male may engage in exaggerated deep flapping or zig-zag tumbling, apparently in response to the female being too distant. Several pairs may circle together at times and as many as 14 individual adults have been recorded over established display sites. Sky-dancing by the Common Buzzard has been recorded in spring and autumn, typically by the male but sometimes by the female, nearly always with much calling. Sky-dances are of the rollercoaster type, with an upward sweep of up to 100 feet until the bird starts start to stall but sometimes embellished with loops or rolls at the top. Next in the sky-dance, the bird will dive at least 200 feet on more or less closed wings before spreading them and shooting up again. These sky-dances may be repeated in series of 10 to 20. In the climax of the sky-dance, the undulations become progressively shallower, often slowing and terminating directly on to a perch. Various other aerial displays include low contour flight or weaving among trees, frequently with deep beats and exaggerated upstrokes which show underwing pattern to rivals perched below. Talon grappling and occasionally cartwheeling downward with feet interlocked has also been recorded. The Common Buzzard tends to build a bulky nest of sticks, twigs and often heather and lined with broad-leaved foliage. Nests are up to 3.3 to 3.9 feet across and 24 inches deep. With reuse over years, the diameter of a nest can reach or exceed 5 feet. Trees are generally used for a nesting location but crags or cliffs are used if trees are unavailable. Nests in trees are usually located by the main trunk at a height of around 10 to 82 feet. Pairs often have 2 to 4 nests in a territory but some pairs may use a single nest over several consecutive years. The breeding season of the Common Buzzard commences at differing times based on latitude. It may fall as early as January to April but typically it is March to July in most of Europe. In the northern limits of the range the breeding season may occur from May to August. Mating usually occurs on or near the nest and eggs are usually laid in 2 to 3 day intervals. The clutch size can range from to 2 to 6 and it appears that local factors such as habitat and food supply are relevant. Eggs are generally laid in late March to early April in the extreme south, sometime in April in most of Europe and in to May and possibly even early June in the extreme north. If eggs are lost to a predator or fail in some other way, replacement clutches are not usually laid although this has been recorded. Incubation lasts for 33 to 35 days and is mostly, but not solely, undertaken by the female. Hatching may take place over 3 to 7 days. Often the youngest nestling dies from starvation, especially in broods of 3 or more. The female remains at the nest brooding the young in the early stages with the male bringing all prey. At about 8 to 12 days, both the male and female will bring prey but the female continues to do all feeding until the young can tear up their own prey. The young are nearly fully feathered rather than downy at about a month of age and can start to feed themselves as well. The first attempts to leave the nest are often at about 40 to 50 days. Fledging occurs typically at 43 to 54 days but in extreme cases as late 62 days. After leaving the nest, the young generally stay close by until full independence 6 to 8 weeks after fledging. Numerous factors may influence the breeding success of the Common Buzzard including the availability of prey populations, habitat, disturbance and persecution levels and competition. The Common Buzzard is one of the most numerous birds of prey in its range and it is the most numerous diurnal bird of prey throughout much of Europe. Date: 10th November 2011 Location: Ross of Mull, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15454038.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14250271104ff548cb65bd5.jpgGlossy Ibis The Glossy Ibis is a wading bird and a member of the ibis family. Breeding adults have reddish-brown bodies and shiny bottle-green wings whilst non-breeders and juveniles have duller bodies. They have a brownish bill, dark facial skin bordered above and below in blue-grey (non-breeding) to cobalt blue (breeding) and red-brown legs. Unlike herons, ibises fly with necks outstretched and often flocks fly in lines. The Glossy Ibis is the most widespread ibis species breeding in scattered sites in the warmer regions of Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and the Atlantic and Caribbean region of the Americas. They are also migratory with most European birds wintering in Africa. The Glossy Ibis nests colonially in trees often with herons. It is also gregarious when feeding in marshy wetlands when it predates on fish, frogs and other water creatures. The Glossy Ibis is a very rare visitor to the UK although some individuals have stayed here for many months or even years. The species is prone to occasional influxes and in 2009 the UK enjoyed the biggest influx ever with small flocks discovered in several counties. Date: 1st May 2012 Location: Cañada de Rianzuela, Coto Doñana, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813405.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15391748415d0ddee81a691.jpgBuachaille Etive Mor, Argyll Height: Stob Dearg 3352 feet and Stob na Doire 3316 feet. The A82 road from Glasgow to Fort William crosses Rannoch Moor and descends in to Glencoe. Before doing so the rocky pyramid at the north east end of Buachaille Etive Mor stands as a sentinel at the "gateway" to the Highlands. Buachaille Etive Mor lies at the head of Glen Etive and overlooks the north west corner of Rannoch Moor. The best known view of the mountain is from the north and east from where the great rocky pyramid of Stob Dearg is the outstanding feature of the mountain. Date: 13th June 2019 Location: view from Kingshouse just off the A82 road near the junction with the unclassified road along Glen Etive http://www.richardchewphotography.com/rock-of-gibraltar https://images.on-this.website/4752_46412770525289df6c1f3.jpgRock of Gibraltar The Straits of Gibraltar are a narrow strait that connect the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea and separate Gibraltar and Spain in Europe from Morocco in Africa. The name comes from the Rock of Gibraltar, which in turn originates from the Arabic Jebel Tariq (meaning "Tariq's mountain") named after Tariq ibn Ziyad. It is Europe and Africa are separated by 8.9 miles of sea at the Straits’ narrowest point and the Straits’ depth ranges from 980 and 3,000 feet. On the northern side of the Straits are Spain and Gibraltar (a British overseas territory in the Iberian peninsula) while on the southern side are Morocco and Ceuta (a Spanish exclave in north Africa). Its boundaries were known in antiquity as the Pillars of Hercules. There are several islets, such as the disputed Isla Perejil, that are claimed by both Morocco and Spain. The Straits are an important shipping route from the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean. There are also ferries that operate between Spain and Morocco across the Straits as well as between Spain and Ceuta and between Gibraltar and Tangier. Due to its location, the Straits are commonly used for illegal immigration from Africa to Europe. Date: 10th September 2013 Location: view from Castellar de la Frontera, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15454053.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16141141374ff5495631eaf.jpgSpoonbill The Spoonbill is an unmistakable wading bird. Breeding adults are all white except for dark legs, a black spoon-shaped bill with a yellow tip, a yellow breast patch and a crest. Non-breeders lack the crest and breast patch and immature birds have a pale bill and black tips to the primary flight feathers. Unlike herons, Spoonbills fly with their necks outstretched. Feeding birds swing their heads and sweep their bills from side to side through the water. The Spoonbill breeds from the UK and Spain in the west through to Japan and also in North Africa. In Europe, only the Netherlands, Spain, Austria, Hungary and Greece have sizeable populations. Birds from north west and south west Europe winter mainly in west Africa whilst those from south east Europe winter in the Mediterranean and north Africa. Eastern European and Turkish birds appear to move to north east Africa, the Middle East and India. The Spoonbill became extinct in the UK but sporadic breeding attempts in the early 21st century finally culminated with the formation of a colony at Holkham in Norfolk in 2010. The Spoonbill can be found in extensive shallow, wetlands with muddy, clay or fine sandy beds. They may inhabit any type of marsh, river, lake, flooded area and mangrove swamp, whether fresh, brackish or saline but especially those with islands for nesting or dense emergent vegetation such as reedbeds and scattered trees or shrubs. The Spoonbill may also frequent sheltered marine habitats during the winter such as deltas, estuaries, tidal creeks and coastal lagoons. Threats to the Eurasian Spoonbill include habitat destruction through drainage of wetlands and habitat degradation by pollution. Date: 2nd May 2012 Location: Trebujena marismas near Jerez de la Frontera, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847625.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_76260925859bd543410457.jpgMarsh Frog The Marsh Frog is the largest European frog. It is very similar in appearance to the closely related Edible Frog and Pool Frog. These 3 species are often referred to as "green frogs" to distinguish them from the more terrestrial European species which are known as "brown frogs" (best exemplified by the Common Frog). Marsh Frogs show a large variation in colour and pattern, ranging from dark green to brown or grey. The Western European populations are generally dark green to black with dark spots on the back and sides and 3 clear green lines on the back. Females can reach a maximum length of around 6.5 inches but males are smaller at around 4.5 inches. The head is proportionally large and the hind legs are long which gives them excellent jumping abilities. The Marsh Frog is usually gregarious and diurnal and more tied to aquatic habitats than the Common Frog. It is tolerant of brackish conditions and typically it is found on or in the water of its favoured drainage channels and pools throughout the year. Marsh Frogs frequently sunbathe on the bank of the water body where they are often inconspicuous until disturbed when they will jump in to the water with a characteristic “plop”. They can often be seen on lily pads or floating at the surface amongst vegetation with only their heads exposed. During the breeding season (and sometimes beyond) the male Marsh Frog calls very loudly with a sound reminiscent of a loud chuckle which is often very raucous and can be heard all day and night. Dominant males establish territories from which they call. After mating a female may produce up to 16,000 eggs in a season, laying them in clumps of a few hundred in aquatic vegetation below the surface. They hatch in about a week, tadpoles being rather solitary and living in deep water with vegetation. Newly metamorphosed frogs are up to 1 inch in length and take 2 years to mature. The diet of the Marsh Frog consists of dragonflies and other insects, spiders, earthworms and slugs. Larger frogs also eat small rodents and sometimes smaller amphibians and fish. Date: 2nd June 2017 Location: Leles to Boľ area, Latorica, Košice region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo22527646.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5412966275422827fb9501.jpgCamas nan Geall and Ben Hiant, Ardnamurchan, Argyll Camas nan Geall is a sandy bay on the south shore of the Ardnamurchan peninsula. The bay lies to the west of the promontory Rubha Aird Slignich and to the east of Ben Hiant and Maclean's Nose. Camas nan Geall is of archaeological interest with a Neolithic chambered cairn and a Bronze Age standing stone. Camas nan Geall is one of the most photographed beaches on the Ardnamurchan peninsula with excellent views of the bay from a viewpoint off the B8007. The Lochaber Geopark interpretation board at the viewpoint also gives a fascinating insight into the geology and local landmarks. Ben Hiant rises to a height of 1732 feet and is located 3 miles east of Kilchoan. It dominates the northern shore of Loch Sunart with its bare rock exposures and jutting outcrops. Again, excellent views can be obtained from the B8007 viewpoint. Ben Hiant has been designated as an SSSI for its geological features and flora and fauna. The viewpoint on the B8007 is also a good location to scan the skyline for raptors (including Golden and White-tailed Eagles, Common Buzzards and Peregrines) and corvids (Ravens and Hooded Crows). Date: 10th September 2014 Location: view from the B8007 viewpoint between Glenborrodale and Kilchoan http://www.richardchewphotography.com/black-winged-stilts https://images.on-this.website/4752_19995178574ff547df0735d.jpgBlack-winged Stilts The Black-winged Stilt is a widely distributed very long-legged wader. They have long pink-red legs, a long thin black bill and are blackish above and white below with a white head and neck with a varying amount of black. Both in flight and at rest the long pink-red legs are characteristic and even if these are hidden in water of unknown depth, the pure white underparts and jet black upperparts are distinctive. The amount of dark feathering on the otherwise white head doesn't necessarily indicate the sex of a stilt although young birds always have smoky patterning on the head. The Black-winged Stilt can be found in central and southern Europe, central and southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Many birds migrate to south of the Sahara from August to November and return in March and April. However, many of those which breed in Iberia are now increasingly remaining throughout the year. The Black-winged Stilt breeds around shallow wetlands, especially coastal lagoons, saltpans and estuaries. The nest site is a bare spot on the ground near water and birds often nest in small groups, sometimes with Avocets. In Europe, the Black-winged Stilt is a regular spring overshoot vagrant north of its normal range, occasionally remaining to breed in northern European countries including the UK. Date: 1st May 2012 Location: La Madre de las Marismas, El Rocío, Coto Doñana, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623102.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8758296506117d777864d5.jpgKittiwakes The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4158143.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3218550314b291fa3da9cb.jpgKestrel Kestrels are a familiar sight with their pointed wings and long tail, hovering beside a roadside verge or perched on a high tree branch or on a telephone post or wire looking out for prey. They have been declining recently as a result of habitat loss due to continuing intensive management of farmland. As a result, Kestrels are included on the Amber List. Kestrels can be seen all year round in a wide variety of habitats from moorland and heathland to farmland and urban areas. The only places they do not favour are dense forests, treeless wetlands and mountains. Kestrels nest almost everywhere there is a suitable nest site with areas of open, rough ground to feed over. In towns and cities they will feed over parks and gardens. They nest either in holes or on ledges which may be in natural places such as on cliffs or in trees or man-made sites such as church spires, other tall buildings, pylons, cranes, etc. Date: 15th December 2009 Location: Riverside Country Park, Rainham, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42626780.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13141024960a927e07f5b1.jpgGreat Crested Grebe The Great Crested Grebe is the largest member of the grebe family measuring 18 to 20 inches in length with a wing span of 23 to 29 inches. It is a graceful bird with its long neck, long bill and slender outline. In summer, the adults of both sexes are unmistakable being adorned with beautiful head-plumes which are reddish-orange in colour with black tips. There is also an erectile black crown. Non-breeding adults lack the full crest and have a dark crown bordered by a white face, the white extending down the fore-neck and chest. The sexes are similar in appearance but juveniles can be distinguished from adults by having a striped black and white head and neck. The Great Crested Grebe can be found across Europe and Asia and it breeds on shallow, reed-fringed freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs and slow rivers. It is resident in the milder west of its range but it migrates from the colder regions of its range to freshwater lakes, reservoirs and sheltered coastal areas in winter. The Great Crested Grebe has an elaborate mating display. Like all grebes, it nests on the water's edge since its legs are set relatively far back and it is thus unable to walk very well. Usually 2 eggs are laid and the fluffy, striped young grebes are often carried on the adult's back. In a clutch of 2 or more hatchlings, male and female grebes will each identify their “favourites” which they alone will care for and teach. Unusually, young Great Crested Grebes are capable of swimming and diving almost at hatching. The adults teach these skills to their young by carrying them on their backs and diving, leaving the chicks to float on the surface. They then re-emerge a few feet away so that the chicks may swim back on to them. The Great Crested Grebe feeds mainly on fish but it will also eat small crustaceans, insects and small frogs and newts. The Great Crested Grebe was hunted almost to extinction in the UK in the 19th century due to being hunted for its head plumes which were used to decorate hats and ladies' undergarments. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was set up to help protect the Great Crested Grebe which is now again a common sight. Date: 15th April 2021 Location: Lake Meadows, Billericay, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41292190.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19445532545f10b91876bcc.jpgGolden Plover The European Golden Plover, also known as the Eurasian Golden Plover or just the Golden Plover within Europe, is a largish plover. It is similar to 2 other Golden Plovers: the American Golden Plover and the Pacific Golden Plover which are both smaller, slimmer and relatively longer-legged than the European Golden Plover and have grey rather than white axillary feathers. The Golden Plover is a medium sized plover with a distinctive gold and black summer plumage. In winter the black is replaced by buff and white. It typically stands upright and runs in short bursts. The Golden Plover breeds on the ground in a dry open area on moorland, mountains and fells, tundra and marshland in northern Europe and western Asia as far west as Iceland and as far east as central Siberia. It is migratory and winters in western and southern Europe and in north Africa where it tends to gather in large flocks in open areas and on agricultural plains, ploughed land and short meadows. In the UK, the Golden Plover can be found from May to September on the upland moorlands in the southern uplands of Scotland, the Scottish Highlands, the Western and Northern Isles, the Peak District, north Yorkshire, Wales and Devon. Winter flocks start to appear at lower levels and around the coasts after the breeding season with the largest numbers seen between November and February when Golden Plovers often form large flocks with Lapwings. Date: 30th June 2019 Location: Svanhovd, Pasvikdalen, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29486946.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_198807774158107ccfcbdcc.jpgGoldeneye The Goldeneye is a medium-sized diving duck, named for its golden-yellow eye. Adult males have a dark head with a greenish gloss and a circular white patch below the eye, a dark back and a white neck and belly. Adult females have a brown head and a mostly grey body. The Goldeneye breeds on the lakes and in the rivers of boreal forests in Scandinavia, Canada, north USA and north Russia. Naturally it will nest in cavities in large trees but it will also readily use nestboxes put up on trees close to water. This has enabled a healthy breeding population to establish in the Scottish Highlands from 1970 where it is increasing and slowly spreading. The Goldeneye is migratory and most winter in protected coastal waters or open inland waters at more temperate latitudes. The Goldeneye forages by diving underwater for crustaceans, aquatic insects and molluscs. Insects are the predominant prey while nesting and crustaceans are the predominant prey during migration and winter. Date: 23rd May 2016 Location: Wild Brown Bear Centre, near Vartius, Kainuu, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493321.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_505452425f326ffae72a6.jpgCommon Guillemots The Common Guillemot, also known as the Common Murre or Thin-billed Murre, is a large species of auk. The auks are a family of seabirds which includes the Brunnich's Guillemot or Thick-billed Murre, Razorbill, Little Auk and the extinct Great Auk. The Common Guillemot is 15 to 18 inches in length with a 24 to 29 inches wingspan. In breeding plumage, it is black or dark brown on the head, back and wings with white underparts. It has a thin dark pointed bill and a small rounded dark tail. Legs are grey and the bill is dark grey. Males and females are identical. Some individuals in the North Atlantic, known as "Bridled Guillemots", have a white ring around the eye extending back as a white line. This is not a distinct subspecies but a polymorphism that becomes more common the farther north the birds breed. The Common Guillemot flies with fast wing beats and has a flight speed of around 50 mph. Groups of birds are often seen flying together in a line just above the surface of the sea. However, it is not a very agile bird and take-off is often difficult. The Common Guillemot becomes flightless for 45 to 60 days while moulting its primary feathers. The Common Guillemot is a pursuit diver that forages for food by swimming underwater using its wings for propulsion. Dives usually last less than one minute but the bird swims underwater for distances of over 100 feet on a regular basis. Diving depths up to 590 feet have been recorded. The Common Guillemot has a circumpolar distribution and it occurs in low Arctic and boreal waters in the north Atlantic and north Pacific. It spends most of its time at sea and only comes to land to breed on rocky cliffs, sea stacks and islands. Some birds are permanent residents but northern birds migrate south to open waters off New England, southern California, Japan, Korea and the western Mediterranean. The Common Guillemot breeds in colonies at high densities and nesting pairs may be in bodily contact with their neighbours. No nest is made and the single egg is laid and incubated on a bare rock ledge on a cliff face. The egg hatches after 30 days incubation and the chick is born downy and can regulate its body temperature after 10 days. Some 20 days after hatching the chick jumps off its nesting ledge and heads for the sea unable to fly but gliding for some distance with fluttering wings and accompanied by its male parent. The chicks are capable of diving as soon as they hit the water. The female stays at the nest site for some 14 days after the chick has left. The Common Guillemot can venture far from its breeding grounds to forage and distances of 60 miles or more are often observed although if sufficient food is available closer by, birds will only travel much shorter distances. It mainly eats small schooling fish 8 inches long or less such as Polar Cod, Capelin, Sand Lances, Sprats, Sandeels, Atlantic Cod and Atlantic Herring. It also eats some molluscs, marine worms, squid and crustaceans. It is often seen carrying fish in its bill with the tail hanging out. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645478.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_50273331551e3cebee46d2.jpgWhite Storks The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 21st May 2013 Location: Biebrza area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49002079.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7498037356468e78657e33.jpgBlue Tit The Blue Tit is a small passerine bird in the tit family. It is easily recognisable by its generally blue and yellow plumage and its small size. The Blue Tit is about 4.7 inches long with a wingspan of 7.1 inches. It has an azure blue crown and a dark blue line passing through the eye and encircling the white cheeks to the chin, giving the bird a very distinctive appearance. The forehead and a bar on the wing are white. The nape, wings and tail are blue and the back is yellowish green. The underparts are mostly sulphur-yellow with a dark line down the abdomen. The bill is black and the legs bluish grey. The sexes are similar whilst young birds are noticeably more yellow. The Blue Tit is very agile and it can cling to the outermost branches and hang upside down when searching for food such as insects, caterpillars and seeds. The Blue Tit can be found throughout areas of the European continent with a mainly temperate or Mediterranean climate and in parts of the Middle East. In the UK it is common in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens and widespread across the whole of the country with the exception of some Scottish islands. The Blue Tit will nest in any suitable hole in a tree, wall or stump, often competing with other birds such as the House Sparrow or Great Tit for the site. In addition, it will readily accept an artificial nesting box. The same hole is returned to year after year and when one pair dies another takes possession. The nesting material is usually moss, wool, hair and feathers and the eggs are laid in April or May. The number in the clutch is often very large but 7 or 8 is normal. It is not unusual for a single bird to feed the chicks in the nest at a rate of one feed every 90 seconds during the height of the breeding season. Successful breeding is dependent on a sufficient supply of caterpillars as well as satisfactory weather. Breeding may be affected badly if the weather is cold and wet between May and July, particularly if this coincides with the emergence of the caterpillars on which the nestlings are fed. The small size of the Blue Tit makes it vulnerable to predation by larger birds and the typical lifespan is 3 years or less. The most significant predator is probably the Sparrowhawk, closely followed by the domestic cat. Nests may also be robbed by mammals such as the Weasel and Red and Grey Squirrels. Date: 8th April 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24834017.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1580173126559cf361d7df0.jpgSpur-winged Plover The Spur-winged Plover or Spur-winged Lapwing is a lapwing species and is a conspicuous and unmistakable bird. It is a medium-large wader with a black crown, chest, fore-neck stripe and tail. The face, the rest of the neck and the belly are white and the wings and back are light brown. The bill and legs are black. The bird's common name refers to a small claw or spur hidden in each of its wings. The Spur-winged Plover breeds in marshes and similar freshwater wetland habitats around the eastern Mediterranean and in a wide band from sub-Saharan west Africa to Arabia. The Greek and Turkish breeders are migratory but other populations are resident. The species is declining in its northern range but is abundant in much of tropical Africa where it can be seen at almost any wetland habitat in its range. Date: 8th May 2015 Location: Evros Delta (east), East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072336.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15168432534bf6df28afb5a.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill <i>"kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake"</i>. The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 13th April 2010 Location: Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072236.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1847183534bf6d50ea075a.jpgPine Grosbeak The Pine Grosbeak is a large member of the finch family. Adults have a long forked black tail, black wings with white wing bars and a large bill. Adult males have a rose-red head, back and rump. Adult females are olive-yellow on the head and rump and grey on the back and underparts. Young birds have a less contrasting plumage overall, appearing shaggy when they moult their colored head plumage. The Pine Grosbeak is a permanent resident through most of its range and can be found in coniferous woods in subarctic Fennoscandia and Siberia and across Alaska, the western mountains of the United States and Canada. In the extreme north or when food sources are scarce, they may migrate further south. It is a very rare vagrant to temperate Europe. The Pine Grosbeak forages in trees and bushes. It mainly eats seeds, buds, berries and insects. Outside of the nesting season, it often feeds in flocks. Date: 10th April 2010 Location: Neljan Tuulen Tupa near Kaamanen, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813382.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17423269645d0dde82839a1.jpgGreat Skua The Great Skua is an aggressive "pirate" of the seas, deliberately harrassing birds as large as Gannets to steal a free meal. It also readily kills and eats smaller birds such as Puffins. These birds migrate to the northernmost parts of the UK from their wintering grounds off the coasts of Spain and Africa. They breed on coastal rocky islands and moorland in northern Scotland, Orkney and Shetland, arriving in April and leaving in July. At other times they are seen around coasts often in vicinity of seabird colonies, scavenging from other birds or picking food from the surface of the sea. Date: 10th June 2019 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/st-justinian-and-rspb-ramsey https://images.on-this.website/4752_8104614516499625fadba4.jpgSt. Justinian and RSPB Ramsey Island, Pembrokeshire St. Justinian is the departure point for boat trips to RSPB Ramsey Island. RSPB Ramsey Island is recognised as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Special Protection Area (SPA) and a Natura 2000 site. RSPB Ramsey Island is located just 1 mile off the St David's peninsula and a 3.5 mile trail, tough going and rugged in some places, provides a route around it. The summits of Carn Ysgubor and Carn Llundain give amazing views east to the mainland, south to Skomer Island and, on the clearest of days, west to Ireland. At nearly 400 feet high in some places, the western cliffs on RSPB Ramsey Island are among the highest in Wales. These provide nesting sites for breeding Guillemots, Razorbills, Kittiwakes, Fulmars, Choughs and Ravens. A large Atlantic Grey Seal colony lives around the island, with pups born in September and October, and Harbour Porpoise often feed in Ramsey Sound. Other habitats in the interior of the island include grassland and heathland providing breeding habitat for Wheatears, Stonechats, Meadow Pipits, Linnets and Skylarks. In 1999/2000 RSPB Ramsey Island was finally cleared of the Brown Rats that had decimated the island's bird populations for 100 years. The highest standards of bio-security are still maintained in order to ensure rats and mice, which have disastrous impacts on seabird colonies, are never re-introduced to the island again. Date: 7th June 2023 Location: view from St. Justinian, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072250.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_193716634bf6d56fb4826.jpgSiberian Jay The Siberian Jay is noticeably smaller, slighter and proportionately longer-tailed than the Jay with a much shorter and more pointed bill. It is the smallest and most delicate of the Western Palearctic crows and is rather drab brown-grey with rufous-chestnut near the wing-bend and on under wing coverts, rump and sides of tail which set the bird “on fire” in flight. The Siberian Jay is a widespread and highly sedentary resident in Fennoscandia and Russia with Europe accounting for less than half of its global range. It breeds across the higher latitudes of the Western Palearctic and is predominantly at all seasons a bird of coniferous forest, mainly dense stands of forest unmodified by man rather than open growth. The Siberian Jay contrasts with the Jay in a lack of fear of man, readily attaching itself to human travellers and their living quarters, but this has little effect on choice of habitat since its normal range is largely uninhabited by people. Date: 10th April 2010 Location: Neljan Tuulen Tupa near Kaamanen, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/extremadura-dehesa https://images.on-this.website/4752_9457616754ff5465d3b827.jpgExtremadura dehesa, Spain Dehesa is a multifunctional agropastoral system and cultural landscape of southern and central Spain and southern Portugal where it covers around 12500 square miles. Dehesas may be private or communal property (usually belonging to the municipality). The dehesa is derived from the Mediterranean forest ecosystem consisting of pastureland featuring herbaceous species for grazing and tree species such as holm and cork oak. Dehesas are used primarily for grazing by cattle, sheep and goats and they also produce a variety of products including non-timber forest products such as wild game, mushrooms, honey, cork, and firewood. Oaks are protected and pruned to produce acorns which the famous black Iberian pigs feed on in the autumn. Ham produced from Iberian pigs fattened with acorns and then air dried at high elevations is known as jamon which sells for premium prices. Dehesa is an agropastoral system that not only provides a variety of foods and other products but it also a very important wildlife habitat supporting many rare species. Date: 28th April 2012 Location: Rio Almonte bridge to Monroy, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308847.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_104150267363ee37cf686e6.jpgRing-necked Parakeet The Ring-necked Parakeet is the UK's only naturalised parrot. It is large, long-tailed and green with a red beak and a pink and black ring around its face and neck. In flight it has pointed wings, a long tail and a steady, direct flight. Ring-necked Parakeets can be seen all year round at a number of locations in south east England, particularly Surrey, Kent and Sussex. They can often be found in flocks sometimes numbering hundreds of birds at roost sites. Parks, orchards and gardens with mature trees to provide nest holes are favoured habitats. In its native India it is found in jungle and around farms and gardens. Date: 21st January 2022 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833559.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_376592789559cebb7dae3d.jpgGreat Prespa Lake (Megali Prespa), West Macedonia, Greece The Prespa lakes constitute 2 freshwater lakes located in the north west corner of Greece and shared by Greece, Albania and Macedonia. Of the total surface area, 68.07 square miles belongs to Macedonia, 17.88 square miles to Albania and 14.05 square miles to Greece. They are the highest tectonic lakes in the Balkans, standing at a height of 2,798 feet. The Prespa lakes are separated by a narrow causeway. The Great Prespa Lake (Megali Prespa) is divided between Albania, Greece and Macedonia. The Small Prespa Lake (Mikri Prespa) is shared only between Greece and Albania. The lakes and the area surrounding them are well known for their natural beauty and they offer a wonderfully rich diversity of habitats, from deep water, shallows, reedbeds, wet meadows, farmland, forests, hills and mountains. The area hosts 40 species of mammals, 260 species of birds, 32 species of reptiles and amphibians and 17 species of fish including a number of endemic species. Date: 13th May 2015 Location: view from near Laimos, West Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11806170.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9325551904e3a781e65f7b.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 30th July 2011 Location: Minsmere RSPB reserve, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19507434.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_191417370252528b7196849.jpgGriffon Vulture The Griffon Vulture is a typical Old World vulture in appearance with a white bald head, very broad wings and short tail feathers. It has a white neck ruff and yellow bill. The buff body and wing coverts contrast with the dark flight feathers. They are very large birds around 37 to 43 inches long with a 91 to 106 inches wingspan. Like other vultures, the Griffon Vulture is a scavenger, feeding mostly from carcasses of dead animals which it finds by soaring over open areas, often moving in flocks. The population is mostly resident in its breeding range in the mountains of southern Europe, north Africa, and Asia. In Spain, there are tens of thousands of birds from a low of a few thousand around 1980 although the Pyrenees population has apparently been affected by an EU ruling that due to danger of BSE transmission, no carcasses must be left on the fields for the time being. Although the Griffon Vulture does not normally attack larger living prey, there are reports of Spanish Griffon Vultures killing weak, young or unhealthy living animals as they do not find enough carrion to eat. Date: 8th September 2013 Location: Los Llanos de Libar, Sierra de Grazalema, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49798216.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_63791859164ecadd9a7fe1.jpgEssex Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Essex Skipper is a small butterfly with a darting flight. It has bright orange-brown wings which are held with the forewings angled above the hind wings. The males have a thin black scent brand line running through the centre of the forewing and parallel to the leading edge. The Small Skipper appears very similar but it lacks the black tips to the antenna and it has a longer scent brand which is angled to the edge of the forewing. Since the Essex Skipper and the Small Skipper closely resemble each other and are often found in the same company, the Essex Skipper has been overlooked both in terms of recording and ecological study and it was the last UK resident species to be described (in 1889). The Essex Skipper can be found in tall, dry grasslands in open sunny situations, especially roadside verges, woodland rides and acid grasslands as well as coastal marshes. The distribution of the Essex Skipper in the UK has more than doubled in the last few decades. It is a widespread species in southern and central England but not in the far south-west. Date: 3rd July 2023 Location: Durlston Country Park, Swanage, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801053.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_119951199564eda28111a23.jpgRuddy Darter Flight period: mid June to mid September. The Ruddy Darter takes its name from its colour and its swift flight behaviour. The male has a deep russet colour over the entire body and the abdomen has a pinched section close to where it joins the thorax. Females are slightly smaller, golden yellow in colour and being less obviously marked are more difficult to identify than the males. There is more than one red coloured darter species in the UK and they can be easily confused with each other. The commonest red species, the Common Darter, can be distinguished as having red veins at the base of the wings and a less ruddy colouration across the body. However, the Ruddy Darter has entirely black legs, distinguishing it from all other red darters which have longitudinal yellow stripes on their legs. The UK range of the Ruddy Darter has undergone something of an expansion in recent years. Although still relatively uncommon in the west and north of Britain, it is increasing in numbers in the Midlands and eastern England. The population is augmented by continental migrants. It is also found over most of Europe except for northern Scandinavia, as far east as western Siberia and south to north Africa. The Ruddy Darter prefers water bodies with tall emergent vegetation, such as reeds and club rush, and it is known to breed in ponds, lakes, canals, ditches and sluggish rivers. They can also be found near coasts and can breed in fairly brackish water. Date: 8th July 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801282.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_25109856064edb337755bb.jpgRuddy Darter Flight period: mid June to mid September. The Ruddy Darter takes its name from its colour and its swift flight behaviour. The male has a deep russet colour over the entire body and the abdomen has a pinched section close to where it joins the thorax. Females are slightly smaller, golden yellow in colour and being less obviously marked are more difficult to identify than the males. There is more than one red coloured darter species in the UK and they can be easily confused with each other. The commonest red species, the Common Darter, can be distinguished as having red veins at the base of the wings and a less ruddy colouration across the body. However, the Ruddy Darter has entirely black legs, distinguishing it from all other red darters which have longitudinal yellow stripes on their legs. The UK range of the Ruddy Darter has undergone something of an expansion in recent years. Although still relatively uncommon in the west and north of Britain, it is increasing in numbers in the Midlands and eastern England. The population is augmented by continental migrants. It is also found over most of Europe except for northern Scandinavia, as far east as western Siberia and south to north Africa. The Ruddy Darter prefers water bodies with tall emergent vegetation, such as reeds and club rush, and it is known to breed in ponds, lakes, canals, ditches and sluggish rivers. They can also be found near coasts and can breed in fairly brackish water. Date: 26th July 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42670669.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_146035534160b2056a5fbd5.jpgReeves' Muntjac The Reeves' Muntjac, also known as the Chinese Muntjac, is a small, hump-backed deer species. It is named after British naturalist and employee of the East India Company, John Russell Reeves (1774 to 1856). Reeves came across them when he lived in China and sent specimens back to England. It is also called the “barking deer” due to its distinctive barking sound, although this name is also used for other Muntjac species. The barking sound is common during mating or when provoked. The Reeves' Muntjac grows to 1 foot 8 inches high at the shoulder and 3 feet 1 inches in length plus a short tail up to 4 inches long. It is reddish-brown in appearance with striped markings on its face. The belly is creamy-white with lighter fur extending to the neck, chin and the underside of the tail. The males have short antlers, usually 4 inches or less in length, and long upper canines or tusks, usually about 2 inches in length The Reeves' Muntjac is found widely in south east China (from Gansu to Yunnan) and Taiwan but it has also been introduced in Belgium, the Netherlands and Japan. In the UK, it was introduced to Woburn Park in Bedfordshire in 1894 by the then Duke of Bedford and was deliberately released into surrounding woodlands from 1901 onward. Releases, translocations and escapes from the 1930s onwards resulted in wide establishment in south east England and the population is still increasing and spreading across the UK where it can be found in deciduous woodland with a good understorey plus hedgerows, gardens, parks, conifer plantations, railway embankments, etc. Since the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it has been illegal to release the species except where it is already established. The Reeves' Muntjac is a solitary and crepuscular animal and both males and females defend small territories that they mark with preorbital gland secretions that are thought to be pheromonal in nature The Reeves' Muntjac feeds on herbs, blossoms, succulent shoots, fungi, berries, grasses and nuts and it has also been reported to eat tree bark. Eggs and carrion are eaten opportunistically. Date: 18th May 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072286.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12228027374bf6d845c1eeb.jpgReindeer The Reindeer, also known as the Caribou in North America, is a deer from the Arctic and sub Arctic, including both resident and migratory populations. Whilst it is overall widespread and numerous, some of its subspecies are rare or already extinct. The Reindeer is a widespread and numerous species in the northern Holarctic, being present in tundra (frozen arctic plain with lichens, mosses and dwarfed vegetation) and taiga (marshy pine forest) regions. Originally, the Reindeer was found in Scandinavia, eastern Europe, Russia, Mongolia, and northern China. In North America, it was found in Canada, Alaska and the northern USA from Washington to Maine. It also occurred naturally on Sakhalin, Greenland, and probably even in historical times in Ireland. Today, wild Reindeer have disappeared from many areas within this large historical range, especially from the southern parts where it has vanished almost everywhere. Large populations of wild Reindeer are still found in Norway, Finland, Siberia, Greenland, Alaska, and Canada. Wild Reindeer hunting and herding of semi-domesticated Reindeer (for meat, hides, antlers, milk and transportation) are important to several Arctic and Subarctic people. Domesticated Reindeer are mostly found in northern Fennoscandia and Russia with a herd of approximately 150-170 Reindeer also living around the Cairngorms region in Scotland. Reindeer vary considerably in colour and size. Both sexes grow antlers, though they are typically larger in males. Even far outside its range, the Reindeer is well known due to the myth, probably originating in early 19th century America, in which Santa Claus's sleigh is pulled by flying Reindeer, a popular element of Christmas. Date: 11th April 2010 Location: north of Kaamanen, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082118.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2008665645d307a76d2df0.jpgRed-backed Shrike The Red-backed Shrike is a carnivorous passerine bird and member of the shrike family. The general colour of the male’s upper parts is reddish. It has a grey head and a typical shrike black stripe through the eye. Underparts are tinged pink and the tail has a black and white pattern similar to that of a Wheatear. In the female and young birds the upperparts are brown and vermiculated and the underparts are buff and also vermiculated. The Red-backed Shrike eats large insects, small birds, frogs, rodents and lizards. Like other shrikes it hunts from prominent perches and impales corpses on thorns or barbed wire as a "larder." This practice has earned it the nickname of "butcher bird." The Red-backed Shrike breeds in most of Europe and western Asia and winters in tropical Africa. Once a common migratory visitor to the UK, numbers declined sharply during the 20th century. The bird's last stronghold was in Breckland but by 1988 just a single pair remained, successfully raising young at Santon Downham. The following year for the first time no nests were recorded in the UK but since then sporadic breeding has taken place, mostly in Scotland and Wales, and in September 2010 the RSPB announced that a pair had raised chicks at a secret location on Dartmoor where the bird last bred in 1970. This return to south west England has been an unexpected development and has raised speculation that a warming climate could assist the bird in re-colonising some of its traditional sites, if only in small numbers. Date: 19th May 2018 Location: Durankulak, Dobrich Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/rila-monastery-kyustendil-province-bulgaria https://images.on-this.website/4752_19505758895d30854f5ecc2.jpgRila Monastery, Kyustendil Province, Bulgaria The most recognisable landmark in the Rila Mountains is the Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila, better known as the Rila Monastery. This is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria and is situated in the deep valley of the River Rilska River within the Rila Monastery Nature Park at a height of 3763 feet. The monastery is named after its founder, the hermit Ivan of Rila (876 to 946 AD) and houses around 60 monks. Founded in the 10th century, the Rila Monastery is regarded as one of Bulgaria's most important cultural, historical and architectural monuments and is a key tourist attraction for both Bulgaria and south Europe. Due to its outstanding cultural and spiritual value it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. Date: 30th May 2018 Location: Rila Monastery, Kyustendil Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40399560.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9368813155dc6ad391945b.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 18th October 2019 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo20140106.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_102472840352c00281720b1.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 9th December 2013 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo47900594.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1906524218637364b9665e6.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 4th November 2022 Location: Bushy Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41254050.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19815487285f059de2e51ee.jpgPorvoo Cathedral, Porvoo, Uusimaa, Finland Porvoo Cathedral (Finnish: [I]Porvoon tuomiokirkko[/I]; Swedish: [I]Borgå domkyrka[/I]) is located in the centre of the city of Porvoo. It is a cathedral of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland and the seat of the Diocese of Borgå, Finland's Swedish-speaking diocese (Borgå is the Swedish language form of Porvoo). It is also used for services by the Porvoo Finnish-speaking community which is administratively part of the Diocese of Helsinki. The church first became a cathedral in 1723 when the diocese of Viipuri (Viborg) (now the Diocese of Tampere) moved to Porvoo after Vyborg was ceded to Russia in the Treaty of Nystad. Porvoo Cathedral was originally built of wood in the 13th century but the first stone walls were built between 1410 and 1420. In about 1450, it was expanded 13 feet towards the east and 20 feet towards the south. It has been destroyed by fire numerous times: in 1508 by Danish forces and in 1571, 1590 and 1708 by Russian forces. In May 29 2006, the outer roof collapsed in a fire (deliberate arson) but with the inner ceiling undamaged and the interior intact. It was reopened in July 2008. Date: 26th June 2019 Location: Porvoo Cathedral, Porvoo, Uusimaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/oulanka-national-park-finland https://images.on-this.website/4752_12594461604eff20f7d3500.jpgOulanka National Park, Finland The Oulanka National Park, established in 1956 and expanded again in 1982 and 1989, is one of the most popular national parks in Finland located in the Ostrobothnia and Lapland regions of Finland. The National Park covers 104 square miles and it borders the Paanajärvi National Park in Russia. The Oulanka National Park is a unique and versatile combination of northern, southern and eastern nature. The landscape is made up of pine forests, river valleys with sandy banks and rapids, and in the north of vast mires. It has a unique river ecosystem and is an example of untouched and unlogged boreal forest, close to the arctic circle, which is protected by World Wide Fund for Nature from intensive reindeer herding. The area is rich in animal and plant species including endangered ones. A short distance from the Oulanka Visitor Centre are the magnificent Kiutaköngäs Rapids. The Oulankajoki River falls, hemmed in by red granite walls, for about 600 metres and over a distance of about a 100 metres, the river descends 14 metres. Date: 31st May 2009 Location: Oulanka National Park, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833228.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1140812551559ce8fa7d3e4.jpgEuropean Bee-eater The European Bee-eater is an incredibly colourful bird with an unmistakable appearance. In breeding plumage, it has a rich chestnut crown that blends into gold on its back. The forehead is white, the throat is yellow bordered by black and the underparts are blue. The male European Bee-eater has a chestnut-coloured patch in the middle of the wing while in females this patch is usually smaller or even absent. Occasionally, females may also be distinguished from the males by having a green back. The wings and backs of juvenile European Bee-eaters are entirely green and the eyes are brown in contrast to the bright red eyes of adults. The European Bee-eater breeds in southern Europe and in parts of north Africa and western Asia. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, India and Sri Lanka. European Bee-eaters are occasionally seen in northern Europe (including the UK) as a spring overshoot north of its range with occasional breeding occurring. Just as the name suggests, the European Bee-eater predominantly eats insects, especially bees, wasps and hornets which are caught in the air by sorties from an open perch. Before eating its meal, a European Bee-eater removes the sting by repeatedly hitting the insect on a hard surface. Lizards and frogs are also taken. European Bee-eaters are gregarious, nesting colonially in sandy banks preferably near river shores and also feeding and roosting communally. Date: 14th May 2015 Location: Great Prespa Lake (Megali Prespa), West Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453887.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15915680504ff54474542ce.jpgEuropean Bee-eater The European Bee-eater is an incredibly colourful bird with an unmistakable appearance. In breeding plumage, it has a rich chestnut crown that blends into gold on its back. The forehead is white, the throat is yellow bordered by black and the underparts are blue. The male European Bee-eater has a chestnut-coloured patch in the middle of the wing while in females this patch is usually smaller or even absent. Occasionally, females may also be distinguished from the males by having a green back. The wings and backs of juvenile European Bee-eaters are entirely green and the eyes are brown in contrast to the bright red eyes of adults. The European Bee-eater breeds in southern Europe and in parts of north Africa and western Asia. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, India and Sri Lanka. European Bee-eaters are occasionally seen in northern Europe (including the UK) as a spring overshoot north of its range with occasional breeding occurring. Just as the name suggests, the European Bee-eater predominantly eats insects, especially bees, wasps and hornets which are caught in the air by sorties from an open perch. Before eating its meal, a European Bee-eater removes the sting by repeatedly hitting the insect on a hard surface. Lizards and frogs are also taken. European Bee-eaters are gregarious, nesting colonially in sandy banks preferably near river shores and also feeding and roosting communally. Date: 25th April 2012 Location: road to La Lancha and Embalse del Jándula, Sierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38397312.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2904215815ce127cd7db8f.jpgBlack Grouse The Black Grouse is a large game bird in the grouse family. The male has all black plumage with distinctive red wattles over the eyes and striking white stripes along each wing in flight. It has a lyre-shaped tail which is fanned out and raised to show white under-tail feathers when displaying. The female is smaller and grey-brown in colour. The Black Grouse is a sedentary species and breeds across northern Eurasia in moorland and bog areas near to mostly boreal woodland. Although it is declining, it is not considered to be vulnerable globally due to the large population and slow rate of decline. Its decline is due to loss of habitat, disturbance, predation by foxes, crows, etc., and small populations gradually dying out. In the UK, the Black Grouse are found in upland areas of Wales, the Pennines and most of Scotland, especially on farmland and moorland with nearby forestry or scattered trees. Habitat loss and overgrazing have resulted in severe population declines which make the Black Grouse a Red List species. Positive habitat management and re-introduction programmes are helping it to increase in some areas. The Black Grouse has a very distinctive and well-recorded courtship. At dawn in the spring, the males strut around in a traditional area (lek) and display whilst making a highly distinctive and bubbling mating call. This photo was taken at a well known roadside lekking site. If visiting, please remain in your car to avoid disturbance to these vulnerable breeding birds. Date: 10th May 2019 Location: World's End, Denbighshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871707.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5690061974eff20e543935.jpgWhooper Swans The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 30th May 2009 Location: Inari to Utsjoki, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/loch-duich-wester-ross https://images.on-this.website/4752_886638292467f23005f7cd.jpgLoch Duich, Wester Ross Loch Duich runs south from Dornie to Shiel Bridge. Dornie is situated at the confluence of Loch Alsh, Loch Duich and Loch Long and close by is Eilean Donan Castle. Eilean Donan Castle is a 13th century stone courtyard fortress founded by the MacKenzies. The 14th century keep of three storeys and a garret was garrisoned by the Jacobites in 1719 but it surrendered after being bombarded by three English frigates. Early in the 20th century, the remains were reconstructed and are now a feature of numerous stereotypical Scottish calendars and postcards. Date: June 1999 Location: view from the A87 road just south of Dornie http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512263.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_166808429262c99667f1568.jpgStonechat The (European) Stonechat is a small passerine bird that was long considered a member of the thrush family although genetic evidence has now placed it and its relatives in the Old World flycatcher family. Two weakly defined sub-species differing in colour intensity are currently accepted: hibernans found in north west Europe in Atlantic coastal areas, south west Norway, the UK, Ireland and north west France and rubicola found in the south and east of its range from Denmark south west to Spain and north Morocco, east to Poland and Ukraine and south east to Turkey. The (European) Stonechat is slightly smaller than the Robin. Both sexes have distinctively short wings, shorter than those of the more migratory Whinchat and Siberian Stonechat. The summer male has black upperparts, a black head, an orange throat and breast and a white belly and vent. It also has a white half-collar on the sides of its neck, a small white scapular patch on the wings and a very small white patch on the rump often streaked with black. The female has brown upperparts and head and no white neck patches, rump or belly. Instead these areas are streaked dark brown on paler brown, the only white being the scapular patch on the wings and even this often being buffy-white. The (European) Stonechat can often be seen perched on the tops of low bushes where, as its name suggests, it can be heard uttering a sharp loud call that sounds like stones being knocked together. The male's song is high and twittering like a Dunnock. The (European) Stonechat breeds in heathland, coastal dunes and rough grassland with scattered small shrubs and bramble, open gorse, tussocks or heather. It is a short-distance migrant or non-migratory, with part of the population, particularly from the north east of the range where winters are colder, moving to winter further south in Europe and north Africa. Date: 11th May 2022 Location: Morden Bog, Wareham Forest, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49277075.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_266384844649971a927743.jpgMute Swan The Mute Swan is a species of swan native to much of Eurasia. Despite its Eurasian origin, its closest relatives are the Black Swan of Australia and the Black-necked Swan of south America, not the other Northern Hemisphere swans such as the Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan. The name “mute” derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. The adult Mute Swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob at the top of the beak. All Mute Swans are white at maturity although the feathers (particularly on the head and neck) are often stained orange-brown by iron and tannins in the water. Young birds (cygnets) are not the bright white colour of mature adults and their bill is dull greyish-black for the first year. The plumage may range from pure white to grey to buff with grey/buff being the most common. Cygnets typically retain their grey/buff feathers until they are at least 1 year old. On average, the Mute Swan is the second largest waterfowl species after the Trumpeter Swan although the male Mute Swan can easily match or even exceed a male Trumpeter Swan in mass. The adult Mute Swan typically ranges from 55 to 63 inches in length (although it can range in extreme cases from 49 to 67 inches) with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. Males (cobs) are larger than females (pens) and have a larger knob on their bill. The Mute Swan is one of the heaviest flying birds. In several studies from the UK, males were found to average from about 23.4 to 26.2 pounds, with a weight range of 20 to 32 pounds, while the slightly smaller females were found to average about 18.7 to 21.3 pounds, with a weight range of 17 to 23 pounds. The Mute Swan is less vocal than the noisy Bewick's Swan and Whooper Swan although it does make a variety of grunting, hoarse whistling and snorting noises, especially in communicating with their cygnets and threatening competitors or intruders trying to enter their territory. The most familiar sound associated with the Mute Swan is the vibrant throbbing of the wings in flight which is unique to the species and this can be heard from a range of up to 1 mile. The Mute Swan is found naturally mainly in the temperate areas of Europe across west Asia and as far east as Primorsky Krai in the far east of Russia. It is partially migratory throughout the northern latitudes in Europe and Asia as far south as north Africa and the Mediterranean. It is also often kept in captivity outside its natural range as a decoration for parks and ponds and escapes have occurred. The descendants of such birds have become naturalised in east USA and the Great Lakes region across the USA and Canada border. The Mute Swan population in the UK has increased recently probably due to better protection of this species. Some birds are resident all year whilst others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into east England. Mute Swans nest on large mounds that they build with waterside vegetation in shallow water on islands in the middle or at the very edge of a lake. It is a monogamous species and often reuses the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Males and females share the care of the nest. The female lays from 4 to 10 eggs and broods for around 36 days. Cygnets are unable to fly before an age of 120 to 150 days and this limits the distribution of the species in the northern edge of its range since the cygnets must learn to fly before the water freezes. The Mute Swan is usually strongly territorial with just a single pair on smaller lakes although in a few locations where a large area of suitable feeding habitat is found they can be colonial. The largest colonies can hold over 100 pairs such as that at the colony at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset in the UK. Non-mated juveniles up to 3 to 4 years old commonly form larger flocks often at regular traditional sites and these can total several hundred birds. The Mute Swan can be very aggressive in defence of its nest and it is highly protective of its mate and offspring. Most defensive attacks from a Mute Swan begin with a loud hiss and, if this is not sufficient to drive off the predator, are followed by a physical attack. It attacks by smashing at its enemy with bony spurs in the wings accompanied by biting with its large bill. Smaller waterbirds such as ducks are normally grabbed with the bill and dragged or thrown clear. Large waterfowl, such as the Canada Goose, more likely out of competition than in response to potential predation, may be aggressively driven off. The wings of the Mute Swan are very powerful although not strong enough to break an adult man's leg as has been claimed anecdotally. The Mute Swan feeds on a wide range of vegetation, both submerged aquatic plants which they reach with their long necks and by grazing on land. The food commonly includes agricultural crop plants such as oilseed rape and wheat and feeding flocks in the winter may cause significant crop damage, often as much through trampling with their large webbed feet as through direct consumption. Date: 9th June 2023 Location: Bosherston Lily Ponds, Bosherton, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23806413.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11674846945512a4190d1c0.jpgRed-crested Pochard The Red-crested Pochard is a large diving duck. The adult male is unmistakable. It has a rounded orange head, red bill and black breast. The flanks are white, the back brown and the tail black. The female is mainly a pale brown with a darker back and crown and a whitish face. Eclipse males are like females but with red bills. The Red-crested Pochard feeds mainly by diving or dabbling. They eat aquatic plants and typically upend for food more than most diving ducks. The Red-crested Pochard breeds in southern Europe and Central Asia and winters in the Indian subcontinent and Africa. Their breeding habitat is lowland marshes and lakes. It is a gregarious bird forming large flocks in winter, often mixed with other diving ducks. The status of the Red-crested Pochard in the UK is much confused because there have been many escapes and deliberate releases over the years, as well as natural visitors from the continent. However, it is most likely that UK birds are escapees that are now breeding wild and have built up a successful feral population. This bird was part of the captive collection at the WWT Wetland Centre. Date: 7th March 2015 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30017238.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9696781205875507f41ce6.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 2nd January 2017 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38397318.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1869615385ce127e144910.jpgBlack Grouse The Black Grouse is a large game bird in the grouse family. The male has all black plumage with distinctive red wattles over the eyes and striking white stripes along each wing in flight. It has a lyre-shaped tail which is fanned out and raised to show white under-tail feathers when displaying. The female is smaller and grey-brown in colour. The Black Grouse is a sedentary species and breeds across northern Eurasia in moorland and bog areas near to mostly boreal woodland. Although it is declining, it is not considered to be vulnerable globally due to the large population and slow rate of decline. Its decline is due to loss of habitat, disturbance, predation by foxes, crows, etc., and small populations gradually dying out. In the UK, the Black Grouse are found in upland areas of Wales, the Pennines and most of Scotland, especially on farmland and moorland with nearby forestry or scattered trees. Habitat loss and overgrazing have resulted in severe population declines which make the Black Grouse a Red List species. Positive habitat management and re-introduction programmes are helping it to increase in some areas. The Black Grouse has a very distinctive and well-recorded courtship. At dawn in the spring, the males strut around in a traditional area (lek) and display whilst making a highly distinctive and bubbling mating call. This photo was taken at a well known roadside lekking site. If visiting, please remain in your car to avoid disturbance to these vulnerable breeding birds. Date: 10th May 2019 Location: World's End, Denbighshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14160686.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2182107244f3e1ab1490f6.jpgRabbit The (European) Rabbit ranges from 13 to 20 inches in length, not counting a tail of 1.6 to 3.1 inches. It has grey/brown fur, white underparts, long ears, large hind legs and a short, white fluffy tail. As a lagomorph, it has four sharp incisors (two on top, two on bottom) that grow continuously throughout its life. The Rabbit moves move by hopping, using its long and powerful hind legs. To facilitate quick movement, the hind feet have a thick padding of fur to dampen the shock of rapid hopping. The toes are long and are webbed to keep from spreading apart as the animal jumps. The Rabbit is native to south west Europe (Spain and Portugal) and north west Africa (Morocco and Algeria). It is known as an invasive species because it has been introduced to countries on all continents, with the exception of Antarctica and sub-Saharan Africa, where it has often caused many problems within the environment and ecosystems. The Rabbit was brought to England in the 12th century by the Normans and kept in captivity in warrens as a source of meat and fur. Many escaped into the wild and eventually become so common that farming them was no longer economic. Helped by fast breeding, a diet of virtually any vegetable matter and human persecution of their predators, the Rabbit slowly established itself in the wild in the UK despite originally favouring a warmer, drier climate. It is now widespread throughout the UK but absent from the Isles of Scilly and a few smaller islands and can be found almost anywhere that it can burrow. The most suitable areas are those where the burrow area and food supply are side-by-side, such as woodland edge and hedgerows. Open warrens are maintained where good burrowing conditions exist on areas of short grass, sand dunes, railway verges and even in urban areas. It is rarely found above the tree-line and it avoids damp conditions and areas deep in conifer woodland. The Rabbit is a social animal and lives in medium-sized colonies comprising of a network of burrows known as warrens. It is largely crepuscular, being most active around dawn and dusk, although it is not infrequently seen and active during the day. During the day, it prefers to reside in vegetated patches which are used for protection from predators. The Rabbit is essentially a mixed feeder, both grazing and browsing, but grass is the primary food source. However, it has a diverse diet of grasses, leaves, buds, tree bark and roots and will also eat lettuce, cabbage, root vegetables and grains. The Rabbit is famed for its reproductive capabilities and the inspiration for the phrase "breeding like rabbits". The breeding season is mainly from January to August when 4 to 8 litters of 2 to 12 kittens are produced. The gestation period averages 31 days. The doe constructs a nest inside a burrow from grass bedding and lines it with soft fur from her chest and belly. The young kittens are born blind, deaf and almost hairless. Their eyes open at 10 days, they begin to appear at the burrow entrance at 18 days and are weaned at 21 to 25 days. They are self-supporting in one month but 90% die in the first year. Bucks are able to mate at 4 months, does at 3.5 months. Birds of prey and carnivores such as the Fox, Stoat and Weasel are the primary predators of the Rabbit. Date: 7th February 2007 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7190766.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19131806094cc304c15a8b3.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 17th October 2010 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40399558.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20942053675dc6ad3038e4c.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 18th October 2019 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/tura-nad-bodvou-koice-region https://images.on-this.website/4752_195822439059bd547672767.jpgTurňa nad Bodvou, Košice region, Slovakia Turňa nad Bodvou is a village in the Kosice region of eastern Slovakia. In historical records, the village was first mentioned in 1198. The capital of the historic Torna county was Turňa Castle (Turniansky hrad) which later became the town of Turňa nad Bodvou with a population of about 30,000 people in the year 1851. The town Turňa nad Bodvou became a village after World War 1. The ruins of Turňa Castle (Turniansky hrad) can be seen on the 1230 feet high karst hill, directly behind the village of Turňa nad Bodvou. The aristocratic family of Turniansky built the castle between the 13th and 14th centuries. In spite of its fortifications which were reinforced in the 16th century it was taken by the Turks in 1652. It has been in ruins since 1685 and the preserved parts burned down in 1848. Date: 2nd June 2017 Location: view from Penzión Réva, Turňa nad Bodvou, Košice region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871696.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7055445824eff20b52fa39.jpgWaxwing The Waxwing is a plump bird which is slightly smaller than a starling. It is reddish-brown with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings, a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest. Waxwings breed in the dense forests of northern Europe but they occur in varying numbers in the UK from October to March. In some years they can occur in large numbers (known as irruptions) when the population in the breeding areas gets too big for the food available. Waxwings make an easily recognisable high-pitched trilling sound like a bell. Date: 29th May 2009 Location: north of Sodankylä, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45948306.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19882575316284a9d60e627.jpgKingfisher The Kingfisher is a small unmistakable bright blue and orange bird of slow moving or still water. They fly rapidly and low over water and hunt fish from riverside perches, occasionally hovering above the water's surface. Kingfishers are vulnerable to hard winters and habitat degradation through pollution or unsympathetic management of watercourses and are an “Amber List” species due to their unfavourable conservation status in Europe. Kingfishers are widespread especially in central and southern England but become less common further north. Following some declines last century, they are currently increasing in their range in Scotland. Kingfishers can be found all year round by still or slow flowing water such as lakes, canals and rivers in lowland areas. In winter, some individuals move to estuaries and the coast. Occasionally they may also visit garden ponds if they are of a suitable size. Date: 14th April 2022 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41537252.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19994402635f3cfe0477107.jpgKittiwakes The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 4th July 2019 Location: Flåget, Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11159412.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9719493874e15830235423.jpgGreylag Goose The Greylag Goose is the ancestor of most domestic geese but is also the largest and bulkiest of the wild geese native to the UK and Europe. In many parts of the UK it has been re-established by releasing birds in suitable areas but the resulting flocks found around gravel pits, lakes and reservoirs all year round in southern Britain tend to be semi-tame. The native birds and wintering flocks found on lochs in northern Scotland and on some Scottish islands retain the special appeal of truly wild geese. Date: 26/01/07 Location: Holme, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833984.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_243622617559cf2485b911.jpgWhite Stork The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 9th May 2015 Location: Thimaria, East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493247.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20373359305f326ebc9a20a.jpgShag The European Shag, Common Shag or simply Shag is a species of cormorant. It is 27 to 31 inches in length with a 37 to 43 inches wingspan. It is mainly black in colour but with a glossy green-tinged sheen in adults. It has a longish tail and a yellow throat-patch. Adults have a small recurved crest in the breeding season. It is distinguished from the Cormorant by its smaller size, lighter build, thinner and narrower bill, and, in breeding adults, by the crest and metallic green-tinged sheen. The Shag breeds around the rocky coasts of west and south Europe, north Africa and south west Asia, mainly wintering in its breeding range except for the northernmost birds. It nests on rocky ledges or in crevices or small caves and the nests are untidy heaps of rotting seaweed or twigs cemented together by the bird's own guano. The nesting season is long and begins in late February although some nests are not started until May or even later. The female lays 3 eggs and the chicks hatch without down and so they rely totally on their parents for warmth, often for a period of 2 months before they can fly. Fledging may occur at any time from early June to late August and exceptionally to mid-October. In the UK, the Shag breeds at coastal sites, mainly in the north and west of the country, and more than half of the population is found at fewer than 10 sites. It can be seen during the breeding season at the large Scottish colonies on Orkney, Shetland, the Inner Hebrides and in the Firth of Forth. Elsewhere it can be seen commonly around the coasts of Wales and south west England, especially in Devon and Cornwall. The Shag feeds in the sea and, unlike the Cormorant, it is rare inland. It is one of the deepest pursuit divers among the cormorant family and it has been shown to dive to at least 150 feet. When it dives, it jumps out of the water first to give extra impetus to the dive. The Shag forages for food on the sea bed and eats a wide range of fish although the commonest prey is the sand eel. It will travel long distances from its breeding and roosting sites in order to feed. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4352181.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6861610624b687b9e1b264.jpgSnow Bunting Snow Buntings are large buntings with striking “snowy” plumages. Males in summer have all white heads and underparts contrasting with a black mantle and wing tips. Females are a more mottled above. In autumn and winter birds develop a sandy/buff wash to their plumage and males have more mottled upperparts. Snow Buntings breed in far northern Europe and migrate south in winter. They are a very scarce breeding species in the UK and can be found on the highest mountain peaks in Scotland where they nest in rocky crevices. Snow Buntings are best looked for in winter (from late September to early March) where they can sometimes be seen in large flocks on the seashore or on adjacent short rough grassland at coastal sites in Scotland and eastern England. Date: 1st February 2010 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30024921.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_698085717587a0a4b223c6.jpgCommon Pochard The Common Pochard is a medium-sized and stocky diving duck. The adult male has a long dark bill with a grey band, a red head and neck, a black breast, red eyes and a grey back. The adult female has a brown head and body and a narrower grey bill band. The triangular head shape is distinctive. The Common Pochard is superficially similar to the closely related Redhead and Canvasback found in north America. The Common Pochard breeds in marshes and on lakes in much of temperate and north Europe and in to Asia. It is migratory and spends the winter in the south and west of Europe. In the UK, the Common Pochard breeds in east England and lowland Scotland plus in small numbers in Northern Ireland. Large numbers from Russia and Scandinavia winter in the UK on lakes, reservoirs and gravel pits, often mixing with other diving ducks such as the Tufted Duck. In a number of countries, the Common Pochard is decreasing mainly due to habitat loss and hunting. It is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. The Common Pochard feeds mainly by diving or dabbling for aquatic plants, molluscs, aquatic insects and small fish. Date: 5th January 2017 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28885382.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_96605137857cc3078d3f3e.jpgCurlew The (Eurasian) Curlew is a wader and one of the most widespread of the curlew species. In Europe, it is usually referred to just as the Curlew. It is mainly greyish-brown with a white back, greyish-blue legs and a very long curved bill. Males and females look identical but the bill is longest in the adult female. The only similar species over most of the Curlew's range is the Whimbrel but this species is smaller and has a shorter bill with a kinked tip rather than a smooth curve. The English name "curlew" is imitative of the Curlew's familiar and loud [i]curloo-oo[/i] call. The Curlew breeds across temperate Europe and Asia and builds a nest in a bare scrape on moors, meadows and similar habitats. It is a migratory species over most of its range and winters in Africa, south Europe and south Asia. It is present all year in the milder climates of the UK and its adjacent European coasts. In the UK, the greatest breeding numbers are found in north Wales, the Pennines, the southern uplands and Highlands of Scotland and on Orkney. In winter, it can be found around the whole UK coastline with the largest concentrations at Morecambe Bay, the Solway Firth and the Wash and the Dee, Severn, Humber and Thames estuaries. The Curlew is highly gregarious outside the breeding season and feeds by probing soft mud for small invertebrates or picking up small crabs and earthworms off the surface if the opportunity arises. The Curlew is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Formerly classified as a species of “Least Concern” by the IUCN, it was suspected to be rarer than generally assumed. Following the evaluation of its population size, the classification was found to be incorrect and it was consequently promoted to “Near Threatened” status in 2008. Though it is a common bird, its numbers are noticeably declining. Date: 16th May 2016 Location: Valguta, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871694.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11704361334eff20abc3d9c.jpgWaxwing The Waxwing is a plump bird which is slightly smaller than a starling. It is reddish-brown with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings, a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest. Waxwings breed in the dense forests of northern Europe but they occur in varying numbers in the UK from October to March. In some years they can occur in large numbers (known as irruptions) when the population in the breeding areas gets too big for the food available. Waxwings make an easily recognisable high-pitched trilling sound like a bell. Date: 29th May 2009 Location: north of Sodankylä, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38397327.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20204109445ce1280145b32.jpgSnowdon, Gwynedd Height: Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) 3560 feet, Crib y Ddysgl 3494 feet, Crib Coch 3028 feet and Y Lliwedd 2946 feet. Snowdonia, or "Eagles nesting place" in Welsh, offers some of the most impressive scenery in the UK. The highest peak, Snowdon, at 3560 feet is the highest mountain in England and Wales. Snowdonia is one of the 11 National Parks of England and Wales and is the second largest after the Lake District. The National Park covers 823 square miles of the most beautiful and unspoilt countryside in north west Wales. Date: 11th May 2019 Location: view from the A4086 road near Capel Curig http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5472456.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1241965504c306aa478cf0.jpgRuddy Darter Flight period: mid June to mid September. The Ruddy Darter takes its name from its colour and its swift flight behaviour. The male has a deep russet colour over the entire body and the abdomen has a pinched section close to where it joins the thorax. Females are slightly smaller, golden yellow in colour and being less obviously marked are more difficult to identify than the males. There is more than one red coloured darter species in the UK and they can be easily confused with each other. The commonest red species, the Common Darter, can be distinguished as having red veins at the base of the wings and a less ruddy colouration across the body. However, the Ruddy Darter has entirely black legs, distinguishing it from all other red darters which have longitudinal yellow stripes on their legs. The UK range of the Ruddy Darter has undergone something of an expansion in recent years. Although still relatively uncommon in the west and north of Britain, it is increasing in numbers in the Midlands and eastern England. The population is augmented by continental migrants. It is also found over most of Europe except for northern Scandinavia, as far east as western Siberia and south to north Africa. The Ruddy Darter prefers water bodies with tall emergent vegetation, such as reeds and club rush, and it is known to breed in ponds, lakes, canals, ditches and sluggish rivers. They can also be found near coasts and can breed in fairly brackish water. Date: 4th July 2010 Location: Thrift Wood EWT reserve, Bicknacre, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37190321.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7954946595c2a1a850f69c.jpgCommon Seals The Common or Harbour Seal is the most widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. The Common Seal possesses a unique pattern of spots, either dark on a light background or light on a dark background. It varies in colour from brownish black to tan or grey although underparts are generally lighter. The body and flippers are short, the head is rounded and the nostrils appear distinctively V-shaped. Blubber under the skin helps to maintain body temperature. Including the head and flippers, the Common Seal may reach an adult length of 6.1 feet and a weight of 120 to 370 pounds. Females are generally smaller than males. There are an estimated 350,000 to 500,000 Common Seals worldwide. While the population is not threatened as a whole, the Greenland, Hokkaidō and Baltic Sea populations are exceptions. Local populations have been reduced or eliminated through disease and unintentional and intentional conflict with humans. It is legal to kill seals perceived to threaten fisheries in the UK, Norway and Canada but commercial hunting is illegal. Seals are also taken in subsistence hunting and accidentally as bycatch. The Common Seal sticks to familiar resting spots or haul out sites, generally rocky areas (although ice, sand and mud may also be used), where it is protected from adverse weather conditions and predation, near a foraging area. It may spend several days at sea and travel up to 30 miles in search of feeding grounds although it will also congregate in harbours, sandy intertidal zones and estuaries and swim some distance upstream into fresh water in large rivers. The Common Seal feeds primarily on fish and occasionally shrimps, crabs, molluscs and squid. The Common Seal is often solitary but it is gregarious when hauled out and during the breeding season although it does not form groups as large as some other seals. Both courtship and mating occur underwater and females give birth annually with a gestation period of approximately 9 months. The timing of the pupping season varies with location, occurring in February for populations in lower latitudes and as late as July in the sub Arctic zone. The mothers are the sole providers of care and the single pups are born well developed, capable of swimming and diving within hours. Suckling for 3 to 4 weeks, pups feed on the mother's rich, fatty milk and grow rapidly and doubling their weight by the time of weaning. Date: 25th June 2018 Location: Loch Fleet, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874844.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7240246561ccfa24ab5e.jpgHaukadalur, south Iceland The Haukadalur geothermal area is located in south west Iceland to the north east of the Reykjanes peninsula and Reykjavík. Here can be seen some of the most famous sights of Iceland: the geysers and other geothermal features which have developed on the Laugarfjall rhyolitic dome. The biggest geysers of Haukadalur are Strokkur and Geysir. There are also more than 40 other hot springs, mud pots and fumaroles nearby. The oldest accounts of hot springs at Haukadalur date back to 1294 when earthquakes in the area caused significant changes in the local neighbouring landscape creating several new hot springs. Changes in the activity of Geysir and the surrounding geysers are still strongly related to earthquake activity. Strokkur is a fountain geyser and is one of Iceland's most famous geysers. It is very dependable and erupts about every 5 to 10 minutes with boiling water reaching a height of 50 to 65 feet and sometimes up to 130 feet. Geysir, sometimes known as The Great Geysir, was the first geyser described in a printed source in the 18th century and the first known to modern Europeans. Since unusual natural phenomena were of high interest to society during the Age of Enlightenment, the term became popular and has been used for similar hydrothermal features worldwide since then. The English word geyser derives from Geysir whilst Geysir itself is derived from the Icelandic verb <i>geysa</i> ("to gush"). Eruptions at Geysir can hurl boiling water up to 230 feet in the air but eruptions are now very infrequent and have in the past stopped altogether for years at a time. The Haukadalur geothermal area, usually referred to as Geysir, is popular with tourists and, together with the magnificent waterfall at Gulfoss and Þingvellir, it is part of a group of the most famous sights of Iceland known as the "Golden Circle". Date: 7th June 2015 Location: geothermal spring at Haukadalur http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9591296.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20787438814db1754e5fe99.jpgCommon Pochard The Common Pochard is a medium-sized and stocky diving duck. The adult male has a long dark bill with a grey band, a red head and neck, a black breast, red eyes and a grey back. The adult female has a brown head and body and a narrower grey bill band. The triangular head shape is distinctive. The Common Pochard is superficially similar to the closely related Redhead and Canvasback found in north America. The Common Pochard breeds in marshes and on lakes in much of temperate and north Europe and in to Asia. It is migratory and spends the winter in the south and west of Europe. In the UK, the Common Pochard breeds in east England and lowland Scotland plus in small numbers in Northern Ireland. Large numbers from Russia and Scandinavia winter in the UK on lakes, reservoirs and gravel pits, often mixing with other diving ducks such as the Tufted Duck. In a number of countries, the Common Pochard is decreasing mainly due to habitat loss and hunting. It is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. The Common Pochard feeds mainly by diving or dabbling for aquatic plants, molluscs, aquatic insects and small fish. Date: 6th January 2008 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405493.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14915644376586e8a9129de.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 14th October 2023 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/drakkar-skagen-near-vard-troms https://images.on-this.website/4752_3826429235f37b27a4e7e6.jpg“Drakkar”, Skagen, near Vardø, Troms og Finnmark, Norway “Drakkar” is a striking and unique wooden sculpture that combines a Viking ship, a whale and a dinosaur. It was built in July 2016 by 3 young art students from Arkhangelsk in north west Russia during the Pomor Festival in the town of Vardø. "Drakkar" was one of many art projects during the festival. “Drakkar” is located on a hill in Skagen on the island of Vardøya to the north of Vardø and it overlooks Bussesundet, the wide sea strait that separates Vardøya to the east from the mainland to the west. “Drakkar”, meaning dragon, is a fictional name used for a Viking ship and the sculpture has the stem of a Viking ship including the dragon head. Date: 3rd July 2019 Location: Skagen near Vardø, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/spisk-hrad-spisk-podhradie-koice https://images.on-this.website/4752_192942238359bd523c489a3.jpgSpišský hrad, Spišské Podhradie, Košice region, Slovakia Spišské Podhradie is a small town in the Spišská Nová Ves district of the Košice region of Slovakia in north east Slovakia. The history of Spišské Podhradie is connected with its castle although the oldest settlement is from the Stone Age. There are many cultural monuments in the vicinity of Spišské Podhradie, including the castle of Spišský hrad and the exceptionally well-preserved medieval walled ecclesiastical town of Spišska Kapitula with its cathedral, monastery and single street. These form part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Levoča, Spiš Castle and the associated cultural monuments. Spišské Podhradie is situated at the foot of the hill of Spišský hrad, a ruined castle and one of the largest castle sites in central Europe at almost 446000 square feet. It was built in the 12th century on the site of an earlier castle and was the political, administrative, economic and cultural centre of Szepes county of the Kingdom of Hungary. Before 1464 it was owned by the Kings of Hungary and afterwards by the Zápolya family (until 1528), the Thurzó family (from 1531 to 1635) and the Csáky family (from 1638 to 1945) and since 1945 by the states of Czechoslovakia and Slovakia. In 1780, the castle burned down and there are a number of theories as to the cause. Whatever the cause, the castle was no longer occupied after the fire and began to fall into disrepair. It was partly reconstructed in the second half of the 20th century and extensive archaeological research was carried out on the site. The reconstructed sections house displays of the Spiš Museum. Date: 31st May 2017 Location: view from Spišské Podhradie, Košice region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38397315.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15958363305ce127d9181b5.jpgBlack Grouse The Black Grouse is a large game bird in the grouse family. The male has all black plumage with distinctive red wattles over the eyes and striking white stripes along each wing in flight. It has a lyre-shaped tail which is fanned out and raised to show white under-tail feathers when displaying. The female is smaller and grey-brown in colour. The Black Grouse is a sedentary species and breeds across northern Eurasia in moorland and bog areas near to mostly boreal woodland. Although it is declining, it is not considered to be vulnerable globally due to the large population and slow rate of decline. Its decline is due to loss of habitat, disturbance, predation by foxes, crows, etc., and small populations gradually dying out. In the UK, the Black Grouse are found in upland areas of Wales, the Pennines and most of Scotland, especially on farmland and moorland with nearby forestry or scattered trees. Habitat loss and overgrazing have resulted in severe population declines which make the Black Grouse a Red List species. Positive habitat management and re-introduction programmes are helping it to increase in some areas. The Black Grouse has a very distinctive and well-recorded courtship. At dawn in the spring, the males strut around in a traditional area (lek) and display whilst making a highly distinctive and bubbling mating call. This photo was taken at a well known roadside lekking site. If visiting, please remain in your car to avoid disturbance to these vulnerable breeding birds. Date: 10th May 2019 Location: World's End, Denbighshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo1278895.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5102088154866c95b17ead.jpgKyle of Tongue, Sutherland The Kyle of Tongue is a large inlet on the north coast of Sutherland and extends 6 miles south west from Tongue Bay. The village of Tongue lies to the east. A passenger ferry across the Kyle of Tongue remained until 1971 when a bridge causeway finally replaced the narrow road that still makes its way around the southern end of the Kyle. Looking south from the causeway there are magnificent views of Ben Loyal and Ben Hope. Date: 5th June 2008 Location: view looking north east from the A836 road just outside Tongue http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26040996.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_973818252563895baa709d.jpgWestfjords, Iceland The Westfjords is the name of a large peninsula in north west Iceland and it is situated on the Denmark Strait facing the east coast of Greenland to the north west. It is connected to the rest of Iceland by a 5 mile wide isthmus between Gilsfjörður and Bitrufjörður. The Westfjords are one of the most breathtakingly beautiful and least visited corners of Iceland with only a small number of foreign tourist visitors. This peninsula of almost 5500 square miles stretching out into the icy waters of the Denmark Strait is characterised by dramatic fjords which have resulted from intense glacial activity. Everything here is extreme from the table mountains that dominate the landscape and which plunge precipitously into the sea to the ferocious storms that have gnawed the coastline into countless craggy inlets. After crossing the Steingrímsfjarðarheiði mountain pass west of Hólmavík, road 61 becomes a convoluted and circuitous route which winds it’s way in and around no fewer than 7 deeply indented fjords in the northern part of the Westfjords before reaching the regional capital of Ísafjörður. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: view from road 60 between Ísafjörður and Þingeyri http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874855.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_443516108561cd00fd0755.jpgGullfoss, south Iceland Gullfoss (Icelandic: "Golden Falls") is a waterfall located in the canyon of the Hvítá river in south west Iceland. The wide Hvítá river rushes southward from the Hvítávatn glacier lake at the Lángjökull glacier about 25 miles north of Gullfoss. Less than a mile above Gullfoss the river turns sharply to the right and flows down into a wide curved three-step "staircase" and then abruptly plunges in 2 stages (36 feet and 69 feet) into a crevice 105 feet deep. The crevice, about 66 feet wide and 1.5 miles in length, extends perpendicular to the flow of the river. The average amount of water running over Gullfoss is 260 to 460 cubic feet per second but the highest flood measured was 6500 cubic feet per second. During the first half of the 20th century and some years into the late 20th century, there was much speculation about using Gullfoss to generate electricity. During this period, Gullfoss was rented indirectly by its owners to foreign investors. However, the investors' attempts were unsuccessful and Gullfoss was later sold to the state of Iceland and is now protected. Gullfoss is popular with tourists and, together with the Haukadalur geothermal area, usually referred to as Geysir, and Þingvellir, it is part of a group of the most famous sights of Iceland known as the "Golden Circle". Date: 7th June 2015 Location: photo of Gullfoss on one of the visitor noticeboards (it was grey, cold, wet and windy when I was there!) http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42222330.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11408056546023a32061a40.jpgArctic Circle, Rovaniemi, Lappi, Finland The Arctic Circle is one of the five major circles of latitude that mark maps of the Earth. In 2012, it is the parallel of latitude that runs 66° 33′ 44″ north of the Equator. The region north of this circle is known as the Arctic and the zone just to the south is called the Northern Temperate Zone. The equivalent polar circle in the Southern Hemisphere is called the Antarctic Circle. The Arctic Circle is the southernmost latitude in the Northern Hemisphere at which the sun can remain continuously above or below the horizon for 24 hours (at the June solstice and December solstice respectively). North of the Arctic Circle, the sun is above the horizon for 24 continuous hours at least once per year (and therefore visible at midnight) and below the horizon for 24 continuous hours at least once per year. The position of the Arctic Circle is not fixed. It directly depends on the Earth's axial tilt, which fluctuates within a margin of 2° over a 40,000-year period, notably due to tidal forces resulting from the orbit of the Moon. Relatively few people live north of the Arctic Circle due to the severe climate. Areas have been settled for thousands of years by indigenous peoples. Tens of thousands of years ago, waves of people migrated from eastern Siberia across the Bering Strait into North America and gradually eastward to settle. Much later, in the historic period, there has been migration into some Arctic areas by Europeans and other immigrants. Rovaniemi, which lies slightly south of the Arctic Circle, has a population of approximately 60,000, and is the largest settlement in the immediate vicinity of the Arctic Circle. It is the administrative capital and commercial centre of Finland's northernmost province, Lapland. It is situated between the hills of Ounasvaara and Korkalovaara at the confluence of the river Kemijoki and its tributary, the Ounasjoki. Date: 9th July 2019 Location: Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871727.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_400373334eff213f2bf9b.jpgBrown Bear The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, <i>Ursus arctos arctos</i>. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an overnight stay in a Brown Bear watching hide at [url=http://www.martinselkonen.fi/index.php?id=1&la=en]Martinselkosen Eräkeskus[/url] Date: 1st June 2009 Location: Martinselkosen Eräkeskus, Pirttivaara, Kainuu, Finland <iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/10143012?autoplay=1" width="600" height="450" frameborder="0"></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/10143012">Brown Bears of Martinselkonen</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user3372484">Richard Chew</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>. Music: Jean Sibelius - Andante festivo<br /> </p> http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081459.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_49386826563a84c8a96c99.jpgCommon Pochard The Common Pochard is a medium-sized and stocky diving duck. The adult male has a long dark bill with a grey band, a red head and neck, a black breast, red eyes and a grey back. The adult female has a brown head and body and a narrower grey bill band. The triangular head shape is distinctive. The Common Pochard is superficially similar to the closely related Redhead and Canvasback found in north America. The Common Pochard breeds in marshes and on lakes in much of temperate and north Europe and in to Asia. It is migratory and spends the winter in the south and west of Europe. In the UK, the Common Pochard breeds in east England and lowland Scotland plus in small numbers in Northern Ireland. Large numbers from Russia and Scandinavia winter in the UK on lakes, reservoirs and gravel pits, often mixing with other diving ducks such as the Tufted Duck. In a number of countries, the Common Pochard is decreasing mainly due to habitat loss and hunting. It is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. The Common Pochard feeds mainly by diving or dabbling for aquatic plants, molluscs, aquatic insects and small fish. Date: 9th January 2022 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/seven-spot-ladybirds https://images.on-this.website/4752_14729325855f20089b9f5d6.jpgSeven-spot Ladybirds The Seven-spot Ladybird is a very familiar and widespread in the UK. They are small round beetles with three and a half spots on each of their two elytra (wing cases). The thorax is black with two white marks at the side and the head is small and black. The Ladybird's bright colours are a warning to predators of its foul taste. When disturbed the Ladybird will secrete small amounts of its oily foul-smelling yellow blood from its legs as a further warning to predators such as ants or birds. They inhabit gardens, woodland, hedgerows and meadows and have a varied diet of small insects but favour plant-lice and aphids. They are known as the gardener's friend as they eat garden pests. The average Seven-spot Ladybird will eat more than 5,000 aphids in its year-long life. Ladybirds will hibernate in large groups in sites which are used year after year. In the main breeding season during May and June, mating Seven-spot Ladybirds are a common sight in hedgerows and gardens. In her short life, a female may lay more than 2,000 small yellow eggs. The name Ladybird comes from the Middle Ages when the colourful insects were known as the "beetle of Our Lady". They were named after the Virgin Mary because in early religious paintings she was often shown wearing a red cloak. The 7 spots symbolise 7 joys and 7 sorrows. Date: 25th June 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29486931.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_76953166958107cac6a8a1.jpgWild Brown Bear Centre, near Vartius, Kainuu, Finland The [url=http://www.wildbrownbear.fi/]Wild Brown Bear Centre[/url] is located in the wilderness taiga forest area near Vartius close to the Finland-Russia border. During May, June, July and August, 22 photography and observation hides can be occupied between 5 p.m. and 7 a.m. The hides are approached by about a half mile walk through the forest from the main lodge and they each accommodate 2 to 3 people. They are situated in a small open wetland area, near a small pond and inside a pine forest clearing. Please see my [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/trip-report-estonia-and-north]trip report[/url] for further information. Date: 23rd May 2016 Location: Wild Brown Bear Centre, near Vartius, Kainuu, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29486923.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_123836244758107c95c208a.jpgGoldeneye The Goldeneye is a medium-sized diving duck, named for its golden-yellow eye. Adult males have a dark head with a greenish gloss and a circular white patch below the eye, a dark back and a white neck and belly. Adult females have a brown head and a mostly grey body. The Goldeneye breeds on the lakes and in the rivers of boreal forests in Scandinavia, Canada, north USA and north Russia. Naturally it will nest in cavities in large trees but it will also readily use nestboxes put up on trees close to water. This has enabled a healthy breeding population to establish in the Scottish Highlands from 1970 where it is increasing and slowly spreading. The Goldeneye is migratory and most winter in protected coastal waters or open inland waters at more temperate latitudes. The Goldeneye forages by diving underwater for crustaceans, aquatic insects and molluscs. Insects are the predominant prey while nesting and crustaceans are the predominant prey during migration and winter. Date: 23rd May 2016 Location: Wild Brown Bear Centre, near Vartius, Kainuu, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37403973.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16235630475c6828e473db6.jpgCollared Dove Collared Doves are distinctive birds with their buffy-pink plumage and black neck collar. They are usually seen singly or in pairs, although flocks may form where food is plentiful. They feed on the ground but readily perch on roofs and wires and in trees. The Collared Dove is not migratory but it is strongly dispersive. Over the last century, it has been one of the great colonisers of the bird world. Its original range at the end of the 19th century was warm temperate and subtropical Asia from Turkey east to south China and south through India to Sri Lanka. In 1838 it was reported in Bulgaria but not until the 20th century did it expand across Europe, appearing in parts of the Balkans between 1900 and 1920 and then spreading rapidly north west, reaching Germany in 1945, the UK in 1953, Ireland in 1959 and the Faroe Islands in the early 1970s. Subsequent spread was “sideways” from this fast north west spread reaching north east to north of the Arctic Circle in Norway, east to the Ural Mountains in Russia and south west to the Canary Islands and north Africa from Morocco to Egypt by the end of the 20th century. In the east of its range it has also spread north east to most of central and north China and locally (probably introduced) in Japan. It has also reached Iceland as a vagrant but has not colonised successfully there. Date: 11th February 2019 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30024903.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1305614055587a0933d3b57.jpgGoldeneye The Goldeneye is a medium-sized diving duck, named for its golden-yellow eye. Adult males have a dark head with a greenish gloss and a circular white patch below the eye, a dark back and a white neck and belly. Adult females have a brown head and a mostly grey body. The Goldeneye breeds on the lakes and in the rivers of boreal forests in Scandinavia, Canada, north USA and north Russia. Naturally it will nest in cavities in large trees but it will also readily use nestboxes put up on trees close to water. This has enabled a healthy breeding population to establish in the Scottish Highlands from 1970 where it is increasing and slowly spreading. The Goldeneye is migratory and most winter in protected coastal waters or open inland waters at more temperate latitudes. The Goldeneye forages by diving underwater for crustaceans, aquatic insects and molluscs. Insects are the predominant prey while nesting and crustaceans are the predominant prey during migration and winter. This bird was part of the captive collection at the WWT Wetland Centre. Date: 5th January 2017 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230748.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_25220462649171a954dfb.jpgWood Warbler The Wood Warbler is a typical leaf warbler in appearance, green above and white below with a lemon-yellow breast. It can be distinguished from similar species, like the Chiffchaff and the Willow Warbler by its yellow supercilium, throat and upper breast, pale tertial edges, longer primary projection and by its shorter but broader tail. The Wood Warbler is common and widespread and breeds throughout north and temperate Europe and just into the extreme west of Asia in the south Ural Mountains. It is strongly migratory and the entire population winters in tropical Africa. The Wood Warbler can be found in open but shady mature woodlands, such as beech and sessile oak, with some sparse ground cover for nesting. The dome-shaped nest is built near the ground in low shrub. The Wood Warbler is a declining summer visitor to the UK and can be seen from April to August. Unlike much of the population in Europe which is found in forested lowlands, the UK population is predominantly found in upland oak woods in the west with the highest densities in the oak woods Wales. The Wood Warbler has 2 song types which are often given alternatively: a high-pitched fluid metallic trill of increasing tempo (often described as a spinning coin on a marble slab) and a series of 3 to 5 descending piping notes of lower pitch. During the former, the bird’s body shudders and shivers as it delivers the song and there are frequent song flights between different branches. Date: 14th May 2023 Location: RSPB Carngafallt, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23806473.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19379573315512b8eb95215.jpgFerruginous Duck The Ferruginous Duck is a medium-sized diving duck known colloquially by birders as "fudge duck". The adult male is a rich chestnut colour with a darker back and a yellow eye. The female is similar but duller and with a dark eye. The Ferruginous Duck feeds mainly by diving or dabbling. They eat aquatic plants with some molluscs, aquatic insects and small fish. The Ferruginous Duck breeds in southern and eastern Europe and southern and western Asia. They are somewhat migratory and winter farther south and into north Africa. Their breeding habitat is marshes and lakes with a metre or more water depth. It is a gregarious bird, forming large flocks in winter, often mixed with other diving ducks, such as Tufted Ducks and Common Pochards. This bird was part of the captive collection at the WWT London Wetland Centre. Date: 7th March 2015 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072427.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_211219184bf6e2bf817f8.jpgNorthern Hawk Owl The Northern Hawk Owl is a medium sized owl, 14 to 16 inches long and with a wing span of 8.5 to 10 inches. Females are slightly larger than males. The term "hawk" refers to its falcon-like wing shape and long tail. The facial disc is whitish and broadly rimmed blackish at the sides. The eyebrows are white and the eyes are pale yellow. The upperparts are dark grey to dusky greyish-brown with the crown densely spotted whitish and the nape has indistinct false eyes. The mantle and back are dusky grey with some whitish dots and the scapulars are mainly white forming rather broad white bands across the shoulder. The flight feathers are dark grey-brown with rows of white spots. The tail is long and graduated and dark greyish-brown with several narrow whitish bars. The underparts are whitish and barred with greyish-brown. The legs and toes are feathered. The Northern Hawk Owl is found in the boreal coniferous forests of North America and Eurasia, usually on the edges of more open woodland, and hunts in semi-open country with scattered trees or groups of trees. It nests in large tree cavities or uses nests abandoned by other large birds and moves widely within its area of distribution, breeding where food is abundant. The Northern Hawk Owl is a partially diurnal owl which hunts voles and birds like thrushes. It waits on a treetop or other perch and takes advantage of its rapid flight to overtake prey. It has exceptional hearing and can plunge into snow to capture rodents below the surface. The typical male call is a rapid, melodious, purring trill of up to 14 seconds long which consists of about 11 to 15 notes per second. It begins softly, rises slightly in pitch and increases to a vibrating trill before breaking off abruptly. This is repeated at various intervals. Females utter a similar, higher-pitched, less clear song. Date: 15th April 2010 Location: Toivoniemi area, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26040701.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1896222565563891e62b7dc.jpgHarlequin Ducks The Harlequin Duck is a small sea duck which takes its name from Harlequin, a colourfully dressed character in "Commedia dell'arte" (a form of Italian theatre with masked characters). The adult male Harlequin Duck has a colourful and complex plumage pattern. The head and neck are dark slate blue with a large white crescent marking in front of the eye, a small round dot behind the eye and a larger oval spot down the side of the neck. A black crown stripe runs over the top of the head with chestnut patches on either side. A black-bordered white collar separates the head from the breast. The body is largely a lighter slate blue with chestnut sides. A black-bordered white bar divides the breast vertically from the sides. The tail is black, long and pointed. The speculum is metallic blue. The inner secondary feathers are white and form white markings over the back when folded. The bill is blue-grey and the eye is reddish. The adult female Harlequin Duck is less colourful with brownish-grey plumage with three white patches on the head, a round spot behind the eye, a larger patch from the eye to the bill and a small spot above the eye. The Harlequin Duck has smooth, densely packed feathers that trap a lot of air within them. This is vital for insulating such a small body against the chilly waters that it inhabits and it also makes it exceptionally buoyant, making it bounce like a cork after dives. The Harlequin Duck breeds alongside cold fast moving streams in the northern regions of north America, Greenland, Iceland (the only European site) and western Russia. The nest is usually located in a well concealed location on the ground near a stream. They are usually found near pounding surf and white water. It is a short distance migrant and most winter near rocky shorelines on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. The Harlequin Duck is a very rare migrant to western Europe. The Harlequin Duck feeds by swimming under water or diving and also by dabbling. It feeds on molluscs, crustaceans and insects. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: near Ísafjörður, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo34209767.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12027631415a997912cadf4.jpgSpotted Sandpiper The Spotted Sandpiper is a small wader. The adult has brown upperparts, white underparts with black spots, short yellowish legs and an orange bill with a dark tip. Non-breeding birds (as in this photo) do not have the spotted underparts and are very similar to the Common Sandpiper of Eurasia. The main difference is the shorter tail, more washed out wing pattern visible in flight and the normally light yellow legs and feet of the Spotted Sandpiper. The Spotted Sandpiper is often solitary and walks with a distinctive teeter, bobbing its tail up and down constantly. When foraging it walks quickly, crouching low, occasionally darting toward prey, all the while bobbing its tail. In flight, the Spotted Sandpipers has quick, snappy wingbeats interspersed with glides, keeping its wings below horizontal. The Spotted Sandpiper is common and widespread across most of Canada and the USA where it breeds almost anywhere near water i.e. along streams, rivers, ponds, lakes and beaches, particularly on rocky shores. It migrates to winter in southern USA and South America and it is a very rare vagrant to western Europe. The Spotted Sandpiper forages on the ground picking up food such as insects, crustaceans and other invertebrates by sight. It may also catch insects in flight and pick up earthworms, small crabs and crayfish, small fish and bits of carrion. This bird was first reported at the Slalom Course/River Trent confluence at Holme Pierrepoint Country Park in mid-January 2018 and remained on site for most of February 2018. Date: 24th February 2018 Location: Holme Pierrepoint Country Park, Nottinghamshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30040690.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_110772834587cb4b704a58.jpgWaxwing The Waxwing is a plump bird which is slightly smaller than a Starling. It is buff or pinkish-brown in colour with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings, a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest. The bird’s name is derived from the red tips to some of the wing feathers which are said to look like they have been dipped in sealing wax. Waxwings breed in the dense forests of northern Europe but they occur in varying numbers in the UK from October to March. In some years they can occur in large numbers (known as irruptions) when the population in the breeding areas gets too big for the food available. The first UK arrivals each winter are usually seen on the east coast from Scotland to East Anglia but birds then move inland in search of food. They can be found in parks and gardens and even busy public places such as supermarket car parks, typically where there are berry-bearing trees and bushes such as rowan, hawthorn, cotoneaster and rose. Waxwings seem fearless of humans so it is relatively easy to get very close views of these stunning birds. Waxwings make an easily recognisable high-pitched trilling sound like a bell. Date: 10th January 2017 Location: Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26041360.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16778363335638a06114449.jpgDynjandi, Westfjords, Iceland Dynjandi (also known as Fjallfoss and meaning “thunderous”) is located at the end of Arnarfjörður and it is the most powerful waterfall in the Westfjords and breathtaking in its beauty. Dynjandi is actually a series of 7 waterfalls with a cumulative height of 330 feet. The main uppermost tier is particularly notable with its trapezoidal shape (100 feet wide at the top and 200 feet wide at the bottom). The other waterfalls below Dynjandifoss are Hæstahjallafoss, Strompgljúfrafoss, Göngumannafoss, Hrísvaðsfoss, Hundafoss and Bæjarfoss. It is said that a supernatural being lives in every waterfall. The waterfalls have their source in Lake Eyjavatn from which the Dynjandisá river flows. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: view from road 60 at the eastern end of Arnarfjörður http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833998.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1124787397559cf284940c0.jpgDadia-Lefkimi-Soufli Forest, East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece The Dadia-Lefkimi-Soufli Forest constitutes one of the most important protected areas in Europe, since it hosts a variety of habitats such as pine and oak forests, shrublands, networks of streams, pastures and cultivated fields. Due to these characteristics, the forest presents an ideal habitat for birds of prey: Dadia Forest hosts 36 out of the 39 diurnal raptor species of Europe and 3 out of the 4 European vulture species. Among the latter, the Black Vulture, whose only reproductive colony in the Balkans is to be found in Dadia, constitutes the area’s flagship species. Date: 9th May 2015 Location: view from the road from Lefkimi to Kapsalo, East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26040820.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11855007225638935f34134.jpgHarlequin Duck The Harlequin Duck is a small sea duck which takes its name from Harlequin, a colourfully dressed character in "Commedia dell'arte" (a form of Italian theatre with masked characters). The adult male Harlequin Duck has a colourful and complex plumage pattern. The head and neck are dark slate blue with a large white crescent marking in front of the eye, a small round dot behind the eye and a larger oval spot down the side of the neck. A black crown stripe runs over the top of the head with chestnut patches on either side. A black-bordered white collar separates the head from the breast. The body is largely a lighter slate blue with chestnut sides. A black-bordered white bar divides the breast vertically from the sides. The tail is black, long and pointed. The speculum is metallic blue. The inner secondary feathers are white and form white markings over the back when folded. The bill is blue-grey and the eye is reddish. The adult female Harlequin Duck is less colourful with brownish-grey plumage with three white patches on the head, a round spot behind the eye, a larger patch from the eye to the bill and a small spot above the eye. The Harlequin Duck has smooth, densely packed feathers that trap a lot of air within them. This is vital for insulating such a small body against the chilly waters that it inhabits and it also makes it exceptionally buoyant, making it bounce like a cork after dives. The Harlequin Duck breeds alongside cold fast moving streams in the northern regions of north America, Greenland, Iceland (the only European site) and western Russia. The nest is usually located in a well concealed location on the ground near a stream. They are usually found near pounding surf and white water. It is a short distance migrant and most winter near rocky shorelines on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. The Harlequin Duck is a very rare migrant to western Europe. The Harlequin Duck feeds by swimming under water or diving and also by dabbling. It feeds on molluscs, crustaceans and insects. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: near Ísafjörður, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30040626.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_107487045587cb4453a16e.jpgWaxwings The Waxwing is a plump bird which is slightly smaller than a Starling. It is buff or pinkish-brown in colour with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings, a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest. The bird’s name is derived from the red tips to some of the wing feathers which are said to look like they have been dipped in sealing wax. Waxwings breed in the dense forests of northern Europe but they occur in varying numbers in the UK from October to March. In some years they can occur in large numbers (known as irruptions) when the population in the breeding areas gets too big for the food available. The first UK arrivals each winter are usually seen on the east coast from Scotland to East Anglia but birds then move inland in search of food. They can be found in parks and gardens and even busy public places such as supermarket car parks, typically where there are berry-bearing trees and bushes such as rowan, hawthorn, cotoneaster and rose. Waxwings seem fearless of humans so it is relatively easy to get very close views of these stunning birds. Waxwings make an easily recognisable high-pitched trilling sound like a bell. Date: 10th January 2017 Location: Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41505223.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11140937395f37b2881e610.jpgVarangerfjord, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway The Varanger peninsula is situated in Troms og Finnmark in the extreme north east of Norway. With an area of 800 square miles, it is the largest area within the Arctic climate zone in mainland Norway and is bordered by Tanafjord to the west, Varangerfjord to the south and the Barents Sea to the north and east. The area has a rugged mountain terrain with altitudes up to 2077 feet and it has an Arctic tundra climate. The coast of the Varanger peninsula is an important area for breeding, migrating and wintering birds, especially some notable Arctic species. The Norwegian Directorate for Nature Management has a project on the Varanger peninsula to reintroduce and protect the Arctic Fox which is critically endangered on the Norwegian mainland. The Varangerhalvøya National Park (Norwegian: [I]Varangerhalvøya Nasjonalpark[/I]) lies to the west of road Fv341 and protects a majority of the land on the Varanger peninsula. Varangerfjord is the easternmost fjord in Norway and is located between the Varanger peninsula and the mainland of Norway. Varangerfjord flows through the municipalities of Vardø, Vadsø, Nesseby and Sør-Varanger. The fjord is approximately 62 miles long and empties in to the Barents Sea. The mouth is about 43 miles wide and is located between the town of Vardø in the north west and the village of Grense Jakobselv in the south east. The fjord stretches westwards inland past the town of Vadsø to the village of Varangerbotn in Nesseby municipality. Date: 3rd July 2019 Location: view near Komagvær, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/bealach-na-ba-summit-applecross https://images.on-this.website/4752_717190238468840d23a4e1.jpgBealach na Ba summit, Applecross Mountains, Wester Ross The Bealach na Ba ("Pass of the Cattle") rises to 2053 feet in height from sea level in only 5 miles and is the most spectacular mountain pass in Scotland. It also provides some of the most challenging driving in the country! It is single track throughout with a number of steep hairpin bends. From the summit of the Bealach na Ba there are breathtaking views overlooking Skye and Raasay and as far as the Cairngorms in the east, Ben Nevis in the south and the Outer Hebrides in the west. The view to the north is dominated by Beinn Bahn at 2938 feet. Date: 9th June 2007 Location: view from the summit of the Bealach na Ba looking towards Skye and Raasay http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39081990.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7532300745d307986a1afe.jpgNos Kaliakra, Dobrich Province, Bulgaria Nos Kaliakra is a long and narrow headland on the northern Bulgarian Black Sea coast. It is situated 7 miles east of Kavarna and 37 miles north east of Varna. The headland is around 1.2 miles long and the coast is steep with vertical cliffs reaching 230 feet down to the sea. The name [i]"Kaliakra"[/i] is of Byzantine Greek origin. It is a combination of [i]"καλός"[/i] meaning [i]"beautiful"[/i] and [i]"άκρα"[/i] meaning [i]"headland"[/i] or [i]"fortress"[/i]. Nos Kaliakra was the site of the naval Battle of Cape Kaliakra on 11th August 1791, part of the Russo-Turkish War of 1787 to 1792. The first modern lighthouse on Nos Kaliakra was built in 1866 by the Compagnie des Phares de l’Empire Ottomane. The present one, a 33 foot cylindrical stone masonry tower with lantern and gallery, was built in 1901. Nos Kaliakra is a nature reserve which sits on the Via Pontica bird migration flyway. Many rare and migrant birds can be seen during spring and autumn and it is also home to several rare breeding birds such as Pied Wheatear, Isabelline Wheatear and the local [i] desmarestii[/i] race of European Shag. The road to the headland passes through scrub and steppe which provides suitable habitat for a wide range of breeding birds including Saker Falcon, Red-footed Falcon, Long-legged Buzzard, Stone Curlew, Calandra and Short-toed Larks, Tawny Pipit, Lesser Grey Shrike, Hoopoe and Black-headed Bunting. Date: 18th May 2018 Location: Nos Kaliakra, Dobrich Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21958865.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_100862309553da54c07410c.jpgArctic Tern The Arctic Tern is a seabird of the tern family. The adult plumage is grey above with a black nape and crown and white cheeks. The upperwings are pale grey with the area near the wingtip being translucent. The tail is white and the underparts pale grey. The beak is dark red as are the short legs and webbed feet. Like most terns, the Arctic Tern has high aspect ratio wings and a tail with a deep fork and long tail streamers. Both sexes are similar in appearance. The winter plumage is similar but the crown is whiter and the bills are darker. Juveniles differ from adults having black bill and legs, "scaly" appearing wings and mantle with dark feather tips, dark carpal wing bar and short tail streamers. During their first summer, juveniles also have a whiter forecrown. Whilst the Arctic Tern is similar to the Common and the Roseate Tern, its colouring, profile and call are slightly different. Compared to the Common Tern, it has a longer tail and mono-coloured bill, whilst the main differences from the Roseate Tern are its slightly darker colour and longer wings. The Arctic Tern has a circumpolar breeding distribution covering the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of Europe, Asia and north America. It is strongly migratory and sees 2 summers each year and more daylight than any other creature on the planet. It migrates along a convoluted route from its northern summer breeding grounds to the northern edge of the Antarctic coast for the southern summer and back again about 6 months later. In the UK, breeding Arctic Terns can best be seen on islands such as the Farne Islands in Northumberland or Orkney and Shetland in northern Scotland where the greatest densities occur. Recent studies have shown average annual roundtrip lengths of 25000 to 50000 miles depending on the route taken and weather and wind conditions. The Arctic Tern is a long-lived bird with many reaching 30 years of age and based on this average it will travel some 1.5 million miles during its lifetime. This is by far the longest migration known in the animal kingdom. Breeding takes place in colonies on coasts, islands and occasionally inland on tundra near water. The Arctic Tern often forms mixed colonies with the Common Tern and Sandwich Tern. As it nests on the ground, the Arctic Tern is vulnerable to predation but it is one of the most aggressive terns and it is fiercely defensive of its nest and young. It will attack humans and large predators, usually striking the top or back of the head. Although it is too small to cause serious injury, it is still capable of drawing blood and repelling many raptorial birds and smaller mammalian predators such as foxes and cats. Other nesting birds, such as auks, often incidentally benefit from the protection provided by nesting in an area defended by Arctic Terns. The diet of the Arctic Tern varies depending on location and time but it usually eats small fish or marine crustaceans by dipping down to the surface of the water to catch prey. While feeding, skuas, gulls and other tern species will often harass the birds and steal their food. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Inner Farne, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/white-pelicans https://images.on-this.website/4752_1822013978559cf332a7a8b.jpgWhite Pelicans The White Pelican is a huge bird, with only the Dalmatian Pelican averaging larger amongst the pelicans. The wingspan of the White Pelican can range from 7.41 to 11.8 feet, with the latter measurement the largest recorded among flying animals outside of the great albatrosses. The total length can range from 55 to 71 inches with the enormous bill comprising 11.5 to 18.5 inches of that length. The immature White Pelican is grey with dark flight feathers. In breeding condition the male has pinkish skin on its face and the female has orangey skin. It differs from the Dalmatian pelican by its pure white, rather than greyish-white, plumage, a bare pink facial patch around the eye and pinkish legs. Males are larger than females, and have a long beak that grows in a downwards arc, as opposed to the shorter, straighter beak of the female. In flight, it is an elegant soaring bird, with the head held close to and aligned with the body by a downward bend in the neck. The White Pelican is well adapted for aquatic life. The short strong legs and webbed feet propel it in water and aid the rather awkward takeoff from the water surface. Once aloft, the long-winged pelicans are powerful fliers, however, and often travel in spectacular V-formation groups. The White Pelican is usually found in and around shallow warm fresh water. Well scattered groups of breeding pelicans occur through Eurasia from the eastern Mediterranean to Vietnam. In Eurasia, fresh or brackish waters may be inhabited and the White Pelican may be found in lakes, deltas, lagoons and marshes, usually with dense reed beds nearby for nesting purposes. Additionally, sedentary populations are found year-round in Africa, south of the Sahara Desert although these are patchy. Migratory populations are found from Eastern Europe to Kazakhstan during the breeding season. They arrive in late March or early April and depart after breeding from September to late November. Wintering locations for European White Pelicans are not exactly known but wintering birds may occur in north east Africa through Iraq to north India, with a particularly large number of breeders from Asia wintering around Pakistan. The diet of the White Pelican consists mainly of fish and they leave their roost to feed early in the mornings and may fly over 60 miles in search of food. The White Pelican's pouch serves simply as a scoop. As it pushes its bill underwater, the lower bill bows out creating a large pouch which fills with water and fish. As the bird lifts its head, the pouch contracts and forces out the water but retaining the fish. A group of 6 to 8 White Pelicans will gather in a horseshoe formation in the water to feed together. They dip their bills in unison, creating a circle of open pouches, ready to trap every fish in the area. Most feeding is co-operative and done in groups, especially in shallow waters where fish schools can be corralled easily. White Pelicans are not restricted to fish, however, and are often opportunistic foragers. In addition, they also eat crustaceans, tadpoles and even turtles and will readily accept handouts from humans. The White Pelican breeding season commences in April or May in temperate zones, essentially all year round in Africa and begins in February through April in India. Large numbers of White Pelicans breed together in colonies. Nest locations are variable with some populations making stick nests in trees but a majority nest in scrapes on the ground lined with grass, sticks, feathers and other material. Date: 8th May 2015 Location: Evros Delta (east), East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13683317.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2766382794ed72dc21d8a5.jpgHedgehog The Hedgehog is unmistakeable being the only spiny British mammal. The yellow-tipped 2cm spines on a grey/brown back and sides are perhaps the best known features of the Hedgehog which has relatively long legs and a short tail together with small eyes and ears. The Hedgehog is common in parks, gardens and farmland throughout mainland UK. It has also been introduced to many islands including Orkney, Shetland, Isle of Man and some of the Channel Islands. Hedgehogs prefer woodland edges, hedgerows and suburban habitats where there is plenty of food for them. Intensively farmed arable land is probably a poor habitat as are moorlands and dense conifer forests. Hedgehogs survive well in gardens, particularly assisted by food put out for them as modern tidy gardens may not otherwise provide sufficient food. The Hedgehog is generally nocturnal travelling around a mile each night feeding on a diet of beetles, worms, caterpillars, slugs and almost anything they can catch. They can also take the eggs and chicks of ground-nesting birds although rarely in large numbers. The Hedgehog‘s hibernation usually begins about November and ends around Easter but it is much affected by the weather. They normally wake up several times over winter and often build a new nest. In the spring they commonly spend a few days active and then enter hibernation again during any cold snap. The winter nest or hibernaculum is made of leaves, tucked under a bush or log pile or garden shed or anywhere that offers support and protection. The Hedgehog can live up to 10 years but this is exceptional. Over half die within their first year and average life expectancy is 2 to 3 years in the wild. Hedgehogs may become locally scarce or even disappear but nationwide extinction is unlikely. Nevertheless, the Hedgehog appears to be in decline although the total population is unknown. The biggest threat to the Hedgehog is probably habitat loss with the change from pastoral farming to arable crops over the last 30 years. The use of chemicals in gardens and for intensive farming kills the creatures hedgehogs need for food and may also poison them directly. Many are also killed on the roads. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19507409.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_25771298952528b30cd4e1.jpgSierra de Grazalema, Andalucia, Spain The Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park is a Natural Park in the north east part of the province of Cádiz in Andalucia. The Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park contains within its 127,740 acres a complex of mountain ranges known collectively as the Sierra de Grazalema, which in turn are part of the Cordillera Subbética. Other ranges comprising the Sierra de Grazalema include the Sierra de Zafalgar, the Sierra del Pinar, and the Sierra de Endrinal. El Torreón at 5425 feet is the tallest peak. Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1977, the Sierra de Grazalema was declared the first Natural Park in Andalucia in 1984 and is one of Spain's most ecologically outstanding areas. The Natural Park is famous for its spectacularly rugged limestone landscape of cliffs, gullies, caves and gorges. By far the most impressive gorge is Garganta Verde rocky walls that tower vertically for 1300 feet. Andalucia's largest cave system is also here, the Hundidero-Gato with its biggest cavern measuring 2.5 miles long and an entrance of 200 feet tall. The region is well known for being the rainiest place in Spain, with an annual rainfall of over 85 inches This means that the 1,300 Mediterranean plant species that have been registered here, many of them endemic and some of them unique to the Sierra de Grazalema, flourish. There is a magnificent and well preserved forest of the rare Spanish Fir, a relic from the Tertiary period, in the Sierra del Pinar on the slopes of El Torreón. Dotted around the Sierra de Grazalema are attractive “pueblos blancos” or “white villages” including Grazalema and Zahara de la Sierra. A stunning mountain road rises north west from Grazalema to Puerto de las Palomas at 4450 feet before descending to Zahara de la Sierra. Date: 7th September 2013 Location: view from the road between Grazalema and Zahara de la Sierra, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14863188.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2658374444fae2ad8979c6.jpgGlossy Ibis The Glossy Ibis is a wading bird and a member of the ibis family. Breeding adults have reddish-brown bodies and shiny bottle-green wings whilst non-breeders and juveniles have duller bodies. They have a brownish bill, dark facial skin bordered above and below in blue-grey (non-breeding) to cobalt blue (breeding) and red-brown legs. Unlike herons, ibises fly with necks outstretched and often flocks fly in lines. The Glossy Ibis is the most widespread ibis species breeding in scattered sites in the warmer regions of Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and the Atlantic and Caribbean region of the Americas. They are also migratory with most European birds wintering in Africa. The Glossy Ibis nests colonially in trees often with herons. It is also gregarious when feeding in marshy wetlands when it predates on fish, frogs and other water creatures. The Glossy Ibis is a very rare visitor to the UK although some individuals have stayed here for many months or even years. The species is prone to occasional influxes and in 2009 the UK enjoyed the biggest influx ever with small flocks discovered in several counties. This photo shows a Glossy Ibis that was seen at various locations in Essex during March and April 2012. The bird was ringed at El Rocio in the Coto Donana National Park in southern Spain in September 2007. Date: 2nd April 2012 Location: Baddow Meads flood plain, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33820937.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14003801605a3d0794e6e10.jpgRing-necked Parakeet The Ring-necked Parakeet is the UK's only naturalised parrot. It is large, long-tailed and green with a red beak and a pink and black ring around its face and neck. In flight it has pointed wings, a long tail and a steady, direct flight. Ring-necked Parakeets can be seen all year round at a number of locations in south east England, particularly Surrey, Kent and Sussex. They can often be found in flocks sometimes numbering hundreds of birds at roost sites. Parks, orchards and gardens with mature trees to provide nest holes are favoured habitats. In its native India it is found in jungle and around farms and gardens. Date: 12th December 2017 Location: Kensington Gardens, London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833641.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_597121979559cef9982ff8.jpgMarsh Frog The Marsh Frog is the largest European frog. It is very similar in appearance to the closely related Edible Frog and Pool Frog. These 3 species are often referred to as "green frogs" to distinguish them from the more terrestrial European species which are known as "brown frogs" (best exemplified by the Common Frog). Marsh Frogs show a large variation in colour and pattern, ranging from dark green to brown or grey. The Western European populations are generally dark green to black with dark spots on the back and sides and 3 clear green lines on the back. Females can reach a maximum length of around 6.5 inches but males are smaller at around 4.5 inches. The head is proportionally large and the hind legs are long which gives them excellent jumping abilities. The Marsh Frog is usually gregarious and diurnal and more tied to aquatic habitats than the Common Frog. It is tolerant of brackish conditions and typically it is found on or in the water of its favoured drainage channels and pools throughout the year. Marsh Frogs frequently sunbathe on the bank of the water body where they are often inconspicuous until disturbed when they will jump in to the water with a characteristic “plop”. They can often be seen on lily pads or floating at the surface amongst vegetation with only their heads exposed. During the breeding season (and sometimes beyond) the male Marsh Frog calls very loudly with a sound reminiscent of a loud chuckle which is often very raucous and can be heard all day and night. Dominant males establish territories from which they call. After mating a female may produce up to 16,000 eggs in a season, laying them in clumps of a few hundred in aquatic vegetation below the surface. They hatch in about a week, tadpoles being rather solitary and living in deep water with vegetation. Newly metamorphosed frogs are up to 1 inch in length and take 2 years to mature. The diet of the Marsh Frog consists of dragonflies and other insects, spiders, earthworms and slugs. Larger frogs also eat small rodents and sometimes smaller amphibians and fish. Date: 12th May 2015 Location: Lake Kerkini, Central Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24834016.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1129883411559cf34b1bdf1.jpgEvros Delta, East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece The Evros Delta is located on the border with Turkey and covers a huge area of around 75 square miles, much of which was declared a Ramsar protected wetland site in 1974. Despite this and other designated protection, the Evros Delta faces major issues of freshwater management, overgrazing, overfishing, hunting and drainage. The Evros Delta has a rich diversity of habitats including freshwater lakes, brackish and seawater lagoons, rivers, reedy ditches, tamarisk forest, sandy islets, swamps, reedbeds and a small area of riverine forest. As such, it is one of the most important wetlands in Europe and offers excellent wildlife watching opportunities with 40 species of mammal, 28 species of reptile and amphibian and 46 species of fish. More than 320 bird species have been recorded and the biodiversity, as well as the presence of rare species, are characteristic of the Evros Delta. The geographical position together with the vast areas of natural habitats contributes to its value for wildlife. The western section of the Evros Delta has free public access but a permit is required to visit the eastern section which is a military designated zone adjacent to the border with Turkey. Date: 8th May 2015 Location: Evros Delta (west), East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40755762.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8068235015e20434b68ca5.jpgGreat White Egret The Great White Egret is a large bird with all white plumage. Apart from size, the Great White Egret can be distinguished from other white egrets by its yellow bill and black legs and feet although the bill may become darker and the lower legs lighter in the breeding season. In breeding plumage, delicate ornamental feathers are borne on the back. It has a slow flight with its neck retracted. The Great White Egret is distributed across most of the tropical and warmer temperate regions of the world favouring all kinds of wetland habitats and it is a familiar species in southern Europe. Expanding populations in Europe mean that the Great White Egret is now seen more frequently in the UK and it can turn up in almost any part of the country with the majority of records in south east England and East Anglia. Date: 6th December 2019 Location: Oudeland van Strijen, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082516.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2761746935d307cde10e23.jpgIvaylovgrad reservoir, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria The Ivaylovgrad reservoir is located in the eastern Rhodopes Mountains and it is one of the largest reservoirs in Bulgaria. The reservoir was created by the Ivaylovgrad dam on the River Arda and it was built between 1959 and 1964 for the purpose of electricity generation. There are 2 other large dams on the River Arda: the Kardzhali dam and the Studen Kladenets dam. The whole area offers opportunities for birding, hiking, water sport and other outdoor recreation. Date: 23rd May 2018 Location: view from near Borislavtsi, eastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/northern-lights https://images.on-this.website/4752_8409312124f743b7b262fc.jpg"Northern Lights" The aurora is a natural light display in the sky, particularly in the high latitude Arctic and Antarctic regions, caused by the collision of energetic charged particles with atoms in the high altitude atmosphere. The charged particles originate in the magnetosphere and solar wind and on Earth they are directed by the Earth's magnetic field into the atmosphere. Most aurora occur in a band known as the auroral zone which is typically 3° to 6° in latitudinal extent and 10° to 20° from the magnetic pole. During a geomagnetic storm, the auroral zone will expand to lower latitudes. The diffuse aurora is a featureless glow in the sky which may not be visible to the naked eye even on a dark night and defines the extent of the auroral zone. The discrete aurora are sharply defined features within the diffuse aurora which vary in brightness from just barely visible to the naked eye to bright enough to read a newspaper at night. In northern latitudes, the effect is known as the aurora borealis (or the “Northern Lights), named after the Roman goddess of dawn, Aurora, and the Greek name for the north wind, Boreas, by Pierre Gassendi in 1621. Auroras seen near the magnetic pole may be high overhead but from farther away they illuminate the northern horizon as a greenish glow or sometimes a faint red. Auroras often display magnetic field lines or curtain-like structures and can change within seconds or glow unchanging for hours, most often in fluorescent green. In Scandinavia, you can see the aurora all over Norway, Sweden and Finland. However, the best places are above the Arctic Circle in the auroral zone. The aurora is most frequent in late autumn and in winter and early spring. In the time span between the autumn equinox and the spring equinox (21st September to 21st March), it is dark the whole time between 6 p.m. and 1 a.m. and this provides the maximum chance of seeing the aurora in suitable weather conditions and with increased solar activity. Date: 16th March 2012 Location: Skibotndalen, Troms, north Norway close to Norway/Finland border http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082299.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7942468695d307bc1cf9c3.jpgRopotamo Nature Reserve, Burgas Province, Bulgaria The Ropotamo, from the Ancient Greek word meaning "border river", is a 30 mile long river in south east Bulgaria. Its source is the Bosna Ridge in the Strandzha Mountains. Up until the village of Novo Panicharevo it flows in a north east direction in a deep and narrow forested valley. Further downstream from the village it leaves the mountains and turns eastwards in a wide valley. The Ropotamo then forms a narrow gorge between the ridges Medni Rid and Uzun Bair and enters a wide marshy valley near its mouth. It empties into the Black Sea in a small bay to the west of Cape Saint Demetrius between Dyuni and Primorsko. Near its mouth there is a long and wide estuary lagoon separated from the sea by sandspits. To protect the dense riparian forests of oak, ash, elm and hornbeam, lily-clad marshes and scrub covered hillsides in the lower section of the River Ropotamo, the Ropotamo Nature Reserve was established in 1940. It was subsequently designated as a Ramsar site in 1975 which was extended in 2002 as the Ropotamo Complex covering an area of over 20 square miles and including the swamps of Lake Alepu and Lake Arkutino and several other smaller protected areas. Over 260 bird species, around 50 mammal species and 32 reptile and amphibian species have been recorded in the area. Date: 22nd May 2018 Location: River Ropotamo, Burgas Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072276.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12646495354bf6d7f6496ac.jpgPurple Sandpiper The Purple Sandpiper is a small wading shorebird. Adults have short yellow legs and a medium thin dark bill with a yellow base. The body is dark above with a slight purplish gloss and mainly white below. The breast is smeared with grey and the rump is black. The Purple Sandpiper breeds in the northern tundra and Arctic islands in Canada and coastal areas in Greenland and north west Europe and nests on the ground either elevated on rocks or in a lower damp location. The males makes several scrapes following which the female chooses one and lays 3 or 4 eggs. The male takes the major responsibility for incubation and tends the chicks. The Purple Sandpiper is migratory and moves to rocky ice-free Atlantic coasts in winter where it is fairly gregarious, forming small flocks and often associating with Turnstones. It is also relatively tame and approachable. In the UK, the Purple Sandpiper occurs in winter in good numbers, principally along the east and south coasts where it favours rocky shorelines adjacent to the sea. It is a very rare breeding bird and is found only in a localised area of the Cairngorms National Park where 1 to 3 pairs have bred since the 1970s. Date: 11th April 2010 Location: Nesseby, Varangerfjord, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15454051.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19796980854ff549491e94b.jpgGreater Flamingos The Greater Flamingo is a largely pinkish-white bird but the wing coverts are red and the primary and secondary flight feathers are black. The bill is pink with a black tip and the legs are entirely pink. The Greater Flamingo is the most widespread species of the flamingo family and can be found in parts of Africa, southern Asia and southern Europe (including Spain, Sardinia, Albania, Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Portugal and the Camargue region of France). Some populations are short distance migrants, and records north of the breeding range are relatively frequent. However, given the species' popularity in captivity, whether these are truly wild individuals is a matter of some debate. Date: 2nd May 2012 Location: Trebujena marismas near Jerez de la Frontera, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32709056.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_26011565859ad2768d8c241.09375312.jpgKestrel The Common Kestrel is a small falcon, smaller than most other birds of prey but larger than most songbirds. Females are noticeably larger than males. Their plumage is mainly light chestnut brown with blackish spots on the upperside and buff with narrow blackish streaks on the underside. Males have less black spots and streaks as well as a blue-grey cap and tail. The tail is brown with black bars in females and has a black tip with a narrow white rim in both sexes. Both sexes also have a prominent black malar stripe. The Common Kestrel occurs over a large range and it is widespread in Europe, Asia and Africa. In the cool temperate parts of its range, it migrates south in winter but otherwise it is sedentary although juveniles may wander around in search for a good place to settle down as they become mature. The Common Kestrel is a diurnal bird and can be found in most lowland habitats although it prefers open habitat such as fields, heaths, moorlands, shrubland and marshland. It does not require woodland to be present as long as there are alternate perching and nesting sites like rocks or buildings. It will thrive in treeless steppe where there are abundant shrubs to support a population of prey animals. Date: 19th May 2017 Location: Location: Hortobágy-Halastó, Hortobágy National Park, Hajdú-Bihar county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11159458.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5036899914e1583931f97c.jpgGreylag Goose The Greylag Goose is the ancestor of most domestic geese but is also the largest and bulkiest of the wild geese native to the UK and Europe. In many parts of the UK it has been re-established by releasing birds in suitable areas but the resulting flocks found around gravel pits, lakes and reservoirs all year round in southern Britain tend to be semi-tame. The native birds and wintering flocks found on lochs in northern Scotland and on some Scottish islands retain the special appeal of truly wild geese. Date: 27/04/06 Location: Flitcham Abbey Farm, Flitcham, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801032.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_118127813264ed9be607dbb.jpgRuddy Darter Flight period: mid June to mid September. The Ruddy Darter takes its name from its colour and its swift flight behaviour. The male has a deep russet colour over the entire body and the abdomen has a pinched section close to where it joins the thorax. Females are slightly smaller, golden yellow in colour and being less obviously marked are more difficult to identify than the males. There is more than one red coloured darter species in the UK and they can be easily confused with each other. The commonest red species, the Common Darter, can be distinguished as having red veins at the base of the wings and a less ruddy colouration across the body. However, the Ruddy Darter has entirely black legs, distinguishing it from all other red darters which have longitudinal yellow stripes on their legs. The UK range of the Ruddy Darter has undergone something of an expansion in recent years. Although still relatively uncommon in the west and north of Britain, it is increasing in numbers in the Midlands and eastern England. The population is augmented by continental migrants. It is also found over most of Europe except for northern Scandinavia, as far east as western Siberia and south to north Africa. The Ruddy Darter prefers water bodies with tall emergent vegetation, such as reeds and club rush, and it is known to breed in ponds, lakes, canals, ditches and sluggish rivers. They can also be found near coasts and can breed in fairly brackish water. Date: 7th July 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41623071.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18851636135f4d1dd87472e.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 6th July 2019 Location: near Gednje, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/northern-lights-finnmark-north-norway https://images.on-this.website/4752_9930920714f743b74e4a88.jpg"Northern Lights" The aurora is a natural light display in the sky, particularly in the high latitude Arctic and Antarctic regions, caused by the collision of energetic charged particles with atoms in the high altitude atmosphere. The charged particles originate in the magnetosphere and solar wind and on Earth they are directed by the Earth's magnetic field into the atmosphere. Most aurora occur in a band known as the auroral zone which is typically 3° to 6° in latitudinal extent and 10° to 20° from the magnetic pole. During a geomagnetic storm, the auroral zone will expand to lower latitudes. The diffuse aurora is a featureless glow in the sky which may not be visible to the naked eye even on a dark night and defines the extent of the auroral zone. The discrete aurora are sharply defined features within the diffuse aurora which vary in brightness from just barely visible to the naked eye to bright enough to read a newspaper at night. In northern latitudes, the effect is known as the aurora borealis (or the “Northern Lights), named after the Roman goddess of dawn, Aurora, and the Greek name for the north wind, Boreas, by Pierre Gassendi in 1621. Auroras seen near the magnetic pole may be high overhead but from farther away they illuminate the northern horizon as a greenish glow or sometimes a faint red. Auroras often display magnetic field lines or curtain-like structures and can change within seconds or glow unchanging for hours, most often in fluorescent green. In Scandinavia, you can see the aurora all over Norway, Sweden and Finland. However, the best places are above the Arctic Circle in the auroral zone. The aurora is most frequent in late autumn and in winter and early spring. In the time span between the autumn equinox and the spring equinox (21st September to 21st March), it is dark the whole time between 6 p.m. and 1 a.m. and this provides the maximum chance of seeing the aurora in suitable weather conditions and with increased solar activity. Date: 16th March 2012 Location: Skibotndalen, Troms, north Norway close to Norway/Finland border http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39081962.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3449282485d3078a5a9b09.jpgEuropean Bee-eater The European Bee-eater is an incredibly colourful bird with an unmistakable appearance. In breeding plumage, it has a rich chestnut crown that blends into gold on its back. The forehead is white, the throat is yellow bordered by black and the underparts are blue. The male European Bee-eater has a chestnut-coloured patch in the middle of the wing while in females this patch is usually smaller or even absent. Occasionally, females may also be distinguished from the males by having a green back. The wings and backs of juvenile European Bee-eaters are entirely green and the eyes are brown in contrast to the bright red eyes of adults. The European Bee-eater breeds in southern Europe and in parts of north Africa and western Asia. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, India and Sri Lanka. European Bee-eaters are occasionally seen in northern Europe (including the UK) as a spring overshoot north of its range with occasional breeding occurring. Just as the name suggests, the European Bee-eater predominantly eats insects, especially bees, wasps and hornets which are caught in the air by sorties from an open perch. Before eating its meal, a European Bee-eater removes the sting by repeatedly hitting the insect on a hard surface. Lizards and frogs are also taken. European Bee-eaters are gregarious, nesting colonially in sandy banks preferably near river shores and also feeding and roosting communally. Date: 17th May 2018 Location: Vetren, Silistra Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/kabli-crater-saaremaa-island-estonia https://images.on-this.website/4752_104918691557cc38318df4e.jpgKaali crater, Saaremaa island, Estonia Kaali is a group of 9 meteorite craters located in the village of Kaali on the Estonian island of Saaremaa. At an altitude of 3 to 6 miles, a meteor broke into pieces and fell to the Earth in fragments, the greatest of which produced a crater with a diameter of 360.9 feet and a depth of 72.2 feet. The explosion removed huge amounts of dolomite and other rocks and formed a very tall and extremely hot gas flow. Vegetation was incinerated up to 3.5 miles from the impact site. The impact is thought to have happened in the Holocene period around 3,500 years ago. The estimates of the age of the Kaali impact structure provided by different authors vary by as much as 6000 years, ranging from 6400 years to 400 years BCE. Kaali järv (Kaali Lake) is on the bottom of this crater. A further 8 smaller craters are also associated with the meteorite impact. Their diameters range from 39 to 131 feet and their respective depths vary from 3.3 to 13.1 feet. They are all within 0.6 miles of the main crater. Date: 12th May 2016 Location: Kaali crater, Saaremaa island, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/bran-castle-bran-braov-county https://images.on-this.website/4752_11203929585d3089eda30ed.jpgBran Castle, Bran, Brașov County, Romania Bran Castle (Castelul Bran) is a historic monument and landmark situated in central Romania. It is located at the top of a 200 feet high rock in Bran near the city of Brașov and on the Transylvanian side of the historical border with Wallachia. Built on the site of a Teutonic Knights stronghold dating from 1212, Bran Castle was first documented in an act issued in November 1377 which gave the Saxons of Kronstadt (Brașov) the privilege to build it. From 1920 to 1948 Bran Castle served as a royal residence, a gift of the people of Brașov to Queen Marie of Romania. The castle is now a museum open to tourists and displays art and furniture collected by Queen Marie. Narrow winding stairways lead through some 60 timbered rooms, many connected by underground passages, which house collections of furniture, weapons and armour dating from the 14th to the 19th centuries. Bran Castle owes its fame to its imposing towers and turrets as well as to the myth created around Dracula. Commonly known outside Romania as "Dracula's Castle" (although it is one among several locations linked to the Dracula legend), it is often erroneously referred to as the home of the title character in Bram Stoker's novel "[i]Dracula[/i]". There is no evidence that Stoker knew anything about this castle which has only tangential associations with Vlad the Impaler, voivode (ruler) of Wallachia, the putative inspiration for Dracula. Stoker's description of Dracula's crumbling fictional castle also bears no resemblance to Bran Castle. Date: 6th June 2018 Location: Bran, Brașov County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/loutra-traianoupolis-east-macedonia-and https://images.on-this.website/4752_686560787559cf6259a956.jpgLoutros River, Traianoupoli, East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece The Loutros River is one of a number of rivers that flow in to the Evros Delta. Traianoupoli is located 8 miles north east of Alexandroupolis and was formerly an ancient city founded by the Roman emperor Trajan in the second century. Traianoupoli is now the home of the highly recommended Evros Delta Visitor Centre and the Evros Delta Management Authority. Date: 7th May 2015 Location: view from the bridge near the Evros Delta Visitor Centre, Traianoupoli, East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30825718.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_199882968558f349b6af5f14.42464766.jpgShelducks The Shelduck resembles a small short-necked goose in size and shape. It is larger than a Mallard but smaller than geese such as Greylag and Canada Geese. The Shelduck is a striking bird with a reddish-pink bill, pink feet, a white body with chestnut patches and a black belly and a dark green head and neck. The wing coverts are white, the primaries are black and the secondaries are green and chestnut. The underwings are almost entirely white. Sexes are similar but the female is smaller with some white facial markings whilst the male is particularly crisply coloured in the breeding season with a bright red bill bearing a prominent knob at the forehead. Ducklings are white with a black cap, hindneck and wing and back patches. Juveniles are greyish above and mostly white below but already have the adult's wing pattern. The Shelduck breeds in temperate Eurasia where it nests in rabbit burrows and tree holes. Most populations migrate to sub-tropical areas in winter but it is largely resident in west Europe apart from movements to favoured moulting grounds such as the Wadden Sea on the north German coast. The Shelduck is common around the coastline of the UK and Ireland where it can be found on salt marshes, tidal mudflats and estuaries although it can also be found around inland waters such as reservoirs and gravel workings. It can be seen all year round but the population increases significantly during winter with the arrival of birds from continental Europe. Date: 9th April 2017 Location: EWT Blue House Farm, North Fambridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11202896.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4307306784e18604ab8efa.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 10/12/06 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31192240.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2827458365918236e7b67e6.79151959.jpgBlack Grouse The Black Grouse is a large game bird in the grouse family. The male has all black plumage with distinctive red wattles over the eyes and striking white stripes along each wing in flight. It has a lyre-shaped tail which is fanned out and raised to show white under-tail feathers when displaying. The female is smaller and grey-brown in colour. The Black Grouse is a sedentary species and breeds across northern Eurasia in moorland and bog areas near to mostly boreal woodland. Although it is declining, it is not considered to be vulnerable globally due to the large population and slow rate of decline. Its decline is due to loss of habitat, disturbance, predation by foxes, crows, etc., and small populations gradually dying out. In the UK, the Black Grouse are found in upland areas of Wales, the Pennines and most of Scotland, especially on farmland and moorland with nearby forestry or scattered trees. Habitat loss and overgrazing have resulted in severe population declines which make the Black Grouse a Red List species. Positive habitat management and re-introduction programmes are helping it to increase in some areas. The Black Grouse has a very distinctive and well-recorded courtship. At dawn in the spring, the males strut around in a traditional area (lek) and display whilst making a highly distinctive and bubbling mating call. This photo was taken at a well known roadside lekking site. If visiting, please remain in your car to avoid disturbance to these vulnerable breeding birds. Date: 6th May 2017 Location: World's End, Denbighshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11947716.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9281553644e40fdd33894b.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 21st October 2007 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/red-crested-pochard https://images.on-this.website/4752_6894149174db17cf0c3b94.jpgRed-crested Pochard The Red-crested Pochard is larger than the Common Pochard, males having an orange-brown head with a red beak and pale flanks and females being largely brown with pale cheeks. There is a large population of Red-crested Pochards in Spain and smaller numbers in France, Netherlands and Germany. Occasional wild birds may come to the UK from Europe but UK breeding birds almost certainly all come from escaped birds. They can be found all year round mainly in southern and eastern England where small breeding populations have become established. Date: 05/04/07 Location: Hanningfield Reservoir, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871770.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4473418104eff22338984c.jpgSlavonian Grebe The Slavonian Grebe is a member of the grebe family of water birds. It is also known as the Horned Grebe in north America. Unmistakable in summer, the plumage of both the male and female Slavonian Grebe shows a black head with golden puffy earlike tufts along the sides of its face. It shows a deep rusty red neck, scarlet eyes and a small, straight black bill tipped with white. During the winter, the Slavonian Grebe is mainly white with a sharply defined black cap. The Slavonian Grebe breeds in vegetated areas of freshwater lakes across Europe and Asia. It also breeds in remote inland parts of the United States and much of Canada. Like all grebes, it builds a nest on the water's edge, since its legs are set very far back and it can not walk well. Most birds migrate in winter to the coast. Date: 7th June 2009 Location: Siikalahti near Parikkala, Etelä-Karjala, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833601.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_460838838559ceda206c6c.jpgPygmy Cormorant The Pygmy Cormorant is the smallest member of the cormorant family and is a medium-sized green-glossed black bird with a long tail and short thick bill. Adults have small white feather tufts on the head, neck and underparts in the breeding season. The sexes are similar, but juveniles are duller and browner. The Pygmy Cormorant is distinguished from the Great Cormorant and the Shag by its much smaller size, lighter build and long tail. The Pygmy Cormorant can be found along the east coasts of the Adriatic Sea, the northern Aegean Sea, the Black Sea eastwards to the Caspian Sea and in Iraq. The Pygmy Cormorant breeds in Albania, Greece, Bulgaria, Turkey, Romania, Moldavia, Ukraine, Russia, Azerbaijan and Iraq while a few pairs also breed in Hungary and Slovakia. The biggest colony is located in the Danube Delta in Romania and numbers 4,000 pairs. In Greece the most important colonies are located at Lake Mikri Prespa and Lake Kerkini. The Pygmy Cormorant also formerly bred in the Axios Delta, at Lake Ismarida and Lake Kastoria, in the Evros Delta and at Porto Lagos. The most important wintering areas in Greece are mainly the large wetlands of Thrace and Macedonia. The Pygmy Cormorant can be found in wetlands with still or slowly flowing fresh water and more rarely in coastal wetlands. It builds nests from sticks and reeds in dense vegetation, in trees, shrubs, willows but occasionally in reeds on small floating islets, either alone or with Great Cormorants, Spoonbills and heron and egret species. The Pygmy Cormorant feeds on small fish and rarely on small aquatic mammals and molluscs which are caught by diving. It often hunts in groups and perches in trees between fishing expeditions. The Pygmy Cormorant is a species with habitats strongly affected by human actions. Threats include the drainage and serious degradation of wetlands and their associated woodland, water pollution, disturbance, poaching as well as drowning in fishing nets. Being a great fish consumer and destroyer of fishing nets, it is often persecuted by fishermen. Date: 12th May 2015 Location: Lake Kerkini, Central Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo3843445.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7136476544ae43f098a092.jpgMoorhen The Moorhen is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird that is usually found near water. From a distance it looks black with a ragged white line along its body. However, closer up it is olive-brown on the back and the head and blue-grey underneath. It has a red bill with a yellow tip. The Moorhen can be found all year round almost anywhere where there is water. They breed in lowland areas particularly in central and eastern England but are scarce in northern Scotland and the uplands of Wales and northern England. UK breeding birds are residents and seldom travel far. Date: 20th September 2009 Location: Pennington Flash, Greater Manchester http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4466130.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13968370014b8a26ad4ffb3.jpgFløyfjellet, Bergen Fløyfjellet or Fløyen is the most visited of the 7 mountains that surround the city centre of Bergen, Norway. It has a funicular railway system (Fløibanen) that transports passengers from the centre of Bergen to a height of 1050 feet in roughly 8 minutes. The actual highest point on Fløifjellet at 1394 feet is approximately 1/2 mile to the north east. From Fløyfjellet there are stunning views of the city of Bergen and the surrounding area. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7950434.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1820149354d03cfbedf5a6.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 15th November 2010 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32709048.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_158978248959ad275fe9d514.62678475.jpgKestrel The Common Kestrel is a small falcon, smaller than most other birds of prey but larger than most songbirds. Females are noticeably larger than males. Their plumage is mainly light chestnut brown with blackish spots on the upperside and buff with narrow blackish streaks on the underside. Males have less black spots and streaks as well as a blue-grey cap and tail. The tail is brown with black bars in females and has a black tip with a narrow white rim in both sexes. Both sexes also have a prominent black malar stripe. The Common Kestrel occurs over a large range and it is widespread in Europe, Asia and Africa. In the cool temperate parts of its range, it migrates south in winter but otherwise it is sedentary although juveniles may wander around in search for a good place to settle down as they become mature. The Common Kestrel is a diurnal bird and can be found in most lowland habitats although it prefers open habitat such as fields, heaths, moorlands, shrubland and marshland. It does not require woodland to be present as long as there are alternate perching and nesting sites like rocks or buildings. It will thrive in treeless steppe where there are abundant shrubs to support a population of prey animals. Date: 19th May 2017 Location: Location: Hortobágy-Halastó, Hortobágy National Park, Hajdú-Bihar county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/brown-hares https://images.on-this.website/4752_19449480364e09792086b26.jpgBrown Hares The Brown Hare resembles the Rabbit but obvious differences include the Brown Hare's longer, larger body, much longer hind legs and longer ears with black tips. Generally, they are a brown-russet colour with a white underside. The tail is black on the upper surface and white underneath. In contrast to Rabbits, which have a brown iris, the Brown Hare has a golden iris and a black pupil. Brown Hares are the fastest land animals in the UK and can run at speeds of up to 45 mph to evade predators. Brown Hares are widespread in central and western Europe including the UK but they are absent in southern Europe. It is thought that they were introduced in to the UK during Roman times, probably from Asia. They have little legal protection, partly because they are game animals and can be managed by farmers and landowners and partly because they are also a minor pest and can damage crops and young tree plantations. Numbers have substantially declined in the UK and most of Europe since the 1960s mainly due to the intensification of agricultural practices as well as shooting, poaching and coursing and an increase in the number of Foxes. Brown Hares prefer temperate open habitats and can be found in most flat country among open grassland and arable farms. Unlike Rabbits, they do not burrow but rest in a shallow depression in fields or long grass known as a form where only their back and head are visible. An adult occupies a range of 300 hectares which it may share with other hares as they are not territorially aggressive. Courtship involves boxing …. the traditional “mad March hare” behaviour. This is actually unreceptive females fending off males rather than fighting between males. Date: 13th June 2011 Location: Findhorn valley, Inverness-shire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30825697.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_129561148158f34982452735.16951720.jpgAvocets The (Pied) Avocet is a large black and white wader in the avocet and stilt family. It is one of 4 species of avocet that make up the genus Recurvirostra. The genus name is from the Latin [i]recurvus[/i] meaning "curved backwards" and [i]rostrum[/i] meaning "bill". The Avocet is a striking white wader with bold black markings. Adults have white plumage except for a black cap and black patches in the wings and on the back. They have long, upturned bills and long, bluish legs. Males and females look alike whilst juveniles resemble the adult but with more greyish and sepia tones. The Avocet breeds in temperate Europe and western and central Asia. The breeding habitat is shallow lakes with brackish water and exposed bare mud where they build a nest on open ground in a lined scrape or on a mound of vegetation. The Avocet is a migratory species and most winter in Africa or southern Asia. Some remain to winter in the mildest parts of their range such as in southern Spain and southern England. The Avocet feeds on crustaceans and insects in shallow brackish water or on mud flats, often scything their bills from side to side in water (a feeding technique that is unique to the avocet species). The Avocet was extinct as a breeding species in the UK by 1840 but its successful recolonisation at Minsmere in Suffolk in 1947 led to its adoption as the logo of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Date: 9th April 2017 Location: EWT Blue House Farm, North Fambridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4267293.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9660300164b522404b5ee7.jpgLoch na Keal, Mull, Argyll Loch na Keal, meaning Loch of the Kyle or Loch of the Narrows, is the principal sea loch on the western coastline of the island of Mull. It extends for over 13 miles inland and almost cuts the island in half as it reaches a point only 3 miles from the east coast. Loch na Keal consists of a wide triangular shaped outer loch, separated from Loch Tuath to the north by the islands of Gometra and Ulva, leading into a narrow inner loch. The island of Staffa is at the mouth of the outer loch, the island of Inch Kenneth is in the outer loch and the island of Eorsa is in the inner loch. The outer loch northern coastline is made up of basaltic ridges and many rocks and islets with many different types of vegetation. The southern coastline, bounded by the Ardmeanach peninsula, has cliffs, land slips and substantial slopes that are covered in scree. The northern shore of the inner loch is steeply sloped with Killiechronan Wood to the east. The southern shore of the inner loch consists of cliffs and slopes leading to the Munro and extinct volcano of Ben More (3169 feet high) with Scarisdale Wood to the south east. Loch na Keal has no significant villages. Most of the small settlements are at the head (east end) of the loch where there is a small area of flat land where the River Bà flows into Loch na Keal from Loch Bà. These include Gruline, a small scattered settlement, primarily consisting of crofting and tourist homes. The closest larger village is Salen, located 2.5 miles north east across the isthmus from the head of the loch. Date: 31st December 2009 Location: view from southern shore http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072280.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8315584264bf6d81448e6e.jpgNesseby, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway Nesseby is a small village located on the southern coast of the Varanger peninsula near the inner part of the Varangerfjord in Nesseby municipality in Finnmark county in north east Norway. The European route E75 highway runs through the village on its way from Varangerbotn to Vadsø. Nesseby church lies on a small peninsula on the coast of the village. The village and municipality are bilingual and have 2 official names: Nesseby (Norwegian) and Unjárga (Northern Sami). Date: 11th April 2010 Location: view looking towards Nesseby church, Nesseby, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/avocets https://images.on-this.website/4752_11192546114db7ec1904d48.jpgAvocets The (Pied) Avocet is a large black and white wader in the avocet and stilt family. It is one of 4 species of avocet that make up the genus Recurvirostra. The genus name is from the Latin [i]recurvus[/i] meaning "curved backwards" and [i]rostrum[/i] meaning "bill". The Avocet is a striking white wader with bold black markings. Adults have white plumage except for a black cap and black patches in the wings and on the back. They have long, upturned bills and long, bluish legs. Males and females look alike whilst juveniles resemble the adult but with more greyish and sepia tones. The Avocet breeds in temperate Europe and western and central Asia. The breeding habitat is shallow lakes with brackish water and exposed bare mud where they build a nest on open ground in a lined scrape or on a mound of vegetation. The Avocet is a migratory species and most winter in Africa or southern Asia. Some remain to winter in the mildest parts of their range such as in southern Spain and southern England. The Avocet feeds on crustaceans and insects in shallow brackish water or on mud flats, often scything their bills from side to side in water (a feeding technique that is unique to the avocet species). The Avocet was extinct as a breeding species in the UK by 1840 but its successful recolonisation at Minsmere in Suffolk in 1947 led to its adoption as the logo of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Date: 25th April 2011 Location: Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28886267.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_212853809357cc39ddd0a29.jpgWhite-fronted Geese The Greater White-fronted Goose is a species of goose which is closely related to the smaller Lesser White-fronted Goose. In Europe it is known as simply White-fronted Goose" whilst in north America it is known as the Greater White-fronted Goose. The Latin name, [i]Anser albifrons[/i], is derived from [i]anser[/i] meaning "goose" and [i]albus[/i] meaning "white " and [i]frons[/i] meaning “forehead”. The White-fronted Goose is 25 to 32 inches in length with a 51 to 65 inches wingspan and weighs 4.3 to 7.3 pounds. It is smaller than the Greylag Goose and, as well as being larger than the Lesser White-fronted Goose, it lacks the yellow eye-ring of that species and the white facial blaze does not extend upwards so far. The White-fronted Goose is a greyish-brown goose with a light grey breast dappled with dark brown to black blotches and bar, a pinkish bill and orange legs and feet. The male is typically larger in size but both sexes are similar in appearance The White-fronted Goose is divided into 5 subspecies. The nominate subspecies, [i]A. a. albifrons[/i], breeds in the far north of Europe and Asia and winters further south and west in Europe, including England and Wales. The very distinct Greenland White-fronted Goose, [i]A. a. flavirostris[/i], breeds in west Greenland and is much darker overall with only a very narrow white tip to the tail (broader on the other races), more black barring on its belly and usually has an orange (not pink) bill. It winters in Ireland and west Scotland. Some ecological studies suggest that the Greenland White-fronted Goose should probably be considered a separate species. Weather conditions are a key factor in the annual breeding success of the White-fronted Goose. In the Arctic, the window of opportunity for nesting, incubating eggs and raising a brood is open briefly for about 3 months. Arriving in late May or early June, White-fronted Geese begin departing for their wintering areas in early September. This means that a delayed snowmelt or late spring storm can significantly reduce breeding success. Date: 11th May 2016 Location: Haeska, Matsalu National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40755821.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16041985655e20448686d74.jpgCommon Buzzard The Common Buzzard is a member of the genus [I]Buteo[/I] and the family [i]Accipitridae[/i], a group of medium-sized raptors with robust bodies and broad wings. The [I]Buteo[/I] species of Eurasia and Africa are usually commonly referred to as buzzards whilst those in the Americas are called hawks. Under current classification, the genus [I]Buteo[/I] includes approximately 28 species. The Common Buzzard includes between 7 to 16 sub-species and the western [i]Buteo[/i] group includes [i]Buteo buteo buteo[/i] which is found more or less continuously throughout Europe including the UK. The Common Buzzard is a medium-sized raptor that is highly variable in plumage. It is distinctly round headed with a somewhat slender bill and it has relatively long wings that either reach or fall slightly short of the tail tip when perched, a fairly short tail and somewhat short and mainly bare tarsi. It can appear fairly compact in overall appearance but may also appear large relative to other commoner raptors such as the Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. The Common Buzzard measures between 16 and 23 inches in length with a 3 feet 7 inches to 4 feet 7 inches wingspan. Females average about 2 to 7% larger than males in length and weigh about 15% more. Body mass can show considerable variation from 0.94 to 2.6 pounds in males and 1.07 to 3.02 pounds in females. In Europe, the Common Buzzard is typically dark brown above and on the upperside of the head and mantle but this can become paler and warmer brown with worn plumage. Usually the tail will be narrowly barred grey-brown and dark brown with a pale tip and a broad dark subterminal band but the tail in the palest birds can show a varying amount of white and a reduced sub-terminal band or even appear almost all white. The underside colouring can be variable but typically shows a brown-streaked white throat with a somewhat darker chest. A pale U across the breast is often present followed by a pale line running down the belly which separates the dark areas on the breast side and flanks. These pale areas tend to have highly variable markings that form irregular bars. Juveniles are quite similar to adults and are best told apart by having a paler eye, a narrower sub-terminal band on the tail and underside markings that appear as streaks rather than bars. Beyond the typical mid-range brownish Common Buzzard, birds in Europe can range from almost uniform black-brown above to mainly white. Extreme dark individuals may range from chocolate-brown to blackish with almost no pale colour showing but with a variable or faded U on the breast and with or without faint lighter brown throat streaks. Extreme pale individuals are largely whitish with variable widely spaced streaks or arrowheads of light brown about the mid-chest and flanks and may or may not show dark feather-centres on the head, wing-coverts and sometimes all but part of the mantle. Individuals can show nearly endless variation of colours and hues in between these extremes and the Common Buzzard is among the most variably plumaged diurnal raptors for this reason. The Common Buzzard is often confused with other raptors especially in flight or at a distance including other [i]Buteo[/i] species such as Rough-legged Buzzard and Long-legged Buzzard and also Honey Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, Golden Eagle, Booted Eagle and Short-toed Eagle. The Common Buzzard is found throughout several islands in the eastern Atlantic islands, including the Canary Islands and the Azores, and almost throughout Europe. In the UK, it is found in Northern Ireland and in nearly every part of Scotland and England. In mainland Europe, there are no substantial gaps in the range from Portugal and Spain to Greece, Estonia, Belarus and the Ukraine, although it is present mainly only in the breeding season in much of the eastern half of the latter 3 countries. It is also present in all larger Mediterranean islands such as Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily and Crete. Further north in to Scandinavia, it is found mainly in south Norway, the southern half of Sweden and in the southern two-thirds of Finland. The Common Buzzard reaches its northern limit as a breeder in far eastern Finland and over the border in to European Russia and nearly to the Kola Peninsula. In these northern limits, the Common Buzzard is present typically only in summer. The Common Buzzard generally inhabits the interface of woodlands and open ground and typically lives in forest edge, small broad-leaved, coniferous or mixed woodlands with adjacent grassland, arable fields or other farmland and open moorland as long as there are some trees. It is absent from treeless tundra and sporadic or rare in treeless steppe. The Common Buzzard can be found from sea level to elevations of 6600 feet although it breeds mostly below 3300 feet. It can winter to an elevation of 8200 feet and migrates easily at 14,800 feet. The Common Buzzard is a partial migrant. Autumn and spring movements are subject to extensive variation, even down to the individual level, based on a region's food resources, competition (both from other Common Buzzards and other predators), the extent of human disturbance and weather conditions. Short distance movements are the norm for juveniles and some adults in autumn and winter but more adults in central and south Europe and the UK remain in their year-around areas than do not. The Common Buzzard is a typical [I]Buteo[/I] in much of its behaviour. It is most often seen effortlessly soaring for extended periods at varying heights although it can appear laborious and heavy in level flight. It is also often seen perched prominently on tree tops, bare branches, telegraph poles, fence posts, rocks or ledges or alternatively well inside the tree canopy. It will also stand and forage on the ground. The Common Buzzard is a generalist predator which hunts a wide variety of prey given the opportunity. The prey extents to a wide variety of vertebrates including mammals, birds (from any age from eggs to adult birds), reptiles, amphibians and fish as well as to various invertebrates, mostly insects. In total, well over 300 prey species are known to be taken by the Common Buzzard. However, dietary studies have shown that it mostly preys upon small mammals, mainly small rodents. Furthermore, prey size can vary from tiny beetles, caterpillars and ants to large adult grouse and Rabbits up to nearly twice their body mass. At times, the Common Buzzard will also subsist partially on carrion, usually of dead mammals or fish. Hunting in relatively open areas has been found to increase hunting success whereas more complete shrub cover lowered success. A majority of prey is taken by dropping from a perch and is normally taken on the ground. Prey may also be hunted in a low flight, by random glides or soars or by foraging on the ground. The home range of the Common Buzzard is generally 0.19 to 0.77 square miles and the size of the breeding territory seems to be correlated with food supply. The territory is maintained through flight displays and in Europe territorial behaviour usually starts in February. However, displays are not uncommon throughout the year in resident pairs, especially by males, and can elicit similar displays by their neighbours. In the display, the Common Buzzard generally engages in high circling, spiraling upward on slightly raised wings. Mutual high circling by pairs sometimes goes on at length, especially during the period prior to or during breeding season. During the mutual displays, the male may engage in exaggerated deep flapping or zig-zag tumbling, apparently in response to the female being too distant. Several pairs may circle together at times and as many as 14 individual adults have been recorded over established display sites. Sky-dancing by the Common Buzzard has been recorded in spring and autumn, typically by the male but sometimes by the female, nearly always with much calling. Sky-dances are of the rollercoaster type, with an upward sweep of up to 100 feet until the bird starts start to stall but sometimes embellished with loops or rolls at the top. Next in the sky-dance, the bird will dive at least 200 feet on more or less closed wings before spreading them and shooting up again. These sky-dances may be repeated in series of 10 to 20. In the climax of the sky-dance, the undulations become progressively shallower, often slowing and terminating directly on to a perch. Various other aerial displays include low contour flight or weaving among trees, frequently with deep beats and exaggerated upstrokes which show underwing pattern to rivals perched below. Talon grappling and occasionally cartwheeling downward with feet interlocked has also been recorded. The Common Buzzard tends to build a bulky nest of sticks, twigs and often heather and lined with broad-leaved foliage. Nests are up to 3.3 to 3.9 feet across and 24 inches deep. With reuse over years, the diameter of a nest can reach or exceed 5 feet. Trees are generally used for a nesting location but crags or cliffs are used if trees are unavailable. Nests in trees are usually located by the main trunk at a height of around 10 to 82 feet. Pairs often have 2 to 4 nests in a territory but some pairs may use a single nest over several consecutive years. The breeding season of the Common Buzzard commences at differing times based on latitude. It may fall as early as January to April but typically it is March to July in most of Europe. In the northern limits of the range the breeding season may occur from May to August. Mating usually occurs on or near the nest and eggs are usually laid in 2 to 3 day intervals. The clutch size can range from to 2 to 6 and it appears that local factors such as habitat and food supply are relevant. Eggs are generally laid in late March to early April in the extreme south, sometime in April in most of Europe and in to May and possibly even early June in the extreme north. If eggs are lost to a predator or fail in some other way, replacement clutches are not usually laid although this has been recorded. Incubation lasts for 33 to 35 days and is mostly, but not solely, undertaken by the female. Hatching may take place over 3 to 7 days. Often the youngest nestling dies from starvation, especially in broods of 3 or more. The female remains at the nest brooding the young in the early stages with the male bringing all prey. At about 8 to 12 days, both the male and female will bring prey but the female continues to do all feeding until the young can tear up their own prey. The young are nearly fully feathered rather than downy at about a month of age and can start to feed themselves as well. The first attempts to leave the nest are often at about 40 to 50 days. Fledging occurs typically at 43 to 54 days but in extreme cases as late 62 days. After leaving the nest, the young generally stay close by until full independence 6 to 8 weeks after fledging. Numerous factors may influence the breeding success of the Common Buzzard including the availability of prey populations, habitat, disturbance and persecution levels and competition. The Common Buzzard is one of the most numerous birds of prey in its range and it is the most numerous diurnal bird of prey throughout much of Europe. Date: 10th December 2019 Location: De Putten and Pettemerpolder area near Camperduin, Noord-Holland, Netherlands http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28139992.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_821951238577a34874e9b9.jpgEider The Eider is the UK's heaviest duck and its fastest flying. The male is unmistakable with its black and white plumage and green nape. The female is a brown bird but can still be readily distinguished from all ducks, except other eider species, on the basis of size and head shape. The Eider is often readily approachable. Eiders are true sea ducks and are rarely found away from coasts where they dive for crustaceans and molluscs, with mussels being a favoured food. They are highly gregarious and usually stay close inshore where they can be seen in sheltered bays or strung out in long lines out beyond the breaking waves. The Eider can be found all year round in its breeding areas from the Northumberland coast northwards and off the north and west coast of Scotland where it nests colonially. They are found in the same areas in autumn and winter and also further south on the Yorkshire coast and around the east and south coast as far as Cornwall. A particularly famous colony of Eiders lives around the Farne Islands in Northumberland. These birds were the subject of one of the first ever bird protection laws, established by Saint Cuthbert in the year 676. About 1,000 pairs still nest there every year. Because St. Cuthbert is the patron saint of Northumberland, it was natural that the Eider should be chosen as the county's emblem bird and the birds are still often called Cuddy's ducks in the area, "Cuddy" being the familiar form of Cuthbert. Date: 21st June 2016 Location: Culkein Drumbeg, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo44183399.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15781891446161c93ce4dbc.jpgEgyptian Goose The Egyptian Goose is native to Africa south of the Sahara and the Nile Valley. It was considered sacred by the ancient Egyptians and appeared in much of their artwork. It has been raised for food and extensively bred in parts of Africa since it was domesticated by the ancient Egyptians. The Egyptian Goose is believed to be most closely related to the shelducks and their relatives. However, in flight it looks heavy and more like a goose than a duck, hence the English name. The sexes of the Egyptian Goose are identical in plumage but the males average slightly larger. There is a fair amount of variation in plumage with some birds greyer and others browner. It has distinctive dark brown eye patches and contrasting white wing patches in flight. The Egyptian Goose breeds widely in Africa except in deserts and dense forests and it is locally abundant. It is found mostly in the Nile Valley and south of the Sahara. While not breeding, it sometimes makes longer migrations northwards into the arid regions of the Sahel. The Egyptian Goose has also been introduced elsewhere: the UK, the Netherlands, France and Germany have self-sustaining populations which are mostly derived from escaped ornamental birds. The UK population dates back to the 18th century although it was only formally added to the British list in 1971. In the UK it can be seen on ornamental ponds as well as on gravel pits and lowland lakes and wetlands. The north Norfolk coast and Norfolk Broads hold the highest numbers. The Egyptian Goose will nest in a large variety of situations, especially in holes in mature trees in parkland. The female builds the nest from reeds, leaves and grass, and both parents take turns incubating eggs. Egyptian Geese usually pair for life and both the male and female care for the offspring until they are old enough to care for themselves. Date: 18th September 2021 Location: Alexandra Lake, Wanstead Flats, London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40952854.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13614106635e5393e6e198f.jpgPale-bellied Brent Geese The Brent Goose belongs to the [I]Branta[/I] genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the [I]Anser[/I] genus of grey geese. [I]Branta[/I] is a Latinised form of Old Norse [I]brandgás[/I], meaning "burnt (black) goose", and [i]bernicla[/i] is the medieval Latin name for the barnacle. The Brent Goose and the similar Barnacle Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be the same creature as the crustacean, a myth that can be dated back to at least the 12th century. The Brent Goose, [I]Branta bernicla[/I] is divided into 3 sub-species: Dark-bellied Brent Goose [I]B. b. bernicla[/I], Pale-bellied Brent Goose [i]B. b. hrota[/i] (sometimes also known as Light-bellied Brent Goose) and Black Brant [i]B. b. nigricans[/i]. Some DNA evidence suggests that these forms are genetically distinct and a split into 3 separate species has been proposed. However, other evidence upholds their maintenance as a single species. The Brent Goose is a small goose, 22 to 26 inches long with a wingspan of 42 to 48 inches. The under-tail is pure white and the tail black and very short (the shortest of any goose). The Dark-bellied Brent Goose is fairly uniformly dark grey-brown all over and the flanks and belly are not significantly paler than the back. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds on the Arctic coasts of central and west Siberia and winters in west Europe with over half the population in south England and the rest between north Germany and north west France. The Pale-bellied Brent Goose appears blackish-brown and light grey in colour and the flanks and belly are significantly paler than the back and present a marked contrast. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds in Franz Josef Land, Svalbard, Greenland and north east Canada and winters in Denmark, north east England, Ireland and the Atlantic coast of the USA from Maine to Georgia as well as in a small but significant area in north France. The Black Brant appears blackish-brown and white in colour. This sub-species is very contrastingly black and white with a uniformly dark sooty-brown back, similarly-coloured underparts (with the dark colour extending furthest back of the 3 sub-species) and a prominent white flank patch. It also has a larger white neck patch which forms an almost complete collar. It breeds in north west Canada, Alaska and east Siberia and winters mostly on the west coast of north America from south Alaska to California but also in east Asia, mainly Japan. It sometimes appears as a vagrant in Europe when it associates with the other Brent Goose species. The Brent Goose used to be a strictly coastal bird in winter, seldom leaving tidal estuaries where it feeds on eel-grass and seaweed. In recent decades, it has started using agricultural land a short distance inland, feeding extensively on grass and winter-sown cereals. This may be behaviour learned by following other species of geese. Food resource pressure may also be important in forcing this change since the world population increased over 10-fold by the mid-1980s, possibly reaching the carrying capacity of the estuaries. In the breeding season, the Brent Goose uses low-lying wet coastal tundra for both breeding and feeding. The nest is bowl-shaped, lined with grass and down and located in an elevated position often near a small pond. The Brent Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds applies. Date: 2nd February 2020 Location: Barnawee Bridge, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847579.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11459764059bd535e3df84.jpgMorské oko, Vihorlat Mountains, Košice region, Slovakia Morské oko (literally Sea Eye) is the largest lake in the Vihorlat Mountains (Vihorlatské vrchy) in eastern Slovakia and the third largest natural lake in Slovakia after the Štrbské pleso lake and the Veľké Hincovo pleso lake in the High Tatras. It is situated at 2027 feet high with a maximum length of 0.47 miles and a maximum width of 0.19 miles. It covers an area of 0.05 square miles and has a maximum depth of 82 feet. Morské oko has been designated as a wider National Nature Reserve covering 0.42 square miles since 1984 and it is part of the Vihorlat Protected Landscape Area within the Vihorlat Mountains. There is a walking trail around the lake but recreational activities such as fishing, swimming and boating are prohibited. Morské oko contains many species of fish, of which the most numerous is the European Chub. The Vihorlat Mountains (Vihorlatské vrchy) are a volcanic mountain range in eastern Slovakia and western Ukraine. They form part of the Inner Eastern Carpathian Mountains. The Slovakian section is 34 miles long and up to 9 miles wide. The highest peak is Vihorlat at 3530 feet and the largest lake is Morské oko. It is a mountainous and mostly forested area with a predominance of beech and forests in addition to hornbeam, ash, maple and some conifers. Arable land and unused pastures and meadows can be found in the non-forested and foothill areas. The middle part of the Vihorlat Mountains in the Humenné, Sobrance and Snina districts was designated as the Vihorlat Protected Landscape Area in December 1973 and they were also designated a Special Protection Area in April 2010. Kyjovský prales, a primeval beech forest in the Vihorlat Mountains, was designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in June 2007. Date: 2nd June 2017 Location: Morské oko, Vihorlat Mountains, Košice region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19507328.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1113040788525289e61e480.jpgStraits of Gibraltar and northern Africa The Straits of Gibraltar are a narrow strait that connect the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea and separate Gibraltar and Spain in Europe from Morocco in Africa. The name comes from the Rock of Gibraltar, which in turn originates from the Arabic Jebel Tariq (meaning "Tariq's mountain") named after Tariq ibn Ziyad. It is Europe and Africa are separated by 8.9 miles of sea at the Straits’ narrowest point and the Straits’ depth ranges from 980 and 3,000 feet. On the northern side of the Straits are Spain and Gibraltar (a British overseas territory in the Iberian peninsula) while on the southern side are Morocco and Ceuta (a Spanish exclave in north Africa). Its boundaries were known in antiquity as the Pillars of Hercules. There are several islets, such as the disputed Isla Perejil, that are claimed by both Morocco and Spain. The Straits are an important shipping route from the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean. There are also ferries that operate between Spain and Morocco across the Straits as well as between Spain and Ceuta and between Gibraltar and Tangier. Due to its location, the Straits are commonly used for illegal immigration from Africa to Europe. Date: 11th September 2013 Location: view from Cazalla near Tarifa, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/short-toed-eagle https://images.on-this.website/4752_4044770084cd57260f3356.jpgShort-toed Eagle The Short-toed Eagle is a medium-sized bird of prey which can be recognised by their predominantly white underside, the upper parts being greyish brown. The chin, throat and upper breast are a pale, earthy brown. The tail has 3 or 4 bars. Additional features are an owl-like rounded head, bright yellow eyes and lightly barred underwings. The Short-toed Eagle can be found throughout the Mediterranean basin and in to Russia and the Middle East and parts of Asia. Those present on the northern edge of the Mediterranean and other parts of Europe migrate mainly to sub-Saharan Africa north of the equator, leaving in September/October and returning in April/May. The Short-toed Eagle has suffered a steep decline in numbers and range in Europe and is now rare and still decreasing in several countries due to changes in agriculture and land use. In Europe it is most numerous in Spain. The Short-toed Eagle can be found in open cultivated plains, arid stony deciduous scrub areas and foothills and semi-desert areas but it requires trees for nesting. The Short-toed Eagle’s diet consists mainly of snakes and lizards but occasionally small mammals and birds. Date: 10th September 2010 Location: Ribadelago Viejo, Castille y Leon, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29240072.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_34007786357eb95b6e721a.jpgLoch na Keal, Mull, Argyll Loch na Keal, meaning Loch of the Kyle or Loch of the Narrows, is the principal sea loch on the western coastline of the island of Mull. It extends for over 13 miles inland and almost cuts the island in half as it reaches a point only 3 miles from the east coast. Loch na Keal consists of a wide triangular shaped outer loch, separated from Loch Tuath to the north by the islands of Gometra and Ulva, leading into a narrow inner loch. The island of Staffa is at the mouth of the outer loch, the island of Inch Kenneth is in the outer loch and the island of Eorsa is in the inner loch. The outer loch northern coastline is made up of basaltic ridges and many rocks and islets with many different types of vegetation. The southern coastline, bounded by the Ardmeanach peninsula, has cliffs, land slips and substantial slopes that are covered in scree. The northern shore of the inner loch is steeply sloped with Killiechronan Wood to the east. The southern shore of the inner loch consists of cliffs and slopes leading to the Munro and extinct volcano of Ben More (3169 feet high) with Scarisdale Wood to the south east. Loch na Keal has no significant villages. Most of the small settlements are at the head (east end) of the loch where there is a small area of flat land where the River Bà flows into Loch na Keal from Loch Bà. These include Gruline, a small scattered settlement, primarily consisting of crofting and tourist homes. The closest larger village is Salen, located 2.5 miles north east across the isthmus from the head of the loch. Date: 19th September 2016 Location: view from southern shore http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41234291.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19751077395ee771af1d604.jpgHolly Blue Flight period: late April to end of August. The Holly Blue is easily identified in early spring as it emerges well before other blue butterflies. It tends to fly high around bushes and trees whereas other grassland blues usually stay near ground level. It is the commonest blue butterfly found in parks and gardens where it congregates around Holly (in spring) and Ivy (in late summer). The Holly Blue is widespread but undergoes large fluctuations in numbers from year to year. It has expanded northwards in recent years and has now colonised parts of north England and the extreme south of Scotland. Date: 9th June 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308840.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_162210761363ee32a9ca23d.jpgGoldcrest The Goldcrest is a very small passerine bird in the kinglet family. Its colourful golden crest feathers, as well as being called the "king of the birds" in European folklore, gives rise to its English and scientific names. The scientific name, Regulus regulus, means king or knight. Several subspecies of the Goldcrest have been described. In continental Eurasia, there are 9 generally accepted and very similar sub-species, differing only in details such as plumage shade. The nominate sub-species R. r. regulus breeds in most of Europe. The Goldcrest is one of the smallest European birds, measuring 3.3 to 3.7 inches in length with a 5.3 to 6.1 inches wingspan and a weight of 0.16 to 0.25 ounces. It is similar in appearance to many warblers, with olive-green upperparts, buff-white underparts, 2 white wing bars and a plain face with conspicuous black irises. The crown of the head has black sides and a narrow black front and a bright crest, yellow with an orange centre in the male and entirely yellow in the female. The crest is erected in display, making the distinctive orange stripe of the male much more conspicuous. The small, thin bill is black and the legs are dark flesh-brown. Apart from the crest colour, the sexes are alike although in fresh plumage, the female may have very slightly paler upperparts and greyer underparts than the adult male. The juvenile is similar to the adult but it has duller upperparts and lacks the coloured crown. The Goldcrest is usually easily distinguished from other small birds in its range but poor views could possibly lead to confusion with the Firecrest or the Yellow-browed Warbler. The adult Firecrest has a distinguishing face pattern showing a bright white supercilium and black eye-stripe and the juvenile usually shows enough of this face pattern to be readily distinguished from the plain-faced Goldcrest. The Yellow-browed Warbler has a yellowish supercilium and a pale crown stripe so it also shows a different head pattern to the Goldcrest. The flight of the Goldcrest is distinctive and consists of whirring wing-beats with occasional sudden changes of direction. Shorter flights while feeding are a mix of dashing and fluttering with frequent hovering. It moves restlessly among foliage and regularly creeps on branches and up and down tree trunks. The typical contact call of the Goldcrest is thin and high-pitched and given at intervals of 1 to 4 seconds with all the notes at the same pitch. The song of the male Goldcrest is a very high, thin double repeated note ending in a flourish. The entire song lasts 3 to 4 seconds and is repeated 5 to 7 times a minute. This song, often uttered while the male is foraging, can be heard in most months of the year. The Goldcrest has a huge range in Eurasia, breeding from Macaronesia to Japan. It is common in middle and northern temperate and boreal latitudes of Europe between the 13 to 24 °C July isotherms and thus predominantly in cooler climates than the Firecrest. Further east it occurs discontinuously through southern Siberia to Sakhalin and Japan, in the Tian Shan mountains, northern Iran and from the Himalayas east to central China. The Goldcrest has bred in Iceland since about 1999 and was widespread by 2004 although numbers are affected by hard winters. Breeding occurs intermittently in the Faroe Islands. The Goldcrest is partly migratory with northernmost populations deserting their breeding areas in winter. Birds winter in Europe and Asia south of the breeding range. The Goldcrest breeds at considerable densities in mature lowland and mountain coniferous woodlands, mainly up to 9,800 feet, and occasionally to 15,700 feet. It uses Spruce, Larch, Scots Pine, Silver Fir and Mountain Pine and in man-made landscapes it also uses introduced conifers such as Douglas Fir. Broad-leaved woods are used only when some coniferous trees are also present and sites such as gardens, parks and cemeteries are used only when they offer suitable conifers that are not otherwise locally available. Unlike more specialised birds such as the Nuthatch and the Treecreeper, both of which forage on tree trunks, the Goldcrest does not need large woodlands and population density is not related to woodland size. Once the breeding season is over, the Goldcrest will readily move into deciduous trees and shrubs, heathland and similar more open habitats. The Goldcrest is a monogamous species. The male sings during the breeding season, usually while foraging rather than from a perch. It has a display involving bowing its head towards another bird and raising the coloured crest. The nest, constructed by both sexes, is a well-insulated cup-shaped structure built in 3 layers and often suspended from a hanging branch. The outer layer is made from moss, small twigs, cobwebs and lichen, the cobwebs also being used to attach the nest to the thin branches that support it. The middle layer is moss which is lined by an inner layer of feathers and hair. Egg laying starts at the end of April into early May with 9 to 11 eggs laid but ranging from 6 to 13. Second clutches, which are common, are laid usually while the first nest still has young. The male generally builds the second nest, then feeds the young in the first nest while the female is incubating in the second. When the first brood has fledged, the male joins the female in feeding the second brood. The female incubates the eggs for 16 to 19 days to hatching and she also broods the chicks which fledge in a further 17 to 22 days later. Both parents feed the chicks and fledged young. The Goldcrest becomes sexually mature after 1 year and it has an annual adult mortality of over 80% giving a life expectancy of around 8 months which is one of the shortest for any bird. There are nonetheless records of an individual surviving to 4 years 10 months and even a report of a bird ringed in Winchester in 1989 and found dead in Morocco 7 years and 7 months later. The Goldcrest feeds in trees, frequently foraging on the undersides of branches and leaves. It is almost exclusively insectivorous and takes a wide variety of prey, especially spiders, caterpillars, bugs, springtails and flies. Flying insects are taken in hovering flight but are not normally pursued. Non-animal food is rare although the Goldcrest has been seen drinking sap from broken birch twigs together with other birds. Outside the breeding season, small groups of Goldcrests maintain exclusive winter feeding territories which they defend against neighbouring groups. As they roam around their territory, they frequently join loose flocks of other wanderers such as tits and warblers. In some areas, wintering birds have developed the habit of coming to feeding stations and bird tables to take fat, sometimes with warblers such as the Chiffchaff and the Blackcap. The Goldcrest has a very large range and a very large population and it is therefore classed as “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List. There was some northward range expansion in Scotland, Belgium, Norway, and Finland during the 20th century, assisted by the spread of conifer plantations. The population is currently stable although there may be temporary marked and heavy declines in harsh winters. However, populations can recover and expand rapidly after a series of mild winters. Date: 18th January 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/january-to-march-2017-bittern https://images.on-this.website/4752_259292285593fbcb8d3ff09.94581209.jpgJanuary to March 2017 - Bittern Please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/photo30024933.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533654.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_195397220362ca8f804270d.jpgSmall Tortoiseshell Flight period: March to October. The Small Tortoiseshell is a familiar widespread butterfly throughout the UK. It is a highly adaptable species that can be found in any flowery areas where nettles occur including in gardens and urban areas. Date: 26th June 2022 Location: RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo441563.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1268574125467eead4a1369.jpgDate: June 2004 Location: Black Cuillin, Skye http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4267180.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9583685364b5222a95abe2.jpgLoch Garten, Highland Loch Garten lies between the River Spey and the Cairngorm Mountains just to the north east of Aviemore and became famous in 1954 when a pair of Ospreys returned to nest here, the first since 1910. Loch Garten is situated in the Abernethy Forest, part of the largest native Caledonian pine forest in the UK. It offers a unique mix of woodland and northern bog with a great variety of birds and other wildlife. The loch and surrounding areas are managed by the RSPB as a nature reserve. Date: 29th December 2009 Location: view from the north shore near the RSPB visitor centre http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41205451.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18688656865eb971e2d180b.jpgBlackcap The Eurasian Blackcap, usually known simply as the Blackcap, is a typical warbler in the Sylvia genus. It is a mainly grey warbler with distinct male and female plumages. It is about 5.1 inches long with a 2.8 to 3.1 inches wing span. The adult male has olive-grey upperparts, other than a paler grey nape, and a neat black cap on the head. The underparts are light grey, becoming silvery white on the chin, throat and upper breast. The tail is dark grey with an olive tint to the outer edge of each feather. The bill and long legs are grey and the iris is reddish brown. The female resembles the male but has a reddish-brown cap and a slightly browner tone to the grey of the upperparts. Juveniles are similar to the female but their upperparts have a slight rufous tinge and the breast and flanks have a more olive tone. Young males have a darker brown cap than their female counterparts. The Blackcap is unmistakable and other dark-headed Sylvia species, such as the Sardinian Warbler and the Orphean Warbler, have extensive black on the head instead of a small cap and they are also larger and have white edges on the tail. The male Blackcap's song is a rich musical warbling, often ending in a loud high-pitched crescendo, which is given in bursts of up to 30 seconds. The song is repeated for about 2 minutes with a short pause before each repetition. The main song can be confused with that of the Garden Warbler but it is slightly higher pitched than in that species, more broken into discrete song segments and less mellow. Both species have a quiet sub-song, a muted version of the full song, which is even harder to separate. The Blackcap also occasionally mimics the song of other birds, the most frequently copied including the Garden Warbler and the Nightingale. The Blackcap’s breeding range includes much of Europe, west Asia and north west Africa and its preferred habitat is mature deciduous woodland. Birds on the Mediterranean and Atlantic islands and in the milder west and south of the main Eurasian distribution often winter within the breeding range but populations elsewhere are migratory. The Blackcap is a “leap-frog migrant” meaning that birds from the north of the breeding range travel furthest south whereas Mediterranean breeders move much shorter distances. The wintering areas overlap with the breeding range but also include extensive areas in west Africa, east Africa south to Lake Malawi and further north in Ethiopia, South Sudan and Eritrea. There is a migratory divide in Europe at longitude 10 to 11°E. Birds to the west of this line migrate south west towards Iberia or west Africa whereas populations to the east migrate to the east Mediterranean and on to east Africa. Climate change appears to be affecting the migration pattern of the Blackcap. It is arriving in Europe earlier than previously and departing nearly 2 weeks later than in the 1980s. In recent decades, some central European birds have taken to wintering in gardens in the UK and, to a lesser extent, in Ireland, where the Blackcap was formerly just a summer visitor. Although the UK climate is sub-optimal, compensatory factors include the ready availability of food (particularly from bird tables), a shorter migration distance and the avoidance of the Alps and the Sahara Desert. The Blackcap's main breeding habitat is mature deciduous woodland with good scrub cover below the trees. Other habitats, such as parks, large gardens and overgrown hedges, are used as long as they meet the essential requirements of tall trees for song posts and an established under-story. Where other Sylvia warblers also breed, the Blackcap tends to use taller trees than its relatives, preferably those with a good canopy such as pedunculate oak. The preferred winter habitat around the Mediterranean is scrub and olive orchards. In Africa, habitats include cultivated land, acacia scrub, mangroves and forest. When the male Blackcap returns to its breeding range, it establishes a territory. Adults that have previously bred return to the site they have used in previous summers whereas inexperienced birds either wander until they find a suitable area or establish a very large initial territory which contracts under pressure from neighbours. Territorial boundaries are established initially by loud singing which is performed while the male displays with its crown raised, tail fanned and slow wingbeats. Sylvia warblers are unusual in that they vigorously defend their territories against other members of their genus. Blackcaps and Garden Warblers use almost identical habitats yet aggressive interactions mean that their territories rarely overlap. The Blackcap first breeds at 1 year old. It is mainly monogamous although both sexes may sometimes deviate from this. A male attracts a female to his territory through song and a display involving raising the black crown feathers, fluffing the tail, slow wingbeats and a short flapping flight. He also builds one or more simple nests (cock nests) usually near his song post. The final nest, which may be one of the cock nests or built from scratch, is a neat cup of roots, stems and grasses lined with fine material such as hair. The nest is built in the cover of bramble, scrub or trees and it is constructed mainly by the female and may be up to 15 feet above the ground although lower than 3 feet is more typical. The clutch is 2 to 7 eggs (typically 4 to 6) which are incubated by both adults for 10 to 16 days (average 11 days). The chicks are fed by both parents and fledge about 11 to 12 days after hatching, leaving the nest shortly before they are able to fly. They are assisted with feeding for a further 2 or 3 weeks. The Blackcap normally raises just 1 brood but second broods are sometimes recorded, particularly in the milder climate of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic islands. The Blackcap feeds mainly on insects during the breeding season and then switches to fruit in late summer, the change being triggered by an internal biological rhythm. When migrants arrive on their breeding territories they initially take berries, pollen and nectar if there are insufficient insects available but then soon switch to their preferred diet. The Blackcap mainly picks prey off foliage and twigs but it may occasionally hover, flycatch or feed on the ground. It eats a wide range of invertebrate prey, although aphids are particularly important early in the season, and flies, beetles and caterpillars are also taken in large numbers. In July, the diet switches increasingly to a wide range of small fruit. The protein needed for egg-laying and for the chicks to grow is replaced by fruit sugar which helps the birds to fatten for migration. Aphids are still taken while they are available since they often contain sugars from the plant sap on which they feed. The Blackcap has a very large range and a very large population. It is therefore classified by the IUCN as being of “Least Concern”. The Blackcap and other small birds are illegally trapped and hunted in large numbers in Mediterranean countries, particularly in Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, Malta, Libya, Egypt and Cyprus, where they are considered as a delicacy. Despite hunting and natural hazards, the European population of the Blackcap has been increasing for several decades as the range extends northwards. There are occasional nesting records from outside the main range such as in north Israel and the Faroe Islands and wandering birds may appear further afield in Iceland or on the islands of Arctic Russia. In the Baltic region, the spread of the Blackcap appears to have been helped by the availability of territories formerly occupied by the declining Barred Warbler. Date: 6th May 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48483004.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_31168934640a40072a90f.jpgBlue Tit The Blue Tit is a small passerine bird in the tit family. It is easily recognisable by its generally blue and yellow plumage and its small size. The Blue Tit is about 4.7 inches long with a wingspan of 7.1 inches. It has an azure blue crown and a dark blue line passing through the eye and encircling the white cheeks to the chin, giving the bird a very distinctive appearance. The forehead and a bar on the wing are white. The nape, wings and tail are blue and the back is yellowish green. The underparts are mostly sulphur-yellow with a dark line down the abdomen. The bill is black and the legs bluish grey. The sexes are similar whilst young birds are noticeably more yellow. The Blue Tit is very agile and it can cling to the outermost branches and hang upside down when searching for food such as insects, caterpillars and seeds. The Blue Tit can be found throughout areas of the European continent with a mainly temperate or Mediterranean climate and in parts of the Middle East. In the UK it is common in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens and widespread across the whole of the country with the exception of some Scottish islands. The Blue Tit will nest in any suitable hole in a tree, wall or stump, often competing with other birds such as the House Sparrow or Great Tit for the site. In addition, it will readily accept an artificial nesting box. The same hole is returned to year after year and when one pair dies another takes possession. The nesting material is usually moss, wool, hair and feathers and the eggs are laid in April or May. The number in the clutch is often very large but 7 or 8 is normal. It is not unusual for a single bird to feed the chicks in the nest at a rate of one feed every 90 seconds during the height of the breeding season. Successful breeding is dependent on a sufficient supply of caterpillars as well as satisfactory weather. Breeding may be affected badly if the weather is cold and wet between May and July, particularly if this coincides with the emergence of the caterpillars on which the nestlings are fed. The small size of the Blue Tit makes it vulnerable to predation by larger birds and the typical lifespan is 3 years or less. The most significant predator is probably the Sparrowhawk, closely followed by the domestic cat. Nests may also be robbed by mammals such as the Weasel and Red and Grey Squirrels. Date: 1st February 2023 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833223.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1110471777559ce8cf6984e.jpgSmall Prespa Lake (Mikri Prespa), West Macedonia, Greece The Prespa lakes constitute 2 freshwater lakes located in the north west corner of Greece and shared by Greece, Albania and Macedonia. Of the total surface area, 68.07 square miles belongs to Macedonia, 17.88 square miles to Albania and 14.05 square miles to Greece. They are the highest tectonic lakes in the Balkans, standing at a height of 2,798 feet. The Prespa lakes are separated by a narrow causeway. The Great Prespa Lake (Megali Prespa) is divided between Albania, Greece and Macedonia. The Small Prespa Lake (Mikri Prespa) is shared only between Greece and Albania. The lakes and the area surrounding them are well known for their natural beauty and they offer a wonderfully rich diversity of habitats, from deep water, shallows, reedbeds, wet meadows, farmland, forests, hills and mountains. The area hosts 40 species of mammals, 260 species of birds, 32 species of reptiles and amphibians and 17 species of fish including a number of endemic species. Date: 14th May 2015 Location: view from near Pyli, West Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39081945.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_220052525d307866a13a7.jpgGolden Oriole The Golden Oriole is the only member of the oriole family breeding in Northern Hemisphere temperate regions. The male is striking with its bright yellow body and black wings but the female is a drabber green-yellow colour. In flight it looks somewhat like a thrush, strong and direct with some shallow undulating dips over longer distances. The Golden Oriole is a secretive bird which keeps to the high tree canopy and even the male is remarkably difficult to see in the dappled yellow and green leaves of the canopy. It can be heard, most often at dawn, giving its distinctive fluting whistle, [i] or-iii-ole[/i], which is unmistakable once heard. It also gives a screeching call similar to the Jay. The summer breeding range of the Golden Oriole spans from west Europe and Scandinavia east to China and it winters in central and south Africa. It can be found in a range of habitats. In west Europe it prefers open broadleaf forests and plantations, copses, riverine forest, orchards and large gardens. In east Europe it may prefer more continuous forest as well as mixed or coniferous forests. It generally avoids treeless habitats but it may forage there. In its wintering habitat it can be found in semi-arid to humid woodland, tall forests, riverine forest, woodland/savannah mosaic and savannah. In the UK, the Golden Oriole is most often seen as a passage migrant in May and June in a suitable breeding area, particularly large poplar plantations near water. It previously bred in the poplar plantations at Lakenheath RSPB reserve in Suffolk. The Golden Oriole may delay breeding until it is 2 or 3 years old. Males usually arrive at the breeding area several days before the females. The fidelity to a territory or even to a specific nest site suggests that the pair bond may continue from one breeding season to the next. The nest is placed high in a tree towards the edge of the crown. The deep cup-shaped nest is suspended below a horizontal fork of thin branches. It is built by the female but the male will sometimes gather some of the material. The female lays and incubates between 3 and 5 eggs but the male will also incubate for short periods to allow the female to feed. The eggs hatch after 16 to 17 days and the young are fed by both parents but are mostly brooded by the female. The young fledge after 16 to 17 days. The Golden Oriole feeds on insects and fruit. Date: 17th May 2018 Location: Vetren, Silistra Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7439626.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17166492534cd572a609cf9.jpgGriffon Vultures The Griffon Vulture is a typical Old World vulture in appearance with a white bald head, very broad wings and short tail feathers. It has a white neck ruff and yellow bill. The buff body and wing coverts contrast with the dark flight feathers. They are very large birds around 37 to 43 inches long with a 91 to 106 inches wingspan. Like other vultures, the Griffon Vulture is a scavenger, feeding mostly from carcasses of dead animals which it finds by soaring over open areas, often moving in flocks. The population is mostly resident in its breeding range in the mountains of southern Europe, north Africa, and Asia. In Spain, there are tens of thousands of birds from a low of a few thousand around 1980 although the Pyrenees population has apparently been affected by an EU ruling that due to danger of BSE transmission, no carcasses must be left on the fields for the time being. Although the Griffon Vulture does not normally attack larger living prey, there are reports of Spanish Griffon Vultures killing weak, young or unhealthy living animals as they do not find enough carrion to eat. Date: 11th September 2010 Location: Arribes del Duero, Castille y Leon, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28140197.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1004284306577a35a49968c.jpgEider The Eider is the UK's heaviest duck and its fastest flying. The male is unmistakable with its black and white plumage and green nape. The female is a brown bird but can still be readily distinguished from all ducks, except other eider species, on the basis of size and head shape. The Eider is often readily approachable. Eiders are true sea ducks and are rarely found away from coasts where they dive for crustaceans and molluscs, with mussels being a favoured food. They are highly gregarious and usually stay close inshore where they can be seen in sheltered bays or strung out in long lines out beyond the breaking waves. The Eider can be found all year round in its breeding areas from the Northumberland coast northwards and off the north and west coast of Scotland where it nests colonially. They are found in the same areas in autumn and winter and also further south on the Yorkshire coast and around the east and south coast as far as Cornwall. A particularly famous colony of Eiders lives around the Farne Islands in Northumberland. These birds were the subject of one of the first ever bird protection laws, established by Saint Cuthbert in the year 676. About 1,000 pairs still nest there every year. Because St. Cuthbert is the patron saint of Northumberland, it was natural that the Eider should be chosen as the county's emblem bird and the birds are still often called Cuddy's ducks in the area, "Cuddy" being the familiar form of Cuthbert. Date: 21st June 2016 Location: Culkein Drumbeg, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14863190.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10016364434fae2ae6b916f.jpgGlossy Ibis The Glossy Ibis is a wading bird and a member of the ibis family. Breeding adults have reddish-brown bodies and shiny bottle-green wings whilst non-breeders and juveniles have duller bodies. They have a brownish bill, dark facial skin bordered above and below in blue-grey (non-breeding) to cobalt blue (breeding) and red-brown legs. Unlike herons, ibises fly with necks outstretched and often flocks fly in lines. The Glossy Ibis is the most widespread ibis species breeding in scattered sites in the warmer regions of Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and the Atlantic and Caribbean region of the Americas. They are also migratory with most European birds wintering in Africa. The Glossy Ibis nests colonially in trees often with herons. It is also gregarious when feeding in marshy wetlands when it predates on fish, frogs and other water creatures. The Glossy Ibis is a very rare visitor to the UK although some individuals have stayed here for many months or even years. The species is prone to occasional influxes and in 2009 the UK enjoyed the biggest influx ever with small flocks discovered in several counties. This photo shows a Glossy Ibis that was seen at various locations in Essex during March and April 2012. The bird was ringed at El Rocio in the Coto Donana National Park in southern Spain in September 2007. Date: 2nd April 2012 Location: Baddow Meads flood plain, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26022199.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1706604566563728102c95a.jpgRed-necked Phalarope The Red-necked Phalarope is a small wader with lobed toes to assist swimming and a straight, fine bill. The breeding female is predominantly dark grey above with a chestnut neck and upper breast, black face and white throat. The breeding male is a duller version of the female. In winter, the plumage is essentially grey above and white below but the black eyepatch is always present. When feeding, a Red-necked Phalarope will often swim in a small, rapid circle, forming a small whirlpool. This behaviour is thought to aid feeding by raising food from the bottom of shallow water. The bird will reach into the centre of the vortex with its bill, plucking small insects or crustaceans caught up therein. On the open ocean, they are often found where converging currents produce upwellings. The Red-necked Phalarope breeds in the Arctic regions of north America and Eurasia. It is migratory and, unusually for a wader, it winters at sea on tropical oceans. Date: 3rd June 2015 Location: Lake Mývatn, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30825692.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_39950230558f34973351e19.19802149.jpgAvocets The (Pied) Avocet is a large black and white wader in the avocet and stilt family. It is one of 4 species of avocet that make up the genus Recurvirostra. The genus name is from the Latin [i]recurvus[/i] meaning "curved backwards" and [i]rostrum[/i] meaning "bill". The Avocet is a striking white wader with bold black markings. Adults have white plumage except for a black cap and black patches in the wings and on the back. They have long, upturned bills and long, bluish legs. Males and females look alike whilst juveniles resemble the adult but with more greyish and sepia tones. The Avocet breeds in temperate Europe and western and central Asia. The breeding habitat is shallow lakes with brackish water and exposed bare mud where they build a nest on open ground in a lined scrape or on a mound of vegetation. The Avocet is a migratory species and most winter in Africa or southern Asia. Some remain to winter in the mildest parts of their range such as in southern Spain and southern England. The Avocet feeds on crustaceans and insects in shallow brackish water or on mud flats, often scything their bills from side to side in water (a feeding technique that is unique to the avocet species). The Avocet was extinct as a breeding species in the UK by 1840 but its successful recolonisation at Minsmere in Suffolk in 1947 led to its adoption as the logo of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Date: 9th April 2017 Location: EWT Blue House Farm, North Fambridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15454034.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17051084214ff548b36680e.jpgEl Rocío, Coto Doñana, Andalucia, Spain El Rocío sits right on the north western edge of the Parque Nacional de Doñana and is located in an area rich in wildlife. The village is a sprawling and pretty Wild-West style place with white houses and sandy, unpaved roads where horses are tied to wooden rails. The village of El Rocío overlooks the La Madre de las Marismas, a marshland area where there are huge numbers of birds. Near the hermitage and running alongside the wetlands is the Paseo Marismeño, an excellent birdwatching spot. The Hermitage of El Rocío is home to the Virgin of El Rocío, a small and much-venerated carved wood statue, and it is the destination of an annual procession and pilgrimage on the second day of the Pentecost known as the Romería de El Rocío. In recent years the Romería has brought together roughly a million pilgrims each year from all over Andalucia and beyond. Although there has been a hermitage on this site for centuries, the present hermitage building was designed by architects in 1961 and built in stages over the next two decades. The modern church of Nuestra Señora del Rocio is a stunning sight when viewed from across the water where the dazzling white sanctuary stands out like a beacon against the green of the marisma and the deep blue of the sky. Date: 1st May 2012 Location: view from La Madre de las Marismas, El Rocío, Coto Doñana, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230746.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_167357932649171a7a3007.jpgWood Warbler The Wood Warbler is a typical leaf warbler in appearance, green above and white below with a lemon-yellow breast. It can be distinguished from similar species, like the Chiffchaff and the Willow Warbler by its yellow supercilium, throat and upper breast, pale tertial edges, longer primary projection and by its shorter but broader tail. The Wood Warbler is common and widespread and breeds throughout north and temperate Europe and just into the extreme west of Asia in the south Ural Mountains. It is strongly migratory and the entire population winters in tropical Africa. The Wood Warbler can be found in open but shady mature woodlands, such as beech and sessile oak, with some sparse ground cover for nesting. The dome-shaped nest is built near the ground in low shrub. The Wood Warbler is a declining summer visitor to the UK and can be seen from April to August. Unlike much of the population in Europe which is found in forested lowlands, the UK population is predominantly found in upland oak woods in the west with the highest densities in the oak woods Wales. The Wood Warbler has 2 song types which are often given alternatively: a high-pitched fluid metallic trill of increasing tempo (often described as a spinning coin on a marble slab) and a series of 3 to 5 descending piping notes of lower pitch. During the former, the bird’s body shudders and shivers as it delivers the song and there are frequent song flights between different branches. Date: 14th May 2023 Location: RSPB Carngafallt, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41254051.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6381491815f059de9bf85a.jpgPorvoo Cathedral, Porvoo, Uusimaa, Finland Porvoo Cathedral (Finnish: [I]Porvoon tuomiokirkko[/I]; Swedish: [I]Borgå domkyrka[/I]) is located in the centre of the city of Porvoo. It is a cathedral of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland and the seat of the Diocese of Borgå, Finland's Swedish-speaking diocese (Borgå is the Swedish language form of Porvoo). It is also used for services by the Porvoo Finnish-speaking community which is administratively part of the Diocese of Helsinki. The church first became a cathedral in 1723 when the diocese of Viipuri (Viborg) (now the Diocese of Tampere) moved to Porvoo after Vyborg was ceded to Russia in the Treaty of Nystad. Porvoo Cathedral was originally built of wood in the 13th century but the first stone walls were built between 1410 and 1420. In about 1450, it was expanded 13 feet towards the east and 20 feet towards the south. It has been destroyed by fire numerous times: in 1508 by Danish forces and in 1571, 1590 and 1708 by Russian forces. In May 29 2006, the outer roof collapsed in a fire (deliberate arson) but with the inner ceiling undamaged and the interior intact. It was reopened in July 2008. Date: 26th June 2019 Location: Porvoo Cathedral, Porvoo, Uusimaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30825720.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_63195770458f349c124e409.61598549.jpgShelduck The Shelduck resembles a small short-necked goose in size and shape. It is larger than a Mallard but smaller than geese such as Greylag and Canada Geese. The Shelduck is a striking bird with a reddish-pink bill, pink feet, a white body with chestnut patches and a black belly and a dark green head and neck. The wing coverts are white, the primaries are black and the secondaries are green and chestnut. The underwings are almost entirely white. Sexes are similar but the female is smaller with some white facial markings whilst the male is particularly crisply coloured in the breeding season with a bright red bill bearing a prominent knob at the forehead. Ducklings are white with a black cap, hindneck and wing and back patches. Juveniles are greyish above and mostly white below but already have the adult's wing pattern. The Shelduck breeds in temperate Eurasia where it nests in rabbit burrows and tree holes. Most populations migrate to sub-tropical areas in winter but it is largely resident in west Europe apart from movements to favoured moulting grounds such as the Wadden Sea on the north German coast. The Shelduck is common around the coastline of the UK and Ireland where it can be found on salt marshes, tidal mudflats and estuaries although it can also be found around inland waters such as reservoirs and gravel workings. It can be seen all year round but the population increases significantly during winter with the arrival of birds from continental Europe. Date: 9th April 2017 Location: EWT Blue House Farm, North Fambridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26021823.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1841112577563724883134b.jpgRed-throated Divers The Red-throated Diver is the smallest and lightest of the world's diver or loon species. Like all divers, it is long-bodied and short-necked and with its legs set far back on its body. The sexes are similar in appearance although males tend to be slightly larger and heavier than females. In breeding plumage, the adult has a dark grey head and neck with narrow black and white stripes on the back of the neck, a triangular red throat patch, white underparts and a dark grey-brown mantle. The non-breeding plumage is drabber with the chin, foreneck and much of the face white, the top of the head and back of the neck grey and considerable white speckling on the dark mantle. The bill is thin, straight and sharp and the bird often holds it at an uptilted angle. In flight, the Red-throated Diver has a distinctive profile. Its small feet do not project far past the end of its body, its head and neck droop below the horizontal (giving the flying bird a distinctly hunchbacked shape) and its thin wings are angled back. It has a quicker, deeper wing beat than other divers. The Red-throated Diver has a large global population and a significant global range but some populations are declining. Oil spills, habitat degradation, pollution and fishing nets are among the major threats and natural predators, such as various gull species and both red and Arctic foxes, will take eggs and young. The Red-throated Diver breeds primarily in the Arctic regions of northern Eurasia and north America and it winters in northern coastal waters, sometimes in groups of considerable size. Unlike other divers, it regularly uses very small freshwater lakes as breeding sites. In Europe, it breeds in Iceland, northern Scotland, Scandinavia and northern Russia and it winters along the coast as far south as parts of Spain. Date: 3rd June 2015 Location: Lake Mývatn, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833614.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1651181082559cee1658a68.jpgEuropean Bee-eater The European Bee-eater is an incredibly colourful bird with an unmistakable appearance. In breeding plumage, it has a rich chestnut crown that blends into gold on its back. The forehead is white, the throat is yellow bordered by black and the underparts are blue. The male European Bee-eater has a chestnut-coloured patch in the middle of the wing while in females this patch is usually smaller or even absent. Occasionally, females may also be distinguished from the males by having a green back. The wings and backs of juvenile European Bee-eaters are entirely green and the eyes are brown in contrast to the bright red eyes of adults. The European Bee-eater breeds in southern Europe and in parts of north Africa and western Asia. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, India and Sri Lanka. European Bee-eaters are occasionally seen in northern Europe (including the UK) as a spring overshoot north of its range with occasional breeding occurring. Just as the name suggests, the European Bee-eater predominantly eats insects, especially bees, wasps and hornets which are caught in the air by sorties from an open perch. Before eating its meal, a European Bee-eater removes the sting by repeatedly hitting the insect on a hard surface. Lizards and frogs are also taken. European Bee-eaters are gregarious, nesting colonially in sandy banks preferably near river shores and also feeding and roosting communally. Date: 12th May 2015 Location: Lake Kerkini, Central Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26030527.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2012239053563766c6eac7d.jpgHarlequin Ducks The Harlequin Duck is a small sea duck which takes its name from Harlequin, a colourfully dressed character in "Commedia dell'arte" (a form of Italian theatre with masked characters). The adult male Harlequin Duck has a colourful and complex plumage pattern. The head and neck are dark slate blue with a large white crescent marking in front of the eye, a small round dot behind the eye and a larger oval spot down the side of the neck. A black crown stripe runs over the top of the head with chestnut patches on either side. A black-bordered white collar separates the head from the breast. The body is largely a lighter slate blue with chestnut sides. A black-bordered white bar divides the breast vertically from the sides. The tail is black, long and pointed. The speculum is metallic blue. The inner secondary feathers are white and form white markings over the back when folded. The bill is blue-grey and the eye is reddish. The adult female Harlequin Duck is less colourful with brownish-grey plumage with three white patches on the head, a round spot behind the eye, a larger patch from the eye to the bill and a small spot above the eye. The Harlequin Duck has smooth, densely packed feathers that trap a lot of air within them. This is vital for insulating such a small body against the chilly waters that it inhabits and it also makes it exceptionally buoyant, making it bounce like a cork after dives. The Harlequin Duck breeds alongside cold fast moving streams in the northern regions of north America, Greenland, Iceland (the only European site) and western Russia. The nest is usually located in a well concealed location on the ground near a stream. They are usually found near pounding surf and white water. It is a short distance migrant and most winter near rocky shorelines on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. The Harlequin Duck is a very rare migrant to western Europe. The Harlequin Duck feeds by swimming under water or diving and also by dabbling. It feeds on molluscs, crustaceans and insects. Date: 2nd June 2015 Location: River Laxá, Lake Mývatn area, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/suomenlinna-uusimaa-finland https://images.on-this.website/4752_10344434135f059db4da00e.jpgSuomenlinna, Uusimaa, Finland Suomenlinna is an inhabited sea fortress built on 8 islands about 2.5 miles south east of the city centre of Helsinki, the capital of Finland. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site that is popular with tourists and locals. Originally named Sveaborg (Castle of the Swedes) or Viapori as referred to by Finnish-speaking Finns, it was renamed in Finnish to Suomenlinna (Castle of Finland) in 1918 for patriotic and nationalistic reasons although it is still known by its original name in Sweden and by Swedish-speaking Finns. The Swedish crown commenced the construction of the fortress in 1748 as protection against Russian expansionism. The general responsibility for the fortification work was given to Augustin Ehrensvärd. The original plan of the bastion fortress was strongly influenced by the ideas of Vauban, the foremost military engineer of the time, and the principles of the star fort style of fortification, albeit adapted to a group of rocky islands. During the Finnish War, Sweden surrendered the fortress to Russia in May 1808 and this paved the way for the occupation of Finland by Russian forces in 1809 and the eventual cession of Finland to Russia at the conclusion of the war. Russia held the fortress until Finnish independence in 1918. Finland then managed Suomenlinna through the Defence Department until turning most of it over to civilian control in 1973. Date: 26th June 2019 Location: view from Tallinn to Helsinki Viking ferry http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45949022.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16447543316284b3ce45f1b.jpgGreenfinch The European Greenfinch, or simply the Greenfinch, is a small passerine bird in the finch. There are 10 recognised sub-species reflecting its widespread range, including the British Greenfinch found in the UK (except north Scotland) and Ireland and the Northern European Greenfinch found in north Scotland, north and central France and Scandinavia to west Siberia. The Greenfinch is similar in size and shape to a House Sparrow but it is mainly green with yellow in the wings and tail. The female and young birds are duller and have brown tones on the back. The bill is thick and conical. The song contains a lot of trilling twitters interspersed with wheezes and the male has a "butterfly" display flight. The Greenfinch is widespread throughout Europe, north Africa and south west Asia where it is mainly resident although some of the most northern populations migrate further south in autumn and winter. It has also been introduced into Australia, New Zealand, Uruguay and Argentina. The Greenfinch can be found around woodland edges, in farmland hedges and in gardens with relatively thick vegetation favoured for breeding. It can form large flocks outside the breeding season, sometimes mixing with other groups of finches and buntings. In the UK, the Greenfinch is widespread and relatively common (although a sharp decline in the population in recent years has been noted due to an outbreak of trichomonosis, a parasite-induced disease which prevents the birds from feeding properly) and it is only absent from upland areas without trees and bushes. The breeding season occurs in spring and early summer, commencing in the second half of March with the young fledging in early July. Incubation of the eggs is undertaken by the female and lasts about 13 to 14 days with the male feeding her at the nest during this period. The chicks are fed on insect larvae by both adults during the first few days and thereafter by a frequently regurgitated yellowish paste made of seeds. The chicks leave the nest about 13 days later but they are unable to fly. The Greenfinch usually produces 2 or 3 broods per year. The Greenfinch predominantly feeds on seeds but it will also take berries and nuts. Date: 25th April 2022 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42202614.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8898996285ff30dac9fc1e.jpgBaltic Gull The Baltic Gull [i]Larus fuscus fuscus[/i] is the eastern form of the Lesser Black-backed Gull (one of 5 recognised sub-species) although it is treated by some authorities as a distinct species. It is found in north Norway, Sweden and Finland east to the White Sea on the north west coast of Russia. The Lesser Black-backed Gull is slightly smaller than the Herring Gull and has a dark grey to black back and wings, yellow bill and yellow legs. The Baltic Gull has a jet black rather than dark grey black. The world population of the Lesser Black-backed Gull is found entirely in Europe. After declines in the 19th century due to persecution, the Lesser Black-backed Gull increased its range and numbers. This expansion has now halted and there is serious concern about declines in many parts of its range. Date: 7th July 2019 Location: Kuntilampi, near Kuusamo, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4267252.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14345841124b52239fa3dbf.jpgWigeon The Eurasian Wigeon, or simply Wigeon, is one of 3 species of Wigeon in the dabbling duck genus [i]Mareca[/i]. The Wigeon is 17 to 20 inches in length with a 28 to 31 inches wingspan. The breeding male has grey flanks and back with a black rear end, a dark green speculum and a brilliant white patch on the upper wings which obvious in flight or at rest. It has a pink breast, white belly and a chestnut head with a creamy crown. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female. The female is generally light brown but it can be distinguished from most other ducks, apart from the American Wigeon, on shape. The Wigeon breeds in the northernmost areas of Europe and Asia where it is the Old World counterpart of north America's American Wigeon. It is a bird of open wetlands, such as wet grassland or marshes with some taller vegetation, and nests on the ground near water and under cover. The Wigeon is strongly migratory and winters further south than its breeding range. It is highly gregarious outside of the breeding season and will form large flocks. In the UK, the Wigeon can be found all year round. It is a scarce breeding bird in central and northern Scotland and in northern England. In winter, many birds arrive in the UK from Iceland, Scandinavia and Russia and very large numbers can be seen on the coasts and at some inland sites. The Wigeon is categorised by the IUCN as a species of “Least Concern” but it is a species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 26th December 2009 Location: Buckenham Marshes, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41505221.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_643987595f37b27e9723a.jpgWhite-tailed Eagle The White-tailed Eagle is the fourth largest eagle in the world, 27 to 36 inches in length with a 72 to 96 inches wingspan. Females are slightly larger than males. It has broad "barn door" wings, a large head and a thick "meat-cleaver" beak. The adult is mainly brown except for the paler head and neck, blackish flight feathers, distinctive white tail, and yellow bill and legs. In juvenile birds the tail and bill are darker, with the tail becoming white with a dark terminal band in sub-adults Some individuals have been found to live over 25 years although 21 years is the average. The White-tailed Eagle breeds in northern Europe and northern Asia with the largest population in Europe along the coast of Norway. The World population in 2008 was estimated at only 9,000 to 11,000 pairs. They are mostly resident with only the northernmost birds such as the eastern Scandinavian and Siberian population migrating south in winter. In the UK, the White-tailed Eagle became extinct during the early 20th century and the present population in Scotland has arisen from a reintroduction programme which commenced on the island of Rhum in 1975. It is still a rare breeding bird which was previously confined to the west coast of Scotland although a reintroduction programme has taken place in east Scotland. Date: 3rd July 2019 Location: Svartnes harbour, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29486918.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_95988209058107c8bcb724.jpgGoldeneye The Goldeneye is a medium-sized diving duck, named for its golden-yellow eye. Adult males have a dark head with a greenish gloss and a circular white patch below the eye, a dark back and a white neck and belly. Adult females have a brown head and a mostly grey body. The Goldeneye breeds on the lakes and in the rivers of boreal forests in Scandinavia, Canada, north USA and north Russia. Naturally it will nest in cavities in large trees but it will also readily use nestboxes put up on trees close to water. This has enabled a healthy breeding population to establish in the Scottish Highlands from 1970 where it is increasing and slowly spreading. The Goldeneye is migratory and most winter in protected coastal waters or open inland waters at more temperate latitudes. The Goldeneye forages by diving underwater for crustaceans, aquatic insects and molluscs. Insects are the predominant prey while nesting and crustaceans are the predominant prey during migration and winter. Date: 23rd May 2016 Location: Wild Brown Bear Centre, near Vartius, Kainuu, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/adder https://images.on-this.website/4752_1957759803467ee6b27e922.jpgAdder Adders are widespread throughout mainland UK but they are absent from Ireland. They occur throughout Europe, with the exception of the Mediterranean islands, and across Russia and Asia through to northern China. They are the UK's only venomous reptile. Adders are relatively short and robust snakes with large heads and a rounded snout. Males are usually a grey or buff colour with vivid black markings although they can also vary from silver to yellow or green in colour. Females are brown with dark red-brown markings that are less prominent than in the males. Both sexes have a zigzag pattern running along the back with a / or X-shaped marking at the rear of the head. Adders can be found in a variety of habitats, including open woodland, hedgerows, moorland, sand dunes, riverbanks, bogs, heathland and mountains. They are active during the day and spend time basking until their body temperature is high enough to hunt for food. Adders use venom to immobilise prey such as lizards, amphibians, nestlings and small mammals. After striking their prey, they will leave the venom to take effect before following the victim’s scent to find the body. Mating takes place between April and May with males often fighting for females. Females have a 3 to 4 month gestation period and Adders are one of the few snakes that are viviparous (give birth to live young). In late August females give birth to between 5 and 20 live young and the young remain close to their mother for a few days before going off in search of food. Adders hibernate from September to March often using deserted rabbit or rodent burrows or settling under logs. They sometimes hibernate communally. Males emerge 2 to 5 weeks before the females and shed their skin before setting off in search of females. Adders are not aggressive snakes and they will only attack if harassed or threatened. Although an Adder’s venom poses little danger to a healthy adult, the bite is very painful and requires urgent medical attention. Date: 8th April 2007 Location: Langdon Conservation Centre, Dunton, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32709094.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_134069473259ad27c8a022b3.35121916.jpgEuropean Pond Terrapin The European Pond Terrapin (also called the European Pond Turtle) is a long-living freshwater species of turtle. It varies quite a bit across its distribution from 5 to 15 inches in length and is olive, brown or black in colour with yellow spots and streaks on the shell and skin although some individuals are nearly black without yellow markings. The European Pond Terrapin is found in south and central Europe, west Asia and north Africa. In the early post-glacial period, it had a much wider distribution being found as far north as south Sweden. The European Pond Terrapin can be found in ponds, lakes and slow moving rivers, preferring water bodies with soft bottoms such as mud or sand where it hunts for fish, amphibians, aquatic invertebrates and aquatic plants. It basks during the day but will dive back in to the water if disturbed. The European Pond Terrapin hibernates during the winter. The European Pond Terrapin is usually considered semi-aquatic since their terrestrial movements can span considerable distances away from water. In spring females lay 3 to 18 eggs in small holes dug in sunny spots and the incubation period lasts 2 to 4 months. Climate has an effect on the survival of hatchlings. Hatchlings are only able to survive under favourable weather conditions but due to regular annual clutch sizes and long lifespan, adults balance out the loss of hatchlings due to climate. The European Pond Terrapin has become rare in most countries even though they are widely distributed in Europe. The building of roads and driving of cars through natural habitats is a possible factor that threatens the population. Road networks and traffic often carry complex ecological effects to animal populations such as fragmenting natural habitats and creating barriers for animal movement. Mortality on the road is most likely due to females selecting nests near roads which places a potential danger for the hatchlings as well. Hatchlings that wander too closely to roads are more likely to be killed and put the future population in danger. The life span of the European Pond Terrapin is 40 to 60 years but it can live to over 100 years but this is very rare and unusual. Date: 20th May 2017 Location: Hortobágy-Halastó, Hortobágy National Park, Hajdú-Bihar county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874759.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_483052255561ccbb3831ee.jpgSeljalandsfoss, south Iceland Seljalandsfoss is located between Selfoss and Skógafoss in south Iceland and is one of the best known waterfalls in the country. The Seljalandsá river drops 200 feet over the cliffs of the former coastline and it is possible to walk behind the waterfall. Date: 8th June 2015 Location: view from the car park at Seljalandsfoss http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41292182.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8803781695f10b8d7178be.jpgPasvikdalen, Troms og Finnmark, Norway The Pasvik valley (Norwegian: [i]Pasvikdalen[/i]) is a river valley located in Norway and Russia. The Norwegian side of the valley is situated in Sør-Varanger municipality in Troms og Finnmark and the Russian side is located in the Pechengsky district in Murmansk Oblast. Øvre Pasvik National Park (Norwegian: [i]Øvre Pasvik Nasjonalpark[/i]) is located in the south eastern part of the valley and covers an area of 46 square miles. It is dominated by Siberian-like taiga consisting of old-growth forests of Scots pine, shallow lakes and bogs. Proposals for a national park in Øvre Pasvik were first launched in 1936 but it was not created until February 1970. It originally covered 25 square miles but was expanded in August 2003. Øvre Pasvik National Park is part of the larger Pasvik–Inari Trilateral Park along with the adjacent Øvre Pasvik Landscape Protection Area, the joint Norwegian and Russian Pasvik Nature Reserve and Finland's Vätsäri Wilderness Area. The fauna and flora of the Øvre Pasvik National Park is typical of the Siberian taiga. This includes Brown Bear, Wolverine, Wolf, Lynx and Elk and a very interesting diversity of northern and eastern species of birds which breed on the lakes and rivers and in the forests. The River Pasvikelva runs through the valley (giving it the name) and the river defines part of the border between Norway and Russia. It is the outlet from the large Lake Inari in Finland and flows through Norway and Russia to discharge into the Bøkfjorden (which later flows into the Varangerfjorden and then the Barents Sea) not far from the town of Kirkenes. The river has a watershed of 7106 square miles and is 90 miles long. A series of hydroelectric power stations are situated along its course. Since 1826, the River Pasvikelva has marked parts of the border between Norway and Russia, except from 1920 to 1944 when it was along the border between Norway and Finland. The southern part of the valley is also the location of the Treriksrøysa (Three-Country Cairn), a cairn which marks the tripoint where the borders between Norway, Finland and Russia meet. The site is on a hill called Muotkavaara situated west of the River Pasvikelva. It is the only place where 3 time zones meet: Central European Time, Eastern European Time and Further-Eastern European Time. The tripoint can only be approached by the public from the Norwegian side since both Finland and Russia maintain extensive border zones where public access is prohibited. Date: 30th June 2019 Location: Øvre Pasvik National Park, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11946540.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13472623294e40f204451db.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 3rd November 2008 Location: Kintour, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28886164.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_102027809857cc39063f7c7.jpgHooded Crow The Hooded Crow is a member of the crow family. It is locally known as a “hoodie” in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Except for the head, throat, wings, tail and thigh feathers, which are black and mostly glossy, the plumage is ash-grey, the dark shafts giving it a streaky appearance. The bill and legs are black. The male is the larger bird, otherwise the sexes are alike. The Hooded Crow, with its contrasting greys and blacks, can not be confused with either the Carrion Crow or Rook, both of which are predominantly black. However, the Hooded Crow is so similar in morphology and habits to the Carrion Crow that for many years it was considered to be a geographical race of a single species. Hybridization observed where their ranges overlapped added weight to this view. However, since 2002 the Hooded Crow has been elevated to full species status after closer observation. The Hooded Crow is widely distributed and can be found across north, east and south east Europe as well as parts of the Middle East. In the UK, the Hooded Crow can be found in north and west Scotland and on the Isle of Man where it replaces the Carrion Crow. Outside the breeding season it occurs across its breeding range and can sometimes be seen in east Scotland and east England. Like other corvids, the Hooded Crow is an omnivorous and opportunistic forager and scavenger and will feed on small mammals and birds, eggs, molluscs, scraps and carrion. Date: 11th May 2016 Location: Matsalu National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37431258.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11228809375c6bebdc97991.jpgPintail Slightly bigger than a Mallard, the Pintail is a long-necked and small-headed duck which flies with a curved back, pointed wings and a long tapering tail. The male's long central tail feathers give rise to the species' English and scientific names. Both sexes have blue-grey bills and grey legs and feet. The male is more striking, having a thin white stripe running from the back of its chocolate-coloured head down its neck to its mostly white underparts. The male also has attractive grey, brown, and black patterning on its back and sides. The female's plumage is more subtle and subdued with drab brown feathers similar to those of other female dabbling ducks. The Pintail can be found all year round but it is primarily a winter visitor with significant populations occurring on coasts, estuaries and other wetlands at sites such as the Dee Estuary, Solway Estuary and Ouse Washes. The winter population arrives in September with numbers peaking in December and the return migration takes place from late February into March. Date: 8th January 2019 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28884663.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_28284547757cc29b0e1146.jpgCitrine Wagtail The Citrine Wagtail is a member of the wagtail family. It is a slender bird, with a long, constantly wagging tail characteristic of the genus Motacilla. The term “citrine” refers to its yellowish colouration. During the breeding season, the male Citrine Wagtail is easily identified by its striking bright yellow head and underparts, black hind-neck collar and 2 bold white patches on the wing-coverts. The upperparts are dark slate-grey with a wash of olive-grey on the sides of the body and often blackish spots on the breast. The upper-tail is black and the bill and legs are blackish-brown. At other times of the year, the male bird becomes paler in colour and more similar in appearance to the duller female. The juvenile has little or no yellow plumage, with olive-brown on the breast and sides of the body. The Citrine Wagtail breeds in north central Asia. Typically it leaves the northern breeding grounds between August and October and migrates to winter in south Asia. Its range is expanding westwards and it is a rare but increasing breeding bird in eastern Europe (e.g. Poland and Estonia) and an increasing vagrant to western Europe. The Citrine Wagtail typically breeds in open country near water and favours marshes, bogs, the edge of lakes, wet grassland, areas of willow bushes in mountain meadows and occasionally fields near villages. Outside of the breeding season, it also occupies coastal marshes, brackish lagoons and river sandbars and artificial environments such as sewage farms and irrigated land. The Citrine Wagtail is an insectivorous bird and it walks along the water’s edge, foraging and picking prey off the low vegetation It may also wade into shallow water to consume insects floating on the water surface. Date: 17th May 2016 Location: Aardla polder, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/glencoe-mountains-argyll https://images.on-this.website/4752_21297985824813be7039754.jpgGlencoe mountains, Argyll Height: Bidean nam Bian 3773 feet, Beinn Fhada 3054 feet, Aonach Dubh 2972 feet and Sgorr nam Fiannaidh 3172 feet Glencoe is internationally famous for its amazing landscape and its natural and cultural heritage. It is a place of towering and spectacular mountains, an environment for diverse and rare wildlife and the site of a famous yet tragic event in Scotland’s history. Glencoe is a steep-sided valley climbing steadily south east from the village of Glencoe on the shores of Loch Leven. It eventually emerges from its mountain landscape on to the very wet and boggy Rannoch Moor over 10 miles away and at an altitude of over 1000 feet. The Glencoe mountains contain some of the oldest sedimentary and volcanic rocks in the world but the effects of glaciation and millions of years and many cycles of erosion have subsequently carved and worn them away into the formation seen today. Glencoe is bounded on its northern side by the famous Aonach Eagach or “notched ridge”, a pinnacled and very narrow ridge linking three peaks over 3000 feet which stretches for over three miles. On the southern side, there is a range of magnificent mountains comprising the “Three Sisters” of Beinn Fhada, Gearr Aonach and Aonach Dubh plus Bidean nam Bian whose summit sits behind the three protruding buttresses. Glencoe is best know for an event that took place here at 5am on the morning of 13 February 1692, the massacre of the MacDonald clan. Date: 27th March 2008 Location: view from the A861 road looking east across Loch Linnhe from Sallachan http://www.richardchewphotography.com/extremadura-idehesai https://images.on-this.website/4752_16943906764ff5465595b3a.jpgExtremadura dehesa, Spain Dehesa is a multifunctional agropastoral system and cultural landscape of southern and central Spain and southern Portugal where it covers around 12500 square miles. Dehesas may be private or communal property (usually belonging to the municipality). The dehesa is derived from the Mediterranean forest ecosystem consisting of pastureland featuring herbaceous species for grazing and tree species such as holm and cork oak. Dehesas are used primarily for grazing by cattle, sheep and goats and they also produce a variety of products including non-timber forest products such as wild game, mushrooms, honey, cork, and firewood. Oaks are protected and pruned to produce acorns which the famous black Iberian pigs feed on in the autumn. Ham produced from Iberian pigs fattened with acorns and then air dried at high elevations is known as jamon which sells for premium prices. Dehesa is an agropastoral system that not only provides a variety of foods and other products but it also a very important wildlife habitat supporting many rare species. Date: 28th April 2012 Location: Rio Almonte bridge to Monroy, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/white-fronted-geese-and-barnacle https://images.on-this.website/4752_145481085757cc396385fce.jpgWhite-fronted Geese and Barnacle Geese The Greater White-fronted Goose is a species of goose which is closely related to the smaller Lesser White-fronted Goose. In Europe it is known as simply White-fronted Goose" whilst in north America it is known as the Greater White-fronted Goose. The Latin name, [i]Anser albifrons[/i], is derived from [i]anser[/i] meaning "goose" and [i]albus[/i] meaning "white " and [i]frons[/i] meaning “forehead”. The White-fronted Goose is 25 to 32 inches in length with a 51 to 65 inches wingspan and weighs 4.3 to 7.3 pounds. It is smaller than the Greylag Goose and, as well as being larger than the Lesser White-fronted Goose, it lacks the yellow eye-ring of that species and the white facial blaze does not extend upwards so far. The White-fronted Goose is a greyish-brown goose with a light grey breast dappled with dark brown to black blotches and bar, a pinkish bill and orange legs and feet. The male is typically larger in size but both sexes are similar in appearance The White-fronted Goose is divided into 5 subspecies. The nominate subspecies, [i]A. a. albifrons[/i], breeds in the far north of Europe and Asia and winters further south and west in Europe, including England and Wales. The very distinct Greenland White-fronted Goose, [i]A. a. flavirostris[/i], breeds in west Greenland and is much darker overall with only a very narrow white tip to the tail (broader on the other races), more black barring on its belly and usually has an orange (not pink) bill. It winters in Ireland and west Scotland. Some ecological studies suggest that the Greenland White-fronted Goose should probably be considered a separate species. Weather conditions are a key factor in the annual breeding success of the White-fronted Goose. In the Arctic, the window of opportunity for nesting, incubating eggs and raising a brood is open briefly for about 3 months. Arriving in late May or early June, White-fronted Geese begin departing for their wintering areas in early September. This means that a delayed snowmelt or late spring storm can significantly reduce breeding success. The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 11th May 2016 Location: Haeska, Matsalu National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45949058.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_777743186284b40586bb2.jpgCollared Dove Collared Doves are distinctive birds with their buffy-pink plumage and black neck collar. They are usually seen singly or in pairs, although flocks may form where food is plentiful. They feed on the ground but readily perch on roofs and wires and in trees. The Collared Dove is not migratory but it is strongly dispersive. Over the last century, it has been one of the great colonisers of the bird world. Its original range at the end of the 19th century was warm temperate and subtropical Asia from Turkey east to south China and south through India to Sri Lanka. In 1838 it was reported in Bulgaria but not until the 20th century did it expand across Europe, appearing in parts of the Balkans between 1900 and 1920 and then spreading rapidly north west, reaching Germany in 1945, the UK in 1953, Ireland in 1959 and the Faroe Islands in the early 1970s. Subsequent spread was “sideways” from this fast north west spread reaching north east to north of the Arctic Circle in Norway, east to the Ural Mountains in Russia and south west to the Canary Islands and north Africa from Morocco to Egypt by the end of the 20th century. In the east of its range it has also spread north east to most of central and north China and locally (probably introduced) in Japan. It has also reached Iceland as a vagrant but has not colonised successfully there. Date: 25th April 2022 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13796945.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7175649434ee9b886285ea.jpgCommon Dolphin The Common Dolphin is a medium sized dolphin, smaller than the Bottle-nosed Dolphin. The colour pattern on the body is unusual. The back is dark and the belly is white, while on each side is an hourglass pattern colored light grey, yellow or gold in front and dirty grey in back. The Common Dolphin is widely distributed in temperate, sub-tropical and tropical waters throughout the world in a band roughly spanning 40 degrees south to 50 degrees north. Deep off-shore waters and to a lesser extent over continental shelves are preferred to shallow waters. Some populations may be present all year round whilst others appear to move in a migratory pattern. The total world population is unknown but numbers in the hundreds of thousands. Common Dolphins travel in groups of around 10 to 50 in number and frequently gather into schools numbering 100 to 2000 individuals. These schools are generally very active with groups often surfacing, jumping and splashing together. Typical behaviour includes breaching, tail-slapping, chin-slapping, bow-riding and porpoising. Common Dolphins are among the fastest swimming cetaceans, Date: 12th September 2008 Location: photo taken from Portsmouth to Bilbao P&O ferry http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230733.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_175230893464916fe57020e.jpgRWT Gilfach, Powys RWT Gilfach is located just 4 miles north of Rhayader. For centuries, it was a working hill farm but now it is a spectacular nature reserve tucked away in the Marteg valley in the heart of rural mid-Wales. The old farm buildings are used as visitor facilities and a series of way-marked trails provide access to the woodlands, rough grazing areas and heather moorland. A hide close to the reserve entrance overlooks the River Marteg. Date: 14th May 2023 Location: RWT Gilfach, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453926.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18119882684ff54594b60e7.jpgGriffon Vultures The Griffon Vulture is a typical Old World vulture in appearance with a white bald head, very broad wings and short tail feathers. It has a white neck ruff and yellow bill. The buff body and wing coverts contrast with the dark flight feathers. They are very large birds around 37 to 43 inches long with a 91 to 106 inches wingspan. Like other vultures, the Griffon Vulture is a scavenger, feeding mostly from carcasses of dead animals which it finds by soaring over open areas, often moving in flocks. The population is mostly resident in its breeding range in the mountains of southern Europe, north Africa, and Asia. In Spain, there are tens of thousands of birds from a low of a few thousand around 1980 although the Pyrenees population has apparently been affected by an EU ruling that due to danger of BSE transmission, no carcasses must be left on the fields for the time being. Although the Griffon Vulture does not normally attack larger living prey, there are reports of Spanish Griffon Vultures killing weak, young or unhealthy living animals as they do not find enough carrion to eat. Date: 27th April 2012 Location: Location: Portilla del Tiétar, Parque Nacional de Monfragüe, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308879.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_50846523863ee3810e54e6.jpgLapwing The Northern Lapwing, also known as the peewit, pewit, tuit or tew-it (imitative of its cry), Green Plover (emphasising the colour of the plumage) or (in the UK) just Lapwing (which refers to its peculiar, erratic way of flying), is a bird in the lapwing family. The Lapwing has rounded wings and a crest. It is also the shortest-legged of the lapwing species. It is mainly black and white but the back is tinted green. The male has a long crest and a black crown, throat and breast contrasting with an otherwise white face. Females and young birds have shorter crests and have less strongly marked heads but plumages are otherwise quite similar. The Lapwing is a vocal bird in the breeding season with constant calling as the crazed tumbling display flight is performed by the male. The typical contact call is a loud, shrill "pee-wit" from which they get their other name of peewit. The Lapwing is common through temperate Eurasia and breeds on cultivated land and other short vegetation habitats. The ground scrape nest and young are defended noisily and aggressively against all intruders. It is highly migratory over most of its extensive range, wintering further south as far as north Africa, north India, Pakistan and parts of China. It migrates mainly by day, often in large flocks. Lowland breeders in the westernmost areas of Europe are resident. In winter, it forms huge flocks on open land, particularly arable land and mud-flats. In the UK, the Lapwing has suffered a significant decline in the last 25 years and is an Amber List species because of the importance of its UK wintering population. It breeds on farmland throughout the UK, particularly in lowland areas of north England, the Borders and east Scotland, and prefers fields of spring sown cereals and root crops, permanent unimproved pasture, meadows and fallow fields but also wet grassland and marshes. During the winter, the Lapwing can be seen on flooded grassland, estuaries, coastal wetlands, short grassy fields and ploughed fields. In addition to the UK population, large numbers of north European birds arrive in the autumn for the winter. The Lapwing feeds primarily on insects and other small invertebrates. It often feeds in mixed flocks with Golden Plovers and Black-headed Gulls, the latter often robbing the plovers, but providing a degree of protection against predators. Date: 21st January 2022 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31192249.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16489344591823790a5f63.88477228.jpgBlack Grouse The Black Grouse is a large game bird in the grouse family. The male has all black plumage with distinctive red wattles over the eyes and striking white stripes along each wing in flight. It has a lyre-shaped tail which is fanned out and raised to show white under-tail feathers when displaying. The female is smaller and grey-brown in colour. The Black Grouse is a sedentary species and breeds across northern Eurasia in moorland and bog areas near to mostly boreal woodland. Although it is declining, it is not considered to be vulnerable globally due to the large population and slow rate of decline. Its decline is due to loss of habitat, disturbance, predation by foxes, crows, etc., and small populations gradually dying out. In the UK, the Black Grouse are found in upland areas of Wales, the Pennines and most of Scotland, especially on farmland and moorland with nearby forestry or scattered trees. Habitat loss and overgrazing have resulted in severe population declines which make the Black Grouse a Red List species. Positive habitat management and re-introduction programmes are helping it to increase in some areas. The Black Grouse has a very distinctive and well-recorded courtship. At dawn in the spring, the males strut around in a traditional area (lek) and display whilst making a highly distinctive and bubbling mating call. This photo was taken at a well known roadside lekking site. If visiting, please remain in your car to avoid disturbance to these vulnerable breeding birds. Date: 6th May 2017 Location: World's End, Denbighshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453993.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18661785894ff547a61a853.jpgLa Madre de las Marismas, El Rocío, Coto Doñana, Andalucia, Spain La Madre de las Marismas is the large, shallow lagoon and marshland area overlooked by the village of El Rocío on the north western edge of the Parque Nacional de Doñana. Water levels permitting, it can host huge numbers of birds including flamingos, herons and egrets, storks, other wading birds and ducks. Date: 1st May 2012 Location: view from El Rocío, Coto Doñana, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081418.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_186576507763a82aa590bae.jpgBewick's Swan The Tundra Swan is a small Holarctic swan. The 2 taxa within it are usually regarded as conspecific but are also sometimes split into 2 species: the Bewick's Swan of the Palaearctic and the Whistling Swan of the Nearctic. The Bewick's Swan was named in 1830 by William Yarrell after the engraver Thomas Bewick who specialised in illustrations of birds and animals. The Bewick's Swan measures 45 to 55 inches in length with a wing span of 18.5 to 21.5 inches. Males are slightly larger and heavier than females. It is similar in appearance to the Whooper Swan but is smaller, shorter-necked and has a more rounded head shape. It has a variable bill pattern but always shows more black than yellow and having a blunt forward edge of the yellow base patch. The Whooper Swan has a bill that has more yellow than black and the forward edge of the yellow patch is usually pointed. The bill pattern for every individual Bewick's Swan is unique and scientists often make detailed drawings of each bill and assign names to the swans to assist with studying these birds. As their common name implies, the Tundra Swan breeds in the Arctic and sub-Arctic tundra where they inhabit shallow pools, lakes and rivers. Unlike the Mute Swan, but like the other Arctic swans, it is a migratory bird. The winter habitat is mainly grassland and marshland, often near the coast. The breeding range of the Bewick’s Swan extends across the coastal lowlands of Siberia from the Kola Peninsula east to the Pacific. It starts to arrive in its breeding range around mid-May and leaves for its winter range around the end of September. The populations west of the Taimyr Peninsula migrate via the White Sea, Baltic Sea and the Elbe estuary to winter in Denmark, the Netherlands and the UK where it is common in winter on a few RSPB and WWT reserves. Some birds also winter elsewhere on the southern shores of the North Sea. The Bewick’s Swans that breed in eastern Russia migrate via Mongolia and north China to winter in the coastal regions of Korea, Japan and south China, south to Guangdong and occasionally as far as Taiwan. A few birds from the central Siberian range also winter in Iran at the south of the Caspian Sea. Arrival in the winter range starts about mid-October although most birds spend weeks or even months at favourite resting locations and will only arrive in the winter range in November or even as late as January. Departure from the winter range starts in mid-February. Bewick’s Swans mate in the late spring, usually after they have returned to the breeding range. As is usual for swans, they pair monogamously until one partner dies. Should one partner die long before the other, the surviving bird often will not mate again for several years or even for the rest of its life. The nesting season starts at the end of May. The pair build the large mound-shaped nest from plant material at an elevated site near open water and they defend a large territory around it. The pen (female) lays and incubates a clutch of 2 to 7 (usually 3 to 5) eggs whilst the cob (male) keeps a steady lookout for potential predators heading towards his mate and offspring. The time from egg laying to hatching is 29 to 30 days. Since they nest in cold regions, Bewick’s Swan cygnets grow faster than those of swans breeding in warmer climates and they may fledge in 40 to 45 days. Cygnets stay with their parents for the first winter migration and the family is sometimes even joined by their offspring from previous breeding seasons while on the wintering grounds. Bewick’s Swans do not reach sexual maturity until 3 or 4 years of age. In summer, the diet of the Bewick’s Swan consists mainly of aquatic vegetation which it finds by sticking its head underwater or upending while swimming. It will also eat some grass growing on dry land. At other times of the year, leftover grains and other crops such as potatoes, picked up in open fields after harvest, make up much of the diet. Healthy adult Bewick’s Swans have few natural predators. The Arctic Fox may threaten breeding females and particular the eggs and hatchlings. Adults typically can stand their ground and displace foxes but occasionally the foxes are successful. Other potential nest predators include the Red Fox, the Brown Bear, the Golden Eagle, the Arctic Skua and the Glaucous Gull. The Brown Bear, the Golden Eagle and the Wolf may occasionally succeed at capturing and killing an adult. About 15% adults die each year from various causes and the average lifespan in the wild is about 10 years. The status of the Bewick's Swan is not well known although its population is in decline in north west Europe for largely unexplained reasons. It is increasingly dependent on agricultural crops to supplement its winter diet as aquatic vegetation in its winter habitat declines due to habitat destruction and water pollution. However, the main cause of adult mortality is hunting and, whilst the Bewick's Swan can not be hunted legally, almost half the birds studied contain lead shot in their bodies, indicating that they were shot at by poachers. Lead poisoning by ingestion of lead shot is also a very significant cause of mortality. The Bewick's Swan is one of the birds to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 9th January 2022 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33820951.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13790181225a3d07c2677e7.jpgCoot The Coot is an all black bird with a distinctive white beak and “shield” above the beak from which earns it the title “bald”. Its feet have distinctive lobed flaps of skin on the toes which act instead of webs when swimming. It patters noisily over the water before taking off and can be very aggressive towards other birds. Coot can be found all the year round mainly on freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers and town park lakes. Sometimes they can be seen offshore, especially in winter if freshwater areas are frozen. They breed in areas of fairly shallow standing freshwater with a muddy bottom and plenty of vegetation at the sides, usually in lowland areas. Date: 12th December 2017 Location: Kensington Gardens, London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18776294.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_202416197451f4cf4ef3fca.jpgSound of Handa, Highland Handa is an island located just offshore from Scourie with one of the largest seabird colonies in north west Europe. The Sound of Handa on the east side of the island contains 2 small sandy bays which are the places where the small ferry boat from Tarbet lands. Date: 20th June 2013 Location: view from Handa Island http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo44044949.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1158678968614f148e1decf.jpgWhite-tailed Lapwing The White-tailed Lapwing or White-tailed Plover is a medium-sized, long-legged and fairly long-billed plover species. Adults are slim erect birds with a brown back and foreneck, paler face and grey breast. Its long yellow legs, pure white tail and distinctive brown, white and black wings make this species unmistakable. The White-tailed Lapwing is the only plover species likely to be seen in other than very shallow water where it picks insects and other small prey mainly from the surface. White-tailed Lapwings breed semi-colonially on inland marshes in Iraq, Iran and southern Russia. The Iraqi and Iranian breeders are mainly residents but Russian birds migrate south in winter to south Asia, the Middle East and north east Africa. The White-tailed Lapwing is a very rare vagrant in western Europe, the first record in the UK being found in Warwickshire in July 1975. There were 11 UK records prior to this bird. Date: 6th September 2021 Location: RSPB Blacktoft Sands, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4267061.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14253310364b52214635e33.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 2nd January 2010 Location: Salen, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4352154.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5907586324b687b1b0a2a4.jpgSnow Bunting Snow Buntings are large buntings with striking “snowy” plumages. Males in summer have all white heads and underparts contrasting with a black mantle and wing tips. Females are a more mottled above. In autumn and winter birds develop a sandy/buff wash to their plumage and males have more mottled upperparts. Snow Buntings breed in far northern Europe and migrate south in winter. They are a very scarce breeding species in the UK and can be found on the highest mountain peaks in Scotland where they nest in rocky crevices. Snow Buntings are best looked for in winter (from late September to early March) where they can sometimes be seen in large flocks on the seashore or on adjacent short rough grassland at coastal sites in Scotland and eastern England. Date: 1st February 2010 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623088.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4370508586117d7608e012.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7439540.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11920718484cd571238e493.jpgGriffon Vulture The Griffon Vulture is a typical Old World vulture in appearance with a white bald head, very broad wings and short tail feathers. It has a white neck ruff and yellow bill. The buff body and wing coverts contrast with the dark flight feathers. They are very large birds around 37 to 43 inches long with a 91 to 106 inches wingspan. Like other vultures, the Griffon Vulture is a scavenger, feeding mostly from carcasses of dead animals which it finds by soaring over open areas, often moving in flocks. The population is mostly resident in its breeding range in the mountains of southern Europe, north Africa, and Asia. In Spain, there are tens of thousands of birds from a low of a few thousand around 1980 although the Pyrenees population has apparently been affected by an EU ruling that due to danger of BSE transmission, no carcasses must be left on the fields for the time being. Although the Griffon Vulture does not normally attack larger living prey, there are reports of Spanish Griffon Vultures killing weak, young or unhealthy living animals as they do not find enough carrion to eat. Date: 7th September 2010 Location: Sierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain - road to La Lancha and Embalse del Jándula http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40755813.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1711454965e20445b4b4e7.jpgWaddenzee, Friesland, Netherlands The Waddenzee is an inter-tidal zone in the south east area of the North Sea. It lies between the coast of north west continental Europe and the range of low-lying Frisian Islands, forming a shallow body of water with extensive tidal flats and wetlands. The Waddenzee stretches from Den Helder in the north west of the Netherlands, past the great river estuaries of Germany to its northern boundary at Skallingen in Denmark along a total coastline of around 310 miles and a total area of around 3900 square miles. Within the Netherlands it is separted from the IJsselmeer by the Afsluitdijk. Historically, these coastal regions were often subjected to large floods caused by storm tides, resulting in thousands of deaths including the Saint Marcellus' flood of 1219, Burchardi flood of 1634 and Christmas Flood of 1717. Some of these also significantly changed the coastline. Numerous dikes and causeways have been built and as a result recent floods have resulted in few or no fatalities (even if some dikes rarely and locally have been overrun in recent history). This makes the Waddenzee among the most human-altered habitats on the planet. The Waddenzee has a high biological diversity and is an important area for substantial numbers of breeding, migrating and wintering birds. The Netherlands, Denmark and Germany all have designated Ramsar sites in the region and although the Waddenzee is not yet designated as a trans-boundary Ramsar site, a great part of the Waddenzee is protected by the co-operation of all 3 countries. The governments of the Netherlands, Denmark and Germany have been working together since 1978 on the protection and conservation of the Waddenzee. Co-operation covers management, monitoring and research, as well as political matters. Furthermore, in 1982, a Joint Declaration on the Protection of the Waddenzee was agreed upon to co-ordinate activities and measures for the protection of the Waddenzee and in 1997 a Trilateral Wadden Sea Plan was adopted. In 1986, the Waddenzee was declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO. In June 2009, the Waddenzee was designated as a World Heritage site by UNESCO and the Danish part was added to the site in 2014. Date: 9th December 2019 Location: view from Holwerd, Friesland, Netherlands http://www.richardchewphotography.com/lautna-to-kloostri-estonia https://images.on-this.website/4752_16138815757cc3aac5522c.jpgLautna to Kloostri, Estonia Date: 11th May 2016 Location: Lautna to Kloostri, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo34006648.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20060182395a72f9f766fbc.jpgBlack-headed Gulls The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 22nd January 2018 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13797116.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1826773834ee9bc00eabec.jpgBottlenose Dolphin The Bottlenose Dolphin is one of the most well-known species of dolphin. They have a stocky, torpedo-shaped body, a short beak and pointed flippers and are usually dark grey on the back with paler grey flanks and a white or pinkish belly. The sickle-shaped dorsal fin is tall and positioned centrally on the back. Variations in the shape of the dorsal fin along with scars and other markings on the skin can help researchers to identify individuals. The Bottlenose Dolphin is found in coastal waters of most temperate, tropical and subtropical areas. Around the UK, it occurs in the English Channel, in the Moray Firth in north-east Scotland and in Cardigan Bay in Wales. Although lone individuals do occur, Bottle-nosed Dolphins are very sociable animals which usually live in groups numbering between 10 and 100 individuals. They engage in much energetic behaviour, including breaching (clearing the water), lobtailing (slapping the tail flukes down onto the surface of the water) and bow-riding (riding the swell created in front of boats and even large whales). The Bottlenose Dolphin faces a number of threats including human disturbance, entanglement in fishing nets and hunting. Like all cetaceans, they are also vulnerable to chemical and noise pollution. The captivity industry that supplies the world aquarium trade is also a problem. The Bottlenose Dolphin is a UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority species and it is protected in UK waters by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Orders 1985. It is illegal to intentionally kill, injure, or harass any cetacean (whale or dolphin) species in UK waters. The Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans in the Baltic and North Seas (ASCOBANS), has been signed by 7 European Countries including the UK. Provision is made under this agreement to set up protected areas, promote research and monitoring, pollution control and increase public awareness. Under Annex II of the EC Habitats Directive, candidate marine Special Areas of Conservation (SACS) are being set up for this species in Cardigan Bay (Wales) and the Moray Firth (north-east Scotland). Date: 13th April 2009 Location: Moray Firth (from Chanonry Point), Inverness-shire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31837530.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2066179467595624a30b44d8.82420556.jpgCommon Gull The Common Gull is a medium-sized gull. The north American subspecies is commonly referred to as the Mew Gull although that name is also used by some authorities for the whole species. The Common Gull is noticeably smaller and more gentle looking than the Herring Gull. It is grey above and white below with greenish-yellow legs. It has black wingtips with large white "mirrors". Young birds have scaly black-brown upperparts and a neat wing pattern and grey legs and take 2 to 3 years to reach maturity. In winter, the head is streaked grey and the bill often has a poorly defined blackish band near the tip which is sometimes sufficiently obvious to cause confusion with the Ring-billed Gull. The call is a high-pitched "laughing" cry. The Common Gull breeds colonially near water or in marshes in north Europe, north west north America and north Asia. It is most numerous in Europe with over half (possibly as much as 80 to 90%) of the world population. In the UK, the Common Gull can be found in summer along the coasts and inland marshes and lakes of Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England. Elsewhere in England and Wales, it can be found in winter on farmland, on marshes and lakes and on the coast. Date: 22nd June 2017 Location: Inverkirkaig Bay near Lochinver, Sutherland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15367561.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20696080314fec1d115b21c.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 9th June 2012 Location: Traigh Allt Chailgeag, Sutherland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4466113.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6833236844b8a26146cdc0.jpgFløyfjellet, Bergen Fløyfjellet or Fløyen is the most visited of the 7 mountains that surround the city centre of Bergen, Norway. It has a funicular railway system (Fløibanen) that transports passengers from the centre of Bergen to a height of 1050 feet in roughly 8 minutes. The actual highest point on Fløifjellet at 1394 feet is approximately 1/2 mile to the north east. From Fløyfjellet there are stunning views of the city of Bergen and the surrounding area. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453954.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2573357814ff5466c6e5e9.jpgExtremadura dehesa, Spain Dehesa is a multifunctional agropastoral system and cultural landscape of southern and central Spain and southern Portugal where it covers around 12500 square miles. Dehesas may be private or communal property (usually belonging to the municipality). The dehesa is derived from the Mediterranean forest ecosystem consisting of pastureland featuring herbaceous species for grazing and tree species such as holm and cork oak. Dehesas are used primarily for grazing by cattle, sheep and goats and they also produce a variety of products including non-timber forest products such as wild game, mushrooms, honey, cork, and firewood. Oaks are protected and pruned to produce acorns which the famous black Iberian pigs feed on in the autumn. Ham produced from Iberian pigs fattened with acorns and then air dried at high elevations is known as jamon which sells for premium prices. Dehesa is an agropastoral system that not only provides a variety of foods and other products but it also a very important wildlife habitat supporting many rare species. Date: 28th April 2012 Location: Rio Almonte bridge to Monroy, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871657.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2568104964eff2043dc1ee.jpgKittiwakes he Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill <i>"kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake"</i>. The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 27th May 2009 Location: Store Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30825714.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_146422865758f349ae7e0810.51523532.jpgAvocet The (Pied) Avocet is a large black and white wader in the avocet and stilt family. It is one of 4 species of avocet that make up the genus Recurvirostra. The genus name is from the Latin [i]recurvus[/i] meaning "curved backwards" and [i]rostrum[/i] meaning "bill". The Avocet is a striking white wader with bold black markings. Adults have white plumage except for a black cap and black patches in the wings and on the back. They have long, upturned bills and long, bluish legs. Males and females look alike whilst juveniles resemble the adult but with more greyish and sepia tones. The Avocet breeds in temperate Europe and western and central Asia. The breeding habitat is shallow lakes with brackish water and exposed bare mud where they build a nest on open ground in a lined scrape or on a mound of vegetation. The Avocet is a migratory species and most winter in Africa or southern Asia. Some remain to winter in the mildest parts of their range such as in southern Spain and southern England. The Avocet feeds on crustaceans and insects in shallow brackish water or on mud flats, often scything their bills from side to side in water (a feeding technique that is unique to the avocet species). The Avocet was extinct as a breeding species in the UK by 1840 but its successful recolonisation at Minsmere in Suffolk in 1947 led to its adoption as the logo of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Date: 9th April 2017 Location: EWT Blue House Farm, North Fambridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37431039.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_344104905c6be15fd25ec.jpgMediterranean Gull The Mediterranean Gull is intermediate in size between the Common Gull and the Black-headed Gull. The breeding plumage adult is a distinctive white gull with a very pale grey mantle and wings with white primary feathers without black tips. The black hood extends down the nape and shows distinct white eye crescents. The blunt tipped, dark red bill has a black sub-terminal band. The non-breeding adult is similar but the hood is reduced to an extensive dusky "bandit" mask through the eye. The Mediterranean Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity and first year birds have a black terminal tail band and more black areas in the upperwings and pale underwings. The Mediterranean Gull was formerly restricted to the Black Sea and the eastern Mediterranean but in recent decades it has undergone a dramatic range expansion and can be found over most of Europe as far as the UK and Ireland. It can be found in scattered colonies of varying size in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes. It is sometimes found nesting in mixed colonies with Black-headed Gull. In winter, the majority of Mediterranean Gulls migrate to the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious during winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. The Mediterranean Gull was a very rare UK bird until the 1950s but it is now widespread in winter and breeding in ever increasing numbers. It is mainly found along the east and south coasts of England and most of the breeding population nest within Black-headed Gull colonies at coastal wetlands. It is more widespread in winter with some beaches in Norfolk and Kent attracting more than a hundred birds and it can also be found inland in small numbers wherever Black-headed and Common Gulls gather (especially in roosts on reservoirs). The Mediterranean Gull tends to be an opportunistic omnivore and eats fish, worms, insects, offal and carrion. The Mediterranean Gull is not globally threatened and is designated by the IUCN as being “Least Concern”. However, it is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 13th January 2019 Location: RSPB Radipole Lake, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11349484.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18732740274e1eef51064d2.jpgRazorbill The Razorbill is a medium-sized seabird and breeds around the coast of the UK with the largest colonies in northern Scotland. They breed on rocky cliffs and among boulder scree close to the sea. Birds only come to shore to breed from March to July and they winter in the northern Atlantic. Date: 11th May 2008 Location: Skomer, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45182262.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20387021736235c3a277872.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 21st January 2022 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405387.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17720622356586d06708e49.jpgSmall Copper Flight period: April to October. The Small Copper is a common and widespread butterfly in the UK but has suffered a population decline due to change in land use and habitat loss. They are fond of warm and dry locations and can be found in a variety of habitats including heathland, unimproved grassland, woodland clearings, waste ground and gardens. Date: 30th September 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28886392.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_188681228157cc3ab6d0895.jpgMatsalu National Park, Estonia Matsalu National Park is the most famous coastal wetland in Estonia. It was established in 1957 mainly to protect nesting, moulting and migratory birds and in 1976 it was included in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance. Matsalu National Park covers a total area of 188 square miles and comprises Matsalu Bay, the Kasari river delta and surrounding areas. 87 square miles of the protected area is terrestrial and 101 square miles is aquatic. The varied habitats include open sea, grassy and rocky islets, sandy and stony shores, saltmarsh, reedbeds, flooded meadows, pastures, arable land, mixed woodland and birch copses. Matsalu Bay is shallow, brackish and rich in nutrients. It is 11.2 miles long and 3.7 miles wide but has an average depth of only 5 feet and a maximum depth of 11 feet. Shoreline length of the bay is about 102.5 miles. The bay's shoreline lacks high banks and is populated mostly with shingle shores with reedbeds in the innermost sheltered parts. Nearly 300 species of birds have been recorded, around 175 species have nested and around 35 are migratory wildfowl. Matsalu Bay is one of the most important wetland bird areas in Europe due to its prime position on the East Atlantic Flyway. Huge numbers of migratory ducks, geese and waders use Matsalu Bay as a staging area in spring and autumn. The Kasari river is the biggest of several rivers that run into Matsalu Bay and the alluvial meadow of the delta (15 square miles) is one of the biggest open wet meadows in Europe. Date: 11th May 2016 Location: Kasari river, Matsalu National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42524866.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12317642386098f7b807560.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 27th March 2021 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41389698.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12654763815f2695e58c98e.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 1st July 2019 Location: Vardø, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31837505.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_919069172595624316c2bb2.87473143.jpgRed Grouse The Red Grouse is a medium-sized bird of the grouse family which is found in heather moorland in the UK and Ireland. It is endemic to the UK and has developed in isolation. It is usually classified as a sub-species of the Willow Ptarmigan or Willow Grouse which is found in birch and other forests and moorlands in north Europe, the tundra of Scandinavia, Siberia, Alaska and north Canada. The Red Grouse is differentiated from the Willow Ptarmigan and Rock Ptarmigan by its plumage being reddish brown and not having a white winter plumage. The tail is black and the legs are white. There are white stripes on the underwing and red combs over the eye. Females are less reddish than the males and have less conspicuous combs. Young birds are duller and lack the red combs. The Red Grouse is found across most parts of Scotland, including Orkney, Shetland and most of the Outer Hebrides. It is only absent from urban areas such as in the Central Belt. In Wales there are strong populations of Red Grouse in some places but the range has retracted. It is now largely absent from the far south and the main strongholds are Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons and the Cambrian Mountains. In England the Red Grouse is mainly found in the north in areas such as the Lake District, Northumberland, County Durham, much of Yorkshire, the Pennines and the Peak District as far south as the Staffordshire Moorlands. There is an isolated introduced population on Dartmoor and overspill Welsh birds visit the Shropshire Hills.The typical habitat is upland heather moors away from trees. It can also be found in some low-lying bogs and birds may visit farmland during hard weather. The UK population of the Red Grouse is estimated at about 250,000 pairs. Numbers have declined in recent years and it is now absent in areas where it was once common. Reasons for the decline include disease, loss of heather due to overgrazing, creation of new conifer plantations and a decline in the number of upland gamekeepers. Some predators feed on Red Grouse and there is ongoing controversy as to what effect these have on numbers. The Red Grouse is herbivorous and feeds mainly on the shoots, seeds and flowers of heather. It will also feed on berries, cereal crops and sometimes insects. The Red Grouse is considered a game bird and is shot in large numbers during the shooting season which traditionally starts on August 12th (known as the Glorious Twelfth). Shooting can take the form of “walked up” (where shooters walk across the moor to flush grouse and take a shot) or “driven” (where grouse are driven, often in large numbers, by “beaters” towards the shooters who are hiding behind a line of “butts”). Many moors are managed to increase the density of Red Grouse. Areas of heather are subjected to controlled burning since this allows fresh young shoots to regenerate which are favoured by Red Grouse. In addition, extensive predator control is a feature of grouse moor management and the extent and legality to which it occurs is hotly contested between conservation groups and shooting interests and the subject generates a lot of media attention. The Red Grouse is widely known as the logo of The Famous Grouse whisky and an animated bird is a character in a series of its adverts. It is also the emblem of the magazine “British Birds”. Date: 20th June 2017 Location: Glen Quaich, Perthshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26041490.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11757872615638a818c19bc.jpgPatreksfjörður, Westfjords, Iceland Patreksfjörður is the southernmost fjord in the Westfjords. The small settlement of Patreksfjörður is built on the sandspits of Geirseyri and Vatnseyri and was named after Saint Patrick who was the spiritual guide of Örlygur Hrappson, the original settler in the area. It is the largest settlement in the southern part of the Westfjords and it is the only place in the Westfjords outside of the regional capital of Ísafjörður to boast more than the odd shop and restaurant. Early in the 20th century, Patreksfjörður was a pioneering force in Iceland's fishing industry, initiating trawler fishing. Commercial fishing and fish processing remain important today but other industries like fish farming and services are also increasingly important. Tourism has been on the increase in Patreksfjörður, not surprisingly since the Látrabjarg cliffs, Rauðasandur beach and Dynjandi waterfalls are all within its reach. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: view from the road 612 to Látrabjarg along the southern shore of Patreksfjörður http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28886325.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_132949449557cc3a5785f0f.jpgCommon Gull The Common Gull is a medium-sized gull. The north American subspecies is commonly referred to as the Mew Gull although that name is also used by some authorities for the whole species. The Common Gull is noticeably smaller and more gentle looking than the Herring Gull. It is grey above and white below with greenish-yellow legs. It has black wingtips with large white "mirrors". Young birds have scaly black-brown upperparts and a neat wing pattern and grey legs and take 2 to 3 years to reach maturity. In winter, the head is streaked grey and the bill often has a poorly defined blackish band near the tip which is sometimes sufficiently obvious to cause confusion with the Ring-billed Gull. The call is a high-pitched "laughing" cry. The Common Gull breeds colonially near water or in marshes in north Europe, north west north America and north Asia. It is most numerous in Europe with over half (possibly as much as 80 to 90%) of the world population. In the UK, the Common Gull can be found in summer along the coasts and inland marshes and lakes of Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England. Elsewhere in England and Wales, it can be found in winter on farmland, on marshes and lakes and on the coast. Date: 11th May 2016 Location: Haeska, Matsalu National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/ltrabjarg-westfjords-iceland https://images.on-this.website/4752_20089769795638a8f76d962.jpgLátrabjarg, Westfjords, Iceland Látrabjarg on the extreme west side of the Westfjords comprises the longest bird cliff in the north Atlantic and hosts nearly half of the world's population of some bird species. The cliffs are approximately 8.5 miles long and up to 1450 feet high and they represent the westernmost point of Europe (excluding Greenland and the Azores). Leaving road 62 (which continues on to Patreksfjörður), gravel road 612 leads west to Breiðavík and climbs up and over a plateau and then steeply down to the coast again before ending a few miles further on below the lighthouse at Bjargtangar, the westernmost building of Europe. The lighthouse also marks the start of the Látrabjarg cliffs which run 8.5 miles east from here to the small inlet of Keflavíkurbjarg. A footpath leads along the clifftops with excellent views of the huge seabird colonies. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: road 612 to Látrabjarg http://www.richardchewphotography.com/alam-pedja-nature-reserve-estonia https://images.on-this.website/4752_141009709757cc0521188bb.jpgAlam Pedja Nature Reserve, Estonia The Alam-Pedja Nature Reserve is located in central Estonia north east of Lake Võrtsjärv and about 20 miles north west of Tartu and it was established in 1994 to protect a complex of bogs, fens, pools, rivers, floodplain meadows, copses and forests. It is also included in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance. The Alam-Pedja Nature Reserve is the largest nature reserve in Estonia and it is a vast wilderness area of over 130 square miles. The nature reserve is largely a wetland, including a complex of 5 large bogs and the floodplains of the large rivers (Emajõgi, Põltsamaa and Pedja). Wetlands cover 82% of the nature reserve's territory. Most of the forests are also wet and the alluvial broadleaved and old-growth forests are particularly valuable. As with many of eastern Europe’s wildest areas, the Alam-Pedja Nature Reserve owes its present state to having formerly being used as a Soviet Union training base and bombing range. Much of the Alam-Pedja Nature Reserve is very difficult to access but it can be partially explored via a minor road heading west from the main Tartu to Tallinn road. Nearly 200 bird species have been recorded in the Alam-Pedja Nature Reserve including around 160 which have bred. It is also an important stopover site for migrating wildfowl. As a large wilderness area, the Alam-Pedja Nature Reserve is also home to numerous species of large mammals including Brown Bear, Wolf, Lynx, Beaver, Elk and Wild Boar. Date: 19th May 2016 Location: Selli-Sillaosta bog nature trail, Alam Pedja Nature Reserve, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo3119758.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9006216644a6c3a042fc57.jpgCommon Seals Common Seals feed at sea but regularly haul out on to rocky shores or inter-tidal sandbanks to rest, to give birth and to suckle their pups. The most important haul-out areas are around the coast of Scotland, particularly in the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland, and on the east coast of England in the Wash. Date: 13th July 2009 Location: Blakeney Point, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17061282.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_69619666450e02de10f018.jpgWigeon The Wigeon is a medium-sized duck with a round head and small The Eurasian Wigeon, or simply Wigeon, is one of 3 species of Wigeon in the dabbling duck genus [i]Mareca[/i]. The Wigeon is 17 to 20 inches in length with a 28 to 31 inches wingspan. The breeding male has grey flanks and back with a black rear end, a dark green speculum and a brilliant white patch on the upper wings which obvious in flight or at rest. It has a pink breast, white belly and a chestnut head with a creamy crown. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female. The female is generally light brown but it can be distinguished from most other ducks, apart from the American Wigeon, on shape. The Wigeon breeds in the northernmost areas of Europe and Asia where it is the Old World counterpart of north America's American Wigeon. It is a bird of open wetlands, such as wet grassland or marshes with some taller vegetation, and nests on the ground near water and under cover. The Wigeon is strongly migratory and winters further south than its breeding range. It is highly gregarious outside of the breeding season and will form large flocks. In the UK, the Wigeon can be found all year round. It is a scarce breeding bird in central and northern Scotland and in northern England. In winter, many birds arrive in the UK from Iceland, Scandinavia and Russia and very large numbers can be seen on the coasts and at some inland sites. The Wigeon is categorised by the IUCN as a species of “Least Concern” but it is a species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 26th December 2012 Location: Buckenham Marshes, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12082036.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1046736334e48e9e5aaee0.jpgCommon Seals Common Seals feed at sea but regularly haul out on to rocky shores or inter-tidal sandbanks to rest, to give birth and to suckle their pups. The most important haul-out areas are around the coast of Scotland, particularly in the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland, and on the east coast of England in the Wash. Date: 7th September 2005 Location: Blakeney Point, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29486963.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_45178573058107ced2b2cc.jpgGoldeneye The Goldeneye is a medium-sized diving duck, named for its golden-yellow eye. Adult males have a dark head with a greenish gloss and a circular white patch below the eye, a dark back and a white neck and belly. Adult females have a brown head and a mostly grey body. The Goldeneye breeds on the lakes and in the rivers of boreal forests in Scandinavia, Canada, north USA and north Russia. Naturally it will nest in cavities in large trees but it will also readily use nestboxes put up on trees close to water. This has enabled a healthy breeding population to establish in the Scottish Highlands from 1970 where it is increasing and slowly spreading. The Goldeneye is migratory and most winter in protected coastal waters or open inland waters at more temperate latitudes. The Goldeneye forages by diving underwater for crustaceans, aquatic insects and molluscs. Insects are the predominant prey while nesting and crustaceans are the predominant prey during migration and winter. Date: 23rd May 2016 Location: Wild Brown Bear Centre, near Vartius, Kainuu, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52698168.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_149136652967b0bc2a6465a.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 25th January 2025 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26015069.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1093028151563643c9df665.jpgRed-necked Phalarope The Red-necked Phalarope is a small wader with lobed toes to assist swimming and a straight, fine bill. The breeding female is predominantly dark grey above with a chestnut neck and upper breast, black face and white throat. The breeding male is a duller version of the female. In winter, the plumage is essentially grey above and white below but the black eyepatch is always present. When feeding, a Red-necked Phalarope will often swim in a small, rapid circle, forming a small whirlpool. This behaviour is thought to aid feeding by raising food from the bottom of shallow water. The bird will reach into the centre of the vortex with its bill, plucking small insects or crustaceans caught up therein. On the open ocean, they are often found where converging currents produce upwellings. The Red-necked Phalarope breeds in the Arctic regions of north America and Eurasia. It is migratory and, unusually for a wader, it winters at sea on tropical oceans. Date: 3rd June 2015 Location: Lake Mývatn, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52699098.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_101571800967b0c9232b8de.jpgDark-bellied Brent Goose The Brent Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. Branta is a Latinised form of Old Norse brandgás, meaning "burnt (black) goose", and bernicla is the medieval Latin name for the barnacle. The Brent Goose and the similar Barnacle Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be the same creature as the crustacean, a myth that can be dated back to at least the 12th century. The Brent Goose, Branta bernicla is divided into 3 sub-species: Dark-bellied Brent Goose B. b. bernicla, Pale-bellied Brent Goose B. b. hrota (sometimes also known as Light-bellied Brent Goose) and Black Brant B. b. nigricans. Some DNA evidence suggests that these forms are genetically distinct and a split into 3 separate species has been proposed. However, other evidence upholds their maintenance as a single species. The Brent Goose is a small goose, 22 to 26 inches long with a wingspan of 42 to 48 inches. The under-tail is pure white and the tail black and very short (the shortest of any goose). The Dark-bellied Brent Goose is fairly uniformly dark grey-brown all over and the flanks and belly are not significantly paler than the back. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds on the Arctic coasts of central and west Siberia and winters in west Europe with over half the population in south England and the rest between north Germany and north west France. The Pale-bellied Brent Goose appears blackish-brown and light grey in colour and the flanks and belly are significantly paler than the back and present a marked contrast. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds in Franz Josef Land, Svalbard, Greenland and north east Canada and winters in Denmark, north east England, Ireland and the Atlantic coast of the USA from Maine to Georgia as well as in a small but significant area in north France. The Black Brant appears blackish-brown and white in colour. This sub-species is very contrastingly black and white with a uniformly dark sooty-brown back, similarly-coloured underparts (with the dark colour extending furthest back of the 3 sub-species) and a prominent white flank patch. It also has a larger white neck patch which forms an almost complete collar. It breeds in north west Canada, Alaska and east Siberia and winters mostly on the west coast of north America from south Alaska to California but also in east Asia, mainly Japan. It sometimes appears as a vagrant in Europe when it associates with the other Brent Goose species. The Brent Goose used to be a strictly coastal bird in winter, seldom leaving tidal estuaries where it feeds on eel-grass and seaweed. In recent decades, it has started using agricultural land a short distance inland, feeding extensively on grass and winter-sown cereals. This may be behaviour learned by following other species of geese. Food resource pressure may also be important in forcing this change since the world population increased over 10-fold by the mid-1980s, possibly reaching the carrying capacity of the estuaries. In the breeding season, the Brent Goose uses low-lying wet coastal tundra for both breeding and feeding. The nest is bowl-shaped, lined with grass and down and located in an elevated position often near a small pond. The Brent Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds applies. Date: 14th February 2025 Location: Shoeburyness, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512524.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_167957831062c99a38de40e.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 9th May 2022 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071521.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16777398206643292d2d7fe.jpgBlack Grouse The Black Grouse is a large game bird in the grouse family. The male has all black plumage with distinctive red wattles over the eyes and striking white stripes along each wing in flight. It has a lyre-shaped tail which is fanned out and raised to show white under-tail feathers when displaying. The female is smaller and grey-brown in colour. The Black Grouse is a sedentary species and breeds across northern Eurasia in moorland and bog areas near to mostly boreal woodland. Although it is declining, it is not considered to be vulnerable globally due to the large population and slow rate of decline. Its decline is due to loss of habitat, disturbance, predation by foxes, crows, etc., and small populations gradually dying out. In the UK, the Black Grouse are found in upland areas of Wales, the Pennines and most of Scotland, especially on farmland and moorland with nearby forestry or scattered trees. Habitat loss and overgrazing have resulted in severe population declines which make the Black Grouse a Red List species. Positive habitat management and re-introduction programmes are helping it to increase in some areas. The Black Grouse has a very distinctive and well-recorded courtship. At dawn in the spring, the males strut around in a traditional area (lek) and display whilst making a highly distinctive and bubbling mating call. This photo was taken at a well known roadside lekking site. If visiting, please remain in your car to avoid disturbance to these vulnerable breeding birds. Date: 3rd May 2023 Location: World's End, Denbighshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645740.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_49547359151e3d05113396.jpgBiałowieża, Poland The Białowieża forest is an ancient mixed forest that straddles the border between Poland and Belarus. It is one of the largest remaining parts of the immense primaeval forest that once stretched across the Great European Plain. On the Polish side, the central part of the Białowieża forest is protected as the Białowieża National Park with an area of about 39 square miles. The National Park, created in 1932, is under strict preservation and has been declared by UNESCO a World Biosphere Reserve and put on the World Heritage List. The Białowieża forest is home to many species of forest birds plus large mammals such as Wolf, Lynx, Moose and European Bison. Park Palacowy (Palace Park) in Białowieża covering 50 ha was founded between 19th and 20th century. It is a park in an English landscape style with several tsarist red brick buildings from the 19th century and a gate which is the only remnant of the wooden manor. There are extensive views to Białowieża National Park. Date: 25th May 2013 Location: Park Palacowy, Białowieża, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230735.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1995084510649170b48d132.jpgTree Pipit The Tree Pipit is a small passerine bird in the pipit family. It is an undistinguished-looking species, similar to the Meadow Pipit, streaked brown above and with black markings on a white belly and buff breast below. It can be distinguished from the slightly smaller Meadow Pipit by its heavier bill and greater contrast between its buff breast and white belly. The Tree Pipit’s song flight is unmistakable. The bird rises a short distance up from a tree and then parachutes down on stiff wings, the song becoming more drawn out towards the end. The Tree Pipit breeds across most of Europe and temperate western and central Asia. It is a long-distance migrant moving in winter to Africa and southern Asia. The Tree Pipit breeds in habitats with a wooded component, including lowland heath and coppice. It is found mostly in open birch woodland on the boundary with moorland or in open structured oak woodland. It nests on the ground amongst grass or heather tussocks. Date: 14th May 2023 Location: RWT Gilfach, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo10926910.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18905779534e0978e8d8865.jpgBottlenose Dolphin The Bottlenose Dolphin is one of the most well-known species of dolphin. They have a stocky, torpedo-shaped body, a short beak and pointed flippers and are usually dark grey on the back with paler grey flanks and a white or pinkish belly. The sickle-shaped dorsal fin is tall and positioned centrally on the back. Variations in the shape of the dorsal fin along with scars and other markings on the skin can help researchers to identify individuals. The Bottlenose Dolphin is found in coastal waters of most temperate, tropical and subtropical areas. Around the UK, it occurs in the English Channel, in the Moray Firth in north-east Scotland and in Cardigan Bay in Wales. Although lone individuals do occur, Bottle-nosed Dolphins are very sociable animals which usually live in groups numbering between 10 and 100 individuals. They engage in much energetic behaviour, including breaching (clearing the water), lobtailing (slapping the tail flukes down onto the surface of the water) and bow-riding (riding the swell created in front of boats and even large whales). The Bottlenose Dolphin faces a number of threats including human disturbance, entanglement in fishing nets and hunting. Like all cetaceans, they are also vulnerable to chemical and noise pollution. The captivity industry that supplies the world aquarium trade is also a problem. The Bottlenose Dolphin is a UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority species and it is protected in UK waters by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Orders 1985. It is illegal to intentionally kill, injure, or harass any cetacean (whale or dolphin) species in UK waters. The Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans in the Baltic and North Seas (ASCOBANS), has been signed by 7 European Countries including the UK. Provision is made under this agreement to set up protected areas, promote research and monitoring, pollution control and increase public awareness. Under Annex II of the EC Habitats Directive, candidate marine Special Areas of Conservation (SACS) are being set up for this species in Cardigan Bay (Wales) and the Moray Firth (north-east Scotland). Date: 12th June 2011 Location: Moray Firth (from Chanonry Point), Inverness-shire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30825727.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_77845815158f349d6939e09.80395241.jpgGadwall The Gadwall is one of the most common and widespread dabbling ducks. The breeding male is patterned grey with a black rear end, light chestnut wings and a brilliant white speculum which is obvious in flight or at rest. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female but retains the male wing pattern and is usually greyer above and has less orange on the bill. The female is light brown with plumage much like a female Mallard. It can be distinguished from that species by the dark orange-edged bill, smaller size, the white speculum and white belly. The Gadwall breeds in north Europe and Asia and central north America and appears to be expanding into eastern north America. It is a bird of open wetlands and lakes, wet grassland or marshes with dense fringing vegetation and it nests on the ground, often some distance from water. In the UK, the Gadwall is a scarce breeding bird on some lakes and gravel pits in the Midlands, south east England, eastern central Scotland, eastern Northern Ireland and south east Wales. In winter, numbers increase as birds migrate to spend the winter in the UK on gravel pits, lakes, reservoirs and coastal wetlands. Date: 9th April 2017 Location: EWT Blue House Farm, North Fambridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/lake-mandra-burgas-province-bulgaria https://images.on-this.website/4752_3614636465d307b1450854.jpgLake Mandra, Burgas Province, Bulgaria The Burgas lakes or Burgas wetlands are a group of coastal lakes of varying salinity located around the city of Burgas (the fourth largest city in Bulgaria) on the Black Sea coast. They constitute the largest group of lakes in the country and comprise some of Bulgaria's biggest and most important lakes. The total area of the lakes and wetlands (including swamps, marshes, ponds and other reservoirs) amounts to 59 square miles of which 21 square miles are either designated or proposed protected areas that are inhabited by a large number of locally or globally endangered species of birds, mammals and fish. Apart from this, the Burgas lakes are also of economic importance and they are used to obtain sea salt and curative mud as well as to supply the local economy with fresh water in the case of Lake Mandra. The lakes comprise (in north to south order): Lake Pomorie: an ultra-saline lagoon Lake Atanasovsko: a nature reserve and Ramsar site Lake Burgas or Lake Vaya: the largest natural lake in Bulgaria by area Lake Poda: sometimes regarded as a part of Lake Mandra Lake Mandra or Lake Mandrensko: now a fresh water reservoir and the largest of the group Lake Mandra or Lake Mandrensko is the most southern of the Burgas lakes. It is 5 miles in length and 0.8 miles wide at its maximum and it has an area of 24 square miles. It was a brackish natural lake until 1963 when it was turned into a reservoir with the construction of a dam to secure fresh water for the large Neftochim Burgas oil refinery. The rivers Izvorska, Fakiyska, Sredetska and Rusokastrenska flow into the lake. The lake is surrounded by areas of wet meadow, reedbeds, woodland and scrub and the lake itself and these other habitats support a wide range of breeding, migrating and wintering birds. Date: 21st May 2018 Location: view from the south shore near Dimcevo, Burgas Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072403.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14975785274bf6e20b226f2.jpgReindeer The Reindeer, also known as the Caribou in North America, is a deer from the Arctic and sub Arctic, including both resident and migratory populations. Whilst it is overall widespread and numerous, some of its subspecies are rare or already extinct. The Reindeer is a widespread and numerous species in the northern Holarctic, being present in tundra (frozen arctic plain with lichens, mosses and dwarfed vegetation) and taiga (marshy pine forest) regions. Originally, the Reindeer was found in Scandinavia, eastern Europe, Russia, Mongolia, and northern China. In North America, it was found in Canada, Alaska and the northern USA from Washington to Maine. It also occurred naturally on Sakhalin, Greenland, and probably even in historical times in Ireland. Today, wild Reindeer have disappeared from many areas within this large historical range, especially from the southern parts where it has vanished almost everywhere. Large populations of wild Reindeer are still found in Norway, Finland, Siberia, Greenland, Alaska, and Canada. Wild Reindeer hunting and herding of semi-domesticated Reindeer (for meat, hides, antlers, milk and transportation) are important to several Arctic and Subarctic people. Domesticated Reindeer are mostly found in northern Fennoscandia and Russia with a herd of approximately 150-170 Reindeer also living around the Cairngorms region in Scotland. Reindeer vary considerably in colour and size. Both sexes grow antlers, though they are typically larger in males. Even far outside its range, the Reindeer is well known due to the myth, probably originating in early 19th century America, in which Santa Claus's sleigh is pulled by flying Reindeer, a popular element of Christmas. Date: 14th April 2010 Location: Kongsfjorddalen, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453986.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12641313064ff5474c41192.jpgBlack Vulture The Black Vulture is also known as the Cinereous Vulture, Monk Vulture or Eurasian Black Vulture. It is an Old World vulture and is only distantly related to the New World vultures and is therefore not directly related to the much smaller American Black Vulture despite the similar name and colouration. The Black Vulture is believed to be the largest true bird of prey in the world.[5] The condors which are slightly larger are now generally considered to be unrelated to the true raptors. This huge bird measures 39 to 47 inches long with a 8 to 10 feet wingspan. The body mass can range from 15 to 31 pounds making it one of the world's heaviest flying birds. The Black Vulture is distinctly dark with the whole body being dark brown except the pale head in adults which is covered in fine down. The massive blue-grey bill is the largest of any bird of prey, a feature enhanced by the relatively small skull of the species. The wings, with serrated leading edges are held straight or slightly arched in flight and are very broad. Flight is slow and buoyant with deep, heavy flaps when necessary. The Black Vulture is a Eurasian species. The western limits of its range are in Spain and Portugal with a reintroduced population in south France. They are also found discontinuously to Greece, Turkey and throughout the central Middle East. Their range continues through Pakistan and northern India to its eastern limits in central Asia where they breed in northern China, Manchuria, Mongolia and Korea. The Black Vulture is generally a permanent resident except in those parts of its range where hard winters cause limited altitudinal movement and for juveniles when they reach breeding maturity. The Black Vulture can be found in hilly and mountainous areas, especially favouring dry semi-open habitats such as meadows at high altitudes. They are always associated with undisturbed, remote areas with limited human disturbance. They forage for carcasses over various kinds of terrain including steppe, grasslands, open woodlands, along riparian habitats or any kind of mountainous habitat. In their current European range and through the Middle East, Black Vultures can be found from 2,300 to 6,600 feet in elevation while in their Asian distribution they are typically found at higher elevations. The Black Vulture is a largely solitary bird, being found alone or in pairs much more frequently than most other Old World vultures. At large carcasses or feeding sites, small groups of less than 10 birds may congregate. The Black Vulture breeds in loose colonies although nests are rarely found in the same tree or rock formation, unlike other Old World vultures which often nest in tight-knit colonies. It breeds in high mountains and large forests, nesting in trees or occasionally on cliff ledges. The breeding season lasts from February until August or September. The huge nest is 4½ to 6½ feet across and 3½ to 10 feet deep and increases in size as a pair uses it repeatedly over the years. Like all vultures, the Black Vulture eats mostly carrion, ranging from the largest mammals available to fish and reptiles and it is well equipped to tear open tough carcass skins thanks to its powerful bill. It can even break apart bone such as ribs to access the flesh of large animals. It is dominant over other scavengers including other large vultures such as the Griffon Vulture. The Black Vulture has declined over most of its range in the last 200 years in part due to eating poisoned bait and also due to higher hygiene standards reducing the amount of available carrion. Trapping and hunting is also particularly prevalent in China and Russia. An even greater threat to this desolation-loving species is development and habitat destruction. The decline has been the greatest in the western half of the range with extinction in many European countries (France, Italy, Austria, Poland, Slovakia, Albania, Moldovia, Romania) and its entire breeding range in north west Africa (Morocco and Algeria). More recently, protection and deliberate feeding schemes have allowed some local recoveries in numbers, particularly in Spain where numbers increased to about 1,000 pairs by 1992 after an earlier decline to 200 pairs in 1970. Elsewhere in Europe, very small but increasing numbers breed in Bulgaria and Greece and a re-introduction scheme is under way in France. Date: 30th April 2012 Location: Brozas to Membrio, western Cáceres, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49003063.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_169629766468fcebcd120.jpgAdder Adders are widespread throughout mainland UK but they are absent from Ireland. They occur throughout Europe, with the exception of the Mediterranean islands, and across Russia and Asia through to northern China. They are the UK's only venomous reptile. Adders are relatively short and robust snakes with large heads and a rounded snout. Males are usually a grey or buff colour with vivid black markings although they can also vary from silver to yellow or green in colour. Females are brown with dark red-brown markings that are less prominent than in the males. Both sexes have a zigzag pattern running along the back with a / or X-shaped marking at the rear of the head. Adders can be found in a variety of habitats, including open woodland, hedgerows, moorland, sand dunes, riverbanks, bogs, heathland and mountains. They are active during the day and spend time basking until their body temperature is high enough to hunt for food. Adders use venom to immobilise prey such as lizards, amphibians, nestlings and small mammals. After striking their prey, they will leave the venom to take effect before following the victim’s scent to find the body. Mating takes place between April and May with males often fighting for females. Females have a 3 to 4 month gestation period and Adders are one of the few snakes that are viviparous (give birth to live young). In late August females give birth to between 5 and 20 live young and the young remain close to their mother for a few days before going off in search of food. Adders hibernate from September to March often using deserted rabbit or rodent burrows or settling under logs. They sometimes hibernate communally. Males emerge 2 to 5 weeks before the females and shed their skin before setting off in search of females. Adders are not aggressive snakes and they will only attack if harassed or threatened. Although an Adder’s venom poses little danger to a healthy adult, the bite is very painful and requires urgent medical attention. Date: 3rd May 2023 Location: Benfleet and Hadleigh Downs, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28887421.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_66624166757cc3fed5d95b.jpgWhite Wagtail The White Wagtail, [i]Motacilla alba[/i], is a small passerine bird in the wagtail family. A number of sub-species are recognised including [i]Motacilla alba alba[/I] found in Europe from the Iberian Peninsula to the Ural Mountains, Turkey, the Levant, Iceland, the Faroe Islands and Greenland's east coast and [I]Motacilla alba yarrellii[/I] (Pied Wagtail) found in the UK and Ireland and which has a much blacker back than the nominate race. The nominate sub-species [I]Motacilla alba alba[/I] is basically grey above and white below with a white face, black cap and black throat. It is a slender bird with a characteristic long tail. The most conspicuous habit of the White Wagtail is a near-constant tail wagging, a trait that has given the bird its common name. In spite of the ubiquity of this behaviour, the reasons for it are poorly understood. It has been suggested that it may flush prey or signal submissiveness to other wagtails. A recent study has suggested instead that it is a signal of vigilance to potential predators. The White Wagtail breeds throughout Eurasia up to latitudes 75°N, only being absent in the Arctic from areas where summer temperatures are less than 4 °C. It also breeds in the mountains of Morocco and western Alaska. It is resident in the milder parts of its range such as western Europe and the Mediterranean but migratory in much of the rest of its range. Northern European breeders winter around the Mediterranean and in tropical and subtropical Africa, Asiatic birds move to the Middle East, India and south east Asia and birds from the north American population also winter in tropical Asia. The White Wagtail has a wide range and whilst the population size is unknown it is believed to be large since the species is described as "common" in at least parts of its range. Population trends have not been quantified but the population in Europe appears to be stable and it has adapted well to human changes to the environment and has exploited human changes such as man-made structures that are used for nesting sites and increased open areas that are used for foraging. The White Wagtail is an insectivorous bird of open country, often near habitation and water. It prefers bare areas for feeding where it can see and pursue its prey. In urban areas it has adapted to foraging on paved areas such as car parks. It nests in crevices and holes in stone walls and similar natural and man-made structures such as bridges and buildings. The diet of the White Wagtail varies by location but terrestrial and aquatic insects and other small invertebrates form the major part of the diet. These range from beetles, dragonflies, small snails, spiders, worms and crustaceans to maggots found in carcasses and flies. It is somewhat unusual in the parts of its range where it is non-migratory as it is an insectivorous bird that continues to feed on insects during the winter when most other insectivorous birds in temperate climates migrate or switch to more vegetable matter. Though it is known to be a host species for the Cuckoo, the White Wagtail typically deserts its nest if it has been parasitised. Date: 10th May 2016 Location: Haapsalu, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14467409.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7413050794f743c269c5b0.jpgUllsfjorden at Svensby, Troms, north Norway Ullsfjorden is a sea fjord located east of Tromsø and west of the Lyngenalpen which can be crossed by the Breivikeidet to Svensby ferry. Location: view from east shore at Svensby Date: 17th March 2012 http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46510963.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_100457170262c98d1d3f0dc.jpgBlack Grouse The Black Grouse is a large game bird in the grouse family. The male has all black plumage with distinctive red wattles over the eyes and striking white stripes along each wing in flight. It has a lyre-shaped tail which is fanned out and raised to show white under-tail feathers when displaying. The female is smaller and grey-brown in colour. The Black Grouse is a sedentary species and breeds across northern Eurasia in moorland and bog areas near to mostly boreal woodland. Although it is declining, it is not considered to be vulnerable globally due to the large population and slow rate of decline. Its decline is due to loss of habitat, disturbance, predation by foxes, crows, etc., and small populations gradually dying out. In the UK, the Black Grouse are found in upland areas of Wales, the Pennines and most of Scotland, especially on farmland and moorland with nearby forestry or scattered trees. Habitat loss and overgrazing have resulted in severe population declines which make the Black Grouse a Red List species. Positive habitat management and re-introduction programmes are helping it to increase in some areas. The Black Grouse has a very distinctive and well-recorded courtship. At dawn in the spring, the males strut around in a traditional area (lek) and display whilst making a highly distinctive and bubbling mating call. This photo was taken at a well known roadside lekking site. If visiting, please remain in your car to avoid disturbance to these vulnerable breeding birds. Date: 7th May 2022 Location: World's End, Denbighshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15082440.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19787248684fc7918bcd72a.jpgCommon Blue Damselflies Flight period: early May to end September. As the name suggests, the Common Blue Damselfly is one of the commonest species in the UK. They can be confused with other blue damselflies, particularly since the markings on this species are rather variable. Common Blue Damselflies are found across most of the UK and are probably the most widespread member of the "blue" damselflies. They can be found around open lakes and ponds, along river and canal banks and streams, provided there is plenty of bankside vegetation. Date: 28th May 2012 Location: Wheatfen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/bearded-tit https://images.on-this.website/4752_14389079334d03cd6fc6e71.jpgBearded Tit The Bearded Tit is a brown, long-tailed bird, usually seen flying rapidly across the top of a reedbed. Males have black “moustaches” rather than “beards”. They are sociable and noisy with their “pinging” calls often being the first clue to their presence. Bearded Tits can be found all year round in areas with reedbeds although they may move away from their breeding areas in winter.They are particularly vulnerable to severe winters and their population has declined in recent years making them an Amber List species. Date: 31st October 2010 Location: Leighton Moss RSPB reserve, Lancashire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11946580.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9671832444e40f23a1e370.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 22nd October 2008 Location: Bradgate Park, Newton Linford , Leicestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405512.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16740415986586f19d437db.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 11th November 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082111.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16673286285d307a6ea1f15.jpgPaddyfield Warbler The Paddyfield Warbler is a species of marsh warbler in the genus[i] Acrocephalus[/i]. It is 5.1 inches long and is close in size to the Reed Warbler but with a shorter bill and longer tail. The adult has an unstreaked pale brown back and buff underparts with a warm brown rump. There is a whitish supercilium and the bill is short and pointed. The male and female are identical as with most warblers but young birds are a richer buff colour below. The Paddyfield Warbler breeds in temperate central Asia where it can be found in low vegetation such as long grass, reeds and rice paddy fields. It is migratory and winters in Bangladesh, India and Pakistan. It is a rare vagrant to west Europe although there is a small breeding population along the shores of the Black Sea around the border between Bulgaria and Romania. The song is fast and similar to the Marsh Warbler with much mimicry and whistles typical of the [i] Acrocephalus[/i] warblers. Like most warblers, the Paddyfield Warbler is insectivorous. Date: 19th May 2018 Location: Lake Durankulak, Dobrich Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7950466.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19264987984d03d01d7db7e.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 15th November 2010 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41524248.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7019416065f3a6d96374d2.jpgRuddy Darter Flight period: mid June to mid September. The Ruddy Darter takes its name from its colour and its swift flight behaviour. The male has a deep russet colour over the entire body and the abdomen has a pinched section close to where it joins the thorax. Females are slightly smaller, golden yellow in colour and being less obviously marked are more difficult to identify than the males. There is more than one red coloured darter species in the UK and they can be easily confused with each other. The commonest red species, the Common Darter, can be distinguished as having red veins at the base of the wings and a less ruddy colouration across the body. However, the Ruddy Darter has entirely black legs, distinguishing it from all other red darters which have longitudinal yellow stripes on their legs. The UK range of the Ruddy Darter has undergone something of an expansion in recent years. Although still relatively uncommon in the west and north of Britain, it is increasing in numbers in the Midlands and eastern England. The population is augmented by continental migrants. It is also found over most of Europe except for northern Scandinavia, as far east as western Siberia and south to north Africa. The Ruddy Darter prefers water bodies with tall emergent vegetation, such as reeds and club rush, and it is known to breed in ponds, lakes, canals, ditches and sluggish rivers. They can also be found near coasts and can breed in fairly brackish water. Date: 4th August 2020 Location, Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23806419.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15299727565512a80d9f308.jpgTufted Duck The Tufted Duck is a medium-sized diving duck. Males are black on the head, neck, breast and back and white on the sides with a small crest and a yellow eye. Females are browner in colour. Tufted Ducks breed in the UK across the lowland areas of England, Scotland and Ireland but less commonly in Wales. Numbers increase in the UK in winter due to birds moving to the UK from Iceland and northern Europe. Tufted Ducks can be found all year round in suitable habitats such as a reservoirs, gravel pits or lakes. Date: 7th March 2015 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo34006641.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5538443495a72f9dc2858f.jpgTurnstone The Turnstone has a mottled appearance with brown or chestnut and black upperparts, brown and white or black and white head pattern, white underparts and orange legs. Turnstones can be found around most of the UK coastline including rocky, sandy and muddy shores and particularly like feeding on seaweed covered rocks, seawalls and jetties. They are present for most of the year. Birds from Northern Europe pass through in July and August and again in spring and birds from Canada and Greenland arrive in August and September and remain until April and May. Non-breeding birds may stay throughout the summer. Date: 22nd January 2018 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39083678.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5334759285d3081cb98733.jpgEastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria The Rhodopes Mountains are a mountain range in south east Europe. They are spread over 5689 square miles of which 4723 square miles are located in south Bulgaria and the remainder in north Greece. The Rhodopes Mountains are about 149 miles long and about 62 to 75 miles wide with an average altitude of 2575 feet. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 7188 feet and is situated 12 miles to the west of Smolyan. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rhodopes Mountains gives its name to the terrestrial eco-region Rodope montane mixed forests that belong in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The area is particularly notable for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans plus its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms such as the Trigrad Gorge. The Rhodopes Mountains can be sub-divided in to 3 sections: The Western Rhodopes are spread over 66% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and they are higher, the most infrastructurally developed and the most visited part of the mountains. The highest and best known peaks are located in this section with more than 10 over 6562 feet high including the highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7188 feet). Some of the deepest river gorges in the Rhodopes Mountains are located in the west as well as several large lakes. The Eastern Rhodopes are spread over a territory of about 34% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and are much lower in height. The large artificial dams of Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets are located in this part of the mountains. Almost every species of European bird of prey nests in the Eastern Rhodopes including the rare Black Vulture and Egyptian Vulture. The Southern Rhodopes are the part of the mountain range that is located in Greece and they are characterized by numerous peaks of relatively low altitude. The Kardzhali reservoir is a reservoir formed by the Kardzhali dam located less than 0.5 miles to the west of the town of Kardzhali in the eastern Rhodopes Mountains. The dam was constructed between 1957 and 1963 and was commissioned in to service in the year of its completion. The reservoir is the second largest reservoir by volume in Bulgaria covering an area of almost 10 square miles when filled to its maximum capacity and is situated at 1065 feet above sea level. A hydro-electric power plant operates at the foot of the dam. Date: 28th May 2018 Location: Kardzhali reservoir, Eastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453946.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14647021164ff5463561b18.jpgCrag Martin The Crag Martin is a small passerine bird in the hirundine (swallow and martin) family with ash-brown upperparts and paler underparts and with a broader body, wings and tail than any other European swallow. The tail is short and square with white patches near the tips of all but the central and outermost pairs of feathers. The underwing and undertail coverts are blackish, the eyes are brown, the small bill is mainly black and the legs are brownish-pink. The Crag Martin can be distinguished from the Sand Martin by its larger size, the white patches on the tail and its lack of a brown breast band. The Crag Martin's flight appears relatively slow for a hirundine. Rapid wing beats are interspersed with flat-winged glides and its long flexible primaries give it the agility to manoeuvre near cliff faces. The Crag Martin breeds in mountains from Iberia and north west Africa through southern Europe, the Persian Gulf and the Himalayas to south west and north east China. Northern populations are migratory with European birds wintering in north Africa, Senegal, Ethiopia and the Nile Valley and Asian breeders going to south China, the Indian subcontinent and the Middle East. Some European birds stay north of the Mediterranean and just move to lower ground after breeding. The Crag Martin is a rare species any distance north of its breeding areas with, for example, very few records in the UK. The Crag Martin breeds on dry, warm and sheltered cliffs in mountainous areas with crags and gorges, building a nest adherent to the rock under a cliff overhang or increasingly on to a man-made structure. Nests are often solitary although a few pairs may breed relativity close together at good locations. Date: 28th April 2012 Location: bridge over the Rio Almonte, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645544.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_31431113551e3cf47936a8.jpgBiebrza, Poland The Biebrza marshes are a complex series of habitats located in the Biebrza river valley. The area encompasses river channels, lakes, extensive marshes, fenland, reed beds, peat bogs and fields and meadows with woods and forests on higher ground. The Biebrza National Park, which covers much of the area, is the largest of Poland’s 23 National Parks and was created in 1993. Covering a total area of 228 square miles, it protects the vast and relatively untouched habitats with their unique variety of several communities of plants and species of wetland birds and mammals. Date: 21st May 2013 Location: view from south of Wizna, Biebrza area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7190834.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18369550524cc3051cad651.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 17th October 2010 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29487217.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_81442776558107e5ee524b.jpgCommon Gull The Common Gull is a medium-sized gull. The north American subspecies is commonly referred to as the Mew Gull although that name is also used by some authorities for the whole species. The Common Gull is noticeably smaller and more gentle looking than the Herring Gull. It is grey above and white below with greenish-yellow legs. It has black wingtips with large white "mirrors". Young birds have scaly black-brown upperparts and a neat wing pattern and grey legs and take 2 to 3 years to reach maturity. In winter, the head is streaked grey and the bill often has a poorly defined blackish band near the tip which is sometimes sufficiently obvious to cause confusion with the Ring-billed Gull. The call is a high-pitched "laughing" cry. The Common Gull breeds colonially near water or in marshes in north Europe, north west north America and north Asia. It is most numerous in Europe with over half (possibly as much as 80 to 90%) of the world population. In the UK, the Common Gull can be found in summer along the coasts and inland marshes and lakes of Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England. Elsewhere in England and Wales, it can be found in winter on farmland, on marshes and lakes and on the coast. Date: 29th May 2016 Location: South Harbour, Helsinki, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12759448.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11220970604e71b9b20fdd0.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 28th September 2008 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13683308.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15593841454ed72c0fb5631.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31045370.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1153342095909a1a8b16482.52893085.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 19th April 2017 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46508899.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_71154159962c989d5630f7.jpgNorthern Wheatear The Northern Wheatear or Wheatear is a small passerine bird that was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family but is now more generally considered to be an Old World flycatcher. It is the most widespread member of the Wheatear genus in Europe and Asia. The English name has nothing to do with wheat or ears but is probably derived from the Middle English whit ers meaning "white arse" and referring to the prominent white rump of many Wheatear species The Northern Wheatear is larger than the European Robin at 5.7 to 6.3 inches in length. Both sexes have a white rump and tail with a black inverted T-pattern at the end of the tail. The summer plumaged male has grey upperparts, buff throat and black wings and face mask. In autumn it resembles the female apart from the black wings. The female is pale brown above and buff below with darker brown wings. The Northern Wheatear makes one of the longest migratory flights of any small bird, crossing ocean, ice and desert. It migrates from sub-Saharan Africa in spring to breed in open rocky country, tundra, moorland, heaths and pastures over a vast area of the Northern Hemisphere that includes northern and central Asia, Europe, Greenland, Alaska and parts of Canada. In autumn it returns to winter in central Africa. In the UK, the Northern Wheatear is a summer visitor and passage migrant arriving in early March and leaving in September. It breeds mainly in western and northern Britain and western Ireland although smaller numbers also breed in southern and eastern England. The Northern Wheatear is primarily an insectivorous bird and feeds mostly on beetles, ants, caterpillars, grasshoppers, flies, etc. It also eats spiders, centipedes and snails and berries in the autumn. Date: 7th May 2022 Location: World's End, Denbighshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645406.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_57628882151e3cdb45b111.jpgBlue-headed Wagtail The Western Yellow Wagtail is a small passerine in the wagtail family. The breeding adult male is basically olive above and yellow below. In other plumages, the yellow may be diluted by white. The heads of breeding males come in a variety of colours and patterns depending on the subspecies. The male Blue-headed Wagtail has a blue-grey head with white supercilium and malar stripe in males, much washed with buffish green in females. The Blue-headed Wagtail breeds in much of temperate Europe and Asia. It is resident in the milder parts of its range, such as western Europe, but northern and eastern populations migrate to sub-Saharan Africa and south Asia. Date: 19th May 2013 Location: Biebrza area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24834030.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_506476612559cf3f5f09ac.jpgEvros Delta, East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece The Evros Delta is located on the border with Turkey and covers a huge area of around 75 square miles, much of which was declared a Ramsar protected wetland site in 1974. Despite this and other designated protection, the Evros Delta faces major issues of freshwater management, overgrazing, overfishing, hunting and drainage. The Evros Delta has a rich diversity of habitats including freshwater lakes, brackish and seawater lagoons, rivers, reedy ditches, tamarisk forest, sandy islets, swamps, reedbeds and a small area of riverine forest. As such, it is one of the most important wetlands in Europe and offers excellent wildlife watching opportunities with 40 species of mammal, 28 species of reptile and amphibian and 46 species of fish. More than 320 bird species have been recorded and the biodiversity, as well as the presence of rare species, are characteristic of the Evros Delta. The geographical position together with the vast areas of natural habitats contributes to its value for wildlife. The western section of the Evros Delta has free public access but a permit is required to visit the eastern section which is a military designated zone adjacent to the border with Turkey. Date: 8th May 2015 Location: Evros Delta (west), East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453960.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12011473424ff54699e407c.jpgWhite Stork The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 28th April 2012 Location: Embalse de Talavan, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084873.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17416948755d3088d9d5325.jpgPiatra Craiului Mountains, Brașov County, Romania The Piatra Craiului Mountains are a mountain range in the Southern Carpathians in central Romania. It forms a narrow and saw-like ridge which is about 16 miles long. Vârful La Om is the highest peak at 7343 feet. The ridge is regarded as one of the most impressive and beautiful sites in the Carpathian Mountians and the views both towards and from the mountains are superb. The whole range is included in the Piatra Craiului National Park. The first protection of this area started in 1938 when 2 square miles were declared as a nature reserve. This has been progressively extended and in 1990 it became a national park covering an area of 38 square miles. In 2003 the external limits and internal zoning were created. Since 1999 a park administration has existed with a visitor centre located on the minor road 0.6 miles west of Zărnești and since 2005 a management plan has been in place. Piatra Craiului National Park supports and protects an abundance and diversity of mammals (including Brown Bear, Wolf and Lynx), birds and plants. Zărneşti is the most important town for visiting the Piatra Craiului Mountains and the Piatra Craiului National Park. The town is located 17 miles south west of the city of Brașov. From Zărnești, a 7 mile long minor road runs west and ends at Cabana Plaiul Foii which is a good starting point for climbing the ridge. In addition, a forest road starts from the south west of Zărneşti which leads to the Zărneştilor Gorge and continues up to the ridge. The traditional villages of Măgura, Peştera, Ciocanu and Şirnea are starting points for routes up to the eastern slopes. Măgura, situated at 3281 feet, is one of Romania’s most picturesque villages and it provides stunning views towards the Bucegi Mountains and the Piatra Craiului Mountains. Date: 5th June 2018 Location: Piatra Craiului Mountains from Cabana Plaiul Foii, Brașov County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11947772.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16809069114e40fe2cce40d.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 21st October 2007 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/great-black-backed-gull https://images.on-this.website/4752_19546347494f743c68387e5.jpgGreat Black-backed Gull The largest of the gulls, the Great Black-backed Gull is a dominating and opportunistic predator, scavenger and pirate that has been described as a “merciless tyrant” due to its aggressive feeding habits. The Great Black-backed Gull has a thick-set body with a large, yellow, red-tipped bill, strong legs and wide, webbed feet which have a delicate pink hue. The breast and head are snowy white and sit in stark contrast to the black back and wings. Young Great Black-backed Gulls undergo several plumage changes before taking on that of the adult. Juveniles are pale brown with heavy white mottling whilst immatures are also mottled but have a distinctive whitish head and breast but with a dark-tipped, pale bill The Great Black-backed Gull occurs along the coastlines of northern Europe and northern Russia as well as the east coast of north America and central America and it can be found in a variety of coastal habitats, including rocky and sandy coasts and estuaries as well as inland habitats such as lakes, ponds, fields and moorland. It breeds in areas free of or largely inaccessible to terrestrial predators such as vegetated islands, sand dunes, flat-topped stacks, building roofs and sometimes amongst bushes on salt-marsh islands. During the winter, the Great Black-backed Gull often travels far out to sea to feed. Date: 17th March 2012 Location: Sommarøy, Troms, north Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41623069.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5267788245f4d1dd517b8f.jpgRed-throated Diver The Red-throated Diver is the smallest and lightest of the world's diver or loon species. Like all divers, it is long-bodied and short-necked and with its legs set far back on its body. The sexes are similar in appearance although males tend to be slightly larger and heavier than females. In breeding plumage, the adult has a dark grey head and neck with narrow black and white stripes on the back of the neck, a triangular red throat patch, white underparts and a dark grey-brown mantle. The non-breeding plumage is drabber with the chin, foreneck and much of the face white, the top of the head and back of the neck grey and considerable white speckling on the dark mantle. The bill is thin, straight and sharp and the bird often holds it at an uptilted angle. In flight, the Red-throated Diver has a distinctive profile. Its small feet do not project far past the end of its body, its head and neck droop below the horizontal (giving the flying bird a distinctly hunchbacked shape) and its thin wings are angled back. It has a quicker, deeper wing beat than other divers. The Red-throated Diver has a large global population and a significant global range but some populations are declining. Oil spills, habitat degradation, pollution and fishing nets are among the major threats and natural predators, such as various gull species and both red and Arctic foxes, will take eggs and young. The Red-throated Diver breeds primarily in the Arctic regions of northern Eurasia and north America and it winters in northern coastal waters, sometimes in groups of considerable size. Unlike other divers, it regularly uses very small freshwater lakes as breeding sites. In Europe, it breeds in Iceland, northern Scotland, Scandinavia and northern Russia and it winters along the coast as far south as parts of Spain. Date: 6th July 2019 Location: near Gednje, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645423.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_180292195751e3cdfa1bbe7.jpgWhite Stork The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 19th May 2013 Location: Biebrza area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26008406.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14456105725634f5c73245e.jpgDettifoss, Vatnajökull National Park, north east Iceland Dettifoss is a waterfall in Vatnajökull National Park in north east Iceland and it is reputed to be the most powerful waterfall in Europe. Dettifoss is situated on the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river which flows from the Vatnajökull glacier and collects water from a large area in north east Iceland. The falls are 330 feet wide and have a drop of 150 feet down to the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon. It is the largest waterfall in Iceland in terms of volume discharge. Since the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river can not be crossed in the vicinity of Dettifoss, it is reached by 2 separate roads: a new tarmac road for the west bank (road 862 finished in 2011) and an older gravel road for the east bank (road 864). On the west bank there are no facilities and the view of the waterfall is somewhat hindered by the waterfall's spray. On the east bank there is an information panel maintained by the staff of Vatnajökull National Park and a maintained track to the best viewpoints. Dettifoss is located on the “Diamond Circle”, a popular tourist route around Húsavík including Lake Mývatn and the Ásbyrgi canyon. Date: 4th June 2015 Location: view from the west bank of the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26041712.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8979282085638b1ac96a13.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill <i>"kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake"</i>. The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Látrabjarg, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/september-2022-turnstone https://images.on-this.website/4752_106173697064ea0e97cd961.jpgSeptember 2022 - Turnstone Please see [url=https://rlchew1.photium.com/photo49768189.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21959284.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_212320288353da71d939c7a.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Inner Farne, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/keeled-skimmer https://images.on-this.website/4752_198270474864eca22f2b8c6.jpgKeeled Skimmer Description to follow .... Date: 2nd July 2023 Location: Hartland Moor NNR, Purbeck Heaths NNR, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41249309.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17126624835f00b7e1c11c3.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 22nd June 2020 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo440794.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1346992900467ea8acf04a0.jpgCommon Blue Damselfly Flight period: early May to end September. As the name suggests, the Common Blue Damselfly is one of the commonest species in the UK. They can be confused with other blue damselflies, particularly since the markings on this species are rather variable. Common Blue Damselflies are found across most of the UK and are probably the most widespread member of the "blue" damselflies. They can be found around open lakes and ponds, along river and canal banks and streams, provided there is plenty of bankside vegetation. Date: 8th July 2006 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230794.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_96619075864917f82e93d1.jpgHolly Blue Flight period: late April to end of August. The Holly Blue is easily identified in early spring as it emerges well before other blue butterflies. It tends to fly high around bushes and trees whereas other grassland blues usually stay near ground level. It is the commonest blue butterfly found in parks and gardens where it congregates around Holly (in spring) and Ivy (in late summer). The Holly Blue is widespread but undergoes large fluctuations in numbers from year to year. It has expanded northwards in recent years and has now colonised parts of north England and the extreme south of Scotland. Date: 24th May 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33820924.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20509157705a3d07649745b.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 12th December 2017 Location: Kensington Gardens, London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41537223.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1447271965f3cfcf180fd3.jpgVarangerfjord, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway The Varanger peninsula is situated in Troms og Finnmark in the extreme north east of Norway. With an area of 800 square miles, it is the largest area within the Arctic climate zone in mainland Norway and is bordered by Tanafjord to the west, Varangerfjord to the south and the Barents Sea to the north and east. The area has a rugged mountain terrain with altitudes up to 2077 feet and it has an Arctic tundra climate. The coast of the Varanger peninsula is an important area for breeding, migrating and wintering birds, especially some notable Arctic species. The Norwegian Directorate for Nature Management has a project on the Varanger peninsula to reintroduce and protect the Arctic Fox which is critically endangered on the Norwegian mainland. The Varangerhalvøya National Park (Norwegian: [I]Varangerhalvøya Nasjonalpark[/I]) lies to the west of road Fv341 and protects a majority of the land on the Varanger peninsula. Varangerfjord is the easternmost fjord in Norway and is located between the Varanger peninsula and the mainland of Norway. Varangerfjord flows through the municipalities of Vardø, Vadsø, Nesseby and Sør-Varanger. The fjord is approximately 62 miles long and empties in to the Barents Sea. The mouth is about 43 miles wide and is located between the town of Vardø in the north west and the village of Grense Jakobselv in the south east. The fjord stretches westwards inland past the town of Vadsø to the village of Varangerbotn in Nesseby municipality. Date: 4th July 2019 Location: view near Vestre Jakobselv, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/niedzica-castle-pieniny-mountains-poland https://images.on-this.website/4752_149509910859bd5170821d1.jpgNiedzica Castle, Pieniny Mountains, Poland The Pieniny Mountains are a mountain range in the Małopolska province in the south of Poland and the Prešov region in the north of Slovakia. The range is divided in to 3 parts: Pieniny Spiskie and Pieniny Właściwe in Poland and Małe Pieniny in Poland and Slovakia. The Pieniny mountains consist mainly of limestone and dolomite. The highest peak is Wysoka at 3445 feet but the most famous peak is Trzy Korony (Three Crowns), the summit of the Three Crowns Massif at 3222 feet. The massif is an independent but central portion of the Pieniny Mountains consisting of 5 sharp peaks. The summit of Trzy Korony is separated from the surrounding peaks by the Wyżni Łazek Pass which descends in to deep valleys with streams surrounded by forested slopes. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Pieniny Mountains and an observation deck hangs over a 1600 foot precipice with extensive views of the Dunajec River Gorge (Przełom Dunajca) and the vast area of the Pieniny National Park (Pieniński Park Narodowy) and the Tatra National Park (Tatrzański Park Narodowy). Caves are few and rather small in the Pieniny Mountains but rivers and streams are often deeply indented in the rock, creating approximately 15 ravines and gorges. The most famous gorges of the Pieniny mountains are the Dunajec River Gorge (Przełom Dunajca) and the Homole Ravine (Wąwóz Homole). The Dunajec River Gorge (Przełom Dunajca) forms the border between Poland and Slovakia. It is another popular tourist destination in the Pieniny Mountains and wooden raft trips have been organized daily by the Pieniny Gorals ethnic group since the early 19th century when their customers consisted mostly of guests of the nearby Czorsztyn Castle and Niedzica Castle. The trip begins in Sromowce Wyżne-Kąty and ends in Szczawnica, 5 miles downstream and taking 2 to 3 hours. The second leg of the trip is only 3 miles long. It begins in Szczawnica and ends in Krościenko nad Dunajcem. The Dunajec River Gorge makes 7 loops in its length and the surrounding rock cliffs reach 985 feet in height throughout most of its length. The Dunajec River includes a chain of 13 medieval castles dating back to the early 12th century. Most of the castles are in ruin now and some no longer exist at all. The most well known are Czorsztyn Castle and Niedzica Castle, both located on Lake Czorsztyn (Jezioro Czorsztyńskie), a man-made reservoir in the Dunajec river valley. Pieniny National Park (Pieniński Park Narodowy) is a protected area located in the heart of the Pieniny Mountains. It covers an area of 9.06 square miles, of which around 70% is forested. On the Slovakian side of the mountains there is a parallel national park (Pieninský národný park). The idea for the creation of Pieniny National Park arose in 1921 and in the same year a private preserve was created around the ruins of Czorsztyn Castle. In 1928 the Polish government made its first land purchases and in May 1932 a “National Park in the Pieniny” was created covering an area of 2.8 square miles. In 1954, Pieniny National Park was created. Date: 30th May 2017 Location: Niedzica Castle, Pieniny Mountains, Małopolska province, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37399604.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11185108705c66977b7db00.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 9th December 2018 Location: Winterton-Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41234309.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21013841705ee77563d72a0.jpgSeven-spot Ladybird The Seven-spot Ladybird is a very familiar and widespread in the UK. They are small round beetles with three and a half spots on each of their two elytra (wing cases). The thorax is black with two white marks at the side and the head is small and black. The Ladybird's bright colours are a warning to predators of its foul taste. When disturbed the Ladybird will secrete small amounts of its oily foul-smelling yellow blood from its legs as a further warning to predators such as ants or birds. They inhabit gardens, woodland, hedgerows and meadows and have a varied diet of small insects but favour plant-lice and aphids. They are known as the gardener's friend as they eat garden pests. The average Seven-spot Ladybird will eat more than 5,000 aphids in its year-long life. Ladybirds will hibernate in large groups in sites which are used year after year. In the main breeding season during May and June, mating Seven-spot Ladybirds are a common sight in hedgerows and gardens. In her short life, a female may lay more than 2,000 small yellow eggs. The name Ladybird comes from the Middle Ages when the colourful insects were known as the "beetle of Our Lady". They were named after the Virgin Mary because in early religious paintings she was often shown wearing a red cloak. The 7 spots symbolise 7 joys and 7 sorrows. Date: 12th June 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43629093.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2054952376118aaa595fb7.jpgSmall Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Small Skipper has a rusty orange colour to the wings, upper body and the tips of the antennae. The body is silvery white below and it has a wingspan of 25 to 30 mm. It is very similar in appearance to the Essex Skipper but the undersides of the tips of the antennae are yellow orange in the Small Skipper whereas they are black in the Essex Skipper. The Small Skipper is a common and widespread butterfly in most parts of England and has been expanding its range northwards. It can be found in rough grassland, roadside verges, edges of fields and woodland clearings where it is often seen basking on vegetation or making short buzzing flights among tall grass stems. Date: 17th July 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41537251.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16337762845f3cfe014b882.jpgKittiwakes The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 4th July 2019 Location: Flåget, Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50570336.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4198311165ccc63135bbf.jpgWaxwing The Waxwing is a plump bird which is slightly smaller than a Starling. It is buff or pinkish-brown in colour with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings, a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest. The bird’s name is derived from the red tips to some of the wing feathers which are said to look like they have been dipped in sealing wax. Waxwings breed in the dense forests of northern Europe but they occur in varying numbers in the UK from October to March. In some years they can occur in large numbers (known as irruptions) when the population in the breeding areas gets too big for the food available. The first UK arrivals each winter are usually seen on the east coast from Scotland to East Anglia but birds then move inland in search of food. They can be found in parks and gardens and even busy public places such as supermarket car parks, typically where there are berry-bearing trees and bushes such as rowan, hawthorn, cotoneaster and rose. Waxwings seem fearless of humans so it is relatively easy to get very close views of these stunning birds. Waxwings make an easily recognisable high-pitched trilling sound like a bell. Date: 9th January 2024 Location: Colchester, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42222540.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4154546466023b9099f7ef.jpgHouse Sparrow The House Sparrow is a member of the sparrow family Passeridae. The House Sparrow is typically about 6.3 inches long, ranging from 5.5 to 7.1 inches, and it is a compact bird with a full chest and a large, rounded head. Its bill is stout and conical. The plumage is mostly different shades of grey and brown and the sexes exhibit strong dimorphism. The female is mostly buffish above and below whilst the male has boldly coloured head markings, a reddish back and grey underparts. The male has a dark grey crown from the top of its bill to its back and chestnut brown flanking its crown on the sides of its head. It has black around its bill, on its throat and on the lores between the bill and the eyes. It has a small white stripe between the lores and crown and small white spots immediately behind the eyes with black patches below and above them. The underparts are pale grey or white, as are the cheeks, ear coverts and stripes at the base of the head. The upper back and mantle are a warm brown, with broad black streaks whilst the lower back, rump and upper tail coverts are greyish brown. The male's bill is black in the breeding season and dark grey during the rest of the year. The female has no black markings or grey crown. Its upperparts and head are brown with darker streaks around the mantle and a distinct pale supercilium. Its underparts are pale grey-brown. The female's bill is brownish-grey and becomes darker in breeding plumage approaching the black of the male's bill. Juveniles are similar to the adult female but deeper brown below and paler above and with paler and less defined supercilia. Juveniles have broader buff feather edges and tend to have looser, scruffier plumage similar to moulting adults. The House Sparrow can be confused with a number of other seed-eating birds, especially its relatives in the sparrow family Passeridae. The dull coloured female House Sparrow can often not be distinguished from other female sparrows and is nearly identical to those of the Spanish and Italian Sparrows. The Tree Sparrow is smaller and more slender with a chestnut crown and a black patch on each cheek. The male Spanish Sparrow and Italian Sparrow are distinguished by their chestnut crowns. The House Sparrow's flight is direct rather than undulating. On the ground, it typically hops rather than walks. The House Sparrow originated in the Middle East and spread, along with agriculture, to most of Eurasia and parts of north Africa. Since the mid-19th century, it has reached most of the world, mainly due to deliberate introductions but also through natural and shipborne dispersal. Its introduced range encompasses most of north America, central America, south America, south Africa, parts of West Africa, Australia, New Zealand and islands throughout the world. It has become highly successful in most parts of the world where it has been introduced. This is mostly due to its early adaptation to living with humans and its adaptability to a wide range of conditions. It has also greatly extended its range in northern Eurasia since the 1850s and continues to do so. The extent of its range makes the House Sparrow the most widely distributed wild bird on the planet. The House Sparrow is closely associated with human habitation and cultivation. It is believed to have become associated with humans around 10,000 years ago. The only terrestrial habitats that the House Sparrow does not inhabit are dense forest and tundra. Well adapted to living around humans, it frequently lives and even breeds indoors, especially in factories, warehouses and zoos. It reaches its greatest densities in urban centres but its reproductive success is greater in suburbs where insects are more abundant. In most of its range, the House Sparrow is extremely common despite some declines but in more marginal habitats its distribution can be patchy. Most House Sparrows do not move more than a few miles during their lifetimes. However, limited migration occurs in all regions. Some young birds disperse long distances and mountain birds move to lower elevations in winter. The House Sparrow is a very social bird and it is gregarious during all seasons when feeding, often forming flocks with other species of birds. It roosts communally in trees or shrubs, its nests are usually grouped together in clumps and it engages in social activities such as dust or water bathing and "social singing" in which birds call together in bushes. The House Sparrow can breed in the breeding season immediately following its hatching and sometimes it will attempt to do so. However, birds breeding for the first time are rarely successful in raising young and reproductive success increases with age as older birds breed earlier in the breeding season and fledge more young. The timing of mating and egg-laying varies geographically and between specific locations and years because a sufficient supply of insects is needed for egg formation and feeding nestlings. Males take up nesting sites before the breeding season by frequently calling beside them. Unmated males start nest construction and call particularly frequently to attract females. The House Sparrow is monogamous and typically mates for life but birds from pairs often engage in extra-pair copulations. Many birds do not find a nest and a mate and instead may serve as helpers around the nest for mated pairs, a role which increases the chances of being chosen to replace a lost mate. Lost mates of both sexes can be replaced quickly during the breeding season. The formation of a pair and the bond between the 2 birds is tied to the holding of a nest site. Nest sites are varied although cavities are preferred. Nests are most frequently built in the eaves and other crevices of houses. Holes in cliffs and banks or tree hollows are also used and sometimes a nest will be excavated in sandy banks or rotten branches. Especially in warmer areas, the House Sparrow may build its nest in the open, such as on the branches of trees or in the nests of large birds such as storks, although breeding success tends to be lower. The nest is usually domed although it may lack a roof in enclosed sites. It has an outer layer of stems and roots, a middle layer of dead grass and leaves and a lining of feathers as well as of paper and other soft materials. The building of the nest is initiated by the unmated male while displaying to females. The female assists in building but is less active than the male. The female House Sparrow usually lays 4 or 5 eggs although numbers from 1 to 10 have been recorded. At least 2 clutches are usually laid and up to 7 a year may be laid in the tropics or 4 a year in temperate latitudes. When fewer clutches are laid in a year, especially at higher latitudes, the number of eggs per clutch is greater. The female plays the main role in incubating the eggs. The male helps but can only cover the eggs rather than truly incubate them. The female spends the night incubating while the male roosts near the nest. Eggs hatch at the same time, after a short incubation period lasting 11 to 14 days. Young House Sparrows remain in the nest for 11 to 23 days but normally 14 to 16 days. During this time, they are fed by both parents. All the young leave the nest during the same period of a few hours. At this stage, they are normally able to fly. They start feeding themselves partly after 1 or 2 days and sustain themselves completely after 7 to 10 days. In adult House Sparrows, annual survival is 45% to 65%. After fledging and leaving the care of their parents, young House Sparrows have a high mortality rate which lessens as they grow older and more experienced. Only about 20 to 25% of birds hatched survive to their first breeding season. The oldest known wild House Sparrow lived for nearly 20 years and the oldest recorded captive House Sparrow lived for 23 years. The House Sparrow's main predators are cats and birds of prey but many other animals prey on them, including corvids, squirrels and even humans (it has been consumed in the past by people in many parts of the world and it still is in parts of the Mediterranean). As an adult, the House Sparrow mostly feeds on the seeds of grains and weeds but it is opportunistic and adaptable and eats whatever foods are available. In urban areas, it scavenges and feeds largely on food provided directly or indirectly by humans such as bread and leftover food. It will also eat some plant matter including buds, berries and fruits such as grapes and cherries. Animals form another important part of the diet, including beetles, caterpillars, flies, aphids, molluscs, crustaceans earthworms and even vertebrates such as lizards and frogs. Young House Sparrows are fed mostly on insects until about 15 days after hatching. They are also given small quantities of seeds and spiders. The House Sparrow has an extremely large range and population and is not seriously threatened by human activities so it is assessed as “Least Concern” by the IUCN. However, populations have been declining in many parts of the world. These declines were first noticed in north America but have been most severe in west Europe. In the UK, populations peaked in the early 1970s but have since declined by 70% overall and about 90% in some regions. Substantial declines have been noted in both rural and urban populations and the House Sparrow is designated as a “Red List” species. While the decline in England continues, Breeding Bird Survey data indicate recent population increases in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Various causes for the dramatic decreases in population have been suggested. A shortage of nesting sites caused by changes in urban building design is probably a factor together with an insufficient supply of insect food for nestlings arising from an increase of monoculture crops, the heavy use of pesticides and the replacement of native plants in cities with introduced plants and parking areas. Date: 21st January 2021 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533660.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_77229839762ca8f9199725.jpgMarsh Harrier The Marsh Harrier is the largest of the harrier species in the UK. It can be recognised by its long tail and light flight with wings held in a shallow “V” and is distinguishable from other harriers by its larger size, heavier build, broader wings and absence of white on the rump. The Marsh Harrier’s future in the UK is now more secure than at any time during the last century but historical declines and subsequent recovery means it is an Amber List species. Marsh Harriers are mainly found in reedbed and marshland habitat in eastern and south east England with others in north west and south-west England and in parts of Scotland. Elmley and Stodmarsh in Kent, Leighton Moss in Lancashire, Minsmere in Suffolk, Titchwell Marsh and Strumpshaw Fen in Norfolk, the Ouse and Nene Washes and Wicken Fen in Cambridgeshire, Blacktoft Sands in south Yorkshire are all reliable locations for Marsh Harriers. Date: 26th June 2022 Location: RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493250.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19066656675f326f0aa39d9.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084189.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4463454335d308653ce516.jpgRila Mountains, Sofia Province, Bulgaria The Rila Mountains are a mountain range in south west Bulgaria and constitute the highest mountain range in the country and the Balkans. It is the sixth highest mountain range in Europe after the Caucasus, the Alps, the Sierra Nevada, the Pyrenees and Mount Etna and the highest one between the Alps and the Caucasus. The Rila Mountains are spread over an area of 1015 square miles with an average altitude of 4879 feet. Musala is its highest peak at 9596 feet. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rila-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rila Mountains have abundant water resources and some of the Balkans' longest and deepest rivers originate here including the longest river entirely in the Balkans, the River Maritsa, and the longest river entirely in Bulgaria, the River Iskar. Bulgaria's main water divide separating the Black Sea and the Aegean Sea drainage systems follows the main ridge of the Rila Mountains. The mountain range is dotted with almost 200 glacial lakes such as the renowned Seven Rila Lakes. It is also rich in hot springs in the fault areas at the foothills including the hottest spring in south east Europe in Sapareva Banya. The Rila Mountains have typical layers of montane habitat ranging from river and stream valleys at lower altitudes to mixed deciduous woodland, coniferous forests and Alpine meadows and lakes at higher altitudes and finally to rocky ridges and bare rugged peaks. The biodiversity and the pristine landscapes are protected by the Rila National Park which is among the largest and most valuable protected areas in Europe. It is the largest national park in Bulgaria covering an area of 313 square miles and it was established in February 1992 to protect several ecosystems of national importance. Its altitude varies from 2600 feet near Blagoevgrad to 9596 feet at the peak of Musala. It occupies territory from 4 of the 28 provinces of the country (Sofia, Kyustendil, Blagoevgrad and Pazardzhik) and it includes 4 nature reserves (Parangalitsa, Central Rila Reserve, Ibar and Skakavitsa). The Rila National Park falls within the Rodope montane mixed forests terrestrial eco-region of the Palearctic temperate broadleaf and mixed forest. Forests occupy 206.5 square miles or 66% of the total area. The Rila Mountains also contain the Rila Monastery Nature Park which is among the largest nature parks in Bulgaria covering an area of 97.5 square miles at an altitude between 2460 and 8901 feet. It was established in 1992 as part of the newly founded Rila National Park. In 2000 some territory of the Rila National Park was re-assigned to the Rila Monastery Nature Park and was recategorized as a nature park because by law all lands in national parks are exclusively state owned. Today most of the Rila Monastery Nature Park is owned by the Rila Monastery. The Rila Monastery Nature Park includes one nature reserve, namely the Rila Monastery Forest with an area of 14 square miles or 14% of its total area. The most recognisable landmark in the Rila Mountains is the Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila, better known as the Rila Monastery. This is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria and is situated in the deep valley of the River Rilska River within the Rila Monastery Nature Park at a height of 3763 feet. The monastery is named after its founder, the hermit Ivan of Rila (876 to 946 AD) and houses around 60 monks. Founded in the 10th century, the Rila Monastery is regarded as one of Bulgaria's most important cultural, historical and architectural monuments and is a key tourist attraction for both Bulgaria and south Europe. Due to its outstanding cultural and spiritual value it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. The Rila Mountains are also a popular destination for hiking, winter sports and spa tourism, hosting the nation's oldest ski resort at Borovets as well as numerous hiking trails. Date: 30th May 2018 Location: Malyovitsa, Sofia Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/black-guillemot https://images.on-this.website/4752_61933216954c20c4daa385.jpgBlack Guillemot The Black Guillemot has a striking black plumage with white wing patches and bright red legs and feet making it easy to identify in summer. In winter, the upperparts are pale grey and the underparts are white but the wings remain black. Unlike most other European auks the Black Guillemot is typically found in single or small numbers. The Black Guillemot can be found all year round and can typically be seen on the larger sea lochs of western Scotland and the northern and western isles of Scotland. It is also found in Ireland, the Isle of Man and in a handful of spots in England and Wales. Date: 4th January 2015 Location: Stranraer harbour, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11639742.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_800323254e2fdc1763ccf.jpgRed Grouse The Red Grouse is a medium-sized bird of the grouse family which is found in heather moorland in the UK and Ireland. It is endemic to the UK and has developed in isolation. It is usually classified as a sub-species of the Willow Ptarmigan or Willow Grouse which is found in birch and other forests and moorlands in north Europe, the tundra of Scandinavia, Siberia, Alaska and north Canada. The Red Grouse is differentiated from the Willow Ptarmigan and Rock Ptarmigan by its plumage being reddish brown and not having a white winter plumage. The tail is black and the legs are white. There are white stripes on the underwing and red combs over the eye. Females are less reddish than the males and have less conspicuous combs. Young birds are duller and lack the red combs. The Red Grouse is found across most parts of Scotland, including Orkney, Shetland and most of the Outer Hebrides. It is only absent from urban areas such as in the Central Belt. In Wales there are strong populations of Red Grouse in some places but the range has retracted. It is now largely absent from the far south and the main strongholds are Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons and the Cambrian Mountains. In England the Red Grouse is mainly found in the north in areas such as the Lake District, Northumberland, County Durham, much of Yorkshire, the Pennines and the Peak District as far south as the Staffordshire Moorlands. There is an isolated introduced population on Dartmoor and overspill Welsh birds visit the Shropshire Hills.The typical habitat is upland heather moors away from trees. It can also be found in some low-lying bogs and birds may visit farmland during hard weather. The UK population of the Red Grouse is estimated at about 250,000 pairs. Numbers have declined in recent years and it is now absent in areas where it was once common. Reasons for the decline include disease, loss of heather due to overgrazing, creation of new conifer plantations and a decline in the number of upland gamekeepers. Some predators feed on Red Grouse and there is ongoing controversy as to what effect these have on numbers. The Red Grouse is herbivorous and feeds mainly on the shoots, seeds and flowers of heather. It will also feed on berries, cereal crops and sometimes insects. The Red Grouse is considered a game bird and is shot in large numbers during the shooting season which traditionally starts on August 12th (known as the Glorious Twelfth). Shooting can take the form of “walked up” (where shooters walk across the moor to flush grouse and take a shot) or “driven” (where grouse are driven, often in large numbers, by “beaters” towards the shooters who are hiding behind a line of “butts”). Many moors are managed to increase the density of Red Grouse. Areas of heather are subjected to controlled burning since this allows fresh young shoots to regenerate which are favoured by Red Grouse. In addition, extensive predator control is a feature of grouse moor management and the extent and legality to which it occurs is hotly contested between conservation groups and shooting interests and the subject generates a lot of media attention. The Red Grouse is widely known as the logo of The Famous Grouse whisky and an animated bird is a character in a series of its adverts. It is also the emblem of the magazine “British Birds”. Date: 17th April 2007 Location: Grinton Moor, Yorkshire Dales National Park, North Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/loch-don-mull-argyll https://images.on-this.website/4752_235890020560fb4aea78eb.jpgLoch Don, Mull, Argyll Loch Don is located on the east coast of Mull to the south of Craignure where it forms a significant inlet of the Firth of Lorne. To the south of the mouth of Loch Don is the headland of Grass Point, with Gorten to the north, whilst at its head is the hamlet of Lochdon on the A849 Craignure to Fionnphort road. Loch Don itself is a tidal estuarine body of water that transforms the appearance of the village depending on the state of the tide. An unclassified road at the north end of the village passes several houses before running alongside the shores of Loch Don towards Gorsten where it ends. Date: 22nd September 2015 Location: view from the unclassified road at Gorsten looking west across Loch Don towards Lochdon http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37399587.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11073613135c669733bdcf2.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 9th December 2018 Location: Winterton-Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31045350.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1981782005909a19250e126.09171244.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 19th April 2017 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21215533.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_793456147537dba95d61ba.jpgSpeckled Wood Flight period: April to September. The Speckled Wood is widespread in the southern half of England and in Wales and is expanding its range northwards. They can be found in woodland rides and glades and also along hedgerows and in gardens. Date: 5th May 2014 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32708820.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_114791389859ad257d443228.44413468.jpgTree Sparrow The Tree Sparrow is a member of the sparrow family [i]Passer[/i], a group of small passerine birds that is believed to have originated in Africa and which contains 15 to 25 species. The Tree Sparrow's name is derived from 2 Latin words: [I]passer[/I] meaning "sparrow" and [I]montanus[/I] meaning "of the mountains". The common name is given to suggest the preference for tree holes for nesting. However, this name and the scientific name [i]montanus[/i] do not appropriately describe the Tree Sparrow’s habitat preferences: the German name [i]Feldsperling[/i] meaning "field sparrow"[/i] comes closer to doing so. The Tree Sparrow is around 5 to 5.5 inches in length with a wingspan of about 8.3 inches, making it roughly 10% smaller than the House Sparrow. The adult's crown and nape are a rich chestnut and there is a kidney-shaped black ear patch on each pure white cheek. The chin, throat and the area between the bill and throat are black. The upperparts are light brown streaked with black and the brown wings have 2 distinct narrow white bars. The legs are pale brown and the bill is lead-blue in summer becoming almost black in winter. The Tree Sparrow is distinctive even within its own family in that there are no plumage differences between the sexes. The juvenile resembles the adult although the colours tend to be duller. The contrasting face pattern makes the Tree Sparrow easily identifiable in all plumages and the smaller size and chestnut (not grey) crown are additional differences from the male House Sparrow. The Tree Sparrow's breeding range comprises most of temperate Europe and Asia south of about latitude 68°N (north of this the summers are too cold) and through south east Asia to Java and Bali. It is sedentary over most of its extensive range but northernmost breeding populations migrate south for the winter and small numbers leave south Europe for north Africa and the Middle East. The Tree Sparrow has been introduced outside its native range but it has not always become successfully established, possibly due to competition with the House Sparrow. Ship-carried birds have colonised some areas and birds have also occurred as vagrants. Despite its scientific name, the Tree Sparrow is not typically a mountain species and reaches only 2300 feet in Switzerland although it has bred at 5600 feet in the northern Caucasus and as high as 14010 feet in Nepal. In Europe, the Tree Sparrow is frequently found in open countryside with small isolated patches of woodland but also on coasts with cliffs, in woodland along slow water courses and in empty buildings. It shows a strong preference for nest sites near wetland habitats and avoids breeding on intensively managed farmland. In Europe, where the Tree Sparrow and the House Sparrow occur in the same region, the House Sparrow generally nests in urban areas while the Tree Sparrow nests in rural areas. Where trees are in short supply, both species may utilise man-made structures as nest sites. Whilst the Tree Sparrow is mainly a rural bird in Europe, it tends to be an urban bird in Asia and Australia. In the UK, the Tree Sparrow is scarcer in upland areas and the far north and west of the and the main populations are now found across the Midlands and south and east England. The Tree Sparrow may breed in isolated pairs or in loose colonies. The male calls from near the nest site in spring to proclaim ownership and attract a mate and he may also carry nest material in to the nest hole. The Tree Sparrow typically builds its nest in a cavity in an old tree or rock face. Some nests are not in holes as such but are built among roots of overhanging bushes. Roof cavities in houses and nest boxes are also readily used. In addition, the Tree Sparrow will breed in the disused nest of a Magpie or other crow species or an active or unused nest of a large bird such as the White Stork or a heron or raptor species. It will sometimes attempt to take over the nest of other birds that breed in holes or enclosed spaces such as tit species, flycatcher species, Swallow, House Martin, Sand Martin or European Bee-eater. The untidy nest is composed of hay, grass, wool or other material and lined with feathers which improve thermal insulation. The female lays 5 or 6 eggs which are incubated by both parents for 12 to 13 days and the chicks fledge after a further 15 to 18 days. There are 2 or 3 broods each year. Hybridisation between the Tree Sparrow and the House Sparrow has been recorded in many parts of the world with male hybrids tending to resemble the Tree Sparrow while female hybrids are more similar to the House Sparrow. The Tree Sparrow is a predominantly seed and grain eating bird which feeds on the ground in flocks and often with House Sparrows, finches and buntings. It may also visit feeding stations. It additionally feeds on invertebrates including insects, woodlice, millipedes, centipedes, spiders, etc. especially during the breeding season when the young are fed mainly on animal food. Adults use a variety of wetlands when foraging for invertebrate prey to feed chicks and aquatic sites play a key role in providing adequate diversity and availability of suitable invertebrate prey to allow successful chick rearing. Large areas of formerly occupied farmland no longer provide these invertebrate resources due to the effects of intensive farming. The Tree Sparrow has a large range and a large population. Although the population is declining, the species is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List. For this reason, the Tree Sparrow is designated as being of “Least Concern”. Although the Tree Sparrow has been expanding its range in Fennoscandia and east Europe, its population has been declining in much of west Europe, a trend reflected in other farmland birds such as the Skylark and Corn Bunting. The collapse in population seems to have been particularly severe in the UK where there was a 93% decline between 1970 and 2008. However, recent Breeding Bird Survey data is encouraging and suggests that numbers may have started to increase albeit from a very low point. The decrease in population is probably the result of agricultural intensification and specialisation, particularly the increased use of herbicides and a trend towards autumn-sown crops at the expense of spring-sown crops that produce stubble fields in winter. The change from mixed to specialised farming and the increased use of insecticides has reduced the amount of insect food available for chicks. Date: 18th May 2017 Location: east of Hortobágy, Hortobágy National Park, Hajdú-Bihar county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21956764.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2407779953da2e27d0347.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Staple Island, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5325516.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17479337104c1dc717817d5.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 13th June 2010 Location: Aldeburgh, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40404967.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20709959665dc7be58eb367.jpgSmall White Flight period: April to September. The Small White is a highly successful species which is common and widespread in the UK. They can be found almost anywhere including in towns and gardens. Date: 26th August 2019 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/mallard https://images.on-this.website/4752_6253661204db1691ca7629.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 6th January 2008 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41249188.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5467242815f00b44218dfe.jpgRazorbills The Razorbill is a seabird and a member of the auk family which also includes the Common Guillemot, Brunnich's Guillemot and Little Auk. It is also the closest living relative to the Great Auk which is now extinct. The Razorbill has white underparts and a black head, neck, back and feet during the breeding season. A thin white line also extends from the eyes to the end of the bill. Its head is darker than that of the CommonGuillemot. Outside the breeding season, the throat and face behind the eye become white and the white line on the face becomes less prominent. The thick black bill has a blunt end. The adult male and female female are very much alike having only small differences such as wing length. The Razorbill has a horizontal stance and the tail feathers are slightly longer in the centre in comparison to other auks making it have a distinctly long tail which is not common for an auk. The Razorbill is distributed across the sub-arctic and boreal waters of the north Atlantic where water surface temperature are typically below 15°c. The world population is estimated to be less than 1 million breeding pairs, making it among the rarest auks in the world. Approximately 60 to 70% of the entire Razorbill population breeds in Iceland., including over 200,000 pairs at Látrabjarg. The breeding habitat is islands, rocky shores and cliffs on north Atlantic coasts, in eastern North America as far south as Maine and in western Europe from north west Russia to northern France. Eurasian birds winter at sea with some moving south as far as the western Mediterranean. North American birds migrate offshore and south. The Razorbill is a colonial breeder and only comes to land to breed. Individuals only breed at 3 to 5 years of age. Females select their mate and will often encourage competition between males before choosing a partner. Once a male is chosen, the pair will usually stay together for life. Nest site determination is very important to ensure protection of young from predators. Unlike Common Guillemots, nest sites are not immediately alongside the sea on open cliff ledges but at least 4 to 6 inches away in crevices on cliffs or among boulders. Generally a nest is not built although some pairs often use their bills to drag material upon which to lay their single egg. The mating pair will often reuse the same site every year. The Razorbill feeds mainly on schooling fish and crustaceans and it will dive deep into the sea using its wings and its streamlined body to propel itself toward their prey. Whilst diving, it rarely stays in groups but instead spreads out to feed. The majority of feeding occurs at a depth of about 80 feet but it has the ability to dive up to 400 feet below the surface. During a single dive the Razorbill can capture and swallow many schooling fish depending on their size. The Razorbill spends approximately 45% of its time foraging at sea and it may well fly more than 60 miles out to sea to feed. However, when feeding chicks it will forage much closer to the nesting grounds and often in shallower water. The Razorbill and its eggs and chicks have several predators which include Great Black-backed Gulls, Peregrines, Ravens and other crows, Arctic Foxes and Polar Bears. In the early 20th century, Razorbills were harvested for their eggs, meat and feathers and this greatly decreased their population. In 1917 they were finally protected which reduced hunting. Other current threats include oil pollution, unintentional bycatch arising from commercial fishing and overfishing which decreases the abundance of prey. Date: 22nd June 2020 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26006793.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3310618035634a45345af0.jpgRed-necked Phalarope The Red-necked Phalarope is a small wader with lobed toes to assist swimming and a straight, fine bill. The breeding female is predominantly dark grey above with a chestnut neck and upper breast, black face and white throat. The breeding male is a duller version of the female. In winter, the plumage is essentially grey above and white below but the black eyepatch is always present. When feeding, a Red-necked Phalarope will often swim in a small, rapid circle, forming a small whirlpool. This behaviour is thought to aid feeding by raising food from the bottom of shallow water. The bird will reach into the centre of the vortex with its bill, plucking small insects or crustaceans caught up therein. On the open ocean, they are often found where converging currents produce upwellings. The Red-necked Phalarope breeds in the Arctic regions of north America and Eurasia. It is migratory and, unusually for a wader, it winters at sea on tropical oceans. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Steingrímsfjarðarheiði to Ísafjörður, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26540720.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_130775986956ace658f21d2.jpgPurple Sandpiper The Purple Sandpiper is a small wading shorebird. Adults have short yellow legs and a medium thin dark bill with a yellow base. The body is dark above with a slight purplish gloss and mainly white below. The breast is smeared with grey and the rump is black. The Purple Sandpiper breeds in the northern tundra and Arctic islands in Canada and coastal areas in Greenland and north west Europe and nests on the ground either elevated on rocks or in a lower damp location. The males makes several scrapes following which the female chooses one and lays 3 or 4 eggs. The male takes the major responsibility for incubation and tends the chicks. The Purple Sandpiper is migratory and moves to rocky ice-free Atlantic coasts in winter where it is fairly gregarious, forming small flocks and often associating with Turnstones. It is also relatively tame and approachable. In the UK, the Purple Sandpiper occurs in winter in good numbers, principally along the east and south coasts where it favours rocky shorelines adjacent to the sea. It is a very rare breeding bird and is found only in a localised area of the Cairngorms National Park where 1 to 3 pairs have bred since the 1970s. Date: 31st December 2015 Location: Lowestoft Ness, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4173950.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1457001824b2d31d99e503.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 19th December 2009 Location: Northlands Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/sunrise-over-the-baltic-sea https://images.on-this.website/4752_2300808904bf6e3bd224c4.jpgSunrise over the Baltic Sea (Helsinki to Stockholm) The Baltic Sea is a semi-enclosed inland sea located in northern Europe. Considered an arm of the Atlantic Ocean, it is connected to it via the Kattegat Strait, Skagerrak Strait and the North Sea. It is the youngest sea on our planet, emerging from the retreating ice masses only some 10,000 to 15,000 years ago. The Baltic Sea has a total surface area of around 150,000 square miles and a coastline of almost 5,000 miles. It has an average depth of only 175 feet. The deepest area of the sea is found off the south east coast of Sweden where it measures a depth of 1,506 feet. Its shallowest area is the continental shelf in the area of the Danish archipelago. The Baltic Sea includes the Gulf of Bothnia, the Bay of Bothnia, the Gulf of Finland, the Gulf of Riga and the Bay of Gdańsk and it stretches from 53°N to 66°N latitude and from 10°E to 30°E longitude. It drains through the Danish islands into the Kattegat by way of the straits of Øresund, the Great Belt and the Little Belt. Governed by special hydrographical and climatic conditions, the Baltic Sea is one of the planet’s largest bodies of brackish water. It is composed of salt water from the north east Atlantic and fresh water from rivers and streams draining from an area 4 times larger than the Baltic Sea itself. This highly sensitive and interdependent marine ecosystem gives rise to unique flora and fauna. Surrounding the Baltic Sea are 9 countries: Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Germany, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Russia. The region is home to more than 85 million people, of whom 15 million live within 5 miles of the coast. The Baltic region includes eight of the 28 European Union member states and the Baltic Sea provides a critical connection between the European Union and the Russian Federation. The region’s diversity can translate into a challenge for decision makers to find common ground on complex issues such as environmental protection, sustainable use and management. As a result, the surrounding coastal countries have not been particularly successful in balancing economic and social uses with the protection of the sea. Nonetheless, the political frameworks in the region are advanced. In the 1950s, environmental scientists in the Baltic region began to note negative effects of large-scale industrial development and chemical runoffs from agriculture. Concern over threats to the region's plant and animal life enabled cooperation between the region's countries. Cooperation over environmental issues led to the 1974 signing by the Baltic countries of the Helsinki Convention on the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Baltic Sea Area. Although the agreement was signed in 1974, due to political wrangling and consensus building, it was enacted in May 1980. Political changes and developments in environmental and maritime law caused a new convention to be signed in 1992. All the states bordering on the Baltic Sea and the European Community joined in the agreement. The 1992 Convention covers the entire Baltic Sea region, including all the inland waters, the Baltic Sea's water and its seabed. Measures were also taken in the whole catchment area of the Baltic Sea to reduce land-based pollution. The revised Convention on the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Baltic Sea Area became enforceable in January 2000. Most recently, the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region, was the first EU macro-regional strategy. It was created to address “the urgent environmental challenges arising from the increasingly visible degradation of the Baltic Sea” and was adopted by the European Council in October 2009. Date: 19th April 2010 Location: view from the Helsinki to Stockholm ferry http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081381.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_204807698063a7152eb71a5.jpgSnow Bunting Snow Buntings are large buntings with striking “snowy” plumages. Males in summer have all white heads and underparts contrasting with a black mantle and wing tips. Females are a more mottled above. In autumn and winter birds develop a sandy/buff wash to their plumage and males have more mottled upperparts. Snow Buntings breed in far northern Europe and migrate south in winter. They are a very scarce breeding species in the UK and can be found on the highest mountain peaks in Scotland where they nest in rocky crevices. Snow Buntings are best looked for in winter (from late September to early March) where they can sometimes be seen in large flocks on the seashore or on adjacent short rough grassland at coastal sites in Scotland and eastern England. Date: 12th January 2022 Location: Holkham Bay, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo442182.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1279237539467f22c4c3834.jpgLoch Laggan, Highland Loch Laggan lies in Glen Spean between Kingussie and Fort William and extends for around 10 miles south west from Kinloch Laggan. The loch has the largest beach on a freshwater loch in Britain. Laggan Dam was completed in 1934 by the British Aluminium Company Ltd and Loch Laggan serves as a reservoir forming part of the Lochaber hydro-electric power scheme which powers the aluminium smelter at Fort William. Date: 25th December 2006 Location: view from the A86 road at the western end http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11351036.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_229329464e1f0595ecd71.jpgCommon Buzzard The Common Buzzard is a member of the genus [I]Buteo[/I] and the family [i]Accipitridae[/i], a group of medium-sized raptors with robust bodies and broad wings. The [I]Buteo[/I] species of Eurasia and Africa are usually commonly referred to as buzzards whilst those in the Americas are called hawks. Under current classification, the genus [I]Buteo[/I] includes approximately 28 species. The Common Buzzard includes between 7 to 16 sub-species and the western [i]Buteo[/i] group includes [i]Buteo buteo buteo[/i] which is found more or less continuously throughout Europe including the UK. The Common Buzzard is a medium-sized raptor that is highly variable in plumage. It is distinctly round headed with a somewhat slender bill and it has relatively long wings that either reach or fall slightly short of the tail tip when perched, a fairly short tail and somewhat short and mainly bare tarsi. It can appear fairly compact in overall appearance but may also appear large relative to other commoner raptors such as the Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. The Common Buzzard measures between 16 and 23 inches in length with a 3 feet 7 inches to 4 feet 7 inches wingspan. Females average about 2 to 7% larger than males in length and weigh about 15% more. Body mass can show considerable variation from 0.94 to 2.6 pounds in males and 1.07 to 3.02 pounds in females. In Europe, the Common Buzzard is typically dark brown above and on the upperside of the head and mantle but this can become paler and warmer brown with worn plumage. Usually the tail will be narrowly barred grey-brown and dark brown with a pale tip and a broad dark subterminal band but the tail in the palest birds can show a varying amount of white and a reduced sub-terminal band or even appear almost all white. The underside colouring can be variable but typically shows a brown-streaked white throat with a somewhat darker chest. A pale U across the breast is often present followed by a pale line running down the belly which separates the dark areas on the breast side and flanks. These pale areas tend to have highly variable markings that form irregular bars. Juveniles are quite similar to adults and are best told apart by having a paler eye, a narrower sub-terminal band on the tail and underside markings that appear as streaks rather than bars. Beyond the typical mid-range brownish Common Buzzard, birds in Europe can range from almost uniform black-brown above to mainly white. Extreme dark individuals may range from chocolate-brown to blackish with almost no pale colour showing but with a variable or faded U on the breast and with or without faint lighter brown throat streaks. Extreme pale individuals are largely whitish with variable widely spaced streaks or arrowheads of light brown about the mid-chest and flanks and may or may not show dark feather-centres on the head, wing-coverts and sometimes all but part of the mantle. Individuals can show nearly endless variation of colours and hues in between these extremes and the Common Buzzard is among the most variably plumaged diurnal raptors for this reason. The Common Buzzard is often confused with other raptors especially in flight or at a distance including other [i]Buteo[/i] species such as Rough-legged Buzzard and Long-legged Buzzard and also Honey Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, Golden Eagle, Booted Eagle and Short-toed Eagle. The Common Buzzard is found throughout several islands in the eastern Atlantic islands, including the Canary Islands and the Azores, and almost throughout Europe. In the UK, it is found in Northern Ireland and in nearly every part of Scotland and England. In mainland Europe, there are no substantial gaps in the range from Portugal and Spain to Greece, Estonia, Belarus and the Ukraine, although it is present mainly only in the breeding season in much of the eastern half of the latter 3 countries. It is also present in all larger Mediterranean islands such as Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily and Crete. Further north in to Scandinavia, it is found mainly in south Norway, the southern half of Sweden and in the southern two-thirds of Finland. The Common Buzzard reaches its northern limit as a breeder in far eastern Finland and over the border in to European Russia and nearly to the Kola Peninsula. In these northern limits, the Common Buzzard is present typically only in summer. The Common Buzzard generally inhabits the interface of woodlands and open ground and typically lives in forest edge, small broad-leaved, coniferous or mixed woodlands with adjacent grassland, arable fields or other farmland and open moorland as long as there are some trees. It is absent from treeless tundra and sporadic or rare in treeless steppe. The Common Buzzard can be found from sea level to elevations of 6600 feet although it breeds mostly below 3300 feet. It can winter to an elevation of 8200 feet and migrates easily at 14,800 feet. The Common Buzzard is a partial migrant. Autumn and spring movements are subject to extensive variation, even down to the individual level, based on a region's food resources, competition (both from other Common Buzzards and other predators), the extent of human disturbance and weather conditions. Short distance movements are the norm for juveniles and some adults in autumn and winter but more adults in central and south Europe and the UK remain in their year-around areas than do not. The Common Buzzard is a typical [I]Buteo[/I] in much of its behaviour. It is most often seen effortlessly soaring for extended periods at varying heights although it can appear laborious and heavy in level flight. It is also often seen perched prominently on tree tops, bare branches, telegraph poles, fence posts, rocks or ledges or alternatively well inside the tree canopy. It will also stand and forage on the ground. The Common Buzzard is a generalist predator which hunts a wide variety of prey given the opportunity. The prey extents to a wide variety of vertebrates including mammals, birds (from any age from eggs to adult birds), reptiles, amphibians and fish as well as to various invertebrates, mostly insects. In total, well over 300 prey species are known to be taken by the Common Buzzard. However, dietary studies have shown that it mostly preys upon small mammals, mainly small rodents. Furthermore, prey size can vary from tiny beetles, caterpillars and ants to large adult grouse and Rabbits up to nearly twice their body mass. At times, the Common Buzzard will also subsist partially on carrion, usually of dead mammals or fish. Hunting in relatively open areas has been found to increase hunting success whereas more complete shrub cover lowered success. A majority of prey is taken by dropping from a perch and is normally taken on the ground. Prey may also be hunted in a low flight, by random glides or soars or by foraging on the ground. The home range of the Common Buzzard is generally 0.19 to 0.77 square miles and the size of the breeding territory seems to be correlated with food supply. The territory is maintained through flight displays and in Europe territorial behaviour usually starts in February. However, displays are not uncommon throughout the year in resident pairs, especially by males, and can elicit similar displays by their neighbours. In the display, the Common Buzzard generally engages in high circling, spiraling upward on slightly raised wings. Mutual high circling by pairs sometimes goes on at length, especially during the period prior to or during breeding season. During the mutual displays, the male may engage in exaggerated deep flapping or zig-zag tumbling, apparently in response to the female being too distant. Several pairs may circle together at times and as many as 14 individual adults have been recorded over established display sites. Sky-dancing by the Common Buzzard has been recorded in spring and autumn, typically by the male but sometimes by the female, nearly always with much calling. Sky-dances are of the rollercoaster type, with an upward sweep of up to 100 feet until the bird starts start to stall but sometimes embellished with loops or rolls at the top. Next in the sky-dance, the bird will dive at least 200 feet on more or less closed wings before spreading them and shooting up again. These sky-dances may be repeated in series of 10 to 20. In the climax of the sky-dance, the undulations become progressively shallower, often slowing and terminating directly on to a perch. Various other aerial displays include low contour flight or weaving among trees, frequently with deep beats and exaggerated upstrokes which show underwing pattern to rivals perched below. Talon grappling and occasionally cartwheeling downward with feet interlocked has also been recorded. The Common Buzzard tends to build a bulky nest of sticks, twigs and often heather and lined with broad-leaved foliage. Nests are up to 3.3 to 3.9 feet across and 24 inches deep. With reuse over years, the diameter of a nest can reach or exceed 5 feet. Trees are generally used for a nesting location but crags or cliffs are used if trees are unavailable. Nests in trees are usually located by the main trunk at a height of around 10 to 82 feet. Pairs often have 2 to 4 nests in a territory but some pairs may use a single nest over several consecutive years. The breeding season of the Common Buzzard commences at differing times based on latitude. It may fall as early as January to April but typically it is March to July in most of Europe. In the northern limits of the range the breeding season may occur from May to August. Mating usually occurs on or near the nest and eggs are usually laid in 2 to 3 day intervals. The clutch size can range from to 2 to 6 and it appears that local factors such as habitat and food supply are relevant. Eggs are generally laid in late March to early April in the extreme south, sometime in April in most of Europe and in to May and possibly even early June in the extreme north. If eggs are lost to a predator or fail in some other way, replacement clutches are not usually laid although this has been recorded. Incubation lasts for 33 to 35 days and is mostly, but not solely, undertaken by the female. Hatching may take place over 3 to 7 days. Often the youngest nestling dies from starvation, especially in broods of 3 or more. The female remains at the nest brooding the young in the early stages with the male bringing all prey. At about 8 to 12 days, both the male and female will bring prey but the female continues to do all feeding until the young can tear up their own prey. The young are nearly fully feathered rather than downy at about a month of age and can start to feed themselves as well. The first attempts to leave the nest are often at about 40 to 50 days. Fledging occurs typically at 43 to 54 days but in extreme cases as late 62 days. After leaving the nest, the young generally stay close by until full independence 6 to 8 weeks after fledging. Numerous factors may influence the breeding success of the Common Buzzard including the availability of prey populations, habitat, disturbance and persecution levels and competition. The Common Buzzard is one of the most numerous birds of prey in its range and it is the most numerous diurnal bird of prey throughout much of Europe. Date: 02/10/06 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayder, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12744900.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19274250334e706e20d69b5.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 7th December 2007 Location: Donna Nook, Lincolnshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082690.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13700468235d307d9a11c36.jpgEastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria The Rhodopes Mountains are a mountain range in south east Europe. They are spread over 5689 square miles of which 4723 square miles are located in south Bulgaria and the remainder in north Greece. The Rhodopes Mountains are about 149 miles long and about 62 to 75 miles wide with an average altitude of 2575 feet. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 7188 feet and is situated 12 miles to the west of Smolyan. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rhodopes Mountains give their name to the terrestrial eco-region Rodope montane mixed forests that belong in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The area is particularly notable for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans plus its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms such as the Trigrad Gorge. The Rhodopes Mountains can be sub-divided in to 3 sections: The Western Rhodopes are spread over 66% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and they are higher, the most infrastructurally developed and the most visited part of the mountains. The highest and best known peaks are located in this section with more than 10 over 6562 feet high including the highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7188 feet). Some of the deepest river gorges in the Rhodopes Mountains are located in the west as well as several large lakes. The Eastern Rhodopes are spread over a territory of about 34% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and are much lower in height. The large artificial dams of Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets are located in this part of the mountains. Almost every species of European bird of prey nests in the Eastern Rhodopes including 3 species of vulture. The Southern Rhodopes are the part of the mountain range that is located in Greece and they are characterized by numerous peaks of relatively low altitude. In the Eastern Rhodopes, the Madzharovo Special Protection Area located between village of Borislavtsi and the town of Madzharovo is one of the most popular destinations for birding in Bulgaria. The area covers a part of the narrow valley of the River Arda and is surrounded by rugged mountain slopes, rock massifs, rocky pinnacles, dry scrub and wooded hillsides. The unique micro-climate and the diverse relief are the reason for the wealth of bird species which can be found here. Around 175 bird species have been recorded of which 40 have been included in the Red Book of Bulgaria (a list of endangered species in the country), 78 are of European environmental protection significance and 6 are globally endangered. The Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB) has established a Nature Conservation Centre in Madzharovo which provides an exhibition, conducts educational programs and provides information for various routes and landmarks. It particularly focuses on the many birds of prey which can be found in the area, especially the 3 species of vulture (Griffon, Black and Egyptian). Date: 24th May 2018 Location: River Arda valley and Kovan Kaya near Madzharovo, eastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13593649.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13900087794ec8daa47d87e.jpgAn Leth-onn, Loch Scridain, Mull, Argyll Loch Scridain is located on the western coastline of the island of Mull in Argyll and is a large sea loch 12 miles in length and 2½ miles at its widest. Extending as far inland as Glen More, the area to the north is known as Ardmeanach while to the south lies the Ross of Mull. An Leth-onn is the tidal brackish lagoon and area of mudflats which represents the inner most part of Loch Scridain located 2 miles north east of Pennyghael. Date: 10th November 2011 Location: view from near Pennyghael http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801047.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_116445480264eda27426195.jpgEssex Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Essex Skipper is a small butterfly with a darting flight. It has bright orange-brown wings which are held with the forewings angled above the hind wings. The males have a thin black scent brand line running through the centre of the forewing and parallel to the leading edge. The Small Skipper appears very similar but it lacks the black tips to the antenna and it has a longer scent brand which is angled to the edge of the forewing. Since the Essex Skipper and the Small Skipper closely resemble each other and are often found in the same company, the Essex Skipper has been overlooked both in terms of recording and ecological study and it was the last UK resident species to be described (in 1889). The Essex Skipper can be found in tall, dry grasslands in open sunny situations, especially roadside verges, woodland rides and acid grasslands as well as coastal marshes. The distribution of the Essex Skipper in the UK has more than doubled in the last few decades. It is a widespread species in southern and central England but not in the far south-west. Date: 8th July 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42229301.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1573878569603e62bec3bde.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 13th February 2021 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42229311.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_635887099603e65167039e.jpgCoot The Coot is an all black bird with a distinctive white beak and “shield” above the beak from which earns it the title “bald”. Its feet have distinctive lobed flaps of skin on the toes which act instead of webs when swimming. It patters noisily over the water before taking off and can be very aggressive towards other birds. Coot can be found all the year round mainly on freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers and town park lakes. Sometimes they can be seen offshore, especially in winter if freshwater areas are frozen. They breed in areas of fairly shallow standing freshwater with a muddy bottom and plenty of vegetation at the sides, usually in lowland areas. Date: 13th February 2021 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41205447.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11346108635eb971db43d25.jpgCoot The Coot is an all black bird with a distinctive white beak and “shield” above the beak from which earns it the title “bald”. Its feet have distinctive lobed flaps of skin on the toes which act instead of webs when swimming. It patters noisily over the water before taking off and can be very aggressive towards other birds. Coot can be found all the year round mainly on freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers and town park lakes. Sometimes they can be seen offshore, especially in winter if freshwater areas are frozen. They breed in areas of fairly shallow standing freshwater with a muddy bottom and plenty of vegetation at the sides, usually in lowland areas. Date: 6th May 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14155794.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18239834384f3cd2b1a9493.jpgBullfinch The male Bullfinch is unmistakable with a bright pinkish-red breast and cheeks, grey back, black cap and tail and bright white rump. The flash of the rump in flight and the sad call note are usually the first signs of Bullfinches being present. Bullfinches can be found throughout most of the UK but their localised and declining populations make it a Red List species. Bullfinches can be seen all the year round and breed in broad-leaved woodland, thickets, hedgerows, orchards and mature gardens. Date: 12th February 2012 Location: Pennington Flash, Greater Manchester http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42626776.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_169707068060a927d8e6e63.jpgGreat Crested Grebe The Great Crested Grebe is the largest member of the grebe family measuring 18 to 20 inches in length with a wing span of 23 to 29 inches. It is a graceful bird with its long neck, long bill and slender outline. In summer, the adults of both sexes are unmistakable being adorned with beautiful head-plumes which are reddish-orange in colour with black tips. There is also an erectile black crown. Non-breeding adults lack the full crest and have a dark crown bordered by a white face, the white extending down the fore-neck and chest. The sexes are similar in appearance but juveniles can be distinguished from adults by having a striped black and white head and neck. The Great Crested Grebe can be found across Europe and Asia and it breeds on shallow, reed-fringed freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs and slow rivers. It is resident in the milder west of its range but it migrates from the colder regions of its range to freshwater lakes, reservoirs and sheltered coastal areas in winter. The Great Crested Grebe has an elaborate mating display. Like all grebes, it nests on the water's edge since its legs are set relatively far back and it is thus unable to walk very well. Usually 2 eggs are laid and the fluffy, striped young grebes are often carried on the adult's back. In a clutch of 2 or more hatchlings, male and female grebes will each identify their “favourites” which they alone will care for and teach. Unusually, young Great Crested Grebes are capable of swimming and diving almost at hatching. The adults teach these skills to their young by carrying them on their backs and diving, leaving the chicks to float on the surface. They then re-emerge a few feet away so that the chicks may swim back on to them. The Great Crested Grebe feeds mainly on fish but it will also eat small crustaceans, insects and small frogs and newts. The Great Crested Grebe was hunted almost to extinction in the UK in the 19th century due to being hunted for its head plumes which were used to decorate hats and ladies' undergarments. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was set up to help protect the Great Crested Grebe which is now again a common sight. Date: 15th April 2021 Location: Lake Meadows, Billericay, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084875.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20611357045d3088e4a642d.jpgPiatra Craiului Mountains, Brașov County, Romania The Piatra Craiului Mountains are a mountain range in the Southern Carpathians in central Romania. It forms a narrow and saw-like ridge which is about 16 miles long. Vârful La Om is the highest peak at 7343 feet. The ridge is regarded as one of the most impressive and beautiful sites in the Carpathian Mountians and the views both towards and from the mountains are superb. The whole range is included in the Piatra Craiului National Park. The first protection of this area started in 1938 when 2 square miles were declared as a nature reserve. This has been progressively extended and in 1990 it became a national park covering an area of 38 square miles. In 2003 the external limits and internal zoning were created. Since 1999 a park administration has existed with a visitor centre located on the minor road 0.6 miles west of Zărnești and since 2005 a management plan has been in place. Piatra Craiului National Park supports and protects an abundance and diversity of mammals (including Brown Bear, Wolf and Lynx), birds and plants. Zărneşti is the most important town for visiting the Piatra Craiului Mountains and the Piatra Craiului National Park. The town is located 17 miles south west of the city of Brașov. From Zărnești, a 7 mile long minor road runs west and ends at Cabana Plaiul Foii which is a good starting point for climbing the ridge. In addition, a forest road starts from the south west of Zărneşti which leads to the Zărneştilor Gorge and continues up to the ridge. The traditional villages of Măgura, Peştera, Ciocanu and Şirnea are starting points for routes up to the eastern slopes. Măgura, situated at 3281 feet, is one of Romania’s most picturesque villages and it provides stunning views towards the Bucegi Mountains and the Piatra Craiului Mountains. Date: 5th June 2018 Location: Piatra Craiului Mountains from Măgura, Brașov County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645388.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2947040451e3cd76ec658.jpgCommon Cranes The Common Crane is a large, stately bird and a medium-sized crane at 40 to 52 inches long with a 71 to 96 inches wingspan. At rest, the Common Crane is rather stork-like but with a big bushy tail, black wing plumes and a grey body and even from a great distance the white stripe through the black head is noticeable. In flight, the long neck, held outstretched and slightly drooping makes it quite different from the herons and the grey plumage eliminates both of the storks. The Common Crane flies in flocks in “V” formation making trumpeting calls. The Common Crane breeds in large areas of marsh and bog in northern parts of Europe and Asia and occurs in winter and on passage in open, often agricultural, areas close to large wetlands used for roosting. The global population is in the region of 210,000 to 250,000 with the vast majority nesting in Russia and Scandinavia. In the UK the Common Crane became extinct in the 17th century but a tiny population now breeds again at a few sites in east and west England. Flocks of Common Cranes in late spring can be watched performing their “dancing” displays. This usually involves opening their wings and leaping vertically into the air with the legs dangling. Once one bird starts this, others will join in and the whole performance can even be initiated by a human pretending to be a dancing crane. Once the birds are paired off they are more likely to perform different displays involving stretching their necks vertically and trumpeting. Common Cranes from Fennoscandia, the Baltic states and western Russia take the west European migration route to their wintering grounds. Over 100,000 birds use this flyway and over 70,000 winter in Spain (mainly Extremadura) with smaller numbers in south west France, Portugal and north Africa. Date: 26th May 2013 Location: Siemianówka area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9547604.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19483483054dad75bca237f.jpgBlack-headed Gulls The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 18th April 2011 Location: Two Tree Island, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28885389.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_128878380957cc30b922667.jpgSoomaa National Park, Estonia The Soomaa National Park (Soomaa means "land of bogs") is located about 20 miles east of Pärnu and it was established in 1993 to protect a wilderness of bogs, fens, wet mixed forests, wooded meadows and carrs. It is also included in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance. The territory of the Soomaa National Park is mostly covered with large bogs, separated from each other by the tributaries of the Pärnu river, namely the Navesti, Halliste, Raudna and Lemmjõgi rivers. Every spring the Pärnu river and its tributaries flood and vast areas are inundated. The flood has been called the “fifth season” in Soomaa. Much of the Soomaa National Park is very difficult to access but it can be partially explored by a network of dusty gravel tracks and a minor road between Jõesuu and Kildu. The Soomaa National Park supports a wide range of breeding birds and the floods attract large numbers of migrating wildfowl and waders. As a large wilderness area, Soomaa National Park is also home to numerous species of large mammals including Brown Bear, Wolf, Lynx, Beaver, Elk and Wild Boar. Date: 15th May 2016 Location: Tõramaa to Kõrtsi road, Soomaa National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28140095.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1886846478577a3529413c5.jpgEider The Eider is the UK's heaviest duck and its fastest flying. The male is unmistakable with its black and white plumage and green nape. The female is a brown bird but can still be readily distinguished from all ducks, except other eider species, on the basis of size and head shape. The Eider is often readily approachable. Eiders are true sea ducks and are rarely found away from coasts where they dive for crustaceans and molluscs, with mussels being a favoured food. They are highly gregarious and usually stay close inshore where they can be seen in sheltered bays or strung out in long lines out beyond the breaking waves. The Eider can be found all year round in its breeding areas from the Northumberland coast northwards and off the north and west coast of Scotland where it nests colonially. They are found in the same areas in autumn and winter and also further south on the Yorkshire coast and around the east and south coast as far as Cornwall. A particularly famous colony of Eiders lives around the Farne Islands in Northumberland. These birds were the subject of one of the first ever bird protection laws, established by Saint Cuthbert in the year 676. About 1,000 pairs still nest there every year. Because St. Cuthbert is the patron saint of Northumberland, it was natural that the Eider should be chosen as the county's emblem bird and the birds are still often called Cuddy's ducks in the area, "Cuddy" being the familiar form of Cuthbert. Date: 21st June 2016 Location: Culkein Drumbeg, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453932.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10038341844ff545ba315ba.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox's distinctive red-brown fur and its long bushy tail are a familiar sight in towns and in the countryside all over the UK but they are absent from many Scottish islands. They are present in virtually every habitat including woodland, scrubland and mountains as well as in urban areas and especially residential suburbs and gardens. Foxes are very adaptable mammals and have successfully established themselves due to their opportunistic, unfussy nature and their very varied diet. Foxes are very social animals and each group includes a dog, a vixen and cubs in the spring. Foxes mate in December and January and between March and May the females give birth to a litter of 4 to 5 blind and deaf cubs covered in dark grey fur. They are independent by the autumn and some move away from their parents but others may remain to help rear the next litter of cubs. Foxes eat almost anything from rabbits, field voles and berries to earthworms, insects and fruits. In towns, they scavenge food from rubbish bins, gardens and bird tables. In Parque Nacional de Monfragüe, the Red Fox is common and widespread. Date: 27th April 2012 Location: La Malavuelta, Parque Nacional de Monfragüe, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41539271.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9303490385f3e4a9fc305d.jpgShort-eared Owl The Short-eared Owl is a species of the typical owl family [i]Strigidae[/i]. Owls belonging to the genus [i]Asio[/i], such as the Short-eared Owl, are known as the eared owls since they have tufts of feathers resembling mammalian ears. These "ear" tufts may or may not be visible. The Short-eared Owl will display its tufts when in a defensive pose although its very short tufts are usually not visible. The Short-eared Owl is a medium-sized owl 13 to 17 inches in length with a 33 to 43 inches wingspan. Females are slightly larger than males. It has large yellow eyes with black encircling rings, a big head, a short neck and broad wings. The bill is short, strong, hooked and black. The plumage is mottled tawny to brown with a barred tail and wings. The upper breast is significantly streaked. The flight is characteristically floppy due to the irregular wingbeats and the Short-eared Owl is often described as "moth-like” or bat-like" in flight. Through much of its range, the Short-eared Owl occurs with the similar looking Long-eared Owl. At rest, the ear-tufts of the Long-eared Owl serve to easily distinguish the 2 species although the Long-eared Owl can sometimes hold its ear-tufts flat. The iris colour also differs: yellow in the Short-eared Owl and orange in the Long-eared Owl plus the black surrounding the eyes is vertical on the Long-eared Owl and horizontal on the Short-eared Owl. Overall, the Short-eared Owl tends to be a paler, sandier coloured bird than the Long-eared Owl. There are 10 recognized sub-species of the Short-eared Owl and its range covers all continents except Antarctica and Australia. It therefore has one of the most widespread distributions of any bird. It is partially migratory and moves south in winter from the northern parts of its range. The Short-eared Owl is also known to relocate to areas of higher rodent populations and it will also wander nomadically in search of better food supplies during years when vole populations are low. In the UK, the Short-eared Owl breeds primarily in north England and Scotland but it is seen more widely in winter when there is an influx of continental birds from Scandinavia, Russia and Iceland to north, east and parts of central south England, especially around coastal marshes and wetlands. The breeding season of the Short-eared Owl in the northern hemisphere lasts from March to June but peaks in April. During the breeding season, the male makes a great spectacle of itself in flight to attract a female. The male swoops down over the potential nest site flapping its wings in a courtship display. The Short-eared Owl is generally monogamous and nests on the ground in prairie, tundra, savanna or meadow habitats. The nest is concealed by low vegetation and may be lightly lined by weeds, grass or feathers. The female lays 4 to 7 eggs but clutch size can reach up to 12 eggs in years when voles are abundant. There is a single brood per year. The eggs are incubated mostly by the female for 21 to 37 days and the young fledge at a little over 4 weeks. The Short-eared Owl hunts mostly at night but it is known as a diurnal and crepuscular hunter as well. Its daylight hunting seems to coincide with the high activity periods of voles, its preferred prey. It tends to fly only a few feet above the ground in open fields and grasslands until swooping down upon its prey feet first. Several owls may hunt over the same open area. The diet of the Short-eared Owl consists mainly of rodents, especially voles, but it will eat other small mammals such as mice, ground squirrels, shrews, rats, bats, muskrats and moles. It will also occasionally predate smaller birds especially when near sea coasts and adjacent wetlands at which time they may attack waders, terns and small gulls and seabirds. Avian prey is more infrequently preyed on inland and includes small passerines. Insects also supplement the diet. Date: 5th July 2019 Location: Vestre Jakobslev, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623117.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10330176596117d79501f7d.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41424263.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8416380455f2aa9245818f.jpgHamingberg, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway The Varanger peninsula is situated in Troms og Finnmark in the extreme north east of Norway. With an area of 800 square miles, it is the largest area within the Arctic climate zone in mainland Norway and is bordered by Tanafjord to the west, Varangerfjord to the south and the Barents Sea to the north and east. The area has a rugged mountain terrain with altitudes up to 2077 feet and it has an Arctic tundra climate. The coast of the Varanger peninsula is an important area for breeding, migrating and wintering birds, especially some notable Arctic species. The Norwegian Directorate for Nature Management has a project on the Varanger peninsula to reintroduce and protect the Arctic Fox which is critically endangered on the Norwegian mainland. The Varangerhalvøya National Park (Norwegian: [I]Varangerhalvøya Nasjonalpark[/I]) lies to the west of road Fv341 and protects a majority of the land on the Varanger peninsula. The eastern part of the Varanger peninsula can be accessed from Vardø, via Svartnes, to Hamningberg. Hamningberg is an abandoned fishing village situated on the Varanger peninsula and on the shores of the Barents Sea. It’s only road connection is via the narrow and winding road Fv341 which runs for about 25 miles north from Svartnes. This is a very scenic road which follows the shores of the Barents Sea. It is considered to be one of the wildest and most memorable drives in Norway and passes through a bare and barren but awe-inspiring Arctic landscape. The road is closed during the winter months from October to late May. Traditionally a fishing village, Hamningberg is one of very few places in Troms og Finnmark that was not burnt and destroyed under Operation Nordlicht in 1944 and 1945, the German “scorched earth” retreat from Finnmark. It was depopulated and abandoned in 1964 although some of the houses are still in use as summer cottages. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hamningberg, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833600.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_775324831559ced916f8a1.jpgLittle Egrets The Little Egret is a species of small heron. The genus name comes from the Provençal French [i]Aigrette[/i] (egret), a diminutive of [i]Aigron [/i] (heron). The adult Little Egret is 22 to 26 inches long with a 35 to 42 inches wingspan. Its plumage is normally entirely white although there are dark forms with largely bluish-grey plumage. In the breeding season, the adult has 2 long plumes on the nape that form a crest. These plumes are about 6 inches in length and are pointed and very narrow. There are similar feathers on the breast but the barbs are more widely spread. There are also several elongated scapular feathers that have long loose barbs around 8 inches long. During the winter the plumage is similar but the scapulars are shorter and more normal in appearance. The bill is long and slender and both it and the lores are black. There is an area of greenish-grey bare skin at the base of the lower mandible and around the eye which has a yellow iris. The legs are black and the feet yellow. Juveniles are similar to non-breeding adults but have greenish-black legs and duller yellow feet and may have a certain proportion of greyish or brownish feathers. The Little Egret is mostly silent but it does make various croaking and bubbling calls at its breeding colonies and it produces a harsh alarm call when disturbed. The breeding range of the western race of the Little Egret includes south Europe, the Middle East, much of Africa and south Asia. European populations are migratory and mostly travel to Africa although some remain in southern Europe. During the late 20th century, the range of the Little Egret expanded northwards in Europe and into the New World. The Little Egret's habitat varies widely and includes the shores of lakes, rivers, canals, ponds, lagoons, marshes and flooded land, the bird preferring open locations to dense cover. On the coast it inhabits mudflats, sandy beaches, mangrove areas, swamps and reefs. The Little Egret is a sociable bird and can be seen in small flocks. However, individual birds do not tolerate others coming too close to their chosen feeding site although this depends on the abundance of prey. The Little Egret uses a variety of methods to find its food. It stalks its prey in shallow water, often running with raised wings or shuffling its feet to disturb small fish, or it may stand still and wait to ambush prey. It also makes use of opportunities provided by Cormorants disturbing fish or humans attracting fish by throwing bread into water. On land, it walks or runs while chasing its prey, often feeding on creatures disturbed by grazing livestock. The diet is mainly fish but amphibians, small reptiles, mammals and birds are also eaten as well as crustaceans, molluscs, insects, spiders and worms. The Little Egret nests in colonies, often with other wading birds such as Cattle Egret, Black-crowned Night Heron, Squacco Heron and Glossy Ibis. The nests are usually platforms of sticks built in trees or shrubs or in reed beds or bamboo groves. Pairs defend a small breeding territory, usually extending around 10 to 13 feet from the nest. The 3 to 5 eggs are incubated by both adults for 21 to 25 days before hatching. The young birds are covered in white down feathers are cared for by both parents and fledge after 40 to 45 days. Globally, the Little Egret is not listed as a threatened species and has in fact expanded its range over the last few decades.[5] The IUCN states that their wide distribution and large total population means that they are a species that cause them "least concern". Historical research has shown that the Little Egret was once present, and probably common, in the UK but became extinct there through a combination of over-hunting in the late mediaeval period and climate change at the start of the Little Ice Age. Further declines occurred throughout Europe as the plumes of the Little Egret and other egrets were in demand for decorating hats. They had been used in the plume trade since at least the 17th century but in the 19th century it became a major craze and the number of egret skins passing through dealers reached into the millions. Hunting, which reduced the population of the species to dangerously low levels, stimulated the establishment of Britain's Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in 1889. By the 1950s, the Little Egret had become restricted to south Europe and conservation laws protecting the species were introduced. This allowed the population to rebound strongly and over the next few decades it became increasingly common in western France and later on the north coast. It bred in the Netherlands in 1979 with further breeding from the 1990s onward. Populations are now mostly stable or increasing in Europe. In the UK, the Little Egret was a rare vagrant from its 16th century extinction until the late 20th century. It has, however, recently become a regular breeding species and is commonly present, often in large numbers, at favoured coastal sites. The first recent breeding record in England was on Brownsea Island in Dorset in 1996 and it bred in Wales for the first time in 2002. The population increase has been rapid subsequently with over 750 pairs breeding in nearly 70 colonies in 2008 and a post-breeding total of 4,540 birds in September 2008. Severe winter weather proves only to be a temporary setback and the Little Egret continues to expand both its numbers and range in the UK. Date: 12th May 2015 Location: Lake Kerkini, Central Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623256.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1555057016117d9c3e6c17.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5325777.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8044144514c1dd54cc465c.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 3rd June 2010 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41505241.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6467305795f37b40e3f0a9.jpgVarangerfjord, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway The Varanger peninsula is situated in Troms og Finnmark in the extreme north east of Norway. With an area of 800 square miles, it is the largest area within the Arctic climate zone in mainland Norway and is bordered by Tanafjord to the west, Varangerfjord to the south and the Barents Sea to the north and east. The area has a rugged mountain terrain with altitudes up to 2077 feet and it has an Arctic tundra climate. The coast of the Varanger peninsula is an important area for breeding, migrating and wintering birds, especially some notable Arctic species. The Norwegian Directorate for Nature Management has a project on the Varanger peninsula to reintroduce and protect the Arctic Fox which is critically endangered on the Norwegian mainland. The Varangerhalvøya National Park (Norwegian: [I]Varangerhalvøya Nasjonalpark[/I]) lies to the west of road Fv341 and protects a majority of the land on the Varanger peninsula. Varangerfjord is the easternmost fjord in Norway and is located between the Varanger peninsula and the mainland of Norway. Varangerfjord flows through the municipalities of Vardø, Vadsø, Nesseby and Sør-Varanger. The fjord is approximately 62 miles long and empties in to the Barents Sea. The mouth is about 43 miles wide and is located between the town of Vardø in the north west and the village of Grense Jakobselv in the south east. The fjord stretches westwards inland past the town of Vadsø to the village of Varangerbotn in Nesseby municipality. Date: 3rd July 2019 Location: view between Skallelv and Skallbutka, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28886158.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_203883382757cc38f8596a4.jpgWryneck The Eurasian Wryneck is a species of wryneck in the woodpecker family. It is about 6.7 inches in length and is a slim, elongated-looking bird with a body shape more like a thrush than a woodpecker. The upperparts are barred and mottled in shades of pale brown with rufous and blackish bars and wider black streaks. The rump and upper tail coverts are grey with speckles and irregular bands of brown. The rounded tail is grey, speckled with brown, with faint bands of greyish-brown and a few more clearly defined bands of brownish-black. The cheeks and throat are buff barred with brown. The underparts are creamy white with brown markings shaped like arrow-heads which are reduced to spots on the lower breast and belly. The flanks are buff with similar markings and the under-tail coverts are buff with narrow brown bars. The primaries and secondaries are brown with rufous-buff markings. The beak is brown, long and slender with a broad base and sharp tip. The slender legs and feet are pale brown. The first and second toes are shorter than the others. The first and fourth toes point backwards and the second and third point forwards, a good arrangement for clinging to vertical surfaces. The Wryneck gets its English name from its ability to turn its head through almost 180 degrees. It characteristically holds its head high with its beak pointing slightly upwards. A mutual display that occurs at any time of year involves two birds perched facing each other with their heads far back and beaks wide open, bobbing their heads up and down. Sometimes the head is allowed to slump sideways and hang limply. On other occasions, when excited, the head is shaken and twisted about violently. When disturbed on the nest or held in the hand, the neck contorts and twists in all directions. The bird sometimes feigns death and hangs limply with eyes closed. The Wryneck mainly breeds in temperate regions of Europe and Asia. In continental Europe, the largest populations are in Spain, Italy, Germany, Poland, Romania, Hungary, Belarus and Ukraine, and only in Romania is the population trend believed to be upward. Most populations are migratory, wintering in tropical Africa and in southern Asia from Iran to the Indian Subcontinent, but some are resident in north west Africa. In the UK, the Wryneck is an extremely rare breeding bird but it is still a regular passage migrant in small numbers in August and September with a small number additionally seen in May. During the summer the Wryneck can be found in open countryside, parkland, gardens, orchards, heaths and hedgerows, especially where there are some old trees. It may also inhabit deciduous woodland and in Scandinavia it also occurs in coniferous forests. The diet of the Wryneck consists chiefly of ants but beetles and their larvae, moths, spiders and woodlice are also eaten. Although much time is spent in the upper branches of trees, the Wryneck sometimes perches in low bushes and mostly forages on the ground, moving around with short hops with its tail held in a raised position. It can cling to tree trunks, often moving obliquely, and sometimes pressing its tail against the surface as a prop. It does not make holes in bark with its beak but picks up prey with a rapid extension and retraction of its tongue and it sometimes catches insects while on the wing. Date: 11th May 2016 Location: near Pogari-Sassi, Matsalu National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19905522.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6466921045290899631bfb.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 30th September 2013 Location: Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17061279.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_63557750950e02dcd315dc.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 26th December 2012 Location: Buckenham Marshes, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45456922.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1650199284624ffef6bf95a.jpgSanderlings The Sanderling is a small, plump, energetic wading bird. It has a short straight black bill and medium length black legs and is pale grey above and white underneath. Sanderlings breed in the high Arctic but can be seen in the UK during the winter months and as a passage migrant in spring and autumn. They can be found where there are long, sandy beaches around most of the coast other than in south west England and the rocky coasts of mainland Scotland. Date: 9th November 2021 Location: Shoeburyness, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29870217.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1430248411584e6d72258ad.jpgPurple Sandpiper The Purple Sandpiper is a small wading shorebird. Adults have short yellow legs and a medium thin dark bill with a yellow base. The body is dark above with a slight purplish gloss and mainly white below. The breast is smeared with grey and the rump is black. The Purple Sandpiper breeds in the northern tundra and Arctic islands in Canada and coastal areas in Greenland and north west Europe and nests on the ground either elevated on rocks or in a lower damp location. The males makes several scrapes following which the female chooses one and lays 3 or 4 eggs. The male takes the major responsibility for incubation and tends the chicks. The Purple Sandpiper is migratory and moves to rocky ice-free Atlantic coasts in winter where it is fairly gregarious, forming small flocks and often associating with Turnstones. It is also relatively tame and approachable. In the UK, the Purple Sandpiper occurs in winter in good numbers, principally along the east and south coasts where it favours rocky shorelines adjacent to the sea. It is a very rare breeding bird and is found only in a localised area of the Cairngorms National Park where 1 to 3 pairs have bred since the 1970s. Date: 7th November 2016 Location: Lowestoft Ness, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11654804.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17054065814e31340649a2b.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 23rd November 2007 Location: Leysdown, Sheppey, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512258.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_116590011262c9965ee5399.jpgDartford Warbler The Dartford Warbler is a small warbler distinguished by its long tail compared with that of other warblers. Its plumage comprises unobtrusive and muted tones which blend in with its preferred habitats. Like many warblers, the Dartford Warbler has distinct male and female plumages. The male has a grey back and head, reddish underparts and a red eye. The female is paler below, especially on the throat, and a browner grey above. The song of the Dartford Warbler is a distinctive rattling warble. The largest populations of Dartford Warbler are found in Iberia with smaller populations in France, Italy and the south of the UK. In Africa, they are found in small areas in northern Morocco and northern Algeria. The Dartford Warbler breeds on heathlands amongst gorse, heather and other scrub bushes, sometimes near coasts. Dartford Warblers are named after Dartford Heath in north west Kent in the UK where the population became extinct in the early 20th century. They almost died out in the UK in the severe winter of 1962/63 when the national population dropped to just 10 pairs. However, this species can recover well in good quality habitat, thanks to repeated nesting and a high survival rate for the young. In the UK, Dartford Warblers can now be found at various heathland locations in south and east England. Date: 11th May 2022 Location: Morden Bog, Wareham Forest, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41349626.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8258721475f2008a422be2.jpgSmall Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Small Skipper is a common and widespread butterfly in most parts of England and has been expanding its range northwards. They can be found in rough grassland, roadside verges, edges of fields and woodland glades. Date: 25th June 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46534811.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1162126362ca98ddebfee.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 27th June 2022 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11805614.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6569008584e3a69d7c9ab6.jpgWhite-tailed Bumblebee This photo is of the Bombus lucorum species, one of the commoner Bumblebees in the UK. Date: 2nd August 2011 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49003172.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14360368456468ff9f7005f.jpgCommon Whitethroat The Common Whitethroat is a common and widespread Sylvia warbler. It is one of several Sylvia species that has distinct male and female plumages. Both sexes are mainly brown above and buff below with chestnut fringes to the wings. The adult male has a grey head and a white throat. The female lacks the grey head and the throat is duller. The song is fast and scratchy with a scolding tone. The Common Whitethroat breeds throughout Europe and across much of temperate west Asia where it can be found in areas of open countryside and cultivation with bushes for nesting. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, Arabia and Pakistan. In the UK, it is a summer visitor from April to October and a passage migrant. It breeds widely throughout the country although avoids urban and mountainous areas. Like most warblers, the Common Whitethroat is insectivorous but it will also eat berries and other soft fruit. Date: 4th May 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28569258.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_40894594757a86d2d74cfe.jpgRuff The Ruff is a medium-sized wading bird in the sandpiper family, [i]Scolopacidae[/i]. The original English name for this bird, dating back to at least 1465, is the [i]ree[/i], perhaps derived from a dialectical term meaning "frenzied". A later name [I]reeve[/I], which is still used for the female, is of unknown origin but may be derived from the shire-reeve, a feudal officer, likening the male's flamboyant plumage to the official's robes. The current name was first recorded in 1634 and is derived from the ruff, an exaggerated collar fashionable from the mid-16th century to the mid-17th century, since the male bird's neck ornamental feathers resemble the neck wear. The Ruff has a distinctive appearance with a small head, medium-length bill, longish neck and pot-bellied body. It has long legs that are variable in colour but usually yellow or orange. In flight, it has a deeper, slower wing stroke than other waders of a similar size and it displays a thin, indistinct white bar on the wing and white ovals on the sides of the tail. The Ruff shows very distinctive sexual dimorphism. Although a small percentage of males resemble females, the typical male is much larger than the female and has an elaborate breeding plumage. The male is 11 to 13 inches in length with a 21 to 24 inches wingspan. During the May to June breeding season, the typical male's legs, bill and warty bare facial skin are orange and he has distinctive head tufts and a neck ruff. These ornaments vary on individual birds and are black, chestnut or white with the colouring solid, barred or irregular. The grey-brown back has a scale-like pattern, often with black or chestnut feathers, and the underparts are white with extensive black on the breast. The extreme variability of the main breeding plumage is thought to have developed to aid individual recognition in a species that has communal breeding displays but is usually mute. Outside the breeding season, the typical male's head and neck decorations and the bare facial skin are lost and the legs and bill become duller. The upperparts are grey-brown and the underparts are white with grey mottling on the breast and flanks. The female, or "reeve", is 9 to 10 inches in length with a 18 to 19 inches wingspan. In the breeding plumage, the female has grey-brown upperparts with white-fringed, dark-centred feathers. The breast and flanks are variably blotched with black. In winter, her plumage is similar to that of the male but the sexes are distinguishable on size. The plumage of the juvenile Ruff resembles the non-breeding adult but has upperparts with a neat, scale-like pattern with dark feather centres and a strong buff tinge to the underparts. The Ruff is a migratory species, breeding in wetlands in the colder regions of northern Eurasia and wintering in the tropics, mainly in Africa. There is a limited overlap of the summer and winter ranges in the UK and parts of coastal western Europe and birds may be present throughout the year. The Ruff breeds in Europe and Asia from Scandinavia and the UK almost to the Pacific. In Europe, it is found in cool temperate areas but over its Russian range it is an Arctic species and occurs mainly north of about 65°N. The largest numbers breed in Russia, Sweden, Finland and Norway. Although it also breeds from the UK east through the Low Countries to Poland, Germany and Denmark, the populations are much lower in these more southerly areas. The Ruff is highly gregarious on migration and it travels in large flocks that can contain hundreds or thousands of individuals. Huge dense groups form on the wintering grounds. The males, which play no part in nesting or chick care, leave the breeding grounds in late June or early July followed later in July by the females and juveniles. Males typically make shorter flights and winter further north than females. Many migratory species use this differential wintering strategy since it reduces feeding competition between the sexes and enables territorial males to reach the breeding grounds as early as possible thereby improving their chances of successful mating. Males may also be able to tolerate colder winter conditions because they are larger than females. The Ruff breeds in extensive lowland freshwater marshes and damp grasslands. It avoids barren tundra and areas badly affected by severe weather, preferring hummocky marshes and deltas with shallow water. The wetter areas provide a source of food, the mounds and slopes may be used for leks and dry areas with sedge or low scrub offer nesting sites. When it is not breeding, it can be found in a wider range of shallow wetlands. Dry grassland, tidal mudflats and the seashore are less frequently used. Male Ruffs display during the breeding season at a lek in a traditional open grassy arena. The Ruff is one of the few lekking species in which the display is primarily directed at other males rather than to the females and it is among a small percentage of birds in which the males have well-marked and inherited variations in plumage and mating behaviour. There are 3 male forms: the typical territorial males, satellite males which have a white neck ruff and a very rare variant with female-like plumage. The behaviour and appearance for an individual male remain constant through its adult life and are determined by its genes. The territorial males, about 84% of the total, have strongly coloured black or chestnut ruffs and stake out and occupy small mating territories in the lek. They actively court females and display a high degree of aggression towards other resident males. Between 5 and 20 territorial males each hold an area of the lek about 3 feet across and usually with bare soil in the centre. They perform an elaborate display that includes wing fluttering, jumping, standing upright, crouching with ruff erect or lunging at rivals. They are typically silent even when displaying. Territorial males are very site faithful and 90% return to the same lekking sites in subsequent seasons, the most dominant males being the most likely to reappear. Site faithful males can acquire accurate information about the competitive abilities of other males, leading to well-developed dominance relationships. Such stable relationships reduce conflict and the risk of injury and the consequent lower levels of male aggression are less likely to scare off females. Lower-ranked territorial males also benefit from site fidelity since they can remain on the leks while waiting for the top males eventually to drop out. Satellite males, about 16% of the total number, have white or mottled ruffs and do not occupy territories. Instead, they enter leks and attempt to mate with the females visiting the territories occupied by the resident territorial males. Resident territorial males tolerate the satellite birds because, although they are competitors for mating with the females, the presence of both types of male on a territory attracts additional females. A third type of male was first described in 2006. This is a permanent female mimic, the first such reported for a bird. About 1% of males are small, intermediate in size between males and females and do not grow the elaborate breeding plumage of the territorial and satellite males. This cryptic male obtains access to mating territories together with the females and "steals" matings when the females crouch to solicit copulation. It moults into the prenuptial male plumage with striped feathers but does not go on to develop the ornamental feathers of the normal male. Not all mating takes place at the lek since only a minority of the males attend an active lek. As alternative strategies, males can also directly pursue females or wait for them as they approach good feeding sites. The level of polyandry in the Ruff is the highest known for any avian lekking species and for any shorebird. More than half of females mate with and have clutches fertilised by more than one male. In lekking species, females can choose mates without risking the loss of support from males in nesting and rearing chicks since the males take no part in raising the brood anyway. The nest of the Ruff is a shallow ground scrape lined with grass leaves and stems and concealed in marsh plants or tall grass up to 450 yards from the lek. Nesting is solitary although several females may lay in the general vicinity of a lek. The female lays typically 4 eggs from mid-March to early June depending on latitude. Incubation is undertaken by the female alone and the time to hatching is 20 to 23 days with a further 25 to 28 days to fledging. The precocial chicks have buff and chestnut down, streaked and barred with black and frosted with white. They feed themselves on a variety of small invertebrates. The Ruff normally feeds using a steady walk and pecking action, selecting food items by sight, but it will also wade deeply and submerge its head. During the breeding season, the Ruff’s diet consists almost exclusively of the adults and larva of terrestrial and aquatic insects such as beetles and flies. On migration and during the winter, it eats insects, crustaceans, spiders, molluscs, worms, frogs, small fish and also the seeds of rice and other cereals, sedges, grasses and aquatic plants. The Ruff has a large range and a large population although there is some evidence of a decrease in the population in some regions and countries. However, the species as a whole is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List (i.e. declining more than 30 percent in 10 years or 3 generations). For these reasons, the Ruff is classified as "least concern". However, the range in much of Europe is contracting because of land drainage, increased fertiliser use, the loss of mown or grazed breeding sites and over-hunting. Therefore the Ruff is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 1st August 2016 Location: Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405470.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3896718186586e7a695ec8.jpgFallow Deer Fallow Deer are native to the Mediterranean region of Europe and from Turkey to Iran but they have been introduced to nearly 40 countries including the UK by the Normans in the 11th century. They have since become the most widespread species of deer in the UK and typically can be found in deciduous woodland with open patches. Fallow Deer commonly gather in small herds of 4 to 5 but in good feeding areas groupings of up to 100 may gather. When competing for access to females, males display by groaning, thrashing their antlers and by walking alongside their opponent. Fighting occurs if both stags are evenly matched and involves wrestling and clashing of antlers. Fallow Deer have many colour varieties but they are typically fawn-coloured in the summer and reddish-brown in the winter. They have yellow-white undersides, white spots and a black line that runs along the back to the tip of the tail. The spots become less conspicuous or disappear in winter. Males have palmate (flattened) antlers. Date: 14th October 2023 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26270518.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_535171246566553deaf8f5.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 4th December 2015 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46534597.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_179915225962ca987fe3287.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 27th June 2022 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50776406.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21101346066606e6b80cdbc.jpgGreat Crested Grebe The Great Crested Grebe is the largest member of the grebe family measuring 18 to 20 inches in length with a wing span of 23 to 29 inches. It is a graceful bird with its long neck, long bill and slender outline. In summer, the adults of both sexes are unmistakable being adorned with beautiful head-plumes which are reddish-orange in colour with black tips. There is also an erectile black crown. Non-breeding adults lack the full crest and have a dark crown bordered by a white face, the white extending down the fore-neck and chest. The sexes are similar in appearance but juveniles can be distinguished from adults by having a striped black and white head and neck. The Great Crested Grebe can be found across Europe and Asia and it breeds on shallow, reed-fringed freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs and slow rivers. It is resident in the milder west of its range but it migrates from the colder regions of its range to freshwater lakes, reservoirs and sheltered coastal areas in winter. The Great Crested Grebe has an elaborate mating display. Like all grebes, it nests on the water's edge since its legs are set relatively far back and it is thus unable to walk very well. Usually 2 eggs are laid and the fluffy, striped young grebes are often carried on the adult's back. In a clutch of 2 or more hatchlings, male and female grebes will each identify their “favourites” which they alone will care for and teach. Unusually, young Great Crested Grebes are capable of swimming and diving almost at hatching. The adults teach these skills to their young by carrying them on their backs and diving, leaving the chicks to float on the surface. They then re-emerge a few feet away so that the chicks may swim back on to them. The Great Crested Grebe feeds mainly on fish but it will also eat small crustaceans, insects and small frogs and newts. The Great Crested Grebe was hunted almost to extinction in the UK in the 19th century due to being hunted for its head plumes which were used to decorate hats and ladies' undergarments. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was set up to help protect the Great Crested Grebe which is now again a common sight. Date: 16th March 2024 Location: EWT Abberton Reservoir, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9564148.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18558676684daeb0ce95f31.jpgLong-tailed Tit The Long-tailed Tit is easily recognisable with its distinctive colouring, a tail that is bigger than its body, and undulating flight. They are most usually noticed in small, excitable flocks of about 20 birds as they rove the woods, hedgerows and gardens often with other tit species. Long-tailed Tits can be seen all year round and throughout the UK except the far north and west of Scotland. Date: 11/02/07 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26041404.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5915367475638a597a8ce8.jpgDynjandisheiði, Westfjords, Iceland Dynjandisheiði is the mountain area south of the Dynjandi waterfalls. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: road 60 south of the Dynjandi waterfalls http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871526.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6790179084eff196b52a48.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 26th December 2011 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39085247.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11647548295d308a943fada.jpgFăgăraș Mountains, Sibiu County, Romania The Făgăraș Mountains, commonly known as the “Transylvanian Alps”, are a mountain range in the Southern Carpathians in central Romania. Spread over 43.5 miles from east to west and 28 miles from north to south, the range resembles an immense spine with steep peaks facing north and more gentle ones to the south. The steep north face of the Făgăraș Mountains rises above 8,000 feet and overlooks the Făgăraş Depression or Făgăraş Hollow through which flows the River Olt. The range is bordered to the east by the Piatra Craiului Mountains and by the Oltului Gorge to the west. The mountains are heavily glaciated with lakes, fretted peaks and morainic deposits. The highest peaks, which are also the highest mountains in Romania, are Moldoveanu (8346 feet), Negoiu (8317 feet) and Viștea Mare (8291 feet) and they are covered by snow for 8 to 9 months of the year. There are several other peaks over 8000 feet. Bâlea is the largest lake, Podragu is the deepest lake and the highest lake is in the Hărtopul Leaotei glacial valley. Other lakes include Urlea and Capra. A road known as the Transfăgărășan (road DN7C) runs across the Făgăraș Mountains. It has been described as the "Road to the Sky", the "Road to the Clouds" and the "Best Driving Road in the World" and it is a stunning scenic drive. The road climbs to a height of 6699 feet at Pasul Bâlea, making it the second highest mountain pass in Romania after the Transalpina. It starts at Bascov near Pitești and follows the valley of the River Argea. After mounting the highest point, between the high peaks of Moldoveanu and Negoiu, it descends to Cârțișoara in the valley of the River Olt. It is a winding road and is dotted with steep hairpin turns, long S-curves and sharp descents and it is usually closed from late October until late June because of snow. Depending on the weather, it may remain open until as late as November or it may close even in the summer. The Transfăgărășan has more tunnels (5) and viaducts (27) than any other road in Romania. Near the highest point, at Bâlea Lake, the road passes through Bâlea Tunnel, the longest road tunnel in Romania at 2900 feet. The Transfăgărășan was constructed between 1970 and 1974 during the rule of Nicolae Ceaușescu as a response to the 1968 invasion of Czechoslovakia by the Soviet Union. Ceaușescu wanted to ensure quick military access across the mountains in case of a Soviet Union invasion. At the time, Romania already had several strategic mountain passes through the Southern Carpathians, whether inherited from the pre-Communist era (road DN1 and road DN67C) or built during the initial years of the Communist regime (road DN66). These passes, however, were mainly through river valleys and they would have been easy for the Soviet Union to block and attack. Ceauşescu therefore ordered the construction of a road across the Făgăraş Mountains. Built mainly by junior military forces, the road had a high financial and human cost since work was carried out in an alpine climate at an elevation of 6600 feet. The road was officially opened on 20th September 1974 although work continued until 1980. Date: 7th June 2018 Location: Făgăraș Mountains from near Bâlea Cascadă, Sibiu County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41424254.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_722341285f2aa8ca16bcb.jpgVaranger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway The Varanger peninsula is situated in Troms og Finnmark in the extreme north east of Norway. With an area of 800 square miles, it is the largest area within the Arctic climate zone in mainland Norway and is bordered by Tanafjord to the west, Varangerfjord to the south and the Barents Sea to the north and east. The area has a rugged mountain terrain with altitudes up to 2077 feet and it has an Arctic tundra climate. The coast of the Varanger peninsula is an important area for breeding, migrating and wintering birds, especially some notable Arctic species. The Norwegian Directorate for Nature Management has a project on the Varanger peninsula to reintroduce and protect the Arctic Fox which is critically endangered on the Norwegian mainland. The Varangerhalvøya National Park (Norwegian: [I]Varangerhalvøya Nasjonalpark[/I]) lies to the west of road Fv341 and protects a majority of the land on the Varanger peninsula. The eastern part of the Varanger peninsula can be accessed from Vardø, via Svartnes, to Hamningberg. Hamningberg is an abandoned fishing village situated on the Varanger peninsula and on the shores of the Barents Sea. It’s only road connection is via the narrow and winding road Fv341 which runs for about 25 miles north from Svartnes. This is a very scenic road which follows the shores of the Barents Sea. It is considered to be one of the wildest and most memorable drives in Norway and passes through a bare and barren but awe-inspiring Arctic landscape. The road is closed during the winter months from October to late May. Traditionally a fishing village, Hamningberg is one of very few places in Troms og Finnmark that was not burnt and destroyed under Operation Nordlicht in 1944 and 1945, the German “scorched earth” retreat from Finnmark. It was depopulated and abandoned in 1964 although some of the houses are still in use as summer cottages. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: view from road Fv341 between Svartnes and Hamningberg, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37431276.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16063613185c6bec28b0c7d.jpgShoveler The Northern Shoveler, known simply as the Shoveler in the UK, is a common and widespread dabbling duck. The Shoveler is unmistakable due to its large spatulate bill. The breeding male has an iridescent dark green head, white breast and chestnut belly and flanks. In flight, pale blue forewing feathers are revealed which are separated from the green speculum by a white border. In early autumn the male has a white crescent on each side of the face. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male resembles the female. The female is a drab mottled brown with plumage much like a female Mallard but easily distinguished by the long broad bill which is grey tinged with orange on the cutting edge and lower mandible. The female's forewing is grey. The Shoveler can be found in open wetlands, such as wet grassland or marshes with some emergent vegetation, in northern areas of Europe and Asia and across most of north America. It winters in south Europe, Africa, the Indian sub-continent, south east Asia and central and northern south America. In the UK, the Shoveler breeds primarily in south and east England and in much smaller numbers in Scotland and west England. In winter, breeding birds move south and there is additionally an influx of continental birds from further north. The UK is home to more than 20% of the north west European population. The Shoveler prefers to nest in grassy areas away from open water. The nest is a shallow depression on the ground lined with plant material and down. Females typically lay about 9 eggs. The males are very territorial during the breeding season and will defend their territory and partners from competing males. Males also engage in elaborate courtship behaviours both on the water and in the air. The Shoveler feeds by dabbling for plant food, often by swinging its bill from side to side and using the bill to strain food from the water. It uses its highly specialized bill (from which their name is derived) to forage for aquatic invertebrates. Date: 8th January 2019 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41424268.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14093938655f2aa933b651c.jpgReindeer The Reindeer, also known as the Caribou in North America, is a deer from the Arctic and sub Arctic, including both resident and migratory populations. Whilst it is overall widespread and numerous, some of its subspecies are rare or already extinct. The Reindeer is a widespread and numerous species in the northern Holarctic, being present in tundra (frozen arctic plain with lichens, mosses and dwarfed vegetation) and taiga (marshy pine forest) regions. Originally, the Reindeer was found in Scandinavia, eastern Europe, Russia, Mongolia, and northern China. In North America, it was found in Canada, Alaska and the northern USA from Washington to Maine. It also occurred naturally on Sakhalin, Greenland, and probably even in historical times in Ireland. Today, wild Reindeer have disappeared from many areas within this large historical range, especially from the southern parts where it has vanished almost everywhere. Large populations of wild Reindeer are still found in Norway, Finland, Siberia, Greenland, Alaska, and Canada. Wild Reindeer hunting and herding of semi-domesticated Reindeer (for meat, hides, antlers, milk and transportation) are important to several Arctic and Subarctic people. Domesticated Reindeer are mostly found in northern Fennoscandia and Russia with a herd of approximately 150-170 Reindeer also living around the Cairngorms region in Scotland. Reindeer vary considerably in colour and size. Both sexes grow antlers, though they are typically larger in males. Even far outside its range, the Reindeer is well known due to the myth, probably originating in early 19th century America, in which Santa Claus's sleigh is pulled by flying Reindeer, a popular element of Christmas. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hamningberg, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42626836.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_53840645560a92e3d7e24f.jpgAdder Adders are widespread throughout mainland UK but they are absent from Ireland. They occur throughout Europe, with the exception of the Mediterranean islands, and across Russia and Asia through to northern China. They are the UK's only venomous reptile. Adders are relatively short and robust snakes with large heads and a rounded snout. Males are usually a grey or buff colour with vivid black markings although they can also vary from silver to yellow or green in colour. Females are brown with dark red-brown markings that are less prominent than in the males. Both sexes have a zigzag pattern running along the back with a / or X-shaped marking at the rear of the head. Adders can be found in a variety of habitats, including open woodland, hedgerows, moorland, sand dunes, riverbanks, bogs, heathland and mountains. They are active during the day and spend time basking until their body temperature is high enough to hunt for food. Adders use venom to immobilise prey such as lizards, amphibians, nestlings and small mammals. After striking their prey, they will leave the venom to take effect before following the victim’s scent to find the body. Mating takes place between April and May with males often fighting for females. Females have a 3 to 4 month gestation period and Adders are one of the few snakes that are viviparous (give birth to live young). In late August females give birth to between 5 and 20 live young and the young remain close to their mother for a few days before going off in search of food. Adders hibernate from September to March often using deserted rabbit or rodent burrows or settling under logs. They sometimes hibernate communally. Males emerge 2 to 5 weeks before the females and shed their skin before setting off in search of females. Adders are not aggressive snakes and they will only attack if harassed or threatened. Although an Adder’s venom poses little danger to a healthy adult, the bite is very painful and requires urgent medical attention. Date: 17th April 2021 Location: Benfleet and Hadleigh Downs, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37399588.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8267501455c669737993b1.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 9th December 2018 Location: Winterton-Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12869434.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12456984174e786b737c6ab.jpgCoot The Coot is an all black bird with a distinctive white beak and “shield” above the beak from which earns it the title “bald”. Its feet have distinctive lobed flaps of skin on the toes which act instead of webs when swimming. It patters noisily over the water before taking off and can be very aggressive towards other birds. Coot can be found all the year round mainly on freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers and town park lakes. Sometimes they can be seen offshore, especially in winter if freshwater areas are frozen. They breed in areas of fairly shallow standing freshwater with a muddy bottom and plenty of vegetation at the sides, usually in lowland areas. Date: 18th September 2011 Location: Cromford Canal, Derbyshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28884653.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_179319176857cc28d4746aa.jpgWhinchat The Whinchat is similar in size to its relative the Robin. Both sexes have brownish upperparts mottled darker, a buff throat and breast, a pale buff to whitish belly and a blackish tail with white bases to the outer tail feathers. The male in breeding plumage has blackish face mask almost encircled by a strong white supercilium and malar stripe, a bright orange-buff throat and breast and small white wing patches. The female is duller overall, in particular having browner face mask, pale buffy-brown breast, and a buff supercilium and malar stripe and smaller or no white wing patches. Males in immature and winter plumage and are similar to females. The Whinchat is a fairly common migratory species in Europe and western Asia with birds arriving at their breeding grounds between the end of April and mid May and departing between mid August and mid September. They winter primarily in tropical sub-Saharan Africa with small numbers also in north west Africa. Date: 17th May 2016 Location: Aardla polder, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/brown-bear https://images.on-this.website/4752_8343003034eff212c79a5f.jpgBrown Bear The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, <i>Ursus arctos arctos</i>. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an overnight stay in a Brown Bear watching hide at [url=http://www.martinselkonen.fi/index.php?id=1&la=en]Martinselkosen Eräkeskus[/url] Date: 1st June 2009 Location: Martinselkosen Eräkeskus, Pirttivaara, Kainuu, Finland <iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/10143012?autoplay=1" width="600" height="450" frameborder="0"></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/10143012">Brown Bears of Martinselkonen</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user3372484">Richard Chew</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>. Music: Jean Sibelius - Andante festivo<br /> </p> http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48483026.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1552112019640a401b67ef6.jpgChaffinch The Chaffinch is a common UK resident bird and is a colourful member of the finch family. Chaffinches breed anywhere with trees and bushes, including coniferous and deciduous woodland, farmland hedgerows, parks and rural and suburban gardens. Date: 1st February 2023 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23408445.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7796623754c20b324dfb4.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 3rd January 2015 Location: Mersehead RSPB reserve, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493315.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8305012875f326fde0c601.jpgAuk "raft", Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Hornøya is a small uninhabited island lying in the Barents Sea in Troms og Finnmark in the extreme north east of Norway. It lies just east of the larger island of Vardøya where the town of Vardø is located. The island is the easternmost point of Norway. Vardø Lighthouse is situated at the highest point of the island, at an elevation of 213 feet above sea level, and it protects the shipping lanes around the town of Vardø. Daily boat trips run to Hornøya between 1st March and 1st September from Vardø harbour offering the chance to spend several hours on the island. The seabird colony at Hornøya hosts approximately 100,000 seabirds of up to 11 breeding species. The cliffs are dominated by Common Guillemot, Razorbill, Puffin and Kittiwake. Around 500 pairs of Brünnich´s Guillemots, an auk distributed across the polar and sub-polar regions of the Northern Hemisphere, breed between the Common Guillemots. During the seabird breeding season, visitors to Hornøya have a good chance of seeing White-tailed Eagle and Gyrfalcon hunting along the cliffs. In addition to the huge number of birds, Hornøya is also a good location to see Atlantic Grey Seals, Orcas and occasionally Belugas. Hornøya is open to the public but, due to its status as a nature reserve, visitors must stay within the designated areas during the breeding season and it is forbidden to pick plants or disturb the wildlife of the island. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: view from Hornøya looking towards Vardø, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084917.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2980525755d3089aadef56.jpgPiatra Craiului Mountains, Brașov County, Romania The Piatra Craiului Mountains are a mountain range in the Southern Carpathians in central Romania. It forms a narrow and saw-like ridge which is about 16 miles long. Vârful La Om is the highest peak at 7343 feet. The ridge is regarded as one of the most impressive and beautiful sites in the Carpathian Mountians and the views both towards and from the mountains are superb. The whole range is included in the Piatra Craiului National Park. The first protection of this area started in 1938 when 2 square miles were declared as a nature reserve. This has been progressively extended and in 1990 it became a national park covering an area of 38 square miles. In 2003 the external limits and internal zoning were created. Since 1999 a park administration has existed with a visitor centre located on the minor road 0.6 miles west of Zărnești and since 2005 a management plan has been in place. Piatra Craiului National Park supports and protects an abundance and diversity of mammals (including Brown Bear, Wolf and Lynx), birds and plants. Zărneşti is the most important town for visiting the Piatra Craiului Mountains and the Piatra Craiului National Park. The town is located 17 miles south west of the city of Brașov. From Zărnești, a 7 mile long minor road runs west and ends at Cabana Plaiul Foii which is a good starting point for climbing the ridge. In addition, a forest road starts from the south west of Zărneşti which leads to the Zărneştilor Gorge and continues up to the ridge. The traditional villages of Măgura, Peştera, Ciocanu and Şirnea are starting points for routes up to the eastern slopes. Măgura, situated at 3281 feet, is one of Romania’s most picturesque villages and it provides stunning views towards the Bucegi Mountains and the Piatra Craiului Mountains. Date: 6th June 2018 Location: Piatra Craiului Mountains from the Zărnești to Cabana Plaiul Foii road, Brașov County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15367562.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7958986644fec1d17e16e3.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 9th June 2012 Location: Traigh Allt Chailgeag, Sutherland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/staple-island-farne-islands-northumberland https://images.on-this.website/4752_123209393253da2ef7a6689.jpgStaple Island, Farne Islands, Northumberland The Farne Islands are a group of islands off the coast of Northumberland. There are between 15 and 20 islands depending on the state of the tide and they are scattered about 1½ to 4¾ miles from the mainland and divided into two groups, the Inner Group and the Outer Group. The main islands in the Inner Group are Inner Farne, Knoxes Reef and the East and West Wideopens (all joined together on very low tides) and the Megstone. The main islands in the Outer Group are Staple Island, the Brownsman, North and South Wamses, Big Harcar and the Longstone. The two groups are separated by Staple Sound. The highest point, on Inner Farne, is 62 feet above mean sea level. The Farne Islands, an important wildlife habitat, are much visited by boat trips from Seahouses. Local boats are licensed to land passengers on Inner Farne, Staple Island and the Longstone. Landing on other islands is prohibited to protect the wildlife. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: view on Staple Island http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21957274.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6965016253da3882626e7.jpgFulmar The Fulmar is almost gull-like but is a grey and white seabird that is related to the albatrosses. It flies low over the sea on stiff wings with shallow wing beats, gliding and banking to show its white under-parts and then grey upper-parts. At its breeding sites it will fly high up the cliff face riding the updraughts. Fulmars feed in flocks out at sea and defend their nests from intruders by spitting out a foul-smelling oil. Fulmars breed on coastal cliffs with suitable ledges and grassy slopes but will occasionally breed on buildings. Fulmars are best looked for at seabird colonies and are most abundant along the Scottish coastline especially in the Northern Isles. They are least common along the east, south and north-west coasts of England. Adults are present at the breeding colonies nearly all year although young birds leave in late summer. Away from the breeding colonies, Fulmars spend their whole time offshore at sea. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Staple Island, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813362.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5041628465d0dde24e7fce.jpgFulmar The (Northern) Fulmar is a highly abundant seabird found primarily in subarctic regions of the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans. Though similar in appearance to gulls, the 2 species of fulmars (Northern and Southern) are in fact members of a different seabird family which include petrels and shearwaters. The Fulmar’s latin name, Fulmarus glacialis can be broken down to the Old Norse word full meaning "foul" and mar meaning "gull". "Foul-gull" is in reference to its stomach oil and also its superficial similarity to gulls. Finally, glacialis is Latin for "glacial" reflecting its extreme northern range. The Fulmar is generally grey and white with a pale yellow and thick bill and bluish legs. However there is both a light morph and a dark morph. Like other petrels, their walking ability is limited but they are strong fliers with a stiff wing action quite unlike the gulls. The Fulmar also looks bull-necked compared to gulls and it has a short stubby bill. The Fulmar is estimated to have between 15 to 30 million mature individuals that occupy a range of around 11 million square miles. Its range increased greatly last century due to the availability of fish offal from commercial fleets but may contract because of less food from this source and climate change. The population increase has been especially notable in the UK. The Fulmar starts breeding at between 6 and 12 years old. It is monogamous, forms long term pair bonds, returns to the same nest site year after year and nests in large colonies. The nest is a scrape on a grassy cliff ledge or a saucer of vegetation on the ground lined with softer material and recently they have started nesting on rooftops and buildings. The Fulmar feeds on shrimp, fish, squid, plankton, jellyfish and carrion as well as refuse. When eating fish, it will dive up to several feet deep to retrieve its prey. Date: 10th June 2019 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40952831.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13556912335e5393744db85.jpgGreat Black-backed Gull The largest of the gulls, the Great Black-backed Gull is a dominating and opportunistic predator, scavenger and pirate that has been described as a “merciless tyrant” due to its aggressive feeding habits. The Great Black-backed Gull has a thick-set body with a large, yellow, red-tipped bill, strong legs and wide, webbed feet which have a delicate pink hue. The breast and head are snowy white and sit in stark contrast to the black back and wings. Young Great Black-backed Gulls undergo several plumage changes before taking on that of the adult. Juveniles are pale brown with heavy white mottling whilst immatures are also mottled but have a distinctive whitish head and breast but with a dark-tipped, pale bill The Great Black-backed Gull occurs along the coastlines of northern Europe and northern Russia as well as the east coast of north America and central America and it can be found in a variety of coastal habitats, including rocky and sandy coasts and estuaries as well as inland habitats such as lakes, ponds, fields and moorland. It breeds in areas free of or largely inaccessible to terrestrial predators such as vegetated islands, sand dunes, flat-topped stacks, building roofs and sometimes amongst bushes on salt-marsh islands. During the winter, the Great Black-backed Gull often travels far out to sea to feed. Date: 31st January 2020 Location: Slade harbour, Hook peninsula, Co. Wexford, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871594.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11548576264eff1ef44f0b6.jpgReindeer The Reindeer, also known as the Caribou in North America, is a deer from the Arctic and sub Arctic, including both resident and migratory populations. Whilst it is overall widespread and numerous, some of its subspecies are rare or already extinct. The Reindeer is a widespread and numerous species in the northern Holarctic, being present in tundra (frozen arctic plain with lichens, mosses and dwarfed vegetation) and taiga (marshy pine forest) regions. Originally, the Reindeer was found in Scandinavia, eastern Europe, Russia, Mongolia, and northern China. In North America, it was found in Canada, Alaska and the northern USA from Washington to Maine. It also occurred naturally on Sakhalin, Greenland, and probably even in historical times in Ireland. Today, wild Reindeer have disappeared from many areas within this large historical range, especially from the southern parts where it has vanished almost everywhere. Large populations of wild Reindeer are still found in Norway, Finland, Siberia, Greenland, Alaska, and Canada. Wild Reindeer hunting and herding of semi-domesticated Reindeer (for meat, hides, antlers, milk and transportation) are important to several Arctic and Subarctic people. Domesticated Reindeer are mostly found in northern Fennoscandia and Russia with a herd of approximately 150-170 Reindeer also living around the Cairngorms region in Scotland. Reindeer vary considerably in colour and size. Both sexes grow antlers, though they are typically larger in males. Even far outside its range, the Reindeer is well known due to the myth, probably originating in early 19th century America, in which Santa Claus's sleigh is pulled by flying Reindeer, a popular element of Christmas. Date: 25th May 2009 Location: east of Sodankylä, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42222545.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8328701406023b92580f1c.jpgCanada Goose The Canada Goose belongs to the Branta genus of geese which contains species with largely black plumage distinguishing it from the grey species of the genus Anser. The black head and neck with a white "chinstrap" distinguish the Canada Goose from all other goose species with the exception of the Cackling Goose from north America and the Barnacle Goose which has a black breast and grey rather than brownish body plumage. The 7 sub-species of the Canada Goose vary widely in size and plumage details but all are recognizable as Canada Geese. Of the "true geese" (i.e. the genera Anser, Branta or Chen), the Canada Goose is on average the largest living species. It ranges from 30 to 43 inches in length and with a 50 to 73 inches wingspan. The male usually weighs 5.7 to 14.3 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 8.6 pounds. The female looks virtually identical but is slightly lighter at 5.3 to 12.1 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 7.9 pounds. It is also generally 10% smaller in linear dimensions than the male. The Canada Goose is native to north America where it breeds in Canada and the north USA in a wide range of habitats. The Great Lakes region maintains a very large population. It occurs all year round in the southern part of its breeding range, including most of the eastern seaboard and the Pacific coast. Between California and South Carolina in the south USA and north Mexico, it is primarily present as a migrant from further north during the winter. Outside north America, the Canada Goose has reached north Europe naturally as has been proved by ringing recoveries. It has also been introduced in to Europe and had established populations in the UK in the middle of the 18th century, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany and Scandinavia. Most European populations are not migratory but those in more northerly parts of Sweden and Finland migrate to the North Sea and Baltic coasts. Semi-tame feral birds are common in parks and have become a pest in some areas. In the early 17th century, explorer Samuel de Champlain sent several pairs of Canada Geese to France as a present for King Louis XIII. Canada Geese were first introduced in to the UK in the late 17th century as an addition to King James II's waterfowl collection in St. James's Park. They were also introduced in to Germany and Scandinavia during the 20th century. During the second year of its life, the Canada Goose finds a mate. It is a monogamous species and most couples stay together all of their lives. If one dies, the other may find a new mate. The female lays from 2 to 9 eggs with an average of 5. Both parents protect the nest while the eggs incubate but the female spends more time at the nest than the male. The nest is usually located in an elevated area near water such as streams, lakes and ponds and the eggs are laid in a shallow depression lined with plant material and down. The incubation period, in which the female incubates the eggs while the male remains nearby, lasts for 24 to 28 days after laying. As soon as the goslings hatch, they are immediately capable of walking, swimming and finding their own food (a diet similar to the adults). Parents are often seen leading their goslings in a line, usually with one adult at the front and the other at the back. While protecting their goslings, parents often violently chase away anything from small birds to lone humans who approach, after warning them by giving off a hissing sound and then attacking with bites and slaps of the wings if the threat does not retreat. Although parents are hostile to unfamiliar geese, they may form groups (crèches) of a number of goslings and a few adults. The goslings enter the fledgling stage any time from 6 to 9 weeks of age. Once it reaches adulthood, due to its large size and often aggressive behaviour, the Canada Goose is rarely preyed on although prior injury may make it more vulnerable to natural predators. The lifespan in the wild of birds that survive to adulthood ranges from 10 to 24 years. The UK longevity record is held by a specimen tagged as a nestling which was observed alive at the age of 31. The Canada Goose is primarily a herbivore although it will sometimes eat small insects and fish. Their diet includes grasses, aquatic plants, beans and grains such as wheat, rice, and corn when they are available. In urban areas, it is also known to pick food out of rubbish bins and it will readily take a variety of food from humans in parks. Date: 21st January 2021 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457170.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_423741095668570f4a01dd.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46534449.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_55813256262ca98418626a.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 27th June 2022 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46534649.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_145768595662ca9893c0319.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 27th June 2022 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46535274.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_125886818262caa75fdbcf4.jpgMarbled White Flight period: July to August The Marbled White is a very distinctive black and white butterfly that is widespread in southern England and expanding its range northwards and eastwards. They can be found in unimproved grassland, coastal grassland, roadside verges and railway embankments. Date: 6th July 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874864.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_150461112561cd053e7437.jpgGullfoss, south Iceland Gullfoss (Icelandic: "Golden Falls") is a waterfall located in the canyon of the Hvítá river in south west Iceland. The wide Hvítá river rushes southward from the Hvítávatn glacier lake at the Lángjökull glacier about 25 miles north of Gullfoss. Less than a mile above Gullfoss the river turns sharply to the right and flows down into a wide curved three-step "staircase" and then abruptly plunges in 2 stages (36 feet and 69 feet) into a crevice 105 feet deep. The crevice, about 66 feet wide and 1.5 miles in length, extends perpendicular to the flow of the river. The average amount of water running over Gullfoss is 260 to 460 cubic feet per second but the highest flood measured was 6500 cubic feet per second. During the first half of the 20th century and some years into the late 20th century, there was much speculation about using Gullfoss to generate electricity. During this period, Gullfoss was rented indirectly by its owners to foreign investors. However, the investors' attempts were unsuccessful and Gullfoss was later sold to the state of Iceland and is now protected. Gullfoss is popular with tourists and, together with the Haukadalur geothermal area, usually referred to as Geysir, and Þingvellir, it is part of a group of the most famous sights of Iceland known as the "Golden Circle". Date: 7th June 2015 Location: view from the trail from the visitor centre at Gullfoss http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18776287.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1726079251f4cf2661d9c.jpgFulmar The Fulmar is almost gull-like but is a grey and white seabird that is related to the albatrosses. It flies low over the sea on stiff wings with shallow wing beats, gliding and banking to show its white under-parts and then grey upper-parts. At its breeding sites it will fly high up the cliff face riding the updraughts. Fulmars feed in flocks out at sea and defend their nests from intruders by spitting out a foul-smelling oil. Fulmars breed on coastal cliffs with suitable ledges and grassy slopes but will occasionally breed on buildings. Fulmars are best looked for at seabird colonies and are most abundant along the Scottish coastline especially in the Northern Isles. They are least common along the east, south and north-west coasts of England. Adults are present at the breeding colonies nearly all year although young birds leave in late summer. Away from the breeding colonies, Fulmars spend their whole time offshore at sea. Date: 20th June 2013 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo445643.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19532907114681c4d96d747.jpgGruinard Bay, Wester Ross Gruinard Bay is situated along the rocky Wester Ross coastline and has 3 beautiful beaches with pink sand derived from the Torridonian sandstone rocks. It is surrounded by magnificent rocky scenery. Offshore lies Gruinard Island which in 1942 became the focus of the UK's secret effort to find a weapon capable of defeating the Nazis. To test the potency of their biological arsenal, War Office scientists took a flock of 60 sheep to Gruinard Island and exposed them to a bomb packed with anthrax spores. The island was so contaminated that it was deemed out of bounds for almost 50 years. Date: 12th June 2006 Location: view from near Little Gruinard on the A832 road between Poolewe and Ullapool http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080553.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_26877294263a44a7d8ba22.jpgBarn Owl With a heart shaped face, buff back and wings and pure white under-parts the Barn Owl is a distinctive and much-loved bird of the countryside. Barn Owls are widely distributed across the UK and can be seen all year round sometimes during the day but normally at dusk in open country and along field edges, riverbanks and roadside verges. Barn Owls have suffered population declines over the past 50 years as a result of habitat degradation following increasing intensive agricultural practices. However, that decline has stopped in many areas and their population may now be increasing. Date: 3rd December 2022 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo1278877.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11672292914866c8d4414b3.jpgHoy, Orkney Hoy is the second largest of the Orkney Islands with an area of over 35,000 acres. The name Hoy is derived from the Norse “Haey” or “High Island” and the island reaches a height of 1570 feet at Ward Hill, the highest point in the Orkney Islands. Hoy is famous for its sandstone sea cliffs and the world famous pinnacle known as the Old Man of Hoy which rises to 450 feet and which has inspired generations of climbers. The RSPB manages the North Hoy Nature Reserve for the benefit of a variety of moorland and sea cliff nesting birds. Date: 5th June 2008 Location: view from the Stromness to Scrabster ferry http://www.richardchewphotography.com/siglufjrur-north-iceland https://images.on-this.website/4752_19417786615635109d61ee0.jpgSiglufjörður, north east Iceland Siglufjörður is a small fishing town in a narrow fjord with the same name on the north east coast of Iceland. Siglufjörður was connected with a road for the first time in 1940 when the horse riding trail through Siglufjarðarskarð was improved and enabled cars to get through. Before that, ships, seaplanes, horses and strong legs provided the transport. Siglufjörður remains dependent on fishing industries although the boom herring fishery of the 1940s and 1950s has gone. The Icelandic government is attempting to reverse the population shrinking in the area by improving land transportation. Two road tunnels were dug between Siglufjörður to the neighbouring town of Ólafsfjörður to connect with the region of Eyjafjörður in the east and they were completed in October 2010. These tunnels are called the Héðinsfjarðargöng and their total length is 6.6 miles, 4.3 miles for the southern tunnel and 2.3 miles for the northern tunnel. Between the two tunnels in Hédinsfjördur there is a lay by where travellers can park their cars and enjoy the view. Prior to the opening of the Héðinsfjarðargöng tunnels, Siglufjörður was already connected by the 0.5 mile Strákar Tunnel to the west. This used to be the town's only road connection open whole year around. This tunnel was completed in 1967 and before that the only road to the town was a narrow mountain pass over the Tröllaskagi peninsula which is open only during the summer months. Date: 4th June 2015 Location: view from road 76 looking towards Siglufjörður http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25774101.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_566568310560fb61e817e1.jpgHerring Gull Herring Gulls are large, noisy gulls and can be found throughout the year around coasts. During winter they can also be found inland around rubbish tips, fields, large reservoirs and lakes. Herring Gulls usually breed in colonies at coastal sites around the UK including cliffs with grassy slopes, shingle beaches, small islands and rooftops in seaside towns. Date: 23rd September 2015 Location: Chanonry Point, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081295.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_213888399363a5af677eb05.jpgRedwings The Redwing is most commonly encountered as a winter visitor and is the UK's smallest true thrush. The creamy stripe above the eye and the orange-red flank patches make it distinctive. Redwings arrive in the UK from September but most arrive in October and November. They leave again in March and April, although occasionally birds stay later including a few pairs to nest in northern Scotland. Redwings can be found across the UK's countryside feeding in fields and hedgerows and also in parks and gardens in the coldest weather when snow covers the fields. They often associate with flocks of Fieldfares, the other wintering thrush. Date: 15th December 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/hamingberg-varanger-peninsula-troms-og https://images.on-this.website/4752_4357158845f2aa9276ebb8.jpgHamingberg, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway The Varanger peninsula is situated in Troms og Finnmark in the extreme north east of Norway. With an area of 800 square miles, it is the largest area within the Arctic climate zone in mainland Norway and is bordered by Tanafjord to the west, Varangerfjord to the south and the Barents Sea to the north and east. The area has a rugged mountain terrain with altitudes up to 2077 feet and it has an Arctic tundra climate. The coast of the Varanger peninsula is an important area for breeding, migrating and wintering birds, especially some notable Arctic species. The Norwegian Directorate for Nature Management has a project on the Varanger peninsula to reintroduce and protect the Arctic Fox which is critically endangered on the Norwegian mainland. The Varangerhalvøya National Park (Norwegian: [I]Varangerhalvøya Nasjonalpark[/I]) lies to the west of road Fv341 and protects a majority of the land on the Varanger peninsula. The eastern part of the Varanger peninsula can be accessed from Vardø, via Svartnes, to Hamningberg. Hamningberg is an abandoned fishing village situated on the Varanger peninsula and on the shores of the Barents Sea. It’s only road connection is via the narrow and winding road Fv341 which runs for about 25 miles north from Svartnes. This is a very scenic road which follows the shores of the Barents Sea. It is considered to be one of the wildest and most memorable drives in Norway and passes through a bare and barren but awe-inspiring Arctic landscape. The road is closed during the winter months from October to late May. Traditionally a fishing village, Hamningberg is one of very few places in Troms og Finnmark that was not burnt and destroyed under Operation Nordlicht in 1944 and 1945, the German “scorched earth” retreat from Finnmark. It was depopulated and abandoned in 1964 although some of the houses are still in use as summer cottages. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hamningberg, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13657340.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12743160134ed36e1dde4e7.jpgOtter The Eurasian Otter, also known as the European Otter, Eurasian River Otter, Common Otter and Old World Otter and commonly known as the Otter, is a semi-aquatic mammal and the most widely distributed member of the Otter sub-family of the Weasel family (Mustelidae). The Otter is a typical species of the Otter sub-family and is brown above and cream below. It is 22.5 to 37.5 inches long excluding a tail of 14 to 17.5 inches. The female is shorter than the male. The Otter's average body weight is 15 to 26 pounds, although occasionally a large old male may reach up to 37 pounds. The Otter differs from the North American River Otter by its shorter neck, broader face, the greater space between the ears and its longer tail. However, it is the only Otter species in much of its range so it is rarely confused for any other animal. The Otter is the most widely distributed Otter species and its range including parts of Asia and Africa as well as being widespread across Europe. The Otter can be found throughout most of the UK with the highest densities in Scotland, especially the islands and the north west coast, Wales, parts of East Anglia and the West Country. The Otter declined across its range in the second half of the 20th century primarily due to pollution, habitat loss and hunting. However, populations are now recovering in many parts of Europe. In the UK the number of sites with an Otter presence increased by 55% between 1994 and 2002. In August 2011, the Environment Agency announced that the Otter had returned to every county in England since vanishing from every county except the West Country and parts of Northern England. The recovery of the Otter population in Europe is due to a ban on the most harmful pesticides that has been in place since 1979, improvements in water quality leading to increases in prey populations and direct legal protection under the European Union Habitats Directive and national legislation in several European countries. In general, the Otter’s varied and adaptable diet means that it can be found on any unpolluted body of fresh water, including lakes, streams, rivers and ponds, as long as the food supply is adequate. It can also be found along the coast in salt water but it requires regular access to fresh water to clean its fur. When living in the sea it is sometimes referred to as a "Sea Otter" but it should not be confused with the true Sea Otter which is a North American species much more strongly adapted to a marine existence. The Otter's diet mainly consists of fish. However, during the winter and in colder environments, fish consumption is significantly lower and other sources of food are eaten including amphibians, crustaceans, insects, birds and small mammals. Hunting mainly takes place at night whilst the day is usually spent in the Otter's holt (den). The Otter is strongly territorial and is primarily solitary. An individual's territory may vary between 1 and 25 miles with the length of the territory depending on the density of food available and the width of the water suitable for hunting (it is shorter on coasts, where the available width is much wider and longer on narrower rivers). The Otter uses its spraints to mark its territory. Territories are only held against members of the same sex so those of males and females may overlap. The Otter is a non-seasonal breeder and males and females will breed at any time of the year. It has been found that their mating season is most likely determined simply by the Otters' reproductive maturity and physiological state. Female Otters are sexually mature between 18 and 24 months old and the average age of first breeding is found to be 2.5 years old. Gestation is 60 to 64 days and after the gestation period, 1 to 4 pups are born which remain dependent on the mother for about 13 months. The male plays no direct role in parental care although the territory of a female with her pups is usually entirely within that of the male. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13683369.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10368796274ed7340aa591a.jpgTawny Owl The Tawny Owl is an owl about the size of a pigeon. It has a rounded body and head with a ring of dark feathers around its face surrounding the dark eyes. It is mainly reddish brown above and paler underneath. The Tawny Owl can be found all year round in the UK and it is a widespread breeding species. Birds are mainly residents with established pairs probably never leaving their territories. Young birds disperse from breeding grounds in autumn. The Tawny Owl is nocturnal so it is often heard calling at night but much less often seen. In the daytime, you may see one only if you disturb it inadvertently from its roost site in woodland. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45174882.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_937851014623304d391135.jpgWigeon The Eurasian Wigeon, or simply Wigeon, is one of 3 species of Wigeon in the dabbling duck genus Mareca. The Wigeon is 17 to 20 inches in length with a 28 to 31 inches wingspan. The breeding male has grey flanks and back with a black rear end, a dark green speculum and a brilliant white patch on the upper wings which obvious in flight or at rest. It has a pink breast, white belly and a chestnut head with a creamy crown. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female. The female is generally light brown but it can be distinguished from most other ducks, apart from the American Wigeon, on shape. The Wigeon breeds in the northernmost areas of Europe and Asia where it is the Old World counterpart of north America's American Wigeon. It is a bird of open wetlands, such as wet grassland or marshes with some taller vegetation, and nests on the ground near water and under cover. The Wigeon is strongly migratory and winters further south than its breeding range. It is highly gregarious outside of the breeding season and will form large flocks. In the UK, the Wigeon can be found all year round. It is a scarce breeding bird in central and northern Scotland and in northern England. In winter, many birds arrive in the UK from Iceland, Scandinavia and Russia and very large numbers can be seen on the coasts and at some inland sites. The Wigeon is categorised by the IUCN as a species of “Least Concern” but it is a species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 19th January 2022 Location: RSPB Rainham Marshes, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847463.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_109410066059bd50bef2775.jpgHigh Tatras, Slovakia The High Tatras (Vysoké Tatry in Slovakia and Tatry Wysokie in Poland) are a mountain range along the border of northern Slovakia in the Prešov region and southern Poland in the Małopolska province. The High Tatras should not be confused with the Low Tatras which are located south of the High Tatras in Slovakia. The High Tatras occupy an area of 303 square miles, of which about 236 square miles (77.7%) lie within Slovakia and about 68 square miles (22.3%) within Poland. The High Tatras' length, measured in a straight line from the eastern foothills of the Kobylí vrch at 3638 feet to the south western foot of Ostrý vrch at 3700 feet, is 35 miles and strictly along the main ridge, 50 miles. The range is only 12 miles wide. The main ridge of the High Tatras runs from the Slovakian villages of Huty at the western end to the village of Ždiar at the eastern end. The High Tatras, having 29 peaks over 8,200 feet are, with the Southern Carpathians, the only mountain range with an alpine character and habitats in the entire 750 mile length of the Carpathian Mountains system. The 15 highest peaks of the High Tatras are all located in Slovakia with the highest peaks being Gerlachovský štít at 8711 feet, Gerlachovská veža at 8668 feet and Lomnický štít at 8638 feet. Other notable peaks include Kriváň and Rysy. Multiple surveys have ranked Kriváň (8168 feet) as Slovakia's most beautiful peak and it has also been a major symbol in Slovakian ethnic and national activism for the past 2 centuries. A country-wide vote in 2005 selected it to be one of the images on Slovakia's euro coins. Rysy lies on the border between Poland and Slovakia. It has 3 summits: the middle at 8,212 feet, the north western at 8,199 feet and the south eastern at 8,114 feet. The north western summit is the highest point in Poland whilst the other 2 summits are in Slovakia. Since the accession of Poland and Slovakia to the Schengen Agreement in 2007, the border between the countries may be easily crossed at this point. Two thirds of the High Tatras are covered with coniferous and deciduous forests. Alpine meadows, rocky terrain and habitats and extensively used pastures in the foothills occur in the non-forested areas. The High Tatras are one of the most popular places in Slovakia with over 5 million people visiting each year to walk, climb, cycle, ski or snowboard. There are around 375 miles of hiking trails, chairlifts and cable cars, offering breathtaking views of alpine scenery. The High Tatras are protected by law by the establishment of the Tatra National Park, Slovakia (Tatranský národný park) and the Tatra National Park, Poland (Tatrzański Park Narodowy), the first European cross-border national park. In 1992 the Polish and Slovakian national parks were jointly designated a trans-boundary Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. Tatra National Park, Slovakia (Tatranský národný park) is one of the 9 national parks in Slovakia. It protects the Slovakian areas of the High Tatras mountain range in the Eastern Tatras (Východné Tatry) and areas of the Western Tatras (Západné Tatry). The western part of Tatra National Park is situated in the Žilina region and the eastern part in the Prešov region. Tatra National Park covers an area of 284.9 square miles and the surrounding buffer zone covers an area of 118.5 square miles. The highest peak in Slovakia, Gerlachovský štít at 8711 feet, is located within Tatra National Park. Tatra National Park was established in January 1949 and it is the oldest national park in Slovakia. In 1987, a section of the Western Tatras was added to the national park. Since 2004, the national park has been included in the Natura 2000 ecological network, the network of nature protection areas within the European Union. Date: 29th May 2017 Location: High Tatras, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29486884.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_173535895558107c356dfbe.jpgGoldeneye The Goldeneye is a medium-sized diving duck, named for its golden-yellow eye. Adult males have a dark head with a greenish gloss and a circular white patch below the eye, a dark back and a white neck and belly. Adult females have a brown head and a mostly grey body. The Goldeneye breeds on the lakes and in the rivers of boreal forests in Scandinavia, Canada, north USA and north Russia. Naturally it will nest in cavities in large trees but it will also readily use nestboxes put up on trees close to water. This has enabled a healthy breeding population to establish in the Scottish Highlands from 1970 where it is increasing and slowly spreading. The Goldeneye is migratory and most winter in protected coastal waters or open inland waters at more temperate latitudes. The Goldeneye forages by diving underwater for crustaceans, aquatic insects and molluscs. Insects are the predominant prey while nesting and crustaceans are the predominant prey during migration and winter. Date: 23rd May 2016 Location: Wild Brown Bear Centre, near Vartius, Kainuu, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51982651.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_85866978966d33ce60966f.jpgGatekeeper Flight period: mid-July to early September. The Gatekeeper or Hedge Brown is common and widespread throughout the southern half of the UK. They can be found in areas with hedgerows or in scrubby woodland with wide and sunny rides. Date: 19th July 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084087.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18534612625d308581d4fdc.jpgRila Mountains, Kyustendil Province, Bulgaria The Rila Mountains are a mountain range in south west Bulgaria and constitute the highest mountain range in the country and the Balkans. It is the sixth highest mountain range in Europe after the Caucasus, the Alps, the Sierra Nevada, the Pyrenees and Mount Etna and the highest one between the Alps and the Caucasus. The Rila Mountains are spread over an area of 1015 square miles with an average altitude of 4879 feet. Musala is its highest peak at 9596 feet. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rila-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rila Mountains have abundant water resources and some of the Balkans' longest and deepest rivers originate here including the longest river entirely in the Balkans, the River Maritsa, and the longest river entirely in Bulgaria, the River Iskar. Bulgaria's main water divide separating the Black Sea and the Aegean Sea drainage systems follows the main ridge of the Rila Mountains. The mountain range is dotted with almost 200 glacial lakes such as the renowned Seven Rila Lakes. It is also rich in hot springs in the fault areas at the foothills including the hottest spring in south east Europe in Sapareva Banya. The Rila Mountains have typical layers of montane habitat ranging from river and stream valleys at lower altitudes to mixed deciduous woodland, coniferous forests and Alpine meadows and lakes at higher altitudes and finally to rocky ridges and bare rugged peaks. The biodiversity and the pristine landscapes are protected by the Rila National Park which is among the largest and most valuable protected areas in Europe. It is the largest national park in Bulgaria covering an area of 313 square miles and it was established in February 1992 to protect several ecosystems of national importance. Its altitude varies from 2600 feet near Blagoevgrad to 9596 feet at the peak of Musala. It occupies territory from 4 of the 28 provinces of the country (Sofia, Kyustendil, Blagoevgrad and Pazardzhik) and it includes 4 nature reserves (Parangalitsa, Central Rila Reserve, Ibar and Skakavitsa). The Rila National Park falls within the Rodope montane mixed forests terrestrial eco-region of the Palearctic temperate broadleaf and mixed forest. Forests occupy 206.5 square miles or 66% of the total area. The Rila Mountains also contain the Rila Monastery Nature Park which is among the largest nature parks in Bulgaria covering an area of 97.5 square miles at an altitude between 2460 and 8901 feet. It was established in 1992 as part of the newly founded Rila National Park. In 2000 some territory of the Rila National Park was re-assigned to the Rila Monastery Nature Park and was recategorized as a nature park because by law all lands in national parks are exclusively state owned. Today most of the Rila Monastery Nature Park is owned by the Rila Monastery. The Rila Monastery Nature Park includes one nature reserve, namely the Rila Monastery Forest with an area of 14 square miles or 14% of its total area. The most recognisable landmark in the Rila Mountains is the Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila, better known as the Rila Monastery. This is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria and is situated in the deep valley of the River Rilska River within the Rila Monastery Nature Park at a height of 3763 feet. The monastery is named after its founder, the hermit Ivan of Rila (876 to 946 AD) and houses around 60 monks. Founded in the 10th century, the Rila Monastery is regarded as one of Bulgaria's most important cultural, historical and architectural monuments and is a key tourist attraction for both Bulgaria and south Europe. Due to its outstanding cultural and spiritual value it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. The Rila Mountains are also a popular destination for hiking, winter sports and spa tourism, hosting the nation's oldest ski resort at Borovets as well as numerous hiking trails. Date: 30th May 2018 Location: Kocherinovo-Stob area, Kyustendil Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37431270.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13997690655c6bec0ccdf49.jpgWigeon The Eurasian Wigeon, or simply Wigeon, is one of 3 species of Wigeon in the dabbling duck genus [i]Mareca[/i]. The Wigeon is 17 to 20 inches in length with a 28 to 31 inches wingspan. The breeding male has grey flanks and back with a black rear end, a dark green speculum and a brilliant white patch on the upper wings which obvious in flight or at rest. It has a pink breast, white belly and a chestnut head with a creamy crown. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female. The female is generally light brown but it can be distinguished from most other ducks, apart from the American Wigeon, on shape. The Wigeon breeds in the northernmost areas of Europe and Asia where it is the Old World counterpart of north America's American Wigeon. It is a bird of open wetlands, such as wet grassland or marshes with some taller vegetation, and nests on the ground near water and under cover. The Wigeon is strongly migratory and winters further south than its breeding range. It is highly gregarious outside of the breeding season and will form large flocks. In the UK, the Wigeon can be found all year round. It is a scarce breeding bird in central and northern Scotland and in northern England. In winter, many birds arrive in the UK from Iceland, Scandinavia and Russia and very large numbers can be seen on the coasts and at some inland sites. The Wigeon is categorised by the IUCN as a species of “Least Concern” but it is a species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 8th January 2019 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42626840.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_121264751260a92e4b9bc9d.jpgAdder Adders are widespread throughout mainland UK but they are absent from Ireland. They occur throughout Europe, with the exception of the Mediterranean islands, and across Russia and Asia through to northern China. They are the UK's only venomous reptile. Adders are relatively short and robust snakes with large heads and a rounded snout. Males are usually a grey or buff colour with vivid black markings although they can also vary from silver to yellow or green in colour. Females are brown with dark red-brown markings that are less prominent than in the males. Both sexes have a zigzag pattern running along the back with a / or X-shaped marking at the rear of the head. Adders can be found in a variety of habitats, including open woodland, hedgerows, moorland, sand dunes, riverbanks, bogs, heathland and mountains. They are active during the day and spend time basking until their body temperature is high enough to hunt for food. Adders use venom to immobilise prey such as lizards, amphibians, nestlings and small mammals. After striking their prey, they will leave the venom to take effect before following the victim’s scent to find the body. Mating takes place between April and May with males often fighting for females. Females have a 3 to 4 month gestation period and Adders are one of the few snakes that are viviparous (give birth to live young). In late August females give birth to between 5 and 20 live young and the young remain close to their mother for a few days before going off in search of food. Adders hibernate from September to March often using deserted rabbit or rodent burrows or settling under logs. They sometimes hibernate communally. Males emerge 2 to 5 weeks before the females and shed their skin before setting off in search of females. Adders are not aggressive snakes and they will only attack if harassed or threatened. Although an Adder’s venom poses little danger to a healthy adult, the bite is very painful and requires urgent medical attention. Date: 17th April 2021 Location: Benfleet and Hadleigh Downs, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46534913.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_102234007462ca9bbb9e78f.jpgCommon Guillemots The Common Guillemot, also known as the Common Murre or Thin-billed Murre, is a large species of auk. The auks are a family of seabirds which includes the Brunnich's Guillemot or Thick-billed Murre, Razorbill, Little Auk and the extinct Great Auk. The Common Guillemot is 15 to 18 inches in length with a 24 to 29 inches wingspan. In breeding plumage, it is black or dark brown on the head, back and wings with white underparts. It has a thin dark pointed bill and a small rounded dark tail. Legs are grey and the bill is dark grey. Males and females are identical. Some individuals in the North Atlantic, known as "Bridled Guillemots", have a white ring around the eye extending back as a white line. This is not a distinct subspecies but a polymorphism that becomes more common the farther north the birds breed. The Common Guillemot flies with fast wing beats and has a flight speed of around 50 mph. Groups of birds are often seen flying together in a line just above the surface of the sea. However, it is not a very agile bird and take-off is often difficult. The Common Guillemot becomes flightless for 45 to 60 days while moulting its primary feathers. The Common Guillemot is a pursuit diver that forages for food by swimming underwater using its wings for propulsion. Dives usually last less than one minute but the bird swims underwater for distances of over 100 feet on a regular basis. Diving depths up to 590 feet have been recorded. The Common Guillemot has a circumpolar distribution and it occurs in low Arctic and boreal waters in the north Atlantic and north Pacific. It spends most of its time at sea and only comes to land to breed on rocky cliffs, sea stacks and islands. Some birds are permanent residents but northern birds migrate south to open waters off New England, southern California, Japan, Korea and the western Mediterranean. The Common Guillemot breeds in colonies at high densities and nesting pairs may be in bodily contact with their neighbours. No nest is made and the single egg is laid and incubated on a bare rock ledge on a cliff face. The egg hatches after 30 days incubation and the chick is born downy and can regulate its body temperature after 10 days. Some 20 days after hatching the chick jumps off its nesting ledge and heads for the sea unable to fly but gliding for some distance with fluttering wings and accompanied by its male parent. The chicks are capable of diving as soon as they hit the water. The female stays at the nest site for some 14 days after the chick has left. The Common Guillemot can venture far from its breeding grounds to forage and distances of 60 miles or more are often observed although if sufficient food is available closer by, birds will only travel much shorter distances. It mainly eats small schooling fish 8 inches long or less such as Polar Cod, Capelin, Sand Lances, Sprats, Sandeels, Atlantic Cod and Atlantic Herring. It also eats some molluscs, marine worms, squid and crustaceans. It is often seen carrying fish in its bill with the tail hanging out. Date: 27th June 2022 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37190339.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19763076315c2a2472edf01.jpgLoch Sunart, Ardnamurchan, Highland Loch Sunart is a sea loch in the Western Highlands extending almost 20 miles westwards from Glen Tarbert before opening out into the Sound of Mull. Loch Sunart separates the areas of Ardnamurchan and Sunart to the north from Morvern in the south. Date: 26th June 2018 Location: view from the Garbh Eilean wildlife hide near Strontian http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11946552.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19605716924e40f211b5e77.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 22nd October 2008 Location: Bradgate Park, Newton Linford , Leicestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45948296.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16614184196284a9637e484.jpgGadwall The Gadwall is one of the most common and widespread dabbling ducks. The breeding male is patterned grey with a black rear end, light chestnut wings and a brilliant white speculum which is obvious in flight or at rest. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female but retains the male wing pattern and is usually greyer above and has less orange on the bill. The female is light brown with plumage much like a female Mallard. It can be distinguished from that species by the dark orange-edged bill, smaller size, the white speculum and white belly. The Gadwall breeds in north Europe and Asia and central north America and appears to be expanding into eastern north America. It is a bird of open wetlands and lakes, wet grassland or marshes with dense fringing vegetation and it nests on the ground, often some distance from water. In the UK, the Gadwall is a scarce breeding bird on some lakes and gravel pits in the Midlands, south east England, eastern central Scotland, eastern Northern Ireland and south east Wales. In winter, numbers increase as birds migrate to spend the winter in the UK on gravel pits, lakes, reservoirs and coastal wetlands. Date: 14th April 2022 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49002008.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3500643426468e622121ee.jpgGreenfinch The European Greenfinch, or simply the Greenfinch, is a small passerine bird in the finch. There are 10 recognised sub-species reflecting its widespread range, including the British Greenfinch found in the UK (except north Scotland) and Ireland and the Northern European Greenfinch found in north Scotland, north and central France and Scandinavia to west Siberia. The Greenfinch is similar in size and shape to a House Sparrow but it is mainly green with yellow in the wings and tail. The female and young birds are duller and have brown tones on the back. The bill is thick and conical. The song contains a lot of trilling twitters interspersed with wheezes and the male has a "butterfly" display flight. The Greenfinch is widespread throughout Europe, north Africa and south west Asia where it is mainly resident although some of the most northern populations migrate further south in autumn and winter. It has also been introduced into Australia, New Zealand, Uruguay and Argentina. The Greenfinch can be found around woodland edges, in farmland hedges and in gardens with relatively thick vegetation favoured for breeding. It can form large flocks outside the breeding season, sometimes mixing with other groups of finches and buntings. In the UK, the Greenfinch is widespread and relatively common (although a sharp decline in the population in recent years has been noted due to an outbreak of trichomonosis, a parasite-induced disease which prevents the birds from feeding properly) and it is only absent from upland areas without trees and bushes. The breeding season occurs in spring and early summer, commencing in the second half of March with the young fledging in early July. Incubation of the eggs is undertaken by the female and lasts about 13 to 14 days with the male feeding her at the nest during this period. The chicks are fed on insect larvae by both adults during the first few days and thereafter by a frequently regurgitated yellowish paste made of seeds. The chicks leave the nest about 13 days later but they are unable to fly. The Greenfinch usually produces 2 or 3 broods per year. The Greenfinch predominantly feeds on seeds but it will also take berries and nuts. Date: 7th April 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26008808.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7039547856351d98deea6.jpgSlavonian Grebe The Slavonian Grebe is a member of the grebe family of water birds. It is also known as the Horned Grebe in north America. Unmistakable in summer, the plumage of both the male and female Slavonian Grebe shows a black head with golden puffy earlike tufts along the sides of its face. It shows a deep rusty red neck, scarlet eyes and a small, straight black bill tipped with white. During the winter, the Slavonian Grebe is mainly white with a sharply defined black cap. The Slavonian Grebe breeds in vegetated areas of freshwater lakes across Europe and Asia. It also breeds in remote inland parts of the United States and much of Canada. Like all grebes, it builds a nest on the water's edge, since its legs are set very far back and it can not walk well. Most birds migrate in winter to the coast. Date: 4th June 2015 Location: Lake Mývatn, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15367565.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8783695984fec1d28b7372.jpgBalnakeil Bay, Sutherland Balnakeil Bay is situated at the north west point of Scotland at the end of the minor road running west out of Durness. To the north of Durness lies the rocky headland of Faraid Head which projects 2 miles out in to the Pentland Firth and is the home of military installations .... and Puffins! On the west side of the narrow stretch of land leading to Faraid Head is the wide sweeping curve and marram grass dunes of Balnakeil Bay. The name Balnakeil is derived from the Gaelic "Baille ne Cille" (Village of the Church). The ruined chapel here was built in the 17th century but a church has stood at the location for at least 1200 years. Date: 10th June 2012 Location: view from the south side of the bay at the end of the unclassified road from Durness http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30825735.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_43932284358f349e045bc05.04013449.jpgGadwall The Gadwall is one of the most common and widespread dabbling ducks. The breeding male is patterned grey with a black rear end, light chestnut wings and a brilliant white speculum which is obvious in flight or at rest. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female but retains the male wing pattern and is usually greyer above and has less orange on the bill. The female is light brown with plumage much like a female Mallard. It can be distinguished from that species by the dark orange-edged bill, smaller size, the white speculum and white belly. The Gadwall breeds in north Europe and Asia and central north America and appears to be expanding into eastern north America. It is a bird of open wetlands and lakes, wet grassland or marshes with dense fringing vegetation and it nests on the ground, often some distance from water. In the UK, the Gadwall is a scarce breeding bird on some lakes and gravel pits in the Midlands, south east England, eastern central Scotland, eastern Northern Ireland and south east Wales. In winter, numbers increase as birds migrate to spend the winter in the UK on gravel pits, lakes, reservoirs and coastal wetlands. Date: 9th April 2017 Location: EWT Blue House Farm, North Fambridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12653636.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7778854454e69cc1d8f398.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 4th September 2011 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084339.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_288347585d3086eadd06f.jpgBucegi Mountains, Prahova County, Romania The Bucegi Mountains are a mountain range located in central Romania south of the city of Brașov. They are part of the Southern Carpathians group of the Carpathian Mountains. Omu is the highest peak at 8219 feet. To the east, the Bucegi Mountains have a very steep slope and are bordered by the Prahova Valley. This area holds the most ski resorts in Romania including the small mountain towns of Sinaia and Bușteni. The area of the Bucegi Mountains was proposed for protection in 1936 due to its landscapes and great diversity of plant and animal species. Bucegi Natural Park was eventually established in March 1990 and this covers an area of over 125 square miles representing a mountainous area with caves, pit caves, canyons, ridges, sinkholes, valleys and waterfalls. Habitats include beech forests, bushes, alpine limestone grasslands, alpine rivers and herbaceous vegetation, mountain hay meadows, springs, limestone rocky slopes and semi-natural dry grasslands. There are several nature reserves in Bucegi Natural Park. The TransBucegi (designated as route DJ 713) is one of Romania’s most scenic drives. It starts 10 miles west of Sinaia at Cabana Dichiu and runs for 24 miles to Cabana Piatra Arsa on the Bucegi Mountains Plateau in Bucegi National Park. The TransBucegi ranges in height from 2495 feet at Sinaia to 6316 feet at the route end at Cabana Piatra Arsa. The route encompasses miles of stunning views through twisty hair pin corners, steep gradients and high elevations. The route was officially inaugurated in August 2013 and it is the third high altitude road in Romania after the Transfăgărăşan and Transalpina. Date: 2nd June 2018 Location: Bucegi Mountain Plateau from the TransBucegi route, Prahova County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4088427.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20264659414b194f8c6b5cf.jpgGriffon Vulture The Griffon Vulture is a typical Old World vulture in appearance with a white bald head, very broad wings and short tail feathers. It has a white neck ruff and yellow bill. The buff body and wing coverts contrast with the dark flight feathers. They are very large birds around 37 to 43 inches long with a 91 to 106 inches wingspan. Like other vultures, the Griffon Vulture is a scavenger, feeding mostly from carcasses of dead animals which it finds by soaring over open areas, often moving in flocks. The population is mostly resident in its breeding range in the mountains of southern Europe, north Africa, and Asia. In Spain, there are tens of thousands of birds from a low of a few thousand around 1980 although the Pyrenees population has apparently been affected by an EU ruling that due to danger of BSE transmission, no carcasses must be left on the fields for the time being. Although the Griffon Vulture does not normally attack larger living prey, there are reports of Spanish Griffon Vultures killing weak, young or unhealthy living animals as they do not find enough carrion to eat. Date: 12th November 2009 Location: Villanueva de Huerva, Aragon, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/tallinn-and-gulf-of-finland https://images.on-this.website/4752_8990370755f05999c76863.jpgTallinn and Gulf of Finland, Estonia Tallinn is the capital and largest city of Estonia. It is located in the northern part of the country on the shore of the Gulf of Finland of the Baltic Sea, 50 miles south of Helsinki in Finland, 200 miles west of Saint Petersburg in Russia, 190 miles north of Riga in Latvia and 240 miles east of Stockholm in Sweden. It is the main financial, industrial, cultural, educational and research centre of Estonia. Tallinn, first mentioned in 1219, received city rights in 1248 but the earliest human settlements date back 5,000 years. The first recorded claim over the land was laid by Denmark in 1219 followed by a period of alternating Scandinavian and Teutonic rulers. Due to its strategic location, the city became a major trade hub, especially from the 14th to the 16th century, when it grew in importance as part of the Hanseatic League. Tallinn's Old Town is one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Gulf of Finland is the easternmost arm of the Baltic Sea. It extends between Finland to the north and Estonia to the south all the way to Saint Petersburg in Russia where the River Neva drains into it. Other major cities around the gulf include Helsinki and Tallinn, the capital cities of Finland and Estonia respectively. Date: 26th June 2019 Location: view from the Tallinn to Helsinki Viking ferry http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084459.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8613644575d308737658a9.jpgBucegi Mountains, Prahova County, Romania The Bucegi Mountains are a mountain range located in central Romania south of the city of Brașov. They are part of the Southern Carpathians group of the Carpathian Mountains. Omu is the highest peak at 8219 feet. To the east, the Bucegi Mountains have a very steep slope and are bordered by the Prahova Valley. This area holds the most ski resorts in Romania including the small mountain towns of Sinaia and Bușteni. The area of the Bucegi Mountains was proposed for protection in 1936 due to its landscapes and great diversity of plant and animal species. Bucegi Natural Park was eventually established in March 1990 and this covers an area of over 125 square miles representing a mountainous area with caves, pit caves, canyons, ridges, sinkholes, valleys and waterfalls. Habitats include beech forests, bushes, alpine limestone grasslands, alpine rivers and herbaceous vegetation, mountain hay meadows, springs, limestone rocky slopes and semi-natural dry grasslands. There are several nature reserves in Bucegi Natural Park. The TransBucegi (designated as route DJ 713) is one of Romania’s most scenic drives. It starts 10 miles west of Sinaia at Cabana Dichiu and runs for 24 miles to Cabana Piatra Arsa on the Bucegi Mountains Plateau in Bucegi National Park. The TransBucegi ranges in height from 2495 feet at Sinaia to 6316 feet at the route end at Cabana Piatra Arsa. The route encompasses miles of stunning views through twisty hair pin corners, steep gradients and high elevations. The route was officially inaugurated in August 2013 and it is the third high altitude road in Romania after the Transfăgărăşan and Transalpina. Date: 2nd June 2018 Location: Bucegi Mountains from Bușteni, Prahova County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/nos-kaliakra-dobrich-province-bulgaria https://images.on-this.website/4752_8520231025d30798c4f0de.jpgNos Kaliakra, Dobrich Province, Bulgaria Nos Kaliakra is a long and narrow headland on the northern Bulgarian Black Sea coast. It is situated 7 miles east of Kavarna and 37 miles north east of Varna. The headland is around 1.2 miles long and the coast is steep with vertical cliffs reaching 230 feet down to the sea. The name [i]"Kaliakra"[/i] is of Byzantine Greek origin. It is a combination of [i]"καλός"[/i] meaning [i]"beautiful"[/i] and [i]"άκρα"[/i] meaning [i]"headland"[/i] or [i]"fortress"[/i]. Nos Kaliakra was the site of the naval Battle of Cape Kaliakra on 11th August 1791, part of the Russo-Turkish War of 1787 to 1792. The first modern lighthouse on Nos Kaliakra was built in 1866 by the Compagnie des Phares de l’Empire Ottomane. The present one, a 33 foot cylindrical stone masonry tower with lantern and gallery, was built in 1901. Nos Kaliakra is a nature reserve which sits on the Via Pontica bird migration flyway. Many rare and migrant birds can be seen during spring and autumn and it is also home to several rare breeding birds such as Pied Wheatear, Isabelline Wheatear and the local [i] desmarestii[/i] race of European Shag. The road to the headland passes through scrub and steppe which provides suitable habitat for a wide range of breeding birds including Saker Falcon, Red-footed Falcon, Long-legged Buzzard, Stone Curlew, Calandra and Short-toed Larks, Tawny Pipit, Lesser Grey Shrike, Hoopoe and Black-headed Bunting. Date: 18th May 2018 Location: Nos Kaliakra, Dobrich Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo1907574.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5619178664923143f46760.jpgDate: 4th November 2008 Location: Loch Gruinart, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11204058.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13309154074e186e1d18c28.jpgPuffins The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 31st May 2008 Location: Sumburgh Head, South Mainland, Shetland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24834063.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1252568727559cf55a01d21.jpgBlack-winged Stilts The Black-winged Stilt is a widely distributed very long-legged wader. They have long pink-red legs, a long thin black bill and are blackish above and white below with a white head and neck with a varying amount of black. Both in flight and at rest the long pink-red legs are characteristic and even if these are hidden in water of unknown depth, the pure white underparts and jet black upperparts are distinctive. The amount of dark feathering on the otherwise white head doesn't necessarily indicate the sex of a stilt although young birds always have smoky patterning on the head. The Black-winged Stilt can be found in central and southern Europe, central and southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Many birds migrate to south of the Sahara from August to November and return in March and April. However, many of those which breed in Iberia are now increasingly remaining throughout the year. The Black-winged Stilt breeds around shallow wetlands, especially coastal lagoons, saltpans and estuaries. The nest site is a bare spot on the ground near water and birds often nest in small groups, sometimes with Avocets. In Europe, the Black-winged Stilt is a regular spring overshoot vagrant north of its normal range, occasionally remaining to breed in northern European countries including the UK. Date: 7th May 2015 Location: Evros Delta (west), East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48137713.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6768320263bd4a5317cb7.jpgBrown Rat Brown Rats have coarse brown or occasionally black fur with a pale underside. They have a long tail which is sparsely haired. Although originally native to eastern Asia and Japan, Brown Rats are now distributed world-wide. They spread across the UK via the shipping traffic from foreign countries in the 18th century and largely replaced the Black Rat. They are highly adaptable and can be found all over the UK, except for exposed mountain regions and some small offshore islands, and live in loose colonies and home ranges of around 50 metres in diameter. Along with the House Mouse, the Brown Rat is considered to be the most widespread terrestrial mammal in the UK and they are subject to persistent pest control due to the damage they cause and the numerous diseases they spread. Brown Rats are omnivorous and have a very varied diet. They are typically nocturnal although they will sometimes forage for food during the day. They also swim well and are sometimes mistaken for Water Voles. Brown Rats live for around 18 months and breed throughout the year producing 5 litters of 8 young a year. Date: 5th January 2023 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41249233.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2098861125f00b5d2a2362.jpgCommon Guillemot The Common Guillemot, also known as the Common Murre or Thin-billed Murre, is a large species of auk. The auks are a family of seabirds which includes the Brunnich's Guillemot or Thick-billed Murre, Razorbill, Little Auk and the extinct Great Auk. The Common Guillemot is 15 to 18 inches in length with a 24 to 29 inches wingspan. In breeding plumage, it is black or dark brown on the head, back and wings with white underparts. It has a thin dark pointed bill and a small rounded dark tail. Legs are grey and the bill is dark grey. Males and females are identical. Some individuals in the North Atlantic, known as "Bridled Guillemots", have a white ring around the eye extending back as a white line. This is not a distinct subspecies but a polymorphism that becomes more common the farther north the birds breed. The Common Guillemot flies with fast wing beats and has a flight speed of around 50 mph. Groups of birds are often seen flying together in a line just above the surface of the sea. However, it is not a very agile bird and take-off is often difficult. The Common Guillemot becomes flightless for 45 to 60 days while moulting its primary feathers. The Common Guillemot is a pursuit diver that forages for food by swimming underwater using its wings for propulsion. Dives usually last less than one minute but the bird swims underwater for distances of over 100 feet on a regular basis. Diving depths up to 590 feet have been recorded. The Common Guillemot has a circumpolar distribution and it occurs in low Arctic and boreal waters in the north Atlantic and north Pacific. It spends most of its time at sea and only comes to land to breed on rocky cliffs, sea stacks and islands. Some birds are permanent residents but northern birds migrate south to open waters off New England, southern California, Japan, Korea and the western Mediterranean. The Common Guillemot breeds in colonies at high densities and nesting pairs may be in bodily contact with their neighbours. No nest is made and the single egg is laid and incubated on a bare rock ledge on a cliff face. The egg hatches after 30 days incubation and the chick is born downy and can regulate its body temperature after 10 days. Some 20 days after hatching the chick jumps off its nesting ledge and heads for the sea unable to fly but gliding for some distance with fluttering wings and accompanied by its male parent. The chicks are capable of diving as soon as they hit the water. The female stays at the nest site for some 14 days after the chick has left. The Common Guillemot can venture far from its breeding grounds to forage and distances of 60 miles or more are often observed although if sufficient food is available closer by, birds will only travel much shorter distances. It mainly eats small schooling fish 8 inches long or less such as Polar Cod, Capelin, Sand Lances, Sprats, Sandeels, Atlantic Cod and Atlantic Herring. It also eats some molluscs, marine worms, squid and crustaceans. It is often seen carrying fish in its bill with the tail hanging out. Date: 22nd June 2020 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32709006.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_44532318459ad271b31b094.87488491.jpgHortobágy National Park, Hajdú-Bihar county, Hungary Hortobágy National Park (Hortobágy Nemzeti Park) is a national park in eastern Hungary. It is part of the vast Great Hungarian Plain which occupies southern and eastern Hungary, some parts of the eastern Slovakian lowlands, south west Ukraine, western Romania, northern Serbia and eastern Croatia. Hortobágy National Park was designated as a national park in 1972 (the first in Hungary), and as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. It is Hungary's largest protected area. At the time of designation, the area of the National Park was 289 square miles but since then it has been extended to almost 315 square miles. Around 25% of its area has international protection under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance. The entire Hortobágy National Park is part of the Natura 2000 network of the European Union in which Special Protected Areas and Special Areas of Conservation have been designated in a way that they contain and encompass the area of the National Park including organically connected or separate grassland mosaic areas that are outside the National Park. The protection thus ensured by the Natura 2000 areas provides an appropriate basis for the establishment of a buffer zone. A conservation management plan for the Hortobágy National Park was prepared in 1997. Hortobágy National Park contains the largest continuous natural grassland in Europe and the second largest steppe area west of the Ural Mountains. It has outstanding natural features and maintains great biological diversity in respect of species and habitats. It is a unique example of the harmonious coexistence of people and nature based on the considerate use of the land. A major part of the area of the Hortobágy National Park is formed by natural habitats, principally alkaline grasslands (puszta), meadows and the marshes lying between them. From the point of view of nature conservation, the artificial wetlands, which cover a much smaller area, are of considerable importance. These are the fish ponds created during the last century on the worst quality grazing lands and marshes. The Hortobágy National Park is one of Europe’s greatest lowland birding areas containing nesting habitats and migration sites of European significance. The Hortobágyi-Halastó complex just to the west of Hortobágy village is arguably the best site to explore and contains waterbodies of various sizes from small fish ponds to huge lakes. Over 340 bird species have been recorded in the Hortobágy National Park, of which over 150 species breed. For UK birders, it is particularly exciting since several “eastern” species can be found which are at the westernmost extent of their range. These are joined by a large number of temperate European and Mediterranean species. The symbol of the Hortobágy National Park is the Crane. One of the most spectacular sights is the autumn migration when tens of thousands of Cranes can be seen every October as they fly above the grasslands to their overnight roosting places. For thousands of years the wild animals grazing on the grasslands of the Hortobágy National Park, the Aurochs and wild horses, were gradually replaced by domesticated animals. A large number of Long-haired Sheep and Hungarian Grey Cattle can now be found here. Less ancient species are the Mangalica Pig and the Nonius Horse. In the Visitor Centre in Hortobágy village, visitors and tourists can get information and advice on what to see and what to do in the Hortobágy National Park and can also learn about its natural and cultural assets: its flora and fauna, the different natural phenomena, herdsmen’s traditions, craftsmen’s skills and local rare breeds. The Visitor Centre also sells the mandatory permits that are required to visit most of the protected areas. The Hortobágy-halastavi Kisvasút is a narrow gauge railway which runs through Hortobágyi-Halastó. It was built and commissioned in 1915 for the purpose of transporting fish food from the silo in Hortobágyi-Halastó to the fish ponds and transporting freshly caught fish in the opposite direction. The track formerly had a length of 22 miles and was temporarily decommissioned in 1960. Since 2007, the railway has been used as a tourist train. The track now runs for just 3 miles and provides access to the northern end of Hortobágyi-Halastó. A one-way trip lasts 23 minutes. Date: 19th May 2017 Location: Hortobágy to Balmazújváros, Hortobágy National Park, Hajdú-Bihar county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/marchapril-2008-loch-garten-highland https://images.on-this.website/4752_20449733524a4934845de63.jpgMarch to April 2008 - Loch Garten, Highland Please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/photo1024673.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41389675.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7509756325f2694f9b7be5.jpgNesseby, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Nesseby is a small village located on the southern coast of the Varanger peninsula near the inner part of the Varangerfjord in Troms og Finnmark in north east Norway. The European route E75 highway runs through the village on its way from Varangerbotn to Vadsø. Nesseby Church lies on a small peninsula on the coast of the village. It was designed by Christian Heinrich Grosch and built of wood in 1858 and fully restored in 1983. The prayer books in the church are in the Northern Sami language since that is the predominant language for the people of the area. The village and the municipality of the same name are bilingual and have 2 official names: Nesseby (Norwegian) and Unjárga (Northern Sami). Date: 1st July 2019 Location: view from Nesseby, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/white-stork https://images.on-this.website/4752_3538408974b193e5074b7f.jpgWhite Stork The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 8th November 2009 Location: Aiguamolls de l'Emporda, Catalunya, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13656974.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10335223844ed368d3e73ce.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the [i]Canidae[/i] family and is a part of the order [i]Carnivora[/i] within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30825778.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6959413358f34a0c731757.54414846.jpgAvocets The (Pied) Avocet is a large black and white wader in the avocet and stilt family. It is one of 4 species of avocet that make up the genus Recurvirostra. The genus name is from the Latin [i]recurvus[/i] meaning "curved backwards" and [i]rostrum[/i] meaning "bill". The Avocet is a striking white wader with bold black markings. Adults have white plumage except for a black cap and black patches in the wings and on the back. They have long, upturned bills and long, bluish legs. Males and females look alike whilst juveniles resemble the adult but with more greyish and sepia tones. The Avocet breeds in temperate Europe and western and central Asia. The breeding habitat is shallow lakes with brackish water and exposed bare mud where they build a nest on open ground in a lined scrape or on a mound of vegetation. The Avocet is a migratory species and most winter in Africa or southern Asia. Some remain to winter in the mildest parts of their range such as in southern Spain and southern England. The Avocet feeds on crustaceans and insects in shallow brackish water or on mud flats, often scything their bills from side to side in water (a feeding technique that is unique to the avocet species). The Avocet was extinct as a breeding species in the UK by 1840 but its successful recolonisation at Minsmere in Suffolk in 1947 led to its adoption as the logo of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Date: 9th April 2017 Location: EWT Blue House Farm, North Fambridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/stellers-eiders https://images.on-this.website/4752_4176577834bf6d96857cd3.jpgSteller's Eiders The Steller's Eider is a medium sized sea duck and the smallest of the 4 species of eider. In it’s breeding plumage, the male is unmistakable with a black back, white shoulders, chestnut breast and belly, a white head with a greenish tuft and small black eye patches. During the late summer and autumn, males are entirely mottled dark brown. Females and juveniles are mottled dark brown all year round. Adults of both sexes have a blue patch with a white border on the upper wing similar to a mallard. The bird is named after the German naturalist Georg Steller. Steller's Eiders breed along the Arctic coasts of northern Russia and northern and western Alaska. It is estimated that the world population of Steller's Eiders is around 220,000 birds, the majority of which nest in Russia. Most Steller's Eiders breeding in Alaska and Russia migrate south after breeding. An estimated 40,000 winter in north eastern Europe along the coasts of Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Finland, Norway and Sweden. It is very scarce south of its wintering range. Date: 12th April 2010 Location: Nesseby, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/brindled-hoverfly https://images.on-this.website/4752_993468148467ee34dac12e.jpgBrindled Hoverfly Date: 23rd July 2006 Location: Thompson Common, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46535131.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_134676492562caa2b30da2a.jpgEdible Frog The Edible Frog is a species of frog found across Europe that is also known as the Common Water Frog and the Green Frog. The Edible Frog is one of the few animals in the world that is a fertile hybrid of 2 different species, as although similar but genetically different species are known to mate, it is very rare that their offspring will be able to breed. The Edible Frog is a fertile hybrid of 2 other European frogs, namely the Pool Frog and the Marsh Frog, that inter-bred when populations where isolated close to one another during the Ice Age. It was first described in 1758 and is known as the Edible Frog due to the fact that it is now seen as a culinary delicacy across Europe but especially in France where frog’s legs are often served as a national dish. The reason for humans favouring this frog over others is not really known but it may have something to do with their abundance. The Edible Frog is a medium sized frog growing to around 3.5 to 4.5 inches in length. Adults are mainly green in colour with light patches of brown on their backs, yellow eyes and a white underside covered in a few dark spots. There are number of distinct differences between males and females including the fact that males become much lighter and greener during the mating season. Males also have vocal sacs on the outside of their cheeks and extra skin patches on their feet, both of which are primarily used for mating. The Edible Frog is endemic to Europe and it naturally occurs across central Europe as far north as Germany and Estonia. Southern populations are found from Croatia, through northern Italy and into the south of France. There are also isolated populations in Sweden and Bulgaria which are thought to have migrated from the countries nearby. It has also been introduced to the UK. The Edible Frog spends all of its time either in or very close to water and it is most commonly found in calmer parts of rivers and streams where there is a slow but constant flow of fresh water. It tends to prefer more open areas and can also be commonly found around lakes, ponds and marshes. Unlike many other species of frog, the Edible Frog is a diurnal animal and is therefore most active during the day. This is when it is most likely to move away from the water so that it can find a better supply of food or move to a different part of the water if it needs to. The Edible Frog is a relatively solitary animal so there is less competition for food but males are often seen sitting together in groups during the breeding season when they are trying to out-compete each other to find a mate. The breeding season for the Edible Frog begins during March and generally lasts for around 2 months. Males sing by drawing air in and out of their vocal sacs to produce the highest-pitched sound possible since females are most attracted to the loudest males. After courting her in a lake, pond or swamp, the male lets the female lay up to 10,000 eggs in a sticky mass into the water before he fertilises them. Tadpoles can be as small as 0.2 inches long when they hatch and are a grey/brown colour. They then grow up to 2 to 3 inches in length before metamorphoses occurs and they leave the water as 0.75 inches long young frogs. The Edible Frog reaches sexual maturity at the age of 2 years and can live until it is 15 years old. The Edible Frog is a carnivorous amphibian but the tadpoles mainly eat vegetation although they are known to occasionally supplement their diet with aquatic micro-organisms. Adults eat small invertebrates such as insects, spiders and flies, which make up the majority of their diet, along with larger aquatic animals like fish, newts and other frogs. The Edible Frog hunts for food during the day and can be seen catching food both in water and on land. The Edible Frog remains very still when it is sitting on the banks of its water habitat and this, along with its camouflage, makes it very difficult for predators to spot. Its eyes are positioned near the top of the head meaning that it can also see danger coming whilst the body is mainly hidden. Snakes, owls and water birds are the main predators of the Edible Frog. The Edible Frog will jump into the water and hide if it senses approaching danger and it will make a loud screeching sound if caught. Edible Frog populations are under threat from habitat destruction mainly caused by deforestation and water pollution. Date: 3rd July 2022 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13683376.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16303402984ed737d425804.jpgBarn Owl With a heart shaped face, buff back and wings and pure white under-parts the Barn Owl is a distinctive and much-loved bird of the countryside. Barn Owls are widely distributed across the UK and can be seen all year round sometimes during the day but normally at dusk in open country and along field edges, riverbanks and roadside verges. Barn owls have suffered population declines over the past 50 years as a result of habitat degradation following increasing intensive agricultural practices. However, that decline has stopped in many areas and their population may now be increasing. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46535025.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5431249562ca9eb8b94e3.jpgMeadow Pipit The Meadow Pipit is a widespread and often abundant small pipit. It is an undistinguished looking species, mainly brown above and buff below with darker streaking on most of its plumage. The tail is brown with narrow white outer side edges. It has a thin bill and pale pinkish-yellow legs. A simple repetitive song is given in a short song and parachute display flight. The Meadow Pipit breeds in much of north west Eurasia from south east Greenland and Iceland east to just east of the Ural Mountains in Russia and south to central France and Romania. It is migratory over most of its range, wintering in south Europe, north Africa and south west Asia, but it is resident all year round in west Europe although many birds move to the coast or lowlands in winter. The Meadow Pipit is primarily a species of open habitats, either uncultivated or low-intensity agriculture, such as pasture, bogs and moorland. It also occurs in low numbers in arable croplands and in winter it occurs on saltmarshes where it can be quite gregarious and gather in small flocks. The Meadow Pipit is an abundant species in the north of its range but it is less common further south. It can be found all year round across the UK but it is commonest in the upland areas of the west and north during the breeding season. In winter it moves south to more lowland areas and becomes much commoner in the southern half of the UK. The Meadow Pipit nests on the ground in dense vegetation and it is one of the most important nest hosts of the Cuckoo. The Meadow Pipit is a fairly terrestrial pipit usually feeding on the ground although it will use elevated perches such as shrubs, fence lines or electricity wires as vantage points to watch for predators. It feeds mainly on insects and other invertebrates but it also eats the seeds of grasses, sedges, rushes and heather and crowberry berries. Date: 27th June 2022 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4088339.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14923466924b1945d264dbf.jpgGreat White Egret The Great White Egret is a large bird with all white plumage. Apart from size, the Great White Egret can be distinguished from other white egrets by its yellow bill and black legs and feet although the bill may become darker and the lower legs lighter in the breeding season. In breeding plumage, delicate ornamental feathers are borne on the back. It has a slow flight with its neck retracted. The Great White Egret is distributed across most of the tropical and warmer temperate regions of the world favouring all kinds of wetland habitats and it is a familiar species in southern Europe. Expanding populations in Europe mean that the Great White Egret is now seen more frequently in the UK and it can turn up in almost any part of the country with the majority of records in south east England and East Anglia. Date: 10th November 2009 Location: Delta de l’Ebre, Catalunya, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308910.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_120430889363ee434b5afb2.jpgBlue Tit The Blue Tit is a small passerine bird in the tit family. It is easily recognisable by its generally blue and yellow plumage and its small size. The Blue Tit is about 4.7 inches long with a wingspan of 7.1 inches. It has an azure blue crown and a dark blue line passing through the eye and encircling the white cheeks to the chin, giving the bird a very distinctive appearance. The forehead and a bar on the wing are white. The nape, wings and tail are blue and the back is yellowish green. The underparts are mostly sulphur-yellow with a dark line down the abdomen. The bill is black and the legs bluish grey. The sexes are similar whilst young birds are noticeably more yellow. The Blue Tit is very agile and it can cling to the outermost branches and hang upside down when searching for food such as insects, caterpillars and seeds. The Blue Tit can be found throughout areas of the European continent with a mainly temperate or Mediterranean climate and in parts of the Middle East. In the UK it is common in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens and widespread across the whole of the country with the exception of some Scottish islands. The Blue Tit will nest in any suitable hole in a tree, wall or stump, often competing with other birds such as the House Sparrow or Great Tit for the site. In addition, it will readily accept an artificial nesting box. The same hole is returned to year after year and when one pair dies another takes possession. The nesting material is usually moss, wool, hair and feathers and the eggs are laid in April or May. The number in the clutch is often very large but 7 or 8 is normal. It is not unusual for a single bird to feed the chicks in the nest at a rate of one feed every 90 seconds during the height of the breeding season. Successful breeding is dependent on a sufficient supply of caterpillars as well as satisfactory weather. Breeding may be affected badly if the weather is cold and wet between May and July, particularly if this coincides with the emergence of the caterpillars on which the nestlings are fed. The small size of the Blue Tit makes it vulnerable to predation by larger birds and the typical lifespan is 3 years or less. The most significant predator is probably the Sparrowhawk, closely followed by the domestic cat. Nests may also be robbed by mammals such as the Weasel and Red and Grey Squirrels. Date: 5th February 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32709053.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_182820097359ad2766f41761.94613901.jpgSquacco Heron The Squacco Heron is named after its piercing “squawk’ call” and is a small, chunky heron with a short, thick bill, warm buff-brown back and snowy white wings, breast, tail and belly. The long, almost hair-like feathers on the back cover the tail and there are tufts of long white and black feathers on the head that sometimes stick straight up in the air. The Squacco Heron’s highly recognisable call is often given at night, especially during the breeding season. The Squacco Heron inhabits wetlands such as lakes, river valleys, swamps and other permanent or temporary freshwater wetlands. However, due to habitat alteration or loss, rice paddy fields are becoming a principal habitat. It prefers sites with abundant nearby vegetation, such as tamarisk, elm and ash trees, where it likes to nest in small colonies often with other herons and egrets. The Squacco Heron occurs in Europe (although rare in the north), Africa and the Middle East as far east as Iran, breeding in the northern parts of its range and migrating to southern regions to spend the winter. Date: 19th May 2017 Location: Location: Hortobágy-Halastó, Hortobágy National Park, Hajdú-Bihar county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11639748.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20944846444e2fdc1c29da5.jpgRed Grouse The Red Grouse is a medium-sized bird of the grouse family which is found in heather moorland in the UK and Ireland. It is endemic to the UK and has developed in isolation. It is usually classified as a sub-species of the Willow Ptarmigan or Willow Grouse which is found in birch and other forests and moorlands in north Europe, the tundra of Scandinavia, Siberia, Alaska and north Canada. The Red Grouse is differentiated from the Willow Ptarmigan and Rock Ptarmigan by its plumage being reddish brown and not having a white winter plumage. The tail is black and the legs are white. There are white stripes on the underwing and red combs over the eye. Females are less reddish than the males and have less conspicuous combs. Young birds are duller and lack the red combs. The Red Grouse is found across most parts of Scotland, including Orkney, Shetland and most of the Outer Hebrides. It is only absent from urban areas such as in the Central Belt. In Wales there are strong populations of Red Grouse in some places but the range has retracted. It is now largely absent from the far south and the main strongholds are Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons and the Cambrian Mountains. In England the Red Grouse is mainly found in the north in areas such as the Lake District, Northumberland, County Durham, much of Yorkshire, the Pennines and the Peak District as far south as the Staffordshire Moorlands. There is an isolated introduced population on Dartmoor and overspill Welsh birds visit the Shropshire Hills.The typical habitat is upland heather moors away from trees. It can also be found in some low-lying bogs and birds may visit farmland during hard weather. The UK population of the Red Grouse is estimated at about 250,000 pairs. Numbers have declined in recent years and it is now absent in areas where it was once common. Reasons for the decline include disease, loss of heather due to overgrazing, creation of new conifer plantations and a decline in the number of upland gamekeepers. Some predators feed on Red Grouse and there is ongoing controversy as to what effect these have on numbers. The Red Grouse is herbivorous and feeds mainly on the shoots, seeds and flowers of heather. It will also feed on berries, cereal crops and sometimes insects. The Red Grouse is considered a game bird and is shot in large numbers during the shooting season which traditionally starts on August 12th (known as the Glorious Twelfth). Shooting can take the form of “walked up” (where shooters walk across the moor to flush grouse and take a shot) or “driven” (where grouse are driven, often in large numbers, by “beaters” towards the shooters who are hiding behind a line of “butts”). Many moors are managed to increase the density of Red Grouse. Areas of heather are subjected to controlled burning since this allows fresh young shoots to regenerate which are favoured by Red Grouse. In addition, extensive predator control is a feature of grouse moor management and the extent and legality to which it occurs is hotly contested between conservation groups and shooting interests and the subject generates a lot of media attention. The Red Grouse is widely known as the logo of The Famous Grouse whisky and an animated bird is a character in a series of its adverts. It is also the emblem of the magazine “British Birds”. Date: 17th April 2007 Location: Grinton Moor, Yorkshire Dales National Park, North Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42202646.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18500553775ff3105e06a11.jpgBrown Bear The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, Ursus arctos arctos. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an evening visit with [url=https://www.karhujenkatselu.fi/en-gb]Karhu-Kuusamo[/url] Date: 7th July 2019 Location: Kuntilampi, near Kuusamo, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230802.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13028701486491849eaf34a.jpgWall Flight period: May to September The Wall was once widely distributed throughout England, Wales, Northern Ireland and south Scotland. However over the last decade, it has declined substantially and it is now confined to primarily coastal regions and has been lost from many sites in central, east and south east England. The Wall favours short, open, unimproved grassland where turf is broken or stony. It is also found on dunes and other coastal habitats as well as disused quarries, derelict land, farm tracks, railway embankments and cuttings, gardens, hedgerows and field edges. The Wall is aptly named after its habit of basking on walls, rocks and stony places. The delicately patterned light brown undersides provide good camouflage against a stony or sandy surface. Date: 28th May 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26021624.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_135206193456371fc8ec05c.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 3rd June 2015 Location: Námafjall-Krafla area east of Lake Mývatn, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51334244.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19842139276676e37420891.jpgHeath Fritillary Flight period: June to July. The Heath Fritillary is at the north west extreme of its range in the southern UK and its numbers have greatly reduced this century due to changes in woodland management. It is now one of our rarest and most localised butterflies and can only be found at a few sites in Essex and Kent and in south west England. In Essex and Kent, they can be found in coppiced woodland with acid soils where Common Cow Wheat, the preferred foodplant, is available. On Exmoor they favour sheltered combes (valleys) and in Devon and Cornwall abandoned hay meadows are preferred. Detailed study has determined the Heath Fritillary’s precise habitat requirements and its future in the UK depends on deliberate conservation and habitat management. Date: 20th June 2024 Location: EWT Pound Wood, Hadleigh, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41424237.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10459914915f2aa75f575ca.jpgVaranger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway The Varanger peninsula is situated in Troms og Finnmark in the extreme north east of Norway. With an area of 800 square miles, it is the largest area within the Arctic climate zone in mainland Norway and is bordered by Tanafjord to the west, Varangerfjord to the south and the Barents Sea to the north and east. The area has a rugged mountain terrain with altitudes up to 2077 feet and it has an Arctic tundra climate. The coast of the Varanger peninsula is an important area for breeding, migrating and wintering birds, especially some notable Arctic species. The Norwegian Directorate for Nature Management has a project on the Varanger peninsula to reintroduce and protect the Arctic Fox which is critically endangered on the Norwegian mainland. The Varangerhalvøya National Park (Norwegian: [I]Varangerhalvøya Nasjonalpark[/I]) lies to the west of road Fv341 and protects a majority of the land on the Varanger peninsula. The eastern part of the Varanger peninsula can be accessed from Vardø, via Svartnes, to Hamningberg. Hamningberg is an abandoned fishing village situated on the Varanger peninsula and on the shores of the Barents Sea. It’s only road connection is via the narrow and winding road Fv341 which runs for about 25 miles north from Svartnes. This is a very scenic road which follows the shores of the Barents Sea. It is considered to be one of the wildest and most memorable drives in Norway and passes through a bare and barren but awe-inspiring Arctic landscape. The road is closed during the winter months from October to late May. Traditionally a fishing village, Hamningberg is one of very few places in Troms og Finnmark that was not burnt and destroyed under Operation Nordlicht in 1944 and 1945, the German “scorched earth” retreat from Finnmark. It was depopulated and abandoned in 1964 although some of the houses are still in use as summer cottages. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: view from road Fv341 between Svartnes and Hamningberg, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871630.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11264499114eff1fb9b70ff.jpgGolden Plover The Golden Plover is a medium sized plover with a distinctive gold and black summer plumage. In winter the black is replaced by buff and white. It typically stands upright and runs in short bursts. The Golden Plover breeds on the ground in a dry open area on moorland, mountains and fells, tundra and marshland in northern Europe and western Asia. It is migratory and winters in western and southern Europe and in north Africa. Date: 26th May 2009 Location: Skallelv to Komagvaer, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26041604.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1381549665638add7bb885.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill <i>"kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake"</i>. The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Látrabjarg, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623092.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14742244886117d7681fb34.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30024912.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_400382314587a09d9d975c.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 5th January 2017 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9566424.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1083846754daedd2585120.jpgWaxwing The Waxwing is a plump bird which is slightly smaller than a starling. It is reddish-brown with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings, a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest. Waxwings breed in the dense forests of northern Europe but they occur in varying numbers in the UK from October to March. In some years they can occur in large numbers (known as irruptions) when the population in the breeding areas gets too big for the food available. The first UK arrivals each winter are usually seen on the east coast from Scotland to East Anglia but birds then move inland in search of food. They can be found in parks and gardens and even busy public places, typically where there are berry-bearing trees and bushes such as rowan, hawthorn, cotoneaster and rose. Waxwings make an easily recognisable high-pitched trilling sound like a bell. Date: 16th February 2008 Location: Allerstree, Derby, Derbyshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871716.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16558436094eff20fe03159.jpgOulanka National Park, Finland The Oulanka National Park, established in 1956 and expanded again in 1982 and 1989, is one of the most popular national parks in Finland located in the Ostrobothnia and Lapland regions of Finland. The National Park covers 104 square miles and it borders the Paanajärvi National Park in Russia. The Oulanka National Park is a unique and versatile combination of northern, southern and eastern nature. The landscape is made up of pine forests, river valleys with sandy banks and rapids, and in the north of vast mires. It has a unique river ecosystem and is an example of untouched and unlogged boreal forest, close to the arctic circle, which is protected by World Wide Fund for Nature from intensive reindeer herding. The area is rich in animal and plant species including endangered ones. A short distance from the Oulanka Visitor Centre are the magnificent Kiutaköngäs Rapids. The Oulankajoki River falls, hemmed in by red granite walls, for about 600 metres and over a distance of about a 100 metres, the river descends 14 metres. Date: 31st May 2009 Location: Oulanka National Park, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46028411.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19232022756291f5b30c2a4.jpgAzure Damselfly Flight period: May to August The Azure Damselfly is one of the two commonest blue damselflies and is a common and widespread species of lowland UK. They can be found around most standing water, preferring small, sheltered sites including ditches and garden ponds. Date: 26th May 2022 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31837510.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_161234734359562445a6dbc1.15729666.jpgStoats The Stoat is a mammal of the Mustelidae family which includes other carnivorous mammals such as the Weasel, Badger, Otter and Pine Marten. The name ermine is often but not always used for the Stoat in its pure white winter coat. The Stoat is similar to the Weasel in general proportions, manner of posture and movement although the tail is relatively longer and has a prominent black tip, always exceeding a third of the body length. The dimensions of the Stoat are variable, but not as significantly as the Weasel's, and its size tends to decrease proportionally with latitude. Sexual dimorphism in size is pronounced with males being roughly 25% larger than females and 1.5 to 2 times their weight. On average, males measure 7.4 to 12.8 inches in body length whilst females measure 6.7 to 10.6 inches. The tail measures 3 to 4.7 inches in males and 2.6 to 4.2 inches in females. Males weigh around 9.1 ounces whilst females weigh less than 6.3 ounces. The Stoat has an elongated neck with the head being set exceptionally far in front of the shoulders. The trunk is nearly cylindrical and it does not bulge at the abdomen. The greatest circumference of the body is little more than half its length. The eyes are round, black and protrude slightly. The whiskers are brown or white in colour and very long. The ears are short, rounded and lie almost flattened against the skull. The claws are not retractable and are large in proportion to the digits. Each foot has 5 toes. The Stoat’s winter fur is very dense and silky but quite short whilst the summer fur is rougher, shorter and sparse. In summer, the fur is sandy-brown on the back and head and white below. In the Stoat's northern range, it adopts a completely white coat (save for the black tail tip) during the winter period. Differences in the winter and summer coats are less apparent in southern forms. In the southern range, the coat remains brown but is denser and sometimes paler than in summer. The Stoat can be found throughout north America, Europe and Asia from Greenland and the Canadian and Siberian Arctic islands south to about 35°N. In Europe it is found as far south as 41ºN in Portugal and inhabits most islands with the exception of Iceland, Svalbard, the Mediterranean islands and some small North Atlantic islands. In north America it is found throughout Alaska and Canada south through most of the north USA to central California, north Arizona, north New Mexico, Iowa, the Great Lakes region, New England and Pennsylvania but it is absent from most of the Great Plains and south east USA. In the late 19th century, the Stoat was introduced to New Zealand to control rabbits where it has had a devastating effect on native bird populations. Mating occurs in April to July. The Stoat is not monogamous and litters are often of mixed paternity. The gestation period lasts around 280 days. Males play no part in rearing the young which are born blind, deaf, toothless and covered in fine white or pinkish down. The milk teeth erupt after 3 weeks and solid food is eaten after 4 weeks. The eyes open after 5 to 6 weeks with the black tail tip appearing a week later. Lactation ends after 12 weeks. The territories of male Stoats encompass smaller female territories which they defend from other males. The size of the territory and the ranging behaviour varies seasonally and depends on the abundance of food and mates. During the breeding season, the ranges of females remain unchanged whilst males either become roamers, strayers or transients. Dominant older males can have territories 50 times larger than those of younger, socially inferior males. Both sexes mark their territories with urine, faeces and scent marks. Males and females typically live apart but close to each other. Each Stoat has several dens dispersed within its range. A single den has several galleries, mainly within 12 inches of the surface. The Stoat does not dig its own den but instead uses the burrows and nest chambers of the rodents it kills. The skins and underfur of rodent prey are used to line the den. The den is sometimes located in seemingly unsuitable places such as among logs piled against the walls of houses. The Stoat also inhabits old and rotting stumps, tree roots, heaps of brushwood, haystacks, bog hummocks, cracks of vacant buildings, rock piles and rock clefts. As with the Weasel, rodents predominate in the Stoat's diet. However, unlike the Weasel, which almost exclusively feeds on small voles, the Stoat regularly preys on larger rodent and rabbit and hare species and it will kill prey far larger than itself. It is an opportunistic predator and moves rapidly checking every available burrow or crevice for food. Because of its larger size, the male is less successful than the female in pursuing rodents far into tunnels. The Stoat will regularly climb trees to gain access to birds' nests and it is a common raider of nest boxes. The Stoat seeks to immobilize large prey such with a bite to the spine at the back of the neck. Small prey typically dies instantly from a bite to the back of the neck whilst larger prey typically dies of shock since the Stoat's canine teeth are too short to reach the spinal column or major arteries. Date: 20th June 2017 Location: Glen Quaich, Perthshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45948302.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5448152696284a99583239.jpgGadwall The Gadwall is one of the most common and widespread dabbling ducks. The breeding male is patterned grey with a black rear end, light chestnut wings and a brilliant white speculum which is obvious in flight or at rest. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female but retains the male wing pattern and is usually greyer above and has less orange on the bill. The female is light brown with plumage much like a female Mallard. It can be distinguished from that species by the dark orange-edged bill, smaller size, the white speculum and white belly. The Gadwall breeds in north Europe and Asia and central north America and appears to be expanding into eastern north America. It is a bird of open wetlands and lakes, wet grassland or marshes with dense fringing vegetation and it nests on the ground, often some distance from water. In the UK, the Gadwall is a scarce breeding bird on some lakes and gravel pits in the Midlands, south east England, eastern central Scotland, eastern Northern Ireland and south east Wales. In winter, numbers increase as birds migrate to spend the winter in the UK on gravel pits, lakes, reservoirs and coastal wetlands. Date: 14th April 2022 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457075.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21342047266685707430387.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/shelduck https://images.on-this.website/4752_20326477904dca3d505fd49.jpgShelduck The Shelduck resembles a small short-necked goose in size and shape. It is larger than a Mallard but smaller than geese such as Greylag and Canada Geese. The Shelduck is a striking bird with a reddish-pink bill, pink feet, a white body with chestnut patches and a black belly and a dark green head and neck. The wing coverts are white, the primaries are black and the secondaries are green and chestnut. The underwings are almost entirely white. Sexes are similar but the female is smaller with some white facial markings whilst the male is particularly crisply coloured in the breeding season with a bright red bill bearing a prominent knob at the forehead. Ducklings are white with a black cap, hindneck and wing and back patches. Juveniles are greyish above and mostly white below but already have the adult's wing pattern. The Shelduck breeds in temperate Eurasia where it nests in rabbit burrows and tree holes. Most populations migrate to sub-tropical areas in winter but it is largely resident in west Europe apart from movements to favoured moulting grounds such as the Wadden Sea on the north German coast. The Shelduck is common around the coastline of the UK and Ireland where it can be found on salt marshes, tidal mudflats and estuaries although it can also be found around inland waters such as reservoirs and gravel workings. It can be seen all year round but the population increases significantly during winter with the arrival of birds from continental Europe. Date: 8th May 2011 Location: Aber Ogwen, Gwynedd http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45456915.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1537396387624ffdb4a70a6.jpgRinged Plovers The Ringed Plover is a small plover with a grey-brown back and wings, a white belly and a white breast with a single black neck band. It has a brown cap, a white forehead, a black mask around the eyes and a short orange and black bill. The legs are orange and only the outer two toes are slightly webbed. The juvenile Ringed Plover is duller than the adult in colour with an often incomplete grey-brown breast band, a dark bill and dull yellowish-grey legs. The Ringed Plover breeds on open ground on beaches or sandflats across northern Eurasia and in Arctic north east Canada. Some birds breed inland and in western Europe they nest as far south as northern France. It is migratory and winters in coastal areas south to Africa. Date: 9th November 2021 Location: Shoeburyness, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4352165.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6088701374b687b54a2845.jpgWigeon The Eurasian Wigeon, or simply Wigeon, is one of 3 species of Wigeon in the dabbling duck genus [i]Mareca[/i]. The Wigeon is 17 to 20 inches in length with a 28 to 31 inches wingspan. The breeding male has grey flanks and back with a black rear end, a dark green speculum and a brilliant white patch on the upper wings which obvious in flight or at rest. It has a pink breast, white belly and a chestnut head with a creamy crown. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female. The female is generally light brown but it can be distinguished from most other ducks, apart from the American Wigeon, on shape. The Wigeon breeds in the northernmost areas of Europe and Asia where it is the Old World counterpart of north America's American Wigeon. It is a bird of open wetlands, such as wet grassland or marshes with some taller vegetation, and nests on the ground near water and under cover. The Wigeon is strongly migratory and winters further south than its breeding range. It is highly gregarious outside of the breeding season and will form large flocks. In the UK, the Wigeon can be found all year round. It is a scarce breeding bird in central and northern Scotland and in northern England. In winter, many birds arrive in the UK from Iceland, Scandinavia and Russia and very large numbers can be seen on the coasts and at some inland sites. The Wigeon is categorised by the IUCN as a species of “Least Concern” but it is a species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 1st February 2010 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405496.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5565600666586e8d09f140.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 14th October 2023 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32709108.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_133474795259ad27e4d9ced3.17227121.jpgHortobágy National Park, Hajdú-Bihar county, Hungary Hortobágy National Park (Hortobágy Nemzeti Park) is a national park in eastern Hungary. It is part of the vast Great Hungarian Plain which occupies southern and eastern Hungary, some parts of the eastern Slovakian lowlands, south west Ukraine, western Romania, northern Serbia and eastern Croatia. Hortobágy National Park was designated as a national park in 1972 (the first in Hungary), and as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. It is Hungary's largest protected area. At the time of designation, the area of the National Park was 289 square miles but since then it has been extended to almost 315 square miles. Around 25% of its area has international protection under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance. The entire Hortobágy National Park is part of the Natura 2000 network of the European Union in which Special Protected Areas and Special Areas of Conservation have been designated in a way that they contain and encompass the area of the National Park including organically connected or separate grassland mosaic areas that are outside the National Park. The protection thus ensured by the Natura 2000 areas provides an appropriate basis for the establishment of a buffer zone. A conservation management plan for the Hortobágy National Park was prepared in 1997. Hortobágy National Park contains the largest continuous natural grassland in Europe and the second largest steppe area west of the Ural Mountains. It has outstanding natural features and maintains great biological diversity in respect of species and habitats. It is a unique example of the harmonious coexistence of people and nature based on the considerate use of the land. A major part of the area of the Hortobágy National Park is formed by natural habitats, principally alkaline grasslands (puszta), meadows and the marshes lying between them. From the point of view of nature conservation, the artificial wetlands, which cover a much smaller area, are of considerable importance. These are the fish ponds created during the last century on the worst quality grazing lands and marshes. The Hortobágy National Park is one of Europe’s greatest lowland birding areas containing nesting habitats and migration sites of European significance. The Hortobágyi-Halastó complex just to the west of Hortobágy village is arguably the best site to explore and contains waterbodies of various sizes from small fish ponds to huge lakes. Over 340 bird species have been recorded in the Hortobágy National Park, of which over 150 species breed. For UK birders, it is particularly exciting since several “eastern” species can be found which are at the westernmost extent of their range. These are joined by a large number of temperate European and Mediterranean species. The symbol of the Hortobágy National Park is the Crane. One of the most spectacular sights is the autumn migration when tens of thousands of Cranes can be seen every October as they fly above the grasslands to their overnight roosting places. For thousands of years the wild animals grazing on the grasslands of the Hortobágy National Park, the Aurochs and wild horses, were gradually replaced by domesticated animals. A large number of Long-haired Sheep and Hungarian Grey Cattle can now be found here. Less ancient species are the Mangalica Pig and the Nonius Horse. In the Visitor Centre in Hortobágy village, visitors and tourists can get information and advice on what to see and what to do in the Hortobágy National Park and can also learn about its natural and cultural assets: its flora and fauna, the different natural phenomena, herdsmen’s traditions, craftsmen’s skills and local rare breeds. The Visitor Centre also sells the mandatory permits that are required to visit most of the protected areas. The Hortobágy-halastavi Kisvasút is a narrow gauge railway which runs through Hortobágyi-Halastó. It was built and commissioned in 1915 for the purpose of transporting fish food from the silo in Hortobágyi-Halastó to the fish ponds and transporting freshly caught fish in the opposite direction. The track formerly had a length of 22 miles and was temporarily decommissioned in 1960. Since 2007, the railway has been used as a tourist train. The track now runs for just 3 miles and provides access to the northern end of Hortobágyi-Halastó. A one-way trip lasts 23 minutes. Date: 20th May 2017 Location: Hortobágy-halastavi Kisvasút, Hortobágy National Park, Hajdú-Bihar county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/bluethroat https://images.on-this.website/4752_8188152165f3cfcedc2947.jpgBluethroat The Bluethroat is a small passerine bird that was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family [i]Turdidae[/i] but it is now more generally considered to be a member of the Old World flycatcher family [i]Muscicapidae[/i]. It, and similar small European species, are often called chats. The Bluethroat is similar in size to the Robin. It is plain brown above except for the distinctive black tail with red side patches. It has a strong white supercilium. The male has an iridescent blue bib edged below with successive black, white and rust coloured borders. Some races, such as the Red-spotted Bluethroat of north Eurasia, have a red spot in the centre of the blue bib. Others, such the White-spotted Bluethroat of south and central Europe, have a white spot in the centre of the blue bib. The Bluethroat in Turkey has no central spot at all. The female of all races usually has just a blackish crescent on an otherwise cream throat and breast. Newly fledged juveniles are freckled and spotted dark brown above. Despite the distinctive appearance of the males, recent genetic studies show only limited variation between the forms and confirm that this is a single species. The Bluethroat is a migratory insectivorous species breeding in wet birch wood or bushy swamp in Europe and across the Palearctic with a foothold in western Alaska. It nests in tussocks or low in dense bushes. It winters in north Africa and the Indian subcontinent. Date: 4th July 2019 Location: River Jakobselva valley near Vestre Jakobselv, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14160903.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20543937494f3e29520600e.jpgPeacock Flight period: March to September. The Peacock is a familiar and widespread butterfly which is continuing to expand its range in the UK. It is a highly adaptable species that can be found almost anywhere but the best sites are where favoured nectar plants are available. Date: 7th July 2007 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308856.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_195736952163ee37e00d884.jpgCommon Snipe The Common Snipe is a small, stocky wader native to the Old World. It is the most widespread of several similar snipe species. It most closely resembles the Wilson's Snipe of north America which was previously considered to be a sub-species of the Common Snipe. It is also very similar to the Pin-tailed Snipe and Swinhoe's Snipe of east Asia. A sub-species of Common Snipe can be found in Iceland, the Faroe Islands, Shetland and Orkney. This sub-species winters in the UK and Ireland. The Common Snipe is 9.8 to 10.6 inches in length with a 17 to 19 inches wingspan. The body is mottled brown with straw-yellow stripes on top and pale underneath. It has a dark stripe through the eye with light stripes above and below it. The wings are pointed. It has short greenish-grey legs and a very long (2.2 to 2.8 inches) straight dark bill. The Common Snipe can be found in the marshes, bogs, tundra and wet meadows throughout north Europe and north Asia. It is migratory with European birds wintering in south and west Europe and Africa (south to the Equator) and Asian birds wintering in tropical south Asia. The male Common Snipe performs a "winnowing" display during courtship, flying high in circles and then taking shallow dives to produce a "drumming" sound by vibrating its tail feathers. The nest is located in a well hidden location on the ground. The female lays 4 eggs which are incubated for 18 to 21 days. The young are covered in dark maroon down, variegated with black, white and buff and are cared for by both parents with fledging occurring in 10 to 20 days. The Common Snipe is a well camouflaged bird and it is usually shy and conceals itself close to ground vegetation and flushes only when approached closely. When flushed, it utters a sharp call and flies off in a series of aerial zig-zags to confuse predators. The Common Snipe forages in soft mud, probing or picking up food by sight. It mainly eats insects and earthworms but also some plant material. Overall, the Common Snipe is not a threatened species although populations on the southern fringes of the breeding range in Europe are declining with local extinction in some areas (including in the UK) mainly due to field drainage and agricultural intensification. The Common Snipe is a species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 21st January 2022 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45456928.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_442946185624fff0c40b52.jpgSanderling The Sanderling is a small, plump, energetic wading bird. It has a short straight black bill and medium length black legs and is pale grey above and white underneath. Sanderlings breed in the high Arctic but can be seen in the UK during the winter months and as a passage migrant in spring and autumn. They can be found where there are long, sandy beaches around most of the coast other than in south west England and the rocky coasts of mainland Scotland. Date: 9th November 2021 Location: Shoeburyness, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084874.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16299216465d3088e0860b6.jpgPiatra Craiului Mountains, Brașov County, Romania The Piatra Craiului Mountains are a mountain range in the Southern Carpathians in central Romania. It forms a narrow and saw-like ridge which is about 16 miles long. Vârful La Om is the highest peak at 7343 feet. The ridge is regarded as one of the most impressive and beautiful sites in the Carpathian Mountians and the views both towards and from the mountains are superb. The whole range is included in the Piatra Craiului National Park. The first protection of this area started in 1938 when 2 square miles were declared as a nature reserve. This has been progressively extended and in 1990 it became a national park covering an area of 38 square miles. In 2003 the external limits and internal zoning were created. Since 1999 a park administration has existed with a visitor centre located on the minor road 0.6 miles west of Zărnești and since 2005 a management plan has been in place. Piatra Craiului National Park supports and protects an abundance and diversity of mammals (including Brown Bear, Wolf and Lynx), birds and plants. Zărneşti is the most important town for visiting the Piatra Craiului Mountains and the Piatra Craiului National Park. The town is located 17 miles south west of the city of Brașov. From Zărnești, a 7 mile long minor road runs west and ends at Cabana Plaiul Foii which is a good starting point for climbing the ridge. In addition, a forest road starts from the south west of Zărneşti which leads to the Zărneştilor Gorge and continues up to the ridge. The traditional villages of Măgura, Peştera, Ciocanu and Şirnea are starting points for routes up to the eastern slopes. Măgura, situated at 3281 feet, is one of Romania’s most picturesque villages and it provides stunning views towards the Bucegi Mountains and the Piatra Craiului Mountains. Date: 5th June 2018 Location: Piatra Craiului Mountains from Măgura, Brașov County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41254085.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15498961675f059e97b9e6e.jpgCommon Gull The Common Gull is a medium-sized gull. The north American subspecies is commonly referred to as the Mew Gull although that name is also used by some authorities for the whole species. The Common Gull is noticeably smaller and more gentle looking than the Herring Gull. It is grey above and white below with greenish-yellow legs. It has black wingtips with large white "mirrors". Young birds have scaly black-brown upperparts and a neat wing pattern and grey legs and take 2 to 3 years to reach maturity. In winter, the head is streaked grey and the bill often has a poorly defined blackish band near the tip which is sometimes sufficiently obvious to cause confusion with the Ring-billed Gull. The call is a high-pitched "laughing" cry. The Common Gull breeds colonially near water or in marshes in north Europe, north west north America and north Asia. It is most numerous in Europe with over half (possibly as much as 80 to 90%) of the world population. In the UK, the Common Gull can be found in summer along the coasts and inland marshes and lakes of Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England. Elsewhere in England and Wales, it can be found in winter on farmland, on marshes and lakes and on the coast. Date: 26th June 2019 Location: Katajanokka harbour, Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11265458.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15901690254e1ad48eb7430.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 11th May 2008 Location: Skomer, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo8048540.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5225533314d0d03a4c8e03.jpgWaxwing The Waxwing is a plump bird which is slightly smaller than a Starling. It is buff or pinkish-brown in colour with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings, a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest. The bird’s name is derived from the red tips to some of the wing feathers which are said to look like they have been dipped in sealing wax. Waxwings breed in the dense forests of northern Europe but they occur in varying numbers in the UK from October to March. In some years they can occur in large numbers (known as irruptions) when the population in the breeding areas gets too big for the food available. The first UK arrivals each winter are usually seen on the east coast from Scotland to East Anglia but birds then move inland in search of food. They can be found in parks and gardens and even busy public places such as supermarket car parks, typically where there are berry-bearing trees and bushes such as rowan, hawthorn, cotoneaster and rose. Waxwings seem fearless of humans so it is relatively easy to get very close views of these stunning birds. Waxwings make an easily recognisable high-pitched trilling sound like a bell. Date: 11th December 2010 Location: Folkestone, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo20950836.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_848326878535e0e55d60f7.jpgGadwall The Gadwall is one of the most common and widespread dabbling ducks. The breeding male is patterned grey with a black rear end, light chestnut wings and a brilliant white speculum which is obvious in flight or at rest. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female but retains the male wing pattern and is usually greyer above and has less orange on the bill. The female is light brown with plumage much like a female Mallard. It can be distinguished from that species by the dark orange-edged bill, smaller size, the white speculum and white belly. The Gadwall breeds in north Europe and Asia and central north America and appears to be expanding into eastern north America. It is a bird of open wetlands and lakes, wet grassland or marshes with dense fringing vegetation and it nests on the ground, often some distance from water. In the UK, the Gadwall is a scarce breeding bird on some lakes and gravel pits in the Midlands, south east England, eastern central Scotland, eastern Northern Ireland and south east Wales. In winter, numbers increase as birds migrate to spend the winter in the UK on gravel pits, lakes, reservoirs and coastal wetlands. Date: 12th April 2014 Location: Rye Meads RSPB reserve, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/olvera-andalucia-spain https://images.on-this.website/4752_115870370152528af639a58.jpgOlvera, Andalucia, Spain Olvera is a “white town” town located in the province of Cádiz in Andalucia. There has been a human settlement on the site of Olvera for more than 2000 years. Archaeological findings suggest this verdant agricultural region north east of Ronda was an important area for settlement as far back as the Palaeolithic era at least 12000 years ago. It was definitely settled as a town by the Phoenician and Roman periods The hills surrounding Olvera are full of olive groves that provide the best extraction of olive oils in Andalucia. Of great interest within the municipality is a large colony of Griffon Vultures to be found at Peñon de Zaframagón, a huge rock outcrop that is located 9 miles to the north west of the town. Date: 7th September 2013 Location: Olvera, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4352155.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11031359864b687b23a833c.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 1st February 2010 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31192272.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12472143159182395072681.47910733.jpgNorthern Wheatear The Northern Wheatear or Wheatear is a small passerine bird that was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family but is now more generally considered to be an Old World flycatcher. It is the most widespread member of the Wheatear genus in Europe and Asia. The English name has nothing to do with wheat or ears but is probably derived from the Middle English [i]whit ers[/i] meaning "white arse" and referring to the prominent white rump of many Wheatear species The Northern Wheatear is larger than the European Robin at 5.7 to 6.3 inches in length. Both sexes have a white rump and tail with a black inverted T-pattern at the end of the tail. The summer plumaged male has grey upperparts, buff throat and black wings and face mask. In autumn it resembles the female apart from the black wings. The female is pale brown above and buff below with darker brown wings. The Northern Wheatear makes one of the longest migratory flights of any small bird, crossing ocean, ice and desert. It migrates from sub-Saharan Africa in spring to breed in open rocky country, tundra, moorland, heaths and pastures over a vast area of the Northern Hemisphere that includes northern and central Asia, Europe, Greenland, Alaska and parts of Canada. In autumn it returns to winter in central Africa. In the UK, the Northern Wheatear is a summer visitor and passage migrant arriving in early March and leaving in September. It breeds mainly in western and northern Britain and western Ireland although smaller numbers also breed in southern and eastern England. The Northern Wheatear is primarily an insectivorous bird and feeds mostly on beetles, ants, caterpillars, grasshoppers, flies, etc. It also eats spiders, centipedes and snails and berries in the autumn. Date: 7th May 2017 Location: RSPB Conwy, Conwy http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28883744.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_174494307257cc16421ae99.jpgRed-backed Shrike The Red-backed Shrike is a carnivorous passerine bird and member of the shrike family. The general colour of the male’s upper parts is reddish. It has a grey head and a typical shrike black stripe through the eye. Underparts are tinged pink and the tail has a black and white pattern similar to that of a Wheatear. In the female and young birds the upperparts are brown and vermiculated and the underparts are buff and also vermiculated. The Red-backed Shrike eats large insects, small birds, frogs, rodents and lizards. Like other shrikes it hunts from prominent perches and impales corpses on thorns or barbed wire as a "larder." This practice has earned it the nickname of "butcher bird." The Red-backed Shrike breeds in most of Europe and western Asia and winters in tropical Africa. Once a common migratory visitor to the UK, numbers declined sharply during the 20th century. The bird's last stronghold was in Breckland but by 1988 just a single pair remained, successfully raising young at Santon Downham. The following year for the first time no nests were recorded in the UK but since then sporadic breeding has taken place, mostly in Scotland and Wales, and in September 2010 the RSPB announced that a pair had raised chicks at a secret location on Dartmoor where the bird last bred in 1970. This return to south west England has been an unexpected development and has raised speculation that a warming climate could assist the bird in re-colonising some of its traditional sites, if only in small numbers. Date: 18th May 2016 Location: Mehikoorma to Haavametsa, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41623073.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12478992605f4d1ddabbafe.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 6th July 2019 Location: near Gednje, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512251.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_81413105562c99652e9cfd.jpgDartford Warbler The Dartford Warbler is a small warbler distinguished by its long tail compared with that of other warblers. Its plumage comprises unobtrusive and muted tones which blend in with its preferred habitats. Like many warblers, the Dartford Warbler has distinct male and female plumages. The male has a grey back and head, reddish underparts and a red eye. The female is paler below, especially on the throat, and a browner grey above. The song of the Dartford Warbler is a distinctive rattling warble. The largest populations of Dartford Warbler are found in Iberia with smaller populations in France, Italy and the south of the UK. In Africa, they are found in small areas in northern Morocco and northern Algeria. The Dartford Warbler breeds on heathlands amongst gorse, heather and other scrub bushes, sometimes near coasts. Dartford Warblers are named after Dartford Heath in north west Kent in the UK where the population became extinct in the early 20th century. They almost died out in the UK in the severe winter of 1962/63 when the national population dropped to just 10 pairs. However, this species can recover well in good quality habitat, thanks to repeated nesting and a high survival rate for the young. In the UK, Dartford Warblers can now be found at various heathland locations in south and east England. Date: 11th May 2022 Location: Morden Bog, Wareham Forest, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21959345.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_38601749353da7b9e92025.jpgArctic Tern The Arctic Tern is a seabird of the tern family. The adult plumage is grey above with a black nape and crown and white cheeks. The upperwings are pale grey with the area near the wingtip being translucent. The tail is white and the underparts pale grey. The beak is dark red as are the short legs and webbed feet. Like most terns, the Arctic Tern has high aspect ratio wings and a tail with a deep fork and long tail streamers. Both sexes are similar in appearance. The winter plumage is similar but the crown is whiter and the bills are darker. Juveniles differ from adults having black bill and legs, "scaly" appearing wings and mantle with dark feather tips, dark carpal wing bar and short tail streamers. During their first summer, juveniles also have a whiter forecrown. Whilst the Arctic Tern is similar to the Common and the Roseate Tern, its colouring, profile and call are slightly different. Compared to the Common Tern, it has a longer tail and mono-coloured bill, whilst the main differences from the Roseate Tern are its slightly darker colour and longer wings. The Arctic Tern has a circumpolar breeding distribution covering the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of Europe, Asia and north America. It is strongly migratory and sees 2 summers each year and more daylight than any other creature on the planet. It migrates along a convoluted route from its northern summer breeding grounds to the northern edge of the Antarctic coast for the southern summer and back again about 6 months later. In the UK, breeding Arctic Terns can best be seen on islands such as the Farne Islands in Northumberland or Orkney and Shetland in northern Scotland where the greatest densities occur. Recent studies have shown average annual roundtrip lengths of 25000 to 50000 miles depending on the route taken and weather and wind conditions. The Arctic Tern is a long-lived bird with many reaching 30 years of age and based on this average it will travel some 1.5 million miles during its lifetime. This is by far the longest migration known in the animal kingdom. Breeding takes place in colonies on coasts, islands and occasionally inland on tundra near water. The Arctic Tern often forms mixed colonies with the Common Tern and Sandwich Tern. As it nests on the ground, the Arctic Tern is vulnerable to predation but it is one of the most aggressive terns and it is fiercely defensive of its nest and young. It will attack humans and large predators, usually striking the top or back of the head. Although it is too small to cause serious injury, it is still capable of drawing blood and repelling many raptorial birds and smaller mammalian predators such as foxes and cats. Other nesting birds, such as auks, often incidentally benefit from the protection provided by nesting in an area defended by Arctic Terns. The diet of the Arctic Tern varies depending on location and time but it usually eats small fish or marine crustaceans by dipping down to the surface of the water to catch prey. While feeding, skuas, gulls and other tern species will often harass the birds and steal their food. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Inner Farne, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9563018.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18180958554dae95138b248.jpgSnow Bunting Snow Buntings are large buntings with striking “snowy” plumages. Males in summer have all white heads and underparts contrasting with a black mantle and wing tips. Females are a more mottled above. In autumn and winter birds develop a sandy/buff wash to their plumage and males have more mottled upperparts. Snow Buntings breed in far northern Europe and migrate south in winter. They are a very scarce breeding species in the UK and can be found on the highest mountain peaks in Scotland where they nest in rocky crevices. Snow Buntings are best looked for in winter (from late September to early March) where they can sometimes be seen in large flocks on the seashore or on adjacent short rough grassland at coastal sites in Scotland and eastern England. Date: 26th March 2008 Location: Cairngorm, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26031510.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_89790920056376ed153f7f.jpgLong-tailed Duck The Long-tailed Duck is a medium-sized sea duck. Adults have white underparts although the rest of the plumage goes through a complex moulting process. The male has a long pointed tail and a dark grey bill crossed by a pink band. In winter, the male has a dark cheek patch on a mainly white head and neck, a dark breast and mostly white body. In summer, the male is dark on the head, neck and back with a white cheek patch. The female has a brown back and a relatively short pointed tail. In winter, the female's head and neck are white with a dark crown. In summer, the head is dark. Juveniles resemble adult females in autumn plumage, though with a lighter, less distinct cheek patch. The Long-tailed Duck breeds in tundra pools and marshes but also along sea coasts and in large mountain lakes in north America, northern Europe and Russia. It is migratory and winters along the eastern and western coasts of north America, on the Great Lakes, coastal northern and western Europe and Asia. The most important wintering area is the Baltic Sea where a total of about 4.5 million gather. The Long-tailed Duck feeds by diving for molluscs, crustaceans and some small fish. Date: 2nd June 2015 Location: Lake Mývatn, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45174874.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_974290267623301e18c45a.jpgPurple Sandpiper The Purple Sandpiper is a small wading shorebird. Adults have short yellow legs and a medium thin dark bill with a yellow base. The body is dark above with a slight purplish gloss and mainly white below. The breast is smeared with grey and the rump is black. The Purple Sandpiper breeds in the northern tundra and Arctic islands in Canada and coastal areas in Greenland and north west Europe and nests on the ground either elevated on rocks or in a lower damp location. The males makes several scrapes following which the female chooses one and lays 3 or 4 eggs. The male takes the major responsibility for incubation and tends the chicks. The Purple Sandpiper is migratory and moves to rocky ice-free Atlantic coasts in winter where it is fairly gregarious, forming small flocks and often associating with Turnstones. It is also relatively tame and approachable. In the UK, the Purple Sandpiper occurs in winter in good numbers, principally along the east and south coasts where it favours rocky shorelines adjacent to the sea. It is a very rare breeding bird and is found only in a localised area of the Cairngorms National Park where 1 to 3 pairs have bred since the 1970s. Date: 19th December 2021 Location: Lowestoft Ness, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082136.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21238704535d307a8a07c96.jpgEuropean Bee-eater The European Bee-eater is an incredibly colourful bird with an unmistakable appearance. In breeding plumage, it has a rich chestnut crown that blends into gold on its back. The forehead is white, the throat is yellow bordered by black and the underparts are blue. The male European Bee-eater has a chestnut-coloured patch in the middle of the wing while in females this patch is usually smaller or even absent. Occasionally, females may also be distinguished from the males by having a green back. The wings and backs of juvenile European Bee-eaters are entirely green and the eyes are brown in contrast to the bright red eyes of adults. The European Bee-eater breeds in southern Europe and in parts of north Africa and western Asia. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, India and Sri Lanka. European Bee-eaters are occasionally seen in northern Europe (including the UK) as a spring overshoot north of its range with occasional breeding occurring. Just as the name suggests, the European Bee-eater predominantly eats insects, especially bees, wasps and hornets which are caught in the air by sorties from an open perch. Before eating its meal, a European Bee-eater removes the sting by repeatedly hitting the insect on a hard surface. Lizards and frogs are also taken. European Bee-eaters are gregarious, nesting colonially in sandy banks preferably near river shores and also feeding and roosting communally. Date: 19th May 2018 Location: Krapets, Dobrich Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453928.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2824119024ff545a0e0c90.jpgGriffon Vulture The Griffon Vulture is a typical Old World vulture in appearance with a white bald head, very broad wings and short tail feathers. It has a white neck ruff and yellow bill. The buff body and wing coverts contrast with the dark flight feathers. They are very large birds around 37 to 43 inches long with a 91 to 106 inches wingspan. Like other vultures, the Griffon Vulture is a scavenger, feeding mostly from carcasses of dead animals which it finds by soaring over open areas, often moving in flocks. The population is mostly resident in its breeding range in the mountains of southern Europe, north Africa, and Asia. In Spain, there are tens of thousands of birds from a low of a few thousand around 1980 although the Pyrenees population has apparently been affected by an EU ruling that due to danger of BSE transmission, no carcasses must be left on the fields for the time being. Although the Griffon Vulture does not normally attack larger living prey, there are reports of Spanish Griffon Vultures killing weak, young or unhealthy living animals as they do not find enough carrion to eat. Date: 27th April 2012 Location: Location: Portilla del Tiétar, Parque Nacional de Monfragüe, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42229282.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1805223832603e5d5b7f1dc.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 27th February 2021 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871759.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15012337494eff21fa3b825.jpgWhite-tailed Eagle The White-tailed Eagle is a very large bird with a 72 to 96 inch wingspan and is the fourth largest eagle in the world. It has broad "barn door" wings, a large head and a thick "meat-cleaver" beak. The adult is mainly brown except for the paler head and neck, blackish flight feathers, distinctive white tail, and yellow bill and legs. In juvenile birds the tail and bill are darker, with the tail becoming white with a dark terminal band in sub-adults. The White-tailed Eagle breeds in northern Europe and northern Asia. The largest population in Europe is found along the coast of Norway. They are mostly resident with only the northernmost birds such as the eastern Scandinavian and Siberian population migrating south in winter. Date: 1st June 2009 Location: Martinselkosen Eräkeskus, Pirttivaara, Kainuu, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21957827.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_45525293753da3fc5250fc.jpgKittiwakes The Kittiwake is a gentle looking, medium sized gull with a small yellow bill and a dark eye. It has a grey back and is white underneath. Its legs are short and black. In flight the black wing-tips show no white, unlike other gulls, and look as if they have been “dipped in ink”. The population is declining in some areas, perhaps due to a shortage of sand eels. Kittiwakes are strictly coastal gulls. In the breeding season, they can be found on rocky, steep sea-cliffs at the major seabird colonies around the UK from February until August. From August to October they can be seen flying past offshore and they spend the winter months out at sea. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Staple Island, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871519.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12294340454eff196063a40.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 26th December 2011 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/black-tailed-godwit https://images.on-this.website/4752_1708499704db01d84903ad.jpgBlack-tailed Godwit The Black-tailed Godwit is a large, long-legged, long-billed shorebird with an orange head, neck and chest in its breeding plumage and a uniform brown-grey breast and upperparts in winter. During the breeding season, the bill has a yellowish or orange-pink base and dark tip but the base is pink in winter. The legs are dark grey, brown or black. The sexes are similar but in breeding plumage they can be separated by the male's brighter, more extensive orange breast, neck and head. In flight, the bold black and white wingbar and white rump can be seen readily. When on the ground the Black-tailed Godwit can be difficult to separate from the similar Bar-tailed Godwit but the Black-tailed Godwit's longer, straighter bill and longer legs are diagnostic. The Black-tailed Godwit’s breeding range stretches from Iceland through northern Europe and areas of central Asia where it can be found in fens, lake edges, damp meadows, moorlands and bogs. It winters in areas as diverse as the Indian Subcontinent, Australia, western Europe and west Africa where it can be found on estuaries and floods. It is also more likely to be found inland and on freshwater than the Bar-tailed Godwit. Date: 1st September 2007 Location: Maldon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645734.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_73393324351e3d045668a8.jpgBiałowieża, Poland The Białowieża forest is an ancient mixed forest that straddles the border between Poland and Belarus. It is one of the largest remaining parts of the immense primaeval forest that once stretched across the Great European Plain. On the Polish side, the central part of the Białowieża forest is protected as the Białowieża National Park with an area of about 39 square miles. The National Park, created in 1932, is under strict preservation and has been declared by UNESCO a World Biosphere Reserve and put on the World Heritage List. The Białowieża forest is home to many species of forest birds plus large mammals such as Wolf, Lynx, Moose and European Bison. Park Palacowy (Palace Park) in Białowieża covering 50 ha was founded between 19th and 20th century. It is a park in an English landscape style with several tsarist red brick buildings from the 19th century and a gate which is the only remnant of the wooden manor. There are extensive views to Białowieża National Park. Date: 25th May 2013 Location: Park Palacowy, Białowieża, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30024919.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_725778996587a0a3ee8941.jpgShoveler The Northern Shoveler, known simply as the Shoveler in the UK, is a common and widespread dabbling duck. The Shoveler is unmistakable due to its large spatulate bill. The breeding male has an iridescent dark green head, white breast and chestnut belly and flanks. In flight, pale blue forewing feathers are revealed which are separated from the green speculum by a white border. In early autumn the male has a white crescent on each side of the face. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male resembles the female. The female is a drab mottled brown with plumage much like a female Mallard but easily distinguished by the long broad bill which is grey tinged with orange on the cutting edge and lower mandible. The female's forewing is grey. The Shoveler can be found in open wetlands, such as wet grassland or marshes with some emergent vegetation, in northern areas of Europe and Asia and across most of north America. It winters in south Europe, Africa, the Indian sub-continent, south east Asia and central and northern south America. In the UK, the Shoveler breeds primarily in south and east England and in much smaller numbers in Scotland and west England. In winter, breeding birds move south and there is additionally an influx of continental birds from further north. The UK is home to more than 20% of the north west European population. The Shoveler prefers to nest in grassy areas away from open water. The nest is a shallow depression on the ground lined with plant material and down. Females typically lay about 9 eggs. The males are very territorial during the breeding season and will defend their territory and partners from competing males. Males also engage in elaborate courtship behaviours both on the water and in the air. The Shoveler feeds by dabbling for plant food, often by swinging its bill from side to side and using the bill to strain food from the water. It uses its highly specialized bill (from which their name is derived) to forage for aquatic invertebrates. Date: 5th January 2017 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/tree-pipit https://images.on-this.website/4752_51533088957cc05300b848.jpgTree Pipit The Tree Pipit is a small passerine bird in the pipit family. It is an undistinguished-looking species, similar to the Meadow Pipit, streaked brown above and with black markings on a white belly and buff breast below. It can be distinguished from the slightly smaller Meadow Pipit by its heavier bill and greater contrast between its buff breast and white belly. The Tree Pipit’s song flight is unmistakable. The bird rises a short distance up from a tree and then parachutes down on stiff wings, the song becoming more drawn out towards the end. The Tree Pipit breeds across most of Europe and temperate western and central Asia. It is a long-distance migrant moving in winter to Africa and southern Asia. The Tree Pipit breeds in habitats with a wooded component, including lowland heath and coppice. It is found mostly in open birch woodland on the boundary with moorland or in open structured oak woodland. It nests on the ground amongst grass or heather tussocks. Date: 19th May 2016 Location: Selli-Sillaosta bog nature trail, Alam Pedja Nature Reserve, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/gatekeepers https://images.on-this.website/4752_4659816854f42332604752.jpgGatekeepers Flight period: mid-July to early September. The Gatekeeper or Hedge Brown is common and widespread throughout the southern half of the UK. They can be found in areas with hedgerows or in scrubby woodland with wide and sunny rides. Date: 15th July 2006 Location: Thrift Wood EWT reserve, Bicknacre, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31837497.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5012072105956241694dc17.28948982.jpgCurlew The (Eurasian) Curlew is a wader and one of the most widespread of the curlew species. In Europe, it is usually referred to just as the Curlew. It is mainly greyish-brown with a white back, greyish-blue legs and a very long curved bill. Males and females look identical but the bill is longest in the adult female. The only similar species over most of the Curlew's range is the Whimbrel but this species is smaller and has a shorter bill with a kinked tip rather than a smooth curve. The English name "curlew" is imitative of the Curlew's familiar and loud curloo-oo call. The Curlew breeds across temperate Europe and Asia and builds a nest in a bare scrape on moors, meadows and similar habitats. It is a migratory species over most of its range and winters in Africa, south Europe and south Asia. It is present all year in the milder climates of the UK and its adjacent European coasts. In the UK, the greatest breeding numbers are found in north Wales, the Pennines, the southern uplands and Highlands of Scotland and on Orkney. In winter, it can be found around the whole UK coastline with the largest concentrations at Morecambe Bay, the Solway Firth and the Wash and the Dee, Severn, Humber and Thames estuaries. The Curlew is highly gregarious outside the breeding season and feeds by probing soft mud for small invertebrates or picking up small crabs and earthworms off the surface if the opportunity arises. The Curlew is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Formerly classified as a species of “Least Concern” by the IUCN, it was suspected to be rarer than generally assumed. Following the evaluation of its population size, the classification was found to be incorrect and it was consequently promoted to “Near Threatened” status in 2008. Though it is a common bird, its numbers are noticeably declining. Date: 20th June 2017 Location: Glen Quaich, Perthshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28887399.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12371135557cc3fbf1ef74.jpgSlavonian Grebe The Slavonian Grebe is a member of the grebe family of water birds. It is also known as the Horned Grebe in north America. Unmistakable in summer, the plumage of both the male and female Slavonian Grebe shows a black head with golden puffy earlike tufts along the sides of its face. It shows a deep rusty red neck, scarlet eyes and a small, straight black bill tipped with white. During the winter, the Slavonian Grebe is mainly white with a sharply defined black cap. The Slavonian Grebe breeds in vegetated areas of freshwater lakes across Europe and Asia. It also breeds in remote inland parts of the United States and much of Canada. Like all grebes, it builds a nest on the water's edge, since its legs are set very far back and it can not walk well. Most birds migrate in winter to the coast. Date: 10th May 2016 Location: Haapsalu, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo442179.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1731730819467f22bf1c602.jpgLoch Sunart, Argyll Loch Sunart is a sea loch in the Western Highlands extending almost 20 miles westwards from Glen Tarbert before opening out into the Sound of Mull. Loch Sunart separates the areas of Ardnamurchan and Sunart to the north from Morvern in the south. Date: 5th June 2006 Location: view from the A861 road at Strontian http://www.richardchewphotography.com/woodlark https://images.on-this.website/4752_1874839580535e13e2b283d.jpgWoodlark The Woodlark is a streaky brown bird with a buffy-white eye-stripe which meets across the nape. It has a well developed crest on its crown which is not always conspicuous. In flight the peculiarly short tail and broad, rounded wings are noticeable and the deeply undulating flight with closed wing glides is characteristic. The Woodlark can be found all year round and breeds mainly in eastern and southern England on the heathlands of Hampshire, Surrey, Berkshire, Norfolk and Suffolk. Date: 14th April 2014 Location: Santon Downham, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39083995.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14087041635d30835b8af2d.jpgCommon Wall Lizard The Common (European) Wall Lizard is a small, thin lizard which can grow to about 7.9 inches in total length and whose small scales are highly variable in colour and pattern. Its colouration is generally brownish or greyish and may occasionally be tinged with green. In some individuals, the row of spots along their backs may form a line whilst others may have a reticulated pattern with dark spots on the side and scattered white spots that can be blue in the shoulder region. The tail is brown, grey or rust in colour and may also have light bars on the sides. The belly region has six rows of larger rectangular scales that are generally reddish, pink or orangish. There may also be dark markings on the throat. The Common Wall Lizard has 6 distinct morphological forms which are identified by the colouration of its throat and underbelly. The Common Wall Lizard can be found in rocky environments, including urban settings, where it can scurry between rock, rubble, debris and buildings. Its natural range spans mainland Europe but it also occurs as an introduced species in southern UK and north America. Date: 29th May 2018 Location: near Teshel, Smolyan Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41292172.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6089851305f10b23644fc4.jpgPasvikdalen, Troms og Finnmark, Norway The Pasvik valley (Norwegian: [i]Pasvikdalen[/i]) is a river valley located in Norway and Russia. The Norwegian side of the valley is situated in Sør-Varanger municipality in Troms og Finnmark and the Russian side is located in the Pechengsky district in Murmansk Oblast. Øvre Pasvik National Park (Norwegian: [i]Øvre Pasvik Nasjonalpark[/i]) is located in the south eastern part of the valley and covers an area of 46 square miles. It is dominated by Siberian-like taiga consisting of old-growth forests of Scots pine, shallow lakes and bogs. Proposals for a national park in Øvre Pasvik were first launched in 1936 but it was not created until February 1970. It originally covered 25 square miles but was expanded in August 2003. Øvre Pasvik National Park is part of the larger Pasvik–Inari Trilateral Park along with the adjacent Øvre Pasvik Landscape Protection Area, the joint Norwegian and Russian Pasvik Nature Reserve and Finland's Vätsäri Wilderness Area. The fauna and flora of the Øvre Pasvik National Park is typical of the Siberian taiga. This includes Brown Bear, Wolverine, Wolf, Lynx and Elk and a very interesting diversity of northern and eastern species of birds which breed on the lakes and rivers and in the forests. The River Pasvikelva runs through the valley (giving it the name) and the river defines part of the border between Norway and Russia. It is the outlet from the large Lake Inari in Finland and flows through Norway and Russia to discharge into the Bøkfjorden (which later flows into the Varangerfjorden and then the Barents Sea) not far from the town of Kirkenes. The river has a watershed of 7106 square miles and is 90 miles long. A series of hydroelectric power stations are situated along its course. Since 1826, the River Pasvikelva has marked parts of the border between Norway and Russia, except from 1920 to 1944 when it was along the border between Norway and Finland. The southern part of the valley is also the location of the Treriksrøysa (Three-Country Cairn), a cairn which marks the tripoint where the borders between Norway, Finland and Russia meet. The site is on a hill called Muotkavaara situated west of the River Pasvikelva. It is the only place where 3 time zones meet: Central European Time, Eastern European Time and Further-Eastern European Time. The tripoint can only be approached by the public from the Norwegian side since both Finland and Russia maintain extensive border zones where public access is prohibited. Date: 29th June 2019 Location: view between Melkefoss and Nyrud, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37431268.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9162587475c6bec0756a22.jpgWigeon The Eurasian Wigeon, or simply Wigeon, is one of 3 species of Wigeon in the dabbling duck genus [i]Mareca[/i]. The Wigeon is 17 to 20 inches in length with a 28 to 31 inches wingspan. The breeding male has grey flanks and back with a black rear end, a dark green speculum and a brilliant white patch on the upper wings which obvious in flight or at rest. It has a pink breast, white belly and a chestnut head with a creamy crown. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female. The female is generally light brown but it can be distinguished from most other ducks, apart from the American Wigeon, on shape. The Wigeon breeds in the northernmost areas of Europe and Asia where it is the Old World counterpart of north America's American Wigeon. It is a bird of open wetlands, such as wet grassland or marshes with some taller vegetation, and nests on the ground near water and under cover. The Wigeon is strongly migratory and winters further south than its breeding range. It is highly gregarious outside of the breeding season and will form large flocks. In the UK, the Wigeon can be found all year round. It is a scarce breeding bird in central and northern Scotland and in northern England. In winter, many birds arrive in the UK from Iceland, Scandinavia and Russia and very large numbers can be seen on the coasts and at some inland sites. The Wigeon is categorised by the IUCN as a species of “Least Concern” but it is a species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 8th January 2019 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18776297.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_39137374551f4cf6100977.jpgNorthern Wheatear The Northern Wheatear or Wheatear is a small passerine bird that was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family but is now more generally considered to be an Old World flycatcher. It is the most widespread member of the Wheatear genus in Europe and Asia. The English name has nothing to do with wheat or ears but is probably derived from the Middle English [i]whit ers[/i] meaning "white arse" and referring to the prominent white rump of many Wheatear species The Northern Wheatear is larger than the European Robin at 5.7 to 6.3 inches in length. Both sexes have a white rump and tail with a black inverted T-pattern at the end of the tail. The summer plumaged male has grey upperparts, buff throat and black wings and face mask. In autumn it resembles the female apart from the black wings. The female is pale brown above and buff below with darker brown wings. The Northern Wheatear makes one of the longest migratory flights of any small bird, crossing ocean, ice and desert. It migrates from sub-Saharan Africa in spring to breed in open rocky country, tundra, moorland, heaths and pastures over a vast area of the Northern Hemisphere that includes northern and central Asia, Europe, Greenland, Alaska and parts of Canada. In autumn it returns to winter in central Africa. In the UK, the Northern Wheatear is a summer visitor and passage migrant arriving in early March and leaving in September. It breeds mainly in western and northern Britain and western Ireland although smaller numbers also breed in southern and eastern England. The Northern Wheatear is primarily an insectivorous bird and feeds mostly on beetles, ants, caterpillars, grasshoppers, flies, etc. It also eats spiders, centipedes and snails and berries in the autumn. Date: 20th June 2013 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453927.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15542108684ff5459b0c490.jpgGriffon Vulture The Griffon Vulture is a typical Old World vulture in appearance with a white bald head, very broad wings and short tail feathers. It has a white neck ruff and yellow bill. The buff body and wing coverts contrast with the dark flight feathers. They are very large birds around 37 to 43 inches long with a 91 to 106 inches wingspan. Like other vultures, the Griffon Vulture is a scavenger, feeding mostly from carcasses of dead animals which it finds by soaring over open areas, often moving in flocks. The population is mostly resident in its breeding range in the mountains of southern Europe, north Africa, and Asia. In Spain, there are tens of thousands of birds from a low of a few thousand around 1980 although the Pyrenees population has apparently been affected by an EU ruling that due to danger of BSE transmission, no carcasses must be left on the fields for the time being. Although the Griffon Vulture does not normally attack larger living prey, there are reports of Spanish Griffon Vultures killing weak, young or unhealthy living animals as they do not find enough carrion to eat. Date: 27th April 2012 Location: Location: Portilla del Tiétar, Parque Nacional de Monfragüe, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37190318.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8043531215c2a189c25e4a.jpgCommon Gull The Common Gull is a medium-sized gull. The north American subspecies is commonly referred to as the Mew Gull although that name is also used by some authorities for the whole species. The Common Gull is noticeably smaller and more gentle looking than the Herring Gull. It is grey above and white below with greenish-yellow legs. It has black wingtips with large white "mirrors". Young birds have scaly black-brown upperparts and a neat wing pattern and grey legs and take 2 to 3 years to reach maturity. In winter, the head is streaked grey and the bill often has a poorly defined blackish band near the tip which is sometimes sufficiently obvious to cause confusion with the Ring-billed Gull. The call is a high-pitched "laughing" cry. The Common Gull breeds colonially near water or in marshes in north Europe, north west north America and north Asia. It is most numerous in Europe with over half (possibly as much as 80 to 90%) of the world population. In the UK, the Common Gull can be found in summer along the coasts and inland marshes and lakes of Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England. Elsewhere in England and Wales, it can be found in winter on farmland, on marshes and lakes and on the coast. Date: 25th June 2018 Location: Loch Fleet, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457475.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2092607986668571ff2143d.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833197.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_856518544559ce79e536ba.jpgGreater Flamingos The Greater Flamingo is a largely pinkish-white bird but the wing coverts are red and the primary and secondary flight feathers are black. The bill is pink with a black tip and the legs are entirely pink. The Greater Flamingo is the most widespread species of the flamingo family and can be found in parts of Africa, southern Asia and southern Europe (including Spain, Sardinia, Albania, Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Portugal and the Camargue region of France). Some populations are short distance migrants, and records north of the breeding range are relatively frequent. However, given the species' popularity in captivity, whether these are truly wild individuals is a matter of some debate. The Greater Flamingo is the most widespread species of the flamingo family and can be found in parts of Africa, southern Asia and southern Europe (including Spain, Sardinia, Albania, Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Portugal and the Camargue region of France). Some populations are short distance migrants, and records north of the breeding range are relatively frequent. However, given the species' popularity in captivity, whether these are truly wild individuals is a matter of some debate. Date: 15th May 2015 Location: Kalahori Lagoon, Gulf of Thermaikos, Central Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13796947.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15597551234ee9b8928518c.jpgCommon Dolphin The Common Dolphin is a medium sized dolphin, smaller than the Bottle-nosed Dolphin. The colour pattern on the body is unusual. The back is dark and the belly is white, while on each side is an hourglass pattern colored light grey, yellow or gold in front and dirty grey in back. The Common Dolphin is widely distributed in temperate, sub-tropical and tropical waters throughout the world in a band roughly spanning 40 degrees south to 50 degrees north. Deep off-shore waters and to a lesser extent over continental shelves are preferred to shallow waters. Some populations may be present all year round whilst others appear to move in a migratory pattern. The total world population is unknown but numbers in the hundreds of thousands. Common Dolphins travel in groups of around 10 to 50 in number and frequently gather into schools numbering 100 to 2000 individuals. These schools are generally very active with groups often surfacing, jumping and splashing together. Typical behaviour includes breaching, tail-slapping, chin-slapping, bow-riding and porpoising. Common Dolphins are among the fastest swimming cetaceans, Date: 12th September 2008 Location: photo taken from Portsmouth to Bilbao P&O ferry http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230803.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4843981136491849ff047d.jpgHolly Blue Flight period: late April to end of August. The Holly Blue is easily identified in early spring as it emerges well before other blue butterflies. It tends to fly high around bushes and trees whereas other grassland blues usually stay near ground level. It is the commonest blue butterfly found in parks and gardens where it congregates around Holly (in spring) and Ivy (in late summer). The Holly Blue is widespread but undergoes large fluctuations in numbers from year to year. It has expanded northwards in recent years and has now colonised parts of north England and the extreme south of Scotland. Date: 28th May 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493290.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11790802705f326f85d96a7.jpgShag The European Shag, Common Shag or simply Shag is a species of cormorant. It is 27 to 31 inches in length with a 37 to 43 inches wingspan. It is mainly black in colour but with a glossy green-tinged sheen in adults. It has a longish tail and a yellow throat-patch. Adults have a small recurved crest in the breeding season. It is distinguished from the Cormorant by its smaller size, lighter build, thinner and narrower bill, and, in breeding adults, by the crest and metallic green-tinged sheen. The Shag breeds around the rocky coasts of west and south Europe, north Africa and south west Asia, mainly wintering in its breeding range except for the northernmost birds. It nests on rocky ledges or in crevices or small caves and the nests are untidy heaps of rotting seaweed or twigs cemented together by the bird's own guano. The nesting season is long and begins in late February although some nests are not started until May or even later. The female lays 3 eggs and the chicks hatch without down and so they rely totally on their parents for warmth, often for a period of 2 months before they can fly. Fledging may occur at any time from early June to late August and exceptionally to mid-October. In the UK, the Shag breeds at coastal sites, mainly in the north and west of the country, and more than half of the population is found at fewer than 10 sites. It can be seen during the breeding season at the large Scottish colonies on Orkney, Shetland, the Inner Hebrides and in the Firth of Forth. Elsewhere it can be seen commonly around the coasts of Wales and south west England, especially in Devon and Cornwall. The Shag feeds in the sea and, unlike the Cormorant, it is rare inland. It is one of the deepest pursuit divers among the cormorant family and it has been shown to dive to at least 150 feet. When it dives, it jumps out of the water first to give extra impetus to the dive. The Shag forages for food on the sea bed and eats a wide range of fish although the commonest prey is the sand eel. It will travel long distances from its breeding and roosting sites in order to feed. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26044580.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16922504145639db790c182.jpgBarrow's Goldeneye The Barrow's Goldeneye is a medium-sized diving duck named after Sir John Barrow, an English statesman and writer. The male Barrow's Goldeneye has a large dark head with an iridescent purplish gloss and a crescent-shaped white patch between the eye and bill. The dark back contrasts with the white neck, breast and belly. The scapulars are black with a distinctive row of rectangular white spots. The white greater coverts are tipped with black, forming a black band between the white speculum and the white patch on the greater coverts. The bill is black and the legs and feet are yellowish. The female Barrow's Goldeneye has a dark chocolate-brown head with a narrow whitish collar. The back and sides are slaty grey and the chest, breast and belly are white. The bill is mostly yellowish and the legs and feet are yellowish. The adult is similar in appearance to the Common Goldeneye. However, the male Barrow's Goldeneye differs from the male Common Goldeneye by the fact that the Common Goldeneye has a round white patch on the face, less black on the back and a larger bill. For the females, the Common Goldeneye has a less rounded head and a bill in which only the tip is yellow. The Barrow’s Goldeneye breeds on wooded lakes and ponds primarily in north western north America. It is considered to be an arboreal species because it mainly nests in cavities found in mature trees although it will also nest in burrows or protected sites on the ground. The Barrow’s Goldeneye can also be found in scattered locations in eastern Canada and Iceland (the only European site). It is an extremely rare vagrant to western Europe and to southern areas of north America. In Icelandic the Barrow’s Goldeneye is known as húsönd (house duck) and it is a common species in the Mývatn area in the north of the country. The Barrow’s Goldeneye is migratory and most winter in large flocks on lakes, rivers, estuaries and bays The Barrow's Goldeneye dives to feed on aquatic insects, crustaceans, small fish, fish eggs and pondweeds found in freshwater habitats and molluscs, crustaceans, seastars and marine worms found in saltwater habitats. Date: 2nd June 2015 Location: River Laxá, Lake Mývatn area, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48483017.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_146935994640a401316486.jpgBlackbird The Common Blackbird is a species of true thrush. It is also called Eurasian Blackbird (especially in North America in order to distinguish it from the unrelated New World blackbirds) or simply Blackbird where this does not lead to confusion with a similar-looking local species. The Blackbird’s name derives form 2 Latin words: turdus meaning “thrush” and merula meaning “blackbird”. It may not immediately be clear why the name "blackbird", first recorded in 1486, was applied to this species but not to one of the various other common black English birds, such as the Carrion Crow, Raven, Rook or Jackdaw. However, in Old English and in modern English up to about the 18th century, "bird" was used only for smaller or young birds and larger ones such as crows were called "fowl". At that time, the Blackbird was therefore the only widespread and conspicuous black bird in the UK. The Blackbird is around 9.25 to 11.5 inches in length including a long tail. The adult male has glossy black plumage, blackish-brown legs, a yellow eye-ring and an orange-yellow bill. The bill darkens somewhat in winter. The adult female is sooty-brown with a dull yellowish-brownish bill, a brownish-white throat and some weak mottling on the breast. The juvenile is similar to the female but has pale spots on the upperparts and the very young juvenile also has a speckled breast. Young birds vary in the shade of brown, with darker birds presumably males. The first year male resembles the adult male but has a dark bill and weaker eye ring and its folded wing is brown rather than black like the body plumage. The Blackbird breeds in temperate Eurasia, north Africa, the Canary Islands and south Asia. Populations are sedentary in the south and west of the range although northern birds migrate south as far as north Africa and tropical Asia in winter. Common over most of its range in woodland, the Blackbird has a preference for deciduous trees with dense undergrowth. However, gardens provide the most successful breeding habitat. It occurs up to around 3300 feet in Europe and is often replaced by the related Ring Ousel in areas of higher altitude. The Blackbird has an extensive range and a large population which is generally stable or increasing. However, there have been local declines, especially on farmland, which may be due to agricultural policies that encouraged farmers to remove hedgerows (which provide nesting places) and to drain damp grassland and increase the use of pesticides, both of which could have reduced the availability of invertebrate food. The Blackbird may commence breeding in March when the breeding pair prospect for a suitable nest site in a creeper or bush, favouring evergreen or thorny species such as ivy, holly, hawthorn, honeysuckle or pyracantha. Sometimes they will nest in sheds or outbuildings where a ledge or cavity is used. The cup-shaped nest is made with grasses, leaves and other vegetation and bound together with mud. It is built by the female alone. The nest is often ill-concealed compared with those of other species and many breeding attempts fail due to predation. The female lays 3 to 5 (average 4) bluish-green eggs marked with reddish-brown blotches which are incubated for 12 to 14 days before the chicks are hatched naked and blind. Fledging takes another 10 to 19 (average 13.6) days, with both parents feeding the young. The young are fed by the parents for up to 3 weeks after leaving the nest and they will follow the adults begging for food. If the female starts another nest, the male alone will feed the fledged young. Second broods are common with the female reusing the same nest if the brood was successful. The first-year male Blackbird may start singing as early as late January in fine weather in order to establish a territory, followed in late March by the adult male. The male's song is a varied and melodious low-pitched fluted warble which is given from trees, rooftops or other elevated perches mainly in the period from March to June and sometimes into the beginning of July. During the winter, the Blackbird can be heard quietly singing to itself, so much so that September and October are the only months which the song cannot be heard. The Blackbird is omnivorous, eating a wide range of insects, earthworms, seeds and berries. It feeds mainly on the ground, running and hopping with a start-stop-start progress. It pulls earthworms from the soil, usually finding them by sight but sometimes by hearing, and roots through leaf litter for other invertebrates. Small amphibians and lizards are occasionally hunted. The Blackbird will also perch in bushes to take berries and collect caterpillars and other active insects. Animal prey predominates and this is particularly important during the breeding season with windfall apples and berries taken more in the autumn and winter. Near human habitation the main predator of the Blackbird is the domestic cat, with newly fledged young especially vulnerable. Foxes and predatory birds, such as the Sparrowhawk, also predate the Blackbird when the opportunity arises. Eggs and chicks are also taken by corvids, such as the Magpie or Jay. Date: 1st February 2023 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/bugynes-troms-og-finnmark-norway https://images.on-this.website/4752_8800657545f269480a6e7c.jpgBugøynes, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Bugøynes is a fishing village in Sør-Varanger municipality in Troms og Finnmark in north east Norway. The village is situated along the south side of the Varangerfjord about 310 miles north of the Arctic Circle. The name Bugøynes means "bay island headland", from [i]bug[/i] (bay or inlet), [i]øy[/i] (island) and [i]nes[/i] (headland). Bugøynes has a population of around 300, many of whom are Finnish-speaking residents, leading to the village being referred to "Little Finland". Bugøynes was settled by Norwegians in the 17th century but later deserted. It was repopulated by people from Finland in the 18th century. Bugøynes was one of very few places that was not burnt and destroyed under Operation Nordlicht in 1944 and 1945, the German “scorched earth” retreat from Finnmark. Before the road was built to Bugøynes in 1962, the main link between Bugøynes and the rest of the world was by sea. The most visited town in those days was Vadsø on the north side of Varangerfjord. Although the town of Kirkenes, on the south side of Varangerfjord, was the local administrative centre for Bugøynes, it did not become the centre for shopping, etc. until people could reach it by car. Employment in Bugøynes includes fishing, salmon and other fish processing, the processing of reindeer meat and game as well as boat and machine workshops. Date: 1st July 2019 Location: view from road Fv355 to Bugøynes, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40755820.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19450573035e20447fbff1c.jpgGreater (Russian) White-fronted Goose The Greater White-fronted Goose is a species of goose which is closely related to the smaller Lesser White-fronted Goose. The Latin name, [i]Anser albifrons[/i], is derived from [i]anser[/i] meaning "goose" and [i]albus[/i] meaning "white" and [i]frons[/i] meaning “forehead”. The Greater White-fronted Goose is 25 to 32 inches in length with a 51 to 65 inches wingspan and weighs 4.3 to 7.3 pounds. It is smaller than the Greylag Goose and, as well as being larger than the Lesser White-fronted Goose, it lacks the yellow eye-ring of that species and the white facial blaze does not extend upwards so far. The Greater White-fronted Goose is a greyish-brown goose with a light grey breast dappled with dark brown to black blotches and bar, a pinkish bill and orange legs and feet. The male is typically larger in size but both sexes are similar in appearance The Greater White-fronted Goose is divided into 5 subspecies. The nominate subspecies Eurasian or Russian White-fronted Goose, [i]A. a. albifrons[/i], breeds in the far north of Europe and Asia and winters further south and west in Europe, including England and Wales. The very distinct Greenland White-fronted Goose, [i]A. a. flavirostris[/i], breeds in west Greenland and is much darker overall with only a very narrow white tip to the tail (broader on the other races), more black barring on its belly and usually has an orange (not pink) bill. It winters in Ireland and west Scotland. Some ecological studies suggest that the Greenland White-fronted Goose should probably be considered a separate species. Weather conditions are a key factor in the annual breeding success of the Greater White-fronted Goose. In the Arctic, the window of opportunity for nesting, incubating eggs and raising a brood is open briefly for about 3 months. Arriving in late May or early June, Greater White-fronted Geese begin departing for their wintering areas in early September. This means that a delayed snowmelt or late spring storm can significantly reduce breeding success. Date: 10th December 2019 Location: De Putten and Pettemerpolder area near Camperduin, Noord-Holland, Netherlands http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51332406.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6036832906676dd21a967e.jpgMallards The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 9th June 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/red-tailed-bumblebee https://images.on-this.website/4752_1216357583467ee3551636e.jpgRed-tailed Bumblebee This photo is of the Bombus lapidarius species, one of the commoner Bumblebees in the UK. Date: 31st March 2007 Location: EWT Langdon Conservation Centre, Dunton, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12078538.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_384409534e48dd3d9eff3.jpgWater Vole The Water Vole is found throughout the UK although it is less common on higher ground. It is infrequently recorded from parts of northern Scotland and is absent in Ireland. Water Voles are legally protected in the UK and recent evidence suggests that they have undergone a long term decline. On current trends it is predicted that they may eventually disappear from 94% of their former sites. The shocking decline in both the range and numbers of the Water Vole is due to a number of factors. The large-scale loss and fragmentation of sensitive waterside habitats due to riverbank modification, drainage and flood defence works has been an important factor as has the pollution of waterways and poisoning by rodenticides. Perhaps the most serious threat facing the Water Vole is predation by the introduced American Mink. Water Voles are sometimes confused with Brown Rats which often also live near water courses. They are sometimes called "the water rat" which is the origin of the Water Vole’s fame as "Ratty" from Kenneth Grahame's book “The Wind in the Willows”. Prime Water Vole sites are found along densely vegetated banks of slow flowing rivers, ditches, lakes and marshes where water is present throughout the year. Water Voles are herbivores and feed on a huge variety of waterside vegetation, consuming 80% of their body weight each day. They excavate extensive burrow systems into the banks of waterways and have sleeping/nest chambers at various levels in the steepest parts of the bank. Burrows usually have underwater entrances to provide a secure route for escape if danger threatens. Water Voles usually have 3 or 4 litters a year depending on the weather. In mild springs the first of these can be born in March or April although cold conditions can delay breeding until May or even June. There are about 5 young in a litter and these are born below ground in a nest made from suitable vegetation such as grasses and rushes. Young water voles grow quickly and are weaned at 14 days. On average, Water Voles only live about 5 months in the wild. Their most important predators are Mink and Stoats although Grey Herons, Barn Owls, Brown Rats and Pike are also known to take them. Date: 5th March 2008 Location: Cromford Canal, Derbyshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12078520.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14311007484e48dd2bd7dc4.jpgWater Vole The Water Vole is found throughout the UK although it is less common on higher ground. It is infrequently recorded from parts of northern Scotland and is absent in Ireland. Water Voles are legally protected in the UK and recent evidence suggests that they have undergone a long term decline. On current trends it is predicted that they may eventually disappear from 94% of their former sites. The shocking decline in both the range and numbers of the Water Vole is due to a number of factors. The large-scale loss and fragmentation of sensitive waterside habitats due to riverbank modification, drainage and flood defence works has been an important factor as has the pollution of waterways and poisoning by rodenticides. Perhaps the most serious threat facing the Water Vole is predation by the introduced American Mink. Water Voles are sometimes confused with Brown Rats which often also live near water courses. They are sometimes called "the water rat" which is the origin of the Water Vole’s fame as "Ratty" from Kenneth Grahame's book “The Wind in the Willows”. Prime Water Vole sites are found along densely vegetated banks of slow flowing rivers, ditches, lakes and marshes where water is present throughout the year. Water Voles are herbivores and feed on a huge variety of waterside vegetation, consuming 80% of their body weight each day. They excavate extensive burrow systems into the banks of waterways and have sleeping/nest chambers at various levels in the steepest parts of the bank. Burrows usually have underwater entrances to provide a secure route for escape if danger threatens. Water Voles usually have 3 or 4 litters a year depending on the weather. In mild springs the first of these can be born in March or April although cold conditions can delay breeding until May or even June. There are about 5 young in a litter and these are born below ground in a nest made from suitable vegetation such as grasses and rushes. Young water voles grow quickly and are weaned at 14 days. On average, Water Voles only live about 5 months in the wild. Their most important predators are Mink and Stoats although Grey Herons, Barn Owls, Brown Rats and Pike are also known to take them. Date: 5th March 2008 Location: Cromford Canal, Derbyshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51983663.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_156467167366d34389049a7.jpgEmperor Dragonfly Flight period: June to August. The Emperor Dragonfly is the largest UK dragonfly species and apart from its size it can easily be recognized by its bright colouration and highly territorial behaviour as it flies endlessly well above the water’s surface. The Emperor Dragonfly has expanded its range in to northern England in recent years and has now been recorded in Scotland. They can be found around well-vegetated ponds, lakes, large ditches, canals and slow-moving rivers. Date: 26th July 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26009205.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_33201316056352319f2917.jpgDettifoss area, Vatnajökull National Park, north east Iceland Dettifoss is a waterfall in Vatnajökull National Park in north east Iceland and it is reputed to be the most powerful waterfall in Europe. Dettifoss is situated on the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river which flows from the Vatnajökull glacier and collects water from a large area in north east Iceland. The falls are 330 feet wide and have a drop of 150 feet down to the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon. It is the largest waterfall in Iceland in terms of volume discharge. Since the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river can not be crossed in the vicinity of Dettifoss, it is reached by 2 separate roads: a new tarmac road for the west bank (road 862 finished in 2011) and an older gravel road for the east bank (road 864). On the west bank there are no facilities and the view of the waterfall is somewhat hindered by the waterfall's spray. On the east bank there is an information panel maintained by the staff of Vatnajökull National Park and a maintained track to the best viewpoints. Dettifoss is located on the “Diamond Circle”, a popular tourist route around Húsavík including Lake Mývatn and the Ásbyrgi canyon. Date: 4th June 2015 Location: view from the trail to the Dettifoss waterfall http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23806395.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_483564952551299ad5e109.jpgMoorhen The Moorhen is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird that is usually found near water. From a distance it looks black with a ragged white line along its body. However, closer up it is olive-brown on the back and the head and blue-grey underneath. It has a red bill with a yellow tip. The Moorhen can be found all year round almost anywhere where there is water. They breed in lowland areas particularly in central and eastern England but are scarce in northern Scotland and the uplands of Wales and northern England. UK breeding birds are residents and seldom travel far. Date: 7th March 2015 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38397310.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11565557965ce127c6441e1.jpgBlack Grouse The Black Grouse is a large game bird in the grouse family. The male has all black plumage with distinctive red wattles over the eyes and striking white stripes along each wing in flight. It has a lyre-shaped tail which is fanned out and raised to show white under-tail feathers when displaying. The female is smaller and grey-brown in colour. The Black Grouse is a sedentary species and breeds across northern Eurasia in moorland and bog areas near to mostly boreal woodland. Although it is declining, it is not considered to be vulnerable globally due to the large population and slow rate of decline. Its decline is due to loss of habitat, disturbance, predation by foxes, crows, etc., and small populations gradually dying out. In the UK, the Black Grouse are found in upland areas of Wales, the Pennines and most of Scotland, especially on farmland and moorland with nearby forestry or scattered trees. Habitat loss and overgrazing have resulted in severe population declines which make the Black Grouse a Red List species. Positive habitat management and re-introduction programmes are helping it to increase in some areas. The Black Grouse has a very distinctive and well-recorded courtship. At dawn in the spring, the males strut around in a traditional area (lek) and display whilst making a highly distinctive and bubbling mating call. This photo was taken at a well known roadside lekking site. If visiting, please remain in your car to avoid disturbance to these vulnerable breeding birds. Date: 10th May 2019 Location: World's End, Denbighshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26032040.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_98084531556378527d2cad.jpgHvalfjörður, west Iceland Hvalfjörður (Icelandic: Whale fjord) is situated in the west of Iceland 31 miles north of Reykjavík between Mosfellsbær and Akranesand. The fjord is approximately 19 miles long and 3 miles wide and gives an excellent opportunity to enjoy the unique beauty of Icelandic fjords. The name Hvalfjörður is derived from the large number of whales which could be found and caught there in the past. In addition the fjord also contained a large number of herring fisheries. During World War 2, a naval base for the UK and USA navies could be found in this fjord. One of the piers built by the USA navy is today used by the Hvalur whaling company for the processing of Fin Whales, partially for the domestic market and mostly for export to Japan. Until the late 1990s, travel by car involved a long detour of 38 miles around the fjord in order to get from the city of Reykjavík to the town of Borgarnes. In July 1998, the Hvalfjarðargöngin tunnel was opened to public traffic. The tunnel is approximately 3.5 miles in length and cuts travel by car around the fjord by about an hour. The tunnel runs to a depth of 550 feet below sea level. Date: 1st June 2015 Location: view from road 47 around Hvalfjörður http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21956414.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_46719328553da28a56c82e.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Staple Island, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801054.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_30483095464eda283e22f5.jpgRuddy Darter Flight period: mid June to mid September. The Ruddy Darter takes its name from its colour and its swift flight behaviour. The male has a deep russet colour over the entire body and the abdomen has a pinched section close to where it joins the thorax. Females are slightly smaller, golden yellow in colour and being less obviously marked are more difficult to identify than the males. There is more than one red coloured darter species in the UK and they can be easily confused with each other. The commonest red species, the Common Darter, can be distinguished as having red veins at the base of the wings and a less ruddy colouration across the body. However, the Ruddy Darter has entirely black legs, distinguishing it from all other red darters which have longitudinal yellow stripes on their legs. The UK range of the Ruddy Darter has undergone something of an expansion in recent years. Although still relatively uncommon in the west and north of Britain, it is increasing in numbers in the Midlands and eastern England. The population is augmented by continental migrants. It is also found over most of Europe except for northern Scandinavia, as far east as western Siberia and south to north Africa. The Ruddy Darter prefers water bodies with tall emergent vegetation, such as reeds and club rush, and it is known to breed in ponds, lakes, canals, ditches and sluggish rivers. They can also be found near coasts and can breed in fairly brackish water. Date: 8th July 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623027.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6016426606117d2da80ace.jpgHerring Gull The Herring Gull is one of the best known of all gulls along the shores of Europe. Adults in breeding plumage have a grey back and upperwings and white head and underparts. The wingtips are black with white spots known as "mirrors". The bill is yellow with a red spot and there is a ring of bare yellow skin around the pale eye. The legs are normally pink at all ages but can be yellowish. Non-breeding adults have brown streaks on the head and neck. Male and female plumage is identical at all stages of development although adult males are often larger. Juvenile and first-winter birds are mainly brown with darker streaks and have a dark bill and eyes. Second-winter birds have a whiter head and underparts with less streaking and the back is grey. Third-winter individuals are similar to adults but retain some of the features of immature birds such as brown feathers in the wings and dark markings on the bill. The Herring Gull attains adult plumage and reaches sexual maturity at an average age of 4 years. The loud laughing call of the Herring Gull is well known and is often seen as a symbol of the seaside in countries such as the UK. It also has a yelping alarm call and a low barking anxiety call. Chicks and fledglings emit a distinctive, repetitive high-pitched 'peep', accompanied by a head-flicking gesture when begging for food from or calling to their parents. Adult gulls in urban areas will also exhibit this behaviour when fed by humans. The Herring Gull breeds across northern Europe, western Europe, central Europe, eastern Europe, Scandinavia and the Baltic states. Some, especially those resident in colder areas, migrate further south in winter but many are permanent residents such as in the UK or on the North Sea shores. While Herring Gull numbers appear to have been decreased in recent years, possibly by fish population declines and competition, they have proved able to survive in human-adapted areas and can often be seen in towns acting as a scavenger. The Herring Gull, like most gulls, is an omnivore and opportunist and will scavenge from garbage dumps, landfill sites and sewage outflows with refuse comprising up to half of the bird's diet. In addition, it will eat fish, crustaceans and dead animals as well as some plants and it will steal the eggs and young of other birds (including those of other gulls). The Herring Gull may also dive from the surface of the water or engage in plunge diving in the pursuit of aquatic prey although they are typically unable to reach any great depth due to their natural buoyancy. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801031.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9675403964ed9be43fe69.jpgRuddy Darter Flight period: mid June to mid September. The Ruddy Darter takes its name from its colour and its swift flight behaviour. The male has a deep russet colour over the entire body and the abdomen has a pinched section close to where it joins the thorax. Females are slightly smaller, golden yellow in colour and being less obviously marked are more difficult to identify than the males. There is more than one red coloured darter species in the UK and they can be easily confused with each other. The commonest red species, the Common Darter, can be distinguished as having red veins at the base of the wings and a less ruddy colouration across the body. However, the Ruddy Darter has entirely black legs, distinguishing it from all other red darters which have longitudinal yellow stripes on their legs. The UK range of the Ruddy Darter has undergone something of an expansion in recent years. Although still relatively uncommon in the west and north of Britain, it is increasing in numbers in the Midlands and eastern England. The population is augmented by continental migrants. It is also found over most of Europe except for northern Scandinavia, as far east as western Siberia and south to north Africa. The Ruddy Darter prefers water bodies with tall emergent vegetation, such as reeds and club rush, and it is known to breed in ponds, lakes, canals, ditches and sluggish rivers. They can also be found near coasts and can breed in fairly brackish water. Date: 7th July 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/kingfisher https://images.on-this.website/4752_13986374124e69cc12ae2a1.jpgKingfisher The Kingfisher is a small unmistakable bright blue and orange bird of slow moving or still water. They fly rapidly and low over water and hunt fish from riverside perches, occasionally hovering above the water's surface. Kingfishers are vulnerable to hard winters and habitat degradation through pollution or unsympathetic management of watercourses and are an “Amber List” species due to their unfavourable conservation status in Europe. Kingfishers are widespread especially in central and southern England but become less common further north. Following some declines last century, they are currently increasing in their range in Scotland. Kingfishers can be found all year round by still or slow flowing water such as lakes, canals and rivers in lowland areas. In winter, some individuals move to estuaries and the coast. Occasionally they may also visit garden ponds if they are of a suitable size. Date: 4th September 2011 Location: Strumpshaw Fen RSPB reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12078598.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1358081064e48dd7f8c217.jpgWater Vole The Water Vole is found throughout the UK although it is less common on higher ground. It is infrequently recorded from parts of northern Scotland and is absent in Ireland. Water Voles are legally protected in the UK and recent evidence suggests that they have undergone a long term decline. On current trends it is predicted that they may eventually disappear from 94% of their former sites. The shocking decline in both the range and numbers of the Water Vole is due to a number of factors. The large-scale loss and fragmentation of sensitive waterside habitats due to riverbank modification, drainage and flood defence works has been an important factor as has the pollution of waterways and poisoning by rodenticides. Perhaps the most serious threat facing the Water Vole is predation by the introduced American Mink. Water Voles are sometimes confused with Brown Rats which often also live near water courses. They are sometimes called "the water rat" which is the origin of the Water Vole’s fame as "Ratty" from Kenneth Grahame's book “The Wind in the Willows”. Prime Water Vole sites are found along densely vegetated banks of slow flowing rivers, ditches, lakes and marshes where water is present throughout the year. Water Voles are herbivores and feed on a huge variety of waterside vegetation, consuming 80% of their body weight each day. They excavate extensive burrow systems into the banks of waterways and have sleeping/nest chambers at various levels in the steepest parts of the bank. Burrows usually have underwater entrances to provide a secure route for escape if danger threatens. Water Voles usually have 3 or 4 litters a year depending on the weather. In mild springs the first of these can be born in March or April although cold conditions can delay breeding until May or even June. There are about 5 young in a litter and these are born below ground in a nest made from suitable vegetation such as grasses and rushes. Young water voles grow quickly and are weaned at 14 days. On average, Water Voles only live about 5 months in the wild. Their most important predators are Mink and Stoats although Grey Herons, Barn Owls, Brown Rats and Pike are also known to take them. Date: 17th February 2008 Location: Cromford Canal, Derbyshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33568442.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20521737775a106b89eac96.jpgWhite-tailed Eagle The White-tailed Eagle is a very large bird with a 72 to 96 inch wingspan and is the fourth largest eagle in the world. It has broad "barn door" wings, a large head and a thick "meat-cleaver" beak. The adult is mainly brown except for the paler head and neck, blackish flight feathers, distinctive white tail, and yellow bill and legs. In juvenile birds the tail and bill are darker, with the tail becoming white with a dark terminal band in sub-adults. The White-tailed Eagle breeds in northern Europe and northern Asia. The largest population in Europe is found along the coast of Norway. In the UK it became extinct during the early 20th century and the present population in Scotland has arisen from a reintroduction programme which commenced on the island of Rhum in 1975. It is still a rare breeding bird which was previously confined to the west coast of Scotland, although a reintroduction programme is now taking place in east Scotland. Date: 6th November 2017 Location: Killiechronan, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo8135910.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1307863674d1d9951b7806.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 20th December 2010 Location: EWT Langdon Conservation Centre, Dunton, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31192352.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15328908765918240412b7a3.69999493.jpgPied Flycatcher The Pied Flycatcher is a small passerine bird in the Old World flycatcher family and is 1 of the 4 species of Western Palearctic black and white flycatchers. The breeding male Pied Flycatcher is mainly black above and white below with a large white wing patch, white tail sides and a small forehead patch. Non-breeding males, females and juveniles have the black replaced by a pale brown. The bill is black and it has the broad but pointed shape typical of aerial insectivores. The Pied Flycatcher has a very large range and population size and so it is of “least concern” according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It breeds in most of Europe and west Asia where it can be found in deciduous woodlands, parks and gardens, with a preference for oak trees. It will sometimes use mature open conifer woodland where natural tree holes occur. It builds an open nest in a tree hole and it will readily adapt to nest boxes. In the UK, the Pied Flycatcher is limited by geography and habitat to the north and west of the country where it prefers mature oak woodlands but also mature upland ash and birch woodlands. It has on average decreased in population by 25% within the last 25 years and it has ceased to breed in several parts of its former range. The Pied Flycatcher is migratory, wintering mainly in tropical west Africa from mid September to mid April. It first arrives in its breeding areas from mid April to the end of May. Following breeding, return migration to Africa occurs between August and mid September. The Pied Flycatcher is mainly insectivorous and its diet is composed nearly entirely of insects including flies, bees, wasps, ants, beetles, butterflies, moths, etc. but it will also eat fruit and seeds in late summer and autumn and on migration. Date: 8th May 2017 Location: Gilfach RWT reserve, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/dettifoss-area-vatnajkull-national-park https://images.on-this.website/4752_12269450725635219199b43.jpgDettifoss area, Vatnajökull National Park, north east Iceland Dettifoss is a waterfall in Vatnajökull National Park in north east Iceland and it is reputed to be the most powerful waterfall in Europe. Dettifoss is situated on the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river which flows from the Vatnajökull glacier and collects water from a large area in north east Iceland. The falls are 330 feet wide and have a drop of 150 feet down to the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon. It is the largest waterfall in Iceland in terms of volume discharge. Since the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river can not be crossed in the vicinity of Dettifoss, it is reached by 2 separate roads: a new tarmac road for the west bank (road 862 finished in 2011) and an older gravel road for the east bank (road 864). On the west bank there are no facilities and the view of the waterfall is somewhat hindered by the waterfall's spray. On the east bank there is an information panel maintained by the staff of Vatnajökull National Park and a maintained track to the best viewpoints. Dettifoss is located on the “Diamond Circle”, a popular tourist route around Húsavík including Lake Mývatn and the Ásbyrgi canyon. Date: 4th June 2015 Location: view from the trail to the Dettifoss waterfall http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11305430.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15158629414e1c0180c5b5c.jpgPuffins The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 24/05/05 Location: Castle of Burrian, Westray, Orkney http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41424259.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14380788965f2aa9180d244.jpgVaranger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway The Varanger peninsula is situated in Troms og Finnmark in the extreme north east of Norway. With an area of 800 square miles, it is the largest area within the Arctic climate zone in mainland Norway and is bordered by Tanafjord to the west, Varangerfjord to the south and the Barents Sea to the north and east. The area has a rugged mountain terrain with altitudes up to 2077 feet and it has an Arctic tundra climate. The coast of the Varanger peninsula is an important area for breeding, migrating and wintering birds, especially some notable Arctic species. The Norwegian Directorate for Nature Management has a project on the Varanger peninsula to reintroduce and protect the Arctic Fox which is critically endangered on the Norwegian mainland. The Varangerhalvøya National Park (Norwegian: [I]Varangerhalvøya Nasjonalpark[/I]) lies to the west of road Fv341 and protects a majority of the land on the Varanger peninsula. The eastern part of the Varanger peninsula can be accessed from Vardø, via Svartnes, to Hamningberg. Hamningberg is an abandoned fishing village situated on the Varanger peninsula and on the shores of the Barents Sea. It’s only road connection is via the narrow and winding road Fv341 which runs for about 25 miles north from Svartnes. This is a very scenic road which follows the shores of the Barents Sea. It is considered to be one of the wildest and most memorable drives in Norway and passes through a bare and barren but awe-inspiring Arctic landscape. The road is closed during the winter months from October to late May. Traditionally a fishing village, Hamningberg is one of very few places in Troms og Finnmark that was not burnt and destroyed under Operation Nordlicht in 1944 and 1945, the German “scorched earth” retreat from Finnmark. It was depopulated and abandoned in 1964 although some of the houses are still in use as summer cottages. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: view from road Fv341 between Svartnes and Hamningberg, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41424258.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4471383585f2aa9136fd0a.jpgVaranger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway The Varanger peninsula is situated in Troms og Finnmark in the extreme north east of Norway. With an area of 800 square miles, it is the largest area within the Arctic climate zone in mainland Norway and is bordered by Tanafjord to the west, Varangerfjord to the south and the Barents Sea to the north and east. The area has a rugged mountain terrain with altitudes up to 2077 feet and it has an Arctic tundra climate. The coast of the Varanger peninsula is an important area for breeding, migrating and wintering birds, especially some notable Arctic species. The Norwegian Directorate for Nature Management has a project on the Varanger peninsula to reintroduce and protect the Arctic Fox which is critically endangered on the Norwegian mainland. The Varangerhalvøya National Park (Norwegian: [I]Varangerhalvøya Nasjonalpark[/I]) lies to the west of road Fv341 and protects a majority of the land on the Varanger peninsula. The eastern part of the Varanger peninsula can be accessed from Vardø, via Svartnes, to Hamningberg. Hamningberg is an abandoned fishing village situated on the Varanger peninsula and on the shores of the Barents Sea. It’s only road connection is via the narrow and winding road Fv341 which runs for about 25 miles north from Svartnes. This is a very scenic road which follows the shores of the Barents Sea. It is considered to be one of the wildest and most memorable drives in Norway and passes through a bare and barren but awe-inspiring Arctic landscape. The road is closed during the winter months from October to late May. Traditionally a fishing village, Hamningberg is one of very few places in Troms og Finnmark that was not burnt and destroyed under Operation Nordlicht in 1944 and 1945, the German “scorched earth” retreat from Finnmark. It was depopulated and abandoned in 1964 although some of the houses are still in use as summer cottages. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: view from road Fv341 between Svartnes and Hamningberg, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41537240.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1902464325f3cfddcd78d9.jpgKittiwakes The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 4th July 2019 Location: Flåget, Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874866.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_255936536561cd060eed33.jpgGullfoss, south Iceland Gullfoss (Icelandic: "Golden Falls") is a waterfall located in the canyon of the Hvítá river in south west Iceland. The wide Hvítá river rushes southward from the Hvítávatn glacier lake at the Lángjökull glacier about 25 miles north of Gullfoss. Less than a mile above Gullfoss the river turns sharply to the right and flows down into a wide curved three-step "staircase" and then abruptly plunges in 2 stages (36 feet and 69 feet) into a crevice 105 feet deep. The crevice, about 66 feet wide and 1.5 miles in length, extends perpendicular to the flow of the river. The average amount of water running over Gullfoss is 260 to 460 cubic feet per second but the highest flood measured was 6500 cubic feet per second. During the first half of the 20th century and some years into the late 20th century, there was much speculation about using Gullfoss to generate electricity. During this period, Gullfoss was rented indirectly by its owners to foreign investors. However, the investors' attempts were unsuccessful and Gullfoss was later sold to the state of Iceland and is now protected. Gullfoss is popular with tourists and, together with the Haukadalur geothermal area, usually referred to as Geysir, and Þingvellir, it is part of a group of the most famous sights of Iceland known as the "Golden Circle". Date: 7th June 2015 Location: view from the trail from the visitor centre at Gullfoss http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072359.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_956664074bf6e007a5cc3.jpgKittiwakes The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill <i>"kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake"</i>. The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 13th April 2010 Location: Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081471.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_93274704463a856e8b38ad.jpgWigeon The Eurasian Wigeon, or simply Wigeon, is one of 3 species of Wigeon in the dabbling duck genus Mareca. The Wigeon is 17 to 20 inches in length with a 28 to 31 inches wingspan. The breeding male has grey flanks and back with a black rear end, a dark green speculum and a brilliant white patch on the upper wings which obvious in flight or at rest. It has a pink breast, white belly and a chestnut head with a creamy crown. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female. The female is generally light brown but it can be distinguished from most other ducks, apart from the American Wigeon, on shape. The Wigeon breeds in the northernmost areas of Europe and Asia where it is the Old World counterpart of north America's American Wigeon. It is a bird of open wetlands, such as wet grassland or marshes with some taller vegetation, and nests on the ground near water and under cover. The Wigeon is strongly migratory and winters further south than its breeding range. It is highly gregarious outside of the breeding season and will form large flocks. In the UK, the Wigeon can be found all year round. It is a scarce breeding bird in central and northern Scotland and in northern England. In winter, many birds arrive in the UK from Iceland, Scandinavia and Russia and very large numbers can be seen on the coasts and at some inland sites. The Wigeon is categorised by the IUCN as a species of “Least Concern” but it is a species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 9th January 2022 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41424257.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15966107225f2aa90f3d182.jpgVaranger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway The Varanger peninsula is situated in Troms og Finnmark in the extreme north east of Norway. With an area of 800 square miles, it is the largest area within the Arctic climate zone in mainland Norway and is bordered by Tanafjord to the west, Varangerfjord to the south and the Barents Sea to the north and east. The area has a rugged mountain terrain with altitudes up to 2077 feet and it has an Arctic tundra climate. The coast of the Varanger peninsula is an important area for breeding, migrating and wintering birds, especially some notable Arctic species. The Norwegian Directorate for Nature Management has a project on the Varanger peninsula to reintroduce and protect the Arctic Fox which is critically endangered on the Norwegian mainland. The Varangerhalvøya National Park (Norwegian: [I]Varangerhalvøya Nasjonalpark[/I]) lies to the west of road Fv341 and protects a majority of the land on the Varanger peninsula. The eastern part of the Varanger peninsula can be accessed from Vardø, via Svartnes, to Hamningberg. Hamningberg is an abandoned fishing village situated on the Varanger peninsula and on the shores of the Barents Sea. It’s only road connection is via the narrow and winding road Fv341 which runs for about 25 miles north from Svartnes. This is a very scenic road which follows the shores of the Barents Sea. It is considered to be one of the wildest and most memorable drives in Norway and passes through a bare and barren but awe-inspiring Arctic landscape. The road is closed during the winter months from October to late May. Traditionally a fishing village, Hamningberg is one of very few places in Troms og Finnmark that was not burnt and destroyed under Operation Nordlicht in 1944 and 1945, the German “scorched earth” retreat from Finnmark. It was depopulated and abandoned in 1964 although some of the houses are still in use as summer cottages. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: view from road Fv341 between Svartnes and Hamningberg, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19507375.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_143914338452528ab8a9643.jpgGriffon Vultures The Griffon Vulture is a typical Old World vulture in appearance with a white bald head, very broad wings and short tail feathers. It has a white neck ruff and yellow bill. The buff body and wing coverts contrast with the dark flight feathers. They are very large birds around 37 to 43 inches long with a 91 to 106 inches wingspan. Like other vultures, the Griffon Vulture is a scavenger, feeding mostly from carcasses of dead animals which it finds by soaring over open areas, often moving in flocks. The population is mostly resident in its breeding range in the mountains of southern Europe, north Africa, and Asia. In Spain, there are tens of thousands of birds from a low of a few thousand around 1980 although the Pyrenees population has apparently been affected by an EU ruling that due to danger of BSE transmission, no carcasses must be left on the fields for the time being. Although the Griffon Vulture does not normally attack larger living prey, there are reports of Spanish Griffon Vultures killing weak, young or unhealthy living animals as they do not find enough carrion to eat. Date: 5th September 2013 Location: road to La Lancha and Embalse del Jándula, Sierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo441567.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1323060911467eeadc05020.jpgDate: 8th June 2006 Location: Loch Sunart, Ardnamurchan, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42202611.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20550329925ff30da0be8e3.jpgWhite-tailed Eagle The White-tailed Eagle is a very large bird with a 72 to 96 inch wingspan and is the fourth largest eagle in the world. It has broad "barn door" wings, a large head and a thick "meat-cleaver" beak. The adult is mainly brown except for the paler head and neck, blackish flight feathers, distinctive white tail, and yellow bill and legs. In juvenile birds the tail and bill are darker, with the tail becoming white with a dark terminal band in sub-adults. The White-tailed Eagle breeds in northern Europe and northern Asia. The largest population in Europe is found along the coast of Norway. In the UK it became extinct during the early 20th century and the present population in Scotland has arisen from a reintroduction programme which commenced on the island of Rhum in 1975. It is still a rare breeding bird which was previously confined to the west coast of Scotland, although a reintroduction programme is now taking place in east Scotland. Date: 7th July 2019 Location: Kuntilampi, near Kuusamo, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo34006644.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7314533045a72f9e68c498.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 22nd January 2018 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49003064.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16829868886468fcee0c14e.jpgAdder Adders are widespread throughout mainland UK but they are absent from Ireland. They occur throughout Europe, with the exception of the Mediterranean islands, and across Russia and Asia through to northern China. They are the UK's only venomous reptile. Adders are relatively short and robust snakes with large heads and a rounded snout. Males are usually a grey or buff colour with vivid black markings although they can also vary from silver to yellow or green in colour. Females are brown with dark red-brown markings that are less prominent than in the males. Both sexes have a zigzag pattern running along the back with a / or X-shaped marking at the rear of the head. Adders can be found in a variety of habitats, including open woodland, hedgerows, moorland, sand dunes, riverbanks, bogs, heathland and mountains. They are active during the day and spend time basking until their body temperature is high enough to hunt for food. Adders use venom to immobilise prey such as lizards, amphibians, nestlings and small mammals. After striking their prey, they will leave the venom to take effect before following the victim’s scent to find the body. Mating takes place between April and May with males often fighting for females. Females have a 3 to 4 month gestation period and Adders are one of the few snakes that are viviparous (give birth to live young). In late August females give birth to between 5 and 20 live young and the young remain close to their mother for a few days before going off in search of food. Adders hibernate from September to March often using deserted rabbit or rodent burrows or settling under logs. They sometimes hibernate communally. Males emerge 2 to 5 weeks before the females and shed their skin before setting off in search of females. Adders are not aggressive snakes and they will only attack if harassed or threatened. Although an Adder’s venom poses little danger to a healthy adult, the bite is very painful and requires urgent medical attention. Date: 3rd May 2023 Location: Benfleet and Hadleigh Downs, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49002698.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7866071156468f5dd22f92.jpgLesser Black-backed Gull The Lesser Black-backed Gull is slightly smaller than the Herring Gull and has a dark grey to black back and wings, yellow bill and yellow legs. The world population is found entirely in Europe. After declines in the 19th century due to persecution, the Lesser Black-backed Gull increased its range and numbers. This expansion has now halted and there is serious concern about declines in many parts of its range. The species is on the Amber List because the UK is home to 40% of the European population and more than half of these are found at fewer than ten sites. The Lesser Black-backed Gull can be found around the UK's coastline in summer and on some inland high moors. The biggest UK colony is on Walney Island, Cumbria with one third of the UK population. Large numbers of Scandinavian birds, which are darker than UK breeding birds, start to arrive in October and birds can be found from southern Scotland southwards and best looked for feeding over fields and at rubbish tips, congregating at large reservoir roosts each evening. Date: 23rd April 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo441531.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_954384092467ee6c2b735a.jpgAdder Adders are widespread throughout mainland UK but they are absent from Ireland. They occur throughout Europe, with the exception of the Mediterranean islands, and across Russia and Asia through to northern China. They are the UK's only venomous reptile. Adders are relatively short and robust snakes with large heads and a rounded snout. Males are usually a grey or buff colour with vivid black markings although they can also vary from silver to yellow or green in colour. Females are brown with dark red-brown markings that are less prominent than in the males. Both sexes have a zigzag pattern running along the back with a / or X-shaped marking at the rear of the head. Adders can be found in a variety of habitats, including open woodland, hedgerows, moorland, sand dunes, riverbanks, bogs, heathland and mountains. They are active during the day and spend time basking until their body temperature is high enough to hunt for food. Adders use venom to immobilise prey such as lizards, amphibians, nestlings and small mammals. After striking their prey, they will leave the venom to take effect before following the victim’s scent to find the body. Mating takes place between April and May with males often fighting for females. Females have a 3 to 4 month gestation period and Adders are one of the few snakes that are viviparous (give birth to live young). In late August females give birth to between 5 and 20 live young and the young remain close to their mother for a few days before going off in search of food. Adders hibernate from September to March often using deserted rabbit or rodent burrows or settling under logs. They sometimes hibernate communally. Males emerge 2 to 5 weeks before the females and shed their skin before setting off in search of females. Adders are not aggressive snakes and they will only attack if harassed or threatened. Although an Adder’s venom poses little danger to a healthy adult, the bite is very painful and requires urgent medical attention. Date: 8th April 2007 Location: Langdon Conservation Centre, Dunton, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871660.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16382251744eff2049d4f59.jpgKittiwakes he Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill <i>"kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake"</i>. The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 27th May 2009 Location: Store Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11654868.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2184219484e313aab04e02.jpgLesser Black-backed Gull The Lesser Black-backed Gull is slightly smaller than the Herring Gull and has a dark grey to black back and wings, yellow bill and yellow legs. The world population is found entirely in Europe. After declines in the 19th century due to persecution, the Lesser Black-backed Gull increased its range and numbers. This expansion has now halted and there is serious concern about declines in many parts of its range. The species is on the Amber List because the UK is home to 40% of the European population and more than half of these are found at fewer than ten sites. The Lesser Black-backed Gull can be found around the UK's coastline in summer and on some inland high moors. The biggest UK colony is on Walney Island, Cumbria with one third of the UK population. Large numbers of Scandinavian birds, which are darker than UK breeding birds, start to arrive in October and birds can be found from southern Scotland southwards and best looked for feeding over fields and at rubbish tips, congregating at large reservoir roosts each evening. Date: 11th May 2008 http://www.richardchewphotography.com/lake-mvatn-north-east-iceland https://images.on-this.website/4752_162588331956376d74005f4.jpgLake Mývatn, north east Iceland Mývatn is the undisputed gem of north east Iceland, a tourist and ornithological honeypot. The lake and the surrounding area are starkly beautiful, an otherworldly landscape of spluttering mudpots, weird lava formations, steaming fumaroles and volcanic craters. The Mývatn basin sits squarely on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and the violent geological character of the area has produced an astonishing landscape unlike anywhere else in the country. Mývatn is a shallow eutrophic lake situated in an area of active volcanism not far from Krafla volcano. The lake was created by a large basaltic lava eruption 2300 years ago and the surrounding landscape is dominated by volcanic landforms including lava pillars. The name of the lake (Icelandic mý ("midge") and vatn ("lake") .... the lake of midges) comes from the huge numbers of midges to be found in the summer. The name Mývatn is sometimes used not only for the lake but the whole surrounding inhabited area. The River Laxá, Lake Mývatn and the surrounding wetlands are protected as a nature reserve known as the Mývatn-Laxá Nature Conservation Area which occupies 440,000 hectares. The lake is fed by nutrient-rich springwater and has a high abundance of aquatic insects and plants that form an attractive food supply for ducks. Thirteen species of ducks nest at Mývatn. The duck species composition is unique in the mixture of Eurasian and north American elements and of boreal and Arctic species. Most of the ducks are migratory, arriving in late April to early May from north west Europe. The most abundant is the Tufted Duck whilst the Scaup is the second most common duck species. Other common species include the Red-breasted Merganser, Wigeon, Gadwall, Mallard, Common Scoter, Long-tailed Duck and Teal. Mývatn and the River Laxá are also special in that they support good numbers of Harlequin Ducks and Barrow’s Goldeneyes, 2 species that within Europe are solely confined to Iceland. Other common waterbirds include the Slavonian Grebe, Red-necked Phalarope, Great Northern Diver, Red-throated Diver and Whooper Swan. Date: 2nd June 2015 Location: view from junction of road 1 and road 87 near Reykjahlíð http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30040602.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_493757538587cb430e3ab6.jpgWaxwings The Waxwing is a plump bird which is slightly smaller than a Starling. It is buff or pinkish-brown in colour with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings, a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest. The bird’s name is derived from the red tips to some of the wing feathers which are said to look like they have been dipped in sealing wax. Waxwings breed in the dense forests of northern Europe but they occur in varying numbers in the UK from October to March. In some years they can occur in large numbers (known as irruptions) when the population in the breeding areas gets too big for the food available. The first UK arrivals each winter are usually seen on the east coast from Scotland to East Anglia but birds then move inland in search of food. They can be found in parks and gardens and even busy public places such as supermarket car parks, typically where there are berry-bearing trees and bushes such as rowan, hawthorn, cotoneaster and rose. Waxwings seem fearless of humans so it is relatively easy to get very close views of these stunning birds. Waxwings make an easily recognisable high-pitched trilling sound like a bell. Date: 10th January 2017 Location: Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28102095.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14890030125777a54c3df96.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include [url=http://www.gigrin.co.uk/]Gigrin Farm feeding centre[/url] near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 12th June 2016 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/loch-broom-wester-ross https://images.on-this.website/4752_1636696735467f22d5baec4.jpgLoch Broom, Wester Ross Loch Broom opens from the Minch at a width of 12.5 miles and covers a distance of 7 miles south-eastwards holding the Summer Isles. At its mouth proper, with the sea loch Loch Kanaird to the east and Annat Bay to the west, Loch Broom is 4 miles wide and runs south east for about 9.5 miles at a width of 1 mile where it is fed by the River Broom. Ullapool, on the north east shore of Loch Broom, began as a planned village built by Thomas Telford and the British Fisheries Society in 1788 to exploit the boom in herring fishing. It is now the largest settlement in the area and serves as the terminal for the ferry to Stornaway in the Western Isles. The entrance to Loch Broom is overlooked to the north by the mountain of Ben More Coigach on the Coigach peninsula and to the south by the mountains of Beinn Ghobhlach and Beinn nam Ban on the Scoraig peninsula which separates Loch Broom and Little Loch Broom. Broom comes from the gaelic word "bhraoin" meaning place of rain showers. Date: 14th June 2006 Location: view looking north west from Braes of Ullapool off the A835 road http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4267225.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1630530124b52235225963.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 26th December 2009 Location: Buckenham Marshes, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46830561.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11088662962e8fab6d1cb5.jpgCommon Darter Flight period: end May to early October. Common Darters are the most widespread of the dragonflies over lowland UK but they are absent from upland areas. They can be found in a wide range of habitats including ponds, lakes, ditches, canals, slow flowing rivers and brackish water. They can also be frequently seen some way from water. Date: 30th July 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/quinag-assynt-highland https://images.on-this.website/4752_19849047174681c78da23d2.jpgQuinag, Assynt, Highland Height: Sail Gharbh 2650 feet, Sail Ghorm 2545 feet and Spidean Coinich 2507 feet. Quinag is a "Y" shaped mountain mass that fills the area north of Loch Assynt and south of Loch a Chairn Bhain at Kylesku. This photograph is of Sail Gharbh. Date: June 2003 Location: view from the B869 road near the junction with the A894 road near Kylesku http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13593662.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12175423324ec8dafd9646f.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 9th November 2011 Location: Killiechronan, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5325715.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17689482944c1dd3e4c5bda.jpgFulmar The Fulmar is almost gull-like but is a grey and white seabird that is related to the albatrosses. It flies low over the sea on stiff wings with shallow wing beats, gliding and banking to show its white under-parts and then grey upper-parts. At its breeding sites it will fly high up the cliff face riding the updraughts. Fulmars feed in flocks out at sea and defend their nests from intruders by spitting out a foul-smelling oil. Fulmars breed on coastal cliffs with suitable ledges and grassy slopes but will occasionally breed on buildings. Fulmars are best looked for at seabird colonies and are most abundant along the Scottish coastline especially in the Northern Isles. They are least common along the east, south and north-west coasts of England. Adults are present at the breeding colonies nearly all year although young birds leave in late summer. Away from the breeding colonies, Fulmars spend their whole time offshore at sea. Date: 3rd June 2010 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17408559.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17692140025133288aec0ee.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 14th January 2013 Location: Abbeytown to Silloth, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/whitesands-bay-to-st-davids https://images.on-this.website/4752_157927391964995f354b21a.jpgWhitesands Bay to St. David's Head, Pembrokeshire The wide sandy expanse of Whitesands Beach curves north towards the rocky headland of St David's Head which can be reached via the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. From here, there is an excellent view of RSPB Ramsey Island. Date: 6th June 2023 Location: view from Pembrokeshire Coast Path http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42175424.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8951918325fdbc046aa88f.jpgReeves' Muntjac The Reeves' Muntjac, also known as the Chinese Muntjac, is a small, hump-backed deer species. It is named after British naturalist and employee of the East India Company, John Russell Reeves (1774 to 1856). Reeves came across them when he lived in China and sent specimens back to England. It is also called the “barking deer” due to its distinctive barking sound, although this name is also used for other Muntjac species. The barking sound is common during mating or when provoked. The Reeves' Muntjac grows to 1 foot 8 inches high at the shoulder and 3 feet 1 inches in length plus a short tail up to 4 inches long. It is reddish-brown in appearance with striped markings on its face. The belly is creamy-white with lighter fur extending to the neck, chin and the underside of the tail. The males have short antlers, usually 4 inches or less in length, and long upper canines or tusks, usually about 2 inches in length The Reeves' Muntjac is found widely in south east China (from Gansu to Yunnan) and Taiwan but it has also been introduced in Belgium, the Netherlands and Japan. In the UK, it was introduced to Woburn Park in Bedfordshire in 1894 by the then Duke of Bedford and was deliberately released into surrounding woodlands from 1901 onward. Releases, translocations and escapes from the 1930s onwards resulted in wide establishment in south east England and the population is still increasing and spreading across the UK where it can be found in deciduous woodland with a good understorey plus hedgerows, gardens, parks, conifer plantations, railway embankments, etc. Since the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it has been illegal to release the species except where it is already established. The Reeves' Muntjac is a solitary and crepuscular animal and both males and females defend small territories that they mark with preorbital gland secretions that are thought to be pheromonal in nature The Reeves' Muntjac feeds on herbs, blossoms, succulent shoots, fungi, berries, grasses and nuts and it has also been reported to eat tree bark. Eggs and carrion are eaten opportunistically. Date: 1st December 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/barafundle-bay-pembrokeshire https://images.on-this.website/4752_61067804464996cd4b794f.jpgBarafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire Barafundle Bay and Beach is part of the National Trust Stackpole Estate and accessible only by a half mile walk from the nearest car park at Stackpole Quay. It is a stunning broad stretch of golden sand flanked by woodland, dunes and limestone headlands. After crossing Barafundle Beach, a path leads up through the woodland before emerging on the cliff-top path to Stackpole Head, a spectacular point where the sea has sculpted stacks, caves, arches, inlets and headlands and where Guillemots, Razorbills, Choughs, Ravens and Peregrines breed. Date: 9th June 2023 Location: view from Pembrokeshire Coast Path, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26006652.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_555104985563496cb06173.jpgWestfjords, Iceland The Westfjords is the name of a large peninsula in north west Iceland and it is situated on the Denmark Strait facing the east coast of Greenland to the north west. It is connected to the rest of Iceland by a 5 mile wide isthmus between Gilsfjörður and Bitrufjörður. The Westfjords are one of the most breathtakingly beautiful and least visited corners of Iceland with only a small number of foreign tourist visitors. This peninsula of almost 5500 square miles stretching out into the icy waters of the Denmark Strait is characterised by dramatic fjords which have resulted from intense glacial activity. Everything here is extreme from the table mountains that dominate the landscape and which plunge precipitously into the sea to the ferocious storms that have gnawed the coastline into countless craggy inlets. After crossing the Steingrímsfjarðarheiði mountain pass west of Hólmavík, road 61 becomes a convoluted and circuitous route which winds it’s way in and around no fewer than 7 deeply indented fjords in the northern part of the Westfjords before reaching the regional capital of Ísafjörður. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: view from road 61 between the western end of the Steingrímsfjarðarheiði mountain pass and Ísafjörður http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9578968.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4546164404db003e655444.jpgOystercatcher The Oystercatcher is a wader in the oystercatcher family. It is an obvious and noisy bird with black and white plumage, red legs and a strong broad red bill which is used for smashing or prising open molluscs such as mussels or for finding earthworms. Despite its name, oysters do not form a large part of its diet. The Oystercatcher is unmistakable in flight with white patches on the wings and tail with otherwise black upperparts and white underparts. Young birds are more brown, have a white neck collar and a duller bill. The call is a distinctive loud piping. The bill shape varies: Oystercatchers with broad bill tips open molluscs by prising them apart or hammering through the shell whereas birds with pointed bills dig up worms. Much of this is due to the wear resulting from feeding on their prey. Individual Oystercatchers specialise in one technique or the other which they learn from their parents. The Oystercatcher is the most widespread of the oystercatchers with 3 races breeding in western Europe, central Eurasia, Kamchatka, China, and the western coast of Korea. It is a migratory species over most of its range. The European population breeds mainly in northern Europe but in winter the birds can be found in north Africa and southern parts of Europe. Although the species is present all year in Ireland, the UK and the adjacent European coasts, there is still migratory movement within these populations. In winter, large flocks can be seen on major estuaries in the UK. The Oystercatcher breeds on shingle and rocky beaches, sand dunes, salt marshes and on the grassy tops of small islands and also inland on shingle banks of rivers, lakes and gravel pits Date: 3rd June 2008 Location: Bousta, West Mainland, Shetland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo44044222.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1796318720614f0dc49b020.jpgRed Admiral Flight period: April to November. The Red Admiral is a familiar and widespread butterfly in the UK although numbers depend on immigration from Europe. It can be found in any flower-rich habitat. Date: 27th August 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11328650.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11730058434e1d67c498926.jpgCoot The Coot is an all black bird with a distinctive white beak and “shield” above the beak from which earns it the title “bald”. Its feet have distinctive lobed flaps of skin on the toes which act instead of webs when swimming. It patters noisily over the water before taking off and can be very aggressive towards other birds. Coot can be found all the year round mainly on freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers and town park lakes. Sometimes they can be seen offshore, especially in winter if freshwater areas are frozen. They breed in areas of fairly shallow standing freshwater with a muddy bottom and plenty of vegetation at the sides, usually in lowland areas. Date: 07/02/07 Location: Northlands Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/vard-varanger-peninsula-troms-og https://images.on-this.website/4752_12472970985f2695d441c4f.jpgVardø, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Vardø is a town and municipality in Troms og Finnmark in the extreme north east of Norway. It is the eastern most town in Norway and the Nordic countries, located at 31°E, which is east of Saint Petersburg, Kiev and Istanbul. The town of Vardø is located on the island of Vardøya at the mouth of the Varangerfjord but the municipality includes significant area on the mainland of the Varanger peninsula including part of the Varangerhalvøya National Park in the south west. The mountain Domen lies overlooks Vardøya and Vardø. The island of Vardøya is surrounded by a few smaller islands including the bird reserve of Hornøya. The island of Vardøya is connected to the mainland via the undersea Vardø Tunnel (Norway's first such structure). Vardø Airport and the village and port of Svartnes are on the mainland opposite the tunnel entrance. Vardø is a port of call on Norway's Hurtigruten ferry service and it is the northern termination of European route E75 which starts in Sitia in Crete. Vardø has a long settlement history before it was granted status as a town in 1789. Several stone-age sites as well as sites dating from the Sami Iron Age are known on the island. In the Medieval period, Vardø's importance grew as a result of it being the easternmost stronghold of the then-expanding Norwegian royal power. A church was built in Vardø in 1307 and the first fortress was established at about the same time. Even if the presence of the fortress and King's bailiff gave Vardø a certain degree of permanence and stability not experienced by other fishing communities in Finnmark, the town's size and importance waxed and waned with the changing fortunes of the fisheries. After 1850, the town saw a marked expansion. The fisheries grew in importance as did trade with Russia's White Sea region. However, during World War 2, with Norway occupied by the Germans, Vardø was heavily bombed by Allied forces, principally Russian, and most of the town centre was destroyed and the population was evacuated. After the war, the town was completely reconstructed but older, traditional houses survived in the periphery. From 1995 to 2017, the population of Vardø shrank by 50 percent to just over 2000 people, primarily as a result of the collapse of the fisheries. Since 1998, Vardø has housed a radar installation called Globus II. Its official purpose is the tracking of space junk but, due to the site's proximity to Russia and an alleged connection between the Globus II system and US anti-missile systems, the site has been the basis for heated controversy in diplomatic and intelligence circles. In May 2017, work to lay a new electric cable from the Norwegian mainland to the island began. The additional electricity is needed to power an American-funded radar system about 40 miles from Russia's Kola Peninsula, a territory studded with high-security naval bases and restricted military zones. The secrecy surrounding the radar systems has spawned fears that officials are covering up health hazards and other possible dangers. The electromagnetic pulses the current radar system emits interfere with television and radio reception and some residents have blamed them for a rash of miscarriages and cancer cases in a civilian district next to the fenced-in security zone. Date: 1st July 2019 Location: view from near Svartnes, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41225586.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14411420715eda013db8c16.jpgSeven-spot Ladybird The Seven-spot Ladybird is a very familiar and widespread in the UK. They are small round beetles with three and a half spots on each of their two elytra (wing cases). The thorax is black with two white marks at the side and the head is small and black. The Ladybird's bright colours are a warning to predators of its foul taste. When disturbed the Ladybird will secrete small amounts of its oily foul-smelling yellow blood from its legs as a further warning to predators such as ants or birds. They inhabit gardens, woodland, hedgerows and meadows and have a varied diet of small insects but favour plant-lice and aphids. They are known as the gardener's friend as they eat garden pests. The average Seven-spot Ladybird will eat more than 5,000 aphids in its year-long life. Ladybirds will hibernate in large groups in sites which are used year after year. In the main breeding season during May and June, mating Seven-spot Ladybirds are a common sight in hedgerows and gardens. In her short life, a female may lay more than 2,000 small yellow eggs. The name Ladybird comes from the Middle Ages when the colourful insects were known as the "beetle of Our Lady". They were named after the Virgin Mary because in early religious paintings she was often shown wearing a red cloak. The 7 spots symbolise 7 joys and 7 sorrows. Date: 27th May 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/torrisdale-bay-and-river-naver https://images.on-this.website/4752_8372594574e09750bcf94c.jpgTorrisdale Bay and River Naver, Sutherland Torrisdale Bay is located on the north coast of Sutherland just west of Bettyhill. The rivers Naver and Borgie both flow into the bay between which is a wide sandy beach with an extensive dune system behind. Date: 11th June 2011 Location: view from the A836 road south west of Bettyhill http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9564472.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1903103284daeba687c0aa.jpgHouse Sparrow The House Sparrow is a member of the sparrow family [i]Passeridae[/i]. The House Sparrow is typically about 6.3 inches long, ranging from 5.5 to 7.1 inches, and it is a compact bird with a full chest and a large, rounded head. Its bill is stout and conical. The plumage is mostly different shades of grey and brown and the sexes exhibit strong dimorphism. The female is mostly buffish above and below whilst the male has boldly coloured head markings, a reddish back and grey underparts. The male has a dark grey crown from the top of its bill to its back and chestnut brown flanking its crown on the sides of its head. It has black around its bill, on its throat and on the lores between the bill and the eyes. It has a small white stripe between the lores and crown and small white spots immediately behind the eyes with black patches below and above them. The underparts are pale grey or white, as are the cheeks, ear coverts and stripes at the base of the head. The upper back and mantle are a warm brown, with broad black streaks whilst the lower back, rump and upper tail coverts are greyish brown. The male's bill is black in the breeding season and dark grey during the rest of the year. The female has no black markings or grey crown. Its upperparts and head are brown with darker streaks around the mantle and a distinct pale supercilium. Its underparts are pale grey-brown. The female's bill is brownish-grey and becomes darker in breeding plumage approaching the black of the male's bill. Juveniles are similar to the adult female but deeper brown below and paler above and with paler and less defined supercilia. Juveniles have broader buff feather edges and tend to have looser, scruffier plumage similar to moulting adults. The House Sparrow can be confused with a number of other seed-eating birds, especially its relatives in the sparrow family [i]Passeridae[/i]. The dull coloured female House Sparrow can often not be distinguished from other female sparrows and is nearly identical to those of the Spanish and Italian Sparrows. The Tree Sparrow is smaller and more slender with a chestnut crown and a black patch on each cheek. The male Spanish Sparrow and Italian Sparrow are distinguished by their chestnut crowns. The House Sparrow's flight is direct rather than undulating. On the ground, it typically hops rather than walks. The House Sparrow originated in the Middle East and spread, along with agriculture, to most of Eurasia and parts of north Africa. Since the mid-19th century, it has reached most of the world, mainly due to deliberate introductions but also through natural and shipborne dispersal. Its introduced range encompasses most of north America, central America, south America, south Africa, parts of West Africa, Australia, New Zealand and islands throughout the world. It has become highly successful in most parts of the world where it has been introduced. This is mostly due to its early adaptation to living with humans and its adaptability to a wide range of conditions. It has also greatly extended its range in northern Eurasia since the 1850s and continues to do so. The extent of its range makes the House Sparrow the most widely distributed wild bird on the planet. The House Sparrow is closely associated with human habitation and cultivation. It is believed to have become associated with humans around 10,000 years ago. The only terrestrial habitats that the House Sparrow does not inhabit are dense forest and tundra. Well adapted to living around humans, it frequently lives and even breeds indoors, especially in factories, warehouses and zoos. It reaches its greatest densities in urban centres but its reproductive success is greater in suburbs where insects are more abundant. In most of its range, the House Sparrow is extremely common despite some declines but in more marginal habitats its distribution can be patchy. Most House Sparrows do not move more than a few miles during their lifetimes. However, limited migration occurs in all regions. Some young birds disperse long distances and mountain birds move to lower elevations in winter. The House Sparrow is a very social bird and it is gregarious during all seasons when feeding, often forming flocks with other species of birds. It roosts communally in trees or shrubs, its nests are usually grouped together in clumps and it engages in social activities such as dust or water bathing and "social singing" in which birds call together in bushes. The House Sparrow can breed in the breeding season immediately following its hatching and sometimes it will attempt to do so. However, birds breeding for the first time are rarely successful in raising young and reproductive success increases with age as older birds breed earlier in the breeding season and fledge more young. The timing of mating and egg-laying varies geographically and between specific locations and years because a sufficient supply of insects is needed for egg formation and feeding nestlings. Males take up nesting sites before the breeding season by frequently calling beside them. Unmated males start nest construction and call particularly frequently to attract females. The House Sparrow is monogamous and typically mates for life but birds from pairs often engage in extra-pair copulations. Many birds do not find a nest and a mate and instead may serve as helpers around the nest for mated pairs, a role which increases the chances of being chosen to replace a lost mate. Lost mates of both sexes can be replaced quickly during the breeding season. The formation of a pair and the bond between the 2 birds is tied to the holding of a nest site. Nest sites are varied although cavities are preferred. Nests are most frequently built in the eaves and other crevices of houses. Holes in cliffs and banks or tree hollows are also used and sometimes a nest will be excavated in sandy banks or rotten branches. Especially in warmer areas, the House Sparrow may build its nest in the open, such as on the branches of trees or in the nests of large birds such as storks, although breeding success tends to be lower. The nest is usually domed although it may lack a roof in enclosed sites. It has an outer layer of stems and roots, a middle layer of dead grass and leaves and a lining of feathers as well as of paper and other soft materials. The building of the nest is initiated by the unmated male while displaying to females. The female assists in building but is less active than the male. The female House Sparrow usually lays 4 or 5 eggs although numbers from 1 to 10 have been recorded. At least 2 clutches are usually laid and up to 7 a year may be laid in the tropics or 4 a year in temperate latitudes. When fewer clutches are laid in a year, especially at higher latitudes, the number of eggs per clutch is greater. The female plays the main role in incubating the eggs. The male helps but can only cover the eggs rather than truly incubate them. The female spends the night incubating while the male roosts near the nest. Eggs hatch at the same time, after a short incubation period lasting 11 to 14 days. Young House Sparrows remain in the nest for 11 to 23 days but normally 14 to 16 days. During this time, they are fed by both parents. All the young leave the nest during the same period of a few hours. At this stage, they are normally able to fly. They start feeding themselves partly after 1 or 2 days and sustain themselves completely after 7 to 10 days. In adult House Sparrows, annual survival is 45% to 65%. After fledging and leaving the care of their parents, young House Sparrows have a high mortality rate which lessens as they grow older and more experienced. Only about 20 to 25% of birds hatched survive to their first breeding season. The oldest known wild House Sparrow lived for nearly 20 years and the oldest recorded captive House Sparrow lived for 23 years. The House Sparrow's main predators are cats and birds of prey but many other animals prey on them, including corvids, squirrels and even humans (it has been consumed in the past by people in many parts of the world and it still is in parts of the Mediterranean). As an adult, the House Sparrow mostly feeds on the seeds of grains and weeds but it is opportunistic and adaptable and eats whatever foods are available. In urban areas, it scavenges and feeds largely on food provided directly or indirectly by humans such as bread and leftover food. It will also eat some plant matter including buds, berries and fruits such as grapes and cherries. Animals form another important part of the diet, including beetles, caterpillars, flies, aphids, molluscs, crustaceans earthworms and even vertebrates such as lizards and frogs. Young House Sparrows are fed mostly on insects until about 15 days after hatching. They are also given small quantities of seeds and spiders. The House Sparrow has an extremely large range and population and is not seriously threatened by human activities so it is assessed as “Least Concern” by the IUCN. However, populations have been declining in many parts of the world. These declines were first noticed in north America but have been most severe in west Europe. In the UK, populations peaked in the early 1970s but have since declined by 70% overall and about 90% in some regions. Substantial declines have been noted in both rural and urban populations and the House Sparrow is designated as a “Red List” species. While the decline in England continues, Breeding Bird Survey data indicate recent population increases in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Various causes for the dramatic decreases in population have been suggested. A shortage of nesting sites caused by changes in urban building design is probably a factor together with an insufficient supply of insect food for nestlings arising from an increase of monoculture crops, the heavy use of pesticides and the replacement of native plants in cities with introduced plants and parking areas. Date: 27th January 2008 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7190722.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1688066814cc30479c1dab.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 17th October 2010 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4267242.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16270744954b52238deced1.jpgWigeon The Eurasian Wigeon, or simply Wigeon, is one of 3 species of Wigeon in the dabbling duck genus [i]Mareca[/i]. The Wigeon is 17 to 20 inches in length with a 28 to 31 inches wingspan. The breeding male has grey flanks and back with a black rear end, a dark green speculum and a brilliant white patch on the upper wings which obvious in flight or at rest. It has a pink breast, white belly and a chestnut head with a creamy crown. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female. The female is generally light brown but it can be distinguished from most other ducks, apart from the American Wigeon, on shape. The Wigeon breeds in the northernmost areas of Europe and Asia where it is the Old World counterpart of north America's American Wigeon. It is a bird of open wetlands, such as wet grassland or marshes with some taller vegetation, and nests on the ground near water and under cover. The Wigeon is strongly migratory and winters further south than its breeding range. It is highly gregarious outside of the breeding season and will form large flocks. In the UK, the Wigeon can be found all year round. It is a scarce breeding bird in central and northern Scotland and in northern England. In winter, many birds arrive in the UK from Iceland, Scandinavia and Russia and very large numbers can be seen on the coasts and at some inland sites. The Wigeon is categorised by the IUCN as a species of “Least Concern” but it is a species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 26th December 2009 Location: Buckenham Marshes, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512558.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_99448365362c99a6dbd4b8.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 9th May 2022 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847633.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_101596773559bd544b39e79.jpgMarsh Frog The Marsh Frog is the largest European frog. It is very similar in appearance to the closely related Edible Frog and Pool Frog. These 3 species are often referred to as "green frogs" to distinguish them from the more terrestrial European species which are known as "brown frogs" (best exemplified by the Common Frog). Marsh Frogs show a large variation in colour and pattern, ranging from dark green to brown or grey. The Western European populations are generally dark green to black with dark spots on the back and sides and 3 clear green lines on the back. Females can reach a maximum length of around 6.5 inches but males are smaller at around 4.5 inches. The head is proportionally large and the hind legs are long which gives them excellent jumping abilities. The Marsh Frog is usually gregarious and diurnal and more tied to aquatic habitats than the Common Frog. It is tolerant of brackish conditions and typically it is found on or in the water of its favoured drainage channels and pools throughout the year. Marsh Frogs frequently sunbathe on the bank of the water body where they are often inconspicuous until disturbed when they will jump in to the water with a characteristic “plop”. They can often be seen on lily pads or floating at the surface amongst vegetation with only their heads exposed. During the breeding season (and sometimes beyond) the male Marsh Frog calls very loudly with a sound reminiscent of a loud chuckle which is often very raucous and can be heard all day and night. Dominant males establish territories from which they call. After mating a female may produce up to 16,000 eggs in a season, laying them in clumps of a few hundred in aquatic vegetation below the surface. They hatch in about a week, tadpoles being rather solitary and living in deep water with vegetation. Newly metamorphosed frogs are up to 1 inch in length and take 2 years to mature. The diet of the Marsh Frog consists of dragonflies and other insects, spiders, earthworms and slugs. Larger frogs also eat small rodents and sometimes smaller amphibians and fish. Date: 2nd June 2017 Location: Leles to Boľ area, Latorica, Košice region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42222329.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14423822616023a31dc445f.jpgNorthern Hawk Owl The Northern Hawk Owl is a medium sized owl, 14 to 16 inches long and with a wing span of 8.5 to 10 inches. Females are slightly larger than males. The term "hawk" refers to its falcon-like wing shape and long tail. The facial disc is whitish and broadly rimmed blackish at the sides. The eyebrows are white and the eyes are pale yellow. The upperparts are dark grey to dusky greyish-brown with the crown densely spotted whitish and the nape has indistinct false eyes. The mantle and back are dusky grey with some whitish dots and the scapulars are mainly white forming rather broad white bands across the shoulder. The flight feathers are dark grey-brown with rows of white spots. The tail is long and graduated and dark greyish-brown with several narrow whitish bars. The underparts are whitish and barred with greyish-brown. The legs and toes are feathered. The Northern Hawk Owl is found in the boreal coniferous forests of North America and Eurasia, usually on the edges of more open woodland, and hunts in semi-open country with scattered trees or groups of trees. It nests in large tree cavities or uses nests abandoned by other large birds and moves widely within its area of distribution, breeding where food is abundant. The Northern Hawk Owl is a partially diurnal owl which hunts voles and birds like thrushes. It waits on a treetop or other perch and takes advantage of its rapid flight to overtake prey. It has exceptional hearing and can plunge into snow to capture rodents below the surface. The typical male call is a rapid, melodious, purring trill of up to 14 seconds long which consists of about 11 to 15 notes per second. It begins softly, rises slightly in pitch and increases to a vibrating trill before breaking off abruptly. This is repeated at various intervals. Females utter a similar, higher-pitched, less clear song. Date: 9th July 2019 Location: Iivaara, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11806262.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19024632884e3a788e3fd48.jpgMarsh Frog The Marsh Frog is the largest European frog. It is very similar in appearance to the closely related Edible Frog and Pool Frog. These 3 species are often referred to as "green frogs" to distinguish them from the more terrestrial European species which are known as "brown frogs" (best exemplified by the Common Frog). Marsh Frogs show a large variation in colour and pattern, ranging from dark green to brown or grey. The Western European populations are generally dark green to black with dark spots on the back and sides and 3 clear green lines on the back. Females can reach a maximum length of around 6.5 inches but males are smaller at around 4.5 inches. The head is proportionally large and the hind legs are long which gives them excellent jumping abilities. The Marsh Frog is usually gregarious and diurnal and more tied to aquatic habitats than the Common Frog. It is tolerant of brackish conditions and typically it is found on or in the water of its favoured drainage channels and pools throughout the year. Marsh Frogs frequently sunbathe on the bank of the water body where they are often inconspicuous until disturbed when they will jump in to the water with a characteristic “plop”. They can often be seen on lily pads or floating at the surface amongst vegetation with only their heads exposed. During the breeding season (and sometimes beyond) the male Marsh Frog calls very loudly with a sound reminiscent of a loud chuckle which is often very raucous and can be heard all day and night. Dominant males establish territories from which they call. After mating a female may produce up to 16,000 eggs in a season, laying them in clumps of a few hundred in aquatic vegetation below the surface. They hatch in about a week, tadpoles being rather solitary and living in deep water with vegetation. Newly metamorphosed frogs are up to 1 inch in length and take 2 years to mature. The diet of the Marsh Frog consists of dragonflies and other insects, spiders, earthworms and slugs. Larger frogs also eat small rodents and sometimes smaller amphibians and fish. The Marsh Frog is not a native species of the UK. It was first introduced to Walland Marsh, Kent in 1935 and is now found in several areas of Kent and East Sussex. Other introductions exist, including colonies in London. Date: 31st July 2011 Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41187500.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17392218995ea6e021ba57b.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 26th April 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7190830.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16653332254cc30514971ec.jpgFallow Deer Fallow Deer are native to the Mediterranean region of Europe and from Turkey to Iran but they have been introduced to nearly 40 countries including the UK by the Normans in the 11th century. They have since become the most widespread species of deer in the UK and typically can be found in deciduous woodland with open patches. Fallow Deer commonly gather in small herds of 4 to 5 but in good feeding areas groupings of up to 100 may gather. When competing for access to females, males display by groaning, thrashing their antlers and by walking alongside their opponent. Fighting occurs if both stags are evenly matched and involves wrestling and clashing of antlers. Fallow Deer have many colour varieties but they are typically fawn-coloured in the summer and reddish-brown in the winter. They have yellow-white undersides, white spots and a black line that runs along the back to the tip of the tail. The spots become less conspicuous or disappear in winter. Males have palmate (flattened) antlers. Date: 17th October 2010 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081454.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_43789700763a84a3a58e7c.jpgLapwing The Northern Lapwing, also known as the peewit, pewit, tuit or tew-it (imitative of its cry), Green Plover (emphasising the colour of the plumage) or (in the UK) just Lapwing (which refers to its peculiar, erratic way of flying), is a bird in the lapwing family. The Lapwing has rounded wings and a crest. It is also the shortest-legged of the lapwing species. It is mainly black and white but the back is tinted green. The male has a long crest and a black crown, throat and breast contrasting with an otherwise white face. Females and young birds have shorter crests and have less strongly marked heads but plumages are otherwise quite similar. The Lapwing is a vocal bird in the breeding season with constant calling as the crazed tumbling display flight is performed by the male. The typical contact call is a loud, shrill "pee-wit" from which they get their other name of peewit. The Lapwing is common through temperate Eurasia and breeds on cultivated land and other short vegetation habitats. The ground scrape nest and young are defended noisily and aggressively against all intruders. It is highly migratory over most of its extensive range, wintering further south as far as north Africa, north India, Pakistan and parts of China. It migrates mainly by day, often in large flocks. Lowland breeders in the westernmost areas of Europe are resident. In winter, it forms huge flocks on open land, particularly arable land and mud-flats. In the UK, the Lapwing has suffered a significant decline in the last 25 years and is an Amber List species because of the importance of its UK wintering population. It breeds on farmland throughout the UK, particularly in lowland areas of north England, the Borders and east Scotland, and prefers fields of spring sown cereals and root crops, permanent unimproved pasture, meadows and fallow fields but also wet grassland and marshes. During the winter, the Lapwing can be seen on flooded grassland, estuaries, coastal wetlands, short grassy fields and ploughed fields. In addition to the UK population, large numbers of north European birds arrive in the autumn for the winter. The Lapwing feeds primarily on insects and other small invertebrates. It often feeds in mixed flocks with Golden Plovers and Black-headed Gulls, the latter often robbing the plovers, but providing a degree of protection against predators. Date: 9th January 2022 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7190742.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21413675924cc3049d04d3e.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 17th October 2010 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13593661.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6615054234ec8daf68a2e8.jpgLoch na Keal, Mull, Argyll Loch na Keal, meaning Loch of the Kyle or Loch of the Narrows, is the principal sea loch on the western coastline of the island of Mull. It extends for over 13 miles inland and almost cuts the island in half as it reaches a point only 3 miles from the east coast. Loch na Keal consists of a wide triangular shaped outer loch, separated from Loch Tuath to the north by the islands of Gometra and Ulva, leading into a narrow inner loch. The island of Staffa is at the mouth of the outer loch, the island of Inch Kenneth is in the outer loch and the island of Eorsa is in the inner loch. The outer loch northern coastline is made up of basaltic ridges and many rocks and islets with many different types of vegetation. The southern coastline, bounded by the Ardmeanach peninsula, has cliffs, land slips and substantial slopes that are covered in scree. The northern shore of the inner loch is steeply sloped with Killiechronan Wood to the east. The southern shore of the inner loch consists of cliffs and slopes leading to the Munro and extinct volcano of Ben More (3169 feet high) with Scarisdale Wood to the south east. Loch na Keal has no significant villages. Most of the small settlements are at the head (east end) of the loch where there is a small area of flat land where the River Bà flows into Loch na Keal from Loch Bà. These include Gruline, a small scattered settlement, primarily consisting of crofting and tourist homes. The closest larger village is Salen, located 2.5 miles north east across the isthmus from the head of the loch. Date: 9th November 2011 Location: view from the northern shore near Killiechronan http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41537260.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3050321475f3cfe1a9aaf8.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 4th July 2019 Location: Flåget, Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41424247.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18292277685f2aa7e532f13.jpgVaranger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway The Varanger peninsula is situated in Troms og Finnmark in the extreme north east of Norway. With an area of 800 square miles, it is the largest area within the Arctic climate zone in mainland Norway and is bordered by Tanafjord to the west, Varangerfjord to the south and the Barents Sea to the north and east. The area has a rugged mountain terrain with altitudes up to 2077 feet and it has an Arctic tundra climate. The coast of the Varanger peninsula is an important area for breeding, migrating and wintering birds, especially some notable Arctic species. The Norwegian Directorate for Nature Management has a project on the Varanger peninsula to reintroduce and protect the Arctic Fox which is critically endangered on the Norwegian mainland. The Varangerhalvøya National Park (Norwegian: [I]Varangerhalvøya Nasjonalpark[/I]) lies to the west of road Fv341 and protects a majority of the land on the Varanger peninsula. The eastern part of the Varanger peninsula can be accessed from Vardø, via Svartnes, to Hamningberg. Hamningberg is an abandoned fishing village situated on the Varanger peninsula and on the shores of the Barents Sea. It’s only road connection is via the narrow and winding road Fv341 which runs for about 25 miles north from Svartnes. This is a very scenic road which follows the shores of the Barents Sea. It is considered to be one of the wildest and most memorable drives in Norway and passes through a bare and barren but awe-inspiring Arctic landscape. The road is closed during the winter months from October to late May. Traditionally a fishing village, Hamningberg is one of very few places in Troms og Finnmark that was not burnt and destroyed under Operation Nordlicht in 1944 and 1945, the German “scorched earth” retreat from Finnmark. It was depopulated and abandoned in 1964 although some of the houses are still in use as summer cottages. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: view from road Fv341 between Svartnes and Hamningberg, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48483009.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_320065545640a400b0f18b.jpgReeves' Muntjac The Reeves' Muntjac, also known as the Chinese Muntjac, is a small, hump-backed deer species. It is named after British naturalist and employee of the East India Company, John Russell Reeves (1774 to 1856). Reeves came across them when he lived in China and sent specimens back to England. It is also called the “barking deer” due to its distinctive barking sound, although this name is also used for other Muntjac species. The barking sound is common during mating or when provoked. The Reeves' Muntjac grows to 1 foot 8 inches high at the shoulder and 3 feet 1 inches in length plus a short tail up to 4 inches long. It is reddish-brown in appearance with striped markings on its face. The belly is creamy-white with lighter fur extending to the neck, chin and the underside of the tail. The males have short antlers, usually 4 inches or less in length, and long upper canines or tusks, usually about 2 inches in length The Reeves' Muntjac is found widely in south east China (from Gansu to Yunnan) and Taiwan but it has also been introduced in Belgium, the Netherlands and Japan. In the UK, it was introduced to Woburn Park in Bedfordshire in 1894 by the then Duke of Bedford and was deliberately released into surrounding woodlands from 1901 onward. Releases, translocations and escapes from the 1930s onwards resulted in wide establishment in south east England and the population is still increasing and spreading across the UK where it can be found in deciduous woodland with a good understorey plus hedgerows, gardens, parks, conifer plantations, railway embankments, etc. Since the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it has been illegal to release the species except where it is already established. The Reeves' Muntjac is a solitary and crepuscular animal and both males and females defend small territories that they mark with preorbital gland secretions that are thought to be pheromonal in nature The Reeves' Muntjac feeds on herbs, blossoms, succulent shoots, fungi, berries, grasses and nuts and it has also been reported to eat tree bark. Eggs and carrion are eaten opportunistically. Date: 1st February 2023 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41205489.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14225711405eb97981088b9.jpgCoot The Coot is an all black bird with a distinctive white beak and “shield” above the beak from which earns it the title “bald”. Its feet have distinctive lobed flaps of skin on the toes which act instead of webs when swimming. It patters noisily over the water before taking off and can be very aggressive towards other birds. Coot can be found all the year round mainly on freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers and town park lakes. Sometimes they can be seen offshore, especially in winter if freshwater areas are frozen. They breed in areas of fairly shallow standing freshwater with a muddy bottom and plenty of vegetation at the sides, usually in lowland areas. Date: 10th May 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5325662.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13500265844c1dd33ec459c.jpgWigeon The Eurasian Wigeon, or simply Wigeon, is one of 3 species of Wigeon in the dabbling duck genus [i]Mareca[/i]. The Wigeon is 17 to 20 inches in length with a 28 to 31 inches wingspan. The breeding male has grey flanks and back with a black rear end, a dark green speculum and a brilliant white patch on the upper wings which obvious in flight or at rest. It has a pink breast, white belly and a chestnut head with a creamy crown. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female. The female is generally light brown but it can be distinguished from most other ducks, apart from the American Wigeon, on shape. The Wigeon breeds in the northernmost areas of Europe and Asia where it is the Old World counterpart of north America's American Wigeon. It is a bird of open wetlands, such as wet grassland or marshes with some taller vegetation, and nests on the ground near water and under cover. The Wigeon is strongly migratory and winters further south than its breeding range. It is highly gregarious outside of the breeding season and will form large flocks. In the UK, the Wigeon can be found all year round. It is a scarce breeding bird in central and northern Scotland and in northern England. In winter, many birds arrive in the UK from Iceland, Scandinavia and Russia and very large numbers can be seen on the coasts and at some inland sites. The Wigeon is categorised by the IUCN as a species of “Least Concern” but it is a species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 2nd June 2010 Location: Loch Garten, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41249296.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6108167285f00b7ba1cba1.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 22nd June 2020 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/haeska-matsalu-national-park-estonia https://images.on-this.website/4752_198016006157cc39fa7c291.jpgMatsalu National Park, Estonia Matsalu National Park is the most famous coastal wetland in Estonia. It was established in 1957 mainly to protect nesting, moulting and migratory birds and in 1976 it was included in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance. Matsalu National Park covers a total area of 188 square miles and comprises Matsalu Bay, the Kasari river delta and surrounding areas. 87 square miles of the protected area is terrestrial and 101 square miles is aquatic. The varied habitats include open sea, grassy and rocky islets, sandy and stony shores, saltmarsh, reedbeds, flooded meadows, pastures, arable land, mixed woodland and birch copses. Matsalu Bay is shallow, brackish and rich in nutrients. It is 11.2 miles long and 3.7 miles wide but has an average depth of only 5 feet and a maximum depth of 11 feet. Shoreline length of the bay is about 102.5 miles. The bay's shoreline lacks high banks and is populated mostly with shingle shores with reedbeds in the innermost sheltered parts. Nearly 300 species of birds have been recorded, around 175 species have nested and around 35 are migratory wildfowl. Matsalu Bay is one of the most important wetland bird areas in Europe due to its prime position on the East Atlantic Flyway. Huge numbers of migratory ducks, geese and waders use Matsalu Bay as a staging area in spring and autumn. The Kasari river is the biggest of several rivers that run into Matsalu Bay and the alluvial meadow of the delta (15 square miles) is one of the biggest open wet meadows in Europe. Date: 11th May 2016 Location: Haeska, Matsalu National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/cattle-egret https://images.on-this.website/4752_1129419794b194124242ed.jpgCattle Egret The Cattle Egret is a stocky white bird adorned with buff plumes in the breeding season. The easiest way to separate them from Little Egrets is by their short, yellow rather than long, black bills but Cattle Egrets are also smaller, stockier and more squat in shape with shorter, thicker necks and less elegant heads. The Cattle Egret is a cosmopolitan species of heron found in the tropics, subtropics and warm temperate zones. Originally native to parts of Asia, Africa and Europe, it has undergone a rapid expansion in its distribution and successfully colonised much of the rest of the world. Cattle Egrets breed and roost in trees usually close to fresh water and feed in shallow wetlands, especially rice-paddies, but also dry grasslands. They can often be seen feeding around cattle waiting to pick off disturbed insects, including riding on the backs of animals. Cattle Egrets are visiting the UK in increasing numbers and are most likely to be seen in the south of England and Wales. In winter 2007/08, a large influx of Cattle Egrets occurred in the UK, with the largest numbers in south-west England although birds did get as far north as Scotland. This influx led to the first ever pair breeding successfully in Somerset. Date: 9th November 2009 Location: Delta de l’Ebre, Catalunya, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo453447.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13980890846883ef5495db.jpgRiver Etive, Argyll From its source on Rannoch Moor, the River Etive flows just over 15 miles to enter the head of lonely Loch Etive. On its passage through the beautiful Glen Etive, it passes the peak of Buachaille Etive Mor at the entrance to Glencoe. Date: 6th June 2007 Location: view from the unclassified road through Glen Etive http://www.richardchewphotography.com/river-neiden-troms-og-finnmark https://images.on-this.website/4752_3737531395f269452118c7.jpgRiver Neiden, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Neiden is a village located in the Sápmi area, the cultural region traditionally inhabited by the Sámi people, along the Norway and Finland border. Situated along the River Neiden, it actually consists of 2 villages separated by the border. One side is in Sør-Varanger municipality in Troms og Finnmark in Norway and the other side is in the Inari municipality in Lappi, Finland. Neiden is the official name in Norway and Näätämö is the official name in Finland. The European route E6 highway runs through the Norwegian village of Neiden. In the Finnish view, Neiden/Näätämö extends into Finland and there is a small village in Finland near the border called Näätämö around 7 miles from Neiden village centre. Date: 1st July 2019 Location: River Neiden, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42202610.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6717445565ff30d9c28acc.jpgWhite-tailed Eagle The White-tailed Eagle is a very large bird with a 72 to 96 inch wingspan and is the fourth largest eagle in the world. It has broad "barn door" wings, a large head and a thick "meat-cleaver" beak. The adult is mainly brown except for the paler head and neck, blackish flight feathers, distinctive white tail, and yellow bill and legs. In juvenile birds the tail and bill are darker, with the tail becoming white with a dark terminal band in sub-adults. The White-tailed Eagle breeds in northern Europe and northern Asia. The largest population in Europe is found along the coast of Norway. In the UK it became extinct during the early 20th century and the present population in Scotland has arisen from a reintroduction programme which commenced on the island of Rhum in 1975. It is still a rare breeding bird which was previously confined to the west coast of Scotland, although a reintroduction programme is now taking place in east Scotland. Date: 7th July 2019 Location: Kuntilampi, near Kuusamo, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37431110.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3909770955c6be38a14a71.jpgLesser Yellowlegs The Lesser Yellowlegs is a large sandpiper with brown-streaked upperparts, white underparts and streaked upper breast and sides. A white lower rump and dark-barred tail are visible in flight. The bill is straight and uniformly dark grey and the legs are long and yellow. The Lesser Yellowlegs breeds from western Alaska and Canada east to western Quebec. They spend winters on coasts from southern California and Virginia southward and along the Gulf coast. The preferred habitats include coastal mudflats and lagoons, inland lakes, ponds, rivers, sewage works and flooded grasslands. In the UK, the Lesser Yellowlegs is a very scarce visitor with typically 5 records per year. This photo is of a first winter bird that took up residence at RSPB Lodmoor for several months from mid-September 2018. Date: 13th January 2019 Location: RSPB Lodmoor, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/lake-czorsztyn-and-niedzica-castle https://images.on-this.website/4752_4459378159bd516d8b90f.jpgLake Czorsztyn and Niedzica Castle, Pieniny Mountains, Poland The Pieniny Mountains are a mountain range in the Małopolska province in the south of Poland and the Prešov region in the north of Slovakia. The range is divided in to 3 parts: Pieniny Spiskie and Pieniny Właściwe in Poland and Małe Pieniny in Poland and Slovakia. The Pieniny mountains consist mainly of limestone and dolomite. The highest peak is Wysoka at 3445 feet but the most famous peak is Trzy Korony (Three Crowns), the summit of the Three Crowns Massif at 3222 feet. The massif is an independent but central portion of the Pieniny Mountains consisting of 5 sharp peaks. The summit of Trzy Korony is separated from the surrounding peaks by the Wyżni Łazek Pass which descends in to deep valleys with streams surrounded by forested slopes. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Pieniny Mountains and an observation deck hangs over a 1600 foot precipice with extensive views of the Dunajec River Gorge (Przełom Dunajca) and the vast area of the Pieniny National Park (Pieniński Park Narodowy) and the Tatra National Park (Tatrzański Park Narodowy). Caves are few and rather small in the Pieniny Mountains but rivers and streams are often deeply indented in the rock, creating approximately 15 ravines and gorges. The most famous gorges of the Pieniny mountains are the Dunajec River Gorge (Przełom Dunajca) and the Homole Ravine (Wąwóz Homole). The Dunajec River Gorge (Przełom Dunajca) forms the border between Poland and Slovakia. It is another popular tourist destination in the Pieniny Mountains and wooden raft trips have been organized daily by the Pieniny Gorals ethnic group since the early 19th century when their customers consisted mostly of guests of the nearby Czorsztyn Castle and Niedzica Castle. The trip begins in Sromowce Wyżne-Kąty and ends in Szczawnica, 5 miles downstream and taking 2 to 3 hours. The second leg of the trip is only 3 miles long. It begins in Szczawnica and ends in Krościenko nad Dunajcem. The Dunajec River Gorge makes 7 loops in its length and the surrounding rock cliffs reach 985 feet in height throughout most of its length. The Dunajec River includes a chain of 13 medieval castles dating back to the early 12th century. Most of the castles are in ruin now and some no longer exist at all. The most well known are Czorsztyn Castle and Niedzica Castle, both located on Lake Czorsztyn (Jezioro Czorsztyńskie), a man-made reservoir in the Dunajec river valley. Pieniny National Park (Pieniński Park Narodowy) is a protected area located in the heart of the Pieniny Mountains. It covers an area of 9.06 square miles, of which around 70% is forested. On the Slovakian side of the mountains there is a parallel national park (Pieninský národný park). The idea for the creation of Pieniny National Park arose in 1921 and in the same year a private preserve was created around the ruins of Czorsztyn Castle. In 1928 the Polish government made its first land purchases and in May 1932 a “National Park in the Pieniny” was created covering an area of 2.8 square miles. In 1954, Pieniny National Park was created. Date: 30th May 2017 Location: Lake Czorsztyn and Niedzica Castle, Pieniny Mountains, Małopolska province, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38116637.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15764644965cc324ef73a2a.jpgAvocet The (Pied) Avocet is a large black and white wader in the avocet and stilt family. It is one of 4 species of avocet that make up the genus Recurvirostra. The genus name is from the Latin recurvus meaning "curved backwards" and rostrum meaning "bill". The Avocet is a striking white wader with bold black markings. Adults have white plumage except for a black cap and black patches in the wings and on the back. They have long, upturned bills and long, bluish legs. Males and females look alike whilst juveniles resemble the adult but with more greyish and sepia tones. The Avocet breeds in temperate Europe and western and central Asia. The breeding habitat is shallow lakes with brackish water and exposed bare mud where they build a nest on open ground in a lined scrape or on a mound of vegetation. The Avocet is a migratory species and most winter in Africa or southern Asia. Some remain to winter in the mildest parts of their range such as in southern Spain and southern England. The Avocet feeds on crustaceans and insects in shallow brackish water or on mud flats, often scything their bills from side to side in water (a feeding technique that is unique to the avocet species). The Avocet was extinct as a breeding species in the UK by 1840 but its successful recolonisation at Minsmere in Suffolk in 1947 led to its adoption as the logo of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Date: 24th April 2019 Location: EWT Blue House Farm, North Fambridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453959.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21236409734ff546937b677.jpgWhite Storks The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 28th April 2012 Location: Embalse de Talavan, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/great-northern-diver https://images.on-this.website/4752_7836000514db181c627e02.jpgGreat Northern Diver The Great Northern Diver is the largest of the UK's divers with a bigger, heavier head and bill than its commoner relatives. The Great Northern Diver is largely a winter visitor to the UK coast although some non-breeding birds stay off northern coasts in the summer. They start to arrive offshore in August and birds move back to their largely Icelandic breeding grounds in April and May. The largest numbers can be found off the northern and western islands of Scotland. Date: 6th November 2008 Location: Loch Scridain, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/cattle-egrets https://images.on-this.website/4752_18090402554b19463d358e6.jpgCattle Egrets The Cattle Egret is a stocky white bird adorned with buff plumes in the breeding season. The easiest way to separate them from Little Egrets is by their short, yellow rather than long, black bills but Cattle Egrets are also smaller, stockier and more squat in shape with shorter, thicker necks and less elegant heads. The Cattle Egret is a cosmopolitan species of heron found in the tropics, subtropics and warm temperate zones. Originally native to parts of Asia, Africa and Europe, it has undergone a rapid expansion in its distribution and successfully colonised much of the rest of the world. Cattle Egrets breed and roost in trees usually close to fresh water and feed in shallow wetlands, especially rice-paddies, but also dry grasslands. They can often be seen feeding around cattle waiting to pick off disturbed insects, including riding on the backs of animals. Cattle Egrets are visiting the UK in increasing numbers and are most likely to be seen in the south of England and Wales. In winter 2007/08, a large influx of Cattle Egrets occurred in the UK, with the largest numbers in south-west England although birds did get as far north as Scotland. This influx led to the first ever pair breeding successfully in Somerset. Date: 10th November 2009 Location: Delta de l’Ebre, Catalunya, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084966.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8181479715d3089cda2a10.jpgPiatra Craiului Mountains, Brașov County, Romania The Piatra Craiului Mountains are a mountain range in the Southern Carpathians in central Romania. It forms a narrow and saw-like ridge which is about 16 miles long. Vârful La Om is the highest peak at 7343 feet. The ridge is regarded as one of the most impressive and beautiful sites in the Carpathian Mountians and the views both towards and from the mountains are superb. The whole range is included in the Piatra Craiului National Park. The first protection of this area started in 1938 when 2 square miles were declared as a nature reserve. This has been progressively extended and in 1990 it became a national park covering an area of 38 square miles. In 2003 the external limits and internal zoning were created. Since 1999 a park administration has existed with a visitor centre located on the minor road 0.6 miles west of Zărnești and since 2005 a management plan has been in place. Piatra Craiului National Park supports and protects an abundance and diversity of mammals (including Brown Bear, Wolf and Lynx), birds and plants. Zărneşti is the most important town for visiting the Piatra Craiului Mountains and the Piatra Craiului National Park. The town is located 17 miles south west of the city of Brașov. From Zărnești, a 7 mile long minor road runs west and ends at Cabana Plaiul Foii which is a good starting point for climbing the ridge. In addition, a forest road starts from the south west of Zărneşti which leads to Zărneştilor Gorge and continues up to the ridge. The traditional villages of Măgura, Peştera, Ciocanu and Şirnea are starting points for routes up to the eastern slopes. Măgura, situated at 3281 feet, is one of Romania’s most picturesque villages and it provides stunning views towards the Bucegi Mountains and the Piatra Craiului Mountains. Date: 6th June 2018 Location: Zărneştilor Gorge, Brașov County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11639906.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20523793344e2fe25152313.jpgBlack Grouse The Black Grouse is a large game bird in the grouse family. The male has all black plumage with distinctive red wattles over the eyes and striking white stripes along each wing in flight. It has a lyre-shaped tail which is fanned out and raised to show white under-tail feathers when displaying. The female is smaller and grey-brown in colour. The Black Grouse is a sedentary species and breeds across northern Eurasia in moorland and bog areas near to mostly boreal woodland. Although it is declining, it is not considered to be vulnerable globally due to the large population and slow rate of decline. Its decline is due to loss of habitat, disturbance, predation by foxes, crows, etc., and small populations gradually dying out. In the UK, the Black Grouse are found in upland areas of Wales, the Pennines and most of Scotland, especially on farmland and moorland with nearby forestry or scattered trees. Habitat loss and overgrazing have resulted in severe population declines which make the Black Grouse a Red List species. Positive habitat management and re-introduction programmes are helping it to increase in some areas. The Black Grouse has a very distinctive and well-recorded courtship. At dawn in the spring, the males strut around in a traditional area (lek) and display whilst making a highly distinctive and bubbling mating call. This photo was taken at a "lek" which included 8 males and 3 females. Date: 11th April 2009 Location: undisclosed site, Perthshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42633048.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_119793755260aa6d4ddb6ce.jpgBlackcap The Eurasian Blackcap, usually known simply as the Blackcap, is a typical warbler in the Sylvia genus. It is a mainly grey warbler with distinct male and female plumages. It is about 5.1 inches long with a 2.8 to 3.1 inches wing span. The adult male has olive-grey upperparts, other than a paler grey nape, and a neat black cap on the head. The underparts are light grey, becoming silvery white on the chin, throat and upper breast. The tail is dark grey with an olive tint to the outer edge of each feather. The bill and long legs are grey and the iris is reddish brown. The female resembles the male but has a reddish-brown cap and a slightly browner tone to the grey of the upperparts. Juveniles are similar to the female but their upperparts have a slight rufous tinge and the breast and flanks have a more olive tone. Young males have a darker brown cap than their female counterparts. The Blackcap is unmistakable and other dark-headed Sylvia species, such as the Sardinian Warbler and the Orphean Warbler, have extensive black on the head instead of a small cap and they are also larger and have white edges on the tail. The male Blackcap's song is a rich musical warbling, often ending in a loud high-pitched crescendo, which is given in bursts of up to 30 seconds. The song is repeated for about 2 minutes with a short pause before each repetition. The main song can be confused with that of the Garden Warbler but it is slightly higher pitched than in that species, more broken into discrete song segments and less mellow. Both species have a quiet sub-song, a muted version of the full song, which is even harder to separate. The Blackcap also occasionally mimics the song of other birds, the most frequently copied including the Garden Warbler and the Nightingale. The Blackcap’s breeding range includes much of Europe, west Asia and north west Africa and its preferred habitat is mature deciduous woodland. Birds on the Mediterranean and Atlantic islands and in the milder west and south of the main Eurasian distribution often winter within the breeding range but populations elsewhere are migratory. The Blackcap is a “leap-frog migrant” meaning that birds from the north of the breeding range travel furthest south whereas Mediterranean breeders move much shorter distances. The wintering areas overlap with the breeding range but also include extensive areas in west Africa, east Africa south to Lake Malawi and further north in Ethiopia, South Sudan and Eritrea. There is a migratory divide in Europe at longitude 10 to 11°E. Birds to the west of this line migrate south west towards Iberia or west Africa whereas populations to the east migrate to the east Mediterranean and on to east Africa. Climate change appears to be affecting the migration pattern of the Blackcap. It is arriving in Europe earlier than previously and departing nearly 2 weeks later than in the 1980s. In recent decades, some central European birds have taken to wintering in gardens in the UK and, to a lesser extent, in Ireland, where the Blackcap was formerly just a summer visitor. Although the UK climate is sub-optimal, compensatory factors include the ready availability of food (particularly from bird tables), a shorter migration distance and the avoidance of the Alps and the Sahara Desert. The Blackcap's main breeding habitat is mature deciduous woodland with good scrub cover below the trees. Other habitats, such as parks, large gardens and overgrown hedges, are used as long as they meet the essential requirements of tall trees for song posts and an established under-story. Where other Sylvia warblers also breed, the Blackcap tends to use taller trees than its relatives, preferably those with a good canopy such as pedunculate oak. The preferred winter habitat around the Mediterranean is scrub and olive orchards. In Africa, habitats include cultivated land, acacia scrub, mangroves and forest. When the male Blackcap returns to its breeding range, it establishes a territory. Adults that have previously bred return to the site they have used in previous summers whereas inexperienced birds either wander until they find a suitable area or establish a very large initial territory which contracts under pressure from neighbours. Territorial boundaries are established initially by loud singing which is performed while the male displays with its crown raised, tail fanned and slow wingbeats. Sylvia warblers are unusual in that they vigorously defend their territories against other members of their genus. Blackcaps and Garden Warblers use almost identical habitats yet aggressive interactions mean that their territories rarely overlap. The Blackcap first breeds at 1 year old. It is mainly monogamous although both sexes may sometimes deviate from this. A male attracts a female to his territory through song and a display involving raising the black crown feathers, fluffing the tail, slow wingbeats and a short flapping flight. He also builds one or more simple nests (cock nests) usually near his song post. The final nest, which may be one of the cock nests or built from scratch, is a neat cup of roots, stems and grasses lined with fine material such as hair. The nest is built in the cover of bramble, scrub or trees and it is constructed mainly by the female and may be up to 15 feet above the ground although lower than 3 feet is more typical. The clutch is 2 to 7 eggs (typically 4 to 6) which are incubated by both adults for 10 to 16 days (average 11 days). The chicks are fed by both parents and fledge about 11 to 12 days after hatching, leaving the nest shortly before they are able to fly. They are assisted with feeding for a further 2 or 3 weeks. The Blackcap normally raises just 1 brood but second broods are sometimes recorded, particularly in the milder climate of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic islands. The Blackcap feeds mainly on insects during the breeding season and then switches to fruit in late summer, the change being triggered by an internal biological rhythm. When migrants arrive on their breeding territories they initially take berries, pollen and nectar if there are insufficient insects available but then soon switch to their preferred diet. The Blackcap mainly picks prey off foliage and twigs but it may occasionally hover, flycatch or feed on the ground. It eats a wide range of invertebrate prey, although aphids are particularly important early in the season, and flies, beetles and caterpillars are also taken in large numbers. In July, the diet switches increasingly to a wide range of small fruit. The protein needed for egg-laying and for the chicks to grow is replaced by fruit sugar which helps the birds to fatten for migration. Aphids are still taken while they are available since they often contain sugars from the plant sap on which they feed. The Blackcap has a very large range and a very large population. It is therefore classified by the IUCN as being of “Least Concern”. The Blackcap and other small birds are illegally trapped and hunted in large numbers in Mediterranean countries, particularly in Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, Malta, Libya, Egypt and Cyprus, where they are considered as a delicacy. Despite hunting and natural hazards, the European population of the Blackcap has been increasing for several decades as the range extends northwards. There are occasional nesting records from outside the main range such as in north Israel and the Faroe Islands and wandering birds may appear further afield in Iceland or on the islands of Arctic Russia. In the Baltic region, the spread of the Blackcap appears to have been helped by the availability of territories formerly occupied by the declining Barred Warbler. Date: 29th April 2021 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12078586.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7169875904e48dd71be4e2.jpgWater Vole The Water Vole is found throughout the UK although it is less common on higher ground. It is infrequently recorded from parts of northern Scotland and is absent in Ireland. Water Voles are legally protected in the UK and recent evidence suggests that they have undergone a long term decline. On current trends it is predicted that they may eventually disappear from 94% of their former sites. The shocking decline in both the range and numbers of the Water Vole is due to a number of factors. The large-scale loss and fragmentation of sensitive waterside habitats due to riverbank modification, drainage and flood defence works has been an important factor as has the pollution of waterways and poisoning by rodenticides. Perhaps the most serious threat facing the Water Vole is predation by the introduced American Mink. Water Voles are sometimes confused with Brown Rats which often also live near water courses. They are sometimes called "the water rat" which is the origin of the Water Vole’s fame as "Ratty" from Kenneth Grahame's book “The Wind in the Willows”. Prime Water Vole sites are found along densely vegetated banks of slow flowing rivers, ditches, lakes and marshes where water is present throughout the year. Water Voles are herbivores and feed on a huge variety of waterside vegetation, consuming 80% of their body weight each day. They excavate extensive burrow systems into the banks of waterways and have sleeping/nest chambers at various levels in the steepest parts of the bank. Burrows usually have underwater entrances to provide a secure route for escape if danger threatens. Water Voles usually have 3 or 4 litters a year depending on the weather. In mild springs the first of these can be born in March or April although cold conditions can delay breeding until May or even June. There are about 5 young in a litter and these are born below ground in a nest made from suitable vegetation such as grasses and rushes. Young water voles grow quickly and are weaned at 14 days. On average, Water Voles only live about 5 months in the wild. Their most important predators are Mink and Stoats although Grey Herons, Barn Owls, Brown Rats and Pike are also known to take them. Date: 5th March 2008 Location: Cromford Canal, Derbyshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21215563.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1516241655537dbfdcd1c1a.jpgLittle Egret The Little Egret is a species of small heron. The genus name comes from the Provençal French [i]Aigrette[/i] (egret), a diminutive of [i]Aigron [/i] (heron). The adult Little Egret is 22 to 26 inches long with a 35 to 42 inches wingspan. Its plumage is normally entirely white although there are dark forms with largely bluish-grey plumage. In the breeding season, the adult has 2 long plumes on the nape that form a crest. These plumes are about 6 inches in length and are pointed and very narrow. There are similar feathers on the breast but the barbs are more widely spread. There are also several elongated scapular feathers that have long loose barbs around 8 inches long. During the winter the plumage is similar but the scapulars are shorter and more normal in appearance. The bill is long and slender and both it and the lores are black. There is an area of greenish-grey bare skin at the base of the lower mandible and around the eye which has a yellow iris. The legs are black and the feet yellow. Juveniles are similar to non-breeding adults but have greenish-black legs and duller yellow feet and may have a certain proportion of greyish or brownish feathers. The Little Egret is mostly silent but it does make various croaking and bubbling calls at its breeding colonies and it produces a harsh alarm call when disturbed. The breeding range of the western race of the Little Egret includes south Europe, the Middle East, much of Africa and south Asia. European populations are migratory and mostly travel to Africa although some remain in south Europe. During the late 20th century, the range of the Little Egret expanded northwards in Europe and into the New World. The Little Egret's habitat varies widely and includes the shores of lakes, rivers, canals, ponds, lagoons, marshes and flooded land, the bird preferring open locations to dense cover. On the coast it inhabits mudflats, sandy beaches, mangrove areas, swamps and reefs. The Little Egret is a sociable bird and can be seen in small flocks. However, individual birds do not tolerate others coming too close to their chosen feeding site although this depends on the abundance of prey. The Little Egret uses a variety of methods to find its food. It stalks its prey in shallow water, often running with raised wings or shuffling its feet to disturb small fish, or it may stand still and wait to ambush prey. It also makes use of opportunities provided by Cormorants disturbing fish or humans attracting fish by throwing bread into water. On land, it walks or runs while chasing its prey, often feeding on creatures disturbed by grazing livestock. The diet is mainly fish but amphibians, small reptiles, mammals and birds are also eaten as well as crustaceans, molluscs, insects, spiders and worms. The Little Egret nests in colonies, often with other wading birds such as Cattle Egret, Black-crowned Night Heron, Squacco Heron and Glossy Ibis. The nests are usually platforms of sticks built in trees or shrubs or in reed beds or bamboo groves. Pairs defend a small breeding territory, usually extending around 10 to 13 feet from the nest. The 3 to 5 eggs are incubated by both adults for 21 to 25 days before hatching. The young birds are covered in white down feathers and are cared for by both parents fledging after 40 to 45 days. Globally, the Little Egret is not listed as a threatened species and has in fact expanded its range over the last few decades. The IUCN states that their wide distribution and large total population means that they are a species that cause them "least concern". Historical research has shown that the Little Egret was once present and probably common in the UK but became extinct through a combination of over-hunting in the late mediaeval period and climate change at the start of the Little Ice Age. Further declines occurred throughout Europe as the plumes of the Little Egret and other egrets were in demand for decorating hats. They had been used in the plume trade since at least the 17th century but in the 19th century it became a major craze and the number of egret skins passing through dealers reached into the millions. Hunting, which reduced the population of the species to dangerously low levels, stimulated the establishment of Britain's Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in 1889. By the 1950s, the Little Egret had become restricted to south Europe and conservation laws protecting the species were introduced. This allowed the population to rebound strongly and over the next few decades it became increasingly common in western France and later on the north coast. It bred in the Netherlands in 1979 with further breeding from the 1990s onward. Populations are now mostly stable or increasing in Europe. In the UK, the Little Egret was a rare vagrant from its 16th century extinction until the late 20th century. It has, however, recently become a regular breeding species and is commonly present, often in large numbers, at favoured coastal sites. The first recent breeding record in England was on Brownsea Island in Dorset in 1996 and it bred in Wales for the first time in 2002. The population increase has been rapid subsequently with over 750 pairs breeding in nearly 70 colonies in 2008 and a post-breeding total of 4540 birds in September 2008. Severe winter weather proves only to be a temporary setback and the Little Egret continues to expand both its numbers and range in the UK. Date: 7th May 2014 Location: Conwy RSPB reserve, Conwy http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871733.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19595787214eff215fb2ed5.jpgBrown Bear The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, <i>Ursus arctos arctos</i>. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an overnight stay in a Brown Bear watching hide at [url=http://www.martinselkonen.fi/index.php?id=1&la=en]Martinselkosen Eräkeskus[/url] Date: 1st June 2009 Location: Martinselkosen Eräkeskus, Pirttivaara, Kainuu, Finland <iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/10143012?autoplay=1" width="600" height="450" frameborder="0"></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/10143012">Brown Bears of Martinselkonen</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user3372484">Richard Chew</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>. Music: Jean Sibelius - Andante festivo<br /> </p> http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11654802.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18371846424e31340185bd3.jpgBlack-headed Gulls The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 24th December 2007 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26022120.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_96549996256372786d17b2.jpgRed-necked Phalarope The Red-necked Phalarope is a small wader with lobed toes to assist swimming and a straight, fine bill. The breeding female is predominantly dark grey above with a chestnut neck and upper breast, black face and white throat. The breeding male is a duller version of the female. In winter, the plumage is essentially grey above and white below but the black eyepatch is always present. When feeding, a Red-necked Phalarope will often swim in a small, rapid circle, forming a small whirlpool. This behaviour is thought to aid feeding by raising food from the bottom of shallow water. The bird will reach into the centre of the vortex with its bill, plucking small insects or crustaceans caught up therein. On the open ocean, they are often found where converging currents produce upwellings. The Red-necked Phalarope breeds in the Arctic regions of north America and Eurasia. It is migratory and, unusually for a wader, it winters at sea on tropical oceans. Date: 3rd June 2015 Location: Lake Mývatn, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/peacock-caterpillars https://images.on-this.website/4752_10727086575ee771bca0d9d.jpgPeacock caterpillars Flight period: March to September. The Peacock is a familiar and widespread butterfly which is continuing to expand its range in the UK. It is a highly adaptable species that can be found almost anywhere but the best sites are where favoured nectar plants are available. On emerging from their eggs, Peacock caterpillars build a communal web near the top of the nettle plant from which they emerge to bask and feed and they are usually highly conspicuous. As the larvae grow, they move to new plants and build new webs. Finally, after 4 weeks, they disperse from their foodplant and seek a sheltered site to pupate. Date: 9th June 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41505224.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1531880255f37b28f525a7.jpgLong-tailed Skua The Long-tailed Skua, known as the Long-tailed Jaeger in the Americas, is a seabird in the skua family [I]Stercorariidae[/I]. It is the smallest of the skua family at 15 to 23 inches in length depending on the season and age. However, up to 11 inches of its length can be made up of the tail which may include 6 inch long tail streamers in the summer adult. The adult Long-tailed Skua is unmistakable with its grey back, dark primary wing feathers without a white "flash", black cap and very long tail. Adults often hover over their breeding territories. Juveniles are much more problematic to identify and are difficult to separate from the Arctic Skua over the sea. It is slimmer, longer-winged and more tern-like than the Arctic Skua but shows the same wide range of plumage variation. However, it is usually colder toned than the Arctic Skua with greyer shades rather than brown. The Long-tailed Skua breeds in the high Arctic of Eurasia and north America with major populations in Russia, Alaska and Canada and smaller populations around the rest of the Arctic. It nests on dry tundra or higher fells where they can be heard making yelping and rattling sounds. Outside of the breeding season they spend most of their time over open ocean and have a harsher cry. It is a migrant species and winters in the south Atlantic and Pacific. The Long-tailed Skua feeds on fish (mainly caught from other seabirds), small birds, small mammals, fruit, food scraps and carrion. On migration, it is more likely to catch its own food and less likely to steal from gulls and terns than the larger skua species. Date: 3rd July 2019 Location: Komagdalen, Varangerhalvøya National Park, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801048.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_118298132164eda2775d244.jpgEssex Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Essex Skipper is a small butterfly with a darting flight. It has bright orange-brown wings which are held with the forewings angled above the hind wings. The males have a thin black scent brand line running through the centre of the forewing and parallel to the leading edge. The Small Skipper appears very similar but it lacks the black tips to the antenna and it has a longer scent brand which is angled to the edge of the forewing. Since the Essex Skipper and the Small Skipper closely resemble each other and are often found in the same company, the Essex Skipper has been overlooked both in terms of recording and ecological study and it was the last UK resident species to be described (in 1889). The Essex Skipper can be found in tall, dry grasslands in open sunny situations, especially roadside verges, woodland rides and acid grasslands as well as coastal marshes. The distribution of the Essex Skipper in the UK has more than doubled in the last few decades. It is a widespread species in southern and central England but not in the far south-west. Date: 8th July 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11349626.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19126560634e1ef8b8674db.jpgFulmars The Fulmar is almost gull-like but is a grey and white seabird that is related to the albatrosses. It flies low over the sea on stiff wings with shallow wing beats, gliding and banking to show its white under-parts and then grey upper-parts. At its breeding sites it will fly high up the cliff face riding the updraughts. Fulmars feed in flocks out at sea and defend their nests from intruders by spitting out a foul-smelling oil. Fulmars breed on coastal cliffs with suitable ledges and grassy slopes but will occasionally breed on buildings. Fulmars are best looked for at seabird colonies and are most abundant along the Scottish coastline especially in the Northern Isles. They are least common along the east, south and north-west coasts of England. Adults are present at the breeding colonies nearly all year although young birds leave in late summer. Away from the breeding colonies, Fulmars spend their whole time offshore at sea. Date: 31st May 2008 Location: Sumburgh Head, South Mainland, Shetland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/october-2023-water-vole https://images.on-this.website/4752_195638716765ce2b30992be.jpgOctober 2023 - Water Vole Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405462.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/cormorants https://images.on-this.website/4752_2008321843559cef4a2f42a.jpgCormorants The (Great) Cormorant is a widespread member of the cormorant and shag family [i] Phalacrocoracidae[/i]. There is a wide variation in size in the species' wide range and males are typically larger and heavier than females. It has a predominantly black plumage but the adult has white patches on the thighs and throat and a yellow throat during the breeding season. In Europe it can be distinguished from the Shag by its larger size, heavier build, thicker bill, lack of a crest and plumage without any green tinge. The (Great) Cormorant is a very common and widespread bird and it breeds in much of the Old World and the Atlantic coast of north America. It feeds on the sea, in estuaries and on freshwater lakes and rivers. Northern birds migrate south and winter along any coast that is well-supplied with fish. The (Great) Cormorant is found around the UK coastline on rocky shores, coastal lagoons and estuaries and it is increasingly seen inland at reservoirs, lakes and gravel pits. The UK holds internationally important wintering numbers. The (Great) Cormorant mainly nests in colonies near wetlands, rivers and sheltered inshore waters. Pairs will use the same nest site to breed year after year. It builds its nest, which is made mainly from sticks, in trees, on the ledges of cliffs and on the ground on rocky islands that are free of predators. The female lays 3 to 5 eggs which are incubated for a period of about 28 to 31 days. The (Great) Cormorant feeds on fish caught through diving and it will consume all fish of appropriate size that they are able to catch. Many fishermen see the (Great) Cormorant a competitor for fish. Because of this, it was nearly hunted to extinction in the past. Due to conservation efforts, its numbers increased although this has once again brought it in to conflict with fisheries. In the UK, where inland breeding was once uncommon, there are now increasing numbers of birds and many inland fish farms and fisheries now claim to be suffering high losses. In the UK each year, some licences are issued to cull specified numbers in order to help reduce predation although it is still illegal to kill a bird without such a licence. Date: 12th May 2015 Location: Lake Kerkini, Central Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/common-pochard https://images.on-this.website/4752_6446311724db17532d1aac.jpgCommon Pochard The Common Pochard is a medium-sized and stocky diving duck. The adult male has a long dark bill with a grey band, a red head and neck, a black breast, red eyes and a grey back. The adult female has a brown head and body and a narrower grey bill band. The triangular head shape is distinctive. The Common Pochard is superficially similar to the closely related Redhead and Canvasback found in north America. The Common Pochard breeds in marshes and on lakes in much of temperate and north Europe and in to Asia. It is migratory and spends the winter in the south and west of Europe. In the UK, the Common Pochard breeds in east England and lowland Scotland plus in small numbers in Northern Ireland. Large numbers from Russia and Scandinavia winter in the UK on lakes, reservoirs and gravel pits, often mixing with other diving ducks such as the Tufted Duck. In a number of countries, the Common Pochard is decreasing mainly due to habitat loss and hunting. It is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. The Common Pochard feeds mainly by diving or dabbling for aquatic plants, molluscs, aquatic insects and small fish. Date: 6th January 2008 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847600.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1507821859bd539e26596.jpgRed-backed Shrike The Red-backed Shrike is a carnivorous passerine bird and member of the shrike family. The general colour of the male’s upper parts is reddish. It has a grey head and a typical shrike black stripe through the eye. Underparts are tinged pink and the tail has a black and white pattern similar to that of a Wheatear. In the female and young birds the upperparts are brown and vermiculated and the underparts are buff and also vermiculated. The Red-backed Shrike eats large insects, small birds, frogs, rodents and lizards. Like other shrikes it hunts from prominent perches and impales corpses on thorns or barbed wire as a "larder." This practice has earned it the nickname of "butcher bird." The Red-backed Shrike breeds in most of Europe and western Asia and winters in tropical Africa. Once a common migratory visitor to the UK, numbers declined sharply during the 20th century. The bird's last stronghold was in Breckland but by 1988 just a single pair remained, successfully raising young at Santon Downham. The following year for the first time no nests were recorded in the UK but since then sporadic breeding has taken place, mostly in Scotland and Wales, and in September 2010 the RSPB announced that a pair had raised chicks at a secret location on Dartmoor where the bird last bred in 1970. This return to south west England has been an unexpected development and has raised speculation that a warming climate could assist the bird in re-colonising some of its traditional sites, if only in small numbers. Date: 2nd June 2017 Location: Leles to Boľ area, Latorica, Košice region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308901.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_79288718063ee4196b90c0.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 27th January 2023 Location: Fishers Green, Lee Valley Regional Park, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23225864.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1691583804548d5375a89a4.jpgCattle Egret The Cattle Egret is a stocky white bird adorned with buff plumes in the breeding season. The easiest way to separate them from Little Egrets is by their short, yellow rather than long, black bills but Cattle Egrets are also smaller, stockier and more squat in shape with shorter, thicker necks and less elegant heads. The Cattle Egret is a cosmopolitan species of heron found in the tropics, subtropics and warm temperate zones. Originally native to parts of Asia, Africa and Europe, it has undergone a rapid expansion in its distribution and successfully colonised much of the rest of the world. Cattle Egrets breed and roost in trees usually close to fresh water and feed in shallow wetlands, especially rice-paddies, but also dry grasslands. They can often be seen feeding around cattle waiting to pick off disturbed insects, including riding on the backs of animals. Cattle Egrets are visiting the UK in increasing numbers and are most likely to be seen in the south of England and Wales. In winter 2007/08, a large influx of Cattle Egrets occurred in the UK, with the largest numbers in south-west England although birds did get as far north as Scotland. This influx led to the first ever pair breeding successfully in Somerset. Date: 8th December 2014 Location: Denge Marsh, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072372.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2358788674bf6e14024bce.jpgKongsfjordfjellet, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway Kongsfjordfjellet is a bare mountain tundra area in the north west of the Varanger peninsula in Finnmark county in north east Norway. Date: 14th April 2010 Location: view from road 890 over Kongsfjordfjellet, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42670513.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_116695666360b2019767ab2.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 3rd May 2021 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28102106.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7437394805777a89f88fb8.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include [url=http://www.gigrin.co.uk/]Gigrin Farm feeding centre[/url] near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 12th June 2016 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42222534.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_784764446023b76553bf8.jpgRedwing The Redwing is most commonly encountered as a winter visitor and is the UK's smallest true thrush. The creamy stripe above the eye and the orange-red flank patches make it distinctive. Redwings arrive in the UK from September but most arrive in October and November. They leave again in March and April, although occasionally birds stay later including a few pairs to nest in northern Scotland. Redwings can be found across the UK's countryside feeding in fields and hedgerows and also in parks and gardens in the coldest weather when snow covers the fields. They often associate with flocks of Fieldfares, the other wintering thrush. Date: 9th January 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230719.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_126541422264916f2476b8d.jpgRock Pipit The Rock Pipit is a large stocky pipit which is larger than the Meadow Pipit. It is streaky olive-brown above and dirty white underneath with dark streaking. The Rock Pipit breeds around the coast where there are rocky beaches and most of the birds that breed in the UK are residents. Date: 13th May 2023 Location: RSPB South Stack, Anglesey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084059.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19041903395d30854072394.jpgRila Mountains, Kyustendil Province, Bulgaria The Rila Mountains are a mountain range in south west Bulgaria and constitute the highest mountain range in the country and the Balkans. It is the sixth highest mountain range in Europe after the Caucasus, the Alps, the Sierra Nevada, the Pyrenees and Mount Etna and the highest one between the Alps and the Caucasus. The Rila Mountains are spread over an area of 1015 square miles with an average altitude of 4879 feet. Musala is its highest peak at 9596 feet. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rila-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rila Mountains have abundant water resources and some of the Balkans' longest and deepest rivers originate here including the longest river entirely in the Balkans, the River Maritsa, and the longest river entirely in Bulgaria, the River Iskar. Bulgaria's main water divide separating the Black Sea and the Aegean Sea drainage systems follows the main ridge of the Rila Mountains. The mountain range is dotted with almost 200 glacial lakes such as the renowned Seven Rila Lakes. It is also rich in hot springs in the fault areas at the foothills including the hottest spring in south east Europe in Sapareva Banya. The Rila Mountains have typical layers of montane habitat ranging from river and stream valleys at lower altitudes to mixed deciduous woodland, coniferous forests and Alpine meadows and lakes at higher altitudes and finally to rocky ridges and bare rugged peaks. The biodiversity and the pristine landscapes are protected by the Rila National Park which is among the largest and most valuable protected areas in Europe. It is the largest national park in Bulgaria covering an area of 313 square miles and it was established in February 1992 to protect several ecosystems of national importance. Its altitude varies from 2600 feet near Blagoevgrad to 9596 feet at the peak of Musala. It occupies territory from 4 of the 28 provinces of the country (Sofia, Kyustendil, Blagoevgrad and Pazardzhik) and it includes 4 nature reserves (Parangalitsa, Central Rila Reserve, Ibar and Skakavitsa). The Rila National Park falls within the Rodope montane mixed forests terrestrial eco-region of the Palearctic temperate broadleaf and mixed forest. Forests occupy 206.5 square miles or 66% of the total area. The Rila Mountains also contain the Rila Monastery Nature Park which is among the largest nature parks in Bulgaria covering an area of 97.5 square miles at an altitude between 2460 and 8901 feet. It was established in 1992 as part of the newly founded Rila National Park. In 2000 some territory of the Rila National Park was re-assigned to the Rila Monastery Nature Park and was recategorized as a nature park because by law all lands in national parks are exclusively state owned. Today most of the Rila Monastery Nature Park is owned by the Rila Monastery. The Rila Monastery Nature Park includes one nature reserve, namely the Rila Monastery Forest with an area of 14 square miles or 14% of its total area. The most recognisable landmark in the Rila Mountains is the Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila, better known as the Rila Monastery. This is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria and is situated in the deep valley of the River Rilska River within the Rila Monastery Nature Park at a height of 3763 feet. The monastery is named after its founder, the hermit Ivan of Rila (876 to 946 AD) and houses around 60 monks. Founded in the 10th century, the Rila Monastery is regarded as one of Bulgaria's most important cultural, historical and architectural monuments and is a key tourist attraction for both Bulgaria and south Europe. Due to its outstanding cultural and spiritual value it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. The Rila Mountains are also a popular destination for hiking, winter sports and spa tourism, hosting the nation's oldest ski resort at Borovets as well as numerous hiking trails. Date: 30th May 2018 Location: Rila to Rila Monastery, Kyustendil Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49002234.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12527862246468eaad0bd28.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 12th April 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29486430.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9977896085810777ae5b81.jpgKajaani to Kuhmo, Kainuu, Finland Kainuu region borders the regions of Pohjois-Pohjanmaa (Northern Ostrobothnia) to the north and Pohjois-Karjala (North Karelia) and Pohjois-Savo (Northern Savonia) to the south. In the east it also borders Russia. The landscape of Kainuu region consists of lakes, hills and vast uninhabited forest areas. Boreal forest makes up most of the region and consists of birches, pines and spruces. Date: 23rd May 2016 Location: view from road 76 between Kajaani and Kuhmo, Kainuu, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11349618.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5784915404e1ef8a9df568.jpgFulmar The Fulmar is almost gull-like but is a grey and white seabird that is related to the albatrosses. It flies low over the sea on stiff wings with shallow wing beats, gliding and banking to show its white under-parts and then grey upper-parts. At its breeding sites it will fly high up the cliff face riding the updraughts. Fulmars feed in flocks out at sea and defend their nests from intruders by spitting out a foul-smelling oil. Fulmars breed on coastal cliffs with suitable ledges and grassy slopes but will occasionally breed on buildings. Fulmars are best looked for at seabird colonies and are most abundant along the Scottish coastline especially in the Northern Isles. They are least common along the east, south and north-west coasts of England. Adults are present at the breeding colonies nearly all year although young birds leave in late summer. Away from the breeding colonies, Fulmars spend their whole time offshore at sea. Date: 14/06/06 Location: Handa Island, Sutherland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/blue-headed-wagtail https://images.on-this.website/4752_202547242151e3cdaf01de9.jpgBlue-headed Wagtail The Western Yellow Wagtail is a small passerine in the wagtail family. The breeding adult male is basically olive above and yellow below. In other plumages, the yellow may be diluted by white. The heads of breeding males come in a variety of colours and patterns depending on the subspecies. The male Blue-headed Wagtail has a blue-grey head with white supercilium and malar stripe in males, much washed with buffish green in females. The Blue-headed Wagtail breeds in much of temperate Europe and Asia. It is resident in the milder parts of its range, such as western Europe, but northern and eastern populations migrate to sub-Saharan Africa and south Asia. Date: 19th May 2013 Location: Biebrza area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo47647847.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4635129646349586944d6e.jpgWhite Stork The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 13th May 2022 Location: Knepp, West Sussex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo451171.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5538983584686ccf138184.jpgFulmars The Fulmar is almost gull-like but is a grey and white seabird that is related to the albatrosses. It flies low over the sea on stiff wings with shallow wing beats, gliding and banking to show its white under-parts and then grey upper-parts. At its breeding sites it will fly high up the cliff face riding the updraughts. Fulmars feed in flocks out at sea and defend their nests from intruders by spitting out a foul-smelling oil. Fulmars breed on coastal cliffs with suitable ledges and grassy slopes but will occasionally breed on buildings. Fulmars are best looked for at seabird colonies and are most abundant along the Scottish coastline especially in the Northern Isles. They are least common along the east, south and north-west coasts of England. Adults are present at the breeding colonies nearly all year although young birds leave in late summer. Away from the breeding colonies, Fulmars spend their whole time offshore at sea. Date: 01/06/99 Location: Handa, Sutherland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847631.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_129473913759bd544452195.jpgMarsh Frog The Marsh Frog is the largest European frog. It is very similar in appearance to the closely related Edible Frog and Pool Frog. These 3 species are often referred to as "green frogs" to distinguish them from the more terrestrial European species which are known as "brown frogs" (best exemplified by the Common Frog). Marsh Frogs show a large variation in colour and pattern, ranging from dark green to brown or grey. The Western European populations are generally dark green to black with dark spots on the back and sides and 3 clear green lines on the back. Females can reach a maximum length of around 6.5 inches but males are smaller at around 4.5 inches. The head is proportionally large and the hind legs are long which gives them excellent jumping abilities. The Marsh Frog is usually gregarious and diurnal and more tied to aquatic habitats than the Common Frog. It is tolerant of brackish conditions and typically it is found on or in the water of its favoured drainage channels and pools throughout the year. Marsh Frogs frequently sunbathe on the bank of the water body where they are often inconspicuous until disturbed when they will jump in to the water with a characteristic “plop”. They can often be seen on lily pads or floating at the surface amongst vegetation with only their heads exposed. During the breeding season (and sometimes beyond) the male Marsh Frog calls very loudly with a sound reminiscent of a loud chuckle which is often very raucous and can be heard all day and night. Dominant males establish territories from which they call. After mating a female may produce up to 16,000 eggs in a season, laying them in clumps of a few hundred in aquatic vegetation below the surface. They hatch in about a week, tadpoles being rather solitary and living in deep water with vegetation. Newly metamorphosed frogs are up to 1 inch in length and take 2 years to mature. The diet of the Marsh Frog consists of dragonflies and other insects, spiders, earthworms and slugs. Larger frogs also eat small rodents and sometimes smaller amphibians and fish. Date: 2nd June 2017 Location: Leles to Boľ area, Latorica, Košice region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4158151.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2037222604b291fd82010b.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 15th December 2009 Location: Connaught Water, Epping Forest, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833315.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1735853069559cea1d904d8.jpgMount Devas, West Macedonia, Greece Mount Devas is situated between Great Prespa Lake (Megali Prespa) and Small Prespa Lake (Mikri Prespa) and is characterised by juniper and oak woodland and an extremely rich shrub and flowering plant community. The route to the summit provides excellent views of the Prespa lakes and surrounding mountains. Date: 14th May 2015 Location: view from the track running south from Agios Georgios between Psarades and Laimos, West Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo47971315.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_111980759638333df0e139.jpgGrey Wagtail The Grey Wagtail is a member of the wagtail family. It is somewhat similar to the Yellow Wagtail but more colourful than its name suggests. The upperparts are grey and the yellow vent contrasting with whitish underparts makes it distinctive. The breeding male has a black throat that is edged by whitish moustachial stripes, a narrow white supercilium and a broken eye ring and a tail noticeably longer than those of Pied and Yellow wagtails. Like other wagtails, it frequently wags its tail and flies low with undulations. The Grey Wagtail is widely distributed across the Palearctic region with several sub-species breeding in Europe and Asia. It can be found over most of the UK with the exception of the northern and western isles of Scotland. The greatest densities are found in the uplands of England, Wales and Scotland. The Grey Wagtail is always associated with fast running streams and rivers when breeding although they may use man-made structures near streams for the nest. Outside the breeding season, it may also be seen around lakes, coasts and other watery habitats including in town and city centres. It forages singly or in pairs feeding on a variety of aquatic invertebrates including adult flies, mayflies, beetles, crustacea and molluscs and will use rocks in water and often perch in waterside bushes and trees. Date: 24th November 2022 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41424241.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12911238035f2aa76f9f8ea.jpgVaranger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway The Varanger peninsula is situated in Troms og Finnmark in the extreme north east of Norway. With an area of 800 square miles, it is the largest area within the Arctic climate zone in mainland Norway and is bordered by Tanafjord to the west, Varangerfjord to the south and the Barents Sea to the north and east. The area has a rugged mountain terrain with altitudes up to 2077 feet and it has an Arctic tundra climate. The coast of the Varanger peninsula is an important area for breeding, migrating and wintering birds, especially some notable Arctic species. The Norwegian Directorate for Nature Management has a project on the Varanger peninsula to reintroduce and protect the Arctic Fox which is critically endangered on the Norwegian mainland. The Varangerhalvøya National Park (Norwegian: [I]Varangerhalvøya Nasjonalpark[/I]) lies to the west of road Fv341 and protects a majority of the land on the Varanger peninsula. The eastern part of the Varanger peninsula can be accessed from Vardø, via Svartnes, to Hamningberg. Hamningberg is an abandoned fishing village situated on the Varanger peninsula and on the shores of the Barents Sea. It’s only road connection is via the narrow and winding road Fv341 which runs for about 25 miles north from Svartnes. This is a very scenic road which follows the shores of the Barents Sea. It is considered to be one of the wildest and most memorable drives in Norway and passes through a bare and barren but awe-inspiring Arctic landscape. The road is closed during the winter months from October to late May. Traditionally a fishing village, Hamningberg is one of very few places in Troms og Finnmark that was not burnt and destroyed under Operation Nordlicht in 1944 and 1945, the German “scorched earth” retreat from Finnmark. It was depopulated and abandoned in 1964 although some of the houses are still in use as summer cottages. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: view from road Fv341 between Svartnes and Hamningberg, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847622.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_212238013659bd542a43d1a.jpgMarsh Frog The Marsh Frog is the largest European frog. It is very similar in appearance to the closely related Edible Frog and Pool Frog. These 3 species are often referred to as "green frogs" to distinguish them from the more terrestrial European species which are known as "brown frogs" (best exemplified by the Common Frog). Marsh Frogs show a large variation in colour and pattern, ranging from dark green to brown or grey. The Western European populations are generally dark green to black with dark spots on the back and sides and 3 clear green lines on the back. Females can reach a maximum length of around 6.5 inches but males are smaller at around 4.5 inches. The head is proportionally large and the hind legs are long which gives them excellent jumping abilities. The Marsh Frog is usually gregarious and diurnal and more tied to aquatic habitats than the Common Frog. It is tolerant of brackish conditions and typically it is found on or in the water of its favoured drainage channels and pools throughout the year. Marsh Frogs frequently sunbathe on the bank of the water body where they are often inconspicuous until disturbed when they will jump in to the water with a characteristic “plop”. They can often be seen on lily pads or floating at the surface amongst vegetation with only their heads exposed. During the breeding season (and sometimes beyond) the male Marsh Frog calls very loudly with a sound reminiscent of a loud chuckle which is often very raucous and can be heard all day and night. Dominant males establish territories from which they call. After mating a female may produce up to 16,000 eggs in a season, laying them in clumps of a few hundred in aquatic vegetation below the surface. They hatch in about a week, tadpoles being rather solitary and living in deep water with vegetation. Newly metamorphosed frogs are up to 1 inch in length and take 2 years to mature. The diet of the Marsh Frog consists of dragonflies and other insects, spiders, earthworms and slugs. Larger frogs also eat small rodents and sometimes smaller amphibians and fish. Date: 2nd June 2017 Location: Leles to Boľ area, Latorica, Košice region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11159444.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9581245104e15835672505.jpgGreylag Geese The Greylag Goose is the ancestor of most domestic geese but is also the largest and bulkiest of the wild geese native to the UK and Europe. In many parts of the UK it has been re-established by releasing birds in suitable areas but the resulting flocks found around gravel pits, lakes and reservoirs all year round in southern Britain tend to be semi-tame. The native birds and wintering flocks found on lochs in northern Scotland and on some Scottish islands retain the special appeal of truly wild geese. Date: 13th September 2007 Location: Snettisham, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/woodpigeon https://images.on-this.website/4752_5158976144db18c9cc0161.jpgWoodpigeon The Woodpigeon is the UK's largest and commonest pigeon and is largely grey with a white neck patch and white wing patches which are clearly visible in flight. Although shy in the countryside, it can be tame and approachable in towns and cities. Its cooing call is a familiar sound in woodlands as is the loud clatter of its wings when it flies away. Woodpigeons can be found across the UK. In the countryside they breed on farmland with hedges, trees and copses and in towns and cities they breed in parks and gardens. In winter, Woodpigeons form large flocks on farmland fields. Date: 27/04/06 Location: Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7950462.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2467819784d03d0112a0dc.jpgTurnstone The Turnstone has a mottled appearance with brown or chestnut and black upperparts, brown and white or black and white head pattern, white underparts and orange legs. Turnstones can be found around most of the UK coastline including rocky, sandy and muddy shores and particularly like feeding on seaweed covered rocks, seawalls and jetties. They are present for most of the year. Birds from Northern Europe pass through in July and August and again in spring and birds from Canada and Greenland arrive in August and September and remain until April and May. Non-breeding birds may stay throughout the summer. Date: 15th November 2010 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/boatstrand-co-waterford-ireland https://images.on-this.website/4752_9062873015e5393c58299e.jpgBoatstrand, Co. Waterford, Ireland Boatstrand is a small coastal village in Co. Waterford situated on the “Copper Coast” between Annestown and Bunmahon. It consists of around 14 cottages and has a tiny fishing cove and harbour overlooked by Dunbrattin Head. The “Copper Coast” gets its name from the 19th century copper mines that left an archaeological and cultural heritage. It comprises some 15.5 miles of spectacular coastline consisting of scalloped beaches and coves buttressed and enclosed by rocky headlands. Oceans, volcanoes, deserts and ice sheets all combined to create the rocks which provide the physical foundation of the natural and cultural landscapes of the “Copper Coast”. The area was declared a European Geopark in 2001 and in 2015 the Copper Coast Geopark was designated a UNESCO Global Geopark. It extends for around 12 miles from Kilfarrasy in the east to Stradbally in the west. Date: 1st February 2020 Location: Boatstrand, Co. Waterford, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42082967.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4549104935faa5c645ebb5.jpgReeves' Muntjac The Reeves' Muntjac, also known as the Chinese Muntjac, is a small, hump-backed deer species. It is named after British naturalist and employee of the East India Company, John Russell Reeves (1774 to 1856). Reeves came across them when he lived in China and sent specimens back to England. It is also called the “barking deer” due to its distinctive barking sound, although this name is also used for other Muntjac species. The barking sound is common during mating or when provoked. The Reeves' Muntjac grows to 1 foot 8 inches high at the shoulder and 3 feet 1 inches in length plus a short tail up to 4 inches long. It is reddish-brown in appearance with striped markings on its face. The belly is creamy-white with lighter fur extending to the neck, chin and the underside of the tail. The males have short antlers, usually 4 inches or less in length, and long upper canines or tusks, usually about 2 inches in length The Reeves' Muntjac is found widely in south east China (from Gansu to Yunnan) and Taiwan but it has also been introduced in Belgium, the Netherlands and Japan. In the UK, it was introduced to Woburn Park in Bedfordshire in 1894 by the then Duke of Bedford and was deliberately released into surrounding woodlands from 1901 onward. Releases, translocations and escapes from the 1930s onwards resulted in wide establishment in south east England and the population is still increasing and spreading across the UK where it can be found in deciduous woodland with a good understorey plus hedgerows, gardens, parks, conifer plantations, railway embankments, etc. Since the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it has been illegal to release the species except where it is already established. The Reeves' Muntjac is a solitary and crepuscular animal and both males and females defend small territories that they mark with preorbital gland secretions that are thought to be pheromonal in nature The Reeves' Muntjac feeds on herbs, blossoms, succulent shoots, fungi, berries, grasses and nuts and it has also been reported to eat tree bark. Eggs and carrion are eaten opportunistically. Date: 26th October 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37431111.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1224917025c6be38a87f1c.jpgLesser Yellowlegs The Lesser Yellowlegs is a large sandpiper with brown-streaked upperparts, white underparts and streaked upper breast and sides. A white lower rump and dark-barred tail are visible in flight. The bill is straight and uniformly dark grey and the legs are long and yellow. The Lesser Yellowlegs breeds from western Alaska and Canada east to western Quebec. They spend winters on coasts from southern California and Virginia southward and along the Gulf coast. The preferred habitats include coastal mudflats and lagoons, inland lakes, ponds, rivers, sewage works and flooded grasslands. In the UK, the Lesser Yellowlegs is a very scarce visitor with typically 5 records per year. This photo is of a first winter bird that took up residence at RSPB Lodmoor for several months from mid-September 2018. Date: 13th January 2019 Location: RSPB Lodmoor, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453917.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13594272424ff54558cda39.jpgGriffon Vulture The Griffon Vulture is a typical Old World vulture in appearance with a white bald head, very broad wings and short tail feathers. It has a white neck ruff and yellow bill. The buff body and wing coverts contrast with the dark flight feathers. They are very large birds around 37 to 43 inches long with a 91 to 106 inches wingspan. Like other vultures, the Griffon Vulture is a scavenger, feeding mostly from carcasses of dead animals which it finds by soaring over open areas, often moving in flocks. The population is mostly resident in its breeding range in the mountains of southern Europe, north Africa, and Asia. In Spain, there are tens of thousands of birds from a low of a few thousand around 1980 although the Pyrenees population has apparently been affected by an EU ruling that due to danger of BSE transmission, no carcasses must be left on the fields for the time being. Although the Griffon Vulture does not normally attack larger living prey, there are reports of Spanish Griffon Vultures killing weak, young or unhealthy living animals as they do not find enough carrion to eat. Date: 27th April 2012 Location: Portilla del Tiétar, Parque Nacional de Monfragüe, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52518225.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5949995206754596ebdba5.jpgGadwall The Gadwall is one of the most common and widespread dabbling ducks. The breeding male is patterned grey with a black rear end, light chestnut wings and a brilliant white speculum which is obvious in flight or at rest. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female but retains the male wing pattern and is usually greyer above and has less orange on the bill. The female is light brown with plumage much like a female Mallard. It can be distinguished from that species by the dark orange-edged bill, smaller size, the white speculum and white belly. The Gadwall breeds in north Europe and Asia and central north America and appears to be expanding into eastern north America. It is a bird of open wetlands and lakes, wet grassland or marshes with dense fringing vegetation and it nests on the ground, often some distance from water. In the UK, the Gadwall is a scarce breeding bird on some lakes and gravel pits in the Midlands, south east England, eastern central Scotland, eastern Northern Ireland and south east Wales. In winter, numbers increase as birds migrate to spend the winter in the UK on gravel pits, lakes, reservoirs and coastal wetlands. Date: 9th October 2024 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/varangerfjord-troms-og-finnmark-norway https://images.on-this.website/4752_3899775125f269470119b2.jpgVarangerfjord, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway The Varanger peninsula is situated in Troms og Finnmark in the extreme north east of Norway. With an area of 800 square miles, it is the largest area within the Arctic climate zone in mainland Norway and is bordered by Tanafjord to the west, Varangerfjord to the south and the Barents Sea to the north and east. The area has a rugged mountain terrain with altitudes up to 2077 feet and it has an Arctic tundra climate. The coast of the Varanger peninsula is an important area for breeding, migrating and wintering birds, especially some notable Arctic species. The Norwegian Directorate for Nature Management has a project on the Varanger peninsula to reintroduce and protect the Arctic Fox which is critically endangered on the Norwegian mainland. The Varangerhalvøya National Park (Norwegian: [I]Varangerhalvøya Nasjonalpark[/I]) lies to the west of road Fv341 and protects a majority of the land on the Varanger peninsula. Varangerfjord is the easternmost fjord in Norway and is located between the Varanger peninsula and the mainland of Norway. Varangerfjord flows through the municipalities of Vardø, Vadsø, Nesseby and Sør-Varanger. The fjord is approximately 62 miles long and empties in to the Barents Sea. The mouth is about 43 miles wide and is located between the town of Vardø in the north west and the village of Grense Jakobselv in the south east. The fjord stretches westwards inland past the town of Vadsø to the village of Varangerbotn in Nesseby municipality. Date: 1st July 2019 Location: view from road Fv355 to Bugøynes, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41205460.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5972231275eb9753a0dbcc.jpgKestrel The Common Kestrel is a small falcon, smaller than most other birds of prey but larger than most songbirds. Females are noticeably larger than males. Their plumage is mainly light chestnut brown with blackish spots on the upperside and buff with narrow blackish streaks on the underside. Males have less black spots and streaks as well as a blue-grey cap and tail. The tail is brown with black bars in females and has a black tip with a narrow white rim in both sexes. Both sexes also have a prominent black malar stripe. The Common Kestrel occurs over a large range and it is widespread in Europe, Asia and Africa. In the cool temperate parts of its range, it migrates south in winter but otherwise it is sedentary although juveniles may wander around in search for a good place to settle down as they become mature. The Common Kestrel is a diurnal bird and can be found in most lowland habitats although it prefers open habitat such as fields, heaths, moorlands, shrubland and marshland. It does not require woodland to be present as long as there are alternate perching and nesting sites like rocks or buildings. It will thrive in treeless steppe where there are abundant shrubs to support a population of prey animals. Date: 8th May 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42524862.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18514282486098f736a2d75.jpgMoorhen The Moorhen is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird that is usually found near water. From a distance it looks black with a ragged white line along its body. However, closer up it is olive-brown on the back and the head and blue-grey underneath. It has a red bill with a yellow tip. The Moorhen can be found all year round almost anywhere where there is water. They breed in lowland areas particularly in central and eastern England but are scarce in northern Scotland and the uplands of Wales and northern England. UK breeding birds are residents and seldom travel far. Date: 27th March 2021 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42524847.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14228104256098f43245726.jpgBlue Tit The Blue Tit is a small passerine bird in the tit family. It is easily recognisable by its generally blue and yellow plumage and its small size. The Blue Tit is about 4.7 inches long with a wingspan of 7.1 inches. It has an azure blue crown and a dark blue line passing through the eye and encircling the white cheeks to the chin, giving the bird a very distinctive appearance. The forehead and a bar on the wing are white. The nape, wings and tail are blue and the back is yellowish green. The underparts are mostly sulphur-yellow with a dark line down the abdomen. The bill is black and the legs bluish grey. The sexes are similar whilst young birds are noticeably more yellow. The Blue Tit is very agile and it can cling to the outermost branches and hang upside down when searching for food such as insects, caterpillars and seeds. The Blue Tit can be found throughout areas of the European continent with a mainly temperate or Mediterranean climate and in parts of the Middle East. In the UK it is common in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens and widespread across the whole of the country with the exception of some Scottish islands. The Blue Tit will nest in any suitable hole in a tree, wall or stump, often competing with other birds such as the House Sparrow or Great Tit for the site. In addition, it will readily accept an artificial nesting box. The same hole is returned to year after year and when one pair dies another takes possession. The nesting material is usually moss, wool, hair and feathers and the eggs are laid in April or May. The number in the clutch is often very large but 7 or 8 is normal. It is not unusual for a single bird to feed the chicks in the nest at a rate of one feed every 90 seconds during the height of the breeding season. Successful breeding is dependent on a sufficient supply of caterpillars as well as satisfactory weather. Breeding may be affected badly if the weather is cold and wet between May and July, particularly if this coincides with the emergence of the caterpillars on which the nestlings are fed. The small size of the Blue Tit makes it vulnerable to predation by larger birds and the typical lifespan is 3 years or less. The most significant predator is probably the Sparrowhawk, closely followed by the domestic cat. Nests may also be robbed by mammals such as the Weasel and Red and Grey Squirrels. Date: 27th March 2021 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo441569.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_731446734467eeae08fa63.jpgDate: 11th June 2006 Location: Loch Torridon near Kenmore, Wester Ross http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9580108.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16441556594db01d9b6f248.jpgAvocet The (Pied) Avocet is a large black and white wader in the avocet and stilt family. It is one of 4 species of avocet that make up the genus Recurvirostra. The genus name is from the Latin [i]recurvus[/i] meaning "curved backwards" and [i]rostrum[/i] meaning "bill". The Avocet is a striking white wader with bold black markings. Adults have white plumage except for a black cap and black patches in the wings and on the back. They have long, upturned bills and long, bluish legs. Males and females look alike whilst juveniles resemble the adult but with more greyish and sepia tones. The Avocet breeds in temperate Europe and western and central Asia. The breeding habitat is shallow lakes with brackish water and exposed bare mud where they build a nest on open ground in a lined scrape or on a mound of vegetation. The Avocet is a migratory species and most winter in Africa or southern Asia. Some remain to winter in the mildest parts of their range such as in southern Spain and southern England. The Avocet feeds on crustaceans and insects in shallow brackish water or on mud flats, often scything their bills from side to side in water (a feeding technique that is unique to the avocet species). The Avocet was extinct as a breeding species in the UK by 1840 but its successful recolonisation at Minsmere in Suffolk in 1947 led to its adoption as the logo of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Date: 27/04/06 Location: Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48309158.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_97183899563ee45531a11f.jpgShoveler The Northern Shoveler, known simply as the Shoveler in the UK, is a common and widespread dabbling duck. The Shoveler is unmistakable due to its large spatulate bill. The breeding male has an iridescent dark green head, white breast and chestnut belly and flanks. In flight, pale blue forewing feathers are revealed which are separated from the green speculum by a white border. In early autumn the male has a white crescent on each side of the face. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male resembles the female. The female is a drab mottled brown with plumage much like a female Mallard but easily distinguished by the long broad bill which is grey tinged with orange on the cutting edge and lower mandible. The female's forewing is grey. The Shoveler can be found in open wetlands, such as wet grassland or marshes with some emergent vegetation, in northern areas of Europe and Asia and across most of north America. It winters in south Europe, Africa, the Indian sub-continent, south east Asia and central and northern south America. In the UK, the Shoveler breeds primarily in south and east England and in much smaller numbers in Scotland and west England. In winter, breeding birds move south and there is additionally an influx of continental birds from further north. The UK is home to more than 20% of the north west European population. The Shoveler prefers to nest in grassy areas away from open water. The nest is a shallow depression on the ground lined with plant material and down. Females typically lay about 9 eggs. The males are very territorial during the breeding season and will defend their territory and partners from competing males. Males also engage in elaborate courtship behaviours both on the water and in the air. The Shoveler feeds by dabbling for plant food, often by swinging its bill from side to side and using the bill to strain food from the water. It uses its highly specialized bill (from which their name is derived) to forage for aquatic invertebrates. Date: 6th February 2022 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41187490.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5205475015ea6dffe74ac8.jpgCoot The Coot is an all black bird with a distinctive white beak and “shield” above the beak from which earns it the title “bald”. Its feet have distinctive lobed flaps of skin on the toes which act instead of webs when swimming. It patters noisily over the water before taking off and can be very aggressive towards other birds. Coot can be found all the year round mainly on freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers and town park lakes. Sometimes they can be seen offshore, especially in winter if freshwater areas are frozen. They breed in areas of fairly shallow standing freshwater with a muddy bottom and plenty of vegetation at the sides, usually in lowland areas. Date: 26th April 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23408462.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_58317017554c20bfe0c955.jpgBarnacle Goose The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 3rd January 2015 Location: Mersehead RSPB reserve, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11481080.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4807696854e2699a524e0a.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 17th May 2009 Location: Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41225559.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21452289845ed9ff423255a.jpgCollared Dove Collared Doves are distinctive birds with their buffy-pink plumage and black neck collar. They are usually seen singly or in pairs, although flocks may form where food is plentiful. They feed on the ground but readily perch on roofs and wires and in trees. The Collared Dove is not migratory but it is strongly dispersive. Over the last century, it has been one of the great colonisers of the bird world. Its original range at the end of the 19th century was warm temperate and subtropical Asia from Turkey east to south China and south through India to Sri Lanka. In 1838 it was reported in Bulgaria but not until the 20th century did it expand across Europe, appearing in parts of the Balkans between 1900 and 1920 and then spreading rapidly north west, reaching Germany in 1945, the UK in 1953, Ireland in 1959 and the Faroe Islands in the early 1970s. Subsequent spread was “sideways” from this fast north west spread reaching north east to north of the Arctic Circle in Norway, east to the Ural Mountains in Russia and south west to the Canary Islands and north Africa from Morocco to Egypt by the end of the 20th century. In the east of its range it has also spread north east to most of central and north China and locally (probably introduced) in Japan. It has also reached Iceland as a vagrant but has not colonised successfully there. Date: 17th May 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9578722.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16111605884db000123ffaf.jpgRed-necked Phalarope The Red-necked Phalarope is a small wader with lobed toes to assist swimming and a straight, fine bill. The breeding female is predominantly dark grey above with a chestnut neck and upper breast, black face and white throat. The breeding male is a duller version of the female. In winter, the plumage is essentially grey above and white below but the black eyepatch is always present. When feeding, a Red-necked Phalarope will often swim in a small, rapid circle, forming a small whirlpool. This behaviour is thought to aid feeding by raising food from the bottom of shallow water. The bird will reach into the centre of the vortex with its bill, plucking small insects or crustaceans caught up therein. On the open ocean, they are often found where converging currents produce upwellings. The Red-necked Phalarope breeds in the Arctic regions of north America and Eurasia. It is migratory and, unusually for a wader, it winters at sea on tropical oceans. The Red-necked Phalarope is one of the UK's rarest breeding waders and is on the southern-most edge of its range here. It has always been mainly confined to the Northern and Western Isles of Scotland. The Government agreed a Biodiversity Action Plan for this species in 1998. The targets for this plan have recently been reviewed and aim to maintain and expand the Red-necked Phalarope as a breeding species at existing sites and to enable range expansion to a number of previously occupied sites. Fetlar holds 90% of the UK breeding population and this bird was photographed at the RSPB's reserve at the Loch of Funzie. Date: 2nd June 2008 Location: Loch of Funzie, Fetlar, Shetland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847654.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_42926655359bd54bdefee1.jpgSlovak Karst, Košice region, Slovakia The Slovak Karst (Slovenský kras) is one of the mountain ranges of the Slovenské Rudohorie Mountains which are part of the Inner Western Carpathians. It is located in the Košice Region of southern Slovakia and forms a single limestone karst region with the Aggtelek National Park across the border in Hungary. It is the largest karstic area in central Europe, covering an area of almost 160 square miles. The highest peak is Jelení vrch at 3107 feet. The Slovak Karst is composed of several layers of Mesozoic limestone and dolomite, beneath which there is non-permeable sandstone, limestone and slate. The huge plains and plateaus have many karst formations, such as karst pits with diameters of up to 820 feet and depths of about 150 feet, conical hills and blind valleys, and subterranean features such as deep vertical abysses and a large number of caves. The area also includes karst lakes, the largest of which is Jašteričie jazero (literally Lizard Lake). The area is characterised by rolling hills, limestone gorges, rocky plateaus, oak, hornbeam and beech forests, wet meadows, scrubby grasslands and stream valleys. The activities that dominate the Slovak Karst region are mountain climbing, hiking, cycling, horse riding, winter cross-country skiing and other outdoor activities. Very well signed walking and cycling trails cover the area. One of the most visited places is the Zádiel gorge (Zádielska tiesňava), a National Nautre Resreve in the Slovak Karst National Park (Národný park Slovenský kras) where the Zádielska stream has gouged the mighty karst gorge. The Zadielska gorge is almost 2 miles long, between 985 and 1315 feet deep and the narrowest places in its bottom are only around 30 feet wide. A walking trail (Zádielska dolina) begins near the village of Zadiel and leads up the gorge surrounded by high rock cliffs, caves and waterfalls. The Slovak Karst National Park (Národný park Slovenský kras) was established in March 2002, after being a Protected Landscape Area since 1973. The National Park covers an area of 134 square miles and its buffer zone covers 45 square miles. The Slovak Karst was also the first Slovakian UNESCO Biosphere Reserve when it was included in the UNESCO's Programme on Man and the Biosphere in March 1997. In addition, in 1995, 12 out of 700 caves in the Slovak Karst National Park were recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst). Date: 3rd June 2017 Location: Zádiel area, Slovak Karst, Košice region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/water-vole https://images.on-this.website/4752_13931152484e48dd4b84e3e.jpgWater Vole The Water Vole is found throughout the UK although it is less common on higher ground. It is infrequently recorded from parts of northern Scotland and is absent in Ireland. Water Voles are legally protected in the UK and recent evidence suggests that they have undergone a long term decline. On current trends it is predicted that they may eventually disappear from 94% of their former sites. The shocking decline in both the range and numbers of the Water Vole is due to a number of factors. The large-scale loss and fragmentation of sensitive waterside habitats due to riverbank modification, drainage and flood defence works has been an important factor as has the pollution of waterways and poisoning by rodenticides. Perhaps the most serious threat facing the Water Vole is predation by the introduced American Mink. Water Voles are sometimes confused with Brown Rats which often also live near water courses. They are sometimes called "the water rat" which is the origin of the Water Vole’s fame as "Ratty" from Kenneth Grahame's book “The Wind in the Willows”. Prime Water Vole sites are found along densely vegetated banks of slow flowing rivers, ditches, lakes and marshes where water is present throughout the year. Water Voles are herbivores and feed on a huge variety of waterside vegetation, consuming 80% of their body weight each day. They excavate extensive burrow systems into the banks of waterways and have sleeping/nest chambers at various levels in the steepest parts of the bank. Burrows usually have underwater entrances to provide a secure route for escape if danger threatens. Water Voles usually have 3 or 4 litters a year depending on the weather. In mild springs the first of these can be born in March or April although cold conditions can delay breeding until May or even June. There are about 5 young in a litter and these are born below ground in a nest made from suitable vegetation such as grasses and rushes. Young water voles grow quickly and are weaned at 14 days. On average, Water Voles only live about 5 months in the wild. Their most important predators are Mink and Stoats although Grey Herons, Barn Owls, Brown Rats and Pike are also known to take them. Date: 5th March 2008 Location: Cromford Canal, Derbyshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26041707.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14362930225638b089b4376.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill <i>"kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake"</i>. The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Látrabjarg, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26891957.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_110719281056e7d5ccae1f3.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 28th February 2016 Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40952880.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_753598555e5394b574788.jpgCliffs of Moher, Co. Clare, Ireland The Cliffs of Moher are located at the south western edge of the Burren region in Co. Clare and stretch for about 9 miles. At their southern end, they rise 390 feet above the Atlantic Ocean at Hag's Head and 5 miles to the north they reach their maximum height of 702 feet just north of O'Brien's Tower, a round stone tower near the midpoint of the cliffs built in 1835 by Sir Cornelius O'Brien, and then continue at lower heights. The closest villages are Liscannor, 4 miles to the south, and Doolin, 4 miles, to the north. From the Cliffs of Moher, visitors can see the Aran Islands in Galway Bay, the mountain ranges of the Maumturks and Twelve Pins in Connemara in Co. Galway to the north and Loop Head in Co. Clare to the south. The official Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk runs for about 11 miles from Hag's Head to Doolin. This passes the Visitor Centre and O'Brien's Tower with good viewing throughout subject to rain or sea fog. There are 2 paths near the Visitor Centre, the official one being set back a little for safety whilst an unofficial path runs closer to the edge. In July 2016 the so-called Cliff Walk, outside the official Cliffs of Moher amenities, was temporarily closed because of the risk of rock falls. People were warned to stay on the official path further away from the cliff edge instead of the unofficial path. Since 2011, the Cliffs of Moher have formed a part of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark, one of a family of geotourism destinations throughout Europe that are members of the European Geoparks Network and also recognized by UNESCO. The cliffs are also a "signature point" on the official Wild Atlantic Way tourist trail. The Cliffs of Moher rank among the most visited tourist sites in Ireland with around 1.5 million visits per year. In the 1990s the local authority, Clare County Council, initiated development plans to enable visitors to experience the cliffs without significant intrusive man-made amenities. In keeping with this approach, a modern visitor centre, the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience, was built into a hillside approaching the cliffs. The centre was planned to be environmentally sensitive in its use of renewable energy systems including geothermal heating and cooling, solar panels and grey water recycling. The €32 million facility was planned and built over a 17 year period and officially opened in February 2007. Exhibits include interactive media displays covering the geology, history, flora and fauna of the Cliffs of Moher. The Cliffs of Moher consist mainly of beds of Namurian shale and sandstone with the oldest rocks being found at the bottom of the cliffs. During the time of their formation between 313 and 326 million years ago, a river dumped sand, silt and clay in to an ancient marine basin. Over millions of years, the sediments collecting at the mouth of this ancient delta were compacted and lithified in to the sedimentary strata preserved in the now exposed cliffs. Today the Cliffs of Moher are subject to erosion by wave action which undermines the base of support causing the cliffs to collapse under their own weight. This process creates a variety of coastal landforms characteristic of eroded coasts such as sea caves, sea stacks and sea stumps. Branaunmore, a 220 feet high sea stack at the foot below O'Brien's Tower, was once part of the Cliffs of Moher but coastal erosion gradually removed the layers of rock that joined it with the mainland. A large sea arch can also be seen at Hag's Head below the Napoleonic signal tower and many smaller sea arches can be seen from sea level. During the peak summer breeding season, there are an estimated 30,000 pairs of birds of more than 20 species and the Cliffs of Moher are designated as an Important Bird Area. A wide range of sea life can also be seen from the Cliffs of Moher including Atlantic Grey Seals, various species of whales and dolphins and Basking Sharks. Date: 6th February 2020 Location: view from Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk near Visitor Centre http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071723.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_140571723166433eb0d6f5c.jpgTufted Duck The Tufted Duck is a small diving duck. The adult male is all black except for white flanks and a blue-grey bill. It has an obvious head tuft that gives the species its name. The adult female is brown with paler flanks and is more easily confused with other diving ducks. In particular, some have white around the bill base which resembles the Scaup although the white is never as extensive as in that species. The Tufted Duck breeds widely throughout temperate and northern Eurasia. It occasionally can be found as a winter visitor along both coasts of the United States and Canada. It is migratory in most of its range and winters in the milder south and west of Europe and southern Asia where large flocks form on open water. The Tufted Duck breeds close to marshes and lakes with plenty of vegetation to conceal the nest. It is also found on coastal lagoons and sheltered ponds. The Tufted Duck feeds mainly by diving for molluscs, aquatic insects and aquatic plants. Date: 7th May 2024 Location: RSPB Ham Wall, Somerset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43622990.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4009670976117cde04cf08.jpgGreat Black-backed Gull The largest of the gulls, the Great Black-backed Gull is a dominating and opportunistic predator, scavenger and pirate that has been described as a “merciless tyrant” due to its aggressive feeding habits. The Great Black-backed Gull has a thick-set body with a large, yellow, red-tipped bill, strong legs and wide, webbed feet which have a delicate pink hue. The breast and head are snowy white and sit in stark contrast to the black back and wings. Young Great Black-backed Gulls undergo several plumage changes before taking on that of the adult. Juveniles are pale brown with heavy white mottling whilst immatures are also mottled but have a distinctive whitish head and breast but with a dark-tipped, pale bill The Great Black-backed Gull occurs along the coastlines of northern Europe and northern Russia as well as the east coast of north America and central America and it can be found in a variety of coastal habitats, including rocky and sandy coasts and estuaries as well as inland habitats such as lakes, ponds, fields and moorland. It breeds in areas free of or largely inaccessible to terrestrial predators such as vegetated islands, sand dunes, flat-topped stacks, building roofs and sometimes amongst bushes on salt-marsh islands. During the winter, the Great Black-backed Gull often travels far out to sea to feed. Date: 23rd June 2021 Location: Rhossili, Gower peninsula, Swansea http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26025214.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_84804728956373e646638a.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 3rd June 2015 Location: Tjörnes peninsula, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12744402.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4988448464e705b1328abf.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 4th November 2008 Location: Portnahaven, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17408548.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7224011605133284c54651.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 13th January 2013 Location: Pennington Flash, Greater Manchester http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26006638.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10878148835634939341879.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Steingrímsfjarðarheiði to Ísafjörður, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071724.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_86323026366433eb2636df.jpgGreat Crested Grebe The Great Crested Grebe is the largest member of the grebe family measuring 18 to 20 inches in length with a wing span of 23 to 29 inches. It is a graceful bird with its long neck, long bill and slender outline. In summer, the adults of both sexes are unmistakable being adorned with beautiful head-plumes which are reddish-orange in colour with black tips. There is also an erectile black crown. Non-breeding adults lack the full crest and have a dark crown bordered by a white face, the white extending down the fore-neck and chest. The sexes are similar in appearance but juveniles can be distinguished from adults by having a striped black and white head and neck. The Great Crested Grebe can be found across Europe and Asia and it breeds on shallow, reed-fringed freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs and slow rivers. It is resident in the milder west of its range but it migrates from the colder regions of its range to freshwater lakes, reservoirs and sheltered coastal areas in winter. The Great Crested Grebe has an elaborate mating display. Like all grebes, it nests on the water's edge since its legs are set relatively far back and it is thus unable to walk very well. Usually 2 eggs are laid and the fluffy, striped young grebes are often carried on the adult's back. In a clutch of 2 or more hatchlings, male and female grebes will each identify their “favourites” which they alone will care for and teach. Unusually, young Great Crested Grebes are capable of swimming and diving almost at hatching. The adults teach these skills to their young by carrying them on their backs and diving, leaving the chicks to float on the surface. They then re-emerge a few feet away so that the chicks may swim back on to them. The Great Crested Grebe feeds mainly on fish but it will also eat small crustaceans, insects and small frogs and newts. The Great Crested Grebe was hunted almost to extinction in the UK in the 19th century due to being hunted for its head plumes which were used to decorate hats and ladies' undergarments. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was set up to help protect the Great Crested Grebe which is now again a common sight. Date: 7th May 2024 Location: RSPB Ham Wall, Somerset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833413.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1453197531559ceab4e8f79.jpgGreat White Egret The Great White Egret is a large bird with all white plumage. Apart from size, the Great White Egret can be distinguished from other white egrets by its yellow bill and black legs and feet although the bill may become darker and the lower legs lighter in the breeding season. In breeding plumage, delicate ornamental feathers are borne on the back. It has a slow flight with its neck retracted. The Great White Egret is distributed across most of the tropical and warmer temperate regions of the world favouring all kinds of wetland habitats and it is a familiar species in southern Europe. Expanding populations in Europe mean that the Great White Egret is now seen more frequently in the UK and it can turn up in almost any part of the country with the majority of records in south east England and East Anglia. Date: 14th May 2015 Location: Great Prespa Lake (Megali Prespa), West Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4088278.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5078737714b1941492b40b.jpgWestern Purple Swamphen The Western Purple Swamphen is a chicken-sized bird and a member of the rail family which includes the Coot and Moorhen. With its large feet, bright plumage and red bill and frontal shield it is easily recognisable in its native range of Spain, Portugal, southern France, Sardinia and north Africa to Tunisia. It used to be considered the nominate subspecies of the Purple Swamphen which has now been split in to 6 separate species since 2015. The Western Purple Swamphen makes loud, quick, bleating and hooting calls, which are hardly bird-like in tone, and it is particularly noisy during the breeding season. Despite being clumsy in flight it can fly long distances and it is also a good swimmer, especially for a bird without webbed feet. The Western Purple Swamphen can be found in wet areas such as reedbeds, swamps, lake edges and damp pastures. It often lives in pairs and larger communities. It clambers through the reeds, eating the tender shoots and vegetable-like matter, although it has been known to eat eggs, ducklings, small fish and invertebrates such as snails. It will often use one foot to bring food to their mouth rather than eat it on the ground. The Western Purple Swamphen in the Mediterranean region has declined due to habitat loss, hunting and pesticide use, and requires strict protection. Date: 9th November 2009 Location: Delta de l’Ebre, Catalunya, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/spanish-imperial-eagle https://images.on-this.website/4752_3544339364cd5723fe72fc.jpgSpanish Imperial Eagle The Spanish or Iberian Imperial Eagle is a large eagle with a pale cream head and neck but dark brown feathers elsewhere. There is a distinctive white area on the shoulders and a pale grey area on the upper tail and the species can be recognised by its particularly flat gliding flight. The Spanish Imperial Eagle breeds in central and south west Spain. It previously bred in Portugal, Algeria and Morocco but is now only found there as a vagrant. The Spanish Imperial Eagle can be found in cork oak forests, plains and hills in south west Spain, the flood plains and dunes in the Guadalquivir marshes of southern Spain and on the high mountain slopes in the Sistema Central of central Spain. In the 1960s, with just 30 pairs remaining, conservation efforts succeeded in increasing the population of the Spanish Imperial Eagle by a considerable amount. However, since 1994, the population has declined again to just 160 pairs. There are several causes of this decline: habitat fragmentation due to deforestation for agricultural land and timber has disturbed breeding grounds, intentional poisoning on hunting reserves to reduce natural predators of game species, lead shot poisoning as a result of ingestion of game killed with bullets and electrocution on power cables. Approximately 80% of Spanish Imperial Eagles killed on power lines are female, causing a greater impact on this monogamous species than if equal numbers of males and females were killed. The Spanish Imperial Eagle relies mainly on rabbits as prey and following drops in rabbit abundance due to shooting and disease, food supplies have been limited causing reduced breeding success. The Spanish Imperial Eagle is legally protected in Spain and 62% of the breeding population occurs in 20 protected areas. A European action plan was published in 1996 and national and regional governments have worked to implement a coordinated conservation and reintroduction plan. Date: 8th September 2010 Location: Sierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain - road to La Lancha and Embalse del Jándula http://www.richardchewphotography.com/goafoss-north-east-iceland https://images.on-this.website/4752_1512139005563760cd7c6e7.jpgGoðafoss, north east Iceland Goðafoss (Icelandic: waterfall of the gods) is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Iceland. It is located in the Bárðardalur district of north east Iceland at the beginning of the Sprengisandur highland road. The water of the Skjálfandafljót river falls from a height of 40 feet over a width of 98 feet and the waterfall is segmented into 2 main components whilst forming an arcing semi-horseshoe shape. In the year 999 or 1000 the Lawspeaker Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði made Christianity the official religion of Iceland. After his conversion it is said that upon returning from the Alþingi, Þorgeir threw his statues of the Norse gods into the waterfall. Þorgeir's story is preserved in Ari Þorgilsson's Íslendingabók (Icelandic: Book of Icelanders), a historical work dealing with early Icelandic history. Date: 2nd June 2015 Location: view from the west bank of the Skjálfandafljót river http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41205457.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6910411105eb973db428bd.jpgCommon Lizard The Common Lizard ranges across central and northern Europe (but are absent from the Mediterranean area) and through to northern Asia. It is the most common lizard in northern regions and the only reptile found in Ireland. The Common Lizard has a long body and short legs. It has coarse scales which range from grey, brown, bronze or green on the back and males are generally darker than females. It has a series of white spots down the flanks, which fuse to form a line, and a black line along the back. The Common Lizard also has numerous black spots scattered over the body. Males have orange/yellow bellies with black spots and females have cream/white bellies. The Common Lizard is found in a range of habitats including woodland, marshes, heathland, moors, sand dunes, hedgerows, bogs and rubbish dumps and it hunts insects, spiders, snails and earthworms, stunning its prey by shaking it and then swallowing it whole. The Common Lizard is active during the day and spends the morning and afternoon (but not the intense heat of midday) basking in the sun either alone or in groups. It is a good swimmer and will dive underwater when threatened. At night, and when startled, it will shelter beneath logs, stones and metal sheets. After emerging from hibernation, males defend breeding territories from other males. The young develop over 3 months within egg membranes inside the female's body which they usually break out of as she gives birth. Litters of 3 to 12 young are born from June to September after which time the mother shows no parental care with the young feeding actively from birth and quickly dispersing. The Common Lizard hibernates from October to March. It will often hibernate in groups and sometimes emerge for a brief time during warm spells. Date: 7th May 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512250.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_49281424562c99651bf743.jpgDartford Warbler The Dartford Warbler is a small warbler distinguished by its long tail compared with that of other warblers. Its plumage comprises unobtrusive and muted tones which blend in with its preferred habitats. Like many warblers, the Dartford Warbler has distinct male and female plumages. The male has a grey back and head, reddish underparts and a red eye. The female is paler below, especially on the throat, and a browner grey above. The song of the Dartford Warbler is a distinctive rattling warble. The largest populations of Dartford Warbler are found in Iberia with smaller populations in France, Italy and the south of the UK. In Africa, they are found in small areas in northern Morocco and northern Algeria. The Dartford Warbler breeds on heathlands amongst gorse, heather and other scrub bushes, sometimes near coasts. Dartford Warblers are named after Dartford Heath in north west Kent in the UK where the population became extinct in the early 20th century. They almost died out in the UK in the severe winter of 1962/63 when the national population dropped to just 10 pairs. However, this species can recover well in good quality habitat, thanks to repeated nesting and a high survival rate for the young. In the UK, Dartford Warblers can now be found at various heathland locations in south and east England. Date: 11th May 2022 Location: Morden Bog, Wareham Forest, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26022980.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_103911550656372c319ec5f.jpgGreat Northern Diver The Great Northern Diver is a large member of the diver or loon family. The species is known as the Great Northern Diver in Eurasia and the Common Loon in north America. The European name "diver" comes from the bird's habit of catching fish by swimming calmly along the surface and then abruptly plunging into the water. The north American name "loon" is a reference to the bird's clumsiness on land and is derived from Scandinavian words for lame such as Icelandic "lúinn" and Swedish "lam". Breeding adult Great Northern Divers have a black head, white underparts and a chequered black and white mantle. The non-breeding plumage is brownish with the chin and foreneck white. The bill is black-blue and held horizontally. The Great Northern Diver breeds in north America, Greenland and Iceland on hollowed-out mounds of dirt and vegetation very close to water and typically placed on islands to avoid ground-based predators. It winters on sea coasts or on large lakes further south in Europe, north America and north west Africa. The Great Northern Diver is a specialist fresh water or salt water fish-eater. It catches its prey underwater, diving as deep as 200 feet and remaining underwater for as long as 3 minutes. The Great Northern Diver needs a long distance to gain momentum for take-off and it is ungainly on landing. Its clumsiness on land is due to the legs being positioned at the rear of the body. This is ideal for diving but not well-suited for walking. However, it swims gracefully on the surface. Date: 3rd June 2015 Location: Lake Mývatn, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11948034.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10873109224e41093995508.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. This photo received a BBC Wildlife magazine photo masterclass commended award in the “Urban and Garden Wildlife” category for April 2007. Please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/news3552.html]here[/url] for further information. Date: 1st October 2006 Location: Bradgate Park, Leicestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37403956.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19259859845c6828cfdfc14.jpgGrey Partridge The Grey Partridge, also known as the English Partridge, is a game bird in the pheasant family. It is a rotund bird, 11 to 13 inches in length, brown-backed, with grey flanks and chest and an orange face. The belly is white, usually marked with a large chestnut-brown horseshoe mark in males and also in some females. When disturbed, it flies a short distance with whirring wings and occasional glides and often calling. The Grey Partridge is widespread and common throughout much of its range and breeds on farmland across most of Europe in to west Asia. The nest is usually located in the margin of a cereal field where the hens lay up to 20 eggs. The Grey Partridge has also been introduced widely into Canada, the USA, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. It is a non-migratory terrestrial species and groups of up to 15 to 20 birds known as coveys are most usually seen outside the breeding season. In the UK, the Grey Partridge is traditionally found in lowland arable areas but although once very common and widespread, it has undergone a serious population decline throughout most of its range due to a loss of breeding habitat through the intensification of agriculture and possibly due to the loss of food supplies. Numbers have fallen by as much as 85% in the last 25 years and the species is now designated as a Red List species. The Grey Partridge is a seed-eating species but the young in particular take insects as an essential protein supply. During the first 10 days of life, the young can only digest insects. Date: 9th February 2019 Location: Flitcham-Anmer, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26033572.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18325652655637914a7ff33.jpgSkagafjörður, north west Iceland Skagafjörður is a deep fjord in north west Iceland located between the Tröllaskagi peninsula to the east and the Skagi peninsula to the west. It is about 25 miles long and 9 miles wide. Skagafjörður is situated in a submerged glacial valley which continues southwards by a plain in which lies the delta of the Héraðsvötn river. This is one of Iceland's most prosperous agricultural regions with widespread dairy and sheep farming in addition to the horse breeding for which the district is famed. Skagafjörður is the only county in Iceland where horses outnumber people. The main settlement in the Skagafjörður area is Sauðárkrókur. Date: 1st June 2015 Location: view from road 75 east of Sauðárkrókur http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26041468.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19551930565638a7524ec82.jpgPatreksfjörður, Westfjords, Iceland Patreksfjörður is the southernmost fjord in the Westfjords. The small settlement of Patreksfjörður is built on the sandspits of Geirseyri and Vatnseyri and was named after Saint Patrick who was the spiritual guide of Örlygur Hrappson, the original settler in the area. It is the largest settlement in the southern part of the Westfjords and it is the only place in the Westfjords outside of the regional capital of Ísafjörður to boast more than the odd shop and restaurant. Early in the 20th century, Patreksfjörður was a pioneering force in Iceland's fishing industry, initiating trawler fishing. Commercial fishing and fish processing remain important today but other industries like fish farming and services are also increasingly important. Tourism has been on the increase in Patreksfjörður, not surprisingly since the Látrabjarg cliffs, Rauðasandur beach and Dynjandi waterfalls are all within its reach. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: view from the road 612 to Látrabjarg along the southern shore of Patreksfjörður http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4267240.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2368386034b522387398fd.jpgWigeon The Eurasian Wigeon, or simply Wigeon, is one of 3 species of Wigeon in the dabbling duck genus [i]Mareca[/i]. The Wigeon is 17 to 20 inches in length with a 28 to 31 inches wingspan. The breeding male has grey flanks and back with a black rear end, a dark green speculum and a brilliant white patch on the upper wings which obvious in flight or at rest. It has a pink breast, white belly and a chestnut head with a creamy crown. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female. The female is generally light brown but it can be distinguished from most other ducks, apart from the American Wigeon, on shape. The Wigeon breeds in the northernmost areas of Europe and Asia where it is the Old World counterpart of north America's American Wigeon. It is a bird of open wetlands, such as wet grassland or marshes with some taller vegetation, and nests on the ground near water and under cover. The Wigeon is strongly migratory and winters further south than its breeding range. It is highly gregarious outside of the breeding season and will form large flocks. In the UK, the Wigeon can be found all year round. It is a scarce breeding bird in central and northern Scotland and in northern England. In winter, many birds arrive in the UK from Iceland, Scandinavia and Russia and very large numbers can be seen on the coasts and at some inland sites. The Wigeon is categorised by the IUCN as a species of “Least Concern” but it is a species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 26th December 2009 Location: Buckenham Marshes, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50570905.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_74245722165ccce5f14e41.jpgMute Swan The Mute Swan is a species of swan native to much of Eurasia. Despite its Eurasian origin, its closest relatives are the Black Swan of Australia and the Black-necked Swan of south America, not the other Northern Hemisphere swans such as the Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan. The name “mute” derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. The adult Mute Swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob at the top of the beak. All Mute Swans are white at maturity although the feathers (particularly on the head and neck) are often stained orange-brown by iron and tannins in the water. Young birds (cygnets) are not the bright white colour of mature adults and their bill is dull greyish-black for the first year. The plumage may range from pure white to grey to buff with grey/buff being the most common. Cygnets typically retain their grey/buff feathers until they are at least 1 year old. On average, the Mute Swan is the second largest waterfowl species after the Trumpeter Swan although the male Mute Swan can easily match or even exceed a male Trumpeter Swan in mass. The adult Mute Swan typically ranges from 55 to 63 inches in length (although it can range in extreme cases from 49 to 67 inches) with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. Males (cobs) are larger than females (pens) and have a larger knob on their bill. The Mute Swan is one of the heaviest flying birds. In several studies from the UK, males were found to average from about 23.4 to 26.2 pounds, with a weight range of 20 to 32 pounds, while the slightly smaller females were found to average about 18.7 to 21.3 pounds, with a weight range of 17 to 23 pounds. The Mute Swan is less vocal than the noisy Bewick's Swan and Whooper Swan although it does make a variety of grunting, hoarse whistling and snorting noises, especially in communicating with their cygnets and threatening competitors or intruders trying to enter their territory. The most familiar sound associated with the Mute Swan is the vibrant throbbing of the wings in flight which is unique to the species and this can be heard from a range of up to 1 mile. The Mute Swan is found naturally mainly in the temperate areas of Europe across west Asia and as far east as Primorsky Krai in the far east of Russia. It is partially migratory throughout the northern latitudes in Europe and Asia as far south as north Africa and the Mediterranean. It is also often kept in captivity outside its natural range as a decoration for parks and ponds and escapes have occurred. The descendants of such birds have become naturalised in east USA and the Great Lakes region across the USA and Canada border. The Mute Swan population in the UK has increased recently probably due to better protection of this species. Some birds are resident all year whilst others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into east England. Mute Swans nest on large mounds that they build with waterside vegetation in shallow water on islands in the middle or at the very edge of a lake. It is a monogamous species and often reuses the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Males and females share the care of the nest. The female lays from 4 to 10 eggs and broods for around 36 days. Cygnets are unable to fly before an age of 120 to 150 days and this limits the distribution of the species in the northern edge of its range since the cygnets must learn to fly before the water freezes. The Mute Swan is usually strongly territorial with just a single pair on smaller lakes although in a few locations where a large area of suitable feeding habitat is found they can be colonial. The largest colonies can hold over 100 pairs such as that at the colony at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset in the UK. Non-mated juveniles up to 3 to 4 years old commonly form larger flocks often at regular traditional sites and these can total several hundred birds. The Mute Swan can be very aggressive in defence of its nest and it is highly protective of its mate and offspring. Most defensive attacks from a Mute Swan begin with a loud hiss and, if this is not sufficient to drive off the predator, are followed by a physical attack. It attacks by smashing at its enemy with bony spurs in the wings accompanied by biting with its large bill. Smaller waterbirds such as ducks are normally grabbed with the bill and dragged or thrown clear. Large waterfowl, such as the Canada Goose, more likely out of competition than in response to potential predation, may be aggressively driven off. The wings of the Mute Swan are very powerful although not strong enough to break an adult man's leg as has been claimed anecdotally. The Mute Swan feeds on a wide range of vegetation, both submerged aquatic plants which they reach with their long necks and by grazing on land. The food commonly includes agricultural crop plants such as oilseed rape and wheat and feeding flocks in the winter may cause significant crop damage, often as much through trampling with their large webbed feet as through direct consumption. Date: 17th January 2024 Location: Lee Navigation Canal, Lee Valley Regional Park, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26030209.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_530953474563763a9b44cc.jpgBarrow's Goldeneyes The Barrow's Goldeneye is a medium-sized diving duck named after Sir John Barrow, an English statesman and writer. The male Barrow's Goldeneye has a large dark head with an iridescent purplish gloss and a crescent-shaped white patch between the eye and bill. The dark back contrasts with the white neck, breast and belly. The scapulars are black with a distinctive row of rectangular white spots. The white greater coverts are tipped with black, forming a black band between the white speculum and the white patch on the greater coverts. The bill is black and the legs and feet are yellowish. The female Barrow's Goldeneye has a dark chocolate-brown head with a narrow whitish collar. The back and sides are slaty grey and the chest, breast and belly are white. The bill is mostly yellowish and the legs and feet are yellowish. The adult is similar in appearance to the Common Goldeneye. However, the male Barrow's Goldeneye differs from the male Common Goldeneye by the fact that the Common Goldeneye has a round white patch on the face, less black on the back and a larger bill. For the females, the Common Goldeneye has a less rounded head and a bill in which only the tip is yellow. The Barrow’s Goldeneye breeds on wooded lakes and ponds primarily in north western north America. It is considered to be an arboreal species because it mainly nests in cavities found in mature trees although it will also nest in burrows or protected sites on the ground. The Barrow’s Goldeneye can also be found in scattered locations in eastern Canada and Iceland (the only European site). It is an extremely rare vagrant to western Europe and to southern areas of north America. In Icelandic the Barrow’s Goldeneye is known as húsönd (house duck) and it is a common species in the Mývatn area in the north of the country. The Barrow’s Goldeneye is migratory and most winter in large flocks on lakes, rivers, estuaries and bays The Barrow's Goldeneye dives to feed on aquatic insects, crustaceans, small fish, fish eggs and pondweeds found in freshwater habitats and molluscs, crustaceans, seastars and marine worms found in saltwater habitats. Date: 2nd June 2015 Location: River Laxá, Lake Mývatn area, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/northern-wheatear https://images.on-this.website/4752_17947080554cd5727353b18.jpgNorthern Wheatear The Northern Wheatear is a small passerine bird and is the most widespread member of the wheatear genus in Europe and Asia. The plumage of the summer male has grey upperparts, buff throat and black wings and face mask. In autumn it resembles the female apart from the black wings. The female is pale brown above and buff below with darker brown wings. Both sexes have a white rump and tail with a black inverted T-pattern at the end of the tail. The Northern Wheatear is a migratory insectivorous species breeding in open stony country in Europe and Asia with footholds in north east Canada and Greenland as well as in north west Canada and Alaska. All birds winter in Africa. Date: 10th September 2010 Location: Laguna de los Pecos, Lago de Sanabria, Castille y Leon, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48309167.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_55001872063ee45688cdfb.jpgCoot The Coot is an all black bird with a distinctive white beak and “shield” above the beak from which earns it the title “bald”. Its feet have distinctive lobed flaps of skin on the toes which act instead of webs when swimming. It patters noisily over the water before taking off and can be very aggressive towards other birds. Coot can be found all the year round mainly on freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers and town park lakes. Sometimes they can be seen offshore, especially in winter if freshwater areas are frozen. They breed in areas of fairly shallow standing freshwater with a muddy bottom and plenty of vegetation at the sides, usually in lowland areas. Date: 6th February 2022 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28886411.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_205122692257cc3aca76301.jpgMatsalu National Park, Estonia Matsalu National Park is the most famous coastal wetland in Estonia. It was established in 1957 mainly to protect nesting, moulting and migratory birds and in 1976 it was included in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance. Matsalu National Park covers a total area of 188 square miles and comprises Matsalu Bay, the Kasari river delta and surrounding areas. 87 square miles of the protected area is terrestrial and 101 square miles is aquatic. The varied habitats include open sea, grassy and rocky islets, sandy and stony shores, saltmarsh, reedbeds, flooded meadows, pastures, arable land, mixed woodland and birch copses. Matsalu Bay is shallow, brackish and rich in nutrients. It is 11.2 miles long and 3.7 miles wide but has an average depth of only 5 feet and a maximum depth of 11 feet. Shoreline length of the bay is about 102.5 miles. The bay's shoreline lacks high banks and is populated mostly with shingle shores with reedbeds in the innermost sheltered parts. Nearly 300 species of birds have been recorded, around 175 species have nested and around 35 are migratory wildfowl. Matsalu Bay is one of the most important wetland bird areas in Europe due to its prime position on the East Atlantic Flyway. Huge numbers of migratory ducks, geese and waders use Matsalu Bay as a staging area in spring and autumn. The Kasari river is the biggest of several rivers that run into Matsalu Bay and the alluvial meadow of the delta (15 square miles) is one of the biggest open wet meadows in Europe. Date: 11th May 2016 Location: Kasari river, Matsalu National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874840.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1073843165561ccf798a896.jpgHaukadalur, south Iceland The Haukadalur geothermal area is located in south west Iceland to the north east of the Reykjanes peninsula and Reykjavík. Here can be seen some of the most famous sights of Iceland: the geysers and other geothermal features which have developed on the Laugarfjall rhyolitic dome. The biggest geysers of Haukadalur are Strokkur and Geysir. There are also more than 40 other hot springs, mud pots and fumaroles nearby. The oldest accounts of hot springs at Haukadalur date back to 1294 when earthquakes in the area caused significant changes in the local neighbouring landscape creating several new hot springs. Changes in the activity of Geysir and the surrounding geysers are still strongly related to earthquake activity. Strokkur is a fountain geyser and is one of Iceland's most famous geysers. It is very dependable and erupts about every 5 to 10 minutes with boiling water reaching a height of 50 to 65 feet and sometimes up to 130 feet. Geysir, sometimes known as The Great Geysir, was the first geyser described in a printed source in the 18th century and the first known to modern Europeans. Since unusual natural phenomena were of high interest to society during the Age of Enlightenment, the term became popular and has been used for similar hydrothermal features worldwide since then. The English word geyser derives from Geysir whilst Geysir itself is derived from the Icelandic verb <i>geysa</i> ("to gush"). Eruptions at Geysir can hurl boiling water up to 230 feet in the air but eruptions are now very infrequent and have in the past stopped altogether for years at a time. The Haukadalur geothermal area, usually referred to as Geysir, is popular with tourists and, together with the magnificent waterfall at Gulfoss and Þingvellir, it is part of a group of the most famous sights of Iceland known as the "Golden Circle". Date: 7th June 2015 Location: geothermal spring at Haukadalur http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo16538252.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_132813660050827f035a77d.jpgDunlin The Dunlin is the commonest small wader found along the coast and can be seen on all UK estuaries with the largest numbers in winter. During winter they feed in large flocks on estuaries with mudflats, saltmarsh and coastal lagoons as well as inland lakes and sewage farms. Dunlin breed on the wet upland moors of Scotland, Wales and England and also the wet grassland machair of the Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland and the Flow Country of Caithness and Sutherland. Date: 1st October 2012 Location: Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49278562.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15491890246499b48710bfa.jpgGrass Snake The Grass Snake is the UK’s largest terrestrial reptile reaching up to 6 feet in length although such large specimens are rare. Females are considerably larger than males and typically reach a size of 2 feet 11 inches to 3 feet 7 inches when fully grown whilst males are approximately 8 inches shorter. The Grass Snake is typically olive-green, brown or greyish in colour with a variable row of black bars along the sides, occasionally with smaller round markings along the back in double rows. The underside of the Grass Snake is off-white or yellowish with dark triangular or rectangular markings. A characteristic black and yellow collar is present behind the head. The Grass Snake is one of only 3 snakes to occur in the UK and it is distributed throughout lowland areas of England and Wales. It is almost absent from Scotland and is not found in Ireland at all which has no native snakes. The Grass Snake is an aquatic species that is usually closely associated with water where it preys almost entirely on amphibians, especially the Common Toad and the Common Frog, although they may also occasionally eat mammals and fish. It is a strong swimmer and is found in habitats featuring ponds, lakes, streams, marshes and ditches which provide access to sunshine for basking and plenty of shelter. The Grass Snake may also be found in open woodland, rough grassland, wet heathlands, gardens, parks and hedgerows. The Grass Snake, as with most reptiles, is at the mercy of the thermal environment and it needs to overwinter in areas which are not subject to freezing. Therefore it will typically spend the winter underground where the temperature is relatively stable. Date: 13th June 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40713572.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13534896125e16f7c43abc8.jpgWaxwing The Waxwing is a plump bird which is slightly smaller than a Starling. It is buff or pinkish-brown in colour with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings, a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest. The bird’s name is derived from the red tips to some of the wing feathers which are said to look like they have been dipped in sealing wax. Waxwings breed in the dense forests of northern Europe but they occur in varying numbers in the UK from October to March. In some years they can occur in large numbers (known as irruptions) when the population in the breeding areas gets too big for the food available. The first UK arrivals each winter are usually seen on the east coast from Scotland to East Anglia but birds then move inland in search of food. They can be found in parks and gardens and even busy public places such as supermarket car parks, typically where there are berry-bearing trees and bushes such as rowan, hawthorn, cotoneaster and rose. Waxwings seem fearless of humans so it is relatively easy to get very close views of these stunning birds. Waxwings make an easily recognisable high-pitched trilling sound like a bell. Date: 24th December 2019 Location: Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072266.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16413844454bf6d79a7256e.jpgReindeer The Reindeer, also known as the Caribou in North America, is a deer from the Arctic and sub Arctic, including both resident and migratory populations. Whilst it is overall widespread and numerous, some of its subspecies are rare or already extinct. The Reindeer is a widespread and numerous species in the northern Holarctic, being present in tundra (frozen arctic plain with lichens, mosses and dwarfed vegetation) and taiga (marshy pine forest) regions. Originally, the Reindeer was found in Scandinavia, eastern Europe, Russia, Mongolia, and northern China. In North America, it was found in Canada, Alaska and the northern USA from Washington to Maine. It also occurred naturally on Sakhalin, Greenland, and probably even in historical times in Ireland. Today, wild Reindeer have disappeared from many areas within this large historical range, especially from the southern parts where it has vanished almost everywhere. Large populations of wild Reindeer are still found in Norway, Finland, Siberia, Greenland, Alaska, and Canada. Wild Reindeer hunting and herding of semi-domesticated Reindeer (for meat, hides, antlers, milk and transportation) are important to several Arctic and Subarctic people. Domesticated Reindeer are mostly found in northern Fennoscandia and Russia with a herd of approximately 150-170 Reindeer also living around the Cairngorms region in Scotland. Reindeer vary considerably in colour and size. Both sexes grow antlers, though they are typically larger in males. Even far outside its range, the Reindeer is well known due to the myth, probably originating in early 19th century America, in which Santa Claus's sleigh is pulled by flying Reindeer, a popular element of Christmas. Date: 11th April 2010 Location: near Bugøynes, Sør-Varanger, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50931104.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14960519086627d68924c66.jpgMarsh Frog The Marsh Frog is the largest European frog. It is very similar in appearance to the closely related Edible Frog and Pool Frog. These 3 species are often referred to as "green frogs" to distinguish them from the more terrestrial European species which are known as "brown frogs" (best exemplified by the Common Frog). Marsh Frogs show a large variation in colour and pattern, ranging from dark green to brown or grey. The Western European populations are generally dark green to black with dark spots on the back and sides and 3 clear green lines on the back. Females can reach a maximum length of around 6.5 inches but males are smaller at around 4.5 inches. The head is proportionally large and the hind legs are long which gives them excellent jumping abilities. The Marsh Frog is usually gregarious and diurnal and more tied to aquatic habitats than the Common Frog. It is tolerant of brackish conditions and typically it is found on or in the water of its favoured drainage channels and pools throughout the year. Marsh Frogs frequently sunbathe on the bank of the water body where they are often inconspicuous until disturbed when they will jump in to the water with a characteristic “plop”. They can often be seen on lily pads or floating at the surface amongst vegetation with only their heads exposed. During the breeding season (and sometimes beyond) the male Marsh Frog calls very loudly with a sound reminiscent of a loud chuckle which is often very raucous and can be heard all day and night. Dominant males establish territories from which they call. After mating a female may produce up to 16,000 eggs in a season, laying them in clumps of a few hundred in aquatic vegetation below the surface. They hatch in about a week, tadpoles being rather solitary and living in deep water with vegetation. Newly metamorphosed frogs are up to 1 inch in length and take 2 years to mature. The diet of the Marsh Frog consists of dragonflies and other insects, spiders, earthworms and slugs. Larger frogs also eat small rodents and sometimes smaller amphibians and fish. The Marsh Frog is not a native species of the UK. It was first introduced to Walland Marsh, Kent in 1935 and is now found in several areas of Kent and East Sussex. Other introductions exist, including colonies in London. Date: 14th April 2024 Location: RSPB Rainham Marshes, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14247088.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15753447824f4e0411d9c5e.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 25th February 2012 Location: Verulamium Park, St Albans, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7439622.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12741701124cd5729541dd5.jpgRio Duero, Castille y Leon, Spain The Duero (Spanish) or Douro (Portuguese) is the third largest river of the Iberian Peninsula. It is approximately 475 miles long and rises in the Sierra de Urbión in north central Spain. The river flows west across northern Spain, then south west to form part of the Spanish-Portuguese border before flowing west across northern Portugal to the Atlantic Ocean at Pôrto. Silting, rapids and deep gorges combine to make the Duero unnavigable along most of its course. The middle Duero is extensively used for irrigation. Several hydroelectric power plants are located along the river and through an international agreement the power is used for irrigation and development. Grapes are the chief crop of the Duero valley. In its Spanish section, the Duero crosses the great Castilian meseta and meanders through 5 significant provinces of Castile y Leon: Soria, Burgos, Valladolid, Zamora and Salamanca. Date: 11th September 2010 Location: view from near Saucelle, Castille y Leon, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo34006645.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21315004695a72f9ecb7550.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 22nd January 2018 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49002650.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6086931836468f42644c29.jpgSandwich Terns The Sandwich Tern is a medium-large tern, gull-like in appearance but usually with a more delicate, lighter build and shorter, weaker legs. It is very closely related to the Lesser Crested Tern, Chinese Crested Tern, Cabot's Tern and Elegant Tern and it has been known to inter-breed with the Lesser Crested Tern. It is 15 to 17 inches in length with a 33 to 38 inches wingspan. It has long, pointed wings, which gives it a fast buoyant flight, and a deeply forked tail. The upperwings are pale grey and the underparts are white. It has a shaggy black crest. The thin sharp bill is black with a yellow tip and the short legs are black. It looks very pale in flight although the primary flight feathers darken during the summer. In winter, the adult's forehead becomes white. Juveniles have dark tips to their tails and a scaly appearance on their back and wings. The Sandwich Tern has an extensive global range and, whilst population trends have not been quantified, it is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List. For these reasons, it is evaluated as “least concern”. The Sandwich Tern breeds in very dense colonies on coasts and islands and exceptionally inland on suitable large freshwater lakes close to the coast. It nests in a ground scrape and lays 1 to 3 eggs. Unlike some of the smaller white terns, it is not very aggressive toward potential predators, relying on the sheer density of the nests and nesting close to other more aggressive species such as the Arctic Tern and the Black-headed Gull. In the UK, the Sandwich Tern can be seen from late March to September and there are breeding colonies scattered around the UK coasts including the north Norfolk coast and at Minsmere in Suffolk and Dungeness in Kent. The Sandwich tern feeds by plunge-diving for fish, almost invariably from the sea. It usually dives directly and not from a hover favoured by other terns. The offering of fish by the male to the female is part of the courtship display. Date: 17th May 2023 Location: RSPB Minsmere, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17061281.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16076344250e02dda70258.jpgWigeon The Eurasian Wigeon, or simply Wigeon, is one of 3 species of Wigeon in the dabbling duck genus [i]Mareca[/i]. The Wigeon is 17 to 20 inches in length with a 28 to 31 inches wingspan. The breeding male has grey flanks and back with a black rear end, a dark green speculum and a brilliant white patch on the upper wings which obvious in flight or at rest. It has a pink breast, white belly and a chestnut head with a creamy crown. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female. The female is generally light brown but it can be distinguished from most other ducks, apart from the American Wigeon, on shape. The Wigeon breeds in the northernmost areas of Europe and Asia where it is the Old World counterpart of north America's American Wigeon. It is a bird of open wetlands, such as wet grassland or marshes with some taller vegetation, and nests on the ground near water and under cover. The Wigeon is strongly migratory and winters further south than its breeding range. It is highly gregarious outside of the breeding season and will form large flocks. In the UK, the Wigeon can be found all year round. It is a scarce breeding bird in central and northern Scotland and in northern England. In winter, many birds arrive in the UK from Iceland, Scandinavia and Russia and very large numbers can be seen on the coasts and at some inland sites. The Wigeon is categorised by the IUCN as a species of “Least Concern” but it is a species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 26th December 2012 Location: Buckenham Marshes, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11946586.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4038349354e40f23fed596.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 22nd October 2008 Location: Bradgate Park, Newton Linford , Leicestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847640.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_178036239159bd5463b957d.jpgLatorica, Košice region, Slovakia The Latorica Protected Landscape Area (Chránená krajinná oblasť Latorica) is located in the Košice Region in south east Slovakia around the Slovakian part of the Latorica River (a river in the watershed of the Danube with its source in the mountains of the Ukrainian Carpathians) and around the lower parts of the Ondava River and Laborec River. The landscape consists of a system of riverbeds surrounded by alluvial riverine oak, ash, alder and birch forest, oxbow lakes, ponds, marshes, reedbeds, sandy banks, dyke-lined canals, pastures and hay meadows. Much of the surrounding floodplain is farmed. The Latorica Protected Landscape Area was designated in 1990 and covers an area of 90 square miles. Part of the area was added to the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance in 1993. Date: 2nd June 2017 Location: Leles to Boľ area, Latorica, Košice region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo16548228.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20518722335083a3e84395a.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 7th October 2012 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32708762.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_155694862159ad2470d1fc09.41601096.jpgKestrel The Common Kestrel is a small falcon, smaller than most other birds of prey but larger than most songbirds. Females are noticeably larger than males. Their plumage is mainly light chestnut brown with blackish spots on the upperside and buff with narrow blackish streaks on the underside. Males have less black spots and streaks as well as a blue-grey cap and tail. The tail is brown with black bars in females and has a black tip with a narrow white rim in both sexes. Both sexes also have a prominent black malar stripe. The Common Kestrel occurs over a large range and it is widespread in Europe, Asia and Africa. In the cool temperate parts of its range, it migrates south in winter but otherwise it is sedentary although juveniles may wander around in search for a good place to settle down as they become mature. The Common Kestrel is a diurnal bird and can be found in most lowland habitats although it prefers open habitat such as fields, heaths, moorlands, shrubland and marshland. It does not require woodland to be present as long as there are alternate perching and nesting sites like rocks or buildings. It will thrive in treeless steppe where there are abundant shrubs to support a population of prey animals. Date: 17th May 2017 Location: Csákvár to Fornapuszta, Kiskunság National Park, Fejér county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19507457.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13157259452528babaf0ba.jpgBlack-winged Stilt The Black-winged Stilt is a widely distributed very long-legged wader. They have long pink-red legs, a long thin black bill and are blackish above and white below with a white head and neck with a varying amount of black. Both in flight and at rest the long pink-red legs are characteristic and even if these are hidden in water of unknown depth, the pure white underparts and jet black upperparts are distinctive. The amount of dark feathering on the otherwise white head doesn't necessarily indicate the sex of a stilt although young birds always have smoky patterning on the head. The Black-winged Stilt can be found in central and southern Europe, central and southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Many birds migrate to south of the Sahara from August to November and return in March and April. However, many of those which breed in Iberia are now increasingly remaining throughout the year. The Black-winged Stilt breeds around shallow wetlands, especially coastal lagoons, saltpans and estuaries. The nest site is a bare spot on the ground near water and birds often nest in small groups, sometimes with Avocets. In Europe, the Black-winged Stilt is a regular spring overshoot vagrant north of its normal range, occasionally remaining to breed in northern European countries including the UK. Date: 8th September 2013 Location: Embalse de Los Barrios, Los Barrios, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13796943.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14687604814ee9b879aefdb.jpgCommon Dolphin The Common Dolphin is a medium sized dolphin, smaller than the Bottle-nosed Dolphin. The colour pattern on the body is unusual. The back is dark and the belly is white, while on each side is an hourglass pattern colored light grey, yellow or gold in front and dirty grey in back. The Common Dolphin is widely distributed in temperate, sub-tropical and tropical waters throughout the world in a band roughly spanning 40 degrees south to 50 degrees north. Deep off-shore waters and to a lesser extent over continental shelves are preferred to shallow waters. Some populations may be present all year round whilst others appear to move in a migratory pattern. The total world population is unknown but numbers in the hundreds of thousands. Common Dolphins travel in groups of around 10 to 50 in number and frequently gather into schools numbering 100 to 2000 individuals. These schools are generally very active with groups often surfacing, jumping and splashing together. Typical behaviour includes breaching, tail-slapping, chin-slapping, bow-riding and porpoising. Common Dolphins are among the fastest swimming cetaceans, Date: 12th September 2008 Location: photo taken from Portsmouth to Bilbao P&O ferry http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11639908.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8346136074e2fe2583002c.jpgBlack Grouse The Black Grouse is a large game bird in the grouse family. The male has all black plumage with distinctive red wattles over the eyes and striking white stripes along each wing in flight. It has a lyre-shaped tail which is fanned out and raised to show white under-tail feathers when displaying. The female is smaller and grey-brown in colour. The Black Grouse is a sedentary species and breeds across northern Eurasia in moorland and bog areas near to mostly boreal woodland. Although it is declining, it is not considered to be vulnerable globally due to the large population and slow rate of decline. Its decline is due to loss of habitat, disturbance, predation by foxes, crows, etc., and small populations gradually dying out. In the UK, the Black Grouse are found in upland areas of Wales, the Pennines and most of Scotland, especially on farmland and moorland with nearby forestry or scattered trees. Habitat loss and overgrazing have resulted in severe population declines which make the Black Grouse a Red List species. Positive habitat management and re-introduction programmes are helping it to increase in some areas. The Black Grouse has a very distinctive and well-recorded courtship. At dawn in the spring, the males strut around in a traditional area (lek) and display whilst making a highly distinctive and bubbling mating call. This photo was taken at a "lek" which included 8 males and 3 females. Date: 11th April 2009 Location: undisclosed site, Perthshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41234278.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13694179385ee76c9cd6523.jpgNorfolk Hawker Flight period: mid May to mid August The Norfolk Hawker is one of two brown hawker dragonflies found in the UK. It is just over 5 inches long with a brown body, green eyes and a yellow triangular mark near the top of the abdomen. The Norfolk Hawker is a rare dragonfly in the UK and its range is almost completely restricted to the fens, grazing marshes and ditches of the Broads National Park in Norfolk and north east Suffolk although new colonies are becoming established in other areas of south east England. Since 2011 it has been recorded in the River Stour valley in east Kent where egg laying has been observed and it appears to be spreading. The optimum conditions for breeding appear to be unspoilt grazing marsh and ditch systems with clean, non-saline water and rushy margins, preferably with an abundance of water soldier as well as other aquatic plants. The main threats to the Norfolk Hawker are the conversion of grazing marsh to arable farming, inappropriate ditch and dyke management, nutrients enrichment, pollution and the impact of global climate change and fluctuations in water levels. Date: 1st June 2020 Location: NNR Stodmarsh (Grove Ferry), Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645562.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_51810572651e3cf63517f4.jpgPool Frog The Pool Frog is extremely variable in colour although it is often olive-brown above with dark-brown blotches and a prominent yellow line running down the centre of the back and two, lightly coloured stripes that run down either side of the back. Pool Frogs from central and southern Europe are often green in colour. Pool Frogs differ in shape from the Common Frog, having a more pointed snout and they lack the dark patch behind the eye around the eardrum. During the breeding season, male Pool Frogs have a loud quacking call generated by a pair of inflatable pouches or vocal sacs each side of the mouth. The Pool Frog was only recognised as a distinct species as recently as 1973. It can be found across much of central Europe as far north as Sweden and Norway and east to Russia. In the UK, the Pool Frog has only been recorded as possibly native from one site in Norfolk in recent years. There has been much speculation as to whether the Pool Frog was native to the UK or an introduced species. Whilst there have been documented introductions in the past, recent evidence strongly indicates the species was in fact native to some areas. Introduced Pool Frogs from central and southern Europe do occur at a few sites in England. Date: 21st May 2013 Location: Biebrza area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42229297.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1506725696603e62011997e.jpgKestrel The Common Kestrel is a small falcon, smaller than most other birds of prey but larger than most songbirds. Females are noticeably larger than males. Their plumage is mainly light chestnut brown with blackish spots on the upperside and buff with narrow blackish streaks on the underside. Males have less black spots and streaks as well as a blue-grey cap and tail. The tail is brown with black bars in females and has a black tip with a narrow white rim in both sexes. Both sexes also have a prominent black malar stripe. The Common Kestrel occurs over a large range and it is widespread in Europe, Asia and Africa. In the cool temperate parts of its range, it migrates south in winter but otherwise it is sedentary although juveniles may wander around in search for a good place to settle down as they become mature. The Common Kestrel is a diurnal bird and can be found in most lowland habitats although it prefers open habitat such as fields, heaths, moorlands, shrubland and marshland. It does not require woodland to be present as long as there are alternate perching and nesting sites like rocks or buildings. It will thrive in treeless steppe where there are abundant shrubs to support a population of prey animals. Date: 11th February 2021 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17408560.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_273628741513328942d810.jpgWhooper Swans The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 14th January 2013 Location: Abbeytown to Silloth, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081389.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_27389053163a718f1c6d7b.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 12th January 2022 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49002384.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14532616276468edd224291.jpgLesser Black-backed Gull The Lesser Black-backed Gull is slightly smaller than the Herring Gull and has a dark grey to black back and wings, yellow bill and yellow legs. The world population is found entirely in Europe. After declines in the 19th century due to persecution, the Lesser Black-backed Gull increased its range and numbers. This expansion has now halted and there is serious concern about declines in many parts of its range. The species is on the Amber List because the UK is home to 40% of the European population and more than half of these are found at fewer than ten sites. The Lesser Black-backed Gull can be found around the UK's coastline in summer and on some inland high moors. The biggest UK colony is on Walney Island, Cumbria with one third of the UK population. Large numbers of Scandinavian birds, which are darker than UK breeding birds, start to arrive in October and birds can be found from southern Scotland southwards and best looked for feeding over fields and at rubbish tips, congregating at large reservoir roosts each evening. Date: 13th April 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623104.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10011908806117d77d8ca59.jpgKittiwakes The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26021629.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_866393155563720c6b5caf.jpgWhooper Swans The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 3rd June 2015 Location: Námafjall-Krafla area east of Lake Mývatn, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/large-red-damselfly https://images.on-this.website/4752_12969166434857b39a3f36d.jpgLarge Red Damselfly Flight period: April to August The Large Red Damselfly is one of the three most widespread dragonflies in the UK and one of the first to emerge in spring. They can be found in most wetland habitats from acidic moorland bog pools to brackish ditches but they avoid fast flowing waters. Date: 15th June 2008 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45949023.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14900882716284b3d064590.jpgGreenfinch The European Greenfinch, or simply the Greenfinch, is a small passerine bird in the finch. There are 10 recognised sub-species reflecting its widespread range, including the British Greenfinch found in the UK (except north Scotland) and Ireland and the Northern European Greenfinch found in north Scotland, north and central France and Scandinavia to west Siberia. The Greenfinch is similar in size and shape to a House Sparrow but it is mainly green with yellow in the wings and tail. The female and young birds are duller and have brown tones on the back. The bill is thick and conical. The song contains a lot of trilling twitters interspersed with wheezes and the male has a "butterfly" display flight. The Greenfinch is widespread throughout Europe, north Africa and south west Asia where it is mainly resident although some of the most northern populations migrate further south in autumn and winter. It has also been introduced into Australia, New Zealand, Uruguay and Argentina. The Greenfinch can be found around woodland edges, in farmland hedges and in gardens with relatively thick vegetation favoured for breeding. It can form large flocks outside the breeding season, sometimes mixing with other groups of finches and buntings. In the UK, the Greenfinch is widespread and relatively common (although a sharp decline in the population in recent years has been noted due to an outbreak of trichomonosis, a parasite-induced disease which prevents the birds from feeding properly) and it is only absent from upland areas without trees and bushes. The breeding season occurs in spring and early summer, commencing in the second half of March with the young fledging in early July. Incubation of the eggs is undertaken by the female and lasts about 13 to 14 days with the male feeding her at the nest during this period. The chicks are fed on insect larvae by both adults during the first few days and thereafter by a frequently regurgitated yellowish paste made of seeds. The chicks leave the nest about 13 days later but they are unable to fly. The Greenfinch usually produces 2 or 3 broods per year. The Greenfinch predominantly feeds on seeds but it will also take berries and nuts. Date: 25th April 2022 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17408555.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13202539605133287158292.jpgWhooper Swans The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 14th January 2013 Location: Abbeytown to Silloth, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo47645627.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18392931936347d46582010.jpgWoodpigeon The Woodpigeon is the UK's largest and commonest pigeon and is largely grey with a white neck patch and white wing patches which are clearly visible in flight. Although shy in the countryside, it can be tame and approachable in towns and cities. Its cooing call is a familiar sound in woodlands as is the loud clatter of its wings when it flies away. Woodpigeons can be found across the UK. In the countryside they breed on farmland with hedges, trees and copses and in towns and cities they breed in parks and gardens. In winter, Woodpigeons form large flocks on farmland fields. Date: 12th September 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48108180.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17880560763b3fd4fa0fa0.jpgJay The Jay is a colourful member of the crow family that is about the same size as a Jackdaw. The Jay is mostly a pinkish brown colour with the underparts being slightly paler. The head has a black and white flecked crown, black moustache and white throat. The white rump contrasts starkly with the black tail. The iris of the eye is a pale blue, the bill is black and the legs are pink-brown. The wings are mostly black with white patches but also have striking blue patches, but close to these wing patches are actually bands of graduated shades of blue. Although it is the most strikingly colourful member of the crow family, the Jay can be quite difficult to see since it is a shy woodland bird and rarely moves far from cover. It can often be seen flying across a woodland clearing or glade giving its raucous screeching call. The Jay can be found across most of the UK, except northern Scotland, and occurs in both deciduous and coniferous woodland, parks and mature gardens. It particularly likes oak trees in the autumn when there are plenty of acorns which it seeks out and buries for retrieving later. The majority of the UK population is sedentary but European birds are irruptive when there is a poor acorn harvest and may arrive in large numbers along the east coast of the UK in the autumn. Date: 1st January 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081393.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_43142878463a718f794ac8.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 12th January 2022 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/puise-matsalu-national-park-estonia https://images.on-this.website/4752_161991485257cc40cee55c9.jpgMatsalu National Park, Estonia Matsalu National Park is the most famous coastal wetland in Estonia. It was established in 1957 mainly to protect nesting, moulting and migratory birds and in 1976 it was included in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance. Matsalu National Park covers a total area of 188 square miles and comprises Matsalu Bay, the Kasari river delta and surrounding areas. 87 square miles of the protected area is terrestrial and 101 square miles is aquatic. The varied habitats include open sea, grassy and rocky islets, sandy and stony shores, saltmarsh, reedbeds, flooded meadows, pastures, arable land, mixed woodland and birch copses. Matsalu Bay is shallow, brackish and rich in nutrients. It is 11.2 miles long and 3.7 miles wide but has an average depth of only 5 feet and a maximum depth of 11 feet. Shoreline length of the bay is about 102.5 miles. The bay's shoreline lacks high banks and is populated mostly with shingle shores with reedbeds in the innermost sheltered parts. Nearly 300 species of birds have been recorded, around 175 species have nested and around 35 are migratory wildfowl. Matsalu Bay is one of the most important wetland bird areas in Europe due to its prime position on the East Atlantic Flyway. Huge numbers of migratory ducks, geese and waders use Matsalu Bay as a staging area in spring and autumn. The Kasari river is the biggest of several rivers that run into Matsalu Bay and the alluvial meadow of the delta (15 square miles) is one of the biggest open wet meadows in Europe. Date: 10th May 2016 Location: Puise, Matsalu National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14080051.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1742147494f2a7e4f2c6a4.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 7th January 2012 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26006782.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1364343135634a23170e9b.jpgRed-necked Phalarope The Red-necked Phalarope is a small wader with lobed toes to assist swimming and a straight, fine bill. The breeding female is predominantly dark grey above with a chestnut neck and upper breast, black face and white throat. The breeding male is a duller version of the female. In winter, the plumage is essentially grey above and white below but the black eyepatch is always present. When feeding, a Red-necked Phalarope will often swim in a small, rapid circle, forming a small whirlpool. This behaviour is thought to aid feeding by raising food from the bottom of shallow water. The bird will reach into the centre of the vortex with its bill, plucking small insects or crustaceans caught up therein. On the open ocean, they are often found where converging currents produce upwellings. The Red-necked Phalarope breeds in the Arctic regions of north America and Eurasia. It is migratory and, unusually for a wader, it winters at sea on tropical oceans. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Steingrímsfjarðarheiði to Ísafjörður, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33820933.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16758986375a3d078505fd9.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 12th December 2017 Location: Kensington Gardens, London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33820955.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18797688355a3d07d27b8cc.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 12th December 2017 Location: Kensington Gardens, London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533488.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_133060718162ca8a762f8aa.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 25th June 2022 Location: RSPB Minsmere, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7439590.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7037585944cd572189c2f4.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is one of the largest deer species. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer can be found in most of Europe, the Caucasus Mountains region, Asia Minor and parts of western and central Asia. It also inhabits the Atlas Mountains region between Morocco and Tunisia in northwestern Africa, being the only species of deer to inhabit Africa. Red Deer have been introduced to other areas including Australia, New Zealand and Argentina. Date: 8th September 2010 Location: Sierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain - road to La Lancha and Embalse del Jándula http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43622989.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9222319006117cddc8affe.jpgGreat Black-backed Gull The largest of the gulls, the Great Black-backed Gull is a dominating and opportunistic predator, scavenger and pirate that has been described as a “merciless tyrant” due to its aggressive feeding habits. The Great Black-backed Gull has a thick-set body with a large, yellow, red-tipped bill, strong legs and wide, webbed feet which have a delicate pink hue. The breast and head are snowy white and sit in stark contrast to the black back and wings. Young Great Black-backed Gulls undergo several plumage changes before taking on that of the adult. Juveniles are pale brown with heavy white mottling whilst immatures are also mottled but have a distinctive whitish head and breast but with a dark-tipped, pale bill The Great Black-backed Gull occurs along the coastlines of northern Europe and northern Russia as well as the east coast of north America and central America and it can be found in a variety of coastal habitats, including rocky and sandy coasts and estuaries as well as inland habitats such as lakes, ponds, fields and moorland. It breeds in areas free of or largely inaccessible to terrestrial predators such as vegetated islands, sand dunes, flat-topped stacks, building roofs and sometimes amongst bushes on salt-marsh islands. During the winter, the Great Black-backed Gull often travels far out to sea to feed. Date: 23rd June 2021 Location: Rhossili, Gower peninsula, Swansea http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7439660.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19986125324cd5742b139b9.jpgSierra de la Culebra, Castille y Leon, Spain The Sierra de la Culebra is a 40 miles long mountain range in north west Spain forming a natural border with north east Portugal. The highest point is Pena Maria at 4119 feet. The Sierra de la Culebra takes its name from its snake-like (culebra = snake) zigzag shape formation. The landscape is best described as a mixture of heather moorland with broad leaved and coniferous woodlands forming a transitional zone between Atlantic and Mediterranean habitats. It is probably the mosaic of habitats along with a combination of abundant prey and low human population which makes the area one of the few remaining strongholds of the Iberian Wolf. Date: 11th September 2010 Location: view from near San Pedro de las Herrerias, Castille y Leon, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41255226.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10308373985f06f523022b8.jpgPine Grosbeak The Pine Grosbeak is a large member of the finch family. Adults have a long forked black tail, black wings with white wing bars and a large bill. Adult males have a rose-red head, back and rump. Adult females are olive-yellow on the head and rump and grey on the back and underparts. Young birds have a less contrasting plumage overall, appearing shaggy when they moult their colored head plumage. The Pine Grosbeak is a permanent resident through most of its range and can be found in coniferous woods in subarctic Fennoscandia and Siberia and across Alaska, the western mountains of the United States and Canada. In the extreme north or when food sources are scarce, they may migrate further south. It is a very rare vagrant to temperate Europe. The Pine Grosbeak forages in trees and bushes. It mainly eats seeds, buds, berries and insects. Outside of the nesting season, it often feeds in flocks. Date: 28th June 2019 Location: Neljan Tuulen Tupa near Kaamanen, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45948285.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7474438546284a916edf09.jpgLesser Black-backed Gull The Lesser Black-backed Gull is slightly smaller than the Herring Gull and has a dark grey to black back and wings, yellow bill and yellow legs. The world population is found entirely in Europe. After declines in the 19th century due to persecution, the Lesser Black-backed Gull increased its range and numbers. This expansion has now halted and there is serious concern about declines in many parts of its range. The species is on the Amber List because the UK is home to 40% of the European population and more than half of these are found at fewer than ten sites. The Lesser Black-backed Gull can be found around the UK's coastline in summer and on some inland high moors. The biggest UK colony is on Walney Island, Cumbria with one third of the UK population. Large numbers of Scandinavian birds, which are darker than UK breeding birds, start to arrive in October and birds can be found from southern Scotland southwards and best looked for feeding over fields and at rubbish tips, congregating at large reservoir roosts each evening. Date: 14th April 2022 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/may-2013-blue-headed-wagtail https://images.on-this.website/4752_1542354619525138ca1fe7d.jpgMay 2013 - Blue-headed Wagtail Please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/photo18645406.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533497.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_199874557862ca8a9376137.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 25th June 2022 Location: RSPB Minsmere, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7190842.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8655076674cc30524e3f48.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 17th October 2010 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29487269.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2678988058107eac3d11a.jpgHelsinki archipelago, Helsinki, Finland Known as the "Daughter of the Baltic", Helsinki is located on the tip of a peninsula facing south to an archipelago of around 330 islands. Major islands include Pihlajasaari, Seurasaari, Vallisaari, Lauttasaari and Korkeasaari. Other noteworthy islands are the fortress island of Suomenlinna, the military island of Santahamina and Isosaari. The Helsinki archipelago provides a getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city for both residents and tourists. Date: 29th May 2016 Location: view from the Strömma archipelago and canal boat trip from Helsinki, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25774104.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1577927469560fb648f34d3.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a gentle looking, medium sized gull with a small yellow bill and a dark eye. It has a grey back and is white underneath. Its legs are short and black. In flight the black wing-tips show no white, unlike other gulls, and look as if they have been “dipped in ink”. The population is declining in some areas, perhaps due to a shortage of sand eels. Kittiwakes are strictly coastal gulls. In the breeding season, they can be found on rocky, steep sea-cliffs at the major seabird colonies around the UK from February until August. From August to October they can be seen flying past offshore and they spend the winter months out at sea. Date: 23rd September 2015 Location: Location: Moray Firth (from Chanonry Point), Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14080050.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11106163914f2a7e4889442.jpgWhooper Swans The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 7th January 2012 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24902743.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_154725396155a4e42ee115e.jpgKittiwakes The Kittiwake is a gentle looking, medium sized gull with a small yellow bill and a dark eye. It has a grey back and is white underneath. Its legs are short and black. In flight the black wing-tips show no white, unlike other gulls, and look as if they have been “dipped in ink”. The population is declining in some areas, perhaps due to a shortage of sand eels. Kittiwakes are strictly coastal gulls. In the breeding season, they can be found on rocky, steep sea-cliffs at the major seabird colonies around the UK from February until August. From August to October they can be seen flying past offshore and they spend the winter months out at sea. Date: 4th July 2015 Location: Bempton Cliifs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42229306.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1365942185603e640784034.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 13th February 2021 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50570348.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_94204794165ccc64442cae.jpgWaxwing The Waxwing is a plump bird which is slightly smaller than a Starling. It is buff or pinkish-brown in colour with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings, a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest. The bird’s name is derived from the red tips to some of the wing feathers which are said to look like they have been dipped in sealing wax. Waxwings breed in the dense forests of northern Europe but they occur in varying numbers in the UK from October to March. In some years they can occur in large numbers (known as irruptions) when the population in the breeding areas gets too big for the food available. The first UK arrivals each winter are usually seen on the east coast from Scotland to East Anglia but birds then move inland in search of food. They can be found in parks and gardens and even busy public places such as supermarket car parks, typically where there are berry-bearing trees and bushes such as rowan, hawthorn, cotoneaster and rose. Waxwings seem fearless of humans so it is relatively easy to get very close views of these stunning birds. Waxwings make an easily recognisable high-pitched trilling sound like a bell. Date: 9th January 2024 Location: Colchester, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21959290.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_186251475853da7372065d1.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Inner Farne, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31192279.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_189089645918239f348e94.50582080.jpgNorthern Wheatear The Northern Wheatear or Wheatear is a small passerine bird that was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family but is now more generally considered to be an Old World flycatcher. It is the most widespread member of the Wheatear genus in Europe and Asia. The English name has nothing to do with wheat or ears but is probably derived from the Middle English [i]whit ers[/i] meaning "white arse" and referring to the prominent white rump of many Wheatear species The Northern Wheatear is larger than the European Robin at 5.7 to 6.3 inches in length. Both sexes have a white rump and tail with a black inverted T-pattern at the end of the tail. The summer plumaged male has grey upperparts, buff throat and black wings and face mask. In autumn it resembles the female apart from the black wings. The female is pale brown above and buff below with darker brown wings. The Northern Wheatear makes one of the longest migratory flights of any small bird, crossing ocean, ice and desert. It migrates from sub-Saharan Africa in spring to breed in open rocky country, tundra, moorland, heaths and pastures over a vast area of the Northern Hemisphere that includes northern and central Asia, Europe, Greenland, Alaska and parts of Canada. In autumn it returns to winter in central Africa. In the UK, the Northern Wheatear is a summer visitor and passage migrant arriving in early March and leaving in September. It breeds mainly in western and northern Britain and western Ireland although smaller numbers also breed in southern and eastern England. The Northern Wheatear is primarily an insectivorous bird and feeds mostly on beetles, ants, caterpillars, grasshoppers, flies, etc. It also eats spiders, centipedes and snails and berries in the autumn. Date: 7th May 2017 Location: RSPB Conwy, Conwy http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493289.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3454967875f326f8324b9a.jpgAuk "raft", Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Hornøya is a small uninhabited island lying in the Barents Sea in Troms og Finnmark in the extreme north east of Norway. It lies just east of the larger island of Vardøya where the town of Vardø is located. The island is the easternmost point of Norway. Vardø Lighthouse is situated at the highest point of the island, at an elevation of 213 feet above sea level, and it protects the shipping lanes around the town of Vardø. Daily boat trips run to Hornøya between 1st March and 1st September from Vardø harbour offering the chance to spend several hours on the island. The seabird colony at Hornøya hosts approximately 100,000 seabirds of up to 11 breeding species. The cliffs are dominated by Common Guillemot, Razorbill, Puffin and Kittiwake. Around 500 pairs of Brünnich´s Guillemots, an auk distributed across the polar and sub-polar regions of the Northern Hemisphere, breed between the Common Guillemots. During the seabird breeding season, visitors to Hornøya have a good chance of seeing White-tailed Eagle and Gyrfalcon hunting along the cliffs. In addition to the huge number of birds, Hornøya is also a good location to see Atlantic Grey Seals, Orcas and occasionally Belugas. Hornøya is open to the public but, due to its status as a nature reserve, visitors must stay within the designated areas during the breeding season and it is forbidden to pick plants or disturb the wildlife of the island. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623358.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5676703426117dcc46b38f.jpgKestrel The Common Kestrel is a small falcon, smaller than most other birds of prey but larger than most songbirds. Females are noticeably larger than males. Their plumage is mainly light chestnut brown with blackish spots on the upperside and buff with narrow blackish streaks on the underside. Males have less black spots and streaks as well as a blue-grey cap and tail. The tail is brown with black bars in females and has a black tip with a narrow white rim in both sexes. Both sexes also have a prominent black malar stripe. The Common Kestrel occurs over a large range and it is widespread in Europe, Asia and Africa. In the cool temperate parts of its range, it migrates south in winter but otherwise it is sedentary although juveniles may wander around in search for a good place to settle down as they become mature. The Common Kestrel is a diurnal bird and can be found in most lowland habitats although it prefers open habitat such as fields, heaths, moorlands, shrubland and marshland. It does not require woodland to be present as long as there are alternate perching and nesting sites like rocks or buildings. It will thrive in treeless steppe where there are abundant shrubs to support a population of prey animals. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/castillo-de-loarre-aragon-spain https://images.on-this.website/4752_7681639524b1580d989d9d.jpgCastillo de Loarre, Aragon, Spain Castillo de Loarre is one of Spain’s best preserved Romanesque castles. The castle has withstood time on a rocky limestone prominence in the southern foothills of the Pyrenées and lies 35 miles north west of Huesca in the province of Aragon. Time appears to have stood still as it rises from the grey rocks, guarded by its silent towers. The castle has retained its glory due partly to the remoteness of its location at the base of the Pyrenées. The foothills are filled with pine trees, scrub bushes, almond groves and olive trees and there are breathtaking views over the plain of Hoya de Huesca as you look out from the castle. Date: 14th November 2009 http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833643.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_155387568559cefa8f2c97.jpgMarsh Frog The Marsh Frog is the largest European frog. It is very similar in appearance to the closely related Edible Frog and Pool Frog. These 3 species are often referred to as "green frogs" to distinguish them from the more terrestrial European species which are known as "brown frogs" (best exemplified by the Common Frog). Marsh Frogs show a large variation in colour and pattern, ranging from dark green to brown or grey. The Western European populations are generally dark green to black with dark spots on the back and sides and 3 clear green lines on the back. Females can reach a maximum length of around 6.5 inches but males are smaller at around 4.5 inches. The head is proportionally large and the hind legs are long which gives them excellent jumping abilities. The Marsh Frog is usually gregarious and diurnal and more tied to aquatic habitats than the Common Frog. It is tolerant of brackish conditions and typically it is found on or in the water of its favoured drainage channels and pools throughout the year. Marsh Frogs frequently sunbathe on the bank of the water body where they are often inconspicuous until disturbed when they will jump in to the water with a characteristic “plop”. They can often be seen on lily pads or floating at the surface amongst vegetation with only their heads exposed. During the breeding season (and sometimes beyond) the male Marsh Frog calls very loudly with a sound reminiscent of a loud chuckle which is often very raucous and can be heard all day and night. Dominant males establish territories from which they call. After mating a female may produce up to 16,000 eggs in a season, laying them in clumps of a few hundred in aquatic vegetation below the surface. They hatch in about a week, tadpoles being rather solitary and living in deep water with vegetation. Newly metamorphosed frogs are up to 1 inch in length and take 2 years to mature. The diet of the Marsh Frog consists of dragonflies and other insects, spiders, earthworms and slugs. Larger frogs also eat small rodents and sometimes smaller amphibians and fish. Date: 12th May 2015 Location: Lake Kerkini, Central Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo440114.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2062894589467dc313398aa.jpgThe stark rise of the jagged Black Cuillin ridge .... The Black Cuillin are a mountain range on the Isle of Skye off the North West coast of Scotland and contain the highest concentration of mountains over 3000 feet high in the UK (20 summits exceed this height). The mountains are a memorable sight whether the weather is bright and sunny or grey and misty as it often is on Skye. Either way they have a unique presence and can be seen from miles around both on Skye and on the mainland. The mountains themselves are the preserve of experienced mountaineers and hillwalkers but the rest of us can enjoy classic views from Elgol and Sligachan and along Glenbrittle. Date: June 2000 Location: view from Elgol jetty across Loch Scavaig. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33820940.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17263947475a3d079b71382.jpgRing-necked Parakeet The Ring-necked Parakeet is the UK's only naturalised parrot. It is large, long-tailed and green with a red beak and a pink and black ring around its face and neck. In flight it has pointed wings, a long tail and a steady, direct flight. Ring-necked Parakeets can be seen all year round at a number of locations in south east England, particularly Surrey, Kent and Sussex. They can often be found in flocks sometimes numbering hundreds of birds at roost sites. Parks, orchards and gardens with mature trees to provide nest holes are favoured habitats. In its native India it is found in jungle and around farms and gardens. Date: 12th December 2017 Location: Kensington Gardens, London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo22527738.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1753296194542289c5b7cb5.jpgSanna Bay, Ardnamurchan, Highland The small settlement of Sanna lies 6 miles north west of Kilchoan, close to the tip of the Ardnamurchan Peninsula. Sanna Bay lies between Sanna Point to the north and Ardnamurchan Point to the south and is dominated by impressive sand dunes, beautiful white shell sand bays and a stunning turquoise sea. It is one of the most beautiful beaches in Scotland. From Sanna Point there are superb views, extending from the islands of Eigg and Rhum to the north with Skye beyond, round to Ardnamurchan Point and its lighthouse to the south west and the island of Coll beyond that. The Western Isles can be seen to the north west but due west there is nothing but sea until the continent of North America is reached. Date: 10th September 2014 Location: view from Sanna Bay http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21956542.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_39008528853da2c6315163.jpgLesser Black-backed Gull The Lesser Black-backed Gull is slightly smaller than the Herring Gull and has a dark grey to black back and wings, yellow bill and yellow legs. The world population is found entirely in Europe. After declines in the 19th century due to persecution, the Lesser Black-backed Gull increased its range and numbers. This expansion has now halted and there is serious concern about declines in many parts of its range. The species is on the Amber List because the UK is home to 40% of the European population and more than half of these are found at fewer than ten sites. The Lesser Black-backed Gull can be found around the UK's coastline in summer and on some inland high moors. The biggest UK colony is on Walney Island, Cumbria with one third of the UK population. Large numbers of Scandinavian birds, which are darker than UK breeding birds, start to arrive in October and birds can be found from southern Scotland southwards and best looked for feeding over fields and at rubbish tips, congregating at large reservoir roosts each evening. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Staple Island, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623272.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16092720926117d9da94270.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41255248.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17496812795f06f5829cc93.jpgPine Grosbeak The Pine Grosbeak is a large member of the finch family. Adults have a long forked black tail, black wings with white wing bars and a large bill. Adult males have a rose-red head, back and rump. Adult females are olive-yellow on the head and rump and grey on the back and underparts. Young birds have a less contrasting plumage overall, appearing shaggy when they moult their colored head plumage. The Pine Grosbeak is a permanent resident through most of its range and can be found in coniferous woods in subarctic Fennoscandia and Siberia and across Alaska, the western mountains of the United States and Canada. In the extreme north or when food sources are scarce, they may migrate further south. It is a very rare vagrant to temperate Europe. The Pine Grosbeak forages in trees and bushes. It mainly eats seeds, buds, berries and insects. Outside of the nesting season, it often feeds in flocks. Date: 28th June 2019 Location: Neljan Tuulen Tupa near Kaamanen, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4088426.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15043781884b194f869ec20.jpgGriffon Vulture The Griffon Vulture is a typical Old World vulture in appearance with a white bald head, very broad wings and short tail feathers. It has a white neck ruff and yellow bill. The buff body and wing coverts contrast with the dark flight feathers. They are very large birds around 37 to 43 inches long with a 91 to 106 inches wingspan. Like other vultures, the Griffon Vulture is a scavenger, feeding mostly from carcasses of dead animals which it finds by soaring over open areas, often moving in flocks. The population is mostly resident in its breeding range in the mountains of southern Europe, north Africa, and Asia. In Spain, there are tens of thousands of birds from a low of a few thousand around 1980 although the Pyrenees population has apparently been affected by an EU ruling that due to danger of BSE transmission, no carcasses must be left on the fields for the time being. Although the Griffon Vulture does not normally attack larger living prey, there are reports of Spanish Griffon Vultures killing weak, young or unhealthy living animals as they do not find enough carrion to eat. Date: 12th November 2009 Location: Villanueva de Huerva, Aragon, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623250.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9419869146117d9b960380.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30017233.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7350274905875504669963.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 2nd January 2017 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33820956.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14286717575a3d07d7d9892.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 12th December 2017 Location: Kensington Gardens, London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084289.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19346981385d3086d23294c.jpgBucegi Mountains, Prahova County, Romania The Bucegi Mountains are a mountain range located in central Romania south of the city of Brașov. They are part of the Southern Carpathians group of the Carpathian Mountains. Omu is the highest peak at 8219 feet. To the east, the Bucegi Mountains have a very steep slope and are bordered by the Prahova Valley. This area holds the most ski resorts in Romania including the small mountain towns of Sinaia and Bușteni. The area of the Bucegi Mountains was proposed for protection in 1936 due to its landscapes and great diversity of plant and animal species. Bucegi Natural Park was eventually established in March 1990 and this covers an area of over 125 square miles representing a mountainous area with caves, pit caves, canyons, ridges, sinkholes, valleys and waterfalls. Habitats include beech forests, bushes, alpine limestone grasslands, alpine rivers and herbaceous vegetation, mountain hay meadows, springs, limestone rocky slopes and semi-natural dry grasslands. There are several nature reserves in Bucegi Natural Park. The TransBucegi (designated as route DJ 713) is one of Romania’s most scenic drives. It starts 10 miles west of Sinaia at Cabana Dichiu and runs for 24 miles to Cabana Piatra Arsa on the Bucegi Mountains Plateau in Bucegi National Park. The TransBucegi ranges in height from 2495 feet at Sinaia to 6316 feet at the route end at Cabana Piatra Arsa. The route encompasses miles of stunning views through twisty hair pin corners, steep gradients and high elevations. The route was officially inaugurated in August 2013 and it is the third high altitude road in Romania after the Transfăgărăşan and Transalpina. Date: 2nd June 2018 Location: Bucegi Mountain Plateau from the TransBucegi route, Prahova County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30825693.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_89096384458f34976f31022.56056075.jpgAvocet The (Pied) Avocet is a large black and white wader in the avocet and stilt family. It is one of 4 species of avocet that make up the genus Recurvirostra. The genus name is from the Latin [i]recurvus[/i] meaning "curved backwards" and [i]rostrum[/i] meaning "bill". The Avocet is a striking white wader with bold black markings. Adults have white plumage except for a black cap and black patches in the wings and on the back. They have long, upturned bills and long, bluish legs. Males and females look alike whilst juveniles resemble the adult but with more greyish and sepia tones. The Avocet breeds in temperate Europe and western and central Asia. The breeding habitat is shallow lakes with brackish water and exposed bare mud where they build a nest on open ground in a lined scrape or on a mound of vegetation. The Avocet is a migratory species and most winter in Africa or southern Asia. Some remain to winter in the mildest parts of their range such as in southern Spain and southern England. The Avocet feeds on crustaceans and insects in shallow brackish water or on mud flats, often scything their bills from side to side in water (a feeding technique that is unique to the avocet species). The Avocet was extinct as a breeding species in the UK by 1840 but its successful recolonisation at Minsmere in Suffolk in 1947 led to its adoption as the logo of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Date: 9th April 2017 Location: EWT Blue House Farm, North Fambridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14160944.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6862964404f3e32a396f4d.jpgPainted Lady Flight period: April to October. The Painted Lady is a highly migratory butterfly which can be found almost throughout the UK although its numbers vary greatly from year to year. It is thought that the entire population dies each winter and re-colonisation through immigration occurs each spring. As a migrant, they can be found almost anywhere but do prefer dry, open areas. Date: 31st July 2006 Location: EWT Langdon Conservation Centre, Dunton, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801127.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_65982970664edacec2c631.jpgBlack-winged Stilt The Black-winged Stilt is a widely distributed very long-legged wader. They have long pink-red legs, a long thin black bill and are blackish above and white below with a white head and neck with a varying amount of black. Both in flight and at rest the long pink-red legs are characteristic and even if these are hidden in water of unknown depth, the pure white underparts and jet black upperparts are distinctive. The amount of dark feathering on the otherwise white head doesn't necessarily indicate the sex of a stilt although young birds always have smoky patterning on the head. The Black-winged Stilt can be found in central and southern Europe, central and southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Many birds migrate to south of the Sahara from August to November and return in March and April. However, many of those which breed in Iberia are now increasingly remaining throughout the year. The Black-winged Stilt breeds around shallow wetlands, especially coastal lagoons, saltpans and estuaries. The nest site is a bare spot on the ground near water and birds often nest in small groups, sometimes with Avocets. In Europe, the Black-winged Stilt is a regular spring overshoot vagrant north of its normal range, occasionally remaining to breed in northern European countries including the UK. Date: 17th July 2023 Location: RSPB Frampton Marsh, near Boston, Lincolnshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30825710.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_109118853558f349a4ab1835.08193180.jpgBlack-headed Gulls The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 9th April 2017 Location: EWT Blue House Farm, North Fambridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo472285.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9908934924698b4d689792.jpgCommon Darter Flight period: end May to early October. Common Darters are the most widespread of the dragonflies over lowland UK but they are absent from upland areas. They can be found in a wide range of habitats including ponds, lakes, ditches, canals, slow flowing rivers and brackish water. They can also be frequently seen some way from water. Date: 7th July 2007 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo20140129.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_187659924552c0030bcd736.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 9th December 2013 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4158144.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16703606054b291faa8633a.jpgKestrel Kestrels are a familiar sight with their pointed wings and long tail, hovering beside a roadside verge or perched on a high tree branch or on a telephone post or wire looking out for prey. They have been declining recently as a result of habitat loss due to continuing intensive management of farmland. As a result, Kestrels are included on the Amber List. Kestrels can be seen all year round in a wide variety of habitats from moorland and heathland to farmland and urban areas. The only places they do not favour are dense forests, treeless wetlands and mountains. Kestrels nest almost everywhere there is a suitable nest site with areas of open, rough ground to feed over. In towns and cities they will feed over parks and gardens. They nest either in holes or on ledges which may be in natural places such as on cliffs or in trees or man-made sites such as church spires, other tall buildings, pylons, cranes, etc. Date: 15th December 2009 Location: Riverside Country Park, Rainham, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33568375.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13123624855a106aa69282c.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 4th November 2017 Location: Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14080162.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6075363904f2a82145cb2c.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 7th January 2012 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46510928.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_212140588762c98d13354f8.jpgBlack Grouse The Black Grouse is a large game bird in the grouse family. The male has all black plumage with distinctive red wattles over the eyes and striking white stripes along each wing in flight. It has a lyre-shaped tail which is fanned out and raised to show white under-tail feathers when displaying. The female is smaller and grey-brown in colour. The Black Grouse is a sedentary species and breeds across northern Eurasia in moorland and bog areas near to mostly boreal woodland. Although it is declining, it is not considered to be vulnerable globally due to the large population and slow rate of decline. Its decline is due to loss of habitat, disturbance, predation by foxes, crows, etc., and small populations gradually dying out. In the UK, the Black Grouse are found in upland areas of Wales, the Pennines and most of Scotland, especially on farmland and moorland with nearby forestry or scattered trees. Habitat loss and overgrazing have resulted in severe population declines which make the Black Grouse a Red List species. Positive habitat management and re-introduction programmes are helping it to increase in some areas. The Black Grouse has a very distinctive and well-recorded courtship. At dawn in the spring, the males strut around in a traditional area (lek) and display whilst making a highly distinctive and bubbling mating call. This photo was taken at a well known roadside lekking site. If visiting, please remain in your car to avoid disturbance to these vulnerable breeding birds. Date: 7th May 2022 Location: World's End, Denbighshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12078502.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15376315544e48dd19a5276.jpgWater Vole The Water Vole is found throughout the UK although it is less common on higher ground. It is infrequently recorded from parts of northern Scotland and is absent in Ireland. Water Voles are legally protected in the UK and recent evidence suggests that they have undergone a long term decline. On current trends it is predicted that they may eventually disappear from 94% of their former sites. The shocking decline in both the range and numbers of the Water Vole is due to a number of factors. The large-scale loss and fragmentation of sensitive waterside habitats due to riverbank modification, drainage and flood defence works has been an important factor as has the pollution of waterways and poisoning by rodenticides. Perhaps the most serious threat facing the Water Vole is predation by the introduced American Mink. Water Voles are sometimes confused with Brown Rats which often also live near water courses. They are sometimes called "the water rat" which is the origin of the Water Vole’s fame as "Ratty" from Kenneth Grahame's book “The Wind in the Willows”. Prime Water Vole sites are found along densely vegetated banks of slow flowing rivers, ditches, lakes and marshes where water is present throughout the year. Water Voles are herbivores and feed on a huge variety of waterside vegetation, consuming 80% of their body weight each day. They excavate extensive burrow systems into the banks of waterways and have sleeping/nest chambers at various levels in the steepest parts of the bank. Burrows usually have underwater entrances to provide a secure route for escape if danger threatens. Water Voles usually have 3 or 4 litters a year depending on the weather. In mild springs the first of these can be born in March or April although cold conditions can delay breeding until May or even June. There are about 5 young in a litter and these are born below ground in a nest made from suitable vegetation such as grasses and rushes. Young water voles grow quickly and are weaned at 14 days. On average, Water Voles only live about 5 months in the wild. Their most important predators are Mink and Stoats although Grey Herons, Barn Owls, Brown Rats and Pike are also known to take them. Date: 17th February 2008 Location: Cromford Canal, Derbyshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42524865.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7951251466098f7b7040f5.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 27th March 2021 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13683375.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19829916404ed737cd7cd4e.jpgBarn Owl With a heart shaped face, buff back and wings and pure white under-parts the Barn Owl is a distinctive and much-loved bird of the countryside. Barn Owls are widely distributed across the UK and can be seen all year round sometimes during the day but normally at dusk in open country and along field edges, riverbanks and roadside verges. Barn owls have suffered population declines over the past 50 years as a result of habitat degradation following increasing intensive agricultural practices. However, that decline has stopped in many areas and their population may now be increasing. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081391.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_67254534663a718f567ec0.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 12th January 2022 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41505222.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12656855055f37b28665469.jpgVarangerfjord, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway The Varanger peninsula is situated in Troms og Finnmark in the extreme north east of Norway. With an area of 800 square miles, it is the largest area within the Arctic climate zone in mainland Norway and is bordered by Tanafjord to the west, Varangerfjord to the south and the Barents Sea to the north and east. The area has a rugged mountain terrain with altitudes up to 2077 feet and it has an Arctic tundra climate. The coast of the Varanger peninsula is an important area for breeding, migrating and wintering birds, especially some notable Arctic species. The Norwegian Directorate for Nature Management has a project on the Varanger peninsula to reintroduce and protect the Arctic Fox which is critically endangered on the Norwegian mainland. The Varangerhalvøya National Park (Norwegian: [I]Varangerhalvøya Nasjonalpark[/I]) lies to the west of road Fv341 and protects a majority of the land on the Varanger peninsula. Varangerfjord is the easternmost fjord in Norway and is located between the Varanger peninsula and the mainland of Norway. Varangerfjord flows through the municipalities of Vardø, Vadsø, Nesseby and Sør-Varanger. The fjord is approximately 62 miles long and empties in to the Barents Sea. The mouth is about 43 miles wide and is located between the town of Vardø in the north west and the village of Grense Jakobselv in the south east. The fjord stretches westwards inland past the town of Vadsø to the village of Varangerbotn in Nesseby municipality. Date: 3rd July 2019 Location: view near Komagvær, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45174880.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_443324822623304d0d15d3.jpgKestrel The Common Kestrel is a small falcon, smaller than most other birds of prey but larger than most songbirds. Females are noticeably larger than males. Their plumage is mainly light chestnut brown with blackish spots on the upperside and buff with narrow blackish streaks on the underside. Males have less black spots and streaks as well as a blue-grey cap and tail. The tail is brown with black bars in females and has a black tip with a narrow white rim in both sexes. Both sexes also have a prominent black malar stripe. The Common Kestrel occurs over a large range and it is widespread in Europe, Asia and Africa. In the cool temperate parts of its range, it migrates south in winter but otherwise it is sedentary although juveniles may wander around in search for a good place to settle down as they become mature. The Common Kestrel is a diurnal bird and can be found in most lowland habitats although it prefers open habitat such as fields, heaths, moorlands, shrubland and marshland. It does not require woodland to be present as long as there are alternate perching and nesting sites like rocks or buildings. It will thrive in treeless steppe where there are abundant shrubs to support a population of prey animals. Date: 19th January 2022 Location: RSPB Rainham Marshes, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50571556.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_84871182865ce195f7f04f.jpgKestrel The Common Kestrel is a small falcon, smaller than most other birds of prey but larger than most songbirds. Females are noticeably larger than males. Their plumage is mainly light chestnut brown with blackish spots on the upperside and buff with narrow blackish streaks on the underside. Males have less black spots and streaks as well as a blue-grey cap and tail. The tail is brown with black bars in females and has a black tip with a narrow white rim in both sexes. Both sexes also have a prominent black malar stripe. The Common Kestrel occurs over a large range and it is widespread in Europe, Asia and Africa. In the cool temperate parts of its range, it migrates south in winter but otherwise it is sedentary although juveniles may wander around in search for a good place to settle down as they become mature. The Common Kestrel is a diurnal bird and can be found in most lowland habitats although it prefers open habitat such as fields, heaths, moorlands, shrubland and marshland. It does not require woodland to be present as long as there are alternate perching and nesting sites like rocks or buildings. It will thrive in treeless steppe where there are abundant shrubs to support a population of prey animals. Date: 19th January 2024 Location: Heybridge, Maldon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493276.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18070780225f326f5aa001b.jpgShags The European Shag, Common Shag or simply Shag is a species of cormorant. It is 27 to 31 inches in length with a 37 to 43 inches wingspan. It is mainly black in colour but with a glossy green-tinged sheen in adults. It has a longish tail and a yellow throat-patch. Adults have a small recurved crest in the breeding season. It is distinguished from the Cormorant by its smaller size, lighter build, thinner and narrower bill, and, in breeding adults, by the crest and metallic green-tinged sheen. The Shag breeds around the rocky coasts of west and south Europe, north Africa and south west Asia, mainly wintering in its breeding range except for the northernmost birds. It nests on rocky ledges or in crevices or small caves and the nests are untidy heaps of rotting seaweed or twigs cemented together by the bird's own guano. The nesting season is long and begins in late February although some nests are not started until May or even later. The female lays 3 eggs and the chicks hatch without down and so they rely totally on their parents for warmth, often for a period of 2 months before they can fly. Fledging may occur at any time from early June to late August and exceptionally to mid-October. In the UK, the Shag breeds at coastal sites, mainly in the north and west of the country, and more than half of the population is found at fewer than 10 sites. It can be seen during the breeding season at the large Scottish colonies on Orkney, Shetland, the Inner Hebrides and in the Firth of Forth. Elsewhere it can be seen commonly around the coasts of Wales and south west England, especially in Devon and Cornwall. The Shag feeds in the sea and, unlike the Cormorant, it is rare inland. It is one of the deepest pursuit divers among the cormorant family and it has been shown to dive to at least 150 feet. When it dives, it jumps out of the water first to give extra impetus to the dive. The Shag forages for food on the sea bed and eats a wide range of fish although the commonest prey is the sand eel. It will travel long distances from its breeding and roosting sites in order to feed. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14080169.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18058389054f2a822388747.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 7th January 2012 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30825762.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14510293858f349faba7104.05290275.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 9th April 2017 Location: EWT Blue House Farm, North Fambridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11202880.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5774704714e1860355673c.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 6th January 2008 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45456898.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1622560893624ffb3252ca0.jpgDark-bellied Brent Geese The Brent Goose belongs to the [I]Branta[/I] genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the [I]Anser[/I] genus of grey geese. [I]Branta[/I] is a Latinised form of Old Norse [I]brandgás[/I], meaning "burnt (black) goose", and [i]bernicla[/i] is the medieval Latin name for the barnacle. The Brent Goose and the similar Barnacle Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be the same creature as the crustacean, a myth that can be dated back to at least the 12th century. The Brent Goose, [I]Branta bernicla[/I] is divided into 3 sub-species: Dark-bellied Brent Goose [I]B. b. bernicla[/I], Pale-bellied Brent Goose [i]B. b. hrota[/i] (sometimes also known as Light-bellied Brent Goose) and Black Brant [i]B. b. nigricans[/i]. Some DNA evidence suggests that these forms are genetically distinct and a split into 3 separate species has been proposed. However, other evidence upholds their maintenance as a single species. The Brent Goose is a small goose, 22 to 26 inches long with a wingspan of 42 to 48 inches. The under-tail is pure white and the tail black and very short (the shortest of any goose). The Dark-bellied Brent Goose is fairly uniformly dark grey-brown all over and the flanks and belly are not significantly paler than the back. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds on the Arctic coasts of central and west Siberia and winters in west Europe with over half the population in south England and the rest between north Germany and north west France. The Pale-bellied Brent Goose appears blackish-brown and light grey in colour and the flanks and belly are significantly paler than the back and present a marked contrast. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds in Franz Josef Land, Svalbard, Greenland and north east Canada and winters in Denmark, north east England, Ireland and the Atlantic coast of the USA from Maine to Georgia as well as in a small but significant area in north France. The Black Brant appears blackish-brown and white in colour. This sub-species is very contrastingly black and white with a uniformly dark sooty-brown back, similarly-coloured underparts (with the dark colour extending furthest back of the 3 sub-species) and a prominent white flank patch. It also has a larger white neck patch which forms an almost complete collar. It breeds in north west Canada, Alaska and east Siberia and winters mostly on the west coast of north America from south Alaska to California but also in east Asia, mainly Japan. It sometimes appears as a vagrant in Europe when it associates with the other Brent Goose species. The Brent Goose used to be a strictly coastal bird in winter, seldom leaving tidal estuaries where it feeds on eel-grass and seaweed. In recent decades, it has started using agricultural land a short distance inland, feeding extensively on grass and winter-sown cereals. This may be behaviour learned by following other species of geese. Food resource pressure may also be important in forcing this change since the world population increased over 10-fold by the mid-1980s, possibly reaching the carrying capacity of the estuaries. In the breeding season, the Brent Goose uses low-lying wet coastal tundra for both breeding and feeding. The nest is bowl-shaped, lined with grass and down and located in an elevated position often near a small pond. The Brent Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds applies. Date: 9th November 2021 Location: Shoeburyness, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405448.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7686880446586e0b04205e.jpgSparrowhawk The Sparrowhawk is a small bird of prey that is adapted for hunting birds up to pigeon size in confined spaces like dense woodland. The adult male has a bluish-grey back and wings and orangey-brown bars on the chest and belly. The female and young birds have a brown back and wings and brown bars on the chest and belly. The Sparrowhawk has bright yellow or orangey eyes, long yellow legs and long talons. Females are larger than males as with most birds of prey. The Sparrowhawk can be seen at any time of year throughout the UK except for parts of the Scottish Highlands, the Western Isles and Shetland. It can be found in woodland and open country but it also visits gardens in towns and cities and in rural areas. Date: 9th October 2023 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/greater-black-backed-gulls https://images.on-this.website/4752_1214626105c6697736cc34.jpgGreat Black-backed Gulls The largest of the gulls, the Great Black-backed Gull is a dominating and opportunistic predator, scavenger and pirate that has been described as a “merciless tyrant” due to its aggressive feeding habits. The Great Black-backed Gull has a thick-set body with a large, yellow, red-tipped bill, strong legs and wide, webbed feet which have a delicate pink hue. The breast and head are snowy white and sit in stark contrast to the black back and wings. Young Great Black-backed Gulls undergo several plumage changes before taking on that of the adult. Juveniles are pale brown with heavy white mottling whilst immatures are also mottled but have a distinctive whitish head and breast but with a dark-tipped, pale bill The Great Black-backed Gull occurs along the coastlines of northern Europe and northern Russia as well as the east coast of north America and central America and it can be found in a variety of coastal habitats, including rocky and sandy coasts and estuaries as well as inland habitats such as lakes, ponds, fields and moorland. It breeds in areas free of or largely inaccessible to terrestrial predators such as vegetated islands, sand dunes, flat-topped stacks, building roofs and sometimes amongst bushes on salt-marsh islands. During the winter, the Great Black-backed Gull often travels far out to sea to feed. Date: 9th December 2018 Location: Winterton-Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45182259.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9080992466235c39d2bb74.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 21st January 2022 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/aran-islands-co-galway-ireland https://images.on-this.website/4752_7558050985e5394dca7a9c.jpgAran Islands, Co. Galway, Ireland The Aran Islands or The Arans are a group of 3 islands located at the mouth of Galway Bay on the west coast of Ireland. They cover a total area of 18 square miles and from west to east the islands are Inishmore, the largest, Inishmaan, the second largest and Inisheer, the smallest. They have a population of around 1200. The Aran Islands belong to the Gaeltacht, an Irish language word for any primarily Irish-speaking region. In Ireland, the term Gaeltacht refers individually to any, or collectively to all, of the districts where the Government recognises that the Irish language is the predominant language of the home. The geology of the Aran Islands is mainly karst limestone related to the Burren in Co. Clare to the east. Like the Burren, the Aran Islands are renowned for their remarkable variety of plants and animals due to the unique habitat. The Aran Islands are connected by a year-round passenger ferry service from Rossaveal in Co. Galway, itself connected by a bus service from Galway city. A heavy cargo service operates several times a week from Galway Harbour. Summer ferries are also available to the Aran Islands from Doolin in Co. Clare. Visitors come in large numbers to the Aran Islands, particularly during the summer. Date: 6th February 2020 Location: Cliffs of Moher, Co. Clare, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084950.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7346398725d3089c0a82fc.jpgPiatra Craiului Mountains, Brașov County, Romania The Piatra Craiului Mountains are a mountain range in the Southern Carpathians in central Romania. It forms a narrow and saw-like ridge which is about 16 miles long. Vârful La Om is the highest peak at 7343 feet. The ridge is regarded as one of the most impressive and beautiful sites in the Carpathian Mountians and the views both towards and from the mountains are superb. The whole range is included in the Piatra Craiului National Park. The first protection of this area started in 1938 when 2 square miles were declared as a nature reserve. This has been progressively extended and in 1990 it became a national park covering an area of 38 square miles. In 2003 the external limits and internal zoning were created. Since 1999 a park administration has existed with a visitor centre located on the minor road 0.6 miles west of Zărnești and since 2005 a management plan has been in place. Piatra Craiului National Park supports and protects an abundance and diversity of mammals (including Brown Bear, Wolf and Lynx), birds and plants. Zărneşti is the most important town for visiting the Piatra Craiului Mountains and the Piatra Craiului National Park. The town is located 17 miles south west of the city of Brașov. From Zărnești, a 7 mile long minor road runs west and ends at Cabana Plaiul Foii which is a good starting point for climbing the ridge. In addition, a forest road starts from the south west of Zărneşti which leads to Zărneştilor Gorge and continues up to the ridge. The traditional villages of Măgura, Peştera, Ciocanu and Şirnea are starting points for routes up to the eastern slopes. Măgura, situated at 3281 feet, is one of Romania’s most picturesque villages and it provides stunning views towards the Bucegi Mountains and the Piatra Craiului Mountains. Date: 6th June 2018 Location: Zărneştilor Gorge, Brașov County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26541431.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_83834158256acec2b8d7b9.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 16th January 2016 Location: Caerlaverock WWT reserve, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084307.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8018419995d3086db24608.jpgBucegi Mountains, Prahova County, Romania The Bucegi Mountains are a mountain range located in central Romania south of the city of Brașov. They are part of the Southern Carpathians group of the Carpathian Mountains. Omu is the highest peak at 8219 feet. To the east, the Bucegi Mountains have a very steep slope and are bordered by the Prahova Valley. This area holds the most ski resorts in Romania including the small mountain towns of Sinaia and Bușteni. The area of the Bucegi Mountains was proposed for protection in 1936 due to its landscapes and great diversity of plant and animal species. Bucegi Natural Park was eventually established in March 1990 and this covers an area of over 125 square miles representing a mountainous area with caves, pit caves, canyons, ridges, sinkholes, valleys and waterfalls. Habitats include beech forests, bushes, alpine limestone grasslands, alpine rivers and herbaceous vegetation, mountain hay meadows, springs, limestone rocky slopes and semi-natural dry grasslands. There are several nature reserves in Bucegi Natural Park. The TransBucegi (designated as route DJ 713) is one of Romania’s most scenic drives. It starts 10 miles west of Sinaia at Cabana Dichiu and runs for 24 miles to Cabana Piatra Arsa on the Bucegi Mountains Plateau in Bucegi National Park. The TransBucegi ranges in height from 2495 feet at Sinaia to 6316 feet at the route end at Cabana Piatra Arsa. The route encompasses miles of stunning views through twisty hair pin corners, steep gradients and high elevations. The route was officially inaugurated in August 2013 and it is the third high altitude road in Romania after the Transfăgărăşan and Transalpina. Date: 2nd June 2018 Location: Bucegi Mountain Plateau from the TransBucegi route, Prahova County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49276686.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_947209111649962707af9b.jpgRSPB Ramsey Island, Pembrokeshire RSPB Ramsey Island is recognised as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Special Protection Area (SPA) and a Natura 2000 site. RSPB Ramsey Island is located just 1 mile off the St David's peninsula and a 3.5 mile trail, tough going and rugged in some places, provides a route around it. The summits of Carn Ysgubor and Carn Llundain give amazing views east to the mainland, south to Skomer Island and, on the clearest of days, west to Ireland. At nearly 400 feet high in some places, the western cliffs on RSPB Ramsey Island are among the highest in Wales. These provide nesting sites for breeding Guillemots, Razorbills, Kittiwakes, Fulmars, Choughs and Ravens. A large Atlantic Grey Seal colony lives around the island, with pups born in September and October, and Harbour Porpoise often feed in Ramsey Sound. Other habitats in the interior of the island include grassland and heathland providing breeding habitat for Wheatears, Stonechats, Meadow Pipits, Linnets and Skylarks. In 1999/2000 RSPB Ramsey Island was finally cleared of the Brown Rats that had decimated the island's bird populations for 100 years. The highest standards of bio-security are still maintained in order to ensure rats and mice, which have disastrous impacts on seabird colonies, are never re-introduced to the island again. Date: 7th June 2023 Location: view from the trail around RSPB Ramsey Island, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45174870.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2127645540623301d074479.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 19th December 2021 Location: Aldeburgh, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14863242.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4387902304fae3651bb045.jpgKestrel Kestrels are a familiar sight with their pointed wings and long tail, hovering beside a roadside verge or perched on a high tree branch or on a telephone post or wire looking out for prey. They have been declining recently as a result of habitat loss due to continuing intensive management of farmland. As a result, Kestrels are included on the Amber List. Kestrels can be seen all year round in a wide variety of habitats from moorland and heathland to farmland and urban areas. The only places they do not favour are dense forests, treeless wetlands and mountains. Kestrels nest almost everywhere there is a suitable nest site with areas of open, rough ground to feed over. In towns and cities they will feed over parks and gardens. They nest either in holes or on ledges which may be in natural places such as on cliffs or in trees or man-made sites such as church spires, other tall buildings, pylons, cranes, etc. Date: 16th April 2012 Location: Wallasea Island, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/great-white-egrets https://images.on-this.website/4752_125685187951e3cf2f4e6e8.jpgGreat White Egrets The Great White Egret is a large bird with all white plumage. Apart from size, the Great White Egret can be distinguished from other white egrets by its yellow bill and black legs and feet although the bill may become darker and the lower legs lighter in the breeding season. In breeding plumage, delicate ornamental feathers are borne on the back. It has a slow flight with its neck retracted. The Great White Egret is distributed across most of the tropical and warmer temperate regions of the world favouring all kinds of wetland habitats. Expanding populations in Europe mean that this species is now seen more frequently in the UK and it can turn up in almost any part of the country with the majority of records in south east England and East Anglia. Date: 21st May 2013 Location: Biebrza area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo16548208.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16861666535083a34edba64.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 7th October 2012 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813395.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12228172765d0ddeb72135e.jpgArctic Skua The Arctic Skua is a seabird in the skua family. Identification is complicated by similarities to the Long-tailed Skua and the Pomarine Skua and the existence of three colour morphs. Light-morph adults have a brown back, mainly white underparts and dark primary wing feathers with a white flash. The head and neck are yellowish-white with a black cap and there is a pointed central tail projection. Dark-morph adults are dark brown and intermediate-phase birds are dark with somewhat paler underparts, head and neck. All morphs have the white wing flash. The Arctic Skua breeds on dry tundra, higher fells and islands in the north of Eurasia and north America with significant populations as far south as northern Scotland. In the UK, it breeds in Shetland and Orkney, the Outer Hebrides, Sutherland, Caithness and some islands in Argyll. The Arctic Skua is a migrant, wintering at sea in the tropics and southern oceans. The Arctic Skua feeds on rodents, small birds and insects but also robs gulls and terns of their catches. Like the larger skua species, it continues this piratical behaviour throughout the year and shows great agility as it harasses its victims. Date: 10th June 2019 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/waddenzee-friesland-netherlands https://images.on-this.website/4752_6263583655e20445c8d233.jpgWaddenzee, Friesland, Netherlands The Waddenzee is an inter-tidal zone in the south east area of the North Sea. It lies between the coast of north west continental Europe and the range of low-lying Frisian Islands, forming a shallow body of water with extensive tidal flats and wetlands. The Waddenzee stretches from Den Helder in the north west of the Netherlands, past the great river estuaries of Germany to its northern boundary at Skallingen in Denmark along a total coastline of around 310 miles and a total area of around 3900 square miles. Within the Netherlands it is separted from the IJsselmeer by the Afsluitdijk. Historically, these coastal regions were often subjected to large floods caused by storm tides, resulting in thousands of deaths including the Saint Marcellus' flood of 1219, Burchardi flood of 1634 and Christmas Flood of 1717. Some of these also significantly changed the coastline. Numerous dikes and causeways have been built and as a result recent floods have resulted in few or no fatalities (even if some dikes rarely and locally have been overrun in recent history). This makes the Waddenzee among the most human-altered habitats on the planet. The Waddenzee has a high biological diversity and is an important area for substantial numbers of breeding, migrating and wintering birds. The Netherlands, Denmark and Germany all have designated Ramsar sites in the region and although the Waddenzee is not yet designated as a trans-boundary Ramsar site, a great part of the Waddenzee is protected by the co-operation of all 3 countries. The governments of the Netherlands, Denmark and Germany have been working together since 1978 on the protection and conservation of the Waddenzee. Co-operation covers management, monitoring and research, as well as political matters. Furthermore, in 1982, a Joint Declaration on the Protection of the Waddenzee was agreed upon to co-ordinate activities and measures for the protection of the Waddenzee and in 1997 a Trilateral Wadden Sea Plan was adopted. In 1986, the Waddenzee was declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO. In June 2009, the Waddenzee was designated as a World Heritage site by UNESCO and the Danish part was added to the site in 2014. Date: 9th December 2019 Location: view from Holwerd, Friesland, Netherlands http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13796946.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_590228384ee9b88c41629.jpgCommon Dolphin The Common Dolphin is a medium sized dolphin, smaller than the Bottle-nosed Dolphin. The colour pattern on the body is unusual. The back is dark and the belly is white, while on each side is an hourglass pattern colored light grey, yellow or gold in front and dirty grey in back. The Common Dolphin is widely distributed in temperate, sub-tropical and tropical waters throughout the world in a band roughly spanning 40 degrees south to 50 degrees north. Deep off-shore waters and to a lesser extent over continental shelves are preferred to shallow waters. Some populations may be present all year round whilst others appear to move in a migratory pattern. The total world population is unknown but numbers in the hundreds of thousands. Common Dolphins travel in groups of around 10 to 50 in number and frequently gather into schools numbering 100 to 2000 individuals. These schools are generally very active with groups often surfacing, jumping and splashing together. Typical behaviour includes breaching, tail-slapping, chin-slapping, bow-riding and porpoising. Common Dolphins are among the fastest swimming cetaceans, Date: 12th September 2008 Location: photo taken from Portsmouth to Bilbao P&O ferry http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15747145.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3790817145017a7348756d.jpgRuddy Darter Flight period: mid June to mid September. The Ruddy Darter takes its name from its colour and its swift flight behaviour. The male has a deep russet colour over the entire body and the abdomen has a pinched section close to where it joins the thorax. Females are slightly smaller, golden yellow in colour and being less obviously marked are more difficult to identify than the males. There is more than one red coloured darter species in the UK and they can be easily confused with each other. The commonest red species, the Common Darter, can be distinguished as having red veins at the base of the wings and a less ruddy colouration across the body. However, the Ruddy Darter has entirely black legs, distinguishing it from all other red darters which have longitudinal yellow stripes on their legs. The UK range of the Ruddy Darter has undergone something of an expansion in recent years. Although still relatively uncommon in the west and north of Britain, it is increasing in numbers in the Midlands and eastern England. The population is augmented by continental migrants. It is also found over most of Europe except for northern Scandinavia, as far east as western Siberia and south to north Africa. The Ruddy Darter prefers water bodies with tall emergent vegetation, such as reeds and club rush, and it is known to breed in ponds, lakes, canals, ditches and sluggish rivers. They can also be found near coasts and can breed in fairly brackish water. Date: 25th July 2012 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31837534.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2069979553595624b2184af6.82509433.jpgCommon Toad The Common Toad is surrounded by a wealth of folklore and superstition. It can alter the tone of its skin to suit its surroundings. The upper surface may be brown, greenish or grey and occasionally features dark markings. Females are often more reddish or brown than males. The underside is typically white or grey and the eye which has a horizontal pupil is copper in colour. The most obvious feature that distinguishes this species from the Common Frog is its warty skin. These dark warts secrete powerful toxins when the Common Toad is harassed and potential predators soon learn to avoid them. Common Toads have a very wide distribution throughout Europe and in the UK they are only uncommon in northern Scotland. Although they are common and widespread in the UK, it is likely that habitat loss, particularly the drainage of wetlands, has affected populations.They are largely nocturnal and can be found in a broad variety of habitats including gardens. Large water bodies are required for good populations and optimal habitats seem to be woodland, scrub and rough grasslands. Common Toads have a broad diet and feed on a huge range of prey small enough to swallow, including insects, spiders, earwigs, earthworms, snails and slugs. They are usually welcomed by gardeners due to their voracious appetites for many garden pests. Date: 23rd June 2017 Location: Inverpolly, Wester Ross http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26541422.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_53050845756acebf8e4d8c.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 16th January 2016 Location: Caerlaverock WWT reserve, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo47645618.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11458696986347d08724b73.jpgMigrant Hawker Flight period: August to October The Migrant Hawker is common in the south of the UK and has spread north and west in recent decades. The breeding population is boosted by continental migrants in the autumn and they are most easily seen hawking for insects along sheltered woodland rides or hedgerows. Date: 7th August 2022 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871643.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19143224544eff200170994.jpgRed-throated Diver The Red-throated Diver is the smallest and lightest of the world's diver or loon species. Like all divers, it is long-bodied and short-necked and with its legs set far back on its body. The sexes are similar in appearance although males tend to be slightly larger and heavier than females. In breeding plumage, the adult has a dark grey head and neck with narrow black and white stripes on the back of the neck, a triangular red throat patch, white underparts and a dark grey-brown mantle. The non-breeding plumage is drabber with the chin, foreneck and much of the face white, the top of the head and back of the neck grey and considerable white speckling on the dark mantle. The bill is thin, straight and sharp and the bird often holds it at an uptilted angle. In flight, the Red-throated Diver has a distinctive profile. Its small feet do not project far past the end of its body, its head and neck droop below the horizontal (giving the flying bird a distinctly hunchbacked shape) and its thin wings are angled back. It has a quicker, deeper wing beat than other divers. The Red-throated Diver has a large global population and a significant global range but some populations are declining. Oil spills, habitat degradation, pollution and fishing nets are among the major threats and natural predators, such as various gull species and both red and Arctic foxes, will take eggs and young. The Red-throated Diver breeds primarily in the Arctic regions of northern Eurasia and north America and it winters in northern coastal waters, sometimes in groups of considerable size. Unlike other divers, it regularly uses very small freshwater lakes as breeding sites. In Europe, it breeds in Iceland, northern Scotland, Scandinavia and northern Russia and it winters along the coast as far south as parts of Spain. Date: 27th May 2009 Location: Vardø to Sandfjord, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871595.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3394849874eff1efa9a66b.jpgReindeer The Reindeer, also known as the Caribou in North America, is a deer from the Arctic and sub Arctic, including both resident and migratory populations. Whilst it is overall widespread and numerous, some of its subspecies are rare or already extinct. The Reindeer is a widespread and numerous species in the northern Holarctic, being present in tundra (frozen arctic plain with lichens, mosses and dwarfed vegetation) and taiga (marshy pine forest) regions. Originally, the Reindeer was found in Scandinavia, eastern Europe, Russia, Mongolia, and northern China. In North America, it was found in Canada, Alaska and the northern USA from Washington to Maine. It also occurred naturally on Sakhalin, Greenland, and probably even in historical times in Ireland. Today, wild Reindeer have disappeared from many areas within this large historical range, especially from the southern parts where it has vanished almost everywhere. Large populations of wild Reindeer are still found in Norway, Finland, Siberia, Greenland, Alaska, and Canada. Wild Reindeer hunting and herding of semi-domesticated Reindeer (for meat, hides, antlers, milk and transportation) are important to several Arctic and Subarctic people. Domesticated Reindeer are mostly found in northern Fennoscandia and Russia with a herd of approximately 150-170 Reindeer also living around the Cairngorms region in Scotland. Reindeer vary considerably in colour and size. Both sexes grow antlers, though they are typically larger in males. Even far outside its range, the Reindeer is well known due to the myth, probably originating in early 19th century America, in which Santa Claus's sleigh is pulled by flying Reindeer, a popular element of Christmas. Date: 25th May 2009 Location: east of Sodankylä, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30017243.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1325214537587550bb5c544.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 2nd January 2017 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623481.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19014605126117e0c171208.jpgJuvenile Black-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 5th July 2021 Location: RSPB Old Moor, Dearne Valley, South Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41255211.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_892355035f06f4de6bc61.jpgMealy Redpoll The Common (Mealy) Redpoll is a small passerine bird in the finch family. It is streaky brown above and whitish below with black streaks and has a bright red patch on its forehead, a black bib and 2 pale stripes on the wings. Males often have their breasts suffused with red. The rump is streaked and there is a broad dark brown streak across the vent. It has brown legs and a dark-tipped yellowish bill. The Common Redpoll is smaller, browner and more streaked than the generally similar Arctic Redpoll. The Common (Mealy) Redpoll can be found through northern Europe and Asia to northern North America, Greenland and Iceland. It is a partial migrant and moves southward in late autumn and northward again in March and April. Its typical habitat is boreal forests of pines, spruces and larches. The Common (Mealy) Redpoll does not breed in the UK but it is an autumn passage migrant and winter visitor, particularly to the east coast. Many taxonomic authorities consider the Lesser Redpoll, which is found in the UK, to be a sub-species of the Common (Mealy) Redpoll. However, the Common (Mealy) Redpoll is larger and paler than the Lesser Redpoll with which it often mixes, apparently without significant interbreeding. The Common (Mealy) Redpoll builds its nest low down in a tree or bush. The nest typically has an outer layer of thin twigs, a middle layer of root fibres, fragments of juniper bark and lichens and an inner layer of down, willow buds and reindeer hair. The female lays 3 to 7 eggs which hatch after about 11 days with the young fledging in about a further 13 days. The Common (Mealy) Redpoll feeds mainly on seeds, such as birch, alder, and insects. Date: 28th June 2019 Location: Neljan Tuulen Tupa near Kaamanen, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080559.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_208190480263a44b828ff81.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 4th December 2022 Location: EWT Abberton Reservoir, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18776295.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_211207202751f4cf56a1b83.jpgGreat Skuas The Great Skua is an aggressive "pirate" of the seas, deliberately harrassing birds as large as Gannets to steal a free meal. It also readily kills and eats smaller birds such as Puffins. These birds migrate to the northernmost parts of the UK from their wintering grounds off the coasts of Spain and Africa. They breed on coastal rocky islands and moorland in northern Scotland, Orkney and Shetland, arriving in April and leaving in July. At other times they are seen around coasts often in vicinity of seabird colonies, scavenging from other birds or picking food from the surface of the sea. Date: 20th June 2013 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11350964.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9710782344e1f053ae077e.jpgKestrel Kestrels are a familiar sight with their pointed wings and long tail, hovering beside a roadside verge or perched on a high tree branch or on a telephone post or wire looking out for prey. They have been declining recently as a result of habitat loss due to continuing intensive management of farmland. As a result, Kestrels are included on the Amber List. Kestrels can be seen all year round in a wide variety of habitats from moorland and heathland to farmland and urban areas. The only places they do not favour are dense forests, treeless wetlands and mountains. Kestrels nest almost everywhere there is a suitable nest site with areas of open, rough ground to feed over. In towns and cities they will feed over parks and gardens. They nest either in holes or on ledges which may be in natural places such as on cliffs or in trees or man-made sites such as church spires, other tall buildings, pylons, cranes, etc. Date: 04/11/06 Location: Two Tree Island, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081428.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_157087966963a833656938d.jpgBrown Rat Brown Rats have coarse brown or occasionally black fur with a pale underside. They have a long tail which is sparsely haired. Although originally native to eastern Asia and Japan, Brown Rats are now distributed world-wide. They spread across the UK via the shipping traffic from foreign countries in the 18th century and largely replaced the Black Rat. They are highly adaptable and can be found all over the UK, except for exposed mountain regions and some small offshore islands, and live in loose colonies and home ranges of around 50 metres in diameter. Along with the House Mouse, the Brown Rat is considered to be the most widespread terrestrial mammal in the UK and they are subject to persistent pest control due to the damage they cause and the numerous diseases they spread. Brown Rats are omnivorous and have a very varied diet. They are typically nocturnal although they will sometimes forage for food during the day. They also swim well and are sometimes mistaken for Water Voles. Brown Rats live for around 18 months and breed throughout the year producing 5 litters of 8 young a year. Date: 9th January 2022 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46027926.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5366376936291ef20e39ac.jpgBlack-headed Gulls The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 21st May 2022 Location: EWT Two Tree Island, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/coot-chick https://images.on-this.website/4752_14796064685017a6b330dd4.jpgCoot chick The Coot is an all black bird with a distinctive white beak and “shield” above the beak from which earns it the title “bald”. Its feet have distinctive lobed flaps of skin on the toes which act instead of webs when swimming. It patters noisily over the water before taking off and can be very aggressive towards other birds. Coot can be found all the year round mainly on freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers and town park lakes. Sometimes they can be seen offshore, especially in winter if freshwater areas are frozen. They breed in areas of fairly shallow standing freshwater with a muddy bottom and plenty of vegetation at the sides, usually in lowland areas. Date: 23rd July 2012 Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7190870.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3707720484cc30547dba65.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 17th October 2010 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39081984.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1833495005d3078eea1e49.jpgTurtle Doves The Turtle Dove is smaller and slighter in build than many other doves and can be recognised by its distinctively mottled chestnut/cinnamon and black upperparts and the black-and-white-striped patch on the side of its neck. The tail is notable as the bird flies, being wedge shaped with a dark centre and white borders and tips. The Turtle Dove is a bird of open country rather than dense woodlands and frequently feeds on the ground. It is usually extremely timid, probably due to the heavy hunting pressure it faces during migration. The Turtle Dove is one of the latest migrants and rarely appears in northern Europe before the end of April, returning south again to south Africa in September. The arrival in spring is heralded by its purring song, a rather deep, vibrating “turrr, turrr”, from which the bird's name is derived. The Turtle Dove has suffered a substantial population decline in recent years. This is partly because changed farming practices mean that the weed seeds and shoots on which it feeds are more scarce and partly due to the shooting of birds in Mediterranean countries during their migration. Date: 17th May 2018 Location: Srebarna to Vetren, Silistra Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14467394.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2441535344f743b9ac37ea.jpg"Northern Lights" The aurora is a natural light display in the sky, particularly in the high latitude Arctic and Antarctic regions, caused by the collision of energetic charged particles with atoms in the high altitude atmosphere. The charged particles originate in the magnetosphere and solar wind and on Earth they are directed by the Earth's magnetic field into the atmosphere. Most aurora occur in a band known as the auroral zone which is typically 3° to 6° in latitudinal extent and 10° to 20° from the magnetic pole. During a geomagnetic storm, the auroral zone will expand to lower latitudes. The diffuse aurora is a featureless glow in the sky which may not be visible to the naked eye even on a dark night and defines the extent of the auroral zone. The discrete aurora are sharply defined features within the diffuse aurora which vary in brightness from just barely visible to the naked eye to bright enough to read a newspaper at night. In northern latitudes, the effect is known as the aurora borealis (or the “Northern Lights), named after the Roman goddess of dawn, Aurora, and the Greek name for the north wind, Boreas, by Pierre Gassendi in 1621. Auroras seen near the magnetic pole may be high overhead but from farther away they illuminate the northern horizon as a greenish glow or sometimes a faint red. Auroras often display magnetic field lines or curtain-like structures and can change within seconds or glow unchanging for hours, most often in fluorescent green. In Scandinavia, you can see the aurora all over Norway, Sweden and Finland. However, the best places are above the Arctic Circle in the auroral zone. The aurora is most frequent in late autumn and in winter and early spring. In the time span between the autumn equinox and the spring equinox (21st September to 21st March), it is dark the whole time between 6 p.m. and 1 a.m. and this provides the maximum chance of seeing the aurora in suitable weather conditions and with increased solar activity. Date: 16th March 2012 Location: Skibotndalen, Troms, north Norway close to Norway/Finland border http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21808747.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_72210059953c78f408da0f.jpgSandwich Tern The Sandwich Tern is a medium-large tern, gull-like in appearance but usually with a more delicate, lighter build and shorter, weaker legs. It is very closely related to the Lesser Crested Tern, Chinese Crested Tern, Cabot's Tern and Elegant Tern and it has been known to inter-breed with the Lesser Crested Tern. It is 15 to 17 inches in length with a 33 to 38 inches wingspan. It has long, pointed wings, which gives it a fast buoyant flight, and a deeply forked tail. The upperwings are pale grey and the underparts are white. It has a shaggy black crest. The thin sharp bill is black with a yellow tip and the short legs are black. It looks very pale in flight although the primary flight feathers darken during the summer. In winter, the adult's forehead becomes white. Juveniles have dark tips to their tails and a scaly appearance on their back and wings. The Sandwich Tern has an extensive global range and, whilst population trends have not been quantified, it is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List. For these reasons, it is evaluated as “least concern”. The Sandwich Tern breeds in very dense colonies on coasts and islands and exceptionally inland on suitable large freshwater lakes close to the coast. It nests in a ground scrape and lays 1 to 3 eggs. Unlike some of the smaller white terns, it is not very aggressive toward potential predators, relying on the sheer density of the nests and nesting close to other more aggressive species such as the Arctic Tern and the Black-headed Gull. In the UK, the Sandwich Tern can be seen from late March to September and there are breeding colonies scattered around the UK coasts including the north Norfolk coast and at Minsmere in Suffolk and Dungeness in Kent. The Sandwich tern feeds by plunge-diving for fish, almost invariably from the sea. It usually dives directly and not from a hover favoured by other terns. The offering of fish by the male to the female is part of the courtship display. Date: 14th July 2014 Location: Blakeney Point, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512866.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_193619856462c9a85f11082.jpgEurasian Beaver The Eurasian Beaver or European Beaver is one of the largest living species of rodents and it is the largest rodent native to Eurasia. It weighs around 24 to 66 pounds with an average of 40 pounds. Typically the head and body length is 31 to 39 inches and the tail length is 9.8 to 19.7 inches. The fur colour of the Beaver varies geographically from light chestnut-rust to blackish-brown. The Beaver was once widespread in Eurasia. It was hunted to near-extinction for both its fur and castoreum (a secretion of its scent gland believed to have medicinal properties) and by 1900 only 1200 beavers survived in 8 relict populations in Europe and Asia. In many European nations, the Beaver became extinct but reintroduction and protection has led to gradual recovery to about 639,000 individuals by 2003 and it now occurs from the UK to China and Mongolia although it is absent from Italy, Portugal, the southern Balkans and the Middle East. About 83% can be found in the former Soviet Union. In the UK, the Beaver became extinct in the 16th century but, as a former native species, interest in reintroducing it to the wild across the UK has been shown. It has been suggested that Beaver dams could retain water in upland areas, reducing flood volumes and creating new habitats for wildlife. Currently, Beaver populations are found in a number of large enclosures in wildlife parks, as well as free-living populations around the River Tay and Knapdale areas in Scotland and the River Otter in Devon. The Knapdale population was deliberately released whilst the other populations are of unknown origin. The Beaver is a keystone species helping support the ecosystem of which they are a part. It creates wetlands which increase biodiversity and provide habitat for many rare species such as Water Voles, Otters, and Water Shrews. It coppices waterside trees and shrubs so that they regrow as dense shrubs which provide cover for birds and other animals. Beaver dams trap sediment and improve water quality and recharge groundwater tables and increase cover for trout and salmon. The Beaver has a single litter of young per year, coming into oestrus for only 12 to 24 hours between late December and May and peaking in January. Unlike most other rodents, Beaver pairs are monogamous and stay together for multiple breeding seasons. Gestation averages 107 days and litters average 3 kits with a range of 2 to 6 kits. Most Beavers do not reproduce until they are 3 years of age. Date: 12th June 2022 Location: River Otter near Otterton, Devon http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11947756.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6957340344e40fe0dad36d.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 21st October 2007 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo10926928.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1653125674e09792706187.jpgMeadow Pipit The Meadow Pipit is a widespread and often abundant small pipit. It is an undistinguished looking species, mainly brown above and buff below with darker streaking on most of its plumage. The tail is brown with narrow white outer side edges. It has a thin bill and pale pinkish-yellow legs. A simple repetitive song is given in a short song and parachute display flight. The Meadow Pipit breeds in much of north west Eurasia from south east Greenland and Iceland east to just east of the Ural Mountains in Russia and south to central France and Romania. It is migratory over most of its range, wintering in south Europe, north Africa and south west Asia, but it is resident all year round in west Europe although many birds move to the coast or lowlands in winter. The Meadow Pipit is primarily a species of open habitats, either uncultivated or low-intensity agriculture, such as pasture, bogs and moorland. It also occurs in low numbers in arable croplands and in winter it occurs on saltmarshes where it can be quite gregarious and gather in small flocks. The Meadow Pipit is an abundant species in the north of its range but it is less common further south. It can be found all year round across the UK but it is commonest in the upland areas of the west and north during the breeding season. In winter it moves south to more lowland areas and becomes much commoner in the southern half of the UK. The Meadow Pipit nests on the ground in dense vegetation and it is one of the most important nest hosts of the Cuckoo. The Meadow Pipit is a fairly terrestrial pipit usually feeding on the ground although it will use elevated perches such as shrubs, fence lines or electricity wires as vantage points to watch for predators. It feeds mainly on insects and other invertebrates but it also eats the seeds of grasses, sedges, rushes and heather and crowberry berries. Date: 13th June 2011 Location: Glen Quaich, Perthshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19507523.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_63140681152528c42e63e2.jpgBlack-winged Stilt The Black-winged Stilt is a widely distributed very long-legged wader. They have long pink-red legs, a long thin black bill and are blackish above and white below with a white head and neck with a varying amount of black. Both in flight and at rest the long pink-red legs are characteristic and even if these are hidden in water of unknown depth, the pure white underparts and jet black upperparts are distinctive. The amount of dark feathering on the otherwise white head doesn't necessarily indicate the sex of a stilt although young birds always have smoky patterning on the head. The Black-winged Stilt can be found in central and southern Europe, central and southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Many birds migrate to south of the Sahara from August to November and return in March and April. However, many of those which breed in Iberia are now increasingly remaining throughout the year. The Black-winged Stilt breeds around shallow wetlands, especially coastal lagoons, saltpans and estuaries. The nest site is a bare spot on the ground near water and birds often nest in small groups, sometimes with Avocets. In Europe, the Black-winged Stilt is a regular spring overshoot vagrant north of its normal range, occasionally remaining to breed in northern European countries including the UK. Date: 9th September 2013 Location: La Janda, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13683364.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14900511084ed733e6bcad6.jpgTawny Owl The Tawny Owl is an owl about the size of a pigeon. It has a rounded body and head with a ring of dark feathers around its face surrounding the dark eyes. It is mainly reddish brown above and paler underneath. The Tawny Owl can be found all year round in the UK and it is a widespread breeding species. Birds are mainly residents with established pairs probably never leaving their territories. Young birds disperse from breeding grounds in autumn. The Tawny Owl is nocturnal so it is often heard calling at night but much less often seen. In the daytime, you may see one only if you disturb it inadvertently from its roost site in woodland. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40399566.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12636082475dc6ad5616334.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 18th October 2019 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41389716.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9107373035f26963e5194c.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 1st July 2019 Location: Vardø, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/black-headed-gull-and-juveniles https://images.on-this.website/4752_18964200986117e0c32de56.jpgBlack-headed Gull and juveniles The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 5th July 2021 Location: RSPB Old Moor, Dearne Valley, South Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21829696.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_54023579453cba97396d23.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 11th June 2014 Location: Bempton Cliifs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33568376.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14591279615a106aa95dab7.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 4th November 2017 Location: Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512242.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_162872126162c9963f37afe.jpgDartford Warbler The Dartford Warbler is a small warbler distinguished by its long tail compared with that of other warblers. Its plumage comprises unobtrusive and muted tones which blend in with its preferred habitats. Like many warblers, the Dartford Warbler has distinct male and female plumages. The male has a grey back and head, reddish underparts and a red eye. The female is paler below, especially on the throat, and a browner grey above. The song of the Dartford Warbler is a distinctive rattling warble. The largest populations of Dartford Warbler are found in Iberia with smaller populations in France, Italy and the south of the UK. In Africa, they are found in small areas in northern Morocco and northern Algeria. The Dartford Warbler breeds on heathlands amongst gorse, heather and other scrub bushes, sometimes near coasts. Dartford Warblers are named after Dartford Heath in north west Kent in the UK where the population became extinct in the early 20th century. They almost died out in the UK in the severe winter of 1962/63 when the national population dropped to just 10 pairs. However, this species can recover well in good quality habitat, thanks to repeated nesting and a high survival rate for the young. In the UK, Dartford Warblers can now be found at various heathland locations in south and east England. Date: 11th May 2022 Location: Morden Bog, Wareham Forest, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645512.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_129476542751e3cf1360d9f.jpgBiebrza, Poland The Biebrza marshes are a complex series of habitats located in the Biebrza river valley. The area encompasses river channels, lakes, extensive marshes, fenland, reed beds, peat bogs and fields and meadows with woods and forests on higher ground. The Biebrza National Park, which covers much of the area, is the largest of Poland’s 23 National Parks and was created in 1993. Covering a total area of 228 square miles, it protects the vast and relatively untouched habitats with their unique variety of several communities of plants and species of wetland birds and mammals. Date: 21st May 2013 Location: view from near Grady Wonieko, Biebrza area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30017245.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_779716666587550cf5ba90.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 2nd January 2017 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33820936.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15521964235a3d079102468.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 12th December 2017 Location: Kensington Gardens, London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14155788.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7449015684f3cd287c685d.jpgWoodpigeon The Woodpigeon is the UK's largest and commonest pigeon and is largely grey with a white neck patch and white wing patches which are clearly visible in flight. Although shy in the countryside, it can be tame and approachable in towns and cities. Its cooing call is a familiar sound in woodlands as is the loud clatter of its wings when it flies away. Woodpigeons can be found across the UK. In the countryside they breed on farmland with hedges, trees and copses and in towns and cities they breed in parks and gardens. In winter, Woodpigeons form large flocks on farmland fields. Date: 12th February 2012 Location: Pennington Flash, Greater Manchester http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41255250.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10115846025f06f58d13dc9.jpgSiberian Jay The Siberian Jay is noticeably smaller, slighter and proportionately longer-tailed than the Jay with a much shorter and more pointed bill. It is the smallest and most delicate of the Western Palearctic crows and is rather drab brown-grey with rufous-chestnut near the wing-bend and on under wing coverts, rump and sides of tail which set the bird “on fire” in flight. The Siberian Jay is a widespread and highly sedentary resident in Fennoscandia and Russia with Europe accounting for less than half of its global range. It breeds across the higher latitudes of the Western Palearctic and is predominantly at all seasons a bird of coniferous forest, mainly dense stands of forest unmodified by man rather than open growth. The Siberian Jay contrasts with the Jay in a lack of fear of man, readily attaching itself to human travellers and their living quarters, but this has little effect on choice of habitat since its normal range is largely uninhabited by people. Date: 28th June 2019 Location: Neljan Tuulen Tupa near Kaamanen, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42229312.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1113165915603e65194357e.jpgCollared Dove Collared Doves are distinctive birds with their buffy-pink plumage and black neck collar. They are usually seen singly or in pairs, although flocks may form where food is plentiful. They feed on the ground but readily perch on roofs and wires and in trees. The Collared Dove is not migratory but it is strongly dispersive. Over the last century, it has been one of the great colonisers of the bird world. Its original range at the end of the 19th century was warm temperate and subtropical Asia from Turkey east to south China and south through India to Sri Lanka. In 1838 it was reported in Bulgaria but not until the 20th century did it expand across Europe, appearing in parts of the Balkans between 1900 and 1920 and then spreading rapidly north west, reaching Germany in 1945, the UK in 1953, Ireland in 1959 and the Faroe Islands in the early 1970s. Subsequent spread was “sideways” from this fast north west spread reaching north east to north of the Arctic Circle in Norway, east to the Ural Mountains in Russia and south west to the Canary Islands and north Africa from Morocco to Egypt by the end of the 20th century. In the east of its range it has also spread north east to most of central and north China and locally (probably introduced) in Japan. It has also reached Iceland as a vagrant but has not colonised successfully there. Date: 21st January 2021 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11350182.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10572155254e1efd018f4b8.jpgArctic Skua The Arctic Skua is medium-sized dark-looking seabird with pointed wings which is often seen flying low and fast above the waves harassing a tern or other bird in order to make it drop its food. Arctic Skuas only come to land to breed and they are aggressive towards any intruders in to their breeding territories on coastal moorland in the Shetland and Orkney Islands and some areas of north and west Scotland. During the autumn passage, Arctic Skuas are best looked for from coasts in August and September (especially in areas near tern colonies where there are good numbers of feeding birds) but they winter at sea associating with other pelagic seabirds. Date: 14/06/06 Location: Handa Island, Sutherland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/sparrowhawk https://images.on-this.website/4752_13197398518cb06ed24b3.jpgSparrowhawk The Sparrowhawk is a small bird of prey that is adapted for hunting birds up to pigeon size in confined spaces like dense woodland. The adult male has a bluish-grey back and wings and orangey-brown bars on the chest and belly. The female and young birds have a brown back and wings and brown bars on the chest and belly. The Sparrowhawk has bright yellow or orangey eyes, long yellow legs and long talons. Females are larger than males as with most birds of prey. The Sparrowhawk can be seen at any time of year throughout the UK except for parts of the Scottish Highlands, the Western Isles and Shetland. It can be found in woodland and open country but it also visits gardens in towns and cities and in rural areas. Date: 1st April 2013 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4352163.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1963906774b687b4a301c2.jpgSnow Bunting Snow Buntings are large buntings with striking “snowy” plumages. Males in summer have all white heads and underparts contrasting with a black mantle and wing tips. Females are a more mottled above. In autumn and winter birds develop a sandy/buff wash to their plumage and males have more mottled upperparts. Snow Buntings breed in far northern Europe and migrate south in winter. They are a very scarce breeding species in the UK and can be found on the highest mountain peaks in Scotland where they nest in rocky crevices. Snow Buntings are best looked for in winter (from late September to early March) where they can sometimes be seen in large flocks on the seashore or on adjacent short rough grassland at coastal sites in Scotland and eastern England. Date: 1st February 2010 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645458.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_86846378251e3ce7676b0e.jpgBlack-tailed Godwits The Black-tailed Godwit is a large, long-legged, long-billed shorebird with an orange head, neck and chest in its breeding plumage and a uniform brown-grey breast and upperparts in winter. During the breeding season, the bill has a yellowish or orange-pink base and dark tip but the base is pink in winter. The legs are dark grey, brown or black. The sexes are similar but in breeding plumage they can be separated by the male's brighter, more extensive orange breast, neck and head. In flight, the bold black and white wingbar and white rump can be seen readily. When on the ground the Black-tailed Godwit can be difficult to separate from the similar Bar-tailed Godwit but the Black-tailed Godwit's longer, straighter bill and longer legs are diagnostic. The Black-tailed Godwit’s breeding range stretches from Iceland through northern Europe and areas of central Asia where it can be found in fens, lake edges, damp meadows, moorlands and bogs. It winters in areas as diverse as the Indian Subcontinent, Australia, western Europe and west Africa where it can be found on estuaries and floods. It is also more likely to be found inland and on freshwater than the Bar-tailed Godwit. Date: 20th May 2013 Location: Biebrza area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081390.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_156662291263a718f2318de.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 12th January 2022 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533489.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_173257769862ca8a7890cdc.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 25th June 2022 Location: RSPB Minsmere, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30017230.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19014310735875502c43dd2.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 2nd January 2017 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081394.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_33287270463a718f96155f.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 12th January 2022 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41389656.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16063754345f26945aef2f9.jpgRiver Neiden, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Neiden is a village located in the Sápmi area, the cultural region traditionally inhabited by the Sámi people, along the Norway and Finland border. Situated along the River Neiden, it actually consists of 2 villages separated by the border. One side is in Sør-Varanger municipality in Troms og Finnmark in Norway and the other side is in the Inari municipality in Lappi, Finland. Neiden is the official name in Norway and Näätämö is the official name in Finland. The European route E6 highway runs through the Norwegian village of Neiden. In the Finnish view, Neiden/Näätämö extends into Finland and there is a small village in Finland near the border called Näätämö around 7 miles from Neiden village centre. Date: 1st July 2019 Location: River Neiden, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645753.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_102556530551e3d06461d1a.jpgBiałowieża, Poland The Białowieża forest is an ancient mixed forest that straddles the border between Poland and Belarus. It is one of the largest remaining parts of the immense primaeval forest that once stretched across the Great European Plain. On the Polish side, the central part of the Białowieża forest is protected as the Białowieża National Park with an area of about 39 square miles. The National Park, created in 1932, is under strict preservation and has been declared by UNESCO a World Biosphere Reserve and put on the World Heritage List. The Białowieża forest is home to many species of forest birds plus large mammals such as Wolf, Lynx, Moose and European Bison. Park Palacowy (Palace Park) in Białowieża covering 50 ha was founded between 19th and 20th century. It is a park in an English landscape style with several tsarist red brick buildings from the 19th century and a gate which is the only remnant of the wooden manor. There are extensive views to Białowieża National Park. Date: 25th May 2013 Location: Park Palacowy, Białowieża, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45174855.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7836081536232fa0fcb1cb.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 31st December 2021 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11947762.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11507046984e40fe13cc6fd.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 21st October 2007 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49002641.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1235699406468f419cc505.jpgSandwich Tern The Sandwich Tern is a medium-large tern, gull-like in appearance but usually with a more delicate, lighter build and shorter, weaker legs. It is very closely related to the Lesser Crested Tern, Chinese Crested Tern, Cabot's Tern and Elegant Tern and it has been known to inter-breed with the Lesser Crested Tern. It is 15 to 17 inches in length with a 33 to 38 inches wingspan. It has long, pointed wings, which gives it a fast buoyant flight, and a deeply forked tail. The upperwings are pale grey and the underparts are white. It has a shaggy black crest. The thin sharp bill is black with a yellow tip and the short legs are black. It looks very pale in flight although the primary flight feathers darken during the summer. In winter, the adult's forehead becomes white. Juveniles have dark tips to their tails and a scaly appearance on their back and wings. The Sandwich Tern has an extensive global range and, whilst population trends have not been quantified, it is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List. For these reasons, it is evaluated as “least concern”. The Sandwich Tern breeds in very dense colonies on coasts and islands and exceptionally inland on suitable large freshwater lakes close to the coast. It nests in a ground scrape and lays 1 to 3 eggs. Unlike some of the smaller white terns, it is not very aggressive toward potential predators, relying on the sheer density of the nests and nesting close to other more aggressive species such as the Arctic Tern and the Black-headed Gull. In the UK, the Sandwich Tern can be seen from late March to September and there are breeding colonies scattered around the UK coasts including the north Norfolk coast and at Minsmere in Suffolk and Dungeness in Kent. The Sandwich tern feeds by plunge-diving for fish, almost invariably from the sea. It usually dives directly and not from a hover favoured by other terns. The offering of fish by the male to the female is part of the courtship display. Date: 17th May 2023 Location: RSPB Minsmere, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41424267.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7462731035f2aa9313b1ae.jpgReindeer The Reindeer, also known as the Caribou in North America, is a deer from the Arctic and sub Arctic, including both resident and migratory populations. Whilst it is overall widespread and numerous, some of its subspecies are rare or already extinct. The Reindeer is a widespread and numerous species in the northern Holarctic, being present in tundra (frozen arctic plain with lichens, mosses and dwarfed vegetation) and taiga (marshy pine forest) regions. Originally, the Reindeer was found in Scandinavia, eastern Europe, Russia, Mongolia, and northern China. In North America, it was found in Canada, Alaska and the northern USA from Washington to Maine. It also occurred naturally on Sakhalin, Greenland, and probably even in historical times in Ireland. Today, wild Reindeer have disappeared from many areas within this large historical range, especially from the southern parts where it has vanished almost everywhere. Large populations of wild Reindeer are still found in Norway, Finland, Siberia, Greenland, Alaska, and Canada. Wild Reindeer hunting and herding of semi-domesticated Reindeer (for meat, hides, antlers, milk and transportation) are important to several Arctic and Subarctic people. Domesticated Reindeer are mostly found in northern Fennoscandia and Russia with a herd of approximately 150-170 Reindeer also living around the Cairngorms region in Scotland. Reindeer vary considerably in colour and size. Both sexes grow antlers, though they are typically larger in males. Even far outside its range, the Reindeer is well known due to the myth, probably originating in early 19th century America, in which Santa Claus's sleigh is pulled by flying Reindeer, a popular element of Christmas. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hamningberg, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/extremadura-dehesa-spain https://images.on-this.website/4752_9053613124ff5466471569.jpgExtremadura dehesa, Spain Dehesa is a multifunctional agropastoral system and cultural landscape of southern and central Spain and southern Portugal where it covers around 12500 square miles. Dehesas may be private or communal property (usually belonging to the municipality). The dehesa is derived from the Mediterranean forest ecosystem consisting of pastureland featuring herbaceous species for grazing and tree species such as holm and cork oak. Dehesas are used primarily for grazing by cattle, sheep and goats and they also produce a variety of products including non-timber forest products such as wild game, mushrooms, honey, cork, and firewood. Oaks are protected and pruned to produce acorns which the famous black Iberian pigs feed on in the autumn. Ham produced from Iberian pigs fattened with acorns and then air dried at high elevations is known as jamon which sells for premium prices. Dehesa is an agropastoral system that not only provides a variety of foods and other products but it also a very important wildlife habitat supporting many rare species. Date: 28th April 2012 Location: Rio Almonte bridge to Monroy, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41424253.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14560759495f2aa87ff0f8a.jpgVaranger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway The Varanger peninsula is situated in Troms og Finnmark in the extreme north east of Norway. With an area of 800 square miles, it is the largest area within the Arctic climate zone in mainland Norway and is bordered by Tanafjord to the west, Varangerfjord to the south and the Barents Sea to the north and east. The area has a rugged mountain terrain with altitudes up to 2077 feet and it has an Arctic tundra climate. The coast of the Varanger peninsula is an important area for breeding, migrating and wintering birds, especially some notable Arctic species. The Norwegian Directorate for Nature Management has a project on the Varanger peninsula to reintroduce and protect the Arctic Fox which is critically endangered on the Norwegian mainland. The Varangerhalvøya National Park (Norwegian: [I]Varangerhalvøya Nasjonalpark[/I]) lies to the west of road Fv341 and protects a majority of the land on the Varanger peninsula. The eastern part of the Varanger peninsula can be accessed from Vardø, via Svartnes, to Hamningberg. Hamningberg is an abandoned fishing village situated on the Varanger peninsula and on the shores of the Barents Sea. It’s only road connection is via the narrow and winding road Fv341 which runs for about 25 miles north from Svartnes. This is a very scenic road which follows the shores of the Barents Sea. It is considered to be one of the wildest and most memorable drives in Norway and passes through a bare and barren but awe-inspiring Arctic landscape. The road is closed during the winter months from October to late May. Traditionally a fishing village, Hamningberg is one of very few places in Troms og Finnmark that was not burnt and destroyed under Operation Nordlicht in 1944 and 1945, the German “scorched earth” retreat from Finnmark. It was depopulated and abandoned in 1964 although some of the houses are still in use as summer cottages. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: view from road Fv341 between Svartnes and Hamningberg, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21957279.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_78197450553da39b7e5fd4.jpgFulmar The Fulmar is almost gull-like but is a grey and white seabird that is related to the albatrosses. It flies low over the sea on stiff wings with shallow wing beats, gliding and banking to show its white under-parts and then grey upper-parts. At its breeding sites it will fly high up the cliff face riding the updraughts. Fulmars feed in flocks out at sea and defend their nests from intruders by spitting out a foul-smelling oil. Fulmars breed on coastal cliffs with suitable ledges and grassy slopes but will occasionally breed on buildings. Fulmars are best looked for at seabird colonies and are most abundant along the Scottish coastline especially in the Northern Isles. They are least common along the east, south and north-west coasts of England. Adults are present at the breeding colonies nearly all year although young birds leave in late summer. Away from the breeding colonies, Fulmars spend their whole time offshore at sea. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Staple Island, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/curlew https://images.on-this.website/4752_9422585884db017343774b.jpgCurlew The (Eurasian) Curlew is a wader and one of the most widespread of the curlew species. In Europe, it is usually referred to just as the Curlew. It is mainly greyish-brown with a white back, greyish-blue legs and a very long curved bill. Males and females look identical but the bill is longest in the adult female. The only similar species over most of the Curlew's range is the Whimbrel but this species is smaller and has a shorter bill with a kinked tip rather than a smooth curve. The English name "curlew" is imitative of the Curlew's familiar and loud [i]curloo-oo[/i] call. The Curlew breeds across temperate Europe and Asia and builds a nest in a bare scrape on moors, meadows and similar habitats. It is a migratory species over most of its range and winters in Africa, south Europe and south Asia. It is present all year in the milder climates of the UK and its adjacent European coasts. In the UK, the greatest breeding numbers are found in north Wales, the Pennines, the southern uplands and Highlands of Scotland and on Orkney. In winter, it can be found around the whole UK coastline with the largest concentrations at Morecambe Bay, the Solway Firth and the Wash and the Dee, Severn, Humber and Thames estuaries. The Curlew is highly gregarious outside the breeding season and feeds by probing soft mud for small invertebrates or picking up small crabs and earthworms off the surface if the opportunity arises. The Curlew is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Formerly classified as a species of “Least Concern” by the IUCN, it was suspected to be rarer than generally assumed. Following the evaluation of its population size, the classification was found to be incorrect and it was consequently promoted to “Near Threatened” status in 2008. Though it is a common bird, its numbers are noticeably declining. Date: 4th June 2008 Location: Billister, Nesting, East Mainland, Shetland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308866.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_106387490863ee37f714b69.jpgCommon Snipe The Common Snipe is a small, stocky wader native to the Old World. It is the most widespread of several similar snipe species. It most closely resembles the Wilson's Snipe of north America which was previously considered to be a sub-species of the Common Snipe. It is also very similar to the Pin-tailed Snipe and Swinhoe's Snipe of east Asia. A sub-species of Common Snipe can be found in Iceland, the Faroe Islands, Shetland and Orkney. This sub-species winters in the UK and Ireland. The Common Snipe is 9.8 to 10.6 inches in length with a 17 to 19 inches wingspan. The body is mottled brown with straw-yellow stripes on top and pale underneath. It has a dark stripe through the eye with light stripes above and below it. The wings are pointed. It has short greenish-grey legs and a very long (2.2 to 2.8 inches) straight dark bill. The Common Snipe can be found in the marshes, bogs, tundra and wet meadows throughout north Europe and north Asia. It is migratory with European birds wintering in south and west Europe and Africa (south to the Equator) and Asian birds wintering in tropical south Asia. The male Common Snipe performs a "winnowing" display during courtship, flying high in circles and then taking shallow dives to produce a "drumming" sound by vibrating its tail feathers. The nest is located in a well hidden location on the ground. The female lays 4 eggs which are incubated for 18 to 21 days. The young are covered in dark maroon down, variegated with black, white and buff and are cared for by both parents with fledging occurring in 10 to 20 days. The Common Snipe is a well camouflaged bird and it is usually shy and conceals itself close to ground vegetation and flushes only when approached closely. When flushed, it utters a sharp call and flies off in a series of aerial zig-zags to confuse predators. The Common Snipe forages in soft mud, probing or picking up food by sight. It mainly eats insects and earthworms but also some plant material. Overall, the Common Snipe is not a threatened species although populations on the southern fringes of the breeding range in Europe are declining with local extinction in some areas (including in the UK) mainly due to field drainage and agricultural intensification. The Common Snipe is a species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 21st January 2022 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13683388.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11239092184ed73824d0bf1.jpgBarn Owl With a heart shaped face, buff back and wings and pure white under-parts the Barn Owl is a distinctive and much-loved bird of the countryside. Barn Owls are widely distributed across the UK and can be seen all year round sometimes during the day but normally at dusk in open country and along field edges, riverbanks and roadside verges. Barn owls have suffered population declines over the past 50 years as a result of habitat degradation following increasing intensive agricultural practices. However, that decline has stopped in many areas and their population may now be increasing. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45290995.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_281540234623acb2c8365e.jpgBrown Rat Brown Rats have coarse brown or occasionally black fur with a pale underside. They have a long tail which is sparsely haired. Although originally native to eastern Asia and Japan, Brown Rats are now distributed world-wide. They spread across the UK via the shipping traffic from foreign countries in the 18th century and largely replaced the Black Rat. They are highly adaptable and can be found all over the UK, except for exposed mountain regions and some small offshore islands, and live in loose colonies and home ranges of around 50 metres in diameter. Along with the House Mouse, the Brown Rat is considered to be the most widespread terrestrial mammal in the UK and they are subject to persistent pest control due to the damage they cause and the numerous diseases they spread. Brown Rats are omnivorous and have a very varied diet. They are typically nocturnal although they will sometimes forage for food during the day. They also swim well and are sometimes mistaken for Water Voles. Brown Rats live for around 18 months and breed throughout the year producing 5 litters of 8 young a year. Date: 10th March 2022 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/tanateno-river-norwayfinland https://images.on-this.website/4752_2734227504eff1f1771bd3.jpgTana/Teno river, Norway/Finland The Tana River (Norway) or Teno river/Tenojoki (Finland) is a 210 mile long river in north Norway and Finland. The Sámi name, Deatnu, means "Great River". In its upper course, the river runs for 159 miles along the Finnish–Norwegian border between Utsjoki in Finland and Karasjok and Tana in Norway. The river discharges into the Tanafjorden and the river mouth is one of the largest virgin river deltas in Europe. The river is well known for its excellent salmon fishery and is the most productive salmon river in Norway. The world's record for Atlantic salmon is held by a salmon caught on the Tana (a fish weighing 79 pounds taken in 1929). Date: 26th May 2009 Location: near Utsjoki, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40399564.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21084577685dc6ad4b56747.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 18th October 2019 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12078572.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1853345314e48dd60bf978.jpgWater Vole The Water Vole is found throughout the UK although it is less common on higher ground. It is infrequently recorded from parts of northern Scotland and is absent in Ireland. Water Voles are legally protected in the UK and recent evidence suggests that they have undergone a long term decline. On current trends it is predicted that they may eventually disappear from 94% of their former sites. The shocking decline in both the range and numbers of the Water Vole is due to a number of factors. The large-scale loss and fragmentation of sensitive waterside habitats due to riverbank modification, drainage and flood defence works has been an important factor as has the pollution of waterways and poisoning by rodenticides. Perhaps the most serious threat facing the Water Vole is predation by the introduced American Mink. Water Voles are sometimes confused with Brown Rats which often also live near water courses. They are sometimes called "the water rat" which is the origin of the Water Vole’s fame as "Ratty" from Kenneth Grahame's book “The Wind in the Willows”. Prime Water Vole sites are found along densely vegetated banks of slow flowing rivers, ditches, lakes and marshes where water is present throughout the year. Water Voles are herbivores and feed on a huge variety of waterside vegetation, consuming 80% of their body weight each day. They excavate extensive burrow systems into the banks of waterways and have sleeping/nest chambers at various levels in the steepest parts of the bank. Burrows usually have underwater entrances to provide a secure route for escape if danger threatens. Water Voles usually have 3 or 4 litters a year depending on the weather. In mild springs the first of these can be born in March or April although cold conditions can delay breeding until May or even June. There are about 5 young in a litter and these are born below ground in a nest made from suitable vegetation such as grasses and rushes. Young water voles grow quickly and are weaned at 14 days. On average, Water Voles only live about 5 months in the wild. Their most important predators are Mink and Stoats although Grey Herons, Barn Owls, Brown Rats and Pike are also known to take them. Date: 27th January 2007 Location: Cromford Canal, Derbyshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37399600.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17358968245c669768b1cc5.jpgGreat Black-backed Gull The largest of the gulls, the Great Black-backed Gull is a dominating and opportunistic predator, scavenger and pirate that has been described as a “merciless tyrant” due to its aggressive feeding habits. The Great Black-backed Gull has a thick-set body with a large, yellow, red-tipped bill, strong legs and wide, webbed feet which have a delicate pink hue. The breast and head are snowy white and sit in stark contrast to the black back and wings. Young Great Black-backed Gulls undergo several plumage changes before taking on that of the adult. Juveniles are pale brown with heavy white mottling whilst immatures are also mottled but have a distinctive whitish head and breast but with a dark-tipped, pale bill The Great Black-backed Gull occurs along the coastlines of northern Europe and northern Russia as well as the east coast of north America and central America and it can be found in a variety of coastal habitats, including rocky and sandy coasts and estuaries as well as inland habitats such as lakes, ponds, fields and moorland. It breeds in areas free of or largely inaccessible to terrestrial predators such as vegetated islands, sand dunes, flat-topped stacks, building roofs and sometimes amongst bushes on salt-marsh islands. During the winter, the Great Black-backed Gull often travels far out to sea to feed. Date: 9th December 2018 Location: Winterton-Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13797118.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5147734604ee9bc049b7f3.jpgBottlenose Dolphin The Bottlenose Dolphin is one of the most well-known species of dolphin. They have a stocky, torpedo-shaped body, a short beak and pointed flippers and are usually dark grey on the back with paler grey flanks and a white or pinkish belly. The sickle-shaped dorsal fin is tall and positioned centrally on the back. Variations in the shape of the dorsal fin along with scars and other markings on the skin can help researchers to identify individuals. The Bottlenose Dolphin is found in coastal waters of most temperate, tropical and subtropical areas. Around the UK, it occurs in the English Channel, in the Moray Firth in north-east Scotland and in Cardigan Bay in Wales. Although lone individuals do occur, Bottle-nosed Dolphins are very sociable animals which usually live in groups numbering between 10 and 100 individuals. They engage in much energetic behaviour, including breaching (clearing the water), lobtailing (slapping the tail flukes down onto the surface of the water) and bow-riding (riding the swell created in front of boats and even large whales). The Bottlenose Dolphin faces a number of threats including human disturbance, entanglement in fishing nets and hunting. Like all cetaceans, they are also vulnerable to chemical and noise pollution. The captivity industry that supplies the world aquarium trade is also a problem. The Bottlenose Dolphin is a UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority species and it is protected in UK waters by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Orders 1985. It is illegal to intentionally kill, injure, or harass any cetacean (whale or dolphin) species in UK waters. The Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans in the Baltic and North Seas (ASCOBANS), has been signed by 7 European Countries including the UK. Provision is made under this agreement to set up protected areas, promote research and monitoring, pollution control and increase public awareness. Under Annex II of the EC Habitats Directive, candidate marine Special Areas of Conservation (SACS) are being set up for this species in Cardigan Bay (Wales) and the Moray Firth (north-east Scotland). Date: 13th April 2009 Location: Moray Firth (from Chanonry Point), Inverness-shire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11481058.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17643526024e269994cc5bd.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 17th May 2009 Location: Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405498.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8679296526586e8e20117e.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 14th October 2023 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41424276.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19110704395f2aa94d2f234.jpgHamingberg, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway The Varanger peninsula is situated in Troms og Finnmark in the extreme north east of Norway. With an area of 800 square miles, it is the largest area within the Arctic climate zone in mainland Norway and is bordered by Tanafjord to the west, Varangerfjord to the south and the Barents Sea to the north and east. The area has a rugged mountain terrain with altitudes up to 2077 feet and it has an Arctic tundra climate. The coast of the Varanger peninsula is an important area for breeding, migrating and wintering birds, especially some notable Arctic species. The Norwegian Directorate for Nature Management has a project on the Varanger peninsula to reintroduce and protect the Arctic Fox which is critically endangered on the Norwegian mainland. The Varangerhalvøya National Park (Norwegian: [I]Varangerhalvøya Nasjonalpark[/I]) lies to the west of road Fv341 and protects a majority of the land on the Varanger peninsula. The eastern part of the Varanger peninsula can be accessed from Vardø, via Svartnes, to Hamningberg. Hamningberg is an abandoned fishing village situated on the Varanger peninsula and on the shores of the Barents Sea. It’s only road connection is via the narrow and winding road Fv341 which runs for about 25 miles north from Svartnes. This is a very scenic road which follows the shores of the Barents Sea. It is considered to be one of the wildest and most memorable drives in Norway and passes through a bare and barren but awe-inspiring Arctic landscape. The road is closed during the winter months from October to late May. Traditionally a fishing village, Hamningberg is one of very few places in Troms og Finnmark that was not burnt and destroyed under Operation Nordlicht in 1944 and 1945, the German “scorched earth” retreat from Finnmark. It was depopulated and abandoned in 1964 although some of the houses are still in use as summer cottages. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hamningberg, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/arctic-skua https://images.on-this.website/4752_6887509144c1dd5a331a85.jpgArctic Skua The Arctic Skua is medium-sized dark-looking seabird with pointed wings which is often seen flying low and fast above the waves harassing a tern or other bird in order to make it drop its food. Arctic Skuas only come to land to breed and they are aggressive towards any intruders in to their breeding territories on coastal moorland in the Shetland and Orkney Islands and some areas of north and west Scotland. During the autumn passage, Arctic Skuas are best looked for from coasts in August and September (especially in areas near tern colonies where there are good numbers of feeding birds) but they winter at sea associating with other pelagic seabirds. Date: 3rd June 2010 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308860.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_33439880463ee37e90b20a.jpgWigeon The Eurasian Wigeon, or simply Wigeon, is one of 3 species of Wigeon in the dabbling duck genus Mareca. The Wigeon is 17 to 20 inches in length with a 28 to 31 inches wingspan. The breeding male has grey flanks and back with a black rear end, a dark green speculum and a brilliant white patch on the upper wings which obvious in flight or at rest. It has a pink breast, white belly and a chestnut head with a creamy crown. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female. The female is generally light brown but it can be distinguished from most other ducks, apart from the American Wigeon, on shape. The Wigeon breeds in the northernmost areas of Europe and Asia where it is the Old World counterpart of north America's American Wigeon. It is a bird of open wetlands, such as wet grassland or marshes with some taller vegetation, and nests on the ground near water and under cover. The Wigeon is strongly migratory and winters further south than its breeding range. It is highly gregarious outside of the breeding season and will form large flocks. In the UK, the Wigeon can be found all year round. It is a scarce breeding bird in central and northern Scotland and in northern England. In winter, many birds arrive in the UK from Iceland, Scandinavia and Russia and very large numbers can be seen on the coasts and at some inland sites. The Wigeon is categorised by the IUCN as a species of “Least Concern” but it is a species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 21st January 2022 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43082719.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_56633199660dd892b1b63d.jpgBroad-bodied Chaser Flight period: May to August The broad, flattened body of the Broad-bodied Chaser is distinctive and makes this dragonfly appear “fat”. The male has a powder-blue body with yellow spots along the sides and a dark thorax whilst the female is green-brown with paler spots. There are several medium-sized, pale blue dragonflies that can be confused with one another. The Broad-bodied Chaser can be distinguished by the combination of its broad, blue body and chocolate-brown eyes. The Broad-bodied Chaser is a common dragonfly of ponds and small lakes and it may be the first to colonise such habitats. It regularly returns to the same low perch after swift flights out across the water looking for insects. The Broad-bodied Chaser is widespread and common throughout southern and central England and south Wales. Date: 15th June 2021 Location: Broadwater Warren RSPB reserve, High Weald, East Sussex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9563030.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18319743464dae95450d0a7.jpgSnow Bunting Snow Buntings are large buntings with striking “snowy” plumages. Males in summer have all white heads and underparts contrasting with a black mantle and wing tips. Females are a more mottled above. In autumn and winter birds develop a sandy/buff wash to their plumage and males have more mottled upperparts. Snow Buntings breed in far northern Europe and migrate south in winter. They are a very scarce breeding species in the UK and can be found on the highest mountain peaks in Scotland where they nest in rocky crevices. Snow Buntings are best looked for in winter (from late September to early March) where they can sometimes be seen in large flocks on the seashore or on adjacent short rough grassland at coastal sites in Scotland and eastern England. Date: 26th March 2008 Location: Cairngorm, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40648537.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15380161765df9fd724ed84.jpgCommon Pochard The Common Pochard is a medium-sized and stocky diving duck. The adult male has a long dark bill with a grey band, a red head and neck, a black breast, red eyes and a grey back. The adult female has a brown head and body and a narrower grey bill band. The triangular head shape is distinctive. The Common Pochard is superficially similar to the closely related Redhead and Canvasback found in north America. The Common Pochard breeds in marshes and on lakes in much of temperate and north Europe and in to Asia. It is migratory and spends the winter in the south and west of Europe. In the UK, the Common Pochard breeds in east England and lowland Scotland plus in small numbers in Northern Ireland. Large numbers from Russia and Scandinavia winter in the UK on lakes, reservoirs and gravel pits, often mixing with other diving ducks such as the Tufted Duck. In a number of countries, the Common Pochard is decreasing mainly due to habitat loss and hunting. It is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. The Common Pochard feeds mainly by diving or dabbling for aquatic plants, molluscs, aquatic insects and small fish. Date: 30th November 2019 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51984024.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_207922279666d3477e56d62.jpgRuddy Darter Flight period: mid June to mid September. The Ruddy Darter takes its name from its colour and its swift flight behaviour. The male has a deep russet colour over the entire body and the abdomen has a pinched section close to where it joins the thorax. Females are slightly smaller, golden yellow in colour and being less obviously marked are more difficult to identify than the males. There is more than one red coloured darter species in the UK and they can be easily confused with each other. The commonest red species, the Common Darter, can be distinguished as having red veins at the base of the wings and a less ruddy colouration across the body. However, the Ruddy Darter has entirely black legs, distinguishing it from all other red darters which have longitudinal yellow stripes on their legs. The UK range of the Ruddy Darter has undergone something of an expansion in recent years. Although still relatively uncommon in the west and north of Britain, it is increasing in numbers in the Midlands and eastern England. The population is augmented by continental migrants. It is also found over most of Europe except for northern Scandinavia, as far east as western Siberia and south to north Africa. The Ruddy Darter prefers water bodies with tall emergent vegetation, such as reeds and club rush, and it is known to breed in ponds, lakes, canals, ditches and sluggish rivers. They can also be found near coasts and can breed in fairly brackish water. Date: 28th July 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/los-llanos-de-libar-sierra https://images.on-this.website/4752_198628372752528b5be3e34.jpgLos Llanos de Libar, Sierra de Grazalema, Andalucia, Spain The Sierra de Libar lies between the Sierra de Grazalema and the Guadiaro river valley. The Sierra de Libar range itself consists of two karst limestone ridges running in a north-south direction separated by the fertile valley of Los Llanos de Libar. The Los Llanos de Libar track starting at the mountain village of Montejaque west of Ronda allows access to open pasture, oak woodlands limestone pavements and craggy cliffs.. Date: 8th September 2013 Location: view from the track running south west out of Montejaque, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645437.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_213248082751e3ce2a344f2.jpgWhite Stork The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 20th May 2013 Location: Biebrza area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/red-throated-diver https://images.on-this.website/4752_9752561344ae9efbfb89bc.jpgRed-throated Diver The Red-throated Diver is the smallest of the UK's divers and its grey-brown plumage and up-tilted bill readily distinguish it from the other species. In summer it has a distinctive red throat. Shetland is the UK breeding stronghold for the Red-throated Diver with other key populations on Orkney, the Outer Hebrides and the northern Scottish mainland. They are also found along the whole of west Scotland south to the Mull of Kintyre. They arrive on their breeding grounds in April and depart in September and October. Outside the breeding season from August and September, the Red-throated Diver can be seen around the east coast of the UK and also along the west coast with concentrations off western Scotland and around north-west Wales. This bird was present in the unusual location of a town centre park for nearly a fortnight providing exceptionally close views. Unfortunately it was reported dead on 27th November 2009. Date: 26th October 2009 Location: Central Park, Chelmsford, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813347.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20686812925d0dddf701ca4.jpgSuilven, Assynt, Highland Height: 2389 feet. Suilven is one of the most instantly recognisable mountains in the Scottish Highlands and is an iconic symbol of the Assynt region. Its name is said to come from the Norse "Pillar Mountain" which shows, not surprisingly, that the Vikings saw its seaward profile first. Suilven has an appearance which changes dramatically depending on which direction it is viewed from and its impressive profile viewed from Elphin or Lochinver dominates any view of Assynt despite it being lower than its neighbours. Date: 9th June 2019 Location: view from the A835 road near Elphin http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42222523.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17206511146023b6897dbd3.jpgWoodpigeon The Woodpigeon is the UK's largest and commonest pigeon and is largely grey with a white neck patch and white wing patches which are clearly visible in flight. Although shy in the countryside, it can be tame and approachable in towns and cities. Its cooing call is a familiar sound in woodlands as is the loud clatter of its wings when it flies away. Woodpigeons can be found across the UK. In the countryside they breed on farmland with hedges, trees and copses and in towns and cities they breed in parks and gardens. In winter, Woodpigeons form large flocks on farmland fields. Date: 28th December 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19507518.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_154582626452528c377607a.jpgBlack-winged Stilt The Black-winged Stilt is a widely distributed very long-legged wader. They have long pink-red legs, a long thin black bill and are blackish above and white below with a white head and neck with a varying amount of black. Both in flight and at rest the long pink-red legs are characteristic and even if these are hidden in water of unknown depth, the pure white underparts and jet black upperparts are distinctive. The amount of dark feathering on the otherwise white head doesn't necessarily indicate the sex of a stilt although young birds always have smoky patterning on the head. The Black-winged Stilt can be found in central and southern Europe, central and southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Many birds migrate to south of the Sahara from August to November and return in March and April. However, many of those which breed in Iberia are now increasingly remaining throughout the year. The Black-winged Stilt breeds around shallow wetlands, especially coastal lagoons, saltpans and estuaries. The nest site is a bare spot on the ground near water and birds often nest in small groups, sometimes with Avocets. In Europe, the Black-winged Stilt is a regular spring overshoot vagrant north of its normal range, occasionally remaining to breed in northern European countries including the UK. Date: 9th September 2013 Location: La Janda, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45201927.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_135968364262372c4cde9df.jpgCormorant The (Great) Cormorant is a widespread member of the cormorant and shag family Phalacrocoracidae. There is a wide variation in size in the species' wide range and males are typically larger and heavier than females. It has a predominantly black plumage but the adult has white patches on the thighs and throat and a yellow throat during the breeding season. In Europe it can be distinguished from the Shag by its larger size, heavier build, thicker bill, lack of a crest and plumage without any green tinge. The (Great) Cormorant is a very common and widespread bird and it breeds in much of the Old World and the Atlantic coast of north America. It feeds on the sea, in estuaries and on freshwater lakes and rivers. Northern birds migrate south and winter along any coast that is well-supplied with fish. The (Great) Cormorant is found around the UK coastline on rocky shores, coastal lagoons and estuaries and it is increasingly seen inland at reservoirs, lakes and gravel pits. The UK holds internationally important wintering numbers. The (Great) Cormorant mainly nests in colonies near wetlands, rivers and sheltered inshore waters. Pairs will use the same nest site to breed year after year. It builds its nest, which is made mainly from sticks, in trees, on the ledges of cliffs and on the ground on rocky islands that are free of predators. The female lays 3 to 5 eggs which are incubated for a period of about 28 to 31 days. The (Great) Cormorant feeds on fish caught through diving and it will consume all fish of appropriate size that they are able to catch. Many fishermen see the (Great) Cormorant a competitor for fish. Because of this, it was nearly hunted to extinction in the past. Due to conservation efforts, its numbers increased although this has once again brought it in to conflict with fisheries. In the UK, where inland breeding was once uncommon, there are now increasing numbers of birds and many inland fish farms and fisheries now claim to be suffering high losses. In the UK each year, some licences are issued to cull specified numbers in order to help reduce predation although it is still illegal to kill a bird without such a licence. Date: 26th February 2022 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37190346.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5940244395c2a26c18fa7e.jpgOystercatcher The Oystercatcher is a wader in the oystercatcher family. It is an obvious and noisy bird with black and white plumage, red legs and a strong broad red bill which is used for smashing or prising open molluscs such as mussels or for finding earthworms. Despite its name, oysters do not form a large part of its diet. The Oystercatcher is unmistakable in flight with white patches on the wings and tail with otherwise black upperparts and white underparts. Young birds are more brown, have a white neck collar and a duller bill. The call is a distinctive loud piping. The bill shape varies: Oystercatchers with broad bill tips open molluscs by prising them apart or hammering through the shell whereas birds with pointed bills dig up worms. Much of this is due to the wear resulting from feeding on their prey. Individual Oystercatchers specialise in one technique or the other which they learn from their parents. The Oystercatcher is the most widespread of the oystercatchers with 3 races breeding in western Europe, central Eurasia, Kamchatka, China, and the western coast of Korea. It is a migratory species over most of its range. The European population breeds mainly in northern Europe but in winter the birds can be found in north Africa and southern parts of Europe. Although the species is present all year in Ireland, the UK and the adjacent European coasts, there is still migratory movement within these populations. The Oystercatcher breeds on shingle and rocky beaches, sand dunes, salt marshes and on the grassy tops of small islands and also inland on shingle banks of rivers, lakes and gravel pits. Date: 23rd June 2018 Location: Lochindorb, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37190334.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1553197185c2a2247964a7.jpgOystercatcher The Oystercatcher is a wader in the oystercatcher family. It is an obvious and noisy bird with black and white plumage, red legs and a strong broad red bill which is used for smashing or prising open molluscs such as mussels or for finding earthworms. Despite its name, oysters do not form a large part of its diet. The Oystercatcher is unmistakable in flight with white patches on the wings and tail with otherwise black upperparts and white underparts. Young birds are more brown, have a white neck collar and a duller bill. The call is a distinctive loud piping. The bill shape varies: Oystercatchers with broad bill tips open molluscs by prising them apart or hammering through the shell whereas birds with pointed bills dig up worms. Much of this is due to the wear resulting from feeding on their prey. Individual Oystercatchers specialise in one technique or the other which they learn from their parents. The Oystercatcher is the most widespread of the oystercatchers with 3 races breeding in western Europe, central Eurasia, Kamchatka, China, and the western coast of Korea. It is a migratory species over most of its range. The European population breeds mainly in northern Europe but in winter the birds can be found in north Africa and southern parts of Europe. Although the species is present all year in Ireland, the UK and the adjacent European coasts, there is still migratory movement within these populations. The Oystercatcher breeds on shingle and rocky beaches, sand dunes, salt marshes and on the grassy tops of small islands and also inland on shingle banks of rivers, lakes and gravel pits. Date: 28th June 2018 Location: Loch Sunart, Ardnamurchan, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871624.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9823307424eff1f997ab7e.jpgWhite-tailed Eagle The White-tailed Eagle is a very large bird with a 72 to 96 inch wingspan and is the fourth largest eagle in the world. It has broad "barn door" wings, a large head and a thick "meat-cleaver" beak. The adult is mainly brown except for the paler head and neck, blackish flight feathers, distinctive white tail, and yellow bill and legs. In juvenile birds the tail and bill are darker, with the tail becoming white with a dark terminal band in sub-adults. The White-tailed Eagle breeds in northern Europe and northern Asia. The largest population in Europe is found along the coast of Norway. They are mostly resident with only the northernmost birds such as the eastern Scandinavian and Siberian population migrating south in winter. Date: 26th May 2009 Location: Salttjern to Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/balnakeil-bay-sutherland https://images.on-this.website/4752_8543734534866c9399e560.jpgBalnakeil Bay, Sutherland Balnakeil Bay is situated at the north west point of Scotland at the end of the minor road running west out of Durness. To the north of Durness lies the rocky headland of Faraid Head which projects 2 miles out in to the Pentland Firth and is the home of military installations .... and Puffins! On the west side of the narrow stretch of land leading to Faraid Head is the wide sweeping curve and marram grass dunes of Balnakeil Bay. The name Balnakeil is derived from the Gaelic "Baille ne Cille" (Village of the Church). The ruined chapel here was built in the 17th century but a church has stood at the location for at least 1200 years. Date: 5th June 2008 Location: view from the south side of the bay at the end of the unclassified road from Durness http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41537239.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12528623885f3cfdd769dea.jpgKittiwakes The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 4th July 2019 Location: Flåget, Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45948308.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18892910566284a9dc554cb.jpgKingfisher The Kingfisher is a small unmistakable bright blue and orange bird of slow moving or still water. They fly rapidly and low over water and hunt fish from riverside perches, occasionally hovering above the water's surface. Kingfishers are vulnerable to hard winters and habitat degradation through pollution or unsympathetic management of watercourses and are an “Amber List” species due to their unfavourable conservation status in Europe. Kingfishers are widespread especially in central and southern England but become less common further north. Following some declines last century, they are currently increasing in their range in Scotland. Kingfishers can be found all year round by still or slow flowing water such as lakes, canals and rivers in lowland areas. In winter, some individuals move to estuaries and the coast. Occasionally they may also visit garden ponds if they are of a suitable size. Date: 14th April 2022 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11638730.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4439869224e2fd4cfc60b9.jpgHooded Crow The Hooded Crow is a member of the crow family. It is locally known as a “hoodie” in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Except for the head, throat, wings, tail and thigh feathers, which are black and mostly glossy, the plumage is ash-grey, the dark shafts giving it a streaky appearance. The bill and legs are black. The male is the larger bird, otherwise the sexes are alike. The Hooded Crow, with its contrasting greys and blacks, can not be confused with either the Carrion Crow or Rook, both of which are predominantly black. However, the Hooded Crow is so similar in morphology and habits to the Carrion Crow that for many years it was considered to be a geographical race of a single species. Hybridization observed where their ranges overlapped added weight to this view. However, since 2002 the Hooded Crow has been elevated to full species status after closer observation. The Hooded Crow is widely distributed and can be found across north, east and south east Europe as well as parts of the Middle East. In the UK, the Hooded Crow can be found in north and west Scotland and on the Isle of Man where it replaces the Carrion Crow. Outside the breeding season it occurs across its breeding range and can sometimes be seen in east Scotland and east England. Like other corvids, the Hooded Crow is an omnivorous and opportunistic forager and scavenger and will feed on small mammals and birds, eggs, molluscs, scraps and carrion. Date: 4th November 2007 Location: Kilnaughton Bay, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43629144.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5096755166118b019c3923.jpgWoodpigeon The Woodpigeon is the UK's largest and commonest pigeon and is largely grey with a white neck patch and white wing patches which are clearly visible in flight. Although shy in the countryside, it can be tame and approachable in towns and cities. Its cooing call is a familiar sound in woodlands as is the loud clatter of its wings when it flies away. Woodpigeons can be found across the UK. In the countryside they breed on farmland with hedges, trees and copses and in towns and cities they breed in parks and gardens. In winter, Woodpigeons form large flocks on farmland fields. Date: 1st August 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo27339629.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19601555572866c548e13.jpgCollared Dove Collared Doves are distinctive birds with their buffy-pink plumage and black neck collar. They are usually seen singly or in pairs, although flocks may form where food is plentiful. They feed on the ground but readily perch on roofs and wires and in trees. The Collared Dove is not migratory but it is strongly dispersive. Over the last century, it has been one of the great colonisers of the bird world. Its original range at the end of the 19th century was warm temperate and subtropical Asia from Turkey east to south China and south through India to Sri Lanka. In 1838 it was reported in Bulgaria but not until the 20th century did it expand across Europe, appearing in parts of the Balkans between 1900 and 1920 and then spreading rapidly north west, reaching Germany in 1945, the UK in 1953, Ireland in 1959 and the Faroe Islands in the early 1970s. Subsequent spread was “sideways” from this fast north west spread reaching north east to north of the Arctic Circle in Norway, east to the Ural Mountains in Russia and south west to the Canary Islands and north Africa from Morocco to Egypt by the end of the 20th century. In the east of its range it has also spread north east to most of central and north China and locally (probably introduced) in Japan. It has also reached Iceland as a vagrant but has not colonised successfully there. Date: 30th April 2016 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19507469.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_139467487952528bc813bef.jpgCattle Egret The Cattle Egret is a stocky white bird adorned with buff plumes in the breeding season. The easiest way to separate them from Little Egrets is by their short, yellow rather than long, black bills but Cattle Egrets are also smaller, stockier and more squat in shape with shorter, thicker necks and less elegant heads. The Cattle Egret is a cosmopolitan species of heron found in the tropics, subtropics and warm temperate zones. Originally native to parts of Asia, Africa and Europe, it has undergone a rapid expansion in its distribution and successfully colonised much of the rest of the world. Cattle Egrets breed and roost in trees usually close to fresh water and feed in shallow wetlands, especially rice-paddies, but also dry grasslands. They can often be seen feeding around cattle waiting to pick off disturbed insects, including riding on the backs of animals. Cattle Egrets are visiting the UK in increasing numbers and are most likely to be seen in the south of England and Wales. In winter 2007/08, a large influx of Cattle Egrets occurred in the UK, with the largest numbers in south-west England although birds did get as far north as Scotland. This influx led to the first ever pair breeding successfully in Somerset. Date: 8th September 2013 Location: Corredor Verde Dos Bahias near Benalup, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19507476.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_95558644852528bd3b3819.jpgCattle Egret The Cattle Egret is a stocky white bird adorned with buff plumes in the breeding season. The easiest way to separate them from Little Egrets is by their short, yellow rather than long, black bills but Cattle Egrets are also smaller, stockier and more squat in shape with shorter, thicker necks and less elegant heads. The Cattle Egret is a cosmopolitan species of heron found in the tropics, subtropics and warm temperate zones. Originally native to parts of Asia, Africa and Europe, it has undergone a rapid expansion in its distribution and successfully colonised much of the rest of the world. Cattle Egrets breed and roost in trees usually close to fresh water and feed in shallow wetlands, especially rice-paddies, but also dry grasslands. They can often be seen feeding around cattle waiting to pick off disturbed insects, including riding on the backs of animals. Cattle Egrets are visiting the UK in increasing numbers and are most likely to be seen in the south of England and Wales. In winter 2007/08, a large influx of Cattle Egrets occurred in the UK, with the largest numbers in south-west England although birds did get as far north as Scotland. This influx led to the first ever pair breeding successfully in Somerset. Date: 8th September 2013 Location: Corredor Verde Dos Bahias near Benalup, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19507487.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_196151981952528beccbd8d.jpgWhite Storks The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40-50 inches tall with a 60-80 inches wingspan, and is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers with red legs and a long red bill. They walk slowly and steadily on the ground and fly with necks outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the Second World War and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 9th September 2013 Location: La Janda, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19507406.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_124346404852528b288fade.jpgSierra de Grazalema, Andalucia, Spain The Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park is a Natural Park in the north east part of the province of Cádiz in Andalucia. The Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park contains within its 127,740 acres a complex of mountain ranges known collectively as the Sierra de Grazalema, which in turn are part of the Cordillera Subbética. Other ranges comprising the Sierra de Grazalema include the Sierra de Zafalgar, the Sierra del Pinar, and the Sierra de Endrinal. El Torreón at 5425 feet is the tallest peak. Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1977, the Sierra de Grazalema was declared the first Natural Park in Andalucia in 1984 and is one of Spain's most ecologically outstanding areas. The Natural Park is famous for its spectacularly rugged limestone landscape of cliffs, gullies, caves and gorges. By far the most impressive gorge is Garganta Verde rocky walls that tower vertically for 1300 feet. Andalucia's largest cave system is also here, the Hundidero-Gato with its biggest cavern measuring 2.5 miles long and an entrance of 200 feet tall. The region is well known for being the rainiest place in Spain, with an annual rainfall of over 85 inches This means that the 1,300 Mediterranean plant species that have been registered here, many of them endemic and some of them unique to the Sierra de Grazalema, flourish. There is a magnificent and well preserved forest of the rare Spanish Fir, a relic from the Tertiary period, in the Sierra del Pinar on the slopes of El Torreón. Dotted around the Sierra de Grazalema are attractive “pueblos blancos” or “white villages” including Grazalema and Zahara de la Sierra. A stunning mountain road rises north west from Grazalema to Puerto de las Palomas at 4450 feet before descending to Zahara de la Sierra. Date: 7th September 2013 Location: view from Puerto de las Palomas between Grazalema and Zahara de la Sierra, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813351.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_710661985d0dde07ce345.jpgArctic Skua The Arctic Skua is a seabird in the skua family. Identification is complicated by similarities to the Long-tailed Skua and the Pomarine Skua and the existence of three colour morphs. Light-morph adults have a brown back, mainly white underparts and dark primary wing feathers with a white flash. The head and neck are yellowish-white with a black cap and there is a pointed central tail projection. Dark-morph adults are dark brown and intermediate-phase birds are dark with somewhat paler underparts, head and neck. All morphs have the white wing flash. The Arctic Skua breeds on dry tundra, higher fells and islands in the north of Eurasia and north America with significant populations as far south as northern Scotland. In the UK, it breeds in Shetland and Orkney, the Outer Hebrides, Sutherland, Caithness and some islands in Argyll. The Arctic Skua is a migrant, wintering at sea in the tropics and southern oceans. The Arctic Skua feeds on rodents, small birds and insects but also robs gulls and terns of their catches. Like the larger skua species, it continues this piratical behaviour throughout the year and shows great agility as it harasses its victims. Date: 10th June 2019 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801069.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_169152603864eda29e9c693.jpgSmall Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Small Skipper has a rusty orange colour to the wings, upper body and the tips of the antennae. The body is silvery white below and it has a wingspan of 25 to 30 mm. It is very similar in appearance to the Essex Skipper but the undersides of the tips of the antennae are yellow orange in the Small Skipper whereas they are black in the Essex Skipper. The Small Skipper is a common and widespread butterfly in most parts of England and has been expanding its range northwards. It can be found in rough grassland, roadside verges, edges of fields and woodland clearings where it is often seen basking on vegetation or making short buzzing flights among tall grass stems. Date: 8th July 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847551.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_50994715859bd52af5ba96.jpgVihorlat Mountains, Košice region, Slovakia The Vihorlat Mountains (Vihorlatské vrchy) are a volcanic mountain range in eastern Slovakia and western Ukraine. They form part of the Inner Eastern Carpathian Mountains. The Slovakian section is 34 miles long and up to 9 miles wide. The highest peak is Vihorlat at 3530 feet and the largest lake is Morské oko. It is a mountainous and mostly forested area with a predominance of beech and forests in addition to hornbeam, ash, maple and some conifers. Arable land and unused pastures and meadows can be found in the non-forested and foothill areas. The middle part of the Vihorlat Mountains in the Humenné, Sobrance and Snina districts was designated as the Vihorlat Protected Landscape Area in December 1973 and they were also designated a Special Protection Area in April 2010. Kyjovský prales, a primeval beech forest in the Vihorlat Mountains, was designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in June 2007. Date: 1st June 2017 Location: Vihorlat Mountains, Košice region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18776291.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_118377961251f4cf3d03992.jpgGreat Skua The Great Skua is an aggressive "pirate" of the seas, deliberately harrassing birds as large as Gannets to steal a free meal. It also readily kills and eats smaller birds such as Puffins. These birds migrate to the northernmost parts of the UK from their wintering grounds off the coasts of Spain and Africa. They breed on coastal rocky islands and moorland in northern Scotland, Orkney and Shetland, arriving in April and leaving in July. At other times they are seen around coasts often in vicinity of seabird colonies, scavenging from other birds or picking food from the surface of the sea. Date: 20th June 2013 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41424269.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2565848055f2aa9375c357.jpgReindeer The Reindeer, also known as the Caribou in North America, is a deer from the Arctic and sub Arctic, including both resident and migratory populations. Whilst it is overall widespread and numerous, some of its subspecies are rare or already extinct. The Reindeer is a widespread and numerous species in the northern Holarctic, being present in tundra (frozen arctic plain with lichens, mosses and dwarfed vegetation) and taiga (marshy pine forest) regions. Originally, the Reindeer was found in Scandinavia, eastern Europe, Russia, Mongolia, and northern China. In North America, it was found in Canada, Alaska and the northern USA from Washington to Maine. It also occurred naturally on Sakhalin, Greenland, and probably even in historical times in Ireland. Today, wild Reindeer have disappeared from many areas within this large historical range, especially from the southern parts where it has vanished almost everywhere. Large populations of wild Reindeer are still found in Norway, Finland, Siberia, Greenland, Alaska, and Canada. Wild Reindeer hunting and herding of semi-domesticated Reindeer (for meat, hides, antlers, milk and transportation) are important to several Arctic and Subarctic people. Domesticated Reindeer are mostly found in northern Fennoscandia and Russia with a herd of approximately 150-170 Reindeer also living around the Cairngorms region in Scotland. Reindeer vary considerably in colour and size. Both sexes grow antlers, though they are typically larger in males. Even far outside its range, the Reindeer is well known due to the myth, probably originating in early 19th century America, in which Santa Claus's sleigh is pulled by flying Reindeer, a popular element of Christmas. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hamningberg, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13439454.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11366146934eb264a145562.jpgGrey Phalarope The Grey Phalarope is an Arctic-breeding wader that spends a large proportion of its life out at sea and many miles from land. Grey Phalaropes do occur annually in the UK and are most often seen between October and January on the coast or at inland wetlands having been blown off-course by bad weather and strong winds in autumn. Like the other phalarope species, the female is the more colourful and leaves the male to incubate the eggs and bring up the young. In North America, these birds are known as Red Phalaropes, due to their orangey-red breeding plumage. In winter, the Grey Phalarope eats marine plankton picked from the sea's surface whilst on their breeding grounds they eat small insects and aquatic creatures. Date: 21st October 2011 Location: Cudmore Grove Country Park, East Mersea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084889.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18489756015d30898e8aed4.jpgPiatra Craiului Mountains, Brașov County, Romania The Piatra Craiului Mountains are a mountain range in the Southern Carpathians in central Romania. It forms a narrow and saw-like ridge which is about 16 miles long. Vârful La Om is the highest peak at 7343 feet. The ridge is regarded as one of the most impressive and beautiful sites in the Carpathian Mountians and the views both towards and from the mountains are superb. The whole range is included in the Piatra Craiului National Park. The first protection of this area started in 1938 when 2 square miles were declared as a nature reserve. This has been progressively extended and in 1990 it became a national park covering an area of 38 square miles. In 2003 the external limits and internal zoning were created. Since 1999 a park administration has existed with a visitor centre located on the minor road 0.6 miles west of Zărnești and since 2005 a management plan has been in place. Piatra Craiului National Park supports and protects an abundance and diversity of mammals (including Brown Bear, Wolf and Lynx), birds and plants. Zărneşti is the most important town for visiting the Piatra Craiului Mountains and the Piatra Craiului National Park. The town is located 17 miles south west of the city of Brașov. From Zărnești, a 7 mile long minor road runs west and ends at Cabana Plaiul Foii which is a good starting point for climbing the ridge. In addition, a forest road starts from the south west of Zărneşti which leads to the Zărneştilor Gorge and continues up to the ridge. The traditional villages of Măgura, Peştera, Ciocanu and Şirnea are starting points for routes up to the eastern slopes. Măgura, situated at 3281 feet, is one of Romania’s most picturesque villages and it provides stunning views towards the Bucegi Mountains and the Piatra Craiului Mountains. Date: 6th June 2018 Location: Piatra Craiului Mountains from the Zărnești to Cabana Plaiul Foii road, Brașov County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo441412.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_875102059467ee3693440a.jpgMeadow Grasshopper The Meadow Grasshopper is a typically predominantly green species which is widespread and common in the UK. Adults can be seen from June to October in short and long grassland which are both dry and sunny. This photo received a BBC Wildlife magazine photo masterclass award in the “Extreme close up” category for August 2007. Please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/news4693.html]here[/url] for further information. Date: 15th July 2006 Location: Thrift Wood EWT reserve, Bicknacre, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19507444.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_33749707052528b8a43649.jpgLos Llanos de Libar, Sierra de Grazalema, Andalucia, Spain The Sierra de Libar lies between the Sierra de Grazalema and the Guadiaro river valley. The Sierra de Libar range itself consists of two karst limestone ridges running in a north-south direction separated by the fertile valley of Los Llanos de Libar. The Los Llanos de Libar track starting at the mountain village of Montejaque west of Ronda allows access to open pasture, oak woodlands limestone pavements and craggy cliffs.. Date: 8th September 2013 Location: view from the track running south west out of Montejaque, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo445663.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_362300894681c5037df69.jpgOldshoremore, Sutherland Beyond Kinlochbervie is Oldshoremore and one of the most beautiful sandy beaches in Sutherland. Formed from eroded sandstone and seashells, the white sandy beach is surrounded by marram grass dunes (machair). The water is beautifully clear and often a stunning turquoise colour. Oldshoremore is a remote crofting township in the far north west of Scotland and the bay has always been a personal favourite. Date: June 2003 Location: view from Oldshoremore at the end of the unclassified road leading from the B801 at Kinlochbervie http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17055187.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_43361719550ded0a23412a.jpgCurlew The (Eurasian) Curlew is a wader and one of the most widespread of the curlew species. In Europe, it is usually referred to just as the Curlew. It is mainly greyish-brown with a white back, greyish-blue legs and a very long curved bill. Males and females look identical but the bill is longest in the adult female. The only similar species over most of the Curlew's range is the Whimbrel but this species is smaller and has a shorter bill with a kinked tip rather than a smooth curve. The English name "curlew" is imitative of the Curlew's familiar and loud [i]curloo-oo[/i] call. The Curlew breeds across temperate Europe and Asia and builds a nest in a bare scrape on moors, meadows and similar habitats. It is a migratory species over most of its range and winters in Africa, south Europe and south Asia. It is present all year in the milder climates of the UK and its adjacent European coasts. In the UK, the greatest breeding numbers are found in north Wales, the Pennines, the southern uplands and Highlands of Scotland and on Orkney. In winter, it can be found around the whole UK coastline with the largest concentrations at Morecambe Bay, the Solway Firth and the Wash and the Dee, Severn, Humber and Thames estuaries. The Curlew is highly gregarious outside the breeding season and feeds by probing soft mud for small invertebrates or picking up small crabs and earthworms off the surface if the opportunity arises. The Curlew is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Formerly classified as a species of “Least Concern” by the IUCN, it was suspected to be rarer than generally assumed. Following the evaluation of its population size, the classification was found to be incorrect and it was consequently promoted to “Near Threatened” status in 2008. Though it is a common bird, its numbers are noticeably declining. Date: 17th November 2012 Location: Loch Spelve, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45174878.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1513745297623301ebcb68f.jpgSnow Bunting Snow Buntings are large buntings with striking “snowy” plumages. Males in summer have all white heads and underparts contrasting with a black mantle and wing tips. Females are a more mottled above. In autumn and winter birds develop a sandy/buff wash to their plumage and males have more mottled upperparts. Snow Buntings breed in far northern Europe and migrate south in winter. They are a very scarce breeding species in the UK and can be found on the highest mountain peaks in Scotland where they nest in rocky crevices. Snow Buntings are best looked for in winter (from late September to early March) where they can sometimes be seen in large flocks on the seashore or on adjacent short rough grassland at coastal sites in Scotland and eastern England. Date: 20th December 2021 Location: Holkham Bay, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31837540.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_894889242595624d1d452e1.90955258.jpgLoch Ness, Highland Loch Ness is a large, deep, freshwater loch in the Scottish Highlands extending for approximately 23 miles south west of Inverness. It is the 2nd largest Scottish loch by surface area at 22 square miles after Loch Lomond but, due to its great depth, it is the largest by volume in the UK. Its deepest point is 755 feet making it the 2nd deepest loch in Scotland after Loch Morar. It contains more fresh water than all the lakes in England and Wales combined and it is the largest body of water in the Great Glen which runs from Inverness in the north to Fort William in the south. Loch Ness lies along the Great Glen Fault which forms a line of weakness in the rocks which has been excavated by glacial erosion to form the Great Glen and the basins of Loch Lochy, Loch Oich and Loch Ness itself. Loch Ness is best known for alleged sightings of the “Loch Ness Monster”, also known affectionately as "Nessie". It is similar to other supposed lake monsters in Scotland and elsewhere although its description varies from one account to the next. Popular interest and belief in the animal's existence has varied since it was first brought to the world's attention in 1933. Date: 24th June 2017 Location: view from the southern end of the loch at Fort Augustus http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26030640.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_53390596456376789cfee8.jpgHarlequin Duck The Harlequin Duck is a small sea duck which takes its name from Harlequin, a colourfully dressed character in "Commedia dell'arte" (a form of Italian theatre with masked characters). The adult male Harlequin Duck has a colourful and complex plumage pattern. The head and neck are dark slate blue with a large white crescent marking in front of the eye, a small round dot behind the eye and a larger oval spot down the side of the neck. A black crown stripe runs over the top of the head with chestnut patches on either side. A black-bordered white collar separates the head from the breast. The body is largely a lighter slate blue with chestnut sides. A black-bordered white bar divides the breast vertically from the sides. The tail is black, long and pointed. The speculum is metallic blue. The inner secondary feathers are white and form white markings over the back when folded. The bill is blue-grey and the eye is reddish. The adult female Harlequin Duck is less colourful with brownish-grey plumage with three white patches on the head, a round spot behind the eye, a larger patch from the eye to the bill and a small spot above the eye. The Harlequin Duck has smooth, densely packed feathers that trap a lot of air within them. This is vital for insulating such a small body against the chilly waters that it inhabits and it also makes it exceptionally buoyant, making it bounce like a cork after dives. The Harlequin Duck breeds alongside cold fast moving streams in the northern regions of north America, Greenland, Iceland (the only European site) and western Russia. The nest is usually located in a well concealed location on the ground near a stream. They are usually found near pounding surf and white water. It is a short distance migrant and most winter near rocky shorelines on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. The Harlequin Duck is a very rare migrant to western Europe. The Harlequin Duck feeds by swimming under water or diving and also by dabbling. It feeds on molluscs, crustaceans and insects. Date: 2nd June 2015 Location: River Laxá, Lake Mývatn area, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/sierra-de-la-culebra-castille https://images.on-this.website/4752_14291067454cd572e99fed8.jpgSierra de la Culebra, Castille y Leon, Spain The Sierra de la Culebra is a 40 miles long mountain range in north west Spain forming a natural border with north east Portugal. The highest point is Pena Maria at 4119 feet. The Sierra de la Culebra takes its name from its snake-like (culebra = snake) zigzag shape formation. The landscape is best described as a mixture of heather moorland with broad leaved and coniferous woodlands forming a transitional zone between Atlantic and Mediterranean habitats. It is probably the mosaic of habitats along with a combination of abundant prey and low human population which makes the area one of the few remaining strongholds of the Iberian Wolf. Date: 11th September 2010 Location: view from near San Pedro de las Herrerias, Castille y Leon, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52699011.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_155249755867b0c493e214f.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 2nd February 2025 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18776298.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_203387663651f4cf6633b1a.jpgNorthern Wheatear The Northern Wheatear or Wheatear is a small passerine bird that was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family but is now more generally considered to be an Old World flycatcher. It is the most widespread member of the Wheatear genus in Europe and Asia. The English name has nothing to do with wheat or ears but is probably derived from the Middle English [i]whit ers[/i] meaning "white arse" and referring to the prominent white rump of many Wheatear species The Northern Wheatear is larger than the European Robin at 5.7 to 6.3 inches in length. Both sexes have a white rump and tail with a black inverted T-pattern at the end of the tail. The summer plumaged male has grey upperparts, buff throat and black wings and face mask. In autumn it resembles the female apart from the black wings. The female is pale brown above and buff below with darker brown wings. The Northern Wheatear makes one of the longest migratory flights of any small bird, crossing ocean, ice and desert. It migrates from sub-Saharan Africa in spring to breed in open rocky country, tundra, moorland, heaths and pastures over a vast area of the Northern Hemisphere that includes northern and central Asia, Europe, Greenland, Alaska and parts of Canada. In autumn it returns to winter in central Africa. In the UK, the Northern Wheatear is a summer visitor and passage migrant arriving in early March and leaving in September. It breeds mainly in western and northern Britain and western Ireland although smaller numbers also breed in southern and eastern England. The Northern Wheatear is primarily an insectivorous bird and feeds mostly on beetles, ants, caterpillars, grasshoppers, flies, etc. It also eats spiders, centipedes and snails and berries in the autumn. Date: 20th June 2013 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871632.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5608509644eff1fc40d439.jpgWhite-tailed Eagle The White-tailed Eagle is a very large bird with a 72 to 96 inch wingspan and is the fourth largest eagle in the world. It has broad "barn door" wings, a large head and a thick "meat-cleaver" beak. The adult is mainly brown except for the paler head and neck, blackish flight feathers, distinctive white tail, and yellow bill and legs. In juvenile birds the tail and bill are darker, with the tail becoming white with a dark terminal band in sub-adults. The White-tailed Eagle breeds in northern Europe and northern Asia. The largest population in Europe is found along the coast of Norway. They are mostly resident with only the northernmost birds such as the eastern Scandinavian and Siberian population migrating south in winter. Date: 26th May 2009 Location: Ekkerøy to Vardø, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/griffon-vulture https://images.on-this.website/4752_12020193664b194f826f498.jpgGriffon Vulture The Griffon Vulture is a typical Old World vulture in appearance with a white bald head, very broad wings and short tail feathers. It has a white neck ruff and yellow bill. The buff body and wing coverts contrast with the dark flight feathers. They are very large birds around 37 to 43 inches long with a 91 to 106 inches wingspan. Like other vultures, the Griffon Vulture is a scavenger, feeding mostly from carcasses of dead animals which it finds by soaring over open areas, often moving in flocks. The population is mostly resident in its breeding range in the mountains of southern Europe, north Africa, and Asia. In Spain, there are tens of thousands of birds from a low of a few thousand around 1980 although the Pyrenees population has apparently been affected by an EU ruling that due to danger of BSE transmission, no carcasses must be left on the fields for the time being. Although the Griffon Vulture does not normally attack larger living prey, there are reports of Spanish Griffon Vultures killing weak, young or unhealthy living animals as they do not find enough carrion to eat. Date: 12th November 2009 Location: Villanueva de Huerva, Aragon, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21892426.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_26506965253d0f8a47b152.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 17th June 2014 Location: Coignafearn, Findhorn Valley, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12078544.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8181972884e48dd43b53fa.jpgWater Vole The Water Vole is found throughout the UK although it is less common on higher ground. It is infrequently recorded from parts of northern Scotland and is absent in Ireland. Water Voles are legally protected in the UK and recent evidence suggests that they have undergone a long term decline. On current trends it is predicted that they may eventually disappear from 94% of their former sites. The shocking decline in both the range and numbers of the Water Vole is due to a number of factors. The large-scale loss and fragmentation of sensitive waterside habitats due to riverbank modification, drainage and flood defence works has been an important factor as has the pollution of waterways and poisoning by rodenticides. Perhaps the most serious threat facing the Water Vole is predation by the introduced American Mink. Water Voles are sometimes confused with Brown Rats which often also live near water courses. They are sometimes called "the water rat" which is the origin of the Water Vole’s fame as "Ratty" from Kenneth Grahame's book “The Wind in the Willows”. Prime Water Vole sites are found along densely vegetated banks of slow flowing rivers, ditches, lakes and marshes where water is present throughout the year. Water Voles are herbivores and feed on a huge variety of waterside vegetation, consuming 80% of their body weight each day. They excavate extensive burrow systems into the banks of waterways and have sleeping/nest chambers at various levels in the steepest parts of the bank. Burrows usually have underwater entrances to provide a secure route for escape if danger threatens. Water Voles usually have 3 or 4 litters a year depending on the weather. In mild springs the first of these can be born in March or April although cold conditions can delay breeding until May or even June. There are about 5 young in a litter and these are born below ground in a nest made from suitable vegetation such as grasses and rushes. Young water voles grow quickly and are weaned at 14 days. On average, Water Voles only live about 5 months in the wild. Their most important predators are Mink and Stoats although Grey Herons, Barn Owls, Brown Rats and Pike are also known to take them. Date: 5th March 2008 Location: Cromford Canal, Derbyshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4081268.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20415438744b16d88b26203.jpgLas Estepas de Belchite, Aragon, Spain Las Estepas de Belchite are located to the south and south east of Zaragoza in Aragon and form one of the most important steppe landscapes in the Rio Ebre valley. Large areas have been destroyed through irrigation and cultivation and the low hills and plains are now a mix of steppe, cereal fields and irrigated areas with small wooded hills, gullies and cliffs formed by local rivers. Las Estepas de Bechite is an area of great importance for steppe birds and La Reserva Ornitológica El Planerón is one of the few protected areas. Date: 12th November 2009 Location: La Reserva Ornitológica El Planerón http://www.richardchewphotography.com/kilmore-quay-co-wexford-ireland https://images.on-this.website/4752_5745828935e5393371d035.jpgKilmore Quay, Co. Wexford, Ireland Kilmore Quay is a village in Co. Wexford situated 3 miles south of Kilmore and 14 miles south of Wexford. It is a fishing village but tourism and its leisure facilities such as sailing and sea angling charters are also of economic importance. The Saltee Islands lie off the coast near Kilmore Quay and boat trips to these islands are available from the village. The 2 islands, Great Saltee and Little Saltee, are known for being Ireland's largest seabird sanctuary. A Bonaparte's Gull, a vagrant from south Alaska and much of interior west Canada as far east as central Quebec and south to within 200 miles of the USA/Canada border, was recorded regularly at the piers of Kilmore Quay between 15th November 2019 and 7th February 2020. It appears in this photo! Date: 31st January 2020 Location: Kilmore Quay, Co. Wexford, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/loch-gruinart-islay-argyll https://images.on-this.website/4752_161204814923118234f7b.jpgLoch Gruinart, Islay, Argyll Loch Gruinart is a sea loch on the northern coast of the island of Islay in Argyll. At the head of the loch is a large area of coastal mudflats, salt marsh, moorland and woodland owned by the RSPB. [url=https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/find-a-reserve/reserves-a-z/reserves-by-name/l/lochgruinart/]RSPB Loch Gruinart[/url] is a special kind of nature reserve because it includes a working farm. In fact, it is the biggest farming operation on a nature reserve anywhere in the UK and possibly in Europe. Roughly a third of the reserve comprises farm land for grazing or for silage or arable crop production. The rest consists of approximately 250 hectares of mudflats and salt marsh and 980 hectares of heather moorland. There are walking trails through the moorland and the woodland areas near the loch. The most popular destination for birders are 2 hides located on the edge of the loch and reached by a trail through the woodland. This provides an excellent place to observe not only birds but other wildlife such as Roe and Red Deer, Otter and Brown Hare. The RSPB also manage a visitor centre which is open all year and provides information on walking trails, special events, guided walks and what to look for in terms of birds and other wildlife. There is something to see all year round on the reserve although the most spectacular time to visit is in October and early November when 45% of the world's population of Barnacle Geese and 60% of the world’s population of Greenland White-fronted Geese return from Greenland for the winter. A maximum count of 24,000 geese has been recorded on the reserve. At the same time Pale-bellied Brent Geese and Whooper Swans fly in from Iceland and stop for a short rest before heading onwards to Ireland. Late autumn/early winter is also a good time to see birds of prey including Golden Eagle, White-tailed Eagle, Hen Harrier, Merlin and Peregrine. Date: 3rd November 2008 Location: view from western shore at Ardnave looking towards the Paps of Jura http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623269.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5476141676117d9d4bb6a4.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11948150.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16123396514e410f7dda6fe.jpgFallow Deer Fallow Deer are native to the Mediterranean region of Europe and from Turkey to Iran but they have been introduced to nearly 40 countries including the UK by the Normans in the 11th century. They have since become the most widespread species of deer in the UK and typically can be found in deciduous woodland with open patches. Fallow Deer commonly gather in small herds of 4 to 5 but in good feeding areas groupings of up to 100 may gather. When competing for access to females, males display by groaning, thrashing their antlers and by walking alongside their opponent. Fighting occurs if both stags are evenly matched and involves wrestling and clashing of antlers. Fallow Deer have many colour varieties but they are typically fawn-coloured in the summer and reddish-brown in the winter. They have yellow-white undersides, white spots and a black line that runs along the back to the tip of the tail. The spots become less conspicuous or disappear in winter. Males have palmate (flattened) antlers. Date: 22nd October 2008 Location: Bradgate Park, Newton Linford , Leicestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo445638.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16236583514681c4cf94dda.jpgHanda, Sutherland Handa is an island located just offshore from Scourie with one of the largest seabird colonies in north west Europe. The Sound of Handa on the east side of the island contains 2 small sandy bays which are the places where the small ferry boat from Tarbet lands. Date: June 1999 Location: view from the east side of Handa http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51983670.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_68677214066d3439540fd4.jpgRuddy Darter Flight period: mid June to mid September. The Ruddy Darter takes its name from its colour and its swift flight behaviour. The male has a deep russet colour over the entire body and the abdomen has a pinched section close to where it joins the thorax. Females are slightly smaller, golden yellow in colour and being less obviously marked are more difficult to identify than the males. There is more than one red coloured darter species in the UK and they can be easily confused with each other. The commonest red species, the Common Darter, can be distinguished as having red veins at the base of the wings and a less ruddy colouration across the body. However, the Ruddy Darter has entirely black legs, distinguishing it from all other red darters which have longitudinal yellow stripes on their legs. The UK range of the Ruddy Darter has undergone something of an expansion in recent years. Although still relatively uncommon in the west and north of Britain, it is increasing in numbers in the Midlands and eastern England. The population is augmented by continental migrants. It is also found over most of Europe except for northern Scandinavia, as far east as western Siberia and south to north Africa. The Ruddy Darter prefers water bodies with tall emergent vegetation, such as reeds and club rush, and it is known to breed in ponds, lakes, canals, ditches and sluggish rivers. They can also be found near coasts and can breed in fairly brackish water. Date: 26th July 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9593620.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14165261164db1821ccba3d.jpgRed-throated Diver The Red-throated Diver is the smallest of the UK's divers and its grey-brown plumage and up-tilted bill readily distinguish it from the other species. In summer it has a distinctive red throat. Shetland is the UK breeding stronghold for the Red-throated Diver with other key populations on Orkney, the Outer Hebrides and the northern Scottish mainland. They are also found along the whole of west Scotland south to the Mull of Kintyre. They arrive on their breeding grounds in April and depart in September and October. Outside the breeding season from August and September, the Red-throated Diver can be seen around the east coast of the UK and also along the west coast with concentrations off western Scotland and around north-west Wales. Date: 2nd June 2008 Location: Loch of Funzie, Fetlar, Shetland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081456.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_192134401463a84a3c1a770.jpgLapwing The Northern Lapwing, also known as the peewit, pewit, tuit or tew-it (imitative of its cry), Green Plover (emphasising the colour of the plumage) or (in the UK) just Lapwing (which refers to its peculiar, erratic way of flying), is a bird in the lapwing family. The Lapwing has rounded wings and a crest. It is also the shortest-legged of the lapwing species. It is mainly black and white but the back is tinted green. The male has a long crest and a black crown, throat and breast contrasting with an otherwise white face. Females and young birds have shorter crests and have less strongly marked heads but plumages are otherwise quite similar. The Lapwing is a vocal bird in the breeding season with constant calling as the crazed tumbling display flight is performed by the male. The typical contact call is a loud, shrill "pee-wit" from which they get their other name of peewit. The Lapwing is common through temperate Eurasia and breeds on cultivated land and other short vegetation habitats. The ground scrape nest and young are defended noisily and aggressively against all intruders. It is highly migratory over most of its extensive range, wintering further south as far as north Africa, north India, Pakistan and parts of China. It migrates mainly by day, often in large flocks. Lowland breeders in the westernmost areas of Europe are resident. In winter, it forms huge flocks on open land, particularly arable land and mud-flats. In the UK, the Lapwing has suffered a significant decline in the last 25 years and is an Amber List species because of the importance of its UK wintering population. It breeds on farmland throughout the UK, particularly in lowland areas of north England, the Borders and east Scotland, and prefers fields of spring sown cereals and root crops, permanent unimproved pasture, meadows and fallow fields but also wet grassland and marshes. During the winter, the Lapwing can be seen on flooded grassland, estuaries, coastal wetlands, short grassy fields and ploughed fields. In addition to the UK population, large numbers of north European birds arrive in the autumn for the winter. The Lapwing feeds primarily on insects and other small invertebrates. It often feeds in mixed flocks with Golden Plovers and Black-headed Gulls, the latter often robbing the plovers, but providing a degree of protection against predators. Date: 9th January 2022 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo47900595.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1214697094637364bf4a201.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 4th November 2022 Location: Bushy Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071717.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_76477580666433d074639b.jpgHerring Gull The Herring Gull is one of the best known of all gulls along the shores of Europe. Adults in breeding plumage have a grey back and upperwings and white head and underparts. The wingtips are black with white spots known as "mirrors". The bill is yellow with a red spot and there is a ring of bare yellow skin around the pale eye. The legs are normally pink at all ages but can be yellowish. Non-breeding adults have brown streaks on the head and neck. Male and female plumage is identical at all stages of development although adult males are often larger. Juvenile and first-winter birds are mainly brown with darker streaks and have a dark bill and eyes. Second-winter birds have a whiter head and underparts with less streaking and the back is grey. Third-winter individuals are similar to adults but retain some of the features of immature birds such as brown feathers in the wings and dark markings on the bill. The Herring Gull attains adult plumage and reaches sexual maturity at an average age of 4 years. The loud laughing call of the Herring Gull is well known and is often seen as a symbol of the seaside in countries such as the UK. It also has a yelping alarm call and a low barking anxiety call. Chicks and fledglings emit a distinctive, repetitive high-pitched 'peep', accompanied by a head-flicking gesture when begging for food from or calling to their parents. Adult gulls in urban areas will also exhibit this behaviour when fed by humans. The Herring Gull breeds across northern Europe, western Europe, central Europe, eastern Europe, Scandinavia and the Baltic states. Some, especially those resident in colder areas, migrate further south in winter but many are permanent residents such as in the UK or on the North Sea shores. While Herring Gull numbers appear to have been decreased in recent years, possibly by fish population declines and competition, they have proved able to survive in human-adapted areas and can often be seen in towns acting as a scavenger. The Herring Gull, like most gulls, is an omnivore and opportunist and will scavenge from garbage dumps, landfill sites and sewage outflows with refuse comprising up to half of the bird's diet. In addition, it will eat fish, crustaceans and dead animals as well as some plants and it will steal the eggs and young of other birds (including those of other gulls). The Herring Gull may also dive from the surface of the water or engage in plunge diving in the pursuit of aquatic prey although they are typically unable to reach any great depth due to their natural buoyancy. Date: 6th May 2024 Location: St. Govan's Head, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41205455.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20806444405eb971ec0c626.jpgCollared Dove Collared Doves are distinctive birds with their buffy-pink plumage and black neck collar. They are usually seen singly or in pairs, although flocks may form where food is plentiful. They feed on the ground but readily perch on roofs and wires and in trees. The Collared Dove is not migratory but it is strongly dispersive. Over the last century, it has been one of the great colonisers of the bird world. Its original range at the end of the 19th century was warm temperate and subtropical Asia from Turkey east to south China and south through India to Sri Lanka. In 1838 it was reported in Bulgaria but not until the 20th century did it expand across Europe, appearing in parts of the Balkans between 1900 and 1920 and then spreading rapidly north west, reaching Germany in 1945, the UK in 1953, Ireland in 1959 and the Faroe Islands in the early 1970s. Subsequent spread was “sideways” from this fast north west spread reaching north east to north of the Arctic Circle in Norway, east to the Ural Mountains in Russia and south west to the Canary Islands and north Africa from Morocco to Egypt by the end of the 20th century. In the east of its range it has also spread north east to most of central and north China and locally (probably introduced) in Japan. It has also reached Iceland as a vagrant but has not colonised successfully there. Date: 6th May 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42222528.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15189922006023b75aab99a.jpgRedwing The Redwing is most commonly encountered as a winter visitor and is the UK's smallest true thrush. The creamy stripe above the eye and the orange-red flank patches make it distinctive. Redwings arrive in the UK from September but most arrive in October and November. They leave again in March and April, although occasionally birds stay later including a few pairs to nest in northern Scotland. Redwings can be found across the UK's countryside feeding in fields and hedgerows and also in parks and gardens in the coldest weather when snow covers the fields. They often associate with flocks of Fieldfares, the other wintering thrush. Date: 9th January 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11328626.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16748325324e1d679324b23.jpgCoot The Coot is an all black bird with a distinctive white beak and “shield” above the beak from which earns it the title “bald”. Its feet have distinctive lobed flaps of skin on the toes which act instead of webs when swimming. It patters noisily over the water before taking off and can be very aggressive towards other birds. Coot can be found all the year round mainly on freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers and town park lakes. Sometimes they can be seen offshore, especially in winter if freshwater areas are frozen. They breed in areas of fairly shallow standing freshwater with a muddy bottom and plenty of vegetation at the sides, usually in lowland areas. Date: 10th February 2008 Location: Verulanium Park, St Albans, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11948044.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15062114e41094c400e9.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. This photo received a BBC Wildlife magazine photo masterclass "commended" award in the “Mammal Portraits” category for April 2006. Please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/news3552.html]here[/url] for further information. Date: 24th December 2005 Location: Glen Garry, Inverness-shire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080625.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_129757409263a459caba75a.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 1st December 2022 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21957454.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_196112261553da3c977de66.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a gentle looking, medium sized gull with a small yellow bill and a dark eye. It has a grey back and is white underneath. Its legs are short and black. In flight the black wing-tips show no white, unlike other gulls, and look as if they have been “dipped in ink”. The population is declining in some areas, perhaps due to a shortage of sand eels. Kittiwakes are strictly coastal gulls. In the breeding season, they can be found on rocky, steep sea-cliffs at the major seabird colonies around the UK from February until August. From August to October they can be seen flying past offshore and they spend the winter months out at sea. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Staple Island, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31837548.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_160541957359562506b1adf0.13497231.jpgNorthern Wheatear The Northern Wheatear or Wheatear is a small passerine bird that was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family but is now more generally considered to be an Old World flycatcher. It is the most widespread member of the Wheatear genus in Europe and Asia. The English name has nothing to do with wheat or ears but is probably derived from the Middle English [i]whit ers[/i] meaning "white arse" and referring to the prominent white rump of many Wheatear species The Northern Wheatear is larger than the European Robin at 5.7 to 6.3 inches in length. Both sexes have a white rump and tail with a black inverted T-pattern at the end of the tail. The summer plumaged male has grey upperparts, buff throat and black wings and face mask. In autumn it resembles the female apart from the black wings. The female is pale brown above and buff below with darker brown wings. The Northern Wheatear makes one of the longest migratory flights of any small bird, crossing ocean, ice and desert. It migrates from sub-Saharan Africa in spring to breed in open rocky country, tundra, moorland, heaths and pastures over a vast area of the Northern Hemisphere that includes northern and central Asia, Europe, Greenland, Alaska and parts of Canada. In autumn it returns to winter in central Africa. In the UK, the Northern Wheatear is a summer visitor and passage migrant arriving in early March and leaving in September. It breeds mainly in western and northern Britain and western Ireland although smaller numbers also breed in southern and eastern England. The Northern Wheatear is primarily an insectivorous bird and feeds mostly on beetles, ants, caterpillars, grasshoppers, flies, etc. It also eats spiders, centipedes and snails and berries in the autumn. Date: 25th June 2017 Location: Loch na Keal, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230669.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_24625636564916df1855b2.jpgNorthern Wheatear The Northern Wheatear or Wheatear is a small passerine bird that was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family but is now more generally considered to be an Old World flycatcher. It is the most widespread member of the Wheatear genus in Europe and Asia. The English name has nothing to do with wheat or ears but is probably derived from the Middle English whit ers meaning "white arse" and referring to the prominent white rump of many Wheatear species The Northern Wheatear is larger than the European Robin at 5.7 to 6.3 inches in length. Both sexes have a white rump and tail with a black inverted T-pattern at the end of the tail. The summer plumaged male has grey upperparts, buff throat and black wings and face mask. In autumn it resembles the female apart from the black wings. The female is pale brown above and buff below with darker brown wings. The Northern Wheatear makes one of the longest migratory flights of any small bird, crossing ocean, ice and desert. It migrates from sub-Saharan Africa in spring to breed in open rocky country, tundra, moorland, heaths and pastures over a vast area of the Northern Hemisphere that includes northern and central Asia, Europe, Greenland, Alaska and parts of Canada. In autumn it returns to winter in central Africa. In the UK, the Northern Wheatear is a summer visitor and passage migrant arriving in early March and leaving in September. It breeds mainly in western and northern Britain and western Ireland although smaller numbers also breed in southern and eastern England. The Northern Wheatear is primarily an insectivorous bird and feeds mostly on beetles, ants, caterpillars, grasshoppers, flies, etc. It also eats spiders, centipedes and snails and berries in the autumn. Date: 13th May 2023 Location: World's End, Denbighshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9378312.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13273125274da1f0be9b164.jpgBrown Rat Brown Rats have coarse brown or occasionally black fur with a pale underside. They have a long tail which is sparsely haired. Although originally native to eastern Asia and Japan, Brown Rats are now distributed world-wide. They spread across the UK via the shipping traffic from foreign countries in the 18th century and largely replaced the Black Rat. They are highly adaptable and can be found all over the UK, except for exposed mountain regions and some small offshore islands, and live in loose colonies and home ranges of around 50 metres in diameter. Along with the House Mouse, the Brown Rat is considered to be the most widespread terrestrial mammal in the UK and they are subject to persistent pest control due to the damage they cause and the numerous diseases they spread. Brown Rats are omnivorous and have a very varied diet. They are typically nocturnal although they will sometimes forage for food during the day. They also swim well and are sometimes mistaken for Water Voles. Brown Rats live for around 18 months and breed throughout the year producing 5 litters of 8 young a year. Date: 8th April 2011 Location: Way Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13683363.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2768124624ed733dfd1458.jpgTawny Owl The Tawny Owl is an owl about the size of a pigeon. It has a rounded body and head with a ring of dark feathers around its face surrounding the dark eyes. It is mainly reddish brown above and paler underneath. The Tawny Owl can be found all year round in the UK and it is a widespread breeding species. Birds are mainly residents with established pairs probably never leaving their territories. Young birds disperse from breeding grounds in autumn. The Tawny Owl is nocturnal so it is often heard calling at night but much less often seen. In the daytime, you may see one only if you disturb it inadvertently from its roost site in woodland. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081310.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_127370419863a5af9531a2d.jpgRedwing The Redwing is most commonly encountered as a winter visitor and is the UK's smallest true thrush. The creamy stripe above the eye and the orange-red flank patches make it distinctive. Redwings arrive in the UK from September but most arrive in October and November. They leave again in March and April, although occasionally birds stay later including a few pairs to nest in northern Scotland. Redwings can be found across the UK's countryside feeding in fields and hedgerows and also in parks and gardens in the coldest weather when snow covers the fields. They often associate with flocks of Fieldfares, the other wintering thrush. Date: 15th December 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493244.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3732451915f326eab44e1f.jpgGreat Black-backed Gull The largest of the gulls, the Great Black-backed Gull is a dominating and opportunistic predator, scavenger and pirate that has been described as a “merciless tyrant” due to its aggressive feeding habits. The Great Black-backed Gull has a thick-set body with a large, yellow, red-tipped bill, strong legs and wide, webbed feet which have a delicate pink hue. The breast and head are snowy white and sit in stark contrast to the black back and wings. Young Great Black-backed Gulls undergo several plumage changes before taking on that of the adult. Juveniles are pale brown with heavy white mottling whilst immatures are also mottled but have a distinctive whitish head and breast but with a dark-tipped, pale bill The Great Black-backed Gull occurs along the coastlines of northern Europe and northern Russia as well as the east coast of north America and central America and it can be found in a variety of coastal habitats, including rocky and sandy coasts and estuaries as well as inland habitats such as lakes, ponds, fields and moorland. It breeds in areas free of or largely inaccessible to terrestrial predators such as vegetated islands, sand dunes, flat-topped stacks, building roofs and sometimes amongst bushes on salt-marsh islands. During the winter, the Great Black-backed Gull often travels far out to sea to feed. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48309160.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_134771474663ee455660d31.jpgCommon Buzzard The Common Buzzard is a member of the genus Buteo and the family Accipitridae, a group of medium-sized raptors with robust bodies and broad wings. The Buteo species of Eurasia and Africa are usually commonly referred to as buzzards whilst those in the Americas are called hawks. Under current classification, the genus Buteo includes approximately 28 species. The Common Buzzard includes between 7 to 16 sub-species and the western Buteo group includes Buteo buteo buteo which is found more or less continuously throughout Europe including the UK. The Common Buzzard is a medium-sized raptor that is highly variable in plumage. It is distinctly round headed with a somewhat slender bill and it has relatively long wings that either reach or fall slightly short of the tail tip when perched, a fairly short tail and somewhat short and mainly bare tarsi. It can appear fairly compact in overall appearance but may also appear large relative to other commoner raptors such as the Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. The Common Buzzard measures between 16 and 23 inches in length with a 3 feet 7 inches to 4 feet 7 inches wingspan. Females average about 2 to 7% larger than males in length and weigh about 15% more. Body mass can show considerable variation from 0.94 to 2.6 pounds in males and 1.07 to 3.02 pounds in females. In Europe, the Common Buzzard is typically dark brown above and on the upperside of the head and mantle but this can become paler and warmer brown with worn plumage. Usually the tail will be narrowly barred grey-brown and dark brown with a pale tip and a broad dark subterminal band but the tail in the palest birds can show a varying amount of white and a reduced sub-terminal band or even appear almost all white. The underside colouring can be variable but typically shows a brown-streaked white throat with a somewhat darker chest. A pale U across the breast is often present followed by a pale line running down the belly which separates the dark areas on the breast side and flanks. These pale areas tend to have highly variable markings that form irregular bars. Juveniles are quite similar to adults and are best told apart by having a paler eye, a narrower sub-terminal band on the tail and underside markings that appear as streaks rather than bars. Beyond the typical mid-range brownish Common Buzzard, birds in Europe can range from almost uniform black-brown above to mainly white. Extreme dark individuals may range from chocolate-brown to blackish with almost no pale colour showing but with a variable or faded U on the breast and with or without faint lighter brown throat streaks. Extreme pale individuals are largely whitish with variable widely spaced streaks or arrowheads of light brown about the mid-chest and flanks and may or may not show dark feather-centres on the head, wing-coverts and sometimes all but part of the mantle. Individuals can show nearly endless variation of colours and hues in between these extremes and the Common Buzzard is among the most variably plumaged diurnal raptors for this reason. The Common Buzzard is often confused with other raptors especially in flight or at a distance including other Buteo species such as Rough-legged Buzzard and Long-legged Buzzard and also Honey Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, Golden Eagle, Booted Eagle and Short-toed Eagle. The Common Buzzard is found throughout several islands in the eastern Atlantic islands, including the Canary Islands and the Azores, and almost throughout Europe. In the UK, it is found in Northern Ireland and in nearly every part of Scotland and England. In mainland Europe, there are no substantial gaps in the range from Portugal and Spain to Greece, Estonia, Belarus and the Ukraine, although it is present mainly only in the breeding season in much of the eastern half of the latter 3 countries. It is also present in all larger Mediterranean islands such as Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily and Crete. Further north in to Scandinavia, it is found mainly in south Norway, the southern half of Sweden and in the southern two-thirds of Finland. The Common Buzzard reaches its northern limit as a breeder in far eastern Finland and over the border in to European Russia and nearly to the Kola Peninsula. In these northern limits, the Common Buzzard is present typically only in summer. The Common Buzzard generally inhabits the interface of woodlands and open ground and typically lives in forest edge, small broad-leaved, coniferous or mixed woodlands with adjacent grassland, arable fields or other farmland and open moorland as long as there are some trees. It is absent from treeless tundra and sporadic or rare in treeless steppe. The Common Buzzard can be found from sea level to elevations of 6600 feet although it breeds mostly below 3300 feet. It can winter to an elevation of 8200 feet and migrates easily at 14,800 feet. The Common Buzzard is a partial migrant. Autumn and spring movements are subject to extensive variation, even down to the individual level, based on a region's food resources, competition (both from other Common Buzzards and other predators), the extent of human disturbance and weather conditions. Short distance movements are the norm for juveniles and some adults in autumn and winter but more adults in central and south Europe and the UK remain in their year-around areas than do not. The Common Buzzard is a typical Buteo in much of its behaviour. It is most often seen effortlessly soaring for extended periods at varying heights although it can appear laborious and heavy in level flight. It is also often seen perched prominently on tree tops, bare branches, telegraph poles, fence posts, rocks or ledges or alternatively well inside the tree canopy. It will also stand and forage on the ground. The Common Buzzard is a generalist predator which hunts a wide variety of prey given the opportunity. The prey extents to a wide variety of vertebrates including mammals, birds (from any age from eggs to adult birds), reptiles, amphibians and fish as well as to various invertebrates, mostly insects. In total, well over 300 prey species are known to be taken by the Common Buzzard. However, dietary studies have shown that it mostly preys upon small mammals, mainly small rodents. Furthermore, prey size can vary from tiny beetles, caterpillars and ants to large adult grouse and Rabbits up to nearly twice their body mass. At times, the Common Buzzard will also subsist partially on carrion, usually of dead mammals or fish. Hunting in relatively open areas has been found to increase hunting success whereas more complete shrub cover lowered success. A majority of prey is taken by dropping from a perch and is normally taken on the ground. Prey may also be hunted in a low flight, by random glides or soars or by foraging on the ground. The home range of the Common Buzzard is generally 0.19 to 0.77 square miles and the size of the breeding territory seems to be correlated with food supply. The territory is maintained through flight displays and in Europe territorial behaviour usually starts in February. However, displays are not uncommon throughout the year in resident pairs, especially by males, and can elicit similar displays by their neighbours. In the display, the Common Buzzard generally engages in high circling, spiraling upward on slightly raised wings. Mutual high circling by pairs sometimes goes on at length, especially during the period prior to or during breeding season. During the mutual displays, the male may engage in exaggerated deep flapping or zig-zag tumbling, apparently in response to the female being too distant. Several pairs may circle together at times and as many as 14 individual adults have been recorded over established display sites. Sky-dancing by the Common Buzzard has been recorded in spring and autumn, typically by the male but sometimes by the female, nearly always with much calling. Sky-dances are of the rollercoaster type, with an upward sweep of up to 100 feet until the bird starts start to stall but sometimes embellished with loops or rolls at the top. Next in the sky-dance, the bird will dive at least 200 feet on more or less closed wings before spreading them and shooting up again. These sky-dances may be repeated in series of 10 to 20. In the climax of the sky-dance, the undulations become progressively shallower, often slowing and terminating directly on to a perch. Various other aerial displays include low contour flight or weaving among trees, frequently with deep beats and exaggerated upstrokes which show underwing pattern to rivals perched below. Talon grappling and occasionally cartwheeling downward with feet interlocked has also been recorded. The Common Buzzard tends to build a bulky nest of sticks, twigs and often heather and lined with broad-leaved foliage. Nests are up to 3.3 to 3.9 feet across and 24 inches deep. With reuse over years, the diameter of a nest can reach or exceed 5 feet. Trees are generally used for a nesting location but crags or cliffs are used if trees are unavailable. Nests in trees are usually located by the main trunk at a height of around 10 to 82 feet. Pairs often have 2 to 4 nests in a territory but some pairs may use a single nest over several consecutive years. The breeding season of the Common Buzzard commences at differing times based on latitude. It may fall as early as January to April but typically it is March to July in most of Europe. In the northern limits of the range the breeding season may occur from May to August. Mating usually occurs on or near the nest and eggs are usually laid in 2 to 3 day intervals. The clutch size can range from to 2 to 6 and it appears that local factors such as habitat and food supply are relevant. Eggs are generally laid in late March to early April in the extreme south, sometime in April in most of Europe and in to May and possibly even early June in the extreme north. If eggs are lost to a predator or fail in some other way, replacement clutches are not usually laid although this has been recorded. Incubation lasts for 33 to 35 days and is mostly, but not solely, undertaken by the female. Hatching may take place over 3 to 7 days. Often the youngest nestling dies from starvation, especially in broods of 3 or more. The female remains at the nest brooding the young in the early stages with the male bringing all prey. At about 8 to 12 days, both the male and female will bring prey but the female continues to do all feeding until the young can tear up their own prey. The young are nearly fully feathered rather than downy at about a month of age and can start to feed themselves as well. The first attempts to leave the nest are often at about 40 to 50 days. Fledging occurs typically at 43 to 54 days but in extreme cases as late 62 days. After leaving the nest, the young generally stay close by until full independence 6 to 8 weeks after fledging. Numerous factors may influence the breeding success of the Common Buzzard including the availability of prey populations, habitat, disturbance and persecution levels and competition. The Common Buzzard is one of the most numerous birds of prey in its range and it is the most numerous diurnal bird of prey throughout much of Europe. Date: 6th February 2022 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28883584.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_191121509357cc0401868a0.jpgLahemaa National Park, Estonia Lahemaa National Park was established in 1971 and was the first area to be designated as a National Park of the former Soviet Union. It is located about 40 miles east of Tallinn with the Gulf of Finland to the north and the Tallinn to Narva road to the south. It covers an area of 280 square miles including almost 100 square miles of sea and it is the largest National Park in Estonia. Forest covers around 70% of the Lahemaa National Park and much of the remainder includes raised bogs. The area is rich in flora and fauna including a population of Wolves, Brown Bears and Lynx. Date: 19th May 2016 Location: Beaver Trail" near Ouanda, Lahemaa National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19507397.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_79394733452528b0e986be.jpgGrazalema, Andalucia, Spain Grazalema is a “white village” located in a high valley in the Sierra del Endrinal and dominated by the magnificent rocky outcrop known as Peñon Grande. It is situated in the foothills of the mountains of the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park in the province of Cádiz in Andalucia. Grazalema is a lively village whose population of 2,250 swells hugely with the influx of visitors to the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park. Its steep, cobbled streets are immaculately kept and are lined by whitewashed houses with windows covered by wrought-iron rejas and plant pots spilling over with colourful flowers. The village was established in Moorish times by Berber settlers who discovered a striking similarity with the mountains of their homeland and those of the Sierra de Grazalema. They introduced sheep to graze the lush mountain pastures and produced wool for ponchos and blankets to guard against the wet climate. Date: 7th September 2013 Location: Grazalema, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405482.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4521923546586e83305f82.jpgGreat Crested Grebe The Great Crested Grebe is the largest member of the grebe family measuring 18 to 20 inches in length with a wing span of 23 to 29 inches. It is a graceful bird with its long neck, long bill and slender outline. In summer, the adults of both sexes are unmistakable being adorned with beautiful head-plumes which are reddish-orange in colour with black tips. There is also an erectile black crown. Non-breeding adults lack the full crest and have a dark crown bordered by a white face, the white extending down the fore-neck and chest. The sexes are similar in appearance but juveniles can be distinguished from adults by having a striped black and white head and neck. The Great Crested Grebe can be found across Europe and Asia and it breeds on shallow, reed-fringed freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs and slow rivers. It is resident in the milder west of its range but it migrates from the colder regions of its range to freshwater lakes, reservoirs and sheltered coastal areas in winter. The Great Crested Grebe has an elaborate mating display. Like all grebes, it nests on the water's edge since its legs are set relatively far back and it is thus unable to walk very well. Usually 2 eggs are laid and the fluffy, striped young grebes are often carried on the adult's back. In a clutch of 2 or more hatchlings, male and female grebes will each identify their “favourites” which they alone will care for and teach. Unusually, young Great Crested Grebes are capable of swimming and diving almost at hatching. The adults teach these skills to their young by carrying them on their backs and diving, leaving the chicks to float on the surface. They then re-emerge a few feet away so that the chicks may swim back on to them. The Great Crested Grebe feeds mainly on fish but it will also eat small crustaceans, insects and small frogs and newts. The Great Crested Grebe was hunted almost to extinction in the UK in the 19th century due to being hunted for its head plumes which were used to decorate hats and ladies' undergarments. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was set up to help protect the Great Crested Grebe which is now again a common sight. Date: 14th October 2023 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26022308.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1069893083563728a1c703c.jpgRed-necked Phalarope The Red-necked Phalarope is a small wader with lobed toes to assist swimming and a straight, fine bill. The breeding female is predominantly dark grey above with a chestnut neck and upper breast, black face and white throat. The breeding male is a duller version of the female. In winter, the plumage is essentially grey above and white below but the black eyepatch is always present. When feeding, a Red-necked Phalarope will often swim in a small, rapid circle, forming a small whirlpool. This behaviour is thought to aid feeding by raising food from the bottom of shallow water. The bird will reach into the centre of the vortex with its bill, plucking small insects or crustaceans caught up therein. On the open ocean, they are often found where converging currents produce upwellings. The Red-necked Phalarope breeds in the Arctic regions of north America and Eurasia. It is migratory and, unusually for a wader, it winters at sea on tropical oceans. Date: 3rd June 2015 Location: Lake Mývatn, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/hoy-orkney https://images.on-this.website/4752_13971020644866c8db8d2b5.jpgHoy, Orkney Hoy is the second largest of the Orkney Islands with an area of over 35,000 acres. The name Hoy is derived from the Norse “Haey” or “High Island” and the island reaches a height of 1570 feet at Ward Hill, the highest point in the Orkney Islands. Hoy is famous for its sandstone sea cliffs and the world famous pinnacle known as the Old Man of Hoy which rises to 450 feet and which has inspired generations of climbers. The RSPB manages the North Hoy Nature Reserve for the benefit of a variety of moorland and sea cliff nesting birds. Date: 5th June 2008 Location: view from the Stromness to Scrabster ferry http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871650.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14789720634eff202b5a3f6.jpgKittiwake he Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill <i>"kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake"</i>. The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 27th May 2009 Location: Store Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo442201.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_689910765467f22f276d06.jpgLoch Garten, Highland Loch Garten lies between the River Spey and the Cairngorm Mountains just to the north east of Aviemore and became famous in 1954 when a pair of Ospreys returned to nest here, the first since 1910. Loch Garten is situated in the Abernethy Forest, part of the largest native Caledonian pine forest in the UK. It offers a unique mix of woodland and northern bog with a great variety of birds and other wildlife. The loch and surrounding areas are managed by the RSPB as a nature reserve. Date: 25th December 2006 Location: view from the western shore http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41505237.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19491978765f37b3319be24.jpgLapland Bunting The Lapland Bunting, also known as the Lapland Longspur, is a passerine bird in the longspur family ([i]Calcariidae[/i]), a group generally separated from the finches ([i]Fringillidae[/i]). The name longspur refers to the long claw on the hind toe of each foot. The breeding male Lapland Bunting has a black head and throat, white eyestripe, chestnut nape, white underparts, a heavily streaked black-grey back and a thick yellow bill. Other plumages have a plainer orange-brown head, a browner back and chestnut nape and wing panels. During the summer, the Lapland Bunting can be found across Arctic Europe and in Canada and the northernmost parts of the USA where it breeds in wet areas with birch or willow and on bare mountains. It is a migratory bird, wintering in the Russian steppes, south USA, north Scandinavia and down to coastal south Sweden, Denmark and other parts of coastal west Europe. In the UK, the Lapland Bunting is occasionally seen in north Scotland in summer although small numbers are seen more regularly in autumn and winter along the east coast from East Lothian to Kent. The coasts of Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and north Norfolk usually hold the most birds. During winter, it often feeds in mixed species flocks. The Lapland Bunting eats mostly insects during the summer and seeds during the winter. Date: 3rd July 2019 Location: Komagdalen, Varangerhalvøya National Park, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7950470.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3104050674d03d02433f46.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 15th November 2010 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49276632.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_125883910364995f40bccbe.jpgLinnet The Linnet is a small passerine bird in the finch family, Fringillidae. It derives its common name and scientific name, Linaria cannabina, from its fondness for hemp seeds and flax seeds. The genus name linaria is the Latin for a linen weaver derived from linum or flax. The species name cannabina comes from the Latin for hemp. There are 7 recognised sub-species including the Eurasian Linnet found in west, central and north Europe and the Scottish Linnet. The Linnet is a slim bird with a long tail. The upper parts are brown, the throat is white and the bill is grey. The summer male has a grey nape, crimson head patch and crimson breast. Females and juveniles lack the crimson colour and have white underparts and a buff streaked breast. The Linnet breeds in Europe and north Africa. It is partially resident but many eastern and northern birds migrate farther south in the breeding range or move to the coasts. During the breeding season, it can be found on open land with thick bushes including farmland, commons, heathland and parks. It can form large flocks outside the breeding season on coasts and salt marshes, sometimes mixing with other finches such as Twite. The Linnet feeds on the ground and low down in bushes and its food mainly consists of a wide variety of seeds but also a small number of invertebrates. Date: 6th June 2023 Location: Rhosson campsite near St. David's Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308849.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13336079663ee37d1d6a20.jpgCoot The Coot is an all black bird with a distinctive white beak and “shield” above the beak from which earns it the title “bald”. Its feet have distinctive lobed flaps of skin on the toes which act instead of webs when swimming. It patters noisily over the water before taking off and can be very aggressive towards other birds. Coot can be found all the year round mainly on freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers and town park lakes. Sometimes they can be seen offshore, especially in winter if freshwater areas are frozen. They breed in areas of fairly shallow standing freshwater with a muddy bottom and plenty of vegetation at the sides, usually in lowland areas. Date: 21st January 2022 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43082683.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_63183733160dd84b49d437.jpgEdible Frog The Edible Frog is a species of frog found across Europe that is also known as the Common Water Frog and the Green Frog. The Edible Frog is one of the few animals in the world that is a fertile hybrid of 2 different species, as although similar but genetically different species are known to mate, it is very rare that their offspring will be able to breed. The Edible Frog is a fertile hybrid of 2 other European frogs, namely the Pool Frog and the Marsh Frog, that inter-bred when populations where isolated close to one another during the Ice Age. It was first described in 1758 and is known as the Edible Frog due to the fact that it is now seen as a culinary delicacy across Europe but especially in France where frog’s legs are often served as a national dish. The reason for humans favouring this frog over others is not really known but it may have something to do with their abundance. The Edible Frog is a medium sized frog growing to around 3.5 to 4.5 inches in length. Adults are mainly green in colour with light patches of brown on their backs, yellow eyes and a white underside covered in a few dark spots. There are number of distinct differences between males and females including the fact that males become much lighter and greener during the mating season. Males also have vocal sacs on the outside of their cheeks and extra skin patches on their feet, both of which are primarily used for mating. The Edible Frog is endemic to Europe and it naturally occurs across central Europe as far north as Germany and Estonia. Southern populations are found from Croatia, through northern Italy and into the south of France. There are also isolated populations in Sweden and Bulgaria which are thought to have migrated from the countries nearby. It has also been introduced to the UK. The Edible Frog spends all of its time either in or very close to water and it is most commonly found in calmer parts of rivers and streams where there is a slow but constant flow of fresh water. It tends to prefer more open areas and can also be commonly found around lakes, ponds and marshes. Unlike many other species of frog, the Edible Frog is a diurnal animal and is therefore most active during the day. This is when it is most likely to move away from the water so that it can find a better supply of food or move to a different part of the water if it needs to. The Edible Frog is a relatively solitary animal so there is less competition for food but males are often seen sitting together in groups during the breeding season when they are trying to out-compete each other to find a mate. The breeding season for the Edible Frog begins during March and generally lasts for around 2 months. Males sing by drawing air in and out of their vocal sacs to produce the highest-pitched sound possible since females are most attracted to the loudest males. After courting her in a lake, pond or swamp, the male lets the female lay up to 10,000 eggs in a sticky mass into the water before he fertilises them. Tadpoles can be as small as 0.2 inches long when they hatch and are a grey/brown colour. They then grow up to 2 to 3 inches in length before metamorphoses occurs and they leave the water as 0.75 inches long young frogs. The Edible Frog reaches sexual maturity at the age of 2 years and can live until it is 15 years old. The Edible Frog is a carnivorous amphibian but the tadpoles mainly eat vegetation although they are known to occasionally supplement their diet with aquatic micro-organisms. Adults eat small invertebrates such as insects, spiders and flies, which make up the majority of their diet, along with larger aquatic animals like fish, newts and other frogs. The Edible Frog hunts for food during the day and can be seen catching food both in water and on land. The Edible Frog remains very still when it is sitting on the banks of its water habitat and this, along with its camouflage, makes it very difficult for predators to spot. Its eyes are positioned near the top of the head meaning that it can also see danger coming whilst the body is mainly hidden. Snakes, owls and water birds are the main predators of the Edible Frog. The Edible Frog will jump into the water and hide if it senses approaching danger and it will make a loud screeching sound if caught. Edible Frog populations are under threat from habitat destruction mainly caused by deforestation and water pollution. Date: 2nd June 2021 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49002645.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_462299676468f42140a41.jpgSandwich Tern The Sandwich Tern is a medium-large tern, gull-like in appearance but usually with a more delicate, lighter build and shorter, weaker legs. It is very closely related to the Lesser Crested Tern, Chinese Crested Tern, Cabot's Tern and Elegant Tern and it has been known to inter-breed with the Lesser Crested Tern. It is 15 to 17 inches in length with a 33 to 38 inches wingspan. It has long, pointed wings, which gives it a fast buoyant flight, and a deeply forked tail. The upperwings are pale grey and the underparts are white. It has a shaggy black crest. The thin sharp bill is black with a yellow tip and the short legs are black. It looks very pale in flight although the primary flight feathers darken during the summer. In winter, the adult's forehead becomes white. Juveniles have dark tips to their tails and a scaly appearance on their back and wings. The Sandwich Tern has an extensive global range and, whilst population trends have not been quantified, it is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List. For these reasons, it is evaluated as “least concern”. The Sandwich Tern breeds in very dense colonies on coasts and islands and exceptionally inland on suitable large freshwater lakes close to the coast. It nests in a ground scrape and lays 1 to 3 eggs. Unlike some of the smaller white terns, it is not very aggressive toward potential predators, relying on the sheer density of the nests and nesting close to other more aggressive species such as the Arctic Tern and the Black-headed Gull. In the UK, the Sandwich Tern can be seen from late March to September and there are breeding colonies scattered around the UK coasts including the north Norfolk coast and at Minsmere in Suffolk and Dungeness in Kent. The Sandwich tern feeds by plunge-diving for fish, almost invariably from the sea. It usually dives directly and not from a hover favoured by other terns. The offering of fish by the male to the female is part of the courtship display. Date: 17th May 2023 Location: RSPB Minsmere, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871585.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10650545734eff1ebf794fe.jpgReindeer The Reindeer, also known as the Caribou in North America, is a deer from the Arctic and sub Arctic, including both resident and migratory populations. Whilst it is overall widespread and numerous, some of its subspecies are rare or already extinct. The Reindeer is a widespread and numerous species in the northern Holarctic, being present in tundra (frozen arctic plain with lichens, mosses and dwarfed vegetation) and taiga (marshy pine forest) regions. Originally, the Reindeer was found in Scandinavia, eastern Europe, Russia, Mongolia, and northern China. In North America, it was found in Canada, Alaska and the northern USA from Washington to Maine. It also occurred naturally on Sakhalin, Greenland, and probably even in historical times in Ireland. Today, wild Reindeer have disappeared from many areas within this large historical range, especially from the southern parts where it has vanished almost everywhere. Large populations of wild Reindeer are still found in Norway, Finland, Siberia, Greenland, Alaska, and Canada. Wild Reindeer hunting and herding of semi-domesticated Reindeer (for meat, hides, antlers, milk and transportation) are important to several Arctic and Subarctic people. Domesticated Reindeer are mostly found in northern Fennoscandia and Russia with a herd of approximately 150-170 Reindeer also living around the Cairngorms region in Scotland. Reindeer vary considerably in colour and size. Both sexes grow antlers, though they are typically larger in males. Even far outside its range, the Reindeer is well known due to the myth, probably originating in early 19th century America, in which Santa Claus's sleigh is pulled by flying Reindeer, a popular element of Christmas. Date: 25th May 2009 Location: east of Sodankylä, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43082715.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_98100528660dd8924b9de4.jpgBroad-bodied Chaser Flight period: May to August The broad, flattened body of the Broad-bodied Chaser is distinctive and makes this dragonfly appear “fat”. The male has a powder-blue body with yellow spots along the sides and a dark thorax whilst the female is green-brown with paler spots. There are several medium-sized, pale blue dragonflies that can be confused with one another. The Broad-bodied Chaser can be distinguished by the combination of its broad, blue body and chocolate-brown eyes. The Broad-bodied Chaser is a common dragonfly of ponds and small lakes and it may be the first to colonise such habitats. It regularly returns to the same low perch after swift flights out across the water looking for insects. The Broad-bodied Chaser is widespread and common throughout southern and central England and south Wales. Date: 15th June 2021 Location: Broadwater Warren RSPB reserve, High Weald, East Sussex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230668.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_152223229364916defbed82.jpgBlack Grouse The Black Grouse is a large game bird in the grouse family. The male has all black plumage with distinctive red wattles over the eyes and striking white stripes along each wing in flight. It has a lyre-shaped tail which is fanned out and raised to show white under-tail feathers when displaying. The female is smaller and grey-brown in colour. The Black Grouse is a sedentary species and breeds across northern Eurasia in moorland and bog areas near to mostly boreal woodland. Although it is declining, it is not considered to be vulnerable globally due to the large population and slow rate of decline. Its decline is due to loss of habitat, disturbance, predation by foxes, crows, etc., and small populations gradually dying out. In the UK, the Black Grouse are found in upland areas of Wales, the Pennines and most of Scotland, especially on farmland and moorland with nearby forestry or scattered trees. Habitat loss and overgrazing have resulted in severe population declines which make the Black Grouse a Red List species. Positive habitat management and re-introduction programmes are helping it to increase in some areas. The Black Grouse has a very distinctive and well-recorded courtship. At dawn in the spring, the males strut around in a traditional area (lek) and display whilst making a highly distinctive and bubbling mating call. This photo was taken at a well known roadside lekking site. If visiting, please remain in your car to avoid disturbance to these vulnerable breeding birds. Date: 13th May 2023 Location: World's End, Denbighshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28592747.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_193782291657ab050158b4d.jpgPeacock Flight period: March to September. The Peacock is a familiar and widespread butterfly which is continuing to expand its range in the UK. It is a highly adaptable species that can be found almost anywhere but the best sites are where favoured nectar plants are available. Date: 5th August 2016 Location: Minsmere, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33820926.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19125209115a3d07681de39.jpgRing-necked Parakeet The Ring-necked Parakeet is the UK's only naturalised parrot. It is large, long-tailed and green with a red beak and a pink and black ring around its face and neck. In flight it has pointed wings, a long tail and a steady, direct flight. Ring-necked Parakeets can be seen all year round at a number of locations in south east England, particularly Surrey, Kent and Sussex. They can often be found in flocks sometimes numbering hundreds of birds at roost sites. Parks, orchards and gardens with mature trees to provide nest holes are favoured habitats. In its native India it is found in jungle and around farms and gardens. Date: 12th December 2017 Location: Kensington Gardens, London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42229296.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1904928631603e610b38e7d.jpgLong-tailed Tit The Long-tailed Tit is easily recognisable with its distinctive colouring, a tail that is bigger than its body, and undulating flight. They are most usually noticed in small, excitable flocks of about 20 birds as they rove the woods, hedgerows and gardens often with other tit species. Long-tailed Tits can be seen all year round and throughout the UK except the far north and west of Scotland. Date: 23rd February 2021 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28886300.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_82803261357cc3a2298a1f.jpgCommon Gull The Common Gull is a medium-sized gull. The north American subspecies is commonly referred to as the Mew Gull although that name is also used by some authorities for the whole species. The Common Gull is noticeably smaller and more gentle looking than the Herring Gull. It is grey above and white below with greenish-yellow legs. It has black wingtips with large white "mirrors". Young birds have scaly black-brown upperparts and a neat wing pattern and grey legs and take 2 to 3 years to reach maturity. In winter, the head is streaked grey and the bill often has a poorly defined blackish band near the tip which is sometimes sufficiently obvious to cause confusion with the Ring-billed Gull. The call is a high-pitched "laughing" cry. The Common Gull breeds colonially near water or in marshes in north Europe, north west north America and north Asia. It is most numerous in Europe with over half (possibly as much as 80 to 90%) of the world population. In the UK, the Common Gull can be found in summer along the coasts and inland marshes and lakes of Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England. Elsewhere in England and Wales, it can be found in winter on farmland, on marshes and lakes and on the coast. Date: 11th May 2016 Location: Haeska, Matsalu National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457506.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2023963806668572153ce8e.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31837542.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_825982023595624dd6c6207.84258338.jpgLoch na Keal, Mull, Argyll Loch na Keal, meaning Loch of the Kyle or Loch of the Narrows, is the principal sea loch on the western coastline of the island of Mull. It extends for over 13 miles inland and almost cuts the island in half as it reaches a point only 3 miles from the east coast. Loch na Keal consists of a wide triangular shaped outer loch, separated from Loch Tuath to the north by the islands of Gometra and Ulva, leading into a narrow inner loch. The island of Staffa is at the mouth of the outer loch, the island of Inch Kenneth is in the outer loch and the island of Eorsa is in the inner loch. The outer loch northern coastline is made up of basaltic ridges and many rocks and islets with many different types of vegetation. The southern coastline, bounded by the Ardmeanach peninsula, has cliffs, land slips and substantial slopes that are covered in scree. The northern shore of the inner loch is steeply sloped with Killiechronan Wood to the east. The southern shore of the inner loch consists of cliffs and slopes leading to the Munro and extinct volcano of Ben More (3169 feet high) with Scarisdale Wood to the south east. Loch na Keal has no significant villages. Most of the small settlements are at the head (east end) of the loch where there is a small area of flat land where the River Bà flows into Loch na Keal from Loch Bà. These include Gruline, a small scattered settlement, primarily consisting of crofting and tourist homes. The closest larger village is Salen, located 2.5 miles north east across the isthmus from the head of the loch. Date: 24th June 2017 Location: view of the outer loch and the Treshnish Isles from southern shore http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14467398.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19224974774f743bb43176a.jpg"Northern Lights" The aurora is a natural light display in the sky, particularly in the high latitude Arctic and Antarctic regions, caused by the collision of energetic charged particles with atoms in the high altitude atmosphere. The charged particles originate in the magnetosphere and solar wind and on Earth they are directed by the Earth's magnetic field into the atmosphere. Most aurora occur in a band known as the auroral zone which is typically 3° to 6° in latitudinal extent and 10° to 20° from the magnetic pole. During a geomagnetic storm, the auroral zone will expand to lower latitudes. The diffuse aurora is a featureless glow in the sky which may not be visible to the naked eye even on a dark night and defines the extent of the auroral zone. The discrete aurora are sharply defined features within the diffuse aurora which vary in brightness from just barely visible to the naked eye to bright enough to read a newspaper at night. In northern latitudes, the effect is known as the aurora borealis (or the “Northern Lights), named after the Roman goddess of dawn, Aurora, and the Greek name for the north wind, Boreas, by Pierre Gassendi in 1621. Auroras seen near the magnetic pole may be high overhead but from farther away they illuminate the northern horizon as a greenish glow or sometimes a faint red. Auroras often display magnetic field lines or curtain-like structures and can change within seconds or glow unchanging for hours, most often in fluorescent green. In Scandinavia, you can see the aurora all over Norway, Sweden and Finland. However, the best places are above the Arctic Circle in the auroral zone. The aurora is most frequent in late autumn and in winter and early spring. In the time span between the autumn equinox and the spring equinox (21st September to 21st March), it is dark the whole time between 6 p.m. and 1 a.m. and this provides the maximum chance of seeing the aurora in suitable weather conditions and with increased solar activity. Date: 16th March 2012 Location: Skibotndalen, Troms, north Norway close to Norway/Finland border http://www.richardchewphotography.com/ingvellir-south-iceland https://images.on-this.website/4752_1350200033561cce6ec5a1b.jpgÞingvellir, south Iceland Þingvellir (Icelandic: Thing Fields), anglicized as Thingvellir or Pingvellir, is located in south west Iceland to the north east of the Reykjanes peninsula and Reykjavík. Þingvellir is the national shrine of Iceland and is a site of significant historical, cultural and geological importance and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Iceland. Alþingi, anglicized as Althing, the Icelandic Parliament, was established at Þingvellir in 930 and remained there until 1798. Þingvellir National Park or Thingvellir National Park was founded in 1930 to mark the 1000th anniversary of the Althing. It was later expanded to protect natural phenomena in the surrounding area and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004. Þingvellir is notable for its unusual tectonic and volcanic environment in a rift valley. The continental drift between the north American and Eurasian tectonic plates can be clearly seen in the cracks or faults which traverse the region, the largest one, Almannagjá, being a veritable canyon. This also causes the often measurable earthquakes in the area. Þingvellir is situated on the northern shore of Þingvallavatn, the largest natural lake of Iceland. The river Öxará traverses the National Park and forms a waterfall called Öxarárfoss at Almannagjá. On the lake's northern shore the Silfra fissure is a popular diving and snorkelling tour location. Þingvellir is popular with tourists and, together with the magnificent waterfall at Gulfoss and the geothermal features at Geysir, Þingvellir is part of a group of the most famous sights of Iceland known as the "Golden Circle". Date: 7th June 2015 Location: view from the trail from the visitor centre at Þingvellir http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645461.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_152088172251e3ce8054baa.jpgBiebrza, Poland The Biebrza marshes are a complex series of habitats located in the Biebrza river valley. The area encompasses river channels, lakes, extensive marshes, fenland, reed beds, peat bogs and fields and meadows with woods and forests on higher ground. The Biebrza National Park, which covers much of the area, is the largest of Poland’s 23 National Parks and was created in 1993. Covering a total area of 228 square miles, it protects the vast and relatively untouched habitats with their unique variety of several communities of plants and species of wetland birds and mammals. Date: 20th May 2013 Location: view from Goniadz, Biebrza area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/rspb-ramsey-island-pembrokeshire https://images.on-this.website/4752_1197249348649962613d1c2.jpgRSPB Ramsey Island, Pembrokeshire RSPB Ramsey Island is recognised as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Special Protection Area (SPA) and a Natura 2000 site. RSPB Ramsey Island is located just 1 mile off the St David's peninsula and a 3.5 mile trail, tough going and rugged in some places, provides a route around it. The summits of Carn Ysgubor and Carn Llundain give amazing views east to the mainland, south to Skomer Island and, on the clearest of days, west to Ireland. At nearly 400 feet high in some places, the western cliffs on RSPB Ramsey Island are among the highest in Wales. These provide nesting sites for breeding Guillemots, Razorbills, Kittiwakes, Fulmars, Choughs and Ravens. A large Atlantic Grey Seal colony lives around the island, with pups born in September and October, and Harbour Porpoise often feed in Ramsey Sound. Other habitats in the interior of the island include grassland and heathland providing breeding habitat for Wheatears, Stonechats, Meadow Pipits, Linnets and Skylarks. In 1999/2000 RSPB Ramsey Island was finally cleared of the Brown Rats that had decimated the island's bird populations for 100 years. The highest standards of bio-security are still maintained in order to ensure rats and mice, which have disastrous impacts on seabird colonies, are never re-introduced to the island again. Date: 7th June 2023 Location: view from the trail around RSPB Ramsey Island, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9563240.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8762663254daea3b21b7f7.jpgNorthern Wheatear The Northern Wheatear or Wheatear is a small passerine bird that was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family but is now more generally considered to be an Old World flycatcher. It is the most widespread member of the Wheatear genus in Europe and Asia. The English name has nothing to do with wheat or ears but is probably derived from the Middle English [i]whit ers[/i] meaning "white arse" and referring to the prominent white rump of many Wheatear species The Northern Wheatear is larger than the European Robin at 5.7 to 6.3 inches in length. Both sexes have a white rump and tail with a black inverted T-pattern at the end of the tail. The summer plumaged male has grey upperparts, buff throat and black wings and face mask. In autumn it resembles the female apart from the black wings. The female is pale brown above and buff below with darker brown wings. The Northern Wheatear makes one of the longest migratory flights of any small bird, crossing ocean, ice and desert. It migrates from sub-Saharan Africa in spring to breed in open rocky country, tundra, moorland, heaths and pastures over a vast area of the Northern Hemisphere that includes northern and central Asia, Europe, Greenland, Alaska and parts of Canada. In autumn it returns to winter in central Africa. In the UK, the Northern Wheatear is a summer visitor and passage migrant arriving in early March and leaving in September. It breeds mainly in western and northern Britain and western Ireland although smaller numbers also breed in southern and eastern England. The Northern Wheatear is primarily an insectivorous bird and feeds mostly on beetles, ants, caterpillars, grasshoppers, flies, etc. It also eats spiders, centipedes and snails and berries in the autumn. Date: 9th May 2005 Location: South Stack RSPB reserve, Anglesey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40713570.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_468007885e16f7be40a0c.jpgWaxwing The Waxwing is a plump bird which is slightly smaller than a Starling. It is buff or pinkish-brown in colour with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings, a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest. The bird’s name is derived from the red tips to some of the wing feathers which are said to look like they have been dipped in sealing wax. Waxwings breed in the dense forests of northern Europe but they occur in varying numbers in the UK from October to March. In some years they can occur in large numbers (known as irruptions) when the population in the breeding areas gets too big for the food available. The first UK arrivals each winter are usually seen on the east coast from Scotland to East Anglia but birds then move inland in search of food. They can be found in parks and gardens and even busy public places such as supermarket car parks, typically where there are berry-bearing trees and bushes such as rowan, hawthorn, cotoneaster and rose. Waxwings seem fearless of humans so it is relatively easy to get very close views of these stunning birds. Waxwings make an easily recognisable high-pitched trilling sound like a bell. Date: 24th December 2019 Location: Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/brown-rat https://images.on-this.website/4752_17556403904f3e1f31962ef.jpgBrown Rat Brown Rats have coarse brown or occasionally black fur with a pale underside. They have a long tail which is sparsely haired. Although originally native to eastern Asia and Japan, Brown Rats are now distributed world-wide. They spread across the UK via the shipping traffic from foreign countries in the 18th century and largely replaced the Black Rat. They are highly adaptable and can be found all over the UK, except for exposed mountain regions and some small offshore islands, and live in loose colonies and home ranges of around 50 metres in diameter. Along with the House Mouse, the Brown Rat is considered to be the most widespread terrestrial mammal in the UK and they are subject to persistent pest control due to the damage they cause and the numerous diseases they spread. Brown Rats are omnivorous and have a very varied diet. They are typically nocturnal although they will sometimes forage for food during the day. They also swim well and are sometimes mistaken for Water Voles. Brown Rats live for around 18 months and breed throughout the year producing 5 litters of 8 young a year. Date: 9th February 2008 Location: Northlands Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11805580.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8777845334e3a69a7c5bf6.jpgSeven-spot Ladybird The Seven-spot Ladybird is a very familiar and widespread in the UK. They are small round beetles with three and a half spots on each of their two elytra (wing cases). The thorax is black with two white marks at the side and the head is small and black. The Ladybird's bright colours are a warning to predators of its foul taste. When disturbed the Ladybird will secrete small amounts of its oily foul-smelling yellow blood from its legs as a further warning to predators such as ants or birds. They inhabit gardens, woodland, hedgerows and meadows and have a varied diet of small insects but favour plant-lice and aphids. They are known as the gardener's friend as they eat garden pests. The average Seven-spot Ladybird will eat more than 5,000 aphids in its year-long life. Ladybirds will hibernate in large groups in sites which are used year after year. In the main breeding season during May and June, mating Seven-spot Ladybirds are a common sight in hedgerows and gardens. In her short life, a female may lay more than 2,000 small yellow eggs. The name Ladybird comes from the Middle Ages when the colourful insects were known as the "beetle of Our Lady". They were named after the Virgin Mary because in early religious paintings she was often shown wearing a red cloak. The 7 spots symbolise 7 joys and 7 sorrows. Date: 2nd August 2011 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/guillemot https://images.on-this.website/4752_18667980684e1eef9ebe57b.jpgCommon Guillemot The Common Guillemot, also known as the Common Murre or Thin-billed Murre, is a large species of auk. The auks are a family of seabirds which includes the Brunnich's Guillemot or Thick-billed Murre, Razorbill, Little Auk and the extinct Great Auk. The Common Guillemot is 15 to 18 inches in length with a 24 to 29 inches wingspan. In breeding plumage, it is black or dark brown on the head, back and wings with white underparts. It has a thin dark pointed bill and a small rounded dark tail. Legs are grey and the bill is dark grey. Males and females are identical. Some individuals in the North Atlantic, known as "Bridled Guillemots", have a white ring around the eye extending back as a white line. This is not a distinct subspecies but a polymorphism that becomes more common the farther north the birds breed. The Common Guillemot flies with fast wing beats and has a flight speed of around 50 mph. Groups of birds are often seen flying together in a line just above the surface of the sea. However, it is not a very agile bird and take-off is often difficult. The Common Guillemot becomes flightless for 45 to 60 days while moulting its primary feathers. The Common Guillemot is a pursuit diver that forages for food by swimming underwater using its wings for propulsion. Dives usually last less than one minute but the bird swims underwater for distances of over 100 feet on a regular basis. Diving depths up to 590 feet have been recorded. The Common Guillemot has a circumpolar distribution and it occurs in low Arctic and boreal waters in the north Atlantic and north Pacific. It spends most of its time at sea and only comes to land to breed on rocky cliffs, sea stacks and islands. Some birds are permanent residents but northern birds migrate south to open waters off New England, southern California, Japan, Korea and the western Mediterranean. The Common Guillemot breeds in colonies at high densities and nesting pairs may be in bodily contact with their neighbours. No nest is made and the single egg is laid and incubated on a bare rock ledge on a cliff face. The egg hatches after 30 days incubation and the chick is born downy and can regulate its body temperature after 10 days. Some 20 days after hatching the chick jumps off its nesting ledge and heads for the sea unable to fly but gliding for some distance with fluttering wings and accompanied by its male parent. The chicks are capable of diving as soon as they hit the water. The female stays at the nest site for some 14 days after the chick has left. The Common Guillemot can venture far from its breeding grounds to forage and distances of 60 miles or more are often observed although if sufficient food is available closer by, birds will only travel much shorter distances. It mainly eats small schooling fish 8 inches long or less such as Polar Cod, Capelin, Sand Lances, Sprats, Sandeels, Atlantic Cod and Atlantic Herring. It also eats some molluscs, marine worms, squid and crustaceans. It is often seen carrying fish in its bill with the tail hanging out. Date: 14/06/06 Location: Handa Island, Sutherland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo47806648.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_178568677563610c764db25.jpgCommon Buzzard The Common Buzzard is a member of the genus Buteo and the family Accipitridae, a group of medium-sized raptors with robust bodies and broad wings. The Buteo species of Eurasia and Africa are usually commonly referred to as buzzards whilst those in the Americas are called hawks. Under current classification, the genus Buteo includes approximately 28 species. The Common Buzzard includes between 7 to 16 sub-species and the western Buteo group includes Buteo buteo buteo which is found more or less continuously throughout Europe including the UK. The Common Buzzard is a medium-sized raptor that is highly variable in plumage. It is distinctly round headed with a somewhat slender bill and it has relatively long wings that either reach or fall slightly short of the tail tip when perched, a fairly short tail and somewhat short and mainly bare tarsi. It can appear fairly compact in overall appearance but may also appear large relative to other commoner raptors such as the Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. The Common Buzzard measures between 16 and 23 inches in length with a 3 feet 7 inches to 4 feet 7 inches wingspan. Females average about 2 to 7% larger than males in length and weigh about 15% more. Body mass can show considerable variation from 0.94 to 2.6 pounds in males and 1.07 to 3.02 pounds in females. In Europe, the Common Buzzard is typically dark brown above and on the upperside of the head and mantle but this can become paler and warmer brown with worn plumage. Usually the tail will be narrowly barred grey-brown and dark brown with a pale tip and a broad dark subterminal band but the tail in the palest birds can show a varying amount of white and a reduced sub-terminal band or even appear almost all white. The underside colouring can be variable but typically shows a brown-streaked white throat with a somewhat darker chest. A pale U across the breast is often present followed by a pale line running down the belly which separates the dark areas on the breast side and flanks. These pale areas tend to have highly variable markings that form irregular bars. Juveniles are quite similar to adults and are best told apart by having a paler eye, a narrower sub-terminal band on the tail and underside markings that appear as streaks rather than bars. Beyond the typical mid-range brownish Common Buzzard, birds in Europe can range from almost uniform black-brown above to mainly white. Extreme dark individuals may range from chocolate-brown to blackish with almost no pale colour showing but with a variable or faded U on the breast and with or without faint lighter brown throat streaks. Extreme pale individuals are largely whitish with variable widely spaced streaks or arrowheads of light brown about the mid-chest and flanks and may or may not show dark feather-centres on the head, wing-coverts and sometimes all but part of the mantle. Individuals can show nearly endless variation of colours and hues in between these extremes and the Common Buzzard is among the most variably plumaged diurnal raptors for this reason. The Common Buzzard is often confused with other raptors especially in flight or at a distance including other Buteo species such as Rough-legged Buzzard and Long-legged Buzzard and also Honey Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, Golden Eagle, Booted Eagle and Short-toed Eagle. The Common Buzzard is found throughout several islands in the eastern Atlantic islands, including the Canary Islands and the Azores, and almost throughout Europe. In the UK, it is found in Northern Ireland and in nearly every part of Scotland and England. In mainland Europe, there are no substantial gaps in the range from Portugal and Spain to Greece, Estonia, Belarus and the Ukraine, although it is present mainly only in the breeding season in much of the eastern half of the latter 3 countries. It is also present in all larger Mediterranean islands such as Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily and Crete. Further north in to Scandinavia, it is found mainly in south Norway, the southern half of Sweden and in the southern two-thirds of Finland. The Common Buzzard reaches its northern limit as a breeder in far eastern Finland and over the border in to European Russia and nearly to the Kola Peninsula. In these northern limits, the Common Buzzard is present typically only in summer. The Common Buzzard generally inhabits the interface of woodlands and open ground and typically lives in forest edge, small broad-leaved, coniferous or mixed woodlands with adjacent grassland, arable fields or other farmland and open moorland as long as there are some trees. It is absent from treeless tundra and sporadic or rare in treeless steppe. The Common Buzzard can be found from sea level to elevations of 6600 feet although it breeds mostly below 3300 feet. It can winter to an elevation of 8200 feet and migrates easily at 14,800 feet. The Common Buzzard is a partial migrant. Autumn and spring movements are subject to extensive variation, even down to the individual level, based on a region's food resources, competition (both from other Common Buzzards and other predators), the extent of human disturbance and weather conditions. Short distance movements are the norm for juveniles and some adults in autumn and winter but more adults in central and south Europe and the UK remain in their year-around areas than do not. The Common Buzzard is a typical Buteo in much of its behaviour. It is most often seen effortlessly soaring for extended periods at varying heights although it can appear laborious and heavy in level flight. It is also often seen perched prominently on tree tops, bare branches, telegraph poles, fence posts, rocks or ledges or alternatively well inside the tree canopy. It will also stand and forage on the ground. The Common Buzzard is a generalist predator which hunts a wide variety of prey given the opportunity. The prey extents to a wide variety of vertebrates including mammals, birds (from any age from eggs to adult birds), reptiles, amphibians and fish as well as to various invertebrates, mostly insects. In total, well over 300 prey species are known to be taken by the Common Buzzard. However, dietary studies have shown that it mostly preys upon small mammals, mainly small rodents. Furthermore, prey size can vary from tiny beetles, caterpillars and ants to large adult grouse and Rabbits up to nearly twice their body mass. At times, the Common Buzzard will also subsist partially on carrion, usually of dead mammals or fish. Hunting in relatively open areas has been found to increase hunting success whereas more complete shrub cover lowered success. A majority of prey is taken by dropping from a perch and is normally taken on the ground. Prey may also be hunted in a low flight, by random glides or soars or by foraging on the ground. The home range of the Common Buzzard is generally 0.19 to 0.77 square miles and the size of the breeding territory seems to be correlated with food supply. The territory is maintained through flight displays and in Europe territorial behaviour usually starts in February. However, displays are not uncommon throughout the year in resident pairs, especially by males, and can elicit similar displays by their neighbours. In the display, the Common Buzzard generally engages in high circling, spiraling upward on slightly raised wings. Mutual high circling by pairs sometimes goes on at length, especially during the period prior to or during breeding season. During the mutual displays, the male may engage in exaggerated deep flapping or zig-zag tumbling, apparently in response to the female being too distant. Several pairs may circle together at times and as many as 14 individual adults have been recorded over established display sites. Sky-dancing by the Common Buzzard has been recorded in spring and autumn, typically by the male but sometimes by the female, nearly always with much calling. Sky-dances are of the rollercoaster type, with an upward sweep of up to 100 feet until the bird starts start to stall but sometimes embellished with loops or rolls at the top. Next in the sky-dance, the bird will dive at least 200 feet on more or less closed wings before spreading them and shooting up again. These sky-dances may be repeated in series of 10 to 20. In the climax of the sky-dance, the undulations become progressively shallower, often slowing and terminating directly on to a perch. Various other aerial displays include low contour flight or weaving among trees, frequently with deep beats and exaggerated upstrokes which show underwing pattern to rivals perched below. Talon grappling and occasionally cartwheeling downward with feet interlocked has also been recorded. The Common Buzzard tends to build a bulky nest of sticks, twigs and often heather and lined with broad-leaved foliage. Nests are up to 3.3 to 3.9 feet across and 24 inches deep. With reuse over years, the diameter of a nest can reach or exceed 5 feet. Trees are generally used for a nesting location but crags or cliffs are used if trees are unavailable. Nests in trees are usually located by the main trunk at a height of around 10 to 82 feet. Pairs often have 2 to 4 nests in a territory but some pairs may use a single nest over several consecutive years. The breeding season of the Common Buzzard commences at differing times based on latitude. It may fall as early as January to April but typically it is March to July in most of Europe. In the northern limits of the range the breeding season may occur from May to August. Mating usually occurs on or near the nest and eggs are usually laid in 2 to 3 day intervals. The clutch size can range from to 2 to 6 and it appears that local factors such as habitat and food supply are relevant. Eggs are generally laid in late March to early April in the extreme south, sometime in April in most of Europe and in to May and possibly even early June in the extreme north. If eggs are lost to a predator or fail in some other way, replacement clutches are not usually laid although this has been recorded. Incubation lasts for 33 to 35 days and is mostly, but not solely, undertaken by the female. Hatching may take place over 3 to 7 days. Often the youngest nestling dies from starvation, especially in broods of 3 or more. The female remains at the nest brooding the young in the early stages with the male bringing all prey. At about 8 to 12 days, both the male and female will bring prey but the female continues to do all feeding until the young can tear up their own prey. The young are nearly fully feathered rather than downy at about a month of age and can start to feed themselves as well. The first attempts to leave the nest are often at about 40 to 50 days. Fledging occurs typically at 43 to 54 days but in extreme cases as late 62 days. After leaving the nest, the young generally stay close by until full independence 6 to 8 weeks after fledging. Numerous factors may influence the breeding success of the Common Buzzard including the availability of prey populations, habitat, disturbance and persecution levels and competition. The Common Buzzard is one of the most numerous birds of prey in its range and it is the most numerous diurnal bird of prey throughout much of Europe. Date: 22nd June 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41205483.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20520969275eb9796a2bbc9.jpgCoot juveniles The Coot is an all black bird with a distinctive white beak and “shield” above the beak from which earns it the title “bald”. Its feet have distinctive lobed flaps of skin on the toes which act instead of webs when swimming. It patters noisily over the water before taking off and can be very aggressive towards other birds. Coot can be found all the year round mainly on freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers and town park lakes. Sometimes they can be seen offshore, especially in winter if freshwater areas are frozen. They breed in areas of fairly shallow standing freshwater with a muddy bottom and plenty of vegetation at the sides, usually in lowland areas. Date: 10th May 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11481802.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17298223084e26a30cb3f8d.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 16/04/07 Location: Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4088353.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7424006804b194646cfb23.jpgGreat White Egret The Great White Egret is a large bird with all white plumage. Apart from size, the Great White Egret can be distinguished from other white egrets by its yellow bill and black legs and feet although the bill may become darker and the lower legs lighter in the breeding season. In breeding plumage, delicate ornamental feathers are borne on the back. It has a slow flight with its neck retracted. The Great White Egret is distributed across most of the tropical and warmer temperate regions of the world favouring all kinds of wetland habitats and it is a familiar species in southern Europe. Expanding populations in Europe mean that the Great White Egret is now seen more frequently in the UK and it can turn up in almost any part of the country with the majority of records in south east England and East Anglia. Date: 10th November 2009 Location: Delta de l’Ebre, Catalunya, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/oldshoremore-sutherland https://images.on-this.website/4752_5645710764681c4caac5ae.jpgOldshoremore, Sutherland Beyond Kinlochbervie is Oldshoremore and one of the most beautiful sandy beaches in Sutherland. Formed from eroded sandstone and seashells, the white sandy beach is surrounded by marram grass dunes (machair). The water is beautifully clear and often a stunning turquoise colour. Oldshoremore is a remote crofting township in the far north west of Scotland and the bay has always been a personal favourite. Date: June 1999 Location: view from Oldshoremore at the end of the unclassified road leading from the B801 at Kinlochbervie http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo10926820.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7637894544e097523c0767.jpgKyle of Tongue, Sutherland The Kyle of Tongue is a large inlet on the north coast of Sutherland and extends 6 miles south west from Tongue Bay. The village of Tongue lies to the east. A passenger ferry across the Kyle of Tongue remained until 1971 when a bridge causeway finally replaced the narrow road that still makes its way around the southern end of the Kyle. Looking south from the causeway there are magnificent views of Ben Loyal and Ben Hope. Date: 11th June 2011 Location: view looking south towards Ben Loyal from the A838 road just outside Tongue http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801073.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_201774064564eda2a40655f.jpgEssex Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Essex Skipper is a small butterfly with a darting flight. It has bright orange-brown wings which are held with the forewings angled above the hind wings. The males have a thin black scent brand line running through the centre of the forewing and parallel to the leading edge. The Small Skipper appears very similar but it lacks the black tips to the antenna and it has a longer scent brand which is angled to the edge of the forewing. Since the Essex Skipper and the Small Skipper closely resemble each other and are often found in the same company, the Essex Skipper has been overlooked both in terms of recording and ecological study and it was the last UK resident species to be described (in 1889). The Essex Skipper can be found in tall, dry grasslands in open sunny situations, especially roadside verges, woodland rides and acid grasslands as well as coastal marshes. The distribution of the Essex Skipper in the UK has more than doubled in the last few decades. It is a widespread species in southern and central England but not in the far south-west. Date: 8th July 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493306.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2839483015f326fc19861e.jpgHornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Hornøya is a small uninhabited island lying in the Barents Sea in Troms og Finnmark in the extreme north east of Norway. It lies just east of the larger island of Vardøya where the town of Vardø is located. The island is the easternmost point of Norway. Vardø Lighthouse is situated at the highest point of the island, at an elevation of 213 feet above sea level, and it protects the shipping lanes around the town of Vardø. Daily boat trips run to Hornøya between 1st March and 1st September from Vardø harbour offering the chance to spend several hours on the island. The seabird colony at Hornøya hosts approximately 100,000 seabirds of up to 11 breeding species. The cliffs are dominated by Common Guillemot, Razorbill, Puffin and Kittiwake. Around 500 pairs of Brünnich´s Guillemots, an auk distributed across the polar and sub-polar regions of the Northern Hemisphere, breed between the Common Guillemots. During the seabird breeding season, visitors to Hornøya have a good chance of seeing White-tailed Eagle and Gyrfalcon hunting along the cliffs. In addition to the huge number of birds, Hornøya is also a good location to see Atlantic Grey Seals, Orcas and occasionally Belugas. Hornøya is open to the public but, due to its status as a nature reserve, visitors must stay within the designated areas during the breeding season and it is forbidden to pick plants or disturb the wildlife of the island. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645508.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_72515633051e3cf0b9cf0c.jpgWhite-winged Black Tern The White-winged Black Tern is a small “marsh” tern. Adult birds in summer have short red legs and a short black bill, a black neck and belly, a very dark grey back, a white rump and light grey almost white tail. The wings, as the name implies, are mainly white. In non-breeding plumage, most of the black is replaced by white or pale grey although a few blackish feathers may be retained mixed with white underparts. The White-winged Black Tern breeds on freshwater marshes and lakes from central and eastern Europe to central Asia. Date: 21st May 2013 Location: Biebrza area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493295.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6868284305f326f99d5604.jpgShag The European Shag, Common Shag or simply Shag is a species of cormorant. It is 27 to 31 inches in length with a 37 to 43 inches wingspan. It is mainly black in colour but with a glossy green-tinged sheen in adults. It has a longish tail and a yellow throat-patch. Adults have a small recurved crest in the breeding season. It is distinguished from the Cormorant by its smaller size, lighter build, thinner and narrower bill, and, in breeding adults, by the crest and metallic green-tinged sheen. The Shag breeds around the rocky coasts of west and south Europe, north Africa and south west Asia, mainly wintering in its breeding range except for the northernmost birds. It nests on rocky ledges or in crevices or small caves and the nests are untidy heaps of rotting seaweed or twigs cemented together by the bird's own guano. The nesting season is long and begins in late February although some nests are not started until May or even later. The female lays 3 eggs and the chicks hatch without down and so they rely totally on their parents for warmth, often for a period of 2 months before they can fly. Fledging may occur at any time from early June to late August and exceptionally to mid-October. In the UK, the Shag breeds at coastal sites, mainly in the north and west of the country, and more than half of the population is found at fewer than 10 sites. It can be seen during the breeding season at the large Scottish colonies on Orkney, Shetland, the Inner Hebrides and in the Firth of Forth. Elsewhere it can be seen commonly around the coasts of Wales and south west England, especially in Devon and Cornwall. The Shag feeds in the sea and, unlike the Cormorant, it is rare inland. It is one of the deepest pursuit divers among the cormorant family and it has been shown to dive to at least 150 feet. When it dives, it jumps out of the water first to give extra impetus to the dive. The Shag forages for food on the sea bed and eats a wide range of fish although the commonest prey is the sand eel. It will travel long distances from its breeding and roosting sites in order to feed. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51983925.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13503254066d345de110d5.jpgRuddy Darter Flight period: mid June to mid September. The Ruddy Darter takes its name from its colour and its swift flight behaviour. The male has a deep russet colour over the entire body and the abdomen has a pinched section close to where it joins the thorax. Females are slightly smaller, golden yellow in colour and being less obviously marked are more difficult to identify than the males. There is more than one red coloured darter species in the UK and they can be easily confused with each other. The commonest red species, the Common Darter, can be distinguished as having red veins at the base of the wings and a less ruddy colouration across the body. However, the Ruddy Darter has entirely black legs, distinguishing it from all other red darters which have longitudinal yellow stripes on their legs. The UK range of the Ruddy Darter has undergone something of an expansion in recent years. Although still relatively uncommon in the west and north of Britain, it is increasing in numbers in the Midlands and eastern England. The population is augmented by continental migrants. It is also found over most of Europe except for northern Scandinavia, as far east as western Siberia and south to north Africa. The Ruddy Darter prefers water bodies with tall emergent vegetation, such as reeds and club rush, and it is known to breed in ponds, lakes, canals, ditches and sluggish rivers. They can also be found near coasts and can breed in fairly brackish water. Date: 26th July 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49003035.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19146558726468fc9f46493.jpgAdder Adders are widespread throughout mainland UK but they are absent from Ireland. They occur throughout Europe, with the exception of the Mediterranean islands, and across Russia and Asia through to northern China. They are the UK's only venomous reptile. Adders are relatively short and robust snakes with large heads and a rounded snout. Males are usually a grey or buff colour with vivid black markings although they can also vary from silver to yellow or green in colour. Females are brown with dark red-brown markings that are less prominent than in the males. Both sexes have a zigzag pattern running along the back with a / or X-shaped marking at the rear of the head. Adders can be found in a variety of habitats, including open woodland, hedgerows, moorland, sand dunes, riverbanks, bogs, heathland and mountains. They are active during the day and spend time basking until their body temperature is high enough to hunt for food. Adders use venom to immobilise prey such as lizards, amphibians, nestlings and small mammals. After striking their prey, they will leave the venom to take effect before following the victim’s scent to find the body. Mating takes place between April and May with males often fighting for females. Females have a 3 to 4 month gestation period and Adders are one of the few snakes that are viviparous (give birth to live young). In late August females give birth to between 5 and 20 live young and the young remain close to their mother for a few days before going off in search of food. Adders hibernate from September to March often using deserted rabbit or rodent burrows or settling under logs. They sometimes hibernate communally. Males emerge 2 to 5 weeks before the females and shed their skin before setting off in search of females. Adders are not aggressive snakes and they will only attack if harassed or threatened. Although an Adder’s venom poses little danger to a healthy adult, the bite is very painful and requires urgent medical attention. Date: 3rd May 2023 Location: Benfleet and Hadleigh Downs, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37190310.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16082725065c2a13edee93d.jpgSuilven, Assynt, Highland Height: 2389 feet. Suilven is one of the most instantly recognisable mountains in the Scottish Highlands and is an iconic symbol of the Assynt region. Its name is said to come from the Norse "Pillar Mountain" which shows, not surprisingly, that the Vikings saw its seaward profile first. Suilven has an appearance which changes dramatically depending on which direction it is viewed from and its impressive profile viewed from Elphin or Lochinver dominates any view of Assynt despite it being lower than its neighbours. Date: 24th June 2018 Location: view from the B869 road near Achmelvich http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14467421.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5692141174f743c7283df7.jpgGreat Black-backed Gulls The largest of the gulls, the Great Black-backed Gull is a dominating and opportunistic predator, scavenger and pirate that has been described as a “merciless tyrant” due to its aggressive feeding habits. The Great Black-backed Gull has a thick-set body with a large, yellow, red-tipped bill, strong legs and wide, webbed feet which have a delicate pink hue. The breast and head are snowy white and sit in stark contrast to the black back and wings. Young Great Black-backed Gulls undergo several plumage changes before taking on that of the adult. Juveniles are pale brown with heavy white mottling whilst immatures are also mottled but have a distinctive whitish head and breast but with a dark-tipped, pale bill The Great Black-backed Gull occurs along the coastlines of northern Europe and northern Russia as well as the east coast of north America and central America and it can be found in a variety of coastal habitats, including rocky and sandy coasts and estuaries as well as inland habitats such as lakes, ponds, fields and moorland. It breeds in areas free of or largely inaccessible to terrestrial predators such as vegetated islands, sand dunes, flat-topped stacks, building roofs and sometimes amongst bushes on salt-marsh islands. During the winter, the Great Black-backed Gull often travels far out to sea to feed. Date: 17th March 2012 Location: Sommarøy, Troms, north Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28884632.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1724285957cc2223a92b3.jpgCitrine Wagtail The Citrine Wagtail is a member of the wagtail family. It is a slender bird, with a long, constantly wagging tail characteristic of the genus Motacilla. The term “citrine” refers to its yellowish colouration. During the breeding season, the male Citrine Wagtail is easily identified by its striking bright yellow head and underparts, black hind-neck collar and 2 bold white patches on the wing-coverts. The upperparts are dark slate-grey with a wash of olive-grey on the sides of the body and often blackish spots on the breast. The upper-tail is black and the bill and legs are blackish-brown. At other times of the year, the male bird becomes paler in colour and more similar in appearance to the duller female. The juvenile has little or no yellow plumage, with olive-brown on the breast and sides of the body. The Citrine Wagtail breeds in north central Asia. Typically it leaves the northern breeding grounds between August and October and migrates to winter in south Asia. Its range is expanding westwards and it is a rare but increasing breeding bird in eastern Europe (e.g. Poland and Estonia) and an increasing vagrant to western Europe. The Citrine Wagtail typically breeds in open country near water and favours marshes, bogs, the edge of lakes, wet grassland, areas of willow bushes in mountain meadows and occasionally fields near villages. Outside of the breeding season, it also occupies coastal marshes, brackish lagoons and river sandbars and artificial environments such as sewage farms and irrigated land. The Citrine Wagtail is an insectivorous bird and it walks along the water’s edge, foraging and picking prey off the low vegetation It may also wade into shallow water to consume insects floating on the water surface. Date: 18th May 2016 Location: Aardla polder, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41424271.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3179509765f2aa93e44942.jpgReindeer The Reindeer, also known as the Caribou in North America, is a deer from the Arctic and sub Arctic, including both resident and migratory populations. Whilst it is overall widespread and numerous, some of its subspecies are rare or already extinct. The Reindeer is a widespread and numerous species in the northern Holarctic, being present in tundra (frozen arctic plain with lichens, mosses and dwarfed vegetation) and taiga (marshy pine forest) regions. Originally, the Reindeer was found in Scandinavia, eastern Europe, Russia, Mongolia, and northern China. In North America, it was found in Canada, Alaska and the northern USA from Washington to Maine. It also occurred naturally on Sakhalin, Greenland, and probably even in historical times in Ireland. Today, wild Reindeer have disappeared from many areas within this large historical range, especially from the southern parts where it has vanished almost everywhere. Large populations of wild Reindeer are still found in Norway, Finland, Siberia, Greenland, Alaska, and Canada. Wild Reindeer hunting and herding of semi-domesticated Reindeer (for meat, hides, antlers, milk and transportation) are important to several Arctic and Subarctic people. Domesticated Reindeer are mostly found in northern Fennoscandia and Russia with a herd of approximately 150-170 Reindeer also living around the Cairngorms region in Scotland. Reindeer vary considerably in colour and size. Both sexes grow antlers, though they are typically larger in males. Even far outside its range, the Reindeer is well known due to the myth, probably originating in early 19th century America, in which Santa Claus's sleigh is pulled by flying Reindeer, a popular element of Christmas. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hamningberg, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45948295.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2385251036284a94aac937.jpgGadwall The Gadwall is one of the most common and widespread dabbling ducks. The breeding male is patterned grey with a black rear end, light chestnut wings and a brilliant white speculum which is obvious in flight or at rest. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female but retains the male wing pattern and is usually greyer above and has less orange on the bill. The female is light brown with plumage much like a female Mallard. It can be distinguished from that species by the dark orange-edged bill, smaller size, the white speculum and white belly. The Gadwall breeds in north Europe and Asia and central north America and appears to be expanding into eastern north America. It is a bird of open wetlands and lakes, wet grassland or marshes with dense fringing vegetation and it nests on the ground, often some distance from water. In the UK, the Gadwall is a scarce breeding bird on some lakes and gravel pits in the Midlands, south east England, eastern central Scotland, eastern Northern Ireland and south east Wales. In winter, numbers increase as birds migrate to spend the winter in the UK on gravel pits, lakes, reservoirs and coastal wetlands. Date: 14th April 2022 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40952815.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1105907145e53932b00db1.jpgCormorant The (Great) Cormorant is a widespread member of the cormorant and shag family Phalacrocoracidae. There is a wide variation in size in the species' wide range and males are typically larger and heavier than females. It has a predominantly black plumage but the adult has white patches on the thighs and throat and a yellow throat during the breeding season. In Europe it can be distinguished from the Shag by its larger size, heavier build, thicker bill, lack of a crest and plumage without any green tinge. The (Great) Cormorant is a very common and widespread bird and it breeds in much of the Old World and the Atlantic coast of north America. It feeds on the sea, in estuaries and on freshwater lakes and rivers. Northern birds migrate south and winter along any coast that is well-supplied with fish. The (Great) Cormorant is found around the UK coastline on rocky shores, coastal lagoons and estuaries and it is increasingly seen inland at reservoirs, lakes and gravel pits. The UK holds internationally important wintering numbers. The (Great) Cormorant mainly nests in colonies near wetlands, rivers and sheltered inshore waters. Pairs will use the same nest site to breed year after year. It builds its nest, which is made mainly from sticks, in trees, on the ledges of cliffs and on the ground on rocky islands that are free of predators. The female lays 3 to 5 eggs which are incubated for a period of about 28 to 31 days. The (Great) Cormorant feeds on fish caught through diving and it will consume all fish of appropriate size that they are able to catch. Many fishermen see the (Great) Cormorant a competitor for fish. Because of this, it was nearly hunted to extinction in the past. Due to conservation efforts, its numbers increased although this has once again brought it in to conflict with fisheries. In the UK, where inland breeding was once uncommon, there are now increasing numbers of birds and many inland fish farms and fisheries now claim to be suffering high losses. In the UK each year, some licences are issued to cull specified numbers in order to help reduce predation although it is still illegal to kill a bird without such a licence. Date: 31st January 2020 Location: Kilmore Quay, Co. Wexford, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40755767.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16576435965e20436e838e2.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle Goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 6th December 2019 Location: Oudeland van Strijen, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5325720.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12049388874c1dd3ef45af6.jpgFulmar The Fulmar is almost gull-like but is a grey and white seabird that is related to the albatrosses. It flies low over the sea on stiff wings with shallow wing beats, gliding and banking to show its white under-parts and then grey upper-parts. At its breeding sites it will fly high up the cliff face riding the updraughts. Fulmars feed in flocks out at sea and defend their nests from intruders by spitting out a foul-smelling oil. Fulmars breed on coastal cliffs with suitable ledges and grassy slopes but will occasionally breed on buildings. Fulmars are best looked for at seabird colonies and are most abundant along the Scottish coastline especially in the Northern Isles. They are least common along the east, south and north-west coasts of England. Adults are present at the breeding colonies nearly all year although young birds leave in late summer. Away from the breeding colonies, Fulmars spend their whole time offshore at sea. Date: 3rd June 2010 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/ferruginous-duck https://images.on-this.website/4752_15599985155512b9b798b25.jpgFerruginous Duck The Ferruginous Duck is a medium-sized diving duck known colloquially by birders as "fudge duck". The adult male is a rich chestnut colour with a darker back and a yellow eye. The female is similar but duller and with a dark eye. The Ferruginous Duck feeds mainly by diving or dabbling. They eat aquatic plants with some molluscs, aquatic insects and small fish. The Ferruginous Duck breeds in southern and eastern Europe and southern and western Asia. They are somewhat migratory and winter farther south and into north Africa. Their breeding habitat is marshes and lakes with a metre or more water depth. It is a gregarious bird, forming large flocks in winter, often mixed with other diving ducks, such as Tufted Ducks and Common Pochards. This bird was part of the captive collection at the WWT London Wetland Centre. Date: 7th March 2015 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847524.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_50032966759bd52351c549.jpgSlovak Paradise, Slovakia Slovak Paradise (Slovenský raj) is a mountain range in eastern Slovakia. It is a part of the Spiš-Gemer Karst, which in turn is a part of the Slovak Ore Mountains (Slovenské rudohorie), a major subdivision of the Western Carpathians. It is located between the towns of Spišská Nová Ves in the north and Dobšiná in the south. Slovak Paradise is a plain with high plateaus between 2625 feet and 3280 feet. The highest peak is Ondrejisko at 4167 feet. The area is mainly formed of karst limestone and dolomite. The karst plateaus show phenomena such as sinkholes and limestone pavements. Other typical features are canyons, gorges and ravines which form picturesque rocky scenes with waterfalls which were created mainly by the Hnilec and Hornád rivers and their tributaries. 80% of the area is covered with spruce forests. There are more than 200 caves and underground abysses. Among the caves, Dobšinská ľadová jaskyňa (Dobšinská Ice Cave) and Medvedia jaskyňa (Bear Cave) are the best known. Slovak Paradise is protected by Slovak Paradise National Park (Národný park Slovenský raj), one of the 9 national parks in Slovakia. It covers an area of 76.3 square miles with a surrounding buffer zone of 50 square miles. It is situated in the Banská Bystrica region, Prešov region and Košice Region. The highest peak is Predná hoľa at 5069 feet. Slovak Paradise National Park includes 11 National Nature Reserves and 8 Nature Reserves and around 185 miles of hiking trails, often equipped with ladders, chains and bridges. It also contains about 350 caves but only the Dobšinská ľadová jaskyňa (Dobšinská Ice Cave), a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000, is open to the public. The first protected reserve in the area of the Slovak Paradise was founded in 1890. The name Slovenský raj first appeared in 1921 in the "Krásy Slovenska" magazine and replaced many names used until that period. In August 1964 the first Protected Landscape Area in Slovakia was established in Slovak Paradise. The area was redesignated as Slovak Paradise National Park in January 1988. Since 2004, parts of the national park have been included in the Natura 2000 ecological network, the network of nature protection areas within the European Union. The best known tourist centres in Slovak Paradise National Park are Čingov, Podlesok, Dedinky and Kláštorisko. Date: 31st May 2017 Location: Palcmanská Masa and Dedinky, Slovak Paradise National Park, Košice region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4267275.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9403762374b5223db0ee27.jpgLoch na Keal, Mull, Argyll Loch na Keal, meaning Loch of the Kyle or Loch of the Narrows, is the principal sea loch on the western coastline of the island of Mull. It extends for over 13 miles inland and almost cuts the island in half as it reaches a point only 3 miles from the east coast. Loch na Keal consists of a wide triangular shaped outer loch, separated from Loch Tuath to the north by the islands of Gometra and Ulva, leading into a narrow inner loch. The island of Staffa is at the mouth of the outer loch, the island of Inch Kenneth is in the outer loch and the island of Eorsa is in the inner loch. The outer loch northern coastline is made up of basaltic ridges and many rocks and islets with many different types of vegetation. The southern coastline, bounded by the Ardmeanach peninsula, has cliffs, land slips and substantial slopes that are covered in scree. The northern shore of the inner loch is steeply sloped with Killiechronan Wood to the east. The southern shore of the inner loch consists of cliffs and slopes leading to the Munro and extinct volcano of Ben More (3169 feet high) with Scarisdale Wood to the south east. Loch na Keal has no significant villages. Most of the small settlements are at the head (east end) of the loch where there is a small area of flat land where the River Bà flows into Loch na Keal from Loch Bà. These include Gruline, a small scattered settlement, primarily consisting of crofting and tourist homes. The closest larger village is Salen, located 2.5 miles north east across the isthmus from the head of the loch. Date: 31st December 2009 Location: view from southern shore http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52518231.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6330039367545c5461c2d.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the Canidae family and is a part of the order Carnivora within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 17th October 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52698364.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_79705252867b0be41924f7.jpgKnot The Knot is a dumpy, short-legged, stocky wading bird. In winter, the Knot is grey above and white below but in summer the chest, belly and face are brick red, hence the name Red Knot in north America. The Knot breeds in the tundra areas of the far Arctic north of Europe, Russia and Canada. During migration periods, it can be seen on tidal flats, rocky shores and beaches. The Knot undertakes one of the longest migrations of any bird flying from their Arctic breeding grounds to the coasts and estuaries of Europe, Africa and Australia where they spend the winter. During winter, the Knot forms large, wheeling flocks that contain in excess of 100,000 birds. Date: 29th January 2025 Location: EWT Two Tree Island, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7439576.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12472810814cd571db17fff.jpgSierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain This Natural Park (Parque Natural) includes a large sector of the central Sierra Morena, the east-west line of mountains which divides Andalucia from the rest of Spain. The Sierra de Andújar stretches for 45 miles with a highest point of 4230 feet and it is densely wooded boasting one of Andalucia's best preserved expanses of Mediterranean woodland and scrubland. The Sierra de Andújar is one of two of Spain's last refuges for the elusive and highly endangered Iberian Lynx. Date: 8th September 2010 Location: view from road along River Andújar to Jándula Dam http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19507517.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_54943285752528c3202431.jpgBlack-winged Stilt The Black-winged Stilt is a widely distributed very long-legged wader. They have long pink-red legs, a long thin black bill and are blackish above and white below with a white head and neck with a varying amount of black. Both in flight and at rest the long pink-red legs are characteristic and even if these are hidden in water of unknown depth, the pure white underparts and jet black upperparts are distinctive. The amount of dark feathering on the otherwise white head doesn't necessarily indicate the sex of a stilt although young birds always have smoky patterning on the head. The Black-winged Stilt can be found in central and southern Europe, central and southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Many birds migrate to south of the Sahara from August to November and return in March and April. However, many of those which breed in Iberia are now increasingly remaining throughout the year. The Black-winged Stilt breeds around shallow wetlands, especially coastal lagoons, saltpans and estuaries. The nest site is a bare spot on the ground near water and birds often nest in small groups, sometimes with Avocets. In Europe, the Black-winged Stilt is a regular spring overshoot vagrant north of its normal range, occasionally remaining to breed in northern European countries including the UK. Date: 9th September 2013 Location: La Janda, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457211.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_187827054466857116e2153.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41187484.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11163431945ea6dfeceaff9.jpgCoot The Coot is an all black bird with a distinctive white beak and “shield” above the beak from which earns it the title “bald”. Its feet have distinctive lobed flaps of skin on the toes which act instead of webs when swimming. It patters noisily over the water before taking off and can be very aggressive towards other birds. Coot can be found all the year round mainly on freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers and town park lakes. Sometimes they can be seen offshore, especially in winter if freshwater areas are frozen. They breed in areas of fairly shallow standing freshwater with a muddy bottom and plenty of vegetation at the sides, usually in lowland areas. Date: 26th April 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084527.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2307890115d30876c6fade.jpgWhite Stork The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 3rd June 2018 Location: Ocland, Harghita County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49002640.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17621049406468f4175a5c3.jpgSandwich Terns The Sandwich Tern is a medium-large tern, gull-like in appearance but usually with a more delicate, lighter build and shorter, weaker legs. It is very closely related to the Lesser Crested Tern, Chinese Crested Tern, Cabot's Tern and Elegant Tern and it has been known to inter-breed with the Lesser Crested Tern. It is 15 to 17 inches in length with a 33 to 38 inches wingspan. It has long, pointed wings, which gives it a fast buoyant flight, and a deeply forked tail. The upperwings are pale grey and the underparts are white. It has a shaggy black crest. The thin sharp bill is black with a yellow tip and the short legs are black. It looks very pale in flight although the primary flight feathers darken during the summer. In winter, the adult's forehead becomes white. Juveniles have dark tips to their tails and a scaly appearance on their back and wings. The Sandwich Tern has an extensive global range and, whilst population trends have not been quantified, it is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List. For these reasons, it is evaluated as “least concern”. The Sandwich Tern breeds in very dense colonies on coasts and islands and exceptionally inland on suitable large freshwater lakes close to the coast. It nests in a ground scrape and lays 1 to 3 eggs. Unlike some of the smaller white terns, it is not very aggressive toward potential predators, relying on the sheer density of the nests and nesting close to other more aggressive species such as the Arctic Tern and the Black-headed Gull. In the UK, the Sandwich Tern can be seen from late March to September and there are breeding colonies scattered around the UK coasts including the north Norfolk coast and at Minsmere in Suffolk and Dungeness in Kent. The Sandwich tern feeds by plunge-diving for fish, almost invariably from the sea. It usually dives directly and not from a hover favoured by other terns. The offering of fish by the male to the female is part of the courtship display. Date: 17th May 2023 Location: RSPB Minsmere, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo20950848.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_699941786535e0e6dc4a88.jpgWoodpigeon The Woodpigeon is the UK's largest and commonest pigeon and is largely grey with a white neck patch and white wing patches which are clearly visible in flight. Although shy in the countryside, it can be tame and approachable in towns and cities. Its cooing call is a familiar sound in woodlands as is the loud clatter of its wings when it flies away. Woodpigeons can be found across the UK. In the countryside they breed on farmland with hedges, trees and copses and in towns and cities they breed in parks and gardens. In winter, Woodpigeons form large flocks on farmland fields. Date: 12th April 2014 Location: Rye Meads RSPB reserve, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21894891.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_69809986753d111051e3fb.jpgSwallow The Barn Swallow is the most widespread species of swallow in the world. In Europe it is just called the Swallow and in northern Europe it is the only common species called a "swallow" rather than a "martin". The male Swallow has steel blue upperparts and a rufous forehead, chin and throat which are separated from the off-white underparts by a broad dark blue breast band. The outer tail feathers are elongated to give the distinctive deeply forked "swallow tail." There is a line of white spots across the outer end of the upper tail. The female is similar in appearance to the male but the tail streamers are shorter, the blue of the upperparts and breast band is less glossy and the underparts more pale. The juvenile is browner and has a paler rufous face and whiter underparts. It also lacks the long tail streamers of the adult. The Swallow has an enormous range with an estimated global extent of 20 million square miles and a population of 190 million individuals. It breeds in the Northern Hemisphere from sea level to typically 8,900 feet but up 9,800 feet in the Caucasus and North America and it is absent only from deserts and the cold northernmost parts of the continents. Over much of its range it avoids towns and in Europe is replaced in urban areas by the House Martin. There are 6 subspecies of the Swallow which breed across the Northern Hemisphere, of which 4 are strongly migratory with their wintering grounds covering much of the Southern Hemisphere as far south as central Argentina, the Cape Province of South Africa and northern Australia. The Swallow can be found in open country with low vegetation such as pasture, meadows and farmland, preferably with nearby water. It avoids heavily wooded or precipitous areas and densely built-up locations. The presence of accessible open structures such as barns, stables or culverts to provide nesting sites and exposed locations such as wires, roof ridges or bare branches for perching are also important in the bird's selection of its breeding range. This species lives in close association with humans and its insect-eating habits mean that it is tolerated by man. This acceptance was reinforced in the past by superstitions regarding the bird and its nest. There are frequent cultural references to the Swallow in literary and religious works due to both its living in close proximity to humans and its annual migration. The Swallow is the national bird of Austria and Estonia. In winter, the Swallow is cosmopolitan in its choice of habitat, avoiding only dense forests and deserts. It is most common in open, low vegetation habitats such as savanna and ranch land. Individual birds tend to return to the same wintering locality each year and congregate from a large area to roost in reed beds. These roosts can be extremely large with one in Nigeria holding an estimated 1.5 million birds. Date: 20th June 2014 Location: Applecross, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42222316.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1519507736023a2ebbf49a.jpgNorthern Hawk Owl The Northern Hawk Owl is a medium sized owl, 14 to 16 inches long and with a wing span of 8.5 to 10 inches. Females are slightly larger than males. The term "hawk" refers to its falcon-like wing shape and long tail. The facial disc is whitish and broadly rimmed blackish at the sides. The eyebrows are white and the eyes are pale yellow. The upperparts are dark grey to dusky greyish-brown with the crown densely spotted whitish and the nape has indistinct false eyes. The mantle and back are dusky grey with some whitish dots and the scapulars are mainly white forming rather broad white bands across the shoulder. The flight feathers are dark grey-brown with rows of white spots. The tail is long and graduated and dark greyish-brown with several narrow whitish bars. The underparts are whitish and barred with greyish-brown. The legs and toes are feathered. The Northern Hawk Owl is found in the boreal coniferous forests of North America and Eurasia, usually on the edges of more open woodland, and hunts in semi-open country with scattered trees or groups of trees. It nests in large tree cavities or uses nests abandoned by other large birds and moves widely within its area of distribution, breeding where food is abundant. The Northern Hawk Owl is a partially diurnal owl which hunts voles and birds like thrushes. It waits on a treetop or other perch and takes advantage of its rapid flight to overtake prey. It has exceptional hearing and can plunge into snow to capture rodents below the surface. The typical male call is a rapid, melodious, purring trill of up to 14 seconds long which consists of about 11 to 15 notes per second. It begins softly, rises slightly in pitch and increases to a vibrating trill before breaking off abruptly. This is repeated at various intervals. Females utter a similar, higher-pitched, less clear song. Date: 9th July 2019 Location: Iivaara, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/vard-norway https://images.on-this.website/4752_20213951694eff200cbd94c.jpgVardø, Norway Vardø is a small town located on the island of Vardøya in the Barents Sea just off the coast of the Varanger peninsula in Vardø municipality in Finnmark county in north east Norway. Vardø is the easternmost town in Norway (and in all the Nordic countries) located at 31°E which is east of Saint Petersburg, Kiev, and Istanbul. The eastern part of Finnmark is in the same time zone as the rest of Norway but it is more than an hour at odds with daylight hours. Vardø is connected to the mainland by the undersea Vardø tunnel which is part of European route E75. The port of Vardø, and another port in nearby Svartnes on the mainland, remains ice-free all year round thanks to the effect of the warm North Atlantic drift and the largest industry in the town is fishing and fish processing. Since 1998, Vardø has housed a radar installation called Globus II. Its official purpose is the tracking of space junk but due to the site's proximity to Russia and an alleged connection between the Globus II system and US anti-missile systems, the site has been the basis for heated controversy in diplomatic and intelligence circles. Date: 27th May 2009 Location: view looking north east towards Vardøya and Vardø, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/baltic-gull https://images.on-this.website/4752_7569248175ff30dbf02cb7.jpgBaltic Gull The Baltic Gull [i]Larus fuscus fuscus[/i] is the eastern form of the Lesser Black-backed Gull (one of 5 recognised sub-species) although it is treated by some authorities as a distinct species. It is found in north Norway, Sweden and Finland east to the White Sea on the north west coast of Russia. The Lesser Black-backed Gull is slightly smaller than the Herring Gull and has a dark grey to black back and wings, yellow bill and yellow legs. The Baltic Gull has a jet black rather than dark grey black. The world population of the Lesser Black-backed Gull is found entirely in Europe. After declines in the 19th century due to persecution, the Lesser Black-backed Gull increased its range and numbers. This expansion has now halted and there is serious concern about declines in many parts of its range. Date: 7th July 2019 Location: Kuntilampi, near Kuusamo, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45948294.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_825124866284a93fef6f1.jpgGadwall The Gadwall is one of the most common and widespread dabbling ducks. The breeding male is patterned grey with a black rear end, light chestnut wings and a brilliant white speculum which is obvious in flight or at rest. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female but retains the male wing pattern and is usually greyer above and has less orange on the bill. The female is light brown with plumage much like a female Mallard. It can be distinguished from that species by the dark orange-edged bill, smaller size, the white speculum and white belly. The Gadwall breeds in north Europe and Asia and central north America and appears to be expanding into eastern north America. It is a bird of open wetlands and lakes, wet grassland or marshes with dense fringing vegetation and it nests on the ground, often some distance from water. In the UK, the Gadwall is a scarce breeding bird on some lakes and gravel pits in the Midlands, south east England, eastern central Scotland, eastern Northern Ireland and south east Wales. In winter, numbers increase as birds migrate to spend the winter in the UK on gravel pits, lakes, reservoirs and coastal wetlands. Date: 14th April 2022 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081385.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5727337763a7179e92098.jpgHerring Gull The Herring Gull is one of the best known of all gulls along the shores of Europe. Adults in breeding plumage have a grey back and upperwings and white head and underparts. The wingtips are black with white spots known as "mirrors". The bill is yellow with a red spot and there is a ring of bare yellow skin around the pale eye. The legs are normally pink at all ages but can be yellowish. Non-breeding adults have brown streaks on the head and neck. Male and female plumage is identical at all stages of development although adult males are often larger. Juvenile and first-winter birds are mainly brown with darker streaks and have a dark bill and eyes. Second-winter birds have a whiter head and underparts with less streaking and the back is grey. Third-winter individuals are similar to adults but retain some of the features of immature birds such as brown feathers in the wings and dark markings on the bill. The Herring Gull attains adult plumage and reaches sexual maturity at an average age of 4 years. The loud laughing call of the Herring Gull is well known and is often seen as a symbol of the seaside in countries such as the UK. It also has a yelping alarm call and a low barking anxiety call. Chicks and fledglings emit a distinctive, repetitive high-pitched 'peep', accompanied by a head-flicking gesture when begging for food from or calling to their parents. Adult gulls in urban areas will also exhibit this behaviour when fed by humans. The Herring Gull breeds across northern Europe, western Europe, central Europe, eastern Europe, Scandinavia and the Baltic states. Some, especially those resident in colder areas, migrate further south in winter but many are permanent residents such as in the UK or on the North Sea shores. While Herring Gull numbers appear to have been decreased in recent years, possibly by fish population declines and competition, they have proved able to survive in human-adapted areas and can often be seen in towns acting as a scavenger. The Herring Gull, like most gulls, is an omnivore and opportunist and will scavenge from garbage dumps, landfill sites and sewage outflows with refuse comprising up to half of the bird's diet. In addition, it will eat fish, crustaceans and dead animals as well as some plants and it will steal the eggs and young of other birds (including those of other gulls). The Herring Gull may also dive from the surface of the water or engage in plunge diving in the pursuit of aquatic prey although they are typically unable to reach any great depth due to their natural buoyancy. Date: 12th January 2022 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo442121.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1309791773467f1c257826c.jpgRiver Ribble, North Yorkshire The upper reaches of the River Ribble flow through Ribblesdale in the Yorkshire Dales National Park surrounded by the peaks of Ingleborough and Pen-y-Ghent. Date: 10th April 2006 Location: view from the bridge at Horton-in-Ribblesdale http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo445644.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13216158364681c4db7a83c.jpgApplecross Bay, Wester Ross The small village of Applecross is the best known settlement on the Applecross peninsula of Wester Ross and is located at the foot of the notorious Bealach na Ba route over the Applecross mountains. The village of Applecross looks out northwards over Applecross Bay, one of the largest sandy inlets in Wester Ross. There are stunning views across the bay and the Inner Sound to Skye and Raasay. The Gaelic name for Applecross is a'Chomraich which translates as "The Sanctuary". This dates back to the building of a monastery here by the Irish monk, Maelrubha, in 671 and the establishment of an area of 6 square miles around it as a sanctuary. Date: 11th June 2006 Location: view from the unclassified road between Applecross and Shieldaig on the northern side of the bay http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31192237.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2276240595918236b02e0c4.75371490.jpgBlack Grouse The Black Grouse is a large game bird in the grouse family. The male has all black plumage with distinctive red wattles over the eyes and striking white stripes along each wing in flight. It has a lyre-shaped tail which is fanned out and raised to show white under-tail feathers when displaying. The female is smaller and grey-brown in colour. The Black Grouse is a sedentary species and breeds across northern Eurasia in moorland and bog areas near to mostly boreal woodland. Although it is declining, it is not considered to be vulnerable globally due to the large population and slow rate of decline. Its decline is due to loss of habitat, disturbance, predation by foxes, crows, etc., and small populations gradually dying out. In the UK, the Black Grouse are found in upland areas of Wales, the Pennines and most of Scotland, especially on farmland and moorland with nearby forestry or scattered trees. Habitat loss and overgrazing have resulted in severe population declines which make the Black Grouse a Red List species. Positive habitat management and re-introduction programmes are helping it to increase in some areas. The Black Grouse has a very distinctive and well-recorded courtship. At dawn in the spring, the males strut around in a traditional area (lek) and display whilst making a highly distinctive and bubbling mating call. This photo was taken at a well known roadside lekking site. If visiting, please remain in your car to avoid disturbance to these vulnerable breeding birds. Date: 6th May 2017 Location: World's End, Denbighshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo47806647.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_31028244963610c7416581.jpgCommon Buzzard The Common Buzzard is a member of the genus Buteo and the family Accipitridae, a group of medium-sized raptors with robust bodies and broad wings. The Buteo species of Eurasia and Africa are usually commonly referred to as buzzards whilst those in the Americas are called hawks. Under current classification, the genus Buteo includes approximately 28 species. The Common Buzzard includes between 7 to 16 sub-species and the western Buteo group includes Buteo buteo buteo which is found more or less continuously throughout Europe including the UK. The Common Buzzard is a medium-sized raptor that is highly variable in plumage. It is distinctly round headed with a somewhat slender bill and it has relatively long wings that either reach or fall slightly short of the tail tip when perched, a fairly short tail and somewhat short and mainly bare tarsi. It can appear fairly compact in overall appearance but may also appear large relative to other commoner raptors such as the Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. The Common Buzzard measures between 16 and 23 inches in length with a 3 feet 7 inches to 4 feet 7 inches wingspan. Females average about 2 to 7% larger than males in length and weigh about 15% more. Body mass can show considerable variation from 0.94 to 2.6 pounds in males and 1.07 to 3.02 pounds in females. In Europe, the Common Buzzard is typically dark brown above and on the upperside of the head and mantle but this can become paler and warmer brown with worn plumage. Usually the tail will be narrowly barred grey-brown and dark brown with a pale tip and a broad dark subterminal band but the tail in the palest birds can show a varying amount of white and a reduced sub-terminal band or even appear almost all white. The underside colouring can be variable but typically shows a brown-streaked white throat with a somewhat darker chest. A pale U across the breast is often present followed by a pale line running down the belly which separates the dark areas on the breast side and flanks. These pale areas tend to have highly variable markings that form irregular bars. Juveniles are quite similar to adults and are best told apart by having a paler eye, a narrower sub-terminal band on the tail and underside markings that appear as streaks rather than bars. Beyond the typical mid-range brownish Common Buzzard, birds in Europe can range from almost uniform black-brown above to mainly white. Extreme dark individuals may range from chocolate-brown to blackish with almost no pale colour showing but with a variable or faded U on the breast and with or without faint lighter brown throat streaks. Extreme pale individuals are largely whitish with variable widely spaced streaks or arrowheads of light brown about the mid-chest and flanks and may or may not show dark feather-centres on the head, wing-coverts and sometimes all but part of the mantle. Individuals can show nearly endless variation of colours and hues in between these extremes and the Common Buzzard is among the most variably plumaged diurnal raptors for this reason. The Common Buzzard is often confused with other raptors especially in flight or at a distance including other Buteo species such as Rough-legged Buzzard and Long-legged Buzzard and also Honey Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, Golden Eagle, Booted Eagle and Short-toed Eagle. The Common Buzzard is found throughout several islands in the eastern Atlantic islands, including the Canary Islands and the Azores, and almost throughout Europe. In the UK, it is found in Northern Ireland and in nearly every part of Scotland and England. In mainland Europe, there are no substantial gaps in the range from Portugal and Spain to Greece, Estonia, Belarus and the Ukraine, although it is present mainly only in the breeding season in much of the eastern half of the latter 3 countries. It is also present in all larger Mediterranean islands such as Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily and Crete. Further north in to Scandinavia, it is found mainly in south Norway, the southern half of Sweden and in the southern two-thirds of Finland. The Common Buzzard reaches its northern limit as a breeder in far eastern Finland and over the border in to European Russia and nearly to the Kola Peninsula. In these northern limits, the Common Buzzard is present typically only in summer. The Common Buzzard generally inhabits the interface of woodlands and open ground and typically lives in forest edge, small broad-leaved, coniferous or mixed woodlands with adjacent grassland, arable fields or other farmland and open moorland as long as there are some trees. It is absent from treeless tundra and sporadic or rare in treeless steppe. The Common Buzzard can be found from sea level to elevations of 6600 feet although it breeds mostly below 3300 feet. It can winter to an elevation of 8200 feet and migrates easily at 14,800 feet. The Common Buzzard is a partial migrant. Autumn and spring movements are subject to extensive variation, even down to the individual level, based on a region's food resources, competition (both from other Common Buzzards and other predators), the extent of human disturbance and weather conditions. Short distance movements are the norm for juveniles and some adults in autumn and winter but more adults in central and south Europe and the UK remain in their year-around areas than do not. The Common Buzzard is a typical Buteo in much of its behaviour. It is most often seen effortlessly soaring for extended periods at varying heights although it can appear laborious and heavy in level flight. It is also often seen perched prominently on tree tops, bare branches, telegraph poles, fence posts, rocks or ledges or alternatively well inside the tree canopy. It will also stand and forage on the ground. The Common Buzzard is a generalist predator which hunts a wide variety of prey given the opportunity. The prey extents to a wide variety of vertebrates including mammals, birds (from any age from eggs to adult birds), reptiles, amphibians and fish as well as to various invertebrates, mostly insects. In total, well over 300 prey species are known to be taken by the Common Buzzard. However, dietary studies have shown that it mostly preys upon small mammals, mainly small rodents. Furthermore, prey size can vary from tiny beetles, caterpillars and ants to large adult grouse and Rabbits up to nearly twice their body mass. At times, the Common Buzzard will also subsist partially on carrion, usually of dead mammals or fish. Hunting in relatively open areas has been found to increase hunting success whereas more complete shrub cover lowered success. A majority of prey is taken by dropping from a perch and is normally taken on the ground. Prey may also be hunted in a low flight, by random glides or soars or by foraging on the ground. The home range of the Common Buzzard is generally 0.19 to 0.77 square miles and the size of the breeding territory seems to be correlated with food supply. The territory is maintained through flight displays and in Europe territorial behaviour usually starts in February. However, displays are not uncommon throughout the year in resident pairs, especially by males, and can elicit similar displays by their neighbours. In the display, the Common Buzzard generally engages in high circling, spiraling upward on slightly raised wings. Mutual high circling by pairs sometimes goes on at length, especially during the period prior to or during breeding season. During the mutual displays, the male may engage in exaggerated deep flapping or zig-zag tumbling, apparently in response to the female being too distant. Several pairs may circle together at times and as many as 14 individual adults have been recorded over established display sites. Sky-dancing by the Common Buzzard has been recorded in spring and autumn, typically by the male but sometimes by the female, nearly always with much calling. Sky-dances are of the rollercoaster type, with an upward sweep of up to 100 feet until the bird starts start to stall but sometimes embellished with loops or rolls at the top. Next in the sky-dance, the bird will dive at least 200 feet on more or less closed wings before spreading them and shooting up again. These sky-dances may be repeated in series of 10 to 20. In the climax of the sky-dance, the undulations become progressively shallower, often slowing and terminating directly on to a perch. Various other aerial displays include low contour flight or weaving among trees, frequently with deep beats and exaggerated upstrokes which show underwing pattern to rivals perched below. Talon grappling and occasionally cartwheeling downward with feet interlocked has also been recorded. The Common Buzzard tends to build a bulky nest of sticks, twigs and often heather and lined with broad-leaved foliage. Nests are up to 3.3 to 3.9 feet across and 24 inches deep. With reuse over years, the diameter of a nest can reach or exceed 5 feet. Trees are generally used for a nesting location but crags or cliffs are used if trees are unavailable. Nests in trees are usually located by the main trunk at a height of around 10 to 82 feet. Pairs often have 2 to 4 nests in a territory but some pairs may use a single nest over several consecutive years. The breeding season of the Common Buzzard commences at differing times based on latitude. It may fall as early as January to April but typically it is March to July in most of Europe. In the northern limits of the range the breeding season may occur from May to August. Mating usually occurs on or near the nest and eggs are usually laid in 2 to 3 day intervals. The clutch size can range from to 2 to 6 and it appears that local factors such as habitat and food supply are relevant. Eggs are generally laid in late March to early April in the extreme south, sometime in April in most of Europe and in to May and possibly even early June in the extreme north. If eggs are lost to a predator or fail in some other way, replacement clutches are not usually laid although this has been recorded. Incubation lasts for 33 to 35 days and is mostly, but not solely, undertaken by the female. Hatching may take place over 3 to 7 days. Often the youngest nestling dies from starvation, especially in broods of 3 or more. The female remains at the nest brooding the young in the early stages with the male bringing all prey. At about 8 to 12 days, both the male and female will bring prey but the female continues to do all feeding until the young can tear up their own prey. The young are nearly fully feathered rather than downy at about a month of age and can start to feed themselves as well. The first attempts to leave the nest are often at about 40 to 50 days. Fledging occurs typically at 43 to 54 days but in extreme cases as late 62 days. After leaving the nest, the young generally stay close by until full independence 6 to 8 weeks after fledging. Numerous factors may influence the breeding success of the Common Buzzard including the availability of prey populations, habitat, disturbance and persecution levels and competition. The Common Buzzard is one of the most numerous birds of prey in its range and it is the most numerous diurnal bird of prey throughout much of Europe. Date: 22nd June 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/sierra-de-andjar-andalucia-road https://images.on-this.website/4752_14153927884cd571b412c59.jpgSierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain This Natural Park (Parque Natural) includes a large sector of the central Sierra Morena, the east-west line of mountains which divides Andalucia from the rest of Spain. This Natural Park (Parque Natural) includes a large sector of the central Sierra Morena, the east-west line of mountains which divides Andalucia from the rest of Spain. The Sierra de Andújar stretches for 45 miles with a highest point of 4230 feet and it is densely wooded boasting one of Andalucia's best preserved expanses of Mediterranean woodland and scrubland. The Sierra de Andújar is one of two of Spain's last refuges for the elusive and highly endangered Iberian Lynx. Date: 8th September 2010 Location: view from road to Embalse del Jándula http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871589.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5194499224eff1ed67aa95.jpgReindeer The Reindeer, also known as the Caribou in North America, is a deer from the Arctic and sub Arctic, including both resident and migratory populations. Whilst it is overall widespread and numerous, some of its subspecies are rare or already extinct. The Reindeer is a widespread and numerous species in the northern Holarctic, being present in tundra (frozen arctic plain with lichens, mosses and dwarfed vegetation) and taiga (marshy pine forest) regions. Originally, the Reindeer was found in Scandinavia, eastern Europe, Russia, Mongolia, and northern China. In North America, it was found in Canada, Alaska and the northern USA from Washington to Maine. It also occurred naturally on Sakhalin, Greenland, and probably even in historical times in Ireland. Today, wild Reindeer have disappeared from many areas within this large historical range, especially from the southern parts where it has vanished almost everywhere. Large populations of wild Reindeer are still found in Norway, Finland, Siberia, Greenland, Alaska, and Canada. Wild Reindeer hunting and herding of semi-domesticated Reindeer (for meat, hides, antlers, milk and transportation) are important to several Arctic and Subarctic people. Domesticated Reindeer are mostly found in northern Fennoscandia and Russia with a herd of approximately 150-170 Reindeer also living around the Cairngorms region in Scotland. Reindeer vary considerably in colour and size. Both sexes grow antlers, though they are typically larger in males. Even far outside its range, the Reindeer is well known due to the myth, probably originating in early 19th century America, in which Santa Claus's sleigh is pulled by flying Reindeer, a popular element of Christmas. Date: 25th May 2009 Location: east of Sodankylä, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/rspb-ramsey-island https://images.on-this.website/4752_167867212464995f3c2a55a.jpgRSPB Ramsey Island, Pembrokeshire RSPB Ramsey Island is recognised as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Special Protection Area (SPA) and a Natura 2000 site. RSPB Ramsey Island is located just 1 mile off the St David's peninsula and a 3.5 mile trail, tough going and rugged in some places, provides a route around it. The summits of Carn Ysgubor and Carn Llundain give amazing views east to the mainland, south to Skomer Island and, on the clearest of days, west to Ireland. At nearly 400 feet high in some places, the western cliffs on RSPB Ramsey Island are among the highest in Wales. These provide nesting sites for breeding Guillemots, Razorbills, Kittiwakes, Fulmars, Choughs and Ravens. A large Atlantic Grey Seal colony lives around the island, with pups born in September and October, and Harbour Porpoise often feed in Ramsey Sound. Other habitats in the interior of the island include grassland and heathland providing breeding habitat for Wheatears, Stonechats, Meadow Pipits, Linnets and Skylarks. In 1999/2000 RSPB Ramsey Island was finally cleared of the Brown Rats that had decimated the island's bird populations for 100 years. The highest standards of bio-security are still maintained in order to ensure rats and mice, which have disastrous impacts on seabird colonies, are never re-introduced to the island again. Date: 6th June 2023 Location: view from Pembrokeshire Coast Path at St. David's Head http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28885995.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_27173829857cc379b4830f.jpgRoe Deer The Roe Deer is a small deer which has a white to buff patch on their rump, a black nose and “moustache” and a white chin. Its coat varies from sandy to reddish-brown in the summer to grey-brown or even black in winter. The antlers, which have no more than 3 points and are less than 10 inches in length, grow in winter and are shed in the autumn. The Roe Deer is found throughout Europe but it is absent from Ireland, much of Portugal, Greece and large parts of England and Wales. Roe Deer became extinct in most of England during the 18th century but they were reintroduced in the 19th century. The Roe Deer lives mainly in woodland where there are open patches of ground and access to the edges of fields and it feeds on grasses and the leaves of young broad-leaved trees and bushes. Both male and female Roe Deer are usually solitary and highly territorial with clearly defined boundaries which they scent mark. The Roe Deer has very good senses of smell, hearing and vision. When alarmed, it makes a characteristic barking noise. Roe Deer mate in July and August and fawns are born in the following spring. Many fawns die during their first year due to heavy predation by foxes. Date: 12th May 2016 Location: Tuhu Soo, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11159388.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5679572234e1582af17109.jpgCanada Goose The Canada Goose belongs to the [i]Branta[/i] genus of geese which contains species with largely black plumage distinguishing it from the grey species of the genus [i]Anser[/i]. The black head and neck with a white "chinstrap" distinguish the Canada Goose from all other goose species with the exception of the Cackling Goose from north America and the Barnacle Goose which has a black breast and grey rather than brownish body plumage. The 7 sub-species of the Canada Goose vary widely in size and plumage details but all are recognizable as Canada Geese. Of the "true geese" (i.e. the genera [i]Anser[/i], [i]Branta[/i] or [i]Chen[/i]), the Canada Goose is on average the largest living species. It ranges from 30 to 43 inches in length and with a 50 to 73 inches wingspan. The male usually weighs 5.7 to 14.3 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 8.6 pounds. The female looks virtually identical but is slightly lighter at 5.3 to 12.1 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 7.9 pounds. It is also generally 10% smaller in linear dimensions than the male. The Canada Goose is native to north America where it breeds in Canada and the north USA in a wide range of habitats. The Great Lakes region maintains a very large population. It occurs all year round in the southern part of its breeding range, including most of the eastern seaboard and the Pacific coast. Between California and South Carolina in the south USA and north Mexico, it is primarily present as a migrant from further north during the winter. Outside north America, the Canada Goose has reached north Europe naturally as has been proved by ringing recoveries. It has also been introduced in to Europe and had established populations in the UK in the middle of the 18th century, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany and Scandinavia. Most European populations are not migratory but those in more northerly parts of Sweden and Finland migrate to the North Sea and Baltic coasts. Semi-tame feral birds are common in parks and have become a pest in some areas. In the early 17th century, explorer Samuel de Champlain sent several pairs of Canada Geese to France as a present for King Louis XIII. Canada Geese were first introduced in to the UK in the late 17th century as an addition to King James II's waterfowl collection in St. James's Park. They were also introduced in to Germany and Scandinavia during the 20th century. During the second year of its life, the Canada Goose finds a mate. It is a monogamous species and most couples stay together all of their lives. If one dies, the other may find a new mate. The female lays from 2 to 9 eggs with an average of 5. Both parents protect the nest while the eggs incubate but the female spends more time at the nest than the male. The nest is usually located in an elevated area near water such as streams, lakes and ponds and the eggs are laid in a shallow depression lined with plant material and down. The incubation period, in which the female incubates the eggs while the male remains nearby, lasts for 24 to 28 days after laying. As soon as the goslings hatch, they are immediately capable of walking, swimming and finding their own food (a diet similar to the adults). Parents are often seen leading their goslings in a line, usually with one adult at the front and the other at the back. While protecting their goslings, parents often violently chase away anything from small birds to lone humans who approach, after warning them by giving off a hissing sound and then attacking with bites and slaps of the wings if the threat does not retreat. Although parents are hostile to unfamiliar geese, they may form groups (crèches) of a number of goslings and a few adults. The goslings enter the fledgling stage any time from 6 to 9 weeks of age. Once it reaches adulthood, due to its large size and often aggressive behaviour, the Canada Goose is rarely preyed on although prior injury may make it more vulnerable to natural predators. The lifespan in the wild of birds that survive to adulthood ranges from 10 to 24 years. The UK longevity record is held by a specimen tagged as a nestling which was observed alive at the age of 31. The Canada Goose is primarily a herbivore although it will sometimes eat small insects and fish. Their diet includes grasses, aquatic plants, beans and grains such as wheat, rice, and corn when they are available. In urban areas, it is also known to pick food out of rubbish bins and it will readily take a variety of food from humans in parks. Date: 3rd February 2009 Location: Northlands Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14247078.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17605126494f4e03ce500b3.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 25th February 2012 Location: Verulamium Park, St Albans, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41389691.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18975438835f2695c659dab.jpgWhite-tailed Eagles The White-tailed Eagle is a very large bird with a 72 to 96 inch wingspan and is the fourth largest eagle in the world. It has broad "barn door" wings, a large head and a thick "meat-cleaver" beak. The adult is mainly brown except for the paler head and neck, blackish flight feathers, distinctive white tail, and yellow bill and legs. In juvenile birds the tail and bill are darker, with the tail becoming white with a dark terminal band in sub-adults. The White-tailed Eagle breeds in northern Europe and northern Asia. The largest population in Europe is found along the coast of Norway. In the UK it became extinct during the early 20th century and the present population in Scotland has arisen from a reintroduction programme which commenced on the island of Rhum in 1975. It is still a rare breeding bird which was previously confined to the west coast of Scotland, although a reintroduction programme is now taking place in east Scotland. Date: 1st July 2019 Location: Krampenes to Skallelv, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46510946.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_55713127262c98d196ebb5.jpgBlack Grouse The Black Grouse is a large game bird in the grouse family. The male has all black plumage with distinctive red wattles over the eyes and striking white stripes along each wing in flight. It has a lyre-shaped tail which is fanned out and raised to show white under-tail feathers when displaying. The female is smaller and grey-brown in colour. The Black Grouse is a sedentary species and breeds across northern Eurasia in moorland and bog areas near to mostly boreal woodland. Although it is declining, it is not considered to be vulnerable globally due to the large population and slow rate of decline. Its decline is due to loss of habitat, disturbance, predation by foxes, crows, etc., and small populations gradually dying out. In the UK, the Black Grouse are found in upland areas of Wales, the Pennines and most of Scotland, especially on farmland and moorland with nearby forestry or scattered trees. Habitat loss and overgrazing have resulted in severe population declines which make the Black Grouse a Red List species. Positive habitat management and re-introduction programmes are helping it to increase in some areas. The Black Grouse has a very distinctive and well-recorded courtship. At dawn in the spring, the males strut around in a traditional area (lek) and display whilst making a highly distinctive and bubbling mating call. This photo was taken at a well known roadside lekking site. If visiting, please remain in your car to avoid disturbance to these vulnerable breeding birds. Date: 7th May 2022 Location: World's End, Denbighshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30825684.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_50999279558f3495c34ebd1.23002862.jpgAvocet The (Pied) Avocet is a large black and white wader in the avocet and stilt family. It is one of 4 species of avocet that make up the genus Recurvirostra. The genus name is from the Latin [i]recurvus[/i] meaning "curved backwards" and [i]rostrum[/i] meaning "bill". The Avocet is a striking white wader with bold black markings. Adults have white plumage except for a black cap and black patches in the wings and on the back. They have long, upturned bills and long, bluish legs. Males and females look alike whilst juveniles resemble the adult but with more greyish and sepia tones. The Avocet breeds in temperate Europe and western and central Asia. The breeding habitat is shallow lakes with brackish water and exposed bare mud where they build a nest on open ground in a lined scrape or on a mound of vegetation. The Avocet is a migratory species and most winter in Africa or southern Asia. Some remain to winter in the mildest parts of their range such as in southern Spain and southern England. The Avocet feeds on crustaceans and insects in shallow brackish water or on mud flats, often scything their bills from side to side in water (a feeding technique that is unique to the avocet species). The Avocet was extinct as a breeding species in the UK by 1840 but its successful recolonisation at Minsmere in Suffolk in 1947 led to its adoption as the logo of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Date: 9th April 2017 Location: EWT Blue House Farm, North Fambridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11328476.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4494505264e1d66fde7382.jpgCoot The Coot is an all black bird with a distinctive white beak and “shield” above the beak from which earns it the title “bald”. Its feet have distinctive lobed flaps of skin on the toes which act instead of webs when swimming. It patters noisily over the water before taking off and can be very aggressive towards other birds. Coot can be found all the year round mainly on freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers and town park lakes. Sometimes they can be seen offshore, especially in winter if freshwater areas are frozen. They breed in areas of fairly shallow standing freshwater with a muddy bottom and plenty of vegetation at the sides, usually in lowland areas. Date: 2nd February 2008 Location: Northlands Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46027948.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8409747866291ef80e21f6.jpgOystercatcher The Oystercatcher is a wader in the oystercatcher family. It is an obvious and noisy bird with black and white plumage, red legs and a strong broad red bill which is used for smashing or prising open molluscs such as mussels or for finding earthworms. Despite its name, oysters do not form a large part of its diet. The Oystercatcher is unmistakable in flight with white patches on the wings and tail with otherwise black upperparts and white underparts. Young birds are more brown, have a white neck collar and a duller bill. The call is a distinctive loud piping. The bill shape varies: Oystercatchers with broad bill tips open molluscs by prising them apart or hammering through the shell whereas birds with pointed bills dig up worms. Much of this is due to the wear resulting from feeding on their prey. Individual Oystercatchers specialise in one technique or the other which they learn from their parents. The Oystercatcher is the most widespread of the oystercatchers with 3 races breeding in western Europe, central Eurasia, Kamchatka, China, and the western coast of Korea. It is a migratory species over most of its range. The European population breeds mainly in northern Europe but in winter the birds can be found in north Africa and southern parts of Europe. Although the species is present all year in Ireland, the UK and the adjacent European coasts, there is still migratory movement within these populations. The Oystercatcher breeds on shingle and rocky beaches, sand dunes, salt marshes and on the grassy tops of small islands and also inland on shingle banks of rivers, lakes and gravel pits. Date: 21st May 2022 Location: EWT Two Tree Island, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4267233.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17414433004b52236f692db.jpgWigeon The Eurasian Wigeon, or simply Wigeon, is one of 3 species of Wigeon in the dabbling duck genus [i]Mareca[/i]. The Wigeon is 17 to 20 inches in length with a 28 to 31 inches wingspan. The breeding male has grey flanks and back with a black rear end, a dark green speculum and a brilliant white patch on the upper wings which obvious in flight or at rest. It has a pink breast, white belly and a chestnut head with a creamy crown. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female. The female is generally light brown but it can be distinguished from most other ducks, apart from the American Wigeon, on shape. The Wigeon breeds in the northernmost areas of Europe and Asia where it is the Old World counterpart of north America's American Wigeon. It is a bird of open wetlands, such as wet grassland or marshes with some taller vegetation, and nests on the ground near water and under cover. The Wigeon is strongly migratory and winters further south than its breeding range. It is highly gregarious outside of the breeding season and will form large flocks. In the UK, the Wigeon can be found all year round. It is a scarce breeding bird in central and northern Scotland and in northern England. In winter, many birds arrive in the UK from Iceland, Scandinavia and Russia and very large numbers can be seen on the coasts and at some inland sites. The Wigeon is categorised by the IUCN as a species of “Least Concern” but it is a species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 26th December 2009 Location: Buckenham Marshes, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41537246.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16765978845f3cfdf1137e1.jpgFlåget, Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Ekkerøy is a small village in Troms og Finnmark in north east Norway. It is located on the Varanger peninsula along the shore of the Varangerfjord. The village lies along the European route E75 about 9 miles east of the town of Vadsø. As the ending "øy" in the name indicates, Ekkerøy was originally an island. However, it is now joined to the Varanger peninsula by a narrow isthmus of land. At the mainland end of the isthmus is the small hamlet of Valen. The headland on the northern tip of Ekkerøy is called Varnes and its eastern tip is called Skagodden. The bay on the north east side of the neck which joins Ekkerøy to the mainland is called Yttersida and that on the south west side is called Innersida. Ekkerøy is one of the few places in Troms og Finnmark where pre-World War 2 buildings can be seen. When the German army retreated from the Litsa front and Kirkenes in late 1944, they burned most buildings in the county under Operation Nordlicht, the German “scorched earth” retreat from Finnmark. However, buildings on the north side of the Varangerfjord survived because the Russians advanced so quickly that the German troops in this area fled west to get across the Tana river before they were cut off and therefore did not have enough time to obey the order to destroy all buildings. Historically, the economy of Ekkerøy was based on fishing and farming but today tourism also forms part of the economy. Flåget is a bird reserve with an easily accessible bird cliff just outside the village. The cliffs face south towards the Varangerfjord, stretch for just over 0.5 miles and rise steeply to a height of 130 to 165 feet. They can be reached by a short walk from a small car park. Flåget is best known for a huge colony of breeding Kittiwakes between March and September. In addition, Ekkerøy and nearby Salttjern, have sheltered sandy bays and these, together with the Varangerfjord offshore, provide good habitats for many species of birds and sea mammals. Date: 4th July 2019 Location: Flåget, Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453888.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8189795424ff5447867a32.jpgEuropean Bee-eater The European Bee-eater is an incredibly colourful bird with an unmistakable appearance. In breeding plumage, it has a rich chestnut crown that blends into gold on its back. The forehead is white, the throat is yellow bordered by black and the underparts are blue. The male European Bee-eater has a chestnut-coloured patch in the middle of the wing while in females this patch is usually smaller or even absent. Occasionally, females may also be distinguished from the males by having a green back. The wings and backs of juvenile European Bee-eaters are entirely green and the eyes are brown in contrast to the bright red eyes of adults. The European Bee-eater breeds in southern Europe and in parts of north Africa and western Asia. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, India and Sri Lanka. European Bee-eaters are occasionally seen in northern Europe (including the UK) as a spring overshoot north of its range with occasional breeding occurring. Just as the name suggests, the European Bee-eater predominantly eats insects, especially bees, wasps and hornets which are caught in the air by sorties from an open perch. Before eating its meal, a European Bee-eater removes the sting by repeatedly hitting the insect on a hard surface. Lizards and frogs are also taken. European Bee-eaters are gregarious, nesting colonially in sandy banks preferably near river shores and also feeding and roosting communally. Date: 25th April 2012 Location: road to La Lancha and Embalse del Jándula, Sierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/black-tailed-skimmer https://images.on-this.website/4752_2005980733467ea8afe59ce.jpgBlack-tailed Skimmer Flight period: May to August. The Black-tailed Skimmer is a common dragonfly in south east England and it is expanding its range northwards. They can be found around lowland lakes, ponds, sand and gravel workings, slow flowing rivers and brackish water. Date: 8th July 2006 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo16548225.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10533673045083a3d2a2f8b.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 7th October 2012 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12744800.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17729950284e706d595cf29.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 7th December 2007 Location: Donna Nook, Lincolnshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/willow-warbler-fledgling https://images.on-this.website/4752_61031520055a4cbeb47d80.jpgWillow Warbler fledgling The Willow Warbler is one of the [i]Phylloscopus[/i] leaf warblers. It is greenish brown above and off-white to yellowish below and the wings are plain greenish-brown with no wing bars. Juveniles are yellower below than the adults. The Willow Warbler is very similar to the Chiffchaff but non-singing birds can be distinguished from that species by their paler pinkish-yellow legs (dark brown to blackish in Chiffchaff), longer paler bill, more elegant shape and longer primary projection (wingtip). The Willow Warbler is very common and widespread and breeds throughout northern and temperate Europe and Asia from Ireland east to the Anadyr River basin in eastern Siberia. The highest population densities are found in Scandinavia (where it is often the commonest bird) but lower densities occur further east and south in its range. In England, it has on average decreased in population by 70% within the last 25 years with the biggest declines in the south east. In Scotland, some increases in the population have occurred. The Willow Warbler is strongly migratory with almost all of the population wintering in sub-Saharan Africa during October to March. It is one of the first warblers to return in the spring from mid March to mid May although this is later than the closely related Chiffchaff. The Willow Warbler can be found in open, scrubby woodlands with small trees such as birch, alder and willow, including human-altered habitats such as coppice and young plantations up to 10 to 20 years old. The nest is usually built in close contact with the ground, often in low vegetation such as bracken, mosses and bramble The Willow Warbler is insectivorous and eats a wide variety of small insects and spiders but additionally fruit and berries in the autumn. Date: 21st June 2015 Location: Loch Insh, Kincraig, Dunkeld, Perthshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40648543.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2506012925df9fd83c5a02.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 30th November 2019 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41183548.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18292396535e9c305ad3e26.jpgCommon Lizard The Common Lizard ranges across central and northern Europe (but are absent from the Mediterranean area) and through to northern Asia. It is the most common lizard in northern regions and the only reptile found in Ireland. The Common Lizard has a long body and short legs. It has coarse scales which range from grey, brown, bronze or green on the back and males are generally darker than females. It has a series of white spots down the flanks, which fuse to form a line, and a black line along the back. The Common Lizard also has numerous black spots scattered over the body. Males have orange/yellow bellies with black spots and females have cream/white bellies. The Common Lizard is found in a range of habitats including woodland, marshes, heathland, moors, sand dunes, hedgerows, bogs and rubbish dumps and it hunts insects, spiders, snails and earthworms, stunning its prey by shaking it and then swallowing it whole. The Common Lizard is active during the day and spends the morning and afternoon (but not the intense heat of midday) basking in the sun either alone or in groups. It is a good swimmer and will dive underwater when threatened. At night, and when startled, it will shelter beneath logs, stones and metal sheets. After emerging from hibernation, males defend breeding territories from other males. The young develop over 3 months within egg membranes inside the female's body which they usually break out of as she gives birth. Litters of 3 to 12 young are born from June to September after which time the mother shows no parental care with the young feeding actively from birth and quickly dispersing. The Common Lizard hibernates from October to March. It will often hibernate in groups and sometimes emerge for a brief time during warm spells. Date: 16th April 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/nant-francon-gwynedd https://images.on-this.website/4752_19157998724dca3e15aa70c.jpgNant Francon, Gwynedd Nant Ffrancon is a steep-sided glacial valley situated between the Glyderau and the Carneddau mountains in Snowdonia. It lies south of Bethesda and north of Llyn Ogwen. The summit of the pass at 1,024 feet is at Pont Wern-gof, about 1/3 of a mile beyond the eastern end of Llyn Ogwen. The River Ogwen flows through Nant Frrancon. The A5 road runs down the eastern side of Nant Ffrancon and is the Holyhead to London trunk road which was re-engineered by Thomas Telford between 1810 and 1826. A narrow and very quiet single track minor road runs down the west side of Nant Ffrancon. Date: 7th May 2011 Location: view looking north from minor road http://www.richardchewphotography.com/applecross-highland https://images.on-this.website/4752_18850620514681c74c4f424.jpgApplecross, Highland Height: Beinn Bhan 2939ft The Applecross Peninsula projects westwards from the mainland towards Raasay and Skye and is dominated by the Applecross Mountains. Much of the area’s attraction lies in its remoteness and its distinctive history and in 1822 a road was built from Kishorn in the east and over the Bealach na Ba (Pass of the Cattle) to Applecross village. Date: 11th June 2006 Location: view from Ardarroch and Loch Kishorn just off the A896 road between Shieldaig and Lochcarron http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405380.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5531678296586ce58387c0.jpgAvocet The (Pied) Avocet is a large black and white wader in the avocet and stilt family. It is one of 4 species of avocet that make up the genus Recurvirostra. The genus name is from the Latin recurvus meaning "curved backwards" and rostrum meaning "bill". The Avocet is a striking white wader with bold black markings. Adults have white plumage except for a black cap and black patches in the wings and on the back. They have long, upturned bills and long, bluish legs. Males and females look alike whilst juveniles resemble the adult but with more greyish and sepia tones. The Avocet breeds in temperate Europe and western and central Asia. The breeding habitat is shallow lakes with brackish water and exposed bare mud where they build a nest on open ground in a lined scrape or on a mound of vegetation. The Avocet is a migratory species and most winter in Africa or southern Asia. Some remain to winter in the mildest parts of their range such as in southern Spain and southern England. The Avocet feeds on crustaceans and insects in shallow brackish water or on mud flats, often scything their bills from side to side in water (a feeding technique that is unique to the avocet species). The Avocet was extinct as a breeding species in the UK by 1840 but its successful recolonisation at Minsmere in Suffolk in 1947 led to its adoption as the logo of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Date: 24th September 2023 Location: RSPB Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14863187.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_593339614fae2ad2cadb3.jpgGlossy Ibis The Glossy Ibis is a wading bird and a member of the ibis family. Breeding adults have reddish-brown bodies and shiny bottle-green wings whilst non-breeders and juveniles have duller bodies. They have a brownish bill, dark facial skin bordered above and below in blue-grey (non-breeding) to cobalt blue (breeding) and red-brown legs. Unlike herons, ibises fly with necks outstretched and often flocks fly in lines. The Glossy Ibis is the most widespread ibis species breeding in scattered sites in the warmer regions of Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and the Atlantic and Caribbean region of the Americas. They are also migratory with most European birds wintering in Africa. The Glossy Ibis nests colonially in trees often with herons. It is also gregarious when feeding in marshy wetlands when it predates on fish, frogs and other water creatures. The Glossy Ibis is a very rare visitor to the UK although some individuals have stayed here for many months or even years. The species is prone to occasional influxes and in 2009 the UK enjoyed the biggest influx ever with small flocks discovered in several counties. This photo shows a Glossy Ibis that was seen at various locations in Essex during March and April 2012. The bird was ringed at El Rocio in the Coto Donana National Park in southern Spain in September 2007. Date: 2nd April 2012 Location: Baddow Meads flood plain, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40399584.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15826943075dc6ae0c5123e.jpgCamas nan Geall and Ben Hiant, Ardnamurchan, Highland Camas nan Geall is a sandy bay on the south shore of the Ardnamurchan peninsula. The bay lies to the west of the promontory Rubha Aird Slignich and to the east of Ben Hiant and Maclean's Nose. Camas nan Geall is of archaeological interest with a Neolithic chambered cairn and a Bronze Age standing stone. Camas nan Geall is one of the most photographed beaches on the Ardnamurchan peninsula with excellent views of the bay from a viewpoint off the B8007. The Lochaber Geopark interpretation board at the viewpoint also gives a fascinating insight into the geology and local landmarks. Ben Hiant rises to a height of 1732 feet and is located 3 miles east of Kilchoan. It dominates the northern shore of Loch Sunart with its bare rock exposures and jutting outcrops. Again, excellent views can be obtained from the B8007 viewpoint. Ben Hiant has been designated as an SSSI for its geological features and flora and fauna. The viewpoint on the B8007 is also a good location to scan the skyline for raptors (including Golden and White-tailed Eagles, Common Buzzards and Peregrines) and corvids (Ravens and Hooded Crows). Date: 4th October 2019 Location: view from the B8007 viewpoint between Glenborrodale and Kilchoan http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874888.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1794965298561cd1c7953df.jpgKolgrafafjörður, Snæfellsnes peninsula, west Iceland Kolgrafafjörður is a fjord situated between Stykkishólmur and Grundarfjörður on the north coast of the Snæfellsnes peninsula in west Iceland. Date: 6th June 2015 Location: view from road 54 west of Stykkishólmur http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847568.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_42202561259bd52eb42f32.jpgWhite Storks The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 1st June 2017 Location: near Zemplinska reservoir, Košice region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14155784.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18959700274f3cd26b592fb.jpgGreat Spotted Woodpecker The Great Spotted Woodpecker is a Blackbird-sized bird with striking black and white plumage. The male has a distinctive red patch on the back of the head and young birds have a red crown. Great Spotted Woodpeckers have a very distinctive bouncing flight and spend most of their time clinging to tree trunks and branches. Their presence is often announced by its loud call or by its distinctive spring “drumming” display. Great Spotted Woodpeckers can be found all year round and are most common in woodlands, parks and large gardens in England and Wales. They also readily visit bird tables and peanut feeders. Date: 12th February 2012 Location: Pennington Flash, Greater Manchester http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18776268.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_205992111951f4ceb02c4dd.jpgBlack Grouse The Black Grouse is a large game bird in the grouse family. The male has all black plumage with distinctive red wattles over the eyes and striking white stripes along each wing in flight. It has a lyre-shaped tail which is fanned out and raised to show white under-tail feathers when displaying. The female is smaller and grey-brown in colour. The Black Grouse is a sedentary species and breeds across northern Eurasia in moorland and bog areas near to mostly boreal woodland. Although it is declining, it is not considered to be vulnerable globally due to the large population and slow rate of decline. Its decline is due to loss of habitat, disturbance, predation by foxes, crows, etc., and small populations gradually dying out. In the UK, the Black Grouse are found in upland areas of Wales, the Pennines and most of Scotland, especially on farmland and moorland with nearby forestry or scattered trees. Habitat loss and overgrazing have resulted in severe population declines which make the Black Grouse a Red List species. Positive habitat management and re-introduction programmes are helping it to increase in some areas. The Black Grouse has a very distinctive and well-recorded courtship. At dawn in the spring, the males strut around in a traditional area (lek) and display whilst making a highly distinctive and bubbling mating call. Date: 19th June 2013 Location: undisclosed site, Perthshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/biaowiea-poland https://images.on-this.website/4752_67186311851e3cfb3b4cf3.jpgBiałowieża, Poland The Białowieża forest is an ancient mixed forest that straddles the border between Poland and Belarus. It is one of the largest remaining parts of the immense primaeval forest that once stretched across the Great European Plain. On the Polish side, the central part of the Białowieża forest is protected as the Białowieża National Park with an area of about 39 square miles. The National Park, created in 1932, is under strict preservation and has been declared by UNESCO a World Biosphere Reserve and put on the World Heritage List. The Białowieża forest is home to many species of forest birds plus large mammals such as Wolf, Lynx, Moose and European Bison. Date: 25th May 2013 Location: south of Białowieża around Narewka bridge, Białowieża area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17408523.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1210128050513327a0e9d32.jpgPintail Slightly bigger than a Mallard, the Pintail is a long-necked and small-headed duck which flies with a curved back, pointed wings and a long tapering tail. The male's long central tail feathers give rise to the species' English and scientific names. Both sexes have blue-grey bills and grey legs and feet. The male is more striking, having a thin white stripe running from the back of its chocolate-coloured head down its neck to its mostly white underparts. The male also has attractive grey, brown, and black patterning on its back and sides. The female's plumage is more subtle and subdued with drab brown feathers similar to those of other female dabbling ducks. The Pintail can be found all year round but it is primarily a winter visitor with significant populations occurring on coasts, estuaries and other wetlands at sites such as the Dee Estuary, Solway Estuary and Ouse Washes. The winter population arrives in September with numbers peaking in December and the return migration takes place from late February into March. Date: 12th January 2013 Location: Martin Mere WWT reserve, Lancashire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo16548226.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_85619765083a3d9f0eb3.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 7th October 2012 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46510851.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_159273664262c98cff19ff0.jpgBlack Grouse The Black Grouse is a large game bird in the grouse family. The male has all black plumage with distinctive red wattles over the eyes and striking white stripes along each wing in flight. It has a lyre-shaped tail which is fanned out and raised to show white under-tail feathers when displaying. The female is smaller and grey-brown in colour. The Black Grouse is a sedentary species and breeds across northern Eurasia in moorland and bog areas near to mostly boreal woodland. Although it is declining, it is not considered to be vulnerable globally due to the large population and slow rate of decline. Its decline is due to loss of habitat, disturbance, predation by foxes, crows, etc., and small populations gradually dying out. In the UK, the Black Grouse are found in upland areas of Wales, the Pennines and most of Scotland, especially on farmland and moorland with nearby forestry or scattered trees. Habitat loss and overgrazing have resulted in severe population declines which make the Black Grouse a Red List species. Positive habitat management and re-introduction programmes are helping it to increase in some areas. The Black Grouse has a very distinctive and well-recorded courtship. At dawn in the spring, the males strut around in a traditional area (lek) and display whilst making a highly distinctive and bubbling mating call. This photo was taken at a well known roadside lekking site. If visiting, please remain in your car to avoid disturbance to these vulnerable breeding birds. Date: 7th May 2022 Location: World's End, Denbighshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512248.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_167395613762c9964d5c4ac.jpgDartford Warbler The Dartford Warbler is a small warbler distinguished by its long tail compared with that of other warblers. Its plumage comprises unobtrusive and muted tones which blend in with its preferred habitats. Like many warblers, the Dartford Warbler has distinct male and female plumages. The male has a grey back and head, reddish underparts and a red eye. The female is paler below, especially on the throat, and a browner grey above. The song of the Dartford Warbler is a distinctive rattling warble. The largest populations of Dartford Warbler are found in Iberia with smaller populations in France, Italy and the south of the UK. In Africa, they are found in small areas in northern Morocco and northern Algeria. The Dartford Warbler breeds on heathlands amongst gorse, heather and other scrub bushes, sometimes near coasts. Dartford Warblers are named after Dartford Heath in north west Kent in the UK where the population became extinct in the early 20th century. They almost died out in the UK in the severe winter of 1962/63 when the national population dropped to just 10 pairs. However, this species can recover well in good quality habitat, thanks to repeated nesting and a high survival rate for the young. In the UK, Dartford Warblers can now be found at various heathland locations in south and east England. Date: 11th May 2022 Location: Morden Bog, Wareham Forest, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11948156.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4829185804e410f8e93bf0.jpgFallow Deer Fallow Deer are native to the Mediterranean region of Europe and from Turkey to Iran but they have been introduced to nearly 40 countries including the UK by the Normans in the 11th century. They have since become the most widespread species of deer in the UK and typically can be found in deciduous woodland with open patches. Fallow Deer commonly gather in small herds of 4 to 5 but in good feeding areas groupings of up to 100 may gather. When competing for access to females, males display by groaning, thrashing their antlers and by walking alongside their opponent. Fighting occurs if both stags are evenly matched and involves wrestling and clashing of antlers. Fallow Deer have many colour varieties but they are typically fawn-coloured in the summer and reddish-brown in the winter. They have yellow-white undersides, white spots and a black line that runs along the back to the tip of the tail. The spots become less conspicuous or disappear in winter. Males have palmate (flattened) antlers. Date: 22nd October 2008 Location: Bradgate Park, Newton Linford , Leicestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo16548217.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21389027115083a39a09118.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 7th October 2012 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7439564.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1706375424cd5719de890f.jpgSierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain This Natural Park (Parque Natural) includes a large sector of the central Sierra Morena, the east-west line of mountains which divides Andalucia from the rest of Spain. This Natural Park (Parque Natural) includes a large sector of the central Sierra Morena, the east-west line of mountains which divides Andalucia from the rest of Spain. The Sierra de Andújar stretches for 45 miles with a highest point of 4230 feet and it is densely wooded boasting one of Andalucia's best preserved expanses of Mediterranean woodland and scrubland. The Sierra de Andújar is one of two of Spain's last refuges for the elusive and highly endangered Iberian Lynx. Date: 7th September 2010 Location: view from road to Embalse del Jándula http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31192381.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5427111595918242b633637.98201525.jpgGreat Spotted Woodpecker The Great Spotted Woodpecker is a Blackbird-sized bird with striking black and white plumage. The male has a distinctive red patch on the back of the head and young birds have a red crown. Great Spotted Woodpeckers have a very distinctive bouncing flight and spend most of their time clinging to tree trunks and branches. Their presence is often announced by its loud call or by its distinctive spring “drumming” display. Great Spotted Woodpeckers can be found all year round and are most common in woodlands, parks and large gardens in England and Wales. They also readily visit bird tables and peanut feeders. Date: 9th May 2017 Location: Weeting Heath NWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28883596.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_132561162257cc0569335d5.jpgCommon Rosefinch The Common Rosefinch is the most widespread and common rosefinch species of Europe and Asia. The male has brilliant rosy-carmine head, breast and rump, heavy bill, dark brown wings with two indistinct bars and a white belly. Females and young males are dull-coloured with yellowish-brown above, brighter on the rump and greyer on the head and buff below. The Common Rosefinch can be found in summer in thickets, woodland and forest edges near rivers and in winter in gardens and orchards, wetlands and locally in dry oak woods. The Common Rosefinch breeds throughout eastern Europe and north, central and east Asia and has spread westward through Europe in recent decades. It is a fairly regular passage visitor to the UK and a scare breeder. Date: 19th May 2016 Location: Alam Pedja Nature Reserve, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11328488.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3496307114e1d67178ceab.jpgMoorhen The Moorhen is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird that is usually found near water. From a distance it looks black with a ragged white line along its body. However, closer up it is olive-brown on the back and the head and blue-grey underneath. It has a red bill with a yellow tip. The Moorhen can be found all year round almost anywhere where there is water. They breed in lowland areas particularly in central and eastern England but are scarce in northern Scotland and the uplands of Wales and northern England. UK breeding birds are residents and seldom travel far. Date: 2nd February 2008 Location: Northlands Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28570352.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5733742157a87090316ac.jpgBlack-tailed Godwit The Black-tailed Godwit is a large, long-legged, long-billed shorebird with an orange head, neck and chest in its breeding plumage and a uniform brown-grey breast and upperparts in winter. During the breeding season, the bill has a yellowish or orange-pink base and dark tip but the base is pink in winter. The legs are dark grey, brown or black. The sexes are similar but in breeding plumage they can be separated by the male's brighter, more extensive orange breast, neck and head. In flight, the bold black and white wingbar and white rump can be seen readily. When on the ground the Black-tailed Godwit can be difficult to separate from the similar Bar-tailed Godwit but the Black-tailed Godwit's longer, straighter bill and longer legs are diagnostic. The Black-tailed Godwit’s breeding range stretches from Iceland through northern Europe and areas of central Asia where it can be found in fens, lake edges, damp meadows, moorlands and bogs. It winters in areas as diverse as the Indian Subcontinent, Australia, western Europe and west Africa where it can be found on estuaries and floods. It is also more likely to be found inland and on freshwater than the Bar-tailed Godwit. Date: 1st August 2016 Location: Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42202613.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12105526565ff30da8a466a.jpgWhite-tailed Eagle The White-tailed Eagle is a very large bird with a 72 to 96 inch wingspan and is the fourth largest eagle in the world. It has broad "barn door" wings, a large head and a thick "meat-cleaver" beak. The adult is mainly brown except for the paler head and neck, blackish flight feathers, distinctive white tail, and yellow bill and legs. In juvenile birds the tail and bill are darker, with the tail becoming white with a dark terminal band in sub-adults. The White-tailed Eagle breeds in northern Europe and northern Asia. The largest population in Europe is found along the coast of Norway. In the UK it became extinct during the early 20th century and the present population in Scotland has arisen from a reintroduction programme which commenced on the island of Rhum in 1975. It is still a rare breeding bird which was previously confined to the west coast of Scotland, although a reintroduction programme is now taking place in east Scotland. Date: 7th July 2019 Location: Kuntilampi, near Kuusamo, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874826.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1844036822561ccef4d2dcb.jpgHaukadalur, south Iceland The Haukadalur geothermal area is located in south west Iceland to the north east of the Reykjanes peninsula and Reykjavík. Here can be seen some of the most famous sights of Iceland: the geysers and other geothermal features which have developed on the Laugarfjall rhyolitic dome. The biggest geysers of Haukadalur are Strokkur and Geysir. There are also more than 40 other hot springs, mud pots and fumaroles nearby. The oldest accounts of hot springs at Haukadalur date back to 1294 when earthquakes in the area caused significant changes in the local neighbouring landscape creating several new hot springs. Changes in the activity of Geysir and the surrounding geysers are still strongly related to earthquake activity. Strokkur is a fountain geyser and is one of Iceland's most famous geysers. It is very dependable and erupts about every 5 to 10 minutes with boiling water reaching a height of 50 to 65 feet and sometimes up to 130 feet. Geysir, sometimes known as The Great Geysir, was the first geyser described in a printed source in the 18th century and the first known to modern Europeans. Since unusual natural phenomena were of high interest to society during the Age of Enlightenment, the term became popular and has been used for similar hydrothermal features worldwide since then. The English word geyser derives from Geysir whilst Geysir itself is derived from the Icelandic verb <i>geysa</i> ("to gush"). Eruptions at Geysir can hurl boiling water up to 230 feet in the air but eruptions are now very infrequent and have in the past stopped altogether for years at a time. The Haukadalur geothermal area, usually referred to as Geysir, is popular with tourists and, together with the magnificent waterfall at Gulfoss and Þingvellir, it is part of a group of the most famous sights of Iceland known as the "Golden Circle". Date: 7th June 2015 Location: Strokkur at Haukadalur http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13683398.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_693806374ed7384e941a6.jpgBarn Owl With a heart shaped face, buff back and wings and pure white under-parts the Barn Owl is a distinctive and much-loved bird of the countryside. Barn Owls are widely distributed across the UK and can be seen all year round sometimes during the day but normally at dusk in open country and along field edges, riverbanks and roadside verges. Barn owls have suffered population declines over the past 50 years as a result of habitat degradation following increasing intensive agricultural practices. However, that decline has stopped in many areas and their population may now be increasing. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23225867.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2000715120548d5391655e5.jpgCattle Egret The Cattle Egret is a stocky white bird adorned with buff plumes in the breeding season. The easiest way to separate them from Little Egrets is by their short, yellow rather than long, black bills but Cattle Egrets are also smaller, stockier and more squat in shape with shorter, thicker necks and less elegant heads. The Cattle Egret is a cosmopolitan species of heron found in the tropics, subtropics and warm temperate zones. Originally native to parts of Asia, Africa and Europe, it has undergone a rapid expansion in its distribution and successfully colonised much of the rest of the world. Cattle Egrets breed and roost in trees usually close to fresh water and feed in shallow wetlands, especially rice-paddies, but also dry grasslands. They can often be seen feeding around cattle waiting to pick off disturbed insects, including riding on the backs of animals. Cattle Egrets are visiting the UK in increasing numbers and are most likely to be seen in the south of England and Wales. In winter 2007/08, a large influx of Cattle Egrets occurred in the UK, with the largest numbers in south-west England although birds did get as far north as Scotland. This influx led to the first ever pair breeding successfully in Somerset. Date: 8th December 2014 Location: Denge Marsh, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084930.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6399447655d3089b15f647.jpgPiatra Craiului Mountains, Brașov County, Romania The Piatra Craiului Mountains are a mountain range in the Southern Carpathians in central Romania. It forms a narrow and saw-like ridge which is about 16 miles long. Vârful La Om is the highest peak at 7343 feet. The ridge is regarded as one of the most impressive and beautiful sites in the Carpathian Mountians and the views both towards and from the mountains are superb. The whole range is included in the Piatra Craiului National Park. The first protection of this area started in 1938 when 2 square miles were declared as a nature reserve. This has been progressively extended and in 1990 it became a national park covering an area of 38 square miles. In 2003 the external limits and internal zoning were created. Since 1999 a park administration has existed with a visitor centre located on the minor road 0.6 miles west of Zărnești and since 2005 a management plan has been in place. Piatra Craiului National Park supports and protects an abundance and diversity of mammals (including Brown Bear, Wolf and Lynx), birds and plants. Zărneşti is the most important town for visiting the Piatra Craiului Mountains and the Piatra Craiului National Park. The town is located 17 miles south west of the city of Brașov. From Zărnești, a 7 mile long minor road runs west and ends at Cabana Plaiul Foii which is a good starting point for climbing the ridge. In addition, a forest road starts from the south west of Zărneşti which leads to the Zărneştilor Gorge and continues up to the ridge. The traditional villages of Măgura, Peştera, Ciocanu and Şirnea are starting points for routes up to the eastern slopes. Măgura, situated at 3281 feet, is one of Romania’s most picturesque villages and it provides stunning views towards the Bucegi Mountains and the Piatra Craiului Mountains. Date: 6th June 2018 Location: Piatra Craiului Mountains from the Zărnești to Cabana Plaiul Foii road, Brașov County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871693.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3514651954eff20a6b6202.jpgWaxwing The Waxwing is a plump bird which is slightly smaller than a starling. It is reddish-brown with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings, a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest. Waxwings breed in the dense forests of northern Europe but they occur in varying numbers in the UK from October to March. In some years they can occur in large numbers (known as irruptions) when the population in the breeding areas gets too big for the food available. Waxwings make an easily recognisable high-pitched trilling sound like a bell. Date: 29th May 2009 Location: north of Sodankylä, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/hairy-shieldbug https://images.on-this.website/4752_9478150205eb973e07075f.jpgHairy Shieldbug The Hairy Shieldbug is a species of shield bug in the family [i]Pentatomidae[/i]. It is a large and distinctive species reaching a length of about 0.4 to 0.5 inches and is purple-brown and greenish in colour with banded black and white antennae. The whole body is covered with long hairs. During the winter, the ground colour becomes uniformly dull brown. The male and female are very similar. The Hairy Shieldbug overwinters as an adult and emerges in the spring when mating occurs and females lay eggs. By the end of summer, the new generation of adults appear. The Hairy Shieldbug is common and widespread in most of Europe and central Asia where it mainly inhabits hedgerows and woodland edges, fields, forests, parks and gardens. It can be found in many habitats throughout the UK but is scarcer and mainly coastal in the north. Date: 7th May 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49003042.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12362860216468fcb32a349.jpgAdder Adders are widespread throughout mainland UK but they are absent from Ireland. They occur throughout Europe, with the exception of the Mediterranean islands, and across Russia and Asia through to northern China. They are the UK's only venomous reptile. Adders are relatively short and robust snakes with large heads and a rounded snout. Males are usually a grey or buff colour with vivid black markings although they can also vary from silver to yellow or green in colour. Females are brown with dark red-brown markings that are less prominent than in the males. Both sexes have a zigzag pattern running along the back with a / or X-shaped marking at the rear of the head. Adders can be found in a variety of habitats, including open woodland, hedgerows, moorland, sand dunes, riverbanks, bogs, heathland and mountains. They are active during the day and spend time basking until their body temperature is high enough to hunt for food. Adders use venom to immobilise prey such as lizards, amphibians, nestlings and small mammals. After striking their prey, they will leave the venom to take effect before following the victim’s scent to find the body. Mating takes place between April and May with males often fighting for females. Females have a 3 to 4 month gestation period and Adders are one of the few snakes that are viviparous (give birth to live young). In late August females give birth to between 5 and 20 live young and the young remain close to their mother for a few days before going off in search of food. Adders hibernate from September to March often using deserted rabbit or rodent burrows or settling under logs. They sometimes hibernate communally. Males emerge 2 to 5 weeks before the females and shed their skin before setting off in search of females. Adders are not aggressive snakes and they will only attack if harassed or threatened. Although an Adder’s venom poses little danger to a healthy adult, the bite is very painful and requires urgent medical attention. Date: 3rd May 2023 Location: Benfleet and Hadleigh Downs, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/river-conwy-conwy https://images.on-this.website/4752_1100009132591823acc0af26.61675646.jpgRiver Conwy, Conwy The River Conwy (Welsh: Afon Conwy) is a river in north Wales. From its source to its discharge in Conwy Bay it is just over 27 miles long. The River Conwy rises on the Migneint moor in central Snowdonia where a number of small streams flow into Llyn Conwy. It then flows in a generally northern direction, being joined by the tributaries of the rivers Machno and Lledr before reaching Betws-y-Coed where it is also joined by the Afon Llugwy. From Betws-y-Coed the river continues to flow north through Llanrwst, Trefriw (where it is joined by the Afon Crafnant) and Dolgarrog (where it is joined by the Afon Porth-llwyd and the Afon Ddu) before reaching Conwy Bay at Conwy. At Conwy, there is a memorable view from the RSPB Conwy reserve of the river and Conwy Castle and the town walls which were built, on the instruction of Edward I of England, between 1283 and 1289, as part of his conquest of the principality of Wales. Date: 7th May 2017 Location: view from RSPB Conwy boundary path http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874816.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2061569456561cce8f5658b.jpgÞingvellir, south Iceland Þingvellir (Icelandic: Thing Fields), anglicized as Thingvellir or Pingvellir, is located in south west Iceland to the north east of the Reykjanes peninsula and Reykjavík. Þingvellir is the national shrine of Iceland and is a site of significant historical, cultural and geological importance and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Iceland. Alþingi, anglicized as Althing, the Icelandic Parliament, was established at Þingvellir in 930 and remained there until 1798. Þingvellir National Park or Thingvellir National Park was founded in 1930 to mark the 1000th anniversary of the Althing. It was later expanded to protect natural phenomena in the surrounding area and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004. Þingvellir is notable for its unusual tectonic and volcanic environment in a rift valley. The continental drift between the north American and Eurasian tectonic plates can be clearly seen in the cracks or faults which traverse the region, the largest one, Almannagjá, being a veritable canyon. This also causes the often measurable earthquakes in the area. Þingvellir is situated on the northern shore of Þingvallavatn, the largest natural lake of Iceland. The river Öxará traverses the National Park and forms a waterfall called Öxarárfoss at Almannagjá. On the lake's northern shore the Silfra fissure is a popular diving and snorkelling tour location. Þingvellir is popular with tourists and, together with the magnificent waterfall at Gulfoss and the geothermal features at Geysir, Þingvellir is part of a group of the most famous sights of Iceland known as the "Golden Circle". Date: 7th June 2015 Location: view from the trail from the visitor centre at Þingvellir http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7439530.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20455091554cd5710933527.jpgGriffon Vulture The Griffon Vulture is a typical Old World vulture in appearance with a white bald head, very broad wings and short tail feathers. It has a white neck ruff and yellow bill. The buff body and wing coverts contrast with the dark flight feathers. They are very large birds around 37 to 43 inches long with a 91 to 106 inches wingspan. Like other vultures, the Griffon Vulture is a scavenger, feeding mostly from carcasses of dead animals which it finds by soaring over open areas, often moving in flocks. The population is mostly resident in its breeding range in the mountains of southern Europe, north Africa, and Asia. In Spain, there are tens of thousands of birds from a low of a few thousand around 1980 although the Pyrenees population has apparently been affected by an EU ruling that due to danger of BSE transmission, no carcasses must be left on the fields for the time being. Although the Griffon Vulture does not normally attack larger living prey, there are reports of Spanish Griffon Vultures killing weak, young or unhealthy living animals as they do not find enough carrion to eat. Date: 7th September 2010 Location: Sierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain - road to La Lancha and Embalse del Jándula http://www.richardchewphotography.com/grundarfjrur-and-kirkjufell-west-iceland https://images.on-this.website/4752_2075773527561cd1d46d870.jpgKirkjufell, Snæfellsnes peninsula, west Iceland Kirkjufell (Icelandic: "Church mountain") at 1519 feet high is a beautifully shaped, symmetric, free standing mountain situated to the west of Grundarfjörður on the Snæfellsnes peninsula in west Iceland. It is a prominent rhyolite mountain and its top is flat and crowned with a precipitous layer of black pitch stone and obsidian. The screes below are greyish blue in colour and almost barren. The creation of Kirkjufell can be traced back to the last Ice Age when the glaciers and their rivers were carving out the landscape. Kirkjufell's isolated position jutting out into the sea makes it a focal point for tourists and seamen alike and it is probably Iceland's most iconic and photographed mountain. Date: 6th June 2015 Location: view from road 54 looking west towards Grundarfjörður and Kirkjufell http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41254061.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13376833035f059e19bd6c2.jpgPorvoonjoki river at Porvoo, Uusimaa, Finland The Porvoonjoki is a small river in the south of Finland. The city of Porvoo is situated in the river delta. Porvoo is a city and a municipality situated on the south coast of Finland approximately 30 miles east of Helsinki. It is one of the 6 medieval towns in Finland and the country’s second oldest city. It was first mentioned as a city in texts from the 14th century. Porvoo is the seat of the Swedish-speaking Diocese of Borgå of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland. Porvoo Old Town is a popular tourist destination with its timeless atmosphere, unique buildings, cobbled streets, narrow lanes, idyllic parks and riverbank views. It is especially well known for its well-preserved 18th and 19th century red painted riverside warehouses and the 15th century Porvoo Cathedral. The Old Town together with the valley of the Porvoonjoki river is recognised as historically and culturally significant as one of the designated national landscapes of Finland. Porvoo is internationally considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in Finland. Porvoo can be easily reached by a main road from Helsinki in about 50 minutes but also by a much more leisurely 3.5 hour trip on the steamship m/s J. L. Runeberg along the coast and through the Helsinki Archipelago. The m/s J.L. Runeberg was built in Helsinki in 1912. Originally she sailed under the name s/s Helsingfors Skärgård (”Helsinki Archipelago”). In the beginning this steamer cruised west from Helsinki to Porkkala but in the 1930’s the name was changed to s/s J.L. Runeberg and the ship cruised to Porvoo for the first time. Date: 26th June 2019 Location: Porvoonjoki river at Porvoo, Uusimaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46027930.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9292138706291ef3bab44d.jpgCommon Whitethroat The Common Whitethroat is a common and widespread Sylvia warbler. It is one of several Sylvia species that has distinct male and female plumages. Both sexes are mainly brown above and buff below with chestnut fringes to the wings. The adult male has a grey head and a white throat. The female lacks the grey head and the throat is duller. The song is fast and scratchy with a scolding tone. The Common Whitethroat breeds throughout Europe and across much of temperate west Asia where it can be found in areas of open countryside and cultivation with bushes for nesting. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, Arabia and Pakistan. In the UK, it is a summer visitor from April to October and a passage migrant. It breeds widely throughout the country although avoids urban and mountainous areas. Like most warblers, the Common Whitethroat is insectivorous but it will also eat berries and other soft fruit. Date: 21st May 2022 Location: EWT Two Tree Island, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11481042.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6140419394e269986d2b3f.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 17th May 2009 Location: Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833650.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1257333562559ceffc3182b.jpgLake Kerkini, Central Macedonia, Greece Lake Kerkini is one of the most important wetlands in Europe and is considered to be one of the top European birding destinations due to the wealth of resident, breeding and migratory birds. It is situated along the migratory flyway for birds en route to the Aegean Sea, the Balkan region, the Black Sea, the Hungarian steppes and beyond. Lake Kerkini is located close to the border with Bulgaria 25 miles from Serres and 60 miles from Thessaloniki, and it is surrounded by Mounts Belles and Mavrovouni. It is approximately 9 miles long and its maximum width, when full, reaches 5.5 miles. Lake Kerkini is an artificial irrigation reservoir fed by the Strymon River that was created in 1932, and then redeveloped in 1980, on the site of what was previously an extremely extensive and uninhabitable marshland. More than 300 species of birds have been recorded in the area, including 140 resident species and 170 species that migrate through every year on their way to the Aegean Sea, the Black Sea, and the Balkan region. Date: 12th May 2015 Location: view from Mandraki, Central Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/jimena-de-la-frontera-andalucia https://images.on-this.website/4752_117764839352528c6ed3aa5.jpgJimena de la Frontera, Andalucia, Spain Jimena de la Frontera is a historic "white town" and municipality located in the province of Cádiz in Andalucia on the road and rail route between San Roque and Ronda. The town is surrounded by the Los Alcornocales Natural Park. Jimena de la Frontera has been inhabited by the Phoenicians, Iberians, Carthaginians and the Romans. The Moors used the town's position on the hill to their advantage, using it as a strategic military position and building a castle (Castillo de Jimena) in the 8th century. Date: 10th September 2013 Location: Jimena de la Frontera, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7190822.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20902542914cc3050ae53aa.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 17th October 2010 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5472448.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4027596954c306a84e853d.jpgRuddy Darter Flight period: mid June to mid September. The Ruddy Darter takes its name from its colour and its swift flight behaviour. The male has a deep russet colour over the entire body and the abdomen has a pinched section close to where it joins the thorax. Females are slightly smaller, golden yellow in colour and being less obviously marked are more difficult to identify than the males. There is more than one red coloured darter species in the UK and they can be easily confused with each other. The commonest red species, the Common Darter, can be distinguished as having red veins at the base of the wings and a less ruddy colouration across the body. However, the Ruddy Darter has entirely black legs, distinguishing it from all other red darters which have longitudinal yellow stripes on their legs. The UK range of the Ruddy Darter has undergone something of an expansion in recent years. Although still relatively uncommon in the west and north of Britain, it is increasing in numbers in the Midlands and eastern England. The population is augmented by continental migrants. It is also found over most of Europe except for northern Scandinavia, as far east as western Siberia and south to north Africa. The Ruddy Darter prefers water bodies with tall emergent vegetation, such as reeds and club rush, and it is known to breed in ponds, lakes, canals, ditches and sluggish rivers. They can also be found near coasts and can breed in fairly brackish water. Date: 4th July 2010 Location: Thrift Wood EWT reserve, Bicknacre, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26008413.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8102254385634f6a1c9ecf.jpgDettifoss, Vatnajökull National Park, north east Iceland Dettifoss is a waterfall in Vatnajökull National Park in north east Iceland and it is reputed to be the most powerful waterfall in Europe. Dettifoss is situated on the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river which flows from the Vatnajökull glacier and collects water from a large area in north east Iceland. The falls are 330 feet wide and have a drop of 150 feet down to the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon. It is the largest waterfall in Iceland in terms of volume discharge. Since the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river can not be crossed in the vicinity of Dettifoss, it is reached by 2 separate roads: a new tarmac road for the west bank (road 862 finished in 2011) and an older gravel road for the east bank (road 864). On the west bank there are no facilities and the view of the waterfall is somewhat hindered by the waterfall's spray. On the east bank there is an information panel maintained by the staff of Vatnajökull National Park and a maintained track to the best viewpoints. Dettifoss is located on the “Diamond Circle”, a popular tourist route around Húsavík including Lake Mývatn and the Ásbyrgi canyon. Date: 4th June 2015 Location: view from the west bank of the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40952828.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5395777545e539368c66d4.jpgGreat Black-backed Gulls The largest of the gulls, the Great Black-backed Gull is a dominating and opportunistic predator, scavenger and pirate that has been described as a “merciless tyrant” due to its aggressive feeding habits. The Great Black-backed Gull has a thick-set body with a large, yellow, red-tipped bill, strong legs and wide, webbed feet which have a delicate pink hue. The breast and head are snowy white and sit in stark contrast to the black back and wings. Young Great Black-backed Gulls undergo several plumage changes before taking on that of the adult. Juveniles are pale brown with heavy white mottling whilst immatures are also mottled but have a distinctive whitish head and breast but with a dark-tipped, pale bill The Great Black-backed Gull occurs along the coastlines of northern Europe and northern Russia as well as the east coast of north America and central America and it can be found in a variety of coastal habitats, including rocky and sandy coasts and estuaries as well as inland habitats such as lakes, ponds, fields and moorland. It breeds in areas free of or largely inaccessible to terrestrial predators such as vegetated islands, sand dunes, flat-topped stacks, building roofs and sometimes amongst bushes on salt-marsh islands. During the winter, the Great Black-backed Gull often travels far out to sea to feed. Date: 31st January 2020 Location: Slade harbour, Hook peninsula, Co. Wexford, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24901265.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6533776955a4c9a604bf0.jpgGreat Spotted Woodpecker juvenile The Great Spotted Woodpecker is a Blackbird-sized bird with striking black and white plumage. The male has a distinctive red patch on the back of the head and young birds have a red crown. Great Spotted Woodpeckers have a very distinctive bouncing flight and spend most of their time clinging to tree trunks and branches. Their presence is often announced by its loud call or by its distinctive spring “drumming” display. Great Spotted Woodpeckers can be found all year round and are most common in woodlands, parks and large gardens in England and Wales. They also readily visit bird tables and peanut feeders. Date: 21st June 2015 Location: Loch of the Lowes SWT reserve, Dunkeld, Perthshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/arctic-circle-near-kemijrvi-lappi https://images.on-this.website/4752_3532838105f4d28697ccea.jpgArctic Circle near Kemijärvi, Lappi, Finland The Arctic Circle is one of the five major circles of latitude that mark maps of the Earth. In 2012, it is the parallel of latitude that runs 66° 33′ 44″ north of the Equator. The region north of this circle is known as the Arctic and the zone just to the south is called the Northern Temperate Zone. The equivalent polar circle in the Southern Hemisphere is called the Antarctic Circle. The Arctic Circle is the southernmost latitude in the Northern Hemisphere at which the sun can remain continuously above or below the horizon for 24 hours (at the June solstice and December solstice respectively). North of the Arctic Circle, the sun is above the horizon for 24 continuous hours at least once per year (and therefore visible at midnight) and below the horizon for 24 continuous hours at least once per year. The position of the Arctic Circle is not fixed. It directly depends on the Earth's axial tilt, which fluctuates within a margin of 2° over a 40,000-year period, notably due to tidal forces resulting from the orbit of the Moon. Relatively few people live north of the Arctic Circle due to the severe climate. Areas have been settled for thousands of years by indigenous peoples. Tens of thousands of years ago, waves of people migrated from eastern Siberia across the Bering Strait into North America and gradually eastward to settle. Much later, in the historic period, there has been migration into some Arctic areas by Europeans and other immigrants. Date: 6th July 2019 Location: road E63 26 miles south east of Kemijärvi, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42524854.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14277237796098f5d924876.jpgCanada Goose The Canada Goose belongs to the Branta genus of geese which contains species with largely black plumage distinguishing it from the grey species of the genus Anser. The black head and neck with a white "chinstrap" distinguish the Canada Goose from all other goose species with the exception of the Cackling Goose from north America and the Barnacle Goose which has a black breast and grey rather than brownish body plumage. The 7 sub-species of the Canada Goose vary widely in size and plumage details but all are recognizable as Canada Geese. Of the "true geese" (i.e. the genera Anser, Branta or Chen), the Canada Goose is on average the largest living species. It ranges from 30 to 43 inches in length and with a 50 to 73 inches wingspan. The male usually weighs 5.7 to 14.3 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 8.6 pounds. The female looks virtually identical but is slightly lighter at 5.3 to 12.1 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 7.9 pounds. It is also generally 10% smaller in linear dimensions than the male. The Canada Goose is native to north America where it breeds in Canada and the north USA in a wide range of habitats. The Great Lakes region maintains a very large population. It occurs all year round in the southern part of its breeding range, including most of the eastern seaboard and the Pacific coast. Between California and South Carolina in the south USA and north Mexico, it is primarily present as a migrant from further north during the winter. Outside north America, the Canada Goose has reached north Europe naturally as has been proved by ringing recoveries. It has also been introduced in to Europe and had established populations in the UK in the middle of the 18th century, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany and Scandinavia. Most European populations are not migratory but those in more northerly parts of Sweden and Finland migrate to the North Sea and Baltic coasts. Semi-tame feral birds are common in parks and have become a pest in some areas. In the early 17th century, explorer Samuel de Champlain sent several pairs of Canada Geese to France as a present for King Louis XIII. Canada Geese were first introduced in to the UK in the late 17th century as an addition to King James II's waterfowl collection in St. James's Park. They were also introduced in to Germany and Scandinavia during the 20th century. During the second year of its life, the Canada Goose finds a mate. It is a monogamous species and most couples stay together all of their lives. If one dies, the other may find a new mate. The female lays from 2 to 9 eggs with an average of 5. Both parents protect the nest while the eggs incubate but the female spends more time at the nest than the male. The nest is usually located in an elevated area near water such as streams, lakes and ponds and the eggs are laid in a shallow depression lined with plant material and down. The incubation period, in which the female incubates the eggs while the male remains nearby, lasts for 24 to 28 days after laying. As soon as the goslings hatch, they are immediately capable of walking, swimming and finding their own food (a diet similar to the adults). Parents are often seen leading their goslings in a line, usually with one adult at the front and the other at the back. While protecting their goslings, parents often violently chase away anything from small birds to lone humans who approach, after warning them by giving off a hissing sound and then attacking with bites and slaps of the wings if the threat does not retreat. Although parents are hostile to unfamiliar geese, they may form groups (crèches) of a number of goslings and a few adults. The goslings enter the fledgling stage any time from 6 to 9 weeks of age. Once it reaches adulthood, due to its large size and often aggressive behaviour, the Canada Goose is rarely preyed on although prior injury may make it more vulnerable to natural predators. The lifespan in the wild of birds that survive to adulthood ranges from 10 to 24 years. The UK longevity record is held by a specimen tagged as a nestling which was observed alive at the age of 31. The Canada Goose is primarily a herbivore although it will sometimes eat small insects and fish. Their diet includes grasses, aquatic plants, beans and grains such as wheat, rice, and corn when they are available. In urban areas, it is also known to pick food out of rubbish bins and it will readily take a variety of food from humans in parks. Date: 27th March 2021 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42524848.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2537048196098f4dda0630.jpgMagpie The Eurasian Magpie, often simply known as the Magpie, is one of several birds in the crow family Corvidae designated as a Magpie. In Europe, Magpie is generally used by English speakers to describe the Eurasian Magpie. The only other species in Europe is the Iberian Magpie or Azure-winged Magpie which is limited to the Iberian peninsula. The adult male Magpie is 17 to 18 inches in length, of which more than half is the tail. The wingspan is 20 to 24 inches. The head, neck and breast are glossy black with a metallic green and violet sheen, the belly and scapulars are pure white, the wings are black glossed with green or purple and the primaries have white inner webs, conspicuous when the wing is open. The graduated tail is black, glossed with green and reddish purple. The legs and bill are black and the iris is dark brown. The plumage of the sexes is similar but the female is slightly smaller. The young resemble the adults but are at first without much of the gloss on the sooty plumage and the tail is much shorter. The Magpie can be found across temperate Eurasia from Spain and Ireland in the west to the Kamchatka Peninsula in the east. It has also been introduced in Japan on the island of Kyushu. The preferred habitat of the Magpie is open countryside with scattered trees and it is normally absent from treeless areas and dense forests. It sometimes breeds at high densities in suburban settings such as parks and gardens and it can often be found close to the centre of cities. The Magpie is normally sedentary and spends winters close to its breeding areas but birds living near the northern limit of their range in Scandinavia and Russia can move south in harsh weather. Some Magpies breed after their first year whilst others remain in non-breeding flocks and first breed in their second year. The Magpie is monogamous and pairs often remain together from one breeding season to the next and generally occupy the same territory in successive years. Mating takes place in spring. In the courtship display, males rapidly raise and depress their head feathers, uplift, open and close their tails like fans and call in soft tones quite distinct from their usual chatter. The loose feathers of the flanks are brought over the primaries, and the shoulder patch is spread so the white is conspicuous, presumably to attract females. Short buoyant flights and chases follow. The Magpie prefers tall trees for their bulky nest, firmly attaching them to a central fork in the upper branches. A framework of sticks is cemented with earth and clay and a lining of the same is covered with fine roots. Above is a stout though loosely built dome of prickly branches with a single well concealed entrance. These huge nests are conspicuous when the leaves fall. Where trees are scarce, though even in well-wooded country, nests are at times built in bushes and hedgerows. In Europe, the eggs are typically laid in April and clutches usually contain 5 or 6 eggs. The eggs are incubated for 21 to 22 days by the female who is fed on the nest by the male. The chicks are brooded by the female for the first 5 to 10 days and fed by both parents. The nestlings open their eyes 7 to 8 days after hatching and their body feathers start to appear after around 8 days and the primary wing feathers after 10 days. Fledging takes place at around 27 days and the parents then continue to feed the young for several more weeks. The parents also protect the young from predators since their ability to fly is poor, making them vulnerable. On average, only 3 or 4 chicks survive to fledge successfully. Some nests are lost to predators but an important factor causing nestling mortality is starvation. Eggs hatch asynchronously and if the parents have difficulty finding sufficient food, the last chicks to hatch are unlikely to survive. The Magpie is omnivorous, eating young birds and eggs, small mammals, insects, scraps and carrion, acorns, grain and other vegetable substances. The Magpie is believed not only to be among the most intelligent of birds but among the most intelligent of all animals. Along with the Jackdaw, the Magpie's nidopallium area of the brain is approximately the same relative size as those in Chimpanzees and humans. Like other corvids, such as the Raven and Carrion crow, the total brain-to-body mass ratio is equal to most great apes and cetaceans. A 2004 review suggests that the intelligence of the corvid family to which the Magpie belongs is equivalent to that of great apes (Chimpanzees, Orangutans and Gorillas) in terms of social cognition, causal reasoning, flexibility, imagination and prospection. The Magpie has an extremely large range and a very large population. The population trend in Europe has been stable since 1980 and there is no evidence of any serious overall decline in numbers so the species is classified by the IUCN as being of “Least Concern”. In Europe, the Magpie has been historically demonized by humans, mainly as a result of folklore, superstition and myth and its reputation as an omen of ill fortune. The Magpie has also been attacked for their role as a predator which includes eating other birds' eggs and their young. However, different studies have reached different conclusions on their impact on the populations of other birds. Date: 27th March 2021 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19507338.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_54880330652528a11112e6.jpgOjen valley, Andalucia, Spain The Ojen valley is located in the Los Alcornocales Natural Park in the province of Cádiz in Andalucia. The minor road between Facinas in the west and Los Barrios in the east is an attractive route and halfway along is the Mirador Puerto de Ojén with superb views. The road winds through cork forests and past verdant river woodland in the bottom of the valley itself. Date: 11th September 2013 Location: minor road between Facinas and Los Barrios, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26030138.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_129859383563762c4ce800.jpgBarrow's Goldeneyes The Barrow's Goldeneye is a medium-sized diving duck named after Sir John Barrow, an English statesman and writer. The male Barrow's Goldeneye has a large dark head with an iridescent purplish gloss and a crescent-shaped white patch between the eye and bill. The dark back contrasts with the white neck, breast and belly. The scapulars are black with a distinctive row of rectangular white spots. The white greater coverts are tipped with black, forming a black band between the white speculum and the white patch on the greater coverts. The bill is black and the legs and feet are yellowish. The female Barrow's Goldeneye has a dark chocolate-brown head with a narrow whitish collar. The back and sides are slaty grey and the chest, breast and belly are white. The bill is mostly yellowish and the legs and feet are yellowish. The adult is similar in appearance to the Common Goldeneye. However, the male Barrow's Goldeneye differs from the male Common Goldeneye by the fact that the Common Goldeneye has a round white patch on the face, less black on the back and a larger bill. For the females, the Common Goldeneye has a less rounded head and a bill in which only the tip is yellow. The Barrow’s Goldeneye breeds on wooded lakes and ponds primarily in north western north America. It is considered to be an arboreal species because it mainly nests in cavities found in mature trees although it will also nest in burrows or protected sites on the ground. The Barrow’s Goldeneye can also be found in scattered locations in eastern Canada and Iceland (the only European site). It is an extremely rare vagrant to western Europe and to southern areas of north America. In Icelandic the Barrow’s Goldeneye is known as húsönd (house duck) and it is a common species in the Mývatn area in the north of the country. The Barrow’s Goldeneye is migratory and most winter in large flocks on lakes, rivers, estuaries and bays The Barrow's Goldeneye dives to feed on aquatic insects, crustaceans, small fish, fish eggs and pondweeds found in freshwater habitats and molluscs, crustaceans, seastars and marine worms found in saltwater habitats. Date: 2nd June 2015 Location: River Laxá, Lake Mývatn area, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21955330.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_80555610353da15bbaee0a.jpgKittiwakes The Kittiwake is a gentle looking, medium sized gull with a small yellow bill and a dark eye. It has a grey back and is white underneath. Its legs are short and black. In flight the black wing-tips show no white, unlike other gulls, and look as if they have been “dipped in ink”. The population is declining in some areas, perhaps due to a shortage of sand eels. Kittiwakes are strictly coastal gulls. In the breeding season, they can be found on rocky, steep sea-cliffs at the major seabird colonies around the UK from February until August. From August to October they can be seen flying past offshore and they spend the winter months out at sea. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: view from the Farne Islands boat trip from Seahouses Harbour, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493309.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2374620665f326fca62b67.jpgCommon Guillemots The Common Guillemot, also known as the Common Murre or Thin-billed Murre, is a large species of auk. The auks are a family of seabirds which includes the Brunnich's Guillemot or Thick-billed Murre, Razorbill, Little Auk and the extinct Great Auk. The Common Guillemot is 15 to 18 inches in length with a 24 to 29 inches wingspan. In breeding plumage, it is black or dark brown on the head, back and wings with white underparts. It has a thin dark pointed bill and a small rounded dark tail. Legs are grey and the bill is dark grey. Males and females are identical. Some individuals in the North Atlantic, known as "Bridled Guillemots", have a white ring around the eye extending back as a white line. This is not a distinct subspecies but a polymorphism that becomes more common the farther north the birds breed. The Common Guillemot flies with fast wing beats and has a flight speed of around 50 mph. Groups of birds are often seen flying together in a line just above the surface of the sea. However, it is not a very agile bird and take-off is often difficult. The Common Guillemot becomes flightless for 45 to 60 days while moulting its primary feathers. The Common Guillemot is a pursuit diver that forages for food by swimming underwater using its wings for propulsion. Dives usually last less than one minute but the bird swims underwater for distances of over 100 feet on a regular basis. Diving depths up to 590 feet have been recorded. The Common Guillemot has a circumpolar distribution and it occurs in low Arctic and boreal waters in the north Atlantic and north Pacific. It spends most of its time at sea and only comes to land to breed on rocky cliffs, sea stacks and islands. Some birds are permanent residents but northern birds migrate south to open waters off New England, southern California, Japan, Korea and the western Mediterranean. The Common Guillemot breeds in colonies at high densities and nesting pairs may be in bodily contact with their neighbours. No nest is made and the single egg is laid and incubated on a bare rock ledge on a cliff face. The egg hatches after 30 days incubation and the chick is born downy and can regulate its body temperature after 10 days. Some 20 days after hatching the chick jumps off its nesting ledge and heads for the sea unable to fly but gliding for some distance with fluttering wings and accompanied by its male parent. The chicks are capable of diving as soon as they hit the water. The female stays at the nest site for some 14 days after the chick has left. The Common Guillemot can venture far from its breeding grounds to forage and distances of 60 miles or more are often observed although if sufficient food is available closer by, birds will only travel much shorter distances. It mainly eats small schooling fish 8 inches long or less such as Polar Cod, Capelin, Sand Lances, Sprats, Sandeels, Atlantic Cod and Atlantic Herring. It also eats some molluscs, marine worms, squid and crustaceans. It is often seen carrying fish in its bill with the tail hanging out. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28883629.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_183082067557cc07489f470.jpgCommon Sandpiper The Common Sandpiper is a small wader. The adult is 7.1 to 7.9 inches long with a 13 to 14 inches wingspan. It has greyish-brown upperparts, white underparts, short dark-yellowish legs and feet and a bill with a pale base and dark tip. In winter plumage, it is duller and has more conspicuous barring on the wings although this is still only visible at close range. Juveniles are more heavily barred above and have buff edges to the wing feathers. The Common Sandpiper habitually bobs up and down and it has a distinctive flight with stiff, bowed wings. Its presence is often betrayed by its three-note call which it gives as it flies off. The Common Sandpiper is widespread and common and breeds across most of temperate and sub-tropical Europe and Asia where it nests on the ground near freshwater. It migrates to Africa, south Asia and Australia in winter. In the UK, the Common Sandpiper breeds along fast-flowing upland streams and rivers and at the edges of lochs and lakes in Scotland, Wales and the north of England. Summer visitors arrive in March and April and leave the breeding grounds in July and August with the young following in September. During the spring and autumn passage migration, it can be found elsewhere in the UK, near lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers, ditches, coastal shores and estuaries. The Common Sandpiper forages by sight on the ground or in shallow water, picking up small food items such as insects, crustaceans and other invertebrates. Date: 19th May 2016 Location: Vainupea, Lahemaa National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33568384.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12366756005a106ac6f0918.jpgLoch Gruinart, Islay, Argyll Loch Gruinart is a shallow sea loch on the northern coast of the island of Islay in Argyll. It is 4 miles in length and there are a few houses but no significant settlements around its shores. There are extensive sand dune systems around Ardnave Point and Killinallan Point at the mouth of the loch. Date: 4th November 2017 Location: view from the east side from the minor road to Killinallan http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42082968.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2420813155faa5c721ce70.jpgReeves' Muntjac The Reeves' Muntjac, also known as the Chinese Muntjac, is a small, hump-backed deer species. It is named after British naturalist and employee of the East India Company, John Russell Reeves (1774 to 1856). Reeves came across them when he lived in China and sent specimens back to England. It is also called the “barking deer” due to its distinctive barking sound, although this name is also used for other Muntjac species. The barking sound is common during mating or when provoked. The Reeves' Muntjac grows to 1 foot 8 inches high at the shoulder and 3 feet 1 inches in length plus a short tail up to 4 inches long. It is reddish-brown in appearance with striped markings on its face. The belly is creamy-white with lighter fur extending to the neck, chin and the underside of the tail. The males have short antlers, usually 4 inches or less in length, and long upper canines or tusks, usually about 2 inches in length The Reeves' Muntjac is found widely in south east China (from Gansu to Yunnan) and Taiwan but it has also been introduced in Belgium, the Netherlands and Japan. In the UK, it was introduced to Woburn Park in Bedfordshire in 1894 by the then Duke of Bedford and was deliberately released into surrounding woodlands from 1901 onward. Releases, translocations and escapes from the 1930s onwards resulted in wide establishment in south east England and the population is still increasing and spreading across the UK where it can be found in deciduous woodland with a good understorey plus hedgerows, gardens, parks, conifer plantations, railway embankments, etc. Since the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it has been illegal to release the species except where it is already established. The Reeves' Muntjac is a solitary and crepuscular animal and both males and females defend small territories that they mark with preorbital gland secretions that are thought to be pheromonal in nature The Reeves' Muntjac feeds on herbs, blossoms, succulent shoots, fungi, berries, grasses and nuts and it has also been reported to eat tree bark. Eggs and carrion are eaten opportunistically. Date: 26th October 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084877.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10366285245d3088ef8f83b.jpgPiatra Craiului Mountains, Brașov County, Romania The Piatra Craiului Mountains are a mountain range in the Southern Carpathians in central Romania. It forms a narrow and saw-like ridge which is about 16 miles long. Vârful La Om is the highest peak at 7343 feet. The ridge is regarded as one of the most impressive and beautiful sites in the Carpathian Mountians and the views both towards and from the mountains are superb. The whole range is included in the Piatra Craiului National Park. The first protection of this area started in 1938 when 2 square miles were declared as a nature reserve. This has been progressively extended and in 1990 it became a national park covering an area of 38 square miles. In 2003 the external limits and internal zoning were created. Since 1999 a park administration has existed with a visitor centre located on the minor road 0.6 miles west of Zărnești and since 2005 a management plan has been in place. Piatra Craiului National Park supports and protects an abundance and diversity of mammals (including Brown Bear, Wolf and Lynx), birds and plants. Zărneşti is the most important town for visiting the Piatra Craiului Mountains and the Piatra Craiului National Park. The town is located 17 miles south west of the city of Brașov. From Zărnești, a 7 mile long minor road runs west and ends at Cabana Plaiul Foii which is a good starting point for climbing the ridge. In addition, a forest road starts from the south west of Zărneşti which leads to the Zărneştilor Gorge and continues up to the ridge. The traditional villages of Măgura, Peştera, Ciocanu and Şirnea are starting points for routes up to the eastern slopes. Măgura, situated at 3281 feet, is one of Romania’s most picturesque villages and it provides stunning views towards the Bucegi Mountains and the Piatra Craiului Mountains. Date: 5th June 2018 Location: Piatra Craiului Mountains from Măgura, Brașov County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39081953.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12341137835d307877cc057.jpgEuropean Bee-eater The European Bee-eater is an incredibly colourful bird with an unmistakable appearance. In breeding plumage, it has a rich chestnut crown that blends into gold on its back. The forehead is white, the throat is yellow bordered by black and the underparts are blue. The male European Bee-eater has a chestnut-coloured patch in the middle of the wing while in females this patch is usually smaller or even absent. Occasionally, females may also be distinguished from the males by having a green back. The wings and backs of juvenile European Bee-eaters are entirely green and the eyes are brown in contrast to the bright red eyes of adults. The European Bee-eater breeds in southern Europe and in parts of north Africa and western Asia. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, India and Sri Lanka. European Bee-eaters are occasionally seen in northern Europe (including the UK) as a spring overshoot north of its range with occasional breeding occurring. Just as the name suggests, the European Bee-eater predominantly eats insects, especially bees, wasps and hornets which are caught in the air by sorties from an open perch. Before eating its meal, a European Bee-eater removes the sting by repeatedly hitting the insect on a hard surface. Lizards and frogs are also taken. European Bee-eaters are gregarious, nesting colonially in sandy banks preferably near river shores and also feeding and roosting communally. Date: 17th May 2018 Location: Vetren, Silistra Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833620.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_67735509559cee9a08912.jpgWhite Stork The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan, and is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers with red legs and a long red bill. They walk slowly and steadily on the ground and fly with necks outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the Second World War and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 12th May 2015 Location: Lake Kerkini, Central Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41205454.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7549227815eb971e86ed87.jpgStock Dove The Stock Dove is similar in plumage and size to the Rock Dove and feral pigeon. It is largely blue-grey with an attractive iridescent bottle green band on the back of the neck and in flight it shows black edges to the wings and two partial black bands near their back. Unlike the Rock Dove and feral pigeon it does not have a pale or white rump. The Stock Dove is widely distributed in the UK except for parts of northern Scotland and Ireland. Over half of the European population is found in the UK. In the breeding season, the Stock Dove can be found in parkland, along woodland edges and by quarries and cliffs whilst in winter small flocks can be found feeding on farmland stubbles. Date: 6th May 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41249300.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10334497815f00b7c7bdfe8.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 22nd June 2020 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21808711.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_140598802153c78e5c1362f.jpgCommon Seal Common Seals feed at sea but regularly haul out on to rocky shores or inter-tidal sandbanks to rest, to give birth and to suckle their pups. The most important haul-out areas are around the coast of Scotland, particularly in the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland, and on the east coast of England in the Wash. Date: 14th July 2014 Location: Blakeney Point, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/bempton-cliifs-east-yorkshire https://images.on-this.website/4752_18386568553cbac5dd6830.jpgBempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire The hard chalk cliffs of Bempton Cliffs are located in East Yorkshire and run about 6 miles from Flamborough Head north towards Filey and are over 330 feet high at some points. Bempton Cliffs are managed as a nature reserve by the RSPB and they are best known for their colonies of over 200,000 breeding seabirds including Gannet, Kittiwake, Guillemot, Razorbill, Puffin and Fulmar. Date: 11th June 2014 Location: Bempton Cliifs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847591.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_62432263859bd538cda289.jpgEuropean Bee-eater The European Bee-eater is an incredibly colourful bird with an unmistakable appearance. In breeding plumage, it has a rich chestnut crown that blends into gold on its back. The forehead is white, the throat is yellow bordered by black and the underparts are blue. The male European Bee-eater has a chestnut-coloured patch in the middle of the wing while in females this patch is usually smaller or even absent. Occasionally, females may also be distinguished from the males by having a green back. The wings and backs of juvenile European Bee-eaters are entirely green and the eyes are brown in contrast to the bright red eyes of adults. The European Bee-eater breeds in southern Europe and in parts of north Africa and western Asia. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, India and Sri Lanka. European Bee-eaters are occasionally seen in northern Europe (including the UK) as a spring overshoot north of its range with occasional breeding occurring. Just as the name suggests, the European Bee-eater predominantly eats insects, especially bees, wasps and hornets which are caught in the air by sorties from an open perch. Before eating its meal, a European Bee-eater removes the sting by repeatedly hitting the insect on a hard surface. Lizards and frogs are also taken. European Bee-eaters are gregarious, nesting colonially in sandy banks preferably near river shores and also feeding and roosting communally. Date: 2nd June 2017 Location: Leles to Boľ area, Latorica, Košice region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30825771.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_176833440758f34a009dbe48.05789112.jpgBlack-headed Gulls The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 9th April 2017 Location: EWT Blue House Farm, North Fambridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo441534.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_996633080467ee6ebc2a73.jpgAdder Adders are widespread throughout mainland UK but they are absent from Ireland. They occur throughout Europe, with the exception of the Mediterranean islands, and across Russia and Asia through to northern China. They are the UK's only venomous reptile. Adders are relatively short and robust snakes with large heads and a rounded snout. Males are usually a grey or buff colour with vivid black markings although they can also vary from silver to yellow or green in colour. Females are brown with dark red-brown markings that are less prominent than in the males. Both sexes have a zigzag pattern running along the back with a / or X-shaped marking at the rear of the head. Adders can be found in a variety of habitats, including open woodland, hedgerows, moorland, sand dunes, riverbanks, bogs, heathland and mountains. They are active during the day and spend time basking until their body temperature is high enough to hunt for food. Adders use venom to immobilise prey such as lizards, amphibians, nestlings and small mammals. After striking their prey, they will leave the venom to take effect before following the victim’s scent to find the body. Mating takes place between April and May with males often fighting for females. Females have a 3 to 4 month gestation period and Adders are one of the few snakes that are viviparous (give birth to live young). In late August females give birth to between 5 and 20 live young and the young remain close to their mother for a few days before going off in search of food. Adders hibernate from September to March often using deserted rabbit or rodent burrows or settling under logs. They sometimes hibernate communally. Males emerge 2 to 5 weeks before the females and shed their skin before setting off in search of females. Adders are not aggressive snakes and they will only attack if harassed or threatened. Although an Adder’s venom poses little danger to a healthy adult, the bite is very painful and requires urgent medical attention. Date: 31st March 2007 Location: Langdon Conservation Centre, Dunton, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/ruddy-darter https://images.on-this.website/4752_21987111962ca753ee9e13.jpgRuddy Darter Flight period: mid June to mid September. The Ruddy Darter takes its name from its colour and its swift flight behaviour. The male has a deep russet colour over the entire body and the abdomen has a pinched section close to where it joins the thorax. Females are slightly smaller, golden yellow in colour and being less obviously marked are more difficult to identify than the males. There is more than one red coloured darter species in the UK and they can be easily confused with each other. The commonest red species, the Common Darter, can be distinguished as having red veins at the base of the wings and a less ruddy colouration across the body. However, the Ruddy Darter has entirely black legs, distinguishing it from all other red darters which have longitudinal yellow stripes on their legs. The UK range of the Ruddy Darter has undergone something of an expansion in recent years. Although still relatively uncommon in the west and north of Britain, it is increasing in numbers in the Midlands and eastern England. The population is augmented by continental migrants. It is also found over most of Europe except for northern Scandinavia, as far east as western Siberia and south to north Africa. The Ruddy Darter prefers water bodies with tall emergent vegetation, such as reeds and club rush, and it is known to breed in ponds, lakes, canals, ditches and sluggish rivers. They can also be found near coasts and can breed in fairly brackish water. Date: 12th June 2022 Location: RSPB Ham Wall, Somerset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41537243.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1232694315f3cfde71cd22.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 4th July 2019 Location: Flåget, Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623025.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5197014246117d2d87b1bb.jpgHerring Gull The Herring Gull is one of the best known of all gulls along the shores of Europe. Adults in breeding plumage have a grey back and upperwings and white head and underparts. The wingtips are black with white spots known as "mirrors". The bill is yellow with a red spot and there is a ring of bare yellow skin around the pale eye. The legs are normally pink at all ages but can be yellowish. Non-breeding adults have brown streaks on the head and neck. Male and female plumage is identical at all stages of development although adult males are often larger. Juvenile and first-winter birds are mainly brown with darker streaks and have a dark bill and eyes. Second-winter birds have a whiter head and underparts with less streaking and the back is grey. Third-winter individuals are similar to adults but retain some of the features of immature birds such as brown feathers in the wings and dark markings on the bill. The Herring Gull attains adult plumage and reaches sexual maturity at an average age of 4 years. The loud laughing call of the Herring Gull is well known and is often seen as a symbol of the seaside in countries such as the UK. It also has a yelping alarm call and a low barking anxiety call. Chicks and fledglings emit a distinctive, repetitive high-pitched 'peep', accompanied by a head-flicking gesture when begging for food from or calling to their parents. Adult gulls in urban areas will also exhibit this behaviour when fed by humans. The Herring Gull breeds across northern Europe, western Europe, central Europe, eastern Europe, Scandinavia and the Baltic states. Some, especially those resident in colder areas, migrate further south in winter but many are permanent residents such as in the UK or on the North Sea shores. While Herring Gull numbers appear to have been decreased in recent years, possibly by fish population declines and competition, they have proved able to survive in human-adapted areas and can often be seen in towns acting as a scavenger. The Herring Gull, like most gulls, is an omnivore and opportunist and will scavenge from garbage dumps, landfill sites and sewage outflows with refuse comprising up to half of the bird's diet. In addition, it will eat fish, crustaceans and dead animals as well as some plants and it will steal the eggs and young of other birds (including those of other gulls). The Herring Gull may also dive from the surface of the water or engage in plunge diving in the pursuit of aquatic prey although they are typically unable to reach any great depth due to their natural buoyancy. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26008517.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_129466552563508b332805.jpgRiver Skjálfandafljót, Goðafoss, north east Iceland The Skjálfandafljót river is situated in north east Iceland. It has its source at the north western border of the Vatnajökull glacier in the interior highlands of Iceland. From there it streams parallel to the Sprengisandur highland road in a northern direction, flowing finally into Skjálfandi bay south west of Húsavík. By following the river from its source at the Vatnajökull glacier all the way to the river mouth at Skjalfandi Bay it is possible to see many waterfalls. Skjálfandafljót possesses some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country, including Goðafoss which is considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Europe. Other well-known waterfalls in Skjalfandafljot include Hrafnabjargafoss, Aldeyjarfoss, Barnafoss and Ullarfoss. Date: 4th June 2015 Location: view from the east bank at Goðafoss http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30825700.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20061046958f34987ca5868.40682513.jpgAvocets The (Pied) Avocet is a large black and white wader in the avocet and stilt family. It is one of 4 species of avocet that make up the genus Recurvirostra. The genus name is from the Latin [i]recurvus[/i] meaning "curved backwards" and [i]rostrum[/i] meaning "bill". The Avocet is a striking white wader with bold black markings. Adults have white plumage except for a black cap and black patches in the wings and on the back. They have long, upturned bills and long, bluish legs. Males and females look alike whilst juveniles resemble the adult but with more greyish and sepia tones. The Avocet breeds in temperate Europe and western and central Asia. The breeding habitat is shallow lakes with brackish water and exposed bare mud where they build a nest on open ground in a lined scrape or on a mound of vegetation. The Avocet is a migratory species and most winter in Africa or southern Asia. Some remain to winter in the mildest parts of their range such as in southern Spain and southern England. The Avocet feeds on crustaceans and insects in shallow brackish water or on mud flats, often scything their bills from side to side in water (a feeding technique that is unique to the avocet species). The Avocet was extinct as a breeding species in the UK by 1840 but its successful recolonisation at Minsmere in Suffolk in 1947 led to its adoption as the logo of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Date: 9th April 2017 Location: EWT Blue House Farm, North Fambridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23806429.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16530053905512aad497682.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 7th March 2015 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42202655.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11165942015ff3108469d1e.jpgBrown Bear The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, Ursus arctos arctos. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an evening visit with [url=https://www.karhujenkatselu.fi/en-gb]Karhu-Kuusamo[/url] Date: 7th July 2019 Location: Kuntilampi, near Kuusamo, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo16548207.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21061196665083a347a3450.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 7th October 2012 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45174875.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2073574555623301e3b98de.jpgPurple Sandpiper The Purple Sandpiper is a small wading shorebird. Adults have short yellow legs and a medium thin dark bill with a yellow base. The body is dark above with a slight purplish gloss and mainly white below. The breast is smeared with grey and the rump is black. The Purple Sandpiper breeds in the northern tundra and Arctic islands in Canada and coastal areas in Greenland and north west Europe and nests on the ground either elevated on rocks or in a lower damp location. The males makes several scrapes following which the female chooses one and lays 3 or 4 eggs. The male takes the major responsibility for incubation and tends the chicks. The Purple Sandpiper is migratory and moves to rocky ice-free Atlantic coasts in winter where it is fairly gregarious, forming small flocks and often associating with Turnstones. It is also relatively tame and approachable. In the UK, the Purple Sandpiper occurs in winter in good numbers, principally along the east and south coasts where it favours rocky shorelines adjacent to the sea. It is a very rare breeding bird and is found only in a localised area of the Cairngorms National Park where 1 to 3 pairs have bred since the 1970s. Date: 19th December 2021 Location: Lowestoft Ness, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405378.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21450698916586ce552a263.jpgBlack-tailed Godwit The Black-tailed Godwit is a large, long-legged, long-billed shorebird with an orange head, neck and chest in its breeding plumage and a uniform brown-grey breast and upperparts in winter. During the breeding season, the bill has a yellowish or orange-pink base and dark tip but the base is pink in winter. The legs are dark grey, brown or black. The sexes are similar but in breeding plumage they can be separated by the male's brighter, more extensive orange breast, neck and head. In flight, the bold black and white wingbar and white rump can be seen readily. When on the ground the Black-tailed Godwit can be difficult to separate from the similar Bar-tailed Godwit but the Black-tailed Godwit's longer, straighter bill and longer legs are diagnostic. The Black-tailed Godwit’s breeding range stretches from Iceland through northern Europe and areas of central Asia where it can be found in fens, lake edges, damp meadows, moorlands and bogs. It winters in areas as diverse as the Indian Subcontinent, Australia, western Europe and west Africa where it can be found on estuaries and floods. It is also more likely to be found inland and on freshwater than the Bar-tailed Godwit. Date: 24th September 2023 Location: RSPB Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17408525.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1574682725513327ad6e756.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 12th January 2013 Location: Martin Mere WWT reserve, Lancashire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46511162.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_101985332762c99097709a3.jpgCommon Lizard The Common Lizard ranges across central and northern Europe (but are absent from the Mediterranean area) and through to northern Asia. It is the most common lizard in northern regions and the only reptile found in Ireland. The Common Lizard has a long body and short legs. It has coarse scales which range from grey, brown, bronze or green on the back and males are generally darker than females. It has a series of white spots down the flanks, which fuse to form a line, and a black line along the back. The Common Lizard also has numerous black spots scattered over the body. Males have orange/yellow bellies with black spots and females have cream/white bellies. The Common Lizard is found in a range of habitats including woodland, marshes, heathland, moors, sand dunes, hedgerows, bogs and rubbish dumps and it hunts insects, spiders, snails and earthworms, stunning its prey by shaking it and then swallowing it whole. The Common Lizard is active during the day and spends the morning and afternoon (but not the intense heat of midday) basking in the sun either alone or in groups. It is a good swimmer and will dive underwater when threatened. At night, and when startled, it will shelter beneath logs, stones and metal sheets. After emerging from hibernation, males defend breeding territories from other males. The young develop over 3 months within egg membranes inside the female's body which they usually break out of as she gives birth. Litters of 3 to 12 young are born from June to September after which time the mother shows no parental care with the young feeding actively from birth and quickly dispersing. The Common Lizard hibernates from October to March. It will often hibernate in groups and sometimes emerge for a brief time during warm spells. Date: 8th May 2022 Location: MWT Cors Dyfi, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41255256.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10951809815f06f5abe4c56.jpgSiberian Tit The Siberian Tit or Gray-headed Chickadee is a member of the tit family. The head is dark brown with white cheeks, the mantle brown, the wing feathers blackish with pale fringes, and the underparts whitish with pale brown flanks. The Siberian Tit is a widespread resident throughout subarctic Fennoscandia, northern Asia, Alaska and the far north west of Canada and can be found in conifer forests, mostly of old-growth spruce, especially in areas with dead trees. Date: 28th June 2019 Location: Neljan Tuulen Tupa near Kaamanen, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo16548211.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5506504785083a367295c3.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 7th October 2012 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13683395.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11660318634ed7384094fa1.jpgBarn Owl With a heart shaped face, buff back and wings and pure white under-parts the Barn Owl is a distinctive and much-loved bird of the countryside. Barn Owls are widely distributed across the UK and can be seen all year round sometimes during the day but normally at dusk in open country and along field edges, riverbanks and roadside verges. Barn owls have suffered population declines over the past 50 years as a result of habitat degradation following increasing intensive agricultural practices. However, that decline has stopped in many areas and their population may now be increasing. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41255255.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11966378575f06f5a70071e.jpgSiberian Tit The Siberian Tit or Gray-headed Chickadee is a member of the tit family. The head is dark brown with white cheeks, the mantle brown, the wing feathers blackish with pale fringes, and the underparts whitish with pale brown flanks. The Siberian Tit is a widespread resident throughout subarctic Fennoscandia, northern Asia, Alaska and the far north west of Canada and can be found in conifer forests, mostly of old-growth spruce, especially in areas with dead trees. Date: 28th June 2019 Location: Neljan Tuulen Tupa near Kaamanen, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15454029.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10147172524ff548928f617.jpgGreater Flamingos The Greater Flamingo is a largely pinkish-white bird but the wing coverts are red and the primary and secondary flight feathers are black. The bill is pink with a black tip and the legs are entirely pink. The Greater Flamingo is the most widespread species of the flamingo family and can be found in parts of Africa, southern Asia and southern Europe (including Spain, Sardinia, Albania, Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Portugal and the Camargue region of France). Some populations are short distance migrants, and records north of the breeding range are relatively frequent. However, given the species' popularity in captivity, whether these are truly wild individuals is a matter of some debate. Date: 1st May 2012 Location: La Madre de las Marismas, El Rocío, Coto Doñana, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801029.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_158862623664ed9be11e188.jpgRed Admiral Flight period: April to November. The Red Admiral is a familiar and widespread butterfly in the UK although numbers depend on immigration from Europe. It can be found in any flower-rich habitat. Date: 7th July 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46535124.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_42199873662caa2a180671.jpgGrass Snake The Grass Snake is the UK’s largest terrestrial reptile reaching up to 6 feet in length although such large specimens are rare. Females are considerably larger than males and typically reach a size of 2 feet 11 inches to 3 feet 7 inches when fully grown whilst males are approximately 8 inches shorter. The Grass Snake is typically olive-green, brown or greyish in colour with a variable row of black bars along the sides, occasionally with smaller round markings along the back in double rows. The underside of the Grass Snake is off-white or yellowish with dark triangular or rectangular markings. A characteristic black and yellow collar is present behind the head. The Grass Snake is one of only 3 snakes to occur in the UK and it is distributed throughout lowland areas of England and Wales. It is almost absent from Scotland and is not found in Ireland at all which has no native snakes. The Grass Snake is an aquatic species that is usually closely associated with water where it preys almost entirely on amphibians, especially the Common Toad and the Common Frog, although they may also occasionally eat mammals and fish. It is a strong swimmer and is found in habitats featuring ponds, lakes, streams, marshes and ditches which provide access to sunshine for basking and plenty of shelter. The Grass Snake may also be found in open woodland, rough grassland, wet heathlands, gardens, parks and hedgerows. The Grass Snake, as with most reptiles, is at the mercy of the thermal environment and it needs to overwinter in areas which are not subject to freezing. Therefore it will typically spend the winter underground where the temperature is relatively stable. Date: 3rd July 2022 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40755765.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20525210125e20435b39873.jpgGreat White Egret The Great White Egret is a large bird with all white plumage. Apart from size, the Great White Egret can be distinguished from other white egrets by its yellow bill and black legs and feet although the bill may become darker and the lower legs lighter in the breeding season. In breeding plumage, delicate ornamental feathers are borne on the back. It has a slow flight with its neck retracted. The Great White Egret is distributed across most of the tropical and warmer temperate regions of the world favouring all kinds of wetland habitats and it is a familiar species in southern Europe. Expanding populations in Europe mean that the Great White Egret is now seen more frequently in the UK and it can turn up in almost any part of the country with the majority of records in south east England and East Anglia. Date: 6th December 2019 Location: Oudeland van Strijen, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41539275.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_552477055f3e4aac7f498.jpgRiver Tana, Troms og Finnmark, Norway The River Tana is a 210 mile long river in north Norway and Finland. The Sámi name, [i]Deatnu[/i], means "Great River". In its upper course, the river runs for 159 miles along the Finnish–Norwegian border between Utsjoki in Finland and Karasjok and Tana in Norway. The river discharges into the Tanafjorden and the river mouth is one of the largest virgin river deltas in Europe. The river is well known for its excellent salmon fishery and is the most productive salmon river in Norway. The world's record for Atlantic salmon is held by a salmon caught on the Tana (a fish weighing 79 pounds taken in 1929). Date: 5th July 2019 Location: River Tana delta between Tana Bru and Hoyholmen, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/river-tana-troms-og-finnmark https://images.on-this.website/4752_15603922045f3e4aa7b5ab7.jpgRiver Tana, Troms og Finnmark, Norway The River Tana is a 210 mile long river in north Norway and Finland. The Sámi name, [i]Deatnu[/i], means "Great River". In its upper course, the river runs for 159 miles along the Finnish–Norwegian border between Utsjoki in Finland and Karasjok and Tana in Norway. The river discharges into the Tanafjorden and the river mouth is one of the largest virgin river deltas in Europe. The river is well known for its excellent salmon fishery and is the most productive salmon river in Norway. The world's record for Atlantic salmon is held by a salmon caught on the Tana (a fish weighing 79 pounds taken in 1929). Date: 5th July 2019 Location: River Tana delta between Tana Bru and Hoyholmen, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33568445.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19425185405a106b94540c0.jpgWhite-tailed Eagles The White-tailed Eagle is a very large bird with a 72 to 96 inch wingspan and is the fourth largest eagle in the world. It has broad "barn door" wings, a large head and a thick "meat-cleaver" beak. The adult is mainly brown except for the paler head and neck, blackish flight feathers, distinctive white tail, and yellow bill and legs. In juvenile birds the tail and bill are darker, with the tail becoming white with a dark terminal band in sub-adults. The White-tailed Eagle breeds in northern Europe and northern Asia. The largest population in Europe is found along the coast of Norway. In the UK it became extinct during the early 20th century and the present population in Scotland has arisen from a reintroduction programme which commenced on the island of Rhum in 1975. It is still a rare breeding bird which was previously confined to the west coast of Scotland, although a reintroduction programme is now taking place in east Scotland. The photo is a poor record shot taken in very wet and windy weather and at some distance. Date: 6th November 2017 Location: Scarisdale Rocks, Loch na Keal, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50931108.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20343251776627d68c95b41.jpgGreat Crested Grebe The Great Crested Grebe is the largest member of the grebe family measuring 18 to 20 inches in length with a wing span of 23 to 29 inches. It is a graceful bird with its long neck, long bill and slender outline. In summer, the adults of both sexes are unmistakable being adorned with beautiful head-plumes which are reddish-orange in colour with black tips. There is also an erectile black crown. Non-breeding adults lack the full crest and have a dark crown bordered by a white face, the white extending down the fore-neck and chest. The sexes are similar in appearance but juveniles can be distinguished from adults by having a striped black and white head and neck. The Great Crested Grebe can be found across Europe and Asia and it breeds on shallow, reed-fringed freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs and slow rivers. It is resident in the milder west of its range but it migrates from the colder regions of its range to freshwater lakes, reservoirs and sheltered coastal areas in winter. The Great Crested Grebe has an elaborate mating display. Like all grebes, it nests on the water's edge since its legs are set relatively far back and it is thus unable to walk very well. Usually 2 eggs are laid and the fluffy, striped young grebes are often carried on the adult's back. In a clutch of 2 or more hatchlings, male and female grebes will each identify their “favourites” which they alone will care for and teach. Unusually, young Great Crested Grebes are capable of swimming and diving almost at hatching. The adults teach these skills to their young by carrying them on their backs and diving, leaving the chicks to float on the surface. They then re-emerge a few feet away so that the chicks may swim back on to them. The Great Crested Grebe feeds mainly on fish but it will also eat small crustaceans, insects and small frogs and newts. The Great Crested Grebe was hunted almost to extinction in the UK in the 19th century due to being hunted for its head plumes which were used to decorate hats and ladies' undergarments. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was set up to help protect the Great Crested Grebe which is now again a common sight. Date: 14th April 2024 Location: RSPB Rainham Marshes, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26008901.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_211020075056351eec71ffc.jpgBlack-tailed Godwits The Black-tailed Godwit is a large, long-legged, long-billed shorebird with an orange head, neck and chest in its breeding plumage and a uniform brown-grey breast and upperparts in winter. During the breeding season, the bill has a yellowish or orange-pink base and dark tip but the base is pink in winter. The legs are dark grey, brown or black. The sexes are similar but in breeding plumage they can be separated by the male's brighter, more extensive orange breast, neck and head. In flight, the bold black and white wingbar and white rump can be seen readily. When on the ground the Black-tailed Godwit can be difficult to separate from the similar Bar-tailed Godwit but the Black-tailed Godwit's longer, straighter bill and longer legs are diagnostic. The Black-tailed Godwit’s breeding range stretches from Iceland through northern Europe and areas of central Asia where it can be found in fens, lake edges, damp meadows, moorlands and bogs. It winters in areas as diverse as the Indian Subcontinent, Australia, western Europe and west Africa where it can be found on estuaries and floods. It is also more likely to be found inland and on freshwater than the Bar-tailed Godwit. Date: 4th June 2015 Location: Lake Mývatn, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41537254.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10139474445f3cfe0ac775d.jpgKittiwakes The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 4th July 2019 Location: Flåget, Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26006643.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1144426341563494e8c2b63.jpgGreat Northern Diver The Great Northern Diver is a large member of the diver or loon family. The species is known as the Great Northern Diver in Eurasia and the Common Loon in north America. The European name "diver" comes from the bird's habit of catching fish by swimming calmly along the surface and then abruptly plunging into the water. The north American name "loon" is a reference to the bird's clumsiness on land and is derived from Scandinavian words for lame such as Icelandic "lúinn" and Swedish "lam". Breeding adult Great Northern Divers have a black head, white underparts and a chequered black and white mantle. The non-breeding plumage is brownish with the chin and foreneck white. The bill is black-blue and held horizontally. The Great Northern Diver breeds in north America, Greenland and Iceland on hollowed-out mounds of dirt and vegetation very close to water and typically placed on islands to avoid ground-based predators. It winters on sea coasts or on large lakes further south in Europe, north America and north west Africa. The Great Northern Diver is a specialist fresh water or salt water fish-eater. It catches its prey underwater, diving as deep as 200 feet and remaining underwater for as long as 3 minutes. The Great Northern Diver needs a long distance to gain momentum for take-off and it is ungainly on landing. Its clumsiness on land is due to the legs being positioned at the rear of the body. This is ideal for diving but not well-suited for walking. However, it swims gracefully on the surface. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Steingrímsfjarðarheiði to Ísafjörður, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/flget-ekkery-varanger-peninsula-troms https://images.on-this.website/4752_2343087445f3cfdee26715.jpgFlåget, Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Ekkerøy is a small village in Troms og Finnmark in north east Norway. It is located on the Varanger peninsula along the shore of the Varangerfjord. The village lies along the European route E75 about 9 miles east of the town of Vadsø. As the ending "øy" in the name indicates, Ekkerøy was originally an island. However, it is now joined to the Varanger peninsula by a narrow isthmus of land. At the mainland end of the isthmus is the small hamlet of Valen. The headland on the northern tip of Ekkerøy is called Varnes and its eastern tip is called Skagodden. The bay on the north east side of the neck which joins Ekkerøy to the mainland is called Yttersida and that on the south west side is called Innersida. Ekkerøy is one of the few places in Troms og Finnmark where pre-World War 2 buildings can be seen. When the German army retreated from the Litsa front and Kirkenes in late 1944, they burned most buildings in the county under Operation Nordlicht, the German “scorched earth” retreat from Finnmark. However, buildings on the north side of the Varangerfjord survived because the Russians advanced so quickly that the German troops in this area fled west to get across the Tana river before they were cut off and therefore did not have enough time to obey the order to destroy all buildings. Historically, the economy of Ekkerøy was based on fishing and farming but today tourism also forms part of the economy. Flåget is a bird reserve with an easily accessible bird cliff just outside the village. The cliffs face south towards the Varangerfjord, stretch for just over 0.5 miles and rise steeply to a height of 130 to 165 feet. They can be reached by a short walk from a small car park. Flåget is best known for a huge colony of breeding Kittiwakes between March and September. In addition, Ekkerøy and nearby Salttjern, have sheltered sandy bays and these, together with the Varangerfjord offshore, provide good habitats for many species of birds and sea mammals. Date: 4th July 2019 Location: Flåget, Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/seven-spot-ladybird-larva https://images.on-this.website/4752_13334785295ee77567c9e9f.jpgSeven-spot Ladybird larva The Seven-spot Ladybird is a very familiar and widespread in the UK. They are small round beetles with three and a half spots on each of their two elytra (wing cases). The thorax is black with two white marks at the side and the head is small and black. The Ladybird's bright colours are a warning to predators of its foul taste. When disturbed the Ladybird will secrete small amounts of its oily foul-smelling yellow blood from its legs as a further warning to predators such as ants or birds. They inhabit gardens, woodland, hedgerows and meadows and have a varied diet of small insects but favour plant-lice and aphids. They are known as the gardener's friend as they eat garden pests. The average Seven-spot Ladybird will eat more than 5,000 aphids in its year-long life. Ladybirds will hibernate in large groups in sites which are used year after year. In the main breeding season during May and June, mating Seven-spot Ladybirds are a common sight in hedgerows and gardens. In her short life, a female may lay more than 2,000 small yellow eggs. The name Ladybird comes from the Middle Ages when the colourful insects were known as the "beetle of Our Lady". They were named after the Virgin Mary because in early religious paintings she was often shown wearing a red cloak. The 7 spots symbolise 7 joys and 7 sorrows. Date: 12th June 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49797865.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_192257848864eca77d2df25.jpgEssex Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Essex Skipper is a small butterfly with a darting flight. It has bright orange-brown wings which are held with the forewings angled above the hind wings. The males have a thin black scent brand line running through the centre of the forewing and parallel to the leading edge. The Small Skipper appears very similar but it lacks the black tips to the antenna and it has a longer scent brand which is angled to the edge of the forewing. Since the Essex Skipper and the Small Skipper closely resemble each other and are often found in the same company, the Essex Skipper has been overlooked both in terms of recording and ecological study and it was the last UK resident species to be described (in 1889). The Essex Skipper can be found in tall, dry grasslands in open sunny situations, especially roadside verges, woodland rides and acid grasslands as well as coastal marshes. The distribution of the Essex Skipper in the UK has more than doubled in the last few decades. It is a widespread species in southern and central England but not in the far south-west. Date: 3rd July 2023 Location: Broadcroft Quarry, Isle of Portland, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15367563.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1213084524fec1d1d16a48.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 9th June 2012 Location: Traigh Allt Chailgeag, Sutherland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623508.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3296005816117e136dac7a.jpgLittle Grebe and juvenile The Little Grebe, also known as the Dabchick, is the smallest member of the grebe family measuring 9 to 11.5 inches in length. The adult is unmistakable in summer, predominantly dark above with its rich, rufous colour neck, cheeks and flanks and bright yellow gape. The rufous is replaced by a dirty brownish grey in non-breeding and juvenile birds. Juveniles have a yellow bill with a small black tip and black and white streaks on the cheeks and sides of the neck. This yellow bill darkens as the juveniles age, eventually turning black as an adult. The Little Grebe can be noisy with a distinctive whinnying trill. The Little Grebe can be found across Europe, much of Asia down to New Guinea and in most of Africa. It breeds in small colonies in freshwater wetlands with muddy bottoms and edges and still or slow-moving water with plenty of emergent vegetation such as lakes, gravel pits, canals and rivers. Most birds move to more open or coastal waters in winter but it is only migratory in those parts of its range where the waters freeze. Like all grebes, the Little Grebe nests at the water's edge since its legs are set very far back and it can not walk well. Usually 4 to 7 eggs are laid. The young leave the nest and can swim soon after hatching but are often carried on the backs of the swimming adults. The Little Grebe is an excellent swimmer and diver and pursues its fish and aquatic invertebrate prey underwater. It uses the vegetation skillfully as a hiding place. Date: 5th July 2021 Location: RSPB Old Moor, Dearne Valley, South Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230667.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_68036267764916dee6020b.jpgBlack Grouse The Black Grouse is a large game bird in the grouse family. The male has all black plumage with distinctive red wattles over the eyes and striking white stripes along each wing in flight. It has a lyre-shaped tail which is fanned out and raised to show white under-tail feathers when displaying. The female is smaller and grey-brown in colour. The Black Grouse is a sedentary species and breeds across northern Eurasia in moorland and bog areas near to mostly boreal woodland. Although it is declining, it is not considered to be vulnerable globally due to the large population and slow rate of decline. Its decline is due to loss of habitat, disturbance, predation by foxes, crows, etc., and small populations gradually dying out. In the UK, the Black Grouse are found in upland areas of Wales, the Pennines and most of Scotland, especially on farmland and moorland with nearby forestry or scattered trees. Habitat loss and overgrazing have resulted in severe population declines which make the Black Grouse a Red List species. Positive habitat management and re-introduction programmes are helping it to increase in some areas. The Black Grouse has a very distinctive and well-recorded courtship. At dawn in the spring, the males strut around in a traditional area (lek) and display whilst making a highly distinctive and bubbling mating call. This photo was taken at a well known roadside lekking site. If visiting, please remain in your car to avoid disturbance to these vulnerable breeding birds. Date: 13th May 2023 Location: World's End, Denbighshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26030008.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_26506391856375e3f06217.jpgGoðafoss, north east Iceland Goðafoss (Icelandic: waterfall of the gods) is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Iceland. It is located in the Bárðardalur district of north east Iceland at the beginning of the Sprengisandur highland road. The water of the Skjálfandafljót river falls from a height of 40 feet over a width of 98 feet and the waterfall is segmented into 2 main components whilst forming an arcing semi-horseshoe shape. In the year 999 or 1000 the Lawspeaker Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði made Christianity the official religion of Iceland. After his conversion it is said that upon returning from the Alþingi, Þorgeir threw his statues of the Norse gods into the waterfall. Þorgeir's story is preserved in Ari Þorgilsson's Íslendingabók (Icelandic: Book of Icelanders), a historical work dealing with early Icelandic history. Date: 2nd June 2015 Location: view from the west bank of the Skjálfandafljót river http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801129.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15944493864edaceef2340.jpgBlack-winged Stilt The Black-winged Stilt is a widely distributed very long-legged wader. They have long pink-red legs, a long thin black bill and are blackish above and white below with a white head and neck with a varying amount of black. Both in flight and at rest the long pink-red legs are characteristic and even if these are hidden in water of unknown depth, the pure white underparts and jet black upperparts are distinctive. The amount of dark feathering on the otherwise white head doesn't necessarily indicate the sex of a stilt although young birds always have smoky patterning on the head. The Black-winged Stilt can be found in central and southern Europe, central and southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Many birds migrate to south of the Sahara from August to November and return in March and April. However, many of those which breed in Iberia are now increasingly remaining throughout the year. The Black-winged Stilt breeds around shallow wetlands, especially coastal lagoons, saltpans and estuaries. The nest site is a bare spot on the ground near water and birds often nest in small groups, sometimes with Avocets. In Europe, the Black-winged Stilt is a regular spring overshoot vagrant north of its normal range, occasionally remaining to breed in northern European countries including the UK. Date: 17th July 2023 Location: RSPB Frampton Marsh, near Boston, Lincolnshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46535934.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_73756125662caab35ad769.jpgEssex Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Essex Skipper is a small butterfly with a darting flight. It has bright orange-brown wings which are held with the forewings angled above the hind wings. The males have a thin black scent brand line running through the centre of the forewing and parallel to the leading edge. The Small Skipper appears very similar but it lacks the black tips to the antenna and it has a longer scent brand which is angled to the edge of the forewing. Since the Essex Skipper and the Small Skipper closely resemble each other and are often found in the same company, the Essex Skipper has been overlooked both in terms of recording and ecological study and it was the last UK resident species to be described (in 1889). The Essex Skipper can be found in tall, dry grasslands in open sunny situations, especially roadside verges, woodland rides and acid grasslands as well as coastal marshes. The distribution of the Essex Skipper in the UK has more than doubled in the last few decades. It is a widespread species in southern and central England but not in the far south-west Date: 6th July 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38397332.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9065858875ce12810b14a4.jpgCommon Lizard The Common Lizard ranges across central and northern Europe (but are absent from the Mediterranean area) and through to northern Asia. It is the most common lizard in northern regions and the only reptile found in Ireland. The Common Lizard has a long body and short legs. It has coarse scales which range from grey, brown, bronze or green on the back and males are generally darker than females. It has a series of white spots down the flanks, which fuse to form a line, and a black line along the back. The Common Lizard also has numerous black spots scattered over the body. Males have orange/yellow bellies with black spots and females have cream/white bellies. The Common Lizard is found in a range of habitats including woodland, marshes, heathland, moors, sand dunes, hedgerows, bogs and rubbish dumps and it hunts insects, spiders, snails and earthworms, stunning its prey by shaking it and then swallowing it whole. The Common Lizard is active during the day and spends the morning and afternoon (but not the intense heat of midday) basking in the sun either alone or in groups. It is a good swimmer and will dive underwater when threatened. At night, and when startled, it will shelter beneath logs, stones and metal sheets. After emerging from hibernation, males defend breeding territories from other males. The young develop over 3 months within egg membranes inside the female's body which they usually break out of as she gives birth. Litters of 3 to 12 young are born from June to September after which time the mother shows no parental care with the young feeding actively from birth and quickly dispersing. The Common Lizard hibernates from October to March. It will often hibernate in groups and sometimes emerge for a brief time during warm spells. Date: 16th April 2020 Location: Cors Dyfi MWT reserve, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo8048478.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9973246284d0d033d77bf6.jpgWaxwing The Waxwing is a plump bird which is slightly smaller than a Starling. It is buff or pinkish-brown in colour with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings, a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest. The bird’s name is derived from the red tips to some of the wing feathers which are said to look like they have been dipped in sealing wax. Waxwings breed in the dense forests of northern Europe but they occur in varying numbers in the UK from October to March. In some years they can occur in large numbers (known as irruptions) when the population in the breeding areas gets too big for the food available. The first UK arrivals each winter are usually seen on the east coast from Scotland to East Anglia but birds then move inland in search of food. They can be found in parks and gardens and even busy public places such as supermarket car parks, typically where there are berry-bearing trees and bushes such as rowan, hawthorn, cotoneaster and rose. Waxwings seem fearless of humans so it is relatively easy to get very close views of these stunning birds. Waxwings make an easily recognisable high-pitched trilling sound like a bell. Date: 11th December 2010 Location: Folkestone, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46535937.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_152603571562caab36df852.jpgEssex Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Essex Skipper is a small butterfly with a darting flight. It has bright orange-brown wings which are held with the forewings angled above the hind wings. The males have a thin black scent brand line running through the centre of the forewing and parallel to the leading edge. The Small Skipper appears very similar but it lacks the black tips to the antenna and it has a longer scent brand which is angled to the edge of the forewing. Since the Essex Skipper and the Small Skipper closely resemble each other and are often found in the same company, the Essex Skipper has been overlooked both in terms of recording and ecological study and it was the last UK resident species to be described (in 1889). The Essex Skipper can be found in tall, dry grasslands in open sunny situations, especially roadside verges, woodland rides and acid grasslands as well as coastal marshes. The distribution of the Essex Skipper in the UK has more than doubled in the last few decades. It is a widespread species in southern and central England but not in the far south-west Date: 6th July 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40755823.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17505264425e20448e50b1f.jpgGreater (Russian) White-fronted Goose The Greater White-fronted Goose is a species of goose which is closely related to the smaller Lesser White-fronted Goose. The Latin name, [i]Anser albifrons[/i], is derived from [i]anser[/i] meaning "goose" and [i]albus[/i] meaning "white" and [i]frons[/i] meaning “forehead”. The Greater White-fronted Goose is 25 to 32 inches in length with a 51 to 65 inches wingspan and weighs 4.3 to 7.3 pounds. It is smaller than the Greylag Goose and, as well as being larger than the Lesser White-fronted Goose, it lacks the yellow eye-ring of that species and the white facial blaze does not extend upwards so far. The Greater White-fronted Goose is a greyish-brown goose with a light grey breast dappled with dark brown to black blotches and bar, a pinkish bill and orange legs and feet. The male is typically larger in size but both sexes are similar in appearance The Greater White-fronted Goose is divided into 5 subspecies. The nominate subspecies Eurasian or Russian White-fronted Goose, [i]A. a. albifrons[/i], breeds in the far north of Europe and Asia and winters further south and west in Europe, including England and Wales. The very distinct Greenland White-fronted Goose, [i]A. a. flavirostris[/i], breeds in west Greenland and is much darker overall with only a very narrow white tip to the tail (broader on the other races), more black barring on its belly and usually has an orange (not pink) bill. It winters in Ireland and west Scotland. Some ecological studies suggest that the Greenland White-fronted Goose should probably be considered a separate species. Weather conditions are a key factor in the annual breeding success of the Greater White-fronted Goose. In the Arctic, the window of opportunity for nesting, incubating eggs and raising a brood is open briefly for about 3 months. Arriving in late May or early June, Greater White-fronted Geese begin departing for their wintering areas in early September. This means that a delayed snowmelt or late spring storm can significantly reduce breeding success. Date: 10th December 2019 Location: De Putten and Pettemerpolder area near Camperduin, Noord-Holland, Netherlands http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26006812.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1900406205634a85100d84.jpgWestfjords, Iceland The Westfjords is the name of a large peninsula in north west Iceland and it is situated on the Denmark Strait facing the east coast of Greenland to the north west. It is connected to the rest of Iceland by a 5 mile wide isthmus between Gilsfjörður and Bitrufjörður. The Westfjords are one of the most breathtakingly beautiful and least visited corners of Iceland with only a small number of foreign tourist visitors. This peninsula of almost 5500 square miles stretching out into the icy waters of the Denmark Strait is characterised by dramatic fjords which have resulted from intense glacial activity. Everything here is extreme from the table mountains that dominate the landscape and which plunge precipitously into the sea to the ferocious storms that have gnawed the coastline into countless craggy inlets. After crossing the Steingrímsfjarðarheiði mountain pass west of Hólmavík, road 61 becomes a convoluted and circuitous route which winds it’s way in and around no fewer than 7 deeply indented fjords in the northern part of the Westfjords before reaching the regional capital of Ísafjörður. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: view from road 61 between the western end of the Steingrímsfjarðarheiði mountain pass and Ísafjörður http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28886006.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19473376157cc37b4da6bd.jpgRoe Deer The Roe Deer is a small deer which has a white to buff patch on their rump, a black nose and “moustache” and a white chin. Its coat varies from sandy to reddish-brown in the summer to grey-brown or even black in winter. The antlers, which have no more than 3 points and are less than 10 inches in length, grow in winter and are shed in the autumn. The Roe Deer is found throughout Europe but it is absent from Ireland, much of Portugal, Greece and large parts of England and Wales. Roe Deer became extinct in most of England during the 18th century but they were reintroduced in the 19th century. The Roe Deer lives mainly in woodland where there are open patches of ground and access to the edges of fields and it feeds on grasses and the leaves of young broad-leaved trees and bushes. Both male and female Roe Deer are usually solitary and highly territorial with clearly defined boundaries which they scent mark. The Roe Deer has very good senses of smell, hearing and vision. When alarmed, it makes a characteristic barking noise. Roe Deer mate in July and August and fawns are born in the following spring. Many fawns die during their first year due to heavy predation by foxes. Date: 12th May 2016 Location: Tuhu Soo, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25774129.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_892813780560fb840cb4b3.jpgOtter The Eurasian Otter, also known as the European Otter, Eurasian River Otter, Common Otter and Old World Otter and commonly known as the Otter, is a semi-aquatic mammal and the most widely distributed member of the Otter sub-family of the Weasel family (Mustelidae). The Otter is a typical species of the Otter sub-family and is brown above and cream below. It is 22.5 to 37.5 inches long excluding a tail of 14 to 17.5 inches. The female is shorter than the male. The Otter's average body weight is 15 to 26 pounds, although occasionally a large old male may reach up to 37 pounds. The Otter differs from the North American River Otter by its shorter neck, broader face, the greater space between the ears and its longer tail. However, it is the only Otter species in much of its range so it is rarely confused for any other animal. The Otter is the most widely distributed Otter species and its range including parts of Asia and Africa as well as being widespread across Europe. The Otter can be found throughout most of the UK with the highest densities in Scotland, especially the islands and the north west coast, Wales, parts of East Anglia and the West Country. The Otter declined across its range in the second half of the 20th century primarily due to pollution, habitat loss and hunting. However, populations are now recovering in many parts of Europe. In the UK the number of sites with an Otter presence increased by 55% between 1994 and 2002. In August 2011, the Environment Agency announced that the Otter had returned to every county in England since vanishing from every county except the West Country and parts of Northern England. The recovery of the Otter population in Europe is due to a ban on the most harmful pesticides that has been in place since 1979, improvements in water quality leading to increases in prey populations and direct legal protection under the European Union Habitats Directive and national legislation in several European countries. In general, the Otter’s varied and adaptable diet means that it can be found on any unpolluted body of fresh water, including lakes, streams, rivers and ponds, as long as the food supply is adequate. It can also be found along the coast in salt water but it requires regular access to fresh water to clean its fur. When living in the sea it is sometimes referred to as a "Sea Otter" but it should not be confused with the true Sea Otter which is a North American species much more strongly adapted to a marine existence. The Otter's diet mainly consists of fish. However, during the winter and in colder environments, fish consumption is significantly lower and other sources of food are eaten including amphibians, crustaceans, insects, birds and small mammals. Hunting mainly takes place at night whilst the day is usually spent in the Otter's holt (den). The Otter is strongly territorial and is primarily solitary. An individual's territory may vary between 1 and 25 miles with the length of the territory depending on the density of food available and the width of the water suitable for hunting (it is shorter on coasts, where the available width is much wider and longer on narrower rivers). The Otter uses its spraints to mark its territory. Territories are only held against members of the same sex so those of males and females may overlap. The Otter is a non-seasonal breeder and males and females will breed at any time of the year. It has been found that their mating season is most likely determined simply by the Otters' reproductive maturity and physiological state. Female Otters are sexually mature between 18 and 24 months old and the average age of first breeding is found to be 2.5 years old. Gestation is 60 to 64 days and after the gestation period, 1 to 4 pups are born which remain dependent on the mother for about 13 months. The male plays no direct role in parental care although the territory of a female with her pups is usually entirely within that of the male. Date: 25th September 2015 Location: Broadford Bay, Skye, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493274.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4042193995f326f546301f.jpgShag The European Shag, Common Shag or simply Shag is a species of cormorant. It is 27 to 31 inches in length with a 37 to 43 inches wingspan. It is mainly black in colour but with a glossy green-tinged sheen in adults. It has a longish tail and a yellow throat-patch. Adults have a small recurved crest in the breeding season. It is distinguished from the Cormorant by its smaller size, lighter build, thinner and narrower bill, and, in breeding adults, by the crest and metallic green-tinged sheen. The Shag breeds around the rocky coasts of west and south Europe, north Africa and south west Asia, mainly wintering in its breeding range except for the northernmost birds. It nests on rocky ledges or in crevices or small caves and the nests are untidy heaps of rotting seaweed or twigs cemented together by the bird's own guano. The nesting season is long and begins in late February although some nests are not started until May or even later. The female lays 3 eggs and the chicks hatch without down and so they rely totally on their parents for warmth, often for a period of 2 months before they can fly. Fledging may occur at any time from early June to late August and exceptionally to mid-October. In the UK, the Shag breeds at coastal sites, mainly in the north and west of the country, and more than half of the population is found at fewer than 10 sites. It can be seen during the breeding season at the large Scottish colonies on Orkney, Shetland, the Inner Hebrides and in the Firth of Forth. Elsewhere it can be seen commonly around the coasts of Wales and south west England, especially in Devon and Cornwall. The Shag feeds in the sea and, unlike the Cormorant, it is rare inland. It is one of the deepest pursuit divers among the cormorant family and it has been shown to dive to at least 150 feet. When it dives, it jumps out of the water first to give extra impetus to the dive. The Shag forages for food on the sea bed and eats a wide range of fish although the commonest prey is the sand eel. It will travel long distances from its breeding and roosting sites in order to feed. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46028424.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2067660716291f5d3f21f7.jpgCommon Lizard The Common Lizard ranges across central and northern Europe (but are absent from the Mediterranean area) and through to northern Asia. It is the most common lizard in northern regions and the only reptile found in Ireland. The Common Lizard has a long body and short legs. It has coarse scales which range from grey, brown, bronze or green on the back and males are generally darker than females. It has a series of white spots down the flanks, which fuse to form a line, and a black line along the back. The Common Lizard also has numerous black spots scattered over the body. Males have orange/yellow bellies with black spots and females have cream/white bellies. The Common Lizard is found in a range of habitats including woodland, marshes, heathland, moors, sand dunes, hedgerows, bogs and rubbish dumps and it hunts insects, spiders, snails and earthworms, stunning its prey by shaking it and then swallowing it whole. The Common Lizard is active during the day and spends the morning and afternoon (but not the intense heat of midday) basking in the sun either alone or in groups. It is a good swimmer and will dive underwater when threatened. At night, and when startled, it will shelter beneath logs, stones and metal sheets. After emerging from hibernation, males defend breeding territories from other males. The young develop over 3 months within egg membranes inside the female's body which they usually break out of as she gives birth. Litters of 3 to 12 young are born from June to September after which time the mother shows no parental care with the young feeding actively from birth and quickly dispersing. The Common Lizard hibernates from October to March. It will often hibernate in groups and sometimes emerge for a brief time during warm spells. Date: 26th May 2022 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071495.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_180011054166431ffcbb9ad.jpgGreat Crested Grebe The Great Crested Grebe is the largest member of the grebe family measuring 18 to 20 inches in length with a wing span of 23 to 29 inches. It is a graceful bird with its long neck, long bill and slender outline. In summer, the adults of both sexes are unmistakable being adorned with beautiful head-plumes which are reddish-orange in colour with black tips. There is also an erectile black crown. Non-breeding adults lack the full crest and have a dark crown bordered by a white face, the white extending down the fore-neck and chest. The sexes are similar in appearance but juveniles can be distinguished from adults by having a striped black and white head and neck. The Great Crested Grebe can be found across Europe and Asia and it breeds on shallow, reed-fringed freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs and slow rivers. It is resident in the milder west of its range but it migrates from the colder regions of its range to freshwater lakes, reservoirs and sheltered coastal areas in winter. The Great Crested Grebe has an elaborate mating display. Like all grebes, it nests on the water's edge since its legs are set relatively far back and it is thus unable to walk very well. Usually 2 eggs are laid and the fluffy, striped young grebes are often carried on the adult's back. In a clutch of 2 or more hatchlings, male and female grebes will each identify their “favourites” which they alone will care for and teach. Unusually, young Great Crested Grebes are capable of swimming and diving almost at hatching. The adults teach these skills to their young by carrying them on their backs and diving, leaving the chicks to float on the surface. They then re-emerge a few feet away so that the chicks may swim back on to them. The Great Crested Grebe feeds mainly on fish but it will also eat small crustaceans, insects and small frogs and newts. The Great Crested Grebe was hunted almost to extinction in the UK in the 19th century due to being hunted for its head plumes which were used to decorate hats and ladies' undergarments. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was set up to help protect the Great Crested Grebe which is now again a common sight. Date: 29th April 2024 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50931110.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4181209956627d68e3db66.jpgGreat Crested Grebe The Great Crested Grebe is the largest member of the grebe family measuring 18 to 20 inches in length with a wing span of 23 to 29 inches. It is a graceful bird with its long neck, long bill and slender outline. In summer, the adults of both sexes are unmistakable being adorned with beautiful head-plumes which are reddish-orange in colour with black tips. There is also an erectile black crown. Non-breeding adults lack the full crest and have a dark crown bordered by a white face, the white extending down the fore-neck and chest. The sexes are similar in appearance but juveniles can be distinguished from adults by having a striped black and white head and neck. The Great Crested Grebe can be found across Europe and Asia and it breeds on shallow, reed-fringed freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs and slow rivers. It is resident in the milder west of its range but it migrates from the colder regions of its range to freshwater lakes, reservoirs and sheltered coastal areas in winter. The Great Crested Grebe has an elaborate mating display. Like all grebes, it nests on the water's edge since its legs are set relatively far back and it is thus unable to walk very well. Usually 2 eggs are laid and the fluffy, striped young grebes are often carried on the adult's back. In a clutch of 2 or more hatchlings, male and female grebes will each identify their “favourites” which they alone will care for and teach. Unusually, young Great Crested Grebes are capable of swimming and diving almost at hatching. The adults teach these skills to their young by carrying them on their backs and diving, leaving the chicks to float on the surface. They then re-emerge a few feet away so that the chicks may swim back on to them. The Great Crested Grebe feeds mainly on fish but it will also eat small crustaceans, insects and small frogs and newts. The Great Crested Grebe was hunted almost to extinction in the UK in the 19th century due to being hunted for its head plumes which were used to decorate hats and ladies' undergarments. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was set up to help protect the Great Crested Grebe which is now again a common sight. Date: 14th April 2024 Location: RSPB Rainham Marshes, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/northern-wheatear-fledgling https://images.on-this.website/4752_1186107669577a374e4a16f.jpgNorthern Wheatear fledgling The Northern Wheatear or Wheatear is a small passerine bird that was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family but is now more generally considered to be an Old World flycatcher. It is the most widespread member of the Wheatear genus in Europe and Asia. The English name has nothing to do with wheat or ears but is probably derived from the Middle English [i]whit ers[/i] meaning "white arse" and referring to the prominent white rump of many Wheatear species The Northern Wheatear is larger than the European Robin at 5.7 to 6.3 inches in length. Both sexes have a white rump and tail with a black inverted T-pattern at the end of the tail. The summer plumaged male has grey upperparts, buff throat and black wings and face mask. In autumn it resembles the female apart from the black wings. The female is pale brown above and buff below with darker brown wings. The Northern Wheatear makes one of the longest migratory flights of any small bird, crossing ocean, ice and desert. It migrates from sub-Saharan Africa in spring to breed in open rocky country, tundra, moorland, heaths and pastures over a vast area of the Northern Hemisphere that includes northern and central Asia, Europe, Greenland, Alaska and parts of Canada. In autumn it returns to winter in central Africa. In the UK, the Northern Wheatear is a summer visitor and passage migrant arriving in early March and leaving in September. It breeds mainly in western and northern Britain and western Ireland although smaller numbers also breed in southern and eastern England. The Northern Wheatear is primarily an insectivorous bird and feeds mostly on beetles, ants, caterpillars, grasshoppers, flies, etc. It also eats spiders, centipedes and snails and berries in the autumn. Date: 21st June 2016 Location: Tarbet, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/sierra-de-andjar-andalucia https://images.on-this.website/4752_2753076284cd5716d2515c.jpgSierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain This Natural Park (Parque Natural) includes a large sector of the central Sierra Morena, the east-west line of mountains which divides Andalucia from the rest of Spain. The Sierra de Andújar stretches for 45 miles with a highest point of 4230 feet and it is densely wooded boasting one of Andalucia's best preserved expanses of Mediterranean woodland and scrubland. The Sierra de Andújar is one of two of Spain's last refuges for the elusive and highly endangered Iberian Lynx. Date: 7th September 2010 Location: view from road along River Andújar to Jándula Dam http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072346.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12911831724bf6df9006583.jpgSteller's Eider The Steller's Eider is a medium sized sea duck and the smallest of the 4 species of eider. In it’s breeding plumage, the male is unmistakable with a black back, white shoulders, chestnut breast and belly, a white head with a greenish tuft and small black eye patches. During the late summer and autumn, males are entirely mottled dark brown. Females and juveniles are mottled dark brown all year round. Adults of both sexes have a blue patch with a white border on the upper wing similar to a mallard. The bird is named after the German naturalist Georg Steller. Steller's Eiders breed along the Arctic coasts of northern Russia and northern and western Alaska. It is estimated that the world population of Steller's Eiders is around 220,000 birds, the majority of which nest in Russia. Most Steller's Eiders breeding in Alaska and Russia migrate south after breeding. An estimated 40,000 winter in north eastern Europe along the coasts of Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Finland, Norway and Sweden. It is very scarce south of its wintering range. Date: 13th April 2010 Location: Svartnes, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29240068.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_32465925057eb9582b5f02.jpgLoch Don, Mull, Argyll Loch Don is located on the east coast of Mull to the south of Craignure where it forms a significant inlet of the Firth of Lorne. To the south of the mouth of Loch Don is the headland of Grass Point, with Gorten to the north, whilst at its head is the hamlet of Lochdon on the A849 Craignure to Fionnphort road. Loch Don itself is a tidal estuarine body of water that transforms the appearance of the village depending on the state of the tide. An unclassified road at the north end of the village passes several houses before running alongside the shores of Loch Don towards Gorsten where it ends. Date: 19th September 2016 Location: view from the unclassified road at Gorsten looking west across Loch Don towards Lochdon http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28885470.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_167966754457cc31a29604b.jpgRed-backed Shrike The Red-backed Shrike is a carnivorous passerine bird and member of the shrike family. The general colour of the male’s upper parts is reddish. It has a grey head and a typical shrike black stripe through the eye. Underparts are tinged pink and the tail has a black and white pattern similar to that of a Wheatear. In the female and young birds the upperparts are brown and vermiculated and the underparts are buff and also vermiculated. The Red-backed Shrike eats large insects, small birds, frogs, rodents and lizards. Like other shrikes it hunts from prominent perches and impales corpses on thorns or barbed wire as a "larder." This practice has earned it the nickname of "butcher bird." The Red-backed Shrike breeds in most of Europe and western Asia and winters in tropical Africa. Once a common migratory visitor to the UK, numbers declined sharply during the 20th century. The bird's last stronghold was in Breckland but by 1988 just a single pair remained, successfully raising young at Santon Downham. The following year for the first time no nests were recorded in the UK but since then sporadic breeding has taken place, mostly in Scotland and Wales, and in September 2010 the RSPB announced that a pair had raised chicks at a secret location on Dartmoor where the bird last bred in 1970. This return to south west England has been an unexpected development and has raised speculation that a warming climate could assist the bird in re-colonising some of its traditional sites, if only in small numbers. Date: 15th May 2016 Location: Tõramaa, Soomaa National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41524245.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4223194115f3a6b00e7d18.jpgSmall Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Small Skipper has a rusty orange colour to the wings, upper body and the tips of the antennae. The body is silvery white below and it has a wingspan of 25 to 30 mm. It is very similar in appearance to the Essex Skipper but the undersides of the tips of the antennae are yellow orange in the Small Skipper whereas they are black in the Essex Skipper. The Small Skipper is a common and widespread butterfly in most parts of England and has been expanding its range northwards. It can be found in rough grassland, roadside verges, edges of fields and woodland clearings where it is often seen basking on vegetation or making short buzzing flights among tall grass stems. Date: 1st August 2020 Location, Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813345.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6587360175d0dddf001b58.jpgGreat Spotted Woodpecker The Great Spotted Woodpecker is a Blackbird-sized bird with striking black and white plumage. The male has a distinctive red patch on the back of the head and young birds have a red crown. Great Spotted Woodpeckers have a very distinctive bouncing flight and spend most of their time clinging to tree trunks and branches. Their presence is often announced by its loud call or by its distinctive spring “drumming” display. Great Spotted Woodpeckers can be found all year round and are most common in woodlands, parks and large gardens in England and Wales. They also readily visit bird tables and peanut feeders. Date: 7th June 2019 Location: Loch Spynie RSPB reserve, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4267238.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3169694414b522380b778d.jpgWigeon The Eurasian Wigeon, or simply Wigeon, is one of 3 species of Wigeon in the dabbling duck genus [i]Mareca[/i]. The Wigeon is 17 to 20 inches in length with a 28 to 31 inches wingspan. The breeding male has grey flanks and back with a black rear end, a dark green speculum and a brilliant white patch on the upper wings which obvious in flight or at rest. It has a pink breast, white belly and a chestnut head with a creamy crown. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female. The female is generally light brown but it can be distinguished from most other ducks, apart from the American Wigeon, on shape. The Wigeon breeds in the northernmost areas of Europe and Asia where it is the Old World counterpart of north America's American Wigeon. It is a bird of open wetlands, such as wet grassland or marshes with some taller vegetation, and nests on the ground near water and under cover. The Wigeon is strongly migratory and winters further south than its breeding range. It is highly gregarious outside of the breeding season and will form large flocks. In the UK, the Wigeon can be found all year round. It is a scarce breeding bird in central and northern Scotland and in northern England. In winter, many birds arrive in the UK from Iceland, Scandinavia and Russia and very large numbers can be seen on the coasts and at some inland sites. The Wigeon is categorised by the IUCN as a species of “Least Concern” but it is a species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 26th December 2009 Location: Buckenham Marshes, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/common-rosefinch https://images.on-this.website/4752_82942482651e3cd71755d7.jpgCommon Rosefinch The Common Rosefinch is the most widespread and common rosefinch species of Europe and Asia. The male has brilliant rosy-carmine head, breast and rump, heavy bill, dark brown wings with two indistinct bars and a white belly. Females and young males are dull-coloured with yellowish-brown above, brighter on the rump and greyer on the head and buff below. The Common Rosefinch can be found in summer in thickets, woodland and forest edges near rivers and in winter in gardens and orchards, wetlands and locally in dry oak woods. The Common Rosefinch breeds throughout eastern Europe and north, central and east Asia and has spread westward through Europe in recent decades. It is a fairly regular passage visitor to the UK and a scare breeder. Date: 26th May 2013 Location: Siemianówka area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21830028.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_159106351153cbaf303c6fd.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a gentle looking, medium sized gull with a small yellow bill and a dark eye. It has a grey back and is white underneath. Its legs are short and black. In flight the black wing-tips show no white, unlike other gulls, and look as if they have been “dipped in ink”. The population is declining in some areas, perhaps due to a shortage of sand eels. Kittiwakes are strictly coastal gulls. In the breeding season, they can be found on rocky, steep sea-cliffs at the major seabird colonies around the UK from February until August. From August to October they can be seen flying past offshore and they spend the winter months out at sea. Date: 11th June 2014 Location: Bempton Cliifs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42626688.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_212933663760a924255e1fe.jpgChiffchaff The (Common) Chiffchaff is a common and widespread leaf warbler which is named onomatopoeically for its simple and repetitive chiff-chaff song. The British naturalist Gilbert White was one of the first people to separate the similar looking Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler and Wood Warbler by their songs, as detailed in 1789 in “The Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne. The Chiffchaff is a small, dumpy, 4 inch long leaf warbler. The spring adult has brown-washed dull green upperparts, off-white underparts becoming yellowish on the flanks and a short whitish supercilium. It has dark legs, a fine dark bill and short primary projection (extension of the flight feathers beyond the folded wing). As the plumage wears, it gets duller and browner and the yellow on the flanks tends to be lost and after the breeding season there is a prolonged complete moult before migration. After moulting, both the adult and the juvenile have brighter and greener upperparts and a paler supercilium. When not singing, the Chiffchaff can be difficult to distinguish from other leaf warblers with greenish upperparts and whitish underparts, particularly the Willow Warbler. However, that species has a longer primary projection, a sleeker, brighter appearance and generally pale legs. The Chiffchaff breeds across Europe and Asia east to eastern Siberia and north to about 70°N, with isolated populations in north west Africa, north and west Turkey and north west Iran. It is a migratory species but one of the first passerine birds to return to its breeding areas in the spring and amongst the last to leave in late autumn. When breeding, the Chiffchaff is a bird of open woodlands with some taller trees and ground cover for nesting purposes. In winter, the Chiffchaff uses a wider range of habitats and is not so dependent on trees and is often found near water. There is an increasing tendency to winter in western Europe well north of the traditional areas, especially in coastal south England and the mild urban microclimate of London. The male Chiffchaff returns to its breeding territory 2 or 3 weeks before the female and immediately starts singing to establish ownership and attract a female. When a female is located, the male will use a slow butterfly-like flight as part of the courtship ritual but, once a pair-bond has been established, other females will be driven from the territory. The male has little involvement in the nesting process other than defending the territory. The female's nest is built on or near the ground in a concealed site in brambles, nettles or other dense low vegetation. The domed nest has a side entrance and is constructed from coarse plant material such as dead leaves and grass with finer material used on the interior before the addition of a lining of feathers. The clutch is 2 to 7 (normally 5 or 6) cream-coloured eggs which are incubated by the female for 13 to 14 days before hatching as naked, blind chicks. The female broods and feeds the chicks for another 14 to 15 days until they fledge. The male rarely participates in feeding although this sometimes occurs, especially when bad weather limits insect supplies or if the female disappears. After fledging, the young stay in the vicinity of the nest for 3 to 4 weeks where they are fed by and roost with the female. In the north of the range there is only time to raise one brood due to the short summer but a second brood is common in central and southern areas. Like most leaf warblers, the Chiffchaff is insectivorous and moves restlessly though foliage or briefly hovering. It has been recorded as taking insects, mainly flies, from more than 50 families, along with other small and medium-sized invertebrates. It will also take the eggs and larvae of butterflies and moths. The Chiffchaff has been estimated to require about one third of its weight in insects daily and it feeds almost continuously in the autumn to put on extra fat as fuel for its long migration flight. As with most small birds, mortality in the first year of life is high but adults aged 3 to 4 years are regularly recorded and the record is more than 7 years. Eggs, chicks and fledglings are taken by Stoats, Weasels and crows such as the Magpie and adults are hunted by birds of prey, particularly the Sparrowhawk. The Chiifchaff is also susceptible to poor weather, particularly when migrating, but also on the breeding and wintering grounds. The main effect of humans on the Chiffchaff is indirect through woodland clearance which affects the habitat, predation by cats and collisions with windows, buildings and cars. Date: 14th April 2021 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41392945.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4802975395f26c07aa8f41.jpgSmall Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Small Skipper has a rusty orange colour to the wings, upper body and the tips of the antennae. The body is silvery white below and it has a wingspan of 25 to 30 mm. It is very similar in appearance to the Essex Skipper but the undersides of the tips of the antennae are yellow orange in the Small Skipper whereas they are black in the Essex Skipper. The Small Skipper is a common and widespread butterfly in most parts of England and has been expanding its range northwards. It can be found in rough grassland, roadside verges, edges of fields and woodland clearings where it is often seen basking on vegetation or making short buzzing flights among tall grass stems. Date: 30th July 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13683365.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18130243394ed733edcbc36.jpgTawny Owl The Tawny Owl is an owl about the size of a pigeon. It has a rounded body and head with a ring of dark feathers around its face surrounding the dark eyes. It is mainly reddish brown above and paler underneath. The Tawny Owl can be found all year round in the UK and it is a widespread breeding species. Birds are mainly residents with established pairs probably never leaving their territories. Young birds disperse from breeding grounds in autumn. The Tawny Owl is nocturnal so it is often heard calling at night but much less often seen. In the daytime, you may see one only if you disturb it inadvertently from its roost site in woodland. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41539339.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16407460565f3e4baf15418.jpgKittiwakes The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 5th July 2019 Location: Kongsfjord, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46076965.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11788880166294db04a6cbd.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 26th February 2022 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082340.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14823960075d307bfd57d2b.jpgSandwich Terns The Sandwich Tern is a medium-large tern, gull-like in appearance but usually with a more delicate, lighter build and shorter, weaker legs. It is very closely related to the Lesser Crested Tern, Chinese Crested Tern, Cabot's Tern and Elegant Tern and it has been known to inter-breed with the Lesser Crested Tern. It is 15 to 17 inches in length with a 33 to 38 inches wingspan. It has long, pointed wings, which gives it a fast buoyant flight, and a deeply forked tail. The upperwings are pale grey and the underparts are white. It has a shaggy black crest. The thin sharp bill is black with a yellow tip and the short legs are black. It looks very pale in flight although the primary flight feathers darken during the summer. In winter, the adult's forehead becomes white. Juveniles have dark tips to their tails and a scaly appearance on their back and wings. The Sandwich Tern has an extensive global range and, whilst population trends have not been quantified, it is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List. For these reasons, it is evaluated as “least concern”. The Sandwich Tern breeds in very dense colonies on coasts and islands and exceptionally inland on suitable large freshwater lakes close to the coast. It nests in a ground scrape and lays 1 to 3 eggs. Unlike some of the smaller white terns, it is not very aggressive toward potential predators, relying on the sheer density of the nests and nesting close to other more aggressive species such as the Arctic Tern and the Black-headed Gull. In the UK, the Sandwich Tern can be seen from late March to September and there are breeding colonies scattered around the UK coasts including the north Norfolk coast and at Minsmere in Suffolk and Dungeness in Kent. The Sandwich tern feeds by plunge-diving for fish, almost invariably from the sea. It usually dives directly and not from a hover favoured by other terns. The offering of fish by the male to the female is part of the courtship display. Date: 22nd May 2018 Location: Pomorie, Gulf of Burgas, Burgas Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45949012.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17350655276284b3c187c0e.jpgGreenfinch The European Greenfinch, or simply the Greenfinch, is a small passerine bird in the finch. There are 10 recognised sub-species reflecting its widespread range, including the British Greenfinch found in the UK (except north Scotland) and Ireland and the Northern European Greenfinch found in north Scotland, north and central France and Scandinavia to west Siberia. The Greenfinch is similar in size and shape to a House Sparrow but it is mainly green with yellow in the wings and tail. The female and young birds are duller and have brown tones on the back. The bill is thick and conical. The song contains a lot of trilling twitters interspersed with wheezes and the male has a "butterfly" display flight. The Greenfinch is widespread throughout Europe, north Africa and south west Asia where it is mainly resident although some of the most northern populations migrate further south in autumn and winter. It has also been introduced into Australia, New Zealand, Uruguay and Argentina. The Greenfinch can be found around woodland edges, in farmland hedges and in gardens with relatively thick vegetation favoured for breeding. It can form large flocks outside the breeding season, sometimes mixing with other groups of finches and buntings. In the UK, the Greenfinch is widespread and relatively common (although a sharp decline in the population in recent years has been noted due to an outbreak of trichomonosis, a parasite-induced disease which prevents the birds from feeding properly) and it is only absent from upland areas without trees and bushes. The breeding season occurs in spring and early summer, commencing in the second half of March with the young fledging in early July. Incubation of the eggs is undertaken by the female and lasts about 13 to 14 days with the male feeding her at the nest during this period. The chicks are fed on insect larvae by both adults during the first few days and thereafter by a frequently regurgitated yellowish paste made of seeds. The chicks leave the nest about 13 days later but they are unable to fly. The Greenfinch usually produces 2 or 3 broods per year. The Greenfinch predominantly feeds on seeds but it will also take berries and nuts. Date: 25th April 2022 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33820935.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10728164205a3d078e1b080.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 12th December 2017 Location: Kensington Gardens, London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48483028.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2066700821640a417d53d05.jpgKestrel The Common Kestrel is a small falcon, smaller than most other birds of prey but larger than most songbirds. Females are noticeably larger than males. Their plumage is mainly light chestnut brown with blackish spots on the upperside and buff with narrow blackish streaks on the underside. Males have less black spots and streaks as well as a blue-grey cap and tail. The tail is brown with black bars in females and has a black tip with a narrow white rim in both sexes. Both sexes also have a prominent black malar stripe. The Common Kestrel occurs over a large range and it is widespread in Europe, Asia and Africa. In the cool temperate parts of its range, it migrates south in winter but otherwise it is sedentary although juveniles may wander around in search for a good place to settle down as they become mature. The Common Kestrel is a diurnal bird and can be found in most lowland habitats although it prefers open habitat such as fields, heaths, moorlands, shrubland and marshland. It does not require woodland to be present as long as there are alternate perching and nesting sites like rocks or buildings. It will thrive in treeless steppe where there are abundant shrubs to support a population of prey animals. Date: 31st January 2023 Location: near St. Benet's Abbey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084899.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12993798505d30899e9cfe2.jpgPiatra Craiului Mountains, Brașov County, Romania The Piatra Craiului Mountains are a mountain range in the Southern Carpathians in central Romania. It forms a narrow and saw-like ridge which is about 16 miles long. Vârful La Om is the highest peak at 7343 feet. The ridge is regarded as one of the most impressive and beautiful sites in the Carpathian Mountians and the views both towards and from the mountains are superb. The whole range is included in the Piatra Craiului National Park. The first protection of this area started in 1938 when 2 square miles were declared as a nature reserve. This has been progressively extended and in 1990 it became a national park covering an area of 38 square miles. In 2003 the external limits and internal zoning were created. Since 1999 a park administration has existed with a visitor centre located on the minor road 0.6 miles west of Zărnești and since 2005 a management plan has been in place. Piatra Craiului National Park supports and protects an abundance and diversity of mammals (including Brown Bear, Wolf and Lynx), birds and plants. Zărneşti is the most important town for visiting the Piatra Craiului Mountains and the Piatra Craiului National Park. The town is located 17 miles south west of the city of Brașov. From Zărnești, a 7 mile long minor road runs west and ends at Cabana Plaiul Foii which is a good starting point for climbing the ridge. In addition, a forest road starts from the south west of Zărneşti which leads to the Zărneştilor Gorge and continues up to the ridge. The traditional villages of Măgura, Peştera, Ciocanu and Şirnea are starting points for routes up to the eastern slopes. Măgura, situated at 3281 feet, is one of Romania’s most picturesque villages and it provides stunning views towards the Bucegi Mountains and the Piatra Craiului Mountains. Date: 6th June 2018 Location: Piatra Craiului Mountains from the Zărnești to Cabana Plaiul Foii road, Brașov County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo1133831.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_684312170483967d704486.jpgDate: 10th May 2008 Location: St Brides Bay, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15367542.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6024165164fec1c9967d39.jpgRoe Deer The Roe Deer is a small deer which has a white to buff patch on their rump, a black nose and “moustache” and a white chin. Its coat varies from sandy to reddish-brown in the summer to grey-brown or even black in winter. The antlers, which have no more than 3 points and are less than 10 inches in length, grow in winter and are shed in the autumn. The Roe Deer is found throughout Europe but it is absent from Ireland, much of Portugal, Greece and large parts of England and Wales. Roe Deer became extinct in most of England during the 18th century but they were reintroduced in the 19th century. The Roe Deer lives mainly in woodland where there are open patches of ground and access to the edges of fields and it feeds on grasses and the leaves of young broad-leaved trees and bushes. Both male and female Roe Deer are usually solitary and highly territorial with clearly defined boundaries which they scent mark. The Roe Deer has very good senses of smell, hearing and vision. When alarmed, it makes a characteristic barking noise. Roe Deer mate in July and August and fawns are born in the following spring. Many fawns die during their first year due to heavy predation by foxes. Date: 8th June 2012 Location: Drumguish near Insh, Inverness-shire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453935.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3741983414ff545cf31f58.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox's distinctive red-brown fur and its long bushy tail are a familiar sight in towns and in the countryside all over the UK but they are absent from many Scottish islands. They are present in virtually every habitat including woodland, scrubland and mountains as well as in urban areas and especially residential suburbs and gardens. Foxes are very adaptable mammals and have successfully established themselves due to their opportunistic, unfussy nature and their very varied diet. Foxes are very social animals and each group includes a dog, a vixen and cubs in the spring. Foxes mate in December and January and between March and May the females give birth to a litter of 4 to 5 blind and deaf cubs covered in dark grey fur. They are independent by the autumn and some move away from their parents but others may remain to help rear the next litter of cubs. Foxes eat almost anything from rabbits, field voles and berries to earthworms, insects and fruits. In towns, they scavenge food from rubbish bins, gardens and bird tables. In Parque Nacional de Monfragüe, the Red Fox is common and widespread. Date: 27th April 2012 Location: La Malavuelta, Parque Nacional de Monfragüe, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/knot https://images.on-this.website/4752_19942975354eff1f399989d.jpgKnot The Knot is a dumpy, short-legged, stocky wading bird. In winter, the Knot is grey above and white below but in summer the chest, belly and face are brick red, hence the name Red Knot in north America. The Knot breeds in the tundra areas of the far Arctic north of Europe, Russia and Canada. During migration periods, it can be seen on tidal flats, rocky shores and beaches. The Knot undertakes one of the longest migrations of any bird flying from their Arctic breeding grounds to the coasts and estuaries of Europe, Africa and Australia where they spend the winter. During winter, the Knot forms large, wheeling flocks that contain in excess of 100,000 birds. Date: 26th May 2009 Location: Salltjern, Varangerfjord, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/red-crested-pochards https://images.on-this.website/4752_2187893984db17cf6e6ac6.jpgRed-crested Pochards The Red-crested Pochard is larger than the Common Pochard, males having an orange-brown head with a red beak and pale flanks and females being largely brown with pale cheeks. There is a large population of Red-crested Pochards in Spain and smaller numbers in France, Netherlands and Germany. Occasional wild birds may come to the UK from Europe but UK breeding birds almost certainly all come from escaped birds. They can be found all year round mainly in southern and eastern England where small breeding populations have become established. Date: 05/04/07 Location: Hanningfield Reservoir, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28884656.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_183088753457cc292bb537a.jpgAardla polder, Estonia Aardla polder is an area of wet meadows, pastures, grazing land and ponds just south of Tartu. Despite its inland location, these wetlands are almost as impressive as those on the coast. This site is well known for its breeding Citrine Wagtails. Date: 17th May 2016 Location: Aardla polder, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32709040.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_117031140859ad2754e20237.65566231.jpgSquacco Heron The Squacco Heron is named after its piercing “squawk’ call” and is a small, chunky heron with a short, thick bill, warm buff-brown back and snowy white wings, breast, tail and belly. The long, almost hair-like feathers on the back cover the tail and there are tufts of long white and black feathers on the head that sometimes stick straight up in the air. The Squacco Heron’s highly recognisable call is often given at night, especially during the breeding season. The Squacco Heron inhabits wetlands such as lakes, river valleys, swamps and other permanent or temporary freshwater wetlands. However, due to habitat alteration or loss, rice paddy fields are becoming a principal habitat. It prefers sites with abundant nearby vegetation, such as tamarisk, elm and ash trees, where it likes to nest in small colonies often with other herons and egrets. The Squacco Heron occurs in Europe (although rare in the north), Africa and the Middle East as far east as Iran, breeding in the northern parts of its range and migrating to southern regions to spend the winter. Date: 19th May 2017 Location: Location: Hortobágy-Halastó, Hortobágy National Park, Hajdú-Bihar county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11947736.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12035363584e40fdf005168.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 21st October 2007 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453940.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15979759434ff545f1b729a.jpgAzure-winged Magpie The Azure-winged Magpie is a member of the crow family, similar in overall shape to the European Magpie but is more slender with proportionately smaller legs and bill. It has a glossy black top to the head and a white throat. The underparts and the back are a light grey-fawn in colour with the wings and the feathers of the long tail are an azure blue. Azure-winged Magpies occurs in two population groups separated by a huge geographical region between. One population lives in western Europe, specifically the south western part of the Iberian Peninsula in Spain and Portugal. The other population occurs over a much larger region of eastern Asia in most of China, Korea, Japan and north into Mongolia. Azure-winged Magpies inhabit various types of coniferous (mainly pine) and broadleaf forest. They usually nest in loose, open colonies with a single nest in each tree and often find food as a family group or several groups making flocks of up to 70 birds. The largest groups congregate after the breeding season and throughout the winter months. Date: 27th April 2012 Location: La Tajadilla, Parque Nacional de Monfragüe, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41249181.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4334514645f00b4273ca8c.jpgRazorbill The Razorbill is a seabird and a member of the auk family which also includes the Common Guillemot, Brunnich's Guillemot and Little Auk. It is also the closest living relative to the Great Auk which is now extinct. The Razorbill has white underparts and a black head, neck, back and feet during the breeding season. A thin white line also extends from the eyes to the end of the bill. Its head is darker than that of the CommonGuillemot. Outside the breeding season, the throat and face behind the eye become white and the white line on the face becomes less prominent. The thick black bill has a blunt end. The adult male and female female are very much alike having only small differences such as wing length. The Razorbill has a horizontal stance and the tail feathers are slightly longer in the centre in comparison to other auks making it have a distinctly long tail which is not common for an auk. The Razorbill is distributed across the sub-arctic and boreal waters of the north Atlantic where water surface temperature are typically below 15°c. The world population is estimated to be less than 1 million breeding pairs, making it among the rarest auks in the world. Approximately 60 to 70% of the entire Razorbill population breeds in Iceland., including over 200,000 pairs at Látrabjarg. The breeding habitat is islands, rocky shores and cliffs on north Atlantic coasts, in eastern North America as far south as Maine and in western Europe from north west Russia to northern France. Eurasian birds winter at sea with some moving south as far as the western Mediterranean. North American birds migrate offshore and south. The Razorbill is a colonial breeder and only comes to land to breed. Individuals only breed at 3 to 5 years of age. Females select their mate and will often encourage competition between males before choosing a partner. Once a male is chosen, the pair will usually stay together for life. Nest site determination is very important to ensure protection of young from predators. Unlike Common Guillemots, nest sites are not immediately alongside the sea on open cliff ledges but at least 4 to 6 inches away in crevices on cliffs or among boulders. Generally a nest is not built although some pairs often use their bills to drag material upon which to lay their single egg. The mating pair will often reuse the same site every year. The Razorbill feeds mainly on schooling fish and crustaceans and it will dive deep into the sea using its wings and its streamlined body to propel itself toward their prey. Whilst diving, it rarely stays in groups but instead spreads out to feed. The majority of feeding occurs at a depth of about 80 feet but it has the ability to dive up to 400 feet below the surface. During a single dive the Razorbill can capture and swallow many schooling fish depending on their size. The Razorbill spends approximately 45% of its time foraging at sea and it may well fly more than 60 miles out to sea to feed. However, when feeding chicks it will forage much closer to the nesting grounds and often in shallower water. The Razorbill and its eggs and chicks have several predators which include Great Black-backed Gulls, Peregrines, Ravens and other crows, Arctic Foxes and Polar Bears. In the early 20th century, Razorbills were harvested for their eggs, meat and feathers and this greatly decreased their population. In 1917 they were finally protected which reduced hunting. Other current threats include oil pollution, unintentional bycatch arising from commercial fishing and overfishing which decreases the abundance of prey. Date: 22nd June 2020 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14093932.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7238849554f2eaf841809a.jpgCommon Gull The Common Gull is a medium-sized gull. The north American subspecies is commonly referred to as the Mew Gull although that name is also used by some authorities for the whole species. The Common Gull is noticeably smaller and more gentle looking than the Herring Gull. It is grey above and white below with greenish-yellow legs. It has black wingtips with large white "mirrors". Young birds have scaly black-brown upperparts and a neat wing pattern and grey legs and take 2 to 3 years to reach maturity. In winter, the head is streaked grey and the bill often has a poorly defined blackish band near the tip which is sometimes sufficiently obvious to cause confusion with the Ring-billed Gull. The call is a high-pitched "laughing" cry. The Common Gull breeds colonially near water or in marshes in north Europe, north west north America and north Asia. It is most numerous in Europe with over half (possibly as much as 80 to 90%) of the world population. In the UK, the Common Gull can be found in summer along the coasts and inland marshes and lakes of Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England. Elsewhere in England and Wales, it can be found in winter on farmland, on marshes and lakes and on the coast. Date: 29th January 2012 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/greylag-geese-and-goslings https://images.on-this.website/4752_15024204705ea6dfdb1bb69.jpgGreylag Geese and goslings The Greylag Goose is the ancestor of most domestic geese but is also the largest and bulkiest of the wild geese native to the UK and Europe. In many parts of the UK it has been re-established by releasing birds in suitable areas but the resulting flocks found around gravel pits, lakes and reservoirs all year round in southern Britain tend to be semi-tame. The native birds and wintering flocks found on lochs in northern Scotland and on some Scottish islands retain the special appeal of truly wild geese. Date: 26th April 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41537267.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15254838445f3cfe24da430.jpgKittiwakes The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 4th July 2019 Location: Flåget, Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4158159.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17549780334b292005bf550.jpgTufted Duck The Tufted Duck is a medium-sized diving duck. Males are black on the head, neck, breast and back and white on the sides with a small crest and a yellow eye. Females are browner in colour. Tufted Ducks breed in the UK across the lowland areas of England, Scotland and Ireland but less commonly in Wales. Numbers increase in the UK in winter due to birds moving to the UK from Iceland and northern Europe. Tufted Ducks can be found all year round in suitable habitats such as a reservoirs, gravel pits or lakes. Date: 15th December 2009 Location: Connaught Water, Epping Forest, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31192226.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7309413475918235a29c991.71547464.jpgBlack Grouse The Black Grouse is a large game bird in the grouse family. The male has all black plumage with distinctive red wattles over the eyes and striking white stripes along each wing in flight. It has a lyre-shaped tail which is fanned out and raised to show white under-tail feathers when displaying. The female is smaller and grey-brown in colour. The Black Grouse is a sedentary species and breeds across northern Eurasia in moorland and bog areas near to mostly boreal woodland. Although it is declining, it is not considered to be vulnerable globally due to the large population and slow rate of decline. Its decline is due to loss of habitat, disturbance, predation by foxes, crows, etc., and small populations gradually dying out. In the UK, the Black Grouse are found in upland areas of Wales, the Pennines and most of Scotland, especially on farmland and moorland with nearby forestry or scattered trees. Habitat loss and overgrazing have resulted in severe population declines which make the Black Grouse a Red List species. Positive habitat management and re-introduction programmes are helping it to increase in some areas. The Black Grouse has a very distinctive and well-recorded courtship. At dawn in the spring, the males strut around in a traditional area (lek) and display whilst making a highly distinctive and bubbling mating call. This photo was taken at a well known roadside lekking site. If visiting, please remain in your car to avoid disturbance to these vulnerable breeding birds. Date: 6th May 2017 Location: World's End, Denbighshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493286.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4663265165f326f796cbf9.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28885791.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_81176286057cc3623c6bdf.jpgCormorants The (Great) Cormorant is a widespread member of the cormorant and shag family [i] Phalacrocoracidae[/i]. There is a wide variation in size in the species' wide range and males are typically larger and heavier than females. It has a predominantly black plumage but the adult has white patches on the thighs and throat and a yellow throat during the breeding season. In Europe it can be distinguished from the Shag by its larger size, heavier build, thicker bill, lack of a crest and plumage without any green tinge. The (Great) Cormorant is a very common and widespread bird and it breeds in much of the Old World and the Atlantic coast of north America. It feeds on the sea, in estuaries and on freshwater lakes and rivers. Northern birds migrate south and winter along any coast that is well-supplied with fish. The (Great) Cormorant is found around the UK coastline on rocky shores, coastal lagoons and estuaries and it is increasingly seen inland at reservoirs, lakes and gravel pits. The UK holds internationally important wintering numbers. The (Great) Cormorant mainly nests in colonies near wetlands, rivers and sheltered inshore waters. Pairs will use the same nest site to breed year after year. It builds its nest, which is made mainly from sticks, in trees, on the ledges of cliffs and on the ground on rocky islands that are free of predators. The female lays 3 to 5 eggs which are incubated for a period of about 28 to 31 days. The (Great) Cormorant feeds on fish caught through diving and it will consume all fish of appropriate size that they are able to catch. Many fishermen see the (Great) Cormorant a competitor for fish. Because of this, it was nearly hunted to extinction in the past. Due to conservation efforts, its numbers increased although this has once again brought it in to conflict with fisheries. In the UK, where inland breeding was once uncommon, there are now increasing numbers of birds and many inland fish farms and fisheries now claim to be suffering high losses. In the UK each year, some licences are issued to cull specified numbers in order to help reduce predation although it is still illegal to kill a bird without such a licence. Date: 13th May 2016 Location: Sõrve peninsula, Saaremaa island, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38397341.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2256902825ce1282fba993.jpgPied Flycatcher The Pied Flycatcher is a small passerine bird in the Old World flycatcher family and is 1 of the 4 species of Western Palearctic black and white flycatchers. The breeding male Pied Flycatcher is mainly black above and white below with a large white wing patch, white tail sides and a small forehead patch. Non-breeding males, females and juveniles have the black replaced by a pale brown. The bill is black and it has the broad but pointed shape typical of aerial insectivores. The Pied Flycatcher has a very large range and population size and so it is of “least concern” according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It breeds in most of Europe and west Asia where it can be found in deciduous woodlands, parks and gardens, with a preference for oak trees. It will sometimes use mature open conifer woodland where natural tree holes occur. It builds an open nest in a tree hole and it will readily adapt to nest boxes. In the UK, the Pied Flycatcher is limited by geography and habitat to the north and west of the country where it prefers mature oak woodlands but also mature upland ash and birch woodlands. It has on average decreased in population by 25% within the last 25 years and it has ceased to breed in several parts of its former range. The Pied Flycatcher is migratory, wintering mainly in tropical west Africa from mid September to mid April. It first arrives in its breeding areas from mid April to the end of May. Following breeding, return migration to Africa occurs between August and mid September. The Pied Flycatcher is mainly insectivorous and its diet is composed nearly entirely of insects including flies, bees, wasps, ants, beetles, butterflies, moths, etc. but it will also eat fruit and seeds in late summer and autumn and on migration. Date: 12th May 2019 Location: Gilfach RWT reserve, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/garden-warbler https://images.on-this.website/4752_1347127894dca3dd110cd4.jpgGarden Warbler The Garden Warbler is a very plain warbler with no distinguishing features (a feature in itself). It spends a lot of its time in the cover of trees and bushes and can be more difficult to see than its relative, the Blackcap. The Garden Warbler can be found in England, Wales and southern Scotland arriving in late April and May and leaving in mid-July. Migrants can be seen through August and September when Continental birds can be seen along the east and south coasts. Despite its name, the Garden Warbler is not really a garden bird except in mature gardens next to woods. Instead, they prefer deciduous and mixed woodland, woodland edges with glades, rides and other open areas and occasionally farmland hedgerows. Date: 7th May 2011 Location: Ynys-hir RSPB reserve, Ceredigion http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo16548219.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14566977335083a3a7a0054.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 7th October 2012 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453901.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13472098934ff544eb8ce60.jpgWhite Stork The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 26th April 2012 Location: La Serena, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645711.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_25119923251e3d0295b7a3.jpgBiałowieża, Poland The Białowieża forest is an ancient mixed forest that straddles the border between Poland and Belarus. It is one of the largest remaining parts of the immense primaeval forest that once stretched across the Great European Plain. On the Polish side, the central part of the Białowieża forest is protected as the Białowieża National Park with an area of about 39 square miles. The National Park, created in 1932, is under strict preservation and has been declared by UNESCO a World Biosphere Reserve and put on the World Heritage List. The Białowieża forest is home to many species of forest birds plus large mammals such as Wolf, Lynx, Moose and European Bison. Date: 25th May 2013 Location: south of Białowieża around Narewka bridge, Białowieża area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457541.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17423834916685722e7d8e9.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42632713.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_39533192260aa644ba4963.jpgLinnet The Linnet is a small passerine bird in the finch family, [i]Fringillidae[/i]. It derives its common name and scientific name, [i]Linaria cannabina[/i], from its fondness for hemp seeds and flax seeds. The genus name [i]linaria[/i] is the Latin for a linen weaver derived from [i]linum[/i] or flax. The species name [i]cannabina[/i] comes from the Latin for hemp. There are 7 recognised sub-species including the Eurasian Linnet found in west, central and north Europe and the Scottish Linnet. The Linnet is a slim bird with a long tail. The upper parts are brown, the throat is white and the bill is grey. The summer male has a grey nape, crimson head patch and crimson breast. Females and juveniles lack the crimson colour and have white underparts and a buff streaked breast. The Linnet breeds in Europe and north Africa. It is partially resident but many eastern and northern birds migrate farther south in the breeding range or move to the coasts. During the breeding season, it can be found on open land with thick bushes including farmland, commons, heathland and parks. It can form large flocks outside the breeding season on coasts and salt marshes, sometimes mixing with other finches such as Twite. The Linnet feeds on the ground and low down in bushes and its food mainly consists of a wide variety of seeds but also a small number of invertebrates. Date: 21st April 2021 Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5325668.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10710783854c1dd37323c2d.jpgNorthern Wheatear fledgling The Northern Wheatear or Wheatear is a small passerine bird that was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family but is now more generally considered to be an Old World flycatcher. It is the most widespread member of the Wheatear genus in Europe and Asia. The English name has nothing to do with wheat or ears but is probably derived from the Middle English [i]whit ers[/i] meaning "white arse" and referring to the prominent white rump of many Wheatear species The Northern Wheatear is larger than the European Robin at 5.7 to 6.3 inches in length. Both sexes have a white rump and tail with a black inverted T-pattern at the end of the tail. The summer plumaged male has grey upperparts, buff throat and black wings and face mask. In autumn it resembles the female apart from the black wings. The female is pale brown above and buff below with darker brown wings. The Northern Wheatear makes one of the longest migratory flights of any small bird, crossing ocean, ice and desert. It migrates from sub-Saharan Africa in spring to breed in open rocky country, tundra, moorland, heaths and pastures over a vast area of the Northern Hemisphere that includes northern and central Asia, Europe, Greenland, Alaska and parts of Canada. In autumn it returns to winter in central Africa. In the UK, the Northern Wheatear is a summer visitor and passage migrant arriving in early March and leaving in September. It breeds mainly in western and northern Britain and western Ireland although smaller numbers also breed in southern and eastern England. The Northern Wheatear is primarily an insectivorous bird and feeds mostly on beetles, ants, caterpillars, grasshoppers, flies, etc. It also eats spiders, centipedes and snails and berries in the autumn. Date: 3rd June 2010 Location: Oldshoremore, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo47647846.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_29517607663495868263c2.jpgWhite Stork The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 13th May 2022 Location: Knepp, West Sussex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17054609.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_34006480450dec3243ac94.jpgBlackbird The Common Blackbird is a species of true thrush. It is also called Eurasian Blackbird (especially in North America in order to distinguish it from the unrelated New World blackbirds) or simply Blackbird where this does not lead to confusion with a similar-looking local species. The Blackbird’s name derives form 2 Latin words: <i>turdus</i> meaning “thrush” and <i>merula</i> meaning “blackbird”. It may not immediately be clear why the name "blackbird", first recorded in 1486, was applied to this species but not to one of the various other common black English birds, such as the Carrion Crow, Raven, Rook or Jackdaw. However, in Old English and in modern English up to about the 18th century, "bird" was used only for smaller or young birds and larger ones such as crows were called "fowl". At that time, the Blackbird was therefore the only widespread and conspicuous black bird in the UK. The Blackbird is around 9.25 to 11.5 inches in length including a long tail. The adult male has glossy black plumage, blackish-brown legs, a yellow eye-ring and an orange-yellow bill. The bill darkens somewhat in winter. The adult female is sooty-brown with a dull yellowish-brownish bill, a brownish-white throat and some weak mottling on the breast. The juvenile is similar to the female but has pale spots on the upperparts and the very young juvenile also has a speckled breast. Young birds vary in the shade of brown, with darker birds presumably males. The first year male resembles the adult male but has a dark bill and weaker eye ring and its folded wing is brown rather than black like the body plumage. The Blackbird breeds in temperate Eurasia, north Africa, the Canary Islands and south Asia. Populations are sedentary in the south and west of the range although northern birds migrate south as far as north Africa and tropical Asia in winter. Common over most of its range in woodland, the Blackbird has a preference for deciduous trees with dense undergrowth. However, gardens provide the most successful breeding habitat. It occurs up to around 3300 feet in Europe and is often replaced by the related Ring Ousel in areas of higher altitude. The Blackbird has an extensive range and a large population which is generally stable or increasing. However, there have been local declines, especially on farmland, which may be due to agricultural policies that encouraged farmers to remove hedgerows (which provide nesting places) and to drain damp grassland and increase the use of pesticides, both of which could have reduced the availability of invertebrate food. The Blackbird may commence breeding in March when the breeding pair prospect for a suitable nest site in a creeper or bush, favouring evergreen or thorny species such as ivy, holly, hawthorn, honeysuckle or pyracantha. Sometimes they will nest in sheds or outbuildings where a ledge or cavity is used. The cup-shaped nest is made with grasses, leaves and other vegetation and bound together with mud. It is built by the female alone. The nest is often ill-concealed compared with those of other species and many breeding attempts fail due to predation. The female lays 3 to 5 (average 4) bluish-green eggs marked with reddish-brown blotches which are incubated for 12 to 14 days before the chicks are hatched naked and blind. Fledging takes another 10 to 19 (average 13.6) days, with both parents feeding the young. The young are fed by the parents for up to 3 weeks after leaving the nest and they will follow the adults begging for food. If the female starts another nest, the male alone will feed the fledged young. Second broods are common with the female reusing the same nest if the brood was successful. The first-year male Blackbird may start singing as early as late January in fine weather in order to establish a territory, followed in late March by the adult male. The male's song is a varied and melodious low-pitched fluted warble which is given from trees, rooftops or other elevated perches mainly in the period from March to June and sometimes into the beginning of July. During the winter, the Blackbird can be heard quietly singing to itself, so much so that September and October are the only months which the song cannot be heard. The Blackbird is omnivorous, eating a wide range of insects, earthworms, seeds and berries. It feeds mainly on the ground, running and hopping with a start-stop-start progress. It pulls earthworms from the soil, usually finding them by sight but sometimes by hearing, and roots through leaf litter for other invertebrates. Small amphibians and lizards are occasionally hunted. The Blackbird will also perch in bushes to take berries and collect caterpillars and other active insects. Animal prey predominates and this is particularly important during the breeding season with windfall apples and berries taken more in the autumn and winter. Near human habitation the main predator of the Blackbird is the domestic cat, with newly fledged young especially vulnerable. Foxes and predatory birds, such as the Sparrowhawk, also predate the Blackbird when the opportunity arises. Eggs and chicks are also taken by corvids, such as the Magpie or Jay. Date: 29th October 2012 Location: Strumpshaw Fen RSPB reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21829393.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_208038204753cba249c5307.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 11th June 2014 Location: Bempton Cliifs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41234294.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6176294145ee771b4ab045.jpgPeacock caterpillars Flight period: March to September. The Peacock is a familiar and widespread butterfly which is continuing to expand its range in the UK. It is a highly adaptable species that can be found almost anywhere but the best sites are where favoured nectar plants are available. On emerging from their eggs, Peacock caterpillars build a communal web near the top of the nettle plant from which they emerge to bask and feed and they are usually highly conspicuous. As the larvae grow, they move to new plants and build new webs. Finally, after 4 weeks, they disperse from their foodplant and seek a sheltered site to pupate. Date: 9th June 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26541308.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_53044894656aceb653d4e9.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 16th January 2016 Location: Caerlaverock WWT reserve, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29486941.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_33853661958107cc656f8d.jpgWild Brown Bear Centre, near Vartius, Kainuu, Finland The [url=http://www.wildbrownbear.fi/]Wild Brown Bear Centre[/url] is located in the wilderness taiga forest area near Vartius close to the Finland-Russia border. During May, June, July and August, 22 photography and observation hides can be occupied between 5 p.m. and 7 a.m. The hides are approached by about a half mile walk through the forest from the main lodge and they each accommodate 2 to 3 people. They are situated in a small open wetland area, near a small pond and inside a pine forest clearing. Please see my [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/trip-report-estonia-and-north]trip report[/url] for further information. Date: 23rd May 2016 Location: Wild Brown Bear Centre, near Vartius, Kainuu, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo16548206.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10643684525083a33f38eaa.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 7th October 2012 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46534526.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_41423342062ca9863e99c8.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 27th June 2022 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/spanish-terrapins https://images.on-this.website/4752_13015123934ff5484abb706.jpgSpanish Terrapins The Spanish Terrapin is a semi-aquatic terrapin with an orange-brown to olive coloured and slightly flattened shell and their head and neck shows a light patterning. The Spanish Terrapin can be found in Spain, Portugal , southern France , Morocco , Algeria and Tunisia where it inhabits freshwater bodies like rivers or swamps. It is almost entirely aquatic but they enjoy sunbathing since they are cold-blooded and need the sun’s warmth. However, they are very secretive and are always alert and dive back in to the water if alarmed. The Spanish Terrapin is an excellent swimmer and feeds on small fish, amphibians, tadpoles and insects. They sometimes feed on reeds and other plants. During the winter months, the Spanish Terrapin hibernates at the bottom of ponds or shallow lakes. Date: 1st May 2012 Location: El Acebuche, Coto Doñana, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874821.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_401368988561ccec64db2b.jpgÞingvellir, south Iceland Þingvellir (Icelandic: Thing Fields), anglicized as Thingvellir or Pingvellir, is located in south west Iceland to the north east of the Reykjanes peninsula and Reykjavík. Þingvellir is the national shrine of Iceland and is a site of significant historical, cultural and geological importance and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Iceland. Alþingi, anglicized as Althing, the Icelandic Parliament, was established at Þingvellir in 930 and remained there until 1798. Þingvellir National Park or Thingvellir National Park was founded in 1930 to mark the 1000th anniversary of the Althing. It was later expanded to protect natural phenomena in the surrounding area and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004. Þingvellir is notable for its unusual tectonic and volcanic environment in a rift valley. The continental drift between the north American and Eurasian tectonic plates can be clearly seen in the cracks or faults which traverse the region, the largest one, Almannagjá, being a veritable canyon. This also causes the often measurable earthquakes in the area. Þingvellir is situated on the northern shore of Þingvallavatn, the largest natural lake of Iceland. The river Öxará traverses the National Park and forms a waterfall called Öxarárfoss at Almannagjá. On the lake's northern shore the Silfra fissure is a popular diving and snorkelling tour location. Þingvellir is popular with tourists and, together with the magnificent waterfall at Gulfoss and the geothermal features at Geysir, Þingvellir is part of a group of the most famous sights of Iceland known as the "Golden Circle". Date: 7th June 2015 Location: view from the trail from the visitor centre at Þingvellir http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871629.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18492724854eff1fb395dd5.jpgTemminck’s Stint The Temminck’s Stint is a tiny wading bird similar in size to the Little Stint with a rather drab and plain brown plumage.The legs are yellow and the outer tail feathers white. The Temminck’s Stint breeds in the bogs and marshes of the taiga and tundra regions of Arctic northern Europe and Asia and performs a delightful breeding display in which it hovers like a large moth whilst trilling constantly. When singing, either in the air or on the top of a bush, it spreads its tail to display the prominent white outer tail feathers. This bird was named after Coenraad Jacob Temminck, a Dutch naturalist Date: 26th May 2009 Location: Skallelv, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42626837.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11275385460a92e4048d4f.jpgAdder Adders are widespread throughout mainland UK but they are absent from Ireland. They occur throughout Europe, with the exception of the Mediterranean islands, and across Russia and Asia through to northern China. They are the UK's only venomous reptile. Adders are relatively short and robust snakes with large heads and a rounded snout. Males are usually a grey or buff colour with vivid black markings although they can also vary from silver to yellow or green in colour. Females are brown with dark red-brown markings that are less prominent than in the males. Both sexes have a zigzag pattern running along the back with a / or X-shaped marking at the rear of the head. Adders can be found in a variety of habitats, including open woodland, hedgerows, moorland, sand dunes, riverbanks, bogs, heathland and mountains. They are active during the day and spend time basking until their body temperature is high enough to hunt for food. Adders use venom to immobilise prey such as lizards, amphibians, nestlings and small mammals. After striking their prey, they will leave the venom to take effect before following the victim’s scent to find the body. Mating takes place between April and May with males often fighting for females. Females have a 3 to 4 month gestation period and Adders are one of the few snakes that are viviparous (give birth to live young). In late August females give birth to between 5 and 20 live young and the young remain close to their mother for a few days before going off in search of food. Adders hibernate from September to March often using deserted rabbit or rodent burrows or settling under logs. They sometimes hibernate communally. Males emerge 2 to 5 weeks before the females and shed their skin before setting off in search of females. Adders are not aggressive snakes and they will only attack if harassed or threatened. Although an Adder’s venom poses little danger to a healthy adult, the bite is very painful and requires urgent medical attention. Date: 17th April 2021 Location: Benfleet and Hadleigh Downs, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo20140117.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_41334244452c002c22e793.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 9th December 2013 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230678.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_116240231164916dff7c74f.jpgMeadow Pipit The Meadow Pipit is a widespread and often abundant small pipit. It is an undistinguished looking species, mainly brown above and buff below with darker streaking on most of its plumage. The tail is brown with narrow white outer side edges. It has a thin bill and pale pinkish-yellow legs. A simple repetitive song is given in a short song and parachute display flight. The Meadow Pipit breeds in much of north west Eurasia from south east Greenland and Iceland east to just east of the Ural Mountains in Russia and south to central France and Romania. It is migratory over most of its range, wintering in south Europe, north Africa and south west Asia, but it is resident all year round in west Europe although many birds move to the coast or lowlands in winter. The Meadow Pipit is primarily a species of open habitats, either uncultivated or low-intensity agriculture, such as pasture, bogs and moorland. It also occurs in low numbers in arable croplands and in winter it occurs on saltmarshes where it can be quite gregarious and gather in small flocks. The Meadow Pipit is an abundant species in the north of its range but it is less common further south. It can be found all year round across the UK but it is commonest in the upland areas of the west and north during the breeding season. In winter it moves south to more lowland areas and becomes much commoner in the southern half of the UK. The Meadow Pipit nests on the ground in dense vegetation and it is one of the most important nest hosts of the Cuckoo. The Meadow Pipit is a fairly terrestrial pipit usually feeding on the ground although it will use elevated perches such as shrubs, fence lines or electricity wires as vantage points to watch for predators. It feeds mainly on insects and other invertebrates but it also eats the seeds of grasses, sedges, rushes and heather and crowberry berries. Date: 13th May 2023 Location: World's End, Denbighshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41389717.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7878751805f2696409a6bd.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 1st July 2019 Location: Vardø, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21957067.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_77379597653da32a717dfb.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a gentle looking, medium sized gull with a small yellow bill and a dark eye. It has a grey back and is white underneath. Its legs are short and black. In flight the black wing-tips show no white, unlike other gulls, and look as if they have been “dipped in ink”. The population is declining in some areas, perhaps due to a shortage of sand eels. Kittiwakes are strictly coastal gulls. In the breeding season, they can be found on rocky, steep sea-cliffs at the major seabird colonies around the UK from February until August. From August to October they can be seen flying past offshore and they spend the winter months out at sea. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Staple Island, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874823.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1251091121561cced57207b.jpgHaukadalur, south Iceland The Haukadalur geothermal area is located in south west Iceland to the north east of the Reykjanes peninsula and Reykjavík. Here can be seen some of the most famous sights of Iceland: the geysers and other geothermal features which have developed on the Laugarfjall rhyolitic dome. The biggest geysers of Haukadalur are Strokkur and Geysir. There are also more than 40 other hot springs, mud pots and fumaroles nearby. The oldest accounts of hot springs at Haukadalur date back to 1294 when earthquakes in the area caused significant changes in the local neighbouring landscape creating several new hot springs. Changes in the activity of Geysir and the surrounding geysers are still strongly related to earthquake activity. Strokkur is a fountain geyser and is one of Iceland's most famous geysers. It is very dependable and erupts about every 5 to 10 minutes with boiling water reaching a height of 50 to 65 feet and sometimes up to 130 feet. Geysir, sometimes known as The Great Geysir, was the first geyser described in a printed source in the 18th century and the first known to modern Europeans. Since unusual natural phenomena were of high interest to society during the Age of Enlightenment, the term became popular and has been used for similar hydrothermal features worldwide since then. The English word geyser derives from Geysir whilst Geysir itself is derived from the Icelandic verb <i>geysa</i> ("to gush"). Eruptions at Geysir can hurl boiling water up to 230 feet in the air but eruptions are now very infrequent and have in the past stopped altogether for years at a time. The Haukadalur geothermal area, usually referred to as Geysir, is popular with tourists and, together with the magnificent waterfall at Gulfoss and Þingvellir, it is part of a group of the most famous sights of Iceland known as the "Golden Circle". Date: 7th June 2015 Location: site of Litli Geysir at Haukadalur http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30024927.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1468481877587a0a745e7a8.jpgTufted Duck The Tufted Duck is a small diving duck. The adult male is all black except for white flanks and a blue-grey bill. It has an obvious head tuft that gives the species its name. The adult female is brown with paler flanks and is more easily confused with other diving ducks. In particular, some have white around the bill base which resembles the Scaup although the white is never as extensive as in that species. The Tufted Duck breeds widely throughout temperate and northern Eurasia. It occasionally can be found as a winter visitor along both coasts of the United States and Canada. It is migratory in most of its range and winters in the milder south and west of Europe and southern Asia where large flocks form on open water. The Tufted Duck breeds close to marshes and lakes with plenty of vegetation to conceal the nest. It is also found on coastal lagoons and sheltered ponds. The Tufted Duck feeds mainly by diving for molluscs, aquatic insects and aquatic plants. Date: 5th January 2017 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533198.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_40218306062ca7f3d8f4ca.jpgSmall Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Small Skipper has a rusty orange colour to the wings, upper body and the tips of the antennae. The body is silvery white below and it has a wingspan of 25 to 30 mm. It is very similar in appearance to the Essex Skipper but the undersides of the tips of the antennae are yellow orange in the Small Skipper whereas they are black in the Essex Skipper. The Small Skipper is a common and widespread butterfly in most parts of England and has been expanding its range northwards. It can be found in rough grassland, roadside verges, edges of fields and woodland clearings where it is often seen basking on vegetation or making short buzzing flights among tall grass stems. Date: 22nd June 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/marsh-harrier https://images.on-this.website/4752_17020424862ca8f937212e.jpgMarsh Harrier The Marsh Harrier is the largest of the harrier species in the UK. It can be recognised by its long tail and light flight with wings held in a shallow “V” and is distinguishable from other harriers by its larger size, heavier build, broader wings and absence of white on the rump. The Marsh Harrier’s future in the UK is now more secure than at any time during the last century but historical declines and subsequent recovery means it is an Amber List species. Marsh Harriers are mainly found in reedbed and marshland habitat in eastern and south east England with others in north west and south-west England and in parts of Scotland. Elmley and Stodmarsh in Kent, Leighton Moss in Lancashire, Minsmere in Suffolk, Titchwell Marsh and Strumpshaw Fen in Norfolk, the Ouse and Nene Washes and Wicken Fen in Cambridgeshire, Blacktoft Sands in south Yorkshire are all reliable locations for Marsh Harriers. Date: 26th June 2022 Location: RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32709043.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_68301604459ad2757d7eb56.22322938.jpgSquacco Heron The Squacco Heron is named after its piercing “squawk’ call” and is a small, chunky heron with a short, thick bill, warm buff-brown back and snowy white wings, breast, tail and belly. The long, almost hair-like feathers on the back cover the tail and there are tufts of long white and black feathers on the head that sometimes stick straight up in the air. The Squacco Heron’s highly recognisable call is often given at night, especially during the breeding season. The Squacco Heron inhabits wetlands such as lakes, river valleys, swamps and other permanent or temporary freshwater wetlands. However, due to habitat alteration or loss, rice paddy fields are becoming a principal habitat. It prefers sites with abundant nearby vegetation, such as tamarisk, elm and ash trees, where it likes to nest in small colonies often with other herons and egrets. The Squacco Heron occurs in Europe (although rare in the north), Africa and the Middle East as far east as Iran, breeding in the northern parts of its range and migrating to southern regions to spend the winter. Date: 19th May 2017 Location: Location: Hortobágy-Halastó, Hortobágy National Park, Hajdú-Bihar county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31192282.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_459214464591823a432e977.14865186.jpgNorthern Wheatear The Northern Wheatear or Wheatear is a small passerine bird that was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family but is now more generally considered to be an Old World flycatcher. It is the most widespread member of the Wheatear genus in Europe and Asia. The English name has nothing to do with wheat or ears but is probably derived from the Middle English [i]whit ers[/i] meaning "white arse" and referring to the prominent white rump of many Wheatear species The Northern Wheatear is larger than the European Robin at 5.7 to 6.3 inches in length. Both sexes have a white rump and tail with a black inverted T-pattern at the end of the tail. The summer plumaged male has grey upperparts, buff throat and black wings and face mask. In autumn it resembles the female apart from the black wings. The female is pale brown above and buff below with darker brown wings. The Northern Wheatear makes one of the longest migratory flights of any small bird, crossing ocean, ice and desert. It migrates from sub-Saharan Africa in spring to breed in open rocky country, tundra, moorland, heaths and pastures over a vast area of the Northern Hemisphere that includes northern and central Asia, Europe, Greenland, Alaska and parts of Canada. In autumn it returns to winter in central Africa. In the UK, the Northern Wheatear is a summer visitor and passage migrant arriving in early March and leaving in September. It breeds mainly in western and northern Britain and western Ireland although smaller numbers also breed in southern and eastern England. The Northern Wheatear is primarily an insectivorous bird and feeds mostly on beetles, ants, caterpillars, grasshoppers, flies, etc. It also eats spiders, centipedes and snails and berries in the autumn. Date: 7th May 2017 Location: RSPB Conwy, Conwy http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12869430.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7544528314e786b6370748.jpgLittle Grebe The Little Grebe, also known as the Dabchick, is the smallest member of the grebe family measuring 9 to 11.5 inches in length. The adult is unmistakable in summer, predominantly dark above with its rich, rufous colour neck, cheeks and flanks and bright yellow gape. The rufous is replaced by a dirty brownish grey in non-breeding and juvenile birds. Juveniles have a yellow bill with a small black tip and black and white streaks on the cheeks and sides of the neck. This yellow bill darkens as the juveniles age, eventually turning black as an adult. The Little Grebe can be noisy with a distinctive whinnying trill. The Little Grebe can be found across Europe, much of Asia down to New Guinea and in most of Africa. It breeds in small colonies in freshwater wetlands with muddy bottoms and edges and still or slow-moving water with plenty of emergent vegetation such as lakes, gravel pits, canals and rivers. Most birds move to more open or coastal waters in winter but it is only migratory in those parts of its range where the waters freeze. Like all grebes, the Little Grebe nests at the water's edge since its legs are set very far back and it can not walk well. Usually 4 to 7 eggs are laid. The young leave the nest and can swim soon after hatching but are often carried on the backs of the swimming adults. The Little Grebe is an excellent swimmer and diver and pursues its fish and aquatic invertebrate prey underwater. It uses the vegetation skilfully as a hiding place. Date: 18th September 2011 Location: Cromford Canal, Derbyshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26029989.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_200404058456375d6fa68ed.jpgGoðafoss, north east Iceland Goðafoss (Icelandic: waterfall of the gods) is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Iceland. It is located in the Bárðardalur district of north east Iceland at the beginning of the Sprengisandur highland road. The water of the Skjálfandafljót river falls from a height of 40 feet over a width of 98 feet and the waterfall is segmented into 2 main components whilst forming an arcing semi-horseshoe shape. In the year 999 or 1000 the Lawspeaker Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði made Christianity the official religion of Iceland. After his conversion it is said that upon returning from the Alþingi, Þorgeir threw his statues of the Norse gods into the waterfall. Þorgeir's story is preserved in Ari Þorgilsson's Íslendingabók (Icelandic: Book of Icelanders), a historical work dealing with early Icelandic history. Date: 2nd June 2015 Location: view from the west bank of the Skjálfandafljót river http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082308.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6844053805d307bd0ab5b4.jpgCormorants The (Great) Cormorant is a widespread member of the cormorant and shag family [i] Phalacrocoracidae[/i]. There is a wide variation in size in the species' wide range and males are typically larger and heavier than females. It has a predominantly black plumage but the adult has white patches on the thighs and throat and a yellow throat during the breeding season. In Europe it can be distinguished from the Shag by its larger size, heavier build, thicker bill, lack of a crest and plumage without any green tinge. The (Great) Cormorant is a very common and widespread bird and it breeds in much of the Old World and the Atlantic coast of north America. It feeds on the sea, in estuaries and on freshwater lakes and rivers. Northern birds migrate south and winter along any coast that is well-supplied with fish. The (Great) Cormorant is found around the UK coastline on rocky shores, coastal lagoons and estuaries and it is increasingly seen inland at reservoirs, lakes and gravel pits. The UK holds internationally important wintering numbers. The (Great) Cormorant mainly nests in colonies near wetlands, rivers and sheltered inshore waters. Pairs will use the same nest site to breed year after year. It builds its nest, which is made mainly from sticks, in trees, on the ledges of cliffs and on the ground on rocky islands that are free of predators. The female lays 3 to 5 eggs which are incubated for a period of about 28 to 31 days. The (Great) Cormorant feeds on fish caught through diving and it will consume all fish of appropriate size that they are able to catch. Many fishermen see the (Great) Cormorant a competitor for fish. Because of this, it was nearly hunted to extinction in the past. Due to conservation efforts, its numbers increased although this has once again brought it in to conflict with fisheries. In the UK, where inland breeding was once uncommon, there are now increasing numbers of birds and many inland fish farms and fisheries now claim to be suffering high losses. In the UK each year, some licences are issued to cull specified numbers in order to help reduce predation although it is still illegal to kill a bird without such a licence. Date: 22nd May 2018 Location: BSPB Poda Protected Area, Burgas Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28883976.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_144512404857cc1cd22bf51.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 18th May 2016 Location: Ilmatsalu, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42222322.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2794954606023a303ef20d.jpgNorthern Hawk Owl The Northern Hawk Owl is a medium sized owl, 14 to 16 inches long and with a wing span of 8.5 to 10 inches. Females are slightly larger than males. The term "hawk" refers to its falcon-like wing shape and long tail. The facial disc is whitish and broadly rimmed blackish at the sides. The eyebrows are white and the eyes are pale yellow. The upperparts are dark grey to dusky greyish-brown with the crown densely spotted whitish and the nape has indistinct false eyes. The mantle and back are dusky grey with some whitish dots and the scapulars are mainly white forming rather broad white bands across the shoulder. The flight feathers are dark grey-brown with rows of white spots. The tail is long and graduated and dark greyish-brown with several narrow whitish bars. The underparts are whitish and barred with greyish-brown. The legs and toes are feathered. The Northern Hawk Owl is found in the boreal coniferous forests of North America and Eurasia, usually on the edges of more open woodland, and hunts in semi-open country with scattered trees or groups of trees. It nests in large tree cavities or uses nests abandoned by other large birds and moves widely within its area of distribution, breeding where food is abundant. The Northern Hawk Owl is a partially diurnal owl which hunts voles and birds like thrushes. It waits on a treetop or other perch and takes advantage of its rapid flight to overtake prey. It has exceptional hearing and can plunge into snow to capture rodents below the surface. The typical male call is a rapid, melodious, purring trill of up to 14 seconds long which consists of about 11 to 15 notes per second. It begins softly, rises slightly in pitch and increases to a vibrating trill before breaking off abruptly. This is repeated at various intervals. Females utter a similar, higher-pitched, less clear song. Date: 9th July 2019 Location: Iivaara, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/varanger-peninsula-troms-og-finnmark https://images.on-this.website/4752_10943093145f2aa75cc8a5f.jpgVaranger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway The Varanger peninsula is situated in Troms og Finnmark in the extreme north east of Norway. With an area of 800 square miles, it is the largest area within the Arctic climate zone in mainland Norway and is bordered by Tanafjord to the west, Varangerfjord to the south and the Barents Sea to the north and east. The area has a rugged mountain terrain with altitudes up to 2077 feet and it has an Arctic tundra climate. The coast of the Varanger peninsula is an important area for breeding, migrating and wintering birds, especially some notable Arctic species. The Norwegian Directorate for Nature Management has a project on the Varanger peninsula to reintroduce and protect the Arctic Fox which is critically endangered on the Norwegian mainland. The Varangerhalvøya National Park (Norwegian: [I]Varangerhalvøya Nasjonalpark[/I]) lies to the west of road Fv341 and protects a majority of the land on the Varanger peninsula. The eastern part of the Varanger peninsula can be accessed from Vardø, via Svartnes, to Hamningberg. Hamningberg is an abandoned fishing village situated on the Varanger peninsula and on the shores of the Barents Sea. It’s only road connection is via the narrow and winding road Fv341 which runs for about 25 miles north from Svartnes. This is a very scenic road which follows the shores of the Barents Sea. It is considered to be one of the wildest and most memorable drives in Norway and passes through a bare and barren but awe-inspiring Arctic landscape. The road is closed during the winter months from October to late May. Traditionally a fishing village, Hamningberg is one of very few places in Troms og Finnmark that was not burnt and destroyed under Operation Nordlicht in 1944 and 1945, the German “scorched earth” retreat from Finnmark. It was depopulated and abandoned in 1964 although some of the houses are still in use as summer cottages. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: view from road Fv341 between Svartnes and Hamningberg, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081453.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_86521469063a84942d82dd.jpgBlack-tailed Godwit The Black-tailed Godwit is a large, long-legged, long-billed shorebird with an orange head, neck and chest in its breeding plumage and a uniform brown-grey breast and upperparts in winter. During the breeding season, the bill has a yellowish or orange-pink base and dark tip but the base is pink in winter. The legs are dark grey, brown or black. The sexes are similar but in breeding plumage they can be separated by the male's brighter, more extensive orange breast, neck and head. In flight, the bold black and white wingbar and white rump can be seen readily. When on the ground the Black-tailed Godwit can be difficult to separate from the similar Bar-tailed Godwit but the Black-tailed Godwit's longer, straighter bill and longer legs are diagnostic. The Black-tailed Godwit’s breeding range stretches from Iceland through northern Europe and areas of central Asia where it can be found in fens, lake edges, damp meadows, moorlands and bogs. It winters in areas as diverse as the Indian Subcontinent, Australia, western Europe and west Africa where it can be found on estuaries and floods. It is also more likely to be found inland and on freshwater than the Bar-tailed Godwit. Date: 9th January 2022 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/foula-shetland https://images.on-this.website/4752_8866648184866be2a9c245.jpgFoula, Shetland Foula is one of the UK’s most remote permanently inhabited islands and measures 2.5 miles by 3.5 miles with an area of 4.9 square miles. It is the seventh largest of the Shetland Islands. The crofting townships on the narrow coastal strip are dwarfed by the island's 5 dramatic peaks (Da Noup, Hamnafield, Da Sneug, Da Kame, and Soberlie). On the west coast are Shetland's biggest and most spectacular cliffs. Foula's natural heritage is exceptionally rich and diverse for such a small area. The name means “Bird Island” in Old Norse and Foula is designated as a Special Protection Area (SPA) for birds, a National Scenic Area and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for its plants, birds and geology. Foula has a population of less than 30 people and the nearest other settlement is about 17 miles across the Atlantic Ocean. The film “The Edge of the World” used Foula as its location. Date: 31st May 2008 Location: view from South Mainland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14261289.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5465087334f51e95c5a99d.jpgKingfisher The Kingfisher is a small unmistakable bright blue and orange bird of slow moving or still water. They fly rapidly and low over water and hunt fish from riverside perches, occasionally hovering above the water's surface. Kingfishers are vulnerable to hard winters and habitat degradation through pollution or unsympathetic management of watercourses and are an “Amber List” species due to their unfavourable conservation status in Europe. Kingfishers are widespread especially in central and southern England but become less common further north. Following some declines last century, they are currently increasing in their range in Scotland. Kingfishers can be found all year round by still or slow flowing water such as lakes, canals and rivers in lowland areas. In winter, some individuals move to estuaries and the coast. Occasionally they may also visit garden ponds if they are of a suitable size. Date: 25th February 2012 Location: Rye Meads RSPB reserve, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533659.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_129779053262ca8f8f9c7ca.jpgMarsh Harrier The Marsh Harrier is the largest of the harrier species in the UK. It can be recognised by its long tail and light flight with wings held in a shallow “V” and is distinguishable from other harriers by its larger size, heavier build, broader wings and absence of white on the rump. The Marsh Harrier’s future in the UK is now more secure than at any time during the last century but historical declines and subsequent recovery means it is an Amber List species. Marsh Harriers are mainly found in reedbed and marshland habitat in eastern and south east England with others in north west and south-west England and in parts of Scotland. Elmley and Stodmarsh in Kent, Leighton Moss in Lancashire, Minsmere in Suffolk, Titchwell Marsh and Strumpshaw Fen in Norfolk, the Ouse and Nene Washes and Wicken Fen in Cambridgeshire, Blacktoft Sands in south Yorkshire are all reliable locations for Marsh Harriers. Date: 26th June 2022 Location: RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30024910.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_633989537587a09b8b12a3.jpgMoorhen The Moorhen is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird that is usually found near water. From a distance it looks black with a ragged white line along its body. However, closer up it is olive-brown on the back and the head and blue-grey underneath. It has a red bill with a yellow tip. The Moorhen can be found all year round almost anywhere where there is water. They breed in lowland areas particularly in central and eastern England but are scarce in northern Scotland and the uplands of Wales and northern England. UK breeding birds are residents and seldom travel far. Date: 5th January 2017 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457100.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1269945766668570af90df1.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533249.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_140245671362ca813336ce7.jpgBroad-bodied Chaser Flight period: May to August The broad, flattened body of the Broad-bodied Chaser is distinctive and makes this dragonfly appear “fat”. The male has a powder-blue body with yellow spots along the sides and a dark thorax whilst the female is green-brown with paler spots. There are several medium-sized, pale blue dragonflies that can be confused with one another. The Broad-bodied Chaser can be distinguished by the combination of its broad, blue body and chocolate-brown eyes. The Broad-bodied Chaser is a common dragonfly of ponds and small lakes and it may be the first to colonise such habitats. It regularly returns to the same low perch after swift flights out across the water looking for insects. The Broad-bodied Chaser is widespread and common throughout southern and central England and south Wales. Date: 15th June 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49278730.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17472310556499baa998f34.jpgGrasshopper Warbler The Grasshopper Warbler is a medium-sized warbler with a streaked brown back with whitish grey underparts which are unstreaked except on the undertail. Grasshopper Warblers are secretive and skulking birds most of the time and only really make themselves known by singing. The high, insect-like reeling song is the best clue to its presence but even when you hear one it can be difficult to locate it due to the ventriloquial effect of its singing. Grasshopper Warblers may sing at any time during the day and night but singing birds are especially vocal around dusk and dawn. Males sing most when they first arrive on territory in April. When paired up the frequency of song declines but singing continues until July with short, sporadic bursts later in the summer. A Grasshopper Warbler sings with its bill wide open and turning its head from side to side. This gives a ventriloquial effect and it is almost impossible to place exactly where the song is coming from and its intensity alters constantly. The reeling song is made up of double notes which are repeated at a rate of 25 per second. Reeling can last for 5 minutes with the smallest of pauses. Grasshopper Warblers can be found scattered across the UK in areas of scrub, thick grassland, edges of reedbeds, new forestry plantations and gravel pits with plenty of scattered bushes. Birds arrive in mid April and leave again in August or September. Date: 16th June 2023 Location: RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847637.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_144157997859bd5457dc584.jpgMarsh Frog The Marsh Frog is the largest European frog. It is very similar in appearance to the closely related Edible Frog and Pool Frog. These 3 species are often referred to as "green frogs" to distinguish them from the more terrestrial European species which are known as "brown frogs" (best exemplified by the Common Frog). Marsh Frogs show a large variation in colour and pattern, ranging from dark green to brown or grey. The Western European populations are generally dark green to black with dark spots on the back and sides and 3 clear green lines on the back. Females can reach a maximum length of around 6.5 inches but males are smaller at around 4.5 inches. The head is proportionally large and the hind legs are long which gives them excellent jumping abilities. The Marsh Frog is usually gregarious and diurnal and more tied to aquatic habitats than the Common Frog. It is tolerant of brackish conditions and typically it is found on or in the water of its favoured drainage channels and pools throughout the year. Marsh Frogs frequently sunbathe on the bank of the water body where they are often inconspicuous until disturbed when they will jump in to the water with a characteristic “plop”. They can often be seen on lily pads or floating at the surface amongst vegetation with only their heads exposed. During the breeding season (and sometimes beyond) the male Marsh Frog calls very loudly with a sound reminiscent of a loud chuckle which is often very raucous and can be heard all day and night. Dominant males establish territories from which they call. After mating a female may produce up to 16,000 eggs in a season, laying them in clumps of a few hundred in aquatic vegetation below the surface. They hatch in about a week, tadpoles being rather solitary and living in deep water with vegetation. Newly metamorphosed frogs are up to 1 inch in length and take 2 years to mature. The diet of the Marsh Frog consists of dragonflies and other insects, spiders, earthworms and slugs. Larger frogs also eat small rodents and sometimes smaller amphibians and fish. Date: 2nd June 2017 Location: Leles to Boľ area, Latorica, Košice region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41537224.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7807761305f3cfcf399054.jpgBluethroat The Bluethroat is a small passerine bird that was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family [i]Turdidae[/i] but it is now more generally considered to be a member of the Old World flycatcher family [i]Muscicapidae[/i]. It, and similar small European species, are often called chats. The Bluethroat is similar in size to the Robin. It is plain brown above except for the distinctive black tail with red side patches. It has a strong white supercilium. The male has an iridescent blue bib edged below with successive black, white and rust coloured borders. Some races, such as the Red-spotted Bluethroat of north Eurasia, have a red spot in the centre of the blue bib. Others, such the White-spotted Bluethroat of south and central Europe, have a white spot in the centre of the blue bib. The Bluethroat in Turkey has no central spot at all. The female of all races usually has just a blackish crescent on an otherwise cream throat and breast. Newly fledged juveniles are freckled and spotted dark brown above. Despite the distinctive appearance of the males, recent genetic studies show only limited variation between the forms and confirm that this is a single species. The Bluethroat is a migratory insectivorous species breeding in wet birch wood or bushy swamp in Europe and across the Palearctic with a foothold in western Alaska. It nests in tussocks or low in dense bushes. It winters in north Africa and the Indian subcontinent. Date: 4th July 2019 Location: River Jakobselva valley near Vestre Jakobselv, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37431112.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15577798205c6be38f04509.jpgLesser Yellowlegs The Lesser Yellowlegs is a large sandpiper with brown-streaked upperparts, white underparts and streaked upper breast and sides. A white lower rump and dark-barred tail are visible in flight. The bill is straight and uniformly dark grey and the legs are long and yellow. The Lesser Yellowlegs breeds from western Alaska and Canada east to western Quebec. They spend winters on coasts from southern California and Virginia southward and along the Gulf coast. The preferred habitats include coastal mudflats and lagoons, inland lakes, ponds, rivers, sewage works and flooded grasslands. In the UK, the Lesser Yellowlegs is a very scarce visitor with typically 5 records per year. This photo is of a first winter bird that took up residence at RSPB Lodmoor for several months from mid-September 2018. Date: 13th January 2019 Location: RSPB Lodmoor, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49002487.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12200406146468f08017728.jpgLittle Ringed Plover The Little Ringed Plover is a small plover with a distinctive black and white head pattern similar to the Ringed Plover. It has a black beak and pale (not orange) legs and close views reveal a distinctive yellow eye-ring. In flight it shows a plain brown wing without the white wing bar that the Ringed Plover has. The Little Ringed Plover can be found in most of Eurasia and north west Africa. In the UK, it is mainly found in England and is uncommon in Wales and Scotland. It is a migratory species, arriving in March from its wintering grounds in Africa and leaving again in July. The breeding habitat is open gravel or shingle areas near fresh water, including gravel pits, reservoirs, islands and river edges Nests are located on the ground on stones with little or no plant growth. Both males and females take turns incubating the eggs. The Little Ringed Plover is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 17th April 2023 Location: Abberton Reservoir, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo550397.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_66313485646c0fc79c8ee1.jpgCrab Spider As the common name suggests, the Crab Spider is reminiscent of a crab with its wide, flattened body and its habit of sitting with the first pair of legs held apart. The Crab Spider has the remarkable ability to alter its colour to match its background, usually a white or yellow flower, allowing it to become camouflaged. It does not spin a web to catch its prey but instead it lies in wait on flowers and vegetation for a suitable prey species, such as a bee or butterfly, to visit and then swiftly ambushes the insect and injects venom into the prey with its slender fangs. The Crab Spider is common in southern England and can found on flowers and shrubs in gardens, woodlands, grassland and scrubby habitats. Date: 12th August 2007 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24834038.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1191745121559cf445b273e.jpgBlack Stork The Black Stork is a large wading bird in the stork family. Whilst slightly smaller than the White Stork, the Black Stork is a large bird, 37 to 39 inches in length with a 4.5 to 5 feet wingspan and standing as tall as 40 inches. Like all storks, it has long legs, a long neck, and a long, straight, pointed beak. The Black Stork’s plumage is all black with a purplish green sheen, except for the white lower breast, belly, axillaries and undertail coverts. The breast feathers are long and shaggy forming a ruff which is used in some courtship displays. The bare skin around its eyes is red as are its red bill and legs. The sexes are identical in appearance, except that males are larger than females on average. The Black Stork walks slowly and steadily on the ground and, like all storks, it flies with its neck outstretched. It has a rasping call but rarely indulges in mutual bill-clattering like the White Stork when adults meet at the nest. The Black Stork is a widespread but uncommon species that breeds from eastern Asia (Siberia and China) west to central Europe, reaching Estonia in the north, Poland, Lower Saxony and Bavaria in Germany, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Italy and Greece in the south with an outlying population in Spain and Portugal. The Black Stork is a strong migrant, wintering in tropical Africa and India. It migrates from its breeding areas from the middle of August to the end of September and returns in the middle of March. A broad-winged soaring bird, it is assisted by thermals of hot air for long distance flight, although it is less dependent on them than the White Stork. Since thermals only form over land, storks, together with large raptors, must cross the Mediterranean at the narrowest points, and many Black Storks can be seen going through the Straits of Gibraltar and the Bosphorus. The Black Stork prefers more wooded areas than the White Stork and it breeds in large marshy wetlands with interspersed coniferous or broadleaved woodlands but also inhabits hills and mountains with sufficient networks of creeks. Date: 8th May 2015 Location: Evros Delta (west), East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41389651.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10249795655f269436a5a51.jpgWood Sandpiper The Wood Sandpiper is a medium sized wader which resembles a longer-legged and more delicate Green Sandpiper. It has a fine straight bill, brown back, yellowish legs and a conspicuous long white stripe from the bill over the eye to the back of the neck. The Wood Sandpiper breeds in sub-Arctic wetlands across Europe and Asia. It migrates to Africa, southern Asia, particularly India, and Australia. It is usually found in freshwater habitats during migration and on its wintering grounds. It forages by probing in shallow water or in wet mud and it mainly eats insects and similar small prey. A slight westward expansion saw the establishment of a small but permanent breeding population in Scotland from the 1950s. In addition, passage migrants most commonly appear in south and east England in April and September. Date: 1st July 2019 Location: Skrøytnesmyra, Skrøytnes area, Pasvikdalen, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833507.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_442466575559ceb5f0c40e.jpgWhite Stork The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 14th May 2015 Location: Great Prespa Lake (Megali Prespa), West Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41537266.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2004499515f3cfe2381265.jpgKittiwakes The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 4th July 2019 Location: Flåget, Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/moorhens https://images.on-this.website/4752_2098353459587a09c9c95d3.jpgMoorhens The Moorhen is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird that is usually found near water. From a distance it looks black with a ragged white line along its body. However, closer up it is olive-brown on the back and the head and blue-grey underneath. It has a red bill with a yellow tip. The Moorhen can be found all year round almost anywhere where there is water. They breed in lowland areas particularly in central and eastern England but are scarce in northern Scotland and the uplands of Wales and northern England. UK breeding birds are residents and seldom travel far. Date: 5th January 2017 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45949084.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21387307476284b434933fa.jpgCollared Dove Collared Doves are distinctive birds with their buffy-pink plumage and black neck collar. They are usually seen singly or in pairs, although flocks may form where food is plentiful. They feed on the ground but readily perch on roofs and wires and in trees. The Collared Dove is not migratory but it is strongly dispersive. Over the last century, it has been one of the great colonisers of the bird world. Its original range at the end of the 19th century was warm temperate and subtropical Asia from Turkey east to south China and south through India to Sri Lanka. In 1838 it was reported in Bulgaria but not until the 20th century did it expand across Europe, appearing in parts of the Balkans between 1900 and 1920 and then spreading rapidly north west, reaching Germany in 1945, the UK in 1953, Ireland in 1959 and the Faroe Islands in the early 1970s. Subsequent spread was “sideways” from this fast north west spread reaching north east to north of the Arctic Circle in Norway, east to the Ural Mountains in Russia and south west to the Canary Islands and north Africa from Morocco to Egypt by the end of the 20th century. In the east of its range it has also spread north east to most of central and north China and locally (probably introduced) in Japan. It has also reached Iceland as a vagrant but has not colonised successfully there. Date: 25th April 2022 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19507345.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15686869252528a3036baf.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is one of the largest deer species. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer can be found in most of Europe, the Caucasus Mountains region, Asia Minor and parts of western and central Asia. It also inhabits the Atlas Mountains region between Morocco and Tunisia in northwestern Africa, being the only species of deer to inhabit Africa. Red Deer have been introduced to other areas including Australia, New Zealand and Argentina. Date: 13th September 2013 Location: view from road to Embalse del Jándula, Sierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11654788.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16607268264e3133d2f2298.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 23rd December 2007 Location: Cromer, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49276528.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_112475183364995cf7be740.jpgStone Curlew The Stone Curlews, also known as Dikkops or Thick-knees, consist of 10 species within the family Burhinidae and are found throughout the tropical and temperate parts of the world with 2 or more species occurring in some areas of Africa, Asia and Australia. Despite the group being classified as waders, most species have a preference for arid or semi-arid habitats. The Eurasian Stone Curlew, or simply Stone Curlew is a northern species in the family. It is a fairly large wader although it is mid-sized compared with other members of its family. It ranges in length from 38 to 15 to 18 inches with a wingspan from 30 to 35 inches. It has a strong yellow and black beak, large yellow eyes (which give it a "reptilian" or "goggle-eyed" appearance) and cryptic plumage. The bird is striking in flight with black and white wing markings. The Stone Curlew can be found throughout Europe, north Africa and south west Asia. It is a summer migrant in the more temperate European and Asian parts of its range, wintering in Africa. Despite being classed as a wader, this species prefers dry open habitats with some bare ground. In the UK, the Stone Curlew is a bird of dry, open places with bare, stony ground or very short vegetation. Its strongholds are in Wiltshire, around Salisbury Plain, and in the Brecks in Norfolk. The best place to see them is at NWT Weeting Heath in Norfolk where the Norfolk Wildlife Trust has established visitor and viewing facilities. The Stone Curlew is largely nocturnal, particularly when singing its loud wailing songs which are reminiscent of that of the Curlew. The Stone Curlew probably first breeds when 3 years old. The female usually lays 2 eggs in a scrape on open ground. Both sexes incubate the eggs beginning after the last egg is laid. The eggs hatch after 24 to 26 days. The precocial young leave the nest soon after hatching and are then cared for by both parents for 36 to 42 days. Normally only a single brood is raised each year but a replacement clutch is sometimes laid after the loss of eggs or the loss of small young. The Stone Curlew feeds on insects and other small invertebrates and occasionally small reptiles, frogs and rodents. Although categorized by the IUCN as of “Least Concern”, some populations are showing declines due to agricultural intensification. The UK population is estimated to be around 400 pairs and many breed within the protection of nature reserves. Date: 5th June 2023 Location: NWT Weeting Heath, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081467.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_91475649263a8549c1102a.jpgPintail Slightly bigger than a Mallard, the Pintail is a long-necked and small-headed duck which flies with a curved back, pointed wings and a long tapering tail. The male's long central tail feathers give rise to the species' English and scientific names. Both sexes have blue-grey bills and grey legs and feet. The male is more striking, having a thin white stripe running from the back of its chocolate-coloured head down its neck to its mostly white underparts. The male also has attractive grey, brown, and black patterning on its back and sides. The female's plumage is more subtle and subdued with drab brown feathers similar to those of other female dabbling ducks. The Pintail can be found all year round but it is primarily a winter visitor with significant populations occurring on coasts, estuaries and other wetlands at sites such as the Dee Estuary, Solway Estuary and Ouse Washes. The winter population arrives in September with numbers peaking in December and the return migration takes place from late February into March. Date: 9th January 2022 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/hickling-norfolk https://images.on-this.website/4752_168102216054c20afb2a4c2.jpgDate: 24th December 2014 Location: NWT Hickling Broad reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32709104.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8997332459ad27dba4c5a1.43389037.jpgEuropean Pond Terrapin The European Pond Terrapin (also called the European Pond Turtle) is a long-living freshwater species of turtle. It varies quite a bit across its distribution from 5 to 15 inches in length and is olive, brown or black in colour with yellow spots and streaks on the shell and skin although some individuals are nearly black without yellow markings. The European Pond Terrapin is found in south and central Europe, west Asia and north Africa. In the early post-glacial period, it had a much wider distribution being found as far north as south Sweden. The European Pond Terrapin can be found in ponds, lakes and slow moving rivers, preferring water bodies with soft bottoms such as mud or sand where it hunts for fish, amphibians, aquatic invertebrates and aquatic plants. It basks during the day but will dive back in to the water if disturbed. The European Pond Terrapin hibernates during the winter. The European Pond Terrapin is usually considered semi-aquatic since their terrestrial movements can span considerable distances away from water. In spring females lay 3 to 18 eggs in small holes dug in sunny spots and the incubation period lasts 2 to 4 months. Climate has an effect on the survival of hatchlings. Hatchlings are only able to survive under favourable weather conditions but due to regular annual clutch sizes and long lifespan, adults balance out the loss of hatchlings due to climate. The European Pond Terrapin has become rare in most countries even though they are widely distributed in Europe. The building of roads and driving of cars through natural habitats is a possible factor that threatens the population. Road networks and traffic often carry complex ecological effects to animal populations such as fragmenting natural habitats and creating barriers for animal movement. Mortality on the road is most likely due to females selecting nests near roads which places a potential danger for the hatchlings as well. Hatchlings that wander too closely to roads are more likely to be killed and put the future population in danger. The life span of the European Pond Terrapin is 40 to 60 years but it can live to over 100 years but this is very rare and unusual. Date: 20th May 2017 Location: Hortobágy-Halastó, Hortobágy National Park, Hajdú-Bihar county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533499.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_86765154162ca8a9843d61.jpgBlack-tailed Godwit The Black-tailed Godwit is a large, long-legged, long-billed shorebird with an orange head, neck and chest in its breeding plumage and a uniform brown-grey breast and upperparts in winter. During the breeding season, the bill has a yellowish or orange-pink base and dark tip but the base is pink in winter. The legs are dark grey, brown or black. The sexes are similar but in breeding plumage they can be separated by the male's brighter, more extensive orange breast, neck and head. In flight, the bold black and white wingbar and white rump can be seen readily. When on the ground the Black-tailed Godwit can be difficult to separate from the similar Bar-tailed Godwit but the Black-tailed Godwit's longer, straighter bill and longer legs are diagnostic. The Black-tailed Godwit’s breeding range stretches from Iceland through northern Europe and areas of central Asia where it can be found in fens, lake edges, damp meadows, moorlands and bogs. It winters in areas as diverse as the Indian Subcontinent, Australia, western Europe and west Africa where it can be found on estuaries and floods. It is also more likely to be found inland and on freshwater than the Bar-tailed Godwit. Date: 25th June 2022 Location: RSPB Minsmere, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28883597.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_95827510857cc05768a04d.jpgWhinchat The Whinchat is similar in size to its relative the Robin. Both sexes have brownish upperparts mottled darker, a buff throat and breast, a pale buff to whitish belly and a blackish tail with white bases to the outer tail feathers. The male in breeding plumage has blackish face mask almost encircled by a strong white supercilium and malar stripe, a bright orange-buff throat and breast and small white wing patches. The female is duller overall, in particular having browner face mask, pale buffy-brown breast, and a buff supercilium and malar stripe and smaller or no white wing patches. Males in immature and winter plumage and are similar to females. The Whinchat is a fairly common migratory species in Europe and western Asia with birds arriving at their breeding grounds between the end of April and mid May and departing between mid August and mid September. They winter primarily in tropical sub-Saharan Africa with small numbers also in north west Africa. Date: 19th May 2016 Location: Alam Pedja Nature Reserve, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38397340.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18269010085ce1282e07926.jpgWood Warbler The Wood Warbler is a typical leaf warbler in appearance, green above and white below with a lemon-yellow breast. It can be distinguished from similar species, like the Chiffchaff and the Willow Warbler by its yellow supercilium, throat and upper breast, pale tertial edges, longer primary projection and by its shorter but broader tail. The Wood Warbler is common and widespread and breeds throughout north and temperate Europe and just into the extreme west of Asia in the south Ural Mountains. It is strongly migratory and the entire population winters in tropical Africa. The Wood Warbler can be found in open but shady mature woodlands, such as beech and sessile oak, with some sparse ground cover for nesting. The dome-shaped nest is built near the ground in low shrub. The Wood Warbler is a declining summer visitor to the UK and can be seen from April to August. Unlike much of the population in Europe which is found in forested lowlands, the UK population is predominantly found in upland oak woods in the west with the highest densities in the oak woods Wales. The Wood Warbler has 2 song types which are often given alternatively: a high-pitched fluid metallic trill of increasing tempo (often described as a spinning coin on a marble slab) and a series of 3 to 5 descending piping notes of lower pitch. During the former, the bird’s body shudders and shivers as it delivers the song and there are frequent song flights between different branches. Date: 11th May 2019 Location: Ynys-hir RSPB reserve, Ceredigion http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45182249.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1196273776235c381ba17c.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 21st January 2022 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/lesser-spotted-eagle https://images.on-this.website/4752_159757372451e3d092c292e.jpgLesser Spotted Eagle The Lesser Spotted Eagle is a medium-sized bird of prey with dark brown plumage, broad wings and a small bill. While there can be significant variation between the brown plumage tones exhibited by different individuals, the head, neck and upperwings are generally paler than the body and the flight feathers are usually particularly dark. In most birds, but especially noticeable in younger adults, there is also a white patch on the upperwings that can be seen during flight and also a clear-marked white V on the rump. In contrast to the brown plumage, the eyes, feet and the skin at the base of the beak are yellow. The Lesser Spotted Eagle’s breeding range extends throughout much of central, east and south-east Europe, through Turkey and the Caucasus mountains and as far as southern Russia and Iran. Vagrant individuals occur even further afield, from France and Spain, east to Kazakhstan, north as far as Finland and south to the Arabian Peninsula. During migration, the entire population heads south, passing through Israel on route to the wintering grounds in southern and eastern Africa. Within its breeding range, the Lesser Spotted Eagle can be found in patchy woodland areas, often near meadows and fields, and constructs its nest close to the forest edge. Date: 26th May 2013 Location: Siemianówka area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26541487.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_209043418656aced1c40b88.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 17th January 2016 Location: Caerlaverock WWT reserve, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30024898.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_375789643587a08cf411a6.jpgRing-necked Parakeets The Ring-necked Parakeet is the UK's only naturalised parrot. It is large, long-tailed and green with a red beak and a pink and black ring around its face and neck. In flight it has pointed wings, a long tail and a steady, direct flight. Ring-necked Parakeets can be seen all year round at a number of locations in south east England, particularly Surrey, Kent and Sussex. They can often be found in flocks sometimes numbering hundreds of birds at roost sites. Parks, orchards and gardens with mature trees to provide nest holes are favoured habitats. In its native India it is found in jungle and around farms and gardens. Date: 5th January 2017 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48309166.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_85485864363ee45639bab2.jpgGadwall The Gadwall is one of the most common and widespread dabbling ducks. The breeding male is patterned grey with a black rear end, light chestnut wings and a brilliant white speculum which is obvious in flight or at rest. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female but retains the male wing pattern and is usually greyer above and has less orange on the bill. The female is light brown with plumage much like a female Mallard. It can be distinguished from that species by the dark orange-edged bill, smaller size, the white speculum and white belly. The Gadwall breeds in north Europe and Asia and central north America and appears to be expanding into eastern north America. It is a bird of open wetlands and lakes, wet grassland or marshes with dense fringing vegetation and it nests on the ground, often some distance from water. In the UK, the Gadwall is a scarce breeding bird on some lakes and gravel pits in the Midlands, south east England, eastern central Scotland, eastern Northern Ireland and south east Wales. In winter, numbers increase as birds migrate to spend the winter in the UK on gravel pits, lakes, reservoirs and coastal wetlands. Date: 6th February 2022 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/fallow-deer-and-jackdaw https://images.on-this.website/4752_19906220604cc3053e80a09.jpgFallow Deer .... and Jackdaw Fallow Deer are native to the Mediterranean region of Europe and from Turkey to Iran but they have been introduced to nearly 40 countries including the UK by the Normans in the 11th century. They have since become the most widespread species of deer in the UK and typically can be found in deciduous woodland with open patches. Fallow Deer commonly gather in small herds of 4 to 5 but in good feeding areas groupings of up to 100 may gather. When competing for access to females, males display by groaning, thrashing their antlers and by walking alongside their opponent. Fighting occurs if both stags are evenly matched and involves wrestling and clashing of antlers. Fallow Deer have many colour varieties but they are typically fawn-coloured in the summer and reddish-brown in the winter. They have yellow-white undersides, white spots and a black line that runs along the back to the tip of the tail. The spots become less conspicuous or disappear in winter. Males have palmate (flattened) antlers. Date: 17th October 2010 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo47645580.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20104011686347cd8d98732.jpgGrass Snake The Grass Snake is the UK’s largest terrestrial reptile reaching up to 6 feet in length although such large specimens are rare. Females are considerably larger than males and typically reach a size of 2 feet 11 inches to 3 feet 7 inches when fully grown whilst males are approximately 8 inches shorter. The Grass Snake is typically olive-green, brown or greyish in colour with a variable row of black bars along the sides, occasionally with smaller round markings along the back in double rows. The underside of the Grass Snake is off-white or yellowish with dark triangular or rectangular markings. A characteristic black and yellow collar is present behind the head. The Grass Snake is one of only 3 snakes to occur in the UK and it is distributed throughout lowland areas of England and Wales. It is almost absent from Scotland and is not found in Ireland at all which has no native snakes. The Grass Snake is an aquatic species that is usually closely associated with water where it preys almost entirely on amphibians, especially the Common Toad and the Common Frog, although they may also occasionally eat mammals and fish. It is a strong swimmer and is found in habitats featuring ponds, lakes, streams, marshes and ditches which provide access to sunshine for basking and plenty of shelter. The Grass Snake may also be found in open woodland, rough grassland, wet heathlands, gardens, parks and hedgerows. The Grass Snake, as with most reptiles, is at the mercy of the thermal environment and it needs to overwinter in areas which are not subject to freezing. Therefore it will typically spend the winter underground where the temperature is relatively stable. Date: 7th August 2022 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46534654.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8751210362ca9895aa170.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 27th June 2022 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42626839.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_65580527660a92e45dd56e.jpgAdder Adders are widespread throughout mainland UK but they are absent from Ireland. They occur throughout Europe, with the exception of the Mediterranean islands, and across Russia and Asia through to northern China. They are the UK's only venomous reptile. Adders are relatively short and robust snakes with large heads and a rounded snout. Males are usually a grey or buff colour with vivid black markings although they can also vary from silver to yellow or green in colour. Females are brown with dark red-brown markings that are less prominent than in the males. Both sexes have a zigzag pattern running along the back with a / or X-shaped marking at the rear of the head. Adders can be found in a variety of habitats, including open woodland, hedgerows, moorland, sand dunes, riverbanks, bogs, heathland and mountains. They are active during the day and spend time basking until their body temperature is high enough to hunt for food. Adders use venom to immobilise prey such as lizards, amphibians, nestlings and small mammals. After striking their prey, they will leave the venom to take effect before following the victim’s scent to find the body. Mating takes place between April and May with males often fighting for females. Females have a 3 to 4 month gestation period and Adders are one of the few snakes that are viviparous (give birth to live young). In late August females give birth to between 5 and 20 live young and the young remain close to their mother for a few days before going off in search of food. Adders hibernate from September to March often using deserted rabbit or rodent burrows or settling under logs. They sometimes hibernate communally. Males emerge 2 to 5 weeks before the females and shed their skin before setting off in search of females. Adders are not aggressive snakes and they will only attack if harassed or threatened. Although an Adder’s venom poses little danger to a healthy adult, the bite is very painful and requires urgent medical attention. Date: 17th April 2021 Location: Benfleet and Hadleigh Downs, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40755802.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1743217305e20441ec7245.jpgLauwersmeer National Park, Friesland Province, Netherlands The River Lauwers forms part of the east-west border between the provinces of Friesland and Groningen in the Netherlands and it flows from south to north in to the Waddenzee. The Lauwersmeer is its estuary which is connected to the sea via a sluice at Lauwersoog. In May 1969, the Lauwerszee was enclosed by dikes and a dam which separated it from the Waddenzee and since then it has been called the Lauwersmeer. The Lauwersmeer gradually became a freshwater lake landscape and new flora and fauna appeared. To protect this new and young nature area, the Lauwersmeer became a national park in November 2003. The Lauwersmeer National Park, bordering the world heritage site of the Waddenzee, is one of the Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) of western Europe. It is home to over 100 species of birds that breed in its water, forests and grasslands plus huge flocks of wintering geese and ducks of various species. The Lauwersmeer National Park offers various hiking opportunities as well as stunning views and bird watching hides. The International Dark Sky Association named Lauwersmeer National Park an official Dark Sky Park in October 2016. This designation is particularly special since light pollution in the Netherlands is ranked high on the global scale. Only one other location can be found in the Netherlands: the Boschplaat on Terschelling received the Dark Sky Park designation in 2015. Date: 9th December 2019 Location: Lauwersmeer National Park, Friesland Province, Netherlands http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29487534.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1444929476581080c2731ca.jpgNuuksio National Park, Uusimaa, Finland Nuuksio National Park was established in 1994 and covers an area of 20 square miles of forests and lakes around Espoo, Kirkkonummi and Vihti. About 20 miles north west of Helsinki, it is the second closest National Park to the capital after Sipoonkorpi National Park. The [url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siberian_flying_squirrel]Siberian Flying Squirrel[/url] is the emblem of the Nuuksio National Park due to the density of its population. Date: 30th May 2016 Location: Haukkalampi, Nuuksio National Park, Uusimaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081457.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_67839536663a84a529ce4e.jpgLapwing The Northern Lapwing, also known as the peewit, pewit, tuit or tew-it (imitative of its cry), Green Plover (emphasising the colour of the plumage) or (in the UK) just Lapwing (which refers to its peculiar, erratic way of flying), is a bird in the lapwing family. The Lapwing has rounded wings and a crest. It is also the shortest-legged of the lapwing species. It is mainly black and white but the back is tinted green. The male has a long crest and a black crown, throat and breast contrasting with an otherwise white face. Females and young birds have shorter crests and have less strongly marked heads but plumages are otherwise quite similar. The Lapwing is a vocal bird in the breeding season with constant calling as the crazed tumbling display flight is performed by the male. The typical contact call is a loud, shrill "pee-wit" from which they get their other name of peewit. The Lapwing is common through temperate Eurasia and breeds on cultivated land and other short vegetation habitats. The ground scrape nest and young are defended noisily and aggressively against all intruders. It is highly migratory over most of its extensive range, wintering further south as far as north Africa, north India, Pakistan and parts of China. It migrates mainly by day, often in large flocks. Lowland breeders in the westernmost areas of Europe are resident. In winter, it forms huge flocks on open land, particularly arable land and mud-flats. In the UK, the Lapwing has suffered a significant decline in the last 25 years and is an Amber List species because of the importance of its UK wintering population. It breeds on farmland throughout the UK, particularly in lowland areas of north England, the Borders and east Scotland, and prefers fields of spring sown cereals and root crops, permanent unimproved pasture, meadows and fallow fields but also wet grassland and marshes. During the winter, the Lapwing can be seen on flooded grassland, estuaries, coastal wetlands, short grassy fields and ploughed fields. In addition to the UK population, large numbers of north European birds arrive in the autumn for the winter. The Lapwing feeds primarily on insects and other small invertebrates. It often feeds in mixed flocks with Golden Plovers and Black-headed Gulls, the latter often robbing the plovers, but providing a degree of protection against predators. Date: 9th January 2022 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41424261.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16734004615f2aa91d9ea39.jpgVaranger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway The Varanger peninsula is situated in Troms og Finnmark in the extreme north east of Norway. With an area of 800 square miles, it is the largest area within the Arctic climate zone in mainland Norway and is bordered by Tanafjord to the west, Varangerfjord to the south and the Barents Sea to the north and east. The area has a rugged mountain terrain with altitudes up to 2077 feet and it has an Arctic tundra climate. The coast of the Varanger peninsula is an important area for breeding, migrating and wintering birds, especially some notable Arctic species. The Norwegian Directorate for Nature Management has a project on the Varanger peninsula to reintroduce and protect the Arctic Fox which is critically endangered on the Norwegian mainland. The Varangerhalvøya National Park (Norwegian: [I]Varangerhalvøya Nasjonalpark[/I]) lies to the west of road Fv341 and protects a majority of the land on the Varanger peninsula. The eastern part of the Varanger peninsula can be accessed from Vardø, via Svartnes, to Hamningberg. Hamningberg is an abandoned fishing village situated on the Varanger peninsula and on the shores of the Barents Sea. It’s only road connection is via the narrow and winding road Fv341 which runs for about 25 miles north from Svartnes. This is a very scenic road which follows the shores of the Barents Sea. It is considered to be one of the wildest and most memorable drives in Norway and passes through a bare and barren but awe-inspiring Arctic landscape. The road is closed during the winter months from October to late May. Traditionally a fishing village, Hamningberg is one of very few places in Troms og Finnmark that was not burnt and destroyed under Operation Nordlicht in 1944 and 1945, the German “scorched earth” retreat from Finnmark. It was depopulated and abandoned in 1964 although some of the houses are still in use as summer cottages. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: view from road Fv341 between Svartnes and Hamningberg, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21957278.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_91399798153da3930e3b3b.jpgFulmar The Fulmar is almost gull-like but is a grey and white seabird that is related to the albatrosses. It flies low over the sea on stiff wings with shallow wing beats, gliding and banking to show its white under-parts and then grey upper-parts. At its breeding sites it will fly high up the cliff face riding the updraughts. Fulmars feed in flocks out at sea and defend their nests from intruders by spitting out a foul-smelling oil. Fulmars breed on coastal cliffs with suitable ledges and grassy slopes but will occasionally breed on buildings. Fulmars are best looked for at seabird colonies and are most abundant along the Scottish coastline especially in the Northern Isles. They are least common along the east, south and north-west coasts of England. Adults are present at the breeding colonies nearly all year although young birds leave in late summer. Away from the breeding colonies, Fulmars spend their whole time offshore at sea. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Staple Island, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874787.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_443196949561ccda098a17.jpgSnæfellsnes peninsula, west Iceland The 55 mile long Snæfellsnes peninsula is situated in west Iceland with Breiðafjörður and the Westfjords region to the north and Faxaflói and Reykjavík to the south. The Snæfellsnes peninsula has been named "Iceland in Miniature". In addition to its characteristic Snæfellsjökull volcano and glacier, there are white and black sandy beaches, fjords, sheer cliffs, spectacular mountains and volcanic craters, incredibly rich trout lakes and salmon rivers, lush valleys and unique harbours and fishing villages. The stunning landscape of the Snæfellsnes peninsula has captured the imagination of people all over the world ever since Jules Verne wrote the famous science fiction novel <i>"Journey to the Centre of the Earth"</i>. Date: 7th June 2015 Location: view from road 54 between Grundarfjörður and Ólafsvík http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37159146.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20558876375c1e661cd2e8e.jpgGarden Warbler The Garden Warbler is a very plain warbler with no distinguishing features (a feature in itself). It spends a lot of its time in the cover of trees and bushes and can be more difficult to see than its relative, the Blackcap. The Garden Warbler can be found in England, Wales and southern Scotland arriving in late April and May and leaving in mid-July. Migrants can be seen through August and September when Continental birds can be seen along the east and south coasts. Despite its name, the Garden Warbler is not really a garden bird except in mature gardens next to woods. Instead, they prefer deciduous and mixed woodland, woodland edges with glades, rides and other open areas and occasionally farmland hedgerows. Date: 7th May 2018 Location: Ham Wall RSPB reserve, Somerset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12869438.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17616395794e786b838f744.jpgMoorhen The Moorhen is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird that is usually found near water. From a distance it looks black with a ragged white line along its body. However, closer up it is olive-brown on the back and the head and blue-grey underneath. It has a red bill with a yellow tip. The Moorhen can be found all year round almost anywhere where there is water. They breed in lowland areas particularly in central and eastern England but are scarce in northern Scotland and the uplands of Wales and northern England. UK breeding birds are residents and seldom travel far. Date: 18th September 2011 Location: Cromford Canal, Derbyshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40648539.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19083399995df9fd793f509.jpgCommon Pochard The Common Pochard is a medium-sized and stocky diving duck. The adult male has a long dark bill with a grey band, a red head and neck, a black breast, red eyes and a grey back. The adult female has a brown head and body and a narrower grey bill band. The triangular head shape is distinctive. The Common Pochard is superficially similar to the closely related Redhead and Canvasback found in north America. The Common Pochard breeds in marshes and on lakes in much of temperate and north Europe and in to Asia. It is migratory and spends the winter in the south and west of Europe. In the UK, the Common Pochard breeds in east England and lowland Scotland plus in small numbers in Northern Ireland. Large numbers from Russia and Scandinavia winter in the UK on lakes, reservoirs and gravel pits, often mixing with other diving ducks such as the Tufted Duck. In a number of countries, the Common Pochard is decreasing mainly due to habitat loss and hunting. It is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. The Common Pochard feeds mainly by diving or dabbling for aquatic plants, molluscs, aquatic insects and small fish. Date: 30th November 2019 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41537265.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12706010865f3cfe21e37cc.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 4th July 2019 Location: Flåget, Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45290998.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_502707202623acb34ba186.jpgBrown Rat Brown Rats have coarse brown or occasionally black fur with a pale underside. They have a long tail which is sparsely haired. Although originally native to eastern Asia and Japan, Brown Rats are now distributed world-wide. They spread across the UK via the shipping traffic from foreign countries in the 18th century and largely replaced the Black Rat. They are highly adaptable and can be found all over the UK, except for exposed mountain regions and some small offshore islands, and live in loose colonies and home ranges of around 50 metres in diameter. Along with the House Mouse, the Brown Rat is considered to be the most widespread terrestrial mammal in the UK and they are subject to persistent pest control due to the damage they cause and the numerous diseases they spread. Brown Rats are omnivorous and have a very varied diet. They are typically nocturnal although they will sometimes forage for food during the day. They also swim well and are sometimes mistaken for Water Voles. Brown Rats live for around 18 months and breed throughout the year producing 5 litters of 8 young a year. Date: 10th March 2022 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23526657.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_197520382754ddc49643249.jpgShoveler The Northern Shoveler, known simply as the Shoveler in the UK, is a common and widespread dabbling duck. The Shoveler is unmistakable due to its large spatulate bill. The breeding male has an iridescent dark green head, white breast and chestnut belly and flanks. In flight, pale blue forewing feathers are revealed which are separated from the green speculum by a white border. In early autumn the male has a white crescent on each side of the face. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male resembles the female. The female is a drab mottled brown with plumage much like a female Mallard but easily distinguished by the long broad bill which is grey tinged with orange on the cutting edge and lower mandible. The female's forewing is grey. The Shoveler can be found in open wetlands, such as wet grassland or marshes with some emergent vegetation, in northern areas of Europe and Asia and across most of north America. It winters in south Europe, Africa, the Indian sub-continent, south east Asia and central and northern south America. In the UK, the Shoveler breeds primarily in south and east England and in much smaller numbers in Scotland and west England. In winter, breeding birds move south and there is additionally an influx of continental birds from further north. The UK is home to more than 20% of the north west European population. The Shoveler prefers to nest in grassy areas away from open water. The nest is a shallow depression on the ground lined with plant material and down. Females typically lay about 9 eggs. The males are very territorial during the breeding season and will defend their territory and partners from competing males. Males also engage in elaborate courtship behaviours both on the water and in the air. The Shoveler feeds by dabbling for plant food, often by swinging its bill from side to side and using the bill to strain food from the water. It uses its highly specialized bill (from which their name is derived) to forage for aquatic invertebrates. Date: 26th January 2015 Location: Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28887444.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_157639237957cc402133ee0.jpgSlavonian Grebe The Slavonian Grebe is a member of the grebe family of water birds. It is also known as the Horned Grebe in north America. Unmistakable in summer, the plumage of both the male and female Slavonian Grebe shows a black head with golden puffy earlike tufts along the sides of its face. It shows a deep rusty red neck, scarlet eyes and a small, straight black bill tipped with white. During the winter, the Slavonian Grebe is mainly white with a sharply defined black cap. The Slavonian Grebe breeds in vegetated areas of freshwater lakes across Europe and Asia. It also breeds in remote inland parts of the United States and much of Canada. Like all grebes, it builds a nest on the water's edge, since its legs are set very far back and it can not walk well. Most birds migrate in winter to the coast. Date: 10th May 2016 Location: Haapsalu, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32723052.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20858237659ae6ed00e3502.56493436.jpgRoe Deer The Roe Deer is a small deer which has a white to buff patch on their rump, a black nose and “moustache” and a white chin. Its coat varies from sandy to reddish-brown in the summer to grey-brown or even black in winter. The antlers, which have no more than 3 points and are less than 10 inches in length, grow in winter and are shed in the autumn. The Roe Deer is found throughout Europe but it is absent from Ireland, much of Portugal, Greece and large parts of England and Wales. Roe Deer became extinct in most of England during the 18th century but they were reintroduced in the 19th century. The Roe Deer lives mainly in woodland where there are open patches of ground and access to the edges of fields and it feeds on grasses and the leaves of young broad-leaved trees and bushes. Both male and female Roe Deer are usually solitary and highly territorial with clearly defined boundaries which they scent mark. The Roe Deer has very good senses of smell, hearing and vision. When alarmed, it makes a characteristic barking noise. Roe Deer mate in July and August and fawns are born in the following spring. Many fawns die during their first year due to heavy predation by foxes. Date: 21st May 2017 Location: Borsodi-Mezoseg ("Little Hortobagy"), Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51984176.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_27403813466d34b38ae8f1.jpgRuddy Darter Flight period: mid June to mid September. The Ruddy Darter takes its name from its colour and its swift flight behaviour. The male has a deep russet colour over the entire body and the abdomen has a pinched section close to where it joins the thorax. Females are slightly smaller, golden yellow in colour and being less obviously marked are more difficult to identify than the males. There is more than one red coloured darter species in the UK and they can be easily confused with each other. The commonest red species, the Common Darter, can be distinguished as having red veins at the base of the wings and a less ruddy colouration across the body. However, the Ruddy Darter has entirely black legs, distinguishing it from all other red darters which have longitudinal yellow stripes on their legs. The UK range of the Ruddy Darter has undergone something of an expansion in recent years. Although still relatively uncommon in the west and north of Britain, it is increasing in numbers in the Midlands and eastern England. The population is augmented by continental migrants. It is also found over most of Europe except for northern Scandinavia, as far east as western Siberia and south to north Africa. The Ruddy Darter prefers water bodies with tall emergent vegetation, such as reeds and club rush, and it is known to breed in ponds, lakes, canals, ditches and sluggish rivers. They can also be found near coasts and can breed in fairly brackish water. Date: 30th July 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26540734.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_70106010956ace66d5673c.jpgPurple Sandpiper The Purple Sandpiper is a small wading shorebird. Adults have short yellow legs and a medium thin dark bill with a yellow base. The body is dark above with a slight purplish gloss and mainly white below. The breast is smeared with grey and the rump is black. The Purple Sandpiper breeds in the northern tundra and Arctic islands in Canada and coastal areas in Greenland and north west Europe and nests on the ground either elevated on rocks or in a lower damp location. The males makes several scrapes following which the female chooses one and lays 3 or 4 eggs. The male takes the major responsibility for incubation and tends the chicks. The Purple Sandpiper is migratory and moves to rocky ice-free Atlantic coasts in winter where it is fairly gregarious, forming small flocks and often associating with Turnstones. It is also relatively tame and approachable. In the UK, the Purple Sandpiper occurs in winter in good numbers, principally along the east and south coasts where it favours rocky shorelines adjacent to the sea. It is a very rare breeding bird and is found only in a localised area of the Cairngorms National Park where 1 to 3 pairs have bred since the 1970s. Date: 31st December 2015 Location: Lowestoft Ness, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/whooper-swans https://images.on-this.website/4752_14569229544e18607369a74.jpgWhooper Swans The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 6th January 2008 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11654496.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15805038564e3129c91a20c.jpgSandwich Tern The Sandwich Tern is a medium-large tern, gull-like in appearance but usually with a more delicate, lighter build and shorter, weaker legs. It is very closely related to the Lesser Crested Tern, Chinese Crested Tern, Cabot's Tern and Elegant Tern and it has been known to inter-breed with the Lesser Crested Tern. It is 15 to 17 inches in length with a 33 to 38 inches wingspan. It has long, pointed wings, which gives it a fast buoyant flight, and a deeply forked tail. The upperwings are pale grey and the underparts are white. It has a shaggy black crest. The thin sharp bill is black with a yellow tip and the short legs are black. It looks very pale in flight although the primary flight feathers darken during the summer. In winter, the adult's forehead becomes white. Juveniles have dark tips to their tails and a scaly appearance on their back and wings. The Sandwich Tern has an extensive global range and, whilst population trends have not been quantified, it is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List. For these reasons, it is evaluated as “least concern”. The Sandwich Tern breeds in very dense colonies on coasts and islands and exceptionally inland on suitable large freshwater lakes close to the coast. It nests in a ground scrape and lays 1 to 3 eggs. Unlike some of the smaller white terns, it is not very aggressive toward potential predators, relying on the sheer density of the nests and nesting close to other more aggressive species such as the Arctic Tern and the Black-headed Gull. In the UK, the Sandwich Tern can be seen from late March to September and there are breeding colonies scattered around the UK coasts including the north Norfolk coast and at Minsmere in Suffolk and Dungeness in Kent. The Sandwich tern feeds by plunge-diving for fish, almost invariably from the sea. It usually dives directly and not from a hover favoured by other terns. The offering of fish by the male to the female is part of the courtship display. Date: 13th July 2009 Location: Blakeney Point, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071513.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_46991452966432544dc93a.jpgAvocet The (Pied) Avocet is a large black and white wader in the avocet and stilt family. It is one of 4 species of avocet that make up the genus Recurvirostra. The genus name is from the Latin recurvus meaning "curved backwards" and rostrum meaning "bill". The Avocet is a striking white wader with bold black markings. Adults have white plumage except for a black cap and black patches in the wings and on the back. They have long, upturned bills and long, bluish legs. Males and females look alike whilst juveniles resemble the adult but with more greyish and sepia tones. The Avocet breeds in temperate Europe and western and central Asia. The breeding habitat is shallow lakes with brackish water and exposed bare mud where they build a nest on open ground in a lined scrape or on a mound of vegetation. The Avocet is a migratory species and most winter in Africa or southern Asia. Some remain to winter in the mildest parts of their range such as in southern Spain and southern England. The Avocet feeds on crustaceans and insects in shallow brackish water or on mud flats, often scything their bills from side to side in water (a feeding technique that is unique to the avocet species). The Avocet was extinct as a breeding species in the UK by 1840 but its successful recolonisation at Minsmere in Suffolk in 1947 led to its adoption as the logo of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Date: 2nd May 2024 Location: RSPB Minsmere, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45174884.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6039652736233064e64c19.jpgRed-breasted Goose The Red-breasted Goose is a brightly marked species of goose in the genus Branta. It is an unmistakable red, black and white goose with a chestnut-red foreneck, breast and sides of the head. It has a broad white flank stripe and black belly, white rear belly and black tail. The juveniles are generally duller than the adults. The short neck and dark belly stand out in flight. All the species of the Branta genus are distinguished by their dark sooty colour relieved by white and are distinct from the grey geese of the genus Anser. Among the species from these 2 genera, the Red-breasted Goose is the smallest at 21 to 22 inches in length. Although brightly marked and unmistakable, it can be surprisingly difficult to find amongst flocks of Brent Geese. The Red-breasted Goose breeds in Arctic Siberia, mainly on the Taymyr Peninsula and with smaller populations in the Gydan and Yamal peninsulas. Most winter along the north west shore of the Black Sea in Bulgaria, Romania and Ukraine (occasionally moving further south west to Greece) but some winter in Azerbaijan. The Red-breasted Goose is a rare vagrant to the UK and other western European countries where it is sometimes found with flocks of Brent or Barnacle Geese. However, since it is common in captive wildfowl collections, escapees outside its usual range are fairly frequent. The Red-breasted Goose often nests close to the nests of birds of prey, such as the Snowy Owl, Peregrine and Rough-legged Buzzard, and this helps to protect this small goose from mammalian predators such as the Arctic Fox. The closer the nest to the eyrie bird of prey nest, the safer it is from predation. In addition to nesting close to birds of prey, the Red-breasted Goose nests on islands on rivers which also protects it from land-based predators. A typical Red-breasted Goose colony is around 4 pairs depending on nest location, food abundance and bird of prey density. In the autumn of 1997 the population of the Red-breasted Goose was estimated to be around 88,000 individuals but in the winter these numbers can shrink to around 70,000. The Red-breasted Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. It is legally protected in many states although hunting still continues. The AEWA is monitoring the species and providing up to date information on the status of the species, its habitat, migrations, ecology and conservation needs. Over 80% of the Red-breasted Goose population roost during the winter at just 5 sites with nearby feeding areas threatened by changes in land use. In addition, there has been a strong decline in numbers in the last few decades. However, it is possible that this decline may have been exaggerated as it is possible that some birds may winter at unknown sites. As it is not clear to what extent the known population fluctuates and given the worsening outlook as a whole, the Red-breasted Goose was uplisted from a species of Least Concern to Endangered status in the 2007 IUCN Red List. In 2015 it was relisted as Vulnerable. There have been attempts to conserve the species. In 2005 to 2008 an EU LIFE project in Romania was implemented so that the habitat quality of an important salt water lake used by the species was increased. The EU LIFE Programme and AEWA hosted a workshop in February 2009 for the species that aimed to draft a new International Species Action Plan and report the results of the EU LIFE project. In 2011 the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB/BirdLife in Bulgaria) and the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust in the UK launched a project that will lead to a greater understanding of the Red-breasted Goose's migration patterns. A number of geese were branded and given miniature GPS transmitters to enable satellite tracking. Scientist and conservationists hope that learning about the Red-breasted Goose's migration patterns will lead to proper conservation policies. Date: 25th January 2022 Location: Marsh Farm Country Park, South Woodham Ferrers, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/pine-grosbeak https://images.on-this.website/4752_16285739444bf6d54717b1c.jpgPine Grosbeak The Pine Grosbeak is a large member of the finch family. Adults have a long forked black tail, black wings with white wing bars and a large bill. Adult males have a rose-red head, back and rump. Adult females are olive-yellow on the head and rump and grey on the back and underparts. Young birds have a less contrasting plumage overall, appearing shaggy when they moult their colored head plumage. The Pine Grosbeak is a permanent resident through most of its range and can be found in coniferous woods in subarctic Fennoscandia and Siberia and across Alaska, the western mountains of the United States and Canada. In the extreme north or when food sources are scarce, they may migrate further south. It is a very rare vagrant to temperate Europe. The Pine Grosbeak forages in trees and bushes. It mainly eats seeds, buds, berries and insects. Outside of the nesting season, it often feeds in flocks. Date: 10th April 2010 Location: Neljan Tuulen Tupa near Kaamanen, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48309161.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_208534170163ee455ce0e62.jpgTufted Duck The Tufted Duck is a small diving duck. The adult male is all black except for white flanks and a blue-grey bill. It has an obvious head tuft that gives the species its name. The adult female is brown with paler flanks and is more easily confused with other diving ducks. In particular, some have white around the bill base which resembles the Scaup although the white is never as extensive as in that species. The Tufted Duck breeds widely throughout temperate and northern Eurasia. It occasionally can be found as a winter visitor along both coasts of the United States and Canada. It is migratory in most of its range and winters in the milder south and west of Europe and southern Asia where large flocks form on open water. The Tufted Duck breeds close to marshes and lakes with plenty of vegetation to conceal the nest. It is also found on coastal lagoons and sheltered ponds. The Tufted Duck feeds mainly by diving for molluscs, aquatic insects and aquatic plants. Date: 6th February 2022 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/razorbill https://images.on-this.website/4752_299266394e1eef5707f81.jpgRazorbill The Razorbill is a medium-sized seabird and breeds around the coast of the UK with the largest colonies in northern Scotland. They breed on rocky cliffs and among boulder scree close to the sea. Birds only come to shore to breed from March to July and they winter in the northern Atlantic. Date: 11th May 2008 Location: Skomer, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49002088.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_727197446468e79149fb4.jpgBlue Tit The Blue Tit is a small passerine bird in the tit family. It is easily recognisable by its generally blue and yellow plumage and its small size. The Blue Tit is about 4.7 inches long with a wingspan of 7.1 inches. It has an azure blue crown and a dark blue line passing through the eye and encircling the white cheeks to the chin, giving the bird a very distinctive appearance. The forehead and a bar on the wing are white. The nape, wings and tail are blue and the back is yellowish green. The underparts are mostly sulphur-yellow with a dark line down the abdomen. The bill is black and the legs bluish grey. The sexes are similar whilst young birds are noticeably more yellow. The Blue Tit is very agile and it can cling to the outermost branches and hang upside down when searching for food such as insects, caterpillars and seeds. The Blue Tit can be found throughout areas of the European continent with a mainly temperate or Mediterranean climate and in parts of the Middle East. In the UK it is common in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens and widespread across the whole of the country with the exception of some Scottish islands. The Blue Tit will nest in any suitable hole in a tree, wall or stump, often competing with other birds such as the House Sparrow or Great Tit for the site. In addition, it will readily accept an artificial nesting box. The same hole is returned to year after year and when one pair dies another takes possession. The nesting material is usually moss, wool, hair and feathers and the eggs are laid in April or May. The number in the clutch is often very large but 7 or 8 is normal. It is not unusual for a single bird to feed the chicks in the nest at a rate of one feed every 90 seconds during the height of the breeding season. Successful breeding is dependent on a sufficient supply of caterpillars as well as satisfactory weather. Breeding may be affected badly if the weather is cold and wet between May and July, particularly if this coincides with the emergence of the caterpillars on which the nestlings are fed. The small size of the Blue Tit makes it vulnerable to predation by larger birds and the typical lifespan is 3 years or less. The most significant predator is probably the Sparrowhawk, closely followed by the domestic cat. Nests may also be robbed by mammals such as the Weasel and Red and Grey Squirrels. Date: 8th April 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/wood-sandpiper https://images.on-this.website/4752_160428497157cc38c4755d1.jpgWood Sandpiper The Wood Sandpiper is a medium sized wader which resembles a longer-legged and more delicate Green Sandpiper. It has a fine straight bill, brown back, yellowish legs and a conspicuous long white stripe from the bill over the eye to the back of the neck. The Wood Sandpiper breeds in sub-Arctic wetlands across Europe and Asia. It migrates to Africa, southern Asia, particularly India, and Australia. It is usually found in freshwater habitats during migration and on its wintering grounds. It forages by probing in shallow water or in wet mud and it mainly eats insects and similar small prey. A slight westward expansion saw the establishment of a small but permanent breeding population in Scotland from the 1950s. In addition, passage migrants most commonly appear in south and east England in April and September. Date: 11th May 2016 Location: near Pogari-Sassi, Matsalu National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/common-kestrel https://images.on-this.website/4752_10228412214cd5725c61f34.jpgCommon Kestrel The Common Kestrel is a small falcon, smaller than most other birds of prey but larger than most songbirds. Females are noticeably larger than males. Their plumage is mainly light chestnut brown with blackish spots on the upperside and buff with narrow blackish streaks on the underside. Males have less black spots and streaks as well as a blue-grey cap and tail. The tail is brown with black bars in females and has a black tip with a narrow white rim in both sexes. Both sexes also have a prominent black malar stripe. The Common Kestrel occurs over a large range and it is widespread in Europe, Asia and Africa. In the cool temperate parts of its range, it migrates south in winter but otherwise it is sedentary although juveniles may wander around in search for a good place to settle down as they become mature. The Common Kestrel is a diurnal bird and can be found in most lowland habitats although it prefers open habitat such as fields, heaths, moorlands, shrubland and marshland. It does not require woodland to be present as long as there are alternate perching and nesting sites like rocks or buildings. It will thrive in treeless steppe where there are abundant shrubs to support a population of prey animals. Date: 10th September 2010 Location: Villafáfila, Castille y Leon, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33568373.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18897459105a106a9dd01f0.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 4th November 2017 Location: Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26026192.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_195848388356374686746f1.jpgRed-throated Divers The Red-throated Diver is the smallest and lightest of the world's diver or loon species. Like all divers, it is long-bodied and short-necked and with its legs set far back on its body. The sexes are similar in appearance although males tend to be slightly larger and heavier than females. In breeding plumage, the adult has a dark grey head and neck with narrow black and white stripes on the back of the neck, a triangular red throat patch, white underparts and a dark grey-brown mantle. The non-breeding plumage is drabber with the chin, foreneck and much of the face white, the top of the head and back of the neck grey and considerable white speckling on the dark mantle. The bill is thin, straight and sharp and the bird often holds it at an uptilted angle. In flight, the Red-throated Diver has a distinctive profile. Its small feet do not project far past the end of its body, its head and neck droop below the horizontal (giving the flying bird a distinctly hunchbacked shape) and its thin wings are angled back. It has a quicker, deeper wing beat than other divers. The Red-throated Diver has a large global population and a significant global range but some populations are declining. Oil spills, habitat degradation, pollution and fishing nets are among the major threats and natural predators, such as various gull species and both red and Arctic foxes, will take eggs and young. The Red-throated Diver breeds primarily in the Arctic regions of northern Eurasia and north America and it winters in northern coastal waters, sometimes in groups of considerable size. Unlike other divers, it regularly uses very small freshwater lakes as breeding sites. In Europe, it breeds in Iceland, northern Scotland, Scandinavia and northern Russia and it winters along the coast as far south as parts of Spain. Date: 3rd June 2015 Location: near Kópasker, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080550.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_199420453063a448a5110bc.jpgPurple Sandpipers The Purple Sandpiper is a small wading shorebird. Adults have short yellow legs and a medium thin dark bill with a yellow base. The body is dark above with a slight purplish gloss and mainly white below. The breast is smeared with grey and the rump is black. The Purple Sandpiper breeds in the northern tundra and Arctic islands in Canada and coastal areas in Greenland and north west Europe and nests on the ground either elevated on rocks or in a lower damp location. The males makes several scrapes following which the female chooses one and lays 3 or 4 eggs. The male takes the major responsibility for incubation and tends the chicks. The Purple Sandpiper is migratory and moves to rocky ice-free Atlantic coasts in winter where it is fairly gregarious, forming small flocks and often associating with Turnstones. It is also relatively tame and approachable. In the UK, the Purple Sandpiper occurs in winter in good numbers, principally along the east and south coasts where it favours rocky shorelines adjacent to the sea. It is a very rare breeding bird and is found only in a localised area of the Cairngorms National Park where 1 to 3 pairs have bred since the 1970s. Date: 2nd December 2022 Location: Sheringham, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/breiafjrur-west-iceland https://images.on-this.website/4752_651099041561cd16cd2069.jpgBreiðafjörður, west Iceland Breiðafjörður is a large shallow bay, about 31 miles wide and 78 miles long, situated in the west of Iceland. It separates the region of the Westfjords from the south of the country. Breiðafjörður is encircled by mountains, including the glacier Snæfellsjökull on the Snæfellsnes peninsula to the south and the Westfjords peninsula to the north. Breiðafjörður has a spectacular land and seascape consisting of shallow seas, small fjords and bays and an inner part of intertidal areas dotted with about 3,000 islands, islets and skerries. The area contains about half of Iceland's intertidal area. The large intertidal zone is high in biodiversity and productivity and has extensive algal forests and other important habitats for fish and invertebrates. The area supports 230 species of plants and around 50 breeding bird species. Common Seal and Atlantic Grey Seal have their main haul-out sites on the islands and skerries. Several species of cetaceans are commonly found including Common Porpoise, White-beaked Dolphin, Orca and Minke Whale. The many islands in Breiðafjörður have an unbroken history of human use but now only a few islands are inhabited all year round. Many islands are used for summer residences and natural resources such as eiderdown harvesting are the main source of income for many farmers. Some of the more well known islands are Flatey, Brokey, Skáleyjar, Hvallátur, Svefneyjar, Sviðnur, Hergilsey and Elliðaey. If the weather is fine it is possible to see the coast line of the Westfjords from the Snæfellsnes peninsula but in reality they lie at a distance of up to 25 miles away. From Stykkishólmur on the Snæfellsnes peninsula the Baldur ferry crosses Breiðafjörður via Flatey to Brjánslækur in the Westfjords. Date: 6th June 2015 Location: view from road 54 to Stykkishólmur, Snæfellsnes peninsula http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49797303.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_28264874464ec9d0abc378.jpgDartford Warbler The Dartford Warbler is a small warbler distinguished by its long tail compared with that of other warblers. Its plumage comprises unobtrusive and muted tones which blend in with its preferred habitats. Like many warblers, the Dartford Warbler has distinct male and female plumages. The male has a grey back and head, reddish underparts and a red eye. The female is paler below, especially on the throat, and a browner grey above. The song of the Dartford Warbler is a distinctive rattling warble. The largest populations of Dartford Warbler are found in Iberia with smaller populations in France, Italy and the south of the UK. In Africa, they are found in small areas in northern Morocco and northern Algeria. The Dartford Warbler breeds on heathlands amongst gorse, heather and other scrub bushes, sometimes near coasts. Dartford Warblers are named after Dartford Heath in north west Kent in the UK where the population became extinct in the early 20th century. They almost died out in the UK in the severe winter of 1962/63 when the national population dropped to just 10 pairs. However, this species can recover well in good quality habitat, thanks to repeated nesting and a high survival rate for the young. In the UK, Dartford Warblers can now be found at various heathland locations in south and east England. Date: 2nd July 2023 Location: Great Ovens NNR, Wareham Forest, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072333.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19937175294bf6df1690d36.jpgKittiwakes The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill <i>"kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake"</i>. The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 13th April 2010 Location: Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19905515.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8538504575290896b1549e.jpgGadwall The Gadwall is one of the most common and widespread dabbling ducks. The breeding male is patterned grey with a black rear end, light chestnut wings and a brilliant white speculum which is obvious in flight or at rest. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female but retains the male wing pattern and is usually greyer above and has less orange on the bill. The female is light brown with plumage much like a female Mallard. It can be distinguished from that species by the dark orange-edged bill, smaller size, the white speculum and white belly. The Gadwall breeds in north Europe and Asia and central north America and appears to be expanding into eastern north America. It is a bird of open wetlands and lakes, wet grassland or marshes with dense fringing vegetation and it nests on the ground, often some distance from water. In the UK, the Gadwall is a scarce breeding bird on some lakes and gravel pits in the Midlands, south east England, eastern central Scotland, eastern Northern Ireland and south east Wales. In winter, numbers increase as birds migrate to spend the winter in the UK on gravel pits, lakes, reservoirs and coastal wetlands. Date: 30th September 2013 Location: Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42626835.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_117362713960a92e3c8b4db.jpgAdders Adders are widespread throughout mainland UK but they are absent from Ireland. They occur throughout Europe, with the exception of the Mediterranean islands, and across Russia and Asia through to northern China. They are the UK's only venomous reptile. Adders are relatively short and robust snakes with large heads and a rounded snout. Males are usually a grey or buff colour with vivid black markings although they can also vary from silver to yellow or green in colour. Females are brown with dark red-brown markings that are less prominent than in the males. Both sexes have a zigzag pattern running along the back with a / or X-shaped marking at the rear of the head. Adders can be found in a variety of habitats, including open woodland, hedgerows, moorland, sand dunes, riverbanks, bogs, heathland and mountains. They are active during the day and spend time basking until their body temperature is high enough to hunt for food. Adders use venom to immobilise prey such as lizards, amphibians, nestlings and small mammals. After striking their prey, they will leave the venom to take effect before following the victim’s scent to find the body. Mating takes place between April and May with males often fighting for females. Females have a 3 to 4 month gestation period and Adders are one of the few snakes that are viviparous (give birth to live young). In late August females give birth to between 5 and 20 live young and the young remain close to their mother for a few days before going off in search of food. Adders hibernate from September to March often using deserted rabbit or rodent burrows or settling under logs. They sometimes hibernate communally. Males emerge 2 to 5 weeks before the females and shed their skin before setting off in search of females. Adders are not aggressive snakes and they will only attack if harassed or threatened. Although an Adder’s venom poses little danger to a healthy adult, the bite is very painful and requires urgent medical attention. Date: 17th April 2021 Location: Benfleet and Hadleigh Downs, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41187480.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7719439865ea6dfde09cde.jpgGreylag Goose and goslings The Greylag Goose is the ancestor of most domestic geese but is also the largest and bulkiest of the wild geese native to the UK and Europe. In many parts of the UK it has been re-established by releasing birds in suitable areas but the resulting flocks found around gravel pits, lakes and reservoirs all year round in southern Britain tend to be semi-tame. The native birds and wintering flocks found on lochs in northern Scotland and on some Scottish islands retain the special appeal of truly wild geese. Date: 26th April 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/nesseby-varanger-peninsula-finnmark-norway https://images.on-this.website/4752_3840851414bf6d9604efec.jpgNesseby, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway Nesseby is a small village located on the southern coast of the Varanger peninsula near the inner part of the Varangerfjord in Nesseby municipality in Finnmark county in north east Norway. The European route E75 highway runs through the village on its way from Varangerbotn to Vadsø. Nesseby church lies on a small peninsula on the coast of the village. The village and municipality are bilingual and have 2 official names: Nesseby (Norwegian) and Unjárga (Northern Sami). Date: 12th April 2010 Location: view looking towards Nesseby church, Nesseby, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37431194.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15108113985c6be82992a48.jpgBlack-tailed Godwits The Black-tailed Godwit is a large, long-legged, long-billed shorebird with an orange head, neck and chest in its breeding plumage and a uniform brown-grey breast and upperparts in winter. During the breeding season, the bill has a yellowish or orange-pink base and dark tip but the base is pink in winter. The legs are dark grey, brown or black. The sexes are similar but in breeding plumage they can be separated by the male's brighter, more extensive orange breast, neck and head. In flight, the bold black and white wingbar and white rump can be seen readily. When on the ground the Black-tailed Godwit can be difficult to separate from the similar Bar-tailed Godwit but the Black-tailed Godwit's longer, straighter bill and longer legs are diagnostic. The Black-tailed Godwit’s breeding range stretches from Iceland through northern Europe and areas of central Asia where it can be found in fens, lake edges, damp meadows, moorlands and bogs. It winters in areas as diverse as the Indian Subcontinent, Australia, western Europe and west Africa where it can be found on estuaries and floods. It is also more likely to be found inland and on freshwater than the Bar-tailed Godwit. Date: 10th January 2019 Location: RSPB Greylake, Somerset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41254079.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6361837315f059e7f2b71f.jpgHelsinki, Uusimaa, Finland Helsinki is the capital and largest city of Finland. It is located in the extreme south of the country on the shore of the Gulf of Finland of the Baltic Sea, 50 miles north of Tallinn in Estonia, 250 miles east of Stockholm in Sweden and 190 miles west of Saint Petersburg in Russia. It is the main financial, industrial, cultural, educational and research centre of Finland. Together with the cities of Espoo, Vantaa and Kauniainen, and surrounding commuter towns, Helsinki forms the Greater Helsinki metropolitan area which has a population of around 1.5 million. Often considered to be Finland's only metropolis, it is the world's northernmost metropolitan area as well as being the northernmost capital of an EU member state. After Stockholm in Sweden and Oslo in Norway, Helsinki is the third largest municipality in the Nordic countries. Date: 26th June 2019 Location: view from the m/s J.L. Runeberg between Porvoo and Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801141.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_154142215664edad07954c6.jpgSpoonbill The Spoonbill is an unmistakable wading bird. Breeding adults are all white except for dark legs, a black spoon-shaped bill with a yellow tip, a yellow breast patch and a crest. Non-breeders lack the crest and breast patch and immature birds have a pale bill and black tips to the primary flight feathers. Unlike herons, Spoonbills fly with their necks outstretched. Feeding birds swing their heads and sweep their bills from side to side through the water. The Spoonbill breeds from the UK and Spain in the west through to Japan and also in North Africa. In Europe, only the Netherlands, Spain, Austria, Hungary and Greece have sizeable populations. Birds from north west and south west Europe winter mainly in west Africa whilst those from south east Europe winter in the Mediterranean and north Africa. Eastern European and Turkish birds appear to move to north east Africa, the Middle East and India. The Spoonbill became extinct in the UK but sporadic breeding attempts in the early 21st century finally culminated with the formation of a colony at Holkham in Norfolk in 2010. The Spoonbill can be found in extensive shallow, wetlands with muddy, clay or fine sandy beds. They may inhabit any type of marsh, river, lake, flooded area and mangrove swamp, whether fresh, brackish or saline but especially those with islands for nesting or dense emergent vegetation such as reedbeds and scattered trees or shrubs. The Spoonbill may also frequent sheltered marine habitats during the winter such as deltas, estuaries, tidal creeks and coastal lagoons. Threats to the Eurasian Spoonbill include habitat destruction through drainage of wetlands and habitat degradation by pollution. Date: 17th July 2023 Location: RSPB Frampton Marsh, near Boston, Lincolnshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/grey-partridges https://images.on-this.website/4752_12097786905c6828d2737ce.jpgGrey Partridges The Grey Partridge, also known as the English Partridge, is a game bird in the pheasant family. It is a rotund bird, 11 to 13 inches in length, brown-backed, with grey flanks and chest and an orange face. The belly is white, usually marked with a large chestnut-brown horseshoe mark in males and also in some females. When disturbed, it flies a short distance with whirring wings and occasional glides and often calling. The Grey Partridge is widespread and common throughout much of its range and breeds on farmland across most of Europe in to west Asia. The nest is usually located in the margin of a cereal field where the hens lay up to 20 eggs. The Grey Partridge has also been introduced widely into Canada, the USA, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. It is a non-migratory terrestrial species and groups of up to 15 to 20 birds known as coveys are most usually seen outside the breeding season. In the UK, the Grey Partridge is traditionally found in lowland arable areas but although once very common and widespread, it has undergone a serious population decline throughout most of its range due to a loss of breeding habitat through the intensification of agriculture and possibly due to the loss of food supplies. Numbers have fallen by as much as 85% in the last 25 years and the species is now designated as a Red List species. The Grey Partridge is a seed-eating species but the young in particular take insects as an essential protein supply. During the first 10 days of life, the young can only digest insects. Date: 9th February 2019 Location: Flitcham-Anmer, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17408556.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14308479285133287712d6e.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 14th January 2013 Location: Abbeytown to Silloth, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230744.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_371334980649170c0e3483.jpgStonechat The (European) Stonechat is a small passerine bird that was long considered a member of the thrush family although genetic evidence has now placed it and its relatives in the Old World flycatcher family. Two weakly defined sub-species differing in colour intensity are currently accepted: hibernans found in north west Europe in Atlantic coastal areas, south west Norway, the UK, Ireland and north west France and rubicola found in the south and east of its range from Denmark south west to Spain and north Morocco, east to Poland and Ukraine and south east to Turkey. The (European) Stonechat is slightly smaller than the Robin. Both sexes have distinctively short wings, shorter than those of the more migratory Whinchat and Siberian Stonechat. The summer male has black upperparts, a black head, an orange throat and breast and a white belly and vent. It also has a white half-collar on the sides of its neck, a small white scapular patch on the wings and a very small white patch on the rump often streaked with black. The female has brown upperparts and head and no white neck patches, rump or belly. Instead these areas are streaked dark brown on paler brown, the only white being the scapular patch on the wings and even this often being buffy-white. The (European) Stonechat can often be seen perched on the tops of low bushes where, as its name suggests, it can be heard uttering a sharp loud call that sounds like stones being knocked together. The male's song is high and twittering like a Dunnock. The (European) Stonechat breeds in heathland, coastal dunes and rough grassland with scattered small shrubs and bramble, open gorse, tussocks or heather. It is a short-distance migrant or non-migratory, with part of the population, particularly from the north east of the range where winters are colder, moving to winter further south in Europe and north Africa. Date: 14th May 2023 Location: RWT Gilfach, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082147.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8419874285d307a9a7b452.jpgShabla wetlands, Dobrich Province, Bulgaria Shabla is a small town and seaside resort in north east Bulgaria. It is situated on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast 50 miles from Varna (the third largest city in Bulgaria) to the south. Shabla itself is not located by the sea but it is close to the oldest active lighthouse on the Balkan peninsula at Cape Shabla. Cape Shabla is the most eastern point of Bulgaria. Close to Shabla is an extensive white sand beach which was a popular destination for Eastern Bloc tourism until the fall of Communism. It is probably the only untouched area along the Bulgarian Black Sea coast and it has not experienced the construction boom and development of resorts that is seen further south. About 2 miles from Shabla, there is a complex of 3 coastal brackish lagoons (Shabla, Ezerets and Tuzla) separated from the Black Sea by sand dunes. Shabla and Ezerets are connected by an artificial canal. The lagoons comprise open water, large reedbeds and salt marsh and they are surrounded by seasonally flooded pastures, sand dunes and agricultural land. The mix of habitats supports a wide range of breeding, migratory and wintering birds The Shabla lagoon complex is an important wetland on the Via Pontica bird migration flyway and it is included within the Natura 2000 network of nature protection areas in Europe and also designated as an Important Bird Area (IBA) and Ramsar site. Date: 19th March 2018 Location: Shabla wetlands, Dobrich Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51334353.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16296166566676e3b616589.jpgHeath Fritillary Flight period: June to July. The Heath Fritillary is at the north west extreme of its range in the southern UK and its numbers have greatly reduced this century due to changes in woodland management. It is now one of our rarest and most localised butterflies and can only be found at a few sites in Essex and Kent and in south west England. In Essex and Kent, they can be found in coppiced woodland with acid soils where Common Cow Wheat, the preferred foodplant, is available. On Exmoor they favour sheltered combes (valleys) and in Devon and Cornwall abandoned hay meadows are preferred. Detailed study has determined the Heath Fritillary’s precise habitat requirements and its future in the UK depends on deliberate conservation and habitat management. Date: 20th June 2024 Location: EWT Pound Wood, Hadleigh, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/beinn-alligin-highland https://images.on-this.website/4752_9986057754681c75f8d93e.jpgBeinn Alligin, Highland Height: Sgurr Mhor 3231 feet and Tom na Gruagaich 3018 feet. The Torridon area, consisting of Loch Torridon, Upper Loch Torridon and Loch Shieldaig, is situated on the west coast of Scotland in Wester Ross. The magnificent mountains here such as Liathach and Beinn Alligin are some of the highest in the UK, rising in places almost vertically to 3500 feet from the deep sea lochs. Date: 11th June 2006 Location: view from the A896 road at Annat http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48309175.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_176188237963ee457fc6470.jpgLittle Grebe The Little Grebe, also known as the Dabchick, is the smallest member of the grebe family measuring 9 to 11.5 inches in length. The adult is unmistakable in summer, predominantly dark above with its rich, rufous colour neck, cheeks and flanks and bright yellow gape. The rufous is replaced by a dirty brownish grey in non-breeding and juvenile birds. Juveniles have a yellow bill with a small black tip and black and white streaks on the cheeks and sides of the neck. This yellow bill darkens as the juveniles age, eventually turning black as an adult. The Little Grebe can be noisy with a distinctive whinnying trill. The Little Grebe can be found across Europe, much of Asia down to New Guinea and in most of Africa. It breeds in small colonies in freshwater wetlands with muddy bottoms and edges and still or slow-moving water with plenty of emergent vegetation such as lakes, gravel pits, canals and rivers. Most birds move to more open or coastal waters in winter but it is only migratory in those parts of its range where the waters freeze. Like all grebes, the Little Grebe nests at the water's edge since its legs are set very far back and it can not walk well. Usually 4 to 7 eggs are laid. The young leave the nest and can swim soon after hatching but are often carried on the backs of the swimming adults. The Little Grebe is an excellent swimmer and diver and pursues its fish and aquatic invertebrate prey underwater. It uses the vegetation skillfully as a hiding place. Date: 6th February 2022 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24834051.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_874249015559cf4dae3c98.jpgBlack-headed Bunting The Black-headed Bunting is a member of the bunting family but larger and longer tailed than the Reed Bunting. The breeding male has bright yellow underparts, chestnut upperparts and a black hood. The female is a washed-out version of the male with paler underparts, a grey-brown back and a greyish head. The Black-headed Bunting breeds in open scrubby areas including agricultural land from south east Europe to central Asia. The wintering grounds are mainly in India although vagrants have been found wintering as far east as Japan, China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Laos, South Korea and Malaysia. Summer vagrants may occur as far north in Europe as Norway. Date: 7th May 2015 Location: Evros Delta (west), East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40952812.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8959378835e53930f9a51b.jpgWexford Wildfowl Nature Reserve, Co. Wexford, Ireland Wexford Wildfowl Reserve is located on flat farmland on the North Slob which was walled off from Wexford Harbour and reclaimed from the sea in the 1840s partly as a famine relief project. Wet grassland and tillage, along with a brackish water drainage channel and reedbeds, form the main habitats which collectively make for an internationally important wetland and one of Ireland’s finest bird sites. Much of the area lies below sea level. Wexford Wildfowl Reserve is jointly owned and managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service and BirdWatch Ireland. First established in 1969 the reserve covers about 200 hectares, around 25% of the North Slob. Today, Wexford Wildfowl Reserve is part of the larger Wexford Slobs and Harbour Special Protected Area (SPA), a designated Ramsar Site, part of a Special Protection Area (SPA), a proposed National Heritage Area (NHA) and a National Nature Reserve. It is included within the EU network of nature protected areas called Natura 2000, the aim of which is to secure the long-term survival of Europe’s most threatened and vulnerable species and habitats. Wexford Wildfowl Reserve is renowned for the wide diversity and density of its birdlife. Over 250 species of birds have been recorded, many of them winter migrants from Greenland and Arctic Canada or from Scandinavia and Arctic Russia. Greater (Greenland) White-fronted Geese are the most numerous and important goose species and it is for them that Wexford Wildfowl Reserve was established. They breed on the western lowlands of Greenland during the summer and winter in Ireland and Scotland from October to early April. The North Slob holds about 8500 or 45% of the current world population of Greater (Greenland) White-fronted Goose during these months. The Greater (Greenland) White-fronted Geese are joined by wintering Bewick’s and Whooper Swans as well as Pale-bellied Brent Geese and a variety of other ducks and waders. The birds and other wildlife on the Reserve can be watched from an observation tower and 3 other hides and there is a Visitor Centre providing an exhibition and other information. Date: 30th January 2020 Location: Wexford Wildfowl Nature Reserve, Co. Wexford, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11481818.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7990685394e26a339d3253.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 16/04/07 Location: Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11481098.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15823927064e2699b3a5afa.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 17th May 2009 Location: Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37431257.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6006815135c6bebd92847e.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 8th January 2019 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26008822.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_152263189156351e286a966.jpgSlavonian Grebes The Slavonian Grebe is a member of the grebe family of water birds. It is also known as the Horned Grebe in north America. Unmistakable in summer, the plumage of both the male and female Slavonian Grebe shows a black head with golden puffy earlike tufts along the sides of its face. It shows a deep rusty red neck, scarlet eyes and a small, straight black bill tipped with white. During the winter, the Slavonian Grebe is mainly white with a sharply defined black cap. The Slavonian Grebe breeds in vegetated areas of freshwater lakes across Europe and Asia. It also breeds in remote inland parts of the United States and much of Canada. Like all grebes, it builds a nest on the water's edge, since its legs are set very far back and it can not walk well. Most birds migrate in winter to the coast. Date: 4th June 2015 Location: Lake Mývatn, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49002382.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5183247116468edcd6a630.jpgSparrowhawk The Sparrowhawk is a small bird of prey that is adapted for hunting birds up to pigeon size in confined spaces like dense woodland. The adult male has a bluish-grey back and wings and orangey-brown bars on the chest and belly. The female and young birds have a brown back and wings and brown bars on the chest and belly. The Sparrowhawk has bright yellow or orangey eyes, long yellow legs and long talons. Females are larger than males as with most birds of prey. The Sparrowhawk can be seen at any time of year throughout the UK except for parts of the Scottish Highlands, the Western Isles and Shetland. It can be found in woodland and open country but it also visits gardens in towns and cities and in rural areas. Date: 13th April 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42202647.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2925754285ff31061b7374.jpgBrown Bear The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, Ursus arctos arctos. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an evening visit with [url=https://www.karhujenkatselu.fi/en-gb]Karhu-Kuusamo[/url] Date: 7th July 2019 Location: Kuntilampi, near Kuusamo, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11654792.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5628685474e3133dd1943e.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 06/02/07 Location: Abberton Reservoir, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4088266.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18476480704b193e57e0029.jpgWhite Stork The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 8th November 2009 Location: Aiguamolls de l'Emporda, Catalunya, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/roesels-bush-cricket https://images.on-this.website/4752_11388000215eda0228280c4.jpgRoesel’s Bush-cricket The Roesel's Bush-cricket is dark brown with orangey legs, a green face, a creamy border to the thorax and 2 or 3 cream spots on its sides. It is best recognised by its long, monotonous and mechanical song which can be heard from June to October in rough grassland, scrub and damp meadows. Until the early 20th century, the Roesel's Bush-cricket was only found on the south east coast of the UK but in recent years there has been a rapid expansion in its range further north and west. Date: 27th May 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40399573.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10658389645dc6addc805c2.jpgPied Wagtail The White Wagtail, [I]Motacilla alba[/I], is a small passerine bird in the wagtail family. A number of sub-species are recognised including [I]Motacilla alba alba[/I] found in Europe from the Iberian Peninsula to the Ural Mountains, Turkey, the Levant, Iceland, the Faroe Islands and Greenland's east coast and [I]Motacilla alba yarrellii[/I] (Pied Wagtail) found in the UK and Ireland and which has a much blacker back than the nominate race. The nominate sub-species [I]Motacilla alba alba[/I] is basically grey above and white below with a white face, black cap and black throat. It is a slender bird with a characteristic long tail. The most conspicuous habit of the White Wagtail is a near-constant tail wagging, a trait that has given the bird its common name. In spite of the ubiquity of this behaviour, the reasons for it are poorly understood. It has been suggested that it may flush prey or signal submissiveness to other wagtails. A recent study has suggested instead that it is a signal of vigilance to potential predators. The White Wagtail breeds throughout Eurasia up to latitudes 75°N, only being absent in the Arctic from areas where summer temperatures are less than 4 °C. It also breeds in the mountains of Morocco and western Alaska. It is resident in the milder parts of its range such as western Europe and the Mediterranean but migratory in much of the rest of its range. Northern European breeders winter around the Mediterranean and in tropical and subtropical Africa, Asiatic birds move to the Middle East, India and south east Asia and birds from the north American population also winter in tropical Asia. The White Wagtail has a wide range and whilst the population size is unknown it is believed to be large since the species is described as "common" in at least parts of its range. Population trends have not been quantified but the population in Europe appears to be stable and it has adapted well to human changes to the environment and has exploited human changes such as man-made structures that are used for nesting sites and increased open areas that are used for foraging. The White Wagtail is an insectivorous bird of open country, often near habitation and water. It prefers bare areas for feeding where it can see and pursue its prey. In urban areas it has adapted to foraging on paved areas such as car parks. It nests in crevices and holes in stone walls and similar natural and man-made structures such as bridges and buildings. The diet of the White Wagtail varies by location but terrestrial and aquatic insects and other small invertebrates form the major part of the diet. These range from beetles, dragonflies, small snails, spiders, worms and crustaceans to maggots found in carcasses and flies. It is somewhat unusual in the parts of its range where it is non-migratory as it is an insectivorous bird that continues to feed on insects during the winter when most other insectivorous birds in temperate climates migrate or switch to more vegetable matter. Though it is known to be a host species for the Cuckoo, the White Wagtail typically deserts its nest if it has been parasitised. Date: 30th September 2019 Location: Ord, Skye, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645642.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_54899986051e3cfc711b23.jpgBiałowieża, Poland The Białowieża forest is an ancient mixed forest that straddles the border between Poland and Belarus. It is one of the largest remaining parts of the immense primaeval forest that once stretched across the Great European Plain. On the Polish side, the central part of the Białowieża forest is protected as the Białowieża National Park with an area of about 39 square miles. The National Park, created in 1932, is under strict preservation and has been declared by UNESCO a World Biosphere Reserve and put on the World Heritage List. The Białowieża forest is home to many species of forest birds plus large mammals such as Wolf, Lynx, Moose and European Bison. Date: 25th May 2013 Location: south of Białowieża around Narewka bridge, Białowieża area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41505225.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21035317695f37b2924626a.jpgLong-tailed Skua The Long-tailed Skua, known as the Long-tailed Jaeger in the Americas, is a seabird in the skua family [I]Stercorariidae[/I]. It is the smallest of the skua family at 15 to 23 inches in length depending on the season and age. However, up to 11 inches of its length can be made up of the tail which may include 6 inch long tail streamers in the summer adult. The adult Long-tailed Skua is unmistakable with its grey back, dark primary wing feathers without a white "flash", black cap and very long tail. Adults often hover over their breeding territories. Juveniles are much more problematic to identify and are difficult to separate from the Arctic Skua over the sea. It is slimmer, longer-winged and more tern-like than the Arctic Skua but shows the same wide range of plumage variation. However, it is usually colder toned than the Arctic Skua with greyer shades rather than brown. The Long-tailed Skua breeds in the high Arctic of Eurasia and north America with major populations in Russia, Alaska and Canada and smaller populations around the rest of the Arctic. It nests on dry tundra or higher fells where they can be heard making yelping and rattling sounds. Outside of the breeding season they spend most of their time over open ocean and have a harsher cry. It is a migrant species and winters in the south Atlantic and Pacific. The Long-tailed Skua feeds on fish (mainly caught from other seabirds), small birds, small mammals, fruit, food scraps and carrion. On migration, it is more likely to catch its own food and less likely to steal from gulls and terns than the larger skua species. Date: 3rd July 2019 Location: Komagdalen, Varangerhalvøya National Park, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo22527455.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5395186654227b1fc5a25.jpgWhite-tailed Eagle The White-tailed Eagle is a very large bird with a 72 to 96 inch wingspan and is the fourth largest eagle in the world. It has broad "barn door" wings, a large head and a thick "meat-cleaver" beak. The adult is mainly brown except for the paler head and neck, blackish flight feathers, distinctive white tail, and yellow bill and legs. In juvenile birds the tail and bill are darker, with the tail becoming white with a dark terminal band in sub-adults. The White-tailed Eagle breeds in northern Europe and northern Asia. The largest population in Europe is found along the coast of Norway. In the UK it became extinct during the early 20th century and the present population in Scotland has arisen from a reintroduction programme which commenced on the island of Rhum in 1975. It is still a rare breeding bird which was previously confined to the west coast of Scotland, although a reintroduction programme is now taking place in east Scotland. Date: 8th September 2014 Location: Killiechronan, Loch na Keal, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15454046.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12017519964ff5492bb10fb.jpgBlack-winged Stilt The Black-winged Stilt is a widely distributed very long-legged wader. They have long pink-red legs, a long thin black bill and are blackish above and white below with a white head and neck with a varying amount of black. Both in flight and at rest the long pink-red legs are characteristic and even if these are hidden in water of unknown depth, the pure white underparts and jet black upperparts are distinctive. The amount of dark feathering on the otherwise white head doesn't necessarily indicate the sex of a stilt although young birds always have smoky patterning on the head. The Black-winged Stilt can be found in central and southern Europe, central and southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Many birds migrate to south of the Sahara from August to November and return in March and April. However, many of those which breed in Iberia are now increasingly remaining throughout the year. The Black-winged Stilt breeds around shallow wetlands, especially coastal lagoons, saltpans and estuaries. The nest site is a bare spot on the ground near water and birds often nest in small groups, sometimes with Avocets. In Europe, the Black-winged Stilt is a regular spring overshoot vagrant north of its normal range, occasionally remaining to breed in northern European countries including the UK. Date: 2nd May 2012 Location: Salinas de Bonanza near Jerez de la Frontera, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo10926870.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21083524014e0975d783e09.jpgBottlenose Dolphin The Bottlenose Dolphin is one of the most well-known species of dolphin. They have a stocky, torpedo-shaped body, a short beak and pointed flippers and are usually dark grey on the back with paler grey flanks and a white or pinkish belly. The sickle-shaped dorsal fin is tall and positioned centrally on the back. Variations in the shape of the dorsal fin along with scars and other markings on the skin can help researchers to identify individuals. The Bottlenose Dolphin is found in coastal waters of most temperate, tropical and subtropical areas. Around the UK, it occurs in the English Channel, in the Moray Firth in north-east Scotland and in Cardigan Bay in Wales. Although lone individuals do occur, Bottle-nosed Dolphins are very sociable animals which usually live in groups numbering between 10 and 100 individuals. They engage in much energetic behaviour, including breaching (clearing the water), lobtailing (slapping the tail flukes down onto the surface of the water) and bow-riding (riding the swell created in front of boats and even large whales). The Bottlenose Dolphin faces a number of threats including human disturbance, entanglement in fishing nets and hunting. Like all cetaceans, they are also vulnerable to chemical and noise pollution. The captivity industry that supplies the world aquarium trade is also a problem. The Bottlenose Dolphin is a UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority species and it is protected in UK waters by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Orders 1985. It is illegal to intentionally kill, injure, or harass any cetacean (whale or dolphin) species in UK waters. The Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans in the Baltic and North Seas (ASCOBANS), has been signed by 7 European Countries including the UK. Provision is made under this agreement to set up protected areas, promote research and monitoring, pollution control and increase public awareness. Under Annex II of the EC Habitats Directive, candidate marine Special Areas of Conservation (SACS) are being set up for this species in Cardigan Bay (Wales) and the Moray Firth (north-east Scotland). Date: 12th June 2011 Location: Moray Firth (from Chanonry Point), Inverness-shire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26008652.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1339560236563518c1048b8.jpgBarrow's Goldeneye The Barrow's Goldeneye is a medium-sized diving duck named after Sir John Barrow, an English statesman and writer. The male Barrow's Goldeneye has a large dark head with an iridescent purplish gloss and a crescent-shaped white patch between the eye and bill. The dark back contrasts with the white neck, breast and belly. The scapulars are black with a distinctive row of rectangular white spots. The white greater coverts are tipped with black, forming a black band between the white speculum and the white patch on the greater coverts. The bill is black and the legs and feet are yellowish. The female Barrow's Goldeneye has a dark chocolate-brown head with a narrow whitish collar. The back and sides are slaty grey and the chest, breast and belly are white. The bill is mostly yellowish and the legs and feet are yellowish. The adult is similar in appearance to the Common Goldeneye. However, the male Barrow's Goldeneye differs from the male Common Goldeneye by the fact that the Common Goldeneye has a round white patch on the face, less black on the back and a larger bill. For the females, the Common Goldeneye has a less rounded head and a bill in which only the tip is yellow. The Barrow’s Goldeneye breeds on wooded lakes and ponds primarily in north western north America. It is considered to be an arboreal species because it mainly nests in cavities found in mature trees although it will also nest in burrows or protected sites on the ground. The Barrow’s Goldeneye can also be found in scattered locations in eastern Canada and Iceland (the only European site). It is an extremely rare vagrant to western Europe and to southern areas of north America. In Icelandic the Barrow’s Goldeneye is known as húsönd (house duck) and it is a common species in the Mývatn area in the north of the country. The Barrow’s Goldeneye is migratory and most winter in large flocks on lakes, rivers, estuaries and bays The Barrow's Goldeneye dives to feed on aquatic insects, crustaceans, small fish, fish eggs and pondweeds found in freshwater habitats and molluscs, crustaceans, seastars and marine worms found in saltwater habitats. Date: 4th June 2015 Location: River Laxá, Lake Mývatn area, north Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4088262.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4786386254b193e490efea.jpgWhite Stork The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 8th November 2009 Location: Aiguamolls de l'Emporda, Catalunya, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7439528.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20544553084cd5710412fd0.jpgSierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain This Natural Park (Parque Natural) includes a large sector of the central Sierra Morena, the east-west line of mountains which divides Andalucia from the rest of Spain. The Sierra de Andújar stretches for 45 miles with a highest point of 4230 feet and it is densely wooded boasting one of Andalucia's best preserved expanses of Mediterranean woodland and scrubland. The Sierra de Andújar is one of two of Spain's last refuges for the elusive and highly endangered Iberian Lynx. Date: 6th September 2010 Location: view from road to Embalse del Jándula http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801255.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16842906564edb2f652566.jpgMigrant Hawker Flight period: August to October The Migrant Hawker is common in the south of the UK and has spread north and west in recent decades. The breeding population is boosted by continental migrants in the autumn and they are most easily seen hawking for insects along sheltered woodland rides or hedgerows. Date: 26th July 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4267249.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19172497744b522398e01c7.jpgWigeon The Eurasian Wigeon, or simply Wigeon, is one of 3 species of Wigeon in the dabbling duck genus [i]Mareca[/i]. The Wigeon is 17 to 20 inches in length with a 28 to 31 inches wingspan. The breeding male has grey flanks and back with a black rear end, a dark green speculum and a brilliant white patch on the upper wings which obvious in flight or at rest. It has a pink breast, white belly and a chestnut head with a creamy crown. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female. The female is generally light brown but it can be distinguished from most other ducks, apart from the American Wigeon, on shape. The Wigeon breeds in the northernmost areas of Europe and Asia where it is the Old World counterpart of north America's American Wigeon. It is a bird of open wetlands, such as wet grassland or marshes with some taller vegetation, and nests on the ground near water and under cover. The Wigeon is strongly migratory and winters further south than its breeding range. It is highly gregarious outside of the breeding season and will form large flocks. In the UK, the Wigeon can be found all year round. It is a scarce breeding bird in central and northern Scotland and in northern England. In winter, many birds arrive in the UK from Iceland, Scandinavia and Russia and very large numbers can be seen on the coasts and at some inland sites. The Wigeon is categorised by the IUCN as a species of “Least Concern” but it is a species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 26th December 2009 Location: Buckenham Marshes, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645789.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_128969047751e3d09b141d5.jpgWhite Stork The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 26th May 2013 Location: Siemianówka area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/common-red-soldier-beetle https://images.on-this.website/4752_19298696495f2151f65f71e.jpgCommon Red Soldier Beetle The Common Red Soldier Beetle is a medium-sized, narrow beetle with a narrow, rectangular body and longish antennae. It is bright orange-red with black marks near the tips of the wing cases. There are about 40 species of Soldier Beetle in the UK which display various colour combinations of black, red and orange. They are so-named for their various combinations of markings which are reminiscent of a soldier's uniform. The Common Red Soldier Beetle is also known as the “bloodsucker” for its striking red appearance but it is totally harmless. In fact, it is a beneficial garden insect since the adults eat aphids and the larvae eat ground-dwelling invertebrates such as slugs and snails. The Common Red Soldier Beetle is widespread and it is commonly found on open-structured flowers, such as daises, cow parsley and hogweed, during the summer months. It can be spotted on grasslands, along hedgerows and in woodland, parks and gardens. The adults spend much of their short, summer lives mating and can often be seen in pairs. Date: 20th July 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/pen-y-ghent-north-yorkshire https://images.on-this.website/4752_525358887467dca7eec8e0.jpgPen-y-Ghent, North Yorkshire Height: 2273 feet The “Three Peaks” in the Yorkshire Dales National Park boast some of the most spectacular upland scenery in Yorkshire comprising the peaks of Pen-y-Ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside. Pen-y-Ghent towers over Ribblesdale and whilst it is the lowest of the famous "Three Peaks" it is by no means the least spectacular with its cliffs and escarpments, caves and potholes. Date: 10th April 2006 Location: view from near Horton-in-Ribblesdale http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13657017.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19461187444ed3693b7a959.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the [i]Canidae[/i] family and is a part of the order [i]Carnivora[/i] within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19507317.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1193237522525289b683878.jpgGriffon Vulture The Griffon Vulture is a typical Old World vulture in appearance with a white bald head, very broad wings and short tail feathers. It has a white neck ruff and yellow bill. The buff body and wing coverts contrast with the dark flight feathers. They are very large birds around 37 to 43 inches long with a 91 to 106 inches wingspan. Like other vultures, the Griffon Vulture is a scavenger, feeding mostly from carcasses of dead animals which it finds by soaring over open areas, often moving in flocks. The population is mostly resident in its breeding range in the mountains of southern Europe, north Africa, and Asia. In Spain, there are tens of thousands of birds from a low of a few thousand around 1980 although the Pyrenees population has apparently been affected by an EU ruling that due to danger of BSE transmission, no carcasses must be left on the fields for the time being. Although the Griffon Vulture does not normally attack larger living prey, there are reports of Spanish Griffon Vultures killing weak, young or unhealthy living animals as they do not find enough carrion to eat. Date: 10th September 2013 Location: Molinos valley, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40952821.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1720326105e53934a02855.jpgDescription to follow …. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874848.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1114683234561ccfd9deb9b.jpgHaukadalur, south Iceland The Haukadalur geothermal area is located in south west Iceland to the north east of the Reykjanes peninsula and Reykjavík. Here can be seen some of the most famous sights of Iceland: the geysers and other geothermal features which have developed on the Laugarfjall rhyolitic dome. The biggest geysers of Haukadalur are Strokkur and Geysir. There are also more than 40 other hot springs, mud pots and fumaroles nearby. The oldest accounts of hot springs at Haukadalur date back to 1294 when earthquakes in the area caused significant changes in the local neighbouring landscape creating several new hot springs. Changes in the activity of Geysir and the surrounding geysers are still strongly related to earthquake activity. Strokkur is a fountain geyser and is one of Iceland's most famous geysers. It is very dependable and erupts about every 5 to 10 minutes with boiling water reaching a height of 50 to 65 feet and sometimes up to 130 feet. Geysir, sometimes known as The Great Geysir, was the first geyser described in a printed source in the 18th century and the first known to modern Europeans. Since unusual natural phenomena were of high interest to society during the Age of Enlightenment, the term became popular and has been used for similar hydrothermal features worldwide since then. The English word geyser derives from Geysir whilst Geysir itself is derived from the Icelandic verb <i>geysa</i> ("to gush"). Eruptions at Geysir can hurl boiling water up to 230 feet in the air but eruptions are now very infrequent and have in the past stopped altogether for years at a time. The Haukadalur geothermal area, usually referred to as Geysir, is popular with tourists and, together with the magnificent waterfall at Gulfoss and Þingvellir, it is part of a group of the most famous sights of Iceland known as the "Golden Circle". Date: 7th June 2015 Location: Strokkur at Haukadalur http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40952819.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3023158565e53933ec1e0c.jpgHerring Gull The Herring Gull is one of the best known of all gulls along the shores of Europe. Adults in breeding plumage have a grey back and upperwings and white head and underparts. The wingtips are black with white spots known as "mirrors". The bill is yellow with a red spot and there is a ring of bare yellow skin around the pale eye. The legs are normally pink at all ages but can be yellowish. Non-breeding adults have brown streaks on the head and neck. Male and female plumage is identical at all stages of development although adult males are often larger. Juvenile and first-winter birds are mainly brown with darker streaks and have a dark bill and eyes. Second-winter birds have a whiter head and underparts with less streaking and the back is grey. Third-winter individuals are similar to adults but retain some of the features of immature birds such as brown feathers in the wings and dark markings on the bill. The Herring Gull attains adult plumage and reaches sexual maturity at an average age of 4 years. The loud laughing call of the Herring Gull is well known and is often seen as a symbol of the seaside in countries such as the UK. It also has a yelping alarm call and a low barking anxiety call. Chicks and fledglings emit a distinctive, repetitive high-pitched 'peep', accompanied by a head-flicking gesture when begging for food from or calling to their parents. Adult gulls in urban areas will also exhibit this behaviour when fed by humans. The Herring Gull breeds across northern Europe, western Europe, central Europe, eastern Europe, Scandinavia and the Baltic states. Some, especially those resident in colder areas, migrate further south in winter but many are permanent residents such as in the UK or on the North Sea shores. While Herring Gull numbers appear to have been decreased in recent years, possibly by fish population declines and competition, they have proved able to survive in human-adapted areas and can often be seen in towns acting as a scavenger. The Herring Gull, like most gulls, is an omnivore and opportunist and will scavenge from garbage dumps, landfill sites and sewage outflows with refuse comprising up to half of the bird's diet. In addition, it will eat fish, crustaceans and dead animals as well as some plants and it will steal the eggs and young of other birds (including those of other gulls). The Herring Gull may also dive from the surface of the water or engage in plunge diving in the pursuit of aquatic prey although they are typically unable to reach any great depth due to their natural buoyancy. Date: 31st January 2020 Location: Kilmore Quay, Co. Wexford, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32723085.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_48236701259ae708680a241.49153574.jpgFüzéri vár, Füzér, Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén county, Hungary Füzér is a small village located in the Zemplén Mountains in north east Hungary. The main attraction is Füzéri vár, a castle standing on a solitary volcanic cone at the edge of the village. It was built at the beginning of the 13th century as a defence against the Turks, expanded in the 14th and 15th centuries but ruined at the end of the 18th century. The entire castle hill is a protected historic site and since 1977 it has been reconstructed and renewed. The Zemplén Mountains lie to the north of the towns of Szerencs and Tokaj in north east Hungary. They are an upland area of volcanic origin forming part of the Carpathian Mountains. The highest peak is Nagy-Milic at 2933 feet which is situated near the northernmost point of Hungary on the border with Slovakia. The Zemplén Mountains are surrounded by the flood plains of the Bodrog and Hernád rivers and are primarily covered in oak, beech, birch, ash and alder forest with conifer forest at higher levels. Orchards, vineyards and pastures occur in the valleys and on lower slopes. The 110 square miles comprising the majority of the Zemplén Mountains became the Zemplén Protected Landscape Area in 1984. The steep peaks of the Zemplén Mountains form the bases for many medieval stone castles. Date: 24th May 2017 Location: Füzéri vár, Füzér, Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847554.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_143685070959bd52bf60bbc.jpgMorské oko, Vihorlat Mountains, Košice region, Slovakia Morské oko (literally Sea Eye) is the largest lake in the Vihorlat Mountains (Vihorlatské vrchy) in eastern Slovakia and the third largest natural lake in Slovakia after the Štrbské pleso lake and the Veľké Hincovo pleso lake in the High Tatras. It is situated at 2027 feet high with a maximum length of 0.47 miles and a maximum width of 0.19 miles. It covers an area of 0.05 square miles and has a maximum depth of 82 feet. Morské oko has been designated as a wider National Nature Reserve covering 0.42 square miles since 1984 and it is part of the Vihorlat Protected Landscape Area within the Vihorlat Mountains. There is a walking trail around the lake but recreational activities such as fishing, swimming and boating are prohibited. Morské oko contains many species of fish, of which the most numerous is the European Chub. The Vihorlat Mountains (Vihorlatské vrchy) are a volcanic mountain range in eastern Slovakia and western Ukraine. They form part of the Inner Eastern Carpathian Mountains. The Slovakian section is 34 miles long and up to 9 miles wide. The highest peak is Vihorlat at 3530 feet and the largest lake is Morské oko. It is a mountainous and mostly forested area with a predominance of beech and forests in addition to hornbeam, ash, maple and some conifers. Arable land and unused pastures and meadows can be found in the non-forested and foothill areas. The middle part of the Vihorlat Mountains in the Humenné, Sobrance and Snina districts was designated as the Vihorlat Protected Landscape Area in December 1973 and they were also designated a Special Protection Area in April 2010. Kyjovský prales, a primeval beech forest in the Vihorlat Mountains, was designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in June 2007. Date: 1st June 2017 Location: Morské oko, Vihorlat Mountains, Košice region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21830039.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_85964322953cbafb936258.jpgKittiwakes The Kittiwake is a gentle looking, medium sized gull with a small yellow bill and a dark eye. It has a grey back and is white underneath. Its legs are short and black. In flight the black wing-tips show no white, unlike other gulls, and look as if they have been “dipped in ink”. The population is declining in some areas, perhaps due to a shortage of sand eels. Kittiwakes are strictly coastal gulls. In the breeding season, they can be found on rocky, steep sea-cliffs at the major seabird colonies around the UK from February until August. From August to October they can be seen flying past offshore and they spend the winter months out at sea. Date: 11th June 2014 Location: Bempton Cliifs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49001648.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12012254006468de5934a32.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 15th March 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071713.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1296613134664339a294f77.jpgPied Flycatcher The Pied Flycatcher is a small passerine bird in the Old World flycatcher family and is 1 of the 4 species of Western Palearctic black and white flycatchers. The breeding male Pied Flycatcher is mainly black above and white below with a large white wing patch, white tail sides and a small forehead patch. Non-breeding males, females and juveniles have the black replaced by a pale brown. The bill is black and it has the broad but pointed shape typical of aerial insectivores. The Pied Flycatcher has a very large range and population size and so it is of “least concern” according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It breeds in most of Europe and west Asia where it can be found in deciduous woodlands, parks and gardens, with a preference for oak trees. It will sometimes use mature open conifer woodland where natural tree holes occur. It builds an open nest in a tree hole and it will readily adapt to nest boxes. In the UK, the Pied Flycatcher is limited by geography and habitat to the north and west of the country where it prefers mature oak woodlands but also mature upland ash and birch woodlands. It has on average decreased in population by 25% within the last 25 years and it has ceased to breed in several parts of its former range. The Pied Flycatcher is migratory, wintering mainly in tropical west Africa from mid September to mid April. It first arrives in its breeding areas from mid April to the end of May. Following breeding, return migration to Africa occurs between August and mid September. The Pied Flycatcher is mainly insectivorous and its diet is composed nearly entirely of insects including flies, bees, wasps, ants, beetles, butterflies, moths, etc. but it will also eat fruit and seeds in late summer and autumn and on migration. Date: 5th May 2024 Location: RWT Gilfach, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41537256.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13613874635f3cfe1125ec0.jpgFlåget, Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Ekkerøy is a small village in Troms og Finnmark in north east Norway. It is located on the Varanger peninsula along the shore of the Varangerfjord. The village lies along the European route E75 about 9 miles east of the town of Vadsø. As the ending "øy" in the name indicates, Ekkerøy was originally an island. However, it is now joined to the Varanger peninsula by a narrow isthmus of land. At the mainland end of the isthmus is the small hamlet of Valen. The headland on the northern tip of Ekkerøy is called Varnes and its eastern tip is called Skagodden. The bay on the north east side of the neck which joins Ekkerøy to the mainland is called Yttersida and that on the south west side is called Innersida. Ekkerøy is one of the few places in Troms og Finnmark where pre-World War 2 buildings can be seen. When the German army retreated from the Litsa front and Kirkenes in late 1944, they burned most buildings in the county under Operation Nordlicht, the German “scorched earth” retreat from Finnmark. However, buildings on the north side of the Varangerfjord survived because the Russians advanced so quickly that the German troops in this area fled west to get across the Tana river before they were cut off and therefore did not have enough time to obey the order to destroy all buildings. Historically, the economy of Ekkerøy was based on fishing and farming but today tourism also forms part of the economy. Flåget is a bird reserve with an easily accessible bird cliff just outside the village. The cliffs face south towards the Varangerfjord, stretch for just over 0.5 miles and rise steeply to a height of 130 to 165 feet. They can be reached by a short walk from a small car park. Flåget is best known for a huge colony of breeding Kittiwakes between March and September. In addition, Ekkerøy and nearby Salttjern, have sheltered sandy bays and these, together with the Varangerfjord offshore, provide good habitats for many species of birds and sea mammals. Date: 4th July 2019 Location: Flåget, Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26008527.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1999986345563509a6163b5.jpgRiver Skjálfandafljót, Goðafoss, north east Iceland The Skjálfandafljót river is situated in north east Iceland. It has its source at the north western border of the Vatnajökull glacier in the interior highlands of Iceland. From there it streams parallel to the Sprengisandur highland road in a northern direction, flowing finally into Skjálfandi bay south west of Húsavík. By following the river from its source at the Vatnajökull glacier all the way to the river mouth at Skjalfandi Bay it is possible to see many waterfalls. Skjálfandafljót possesses some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country, including Goðafoss which is considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Europe. Other well-known waterfalls in Skjalfandafljot include Hrafnabjargafoss, Aldeyjarfoss, Barnafoss and Ullarfoss. Date: 4th June 2015 Location: view from the east bank at Goðafoss http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo22527472.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4292818654227b646ba7d.jpgWhite-tailed Eagle The White-tailed Eagle is a very large bird with a 72 to 96 inch wingspan and is the fourth largest eagle in the world. It has broad "barn door" wings, a large head and a thick "meat-cleaver" beak. The adult is mainly brown except for the paler head and neck, blackish flight feathers, distinctive white tail, and yellow bill and legs. In juvenile birds the tail and bill are darker, with the tail becoming white with a dark terminal band in sub-adults. The White-tailed Eagle breeds in northern Europe and northern Asia. The largest population in Europe is found along the coast of Norway. In the UK it became extinct during the early 20th century and the present population in Scotland has arisen from a reintroduction programme which commenced on the island of Rhum in 1975. It is still a rare breeding bird which was previously confined to the west coast of Scotland, although a reintroduction programme is now taking place in east Scotland. Date: 8th September 2014 Location: Killiechronan, Loch na Keal, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12078526.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11238386454e48dd31db7f7.jpgWater Vole The Water Vole is found throughout the UK although it is less common on higher ground. It is infrequently recorded from parts of northern Scotland and is absent in Ireland. Water Voles are legally protected in the UK and recent evidence suggests that they have undergone a long term decline. On current trends it is predicted that they may eventually disappear from 94% of their former sites. The shocking decline in both the range and numbers of the Water Vole is due to a number of factors. The large-scale loss and fragmentation of sensitive waterside habitats due to riverbank modification, drainage and flood defence works has been an important factor as has the pollution of waterways and poisoning by rodenticides. Perhaps the most serious threat facing the Water Vole is predation by the introduced American Mink. Water Voles are sometimes confused with Brown Rats which often also live near water courses. They are sometimes called "the water rat" which is the origin of the Water Vole’s fame as "Ratty" from Kenneth Grahame's book “The Wind in the Willows”. Prime Water Vole sites are found along densely vegetated banks of slow flowing rivers, ditches, lakes and marshes where water is present throughout the year. Water Voles are herbivores and feed on a huge variety of waterside vegetation, consuming 80% of their body weight each day. They excavate extensive burrow systems into the banks of waterways and have sleeping/nest chambers at various levels in the steepest parts of the bank. Burrows usually have underwater entrances to provide a secure route for escape if danger threatens. Water Voles usually have 3 or 4 litters a year depending on the weather. In mild springs the first of these can be born in March or April although cold conditions can delay breeding until May or even June. There are about 5 young in a litter and these are born below ground in a nest made from suitable vegetation such as grasses and rushes. Young water voles grow quickly and are weaned at 14 days. On average, Water Voles only live about 5 months in the wild. Their most important predators are Mink and Stoats although Grey Herons, Barn Owls, Brown Rats and Pike are also known to take them. Date: 5th March 2008 Location: Cromford Canal, Derbyshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871558.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12573396624eff199cb5881.jpgPink-footed Geese The Pink-footed Goose is a medium-sized goose, smaller than a Mute Swan but bigger than a Mallard. It is pinkish grey with a dark head and neck, a pink bill and pink feet and legs. The Pink-footed Goose does not breed in the UK but large numbers of birds spend the winter here arriving in October from their breeding grounds in Spitsbergen, Iceland and Greenland. The Pink-footed Goose can be found on large estuaries, such as on the east Scottish coast, The Wash, the Ribble and the Solway, or on surrounding farmland where birds go in the day to feed. Numbers in England are on the increase, particularly in Norfolk, probably due to better protection at winter roosts. Date: 25th December 2011 Location: Happisburgh, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4088239.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12313101064b193df2d22fc.jpgWhite Stork The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 8th November 2009 Location: Aiguamolls de l'Emporda, Catalunya, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49002649.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15489385146468f424c6a26.jpgSandwich Terns The Sandwich Tern is a medium-large tern, gull-like in appearance but usually with a more delicate, lighter build and shorter, weaker legs. It is very closely related to the Lesser Crested Tern, Chinese Crested Tern, Cabot's Tern and Elegant Tern and it has been known to inter-breed with the Lesser Crested Tern. It is 15 to 17 inches in length with a 33 to 38 inches wingspan. It has long, pointed wings, which gives it a fast buoyant flight, and a deeply forked tail. The upperwings are pale grey and the underparts are white. It has a shaggy black crest. The thin sharp bill is black with a yellow tip and the short legs are black. It looks very pale in flight although the primary flight feathers darken during the summer. In winter, the adult's forehead becomes white. Juveniles have dark tips to their tails and a scaly appearance on their back and wings. The Sandwich Tern has an extensive global range and, whilst population trends have not been quantified, it is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List. For these reasons, it is evaluated as “least concern”. The Sandwich Tern breeds in very dense colonies on coasts and islands and exceptionally inland on suitable large freshwater lakes close to the coast. It nests in a ground scrape and lays 1 to 3 eggs. Unlike some of the smaller white terns, it is not very aggressive toward potential predators, relying on the sheer density of the nests and nesting close to other more aggressive species such as the Arctic Tern and the Black-headed Gull. In the UK, the Sandwich Tern can be seen from late March to September and there are breeding colonies scattered around the UK coasts including the north Norfolk coast and at Minsmere in Suffolk and Dungeness in Kent. The Sandwich tern feeds by plunge-diving for fish, almost invariably from the sea. It usually dives directly and not from a hover favoured by other terns. The offering of fish by the male to the female is part of the courtship display. Date: 17th May 2023 Location: RSPB Minsmere, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40648545.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1276463445df9fd88aec13.jpgCommon Pochard The Common Pochard is a medium-sized and stocky diving duck. The adult male has a long dark bill with a grey band, a red head and neck, a black breast, red eyes and a grey back. The adult female has a brown head and body and a narrower grey bill band. The triangular head shape is distinctive. The Common Pochard is superficially similar to the closely related Redhead and Canvasback found in north America. The Common Pochard breeds in marshes and on lakes in much of temperate and north Europe and in to Asia. It is migratory and spends the winter in the south and west of Europe. In the UK, the Common Pochard breeds in east England and lowland Scotland plus in small numbers in Northern Ireland. Large numbers from Russia and Scandinavia winter in the UK on lakes, reservoirs and gravel pits, often mixing with other diving ducks such as the Tufted Duck. In a number of countries, the Common Pochard is decreasing mainly due to habitat loss and hunting. It is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. The Common Pochard feeds mainly by diving or dabbling for aquatic plants, molluscs, aquatic insects and small fish. Date: 30th November 2019 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24901259.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_172971627055a4c668e1865.jpgBlack Grouse The Black Grouse is a large game bird in the grouse family. The male has all black plumage with distinctive red wattles over the eyes and striking white stripes along each wing in flight. It has a lyre-shaped tail which is fanned out and raised to show white under-tail feathers when displaying. The female is smaller and grey-brown in colour. The Black Grouse is a sedentary species and breeds across northern Eurasia in moorland and bog areas near to mostly boreal woodland. Although it is declining, it is not considered to be vulnerable globally due to the large population and slow rate of decline. Its decline is due to loss of habitat, disturbance, predation by foxes, crows, etc., and small populations gradually dying out. In the UK, the Black Grouse are found in upland areas of Wales, the Pennines and most of Scotland, especially on farmland and moorland with nearby forestry or scattered trees. Habitat loss and overgrazing have resulted in severe population declines which make the Black Grouse a Red List species. Positive habitat management and re-introduction programmes are helping it to increase in some areas. The Black Grouse has a very distinctive and well-recorded courtship. At dawn in the spring, the males strut around in a traditional area (lek) and display whilst making a highly distinctive and bubbling mating call. Date: 21st June 2015 Location: undisclosed site, Perthshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23806377.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_174630095551297778ef07.jpgSmew The Smew is a species of diving duck and is the only living member of the genus [i]Mergellus[/i]. This genus is closely related to [i]Mergus[/i] which is represented in the UK by the Red-breasted Merganser and the Goosander. The male Smew is white with a black mask and a black back and is unmistakable. It is often described as having a “cracked ice” appearance. The female and immature male are grey birds with chestnut foreheads and crowns and they can be confused at a distance with the Ruddy Duck. They are often known as "redheads". The Smew's small bill has a hooked tip and serrated edges which help it catch fish when it dives for them. The Smew can be found on the lakes and rivers of the northern taiga region of Europe and Asia. It usually breeds in May and June and nests in tree holes such as old woodpecker nests. As a migrant, it leaves its breeding areas and winters further south on the sheltered coasts or inland lakes of the Baltic Sea, the Black Sea, north Germany and the Low Countries. The Smew is also a winter visitor to the UK in small numbers where it is mainly found south of a line between the Wash and the River Severn, typically on lakes, reservoirs and gravel pits. Sometimes birds move to the UK from Holland and Denmark to escape freezing weather there. The Smew is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. It is not considered threatened on the IUCN Red List although its population is decreasing. This bird was part of the captive collection at the WWT Wetland Centre. Date: 7th March 2015 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29240070.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_54328404757eb959ceb1c6.jpgLoch na Keal, Mull, Argyll Loch na Keal, meaning Loch of the Kyle or Loch of the Narrows, is the principal sea loch on the western coastline of the island of Mull. It extends for over 13 miles inland and almost cuts the island in half as it reaches a point only 3 miles from the east coast. Loch na Keal consists of a wide triangular shaped outer loch, separated from Loch Tuath to the north by the islands of Gometra and Ulva, leading into a narrow inner loch. The island of Staffa is at the mouth of the outer loch, the island of Inch Kenneth is in the outer loch and the island of Eorsa is in the inner loch. The outer loch northern coastline is made up of basaltic ridges and many rocks and islets with many different types of vegetation. The southern coastline, bounded by the Ardmeanach peninsula, has cliffs, land slips and substantial slopes that are covered in scree. The northern shore of the inner loch is steeply sloped with Killiechronan Wood to the east. The southern shore of the inner loch consists of cliffs and slopes leading to the Munro and extinct volcano of Ben More (3169 feet high) with Scarisdale Wood to the south east. Loch na Keal has no significant villages. Most of the small settlements are at the head (east end) of the loch where there is a small area of flat land where the River Bà flows into Loch na Keal from Loch Bà. These include Gruline, a small scattered settlement, primarily consisting of crofting and tourist homes. The closest larger village is Salen, located 2.5 miles north east across the isthmus from the head of the loch. Date: 19th September 2016 Location: view from southern shore http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4088249.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19789536234b193e1b4aa35.jpgWhite Stork The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 8th November 2009 Location: Aiguamolls de l'Emporda, Catalunya, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/cranes https://images.on-this.website/4752_116724186357cc3a7351046.jpgCommon Cranes The Common Crane is a large, stately bird and a medium-sized crane at 40 to 52 inches long with a 71 to 96 inches wingspan. At rest, the Common Crane is rather stork-like but with a big bushy tail, black wing plumes and a grey body and even from a great distance the white stripe through the black head is noticeable. In flight, the long neck, held outstretched and slightly drooping makes it quite different from the herons and the grey plumage eliminates both of the storks. The Common Crane flies in flocks in “V” formation making trumpeting calls. The Common Crane breeds in large areas of marsh and bog in northern parts of Europe and Asia and occurs in winter and on passage in open, often agricultural, areas close to large wetlands used for roosting. The global population is in the region of 210,000 to 250,000 with the vast majority nesting in Russia and Scandinavia. In the UK the Common Crane became extinct in the 17th century but a tiny population now breeds again at a few sites in east and west England. Flocks of Common Cranes in late spring can be watched performing their “dancing” displays. This usually involves opening their wings and leaping vertically into the air with the legs dangling. Once one bird starts this, others will join in and the whole performance can even be initiated by a human pretending to be a dancing crane. Once the birds are paired off they are more likely to perform different displays involving stretching their necks vertically and trumpeting. Common Cranes from Fennoscandia, the Baltic states and western Russia take the west European migration route to their wintering grounds. Over 100,000 birds use this flyway and over 70,000 winter in Spain (mainly Extremadura) with smaller numbers in south west France, Portugal and north Africa. Date: 11th May 2016 Location: Haeska, Matsalu National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26030773.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_31836693563768cd192b8.jpgWhooper Swans The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 2nd June 2015 Location: Lake Mývatn area, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40952801.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18519675175e53928f98f61.jpgWexford Wildfowl Nature Reserve, Co. Wexford, Ireland Wexford Wildfowl Reserve is located on flat farmland on the North Slob which was walled off from Wexford Harbour and reclaimed from the sea in the 1840s partly as a famine relief project. Wet grassland and tillage, along with a brackish water drainage channel and reedbeds, form the main habitats which collectively make for an internationally important wetland and one of Ireland’s finest bird sites. Much of the area lies below sea level. Wexford Wildfowl Reserve is jointly owned and managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service and BirdWatch Ireland. First established in 1969 the reserve covers about 200 hectares, around 25% of the North Slob. Today, Wexford Wildfowl Reserve is part of the larger Wexford Slobs and Harbour Special Protected Area (SPA), a designated Ramsar Site, part of a Special Protection Area (SPA), a proposed National Heritage Area (NHA) and a National Nature Reserve. It is included within the EU network of nature protected areas called Natura 2000, the aim of which is to secure the long-term survival of Europe’s most threatened and vulnerable species and habitats. Wexford Wildfowl Reserve is renowned for the wide diversity and density of its birdlife. Over 250 species of birds have been recorded, many of them winter migrants from Greenland and Arctic Canada or from Scandinavia and Arctic Russia. Greater (Greenland) White-fronted Geese are the most numerous and important goose species and it is for them that Wexford Wildfowl Reserve was established. They breed on the western lowlands of Greenland during the summer and winter in Ireland and Scotland from October to early April. The North Slob holds about 8500 or 45% of the current world population of Greater (Greenland) White-fronted Goose during these months. The Greater (Greenland) White-fronted Geese are joined by wintering Bewick’s and Whooper Swans as well as Pale-bellied Brent Geese and a variety of other ducks and waders. The birds and other wildlife on the Reserve can be watched from an observation tower and 3 other hides and there is a Visitor Centre providing an exhibition and other information. Date: 30th January 2020 Location: Wexford Wildfowl Nature Reserve, Co. Wexford, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19507361.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_112971991352528a7da3778.jpgSierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain This Natural Park (Parque Natural) includes a large sector of the central Sierra Morena, the east-west line of mountains which divides Andalucia from the rest of Spain. The Sierra de Andújar stretches for 45 miles with a highest point of 4230 feet and it is densely wooded boasting one of Andalucia's best preserved expanses of Mediterranean woodland and scrubland. The Sierra de Andújar is one of two of Spain's last refuges for the elusive and highly endangered Iberian Lynx. Date: 5th September 2013 Location: view from road to Embalse del Jándula, Sierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19507368.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_103403385552528a9cdbabf.jpgSierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain This Natural Park (Parque Natural) includes a large sector of the central Sierra Morena, the east-west line of mountains which divides Andalucia from the rest of Spain. The Sierra de Andújar stretches for 45 miles with a highest point of 4230 feet and it is densely wooded boasting one of Andalucia's best preserved expanses of Mediterranean woodland and scrubland. The Sierra de Andújar is one of two of Spain's last refuges for the elusive and highly endangered Iberian Lynx. Date: 5th September 2013 Location: view from road along River Andújar to Jándula Dam, Sierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41234284.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15471263835ee771a0ea826.jpgWoodpigeon The Woodpigeon is the UK's largest and commonest pigeon and is largely grey with a white neck patch and white wing patches which are clearly visible in flight. Although shy in the countryside, it can be tame and approachable in towns and cities. Its cooing call is a familiar sound in woodlands as is the loud clatter of its wings when it flies away. Woodpigeons can be found across the UK. In the countryside they breed on farmland with hedges, trees and copses and in towns and cities they breed in parks and gardens. In winter, Woodpigeons form large flocks on farmland fields. Date: 9th June 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37189499.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15429884245c2a09321dc7c.jpgCommon Gull The Common Gull is a medium-sized gull. The north American subspecies is commonly referred to as the Mew Gull although that name is also used by some authorities for the whole species. The Common Gull is noticeably smaller and more gentle looking than the Herring Gull. It is grey above and white below with greenish-yellow legs. It has black wingtips with large white "mirrors". Young birds have scaly black-brown upperparts and a neat wing pattern and grey legs and take 2 to 3 years to reach maturity. In winter, the head is streaked grey and the bill often has a poorly defined blackish band near the tip which is sometimes sufficiently obvious to cause confusion with the Ring-billed Gull. The call is a high-pitched "laughing" cry. The Common Gull breeds colonially near water or in marshes in north Europe, north west north America and north Asia. It is most numerous in Europe with over half (possibly as much as 80 to 90%) of the world population. In the UK, the Common Gull can be found in summer along the coasts and inland marshes and lakes of Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England. Elsewhere in England and Wales, it can be found in winter on farmland, on marshes and lakes and on the coast. Date: 23rd June 2018 Location: Findhorn valley, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4088271.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1429623234b19410c8997b.jpgCattle Egret The Cattle Egret is a stocky white bird adorned with buff plumes in the breeding season. The easiest way to separate them from Little Egrets is by their short, yellow rather than long, black bills but Cattle Egrets are also smaller, stockier and more squat in shape with shorter, thicker necks and less elegant heads. The Cattle Egret is a cosmopolitan species of heron found in the tropics, subtropics and warm temperate zones. Originally native to parts of Asia, Africa and Europe, it has undergone a rapid expansion in its distribution and successfully colonised much of the rest of the world. Cattle Egrets breed and roost in trees usually close to fresh water and feed in shallow wetlands, especially rice-paddies, but also dry grasslands. They can often be seen feeding around cattle waiting to pick off disturbed insects, including riding on the backs of animals. Cattle Egrets are visiting the UK in increasing numbers and are most likely to be seen in the south of England and Wales. In winter 2007/08, a large influx of Cattle Egrets occurred in the UK, with the largest numbers in south-west England although birds did get as far north as Scotland. This influx led to the first ever pair breeding successfully in Somerset. Date: 9th November 2009 Location: Delta de l’Ebre, Catalunya, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/dock-bug https://images.on-this.website/4752_13053843505ee7759c2076d.jpgDock Bug The Dock Bug is fairly large bug, mottled reddish-brown in colouration with a broad, oval abdomen, dark brown coloured wing membranes and orange coloured antennae with black tips. The Dock Bug can be commonly found throughout the southern and central areas of the UK in areas of dense vegetation such as hedgerows, scrubland and wasteland. It feeds on the leaves and seeds of docks and sorrels. There is one generation per year with the adults mating and laying eggs in spring. The resulting nymphs feed on dock and other related plants with any new adults usually found from August onwards. Date: 12th June 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39083734.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15868305335d3081f07ae1b.jpgEastern Rhodopes Mountains, Smolyan Province, Bulgaria The Rhodopes Mountains are a mountain range in south east Europe. They are spread over 5689 square miles of which 4723 square miles are located in south Bulgaria and the remainder in north Greece. The Rhodopes Mountains are about 149 miles long and about 62 to 75 miles wide with an average altitude of 2575 feet. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 7188 feet and is situated 12 miles to the west of Smolyan. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rhodopes Mountains gives its name to the terrestrial eco-region Rodope montane mixed forests that belong in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The area is particularly notable for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans plus its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms such as the Trigrad Gorge. The Rhodopes Mountains can be sub-divided in to 3 sections: The Western Rhodopes are spread over 66% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and they are higher, the most infrastructurally developed and the most visited part of the mountains. The highest and best known peaks are located in this section with more than 10 over 6562 feet high including the highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7188 feet). Some of the deepest river gorges in the Rhodopes Mountains are located in the west as well as several large lakes. The Eastern Rhodopes are spread over a territory of about 34% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and are much lower in height. The large artificial dams of Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets are located in this part of the mountains. Almost every species of European bird of prey nests in the Eastern Rhodopes including the rare Black Vulture and Egyptian Vulture. The Southern Rhodopes are the part of the mountain range that is located in Greece and they are characterized by numerous peaks of relatively low altitude. Date: 28th May 2018 Location: near Leska, Eastern Rhodopes Mountains, Smolyan Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072338.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8385510744bf6df46a6940.jpgReindeer The Reindeer, also known as the Caribou in North America, is a deer from the Arctic and sub Arctic, including both resident and migratory populations. Whilst it is overall widespread and numerous, some of its subspecies are rare or already extinct. The Reindeer is a widespread and numerous species in the northern Holarctic, being present in tundra (frozen arctic plain with lichens, mosses and dwarfed vegetation) and taiga (marshy pine forest) regions. Originally, the Reindeer was found in Scandinavia, eastern Europe, Russia, Mongolia, and northern China. In North America, it was found in Canada, Alaska and the northern USA from Washington to Maine. It also occurred naturally on Sakhalin, Greenland, and probably even in historical times in Ireland. Today, wild Reindeer have disappeared from many areas within this large historical range, especially from the southern parts where it has vanished almost everywhere. Large populations of wild Reindeer are still found in Norway, Finland, Siberia, Greenland, Alaska, and Canada. Wild Reindeer hunting and herding of semi-domesticated Reindeer (for meat, hides, antlers, milk and transportation) are important to several Arctic and Subarctic people. Domesticated Reindeer are mostly found in northern Fennoscandia and Russia with a herd of approximately 150-170 Reindeer also living around the Cairngorms region in Scotland. Reindeer vary considerably in colour and size. Both sexes grow antlers, though they are typically larger in males. Even far outside its range, the Reindeer is well known due to the myth, probably originating in early 19th century America, in which Santa Claus's sleigh is pulled by flying Reindeer, a popular element of Christmas. Date: 13th April 2010 Location: near Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/nuthatch https://images.on-this.website/4752_18911766566235c913eb7ba.jpgNuthatch The Nuthatches are a family of similar looking birds with short tails and wings, compact bodies, longish pointed bills, grey or bluish upperparts, a black eyestripe and strong feet. There are more than 20 subspecies in 3 main groups. The Eurasian Nuthatch is found throughout temperate Asia and in Europe where it is known simply as the Nuthatch. The adult male Nuthatch is 5.5 inches long. It has blue-grey upperparts, a black eye-stripe and whitish throat and underparts. The flanks and lower belly are orange-red and mottled with white on the undertail. The stout bill is dark grey with a paler area on the base of the lower mandible, the iris is dark brown and the legs and feet are pale brown or greyish. The female is similar in appearance to the male but may be identified by her slightly paler upperparts, a browner eyestripe and a more washed out tone to the flanks and lower belly. Young birds resemble the female although their plumage is duller and they have paler legs. The Nuthatch's breeding range extends across temperate Eurasia from the UK (but not Ireland) to Japan. It breeds south to the Mediterranean in Europe (although it is absent from the islands other than Sicily) and in most of Russia. In the east, the range includes most of China and Taiwan and much of Korea. Most populations are sedentary, apart from some post-breeding dispersal of young birds, and there is a reluctance to cross even short stretches of open water. The Nuthatch can be found in mature woodland with large, old trees which provide extensive growth for foraging and nesting holes. In Europe, deciduous or mixed forest is favoured, particularly when containing oak. Parks, old orchards and other wooded habitats may be occupied as long as they have at least a 2.5 acre block of suitable trees. Particularly in mountains, the Nuthatch can be found in old spruce and pine forests. The Nuthatch is primarily a lowland bird in the north of its range but reaches the tree-line in Switzerland at 3,900 feet or higher and it breeds occasionally at 5,900 to 6,900 feet in Austria. It breeds at similar levels in the mountains of Turkey, the Middle East, central Asia and Japan. The Nuthatch is common throughout much of its range although densities are lower in the far north and in coniferous forests. Fragmentation of woodland can lead to local losses of breeding birds but the range is still expanding. In recent decades, the Nuthatch has colonised Scotland and expanded its range in Wales and northern England. Across most of its European range, the most important predator of the Nuthatch is the Sparrowhawk. Other species known to prey on the Nuthatch include the Goshawk, Hobby and Tawny Owl. Pairs of Nuthatches hold permanent territories and nest in tree holes, usually old woodpecker nests but sometimes natural cavities. The nest site is typically 5 to 65 feet above the ground. If the entrance to the hole is too large, the female plasters it with mud to reduce its size and often coats the inside of the cavity too. The 6 to 9 red-speckled white eggs are laid on a deep base of pine or other wood chips. The female incubates the eggs for 13 to 18 days to hatching and broods the chicks until they fledge 20 to 26 days later. Both adults feed the chicks in the nest and continue to do so after they fledge until they become independent after about 8 to 14 days. Normally only a single brood is raised each year. The Nuthatch eats mainly insects, particularly caterpillars and beetles, although in autumn and winter its diet is supplemented with nuts and seeds. Food items are found mainly on tree trunks and large branches but smaller branches may also be investigated. Food may also be taken from the ground especially outside the breeding season. The Nuthatch can forage when descending trees head first as well as when climbing upwards. The Nuthatch readily visits bird tables and will eat fatty man-made food items as well as seeds. It is a hoarder and will store food all year round. Date: 11th February 2022 Location: EWT Warley Place, Brentwood, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/february-2021-red-fox https://images.on-this.website/4752_176599801860b62e4340a56.jpgFebruary 2021 - Red Fox http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29487068.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_24385575858107d9b5b976.jpgGoldeneye The Goldeneye is a medium-sized diving duck, named for its golden-yellow eye. Adult males have a dark head with a greenish gloss and a circular white patch below the eye, a dark back and a white neck and belly. Adult females have a brown head and a mostly grey body. The Goldeneye breeds on the lakes and in the rivers of boreal forests in Scandinavia, Canada, north USA and north Russia. Naturally it will nest in cavities in large trees but it will also readily use nestboxes put up on trees close to water. This has enabled a healthy breeding population to establish in the Scottish Highlands from 1970 where it is increasing and slowly spreading. The Goldeneye is migratory and most winter in protected coastal waters or open inland waters at more temperate latitudes. The Goldeneye forages by diving underwater for crustaceans, aquatic insects and molluscs. Insects are the predominant prey while nesting and crustaceans are the predominant prey during migration and winter. Date: 23rd May 2016 Location: Wild Brown Bear Centre, near Vartius, Kainuu, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/lesser-black-backed-gull https://images.on-this.website/4752_19911238344e313abed9471.jpgLesser Black-backed Gull The Lesser Black-backed Gull is slightly smaller than the Herring Gull and has a dark grey to black back and wings, yellow bill and yellow legs. The world population is found entirely in Europe. After declines in the 19th century due to persecution, the Lesser Black-backed Gull increased its range and numbers. This expansion has now halted and there is serious concern about declines in many parts of its range. The species is on the Amber List because the UK is home to 40% of the European population and more than half of these are found at fewer than ten sites. The Lesser Black-backed Gull can be found around the UK's coastline in summer and on some inland high moors. The biggest UK colony is on Walney Island, Cumbria with one third of the UK population. Large numbers of Scandinavian birds, which are darker than UK breeding birds, start to arrive in October and birds can be found from southern Scotland southwards and best looked for feeding over fields and at rubbish tips, congregating at large reservoir roosts each evening. Date: 11th May 2008 Location: Skomer, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21828866.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_169767075753cb995ee2f36.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 11th June 2014 Location: Bempton Cliifs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12076168.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20585200054e48d058a406d.jpgOtter The Eurasian Otter, also known as the European Otter, Eurasian River Otter, Common Otter and Old World Otter and commonly known as the Otter, is a semi-aquatic mammal and the most widely distributed member of the Otter sub-family of the Weasel family (Mustelidae). The Otter is a typical species of the Otter sub-family and is brown above and cream below. It is 22.5 to 37.5 inches long excluding a tail of 14 to 17.5 inches. The female is shorter than the male. The Otter's average body weight is 15 to 26 pounds, although occasionally a large old male may reach up to 37 pounds. The Otter differs from the North American River Otter by its shorter neck, broader face, the greater space between the ears and its longer tail. However, it is the only Otter species in much of its range so it is rarely confused for any other animal. The Otter is the most widely distributed Otter species and its range including parts of Asia and Africa as well as being widespread across Europe. The Otter can be found throughout most of the UK with the highest densities in Scotland, especially the islands and the north west coast, Wales, parts of East Anglia and the West Country. The Otter declined across its range in the second half of the 20th century primarily due to pollution, habitat loss and hunting. However, populations are now recovering in many parts of Europe. In the UK the number of sites with an Otter presence increased by 55% between 1994 and 2002. In August 2011, the Environment Agency announced that the Otter had returned to every county in England since vanishing from every county except the West Country and parts of Northern England. The recovery of the Otter population in Europe is due to a ban on the most harmful pesticides that has been in place since 1979, improvements in water quality leading to increases in prey populations and direct legal protection under the European Union Habitats Directive and national legislation in several European countries. In general, the Otter’s varied and adaptable diet means that it can be found on any unpolluted body of fresh water, including lakes, streams, rivers and ponds, as long as the food supply is adequate. It can also be found along the coast in salt water but it requires regular access to fresh water to clean its fur. When living in the sea it is sometimes referred to as a "Sea Otter" but it should not be confused with the true Sea Otter which is a North American species much more strongly adapted to a marine existence. The Otter's diet mainly consists of fish. However, during the winter and in colder environments, fish consumption is significantly lower and other sources of food are eaten including amphibians, crustaceans, insects, birds and small mammals. Hunting mainly takes place at night whilst the day is usually spent in the Otter's holt (den). The Otter is strongly territorial and is primarily solitary. An individual's territory may vary between 1 and 25 miles with the length of the territory depending on the density of food available and the width of the water suitable for hunting (it is shorter on coasts, where the available width is much wider and longer on narrower rivers). The Otter uses its spraints to mark its territory. Territories are only held against members of the same sex so those of males and females may overlap. The Otter is a non-seasonal breeder and males and females will breed at any time of the year. It has been found that their mating season is most likely determined simply by the Otters' reproductive maturity and physiological state. Female Otters are sexually mature between 18 and 24 months old and the average age of first breeding is found to be 2.5 years old. Gestation is 60 to 64 days and after the gestation period, 1 to 4 pups are born which remain dependent on the mother for about 13 months. The male plays no direct role in parental care although the territory of a female with her pups is usually entirely within that of the male. Date: 6th November 2007 Location: Bunnahabhain, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40952806.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11056395525e5392d41099f.jpgGreater (Greenland) White-fronted Geese The Greater White-fronted Goose is a species of goose which is closely related to the smaller Lesser White-fronted Goose. The Latin name, [i]Anser albifrons[/i], is derived from [i]anser[/i] meaning "goose" and [i]albus[/i] meaning "white" and [i]frons[/i] meaning “forehead”. The Greater White-fronted Goose is 25 to 32 inches in length with a 51 to 65 inches wingspan and weighs 4.3 to 7.3 pounds. It is smaller than the Greylag Goose and, as well as being larger than the Lesser White-fronted Goose, it lacks the yellow eye-ring of that species and the white facial blaze does not extend upwards so far. The Greater White-fronted Goose is a greyish-brown goose with a light grey breast dappled with dark brown to black blotches and bar, a pinkish bill and orange legs and feet. The male is typically larger in size but both sexes are similar in appearance The Greater White-fronted Goose is divided into 5 subspecies. The nominate subspecies Eurasian or Russian White-fronted Goose, [i]A. a. albifrons[/i], breeds in the far north of Europe and Asia and winters further south and west in Europe, including England and Wales. The very distinct Greenland White-fronted Goose, [i]A. a. flavirostris[/i], breeds in west Greenland and is much darker overall with only a very narrow white tip to the tail (broader on the other races), more black barring on its belly and usually has an orange (not pink) bill. It winters in Ireland and west Scotland. Some ecological studies suggest that the Greenland White-fronted Goose should probably be considered a separate species. Weather conditions are a key factor in the annual breeding success of the Greater White-fronted Goose. In the Arctic, the window of opportunity for nesting, incubating eggs and raising a brood is open briefly for about 3 months. Arriving in late May or early June, Greater White-fronted Geese begin departing for their wintering areas in early September. This means that a delayed snowmelt or late spring storm can significantly reduce breeding success. Date: 30th January 2020 Location: Wexford Wildfowl Nature Reserve, Co. Wexford, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4088273.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10702464214b19411d96d02.jpgCattle Egret The Cattle Egret is a stocky white bird adorned with buff plumes in the breeding season. The easiest way to separate them from Little Egrets is by their short, yellow rather than long, black bills but Cattle Egrets are also smaller, stockier and more squat in shape with shorter, thicker necks and less elegant heads. The Cattle Egret is a cosmopolitan species of heron found in the tropics, subtropics and warm temperate zones. Originally native to parts of Asia, Africa and Europe, it has undergone a rapid expansion in its distribution and successfully colonised much of the rest of the world. Cattle Egrets breed and roost in trees usually close to fresh water and feed in shallow wetlands, especially rice-paddies, but also dry grasslands. They can often be seen feeding around cattle waiting to pick off disturbed insects, including riding on the backs of animals. Cattle Egrets are visiting the UK in increasing numbers and are most likely to be seen in the south of England and Wales. In winter 2007/08, a large influx of Cattle Egrets occurred in the UK, with the largest numbers in south-west England although birds did get as far north as Scotland. This influx led to the first ever pair breeding successfully in Somerset. Date: 9th November 2009 Location: Delta de l’Ebre, Catalunya, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40755817.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3423256745e20446eb25d7.jpgSpoonbills The Spoonbill is an unmistakable wading bird. Breeding adults are all white except for dark legs, a black spoon-shaped bill with a yellow tip, a yellow breast patch and a crest. Non-breeders lack the crest and breast patch and immature birds have a pale bill and black tips to the primary flight feathers. Unlike herons, Spoonbills fly with their necks outstretched. Feeding birds swing their heads and sweep their bills from side to side through the water. The Spoonbill breeds from the UK and Spain in the west through to Japan and also in North Africa. In Europe, only the Netherlands, Spain, Austria, Hungary and Greece have sizeable populations. Birds from north west and south west Europe winter mainly in west Africa whilst those from south east Europe winter in the Mediterranean and north Africa. Eastern European and Turkish birds appear to move to north east Africa, the Middle East and India. The Spoonbill became extinct in the UK but sporadic breeding attempts in the early 21st century finally culminated with the formation of a colony at Holkham in Norfolk in 2010. The Spoonbill can be found in extensive shallow, wetlands with muddy, clay or fine sandy beds. They may inhabit any type of marsh, river, lake, flooded area and mangrove swamp, whether fresh, brackish or saline but especially those with islands for nesting or dense emergent vegetation such as reedbeds and scattered trees or shrubs. The Spoonbill may also frequent sheltered marine habitats during the winter such as deltas, estuaries, tidal creeks and coastal lagoons. Threats to the Eurasian Spoonbill include habitat destruction through drainage of wetlands and habitat degradation by pollution. Date: 10th December 2019 Location: Balgzandpolder near Den Helder, Noord-Holland, Netherlands http://www.richardchewphotography.com/kiskunsg-national-park-hungary https://images.on-this.website/4752_114203100059ad2485186cc9.82197082.jpgKiskunság National Park, Hungary The Kiskunság is a large flat plain situated to the south of Budapest and north of Szeged and located between the Danube and Tisza rivers. Several separate areas of land have been protected as the Kiskunság National Park (Kiskunsági Nemzeti Park) which was created in 1975 and has been declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO. The Kiskunság National Park Management Centre is responsible for 444 square miles of protected area with 193 square miles of the total amount comprising the 7 separated areas of the National Park. Several landscape protection areas, nature conservation areas and other protected areas make up the remainder. While most of the Kiskunság plain is now under intensive agriculture there remains good areas of deciduous woodland and excellent lakes, reedbeds, marshes and wet grassland as well as surviving areas of puszta (grassland plains). Visiting the Kiskunság National Park protected areas requires permission in advance from the visitor centre in Kecskemét. However, most of the birds of the area can be seen outside the protected areas and driving along the minor roads can be highly productive with suitable habitat worthy of investigation scattered over the farmland between the protected areas. From a birding point of view one of the most interesting areas is located between the villages of Szabadszallas and Fulopszallas in the centre of the region. Date: 17th May 2017 Location: puszta area between Szabadszallas and Fulopszallas, Kiskunság National Park, Fejér county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15454028.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15759925094ff5488cc0701.jpgGreater Flamingos The Greater Flamingo is a largely pinkish-white bird but the wing coverts are red and the primary and secondary flight feathers are black. The bill is pink with a black tip and the legs are entirely pink. The Greater Flamingo is the most widespread species of the flamingo family and can be found in parts of Africa, southern Asia and southern Europe (including Spain, Sardinia, Albania, Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Portugal and the Camargue region of France). Some populations are short distance migrants, and records north of the breeding range are relatively frequent. However, given the species' popularity in captivity, whether these are truly wild individuals is a matter of some debate. Date: 1st May 2012 Location: La Madre de las Marismas, El Rocío, Coto Doñana, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/an-leth-onn-loch-scridain https://images.on-this.website/4752_15662501644ec8da9cd7377.jpgAn Leth-onn, Loch Scridain, Mull, Argyll Loch Scridain is located on the western coastline of the island of Mull in Argyll and is a large sea loch 12 miles in length and 2½ miles at its widest. Extending as far inland as Glen More, the area to the north is known as Ardmeanach while to the south lies the Ross of Mull. An Leth-onn is the tidal brackish lagoon and area of mudflats which represents the inner most part of Loch Scridain located 2 miles north east of Pennyghael. Date: 10th November 2011 Location: view from near Pennyghael http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072251.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2705867164bf6d57b69314.jpgPine Grosbeak The Pine Grosbeak is a large member of the finch family. Adults have a long forked black tail, black wings with white wing bars and a large bill. Adult males have a rose-red head, back and rump. Adult females are olive-yellow on the head and rump and grey on the back and underparts. Young birds have a less contrasting plumage overall, appearing shaggy when they moult their colored head plumage. The Pine Grosbeak is a permanent resident through most of its range and can be found in coniferous woods in subarctic Fennoscandia and Siberia and across Alaska, the western mountains of the United States and Canada. In the extreme north or when food sources are scarce, they may migrate further south. It is a very rare vagrant to temperate Europe. The Pine Grosbeak forages in trees and bushes. It mainly eats seeds, buds, berries and insects. Outside of the nesting season, it often feeds in flocks. Date: 10th April 2010 Location: Neljan Tuulen Tupa near Kaamanen, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/loch-an-trr-mull-argyll https://images.on-this.website/4752_3695504475c2a1d54ed0d3.jpgLoch an Tòrr, Mull, Argyll Date: 27th June 2018 Location: view from the road between Tobermory and Dervaig http://www.richardchewphotography.com/white-storks https://images.on-this.website/4752_6792035084b193dfd0b696.jpgWhite Storks The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 8th November 2009 Location: Aiguamolls de l'Emporda, Catalunya, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/iberian-lynx-el-lince-ibrico https://images.on-this.website/4752_86892377052528a934b3ad.jpgIberian Lynx - El Lince Ibérico The Iberian Lynx (Lynx pardinus) is a critically endangered species native to the Iberian Peninsula in southern Europe. It is the most endangered cat species in the world. According to the conservation group SOS Lynx, if this species died out, it would be one of the few feline extinctions since the Smilodon 10,000 years ago. The only breeding populations are in Spain and they were thought to be only living in Andalucia in the Coto Doñana National Park and in the Sierra de Andújar. However, in 2007, Spanish authorities announced that they had discovered a previously unknown population in Castilla - La Mancha in central Spain. More information on Iberian Lynx .... [url=http://www.lifelince.org]Life Lince[/url] [url=http://www.arkive.org/iberian-lynx/lynx-pardinus/]ARKive[/url] [url=http://wwf.panda.org/about_our_earth/species/profiles/mammals/iberian_lynx/]WWF[/url] [url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-11586279]BBC[/url] Date: 5th September 2013 Location: road to Sanctuario Virgen de la Cabeza, Sierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/sutlepa-meri-silma-nature-reserve https://images.on-this.website/4752_40762467057cc3ef4a1f52.jpgSutlepa meri, Silma Nature Reserve, Estonia The Silma Nature Reserve covers nearly 20 square miles and it was established in order to protect the local waters, wetlands and meadows and their wildlife. It covers a vast expanse of lagoons, waterways, islets and coastal meadows with up to 24 percent of the area covered in reedbeds. It is considered to be the second most important area for birds in western Estonia, second only to Matsalu National Park, and ranks as a wetland of international importance. Sutlepa meri is located centrally within the Silma Nature Reserve and it is a wetland that was once a coastal lagoon but which today is set inland in a forested landscape. It is a mosaic area with open water, bogs and reedbeds. Date: 10th May 2016 Location: Sutlepa meri, Silma Nature Reserve, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26540725.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12482886856ace65f07792.jpgPurple Sandpiper The Purple Sandpiper is a small wading shorebird. Adults have short yellow legs and a medium thin dark bill with a yellow base. The body is dark above with a slight purplish gloss and mainly white below. The breast is smeared with grey and the rump is black. The Purple Sandpiper breeds in the northern tundra and Arctic islands in Canada and coastal areas in Greenland and north west Europe and nests on the ground either elevated on rocks or in a lower damp location. The males makes several scrapes following which the female chooses one and lays 3 or 4 eggs. The male takes the major responsibility for incubation and tends the chicks. The Purple Sandpiper is migratory and moves to rocky ice-free Atlantic coasts in winter where it is fairly gregarious, forming small flocks and often associating with Turnstones. It is also relatively tame and approachable. In the UK, the Purple Sandpiper occurs in winter in good numbers, principally along the east and south coasts where it favours rocky shorelines adjacent to the sea. It is a very rare breeding bird and is found only in a localised area of the Cairngorms National Park where 1 to 3 pairs have bred since the 1970s. Date: 31st December 2015 Location: Lowestoft Ness, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7190784.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4515001904cc304dc71de0.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 17th October 2010 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/great-prespa-lake-megali-prespa https://images.on-this.website/4752_1782057491559cebfbd186b.jpgGreat Prespa Lake (Megali Prespa), West Macedonia, Greece The Prespa lakes constitute 2 freshwater lakes located in the north west corner of Greece and shared by Greece, Albania and Macedonia. Of the total surface area, 68.07 square miles belongs to Macedonia, 17.88 square miles to Albania and 14.05 square miles to Greece. They are the highest tectonic lakes in the Balkans, standing at a height of 2,798 feet. The Prespa lakes are separated by a narrow causeway. The Great Prespa Lake (Megali Prespa) is divided between Albania, Greece and Macedonia. The Small Prespa Lake (Mikri Prespa) is shared only between Greece and Albania. The lakes and the area surrounding them are well known for their natural beauty and they offer a wonderfully rich diversity of habitats, from deep water, shallows, reedbeds, wet meadows, farmland, forests, hills and mountains. The area hosts 40 species of mammals, 260 species of birds, 32 species of reptiles and amphibians and 17 species of fish including a number of endemic species. Date: 13th May 2015 Location: view from near Laimos, West Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/matsalu-national-park-estonia https://images.on-this.website/4752_121729198157cc3a1664881.jpgMatsalu National Park, Estonia Matsalu National Park is the most famous coastal wetland in Estonia. It was established in 1957 mainly to protect nesting, moulting and migratory birds and in 1976 it was included in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance. Matsalu National Park covers a total area of 188 square miles and comprises Matsalu Bay, the Kasari river delta and surrounding areas. 87 square miles of the protected area is terrestrial and 101 square miles is aquatic. The varied habitats include open sea, grassy and rocky islets, sandy and stony shores, saltmarsh, reedbeds, flooded meadows, pastures, arable land, mixed woodland and birch copses. Matsalu Bay is shallow, brackish and rich in nutrients. It is 11.2 miles long and 3.7 miles wide but has an average depth of only 5 feet and a maximum depth of 11 feet. Shoreline length of the bay is about 102.5 miles. The bay's shoreline lacks high banks and is populated mostly with shingle shores with reedbeds in the innermost sheltered parts. Nearly 300 species of birds have been recorded, around 175 species have nested and around 35 are migratory wildfowl. Matsalu Bay is one of the most important wetland bird areas in Europe due to its prime position on the East Atlantic Flyway. Huge numbers of migratory ducks, geese and waders use Matsalu Bay as a staging area in spring and autumn. The Kasari river is the biggest of several rivers that run into Matsalu Bay and the alluvial meadow of the delta (15 square miles) is one of the biggest open wet meadows in Europe. Date: 11th May 2016 Location: Haeska, Matsalu National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308896.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16801015963ee3833e5224.jpgEgyptian Geese The Egyptian Goose is native to Africa south of the Sahara and the Nile Valley. It was considered sacred by the ancient Egyptians and appeared in much of their artwork. It has been raised for food and extensively bred in parts of Africa since it was domesticated by the ancient Egyptians. The Egyptian Goose is believed to be most closely related to the shelducks and their relatives. However, in flight it looks heavy and more like a goose than a duck, hence the English name. The sexes of the Egyptian Goose are identical in plumage but the males average slightly larger. There is a fair amount of variation in plumage with some birds greyer and others browner. It has distinctive dark brown eye patches and contrasting white wing patches in flight. The Egyptian Goose breeds widely in Africa except in deserts and dense forests and it is locally abundant. It is found mostly in the Nile Valley and south of the Sahara. While not breeding, it sometimes makes longer migrations northwards into the arid regions of the Sahel. The Egyptian Goose has also been introduced elsewhere: the UK, the Netherlands, France and Germany have self-sustaining populations which are mostly derived from escaped ornamental birds. The UK population dates back to the 18th century although it was only formally added to the British list in 1971. In the UK it can be seen on ornamental ponds as well as on gravel pits and lowland lakes and wetlands. The north Norfolk coast and Norfolk Broads hold the highest numbers. The Egyptian Goose will nest in a large variety of situations, especially in holes in mature trees in parkland. The female builds the nest from reeds, leaves and grass, and both parents take turns incubating eggs. Egyptian Geese usually pair for life and both the male and female care for the offspring until they are old enough to care for themselves. Date: 21st January 2022 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081366.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17759432363a70ffa28550.jpgBlack Redstart The Black Redstart is a small passerine bird. Like its relatives, it was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family but is now known to be an Old World flycatcher. The Black Redstart is similar in size and weight to the Common Redstart. The adult male is dark grey to black on the upperparts and with a black breast. The lower rump and tail are orange-red with 2 dark red-brown central tail feathers. The belly and undertail are either blackish-grey (western subspecies) or orange-red (eastern subspecies) and the wings are blackish-grey with pale fringes on the secondaries forming a whitish panel (western subspecies) or all blackish (eastern subspecies). The female is grey (western subspecies) to grey-brown (eastern subspecies) except for the orange-red lower rump and tail. First year males are similar to females but blacker. The Black Redstart is a widespread breeder in south and central Europe, north west Africa and Asia, ranging from the UK south to Morocco and east to central China. It is resident in the milder parts of its range but north eastern birds migrate to winter in southern and western Europe, north Africa and Asia. The Black Redstart originally inhabited stony ground in mountains, particularly cliffs, but since about 1900 it has expanded to include similar urban habitats including bombed areas during and after World War 2 and large industrial complexes that have the bare areas and cliff-like buildings it favours. It generally nests in crevices or holes in buildings. In the UK, the Black Redstart is most common as a passage and winter visitor with only 20 to 50 pairs breeding. On passage, it can be found on the east and south coasts whilst in winter it can be found on the coasts of Wales and western and southern England with a few also at inland sites. Migrants arrive in the UK in October or November and either move on or remain to winter returning eastward in March or April. The Black Redstart will catch passing insects in flight and migrants often hunt in coastal tide-wrack for flies or tiny crustaceans. Date: 13th January 2022 Location: Brightlingsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813334.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3969982865d0dddc76955a.jpgRoe Deer The Roe Deer is a small deer which has a white to buff patch on their rump, a black nose and “moustache” and a white chin. Its coat varies from sandy to reddish-brown in the summer to grey-brown or even black in winter. The antlers, which have no more than 3 points and are less than 10 inches in length, grow in winter and are shed in the autumn. The Roe Deer is found throughout Europe but it is absent from Ireland, much of Portugal, Greece and large parts of England and Wales. Roe Deer became extinct in most of England during the 18th century but they were reintroduced in the 19th century. The Roe Deer lives mainly in woodland where there are open patches of ground and access to the edges of fields and it feeds on grasses and the leaves of young broad-leaved trees and bushes. Both male and female Roe Deer are usually solitary and highly territorial with clearly defined boundaries which they scent mark. The Roe Deer has very good senses of smell, hearing and vision. When alarmed, it makes a characteristic barking noise. Roe Deer mate in July and August and fawns are born in the following spring. Many fawns die during their first year due to heavy predation by foxes. Date: 7th June 2019 Location: Grantown-on-Spey, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/siberian-jay https://images.on-this.website/4752_11691955694bf6d5a6d6f47.jpgSiberian Jay The Siberian Jay is noticeably smaller, slighter and proportionately longer-tailed than the Jay with a much shorter and more pointed bill. It is the smallest and most delicate of the Western Palearctic crows and is rather drab brown-grey with rufous-chestnut near the wing-bend and on under wing coverts, rump and sides of tail which set the bird “on fire” in flight. The Siberian Jay is a widespread and highly sedentary resident in Fennoscandia and Russia with Europe accounting for less than half of its global range. It breeds across the higher latitudes of the Western Palearctic and is predominantly at all seasons a bird of coniferous forest, mainly dense stands of forest unmodified by man rather than open growth. The Siberian Jay contrasts with the Jay in a lack of fear of man, readily attaching itself to human travellers and their living quarters, but this has little effect on choice of habitat since its normal range is largely uninhabited by people. Date: 10th April 2010 Location: Neljan Tuulen Tupa near Kaamanen, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/large-psammodromus https://images.on-this.website/4752_16675500754ff548298bbf8.jpgLarge Psammodromus The Large Psammodromus is a long, slim lizard which has incredible agility and speed. They hatch at around 1 inch long and grow up to 3 inches long excluding the tail. Including the tail, the maximum size can be up to 9 inches long. The Large Psammodromus is usually dark brown on the back and slightly lighter brown below the 2 characteristic light thin lines that run down the top of the flanks. The area near the hind legs and tail can sometimes be more orange. The legs and tail are long and slim, allowing short bursts of high speed. The Large Psammodromus can be found in Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia and its natural habitats are temperate forests, Mediterranean-type shrubby vegetation, sandy shores, arable land, pastureland, plantations and rural gardens. Date: 1st May 2012 Location: La Rocina, Coto Doñana, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/pintail https://images.on-this.website/4752_18413848955133276a9f7cd.jpgPintail Slightly bigger than a Mallard, the Pintail is a long-necked and small-headed duck which flies with a curved back, pointed wings and a long tapering tail. The male's long central tail feathers give rise to the species' English and scientific names. Both sexes have blue-grey bills and grey legs and feet. The male is more striking, having a thin white stripe running from the back of its chocolate-coloured head down its neck to its mostly white underparts. The male also has attractive grey, brown, and black patterning on its back and sides. The female's plumage is more subtle and subdued with drab brown feathers similar to those of other female dabbling ducks. The Pintail can be found all year round but it is primarily a winter visitor with significant populations occurring on coasts, estuaries and other wetlands at sites such as the Dee Estuary, Solway Estuary and Ouse Washes. The winter population arrives in September with numbers peaking in December and the return migration takes place from late February into March. Date: 12th January 2013 Location: Martin Mere WWT reserve, Lancashire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/svanhovd-pasvikdalen-troms-og-finnmark https://images.on-this.website/4752_7667549935f10b92259342.jpgSvanhovd, Pasvikdalen, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Svanhovd is a popular destination in the Pasvik valley and the location of the Visitor Centre for the Øvre Pasvik National Park. The Visitor Centre is open from mid June to mid August and includes an exhibition about the unique environment, culture, history and wildlife of the Pasvik valley. It also provides accommodation, conference facilities and a café. Date: 30th June 2019 Location: Øvre Pasvik National Park Visitor Centre, Svanhovd, Pasvikdalen, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30825075.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_36936560158f341945509e9.97005102.jpgWoodpigeon The Woodpigeon is the UK's largest and commonest pigeon and is largely grey with a white neck patch and white wing patches which are clearly visible in flight. Although shy in the countryside, it can be tame and approachable in towns and cities. Its cooing call is a familiar sound in woodlands as is the loud clatter of its wings when it flies away. Woodpigeons can be found across the UK. In the countryside they breed on farmland with hedges, trees and copses and in towns and cities they breed in parks and gardens. In winter, Woodpigeons form large flocks on farmland fields. Date: 8th April 2017 Location: Pitsea railway station, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871607.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14682244664eff1f3e4acd3.jpgKnot The Knot is a dumpy, short-legged, stocky wading bird. In winter, the Knot is grey above and white below but in summer the chest, belly and face are brick red, hence the name Red Knot in north America. The Knot breeds in the tundra areas of the far Arctic north of Europe, Russia and Canada. During migration periods, it can be seen on tidal flats, rocky shores and beaches. The Knot undertakes one of the longest migrations of any bird flying from their Arctic breeding grounds to the coasts and estuaries of Europe, Africa and Australia where they spend the winter. During winter, the Knot forms large, wheeling flocks that contain in excess of 100,000 birds. Date: 26th May 2009 Location: Salltjern, Varangerfjord, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847544.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_60519979859bd5297e8a6f.jpgUličské Krivé, Prešov region, Slovakia Uličské Krivé is a small village in the Prešov region of north east Slovakia. It is located in the buffer zone of the Poloniny National Park (Národný park Poloniny). In historical records the village was first mentioned in 1478. The wooden Greek Catholic church in the village dates back to 1718 and is dedicated to the Archangel Michael. The Poloniny National Park (Národný park Poloniny) was created in October 1997 with a protected area of 115 square miles and a buffer zone of 42 square miles. The highest point of the national park lies at 3,963 feet at a point where the borders of Slovakia, Poland and Ukraine meet near the summit of Kremenec. The national park is the easternmost and the least populated area of Slovakia but there are many winter (cross-country skiing) and summer hiking trails. Besides the several mountain trails, there is also one connecting outstanding wooden churches from the 18th century at Topoľa, Uličské Krivé and Ruský Potok Date: 1st June 2017 Location: Uličské Krivé, Prešov region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26021934.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1167889829563725803cf3f.jpgRed-necked Phalarope The Red-necked Phalarope is a small wader with lobed toes to assist swimming and a straight, fine bill. The breeding female is predominantly dark grey above with a chestnut neck and upper breast, black face and white throat. The breeding male is a duller version of the female. In winter, the plumage is essentially grey above and white below but the black eyepatch is always present. When feeding, a Red-necked Phalarope will often swim in a small, rapid circle, forming a small whirlpool. This behaviour is thought to aid feeding by raising food from the bottom of shallow water. The bird will reach into the centre of the vortex with its bill, plucking small insects or crustaceans caught up therein. On the open ocean, they are often found where converging currents produce upwellings. The Red-necked Phalarope breeds in the Arctic regions of north America and Eurasia. It is migratory and, unusually for a wader, it winters at sea on tropical oceans. Date: 3rd June 2015 Location: Lake Mývatn, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/sand-martin https://images.on-this.website/4752_2424071675c2a1c354829c.jpgSand Martin The Sand Martin (or Bank Swallow in north America) is a migratory passerine bird in the hirundine or swallow family. It is the smallest member of its family in Europe. It is brown above, white below with a narrow brown band on the breast. The bill is black and the legs are brown. Its brown back, white throat, small size and quick jerky flight separate it at once from similar swallows such as the House Martin. The Sand Martin has a wide range in summer and can be found near larger bodies of water such as rivers and lakes throughout Europe, parts of north Asia and north America. It winters in east and south Africa, south America and the Indian subcontinent. The Sand Martin arrives in its breeding range as the first of its family, starting towards the end of March just in advance of the Swallow. At first, they flit over the larger bodies of water alone in search of early flies. Later parties accompany other swallow species before moving on to their nesting sites. It departs early from its breeding range from the end of August and the majority have left by the end of September. The Sand Martin is gregarious in its nesting habits and many hundred pairs will nest close together according to available space. The nests are located at the end of tunnels from a few inches to 3 or 4 feet in length and are bored in to sand or gravel. The actual nest is a litter of straw and feathers in a chamber at the end of the tunnel. Eggs are laid around mid-May and a second brood is usual in all but the most northernly breeding sites. The Sand Martin feeds on small insects, mostly gnats and other flies, whose early stages are aquatic. Date: 27th June 2018 Location: near Kilchoan, Ardnamurchan, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082101.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2726517185d307a6599b02.jpgPaddyfield Warbler The Paddyfield Warbler is a species of marsh warbler in the genus[i] Acrocephalus[/i]. It is 5.1 inches long and is close in size to the Reed Warbler but with a shorter bill and longer tail. The adult has an unstreaked pale brown back and buff underparts with a warm brown rump. There is a whitish supercilium and the bill is short and pointed. The male and female are identical as with most warblers but young birds are a richer buff colour below. The Paddyfield Warbler breeds in temperate central Asia where it can be found in low vegetation such as long grass, reeds and rice paddy fields. It is migratory and winters in Bangladesh, India and Pakistan. It is a rare vagrant to west Europe although there is a small breeding population along the shores of the Black Sea around the border between Bulgaria and Romania. The song is fast and similar to the Marsh Warbler with much mimicry and whistles typical of the [i] Acrocephalus[/i] warblers. Like most warblers, the Paddyfield Warbler is insectivorous. Date: 19th May 2018 Location: Lake Durankulak, Dobrich Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/castellar-de-la-frontera-castellar https://images.on-this.website/4752_139926848525289d8a96f3.jpgCastellar de la Frontera, Andalucia, Spain Castellar de la Frontera is a village perched high on a hilltop in an isolated location and located in the province of Cádiz in Andalucia. The village is contained within a castle surrounded by the walls of a well preserved Moorish fortress. The history of the village goes back to prehistoric times and the Bronze Age, after which it became a medieval fortress. The prehistoric presence is still evident in the many caves around the area where enthusiasts can see the wonderful cave drawings as proof of its heritage. It played an important role in the wars between the Spanish and the Moors. In such a high up advantageous strategic position, peoples of many cultures wanted to control this strong vantage point. The village was abandoned in the 1970’s and its inhabitants moved to the aptly named Nuevo Castellar (New Castellar). The derelict state of the village attracted a number of Germans who took over the empty houses and built temporary dwellings outside the walls. The village was later repopulated. The village has commanding views over the Embalse de Guadarranque and on clear days you can see the north African coast, Gibraltar and the villages on the mountains near Málaga to the north. Date: 10th September 2013 Location: Castellar de la Frontera, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15367566.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8038718604fec1d2ed7165.jpgBalnakeil Bay, Sutherland Balnakeil Bay is situated at the north west point of Scotland at the end of the minor road running west out of Durness. To the north of Durness lies the rocky headland of Faraid Head which projects 2 miles out in to the Pentland Firth and is the home of military installations .... and Puffins! On the west side of the narrow stretch of land leading to Faraid Head is the wide sweeping curve and marram grass dunes of Balnakeil Bay. The name Balnakeil is derived from the Gaelic "Baille ne Cille" (Village of the Church). The ruined chapel here was built in the 17th century but a church has stood at the location for at least 1200 years. Date: 10th June 2012 Location: view from the south side of the bay at the end of the unclassified road from Durness http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26040661.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19412772785638914ece162.jpgÍsafjarðardjúp, Westfjords, Iceland Ísafjarðardjúp is a large fjord in the Westfjords region of Iceland and an extended arm of the Denmark Strait. Its 47 mile length takes a massive swathe out of the Westfjords landmass. The north east coast of Ísafjarðardjúp is fairly straight with the only inlet being Kaldalón. However, approaching from the south east and descending from the Steingrímsfjarðarheiði mountain pass on road 61, the views of Ísafjarðardjúp are spectacular: remote, uninhabited, forbidding fjordlands as far as the eye can see. In fact, from the head of Ísafjörður in the east to the regional capital of Ísafjörður in the west there are very few settlements along a very lonely and circuitous road which stretches around 125 miles and winds its way in and out of a series of smaller fjords making the drive like sliding along each tooth of a fine comb. The southern fjords of Skutulsfjörður, Álftafjörður, Seyðisfjörður, Hestsfjörður, Skötufjörður, Mjóifjörður and Ísafjörður extend well in to the land. Three islands lie in Ísafjarðardjúp: Borgarey, Æðey and Vigur with Borgarey the smallest with no inhabitants and Vigur the largest. Ísafjörður is the regional capital of the Westfjords region and is located on a spit of sand in Skutulsfjörður, a fjord which meets the waters of the larger Ísafjarðardjúp. With a population of about 2,600, it is the largest town in the Westfjords and is connected by road and a recent 3.4 mile road tunnel to Bolungarvík which lies 9 miles to the north west and to the small town of Súðavík to the east. The partly one-lane Vestfjarðagöng tunnel completed in 1996 leads to the small towns of Flateyri and Suðureyri and to the western parts of the Westfjords. Fishing has been the main industry in Ísafjörður and the town has one of the largest fisheries in Iceland. A severe decline in the fishing industry for a variety of reasons and a decline in the fish population has led the inhabitants to seek work elsewhere and to a decline in the town's population. The harbour at Ísafjörður also serves ferries to nearby settlements as well as larger cruise ships for tourists visiting the area. The tourist industry is growing and Ísafjörður is a major access point to the nature reserve and uninhabited wilderness area on the Hornstrandir peninsula. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: view from road 61 http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41205485.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5147467295eb97971e733a.jpgGreylag Geese The Greylag Goose is the ancestor of most domestic geese but is also the largest and bulkiest of the wild geese native to the UK and Europe. In many parts of the UK it has been re-established by releasing birds in suitable areas but the resulting flocks found around gravel pits, lakes and reservoirs all year round in southern Britain tend to be semi-tame. The native birds and wintering flocks found on lochs in northern Scotland and on some Scottish islands retain the special appeal of truly wild geese. Date: 10th May 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11349600.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16892198034e1ef88fb56ff.jpgFulmar The Fulmar is almost gull-like but is a grey and white seabird that is related to the albatrosses. It flies low over the sea on stiff wings with shallow wing beats, gliding and banking to show its white under-parts and then grey upper-parts. At its breeding sites it will fly high up the cliff face riding the updraughts. Fulmars feed in flocks out at sea and defend their nests from intruders by spitting out a foul-smelling oil. Fulmars breed on coastal cliffs with suitable ledges and grassy slopes but will occasionally breed on buildings. Fulmars are best looked for at seabird colonies and are most abundant along the Scottish coastline especially in the Northern Isles. They are least common along the east, south and north-west coasts of England. Adults are present at the breeding colonies nearly all year although young birds leave in late summer. Away from the breeding colonies, Fulmars spend their whole time offshore at sea. Date: 24/05/05 Location: Rapness, Westray, Orkney http://www.richardchewphotography.com/grey-plover https://images.on-this.website/4752_14326201024daea077d9a37.jpgGrey Plover In summer the Grey Plover has silver and black spotted upperparts, a black face, neck and belly whilst in winter it loses the black feathers and takes on a browny-grey look. In both plumages, the rump is white and in flight in winter it shows distinctive black “armpits”. Like most plovers, the Grey Plover stands very upright and tends to run and then suddenly stop to feed. It is generally seen in small numbers although flocks can form when there is a high tide. Grey Plovers prefer large muddy and sandy estuaries and the largest numbers are found on The Wash, the Ribble, Thames, Blackwater, Medway, Dee and Humber estuaries and Chichester and Langstone Harbours. A few birds stay through the summer and the first migrant adults arrive in the UK in July and August. Peak numbers are seen between November and March and birds leave in April and May. Date: 12th November 2006 Location: Snettisham, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40952823.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18454481035e53935308114.jpgHook Head, Co. Wexford, Ireland The Hook peninsula is a peninsula in Co. Wexford and has been a gateway to south-east Ireland for successive waves of immigrants including the Vikings, Anglo-Normans and the English. Hook Head is a headland situated 30 miles south west of Wexford. It is located on the east side of the estuary of “The Three Sisters” rivers (the Nore, the Suir and the Barrow) and is part of the Hook peninsula adjacent to the historic townland of Loftus Hall. Hook Head is said to have found its way into common English usage in the saying "By Hook or by Crook." It is claimed that the phrase is derived from a vow by Oliver Cromwell to take Waterford by Hook (on the Wexford side of Waterford Harbour) or by Crook (a village on the Waterford side of Waterford Harbour). Hook Head Lighthouse is situated on Hook Head at the tip of the Hook peninsula and is one of the oldest lighthouses in the world and the second oldest operating lighthouse in the world after the Tower of Hercules in Galicia in Spain. The existing tower dates from the 12th century although tradition states that Dubhán, a missionary to the Wexford area, established a form of beacon as early as the 5th century. The headland of Hook Head is known in Irish as Rinn Dubháin (St. Dubhán's Head). However, the similar sounding Irish word “duán” means a fish hook, hence the English name. In March 1996, the Hook Head Lighthouse was converted to automatic operation and the last light-keepers who had climbed the stairs and tended the light were permanently withdrawn from the station. The lighthouse is now remotely controlled from Dún Laoghaire by the Commissioners of Irish Lights. In 2001 the Hook Head Lighthouse was opened to the public as a tourist attraction after the old keepers houses were turned into a visitor centre. In January 2011, the Hook Head Lighthouse fog horn was heard for the last time as all the fog horns were turned off. It was felt that the technology on modern ships was so advanced that the fog horn was no longer required. Date: 31st January 2020 Location: Hook Head, Co. Wexford, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11639912.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2483679414e2fe265b31fa.jpgBlack Grouse The Black Grouse is a large game bird in the grouse family. The male has all black plumage with distinctive red wattles over the eyes and striking white stripes along each wing in flight. It has a lyre-shaped tail which is fanned out and raised to show white under-tail feathers when displaying. The female is smaller and grey-brown in colour. The Black Grouse is a sedentary species and breeds across northern Eurasia in moorland and bog areas near to mostly boreal woodland. Although it is declining, it is not considered to be vulnerable globally due to the large population and slow rate of decline. Its decline is due to loss of habitat, disturbance, predation by foxes, crows, etc., and small populations gradually dying out. In the UK, the Black Grouse are found in upland areas of Wales, the Pennines and most of Scotland, especially on farmland and moorland with nearby forestry or scattered trees. Habitat loss and overgrazing have resulted in severe population declines which make the Black Grouse a Red List species. Positive habitat management and re-introduction programmes are helping it to increase in some areas. The Black Grouse has a very distinctive and well-recorded courtship. At dawn in the spring, the males strut around in a traditional area (lek) and display whilst making a highly distinctive and bubbling mating call. This photo was taken at a "lek" which included 8 males and 3 females. Date: 11th April 2009 Location: undisclosed site, Perthshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26025023.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_192810903856373c9e62a7c.jpgWhooper Swans The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 3rd June 2015 Location: Tjörnes peninsula, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/pigstone-bay-skomer-pembrokeshire https://images.on-this.website/4752_1616971004839685b9f871.jpgPigstone Bay, Skomer, Pembrokeshire Skomer is the second largest island in Wales after Anglesey and is one of the most important wildlife sites in Europe. Skomer lies just off the Pembrokeshire coast, separated from the mainland by the turbulent waters of the Jack Sound. The island measures 2 miles east to west and almost 1.5 miles north to south. The central ridge of the island reaches 260 feet high. Skomer is owned by the Countryside Commission for Wales and leased by them to the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales. For 9 months of the year, a warden lives on the island. Half a million seabirds nest on Skomer each year. The sheer cliffs support Guillemots (14,000 individuals), Kittiwakes (2,000 pairs), Razorbills (3,500 individuals) and Fulmars (700 pairs). Perhaps the most popular bird to see on Skomer is the Puffin and over 6000 pairs breed on the island each year. In addition, the world’s largest colony of Manx Shearwaters (over 150,000 pairs) also breed. On Skomer’s heath and grassland, Lesser Black-backed Gulls nest (11,000 pairs), together with Great Black-backed Gulls (over 80 pairs) and Herring Gulls (460 pairs). Curlews, Short-eared Owls (who prey on the unique Skomer Vole), Common Buzzards, Kestrels, Peregrine and Oystercatchers can also be seen. The Skomer beaches are a year round home to one of the largest seal colonies in the south west (up to 200 Atlantic Grey Seals). Skomer’s waters are Wales’ only statutory Marine Nature Reserve and one of only three in the UK. Skomer is also well known in springtime for the coloured carpet of Bluebells and Sea and Red Campion and Pink Thrift. Date: 11th May 2008 Location: Pigstone Bay, Skomer, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17408522.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19668320855133279b918c9.jpgWigeon The Eurasian Wigeon, or simply Wigeon, is one of 3 species of Wigeon in the dabbling duck genus [i]Mareca[/i]. The Wigeon is 17 to 20 inches in length with a 28 to 31 inches wingspan. The breeding male has grey flanks and back with a black rear end, a dark green speculum and a brilliant white patch on the upper wings which obvious in flight or at rest. It has a pink breast, white belly and a chestnut head with a creamy crown. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female. The female is generally light brown but it can be distinguished from most other ducks, apart from the American Wigeon, on shape. The Wigeon breeds in the northernmost areas of Europe and Asia where it is the Old World counterpart of north America's American Wigeon. It is a bird of open wetlands, such as wet grassland or marshes with some taller vegetation, and nests on the ground near water and under cover. The Wigeon is strongly migratory and winters further south than its breeding range. It is highly gregarious outside of the breeding season and will form large flocks. In the UK, the Wigeon can be found all year round. It is a scarce breeding bird in central and northern Scotland and in northern England. In winter, many birds arrive in the UK from Iceland, Scandinavia and Russia and very large numbers can be seen on the coasts and at some inland sites. The Wigeon is categorised by the IUCN as a species of “Least Concern” but it is a species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 12th January 2013 Location: Martin Mere WWT reserve, Lancashire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/great-bustards https://images.on-this.website/4752_13373533864b19518247635.jpgGreat Bustards The male Great Bustard is possibly the heaviest bird capable of flight. An adult male typically is over 3 to 3 ½ feet long with a 7 to 8 feet wingspan An adult male is brown above and white below with a long grey neck and head. The breast and lower neck sides are chestnut. In the breeding season, the male has long white neck bristles. In flight, the long wings show large areas of white. The female is around 30% smaller and lighter than the male. The Great Bustard breeds in southern and central Europe where it is the largest species of bird and across temperate Asia. European populations are mainly resident but Asian birds move further south in winter. Sizeable populations exist in Hungary, Portugal, Slovakia, Russia and Spain but the species is declining due to habitat loss throughout its range. The Great Bustard was formerly found in the south of the UK but was hunted out of existence by the 1840s. In 2004 a reintroduction to Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire using eggs taken from Saratov in Russia was undertaken by The Great Bustard Group, a UK registered charity that aims to establish a self-sustaining population of Great Bustards in the UK. Before mating, the males moult into their breeding plumage around January. Like other bustards, the male Great Bustard has a flamboyant display showing much white, mainly from the undertail, and withdrawing the head. The Great Bustard breeds in March and a single male may mate with up to 5 females. The Great Bustard is usually found in open grassland although it can also be found on undisturbed cultivation. It has a stately slow walk and tends to run when disturbed rather than fly. It is gregarious, especially in winter. Date: 13th November 2009 Location: Bujaraloz to Alborge, Aragon, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874789.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1303111925561ccdae1c318.jpgSnæfellsnes peninsula, west Iceland The 55 mile long Snæfellsnes peninsula is situated in west Iceland with Breiðafjörður and the Westfjords region to the north and Faxaflói and Reykjavík to the south. The Snæfellsnes peninsula has been named "Iceland in Miniature". In addition to its characteristic Snæfellsjökull volcano and glacier, there are white and black sandy beaches, fjords, sheer cliffs, spectacular mountains and volcanic craters, incredibly rich trout lakes and salmon rivers, lush valleys and unique harbours and fishing villages. The stunning landscape of the Snæfellsnes peninsula has captured the imagination of people all over the world ever since Jules Verne wrote the famous science fiction novel <i>"Journey to the Centre of the Earth"</i>. Date: 7th June 2015 Location: view from road 54 between Grundarfjörður and Ólafsvík http://www.richardchewphotography.com/black-headed-gulls https://images.on-this.website/4752_20941138774d1d995a4239d.jpgBlack-headed Gulls The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 20th December 2010 Location: Hanningfield Reservoir, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo16548220.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21260227305083a3ae58646.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 7th October 2012 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512497.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_164833463762c999fe416f6.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 9th May 2022 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo445650.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20471423324681c4e7baf68.jpgBalnakeil Bay, Sutherland Balnakeil Bay is situated at the north west point of Scotland at the end of the minor road running west out of Durness. To the north of Durness lies the rocky headland of Faraid Head which projects 2 miles out in to the Pentland Firth and is the home of military installations .... and Puffins! On the west side of the narrow stretch of land leading to Faraid Head is the wide sweeping curve and marram grass dunes of Balnakeil Bay. The name Balnakeil is derived from the Gaelic "Baille ne Cille" (Village of the Church). The ruined chapel here was built in the 17th century but a church has stood at the location for at least 1200 years. Date: 14th June 2006 Location: view from the south side of the bay at the end of the unclassified road from Durness http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49798207.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_199722709864ecadc430b31.jpgEssex Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Essex Skipper is a small butterfly with a darting flight. It has bright orange-brown wings which are held with the forewings angled above the hind wings. The males have a thin black scent brand line running through the centre of the forewing and parallel to the leading edge. The Small Skipper appears very similar but it lacks the black tips to the antenna and it has a longer scent brand which is angled to the edge of the forewing. Since the Essex Skipper and the Small Skipper closely resemble each other and are often found in the same company, the Essex Skipper has been overlooked both in terms of recording and ecological study and it was the last UK resident species to be described (in 1889). The Essex Skipper can be found in tall, dry grasslands in open sunny situations, especially roadside verges, woodland rides and acid grasslands as well as coastal marshes. The distribution of the Essex Skipper in the UK has more than doubled in the last few decades. It is a widespread species in southern and central England but not in the far south-west. Date: 3rd July 2023 Location: Durlston Country Park, Swanage, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42670664.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_88271105460b2054925aa6.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 18th May 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4088272.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_577011484b19411538d2c.jpgCattle Egret The Cattle Egret is a stocky white bird adorned with buff plumes in the breeding season. The easiest way to separate them from Little Egrets is by their short, yellow rather than long, black bills but Cattle Egrets are also smaller, stockier and more squat in shape with shorter, thicker necks and less elegant heads. The Cattle Egret is a cosmopolitan species of heron found in the tropics, subtropics and warm temperate zones. Originally native to parts of Asia, Africa and Europe, it has undergone a rapid expansion in its distribution and successfully colonised much of the rest of the world. Cattle Egrets breed and roost in trees usually close to fresh water and feed in shallow wetlands, especially rice-paddies, but also dry grasslands. They can often be seen feeding around cattle waiting to pick off disturbed insects, including riding on the backs of animals. Cattle Egrets are visiting the UK in increasing numbers and are most likely to be seen in the south of England and Wales. In winter 2007/08, a large influx of Cattle Egrets occurred in the UK, with the largest numbers in south-west England although birds did get as far north as Scotland. This influx led to the first ever pair breeding successfully in Somerset. Date: 9th November 2009 Location: Delta de l’Ebre, Catalunya, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26008425.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9069719435634f85eab580.jpgDettifoss, Vatnajökull National Park, north east Iceland Dettifoss is a waterfall in Vatnajökull National Park in north east Iceland and it is reputed to be the most powerful waterfall in Europe. Dettifoss is situated on the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river which flows from the Vatnajökull glacier and collects water from a large area in north east Iceland. The falls are 330 feet wide and have a drop of 150 feet down to the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon. It is the largest waterfall in Iceland in terms of volume discharge. Since the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river can not be crossed in the vicinity of Dettifoss, it is reached by 2 separate roads: a new tarmac road for the west bank (road 862 finished in 2011) and an older gravel road for the east bank (road 864). On the west bank there are no facilities and the view of the waterfall is somewhat hindered by the waterfall's spray. On the east bank there is an information panel maintained by the staff of Vatnajökull National Park and a maintained track to the best viewpoints. Dettifoss is located on the “Diamond Circle”, a popular tourist route around Húsavík including Lake Mývatn and the Ásbyrgi canyon. Date: 4th June 2015 Location: view from the west bank of the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14080048.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5267437684f2a7e3a0f27f.jpgBlack-tailed Godwits The Black-tailed Godwit is a large, long-legged, long-billed shorebird with an orange head, neck and chest in its breeding plumage and a uniform brown-grey breast and upperparts in winter. During the breeding season, the bill has a yellowish or orange-pink base and dark tip but the base is pink in winter. The legs are dark grey, brown or black. The sexes are similar but in breeding plumage they can be separated by the male's brighter, more extensive orange breast, neck and head. In flight, the bold black and white wingbar and white rump can be seen readily. When on the ground the Black-tailed Godwit can be difficult to separate from the similar Bar-tailed Godwit but the Black-tailed Godwit's longer, straighter bill and longer legs are diagnostic. The Black-tailed Godwit’s breeding range stretches from Iceland through northern Europe and areas of central Asia where it can be found in fens, lake edges, damp meadows, moorlands and bogs. It winters in areas as diverse as the Indian Subcontinent, Australia, western Europe and west Africa where it can be found on estuaries and floods. It is also more likely to be found inland and on freshwater than the Bar-tailed Godwit. Date: 7th January 2012 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7190816.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16181393344cc305010cc83.jpgFallow Deer Fallow Deer are native to the Mediterranean region of Europe and from Turkey to Iran but they have been introduced to nearly 40 countries including the UK by the Normans in the 11th century. They have since become the most widespread species of deer in the UK and typically can be found in deciduous woodland with open patches. Fallow Deer commonly gather in small herds of 4 to 5 but in good feeding areas groupings of up to 100 may gather. When competing for access to females, males display by groaning, thrashing their antlers and by walking alongside their opponent. Fighting occurs if both stags are evenly matched and involves wrestling and clashing of antlers. Fallow Deer have many colour varieties but they are typically fawn-coloured in the summer and reddish-brown in the winter. They have yellow-white undersides, white spots and a black line that runs along the back to the tip of the tail. The spots become less conspicuous or disappear in winter. Males have palmate (flattened) antlers. Date: 17th October 2010 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26024869.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_206196982256373b4445258.jpgGreat Skua The Great Skua is a large seabird in the skua family. The name skua is believed to originate from the Faroese <i>skúvur</i> and is the only known bird name to originate from the Faroes that has come into regular use elsewhere. In the UK, it is sometimes known by the name Bonxie, a Shetland name of Norse origin. The adult Great Skua is streaked greyish brown with a black cap whilst the juvenile is a warmer brown and unstreaked below. Its tail is short and blunt. The flight is direct and powerful. Distinguishing this skua from the other north Atlantic skuas (Arctic Skua, Pomarine Skua and Long-tailed Skua) is relatively straightforward. The Herring Gull size, massive barrel chest and white wing flashes of this bird are distinctive even at a distance. Identification of this Great Skua is only complicated when it is necessary to distinguish it from the closely related large southern hemisphere skuas. The Great Skua breeds in Iceland, Norway, the Faroe Islands and the Scottish islands with a few on mainland Scotland and in the north west of Ireland. It breeds on coastal moorland and rocky islands and like other skuas it will fly at the head of a human or other intruder approaching its nest. The Great Skua is a migrant and winters at sea in the Atlantic Ocean and regularly reaches north American waters. The Great Skua eats mainly fish, birds, eggs, carrion, offal, rodents, rabbits and occasionally berries. It will often obtain fish by robbing gulls, terns and even Gannets of their catches. It will also directly attack and kill other seabirds up to the size of a Great Black-backed Gull. Like most other skua species, it continues this piratical behaviour throughout the year but shows less agility and more brute force than the smaller skuas when it harasses its victims. Date: 3rd June 2015 Location: Tjörnes peninsula, north Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847636.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_173991571859bd54530ee8f.jpgMarsh Frog The Marsh Frog is the largest European frog. It is very similar in appearance to the closely related Edible Frog and Pool Frog. These 3 species are often referred to as "green frogs" to distinguish them from the more terrestrial European species which are known as "brown frogs" (best exemplified by the Common Frog). Marsh Frogs show a large variation in colour and pattern, ranging from dark green to brown or grey. The Western European populations are generally dark green to black with dark spots on the back and sides and 3 clear green lines on the back. Females can reach a maximum length of around 6.5 inches but males are smaller at around 4.5 inches. The head is proportionally large and the hind legs are long which gives them excellent jumping abilities. The Marsh Frog is usually gregarious and diurnal and more tied to aquatic habitats than the Common Frog. It is tolerant of brackish conditions and typically it is found on or in the water of its favoured drainage channels and pools throughout the year. Marsh Frogs frequently sunbathe on the bank of the water body where they are often inconspicuous until disturbed when they will jump in to the water with a characteristic “plop”. They can often be seen on lily pads or floating at the surface amongst vegetation with only their heads exposed. During the breeding season (and sometimes beyond) the male Marsh Frog calls very loudly with a sound reminiscent of a loud chuckle which is often very raucous and can be heard all day and night. Dominant males establish territories from which they call. After mating a female may produce up to 16,000 eggs in a season, laying them in clumps of a few hundred in aquatic vegetation below the surface. They hatch in about a week, tadpoles being rather solitary and living in deep water with vegetation. Newly metamorphosed frogs are up to 1 inch in length and take 2 years to mature. The diet of the Marsh Frog consists of dragonflies and other insects, spiders, earthworms and slugs. Larger frogs also eat small rodents and sometimes smaller amphibians and fish. Date: 2nd June 2017 Location: Leles to Boľ area, Latorica, Košice region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28139956.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1965808122577a33ed7854c.jpgSuilven, Assynt, Highland Height: 2389 feet. Suilven is one of the most instantly recognisable mountains in the Scottish Highlands and is an iconic symbol of the Assynt region. Its name is said to come from the Norse "Pillar Mountain" which shows, not surprisingly, that the Vikings saw its seaward profile first. Suilven has an appearance which changes dramatically depending on which direction it is viewed from and its impressive profile viewed from Elphin or Lochinver dominates any view of Assynt despite it being lower than its neighbours. Date: 21st June 2016 Location: view from the B869 road near Achmelvich http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26006776.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4183692115634a0febe864.jpgRinged Plover The Ringed Plover is a small plover with a grey-brown back and wings, a white belly and a white breast with a single black neck band. It has a brown cap, a white forehead, a black mask around the eyes and a short orange and black bill. The legs are orange and only the outer two toes are slightly webbed. The juvenile Ringed Plover is duller than the adult in colour with an often incomplete grey-brown breast band, a dark bill and dull yellowish-grey legs. The Ringed Plover breeds on open ground on beaches or sandflats across northern Eurasia and in Arctic north east Canada. Some birds breed inland and in western Europe they nest as far south as northern France. It is migratory and winters in coastal areas south to Africa. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Steingrímsfjarðarheiði to Ísafjörður, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30024929.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1429246740587a0a92b1efd.jpgMallards The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 5th January 2017 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493299.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14206479795f326fab804f2.jpgHornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Hornøya is a small uninhabited island lying in the Barents Sea in Troms og Finnmark in the extreme north east of Norway. It lies just east of the larger island of Vardøya where the town of Vardø is located. The island is the easternmost point of Norway. Vardø Lighthouse is situated at the highest point of the island, at an elevation of 213 feet above sea level, and it protects the shipping lanes around the town of Vardø. Daily boat trips run to Hornøya between 1st March and 1st September from Vardø harbour offering the chance to spend several hours on the island. The seabird colony at Hornøya hosts approximately 100,000 seabirds of up to 11 breeding species. The cliffs are dominated by Common Guillemot, Razorbill, Puffin and Kittiwake. Around 500 pairs of Brünnich´s Guillemots, an auk distributed across the polar and sub-polar regions of the Northern Hemisphere, breed between the Common Guillemots. During the seabird breeding season, visitors to Hornøya have a good chance of seeing White-tailed Eagle and Gyrfalcon hunting along the cliffs. In addition to the huge number of birds, Hornøya is also a good location to see Atlantic Grey Seals, Orcas and occasionally Belugas. Hornøya is open to the public but, due to its status as a nature reserve, visitors must stay within the designated areas during the breeding season and it is forbidden to pick plants or disturb the wildlife of the island. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308894.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_212743670963ee382f99605.jpgBlack-headed Gulls The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 21st January 2022 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/common-lizard https://images.on-this.website/4752_398048061467ee6b7538e1.jpgCommon Lizard The Common Lizard ranges across central and northern Europe (but are absent from the Mediterranean area) and through to northern Asia. It is the most common lizard in northern regions and the only reptile found in Ireland. The Common Lizard has a long body and short legs. It has coarse scales which range from grey, brown, bronze or green on the back and males are generally darker than females. It has a series of white spots down the flanks, which fuse to form a line, and a black line along the back. The Common Lizard also has numerous black spots scattered over the body. Males have orange/yellow bellies with black spots and females have cream/white bellies. The Common Lizard is found in a range of habitats including woodland, marshes, heathland, moors, sand dunes, hedgerows, bogs and rubbish dumps and it hunts insects, spiders, snails and earthworms, stunning its prey by shaking it and then swallowing it whole. The Common Lizard is active during the day and spends the morning and afternoon (but not the intense heat of midday) basking in the sun either alone or in groups. It is a good swimmer and will dive underwater when threatened. At night, and when startled, it will shelter beneath logs, stones and metal sheets. After emerging from hibernation, males defend breeding territories from other males. The young develop over 3 months within egg membranes inside the female's body which they usually break out of as she gives birth. Litters of 3 to 12 young are born from June to September after which time the mother shows no parental care with the young feeding actively from birth and quickly dispersing. The Common Lizard hibernates from October to March. It will often hibernate in groups and sometimes emerge for a brief time during warm spells. Date: 6th April 2007 Location: Chobham Common, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801046.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_55836054264eda272cc96c.jpgSmall Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Small Skipper has a rusty orange colour to the wings, upper body and the tips of the antennae. The body is silvery white below and it has a wingspan of 25 to 30 mm. It is very similar in appearance to the Essex Skipper but the undersides of the tips of the antennae are yellow orange in the Small Skipper whereas they are black in the Essex Skipper. The Small Skipper is a common and widespread butterfly in most parts of England and has been expanding its range northwards. It can be found in rough grassland, roadside verges, edges of fields and woodland clearings where it is often seen basking on vegetation or making short buzzing flights among tall grass stems. Date: 8th July 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/srve-peninsula-saaremaa-island-estonia https://images.on-this.website/4752_148597147657cc363d1f813.jpgSõrve peninsula, Saaremaa island, Estonia Saaremaa is the 4th largest island in the Baltic Sea and largest island in Estonia, measuring over 1000 square miles. It is located in the Baltic Sea, south of the island of Hiiumaa, and it is included within the the West Estonian Archipelago Biosphere Reserve. The island lies on a major migration flyway between Europe and the Arctic and huge numbers of birds appear in spring and autumn. The Sõrve peninsula is situated at the southern tip of Saaremaa and is a well known seawatching and migration hotspot and the site of a bird observatory. Date: 13th May 2016 Location: Sõrve peninsula, Saaremaa island, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4267051.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19146896034b5221206a10b.jpgBen More, Mull, Argyll Height: 3168 feet. Ben More is the highest peak on the island of Mull and is a prominent feature of many views on the island. It is situated to the west of Mull's main central range of hills to the north of Loch Scridain and to the south of Loch na Keal. Ben More is a massive grey bulk whose upper slopes are covered in a mantle of angular scree. Its north eastern corrie is particularly craggy and often contains snow well into the spring. The Gaelic name Beinn Mhòr means "big hill" or “great mountain”. Date: 2nd January 2010 Location: view from the A849 road overlooking Loch Beg http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42222332.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15462932476023a3279bf53.jpgArctic Circle, Rovaniemi, Lappi, Finland The Arctic Circle is one of the five major circles of latitude that mark maps of the Earth. In 2012, it is the parallel of latitude that runs 66° 33′ 44″ north of the Equator. The region north of this circle is known as the Arctic and the zone just to the south is called the Northern Temperate Zone. The equivalent polar circle in the Southern Hemisphere is called the Antarctic Circle. The Arctic Circle is the southernmost latitude in the Northern Hemisphere at which the sun can remain continuously above or below the horizon for 24 hours (at the June solstice and December solstice respectively). North of the Arctic Circle, the sun is above the horizon for 24 continuous hours at least once per year (and therefore visible at midnight) and below the horizon for 24 continuous hours at least once per year. The position of the Arctic Circle is not fixed. It directly depends on the Earth's axial tilt, which fluctuates within a margin of 2° over a 40,000-year period, notably due to tidal forces resulting from the orbit of the Moon. Relatively few people live north of the Arctic Circle due to the severe climate. Areas have been settled for thousands of years by indigenous peoples. Tens of thousands of years ago, waves of people migrated from eastern Siberia across the Bering Strait into North America and gradually eastward to settle. Much later, in the historic period, there has been migration into some Arctic areas by Europeans and other immigrants. Rovaniemi, which lies slightly south of the Arctic Circle, has a population of approximately 60,000, and is the largest settlement in the immediate vicinity of the Arctic Circle. It is the administrative capital and commercial centre of Finland's northernmost province, Lapland. It is situated between the hills of Ounasvaara and Korkalovaara at the confluence of the river Kemijoki and its tributary, the Ounasjoki. Date: 9th July 2019 Location: Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457529.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18774635536685722574a70.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43629095.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9381602086118aaaa8e20b.jpgMarbled White Flight period: July to August The Marbled White is a very distinctive black and white butterfly that is widespread in southern England and expanding its range northwards and eastwards. They can be found in unimproved grassland, coastal grassland, roadside verges and railway embankments. Date: 17th July 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41537225.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13949573725f3cfcf55b2e3.jpgBluethroat The Bluethroat is a small passerine bird that was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family [i]Turdidae[/i] but it is now more generally considered to be a member of the Old World flycatcher family [i]Muscicapidae[/i]. It, and similar small European species, are often called chats. The Bluethroat is similar in size to the Robin. It is plain brown above except for the distinctive black tail with red side patches. It has a strong white supercilium. The male has an iridescent blue bib edged below with successive black, white and rust coloured borders. Some races, such as the Red-spotted Bluethroat of north Eurasia, have a red spot in the centre of the blue bib. Others, such the White-spotted Bluethroat of south and central Europe, have a white spot in the centre of the blue bib. The Bluethroat in Turkey has no central spot at all. The female of all races usually has just a blackish crescent on an otherwise cream throat and breast. Newly fledged juveniles are freckled and spotted dark brown above. Despite the distinctive appearance of the males, recent genetic studies show only limited variation between the forms and confirm that this is a single species. The Bluethroat is a migratory insectivorous species breeding in wet birch wood or bushy swamp in Europe and across the Palearctic with a foothold in western Alaska. It nests in tussocks or low in dense bushes. It winters in north Africa and the Indian subcontinent. Date: 4th July 2019 Location: River Jakobselva valley near Vestre Jakobselv, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo10926830.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11156409164e097548e33c6.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 11th June 2011 Location: Sango Bay, Sutherland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18776303.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_134282780251f4cf84ab4ee.jpgCommon Gull The Common Gull is a medium-sized gull. The north American subspecies is commonly referred to as the Mew Gull although that name is also used by some authorities for the whole species. The Common Gull is noticeably smaller and more gentle looking than the Herring Gull. It is grey above and white below with greenish-yellow legs. It has black wingtips with large white "mirrors". Young birds have scaly black-brown upperparts and a neat wing pattern and grey legs and take 2 to 3 years to reach maturity. In winter, the head is streaked grey and the bill often has a poorly defined blackish band near the tip which is sometimes sufficiently obvious to cause confusion with the Ring-billed Gull. The call is a high-pitched "laughing" cry. The Common Gull breeds colonially near water or in marshes in north Europe, north west north America and north Asia. It is most numerous in Europe with over half (possibly as much as 80 to 90%) of the world population. In the UK, the Common Gull can be found in summer along the coasts and inland marshes and lakes of Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England. Elsewhere in England and Wales, it can be found in winter on farmland, on marshes and lakes and on the coast. Date: 20th June 2013 Location: Balnakeil Bay, Sutherland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26006679.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_27702438956349d2948342.jpgWestfjords, Iceland The Westfjords is the name of a large peninsula in north west Iceland and it is situated on the Denmark Strait facing the east coast of Greenland to the north west. It is connected to the rest of Iceland by a 5 mile wide isthmus between Gilsfjörður and Bitrufjörður. The Westfjords are one of the most breathtakingly beautiful and least visited corners of Iceland with only a small number of foreign tourist visitors. This peninsula of almost 5500 square miles stretching out into the icy waters of the Denmark Strait is characterised by dramatic fjords which have resulted from intense glacial activity. Everything here is extreme from the table mountains that dominate the landscape and which plunge precipitously into the sea to the ferocious storms that have gnawed the coastline into countless craggy inlets. After crossing the Steingrímsfjarðarheiði mountain pass west of Hólmavík, road 61 becomes a convoluted and circuitous route which winds it’s way in and around no fewer than 7 deeply indented fjords in the northern part of the Westfjords before reaching the regional capital of Ísafjörður. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: view from road 61 between the western end of the Steingrímsfjarðarheiði mountain pass and Ísafjörður http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11946546.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17690181964e40f20a77d08.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 22nd October 2008 Location: Bradgate Park, Newton Linford , Leicestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/bkk-mountains-hungary https://images.on-this.website/4752_206499806559ae6f76338c56.46458445.jpgBükk Mountains, Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén and Heves counties, Hungary The Bükk Mountains (meaning Beech Mountains) are situated in north east Hungary and they are a southward projecting spur of the Western Carpathian Mountains. Much of the area is included in the Bükk National Park. The Bükk Mountains comprise a forested highland area extending around 30 miles from the Tarna River in the west to the Sajó River in the east and around 20 miles from north to south. The central core of the Bükk Mountains is a 12.5 by 4.5 mile limestone plateau with a rim of white cliffs dominating the surrounding lower mountains. The Bükk Mountains, with a continuous tree cover for the most part, are one of the most rugged areas in Hungary. Although Kékes, the highest point in Hungary at 3327 feet, is not situated in the Bükk Mountains but in the nearby Mátra Mountains, the average height of the Bükk Mountains, with more than 20 peaks higher than 2900 feet, exceeds that of the Mátra Mountains. The highest point in the Bükk Mountains is Szilvási-kő at 3143 feet. There are 1115 known caves in the Bükk Mountains, including Bányász-barlang and István-lápa which are the deepest caves in Hungary. Bükk National Park (Bükki Nemzeti Park) is a national park in the Bükk Mountains located to the north east of Eger and south west of Miskolc. It was established in 1976 as the third national park in Hungary and it is the country’s largest national park covering an area of 166 square miles. It is an area of low, rolling and mostly deciduous wooded hills and it has important geological features including various karst formations, particularly caves, swallow-holes and ravines. Date: 22nd May 2017 Location: north of Saly-Lator, Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/august-2022-grass-snake https://images.on-this.website/4752_1977175087635e618050cb3.jpgAugust 2022 - Grass Snake Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo47645579.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/fire-salamander https://images.on-this.website/4752_798773138559cf14760efd.jpgFire Salamander The Fire Salamander is possibly the best-known salamander species in Europe. It is black with yellow spots or stripes to a varying degree although some individuals can be nearly completely black while on others the yellow is dominant. Shades of red and orange may sometimes appear either replacing or mixing with the yellow according to the subspecies. Males and females look very similar except during the breeding season when the most conspicuous difference is a swollen gland around the male's vent. This gland produces the spermatophore which carries a sperm packet at its tip. The Fire Salamander can grow to be 5.9 to 9.8 inches long. The Fire Salamander can be found in most of southern and central Europe. They are most commonly found at altitudes between 1,300 feet and 3,300 feet. It is only found rarely below these levels but in the Balkans or in Spain it is commonly found in higher altitudes as well. The Fire Salamander prefers deciduous forests since it likes to hide in fallen leaves and around mossy tree trunks. It needs small brooks or ponds with clean water in its habitat for the development of the larvae. Whether on land or in water, the Fire Salamander is inconspicuous spending much of its time hidden beneath stones, wood or other objects. It is active in the evening and at night but on rainy days it is active during daytime as well. The diet of the Fire Salamander consists of various insects, spiders, earthworms and slugs but they also occasionally eat newts and young frogs. The Fire Salamander may actively defend itself once it is grasped by a predator. Besides various anti-predator postures, it is able to exude toxic skin secretions such as the neurotoxic alkaloid Samandarin. This alkaloid causes strong muscle convulsions and hypertension combined with hyperventilation in all vertebrates. The poison glands of the Fire Salamander are concentrated in certain areas of the body, especially around the head and the dorsal skin surface. The coloured portions of the animal's skin usually coincide with these glands. Date: 11th May 2015 Location: road from Serres to Mount Vrontou summit, East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493282.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4384242125f326f6e0f17f.jpgKittiwakes The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/bolonia-andalucia-spain https://images.on-this.website/4752_25120440252528c4fc947f.jpgBolonia, Andalucia, Spain Bolonia is a small isolated fishing village in the province of Cadiz in Andalucia on the Spanish Atlantic Costa de la Luz (“Coast of Light”) 12 miles north from of Tarifa. It sits on one of the many beautiful sandy bays along this remarkable coastline. Bolonia is also the site of one of the 3 most important Roman archaeological excavations in Andalucia, along with Italica outside Sevilla and Acinipo outside Ronda. Date: 9th September 2013 Location: view from Sierra de la Plata near Bolonia, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo44183397.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17205925056161c9357b4d0.jpgBlack-necked Grebe The Black-necked Grebe is a member of the grebe family of water birds. It usually measures between 11 and 13 inches in length with a wingspan of 20.5 to 21.5 inches. The common name for this species refers to features visible when the bird is in its breeding plumage. In breeding plumage, the Black-necked Grebe has a black or blackish-brown coloured head, neck, breast and upper parts with the exception of the golden or ochre-coloured fan or spray of feathers extending behind the eye over the ear coverts and the sides of the nape. The flanks are tawny-rufous to maroon-chestnut and the abdomen is white. The eye is mostly red with a narrow and paler yellow ring on the inner parts of the eye and an orange-yellow to pinkish-red orbital ring. The thin and slightly upturned bill is black and is connected to the eye by a blackish line starting at the gape. The upperwing is blackish to drab brown in colour and has a white patch formed by the secondaries and part of the inner primaries. The underwing is white except the dark tertials and the mostly pale grey-brown outer primaries. The legs are a dark greenish grey. The sexes are similar. In non-breeding plumage, the Black-necked Grebe has greyish-black upper parts, cap, nape and hindneck. The dark colour of the cap reaches below the eye and can be seen diffused to the ear-coverts. The rest of the neck is grey to brownish-grey in colour and has some white that varies in amount. The breast is white and the abdomen is whitish. The flanks are coloured in a mix of blackish-grey with white flecks. The juvenile Black-necked Grebe is very similar to the non-breeding adult. The Black-necked Grebe breeds in vegetated areas of freshwater lakes across Europe, Asia, Africa, northern South America and the south west and west USA. After breeding, it migrates to saline lakes and coastal estuaries to moult and over-winter. In the UK, the Black-necked Grebe can be found all year round although here are only a small number of breeding locations. It is best looked for in winter on reservoirs, gravel pits, estuaries and off the coast. In the Northern Hemisphere, the Black-necked Grebe breeds from April to August. The male and female build a floating nest of plant matter in the usually shallow water of open lakes and the nest itself is also anchored to the lake by plants. Most of the nest is submerged with the bottom of the shallow cup usually being level with the water. The Black-necked Grebe nests both in colonies and by itself. When it does not nest by itself, it will often nest in mixed-species colonies made up of Black-headed Gulls, ducks and various other waterbirds. Pair formation in the Black-necked Grebe usually starts during pauses in the migration to the breeding grounds although it occasionally occurs before in wintering pairs. This pair formation continues after arrival on the breeding grounds. Courtship occurs when the bird arrives at the breeding lake and elaborate displays are performed in the middle of the lake. There is no territory involved in courting and birds use the whole area of the lake. The Black-necked Grebe is socially monogamous but conspecific or intraspecific brood parasitism, where the female lays eggs in the nest of others of their own species, is common with nearly 40% of nests being parasitized on average. However, in terms of territory, breeding pairs will only defend their own nest site. The female lays a clutch, although sometimes 2 clutches, of 3 to 4 eggs but nests that have been parasitised will have 2 more eggs on average even though the number the host lays is about the same no matter if it has been parasitized or not. The eggs are incubated by both parents for about 21 days. After the chicks hatch, the birds will desert their nest. Even though the young can swim and dive during this time, they rarely do, instead staying on the parents' backs for 4 days after hatching. This behaviour is present in all grebes and is likely to have evolved because it reduces travel, specifically back to the nest to brood the chicks and give them food. After about 10 days, the parents split the chicks up with each parent taking care of about half of the brood. After this split, the chicks are independent in about 10 days and fledge in about 3 weeks. The Black-necked Grebe forages mainly by diving from the water with dives usually lasting less than 30 seconds. These dives are usually shorter in time when in more shallow water. In between dives, it rests for an average of 15 seconds. The Black-necked Grebe also forages by gleaning foliage, plucking objects off of the surface of water, having its head submerged while swimming and sometimes by capturing flying insects. It eats mostly insects, of both adult and larval stages, as well as crustaceans, molluscs, tadpoles and small frogs and fish. The Black-necked Grebe is classified as “least concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, the population trend is uncertain since some populations are decreasing whereas others are stable, have an uncertain trend or are increasing. The justification for the current classification of the Black-necked Grebe is its very large population (estimated around 3.9 to 4.2 million individuals) combined with a large estimated extent of occurrence (about 60 million square miles). It is probably the most numerous grebe in the world. Date: 18th September 2021 Location: Alexandra Lake, Wanstead Flats, London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo22527965.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15957631255422919ce7572.jpgBlaven, Skye Height: 3044 feet. The meaning of the name Blaven or Bla Bhienn is confused and is variously documented as "blue mountain", "warm mountain", "sunny mountain", "mount of the blast" or "hill of bloom". Blaven is the eastern most peak of the Black Cuillin and is separated from the Cuillin range by Glen Sligachan. Blaven is the highest of the surrounding mountains and is managed by the John Muir Trust. ".... and even if I came in sight of Paradise, what price it's moon without Blaven?" - Sorley Maclean - "The Island" Date: 11th September 2014 Location: view from the B8083 Broadford to Elgol road near Torrin http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41349644.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14939432705f20091fea8b0.jpgSmall Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Small Skipper is a common and widespread butterfly in most parts of England and has been expanding its range northwards. They can be found in rough grassland, roadside verges, edges of fields and woodland glades. Date: 25th June 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7190808.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17613111244cc304f8357b0.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 17th October 2010 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41249285.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7846071235f00b79a3012f.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 22nd June 2020 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41254056.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11586252885f059dfc9c2b7.jpgPorvoonjoki river at Porvoo, Uusimaa, Finland The Porvoonjoki is a small river in the south of Finland. The city of Porvoo is situated in the river delta. Porvoo is a city and a municipality situated on the south coast of Finland approximately 30 miles east of Helsinki. It is one of the 6 medieval towns in Finland and the country’s second oldest city. It was first mentioned as a city in texts from the 14th century. Porvoo is the seat of the Swedish-speaking Diocese of Borgå of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland. Porvoo Old Town is a popular tourist destination with its timeless atmosphere, unique buildings, cobbled streets, narrow lanes, idyllic parks and riverbank views. It is especially well known for its well-preserved 18th and 19th century red painted riverside warehouses and the 15th century Porvoo Cathedral. The Old Town together with the valley of the Porvoonjoki river is recognised as historically and culturally significant as one of the designated national landscapes of Finland. Porvoo is internationally considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in Finland. Porvoo can be easily reached by a main road from Helsinki in about 50 minutes but also by a much more leisurely 3.5 hour trip on the steamship m/s J. L. Runeberg along the coast and through the Helsinki Archipelago. The m/s J.L. Runeberg was built in Helsinki in 1912. Originally she sailed under the name s/s Helsingfors Skärgård (”Helsinki Archipelago”). In the beginning this steamer cruised west from Helsinki to Porkkala but in the 1930’s the name was changed to s/s J.L. Runeberg and the ship cruised to Porvoo for the first time. Date: 26th June 2019 Location: Porvoonjoki river at Porvoo, Uusimaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493266.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11004410135f326f3b8e7d4.jpgShag The European Shag, Common Shag or simply Shag is a species of cormorant. It is 27 to 31 inches in length with a 37 to 43 inches wingspan. It is mainly black in colour but with a glossy green-tinged sheen in adults. It has a longish tail and a yellow throat-patch. Adults have a small recurved crest in the breeding season. It is distinguished from the Cormorant by its smaller size, lighter build, thinner and narrower bill, and, in breeding adults, by the crest and metallic green-tinged sheen. The Shag breeds around the rocky coasts of west and south Europe, north Africa and south west Asia, mainly wintering in its breeding range except for the northernmost birds. It nests on rocky ledges or in crevices or small caves and the nests are untidy heaps of rotting seaweed or twigs cemented together by the bird's own guano. The nesting season is long and begins in late February although some nests are not started until May or even later. The female lays 3 eggs and the chicks hatch without down and so they rely totally on their parents for warmth, often for a period of 2 months before they can fly. Fledging may occur at any time from early June to late August and exceptionally to mid-October. In the UK, the Shag breeds at coastal sites, mainly in the north and west of the country, and more than half of the population is found at fewer than 10 sites. It can be seen during the breeding season at the large Scottish colonies on Orkney, Shetland, the Inner Hebrides and in the Firth of Forth. Elsewhere it can be seen commonly around the coasts of Wales and south west England, especially in Devon and Cornwall. The Shag feeds in the sea and, unlike the Cormorant, it is rare inland. It is one of the deepest pursuit divers among the cormorant family and it has been shown to dive to at least 150 feet. When it dives, it jumps out of the water first to give extra impetus to the dive. The Shag forages for food on the sea bed and eats a wide range of fish although the commonest prey is the sand eel. It will travel long distances from its breeding and roosting sites in order to feed. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30024914.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_579507468587a09fe0ff65.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 5th January 2017 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11328480.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8474708424e1d670a36eaa.jpgCoot The Coot is an all black bird with a distinctive white beak and “shield” above the beak from which earns it the title “bald”. Its feet have distinctive lobed flaps of skin on the toes which act instead of webs when swimming. It patters noisily over the water before taking off and can be very aggressive towards other birds. Coot can be found all the year round mainly on freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers and town park lakes. Sometimes they can be seen offshore, especially in winter if freshwater areas are frozen. They breed in areas of fairly shallow standing freshwater with a muddy bottom and plenty of vegetation at the sides, usually in lowland areas. Date: 21/01/07 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38397349.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2887574075ce12848640a5.jpgTree Pipit The Tree Pipit is a small passerine bird in the pipit family. It is an undistinguished-looking species, similar to the Meadow Pipit, streaked brown above and with black markings on a white belly and buff breast below. It can be distinguished from the slightly smaller Meadow Pipit by its heavier bill and greater contrast between its buff breast and white belly. The Tree Pipit’s song flight is unmistakable. The bird rises a short distance up from a tree and then parachutes down on stiff wings, the song becoming more drawn out towards the end. The Tree Pipit breeds across most of Europe and temperate western and central Asia. It is a long-distance migrant moving in winter to Africa and southern Asia. The Tree Pipit breeds in habitats with a wooded component, including lowland heath and coppice. It is found mostly in open birch woodland on the boundary with moorland or in open structured oak woodland. It nests on the ground amongst grass or heather tussocks. Date: 12th May 2019 Location: Gilfach RWT reserve, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41255225.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7408142475f06f51e2c04f.jpgPine Grosbeak The Pine Grosbeak is a large member of the finch family. Adults have a long forked black tail, black wings with white wing bars and a large bill. Adult males have a rose-red head, back and rump. Adult females are olive-yellow on the head and rump and grey on the back and underparts. Young birds have a less contrasting plumage overall, appearing shaggy when they moult their colored head plumage. The Pine Grosbeak is a permanent resident through most of its range and can be found in coniferous woods in subarctic Fennoscandia and Siberia and across Alaska, the western mountains of the United States and Canada. In the extreme north or when food sources are scarce, they may migrate further south. It is a very rare vagrant to temperate Europe. The Pine Grosbeak forages in trees and bushes. It mainly eats seeds, buds, berries and insects. Outside of the nesting season, it often feeds in flocks. Date: 28th June 2019 Location: Neljan Tuulen Tupa near Kaamanen, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43082707.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_113758687360dd86b186119.jpgStonechat The (European) Stonechat is a small passerine bird that was long considered a member of the thrush family although genetic evidence has now placed it and its relatives in the Old World flycatcher family. Two weakly defined sub-species differing in colour intensity are currently accepted: hibernans found in north west Europe in Atlantic coastal areas, south west Norway, the UK, Ireland and north west France and rubicola found in the south and east of its range from Denmark south west to Spain and north Morocco, east to Poland and Ukraine and south east to Turkey. The (European) Stonechat is slightly smaller than the Robin. Both sexes have distinctively short wings, shorter than those of the more migratory Whinchat and Siberian Stonechat. The summer male has black upperparts, a black head, an orange throat and breast and a white belly and vent. It also has a white half-collar on the sides of its neck, a small white scapular patch on the wings and a very small white patch on the rump often streaked with black. The female has brown upperparts and head and no white neck patches, rump or belly. Instead these areas are streaked dark brown on paler brown, the only white being the scapular patch on the wings and even this often being buffy-white. The (European) Stonechat can often be seen perched on the tops of low bushes where, as its name suggests, it can be heard uttering a sharp loud call that sounds like stones being knocked together. The male's song is high and twittering like a Dunnock. The (European) Stonechat breeds in heathland, coastal dunes and rough grassland with scattered small shrubs and bramble, open gorse, tussocks or heather. It is a short-distance migrant or non-migratory, with part of the population, particularly from the north east of the range where winters are colder, moving to winter further south in Europe and north Africa. Date: 15th June 2021 Location: Old Lodge SWT reserve, High Weald, East Sussex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/crested-lark https://images.on-this.website/4752_13420300084ff545108cc93.jpgCrested Lark The Crested Lark is slightly larger and plumper than the Skylark and has a long spiky erectile crest. It is greyer than the Skylark and lacks the white wing and tail edges of that species. The body is mainly dark-streaked grey above and whitish below and in flight it shows reddish underwings The song is melodious and varied with mournful whistles and mimicry included. The Crested Lark breeds across most of temperate Eurasia from Portugal to northeast China and eastern India and in Africa south to Niger. It is non-migratory and the sedentary nature of this species is illustrated by the fact that it is only a very rare vagrant to the UK despite breeding as close as northern France. The Crested Lark is a common bird of dry open country and cultivation, nesting on the ground. Date: 26th April 2012 Location: steppes of Belén, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49278560.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4662387486499b483dfd51.jpgGrass Snake The Grass Snake is the UK’s largest terrestrial reptile reaching up to 6 feet in length although such large specimens are rare. Females are considerably larger than males and typically reach a size of 2 feet 11 inches to 3 feet 7 inches when fully grown whilst males are approximately 8 inches shorter. The Grass Snake is typically olive-green, brown or greyish in colour with a variable row of black bars along the sides, occasionally with smaller round markings along the back in double rows. The underside of the Grass Snake is off-white or yellowish with dark triangular or rectangular markings. A characteristic black and yellow collar is present behind the head. The Grass Snake is one of only 3 snakes to occur in the UK and it is distributed throughout lowland areas of England and Wales. It is almost absent from Scotland and is not found in Ireland at all which has no native snakes. The Grass Snake is an aquatic species that is usually closely associated with water where it preys almost entirely on amphibians, especially the Common Toad and the Common Frog, although they may also occasionally eat mammals and fish. It is a strong swimmer and is found in habitats featuring ponds, lakes, streams, marshes and ditches which provide access to sunshine for basking and plenty of shelter. The Grass Snake may also be found in open woodland, rough grassland, wet heathlands, gardens, parks and hedgerows. The Grass Snake, as with most reptiles, is at the mercy of the thermal environment and it needs to overwinter in areas which are not subject to freezing. Therefore it will typically spend the winter underground where the temperature is relatively stable. Date: 13th June 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43622991.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14315253276117cde20ba1a.jpgGreat Black-backed Gull The largest of the gulls, the Great Black-backed Gull is a dominating and opportunistic predator, scavenger and pirate that has been described as a “merciless tyrant” due to its aggressive feeding habits. The Great Black-backed Gull has a thick-set body with a large, yellow, red-tipped bill, strong legs and wide, webbed feet which have a delicate pink hue. The breast and head are snowy white and sit in stark contrast to the black back and wings. Young Great Black-backed Gulls undergo several plumage changes before taking on that of the adult. Juveniles are pale brown with heavy white mottling whilst immatures are also mottled but have a distinctive whitish head and breast but with a dark-tipped, pale bill The Great Black-backed Gull occurs along the coastlines of northern Europe and northern Russia as well as the east coast of north America and central America and it can be found in a variety of coastal habitats, including rocky and sandy coasts and estuaries as well as inland habitats such as lakes, ponds, fields and moorland. It breeds in areas free of or largely inaccessible to terrestrial predators such as vegetated islands, sand dunes, flat-topped stacks, building roofs and sometimes amongst bushes on salt-marsh islands. During the winter, the Great Black-backed Gull often travels far out to sea to feed. Date: 23rd June 2021 Location: Rhossili, Gower peninsula, Swansea http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50569840.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_199537464765ccb7b85f847.jpgGreenfinch The European Greenfinch, or simply the Greenfinch, is a small passerine bird in the finch. There are 10 recognised sub-species reflecting its widespread range, including the British Greenfinch found in the UK (except north Scotland) and Ireland and the Northern European Greenfinch found in north Scotland, north and central France and Scandinavia to west Siberia. The Greenfinch is similar in size and shape to a House Sparrow but it is mainly green with yellow in the wings and tail. The female and young birds are duller and have brown tones on the back. The bill is thick and conical. The song contains a lot of trilling twitters interspersed with wheezes and the male has a "butterfly" display flight. The Greenfinch is widespread throughout Europe, north Africa and south west Asia where it is mainly resident although some of the most northern populations migrate further south in autumn and winter. It has also been introduced into Australia, New Zealand, Uruguay and Argentina. The Greenfinch can be found around woodland edges, in farmland hedges and in gardens with relatively thick vegetation favoured for breeding. It can form large flocks outside the breeding season, sometimes mixing with other groups of finches and buntings. In the UK, the Greenfinch is widespread and relatively common (although a sharp decline in the population in recent years has been noted due to an outbreak of trichomonosis, a parasite-induced disease which prevents the birds from feeding properly) and it is only absent from upland areas without trees and bushes. The breeding season occurs in spring and early summer, commencing in the second half of March with the young fledging in early July. Incubation of the eggs is undertaken by the female and lasts about 13 to 14 days with the male feeding her at the nest during this period. The chicks are fed on insect larvae by both adults during the first few days and thereafter by a frequently regurgitated yellowish paste made of seeds. The chicks leave the nest about 13 days later but they are unable to fly. The Greenfinch usually produces 2 or 3 broods per year. The Greenfinch predominantly feeds on seeds but it will also take berries and nuts. Date: 1st January 2024 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801072.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_142836364264eda2a29dea6.jpgEssex Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Essex Skipper is a small butterfly with a darting flight. It has bright orange-brown wings which are held with the forewings angled above the hind wings. The males have a thin black scent brand line running through the centre of the forewing and parallel to the leading edge. The Small Skipper appears very similar but it lacks the black tips to the antenna and it has a longer scent brand which is angled to the edge of the forewing. Since the Essex Skipper and the Small Skipper closely resemble each other and are often found in the same company, the Essex Skipper has been overlooked both in terms of recording and ecological study and it was the last UK resident species to be described (in 1889). The Essex Skipper can be found in tall, dry grasslands in open sunny situations, especially roadside verges, woodland rides and acid grasslands as well as coastal marshes. The distribution of the Essex Skipper in the UK has more than doubled in the last few decades. It is a widespread species in southern and central England but not in the far south-west. Date: 8th July 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11328566.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13696962404e1d675cf02ca.jpgCoot The Coot is an all black bird with a distinctive white beak and “shield” above the beak from which earns it the title “bald”. Its feet have distinctive lobed flaps of skin on the toes which act instead of webs when swimming. It patters noisily over the water before taking off and can be very aggressive towards other birds. Coot can be found all the year round mainly on freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers and town park lakes. Sometimes they can be seen offshore, especially in winter if freshwater areas are frozen. They breed in areas of fairly shallow standing freshwater with a muddy bottom and plenty of vegetation at the sides, usually in lowland areas. Date: 2nd February 2008 Location: Northlands Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28886029.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_120781424657cc37e8741a5.jpgBlack Grouse The Black Grouse is a large game bird in the grouse family. The male has all black plumage with distinctive red wattles over the eyes and striking white stripes along each wing in flight. It has a lyre-shaped tail which is fanned out and raised to show white under-tail feathers when displaying. The female is smaller and grey-brown in colour. The Black Grouse is a sedentary species and breeds across northern Eurasia in moorland and bog areas near to mostly boreal woodland. Although it is declining, it is not considered to be vulnerable globally due to the large population and slow rate of decline. Its decline is due to loss of habitat, disturbance, predation by foxes, crows, etc., and small populations gradually dying out. In the UK, the Black Grouse are found in upland areas of Wales, the Pennines and most of Scotland, especially on farmland and moorland with nearby forestry or scattered trees. Habitat loss and overgrazing have resulted in severe population declines which make the Black Grouse a Red List species. Positive habitat management and re-introduction programmes are helping it to increase in some areas. The Black Grouse has a very distinctive and well-recorded courtship. At dawn in the spring, the males strut around in a traditional area (lek) and display whilst making a highly distinctive and bubbling mating call. Date: 12th May 2016 Location: Tuhu Soo, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo22527672.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6734237775422853f8ceaf.jpgBen Nevis, Highland Height: 4409 feet. Ben Nevis is a granite mountain rising to a height of 4409 feet to the east of Fort William and is the highest peak in the UK. The first recorded ascent of Ben Nevis was undertaken in 1771 by the botanist James Robertson. The ruins of a weather observatory which was manned between 1883 and 1904 can be found on the north east ridge of Ben Nevis Ben Nevis became popular with tourists following the opening of the West Highland Railway to Fort William in 1894 and in the following year the first Ben Nevis Hill Race was run. This event now takes place each year in September. A Peace Cairn was erected on Ben Nevis by Bert Bissell who made his 104th ascent of the mountain on his 90th birthday in 1992. In 2000 Ben Nevis was acquired by the John Muir Trust. Date: 10th September 2014 Location: view from the A861 road along the south shore of Loch Eil http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46510917.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2406675362c98d105f491.jpgBlack Grouse The Black Grouse is a large game bird in the grouse family. The male has all black plumage with distinctive red wattles over the eyes and striking white stripes along each wing in flight. It has a lyre-shaped tail which is fanned out and raised to show white under-tail feathers when displaying. The female is smaller and grey-brown in colour. The Black Grouse is a sedentary species and breeds across northern Eurasia in moorland and bog areas near to mostly boreal woodland. Although it is declining, it is not considered to be vulnerable globally due to the large population and slow rate of decline. Its decline is due to loss of habitat, disturbance, predation by foxes, crows, etc., and small populations gradually dying out. In the UK, the Black Grouse are found in upland areas of Wales, the Pennines and most of Scotland, especially on farmland and moorland with nearby forestry or scattered trees. Habitat loss and overgrazing have resulted in severe population declines which make the Black Grouse a Red List species. Positive habitat management and re-introduction programmes are helping it to increase in some areas. The Black Grouse has a very distinctive and well-recorded courtship. At dawn in the spring, the males strut around in a traditional area (lek) and display whilst making a highly distinctive and bubbling mating call. This photo was taken at a well known roadside lekking site. If visiting, please remain in your car to avoid disturbance to these vulnerable breeding birds. Date: 7th May 2022 Location: World's End, Denbighshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/great-white-egret https://images.on-this.website/4752_10878628574b1945c90d263.jpgGreat White Egret The Great White Egret is a large bird with all white plumage. Apart from size, the Great White Egret can be distinguished from other white egrets by its yellow bill and black legs and feet although the bill may become darker and the lower legs lighter in the breeding season. In breeding plumage, delicate ornamental feathers are borne on the back. It has a slow flight with its neck retracted. The Great White Egret is distributed across most of the tropical and warmer temperate regions of the world favouring all kinds of wetland habitats and it is a familiar species in southern Europe. Expanding populations in Europe mean that the Great White Egret is now seen more frequently in the UK and it can turn up in almost any part of the country with the majority of records in south east England and East Anglia. Date: 10th November 2009 Location: Delta de l’Ebre, Catalunya, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533189.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_84764656462ca7f22ebe3b.jpgSmall Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Small Skipper has a rusty orange colour to the wings, upper body and the tips of the antennae. The body is silvery white below and it has a wingspan of 25 to 30 mm. It is very similar in appearance to the Essex Skipper but the undersides of the tips of the antennae are yellow orange in the Small Skipper whereas they are black in the Essex Skipper. The Small Skipper is a common and widespread butterfly in most parts of England and has been expanding its range northwards. It can be found in rough grassland, roadside verges, edges of fields and woodland clearings where it is often seen basking on vegetation or making short buzzing flights among tall grass stems. Date: 22nd June 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080551.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_115546183663a448a6e9464.jpgPurple Sandpipers The Purple Sandpiper is a small wading shorebird. Adults have short yellow legs and a medium thin dark bill with a yellow base. The body is dark above with a slight purplish gloss and mainly white below. The breast is smeared with grey and the rump is black. The Purple Sandpiper breeds in the northern tundra and Arctic islands in Canada and coastal areas in Greenland and north west Europe and nests on the ground either elevated on rocks or in a lower damp location. The males makes several scrapes following which the female chooses one and lays 3 or 4 eggs. The male takes the major responsibility for incubation and tends the chicks. The Purple Sandpiper is migratory and moves to rocky ice-free Atlantic coasts in winter where it is fairly gregarious, forming small flocks and often associating with Turnstones. It is also relatively tame and approachable. In the UK, the Purple Sandpiper occurs in winter in good numbers, principally along the east and south coasts where it favours rocky shorelines adjacent to the sea. It is a very rare breeding bird and is found only in a localised area of the Cairngorms National Park where 1 to 3 pairs have bred since the 1970s. Date: 2nd December 2022 Location: Sheringham, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453906.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14193480264ff54507b3f77.jpgWhite Stork The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 26th April 2012 Location: steppes of Belén, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308855.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_150205102863ee37de06403.jpgCommon Pochard The Common Pochard is a medium-sized and stocky diving duck. The adult male has a long dark bill with a grey band, a red head and neck, a black breast, red eyes and a grey back. The adult female has a brown head and body and a narrower grey bill band. The triangular head shape is distinctive. The Common Pochard is superficially similar to the closely related Redhead and Canvasback found in north America. The Common Pochard breeds in marshes and on lakes in much of temperate and north Europe and in to Asia. It is migratory and spends the winter in the south and west of Europe. In the UK, the Common Pochard breeds in east England and lowland Scotland plus in small numbers in Northern Ireland. Large numbers from Russia and Scandinavia winter in the UK on lakes, reservoirs and gravel pits, often mixing with other diving ducks such as the Tufted Duck. In a number of countries, the Common Pochard is decreasing mainly due to habitat loss and hunting. It is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. The Common Pochard feeds mainly by diving or dabbling for aquatic plants, molluscs, aquatic insects and small fish. Date: 21st January 2022 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46535126.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_101039160462caa2a81de68.jpgGrass Snake The Grass Snake is the UK’s largest terrestrial reptile reaching up to 6 feet in length although such large specimens are rare. Females are considerably larger than males and typically reach a size of 2 feet 11 inches to 3 feet 7 inches when fully grown whilst males are approximately 8 inches shorter. The Grass Snake is typically olive-green, brown or greyish in colour with a variable row of black bars along the sides, occasionally with smaller round markings along the back in double rows. The underside of the Grass Snake is off-white or yellowish with dark triangular or rectangular markings. A characteristic black and yellow collar is present behind the head. The Grass Snake is one of only 3 snakes to occur in the UK and it is distributed throughout lowland areas of England and Wales. It is almost absent from Scotland and is not found in Ireland at all which has no native snakes. The Grass Snake is an aquatic species that is usually closely associated with water where it preys almost entirely on amphibians, especially the Common Toad and the Common Frog, although they may also occasionally eat mammals and fish. It is a strong swimmer and is found in habitats featuring ponds, lakes, streams, marshes and ditches which provide access to sunshine for basking and plenty of shelter. The Grass Snake may also be found in open woodland, rough grassland, wet heathlands, gardens, parks and hedgerows. The Grass Snake, as with most reptiles, is at the mercy of the thermal environment and it needs to overwinter in areas which are not subject to freezing. Therefore it will typically spend the winter underground where the temperature is relatively stable. Date: 3rd July 2022 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46534941.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_122875305462ca9c692be79.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 27th June 2022 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo1907554.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1711944674492311bf76ecb.jpgClaggain Bay, Islay, Argyll Claggain Bay is located on the east coast of the island of Islay and faces east towards the island of Gigha. Date: 3rd November 2008 Location: view from the south http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26540911.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14939777156ace8f1850ac.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 13th January 2016 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41389647.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3439915465f2694265550d.jpgSkrøytnes, Pasvikdalen, Troms og Finnmark, Norway The Skrøytnes area is located between Melkefoss and Svanvik in the Pasvik valley. It includes Skrøytnesmyra, a large and inaccessible bog, and Svanvannet and Lille Skogøy, a large lake and island overlooked by a bird tower. The whole area is excellent for breeding birds including divers, grebes, ducks, geese, waders and raptors. Date: 1st July 2019 Location: Svanvannet, Skrøytnes area, Pasvikdalen, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874897.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1305340555561cd23b13fb4.jpgGolden Plover The Golden Plover is a medium sized plover with a distinctive gold and black summer plumage. In winter the black is replaced by buff and white. It typically stands upright and runs in short bursts. The Golden Plover breeds on the ground in a dry open area on moorland, mountains and fells, tundra and marshland in northern Europe and western Asia. It is migratory and winters in western and southern Europe and in north Africa. Date: 6th June 2015 Location: gravel road to Snæfellsjökull, Snæfellsnes peninsula, west Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645400.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_80066390951e3cda193b97.jpgWhite Storks The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 19th May 2013 Location: Biebrza area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/painted-lady https://images.on-this.website/4752_14069334604f3e2fa4874e7.jpgPainted Lady Flight period: April to October. The Painted Lady is a highly migratory butterfly which can be found almost throughout the UK although its numbers vary greatly from year to year. It is thought that the entire population dies each winter and re-colonisation through immigration occurs each spring. As a migrant, they can be found almost anywhere but do prefer dry, open areas. Date: 26th August 2007 Location: Stow Maries Halt EWT reserve, Stow Maries, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46508897.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_115260542762c989d00b155.jpgStonechat The (European) Stonechat is a small passerine bird that was long considered a member of the thrush family although genetic evidence has now placed it and its relatives in the Old World flycatcher family. Two weakly defined sub-species differing in colour intensity are currently accepted: hibernans found in north west Europe in Atlantic coastal areas, south west Norway, the UK, Ireland and north west France and rubicola found in the south and east of its range from Denmark south west to Spain and north Morocco, east to Poland and Ukraine and south east to Turkey. The (European) Stonechat is slightly smaller than the Robin. Both sexes have distinctively short wings, shorter than those of the more migratory Whinchat and Siberian Stonechat. The summer male has black upperparts, a black head, an orange throat and breast and a white belly and vent. It also has a white half-collar on the sides of its neck, a small white scapular patch on the wings and a very small white patch on the rump often streaked with black. The female has brown upperparts and head and no white neck patches, rump or belly. Instead these areas are streaked dark brown on paler brown, the only white being the scapular patch on the wings and even this often being buffy-white. The (European) Stonechat can often be seen perched on the tops of low bushes where, as its name suggests, it can be heard uttering a sharp loud call that sounds like stones being knocked together. The male's song is high and twittering like a Dunnock. The (European) Stonechat breeds in heathland, coastal dunes and rough grassland with scattered small shrubs and bramble, open gorse, tussocks or heather. It is a short-distance migrant or non-migratory, with part of the population, particularly from the north east of the range where winters are colder, moving to winter further south in Europe and north Africa. Date: 7th May 2022 Location: World's End, Denbighshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45456917.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_856652927624ffdb926b2f.jpgRinged Plover The Ringed Plover is a small plover with a grey-brown back and wings, a white belly and a white breast with a single black neck band. It has a brown cap, a white forehead, a black mask around the eyes and a short orange and black bill. The legs are orange and only the outer two toes are slightly webbed. The juvenile Ringed Plover is duller than the adult in colour with an often incomplete grey-brown breast band, a dark bill and dull yellowish-grey legs. The Ringed Plover breeds on open ground on beaches or sandflats across northern Eurasia and in Arctic north east Canada. Some birds breed inland and in western Europe they nest as far south as northern France. It is migratory and winters in coastal areas south to Africa. Date: 9th November 2021 Location: Shoeburyness, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26541427.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_143210690656acec13d64d7.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 16th January 2016 Location: Caerlaverock WWT reserve, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4466073.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10566811864b8a247f37cdd.jpg http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9680332.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10602107974db7e11aab4d6.jpgYellow Wagtail The Yellow Wagtail is a small graceful yellow and green bird with a medium-length tail and slender black legs. Yellow Wagtails can be found from late March to September in lowland grassland and marshland habitat in central and eastern England, eastern Wales and southern Scotland. The Yellow Wagtail has been in decline since at least the 1980s, most likely due to loss of habitat for breeding and feeding, and it is therefore a Red List species. Date: 23rd April 2011 Location: Wallasea Island, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9681496.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2903513634db7ec1230c42.jpgAvocets The (Pied) Avocet is a large black and white wader in the avocet and stilt family. It is one of 4 species of avocet that make up the genus Recurvirostra. The genus name is from the Latin [i]recurvus[/i] meaning "curved backwards" and [i]rostrum[/i] meaning "bill". The Avocet is a striking white wader with bold black markings. Adults have white plumage except for a black cap and black patches in the wings and on the back. They have long, upturned bills and long, bluish legs. Males and females look alike whilst juveniles resemble the adult but with more greyish and sepia tones. The Avocet breeds in temperate Europe and western and central Asia. The breeding habitat is shallow lakes with brackish water and exposed bare mud where they build a nest on open ground in a lined scrape or on a mound of vegetation. The Avocet is a migratory species and most winter in Africa or southern Asia. Some remain to winter in the mildest parts of their range such as in southern Spain and southern England. The Avocet feeds on crustaceans and insects in shallow brackish water or on mud flats, often scything their bills from side to side in water (a feeding technique that is unique to the avocet species). The Avocet was extinct as a breeding species in the UK by 1840 but its successful recolonisation at Minsmere in Suffolk in 1947 led to its adoption as the logo of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Date: 25th April 2011 Location: Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46027921.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6468164976291eef6afc0f.jpgOystercatcher The Oystercatcher is a wader in the oystercatcher family. It is an obvious and noisy bird with black and white plumage, red legs and a strong broad red bill which is used for smashing or prising open molluscs such as mussels or for finding earthworms. Despite its name, oysters do not form a large part of its diet. The Oystercatcher is unmistakable in flight with white patches on the wings and tail with otherwise black upperparts and white underparts. Young birds are more brown, have a white neck collar and a duller bill. The call is a distinctive loud piping. The bill shape varies: Oystercatchers with broad bill tips open molluscs by prising them apart or hammering through the shell whereas birds with pointed bills dig up worms. Much of this is due to the wear resulting from feeding on their prey. Individual Oystercatchers specialise in one technique or the other which they learn from their parents. The Oystercatcher is the most widespread of the oystercatchers with 3 races breeding in western Europe, central Eurasia, Kamchatka, China, and the western coast of Korea. It is a migratory species over most of its range. The European population breeds mainly in northern Europe but in winter the birds can be found in north Africa and southern parts of Europe. Although the species is present all year in Ireland, the UK and the adjacent European coasts, there is still migratory movement within these populations. The Oystercatcher breeds on shingle and rocky beaches, sand dunes, salt marshes and on the grassy tops of small islands and also inland on shingle banks of rivers, lakes and gravel pits. Date: 21st May 2022 Location: EWT Two Tree Island, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31837549.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17360836925956250e3c5543.74414290.jpgLoch na Keal, Mull, Argyll Loch na Keal, meaning Loch of the Kyle or Loch of the Narrows, is the principal sea loch on the western coastline of the island of Mull. It extends for over 13 miles inland and almost cuts the island in half as it reaches a point only 3 miles from the east coast. Loch na Keal consists of a wide triangular shaped outer loch, separated from Loch Tuath to the north by the islands of Gometra and Ulva, leading into a narrow inner loch. The island of Staffa is at the mouth of the outer loch, the island of Inch Kenneth is in the outer loch and the island of Eorsa is in the inner loch. The outer loch northern coastline is made up of basaltic ridges and many rocks and islets with many different types of vegetation. The southern coastline, bounded by the Ardmeanach peninsula, has cliffs, land slips and substantial slopes that are covered in scree. The northern shore of the inner loch is steeply sloped with Killiechronan Wood to the east. The southern shore of the inner loch consists of cliffs and slopes leading to the Munro and extinct volcano of Ben More (3169 feet high) with Scarisdale Wood to the south east. Loch na Keal has no significant villages. Most of the small settlements are at the head (east end) of the loch where there is a small area of flat land where the River Bà flows into Loch na Keal from Loch Bà. These include Gruline, a small scattered settlement, primarily consisting of crofting and tourist homes. The closest larger village is Salen, located 2.5 miles north east across the isthmus from the head of the loch. Date: 25th June 2017 Location: view from southern shore at Killiechronan http://www.richardchewphotography.com/topoa-preov-region-slovakia https://images.on-this.website/4752_186359456659bd528a9d70c.jpgTopoľa, Prešov region, Slovakia Topoľa is a small village in the Prešov region of north east Slovakia. It is located in the buffer zone of the Poloniny National Park (Národný park Poloniny). The name of the village means poplar (topoli). In historical records the village was first mentioned in 1337. The Greek Catholic wooden church of Archangel Michael located on the hill above the village dates back as far as 1700. The Poloniny National Park (Národný park Poloniny) was created in October 1997 with a protected area of 115 square miles and a buffer zone of 42 square miles. The highest point of the national park lies at 3,963 feet at a point where the borders of Slovakia, Poland and Ukraine meet near the summit of Kremenec. The national park is the easternmost and the least populated area of Slovakia but there are many winter (cross-country skiing) and summer hiking trails. Besides the several mountain trails, there is also one connecting outstanding wooden churches from the 18th century at Topoľa, Uličské Krivé and Ruský Potok Date: 1st June 2017 Location: Topoľa, Prešov region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813336.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14483255535d0dddd0189ab.jpgCommon Sandpiper The Common Sandpiper is a small wader. The adult is 7.1 to 7.9 inches long with a 13 to 14 inches wingspan. It has greyish-brown upperparts, white underparts, short dark-yellowish legs and feet and a bill with a pale base and dark tip. In winter plumage, it is duller and has more conspicuous barring on the wings although this is still only visible at close range. Juveniles are more heavily barred above and have buff edges to the wing feathers. The Common Sandpiper habitually bobs up and down and it has a distinctive flight with stiff, bowed wings. Its presence is often betrayed by its three-note call which it gives as it flies off. The Common Sandpiper is widespread and common and breeds across most of temperate and sub-tropical Europe and Asia where it nests on the ground near freshwater. It migrates to Africa, south Asia and Australia in winter. In the UK, the Common Sandpiper breeds along fast-flowing upland streams and rivers and at the edges of lochs and lakes in Scotland, Wales and the north of England. Summer visitors arrive in March and April and leave the breeding grounds in July and August with the young following in September. During the spring and autumn passage migration, it can be found elsewhere in the UK, near lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers, ditches, coastal shores and estuaries. The Common Sandpiper forages by sight on the ground or in shallow water, picking up small food items such as insects, crustaceans and other invertebrates. Date: 7th June 2019 Location: Dulnain Bridge, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41255208.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21093888315f06f4c6347ed.jpgPine Grosbeak The Pine Grosbeak is a large member of the finch family. Adults have a long forked black tail, black wings with white wing bars and a large bill. Adult males have a rose-red head, back and rump. Adult females are olive-yellow on the head and rump and grey on the back and underparts. Young birds have a less contrasting plumage overall, appearing shaggy when they moult their colored head plumage. The Pine Grosbeak is a permanent resident through most of its range and can be found in coniferous woods in subarctic Fennoscandia and Siberia and across Alaska, the western mountains of the United States and Canada. In the extreme north or when food sources are scarce, they may migrate further south. It is a very rare vagrant to temperate Europe. The Pine Grosbeak forages in trees and bushes. It mainly eats seeds, buds, berries and insects. Outside of the nesting season, it often feeds in flocks. Date: 28th June 2019 Location: Neljan Tuulen Tupa near Kaamanen, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11481068.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20752504714e26999b3b3cd.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 17th May 2009 Location: Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13593660.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1099842594ec8daefc692b.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 10th November 2011 Location: Grasspoint, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11806186.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5420405524e3a786462f6e.jpgMarsh Frog The Marsh Frog is the largest European frog. It is very similar in appearance to the closely related Edible Frog and Pool Frog. These 3 species are often referred to as "green frogs" to distinguish them from the more terrestrial European species which are known as "brown frogs" (best exemplified by the Common Frog). Marsh Frogs show a large variation in colour and pattern, ranging from dark green to brown or grey. The Western European populations are generally dark green to black with dark spots on the back and sides and 3 clear green lines on the back. Females can reach a maximum length of around 6.5 inches but males are smaller at around 4.5 inches. The head is proportionally large and the hind legs are long which gives them excellent jumping abilities. The Marsh Frog is usually gregarious and diurnal and more tied to aquatic habitats than the Common Frog. It is tolerant of brackish conditions and typically it is found on or in the water of its favoured drainage channels and pools throughout the year. Marsh Frogs frequently sunbathe on the bank of the water body where they are often inconspicuous until disturbed when they will jump in to the water with a characteristic “plop”. They can often be seen on lily pads or floating at the surface amongst vegetation with only their heads exposed. During the breeding season (and sometimes beyond) the male Marsh Frog calls very loudly with a sound reminiscent of a loud chuckle which is often very raucous and can be heard all day and night. Dominant males establish territories from which they call. After mating a female may produce up to 16,000 eggs in a season, laying them in clumps of a few hundred in aquatic vegetation below the surface. They hatch in about a week, tadpoles being rather solitary and living in deep water with vegetation. Newly metamorphosed frogs are up to 1 inch in length and take 2 years to mature. The diet of the Marsh Frog consists of dragonflies and other insects, spiders, earthworms and slugs. Larger frogs also eat small rodents and sometimes smaller amphibians and fish. The Marsh Frog is not a native species of the UK. It was first introduced to Walland Marsh, Kent in 1935 and is now found in several areas of Kent and East Sussex. Other introductions exist, including colonies in London. Date: 31st July 2011 Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/wadden-zee-noord-holland-netherlands https://images.on-this.website/4752_7768324035e2044654335a.jpgWaddenzee, Friesland, Netherlands The Waddenzee is an inter-tidal zone in the south east area of the North Sea. It lies between the coast of north west continental Europe and the range of low-lying Frisian Islands, forming a shallow body of water with extensive tidal flats and wetlands. The Waddenzee stretches from Den Helder in the north west of the Netherlands, past the great river estuaries of Germany to its northern boundary at Skallingen in Denmark along a total coastline of around 310 miles and a total area of around 3900 square miles. Within the Netherlands it is separted from the IJsselmeer by the Afsluitdijk. Historically, these coastal regions were often subjected to large floods caused by storm tides, resulting in thousands of deaths including the Saint Marcellus' flood of 1219, Burchardi flood of 1634 and Christmas Flood of 1717. Some of these also significantly changed the coastline. Numerous dikes and causeways have been built and as a result recent floods have resulted in few or no fatalities (even if some dikes rarely and locally have been overrun in recent history). This makes the Waddenzee among the most human-altered habitats on the planet. The Waddenzee has a high biological diversity and is an important area for substantial numbers of breeding, migrating and wintering birds. The Netherlands, Denmark and Germany all have designated Ramsar sites in the region and although the Waddenzee is not yet designated as a trans-boundary Ramsar site, a great part of the Waddenzee is protected by the co-operation of all 3 countries. The governments of the Netherlands, Denmark and Germany have been working together since 1978 on the protection and conservation of the Waddenzee. Co-operation covers management, monitoring and research, as well as political matters. Furthermore, in 1982, a Joint Declaration on the Protection of the Waddenzee was agreed upon to co-ordinate activities and measures for the protection of the Waddenzee and in 1997 a Trilateral Wadden Sea Plan was adopted. In 1986, the Waddenzee was declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO. In June 2009, the Waddenzee was designated as a World Heritage site by UNESCO and the Danish part was added to the site in 2014. Date: 9th December 2019 Location: view from Holwerd, Friesland, Netherlands http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41424250.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14801963015f2aa8729d199.jpgVaranger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway The Varanger peninsula is situated in Troms og Finnmark in the extreme north east of Norway. With an area of 800 square miles, it is the largest area within the Arctic climate zone in mainland Norway and is bordered by Tanafjord to the west, Varangerfjord to the south and the Barents Sea to the north and east. The area has a rugged mountain terrain with altitudes up to 2077 feet and it has an Arctic tundra climate. The coast of the Varanger peninsula is an important area for breeding, migrating and wintering birds, especially some notable Arctic species. The Norwegian Directorate for Nature Management has a project on the Varanger peninsula to reintroduce and protect the Arctic Fox which is critically endangered on the Norwegian mainland. The Varangerhalvøya National Park (Norwegian: [I]Varangerhalvøya Nasjonalpark[/I]) lies to the west of road Fv341 and protects a majority of the land on the Varanger peninsula. The eastern part of the Varanger peninsula can be accessed from Vardø, via Svartnes, to Hamningberg. Hamningberg is an abandoned fishing village situated on the Varanger peninsula and on the shores of the Barents Sea. It’s only road connection is via the narrow and winding road Fv341 which runs for about 25 miles north from Svartnes. This is a very scenic road which follows the shores of the Barents Sea. It is considered to be one of the wildest and most memorable drives in Norway and passes through a bare and barren but awe-inspiring Arctic landscape. The road is closed during the winter months from October to late May. Traditionally a fishing village, Hamningberg is one of very few places in Troms og Finnmark that was not burnt and destroyed under Operation Nordlicht in 1944 and 1945, the German “scorched earth” retreat from Finnmark. It was depopulated and abandoned in 1964 although some of the houses are still in use as summer cottages. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: view from road Fv341 between Svartnes and Hamningberg, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308822.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_129944800463ee2f4bc2552.jpgMute Swan The Mute Swan is a species of swan native to much of Eurasia. Despite its Eurasian origin, its closest relatives are the Black Swan of Australia and the Black-necked Swan of south America, not the other Northern Hemisphere swans such as the Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan. The name “mute” derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. The adult Mute Swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob at the top of the beak. All Mute Swans are white at maturity although the feathers (particularly on the head and neck) are often stained orange-brown by iron and tannins in the water. Young birds (cygnets) are not the bright white colour of mature adults and their bill is dull greyish-black for the first year. The plumage may range from pure white to grey to buff with grey/buff being the most common. Cygnets typically retain their grey/buff feathers until they are at least 1 year old. On average, the Mute Swan is the second largest waterfowl species after the Trumpeter Swan although the male Mute Swan can easily match or even exceed a male Trumpeter Swan in mass. The adult Mute Swan typically ranges from 55 to 63 inches in length (although it can range in extreme cases from 49 to 67 inches) with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. Males (cobs) are larger than females (pens) and have a larger knob on their bill. The Mute Swan is one of the heaviest flying birds. In several studies from the UK, males were found to average from about 23.4 to 26.2 pounds, with a weight range of 20 to 32 pounds, while the slightly smaller females were found to average about 18.7 to 21.3 pounds, with a weight range of 17 to 23 pounds. The Mute Swan is less vocal than the noisy Bewick's Swan and Whooper Swan although it does make a variety of grunting, hoarse whistling and snorting noises, especially in communicating with their cygnets and threatening competitors or intruders trying to enter their territory. The most familiar sound associated with the Mute Swan is the vibrant throbbing of the wings in flight which is unique to the species and this can be heard from a range of up to 1 mile. The Mute Swan is found naturally mainly in the temperate areas of Europe across west Asia and as far east as Primorsky Krai in the far east of Russia. It is partially migratory throughout the northern latitudes in Europe and Asia as far south as north Africa and the Mediterranean. It is also often kept in captivity outside its natural range as a decoration for parks and ponds and escapes have occurred. The descendants of such birds have become naturalised in east USA and the Great Lakes region across the USA and Canada border. The Mute Swan population in the UK has increased recently probably due to better protection of this species. Some birds are resident all year whilst others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into east England. Mute Swans nest on large mounds that they build with waterside vegetation in shallow water on islands in the middle or at the very edge of a lake. It is a monogamous species and often reuses the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Males and females share the care of the nest. The female lays from 4 to 10 eggs and broods for around 36 days. Cygnets are unable to fly before an age of 120 to 150 days and this limits the distribution of the species in the northern edge of its range since the cygnets must learn to fly before the water freezes. The Mute Swan is usually strongly territorial with just a single pair on smaller lakes although in a few locations where a large area of suitable feeding habitat is found they can be colonial. The largest colonies can hold over 100 pairs such as that at the colony at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset in the UK. Non-mated juveniles up to 3 to 4 years old commonly form larger flocks often at regular traditional sites and these can total several hundred birds. The Mute Swan can be very aggressive in defence of its nest and it is highly protective of its mate and offspring. Most defensive attacks from a Mute Swan begin with a loud hiss and, if this is not sufficient to drive off the predator, are followed by a physical attack. It attacks by smashing at its enemy with bony spurs in the wings accompanied by biting with its large bill. Smaller waterbirds such as ducks are normally grabbed with the bill and dragged or thrown clear. Large waterfowl, such as the Canada Goose, more likely out of competition than in response to potential predation, may be aggressively driven off. The wings of the Mute Swan are very powerful although not strong enough to break an adult man's leg as has been claimed anecdotally. The Mute Swan feeds on a wide range of vegetation, both submerged aquatic plants which they reach with their long necks and by grazing on land. The food commonly includes agricultural crop plants such as oilseed rape and wheat and feeding flocks in the winter may cause significant crop damage, often as much through trampling with their large webbed feet as through direct consumption. Date: 17th January 2023 Location: EWT Langdon Conservation Centre, Dunton, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49002076.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17907672956468e782aff27.jpgChiffchaff The (Common) Chiffchaff is a common and widespread leaf warbler which is named onomatopoeically for its simple and repetitive chiff-chaff song. The British naturalist Gilbert White was one of the first people to separate the similar looking Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler and Wood Warbler by their songs, as detailed in 1789 in “The Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne. The Chiffchaff is a small, dumpy, 4 inch long leaf warbler. The spring adult has brown-washed dull green upperparts, off-white underparts becoming yellowish on the flanks and a short whitish supercilium. It has dark legs, a fine dark bill and short primary projection (extension of the flight feathers beyond the folded wing). As the plumage wears, it gets duller and browner and the yellow on the flanks tends to be lost and after the breeding season there is a prolonged complete moult before migration. After moulting, both the adult and the juvenile have brighter and greener upperparts and a paler supercilium. When not singing, the Chiffchaff can be difficult to distinguish from other leaf warblers with greenish upperparts and whitish underparts, particularly the Willow Warbler. However, that species has a longer primary projection, a sleeker, brighter appearance and generally pale legs. The Chiffchaff breeds across Europe and Asia east to eastern Siberia and north to about 70°N, with isolated populations in north west Africa, north and west Turkey and north west Iran. It is a migratory species but one of the first passerine birds to return to its breeding areas in the spring and amongst the last to leave in late autumn. When breeding, the Chiffchaff is a bird of open woodlands with some taller trees and ground cover for nesting purposes. In winter, the Chiffchaff uses a wider range of habitats and is not so dependent on trees and is often found near water. There is an increasing tendency to winter in western Europe well north of the traditional areas, especially in coastal south England and the mild urban microclimate of London. The male Chiffchaff returns to its breeding territory 2 or 3 weeks before the female and immediately starts singing to establish ownership and attract a female. When a female is located, the male will use a slow butterfly-like flight as part of the courtship ritual but, once a pair-bond has been established, other females will be driven from the territory. The male has little involvement in the nesting process other than defending the territory. The female's nest is built on or near the ground in a concealed site in brambles, nettles or other dense low vegetation. The domed nest has a side entrance and is constructed from coarse plant material such as dead leaves and grass with finer material used on the interior before the addition of a lining of feathers. The clutch is 2 to 7 (normally 5 or 6) cream-coloured eggs which are incubated by the female for 13 to 14 days before hatching as naked, blind chicks. The female broods and feeds the chicks for another 14 to 15 days until they fledge. The male rarely participates in feeding although this sometimes occurs, especially when bad weather limits insect supplies or if the female disappears. After fledging, the young stay in the vicinity of the nest for 3 to 4 weeks where they are fed by and roost with the female. In the north of the range there is only time to raise one brood due to the short summer but a second brood is common in central and southern areas. Like most leaf warblers, the Chiffchaff is insectivorous and moves restlessly though foliage or briefly hovering. It has been recorded as taking insects, mainly flies, from more than 50 families, along with other small and medium-sized invertebrates. It will also take the eggs and larvae of butterflies and moths. The Chiffchaff has been estimated to require about one third of its weight in insects daily and it feeds almost continuously in the autumn to put on extra fat as fuel for its long migration flight. As with most small birds, mortality in the first year of life is high but adults aged 3 to 4 years are regularly recorded and the record is more than 7 years. Eggs, chicks and fledglings are taken by Stoats, Weasels and crows such as the Magpie and adults are hunted by birds of prey, particularly the Sparrowhawk. The Chiffchaff is also susceptible to poor weather, particularly when migrating, but also on the breeding and wintering grounds. The main effect of humans on the Chiffchaff is indirect through woodland clearance which affects the habitat, predation by cats and collisions with windows, buildings and cars. Date: 8th April 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15454017.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10673332324ff54845a115e.jpgAzure-winged Magpie The Azure-winged Magpie is a member of the crow family, similar in overall shape to the European Magpie but is more slender with proportionately smaller legs and bill. It has a glossy black top to the head and a white throat. The underparts and the back are a light grey-fawn in colour with the wings and the feathers of the long tail are an azure blue. Azure-winged Magpies occurs in two population groups separated by a huge geographical region between. One population lives in western Europe, specifically the south western part of the Iberian Peninsula in Spain and Portugal. The other population occurs over a much larger region of eastern Asia in most of China, Korea, Japan and north into Mongolia. Azure-winged Magpies inhabit various types of coniferous (mainly pine) and broadleaf forest. They usually nest in loose, open colonies with a single nest in each tree and often find food as a family group or several groups making flocks of up to 70 birds. The largest groups congregate after the breeding season and throughout the winter months. Date: 1st May 2012 Location: El Acebuche, Coto Doñana, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9680340.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3932032844db7e130664f0.jpgNorthern Wheatear The Northern Wheatear or Wheatear is a small passerine bird that was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family but is now more generally considered to be an Old World flycatcher. It is the most widespread member of the Wheatear genus in Europe and Asia. The English name has nothing to do with wheat or ears but is probably derived from the Middle English [i]whit ers[/i] meaning "white arse" and referring to the prominent white rump of many Wheatear species The Northern Wheatear is larger than the European Robin at 5.7 to 6.3 inches in length. Both sexes have a white rump and tail with a black inverted T-pattern at the end of the tail. The summer plumaged male has grey upperparts, buff throat and black wings and face mask. In autumn it resembles the female apart from the black wings. The female is pale brown above and buff below with darker brown wings. The Northern Wheatear makes one of the longest migratory flights of any small bird, crossing ocean, ice and desert. It migrates from sub-Saharan Africa in spring to breed in open rocky country, tundra, moorland, heaths and pastures over a vast area of the Northern Hemisphere that includes northern and central Asia, Europe, Greenland, Alaska and parts of Canada. In autumn it returns to winter in central Africa. In the UK, the Northern Wheatear is a summer visitor and passage migrant arriving in early March and leaving in September. It breeds mainly in western and northern Britain and western Ireland although smaller numbers also breed in southern and eastern England. The Northern Wheatear is primarily an insectivorous bird and feeds mostly on beetles, ants, caterpillars, grasshoppers, flies, etc. It also eats spiders, centipedes and snails and berries in the autumn. Date: 23rd April 2011 Location: Wallasea Island, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/fulmars https://images.on-this.website/4752_18811571254e1ef896b4df0.jpgFulmars The Fulmar is almost gull-like but is a grey and white seabird that is related to the albatrosses. It flies low over the sea on stiff wings with shallow wing beats, gliding and banking to show its white under-parts and then grey upper-parts. At its breeding sites it will fly high up the cliff face riding the updraughts. Fulmars feed in flocks out at sea and defend their nests from intruders by spitting out a foul-smelling oil. Fulmars breed on coastal cliffs with suitable ledges and grassy slopes but will occasionally breed on buildings. Fulmars are best looked for at seabird colonies and are most abundant along the Scottish coastline especially in the Northern Isles. They are least common along the east, south and north-west coasts of England. Adults are present at the breeding colonies nearly all year although young birds leave in late summer. Away from the breeding colonies, Fulmars spend their whole time offshore at sea. Date: 24/05/05 Location: Castle of Burrian, Westray, Orkney http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41255240.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6084643345f06f55a8a6de.jpgPine Grosbeak The Pine Grosbeak is a large member of the finch family. Adults have a long forked black tail, black wings with white wing bars and a large bill. Adult males have a rose-red head, back and rump. Adult females are olive-yellow on the head and rump and grey on the back and underparts. Young birds have a less contrasting plumage overall, appearing shaggy when they moult their colored head plumage. The Pine Grosbeak is a permanent resident through most of its range and can be found in coniferous woods in subarctic Fennoscandia and Siberia and across Alaska, the western mountains of the United States and Canada. In the extreme north or when food sources are scarce, they may migrate further south. It is a very rare vagrant to temperate Europe. The Pine Grosbeak forages in trees and bushes. It mainly eats seeds, buds, berries and insects. Outside of the nesting season, it often feeds in flocks. Date: 28th June 2019 Location: Neljan Tuulen Tupa near Kaamanen, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37189207.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5824698135c2a08bbdaab6.jpgCommon Sandpiper The Common Sandpiper is a small wader. The adult is 7.1 to 7.9 inches long with a 13 to 14 inches wingspan. It has greyish-brown upperparts, white underparts, short dark-yellowish legs and feet and a bill with a pale base and dark tip. In winter plumage, it is duller and has more conspicuous barring on the wings although this is still only visible at close range. Juveniles are more heavily barred above and have buff edges to the wing feathers. The Common Sandpiper habitually bobs up and down and it has a distinctive flight with stiff, bowed wings. Its presence is often betrayed by its three-note call which it gives as it flies off. The Common Sandpiper is widespread and common and breeds across most of temperate and sub-tropical Europe and Asia where it nests on the ground near freshwater. It migrates to Africa, south Asia and Australia in winter. In the UK, the Common Sandpiper breeds along fast-flowing upland streams and rivers and at the edges of lochs and lakes in Scotland, Wales and the north of England. Summer visitors arrive in March and April and leave the breeding grounds in July and August with the young following in September. During the spring and autumn passage migration, it can be found elsewhere in the UK, near lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers, ditches, coastal shores and estuaries. The Common Sandpiper forages by sight on the ground or in shallow water, picking up small food items such as insects, crustaceans and other invertebrates. Date: 23rd June 2018 Location: Lochindorb, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874803.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_714434139561cce16e7cc3.jpgRed-throated Divers The Red-throated Diver is the smallest and lightest of the world's diver or loon species. Like all divers, it is long-bodied and short-necked and with its legs set far back on its body. The sexes are similar in appearance although males tend to be slightly larger and heavier than females. In breeding plumage, the adult has a dark grey head and neck with narrow black and white stripes on the back of the neck, a triangular red throat patch, white underparts and a dark grey-brown mantle. The non-breeding plumage is drabber with the chin, foreneck and much of the face white, the top of the head and back of the neck grey and considerable white speckling on the dark mantle. The bill is thin, straight and sharp and the bird often holds it at an uptilted angle. In flight, the Red-throated Diver has a distinctive profile. Its small feet do not project far past the end of its body, its head and neck droop below the horizontal (giving the flying bird a distinctly hunchbacked shape) and its thin wings are angled back. It has a quicker, deeper wing beat than other divers. The Red-throated Diver has a large global population and a significant global range but some populations are declining. Oil spills, habitat degradation, pollution and fishing nets are among the major threats and natural predators, such as various gull species and both red and Arctic foxes, will take eggs and young. The Red-throated Diver breeds primarily in the Arctic regions of northern Eurasia and north America and it winters in northern coastal waters, sometimes in groups of considerable size. Unlike other divers, it regularly uses very small freshwater lakes as breeding sites. In Europe, it breeds in Iceland, northern Scotland, Scandinavia and northern Russia and it winters along the coast as far south as parts of Spain. Date: 7th June 2015 Location: east of Ólafsvík, Snæfellsnes peninsula, west Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12081960.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18954423664e48e99f766b5.jpgCommon Seal Common Seals feed at sea but regularly haul out on to rocky shores or inter-tidal sandbanks to rest, to give birth and to suckle their pups. The most important haul-out areas are around the coast of Scotland, particularly in the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland, and on the east coast of England in the Wash. Date: 7th September 2005 Location: Blakeney Point, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/bamburgh-castle-northumberland https://images.on-this.website/4752_201860641153da09dc28c44.jpgBamburgh Castle, Northumberland Bamburgh Castle is located on the coast at Bamburgh in Northumberland. Sprawling dramatically across nine acres of land, high on a volcanic dolerite outcrop above the coastline, Bamburgh is one of the largest inhabited castles in the country. The location was previously home to a fort of the native Britons known as Din Guarie and may have been the capital of the British kingdom of the region from the realm's foundation in c.420 until 547, the year of the first written reference to the castle. The Vikings destroyed the original fortification in 993. The oldest part of structure that can be seen now (the Keep) was built in 1164. Throughout the centuries Bamburgh Castle was attacked many times over by the Scots and in 1464 during the War of the Roses it became the first Castle to be defeated by artillery attack. Over the centuries in the 1700's and 1800's the Castle fell into a state of disrepair before being bought in 1894 by the Victorian industrialist Lord Armstrong who completed the restoration. The Castle is still occupied by the Armstrong family to this day and they allow visitors to experience this wonderful Castle's character and amazing history. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: view from the boat from Seahouses Harbour http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7439538.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19525762834cd5711e57820.jpgGriffon Vulture The Griffon Vulture is a typical Old World vulture in appearance with a white bald head, very broad wings and short tail feathers. It has a white neck ruff and yellow bill. The buff body and wing coverts contrast with the dark flight feathers. They are very large birds around 37 to 43 inches long with a 91 to 106 inches wingspan. Like other vultures, the Griffon Vulture is a scavenger, feeding mostly from carcasses of dead animals which it finds by soaring over open areas, often moving in flocks. The population is mostly resident in its breeding range in the mountains of southern Europe, north Africa, and Asia. In Spain, there are tens of thousands of birds from a low of a few thousand around 1980 although the Pyrenees population has apparently been affected by an EU ruling that due to danger of BSE transmission, no carcasses must be left on the fields for the time being. Although the Griffon Vulture does not normally attack larger living prey, there are reports of Spanish Griffon Vultures killing weak, young or unhealthy living animals as they do not find enough carrion to eat. Date: 7th September 2010 Location: Sierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain - road to La Lancha and Embalse del Jándula http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833212.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1236830418559ce85b53ab4.jpgCommon Wall Lizard The Common (European) Wall Lizard is a small, thin lizard which can grow to about 7.9 inches in total length and whose small scales are highly variable in colour and pattern. Its colouration is generally brownish or greyish and may occasionally be tinged with green. In some individuals, the row of spots along their backs may form a line whilst others may have a reticulated pattern with dark spots on the side and scattered white spots that can be blue in the shoulder region. The tail is brown, grey or rust in colour and may also have light bars on the sides. The belly region has six rows of larger rectangular scales that are generally reddish, pink or orangish. There may also be dark markings on the throat. The Common Wall Lizard has 6 distinct morphological forms which are identified by the colouration of its throat and underbelly. The Common Wall Lizard can be found in rocky environments, including urban settings, where it can scurry between rock, rubble, debris and buildings. Its natural range spans mainland Europe but it also occurs as an introduced species in southern UK and north America. Date: 14th May 2015 Location: Great Prespa Lake (Megali Prespa), West Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847567.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_182015913359bd52e625e3d.jpgWhite Storks The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 1st June 2017 Location: near Zemplinska reservoir, Košice region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo20140112.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_162055430552c002a4919a1.jpgWhooper Swans The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 9th December 2013 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21893083.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_173401812553d1039c4306e.jpgOystercatcher The Oystercatcher is a wader in the oystercatcher family. It is an obvious and noisy bird with black and white plumage, red legs and a strong broad red bill which is used for smashing or prising open molluscs such as mussels or for finding earthworms. Despite its name, oysters do not form a large part of its diet. The Oystercatcher is unmistakable in flight with white patches on the wings and tail with otherwise black upperparts and white underparts. Young birds are more brown, have a white neck collar and a duller bill. The call is a distinctive loud piping. The bill shape varies: Oystercatchers with broad bill tips open molluscs by prising them apart or hammering through the shell whereas birds with pointed bills dig up worms. Much of this is due to the wear resulting from feeding on their prey. Individual Oystercatchers specialise in one technique or the other which they learn from their parents. The Oystercatcher is the most widespread of the oystercatchers with 3 races breeding in western Europe, central Eurasia, Kamchatka, China, and the western coast of Korea. It is a migratory species over most of its range. The European population breeds mainly in northern Europe but in winter the birds can be found in north Africa and southern parts of Europe. Although the species is present all year in Ireland, the UK and the adjacent European coasts, there is still migratory movement within these populations. In winter, large flocks can be seen on major estuaries in the UK. The Oystercatcher breeds on shingle and rocky beaches, sand dunes, salt marshes and on the grassy tops of small islands and also inland on shingle banks of rivers, lakes and gravel pits Date: 18th June 2014 Location: Loch Fleet, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874860.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1599380716561cd0391d282.jpgGullfoss, south Iceland Gullfoss (Icelandic: "Golden Falls") is a waterfall located in the canyon of the Hvítá river in south west Iceland. The wide Hvítá river rushes southward from the Hvítávatn glacier lake at the Lángjökull glacier about 25 miles north of Gullfoss. Less than a mile above Gullfoss the river turns sharply to the right and flows down into a wide curved three-step "staircase" and then abruptly plunges in 2 stages (36 feet and 69 feet) into a crevice 105 feet deep. The crevice, about 66 feet wide and 1.5 miles in length, extends perpendicular to the flow of the river. The average amount of water running over Gullfoss is 260 to 460 cubic feet per second but the highest flood measured was 6500 cubic feet per second. During the first half of the 20th century and some years into the late 20th century, there was much speculation about using Gullfoss to generate electricity. During this period, Gullfoss was rented indirectly by its owners to foreign investors. However, the investors' attempts were unsuccessful and Gullfoss was later sold to the state of Iceland and is now protected. Gullfoss is popular with tourists and, together with the Haukadalur geothermal area, usually referred to as Geysir, and Þingvellir, it is part of a group of the most famous sights of Iceland known as the "Golden Circle". Date: 7th June 2015 Location: view from the trail from the visitor centre at Gullfoss http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082278.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1370608065d307ba1552fe.jpgSpotted Flycatcher The Spotted Flycatcher is a small passerine bird in the Old World flycatcher family. It is an undistinguished looking bird with long wings and tail. The adults have dull grey-brown upperparts and off-white underparts and a streaked crown, throat and breast. The legs are short and black and the bill is black and has the broad but pointed shape typical of aerial insectivores. The sexes are similar. Juveniles have ochre-buff spots above and scaly brown spots below. The Spotted Flycatcher breeds in most of Europe and west Asia where it can be found in deciduous woodlands, parks and gardens, with a preference for open areas amongst trees. It builds an open nest in a suitable recess, often against a wall, and it will readily adapt to an open-fronted nest box. The Spotted Flycatcher is migratory and winters in Africa and south west Asia. It is declining in parts of its range. The Spotted Flycatcher is a declining summer visitor to the UK and can be seen from late April or early May to September. It can be found throughout the UK but it is now very scarce in many areas. Recent dramatic population declines make the Spotted Flycatcher a Red List species. The Spotted Flycatcher hunts from conspicuous perches, making sallies after passing flying insects and often returning to the same perch. The upright posture is characteristic. Date: 22nd May 2018 Location: Ropotamo Nature Reserve, Burgas Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623271.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10217352136117d9d8dad1b.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871701.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16957411404eff20d22939c.jpgReindeer The Reindeer, also known as the Caribou in North America, is a deer from the Arctic and sub Arctic, including both resident and migratory populations. Whilst it is overall widespread and numerous, some of its subspecies are rare or already extinct. The Reindeer is a widespread and numerous species in the northern Holarctic, being present in tundra (frozen arctic plain with lichens, mosses and dwarfed vegetation) and taiga (marshy pine forest) regions. Originally, the Reindeer was found in Scandinavia, eastern Europe, Russia, Mongolia, and northern China. In North America, it was found in Canada, Alaska and the northern USA from Washington to Maine. It also occurred naturally on Sakhalin, Greenland, and probably even in historical times in Ireland. Today, wild Reindeer have disappeared from many areas within this large historical range, especially from the southern parts where it has vanished almost everywhere. Large populations of wild Reindeer are still found in Norway, Finland, Siberia, Greenland, Alaska, and Canada. Wild Reindeer hunting and herding of semi-domesticated Reindeer (for meat, hides, antlers, milk and transportation) are important to several Arctic and Subarctic people. Domesticated Reindeer are mostly found in northern Fennoscandia and Russia with a herd of approximately 150-170 Reindeer also living around the Cairngorms region in Scotland. Reindeer vary considerably in colour and size. Both sexes grow antlers, though they are typically larger in males. Even far outside its range, the Reindeer is well known due to the myth, probably originating in early 19th century America, in which Santa Claus's sleigh is pulled by flying Reindeer, a popular element of Christmas. Date: 30th May 2009 Location: Inari to Utsjoki, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15454056.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15553102844ff5496b3c636.jpgSpoonbills The Spoonbill is an unmistakable wading bird. Breeding adults are all white except for dark legs, a black spoon-shaped bill with a yellow tip, a yellow breast patch and a crest. Non-breeders lack the crest and breast patch and immature birds have a pale bill and black tips to the primary flight feathers. Unlike herons, Spoonbills fly with their necks outstretched. Feeding birds swing their heads and sweep their bills from side to side through the water. The Spoonbill breeds from the UK and Spain in the west through to Japan and also in North Africa. In Europe, only the Netherlands, Spain, Austria, Hungary and Greece have sizeable populations. Birds from north west and south west Europe winter mainly in west Africa whilst those from south east Europe winter in the Mediterranean and north Africa. Eastern European and Turkish birds appear to move to north east Africa, the Middle East and India. The Spoonbill became extinct in the UK but sporadic breeding attempts in the early 21st century finally culminated with the formation of a colony at Holkham in Norfolk in 2010. The Spoonbill can be found in extensive shallow, wetlands with muddy, clay or fine sandy beds. They may inhabit any type of marsh, river, lake, flooded area and mangrove swamp, whether fresh, brackish or saline but especially those with islands for nesting or dense emergent vegetation such as reedbeds and scattered trees or shrubs. The Spoonbill may also frequent sheltered marine habitats during the winter such as deltas, estuaries, tidal creeks and coastal lagoons. Threats to the Eurasian Spoonbill include habitat destruction through drainage of wetlands and habitat degradation by pollution. Date: 2nd May 2012 Location: Trebujena marismas near Jerez de la Frontera, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15454047.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14730277324ff5493154796.jpgBlack-winged Stilt The Black-winged Stilt is a widely distributed very long-legged wader. They have long pink-red legs, a long thin black bill and are blackish above and white below with a white head and neck with a varying amount of black. Both in flight and at rest the long pink-red legs are characteristic and even if these are hidden in water of unknown depth, the pure white underparts and jet black upperparts are distinctive. The amount of dark feathering on the otherwise white head doesn't necessarily indicate the sex of a stilt although young birds always have smoky patterning on the head. The Black-winged Stilt can be found in central and southern Europe, central and southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Many birds migrate to south of the Sahara from August to November and return in March and April. However, many of those which breed in Iberia are now increasingly remaining throughout the year. The Black-winged Stilt breeds around shallow wetlands, especially coastal lagoons, saltpans and estuaries. The nest site is a bare spot on the ground near water and birds often nest in small groups, sometimes with Avocets. In Europe, the Black-winged Stilt is a regular spring overshoot vagrant north of its normal range, occasionally remaining to breed in northern European countries including the UK. Date: 2nd May 2012 Location: Salinas de Bonanza near Jerez de la Frontera, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41225587.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1547169795eda017610058.jpgCommon Whitethroat The Common Whitethroat is a common and widespread [I]Sylvia[/i] warbler. It is one of several [i]Sylvia[/i] species that has distinct male and female plumages. Both sexes are mainly brown above and buff below with chestnut fringes to the wings. The adult male has a grey head and a white throat. The female lacks the grey head and the throat is duller. The song is fast and scratchy with a scolding tone. The Common Whitethroat breeds throughout Europe and across much of temperate west Asia where it can be found in areas of open countryside and cultivation with bushes for nesting. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, Arabia and Pakistan. In the UK, it is a summer visitor from April to October and a passage migrant. It breeds widely throughout the country although avoids urban and mountainous areas. Like most warblers, the Common Whitethroat is insectivorous but it will also eat berries and other soft fruit. Date: 27th May 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49027079.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_133334961646b44e175b81.jpgLesser Whitethroat The Lesser Whitethroat is a typical warbler in the Sylvia genus. Unlike many warblers in its genus, the sexes are almost identical. It is a small bird with a grey back, whitish underparts, a grey head with a darker "bandit mask" through the eyes and a white throat. It is slightly smaller than the Common Whitethroat and lacks the chestnut wings and uniform head and face colour of that species. The Lesser Whitethroat can be hard to see and it is often only noticed when it gives its fast and rattling song or “tacking” alarm call. The Lesser Whitethroat is common and widespread and breeds in temperate Europe and in the west and central Palearctic. It is usually found in fairly open country with scattered trees and large bushes and scrub for nesting. It is strongly migratory and winters in Africa just south of the Sahara, Arabia and India. In the UK, the Lesser Whitethroat can be seen from mid-April to mid-October in England, Wales and south Scotland but it is absent from upland areas. Like most warblers, the Lesser Whitethroat is insectivorous but it will also take berries and other soft fruit to build up fat reserves before migration. Date: 11th May 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/hornya-barents-sea-troms-og https://images.on-this.website/4752_7928034515f326d8b0c2ea.jpgHornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Hornøya is a small uninhabited island lying in the Barents Sea in Troms og Finnmark in the extreme north east of Norway. It lies just east of the larger island of Vardøya where the town of Vardø is located. The island is the easternmost point of Norway. Vardø Lighthouse is situated at the highest point of the island, at an elevation of 213 feet above sea level, and it protects the shipping lanes around the town of Vardø. Daily boat trips run to Hornøya between 1st March and 1st September from Vardø harbour offering the chance to spend several hours on the island. The seabird colony at Hornøya hosts approximately 100,000 seabirds of up to 11 breeding species. The cliffs are dominated by Common Guillemot, Razorbill, Puffin and Kittiwake. Around 500 pairs of Brünnich´s Guillemots, an auk distributed across the polar and sub-polar regions of the Northern Hemisphere, breed between the Common Guillemots. During the seabird breeding season, visitors to Hornøya have a good chance of seeing White-tailed Eagle and Gyrfalcon hunting along the cliffs. In addition to the huge number of birds, Hornøya is also a good location to see Atlantic Grey Seals, Orcas and occasionally Belugas. Hornøya is open to the public but, due to its status as a nature reserve, visitors must stay within the designated areas during the breeding season and it is forbidden to pick plants or disturb the wildlife of the island. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hornøya boat, Hornøya, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28569488.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_190771574157a86e2bf3f74.jpgBlack-tailed Godwit The Black-tailed Godwit is a large, long-legged, long-billed shorebird with an orange head, neck and chest in its breeding plumage and a uniform brown-grey breast and upperparts in winter. During the breeding season, the bill has a yellowish or orange-pink base and dark tip but the base is pink in winter. The legs are dark grey, brown or black. The sexes are similar but in breeding plumage they can be separated by the male's brighter, more extensive orange breast, neck and head. In flight, the bold black and white wingbar and white rump can be seen readily. When on the ground the Black-tailed Godwit can be difficult to separate from the similar Bar-tailed Godwit but the Black-tailed Godwit's longer, straighter bill and longer legs are diagnostic. The Black-tailed Godwit’s breeding range stretches from Iceland through northern Europe and areas of central Asia where it can be found in fens, lake edges, damp meadows, moorlands and bogs. It winters in areas as diverse as the Indian Subcontinent, Australia, western Europe and west Africa where it can be found on estuaries and floods. It is also more likely to be found inland and on freshwater than the Bar-tailed Godwit. Date: 1st August 2016 Location: Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11639910.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16505420544e2fe25ed37e0.jpgBlack Grouse The Black Grouse is a large game bird in the grouse family. The male has all black plumage with distinctive red wattles over the eyes and striking white stripes along each wing in flight. It has a lyre-shaped tail which is fanned out and raised to show white under-tail feathers when displaying. The female is smaller and grey-brown in colour. The Black Grouse is a sedentary species and breeds across northern Eurasia in moorland and bog areas near to mostly boreal woodland. Although it is declining, it is not considered to be vulnerable globally due to the large population and slow rate of decline. Its decline is due to loss of habitat, disturbance, predation by foxes, crows, etc., and small populations gradually dying out. In the UK, the Black Grouse are found in upland areas of Wales, the Pennines and most of Scotland, especially on farmland and moorland with nearby forestry or scattered trees. Habitat loss and overgrazing have resulted in severe population declines which make the Black Grouse a Red List species. Positive habitat management and re-introduction programmes are helping it to increase in some areas. The Black Grouse has a very distinctive and well-recorded courtship. At dawn in the spring, the males strut around in a traditional area (lek) and display whilst making a highly distinctive and bubbling mating call. This photo was taken at a "lek" which included 8 males and 3 females. Date: 11th April 2009 Location: undisclosed site, Perthshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457627.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11814944668574edb8098.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46535114.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_177987528562caa28696f4f.jpgEdible Frog The Edible Frog is a species of frog found across Europe that is also known as the Common Water Frog and the Green Frog. The Edible Frog is one of the few animals in the world that is a fertile hybrid of 2 different species, as although similar but genetically different species are known to mate, it is very rare that their offspring will be able to breed. The Edible Frog is a fertile hybrid of 2 other European frogs, namely the Pool Frog and the Marsh Frog, that inter-bred when populations where isolated close to one another during the Ice Age. It was first described in 1758 and is known as the Edible Frog due to the fact that it is now seen as a culinary delicacy across Europe but especially in France where frog’s legs are often served as a national dish. The reason for humans favouring this frog over others is not really known but it may have something to do with their abundance. The Edible Frog is a medium sized frog growing to around 3.5 to 4.5 inches in length. Adults are mainly green in colour with light patches of brown on their backs, yellow eyes and a white underside covered in a few dark spots. There are number of distinct differences between males and females including the fact that males become much lighter and greener during the mating season. Males also have vocal sacs on the outside of their cheeks and extra skin patches on their feet, both of which are primarily used for mating. The Edible Frog is endemic to Europe and it naturally occurs across central Europe as far north as Germany and Estonia. Southern populations are found from Croatia, through northern Italy and into the south of France. There are also isolated populations in Sweden and Bulgaria which are thought to have migrated from the countries nearby. It has also been introduced to the UK. The Edible Frog spends all of its time either in or very close to water and it is most commonly found in calmer parts of rivers and streams where there is a slow but constant flow of fresh water. It tends to prefer more open areas and can also be commonly found around lakes, ponds and marshes. Unlike many other species of frog, the Edible Frog is a diurnal animal and is therefore most active during the day. This is when it is most likely to move away from the water so that it can find a better supply of food or move to a different part of the water if it needs to. The Edible Frog is a relatively solitary animal so there is less competition for food but males are often seen sitting together in groups during the breeding season when they are trying to out-compete each other to find a mate. The breeding season for the Edible Frog begins during March and generally lasts for around 2 months. Males sing by drawing air in and out of their vocal sacs to produce the highest-pitched sound possible since females are most attracted to the loudest males. After courting her in a lake, pond or swamp, the male lets the female lay up to 10,000 eggs in a sticky mass into the water before he fertilises them. Tadpoles can be as small as 0.2 inches long when they hatch and are a grey/brown colour. They then grow up to 2 to 3 inches in length before metamorphoses occurs and they leave the water as 0.75 inches long young frogs. The Edible Frog reaches sexual maturity at the age of 2 years and can live until it is 15 years old. The Edible Frog is a carnivorous amphibian but the tadpoles mainly eat vegetation although they are known to occasionally supplement their diet with aquatic micro-organisms. Adults eat small invertebrates such as insects, spiders and flies, which make up the majority of their diet, along with larger aquatic animals like fish, newts and other frogs. The Edible Frog hunts for food during the day and can be seen catching food both in water and on land. The Edible Frog remains very still when it is sitting on the banks of its water habitat and this, along with its camouflage, makes it very difficult for predators to spot. Its eyes are positioned near the top of the head meaning that it can also see danger coming whilst the body is mainly hidden. Snakes, owls and water birds are the main predators of the Edible Frog. The Edible Frog will jump into the water and hide if it senses approaching danger and it will make a loud screeching sound if caught. Edible Frog populations are under threat from habitat destruction mainly caused by deforestation and water pollution. Date: 3rd July 2022 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49277049.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_154597173364996cca2c3c3.jpgBarafundle Bay and Beach, Pembrokeshire Barafundle Bay and Beach is part of the National Trust Stackpole Estate and accessible only by a half mile walk from the nearest car park at Stackpole Quay. It is a stunning broad stretch of golden sand flanked by woodland, dunes and limestone headlands. After crossing Barafundle Beach, a path leads up through the woodland before emerging on the cliff-top path to Stackpole Head, a spectacular point where the sea has sculpted stacks, caves, arches, inlets and headlands and where Guillemots, Razorbills, Choughs, Ravens and Peregrines breed. Date: 9th June 2023 Location: view from Pembrokeshire Coast Path, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42524863.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4776970956098f73b282cf.jpgMoorhen The Moorhen is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird that is usually found near water. From a distance it looks black with a ragged white line along its body. However, closer up it is olive-brown on the back and the head and blue-grey underneath. It has a red bill with a yellow tip. The Moorhen can be found all year round almost anywhere where there is water. They breed in lowland areas particularly in central and eastern England but are scarce in northern Scotland and the uplands of Wales and northern England. UK breeding birds are residents and seldom travel far. Date: 27th March 2021 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512858.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_213650005362c9a4b3addd9.jpgFallow Deer Fallow Deer are native to the Mediterranean region of Europe and from Turkey to Iran but they have been introduced to nearly 40 countries including the UK by the Normans in the 11th century. They have since become the most widespread species of deer in the UK and typically can be found in deciduous woodland with open patches. Fallow Deer commonly gather in small herds of 4 to 5 but in good feeding areas groupings of up to 100 may gather. When competing for access to females, males display by groaning, thrashing their antlers and by walking alongside their opponent. Fighting occurs if both stags are evenly matched and involves wrestling and clashing of antlers. Fallow Deer have many colour varieties but they are typically fawn-coloured in the summer and reddish-brown in the winter. They have yellow-white undersides, white spots and a black line that runs along the back to the tip of the tail. The spots become less conspicuous or disappear in winter. Males have palmate (flattened) antlers. Date: 13th May 2022 Location: Knepp, West Sussex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17061284.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_94698016950e02ded3760b.jpgSnow Buntings Snow Buntings are large buntings with striking “snowy” plumages. Males in summer have all white heads and underparts contrasting with a black mantle and wing tips. Females are a more mottled above. In autumn and winter birds develop a sandy/buff wash to their plumage and males have more mottled upperparts. Snow Buntings breed in far northern Europe and migrate south in winter. They are a very scarce breeding species in the UK and can be found on the highest mountain peaks in Scotland where they nest in rocky crevices. Snow Buntings are best looked for in winter (from late September to early March) where they can sometimes be seen in large flocks on the seashore or on adjacent short rough grassland at coastal sites in Scotland and eastern England. Date: 26th December 2012 Location: Caister-on-Sea, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453984.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14200127364ff5473fe672d.jpgEuropean Bee-eater The European Bee-eater is an incredibly colourful bird with an unmistakable appearance. In breeding plumage, it has a rich chestnut crown that blends into gold on its back. The forehead is white, the throat is yellow bordered by black and the underparts are blue. The male European Bee-eater has a chestnut-coloured patch in the middle of the wing while in females this patch is usually smaller or even absent. Occasionally, females may also be distinguished from the males by having a green back. The wings and backs of juvenile European Bee-eaters are entirely green and the eyes are brown in contrast to the bright red eyes of adults. The European Bee-eater breeds in southern Europe and in parts of north Africa and western Asia. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, India and Sri Lanka. European Bee-eaters are occasionally seen in northern Europe (including the UK) as a spring overshoot north of its range with occasional breeding occurring. Just as the name suggests, the European Bee-eater predominantly eats insects, especially bees, wasps and hornets which are caught in the air by sorties from an open perch. Before eating its meal, a European Bee-eater removes the sting by repeatedly hitting the insect on a hard surface. Lizards and frogs are also taken. European Bee-eaters are gregarious, nesting colonially in sandy banks preferably near river shores and also feeding and roosting communally. Date: 30th April 2012 Location: south of Brozas, western Cáceres, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833626.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_928972171559ceed347fc3.jpgGreater Flamingo The Greater Flamingo is a largely pinkish-white bird but the wing coverts are red and the primary and secondary flight feathers are black. The bill is pink with a black tip and the legs are entirely pink. The Greater Flamingo is the most widespread species of the flamingo family and can be found in parts of Africa, southern Asia and southern Europe (including Spain, Sardinia, Albania, Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Portugal and the Camargue region of France). Some populations are short distance migrants, and records north of the breeding range are relatively frequent. However, given the species' popularity in captivity, whether these are truly wild individuals is a matter of some debate. Date: 12th May 2015 Location: Lake Kerkini, Central Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49001656.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14591107326468de6601171.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 15th March 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493304.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17773794225f326fba833e0.jpgShags The European Shag, Common Shag or simply Shag is a species of cormorant. It is 27 to 31 inches in length with a 37 to 43 inches wingspan. It is mainly black in colour but with a glossy green-tinged sheen in adults. It has a longish tail and a yellow throat-patch. Adults have a small recurved crest in the breeding season. It is distinguished from the Cormorant by its smaller size, lighter build, thinner and narrower bill, and, in breeding adults, by the crest and metallic green-tinged sheen. The Shag breeds around the rocky coasts of west and south Europe, north Africa and south west Asia, mainly wintering in its breeding range except for the northernmost birds. It nests on rocky ledges or in crevices or small caves and the nests are untidy heaps of rotting seaweed or twigs cemented together by the bird's own guano. The nesting season is long and begins in late February although some nests are not started until May or even later. The female lays 3 eggs and the chicks hatch without down and so they rely totally on their parents for warmth, often for a period of 2 months before they can fly. Fledging may occur at any time from early June to late August and exceptionally to mid-October. In the UK, the Shag breeds at coastal sites, mainly in the north and west of the country, and more than half of the population is found at fewer than 10 sites. It can be seen during the breeding season at the large Scottish colonies on Orkney, Shetland, the Inner Hebrides and in the Firth of Forth. Elsewhere it can be seen commonly around the coasts of Wales and south west England, especially in Devon and Cornwall. The Shag feeds in the sea and, unlike the Cormorant, it is rare inland. It is one of the deepest pursuit divers among the cormorant family and it has been shown to dive to at least 150 feet. When it dives, it jumps out of the water first to give extra impetus to the dive. The Shag forages for food on the sea bed and eats a wide range of fish although the commonest prey is the sand eel. It will travel long distances from its breeding and roosting sites in order to feed. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/hsavk-north-east-iceland https://images.on-this.website/4752_27765556056374fc601f54.jpgHúsavík, north east Iceland Húsavík is a town on the north east coast of Iceland and on the shores of Skjálfandi Flói. The most famous landmark of the town is the wooden church Húsavíkurkirkja built in 1907. The population of around 2000 derives its income primarily from fishing and tourism, the latter including whale-watching due to the several species of whales that can be seen in Skjálfandi Flói. The Húsavík Whale Museum is located in the town by the harbour. Húsavík is the main town and the obvious starting and ending point of the “Diamond Circle”, a magnificent circuit of about 160 miles which includes some of the most stunning sights and the most scenic landscapes in the whole country including Lake Mývatn, the Dettifoss waterfall and the Ásbyrgi canyon. Date: 3rd June 2015 Location: view looking towards Húsavík town and harbour http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52699009.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_54106017467b0c49050e68.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 2nd February 2025 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40952827.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2733317495e539363df8c1.jpgGreat Black-backed Gulls The largest of the gulls, the Great Black-backed Gull is a dominating and opportunistic predator, scavenger and pirate that has been described as a “merciless tyrant” due to its aggressive feeding habits. The Great Black-backed Gull has a thick-set body with a large, yellow, red-tipped bill, strong legs and wide, webbed feet which have a delicate pink hue. The breast and head are snowy white and sit in stark contrast to the black back and wings. Young Great Black-backed Gulls undergo several plumage changes before taking on that of the adult. Juveniles are pale brown with heavy white mottling whilst immatures are also mottled but have a distinctive whitish head and breast but with a dark-tipped, pale bill The Great Black-backed Gull occurs along the coastlines of northern Europe and northern Russia as well as the east coast of north America and central America and it can be found in a variety of coastal habitats, including rocky and sandy coasts and estuaries as well as inland habitats such as lakes, ponds, fields and moorland. It breeds in areas free of or largely inaccessible to terrestrial predators such as vegetated islands, sand dunes, flat-topped stacks, building roofs and sometimes amongst bushes on salt-marsh islands. During the winter, the Great Black-backed Gull often travels far out to sea to feed. Date: 31st January 2020 Location: Slade harbour, Hook peninsula, Co. Wexford, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41349646.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9139730855f200d9c8454d.jpgWoodpigeon The Woodpigeon is the UK's largest and commonest pigeon and is largely grey with a white neck patch and white wing patches which are clearly visible in flight. Although shy in the countryside, it can be tame and approachable in towns and cities. Its cooing call is a familiar sound in woodlands as is the loud clatter of its wings when it flies away. Woodpigeons can be found across the UK. In the countryside they breed on farmland with hedges, trees and copses and in towns and cities they breed in parks and gardens. In winter, Woodpigeons form large flocks on farmland fields. Date: 1st July 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405447.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12106909326586e0ac5fa6d.jpgGreen Sandpiper The Green Sandpiper is a small and slightly plump wader with a dark greenish-brown back and wings, greyish head and breast and otherwise white underparts. The back is spotted white to varying extents, being most noticeable in the breeding adult and less so in winter and young birds. The legs and short bill are both dark green. It is conspicuous and characteristically patterned in flight with the wings dark above and below and a brilliant white rump. In flight it has a characteristic 3 note whistle. The Green Sandpiper breeds across sub-arctic Europe and east across the Palearctic. It is a migratory bird, wintering in southern Europe, the Indian subcontinent, south east Asia and tropical Africa. The Green Sandpiper is very much a bird of freshwater habitats and it is often found in sites too restricted for other waders. It is not a gregarious species although sometimes small numbers congregate in suitable feeding areas. The Green Sandpiper feeds on small invertebrate items picked off the mud as it works steadily around the edges of its chosen lagoon, pond or ditch. The Green Sandpiper is widely distributed and not uncommon. It is not considered a threatened species by the IUCN on a global scale but it is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 9th October 2023 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7950452.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6899966554d03cffe8dc2c.jpgTurnstone The Turnstone has a mottled appearance with brown or chestnut and black upperparts, brown and white or black and white head pattern, white underparts and orange legs. Turnstones can be found around most of the UK coastline including rocky, sandy and muddy shores and particularly like feeding on seaweed covered rocks, seawalls and jetties. They are present for most of the year. Birds from Northern Europe pass through in July and August and again in spring and birds from Canada and Greenland arrive in August and September and remain until April and May. Non-breeding birds may stay throughout the summer. Date: 15th November 2010 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26008657.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15908686025635191543f76.jpgPtarmigan The (Rock) Ptarmigan is a medium-sized gamebird in the grouse family. The Ptarmigan is seasonally camouflaged with its feathers moulting from white in winter to brown in spring or summer. The breeding male has greyish upper parts with white wings and under parts. In winter, its plumage becomes completely white except for the black tail. The Ptarmigan is a sedentary species which breeds across Arctic and sub Arctic Eurasia and north America and Greenland on rocky mountainsides and tundra. Because of the remote habitat in which it lives, it has only a few predators (such as the Golden Eagle) and it can be surprisingly approachable. During the last Ice Age, the Ptarmigan was far more widespread in continental Europe. The Ptarmigan feeds primarily on birch and willow buds and catkins when available. It will also eat various seeds, leaves, flowers and berries of other plant species. Insects are eaten by the developing young. Date: 4th June 2015 Location: Lake Mývatn area, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46508902.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_178675929762c989de6c59a.jpgMeadow Pipit The Meadow Pipit is a widespread and often abundant small pipit. It is an undistinguished looking species, mainly brown above and buff below with darker streaking on most of its plumage. The tail is brown with narrow white outer side edges. It has a thin bill and pale pinkish-yellow legs. A simple repetitive song is given in a short song and parachute display flight. The Meadow Pipit breeds in much of north west Eurasia from south east Greenland and Iceland east to just east of the Ural Mountains in Russia and south to central France and Romania. It is migratory over most of its range, wintering in south Europe, north Africa and south west Asia, but it is resident all year round in west Europe although many birds move to the coast or lowlands in winter. The Meadow Pipit is primarily a species of open habitats, either uncultivated or low-intensity agriculture, such as pasture, bogs and moorland. It also occurs in low numbers in arable croplands and in winter it occurs on saltmarshes where it can be quite gregarious and gather in small flocks. The Meadow Pipit is an abundant species in the north of its range but it is less common further south. It can be found all year round across the UK but it is commonest in the upland areas of the west and north during the breeding season. In winter it moves south to more lowland areas and becomes much commoner in the southern half of the UK. The Meadow Pipit nests on the ground in dense vegetation and it is one of the most important nest hosts of the Cuckoo. The Meadow Pipit is a fairly terrestrial pipit usually feeding on the ground although it will use elevated perches such as shrubs, fence lines or electricity wires as vantage points to watch for predators. It feeds mainly on insects and other invertebrates but it also eats the seeds of grasses, sedges, rushes and heather and crowberry berries. Date: 7th May 2022 Location: World's End, Denbighshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30024916.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_539121377587a0a167437f.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 5th January 2017 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30825172.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_23138791558f342f909f144.19417926.jpgBrown Rat Brown Rats have coarse brown or occasionally black fur with a pale underside. They have a long tail which is sparsely haired. Although originally native to eastern Asia and Japan, Brown Rats are now distributed world-wide. They spread across the UK via the shipping traffic from foreign countries in the 18th century and largely replaced the Black Rat. They are highly adaptable and can be found all over the UK, except for exposed mountain regions and some small offshore islands, and live in loose colonies and home ranges of around 50 metres in diameter. Along with the House Mouse, the Brown Rat is considered to be the most widespread terrestrial mammal in the UK and they are subject to persistent pest control due to the damage they cause and the numerous diseases they spread. Brown Rats are omnivorous and have a very varied diet. They are typically nocturnal although they will sometimes forage for food during the day. They also swim well and are sometimes mistaken for Water Voles. Brown Rats live for around 18 months and breed throughout the year producing 5 litters of 8 young a year. Date: 8th April 2017 Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30825732.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_166497278258f349de490a52.64323087.jpgGadwall The Gadwall is one of the most common and widespread dabbling ducks. The breeding male is patterned grey with a black rear end, light chestnut wings and a brilliant white speculum which is obvious in flight or at rest. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female but retains the male wing pattern and is usually greyer above and has less orange on the bill. The female is light brown with plumage much like a female Mallard. It can be distinguished from that species by the dark orange-edged bill, smaller size, the white speculum and white belly. The Gadwall breeds in north Europe and Asia and central north America and appears to be expanding into eastern north America. It is a bird of open wetlands and lakes, wet grassland or marshes with dense fringing vegetation and it nests on the ground, often some distance from water. In the UK, the Gadwall is a scarce breeding bird on some lakes and gravel pits in the Midlands, south east England, eastern central Scotland, eastern Northern Ireland and south east Wales. In winter, numbers increase as birds migrate to spend the winter in the UK on gravel pits, lakes, reservoirs and coastal wetlands. Date: 9th April 2017 Location: EWT Blue House Farm, North Fambridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo47900599.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_179858125637364c8c5980.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 4th November 2022 Location: Bushy Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46830574.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_112200762062e8fad29fc54.jpgHornet Mimic Hoverfly At almost 2 cm long, the Hornet Mimic Hoverfly is the largest hoverfly species in the UK. As its name suggests, it is an excellent mimic of the Hornet, but is harmless to humans. The Hornet Mimic Hoverfly is mainly orange-yellow on the abdomen with dark bands and a dark brown thorax. It can be distinguished from the Hornet by its much larger eyes, broader body and the lack of a sting. Only a very rare visitor to the UK up to the 1940s, the Hornet Mimic Hoverfly has become more common in southern England in recent years and is still spreading northwards, perhaps as a result of climate change. It is particularly prevalent in urban areas. Date: 30th July 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645444.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_157251550851e3ce45b782c.jpgWhite Stork The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 20th May 2013 Location: Biebrza area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847515.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_153263420559bd521466750.jpgSlovak Paradise, Slovakia Slovak Paradise (Slovenský raj) is a mountain range in eastern Slovakia. It is a part of the Spiš-Gemer Karst, which in turn is a part of the Slovak Ore Mountains (Slovenské rudohorie), a major subdivision of the Western Carpathians. It is located between the towns of Spišská Nová Ves in the north and Dobšiná in the south. Slovak Paradise is a plain with high plateaus between 2625 feet and 3280 feet. The highest peak is Ondrejisko at 4167 feet. The area is mainly formed of karst limestone and dolomite. The karst plateaus show phenomena such as sinkholes and limestone pavements. Other typical features are canyons, gorges and ravines which form picturesque rocky scenes with waterfalls which were created mainly by the Hnilec and Hornád rivers and their tributaries. 80% of the area is covered with spruce forests. There are more than 200 caves and underground abysses. Among the caves, Dobšinská ľadová jaskyňa (Dobšinská Ice Cave) and Medvedia jaskyňa (Bear Cave) are the best known. Slovak Paradise is protected by Slovak Paradise National Park (Národný park Slovenský raj), one of the 9 national parks in Slovakia. It covers an area of 76.3 square miles with a surrounding buffer zone of 50 square miles. It is situated in the Banská Bystrica region, Prešov region and Košice Region. The highest peak is Predná hoľa at 5069 feet. Slovak Paradise National Park includes 11 National Nature Reserves and 8 Nature Reserves and around 185 miles of hiking trails, often equipped with ladders, chains and bridges. It also contains about 350 caves but only the Dobšinská ľadová jaskyňa (Dobšinská Ice Cave), a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000, is open to the public. The first protected reserve in the area of the Slovak Paradise was founded in 1890. The name Slovenský raj first appeared in 1921 in the "Krásy Slovenska" magazine and replaced many names used until that period. In August 1964 the first Protected Landscape Area in Slovakia was established in Slovak Paradise. The area was redesignated as Slovak Paradise National Park in January 1988. Since 2004, parts of the national park have been included in the Natura 2000 ecological network, the network of nature protection areas within the European Union. The best known tourist centres in Slovak Paradise National Park are Čingov, Podlesok, Dedinky and Kláštorisko. Date: 31st May 2017 Location: Podlesok, Slovak Paradise National Park, Košice region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081398.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_103930067863a71ac533ee5.jpgMoorhen The Moorhen is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird that is usually found near water. From a distance it looks black with a ragged white line along its body. However, closer up it is olive-brown on the back and the head and blue-grey underneath. It has a red bill with a yellow tip. The Moorhen can be found all year round almost anywhere where there is water. They breed in lowland areas particularly in central and eastern England but are scarce in northern Scotland and the uplands of Wales and northern England. UK breeding birds are residents and seldom travel far. Date: 12th January 2022 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4157473.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2704361194b2913d6c0958.jpgLapwing The Northern Lapwing, also known as the peewit, pewit, tuit or tew-it (imitative of its cry), Green Plover (emphasising the colour of the plumage) or (in the UK) just Lapwing (which refers to its peculiar, erratic way of flying), is a bird in the lapwing family. The Lapwing has rounded wings and a crest. It is also the shortest-legged of the lapwing species. It is mainly black and white but the back is tinted green. The male has a long crest and a black crown, throat and breast contrasting with an otherwise white face. Females and young birds have shorter crests and have less strongly marked heads but plumages are otherwise quite similar. The Lapwing is a vocal bird in the breeding season with constant calling as the crazed tumbling display flight is performed by the male. The typical contact call is a loud, shrill "pee-wit" from which they get their other name of peewit. The Lapwing is common through temperate Eurasia and breeds on cultivated land and other short vegetation habitats. The ground scrape nest and young are defended noisily and aggressively against all intruders. It is highly migratory over most of its extensive range, wintering further south as far as north Africa, north India, Pakistan and parts of China. It migrates mainly by day, often in large flocks. Lowland breeders in the westernmost areas of Europe are resident. In winter, it forms huge flocks on open land, particularly arable land and mud-flats. In the UK, the Lapwing has suffered a significant decline in the last 25 years and is an Amber List species because of the importance of its UK wintering population. It breeds on farmland throughout the UK, particularly in lowland areas of north England, the Borders and east Scotland, and prefers fields of spring sown cereals and root crops, permanent unimproved pasture, meadows and fallow fields but also wet grassland and marshes. During the winter, the Lapwing can be seen on flooded grassland, estuaries, coastal wetlands, short grassy fields and ploughed fields. In addition to the UK population, large numbers of north European birds arrive in the autumn for the winter. The Lapwing feeds primarily on insects and other small invertebrates. It often feeds in mixed flocks with Golden Plovers and Black-headed Gulls, the latter often robbing the plovers, but providing a degree of protection against predators. Date: 6th December 2009 Location: Elmley, Isle of Sheppey, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo20140136.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_113818564152c0033588c8e.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 9th December 2013 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9564616.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14048778214daec2fcbcdf4.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 3rd February 2009 Location: Northlands Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41424252.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5959506525f2aa87b59897.jpgVaranger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway The Varanger peninsula is situated in Troms og Finnmark in the extreme north east of Norway. With an area of 800 square miles, it is the largest area within the Arctic climate zone in mainland Norway and is bordered by Tanafjord to the west, Varangerfjord to the south and the Barents Sea to the north and east. The area has a rugged mountain terrain with altitudes up to 2077 feet and it has an Arctic tundra climate. The coast of the Varanger peninsula is an important area for breeding, migrating and wintering birds, especially some notable Arctic species. The Norwegian Directorate for Nature Management has a project on the Varanger peninsula to reintroduce and protect the Arctic Fox which is critically endangered on the Norwegian mainland. The Varangerhalvøya National Park (Norwegian: [I]Varangerhalvøya Nasjonalpark[/I]) lies to the west of road Fv341 and protects a majority of the land on the Varanger peninsula. The eastern part of the Varanger peninsula can be accessed from Vardø, via Svartnes, to Hamningberg. Hamningberg is an abandoned fishing village situated on the Varanger peninsula and on the shores of the Barents Sea. It’s only road connection is via the narrow and winding road Fv341 which runs for about 25 miles north from Svartnes. This is a very scenic road which follows the shores of the Barents Sea. It is considered to be one of the wildest and most memorable drives in Norway and passes through a bare and barren but awe-inspiring Arctic landscape. The road is closed during the winter months from October to late May. Traditionally a fishing village, Hamningberg is one of very few places in Troms og Finnmark that was not burnt and destroyed under Operation Nordlicht in 1944 and 1945, the German “scorched earth” retreat from Finnmark. It was depopulated and abandoned in 1964 although some of the houses are still in use as summer cottages. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: view from road Fv341 between Svartnes and Hamningberg, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/el-roco-coto-doana-andalucia https://images.on-this.website/4752_724290454ff547977157e.jpgLa Madre de las Marismas, El Rocío, Coto Doñana, Andalucia, Spain La Madre de las Marismas is the large, shallow lagoon and marshland area overlooked by the village of El Rocío on the north western edge of the Parque Nacional de Doñana. Water levels permitting, it can host huge numbers of birds including flamingos, herons and egrets, storks, other wading birds and ducks. Date: 1st May 2012 Location: view from El Rocío, Coto Doñana, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo2918202.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18030224814a4a63444d807.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a gentle looking, medium sized gull with a small yellow bill and a dark eye. It has a grey back and is white underneath. Its legs are short and black. In flight the black wing-tips show no white, unlike other gulls, and look as if they have been “dipped in ink”. The population is declining in some areas, perhaps due to a shortage of sand eels. Kittiwakes are strictly coastal gulls. In the breeding season, they can be found on rocky, steep sea-cliffs at the major seabird colonies around the UK from February until August. From August to October they can be seen flying past offshore and they spend the winter months out at sea. Date: 17th May 2009 Location: Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11947770.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16343059254e40fe26b080a.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 21st October 2007 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46534533.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_112558393762ca9866f3c5a.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 27th June 2022 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41249315.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_47153535f00b7f9ed9af.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 22nd June 2020 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41389699.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19584013025f2695e94964d.jpgKittiwakes The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 1st July 2019 Location: Vardø, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813330.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5534677635d0dddb84dddb.jpgOystercatcher The Oystercatcher is a wader in the oystercatcher family. It is an obvious and noisy bird with black and white plumage, red legs and a strong broad red bill which is used for smashing or prising open molluscs such as mussels or for finding earthworms. Despite its name, oysters do not form a large part of its diet. The Oystercatcher is unmistakable in flight with white patches on the wings and tail with otherwise black upperparts and white underparts. Young birds are more brown, have a white neck collar and a duller bill. The call is a distinctive loud piping. The bill shape varies: Oystercatchers with broad bill tips open molluscs by prising them apart or hammering through the shell whereas birds with pointed bills dig up worms. Much of this is due to the wear resulting from feeding on their prey. Individual Oystercatchers specialise in one technique or the other which they learn from their parents. The Oystercatcher is the most widespread of the oystercatchers with 3 races breeding in western Europe, central Eurasia, Kamchatka, China, and the western coast of Korea. It is a migratory species over most of its range. The European population breeds mainly in northern Europe but in winter the birds can be found in north Africa and southern parts of Europe. Although the species is present all year in Ireland, the UK and the adjacent European coasts, there is still migratory movement within these populations. The Oystercatcher breeds on shingle and rocky beaches, sand dunes, salt marshes and on the grassy tops of small islands and also inland on shingle banks of rivers, lakes and gravel pits. Date: 6th June 2018 Location: Glen Quaich, Perthshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41249292.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2462084935f00b7aacb08e.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 22nd June 2020 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/egyptian-geese https://images.on-this.website/4752_37806915357232f592ffd9.jpgEgyptian Geese The Egyptian Goose is native to Africa south of the Sahara and the Nile Valley. It was considered sacred by the ancient Egyptians and appeared in much of their artwork. It has been raised for food and extensively bred in parts of Africa since it was domesticated by the ancient Egyptians. The Egyptian Goose is believed to be most closely related to the shelducks and their relatives. However, in flight it looks heavy and more like a goose than a duck, hence the English name. The sexes of the Egyptian Goose are identical in plumage but the males average slightly larger. There is a fair amount of variation in plumage with some birds greyer and others browner. It has distinctive dark brown eye patches and contrasting white wing patches in flight. The Egyptian Goose breeds widely in Africa except in deserts and dense forests and it is locally abundant. It is found mostly in the Nile Valley and south of the Sahara. While not breeding, it sometimes makes longer migrations northwards into the arid regions of the Sahel. The Egyptian Goose has also been introduced elsewhere: the UK, the Netherlands, France and Germany have self-sustaining populations which are mostly derived from escaped ornamental birds. The UK population dates back to the 18th century although it was only formally added to the British list in 1971. In the UK it can be seen on ornamental ponds as well as on gravel pits and lowland lakes and wetlands. The north Norfolk coast and Norfolk Broads hold the highest numbers. The Egyptian Goose will nest in a large variety of situations, especially in holes in mature trees in parkland. The female builds the nest from reeds, leaves and grass, and both parents take turns incubating eggs. Egyptian Geese usually pair for life and both the male and female care for the offspring until they are old enough to care for themselves. Date: 23rd April 2016 Location: Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve, Sevenoaks, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33568447.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8792397705a106b9becc69.jpgLoch Don, Mull, Argyll Loch Don is located on the east coast of Mull to the south of Craignure where it forms a significant inlet of the Firth of Lorne. To the south of the mouth of Loch Don is the headland of Grass Point, with Gorten to the north, whilst at its head is the hamlet of Lochdon on the A849 Craignure to Fionnphort road. Loch Don itself is a tidal estuarine body of water that transforms the appearance of the village depending on the state of the tide. An unclassified road at the north end of the village passes several houses before running alongside the shores of Loch Don towards Gorsten where it ends. Date: 7th November 2017 Location: view from the unclassified road at Gorsten looking west across Loch Don towards Lochdon http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40952802.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19811488425e5392a5bc80e.jpgWexford Wildfowl Nature Reserve, Co. Wexford, Ireland Wexford Wildfowl Reserve is located on flat farmland on the North Slob which was walled off from Wexford Harbour and reclaimed from the sea in the 1840s partly as a famine relief project. Wet grassland and tillage, along with a brackish water drainage channel and reedbeds, form the main habitats which collectively make for an internationally important wetland and one of Ireland’s finest bird sites. Much of the area lies below sea level. Wexford Wildfowl Reserve is jointly owned and managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service and BirdWatch Ireland. First established in 1969 the reserve covers about 200 hectares, around 25% of the North Slob. Today, Wexford Wildfowl Reserve is part of the larger Wexford Slobs and Harbour Special Protected Area (SPA), a designated Ramsar Site, part of a Special Protection Area (SPA), a proposed National Heritage Area (NHA) and a National Nature Reserve. It is included within the EU network of nature protected areas called Natura 2000, the aim of which is to secure the long-term survival of Europe’s most threatened and vulnerable species and habitats. Wexford Wildfowl Reserve is renowned for the wide diversity and density of its birdlife. Over 250 species of birds have been recorded, many of them winter migrants from Greenland and Arctic Canada or from Scandinavia and Arctic Russia. Greater (Greenland) White-fronted Geese are the most numerous and important goose species and it is for them that Wexford Wildfowl Reserve was established. They breed on the western lowlands of Greenland during the summer and winter in Ireland and Scotland from October to early April. The North Slob holds about 8500 or 45% of the current world population of Greater (Greenland) White-fronted Goose during these months. The Greater (Greenland) White-fronted Geese are joined by wintering Bewick’s and Whooper Swans as well as Pale-bellied Brent Geese and a variety of other ducks and waders. The birds and other wildlife on the Reserve can be watched from an observation tower and 3 other hides and there is a Visitor Centre providing an exhibition and other information. Date: 30th January 2020 Location: Wexford Wildfowl Nature Reserve, Co. Wexford, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo16538240.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_101258275850827ede5bb2c.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 1st October 2012 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/skaw-unst-shetland https://images.on-this.website/4752_5706049924866c5340c038.jpgSkaw, Unst, Shetland Skaw is a tiny settlement on the island of Unst, Shetland. It is located north of Haroldswick on a peninsula in the north east corner of the island and is the most northerly settlement in the UK. The burn of Skaw flows from the uplands to the west through the small crofts that make up Skaw and then east into the Wick of Skaw, a bay of the North Sea. A sheltered sandy beach lines the coast of the Wick of Skaw. The unclassified road from the B9087 to Skaw is furthest north road in the UK road network. Date: 2nd June 2008 Location: view from Skaw http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39083080.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16300802415d307f41ad641.jpgEastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria The Rhodopes Mountains are a mountain range in south east Europe. They are spread over 5689 square miles of which 4723 square miles are located in south Bulgaria and the remainder in north Greece. The Rhodopes Mountains are about 149 miles long and about 62 to 75 miles wide with an average altitude of 2575 feet. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 7188 feet and is situated 12 miles to the west of Smolyan. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rhodopes Mountains gives its name to the terrestrial eco-region Rodope montane mixed forests that belong in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The area is particularly notable for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans plus its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms such as the Trigrad Gorge. The Rhodopes Mountains can be sub-divided in to 3 sections: The Western Rhodopes are spread over 66% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and they are higher, the most infrastructurally developed and the most visited part of the mountains. The highest and best known peaks are located in this section with more than 10 over 6562 feet high including the highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7188 feet). Some of the deepest river gorges in the Rhodopes Mountains are located in the west as well as several large lakes. The Eastern Rhodopes are spread over a territory of about 34% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and are much lower in height. The large artificial dams of Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets are located in this part of the mountains. Almost every species of European bird of prey nests in the Eastern Rhodopes including the rare Black Vulture and Egyptian Vulture. The Southern Rhodopes are the part of the mountain range that is located in Greece and they are characterized by numerous peaks of relatively low altitude. The Kardzhali reservoir is a reservoir formed by the Kardzhali dam located less than 0.5 miles to the west of the town of Kardzhali in the eastern Rhodopes Mountains. The dam was constructed between 1957 and 1963 and was commissioned in to service in the year of its completion. The reservoir is the second largest reservoir by volume in Bulgaria covering an area of almost 10 square miles when filled to its maximum capacity and is situated at 1065 feet above sea level. A hydro-electric power plant operates at the foot of the dam. Date: 26th May 2018 Location: Kardzhali reservoir, Eastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21959217.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_101346779653da6a19dc4f4.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Inner Farne, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32723060.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_183618236359ae6efe3dee50.95466559.jpgCorn Bunting The Corn Bunting is a rather non-descript stout and dumpy brown bird which is the largest of the bunting family. The Corn Bunting breeds across southern and central Europe, north Africa and Asia across to Kazahkstan. It is mainly resident but some birds from the colder regions of central Europe and Asia migrate southwards in winter. The Corn Bunting is a bird of open country with trees such as farmland and weedy wasteland. It has declined greatly in north west Europe due to intensive agricultural practices depriving it of its food supply of weed seeds and insects, the latter especially when feeding young. Date: 21st May 2017 Location: Borsodi-Mezoseg ("Little Hortobagy"), Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071502.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1539556737664323b3471ad.jpgReeves' Muntjac The Reeves' Muntjac, also known as the Chinese Muntjac, is a small, hump-backed deer species. It is named after British naturalist and employee of the East India Company, John Russell Reeves (1774 to 1856). Reeves came across them when he lived in China and sent specimens back to England. It is also called the “barking deer” due to its distinctive barking sound, although this name is also used for other Muntjac species. The barking sound is common during mating or when provoked. The Reeves' Muntjac grows to 1 foot 8 inches high at the shoulder and 3 feet 1 inches in length plus a short tail up to 4 inches long. It is reddish-brown in appearance with striped markings on its face. The belly is creamy-white with lighter fur extending to the neck, chin and the underside of the tail. The males have short antlers, usually 4 inches or less in length, and long upper canines or tusks, usually about 2 inches in length The Reeves' Muntjac is found widely in south east China (from Gansu to Yunnan) and Taiwan but it has also been introduced in Belgium, the Netherlands and Japan. In the UK, it was introduced to Woburn Park in Bedfordshire in 1894 by the then Duke of Bedford and was deliberately released into surrounding woodlands from 1901 onward. Releases, translocations and escapes from the 1930s onwards resulted in wide establishment in south east England and the population is still increasing and spreading across the UK where it can be found in deciduous woodland with a good understorey plus hedgerows, gardens, parks, conifer plantations, railway embankments, etc. Since the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it has been illegal to release the species except where it is already established. The Reeves' Muntjac is a solitary and crepuscular animal and both males and females defend small territories that they mark with preorbital gland secretions that are thought to be pheromonal in nature The Reeves' Muntjac feeds on herbs, blossoms, succulent shoots, fungi, berries, grasses and nuts and it has also been reported to eat tree bark. Eggs and carrion are eaten opportunistically. Date: 2nd May 2024 Location: Westleton Heath, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11481124.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8167157454e2699cc23e83.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 17th May 2009 Location: Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13683378.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6982985594ed737e199351.jpgBarn Owl With a heart shaped face, buff back and wings and pure white under-parts the Barn Owl is a distinctive and much-loved bird of the countryside. Barn Owls are widely distributed across the UK and can be seen all year round sometimes during the day but normally at dusk in open country and along field edges, riverbanks and roadside verges. Barn owls have suffered population declines over the past 50 years as a result of habitat degradation following increasing intensive agricultural practices. However, that decline has stopped in many areas and their population may now be increasing. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/loch-insh-highland https://images.on-this.website/4752_1328330757467f2304f2ea5.jpgLoch Insh, Highland Loch Insh is a freshwater loch in the Scottish Highlands located 7 miles south of Aviemore and 7 miles north of Kingussie. The nearest village to the loch is Kincraig. The River Spey rises in the Monadhliath Mountains and to the north east of Kingussie it flows in to Loch Insh and this and the adjacent Insh Marshes to the west are an important wildlife habitat. The eastern side of Loch Insh hosts watersports and other outdoor activities. Date: 15th May 2005 Location: view from the unclassified road running out of Kincraig along the eastern shore http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo22527637.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_50790641454228199bdd77.jpgSanna Bay, Ardnamurchan, Highland The small settlement of Sanna lies 6 miles north west of Kilchoan, close to the tip of the Ardnamurchan Peninsula. Sanna Bay lies between Sanna Point to the north and Ardnamurchan Point to the south and is dominated by impressive sand dunes, beautiful white shell sand bays and a stunning turquoise sea. It is one of the most beautiful beaches in Scotland. From Sanna Point there are superb views, extending from the islands of Eigg and Rhum to the north with Skye beyond, round to Ardnamurchan Point and its lighthouse to the south west and the island of Coll beyond that. The Western Isles can be seen to the north west but due west there is nothing but sea until the continent of North America is reached. Date: 9th September 2014 Location: view from Sanna Bay http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9579268.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4582367504db0097b69d89.jpgOystercatchers The Oystercatcher is a wader in the oystercatcher family. It is an obvious and noisy bird with black and white plumage, red legs and a strong broad red bill which is used for smashing or prising open molluscs such as mussels or for finding earthworms. Despite its name, oysters do not form a large part of its diet. The Oystercatcher is unmistakable in flight with white patches on the wings and tail with otherwise black upperparts and white underparts. Young birds are more brown, have a white neck collar and a duller bill. The call is a distinctive loud piping. The bill shape varies: Oystercatchers with broad bill tips open molluscs by prising them apart or hammering through the shell whereas birds with pointed bills dig up worms. Much of this is due to the wear resulting from feeding on their prey. Individual Oystercatchers specialise in one technique or the other which they learn from their parents. The Oystercatcher is the most widespread of the oystercatchers with 3 races breeding in western Europe, central Eurasia, Kamchatka, China, and the western coast of Korea. It is a migratory species over most of its range. The European population breeds mainly in northern Europe but in winter the birds can be found in north Africa and southern parts of Europe. Although the species is present all year in Ireland, the UK and the adjacent European coasts, there is still migratory movement within these populations. In winter, large flocks can be seen on major estuaries in the UK. The Oystercatcher breeds on shingle and rocky beaches, sand dunes, salt marshes and on the grassy tops of small islands and also inland on shingle banks of rivers, lakes and gravel pits. Date: 13th September 2007 Location: Snettisham, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo20140108.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15972105252c00287d86af.jpgWhooper Swans The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 9th December 2013 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081437.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_50858457863a842400a580.jpgCommon Crane The Common Crane is a large, stately bird and a medium-sized crane at 40 to 52 inches long with a 71 to 96 inches wingspan. At rest, the Common Crane is rather stork-like but with a big bushy tail, black wing plumes and a grey body and even from a great distance the white stripe through the black head is noticeable. In flight, the long neck, held outstretched and slightly drooping makes it quite different from the herons and the grey plumage eliminates both of the storks. The Common Crane flies in flocks in “V” formation making trumpeting calls. The Common Crane breeds in large areas of marsh and bog in northern parts of Europe and Asia and occurs in winter and on passage in open, often agricultural, areas close to large wetlands used for roosting. The global population is in the region of 210,000 to 250,000 with the vast majority nesting in Russia and Scandinavia. In the UK the Common Crane became extinct in the 17th century but a tiny population now breeds again at a few sites in east and west England. Flocks of Common Cranes in late spring can be watched performing their “dancing” displays. This usually involves opening their wings and leaping vertically into the air with the legs dangling. Once one bird starts this, others will join in and the whole performance can even be initiated by a human pretending to be a dancing crane. Once the birds are paired off they are more likely to perform different displays involving stretching their necks vertically and trumpeting. Common Cranes from Fennoscandia, the Baltic states and western Russia take the west European migration route to their wintering grounds. Over 100,000 birds use this flyway and over 70,000 winter in Spain (mainly Extremadura) with smaller numbers in south west France, Portugal and north Africa. Date: 9th January 2022 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/common-whitethroat https://images.on-this.website/4752_2618361254bfaac89bf3c3.jpgCommon Whitethroat The Common Whitethroat is a common and widespread [I]Sylvia[/i] warbler. It is one of several [i]Sylvia[/i] species that has distinct male and female plumages. Both sexes are mainly brown above and buff below with chestnut fringes to the wings. The adult male has a grey head and a white throat. The female lacks the grey head and the throat is duller. The song is fast and scratchy with a scolding tone. The Common Whitethroat breeds throughout Europe and across much of temperate west Asia where it can be found in areas of open countryside and cultivation with bushes for nesting. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, Arabia and Pakistan. In the UK, it is a summer visitor from April to October and a passage migrant. It breeds widely throughout the country although avoids urban and mountainous areas. Like most warblers, the Common Whitethroat is insectivorous but it will also eat berries and other soft fruit. Date: 23rd May 2010 Location: Lakenheath Fen, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833777.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_641780440559cf0f86886b.jpgCirl Bunting The Cirl Bunting is a member of the bunting family and is similar to a small Yellowhammer. The male has a bright yellow head with a black crown, eyestripe and throat, a greenish breast band across its otherwise yellow underparts and a heavily streaked brown back. The female is much more like a Yellowhammer but has a streaked grey-brown rump and chestnut shoulders. The Cirl Bunting breeds across southern Europe, on the Mediterranean islands and in north Africa. It is a resident of these warmer areas and does not migrate in winter. It is common in all sorts of open areas with some scrub or trees including farmland. It can tolerate a certain degree of urbanisation and can be found in green spaces in some towns and cities. Changes in agricultural practice have affected the Cirl Bunting very adversely at the northern fringes of its range and in England, where it once occurred over much of the south of the country, it is now restricted to south Devon and Cornwall. In the summer the Cirl Bunting’s natural food consists of invertebrates whilst in the winter it feeds on small seeds from over-wintered stubbles, fallow land, set-aside and the over-winter feeding of stock with grain or hay. It tends to feed in flocks during the winter. Date: 12th May 2015 Location: Mount Belles foothills, Ano Poroia, East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072248.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10800856304bf6d56706f65.jpgSiberian Jay The Siberian Jay is noticeably smaller, slighter and proportionately longer-tailed than the Jay with a much shorter and more pointed bill. It is the smallest and most delicate of the Western Palearctic crows and is rather drab brown-grey with rufous-chestnut near the wing-bend and on under wing coverts, rump and sides of tail which set the bird “on fire” in flight. The Siberian Jay is a widespread and highly sedentary resident in Fennoscandia and Russia with Europe accounting for less than half of its global range. It breeds across the higher latitudes of the Western Palearctic and is predominantly at all seasons a bird of coniferous forest, mainly dense stands of forest unmodified by man rather than open growth. The Siberian Jay contrasts with the Jay in a lack of fear of man, readily attaching itself to human travellers and their living quarters, but this has little effect on choice of habitat since its normal range is largely uninhabited by people. Date: 10th April 2010 Location: Neljan Tuulen Tupa near Kaamanen, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45949052.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6356966376284b3fbcd20e.jpgCoal Tit Not as colourful as some of its relatives, the Coal Tit has a distinctive grey back, black cap and white patch at the back of its neck. Its smaller, more slender bill than Blue or Great Tits means it can feed more successfully in conifers. Coal Tits can be seen all year round especially in coniferous woods, parks and gardens. They are a regular visitor to most peanut feeders where they will take and store food for eating later. In winter they join with other tits to form flocks which roam through woodlands and gardens in search of food. Date: 25th April 2022 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo583477.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_41591806046d95f9f1e617.jpgWasp Spider The Wasp Spider is common in Europe from the Mediterranean to as far north as Scandinavia but it was only first recorded in the UK at 1922 at Rye in Sussex. However, they have now spread northwards and become much more frequent in suitable habitat over the past 15 years due to the warmer climate. Female Wasp Spiders are 11-15mm and males are 4-4.5mm. The females are distinctively marked with a silvery thorax and black, yellow and white striped abdomen but the males are pale brown. Wasp Spiders live in long grass and low vegetation and, because the egg sac is made on grass leaves, they can only become established where grass is not regularly managed. Wasp spiders hunt flying insects and grasshoppers and build an orb web with a vertical zigzag pattern of silk in it called a stabilimentum. The purpose of the stabilimentum is unclear but it is thought that it helps attract insects. Date: 26th August 2007 Location: Stow Maries Halt EWT reserve, Stow Maries, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo3119873.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5502839174a6c3b977816c.jpgCommon Seals Common Seals feed at sea but regularly haul out on to rocky shores or inter-tidal sandbanks to rest, to give birth and to suckle their pups. The most important haul-out areas are around the coast of Scotland, particularly in the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland, and on the east coast of England in the Wash. Date: 13th July 2009 Location: Blakeney Point, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084886.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13572637865d308987c6d34.jpgPiatra Craiului Mountains, Brașov County, Romania The Piatra Craiului Mountains are a mountain range in the Southern Carpathians in central Romania. It forms a narrow and saw-like ridge which is about 16 miles long. Vârful La Om is the highest peak at 7343 feet. The ridge is regarded as one of the most impressive and beautiful sites in the Carpathian Mountians and the views both towards and from the mountains are superb. The whole range is included in the Piatra Craiului National Park. The first protection of this area started in 1938 when 2 square miles were declared as a nature reserve. This has been progressively extended and in 1990 it became a national park covering an area of 38 square miles. In 2003 the external limits and internal zoning were created. Since 1999 a park administration has existed with a visitor centre located on the minor road 0.6 miles west of Zărnești and since 2005 a management plan has been in place. Piatra Craiului National Park supports and protects an abundance and diversity of mammals (including Brown Bear, Wolf and Lynx), birds and plants. Zărneşti is the most important town for visiting the Piatra Craiului Mountains and the Piatra Craiului National Park. The town is located 17 miles south west of the city of Brașov. From Zărnești, a 7 mile long minor road runs west and ends at Cabana Plaiul Foii which is a good starting point for climbing the ridge. In addition, a forest road starts from the south west of Zărneşti which leads to the Zărneştilor Gorge and continues up to the ridge. The traditional villages of Măgura, Peştera, Ciocanu and Şirnea are starting points for routes up to the eastern slopes. Măgura, situated at 3281 feet, is one of Romania’s most picturesque villages and it provides stunning views towards the Bucegi Mountains and the Piatra Craiului Mountains. Date: 6th June 2018 Location: Piatra Craiului Mountains from the Zărnești to Cabana Plaiul Foii road, Brașov County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/eyjafjrur-north-iceland https://images.on-this.website/4752_91430902156350c5f417f4.jpgEyjafjörður, north east Iceland Eyjafjörður is the longest fjord in Iceland and is located in the central north of the country. Eyjafjörður is long and narrow and measures 37 miles from north to south. Its greatest width is 15.5 miles between Siglunes and Gjögurtá at the fjord's mouth but for the greater part of its length it is usually 3.5 to 6.5 miles wide. Two smaller fjords branch out of Eyjafjörður's west side, namely Ólafsfjörður and Héðinsfjörður. Eyjafjörður is surrounded by hills and mountains on both sides but the mountains are considerably taller on the west side in the mountain range of the Tröllaskagi peninsula. In the outer part of the fjord there are no lowlands along the coast as the steep hills roll directly into the sea. Further south in the fjord there are strips of lowland along both coasts and these are widest on the west side. Several valleys lead from Eyjafjörður, most of them to the west where the two most significant are: Hörgárdalur and Svarfaðardalur. Dalsmynni is the only valley on the east side. However the greatest valley in Eyjafjörður is also called Eyjafjörður and runs directly south from the fjord itself. It is long and wide and home to one of Iceland's largest agricultural regions. The island of Hrísey in the middle of Eyjafjörður is the second largest island off the coast of Iceland and often referred to as "The Pearl of Eyjafjörður". The region of Eyjafjörður is Iceland's second most populous one after the Capital Region in south west Iceland. The largest town by far is Akureyri and other settlements in the region include Dalvík, Ólafsfjörður, Hrísey, Árskógssandur, Hauganes, Hjalteyri, Hrafnagil, Svalbarðseyri and Grenivík. Most of these settlements base their livelihood on fisheries and agriculture but Akureyri is a service centre as well. Date: 4th June 2015 Location: view from the road to Haugarnes looking east towards Hrísey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26008477.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_995337385563501dc75229.jpgHarlequin Duck The Harlequin Duck is a small sea duck which takes its name from Harlequin, a colourfully dressed character in "Commedia dell'arte" (a form of Italian theatre with masked characters). The adult male Harlequin Duck has a colourful and complex plumage pattern. The head and neck are dark slate blue with a large white crescent marking in front of the eye, a small round dot behind the eye and a larger oval spot down the side of the neck. A black crown stripe runs over the top of the head with chestnut patches on either side. A black-bordered white collar separates the head from the breast. The body is largely a lighter slate blue with chestnut sides. A black-bordered white bar divides the breast vertically from the sides. The tail is black, long and pointed. The speculum is metallic blue. The inner secondary feathers are white and form white markings over the back when folded. The bill is blue-grey and the eye is reddish. The adult female Harlequin Duck is less colourful with brownish-grey plumage with three white patches on the head, a round spot behind the eye, a larger patch from the eye to the bill and a small spot above the eye. The Harlequin Duck has smooth, densely packed feathers that trap a lot of air within them. This is vital for insulating such a small body against the chilly waters that it inhabits and it also makes it exceptionally buoyant, making it bounce like a cork after dives. The Harlequin Duck breeds alongside cold fast moving streams in the northern regions of north America, Greenland, Iceland (the only European site) and western Russia. The nest is usually located in a well concealed location on the ground near a stream. They are usually found near pounding surf and white water. It is a short distance migrant and most winter near rocky shorelines on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. The Harlequin Duck is a very rare migrant to western Europe. The Harlequin Duck feeds by swimming under water or diving and also by dabbling. It feeds on molluscs, crustaceans and insects. Date: 4th June 2015 Location: River Laxá, Lake Mývatn area, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24834036.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1133019761559cf4347ca4a.jpgEuropean Bee-eater The European Bee-eater is an incredibly colourful bird with an unmistakable appearance. In breeding plumage, it has a rich chestnut crown that blends into gold on its back. The forehead is white, the throat is yellow bordered by black and the underparts are blue. The male European Bee-eater has a chestnut-coloured patch in the middle of the wing while in females this patch is usually smaller or even absent. Occasionally, females may also be distinguished from the males by having a green back. The wings and backs of juvenile European Bee-eaters are entirely green and the eyes are brown in contrast to the bright red eyes of adults. The European Bee-eater breeds in southern Europe and in parts of north Africa and western Asia. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, India and Sri Lanka. European Bee-eaters are occasionally seen in northern Europe (including the UK) as a spring overshoot north of its range with occasional breeding occurring. Just as the name suggests, the European Bee-eater predominantly eats insects, especially bees, wasps and hornets which are caught in the air by sorties from an open perch. Before eating its meal, a European Bee-eater removes the sting by repeatedly hitting the insect on a hard surface. Lizards and frogs are also taken. European Bee-eaters are gregarious, nesting colonially in sandy banks preferably near river shores and also feeding and roosting communally. Date: 8th May 2015 Location: Evros Delta (west), East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26041603.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4698906785638ad50dcbc5.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill <i>"kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake"</i>. The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Látrabjarg, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41537264.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20990564315f3cfe20c5948.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 4th July 2019 Location: Flåget, Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30024924.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2016067250587a0a571c1b2.jpgTufted Duck The Tufted Duck is a small diving duck. The adult male is all black except for white flanks and a blue-grey bill. It has an obvious head tuft that gives the species its name. The adult female is brown with paler flanks and is more easily confused with other diving ducks. In particular, some have white around the bill base which resembles the Scaup although the white is never as extensive as in that species. The Tufted Duck breeds widely throughout temperate and northern Eurasia. It occasionally can be found as a winter visitor along both coasts of the United States and Canada. It is migratory in most of its range and winters in the milder south and west of Europe and southern Asia where large flocks form on open water. The Tufted Duck breeds close to marshes and lakes with plenty of vegetation to conceal the nest. It is also found on coastal lagoons and sheltered ponds. The Tufted Duck feeds mainly by diving for molluscs, aquatic insects and aquatic plants. Date: 5th January 2017 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5015780.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15835862254beed1215373b.jpgChough Whilst its black plumage identifies it as a crow, the Chough has a red bill and legs unlike any other member of the crow family. It readily displays its mastery of flight with wonderful aerial displays of diving and swooping and can be found in flocks in autumn and winter. The Chough has a restricted westerly distribution in the UK and because of its small population size and historically declining populations it is an Amber List species. The best places to see Chough are north and west Wales, Islay in west Scotland and the Isle of Man, although they have also recently recolonised Cornwall. Date: 9th May 2010 Location: South Stack, Anglesey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28883741.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_188136062057cc146c76693.jpgLake Peipus, Estonia Lake Peipus is the biggest trans-boundary lake in Europe on the border between Estonia and Russia. It is the 5th largest lake in Europe after Lake Ladoga and Lake Onega in Russia north of Saint Petersburg, Lake Vänern in Sweden and Lake Saimaa in Finland. Lake Peipus is a remnant of a body of water which existed in this area during the Ice Age. It covers an area of 1370 square miles and has an average depth of 23 feet, the deepest point being 50 feet. Some 30 rivers and streams discharge in to Lake Peipus, the largest being the Emajõgi and the Velikaya, and it is drained by the Narva river. The low shores of the lake mostly consist of peat and are bordered by vast lowland and marshes which are flooded in the spring with the flooding area reaching up to 85 square miles. There are also sand dunes and hills covered with pine forests. The lake is used for fishing and recreation but it has suffered from some environmental degradation. Date: 18th May 2016 Location: Lake Peipus at Mehikoorma, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/b-ghabhsgabhaig-loch-eishort-and https://images.on-this.website/4752_2129368175dc6add891bb5.jpgÒb Ghabhsgabhaig, Loch Eishort and Black Cuillin, Skye, Highland Òb Ghabhsgabhaig (Gavsgavaig Bay) is located just south west of the settlement of Tokavaig on the western coastline of the Sleat peninsula on Skye. The ruined remains of Dunscaith Castle, the oldest castle remains on Skye, lie nearby. Loch Eishort is a sea loch separating the Strathaird peninsula from the upper part of the Sleat peninsula. It opens at right angles to the mouth of Loch Slapin and stretches 6.5 miles east-north-east diminishing gradually from a width of 2.5 miles to a near point. The Black Cuillin are a mountain range on Skye off the north west coast of Scotland and contain the highest concentration of mountains over 3000 feet high in the UK (20 summits exceed this height). The mountains are a memorable sight whether the weather is bright and sunny or grey and misty as it often is on Skye. Either way they have a unique presence and can be seen from miles around both on Skye and on the mainland. Date: 30th September 2019 Location: view from the unclassified road near Tokavaig http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833189.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2143545983559ce72be31ee.jpgYellow-legged Gull UK birdwatchers have known for years that the Herring Gulls they see in southern Europe have yellow rather than flesh-coloured legs. However, the Yellow-legged Gull has only been recognised as a species in its own right since 2007, having previously been considered to be a race of Herring Gull. The adult Yellow-legged Gull has a darker grey back and wings than the Herring Gull but it is paler than the Lesser Black-backed Gull. It also has more black in the wing tips than the Herring Gull and smaller white “mirrors”. The legs are bright yellow, there is a red ring around the eye and the bill is yellow with a large red spot. The Yellow-legged Gull is a common bird in southern Europe and north Africa on reservoirs, on rubbish tips, in fields, on coastal marshes and in large evening gull roosts on reservoirs and lakes. A northward spread from the Mediterranean and an increased awareness among UK birdwatchers of how to identify the Yellow-legged Gull means it is now also a regular sight in many parts of southern UK. Date: 15th May 2015 Location: Kalahori Lagoon, Gulf of Thermaikos, Central Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12759430.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17209476034e71b0e3809d4.jpgRed Squirrel The Red Squirrel or Eurasian Red Squirrel is a species of tree squirrel in the genus [i]Sciurus[/i]. It is an arboreal and primarily herbivorous rodent. The Red Squirrel has a typical head and body length of 7.5 to 9 inches, a tail length of 6 to 8 inches and a weight of 9 to 12 ounces. Males and females are the same size. The Red Squirrel is smaller and lighter in weight than the Grey Squirrel The coat of the Red Squirrel varies in colour with the time of year and its location and there are several different coat colour morphs ranging from black to red. Red coats are most common in the UK but in other parts of Europe and Asia different coat colours co-exist within populations. The underside of the Red Squirrel is always creamy-white in colour. The Red Squirrel sheds its coat twice a year, switching from a thinner summer coat to a thicker, darker winter coat with noticeably larger ear-tufts (a prominent distinguishing feature of this species) between August and November. A lighter, redder overall coat colour, along with the ear-tufts (in adults) and smaller size, distinguish the Red Squirrel from the Grey Squirrel. The long tail helps the Red Squirrel to balance and steer when jumping from tree to tree and running along branches and it may also keep it warm during sleep. The Red Squirrel, like most tree squirrels, has sharp and curved claws to enable it to climb and descend broad tree trunks, thin branches and even house walls and its strong hind legs enable it to leap gaps between trees. The Red Squirrel can be found in the boreal coniferous woods in north Europe and Siberia where it prefers Scots Pine, Norway Spruce and Siberian Pine. In west and south Europe it can be found in broad-leaved woods where the mixture of tree and shrub species provides a better year round source of food. In most of the UK and in Italy, broad-leaved woodlands are now less suitable for it due to the better competitive feeding strategy of the introduced Grey Squirrel. The Red Squirrel makes a drey (nest) out of twigs in a branch-fork, forming a domed structure about 9 to 12 inches in diameter. This is lined with moss, leaves, grass and bark. Tree hollows and woodpecker holes are also used. The Red Squirrel is generally a solitary animal and is shy and reluctant to share food with others. However, outside the breeding season and particularly in winter, several Red Squirrels may share a drey to keep warm. Social organisation is based on dominance hierarchies within and between sexes. Although males are not necessarily dominant towards females, the dominant animals tend to be larger and older than subordinate animals and dominant males tend to have larger home ranges than subordinate males or females. Mating can occur in late winter during February and March and in summer between June and July. During mating, males detect females that are in oestrus by an odour that they produce and, although there is no courtship, the male will chase the female for up to an hour prior to mating. Usually multiple males will chase a single female until the dominant male, usually the largest in the group, mates with the female. Males and females will mate multiple times with many partners. Females must reach a minimum body mass before they enter oestrus and heavy females on average produce more young. If food is scarce breeding may be delayed. Typically a female will produce her first litter in her second year. Up to 2 litters a year per female are possible. Each litter averages 3 young and these are known as kits. Gestation is about 38 to 39 days and the young are looked after by the mother alone and are born helpless, blind and deaf. Their body is covered by hair at 21 days, their eyes and ears open after 3 to 4 weeks and they develop all their teeth by 42 days. Juveniles can eat solids around 40 days following birth and from that point they can leave the nest on their own to find food. However, they still suckle from their mother until weaning occurs at 8 to 10 weeks. The Red Squirrel eats mostly the seeds of trees, fungi, nuts (especially hazelnuts but also beech and chestnuts), berries and young shoots. More rarely, it may also eat bird eggs or nestlings and may occasionally exhibit opportunistic omnivory similar to other rodents. Excess food is put into caches, either buried or in nooks or holes in trees, and eaten when food is scarce. Although the Red Squirrel remembers where it created caches at a better than chance level, its spatial memory is believed to be substantially less accurate and durable than that of the Grey Squirrel. Therefore it will often have to search for them when in need and many caches are never found again. Between 60% and 80% of the active time of a Red Squirrel may be spent foraging and feeding. The active period is generally in the morning and in the late afternoon and evening. It often rests in its nest in the middle of the day to avoid the heat and the high visibility to birds of prey that are dangers during these hours. During the winter, this midday rest is often much more brief or absent entirely although harsh weather may cause it to stay in its nest for days at a time. No territories are claimed between Red Squirrels and the feeding areas of individuals overlap considerably. A Red Squirrel that survives its first winter has a life expectancy of 3 years. Individuals may reach 7 years of age and 10 years in captivity. Survival is positively related to the availability of autumn and winter tree seeds. On average, 75 to 85% of juveniles die during their first winter and mortality is approximately 50% for winters following the first. Predators include small mammals such as the Pine Marten, the Wildcat and the Stoat which all prey on juveniles. Birds, including owls and raptors such as the Goshawk and Common Buzzard, may also prey on the Red Squirrel as will the Red Fox and domestic cats and dogs when it is on the ground. Humans influence the population size and mortality of the Red Squirrel by destroying or altering habitats, by causing road casualties and by introducing non-native populations of the Grey Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel and the Red Squirrel are not directly antagonistic and violent conflict between these species is not a factor in the decline in Red Squirrel populations. However, the Grey Squirrel appears to contribute to the decrease in the Red Squirrel population for several reasons: it carries a disease, the squirrel parapoxvirus, that does not appear to affect its own health but will often kill the Red Squirrel, it can better digest acorns whilst the Red Squirrel cannot access the proteins and fats in acorns as easily and it can put the Red Squirrel under pressure for food resources resulting in it not breeding as often. In the UK, due to the above circumstances, the population has today fallen to 160,000 Red Squirrels or fewer with the majority of these in Scotland. Outside the UK and Ireland, the impact of competition from the Grey Squirrel has also been observed in Italy where 2 pairs escaped from captivity in 1948. A significant drop in the Red Squirrel population has been observed since 1970 and it is feared that the Grey Squirrel may expand into the rest of Europe. The Red Squirrel is protected in most of Europe although in some areas it is abundant and is hunted for its fur. In the UK there are several active projects to protect the Red Squirrel and its native woodland habitat, introduce or re-introduce it in to areas where it is absent and eradicate and prevent the spread of the Grey Squirrel. Research undertaken in 2007 in the UK credits the Pine Marten with reducing the population of the invasive Grey Squirrel. Where the range of the expanding Pine Marten population meets that of the Grey Squirrel, the population of the latter retreats. It is theorised that, because the Grey Squirrel spends more time on the ground than the Red Squirrel, it is far more likely to come in contact with the Pine Marten. Date: 15th May 2005 Location: Insh, Inverness-shire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623001.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14794372426117ce29e2288.jpgChough Whilst its black plumage identifies it as a crow, the Chough has a red bill and legs unlike any other member of the crow family. It readily displays its mastery of flight with wonderful aerial displays of diving and swooping and can be found in flocks in autumn and winter. The Chough has a restricted westerly distribution in the UK and because of its small population size and historically declining populations it is an Amber List species. The best places to see Chough are north and west Wales, Islay in west Scotland and the Isle of Man, although they have also recently recolonised Cornwall. Date: 23rd June 2021 Location: Rhossili, Gower peninsula, Swansea http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533247.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_96929707862ca812f21329.jpgBroad-bodied Chaser Flight period: May to August The broad, flattened body of the Broad-bodied Chaser is distinctive and makes this dragonfly appear “fat”. The male has a powder-blue body with yellow spots along the sides and a dark thorax whilst the female is green-brown with paler spots. There are several medium-sized, pale blue dragonflies that can be confused with one another. The Broad-bodied Chaser can be distinguished by the combination of its broad, blue body and chocolate-brown eyes. The Broad-bodied Chaser is a common dragonfly of ponds and small lakes and it may be the first to colonise such habitats. It regularly returns to the same low perch after swift flights out across the water looking for insects. The Broad-bodied Chaser is widespread and common throughout southern and central England and south Wales. Date: 15th June 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072299.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_259434944bf6d9a8c4fd3.jpgVarangerfjord, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway Varangerfjord is the easternmost fjord in Norway and is located in Finnmark county between the Varanger peninsula and the mainland of Norway. Varangerfjord flows through the municipalities of Vardø, Vadsø, Nesseby and Sør-Varanger. The fjord is approximately 62 miles long and empties in to the Barents Sea. The mouth is about 43 miles wide and is located between the town of Vardø in the north west and the village of Grense Jakobselv in the south east. The fjord stretches westwards inland past the town of Vadsø to the village of Varangerbotn in Nesseby municipality. Date: 12th April 2010 Location: view from route E75 between Vardø and Ekkerøy, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42229295.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_843270504603e5f0609702.jpgCollared Dove Collared Doves are distinctive birds with their buffy-pink plumage and black neck collar. They are usually seen singly or in pairs, although flocks may form where food is plentiful. They feed on the ground but readily perch on roofs and wires and in trees. The Collared Dove is not migratory but it is strongly dispersive. Over the last century, it has been one of the great colonisers of the bird world. Its original range at the end of the 19th century was warm temperate and subtropical Asia from Turkey east to south China and south through India to Sri Lanka. In 1838 it was reported in Bulgaria but not until the 20th century did it expand across Europe, appearing in parts of the Balkans between 1900 and 1920 and then spreading rapidly north west, reaching Germany in 1945, the UK in 1953, Ireland in 1959 and the Faroe Islands in the early 1970s. Subsequent spread was “sideways” from this fast north west spread reaching north east to north of the Arctic Circle in Norway, east to the Ural Mountains in Russia and south west to the Canary Islands and north Africa from Morocco to Egypt by the end of the 20th century. In the east of its range it has also spread north east to most of central and north China and locally (probably introduced) in Japan. It has also reached Iceland as a vagrant but has not colonised successfully there. Date: 26th February 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645427.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_70554812751e3ce0cb17c1.jpgBiebrza, Poland The Biebrza marshes are a complex series of habitats located in the Biebrza river valley. The area encompasses river channels, lakes, extensive marshes, fenland, reed beds, peat bogs and fields and meadows with woods and forests on higher ground. The Biebrza National Park, which covers much of the area, is the largest of Poland’s 23 National Parks and was created in 1993. Covering a total area of 228 square miles, it protects the vast and relatively untouched habitats with their unique variety of several communities of plants and species of wetland birds and mammals. Date: 19th May 2013 Location: view from Burzyn, Biebrza area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45456933.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18126192346250015c33ee3.jpgTurnstone The Turnstone has a mottled appearance with brown or chestnut and black upperparts, brown and white or black and white head pattern, white underparts and orange legs. Turnstones can be found around most of the UK coastline including rocky, sandy and muddy shores and particularly like feeding on seaweed covered rocks, seawalls and jetties. They are present for most of the year. Birds from Northern Europe pass through in July and August and again in spring and birds from Canada and Greenland arrive in August and September and remain until April and May. Non-breeding birds may stay throughout the summer. Date: 9th November 2021 Location: Shoeburyness, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41349633.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10096482945f2008ecace55.jpgRuddy Darter Flight period: mid June to mid September. The Ruddy Darter takes its name from its colour and its swift flight behaviour. The male has a deep russet colour over the entire body and the abdomen has a pinched section close to where it joins the thorax. Females are slightly smaller, golden yellow in colour and being less obviously marked are more difficult to identify than the males. There is more than one red coloured darter species in the UK and they can be easily confused with each other. The commonest red species, the Common Darter, can be distinguished as having red veins at the base of the wings and a less ruddy colouration across the body. However, the Ruddy Darter has entirely black legs, distinguishing it from all other red darters which have longitudinal yellow stripes on their legs. The UK range of the Ruddy Darter has undergone something of an expansion in recent years. Although still relatively uncommon in the west and north of Britain, it is increasing in numbers in the Midlands and eastern England. The population is augmented by continental migrants. It is also found over most of Europe except for northern Scandinavia, as far east as western Siberia and south to north Africa. The Ruddy Darter prefers water bodies with tall emergent vegetation, such as reeds and club rush, and it is known to breed in ponds, lakes, canals, ditches and sluggish rivers. They can also be found near coasts and can breed in fairly brackish water. Date: 25th June 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871531.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4757078314eff1971f1b27.jpgTurnstone The Turnstone has a mottled appearance with brown or chestnut and black upperparts, brown and white or black and white head pattern, white underparts and orange legs. Turnstones can be found around most of the UK coastline including rocky, sandy and muddy shores and particularly like feeding on seaweed covered rocks, seawalls and jetties. They are present for most of the year. Birds from Northern Europe pass through in July and August and again in spring and birds from Canada and Greenland arrive in August and September and remain until April and May. Non-breeding birds may stay throughout the summer. Date: 25th December 2011 Location: Walcott, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40755812.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17166073295e204456b5f5f.jpgOystercatcher The Oystercatcher is a wader in the oystercatcher family. It is an obvious and noisy bird with black and white plumage, red legs and a strong broad red bill which is used for smashing or prising open molluscs such as mussels or for finding earthworms. Despite its name, oysters do not form a large part of its diet. The Oystercatcher is unmistakable in flight with white patches on the wings and tail with otherwise black upperparts and white underparts. Young birds are more brown, have a white neck collar and a duller bill. The call is a distinctive loud piping. The bill shape varies: Oystercatchers with broad bill tips open molluscs by prising them apart or hammering through the shell whereas birds with pointed bills dig up worms. Much of this is due to the wear resulting from feeding on their prey. Individual Oystercatchers specialise in one technique or the other which they learn from their parents. The Oystercatcher is the most widespread of the oystercatchers with 3 races breeding in western Europe, central Eurasia, Kamchatka, China, and the western coast of Korea. It is a migratory species over most of its range. The European population breeds mainly in northern Europe but in winter the birds can be found in north Africa and southern parts of Europe. Although the species is present all year in Ireland, the UK and the adjacent European coasts, there is still migratory movement within these populations. The Oystercatcher breeds on shingle and rocky beaches, sand dunes, salt marshes and on the grassy tops of small islands and also inland on shingle banks of rivers, lakes and gravel pits. Date: 9th December 2019 Location: Holwerd, Friesland, Netherlands http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28885348.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_96495215957cc301c0adef.jpgWhite Stork The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 16th May 2016 Location: http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15367552.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_735342254fec1cda76df1.jpgRinged Plover The Ringed Plover is a small, dumpy, short-legged wading bird. Many UK birds live here all year round but birds from Europe winter in Britain and birds from Greenland and Canada pass through on migration. Ringed Plovers breed on sandy and shingle beaches and on inland gravel pits. They can be found in winter on sandy and shingle beaches, estuaries and coastal lagoons and marshes. Date: 9th June 2012 Location: Scourie Bay, Sutherland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/meadow-pipit https://images.on-this.website/4752_15990140824dca3df27b828.jpgMeadow Pipit The Meadow Pipit is a widespread and often abundant small pipit. It is an undistinguished looking species, mainly brown above and buff below with darker streaking on most of its plumage. The tail is brown with narrow white outer side edges. It has a thin bill and pale pinkish-yellow legs. A simple repetitive song is given in a short song and parachute display flight. The Meadow Pipit breeds in much of north west Eurasia from south east Greenland and Iceland east to just east of the Ural Mountains in Russia and south to central France and Romania. It is migratory over most of its range, wintering in south Europe, north Africa and south west Asia, but it is resident all year round in west Europe although many birds move to the coast or lowlands in winter. The Meadow Pipit is primarily a species of open habitats, either uncultivated or low-intensity agriculture, such as pasture, bogs and moorland. It also occurs in low numbers in arable croplands and in winter it occurs on saltmarshes where it can be quite gregarious and gather in small flocks. The Meadow Pipit is an abundant species in the north of its range but it is less common further south. It can be found all year round across the UK but it is commonest in the upland areas of the west and north during the breeding season. In winter it moves south to more lowland areas and becomes much commoner in the southern half of the UK. The Meadow Pipit nests on the ground in dense vegetation and it is one of the most important nest hosts of the Cuckoo. The Meadow Pipit is a fairly terrestrial pipit usually feeding on the ground although it will use elevated perches such as shrubs, fence lines or electricity wires as vantage points to watch for predators. It feeds mainly on insects and other invertebrates but it also eats the seeds of grasses, sedges, rushes and heather and crowberry berries. Date: 7th May 2011 Location: Nant Ffrancon, Gwynedd http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230751.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1258421110649171ab9daef.jpgWood Warbler The Wood Warbler is a typical leaf warbler in appearance, green above and white below with a lemon-yellow breast. It can be distinguished from similar species, like the Chiffchaff and the Willow Warbler by its yellow supercilium, throat and upper breast, pale tertial edges, longer primary projection and by its shorter but broader tail. The Wood Warbler is common and widespread and breeds throughout north and temperate Europe and just into the extreme west of Asia in the south Ural Mountains. It is strongly migratory and the entire population winters in tropical Africa. The Wood Warbler can be found in open but shady mature woodlands, such as beech and sessile oak, with some sparse ground cover for nesting. The dome-shaped nest is built near the ground in low shrub. The Wood Warbler is a declining summer visitor to the UK and can be seen from April to August. Unlike much of the population in Europe which is found in forested lowlands, the UK population is predominantly found in upland oak woods in the west with the highest densities in the oak woods Wales. The Wood Warbler has 2 song types which are often given alternatively: a high-pitched fluid metallic trill of increasing tempo (often described as a spinning coin on a marble slab) and a series of 3 to 5 descending piping notes of lower pitch. During the former, the bird’s body shudders and shivers as it delivers the song and there are frequent song flights between different branches. Date: 14th May 2023 Location: RSPB Carngafallt, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4088252.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3271099594b193e2579478.jpgWhite Stork The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 8th November 2009 Location: Aiguamolls de l'Emporda, Catalunya, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623006.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11897382296117ce367f3ca.jpgChough Whilst its black plumage identifies it as a crow, the Chough has a red bill and legs unlike any other member of the crow family. It readily displays its mastery of flight with wonderful aerial displays of diving and swooping and can be found in flocks in autumn and winter. The Chough has a restricted westerly distribution in the UK and because of its small population size and historically declining populations it is an Amber List species. The best places to see Chough are north and west Wales, Islay in west Scotland and the Isle of Man, although they have also recently recolonised Cornwall. Date: 23rd June 2021 Location: Rhossili, Gower peninsula, Swansea http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46028399.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3657996426291f588aeaff.jpgHolly Blue Flight period: late April to end of August. The Holly Blue is easily identified in early spring as it emerges well before other blue butterflies. It tends to fly high around bushes and trees whereas other grassland blues usually stay near ground level. It is the commonest blue butterfly found in parks and gardens where it congregates around Holly (in spring) and Ivy (in late summer). The Holly Blue is widespread but undergoes large fluctuations in numbers from year to year. It has expanded northwards in recent years and has now colonised parts of north England and the extreme south of Scotland. Date: 26th May 2022 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45948261.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_205243700062849e219ce35.jpgBrimstone Flight period: March to October. The Brimstone is a butter-coloured butterfly which is widespread throughout most of England and parts of Wales. They are one of the first butterflies to be seen in spring and can be found in scrubby woodland and hedgerows. Date: 26th March 2022 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26024491.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_168868588456373815bda20.jpgArctic Tern The Arctic Tern is a seabird of the tern family. The adult plumage is grey above with a black nape and crown and white cheeks. The upperwings are pale grey with the area near the wingtip being translucent. The tail is white and the underparts pale grey. The beak is dark red as are the short legs and webbed feet. Like most terns, the Arctic Tern has high aspect ratio wings and a tail with a deep fork and long tail streamers. Both sexes are similar in appearance. The winter plumage is similar but the crown is whiter and the bills are darker. Juveniles differ from adults having black bill and legs, "scaly" appearing wings and mantle with dark feather tips, dark carpal wing bar and short tail streamers. During their first summer, juveniles also have a whiter forecrown. Whilst the Arctic Tern is similar to the Common and the Roseate Tern, its colouring, profile and call are slightly different. Compared to the Common Tern, it has a longer tail and mono-coloured bill, whilst the main differences from the Roseate Tern are its slightly darker colour and longer wings. The Arctic Tern has a circumpolar breeding distribution covering the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of Europe, Asia and north America. It is strongly migratory and sees 2 summers each year and more daylight than any other creature on the planet. It migrates along a convoluted route from its northern summer breeding grounds to the northern edge of the Antarctic coast for the southern summer and back again about 6 months later. Recent studies have shown average annual roundtrip lengths of 25000 to 50000 miles depending on the route taken and weather and wind conditions. The Arctic Tern is a long-lived bird with many reaching 30 years of age and based on this average it will travel some 1.5 million miles during its lifetime. This is by far the longest migration known in the animal kingdom. Breeding takes place in colonies on coasts, islands and occasionally inland on tundra near water. The Arctic Tern often forms mixed colonies with the Common Tern and Sandwich Tern. As it nests on the ground, the Arctic Tern is vulnerable to predation but it is one of the most aggressive terns and it is fiercely defensive of its nest and young. It will attack humans and large predators, usually striking the top or back of the head. Although it is too small to cause serious injury, it is still capable of drawing blood and repelling many raptorial birds and smaller mammalian predators such as foxes and cats. Other nesting birds, such as auks, often incidentally benefit from the protection provided by nesting in an area defended by Arctic Terns. The diet of the Arctic Tern varies depending on location and time but it usually eats small fish or marine crustaceans by dipping down to the surface of the water to catch prey. While feeding, skuas, gulls and other tern species will often harass the birds and steal their food. Date: 3rd June 2015 Location: Húsavík, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/harlequin-duck https://images.on-this.website/4752_86154121356376493a45a9.jpgHarlequin Duck The Harlequin Duck is a small sea duck which takes its name from Harlequin, a colourfully dressed character in "Commedia dell'arte" (a form of Italian theatre with masked characters). The adult male Harlequin Duck has a colourful and complex plumage pattern. The head and neck are dark slate blue with a large white crescent marking in front of the eye, a small round dot behind the eye and a larger oval spot down the side of the neck. A black crown stripe runs over the top of the head with chestnut patches on either side. A black-bordered white collar separates the head from the breast. The body is largely a lighter slate blue with chestnut sides. A black-bordered white bar divides the breast vertically from the sides. The tail is black, long and pointed. The speculum is metallic blue. The inner secondary feathers are white and form white markings over the back when folded. The bill is blue-grey and the eye is reddish. The adult female Harlequin Duck is less colourful with brownish-grey plumage with three white patches on the head, a round spot behind the eye, a larger patch from the eye to the bill and a small spot above the eye. The Harlequin Duck has smooth, densely packed feathers that trap a lot of air within them. This is vital for insulating such a small body against the chilly waters that it inhabits and it also makes it exceptionally buoyant, making it bounce like a cork after dives. The Harlequin Duck breeds alongside cold fast moving streams in the northern regions of north America, Greenland, Iceland (the only European site) and western Russia. The nest is usually located in a well concealed location on the ground near a stream. They are usually found near pounding surf and white water. It is a short distance migrant and most winter near rocky shorelines on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. The Harlequin Duck is a very rare migrant to western Europe. The Harlequin Duck feeds by swimming under water or diving and also by dabbling. It feeds on molluscs, crustaceans and insects. Date: 2nd June 2015 Location: River Laxá, Lake Mývatn area, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871721.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1124928444eff210b7d387.jpgOulanka National Park, Finland The Oulanka National Park, established in 1956 and expanded again in 1982 and 1989, is one of the most popular national parks in Finland located in the Ostrobothnia and Lapland regions of Finland. The National Park covers 104 square miles and it borders the Paanajärvi National Park in Russia The Oulanka National Park is a unique and versatile combination of northern, southern and eastern nature. The landscape is made up of pine forests, river valleys with sandy banks and rapids, and in the north of vast mires. It has a unique river ecosystem and is an example of untouched and unlogged boreal forest, close to the arctic circle, which is protected by World Wide Fund for Nature from intensive reindeer herding. The area is rich in animal and plant species including endangered ones. A short distance from the Oulanka Visitor Centre are the magnificent Kiutaköngäs Rapids. The Oulankajoki River falls, hemmed in by red granite walls, for about 600 metres and over a distance of about a 100 metres, the river descends 14 metres. Date: 31st May 2009 Location: Kiutaköngäs rapids, Oulanka National Park, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/kennacraig-argyll https://images.on-this.website/4752_12720366775a106b810c3cd.jpgWest Loch Tarbert, Argyll Kennacraig is a small hamlet situated on West Loch Tarbert, a few miles south of Tarbert on the Kintyre peninsula in Argyll. Caledonian MacBrayne ferries sail from the terminal on the rocky islet Eilean Ceann na Creige to Port Ellen or Port Askaig on Islay and to Colonsay. Date: 5th November 2017 Location: Location: view from the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry between Port Elen, Islay and Kennacraig, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18776299.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16564534551f4cf6dac185.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 20th June 2013 Location: from A838 east of Laxford Bridge, Sutherland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11946566.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_847052104e40f224cc3b6.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 22nd October 2008 Location: Bradgate Park, Newton Linford , Leicestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405480.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13825590496586e81bbc146.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 14th October 2023 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813403.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13220937515d0ddede25c08.jpgGlen Coe, Argyll Height: Bidean nam Bian 3773 feet, Beinn Fhada 3054 feet, Aonach Dubh 2972 feet and Sgorr nam Fiannaidh 3172 feet Glencoe is internationally famous for its amazing landscape and its natural and cultural heritage. It is a place of towering and spectacular mountains, an environment for diverse and rare wildlife and the site of a famous yet tragic event in Scotland’s history. Glencoe is a steep-sided valley climbing steadily south east from the village of Glencoe on the shores of Loch Leven. It eventually emerges from its mountain landscape on to the very wet and boggy Rannoch Moor over 10 miles away and at an altitude of over 1000 feet. The Glencoe mountains contain some of the oldest sedimentary and volcanic rocks in the world but the effects of glaciation and millions of years and many cycles of erosion have subsequently carved and worn them away into the formation seen today. Glencoe is bounded on its northern side by the famous Aonach Eagach or “notched ridge”, a pinnacled and very narrow ridge linking three peaks over 3000 feet which stretches for over three miles. On the southern side, there is a range of magnificent mountains comprising the “Three Sisters” of Beinn Fhada, Gearr Aonach and Aonach Dubh plus Bidean nam Bian whose summit sits behind the three protruding buttresses. Glencoe is best know for an event that took place here at 5am on the morning of 13 February 1692, the massacre of the MacDonald clan. Date: 13th June 2019 Location: view from the A82 road before the descent through Glen Coe http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37403963.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13771548925c6828d92447b.jpgGrey Partridge The Grey Partridge, also known as the English Partridge, is a game bird in the pheasant family. It is a rotund bird, 11 to 13 inches in length, brown-backed, with grey flanks and chest and an orange face. The belly is white, usually marked with a large chestnut-brown horseshoe mark in males and also in some females. When disturbed, it flies a short distance with whirring wings and occasional glides and often calling. The Grey Partridge is widespread and common throughout much of its range and breeds on farmland across most of Europe in to west Asia. The nest is usually located in the margin of a cereal field where the hens lay up to 20 eggs. The Grey Partridge has also been introduced widely into Canada, the USA, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. It is a non-migratory terrestrial species and groups of up to 15 to 20 birds known as coveys are most usually seen outside the breeding season. In the UK, the Grey Partridge is traditionally found in lowland arable areas but although once very common and widespread, it has undergone a serious population decline throughout most of its range due to a loss of breeding habitat through the intensification of agriculture and possibly due to the loss of food supplies. Numbers have fallen by as much as 85% in the last 25 years and the species is now designated as a Red List species. The Grey Partridge is a seed-eating species but the young in particular take insects as an essential protein supply. During the first 10 days of life, the young can only digest insects. Date: 9th February 2019 Location: Flitcham-Anmer, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453962.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7417804694ff546a75426e.jpgWhite Stork The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 28th April 2012 Location: Monroy to Santa Marta de Magasca, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/common-crane https://images.on-this.website/4752_25867198051e3cf7684d2f.jpgCommon Crane The Common Crane is a large, stately bird and a medium-sized crane at 40 to 52 inches long with a 71 to 96 inches wingspan. At rest, the Common Crane is rather stork-like but with a big bushy tail, black wing plumes and a grey body and even from a great distance the white stripe through the black head is noticeable. In flight, the long neck, held outstretched and slightly drooping makes it quite different from the herons and the grey plumage eliminates both of the storks. The Common Crane flies in flocks in “V” formation making trumpeting calls. The Common Crane breeds in large areas of marsh and bog in northern parts of Europe and Asia and occurs in winter and on passage in open, often agricultural, areas close to large wetlands used for roosting. The global population is in the region of 210,000 to 250,000 with the vast majority nesting in Russia and Scandinavia. In the UK the Common Crane became extinct in the 17th century but a tiny population now breeds again at a few sites in east and west England. Flocks of Common Cranes in late spring can be watched performing their “dancing” displays. This usually involves opening their wings and leaping vertically into the air with the legs dangling. Once one bird starts this, others will join in and the whole performance can even be initiated by a human pretending to be a dancing crane. Once the birds are paired off they are more likely to perform different displays involving stretching their necks vertically and trumpeting. Common Cranes from Fennoscandia, the Baltic states and western Russia take the west European migration route to their wintering grounds. Over 100,000 birds use this flyway and over 70,000 winter in Spain (mainly Extremadura) with smaller numbers in south west France, Portugal and north Africa. Date: 22nd May 2013 Location: Biebrza area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21893132.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_181293134853d107cded49f.jpgKyle of Durness, Highland The Kyle of Durness is a broad and sandy coastal inlet in the far north west of Scotland. It extends 5.5 miles inland from Balnakeil and divides the Cape Wrath peninsula from the mainland. The nearest village is Durness. The Kyle of Durness is around 0.5 miles wide and tidal with only a narrow channel of water remaining at low tide along most of its length. Unlike other coastal inlets along Scotland's north coast it is not straight, having 2 major bends around Keoldale. It opens into Balnakeil Bay which is around 2 miles wide at its mouth. The River Dionard and River Grudie flow into the Kyle of Durness at its southern end with the River Daill and a number of minor streams also flowing into it along its length. The geology along the eastern side of the Kyle of Durness is limestone with rolling grasslands dominating. The Kyle of Durness and its surrounding area forms part of the Oldshoremore, Cape Wrath and Durness Special Landscape Area. It contains a number of archaeological remains dating to the prehistoric period. The A838 road runs along the eastern shore of the Kyle of Durness in its southern section with an unclassified road leading west to Keoldale, the only remaining settlement on the shore. The Cape Wrath passenger ferry operates from Keoldale between May and September and this connects with a minibus on the other side which conveys visitors on a very rough 14 mile journey on a track across The Parph to Cape Wrath, the most north westerly point on the Scottish mainland. The western shore of the Kyle of Durness is uninhabited with the former farmsteads at Achimore and Daill the only settlements. Date: 18th June 2014 Location: view looking south from the A838 http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo44044928.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_533329480614f10d3c7c7a.jpgLittle Egrets The Little Egret is a species of small heron. The genus name comes from the Provençal French Aigrette (egret), a diminutive of Aigron (heron). The adult Little Egret is 22 to 26 inches long with a 35 to 42 inches wingspan. Its plumage is normally entirely white although there are dark forms with largely bluish-grey plumage. In the breeding season, the adult has 2 long plumes on the nape that form a crest. These plumes are about 6 inches in length and are pointed and very narrow. There are similar feathers on the breast but the barbs are more widely spread. There are also several elongated scapular feathers that have long loose barbs around 8 inches long. During the winter the plumage is similar but the scapulars are shorter and more normal in appearance. The bill is long and slender and both it and the lores are black. There is an area of greenish-grey bare skin at the base of the lower mandible and around the eye which has a yellow iris. The legs are black and the feet yellow. Juveniles are similar to non-breeding adults but have greenish-black legs and duller yellow feet and may have a certain proportion of greyish or brownish feathers. The Little Egret is mostly silent but it does make various croaking and bubbling calls at its breeding colonies and it produces a harsh alarm call when disturbed. The breeding range of the western race of the Little Egret includes south Europe, the Middle East, much of Africa and south Asia. European populations are migratory and mostly travel to Africa although some remain in southern Europe. During the late 20th century, the range of the Little Egret expanded northwards in Europe and into the New World. The Little Egret's habitat varies widely and includes the shores of lakes, rivers, canals, ponds, lagoons, marshes and flooded land, the bird preferring open locations to dense cover. On the coast it inhabits mudflats, sandy beaches, mangrove areas, swamps and reefs. The Little Egret is a sociable bird and can be seen in small flocks. However, individual birds do not tolerate others coming too close to their chosen feeding site although this depends on the abundance of prey. The Little Egret uses a variety of methods to find its food. It stalks its prey in shallow water, often running with raised wings or shuffling its feet to disturb small fish, or it may stand still and wait to ambush prey. It also makes use of opportunities provided by Cormorants disturbing fish or humans attracting fish by throwing bread into water. On land, it walks or runs while chasing its prey, often feeding on creatures disturbed by grazing livestock. The diet is mainly fish but amphibians, small reptiles, mammals and birds are also eaten as well as crustaceans, molluscs, insects, spiders and worms. The Little Egret nests in colonies, often with other wading birds such as Cattle Egret, Black-crowned Night Heron, Squacco Heron and Glossy Ibis. The nests are usually platforms of sticks built in trees or shrubs or in reed beds or bamboo groves. Pairs defend a small breeding territory, usually extending around 10 to 13 feet from the nest. The 3 to 5 eggs are incubated by both adults for 21 to 25 days before hatching. The young birds are covered in white down feathers are cared for by both parents and fledge after 40 to 45 days. Globally, the Little Egret is not listed as a threatened species and has in fact expanded its range over the last few decades.[5] The IUCN states that their wide distribution and large total population means that they are a species that cause them "least concern". Historical research has shown that the Little Egret was once present, and probably common, in the UK but became extinct there through a combination of over-hunting in the late mediaeval period and climate change at the start of the Little Ice Age. Further declines occurred throughout Europe as the plumes of the Little Egret and other egrets were in demand for decorating hats. They had been used in the plume trade since at least the 17th century but in the 19th century it became a major craze and the number of egret skins passing through dealers reached into the millions. Hunting, which reduced the population of the species to dangerously low levels, stimulated the establishment of Britain's Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in 1889. By the 1950s, the Little Egret had become restricted to south Europe and conservation laws protecting the species were introduced. This allowed the population to rebound strongly and over the next few decades it became increasingly common in western France and later on the north coast. It bred in the Netherlands in 1979 with further breeding from the 1990s onward. Populations are now mostly stable or increasing in Europe. In the UK, the Little Egret was a rare vagrant from its 16th century extinction until the late 20th century. It has, however, recently become a regular breeding species and is commonly present, often in large numbers, at favoured coastal sites. The first recent breeding record in England was on Brownsea Island in Dorset in 1996 and it bred in Wales for the first time in 2002. The population increase has been rapid subsequently with over 750 pairs breeding in nearly 70 colonies in 2008 and a post-breeding total of 4,540 birds in September 2008. Severe winter weather proves only to be a temporary setback and the Little Egret continues to expand both its numbers and range in the UK. Date: 6th September 2021 Location: RSPB Blacktoft Sands, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33820947.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10352256595a3d07b5bdc6a.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 12th December 2017 Location: Kensington Gardens, London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23806403.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_136779566555129dbbd2c5d.jpgTufted Duck The Tufted Duck is a medium-sized diving duck. Males are black on the head, neck, breast and back and white on the sides with a small crest and a yellow eye. Females are browner in colour. Tufted Ducks breed in the UK across the lowland areas of England, Scotland and Ireland but less commonly in Wales. Numbers increase in the UK in winter due to birds moving to the UK from Iceland and northern Europe. Tufted Ducks can be found all year round in suitable habitats such as a reservoirs, gravel pits or lakes. Date: 7th March 2015 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/arctic-circle-rovaniemi-finland https://images.on-this.website/4752_18553258174eff20c0712ba.jpgArctic Circle, Rovaniemi, Finland The Arctic Circle is one of the five major circles of latitude that mark maps of the Earth. In 2012, it is the parallel of latitude that runs 66° 33′ 44″ north of the Equator. The region north of this circle is known as the Arctic and the zone just to the south is called the Northern Temperate Zone. The equivalent polar circle in the Southern Hemisphere is called the Antarctic Circle. The Arctic Circle is the southernmost latitude in the Northern Hemisphere at which the sun can remain continuously above or below the horizon for 24 hours (at the June solstice and December solstice respectively). North of the Arctic Circle, the sun is above the horizon for 24 continuous hours at least once per year (and therefore visible at midnight) and below the horizon for 24 continuous hours at least once per year. The position of the Arctic Circle is not fixed. It directly depends on the Earth's axial tilt, which fluctuates within a margin of 2° over a 40,000-year period, notably due to tidal forces resulting from the orbit of the Moon. Relatively few people live north of the Arctic Circle due to the severe climate. Areas have been settled for thousands of years by indigenous peoples. Tens of thousands of years ago, waves of people migrated from eastern Siberia across the Bering Strait into North America and gradually eastward to settle. Much later, in the historic period, there has been migration into some Arctic areas by Europeans and other immigrants. Rovaniemi, which lies slightly south of the Arctic Circle, has a population of approximately 60,000, and is the largest settlement in the immediate vicinity of the Arctic Circle. It is the administrative capital and commercial centre of Finland's northernmost province, Lapland. It is situated between the hills of Ounasvaara and Korkalovaara at the confluence of the river Kemijoki and its tributary, the Ounasjoki. Date: 29th May 2009 Location: Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33857816.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9920293485a4dfea401ed9.jpgPurple Sandpipers The Purple Sandpiper is a small wading shorebird. Adults have short yellow legs and a medium thin dark bill with a yellow base. The body is dark above with a slight purplish gloss and mainly white below. The breast is smeared with grey and the rump is black. The Purple Sandpiper breeds in the northern tundra and Arctic islands in Canada and coastal areas in Greenland and north west Europe and nests on the ground either elevated on rocks or in a lower damp location. The males makes several scrapes following which the female chooses one and lays 3 or 4 eggs. The male takes the major responsibility for incubation and tends the chicks. The Purple Sandpiper is migratory and moves to rocky ice-free Atlantic coasts in winter where it is fairly gregarious, forming small flocks and often associating with Turnstones. It is also relatively tame and approachable. In the UK, the Purple Sandpiper occurs in winter in good numbers, principally along the east and south coasts where it favours rocky shorelines adjacent to the sea. It is a very rare breeding bird and is found only in a localised area of the Cairngorms National Park where 1 to 3 pairs have bred since the 1970s. Date: 1st January 2018 Location: Aldeburgh, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14160978.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11727645814f3e397f56bdc.jpgCommon Blue Flight period: June to September. The Common Blue is the UK’s most widespread and common blue butterfly although it has suffered some local declines due to habitat loss. They can be found in sunny, sheltered areas including downland, roadside verges, woodland clearings and rural gardens. This photo won second prize in the Essex Wildlife Trust photography competition for 2007. This photo also received a BBC Wildlife magazine photo masterclass award in the “Extreme close up” category for August 2007. Please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/news4693.html]here[/url] for further information. Date: 22nd July 2007 Location: Stow Maries Halt EWT reserve, Stow Maries, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457636.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6400881566857514607c0.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457492.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19311067786685720b4b8c9.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081300.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_63673671063a5af78f2199.jpgRedwing The Redwing is most commonly encountered as a winter visitor and is the UK's smallest true thrush. The creamy stripe above the eye and the orange-red flank patches make it distinctive. Redwings arrive in the UK from September but most arrive in October and November. They leave again in March and April, although occasionally birds stay later including a few pairs to nest in northern Scotland. Redwings can be found across the UK's countryside feeding in fields and hedgerows and also in parks and gardens in the coldest weather when snow covers the fields. They often associate with flocks of Fieldfares, the other wintering thrush. Date: 15th December 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/slovak-paradise-slovakia https://images.on-this.website/4752_156206156459bd51fcd1a39.jpgSlovak Paradise, Slovakia Slovak Paradise (Slovenský raj) is a mountain range in eastern Slovakia. It is a part of the Spiš-Gemer Karst, which in turn is a part of the Slovak Ore Mountains (Slovenské rudohorie), a major subdivision of the Western Carpathians. It is located between the towns of Spišská Nová Ves in the north and Dobšiná in the south. Slovak Paradise is a plain with high plateaus between 2625 feet and 3280 feet. The highest peak is Ondrejisko at 4167 feet. The area is mainly formed of karst limestone and dolomite. The karst plateaus show phenomena such as sinkholes and limestone pavements. Other typical features are canyons, gorges and ravines which form picturesque rocky scenes with waterfalls which were created mainly by the Hnilec and Hornád rivers and their tributaries. 80% of the area is covered with spruce forests. There are more than 200 caves and underground abysses. Among the caves, Dobšinská ľadová jaskyňa (Dobšinská Ice Cave) and Medvedia jaskyňa (Bear Cave) are the best known. Slovak Paradise is protected by Slovak Paradise National Park (Národný park Slovenský raj), one of the 9 national parks in Slovakia. It covers an area of 76.3 square miles with a surrounding buffer zone of 50 square miles. It is situated in the Banská Bystrica region, Prešov region and Košice Region. The highest peak is Predná hoľa at 5069 feet. Slovak Paradise National Park includes 11 National Nature Reserves and 8 Nature Reserves and around 185 miles of hiking trails, often equipped with ladders, chains and bridges. It also contains about 350 caves but only the Dobšinská ľadová jaskyňa (Dobšinská Ice Cave), a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000, is open to the public. The first protected reserve in the area of the Slovak Paradise was founded in 1890. The name Slovenský raj first appeared in 1921 in the "Krásy Slovenska" magazine and replaced many names used until that period. In August 1964 the first Protected Landscape Area in Slovakia was established in Slovak Paradise. The area was redesignated as Slovak Paradise National Park in January 1988. Since 2004, parts of the national park have been included in the Natura 2000 ecological network, the network of nature protection areas within the European Union. The best known tourist centres in Slovak Paradise National Park are Čingov, Podlesok, Dedinky and Kláštorisko. Date: 31st May 2017 Location: Podlesok, Slovak Paradise National Park, Košice region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457579.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1786674678668572474cc1e.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37190340.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6978535225c2a24fba4ee4.jpgOystercatchers The Oystercatcher is a wader in the oystercatcher family. It is an obvious and noisy bird with black and white plumage, red legs and a strong broad red bill which is used for smashing or prising open molluscs such as mussels or for finding earthworms. Despite its name, oysters do not form a large part of its diet. The Oystercatcher is unmistakable in flight with white patches on the wings and tail with otherwise black upperparts and white underparts. Young birds are more brown, have a white neck collar and a duller bill. The call is a distinctive loud piping. The bill shape varies: Oystercatchers with broad bill tips open molluscs by prising them apart or hammering through the shell whereas birds with pointed bills dig up worms. Much of this is due to the wear resulting from feeding on their prey. Individual Oystercatchers specialise in one technique or the other which they learn from their parents. The Oystercatcher is the most widespread of the oystercatchers with 3 races breeding in western Europe, central Eurasia, Kamchatka, China, and the western coast of Korea. It is a migratory species over most of its range. The European population breeds mainly in northern Europe but in winter the birds can be found in north Africa and southern parts of Europe. Although the species is present all year in Ireland, the UK and the adjacent European coasts, there is still migratory movement within these populations. The Oystercatcher breeds on shingle and rocky beaches, sand dunes, salt marshes and on the grassy tops of small islands and also inland on shingle banks of rivers, lakes and gravel pits. Date: 28th June 2018 Location: Loch Sunart, Ardnamurchan, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45201925.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_185369771762372c48e4841.jpgMoorhens The Moorhen is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird that is usually found near water. From a distance it looks black with a ragged white line along its body. However, closer up it is olive-brown on the back and the head and blue-grey underneath. It has a red bill with a yellow tip. The Moorhen can be found all year round almost anywhere where there is water. They breed in lowland areas particularly in central and eastern England but are scarce in northern Scotland and the uplands of Wales and northern England. UK breeding birds are residents and seldom travel far. Date: 26th February 2022 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13683386.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3828132814ed73817494d6.jpgBarn Owl With a heart shaped face, buff back and wings and pure white under-parts the Barn Owl is a distinctive and much-loved bird of the countryside. Barn Owls are widely distributed across the UK and can be seen all year round sometimes during the day but normally at dusk in open country and along field edges, riverbanks and roadside verges. Barn owls have suffered population declines over the past 50 years as a result of habitat degradation following increasing intensive agricultural practices. However, that decline has stopped in many areas and their population may now be increasing. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11481812.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15732391974e26a32a3d618.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 16/04/07 Location: Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9578970.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2788989634db003f63e267.jpgOystercatcher The Oystercatcher is a wader in the oystercatcher family. It is an obvious and noisy bird with black and white plumage, red legs and a strong broad red bill which is used for smashing or prising open molluscs such as mussels or for finding earthworms. Despite its name, oysters do not form a large part of its diet. The Oystercatcher is unmistakable in flight with white patches on the wings and tail with otherwise black upperparts and white underparts. Young birds are more brown, have a white neck collar and a duller bill. The call is a distinctive loud piping. The bill shape varies: Oystercatchers with broad bill tips open molluscs by prising them apart or hammering through the shell whereas birds with pointed bills dig up worms. Much of this is due to the wear resulting from feeding on their prey. Individual Oystercatchers specialise in one technique or the other which they learn from their parents. The Oystercatcher is the most widespread of the oystercatchers with 3 races breeding in western Europe, central Eurasia, Kamchatka, China, and the western coast of Korea. It is a migratory species over most of its range. The European population breeds mainly in northern Europe but in winter the birds can be found in north Africa and southern parts of Europe. Although the species is present all year in Ireland, the UK and the adjacent European coasts, there is still migratory movement within these populations. In winter, large flocks can be seen on major estuaries in the UK. The Oystercatcher breeds on shingle and rocky beaches, sand dunes, salt marshes and on the grassy tops of small islands and also inland on shingle banks of rivers, lakes and gravel pits Date: 3rd June 2008 Location: Bousta, West Mainland, Shetland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15454025.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10498711304ff5487c76a3e.jpgEl Rocío, Coto Doñana, Andalucia, Spain El Rocío sits right on the north western edge of the Parque Nacional de Doñana and is located in an area rich in wildlife. The village is a sprawling and pretty Wild-West style place with white houses and sandy, unpaved roads where horses are tied to wooden rails. The village of El Rocío overlooks the La Madre de las Marismas, a marshland area where there are huge numbers of birds. Near the hermitage and running alongside the wetlands is the Paseo Marismeño, an excellent birdwatching spot. The Hermitage of El Rocío is home to the Virgin of El Rocío, a small and much-venerated carved wood statue, and it is the destination of an annual procession and pilgrimage on the second day of the Pentecost known as the Romería de El Rocío. In recent years the Romería has brought together roughly a million pilgrims each year from all over Andalucia and beyond. Although there has been a hermitage on this site for centuries, the present hermitage building was designed by architects in 1961 and built in stages over the next two decades. The modern church of Nuestra Señora del Rocio is a stunning sight when viewed from across the water where the dazzling white sanctuary stands out like a beacon against green of the marisma and the deep blue of the sky. Date: 1st May 2012 Location: view from La Madre de las Marismas, El Rocío, Coto Doñana, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40399553.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4211246215dc6ad157928e.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 18th October 2019 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9580112.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18019117914db01db1db2e7.jpgBlack-tailed Godwit The Black-tailed Godwit is a large, long-legged, long-billed shorebird with an orange head, neck and chest in its breeding plumage and a uniform brown-grey breast and upperparts in winter. During the breeding season, the bill has a yellowish or orange-pink base and dark tip but the base is pink in winter. The legs are dark grey, brown or black. The sexes are similar but in breeding plumage they can be separated by the male's brighter, more extensive orange breast, neck and head. In flight, the bold black and white wingbar and white rump can be seen readily. When on the ground the Black-tailed Godwit can be difficult to separate from the similar Bar-tailed Godwit but the Black-tailed Godwit's longer, straighter bill and longer legs are diagnostic. The Black-tailed Godwit’s breeding range stretches from Iceland through northern Europe and areas of central Asia where it can be found in fens, lake edges, damp meadows, moorlands and bogs. It winters in areas as diverse as the Indian Subcontinent, Australia, western Europe and west Africa where it can be found on estuaries and floods. It is also more likely to be found inland and on freshwater than the Bar-tailed Godwit. Date: 27/04/06 Location: Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46027951.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6216559926291ef8c114ba.jpgOystercatcher The Oystercatcher is a wader in the oystercatcher family. It is an obvious and noisy bird with black and white plumage, red legs and a strong broad red bill which is used for smashing or prising open molluscs such as mussels or for finding earthworms. Despite its name, oysters do not form a large part of its diet. The Oystercatcher is unmistakable in flight with white patches on the wings and tail with otherwise black upperparts and white underparts. Young birds are more brown, have a white neck collar and a duller bill. The call is a distinctive loud piping. The bill shape varies: Oystercatchers with broad bill tips open molluscs by prising them apart or hammering through the shell whereas birds with pointed bills dig up worms. Much of this is due to the wear resulting from feeding on their prey. Individual Oystercatchers specialise in one technique or the other which they learn from their parents. The Oystercatcher is the most widespread of the oystercatchers with 3 races breeding in western Europe, central Eurasia, Kamchatka, China, and the western coast of Korea. It is a migratory species over most of its range. The European population breeds mainly in northern Europe but in winter the birds can be found in north Africa and southern parts of Europe. Although the species is present all year in Ireland, the UK and the adjacent European coasts, there is still migratory movement within these populations. The Oystercatcher breeds on shingle and rocky beaches, sand dunes, salt marshes and on the grassy tops of small islands and also inland on shingle banks of rivers, lakes and gravel pits. Date: 21st May 2022 Location: EWT Two Tree Island, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072237.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13685991104bf6d51581cf9.jpgSiberian Jay The Siberian Jay is noticeably smaller, slighter and proportionately longer-tailed than the Jay with a much shorter and more pointed bill. It is the smallest and most delicate of the Western Palearctic crows and is rather drab brown-grey with rufous-chestnut near the wing-bend and on under wing coverts, rump and sides of tail which set the bird “on fire” in flight. The Siberian Jay is a widespread and highly sedentary resident in Fennoscandia and Russia with Europe accounting for less than half of its global range. It breeds across the higher latitudes of the Western Palearctic and is predominantly at all seasons a bird of coniferous forest, mainly dense stands of forest unmodified by man rather than open growth. The Siberian Jay contrasts with the Jay in a lack of fear of man, readily attaching itself to human travellers and their living quarters, but this has little effect on choice of habitat since its normal range is largely uninhabited by people. Date: 10th April 2010 Location: Neljan Tuulen Tupa near Kaamanen, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49002642.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2935552276468f41bc0aff.jpgCommon Redshank The Common Redshank, or simply Redshank, is a Eurasian wader. In breeding plumage it is a marbled brown colour and slightly lighter below. In winter plumage it becomes somewhat lighter toned and less patterned and rather plain greyish-brown above and whitish below. It has red legs and a black-tipped red bill and it shows white up the back and on the wings in flight. The Common Redshank is widespread across temperate Eurasia and it breeds in any wetland from damp meadows to saltmarsh, often at high densities. It is migratory and it winters on coasts around the Mediterranean, on the Atlantic coast of Europe from the UK southwards and in south Asia. The Common Redshank is a wary and noisy bird which will alert everything else with their loud piping call. Date: 17th May 2023 Location: RSPB Minsmere, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41349641.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20601788445f200911282bd.jpgRuddy Darter Flight period: mid June to mid September. The Ruddy Darter takes its name from its colour and its swift flight behaviour. The male has a deep russet colour over the entire body and the abdomen has a pinched section close to where it joins the thorax. Females are slightly smaller, golden yellow in colour and being less obviously marked are more difficult to identify than the males. There is more than one red coloured darter species in the UK and they can be easily confused with each other. The commonest red species, the Common Darter, can be distinguished as having red veins at the base of the wings and a less ruddy colouration across the body. However, the Ruddy Darter has entirely black legs, distinguishing it from all other red darters which have longitudinal yellow stripes on their legs. The UK range of the Ruddy Darter has undergone something of an expansion in recent years. Although still relatively uncommon in the west and north of Britain, it is increasing in numbers in the Midlands and eastern England. The population is augmented by continental migrants. It is also found over most of Europe except for northern Scandinavia, as far east as western Siberia and south to north Africa. The Ruddy Darter prefers water bodies with tall emergent vegetation, such as reeds and club rush, and it is known to breed in ponds, lakes, canals, ditches and sluggish rivers. They can also be found near coasts and can breed in fairly brackish water. Date: 25th June 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15747154.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_286305725017a7475b42b.jpgRuddy Darter Flight period: mid June to mid September. The Ruddy Darter takes its name from its colour and its swift flight behaviour. The male has a deep russet colour over the entire body and the abdomen has a pinched section close to where it joins the thorax. Females are slightly smaller, golden yellow in colour and being less obviously marked are more difficult to identify than the males. There is more than one red coloured darter species in the UK and they can be easily confused with each other. The commonest red species, the Common Darter, can be distinguished as having red veins at the base of the wings and a less ruddy colouration across the body. However, the Ruddy Darter has entirely black legs, distinguishing it from all other red darters which have longitudinal yellow stripes on their legs. The UK range of the Ruddy Darter has undergone something of an expansion in recent years. Although still relatively uncommon in the west and north of Britain, it is increasing in numbers in the Midlands and eastern England. The population is augmented by continental migrants. It is also found over most of Europe except for northern Scandinavia, as far east as western Siberia and south to north Africa. The Ruddy Darter prefers water bodies with tall emergent vegetation, such as reeds and club rush, and it is known to breed in ponds, lakes, canals, ditches and sluggish rivers. They can also be found near coasts and can breed in fairly brackish water. Date: 25th July 2012 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21829461.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_203392305653cba6214a366.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 11th June 2014 Location: Bempton Cliifs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46028409.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17729603726291f5ad59ae1.jpgLarge Red Damselfly Flight period: April to August The Large Red Damselfly is one of the three most widespread dragonflies in the UK and one of the first to emerge in spring. They can be found in most wetland habitats from acidic moorland bog pools to brackish ditches but they avoid fast flowing waters. Date: 26th May 2022 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9579334.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6723364764db00c9b6237b.jpgOystercatcher The Oystercatcher is a wader in the oystercatcher family. It is an obvious and noisy bird with black and white plumage, red legs and a strong broad red bill which is used for smashing or prising open molluscs such as mussels or for finding earthworms. Despite its name, oysters do not form a large part of its diet. The Oystercatcher is unmistakable in flight with white patches on the wings and tail with otherwise black upperparts and white underparts. Young birds are more brown, have a white neck collar and a duller bill. The call is a distinctive loud piping. The bill shape varies: Oystercatchers with broad bill tips open molluscs by prising them apart or hammering through the shell whereas birds with pointed bills dig up worms. Much of this is due to the wear resulting from feeding on their prey. Individual Oystercatchers specialise in one technique or the other which they learn from their parents. The Oystercatcher is the most widespread of the oystercatchers with 3 races breeding in western Europe, central Eurasia, Kamchatka, China, and the western coast of Korea. It is a migratory species over most of its range. The European population breeds mainly in northern Europe but in winter the birds can be found in north Africa and southern parts of Europe. Although the species is present all year in Ireland, the UK and the adjacent European coasts, there is still migratory movement within these populations. In winter, large flocks can be seen on major estuaries in the UK. The Oystercatcher breeds on shingle and rocky beaches, sand dunes, salt marshes and on the grassy tops of small islands and also inland on shingle banks of rivers, lakes and gravel pits. Date: 7th June 2007 Location: Loch na Keal, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29870216.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1543314348584e6d5cc06dd.jpgPurple Sandpiper The Purple Sandpiper is a small wading shorebird. Adults have short yellow legs and a medium thin dark bill with a yellow base. The body is dark above with a slight purplish gloss and mainly white below. The breast is smeared with grey and the rump is black. The Purple Sandpiper breeds in the northern tundra and Arctic islands in Canada and coastal areas in Greenland and north west Europe and nests on the ground either elevated on rocks or in a lower damp location. The males makes several scrapes following which the female chooses one and lays 3 or 4 eggs. The male takes the major responsibility for incubation and tends the chicks. The Purple Sandpiper is migratory and moves to rocky ice-free Atlantic coasts in winter where it is fairly gregarious, forming small flocks and often associating with Turnstones. It is also relatively tame and approachable. In the UK, the Purple Sandpiper occurs in winter in good numbers, principally along the east and south coasts where it favours rocky shorelines adjacent to the sea. It is a very rare breeding bird and is found only in a localised area of the Cairngorms National Park where 1 to 3 pairs have bred since the 1970s. Date: 7th November 2016 Location: Lowestoft Ness, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801281.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_47868525164edb33724a69.jpgRuddy Darter Flight period: mid June to mid September. The Ruddy Darter takes its name from its colour and its swift flight behaviour. The male has a deep russet colour over the entire body and the abdomen has a pinched section close to where it joins the thorax. Females are slightly smaller, golden yellow in colour and being less obviously marked are more difficult to identify than the males. There is more than one red coloured darter species in the UK and they can be easily confused with each other. The commonest red species, the Common Darter, can be distinguished as having red veins at the base of the wings and a less ruddy colouration across the body. However, the Ruddy Darter has entirely black legs, distinguishing it from all other red darters which have longitudinal yellow stripes on their legs. The UK range of the Ruddy Darter has undergone something of an expansion in recent years. Although still relatively uncommon in the west and north of Britain, it is increasing in numbers in the Midlands and eastern England. The population is augmented by continental migrants. It is also found over most of Europe except for northern Scandinavia, as far east as western Siberia and south to north Africa. The Ruddy Darter prefers water bodies with tall emergent vegetation, such as reeds and club rush, and it is known to breed in ponds, lakes, canals, ditches and sluggish rivers. They can also be found near coasts and can breed in fairly brackish water. Date: 26th July 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26025608.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_322185550563742d75f60c.jpgLong-tailed Duck The Long-tailed Duck is a medium-sized sea duck. Adults have white underparts although the rest of the plumage goes through a complex moulting process. The male has a long pointed tail and a dark grey bill crossed by a pink band. In winter, the male has a dark cheek patch on a mainly white head and neck, a dark breast and mostly white body. In summer, the male is dark on the head, neck and back with a white cheek patch. The female has a brown back and a relatively short pointed tail. In winter, the female's head and neck are white with a dark crown. In summer, the head is dark. Juveniles resemble adult females in autumn plumage, though with a lighter, less distinct cheek patch. The Long-tailed Duck breeds in tundra pools and marshes but also along sea coasts and in large mountain lakes in north America, northern Europe and Russia. It is migratory and winters along the eastern and western coasts of north America, on the Great Lakes, coastal northern and western Europe and Asia. The most important wintering area is the Baltic Sea where a total of about 4.5 million gather. The Long-tailed Duck feeds by diving for molluscs, crustaceans and some small fish. Date: 3rd June 2015 Location: Öxarfjörður, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7439562.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15769846514cd57190ec891.jpgAzure-winged Magpie The Azure-winged Magpie is a member of the crow family, similar in overall shape to the European Magpie but is more slender with proportionately smaller legs and bill. It has a glossy black top to the head and a white throat. The underparts and the back are a light grey-fawn in colour with the wings and the feathers of the long tail are an azure blue. Azure-winged Magpies occurs in two population groups separated by a huge geographical region between. One population lives in western Europe, specifically the south western part of the Iberian Peninsula in Spain and Portugal. The other population occurs over a much larger region of eastern Asia in most of China, Korea, Japan and north into Mongolia. Azure-winged Magpies inhabit various types of coniferous (mainly pine) and broadleaf forest. They usually nest in loose, open colonies with a single nest in each tree and often find food as a family group or several groups making flocks of up to 70 birds. The largest groups congregate after the breeding season and throughout the winter months. Date: 8th September 2010 Location: Sierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain - road along River Andújar to Jándula Dam http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405544.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19297560626586f7cfd1d64.jpgGreat Northern Diver The Great Northern Diver is the largest of the UK's divers with a bigger, heavier head and bill than its commoner relatives. The Great Northern Diver is largely a winter visitor to the UK coast although some non-breeding birds stay off northern coasts in the summer. They start to arrive offshore in August and birds move back to their largely Icelandic breeding grounds in April and May. The largest numbers can be found off the northern and western islands of Scotland. Date: 8th December 2023 Location: Great Notley Country Park, Braintree, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308871.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_49927282663ee37ff411fa.jpgShoveler The Northern Shoveler, known simply as the Shoveler in the UK, is a common and widespread dabbling duck. The Shoveler is unmistakable due to its large spatulate bill. The breeding male has an iridescent dark green head, white breast and chestnut belly and flanks. In flight, pale blue forewing feathers are revealed which are separated from the green speculum by a white border. In early autumn the male has a white crescent on each side of the face. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male resembles the female. The female is a drab mottled brown with plumage much like a female Mallard but easily distinguished by the long broad bill which is grey tinged with orange on the cutting edge and lower mandible. The female's forewing is grey. The Shoveler can be found in open wetlands, such as wet grassland or marshes with some emergent vegetation, in northern areas of Europe and Asia and across most of north America. It winters in south Europe, Africa, the Indian sub-continent, south east Asia and central and northern south America. In the UK, the Shoveler breeds primarily in south and east England and in much smaller numbers in Scotland and west England. In winter, breeding birds move south and there is additionally an influx of continental birds from further north. The UK is home to more than 20% of the north west European population. The Shoveler prefers to nest in grassy areas away from open water. The nest is a shallow depression on the ground lined with plant material and down. Females typically lay about 9 eggs. The males are very territorial during the breeding season and will defend their territory and partners from competing males. Males also engage in elaborate courtship behaviours both on the water and in the air. The Shoveler feeds by dabbling for plant food, often by swinging its bill from side to side and using the bill to strain food from the water. It uses its highly specialized bill (from which their name is derived) to forage for aquatic invertebrates. Date: 21st January 2022 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512794.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_34915508462c99fc936b7d.jpgBlack-tailed Godwits The Black-tailed Godwit is a large, long-legged, long-billed shorebird with an orange head, neck and chest in its breeding plumage and a uniform brown-grey breast and upperparts in winter. During the breeding season, the bill has a yellowish or orange-pink base and dark tip but the base is pink in winter. The legs are dark grey, brown or black. The sexes are similar but in breeding plumage they can be separated by the male's brighter, more extensive orange breast, neck and head. In flight, the bold black and white wingbar and white rump can be seen readily. When on the ground the Black-tailed Godwit can be difficult to separate from the similar Bar-tailed Godwit but the Black-tailed Godwit's longer, straighter bill and longer legs are diagnostic. The Black-tailed Godwit’s breeding range stretches from Iceland through northern Europe and areas of central Asia where it can be found in fens, lake edges, damp meadows, moorlands and bogs. It winters in areas as diverse as the Indian Subcontinent, Australia, western Europe and west Africa where it can be found on estuaries and floods. It is also more likely to be found inland and on freshwater than the Bar-tailed Godwit. Date: 10th May 2022 Location: WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre, Carmarthenshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17408508.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_256893925133274caca72.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 12th January 2013 Location: Martin Mere WWT reserve, Lancashire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874798.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1760868888561ccdf8d35a9.jpgRed-throated Divers The Red-throated Diver is the smallest and lightest of the world's diver or loon species. Like all divers, it is long-bodied and short-necked and with its legs set far back on its body. The sexes are similar in appearance although males tend to be slightly larger and heavier than females. In breeding plumage, the adult has a dark grey head and neck with narrow black and white stripes on the back of the neck, a triangular red throat patch, white underparts and a dark grey-brown mantle. The non-breeding plumage is drabber with the chin, foreneck and much of the face white, the top of the head and back of the neck grey and considerable white speckling on the dark mantle. The bill is thin, straight and sharp and the bird often holds it at an uptilted angle. In flight, the Red-throated Diver has a distinctive profile. Its small feet do not project far past the end of its body, its head and neck droop below the horizontal (giving the flying bird a distinctly hunchbacked shape) and its thin wings are angled back. It has a quicker, deeper wing beat than other divers. The Red-throated Diver has a large global population and a significant global range but some populations are declining. Oil spills, habitat degradation, pollution and fishing nets are among the major threats and natural predators, such as various gull species and both red and Arctic foxes, will take eggs and young. The Red-throated Diver breeds primarily in the Arctic regions of northern Eurasia and north America and it winters in northern coastal waters, sometimes in groups of considerable size. Unlike other divers, it regularly uses very small freshwater lakes as breeding sites. In Europe, it breeds in Iceland, northern Scotland, Scandinavia and northern Russia and it winters along the coast as far south as parts of Spain. Date: 7th June 2015 Location: east of Ólafsvík, Snæfellsnes peninsula, west Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29487276.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_202856707558107ec67babc.jpgHelsinki archipelago, Helsinki, Finland Known as the "Daughter of the Baltic", Helsinki is located on the tip of a peninsula facing south to an archipelago of around 330 islands. Major islands include Pihlajasaari, Seurasaari, Vallisaari, Lauttasaari and Korkeasaari. Other noteworthy islands are the fortress island of Suomenlinna, the military island of Santahamina and Isosaari. The Helsinki archipelago provides a getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city for both residents and tourists. Date: 29th May 2016 Location: view from the Strömma archipelago and canal boat trip from Helsinki, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457634.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20082099996685750e67a99.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo10926898.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16070619774e0978bd19078.jpgBottlenose Dolphin The Bottlenose Dolphin is one of the most well-known species of dolphin. They have a stocky, torpedo-shaped body, a short beak and pointed flippers and are usually dark grey on the back with paler grey flanks and a white or pinkish belly. The sickle-shaped dorsal fin is tall and positioned centrally on the back. Variations in the shape of the dorsal fin along with scars and other markings on the skin can help researchers to identify individuals. The Bottlenose Dolphin is found in coastal waters of most temperate, tropical and subtropical areas. Around the UK, it occurs in the English Channel, in the Moray Firth in north-east Scotland and in Cardigan Bay in Wales. Although lone individuals do occur, Bottle-nosed Dolphins are very sociable animals which usually live in groups numbering between 10 and 100 individuals. They engage in much energetic behaviour, including breaching (clearing the water), lobtailing (slapping the tail flukes down onto the surface of the water) and bow-riding (riding the swell created in front of boats and even large whales). The Bottlenose Dolphin faces a number of threats including human disturbance, entanglement in fishing nets and hunting. Like all cetaceans, they are also vulnerable to chemical and noise pollution. The captivity industry that supplies the world aquarium trade is also a problem. The Bottlenose Dolphin is a UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority species and it is protected in UK waters by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Orders 1985. It is illegal to intentionally kill, injure, or harass any cetacean (whale or dolphin) species in UK waters. The Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans in the Baltic and North Seas (ASCOBANS), has been signed by 7 European Countries including the UK. Provision is made under this agreement to set up protected areas, promote research and monitoring, pollution control and increase public awareness. Under Annex II of the EC Habitats Directive, candidate marine Special Areas of Conservation (SACS) are being set up for this species in Cardigan Bay (Wales) and the Moray Firth (north-east Scotland). Date: 12th June 2011 Location: Moray Firth (from Chanonry Point), Inverness-shire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39081941.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_997611375d30785ccfad5.jpgEuropean Bee-eaters The European Bee-eater is an incredibly colourful bird with an unmistakable appearance. In breeding plumage, it has a rich chestnut crown that blends into gold on its back. The forehead is white, the throat is yellow bordered by black and the underparts are blue. The male European Bee-eater has a chestnut-coloured patch in the middle of the wing while in females this patch is usually smaller or even absent. Occasionally, females may also be distinguished from the males by having a green back. The wings and backs of juvenile European Bee-eaters are entirely green and the eyes are brown in contrast to the bright red eyes of adults. The European Bee-eater breeds in southern Europe and in parts of north Africa and western Asia. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, India and Sri Lanka. European Bee-eaters are occasionally seen in northern Europe (including the UK) as a spring overshoot north of its range with occasional breeding occurring. Just as the name suggests, the European Bee-eater predominantly eats insects, especially bees, wasps and hornets which are caught in the air by sorties from an open perch. Before eating its meal, a European Bee-eater removes the sting by repeatedly hitting the insect on a hard surface. Lizards and frogs are also taken. European Bee-eaters are gregarious, nesting colonially in sandy banks preferably near river shores and also feeding and roosting communally. Date: 17th May 2018 Location: Vetren, Silistra Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11654790.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1922442994e3133d8c3f6f.jpgCommon Gull The Common Gull is a medium-sized gull. The north American subspecies is commonly referred to as the Mew Gull although that name is also used by some authorities for the whole species. The Common Gull is noticeably smaller and more gentle looking than the Herring Gull. It is grey above and white below with greenish-yellow legs. It has black wingtips with large white "mirrors". Young birds have scaly black-brown upperparts and a neat wing pattern and grey legs and take 2 to 3 years to reach maturity. In winter, the head is streaked grey and the bill often has a poorly defined blackish band near the tip which is sometimes sufficiently obvious to cause confusion with the Ring-billed Gull. The call is a high-pitched "laughing" cry. The Common Gull breeds colonially near water or in marshes in north Europe, north west north America and north Asia. It is most numerous in Europe with over half (possibly as much as 80 to 90%) of the world population. In the UK, the Common Gull can be found in summer along the coasts and inland marshes and lakes of Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England. Elsewhere in England and Wales, it can be found in winter on farmland, on marshes and lakes and on the coast. Date: 23rd November 2007 Location: Leysdown, Sheppey, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11805634.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21343975244e3a69f1a4bc3.jpgRuddy Darter Flight period: mid June to mid September. The Ruddy Darter takes its name from its colour and its swift flight behaviour. The male has a deep russet colour over the entire body and the abdomen has a pinched section close to where it joins the thorax. Females are slightly smaller, golden yellow in colour and being less obviously marked are more difficult to identify than the males. There is more than one red coloured darter species in the UK and they can be easily confused with each other. The commonest red species, the Common Darter, can be distinguished as having red veins at the base of the wings and a less ruddy colouration across the body. However, the Ruddy Darter has entirely black legs, distinguishing it from all other red darters which have longitudinal yellow stripes on their legs. The UK range of the Ruddy Darter has undergone something of an expansion in recent years. Although still relatively uncommon in the west and north of Britain, it is increasing in numbers in the Midlands and eastern England. The population is augmented by continental migrants. It is also found over most of Europe except for northern Scandinavia, as far east as western Siberia and south to north Africa. The Ruddy Darter prefers water bodies with tall emergent vegetation, such as reeds and club rush, and it is known to breed in ponds, lakes, canals, ditches and sluggish rivers. They can also be found near coasts and can breed in fairly brackish water. Date: 2nd August 2011 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39081967.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11043101865d3078b92e6d9.jpgEuropean Bee-eater The European Bee-eater is an incredibly colourful bird with an unmistakable appearance. In breeding plumage, it has a rich chestnut crown that blends into gold on its back. The forehead is white, the throat is yellow bordered by black and the underparts are blue. The male European Bee-eater has a chestnut-coloured patch in the middle of the wing while in females this patch is usually smaller or even absent. Occasionally, females may also be distinguished from the males by having a green back. The wings and backs of juvenile European Bee-eaters are entirely green and the eyes are brown in contrast to the bright red eyes of adults. The European Bee-eater breeds in southern Europe and in parts of north Africa and western Asia. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, India and Sri Lanka. European Bee-eaters are occasionally seen in northern Europe (including the UK) as a spring overshoot north of its range with occasional breeding occurring. Just as the name suggests, the European Bee-eater predominantly eats insects, especially bees, wasps and hornets which are caught in the air by sorties from an open perch. Before eating its meal, a European Bee-eater removes the sting by repeatedly hitting the insect on a hard surface. Lizards and frogs are also taken. European Bee-eaters are gregarious, nesting colonially in sandy banks preferably near river shores and also feeding and roosting communally. Date: 17th May 2018 Location: Vetren, Silistra Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493259.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1607244045f326f26a30a3.jpgKittiwakes The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847450.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18310902659bd5084e80a6.jpgHigh Tatras, Slovakia The High Tatras (Vysoké Tatry in Slovakia and Tatry Wysokie in Poland) are a mountain range along the border of northern Slovakia in the Prešov region and southern Poland in the Małopolska province. The High Tatras should not be confused with the Low Tatras which are located south of the High Tatras in Slovakia. The High Tatras occupy an area of 303 square miles, of which about 236 square miles (77.7%) lie within Slovakia and about 68 square miles (22.3%) within Poland. The High Tatras' length, measured in a straight line from the eastern foothills of the Kobylí vrch at 3638 feet to the south western foot of Ostrý vrch at 3700 feet, is 35 miles and strictly along the main ridge, 50 miles. The range is only 12 miles wide. The main ridge of the High Tatras runs from the Slovakian villages of Huty at the western end to the village of Ždiar at the eastern end. The High Tatras, having 29 peaks over 8,200 feet are, with the Southern Carpathians, the only mountain range with an alpine character and habitats in the entire 750 mile length of the Carpathian Mountains system. The 15 highest peaks of the High Tatras are all located in Slovakia with the highest peaks being Gerlachovský štít at 8711 feet, Gerlachovská veža at 8668 feet and Lomnický štít at 8638 feet. Other notable peaks include Kriváň and Rysy. Multiple surveys have ranked Kriváň (8168 feet) as Slovakia's most beautiful peak and it has also been a major symbol in Slovakian ethnic and national activism for the past 2 centuries. A country-wide vote in 2005 selected it to be one of the images on Slovakia's euro coins. Rysy lies on the border between Poland and Slovakia. It has 3 summits: the middle at 8,212 feet, the north western at 8,199 feet and the south eastern at 8,114 feet. The north western summit is the highest point in Poland whilst the other 2 summits are in Slovakia. Since the accession of Poland and Slovakia to the Schengen Agreement in 2007, the border between the countries may be easily crossed at this point. Two thirds of the High Tatras are covered with coniferous and deciduous forests. Alpine meadows, rocky terrain and habitats and extensively used pastures in the foothills occur in the non-forested areas. The High Tatras are one of the most popular places in Slovakia with over 5 million people visiting each year to walk, climb, cycle, ski or snowboard. There are around 375 miles of hiking trails, chairlifts and cable cars, offering breathtaking views of alpine scenery. The High Tatras are protected by law by the establishment of the Tatra National Park, Slovakia (Tatranský národný park) and the Tatra National Park, Poland (Tatrzański Park Narodowy), the first European cross-border national park. In 1992 the Polish and Slovakian national parks were jointly designated a trans-boundary Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. Tatra National Park, Slovakia (Tatranský národný park) is one of the 9 national parks in Slovakia. It protects the Slovakian areas of the High Tatras mountain range in the Eastern Tatras (Východné Tatry) and areas of the Western Tatras (Západné Tatry). The western part of Tatra National Park is situated in the Žilina region and the eastern part in the Prešov region. Tatra National Park covers an area of 284.9 square miles and the surrounding buffer zone covers an area of 118.5 square miles. The highest peak in Slovakia, Gerlachovský štít at 8711 feet, is located within Tatra National Park. Tatra National Park was established in January 1949 and it is the oldest national park in Slovakia. In 1987, a section of the Western Tatras was added to the national park. Since 2004, the national park has been included in the Natura 2000 ecological network, the network of nature protection areas within the European Union. Date: 29th May 2017 Location: High Tatras, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9952132.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16285275414dca3d39a11dc.jpgNant Francon, Gwynedd Nant Ffrancon is a steep-sided glacial valley situated between the Glyderau and the Carneddau mountains in Snowdonia. It lies south of Bethesda and north of Llyn Ogwen. The summit of the pass at 1,024 feet is at Pont Wern-gof, about 1/3 of a mile beyond the eastern end of Llyn Ogwen. The River Ogwen flows through Nant Frrancon. The A5 road runs down the eastern side of Nant Ffrancon and is the Holyhead to London trunk road which was re-engineered by Thomas Telford between 1810 and 1826. A narrow and very quiet single track minor road runs down the west side of Nant Ffrancon. Date: 7th May 2011 Location: view looking south from minor road http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21891971.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_70622536953d0f3f8a47c0.jpgCommon Sandpiper The Common Sandpiper is a small wader. The adult is 7.1 to 7.9 inches long with a 13 to 14 inches wingspan. It has greyish-brown upperparts, white underparts, short dark-yellowish legs and feet and a bill with a pale base and dark tip. In winter plumage, it is duller and has more conspicuous barring on the wings although this is still only visible at close range. Juveniles are more heavily barred above and have buff edges to the wing feathers. The Common Sandpiper habitually bobs up and down and it has a distinctive flight with stiff, bowed wings. Its presence is often betrayed by its three-note call which it gives as it flies off. The Common Sandpiper is widespread and common and breeds across most of temperate and sub-tropical Europe and Asia where it nests on the ground near freshwater. It migrates to Africa, south Asia and Australia in winter. In the UK, the Common Sandpiper breeds along fast-flowing upland streams and rivers and at the edges of lochs and lakes in Scotland, Wales and the north of England. Summer visitors arrive in March and April and leave the breeding grounds in July and August with the young following in September. During the spring and autumn passage migration, it can be found elsewhere in the UK, near lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers, ditches, coastal shores and estuaries. The Common Sandpiper forages by sight on the ground or in shallow water, picking up small food items such as insects, crustaceans and other invertebrates. Date: 17th June 2014 Location: Dulnain Bridge, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41539282.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18814287365f3e4b1584d36.jpgOystercatcher The Oystercatcher is a wader in the oystercatcher family. It is an obvious and noisy bird with black and white plumage, red legs and a strong broad red bill which is used for smashing or prising open molluscs such as mussels or for finding earthworms. Despite its name, oysters do not form a large part of its diet. The Oystercatcher is unmistakable in flight with white patches on the wings and tail with otherwise black upperparts and white underparts. Young birds are more brown, have a white neck collar and a duller bill. The call is a distinctive loud piping. The bill shape varies: Oystercatchers with broad bill tips open molluscs by prising them apart or hammering through the shell whereas birds with pointed bills dig up worms. Much of this is due to the wear resulting from feeding on their prey. Individual Oystercatchers specialise in one technique or the other which they learn from their parents. The Oystercatcher is the most widespread of the oystercatchers with 3 races breeding in western Europe, central Eurasia, Kamchatka, China, and the western coast of Korea. It is a migratory species over most of its range. The European population breeds mainly in northern Europe but in winter the birds can be found in north Africa and southern parts of Europe. Although the species is present all year in Ireland, the UK and the adjacent European coasts, there is still migratory movement within these populations. The Oystercatcher breeds on shingle and rocky beaches, sand dunes, salt marshes and on the grassy tops of small islands and also inland on shingle banks of rivers, lakes and gravel pits. Date: 5th July 2019 Location: Hoyholmen, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30825742.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_64379668158f349e8c37ef4.19546546.jpgAvocet The (Pied) Avocet is a large black and white wader in the avocet and stilt family. It is one of 4 species of avocet that make up the genus Recurvirostra. The genus name is from the Latin [i]recurvus[/i] meaning "curved backwards" and [i]rostrum[/i] meaning "bill". The Avocet is a striking white wader with bold black markings. Adults have white plumage except for a black cap and black patches in the wings and on the back. They have long, upturned bills and long, bluish legs. Males and females look alike whilst juveniles resemble the adult but with more greyish and sepia tones. The Avocet breeds in temperate Europe and western and central Asia. The breeding habitat is shallow lakes with brackish water and exposed bare mud where they build a nest on open ground in a lined scrape or on a mound of vegetation. The Avocet is a migratory species and most winter in Africa or southern Asia. Some remain to winter in the mildest parts of their range such as in southern Spain and southern England. The Avocet feeds on crustaceans and insects in shallow brackish water or on mud flats, often scything their bills from side to side in water (a feeding technique that is unique to the avocet species). The Avocet was extinct as a breeding species in the UK by 1840 but its successful recolonisation at Minsmere in Suffolk in 1947 led to its adoption as the logo of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Date: 9th April 2017 Location: EWT Blue House Farm, North Fambridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37431284.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5456418485c6bec3dc3d91.jpgSmew The Smew is a species of diving duck and is the only living member of the genus [i]Mergellus[/i]. This genus is closely related to [i]Mergus[/i] which is represented in the UK by the Red-breasted Merganser and the Goosander. The male Smew is white with a black mask and a black back and is unmistakable. It is often described as having a “cracked ice” appearance. The female and immature male are grey birds with chestnut foreheads and crowns and they can be confused at a distance with the Ruddy Duck. They are often known as "redheads". The Smew's small bill has a hooked tip and serrated edges which help it catch fish when it dives for them. The Smew can be found on the lakes and rivers of the northern taiga region of Europe and Asia. It usually breeds in May and June and nests in tree holes such as old woodpecker nests. As a migrant, it leaves its breeding areas and winters further south on the sheltered coasts or inland lakes of the Baltic Sea, the Black Sea, north Germany and the Low Countries. The Smew is also a winter visitor to the UK in small numbers where it is mainly found south of a line between the Wash and the River Severn, typically on lakes, reservoirs and gravel pits. Sometimes birds move to the UK from Holland and Denmark to escape freezing weather there. The Smew is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. It is not considered threatened on the IUCN Red List although its population is decreasing. This bird was part of the captive collection at WWT Slimbridge. Date: 8th January 2019 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38397342.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16300276095ce128316cf26.jpgPied Flycatcher The Pied Flycatcher is a small passerine bird in the Old World flycatcher family and is 1 of the 4 species of Western Palearctic black and white flycatchers. The breeding male Pied Flycatcher is mainly black above and white below with a large white wing patch, white tail sides and a small forehead patch. Non-breeding males, females and juveniles have the black replaced by a pale brown. The bill is black and it has the broad but pointed shape typical of aerial insectivores. The Pied Flycatcher has a very large range and population size and so it is of “least concern” according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It breeds in most of Europe and west Asia where it can be found in deciduous woodlands, parks and gardens, with a preference for oak trees. It will sometimes use mature open conifer woodland where natural tree holes occur. It builds an open nest in a tree hole and it will readily adapt to nest boxes. In the UK, the Pied Flycatcher is limited by geography and habitat to the north and west of the country where it prefers mature oak woodlands but also mature upland ash and birch woodlands. It has on average decreased in population by 25% within the last 25 years and it has ceased to breed in several parts of its former range. The Pied Flycatcher is migratory, wintering mainly in tropical west Africa from mid September to mid April. It first arrives in its breeding areas from mid April to the end of May. Following breeding, return migration to Africa occurs between August and mid September. The Pied Flycatcher is mainly insectivorous and its diet is composed nearly entirely of insects including flies, bees, wasps, ants, beetles, butterflies, moths, etc. but it will also eat fruit and seeds in late summer and autumn and on migration. Date: 12th May 2019 Location: Gilfach RWT reserve, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871755.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2576005724eff21e2231ce.jpgWhite-tailed Eagle The White-tailed Eagle is a very large bird with a 72 to 96 inch wingspan and is the fourth largest eagle in the world. It has broad "barn door" wings, a large head and a thick "meat-cleaver" beak. The adult is mainly brown except for the paler head and neck, blackish flight feathers, distinctive white tail, and yellow bill and legs. In juvenile birds the tail and bill are darker, with the tail becoming white with a dark terminal band in sub-adults. The White-tailed Eagle breeds in northern Europe and northern Asia. The largest population in Europe is found along the coast of Norway. They are mostly resident with only the northernmost birds such as the eastern Scandinavian and Siberian population migrating south in winter. Date: 1st June 2009 Location: Martinselkosen Eräkeskus, Pirttivaara, Kainuu, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30825724.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_186722347358f349d0eefa69.09959857.jpgAvocet The (Pied) Avocet is a large black and white wader in the avocet and stilt family. It is one of 4 species of avocet that make up the genus Recurvirostra. The genus name is from the Latin [i]recurvus[/i] meaning "curved backwards" and [i]rostrum[/i] meaning "bill". The Avocet is a striking white wader with bold black markings. Adults have white plumage except for a black cap and black patches in the wings and on the back. They have long, upturned bills and long, bluish legs. Males and females look alike whilst juveniles resemble the adult but with more greyish and sepia tones. The Avocet breeds in temperate Europe and western and central Asia. The breeding habitat is shallow lakes with brackish water and exposed bare mud where they build a nest on open ground in a lined scrape or on a mound of vegetation. The Avocet is a migratory species and most winter in Africa or southern Asia. Some remain to winter in the mildest parts of their range such as in southern Spain and southern England. The Avocet feeds on crustaceans and insects in shallow brackish water or on mud flats, often scything their bills from side to side in water (a feeding technique that is unique to the avocet species). The Avocet was extinct as a breeding species in the UK by 1840 but its successful recolonisation at Minsmere in Suffolk in 1947 led to its adoption as the logo of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Date: 9th April 2017 Location: EWT Blue House Farm, North Fambridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41537268.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10460073395f3cfe29b62e4.jpgEkkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Ekkerøy is a small village in Troms og Finnmark in north east Norway. It is located on the Varanger peninsula along the shore of the Varangerfjord. The village lies along the European route E75 about 9 miles east of the town of Vadsø. As the ending "øy" in the name indicates, Ekkerøy was originally an island. However, it is now joined to the Varanger peninsula by a narrow isthmus of land. At the mainland end of the isthmus is the small hamlet of Valen. The headland on the northern tip of Ekkerøy is called Varnes and its eastern tip is called Skagodden. The bay on the north east side of the neck which joins Ekkerøy to the mainland is called Yttersida and that on the south west side is called Innersida. Ekkerøy is one of the few places in Troms og Finnmark where pre-World War 2 buildings can be seen. When the German army retreated from the Litsa front and Kirkenes in late 1944, they burned most buildings in the county under Operation Nordlicht, the German “scorched earth” retreat from Finnmark. However, buildings on the north side of the Varangerfjord survived because the Russians advanced so quickly that the German troops in this area fled west to get across the Tana river before they were cut off and therefore did not have enough time to obey the order to destroy all buildings. Historically, the economy of Ekkerøy was based on fishing and farming but today tourism also forms part of the economy. Flåget is a bird reserve with an easily accessible bird cliff just outside the village. The cliffs face south towards the Varangerfjord, stretch for just over 0.5 miles and rise steeply to a height of 130 to 165 feet. They can be reached by a short walk from a small car park. Flåget is best known for a huge colony of breeding Kittiwakes between March and September. In addition, Ekkerøy and nearby Salttjern, have sheltered sandy bays and these, together with the Varangerfjord offshore, provide good habitats for many species of birds and sea mammals. Date: 4th July 2019 Location: walk to Flåget, Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/rspb-dinas-upper-twyi-valley https://images.on-this.website/4752_381443916577a1cf2bdc56.jpgRSPB Dinas, upper Twyi valley, Carmarthenshire The River Tywi or Towy is one of the 2 longest rivers flowing entirely within Wales (the other is the River Teifi) with a total length of 75 miles. The River Twyi rises within 10 miles of the River Teifi on the lower slopes of Crug Gynan in the Cambrian Mountains and flows through the steep, rugged hills of the Twyi Forest, forming the border between Ceredigion and Powys. It flows generally south-westwards through Carmarthenshire passing through the towns of Llandovery and Llandeilo before flowing in to Carmarthen Bay east of the Pendine Sands in an estuary which it shares with the River Taf and the River Gwendraeth. The upper Tywi valley includes 2 of my favourite locations in Wales: [url=http://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/seenature/reserves/guide/g/gwenffrwd-dinas/about.aspx]RSPB Dinas[/url] a few miles north of Rhandirmwyn and the [url=http://www.theroyaloakinn.co.uk/]Royal Oak Inn[/url] in Rhandirmwyn itself for accommodation, food and real ale. Date: 12th June 2016 Location: view from minor road north of Rhandirmwyn http://www.richardchewphotography.com/helsinki-archipelago-helsinki-finland https://images.on-this.website/4752_52554101458107e955ead4.jpgHelsinki archipelago, Helsinki, Finland Known as the "Daughter of the Baltic", Helsinki is located on the tip of a peninsula facing south to an archipelago of around 330 islands. Major islands include Pihlajasaari, Seurasaari, Vallisaari, Lauttasaari and Korkeasaari. Other noteworthy islands are the fortress island of Suomenlinna, the military island of Santahamina and Isosaari. The Helsinki archipelago provides a getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city for both residents and tourists. Date: 29th May 2016 Location: view from the Strömma archipelago and canal boat trip from Helsinki, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41234308.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5618751685ee77550a4c9b.jpgBlue-tailed Damselfly Flight period: mid May to early September. Blue-tailed Damselflies are a widespread and common species of damselfly in much of England, Wales and southern Scotland. They can be found around lakes, ponds, canals and ditches, being less common on flowing water and in exposed and upland sites. They can also tolerate some saline and polluted waters. Date: 12th June 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/vatnajkull-national-park-north-east https://images.on-this.website/4752_13488098665635225262e13.jpgDettifoss area, Vatnajökull National Park, north east Iceland Dettifoss is a waterfall in Vatnajökull National Park in north east Iceland and it is reputed to be the most powerful waterfall in Europe. Dettifoss is situated on the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river which flows from the Vatnajökull glacier and collects water from a large area in north east Iceland. The falls are 330 feet wide and have a drop of 150 feet down to the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon. It is the largest waterfall in Iceland in terms of volume discharge. Since the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river can not be crossed in the vicinity of Dettifoss, it is reached by 2 separate roads: a new tarmac road for the west bank (road 862 finished in 2011) and an older gravel road for the east bank (road 864). On the west bank there are no facilities and the view of the waterfall is somewhat hindered by the waterfall's spray. On the east bank there is an information panel maintained by the staff of Vatnajökull National Park and a maintained track to the best viewpoints. Dettifoss is located on the “Diamond Circle”, a popular tourist route around Húsavík including Lake Mývatn and the Ásbyrgi canyon. Date: 4th June 2015 Location: view from the trail to the Dettifoss waterfall http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29487409.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_140660901158107ffbb2be0.jpgNuuksio National Park, Uusimaa, Finland Nuuksio National Park was established in 1994 and covers an area of 20 square miles of forests and lakes around Espoo, Kirkkonummi and Vihti. About 20 miles north west of Helsinki, it is the second closest National Park to the capital after Sipoonkorpi National Park. The [url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siberian_flying_squirrel]Siberian Flying Squirrel[/url] is the emblem of the Nuuksio National Park due to the density of its population. Date: 30th May 2016 Location: Hogbacka, Nuuksio National Park, Uusimaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871542.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15564450924eff1983ba8ed.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 25th December 2011 Location: Walcott, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071511.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19761703906643254371e58.jpgCommon Lizard The Common Lizard ranges across central and northern Europe (but are absent from the Mediterranean area) and through to northern Asia. It is the most common lizard in northern regions and the only reptile found in Ireland. The Common Lizard has a long body and short legs. It has coarse scales which range from grey, brown, bronze or green on the back and males are generally darker than females. It has a series of white spots down the flanks, which fuse to form a line, and a black line along the back. The Common Lizard also has numerous black spots scattered over the body. Males have orange/yellow bellies with black spots and females have cream/white bellies. The Common Lizard is found in a range of habitats including woodland, marshes, heathland, moors, sand dunes, hedgerows, bogs and rubbish dumps and it hunts insects, spiders, snails and earthworms, stunning its prey by shaking it and then swallowing it whole. The Common Lizard is active during the day and spends the morning and afternoon (but not the intense heat of midday) basking in the sun either alone or in groups. It is a good swimmer and will dive underwater when threatened. At night, and when startled, it will shelter beneath logs, stones and metal sheets. After emerging from hibernation, males defend breeding territories from other males. The young develop over 3 months within egg membranes inside the female's body which they usually break out of as she gives birth. Litters of 3 to 12 young are born from June to September after which time the mother shows no parental care with the young feeding actively from birth and quickly dispersing. The Common Lizard hibernates from October to March. It will often hibernate in groups and sometimes emerge for a brief time during warm spells. Date: 2nd May 2024 Location: RSPB Minsmere, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42175418.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15352719605fdbc02a4fc30.jpgReeves' Muntjac The Reeves' Muntjac, also known as the Chinese Muntjac, is a small, hump-backed deer species. It is named after British naturalist and employee of the East India Company, John Russell Reeves (1774 to 1856). Reeves came across them when he lived in China and sent specimens back to England. It is also called the “barking deer” due to its distinctive barking sound, although this name is also used for other Muntjac species. The barking sound is common during mating or when provoked. The Reeves' Muntjac grows to 1 foot 8 inches high at the shoulder and 3 feet 1 inches in length plus a short tail up to 4 inches long. It is reddish-brown in appearance with striped markings on its face. The belly is creamy-white with lighter fur extending to the neck, chin and the underside of the tail. The males have short antlers, usually 4 inches or less in length, and long upper canines or tusks, usually about 2 inches in length The Reeves' Muntjac is found widely in south east China (from Gansu to Yunnan) and Taiwan but it has also been introduced in Belgium, the Netherlands and Japan. In the UK, it was introduced to Woburn Park in Bedfordshire in 1894 by the then Duke of Bedford and was deliberately released into surrounding woodlands from 1901 onward. Releases, translocations and escapes from the 1930s onwards resulted in wide establishment in south east England and the population is still increasing and spreading across the UK where it can be found in deciduous woodland with a good understorey plus hedgerows, gardens, parks, conifer plantations, railway embankments, etc. Since the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it has been illegal to release the species except where it is already established. The Reeves' Muntjac is a solitary and crepuscular animal and both males and females defend small territories that they mark with preorbital gland secretions that are thought to be pheromonal in nature The Reeves' Muntjac feeds on herbs, blossoms, succulent shoots, fungi, berries, grasses and nuts and it has also been reported to eat tree bark. Eggs and carrion are eaten opportunistically. Date: 1st December 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11948144.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7167505014e410f6b2c441.jpgFallow Deer Fallow Deer are native to the Mediterranean region of Europe and from Turkey to Iran but they have been introduced to nearly 40 countries including the UK by the Normans in the 11th century. They have since become the most widespread species of deer in the UK and typically can be found in deciduous woodland with open patches. Fallow Deer commonly gather in small herds of 4 to 5 but in good feeding areas groupings of up to 100 may gather. When competing for access to females, males display by groaning, thrashing their antlers and by walking alongside their opponent. Fighting occurs if both stags are evenly matched and involves wrestling and clashing of antlers. Fallow Deer have many colour varieties but they are typically fawn-coloured in the summer and reddish-brown in the winter. They have yellow-white undersides, white spots and a black line that runs along the back to the tip of the tail. The spots become less conspicuous or disappear in winter. Males have palmate (flattened) antlers. Date: 22nd October 2008 Location: Bradgate Park, Newton Linford , Leicestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41292197.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18728289235f10b92ea4f8a.jpgPasvikdalen, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Height 96 (Norwegian: [i] “Høyde 96”[/i]) is a former military border observation tower dating from the Cold War era. Located close to Svanhovd in Pavikdalen, the tower is open from June to August and offers extensive views of the Pasvik valley and Nikel, the closest town on the Russian side of the River Pasvikelva. Nikel is the administrative centre of Pechengsky District of Murmansk Oblast in Russia. It is located on the shores of Lake Kuets-Yarvi 122 miles north west of Murmansk and 4 miles from the Norwegian border. Nickel is linked to the Norilsk Nickel plant Kola MMC nearby where many of its citizens are employed and which causes environmental and health concerns for the population. The nickel smelter which has been an eyesore in Norway–Russia relations for decades due to its extreme pollution levels usually deposits its sulphur dioxide fumes to the south of the town where the countryside is a brown moonscape of bald hills and barren of plant life. Over the last 15 years, however, emissions have lowered significantly and by 2025, Norilsk Nickel plans to reduce its overall emissions by 90% as part of its long-term development programme announced in 2019. Date: 30th June 2019 Location: view from Height 96 watchtower, Svanhovd, Pasvikdalen, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31837532.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_647047012595624ab6853a8.10098396.jpgCommon Gull The Common Gull is a medium-sized gull. The north American subspecies is commonly referred to as the Mew Gull although that name is also used by some authorities for the whole species. The Common Gull is noticeably smaller and more gentle looking than the Herring Gull. It is grey above and white below with greenish-yellow legs. It has black wingtips with large white "mirrors". Young birds have scaly black-brown upperparts and a neat wing pattern and grey legs and take 2 to 3 years to reach maturity. In winter, the head is streaked grey and the bill often has a poorly defined blackish band near the tip which is sometimes sufficiently obvious to cause confusion with the Ring-billed Gull. The call is a high-pitched "laughing" cry. The Common Gull breeds colonially near water or in marshes in north Europe, north west north America and north Asia. It is most numerous in Europe with over half (possibly as much as 80 to 90%) of the world population. In the UK, the Common Gull can be found in summer along the coasts and inland marshes and lakes of Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England. Elsewhere in England and Wales, it can be found in winter on farmland, on marshes and lakes and on the coast. Date: 22nd June 2017 Location: Inverkirkaig Bay near Lochinver, Sutherland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45456919.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_341369525624ffdbf4e043.jpgRinged Plover The Ringed Plover is a small plover with a grey-brown back and wings, a white belly and a white breast with a single black neck band. It has a brown cap, a white forehead, a black mask around the eyes and a short orange and black bill. The legs are orange and only the outer two toes are slightly webbed. The juvenile Ringed Plover is duller than the adult in colour with an often incomplete grey-brown breast band, a dark bill and dull yellowish-grey legs. The Ringed Plover breeds on open ground on beaches or sandflats across northern Eurasia and in Arctic north east Canada. Some birds breed inland and in western Europe they nest as far south as northern France. It is migratory and winters in coastal areas south to Africa. Date: 9th November 2021 Location: Shoeburyness, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28885497.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_119699134757cc3240b199f.jpgLesser Spotted Eagle The Lesser Spotted Eagle is a medium-sized bird of prey with dark brown plumage, broad wings and a small bill. While there can be significant variation between the brown plumage tones exhibited by different individuals, the head, neck and upperwings are generally paler than the body and the flight feathers are usually particularly dark. In most birds, but especially noticeable in younger adults, there is also a white patch on the upperwings that can be seen during flight and also a clear-marked white V on the rump. In contrast to the brown plumage, the eyes, feet and the skin at the base of the beak are yellow. The Lesser Spotted Eagle’s breeding range extends throughout much of central, east and south-east Europe, through Turkey and the Caucasus mountains and as far as southern Russia and Iran. Vagrant individuals occur even further afield, from France and Spain, east to Kazakhstan, north as far as Finland and south to the Arabian Peninsula. During migration, the entire population heads south, passing through Israel on route to the wintering grounds in southern and eastern Africa. Within its breeding range, the Lesser Spotted Eagle can be found in patchy woodland areas, often near meadows and fields, and constructs its nest close to the forest edge. Date: 15th May 2016 Location: Tõramaa to Tipu road, Soomaa National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21958779.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_41961855453da51899ebcf.jpgEider The Eider is the UK's heaviest duck and its fastest flying. The male is unmistakable with its black and white plumage and green nape. The female is a brown bird but can still be readily distinguished from all ducks, except other eider species, on the basis of size and head shape. The Eider is often readily approachable. Eiders are true sea ducks and are rarely found away from coasts where they dive for crustaceans and molluscs, with mussels being a favoured food. They are highly gregarious and usually stay close inshore where they can be seen in sheltered bays or strung out in long lines out beyond the breaking waves. The Eider can be found all year round in its breeding areas from the Northumberland coast northwards and off the north and west coast of Scotland where it nests colonially. They are found in the same areas in autumn and winter and also further south on the Yorkshire coast and around the east and south coast as far as Cornwall. A particularly famous colony of Eiders lives around the Farne Islands in Northumberland. These birds were the subject of one of the first ever bird protection laws, established by Saint Cuthbert in the year 676. About 1,000 pairs still nest there every year. Because St. Cuthbert is the patron saint of Northumberland, it was natural that the Eider should be chosen as the county's emblem bird and the birds are still often called Cuddy's ducks in the area, "Cuddy" being the familiar form of Cuthbert. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Inner Farne, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11202926.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16640677804e186081cba8f.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 6th November 2007 Location: Machrie, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874741.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1434888994561cca5979a1c.jpgFaxaflói, Reykjavík, Iceland Faxaflói, formerly known in English as Faxa Bay or Faxe Bay, is a large bay located in south west Iceland between the Snæfellsnes peninsula and the Reykjanes peninsula. The capital of Iceland, Reykjavík, is situated on the southern shore of Faxaflói. Faxaflói has always been a source of nourishment of the people living on its shore. Historically, fishermen went out in small boats to fish near the shore but today the ships are much bigger but have to go farther out to sea if they wish to catch anything. Faxaflói is a popular destination for whale watching trips from Reykjavík which set off in search of Minke Whales, Humpback Whales, White-beaked Dolphins and Harbour Porpoises. Date: 10th June 2015 Location: view from Elding whale watching boat http://www.richardchewphotography.com/loch-linnhe-highland https://images.on-this.website/4752_83684360354227a9fe5bf6.jpgLoch Linnhe, Highland Loch Linnhe is a large sea loch in the Western Highlands separating the areas of Morvern and Ardgour to the west from the areas of Appin, Benderloch and Lochaber to the east. Loch Linnhe stretches some 30 miles from north east to south west and forms a southern extension of the Great Glen that opens out into the Firth of Lorn. Its greatest width is nearly 6 miles while its narrowest width lies just north of the mouth of Loch Leven at the Corran Narrows. Fort William stands at the head of the loch, at the junction with Loch Eil and the beginning of the Caledonian Canal system. Date: 7th September 2014 Location: view from the unclassified road through Kingairloch http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13683367.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_554632724ed733fcaf8df.jpgTawny Owl The Tawny Owl is an owl about the size of a pigeon. It has a rounded body and head with a ring of dark feathers around its face surrounding the dark eyes. It is mainly reddish brown above and paler underneath. The Tawny Owl can be found all year round in the UK and it is a widespread breeding species. Birds are mainly residents with established pairs probably never leaving their territories. Young birds disperse from breeding grounds in autumn. The Tawny Owl is nocturnal so it is often heard calling at night but much less often seen. In the daytime, you may see one only if you disturb it inadvertently from its roost site in woodland. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847541.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_132039252759bd528f0dda6.jpgBukovské Mountains, Prešov region, Slovakia The Bukovské Mountains (Bukovské vrchy) are a mountain range in north east Slovakia and form part of the ranges belonging to the Eastern Carpathians. They are located in the Prešov region near the borders with Poland (Bieszczady Mountains) and Ukraine and adjacent to the Laborec Highlands in Slovakia. The highest mountain is Kremenec at 4005 feet. The Bukovské Mountains are characterised by 80% forest cover and contain the highest concentration of old growth forests in Slovakia. Beech forests dominate but there are also oak and hornbeam forests and maple and fir woods in combination with the beech forests. Meadows, known as poloniny in eastern Slovakian dialects, situated on the main ridges are common. Agricultural land is represented primarily by permanent grassy vegetation and in lesser extent by arable land. The Bukovské Mountains were designated a Special Protection Area in January 2008 and they are additionally protected by the Poloniny National Park. The Poloniny National Park (Národný park Poloniny) was created in October 1997 with a protected area of 115 square miles and a buffer zone of 42 square miles. The highest point of the national park lies at 3,963 feet at a point where the borders of Slovakia, Poland and Ukraine meet near the summit of Kremenec. The national park is the easternmost and the least populated area of Slovakia but there are many winter (cross-country skiing) and summer hiking trails. Besides the several mountain trails, there is also one connecting outstanding wooden churches from the 18th century at Topoľa, Uličské Krivé and Ruský Potok. The primeval beech forests of Havešová, Stužica and Rožok were designated within a UNESCO World Heritage Site in June 2007. Together with the Vihorlat Mountains further to the south in Slovakia and an additional 6 sites in Ukraine they form the Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians. Date: 1st June 2017 Location: Bukovské Mountains, Prešov region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9579330.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2569631144db00c7f4a95e.jpgOystercatcher The Oystercatcher is a wader in the oystercatcher family. It is an obvious and noisy bird with black and white plumage, red legs and a strong broad red bill which is used for smashing or prising open molluscs such as mussels or for finding earthworms. Despite its name, oysters do not form a large part of its diet. The Oystercatcher is unmistakable in flight with white patches on the wings and tail with otherwise black upperparts and white underparts. Young birds are more brown, have a white neck collar and a duller bill. The call is a distinctive loud piping. The bill shape varies: Oystercatchers with broad bill tips open molluscs by prising them apart or hammering through the shell whereas birds with pointed bills dig up worms. Much of this is due to the wear resulting from feeding on their prey. Individual Oystercatchers specialise in one technique or the other which they learn from their parents. The Oystercatcher is the most widespread of the oystercatchers with 3 races breeding in western Europe, central Eurasia, Kamchatka, China, and the western coast of Korea. It is a migratory species over most of its range. The European population breeds mainly in northern Europe but in winter the birds can be found in north Africa and southern parts of Europe. Although the species is present all year in Ireland, the UK and the adjacent European coasts, there is still migratory movement within these populations. In winter, large flocks can be seen on major estuaries in the UK. The Oystercatcher breeds on shingle and rocky beaches, sand dunes, salt marshes and on the grassy tops of small islands and also inland on shingle banks of rivers, lakes and gravel pits. Date: 7th June 2007 Location: Loch Spelve, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30825784.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_89733324158f34a11bb7bb8.81985157.jpgAvocets The (Pied) Avocet is a large black and white wader in the avocet and stilt family. It is one of 4 species of avocet that make up the genus Recurvirostra. The genus name is from the Latin [i]recurvus[/i] meaning "curved backwards" and [i]rostrum[/i] meaning "bill". The Avocet is a striking white wader with bold black markings. Adults have white plumage except for a black cap and black patches in the wings and on the back. They have long, upturned bills and long, bluish legs. Males and females look alike whilst juveniles resemble the adult but with more greyish and sepia tones. The Avocet breeds in temperate Europe and western and central Asia. The breeding habitat is shallow lakes with brackish water and exposed bare mud where they build a nest on open ground in a lined scrape or on a mound of vegetation. The Avocet is a migratory species and most winter in Africa or southern Asia. Some remain to winter in the mildest parts of their range such as in southern Spain and southern England. The Avocet feeds on crustaceans and insects in shallow brackish water or on mud flats, often scything their bills from side to side in water (a feeding technique that is unique to the avocet species). The Avocet was extinct as a breeding species in the UK by 1840 but its successful recolonisation at Minsmere in Suffolk in 1947 led to its adoption as the logo of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Date: 9th April 2017 Location: EWT Blue House Farm, North Fambridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847562.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_201242362659bd52db8c55b.jpgWhite Storks The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 1st June 2017 Location: near Zemplinska reservoir, Košice region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/kittiwakes https://images.on-this.website/4752_21379005224bf6e1ef29bbf.jpgKittiwakes The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill <i>"kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake"</i>. The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 14th April 2010 Location: Kongsfjord, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26540924.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_186623207956ace92f40e88.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 13th January 2016 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41255249.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20589899165f06f589916f9.jpgSiberian Jay The Siberian Jay is noticeably smaller, slighter and proportionately longer-tailed than the Jay with a much shorter and more pointed bill. It is the smallest and most delicate of the Western Palearctic crows and is rather drab brown-grey with rufous-chestnut near the wing-bend and on under wing coverts, rump and sides of tail which set the bird “on fire” in flight. The Siberian Jay is a widespread and highly sedentary resident in Fennoscandia and Russia with Europe accounting for less than half of its global range. It breeds across the higher latitudes of the Western Palearctic and is predominantly at all seasons a bird of coniferous forest, mainly dense stands of forest unmodified by man rather than open growth. The Siberian Jay contrasts with the Jay in a lack of fear of man, readily attaching itself to human travellers and their living quarters, but this has little effect on choice of habitat since its normal range is largely uninhabited by people. Date: 28th June 2019 Location: Neljan Tuulen Tupa near Kaamanen, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13683314.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11769041244ed72d0121629.jpgRoe Deer The Roe Deer is a small deer which has a white to buff patch on their rump, a black nose and “moustache” and a white chin. Its coat varies from sandy to reddish-brown in the summer to grey-brown or even black in winter. The antlers, which have no more than 3 points and are less than 10 inches in length, grow in winter and are shed in the autumn. The Roe Deer is found throughout Europe but it is absent from Ireland, much of Portugal, Greece and large parts of England and Wales. Roe Deer became extinct in most of England during the 18th century but they were reintroduced in the 19th century. The Roe Deer lives mainly in woodland where there are open patches of ground and access to the edges of fields and it feeds on grasses and the leaves of young broad-leaved trees and bushes. Both male and female Roe Deer are usually solitary and highly territorial with clearly defined boundaries which they scent mark. The Roe Deer has very good senses of smell, hearing and vision. When alarmed, it makes a characteristic barking noise. Roe Deer mate in July and August and fawns are born in the following spring. Many fawns die during their first year due to heavy predation by foxes. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39081940.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10292260715d30785bd5c17.jpgEuropean Bee-eaters The European Bee-eater is an incredibly colourful bird with an unmistakable appearance. In breeding plumage, it has a rich chestnut crown that blends into gold on its back. The forehead is white, the throat is yellow bordered by black and the underparts are blue. The male European Bee-eater has a chestnut-coloured patch in the middle of the wing while in females this patch is usually smaller or even absent. Occasionally, females may also be distinguished from the males by having a green back. The wings and backs of juvenile European Bee-eaters are entirely green and the eyes are brown in contrast to the bright red eyes of adults. The European Bee-eater breeds in southern Europe and in parts of north Africa and western Asia. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, India and Sri Lanka. European Bee-eaters are occasionally seen in northern Europe (including the UK) as a spring overshoot north of its range with occasional breeding occurring. Just as the name suggests, the European Bee-eater predominantly eats insects, especially bees, wasps and hornets which are caught in the air by sorties from an open perch. Before eating its meal, a European Bee-eater removes the sting by repeatedly hitting the insect on a hard surface. Lizards and frogs are also taken. European Bee-eaters are gregarious, nesting colonially in sandy banks preferably near river shores and also feeding and roosting communally. Date: 17th May 2018 Location: Vetren, Silistra Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28885364.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_97991635057cc304de054f.jpgNigula Nature Reserve, Estonia Nigula Nature Reserve is located in south west Estonia near Häädemeeste and it was established in 1957 to protect the Nigula Bog and its surrounding untouched swamp forests and managed forests. It is also included in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance. Nigula Nature Reserve is an important area for both migratory wildfowl and breeding wetland and forest birds and it is also home to numerous species of large mammals including Brown Bear, Wolf, Lynx, Beaver, Elk and Wild Boar. Date: 16th May 2016 Location: Nigula Nature Reserve, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/red-legged-partridge https://images.on-this.website/4752_9888834564ff546ce8b0d5.jpgRed-legged Partridge The Red-legged Partridge is a gamebird and is sometimes known as French Partridge in order to distinguish it from the Grey or English Partridge. The Red-legged Partridge is plump bird which is sandy-brown above, pinkish-buff on the belly, pale grey on the breast with a prominent gorget of black streaking, bold rufous and black flank-bars, a cream throat, pink legs and a red bill and eye ring. When disturbed, it prefers to run rather than fly but if necessary it flies a short distance on rounded wings. The Red-legged Partridge is a non-migratory terrestrial species which breeds naturally in south western Europe in France and in Iberia. It has also become naturalised in flat areas of England and Wales where it was introduced as a game species and has been seen breeding as far north as Lancashire and east Yorkshire. It is replaced in south east Europe by the very similar Rock Partridge. The Red-legged Partridge breeds on dry lowlands such as farmland and open stony areas, laying its eggs in a ground nest. Date: 29th April 2012 Location: Trujillo to Santa Marta de Magasca to Cáceres, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29486506.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7549587695810780d154e3.jpgGoldeneye The Goldeneye is a medium-sized diving duck, named for its golden-yellow eye. Adult males have a dark head with a greenish gloss and a circular white patch below the eye, a dark back and a white neck and belly. Adult females have a brown head and a mostly grey body. The Goldeneye breeds on the lakes and in the rivers of boreal forests in Scandinavia, Canada, north USA and north Russia. Naturally it will nest in cavities in large trees but it will also readily use nestboxes put up on trees close to water. This has enabled a healthy breeding population to establish in the Scottish Highlands from 1970 where it is increasing and slowly spreading. The Goldeneye is migratory and most winter in protected coastal waters or open inland waters at more temperate latitudes. The Goldeneye forages by diving underwater for crustaceans, aquatic insects and molluscs. Insects are the predominant prey while nesting and crustaceans are the predominant prey during migration and winter. Date: 23rd May 2016 Location: Wild Brown Bear Centre, near Vartius, Kainuu, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26541407.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11598595756acebe01142c.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 16th January 2016 Location: Caerlaverock WWT reserve, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9578936.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6775860414db002889dabc.jpgOystercatcher The Oystercatcher is a wader in the oystercatcher family. It is an obvious and noisy bird with black and white plumage, red legs and a strong broad red bill which is used for smashing or prising open molluscs such as mussels or for finding earthworms. Despite its name, oysters do not form a large part of its diet. The Oystercatcher is unmistakable in flight with white patches on the wings and tail with otherwise black upperparts and white underparts. Young birds are more brown, have a white neck collar and a duller bill. The call is a distinctive loud piping. The bill shape varies: Oystercatchers with broad bill tips open molluscs by prising them apart or hammering through the shell whereas birds with pointed bills dig up worms. Much of this is due to the wear resulting from feeding on their prey. Individual Oystercatchers specialise in one technique or the other which they learn from their parents. The Oystercatcher is the most widespread of the oystercatchers with 3 races breeding in western Europe, central Eurasia, Kamchatka, China, and the western coast of Korea. It is a migratory species over most of its range. The European population breeds mainly in northern Europe but in winter the birds can be found in north Africa and southern parts of Europe. Although the species is present all year in Ireland, the UK and the adjacent European coasts, there is still migratory movement within these populations. In winter, large flocks can be seen on major estuaries in the UK. The Oystercatcher breeds on shingle and rocky beaches, sand dunes, salt marshes and on the grassy tops of small islands and also inland on shingle banks of rivers, lakes and gravel pits Date: 6th November 2008 Location: Loch Spelve, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21955323.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_142039167953da13015ba96.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: view from the Farne Islands boat trip from Seahouses Harbour, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874804.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1984652330561cce1f988ca.jpgRed-throated Divers The Red-throated Diver is the smallest and lightest of the world's diver or loon species. Like all divers, it is long-bodied and short-necked and with its legs set far back on its body. The sexes are similar in appearance although males tend to be slightly larger and heavier than females. In breeding plumage, the adult has a dark grey head and neck with narrow black and white stripes on the back of the neck, a triangular red throat patch, white underparts and a dark grey-brown mantle. The non-breeding plumage is drabber with the chin, foreneck and much of the face white, the top of the head and back of the neck grey and considerable white speckling on the dark mantle. The bill is thin, straight and sharp and the bird often holds it at an uptilted angle. In flight, the Red-throated Diver has a distinctive profile. Its small feet do not project far past the end of its body, its head and neck droop below the horizontal (giving the flying bird a distinctly hunchbacked shape) and its thin wings are angled back. It has a quicker, deeper wing beat than other divers. The Red-throated Diver has a large global population and a significant global range but some populations are declining. Oil spills, habitat degradation, pollution and fishing nets are among the major threats and natural predators, such as various gull species and both red and Arctic foxes, will take eggs and young. The Red-throated Diver breeds primarily in the Arctic regions of northern Eurasia and north America and it winters in northern coastal waters, sometimes in groups of considerable size. Unlike other divers, it regularly uses very small freshwater lakes as breeding sites. In Europe, it breeds in Iceland, northern Scotland, Scandinavia and northern Russia and it winters along the coast as far south as parts of Spain. Date: 7th June 2015 Location: east of Ólafsvík, Snæfellsnes peninsula, west Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/greater-black-backed-gull https://images.on-this.website/4752_10575580305c6697e2c41d4.jpgGreat Black-backed Gull The largest of the gulls, the Great Black-backed Gull is a dominating and opportunistic predator, scavenger and pirate that has been described as a “merciless tyrant” due to its aggressive feeding habits. The Great Black-backed Gull has a thick-set body with a large, yellow, red-tipped bill, strong legs and wide, webbed feet which have a delicate pink hue. The breast and head are snowy white and sit in stark contrast to the black back and wings. Young Great Black-backed Gulls undergo several plumage changes before taking on that of the adult. Juveniles are pale brown with heavy white mottling whilst immatures are also mottled but have a distinctive whitish head and breast but with a dark-tipped, pale bill The Great Black-backed Gull occurs along the coastlines of northern Europe and northern Russia as well as the east coast of north America and central America and it can be found in a variety of coastal habitats, including rocky and sandy coasts and estuaries as well as inland habitats such as lakes, ponds, fields and moorland. It breeds in areas free of or largely inaccessible to terrestrial predators such as vegetated islands, sand dunes, flat-topped stacks, building roofs and sometimes amongst bushes on salt-marsh islands. During the winter, the Great Black-backed Gull often travels far out to sea to feed. Date: 9th December 2018 Location: Winterton-Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874806.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_396954359561cce2fab79f.jpgRed-throated Diver The Red-throated Diver is the smallest and lightest of the world's diver or loon species. Like all divers, it is long-bodied and short-necked and with its legs set far back on its body. The sexes are similar in appearance although males tend to be slightly larger and heavier than females. In breeding plumage, the adult has a dark grey head and neck with narrow black and white stripes on the back of the neck, a triangular red throat patch, white underparts and a dark grey-brown mantle. The non-breeding plumage is drabber with the chin, foreneck and much of the face white, the top of the head and back of the neck grey and considerable white speckling on the dark mantle. The bill is thin, straight and sharp and the bird often holds it at an uptilted angle. In flight, the Red-throated Diver has a distinctive profile. Its small feet do not project far past the end of its body, its head and neck droop below the horizontal (giving the flying bird a distinctly hunchbacked shape) and its thin wings are angled back. It has a quicker, deeper wing beat than other divers. The Red-throated Diver has a large global population and a significant global range but some populations are declining. Oil spills, habitat degradation, pollution and fishing nets are among the major threats and natural predators, such as various gull species and both red and Arctic foxes, will take eggs and young. The Red-throated Diver breeds primarily in the Arctic regions of northern Eurasia and north America and it winters in northern coastal waters, sometimes in groups of considerable size. Unlike other divers, it regularly uses very small freshwater lakes as breeding sites. In Europe, it breeds in Iceland, northern Scotland, Scandinavia and northern Russia and it winters along the coast as far south as parts of Spain. Date: 7th June 2015 Location: east of Ólafsvík, Snæfellsnes peninsula, west Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230743.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1132354236649170c01c218.jpgStonechat The (European) Stonechat is a small passerine bird that was long considered a member of the thrush family although genetic evidence has now placed it and its relatives in the Old World flycatcher family. Two weakly defined sub-species differing in colour intensity are currently accepted: hibernans found in north west Europe in Atlantic coastal areas, south west Norway, the UK, Ireland and north west France and rubicola found in the south and east of its range from Denmark south west to Spain and north Morocco, east to Poland and Ukraine and south east to Turkey. The (European) Stonechat is slightly smaller than the Robin. Both sexes have distinctively short wings, shorter than those of the more migratory Whinchat and Siberian Stonechat. The summer male has black upperparts, a black head, an orange throat and breast and a white belly and vent. It also has a white half-collar on the sides of its neck, a small white scapular patch on the wings and a very small white patch on the rump often streaked with black. The female has brown upperparts and head and no white neck patches, rump or belly. Instead these areas are streaked dark brown on paler brown, the only white being the scapular patch on the wings and even this often being buffy-white. The (European) Stonechat can often be seen perched on the tops of low bushes where, as its name suggests, it can be heard uttering a sharp loud call that sounds like stones being knocked together. The male's song is high and twittering like a Dunnock. The (European) Stonechat breeds in heathland, coastal dunes and rough grassland with scattered small shrubs and bramble, open gorse, tussocks or heather. It is a short-distance migrant or non-migratory, with part of the population, particularly from the north east of the range where winters are colder, moving to winter further south in Europe and north Africa. Date: 14th May 2023 Location: RWT Gilfach, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41349639.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_463561625f20090c7f5c3.jpgRuddy Darter Flight period: mid June to mid September. The Ruddy Darter takes its name from its colour and its swift flight behaviour. The male has a deep russet colour over the entire body and the abdomen has a pinched section close to where it joins the thorax. Females are slightly smaller, golden yellow in colour and being less obviously marked are more difficult to identify than the males. There is more than one red coloured darter species in the UK and they can be easily confused with each other. The commonest red species, the Common Darter, can be distinguished as having red veins at the base of the wings and a less ruddy colouration across the body. However, the Ruddy Darter has entirely black legs, distinguishing it from all other red darters which have longitudinal yellow stripes on their legs. The UK range of the Ruddy Darter has undergone something of an expansion in recent years. Although still relatively uncommon in the west and north of Britain, it is increasing in numbers in the Midlands and eastern England. The population is augmented by continental migrants. It is also found over most of Europe except for northern Scandinavia, as far east as western Siberia and south to north Africa. The Ruddy Darter prefers water bodies with tall emergent vegetation, such as reeds and club rush, and it is known to breed in ponds, lakes, canals, ditches and sluggish rivers. They can also be found near coasts and can breed in fairly brackish water. Date: 25th June 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/dynjandi-westfjords-iceland https://images.on-this.website/4752_176392175556389f5f3423c.jpgDynjandi, Westfjords, Iceland Dynjandi (also known as Fjallfoss and meaning “thunderous”) is located at the end of Arnarfjörður and it is the most powerful waterfall in the Westfjords and breathtaking in its beauty. Dynjandi is actually a series of 7 waterfalls with a cumulative height of 330 feet. The main uppermost tier is particularly notable with its trapezoidal shape (100 feet wide at the top and 200 feet wide at the bottom). The other waterfalls below Dynjandifoss are Hæstahjallafoss, Strompgljúfrafoss, Göngumannafoss, Hrísvaðsfoss, Hundafoss and Bæjarfoss. It is said that a supernatural being lives in every waterfall. The waterfalls have their source in Lake Eyjavatn from which the Dynjandisá river flows. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: view from road 60 at the eastern end of Arnarfjörður http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14863197.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16503109484fae2b14863aa.jpgGlossy Ibis The Glossy Ibis is a wading bird and a member of the ibis family. Breeding adults have reddish-brown bodies and shiny bottle-green wings whilst non-breeders and juveniles have duller bodies. They have a brownish bill, dark facial skin bordered above and below in blue-grey (non-breeding) to cobalt blue (breeding) and red-brown legs. Unlike herons, ibises fly with necks outstretched and often flocks fly in lines. The Glossy Ibis is the most widespread ibis species breeding in scattered sites in the warmer regions of Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and the Atlantic and Caribbean region of the Americas. They are also migratory with most European birds wintering in Africa. The Glossy Ibis nests colonially in trees often with herons. It is also gregarious when feeding in marshy wetlands when it predates on fish, frogs and other water creatures. The Glossy Ibis is a very rare visitor to the UK although some individuals have stayed here for many months or even years. The species is prone to occasional influxes and in 2009 the UK enjoyed the biggest influx ever with small flocks discovered in several counties. This photo shows a Glossy Ibis that was seen at various locations in Essex during March and April 2012. The bird was ringed at El Rocio in the Coto Donana National Park in southern Spain in September 2007. Date: 2nd April 2012 Location: Baddow Meads flood plain, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30825696.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_67004529458f3497d551c12.59181705.jpgAvocet The (Pied) Avocet is a large black and white wader in the avocet and stilt family. It is one of 4 species of avocet that make up the genus Recurvirostra. The genus name is from the Latin [i]recurvus[/i] meaning "curved backwards" and [i]rostrum[/i] meaning "bill". The Avocet is a striking white wader with bold black markings. Adults have white plumage except for a black cap and black patches in the wings and on the back. They have long, upturned bills and long, bluish legs. Males and females look alike whilst juveniles resemble the adult but with more greyish and sepia tones. The Avocet breeds in temperate Europe and western and central Asia. The breeding habitat is shallow lakes with brackish water and exposed bare mud where they build a nest on open ground in a lined scrape or on a mound of vegetation. The Avocet is a migratory species and most winter in Africa or southern Asia. Some remain to winter in the mildest parts of their range such as in southern Spain and southern England. The Avocet feeds on crustaceans and insects in shallow brackish water or on mud flats, often scything their bills from side to side in water (a feeding technique that is unique to the avocet species). The Avocet was extinct as a breeding species in the UK by 1840 but its successful recolonisation at Minsmere in Suffolk in 1947 led to its adoption as the logo of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Date: 9th April 2017 Location: EWT Blue House Farm, North Fambridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12078516.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5026157674e48dd2580626.jpgWater Vole The Water Vole is found throughout the UK although it is less common on higher ground. It is infrequently recorded from parts of northern Scotland and is absent in Ireland. Water Voles are legally protected in the UK and recent evidence suggests that they have undergone a long term decline. On current trends it is predicted that they may eventually disappear from 94% of their former sites. The shocking decline in both the range and numbers of the Water Vole is due to a number of factors. The large-scale loss and fragmentation of sensitive waterside habitats due to riverbank modification, drainage and flood defence works has been an important factor as has the pollution of waterways and poisoning by rodenticides. Perhaps the most serious threat facing the Water Vole is predation by the introduced American Mink. Water Voles are sometimes confused with Brown Rats which often also live near water courses. They are sometimes called "the water rat" which is the origin of the Water Vole’s fame as "Ratty" from Kenneth Grahame's book “The Wind in the Willows”. Prime Water Vole sites are found along densely vegetated banks of slow flowing rivers, ditches, lakes and marshes where water is present throughout the year. Water Voles are herbivores and feed on a huge variety of waterside vegetation, consuming 80% of their body weight each day. They excavate extensive burrow systems into the banks of waterways and have sleeping/nest chambers at various levels in the steepest parts of the bank. Burrows usually have underwater entrances to provide a secure route for escape if danger threatens. Water Voles usually have 3 or 4 litters a year depending on the weather. In mild springs the first of these can be born in March or April although cold conditions can delay breeding until May or even June. There are about 5 young in a litter and these are born below ground in a nest made from suitable vegetation such as grasses and rushes. Young water voles grow quickly and are weaned at 14 days. On average, Water Voles only live about 5 months in the wild. Their most important predators are Mink and Stoats although Grey Herons, Barn Owls, Brown Rats and Pike are also known to take them. Date: 5th March 2008 Location: Cromford Canal, Derbyshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847470.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_145832999359bd50dc7c351.jpgSlovakia-Poland border Slovakian road 67 runs west from Ždiar in the High Tatras to the border crossing with Poland at the small settlement of Lysá Poľana before continuing on as Polish road 960 to Bukowina Tatrzańska. The border crossing at Lysá Poľana is one of approximately 50 official border crossings between Slovakia and Poland on the 335 mile long border. At Lysá Poľana there is a road bridge over the Biela Voda (White Water) between the 2 countries. Standing on the right shore you are in Slovakia but after crossing the bridge you are in Poland. Like other border crossings, it lost its former significance on 21st December 2007 when both countries joined the Schengen Area, the area comprising 26 European states that have officially abolished passport and all other types of border control at their mutual borders. Date: 29th May 2017 Location: Lysá Poľana, Prešov region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49003041.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17565052536468fca892dab.jpgAdder Adders are widespread throughout mainland UK but they are absent from Ireland. They occur throughout Europe, with the exception of the Mediterranean islands, and across Russia and Asia through to northern China. They are the UK's only venomous reptile. Adders are relatively short and robust snakes with large heads and a rounded snout. Males are usually a grey or buff colour with vivid black markings although they can also vary from silver to yellow or green in colour. Females are brown with dark red-brown markings that are less prominent than in the males. Both sexes have a zigzag pattern running along the back with a / or X-shaped marking at the rear of the head. Adders can be found in a variety of habitats, including open woodland, hedgerows, moorland, sand dunes, riverbanks, bogs, heathland and mountains. They are active during the day and spend time basking until their body temperature is high enough to hunt for food. Adders use venom to immobilise prey such as lizards, amphibians, nestlings and small mammals. After striking their prey, they will leave the venom to take effect before following the victim’s scent to find the body. Mating takes place between April and May with males often fighting for females. Females have a 3 to 4 month gestation period and Adders are one of the few snakes that are viviparous (give birth to live young). In late August females give birth to between 5 and 20 live young and the young remain close to their mother for a few days before going off in search of food. Adders hibernate from September to March often using deserted rabbit or rodent burrows or settling under logs. They sometimes hibernate communally. Males emerge 2 to 5 weeks before the females and shed their skin before setting off in search of females. Adders are not aggressive snakes and they will only attack if harassed or threatened. Although an Adder’s venom poses little danger to a healthy adult, the bite is very painful and requires urgent medical attention. Date: 3rd May 2023 Location: Benfleet and Hadleigh Downs, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874836.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_392222207561ccf51ba99d.jpgHaukadalur, south Iceland The Haukadalur geothermal area is located in south west Iceland to the north east of the Reykjanes peninsula and Reykjavík. Here can be seen some of the most famous sights of Iceland: the geysers and other geothermal features which have developed on the Laugarfjall rhyolitic dome. The biggest geysers of Haukadalur are Strokkur and Geysir. There are also more than 40 other hot springs, mud pots and fumaroles nearby. The oldest accounts of hot springs at Haukadalur date back to 1294 when earthquakes in the area caused significant changes in the local neighbouring landscape creating several new hot springs. Changes in the activity of Geysir and the surrounding geysers are still strongly related to earthquake activity. Strokkur is a fountain geyser and is one of Iceland's most famous geysers. It is very dependable and erupts about every 5 to 10 minutes with boiling water reaching a height of 50 to 65 feet and sometimes up to 130 feet. Geysir, sometimes known as The Great Geysir, was the first geyser described in a printed source in the 18th century and the first known to modern Europeans. Since unusual natural phenomena were of high interest to society during the Age of Enlightenment, the term became popular and has been used for similar hydrothermal features worldwide since then. The English word geyser derives from Geysir whilst Geysir itself is derived from the Icelandic verb <i>geysa</i> ("to gush"). Eruptions at Geysir can hurl boiling water up to 230 feet in the air but eruptions are now very infrequent and have in the past stopped altogether for years at a time. The Haukadalur geothermal area, usually referred to as Geysir, is popular with tourists and, together with the magnificent waterfall at Gulfoss and Þingvellir, it is part of a group of the most famous sights of Iceland known as the "Golden Circle". Date: 7th June 2015 Location: Strokkur at Haukadalur http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41537269.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1750215035f3cfe2ca21b6.jpgEkkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Ekkerøy is a small village in Troms og Finnmark in north east Norway. It is located on the Varanger peninsula along the shore of the Varangerfjord. The village lies along the European route E75 about 9 miles east of the town of Vadsø. As the ending "øy" in the name indicates, Ekkerøy was originally an island. However, it is now joined to the Varanger peninsula by a narrow isthmus of land. At the mainland end of the isthmus is the small hamlet of Valen. The headland on the northern tip of Ekkerøy is called Varnes and its eastern tip is called Skagodden. The bay on the north east side of the neck which joins Ekkerøy to the mainland is called Yttersida and that on the south west side is called Innersida. Ekkerøy is one of the few places in Troms og Finnmark where pre-World War 2 buildings can be seen. When the German army retreated from the Litsa front and Kirkenes in late 1944, they burned most buildings in the county under Operation Nordlicht, the German “scorched earth” retreat from Finnmark. However, buildings on the north side of the Varangerfjord survived because the Russians advanced so quickly that the German troops in this area fled west to get across the Tana river before they were cut off and therefore did not have enough time to obey the order to destroy all buildings. Historically, the economy of Ekkerøy was based on fishing and farming but today tourism also forms part of the economy. Flåget is a bird reserve with an easily accessible bird cliff just outside the village. The cliffs face south towards the Varangerfjord, stretch for just over 0.5 miles and rise steeply to a height of 130 to 165 feet. They can be reached by a short walk from a small car park. Flåget is best known for a huge colony of breeding Kittiwakes between March and September. In addition, Ekkerøy and nearby Salttjern, have sheltered sandy bays and these, together with the Varangerfjord offshore, provide good habitats for many species of birds and sea mammals. Date: 4th July 2019 Location: walk to Flåget, Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41389703.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5253055145f2695fb3bbe0.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 1st July 2019 Location: Vardø, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512802.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_177234121662c99fd98010a.jpgCommon Sandpiper The Common Sandpiper is a small wader. The adult is 7.1 to 7.9 inches long with a 13 to 14 inches wingspan. It has greyish-brown upperparts, white underparts, short dark-yellowish legs and feet and a bill with a pale base and dark tip. In winter plumage, it is duller and has more conspicuous barring on the wings although this is still only visible at close range. Juveniles are more heavily barred above and have buff edges to the wing feathers. The Common Sandpiper habitually bobs up and down and it has a distinctive flight with stiff, bowed wings. Its presence is often betrayed by its three-note call which it gives as it flies off. The Common Sandpiper is widespread and common and breeds across most of temperate and sub-tropical Europe and Asia where it nests on the ground near freshwater. It migrates to Africa, south Asia and Australia in winter. In the UK, the Common Sandpiper breeds along fast-flowing upland streams and rivers and at the edges of lochs and lakes in Scotland, Wales and the north of England. Summer visitors arrive in March and April and leave the breeding grounds in July and August with the young following in September. During the spring and autumn passage migration, it can be found elsewhere in the UK, near lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers, ditches, coastal shores and estuaries. The Common Sandpiper forages by sight on the ground or in shallow water, picking up small food items such as insects, crustaceans and other invertebrates. Date: 10th May 2022 Location: WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre, Carmarthenshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/slovakia-poland-border https://images.on-this.website/4752_148519007059bd50d491f9d.jpgSlovakia-Poland border Slovakian road 67 runs west from Ždiar in the High Tatras to the border crossing with Poland at the small settlement of Lysá Poľana before continuing on as Polish road 960 to Bukowina Tatrzańska. The border crossing at Lysá Poľana is one of approximately 50 official border crossings between Slovakia and Poland on the 335 mile long border. At Lysá Poľana there is a road bridge over the Biela Voda (White Water) between the 2 countries. Standing on the right shore you are in Slovakia but after crossing the bridge you are in Poland. Like other border crossings, it lost its former significance on 21st December 2007 when both countries joined the Schengen Area, the area comprising 26 European states that have officially abolished passport and all other types of border control at their mutual borders. Date: 29th May 2017 Location: Lysá Poľana, Prešov region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645450.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_59346993351e3ce5f18e4b.jpgWhite Stork The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 20th May 2013 Location: Biebrza area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512255.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_59183132862c99659e96ce.jpgDartford Warbler The Dartford Warbler is a small warbler distinguished by its long tail compared with that of other warblers. Its plumage comprises unobtrusive and muted tones which blend in with its preferred habitats. Like many warblers, the Dartford Warbler has distinct male and female plumages. The male has a grey back and head, reddish underparts and a red eye. The female is paler below, especially on the throat, and a browner grey above. The song of the Dartford Warbler is a distinctive rattling warble. The largest populations of Dartford Warbler are found in Iberia with smaller populations in France, Italy and the south of the UK. In Africa, they are found in small areas in northern Morocco and northern Algeria. The Dartford Warbler breeds on heathlands amongst gorse, heather and other scrub bushes, sometimes near coasts. Dartford Warblers are named after Dartford Heath in north west Kent in the UK where the population became extinct in the early 20th century. They almost died out in the UK in the severe winter of 1962/63 when the national population dropped to just 10 pairs. However, this species can recover well in good quality habitat, thanks to repeated nesting and a high survival rate for the young. In the UK, Dartford Warblers can now be found at various heathland locations in south and east England. Date: 11th May 2022 Location: Morden Bog, Wareham Forest, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9579326.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7464230774db00c5e9c482.jpgOystercatcher The Oystercatcher is a wader in the oystercatcher family. It is an obvious and noisy bird with black and white plumage, red legs and a strong broad red bill which is used for smashing or prising open molluscs such as mussels or for finding earthworms. Despite its name, oysters do not form a large part of its diet. The Oystercatcher is unmistakable in flight with white patches on the wings and tail with otherwise black upperparts and white underparts. Young birds are more brown, have a white neck collar and a duller bill. The call is a distinctive loud piping. The bill shape varies: Oystercatchers with broad bill tips open molluscs by prising them apart or hammering through the shell whereas birds with pointed bills dig up worms. Much of this is due to the wear resulting from feeding on their prey. Individual Oystercatchers specialise in one technique or the other which they learn from their parents. The Oystercatcher is the most widespread of the oystercatchers with 3 races breeding in western Europe, central Eurasia, Kamchatka, China, and the western coast of Korea. It is a migratory species over most of its range. The European population breeds mainly in northern Europe but in winter the birds can be found in north Africa and southern parts of Europe. Although the species is present all year in Ireland, the UK and the adjacent European coasts, there is still migratory movement within these populations. In winter, large flocks can be seen on major estuaries in the UK. The Oystercatcher breeds on shingle and rocky beaches, sand dunes, salt marshes and on the grassy tops of small islands and also inland on shingle banks of rivers, lakes and gravel pits. Date: 7th June 2007 Location: Loch Spelve, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15454000.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3320788034ff547d215308.jpgGreater Flamingos The Greater Flamingo is a largely pinkish-white bird but the wing coverts are red and the primary and secondary flight feathers are black. The bill is pink with a black tip and the legs are entirely pink. The Greater Flamingo is the most widespread species of the flamingo family and can be found in parts of Africa, southern Asia and southern Europe (including Spain, Sardinia, Albania, Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Portugal and the Camargue region of France). Some populations are short distance migrants, and records north of the breeding range are relatively frequent. However, given the species' popularity in captivity, whether these are truly wild individuals is a matter of some debate. Date: 1st May 2012 Location: La Madre de las Marismas, El Rocío, Coto Doñana, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26541472.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_39721555556acece8a7053.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 17th January 2016 Location: Caerlaverock WWT reserve, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo20140123.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_92754636352c002e340a98.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 9th December 2013 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26540935.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_176763916656ace96a0bcb0.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 13th January 2016 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/morsk-oko-vihorlat-mountains-koice https://images.on-this.website/4752_183162303759bd52b646048.jpgMorské oko, Vihorlat Mountains, Košice region, Slovakia Morské oko (literally Sea Eye) is the largest lake in the Vihorlat Mountains (Vihorlatské vrchy) in eastern Slovakia and the third largest natural lake in Slovakia after the Štrbské pleso lake and the Veľké Hincovo pleso lake in the High Tatras. It is situated at 2027 feet high with a maximum length of 0.47 miles and a maximum width of 0.19 miles. It covers an area of 0.05 square miles and has a maximum depth of 82 feet. Morské oko has been designated as a wider National Nature Reserve covering 0.42 square miles since 1984 and it is part of the Vihorlat Protected Landscape Area within the Vihorlat Mountains. There is a walking trail around the lake but recreational activities such as fishing, swimming and boating are prohibited. Morské oko contains many species of fish, of which the most numerous is the European Chub. The Vihorlat Mountains (Vihorlatské vrchy) are a volcanic mountain range in eastern Slovakia and western Ukraine. They form part of the Inner Eastern Carpathian Mountains. The Slovakian section is 34 miles long and up to 9 miles wide. The highest peak is Vihorlat at 3530 feet and the largest lake is Morské oko. It is a mountainous and mostly forested area with a predominance of beech and forests in addition to hornbeam, ash, maple and some conifers. Arable land and unused pastures and meadows can be found in the non-forested and foothill areas. The middle part of the Vihorlat Mountains in the Humenné, Sobrance and Snina districts was designated as the Vihorlat Protected Landscape Area in December 1973 and they were also designated a Special Protection Area in April 2010. Kyjovský prales, a primeval beech forest in the Vihorlat Mountains, was designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in June 2007. Date: 1st June 2017 Location: Morské oko, Vihorlat Mountains, Košice region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26541444.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_173885375856acec6f47e06.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 16th January 2016 Location: Caerlaverock WWT reserve, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39081969.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1015526065d3078c0b42c3.jpgEuropean Bee-eater The European Bee-eater is an incredibly colourful bird with an unmistakable appearance. In breeding plumage, it has a rich chestnut crown that blends into gold on its back. The forehead is white, the throat is yellow bordered by black and the underparts are blue. The male European Bee-eater has a chestnut-coloured patch in the middle of the wing while in females this patch is usually smaller or even absent. Occasionally, females may also be distinguished from the males by having a green back. The wings and backs of juvenile European Bee-eaters are entirely green and the eyes are brown in contrast to the bright red eyes of adults. The European Bee-eater breeds in southern Europe and in parts of north Africa and western Asia. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, India and Sri Lanka. European Bee-eaters are occasionally seen in northern Europe (including the UK) as a spring overshoot north of its range with occasional breeding occurring. Just as the name suggests, the European Bee-eater predominantly eats insects, especially bees, wasps and hornets which are caught in the air by sorties from an open perch. Before eating its meal, a European Bee-eater removes the sting by repeatedly hitting the insect on a hard surface. Lizards and frogs are also taken. European Bee-eaters are gregarious, nesting colonially in sandy banks preferably near river shores and also feeding and roosting communally. Date: 17th May 2018 Location: Vetren, Silistra Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42626690.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_61548811360a924292708c.jpgGoldfinch The European Goldfinch or simply the Goldfinch is a small passerine bird in the finch family. The Goldfinch is 4.7 to 5.1 inches in length with a wingspan of 8.3 to 9.8 inches. The sexes are broadly similar, with a red face, black and white head, warm brown upper parts, white underparts with buff flanks and breast patches and black and yellow wings. On closer inspection, males can often be distinguished by a larger, darker red mask that extends just behind the eye. The shoulder feathers are black, whereas they are brown on the female. In females, the red face does not extend past the eye. The ivory-coloured bill is long and pointed and the tail is forked. Juveniles have a plain head and a greyer back but are unmistakable due to the yellow wing stripe. The Goldfinch is native to Europe, north Africa and west and central Asia. It is found in open, partially wooded lowlands and it is a resident in the milder west of its range but migrates from colder regions. It will also make local movements, even in the west, to escape bad weather. It has been introduced to many areas of the world. In the UK, the Goldfinch can be seen anywhere there are scattered bushes and trees, rough ground with thistles and other seeding plants, including orchards, parks, gardens, heathland and commons. It is less common in upland areas and most numerous in the south of England. The nest is built entirely by the female Goldfinch and is generally completed within a week. It is neat and compact and constructed of mosses and lichens and lined with plant down such as that from thistles. It is generally located several feet above the ground, hidden by leaves in the twigs at the end of a branch. The female typically lays 4 to 6 eggs which are incubated for 11 to 13 days. The chicks are fed by both parents. Initially they receive a mixture of seeds and insects but as they grow the proportion of insect material decreases. For the first 7 to 9 days the young are brooded by the female. The nestlings fledge 13 to 18 days after hatching. The young birds are fed by both parents for a further 7 to 9 days. The parents typically raise 2 broods each year and occasionally 3. The Goldfinch's preferred food is small seeds such as those from thistles and teasels but insects are also taken when feeding young. It also regularly visits bird feeders in winter. The Goldfinch is commonly kept and bred in captivity around the world because of its distinctive appearance and pleasant song. In the UK during the 19th century, many thousands of Goldfinches were trapped each year to be sold as cage birds. One of the earliest campaigns of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was directed against this trade. Date: 14th April 2021 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo453450.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_158657629346883efcc52df.jpgGlencoe mountains, Argyll Height: Bidean nam Bian 3773 feet, Beinn Fhada 3054 feet, Aonach Dubh 2972 feet and Sgorr nam Fiannaidh 3172 feet Glencoe is internationally famous for its amazing landscape and its natural and cultural heritage. It is a place of towering and spectacular mountains, an environment for diverse and rare wildlife and the site of a famous yet tragic event in Scotland’s history. Glencoe is a steep-sided valley climbing steadily south east from the village of Glencoe on the shores of Loch Leven. It eventually emerges from its mountain landscape on to the very wet and boggy Rannoch Moor over 10 miles away and at an altitude of over 1000 feet. The Glencoe mountains contain some of the oldest sedimentary and volcanic rocks in the world but the effects of glaciation and millions of years and many cycles of erosion have subsequently carved and worn them away into the formation seen today. Glencoe is bounded on its northern side by the famous Aonach Eagach or “notched ridge”, a pinnacled and very narrow ridge linking three peaks over 3000 feet which stretches for over three miles. On the southern side, there is a range of magnificent mountains comprising the “Three Sisters” of Beinn Fhada, Gearr Aonach and Aonach Dubh plus Bidean nam Bian whose summit sits behind the three protruding buttresses. Glencoe is best know for an event that took place here at 5am on the morning of 13 February 1692, the massacre of the MacDonald clan. Date: 6th June 2007 Location: view from the A82 road before the descent through Glen Coe http://www.richardchewphotography.com/psaspea-peninsula-estonia https://images.on-this.website/4752_101257279557cc3ea7d7d7c.jpgPõõsaspea peninsula, Estonia The Põõsaspea peninsula juts out in to the Gulf of Finland and is the most north westerly point of mainland Estonia. Prior to Estonia gaining independence in 1992, this area had very restricted access since it was part of the border zone of the former Soviet Union. The Põõsaspea peninsula is a migration hotspot both in spring and autumn and in winter the sea holds huge numbers of wildfowl. Date: 10th May 2016 Location: Põõsaspea peninsula, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17408518.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_87381985751332786475bb.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 12th January 2013 Location: Martin Mere WWT reserve, Lancashire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405557.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12483267716586fbe3a5d1f.jpgReeves' Muntjac The Reeves' Muntjac, also known as the Chinese Muntjac, is a small, hump-backed deer species. It is named after British naturalist and employee of the East India Company, John Russell Reeves (1774 to 1856). Reeves came across them when he lived in China and sent specimens back to England. It is also called the “barking deer” due to its distinctive barking sound, although this name is also used for other Muntjac species. The barking sound is common during mating or when provoked. The Reeves' Muntjac grows to 1 foot 8 inches high at the shoulder and 3 feet 1 inches in length plus a short tail up to 4 inches long. It is reddish-brown in appearance with striped markings on its face. The belly is creamy-white with lighter fur extending to the neck, chin and the underside of the tail. The males have short antlers, usually 4 inches or less in length, and long upper canines or tusks, usually about 2 inches in length The Reeves' Muntjac is found widely in south east China (from Gansu to Yunnan) and Taiwan but it has also been introduced in Belgium, the Netherlands and Japan. In the UK, it was introduced to Woburn Park in Bedfordshire in 1894 by the then Duke of Bedford and was deliberately released into surrounding woodlands from 1901 onward. Releases, translocations and escapes from the 1930s onwards resulted in wide establishment in south east England and the population is still increasing and spreading across the UK where it can be found in deciduous woodland with a good understorey plus hedgerows, gardens, parks, conifer plantations, railway embankments, etc. Since the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it has been illegal to release the species except where it is already established. The Reeves' Muntjac is a solitary and crepuscular animal and both males and females defend small territories that they mark with preorbital gland secretions that are thought to be pheromonal in nature The Reeves' Muntjac feeds on herbs, blossoms, succulent shoots, fungi, berries, grasses and nuts and it has also been reported to eat tree bark. Eggs and carrion are eaten opportunistically. Date: 6th December 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11328478.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13363737394e1d67029ff84.jpgCoot The Coot is an all black bird with a distinctive white beak and “shield” above the beak from which earns it the title “bald”. Its feet have distinctive lobed flaps of skin on the toes which act instead of webs when swimming. It patters noisily over the water before taking off and can be very aggressive towards other birds. Coot can be found all the year round mainly on freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers and town park lakes. Sometimes they can be seen offshore, especially in winter if freshwater areas are frozen. They breed in areas of fairly shallow standing freshwater with a muddy bottom and plenty of vegetation at the sides, usually in lowland areas. Date: 10th February 2008 Location: Verulanium Park, St Albans, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43082691.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_151700189260dd84c8e895f.jpgEdible Frog The Edible Frog is a species of frog found across Europe that is also known as the Common Water Frog and the Green Frog. The Edible Frog is one of the few animals in the world that is a fertile hybrid of 2 different species, as although similar but genetically different species are known to mate, it is very rare that their offspring will be able to breed. The Edible Frog is a fertile hybrid of 2 other European frogs, namely the Pool Frog and the Marsh Frog, that inter-bred when populations where isolated close to one another during the Ice Age. It was first described in 1758 and is known as the Edible Frog due to the fact that it is now seen as a culinary delicacy across Europe but especially in France where frog’s legs are often served as a national dish. The reason for humans favouring this frog over others is not really known but it may have something to do with their abundance. The Edible Frog is a medium sized frog growing to around 3.5 to 4.5 inches in length. Adults are mainly green in colour with light patches of brown on their backs, yellow eyes and a white underside covered in a few dark spots. There are number of distinct differences between males and females including the fact that males become much lighter and greener during the mating season. Males also have vocal sacs on the outside of their cheeks and extra skin patches on their feet, both of which are primarily used for mating. The Edible Frog is endemic to Europe and it naturally occurs across central Europe as far north as Germany and Estonia. Southern populations are found from Croatia, through northern Italy and into the south of France. There are also isolated populations in Sweden and Bulgaria which are thought to have migrated from the countries nearby. It has also been introduced to the UK. The Edible Frog spends all of its time either in or very close to water and it is most commonly found in calmer parts of rivers and streams where there is a slow but constant flow of fresh water. It tends to prefer more open areas and can also be commonly found around lakes, ponds and marshes. Unlike many other species of frog, the Edible Frog is a diurnal animal and is therefore most active during the day. This is when it is most likely to move away from the water so that it can find a better supply of food or move to a different part of the water if it needs to. The Edible Frog is a relatively solitary animal so there is less competition for food but males are often seen sitting together in groups during the breeding season when they are trying to out-compete each other to find a mate. The breeding season for the Edible Frog begins during March and generally lasts for around 2 months. Males sing by drawing air in and out of their vocal sacs to produce the highest-pitched sound possible since females are most attracted to the loudest males. After courting her in a lake, pond or swamp, the male lets the female lay up to 10,000 eggs in a sticky mass into the water before he fertilises them. Tadpoles can be as small as 0.2 inches long when they hatch and are a grey/brown colour. They then grow up to 2 to 3 inches in length before metamorphoses occurs and they leave the water as 0.75 inches long young frogs. The Edible Frog reaches sexual maturity at the age of 2 years and can live until it is 15 years old. The Edible Frog is a carnivorous amphibian but the tadpoles mainly eat vegetation although they are known to occasionally supplement their diet with aquatic micro-organisms. Adults eat small invertebrates such as insects, spiders and flies, which make up the majority of their diet, along with larger aquatic animals like fish, newts and other frogs. The Edible Frog hunts for food during the day and can be seen catching food both in water and on land. The Edible Frog remains very still when it is sitting on the banks of its water habitat and this, along with its camouflage, makes it very difficult for predators to spot. Its eyes are positioned near the top of the head meaning that it can also see danger coming whilst the body is mainly hidden. Snakes, owls and water birds are the main predators of the Edible Frog. The Edible Frog will jump into the water and hide if it senses approaching danger and it will make a loud screeching sound if caught. Edible Frog populations are under threat from habitat destruction mainly caused by deforestation and water pollution. Date: 2nd June 2021 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28885984.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_69195057857cc3782d1251.jpgBlack Grouse The Black Grouse is a large game bird in the grouse family. The male has all black plumage with distinctive red wattles over the eyes and striking white stripes along each wing in flight. It has a lyre-shaped tail which is fanned out and raised to show white under-tail feathers when displaying. The female is smaller and grey-brown in colour. The Black Grouse is a sedentary species and breeds across northern Eurasia in moorland and bog areas near to mostly boreal woodland. Although it is declining, it is not considered to be vulnerable globally due to the large population and slow rate of decline. Its decline is due to loss of habitat, disturbance, predation by foxes, crows, etc., and small populations gradually dying out. In the UK, the Black Grouse are found in upland areas of Wales, the Pennines and most of Scotland, especially on farmland and moorland with nearby forestry or scattered trees. Habitat loss and overgrazing have resulted in severe population declines which make the Black Grouse a Red List species. Positive habitat management and re-introduction programmes are helping it to increase in some areas. The Black Grouse has a very distinctive and well-recorded courtship. At dawn in the spring, the males strut around in a traditional area (lek) and display whilst making a highly distinctive and bubbling mating call. Date: 12th May 2016 Location: Tuhu Soo, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42626851.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_30071740260a931ced5219.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 18th April 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26023199.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_32978148956372e05175eb.jpgBarrow's Goldeneye The Barrow's Goldeneye is a medium-sized diving duck named after Sir John Barrow, an English statesman and writer. The male Barrow's Goldeneye has a large dark head with an iridescent purplish gloss and a crescent-shaped white patch between the eye and bill. The dark back contrasts with the white neck, breast and belly. The scapulars are black with a distinctive row of rectangular white spots. The white greater coverts are tipped with black, forming a black band between the white speculum and the white patch on the greater coverts. The bill is black and the legs and feet are yellowish. The female Barrow's Goldeneye has a dark chocolate-brown head with a narrow whitish collar. The back and sides are slaty grey and the chest, breast and belly are white. The bill is mostly yellowish and the legs and feet are yellowish. The adult is similar in appearance to the Common Goldeneye. However, the male Barrow's Goldeneye differs from the male Common Goldeneye by the fact that the Common Goldeneye has a round white patch on the face, less black on the back and a larger bill. For the females, the Common Goldeneye has a less rounded head and a bill in which only the tip is yellow. The Barrow’s Goldeneye breeds on wooded lakes and ponds primarily in north western north America. It is considered to be an arboreal species because it mainly nests in cavities found in mature trees although it will also nest in burrows or protected sites on the ground. The Barrow’s Goldeneye can also be found in scattered locations in eastern Canada and Iceland (the only European site). It is an extremely rare vagrant to western Europe and to southern areas of north America. In Icelandic the Barrow’s Goldeneye is known as húsönd (house duck) and it is a common species in the Mývatn area in the north of the country. The Barrow’s Goldeneye is migratory and most winter in large flocks on lakes, rivers, estuaries and bays The Barrow's Goldeneye dives to feed on aquatic insects, crustaceans, small fish, fish eggs and pondweeds found in freshwater habitats and molluscs, crustaceans, seastars and marine worms found in saltwater habitats. Date: 3rd June 2015 Location: Lake Mývatn, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49278722.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18373266776499baa2c4d74.jpgFour-spotted Chaser Flight period: mid May to end August. Four-spotted Chasers are a common and widespread species of dragonfly throughout most of the UK. They can be found around sheltered lowland lakes and ponds and around acidic moorland bogs and sheltered upland lakes. Date: 16th June 2023 Location: RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46534810.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_115962171062ca98dbe43da.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 27th June 2022 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26008469.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8032898945634fa09e25ea.jpgDettifoss area, Vatnajökull National Park, north east Iceland Dettifoss is a waterfall in Vatnajökull National Park in north east Iceland and it is reputed to be the most powerful waterfall in Europe. Dettifoss is situated on the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river which flows from the Vatnajökull glacier and collects water from a large area in north east Iceland. The falls are 330 feet wide and have a drop of 150 feet down to the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon. It is the largest waterfall in Iceland in terms of volume discharge. Since the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river can not be crossed in the vicinity of Dettifoss, it is reached by 2 separate roads: a new tarmac road for the west bank (road 862 finished in 2011) and an older gravel road for the east bank (road 864). On the west bank there are no facilities and the view of the waterfall is somewhat hindered by the waterfall's spray. On the east bank there is an information panel maintained by the staff of Vatnajökull National Park and a maintained track to the best viewpoints. Dettifoss is located on the “Diamond Circle”, a popular tourist route around Húsavík including Lake Mývatn and the Ásbyrgi canyon. Date: 4th June 2015 Location: view from the trail to the Dettifoss waterfall http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39081939.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14273311455d30785870a76.jpgEuropean Bee-eaters The European Bee-eater is an incredibly colourful bird with an unmistakable appearance. In breeding plumage, it has a rich chestnut crown that blends into gold on its back. The forehead is white, the throat is yellow bordered by black and the underparts are blue. The male European Bee-eater has a chestnut-coloured patch in the middle of the wing while in females this patch is usually smaller or even absent. Occasionally, females may also be distinguished from the males by having a green back. The wings and backs of juvenile European Bee-eaters are entirely green and the eyes are brown in contrast to the bright red eyes of adults. The European Bee-eater breeds in southern Europe and in parts of north Africa and western Asia. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, India and Sri Lanka. European Bee-eaters are occasionally seen in northern Europe (including the UK) as a spring overshoot north of its range with occasional breeding occurring. Just as the name suggests, the European Bee-eater predominantly eats insects, especially bees, wasps and hornets which are caught in the air by sorties from an open perch. Before eating its meal, a European Bee-eater removes the sting by repeatedly hitting the insect on a hard surface. Lizards and frogs are also taken. European Bee-eaters are gregarious, nesting colonially in sandy banks preferably near river shores and also feeding and roosting communally. Date: 17th May 2018 Location: Vetren, Silistra Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457179.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1803778998668570fc1e324.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072397.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10087615774bf6e201a142b.jpgReindeer The Reindeer, also known as the Caribou in North America, is a deer from the Arctic and sub Arctic, including both resident and migratory populations. Whilst it is overall widespread and numerous, some of its subspecies are rare or already extinct. The Reindeer is a widespread and numerous species in the northern Holarctic, being present in tundra (frozen arctic plain with lichens, mosses and dwarfed vegetation) and taiga (marshy pine forest) regions. Originally, the Reindeer was found in Scandinavia, eastern Europe, Russia, Mongolia, and northern China. In North America, it was found in Canada, Alaska and the northern USA from Washington to Maine. It also occurred naturally on Sakhalin, Greenland, and probably even in historical times in Ireland. Today, wild Reindeer have disappeared from many areas within this large historical range, especially from the southern parts where it has vanished almost everywhere. Large populations of wild Reindeer are still found in Norway, Finland, Siberia, Greenland, Alaska, and Canada. Wild Reindeer hunting and herding of semi-domesticated Reindeer (for meat, hides, antlers, milk and transportation) are important to several Arctic and Subarctic people. Domesticated Reindeer are mostly found in northern Fennoscandia and Russia with a herd of approximately 150-170 Reindeer also living around the Cairngorms region in Scotland. Reindeer vary considerably in colour and size. Both sexes grow antlers, though they are typically larger in males. Even far outside its range, the Reindeer is well known due to the myth, probably originating in early 19th century America, in which Santa Claus's sleigh is pulled by flying Reindeer, a popular element of Christmas. Date: 14th April 2010 Location: Kongsfjorddalen, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42524864.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6453783936098f73c2f070.jpgMoorhen The Moorhen is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird that is usually found near water. From a distance it looks black with a ragged white line along its body. However, closer up it is olive-brown on the back and the head and blue-grey underneath. It has a red bill with a yellow tip. The Moorhen can be found all year round almost anywhere where there is water. They breed in lowland areas particularly in central and eastern England but are scarce in northern Scotland and the uplands of Wales and northern England. UK breeding birds are residents and seldom travel far. Date: 27th March 2021 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533481.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_205253122962ca8a637013a.jpgAvocet The (Pied) Avocet is a large black and white wader in the avocet and stilt family. It is one of 4 species of avocet that make up the genus Recurvirostra. The genus name is from the Latin recurvus meaning "curved backwards" and rostrum meaning "bill". The Avocet is a striking white wader with bold black markings. Adults have white plumage except for a black cap and black patches in the wings and on the back. They have long, upturned bills and long, bluish legs. Males and females look alike whilst juveniles resemble the adult but with more greyish and sepia tones. The Avocet breeds in temperate Europe and western and central Asia. The breeding habitat is shallow lakes with brackish water and exposed bare mud where they build a nest on open ground in a lined scrape or on a mound of vegetation. The Avocet is a migratory species and most winter in Africa or southern Asia. Some remain to winter in the mildest parts of their range such as in southern Spain and southern England. The Avocet feeds on crustaceans and insects in shallow brackish water or on mud flats, often scything their bills from side to side in water (a feeding technique that is unique to the avocet species). The Avocet was extinct as a breeding species in the UK by 1840 but its successful recolonisation at Minsmere in Suffolk in 1947 led to its adoption as the logo of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Date: 25th June 2022 Location: RSPB Minsmere, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41249125.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20829481405f00b24cea902.jpgJackdaw The Western Jackdaw, also known as the Eurasian Jackdaw, European Jackdaw or simply Jackdaw, is a passerine bird in the crow family. Measuring 13 to 15 inches in length, the Jackdaw is the second smallest member of the crow family. Most of the plumage is a shiny black with a purple or blue sheen on the crown, forehead and secondaries and a green-blue sheen on the throat, primaries and tail. The cheeks, nape and neck are light grey to greyish-silver and the underparts are slate-grey. The legs are black as is the short stout bill. The irises of adults are greyish or silvery white while those of juveniles are light blue, becoming brownish before whitening at around one year of age. The sexes look alike although the head and neck plumage of male birds fades more with age and wear, particularly just before moulting. Immature birds have duller and less demarcated plumage. The head is a sooty black, sometimes with a faint greenish sheen and brown feather bases visible, the back and side of the neck are dark grey and the underparts greyish or sooty black. The tail has narrower feathers and a greenish sheen. There are 4 recognised geographical subspecies of the Jackdaw, each with slight plumage variations. Within its range, the Jackdaw is generally unmistakable and its short bill and grey nape are distinguishing features. In flight, the Jackdaw is distinguishable from other crows by its smaller size, faster and deeper wingbeats and proportionately narrower and less fingered wing tips. It also has a shorter and thicker neck and a much shorter bill and it frequently flies in tighter flocks. The Jackdaw is a skilled flyer and can manoeuvre tightly as well as tumble and glide. It has characteristic jerky wing beats when flying. On the ground, the Jackdaw has an upright posture and struts briskly with its short legs giving it a rapid gait. The Jackdaw is found from north west Africa, throughout all of Europe, except for the extreme north, and east through central Asia to the east Himalayas and Lake Baikal. To the east, it occurs throughout Turkey, the Caucasus, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and north west India. A small number of Jackdaws reached the north east of North America in the 1980s and have been found from Atlantic Canada to Pennsylvania. The range is vast and there is a large global population. Most populations are resident but the north and east populations are more migratory and relocate to wintering areas between September and November and return between February and early May. The Jackdaw can be found in wooded steppes, pastures, cultivated land, coastal cliffs and towns. It thrives when forested areas are cleared and converted to fields and open areas. Habitats with a mix of large trees, buildings and open ground are preferred. Open fields are left to the Rook and more wooded areas to the Jay. The Jackdaw is highly gregarious and is generally seen in flocks of varying sizes. Flocks increase in size in autumn and birds congregate at dusk for communal roosting with up to several thousand individuals gathering at one site. Males and females pair bond for life and pairs stay together within flocks. Jackdaws will frequently congregate with other crows such as Carrion Crows, Hooded Crows or Rooks. Foraging takes place mostly on the ground in open areas and to some extent in trees. Landfill sites, bins, streets and gardens are also visited, more often early in the morning when there are fewer people about. Various feeding methods are employed, such as jumping, pecking, clod-turning and scattering, probing the soil and occasional digging. The Jackdaw will also ride on the backs of sheep and other mammals such as deer, seeking ticks as well as actively gathering wool or hair for nests. Compared with other crows, the Jackdaw spends more time exploring and turning over objects with its bill. It also has a straighter and less downturned bill and increased binocular vision which are advantageous for this foraging strategy. The Jackdaw is opportunistic and highly adaptable and varies its diet markedly depending on available food sources. It tends to feed on small invertebrates that are found above ground, including various species of beetle as well as snails and spiders. It will also eat small rodents, bats, the eggs and chicks of birds and carrion such as roadkill. Vegetable items consumed include farm grains, weed seeds, elderberries, acorns and various cultivated fruits. The Jackdaw practices active food sharing with a number of individuals regardless of sex or kinship. It also shares more of a preferred food than a less preferred food. The active giving of food by most birds is found mainly in the context of parental care and courtship although the Jackdaw shows much higher levels of active giving than has been documented for other species. The function of this behaviour is not fully understood and several theories have been advanced. Genetic analysis of Jackdaw pairs and offspring shows no evidence of extra-pair copulation and there is little evidence for couple separation even after multiple instances of reproductive failure. Some pairs do separate in the first few months but almost all pairings of over 6 months' duration are lifelong and end only when a partner dies. Widowed or separated birds fare badly and are often ousted from nests or territories and are unable to rear broods alone. The Jackdaw usually breeds in colonies with pairs collaborating to find a nest site which they then defend from other pairs and predators during most of the year. It will nest in cavities in trees or cliffs, in ruined or occupied buildings and in chimneys, the common feature being a sheltered site for the nest. A mated pair usually constructs a nest by improving a crevice by dropping sticks into it. The nest is then built on top of the platform formed. Nest platforms can attain a great size. Nests are lined with hair, wool, dead grass and many other materials. Clutches usually contain 4 or 5 eggs which are incubated by the female for 17 to 18 days until hatching as naked altricial chicks which are completely dependent on the adults for food. The chicks fledge after 28 to 35 days and the parents continue to feed them for another 4 weeks or so. Date: 22nd June 2020 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072422.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21000525824bf6e29231098.jpgReindeer The Reindeer, also known as the Caribou in North America, is a deer from the Arctic and sub Arctic, including both resident and migratory populations. Whilst it is overall widespread and numerous, some of its subspecies are rare or already extinct. The Reindeer is a widespread and numerous species in the northern Holarctic, being present in tundra (frozen arctic plain with lichens, mosses and dwarfed vegetation) and taiga (marshy pine forest) regions. Originally, the Reindeer was found in Scandinavia, eastern Europe, Russia, Mongolia, and northern China. In North America, it was found in Canada, Alaska and the northern USA from Washington to Maine. It also occurred naturally on Sakhalin, Greenland, and probably even in historical times in Ireland. Today, wild Reindeer have disappeared from many areas within this large historical range, especially from the southern parts where it has vanished almost everywhere. Large populations of wild Reindeer are still found in Norway, Finland, Siberia, Greenland, Alaska, and Canada. Wild Reindeer hunting and herding of semi-domesticated Reindeer (for meat, hides, antlers, milk and transportation) are important to several Arctic and Subarctic people. Domesticated Reindeer are mostly found in northern Fennoscandia and Russia with a herd of approximately 150-170 Reindeer also living around the Cairngorms region in Scotland. Reindeer vary considerably in colour and size. Both sexes grow antlers, though they are typically larger in males. Even far outside its range, the Reindeer is well known due to the myth, probably originating in early 19th century America, in which Santa Claus's sleigh is pulled by flying Reindeer, a popular element of Christmas. Date: 14th April 2010 Location: Kongsfjorddalen, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28570597.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_144847216957a8714b207a9.jpgBlack-tailed Godwit The Black-tailed Godwit is a large, long-legged, long-billed shorebird with an orange head, neck and chest in its breeding plumage and a uniform brown-grey breast and upperparts in winter. During the breeding season, the bill has a yellowish or orange-pink base and dark tip but the base is pink in winter. The legs are dark grey, brown or black. The sexes are similar but in breeding plumage they can be separated by the male's brighter, more extensive orange breast, neck and head. In flight, the bold black and white wingbar and white rump can be seen readily. When on the ground the Black-tailed Godwit can be difficult to separate from the similar Bar-tailed Godwit but the Black-tailed Godwit's longer, straighter bill and longer legs are diagnostic. The Black-tailed Godwit’s breeding range stretches from Iceland through northern Europe and areas of central Asia where it can be found in fens, lake edges, damp meadows, moorlands and bogs. It winters in areas as diverse as the Indian Subcontinent, Australia, western Europe and west Africa where it can be found on estuaries and floods. It is also more likely to be found inland and on freshwater than the Bar-tailed Godwit. Date: 1st August 2016 Location: Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071519.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9519055536643292b0990c.jpgBlack Grouse The Black Grouse is a large game bird in the grouse family. The male has all black plumage with distinctive red wattles over the eyes and striking white stripes along each wing in flight. It has a lyre-shaped tail which is fanned out and raised to show white under-tail feathers when displaying. The female is smaller and grey-brown in colour. The Black Grouse is a sedentary species and breeds across northern Eurasia in moorland and bog areas near to mostly boreal woodland. Although it is declining, it is not considered to be vulnerable globally due to the large population and slow rate of decline. Its decline is due to loss of habitat, disturbance, predation by foxes, crows, etc., and small populations gradually dying out. In the UK, the Black Grouse are found in upland areas of Wales, the Pennines and most of Scotland, especially on farmland and moorland with nearby forestry or scattered trees. Habitat loss and overgrazing have resulted in severe population declines which make the Black Grouse a Red List species. Positive habitat management and re-introduction programmes are helping it to increase in some areas. The Black Grouse has a very distinctive and well-recorded courtship. At dawn in the spring, the males strut around in a traditional area (lek) and display whilst making a highly distinctive and bubbling mating call. This photo was taken at a well known roadside lekking site. If visiting, please remain in your car to avoid disturbance to these vulnerable breeding birds. Date: 3rd May 2023 Location: World's End, Denbighshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo20140137.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_89480112452c0033c1cb39.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 9th December 2013 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33751267.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5136199535a291a324e007.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 26th November 2017 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38116636.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6486610445cc324eecb5ce.jpgAvocets The (Pied) Avocet is a large black and white wader in the avocet and stilt family. It is one of 4 species of avocet that make up the genus Recurvirostra. The genus name is from the Latin recurvus meaning "curved backwards" and rostrum meaning "bill". The Avocet is a striking white wader with bold black markings. Adults have white plumage except for a black cap and black patches in the wings and on the back. They have long, upturned bills and long, bluish legs. Males and females look alike whilst juveniles resemble the adult but with more greyish and sepia tones. The Avocet breeds in temperate Europe and western and central Asia. The breeding habitat is shallow lakes with brackish water and exposed bare mud where they build a nest on open ground in a lined scrape or on a mound of vegetation. The Avocet is a migratory species and most winter in Africa or southern Asia. Some remain to winter in the mildest parts of their range such as in southern Spain and southern England. The Avocet feeds on crustaceans and insects in shallow brackish water or on mud flats, often scything their bills from side to side in water (a feeding technique that is unique to the avocet species). The Avocet was extinct as a breeding species in the UK by 1840 but its successful recolonisation at Minsmere in Suffolk in 1947 led to its adoption as the logo of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Date: 24th April 2019 Location: EWT Blue House Farm, North Fambridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847548.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_56054588459bd52a406152.jpgBukovské Mountains, Prešov region, Slovakia The Bukovské Mountains (Bukovské vrchy) are a mountain range in north east Slovakia and form part of the ranges belonging to the Eastern Carpathians. They are located in the Prešov region near the borders with Poland (Bieszczady Mountains) and Ukraine and adjacent to the Laborec Highlands in Slovakia. The highest mountain is Kremenec at 4005 feet. The Bukovské Mountains are characterised by 80% forest cover and contain the highest concentration of old growth forests in Slovakia. Beech forests dominate but there are also oak and hornbeam forests and maple and fir woods in combination with the beech forests. Meadows, known as poloniny in eastern Slovakian dialects, situated on the main ridges are common. Agricultural land is represented primarily by permanent grassy vegetation and in lesser extent by arable land. The Bukovské Mountains were designated a Special Protection Area in January 2008 and they are additionally protected by the Poloniny National Park. The Poloniny National Park (Národný park Poloniny) was created in October 1997 with a protected area of 115 square miles and a buffer zone of 42 square miles. The highest point of the national park lies at 3,963 feet at a point where the borders of Slovakia, Poland and Ukraine meet near the summit of Kremenec. The national park is the easternmost and the least populated area of Slovakia but there are many winter (cross-country skiing) and summer hiking trails. Besides the several mountain trails, there is also one connecting outstanding wooden churches from the 18th century at Topoľa, Uličské Krivé and Ruský Potok. The primeval beech forests of Havešová, Stužica and Rožok were designated within a UNESCO World Heritage Site in June 2007. Together with the Vihorlat Mountains further to the south in Slovakia and an additional 6 sites in Ukraine they form the Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians. Date: 1st June 2017 Location: Bukovské Mountains, Prešov region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645525.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_134709774351e3cf23d5cdb.jpgGreat White Egret The Great White Egret is a large bird with all white plumage. Apart from size, the Great White Egret can be distinguished from other white egrets by its yellow bill and black legs and feet although the bill may become darker and the lower legs lighter in the breeding season. In breeding plumage, delicate ornamental feathers are borne on the back. It has a slow flight with its neck retracted. The Great White Egret is distributed across most of the tropical and warmer temperate regions of the world favouring all kinds of wetland habitats. Expanding populations in Europe mean that this species is now seen more frequently in the UK and it can turn up in almost any part of the country with the majority of records in south east England and East Anglia. Date: 21st May 2013 Location: Biebrza area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801140.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_58893030264edad062f1fc.jpgBlack-tailed Godwit The Black-tailed Godwit is a large, long-legged, long-billed shorebird with an orange head, neck and chest in its breeding plumage and a uniform brown-grey breast and upperparts in winter. During the breeding season, the bill has a yellowish or orange-pink base and dark tip but the base is pink in winter. The legs are dark grey, brown or black. The sexes are similar but in breeding plumage they can be separated by the male's brighter, more extensive orange breast, neck and head. In flight, the bold black and white wingbar and white rump can be seen readily. When on the ground the Black-tailed Godwit can be difficult to separate from the similar Bar-tailed Godwit but the Black-tailed Godwit's longer, straighter bill and longer legs are diagnostic. The Black-tailed Godwit’s breeding range stretches from Iceland through northern Europe and areas of central Asia where it can be found in fens, lake edges, damp meadows, moorlands and bogs. It winters in areas as diverse as the Indian Subcontinent, Australia, western Europe and west Africa where it can be found on estuaries and floods. It is also more likely to be found inland and on freshwater than the Bar-tailed Godwit. Date: 17th July 2023 Location: RSPB Frampton Marsh, near Boston, Lincolnshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/green-sandpiper https://images.on-this.website/4752_1576076924635e594df0c4f.jpgGreen Sandpiper The Green Sandpiper is a small and slightly plump wader with a dark greenish-brown back and wings, greyish head and breast and otherwise white underparts. The back is spotted white to varying extents, being most noticeable in the breeding adult and less so in winter and young birds. The legs and short bill are both dark green. It is conspicuous and characteristically patterned in flight with the wings dark above and below and a brilliant white rump. In flight it has a characteristic 3 note whistle. The Green Sandpiper breeds across sub-arctic Europe and east across the Palearctic. It is a migratory bird, wintering in southern Europe, the Indian subcontinent, south east Asia and tropical Africa. The Green Sandpiper is very much a bird of freshwater habitats and it is often found in sites too restricted for other waders. It is not a gregarious species although sometimes small numbers congregate in suitable feeding areas. The Green Sandpiper feeds on small invertebrate items picked off the mud as it works steadily around the edges of its chosen lagoon, pond or ditch. The Green Sandpiper is widely distributed and not uncommon. It is not considered a threatened species by the IUCN on a global scale but it is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 27th October 2022 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847578.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_49556054059bd535a28ff5.jpgMorské oko, Vihorlat Mountains, Košice region, Slovakia Morské oko (literally Sea Eye) is the largest lake in the Vihorlat Mountains (Vihorlatské vrchy) in eastern Slovakia and the third largest natural lake in Slovakia after the Štrbské pleso lake and the Veľké Hincovo pleso lake in the High Tatras. It is situated at 2027 feet high with a maximum length of 0.47 miles and a maximum width of 0.19 miles. It covers an area of 0.05 square miles and has a maximum depth of 82 feet. Morské oko has been designated as a wider National Nature Reserve covering 0.42 square miles since 1984 and it is part of the Vihorlat Protected Landscape Area within the Vihorlat Mountains. There is a walking trail around the lake but recreational activities such as fishing, swimming and boating are prohibited. Morské oko contains many species of fish, of which the most numerous is the European Chub. The Vihorlat Mountains (Vihorlatské vrchy) are a volcanic mountain range in eastern Slovakia and western Ukraine. They form part of the Inner Eastern Carpathian Mountains. The Slovakian section is 34 miles long and up to 9 miles wide. The highest peak is Vihorlat at 3530 feet and the largest lake is Morské oko. It is a mountainous and mostly forested area with a predominance of beech and forests in addition to hornbeam, ash, maple and some conifers. Arable land and unused pastures and meadows can be found in the non-forested and foothill areas. The middle part of the Vihorlat Mountains in the Humenné, Sobrance and Snina districts was designated as the Vihorlat Protected Landscape Area in December 1973 and they were also designated a Special Protection Area in April 2010. Kyjovský prales, a primeval beech forest in the Vihorlat Mountains, was designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in June 2007. Date: 2nd June 2017 Location: Morské oko, Vihorlat Mountains, Košice region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30825767.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4511652658f349fe985932.96529910.jpgBlack-headed Gulls The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 9th April 2017 Location: EWT Blue House Farm, North Fambridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40399549.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3887366565dc6ad0402113.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 18th October 2019 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29487593.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5849229365810814c890ad.jpgViikki-Vanhankaupunginlahti Nature Reserve, Helsinki, Finland Viikki-Vanhankaupunginlahti Nature Reserve is the most important nature reserve in Helsinki and among the most valuable conservation areas on the coastal Gulf of Finland. It is included on the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance and lies around Vanhankaupunginlahti Bay, a reed-fringed sea inlet. It consists of the mouth of the Vantaa river with its accompanying floodplain forests, alder marshes and coastal meadows and can be accessed and viewed by a network of trails and birdwatching towers. Date: 30th May 2016 Location: Viikki-Vanhankaupunginlahti Nature Reserve, Helsinki, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39081947.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17298170175d30786ab0055.jpgEuropean Bee-eater The European Bee-eater is an incredibly colourful bird with an unmistakable appearance. In breeding plumage, it has a rich chestnut crown that blends into gold on its back. The forehead is white, the throat is yellow bordered by black and the underparts are blue. The male European Bee-eater has a chestnut-coloured patch in the middle of the wing while in females this patch is usually smaller or even absent. Occasionally, females may also be distinguished from the males by having a green back. The wings and backs of juvenile European Bee-eaters are entirely green and the eyes are brown in contrast to the bright red eyes of adults. The European Bee-eater breeds in southern Europe and in parts of north Africa and western Asia. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, India and Sri Lanka. European Bee-eaters are occasionally seen in northern Europe (including the UK) as a spring overshoot north of its range with occasional breeding occurring. Just as the name suggests, the European Bee-eater predominantly eats insects, especially bees, wasps and hornets which are caught in the air by sorties from an open perch. Before eating its meal, a European Bee-eater removes the sting by repeatedly hitting the insect on a hard surface. Lizards and frogs are also taken. European Bee-eaters are gregarious, nesting colonially in sandy banks preferably near river shores and also feeding and roosting communally. Date: 17th May 2018 Location: Vetren, Silistra Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645421.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_66513017951e3cdf095206.jpgWhite Stork The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 19th May 2013 Location: Biebrza area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39081965.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3921579285d3078b1a8fb9.jpgEuropean Bee-eater The European Bee-eater is an incredibly colourful bird with an unmistakable appearance. In breeding plumage, it has a rich chestnut crown that blends into gold on its back. The forehead is white, the throat is yellow bordered by black and the underparts are blue. The male European Bee-eater has a chestnut-coloured patch in the middle of the wing while in females this patch is usually smaller or even absent. Occasionally, females may also be distinguished from the males by having a green back. The wings and backs of juvenile European Bee-eaters are entirely green and the eyes are brown in contrast to the bright red eyes of adults. The European Bee-eater breeds in southern Europe and in parts of north Africa and western Asia. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, India and Sri Lanka. European Bee-eaters are occasionally seen in northern Europe (including the UK) as a spring overshoot north of its range with occasional breeding occurring. Just as the name suggests, the European Bee-eater predominantly eats insects, especially bees, wasps and hornets which are caught in the air by sorties from an open perch. Before eating its meal, a European Bee-eater removes the sting by repeatedly hitting the insect on a hard surface. Lizards and frogs are also taken. European Bee-eaters are gregarious, nesting colonially in sandy banks preferably near river shores and also feeding and roosting communally. Date: 17th May 2018 Location: Vetren, Silistra Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9579150.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10031011874db007418911c.jpgOystercatcher The Oystercatcher is a wader in the oystercatcher family. It is an obvious and noisy bird with black and white plumage, red legs and a strong broad red bill which is used for smashing or prising open molluscs such as mussels or for finding earthworms. Despite its name, oysters do not form a large part of its diet. The Oystercatcher is unmistakable in flight with white patches on the wings and tail with otherwise black upperparts and white underparts. Young birds are more brown, have a white neck collar and a duller bill. The call is a distinctive loud piping. The bill shape varies: Oystercatchers with broad bill tips open molluscs by prising them apart or hammering through the shell whereas birds with pointed bills dig up worms. Much of this is due to the wear resulting from feeding on their prey. Individual Oystercatchers specialise in one technique or the other which they learn from their parents. The Oystercatcher is the most widespread of the oystercatchers with 3 races breeding in western Europe, central Eurasia, Kamchatka, China, and the western coast of Korea. It is a migratory species over most of its range. The European population breeds mainly in northern Europe but in winter the birds can be found in north Africa and southern parts of Europe. Although the species is present all year in Ireland, the UK and the adjacent European coasts, there is still migratory movement within these populations. In winter, large flocks can be seen on major estuaries in the UK. The Oystercatcher breeds on shingle and rocky beaches, sand dunes, salt marshes and on the grassy tops of small islands and also inland on shingle banks of rivers, lakes and gravel pits. Date: 23rd November 2007 Location: Leysdown, Sheppey, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/kittiwake https://images.on-this.website/4752_971889944bf6df0b481d3.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill <i>"kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake"</i>. The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 13th April 2010 Location: Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46027952.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15144956066291ef8cf125f.jpgAvocet The (Pied) Avocet is a large black and white wader in the avocet and stilt family. It is one of 4 species of avocet that make up the genus Recurvirostra. The genus name is from the Latin recurvus meaning "curved backwards" and rostrum meaning "bill". The Avocet is a striking white wader with bold black markings. Adults have white plumage except for a black cap and black patches in the wings and on the back. They have long, upturned bills and long, bluish legs. Males and females look alike whilst juveniles resemble the adult but with more greyish and sepia tones. The Avocet breeds in temperate Europe and western and central Asia. The breeding habitat is shallow lakes with brackish water and exposed bare mud where they build a nest on open ground in a lined scrape or on a mound of vegetation. The Avocet is a migratory species and most winter in Africa or southern Asia. Some remain to winter in the mildest parts of their range such as in southern Spain and southern England. The Avocet feeds on crustaceans and insects in shallow brackish water or on mud flats, often scything their bills from side to side in water (a feeding technique that is unique to the avocet species). The Avocet was extinct as a breeding species in the UK by 1840 but its successful recolonisation at Minsmere in Suffolk in 1947 led to its adoption as the logo of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Date: 21st May 2022 Location: EWT Two Tree Island, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082331.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4079486895d307bf32a9f3.jpgPygmy Cormorant The Pygmy Cormorant is the smallest member of the cormorant family and is a medium-sized green-glossed black bird with a long tail and short thick bill. Adults have small white feather tufts on the head, neck and underparts in the breeding season. The sexes are similar, but juveniles are duller and browner. The Pygmy Cormorant is distinguished from the Great Cormorant and the Shag by its much smaller size, lighter build and long tail. The Pygmy Cormorant can be found along the east coasts of the Adriatic Sea, the northern Aegean Sea, the Black Sea eastwards to the Caspian Sea and in Iraq. The Pygmy Cormorant breeds in Albania, Greece, Bulgaria, Turkey, Romania, Moldavia, Ukraine, Russia, Azerbaijan and Iraq while a few pairs also breed in Hungary and Slovakia. The biggest colony is located in the Danube Delta in Romania and numbers 4,000 pairs. In Greece the most important colonies are located at Lake Mikri Prespa and Lake Kerkini. The Pygmy Cormorant also formerly bred in the Axios Delta, at Lake Ismarida and Lake Kastoria, in the Evros Delta and at Porto Lagos. The most important wintering areas in Greece are mainly the large wetlands of Thrace and Macedonia. The Pygmy Cormorant can be found in wetlands with still or slowly flowing fresh water and more rarely in coastal wetlands. It builds nests from sticks and reeds in dense vegetation, in trees, shrubs, willows but occasionally in reeds on small floating islets, either alone or with Great Cormorants, Spoonbills and heron and egret species. The Pygmy Cormorant feeds on small fish and rarely on small aquatic mammals and molluscs which are caught by diving. It often hunts in groups and perches in trees between fishing expeditions. The Pygmy Cormorant is a species with habitats strongly affected by human actions. Threats include the drainage and serious degradation of wetlands and their associated woodland, water pollution, disturbance, poaching as well as drowning in fishing nets. Being a great fish consumer and destroyer of fishing nets, it is often persecuted by fishermen. Date: 22nd May 2018 Location: BSPB Poda Protected Area, Burgas Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31192290.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1007705441591823afa29677.76249824.jpgRing Ousel The Ring Ousel is a member of the thrush family and is the upland and mountain equivalent of the closely related Blackbird. "Ousel" or "ouzel" is an old name for the Blackbird from the Old English [I]osle[/I]. "Ousel" may also be applied to a group of superficially similar but unrelated birds, the Dippers, the European representative of which is sometimes known as the Water Ousel. The scientific name [i]Turdus torquatus[/i] also refers to the male's obvious white neck crescent, being derived from the Latin words [i]turdus[/i] meaning "thrush" and [i]torquatus[/i] meaning "collared". The Ring Ousel is slightly smaller and slimmer than a Blackbird. The adult male is all black except for a white crescent on the breast and a yellowish bill. The wings have a silvery appearance due to white feather edgings. The female is similar but duller and younger birds often lack the breast crescent. The juvenile has brown plumage. The Ring Ousel breeds in the higher regions of western and central Europe and also in the Caucasus and in the Scandinavian mountains. Most populations are migratory and winter in the Mediterranean region. It is declining in parts of its range. In the UK the Ring Ousel arrives in late March and April and leaves again in September. It breeds in upland areas of Scotland, northern England, north west Wales and Dartmoor. On spring and autumn migration it may be seen away from its breeding areas, often on the east and south coasts of the UK. The Ring Ousel is territorial and normally seen alone or in pairs, although loose flocks may form on migration. When not breeding, several birds may also be loosely associated in good feeding areas, often with other thrushes. The Ring Ousel is omnivorous and eats a wide range of food such as insects, earthworms, small rodents, reptiles, fruit and berries. Date: 7th May 2017 Location: Nant Ffrancon, Gwynedd http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo47900597.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1201892051637364c4a7cda.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 4th November 2022 Location: Bushy Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871655.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12197919864eff203e0a496.jpgKittiwake he Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill <i>"kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake"</i>. The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 27th May 2009 Location: Store Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533479.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_101141323062ca8a5d67cca.jpgAvocet The (Pied) Avocet is a large black and white wader in the avocet and stilt family. It is one of 4 species of avocet that make up the genus Recurvirostra. The genus name is from the Latin recurvus meaning "curved backwards" and rostrum meaning "bill". The Avocet is a striking white wader with bold black markings. Adults have white plumage except for a black cap and black patches in the wings and on the back. They have long, upturned bills and long, bluish legs. Males and females look alike whilst juveniles resemble the adult but with more greyish and sepia tones. The Avocet breeds in temperate Europe and western and central Asia. The breeding habitat is shallow lakes with brackish water and exposed bare mud where they build a nest on open ground in a lined scrape or on a mound of vegetation. The Avocet is a migratory species and most winter in Africa or southern Asia. Some remain to winter in the mildest parts of their range such as in southern Spain and southern England. The Avocet feeds on crustaceans and insects in shallow brackish water or on mud flats, often scything their bills from side to side in water (a feeding technique that is unique to the avocet species). The Avocet was extinct as a breeding species in the UK by 1840 but its successful recolonisation at Minsmere in Suffolk in 1947 led to its adoption as the logo of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Date: 25th June 2022 Location: RSPB Minsmere, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21959359.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_89907464753da7f1e09ad1.jpgGolden Plover The European Golden Plover, also known as the Eurasian Golden Plover or just the Golden Plover within Europe, is a largish plover. It is similar to 2 other Golden Plovers: the American Golden Plover and the Pacific Golden Plover which are both smaller, slimmer and relatively longer-legged than the European Golden Plover and have grey rather than white axillary feathers. The Golden Plover is a medium sized plover with a distinctive gold and black summer plumage. In winter the black is replaced by buff and white. It typically stands upright and runs in short bursts. The Golden Plover breeds on the ground in a dry open area on moorland, mountains and fells, tundra and marshland in northern Europe and western Asia as far west as Iceland and as far east as central Siberia. It is migratory and winters in western and southern Europe and in north Africa where it tends to gather in large flocks in open areas and on agricultural plains, ploughed land and short meadows. In the UK, the Golden Plover can be found from May to September on the upland moorlands in the southern uplands of Scotland, the Scottish Highlands, the Western and Northern Isles, the Peak District, north Yorkshire, Wales and Devon. Winter flocks start to appear at lower levels and around the coasts after the breeding season with the largest numbers seen between November and February when Golden Plovers often form large flocks with Lapwings. Date: 13th June 2014 Location: Grinton Moor, Yorkshire Dales National Park, North Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21959264.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_209962120253da6d0ed45df.jpgLesser Black-backed Gull The Lesser Black-backed Gull is slightly smaller than the Herring Gull and has a dark grey to black back and wings, yellow bill and yellow legs. The world population is found entirely in Europe. After declines in the 19th century due to persecution, the Lesser Black-backed Gull increased its range and numbers. This expansion has now halted and there is serious concern about declines in many parts of its range. The species is on the Amber List because the UK is home to 40% of the European population and more than half of these are found at fewer than ten sites. The Lesser Black-backed Gull can be found around the UK's coastline in summer and on some inland high moors. The biggest UK colony is on Walney Island, Cumbria with one third of the UK population. Large numbers of Scandinavian birds, which are darker than UK breeding birds, start to arrive in October and birds can be found from southern Scotland southwards and best looked for feeding over fields and at rubbish tips, congregating at large reservoir roosts each evening. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Inner Farne, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33820945.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20996469025a3d07aebf06d.jpgLesser Black-backed Gull The Lesser Black-backed Gull is slightly smaller than the Herring Gull and has a dark grey to black back and wings, yellow bill and yellow legs. The world population is found entirely in Europe. After declines in the 19th century due to persecution, the Lesser Black-backed Gull increased its range and numbers. This expansion has now halted and there is serious concern about declines in many parts of its range. The species is on the Amber List because the UK is home to 40% of the European population and more than half of these are found at fewer than ten sites. The Lesser Black-backed Gull can be found around the UK's coastline in summer and on some inland high moors. The biggest UK colony is on Walney Island, Cumbria with one third of the UK population. Large numbers of Scandinavian birds, which are darker than UK breeding birds, start to arrive in October and birds can be found from southern Scotland southwards and best looked for feeding over fields and at rubbish tips, congregating at large reservoir roosts each evening. Date: 12th December 2017 Location: Kensington Gardens, London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072272.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10228853874bf6d7d4dfd3d.jpgReindeer The Reindeer, also known as the Caribou in North America, is a deer from the Arctic and sub Arctic, including both resident and migratory populations. Whilst it is overall widespread and numerous, some of its subspecies are rare or already extinct. The Reindeer is a widespread and numerous species in the northern Holarctic, being present in tundra (frozen arctic plain with lichens, mosses and dwarfed vegetation) and taiga (marshy pine forest) regions. Originally, the Reindeer was found in Scandinavia, eastern Europe, Russia, Mongolia, and northern China. In North America, it was found in Canada, Alaska and the northern USA from Washington to Maine. It also occurred naturally on Sakhalin, Greenland, and probably even in historical times in Ireland. Today, wild Reindeer have disappeared from many areas within this large historical range, especially from the southern parts where it has vanished almost everywhere. Large populations of wild Reindeer are still found in Norway, Finland, Siberia, Greenland, Alaska, and Canada. Wild Reindeer hunting and herding of semi-domesticated Reindeer (for meat, hides, antlers, milk and transportation) are important to several Arctic and Subarctic people. Domesticated Reindeer are mostly found in northern Fennoscandia and Russia with a herd of approximately 150-170 Reindeer also living around the Cairngorms region in Scotland. Reindeer vary considerably in colour and size. Both sexes grow antlers, though they are typically larger in males. Even far outside its range, the Reindeer is well known due to the myth, probably originating in early 19th century America, in which Santa Claus's sleigh is pulled by flying Reindeer, a popular element of Christmas. Date: 11th April 2010 Location: near Bugøynes, Sør-Varanger, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49003029.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11905394696468fc9281aca.jpgAdder Adders are widespread throughout mainland UK but they are absent from Ireland. They occur throughout Europe, with the exception of the Mediterranean islands, and across Russia and Asia through to northern China. They are the UK's only venomous reptile. Adders are relatively short and robust snakes with large heads and a rounded snout. Males are usually a grey or buff colour with vivid black markings although they can also vary from silver to yellow or green in colour. Females are brown with dark red-brown markings that are less prominent than in the males. Both sexes have a zigzag pattern running along the back with a / or X-shaped marking at the rear of the head. Adders can be found in a variety of habitats, including open woodland, hedgerows, moorland, sand dunes, riverbanks, bogs, heathland and mountains. They are active during the day and spend time basking until their body temperature is high enough to hunt for food. Adders use venom to immobilise prey such as lizards, amphibians, nestlings and small mammals. After striking their prey, they will leave the venom to take effect before following the victim’s scent to find the body. Mating takes place between April and May with males often fighting for females. Females have a 3 to 4 month gestation period and Adders are one of the few snakes that are viviparous (give birth to live young). In late August females give birth to between 5 and 20 live young and the young remain close to their mother for a few days before going off in search of food. Adders hibernate from September to March often using deserted rabbit or rodent burrows or settling under logs. They sometimes hibernate communally. Males emerge 2 to 5 weeks before the females and shed their skin before setting off in search of females. Adders are not aggressive snakes and they will only attack if harassed or threatened. Although an Adder’s venom poses little danger to a healthy adult, the bite is very painful and requires urgent medical attention. Date: 3rd May 2023 Location: Benfleet and Hadleigh Downs, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo445321.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14626412114681babecfa8c.jpgThe stark rise of the jagged Black Cuillin ridge .... The Black Cuillin are a mountain range on the Isle of Skye off the North West coast of Scotland and contain the highest concentration of mountains over 3000 feet high in the UK (20 summits exceed this height). The mountains are a memorable sight whether the weather is bright and sunny or grey and misty as it often is on Skye. Either way they have a unique presence and can be seen from miles around both on Skye and on the mainland. The mountains themselves are the preserve of experienced mountaineers and hillwalkers but the rest of us can enjoy classic views from Elgol and Sligachan and along Glenbrittle Date: June 2000 Location: view from the unclassified road between Elgol and Glasnakille http://www.richardchewphotography.com/barn-owl https://images.on-this.website/4752_16811991134687c5c0dab2d.jpgBarn Owl With a heart shaped face, buff back and wings and pure white under-parts the Barn Owl is a distinctive and much-loved bird of the countryside. Barn Owls are widely distributed across the UK and can be seen all year round sometimes during the day but normally at dusk in open country and along field edges, riverbanks and roadside verges. Barn Owls have suffered population declines over the past 50 years as a result of habitat degradation following increasing intensive agricultural practices. However, that decline has stopped in many areas and their population may now be increasing. Date: 06/05/07 Location: Abberton Reservoir, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26033908.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_810663121563793e2a47a1.jpgSkagafjörður, north west Iceland Skagafjörður is a deep fjord in north west Iceland located between the Tröllaskagi peninsula to the east and the Skagi peninsula to the west. It is about 25 miles long and 9 miles wide. Skagafjörður is situated in a submerged glacial valley which continues southwards by a plain in which lies the delta of the Héraðsvötn river. This is one of Iceland's most prosperous agricultural regions with widespread dairy and sheep farming in addition to the horse breeding for which the district is famed. Skagafjörður is the only county in Iceland where horses outnumber people. The main settlement in the Skagafjörður area is Sauðárkrókur. Date: 1st June 2015 Location: view from road 75 east of Sauðárkrókur http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14467418.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2897268474f743c638aad4.jpgReindeer The Reindeer, also known as the Caribou in North America, is a deer from the Arctic and sub Arctic, including both resident and migratory populations. Whilst it is overall widespread and numerous, some of its subspecies are rare or already extinct. The Reindeer is a widespread and numerous species in the northern Holarctic, being present in tundra (frozen arctic plain with lichens, mosses and dwarfed vegetation) and taiga (marshy pine forest) regions. Originally, the Reindeer was found in Scandinavia, eastern Europe, Russia, Mongolia, and northern China. In North America, it was found in Canada, Alaska and the northern USA from Washington to Maine. It also occurred naturally on Sakhalin, Greenland, and probably even in historical times in Ireland. Today, wild Reindeer have disappeared from many areas within this large historical range, especially from the southern parts where it has vanished almost everywhere. Large populations of wild Reindeer are still found in Norway, Finland, Siberia, Greenland, Alaska, and Canada. Wild Reindeer hunting and herding of semi-domesticated Reindeer (for meat, hides, antlers, milk and transportation) are important to several Arctic and Subarctic people. Domesticated Reindeer are mostly found in northern Fennoscandia and Russia with a herd of approximately 150-170 Reindeer also living around the Cairngorms region in Scotland. Reindeer vary considerably in colour and size. Both sexes grow antlers, though they are typically larger in males. Even far outside its range, the Reindeer is well known due to the myth, probably originating in early 19th century America, in which Santa Claus's sleigh is pulled by flying Reindeer, a popular element of Christmas. Date: 17th March 2012 Location: near Tisnes, Kvaløya, Troms, north Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623046.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15721490956117d3514738c.jpgCommon Guillemot The Common Guillemot, also known as the Common Murre or Thin-billed Murre, is a large species of auk. The auks are a family of seabirds which includes the Brunnich's Guillemot or Thick-billed Murre, Razorbill, Little Auk and the extinct Great Auk. The Common Guillemot is 15 to 18 inches in length with a 24 to 29 inches wingspan. In breeding plumage, it is black or dark brown on the head, back and wings with white underparts. It has a thin dark pointed bill and a small rounded dark tail. Legs are grey and the bill is dark grey. Males and females are identical. Some individuals in the North Atlantic, known as "Bridled Guillemots", have a white ring around the eye extending back as a white line. This is not a distinct subspecies but a polymorphism that becomes more common the farther north the birds breed. The Common Guillemot flies with fast wing beats and has a flight speed of around 50 mph. Groups of birds are often seen flying together in a line just above the surface of the sea. However, it is not a very agile bird and take-off is often difficult. The Common Guillemot becomes flightless for 45 to 60 days while moulting its primary feathers. The Common Guillemot is a pursuit diver that forages for food by swimming underwater using its wings for propulsion. Dives usually last less than one minute but the bird swims underwater for distances of over 100 feet on a regular basis. Diving depths up to 590 feet have been recorded. The Common Guillemot has a circumpolar distribution and it occurs in low Arctic and boreal waters in the north Atlantic and north Pacific. It spends most of its time at sea and only comes to land to breed on rocky cliffs, sea stacks and islands. Some birds are permanent residents but northern birds migrate south to open waters off New England, southern California, Japan, Korea and the western Mediterranean. The Common Guillemot breeds in colonies at high densities and nesting pairs may be in bodily contact with their neighbours. No nest is made and the single egg is laid and incubated on a bare rock ledge on a cliff face. The egg hatches after 30 days incubation and the chick is born downy and can regulate its body temperature after 10 days. Some 20 days after hatching the chick jumps off its nesting ledge and heads for the sea unable to fly but gliding for some distance with fluttering wings and accompanied by its male parent. The chicks are capable of diving as soon as they hit the water. The female stays at the nest site for some 14 days after the chick has left. The Common Guillemot can venture far from its breeding grounds to forage and distances of 60 miles or more are often observed although if sufficient food is available closer by, birds will only travel much shorter distances. It mainly eats small schooling fish 8 inches long or less such as Polar Cod, Capelin, Sand Lances, Sprats, Sandeels, Atlantic Cod and Atlantic Herring. It also eats some molluscs, marine worms, squid and crustaceans. It is often seen carrying fish in its bill with the tail hanging out. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17408532.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1364619006513327d845f1a.jpgPintail Slightly bigger than a Mallard, the Pintail is a long-necked and small-headed duck which flies with a curved back, pointed wings and a long tapering tail. The male's long central tail feathers give rise to the species' English and scientific names. Both sexes have blue-grey bills and grey legs and feet. The male is more striking, having a thin white stripe running from the back of its chocolate-coloured head down its neck to its mostly white underparts. The male also has attractive grey, brown, and black patterning on its back and sides. The female's plumage is more subtle and subdued with drab brown feathers similar to those of other female dabbling ducks. The Pintail can be found all year round but it is primarily a winter visitor with significant populations occurring on coasts, estuaries and other wetlands at sites such as the Dee Estuary, Solway Estuary and Ouse Washes. The winter population arrives in September with numbers peaking in December and the return migration takes place from late February into March. Date: 12th January 2013 Location: Martin Mere WWT reserve, Lancashire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4088345.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20734389474b194603786cd.jpgGreater Flamingos The Greater Flamingo is a largely pinkish-white bird but the wing coverts are red and the primary and secondary flight feathers are black. The bill is pink with a black tip and the legs are entirely pink. The Greater Flamingo is the most widespread species of the flamingo family and can be found in parts of Africa, southern Asia and southern Europe (including Spain, Sardinia, Albania, Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Portugal, and the Camargue region of France). Some populations are short distance migrants, and records north of the breeding range are relatively frequent. However, given the species' popularity in captivity, whether these are truly wild individuals is a matter of some debate. Date: 10th November 2009 Location: Delta de l’Ebre, Catalunya, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623112.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5455471446117d78dc8ccd.jpgKittiwakes The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49003057.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15269757146468fcdf3a71d.jpgAdder Adders are widespread throughout mainland UK but they are absent from Ireland. They occur throughout Europe, with the exception of the Mediterranean islands, and across Russia and Asia through to northern China. They are the UK's only venomous reptile. Adders are relatively short and robust snakes with large heads and a rounded snout. Males are usually a grey or buff colour with vivid black markings although they can also vary from silver to yellow or green in colour. Females are brown with dark red-brown markings that are less prominent than in the males. Both sexes have a zigzag pattern running along the back with a / or X-shaped marking at the rear of the head. Adders can be found in a variety of habitats, including open woodland, hedgerows, moorland, sand dunes, riverbanks, bogs, heathland and mountains. They are active during the day and spend time basking until their body temperature is high enough to hunt for food. Adders use venom to immobilise prey such as lizards, amphibians, nestlings and small mammals. After striking their prey, they will leave the venom to take effect before following the victim’s scent to find the body. Mating takes place between April and May with males often fighting for females. Females have a 3 to 4 month gestation period and Adders are one of the few snakes that are viviparous (give birth to live young). In late August females give birth to between 5 and 20 live young and the young remain close to their mother for a few days before going off in search of food. Adders hibernate from September to March often using deserted rabbit or rodent burrows or settling under logs. They sometimes hibernate communally. Males emerge 2 to 5 weeks before the females and shed their skin before setting off in search of females. Adders are not aggressive snakes and they will only attack if harassed or threatened. Although an Adder’s venom poses little danger to a healthy adult, the bite is very painful and requires urgent medical attention. Date: 3rd May 2023 Location: Benfleet and Hadleigh Downs, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49276530.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_156653428264995cfded57f.jpgJay The Jay is a colourful member of the crow family that is about the same size as a Jackdaw. The Jay is mostly a pinkish brown colour with the underparts being slightly paler. The head has a black and white flecked crown, black moustache and white throat. The white rump contrasts starkly with the black tail. The iris of the eye is a pale blue, the bill is black and the legs are pink-brown. The wings are mostly black with white patches but also have striking blue patches, but close to these wing patches are actually bands of graduated shades of blue. Although it is the most strikingly colourful member of the crow family, the Jay can be quite difficult to see since it is a shy woodland bird and rarely moves far from cover. It can often be seen flying across a woodland clearing or glade giving its raucous screeching call. The Jay can be found across most of the UK, except northern Scotland, and occurs in both deciduous and coniferous woodland, parks and mature gardens. It particularly likes oak trees in the autumn when there are plenty of acorns which it seeks out and buries for retrieving later. The majority of the UK population is sedentary but European birds are irruptive when there is a poor acorn harvest and may arrive in large numbers along the east coast of the UK in the autumn. Date: 5th June 2023 Location: NWT Weeting Heath, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14467415.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15992921454f743c5031a6f.jpgReindeer The Reindeer, also known as the Caribou in North America, is a deer from the Arctic and sub Arctic, including both resident and migratory populations. Whilst it is overall widespread and numerous, some of its subspecies are rare or already extinct. The Reindeer is a widespread and numerous species in the northern Holarctic, being present in tundra (frozen arctic plain with lichens, mosses and dwarfed vegetation) and taiga (marshy pine forest) regions. Originally, the Reindeer was found in Scandinavia, eastern Europe, Russia, Mongolia, and northern China. In North America, it was found in Canada, Alaska and the northern USA from Washington to Maine. It also occurred naturally on Sakhalin, Greenland, and probably even in historical times in Ireland. Today, wild Reindeer have disappeared from many areas within this large historical range, especially from the southern parts where it has vanished almost everywhere. Large populations of wild Reindeer are still found in Norway, Finland, Siberia, Greenland, Alaska, and Canada. Wild Reindeer hunting and herding of semi-domesticated Reindeer (for meat, hides, antlers, milk and transportation) are important to several Arctic and Subarctic people. Domesticated Reindeer are mostly found in northern Fennoscandia and Russia with a herd of approximately 150-170 Reindeer also living around the Cairngorms region in Scotland. Reindeer vary considerably in colour and size. Both sexes grow antlers, though they are typically larger in males. Even far outside its range, the Reindeer is well known due to the myth, probably originating in early 19th century America, in which Santa Claus's sleigh is pulled by flying Reindeer, a popular element of Christmas. Date: 17th March 2012 Location: near Tisnes, Kvaløya, Troms, north Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14467422.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5856329334f743c77e9194.jpgGreat Black-backed Gulls The largest of the gulls, the Great Black-backed Gull is a dominating and opportunistic predator, scavenger and pirate that has been described as a “merciless tyrant” due to its aggressive feeding habits. The Great Black-backed Gull has a thick-set body with a large, yellow, red-tipped bill, strong legs and wide, webbed feet which have a delicate pink hue. The breast and head are snowy white and sit in stark contrast to the black back and wings. Young Great Black-backed Gulls undergo several plumage changes before taking on that of the adult. Juveniles are pale brown with heavy white mottling whilst immatures are also mottled but have a distinctive whitish head and breast but with a dark-tipped, pale bill The Great Black-backed Gull occurs along the coastlines of northern Europe and northern Russia as well as the east coast of north America and central America and it can be found in a variety of coastal habitats, including rocky and sandy coasts and estuaries as well as inland habitats such as lakes, ponds, fields and moorland. It breeds in areas free of or largely inaccessible to terrestrial predators such as vegetated islands, sand dunes, flat-topped stacks, building roofs and sometimes amongst bushes on salt-marsh islands. During the winter, the Great Black-backed Gull often travels far out to sea to feed. Date: 17th March 2012 Location: Sommarøy, Troms, north Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13683370.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13432736724ed7341172a08.jpgTawny Owl The Tawny Owl is an owl about the size of a pigeon. It has a rounded body and head with a ring of dark feathers around its face surrounding the dark eyes. It is mainly reddish brown above and paler underneath. The Tawny Owl can be found all year round in the UK and it is a widespread breeding species. Birds are mainly residents with established pairs probably never leaving their territories. Young birds disperse from breeding grounds in autumn. The Tawny Owl is nocturnal so it is often heard calling at night but much less often seen. In the daytime, you may see one only if you disturb it inadvertently from its roost site in woodland. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26006659.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20404558735634989b72c2c.jpgWestfjords, Iceland The Westfjords is the name of a large peninsula in north west Iceland and it is situated on the Denmark Strait facing the east coast of Greenland to the north west. It is connected to the rest of Iceland by a 5 mile wide isthmus between Gilsfjörður and Bitrufjörður. The Westfjords are one of the most breathtakingly beautiful and least visited corners of Iceland with only a small number of foreign tourist visitors. This peninsula of almost 5500 square miles stretching out into the icy waters of the Denmark Strait is characterised by dramatic fjords which have resulted from intense glacial activity. Everything here is extreme from the table mountains that dominate the landscape and which plunge precipitously into the sea to the ferocious storms that have gnawed the coastline into countless craggy inlets. After crossing the Steingrímsfjarðarheiði mountain pass west of Hólmavík, road 61 becomes a convoluted and circuitous route which winds it’s way in and around no fewer than 7 deeply indented fjords in the northern part of the Westfjords before reaching the regional capital of Ísafjörður. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: view from road 61 between the western end of the Steingrímsfjarðarheiði mountain pass and Ísafjörður http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41389711.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16627521575f2696218c91b.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 1st July 2019 Location: Vardø, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26006655.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_586200219563497b0ad628.jpgWestfjords, Iceland The Westfjords is the name of a large peninsula in north west Iceland and it is situated on the Denmark Strait facing the east coast of Greenland to the north west. It is connected to the rest of Iceland by a 5 mile wide isthmus between Gilsfjörður and Bitrufjörður. The Westfjords are one of the most breathtakingly beautiful and least visited corners of Iceland with only a small number of foreign tourist visitors. This peninsula of almost 5500 square miles stretching out into the icy waters of the Denmark Strait is characterised by dramatic fjords which have resulted from intense glacial activity. Everything here is extreme from the table mountains that dominate the landscape and which plunge precipitously into the sea to the ferocious storms that have gnawed the coastline into countless craggy inlets. After crossing the Steingrímsfjarðarheiði mountain pass west of Hólmavík, road 61 becomes a convoluted and circuitous route which winds it’s way in and around no fewer than 7 deeply indented fjords in the northern part of the Westfjords before reaching the regional capital of Ísafjörður. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: view from road 61 between the western end of the Steingrímsfjarðarheiði mountain pass and Ísafjörður http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453885.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16727559484ff5446c4f850.jpgEuropean Bee-eater The European Bee-eater is an incredibly colourful bird with an unmistakable appearance. In breeding plumage, it has a rich chestnut crown that blends into gold on its back. The forehead is white, the throat is yellow bordered by black and the underparts are blue. The male European Bee-eater has a chestnut-coloured patch in the middle of the wing while in females this patch is usually smaller or even absent. Occasionally, females may also be distinguished from the males by having a green back. The wings and backs of juvenile European Bee-eaters are entirely green and the eyes are brown in contrast to the bright red eyes of adults. The European Bee-eater breeds in southern Europe and in parts of north Africa and western Asia. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, India and Sri Lanka. European Bee-eaters are occasionally seen in northern Europe (including the UK) as a spring overshoot north of its range with occasional breeding occurring. Just as the name suggests, the European Bee-eater predominantly eats insects, especially bees, wasps and hornets which are caught in the air by sorties from an open perch. Before eating its meal, a European Bee-eater removes the sting by repeatedly hitting the insect on a hard surface. Lizards and frogs are also taken. European Bee-eaters are gregarious, nesting colonially in sandy banks preferably near river shores and also feeding and roosting communally. Date: 25th April 2012 Location: road to La Lancha and Embalse del Jándula, Sierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308830.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_129551221363ee2f555a475.jpgMallards The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 17th January 2023 Location: EWT Langdon Conservation Centre, Dunton, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308827.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4490663ee2f502bdea.jpgMallards The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 17th January 2023 Location: EWT Langdon Conservation Centre, Dunton, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51332411.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_355246476676dd2fb04f0.jpgEdible Frog The Edible Frog is a species of frog found across Europe that is also known as the Common Water Frog and the Green Frog. The Edible Frog is one of the few animals in the world that is a fertile hybrid of 2 different species, as although similar but genetically different species are known to mate, it is very rare that their offspring will be able to breed. The Edible Frog is a fertile hybrid of 2 other European frogs, namely the Pool Frog and the Marsh Frog, that inter-bred when populations where isolated close to one another during the Ice Age. It was first described in 1758 and is known as the Edible Frog due to the fact that it is now seen as a culinary delicacy across Europe but especially in France where frog’s legs are often served as a national dish. The reason for humans favouring this frog over others is not really known but it may have something to do with their abundance. The Edible Frog is a medium sized frog growing to around 3.5 to 4.5 inches in length. Adults are mainly green in colour with light patches of brown on their backs, yellow eyes and a white underside covered in a few dark spots. There are number of distinct differences between males and females including the fact that males become much lighter and greener during the mating season. Males also have vocal sacs on the outside of their cheeks and extra skin patches on their feet, both of which are primarily used for mating. The Edible Frog is endemic to Europe and it naturally occurs across central Europe as far north as Germany and Estonia. Southern populations are found from Croatia, through northern Italy and into the south of France. There are also isolated populations in Sweden and Bulgaria which are thought to have migrated from the countries nearby. It has also been introduced to the UK. The Edible Frog spends all of its time either in or very close to water and it is most commonly found in calmer parts of rivers and streams where there is a slow but constant flow of fresh water. It tends to prefer more open areas and can also be commonly found around lakes, ponds and marshes. Unlike many other species of frog, the Edible Frog is a diurnal animal and is therefore most active during the day. This is when it is most likely to move away from the water so that it can find a better supply of food or move to a different part of the water if it needs to. The Edible Frog is a relatively solitary animal so there is less competition for food but males are often seen sitting together in groups during the breeding season when they are trying to out-compete each other to find a mate. The breeding season for the Edible Frog begins during March and generally lasts for around 2 months. Males sing by drawing air in and out of their vocal sacs to produce the highest-pitched sound possible since females are most attracted to the loudest males. After courting her in a lake, pond or swamp, the male lets the female lay up to 10,000 eggs in a sticky mass into the water before he fertilises them. Tadpoles can be as small as 0.2 inches long when they hatch and are a grey/brown colour. They then grow up to 2 to 3 inches in length before metamorphoses occurs and they leave the water as 0.75 inches long young frogs. The Edible Frog reaches sexual maturity at the age of 2 years and can live until it is 15 years old. The Edible Frog is a carnivorous amphibian but the tadpoles mainly eat vegetation although they are known to occasionally supplement their diet with aquatic micro-organisms. Adults eat small invertebrates such as insects, spiders and flies, which make up the majority of their diet, along with larger aquatic animals like fish, newts and other frogs. The Edible Frog hunts for food during the day and can be seen catching food both in water and on land. The Edible Frog remains very still when it is sitting on the banks of its water habitat and this, along with its camouflage, makes it very difficult for predators to spot. Its eyes are positioned near the top of the head meaning that it can also see danger coming whilst the body is mainly hidden. Snakes, owls and water birds are the main predators of the Edible Frog. The Edible Frog will jump into the water and hide if it senses approaching danger and it will make a loud screeching sound if caught. Edible Frog populations are under threat from habitat destruction mainly caused by deforestation and water pollution. Date: 9th June 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080554.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_200689630763a44a7e2be2f.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 3rd December 2022 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072420.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11595983554bf6e2826d5ad.jpgNorthern Hawk Owl The Northern Hawk Owl is a medium sized owl, 14 to 16 inches long and with a wing span of 8.5 to 10 inches. Females are slightly larger than males. The term "hawk" refers to its falcon-like wing shape and long tail. The facial disc is whitish and broadly rimmed blackish at the sides. The eyebrows are white and the eyes are pale yellow. The upperparts are dark grey to dusky greyish-brown with the crown densely spotted whitish and the nape has indistinct false eyes. The mantle and back are dusky grey with some whitish dots and the scapulars are mainly white forming rather broad white bands across the shoulder. The flight feathers are dark grey-brown with rows of white spots. The tail is long and graduated and dark greyish-brown with several narrow whitish bars. The underparts are whitish and barred with greyish-brown. The legs and toes are feathered. The Northern Hawk Owl is found in the boreal coniferous forests of North America and Eurasia, usually on the edges of more open woodland, and hunts in semi-open country with scattered trees or groups of trees. It nests in large tree cavities or uses nests abandoned by other large birds and moves widely within its area of distribution, breeding where food is abundant. The Northern Hawk Owl is a partially diurnal owl which hunts voles and birds like thrushes. It waits on a treetop or other perch and takes advantage of its rapid flight to overtake prey. It has exceptional hearing and can plunge into snow to capture rodents below the surface. The typical male call is a rapid, melodious, purring trill of up to 14 seconds long which consists of about 11 to 15 notes per second. It begins softly, rises slightly in pitch and increases to a vibrating trill before breaking off abruptly. This is repeated at various intervals. Females utter a similar, higher-pitched, less clear song. Date: 15th April 2010 Location: Toivoniemi area, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17408517.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13750749465133277ff3b5f.jpgWhooper Swans The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 12th January 2013 Location: Martin Mere WWT reserve, Lancashire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813333.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18660384815d0dddc5768a9.jpgCommon Sandpiper The Common Sandpiper is a small wader. The adult is 7.1 to 7.9 inches long with a 13 to 14 inches wingspan. It has greyish-brown upperparts, white underparts, short dark-yellowish legs and feet and a bill with a pale base and dark tip. In winter plumage, it is duller and has more conspicuous barring on the wings although this is still only visible at close range. Juveniles are more heavily barred above and have buff edges to the wing feathers. The Common Sandpiper habitually bobs up and down and it has a distinctive flight with stiff, bowed wings. Its presence is often betrayed by its three-note call which it gives as it flies off. The Common Sandpiper is widespread and common and breeds across most of temperate and sub-tropical Europe and Asia where it nests on the ground near freshwater. It migrates to Africa, south Asia and Australia in winter. In the UK, the Common Sandpiper breeds along fast-flowing upland streams and rivers and at the edges of lochs and lakes in Scotland, Wales and the north of England. Summer visitors arrive in March and April and leave the breeding grounds in July and August with the young following in September. During the spring and autumn passage migration, it can be found elsewhere in the UK, near lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers, ditches, coastal shores and estuaries. The Common Sandpiper forages by sight on the ground or in shallow water, picking up small food items such as insects, crustaceans and other invertebrates. Date: 7th June 2019 Location: Dulnain Bridge, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15747149.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_179902175017a73ec4ad1.jpgRuddy Darter Flight period: mid June to mid September. The Ruddy Darter takes its name from its colour and its swift flight behaviour. The male has a deep russet colour over the entire body and the abdomen has a pinched section close to where it joins the thorax. Females are slightly smaller, golden yellow in colour and being less obviously marked are more difficult to identify than the males. There is more than one red coloured darter species in the UK and they can be easily confused with each other. The commonest red species, the Common Darter, can be distinguished as having red veins at the base of the wings and a less ruddy colouration across the body. However, the Ruddy Darter has entirely black legs, distinguishing it from all other red darters which have longitudinal yellow stripes on their legs. The UK range of the Ruddy Darter has undergone something of an expansion in recent years. Although still relatively uncommon in the west and north of Britain, it is increasing in numbers in the Midlands and eastern England. The population is augmented by continental migrants. It is also found over most of Europe except for northern Scandinavia, as far east as western Siberia and south to north Africa. The Ruddy Darter prefers water bodies with tall emergent vegetation, such as reeds and club rush, and it is known to breed in ponds, lakes, canals, ditches and sluggish rivers. They can also be found near coasts and can breed in fairly brackish water. Date: 25th July 2012 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26008530.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1644017222563509fd95c6e.jpgPtarmigan The (Rock) Ptarmigan is a medium-sized gamebird in the grouse family. The Ptarmigan is seasonally camouflaged with its feathers moulting from white in winter to brown in spring or summer. The breeding male has greyish upper parts with white wings and under parts. In winter, its plumage becomes completely white except for the black tail. The Ptarmigan is a sedentary species which breeds across Arctic and sub Arctic Eurasia and north America and Greenland on rocky mountainsides and tundra. Because of the remote habitat in which it lives, it has only a few predators (such as the Golden Eagle) and it can be surprisingly approachable. During the last Ice Age, the Ptarmigan was far more widespread in continental Europe. The Ptarmigan feeds primarily on birch and willow buds and catkins when available. It will also eat various seeds, leaves, flowers and berries of other plant species. Insects are eaten by the developing young. Date: 4th June 2015 Location: Goðafoss, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801277.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_179808712364edb32e811ad.jpgRuddy Darter Flight period: mid June to mid September. The Ruddy Darter takes its name from its colour and its swift flight behaviour. The male has a deep russet colour over the entire body and the abdomen has a pinched section close to where it joins the thorax. Females are slightly smaller, golden yellow in colour and being less obviously marked are more difficult to identify than the males. There is more than one red coloured darter species in the UK and they can be easily confused with each other. The commonest red species, the Common Darter, can be distinguished as having red veins at the base of the wings and a less ruddy colouration across the body. However, the Ruddy Darter has entirely black legs, distinguishing it from all other red darters which have longitudinal yellow stripes on their legs. The UK range of the Ruddy Darter has undergone something of an expansion in recent years. Although still relatively uncommon in the west and north of Britain, it is increasing in numbers in the Midlands and eastern England. The population is augmented by continental migrants. It is also found over most of Europe except for northern Scandinavia, as far east as western Siberia and south to north Africa. The Ruddy Darter prefers water bodies with tall emergent vegetation, such as reeds and club rush, and it is known to breed in ponds, lakes, canals, ditches and sluggish rivers. They can also be found near coasts and can breed in fairly brackish water. Date: 26th July 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623108.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17360158016117d784960dc.jpgKittiwakes The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/marsh-tit https://images.on-this.website/4752_125266479450dec31302297.jpgMarsh Tit The Marsh Tit is a member of the tit family and is mainly brown with a shiny black cap, dark “bib” and pale belly. In the UK its identification is made tricky by the very similar appearance of our race of the Willow Tit. The 2 birds are so hard to identify that ornithologists didn't realise there were 2 species until 1897! The Marsh Tit can be seen all year round across England and Wales and also in southern Scotland and despite its name it is most often found in broadleaf woodland and also copses, parks and gardens Date: 29th October 2012 Location: Strumpshaw Fen RSPB reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405379.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12585060046586ce565fd24.jpgAvocet The (Pied) Avocet is a large black and white wader in the avocet and stilt family. It is one of 4 species of avocet that make up the genus Recurvirostra. The genus name is from the Latin recurvus meaning "curved backwards" and rostrum meaning "bill". The Avocet is a striking white wader with bold black markings. Adults have white plumage except for a black cap and black patches in the wings and on the back. They have long, upturned bills and long, bluish legs. Males and females look alike whilst juveniles resemble the adult but with more greyish and sepia tones. The Avocet breeds in temperate Europe and western and central Asia. The breeding habitat is shallow lakes with brackish water and exposed bare mud where they build a nest on open ground in a lined scrape or on a mound of vegetation. The Avocet is a migratory species and most winter in Africa or southern Asia. Some remain to winter in the mildest parts of their range such as in southern Spain and southern England. The Avocet feeds on crustaceans and insects in shallow brackish water or on mud flats, often scything their bills from side to side in water (a feeding technique that is unique to the avocet species). The Avocet was extinct as a breeding species in the UK by 1840 but its successful recolonisation at Minsmere in Suffolk in 1947 led to its adoption as the logo of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Date: 24th September 2023 Location: RSPB Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072331.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2576004554bf6df022670c.jpgKittiwakes The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill <i>"kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake"</i>. The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 13th April 2010 Location: Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081468.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_92889192663a85546bebed.jpgShelduck The Shelduck resembles a small short-necked goose in size and shape. It is larger than a Mallard but smaller than geese such as Greylag and Canada Geese. The Shelduck is a striking bird with a reddish-pink bill, pink feet, a white body with chestnut patches and a black belly and a dark green head and neck. The wing coverts are white, the primaries are black and the secondaries are green and chestnut. The underwings are almost entirely white. Sexes are similar but the female is smaller with some white facial markings whilst the male is particularly crisply coloured in the breeding season with a bright red bill bearing a prominent knob at the forehead. Ducklings are white with a black cap, hindneck and wing and back patches. Juveniles are greyish above and mostly white below but already have the adult's wing pattern. The Shelduck breeds in temperate Eurasia where it nests in rabbit burrows and tree holes. Most populations migrate to sub-tropical areas in winter but it is largely resident in west Europe apart from movements to favoured moulting grounds such as the Wadden Sea on the north German coast. The Shelduck is common around the coastline of the UK and Ireland where it can be found on salt marshes, tidal mudflats and estuaries although it can also be found around inland waters such as reservoirs and gravel workings. It can be seen all year round but the population increases significantly during winter with the arrival of birds from continental Europe. Date: 9th January 2022 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14467417.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9973892054f743c5c97a3a.jpgReindeer The Reindeer, also known as the Caribou in North America, is a deer from the Arctic and sub Arctic, including both resident and migratory populations. Whilst it is overall widespread and numerous, some of its subspecies are rare or already extinct. The Reindeer is a widespread and numerous species in the northern Holarctic, being present in tundra (frozen arctic plain with lichens, mosses and dwarfed vegetation) and taiga (marshy pine forest) regions. Originally, the Reindeer was found in Scandinavia, eastern Europe, Russia, Mongolia, and northern China. In North America, it was found in Canada, Alaska and the northern USA from Washington to Maine. It also occurred naturally on Sakhalin, Greenland, and probably even in historical times in Ireland. Today, wild Reindeer have disappeared from many areas within this large historical range, especially from the southern parts where it has vanished almost everywhere. Large populations of wild Reindeer are still found in Norway, Finland, Siberia, Greenland, Alaska, and Canada. Wild Reindeer hunting and herding of semi-domesticated Reindeer (for meat, hides, antlers, milk and transportation) are important to several Arctic and Subarctic people. Domesticated Reindeer are mostly found in northern Fennoscandia and Russia with a herd of approximately 150-170 Reindeer also living around the Cairngorms region in Scotland. Reindeer vary considerably in colour and size. Both sexes grow antlers, though they are typically larger in males. Even far outside its range, the Reindeer is well known due to the myth, probably originating in early 19th century America, in which Santa Claus's sleigh is pulled by flying Reindeer, a popular element of Christmas. Date: 17th March 2012 Location: near Tisnes, Kvaløya, Troms, north Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51984013.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8715897866d3475883308.jpgRuddy Darter Flight period: mid June to mid September. The Ruddy Darter takes its name from its colour and its swift flight behaviour. The male has a deep russet colour over the entire body and the abdomen has a pinched section close to where it joins the thorax. Females are slightly smaller, golden yellow in colour and being less obviously marked are more difficult to identify than the males. There is more than one red coloured darter species in the UK and they can be easily confused with each other. The commonest red species, the Common Darter, can be distinguished as having red veins at the base of the wings and a less ruddy colouration across the body. However, the Ruddy Darter has entirely black legs, distinguishing it from all other red darters which have longitudinal yellow stripes on their legs. The UK range of the Ruddy Darter has undergone something of an expansion in recent years. Although still relatively uncommon in the west and north of Britain, it is increasing in numbers in the Midlands and eastern England. The population is augmented by continental migrants. It is also found over most of Europe except for northern Scandinavia, as far east as western Siberia and south to north Africa. The Ruddy Darter prefers water bodies with tall emergent vegetation, such as reeds and club rush, and it is known to breed in ponds, lakes, canals, ditches and sluggish rivers. They can also be found near coasts and can breed in fairly brackish water. Date: 28th July 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51984577.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_76928759966d353f1840ea.jpgGatekeeper Flight period: mid-July to early September. The Gatekeeper or Hedge Brown is common and widespread throughout the southern half of the UK. They can be found in areas with hedgerows or in scrubby woodland with wide and sunny rides. Date: 8th August 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42222327.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13933812016023a316ca62d.jpgNorthern Hawk Owl The Northern Hawk Owl is a medium sized owl, 14 to 16 inches long and with a wing span of 8.5 to 10 inches. Females are slightly larger than males. The term "hawk" refers to its falcon-like wing shape and long tail. The facial disc is whitish and broadly rimmed blackish at the sides. The eyebrows are white and the eyes are pale yellow. The upperparts are dark grey to dusky greyish-brown with the crown densely spotted whitish and the nape has indistinct false eyes. The mantle and back are dusky grey with some whitish dots and the scapulars are mainly white forming rather broad white bands across the shoulder. The flight feathers are dark grey-brown with rows of white spots. The tail is long and graduated and dark greyish-brown with several narrow whitish bars. The underparts are whitish and barred with greyish-brown. The legs and toes are feathered. The Northern Hawk Owl is found in the boreal coniferous forests of North America and Eurasia, usually on the edges of more open woodland, and hunts in semi-open country with scattered trees or groups of trees. It nests in large tree cavities or uses nests abandoned by other large birds and moves widely within its area of distribution, breeding where food is abundant. The Northern Hawk Owl is a partially diurnal owl which hunts voles and birds like thrushes. It waits on a treetop or other perch and takes advantage of its rapid flight to overtake prey. It has exceptional hearing and can plunge into snow to capture rodents below the surface. The typical male call is a rapid, melodious, purring trill of up to 14 seconds long which consists of about 11 to 15 notes per second. It begins softly, rises slightly in pitch and increases to a vibrating trill before breaking off abruptly. This is repeated at various intervals. Females utter a similar, higher-pitched, less clear song. Date: 9th July 2019 Location: Iivaara, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45948298.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21310468076284a9755bcf6.jpgTeal The Eurasian Teal or Common Teal is often called simply the Teal due to being the only one of these small Anas dabbling ducks in much of its range. The Teal is the smallest dabbling duck at 7.9 to 11.8 inches in length and with a wingspan of 21 to 23 inches. From a distance, the male Teal in breeding plumage appears grey with a dark head, a yellowish behind and a white stripe running along the flanks. Their head and upper neck is chestnut with a wide and iridescent dark green patch of half-moon or teardrop-shape that starts immediately before the eye and arcs to the upper hindneck. This patch is bordered with thin yellowish-white lines and a single line of that colour extends from the patch's forward end and curving along the base of the bill. The breast is buff with small round brown spots. The centre of the belly is white and the rest of the body plumage is mostly white with thin and dense blackish vermiculations, appearing medium grey even at a short distance. The outer scapular feathers are white with a black border to the outer vanes and these form the white side-stripe when the bird is in resting position. The tail and tail coverts are black with a bright yellowish-buff triangular patch in the centre of the coverts at each side. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female. It is more uniform in colour with a dark head and vestigial facial markings. The female Teal is yellowish-brown but somewhat darker on the wings and back. It has a dark greyish-brown upper head, hindneck, eyestripe and feather pattern. The pattern is dense short streaks on the head and neck and scaly spots on the rest of the body. Overall it looks much like a tiny Mallard. Immatures are coloured much like the adult females but they have a stronger pattern. The downy young are coloured like other dabbling ducks, brown above and yellow below with a yellow supercilium. The male's bill is dark grey but in the eclipse plumage it often shows some light greenish or brownish hue at the base. The bill of the females and immatures is pinkish or yellowish at the base, becoming dark grey towards the tip. The feet are dark grey in the males and greyish olive or greyish-brown in females and immatures. The Teal breeds across north Eurasia where it occupies sheltered freshwater wetlands with some tall vegetation such as taiga bogs or small lakes and ponds with extensive reedbeds. It mostly winters well south of its breeding range in the Mediterranean region, south Asia and some parts of Africa where it is often seen in large flocks in brackish waters and even in sheltered inlets and lagoons along the seashore. It is also regularly recorded on the north American coasts south to California and South Carolina. In the milder climate of temperate Europe, such as in the UK, the summer and winter ranges overlap. In the UK, the Teal can be found all year round but it is thinly distributed as a breeding species. In winter, birds congregate in larger numbers on low-lying wetlands both on the coast and inland in the south and west of the UK. Of these, many are continental birds from around the Baltic and Siberia. At this time, the UK is home to a significant percentage of the north west European wintering population. The Teal is much less abundant than the very similar Green-winged Teal from north America although it is still common and widespread. It appears to be holding its own currently with perhaps a slow decline due to drainage and pollution of wetlands. The IUCN and BirdLife International classify the Teal as a species of “Least Concern”. However, it is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. The Teal nests on the ground near water. Pairs form in the winter range and arrive on the breeding range together from about March. Breeding starts some weeks thereafter and not until May in the most northerly locations. The nest is a deep hollow lined with dry leaves and down feathers which is built in dense vegetation near water. After the females have started laying their eggs, the males leave them and move away and assemble in flocks on particular lakes where they moult into their eclipse plumage. The female lays 5 to 16 eggs but usually 8 to 11. Incubation lasts for 21 to 23 days and the young leave the nest soon after hatching and are cared for by the female for about 25 to 30 days. The males and the females with young generally move to the winter range separately. After the first winter, the young moult in to their adult plumage. The Teal usually feeds by dabbling, upending or grazing. In the breeding season it eats mainly aquatic invertebrates, such as crustaceans, insects and their larvae, molluscs and worms. In winter, it shifts to a largely granivorous diet, feeding on seeds of aquatic plants and grasses including sedges and grains. Date: 14th April 2022 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874831.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2086354816561ccf1ce2f14.jpgHaukadalur, south Iceland The Haukadalur geothermal area is located in south west Iceland to the north east of the Reykjanes peninsula and Reykjavík. Here can be seen some of the most famous sights of Iceland: the geysers and other geothermal features which have developed on the Laugarfjall rhyolitic dome. The biggest geysers of Haukadalur are Strokkur and Geysir. There are also more than 40 other hot springs, mud pots and fumaroles nearby. The oldest accounts of hot springs at Haukadalur date back to 1294 when earthquakes in the area caused significant changes in the local neighbouring landscape creating several new hot springs. Changes in the activity of Geysir and the surrounding geysers are still strongly related to earthquake activity. Strokkur is a fountain geyser and is one of Iceland's most famous geysers. It is very dependable and erupts about every 5 to 10 minutes with boiling water reaching a height of 50 to 65 feet and sometimes up to 130 feet. Geysir, sometimes known as The Great Geysir, was the first geyser described in a printed source in the 18th century and the first known to modern Europeans. Since unusual natural phenomena were of high interest to society during the Age of Enlightenment, the term became popular and has been used for similar hydrothermal features worldwide since then. The English word geyser derives from Geysir whilst Geysir itself is derived from the Icelandic verb <i>geysa</i> ("to gush"). Eruptions at Geysir can hurl boiling water up to 230 feet in the air but eruptions are now very infrequent and have in the past stopped altogether for years at a time. The Haukadalur geothermal area, usually referred to as Geysir, is popular with tourists and, together with the magnificent waterfall at Gulfoss and Þingvellir, it is part of a group of the most famous sights of Iceland known as the "Golden Circle". Date: 7th June 2015 Location: Strokkur at Haukadalur http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833652.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1301690969559cf016ad77a.jpgLake Kerkini, Central Macedonia, Greece Lake Kerkini is one of the most important wetlands in Europe and is considered to be one of the top European birding destinations due to the wealth of resident, breeding and migratory birds. It is situated along the migratory flyway for birds en route to the Aegean Sea, the Balkan region, the Black Sea, the Hungarian steppes and beyond. Lake Kerkini is located close to the border with Bulgaria 25 miles from Serres and 60 miles from Thessaloniki, and it is surrounded by Mounts Belles and Mavrovouni. It is approximately 9 miles long and its maximum width, when full, reaches 5.5 miles. Lake Kerkini is an artificial irrigation reservoir fed by the Strymon River that was created in 1932, and then redeveloped in 1980, on the site of what was previously an extremely extensive and uninhabitable marshland. More than 300 species of birds have been recorded in the area, including 140 resident species and 170 species that migrate through every year on their way to the Aegean Sea, the Black Sea, and the Balkan region. Date: 12th May 2015 Location: view from Mandraki, Central Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072231.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21074501324bf6d4e8dd18f.jpgPine Grosbeak The Pine Grosbeak is a large member of the finch family. Adults have a long forked black tail, black wings with white wing bars and a large bill. Adult males have a rose-red head, back and rump. Adult females are olive-yellow on the head and rump and grey on the back and underparts. Young birds have a less contrasting plumage overall, appearing shaggy when they moult their colored head plumage. The Pine Grosbeak is a permanent resident through most of its range and can be found in coniferous woods in subarctic Fennoscandia and Siberia and across Alaska, the western mountains of the United States and Canada. In the extreme north or when food sources are scarce, they may migrate further south. It is a very rare vagrant to temperate Europe. The Pine Grosbeak forages in trees and bushes. It mainly eats seeds, buds, berries and insects. Outside of the nesting season, it often feeds in flocks. Date: 10th April 2010 Location: Neljan Tuulen Tupa near Kaamanen, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/oystercatchers https://images.on-this.website/4752_14049709754db009660d6b1.jpgOystercatchers The Oystercatcher is a wader in the oystercatcher family. It is an obvious and noisy bird with black and white plumage, red legs and a strong broad red bill which is used for smashing or prising open molluscs such as mussels or for finding earthworms. Despite its name, oysters do not form a large part of its diet. The Oystercatcher is unmistakable in flight with white patches on the wings and tail with otherwise black upperparts and white underparts. Young birds are more brown, have a white neck collar and a duller bill. The call is a distinctive loud piping. The bill shape varies: Oystercatchers with broad bill tips open molluscs by prising them apart or hammering through the shell whereas birds with pointed bills dig up worms. Much of this is due to the wear resulting from feeding on their prey. Individual Oystercatchers specialise in one technique or the other which they learn from their parents. The Oystercatcher is the most widespread of the oystercatchers with 3 races breeding in western Europe, central Eurasia, Kamchatka, China, and the western coast of Korea. It is a migratory species over most of its range. The European population breeds mainly in northern Europe but in winter the birds can be found in north Africa and southern parts of Europe. Although the species is present all year in Ireland, the UK and the adjacent European coasts, there is still migratory movement within these populations. In winter, large flocks can be seen on major estuaries in the UK. The Oystercatcher breeds on shingle and rocky beaches, sand dunes, salt marshes and on the grassy tops of small islands and also inland on shingle banks of rivers, lakes and gravel pits. Date: 13th September 2007 Location: Snettisham, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082133.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8110115985d307a878a91a.jpgRed-backed Shrike The Red-backed Shrike is a carnivorous passerine bird and member of the shrike family. The general colour of the male’s upper parts is reddish. It has a grey head and a typical shrike black stripe through the eye. Underparts are tinged pink and the tail has a black and white pattern similar to that of a Wheatear. In the female and young birds the upperparts are brown and vermiculated and the underparts are buff and also vermiculated. The Red-backed Shrike eats large insects, small birds, frogs, rodents and lizards. Like other shrikes it hunts from prominent perches and impales corpses on thorns or barbed wire as a "larder." This practice has earned it the nickname of "butcher bird." The Red-backed Shrike breeds in most of Europe and western Asia and winters in tropical Africa. Once a common migratory visitor to the UK, numbers declined sharply during the 20th century. The bird's last stronghold was in Breckland but by 1988 just a single pair remained, successfully raising young at Santon Downham. The following year for the first time no nests were recorded in the UK but since then sporadic breeding has taken place, mostly in Scotland and Wales, and in September 2010 the RSPB announced that a pair had raised chicks at a secret location on Dartmoor where the bird last bred in 1970. This return to south west England has been an unexpected development and has raised speculation that a warming climate could assist the bird in re-colonising some of its traditional sites, if only in small numbers. Date: 19th May 2018 Location: Durankulak, Dobrich Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/rila-monastery https://images.on-this.website/4752_17410702685d30854b23113.jpgRila Monastery, Kyustendil Province, Bulgaria The most recognisable landmark in the Rila Mountains is the Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila, better known as the Rila Monastery. This is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria and is situated in the deep valley of the River Rilska River within the Rila Monastery Nature Park at a height of 3763 feet. The monastery is named after its founder, the hermit Ivan of Rila (876 to 946 AD) and houses around 60 monks. Founded in the 10th century, the Rila Monastery is regarded as one of Bulgaria's most important cultural, historical and architectural monuments and is a key tourist attraction for both Bulgaria and south Europe. Due to its outstanding cultural and spiritual value it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. Date: 30th May 2018 Location: Rila Monastery, Kyustendil Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30825712.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_213490633058f349aab59c30.53332109.jpgBlack-headed Gulls The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 9th April 2017 Location: EWT Blue House Farm, North Fambridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/frog-sp https://images.on-this.website/4752_2078257232559cefcb7087a.jpgMarsh Frog The Marsh Frog is the largest European frog. It is very similar in appearance to the closely related Edible Frog and Pool Frog. These 3 species are often referred to as "green frogs" to distinguish them from the more terrestrial European species which are known as "brown frogs" (best exemplified by the Common Frog). Marsh Frogs show a large variation in colour and pattern, ranging from dark green to brown or grey. The Western European populations are generally dark green to black with dark spots on the back and sides and 3 clear green lines on the back. Females can reach a maximum length of around 6.5 inches but males are smaller at around 4.5 inches. The head is proportionally large and the hind legs are long which gives them excellent jumping abilities. The Marsh Frog is usually gregarious and diurnal and more tied to aquatic habitats than the Common Frog. It is tolerant of brackish conditions and typically it is found on or in the water of its favoured drainage channels and pools throughout the year. Marsh Frogs frequently sunbathe on the bank of the water body where they are often inconspicuous until disturbed when they will jump in to the water with a characteristic “plop”. They can often be seen on lily pads or floating at the surface amongst vegetation with only their heads exposed. During the breeding season (and sometimes beyond) the male Marsh Frog calls very loudly with a sound reminiscent of a loud chuckle which is often very raucous and can be heard all day and night. Dominant males establish territories from which they call. After mating a female may produce up to 16,000 eggs in a season, laying them in clumps of a few hundred in aquatic vegetation below the surface. They hatch in about a week, tadpoles being rather solitary and living in deep water with vegetation. Newly metamorphosed frogs are up to 1 inch in length and take 2 years to mature. The diet of the Marsh Frog consists of dragonflies and other insects, spiders, earthworms and slugs. Larger frogs also eat small rodents and sometimes smaller amphibians and fish. Date: 12th May 2015 Location: Lake Kerkini, Central Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/hornet-mimic-hoverfly https://images.on-this.website/4752_19424407955f215a61e6fd7.jpgHornet Mimic Hoverfly At almost 2cm long, the Hornet Mimic Hoverfly is the largest hoverfly species in the UK. As its name suggests, it is an excellent mimic of the Hornet but it is harmless to humans. Mimicry helps to protect it from predators while it searches for nectar. The Hornet Mimic Hoverfly is mainly orange-yellow on the abdomen with dark bands and a dark brown thorax. It can be distinguished from the Hornet by its much larger eyes, broader body and the lack of a sting. The Hornet Mimic Hoverfly was only a very rare visitor to the UK up to the 1940s but it has become more common in south England in recent years and is still spreading northwards, perhaps as a result of climate change. It is a migratory species and is found in gardens and woodlands from May to October. Date: 21st July 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42222551.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15285352236023b9479f107.jpgCormorant The (Great) Cormorant is a widespread member of the cormorant and shag family Phalacrocoracidae. There is a wide variation in size in the species' wide range and males are typically larger and heavier than females. It has a predominantly black plumage but the adult has white patches on the thighs and throat and a yellow throat during the breeding season. In Europe it can be distinguished from the Shag by its larger size, heavier build, thicker bill, lack of a crest and plumage without any green tinge. The (Great) Cormorant is a very common and widespread bird and it breeds in much of the Old World and the Atlantic coast of north America. It feeds on the sea, in estuaries and on freshwater lakes and rivers. Northern birds migrate south and winter along any coast that is well-supplied with fish. The (Great) Cormorant is found around the UK coastline on rocky shores, coastal lagoons and estuaries and it is increasingly seen inland at reservoirs, lakes and gravel pits. The UK holds internationally important wintering numbers. The (Great) Cormorant mainly nests in colonies near wetlands, rivers and sheltered inshore waters. Pairs will use the same nest site to breed year after year. It builds its nest, which is made mainly from sticks, in trees, on the ledges of cliffs and on the ground on rocky islands that are free of predators. The female lays 3 to 5 eggs which are incubated for a period of about 28 to 31 days. The (Great) Cormorant feeds on fish caught through diving and it will consume all fish of appropriate size that they are able to catch. Many fishermen see the (Great) Cormorant a competitor for fish. Because of this, it was nearly hunted to extinction in the past. Due to conservation efforts, its numbers increased although this has once again brought it in to conflict with fisheries. In the UK, where inland breeding was once uncommon, there are now increasing numbers of birds and many inland fish farms and fisheries now claim to be suffering high losses. In the UK each year, some licences are issued to cull specified numbers in order to help reduce predation although it is still illegal to kill a bird without such a licence. Date: 21st January 2021 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo34209776.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4193412945a99792add630.jpgSpotted Sandpiper The Spotted Sandpiper is a small wader. The adult has brown upperparts, white underparts with black spots, short yellowish legs and an orange bill with a dark tip. Non-breeding birds (as in this photo) do not have the spotted underparts and are very similar to the Common Sandpiper of Eurasia. The main difference is the shorter tail, more washed out wing pattern visible in flight and the normally light yellow legs and feet of the Spotted Sandpiper. The Spotted Sandpiper is often solitary and walks with a distinctive teeter, bobbing its tail up and down constantly. When foraging it walks quickly, crouching low, occasionally darting toward prey, all the while bobbing its tail. In flight, the Spotted Sandpipers has quick, snappy wingbeats interspersed with glides, keeping its wings below horizontal. The Spotted Sandpiper is common and widespread across most of Canada and the USA where it breeds almost anywhere near water i.e. along streams, rivers, ponds, lakes and beaches, particularly on rocky shores. It migrates to winter in southern USA and South America and it is a very rare vagrant to western Europe. The Spotted Sandpiper forages on the ground picking up food such as insects, crustaceans and other invertebrates by sight. It may also catch insects in flight and pick up earthworms, small crabs and crayfish, small fish and bits of carrion. This bird was first reported at the Slalom Course/River Trent confluence at Holme Pierrepoint Country Park in mid-January 2018 and remained on site for most of February 2018. Date: 24th February 2018 Location: Holme Pierrepoint Country Park, Nottinghamshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23408451.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_201315726954c20b7bafd63.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 3rd January 2015 Location: Mersehead RSPB reserve, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46534945.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_155236175762ca9c718b323.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 27th June 2022 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45182254.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14041195506235c39383b3f.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 21st January 2022 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/zempln-hills-borsod-abaj-zempln https://images.on-this.website/4752_38597415859ae70bcf16366.77142058.jpgZemplén Mountains, Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén county, Hungary The Zemplén Mountains lie to the north of the towns of Szerencs and Tokaj in north east Hungary. They are an upland area of volcanic origin forming part of the Carpathian Mountains. The highest peak is Nagy-Milic at 2933 feet which is situated near the northernmost point of Hungary on the border with Slovakia. The Zemplén Mountains are surrounded by the flood plains of the Bodrog and Hernád rivers and are primarily covered in oak, beech, birch, ash and alder forest with conifer forest at higher levels. Orchards, vineyards and pastures occur in the valleys and on lower slopes. The 110 square miles comprising the majority of the Zemplén Mountains became the Zemplén Protected Landscape Area in 1984. The steep peaks of the Zemplén Mountains form the bases for many medieval stone castles. Date: 24th May 2017 Location: Zemplén Hills, Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/kjlnes-varanger-peninsula-troms-og https://images.on-this.website/4752_16697486695f3e4bc232d08.jpgKjølnes, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Kjølnes lighthouse is a coastal lighthouse located about 3 miles east of the village of Berlevåg in Berlevåg municipality in Troms og Finnmark county in north east Norway. The lighthouse was established in 1916, destroyed during World War 2, rebuilt in 1949 and automated in 1994. It was listed as a protected site in 1998. The white, square, concrete tower is 72 feet tall and it has a round red lantern on top that emits 3 white flashes every 40 seconds. The light can be seen for up to 17 miles and operates from 12 August until 24 April each year. The light is off during the summer due to the 24 hour daylight and the midnight sun. Date: 5th July 2019 Location: view from road Fv890 between Kongsfjord and Berlevåg, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19507491.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_206753722552528bf44e1bc.jpgBlack-winged Stilt The Black-winged Stilt is a widely distributed very long-legged wader. They have long pink-red legs, a long thin black bill and are blackish above and white below with a white head and neck with a varying amount of black. Both in flight and at rest the long pink-red legs are characteristic and even if these are hidden in water of unknown depth, the pure white underparts and jet black upperparts are distinctive. The amount of dark feathering on the otherwise white head doesn't necessarily indicate the sex of a stilt although young birds always have smoky patterning on the head. The Black-winged Stilt can be found in central and southern Europe, central and southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Many birds migrate to south of the Sahara from August to November and return in March and April. However, many of those which breed in Iberia are now increasingly remaining throughout the year. The Black-winged Stilt breeds around shallow wetlands, especially coastal lagoons, saltpans and estuaries. The nest site is a bare spot on the ground near water and birds often nest in small groups, sometimes with Avocets. In Europe, the Black-winged Stilt is a regular spring overshoot vagrant north of its normal range, occasionally remaining to breed in northern European countries including the UK. Date: 9th September 2013 Location: La Janda, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41505218.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3077761065f37b274752ef.jpgWhite-tailed Eagle The White-tailed Eagle is the fourth largest eagle in the world, 27 to 36 inches in length with a 72 to 96 inches wingspan. Females are slightly larger than males. It has broad "barn door" wings, a large head and a thick "meat-cleaver" beak. The adult is mainly brown except for the paler head and neck, blackish flight feathers, distinctive white tail, and yellow bill and legs. In juvenile birds the tail and bill are darker, with the tail becoming white with a dark terminal band in sub-adults Some individuals have been found to live over 25 years although 21 years is the average. The White-tailed Eagle breeds in northern Europe and northern Asia with the largest population in Europe along the coast of Norway. The World population in 2008 was estimated at only 9,000 to 11,000 pairs. They are mostly resident with only the northernmost birds such as the eastern Scandinavian and Siberian population migrating south in winter. In the UK, the White-tailed Eagle became extinct during the early 20th century and the present population in Scotland has arisen from a reintroduction programme which commenced on the island of Rhum in 1975. It is still a rare breeding bird which was previously confined to the west coast of Scotland although a reintroduction programme has taken place in east Scotland. Date: 3rd July 2019 Location: Skagen near Vardø, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14160858.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15914798124f3e26cf1787c.jpgHeath Fritillary Flight period: June to July. The Heath Fritillary is at the north west extreme of its range in the southern UK and its numbers have greatly reduced this century due to changes in woodland management. It is now one of our rarest and most localised butterflies and can only be found at a few sites in Essex and Kent and in south west England. In Essex and Kent, they can be found in coppiced woodland with acid soils where Common Cow Wheat, the preferred foodplant, is available. On Exmoor they favour sheltered combes (valleys) and in Devon and Cornwall abandoned hay meadows are preferred. Detailed study has determined the Heath Fritillary’s precise habitat requirements and its future in the UK depends on deliberate conservation and habitat management. Date: 1st June 2007 Location: Undisclosed site, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26541245.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_116140748156aceb196a35d.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 16th January 2016 Location: Caerlaverock WWT reserve, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo2463038.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_155525013449f20411a94cb.jpgCairngorms, Highland Height: Beinn Macdui 4295 feet and Braeriach 4252 feet. Although Ben Nevis, Scotland's highest mountain, lies on the west coast near Fort William, most of the rest of Scotland's highest mountains form a cluster of summits lying to the east of the A9 Perth to Inverness road near Aviemore. The Cairngorms form a massive plateau of granite about 19 miles long by 12 miles wide. Five of Scotland's nine 4000 feet summits lie within the range, plus a further nine mountains higher than 3500 feet and four more exceeding 3000 feet. The mountains of the Cairngorm plateau are predominantly vast, rounded, dome-like structures. The Cairngorms National Park has the largest area of arctic mountain landscape in the UK at its heart. It is home to 17,000 people and 25% of Britain's threatened birds, animals, and plants. It includes moorlands, forests, rivers, lochs and glens. Date: 12th April 2009 Location: view from the road alongside Loch Morlich to the Cairn Gorm mountain car park http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41623078.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21193563105f4d1de1a9428.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 6th July 2019 Location: near Gednje, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874859.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1446372449561cd02b2d077.jpgGullfoss, south Iceland Gullfoss (Icelandic: "Golden Falls") is a waterfall located in the canyon of the Hvítá river in south west Iceland. The wide Hvítá river rushes southward from the Hvítávatn glacier lake at the Lángjökull glacier about 25 miles north of Gullfoss. Less than a mile above Gullfoss the river turns sharply to the right and flows down into a wide curved three-step "staircase" and then abruptly plunges in 2 stages (36 feet and 69 feet) into a crevice 105 feet deep. The crevice, about 66 feet wide and 1.5 miles in length, extends perpendicular to the flow of the river. The average amount of water running over Gullfoss is 260 to 460 cubic feet per second but the highest flood measured was 6500 cubic feet per second. During the first half of the 20th century and some years into the late 20th century, there was much speculation about using Gullfoss to generate electricity. During this period, Gullfoss was rented indirectly by its owners to foreign investors. However, the investors' attempts were unsuccessful and Gullfoss was later sold to the state of Iceland and is now protected. Gullfoss is popular with tourists and, together with the Haukadalur geothermal area, usually referred to as Geysir, and Þingvellir, it is part of a group of the most famous sights of Iceland known as the "Golden Circle". Date: 7th June 2015 Location: view from the trail from the visitor centre at Gullfoss http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405510.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6140102956586eee19cdcb.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 7th November 2023 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874820.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1806046990561cceb905154.jpgÞingvellir, south Iceland Þingvellir (Icelandic: Thing Fields), anglicized as Thingvellir or Pingvellir, is located in south west Iceland to the north east of the Reykjanes peninsula and Reykjavík. Þingvellir is the national shrine of Iceland and is a site of significant historical, cultural and geological importance and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Iceland. Alþingi, anglicized as Althing, the Icelandic Parliament, was established at Þingvellir in 930 and remained there until 1798. Þingvellir National Park or Thingvellir National Park was founded in 1930 to mark the 1000th anniversary of the Althing. It was later expanded to protect natural phenomena in the surrounding area and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004. Þingvellir is notable for its unusual tectonic and volcanic environment in a rift valley. The continental drift between the north American and Eurasian tectonic plates can be clearly seen in the cracks or faults which traverse the region, the largest one, Almannagjá, being a veritable canyon. This also causes the often measurable earthquakes in the area. Þingvellir is situated on the northern shore of Þingvallavatn, the largest natural lake of Iceland. The river Öxará traverses the National Park and forms a waterfall called Öxarárfoss at Almannagjá. On the lake's northern shore the Silfra fissure is a popular diving and snorkelling tour location. Þingvellir is popular with tourists and, together with the magnificent waterfall at Gulfoss and the geothermal features at Geysir, Þingvellir is part of a group of the most famous sights of Iceland known as the "Golden Circle". Date: 7th June 2015 Location: view from the trail from the visitor centre at Þingvellir http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48482980.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1698674411640a3dffa9c81.jpgSnow Bunting Snow Buntings are large buntings with striking “snowy” plumages. Males in summer have all white heads and underparts contrasting with a black mantle and wing tips. Females are a more mottled above. In autumn and winter birds develop a sandy/buff wash to their plumage and males have more mottled upperparts. Snow Buntings breed in far northern Europe and migrate south in winter. They are a very scarce breeding species in the UK and can be found on the highest mountain peaks in Scotland where they nest in rocky crevices. Snow Buntings are best looked for in winter (from late September to early March) where they can sometimes be seen in large flocks on the seashore or on adjacent short rough grassland at coastal sites in Scotland and eastern England. Date: 31st January 2023 Location: Cley-next-the-Sea, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645761.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21612014951e3d06ec3efd.jpgBiałowieża, Poland The Białowieża forest is an ancient mixed forest that straddles the border between Poland and Belarus. It is one of the largest remaining parts of the immense primaeval forest that once stretched across the Great European Plain. On the Polish side, the central part of the Białowieża forest is protected as the Białowieża National Park with an area of about 39 square miles. The National Park, created in 1932, is under strict preservation and has been declared by UNESCO a World Biosphere Reserve and put on the World Heritage List. The Białowieża forest is home to many species of forest birds plus large mammals such as Wolf, Lynx, Moose and European Bison. Park Palacowy (Palace Park) in Białowieża covering 50 ha was founded between 19th and 20th century. It is a park in an English landscape style with several tsarist red brick buildings from the 19th century and a gate which is the only remnant of the wooden manor. There are extensive views to Białowieża National Park. Date: 25th May 2013 Location: Park Palacowy, Białowieża, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082484.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10126857125d307cbe463d3.jpgBlack-headed Bunting The Black-headed Bunting is a member of the bunting family but larger and longer tailed than the Reed Bunting. The breeding male has bright yellow underparts, chestnut upperparts and a black hood. The female is a washed-out version of the male with paler underparts, a grey-brown back and a greyish head. The Black-headed Bunting breeds in open scrubby areas including agricultural land from south east Europe to central Asia. The wintering grounds are mainly in India although vagrants have been found wintering as far east as Japan, China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Laos, South Korea and Malaysia. Summer vagrants may occur as far north in Europe as Norway. Date: 23rd May 2018 Location: Topolovgrad to Svilengrad, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12078578.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18965916874e48dd68a5479.jpgWater Vole The Water Vole is found throughout the UK although it is less common on higher ground. It is infrequently recorded from parts of northern Scotland and is absent in Ireland. Water Voles are legally protected in the UK and recent evidence suggests that they have undergone a long term decline. On current trends it is predicted that they may eventually disappear from 94% of their former sites. The shocking decline in both the range and numbers of the Water Vole is due to a number of factors. The large-scale loss and fragmentation of sensitive waterside habitats due to riverbank modification, drainage and flood defence works has been an important factor as has the pollution of waterways and poisoning by rodenticides. Perhaps the most serious threat facing the Water Vole is predation by the introduced American Mink. Water Voles are sometimes confused with Brown Rats which often also live near water courses. They are sometimes called "the water rat" which is the origin of the Water Vole’s fame as "Ratty" from Kenneth Grahame's book “The Wind in the Willows”. Prime Water Vole sites are found along densely vegetated banks of slow flowing rivers, ditches, lakes and marshes where water is present throughout the year. Water Voles are herbivores and feed on a huge variety of waterside vegetation, consuming 80% of their body weight each day. They excavate extensive burrow systems into the banks of waterways and have sleeping/nest chambers at various levels in the steepest parts of the bank. Burrows usually have underwater entrances to provide a secure route for escape if danger threatens. Water Voles usually have 3 or 4 litters a year depending on the weather. In mild springs the first of these can be born in March or April although cold conditions can delay breeding until May or even June. There are about 5 young in a litter and these are born below ground in a nest made from suitable vegetation such as grasses and rushes. Young water voles grow quickly and are weaned at 14 days. On average, Water Voles only live about 5 months in the wild. Their most important predators are Mink and Stoats although Grey Herons, Barn Owls, Brown Rats and Pike are also known to take them. Date: 17th February 2008 Location: Cromford Canal, Derbyshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45182487.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19579973606235c90131226.jpgGreat Tit The Great Tit is a passerine bird in the tit family. It is large for a tit species at 4.9 to 5.5 inches in length and it has a distinctive appearance that makes it easy to recognise. The nominate race, which is found throughout much of Europe, Asia Minor, north and east Kazakhstan, south Siberia and north Mongolia, has a bluish-black crown, black neck, throat, bib and head and white cheeks and ear coverts. The breast is bright lemon-yellow and there is a broad black mid-line stripe running from the bib to the vent. There is a dull white spot on the neck turning to greenish yellow on the upper nape. The rest of the nape and back are green tinged with olive. The wing-coverts are green and the rest of the wing is bluish-grey with a white-wing-bar. The tail is bluish grey with white outer tips. The plumage of the female is similar to that of the male except that the colours are generally duller and the bib is less intensely black, as is the line running down the belly which is also narrower and sometimes broken. There is some variation in the UK sub-species. It is broadly similar to the nominate race but has a slightly longer bill, the mantle is slightly deeper green, there is less white on the tail tips and the ventral mid-line stripe is broader on the belly. The Great Tit has a wide distribution across much of Eurasia. It is found across all of Europe except for Iceland and northern Scandinavia. In North Africa it is found in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. It also occurs across the Middle East and parts of central Asia from north Iran and Afghanistan to Mongolia, as well as across north Asia from the Urals as far east as north China and the Amur Valley. The Great Tit can be found in a range of habitats but most commonly in open deciduous woodland, mixed forests, forest edges and gardens. In dense forests, including conifer forests, it is usually found in forest clearings. In north Siberia it is found in the boreal taiga. In north Africa it prefers oak forests as well as stands of Atlas cedar and even palm groves. In the east of its range, it favours riverine willow and birch forest. At higher altitudes it occupies habitats ranging from dense deciduous and coniferous forests to open areas with scattered trees. The Great Tit is generally not migratory. Pairs will usually remain near or in their territory all year round even in the northern parts of their range. Young birds will disperse from their parents' territory but usually not far. Populations may become irruptive in poor or harsh winters and very large groups may unpredictably move from north Europe to the Baltic, the Netherlands, the UK and even as far as the south Balkans. The Great Tit is monogamous and establish breeding territories in late January. Territories are usually reoccupied in successive years even if one of the pair dies so long as the brood is raised successfully. Females are likely to disperse to new territories if their nest is predated the previous year. The Great Tit is a seasonal breeder but the exact timing of breeding varies due to a number of factors, most importantly location. Most breeding occurs between January and September. In Europe the breeding season usually begins after March The amount of sunlight and daytime temperatures also affects the timing of breeding as does the peak abundance of caterpillar prey which itself is correlated to temperature. The Great Tit is a cavity nester and occupies a hole that is usually inside a tree, although occasionally in a wall or rock face. It also readily takes to nest boxes. The nest inside the cavity is built by the female and is made of plant fibres, grasses, moss, hair, wool and feathers. The female often lays a very large clutch of eggs, as many as 18 although 5 to 12 is more common. Clutch size is smaller when females start laying later and it is also lower when the density of competitors is higher. Second broods also tend to have smaller clutches. The female undertakes all incubation duties and is fed by the male during this time. The timing of hatching, which is synchronised with peak availability of food, can be manipulated when environmental conditions change after the laying of the first egg by delaying the beginning of incubation, laying more eggs or pausing during incubation. The incubation period is between 12 and 15 days. The chicks are fed by both parents and the nestling period is between 16 and 22 days. The chicks become independent of the parents 8 days after fledging although feeding may continue after independence and last up to a further 25 days. The Great Tit is primarily insectivorous in the summer and feeds on a wide range of insects and spiders. During the breeding season, protein-rich caterpillars are fed to the young. In autumn and winter, when insect prey becomes scarcer, berries and seeds are added to the diet. Where it is available, it will also readily take table scraps, peanuts and sunflower seeds from bird tables. The Great Tit, along with other tits, joins winter mixed-species foraging flocks. The Great Tit has generally adjusted to human modifications of the environment. Whilst it is more common and has better breeding success in areas with undisturbed forest cover, it has adapted well to human modified habitats and can be very common in urban and suburban areas. While there have been some localised declines in population in areas with poorer quality habitats, its large range and high numbers mean that the Great Tit is not considered to be threatened and it is classed as “Least Concern” by the IUCN. Date: 11th February 2022 Location: EWT Warley Place, Brentwood, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48482990.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_326811422640a3ffb419e0.jpgBullfinch The male Bullfinch is unmistakable with a bright pinkish-red breast and cheeks, grey back, black cap and tail and bright white rump. The flash of the rump in flight and the sad call note are usually the first signs of Bullfinches being present. Bullfinches can be found throughout most of the UK but their localised and declining populations make it a Red List species. Bullfinches can be seen all the year round and breed in broad-leaved woodland, thickets, hedgerows, orchards and mature gardens. Date: 1st February 2023 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23806432.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10190524195512abc9b12b5.jpgTufted Duck The Tufted Duck is a medium-sized diving duck. Males are black on the head, neck, breast and back and white on the sides with a small crest and a yellow eye. Females are browner in colour. Tufted Ducks breed in the UK across the lowland areas of England, Scotland and Ireland but less commonly in Wales. Numbers increase in the UK in winter due to birds moving to the UK from Iceland and northern Europe. Tufted Ducks can be found all year round in suitable habitats such as a reservoirs, gravel pits or lakes. Date: 7th March 2015 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30024904.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_412493906587a09495e779.jpgGoldeneye The Goldeneye is a medium-sized diving duck, named for its golden-yellow eye. Adult males have a dark head with a greenish gloss and a circular white patch below the eye, a dark back and a white neck and belly. Adult females have a brown head and a mostly grey body. The Goldeneye breeds on the lakes and in the rivers of boreal forests in Scandinavia, Canada, north USA and north Russia. Naturally it will nest in cavities in large trees but it will also readily use nestboxes put up on trees close to water. This has enabled a healthy breeding population to establish in the Scottish Highlands from 1970 where it is increasing and slowly spreading. The Goldeneye is migratory and most winter in protected coastal waters or open inland waters at more temperate latitudes. The Goldeneye forages by diving underwater for crustaceans, aquatic insects and molluscs. Insects are the predominant prey while nesting and crustaceans are the predominant prey during migration and winter. This bird was part of the captive collection at the WWT Wetland Centre. Date: 5th January 2017 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081372.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_94974673863a7124a7e0b2.jpgMute Swan The Mute Swan is a species of swan native to much of Eurasia. Despite its Eurasian origin, its closest relatives are the Black Swan of Australia and the Black-necked Swan of south America, not the other Northern Hemisphere swans such as the Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan. The name “mute” derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. The adult Mute Swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob at the top of the beak. All Mute Swans are white at maturity although the feathers (particularly on the head and neck) are often stained orange-brown by iron and tannins in the water. Young birds (cygnets) are not the bright white colour of mature adults and their bill is dull greyish-black for the first year. The plumage may range from pure white to grey to buff with grey/buff being the most common. Cygnets typically retain their grey/buff feathers until they are at least 1 year old. On average, the Mute Swan is the second largest waterfowl species after the Trumpeter Swan although the male Mute Swan can easily match or even exceed a male Trumpeter Swan in mass. The adult Mute Swan typically ranges from 55 to 63 inches in length (although it can range in extreme cases from 49 to 67 inches) with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. Males (cobs) are larger than females (pens) and have a larger knob on their bill. The Mute Swan is one of the heaviest flying birds. In several studies from the UK, males were found to average from about 23.4 to 26.2 pounds, with a weight range of 20 to 32 pounds, while the slightly smaller females were found to average about 18.7 to 21.3 pounds, with a weight range of 17 to 23 pounds. The Mute Swan is less vocal than the noisy Bewick's Swan and Whooper Swan although it does make a variety of grunting, hoarse whistling and snorting noises, especially in communicating with their cygnets and threatening competitors or intruders trying to enter their territory. The most familiar sound associated with the Mute Swan is the vibrant throbbing of the wings in flight which is unique to the species and this can be heard from a range of up to 1 mile. The Mute Swan is found naturally mainly in the temperate areas of Europe across west Asia and as far east as Primorsky Krai in the far east of Russia. It is partially migratory throughout the northern latitudes in Europe and Asia as far south as north Africa and the Mediterranean. It is also often kept in captivity outside its natural range as a decoration for parks and ponds and escapes have occurred. The descendants of such birds have become naturalised in east USA and the Great Lakes region across the USA and Canada border. The Mute Swan population in the UK has increased recently probably due to better protection of this species. Some birds are resident all year whilst others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into east England. Mute Swans nest on large mounds that they build with waterside vegetation in shallow water on islands in the middle or at the very edge of a lake. It is a monogamous species and often reuses the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Males and females share the care of the nest. The female lays from 4 to 10 eggs and broods for around 36 days. Cygnets are unable to fly before an age of 120 to 150 days and this limits the distribution of the species in the northern edge of its range since the cygnets must learn to fly before the water freezes. The Mute Swan is usually strongly territorial with just a single pair on smaller lakes although in a few locations where a large area of suitable feeding habitat is found they can be colonial. The largest colonies can hold over 100 pairs such as that at the colony at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset in the UK. Non-mated juveniles up to 3 to 4 years old commonly form larger flocks often at regular traditional sites and these can total several hundred birds. The Mute Swan can be very aggressive in defence of its nest and it is highly protective of its mate and offspring. Most defensive attacks from a Mute Swan begin with a loud hiss and, if this is not sufficient to drive off the predator, are followed by a physical attack. It attacks by smashing at its enemy with bony spurs in the wings accompanied by biting with its large bill. Smaller waterbirds such as ducks are normally grabbed with the bill and dragged or thrown clear. Large waterfowl, such as the Canada Goose, more likely out of competition than in response to potential predation, may be aggressively driven off. The wings of the Mute Swan are very powerful although not strong enough to break an adult man's leg as has been claimed anecdotally. The Mute Swan feeds on a wide range of vegetation, both submerged aquatic plants which they reach with their long necks and by grazing on land. The food commonly includes agricultural crop plants such as oilseed rape and wheat and feeding flocks in the winter may cause significant crop damage, often as much through trampling with their large webbed feet as through direct consumption. Date: 13th January 2022 Location: EWT Abberton Reservoir, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19507543.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_120901510852528c7801ae5.jpgJimena de la Frontera, Andalucia, Spain Jimena de la Frontera is a historic "white town" and municipality located in the province of Cádiz in Andalucia on the road and rail route between San Roque and Ronda. The town is surrounded by the Los Alcornocales Natural Park. Jimena de la Frontera has been inhabited by the Phoenicians, Iberians, Carthaginians and the Romans. The Moors used the town's position on the hill to their advantage, using it as a strategic military position and building a castle (Castillo de Jimena) in the 8th century. Date: 10th September 2013 Location: Jimena de la Frontera, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833690.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1779537660559cf08c2fd74.jpgLake Kerkini, Central Macedonia, Greece Lake Kerkini is one of the most important wetlands in Europe and is considered to be one of the top European birding destinations due to the wealth of resident, breeding and migratory birds. It is situated along the migratory flyway for birds en route to the Aegean Sea, the Balkan region, the Black Sea, the Hungarian steppes and beyond. Lake Kerkini is located close to the border with Bulgaria 25 miles from Serres and 60 miles from Thessaloniki, and it is surrounded by Mounts Belles and Mavrovouni. It is approximately 9 miles long and its maximum width, when full, reaches 5.5 miles. Lake Kerkini is an artificial irrigation reservoir fed by the Strymon River that was created in 1932, and then redeveloped in 1980, on the site of what was previously an extremely extensive and uninhabitable marshland. More than 300 species of birds have been recorded in the area, including 140 resident species and 170 species that migrate through every year on their way to the Aegean Sea, the Black Sea, and the Balkan region. Date: 12th May 2015 Location: view from Mandraki, Central Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874799.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1081959169561ccdffd31a0.jpgRed-throated Divers The Red-throated Diver is the smallest and lightest of the world's diver or loon species. Like all divers, it is long-bodied and short-necked and with its legs set far back on its body. The sexes are similar in appearance although males tend to be slightly larger and heavier than females. In breeding plumage, the adult has a dark grey head and neck with narrow black and white stripes on the back of the neck, a triangular red throat patch, white underparts and a dark grey-brown mantle. The non-breeding plumage is drabber with the chin, foreneck and much of the face white, the top of the head and back of the neck grey and considerable white speckling on the dark mantle. The bill is thin, straight and sharp and the bird often holds it at an uptilted angle. In flight, the Red-throated Diver has a distinctive profile. Its small feet do not project far past the end of its body, its head and neck droop below the horizontal (giving the flying bird a distinctly hunchbacked shape) and its thin wings are angled back. It has a quicker, deeper wing beat than other divers. The Red-throated Diver has a large global population and a significant global range but some populations are declining. Oil spills, habitat degradation, pollution and fishing nets are among the major threats and natural predators, such as various gull species and both red and Arctic foxes, will take eggs and young. The Red-throated Diver breeds primarily in the Arctic regions of northern Eurasia and north America and it winters in northern coastal waters, sometimes in groups of considerable size. Unlike other divers, it regularly uses very small freshwater lakes as breeding sites. In Europe, it breeds in Iceland, northern Scotland, Scandinavia and northern Russia and it winters along the coast as far south as parts of Spain. Date: 7th June 2015 Location: east of Ólafsvík, Snæfellsnes peninsula, west Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813352.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5309390935d0dde0a6bad1.jpgSuilven, Assynt, Highland Height: 2389 feet. Suilven is one of the most instantly recognisable mountains in the Scottish Highlands and is an iconic symbol of the Assynt region. Its name is said to come from the Norse "Pillar Mountain" which shows, not surprisingly, that the Vikings saw its seaward profile first. Suilven has an appearance which changes dramatically depending on which direction it is viewed from and its impressive profile viewed from Elphin or Lochinver dominates any view of Assynt despite it being lower than its neighbours. Date: 9th June 2019 Location: view from the B869 road near Achmelvich http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081404.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_157203626163a71e3f79098.jpgTurnstone The Turnstone has a mottled appearance with brown or chestnut and black upperparts, brown and white or black and white head pattern, white underparts and orange legs. Turnstones can be found around most of the UK coastline including rocky, sandy and muddy shores and particularly like feeding on seaweed covered rocks, seawalls and jetties. They are present for most of the year. Birds from Northern Europe pass through in July and August and again in spring and birds from Canada and Greenland arrive in August and September and remain until April and May. Non-breeding birds may stay throughout the summer. Date: 12th January 2022 Location: Lowestoft Ness, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/greenshank https://images.on-this.website/4752_6680831857232ef8b00a6.jpgGreenshank The Greenshank is a medium-sized slim wader with a dark grey back and white underparts. Its long green legs and slightly up-turned bill help to distinguish it from other waders. In flight, it shows a white wedge on the back. It is slightly larger than the related Common Redshank. The Greenshank is a sub-Arctic bird where it breeds on dry ground near marshy areas from eastwards across northern Europe and Asia. It is a migratory species and winters on fresh water in Africa, the Indian subcontinent and Australasia. In the UK, the Greenshank is confined to the north and west of Scotland where it breeds around boggy moorland and peatland pools from April to August. On migration during April and May and between July and September, it can be found across the UK on inland lakes and freshwater marshes as well as at coastal wetlands and estuaries. In winter from October to March it can be found on the estuaries of south west England, Wales, west Scotland and Northern Ireland. Like most waders, the Greenshank feeds on small invertebrates but will also take small fish and amphibians. The Greenshank is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 23rd April 2016 Location: Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve, Sevenoaks, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13656980.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6372763724ed368e2b4894.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the [i]Canidae[/i] family and is a part of the order [i]Carnivora[/i] within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41349635.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17814044735f2008f38ead3.jpgRuddy Darter Flight period: mid June to mid September. The Ruddy Darter takes its name from its colour and its swift flight behaviour. The male has a deep russet colour over the entire body and the abdomen has a pinched section close to where it joins the thorax. Females are slightly smaller, golden yellow in colour and being less obviously marked are more difficult to identify than the males. There is more than one red coloured darter species in the UK and they can be easily confused with each other. The commonest red species, the Common Darter, can be distinguished as having red veins at the base of the wings and a less ruddy colouration across the body. However, the Ruddy Darter has entirely black legs, distinguishing it from all other red darters which have longitudinal yellow stripes on their legs. The UK range of the Ruddy Darter has undergone something of an expansion in recent years. Although still relatively uncommon in the west and north of Britain, it is increasing in numbers in the Midlands and eastern England. The population is augmented by continental migrants. It is also found over most of Europe except for northern Scandinavia, as far east as western Siberia and south to north Africa. The Ruddy Darter prefers water bodies with tall emergent vegetation, such as reeds and club rush, and it is known to breed in ponds, lakes, canals, ditches and sluggish rivers. They can also be found near coasts and can breed in fairly brackish water. Date: 25th June 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26540914.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4703515656ace8ffe9899.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 13th January 2016 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39081942.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5560066145d30785e91beb.jpgEuropean Bee-eaters The European Bee-eater is an incredibly colourful bird with an unmistakable appearance. In breeding plumage, it has a rich chestnut crown that blends into gold on its back. The forehead is white, the throat is yellow bordered by black and the underparts are blue. The male European Bee-eater has a chestnut-coloured patch in the middle of the wing while in females this patch is usually smaller or even absent. Occasionally, females may also be distinguished from the males by having a green back. The wings and backs of juvenile European Bee-eaters are entirely green and the eyes are brown in contrast to the bright red eyes of adults. The European Bee-eater breeds in southern Europe and in parts of north Africa and western Asia. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, India and Sri Lanka. European Bee-eaters are occasionally seen in northern Europe (including the UK) as a spring overshoot north of its range with occasional breeding occurring. Just as the name suggests, the European Bee-eater predominantly eats insects, especially bees, wasps and hornets which are caught in the air by sorties from an open perch. Before eating its meal, a European Bee-eater removes the sting by repeatedly hitting the insect on a hard surface. Lizards and frogs are also taken. European Bee-eaters are gregarious, nesting colonially in sandy banks preferably near river shores and also feeding and roosting communally. Date: 17th May 2018 Location: Vetren, Silistra Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo44044934.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1398174266614f10e12ad69.jpgGreenshank The Greenshank is a medium-sized slim wader with a dark grey back and white underparts. Its long green legs and slightly up-turned bill help to distinguish it from other waders. In flight, it shows a white wedge on the back. It is slightly larger than the related Common Redshank. The Greenshank is a sub-Arctic bird where it breeds on dry ground near marshy areas from eastwards across northern Europe and Asia. It is a migratory species and winters on fresh water in Africa, the Indian subcontinent and Australasia. In the UK, the Greenshank is confined to the north and west of Scotland where it breeds around boggy moorland and peatland pools from April to August. On migration during April and May and between July and September, it can be found across the UK on inland lakes and freshwater marshes as well as at coastal wetlands and estuaries. In winter from October to March it can be found on the estuaries of south west England, Wales, west Scotland and Northern Ireland. Like most waders, the Greenshank feeds on small invertebrates but will also take small fish and amphibians. The Greenshank is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 6th September 2021 Location: RSPB Blacktoft Sands, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/woodcock https://images.on-this.website/4752_13341211734d1d9cd8a82e9.jpgWoodcock The Woodcock is a large bulky wading bird with short legs and a very long straight tapering bill. It is largely nocturnal, spending most of the day in dense cover. Most of the birds in the UK are residents but in the autumn birds move to the UK from Finland and Russia to winter here. Woodcock breed in large tracts of moist woodland with open glades and rides and dense ground cover of bracken and brambles. They can be found in suitable habitat in summer throughout the UK except for south-west England and in winter birds are widespread in lowland areas. Woodcock can be very difficult to see but may be inadvertently disturbed from one from their resting places when they fly off zigzagging between the trees before dropping back into cover. Date: 26th December 2010 Location: Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo20140120.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_127991026352c002ceda852.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 9th December 2013 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813337.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8650729315d0dddd6cf1bc.jpgCommon Sandpiper The Common Sandpiper is a small wader. The adult is 7.1 to 7.9 inches long with a 13 to 14 inches wingspan. It has greyish-brown upperparts, white underparts, short dark-yellowish legs and feet and a bill with a pale base and dark tip. In winter plumage, it is duller and has more conspicuous barring on the wings although this is still only visible at close range. Juveniles are more heavily barred above and have buff edges to the wing feathers. The Common Sandpiper habitually bobs up and down and it has a distinctive flight with stiff, bowed wings. Its presence is often betrayed by its three-note call which it gives as it flies off. The Common Sandpiper is widespread and common and breeds across most of temperate and sub-tropical Europe and Asia where it nests on the ground near freshwater. It migrates to Africa, south Asia and Australia in winter. In the UK, the Common Sandpiper breeds along fast-flowing upland streams and rivers and at the edges of lochs and lakes in Scotland, Wales and the north of England. Summer visitors arrive in March and April and leave the breeding grounds in July and August with the young following in September. During the spring and autumn passage migration, it can be found elsewhere in the UK, near lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers, ditches, coastal shores and estuaries. The Common Sandpiper forages by sight on the ground or in shallow water, picking up small food items such as insects, crustaceans and other invertebrates. Date: 7th June 2019 Location: Dulnain Bridge, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41255231.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12288574295f06f5365d224.jpgMealy Redpoll The Common (Mealy) Redpoll is a small passerine bird in the finch family. It is streaky brown above and whitish below with black streaks and has a bright red patch on its forehead, a black bib and 2 pale stripes on the wings. Males often have their breasts suffused with red. The rump is streaked and there is a broad dark brown streak across the vent. It has brown legs and a dark-tipped yellowish bill. The Common Redpoll is smaller, browner and more streaked than the generally similar Arctic Redpoll. The Common (Mealy) Redpoll can be found through northern Europe and Asia to northern North America, Greenland and Iceland. It is a partial migrant and moves southward in late autumn and northward again in March and April. Its typical habitat is boreal forests of pines, spruces and larches. The Common (Mealy) Redpoll does not breed in the UK but it is an autumn passage migrant and winter visitor, particularly to the east coast. Many taxonomic authorities consider the Lesser Redpoll, which is found in the UK, to be a sub-species of the Common (Mealy) Redpoll. However, the Common (Mealy) Redpoll is larger and paler than the Lesser Redpoll with which it often mixes, apparently without significant interbreeding. The Common (Mealy) Redpoll builds its nest low down in a tree or bush. The nest typically has an outer layer of thin twigs, a middle layer of root fibres, fragments of juniper bark and lichens and an inner layer of down, willow buds and reindeer hair. The female lays 3 to 7 eggs which hatch after about 11 days with the young fledging in about a further 13 days. The Common (Mealy) Redpoll feeds mainly on seeds, such as birch, alder, and insects. Date: 28th June 2019 Location: Neljan Tuulen Tupa near Kaamanen, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871604.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4099021094eff1f2db3ac7.jpgRinged Plover The Ringed Plover is a small plover with a grey-brown back and wings, a white belly and a white breast with a single black neck band. It has a brown cap, a white forehead, a black mask around the eyes and a short orange and black bill. The legs are orange and only the outer two toes are slightly webbed. The juvenile Ringed Plover is duller than the adult in colour with an often incomplete grey-brown breast band, a dark bill and dull yellowish-grey legs. The Ringed Plover breeds on open ground on beaches or sandflats across northern Eurasia and in Arctic north east Canada. Some birds breed inland and in western Europe they nest as far south as northern France. It is migratory and winters in coastal areas south to Africa. Date: 26th May 2009 Location: Nesseby, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17055183.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_144202679450ded08af05e8.jpgOystercatcher The Oystercatcher is a wader in the oystercatcher family. It is an obvious and noisy bird with black and white plumage, red legs and a strong broad red bill which is used for smashing or prising open molluscs such as mussels or for finding earthworms. Despite its name, oysters do not form a large part of its diet. The Oystercatcher is unmistakable in flight with white patches on the wings and tail with otherwise black upperparts and white underparts. Young birds are more brown, have a white neck collar and a duller bill. The call is a distinctive loud piping. The bill shape varies: Oystercatchers with broad bill tips open molluscs by prising them apart or hammering through the shell whereas birds with pointed bills dig up worms. Much of this is due to the wear resulting from feeding on their prey. Individual Oystercatchers specialise in one technique or the other which they learn from their parents. The Oystercatcher is the most widespread of the oystercatchers with 3 races breeding in western Europe, central Eurasia, Kamchatka, China, and the western coast of Korea. It is a migratory species over most of its range. The European population breeds mainly in northern Europe but in winter the birds can be found in north Africa and southern parts of Europe. Although the species is present all year in Ireland, the UK and the adjacent European coasts, there is still migratory movement within these populations. In winter, large flocks can be seen on major estuaries in the UK. The Oystercatcher breeds on shingle and rocky beaches, sand dunes, salt marshes and on the grassy tops of small islands and also inland on shingle banks of rivers, lakes and gravel pits Date: 17th November 2012 Location: Loch Spelve, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49797866.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_138961910464eca77f6b5ff.jpgSmall Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Small Skipper has a rusty orange colour to the wings, upper body and the tips of the antennae. The body is silvery white below and it has a wingspan of 25 to 30 mm. It is very similar in appearance to the Essex Skipper but the undersides of the tips of the antennae are yellow orange in the Small Skipper whereas they are black in the Essex Skipper. The Small Skipper is a common and widespread butterfly in most parts of England and has been expanding its range northwards. It can be found in rough grassland, roadside verges, edges of fields and woodland clearings where it is often seen basking on vegetation or making short buzzing flights among tall grass stems. Date: 3rd July 2023 Location: Broadcroft Quarry, Isle of Portland, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833571.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_733520981559cec579bb3c.jpgLake Kerkini, Central Macedonia, Greece Lake Kerkini is one of the most important wetlands in Europe and is considered to be one of the top European birding destinations due to the wealth of resident, breeding and migratory birds. It is situated along the migratory flyway for birds en route to the Aegean Sea, the Balkan region, the Black Sea, the Hungarian steppes and beyond. Lake Kerkini is located close to the border with Bulgaria 25 miles from Serres and 60 miles from Thessaloniki, and it is surrounded by Mounts Belles and Mavrovouni. It is approximately 9 miles long and its maximum width, when full, reaches 5.5 miles. Lake Kerkini is an artificial irrigation reservoir fed by the Strymon River that was created in 1932, and then redeveloped in 1980, on the site of what was previously an extremely extensive and uninhabitable marshland. More than 300 species of birds have been recorded in the area, including 140 resident species and 170 species that migrate through every year on their way to the Aegean Sea, the Black Sea, and the Balkan region. Date: 12th May 2015 Location: view from Mandraki, Central Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7439544.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13177385214cd5713024781.jpgIberian Lynx The Iberian Lynx (Lynx pardinus) is a critically endangered species native to the Iberian Peninsula in southern Europe. It is the most endangered cat species in the world. According to the conservation group SOS Lynx, if this species died out, it would be one of the few feline extinctions since the Smilodon 10,000 years ago. The only breeding populations are in Spain and they were thought to be only living in Andalucia in the Coto Doñana National Park and in the Sierra de Andújar. However, in 2007, Spanish authorities announced that they had discovered a previously unknown population in Castilla - La Mancha in central Spain. On my trip to the Sierra de Andújar in September 2010, I failed to see an Iberian Lynx despite much searching. However, Dave and Laura Pierce from Kingussie in northern Scotland, and who also stayed at Villa Matilde whilst I was there, were fortunate enough to see Iberian Lynx on 2 separate occasions in the Sierra de Andújar. They have kindly allowed me to use 2 of their photos which can be seen at the bottom of my [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/news26282.html]trip report.[/url] More information on Iberian Lynx .... [url=http://www.lifelince.org]Life Lince[/url] [url=http://www.arkive.org/iberian-lynx/lynx-pardinus/]ARKive[/url] [url=http://wwf.panda.org/about_our_earth/species/profiles/mammals/iberian_lynx/]WWF[/url] [url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-11586279]BBC[/url] Date: 6th September 2010 http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833537.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1441103880559ceb8bc52f9.jpgGreat Prespa Lake (Megali Prespa), West Macedonia, Greece The Prespa lakes constitute 2 freshwater lakes located in the north west corner of Greece and shared by Greece, Albania and Macedonia. Of the total surface area, 68.07 square miles belongs to Macedonia, 17.88 square miles to Albania and 14.05 square miles to Greece. They are the highest tectonic lakes in the Balkans, standing at a height of 2,798 feet. The Prespa lakes are separated by a narrow causeway. The Great Prespa Lake (Megali Prespa) is divided between Albania, Greece and Macedonia. The Small Prespa Lake (Mikri Prespa) is shared only between Greece and Albania. The lakes and the area surrounding them are well known for their natural beauty and they offer a wonderfully rich diversity of habitats, from deep water, shallows, reedbeds, wet meadows, farmland, forests, hills and mountains. The area hosts 40 species of mammals, 260 species of birds, 32 species of reptiles and amphibians and 17 species of fish including a number of endemic species. Date: 13th May 2015 Location: view from near Laimos, West Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/common-seals https://images.on-this.website/4752_12290208464a6c3a42a9bb4.jpgCommon Seals Common Seals feed at sea but regularly haul out on to rocky shores or inter-tidal sandbanks to rest, to give birth and to suckle their pups. The most important haul-out areas are around the coast of Scotland, particularly in the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland, and on the east coast of England in the Wash. Date: 13th July 2009 Location: Blakeney Point, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230754.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9843426906491734e9185b.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 14th May 2023 Location: Llanddeusant Red Kite feeding station, Carmarthenshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12078592.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11134321494e48dd79187a5.jpgWater Vole The Water Vole is found throughout the UK although it is less common on higher ground. It is infrequently recorded from parts of northern Scotland and is absent in Ireland. Water Voles are legally protected in the UK and recent evidence suggests that they have undergone a long term decline. On current trends it is predicted that they may eventually disappear from 94% of their former sites. The shocking decline in both the range and numbers of the Water Vole is due to a number of factors. The large-scale loss and fragmentation of sensitive waterside habitats due to riverbank modification, drainage and flood defence works has been an important factor as has the pollution of waterways and poisoning by rodenticides. Perhaps the most serious threat facing the Water Vole is predation by the introduced American Mink. Water Voles are sometimes confused with Brown Rats which often also live near water courses. They are sometimes called "the water rat" which is the origin of the Water Vole’s fame as "Ratty" from Kenneth Grahame's book “The Wind in the Willows”. Prime Water Vole sites are found along densely vegetated banks of slow flowing rivers, ditches, lakes and marshes where water is present throughout the year. Water Voles are herbivores and feed on a huge variety of waterside vegetation, consuming 80% of their body weight each day. They excavate extensive burrow systems into the banks of waterways and have sleeping/nest chambers at various levels in the steepest parts of the bank. Burrows usually have underwater entrances to provide a secure route for escape if danger threatens. Water Voles usually have 3 or 4 litters a year depending on the weather. In mild springs the first of these can be born in March or April although cold conditions can delay breeding until May or even June. There are about 5 young in a litter and these are born below ground in a nest made from suitable vegetation such as grasses and rushes. Young water voles grow quickly and are weaned at 14 days. On average, Water Voles only live about 5 months in the wild. Their most important predators are Mink and Stoats although Grey Herons, Barn Owls, Brown Rats and Pike are also known to take them. Date: 17th February 2008 Location: Cromford Canal, Derbyshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7190888.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19653467254cc3055ed382a.jpgCoot The Coot is an all black bird with a distinctive white beak and “shield” above the beak from which earns it the title “bald”. Its feet have distinctive lobed flaps of skin on the toes which act instead of webs when swimming. It patters noisily over the water before taking off and can be very aggressive towards other birds. Coot can be found all the year round mainly on freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers and town park lakes. Sometimes they can be seen offshore, especially in winter if freshwater areas are frozen. They breed in areas of fairly shallow standing freshwater with a muddy bottom and plenty of vegetation at the sides, usually in lowland areas. Date: 17th October 2010 Location: WWT Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45174872.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_157842587623301d5e1999.jpgPurple Sandpiper The Purple Sandpiper is a small wading shorebird. Adults have short yellow legs and a medium thin dark bill with a yellow base. The body is dark above with a slight purplish gloss and mainly white below. The breast is smeared with grey and the rump is black. The Purple Sandpiper breeds in the northern tundra and Arctic islands in Canada and coastal areas in Greenland and north west Europe and nests on the ground either elevated on rocks or in a lower damp location. The males makes several scrapes following which the female chooses one and lays 3 or 4 eggs. The male takes the major responsibility for incubation and tends the chicks. The Purple Sandpiper is migratory and moves to rocky ice-free Atlantic coasts in winter where it is fairly gregarious, forming small flocks and often associating with Turnstones. It is also relatively tame and approachable. In the UK, the Purple Sandpiper occurs in winter in good numbers, principally along the east and south coasts where it favours rocky shorelines adjacent to the sea. It is a very rare breeding bird and is found only in a localised area of the Cairngorms National Park where 1 to 3 pairs have bred since the 1970s. Date: 19th December 2021 Location: Lowestoft Ness, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/mediterranean-gull https://images.on-this.website/4752_9869545374c306ad3f038d.jpgMediterranean Gull The Mediterranean Gull is intermediate in size between the Common Gull and the Black-headed Gull. The breeding plumage adult is a distinctive white gull with a very pale grey mantle and wings with white primary feathers without black tips. The black hood extends down the nape and shows distinct white eye crescents. The blunt tipped, dark red bill has a black sub-terminal band. The non-breeding adult is similar but the hood is reduced to an extensive dusky "bandit" mask through the eye. The Mediterranean Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity and first year birds have a black terminal tail band and more black areas in the upperwings and pale underwings. The Mediterranean Gull was formerly restricted to the Black Sea and the eastern Mediterranean but in recent decades it has undergone a dramatic range expansion and can be found over most of Europe as far as the UK and Ireland. It can be found in scattered colonies of varying size in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes. It is sometimes found nesting in mixed colonies with Black-headed Gull. In winter, the majority of Mediterranean Gulls migrate to the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious during winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. The Mediterranean Gull was a very rare UK bird until the 1950s but it is now widespread in winter and breeding in ever increasing numbers. It is mainly found along the east and south coasts of England and most of the breeding population nest within Black-headed Gull colonies at coastal wetlands. It is more widespread in winter with some beaches in Norfolk and Kent attracting more than a hundred birds and it can also be found inland in small numbers wherever Black-headed and Common Gulls gather (especially in roosts on reservoirs). The Mediterranean Gull tends to be an opportunistic omnivore and eats fish, worms, insects, offal and carrion. The Mediterranean Gull is not globally threatened and is designated by the IUCN as being “Least Concern”. However, it is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 2nd July 2010 Location: Camber, East Suusex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/tree-sparrows https://images.on-this.website/4752_7034542436117dd51c2941.jpgTree Sparrows The Tree Sparrow is a member of the sparrow family Passer, a group of small passerine birds that is believed to have originated in Africa and which contains 15 to 25 species. The Tree Sparrow's name is derived from 2 Latin words: passer meaning "sparrow" and montanus meaning "of the mountains". The common name is given to suggest the preference for tree holes for nesting. However, this name and the scientific name montanus do not appropriately describe the Tree Sparrow’s habitat preferences: the German name Feldsperling meaning "field sparrow" comes closer to doing so. The Tree Sparrow is around 5 to 5.5 inches in length with a wingspan of about 8.3 inches, making it roughly 10% smaller than the House Sparrow. The adult's crown and nape are a rich chestnut and there is a kidney-shaped black ear patch on each pure white cheek. The chin, throat and the area between the bill and throat are black. The upperparts are light brown streaked with black and the brown wings have 2 distinct narrow white bars. The legs are pale brown and the bill is lead-blue in summer becoming almost black in winter. The Tree Sparrow is distinctive even within its own family in that there are no plumage differences between the sexes. The juvenile resembles the adult although the colours tend to be duller. The contrasting face pattern makes the Tree Sparrow easily identifiable in all plumages and the smaller size and chestnut (not grey) crown are additional differences from the male House Sparrow. The Tree Sparrow's breeding range comprises most of temperate Europe and Asia south of about latitude 68°N (north of this the summers are too cold) and through south east Asia to Java and Bali. It is sedentary over most of its extensive range but northernmost breeding populations migrate south for the winter and small numbers leave south Europe for north Africa and the Middle East. The Tree Sparrow has been introduced outside its native range but it has not always become successfully established, possibly due to competition with the House Sparrow. Ship-carried birds have colonised some areas and birds have also occurred as vagrants. Despite its scientific name, the Tree Sparrow is not typically a mountain species and reaches only 2300 feet in Switzerland although it has bred at 5600 feet in the northern Caucasus and as high as 14010 feet in Nepal. In Europe, the Tree Sparrow is frequently found in open countryside with small isolated patches of woodland but also on coasts with cliffs, in woodland along slow water courses and in empty buildings. It shows a strong preference for nest sites near wetland habitats and avoids breeding on intensively managed farmland. In Europe, where the Tree Sparrow and the House Sparrow occur in the same region, the House Sparrow generally nests in urban areas while the Tree Sparrow nests in rural areas. Where trees are in short supply, both species may utilise man-made structures as nest sites. Whilst the Tree Sparrow is mainly a rural bird in Europe, it tends to be an urban bird in Asia and Australia. In the UK, the Tree Sparrow is scarcer in upland areas and the far north and west of the and the main populations are now found across the Midlands and south and east England. The Tree Sparrow may breed in isolated pairs or in loose colonies. The male calls from near the nest site in spring to proclaim ownership and attract a mate and he may also carry nest material in to the nest hole. The Tree Sparrow typically builds its nest in a cavity in an old tree or rock face. Some nests are not in holes as such but are built among roots of overhanging bushes. Roof cavities in houses and nest boxes are also readily used. In addition, the Tree Sparrow will breed in the disused nest of a Magpie or other crow species or an active or unused nest of a large bird such as the White Stork or a heron or raptor species. It will sometimes attempt to take over the nest of other birds that breed in holes or enclosed spaces such as tit species, flycatcher species, Swallow, House Martin, Sand Martin or European Bee-eater. The untidy nest is composed of hay, grass, wool or other material and lined with feathers which improve thermal insulation. The female lays 5 or 6 eggs which are incubated by both parents for 12 to 13 days and the chicks fledge after a further 15 to 18 days. There are 2 or 3 broods each year. Hybridisation between the Tree Sparrow and the House Sparrow has been recorded in many parts of the world with male hybrids tending to resemble the Tree Sparrow while female hybrids are more similar to the House Sparrow. The Tree Sparrow is a predominantly seed and grain eating bird which feeds on the ground in flocks and often with House Sparrows, finches and buntings. It may also visit feeding stations. It additionally feeds on invertebrates including insects, woodlice, millipedes, centipedes, spiders, etc. especially during the breeding season when the young are fed mainly on animal food. Adults use a variety of wetlands when foraging for invertebrate prey to feed chicks and aquatic sites play a key role in providing adequate diversity and availability of suitable invertebrate prey to allow successful chick rearing. Large areas of formerly occupied farmland no longer provide these invertebrate resources due to the effects of intensive farming. The Tree Sparrow has a large range and a large population. Although the population is declining, the species is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List. For this reason, the Tree Sparrow is designated as being of “Least Concern”. Although the Tree Sparrow has been expanding its range in Fennoscandia and east Europe, its population has been declining in much of west Europe, a trend reflected in other farmland birds such as the Skylark and Corn Bunting. The collapse in population seems to have been particularly severe in the UK where there was a 93% decline between 1970 and 2008. However, recent Breeding Bird Survey data is encouraging and suggests that numbers may have started to increase albeit from a very low point. The decrease in population is probably the result of agricultural intensification and specialisation, particularly the increased use of herbicides and a trend towards autumn-sown crops at the expense of spring-sown crops that produce stubble fields in winter. The change from mixed to specialised farming and the increased use of insecticides has reduced the amount of insect food available for chicks. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813400.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20854069745d0dded036f8b.jpgOystercatcher The Oystercatcher is a wader in the oystercatcher family. It is an obvious and noisy bird with black and white plumage, red legs and a strong broad red bill which is used for smashing or prising open molluscs such as mussels or for finding earthworms. Despite its name, oysters do not form a large part of its diet. The Oystercatcher is unmistakable in flight with white patches on the wings and tail with otherwise black upperparts and white underparts. Young birds are more brown, have a white neck collar and a duller bill. The call is a distinctive loud piping. The bill shape varies: Oystercatchers with broad bill tips open molluscs by prising them apart or hammering through the shell whereas birds with pointed bills dig up worms. Much of this is due to the wear resulting from feeding on their prey. Individual Oystercatchers specialise in one technique or the other which they learn from their parents. The Oystercatcher is the most widespread of the oystercatchers with 3 races breeding in western Europe, central Eurasia, Kamchatka, China, and the western coast of Korea. It is a migratory species over most of its range. The European population breeds mainly in northern Europe but in winter the birds can be found in north Africa and southern parts of Europe. Although the species is present all year in Ireland, the UK and the adjacent European coasts, there is still migratory movement within these populations. The Oystercatcher breeds on shingle and rocky beaches, sand dunes, salt marshes and on the grassy tops of small islands and also inland on shingle banks of rivers, lakes and gravel pits. Date: 12th June 2019 Location: Loch Scridain, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12869412.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10286416584e786b383847a.jpgMoorhen The Moorhen is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird that is usually found near water. From a distance it looks black with a ragged white line along its body. However, closer up it is olive-brown on the back and the head and blue-grey underneath. It has a red bill with a yellow tip. The Moorhen can be found all year round almost anywhere where there is water. They breed in lowland areas particularly in central and eastern England but are scarce in northern Scotland and the uplands of Wales and northern England. UK breeding birds are residents and seldom travel far. Date: 18th September 2011 Location: Cromford Canal, Derbyshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071733.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_55270184666433edb008f2.jpgGreat White Egret The Great White Egret is a large bird with all white plumage. Apart from size, the Great White Egret can be distinguished from other white egrets by its yellow bill and black legs and feet although the bill may become darker and the lower legs lighter in the breeding season. In breeding plumage, delicate ornamental feathers are borne on the back. It has a slow flight with its neck retracted. The Great White Egret is distributed across most of the tropical and warmer temperate regions of the world favouring all kinds of wetland habitats and it is a familiar species in southern Europe. Expanding populations in Europe mean that the Great White Egret is now seen more frequently in the UK and it can turn up in almost any part of the country with the majority of records in south east England and East Anglia. Date: 7th May 2024 Location: RSPB Ham Wall, Somerset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871771.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8665902544eff2238ec27f.jpgSlavonian Grebe The Slavonian Grebe is a member of the grebe family of water birds. It is also known as the Horned Grebe in north America. Unmistakable in summer, the plumage of both the male and female Slavonian Grebe shows a black head with golden puffy earlike tufts along the sides of its face. It shows a deep rusty red neck, scarlet eyes and a small, straight black bill tipped with white. During the winter, the Slavonian Grebe is mainly white with a sharply defined black cap. The Slavonian Grebe breeds in vegetated areas of freshwater lakes across Europe and Asia. It also breeds in remote inland parts of the United States and much of Canada. Like all grebes, it builds a nest on the water's edge, since its legs are set very far back and it can not walk well. Most birds migrate in winter to the coast. Date: 7th June 2009 Location: Siikalahti near Parikkala, Etelä-Karjala, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/greater-russian-white-fronted-goose https://images.on-this.website/4752_7132054115e2043f466e10.jpgGreater (Russian) White-fronted Goose The Greater White-fronted Goose is a species of goose which is closely related to the smaller Lesser White-fronted Goose. The Latin name, [i]Anser albifrons[/i], is derived from [i]anser[/i] meaning "goose" and [i]albus[/i] meaning "white" and [i]frons[/i] meaning “forehead”. The Greater White-fronted Goose is 25 to 32 inches in length with a 51 to 65 inches wingspan and weighs 4.3 to 7.3 pounds. It is smaller than the Greylag Goose and, as well as being larger than the Lesser White-fronted Goose, it lacks the yellow eye-ring of that species and the white facial blaze does not extend upwards so far. The Greater White-fronted Goose is a greyish-brown goose with a light grey breast dappled with dark brown to black blotches and bar, a pinkish bill and orange legs and feet. The male is typically larger in size but both sexes are similar in appearance The Greater White-fronted Goose is divided into 5 subspecies. The nominate subspecies Eurasian or Russian White-fronted Goose, [i]A. a. albifrons[/i], breeds in the far north of Europe and Asia and winters further south and west in Europe, including England and Wales. The very distinct Greenland White-fronted Goose, [i]A. a. flavirostris[/i], breeds in west Greenland and is much darker overall with only a very narrow white tip to the tail (broader on the other races), more black barring on its belly and usually has an orange (not pink) bill. It winters in Ireland and west Scotland. Some ecological studies suggest that the Greenland White-fronted Goose should probably be considered a separate species. Weather conditions are a key factor in the annual breeding success of the Greater White-fronted Goose. In the Arctic, the window of opportunity for nesting, incubating eggs and raising a brood is open briefly for about 3 months. Arriving in late May or early June, Greater White-fronted Geese begin departing for their wintering areas in early September. This means that a delayed snowmelt or late spring storm can significantly reduce breeding success. Date: 8th December 2019 Location: Joure to Terherne area, Friesland, Netherlands http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457507.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15892501566685721596870.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40952808.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17530763975e5392e70797c.jpgGreater (Greenland) White-fronted Geese The Greater White-fronted Goose is a species of goose which is closely related to the smaller Lesser White-fronted Goose. The Latin name, [i]Anser albifrons[/i], is derived from [i]anser[/i] meaning "goose" and [i]albus[/i] meaning "white" and [i]frons[/i] meaning “forehead”. The Greater White-fronted Goose is 25 to 32 inches in length with a 51 to 65 inches wingspan and weighs 4.3 to 7.3 pounds. It is smaller than the Greylag Goose and, as well as being larger than the Lesser White-fronted Goose, it lacks the yellow eye-ring of that species and the white facial blaze does not extend upwards so far. The Greater White-fronted Goose is a greyish-brown goose with a light grey breast dappled with dark brown to black blotches and bar, a pinkish bill and orange legs and feet. The male is typically larger in size but both sexes are similar in appearance The Greater White-fronted Goose is divided into 5 subspecies. The nominate subspecies Eurasian or Russian White-fronted Goose, [i]A. a. albifrons[/i], breeds in the far north of Europe and Asia and winters further south and west in Europe, including England and Wales. The very distinct Greenland White-fronted Goose, [i]A. a. flavirostris[/i], breeds in west Greenland and is much darker overall with only a very narrow white tip to the tail (broader on the other races), more black barring on its belly and usually has an orange (not pink) bill. It winters in Ireland and west Scotland. Some ecological studies suggest that the Greenland White-fronted Goose should probably be considered a separate species. Weather conditions are a key factor in the annual breeding success of the Greater White-fronted Goose. In the Arctic, the window of opportunity for nesting, incubating eggs and raising a brood is open briefly for about 3 months. Arriving in late May or early June, Greater White-fronted Geese begin departing for their wintering areas in early September. This means that a delayed snowmelt or late spring storm can significantly reduce breeding success. Date: 30th January 2020 Location: Wexford Wildfowl Nature Reserve, Co. Wexford, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48482979.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1890931543640a3dff0895f.jpgSnow Bunting Snow Buntings are large buntings with striking “snowy” plumages. Males in summer have all white heads and underparts contrasting with a black mantle and wing tips. Females are a more mottled above. In autumn and winter birds develop a sandy/buff wash to their plumage and males have more mottled upperparts. Snow Buntings breed in far northern Europe and migrate south in winter. They are a very scarce breeding species in the UK and can be found on the highest mountain peaks in Scotland where they nest in rocky crevices. Snow Buntings are best looked for in winter (from late September to early March) where they can sometimes be seen in large flocks on the seashore or on adjacent short rough grassland at coastal sites in Scotland and eastern England. Date: 31st January 2023 Location: Cley-next-the-Sea, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28883869.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_192328304457cc1be77017e.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 18th May 2016 Location: Ilmatsalu, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo47645634.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11742736866347d73be6a69.jpgTurnstone The Turnstone has a mottled appearance with brown or chestnut and black upperparts, brown and white or black and white head pattern, white underparts and orange legs. Turnstones can be found around most of the UK coastline including rocky, sandy and muddy shores and particularly like feeding on seaweed covered rocks, seawalls and jetties. They are present for most of the year. Birds from Northern Europe pass through in July and August and again in spring and birds from Canada and Greenland arrive in August and September and remain until April and May. Non-breeding birds may stay throughout the summer. Date: 19th September 2022 Location: Walcott, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/skagafjrur-north-west-iceland https://images.on-this.website/4752_143455048956378f6b5c668.jpgSkagafjörður, north west Iceland Skagafjörður is a deep fjord in north west Iceland located between the Tröllaskagi peninsula to the east and the Skagi peninsula to the west. It is about 25 miles long and 9 miles wide. Skagafjörður is situated in a submerged glacial valley which continues southwards by a plain in which lies the delta of the Héraðsvötn river. This is one of Iceland's most prosperous agricultural regions with widespread dairy and sheep farming in addition to the horse breeding for which the district is famed. Skagafjörður is the only county in Iceland where horses outnumber people. The main settlement in the Skagafjörður area is Sauðárkrókur. Date: 1st June 2015 Location: view from road 75 east of Sauðárkrókur http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38397333.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12433933925ce1281348181.jpgPied Flycatcher The Pied Flycatcher is a small passerine bird in the Old World flycatcher family and is 1 of the 4 species of Western Palearctic black and white flycatchers. The breeding male Pied Flycatcher is mainly black above and white below with a large white wing patch, white tail sides and a small forehead patch. Non-breeding males, females and juveniles have the black replaced by a pale brown. The bill is black and it has the broad but pointed shape typical of aerial insectivores. The Pied Flycatcher has a very large range and population size and so it is of “least concern” according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It breeds in most of Europe and west Asia where it can be found in deciduous woodlands, parks and gardens, with a preference for oak trees. It will sometimes use mature open conifer woodland where natural tree holes occur. It builds an open nest in a tree hole and it will readily adapt to nest boxes. In the UK, the Pied Flycatcher is limited by geography and habitat to the north and west of the country where it prefers mature oak woodlands but also mature upland ash and birch woodlands. It has on average decreased in population by 25% within the last 25 years and it has ceased to breed in several parts of its former range. The Pied Flycatcher is migratory, wintering mainly in tropical west Africa from mid September to mid April. It first arrives in its breeding areas from mid April to the end of May. Following breeding, return migration to Africa occurs between August and mid September. The Pied Flycatcher is mainly insectivorous and its diet is composed nearly entirely of insects including flies, bees, wasps, ants, beetles, butterflies, moths, etc. but it will also eat fruit and seeds in late summer and autumn and on migration. Date: 11th May 2019 Location: Ynys-hir RSPB reserve, Ceredigion http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40755764.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13267099935e204356a3473.jpgGreat White Egret The Great White Egret is a large bird with all white plumage. Apart from size, the Great White Egret can be distinguished from other white egrets by its yellow bill and black legs and feet although the bill may become darker and the lower legs lighter in the breeding season. In breeding plumage, delicate ornamental feathers are borne on the back. It has a slow flight with its neck retracted. The Great White Egret is distributed across most of the tropical and warmer temperate regions of the world favouring all kinds of wetland habitats and it is a familiar species in southern Europe. Expanding populations in Europe mean that the Great White Egret is now seen more frequently in the UK and it can turn up in almost any part of the country with the majority of records in south east England and East Anglia. Date: 6th December 2019 Location: Oudeland van Strijen, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45949027.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10292743106284b3d778534.jpgCollared Dove Collared Doves are distinctive birds with their buffy-pink plumage and black neck collar. They are usually seen singly or in pairs, although flocks may form where food is plentiful. They feed on the ground but readily perch on roofs and wires and in trees. The Collared Dove is not migratory but it is strongly dispersive. Over the last century, it has been one of the great colonisers of the bird world. Its original range at the end of the 19th century was warm temperate and subtropical Asia from Turkey east to south China and south through India to Sri Lanka. In 1838 it was reported in Bulgaria but not until the 20th century did it expand across Europe, appearing in parts of the Balkans between 1900 and 1920 and then spreading rapidly north west, reaching Germany in 1945, the UK in 1953, Ireland in 1959 and the Faroe Islands in the early 1970s. Subsequent spread was “sideways” from this fast north west spread reaching north east to north of the Arctic Circle in Norway, east to the Ural Mountains in Russia and south west to the Canary Islands and north Africa from Morocco to Egypt by the end of the 20th century. In the east of its range it has also spread north east to most of central and north China and locally (probably introduced) in Japan. It has also reached Iceland as a vagrant but has not colonised successfully there. Date: 25th April 2022 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19507496.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_197241094352528c02aa6a3.jpgCattle Egret The Cattle Egret is a stocky white bird adorned with buff plumes in the breeding season. The easiest way to separate them from Little Egrets is by their short, yellow rather than long, black bills but Cattle Egrets are also smaller, stockier and more squat in shape with shorter, thicker necks and less elegant heads. The Cattle Egret is a cosmopolitan species of heron found in the tropics, subtropics and warm temperate zones. Originally native to parts of Asia, Africa and Europe, it has undergone a rapid expansion in its distribution and successfully colonised much of the rest of the world. Cattle Egrets breed and roost in trees usually close to fresh water and feed in shallow wetlands, especially rice-paddies, but also dry grasslands. They can often be seen feeding around cattle waiting to pick off disturbed insects, including riding on the backs of animals. Cattle Egrets are visiting the UK in increasing numbers and are most likely to be seen in the south of England and Wales. In winter 2007/08, a large influx of Cattle Egrets occurred in the UK, with the largest numbers in south-west England although birds did get as far north as Scotland. This influx led to the first ever pair breeding successfully in Somerset. Date: 9th September 2013 Location: La Janda, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871620.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20832898584eff1f80ef31c.jpgOystercatcher The Oystercatcher is a wader in the oystercatcher family. It is an obvious and noisy bird with black and white plumage, red legs and a strong broad red bill which is used for smashing or prising open molluscs such as mussels or for finding earthworms. Despite its name, oysters do not form a large part of its diet. The Oystercatcher is unmistakable in flight with white patches on the wings and tail with otherwise black upperparts and white underparts. Young birds are more brown, have a white neck collar and a duller bill. The call is a distinctive loud piping. The bill shape varies: Oystercatchers with broad bill tips open molluscs by prising them apart or hammering through the shell whereas birds with pointed bills dig up worms. Much of this is due to the wear resulting from feeding on their prey. Individual Oystercatchers specialise in one technique or the other which they learn from their parents. The Oystercatcher is the most widespread of the oystercatchers with 3 races breeding in western Europe, central Eurasia, Kamchatka, China, and the western coast of Korea. It is a migratory species over most of its range. The European population breeds mainly in northern Europe but in winter the birds can be found in north Africa and southern parts of Europe. Although the species is present all year in Ireland, the UK and the adjacent European coasts, there is still migratory movement within these populations. The Oystercatcher breeds on shingle and rocky beaches, sand dunes, salt marshes and on the grassy tops of small islands and also inland on shingle banks of rivers, lakes and gravel pits. Date: 26th May 2009 Location: Store Ekkerøy, Varangerfjord, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533194.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_51008130862ca7f34d12c6.jpgSmall Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Small Skipper has a rusty orange colour to the wings, upper body and the tips of the antennae. The body is silvery white below and it has a wingspan of 25 to 30 mm. It is very similar in appearance to the Essex Skipper but the undersides of the tips of the antennae are yellow orange in the Small Skipper whereas they are black in the Essex Skipper. The Small Skipper is a common and widespread butterfly in most parts of England and has been expanding its range northwards. It can be found in rough grassland, roadside verges, edges of fields and woodland clearings where it is often seen basking on vegetation or making short buzzing flights among tall grass stems. Date: 22nd June 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26541274.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_131403038756aceb3c047d3.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 16th January 2016 Location: Caerlaverock WWT reserve, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42202615.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20348616305ff30db052d30.jpgWhite-tailed Eagle The White-tailed Eagle is a very large bird with a 72 to 96 inch wingspan and is the fourth largest eagle in the world. It has broad "barn door" wings, a large head and a thick "meat-cleaver" beak. The adult is mainly brown except for the paler head and neck, blackish flight feathers, distinctive white tail, and yellow bill and legs. In juvenile birds the tail and bill are darker, with the tail becoming white with a dark terminal band in sub-adults. The White-tailed Eagle breeds in northern Europe and northern Asia. The largest population in Europe is found along the coast of Norway. In the UK it became extinct during the early 20th century and the present population in Scotland has arisen from a reintroduction programme which commenced on the island of Rhum in 1975. It is still a rare breeding bird which was previously confined to the west coast of Scotland, although a reintroduction programme is now taking place in east Scotland. Date: 7th July 2019 Location: Kuntilampi, near Kuusamo, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/dungarvan-bay-co-waterford-ireland https://images.on-this.website/4752_11289498395e5393d0327d5.jpgDungarvan Bay, Co. Waterford, Ireland Dungarvan is a coastal town and harbour in Co. Waterford located on the main N25 road which connects Cork, Waterford and Rosslare Europort. It is situated at the mouth of the River Colligan which enters Dungarvan Harbour as formed by Dungarvan Quay (on the town side) and Dungarvan Causeway. Outside the harbour, a 2 mile long sandbar known as "The Cunnigar" defines the western limit of the 2.5 mile wide east-facing Dungarvan Bay. Date: 1st February 2020 Location: view looking north from Helvick, Co, Waterford, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23225870.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_476573191548d539f83688.jpgCattle Egret The Cattle Egret is a stocky white bird adorned with buff plumes in the breeding season. The easiest way to separate them from Little Egrets is by their short, yellow rather than long, black bills but Cattle Egrets are also smaller, stockier and more squat in shape with shorter, thicker necks and less elegant heads. The Cattle Egret is a cosmopolitan species of heron found in the tropics, subtropics and warm temperate zones. Originally native to parts of Asia, Africa and Europe, it has undergone a rapid expansion in its distribution and successfully colonised much of the rest of the world. Cattle Egrets breed and roost in trees usually close to fresh water and feed in shallow wetlands, especially rice-paddies, but also dry grasslands. They can often be seen feeding around cattle waiting to pick off disturbed insects, including riding on the backs of animals. Cattle Egrets are visiting the UK in increasing numbers and are most likely to be seen in the south of England and Wales. In winter 2007/08, a large influx of Cattle Egrets occurred in the UK, with the largest numbers in south-west England although birds did get as far north as Scotland. This influx led to the first ever pair breeding successfully in Somerset. Date: 8th December 2014 Location: Denge Marsh, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833629.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1383602100559cef02e4f04.jpgPygmy Cormorants The Pygmy Cormorant is the smallest member of the cormorant family and is a medium-sized green-glossed black bird with a long tail and short thick bill. Adults have small white feather tufts on the head, neck and underparts in the breeding season. The sexes are similar, but juveniles are duller and browner. The Pygmy Cormorant is distinguished from the Great Cormorant and the Shag by its much smaller size, lighter build and long tail. The Pygmy Cormorant can be found along the east coasts of the Adriatic Sea, the northern Aegean Sea, the Black Sea eastwards to the Caspian Sea and in Iraq. The Pygmy Cormorant breeds in Albania, Greece, Bulgaria, Turkey, Romania, Moldavia, Ukraine, Russia, Azerbaijan and Iraq while a few pairs also breed in Hungary and Slovakia. The biggest colony is located in the Danube Delta in Romania and numbers 4,000 pairs. In Greece the most important colonies are located at Lake Mikri Prespa and Lake Kerkini. The Pygmy Cormorant also formerly bred in the Axios Delta, at Lake Ismarida and Lake Kastoria, in the Evros Delta and at Porto Lagos. The most important wintering areas in Greece are mainly the large wetlands of Thrace and Macedonia. The Pygmy Cormorant can be found in wetlands with still or slowly flowing fresh water and more rarely in coastal wetlands. It builds nests from sticks and reeds in dense vegetation, in trees, shrubs, willows but occasionally in reeds on small floating islets, either alone or with Great Cormorants, Spoonbills and heron and egret species. The Pygmy Cormorant feeds on small fish and rarely on small aquatic mammals and molluscs which are caught by diving. It often hunts in groups and perches in trees between fishing expeditions. The Pygmy Cormorant is a species with habitats strongly affected by human actions. Threats include the drainage and serious degradation of wetlands and their associated woodland, water pollution, disturbance, poaching as well as drowning in fishing nets. Being a great fish consumer and destroyer of fishing nets, it is often persecuted by fishermen. Date: 12th May 2015 Location: Lake Kerkini, Central Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871676.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12095884844eff207705397.jpgOystercatcher The Oystercatcher is a wader in the oystercatcher family. It is an obvious and noisy bird with black and white plumage, red legs and a strong broad red bill which is used for smashing or prising open molluscs such as mussels or for finding earthworms. Despite its name, oysters do not form a large part of its diet. The Oystercatcher is unmistakable in flight with white patches on the wings and tail with otherwise black upperparts and white underparts. Young birds are more brown, have a white neck collar and a duller bill. The call is a distinctive loud piping. The bill shape varies: Oystercatchers with broad bill tips open molluscs by prising them apart or hammering through the shell whereas birds with pointed bills dig up worms. Much of this is due to the wear resulting from feeding on their prey. Individual Oystercatchers specialise in one technique or the other which they learn from their parents. The Oystercatcher is the most widespread of the oystercatchers with 3 races breeding in western Europe, central Eurasia, Kamchatka, China, and the western coast of Korea. It is a migratory species over most of its range. The European population breeds mainly in northern Europe but in winter the birds can be found in north Africa and southern parts of Europe. Although the species is present all year in Ireland, the UK and the adjacent European coasts, there is still migratory movement within these populations. The Oystercatcher breeds on shingle and rocky beaches, sand dunes, salt marshes and on the grassy tops of small islands and also inland on shingle banks of rivers, lakes and gravel pits. Date: 28th May 2009 Location: Nesseby, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41249305.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2136642905f00b7d14fa12.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 22nd June 2020 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28883589.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_54916920757cc0496000bb.jpgLahemaa National Park, Estonia Lahemaa National Park was established in 1971 and was the first area to be designated as a National Park of the former Soviet Union. It is located about 40 miles east of Tallinn with the Gulf of Finland to the north and the Tallinn to Narva road to the south. It covers an area of 280 square miles including almost 100 square miles of sea and it is the largest National Park in Estonia. Forest covers around 70% of the Lahemaa National Park and much of the remainder includes raised bogs. The area is rich in flora and fauna including a population of Wolves, Brown Bears and Lynx. Date: 19th May 2016 Location: near Altja, Lahemaa National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46534757.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_182221166462ca98c0cb119.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 27th June 2022 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24834028.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_428465256559cf3dcd52df.jpgRed-backed Shrike The Red-backed Shrike is a carnivorous passerine bird and member of the shrike family. The general colour of the male’s upper parts is reddish. It has a grey head and a typical shrike black stripe through the eye. Underparts are tinged pink and the tail has a black and white pattern similar to that of a Wheatear. In the female and young birds the upperparts are brown and vermiculated and the underparts are buff and also vermiculated. The Red-backed Shrike eats large insects, small birds, frogs, rodents and lizards. Like other shrikes it hunts from prominent perches and impales corpses on thorns or barbed wire as a "larder." This practice has earned it the nickname of "butcher bird." The Red-backed Shrike breeds in most of Europe and western Asia and winters in tropical Africa. Once a common migratory visitor to the UK, numbers declined sharply during the 20th century. The bird's last stronghold was in Breckland but by 1988 just a single pair remained, successfully raising young at Santon Downham. The following year for the first time no nests were recorded in the UK but since then sporadic breeding has taken place, mostly in Scotland and Wales, and in September 2010 the RSPB announced that a pair had raised chicks at a secret location on Dartmoor where the bird last bred in 1970. This return to south west England has been an unexpected development and has raised speculation that a warming climate could assist the bird in re-colonising some of its traditional sites, if only in small numbers. Date: 8th May 2015 Location: Evros Delta (east), East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28885971.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_122506537357cc3766897fe.jpgBlack Grouse The Black Grouse is a large game bird in the grouse family. The male has all black plumage with distinctive red wattles over the eyes and striking white stripes along each wing in flight. It has a lyre-shaped tail which is fanned out and raised to show white under-tail feathers when displaying. The female is smaller and grey-brown in colour. The Black Grouse is a sedentary species and breeds across northern Eurasia in moorland and bog areas near to mostly boreal woodland. Although it is declining, it is not considered to be vulnerable globally due to the large population and slow rate of decline. Its decline is due to loss of habitat, disturbance, predation by foxes, crows, etc., and small populations gradually dying out. In the UK, the Black Grouse are found in upland areas of Wales, the Pennines and most of Scotland, especially on farmland and moorland with nearby forestry or scattered trees. Habitat loss and overgrazing have resulted in severe population declines which make the Black Grouse a Red List species. Positive habitat management and re-introduction programmes are helping it to increase in some areas. The Black Grouse has a very distinctive and well-recorded courtship. At dawn in the spring, the males strut around in a traditional area (lek) and display whilst making a highly distinctive and bubbling mating call. Date: 12th May 2016 Location: Tuhu Soo, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46534813.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_50071076662ca98e87944e.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 27th June 2022 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/northern-wheatear-juvenile https://images.on-this.website/4752_70248995264996295891bf.jpgNorthern Wheatear juvenile The Northern Wheatear or Wheatear is a small passerine bird that was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family but is now more generally considered to be an Old World flycatcher. It is the most widespread member of the Wheatear genus in Europe and Asia. The English name has nothing to do with wheat or ears but is probably derived from the Middle English whit ers meaning "white arse" and referring to the prominent white rump of many Wheatear species The Northern Wheatear is larger than the European Robin at 5.7 to 6.3 inches in length. Both sexes have a white rump and tail with a black inverted T-pattern at the end of the tail. The summer plumaged male has grey upperparts, buff throat and black wings and face mask. In autumn it resembles the female apart from the black wings. The female is pale brown above and buff below with darker brown wings. The Northern Wheatear makes one of the longest migratory flights of any small bird, crossing ocean, ice and desert. It migrates from sub-Saharan Africa in spring to breed in open rocky country, tundra, moorland, heaths and pastures over a vast area of the Northern Hemisphere that includes northern and central Asia, Europe, Greenland, Alaska and parts of Canada. In autumn it returns to winter in central Africa. In the UK, the Northern Wheatear is a summer visitor and passage migrant arriving in early March and leaving in September. It breeds mainly in western and northern Britain and western Ireland although smaller numbers also breed in southern and eastern England. The Northern Wheatear is primarily an insectivorous bird and feeds mostly on beetles, ants, caterpillars, grasshoppers, flies, etc. It also eats spiders, centipedes and snails and berries in the autumn. Date: 7th June 2023 Location: RSPB Ramsey Island, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071732.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_140142234066433ed8acfed.jpgGreat White Egret The Great White Egret is a large bird with all white plumage. Apart from size, the Great White Egret can be distinguished from other white egrets by its yellow bill and black legs and feet although the bill may become darker and the lower legs lighter in the breeding season. In breeding plumage, delicate ornamental feathers are borne on the back. It has a slow flight with its neck retracted. The Great White Egret is distributed across most of the tropical and warmer temperate regions of the world favouring all kinds of wetland habitats and it is a familiar species in southern Europe. Expanding populations in Europe mean that the Great White Egret is now seen more frequently in the UK and it can turn up in almost any part of the country with the majority of records in south east England and East Anglia. Date: 7th May 2024 Location: RSPB Ham Wall, Somerset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46510795.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_38088144162c98cf27c92e.jpgBlack Grouse The Black Grouse is a large game bird in the grouse family. The male has all black plumage with distinctive red wattles over the eyes and striking white stripes along each wing in flight. It has a lyre-shaped tail which is fanned out and raised to show white under-tail feathers when displaying. The female is smaller and grey-brown in colour. The Black Grouse is a sedentary species and breeds across northern Eurasia in moorland and bog areas near to mostly boreal woodland. Although it is declining, it is not considered to be vulnerable globally due to the large population and slow rate of decline. Its decline is due to loss of habitat, disturbance, predation by foxes, crows, etc., and small populations gradually dying out. In the UK, the Black Grouse are found in upland areas of Wales, the Pennines and most of Scotland, especially on farmland and moorland with nearby forestry or scattered trees. Habitat loss and overgrazing have resulted in severe population declines which make the Black Grouse a Red List species. Positive habitat management and re-introduction programmes are helping it to increase in some areas. The Black Grouse has a very distinctive and well-recorded courtship. At dawn in the spring, the males strut around in a traditional area (lek) and display whilst making a highly distinctive and bubbling mating call. This photo was taken at a well known roadside lekking site. If visiting, please remain in your car to avoid disturbance to these vulnerable breeding birds. Date: 7th May 2022 Location: World's End, Denbighshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41292166.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19189019415f10b21e3068b.jpgLong-tailed Skua The Long-tailed Skua, known as the Long-tailed Jaeger in the Americas, is a seabird in the skua family [I]Stercorariidae[/I]. It is the smallest of the skua family at 15 to 23 inches in length depending on the season and age. However, up to 11 inches of its length can be made up of the tail which may include 6 inch long tail streamers in the summer adult. The adult Long-tailed Skua is unmistakable with its grey back, dark primary wing feathers without a white "flash", black cap and very long tail. Adults often hover over their breeding territories. Juveniles are much more problematic to identify and are difficult to separate from the Arctic Skua over the sea. It is slimmer, longer-winged and more tern-like than the Arctic Skua but shows the same wide range of plumage variation. However, it is usually colder toned than the Arctic Skua with greyer shades rather than brown. The Long-tailed Skua breeds in the high Arctic of Eurasia and north America with major populations in Russia, Alaska and Canada and smaller populations around the rest of the Arctic. It nests on dry tundra or higher fells where they can be heard making yelping and rattling sounds. Outside of the breeding season they spend most of their time over open ocean and have a harsher cry. It is a migrant species and winters in the south Atlantic and Pacific. The Long-tailed Skua feeds on fish (mainly caught from other seabirds), small birds, small mammals, fruit, food scraps and carrion. On migration, it is more likely to catch its own food and less likely to steal from gulls and terns than the larger skua species. Date: 29th June 2019 Location: Jarfjordfjellet, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/stock-dove https://images.on-this.website/4752_82673447151332812ca087.jpgStock Dove The Stock Dove is similar in plumage and size to the Rock Dove and feral pigeon. It is largely blue-grey with an attractive iridescent bottle green band on the back of the neck and in flight it shows black edges to the wings and two partial black bands near their back. Unlike the Rock Dove and feral pigeon it does not have a pale or white rump. The Stock Dove is widely distributed in the UK except for parts of northern Scotland and Ireland. Over half of the European population is found in the UK. In the breeding season, the Stock Dove can be found in parkland, along woodland edges and by quarries and cliffs whilst in winter small flocks can be found feeding on farmland stubbles. Date: 13th January 2013 Location: Pennington Flash, Greater Manchester http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072381.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10495276934bf6e18b0a450.jpgKongsfjord to Berlevåg, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway Date: 14th April 2010 Location: view from road 890 between Kongsfjord and Berlevåg, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18776277.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_101244268451f4cee1ae4d1.jpgGreat Skua The Great Skua is an aggressive "pirate" of the seas, deliberately harrassing birds as large as Gannets to steal a free meal. It also readily kills and eats smaller birds such as Puffins. These birds migrate to the northernmost parts of the UK from their wintering grounds off the coasts of Spain and Africa. They breed on coastal rocky islands and moorland in northern Scotland, Orkney and Shetland, arriving in April and leaving in July. At other times they are seen around coasts often in vicinity of seabird colonies, scavenging from other birds or picking food from the surface of the sea. Date: 20th June 2013 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17408558.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_97548161351332884aa65f.jpgWhooper Swans The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 14th January 2013 Location: Abbeytown to Silloth, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17061280.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_212849750550e02dd5184f6.jpgMallards The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 26th December 2012 Location: Buckenham Marshes, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230680.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_29134467564916e018bb64.jpgMeadow Pipit The Meadow Pipit is a widespread and often abundant small pipit. It is an undistinguished looking species, mainly brown above and buff below with darker streaking on most of its plumage. The tail is brown with narrow white outer side edges. It has a thin bill and pale pinkish-yellow legs. A simple repetitive song is given in a short song and parachute display flight. The Meadow Pipit breeds in much of north west Eurasia from south east Greenland and Iceland east to just east of the Ural Mountains in Russia and south to central France and Romania. It is migratory over most of its range, wintering in south Europe, north Africa and south west Asia, but it is resident all year round in west Europe although many birds move to the coast or lowlands in winter. The Meadow Pipit is primarily a species of open habitats, either uncultivated or low-intensity agriculture, such as pasture, bogs and moorland. It also occurs in low numbers in arable croplands and in winter it occurs on saltmarshes where it can be quite gregarious and gather in small flocks. The Meadow Pipit is an abundant species in the north of its range but it is less common further south. It can be found all year round across the UK but it is commonest in the upland areas of the west and north during the breeding season. In winter it moves south to more lowland areas and becomes much commoner in the southern half of the UK. The Meadow Pipit nests on the ground in dense vegetation and it is one of the most important nest hosts of the Cuckoo. The Meadow Pipit is a fairly terrestrial pipit usually feeding on the ground although it will use elevated perches such as shrubs, fence lines or electricity wires as vantage points to watch for predators. It feeds mainly on insects and other invertebrates but it also eats the seeds of grasses, sedges, rushes and heather and crowberry berries. Date: 13th May 2023 Location: World's End, Denbighshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo445318.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3609074264681bab8acdfe.jpgThe stark rise of the jagged Black Cuillin ridge .... The Black Cuillin are a mountain range on the Isle of Skye off the North West coast of Scotland and contain the highest concentration of mountains over 3000 feet high in the UK (20 summits exceed this height). The mountains are a memorable sight whether the weather is bright and sunny or grey and misty as it often is on Skye. Either way they have a unique presence and can be seen from miles around both on Skye and on the mainland. The mountains themselves are the preserve of experienced mountaineers and hillwalkers but the rest of us can enjoy classic views from Elgol and Sligachan and along Glenbrittle. Date: June 2000 Location: view from Elgol across Loch Scavaig http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623241.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20390222286117d9a76b9a8.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871672.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12778203294eff206c87add.jpgVarangerfjord, Finnmark, Norway Varangerfjord is the easternmost fjord in Norway and is located in Finnmark county between the Varanger peninsula and the mainland of Norway. Varangerfjord flows through the municipalities of Vardø, Vadsø, Nesseby and Sør-Varanger. The fjord is approximately 62 miles long and empties in to the Barents Sea. The mouth is about 43 miles wide and is located between the town of Vardø in the north west and the village of Grense Jakobselv in the south east. The fjord stretches westwards inland past the town of Vadsø to the village of Varangerbotn in Nesseby municipality. Date: 28th May 2009 Location: Vestre Jakobselv, Varangerfjord, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45201502.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_195034594062371e893e0d5.jpgCarrion Crow The Carrion Crow is a passerine bird in the crow family Corvidae. The Hooded Crow was formerly regarded as a sub-species but it has now been split off as a separate species The plumage of the Carrion Crow is black with a green or purple sheen. The bill, legs and feet are also black. It can be distinguished from the Raven by its smaller size (19 to 20 inches in length as compared to an average of 25 inches for the Raven) and from the Hooded Crow by its all black plumage. There is frequent confusion between the Carrion Crow and the Rook, another black corvid species found within its range. The beak of the Carrion Crow is stouter and in consequence it looks shorter and whereas in the adult Rook the nostrils are bare, those of the Carrion Crow are covered at all ages with bristle-like feathers. As well as this, the wings of a Carrion Crow are proportionally shorter and broader than those of the Rook when seen in flight. Unlike the Rook which is generally gregarious, the Carrion Crow is usually solitary or seen in breeding pairs. The Carrion Crow is a noisy bird, perching on a vantage point such as a building or the top of a tree and calling 3 or 4 times in quick succession with a slight pause between each series of calls. During each series of calls, the bird may perform an accompanying gesture, bowing its head and neck downwards with each call. The Carrion Crow can become tame near humans and can often be found in or around areas of human activity or habitation where they compete with other social birds such as gulls and ducks for food. The Carrion Crow breeds in west and central Europe with an allied form or race occurring in east Asia with the closely allied Hooded Crow filling the gap between. Fertile hybrids occur along the boundary between these 2 forms indicating their close genetic relationship. Across its range, it can be seen all year round in a wide range of habitats such as urban areas, farmland, woodlands, mountains, moorlands and seashores. The Carrion Crow reaches sexual maturity around the age of 3 years for females and 5 years for males and birds often mate for life. The Carrion Crow builds a bulky stick nest which is usually placed in a tall tree although cliff ledges, old buildings and pylons may be used as well. Nests are also occasionally placed on or near the ground. The nest resembles that of the Raven but is less bulky. The female lays 3 to 4 eggs which are incubated for 18 to 20 days by the female alone who is fed by the male. The young fledge after 29 to 30 days. It is not uncommon for offspring from the previous year to stay around and help rear the new hatchlings. Instead of seeking out a mate, these birds look for food and assist the parents in feeding the young. Although an eater of carrion of all kinds, the Carrion Crow will eat insects, earthworms, grain, fruits, seeds, small mammals, amphibians and scraps and it will also steal eggs of other birds. It is a scavenger by nature which is why it tends to frequent sites inhabited by humans in order to feed on household waste. The Carrion Crow will also harass birds of prey or even Foxes for their kills. The Carrion Crow has few natural predators although powerful raptors such as the Northern Goshawk, the Peregrine, the Eurasian Eagle Owl and the Golden Eagle will readily hunt them and they can become an important prey item locally. Date: 23rd February 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30825686.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_37058114558f349620bfb82.66105499.jpgAvocet The (Pied) Avocet is a large black and white wader in the avocet and stilt family. It is one of 4 species of avocet that make up the genus Recurvirostra. The genus name is from the Latin [i]recurvus[/i] meaning "curved backwards" and [i]rostrum[/i] meaning "bill". The Avocet is a striking white wader with bold black markings. Adults have white plumage except for a black cap and black patches in the wings and on the back. They have long, upturned bills and long, bluish legs. Males and females look alike whilst juveniles resemble the adult but with more greyish and sepia tones. The Avocet breeds in temperate Europe and western and central Asia. The breeding habitat is shallow lakes with brackish water and exposed bare mud where they build a nest on open ground in a lined scrape or on a mound of vegetation. The Avocet is a migratory species and most winter in Africa or southern Asia. Some remain to winter in the mildest parts of their range such as in southern Spain and southern England. The Avocet feeds on crustaceans and insects in shallow brackish water or on mud flats, often scything their bills from side to side in water (a feeding technique that is unique to the avocet species). The Avocet was extinct as a breeding species in the UK by 1840 but its successful recolonisation at Minsmere in Suffolk in 1947 led to its adoption as the logo of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Date: 9th April 2017 Location: EWT Blue House Farm, North Fambridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11947720.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13619589864e40fdd8e1743.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 21st October 2007 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40399554.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7949233245dc6ad204d666.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 18th October 2019 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39081972.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11859197185d3078cd46201.jpgEuropean Bee-eater The European Bee-eater is an incredibly colourful bird with an unmistakable appearance. In breeding plumage, it has a rich chestnut crown that blends into gold on its back. The forehead is white, the throat is yellow bordered by black and the underparts are blue. The male European Bee-eater has a chestnut-coloured patch in the middle of the wing while in females this patch is usually smaller or even absent. Occasionally, females may also be distinguished from the males by having a green back. The wings and backs of juvenile European Bee-eaters are entirely green and the eyes are brown in contrast to the bright red eyes of adults. The European Bee-eater breeds in southern Europe and in parts of north Africa and western Asia. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, India and Sri Lanka. European Bee-eaters are occasionally seen in northern Europe (including the UK) as a spring overshoot north of its range with occasional breeding occurring. Just as the name suggests, the European Bee-eater predominantly eats insects, especially bees, wasps and hornets which are caught in the air by sorties from an open perch. Before eating its meal, a European Bee-eater removes the sting by repeatedly hitting the insect on a hard surface. Lizards and frogs are also taken. European Bee-eaters are gregarious, nesting colonially in sandy banks preferably near river shores and also feeding and roosting communally. Date: 17th May 2018 Location: Vetren, Silistra Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37431041.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6850858845c6be167e74f7.jpgMediterranean Gull The Mediterranean Gull is intermediate in size between the Common Gull and the Black-headed Gull. The breeding plumage adult is a distinctive white gull with a very pale grey mantle and wings with white primary feathers without black tips. The black hood extends down the nape and shows distinct white eye crescents. The blunt tipped, dark red bill has a black sub-terminal band. The non-breeding adult is similar but the hood is reduced to an extensive dusky "bandit" mask through the eye. The Mediterranean Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity and first year birds have a black terminal tail band and more black areas in the upperwings and pale underwings. The Mediterranean Gull was formerly restricted to the Black Sea and the eastern Mediterranean but in recent decades it has undergone a dramatic range expansion and can be found over most of Europe as far as the UK and Ireland. It can be found in scattered colonies of varying size in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes. It is sometimes found nesting in mixed colonies with Black-headed Gull. In winter, the majority of Mediterranean Gulls migrate to the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious during winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. The Mediterranean Gull was a very rare UK bird until the 1950s but it is now widespread in winter and breeding in ever increasing numbers. It is mainly found along the east and south coasts of England and most of the breeding population nest within Black-headed Gull colonies at coastal wetlands. It is more widespread in winter with some beaches in Norfolk and Kent attracting more than a hundred birds and it can also be found inland in small numbers wherever Black-headed and Common Gulls gather (especially in roosts on reservoirs). The Mediterranean Gull tends to be an opportunistic omnivore and eats fish, worms, insects, offal and carrion. The Mediterranean Gull is not globally threatened and is designated by the IUCN as being “Least Concern”. However, it is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 13th January 2019 Location: RSPB Radipole Lake, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/iceland-flag-and-great-black https://images.on-this.website/4752_2074426893561cd1858bff7.jpgIceland flag .... and a very small Great Black-backed Gull! The flag of Iceland is royal blue with an off-centre red cross outlined in white. The flag's cross is perpendicular and runs from top to bottom and left to right. The intersection of the cross is slightly to the left of centre. Each of the colours of the flag of Iceland represents a major feature of the nation's geography. The blue represents the Atlantic Ocean that surrounds the country, the red depicts the fires of the nation's volcanoes and white shows the snow that covers much of Iceland. Designed by Matthias Thordarson, the flag of Iceland's design of the cross was borrowed from the flag of Denmark known as the Dannebrog. The cross is a symbol of Christianity and is also found in the flags of other Scandinavian nations. The flag of Iceland had been used as an unofficial symbol since 1913 but was not officially adopted until 1915. However, it was initially met with disapproval from the King of Iceland who refused to accept the blue-white-red combination as the national flag. On 19th June 1915 a royal decree allowed the usage of the flag on land and on 30th November 1918 the King of Iceland finally approved of the flag as the national ensign. When Iceland became a republic on 17th June 1944, the current flag was sealed into law as the official flag of the Republic of Iceland. Date: 6th June 2015 Location: Stykkishólmur harbour, Snæfellsnes peninsula, west Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623258.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20191113026117d9c5012c7.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17408531.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_959979991513327d334fe5.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 12th January 2013 Location: Martin Mere WWT reserve, Lancashire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457631.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_162451991668574fedc3a4.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405516.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6402991966586f2abeddcb.jpgRing-necked Parakeet The Ring-necked Parakeet is the UK's only naturalised parrot. It is large, long-tailed and green with a red beak and a pink and black ring around its face and neck. In flight it has pointed wings, a long tail and a steady, direct flight. Ring-necked Parakeets can be seen all year round at a number of locations in south east England, particularly Surrey, Kent and Sussex. They can often be found in flocks sometimes numbering hundreds of birds at roost sites. Parks, orchards and gardens with mature trees to provide nest holes are favoured habitats. In its native India it is found in jungle and around farms and gardens. Date: 15th November 2023 Location: Fishers Green, Lee Valley Regional Park, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801037.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_76269860264ed9bef62208.jpgRuddy Darter Flight period: mid June to mid September. The Ruddy Darter takes its name from its colour and its swift flight behaviour. The male has a deep russet colour over the entire body and the abdomen has a pinched section close to where it joins the thorax. Females are slightly smaller, golden yellow in colour and being less obviously marked are more difficult to identify than the males. There is more than one red coloured darter species in the UK and they can be easily confused with each other. The commonest red species, the Common Darter, can be distinguished as having red veins at the base of the wings and a less ruddy colouration across the body. However, the Ruddy Darter has entirely black legs, distinguishing it from all other red darters which have longitudinal yellow stripes on their legs. The UK range of the Ruddy Darter has undergone something of an expansion in recent years. Although still relatively uncommon in the west and north of Britain, it is increasing in numbers in the Midlands and eastern England. The population is augmented by continental migrants. It is also found over most of Europe except for northern Scandinavia, as far east as western Siberia and south to north Africa. The Ruddy Darter prefers water bodies with tall emergent vegetation, such as reeds and club rush, and it is known to breed in ponds, lakes, canals, ditches and sluggish rivers. They can also be found near coasts and can breed in fairly brackish water. Date: 7th July 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874794.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1313301352561ccdd7cec25.jpgCommon Redshank The Common Redshank, or simply Redshank, is a Eurasian wader. In breeding plumage it is a marbled brown colour and slightly lighter below. In winter plumage it becomes somewhat lighter toned and less patterned and rather plain greyish-brown above and whitish below. It has red legs and a black-tipped red bill and it shows white up the back and on the wings in flight. The Common Redshank is widespread across temperate Eurasia and it breeds in any wetland from damp meadows to saltmarsh, often at high densities. It is migratory and it winters on coasts around the Mediterranean, on the Atlantic coast of Europe from the UK southwards and in south Asia. The Common Redshank is a wary and noisy bird which will alert everything else with their loud piping call. Date: 7th June 2015 Location: east of Ólafsvík, Snæfellsnes peninsula, west Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42222324.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3032952286023a30bb9f59.jpgNorthern Hawk Owl The Northern Hawk Owl is a medium sized owl, 14 to 16 inches long and with a wing span of 8.5 to 10 inches. Females are slightly larger than males. The term "hawk" refers to its falcon-like wing shape and long tail. The facial disc is whitish and broadly rimmed blackish at the sides. The eyebrows are white and the eyes are pale yellow. The upperparts are dark grey to dusky greyish-brown with the crown densely spotted whitish and the nape has indistinct false eyes. The mantle and back are dusky grey with some whitish dots and the scapulars are mainly white forming rather broad white bands across the shoulder. The flight feathers are dark grey-brown with rows of white spots. The tail is long and graduated and dark greyish-brown with several narrow whitish bars. The underparts are whitish and barred with greyish-brown. The legs and toes are feathered. The Northern Hawk Owl is found in the boreal coniferous forests of North America and Eurasia, usually on the edges of more open woodland, and hunts in semi-open country with scattered trees or groups of trees. It nests in large tree cavities or uses nests abandoned by other large birds and moves widely within its area of distribution, breeding where food is abundant. The Northern Hawk Owl is a partially diurnal owl which hunts voles and birds like thrushes. It waits on a treetop or other perch and takes advantage of its rapid flight to overtake prey. It has exceptional hearing and can plunge into snow to capture rodents below the surface. The typical male call is a rapid, melodious, purring trill of up to 14 seconds long which consists of about 11 to 15 notes per second. It begins softly, rises slightly in pitch and increases to a vibrating trill before breaking off abruptly. This is repeated at various intervals. Females utter a similar, higher-pitched, less clear song. Date: 9th July 2019 Location: Iivaara, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26025451.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1045101718563741c605b9f.jpgGreat Black-backed Gull The largest of the gulls, the Great Black-backed Gull is a dominating and opportunistic predator, scavenger and pirate that has been described as a “merciless tyrant” due to its aggressive feeding habits. The Great Black-backed Gull has a thick-set body with a large, yellow, red-tipped bill, strong legs and wide, webbed feet which have a delicate pink hue. The breast and head are snowy white and sit in stark contrast to the black back and wings. Young Great Black-backed Gulls undergo several plumage changes before taking on that of the adult. Juveniles are pale brown with heavy white mottling whilst immatures are also mottled but have a distinctive whitish head and breast but with a dark-tipped, pale bill The Great Black-backed Gull occurs along the coastlines of northern Europe and northern Russia as well as the east coast of north America and central America and it can be found in a variety of coastal habitats, including rocky and sandy coasts and estuaries as well as inland habitats such as lakes, ponds, fields and moorland. It breeds in areas free of or largely inaccessible to terrestrial predators such as vegetated islands, sand dunes, flat-topped stacks, building roofs and sometimes amongst bushes on salt-marsh islands. During the winter, the Great Black-backed Gull often travels far out to sea to feed. Date: 3rd June 2015 Location: Tjörnes peninsula/Öxarfjörður, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9579338.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4335086404db00cb1150a4.jpgOystercatcher The Oystercatcher is a wader in the oystercatcher family. It is an obvious and noisy bird with black and white plumage, red legs and a strong broad red bill which is used for smashing or prising open molluscs such as mussels or for finding earthworms. Despite its name, oysters do not form a large part of its diet. The Oystercatcher is unmistakable in flight with white patches on the wings and tail with otherwise black upperparts and white underparts. Young birds are more brown, have a white neck collar and a duller bill. The call is a distinctive loud piping. The bill shape varies: Oystercatchers with broad bill tips open molluscs by prising them apart or hammering through the shell whereas birds with pointed bills dig up worms. Much of this is due to the wear resulting from feeding on their prey. Individual Oystercatchers specialise in one technique or the other which they learn from their parents. The Oystercatcher is the most widespread of the oystercatchers with 3 races breeding in western Europe, central Eurasia, Kamchatka, China, and the western coast of Korea. It is a migratory species over most of its range. The European population breeds mainly in northern Europe but in winter the birds can be found in north Africa and southern parts of Europe. Although the species is present all year in Ireland, the UK and the adjacent European coasts, there is still migratory movement within these populations. In winter, large flocks can be seen on major estuaries in the UK. The Oystercatcher breeds on shingle and rocky beaches, sand dunes, salt marshes and on the grassy tops of small islands and also inland on shingle banks of rivers, lakes and gravel pits. Date: 7th June 2007 Location: Loch na Keal, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18776301.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_137916695651f4cf77443bb.jpgKnot The Knot is a dumpy, short-legged, stocky wading bird. In winter, the Knot is grey above and white below but in summer the chest, belly and face are brick red, hence the name Red Knot in north America. In flight, it shows a pale rump and a faint wing-stripe. The Knot forms huge flocks in winter which wheel and turn in flight, flashing their pale underwings as they twist and turn. They can be seen on large muddy estuaries around the coast with the greatest numbers found on The Wash, Morecambe Bay, the Thames, Humber and Dee estuaries, the Solway Firth and Strangford Lough. Large numbers of birds visit the UK in winter from their Arctic breeding grounds. Date: 20th June 2013 Location: Balnakeil Bay, Sutherland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874786.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1452787743561ccd92e525a.jpgSnæfellsnes peninsula, west Iceland The 55 mile long Snæfellsnes peninsula is situated in west Iceland with Breiðafjörður and the Westfjords region to the north and Faxaflói and Reykjavík to the south. The Snæfellsnes peninsula has been named "Iceland in Miniature". In addition to its characteristic Snæfellsjökull volcano and glacier, there are white and black sandy beaches, fjords, sheer cliffs, spectacular mountains and volcanic craters, incredibly rich trout lakes and salmon rivers, lush valleys and unique harbours and fishing villages. The stunning landscape of the Snæfellsnes peninsula has captured the imagination of people all over the world ever since Jules Verne wrote the famous science fiction novel <i>"Journey to the Centre of the Earth"</i>. Date: 7th June 2015 Location: view from road 54 between Grundarfjörður and Ólafsvík http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17408515.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_970546561513327768a902.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 12th January 2013 Location: Martin Mere WWT reserve, Lancashire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847531.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_187269583559bd52459f849.jpgSpišský hrad, Spišské Podhradie, Košice region, Slovakia Spišské Podhradie is a small town in the Spišská Nová Ves district of the Košice region of Slovakia in north east Slovakia. The history of Spišské Podhradie is connected with its castle although the oldest settlement is from the Stone Age. There are many cultural monuments in the vicinity of Spišské Podhradie, including the castle of Spišský hrad and the exceptionally well-preserved medieval walled ecclesiastical town of Spišska Kapitula with its cathedral, monastery and single street. These form part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Levoča, Spiš Castle and the associated cultural monuments. Spišské Podhradie is situated at the foot of the hill of Spišský hrad, a ruined castle and one of the largest castle sites in central Europe at almost 446000 square feet. It was built in the 12th century on the site of an earlier castle and was the political, administrative, economic and cultural centre of Szepes county of the Kingdom of Hungary. Before 1464 it was owned by the Kings of Hungary and afterwards by the Zápolya family (until 1528), the Thurzó family (from 1531 to 1635) and the Csáky family (from 1638 to 1945) and since 1945 by the states of Czechoslovakia and Slovakia. In 1780, the castle burned down and there are a number of theories as to the cause. Whatever the cause, the castle was no longer occupied after the fire and began to fall into disrepair. It was partly reconstructed in the second half of the 20th century and extensive archaeological research was carried out on the site. The reconstructed sections house displays of the Spiš Museum. Date: 31st May 2017 Location: view from Spišské Podhradie, Košice region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41539330.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12337055995f3e4b9f3b61b.jpgKongsfjordfjellet, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Kongsfjordfjellet is a sparsely vegetated high tundra mountain plateau situated in the north west of the Varanger peninsula in Troms og Finnmark in north east Norway. It is crossed by the Fv890 road to Berlevåg where traffic is escorted in convoy at specified times. This upland area includes many lakes, pools and bogs which hold a wide range of Arctic species. Kongsfjordfjellet is almost invariably cold and largely covered in snow well into mid-summer. Date: 5th July 2019 Location: Kongsfjordfjellet, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30825751.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_47449135258f349f3ed0740.18520173.jpgAvocet The (Pied) Avocet is a large black and white wader in the avocet and stilt family. It is one of 4 species of avocet that make up the genus Recurvirostra. The genus name is from the Latin [i]recurvus[/i] meaning "curved backwards" and [i]rostrum[/i] meaning "bill". The Avocet is a striking white wader with bold black markings. Adults have white plumage except for a black cap and black patches in the wings and on the back. They have long, upturned bills and long, bluish legs. Males and females look alike whilst juveniles resemble the adult but with more greyish and sepia tones. The Avocet breeds in temperate Europe and western and central Asia. The breeding habitat is shallow lakes with brackish water and exposed bare mud where they build a nest on open ground in a lined scrape or on a mound of vegetation. The Avocet is a migratory species and most winter in Africa or southern Asia. Some remain to winter in the mildest parts of their range such as in southern Spain and southern England. The Avocet feeds on crustaceans and insects in shallow brackish water or on mud flats, often scything their bills from side to side in water (a feeding technique that is unique to the avocet species). The Avocet was extinct as a breeding species in the UK by 1840 but its successful recolonisation at Minsmere in Suffolk in 1947 led to its adoption as the logo of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Date: 9th April 2017 Location: EWT Blue House Farm, North Fambridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072283.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4271280634bf6d82cdb705.jpgVestre Jakobselv, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway Vestre Jakobselv is a small village located on the southern coast of the Varanger peninsula at the mouth of the river Jakobselva in Vadsø municipality in Finnmark county in north east Norway. The village lies along the European route E75 about 11 miles west of Vadsø and the same distance east of the village of Nesseby in neighboring Nesseby municipality. Date: 11th April 2010 Location: Vestre Jakobselv harbour, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9591316.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_876125934db1756327a1f.jpgCommon Pochard The Common Pochard is a medium-sized and stocky diving duck. The adult male has a long dark bill with a grey band, a red head and neck, a black breast, red eyes and a grey back. The adult female has a brown head and body and a narrower grey bill band. The triangular head shape is distinctive. The Common Pochard is superficially similar to the closely related Redhead and Canvasback found in north America. The Common Pochard breeds in marshes and on lakes in much of temperate and north Europe and in to Asia. It is migratory and spends the winter in the south and west of Europe. In the UK, the Common Pochard breeds in east England and lowland Scotland plus in small numbers in Northern Ireland. Large numbers from Russia and Scandinavia winter in the UK on lakes, reservoirs and gravel pits, often mixing with other diving ducks such as the Tufted Duck. In a number of countries, the Common Pochard is decreasing mainly due to habitat loss and hunting. It is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. The Common Pochard feeds mainly by diving or dabbling for aquatic plants, molluscs, aquatic insects and small fish. Date: 6th January 2008 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072345.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17440901604bf6df87320cd.jpgSteller's Eider The Steller's Eider is a medium sized sea duck and the smallest of the 4 species of eider. In it’s breeding plumage, the male is unmistakable with a black back, white shoulders, chestnut breast and belly, a white head with a greenish tuft and small black eye patches. During the late summer and autumn, males are entirely mottled dark brown. Females and juveniles are mottled dark brown all year round. Adults of both sexes have a blue patch with a white border on the upper wing similar to a mallard. The bird is named after the German naturalist Georg Steller. Steller's Eiders breed along the Arctic coasts of northern Russia and northern and western Alaska. It is estimated that the world population of Steller's Eiders is around 220,000 birds, the majority of which nest in Russia. Most Steller's Eiders breeding in Alaska and Russia migrate south after breeding. An estimated 40,000 winter in north eastern Europe along the coasts of Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Finland, Norway and Sweden. It is very scarce south of its wintering range. Date: 13th April 2010 Location: Svartnes, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo10926922.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15518252414e097910dafbb.jpgGreat Spotted Woodpecker The Great Spotted Woodpecker is a Blackbird-sized bird with striking black and white plumage. The male has a distinctive red patch on the back of the head and young birds have a red crown. Great Spotted Woodpeckers have a very distinctive bouncing flight and spend most of their time clinging to tree trunks and branches. Their presence is often announced by its loud call or by its distinctive spring “drumming” display. Great Spotted Woodpeckers can be found all year round and are most common in woodlands, parks and large gardens in England and Wales. They also readily visit bird tables and peanut feeders. Date: 13th June 2011 Location: Abernethy Forest, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308877.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7481429363ee380e344c1.jpgTufted Duck The Tufted Duck is a small diving duck. The adult male is all black except for white flanks and a blue-grey bill. It has an obvious head tuft that gives the species its name. The adult female is brown with paler flanks and is more easily confused with other diving ducks. In particular, some have white around the bill base which resembles the Scaup although the white is never as extensive as in that species. The Tufted Duck breeds widely throughout temperate and northern Eurasia. It occasionally can be found as a winter visitor along both coasts of the United States and Canada. It is migratory in most of its range and winters in the milder south and west of Europe and southern Asia where large flocks form on open water. The Tufted Duck breeds close to marshes and lakes with plenty of vegetation to conceal the nest. It is also found on coastal lagoons and sheltered ponds. The Tufted Duck feeds mainly by diving for molluscs, aquatic insects and aquatic plants. Date: 21st January 2022 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42524881.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15982146356098fc8c85626.jpgGrey Wagtail The Grey Wagtail is a member of the wagtail family. It is somewhat similar to the Yellow Wagtail but more colourful than its name suggests. The upperparts are grey and the yellow vent contrasting with whitish underparts makes it distinctive. The breeding male has a black throat that is edged by whitish moustachial stripes, a narrow white supercilium and a broken eye ring and a tail noticeably longer than those of Pied and Yellow wagtails. Like other wagtails, it frequently wags its tail and flies low with undulations. The Grey Wagtail is widely distributed across the Palearctic region with several sub-species breeding in Europe and Asia. It can be found over most of the UK with the exception of the northern and western isles of Scotland. The greatest densities are found in the uplands of England, Wales and Scotland. The Grey Wagtail is always associated with fast running streams and rivers when breeding although they may use man-made structures near streams for the nest. Outside the breeding season, it may also be seen around lakes, coasts and other watery habitats including in town and city centres. It forages singly or in pairs feeding on a variety of aquatic invertebrates including adult flies, mayflies, beetles, crustacea and molluscs and will use rocks in water and often perch in waterside bushes and trees. Date: 7th April 2021 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41389665.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11383142075f26947dde133.jpgVarangerfjord, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway The Varanger peninsula is situated in Troms og Finnmark in the extreme north east of Norway. With an area of 800 square miles, it is the largest area within the Arctic climate zone in mainland Norway and is bordered by Tanafjord to the west, Varangerfjord to the south and the Barents Sea to the north and east. The area has a rugged mountain terrain with altitudes up to 2077 feet and it has an Arctic tundra climate. The coast of the Varanger peninsula is an important area for breeding, migrating and wintering birds, especially some notable Arctic species. The Norwegian Directorate for Nature Management has a project on the Varanger peninsula to reintroduce and protect the Arctic Fox which is critically endangered on the Norwegian mainland. The Varangerhalvøya National Park (Norwegian: [I]Varangerhalvøya Nasjonalpark[/I]) lies to the west of road Fv341 and protects a majority of the land on the Varanger peninsula. Varangerfjord is the easternmost fjord in Norway and is located between the Varanger peninsula and the mainland of Norway. Varangerfjord flows through the municipalities of Vardø, Vadsø, Nesseby and Sør-Varanger. The fjord is approximately 62 miles long and empties in to the Barents Sea. The mouth is about 43 miles wide and is located between the town of Vardø in the north west and the village of Grense Jakobselv in the south east. The fjord stretches westwards inland past the town of Vadsø to the village of Varangerbotn in Nesseby municipality. Date: 1st July 2019 Location: view from road Fv355 to Bugøynes, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26023170.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_184840269656372d7dc528f.jpgRedwing The Redwing is a member of the thrush family, slightly smaller than the related Song Thrush. The English name for the Redwing derives from the bird's red underwing. The sexes are similar with plain brown backs and with dark brown spots on the white underparts. The most striking identification features are the red flanks and underwing and the creamy white stripe above the eye. The male has a varied short song, and a whistling flight call. The Redwing breeds in conifer and birch forest and tundra in the northern Europe from Iceland south to northern Scotland, east through Scandinavia, the Baltic States, northern Poland and Belarus and through most of Russia. In recent years it has expanded its range slightly, both in eastern Europe, where it now breeds south into northern Ukraine, and in southern Greenland. The Redwing is migratory and winters in western, central and southern Europe, north west Africa and south west Asia east to northern Iran. Birds in some parts of the west of the breeding range (particularly south western Norway) may be resident and not migrate at all while those in the far east of the range migrate at least 4000 miles to reach their wintering grounds. Migrating and wintering birds often form loose flocks of 10 to 200 or more birds, often feeding together with Fieldfares, Blackbirds, Mistle Thrushes, Song Thrushes and Ring Ousels. Unlike the Song Thrush, the more nomadic Redwing does not tend to return regularly to the same wintering areas. Date: 3rd June 2015 Location: Lake Mývatn, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51335108.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19581909696676e5fc9a1b8.jpgLarge Skipper Flight period: June to July. The Large Skipper is a small golden butterfly which is widespread throughout England and Wales and it is also extending its range northwards in to southern Scotland. They can be found in areas of tall, uncut grassland, woodland rides, roadside verges and hedgerows. Date: 21st June 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49002571.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_649885206468f29282818.jpgDartford Warbler The Dartford Warbler is a small warbler distinguished by its long tail compared with that of other warblers. Its plumage comprises unobtrusive and muted tones which blend in with its preferred habitats. Like many warblers, the Dartford Warbler has distinct male and female plumages. The male has a grey back and head, reddish underparts and a red eye. The female is paler below, especially on the throat, and a browner grey above. The song of the Dartford Warbler is a distinctive rattling warble. The largest populations of Dartford Warbler are found in Iberia with smaller populations in France, Italy and the south of the UK. In Africa, they are found in small areas in northern Morocco and northern Algeria. The Dartford Warbler breeds on heathlands amongst gorse, heather and other scrub bushes, sometimes near coasts. Dartford Warblers are named after Dartford Heath in north west Kent in the UK where the population became extinct in the early 20th century. They almost died out in the UK in the severe winter of 1962/63 when the national population dropped to just 10 pairs. However, this species can recover well in good quality habitat, thanks to repeated nesting and a high survival rate for the young. In the UK, Dartford Warblers can now be found at various heathland locations in south and east England. Date: 17th April 2023 Location: Dunwich Heath, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533485.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_106976038962ca8a705b431.jpgBlack-tailed Godwit The Black-tailed Godwit is a large, long-legged, long-billed shorebird with an orange head, neck and chest in its breeding plumage and a uniform brown-grey breast and upperparts in winter. During the breeding season, the bill has a yellowish or orange-pink base and dark tip but the base is pink in winter. The legs are dark grey, brown or black. The sexes are similar but in breeding plumage they can be separated by the male's brighter, more extensive orange breast, neck and head. In flight, the bold black and white wingbar and white rump can be seen readily. When on the ground the Black-tailed Godwit can be difficult to separate from the similar Bar-tailed Godwit but the Black-tailed Godwit's longer, straighter bill and longer legs are diagnostic. The Black-tailed Godwit’s breeding range stretches from Iceland through northern Europe and areas of central Asia where it can be found in fens, lake edges, damp meadows, moorlands and bogs. It winters in areas as diverse as the Indian Subcontinent, Australia, western Europe and west Africa where it can be found on estuaries and floods. It is also more likely to be found inland and on freshwater than the Bar-tailed Godwit. Date: 25th June 2022 Location: RSPB Minsmere, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533669.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_184424880462ca8fa6b1834.jpgBlack-tailed Skimmer Flight period: May to August. The Black-tailed Skimmer is a common dragonfly in south east England and it is expanding its range northwards. They can be found around lowland lakes, ponds, sand and gravel workings, slow flowing rivers and brackish water. Date: 26th June 2022 Location: RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28886345.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_126889133457cc3a7ef3cee.jpgWhite Stork The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 11th May 2016 Location: Lautna, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41505232.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12799913515f37b2f3a9cb1.jpgVaranger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway The Varanger peninsula is situated in Troms og Finnmark in the extreme north east of Norway. With an area of 800 square miles, it is the largest area within the Arctic climate zone in mainland Norway and is bordered by Tanafjord to the west, Varangerfjord to the south and the Barents Sea to the north and east. The area has a rugged mountain terrain with altitudes up to 2077 feet and it has an Arctic tundra climate. The coast of the Varanger peninsula is an important area for breeding, migrating and wintering birds, especially some notable Arctic species. The Norwegian Directorate for Nature Management has a project on the Varanger peninsula to reintroduce and protect the Arctic Fox which is critically endangered on the Norwegian mainland. The Varangerhalvøya National Park (Norwegian: [I]Varangerhalvøya Nasjonalpark[/I]) lies to the west of road Fv341 and protects a majority of the land on the Varanger peninsula. Date: 3rd July 2019 Location: Komagdalen, Varangerhalvøya National Park, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40399567.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8886456995dc6ad59696c8.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 18th October 2019 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29486873.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_109999918858107c149893b.jpgGoldeneye The Goldeneye is a medium-sized diving duck, named for its golden-yellow eye. Adult males have a dark head with a greenish gloss and a circular white patch below the eye, a dark back and a white neck and belly. Adult females have a brown head and a mostly grey body. The Goldeneye breeds on the lakes and in the rivers of boreal forests in Scandinavia, Canada, north USA and north Russia. Naturally it will nest in cavities in large trees but it will also readily use nestboxes put up on trees close to water. This has enabled a healthy breeding population to establish in the Scottish Highlands from 1970 where it is increasing and slowly spreading. The Goldeneye is migratory and most winter in protected coastal waters or open inland waters at more temperate latitudes. The Goldeneye forages by diving underwater for crustaceans, aquatic insects and molluscs. Insects are the predominant prey while nesting and crustaceans are the predominant prey during migration and winter. Date: 23rd May 2016 Location: Wild Brown Bear Centre, near Vartius, Kainuu, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42222318.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19103647876023a2f3d0d48.jpgNorthern Hawk Owl The Northern Hawk Owl is a medium sized owl, 14 to 16 inches long and with a wing span of 8.5 to 10 inches. Females are slightly larger than males. The term "hawk" refers to its falcon-like wing shape and long tail. The facial disc is whitish and broadly rimmed blackish at the sides. The eyebrows are white and the eyes are pale yellow. The upperparts are dark grey to dusky greyish-brown with the crown densely spotted whitish and the nape has indistinct false eyes. The mantle and back are dusky grey with some whitish dots and the scapulars are mainly white forming rather broad white bands across the shoulder. The flight feathers are dark grey-brown with rows of white spots. The tail is long and graduated and dark greyish-brown with several narrow whitish bars. The underparts are whitish and barred with greyish-brown. The legs and toes are feathered. The Northern Hawk Owl is found in the boreal coniferous forests of North America and Eurasia, usually on the edges of more open woodland, and hunts in semi-open country with scattered trees or groups of trees. It nests in large tree cavities or uses nests abandoned by other large birds and moves widely within its area of distribution, breeding where food is abundant. The Northern Hawk Owl is a partially diurnal owl which hunts voles and birds like thrushes. It waits on a treetop or other perch and takes advantage of its rapid flight to overtake prey. It has exceptional hearing and can plunge into snow to capture rodents below the surface. The typical male call is a rapid, melodious, purring trill of up to 14 seconds long which consists of about 11 to 15 notes per second. It begins softly, rises slightly in pitch and increases to a vibrating trill before breaking off abruptly. This is repeated at various intervals. Females utter a similar, higher-pitched, less clear song. Date: 9th July 2019 Location: Iivaara, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42229308.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_715973483603e640b1e214.jpgMoorhen The Moorhen is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird that is usually found near water. From a distance it looks black with a ragged white line along its body. However, closer up it is olive-brown on the back and the head and blue-grey underneath. It has a red bill with a yellow tip. The Moorhen can be found all year round almost anywhere where there is water. They breed in lowland areas particularly in central and eastern England but are scarce in northern Scotland and the uplands of Wales and northern England. UK breeding birds are residents and seldom travel far. Date: 13th February 2021 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45174873.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1853843477623301dbe410e.jpgPurple Sandpiper The Purple Sandpiper is a small wading shorebird. Adults have short yellow legs and a medium thin dark bill with a yellow base. The body is dark above with a slight purplish gloss and mainly white below. The breast is smeared with grey and the rump is black. The Purple Sandpiper breeds in the northern tundra and Arctic islands in Canada and coastal areas in Greenland and north west Europe and nests on the ground either elevated on rocks or in a lower damp location. The males makes several scrapes following which the female chooses one and lays 3 or 4 eggs. The male takes the major responsibility for incubation and tends the chicks. The Purple Sandpiper is migratory and moves to rocky ice-free Atlantic coasts in winter where it is fairly gregarious, forming small flocks and often associating with Turnstones. It is also relatively tame and approachable. In the UK, the Purple Sandpiper occurs in winter in good numbers, principally along the east and south coasts where it favours rocky shorelines adjacent to the sea. It is a very rare breeding bird and is found only in a localised area of the Cairngorms National Park where 1 to 3 pairs have bred since the 1970s. Date: 19th December 2021 Location: Lowestoft Ness, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38116635.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20531336305cc324e564135.jpgBlack-tailed Godwit The Black-tailed Godwit is a large, long-legged, long-billed shorebird with an orange head, neck and chest in its breeding plumage and a uniform brown-grey breast and upperparts in winter. During the breeding season, the bill has a yellowish or orange-pink base and dark tip but the base is pink in winter. The legs are dark grey, brown or black. The sexes are similar but in breeding plumage they can be separated by the male's brighter, more extensive orange breast, neck and head. In flight, the bold black and white wingbar and white rump can be seen readily. When on the ground the Black-tailed Godwit can be difficult to separate from the similar Bar-tailed Godwit but the Black-tailed Godwit's longer, straighter bill and longer legs are diagnostic. The Black-tailed Godwit’s breeding range stretches from Iceland through northern Europe and areas of central Asia where it can be found in fens, lake edges, damp meadows, moorlands and bogs. It winters in areas as diverse as the Indian Subcontinent, Australia, western Europe and west Africa where it can be found on estuaries and floods. It is also more likely to be found inland and on freshwater than the Bar-tailed Godwit. Date: 25th April 2019 Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/snow-bunting https://images.on-this.website/4752_19453910404dae9a3959a15.jpgSnow Bunting Snow Buntings are large buntings with striking “snowy” plumages. Males in summer have all white heads and underparts contrasting with a black mantle and wing tips. Females are a more mottled above. In autumn and winter birds develop a sandy/buff wash to their plumage and males have more mottled upperparts. Snow Buntings breed in far northern Europe and migrate south in winter. They are a very scarce breeding species in the UK and can be found on the highest mountain peaks in Scotland where they nest in rocky crevices. Snow Buntings are best looked for in winter (from late September to early March) where they can sometimes be seen in large flocks on the seashore or on adjacent short rough grassland at coastal sites in Scotland and eastern England. Date: 24th December 2007 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41389707.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15389045715f26961642129.jpgKittiwakes The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 1st July 2019 Location: Vardø, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082144.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6048166005d307a96818bb.jpgShabla wetlands, Dobrich Province, Bulgaria Shabla is a small town and seaside resort in north east Bulgaria. It is situated on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast 50 miles from Varna (the third largest city in Bulgaria) to the south. Shabla itself is not located by the sea but it is close to the oldest active lighthouse on the Balkan peninsula at Cape Shabla. Cape Shabla is the most eastern point of Bulgaria. Close to Shabla is an extensive white sand beach which was a popular destination for Eastern Bloc tourism until the fall of Communism. It is probably the only untouched area along the Bulgarian Black Sea coast and it has not experienced the construction boom and development of resorts that is seen further south. About 2 miles from Shabla, there is a complex of 3 coastal brackish lagoons (Shabla, Ezerets and Tuzla) separated from the Black Sea by sand dunes. Shabla and Ezerets are connected by an artificial canal. The lagoons comprise open water, large reedbeds and salt marsh and they are surrounded by seasonally flooded pastures, sand dunes and agricultural land. The mix of habitats supports a wide range of breeding, migratory and wintering birds The Shabla lagoon complex is an important wetland on the Via Pontica bird migration flyway and it is included within the Natura 2000 network of nature protection areas in Europe and also designated as an Important Bird Area (IBA) and Ramsar site. Date: 19th March 2018 Location: Shabla wetlands, Dobrich Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42626844.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_192131223460a92e56c2ac7.jpgAdder Adders are widespread throughout mainland UK but they are absent from Ireland. They occur throughout Europe, with the exception of the Mediterranean islands, and across Russia and Asia through to northern China. They are the UK's only venomous reptile. Adders are relatively short and robust snakes with large heads and a rounded snout. Males are usually a grey or buff colour with vivid black markings although they can also vary from silver to yellow or green in colour. Females are brown with dark red-brown markings that are less prominent than in the males. Both sexes have a zigzag pattern running along the back with a / or X-shaped marking at the rear of the head. Adders can be found in a variety of habitats, including open woodland, hedgerows, moorland, sand dunes, riverbanks, bogs, heathland and mountains. They are active during the day and spend time basking until their body temperature is high enough to hunt for food. Adders use venom to immobilise prey such as lizards, amphibians, nestlings and small mammals. After striking their prey, they will leave the venom to take effect before following the victim’s scent to find the body. Mating takes place between April and May with males often fighting for females. Females have a 3 to 4 month gestation period and Adders are one of the few snakes that are viviparous (give birth to live young). In late August females give birth to between 5 and 20 live young and the young remain close to their mother for a few days before going off in search of food. Adders hibernate from September to March often using deserted rabbit or rodent burrows or settling under logs. They sometimes hibernate communally. Males emerge 2 to 5 weeks before the females and shed their skin before setting off in search of females. Adders are not aggressive snakes and they will only attack if harassed or threatened. Although an Adder’s venom poses little danger to a healthy adult, the bite is very painful and requires urgent medical attention. Date: 17th April 2021 Location: Benfleet and Hadleigh Downs, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo47764628.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1427329074635e59508bb25.jpgGreen Sandpiper The Green Sandpiper is a small and slightly plump wader with a dark greenish-brown back and wings, greyish head and breast and otherwise white underparts. The back is spotted white to varying extents, being most noticeable in the breeding adult and less so in winter and young birds. The legs and short bill are both dark green. It is conspicuous and characteristically patterned in flight with the wings dark above and below and a brilliant white rump. In flight it has a characteristic 3 note whistle. The Green Sandpiper breeds across sub-arctic Europe and east across the Palearctic. It is a migratory bird, wintering in southern Europe, the Indian subcontinent, south east Asia and tropical Africa. The Green Sandpiper is very much a bird of freshwater habitats and it is often found in sites too restricted for other waders. It is not a gregarious species although sometimes small numbers congregate in suitable feeding areas. The Green Sandpiper feeds on small invertebrate items picked off the mud as it works steadily around the edges of its chosen lagoon, pond or ditch. The Green Sandpiper is widely distributed and not uncommon. It is not considered a threatened species by the IUCN on a global scale but it is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 27th October 2022 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41624156.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4456407835f4d286ba9c1a.jpgArctic Circle near Kemijärvi, Lappi, Finland The Arctic Circle is one of the five major circles of latitude that mark maps of the Earth. In 2012, it is the parallel of latitude that runs 66° 33′ 44″ north of the Equator. The region north of this circle is known as the Arctic and the zone just to the south is called the Northern Temperate Zone. The equivalent polar circle in the Southern Hemisphere is called the Antarctic Circle. The Arctic Circle is the southernmost latitude in the Northern Hemisphere at which the sun can remain continuously above or below the horizon for 24 hours (at the June solstice and December solstice respectively). North of the Arctic Circle, the sun is above the horizon for 24 continuous hours at least once per year (and therefore visible at midnight) and below the horizon for 24 continuous hours at least once per year. The position of the Arctic Circle is not fixed. It directly depends on the Earth's axial tilt, which fluctuates within a margin of 2° over a 40,000-year period, notably due to tidal forces resulting from the orbit of the Moon. Relatively few people live north of the Arctic Circle due to the severe climate. Areas have been settled for thousands of years by indigenous peoples. Tens of thousands of years ago, waves of people migrated from eastern Siberia across the Bering Strait into North America and gradually eastward to settle. Much later, in the historic period, there has been migration into some Arctic areas by Europeans and other immigrants. Date: 6th July 2019 Location: road E63 26 miles south east of Kemijärvi, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45948288.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9903303666284a922013a5.jpgLapwing The Northern Lapwing, also known as the peewit, pewit, tuit or tew-it (imitative of its cry), Green Plover (emphasising the colour of the plumage) or (in the UK) just Lapwing (which refers to its peculiar, erratic way of flying), is a bird in the lapwing family. The Lapwing has rounded wings and a crest. It is also the shortest-legged of the lapwing species. It is mainly black and white but the back is tinted green. The male has a long crest and a black crown, throat and breast contrasting with an otherwise white face. Females and young birds have shorter crests and have less strongly marked heads but plumages are otherwise quite similar. The Lapwing is a vocal bird in the breeding season with constant calling as the crazed tumbling display flight is performed by the male. The typical contact call is a loud, shrill "pee-wit" from which they get their other name of peewit. The Lapwing is common through temperate Eurasia and breeds on cultivated land and other short vegetation habitats. The ground scrape nest and young are defended noisily and aggressively against all intruders. It is highly migratory over most of its extensive range, wintering further south as far as north Africa, north India, Pakistan and parts of China. It migrates mainly by day, often in large flocks. Lowland breeders in the westernmost areas of Europe are resident. In winter, it forms huge flocks on open land, particularly arable land and mud-flats. In the UK, the Lapwing has suffered a significant decline in the last 25 years and is an Amber List species because of the importance of its UK wintering population. It breeds on farmland throughout the UK, particularly in lowland areas of north England, the Borders and east Scotland, and prefers fields of spring sown cereals and root crops, permanent unimproved pasture, meadows and fallow fields but also wet grassland and marshes. During the winter, the Lapwing can be seen on flooded grassland, estuaries, coastal wetlands, short grassy fields and ploughed fields. In addition to the UK population, large numbers of north European birds arrive in the autumn for the winter. The Lapwing feeds primarily on insects and other small invertebrates. It often feeds in mixed flocks with Golden Plovers and Black-headed Gulls, the latter often robbing the plovers, but providing a degree of protection against predators. Date: 14th April 2022 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26025147.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_81644695556373d9edb5d0.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 3rd June 2015 Location: Tjörnes peninsula, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801041.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_96378773364ed9bf7413e5.jpgHornet Mimic Hoverfly At almost 2 cm long, the Hornet Mimic Hoverfly is the largest hoverfly species in the UK. As its name suggests, it is an excellent mimic of the Hornet, but is harmless to humans. The Hornet Mimic Hoverfly is mainly orange-yellow on the abdomen with dark bands and a dark brown thorax. It can be distinguished from the Hornet by its much larger eyes, broader body and the lack of a sting. Only a very rare visitor to the UK up to the 1940s, the Hornet Mimic Hoverfly has become more common in southern England in recent years and is still spreading northwards, perhaps as a result of climate change. It is particularly prevalent in urban areas. Date: 7th July 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30024915.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_576066701587a0a0a95ab8.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 5th January 2017 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26024696.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_611028530563739bb07db1.jpgFulmar The (Northern) Fulmar is a highly abundant seabird found primarily in subarctic regions of the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans. Though similar in appearance to gulls, the 2 species of fulmars (Northern and Southern) are in fact members of a different seabird family which include petrels and shearwaters. The Fulmar’s latin name, <i>Fulmarus glacialis</i> can be broken down to the Old Norse word <i>full</i> meaning "foul" and <i>mar</i> meaning "gull". "Foul-gull" is in reference to its stomach oil and also its superficial similarity to gulls. Finally, <i>glacialis</i> is Latin for "glacial" reflecting its extreme northern range. The Fulmar is generally grey and white with a pale yellow and thick bill and bluish legs. However there is both a light morph and a dark morph. Like other petrels, their walking ability is limited but they are strong fliers with a stiff wing action quite unlike the gulls. The Fulmar also looks bull-necked compared to gulls and it has a short stubby bill. The Fulmar is estimated to have between 15 to 30 million mature individuals that occupy a range of around 11 million square miles. Its range increased greatly last century due to the availability of fish offal from commercial fleets but may contract because of less food from this source and climate change. The population increase has been especially notable in the UK. The Fulmar starts breeding at between 6 and 12 years old. It is monogamous, forms long term pair bonds, returns to the same nest site year after year and nests in large colonies. The nest is a scrape on a grassy cliff ledge or a saucer of vegetation on the ground lined with softer material and recently they have started nesting on rooftops and buildings. The Fulmar feeds on shrimp, fish, squid, plankton, jellyfish and carrion as well as refuse. When eating fish, it will dive up to several feet deep to retrieve its prey. Date: 3rd June 2015 Location: Húsavík, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833805.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_834283752559cf11f3853e.jpgFire Salamander The Fire Salamander is possibly the best-known salamander species in Europe. It is black with yellow spots or stripes to a varying degree although some individuals can be nearly completely black while on others the yellow is dominant. Shades of red and orange may sometimes appear either replacing or mixing with the yellow according to the subspecies. Males and females look very similar except during the breeding season when the most conspicuous difference is a swollen gland around the male's vent. This gland produces the spermatophore which carries a sperm packet at its tip. The Fire Salamander can grow to be 5.9 to 9.8 inches long. The Fire Salamander can be found in most of southern and central Europe. They are most commonly found at altitudes between 1,300 feet and 3,300 feet. It is only found rarely below these levels but in the Balkans or in Spain it is commonly found in higher altitudes as well. The Fire Salamander prefers deciduous forests since it likes to hide in fallen leaves and around mossy tree trunks. It needs small brooks or ponds with clean water in its habitat for the development of the larvae. Whether on land or in water, the Fire Salamander is inconspicuous spending much of its time hidden beneath stones, wood or other objects. It is active in the evening and at night but on rainy days it is active during daytime as well. The diet of the Fire Salamander consists of various insects, spiders, earthworms and slugs but they also occasionally eat newts and young frogs. The Fire Salamander may actively defend itself once it is grasped by a predator. Besides various anti-predator postures, it is able to exude toxic skin secretions such as the neurotoxic alkaloid Samandarin. This alkaloid causes strong muscle convulsions and hypertension combined with hyperventilation in all vertebrates. The poison glands of the Fire Salamander are concentrated in certain areas of the body, especially around the head and the dorsal skin surface. The coloured portions of the animal's skin usually coincide with these glands. Date: 11th May 2015 Location: road from Serres to Mount Vrontou summit, East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/wexford-wildfowl-nature-reserve-co https://images.on-this.website/4752_20394856555e539276c9214.jpgWexford Wildfowl Nature Reserve, Co. Wexford, Ireland Wexford Wildfowl Reserve is located on flat farmland on the North Slob which was walled off from Wexford Harbour and reclaimed from the sea in the 1840s partly as a famine relief project. Wet grassland and tillage, along with a brackish water drainage channel and reedbeds, form the main habitats which collectively make for an internationally important wetland and one of Ireland’s finest bird sites. Much of the area lies below sea level. Wexford Wildfowl Reserve is jointly owned and managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service and BirdWatch Ireland. First established in 1969 the reserve covers about 200 hectares, around 25% of the North Slob. Today, Wexford Wildfowl Reserve is part of the larger Wexford Slobs and Harbour Special Protected Area (SPA), a designated Ramsar Site, part of a Special Protection Area (SPA), a proposed National Heritage Area (NHA) and a National Nature Reserve. It is included within the EU network of nature protected areas called Natura 2000, the aim of which is to secure the long-term survival of Europe’s most threatened and vulnerable species and habitats. Wexford Wildfowl Reserve is renowned for the wide diversity and density of its birdlife. Over 250 species of birds have been recorded, many of them winter migrants from Greenland and Arctic Canada or from Scandinavia and Arctic Russia. Greater (Greenland) White-fronted Geese are the most numerous and important goose species and it is for them that Wexford Wildfowl Reserve was established. They breed on the western lowlands of Greenland during the summer and winter in Ireland and Scotland from October to early April. The North Slob holds about 8500 or 45% of the current world population of Greater (Greenland) White-fronted Goose during these months. The Greater (Greenland) White-fronted Geese are joined by wintering Bewick’s and Whooper Swans as well as Pale-bellied Brent Geese and a variety of other ducks and waders. The birds and other wildlife on the Reserve can be watched from an observation tower and 3 other hides and there is a Visitor Centre providing an exhibition and other information. Date: 30th January 2020 Location: Wexford Wildfowl Nature Reserve, Co. Wexford, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42632712.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_174550199160aa644a3e4dd.jpgLittle Egret The Little Egret is a species of small heron. The genus name comes from the Provençal French Aigrette (egret), a diminutive of Aigron (heron). The adult Little Egret is 22 to 26 inches long with a 35 to 42 inches wingspan. Its plumage is normally entirely white although there are dark forms with largely bluish-grey plumage. In the breeding season, the adult has 2 long plumes on the nape that form a crest. These plumes are about 6 inches in length and are pointed and very narrow. There are similar feathers on the breast but the barbs are more widely spread. There are also several elongated scapular feathers that have long loose barbs around 8 inches long. During the winter the plumage is similar but the scapulars are shorter and more normal in appearance. The bill is long and slender and both it and the lores are black. There is an area of greenish-grey bare skin at the base of the lower mandible and around the eye which has a yellow iris. The legs are black and the feet yellow. Juveniles are similar to non-breeding adults but have greenish-black legs and duller yellow feet and may have a certain proportion of greyish or brownish feathers. The Little Egret is mostly silent but it does make various croaking and bubbling calls at its breeding colonies and it produces a harsh alarm call when disturbed. The breeding range of the western race of the Little Egret includes south Europe, the Middle East, much of Africa and south Asia. European populations are migratory and mostly travel to Africa although some remain in southern Europe. During the late 20th century, the range of the Little Egret expanded northwards in Europe and into the New World. The Little Egret's habitat varies widely and includes the shores of lakes, rivers, canals, ponds, lagoons, marshes and flooded land, the bird preferring open locations to dense cover. On the coast it inhabits mudflats, sandy beaches, mangrove areas, swamps and reefs. The Little Egret is a sociable bird and can be seen in small flocks. However, individual birds do not tolerate others coming too close to their chosen feeding site although this depends on the abundance of prey. The Little Egret uses a variety of methods to find its food. It stalks its prey in shallow water, often running with raised wings or shuffling its feet to disturb small fish, or it may stand still and wait to ambush prey. It also makes use of opportunities provided by Cormorants disturbing fish or humans attracting fish by throwing bread into water. On land, it walks or runs while chasing its prey, often feeding on creatures disturbed by grazing livestock. The diet is mainly fish but amphibians, small reptiles, mammals and birds are also eaten as well as crustaceans, molluscs, insects, spiders and worms. The Little Egret nests in colonies, often with other wading birds such as Cattle Egret, Black-crowned Night Heron, Squacco Heron and Glossy Ibis. The nests are usually platforms of sticks built in trees or shrubs or in reed beds or bamboo groves. Pairs defend a small breeding territory, usually extending around 10 to 13 feet from the nest. The 3 to 5 eggs are incubated by both adults for 21 to 25 days before hatching. The young birds are covered in white down feathers are cared for by both parents and fledge after 40 to 45 days. Globally, the Little Egret is not listed as a threatened species and has in fact expanded its range over the last few decades.[5] The IUCN states that their wide distribution and large total population means that they are a species that cause them "least concern". Historical research has shown that the Little Egret was once present, and probably common, in the UK but became extinct there through a combination of over-hunting in the late mediaeval period and climate change at the start of the Little Ice Age. Further declines occurred throughout Europe as the plumes of the Little Egret and other egrets were in demand for decorating hats. They had been used in the plume trade since at least the 17th century but in the 19th century it became a major craze and the number of egret skins passing through dealers reached into the millions. Hunting, which reduced the population of the species to dangerously low levels, stimulated the establishment of Britain's Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in 1889. By the 1950s, the Little Egret had become restricted to south Europe and conservation laws protecting the species were introduced. This allowed the population to rebound strongly and over the next few decades it became increasingly common in western France and later on the north coast. It bred in the Netherlands in 1979 with further breeding from the 1990s onward. Populations are now mostly stable or increasing in Europe. In the UK, the Little Egret was a rare vagrant from its 16th century extinction until the late 20th century. It has, however, recently become a regular breeding species and is commonly present, often in large numbers, at favoured coastal sites. The first recent breeding record in England was on Brownsea Island in Dorset in 1996 and it bred in Wales for the first time in 2002. The population increase has been rapid subsequently with over 750 pairs breeding in nearly 70 colonies in 2008 and a post-breeding total of 4,540 birds in September 2008. Severe winter weather proves only to be a temporary setback and the Little Egret continues to expand both its numbers and range in the UK. Date: 21st April 2021 Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4088364.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1175102504b194ba745dfd.jpgCommon Cranes The Common Crane is a large, stately bird and a medium-sized crane at 40 to 52 inches long with a 71 to 96 inches wingspan. At rest, Cranes are rather stork-like but with big bushy tails, black wing plumes and grey bodies and even from a great distance the white stripe through the black head is noticeable. In flight, the long neck, held outstretched and slightly drooping makes them quite different from the herons and the grey plumage eliminates both of the storks. They fly in flocks in “V” formation making trumpeting calls. Common Cranes breed in large areas of marsh and bog in northern parts of Europe and Asia and occur in winter and on passage in open, often agricultural, areas close to large wetlands used for roosting. The global population is in the region of 210,000 to 250,000 with the vast majority nesting in Russia and Scandinavia. In the UK the Common Crane became extinct in the 17th century but a tiny population now breeds again in the Norfolk Broads and is slowly increasing. Flocks of Cranes in late spring can be watched performing their “dancing” displays. This usually involves opening their wings and leaping vertically into the air with the legs dangling. Once one bird starts this, others will join in and the whole performance can even be initiated by a human pretending to be a dancing crane. Once the birds are paired off they are more likely to perform different displays involving stretching their necks vertically and trumpeting. Common Cranes from Fennoscandia, the Baltic states and western Russia take the west European migration route to their wintering grounds. Over 100,000 birds use this flyway and over 70,000 winter in Spain (mainly Extremadura) with smaller numbers in south west France, Portugal and north Africa. Laguna de Gallocanta in Aragon is a key staging post for Common Cranes both entering and leaving Spain and very large numbers use the lake and surrounding land to feed and rest for varying periods before continuing their journey. Up to 20,000 Common Cranes may be seen at Laguna de Gallocanta regularly and concentrations of up to 60,000 have been recorded, these being the largest gatherings anywhere in western Europe. Date: 11th November 2009 Location: Laguna de Gallocanta, Aragon, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/glen-coe-argyll https://images.on-this.website/4752_12941542625d0ddee316a60.jpgGlen Coe, Argyll Height: Bidean nam Bian 3773 feet, Beinn Fhada 3054 feet, Aonach Dubh 2972 feet and Sgorr nam Fiannaidh 3172 feet Glencoe is internationally famous for its amazing landscape and its natural and cultural heritage. It is a place of towering and spectacular mountains, an environment for diverse and rare wildlife and the site of a famous yet tragic event in Scotland’s history. Glencoe is a steep-sided valley climbing steadily south east from the village of Glencoe on the shores of Loch Leven. It eventually emerges from its mountain landscape on to the very wet and boggy Rannoch Moor over 10 miles away and at an altitude of over 1000 feet. The Glencoe mountains contain some of the oldest sedimentary and volcanic rocks in the world but the effects of glaciation and millions of years and many cycles of erosion have subsequently carved and worn them away into the formation seen today. Glencoe is bounded on its northern side by the famous Aonach Eagach or “notched ridge”, a pinnacled and very narrow ridge linking three peaks over 3000 feet which stretches for over three miles. On the southern side, there is a range of magnificent mountains comprising the “Three Sisters” of Beinn Fhada, Gearr Aonach and Aonach Dubh plus Bidean nam Bian whose summit sits behind the three protruding buttresses. Glencoe is best know for an event that took place here at 5am on the morning of 13 February 1692, the massacre of the MacDonald clan. Date: 13th June 2019 Location: view from the A82 road before the descent through Glen Coe http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082193.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15507175135d307b034e11f.jpgAvocets The (Pied) Avocet is a large black and white wader in the avocet and stilt family. It is one of 4 species of avocet that make up the genus Recurvirostra. The genus name is from the Latin recurvus meaning "curved backwards" and rostrum meaning "bill". The Avocet is a striking white wader with bold black markings. Adults have white plumage except for a black cap and black patches in the wings and on the back. They have long, upturned bills and long, bluish legs. Males and females look alike whilst juveniles resemble the adult but with more greyish and sepia tones. The Avocet breeds in temperate Europe and western and central Asia. The breeding habitat is shallow lakes with brackish water and exposed bare mud where they build a nest on open ground in a lined scrape or on a mound of vegetation. The Avocet is a migratory species and most winter in Africa or southern Asia. Some remain to winter in the mildest parts of their range such as in southern Spain and southern England. The Avocet feeds on crustaceans and insects in shallow brackish water or on mud flats, often scything their bills from side to side in water (a feeding technique that is unique to the avocet species). The Avocet was extinct as a breeding species in the UK by 1840 but its successful recolonisation at Minsmere in Suffolk in 1947 led to its adoption as the logo of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Date: 21st May 2018 Location: Pomorie, Gulf of Burgas, Burgas Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15454008.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7592284754ff54804626a1.jpgLa Rocina, Coto Doñana, Andalucia, Spain La Rocina is a visitor centre for the Parque Nacional de Doñana located close to El Rocío. It has information on the park and a nature trail through woodland and scrub and along the freshwater lake and marshland of Charco de la Boca which feeds into the Madres de la Marismas at El Rocío. Date: 1st May 2012 Location: La Rocina, Coto Doñana, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082317.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10208410735d307be148f23.jpgSquacco Heron The Squacco Heron is named after its piercing “squawk’ call” and is a small, chunky heron with a short, thick bill, warm buff-brown back and snowy white wings, breast, tail and belly. The long, almost hair-like feathers on the back cover the tail and there are tufts of long white and black feathers on the head that sometimes stick straight up in the air. The Squacco Heron’s highly recognisable call is often given at night, especially during the breeding season. The Squacco Heron inhabits wetlands such as lakes, river valleys, swamps and other permanent or temporary freshwater wetlands. However, due to habitat alteration or loss, rice paddy fields are becoming a principal habitat. It prefers sites with abundant nearby vegetation, such as tamarisk, elm and ash trees, where it likes to nest in small colonies often with other herons and egrets. The Squacco Heron occurs in Europe (although rare in the north), Africa and the Middle East as far east as Iran, breeding in the northern parts of its range and migrating to southern regions to spend the winter. Date: 22nd May 2018 Location: BSPB Poda Protected Area, Burgas Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457142.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1019821735668570dad879b.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847547.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_134852036659bd52a1aa3ba.jpgUličské Krivé, Prešov region, Slovakia Uličské Krivé is a small village in the Prešov region of north east Slovakia. It is located in the buffer zone of the Poloniny National Park (Národný park Poloniny). In historical records the village was first mentioned in 1478. The wooden Greek Catholic church in the village dates back to 1718 and is dedicated to the Archangel Michael. The Poloniny National Park (Národný park Poloniny) was created in October 1997 with a protected area of 115 square miles and a buffer zone of 42 square miles. The highest point of the national park lies at 3,963 feet at a point where the borders of Slovakia, Poland and Ukraine meet near the summit of Kremenec. The national park is the easternmost and the least populated area of Slovakia but there are many winter (cross-country skiing) and summer hiking trails. Besides the several mountain trails, there is also one connecting outstanding wooden churches from the 18th century at Topoľa, Uličské Krivé and Ruský Potok Date: 1st June 2017 Location: Uličské Krivé, Prešov region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847588.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_62591886059bd538809429.jpgMorské oko, Vihorlat Mountains, Košice region, Slovakia Morské oko (literally Sea Eye) is the largest lake in the Vihorlat Mountains (Vihorlatské vrchy) in eastern Slovakia and the third largest natural lake in Slovakia after the Štrbské pleso lake and the Veľké Hincovo pleso lake in the High Tatras. It is situated at 2027 feet high with a maximum length of 0.47 miles and a maximum width of 0.19 miles. It covers an area of 0.05 square miles and has a maximum depth of 82 feet. Morské oko has been designated as a wider National Nature Reserve covering 0.42 square miles since 1984 and it is part of the Vihorlat Protected Landscape Area within the Vihorlat Mountains. There is a walking trail around the lake but recreational activities such as fishing, swimming and boating are prohibited. Morské oko contains many species of fish, of which the most numerous is the European Chub. The Vihorlat Mountains (Vihorlatské vrchy) are a volcanic mountain range in eastern Slovakia and western Ukraine. They form part of the Inner Eastern Carpathian Mountains. The Slovakian section is 34 miles long and up to 9 miles wide. The highest peak is Vihorlat at 3530 feet and the largest lake is Morské oko. It is a mountainous and mostly forested area with a predominance of beech and forests in addition to hornbeam, ash, maple and some conifers. Arable land and unused pastures and meadows can be found in the non-forested and foothill areas. The middle part of the Vihorlat Mountains in the Humenné, Sobrance and Snina districts was designated as the Vihorlat Protected Landscape Area in December 1973 and they were also designated a Special Protection Area in April 2010. Kyjovský prales, a primeval beech forest in the Vihorlat Mountains, was designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in June 2007. Date: 2nd June 2017 Location: Morské oko, Vihorlat Mountains, Košice region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405449.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3069065926586e0b470129.jpgGreen Sandpiper The Green Sandpiper is a small and slightly plump wader with a dark greenish-brown back and wings, greyish head and breast and otherwise white underparts. The back is spotted white to varying extents, being most noticeable in the breeding adult and less so in winter and young birds. The legs and short bill are both dark green. It is conspicuous and characteristically patterned in flight with the wings dark above and below and a brilliant white rump. In flight it has a characteristic 3 note whistle. The Green Sandpiper breeds across sub-arctic Europe and east across the Palearctic. It is a migratory bird, wintering in southern Europe, the Indian subcontinent, south east Asia and tropical Africa. The Green Sandpiper is very much a bird of freshwater habitats and it is often found in sites too restricted for other waders. It is not a gregarious species although sometimes small numbers congregate in suitable feeding areas. The Green Sandpiper feeds on small invertebrate items picked off the mud as it works steadily around the edges of its chosen lagoon, pond or ditch. The Green Sandpiper is widely distributed and not uncommon. It is not considered a threatened species by the IUCN on a global scale but it is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 9th October 2023 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo20140116.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_65025498652c002ba8ad5c.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 9th December 2013 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5472458.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18492044444c306aaa79f40.jpgRuddy Darter Flight period: mid June to mid September. The Ruddy Darter takes its name from its colour and its swift flight behaviour. The male has a deep russet colour over the entire body and the abdomen has a pinched section close to where it joins the thorax. Females are slightly smaller, golden yellow in colour and being less obviously marked are more difficult to identify than the males. There is more than one red coloured darter species in the UK and they can be easily confused with each other. The commonest red species, the Common Darter, can be distinguished as having red veins at the base of the wings and a less ruddy colouration across the body. However, the Ruddy Darter has entirely black legs, distinguishing it from all other red darters which have longitudinal yellow stripes on their legs. The UK range of the Ruddy Darter has undergone something of an expansion in recent years. Although still relatively uncommon in the west and north of Britain, it is increasing in numbers in the Midlands and eastern England. The population is augmented by continental migrants. It is also found over most of Europe except for northern Scandinavia, as far east as western Siberia and south to north Africa. The Ruddy Darter prefers water bodies with tall emergent vegetation, such as reeds and club rush, and it is known to breed in ponds, lakes, canals, ditches and sluggish rivers. They can also be found near coasts and can breed in fairly brackish water. Date: 4th July 2010 Location: Thrift Wood EWT reserve, Bicknacre, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9579328.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1608466094db00c73e19b6.jpgOystercatcher The Oystercatcher is a wader in the oystercatcher family. It is an obvious and noisy bird with black and white plumage, red legs and a strong broad red bill which is used for smashing or prising open molluscs such as mussels or for finding earthworms. Despite its name, oysters do not form a large part of its diet. The Oystercatcher is unmistakable in flight with white patches on the wings and tail with otherwise black upperparts and white underparts. Young birds are more brown, have a white neck collar and a duller bill. The call is a distinctive loud piping. The bill shape varies: Oystercatchers with broad bill tips open molluscs by prising them apart or hammering through the shell whereas birds with pointed bills dig up worms. Much of this is due to the wear resulting from feeding on their prey. Individual Oystercatchers specialise in one technique or the other which they learn from their parents. The Oystercatcher is the most widespread of the oystercatchers with 3 races breeding in western Europe, central Eurasia, Kamchatka, China, and the western coast of Korea. It is a migratory species over most of its range. The European population breeds mainly in northern Europe but in winter the birds can be found in north Africa and southern parts of Europe. Although the species is present all year in Ireland, the UK and the adjacent European coasts, there is still migratory movement within these populations. In winter, large flocks can be seen on major estuaries in the UK. The Oystercatcher breeds on shingle and rocky beaches, sand dunes, salt marshes and on the grassy tops of small islands and also inland on shingle banks of rivers, lakes and gravel pits. Date: 7th June 2007 Location: Loch Spelve, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9578964.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13711364074db003d084af4.jpgOystercatcher The Oystercatcher is a wader in the oystercatcher family. It is an obvious and noisy bird with black and white plumage, red legs and a strong broad red bill which is used for smashing or prising open molluscs such as mussels or for finding earthworms. Despite its name, oysters do not form a large part of its diet. The Oystercatcher is unmistakable in flight with white patches on the wings and tail with otherwise black upperparts and white underparts. Young birds are more brown, have a white neck collar and a duller bill. The call is a distinctive loud piping. The bill shape varies: Oystercatchers with broad bill tips open molluscs by prising them apart or hammering through the shell whereas birds with pointed bills dig up worms. Much of this is due to the wear resulting from feeding on their prey. Individual Oystercatchers specialise in one technique or the other which they learn from their parents. The Oystercatcher is the most widespread of the oystercatchers with 3 races breeding in western Europe, central Eurasia, Kamchatka, China, and the western coast of Korea. It is a migratory species over most of its range. The European population breeds mainly in northern Europe but in winter the birds can be found in north Africa and southern parts of Europe. Although the species is present all year in Ireland, the UK and the adjacent European coasts, there is still migratory movement within these populations. In winter, large flocks can be seen on major estuaries in the UK. The Oystercatcher breeds on shingle and rocky beaches, sand dunes, salt marshes and on the grassy tops of small islands and also inland on shingle banks of rivers, lakes and gravel pits. Date: 3rd June 2008 Location: Bousta, West Mainland, Shetland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo20140114.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_27463615252c002aabe6eb.jpgWhooper Swans The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 9th December 2013 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457633.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9663123936685750692964.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/snfellsnes-peninsula-west-iceland https://images.on-this.website/4752_2046962480561cd1e19a527.jpgSnæfellsnes peninsula, west Iceland The 55 mile long Snæfellsnes peninsula is situated in west Iceland with Breiðafjörður and the Westfjords region to the north and Faxaflói and Reykjavík to the south. The Snæfellsnes peninsula has been named "Iceland in Miniature". In addition to its characteristic Snæfellsjökull volcano and glacier, there are white and black sandy beaches, fjords, sheer cliffs, spectacular mountains and volcanic craters, incredibly rich trout lakes and salmon rivers, lush valleys and unique harbours and fishing villages. The stunning landscape of the Snæfellsnes peninsula has captured the imagination of people all over the world ever since Jules Verne wrote the famous science fiction novel <i>"Journey to the Centre of the Earth"</i>. Date: 6th June 2015 Location: view from road 54 looking west towards Grundarfjörður http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19507316.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1797857953525289b0503da.jpgLos Alcornocales, Andalucia, Spain Los Alcornocales Natural Park (Parque Natural Los Alcornocales) is a natural park covering 167,767 hectares located in the the provinces of Cádiz and Málaga in Andalucia. "Los Alcornocales" means "the cork oak groves" and the Natural Park is named after its handsome and beautifully kept cork tree groves, the largest in the Iberian peninsula and one of the most important ones in the world. It is the best example of what the densely wooded, primeval Iberian forests may have been like. Nearly all of the uninhabited land in the Natural Park is covered by Mediterranean native forest. While some of the land has been cleared for cattle ranches, much of the human activity in the park is devoted to exploitation of the forest's resources: hunting wild game, collecting wild mushrooms and foraging for good specimens of tree heath. The tree heath is a small evergreen shrub which is the source of the reddish briar-root wood used in making tobacco pipes and its wood is also an excellent raw material for making charcoal. Above all, however, the Natural Park’s forests are exploited for the production of cork oak. Harvesting cork from a given tree can be undertaken every 10 to 12 years without damaging the tree and the cork has many commercial uses including wine-bottle stoppers, bulletin boards, coasters, insulation, sealing material for jar lids, flooring, gaskets for engines, fishing bobbers, handles for fishing rods and tennis rackets, etc. The Natural Park is easily accessible via road between Ubrique in the north east and Alcalá de los Gazules in the west, between Algar in the north and Jimena de la Frontera in the east and between Alcalá de los Gazules to Algeciras in the south. There are also many minor roads and forest tracks criss-crossing the park. Date: 10th September 2013 Location: view from Puerto de Galis between Jimena de la Frontera and Alcalá de los Gazules, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/black-redstart https://images.on-this.website/4752_13189750625a72f9a130a75.jpgBlack Redstart The Black Redstart is a small passerine bird. Like its relatives, it was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family but is now known to be an Old World flycatcher. The Black Redstart is similar in size and weight to the Common Redstart. The adult male is dark grey to black on the upperparts and with a black breast. The lower rump and tail are orange-red with 2 dark red-brown central tail feathers. The belly and undertail are either blackish-grey (western subspecies) or orange-red (eastern subspecies) and the wings are blackish-grey with pale fringes on the secondaries forming a whitish panel (western subspecies) or all blackish (eastern subspecies). The female is grey (western subspecies) to grey-brown (eastern subspecies) except for the orange-red lower rump and tail. First year males are similar to females but blacker. The Black Redstart is a widespread breeder in south and central Europe, north west Africa and Asia, ranging from the UK south to Morocco and east to central China. It is resident in the milder parts of its range but north eastern birds migrate to winter in southern and western Europe, north Africa and Asia. The Black Redstart originally inhabited stony ground in mountains, particularly cliffs, but since about 1900 it has expanded to include similar urban habitats including bombed areas during and after World War 2 and large industrial complexes that have the bare areas and cliff-like buildings it favours. It generally nests in crevices or holes in buildings. In the UK, the Black Redstart is most common as a passage and winter visitor with only 20 to 50 pairs breeding. On passage, it can be found on the east and south coasts whilst in winter it can be found on the coasts of Wales and western and southern England with a few also at inland sites. Migrants arrive in the UK in October or November and either move on or remain to winter returning eastward in March or April. The Black Redstart will catch passing insects in flight and migrants often hunt in coastal tide-wrack for flies or tiny crustaceans. Date: 22nd January 2018 Location: Sheringham, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42229307.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_340071030603e640a16305.jpgMoorhen The Moorhen is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird that is usually found near water. From a distance it looks black with a ragged white line along its body. However, closer up it is olive-brown on the back and the head and blue-grey underneath. It has a red bill with a yellow tip. The Moorhen can be found all year round almost anywhere where there is water. They breed in lowland areas particularly in central and eastern England but are scarce in northern Scotland and the uplands of Wales and northern England. UK breeding birds are residents and seldom travel far. Date: 13th February 2021 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40648546.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14544721475df9fd8d4ba36.jpgCommon Pochard The Common Pochard is a medium-sized and stocky diving duck. The adult male has a long dark bill with a grey band, a red head and neck, a black breast, red eyes and a grey back. The adult female has a brown head and body and a narrower grey bill band. The triangular head shape is distinctive. The Common Pochard is superficially similar to the closely related Redhead and Canvasback found in north America. The Common Pochard breeds in marshes and on lakes in much of temperate and north Europe and in to Asia. It is migratory and spends the winter in the south and west of Europe. In the UK, the Common Pochard breeds in east England and lowland Scotland plus in small numbers in Northern Ireland. Large numbers from Russia and Scandinavia winter in the UK on lakes, reservoirs and gravel pits, often mixing with other diving ducks such as the Tufted Duck. In a number of countries, the Common Pochard is decreasing mainly due to habitat loss and hunting. It is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. The Common Pochard feeds mainly by diving or dabbling for aquatic plants, molluscs, aquatic insects and small fish. Date: 30th November 2019 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21829434.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_121665113753cba54247492.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 11th June 2014 Location: Bempton Cliifs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42626843.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_130871671160a92e54b1ade.jpgAdder Adders are widespread throughout mainland UK but they are absent from Ireland. They occur throughout Europe, with the exception of the Mediterranean islands, and across Russia and Asia through to northern China. They are the UK's only venomous reptile. Adders are relatively short and robust snakes with large heads and a rounded snout. Males are usually a grey or buff colour with vivid black markings although they can also vary from silver to yellow or green in colour. Females are brown with dark red-brown markings that are less prominent than in the males. Both sexes have a zigzag pattern running along the back with a / or X-shaped marking at the rear of the head. Adders can be found in a variety of habitats, including open woodland, hedgerows, moorland, sand dunes, riverbanks, bogs, heathland and mountains. They are active during the day and spend time basking until their body temperature is high enough to hunt for food. Adders use venom to immobilise prey such as lizards, amphibians, nestlings and small mammals. After striking their prey, they will leave the venom to take effect before following the victim’s scent to find the body. Mating takes place between April and May with males often fighting for females. Females have a 3 to 4 month gestation period and Adders are one of the few snakes that are viviparous (give birth to live young). In late August females give birth to between 5 and 20 live young and the young remain close to their mother for a few days before going off in search of food. Adders hibernate from September to March often using deserted rabbit or rodent burrows or settling under logs. They sometimes hibernate communally. Males emerge 2 to 5 weeks before the females and shed their skin before setting off in search of females. Adders are not aggressive snakes and they will only attack if harassed or threatened. Although an Adder’s venom poses little danger to a healthy adult, the bite is very painful and requires urgent medical attention. Date: 17th April 2021 Location: Benfleet and Hadleigh Downs, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871648.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4227550544eff201eecad7.jpgKittiwake he Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill <i>"kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake"</i>. The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 27th May 2009 Location: Store Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29487085.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_209325598358107db4a2b4c.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 24th May 2016 Location: Vartius to Suomussalmi, Kainuu, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874812.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1432234917561cce5fe2c2e.jpgSnæfellsnes peninsula, west Iceland Snæfellsjökull at 4744 feet high is a 700,000 year-old stratovolcano with a glacier covering its summit situated on the most western part of the Snæfellsnes peninsula in west Iceland. The name of the mountain is actually Snæfell but it is normally called Snæfellsjökull to distinguish it from two other mountains with this name. Snæfellsjökull is regarded as one of the symbols of Iceland and it can be seen on clear days from Reykjavík, a distance of about 75 miles. Snæfellsjökull is also known as the setting of the novel <i>"Journey to the Centre of the Earth"</i> by the French author Jules Verne. The area surrounding Snæfellsjökull has been designated as a National Park by the Iceland Government. It is Iceland’s only National Park to extend to the seashore and it covers an area of 65 square miles. Date: 6th June 2015 Location: view from road 54 along south coast http://www.richardchewphotography.com/east-coast-nature-reserve-co https://images.on-this.website/4752_9423125415e5392651f03b.jpgEast Coast Nature Reserve, Co. Wicklow, Ireland The East Coast Nature Reserve is located near Newcastle in Co. Wicklow. It was opened in 2009 and is managed by BirdWatch Ireland. Covering an area of 92 hectares, the East Coast Nature Reserve forms part of the extensive Murrough Wetlands, an important coastal wetland complex which is designated as a Special Protection Area and Special Area of Conservation. Originally, the grasslands were intensively farmed with tree-lined watercourses and a conifer plantation growing within the fen. Now, following management through an EU LIFE project between 2003 and 2007, the East Coast Nature Reserve offers a variety of habitats including rare calcareous fen, wet grasslands and birch woodland, all of which can all be explored on foot through marked walking trails and 3 observation hides. The East Coast Nature Reserve is an important refuge for wetland plants and birds. The calcareous fen is the most important habitat for rare flora whilst the wet grasslands and birch woodland provide crucial nesting and feeding areas for birds. Date: 29th January 2020 Location: East Coast Nature Reserve, Co. Wicklow, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493269.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14127515545f326f45be9ab.jpgKittiwakes The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50570333.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_51331296965ccc62c0db66.jpgWaxwing The Waxwing is a plump bird which is slightly smaller than a Starling. It is buff or pinkish-brown in colour with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings, a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest. The bird’s name is derived from the red tips to some of the wing feathers which are said to look like they have been dipped in sealing wax. Waxwings breed in the dense forests of northern Europe but they occur in varying numbers in the UK from October to March. In some years they can occur in large numbers (known as irruptions) when the population in the breeding areas gets too big for the food available. The first UK arrivals each winter are usually seen on the east coast from Scotland to East Anglia but birds then move inland in search of food. They can be found in parks and gardens and even busy public places such as supermarket car parks, typically where there are berry-bearing trees and bushes such as rowan, hawthorn, cotoneaster and rose. Waxwings seem fearless of humans so it is relatively easy to get very close views of these stunning birds. Waxwings make an easily recognisable high-pitched trilling sound like a bell. Date: 9th January 2024 Location: Colchester, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51980670.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_118301317266d3342f67d96.jpgRuddy Darter Flight period: mid June to mid September. The Ruddy Darter takes its name from its colour and its swift flight behaviour. The male has a deep russet colour over the entire body and the abdomen has a pinched section close to where it joins the thorax. Females are slightly smaller, golden yellow in colour and being less obviously marked are more difficult to identify than the males. There is more than one red coloured darter species in the UK and they can be easily confused with each other. The commonest red species, the Common Darter, can be distinguished as having red veins at the base of the wings and a less ruddy colouration across the body. However, the Ruddy Darter has entirely black legs, distinguishing it from all other red darters which have longitudinal yellow stripes on their legs. The UK range of the Ruddy Darter has undergone something of an expansion in recent years. Although still relatively uncommon in the west and north of Britain, it is increasing in numbers in the Midlands and eastern England. The population is augmented by continental migrants. It is also found over most of Europe except for northern Scandinavia, as far east as western Siberia and south to north Africa. The Ruddy Darter prefers water bodies with tall emergent vegetation, such as reeds and club rush, and it is known to breed in ponds, lakes, canals, ditches and sluggish rivers. They can also be found near coasts and can breed in fairly brackish water. Date: 29th June 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081371.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_181264016763a71249eb363.jpgMute Swan The Mute Swan is a species of swan native to much of Eurasia. Despite its Eurasian origin, its closest relatives are the Black Swan of Australia and the Black-necked Swan of south America, not the other Northern Hemisphere swans such as the Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan. The name “mute” derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. The adult Mute Swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob at the top of the beak. All Mute Swans are white at maturity although the feathers (particularly on the head and neck) are often stained orange-brown by iron and tannins in the water. Young birds (cygnets) are not the bright white colour of mature adults and their bill is dull greyish-black for the first year. The plumage may range from pure white to grey to buff with grey/buff being the most common. Cygnets typically retain their grey/buff feathers until they are at least 1 year old. On average, the Mute Swan is the second largest waterfowl species after the Trumpeter Swan although the male Mute Swan can easily match or even exceed a male Trumpeter Swan in mass. The adult Mute Swan typically ranges from 55 to 63 inches in length (although it can range in extreme cases from 49 to 67 inches) with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. Males (cobs) are larger than females (pens) and have a larger knob on their bill. The Mute Swan is one of the heaviest flying birds. In several studies from the UK, males were found to average from about 23.4 to 26.2 pounds, with a weight range of 20 to 32 pounds, while the slightly smaller females were found to average about 18.7 to 21.3 pounds, with a weight range of 17 to 23 pounds. The Mute Swan is less vocal than the noisy Bewick's Swan and Whooper Swan although it does make a variety of grunting, hoarse whistling and snorting noises, especially in communicating with their cygnets and threatening competitors or intruders trying to enter their territory. The most familiar sound associated with the Mute Swan is the vibrant throbbing of the wings in flight which is unique to the species and this can be heard from a range of up to 1 mile. The Mute Swan is found naturally mainly in the temperate areas of Europe across west Asia and as far east as Primorsky Krai in the far east of Russia. It is partially migratory throughout the northern latitudes in Europe and Asia as far south as north Africa and the Mediterranean. It is also often kept in captivity outside its natural range as a decoration for parks and ponds and escapes have occurred. The descendants of such birds have become naturalised in east USA and the Great Lakes region across the USA and Canada border. The Mute Swan population in the UK has increased recently probably due to better protection of this species. Some birds are resident all year whilst others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into east England. Mute Swans nest on large mounds that they build with waterside vegetation in shallow water on islands in the middle or at the very edge of a lake. It is a monogamous species and often reuses the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Males and females share the care of the nest. The female lays from 4 to 10 eggs and broods for around 36 days. Cygnets are unable to fly before an age of 120 to 150 days and this limits the distribution of the species in the northern edge of its range since the cygnets must learn to fly before the water freezes. The Mute Swan is usually strongly territorial with just a single pair on smaller lakes although in a few locations where a large area of suitable feeding habitat is found they can be colonial. The largest colonies can hold over 100 pairs such as that at the colony at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset in the UK. Non-mated juveniles up to 3 to 4 years old commonly form larger flocks often at regular traditional sites and these can total several hundred birds. The Mute Swan can be very aggressive in defence of its nest and it is highly protective of its mate and offspring. Most defensive attacks from a Mute Swan begin with a loud hiss and, if this is not sufficient to drive off the predator, are followed by a physical attack. It attacks by smashing at its enemy with bony spurs in the wings accompanied by biting with its large bill. Smaller waterbirds such as ducks are normally grabbed with the bill and dragged or thrown clear. Large waterfowl, such as the Canada Goose, more likely out of competition than in response to potential predation, may be aggressively driven off. The wings of the Mute Swan are very powerful although not strong enough to break an adult man's leg as has been claimed anecdotally. The Mute Swan feeds on a wide range of vegetation, both submerged aquatic plants which they reach with their long necks and by grazing on land. The food commonly includes agricultural crop plants such as oilseed rape and wheat and feeding flocks in the winter may cause significant crop damage, often as much through trampling with their large webbed feet as through direct consumption. Date: 13th January 2022 Location: EWT Abberton Reservoir, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081370.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_33823451663a710da55109.jpgDark-bellied Brent Geese The Brent Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. Branta is a Latinised form of Old Norse brandgás, meaning "burnt (black) goose", and bernicla is the medieval Latin name for the barnacle. The Brent Goose and the similar Barnacle Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be the same creature as the crustacean, a myth that can be dated back to at least the 12th century. The Brent Goose, Branta bernicla is divided into 3 sub-species: Dark-bellied Brent Goose B. b. bernicla, Pale-bellied Brent Goose B. b. hrota (sometimes also known as Light-bellied Brent Goose) and Black Brant B. b. nigricans. Some DNA evidence suggests that these forms are genetically distinct and a split into 3 separate species has been proposed. However, other evidence upholds their maintenance as a single species. The Brent Goose is a small goose, 22 to 26 inches long with a wingspan of 42 to 48 inches. The under-tail is pure white and the tail black and very short (the shortest of any goose). The Dark-bellied Brent Goose is fairly uniformly dark grey-brown all over and the flanks and belly are not significantly paler than the back. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds on the Arctic coasts of central and west Siberia and winters in west Europe with over half the population in south England and the rest between north Germany and north west France. The Pale-bellied Brent Goose appears blackish-brown and light grey in colour and the flanks and belly are significantly paler than the back and present a marked contrast. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds in Franz Josef Land, Svalbard, Greenland and north east Canada and winters in Denmark, north east England, Ireland and the Atlantic coast of the USA from Maine to Georgia as well as in a small but significant area in north France. The Black Brant appears blackish-brown and white in colour. This sub-species is very contrastingly black and white with a uniformly dark sooty-brown back, similarly-coloured underparts (with the dark colour extending furthest back of the 3 sub-species) and a prominent white flank patch. It also has a larger white neck patch which forms an almost complete collar. It breeds in north west Canada, Alaska and east Siberia and winters mostly on the west coast of north America from south Alaska to California but also in east Asia, mainly Japan. It sometimes appears as a vagrant in Europe when it associates with the other Brent Goose species. The Brent Goose used to be a strictly coastal bird in winter, seldom leaving tidal estuaries where it feeds on eel-grass and seaweed. In recent decades, it has started using agricultural land a short distance inland, feeding extensively on grass and winter-sown cereals. This may be behaviour learned by following other species of geese. Food resource pressure may also be important in forcing this change since the world population increased over 10-fold by the mid-1980s, possibly reaching the carrying capacity of the estuaries. In the breeding season, the Brent Goose uses low-lying wet coastal tundra for both breeding and feeding. The nest is bowl-shaped, lined with grass and down and located in an elevated position often near a small pond. The Brent Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds applies. Date: 13th January 2022 Location: Brightlingsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46535916.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_157547059262caab2f4f517.jpgEssex Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Essex Skipper is a small butterfly with a darting flight. It has bright orange-brown wings which are held with the forewings angled above the hind wings. The males have a thin black scent brand line running through the centre of the forewing and parallel to the leading edge. The Small Skipper appears very similar but it lacks the black tips to the antenna and it has a longer scent brand which is angled to the edge of the forewing. Since the Essex Skipper and the Small Skipper closely resemble each other and are often found in the same company, the Essex Skipper has been overlooked both in terms of recording and ecological study and it was the last UK resident species to be described (in 1889). The Essex Skipper can be found in tall, dry grasslands in open sunny situations, especially roadside verges, woodland rides and acid grasslands as well as coastal marshes. The distribution of the Essex Skipper in the UK has more than doubled in the last few decades. It is a widespread species in southern and central England but not in the far south-west Date: 6th July 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/lauwersmeer-national-park-friesland-province https://images.on-this.website/4752_14738975265e20441c27c66.jpgLauwersmeer National Park, Friesland Province, Netherlands The River Lauwers forms part of the east-west border between the provinces of Friesland and Groningen in the Netherlands and it flows from south to north in to the Waddenzee. The Lauwersmeer is its estuary which is connected to the sea via a sluice at Lauwersoog. In May 1969, the Lauwerszee was enclosed by dikes and a dam which separated it from the Waddenzee and since then it has been called the Lauwersmeer. The Lauwersmeer gradually became a freshwater lake landscape and new flora and fauna appeared. To protect this new and young nature area, the Lauwersmeer became a national park in November 2003. The Lauwersmeer National Park, bordering the world heritage site of the Waddenzee, is one of the Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) of western Europe. It is home to over 100 species of birds that breed in its water, forests and grasslands plus huge flocks of wintering geese and ducks of various species. The Lauwersmeer National Park offers various hiking opportunities as well as stunning views and bird watching hides. The International Dark Sky Association named Lauwersmeer National Park an official Dark Sky Park in October 2016. This designation is particularly special since light pollution in the Netherlands is ranked high on the global scale. Only one other location can be found in the Netherlands: the Boschplaat on Terschelling received the Dark Sky Park designation in 2015. Date: 9th December 2019 Location: Lauwersmeer National Park, Friesland Province, Netherlands http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo440561.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1376046911467e8720d576d.jpgReindeer Reindeer are the northernmost species of deer being found throughout the tundra (frozen arctic plain with lichens, mosses and dwarfed vegetation) and taiga (marshy pine forest) zones of the Northern Hemisphere. They were re-introduced in to Scotland in 1952 by a Swedish Reindeer Herder, Mikel Utsi. Starting from a few reindeer, the Cairnrgorms herd has grown in numbers over the years and is currently held at between 130 and 150. Date: December 1994 Location: Cairngorms, Inverness-shire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo20140128.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_67099552952c0030427811.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 9th December 2013 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/bryggen-bergen https://images.on-this.website/4752_1442281084b8a26608d275.jpgBryggen, Bergen Bryggen (Norwegian for the Wharf), also known as Tyskebryggen (the German Wharf), is a series of Hanseatic commercial buildings lining the eastern side of the fjord coming into Bergen, Norway. Since 1979 Bryggen has been on the UNESCO list for World Cultural Heritage sites. The city of Bergen was founded in 1070. The area of the present Bryggen constitutes the oldest part of the city. Around 1360 a Kontor of the Hanseatic League was established there and as the town developed into an important trading centre, the wharfs were improved. The buildings of Bryggen were gradually taken over by the Hanseatic merchants. The warehouses were filled with goods, particularly fish from northern Norway and cereal from Europe. Throughout history, Bergen has experienced many fires since traditionally most houses were made from wood. This was also the case for Bryggen and as of today around a quarter dates back to the time after 1702 when the older wharfside warehouses and administrative buildings burned down. The rest predominantly consists of younger structures although there are some stone cellars that date back to the 15th century. Today, Bryggen houses tourist, souvenir and gift shops in addition to restaurants, pubs and museums. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/lesser-yellowlegs https://images.on-this.website/4752_20966461084db035379b050.jpgLesser Yellowlegs The Lesser Yellowlegs is a large sandpiper with brown-streaked upperparts, white underparts and streaked upper breast and sides. A white lower rump and dark-barred tail are visible in flight. The bill is straight and uniformly dark grey and the legs are long and yellow. The Lesser Yellowlegs breeds from western Alaska and Canada east to western Quebec. They spend winters on coasts from southern California and Virginia southward and along the Gulf coast. The preferred habitats include coastal mudflats and lagoons, inland lakes, ponds, rivers, sewage works and flooded grasslands. In the UK, the Lesser Yellowlegs is a very scarce visitor with typically 5 records per year. This photo is of a first winter bird that took up residence in the creeks and flooded fields around Thornham Harbour in north Norfolk in January 2007. Date: 26/01/07 Location: Thornham, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/la-madre-de-las-marismas https://images.on-this.website/4752_1977796844ff5479ec08b7.jpgLa Madre de las Marismas, El Rocío, Coto Doñana, Andalucia, Spain La Madre de las Marismas is the large, shallow lagoon and marshland area overlooked by the village of El Rocío on the north western edge of the Parque Nacional de Doñana. Water levels permitting, it can host huge numbers of birds including flamingos, herons and egrets, storks, other wading birds and ducks. Date: 1st May 2012 Location: view from El Rocío, Coto Doñana, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41255244.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19172009095f06f568a53c9.jpgPine Grosbeak The Pine Grosbeak is a large member of the finch family. Adults have a long forked black tail, black wings with white wing bars and a large bill. Adult males have a rose-red head, back and rump. Adult females are olive-yellow on the head and rump and grey on the back and underparts. Young birds have a less contrasting plumage overall, appearing shaggy when they moult their colored head plumage. The Pine Grosbeak is a permanent resident through most of its range and can be found in coniferous woods in subarctic Fennoscandia and Siberia and across Alaska, the western mountains of the United States and Canada. In the extreme north or when food sources are scarce, they may migrate further south. It is a very rare vagrant to temperate Europe. The Pine Grosbeak forages in trees and bushes. It mainly eats seeds, buds, berries and insects. Outside of the nesting season, it often feeds in flocks. Date: 28th June 2019 Location: Neljan Tuulen Tupa near Kaamanen, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15747147.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3770922435017a738618ca.jpgRuddy Darter Flight period: mid June to mid September. The Ruddy Darter takes its name from its colour and its swift flight behaviour. The male has a deep russet colour over the entire body and the abdomen has a pinched section close to where it joins the thorax. Females are slightly smaller, golden yellow in colour and being less obviously marked are more difficult to identify than the males. There is more than one red coloured darter species in the UK and they can be easily confused with each other. The commonest red species, the Common Darter, can be distinguished as having red veins at the base of the wings and a less ruddy colouration across the body. However, the Ruddy Darter has entirely black legs, distinguishing it from all other red darters which have longitudinal yellow stripes on their legs. The UK range of the Ruddy Darter has undergone something of an expansion in recent years. Although still relatively uncommon in the west and north of Britain, it is increasing in numbers in the Midlands and eastern England. The population is augmented by continental migrants. It is also found over most of Europe except for northern Scandinavia, as far east as western Siberia and south to north Africa. The Ruddy Darter prefers water bodies with tall emergent vegetation, such as reeds and club rush, and it is known to breed in ponds, lakes, canals, ditches and sluggish rivers. They can also be found near coasts and can breed in fairly brackish water. Date: 25th July 2012 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40952843.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13335582565e5393abaf7dc.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 1st February 2020 Location: Tramore, Co. Waterford, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo16548216.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4320859825083a39321c0c.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 7th October 2012 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29487514.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9053713581080a4be11a.jpgNuuksio National Park, Uusimaa, Finland Nuuksio National Park was established in 1994 and covers an area of 20 square miles of forests and lakes around Espoo, Kirkkonummi and Vihti. About 20 miles north west of Helsinki, it is the second closest National Park to the capital after Sipoonkorpi National Park. The [url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siberian_flying_squirrel]Siberian Flying Squirrel[/url] is the emblem of the Nuuksio National Park due to the density of its population. Date: 30th May 2016 Location: Haukkalampi, Nuuksio National Park, Uusimaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14160976.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10876578074f3e39778b279.jpgCommon Blue Flight period: June to September. The Common Blue is the UK’s most widespread and common blue butterfly although it has suffered some local declines due to habitat loss. They can be found in sunny, sheltered areas including downland, roadside verges, woodland clearings and rural gardens. This photo won second prize in the Essex Wildlife Trust photography competition for 2007. This photo also received a BBC Wildlife magazine photo masterclass award in the “Extreme close up” category for August 2007. Please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/news4693.html]here[/url] for further information. Date: 22nd July 2007 Location: Stow Maries Halt EWT reserve, Stow Maries, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405446.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10473925266586e0a83fc56.jpgLittle Grebe The Little Grebe, also known as the Dabchick, is the smallest member of the grebe family measuring 9 to 11.5 inches in length. The adult is unmistakable in summer, predominantly dark above with its rich, rufous colour neck, cheeks and flanks and bright yellow gape. The rufous is replaced by a dirty brownish grey in non-breeding and juvenile birds. Juveniles have a yellow bill with a small black tip and black and white streaks on the cheeks and sides of the neck. This yellow bill darkens as the juveniles age, eventually turning black as an adult. The Little Grebe can be noisy with a distinctive whinnying trill. The Little Grebe can be found across Europe, much of Asia down to New Guinea and in most of Africa. It breeds in small colonies in freshwater wetlands with muddy bottoms and edges and still or slow-moving water with plenty of emergent vegetation such as lakes, gravel pits, canals and rivers. Most birds move to more open or coastal waters in winter but it is only migratory in those parts of its range where the waters freeze. Like all grebes, the Little Grebe nests at the water's edge since its legs are set very far back and it can not walk well. Usually 4 to 7 eggs are laid. The young leave the nest and can swim soon after hatching but are often carried on the backs of the swimming adults. The Little Grebe is an excellent swimmer and diver and pursues its fish and aquatic invertebrate prey underwater. It uses the vegetation skillfully as a hiding place. Date: 9th October 2023 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31192254.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3934383115918237e817ba5.85849089.jpgBlack Grouse The Black Grouse is a large game bird in the grouse family. The male has all black plumage with distinctive red wattles over the eyes and striking white stripes along each wing in flight. It has a lyre-shaped tail which is fanned out and raised to show white under-tail feathers when displaying. The female is smaller and grey-brown in colour. The Black Grouse is a sedentary species and breeds across northern Eurasia in moorland and bog areas near to mostly boreal woodland. Although it is declining, it is not considered to be vulnerable globally due to the large population and slow rate of decline. Its decline is due to loss of habitat, disturbance, predation by foxes, crows, etc., and small populations gradually dying out. In the UK, the Black Grouse are found in upland areas of Wales, the Pennines and most of Scotland, especially on farmland and moorland with nearby forestry or scattered trees. Habitat loss and overgrazing have resulted in severe population declines which make the Black Grouse a Red List species. Positive habitat management and re-introduction programmes are helping it to increase in some areas. The Black Grouse has a very distinctive and well-recorded courtship. At dawn in the spring, the males strut around in a traditional area (lek) and display whilst making a highly distinctive and bubbling mating call. This photo was taken at a well known roadside lekking site. If visiting, please remain in your car to avoid disturbance to these vulnerable breeding birds. Date: 6th May 2017 Location: World's End, Denbighshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9578962.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5443310534db003c780950.jpgOystercatcher The Oystercatcher is a wader in the oystercatcher family. It is an obvious and noisy bird with black and white plumage, red legs and a strong broad red bill which is used for smashing or prising open molluscs such as mussels or for finding earthworms. Despite its name, oysters do not form a large part of its diet. The Oystercatcher is unmistakable in flight with white patches on the wings and tail with otherwise black upperparts and white underparts. Young birds are more brown, have a white neck collar and a duller bill. The call is a distinctive loud piping. The bill shape varies: Oystercatchers with broad bill tips open molluscs by prising them apart or hammering through the shell whereas birds with pointed bills dig up worms. Much of this is due to the wear resulting from feeding on their prey. Individual Oystercatchers specialise in one technique or the other which they learn from their parents. The Oystercatcher is the most widespread of the oystercatchers with 3 races breeding in western Europe, central Eurasia, Kamchatka, China, and the western coast of Korea. It is a migratory species over most of its range. The European population breeds mainly in northern Europe but in winter the birds can be found in north Africa and southern parts of Europe. Although the species is present all year in Ireland, the UK and the adjacent European coasts, there is still migratory movement within these populations. In winter, large flocks can be seen on major estuaries in the UK. The Oystercatcher breeds on shingle and rocky beaches, sand dunes, salt marshes and on the grassy tops of small islands and also inland on shingle banks of rivers, lakes and gravel pits. Date: 3rd June 2008 Location: Bousta, West Mainland, Shetland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40648538.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8640487755df9fd755721f.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 30th November 2019 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/nightingale https://images.on-this.website/4752_1319279337559cecc5a2f98.jpgNightingale The Nightingale is a small passerine bird best known for its powerful and beautiful song. Slightly larger than the Robin, it is plain brown above except for the reddish tail and buff to white below. The sexes are similar. The Nightingale is a migratory insectivorous bird breeding in forest and scrub in Europe and south west Asia and wintering in west Africa. The distribution is more southerly than the very closely related Thrush Nightingale. In the UK the bird is at the northern limit of its range which has contracted in recent years placing it on the Amber List for conservation. Despite local efforts to safeguard its favoured coppice and scrub habitat, numbers fell by 53% between 1995 and 2008. A survey conducted by the British Trust for Ornithology in 2012 and 2013 recorded some 3,300 territories with most of these clustered in a few counties in the south east of England, notably Kent, Essex, Suffolk and East and West Sussex. By contrast, the European breeding population is estimated at between 3.2 and 7 million pairs, giving it green conservation status (least concern). The song of the Nightingale has been described as one of the most beautiful sounds in nature, inspiring songs, fairy tales, opera, books and a great deal of poetry. The Nightingales is so named because it frequently sings at night as well as during the day. The name has been used for more than 1,000 years, being highly recognisable even in its Old English form nihtgale which means "night songstress". Early writers assumed the female sang when it is in fact the male. The song is loud with an impressive range of whistles, trills and gurgles. Its song is particularly noticeable at night because few other birds are singing. This is why its name includes "night" in several languages. Only unpaired males sing regularly at night and nocturnal song is likely to serve to attract a mate. Singing at dawn, during the hour before sunrise, is assumed to be important in defending the bird's territory. Nightingales sing even more loudly in urban or near-urban environments in order to overcome the background noise. Date: 12th May 2015 Location: Lake Kerkini, Central Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081376.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_69101218963a71346a26e5.jpgDate: 10th January 2022 Location: fenland landscape near RSPB Ouse Washes, Cambridgeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14185350.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10119787294f422f5739d02.jpgSmall White Flight period: April to September. The Small White is a highly successful species which is common and widespread in the UK. They can be found almost anywhere including in towns and gardens. Date: 12th August 2007 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23526643.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_57414198554ddc3e7a5f20.jpgGrey Partridge The Grey Partridge, also known as the English Partridge, is a game bird in the pheasant family. It is a rotund bird, 11 to 13 inches in length, brown-backed, with grey flanks and chest and an orange face. The belly is white, usually marked with a large chestnut-brown horseshoe mark in males and also in some females. When disturbed, it flies a short distance with whirring wings and occasional glides and often calling. The Grey Partridge is widespread and common throughout much of its range and breeds on farmland across most of Europe in to west Asia. The nest is usually located in the margin of a cereal field where the hens lay up to 20 eggs. The Grey Partridge has also been introduced widely into Canada, the USA, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. It is a non-migratory terrestrial species and groups of up to 15 to 20 birds known as coveys are most usually seen outside the breeding season. In the UK, the Grey Partridge is traditionally found in lowland arable areas but although once very common and widespread, it has undergone a serious population decline throughout most of its range due to a loss of breeding habitat through the intensification of agriculture and possibly due to the loss of food supplies. Numbers have fallen by as much as 85% in the last 25 years and the species is now designated as a Red List species. The Grey Partridge is a seed-eating species but the young in particular take insects as an essential protein supply. During the first 10 days of life, the young can only digest insects. Date: 26th January 2015 Location: Flitcham, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9547600.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11435030214dad75a31b92e.jpgAvocet The (Pied) Avocet is a large black and white wader in the avocet and stilt family. It is one of 4 species of avocet that make up the genus Recurvirostra. The genus name is from the Latin [i]recurvus[/i] meaning "curved backwards" and [i]rostrum[/i] meaning "bill". The Avocet is a striking white wader with bold black markings. Adults have white plumage except for a black cap and black patches in the wings and on the back. They have long, upturned bills and long, bluish legs. Males and females look alike whilst juveniles resemble the adult but with more greyish and sepia tones. The Avocet breeds in temperate Europe and western and central Asia. The breeding habitat is shallow lakes with brackish water and exposed bare mud where they build a nest on open ground in a lined scrape or on a mound of vegetation. The Avocet is a migratory species and most winter in Africa or southern Asia. Some remain to winter in the mildest parts of their range such as in southern Spain and southern England. The Avocet feeds on crustaceans and insects in shallow brackish water or on mud flats, often scything their bills from side to side in water (a feeding technique that is unique to the avocet species). The Avocet was extinct as a breeding species in the UK by 1840 but its successful recolonisation at Minsmere in Suffolk in 1947 led to its adoption as the logo of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Date: 18th April 2011 Location: Two Tree Island, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41424260.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19372909255f2aa91b112d1.jpgVaranger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway The Varanger peninsula is situated in Troms og Finnmark in the extreme north east of Norway. With an area of 800 square miles, it is the largest area within the Arctic climate zone in mainland Norway and is bordered by Tanafjord to the west, Varangerfjord to the south and the Barents Sea to the north and east. The area has a rugged mountain terrain with altitudes up to 2077 feet and it has an Arctic tundra climate. The coast of the Varanger peninsula is an important area for breeding, migrating and wintering birds, especially some notable Arctic species. The Norwegian Directorate for Nature Management has a project on the Varanger peninsula to reintroduce and protect the Arctic Fox which is critically endangered on the Norwegian mainland. The Varangerhalvøya National Park (Norwegian: [I]Varangerhalvøya Nasjonalpark[/I]) lies to the west of road Fv341 and protects a majority of the land on the Varanger peninsula. The eastern part of the Varanger peninsula can be accessed from Vardø, via Svartnes, to Hamningberg. Hamningberg is an abandoned fishing village situated on the Varanger peninsula and on the shores of the Barents Sea. It’s only road connection is via the narrow and winding road Fv341 which runs for about 25 miles north from Svartnes. This is a very scenic road which follows the shores of the Barents Sea. It is considered to be one of the wildest and most memorable drives in Norway and passes through a bare and barren but awe-inspiring Arctic landscape. The road is closed during the winter months from October to late May. Traditionally a fishing village, Hamningberg is one of very few places in Troms og Finnmark that was not burnt and destroyed under Operation Nordlicht in 1944 and 1945, the German “scorched earth” retreat from Finnmark. It was depopulated and abandoned in 1964 although some of the houses are still in use as summer cottages. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: view from road Fv341 between Svartnes and Hamningberg, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874811.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_907973962561cce52de116.jpgRed-throated Diver The Red-throated Diver is the smallest and lightest of the world's diver or loon species. Like all divers, it is long-bodied and short-necked and with its legs set far back on its body. The sexes are similar in appearance although males tend to be slightly larger and heavier than females. In breeding plumage, the adult has a dark grey head and neck with narrow black and white stripes on the back of the neck, a triangular red throat patch, white underparts and a dark grey-brown mantle. The non-breeding plumage is drabber with the chin, foreneck and much of the face white, the top of the head and back of the neck grey and considerable white speckling on the dark mantle. The bill is thin, straight and sharp and the bird often holds it at an uptilted angle. In flight, the Red-throated Diver has a distinctive profile. Its small feet do not project far past the end of its body, its head and neck droop below the horizontal (giving the flying bird a distinctly hunchbacked shape) and its thin wings are angled back. It has a quicker, deeper wing beat than other divers. The Red-throated Diver has a large global population and a significant global range but some populations are declining. Oil spills, habitat degradation, pollution and fishing nets are among the major threats and natural predators, such as various gull species and both red and Arctic foxes, will take eggs and young. The Red-throated Diver breeds primarily in the Arctic regions of northern Eurasia and north America and it winters in northern coastal waters, sometimes in groups of considerable size. Unlike other divers, it regularly uses very small freshwater lakes as breeding sites. In Europe, it breeds in Iceland, northern Scotland, Scandinavia and northern Russia and it winters along the coast as far south as parts of Spain. Date: 7th June 2015 Location: east of Ólafsvík, Snæfellsnes peninsula, west Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26040727.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5234072235638928085b92.jpgHarlequin Duck The Harlequin Duck is a small sea duck which takes its name from Harlequin, a colourfully dressed character in "Commedia dell'arte" (a form of Italian theatre with masked characters). The adult male Harlequin Duck has a colourful and complex plumage pattern. The head and neck are dark slate blue with a large white crescent marking in front of the eye, a small round dot behind the eye and a larger oval spot down the side of the neck. A black crown stripe runs over the top of the head with chestnut patches on either side. A black-bordered white collar separates the head from the breast. The body is largely a lighter slate blue with chestnut sides. A black-bordered white bar divides the breast vertically from the sides. The tail is black, long and pointed. The speculum is metallic blue. The inner secondary feathers are white and form white markings over the back when folded. The bill is blue-grey and the eye is reddish. The adult female Harlequin Duck is less colourful with brownish-grey plumage with three white patches on the head, a round spot behind the eye, a larger patch from the eye to the bill and a small spot above the eye. The Harlequin Duck has smooth, densely packed feathers that trap a lot of air within them. This is vital for insulating such a small body against the chilly waters that it inhabits and it also makes it exceptionally buoyant, making it bounce like a cork after dives. The Harlequin Duck breeds alongside cold fast moving streams in the northern regions of north America, Greenland, Iceland (the only European site) and western Russia. The nest is usually located in a well concealed location on the ground near a stream. They are usually found near pounding surf and white water. It is a short distance migrant and most winter near rocky shorelines on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. The Harlequin Duck is a very rare migrant to western Europe. The Harlequin Duck feeds by swimming under water or diving and also by dabbling. It feeds on molluscs, crustaceans and insects. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: near Ísafjörður, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21959356.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_210889438353da7d768fc3a.jpgGolden Plover The European Golden Plover, also known as the Eurasian Golden Plover or just the Golden Plover within Europe, is a largish plover. It is similar to 2 other Golden Plovers: the American Golden Plover and the Pacific Golden Plover which are both smaller, slimmer and relatively longer-legged than the European Golden Plover and have grey rather than white axillary feathers. The Golden Plover is a medium sized plover with a distinctive gold and black summer plumage. In winter the black is replaced by buff and white. It typically stands upright and runs in short bursts. The Golden Plover breeds on the ground in a dry open area on moorland, mountains and fells, tundra and marshland in northern Europe and western Asia as far west as Iceland and as far east as central Siberia. It is migratory and winters in western and southern Europe and in north Africa where it tends to gather in large flocks in open areas and on agricultural plains, ploughed land and short meadows. In the UK, the Golden Plover can be found from May to September on the upland moorlands in the southern uplands of Scotland, the Scottish Highlands, the Western and Northern Isles, the Peak District, north Yorkshire, Wales and Devon. Winter flocks start to appear at lower levels and around the coasts after the breeding season with the largest numbers seen between November and February when Golden Plovers often form large flocks with Lapwings. Date: 13th June 2014 Location: Grinton Moor, Yorkshire Dales National Park, North Yorkshire Date: 13th June 2014 Location: Grinton Moor, Yorkshire Dales National Park, North Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21829336.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_92391542953cb9dc12d314.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 11th June 2014 Location: Bempton Cliifs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41255242.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7273348985f06f56218a78.jpgPine Grosbeak The Pine Grosbeak is a large member of the finch family. Adults have a long forked black tail, black wings with white wing bars and a large bill. Adult males have a rose-red head, back and rump. Adult females are olive-yellow on the head and rump and grey on the back and underparts. Young birds have a less contrasting plumage overall, appearing shaggy when they moult their colored head plumage. The Pine Grosbeak is a permanent resident through most of its range and can be found in coniferous woods in subarctic Fennoscandia and Siberia and across Alaska, the western mountains of the United States and Canada. In the extreme north or when food sources are scarce, they may migrate further south. It is a very rare vagrant to temperate Europe. The Pine Grosbeak forages in trees and bushes. It mainly eats seeds, buds, berries and insects. Outside of the nesting season, it often feeds in flocks. Date: 28th June 2019 Location: Neljan Tuulen Tupa near Kaamanen, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871736.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11294551844eff216fe2800.jpgWhite-tailed Eagle The White-tailed Eagle is a very large bird with a 72 to 96 inch wingspan and is the fourth largest eagle in the world. It has broad "barn door" wings, a large head and a thick "meat-cleaver" beak. The adult is mainly brown except for the paler head and neck, blackish flight feathers, distinctive white tail, and yellow bill and legs. In juvenile birds the tail and bill are darker, with the tail becoming white with a dark terminal band in sub-adults. The White-tailed Eagle breeds in northern Europe and northern Asia. The largest population in Europe is found along the coast of Norway. They are mostly resident with only the northernmost birds such as the eastern Scandinavian and Siberian population migrating south in winter. Date: 1st June 2009 Location: Martinselkosen Eräkeskus, Pirttivaara, Kainuu, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874808.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1444470852561cce401a0ee.jpgRed-throated Diver The Red-throated Diver is the smallest and lightest of the world's diver or loon species. Like all divers, it is long-bodied and short-necked and with its legs set far back on its body. The sexes are similar in appearance although males tend to be slightly larger and heavier than females. In breeding plumage, the adult has a dark grey head and neck with narrow black and white stripes on the back of the neck, a triangular red throat patch, white underparts and a dark grey-brown mantle. The non-breeding plumage is drabber with the chin, foreneck and much of the face white, the top of the head and back of the neck grey and considerable white speckling on the dark mantle. The bill is thin, straight and sharp and the bird often holds it at an uptilted angle. In flight, the Red-throated Diver has a distinctive profile. Its small feet do not project far past the end of its body, its head and neck droop below the horizontal (giving the flying bird a distinctly hunchbacked shape) and its thin wings are angled back. It has a quicker, deeper wing beat than other divers. The Red-throated Diver has a large global population and a significant global range but some populations are declining. Oil spills, habitat degradation, pollution and fishing nets are among the major threats and natural predators, such as various gull species and both red and Arctic foxes, will take eggs and young. The Red-throated Diver breeds primarily in the Arctic regions of northern Eurasia and north America and it winters in northern coastal waters, sometimes in groups of considerable size. Unlike other divers, it regularly uses very small freshwater lakes as breeding sites. In Europe, it breeds in Iceland, northern Scotland, Scandinavia and northern Russia and it winters along the coast as far south as parts of Spain. Date: 7th June 2015 Location: east of Ólafsvík, Snæfellsnes peninsula, west Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51333224.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_738960176676e09e547ef.jpgAzure Damselfly Flight period: May to August The Azure Damselfly is one of the two commonest blue damselflies and is a common and widespread species of lowland UK. They can be found around most standing water, preferring small, sheltered sites including ditches and garden ponds. Date: 14th June 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847539.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_28782648159bd52866595c.jpgBukovské Mountains, Prešov region, Slovakia The Bukovské Mountains (Bukovské vrchy) are a mountain range in north east Slovakia and form part of the ranges belonging to the Eastern Carpathians. They are located in the Prešov region near the borders with Poland (Bieszczady Mountains) and Ukraine and adjacent to the Laborec Highlands in Slovakia. The highest mountain is Kremenec at 4005 feet. The Bukovské Mountains are characterised by 80% forest cover and contain the highest concentration of old growth forests in Slovakia. Beech forests dominate but there are also oak and hornbeam forests and maple and fir woods in combination with the beech forests. Meadows, known as poloniny in eastern Slovakian dialects, situated on the main ridges are common. Agricultural land is represented primarily by permanent grassy vegetation and in lesser extent by arable land. The Bukovské Mountains were designated a Special Protection Area in January 2008 and they are additionally protected by the Poloniny National Park. The Poloniny National Park (Národný park Poloniny) was created in October 1997 with a protected area of 115 square miles and a buffer zone of 42 square miles. The highest point of the national park lies at 3,963 feet at a point where the borders of Slovakia, Poland and Ukraine meet near the summit of Kremenec. The national park is the easternmost and the least populated area of Slovakia but there are many winter (cross-country skiing) and summer hiking trails. Besides the several mountain trails, there is also one connecting outstanding wooden churches from the 18th century at Topoľa, Uličské Krivé and Ruský Potok. The primeval beech forests of Havešová, Stužica and Rožok were designated within a UNESCO World Heritage Site in June 2007. Together with the Vihorlat Mountains further to the south in Slovakia and an additional 6 sites in Ukraine they form the Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians. Date: 1st June 2017 Location: Bukovské Mountains, Prešov region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457637.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_127084857766857516e4115.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo20140133.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_186180304552c0032115e1c.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 9th December 2013 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolkolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43082708.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_90953172360dd86b3c7f17.jpgBeautiful Demoiselle Flight period: May to August The Beautiful Demoiselle is often confused for a dragonfly but it is in fact a large damselfly. Males have dark coloured wings and metallic blue-green bodies whilst females have brown wings and metallic green-bronze bodies with pale brown wings. The Beautiful Demoiselle is similar to the Banded Demoiselle but the males of the latter species have distinctive dark patches in the middle of their wings. The Beautiful Demoiselle has fluttering butterfly-like wings. Males often rest on bankside vegetation awaiting passing females and they use their fluttering flight as a courtship display. The Beautiful Demoiselle is mainly seen along streams and rivers, particularly those with sand or gravel bottoms. It is locally abundant and mostly found west of a line between Liverpool and Folkestone and in southern Ireland. Date: 15th June 2021 Location: Old Lodge SWT reserve, High Weald, East Sussex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874795.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_107452299561ccde4b5f68.jpgSnæfellsnes peninsula, west Iceland The 55 mile long Snæfellsnes peninsula is situated in west Iceland with Breiðafjörður and the Westfjords region to the north and Faxaflói and Reykjavík to the south. The Snæfellsnes peninsula has been named "Iceland in Miniature". In addition to its characteristic Snæfellsjökull volcano and glacier, there are white and black sandy beaches, fjords, sheer cliffs, spectacular mountains and volcanic craters, incredibly rich trout lakes and salmon rivers, lush valleys and unique harbours and fishing villages. The stunning landscape of the Snæfellsnes peninsula has captured the imagination of people all over the world ever since Jules Verne wrote the famous science fiction novel <i>"Journey to the Centre of the Earth"</i>. Date: 7th June 2015 Location: view from road 54 east of Ólafsvík http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33751269.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13173179365a291a41c9cac.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 26th November 2017 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/common-gull https://images.on-this.website/4752_2802308644e313426eabd6.jpgCommon Gull The Common Gull is a medium-sized gull. The north American subspecies is commonly referred to as the Mew Gull although that name is also used by some authorities for the whole species. The Common Gull is noticeably smaller and more gentle looking than the Herring Gull. It is grey above and white below with greenish-yellow legs. It has black wingtips with large white "mirrors". Young birds have scaly black-brown upperparts and a neat wing pattern and grey legs and take 2 to 3 years to reach maturity. In winter, the head is streaked grey and the bill often has a poorly defined blackish band near the tip which is sometimes sufficiently obvious to cause confusion with the Ring-billed Gull. The call is a high-pitched "laughing" cry. The Common Gull breeds colonially near water or in marshes in north Europe, north west north America and north Asia. It is most numerous in Europe with over half (possibly as much as 80 to 90%) of the world population. In the UK, the Common Gull can be found in summer along the coasts and inland marshes and lakes of Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England. Elsewhere in England and Wales, it can be found in winter on farmland, on marshes and lakes and on the coast. Date: 10th June 2007 Location: Tarbet, Sutherland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308883.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_96141027163ee3818f0a18.jpgEgyptian Goose The Egyptian Goose is native to Africa south of the Sahara and the Nile Valley. It was considered sacred by the ancient Egyptians and appeared in much of their artwork. It has been raised for food and extensively bred in parts of Africa since it was domesticated by the ancient Egyptians. The Egyptian Goose is believed to be most closely related to the shelducks and their relatives. However, in flight it looks heavy and more like a goose than a duck, hence the English name. The sexes of the Egyptian Goose are identical in plumage but the males average slightly larger. There is a fair amount of variation in plumage with some birds greyer and others browner. It has distinctive dark brown eye patches and contrasting white wing patches in flight. The Egyptian Goose breeds widely in Africa except in deserts and dense forests and it is locally abundant. It is found mostly in the Nile Valley and south of the Sahara. While not breeding, it sometimes makes longer migrations northwards into the arid regions of the Sahel. The Egyptian Goose has also been introduced elsewhere: the UK, the Netherlands, France and Germany have self-sustaining populations which are mostly derived from escaped ornamental birds. The UK population dates back to the 18th century although it was only formally added to the British list in 1971. In the UK it can be seen on ornamental ponds as well as on gravel pits and lowland lakes and wetlands. The north Norfolk coast and Norfolk Broads hold the highest numbers. The Egyptian Goose will nest in a large variety of situations, especially in holes in mature trees in parkland. The female builds the nest from reeds, leaves and grass, and both parents take turns incubating eggs. Egyptian Geese usually pair for life and both the male and female care for the offspring until they are old enough to care for themselves. Date: 21st January 2022 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230781.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_150778170664917f72e73f5.jpgLarge Red Damselflies Flight period: April to August The Large Red Damselfly is one of the three most widespread dragonflies in the UK and one of the first to emerge in spring. They can be found in most wetland habitats from acidic moorland bog pools to brackish ditches but they avoid fast flowing waters. Date: 24th May 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo47900596.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1615249518637364c0ab81e.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 4th November 2022 Location: Bushy Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42524856.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10576712676098f5df49f5c.jpgCanada Goose The Canada Goose belongs to the Branta genus of geese which contains species with largely black plumage distinguishing it from the grey species of the genus Anser. The black head and neck with a white "chinstrap" distinguish the Canada Goose from all other goose species with the exception of the Cackling Goose from north America and the Barnacle Goose which has a black breast and grey rather than brownish body plumage. The 7 sub-species of the Canada Goose vary widely in size and plumage details but all are recognizable as Canada Geese. Of the "true geese" (i.e. the genera Anser, Branta or Chen), the Canada Goose is on average the largest living species. It ranges from 30 to 43 inches in length and with a 50 to 73 inches wingspan. The male usually weighs 5.7 to 14.3 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 8.6 pounds. The female looks virtually identical but is slightly lighter at 5.3 to 12.1 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 7.9 pounds. It is also generally 10% smaller in linear dimensions than the male. The Canada Goose is native to north America where it breeds in Canada and the north USA in a wide range of habitats. The Great Lakes region maintains a very large population. It occurs all year round in the southern part of its breeding range, including most of the eastern seaboard and the Pacific coast. Between California and South Carolina in the south USA and north Mexico, it is primarily present as a migrant from further north during the winter. Outside north America, the Canada Goose has reached north Europe naturally as has been proved by ringing recoveries. It has also been introduced in to Europe and had established populations in the UK in the middle of the 18th century, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany and Scandinavia. Most European populations are not migratory but those in more northerly parts of Sweden and Finland migrate to the North Sea and Baltic coasts. Semi-tame feral birds are common in parks and have become a pest in some areas. In the early 17th century, explorer Samuel de Champlain sent several pairs of Canada Geese to France as a present for King Louis XIII. Canada Geese were first introduced in to the UK in the late 17th century as an addition to King James II's waterfowl collection in St. James's Park. They were also introduced in to Germany and Scandinavia during the 20th century. During the second year of its life, the Canada Goose finds a mate. It is a monogamous species and most couples stay together all of their lives. If one dies, the other may find a new mate. The female lays from 2 to 9 eggs with an average of 5. Both parents protect the nest while the eggs incubate but the female spends more time at the nest than the male. The nest is usually located in an elevated area near water such as streams, lakes and ponds and the eggs are laid in a shallow depression lined with plant material and down. The incubation period, in which the female incubates the eggs while the male remains nearby, lasts for 24 to 28 days after laying. As soon as the goslings hatch, they are immediately capable of walking, swimming and finding their own food (a diet similar to the adults). Parents are often seen leading their goslings in a line, usually with one adult at the front and the other at the back. While protecting their goslings, parents often violently chase away anything from small birds to lone humans who approach, after warning them by giving off a hissing sound and then attacking with bites and slaps of the wings if the threat does not retreat. Although parents are hostile to unfamiliar geese, they may form groups (crèches) of a number of goslings and a few adults. The goslings enter the fledgling stage any time from 6 to 9 weeks of age. Once it reaches adulthood, due to its large size and often aggressive behaviour, the Canada Goose is rarely preyed on although prior injury may make it more vulnerable to natural predators. The lifespan in the wild of birds that survive to adulthood ranges from 10 to 24 years. The UK longevity record is held by a specimen tagged as a nestling which was observed alive at the age of 31. The Canada Goose is primarily a herbivore although it will sometimes eat small insects and fish. Their diet includes grasses, aquatic plants, beans and grains such as wheat, rice, and corn when they are available. In urban areas, it is also known to pick food out of rubbish bins and it will readily take a variety of food from humans in parks. Date: 27th March 2021 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49278582.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14704398366499b4d31d6fe.jpgHolly Blue Flight period: late April to end of August. The Holly Blue is easily identified in early spring as it emerges well before other blue butterflies. It tends to fly high around bushes and trees whereas other grassland blues usually stay near ground level. It is the commonest blue butterfly found in parks and gardens where it congregates around Holly (in spring) and Ivy (in late summer). The Holly Blue is widespread but undergoes large fluctuations in numbers from year to year. It has expanded northwards in recent years and has now colonised parts of north England and the extreme south of Scotland. Date: 13th June 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14093931.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2764266364f2eaf7ccb70f.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 29th January 2012 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15454022.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3056209924ff54866c5f00.jpgOcellated Lizard The Ocellated Lizard is a species of wall lizard and one of the largest members of its family. The adult is 1 to 2 feet long and may reach up to 3 feet. About two-thirds of its length is the tail. Newly hatched young are 1 to 2 inches long excluding the tail. The Ocellated Lizard a robust lizard with a serrated collar and the male has a characteristic broad head and thick, strong legs with long, curved claws. The dorsal background colour is usually green but sometimes grey or brownish, especially on the head and tail. This is overlaid with black stippling that may form a bold pattern of interconnected rosettes. The underside is yellowish or greenish. The male is brighter in colour than the female and has blue spots on its flanks. There are fewer or no blue spots in the female. Young are green, grey or brown with yellowish or white and often black-edged spots all over. The Ocellated Lizard can be found in southern Spain, Portugal and France and north west Italy from sea level up to 7000 feet. Its natural habitats are dry, bushy areas such as open woodland and scrub, old olive groves and vineyards sometimes in more open, rocky or sandy areas. It can occasionally be seen basking on roadsides, it can also climb well on rocks and in trees and it can dig holes and sometimes uses abandoned rabbit burrows. The Ocellated Lizard feeds mainly on large insects, especially beetles. It also robs birds’ nests and occasionally takes reptiles, frogs and small mammals as well as fruit and other plant matter. Breeding occurs in late spring or early summer. Males are territorial in spring and fight in the breeding season. The female lays up to 22 eggs in June and July about 3 months after mating, hiding them under stones and logs or in leaf litter or in loose damp soil. The eggs hatch in 8 to 14 weeks. Date: 1st May 2012 Location: El Acebuche, Coto Doñana, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623087.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10491083346117d75f0f7a9.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/nevis-range-highland https://images.on-this.website/4752_11837225274813be54d51d3.jpgNevis range, Highland 10 miles north of Fort William near Spean Bridge is the dramatic Commando Memorial, a bronze monument crafted by Scott Sutherland and placed here in 1952 to commemorate the commando units who trained in the area during World War 2. From the Commando Memorial there is a spectacular view of the “Nevis Range” of mountains. This range includes Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain at 4406 feet. "Not for you a mock manouevre No blanks fired, no punches pulled. Some reached Le Havre or St Nazaire, Some never left these hills." Date: 27th March 2008 Location: view from the Commando Memorial, Spean Bridge, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493267.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7757942675f326f3ebcd49.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23526666.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_114022566754ddc5b0339b4.jpgGreylag Goose The Greylag Goose is the ancestor of most domestic geese but is also the largest and bulkiest of the wild geese native to the UK and Europe. In many parts of the UK it has been re-established by releasing birds in suitable areas but the resulting flocks found around gravel pits, lakes and reservoirs all year round in southern Britain tend to be semi-tame. The native birds and wintering flocks found on lochs in northern Scotland and on some Scottish islands retain the special appeal of truly wild geese. Date: 9th February 2015 Location: Abberton Reservoir, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46534348.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_161708656362ca960bdb25f.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 27th June 2022 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46535123.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_203748140462caa29eeee7d.jpgGrass Snake The Grass Snake is the UK’s largest terrestrial reptile reaching up to 6 feet in length although such large specimens are rare. Females are considerably larger than males and typically reach a size of 2 feet 11 inches to 3 feet 7 inches when fully grown whilst males are approximately 8 inches shorter. The Grass Snake is typically olive-green, brown or greyish in colour with a variable row of black bars along the sides, occasionally with smaller round markings along the back in double rows. The underside of the Grass Snake is off-white or yellowish with dark triangular or rectangular markings. A characteristic black and yellow collar is present behind the head. The Grass Snake is one of only 3 snakes to occur in the UK and it is distributed throughout lowland areas of England and Wales. It is almost absent from Scotland and is not found in Ireland at all which has no native snakes. The Grass Snake is an aquatic species that is usually closely associated with water where it preys almost entirely on amphibians, especially the Common Toad and the Common Frog, although they may also occasionally eat mammals and fish. It is a strong swimmer and is found in habitats featuring ponds, lakes, streams, marshes and ditches which provide access to sunshine for basking and plenty of shelter. The Grass Snake may also be found in open woodland, rough grassland, wet heathlands, gardens, parks and hedgerows. The Grass Snake, as with most reptiles, is at the mercy of the thermal environment and it needs to overwinter in areas which are not subject to freezing. Therefore it will typically spend the winter underground where the temperature is relatively stable. Date: 3rd July 2022 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9566386.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2911063314daed76062022.jpgWaxwing The Waxwing is a plump bird which is slightly smaller than a starling. It is reddish-brown with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings, a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest. Waxwings breed in the dense forests of northern Europe but they occur in varying numbers in the UK from October to March. In some years they can occur in large numbers (known as irruptions) when the population in the breeding areas gets too big for the food available. The first UK arrivals each winter are usually seen on the east coast from Scotland to East Anglia but birds then move inland in search of food. They can be found in parks and gardens and even busy public places, typically where there are berry-bearing trees and bushes such as rowan, hawthorn, cotoneaster and rose. Waxwings make an easily recognisable high-pitched trilling sound like a bell. Date: 28th December 2008 Location: Folkestone, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo20950792.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1104810786535e0dbd6d68b.jpgBarn Owl With a heart shaped face, buff back and wings and pure white under-parts the Barn Owl is a distinctive and much-loved bird of the countryside. Barn Owls are widely distributed across the UK and can be seen all year round sometimes during the day but normally at dusk in open country and along field edges, riverbanks and roadside verges. Barn Owls have suffered population declines over the past 50 years as a result of habitat degradation following increasing intensive agricultural practices. However, that decline has stopped in many areas and their population may now be increasing. Date: 9th February 2014 Location: Wallasea Island RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41505226.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10359108625f37b2949b137.jpgArctic Skua The Arctic Skua is a seabird in the skua family. Identification is complicated by similarities to the Long-tailed Skua and the Pomarine Skua and the existence of three colour morphs. Light-morph adults have a brown back, mainly white underparts and dark primary wing feathers with a white flash. The head and neck are yellowish-white with a black cap and there is a pointed central tail projection. Dark-morph adults are dark brown and intermediate-phase birds are dark with somewhat paler underparts, head and neck. All morphs have the white wing flash. The Arctic Skua breeds on dry tundra, higher fells and islands in the north of Eurasia and north America with significant populations as far south as northern Scotland. In the UK, it breeds in Shetland and Orkney, the Outer Hebrides, Sutherland, Caithness and some islands in Argyll. The Arctic Skua is a migrant, wintering at sea in the tropics and southern oceans. The Arctic Skua feeds on rodents, small birds and insects but also robs gulls and terns of their catches. Like the larger skua species, it continues this piratical behaviour throughout the year and shows great agility as it harasses its victims. Date: 3rd July 2019 Location: Komagdalen, Varangerhalvøya National Park, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46534701.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_179495337162ca98aa37663.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 27th June 2022 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/common-sandpiper https://images.on-this.website/4752_14117765114db0217005b9f.jpgCommon Sandpiper The Common Sandpiper is a small wader. The adult is 7.1 to 7.9 inches long with a 13 to 14 inches wingspan. It has greyish-brown upperparts, white underparts, short dark-yellowish legs and feet and a bill with a pale base and dark tip. In winter plumage, it is duller and has more conspicuous barring on the wings although this is still only visible at close range. Juveniles are more heavily barred above and have buff edges to the wing feathers. The Common Sandpiper habitually bobs up and down and it has a distinctive flight with stiff, bowed wings. Its presence is often betrayed by its three-note call which it gives as it flies off. The Common Sandpiper is widespread and common and breeds across most of temperate and sub-tropical Europe and Asia where it nests on the ground near freshwater. It migrates to Africa, south Asia and Australia in winter. In the UK, the Common Sandpiper breeds along fast-flowing upland streams and rivers and at the edges of lochs and lakes in Scotland, Wales and the north of England. Summer visitors arrive in March and April and leave the breeding grounds in July and August with the young following in September. During the spring and autumn passage migration, it can be found elsewhere in the UK, near lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers, ditches, coastal shores and estuaries. The Common Sandpiper forages by sight on the ground or in shallow water, picking up small food items such as insects, crustaceans and other invertebrates. Date: 04/06/06 Location: Loch Garten, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52699100.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_156696921467b0c927e51e9.jpgSanderling The Sanderling is a small, plump, energetic wading bird. It has a short straight black bill and medium length black legs and is pale grey above and white underneath. Sanderlings breed in the high Arctic but can be seen in the UK during the winter months and as a passage migrant in spring and autumn. They can be found where there are long, sandy beaches around most of the coast other than in south west England and the rocky coasts of mainland Scotland. Date: 14th February 2025 Location: Shoeburyness, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo34006631.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1116313215a72f9ace8058.jpgBlack Redstart The Black Redstart is a small passerine bird. Like its relatives, it was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family but is now known to be an Old World flycatcher. The Black Redstart is similar in size and weight to the Common Redstart. The adult male is dark grey to black on the upperparts and with a black breast. The lower rump and tail are orange-red with 2 dark red-brown central tail feathers. The belly and undertail are either blackish-grey (western subspecies) or orange-red (eastern subspecies) and the wings are blackish-grey with pale fringes on the secondaries forming a whitish panel (western subspecies) or all blackish (eastern subspecies). The female is grey (western subspecies) to grey-brown (eastern subspecies) except for the orange-red lower rump and tail. First year males are similar to females but blacker. The Black Redstart is a widespread breeder in south and central Europe, north west Africa and Asia, ranging from the UK south to Morocco and east to central China. It is resident in the milder parts of its range but north eastern birds migrate to winter in southern and western Europe, north Africa and Asia. The Black Redstart originally inhabited stony ground in mountains, particularly cliffs, but since about 1900 it has expanded to include similar urban habitats including bombed areas during and after World War 2 and large industrial complexes that have the bare areas and cliff-like buildings it favours. It generally nests in crevices or holes in buildings. In the UK, the Black Redstart is most common as a passage and winter visitor with only 20 to 50 pairs breeding. On passage, it can be found on the east and south coasts whilst in winter it can be found on the coasts of Wales and western and southern England with a few also at inland sites. Migrants arrive in the UK in October or November and either move on or remain to winter returning eastward in March or April. The Black Redstart will catch passing insects in flight and migrants often hunt in coastal tide-wrack for flies or tiny crustaceans. Date: 22nd January 2018 Location: Sheringham, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/skagafjrur-north-iceland https://images.on-this.website/4752_120782989856378ea43c3e2.jpgSkagafjörður, north west Iceland Skagafjörður is a deep fjord in north west Iceland located between the Tröllaskagi peninsula to the east and the Skagi peninsula to the west. It is about 25 miles long and 9 miles wide. Skagafjörður is situated in a submerged glacial valley which continues southwards by a plain in which lies the delta of the Héraðsvötn river. This is one of Iceland's most prosperous agricultural regions with widespread dairy and sheep farming in addition to the horse breeding for which the district is famed. Skagafjörður is the only county in Iceland where horses outnumber people. The main settlement in the Skagafjörður area is Sauðárkrókur. Date: 1st June 2015 Location: view from road 75 east of Sauðárkrókur http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37403954.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21309075885c6828ce3e38b.jpgGrey Partridge The Grey Partridge, also known as the English Partridge, is a game bird in the pheasant family. It is a rotund bird, 11 to 13 inches in length, brown-backed, with grey flanks and chest and an orange face. The belly is white, usually marked with a large chestnut-brown horseshoe mark in males and also in some females. When disturbed, it flies a short distance with whirring wings and occasional glides and often calling. The Grey Partridge is widespread and common throughout much of its range and breeds on farmland across most of Europe in to west Asia. The nest is usually located in the margin of a cereal field where the hens lay up to 20 eggs. The Grey Partridge has also been introduced widely into Canada, the USA, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. It is a non-migratory terrestrial species and groups of up to 15 to 20 birds known as coveys are most usually seen outside the breeding season. In the UK, the Grey Partridge is traditionally found in lowland arable areas but although once very common and widespread, it has undergone a serious population decline throughout most of its range due to a loss of breeding habitat through the intensification of agriculture and possibly due to the loss of food supplies. Numbers have fallen by as much as 85% in the last 25 years and the species is now designated as a Red List species. The Grey Partridge is a seed-eating species but the young in particular take insects as an essential protein supply. During the first 10 days of life, the young can only digest insects. Date: 9th February 2019 Location: Flitcham-Anmer, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623029.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6744121306117d2de06398.jpgHerring Gull The Herring Gull is one of the best known of all gulls along the shores of Europe. Adults in breeding plumage have a grey back and upperwings and white head and underparts. The wingtips are black with white spots known as "mirrors". The bill is yellow with a red spot and there is a ring of bare yellow skin around the pale eye. The legs are normally pink at all ages but can be yellowish. Non-breeding adults have brown streaks on the head and neck. Male and female plumage is identical at all stages of development although adult males are often larger. Juvenile and first-winter birds are mainly brown with darker streaks and have a dark bill and eyes. Second-winter birds have a whiter head and underparts with less streaking and the back is grey. Third-winter individuals are similar to adults but retain some of the features of immature birds such as brown feathers in the wings and dark markings on the bill. The Herring Gull attains adult plumage and reaches sexual maturity at an average age of 4 years. The loud laughing call of the Herring Gull is well known and is often seen as a symbol of the seaside in countries such as the UK. It also has a yelping alarm call and a low barking anxiety call. Chicks and fledglings emit a distinctive, repetitive high-pitched 'peep', accompanied by a head-flicking gesture when begging for food from or calling to their parents. Adult gulls in urban areas will also exhibit this behaviour when fed by humans. The Herring Gull breeds across northern Europe, western Europe, central Europe, eastern Europe, Scandinavia and the Baltic states. Some, especially those resident in colder areas, migrate further south in winter but many are permanent residents such as in the UK or on the North Sea shores. While Herring Gull numbers appear to have been decreased in recent years, possibly by fish population declines and competition, they have proved able to survive in human-adapted areas and can often be seen in towns acting as a scavenger. The Herring Gull, like most gulls, is an omnivore and opportunist and will scavenge from garbage dumps, landfill sites and sewage outflows with refuse comprising up to half of the bird's diet. In addition, it will eat fish, crustaceans and dead animals as well as some plants and it will steal the eggs and young of other birds (including those of other gulls). The Herring Gull may also dive from the surface of the water or engage in plunge diving in the pursuit of aquatic prey although they are typically unable to reach any great depth due to their natural buoyancy. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072358.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12198965054bf6dffdaae95.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill <i>"kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake"</i>. The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 13th April 2010 Location: Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/rhum-eigg-and-skye-highland https://images.on-this.website/4752_19236306375dc6ae0f77495.jpgRhum, Eigg and Skye, Highland The Small Isles are a small archipelago of islands in the Inner Hebrides off the west coast of Scotland. They lie south of Skye and north of Mull and Ardnamurchan. Rhum is the largest of the Small Isles with an area of 40 square miles and it is one of the most sparsely populated of all Scottish islands. Eigg is the second largest of the Small Isles after Rhum with an area of 12 square miles. The Isle of Skye, commonly known as Skye, is the largest and northernmost of the major islands in the Inner Hebrides. The island's peninsulas radiate from a mountainous centre dominated by the Black Cuillin and the Red Cuillin, the rocky slopes of which provide some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the UK. Although it has been suggested that the Gaelic name [i]An t-Eilean Sgitheanach[/i] describes a winged shape there is no definitive agreement as to the name's origins. Date: 4th October 2019 Location: view from the junction of the B8007 road and the unclassified road to Kilmory, Fascadale, Swordle and Ockle http://www.richardchewphotography.com/sierra-de-grazalema-andalucia-spain https://images.on-this.website/4752_173964923952528b1ce65a9.jpgSierra de Grazalema, Andalucia, Spain The Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park is a Natural Park in the north east part of the province of Cádiz in Andalucia. The Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park contains within its 127,740 acres a complex of mountain ranges known collectively as the Sierra de Grazalema, which in turn are part of the Cordillera Subbética. Other ranges comprising the Sierra de Grazalema include the Sierra de Zafalgar, the Sierra del Pinar, and the Sierra de Endrinal. El Torreón at 5425 feet is the tallest peak. Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1977, the Sierra de Grazalema was declared the first Natural Park in Andalucia in 1984 and is one of Spain's most ecologically outstanding areas. The Natural Park is famous for its spectacularly rugged limestone landscape of cliffs, gullies, caves and gorges. By far the most impressive gorge is Garganta Verde rocky walls that tower vertically for 1300 feet. Andalucia's largest cave system is also here, the Hundidero-Gato with its biggest cavern measuring 2.5 miles long and an entrance of 200 feet tall. The region is well known for being the rainiest place in Spain, with an annual rainfall of over 85 inches This means that the 1,300 Mediterranean plant species that have been registered here, many of them endemic and some of them unique to the Sierra de Grazalema, flourish. There is a magnificent and well preserved forest of the rare Spanish Fir, a relic from the Tertiary period, in the Sierra del Pinar on the slopes of El Torreón. Dotted around the Sierra de Grazalema are attractive “pueblos blancos” or “white villages” including Grazalema and Zahara de la Sierra. A stunning mountain road rises north west from Grazalema to Puerto de las Palomas at 4450 feet before descending to Zahara de la Sierra. Date: 7th September 2013 Location: view from Puerto de las Palomas between Grazalema and Zahara de la Sierra, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081448.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_200415991063a845630a1e2.jpgMute Swan The Mute Swan is a species of swan native to much of Eurasia. Despite its Eurasian origin, its closest relatives are the Black Swan of Australia and the Black-necked Swan of south America, not the other Northern Hemisphere swans such as the Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan. The name “mute” derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. The adult Mute Swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob at the top of the beak. All Mute Swans are white at maturity although the feathers (particularly on the head and neck) are often stained orange-brown by iron and tannins in the water. Young birds (cygnets) are not the bright white colour of mature adults and their bill is dull greyish-black for the first year. The plumage may range from pure white to grey to buff with grey/buff being the most common. Cygnets typically retain their grey/buff feathers until they are at least 1 year old. On average, the Mute Swan is the second largest waterfowl species after the Trumpeter Swan although the male Mute Swan can easily match or even exceed a male Trumpeter Swan in mass. The adult Mute Swan typically ranges from 55 to 63 inches in length (although it can range in extreme cases from 49 to 67 inches) with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. Males (cobs) are larger than females (pens) and have a larger knob on their bill. The Mute Swan is one of the heaviest flying birds. In several studies from the UK, males were found to average from about 23.4 to 26.2 pounds, with a weight range of 20 to 32 pounds, while the slightly smaller females were found to average about 18.7 to 21.3 pounds, with a weight range of 17 to 23 pounds. The Mute Swan is less vocal than the noisy Bewick's Swan and Whooper Swan although it does make a variety of grunting, hoarse whistling and snorting noises, especially in communicating with their cygnets and threatening competitors or intruders trying to enter their territory. The most familiar sound associated with the Mute Swan is the vibrant throbbing of the wings in flight which is unique to the species and this can be heard from a range of up to 1 mile. The Mute Swan is found naturally mainly in the temperate areas of Europe across west Asia and as far east as Primorsky Krai in the far east of Russia. It is partially migratory throughout the northern latitudes in Europe and Asia as far south as north Africa and the Mediterranean. It is also often kept in captivity outside its natural range as a decoration for parks and ponds and escapes have occurred. The descendants of such birds have become naturalised in east USA and the Great Lakes region across the USA and Canada border. The Mute Swan population in the UK has increased recently probably due to better protection of this species. Some birds are resident all year whilst others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into east England. Mute Swans nest on large mounds that they build with waterside vegetation in shallow water on islands in the middle or at the very edge of a lake. It is a monogamous species and often reuses the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Males and females share the care of the nest. The female lays from 4 to 10 eggs and broods for around 36 days. Cygnets are unable to fly before an age of 120 to 150 days and this limits the distribution of the species in the northern edge of its range since the cygnets must learn to fly before the water freezes. The Mute Swan is usually strongly territorial with just a single pair on smaller lakes although in a few locations where a large area of suitable feeding habitat is found they can be colonial. The largest colonies can hold over 100 pairs such as that at the colony at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset in the UK. Non-mated juveniles up to 3 to 4 years old commonly form larger flocks often at regular traditional sites and these can total several hundred birds. The Mute Swan can be very aggressive in defence of its nest and it is highly protective of its mate and offspring. Most defensive attacks from a Mute Swan begin with a loud hiss and, if this is not sufficient to drive off the predator, are followed by a physical attack. It attacks by smashing at its enemy with bony spurs in the wings accompanied by biting with its large bill. Smaller waterbirds such as ducks are normally grabbed with the bill and dragged or thrown clear. Large waterfowl, such as the Canada Goose, more likely out of competition than in response to potential predation, may be aggressively driven off. The wings of the Mute Swan are very powerful although not strong enough to break an adult man's leg as has been claimed anecdotally. The Mute Swan feeds on a wide range of vegetation, both submerged aquatic plants which they reach with their long necks and by grazing on land. The food commonly includes agricultural crop plants such as oilseed rape and wheat and feeding flocks in the winter may cause significant crop damage, often as much through trampling with their large webbed feet as through direct consumption. Date: 9th January 2022 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49798210.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_42259756064ecadcc8d636.jpgMarbled White Flight period: July to August The Marbled White is a very distinctive black and white butterfly that is widespread in southern England and expanding its range northwards and eastwards. They can be found in unimproved grassland, coastal grassland, roadside verges and railway embankments. Date: 3rd July 2023 Location: Durlston Country Park, Swanage, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4158153.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12991313674b291fe80bed1.jpgMoorhen The Moorhen is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird that is usually found near water. From a distance it looks black with a ragged white line along its body. However, closer up it is olive-brown on the back and the head and blue-grey underneath. It has a red bill with a yellow tip. The Moorhen can be found all year round almost anywhere where there is water. They breed in lowland areas particularly in central and eastern England but are scarce in northern Scotland and the uplands of Wales and northern England. UK breeding birds are residents and seldom travel far. Date: 15th December 2009 Location: Connaught Water, Epping Forest, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13683344.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11276647034ed7314f46a16.jpgHarvest Mouse The Harvest Mouse is the UK’s smallest rodent at around 2 inches long and weighing less than a 2p coin. It has yellow-brown furry upper parts and a whiter underbelly, small ears and a blunt nose, with a long prehensile tail. The Harvest Mouse is mainly found from central Yorkshire southwards. Isolated records from Scotland and Wales probably result from the release of captive animals. Breeding nests are the most obvious sign indicating the presence of the Harvest Mouse. The Harvest Mouse is the only UK mammal to build nests of woven grass well above ground. Nests tend to be found in dense vegetation such as grasses, rushes, cereals, grassy hedgerows, ditches and brambles. They are generally located on the stalk zone of grasses, at least 12 inches above ground in short grasses and up to 3 feet above ground in tall reeds. The size of the nest can vary from only 2 inches in diameter for non-breeding nests to 4 inches in diameter for breeding nests. The Harvest Mouse is an extremely active climber and it feeds in the stalk zone of long grasses and reeds, particularly around dusk and dawn. Their diet contains a mixture of seeds, berries and insects, although moss, roots and fungi may also be taken. They also sometimes take grain from cereal heads, leaving characteristic sickle-shaped remains. Based on tooth wear analysis, the maximum lifespan of a Harvest Mouse in the wild is around 18 months. The Harvest Mouse is listed as a BAP (Biodiversity Action Plan) Species because it is thought to have become much scarcer in recent years. Changes in habitat management and agricultural methods are thought to have caused this although there have been no studies to quantify this change. The Harvest Mouse has many predators including Weasel, Stoat, Fox, birds of prey and domestic cats. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457683.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_127721440366857890d7d04.jpgPuffins The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42524857.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3503135526098f5e030a8b.jpgCanada Goose The Canada Goose belongs to the Branta genus of geese which contains species with largely black plumage distinguishing it from the grey species of the genus Anser. The black head and neck with a white "chinstrap" distinguish the Canada Goose from all other goose species with the exception of the Cackling Goose from north America and the Barnacle Goose which has a black breast and grey rather than brownish body plumage. The 7 sub-species of the Canada Goose vary widely in size and plumage details but all are recognizable as Canada Geese. Of the "true geese" (i.e. the genera Anser, Branta or Chen), the Canada Goose is on average the largest living species. It ranges from 30 to 43 inches in length and with a 50 to 73 inches wingspan. The male usually weighs 5.7 to 14.3 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 8.6 pounds. The female looks virtually identical but is slightly lighter at 5.3 to 12.1 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 7.9 pounds. It is also generally 10% smaller in linear dimensions than the male. The Canada Goose is native to north America where it breeds in Canada and the north USA in a wide range of habitats. The Great Lakes region maintains a very large population. It occurs all year round in the southern part of its breeding range, including most of the eastern seaboard and the Pacific coast. Between California and South Carolina in the south USA and north Mexico, it is primarily present as a migrant from further north during the winter. Outside north America, the Canada Goose has reached north Europe naturally as has been proved by ringing recoveries. It has also been introduced in to Europe and had established populations in the UK in the middle of the 18th century, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany and Scandinavia. Most European populations are not migratory but those in more northerly parts of Sweden and Finland migrate to the North Sea and Baltic coasts. Semi-tame feral birds are common in parks and have become a pest in some areas. In the early 17th century, explorer Samuel de Champlain sent several pairs of Canada Geese to France as a present for King Louis XIII. Canada Geese were first introduced in to the UK in the late 17th century as an addition to King James II's waterfowl collection in St. James's Park. They were also introduced in to Germany and Scandinavia during the 20th century. During the second year of its life, the Canada Goose finds a mate. It is a monogamous species and most couples stay together all of their lives. If one dies, the other may find a new mate. The female lays from 2 to 9 eggs with an average of 5. Both parents protect the nest while the eggs incubate but the female spends more time at the nest than the male. The nest is usually located in an elevated area near water such as streams, lakes and ponds and the eggs are laid in a shallow depression lined with plant material and down. The incubation period, in which the female incubates the eggs while the male remains nearby, lasts for 24 to 28 days after laying. As soon as the goslings hatch, they are immediately capable of walking, swimming and finding their own food (a diet similar to the adults). Parents are often seen leading their goslings in a line, usually with one adult at the front and the other at the back. While protecting their goslings, parents often violently chase away anything from small birds to lone humans who approach, after warning them by giving off a hissing sound and then attacking with bites and slaps of the wings if the threat does not retreat. Although parents are hostile to unfamiliar geese, they may form groups (crèches) of a number of goslings and a few adults. The goslings enter the fledgling stage any time from 6 to 9 weeks of age. Once it reaches adulthood, due to its large size and often aggressive behaviour, the Canada Goose is rarely preyed on although prior injury may make it more vulnerable to natural predators. The lifespan in the wild of birds that survive to adulthood ranges from 10 to 24 years. The UK longevity record is held by a specimen tagged as a nestling which was observed alive at the age of 31. The Canada Goose is primarily a herbivore although it will sometimes eat small insects and fish. Their diet includes grasses, aquatic plants, beans and grains such as wheat, rice, and corn when they are available. In urban areas, it is also known to pick food out of rubbish bins and it will readily take a variety of food from humans in parks. Date: 27th March 2021 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26040834.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_447945622563893f079eba.jpgHarlequin Ducks The Harlequin Duck is a small sea duck which takes its name from Harlequin, a colourfully dressed character in "Commedia dell'arte" (a form of Italian theatre with masked characters). The adult male Harlequin Duck has a colourful and complex plumage pattern. The head and neck are dark slate blue with a large white crescent marking in front of the eye, a small round dot behind the eye and a larger oval spot down the side of the neck. A black crown stripe runs over the top of the head with chestnut patches on either side. A black-bordered white collar separates the head from the breast. The body is largely a lighter slate blue with chestnut sides. A black-bordered white bar divides the breast vertically from the sides. The tail is black, long and pointed. The speculum is metallic blue. The inner secondary feathers are white and form white markings over the back when folded. The bill is blue-grey and the eye is reddish. The adult female Harlequin Duck is less colourful with brownish-grey plumage with three white patches on the head, a round spot behind the eye, a larger patch from the eye to the bill and a small spot above the eye. The Harlequin Duck has smooth, densely packed feathers that trap a lot of air within them. This is vital for insulating such a small body against the chilly waters that it inhabits and it also makes it exceptionally buoyant, making it bounce like a cork after dives. The Harlequin Duck breeds alongside cold fast moving streams in the northern regions of north America, Greenland, Iceland (the only European site) and western Russia. The nest is usually located in a well concealed location on the ground near a stream. They are usually found near pounding surf and white water. It is a short distance migrant and most winter near rocky shorelines on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. The Harlequin Duck is a very rare migrant to western Europe. The Harlequin Duck feeds by swimming under water or diving and also by dabbling. It feeds on molluscs, crustaceans and insects. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: near Ísafjörður, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/alpine-swifts https://images.on-this.website/4752_1190807805559cea69e9e0f.jpgAlpine Swifts The Alpine Swift is superficially similar to a large Swallow or House Martin but it is completely unrelated to those passerine species. The resemblances between the groups are due to convergent evolution reflecting similar life styles. The Alpine Swift is readily distinguished from the Common Swift by its larger size and its white belly and throat. It is around twice as big as most other swifts in its range being 7.9 to 9.1 inches in length and with a wingspan of 22 inches. It is largely dark brown in colour with white patches underneath the beak and on the breast that are separated by a dark brown streak. A dark neck band separates the white throat from the white belly. It has a short forked tail and very long swept-back wings that resemble a crescent or a boomerang but may also be held stretched straight out. Their flight is slower and more powerful than the Common Swift. Like all swifts, the Alpine Swift has very short legs which are used for clinging to vertical surfaces. It never settles voluntarily on the ground and spends most of its life in the air living on the insects it catches. The Alpine Swift is able to stay in the air for up to 7 months at a time and its vital physiological processes, including sleep, can be performed while in continuous flight. The Alpine Swift breeds in mountains from south Europe to the Himalayas. Like the Common Swift, it is strongly migratory and winters much further south in south Africa. The Alpine Swift builds its nest in colonies in a suitable cliff hole or cave and it will return to the same site year after year rebuilding the nest when necessary and pairing for life. It has adapted well to urban conditions and frequently nests in old buildings in towns around the Mediterranean where large, low-flying flocks are a familiar feature in summer. Date: 14th May 2015 Location: Mount Devas, West Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41623438.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15300920075f4d267ab6c8b.jpgRed-throated Diver The Red-throated Diver is the smallest and lightest of the world's diver or loon species. Like all divers, it is long-bodied and short-necked and with its legs set far back on its body. The sexes are similar in appearance although males tend to be slightly larger and heavier than females. In breeding plumage, the adult has a dark grey head and neck with narrow black and white stripes on the back of the neck, a triangular red throat patch, white underparts and a dark grey-brown mantle. The non-breeding plumage is drabber with the chin, foreneck and much of the face white, the top of the head and back of the neck grey and considerable white speckling on the dark mantle. The bill is thin, straight and sharp and the bird often holds it at an uptilted angle. In flight, the Red-throated Diver has a distinctive profile. Its small feet do not project far past the end of its body, its head and neck droop below the horizontal (giving the flying bird a distinctly hunchbacked shape) and its thin wings are angled back. It has a quicker, deeper wing beat than other divers. The Red-throated Diver has a large global population and a significant global range but some populations are declining. Oil spills, habitat degradation, pollution and fishing nets are among the major threats and natural predators, such as various gull species and both red and Arctic foxes, will take eggs and young. The Red-throated Diver breeds primarily in the Arctic regions of northern Eurasia and north America and it winters in northern coastal waters, sometimes in groups of considerable size. Unlike other divers, it regularly uses very small freshwater lakes as breeding sites. In Europe, it breeds in Iceland, northern Scotland, Scandinavia and northern Russia and it winters along the coast as far south as parts of Spain. Date: 6th July 2019 Location: near Gednje, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/spoonbills https://images.on-this.website/4752_20252625324ff5494f94919.jpgSpoonbills The Spoonbill is an unmistakable wading bird. Breeding adults are all white except for dark legs, a black spoon-shaped bill with a yellow tip, a yellow breast patch and a crest. Non-breeders lack the crest and breast patch and immature birds have a pale bill and black tips to the primary flight feathers. Unlike herons, Spoonbills fly with their necks outstretched. Feeding birds swing their heads and sweep their bills from side to side through the water. The Spoonbill breeds from the UK and Spain in the west through to Japan and also in North Africa. In Europe, only the Netherlands, Spain, Austria, Hungary and Greece have sizeable populations. Birds from north west and south west Europe winter mainly in west Africa whilst those from south east Europe winter in the Mediterranean and north Africa. Eastern European and Turkish birds appear to move to north east Africa, the Middle East and India. The Spoonbill became extinct in the UK but sporadic breeding attempts in the early 21st century finally culminated with the formation of a colony at Holkham in Norfolk in 2010. The Spoonbill can be found in extensive shallow, wetlands with muddy, clay or fine sandy beds. They may inhabit any type of marsh, river, lake, flooded area and mangrove swamp, whether fresh, brackish or saline but especially those with islands for nesting or dense emergent vegetation such as reedbeds and scattered trees or shrubs. The Spoonbill may also frequent sheltered marine habitats during the winter such as deltas, estuaries, tidal creeks and coastal lagoons. Threats to the Eurasian Spoonbill include habitat destruction through drainage of wetlands and habitat degradation by pollution. Date: 2nd May 2012 Location: Trebujena marismas near Jerez de la Frontera, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40952856.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20181221255e5393f099a48.jpgPale-bellied Brent Geese The Brent Goose belongs to the [I]Branta[/I] genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the [I]Anser[/I] genus of grey geese. [I]Branta[/I] is a Latinised form of Old Norse [I]brandgás[/I], meaning "burnt (black) goose", and [i]bernicla[/i] is the medieval Latin name for the barnacle. The Brent Goose and the similar Barnacle Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be the same creature as the crustacean, a myth that can be dated back to at least the 12th century. The Brent Goose, [I]Branta bernicla[/I] is divided into 3 sub-species: Dark-bellied Brent Goose [I]B. b. bernicla[/I], Pale-bellied Brent Goose [i]B. b. hrota[/i] (sometimes also known as Light-bellied Brent Goose) and Black Brant [i]B. b. nigricans[/i]. Some DNA evidence suggests that these forms are genetically distinct and a split into 3 separate species has been proposed. However, other evidence upholds their maintenance as a single species. The Brent Goose is a small goose, 22 to 26 inches long with a wingspan of 42 to 48 inches. The under-tail is pure white and the tail black and very short (the shortest of any goose). The Dark-bellied Brent Goose is fairly uniformly dark grey-brown all over and the flanks and belly are not significantly paler than the back. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds on the Arctic coasts of central and west Siberia and winters in west Europe with over half the population in south England and the rest between north Germany and north west France. The Pale-bellied Brent Goose appears blackish-brown and light grey in colour and the flanks and belly are significantly paler than the back and present a marked contrast. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds in Franz Josef Land, Svalbard, Greenland and north east Canada and winters in Denmark, north east England, Ireland and the Atlantic coast of the USA from Maine to Georgia as well as in a small but significant area in north France. The Black Brant appears blackish-brown and white in colour. This sub-species is very contrastingly black and white with a uniformly dark sooty-brown back, similarly-coloured underparts (with the dark colour extending furthest back of the 3 sub-species) and a prominent white flank patch. It also has a larger white neck patch which forms an almost complete collar. It breeds in north west Canada, Alaska and east Siberia and winters mostly on the west coast of north America from south Alaska to California but also in east Asia, mainly Japan. It sometimes appears as a vagrant in Europe when it associates with the other Brent Goose species. The Brent Goose used to be a strictly coastal bird in winter, seldom leaving tidal estuaries where it feeds on eel-grass and seaweed. In recent decades, it has started using agricultural land a short distance inland, feeding extensively on grass and winter-sown cereals. This may be behaviour learned by following other species of geese. Food resource pressure may also be important in forcing this change since the world population increased over 10-fold by the mid-1980s, possibly reaching the carrying capacity of the estuaries. In the breeding season, the Brent Goose uses low-lying wet coastal tundra for both breeding and feeding. The nest is bowl-shaped, lined with grass and down and located in an elevated position often near a small pond. The Brent Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds applies. Date: 2nd February 2020 Location: "The Cunnigar", Dungarvan Bay, Co. Waterford, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813335.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12160692725d0dddcf736cb.jpgCommon Sandpiper The Common Sandpiper is a small wader. The adult is 7.1 to 7.9 inches long with a 13 to 14 inches wingspan. It has greyish-brown upperparts, white underparts, short dark-yellowish legs and feet and a bill with a pale base and dark tip. In winter plumage, it is duller and has more conspicuous barring on the wings although this is still only visible at close range. Juveniles are more heavily barred above and have buff edges to the wing feathers. The Common Sandpiper habitually bobs up and down and it has a distinctive flight with stiff, bowed wings. Its presence is often betrayed by its three-note call which it gives as it flies off. The Common Sandpiper is widespread and common and breeds across most of temperate and sub-tropical Europe and Asia where it nests on the ground near freshwater. It migrates to Africa, south Asia and Australia in winter. In the UK, the Common Sandpiper breeds along fast-flowing upland streams and rivers and at the edges of lochs and lakes in Scotland, Wales and the north of England. Summer visitors arrive in March and April and leave the breeding grounds in July and August with the young following in September. During the spring and autumn passage migration, it can be found elsewhere in the UK, near lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers, ditches, coastal shores and estuaries. The Common Sandpiper forages by sight on the ground or in shallow water, picking up small food items such as insects, crustaceans and other invertebrates. Date: 7th June 2019 Location: Dulnain Bridge, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41424274.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7882887545f2aa9473d004.jpgHamingberg, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway The Varanger peninsula is situated in Troms og Finnmark in the extreme north east of Norway. With an area of 800 square miles, it is the largest area within the Arctic climate zone in mainland Norway and is bordered by Tanafjord to the west, Varangerfjord to the south and the Barents Sea to the north and east. The area has a rugged mountain terrain with altitudes up to 2077 feet and it has an Arctic tundra climate. The coast of the Varanger peninsula is an important area for breeding, migrating and wintering birds, especially some notable Arctic species. The Norwegian Directorate for Nature Management has a project on the Varanger peninsula to reintroduce and protect the Arctic Fox which is critically endangered on the Norwegian mainland. The Varangerhalvøya National Park (Norwegian: [I]Varangerhalvøya Nasjonalpark[/I]) lies to the west of road Fv341 and protects a majority of the land on the Varanger peninsula. The eastern part of the Varanger peninsula can be accessed from Vardø, via Svartnes, to Hamningberg. Hamningberg is an abandoned fishing village situated on the Varanger peninsula and on the shores of the Barents Sea. It’s only road connection is via the narrow and winding road Fv341 which runs for about 25 miles north from Svartnes. This is a very scenic road which follows the shores of the Barents Sea. It is considered to be one of the wildest and most memorable drives in Norway and passes through a bare and barren but awe-inspiring Arctic landscape. The road is closed during the winter months from October to late May. Traditionally a fishing village, Hamningberg is one of very few places in Troms og Finnmark that was not burnt and destroyed under Operation Nordlicht in 1944 and 1945, the German “scorched earth” retreat from Finnmark. It was depopulated and abandoned in 1964 although some of the houses are still in use as summer cottages. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hamningberg, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49903160.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12460062765042a688d0f5.jpgMeadow Grasshopper The Meadow Grasshopper is a typically predominantly green species which is widespread and common in the UK. Adults can be seen from June to October in short and long grassland which are both dry and sunny. Date: 9th September 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39081955.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12893598105d30787d40508.jpgEuropean Bee-eater The European Bee-eater is an incredibly colourful bird with an unmistakable appearance. In breeding plumage, it has a rich chestnut crown that blends into gold on its back. The forehead is white, the throat is yellow bordered by black and the underparts are blue. The male European Bee-eater has a chestnut-coloured patch in the middle of the wing while in females this patch is usually smaller or even absent. Occasionally, females may also be distinguished from the males by having a green back. The wings and backs of juvenile European Bee-eaters are entirely green and the eyes are brown in contrast to the bright red eyes of adults. The European Bee-eater breeds in southern Europe and in parts of north Africa and western Asia. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, India and Sri Lanka. European Bee-eaters are occasionally seen in northern Europe (including the UK) as a spring overshoot north of its range with occasional breeding occurring. Just as the name suggests, the European Bee-eater predominantly eats insects, especially bees, wasps and hornets which are caught in the air by sorties from an open perch. Before eating its meal, a European Bee-eater removes the sting by repeatedly hitting the insect on a hard surface. Lizards and frogs are also taken. European Bee-eaters are gregarious, nesting colonially in sandy banks preferably near river shores and also feeding and roosting communally. Date: 17th May 2018 Location: Vetren, Silistra Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17408510.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13391796725133275908b51.jpgWhooper Swans The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 12th January 2013 Location: Martin Mere WWT reserve, Lancashire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo6826754.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7201910104ca73f72e45b2.jpgWhite-tailed Lapwing The White-tailed Lapwing or White-tailed Plover is a medium-sized, long-legged and fairly long-billed plover species. Adults are slim erect birds with a brown back and foreneck, paler face and grey breast. Its long yellow legs, pure white tail and distinctive brown, white and black wings make this species unmistakable. The White-tailed Lapwing is the only plover species likely to be seen in other than very shallow water where it picks insects and other small prey mainly from the surface. White-tailed Lapwings breed semi-colonially on inland marshes in Iraq, Iran and southern Russia. The Iraqi and Iranian breeders are mainly residents but Russian birds migrate south in winter to south Asia, the Middle East and north east Africa. The White-tailed Lapwing is a very rare vagrant in western Europe, the first record in the UK being found in Warwickshire in July 1975. There were 5 UK records prior to this bird which went “on tour” in 2010. Seaforth, Merseyside: 27th and 28th May Haarlem, Netherlands: 29th May RSPB Rainham Marshes, Essex: 7th and 8th July WWT Slimbridge: Gloucestershire: 9th and 10th July RSPB Dungeness, Kent: 11th to 21st July All photos were taken from a considerable distance with a DSLR camera and telescope, hence the poor quality. However, they are acceptable record shots of a very rare bird! Date: 17th July 2010 Location: Dungeness RSPB reserve, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo44044952.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_752728615614f1494460cb.jpgWhite-tailed Lapwing The White-tailed Lapwing or White-tailed Plover is a medium-sized, long-legged and fairly long-billed plover species. Adults are slim erect birds with a brown back and foreneck, paler face and grey breast. Its long yellow legs, pure white tail and distinctive brown, white and black wings make this species unmistakable. The White-tailed Lapwing is the only plover species likely to be seen in other than very shallow water where it picks insects and other small prey mainly from the surface. White-tailed Lapwings breed semi-colonially on inland marshes in Iraq, Iran and southern Russia. The Iraqi and Iranian breeders are mainly residents but Russian birds migrate south in winter to south Asia, the Middle East and north east Africa. The White-tailed Lapwing is a very rare vagrant in western Europe, the first record in the UK being found in Warwickshire in July 1975. There were 11 UK records prior to this bird. Date: 6th September 2021 Location: RSPB Blacktoft Sands, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29486876.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_208946385558107c1fb7775.jpgGoldeneye The Goldeneye is a medium-sized diving duck, named for its golden-yellow eye. Adult males have a dark head with a greenish gloss and a circular white patch below the eye, a dark back and a white neck and belly. Adult females have a brown head and a mostly grey body. The Goldeneye breeds on the lakes and in the rivers of boreal forests in Scandinavia, Canada, north USA and north Russia. Naturally it will nest in cavities in large trees but it will also readily use nestboxes put up on trees close to water. This has enabled a healthy breeding population to establish in the Scottish Highlands from 1970 where it is increasing and slowly spreading. The Goldeneye is migratory and most winter in protected coastal waters or open inland waters at more temperate latitudes. The Goldeneye forages by diving underwater for crustaceans, aquatic insects and molluscs. Insects are the predominant prey while nesting and crustaceans are the predominant prey during migration and winter. Date: 23rd May 2016 Location: Wild Brown Bear Centre, near Vartius, Kainuu, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405478.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8869371546586e803e2678.jpgStonechat The (European) Stonechat is a small passerine bird that was long considered a member of the thrush family although genetic evidence has now placed it and its relatives in the Old World flycatcher family. Two weakly defined sub-species differing in colour intensity are currently accepted: hibernans found in north west Europe in Atlantic coastal areas, south west Norway, the UK, Ireland and north west France and rubicola found in the south and east of its range from Denmark south west to Spain and north Morocco, east to Poland and Ukraine and south east to Turkey. The (European) Stonechat is slightly smaller than the Robin. Both sexes have distinctively short wings, shorter than those of the more migratory Whinchat and Siberian Stonechat. The summer male has black upperparts, a black head, an orange throat and breast and a white belly and vent. It also has a white half-collar on the sides of its neck, a small white scapular patch on the wings and a very small white patch on the rump often streaked with black. The female has brown upperparts and head and no white neck patches, rump or belly. Instead these areas are streaked dark brown on paler brown, the only white being the scapular patch on the wings and even this often being buffy-white. The (European) Stonechat can often be seen perched on the tops of low bushes where, as its name suggests, it can be heard uttering a sharp loud call that sounds like stones being knocked together. The male's song is high and twittering like a Dunnock. The (European) Stonechat breeds in heathland, coastal dunes and rough grassland with scattered small shrubs and bramble, open gorse, tussocks or heather. It is a short-distance migrant or non-migratory, with part of the population, particularly from the north east of the range where winters are colder, moving to winter further south in Europe and north Africa. Date: 14th October 2023 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405579.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13282288126586fca854d13.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the Canidae family and is a part of the order Carnivora within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 6th December 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41424262.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_770733605f2aa920e8bb2.jpgVaranger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway The Varanger peninsula is situated in Troms og Finnmark in the extreme north east of Norway. With an area of 800 square miles, it is the largest area within the Arctic climate zone in mainland Norway and is bordered by Tanafjord to the west, Varangerfjord to the south and the Barents Sea to the north and east. The area has a rugged mountain terrain with altitudes up to 2077 feet and it has an Arctic tundra climate. The coast of the Varanger peninsula is an important area for breeding, migrating and wintering birds, especially some notable Arctic species. The Norwegian Directorate for Nature Management has a project on the Varanger peninsula to reintroduce and protect the Arctic Fox which is critically endangered on the Norwegian mainland. The Varangerhalvøya National Park (Norwegian: [I]Varangerhalvøya Nasjonalpark[/I]) lies to the west of road Fv341 and protects a majority of the land on the Varanger peninsula. The eastern part of the Varanger peninsula can be accessed from Vardø, via Svartnes, to Hamningberg. Hamningberg is an abandoned fishing village situated on the Varanger peninsula and on the shores of the Barents Sea. It’s only road connection is via the narrow and winding road Fv341 which runs for about 25 miles north from Svartnes. This is a very scenic road which follows the shores of the Barents Sea. It is considered to be one of the wildest and most memorable drives in Norway and passes through a bare and barren but awe-inspiring Arctic landscape. The road is closed during the winter months from October to late May. Traditionally a fishing village, Hamningberg is one of very few places in Troms og Finnmark that was not burnt and destroyed under Operation Nordlicht in 1944 and 1945, the German “scorched earth” retreat from Finnmark. It was depopulated and abandoned in 1964 although some of the houses are still in use as summer cottages. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: view from road Fv341 between Svartnes and Hamningberg, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833193.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_186070083559ce7672df21.jpgGreater Flamingos The Greater Flamingo is a largely pinkish-white bird but the wing coverts are red and the primary and secondary flight feathers are black. The bill is pink with a black tip and the legs are entirely pink. The Greater Flamingo is the most widespread species of the flamingo family and can be found in parts of Africa, southern Asia and southern Europe (including Spain, Sardinia, Albania, Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Portugal and the Camargue region of France). Some populations are short distance migrants, and records north of the breeding range are relatively frequent. However, given the species' popularity in captivity, whether these are truly wild individuals is a matter of some debate. The Greater Flamingo is the most widespread species of the flamingo family and can be found in parts of Africa, southern Asia and southern Europe (including Spain, Sardinia, Albania, Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Portugal and the Camargue region of France). Some populations are short distance migrants, and records north of the breeding range are relatively frequent. However, given the species' popularity in captivity, whether these are truly wild individuals is a matter of some debate. Date: 15th May 2015 Location: Kalahori Lagoon, Gulf of Thermaikos, Central Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/european-bee-eaters https://images.on-this.website/4752_1612262254559cedc869492.jpgEuropean Bee-eaters The European Bee-eater is an incredibly colourful bird with an unmistakable appearance. In breeding plumage, it has a rich chestnut crown that blends into gold on its back. The forehead is white, the throat is yellow bordered by black and the underparts are blue. The male European Bee-eater has a chestnut-coloured patch in the middle of the wing while in females this patch is usually smaller or even absent. Occasionally, females may also be distinguished from the males by having a green back. The wings and backs of juvenile European Bee-eaters are entirely green and the eyes are brown in contrast to the bright red eyes of adults. The European Bee-eater breeds in southern Europe and in parts of north Africa and western Asia. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, India and Sri Lanka. European Bee-eaters are occasionally seen in northern Europe (including the UK) as a spring overshoot north of its range with occasional breeding occurring. Just as the name suggests, the European Bee-eater predominantly eats insects, especially bees, wasps and hornets which are caught in the air by sorties from an open perch. Before eating its meal, a European Bee-eater removes the sting by repeatedly hitting the insect on a hard surface. Lizards and frogs are also taken. European Bee-eaters are gregarious, nesting colonially in sandy banks preferably near river shores and also feeding and roosting communally. Date: 12th May 2015 Location: Lake Kerkini, Central Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/loch-torridon-highland https://images.on-this.website/4752_55155847853d10da531d5f.jpgLoch Torridon, Highland Loch Torridon is a sea loch on the west coast of Scotland and is in total around 15 miles long. It has two sections: Upper Loch Torridon to landward and east of Rubha na h-Airde Ghlaise and at which point it joins Loch Sheildaig and the main western section of Loch Torridon proper. Loch Torridon is surrounded by various mountains to the north, including Liathach, Beinn Alligin and Beinn Eighe, all of which are over 3,000 feet in height and exhibit some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the UK. The rocks of which they are made are known as Torridonian sandstone, some of which are crowned by white Cambrian quartzite. They are amongst the oldest rocks in the UK and sit on yet older rocks of Lewisian gneiss. Date: 20th June 2014 Location: view from the unclassified road along the southern shore between Shieldaig and Fearnmore http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49002635.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15926081736468f413c79bf.jpgSandwich Terns The Sandwich Tern is a medium-large tern, gull-like in appearance but usually with a more delicate, lighter build and shorter, weaker legs. It is very closely related to the Lesser Crested Tern, Chinese Crested Tern, Cabot's Tern and Elegant Tern and it has been known to inter-breed with the Lesser Crested Tern. It is 15 to 17 inches in length with a 33 to 38 inches wingspan. It has long, pointed wings, which gives it a fast buoyant flight, and a deeply forked tail. The upperwings are pale grey and the underparts are white. It has a shaggy black crest. The thin sharp bill is black with a yellow tip and the short legs are black. It looks very pale in flight although the primary flight feathers darken during the summer. In winter, the adult's forehead becomes white. Juveniles have dark tips to their tails and a scaly appearance on their back and wings. The Sandwich Tern has an extensive global range and, whilst population trends have not been quantified, it is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List. For these reasons, it is evaluated as “least concern”. The Sandwich Tern breeds in very dense colonies on coasts and islands and exceptionally inland on suitable large freshwater lakes close to the coast. It nests in a ground scrape and lays 1 to 3 eggs. Unlike some of the smaller white terns, it is not very aggressive toward potential predators, relying on the sheer density of the nests and nesting close to other more aggressive species such as the Arctic Tern and the Black-headed Gull. In the UK, the Sandwich Tern can be seen from late March to September and there are breeding colonies scattered around the UK coasts including the north Norfolk coast and at Minsmere in Suffolk and Dungeness in Kent. The Sandwich tern feeds by plunge-diving for fish, almost invariably from the sea. It usually dives directly and not from a hover favoured by other terns. The offering of fish by the male to the female is part of the courtship display. Date: 17th May 2023 Location: RSPB Minsmere, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26006818.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18496207475634ad047edb6.jpgArctic Tern The Arctic Tern is a seabird of the tern family. The adult plumage is grey above with a black nape and crown and white cheeks. The upperwings are pale grey with the area near the wingtip being translucent. The tail is white and the underparts pale grey. The beak is dark red as are the short legs and webbed feet. Like most terns, the Arctic Tern has high aspect ratio wings and a tail with a deep fork and long tail streamers. Both sexes are similar in appearance. The winter plumage is similar but the crown is whiter and the bills are darker. Juveniles differ from adults having black bill and legs, "scaly" appearing wings and mantle with dark feather tips, dark carpal wing bar and short tail streamers. During their first summer, juveniles also have a whiter forecrown. Whilst the Arctic Tern is similar to the Common and the Roseate Tern, its colouring, profile and call are slightly different. Compared to the Common Tern, it has a longer tail and mono-coloured bill, whilst the main differences from the Roseate Tern are its slightly darker colour and longer wings. The Arctic Tern has a circumpolar breeding distribution covering the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of Europe, Asia and north America. It is strongly migratory and sees 2 summers each year and more daylight than any other creature on the planet. It migrates along a convoluted route from its northern summer breeding grounds to the northern edge of the Antarctic coast for the southern summer and back again about 6 months later. Recent studies have shown average annual roundtrip lengths of 25000 to 50000 miles depending on the route taken and weather and wind conditions. The Arctic Tern is a long-lived bird with many reaching 30 years of age and based on this average it will travel some 1.5 million miles during its lifetime. This is by far the longest migration known in the animal kingdom. Breeding takes place in colonies on coasts, islands and occasionally inland on tundra near water. The Arctic Tern often forms mixed colonies with the Common Tern and Sandwich Tern. As it nests on the ground, the Arctic Tern is vulnerable to predation but it is one of the most aggressive terns and it is fiercely defensive of its nest and young. It will attack humans and large predators, usually striking the top or back of the head. Although it is too small to cause serious injury, it is still capable of drawing blood and repelling many raptorial birds and smaller mammalian predators such as foxes and cats. Other nesting birds, such as auks, often incidentally benefit from the protection provided by nesting in an area defended by Arctic Terns. The diet of the Arctic Tern varies depending on location and time but it usually eats small fish or marine crustaceans by dipping down to the surface of the water to catch prey. While feeding, skuas, gulls and other tern species will often harass the birds and steal their food. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Steingrímsfjarðarheiði to Ísafjörður, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/nesseby-varanger-peninsula-troms-og https://images.on-this.website/4752_14584471485f2694e4ee34d.jpgNesseby, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Nesseby is a small village located on the southern coast of the Varanger peninsula near the inner part of the Varangerfjord in Troms og Finnmark in north east Norway. The European route E75 highway runs through the village on its way from Varangerbotn to Vadsø. Nesseby Church lies on a small peninsula on the coast of the village. It was designed by Christian Heinrich Grosch and built of wood in 1858 and fully restored in 1983. The prayer books in the church are in the Northern Sami language since that is the predominant language for the people of the area. The village and the municipality of the same name are bilingual and have 2 official names: Nesseby (Norwegian) and Unjárga (Northern Sami). Date: 1st July 2019 Location: view looking towards Nesseby church, Nesseby, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28887391.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_154395775457cc3fb1ac346.jpgSlavonian Grebe The Slavonian Grebe is a member of the grebe family of water birds. It is also known as the Horned Grebe in north America. Unmistakable in summer, the plumage of both the male and female Slavonian Grebe shows a black head with golden puffy earlike tufts along the sides of its face. It shows a deep rusty red neck, scarlet eyes and a small, straight black bill tipped with white. During the winter, the Slavonian Grebe is mainly white with a sharply defined black cap. The Slavonian Grebe breeds in vegetated areas of freshwater lakes across Europe and Asia. It also breeds in remote inland parts of the United States and much of Canada. Like all grebes, it builds a nest on the water's edge, since its legs are set very far back and it can not walk well. Most birds migrate in winter to the coast. Date: 10th May 2016 Location: Haapsalu, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/cul-beag-coigach-highland https://images.on-this.website/4752_6798136014681c747c9d84.jpgCul Beag, Coigach, Highland Height: 2523 feet. Cul Beag is the first mountain that overlooks the minor road to Achiltibuie and is located immediately to the north of Loch Lurgainn. Date: June 1999 Location: view from the unclassified road between the A835 at Drumrunie and Achiltibuie http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40755819.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19044662195e20447947b58.jpgGreater (Russian) White-fronted Goose The Greater White-fronted Goose is a species of goose which is closely related to the smaller Lesser White-fronted Goose. The Latin name, [i]Anser albifrons[/i], is derived from [i]anser[/i] meaning "goose" and [i]albus[/i] meaning "white" and [i]frons[/i] meaning “forehead”. The Greater White-fronted Goose is 25 to 32 inches in length with a 51 to 65 inches wingspan and weighs 4.3 to 7.3 pounds. It is smaller than the Greylag Goose and, as well as being larger than the Lesser White-fronted Goose, it lacks the yellow eye-ring of that species and the white facial blaze does not extend upwards so far. The Greater White-fronted Goose is a greyish-brown goose with a light grey breast dappled with dark brown to black blotches and bar, a pinkish bill and orange legs and feet. The male is typically larger in size but both sexes are similar in appearance The Greater White-fronted Goose is divided into 5 subspecies. The nominate subspecies Eurasian or Russian White-fronted Goose, [i]A. a. albifrons[/i], breeds in the far north of Europe and Asia and winters further south and west in Europe, including England and Wales. The very distinct Greenland White-fronted Goose, [i]A. a. flavirostris[/i], breeds in west Greenland and is much darker overall with only a very narrow white tip to the tail (broader on the other races), more black barring on its belly and usually has an orange (not pink) bill. It winters in Ireland and west Scotland. Some ecological studies suggest that the Greenland White-fronted Goose should probably be considered a separate species. Weather conditions are a key factor in the annual breeding success of the Greater White-fronted Goose. In the Arctic, the window of opportunity for nesting, incubating eggs and raising a brood is open briefly for about 3 months. Arriving in late May or early June, Greater White-fronted Geese begin departing for their wintering areas in early September. This means that a delayed snowmelt or late spring storm can significantly reduce breeding success. Date: 10th December 2019 Location: De Putten and Pettemerpolder area near Camperduin, Noord-Holland, Netherlands http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo453470.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_140192188146883f289ea6e.jpgBen More, Mull, Argyll Height: 3168 feet. Ben More is the highest peak on the island of Mull and is a prominent feature of many views on the island. It is situated to the west of Mull's main central range of hills to the north of Loch Scridain and to the south of Loch na Keal. Ben More is a massive grey bulk whose upper slopes are covered in a mantle of angular scree. Its north eastern corrie is particularly craggy and often contains snow well into the spring. The Gaelic name Beinn Mhòr means "big hill" or “great mountain”. Date: 7th June 2007 Location: view from near the junctions of the B8035 and the A849 roads at the western end of Glen More http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39081971.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10229792015d3078c71fef8.jpgEuropean Bee-eater The European Bee-eater is an incredibly colourful bird with an unmistakable appearance. In breeding plumage, it has a rich chestnut crown that blends into gold on its back. The forehead is white, the throat is yellow bordered by black and the underparts are blue. The male European Bee-eater has a chestnut-coloured patch in the middle of the wing while in females this patch is usually smaller or even absent. Occasionally, females may also be distinguished from the males by having a green back. The wings and backs of juvenile European Bee-eaters are entirely green and the eyes are brown in contrast to the bright red eyes of adults. The European Bee-eater breeds in southern Europe and in parts of north Africa and western Asia. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, India and Sri Lanka. European Bee-eaters are occasionally seen in northern Europe (including the UK) as a spring overshoot north of its range with occasional breeding occurring. Just as the name suggests, the European Bee-eater predominantly eats insects, especially bees, wasps and hornets which are caught in the air by sorties from an open perch. Before eating its meal, a European Bee-eater removes the sting by repeatedly hitting the insect on a hard surface. Lizards and frogs are also taken. European Bee-eaters are gregarious, nesting colonially in sandy banks preferably near river shores and also feeding and roosting communally. Date: 17th May 2018 Location: Vetren, Silistra Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41424265.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11315121415f2aa92ae6e88.jpgReindeer The Reindeer, also known as the Caribou in North America, is a deer from the Arctic and sub Arctic, including both resident and migratory populations. Whilst it is overall widespread and numerous, some of its subspecies are rare or already extinct. The Reindeer is a widespread and numerous species in the northern Holarctic, being present in tundra (frozen arctic plain with lichens, mosses and dwarfed vegetation) and taiga (marshy pine forest) regions. Originally, the Reindeer was found in Scandinavia, eastern Europe, Russia, Mongolia, and northern China. In North America, it was found in Canada, Alaska and the northern USA from Washington to Maine. It also occurred naturally on Sakhalin, Greenland, and probably even in historical times in Ireland. Today, wild Reindeer have disappeared from many areas within this large historical range, especially from the southern parts where it has vanished almost everywhere. Large populations of wild Reindeer are still found in Norway, Finland, Siberia, Greenland, Alaska, and Canada. Wild Reindeer hunting and herding of semi-domesticated Reindeer (for meat, hides, antlers, milk and transportation) are important to several Arctic and Subarctic people. Domesticated Reindeer are mostly found in northern Fennoscandia and Russia with a herd of approximately 150-170 Reindeer also living around the Cairngorms region in Scotland. Reindeer vary considerably in colour and size. Both sexes grow antlers, though they are typically larger in males. Even far outside its range, the Reindeer is well known due to the myth, probably originating in early 19th century America, in which Santa Claus's sleigh is pulled by flying Reindeer, a popular element of Christmas. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hamningberg, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40399561.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18398174905dc6ad3ff2c5b.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 18th October 2019 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21808753.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_184112636253c78f948d88a.jpgLittle Tern The Little Tern is the UK's smallest tern. Its vulnerable nesting sites and its decline in Europe make it an "Amber List" species. Little Terns breed in colonies on coastal sand or shingle beaches and also along rivers and inland lakes. In the UK it is almost entirely a coastal bird and the largest colonies are found along the east and south coast of England at sites such as Blakeney Point and Great Yarmouth in Norfolk, Minsmere in Suffolk and Langstone Harbour in Hampshire. This bird was photographed at the fenced off and protected breeding colony at North Beach, Great Yarmouth. Little terns have nested here with the help of an RSPB/English Nature protection scheme since 1986. There are usually around 200 pairs, about 1 in 10 of the UK population of Britain's second rarest tern. Date: 14th July 2014 Location: Blakeney Point, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/bullfinch https://images.on-this.website/4752_11685661294daea59922b37.jpgBullfinch The male Bullfinch is unmistakable with a bright pinkish-red breast and cheeks, grey back, black cap and tail and bright white rump. The flash of the rump in flight and the sad call note are usually the first signs of Bullfinches being present. Bullfinches can be found throughout most of the UK but their localised and declining populations make it a Red List species. Bullfinches can be seen all the year round and breed in broad-leaved woodland, thickets, hedgerows, orchards and mature gardens. Date: 06/01/07 Location: Staunton Harold Reservoir, Melbourne, Derby http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308820.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7656831963ee2f49836b9.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 17th January 2023 Location: EWT Langdon Conservation Centre, Dunton, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/varangerfjord-norway https://images.on-this.website/4752_16600386884eff1f2258243.jpgNesseby, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway Nesseby is a small village located on the southern coast of the Varanger peninsula near the inner part of the Varangerfjord in Nesseby municipality in Finnmark county in north east Norway. The European route E75 highway runs through the village on its way from Varangerbotn to Vadsø. Nesseby church lies on a small peninsula on the coast of the village. The village and municipality are bilingual and have 2 official names: Nesseby (Norwegian) and Unjárga (Northern Sami). Date: 26th May 2009 Location: view looking towards Nesseby church, Nesseby, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49002240.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10734812316468eab491cc6.jpgGreenfinch The European Greenfinch, or simply the Greenfinch, is a small passerine bird in the finch. There are 10 recognised sub-species reflecting its widespread range, including the British Greenfinch found in the UK (except north Scotland) and Ireland and the Northern European Greenfinch found in north Scotland, north and central France and Scandinavia to west Siberia. The Greenfinch is similar in size and shape to a House Sparrow but it is mainly green with yellow in the wings and tail. The female and young birds are duller and have brown tones on the back. The bill is thick and conical. The song contains a lot of trilling twitters interspersed with wheezes and the male has a "butterfly" display flight. The Greenfinch is widespread throughout Europe, north Africa and south west Asia where it is mainly resident although some of the most northern populations migrate further south in autumn and winter. It has also been introduced into Australia, New Zealand, Uruguay and Argentina. The Greenfinch can be found around woodland edges, in farmland hedges and in gardens with relatively thick vegetation favoured for breeding. It can form large flocks outside the breeding season, sometimes mixing with other groups of finches and buntings. In the UK, the Greenfinch is widespread and relatively common (although a sharp decline in the population in recent years has been noted due to an outbreak of trichomonosis, a parasite-induced disease which prevents the birds from feeding properly) and it is only absent from upland areas without trees and bushes. The breeding season occurs in spring and early summer, commencing in the second half of March with the young fledging in early July. Incubation of the eggs is undertaken by the female and lasts about 13 to 14 days with the male feeding her at the nest during this period. The chicks are fed on insect larvae by both adults during the first few days and thereafter by a frequently regurgitated yellowish paste made of seeds. The chicks leave the nest about 13 days later but they are unable to fly. The Greenfinch usually produces 2 or 3 broods per year. The Greenfinch predominantly feeds on seeds but it will also take berries and nuts. Date: 12th April 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21892621.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_159455506053d0faac52632.jpgLoch Garten, Highland Loch Garten lies between the River Spey and the Cairngorm Mountains just to the north east of Aviemore and became famous in 1954 when a pair of Ospreys returned to nest here, the first since 1910. Loch Garten is situated in the Abernethy Forest, part of the largest native Caledonian pine forest in the UK. It offers a unique mix of woodland and northern bog with a great variety of birds and other wildlife. The loch and surrounding areas are managed by the RSPB as a nature reserve. Date: 18th June 2014 Location: view from the north shore near the RSPB visitor centre http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080558.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_121606021263a44b80b072b.jpgBlack-headed Gulls The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 4th December 2022 Location: EWT Abberton Reservoir, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48137714.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_42710787163bd4a53c6723.jpgBrown Rat Brown Rats have coarse brown or occasionally black fur with a pale underside. They have a long tail which is sparsely haired. Although originally native to eastern Asia and Japan, Brown Rats are now distributed world-wide. They spread across the UK via the shipping traffic from foreign countries in the 18th century and largely replaced the Black Rat. They are highly adaptable and can be found all over the UK, except for exposed mountain regions and some small offshore islands, and live in loose colonies and home ranges of around 50 metres in diameter. Along with the House Mouse, the Brown Rat is considered to be the most widespread terrestrial mammal in the UK and they are subject to persistent pest control due to the damage they cause and the numerous diseases they spread. Brown Rats are omnivorous and have a very varied diet. They are typically nocturnal although they will sometimes forage for food during the day. They also swim well and are sometimes mistaken for Water Voles. Brown Rats live for around 18 months and breed throughout the year producing 5 litters of 8 young a year. Date: 5th January 2023 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/gannet https://images.on-this.website/4752_3020654454e2699a0166a6.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 17th May 2009 Location: Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813383.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6381551245d0dde87e6bad.jpgGreat Skua The Great Skua is an aggressive "pirate" of the seas, deliberately harrassing birds as large as Gannets to steal a free meal. It also readily kills and eats smaller birds such as Puffins. These birds migrate to the northernmost parts of the UK from their wintering grounds off the coasts of Spain and Africa. They breed on coastal rocky islands and moorland in northern Scotland, Orkney and Shetland, arriving in April and leaving in July. At other times they are seen around coasts often in vicinity of seabird colonies, scavenging from other birds or picking food from the surface of the sea. Date: 10th June 2019 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42222333.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10741782716023a32b392a3.jpgArctic Circle, Rovaniemi, Lappi, Finland The Arctic Circle is one of the five major circles of latitude that mark maps of the Earth. In 2012, it is the parallel of latitude that runs 66° 33′ 44″ north of the Equator. The region north of this circle is known as the Arctic and the zone just to the south is called the Northern Temperate Zone. The equivalent polar circle in the Southern Hemisphere is called the Antarctic Circle. The Arctic Circle is the southernmost latitude in the Northern Hemisphere at which the sun can remain continuously above or below the horizon for 24 hours (at the June solstice and December solstice respectively). North of the Arctic Circle, the sun is above the horizon for 24 continuous hours at least once per year (and therefore visible at midnight) and below the horizon for 24 continuous hours at least once per year. The position of the Arctic Circle is not fixed. It directly depends on the Earth's axial tilt, which fluctuates within a margin of 2° over a 40,000-year period, notably due to tidal forces resulting from the orbit of the Moon. Relatively few people live north of the Arctic Circle due to the severe climate. Areas have been settled for thousands of years by indigenous peoples. Tens of thousands of years ago, waves of people migrated from eastern Siberia across the Bering Strait into North America and gradually eastward to settle. Much later, in the historic period, there has been migration into some Arctic areas by Europeans and other immigrants. Rovaniemi, which lies slightly south of the Arctic Circle, has a population of approximately 60,000, and is the largest settlement in the immediate vicinity of the Arctic Circle. It is the administrative capital and commercial centre of Finland's northernmost province, Lapland. It is situated between the hills of Ounasvaara and Korkalovaara at the confluence of the river Kemijoki and its tributary, the Ounasjoki. Date: 9th July 2019 Location: Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/redwing https://images.on-this.website/4752_6111281214f2eb60b1a86c.jpgRedwing The Redwing is most commonly encountered as a winter visitor and is the UK's smallest true thrush. The creamy stripe above the eye and the orange-red flank patches make it distinctive. Redwings arrive in the UK from September but most arrive in October and November. They leave again in March and April, although occasionally birds stay later including a few pairs to nest in northern Scotland. Redwings can be found across the UK's countryside feeding in fields and hedgerows and also in parks and gardens in the coldest weather when snow covers the fields. They often associate with flocks of Fieldfares, the other wintering thrush. Date: 5th February 2012 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072390.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_384033954bf6e1e5830e7.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill <i>"kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake"</i>. The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 14th April 2010 Location: Kongsfjord, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11948042.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6573307554e4109471ed0d.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 24th December 2005 Location: Glen Garry, Inverness-shire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405492.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1510951336586e89f0b5e5.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 14th October 2023 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/black-cuillin-skye-highland https://images.on-this.website/4752_454363620560fb7c2d5ba0.jpgBlack Cuillin, Skye, Highland The Black Cuillin are a mountain range on Skye off the north west coast of Scotland and contain the highest concentration of mountains over 3000 feet high in the UK (20 summits exceed this height). The mountains are a memorable sight whether the weather is bright and sunny or grey and misty as it often is on Skye. Either way they have a unique presence and can be seen from miles around both on Skye and on the mainland. The mountains themselves are the preserve of experienced mountaineers and hillwalkers but the rest of us can enjoy classic views from Elgol and Sligachan and along Glenbrittle. [i]"Beyond the lochs of the blood of the children of men, Beyond the frailty of the plain and the labour of the mountain, Beyond poverty, consumption, fever, agony, Beyond hardship, wrong, tyranny, distress, Beyond misery, despair, hatred, treachery, Beyond guilt and defilement; watchful, Heroic, the Cuillin is seen Rising on the other side of sorrow."[/i] [b]Sorley Maclean[/b] - [i]"The Cuillin"[/i] Date: 25th September 2015 Location: view across Loch Scavaig from Elgol http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21893077.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15162786953d102561b177.jpgOystercatcher The Oystercatcher is a wader in the oystercatcher family. It is an obvious and noisy bird with black and white plumage, red legs and a strong broad red bill which is used for smashing or prising open molluscs such as mussels or for finding earthworms. Despite its name, oysters do not form a large part of its diet. The Oystercatcher is unmistakable in flight with white patches on the wings and tail with otherwise black upperparts and white underparts. Young birds are more brown, have a white neck collar and a duller bill. The call is a distinctive loud piping. The bill shape varies: Oystercatchers with broad bill tips open molluscs by prising them apart or hammering through the shell whereas birds with pointed bills dig up worms. Much of this is due to the wear resulting from feeding on their prey. Individual Oystercatchers specialise in one technique or the other which they learn from their parents. The Oystercatcher is the most widespread of the oystercatchers with 3 races breeding in western Europe, central Eurasia, Kamchatka, China, and the western coast of Korea. It is a migratory species over most of its range. The European population breeds mainly in northern Europe but in winter the birds can be found in north Africa and southern parts of Europe. Although the species is present all year in Ireland, the UK and the adjacent European coasts, there is still migratory movement within these populations. In winter, large flocks can be seen on major estuaries in the UK. The Oystercatcher breeds on shingle and rocky beaches, sand dunes, salt marshes and on the grassy tops of small islands and also inland on shingle banks of rivers, lakes and gravel pits Date: 18th June 2014 Location: Loch Fleet, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/booted-eagle https://images.on-this.website/4752_3319029984ff545e4a7ed9.jpgEgyptian Vulture The Egyptian Vulture is a small Old World vulture. The adult's plumage is white with black flight feathers in the wings. Wild birds usually appear soiled with a rusty or brown shade to the white plumage which is derived from mud or iron-rich soil. The bill is slender and long and the tip of the upper mandible is hooked. The neck feathers are long and form a hackle. The wings are pointed and the tail is wedge shaped. The contrasting underwing pattern and wedge-shaped tail make it distinctive in flight as it soars in thermals during the warmer parts of the day. The Egyptian Vulture is widely distributed across the Old World with their breeding range extending from southern Europe to northern Africa and east to western and southern Asia. Most Egyptian Vultures in the temperate zone migrate south to Africa in winter. Like many other large soaring migrants, they avoid making long crossings over water. Italian birds cross over through Sicily and into Tunisia making short sea crossings by passing through the islands of Marettimo and Pantelleria and those that migrate through the Iberian Peninsula cross into Africa over the Strait of Gibraltar while others cross further east through the Levant. The Egyptian Vulture nests mainly on rocky cliffs and in large trees. Egyptian Vulture populations have declined in most parts of their range due to hunting, accidental poisoning and collision with power lines and wind farms. Date: 27th April 2012 Location: La Tajadilla, Parque Nacional de Monfragüe, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45182489.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18697052636235c90940e6f.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 11th February 2022 Location: EWT Warley Place, Brentwood, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/beinn-dearg-mhor-skye https://images.on-this.website/4752_9142898034681c7758c7f4.jpgBeinn Dearg Mhor, Skye Height: Beinn Dearg Mhor 2325 feet and Beinn Dearg Bheag 1909 feet. Beinn Dearg Mhor and Beinn Dearg Bheag are located to the north east of Loch Slapin and Torrin. This photograph was taken on a windless evening which provided for a perfect reflection of both mountains in a roadside pool. Date: June 2002 Location: view from the B8083 road on the west side of Loch Slapin http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49278561.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16763334706499b48580f83.jpgGrass Snake The Grass Snake is the UK’s largest terrestrial reptile reaching up to 6 feet in length although such large specimens are rare. Females are considerably larger than males and typically reach a size of 2 feet 11 inches to 3 feet 7 inches when fully grown whilst males are approximately 8 inches shorter. The Grass Snake is typically olive-green, brown or greyish in colour with a variable row of black bars along the sides, occasionally with smaller round markings along the back in double rows. The underside of the Grass Snake is off-white or yellowish with dark triangular or rectangular markings. A characteristic black and yellow collar is present behind the head. The Grass Snake is one of only 3 snakes to occur in the UK and it is distributed throughout lowland areas of England and Wales. It is almost absent from Scotland and is not found in Ireland at all which has no native snakes. The Grass Snake is an aquatic species that is usually closely associated with water where it preys almost entirely on amphibians, especially the Common Toad and the Common Frog, although they may also occasionally eat mammals and fish. It is a strong swimmer and is found in habitats featuring ponds, lakes, streams, marshes and ditches which provide access to sunshine for basking and plenty of shelter. The Grass Snake may also be found in open woodland, rough grassland, wet heathlands, gardens, parks and hedgerows. The Grass Snake, as with most reptiles, is at the mercy of the thermal environment and it needs to overwinter in areas which are not subject to freezing. Therefore it will typically spend the winter underground where the temperature is relatively stable. Date: 13th June 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52518221.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18270442626754596146cb3.jpgGadwall The Gadwall is one of the most common and widespread dabbling ducks. The breeding male is patterned grey with a black rear end, light chestnut wings and a brilliant white speculum which is obvious in flight or at rest. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female but retains the male wing pattern and is usually greyer above and has less orange on the bill. The female is light brown with plumage much like a female Mallard. It can be distinguished from that species by the dark orange-edged bill, smaller size, the white speculum and white belly. The Gadwall breeds in north Europe and Asia and central north America and appears to be expanding into eastern north America. It is a bird of open wetlands and lakes, wet grassland or marshes with dense fringing vegetation and it nests on the ground, often some distance from water. In the UK, the Gadwall is a scarce breeding bird on some lakes and gravel pits in the Midlands, south east England, eastern central Scotland, eastern Northern Ireland and south east Wales. In winter, numbers increase as birds migrate to spend the winter in the UK on gravel pits, lakes, reservoirs and coastal wetlands. Date: 9th October 2024 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/slioch-and-loch-maree-wester https://images.on-this.website/4752_5733041525c2a0a7611199.jpgSlioch and Loch Maree, Wester Ross Height: 3218 feet. Slioch is a solitary Torridonian sandstone mountain on the north side of Loch Maree about 4 miles north of Kinlochewe. Its isolated position and formidable appearance are well seen in views of the mountain across Loch Maree. Slioch's name originates from the Gaelic word "sleagh" and means "spear". Loch Maree is a loch in Wester Ross in the Scottish Highlands. At 12 miles long and with a maximum width of 2.5 miles, it is the 4th largest freshwater loch in Scotland and the largest north of Loch Ness. It has a surface area11.0 square miles. Loch Maree is bounded to the east by the mountain of Slioch (3218 feet high) which dominates its surroundings and to the west by the mountain of Beinn Eighe (3314 feet high) which is included within the first National Nature Reserve declared in the UK. Loch Maree contains 5 large wooded islands and over 60 smaller ones, many of which have their own lakelets. Isle Maree has the remains of a chapel, graveyard, holy well and holy tree on it, believed to be the 8th century hermitage of Saint Máel Ruba who founded the monastery of Applecross in 672. Loch Maree is often referred to as the most beautiful loch in the Scottish Highlands and is of international importance for its special wildlife and biodiversity. It is a designated Special Area of Conservation and Special Protected Area under the EU Habitats Directive and a wetland site designated under the Ramsar Convention. Like Loch Ness, Loch Maree has its own monster in the form of the Muc-sheilch. Date: 24th June 2018 Location: view from Slattadale http://www.richardchewphotography.com/reed-warbler https://images.on-this.website/4752_20928721696291efb7d94da.jpgReed Warbler The Eurasian Reed warbler, or just Reed Warbler, is a warbler in the genus Acrocephalus. It is a medium-sized warbler, 5 to 5.5 inches in length. The adult has an unstreaked brown back and buff underparts. The forehead is flattened and the bill is strong and pointed. The sexes are identical, as with most warblers, but young birds are a richer buff colour below. The Reed Warbler’s song is a slow chatter, with typically whistles and mimicry added, and it usually sings from within a reedbed rather than from a perch so it is often heard rather than seen. The Reed Warbler is found almost exclusively in reedbeds where it breeds across Europe into the temperate western Palaearctic. It is migratory and winters in sub-Saharan Africa. It is a summer visitor to the UK with the largest concentrations in the reedbeds in lowland central and southern England and Wales. The Reed Warbler is one of the species that are brood parasitised by the Cuckoo. Like most warblers, the Reed Warbler is insectivorous but it will take other small food items including berries. Date: 21st May 2022 Location: EWT Two Tree Island, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18776279.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_146721189051f4ceeec81ad.jpgRed Grouse The Red Grouse is a medium-sized bird of the grouse family which is found in heather moorland in the UK and Ireland. It is endemic to the UK and has developed in isolation. It is usually classified as a sub-species of the Willow Ptarmigan or Willow Grouse which is found in birch and other forests and moorlands in north Europe, the tundra of Scandinavia, Siberia, Alaska and north Canada. The Red Grouse is differentiated from the Willow Ptarmigan and Rock Ptarmigan by its plumage being reddish brown and not having a white winter plumage. The tail is black and the legs are white. There are white stripes on the underwing and red combs over the eye. Females are less reddish than the males and have less conspicuous combs. Young birds are duller and lack the red combs. The Red Grouse is found across most parts of Scotland, including Orkney, Shetland and most of the Outer Hebrides. It is only absent from urban areas such as in the Central Belt. In Wales there are strong populations of Red Grouse in some places but the range has retracted. It is now largely absent from the far south and the main strongholds are Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons and the Cambrian Mountains. In England the Red Grouse is mainly found in the north in areas such as the Lake District, Northumberland, County Durham, much of Yorkshire, the Pennines and the Peak District as far south as the Staffordshire Moorlands. There is an isolated introduced population on Dartmoor and overspill Welsh birds visit the Shropshire Hills.The typical habitat is upland heather moors away from trees. It can also be found in some low-lying bogs and birds may visit farmland during hard weather. The UK population of the Red Grouse is estimated at about 250,000 pairs. Numbers have declined in recent years and it is now absent in areas where it was once common. Reasons for the decline include disease, loss of heather due to overgrazing, creation of new conifer plantations and a decline in the number of upland gamekeepers. Some predators feed on Red Grouse and there is ongoing controversy as to what effect these have on numbers. The Red Grouse is herbivorous and feeds mainly on the shoots, seeds and flowers of heather. It will also feed on berries, cereal crops and sometimes insects. The Red Grouse is considered a game bird and is shot in large numbers during the shooting season which traditionally starts on August 12th (known as the Glorious Twelfth). Shooting can take the form of “walked up” (where shooters walk across the moor to flush grouse and take a shot) or “driven” (where grouse are driven, often in large numbers, by “beaters” towards the shooters who are hiding behind a line of “butts”). Many moors are managed to increase the density of Red Grouse. Areas of heather are subjected to controlled burning since this allows fresh young shoots to regenerate which are favoured by Red Grouse. In addition, extensive predator control is a feature of grouse moor management and the extent and legality to which it occurs is hotly contested between conservation groups and shooting interests and the subject generates a lot of media attention. The Red Grouse is widely known as the logo of The Famous Grouse whisky and an animated bird is a character in a series of its adverts. It is also the emblem of the magazine “British Birds”. Date: 20th June 2013 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo8048516.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16131804094d0d03800da24.jpgWaxwings The Waxwing is a plump bird which is slightly smaller than a Starling. It is buff or pinkish-brown in colour with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings, a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest. The bird’s name is derived from the red tips to some of the wing feathers which are said to look like they have been dipped in sealing wax. Waxwings breed in the dense forests of northern Europe but they occur in varying numbers in the UK from October to March. In some years they can occur in large numbers (known as irruptions) when the population in the breeding areas gets too big for the food available. The first UK arrivals each winter are usually seen on the east coast from Scotland to East Anglia but birds then move inland in search of food. They can be found in parks and gardens and even busy public places such as supermarket car parks, typically where there are berry-bearing trees and bushes such as rowan, hawthorn, cotoneaster and rose. Waxwings seem fearless of humans so it is relatively easy to get very close views of these stunning birds. Waxwings make an easily recognisable high-pitched trilling sound like a bell. Date: 11th December 2010 Location: Folkestone, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/shoveler https://images.on-this.website/4752_6380466264db7f2f9cdb23.jpgShoveler The Northern Shoveler, known simply as the Shoveler in the UK, is a common and widespread dabbling duck. The Shoveler is unmistakable due to its large spatulate bill. The breeding male has an iridescent dark green head, white breast and chestnut belly and flanks. In flight, pale blue forewing feathers are revealed which are separated from the green speculum by a white border. In early autumn the male has a white crescent on each side of the face. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male resembles the female. The female is a drab mottled brown with plumage much like a female Mallard but easily distinguished by the long broad bill which is grey tinged with orange on the cutting edge and lower mandible. The female's forewing is grey. The Shoveler can be found in open wetlands, such as wet grassland or marshes with some emergent vegetation, in northern areas of Europe and Asia and across most of north America. It winters in south Europe, Africa, the Indian sub-continent, south east Asia and central and northern south America. In the UK, the Shoveler breeds primarily in south and east England and in much smaller numbers in Scotland and west England. In winter, breeding birds move south and there is additionally an influx of continental birds from further north. The UK is home to more than 20% of the north west European population. The Shoveler prefers to nest in grassy areas away from open water. The nest is a shallow depression on the ground lined with plant material and down. Females typically lay about 9 eggs. The males are very territorial during the breeding season and will defend their territory and partners from competing males. Males also engage in elaborate courtship behaviours both on the water and in the air. The Shoveler feeds by dabbling for plant food, often by swinging its bill from side to side and using the bill to strain food from the water. It uses its highly specialized bill (from which their name is derived) to forage for aquatic invertebrates. Date: 25th April 2011 Location: Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081425.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_97311519363a8335f632db.jpgBrown Rat Brown Rats have coarse brown or occasionally black fur with a pale underside. They have a long tail which is sparsely haired. Although originally native to eastern Asia and Japan, Brown Rats are now distributed world-wide. They spread across the UK via the shipping traffic from foreign countries in the 18th century and largely replaced the Black Rat. They are highly adaptable and can be found all over the UK, except for exposed mountain regions and some small offshore islands, and live in loose colonies and home ranges of around 50 metres in diameter. Along with the House Mouse, the Brown Rat is considered to be the most widespread terrestrial mammal in the UK and they are subject to persistent pest control due to the damage they cause and the numerous diseases they spread. Brown Rats are omnivorous and have a very varied diet. They are typically nocturnal although they will sometimes forage for food during the day. They also swim well and are sometimes mistaken for Water Voles. Brown Rats live for around 18 months and breed throughout the year producing 5 litters of 8 young a year. Date: 9th January 2022 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/spoonbill https://images.on-this.website/4752_4183963914ff5481b285b1.jpgSpoonbill The Spoonbill is an unmistakable wading bird. Breeding adults are all white except for dark legs, a black spoon-shaped bill with a yellow tip, a yellow breast patch and a crest. Non-breeders lack the crest and breast patch and immature birds have a pale bill and black tips to the primary flight feathers. Unlike herons, Spoonbills fly with their necks outstretched. Feeding birds swing their heads and sweep their bills from side to side through the water. The Spoonbill breeds from the UK and Spain in the west through to Japan and also in North Africa. In Europe, only the Netherlands, Spain, Austria, Hungary and Greece have sizeable populations. Birds from north west and south west Europe winter mainly in west Africa whilst those from south east Europe winter in the Mediterranean and north Africa. Eastern European and Turkish birds appear to move to north east Africa, the Middle East and India. The Spoonbill became extinct in the UK but sporadic breeding attempts in the early 21st century finally culminated with the formation of a colony at Holkham in Norfolk in 2010. The Spoonbill can be found in extensive shallow, wetlands with muddy, clay or fine sandy beds. They may inhabit any type of marsh, river, lake, flooded area and mangrove swamp, whether fresh, brackish or saline but especially those with islands for nesting or dense emergent vegetation such as reedbeds and scattered trees or shrubs. The Spoonbill may also frequent sheltered marine habitats during the winter such as deltas, estuaries, tidal creeks and coastal lagoons. Threats to the Eurasian Spoonbill include habitat destruction through drainage of wetlands and habitat degradation by pollution. Date: 1st May 2012 Location: La Rocina, Coto Doñana, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46027954.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20962332036291ef961b5d3.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 21st May 2022 Location: EWT Two Tree Island, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo494860.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_149914839946a498b75da9b.jpgRuddy Darter Flight period: mid June to mid September. The Ruddy Darter takes its name from its colour and its swift flight behaviour. The male has a deep russet colour over the entire body and the abdomen has a pinched section close to where it joins the thorax. Females are slightly smaller, golden yellow in colour and being less obviously marked are more difficult to identify than the males. There is more than one red coloured darter species in the UK and they can be easily confused with each other. The commonest red species, the Common Darter, can be distinguished as having red veins at the base of the wings and a less ruddy colouration across the body. However, the Ruddy Darter has entirely black legs, distinguishing it from all other red darters which have longitudinal yellow stripes on their legs. The UK range of the Ruddy Darter has undergone something of an expansion in recent years. Although still relatively uncommon in the west and north of Britain, it is increasing in numbers in the Midlands and eastern England. The population is augmented by continental migrants. It is also found over most of Europe except for northern Scandinavia, as far east as western Siberia and south to north Africa. The Ruddy Darter prefers water bodies with tall emergent vegetation, such as reeds and club rush, and it is known to breed in ponds, lakes, canals, ditches and sluggish rivers. They can also be found near coasts and can breed in fairly brackish water. Date: 21st July 2007 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/bank-vole https://images.on-this.website/4752_11277749254e0974e14860e.jpgBank Vole The Bank Vole has reddish-brown fur above, creamy-grey fur below, a rounded blunt snout, less prominent eyes than mice and ears completely covered with fur. It is the smallest of the UK’s vole species. The Bank Vole is very widespread and among the most common of UK mammals. It can be found throughout mainland UK but on few of the offshore islands. However, some islands have their own distinct sub-species e.g. Skomer, Mull and Jersey. In addition, the Bank Vole ranges across Europe (except for the extreme north or south) and east into central Asia. The Bank Vole occurs typically in deciduous woodland, scrubland and hedgerows, preferring areas where there is some ground cover. It is frequently disturbed during daytime at the entrance to its burrow in to which it disappears so fast that it is rarely seen. Nest burrows are set in soft soil, normally between the roots of a large tree or shrub, and have several entrances to the surface. Although the Bank Vole is numerous, it is an important part of the diet of Tawny Owls and small mustelids such as Weasel, Stoat, Pine Marten. Date: 10th June 2011 Location: Abernethy Forest, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4088342.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10165444764b1945ea5f53a.jpgGreater Flamingos The Greater Flamingo is a largely pinkish-white bird but the wing coverts are red and the primary and secondary flight feathers are black. The bill is pink with a black tip and the legs are entirely pink. The Greater Flamingo is the most widespread species of the flamingo family and can be found in parts of Africa, southern Asia and southern Europe (including Spain, Sardinia, Albania, Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Portugal, and the Camargue region of France). Some populations are short distance migrants, and records north of the breeding range are relatively frequent. However, given the species' popularity in captivity, whether these are truly wild individuals is a matter of some debate. Date: 10th November 2009 Location: Delta de l’Ebre, Catalunya, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/uath-lochans-glen-feshie-highland https://images.on-this.website/4752_154213910953d0f0de09820.jpgUath Lochans, Highland Uath Lochans are located in the Inshriach Forest just off the road in to Glen Feshie south of Kincraig. They are little known by many visitors and are referred to as Speyside’s hidden secret. There is a walk around 4 small lochans through Caledonian pine trees, heather moorland and bogland. Date: 17th June 2014 Location: view of the northern lochan http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4088349.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17511490824b19462477f37.jpgGreater Flamingos The Greater Flamingo is a largely pinkish-white bird but the wing coverts are red and the primary and secondary flight feathers are black. The bill is pink with a black tip and the legs are entirely pink. The Greater Flamingo is the most widespread species of the flamingo family and can be found in parts of Africa, southern Asia and southern Europe (including Spain, Sardinia, Albania, Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Portugal, and the Camargue region of France). Some populations are short distance migrants, and records north of the breeding range are relatively frequent. However, given the species' popularity in captivity, whether these are truly wild individuals is a matter of some debate. Date: 10th November 2009 Location: Delta de l’Ebre, Catalunya, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308886.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17460294163ee382009f80.jpgTufted Duck The Tufted Duck is a small diving duck. The adult male is all black except for white flanks and a blue-grey bill. It has an obvious head tuft that gives the species its name. The adult female is brown with paler flanks and is more easily confused with other diving ducks. In particular, some have white around the bill base which resembles the Scaup although the white is never as extensive as in that species. The Tufted Duck breeds widely throughout temperate and northern Eurasia. It occasionally can be found as a winter visitor along both coasts of the United States and Canada. It is migratory in most of its range and winters in the milder south and west of Europe and southern Asia where large flocks form on open water. The Tufted Duck breeds close to marshes and lakes with plenty of vegetation to conceal the nest. It is also found on coastal lagoons and sheltered ponds. The Tufted Duck feeds mainly by diving for molluscs, aquatic insects and aquatic plants. Date: 21st January 2022 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4088343.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1320899644b1945f2c0711.jpgGreater Flamingos The Greater Flamingo is a largely pinkish-white bird but the wing coverts are red and the primary and secondary flight feathers are black. The bill is pink with a black tip and the legs are entirely pink. The Greater Flamingo is the most widespread species of the flamingo family and can be found in parts of Africa, southern Asia and southern Europe (including Spain, Sardinia, Albania, Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Portugal, and the Camargue region of France). Some populations are short distance migrants, and records north of the breeding range are relatively frequent. However, given the species' popularity in captivity, whether these are truly wild individuals is a matter of some debate. Date: 10th November 2009 Location: Delta de l’Ebre, Catalunya, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4088344.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15740673314b1945fb303a1.jpgGreater Flamingos The Greater Flamingo is a largely pinkish-white bird but the wing coverts are red and the primary and secondary flight feathers are black. The bill is pink with a black tip and the legs are entirely pink. The Greater Flamingo is the most widespread species of the flamingo family and can be found in parts of Africa, southern Asia and southern Europe (including Spain, Sardinia, Albania, Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Portugal, and the Camargue region of France). Some populations are short distance migrants, and records north of the breeding range are relatively frequent. However, given the species' popularity in captivity, whether these are truly wild individuals is a matter of some debate. Date: 10th November 2009 Location: Delta de l’Ebre, Catalunya, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9563034.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7007567464dae95574fab8.jpgSnow Bunting Snow Buntings are large buntings with striking “snowy” plumages. Males in summer have all white heads and underparts contrasting with a black mantle and wing tips. Females are a more mottled above. In autumn and winter birds develop a sandy/buff wash to their plumage and males have more mottled upperparts. Snow Buntings breed in far northern Europe and migrate south in winter. They are a very scarce breeding species in the UK and can be found on the highest mountain peaks in Scotland where they nest in rocky crevices. Snow Buntings are best looked for in winter (from late September to early March) where they can sometimes be seen in large flocks on the seashore or on adjacent short rough grassland at coastal sites in Scotland and eastern England. Date: 26th March 2008 Location: Cairngorm, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41292178.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2174396055f10b8c334298.jpgPasvikdalen, Troms og Finnmark, Norway The Pasvik valley (Norwegian: [i]Pasvikdalen[/i]) is a river valley located in Norway and Russia. The Norwegian side of the valley is situated in Sør-Varanger municipality in Troms og Finnmark and the Russian side is located in the Pechengsky district in Murmansk Oblast. Øvre Pasvik National Park (Norwegian: [i]Øvre Pasvik Nasjonalpark[/i]) is located in the south eastern part of the valley and covers an area of 46 square miles. It is dominated by Siberian-like taiga consisting of old-growth forests of Scots pine, shallow lakes and bogs. Proposals for a national park in Øvre Pasvik were first launched in 1936 but it was not created until February 1970. It originally covered 25 square miles but was expanded in August 2003. Øvre Pasvik National Park is part of the larger Pasvik–Inari Trilateral Park along with the adjacent Øvre Pasvik Landscape Protection Area, the joint Norwegian and Russian Pasvik Nature Reserve and Finland's Vätsäri Wilderness Area. The fauna and flora of the Øvre Pasvik National Park is typical of the Siberian taiga. This includes Brown Bear, Wolverine, Wolf, Lynx and Elk and a very interesting diversity of northern and eastern species of birds which breed on the lakes and rivers and in the forests. The River Pasvikelva runs through the valley (giving it the name) and the river defines part of the border between Norway and Russia. It is the outlet from the large Lake Inari in Finland and flows through Norway and Russia to discharge into the Bøkfjorden (which later flows into the Varangerfjorden and then the Barents Sea) not far from the town of Kirkenes. The river has a watershed of 7106 square miles and is 90 miles long. A series of hydroelectric power stations are situated along its course. Since 1826, the River Pasvikelva has marked parts of the border between Norway and Russia, except from 1920 to 1944 when it was along the border between Norway and Finland. The southern part of the valley is also the location of the Treriksrøysa (Three-Country Cairn), a cairn which marks the tripoint where the borders between Norway, Finland and Russia meet. The site is on a hill called Muotkavaara situated west of the River Pasvikelva. It is the only place where 3 time zones meet: Central European Time, Eastern European Time and Further-Eastern European Time. The tripoint can only be approached by the public from the Norwegian side since both Finland and Russia maintain extensive border zones where public access is prohibited. Date: 30th June 2019 Location: view between Melkefoss and Nyrud, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512241.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_130982647662c9963da4e99.jpgTree Pipit The Tree Pipit is a small passerine bird in the pipit family. It is an undistinguished-looking species, similar to the Meadow Pipit, streaked brown above and with black markings on a white belly and buff breast below. It can be distinguished from the slightly smaller Meadow Pipit by its heavier bill and greater contrast between its buff breast and white belly. The Tree Pipit’s song flight is unmistakable. The bird rises a short distance up from a tree and then parachutes down on stiff wings, the song becoming more drawn out towards the end. The Tree Pipit breeds across most of Europe and temperate western and central Asia. It is a long-distance migrant moving in winter to Africa and southern Asia. The Tree Pipit breeds in habitats with a wooded component, including lowland heath and coppice. It is found mostly in open birch woodland on the boundary with moorland or in open structured oak woodland. It nests on the ground amongst grass or heather tussocks. Date: 11th May 2022 Location: Morden Bog, Wareham Forest, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084893.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4410265465d308995b982b.jpgPiatra Craiului Mountains, Brașov County, Romania The Piatra Craiului Mountains are a mountain range in the Southern Carpathians in central Romania. It forms a narrow and saw-like ridge which is about 16 miles long. Vârful La Om is the highest peak at 7343 feet. The ridge is regarded as one of the most impressive and beautiful sites in the Carpathian Mountians and the views both towards and from the mountains are superb. The whole range is included in the Piatra Craiului National Park. The first protection of this area started in 1938 when 2 square miles were declared as a nature reserve. This has been progressively extended and in 1990 it became a national park covering an area of 38 square miles. In 2003 the external limits and internal zoning were created. Since 1999 a park administration has existed with a visitor centre located on the minor road 0.6 miles west of Zărnești and since 2005 a management plan has been in place. Piatra Craiului National Park supports and protects an abundance and diversity of mammals (including Brown Bear, Wolf and Lynx), birds and plants. Zărneşti is the most important town for visiting the Piatra Craiului Mountains and the Piatra Craiului National Park. The town is located 17 miles south west of the city of Brașov. From Zărnești, a 7 mile long minor road runs west and ends at Cabana Plaiul Foii which is a good starting point for climbing the ridge. In addition, a forest road starts from the south west of Zărneşti which leads to the Zărneştilor Gorge and continues up to the ridge. The traditional villages of Măgura, Peştera, Ciocanu and Şirnea are starting points for routes up to the eastern slopes. Măgura, situated at 3281 feet, is one of Romania’s most picturesque villages and it provides stunning views towards the Bucegi Mountains and the Piatra Craiului Mountains. Date: 6th June 2018 Location: Piatra Craiului Mountains from the Zărnești to Cabana Plaiul Foii road, Brașov County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26006785.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7598585635634a2b807fcc.jpgRed-necked Phalarope The Red-necked Phalarope is a small wader with lobed toes to assist swimming and a straight, fine bill. The breeding female is predominantly dark grey above with a chestnut neck and upper breast, black face and white throat. The breeding male is a duller version of the female. In winter, the plumage is essentially grey above and white below but the black eyepatch is always present. When feeding, a Red-necked Phalarope will often swim in a small, rapid circle, forming a small whirlpool. This behaviour is thought to aid feeding by raising food from the bottom of shallow water. The bird will reach into the centre of the vortex with its bill, plucking small insects or crustaceans caught up therein. On the open ocean, they are often found where converging currents produce upwellings. The Red-necked Phalarope breeds in the Arctic regions of north America and Eurasia. It is migratory and, unusually for a wader, it winters at sea on tropical oceans. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Steingrímsfjarðarheiði to Ísafjörður, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4088477.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21250537714b19530fee240.jpgGriffon Vulture The Griffon Vulture is a typical Old World vulture in appearance with a white bald head, very broad wings and short tail feathers. It has a white neck ruff and yellow bill. The buff body and wing coverts contrast with the dark flight feathers. They are very large birds around 37 to 43 inches long with a 91 to 106 inches wingspan. Like other vultures, the Griffon Vulture is a scavenger, feeding mostly from carcasses of dead animals which it finds by soaring over open areas, often moving in flocks. The population is mostly resident in its breeding range in the mountains of southern Europe, north Africa, and Asia. In Spain, there are tens of thousands of birds from a low of a few thousand around 1980 although the Pyrenees population has apparently been affected by an EU ruling that due to danger of BSE transmission, no carcasses must be left on the fields for the time being. Although the Griffon Vulture does not normally attack larger living prey, there are reports of Spanish Griffon Vultures killing weak, young or unhealthy living animals as they do not find enough carrion to eat. Date: 15th November 2009 Location: near Loporzano, Aragon, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4088277.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7510920454b19413e8b890.jpgWestern Purple Swamphen The Western Purple Swamphen is a chicken-sized bird and a member of the rail family which includes the Coot and Moorhen. With its large feet, bright plumage and red bill and frontal shield it is easily recognisable in its native range of Spain, Portugal, southern France, Sardinia and north Africa to Tunisia. It used to be considered the nominate subspecies of the Purple Swamphen which has now been split in to 6 separate species since 2015. The Western Purple Swamphen makes loud, quick, bleating and hooting calls, which are hardly bird-like in tone, and it is particularly noisy during the breeding season. Despite being clumsy in flight it can fly long distances and it is also a good swimmer, especially for a bird without webbed feet. The Western Purple Swamphen can be found in wet areas such as reedbeds, swamps, lake edges and damp pastures. It often lives in pairs and larger communities. It clambers through the reeds, eating the tender shoots and vegetable-like matter, although it has been known to eat eggs, ducklings, small fish and invertebrates such as snails. It will often use one foot to bring food to their mouth rather than eat it on the ground. The Western Purple Swamphen in the Mediterranean region has declined due to habitat loss, hunting and pesticide use, and requires strict protection. Date: 9th November 2009 Location: Delta de l’Ebre, Catalunya, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071494.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_211752336566431ffb61900.jpgGreat Crested Grebe The Great Crested Grebe is the largest member of the grebe family measuring 18 to 20 inches in length with a wing span of 23 to 29 inches. It is a graceful bird with its long neck, long bill and slender outline. In summer, the adults of both sexes are unmistakable being adorned with beautiful head-plumes which are reddish-orange in colour with black tips. There is also an erectile black crown. Non-breeding adults lack the full crest and have a dark crown bordered by a white face, the white extending down the fore-neck and chest. The sexes are similar in appearance but juveniles can be distinguished from adults by having a striped black and white head and neck. The Great Crested Grebe can be found across Europe and Asia and it breeds on shallow, reed-fringed freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs and slow rivers. It is resident in the milder west of its range but it migrates from the colder regions of its range to freshwater lakes, reservoirs and sheltered coastal areas in winter. The Great Crested Grebe has an elaborate mating display. Like all grebes, it nests on the water's edge since its legs are set relatively far back and it is thus unable to walk very well. Usually 2 eggs are laid and the fluffy, striped young grebes are often carried on the adult's back. In a clutch of 2 or more hatchlings, male and female grebes will each identify their “favourites” which they alone will care for and teach. Unusually, young Great Crested Grebes are capable of swimming and diving almost at hatching. The adults teach these skills to their young by carrying them on their backs and diving, leaving the chicks to float on the surface. They then re-emerge a few feet away so that the chicks may swim back on to them. The Great Crested Grebe feeds mainly on fish but it will also eat small crustaceans, insects and small frogs and newts. The Great Crested Grebe was hunted almost to extinction in the UK in the 19th century due to being hunted for its head plumes which were used to decorate hats and ladies' undergarments. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was set up to help protect the Great Crested Grebe which is now again a common sight. Date: 29th April 2024 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4088279.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9054326574b194153a97d1.jpgWestern Purple Swamphen The Western Purple Swamphen is a chicken-sized bird and a member of the rail family which includes the Coot and Moorhen. With its large feet, bright plumage and red bill and frontal shield it is easily recognisable in its native range of Spain, Portugal, southern France, Sardinia and north Africa to Tunisia. It used to be considered the nominate subspecies of the Purple Swamphen which has now been split in to 6 separate species since 2015. The Western Purple Swamphen makes loud, quick, bleating and hooting calls, which are hardly bird-like in tone, and it is particularly noisy during the breeding season. Despite being clumsy in flight it can fly long distances and it is also a good swimmer, especially for a bird without webbed feet. The Western Purple Swamphen can be found in wet areas such as reedbeds, swamps, lake edges and damp pastures. It often lives in pairs and larger communities. It clambers through the reeds, eating the tender shoots and vegetable-like matter, although it has been known to eat eggs, ducklings, small fish and invertebrates such as snails. It will often use one foot to bring food to their mouth rather than eat it on the ground. The Western Purple Swamphen in the Mediterranean region has declined due to habitat loss, hunting and pesticide use, and requires strict protection. Date: 9th November 2009 Location: Delta de l’Ebre, Catalunya, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30825682.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_214731906558f34957e47473.89603060.jpgAvocets The (Pied) Avocet is a large black and white wader in the avocet and stilt family. It is one of 4 species of avocet that make up the genus Recurvirostra. The genus name is from the Latin [i]recurvus[/i] meaning "curved backwards" and [i]rostrum[/i] meaning "bill". The Avocet is a striking white wader with bold black markings. Adults have white plumage except for a black cap and black patches in the wings and on the back. They have long, upturned bills and long, bluish legs. Males and females look alike whilst juveniles resemble the adult but with more greyish and sepia tones. The Avocet breeds in temperate Europe and western and central Asia. The breeding habitat is shallow lakes with brackish water and exposed bare mud where they build a nest on open ground in a lined scrape or on a mound of vegetation. The Avocet is a migratory species and most winter in Africa or southern Asia. Some remain to winter in the mildest parts of their range such as in southern Spain and southern England. The Avocet feeds on crustaceans and insects in shallow brackish water or on mud flats, often scything their bills from side to side in water (a feeding technique that is unique to the avocet species). The Avocet was extinct as a breeding species in the UK by 1840 but its successful recolonisation at Minsmere in Suffolk in 1947 led to its adoption as the logo of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Date: 9th April 2017 Location: EWT Blue House Farm, North Fambridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072347.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6412094704bf6df9793b58.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill <i>"kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake"</i>. The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 13th April 2010 Location: Hornøya, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4088285.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16351379154b19418e01fc4.jpgCattle Egret The Cattle Egret is a stocky white bird adorned with buff plumes in the breeding season. The easiest way to separate them from Little Egrets is by their short, yellow rather than long, black bills but Cattle Egrets are also smaller, stockier and more squat in shape with shorter, thicker necks and less elegant heads. The Cattle Egret is a cosmopolitan species of heron found in the tropics, subtropics and warm temperate zones. Originally native to parts of Asia, Africa and Europe, it has undergone a rapid expansion in its distribution and successfully colonised much of the rest of the world. Cattle Egrets breed and roost in trees usually close to fresh water and feed in shallow wetlands, especially rice-paddies, but also dry grasslands. They can often be seen feeding around cattle waiting to pick off disturbed insects, including riding on the backs of animals. Cattle Egrets are visiting the UK in increasing numbers and are most likely to be seen in the south of England and Wales. In winter 2007/08, a large influx of Cattle Egrets occurred in the UK, with the largest numbers in south-west England although birds did get as far north as Scotland. This influx led to the first ever pair breeding successfully in Somerset. Date: 9th November 2009 Location: Delta de l’Ebre, Catalunya, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41249294.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21006436195f00b7ae512fd.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 22nd June 2020 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4088447.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21360149554b19519111163.jpgGreat Bustards The male Great Bustard is possibly the heaviest bird capable of flight. An adult male typically is over 3 to 3 ½ feet long with a 7 to 8 feet wingspan An adult male is brown above and white below with a long grey neck and head. The breast and lower neck sides are chestnut. In the breeding season, the male has long white neck bristles. In flight, the long wings show large areas of white. The female is around 30% smaller and lighter than the male. The Great Bustard breeds in southern and central Europe where it is the largest species of bird and across temperate Asia. European populations are mainly resident but Asian birds move further south in winter. Sizeable populations exist in Hungary, Portugal, Slovakia, Russia and Spain but the species is declining due to habitat loss throughout its range. The Great Bustard was formerly found in the south of the UK but was hunted out of existence by the 1840s. In 2004 a reintroduction to Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire using eggs taken from Saratov in Russia was undertaken by The Great Bustard Group, a UK registered charity that aims to establish a self-sustaining population of Great Bustards in the UK. Before mating, the males moult into their breeding plumage around January. Like other bustards, the male Great Bustard has a flamboyant display showing much white, mainly from the undertail, and withdrawing the head. The Great Bustard breeds in March and a single male may mate with up to 5 females. The Great Bustard is usually found in open grassland although it can also be found on undisturbed cultivation. It has a stately slow walk and tends to run when disturbed rather than fly. It is gregarious, especially in winter. Date: 13th November 2009 Location: Bujaraloz to Alborge, Aragon, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4088444.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3634225374b195189ae186.jpgGreat Bustards The male Great Bustard is possibly the heaviest bird capable of flight. An adult male typically is over 3 to 3 ½ feet long with a 7 to 8 feet wingspan An adult male is brown above and white below with a long grey neck and head. The breast and lower neck sides are chestnut. In the breeding season, the male has long white neck bristles. In flight, the long wings show large areas of white. The female is around 30% smaller and lighter than the male. The Great Bustard breeds in southern and central Europe where it is the largest species of bird and across temperate Asia. European populations are mainly resident but Asian birds move further south in winter. Sizeable populations exist in Hungary, Portugal, Slovakia, Russia and Spain but the species is declining due to habitat loss throughout its range. The Great Bustard was formerly found in the south of the UK but was hunted out of existence by the 1840s. In 2004 a reintroduction to Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire using eggs taken from Saratov in Russia was undertaken by The Great Bustard Group, a UK registered charity that aims to establish a self-sustaining population of Great Bustards in the UK. Before mating, the males moult into their breeding plumage around January. Like other bustards, the male Great Bustard has a flamboyant display showing much white, mainly from the undertail, and withdrawing the head. The Great Bustard breeds in March and a single male may mate with up to 5 females. The Great Bustard is usually found in open grassland although it can also be found on undisturbed cultivation. It has a stately slow walk and tends to run when disturbed rather than fly. It is gregarious, especially in winter. Date: 13th November 2009 Location: Bujaraloz to Alborge, Aragon, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4088237.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16989116844b193dea8dec0.jpgWhite Stork The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 8th November 2009 Location: Aiguamolls de l'Emporda, Catalunya, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4088340.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3033425054b1945dbeacad.jpgGreat White Egret The Great White Egret is a large bird with all white plumage. Apart from size, the Great White Egret can be distinguished from other white egrets by its yellow bill and black legs and feet although the bill may become darker and the lower legs lighter in the breeding season. In breeding plumage, delicate ornamental feathers are borne on the back. It has a slow flight with its neck retracted. The Great White Egret is distributed across most of the tropical and warmer temperate regions of the world favouring all kinds of wetland habitats and it is a familiar species in southern Europe. Expanding populations in Europe mean that the Great White Egret is now seen more frequently in the UK and it can turn up in almost any part of the country with the majority of records in south east England and East Anglia. Date: 10th November 2009 Location: Delta de l’Ebre, Catalunya, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30825703.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_154558756958f34992414623.28242935.jpgBlack-headed Gulls The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 9th April 2017 Location: EWT Blue House Farm, North Fambridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874743.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_254307975561cca75805e4.jpgFaxaflói, Reykjavík, Iceland Faxaflói, formerly known in English as Faxa Bay or Faxe Bay, is a large bay located in south west Iceland between the Snæfellsnes peninsula and the Reykjanes peninsula. The capital of Iceland, Reykjavík, is situated on the southern shore of Faxaflói. Faxaflói has always been a source of nourishment of the people living on its shore. Historically, fishermen went out in small boats to fish near the shore but today the ships are much bigger but have to go farther out to sea if they wish to catch anything. Faxaflói is a popular destination for whale watching trips from Reykjavík which set off in search of Minke Whales, Humpback Whales, White-beaked Dolphins and Harbour Porpoises. Date: 10th June 2015 Location: view from Elding whale watching boat http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7439542.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13388049474cd571292c725.jpgGriffon Vulture The Griffon Vulture is a typical Old World vulture in appearance with a white bald head, very broad wings and short tail feathers. It has a white neck ruff and yellow bill. The buff body and wing coverts contrast with the dark flight feathers. They are very large birds around 37 to 43 inches long with a 91 to 106 inches wingspan. Like other vultures, the Griffon Vulture is a scavenger, feeding mostly from carcasses of dead animals which it finds by soaring over open areas, often moving in flocks. The population is mostly resident in its breeding range in the mountains of southern Europe, north Africa, and Asia. In Spain, there are tens of thousands of birds from a low of a few thousand around 1980 although the Pyrenees population has apparently been affected by an EU ruling that due to danger of BSE transmission, no carcasses must be left on the fields for the time being. Although the Griffon Vulture does not normally attack larger living prey, there are reports of Spanish Griffon Vultures killing weak, young or unhealthy living animals as they do not find enough carrion to eat. Date: 7th September 2010 Location: Sierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain - road to La Lancha and Embalse del Jándula http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7439582.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7706645204cd571f0748cb.jpgSierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain This Natural Park (Parque Natural) includes a large sector of the central Sierra Morena, the east-west line of mountains which divides Andalucia from the rest of Spain. The Sierra de Andújar stretches for 45 miles with a highest point of 4230 feet and it is densely wooded boasting one of Andalucia's best preserved expanses of Mediterranean woodland and scrubland. The Sierra de Andújar is one of two of Spain's last refuges for the elusive and highly endangered Iberian Lynx. Date: 8th September 2010 Location: view from road along River Andújar to Jándula Dam http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo8048470.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16633137044d0d032e0fad0.jpgWaxwing The Waxwing is a plump bird which is slightly smaller than a Starling. It is buff or pinkish-brown in colour with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings, a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest. The bird’s name is derived from the red tips to some of the wing feathers which are said to look like they have been dipped in sealing wax. Waxwings breed in the dense forests of northern Europe but they occur in varying numbers in the UK from October to March. In some years they can occur in large numbers (known as irruptions) when the population in the breeding areas gets too big for the food available. The first UK arrivals each winter are usually seen on the east coast from Scotland to East Anglia but birds then move inland in search of food. They can be found in parks and gardens and even busy public places such as supermarket car parks, typically where there are berry-bearing trees and bushes such as rowan, hawthorn, cotoneaster and rose. Waxwings seem fearless of humans so it is relatively easy to get very close views of these stunning birds. Waxwings make an easily recognisable high-pitched trilling sound like a bell. Date: 11th December 2010 Location: Folkestone, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo8048552.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20593436084d0d03b878a8c.jpgWaxwings The Waxwing is a plump bird which is slightly smaller than a Starling. It is buff or pinkish-brown in colour with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings, a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest. The bird’s name is derived from the red tips to some of the wing feathers which are said to look like they have been dipped in sealing wax. Waxwings breed in the dense forests of northern Europe but they occur in varying numbers in the UK from October to March. In some years they can occur in large numbers (known as irruptions) when the population in the breeding areas gets too big for the food available. The first UK arrivals each winter are usually seen on the east coast from Scotland to East Anglia but birds then move inland in search of food. They can be found in parks and gardens and even busy public places such as supermarket car parks, typically where there are berry-bearing trees and bushes such as rowan, hawthorn, cotoneaster and rose. Waxwings seem fearless of humans so it is relatively easy to get very close views of these stunning birds. Waxwings make an easily recognisable high-pitched trilling sound like a bell. Date: 11th December 2010 Location: Folkestone, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo8048500.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16130100594d0d036364f8f.jpgWaxwing The Waxwing is a plump bird which is slightly smaller than a Starling. It is buff or pinkish-brown in colour with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings, a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest. The bird’s name is derived from the red tips to some of the wing feathers which are said to look like they have been dipped in sealing wax. Waxwings breed in the dense forests of northern Europe but they occur in varying numbers in the UK from October to March. In some years they can occur in large numbers (known as irruptions) when the population in the breeding areas gets too big for the food available. The first UK arrivals each winter are usually seen on the east coast from Scotland to East Anglia but birds then move inland in search of food. They can be found in parks and gardens and even busy public places such as supermarket car parks, typically where there are berry-bearing trees and bushes such as rowan, hawthorn, cotoneaster and rose. Waxwings seem fearless of humans so it is relatively easy to get very close views of these stunning birds. Waxwings make an easily recognisable high-pitched trilling sound like a bell. Date: 11th December 2010 Location: Folkestone, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41249299.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5986391075f00b7c429b16.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 22nd June 2020 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9378314.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12487802524da1f0c6cfbc7.jpgBrown Rat Brown Rats have coarse brown or occasionally black fur with a pale underside. They have a long tail which is sparsely haired. Although originally native to eastern Asia and Japan, Brown Rats are now distributed world-wide. They spread across the UK via the shipping traffic from foreign countries in the 18th century and largely replaced the Black Rat. They are highly adaptable and can be found all over the UK, except for exposed mountain regions and some small offshore islands, and live in loose colonies and home ranges of around 50 metres in diameter. Along with the House Mouse, the Brown Rat is considered to be the most widespread terrestrial mammal in the UK and they are subject to persistent pest control due to the damage they cause and the numerous diseases they spread. Brown Rats are omnivorous and have a very varied diet. They are typically nocturnal although they will sometimes forage for food during the day. They also swim well and are sometimes mistaken for Water Voles. Brown Rats live for around 18 months and breed throughout the year producing 5 litters of 8 young a year. Date: 8th April 2011 Location: Way Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081296.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_207190290463a5af697ba00.jpgRedwing The Redwing is most commonly encountered as a winter visitor and is the UK's smallest true thrush. The creamy stripe above the eye and the orange-red flank patches make it distinctive. Redwings arrive in the UK from September but most arrive in October and November. They leave again in March and April, although occasionally birds stay later including a few pairs to nest in northern Scotland. Redwings can be found across the UK's countryside feeding in fields and hedgerows and also in parks and gardens in the coldest weather when snow covers the fields. They often associate with flocks of Fieldfares, the other wintering thrush. Date: 15th December 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51984193.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_164250514966d34b661c02e.jpgGreen-veined White Flight period: April to September The Green-veined White is a widespread buttterfly throughout the UK and is often the commonest white butterfly in the north of the UK. They can be found in a variety of habitats but damp, lush vegetation is an essential requirement. Date: 30th July 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo445324.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6521170134681bac835c67.jpgThe stark rise of the jagged Black Cuillin ridge .... The Black Cuillin are a mountain range on the Isle of Skye off the North West coast of Scotland and contain the highest concentration of mountains over 3000 feet high in the UK (20 summits exceed this height). The mountains are a memorable sight whether the weather is bright and sunny or grey and misty as it often is on Skye. Either way they have a unique presence and can be seen from miles around both on Skye and on the mainland. The mountains themselves are the preserve of experienced mountaineers and hillwalkers but the rest of us can enjoy classic views from Elgol and Sligachan and along Glenbrittle Date: June 2002 Location: view from the unclassifed road between Carbost and Glenbrittle http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo450824.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15053801646866bb311ade.jpgRed-necked Phalarope The Red-necked Phalarope is a small wader with lobed toes to assist swimming and a straight, fine bill. The breeding female is predominantly dark grey above with a chestnut neck and upper breast, black face and white throat. The breeding male is a duller version of the female. In winter, the plumage is essentially grey above and white below but the black eyepatch is always present. When feeding, a Red-necked Phalarope will often swim in a small, rapid circle, forming a small whirlpool. This behaviour is thought to aid feeding by raising food from the bottom of shallow water. The bird will reach into the centre of the vortex with its bill, plucking small insects or crustaceans caught up therein. On the open ocean, they are often found where converging currents produce upwellings. The Red-necked Phalarope breeds in the Arctic regions of north America and Eurasia. It is migratory and, unusually for a wader, it winters at sea on tropical oceans. The Red-necked Phalarope is one of the UK's rarest breeding waders and is on the southern-most edge of its range here. It has always been mainly confined to the Northern and Western Isles of Scotland. The Government agreed a Biodiversity Action Plan for this species in 1998. The targets for this plan have recently been reviewed and aim to maintain and expand the Red-necked Phalarope as a breeding species at existing sites and to enable range expansion to a number of previously occupied sites. Fetlar holds 90% of the UK breeding population and this bird was photographed at the RSPB's reserve at the Loch of Funzie. Date: 01/06/03 Location: Loch of Funzie, Fetlar, Shetland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/mehikoorma-and-lake-peipus-estonia https://images.on-this.website/4752_131281515257cc0ff619a84.jpgLake Peipus, Estonia Lake Peipus is the biggest trans-boundary lake in Europe on the border between Estonia and Russia. It is the 5th largest lake in Europe after Lake Ladoga and Lake Onega in Russia north of Saint Petersburg, Lake Vänern in Sweden and Lake Saimaa in Finland. Lake Peipus is a remnant of a body of water which existed in this area during the Ice Age. It covers an area of 1370 square miles and has an average depth of 23 feet, the deepest point being 50 feet. Some 30 rivers and streams discharge in to Lake Peipus, the largest being the Emajõgi and the Velikaya, and it is drained by the Narva river. The low shores of the lake mostly consist of peat and are bordered by vast lowland and marshes which are flooded in the spring with the flooding area reaching up to 85 square miles. There are also sand dunes and hills covered with pine forests. The lake is used for fishing and recreation but it has suffered from some environmental degradation. Date: 18th May 2016 Location: Lake Peipus at Mehikoorma, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo445322.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_761252664681bac3df77a.jpgThe stark rise of the jagged Black Cuillin ridge .... The Black Cuillin are a mountain range on the Isle of Skye off the North West coast of Scotland and contain the highest concentration of mountains over 3000 feet high in the UK (20 summits exceed this height). The mountains are a memorable sight whether the weather is bright and sunny or grey and misty as it often is on Skye. Either way they have a unique presence and can be seen from miles around both on Skye and on the mainland. The mountains themselves are the preserve of experienced mountaineers and hillwalkers but the rest of us can enjoy classic views from Elgol and Sligachan and along Glenbrittle. Date: June 2002 Location: view from the B8009 north of Carbost and looking down Loch Harport http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo20140130.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_104360759652c00312ab5e5.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 9th December 2013 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533248.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_149261614462ca81312cc1d.jpgBroad-bodied Chaser Flight period: May to August The broad, flattened body of the Broad-bodied Chaser is distinctive and makes this dragonfly appear “fat”. The male has a powder-blue body with yellow spots along the sides and a dark thorax whilst the female is green-brown with paler spots. There are several medium-sized, pale blue dragonflies that can be confused with one another. The Broad-bodied Chaser can be distinguished by the combination of its broad, blue body and chocolate-brown eyes. The Broad-bodied Chaser is a common dragonfly of ponds and small lakes and it may be the first to colonise such habitats. It regularly returns to the same low perch after swift flights out across the water looking for insects. The Broad-bodied Chaser is widespread and common throughout southern and central England and south Wales. Date: 15th June 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5472444.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3113094194c306a760c41a.jpgSmall Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Small Skipper has a rusty orange colour to the wings, upper body and the tips of the antennae. The body is silvery white below and it has a wingspan of 25 to 30 mm. It is very similar in appearance to the Essex Skipper but the undersides of the tips of the antennae are yellow orange in the Small Skipper whereas they are black in the Essex Skipper. The Small Skipper is a common and widespread butterfly in most parts of England and has been expanding its range northwards. It can be found in rough grassland, roadside verges, edges of fields and woodland clearings where it is often seen basking on vegetation or making short buzzing flights among tall grass stems. Date: 4th July 2010 Location: Thrift Wood EWT reserve, Bicknacre, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19507484.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_83139246452528be5c11eb.jpgRed-legged Partridge The Red-legged Partridge is a gamebird and is sometimes known as French Partridge in order to distinguish it from the Grey or English Partridge. The Red-legged Partridge is plump bird which is sandy-brown above, pinkish-buff on the belly, pale grey on the breast with a prominent gorget of black streaking, bold rufous and black flank-bars, a cream throat, pink legs and a red bill and eye ring. When disturbed, it prefers to run rather than fly but if necessary it flies a short distance on rounded wings. The Red-legged Partridge is a non-migratory terrestrial species which breeds naturally in south western Europe in France and in Iberia. It has also become naturalised in flat areas of England and Wales where it was introduced as a game species and has been seen breeding as far north as Lancashire and east Yorkshire. It is replaced in south east Europe by the very similar Rock Partridge. The Red-legged Partridge breeds on dry lowlands such as farmland and open stony areas, laying its eggs in a ground nest. Date: 8th September 2013 Location: Cantarranas, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9593614.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20038311254db181e3218aa.jpgGreat Northern Diver The Great Northern Diver is the largest of the UK's divers with a bigger, heavier head and bill than its commoner relatives. The Great Northern Diver is largely a winter visitor to the UK coast although some non-breeding birds stay off northern coasts in the summer. They start to arrive offshore in August and birds move back to their largely Icelandic breeding grounds in April and May. The largest numbers can be found off the northern and western islands of Scotland. Date: 28th March 2008 Location: Loch Scridain, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/penduline-tit-nest https://images.on-this.website/4752_72727824351e3cf7e7ecb4.jpgPenduline Tit nest The Penduline Tit is relatively widespread throughout Europe and Asia, although a rare but increasing visitor to the UK, and can be found in open country with trees or bushes ranging from marshes and reedbeds to woodland. The common name of the family reflects the tendency of most species to construct elaborate pear-shaped nests. These nests are woven from spider’s webs, wool and animal hair and soft plant materials and is suspended from twigs and branches in trees. Date: 22nd May 2013 Location: Biebrza area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49903675.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14140563156504387bea59d.jpgRuddy Darter Flight period: mid June to mid September. The Ruddy Darter takes its name from its colour and its swift flight behaviour. The male has a deep russet colour over the entire body and the abdomen has a pinched section close to where it joins the thorax. Females are slightly smaller, golden yellow in colour and being less obviously marked are more difficult to identify than the males. There is more than one red coloured darter species in the UK and they can be easily confused with each other. The commonest red species, the Common Darter, can be distinguished as having red veins at the base of the wings and a less ruddy colouration across the body. However, the Ruddy Darter has entirely black legs, distinguishing it from all other red darters which have longitudinal yellow stripes on their legs. The UK range of the Ruddy Darter has undergone something of an expansion in recent years. Although still relatively uncommon in the west and north of Britain, it is increasing in numbers in the Midlands and eastern England. The population is augmented by continental migrants. It is also found over most of Europe except for northern Scandinavia, as far east as western Siberia and south to north Africa. The Ruddy Darter prefers water bodies with tall emergent vegetation, such as reeds and club rush, and it is known to breed in ponds, lakes, canals, ditches and sluggish rivers. They can also be found near coasts and can breed in fairly brackish water. Date: 21st August 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9681504.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14508840864db7ec20691bd.jpgAvocet The (Pied) Avocet is a large black and white wader in the avocet and stilt family. It is one of 4 species of avocet that make up the genus Recurvirostra. The genus name is from the Latin [i]recurvus[/i] meaning "curved backwards" and [i]rostrum[/i] meaning "bill". The Avocet is a striking white wader with bold black markings. Adults have white plumage except for a black cap and black patches in the wings and on the back. They have long, upturned bills and long, bluish legs. Males and females look alike whilst juveniles resemble the adult but with more greyish and sepia tones. The Avocet breeds in temperate Europe and western and central Asia. The breeding habitat is shallow lakes with brackish water and exposed bare mud where they build a nest on open ground in a lined scrape or on a mound of vegetation. The Avocet is a migratory species and most winter in Africa or southern Asia. Some remain to winter in the mildest parts of their range such as in southern Spain and southern England. The Avocet feeds on crustaceans and insects in shallow brackish water or on mud flats, often scything their bills from side to side in water (a feeding technique that is unique to the avocet species). The Avocet was extinct as a breeding species in the UK by 1840 but its successful recolonisation at Minsmere in Suffolk in 1947 led to its adoption as the logo of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Date: 25th April 2011 Location: Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4352159.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15195091104b687b36c927e.jpgTurnstone The Turnstone has a mottled appearance with brown or chestnut and black upperparts, brown and white or black and white head pattern, white underparts and orange legs. Turnstones can be found around most of the UK coastline including rocky, sandy and muddy shores and particularly like feeding on seaweed covered rocks, seawalls and jetties. They are present for most of the year. Birds from Northern Europe pass through in July and August and again in spring and birds from Canada and Greenland arrive in August and September and remain until April and May. Non-breeding birds may stay throughout the summer. Date: 1st February 2010 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4352184.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_114529284b687ba6d5054.jpgSnow Bunting Snow Buntings are large buntings with striking “snowy” plumages. Males in summer have all white heads and underparts contrasting with a black mantle and wing tips. Females are a more mottled above. In autumn and winter birds develop a sandy/buff wash to their plumage and males have more mottled upperparts. Snow Buntings breed in far northern Europe and migrate south in winter. They are a very scarce breeding species in the UK and can be found on the highest mountain peaks in Scotland where they nest in rocky crevices. Snow Buntings are best looked for in winter (from late September to early March) where they can sometimes be seen in large flocks on the seashore or on adjacent short rough grassland at coastal sites in Scotland and eastern England. Date: 1st February 2010 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41623498.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4202543465f4d216fdefb4.jpgKongsfjordfjellet, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Kongsfjordfjellet is a sparsely vegetated high tundra mountain plateau situated in the north west of the Varanger peninsula in Troms og Finnmark in north east Norway. It is crossed by the Fv890 road to Berlevåg where traffic is escorted in convoy at specified times. This upland area includes many lakes, pools and bogs which hold a wide range of Arctic species. Kongsfjordfjellet is almost invariably cold and largely covered in snow well into mid-summer. Date: 6th July 2019 Location: Kongsfjordfjellet, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072429.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2533649074bf6e2cc747e5.jpgNorthern Hawk Owl The Northern Hawk Owl is a medium sized owl, 14 to 16 inches long and with a wing span of 8.5 to 10 inches. Females are slightly larger than males. The term "hawk" refers to its falcon-like wing shape and long tail. The facial disc is whitish and broadly rimmed blackish at the sides. The eyebrows are white and the eyes are pale yellow. The upperparts are dark grey to dusky greyish-brown with the crown densely spotted whitish and the nape has indistinct false eyes. The mantle and back are dusky grey with some whitish dots and the scapulars are mainly white forming rather broad white bands across the shoulder. The flight feathers are dark grey-brown with rows of white spots. The tail is long and graduated and dark greyish-brown with several narrow whitish bars. The underparts are whitish and barred with greyish-brown. The legs and toes are feathered. The Northern Hawk Owl is found in the boreal coniferous forests of North America and Eurasia, usually on the edges of more open woodland, and hunts in semi-open country with scattered trees or groups of trees. It nests in large tree cavities or uses nests abandoned by other large birds and moves widely within its area of distribution, breeding where food is abundant. The Northern Hawk Owl is a partially diurnal owl which hunts voles and birds like thrushes. It waits on a treetop or other perch and takes advantage of its rapid flight to overtake prey. It has exceptional hearing and can plunge into snow to capture rodents below the surface. The typical male call is a rapid, melodious, purring trill of up to 14 seconds long which consists of about 11 to 15 notes per second. It begins softly, rises slightly in pitch and increases to a vibrating trill before breaking off abruptly. This is repeated at various intervals. Females utter a similar, higher-pitched, less clear song. Date: 15th April 2010 Location: Toivoniemi area, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072257.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1313808424bf6d5af2938b.jpgSiberian Jay The Siberian Jay is noticeably smaller, slighter and proportionately longer-tailed than the Jay with a much shorter and more pointed bill. It is the smallest and most delicate of the Western Palearctic crows and is rather drab brown-grey with rufous-chestnut near the wing-bend and on under wing coverts, rump and sides of tail which set the bird “on fire” in flight. The Siberian Jay is a widespread and highly sedentary resident in Fennoscandia and Russia with Europe accounting for less than half of its global range. It breeds across the higher latitudes of the Western Palearctic and is predominantly at all seasons a bird of coniferous forest, mainly dense stands of forest unmodified by man rather than open growth. The Siberian Jay contrasts with the Jay in a lack of fear of man, readily attaching itself to human travellers and their living quarters, but this has little effect on choice of habitat since its normal range is largely uninhabited by people. Date: 10th April 2010 Location: Neljan Tuulen Tupa near Kaamanen, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18776292.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_194886496551f4cf41bb41c.jpgGreat Black-backed Gull The Great Black-backed Gull has a thick-set body with a large, yellow, red-tipped bill, strong legs and wide, webbed feet which have a delicate pink hue. The breast and head are snowy white and sit in stark contrast to the black back and wings. Young Great Black-backed Gulls undergo several plumage changes before taking on that of the adult. Juveniles are pale brown with heavy white mottling whilst immatures are also mottled but have a distinctive whitish head and breast but with a dark-tipped, pale bill The Great Black-backed Gull can be found around the coasts in the breeding season. At other times of year it can be found wherever gulls congregate such as at reservoir roosts, rubbish tips and harbours. Date: 20th June 2013 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072426.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6651038834bf6e2b94d574.jpgNorthern Hawk Owl The Northern Hawk Owl is a medium sized owl, 14 to 16 inches long and with a wing span of 8.5 to 10 inches. Females are slightly larger than males. The term "hawk" refers to its falcon-like wing shape and long tail. The facial disc is whitish and broadly rimmed blackish at the sides. The eyebrows are white and the eyes are pale yellow. The upperparts are dark grey to dusky greyish-brown with the crown densely spotted whitish and the nape has indistinct false eyes. The mantle and back are dusky grey with some whitish dots and the scapulars are mainly white forming rather broad white bands across the shoulder. The flight feathers are dark grey-brown with rows of white spots. The tail is long and graduated and dark greyish-brown with several narrow whitish bars. The underparts are whitish and barred with greyish-brown. The legs and toes are feathered. The Northern Hawk Owl is found in the boreal coniferous forests of North America and Eurasia, usually on the edges of more open woodland, and hunts in semi-open country with scattered trees or groups of trees. It nests in large tree cavities or uses nests abandoned by other large birds and moves widely within its area of distribution, breeding where food is abundant. The Northern Hawk Owl is a partially diurnal owl which hunts voles and birds like thrushes. It waits on a treetop or other perch and takes advantage of its rapid flight to overtake prey. It has exceptional hearing and can plunge into snow to capture rodents below the surface. The typical male call is a rapid, melodious, purring trill of up to 14 seconds long which consists of about 11 to 15 notes per second. It begins softly, rises slightly in pitch and increases to a vibrating trill before breaking off abruptly. This is repeated at various intervals. Females utter a similar, higher-pitched, less clear song. Date: 15th April 2010 Location: Toivoniemi area, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072241.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11938296524bf6d53753206.jpgGreat Spotted Woodpecker The Great Spotted Woodpecker is a Blackbird-sized bird with striking black and white plumage. The male has a distinctive red patch on the back of the head and young birds have a red crown. Great Spotted Woodpeckers have a very distinctive bouncing flight and spend most of their time clinging to tree trunks and branches. Their presence is often announced by its loud call or by its distinctive spring “drumming” display. Great Spotted Woodpeckers are widely distributed throughout Europe and northern Asia and are usually resident all year round except in the colder parts of its range. Date: 10th April 2010 Location: Neljan Tuulen Tupa near Kaamanen, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072355.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20319207324bf6dfe0d5e1a.jpgSteller's Eiders The Steller's Eider is a medium sized sea duck and the smallest of the 4 species of eider. In it’s breeding plumage, the male is unmistakable with a black back, white shoulders, chestnut breast and belly, a white head with a greenish tuft and small black eye patches. During the late summer and autumn, males are entirely mottled dark brown. Females and juveniles are mottled dark brown all year round. Adults of both sexes have a blue patch with a white border on the upper wing similar to a mallard. The bird is named after the German naturalist Georg Steller. Steller's Eiders breed along the Arctic coasts of northern Russia and northern and western Alaska. It is estimated that the world population of Steller's Eiders is around 220,000 birds, the majority of which nest in Russia. Most Steller's Eiders breeding in Alaska and Russia migrate south after breeding. An estimated 40,000 winter in north eastern Europe along the coasts of Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Finland, Norway and Sweden. It is very scarce south of its wintering range. Date: 13th April 2010 Location: Svartnes, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/northern-hawk-owl https://images.on-this.website/4752_13954772224bf6e28804249.jpgNorthern Hawk Owl The Northern Hawk Owl is a medium sized owl, 14 to 16 inches long and with a wing span of 8.5 to 10 inches. Females are slightly larger than males. The term "hawk" refers to its falcon-like wing shape and long tail. The facial disc is whitish and broadly rimmed blackish at the sides. The eyebrows are white and the eyes are pale yellow. The upperparts are dark grey to dusky greyish-brown with the crown densely spotted whitish and the nape has indistinct false eyes. The mantle and back are dusky grey with some whitish dots and the scapulars are mainly white forming rather broad white bands across the shoulder. The flight feathers are dark grey-brown with rows of white spots. The tail is long and graduated and dark greyish-brown with several narrow whitish bars. The underparts are whitish and barred with greyish-brown. The legs and toes are feathered. The Northern Hawk Owl is found in the boreal coniferous forests of North America and Eurasia, usually on the edges of more open woodland, and hunts in semi-open country with scattered trees or groups of trees. It nests in large tree cavities or uses nests abandoned by other large birds and moves widely within its area of distribution, breeding where food is abundant. The Northern Hawk Owl is a partially diurnal owl which hunts voles and birds like thrushes. It waits on a treetop or other perch and takes advantage of its rapid flight to overtake prey. It has exceptional hearing and can plunge into snow to capture rodents below the surface. The typical male call is a rapid, melodious, purring trill of up to 14 seconds long which consists of about 11 to 15 notes per second. It begins softly, rises slightly in pitch and increases to a vibrating trill before breaking off abruptly. This is repeated at various intervals. Females utter a similar, higher-pitched, less clear song. Date: 15th April 2010 Location: Toivoniemi area, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072339.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1587977124bf6df501f170.jpgReindeer The Reindeer, also known as the Caribou in North America, is a deer from the Arctic and sub Arctic, including both resident and migratory populations. Whilst it is overall widespread and numerous, some of its subspecies are rare or already extinct. The Reindeer is a widespread and numerous species in the northern Holarctic, being present in tundra (frozen arctic plain with lichens, mosses and dwarfed vegetation) and taiga (marshy pine forest) regions. Originally, the Reindeer was found in Scandinavia, eastern Europe, Russia, Mongolia, and northern China. In North America, it was found in Canada, Alaska and the northern USA from Washington to Maine. It also occurred naturally on Sakhalin, Greenland, and probably even in historical times in Ireland. Today, wild Reindeer have disappeared from many areas within this large historical range, especially from the southern parts where it has vanished almost everywhere. Large populations of wild Reindeer are still found in Norway, Finland, Siberia, Greenland, Alaska, and Canada. Wild Reindeer hunting and herding of semi-domesticated Reindeer (for meat, hides, antlers, milk and transportation) are important to several Arctic and Subarctic people. Domesticated Reindeer are mostly found in northern Fennoscandia and Russia with a herd of approximately 150-170 Reindeer also living around the Cairngorms region in Scotland. Reindeer vary considerably in colour and size. Both sexes grow antlers, though they are typically larger in males. Even far outside its range, the Reindeer is well known due to the myth, probably originating in early 19th century America, in which Santa Claus's sleigh is pulled by flying Reindeer, a popular element of Christmas. Date: 13th April 2010 Location: near Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072254.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10224512664bf6d59461d39.jpgPine Grosbeak The Pine Grosbeak is a large member of the finch family. Adults have a long forked black tail, black wings with white wing bars and a large bill. Adult males have a rose-red head, back and rump. Adult females are olive-yellow on the head and rump and grey on the back and underparts. Young birds have a less contrasting plumage overall, appearing shaggy when they moult their colored head plumage. The Pine Grosbeak is a permanent resident through most of its range and can be found in coniferous woods in subarctic Fennoscandia and Siberia and across Alaska, the western mountains of the United States and Canada. In the extreme north or when food sources are scarce, they may migrate further south. It is a very rare vagrant to temperate Europe. The Pine Grosbeak forages in trees and bushes. It mainly eats seeds, buds, berries and insects. Outside of the nesting season, it often feeds in flocks. Date: 10th April 2010 Location: Neljan Tuulen Tupa near Kaamanen, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43082712.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_186751231460dd86bc9a61a.jpgBeautiful Demoiselle Flight period: May to August The Beautiful Demoiselle is often confused for a dragonfly but it is in fact a large damselfly. Males have dark coloured wings and metallic blue-green bodies whilst females have brown wings and metallic green-bronze bodies with pale brown wings. The Beautiful Demoiselle is similar to the Banded Demoiselle but the males of the latter species have distinctive dark patches in the middle of their wings. The Beautiful Demoiselle has fluttering butterfly-like wings. Males often rest on bankside vegetation awaiting passing females and they use their fluttering flight as a courtship display. The Beautiful Demoiselle is mainly seen along streams and rivers, particularly those with sand or gravel bottoms. It is locally abundant and mostly found west of a line between Liverpool and Folkestone and in southern Ireland. Date: 15th June 2021 Location: Old Lodge SWT reserve, High Weald, East Sussex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072337.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9076873584bf6df3513a33.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill <i>"kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake"</i>. The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 13th April 2010 Location: Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26006670.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_113448668056349ac6dbbb2.jpgArctic Skua The Arctic Skua is a seabird in the skua family. Identification is complicated by similarities to the Long-tailed Skua and the Pomarine Skua and the existence of three colour morphs. Light-morph adults have a brown back, mainly white underparts and dark primary wing feathers with a white flash. The head and neck are yellowish-white with a black cap and there is a pointed central tail projection. Dark-morph adults are dark brown and intermediate-phase birds are dark with somewhat paler underparts, head and neck. All morphs have the white wing flash. The Arctic Skua breeds on dry tundra, higher fells and islands in the north of Eurasia and north America with significant populations as far south as northern Scotland. In the UK, it breeds in Shetland and Orkney, the Outer Hebrides, Sutherland, Caithness and some islands in Argyll. The Arctic Skua is a migrant, wintering at sea in the tropics and southern oceans. The Arctic Skua feeds on rodents, small birds and insects but also robs gulls and terns of their catches. Like the larger skua species, it continues this piratical behaviour throughout the year and shows great agility as it harasses its victims. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Steingrímsfjarðarheiði to Ísafjörður, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871647.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5352951984eff2018e8331.jpgKittiwake he Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill <i>"kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake"</i>. The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 27th May 2009 Location: Store Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645468.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_68006613051e3cea10f560.jpgBiebrza, Poland The Biebrza marshes are a complex series of habitats located in the Biebrza river valley. The area encompasses river channels, lakes, extensive marshes, fenland, reed beds, peat bogs and fields and meadows with woods and forests on higher ground. The Biebrza National Park, which covers much of the area, is the largest of Poland’s 23 National Parks and was created in 1993. Covering a total area of 228 square miles, it protects the vast and relatively untouched habitats with their unique variety of several communities of plants and species of wetland birds and mammals. Date: 20th May 2013 Location: view from Carska Droga ("Czars Road"), Biebrza area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072246.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_827778284bf6d556b3089.jpgSiberian Jay The Siberian Jay is noticeably smaller, slighter and proportionately longer-tailed than the Jay with a much shorter and more pointed bill. It is the smallest and most delicate of the Western Palearctic crows and is rather drab brown-grey with rufous-chestnut near the wing-bend and on under wing coverts, rump and sides of tail which set the bird “on fire” in flight. The Siberian Jay is a widespread and highly sedentary resident in Fennoscandia and Russia with Europe accounting for less than half of its global range. It breeds across the higher latitudes of the Western Palearctic and is predominantly at all seasons a bird of coniferous forest, mainly dense stands of forest unmodified by man rather than open growth. The Siberian Jay contrasts with the Jay in a lack of fear of man, readily attaching itself to human travellers and their living quarters, but this has little effect on choice of habitat since its normal range is largely uninhabited by people. Date: 10th April 2010 Location: Neljan Tuulen Tupa near Kaamanen, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4158152.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20280818734b291fdf6253c.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 15th December 2009 Location: Connaught Water, Epping Forest, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072264.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8463753844bf6d787a7049.jpgUtsjoki to Nuorgam, Lappi, Finland Utsjoki is the most northern municipality of Finland and the European Union and is located beside the Teno/Tana river and the border with Norway. The municipality is very sparsely populated with large wilderness areas and about half the population is Sami. Reindeer husbandry is important both culturally and economically. The border trade with Norway is important and social ties across the border are common. The second most important village is Nuorgam, about 35 miles north east from Utsjoki. Nuorgam is the most northern point of Finland and of the European Union and the location of the most northern land border crossing in the world. Date: 11th April 2010 Location: view from road between Utsjoki and Nuorgam, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo453386.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7897257954688367024cad.jpgBottlenose Dolphin The Bottlenose Dolphin is one of the most well-known species of dolphin. They have a stocky, torpedo-shaped body, a short beak and pointed flippers and are usually dark grey on the back with paler grey flanks and a white or pinkish belly. The sickle-shaped dorsal fin is tall and positioned centrally on the back. Variations in the shape of the dorsal fin along with scars and other markings on the skin can help researchers to identify individuals. The Bottlenose Dolphin is found in coastal waters of most temperate, tropical and subtropical areas. Around the UK, it occurs in the English Channel, in the Moray Firth in north-east Scotland and in Cardigan Bay in Wales. Although lone individuals do occur, Bottle-nosed Dolphins are very sociable animals which usually live in groups numbering between 10 and 100 individuals. They engage in much energetic behaviour, including breaching (clearing the water), lobtailing (slapping the tail flukes down onto the surface of the water) and bow-riding (riding the swell created in front of boats and even large whales). The Bottlenose Dolphin faces a number of threats including human disturbance, entanglement in fishing nets and hunting. Like all cetaceans, they are also vulnerable to chemical and noise pollution. The captivity industry that supplies the world aquarium trade is also a problem. The Bottlenose Dolphin is a UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority species and it is protected in UK waters by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Orders 1985. It is illegal to intentionally kill, injure, or harass any cetacean (whale or dolphin) species in UK waters. The Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans in the Baltic and North Seas (ASCOBANS), has been signed by 7 European Countries including the UK. Provision is made under this agreement to set up protected areas, promote research and monitoring, pollution control and increase public awareness. Under Annex II of the EC Habitats Directive, candidate marine Special Areas of Conservation (SACS) are being set up for this species in Cardigan Bay (Wales) and the Moray Firth (north-east Scotland). Date: 6th August 2006 Location: River Thames, Canvey Island, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533193.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_41123482662ca7f2add83f.jpgSmall Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Small Skipper has a rusty orange colour to the wings, upper body and the tips of the antennae. The body is silvery white below and it has a wingspan of 25 to 30 mm. It is very similar in appearance to the Essex Skipper but the undersides of the tips of the antennae are yellow orange in the Small Skipper whereas they are black in the Essex Skipper. The Small Skipper is a common and widespread butterfly in most parts of England and has been expanding its range northwards. It can be found in rough grassland, roadside verges, edges of fields and woodland clearings where it is often seen basking on vegetation or making short buzzing flights among tall grass stems. Date: 22nd June 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084896.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16549535595d308998e0820.jpgPiatra Craiului Mountains, Brașov County, Romania The Piatra Craiului Mountains are a mountain range in the Southern Carpathians in central Romania. It forms a narrow and saw-like ridge which is about 16 miles long. Vârful La Om is the highest peak at 7343 feet. The ridge is regarded as one of the most impressive and beautiful sites in the Carpathian Mountians and the views both towards and from the mountains are superb. The whole range is included in the Piatra Craiului National Park. The first protection of this area started in 1938 when 2 square miles were declared as a nature reserve. This has been progressively extended and in 1990 it became a national park covering an area of 38 square miles. In 2003 the external limits and internal zoning were created. Since 1999 a park administration has existed with a visitor centre located on the minor road 0.6 miles west of Zărnești and since 2005 a management plan has been in place. Piatra Craiului National Park supports and protects an abundance and diversity of mammals (including Brown Bear, Wolf and Lynx), birds and plants. Zărneşti is the most important town for visiting the Piatra Craiului Mountains and the Piatra Craiului National Park. The town is located 17 miles south west of the city of Brașov. From Zărnești, a 7 mile long minor road runs west and ends at Cabana Plaiul Foii which is a good starting point for climbing the ridge. In addition, a forest road starts from the south west of Zărneşti which leads to the Zărneştilor Gorge and continues up to the ridge. The traditional villages of Măgura, Peştera, Ciocanu and Şirnea are starting points for routes up to the eastern slopes. Măgura, situated at 3281 feet, is one of Romania’s most picturesque villages and it provides stunning views towards the Bucegi Mountains and the Piatra Craiului Mountains. Date: 6th June 2018 Location: Piatra Craiului Mountains from the Zărnești to Cabana Plaiul Foii road, Brașov County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9580600.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_760104074db02d2f3bd09.jpgWoodcock The Woodcock is a large bulky wading bird with short legs and a very long straight tapering bill. It is largely nocturnal, spending most of the day in dense cover. Most of the birds in the UK are residents but in the autumn birds move to the UK from Finland and Russia to winter here. Woodcock breed in large tracts of moist woodland with open glades and rides and dense ground cover of bracken and brambles. They can be found in suitable habitat in summer throughout the UK except for south-west England and in winter birds are widespread in lowland areas. Woodcock can be very difficult to see but may be inadvertently disturbed from one from their resting places when they fly off zigzagging between the trees before dropping back into cover. This Woodcock was a lucky sighting as it rested beside the B8007 along the Ardnamurchan peninsula. Date: 25/12/05 Location: Ardnamurchan, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28884659.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_61953490057cc2979d12ab.jpgCitrine Wagtail The Citrine Wagtail is a member of the wagtail family. It is a slender bird, with a long, constantly wagging tail characteristic of the genus Motacilla. The term “citrine” refers to its yellowish colouration. During the breeding season, the male Citrine Wagtail is easily identified by its striking bright yellow head and underparts, black hind-neck collar and 2 bold white patches on the wing-coverts. The upperparts are dark slate-grey with a wash of olive-grey on the sides of the body and often blackish spots on the breast. The upper-tail is black and the bill and legs are blackish-brown. At other times of the year, the male bird becomes paler in colour and more similar in appearance to the duller female. The juvenile has little or no yellow plumage, with olive-brown on the breast and sides of the body. The Citrine Wagtail breeds in north central Asia. Typically it leaves the northern breeding grounds between August and October and migrates to winter in south Asia. Its range is expanding westwards and it is a rare but increasing breeding bird in eastern Europe (e.g. Poland and Estonia) and an increasing vagrant to western Europe. The Citrine Wagtail typically breeds in open country near water and favours marshes, bogs, the edge of lakes, wet grassland, areas of willow bushes in mountain meadows and occasionally fields near villages. Outside of the breeding season, it also occupies coastal marshes, brackish lagoons and river sandbars and artificial environments such as sewage farms and irrigated land. The Citrine Wagtail is an insectivorous bird and it walks along the water’s edge, foraging and picking prey off the low vegetation It may also wade into shallow water to consume insects floating on the water surface. Date: 17th May 2016 Location: Aardla polder, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9589164.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19518009644db16390600fb.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 3rd February 2009 Location: Northlands Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40399555.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4439336745dc6ad25bd061.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 18th October 2019 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/parque-nacional-de-monfrague https://images.on-this.website/4752_8531595194ff545484929f.jpgParque Nacional de Monfragüe, Extremadura, Spain The Monfragüe National Park is located in the region of Extremadura in western Spain at the confluence of the rivers Tajo (Tagus) and Tiétar. The rivers have eroded deep gorges flanked by sheer rock faces. However, their flow was dammed in the late 1960s and the resulting reservoirs ensure an abundance of standing water all year round. Monfragüe extends to 17,852 hectares and was declared a Parque Natural (Natural Park) in 1979 and then a Parque Nacional (National Park) in 2007. Monfragüe was designated a Biosphere Reserve in 2003 by UNESCO. The variety of habitats within Monfragüe range from open grassland, wooded valleys and scrub-covered hillsides to high rocky crags and they support a wide range of Iberian birds including some major rarities. Part of the area has been planted with non-native pines and eucalyptus but much native Mediterranean-type woodland remains including the dehesa. This habitat, almost confined to Iberia is dry, open pasture with scattered patches of cork and holm oak and has a characteristic flora and fauna, providing breeding and feeding sites for many of the region's birds. Monfragüe is the best known raptor site in Spain and has one of the largest colonies of Black Vultures in the world and one of the highest concentrations of the Spanish Imperial Eagle in the world. In all, 3 species of vulture breed here along with 5 species of eagle, 3 species of kite and 2 species of harrier. As well as supporting some of Spain's rarest birds, Monfragüe is home to the rare Iberian Lynx and many other mammals. In addition to 15 species of bat there are Red Deer, Roe Deer and Fallow Deer, Wild Boar, Wildcat, Otter, Genet, Polecat and Beech Marten and more widespread species such as Red Fox and Badger. Mouflon and Egyptian Mongoose have been introduced. 19 species of reptile occur, including 9 snakes and various amphibians. Monfragüe is easily accessible from Cáceres and Trujillo in the south and Plasencia in the north. Date: 27th April 2012 Location: eastern entrance to Parque Nacional de Monfragüe, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo10926862.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16099196474e0975ba93c6c.jpgBealach na Ba summit, Applecross Mountains, Wester Ross The Bealach na Ba ("Pass of the Cattle") rises to 2053 feet in height from sea level in only 5 miles and is the most spectacular mountain pass in Scotland. It also provides some of the most challenging driving in the country! It is single track throughout with a number of steep hairpin bends. From the summit of the Bealach na Ba there are breathtaking views overlooking Skye and Raasay and as far as the Cairngorms in the east, Ben Nevis in the south and the Outer Hebrides in the west. The view to the north is dominated by Beinn Bahn at 2938 feet. Date: 12th June 2011 Location: view from the summit of the Bealach na Ba looking towards Skye and Raasay http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493313.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16499660825f326fd62cb6d.jpgAuk "raft", Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Hornøya is a small uninhabited island lying in the Barents Sea in Troms og Finnmark in the extreme north east of Norway. It lies just east of the larger island of Vardøya where the town of Vardø is located. The island is the easternmost point of Norway. Vardø Lighthouse is situated at the highest point of the island, at an elevation of 213 feet above sea level, and it protects the shipping lanes around the town of Vardø. Daily boat trips run to Hornøya between 1st March and 1st September from Vardø harbour offering the chance to spend several hours on the island. The seabird colony at Hornøya hosts approximately 100,000 seabirds of up to 11 breeding species. The cliffs are dominated by Common Guillemot, Razorbill, Puffin and Kittiwake. Around 500 pairs of Brünnich´s Guillemots, an auk distributed across the polar and sub-polar regions of the Northern Hemisphere, breed between the Common Guillemots. During the seabird breeding season, visitors to Hornøya have a good chance of seeing White-tailed Eagle and Gyrfalcon hunting along the cliffs. In addition to the huge number of birds, Hornøya is also a good location to see Atlantic Grey Seals, Orcas and occasionally Belugas. Hornøya is open to the public but, due to its status as a nature reserve, visitors must stay within the designated areas during the breeding season and it is forbidden to pick plants or disturb the wildlife of the island. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9579988.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7355708014db014a8ddc74.jpgGrey Plover In summer the Grey Plover has silver and black spotted upperparts, a black face, neck and belly whilst in winter it loses the black feathers and takes on a browny-grey look. In both plumages, the rump is white and in flight in winter it shows distinctive black “armpits”. Like most plovers, the Grey Plover stands very upright and tends to run and then suddenly stop to feed. It is generally seen in small numbers although flocks can form when there is a high tide. Grey Plovers prefer large muddy and sandy estuaries and the largest numbers are found on The Wash, the Ribble, Thames, Blackwater, Medway, Dee and Humber estuaries and Chichester and Langstone Harbours. A few birds stay through the summer and the first migrant adults arrive in the UK in July and August. Peak numbers are seen between November and March and birds leave in April and May. Date: 23rd November 2007 Location: Leysdown, Sheppey, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493270.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11383426345f326f47b8390.jpgShag The European Shag, Common Shag or simply Shag is a species of cormorant. It is 27 to 31 inches in length with a 37 to 43 inches wingspan. It is mainly black in colour but with a glossy green-tinged sheen in adults. It has a longish tail and a yellow throat-patch. Adults have a small recurved crest in the breeding season. It is distinguished from the Cormorant by its smaller size, lighter build, thinner and narrower bill, and, in breeding adults, by the crest and metallic green-tinged sheen. The Shag breeds around the rocky coasts of west and south Europe, north Africa and south west Asia, mainly wintering in its breeding range except for the northernmost birds. It nests on rocky ledges or in crevices or small caves and the nests are untidy heaps of rotting seaweed or twigs cemented together by the bird's own guano. The nesting season is long and begins in late February although some nests are not started until May or even later. The female lays 3 eggs and the chicks hatch without down and so they rely totally on their parents for warmth, often for a period of 2 months before they can fly. Fledging may occur at any time from early June to late August and exceptionally to mid-October. In the UK, the Shag breeds at coastal sites, mainly in the north and west of the country, and more than half of the population is found at fewer than 10 sites. It can be seen during the breeding season at the large Scottish colonies on Orkney, Shetland, the Inner Hebrides and in the Firth of Forth. Elsewhere it can be seen commonly around the coasts of Wales and south west England, especially in Devon and Cornwall. The Shag feeds in the sea and, unlike the Cormorant, it is rare inland. It is one of the deepest pursuit divers among the cormorant family and it has been shown to dive to at least 150 feet. When it dives, it jumps out of the water first to give extra impetus to the dive. The Shag forages for food on the sea bed and eats a wide range of fish although the commonest prey is the sand eel. It will travel long distances from its breeding and roosting sites in order to feed. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30017235.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2088040086587550640c680.jpgGoldeneye The Goldeneye is a medium-sized diving duck, named for its golden-yellow eye. Adult males have a dark head with a greenish gloss and a circular white patch below the eye, a dark back and a white neck and belly. Adult females have a brown head and a mostly grey body. The Goldeneye breeds on the lakes and in the rivers of boreal forests in Scandinavia, Canada, north USA and north Russia. Naturally it will nest in cavities in large trees but it will also readily use nestboxes put up on trees close to water. This has enabled a healthy breeding population to establish in the Scottish Highlands from 1970 where it is increasing and slowly spreading. The Goldeneye is migratory and most winter in protected coastal waters or open inland waters at more temperate latitudes. The Goldeneye forages by diving underwater for crustaceans, aquatic insects and molluscs. Insects are the predominant prey while nesting and crustaceans are the predominant prey during migration and winter. This bird was part of the captive collection at WWT Slimbridge. Date: 2nd January 2017 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9579690.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_345675324db00f9d87a8e.jpgGolden Plover The European Golden Plover, also known as the Eurasian Golden Plover or just the Golden Plover within Europe, is a largish plover. It is similar to 2 other Golden Plovers: the American Golden Plover and the Pacific Golden Plover which are both smaller, slimmer and relatively longer-legged than the European Golden Plover and have grey rather than white axillary feathers. The Golden Plover is a medium sized plover with a distinctive gold and black summer plumage. In winter the black is replaced by buff and white. It typically stands upright and runs in short bursts. The Golden Plover breeds on the ground in a dry open area on moorland, mountains and fells, tundra and marshland in northern Europe and western Asia as far west as Iceland and as far east as central Siberia. It is migratory and winters in western and southern Europe and in north Africa where it tends to gather in large flocks in open areas and on agricultural plains, ploughed land and short meadows. In the UK, the Golden Plover can be found from May to September on the upland moorlands in the southern uplands of Scotland, the Scottish Highlands, the Western and Northern Isles, the Peak District, north Yorkshire, Wales and Devon. Winter flocks start to appear at lower levels and around the coasts after the breeding season with the largest numbers seen between November and February when Golden Plovers often form large flocks with Lapwings. Date: 17/04/07 Location: Grinton Moor, Yorkshire Dales National Park, North Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405506.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12996282626586eec261b4d.jpgBrown Rat Brown Rats have coarse brown or occasionally black fur with a pale underside. They have a long tail which is sparsely haired. Although originally native to eastern Asia and Japan, Brown Rats are now distributed world-wide. They spread across the UK via the shipping traffic from foreign countries in the 18th century and largely replaced the Black Rat. They are highly adaptable and can be found all over the UK, except for exposed mountain regions and some small offshore islands, and live in loose colonies and home ranges of around 50 metres in diameter. Along with the House Mouse, the Brown Rat is considered to be the most widespread terrestrial mammal in the UK and they are subject to persistent pest control due to the damage they cause and the numerous diseases they spread. Brown Rats are omnivorous and have a very varied diet. They are typically nocturnal although they will sometimes forage for food during the day. They also swim well and are sometimes mistaken for Water Voles. Brown Rats live for around 18 months and breed throughout the year producing 5 litters of 8 young a year. Date: 7th November 2023 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9952262.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8978671824dca3e045085f.jpgMeadow Pipit The Meadow Pipit is a widespread and often abundant small pipit. It is an undistinguished looking species, mainly brown above and buff below with darker streaking on most of its plumage. The tail is brown with narrow white outer side edges. It has a thin bill and pale pinkish-yellow legs. A simple repetitive song is given in a short song and parachute display flight. The Meadow Pipit breeds in much of north west Eurasia from south east Greenland and Iceland east to just east of the Ural Mountains in Russia and south to central France and Romania. It is migratory over most of its range, wintering in south Europe, north Africa and south west Asia, but it is resident all year round in west Europe although many birds move to the coast or lowlands in winter. The Meadow Pipit is primarily a species of open habitats, either uncultivated or low-intensity agriculture, such as pasture, bogs and moorland. It also occurs in low numbers in arable croplands and in winter it occurs on saltmarshes where it can be quite gregarious and gather in small flocks. The Meadow Pipit is an abundant species in the north of its range but it is less common further south. It can be found all year round across the UK but it is commonest in the upland areas of the west and north during the breeding season. In winter it moves south to more lowland areas and becomes much commoner in the southern half of the UK. The Meadow Pipit nests on the ground in dense vegetation and it is one of the most important nest hosts of the Cuckoo. The Meadow Pipit is a fairly terrestrial pipit usually feeding on the ground although it will use elevated perches such as shrubs, fence lines or electricity wires as vantage points to watch for predators. It feeds mainly on insects and other invertebrates but it also eats the seeds of grasses, sedges, rushes and heather and crowberry berries. Date: 7th May 2011 Location: Nant Ffrancon, Gwynedd http://www.richardchewphotography.com/nant-ffrancon-snowdonia-national-park https://images.on-this.website/4752_4184348562c98ebee6d01.jpgNant Ffrancon, Snowdonia National Park, Gwynedd Nant Ffrancon in the Snowdonia National Park is located between Bethesda and Llyn Ogwen. It contains the A5 Holyhead to London trunk road, which was re-engineered by Thomas Telford between 1810 and 1826, but a parallel minor single track road also provides access to some very good habitat for upland birds. Nant Ffrancon itself is a steep-sided glacial valley dropping to Bethesda between the Glyderau and Carneddau mountains of Snowdonia. Date: 7th May 2022 Location: view from the minor road north of Llyn Ogwen http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50569759.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7775339365ccb53bbc962.jpgGreat Northern Diver The Great Northern Diver is the largest of the UK's divers with a bigger, heavier head and bill than its commoner relatives. The Great Northern Diver is largely a winter visitor to the UK coast although some non-breeding birds stay off northern coasts in the summer. They start to arrive offshore in August and birds move back to their largely Icelandic breeding grounds in April and May. The largest numbers can be found off the northern and western islands of Scotland. Date: 8th December 2023 Location: Great Notley Country Park, Braintree, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9952258.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19357351504dca3dfbc0a47.jpgMeadow Pipit The Meadow Pipit is a widespread and often abundant small pipit. It is an undistinguished looking species, mainly brown above and buff below with darker streaking on most of its plumage. The tail is brown with narrow white outer side edges. It has a thin bill and pale pinkish-yellow legs. A simple repetitive song is given in a short song and parachute display flight. The Meadow Pipit breeds in much of north west Eurasia from south east Greenland and Iceland east to just east of the Ural Mountains in Russia and south to central France and Romania. It is migratory over most of its range, wintering in south Europe, north Africa and south west Asia, but it is resident all year round in west Europe although many birds move to the coast or lowlands in winter. The Meadow Pipit is primarily a species of open habitats, either uncultivated or low-intensity agriculture, such as pasture, bogs and moorland. It also occurs in low numbers in arable croplands and in winter it occurs on saltmarshes where it can be quite gregarious and gather in small flocks. The Meadow Pipit is an abundant species in the north of its range but it is less common further south. It can be found all year round across the UK but it is commonest in the upland areas of the west and north during the breeding season. In winter it moves south to more lowland areas and becomes much commoner in the southern half of the UK. The Meadow Pipit nests on the ground in dense vegetation and it is one of the most important nest hosts of the Cuckoo. The Meadow Pipit is a fairly terrestrial pipit usually feeding on the ground although it will use elevated perches such as shrubs, fence lines or electricity wires as vantage points to watch for predators. It feeds mainly on insects and other invertebrates but it also eats the seeds of grasses, sedges, rushes and heather and crowberry berries. Date: 7th May 2011 Location: Nant Ffrancon, Gwynedd http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13683392.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15846799534ed73832735b4.jpgBarn Owl With a heart shaped face, buff back and wings and pure white under-parts the Barn Owl is a distinctive and much-loved bird of the countryside. Barn Owls are widely distributed across the UK and can be seen all year round sometimes during the day but normally at dusk in open country and along field edges, riverbanks and roadside verges. Barn owls have suffered population declines over the past 50 years as a result of habitat degradation following increasing intensive agricultural practices. However, that decline has stopped in many areas and their population may now be increasing. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37431259.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18720316975c6bebde65eef.jpgPintail Slightly bigger than a Mallard, the Pintail is a long-necked and small-headed duck which flies with a curved back, pointed wings and a long tapering tail. The male's long central tail feathers give rise to the species' English and scientific names. Both sexes have blue-grey bills and grey legs and feet. The male is more striking, having a thin white stripe running from the back of its chocolate-coloured head down its neck to its mostly white underparts. The male also has attractive grey, brown, and black patterning on its back and sides. The female's plumage is more subtle and subdued with drab brown feathers similar to those of other female dabbling ducks. The Pintail can be found all year round but it is primarily a winter visitor with significant populations occurring on coasts, estuaries and other wetlands at sites such as the Dee Estuary, Solway Estuary and Ouse Washes. The winter population arrives in September with numbers peaking in December and the return migration takes place from late February into March. Date: 8th January 2019 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26030423.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9040319655637660ac6c84.jpgHarlequin Ducks The Harlequin Duck is a small sea duck which takes its name from Harlequin, a colourfully dressed character in "Commedia dell'arte" (a form of Italian theatre with masked characters). The adult male Harlequin Duck has a colourful and complex plumage pattern. The head and neck are dark slate blue with a large white crescent marking in front of the eye, a small round dot behind the eye and a larger oval spot down the side of the neck. A black crown stripe runs over the top of the head with chestnut patches on either side. A black-bordered white collar separates the head from the breast. The body is largely a lighter slate blue with chestnut sides. A black-bordered white bar divides the breast vertically from the sides. The tail is black, long and pointed. The speculum is metallic blue. The inner secondary feathers are white and form white markings over the back when folded. The bill is blue-grey and the eye is reddish. The adult female Harlequin Duck is less colourful with brownish-grey plumage with three white patches on the head, a round spot behind the eye, a larger patch from the eye to the bill and a small spot above the eye. The Harlequin Duck has smooth, densely packed feathers that trap a lot of air within them. This is vital for insulating such a small body against the chilly waters that it inhabits and it also makes it exceptionally buoyant, making it bounce like a cork after dives. The Harlequin Duck breeds alongside cold fast moving streams in the northern regions of north America, Greenland, Iceland (the only European site) and western Russia. The nest is usually located in a well concealed location on the ground near a stream. They are usually found near pounding surf and white water. It is a short distance migrant and most winter near rocky shorelines on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. The Harlequin Duck is a very rare migrant to western Europe. The Harlequin Duck feeds by swimming under water or diving and also by dabbling. It feeds on molluscs, crustaceans and insects. Date: 2nd June 2015 Location: River Laxá, Lake Mývatn area, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo44044933.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_129215921614f10de2fa70.jpgGreenshank The Greenshank is a medium-sized slim wader with a dark grey back and white underparts. Its long green legs and slightly up-turned bill help to distinguish it from other waders. In flight, it shows a white wedge on the back. It is slightly larger than the related Common Redshank. The Greenshank is a sub-Arctic bird where it breeds on dry ground near marshy areas from eastwards across northern Europe and Asia. It is a migratory species and winters on fresh water in Africa, the Indian subcontinent and Australasia. In the UK, the Greenshank is confined to the north and west of Scotland where it breeds around boggy moorland and peatland pools from April to August. On migration during April and May and between July and September, it can be found across the UK on inland lakes and freshwater marshes as well as at coastal wetlands and estuaries. In winter from October to March it can be found on the estuaries of south west England, Wales, west Scotland and Northern Ireland. Like most waders, the Greenshank feeds on small invertebrates but will also take small fish and amphibians. The Greenshank is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 6th September 2021 Location: RSPB Blacktoft Sands, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072301.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3141418564bf6d9b91c0a1.jpgEkkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway Ekkerøy is one of the oldest fishing villages on the Varanger peninsula in Finnmark county in north east Norway. The village lies along the European route E75 about 9 miles east of the town of Vadsø. Ekkerøy is one of very few places in Finnmark that was not burnt and destroyed under Operation Nordlicht, a German operation during the Lapland War at the end of World War 2. Date: 12th April 2010 Location: view from route E75 looking towards Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41424270.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5758643225f2aa93a0c9a9.jpgReindeer The Reindeer, also known as the Caribou in North America, is a deer from the Arctic and sub Arctic, including both resident and migratory populations. Whilst it is overall widespread and numerous, some of its subspecies are rare or already extinct. The Reindeer is a widespread and numerous species in the northern Holarctic, being present in tundra (frozen arctic plain with lichens, mosses and dwarfed vegetation) and taiga (marshy pine forest) regions. Originally, the Reindeer was found in Scandinavia, eastern Europe, Russia, Mongolia, and northern China. In North America, it was found in Canada, Alaska and the northern USA from Washington to Maine. It also occurred naturally on Sakhalin, Greenland, and probably even in historical times in Ireland. Today, wild Reindeer have disappeared from many areas within this large historical range, especially from the southern parts where it has vanished almost everywhere. Large populations of wild Reindeer are still found in Norway, Finland, Siberia, Greenland, Alaska, and Canada. Wild Reindeer hunting and herding of semi-domesticated Reindeer (for meat, hides, antlers, milk and transportation) are important to several Arctic and Subarctic people. Domesticated Reindeer are mostly found in northern Fennoscandia and Russia with a herd of approximately 150-170 Reindeer also living around the Cairngorms region in Scotland. Reindeer vary considerably in colour and size. Both sexes grow antlers, though they are typically larger in males. Even far outside its range, the Reindeer is well known due to the myth, probably originating in early 19th century America, in which Santa Claus's sleigh is pulled by flying Reindeer, a popular element of Christmas. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hamningberg, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42632860.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_147160490360aa693f2ef4e.jpgHerring Gull The Herring Gull is one of the best known of all gulls along the shores of Europe. Adults in breeding plumage have a grey back and upperwings and white head and underparts. The wingtips are black with white spots known as "mirrors". The bill is yellow with a red spot and there is a ring of bare yellow skin around the pale eye. The legs are normally pink at all ages but can be yellowish. Non-breeding adults have brown streaks on the head and neck. Male and female plumage is identical at all stages of development although adult males are often larger. Juvenile and first-winter birds are mainly brown with darker streaks and have a dark bill and eyes. Second-winter birds have a whiter head and underparts with less streaking and the back is grey. Third-winter individuals are similar to adults but retain some of the features of immature birds such as brown feathers in the wings and dark markings on the bill. The Herring Gull attains adult plumage and reaches sexual maturity at an average age of 4 years. The loud laughing call of the Herring Gull is well known and is often seen as a symbol of the seaside in countries such as the UK. It also has a yelping alarm call and a low barking anxiety call. Chicks and fledglings emit a distinctive, repetitive high-pitched 'peep', accompanied by a head-flicking gesture when begging for food from or calling to their parents. Adult gulls in urban areas will also exhibit this behaviour when fed by humans. The Herring Gull breeds across northern Europe, western Europe, central Europe, eastern Europe, Scandinavia and the Baltic states. Some, especially those resident in colder areas, migrate further south in winter but many are permanent residents such as in the UK or on the North Sea shores. While Herring Gull numbers appear to have been decreased in recent years, possibly by fish population declines and competition, they have proved able to survive in human-adapted areas and can often be seen in towns acting as a scavenger. The Herring Gull, like most gulls, is an omnivore and opportunist and will scavenge from garbage dumps, landfill sites and sewage outflows with refuse comprising up to half of the bird's diet. In addition, it will eat fish, crustaceans and dead animals as well as some plants and it will steal the eggs and young of other birds (including those of other gulls). The Herring Gull may also dive from the surface of the water or engage in plunge diving in the pursuit of aquatic prey although they are typically unable to reach any great depth due to their natural buoyancy. Date: 24th April 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41505230.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4106953755f37b2ad9e420.jpgArctic Skua The Arctic Skua is a seabird in the skua family. Identification is complicated by similarities to the Long-tailed Skua and the Pomarine Skua and the existence of three colour morphs. Light-morph adults have a brown back, mainly white underparts and dark primary wing feathers with a white flash. The head and neck are yellowish-white with a black cap and there is a pointed central tail projection. Dark-morph adults are dark brown and intermediate-phase birds are dark with somewhat paler underparts, head and neck. All morphs have the white wing flash. The Arctic Skua breeds on dry tundra, higher fells and islands in the north of Eurasia and north America with significant populations as far south as northern Scotland. In the UK, it breeds in Shetland and Orkney, the Outer Hebrides, Sutherland, Caithness and some islands in Argyll. The Arctic Skua is a migrant, wintering at sea in the tropics and southern oceans. The Arctic Skua feeds on rodents, small birds and insects but also robs gulls and terns of their catches. Like the larger skua species, it continues this piratical behaviour throughout the year and shows great agility as it harasses its victims. Date: 3rd July 2019 Location: Komagdalen, Varangerhalvøya National Park, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo440773.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_409910360467ea8849d450.jpgCommon Blue Damselfly Flight period: early May to end September. As the name suggests, the Common Blue Damselfly is one of the commonest species in the UK. They can be confused with other blue damselflies, particularly since the markings on this species are rather variable. Common Blue Damselflies are found across most of the UK and are probably the most widespread member of the "blue" damselflies. They can be found around open lakes and ponds, along river and canal banks and streams, provided there is plenty of bankside vegetation. Date: 12th June 2006 Location: Near Dundonnell, Wester Ross http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13683311.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_722368624ed72c17ba0d0.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33751268.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11496518375a291a3ebbc84.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 26th November 2017 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28883594.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_94881354257cc05518f366.jpgWhinchat The Whinchat is similar in size to its relative the Robin. Both sexes have brownish upperparts mottled darker, a buff throat and breast, a pale buff to whitish belly and a blackish tail with white bases to the outer tail feathers. The male in breeding plumage has blackish face mask almost encircled by a strong white supercilium and malar stripe, a bright orange-buff throat and breast and small white wing patches. The female is duller overall, in particular having browner face mask, pale buffy-brown breast, and a buff supercilium and malar stripe and smaller or no white wing patches. Males in immature and winter plumage and are similar to females. The Whinchat is a fairly common migratory species in Europe and western Asia with birds arriving at their breeding grounds between the end of April and mid May and departing between mid August and mid September. They winter primarily in tropical sub-Saharan Africa with small numbers also in north west Africa. Date: 19th May 2016 Location: Alam Pedja Nature Reserve, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo512813.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_122439666446ad15bdbd526.jpgCinnabar caterpillar The Cinnabar moth is a widespread moth throughout the UK and can often be seen during daylight hours. The moth is brightly coloured with crimson hindwings bordered with dusky black. The caterpillar is even more striking with a bright orange body and black transverse bands. Both the moth and caterpillar can be found in meadows, wasteland, road verges and downland where the foodplants ragwort occur. Moths are present from May to July and during June, females lay large batches of eggs on the undersides of ragwort leaves. The caterpillars hatch out in July and are active until August. Date: 28th July 2007 Location: EWT Langdon Conservation Centre, Dunton, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11948148.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6526917084e410f75b2165.jpgFallow Deer Fallow Deer are native to the Mediterranean region of Europe and from Turkey to Iran but they have been introduced to nearly 40 countries including the UK by the Normans in the 11th century. They have since become the most widespread species of deer in the UK and typically can be found in deciduous woodland with open patches. Fallow Deer commonly gather in small herds of 4 to 5 but in good feeding areas groupings of up to 100 may gather. When competing for access to females, males display by groaning, thrashing their antlers and by walking alongside their opponent. Fighting occurs if both stags are evenly matched and involves wrestling and clashing of antlers. Fallow Deer have many colour varieties but they are typically fawn-coloured in the summer and reddish-brown in the winter. They have yellow-white undersides, white spots and a black line that runs along the back to the tip of the tail. The spots become less conspicuous or disappear in winter. Males have palmate (flattened) antlers. Date: 22nd October 2008 Location: Bradgate Park, Newton Linford , Leicestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo445711.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7211428074681c7834c6f4.jpgBlaven, Skye Height: 3044 feet. The meaning of the name Blaven or Bla Bhienn is confused and is variously documented as "blue mountain", "warm mountain", "sunny mountain", "mount of the blast" or "hill of bloom". Blaven is the eastern most peak of the Black Cuillin and is separated from the Cuillin range by Glen Sligachan. Blaven is the highest of the surrounding mountains and is managed by the John Muir Trust. [i]".... and even if I came in sight of Paradise, what price it's moon without Blaven?"[/i] - [b]Sorley Maclean[/b] - "The Island" Date: February 2003 Location: view from the B8083 Broadford to Elgol road near Torrin http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41205482.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8448305195eb9796999265.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 10th May 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4267245.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1415653344b52239388e33.jpgWigeon The Eurasian Wigeon, or simply Wigeon, is one of 3 species of Wigeon in the dabbling duck genus [i]Mareca[/i]. The Wigeon is 17 to 20 inches in length with a 28 to 31 inches wingspan. The breeding male has grey flanks and back with a black rear end, a dark green speculum and a brilliant white patch on the upper wings which obvious in flight or at rest. It has a pink breast, white belly and a chestnut head with a creamy crown. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female. The female is generally light brown but it can be distinguished from most other ducks, apart from the American Wigeon, on shape. The Wigeon breeds in the northernmost areas of Europe and Asia where it is the Old World counterpart of north America's American Wigeon. It is a bird of open wetlands, such as wet grassland or marshes with some taller vegetation, and nests on the ground near water and under cover. The Wigeon is strongly migratory and winters further south than its breeding range. It is highly gregarious outside of the breeding season and will form large flocks. In the UK, the Wigeon can be found all year round. It is a scarce breeding bird in central and northern Scotland and in northern England. In winter, many birds arrive in the UK from Iceland, Scandinavia and Russia and very large numbers can be seen on the coasts and at some inland sites. The Wigeon is categorised by the IUCN as a species of “Least Concern” but it is a species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 26th December 2009 Location: Buckenham Marshes, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/goldeneye https://images.on-this.website/4752_12054324104e0974b837ce3.jpgGoldeneye The Goldeneye is a medium-sized diving duck, named for its golden-yellow eye. Adult males have a dark head with a greenish gloss and a circular white patch below the eye, a dark back and a white neck and belly. Adult females have a brown head and a mostly grey body. The Goldeneye breeds on the lakes and in the rivers of boreal forests of Scandinavia, Canada, north USA and north Russia. Naturally it will nest in cavities in large trees but it will also readily use nestboxes put up on trees close to water. This has enabled a healthy breeding population to establish in the Scottish Highlands from 1970 where it is increasing and slowly spreading. The Goldeneye is migratory and most winter in protected coastal waters or open inland waters at more temperate latitudes. The Goldeneye forages by diving underwater for crustaceans, aquatic insects and molluscs. Insects are the predominant prey while nesting and crustaceans are the predominant prey during migration and winter. Date: 10th June 2011 Location: Loch Morlich, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623365.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5200901686117dd5b71d1f.jpgTree Sparrow The Tree Sparrow is a member of the sparrow family Passer, a group of small passerine birds that is believed to have originated in Africa and which contains 15 to 25 species. The Tree Sparrow's name is derived from 2 Latin words: passer meaning "sparrow" and montanus meaning "of the mountains". The common name is given to suggest the preference for tree holes for nesting. However, this name and the scientific name montanus do not appropriately describe the Tree Sparrow’s habitat preferences: the German name Feldsperling meaning "field sparrow" comes closer to doing so. The Tree Sparrow is around 5 to 5.5 inches in length with a wingspan of about 8.3 inches, making it roughly 10% smaller than the House Sparrow. The adult's crown and nape are a rich chestnut and there is a kidney-shaped black ear patch on each pure white cheek. The chin, throat and the area between the bill and throat are black. The upperparts are light brown streaked with black and the brown wings have 2 distinct narrow white bars. The legs are pale brown and the bill is lead-blue in summer becoming almost black in winter. The Tree Sparrow is distinctive even within its own family in that there are no plumage differences between the sexes. The juvenile resembles the adult although the colours tend to be duller. The contrasting face pattern makes the Tree Sparrow easily identifiable in all plumages and the smaller size and chestnut (not grey) crown are additional differences from the male House Sparrow. The Tree Sparrow's breeding range comprises most of temperate Europe and Asia south of about latitude 68°N (north of this the summers are too cold) and through south east Asia to Java and Bali. It is sedentary over most of its extensive range but northernmost breeding populations migrate south for the winter and small numbers leave south Europe for north Africa and the Middle East. The Tree Sparrow has been introduced outside its native range but it has not always become successfully established, possibly due to competition with the House Sparrow. Ship-carried birds have colonised some areas and birds have also occurred as vagrants. Despite its scientific name, the Tree Sparrow is not typically a mountain species and reaches only 2300 feet in Switzerland although it has bred at 5600 feet in the northern Caucasus and as high as 14010 feet in Nepal. In Europe, the Tree Sparrow is frequently found in open countryside with small isolated patches of woodland but also on coasts with cliffs, in woodland along slow water courses and in empty buildings. It shows a strong preference for nest sites near wetland habitats and avoids breeding on intensively managed farmland. In Europe, where the Tree Sparrow and the House Sparrow occur in the same region, the House Sparrow generally nests in urban areas while the Tree Sparrow nests in rural areas. Where trees are in short supply, both species may utilise man-made structures as nest sites. Whilst the Tree Sparrow is mainly a rural bird in Europe, it tends to be an urban bird in Asia and Australia. In the UK, the Tree Sparrow is scarcer in upland areas and the far north and west of the and the main populations are now found across the Midlands and south and east England. The Tree Sparrow may breed in isolated pairs or in loose colonies. The male calls from near the nest site in spring to proclaim ownership and attract a mate and he may also carry nest material in to the nest hole. The Tree Sparrow typically builds its nest in a cavity in an old tree or rock face. Some nests are not in holes as such but are built among roots of overhanging bushes. Roof cavities in houses and nest boxes are also readily used. In addition, the Tree Sparrow will breed in the disused nest of a Magpie or other crow species or an active or unused nest of a large bird such as the White Stork or a heron or raptor species. It will sometimes attempt to take over the nest of other birds that breed in holes or enclosed spaces such as tit species, flycatcher species, Swallow, House Martin, Sand Martin or European Bee-eater. The untidy nest is composed of hay, grass, wool or other material and lined with feathers which improve thermal insulation. The female lays 5 or 6 eggs which are incubated by both parents for 12 to 13 days and the chicks fledge after a further 15 to 18 days. There are 2 or 3 broods each year. Hybridisation between the Tree Sparrow and the House Sparrow has been recorded in many parts of the world with male hybrids tending to resemble the Tree Sparrow while female hybrids are more similar to the House Sparrow. The Tree Sparrow is a predominantly seed and grain eating bird which feeds on the ground in flocks and often with House Sparrows, finches and buntings. It may also visit feeding stations. It additionally feeds on invertebrates including insects, woodlice, millipedes, centipedes, spiders, etc. especially during the breeding season when the young are fed mainly on animal food. Adults use a variety of wetlands when foraging for invertebrate prey to feed chicks and aquatic sites play a key role in providing adequate diversity and availability of suitable invertebrate prey to allow successful chick rearing. Large areas of formerly occupied farmland no longer provide these invertebrate resources due to the effects of intensive farming. The Tree Sparrow has a large range and a large population. Although the population is declining, the species is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List. For this reason, the Tree Sparrow is designated as being of “Least Concern”. Although the Tree Sparrow has been expanding its range in Fennoscandia and east Europe, its population has been declining in much of west Europe, a trend reflected in other farmland birds such as the Skylark and Corn Bunting. The collapse in population seems to have been particularly severe in the UK where there was a 93% decline between 1970 and 2008. However, recent Breeding Bird Survey data is encouraging and suggests that numbers may have started to increase albeit from a very low point. The decrease in population is probably the result of agricultural intensification and specialisation, particularly the increased use of herbicides and a trend towards autumn-sown crops at the expense of spring-sown crops that produce stubble fields in winter. The change from mixed to specialised farming and the increased use of insecticides has reduced the amount of insect food available for chicks. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo1278764.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15792763204866c58919273.jpgRed-necked Phalarope The Red-necked Phalarope is a small wader with lobed toes to assist swimming and a straight, fine bill. The breeding female is predominantly dark grey above with a chestnut neck and upper breast, black face and white throat. The breeding male is a duller version of the female. In winter, the plumage is essentially grey above and white below but the black eyepatch is always present. When feeding, a Red-necked Phalarope will often swim in a small, rapid circle, forming a small whirlpool. This behaviour is thought to aid feeding by raising food from the bottom of shallow water. The bird will reach into the centre of the vortex with its bill, plucking small insects or crustaceans caught up therein. On the open ocean, they are often found where converging currents produce upwellings. The Red-necked Phalarope breeds in the Arctic regions of north America and Eurasia. It is migratory and, unusually for a wader, it winters at sea on tropical oceans. The Red-necked Phalarope is one of the UK's rarest breeding waders and is on the southern-most edge of its range here. It has always been mainly confined to the Northern and Western Isles of Scotland. The Government agreed a Biodiversity Action Plan for this species in 1998. The targets for this plan have recently been reviewed and aim to maintain and expand the Red-necked Phalarope as a breeding species at existing sites and to enable range expansion to a number of previously occupied sites. Fetlar holds 90% of the UK breeding population and this bird was photographed at the RSPB's reserve at the Loch of Funzie. Date: 2nd June 2008 Location: Loch of Funzie, Fetlar, Shetland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14467399.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14544154994f743bbb384f3.jpg"Northern Lights" The aurora is a natural light display in the sky, particularly in the high latitude Arctic and Antarctic regions, caused by the collision of energetic charged particles with atoms in the high altitude atmosphere. The charged particles originate in the magnetosphere and solar wind and on Earth they are directed by the Earth's magnetic field into the atmosphere. Most aurora occur in a band known as the auroral zone which is typically 3° to 6° in latitudinal extent and 10° to 20° from the magnetic pole. During a geomagnetic storm, the auroral zone will expand to lower latitudes. The diffuse aurora is a featureless glow in the sky which may not be visible to the naked eye even on a dark night and defines the extent of the auroral zone. The discrete aurora are sharply defined features within the diffuse aurora which vary in brightness from just barely visible to the naked eye to bright enough to read a newspaper at night. In northern latitudes, the effect is known as the aurora borealis (or the “Northern Lights), named after the Roman goddess of dawn, Aurora, and the Greek name for the north wind, Boreas, by Pierre Gassendi in 1621. Auroras seen near the magnetic pole may be high overhead but from farther away they illuminate the northern horizon as a greenish glow or sometimes a faint red. Auroras often display magnetic field lines or curtain-like structures and can change within seconds or glow unchanging for hours, most often in fluorescent green. In Scandinavia, you can see the aurora all over Norway, Sweden and Finland. However, the best places are above the Arctic Circle in the auroral zone. The aurora is most frequent in late autumn and in winter and early spring. In the time span between the autumn equinox and the spring equinox (21st September to 21st March), it is dark the whole time between 6 p.m. and 1 a.m. and this provides the maximum chance of seeing the aurora in suitable weather conditions and with increased solar activity. Date: 16th March 2012 Location: Skibotndalen, Troms, north Norway close to Norway/Finland border http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49001829.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5973264306468e2ff3d008.jpgBlue Tit The Blue Tit is a small passerine bird in the tit family. It is easily recognisable by its generally blue and yellow plumage and its small size. The Blue Tit is about 4.7 inches long with a wingspan of 7.1 inches. It has an azure blue crown and a dark blue line passing through the eye and encircling the white cheeks to the chin, giving the bird a very distinctive appearance. The forehead and a bar on the wing are white. The nape, wings and tail are blue and the back is yellowish green. The underparts are mostly sulphur-yellow with a dark line down the abdomen. The bill is black and the legs bluish grey. The sexes are similar whilst young birds are noticeably more yellow. The Blue Tit is very agile and it can cling to the outermost branches and hang upside down when searching for food such as insects, caterpillars and seeds. The Blue Tit can be found throughout areas of the European continent with a mainly temperate or Mediterranean climate and in parts of the Middle East. In the UK it is common in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens and widespread across the whole of the country with the exception of some Scottish islands. The Blue Tit will nest in any suitable hole in a tree, wall or stump, often competing with other birds such as the House Sparrow or Great Tit for the site. In addition, it will readily accept an artificial nesting box. The same hole is returned to year after year and when one pair dies another takes possession. The nesting material is usually moss, wool, hair and feathers and the eggs are laid in April or May. The number in the clutch is often very large but 7 or 8 is normal. It is not unusual for a single bird to feed the chicks in the nest at a rate of one feed every 90 seconds during the height of the breeding season. Successful breeding is dependent on a sufficient supply of caterpillars as well as satisfactory weather. Breeding may be affected badly if the weather is cold and wet between May and July, particularly if this coincides with the emergence of the caterpillars on which the nestlings are fed. The small size of the Blue Tit makes it vulnerable to predation by larger birds and the typical lifespan is 3 years or less. The most significant predator is probably the Sparrowhawk, closely followed by the domestic cat. Nests may also be robbed by mammals such as the Weasel and Red and Grey Squirrels. Date: 3rd April 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/chiffchaff https://images.on-this.website/4752_53317335662849fcca99ac.jpgChiffchaff The (Common) Chiffchaff is a common and widespread leaf warbler which is named onomatopoeically for its simple and repetitive chiff-chaff song. The British naturalist Gilbert White was one of the first people to separate the similar looking Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler and Wood Warbler by their songs, as detailed in 1789 in “The Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne. The Chiffchaff is a small, dumpy, 4 inch long leaf warbler. The spring adult has brown-washed dull green upperparts, off-white underparts becoming yellowish on the flanks and a short whitish supercilium. It has dark legs, a fine dark bill and short primary projection (extension of the flight feathers beyond the folded wing). As the plumage wears, it gets duller and browner and the yellow on the flanks tends to be lost and after the breeding season there is a prolonged complete moult before migration. After moulting, both the adult and the juvenile have brighter and greener upperparts and a paler supercilium. When not singing, the Chiffchaff can be difficult to distinguish from other leaf warblers with greenish upperparts and whitish underparts, particularly the Willow Warbler. However, that species has a longer primary projection, a sleeker, brighter appearance and generally pale legs. The Chiffchaff breeds across Europe and Asia east to eastern Siberia and north to about 70°N, with isolated populations in north west Africa, north and west Turkey and north west Iran. It is a migratory species but one of the first passerine birds to return to its breeding areas in the spring and amongst the last to leave in late autumn. When breeding, the Chiffchaff is a bird of open woodlands with some taller trees and ground cover for nesting purposes. In winter, the Chiffchaff uses a wider range of habitats and is not so dependent on trees and is often found near water. There is an increasing tendency to winter in western Europe well north of the traditional areas, especially in coastal south England and the mild urban microclimate of London. The male Chiffchaff returns to its breeding territory 2 or 3 weeks before the female and immediately starts singing to establish ownership and attract a female. When a female is located, the male will use a slow butterfly-like flight as part of the courtship ritual but, once a pair-bond has been established, other females will be driven from the territory. The male has little involvement in the nesting process other than defending the territory. The female's nest is built on or near the ground in a concealed site in brambles, nettles or other dense low vegetation. The domed nest has a side entrance and is constructed from coarse plant material such as dead leaves and grass with finer material used on the interior before the addition of a lining of feathers. The clutch is 2 to 7 (normally 5 or 6) cream-coloured eggs which are incubated by the female for 13 to 14 days before hatching as naked, blind chicks. The female broods and feeds the chicks for another 14 to 15 days until they fledge. The male rarely participates in feeding although this sometimes occurs, especially when bad weather limits insect supplies or if the female disappears. After fledging, the young stay in the vicinity of the nest for 3 to 4 weeks where they are fed by and roost with the female. In the north of the range there is only time to raise one brood due to the short summer but a second brood is common in central and southern areas. Like most leaf warblers, the Chiffchaff is insectivorous and moves restlessly though foliage or briefly hovering. It has been recorded as taking insects, mainly flies, from more than 50 families, along with other small and medium-sized invertebrates. It will also take the eggs and larvae of butterflies and moths. The Chiffchaff has been estimated to require about one third of its weight in insects daily and it feeds almost continuously in the autumn to put on extra fat as fuel for its long migration flight. As with most small birds, mortality in the first year of life is high but adults aged 3 to 4 years are regularly recorded and the record is more than 7 years. Eggs, chicks and fledglings are taken by Stoats, Weasels and crows such as the Magpie and adults are hunted by birds of prey, particularly the Sparrowhawk. The Chiifchaff is also susceptible to poor weather, particularly when migrating, but also on the breeding and wintering grounds. The main effect of humans on the Chiffchaff is indirect through woodland clearance which affects the habitat, predation by cats and collisions with windows, buildings and cars. Date: 31st March 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo440184.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1590908217467dc89d21673.jpgAdder Adders are widespread throughout mainland UK but they are absent from Ireland. They occur throughout Europe, with the exception of the Mediterranean islands, and across Russia and Asia through to northern China. They are the UK's only venomous reptile. Adders are relatively short and robust snakes with large heads and a rounded snout. Males are usually a grey or buff colour with vivid black markings although they can also vary from silver to yellow or green in colour. Females are brown with dark red-brown markings that are less prominent than in the males. Both sexes have a zigzag pattern running along the back with a / or X-shaped marking at the rear of the head. Adders can be found in a variety of habitats, including open woodland, hedgerows, moorland, sand dunes, riverbanks, bogs, heathland and mountains. They are active during the day and spend time basking until their body temperature is high enough to hunt for food. Adders use venom to immobilise prey such as lizards, amphibians, nestlings and small mammals. After striking their prey, they will leave the venom to take effect before following the victim’s scent to find the body. Mating takes place between April and May with males often fighting for females. Females have a 3 to 4 month gestation period and Adders are one of the few snakes that are viviparous (give birth to live young). In late August females give birth to between 5 and 20 live young and the young remain close to their mother for a few days before going off in search of food. Adders hibernate from September to March often using deserted rabbit or rodent burrows or settling under logs. They sometimes hibernate communally. Males emerge 2 to 5 weeks before the females and shed their skin before setting off in search of females. Adders are not aggressive snakes and they will only attack if harassed or threatened. Although an Adder’s venom poses little danger to a healthy adult, the bite is very painful and requires urgent medical attention. Date: 31st March 2007 Location: Langdon Conservation Centre, Dunton, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/ring-ousel https://images.on-this.website/4752_4440978844daeb2632b018.jpgRing Ousel The Ring Ousel is slightly smaller and slimmer than a Blackbird. The male is particularly distinctive with black plumage and a pale wing panel and striking white breast band. They tend to be shyer than other thrushes although they will often associate with them after the breeding season. Ring Ousels arrive in March and April and leave again in September and breed in upland areas of Scotland, northern England, north west Wales and Dartmoor. On spring and autumn migration they may be seen away from their breeding areas often on the east and south coasts of the UK. Their recent population decline make them a Red List species. Date: 30th September 2007 Location: St Margarets at Cliffe, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9564190.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18583171844daeb20097358.jpgRing Ousel The Ring Ousel is slightly smaller and slimmer than a Blackbird. The male is particularly distinctive with black plumage and a pale wing panel and striking white breast band. They tend to be shyer than other thrushes although they will often associate with them after the breeding season. Ring Ousels arrive in March and April and leave again in September and breed in upland areas of Scotland, northern England, north west Wales and Dartmoor. On spring and autumn migration they may be seen away from their breeding areas often on the east and south coasts of the UK. Their recent population decline make them a Red List species. Date: 30th September 2007 Location: St Margarets at Cliffe, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/glossy-ibis https://images.on-this.website/4752_20542885364b2913f3e5fa3.jpgGlossy Ibis The Glossy Ibis is a wading bird and a member of the ibis family. Breeding adults have reddish-brown bodies and shiny bottle-green wings whilst non-breeders and juveniles have duller bodies. They have a brownish bill, dark facial skin bordered above and below in blue-grey (non-breeding) to cobalt blue (breeding) and red-brown legs. Unlike herons, ibises fly with necks outstretched and often flocks fly in lines. The Glossy Ibis is the most widespread ibis species breeding in scattered sites in the warmer regions of Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and the Atlantic and Caribbean region of the Americas. They are also migratory with most European birds wintering in Africa. The Glossy Ibis nests colonially in trees often with herons. It is also gregarious when feeding in marshy wetlands when it predates on fish, frogs and other water creatures. The Glossy Ibis is a very rare visitor to the UK although some individuals have stayed here for many months or even years. The species is prone to occasional influxes and in 2009 the UK enjoyed the biggest influx ever with small flocks discovered in several counties. This photo shows one of a pair of Glossy Ibises that were first reported in the Dungeness area at the end of October 2009. Date: 6th December 2009 Location: Dungeness, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49278565.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12708201096499b48bd4fb5.jpgGrass Snake The Grass Snake is the UK’s largest terrestrial reptile reaching up to 6 feet in length although such large specimens are rare. Females are considerably larger than males and typically reach a size of 2 feet 11 inches to 3 feet 7 inches when fully grown whilst males are approximately 8 inches shorter. The Grass Snake is typically olive-green, brown or greyish in colour with a variable row of black bars along the sides, occasionally with smaller round markings along the back in double rows. The underside of the Grass Snake is off-white or yellowish with dark triangular or rectangular markings. A characteristic black and yellow collar is present behind the head. The Grass Snake is one of only 3 snakes to occur in the UK and it is distributed throughout lowland areas of England and Wales. It is almost absent from Scotland and is not found in Ireland at all which has no native snakes. The Grass Snake is an aquatic species that is usually closely associated with water where it preys almost entirely on amphibians, especially the Common Toad and the Common Frog, although they may also occasionally eat mammals and fish. It is a strong swimmer and is found in habitats featuring ponds, lakes, streams, marshes and ditches which provide access to sunshine for basking and plenty of shelter. The Grass Snake may also be found in open woodland, rough grassland, wet heathlands, gardens, parks and hedgerows. The Grass Snake, as with most reptiles, is at the mercy of the thermal environment and it needs to overwinter in areas which are not subject to freezing. Therefore it will typically spend the winter underground where the temperature is relatively stable. Date: 13th June 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9562982.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13544815904dae9036a9fbc.jpgSnow Bunting Snow Buntings are large buntings with striking “snowy” plumages. Males in summer have all white heads and underparts contrasting with a black mantle and wing tips. Females are a more mottled above. In autumn and winter birds develop a sandy/buff wash to their plumage and males have more mottled upperparts. Snow Buntings breed in far northern Europe and migrate south in winter. They are a very scarce breeding species in the UK and can be found on the highest mountain peaks in Scotland where they nest in rocky crevices. Snow Buntings are best looked for in winter (from late September to early March) where they can sometimes be seen in large flocks on the seashore or on adjacent short rough grassland at coastal sites in Scotland and eastern England. Date: 26th December 2008 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801060.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_149736607464eda28fb1fc6.jpgRuddy Darter Flight period: mid June to mid September. The Ruddy Darter takes its name from its colour and its swift flight behaviour. The male has a deep russet colour over the entire body and the abdomen has a pinched section close to where it joins the thorax. Females are slightly smaller, golden yellow in colour and being less obviously marked are more difficult to identify than the males. There is more than one red coloured darter species in the UK and they can be easily confused with each other. The commonest red species, the Common Darter, can be distinguished as having red veins at the base of the wings and a less ruddy colouration across the body. However, the Ruddy Darter has entirely black legs, distinguishing it from all other red darters which have longitudinal yellow stripes on their legs. The UK range of the Ruddy Darter has undergone something of an expansion in recent years. Although still relatively uncommon in the west and north of Britain, it is increasing in numbers in the Midlands and eastern England. The population is augmented by continental migrants. It is also found over most of Europe except for northern Scandinavia, as far east as western Siberia and south to north Africa. The Ruddy Darter prefers water bodies with tall emergent vegetation, such as reeds and club rush, and it is known to breed in ponds, lakes, canals, ditches and sluggish rivers. They can also be found near coasts and can breed in fairly brackish water. Date: 8th July 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41537237.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_416375385f3cfdd1f37e2.jpgKittiwakes The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 4th July 2019 Location: Flåget, Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12078532.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_667248754e48dd3803f8f.jpgWater Vole The Water Vole is found throughout the UK although it is less common on higher ground. It is infrequently recorded from parts of northern Scotland and is absent in Ireland. Water Voles are legally protected in the UK and recent evidence suggests that they have undergone a long term decline. On current trends it is predicted that they may eventually disappear from 94% of their former sites. The shocking decline in both the range and numbers of the Water Vole is due to a number of factors. The large-scale loss and fragmentation of sensitive waterside habitats due to riverbank modification, drainage and flood defence works has been an important factor as has the pollution of waterways and poisoning by rodenticides. Perhaps the most serious threat facing the Water Vole is predation by the introduced American Mink. Water Voles are sometimes confused with Brown Rats which often also live near water courses. They are sometimes called "the water rat" which is the origin of the Water Vole’s fame as "Ratty" from Kenneth Grahame's book “The Wind in the Willows”. Prime Water Vole sites are found along densely vegetated banks of slow flowing rivers, ditches, lakes and marshes where water is present throughout the year. Water Voles are herbivores and feed on a huge variety of waterside vegetation, consuming 80% of their body weight each day. They excavate extensive burrow systems into the banks of waterways and have sleeping/nest chambers at various levels in the steepest parts of the bank. Burrows usually have underwater entrances to provide a secure route for escape if danger threatens. Water Voles usually have 3 or 4 litters a year depending on the weather. In mild springs the first of these can be born in March or April although cold conditions can delay breeding until May or even June. There are about 5 young in a litter and these are born below ground in a nest made from suitable vegetation such as grasses and rushes. Young water voles grow quickly and are weaned at 14 days. On average, Water Voles only live about 5 months in the wild. Their most important predators are Mink and Stoats although Grey Herons, Barn Owls, Brown Rats and Pike are also known to take them. Date: 5th March 2008 Location: Cromford Canal, Derbyshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46534448.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20527030162ca984169c5f.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 27th June 2022 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41391829.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1749320975f26afba019b5.jpgVardø, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Vardø is a town and municipality in Troms og Finnmark in the extreme north east of Norway. It is the eastern most town in Vardø is a town and municipality in Troms og Finnmark in the extreme north east of Norway. It is the eastern most town in Norway and the Nordic countries, located at 31°E, which is east of Saint Petersburg, Kiev and Istanbul. The town of Vardø is located on the island of Vardøya at the mouth of the Varangerfjord but the municipality includes significant area on the mainland of the Varanger peninsula including part of the Varangerhalvøya National Park in the south west. The mountain Domen lies overlooks Vardøya and Vardø. The island of Vardøya is surrounded by a few smaller islands including the bird reserve of Hornøya. The island of Vardøya is connected to the mainland via the undersea Vardø Tunnel (Norway's first such structure). Vardø Airport and the village and port of Svartnes are on the mainland opposite the tunnel entrance. Vardø is a port of call on Norway's Hurtigruten ferry service and it is the northern termination of European route E75 which starts in Sitia in Crete. Vardø has a long settlement history before it was granted status as a town in 1789. Several stone-age sites as well as sites dating from the Sami Iron Age are known on the island. In the Medieval period, Vardø's importance grew as a result of it being the easternmost stronghold of the then-expanding Norwegian royal power. A church was built in Vardø in 1307 and the first fortress was established at about the same time. Even if the presence of the fortress and King's bailiff gave Vardø a certain degree of permanence and stability not experienced by other fishing communities in Finnmark, the town's size and importance waxed and waned with the changing fortunes of the fisheries. After 1850, the town saw a marked expansion. The fisheries grew in importance as did trade with Russia's White Sea region. However, during World War 2, with Norway occupied by the Germans, Vardø was heavily bombed by Allied forces, principally Russian, and most of the town centre was destroyed and the population was evacuated. After the war, the town was completely reconstructed but older, traditional houses survived in the periphery. From 1995 to 2017, the population of Vardø shrank by 50 percent to just over 2000 people, primarily as a result of the collapse of the fisheries. Since 1998, Vardø has housed a radar installation called Globus II. Its official purpose is the tracking of space junk but, due to the site's proximity to Russia and an alleged connection between the Globus II system and US anti-missile systems, the site has been the basis for heated controversy in diplomatic and intelligence circles. In May 2017, work to lay a new electric cable from the Norwegian mainland to the island began. The additional electricity is needed to power an American-funded radar system about 40 miles from Russia's Kola Peninsula, a territory studded with high-security naval bases and restricted military zones. The secrecy surrounding the radar systems has spawned fears that officials are covering up health hazards and other possible dangers. The electromagnetic pulses the current radar system emits interfere with television and radio reception and some residents have blamed them for a rash of miscarriages and cancer cases in a civilian district next to the fenced-in security zone. Date: 1st July 2019 Location: view from near Svartnes, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41524247.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3237341265f3a6d954cf97.jpgRuddy Darter Flight period: mid June to mid September. The Ruddy Darter takes its name from its colour and its swift flight behaviour. The male has a deep russet colour over the entire body and the abdomen has a pinched section close to where it joins the thorax. Females are slightly smaller, golden yellow in colour and being less obviously marked are more difficult to identify than the males. There is more than one red coloured darter species in the UK and they can be easily confused with each other. The commonest red species, the Common Darter, can be distinguished as having red veins at the base of the wings and a less ruddy colouration across the body. However, the Ruddy Darter has entirely black legs, distinguishing it from all other red darters which have longitudinal yellow stripes on their legs. The UK range of the Ruddy Darter has undergone something of an expansion in recent years. Although still relatively uncommon in the west and north of Britain, it is increasing in numbers in the Midlands and eastern England. The population is augmented by continental migrants. It is also found over most of Europe except for northern Scandinavia, as far east as western Siberia and south to north Africa. The Ruddy Darter prefers water bodies with tall emergent vegetation, such as reeds and club rush, and it is known to breed in ponds, lakes, canals, ditches and sluggish rivers. They can also be found near coasts and can breed in fairly brackish water. Date: 4th August 2020 Location, Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/turtle-doves https://images.on-this.website/4752_1368566071559cf4e85980b.jpgTurtle Doves The Turtle Dove is smaller and slighter in build than many other doves and can be recognised by its distinctively mottled chestnut/cinnamon and black upperparts and the black-and-white-striped patch on the side of its neck. The tail is notable as the bird flies, being wedge shaped with a dark centre and white borders and tips. The Turtle Dove is a bird of open country rather than dense woodlands and frequently feeds on the ground. It is usually extremely timid, probably due to the heavy hunting pressure it faces during migration. The Turtle Dove is one of the latest migrants and rarely appears in northern Europe before the end of April, returning south again to south Africa in September. The arrival in spring is heralded by its purring song, a rather deep, vibrating “turrr, turrr”, from which the bird's name is derived. The Turtle Dove has suffered a substantial population decline in recent years. This is partly because changed farming practices mean that the weed seeds and shoots on which it feeds are more scarce and partly due to the shooting of birds in Mediterranean countries during their migration. Date: 7th May 2015 Location: Evros Delta (west), East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/lapland-bunting https://images.on-this.website/4752_7041310625f37b32a42022.jpgLapland Bunting The Lapland Bunting, also known as the Lapland Longspur, is a passerine bird in the longspur family ([i]Calcariidae[/i]), a group generally separated from the finches ([i]Fringillidae[/i]). The name longspur refers to the long claw on the hind toe of each foot. The breeding male Lapland Bunting has a black head and throat, white eyestripe, chestnut nape, white underparts, a heavily streaked black-grey back and a thick yellow bill. Other plumages have a plainer orange-brown head, a browner back and chestnut nape and wing panels. During the summer, the Lapland Bunting can be found across Arctic Europe and in Canada and the northernmost parts of the USA where it breeds in wet areas with birch or willow and on bare mountains. It is a migratory bird, wintering in the Russian steppes, south USA, north Scandinavia and down to coastal south Sweden, Denmark and other parts of coastal west Europe. In the UK, the Lapland Bunting is occasionally seen in north Scotland in summer although small numbers are seen more regularly in autumn and winter along the east coast from East Lothian to Kent. The coasts of Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and north Norfolk usually hold the most birds. During winter, it often feeds in mixed species flocks. The Lapland Bunting eats mostly insects during the summer and seeds during the winter. Date: 3rd July 2019 Location: Komagdalen, Varangerhalvøya National Park, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/eastern-carpathian-mountains-harghita-county https://images.on-this.website/4752_15784164525d3088b313851.jpgEastern Carpathian Mountains, Harghita County, Romania The Carpathian Mountains or Carpathians are a mountain range forming an arc throughout central and east Europe. Approximately 932 miles long, it is the third longest European mountain range after the Ural Mountains at 1553 miles and the Scandinavian Mountains at 1056 miles. The range stretches from the far east of the Czech Republic in the north west through Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, Ukraine and Serbia to Romania in the south east. Around 50% of the Carpathian Mountains are contained within Romania. The highest range within the Carpathian Mountains is the Tatra Mountains in Slovakia where the highest peaks exceed 8530 feet. The second highest range is the Southern Carpathians in Romania where the highest peaks range between 8202 feet and 8366 feet. The Carpathian Mountains are usually described in 3 major sections: Western Carpathians: Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia and Hungary Eastern Carpathians: south east Poland, east Slovakia, Ukraine and Romania Southern Carpathians: Romania and Serbia The term Outer Carpathians is frequently used to describe the northern rim of the Western and Eastern Carpathians. Romania is home to the second largest surface area of virgin forests in Europe after Russia. Most of this occurs in the Carpathian Mountains with the Southern Carpathians constituting Europe's largest unfragmented forest area. The Carpathian Mountains provide habitat for the largest European populations of Brown Bear, Wolf, Lynx and Chamois with the highest concentrations in Romania. Date: 5th June 2018 Location: Lacu Roșu to Georgheni, Harghita County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/kestrel https://images.on-this.website/4752_17984854634b291fb520682.jpgKestrel Kestrels are a familiar sight with their pointed wings and long tail, hovering beside a roadside verge or perched on a high tree branch or on a telephone post or wire looking out for prey. They have been declining recently as a result of habitat loss due to continuing intensive management of farmland. As a result, Kestrels are included on the Amber List. Kestrels can be seen all year round in a wide variety of habitats from moorland and heathland to farmland and urban areas. The only places they do not favour are dense forests, treeless wetlands and mountains. Kestrels nest almost everywhere there is a suitable nest site with areas of open, rough ground to feed over. In towns and cities they will feed over parks and gardens. They nest either in holes or on ledges which may be in natural places such as on cliffs or in trees or man-made sites such as church spires, other tall buildings, pylons, cranes, etc. Date: 15th December 2009 Location: Riverside Country Park, Rainham, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/rwt-gilfach-powys https://images.on-this.website/4752_183610918064916fe2207a2.jpgRWT Gilfach, Powys RWT Gilfach is located just 4 miles north of Rhayader. For centuries, it was a working hill farm but now it is a spectacular nature reserve tucked away in the Marteg valley in the heart of rural mid-Wales. The old farm buildings are used as visitor facilities and a series of way-marked trails provide access to the woodlands, rough grazing areas and heather moorland. A hide close to the reserve entrance overlooks the River Marteg. Date: 14th May 2023 Location: RWT Gilfach, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14160975.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13930714784f3e3972531eb.jpgCommon Blue Flight period: June to September. The Common Blue is the UK’s most widespread and common blue butterfly although it has suffered some local declines due to habitat loss. They can be found in sunny, sheltered areas including downland, roadside verges, woodland clearings and rural gardens. This photo won second prize in the Essex Wildlife Trust photography competition for 2007. This photo also received a BBC Wildlife magazine photo masterclass award in the “Extreme close up” category for August 2007. Please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/news4693.html]here[/url] for further information. Date: 22nd July 2007 Location: Stow Maries Halt EWT reserve, Stow Maries, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21808750.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_55335507053c78f6d0d21b.jpgSandwich Tern The Sandwich Tern is a medium-large tern, gull-like in appearance but usually with a more delicate, lighter build and shorter, weaker legs. It is very closely related to the Lesser Crested Tern, Chinese Crested Tern, Cabot's Tern and Elegant Tern and it has been known to inter-breed with the Lesser Crested Tern. It is 15 to 17 inches in length with a 33 to 38 inches wingspan. It has long, pointed wings, which gives it a fast buoyant flight, and a deeply forked tail. The upperwings are pale grey and the underparts are white. It has a shaggy black crest. The thin sharp bill is black with a yellow tip and the short legs are black. It looks very pale in flight although the primary flight feathers darken during the summer. In winter, the adult's forehead becomes white. Juveniles have dark tips to their tails and a scaly appearance on their back and wings. The Sandwich Tern has an extensive global range and, whilst population trends have not been quantified, it is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List. For these reasons, it is evaluated as “least concern”. The Sandwich Tern breeds in very dense colonies on coasts and islands and exceptionally inland on suitable large freshwater lakes close to the coast. It nests in a ground scrape and lays 1 to 3 eggs. Unlike some of the smaller white terns, it is not very aggressive toward potential predators, relying on the sheer density of the nests and nesting close to other more aggressive species such as the Arctic Tern and the Black-headed Gull. In the UK, the Sandwich Tern can be seen from late March to September and there are breeding colonies scattered around the UK coasts including the north Norfolk coast and at Minsmere in Suffolk and Dungeness in Kent. The Sandwich tern feeds by plunge-diving for fish, almost invariably from the sea. It usually dives directly and not from a hover favoured by other terns. The offering of fish by the male to the female is part of the courtship display. Date: 14th July 2014 Location: Blakeney Point, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/great-black-backed-gulls https://images.on-this.website/4752_12799935264f743c6d374c5.jpgGreat Black-backed Gulls The largest of the gulls, the Great Black-backed Gull is a dominating and opportunistic predator, scavenger and pirate that has been described as a “merciless tyrant” due to its aggressive feeding habits. The Great Black-backed Gull has a thick-set body with a large, yellow, red-tipped bill, strong legs and wide, webbed feet which have a delicate pink hue. The breast and head are snowy white and sit in stark contrast to the black back and wings. Young Great Black-backed Gulls undergo several plumage changes before taking on that of the adult. Juveniles are pale brown with heavy white mottling whilst immatures are also mottled but have a distinctive whitish head and breast but with a dark-tipped, pale bill The Great Black-backed Gull occurs along the coastlines of northern Europe and northern Russia as well as the east coast of north America and central America and it can be found in a variety of coastal habitats, including rocky and sandy coasts and estuaries as well as inland habitats such as lakes, ponds, fields and moorland. It breeds in areas free of or largely inaccessible to terrestrial predators such as vegetated islands, sand dunes, flat-topped stacks, building roofs and sometimes amongst bushes on salt-marsh islands. During the winter, the Great Black-backed Gull often travels far out to sea to feed. Date: 17th March 2012 Location: Sommarøy, Troms, north Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/buachaille-etive-mor-argyll https://images.on-this.website/4752_56527140846883eec876a2.jpgBuachaille Etive Mor, Argyll Height: Stob Dearg 3352 feet and Stob na Doire 3316 feet. The A82 road from Glasgow to Fort William crosses Rannoch Moor and descends in to Glencoe. Before doing so the rocky pyramid at the north east end of Buachaille Etive Mor stands as a sentinel at the "gateway" to the Highlands. Buachaille Etive Mor lies at the head of Glen Etive and overlooks the north west corner of Rannoch Moor. The best known view of the mountain is from the north and east from where the great rocky pyramid of Stob Dearg is the outstanding feature of the mountain. Date: 6th June 2007 Location: view from Kingshouse just off the A82 road near the junction with the unclassified road along Glen Etive. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41537230.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21078596635f3cfd69a2ac2.jpgKittiwakes The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 4th July 2019 Location: Flåget, Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42632711.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_42173887160aa644881886.jpgMarsh Frog The Marsh Frog is the largest European frog. It is very similar in appearance to the closely related Edible Frog and Pool Frog. These 3 species are often referred to as "green frogs" to distinguish them from the more terrestrial European species which are known as "brown frogs" (best exemplified by the Common Frog). Marsh Frogs show a large variation in colour and pattern, ranging from dark green to brown or grey. The Western European populations are generally dark green to black with dark spots on the back and sides and 3 clear green lines on the back. Females can reach a maximum length of around 6.5 inches but males are smaller at around 4.5 inches. The head is proportionally large and the hind legs are long which gives them excellent jumping abilities. The Marsh Frog is usually gregarious and diurnal and more tied to aquatic habitats than the Common Frog. It is tolerant of brackish conditions and typically it is found on or in the water of its favoured drainage channels and pools throughout the year. Marsh Frogs frequently sunbathe on the bank of the water body where they are often inconspicuous until disturbed when they will jump in to the water with a characteristic “plop”. They can often be seen on lily pads or floating at the surface amongst vegetation with only their heads exposed. During the breeding season (and sometimes beyond) the male Marsh Frog calls very loudly with a sound reminiscent of a loud chuckle which is often very raucous and can be heard all day and night. Dominant males establish territories from which they call. After mating a female may produce up to 16,000 eggs in a season, laying them in clumps of a few hundred in aquatic vegetation below the surface. They hatch in about a week, tadpoles being rather solitary and living in deep water with vegetation. Newly metamorphosed frogs are up to 1 inch in length and take 2 years to mature. The diet of the Marsh Frog consists of dragonflies and other insects, spiders, earthworms and slugs. Larger frogs also eat small rodents and sometimes smaller amphibians and fish. Date: 21st April 2021 Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41537236.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9681522545f3cfdcf1aece.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 4th July 2019 Location: Flåget, Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41183543.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12395192215e9c304ebb89a.jpgCommon Lizard The Common Lizard ranges across central and northern Europe (but are absent from the Mediterranean area) and through to northern Asia. It is the most common lizard in northern regions and the only reptile found in Ireland. The Common Lizard has a long body and short legs. It has coarse scales which range from grey, brown, bronze or green on the back and males are generally darker than females. It has a series of white spots down the flanks, which fuse to form a line, and a black line along the back. The Common Lizard also has numerous black spots scattered over the body. Males have orange/yellow bellies with black spots and females have cream/white bellies. The Common Lizard is found in a range of habitats including woodland, marshes, heathland, moors, sand dunes, hedgerows, bogs and rubbish dumps and it hunts insects, spiders, snails and earthworms, stunning its prey by shaking it and then swallowing it whole. The Common Lizard is active during the day and spends the morning and afternoon (but not the intense heat of midday) basking in the sun either alone or in groups. It is a good swimmer and will dive underwater when threatened. At night, and when startled, it will shelter beneath logs, stones and metal sheets. After emerging from hibernation, males defend breeding territories from other males. The young develop over 3 months within egg membranes inside the female's body which they usually break out of as she gives birth. Litters of 3 to 12 young are born from June to September after which time the mother shows no parental care with the young feeding actively from birth and quickly dispersing. The Common Lizard hibernates from October to March. It will often hibernate in groups and sometimes emerge for a brief time during warm spells. Date: 16th April 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41183545.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6074672435e9c3054df9cb.jpgCommon Lizard The Common Lizard ranges across central and northern Europe (but are absent from the Mediterranean area) and through to northern Asia. It is the most common lizard in northern regions and the only reptile found in Ireland. The Common Lizard has a long body and short legs. It has coarse scales which range from grey, brown, bronze or green on the back and males are generally darker than females. It has a series of white spots down the flanks, which fuse to form a line, and a black line along the back. The Common Lizard also has numerous black spots scattered over the body. Males have orange/yellow bellies with black spots and females have cream/white bellies. The Common Lizard is found in a range of habitats including woodland, marshes, heathland, moors, sand dunes, hedgerows, bogs and rubbish dumps and it hunts insects, spiders, snails and earthworms, stunning its prey by shaking it and then swallowing it whole. The Common Lizard is active during the day and spends the morning and afternoon (but not the intense heat of midday) basking in the sun either alone or in groups. It is a good swimmer and will dive underwater when threatened. At night, and when startled, it will shelter beneath logs, stones and metal sheets. After emerging from hibernation, males defend breeding territories from other males. The young develop over 3 months within egg membranes inside the female's body which they usually break out of as she gives birth. Litters of 3 to 12 young are born from June to September after which time the mother shows no parental care with the young feeding actively from birth and quickly dispersing. The Common Lizard hibernates from October to March. It will often hibernate in groups and sometimes emerge for a brief time during warm spells. Date: 16th April 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084011.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_939718175d308371ec857.jpgBlack-headed Bunting The Black-headed Bunting is a member of the bunting family but larger and longer tailed than the Reed Bunting. The breeding male has bright yellow underparts, chestnut upperparts and a black hood. The female is a washed-out version of the male with paler underparts, a grey-brown back and a greyish head. The Black-headed Bunting breeds in open scrubby areas including agricultural land from south east Europe to central Asia. The wintering grounds are mainly in India although vagrants have been found wintering as far east as Japan, China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Laos, South Korea and Malaysia. Summer vagrants may occur as far north in Europe as Norway. Date: 29th May 2018 Location: near Melnik, Blagoevgrad Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28884641.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_58752550257cc24266865c.jpgBlue-headed Wagtail The Western Yellow Wagtail is a small passerine in the wagtail family. The breeding adult male is basically olive above and yellow below. In other plumages, the yellow may be diluted by white. The heads of breeding males come in a variety of colours and patterns depending on the subspecies. The male Blue-headed Wagtail has a blue-grey head with white supercilium and malar stripe in males, much washed with buffish green in females. The Blue-headed Wagtail breeds in much of temperate Europe and Asia. It is resident in the milder parts of its range, such as western Europe, but northern and eastern populations migrate to sub-Saharan Africa and south Asia. Date: 18th May 2016 Location: Aardla polder, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49276526.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_196057229764995cf2d94b3.jpgTurtle Dove The Turtle Dove is smaller and slighter in build than many other doves and can be recognised by its distinctively mottled chestnut/cinnamon and black upperparts and the black-and-white-striped patch on the side of its neck. The tail is notable as the bird flies, being wedge shaped with a dark centre and white borders and tips. The Turtle Dove is a bird of open country rather than dense woodlands and frequently feeds on the ground. It is usually extremely timid, probably due to the heavy hunting pressure it faces during migration. The Turtle Dove is one of the latest migrants and rarely appears in northern Europe before the end of April, returning south again to south Africa in September. The arrival in spring is heralded by its purring song, a rather deep, vibrating “turrr, turrr”, from which the bird's name is derived. The Turtle Dove has suffered a substantial population decline in recent years. This is partly because changed farming practices mean that the weed seeds and shoots on which it feeds are more scarce and partly due to the shooting of birds in Mediterranean countries during their migration. Date: 5th June 2023 Location: EWT Wrabness, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39083912.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5839328815d3082bdb3153.jpgWestern Rhodopes Mountains, Smolyan Province, Bulgaria The Rhodopes Mountains are a mountain range in south east Europe. They are spread over 5689 square miles of which 4723 square miles are located in south Bulgaria and the remainder in north Greece. The Rhodopes Mountains are about 149 miles long and about 62 to 75 miles wide with an average altitude of 2575 feet. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 7188 feet and is situated 12 miles to the west of Smolyan. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rhodopes Mountains gives its name to the terrestrial eco-region Rodope montane mixed forests that belong in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The area is particularly notable for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans plus its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms such as the Trigrad Gorge. The Rhodopes Mountains can be sub-divided in to 3 sections: The Western Rhodopes are spread over 66% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and they are higher, the most infrastructurally developed and the most visited part of the mountains. The highest and best known peaks are located in this section with more than 10 over 6562 feet high including the highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7188 feet). Some of the deepest river gorges in the Rhodopes Mountains are located in the west as well as several large lakes. The Eastern Rhodopes are spread over a territory of about 34% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and are much lower in height. The large artificial dams of Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets are located in this part of the mountains. Almost every species of European bird of prey nests in the Eastern Rhodopes including the rare Black Vulture and Egyptian Vulture. The Southern Rhodopes are the part of the mountain range that is located in Greece and they are characterized by numerous peaks of relatively low altitude. Date: 28th May 2018 Location: River Trigrad south of Trigrad, western Rhodopes Mountains, Smolyan Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082716.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20410130775d307dae83e96.jpgGriffon Vulture The Griffon Vulture is a typical Old World vulture in appearance with a white bald head, very broad wings and short tail feathers. It has a white neck ruff and yellow bill. The buff body and wing coverts contrast with the dark flight feathers. They are very large birds around 37 to 43 inches long with a 91 to 106 inches wingspan. Like other vultures, the Griffon Vulture is a scavenger, feeding mostly from carcasses of dead animals which it finds by soaring over open areas, often moving in flocks. The population is mostly resident in its breeding range in the mountains of southern Europe, north Africa, and Asia. In Spain, there are tens of thousands of birds from a low of a few thousand around 1980 although the Pyrenees population has apparently been affected by an EU ruling that due to danger of BSE transmission, no carcasses must be left on the fields for the time being. Although the Griffon Vulture does not normally attack larger living prey, there are reports of Spanish Griffon Vultures killing weak, young or unhealthy living animals as they do not find enough carrion to eat. Date: 24th May 2018 Location: Kovan Kaya near Madzharovo, eastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30024930.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1711370033587a0aa0a4c0a.jpgShoveler The Northern Shoveler, known simply as the Shoveler in the UK, is a common and widespread dabbling duck. The Shoveler is unmistakable due to its large spatulate bill. The breeding male has an iridescent dark green head, white breast and chestnut belly and flanks. In flight, pale blue forewing feathers are revealed which are separated from the green speculum by a white border. In early autumn the male has a white crescent on each side of the face. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male resembles the female. The female is a drab mottled brown with plumage much like a female Mallard but easily distinguished by the long broad bill which is grey tinged with orange on the cutting edge and lower mandible. The female's forewing is grey. The Shoveler can be found in open wetlands, such as wet grassland or marshes with some emergent vegetation, in northern areas of Europe and Asia and across most of north America. It winters in south Europe, Africa, the Indian sub-continent, south east Asia and central and northern south America. In the UK, the Shoveler breeds primarily in south and east England and in much smaller numbers in Scotland and west England. In winter, breeding birds move south and there is additionally an influx of continental birds from further north. The UK is home to more than 20% of the north west European population. The Shoveler prefers to nest in grassy areas away from open water. The nest is a shallow depression on the ground lined with plant material and down. Females typically lay about 9 eggs. The males are very territorial during the breeding season and will defend their territory and partners from competing males. Males also engage in elaborate courtship behaviours both on the water and in the air. The Shoveler feeds by dabbling for plant food, often by swinging its bill from side to side and using the bill to strain food from the water. It uses its highly specialized bill (from which their name is derived) to forage for aquatic invertebrates. Date: 5th January 2017 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082743.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9888984775d307dc57e111.jpgWhite Stork The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 24th May 2018 Location: Borislavtsi, eastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39081961.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2376059425d30789fcc40f.jpgEuropean Bee-eater The European Bee-eater is an incredibly colourful bird with an unmistakable appearance. In breeding plumage, it has a rich chestnut crown that blends into gold on its back. The forehead is white, the throat is yellow bordered by black and the underparts are blue. The male European Bee-eater has a chestnut-coloured patch in the middle of the wing while in females this patch is usually smaller or even absent. Occasionally, females may also be distinguished from the males by having a green back. The wings and backs of juvenile European Bee-eaters are entirely green and the eyes are brown in contrast to the bright red eyes of adults. The European Bee-eater breeds in southern Europe and in parts of north Africa and western Asia. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, India and Sri Lanka. European Bee-eaters are occasionally seen in northern Europe (including the UK) as a spring overshoot north of its range with occasional breeding occurring. Just as the name suggests, the European Bee-eater predominantly eats insects, especially bees, wasps and hornets which are caught in the air by sorties from an open perch. Before eating its meal, a European Bee-eater removes the sting by repeatedly hitting the insect on a hard surface. Lizards and frogs are also taken. European Bee-eaters are gregarious, nesting colonially in sandy banks preferably near river shores and also feeding and roosting communally. Date: 17th May 2018 Location: Vetren, Silistra Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49903302.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_131783624265042f5c62864.jpgMigrant Hawker Flight period: August to October The Migrant Hawker is common in the south of the UK and has spread north and west in recent decades. The breeding population is boosted by continental migrants in the autumn and they are most easily seen hawking for insects along sheltered woodland rides or hedgerows. Date: 15th August 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28885459.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_170074787957cc315e710e7.jpgSoomaa National Park, Estonia The Soomaa National Park (Soomaa means "land of bogs") is located about 20 miles east of Pärnu and it was established in 1993 to protect a wilderness of bogs, fens, wet mixed forests, wooded meadows and carrs. It is also included in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance. The territory of the Soomaa National Park is mostly covered with large bogs, separated from each other by the tributaries of the Pärnu river, namely the Navesti, Halliste, Raudna and Lemmjõgi rivers. Every spring the Pärnu river and its tributaries flood and vast areas are inundated. The flood has been called the “fifth season” in Soomaa. Much of the Soomaa National Park is very difficult to access but it can be partially explored by a network of dusty gravel tracks and a minor road between Jõesuu and Kildu. The Soomaa National Park supports a wide range of breeding birds and the floods attract large numbers of migrating wildfowl and waders. As a large wilderness area, Soomaa National Park is also home to numerous species of large mammals including Brown Bear, Wolf, Lynx, Beaver, Elk and Wild Boar. Date: 15th May 2016 Location: Raudna river, Tõramaa to Kõrtsi road, Soomaa National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/little-grebe https://images.on-this.website/4752_17403651014e843d49848e3.jpgLittle Grebe The Little Grebe, also known as the Dabchick, is the smallest member of the grebe family measuring 9 to 11.5 inches in length. The adult is unmistakable in summer, predominantly dark above with its rich, rufous colour neck, cheeks and flanks and bright yellow gape. The rufous is replaced by a dirty brownish grey in non-breeding and juvenile birds. Juveniles have a yellow bill with a small black tip and black and white streaks on the cheeks and sides of the neck. This yellow bill darkens as the juveniles age, eventually turning black as an adult. The Little Grebe can be noisy with a distinctive whinnying trill. The Little Grebe can be found across Europe, much of Asia down to New Guinea and in most of Africa. It breeds in small colonies in freshwater wetlands with muddy bottoms and edges and still or slow-moving water with plenty of emergent vegetation such as lakes, gravel pits, canals and rivers. Most birds move to more open or coastal waters in winter but it is only migratory in those parts of its range where the waters freeze. Like all grebes, the Little Grebe nests at the water's edge since its legs are set very far back and it can not walk well. Usually 4 to 7 eggs are laid. The young leave the nest and can swim soon after hatching but are often carried on the backs of the swimming adults. The Little Grebe is an excellent swimmer and diver and pursues its fish and aquatic invertebrate prey underwater. It uses the vegetation skilfully as a hiding place. Date: 18th September 2011 Location: Cromford Canal, Derbyshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41623065.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1782207945f4d1dcf9640f.jpgBåtsfjordfjelllet is a sparsely vegetated high tundra mountain plateau situated in the north west of the Varanger peninsula in Troms og Finnmark in north east Norway. It is crossed by the Fv891 road to Båtsfjord where traffic is escorted in convoy at specified times. This upland area includes many lakes, pools and bogs which hold a wide range of Arctic species. Date: 6th July 2019 Location: Båtsfjordfjelllet, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21957728.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_99813633953da3e86cadba.jpgShags The European Shag, Common Shag or simply Shag is a species of cormorant. It is 27 to 31 inches in length with a 37 to 43 inches wingspan. It is mainly black in colour but with a glossy green-tinged sheen in adults. It has a longish tail and a yellow throat-patch. Adults have a small recurved crest in the breeding season. It is distinguished from the Cormorant by its smaller size, lighter build, thinner and narrower bill, and, in breeding adults, by the crest and metallic green-tinged sheen. The Shag breeds around the rocky coasts of west and south Europe, north Africa and south west Asia, mainly wintering in its breeding range except for the northernmost birds. It nests on rocky ledges or in crevices or small caves and the nests are untidy heaps of rotting seaweed or twigs cemented together by the bird's own guano. The nesting season is long and begins in late February although some nests are not started until May or even later. The female lays 3 eggs and the chicks hatch without down and so they rely totally on their parents for warmth, often for a period of 2 months before they can fly. Fledging may occur at any time from early June to late August and exceptionally to mid-October. In the UK, the Shag breeds at coastal sites, mainly in the north and west of the country, and more than half of the population is found at fewer than 10 sites. It can be seen during the breeding season at the large Scottish colonies on Orkney, Shetland, the Inner Hebrides and in the Firth of Forth. Elsewhere it can be seen commonly around the coasts of Wales and south west England, especially in Devon and Cornwall. The Shag feeds in the sea and, unlike the Cormorant, it is rare inland. It is one of the deepest pursuit divers among the cormorant family and it has been shown to dive to at least 150 feet. When it dives, it jumps out of the water first to give extra impetus to the dive. The Shag forages for food on the sea bed and eats a wide range of fish although the commonest prey is the sand eel. It will travel long distances from its breeding and roosting sites in order to feed. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Staple Island, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082713.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13262818015d307dac993f8.jpgGriffon Vulture The Griffon Vulture is a typical Old World vulture in appearance with a white bald head, very broad wings and short tail feathers. It has a white neck ruff and yellow bill. The buff body and wing coverts contrast with the dark flight feathers. They are very large birds around 37 to 43 inches long with a 91 to 106 inches wingspan. Like other vultures, the Griffon Vulture is a scavenger, feeding mostly from carcasses of dead animals which it finds by soaring over open areas, often moving in flocks. The population is mostly resident in its breeding range in the mountains of southern Europe, north Africa, and Asia. In Spain, there are tens of thousands of birds from a low of a few thousand around 1980 although the Pyrenees population has apparently been affected by an EU ruling that due to danger of BSE transmission, no carcasses must be left on the fields for the time being. Although the Griffon Vulture does not normally attack larger living prey, there are reports of Spanish Griffon Vultures killing weak, young or unhealthy living animals as they do not find enough carrion to eat. Date: 24th May 2018 Location: Kovan Kaya near Madzharovo, eastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39081946.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17682237365d3078695bdc5.jpgEuropean Bee-eater The European Bee-eater is an incredibly colourful bird with an unmistakable appearance. In breeding plumage, it has a rich chestnut crown that blends into gold on its back. The forehead is white, the throat is yellow bordered by black and the underparts are blue. The male European Bee-eater has a chestnut-coloured patch in the middle of the wing while in females this patch is usually smaller or even absent. Occasionally, females may also be distinguished from the males by having a green back. The wings and backs of juvenile European Bee-eaters are entirely green and the eyes are brown in contrast to the bright red eyes of adults. The European Bee-eater breeds in southern Europe and in parts of north Africa and western Asia. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, India and Sri Lanka. European Bee-eaters are occasionally seen in northern Europe (including the UK) as a spring overshoot north of its range with occasional breeding occurring. Just as the name suggests, the European Bee-eater predominantly eats insects, especially bees, wasps and hornets which are caught in the air by sorties from an open perch. Before eating its meal, a European Bee-eater removes the sting by repeatedly hitting the insect on a hard surface. Lizards and frogs are also taken. European Bee-eaters are gregarious, nesting colonially in sandy banks preferably near river shores and also feeding and roosting communally. Date: 17th May 2018 Location: Vetren, Silistra Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082202.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5826296855d307b0e04240.jpgAvocets The (Pied) Avocet is a large black and white wader in the avocet and stilt family. It is one of 4 species of avocet that make up the genus Recurvirostra. The genus name is from the Latin recurvus meaning "curved backwards" and rostrum meaning "bill". The Avocet is a striking white wader with bold black markings. Adults have white plumage except for a black cap and black patches in the wings and on the back. They have long, upturned bills and long, bluish legs. Males and females look alike whilst juveniles resemble the adult but with more greyish and sepia tones. The Avocet breeds in temperate Europe and western and central Asia. The breeding habitat is shallow lakes with brackish water and exposed bare mud where they build a nest on open ground in a lined scrape or on a mound of vegetation. The Avocet is a migratory species and most winter in Africa or southern Asia. Some remain to winter in the mildest parts of their range such as in southern Spain and southern England. The Avocet feeds on crustaceans and insects in shallow brackish water or on mud flats, often scything their bills from side to side in water (a feeding technique that is unique to the avocet species). The Avocet was extinct as a breeding species in the UK by 1840 but its successful recolonisation at Minsmere in Suffolk in 1947 led to its adoption as the logo of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Date: 21st May 2018 Location: Pomorie, Gulf of Burgas, Burgas Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13683368.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1187382374ed73403b64e1.jpgTawny Owl The Tawny Owl is an owl about the size of a pigeon. It has a rounded body and head with a ring of dark feathers around its face surrounding the dark eyes. It is mainly reddish brown above and paler underneath. The Tawny Owl can be found all year round in the UK and it is a widespread breeding species. Birds are mainly residents with established pairs probably never leaving their territories. Young birds disperse from breeding grounds in autumn. The Tawny Owl is nocturnal so it is often heard calling at night but much less often seen. In the daytime, you may see one only if you disturb it inadvertently from its roost site in woodland. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39081957.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16030310015d30788f9d501.jpgEuropean Bee-eater The European Bee-eater is an incredibly colourful bird with an unmistakable appearance. In breeding plumage, it has a rich chestnut crown that blends into gold on its back. The forehead is white, the throat is yellow bordered by black and the underparts are blue. The male European Bee-eater has a chestnut-coloured patch in the middle of the wing while in females this patch is usually smaller or even absent. Occasionally, females may also be distinguished from the males by having a green back. The wings and backs of juvenile European Bee-eaters are entirely green and the eyes are brown in contrast to the bright red eyes of adults. The European Bee-eater breeds in southern Europe and in parts of north Africa and western Asia. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, India and Sri Lanka. European Bee-eaters are occasionally seen in northern Europe (including the UK) as a spring overshoot north of its range with occasional breeding occurring. Just as the name suggests, the European Bee-eater predominantly eats insects, especially bees, wasps and hornets which are caught in the air by sorties from an open perch. Before eating its meal, a European Bee-eater removes the sting by repeatedly hitting the insect on a hard surface. Lizards and frogs are also taken. European Bee-eaters are gregarious, nesting colonially in sandy banks preferably near river shores and also feeding and roosting communally. Date: 17th May 2018 Location: Vetren, Silistra Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7190726.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2816533204cc304814ff8e.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 17th October 2010 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21829918.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_98093351053cbab97cf39b.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 11th June 2014 Location: Bempton Cliifs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082470.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3967664255d307cb2dcfb0.jpgWhite Stork The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 23rd May 2018 Location: Yasna Polyana, Burgas Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39083069.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14064651155d307f307c49a.jpgEastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria The Rhodopes Mountains are a mountain range in south east Europe. They are spread over 5689 square miles of which 4723 square miles are located in south Bulgaria and the remainder in north Greece. The Rhodopes Mountains are about 149 miles long and about 62 to 75 miles wide with an average altitude of 2575 feet. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 7188 feet and is situated 12 miles to the west of Smolyan. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rhodopes Mountains gives its name to the terrestrial eco-region Rodope montane mixed forests that belong in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The area is particularly notable for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans plus its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms such as the Trigrad Gorge. The Rhodopes Mountains can be sub-divided in to 3 sections: The Western Rhodopes are spread over 66% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and they are higher, the most infrastructurally developed and the most visited part of the mountains. The highest and best known peaks are located in this section with more than 10 over 6562 feet high including the highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7188 feet). Some of the deepest river gorges in the Rhodopes Mountains are located in the west as well as several large lakes. The Eastern Rhodopes are spread over a territory of about 34% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and are much lower in height. The large artificial dams of Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets are located in this part of the mountains. Almost every species of European bird of prey nests in the Eastern Rhodopes including the rare Black Vulture and Egyptian Vulture. The Southern Rhodopes are the part of the mountain range that is located in Greece and they are characterized by numerous peaks of relatively low altitude. Date: 26th May 2018 Location: Studen Kladenets to Potochnista, eastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28885354.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_119312011457cc303477b68.jpgWhite Stork The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 16th May 2016 Location: http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39083989.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5867429165d308351e5260.jpgCommon Wall Lizard The Common (European) Wall Lizard is a small, thin lizard which can grow to about 7.9 inches in total length and whose small scales are highly variable in colour and pattern. Its colouration is generally brownish or greyish and may occasionally be tinged with green. In some individuals, the row of spots along their backs may form a line whilst others may have a reticulated pattern with dark spots on the side and scattered white spots that can be blue in the shoulder region. The tail is brown, grey or rust in colour and may also have light bars on the sides. The belly region has six rows of larger rectangular scales that are generally reddish, pink or orangish. There may also be dark markings on the throat. The Common Wall Lizard has 6 distinct morphological forms which are identified by the colouration of its throat and underbelly. The Common Wall Lizard can be found in rocky environments, including urban settings, where it can scurry between rock, rubble, debris and buildings. Its natural range spans mainland Europe but it also occurs as an introduced species in southern UK and north America. Date: 29th May 2018 Location: near Teshel, Smolyan Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42524872.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11518372946098f9c6d3161.jpgGreylag Goose The Greylag Goose is the ancestor of most domestic geese but is also the largest and bulkiest of the wild geese native to the UK and Europe. In many parts of the UK it has been re-established by releasing birds in suitable areas but the resulting flocks found around gravel pits, lakes and reservoirs all year round in southern Britain tend to be semi-tame. The native birds and wintering flocks found on lochs in northern Scotland and on some Scottish islands retain the special appeal of truly wild geese. Date: 7th April 2021 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082337.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3132120305d307bf941f93.jpgBlack-winged Stilt The Black-winged Stilt is a widely distributed very long-legged wader. They have long pink-red legs, a long thin black bill and are blackish above and white below with a white head and neck with a varying amount of black. Both in flight and at rest the long pink-red legs are characteristic and even if these are hidden in water of unknown depth, the pure white underparts and jet black upperparts are distinctive. The amount of dark feathering on the otherwise white head doesn't necessarily indicate the sex of a stilt although young birds always have smoky patterning on the head. The Black-winged Stilt can be found in central and southern Europe, central and southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Many birds migrate to south of the Sahara from August to November and return in March and April. However, many of those which breed in Iberia are now increasingly remaining throughout the year. The Black-winged Stilt breeds around shallow wetlands, especially coastal lagoons, saltpans and estuaries. The nest site is a bare spot on the ground near water and birds often nest in small groups, sometimes with Avocets. In Europe, the Black-winged Stilt is a regular spring overshoot vagrant north of its normal range, occasionally remaining to breed in northern European countries including the UK. Date: 22nd May 2018 Location: Pomorie, Gulf of Burgas, Burgas Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48309159.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_146203459463ee45544f673.jpgShoveler The Northern Shoveler, known simply as the Shoveler in the UK, is a common and widespread dabbling duck. The Shoveler is unmistakable due to its large spatulate bill. The breeding male has an iridescent dark green head, white breast and chestnut belly and flanks. In flight, pale blue forewing feathers are revealed which are separated from the green speculum by a white border. In early autumn the male has a white crescent on each side of the face. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male resembles the female. The female is a drab mottled brown with plumage much like a female Mallard but easily distinguished by the long broad bill which is grey tinged with orange on the cutting edge and lower mandible. The female's forewing is grey. The Shoveler can be found in open wetlands, such as wet grassland or marshes with some emergent vegetation, in northern areas of Europe and Asia and across most of north America. It winters in south Europe, Africa, the Indian sub-continent, south east Asia and central and northern south America. In the UK, the Shoveler breeds primarily in south and east England and in much smaller numbers in Scotland and west England. In winter, breeding birds move south and there is additionally an influx of continental birds from further north. The UK is home to more than 20% of the north west European population. The Shoveler prefers to nest in grassy areas away from open water. The nest is a shallow depression on the ground lined with plant material and down. Females typically lay about 9 eggs. The males are very territorial during the breeding season and will defend their territory and partners from competing males. Males also engage in elaborate courtship behaviours both on the water and in the air. The Shoveler feeds by dabbling for plant food, often by swinging its bill from side to side and using the bill to strain food from the water. It uses its highly specialized bill (from which their name is derived) to forage for aquatic invertebrates. Date: 6th February 2022 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39083087.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4724840215d307f4d3ff96.jpgEastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria The Rhodopes Mountains are a mountain range in south east Europe. They are spread over 5689 square miles of which 4723 square miles are located in south Bulgaria and the remainder in north Greece. The Rhodopes Mountains are about 149 miles long and about 62 to 75 miles wide with an average altitude of 2575 feet. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 7188 feet and is situated 12 miles to the west of Smolyan. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rhodopes Mountains gives its name to the terrestrial eco-region Rodope montane mixed forests that belong in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The area is particularly notable for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans plus its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms such as the Trigrad Gorge. The Rhodopes Mountains can be sub-divided in to 3 sections: The Western Rhodopes are spread over 66% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and they are higher, the most infrastructurally developed and the most visited part of the mountains. The highest and best known peaks are located in this section with more than 10 over 6562 feet high including the highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7188 feet). Some of the deepest river gorges in the Rhodopes Mountains are located in the west as well as several large lakes. The Eastern Rhodopes are spread over a territory of about 34% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and are much lower in height. The large artificial dams of Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets are located in this part of the mountains. Almost every species of European bird of prey nests in the Eastern Rhodopes including the rare Black Vulture and Egyptian Vulture. The Southern Rhodopes are the part of the mountain range that is located in Greece and they are characterized by numerous peaks of relatively low altitude. The Kardzhali reservoir is a reservoir formed by the Kardzhali dam located less than 0.5 miles to the west of the town of Kardzhali in the eastern Rhodopes Mountains. The dam was constructed between 1957 and 1963 and was commissioned in to service in the year of its completion. The reservoir is the second largest reservoir by volume in Bulgaria covering an area of almost 10 square miles when filled to its maximum capacity and is situated at 1065 feet above sea level. A hydro-electric power plant operates at the foot of the dam. Date: 26th May 2018 Location: Kardzhali reservoir, Eastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39083082.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12638886755d307f43e64d2.jpgEastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria The Rhodopes Mountains are a mountain range in south east Europe. They are spread over 5689 square miles of which 4723 square miles are located in south Bulgaria and the remainder in north Greece. The Rhodopes Mountains are about 149 miles long and about 62 to 75 miles wide with an average altitude of 2575 feet. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 7188 feet and is situated 12 miles to the west of Smolyan. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rhodopes Mountains gives its name to the terrestrial eco-region Rodope montane mixed forests that belong in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The area is particularly notable for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans plus its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms such as the Trigrad Gorge. The Rhodopes Mountains can be sub-divided in to 3 sections: The Western Rhodopes are spread over 66% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and they are higher, the most infrastructurally developed and the most visited part of the mountains. The highest and best known peaks are located in this section with more than 10 over 6562 feet high including the highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7188 feet). Some of the deepest river gorges in the Rhodopes Mountains are located in the west as well as several large lakes. The Eastern Rhodopes are spread over a territory of about 34% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and are much lower in height. The large artificial dams of Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets are located in this part of the mountains. Almost every species of European bird of prey nests in the Eastern Rhodopes including the rare Black Vulture and Egyptian Vulture. The Southern Rhodopes are the part of the mountain range that is located in Greece and they are characterized by numerous peaks of relatively low altitude. The Kardzhali reservoir is a reservoir formed by the Kardzhali dam located less than 0.5 miles to the west of the town of Kardzhali in the eastern Rhodopes Mountains. The dam was constructed between 1957 and 1963 and was commissioned in to service in the year of its completion. The reservoir is the second largest reservoir by volume in Bulgaria covering an area of almost 10 square miles when filled to its maximum capacity and is situated at 1065 feet above sea level. A hydro-electric power plant operates at the foot of the dam. Date: 26th May 2018 Location: Kardzhali reservoir, Eastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14160969.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20968377854f3e36e6031e6.jpgCommon Blue Flight period: June to September. The Common Blue is the UK’s most widespread and common blue butterfly although it has suffered some local declines due to habitat loss. They can be found in sunny, sheltered areas including downland, roadside verges, woodland clearings and rural gardens. Date: 26th August 2007 Location: Stow Maries Halt EWT reserve, Stow Maries, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14467395.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14652558514f743ba13c283.jpg"Northern Lights" The aurora is a natural light display in the sky, particularly in the high latitude Arctic and Antarctic regions, caused by the collision of energetic charged particles with atoms in the high altitude atmosphere. The charged particles originate in the magnetosphere and solar wind and on Earth they are directed by the Earth's magnetic field into the atmosphere. Most aurora occur in a band known as the auroral zone which is typically 3° to 6° in latitudinal extent and 10° to 20° from the magnetic pole. During a geomagnetic storm, the auroral zone will expand to lower latitudes. The diffuse aurora is a featureless glow in the sky which may not be visible to the naked eye even on a dark night and defines the extent of the auroral zone. The discrete aurora are sharply defined features within the diffuse aurora which vary in brightness from just barely visible to the naked eye to bright enough to read a newspaper at night. In northern latitudes, the effect is known as the aurora borealis (or the “Northern Lights), named after the Roman goddess of dawn, Aurora, and the Greek name for the north wind, Boreas, by Pierre Gassendi in 1621. Auroras seen near the magnetic pole may be high overhead but from farther away they illuminate the northern horizon as a greenish glow or sometimes a faint red. Auroras often display magnetic field lines or curtain-like structures and can change within seconds or glow unchanging for hours, most often in fluorescent green. In Scandinavia, you can see the aurora all over Norway, Sweden and Finland. However, the best places are above the Arctic Circle in the auroral zone. The aurora is most frequent in late autumn and in winter and early spring. In the time span between the autumn equinox and the spring equinox (21st September to 21st March), it is dark the whole time between 6 p.m. and 1 a.m. and this provides the maximum chance of seeing the aurora in suitable weather conditions and with increased solar activity. Date: 16th March 2012 Location: Skibotndalen, Troms, north Norway close to Norway/Finland border http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39081922.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10813927925d3076a0868c8.jpgCollared Dove Collared Doves are distinctive birds with their buffy-pink plumage and black neck collar. They are usually seen singly or in pairs, although flocks may form where food is plentiful. They feed on the ground but readily perch on roofs and wires and in trees. The Collared Dove is not migratory but it is strongly dispersive. Over the last century, it has been one of the great colonisers of the bird world. Its original range at the end of the 19th century was warm temperate and subtropical Asia from Turkey east to south China and south through India to Sri Lanka. In 1838 it was reported in Bulgaria but not until the 20th century did it expand across Europe, appearing in parts of the Balkans between 1900 and 1920 and then spreading rapidly north west, reaching Germany in 1945, the UK in 1953, Ireland in 1959 and the Faroe Islands in the early 1970s. Subsequent spread was “sideways” from this fast north west spread reaching north east to north of the Arctic Circle in Norway, east to the Ural Mountains in Russia and south west to the Canary Islands and north Africa from Morocco to Egypt by the end of the 20th century. In the east of its range it has also spread north east to most of central and north China and locally (probably introduced) in Japan. It has also reached Iceland as a vagrant but has not colonised successfully there. Date: 13th May 2018 Location: Nisovo to Pisanec, Ruse Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082767.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5836861035d307dda0bfee.jpgWhite Stork The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 24th May 2018 Location: Borislavtsi, eastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41424242.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20442307145f2aa7ac9f737.jpgVaranger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway The Varanger peninsula is situated in Troms og Finnmark in the extreme north east of Norway. With an area of 800 square miles, it is the largest area within the Arctic climate zone in mainland Norway and is bordered by Tanafjord to the west, Varangerfjord to the south and the Barents Sea to the north and east. The area has a rugged mountain terrain with altitudes up to 2077 feet and it has an Arctic tundra climate. The coast of the Varanger peninsula is an important area for breeding, migrating and wintering birds, especially some notable Arctic species. The Norwegian Directorate for Nature Management has a project on the Varanger peninsula to reintroduce and protect the Arctic Fox which is critically endangered on the Norwegian mainland. The Varangerhalvøya National Park (Norwegian: [I]Varangerhalvøya Nasjonalpark[/I]) lies to the west of road Fv341 and protects a majority of the land on the Varanger peninsula. The eastern part of the Varanger peninsula can be accessed from Vardø, via Svartnes, to Hamningberg. Hamningberg is an abandoned fishing village situated on the Varanger peninsula and on the shores of the Barents Sea. It’s only road connection is via the narrow and winding road Fv341 which runs for about 25 miles north from Svartnes. This is a very scenic road which follows the shores of the Barents Sea. It is considered to be one of the wildest and most memorable drives in Norway and passes through a bare and barren but awe-inspiring Arctic landscape. The road is closed during the winter months from October to late May. Traditionally a fishing village, Hamningberg is one of very few places in Troms og Finnmark that was not burnt and destroyed under Operation Nordlicht in 1944 and 1945, the German “scorched earth” retreat from Finnmark. It was depopulated and abandoned in 1964 although some of the houses are still in use as summer cottages. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: view from road Fv341 between Svartnes and Hamningberg, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081424.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_74445475163a8335ccb3e7.jpgBrown Rat Brown Rats have coarse brown or occasionally black fur with a pale underside. They have a long tail which is sparsely haired. Although originally native to eastern Asia and Japan, Brown Rats are now distributed world-wide. They spread across the UK via the shipping traffic from foreign countries in the 18th century and largely replaced the Black Rat. They are highly adaptable and can be found all over the UK, except for exposed mountain regions and some small offshore islands, and live in loose colonies and home ranges of around 50 metres in diameter. Along with the House Mouse, the Brown Rat is considered to be the most widespread terrestrial mammal in the UK and they are subject to persistent pest control due to the damage they cause and the numerous diseases they spread. Brown Rats are omnivorous and have a very varied diet. They are typically nocturnal although they will sometimes forage for food during the day. They also swim well and are sometimes mistaken for Water Voles. Brown Rats live for around 18 months and breed throughout the year producing 5 litters of 8 young a year. Date: 9th January 2022 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082124.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12911453225d307a7eb17a2.jpgSpotted Flycatcher The Spotted Flycatcher is a small passerine bird in the Old World flycatcher family. It is an undistinguished looking bird with long wings and tail. The adults have dull grey-brown upperparts and off-white underparts and a streaked crown, throat and breast. The legs are short and black and the bill is black and has the broad but pointed shape typical of aerial insectivores. The sexes are similar. Juveniles have ochre-buff spots above and scaly brown spots below. The Spotted Flycatcher breeds in most of Europe and west Asia where it can be found in deciduous woodlands, parks and gardens, with a preference for open areas amongst trees. It builds an open nest in a suitable recess, often against a wall, and it will readily adapt to an open-fronted nest box. The Spotted Flycatcher is migratory and winters in Africa and south west Asia. It is declining in parts of its range. The Spotted Flycatcher is a declining summer visitor to the UK and can be seen from late April or early May to September. It can be found throughout the UK but it is now very scarce in many areas. Recent dramatic population declines make the Spotted Flycatcher a Red List species. The Spotted Flycatcher hunts from conspicuous perches, making sallies after passing flying insects and often returning to the same perch. The upright posture is characteristic. Date: 19th May 2018 Location: Durankulak, Dobrich Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082720.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13802161275d307db15c0f8.jpgGriffon Vulture The Griffon Vulture is a typical Old World vulture in appearance with a white bald head, very broad wings and short tail feathers. It has a white neck ruff and yellow bill. The buff body and wing coverts contrast with the dark flight feathers. They are very large birds around 37 to 43 inches long with a 91 to 106 inches wingspan. Like other vultures, the Griffon Vulture is a scavenger, feeding mostly from carcasses of dead animals which it finds by soaring over open areas, often moving in flocks. The population is mostly resident in its breeding range in the mountains of southern Europe, north Africa, and Asia. In Spain, there are tens of thousands of birds from a low of a few thousand around 1980 although the Pyrenees population has apparently been affected by an EU ruling that due to danger of BSE transmission, no carcasses must be left on the fields for the time being. Although the Griffon Vulture does not normally attack larger living prey, there are reports of Spanish Griffon Vultures killing weak, young or unhealthy living animals as they do not find enough carrion to eat. Date: 24th May 2018 Location: Kovan Kaya near Madzharovo, eastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo34006643.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19478789435a72f9e287b04.jpgCommon Gull The Common Gull is a medium-sized gull. The north American subspecies is commonly referred to as the Mew Gull although that name is also used by some authorities for the whole species. The Common Gull is noticeably smaller and more gentle looking than the Herring Gull. It is grey above and white below with greenish-yellow legs. It has black wingtips with large white "mirrors". Young birds have scaly black-brown upperparts and a neat wing pattern and grey legs and take 2 to 3 years to reach maturity. In winter, the head is streaked grey and the bill often has a poorly defined blackish band near the tip which is sometimes sufficiently obvious to cause confusion with the Ring-billed Gull. The call is a high-pitched "laughing" cry. The Common Gull breeds colonially near water or in marshes in north Europe, north west north America and north Asia. It is most numerous in Europe with over half (possibly as much as 80 to 90%) of the world population. In the UK, the Common Gull can be found in summer along the coasts and inland marshes and lakes of Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England. Elsewhere in England and Wales, it can be found in winter on farmland, on marshes and lakes and on the coast. Date: 22nd January 2018 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082726.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1516146665d307db56038f.jpgGriffon Vultures The Griffon Vulture is a typical Old World vulture in appearance with a white bald head, very broad wings and short tail feathers. It has a white neck ruff and yellow bill. The buff body and wing coverts contrast with the dark flight feathers. They are very large birds around 37 to 43 inches long with a 91 to 106 inches wingspan. Like other vultures, the Griffon Vulture is a scavenger, feeding mostly from carcasses of dead animals which it finds by soaring over open areas, often moving in flocks. The population is mostly resident in its breeding range in the mountains of southern Europe, north Africa, and Asia. In Spain, there are tens of thousands of birds from a low of a few thousand around 1980 although the Pyrenees population has apparently been affected by an EU ruling that due to danger of BSE transmission, no carcasses must be left on the fields for the time being. Although the Griffon Vulture does not normally attack larger living prey, there are reports of Spanish Griffon Vultures killing weak, young or unhealthy living animals as they do not find enough carrion to eat. Date: 24th May 2018 Location: Kovan Kaya near Madzharovo, eastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21893074.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_125302489153d10188363c0.jpgLoch Fleet, Highland Loch Fleet is a sea loch on the east coast of Sutherland, located midway between Golspie and Dornoch. It forms a shallow estuary with extensive sandflats and mudflats backed by salt marsh, sand dunes, coastal heath and pine woods. In 1997 the Dornoch Firth and Loch Fleet Special Protection Area (SPA) was established for wildlife conservation. The SPA covers 19,364 acres of Loch Fleet, the Dornoch Firth, Morrich More, the Mound Alderwoods and Tarbat Ness. The Joint Nature Conservation Committee described it as "one of the best examples in north west Europe of a large complex estuary which has been relatively unaffected by industrial development". The Loch Fleet area supports many different species of plants and animals because of the varied habitats around its shores. Common seals can often be seen, particularly at low tide when they haul themselves out onto the sandbanks and there are good vantage points all along the southern shore where they can be viewed from the road. There are sandflats and mudflats that support large numbers of waders and wildfowl. The pine woodlands support many rare plants and are also home to mammals such as Roe Deer, Pine Marten and Red Squirrel. These woods also support a wide range of birds. Ospreys can often be seen fishing in Loch Fleet. Date: 18th June 2014 Location: view from the minor road along the southern shore between the A9 and Skelbo http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21892779.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16264183753d0fc973f436.jpgLoch Garten, Highland Loch Garten lies between the River Spey and the Cairngorm Mountains just to the north east of Aviemore and became famous in 1954 when a pair of Ospreys returned to nest here, the first since 1910. Loch Garten is situated in the Abernethy Forest, part of the largest native Caledonian pine forest in the UK. It offers a unique mix of woodland and northern bog with a great variety of birds and other wildlife. The loch and surrounding areas are managed by the RSPB as a nature reserve. Date: 18th June 2014 Location: view from the north shore near the RSPB visitor centre http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21893084.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_169847646353d1045071cbe.jpgOystercatcher The Oystercatcher is a wader in the oystercatcher family. It is an obvious and noisy bird with black and white plumage, red legs and a strong broad red bill which is used for smashing or prising open molluscs such as mussels or for finding earthworms. Despite its name, oysters do not form a large part of its diet. The Oystercatcher is unmistakable in flight with white patches on the wings and tail with otherwise black upperparts and white underparts. Young birds are more brown, have a white neck collar and a duller bill. The call is a distinctive loud piping. The bill shape varies: Oystercatchers with broad bill tips open molluscs by prising them apart or hammering through the shell whereas birds with pointed bills dig up worms. Much of this is due to the wear resulting from feeding on their prey. Individual Oystercatchers specialise in one technique or the other which they learn from their parents. The Oystercatcher is the most widespread of the oystercatchers with 3 races breeding in western Europe, central Eurasia, Kamchatka, China, and the western coast of Korea. It is a migratory species over most of its range. The European population breeds mainly in northern Europe but in winter the birds can be found in north Africa and southern parts of Europe. Although the species is present all year in Ireland, the UK and the adjacent European coasts, there is still migratory movement within these populations. In winter, large flocks can be seen on major estuaries in the UK. The Oystercatcher breeds on shingle and rocky beaches, sand dunes, salt marshes and on the grassy tops of small islands and also inland on shingle banks of rivers, lakes and gravel pits Date: 18th June 2014 Location: Kyle of Durness, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/black-swan https://images.on-this.website/4752_377940217529089a4d9baf.jpgBlack Swan The Black Swan is a large species of swan which breeds mainly in the south east and south west regions of Australia. The species was hunted to extinction in New Zealand, but later reintroduced. The Black Swan is mostly black-feathered bird with white flight feathers. The bill is bright red with a pale bar and tip and the legs and feet are greyish-black. Cobs (males) are slightly larger than pens (females) with a longer and straighter bill. The Black Swan's preferred habitat extends across fresh, brackish and salt water lakes, swamps and rivers with underwater and emergent vegetation for food and nesting materials. Permanent wetlands are preferred, including ornamental lakes, but Black Swans can also be found in flooded pastures and tidal mudflats and occasionally on the open sea near islands or the shore. The Black Swan is also very popular as an ornamental waterbird in western Europe, especially the UK, and escapes are commonly reported. As yet the population in Britain is not considered to be self-sustaining and so the species is not afforded admission to the official British List. Date: 30th September 2013 Location: Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37431261.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18456991205c6bebe1e70da.jpgCommon Cranes The Common Crane is a large, stately bird and a medium-sized crane at 40 to 52 inches long with a 71 to 96 inches wingspan. At rest, the Common Crane is rather stork-like but with a big bushy tail, black wing plumes and a grey body and even from a great distance the white stripe through the black head is noticeable. In flight, the long neck, held outstretched and slightly drooping makes it quite different from the herons and the grey plumage eliminates both of the storks. The Common Crane flies in flocks in “V” formation making trumpeting calls. The Common Crane breeds in large areas of marsh and bog in northern parts of Europe and Asia and occurs in winter and on passage in open, often agricultural, areas close to large wetlands used for roosting. The global population is in the region of 210,000 to 250,000 with the vast majority nesting in Russia and Scandinavia. In the UK the Common Crane became extinct in the 17th century but a tiny population now breeds again at a few sites in east and west England. Flocks of Common Cranes in late spring can be watched performing their “dancing” displays. This usually involves opening their wings and leaping vertically into the air with the legs dangling. Once one bird starts this, others will join in and the whole performance can even be initiated by a human pretending to be a dancing crane. Once the birds are paired off they are more likely to perform different displays involving stretching their necks vertically and trumpeting. Common Cranes from Fennoscandia, the Baltic states and western Russia take the west European migration route to their wintering grounds. Over 100,000 birds use this flyway and over 70,000 winter in Spain (mainly Extremadura) with smaller numbers in south west France, Portugal and north Africa. Date: 8th January 2019 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46535950.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_208061157762caab3b9e931.jpgEssex Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Essex Skipper is a small butterfly with a darting flight. It has bright orange-brown wings which are held with the forewings angled above the hind wings. The males have a thin black scent brand line running through the centre of the forewing and parallel to the leading edge. The Small Skipper appears very similar but it lacks the black tips to the antenna and it has a longer scent brand which is angled to the edge of the forewing. Since the Essex Skipper and the Small Skipper closely resemble each other and are often found in the same company, the Essex Skipper has been overlooked both in terms of recording and ecological study and it was the last UK resident species to be described (in 1889). The Essex Skipper can be found in tall, dry grasslands in open sunny situations, especially roadside verges, woodland rides and acid grasslands as well as coastal marshes. The distribution of the Essex Skipper in the UK has more than doubled in the last few decades. It is a widespread species in southern and central England but not in the far south-west Date: 6th July 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871597.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12272646944eff1f05f3559.jpgReindeer The Reindeer, also known as the Caribou in North America, is a deer from the Arctic and sub Arctic, including both resident and migratory populations. Whilst it is overall widespread and numerous, some of its subspecies are rare or already extinct. The Reindeer is a widespread and numerous species in the northern Holarctic, being present in tundra (frozen arctic plain with lichens, mosses and dwarfed vegetation) and taiga (marshy pine forest) regions. Originally, the Reindeer was found in Scandinavia, eastern Europe, Russia, Mongolia, and northern China. In North America, it was found in Canada, Alaska and the northern USA from Washington to Maine. It also occurred naturally on Sakhalin, Greenland, and probably even in historical times in Ireland. Today, wild Reindeer have disappeared from many areas within this large historical range, especially from the southern parts where it has vanished almost everywhere. Large populations of wild Reindeer are still found in Norway, Finland, Siberia, Greenland, Alaska, and Canada. Wild Reindeer hunting and herding of semi-domesticated Reindeer (for meat, hides, antlers, milk and transportation) are important to several Arctic and Subarctic people. Domesticated Reindeer are mostly found in northern Fennoscandia and Russia with a herd of approximately 150-170 Reindeer also living around the Cairngorms region in Scotland. Reindeer vary considerably in colour and size. Both sexes grow antlers, though they are typically larger in males. Even far outside its range, the Reindeer is well known due to the myth, probably originating in early 19th century America, in which Santa Claus's sleigh is pulled by flying Reindeer, a popular element of Christmas. Date: 25th May 2009 Location: east of Sodankylä, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37431271.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16653517985c6bec105f26a.jpgShelduck The Shelduck resembles a small short-necked goose in size and shape. It is larger than a Mallard but smaller than geese such as Greylag and Canada Geese. The Shelduck is a striking bird with a reddish-pink bill, pink feet, a white body with chestnut patches and a black belly and a dark green head and neck. The wing coverts are white, the primaries are black and the secondaries are green and chestnut. The underwings are almost entirely white. Sexes are similar but the female is smaller with some white facial markings whilst the male is particularly crisply coloured in the breeding season with a bright red bill bearing a prominent knob at the forehead. Ducklings are white with a black cap, hindneck and wing and back patches. Juveniles are greyish above and mostly white below but already have the adult's wing pattern. The Shelduck breeds in temperate Eurasia where it nests in rabbit burrows and tree holes. Most populations migrate to sub-tropical areas in winter but it is largely resident in west Europe apart from movements to favoured moulting grounds such as the Wadden Sea on the north German coast. The Shelduck is common around the coastline of the UK and Ireland where it can be found on salt marshes, tidal mudflats and estuaries although it can also be found around inland waters such as reservoirs and gravel workings. It can be seen all year round but the population increases significantly during winter with the arrival of birds from continental Europe. Date: 8th January 2019 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28885564.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_204297239757cc33fe98190.jpgSoomaa National Park, Estonia The Soomaa National Park (Soomaa means "land of bogs") is located about 20 miles east of Pärnu and it was established in 1993 to protect a wilderness of bogs, fens, wet mixed forests, wooded meadows and carrs. It is also included in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance. The territory of the Soomaa National Park is mostly covered with large bogs, separated from each other by the tributaries of the Pärnu river, namely the Navesti, Halliste, Raudna and Lemmjõgi rivers. Every spring the Pärnu river and its tributaries flood and vast areas are inundated. The flood has been called the “fifth season” in Soomaa. Much of the Soomaa National Park is very difficult to access but it can be partially explored by a network of dusty gravel tracks and a minor between Jõesuu and Kildu. The Soomaa National Park supports a wide range of breeding birds and the floods attract large numbers of migrating wildfowl and waders. As a large wilderness area, Soomaa National Park is also home to numerous species of large mammals including Brown Bear, Wolf, Lynx, Beaver, Elk and Wild Boar. Date: 14th May 2016 Location: Lemmjõgi river, Tõramaa to Kõrtsi road, Soomaa National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37431275.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16328486495c6bec254ef62.jpgShelduck The Shelduck resembles a small short-necked goose in size and shape. It is larger than a Mallard but smaller than geese such as Greylag and Canada Geese. The Shelduck is a striking bird with a reddish-pink bill, pink feet, a white body with chestnut patches and a black belly and a dark green head and neck. The wing coverts are white, the primaries are black and the secondaries are green and chestnut. The underwings are almost entirely white. Sexes are similar but the female is smaller with some white facial markings whilst the male is particularly crisply coloured in the breeding season with a bright red bill bearing a prominent knob at the forehead. Ducklings are white with a black cap, hindneck and wing and back patches. Juveniles are greyish above and mostly white below but already have the adult's wing pattern. The Shelduck breeds in temperate Eurasia where it nests in rabbit burrows and tree holes. Most populations migrate to sub-tropical areas in winter but it is largely resident in west Europe apart from movements to favoured moulting grounds such as the Wadden Sea on the north German coast. The Shelduck is common around the coastline of the UK and Ireland where it can be found on salt marshes, tidal mudflats and estuaries although it can also be found around inland waters such as reservoirs and gravel workings. It can be seen all year round but the population increases significantly during winter with the arrival of birds from continental Europe. Date: 8th January 2019 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37431266.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7243228195c6bebf44c007.jpgCommon Crane The Common Crane is a large, stately bird and a medium-sized crane at 40 to 52 inches long with a 71 to 96 inches wingspan. At rest, the Common Crane is rather stork-like but with a big bushy tail, black wing plumes and a grey body and even from a great distance the white stripe through the black head is noticeable. In flight, the long neck, held outstretched and slightly drooping makes it quite different from the herons and the grey plumage eliminates both of the storks. The Common Crane flies in flocks in “V” formation making trumpeting calls. The Common Crane breeds in large areas of marsh and bog in northern parts of Europe and Asia and occurs in winter and on passage in open, often agricultural, areas close to large wetlands used for roosting. The global population is in the region of 210,000 to 250,000 with the vast majority nesting in Russia and Scandinavia. In the UK the Common Crane became extinct in the 17th century but a tiny population now breeds again at a few sites in east and west England. Flocks of Common Cranes in late spring can be watched performing their “dancing” displays. This usually involves opening their wings and leaping vertically into the air with the legs dangling. Once one bird starts this, others will join in and the whole performance can even be initiated by a human pretending to be a dancing crane. Once the birds are paired off they are more likely to perform different displays involving stretching their necks vertically and trumpeting. Common Cranes from Fennoscandia, the Baltic states and western Russia take the west European migration route to their wintering grounds. Over 100,000 birds use this flyway and over 70,000 winter in Spain (mainly Extremadura) with smaller numbers in south west France, Portugal and north Africa. Date: 8th January 2019 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41539325.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19946545405f3e4b9918f9a.jpgLong-tailed Duck The Long-tailed Duck is a medium-sized sea duck. Adults have white underparts although the rest of the plumage goes through a complex moulting process. The male has a long pointed tail and a dark grey bill crossed by a pink band. In winter, the male has a dark cheek patch on a mainly white head and neck, a dark breast and mostly white body. In summer, the male is dark on the head, neck and back with a white cheek patch. The female has a brown back and a relatively short pointed tail. In winter, the female's head and neck are white with a dark crown. In summer, the head is dark. Juveniles resemble adult females in autumn plumage, though with a lighter, less distinct cheek patch. The Long-tailed Duck breeds in tundra pools and marshes but also along sea coasts and in large mountain lakes in north America, northern Europe and Russia. It is migratory and winters along the eastern and western coasts of north America, on the Great Lakes, coastal northern and western Europe and Asia. The most important wintering area is the Baltic Sea where a total of about 4.5 million gather. The Long-tailed Duck feeds by diving for molluscs, crustaceans and some small fish. Date: 5th July 2019 Location: Kongsfjordfjellet, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52699010.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_205614301067b0c491b83af.jpgCormorant The (Great) Cormorant is a widespread member of the cormorant and shag family Phalacrocoracidae. There is a wide variation in size in the species' wide range and males are typically larger and heavier than females. It has a predominantly black plumage but the adult has white patches on the thighs and throat and a yellow throat during the breeding season. In Europe it can be distinguished from the Shag by its larger size, heavier build, thicker bill, lack of a crest and plumage without any green tinge. The (Great) Cormorant is a very common and widespread bird and it breeds in much of the Old World and the Atlantic coast of north America. It feeds on the sea, in estuaries and on freshwater lakes and rivers. Northern birds migrate south and winter along any coast that is well-supplied with fish. The (Great) Cormorant is found around the UK coastline on rocky shores, coastal lagoons and estuaries and it is increasingly seen inland at reservoirs, lakes and gravel pits. The UK holds internationally important wintering numbers. The (Great) Cormorant mainly nests in colonies near wetlands, rivers and sheltered inshore waters. Pairs will use the same nest site to breed year after year. It builds its nest, which is made mainly from sticks, in trees, on the ledges of cliffs and on the ground on rocky islands that are free of predators. The female lays 3 to 5 eggs which are incubated for a period of about 28 to 31 days. The (Great) Cormorant feeds on fish caught through diving and it will consume all fish of appropriate size that they are able to catch. Many fishermen see the (Great) Cormorant a competitor for fish. Because of this, it was nearly hunted to extinction in the past. Due to conservation efforts, its numbers increased although this has once again brought it in to conflict with fisheries. In the UK, where inland breeding was once uncommon, there are now increasing numbers of birds and many inland fish farms and fisheries now claim to be suffering high losses. In the UK each year, some licences are issued to cull specified numbers in order to help reduce predation although it is still illegal to kill a bird without such a licence. Date: 2nd February 2025 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31045508.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16176426705909a27fc78f06.76942404.jpgTufted Duck The Tufted Duck is a small diving duck. The adult male is all black except for white flanks and a blue-grey bill. It has an obvious head tuft that gives the species its name. The adult female is brown with paler flanks and is more easily confused with other diving ducks. In particular, some have white around the bill base which resembles the Scaup although the white is never as extensive as in that species. The Tufted Duck breeds widely throughout temperate and northern Eurasia. It occasionally can be found as a winter visitor along both coasts of the United States and Canada. It is migratory in most of its range and winters in the milder south and west of Europe and southern Asia where large flocks form on open water. The Tufted Duck breeds close to marshes and lakes with plenty of vegetation to conceal the nest. It is also found on coastal lagoons and sheltered ponds. The Tufted Duck feeds mainly by diving for molluscs, aquatic insects and aquatic plants. Date: 19th April 2017 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41292168.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12980004175f10b2288ec14.jpgThe River Jakobselva is a river that runs along the border between Norway and Russia, specifically the border of Sør-Varanger municipality in Troms og Finnmark in Norway and Pechengsky district in Murmansk Oblast in Russia. It discharges into the Varangerfjorden, a bay of the Barents Sea. This river is known as a superb salmon fishing river but where the river forms the border only Norwegian citizens and long-term residents of Norway are permitted to fish and then only on the Norwegian side. The Russian side is normally not accessible. The Jakobselva gives its name to the small village of Grense Jakobselv which is situated near the mouth of the river on the Norwegian side. Date: 29th June 2019 Location: Jakobselva River, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28883635.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_183220929757cc076c7be2d.jpgCommon Sandpiper The Common Sandpiper is a small wader. The adult is 7.1 to 7.9 inches long with a 13 to 14 inches wingspan. It has greyish-brown upperparts, white underparts, short dark-yellowish legs and feet and a bill with a pale base and dark tip. In winter plumage, it is duller and has more conspicuous barring on the wings although this is still only visible at close range. Juveniles are more heavily barred above and have buff edges to the wing feathers. The Common Sandpiper habitually bobs up and down and it has a distinctive flight with stiff, bowed wings. Its presence is often betrayed by its three-note call which it gives as it flies off. The Common Sandpiper is widespread and common and breeds across most of temperate and sub-tropical Europe and Asia where it nests on the ground near freshwater. It migrates to Africa, south Asia and Australia in winter. In the UK, the Common Sandpiper breeds along fast-flowing upland streams and rivers and at the edges of lochs and lakes in Scotland, Wales and the north of England. Summer visitors arrive in March and April and leave the breeding grounds in July and August with the young following in September. During the spring and autumn passage migration, it can be found elsewhere in the UK, near lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers, ditches, coastal shores and estuaries. The Common Sandpiper forages by sight on the ground or in shallow water, picking up small food items such as insects, crustaceans and other invertebrates. Date: 19th May 2016 Location: Vainupea, Lahemaa National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42222315.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14736761346023a2e7b3d8c.jpgNorthern Hawk Owl The Northern Hawk Owl is a medium sized owl, 14 to 16 inches long and with a wing span of 8.5 to 10 inches. Females are slightly larger than males. The term "hawk" refers to its falcon-like wing shape and long tail. The facial disc is whitish and broadly rimmed blackish at the sides. The eyebrows are white and the eyes are pale yellow. The upperparts are dark grey to dusky greyish-brown with the crown densely spotted whitish and the nape has indistinct false eyes. The mantle and back are dusky grey with some whitish dots and the scapulars are mainly white forming rather broad white bands across the shoulder. The flight feathers are dark grey-brown with rows of white spots. The tail is long and graduated and dark greyish-brown with several narrow whitish bars. The underparts are whitish and barred with greyish-brown. The legs and toes are feathered. The Northern Hawk Owl is found in the boreal coniferous forests of North America and Eurasia, usually on the edges of more open woodland, and hunts in semi-open country with scattered trees or groups of trees. It nests in large tree cavities or uses nests abandoned by other large birds and moves widely within its area of distribution, breeding where food is abundant. The Northern Hawk Owl is a partially diurnal owl which hunts voles and birds like thrushes. It waits on a treetop or other perch and takes advantage of its rapid flight to overtake prey. It has exceptional hearing and can plunge into snow to capture rodents below the surface. The typical male call is a rapid, melodious, purring trill of up to 14 seconds long which consists of about 11 to 15 notes per second. It begins softly, rises slightly in pitch and increases to a vibrating trill before breaking off abruptly. This is repeated at various intervals. Females utter a similar, higher-pitched, less clear song. Date: 9th July 2019 Location: Iivaara, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41389692.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13996691285f2695cc79dad.jpgWhite-tailed Eagle The White-tailed Eagle is a very large bird with a 72 to 96 inch wingspan and is the fourth largest eagle in the world. It has broad "barn door" wings, a large head and a thick "meat-cleaver" beak. The adult is mainly brown except for the paler head and neck, blackish flight feathers, distinctive white tail, and yellow bill and legs. In juvenile birds the tail and bill are darker, with the tail becoming white with a dark terminal band in sub-adults. The White-tailed Eagle breeds in northern Europe and northern Asia. The largest population in Europe is found along the coast of Norway. In the UK it became extinct during the early 20th century and the present population in Scotland has arisen from a reintroduction programme which commenced on the island of Rhum in 1975. It is still a rare breeding bird which was previously confined to the west coast of Scotland, although a reintroduction programme is now taking place in east Scotland. Date: 1st July 2019 Location: Krampenes to Skallelv, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46535110.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_136605323262caa27e4e8aa.jpgEssex Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Essex Skipper is a small butterfly with a darting flight. It has bright orange-brown wings which are held with the forewings angled above the hind wings. The males have a thin black scent brand line running through the centre of the forewing and parallel to the leading edge. The Small Skipper appears very similar but it lacks the black tips to the antenna and it has a longer scent brand which is angled to the edge of the forewing. Since the Essex Skipper and the Small Skipper closely resemble each other and are often found in the same company, the Essex Skipper has been overlooked both in terms of recording and ecological study and it was the last UK resident species to be described (in 1889). The Essex Skipper can be found in tall, dry grasslands in open sunny situations, especially roadside verges, woodland rides and acid grasslands as well as coastal marshes. The distribution of the Essex Skipper in the UK has more than doubled in the last few decades. It is a widespread species in southern and central England but not in the far south-west Date: 3rd July 2022 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41389659.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11303213705f2694601e607.jpgNeiden Chapel, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Neiden is a village located in the Sápmi area, the cultural region traditionally inhabited by the Sámi people, along the Norway and Finland border. Situated along the River Neiden, it actually consists of 2 villages separated by the border. One side is in Sør-Varanger municipality in Troms og Finnmark in Norway and the other side is in the Inari municipality in Lappi, Finland. Neiden is the official name in Norway and Näätämö is the official name in Finland. The European route E6 highway runs through the Norwegian village of Neiden. In the Finnish view, Neiden/Näätämö extends into Finland and there is a small village in Finland near the border called Näätämö around 7 miles from Neiden village centre. Neiden Chapel (Norwegian: Neiden kapell) is a parish church of the Church of Norway located in the village of Neiden. In 1898, many farmers in Neiden made a request to the Ministry of Church and Education to have a church and a cemetery built in Neiden. Only 4 years later, the church was finished. The residents' desire to have a church coincided with the Government's desire to secure the border from Finnish-Russian expansion and they believed that a Norwegian church near the border would help. The red and white wooden church was built in a long church format in the style called [i]dragestil[/i] by the architect Karl Norum and was consecrated in July 1902. Karl Norum was very keen on old Norwegian stave churches and he created a [i]dragestil[/i] building that would be an expression of Norwegian culture and national cohesion in a border area. The cemetery and the area surrounding Neiden Chapel is well known amongst birders visiting the region as a reliable site to see Arctic Warbler. The Arctic Warbler is a widespread leaf warbler in sub-Arctic birch or mixed birch forest near water throughout its breeding range in the northern Palearctic and this extends in to the far east fringe areas of Norway and Finland. Date: 1st July 2019 Location: Neiden Chapel, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41234274.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_726207495ee76c91df04d.jpgTurtle Dove The Turtle Dove is smaller and slighter in build than many other doves and can be recognised by its distinctively mottled chestnut/cinnamon and black upperparts and the black-and-white-striped patch on the side of its neck. The tail is notable as the bird flies, being wedge shaped with a dark centre and white borders and tips. The Turtle Dove is a bird of open country rather than dense woodlands and frequently feeds on the ground. It is usually extremely timid, probably due to the heavy hunting pressure it faces during migration. The Turtle Dove is one of the latest migrants and rarely appears in northern Europe before the end of April, returning south again to south Africa in September. The arrival in spring is heralded by its purring song, a rather deep, vibrating “turrr, turrr”, from which the bird's name is derived. The Turtle Dove has suffered a substantial population decline in recent years. This is partly because changed farming practices mean that the weed seeds and shoots on which it feeds are more scarce and partly due to the shooting of birds in Mediterranean countries during their migration. Date: 31st May 2020 Location: EWT Wrabness, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645487.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_64721634651e3cedf0e796.jpgBiebrza, Poland The Biebrza marshes are a complex series of habitats located in the Biebrza river valley. The area encompasses river channels, lakes, extensive marshes, fenland, reed beds, peat bogs and fields and meadows with woods and forests on higher ground. The Biebrza National Park, which covers much of the area, is the largest of Poland’s 23 National Parks and was created in 1993. Covering a total area of 228 square miles, it protects the vast and relatively untouched habitats with their unique variety of several communities of plants and species of wetland birds and mammals. Date: 21st May 2013 Location: view from Brzotowo, Biebrza area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo20951196.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_908168326535e11ff489b4.jpgKingfisher The Kingfisher is a small unmistakable bright blue and orange bird of slow moving or still water. They fly rapidly and low over water and hunt fish from riverside perches, occasionally hovering above the water's surface. Kingfishers are vulnerable to hard winters and habitat degradation through pollution or unsympathetic management of watercourses and are an “Amber List” species due to their unfavourable conservation status in Europe. Kingfishers are widespread especially in central and southern England but become less common further north. Following some declines last century, they are currently increasing in their range in Scotland. Kingfishers can be found all year round by still or slow flowing water such as lakes, canals and rivers in lowland areas. In winter, some individuals move to estuaries and the coast. Occasionally they may also visit garden ponds if they are of a suitable size. Date: 12th April 2014 Location: Rye Meads RSPB reserve, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45182496.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7448852246235c91adca84.jpgGreat Tit The Great Tit is a passerine bird in the tit family. It is large for a tit species at 4.9 to 5.5 inches in length and it has a distinctive appearance that makes it easy to recognise. The nominate race, which is found throughout much of Europe, Asia Minor, north and east Kazakhstan, south Siberia and north Mongolia, has a bluish-black crown, black neck, throat, bib and head and white cheeks and ear coverts. The breast is bright lemon-yellow and there is a broad black mid-line stripe running from the bib to the vent. There is a dull white spot on the neck turning to greenish yellow on the upper nape. The rest of the nape and back are green tinged with olive. The wing-coverts are green and the rest of the wing is bluish-grey with a white-wing-bar. The tail is bluish grey with white outer tips. The plumage of the female is similar to that of the male except that the colours are generally duller and the bib is less intensely black, as is the line running down the belly which is also narrower and sometimes broken. There is some variation in the UK sub-species. It is broadly similar to the nominate race but has a slightly longer bill, the mantle is slightly deeper green, there is less white on the tail tips and the ventral mid-line stripe is broader on the belly. The Great Tit has a wide distribution across much of Eurasia. It is found across all of Europe except for Iceland and northern Scandinavia. In North Africa it is found in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. It also occurs across the Middle East and parts of central Asia from north Iran and Afghanistan to Mongolia, as well as across north Asia from the Urals as far east as north China and the Amur Valley. The Great Tit can be found in a range of habitats but most commonly in open deciduous woodland, mixed forests, forest edges and gardens. In dense forests, including conifer forests, it is usually found in forest clearings. In north Siberia it is found in the boreal taiga. In north Africa it prefers oak forests as well as stands of Atlas cedar and even palm groves. In the east of its range, it favours riverine willow and birch forest. At higher altitudes it occupies habitats ranging from dense deciduous and coniferous forests to open areas with scattered trees. The Great Tit is generally not migratory. Pairs will usually remain near or in their territory all year round even in the northern parts of their range. Young birds will disperse from their parents' territory but usually not far. Populations may become irruptive in poor or harsh winters and very large groups may unpredictably move from north Europe to the Baltic, the Netherlands, the UK and even as far as the south Balkans. The Great Tit is monogamous and establish breeding territories in late January. Territories are usually reoccupied in successive years even if one of the pair dies so long as the brood is raised successfully. Females are likely to disperse to new territories if their nest is predated the previous year. The Great Tit is a seasonal breeder but the exact timing of breeding varies due to a number of factors, most importantly location. Most breeding occurs between January and September. In Europe the breeding season usually begins after March The amount of sunlight and daytime temperatures also affects the timing of breeding as does the peak abundance of caterpillar prey which itself is correlated to temperature. The Great Tit is a cavity nester and occupies a hole that is usually inside a tree, although occasionally in a wall or rock face. It also readily takes to nest boxes. The nest inside the cavity is built by the female and is made of plant fibres, grasses, moss, hair, wool and feathers. The female often lays a very large clutch of eggs, as many as 18 although 5 to 12 is more common. Clutch size is smaller when females start laying later and it is also lower when the density of competitors is higher. Second broods also tend to have smaller clutches. The female undertakes all incubation duties and is fed by the male during this time. The timing of hatching, which is synchronised with peak availability of food, can be manipulated when environmental conditions change after the laying of the first egg by delaying the beginning of incubation, laying more eggs or pausing during incubation. The incubation period is between 12 and 15 days. The chicks are fed by both parents and the nestling period is between 16 and 22 days. The chicks become independent of the parents 8 days after fledging although feeding may continue after independence and last up to a further 25 days. The Great Tit is primarily insectivorous in the summer and feeds on a wide range of insects and spiders. During the breeding season, protein-rich caterpillars are fed to the young. In autumn and winter, when insect prey becomes scarcer, berries and seeds are added to the diet. Where it is available, it will also readily take table scraps, peanuts and sunflower seeds from bird tables. The Great Tit, along with other tits, joins winter mixed-species foraging flocks. The Great Tit has generally adjusted to human modifications of the environment. Whilst it is more common and has better breeding success in areas with undisturbed forest cover, it has adapted well to human modified habitats and can be very common in urban and suburban areas. While there have been some localised declines in population in areas with poorer quality habitats, its large range and high numbers mean that the Great Tit is not considered to be threatened and it is classed as “Least Concern” by the IUCN. Date: 11th February 2022 Location: EWT Warley Place, Brentwood, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4352168.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14305952554b687b62bf23d.jpgSnow Bunting Snow Buntings are large buntings with striking “snowy” plumages. Males in summer have all white heads and underparts contrasting with a black mantle and wing tips. Females are a more mottled above. In autumn and winter birds develop a sandy/buff wash to their plumage and males have more mottled upperparts. Snow Buntings breed in far northern Europe and migrate south in winter. They are a very scarce breeding species in the UK and can be found on the highest mountain peaks in Scotland where they nest in rocky crevices. Snow Buntings are best looked for in winter (from late September to early March) where they can sometimes be seen in large flocks on the seashore or on adjacent short rough grassland at coastal sites in Scotland and eastern England. Date: 1st February 2010 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453920.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13944515854ff5456cc55ad.jpgSpanish Imperial Eagle The Spanish or Iberian Imperial Eagle is a large eagle with a pale cream head and neck but dark brown feathers elsewhere. There is a distinctive white area on the shoulders and a pale grey area on the upper tail and the species can be recognised by its particularly flat gliding flight. The Spanish Imperial Eagle breeds in central and south west Spain. It previously bred in Portugal, Algeria and Morocco but is now only found there as a vagrant. The Spanish Imperial Eagle can be found in cork oak forests, plains and hills in south west Spain, the flood plains and dunes in the Guadalquivir marshes of southern Spain and on the high mountain slopes in the Sistema Central of central Spain. In the 1960s, with just 30 pairs remaining, conservation efforts succeeded in increasing the population of the Spanish Imperial Eagle by a considerable amount. However, since 1994, the population has declined again to just 160 pairs. There are several causes of this decline: habitat fragmentation due to deforestation for agricultural land and timber has disturbed breeding grounds, intentional poisoning on hunting reserves to reduce natural predators of game species, lead shot poisoning as a result of ingestion of game killed with bullets and electrocution on power cables. Approximately 80% of Spanish Imperial Eagles killed on power lines are female, causing a greater impact on this monogamous species than if equal numbers of males and females were killed. The Spanish Imperial Eagle relies mainly on rabbits as prey and following drops in rabbit abundance due to shooting and disease, food supplies have been limited causing reduced breeding success. The Spanish Imperial Eagle is legally protected in Spain and 62% of the breeding population occurs in 20 protected areas. A European action plan was published in 1996 and national and regional governments have worked to implement a coordinated conservation and reintroduction plan. Date: 27th April 2012 Location: Portilla del Tiétar, Parque Nacional de Monfragüe, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5325775.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15657646494c1dd5408d7c6.jpgFulmar The Fulmar is almost gull-like but is a grey and white seabird that is related to the albatrosses. It flies low over the sea on stiff wings with shallow wing beats, gliding and banking to show its white under-parts and then grey upper-parts. At its breeding sites it will fly high up the cliff face riding the updraughts. Fulmars feed in flocks out at sea and defend their nests from intruders by spitting out a foul-smelling oil. Fulmars breed on coastal cliffs with suitable ledges and grassy slopes but will occasionally breed on buildings. Fulmars are best looked for at seabird colonies and are most abundant along the Scottish coastline especially in the Northern Isles. They are least common along the east, south and north-west coasts of England. Adults are present at the breeding colonies nearly all year although young birds leave in late summer. Away from the breeding colonies, Fulmars spend their whole time offshore at sea. Date: 3rd June 2010 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11947708.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21400214964e40fdc5e5c12.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 21st October 2007 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42524875.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19182890746098fa7801d13.jpgCoot The Coot is an all black bird with a distinctive white beak and “shield” above the beak from which earns it the title “bald”. Its feet have distinctive lobed flaps of skin on the toes which act instead of webs when swimming. It patters noisily over the water before taking off and can be very aggressive towards other birds. Coot can be found all the year round mainly on freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers and town park lakes. Sometimes they can be seen offshore, especially in winter if freshwater areas are frozen. They breed in areas of fairly shallow standing freshwater with a muddy bottom and plenty of vegetation at the sides, usually in lowland areas. Date: 7th April 2021 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28886255.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_209334832957cc39c6c2dfd.jpgWhite-fronted Geese The Greater White-fronted Goose is a species of goose which is closely related to the smaller Lesser White-fronted Goose. In Europe it is known as simply White-fronted Goose" whilst in north America it is known as the Greater White-fronted Goose. The Latin name, [i]Anser albifrons[/i], is derived from [i]anser[/i] meaning "goose" and [i]albus[/i] meaning "white " and [i]frons[/i] meaning “forehead”. The White-fronted Goose is 25 to 32 inches in length with a 51 to 65 inches wingspan and weighs 4.3 to 7.3 pounds. It is smaller than the Greylag Goose and, as well as being larger than the Lesser White-fronted Goose, it lacks the yellow eye-ring of that species and the white facial blaze does not extend upwards so far. The White-fronted Goose is a greyish-brown goose with a light grey breast dappled with dark brown to black blotches and bar, a pinkish bill and orange legs and feet. The male is typically larger in size but both sexes are similar in appearance The White-fronted Goose is divided into 5 subspecies. The nominate subspecies, [i]A. a. albifrons[/i], breeds in the far north of Europe and Asia and winters further south and west in Europe, including England and Wales. The very distinct Greenland White-fronted Goose, [i]A. a. flavirostris[/i], breeds in west Greenland and is much darker overall with only a very narrow white tip to the tail (broader on the other races), more black barring on its belly and usually has an orange (not pink) bill. It winters in Ireland and west Scotland. Some ecological studies suggest that the Greenland White-fronted Goose should probably be considered a separate species. Weather conditions are a key factor in the annual breeding success of the White-fronted Goose. In the Arctic, the window of opportunity for nesting, incubating eggs and raising a brood is open briefly for about 3 months. Arriving in late May or early June, White-fronted Geese begin departing for their wintering areas in early September. This means that a delayed snowmelt or late spring storm can significantly reduce breeding success. Date: 11th May 2016 Location: Haeska, Matsalu National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo8048474.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1263473694d0d033613386.jpgWaxwing The Waxwing is a plump bird which is slightly smaller than a Starling. It is buff or pinkish-brown in colour with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings, a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest. The bird’s name is derived from the red tips to some of the wing feathers which are said to look like they have been dipped in sealing wax. Waxwings breed in the dense forests of northern Europe but they occur in varying numbers in the UK from October to March. In some years they can occur in large numbers (known as irruptions) when the population in the breeding areas gets too big for the food available. The first UK arrivals each winter are usually seen on the east coast from Scotland to East Anglia but birds then move inland in search of food. They can be found in parks and gardens and even busy public places such as supermarket car parks, typically where there are berry-bearing trees and bushes such as rowan, hawthorn, cotoneaster and rose. Waxwings seem fearless of humans so it is relatively easy to get very close views of these stunning birds. Waxwings make an easily recognisable high-pitched trilling sound like a bell. Date: 11th December 2010 Location: Folkestone, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874785.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_769282435561ccd84c1c4b.jpgKolgrafafjörður, Snæfellsnes peninsula, west Iceland Kolgrafafjörður is a fjord situated between Stykkishólmur and Grundarfjörður on the north coast of the Snæfellsnes peninsula in west Iceland. Date: 7th June 2015 Location: view from road 54 west of Stykkishólmur http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4158155.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7343870994b291fefa5765.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 15th December 2009 Location: Connaught Water, Epping Forest, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo8048568.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16383766174d0d03d20ab49.jpgWaxwing The Waxwing is a plump bird which is slightly smaller than a Starling. It is buff or pinkish-brown in colour with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings, a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest. The bird’s name is derived from the red tips to some of the wing feathers which are said to look like they have been dipped in sealing wax. Waxwings breed in the dense forests of northern Europe but they occur in varying numbers in the UK from October to March. In some years they can occur in large numbers (known as irruptions) when the population in the breeding areas gets too big for the food available. The first UK arrivals each winter are usually seen on the east coast from Scotland to East Anglia but birds then move inland in search of food. They can be found in parks and gardens and even busy public places such as supermarket car parks, typically where there are berry-bearing trees and bushes such as rowan, hawthorn, cotoneaster and rose. Waxwings seem fearless of humans so it is relatively easy to get very close views of these stunning birds. Waxwings make an easily recognisable high-pitched trilling sound like a bell. Date: 11th December 2010 Location: Folkestone, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871769.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3688831054eff222df375e.jpgSlavonian Grebe The Slavonian Grebe is a member of the grebe family of water birds. It is also known as the Horned Grebe in north America. Unmistakable in summer, the plumage of both the male and female Slavonian Grebe shows a black head with golden puffy earlike tufts along the sides of its face. It shows a deep rusty red neck, scarlet eyes and a small, straight black bill tipped with white. During the winter, the Slavonian Grebe is mainly white with a sharply defined black cap. The Slavonian Grebe breeds in vegetated areas of freshwater lakes across Europe and Asia. It also breeds in remote inland parts of the United States and much of Canada. Like all grebes, it builds a nest on the water's edge, since its legs are set very far back and it can not walk well. Most birds migrate in winter to the coast. Date: 7th June 2009 Location: Siikalahti near Parikkala, Etelä-Karjala, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40399545.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13033071055dc6acf41f476.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 18th October 2019 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40399557.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14393859885dc6ad2d7b24f.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 18th October 2019 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/november-2007-otter https://images.on-this.website/4752_11055429144e48d27490a6a.jpgNovember 2007 - Otter Please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/photo12076174.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645662.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_119966683551e3cfe5d221f.jpgBiałowieża, Poland The Białowieża forest is an ancient mixed forest that straddles the border between Poland and Belarus. It is one of the largest remaining parts of the immense primaeval forest that once stretched across the Great European Plain. On the Polish side, the central part of the Białowieża forest is protected as the Białowieża National Park with an area of about 39 square miles. The National Park, created in 1932, is under strict preservation and has been declared by UNESCO a World Biosphere Reserve and put on the World Heritage List. The Białowieża forest is home to many species of forest birds plus large mammals such as Wolf, Lynx, Moose and European Bison. Date: 25th May 2013 Location: south of Białowieża around Narewka bridge, Białowieża area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24902727.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2832994255a4e3ae07e54.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 4th July 2015 Location: Bempton Cliifs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40399548.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1573352535dc6acfe2c8f1.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 18th October 2019 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457187.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_52790021966857103b4a99.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37431116.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17780551855c6be39751a69.jpgLesser Yellowlegs The Lesser Yellowlegs is a large sandpiper with brown-streaked upperparts, white underparts and streaked upper breast and sides. A white lower rump and dark-barred tail are visible in flight. The bill is straight and uniformly dark grey and the legs are long and yellow. The Lesser Yellowlegs breeds from western Alaska and Canada east to western Quebec. They spend winters on coasts from southern California and Virginia southward and along the Gulf coast. The preferred habitats include coastal mudflats and lagoons, inland lakes, ponds, rivers, sewage works and flooded grasslands. In the UK, the Lesser Yellowlegs is a very scarce visitor with typically 5 records per year. This photo is of a first winter bird that took up residence at RSPB Lodmoor for several months from mid-September 2018. Date: 13th January 2019 Location: RSPB Lodmoor, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41623076.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6157838685f4d1de01511b.jpgWood Sandpiper The Wood Sandpiper is a medium sized wader which resembles a longer-legged and more delicate Green Sandpiper. It has a fine straight bill, brown back, yellowish legs and a conspicuous long white stripe from the bill over the eye to the back of the neck. The Wood Sandpiper breeds in sub-Arctic wetlands across Europe and Asia. It migrates to Africa, southern Asia, particularly India, and Australia. It is usually found in freshwater habitats during migration and on its wintering grounds. It forages by probing in shallow water or in wet mud and it mainly eats insects and similar small prey. A slight westward expansion saw the establishment of a small but permanent breeding population in Scotland from the 1950s. In addition, passage migrants most commonly appear in south and east England in April and September. Date: 6th July 2019 Location: near Gednje, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo34006628.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_781727315a72f99e3a979.jpgWoodpigeon The Woodpigeon is the UK's largest and commonest pigeon and is largely grey with a white neck patch and white wing patches which are clearly visible in flight. Although shy in the countryside, it can be tame and approachable in towns and cities. Its cooing call is a familiar sound in woodlands as is the loud clatter of its wings when it flies away. Woodpigeons can be found across the UK. In the countryside they breed on farmland with hedges, trees and copses and in towns and cities they breed in parks and gardens. In winter, Woodpigeons form large flocks on farmland fields. Date: 5th January 2018 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9562984.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4657528434dae9040579fb.jpgSnow Bunting Snow Buntings are large buntings with striking “snowy” plumages. Males in summer have all white heads and underparts contrasting with a black mantle and wing tips. Females are a more mottled above. In autumn and winter birds develop a sandy/buff wash to their plumage and males have more mottled upperparts. Snow Buntings breed in far northern Europe and migrate south in winter. They are a very scarce breeding species in the UK and can be found on the highest mountain peaks in Scotland where they nest in rocky crevices. Snow Buntings are best looked for in winter (from late September to early March) where they can sometimes be seen in large flocks on the seashore or on adjacent short rough grassland at coastal sites in Scotland and eastern England. Date: 26th December 2008 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45948301.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5979978616284a98c15e85.jpgBlue Tit The Blue Tit is a small passerine bird in the tit family. It is easily recognisable by its generally blue and yellow plumage and its small size. The Blue Tit is about 4.7 inches long with a wingspan of 7.1 inches. It has an azure blue crown and a dark blue line passing through the eye and encircling the white cheeks to the chin, giving the bird a very distinctive appearance. The forehead and a bar on the wing are white. The nape, wings and tail are blue and the back is yellowish green. The underparts are mostly sulphur-yellow with a dark line down the abdomen. The bill is black and the legs bluish grey. The sexes are similar whilst young birds are noticeably more yellow. The Blue Tit is very agile and it can cling to the outermost branches and hang upside down when searching for food such as insects, caterpillars and seeds. The Blue Tit can be found throughout areas of the European continent with a mainly temperate or Mediterranean climate and in parts of the Middle East. In the UK it is common in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens and widespread across the whole of the country with the exception of some Scottish islands. The Blue Tit will nest in any suitable hole in a tree, wall or stump, often competing with other birds such as the House Sparrow or Great Tit for the site. In addition, it will readily accept an artificial nesting box. The same hole is returned to year after year and when one pair dies another takes possession. The nesting material is usually moss, wool, hair and feathers and the eggs are laid in April or May. The number in the clutch is often very large but 7 or 8 is normal. It is not unusual for a single bird to feed the chicks in the nest at a rate of one feed every 90 seconds during the height of the breeding season. Successful breeding is dependent on a sufficient supply of caterpillars as well as satisfactory weather. Breeding may be affected badly if the weather is cold and wet between May and July, particularly if this coincides with the emergence of the caterpillars on which the nestlings are fed. The small size of the Blue Tit makes it vulnerable to predation by larger birds and the typical lifespan is 3 years or less. The most significant predator is probably the Sparrowhawk, closely followed by the domestic cat. Nests may also be robbed by mammals such as the Weasel and Red and Grey Squirrels. Date: 14th April 2022 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15454001.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1640399834ff547d646f6a.jpgBlack-winged Stilt The Black-winged Stilt is a widely distributed very long-legged wader. They have long pink-red legs, a long thin black bill and are blackish above and white below with a white head and neck with a varying amount of black. Both in flight and at rest the long pink-red legs are characteristic and even if these are hidden in water of unknown depth, the pure white underparts and jet black upperparts are distinctive. The amount of dark feathering on the otherwise white head doesn't necessarily indicate the sex of a stilt although young birds always have smoky patterning on the head. The Black-winged Stilt can be found in central and southern Europe, central and southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Many birds migrate to south of the Sahara from August to November and return in March and April. However, many of those which breed in Iberia are now increasingly remaining throughout the year. The Black-winged Stilt breeds around shallow wetlands, especially coastal lagoons, saltpans and estuaries. The nest site is a bare spot on the ground near water and birds often nest in small groups, sometimes with Avocets. In Europe, the Black-winged Stilt is a regular spring overshoot vagrant north of its normal range, occasionally remaining to breed in northern European countries including the UK. Date: 1st May 2012 Location: La Madre de las Marismas, El Rocío, Coto Doñana, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12744858.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18526423884e706de6047c5.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 7th December 2007 Location: Donna Nook, Lincolnshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37159140.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12163415695c1e63f7bd4c6.jpgGreat Crested Grebe The Great Crested Grebe is the largest member of the grebe family measuring 18 to 20 inches in length with a wing span of 23 to 29 inches. It is a graceful bird with its long neck, long bill and slender outline. In summer, the adults of both sexes are unmistakable being adorned with beautiful head-plumes which are reddish-orange in colour with black tips. There is also an erectile black crown. Non-breeding adults lack the full crest and have a dark crown bordered by a white face, the white extending down the fore-neck and chest. The sexes are similar in appearance but juveniles can be distinguished from adults by having a striped black and white head and neck. The Great Crested Grebe can be found across Europe and Asia and it breeds on shallow, reed-fringed freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs and slow rivers. It is resident in the milder west of its range but it migrates from the colder regions of its range to freshwater lakes, reservoirs and sheltered coastal areas in winter. The Great Crested Grebe has an elaborate mating display. Like all grebes, it nests on the water's edge since its legs are set relatively far back and it is thus unable to walk very well. Usually 2 eggs are laid and the fluffy, striped young grebes are often carried on the adult's back. In a clutch of 2 or more hatchlings, male and female grebes will each identify their “favourites” which they alone will care for and teach. Unusually, young Great Crested Grebes are capable of swimming and diving almost at hatching. The adults teach these skills to their young by carrying them on their backs and diving, leaving the chicks to float on the surface. They then re-emerge a few feet away so that the chicks may swim back on to them. The Great Crested Grebe feeds mainly on fish but it will also eat small crustaceans, insects and small frogs and newts. The Great Crested Grebe was hunted almost to extinction in the UK in the 19th century due to being hunted for its head plumes which were used to decorate hats and ladies' undergarments. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was set up to help protect the Great Crested Grebe which is now again a common sight. Date: 7th May 2018 Location: Ham Wall RSPB reserve, Somerset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37159139.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19547482135c1e639e9fa0f.jpgGreat Crested Grebe The Great Crested Grebe is the largest member of the grebe family measuring 18 to 20 inches in length with a wing span of 23 to 29 inches. It is a graceful bird with its long neck, long bill and slender outline. In summer, the adults of both sexes are unmistakable being adorned with beautiful head-plumes which are reddish-orange in colour with black tips. There is also an erectile black crown. Non-breeding adults lack the full crest and have a dark crown bordered by a white face, the white extending down the fore-neck and chest. The sexes are similar in appearance but juveniles can be distinguished from adults by having a striped black and white head and neck. The Great Crested Grebe can be found across Europe and Asia and it breeds on shallow, reed-fringed freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs and slow rivers. It is resident in the milder west of its range but it migrates from the colder regions of its range to freshwater lakes, reservoirs and sheltered coastal areas in winter. The Great Crested Grebe has an elaborate mating display. Like all grebes, it nests on the water's edge since its legs are set relatively far back and it is thus unable to walk very well. Usually 2 eggs are laid and the fluffy, striped young grebes are often carried on the adult's back. In a clutch of 2 or more hatchlings, male and female grebes will each identify their “favourites” which they alone will care for and teach. Unusually, young Great Crested Grebes are capable of swimming and diving almost at hatching. The adults teach these skills to their young by carrying them on their backs and diving, leaving the chicks to float on the surface. They then re-emerge a few feet away so that the chicks may swim back on to them. The Great Crested Grebe feeds mainly on fish but it will also eat small crustaceans, insects and small frogs and newts. The Great Crested Grebe was hunted almost to extinction in the UK in the 19th century due to being hunted for its head plumes which were used to decorate hats and ladies' undergarments. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was set up to help protect the Great Crested Grebe which is now again a common sight. Date: 7th May 2018 Location: Ham Wall RSPB reserve, Somerset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871619.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15827153444eff1f7baa77e.jpgRinged Plover The Ringed Plover is a small plover with a grey-brown back and wings, a white belly and a white breast with a single black neck band. It has a brown cap, a white forehead, a black mask around the eyes and a short orange and black bill. The legs are orange and only the outer two toes are slightly webbed. The juvenile Ringed Plover is duller than the adult in colour with an often incomplete grey-brown breast band, a dark bill and dull yellowish-grey legs. The Ringed Plover breeds on open ground on beaches or sandflats across northern Eurasia and in Arctic north east Canada. Some birds breed inland and in western Europe they nest as far south as northern France. It is migratory and winters in coastal areas south to Africa. Date: 26th May 2009 Location: Store Ekkerøy, Varangerfjord, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23225872.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_329020657548d53b5db413.jpgCattle Egret The Cattle Egret is a stocky white bird adorned with buff plumes in the breeding season. The easiest way to separate them from Little Egrets is by their short, yellow rather than long, black bills but Cattle Egrets are also smaller, stockier and more squat in shape with shorter, thicker necks and less elegant heads. The Cattle Egret is a cosmopolitan species of heron found in the tropics, subtropics and warm temperate zones. Originally native to parts of Asia, Africa and Europe, it has undergone a rapid expansion in its distribution and successfully colonised much of the rest of the world. Cattle Egrets breed and roost in trees usually close to fresh water and feed in shallow wetlands, especially rice-paddies, but also dry grasslands. They can often be seen feeding around cattle waiting to pick off disturbed insects, including riding on the backs of animals. Cattle Egrets are visiting the UK in increasing numbers and are most likely to be seen in the south of England and Wales. In winter 2007/08, a large influx of Cattle Egrets occurred in the UK, with the largest numbers in south-west England although birds did get as far north as Scotland. This influx led to the first ever pair breeding successfully in Somerset. Date: 8th December 2014 Location: Denge Marsh, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40648541.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11802691245df9fd7e4dfea.jpgCommon Pochard The Common Pochard is a medium-sized and stocky diving duck. The adult male has a long dark bill with a grey band, a red head and neck, a black breast, red eyes and a grey back. The adult female has a brown head and body and a narrower grey bill band. The triangular head shape is distinctive. The Common Pochard is superficially similar to the closely related Redhead and Canvasback found in north America. The Common Pochard breeds in marshes and on lakes in much of temperate and north Europe and in to Asia. It is migratory and spends the winter in the south and west of Europe. In the UK, the Common Pochard breeds in east England and lowland Scotland plus in small numbers in Northern Ireland. Large numbers from Russia and Scandinavia winter in the UK on lakes, reservoirs and gravel pits, often mixing with other diving ducks such as the Tufted Duck. In a number of countries, the Common Pochard is decreasing mainly due to habitat loss and hunting. It is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. The Common Pochard feeds mainly by diving or dabbling for aquatic plants, molluscs, aquatic insects and small fish. Date: 30th November 2019 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453945.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15531696494ff5462d45cff.jpgCrag Martin The Crag Martin is a small passerine bird in the hirundine (swallow and martin) family with ash-brown upperparts and paler underparts and with a broader body, wings and tail than any other European swallow. The tail is short and square with white patches near the tips of all but the central and outermost pairs of feathers. The underwing and undertail coverts are blackish, the eyes are brown, the small bill is mainly black and the legs are brownish-pink. The Crag Martin can be distinguished from the Sand Martin by its larger size, the white patches on the tail and its lack of a brown breast band. The Crag Martin's flight appears relatively slow for a hirundine. Rapid wing beats are interspersed with flat-winged glides and its long flexible primaries give it the agility to manoeuvre near cliff faces. The Crag Martin breeds in mountains from Iberia and north west Africa through southern Europe, the Persian Gulf and the Himalayas to south west and north east China. Northern populations are migratory with European birds wintering in north Africa, Senegal, Ethiopia and the Nile Valley and Asian breeders going to south China, the Indian subcontinent and the Middle East. Some European birds stay north of the Mediterranean and just move to lower ground after breeding. The Crag Martin is a rare species any distance north of its breeding areas with, for example, very few records in the UK. The Crag Martin breeds on dry, warm and sheltered cliffs in mountainous areas with crags and gorges, building a nest adherent to the rock under a cliff overhang or increasingly on to a man-made structure. Nests are often solitary although a few pairs may breed relativity close together at good locations. Date: 28th April 2012 Location: bridge over the Rio Almonte, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31192233.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_24989199659182365938d66.39210637.jpgBlack Grouse The Black Grouse is a large game bird in the grouse family. The male has all black plumage with distinctive red wattles over the eyes and striking white stripes along each wing in flight. It has a lyre-shaped tail which is fanned out and raised to show white under-tail feathers when displaying. The female is smaller and grey-brown in colour. The Black Grouse is a sedentary species and breeds across northern Eurasia in moorland and bog areas near to mostly boreal woodland. Although it is declining, it is not considered to be vulnerable globally due to the large population and slow rate of decline. Its decline is due to loss of habitat, disturbance, predation by foxes, crows, etc., and small populations gradually dying out. In the UK, the Black Grouse are found in upland areas of Wales, the Pennines and most of Scotland, especially on farmland and moorland with nearby forestry or scattered trees. Habitat loss and overgrazing have resulted in severe population declines which make the Black Grouse a Red List species. Positive habitat management and re-introduction programmes are helping it to increase in some areas. The Black Grouse has a very distinctive and well-recorded courtship. At dawn in the spring, the males strut around in a traditional area (lek) and display whilst making a highly distinctive and bubbling mating call. This photo was taken at a well known roadside lekking site. If visiting, please remain in your car to avoid disturbance to these vulnerable breeding birds. Date: 6th May 2017 Location: World's End, Denbighshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/small-skipper https://images.on-this.website/4752_18761715004c306a7e369a5.jpgSmall Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Small Skipper has a rusty orange colour to the wings, upper body and the tips of the antennae. The body is silvery white below and it has a wingspan of 25 to 30 mm. It is very similar in appearance to the Essex Skipper but the undersides of the tips of the antennae are yellow orange in the Small Skipper whereas they are black in the Essex Skipper. The Small Skipper is a common and widespread butterfly in most parts of England and has been expanding its range northwards. It can be found in rough grassland, roadside verges, edges of fields and woodland clearings where it is often seen basking on vegetation or making short buzzing flights among tall grass stems. Date: 4th July 2010 Location: Thrift Wood EWT reserve, Bicknacre, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40648548.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21123162715df9fd926c516.jpgCommon Pochard The Common Pochard is a medium-sized and stocky diving duck. The adult male has a long dark bill with a grey band, a red head and neck, a black breast, red eyes and a grey back. The adult female has a brown head and body and a narrower grey bill band. The triangular head shape is distinctive. The Common Pochard is superficially similar to the closely related Redhead and Canvasback found in north America. The Common Pochard breeds in marshes and on lakes in much of temperate and north Europe and in to Asia. It is migratory and spends the winter in the south and west of Europe. In the UK, the Common Pochard breeds in east England and lowland Scotland plus in small numbers in Northern Ireland. Large numbers from Russia and Scandinavia winter in the UK on lakes, reservoirs and gravel pits, often mixing with other diving ducks such as the Tufted Duck. In a number of countries, the Common Pochard is decreasing mainly due to habitat loss and hunting. It is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. The Common Pochard feeds mainly by diving or dabbling for aquatic plants, molluscs, aquatic insects and small fish. Date: 30th November 2019 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40952809.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18164353675e5392ed2ced6.jpgGreater (Greenland) White-fronted Geese The Greater White-fronted Goose is a species of goose which is closely related to the smaller Lesser White-fronted Goose. The Latin name, [i]Anser albifrons[/i], is derived from [i]anser[/i] meaning "goose" and [i]albus[/i] meaning "white" and [i]frons[/i] meaning “forehead”. The Greater White-fronted Goose is 25 to 32 inches in length with a 51 to 65 inches wingspan and weighs 4.3 to 7.3 pounds. It is smaller than the Greylag Goose and, as well as being larger than the Lesser White-fronted Goose, it lacks the yellow eye-ring of that species and the white facial blaze does not extend upwards so far. The Greater White-fronted Goose is a greyish-brown goose with a light grey breast dappled with dark brown to black blotches and bar, a pinkish bill and orange legs and feet. The male is typically larger in size but both sexes are similar in appearance The Greater White-fronted Goose is divided into 5 subspecies. The nominate subspecies Eurasian or Russian White-fronted Goose, [i]A. a. albifrons[/i], breeds in the far north of Europe and Asia and winters further south and west in Europe, including England and Wales. The very distinct Greenland White-fronted Goose, [i]A. a. flavirostris[/i], breeds in west Greenland and is much darker overall with only a very narrow white tip to the tail (broader on the other races), more black barring on its belly and usually has an orange (not pink) bill. It winters in Ireland and west Scotland. Some ecological studies suggest that the Greenland White-fronted Goose should probably be considered a separate species. Weather conditions are a key factor in the annual breeding success of the Greater White-fronted Goose. In the Arctic, the window of opportunity for nesting, incubating eggs and raising a brood is open briefly for about 3 months. Arriving in late May or early June, Greater White-fronted Geese begin departing for their wintering areas in early September. This means that a delayed snowmelt or late spring storm can significantly reduce breeding success. Date: 30th January 2020 Location: Wexford Wildfowl Nature Reserve, Co. Wexford, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072423.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15742293484bf6e29b0f9bf.jpgReindeer The Reindeer, also known as the Caribou in North America, is a deer from the Arctic and sub Arctic, including both resident and migratory populations. Whilst it is overall widespread and numerous, some of its subspecies are rare or already extinct. The Reindeer is a widespread and numerous species in the northern Holarctic, being present in tundra (frozen arctic plain with lichens, mosses and dwarfed vegetation) and taiga (marshy pine forest) regions. Originally, the Reindeer was found in Scandinavia, eastern Europe, Russia, Mongolia, and northern China. In North America, it was found in Canada, Alaska and the northern USA from Washington to Maine. It also occurred naturally on Sakhalin, Greenland, and probably even in historical times in Ireland. Today, wild Reindeer have disappeared from many areas within this large historical range, especially from the southern parts where it has vanished almost everywhere. Large populations of wild Reindeer are still found in Norway, Finland, Siberia, Greenland, Alaska, and Canada. Wild Reindeer hunting and herding of semi-domesticated Reindeer (for meat, hides, antlers, milk and transportation) are important to several Arctic and Subarctic people. Domesticated Reindeer are mostly found in northern Fennoscandia and Russia with a herd of approximately 150-170 Reindeer also living around the Cairngorms region in Scotland. Reindeer vary considerably in colour and size. Both sexes grow antlers, though they are typically larger in males. Even far outside its range, the Reindeer is well known due to the myth, probably originating in early 19th century America, in which Santa Claus's sleigh is pulled by flying Reindeer, a popular element of Christmas. Date: 14th April 2010 Location: Kongsfjorddalen, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28885513.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_210608253657cc32811fec6.jpgWhinchat The Whinchat is similar in size to its relative the Robin. Both sexes have brownish upperparts mottled darker, a buff throat and breast, a pale buff to whitish belly and a blackish tail with white bases to the outer tail feathers. The male in breeding plumage has blackish face mask almost encircled by a strong white supercilium and malar stripe, a bright orange-buff throat and breast and small white wing patches. The female is duller overall, in particular having browner face mask, pale buffy-brown breast, and a buff supercilium and malar stripe and smaller or no white wing patches. Males in immature and winter plumage and are similar to females. The Whinchat is a fairly common migratory species in Europe and western Asia with birds arriving at their breeding grounds between the end of April and mid May and departing between mid August and mid September. They winter primarily in tropical sub-Saharan Africa with small numbers also in north west Africa. Date: 15th May 2016 Location: Pikla ponds, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11480994.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1215810944e2699543600e.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 17th May 2009 Location: Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41352928.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7657277805f21574f4a2bc.jpgSmall Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Small Skipper has a rusty orange colour to the wings, upper body and the tips of the antennae. The body is silvery white below and it has a wingspan of 25 to 30 mm. It is very similar in appearance to the Essex Skipper but the undersides of the tips of the antennae are yellow orange in the Small Skipper whereas they are black in the Essex Skipper. The Small Skipper is a common and widespread butterfly in most parts of England and has been expanding its range northwards. It can be found in rough grassland, roadside verges, edges of fields and woodland clearings where it is often seen basking on vegetation or making short buzzing flights among tall grass stems. Date: 21st July 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28884640.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_167651478357cc23b59ac2c.jpgBlue-headed Wagtail The Western Yellow Wagtail is a small passerine in the wagtail family. The breeding adult male is basically olive above and yellow below. In other plumages, the yellow may be diluted by white. The heads of breeding males come in a variety of colours and patterns depending on the subspecies. The male Blue-headed Wagtail has a blue-grey head with white supercilium and malar stripe in males, much washed with buffish green in females. The Blue-headed Wagtail breeds in much of temperate Europe and Asia. It is resident in the milder parts of its range, such as western Europe, but northern and eastern populations migrate to sub-Saharan Africa and south Asia. Date: 18th May 2016 Location: Aardla polder, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52518223.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_83861280567545967ba1a4.jpgGadwall The Gadwall is one of the most common and widespread dabbling ducks. The breeding male is patterned grey with a black rear end, light chestnut wings and a brilliant white speculum which is obvious in flight or at rest. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female but retains the male wing pattern and is usually greyer above and has less orange on the bill. The female is light brown with plumage much like a female Mallard. It can be distinguished from that species by the dark orange-edged bill, smaller size, the white speculum and white belly. The Gadwall breeds in north Europe and Asia and central north America and appears to be expanding into eastern north America. It is a bird of open wetlands and lakes, wet grassland or marshes with dense fringing vegetation and it nests on the ground, often some distance from water. In the UK, the Gadwall is a scarce breeding bird on some lakes and gravel pits in the Midlands, south east England, eastern central Scotland, eastern Northern Ireland and south east Wales. In winter, numbers increase as birds migrate to spend the winter in the UK on gravel pits, lakes, reservoirs and coastal wetlands. Date: 9th October 2024 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50776405.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11102141676606e6b6de210.jpgGreat Crested Grebes The Great Crested Grebe is the largest member of the grebe family measuring 18 to 20 inches in length with a wing span of 23 to 29 inches. It is a graceful bird with its long neck, long bill and slender outline. In summer, the adults of both sexes are unmistakable being adorned with beautiful head-plumes which are reddish-orange in colour with black tips. There is also an erectile black crown. Non-breeding adults lack the full crest and have a dark crown bordered by a white face, the white extending down the fore-neck and chest. The sexes are similar in appearance but juveniles can be distinguished from adults by having a striped black and white head and neck. The Great Crested Grebe can be found across Europe and Asia and it breeds on shallow, reed-fringed freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs and slow rivers. It is resident in the milder west of its range but it migrates from the colder regions of its range to freshwater lakes, reservoirs and sheltered coastal areas in winter. The Great Crested Grebe has an elaborate mating display. Like all grebes, it nests on the water's edge since its legs are set relatively far back and it is thus unable to walk very well. Usually 2 eggs are laid and the fluffy, striped young grebes are often carried on the adult's back. In a clutch of 2 or more hatchlings, male and female grebes will each identify their “favourites” which they alone will care for and teach. Unusually, young Great Crested Grebes are capable of swimming and diving almost at hatching. The adults teach these skills to their young by carrying them on their backs and diving, leaving the chicks to float on the surface. They then re-emerge a few feet away so that the chicks may swim back on to them. The Great Crested Grebe feeds mainly on fish but it will also eat small crustaceans, insects and small frogs and newts. The Great Crested Grebe was hunted almost to extinction in the UK in the 19th century due to being hunted for its head plumes which were used to decorate hats and ladies' undergarments. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was set up to help protect the Great Crested Grebe which is now again a common sight. Date: 16th March 2024 Location: EWT Abberton Reservoir, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50776407.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8068444726606e6b8eb81e.jpgGreat Crested Grebes The Great Crested Grebe is the largest member of the grebe family measuring 18 to 20 inches in length with a wing span of 23 to 29 inches. It is a graceful bird with its long neck, long bill and slender outline. In summer, the adults of both sexes are unmistakable being adorned with beautiful head-plumes which are reddish-orange in colour with black tips. There is also an erectile black crown. Non-breeding adults lack the full crest and have a dark crown bordered by a white face, the white extending down the fore-neck and chest. The sexes are similar in appearance but juveniles can be distinguished from adults by having a striped black and white head and neck. The Great Crested Grebe can be found across Europe and Asia and it breeds on shallow, reed-fringed freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs and slow rivers. It is resident in the milder west of its range but it migrates from the colder regions of its range to freshwater lakes, reservoirs and sheltered coastal areas in winter. The Great Crested Grebe has an elaborate mating display. Like all grebes, it nests on the water's edge since its legs are set relatively far back and it is thus unable to walk very well. Usually 2 eggs are laid and the fluffy, striped young grebes are often carried on the adult's back. In a clutch of 2 or more hatchlings, male and female grebes will each identify their “favourites” which they alone will care for and teach. Unusually, young Great Crested Grebes are capable of swimming and diving almost at hatching. The adults teach these skills to their young by carrying them on their backs and diving, leaving the chicks to float on the surface. They then re-emerge a few feet away so that the chicks may swim back on to them. The Great Crested Grebe feeds mainly on fish but it will also eat small crustaceans, insects and small frogs and newts. The Great Crested Grebe was hunted almost to extinction in the UK in the 19th century due to being hunted for its head plumes which were used to decorate hats and ladies' undergarments. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was set up to help protect the Great Crested Grebe which is now again a common sight. Date: 16th March 2024 Location: EWT Abberton Reservoir, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23225860.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_310684718548d535a49e8b.jpgCattle Egret The Cattle Egret is a stocky white bird adorned with buff plumes in the breeding season. The easiest way to separate them from Little Egrets is by their short, yellow rather than long, black bills but Cattle Egrets are also smaller, stockier and more squat in shape with shorter, thicker necks and less elegant heads. The Cattle Egret is a cosmopolitan species of heron found in the tropics, subtropics and warm temperate zones. Originally native to parts of Asia, Africa and Europe, it has undergone a rapid expansion in its distribution and successfully colonised much of the rest of the world. Cattle Egrets breed and roost in trees usually close to fresh water and feed in shallow wetlands, especially rice-paddies, but also dry grasslands. They can often be seen feeding around cattle waiting to pick off disturbed insects, including riding on the backs of animals. Cattle Egrets are visiting the UK in increasing numbers and are most likely to be seen in the south of England and Wales. In winter 2007/08, a large influx of Cattle Egrets occurred in the UK, with the largest numbers in south-west England although birds did get as far north as Scotland. This influx led to the first ever pair breeding successfully in Somerset. Date: 8th December 2014 Location: Denge Marsh, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071726.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_105146021766433eb6ca153.jpgGreat Crested Grebes The Great Crested Grebe is the largest member of the grebe family measuring 18 to 20 inches in length with a wing span of 23 to 29 inches. It is a graceful bird with its long neck, long bill and slender outline. In summer, the adults of both sexes are unmistakable being adorned with beautiful head-plumes which are reddish-orange in colour with black tips. There is also an erectile black crown. Non-breeding adults lack the full crest and have a dark crown bordered by a white face, the white extending down the fore-neck and chest. The sexes are similar in appearance but juveniles can be distinguished from adults by having a striped black and white head and neck. The Great Crested Grebe can be found across Europe and Asia and it breeds on shallow, reed-fringed freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs and slow rivers. It is resident in the milder west of its range but it migrates from the colder regions of its range to freshwater lakes, reservoirs and sheltered coastal areas in winter. The Great Crested Grebe has an elaborate mating display. Like all grebes, it nests on the water's edge since its legs are set relatively far back and it is thus unable to walk very well. Usually 2 eggs are laid and the fluffy, striped young grebes are often carried on the adult's back. In a clutch of 2 or more hatchlings, male and female grebes will each identify their “favourites” which they alone will care for and teach. Unusually, young Great Crested Grebes are capable of swimming and diving almost at hatching. The adults teach these skills to their young by carrying them on their backs and diving, leaving the chicks to float on the surface. They then re-emerge a few feet away so that the chicks may swim back on to them. The Great Crested Grebe feeds mainly on fish but it will also eat small crustaceans, insects and small frogs and newts. The Great Crested Grebe was hunted almost to extinction in the UK in the 19th century due to being hunted for its head plumes which were used to decorate hats and ladies' undergarments. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was set up to help protect the Great Crested Grebe which is now again a common sight. Date: 7th May 2024 Location: RSPB Ham Wall, Somerset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23225871.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_572769010548d53acb181f.jpgCattle Egret The Cattle Egret is a stocky white bird adorned with buff plumes in the breeding season. The easiest way to separate them from Little Egrets is by their short, yellow rather than long, black bills but Cattle Egrets are also smaller, stockier and more squat in shape with shorter, thicker necks and less elegant heads. The Cattle Egret is a cosmopolitan species of heron found in the tropics, subtropics and warm temperate zones. Originally native to parts of Asia, Africa and Europe, it has undergone a rapid expansion in its distribution and successfully colonised much of the rest of the world. Cattle Egrets breed and roost in trees usually close to fresh water and feed in shallow wetlands, especially rice-paddies, but also dry grasslands. They can often be seen feeding around cattle waiting to pick off disturbed insects, including riding on the backs of animals. Cattle Egrets are visiting the UK in increasing numbers and are most likely to be seen in the south of England and Wales. In winter 2007/08, a large influx of Cattle Egrets occurred in the UK, with the largest numbers in south-west England although birds did get as far north as Scotland. This influx led to the first ever pair breeding successfully in Somerset. Date: 8th December 2014 Location: Denge Marsh, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25774124.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_889531354560fb7efcd0e9.jpgBlack Cuillin, Skye, Highland The Black Cuillin are a mountain range on Skye off the north west coast of Scotland and contain the highest concentration of mountains over 3000 feet high in the UK (20 summits exceed this height). The mountains are a memorable sight whether the weather is bright and sunny or grey and misty as it often is on Skye. Either way they have a unique presence and can be seen from miles around both on Skye and on the mainland. The mountains themselves are the preserve of experienced mountaineers and hillwalkers but the rest of us can enjoy classic views from Elgol and Sligachan and along Glenbrittle. [i]"Beyond the lochs of the blood of the children of men, Beyond the frailty of the plain and the labour of the mountain, Beyond poverty, consumption, fever, agony, Beyond hardship, wrong, tyranny, distress, Beyond misery, despair, hatred, treachery, Beyond guilt and defilement; watchful, Heroic, the Cuillin is seen Rising on the other side of sorrow."[/i] [b]Sorley Maclean[/b] - [i]"The Cuillin"[/i] Date: 25th September 2015 Location: view across Loch Scavaig from Elgol http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25774093.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_331576678560fb5a43471b.jpgBottlenose Dolphin The Bottlenose Dolphin is one of the most well-known species of dolphin. They have a stocky, torpedo-shaped body, a short beak and pointed flippers and are usually dark grey on the back with paler grey flanks and a white or pinkish belly. The sickle-shaped dorsal fin is tall and positioned centrally on the back. Variations in the shape of the dorsal fin along with scars and other markings on the skin can help researchers to identify individuals. The Bottlenose Dolphin is found in coastal waters of most temperate, tropical and subtropical areas. Around the UK, it occurs in the English Channel, in the Moray Firth in north-east Scotland and in Cardigan Bay in Wales. Although lone individuals do occur, Bottlenose Dolphins are very sociable animals which usually live in groups numbering between 10 and 100 individuals. They engage in much energetic behaviour, including breaching (clearing the water), lobtailing (slapping the tail flukes down onto the surface of the water) and bow-riding (riding the swell created in front of boats and even large whales). The Bottlenose Dolphin faces a number of threats including human disturbance, entanglement in fishing nets and hunting. Like all cetaceans, they are also vulnerable to chemical and noise pollution. The captivity industry that supplies the world aquarium trade is also a problem. The Bottlenose Dolphin is a UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority species and it is protected in UK waters by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Orders 1985. It is illegal to intentionally kill, injure, or harass any cetacean (whale or dolphin) species in UK waters. The Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans in the Baltic and North Seas (ASCOBANS), has been signed by 7 European Countries including the UK. Provision is made under this agreement to set up protected areas, promote research and monitoring, pollution control and increase public awareness. Under Annex II of the EC Habitats Directive, candidate marine Special Areas of Conservation (SACS) are being set up for this species in Cardigan Bay (Wales) and the Moray Firth (north-east Scotland). Date: 23rd September 2015 Location: Moray Firth (from Chanonry Point), Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071507.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13999890666643253eefac7.jpgMarsh Harrier The Marsh Harrier is the largest of the harrier species in the UK. It can be recognised by its long tail and light flight with wings held in a shallow “V” and is distinguishable from other harriers by its larger size, heavier build, broader wings and absence of white on the rump. The Marsh Harrier’s future in the UK is now more secure than at any time during the last century but historical declines and subsequent recovery means it is an Amber List species. Marsh Harriers are mainly found in reedbed and marshland habitat in eastern and south east England with others in north west and south-west England and in parts of Scotland. Elmley and Stodmarsh in Kent, Leighton Moss in Lancashire, Minsmere in Suffolk, Titchwell Marsh and Strumpshaw Fen in Norfolk, the Ouse and Nene Washes and Wicken Fen in Cambridgeshire, Blacktoft Sands in south Yorkshire are all reliable locations for Marsh Harriers. Date: 2nd May 2024 Location: RSPB Minsmere, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14160939.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11993525404f3e2f9620e03.jpgPainted Lady Flight period: April to October. The Painted Lady is a highly migratory butterfly which can be found almost throughout the UK although its numbers vary greatly from year to year. It is thought that the entire population dies each winter and re-colonisation through immigration occurs each spring. As a migrant, they can be found almost anywhere but do prefer dry, open areas. Date: 26th August 2007 Location: Stow Maries Halt EWT reserve, Stow Maries, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23806438.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11728973495512b283f3be3.jpgScaup The Greater Scaup, or just Scaup in Europe, is a medium sized diving duck in the genus [i]Aythya[/i]. The adult Scaup is 15 to 22 inches in length with a 28 to 33 inches wingspan and it is 20% heavier and 10% longer than the closely related Lesser Scaup. The adult male has a dark head with a green sheen, blue bill and yellow eyes, a glossy black neck, breast and tail, a light back, vermiculated grey lower flanks and a bright white belly. The upper wing has a white stripe starting as the speculum and extending along the flight feathers to the wingtip. The male is larger and has a more rounded head than the female. The adult female has a brown body and head, with white wing markings similar to those of the male but slightly duller. It has a white band and brown oval shaped patches at the base of the bill which is a slightly duller shade of blue than the male's. Juveniles look similar to adult females. The Scaup has a circumpolar distribution and it breeds within the Arctic Circle both in the Old World (the Palearctic) and in north America (the Nearctic). In the summer months it can be found in Alaska, Siberia and the northern parts of Europe. It is also found in Asia and is present in the Aleutian Islands all year round. The Scaup breeds in marshy lowland tundra and islands in fresh water lakes. Males have a soft, quick whistle which they use to attract the attention of females during courtship which takes place from late winter to early spring on the way back to their northern breeding grounds. The courtship is complex and results in the formation of monogamous pairs. Pairs nest in close proximity to each other in large colonies, usually near water, on an island or shoreline or on a raft of floating vegetation. The nest consists of a shallow depression made by the female and lined with her down. After the female lays the eggs, the male abandons the female and moves with other males to a large, isolated lake to moult. These lakes can be close to the breeding grounds or miles away. The female lays 6 to 9 eggs which she incubates for 24 to 28 days. Newly hatched chicks are covered with down and are soon able to walk, swim and feed themselves. However, they are not able to fly until 40 to 45 days after hatching and they follow their mother who protects them from predators. In the autumn, Scaup start their migration south for the winter. During the winter months it can be found in large flocks in coastal bays and estuaries along the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of north America, the coasts of north west Europe, the Caspian Sea, the Black Sea, the coast of Japan, the Yellow Sea and the East China Sea. In Europe, the Scaup breeds in Iceland, along the northern coasts of Scandinavia, in the Baltic Sea and in areas close to the Arctic Ocean in Russia. These birds spend the winter in the UK (primarily on estuaries in north England and central Scotland but also occasionally on lakes and reservoirs elsewhere), west Norway, south Sweden, the coast from Brittany in France to Poland, the eastern Adriatic Sea, the north and west Black Sea and the south west Caspian Sea. The Scaup dives up to 20 feet to obtain food which it then eats on the surface. It mainly eats molluscs, aquatic plants and aquatic insects. Although the Scaup faces numerous threats, the most significant challenge to their survival is habitat degradation caused by a mix of human development, run-off of organochloride contaminants and oil and sewage pollution. Since the 1980s, the population has been steadily decreasing although it still rated as a species of “least concern” by the IUCN. This bird was part of the captive collection at the WWT Wetland Centre. Date: 7th March 2015 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457639.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_115768828866857523e2bda.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28885483.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_203915501757cc31f4db39b.jpgSoomaa National Park, Estonia The Soomaa National Park (Soomaa means "land of bogs") is located about 20 miles east of Pärnu and it was established in 1993 to protect a wilderness of bogs, fens, wet mixed forests, wooded meadows and carrs. It is also included in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance. The territory of the Soomaa National Park is mostly covered with large bogs, separated from each other by the tributaries of the Pärnu river, namely the Navesti, Halliste, Raudna and Lemmjõgi rivers. Every spring the Pärnu river and its tributaries flood and vast areas are inundated. The flood has been called the “fifth season” in Soomaa. Much of the Soomaa National Park is very difficult to access but it can be partially explored by a network of dusty gravel tracks and a minor road between Jõesuu and Kildu. The Soomaa National Park supports a wide range of breeding birds and the floods attract large numbers of migrating wildfowl and waders. As a large wilderness area, Soomaa National Park is also home to numerous species of large mammals including Brown Bear, Wolf, Lynx, Beaver, Elk and Wild Boar. Date: 15th May 2016 Location: Tõramaa, Soomaa National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11481808.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11415556044e26a32023a71.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 1st June 2008 Location: Noss, Shetland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4088347.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5438996084b194613cebb6.jpgGreater Flamingos The Greater Flamingo is a largely pinkish-white bird but the wing coverts are red and the primary and secondary flight feathers are black. The bill is pink with a black tip and the legs are entirely pink. The Greater Flamingo is the most widespread species of the flamingo family and can be found in parts of Africa, southern Asia and southern Europe (including Spain, Sardinia, Albania, Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Portugal, and the Camargue region of France). Some populations are short distance migrants, and records north of the breeding range are relatively frequent. However, given the species' popularity in captivity, whether these are truly wild individuals is a matter of some debate. Date: 10th November 2009 Location: Delta de l’Ebre, Catalunya, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/wheatear-fledglings https://images.on-this.website/4752_8431995024c1dd36aa0ccf.jpgNorthern Wheatear fledglings The Northern Wheatear or Wheatear is a small passerine bird that was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family but is now more generally considered to be an Old World flycatcher. It is the most widespread member of the Wheatear genus in Europe and Asia. The English name has nothing to do with wheat or ears but is probably derived from the Middle English [i]whit ers[/i] meaning "white arse" and referring to the prominent white rump of many Wheatear species The Northern Wheatear is larger than the European Robin at 5.7 to 6.3 inches in length. Both sexes have a white rump and tail with a black inverted T-pattern at the end of the tail. The summer plumaged male has grey upperparts, buff throat and black wings and face mask. In autumn it resembles the female apart from the black wings. The female is pale brown above and buff below with darker brown wings. The Northern Wheatear makes one of the longest migratory flights of any small bird, crossing ocean, ice and desert. It migrates from sub-Saharan Africa in spring to breed in open rocky country, tundra, moorland, heaths and pastures over a vast area of the Northern Hemisphere that includes northern and central Asia, Europe, Greenland, Alaska and parts of Canada. In autumn it returns to winter in central Africa. In the UK, the Northern Wheatear is a summer visitor and passage migrant arriving in early March and leaving in September. It breeds mainly in western and northern Britain and western Ireland although smaller numbers also breed in southern and eastern England. The Northern Wheatear is primarily an insectivorous bird and feeds mostly on beetles, ants, caterpillars, grasshoppers, flies, etc. It also eats spiders, centipedes and snails and berries in the autumn. Date: 3rd June 2010 Location: Oldshoremore, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41623084.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18517970525f4d1df094f05.jpgLong-tailed Duck The Long-tailed Duck is a medium-sized sea duck. Adults have white underparts although the rest of the plumage goes through a complex moulting process. The male has a long pointed tail and a dark grey bill crossed by a pink band. In winter, the male has a dark cheek patch on a mainly white head and neck, a dark breast and mostly white body. In summer, the male is dark on the head, neck and back with a white cheek patch. The female has a brown back and a relatively short pointed tail. In winter, the female's head and neck are white with a dark crown. In summer, the head is dark. Juveniles resemble adult females in autumn plumage, though with a lighter, less distinct cheek patch. The Long-tailed Duck breeds in tundra pools and marshes but also along sea coasts and in large mountain lakes in north America, northern Europe and Russia. It is migratory and winters along the eastern and western coasts of north America, on the Great Lakes, coastal northern and western Europe and Asia. The most important wintering area is the Baltic Sea where a total of about 4.5 million gather. The Long-tailed Duck feeds by diving for molluscs, crustaceans and some small fish. Date: 6th July 2019 Location: near Gednje, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071503.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_164817168664323b4d3ced.jpgStonechat The (European) Stonechat is a small passerine bird that was long considered a member of the thrush family although genetic evidence has now placed it and its relatives in the Old World flycatcher family. Two weakly defined sub-species differing in colour intensity are currently accepted: hibernans found in north west Europe in Atlantic coastal areas, south west Norway, the UK, Ireland and north west France and rubicola found in the south and east of its range from Denmark south west to Spain and north Morocco, east to Poland and Ukraine and south east to Turkey. The (European) Stonechat is slightly smaller than the Robin. Both sexes have distinctively short wings, shorter than those of the more migratory Whinchat and Siberian Stonechat. The summer male has black upperparts, a black head, an orange throat and breast and a white belly and vent. It also has a white half-collar on the sides of its neck, a small white scapular patch on the wings and a very small white patch on the rump often streaked with black. The female has brown upperparts and head and no white neck patches, rump or belly. Instead these areas are streaked dark brown on paler brown, the only white being the scapular patch on the wings and even this often being buffy-white. The (European) Stonechat can often be seen perched on the tops of low bushes where, as its name suggests, it can be heard uttering a sharp loud call that sounds like stones being knocked together. The male's song is high and twittering like a Dunnock. The (European) Stonechat breeds in heathland, coastal dunes and rough grassland with scattered small shrubs and bramble, open gorse, tussocks or heather. It is a short-distance migrant or non-migratory, with part of the population, particularly from the north east of the range where winters are colder, moving to winter further south in Europe and north Africa. Date: 2nd May 2024 Location: Westleton Heath, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42222525.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5376224176023b68d73245.jpgRedwing The Redwing is most commonly encountered as a winter visitor and is the UK's smallest true thrush. The creamy stripe above the eye and the orange-red flank patches make it distinctive. Redwings arrive in the UK from September but most arrive in October and November. They leave again in March and April, although occasionally birds stay later including a few pairs to nest in northern Scotland. Redwings can be found across the UK's countryside feeding in fields and hedgerows and also in parks and gardens in the coldest weather when snow covers the fields. They often associate with flocks of Fieldfares, the other wintering thrush. Date: 9th January 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28885479.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_172372849257cc31dc4dd3e.jpgSoomaa National Park, Estonia The Soomaa National Park (Soomaa means "land of bogs") is located about 20 miles east of Pärnu and it was established in 1993 to protect a wilderness of bogs, fens, wet mixed forests, wooded meadows and carrs. It is also included in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance. The territory of the Soomaa National Park is mostly covered with large bogs, separated from each other by the tributaries of the Pärnu river, namely the Navesti, Halliste, Raudna and Lemmjõgi rivers. Every spring the Pärnu river and its tributaries flood and vast areas are inundated. The flood has been called the “fifth season” in Soomaa. Much of the Soomaa National Park is very difficult to access but it can be partially explored by a network of dusty gravel tracks and a minor road between Jõesuu and Kildu. The Soomaa National Park supports a wide range of breeding birds and the floods attract large numbers of migrating wildfowl and waders. As a large wilderness area, Soomaa National Park is also home to numerous species of large mammals including Brown Bear, Wolf, Lynx, Beaver, Elk and Wild Boar. Date: 15th May 2016 Location: Tõramaa, Soomaa National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/brambling https://images.on-this.website/4752_1787228608518cb064e167c.jpgBrambling The Brambling is a small passerine bird in the finch family and is similar in size and shape to a Chaffinch. Breeding-plumaged males are very distinctive, with a black head, dark upperparts, orange breast and white belly. Females and younger birds are less distinct and more similar in appearance to some Chaffinches. In all plumages, however, the Brambling differs from the Chaffinch in a number of features. The Brambling has a white rump whereas that of the Chaffinch is grey-green. The breast is orange contrasting with a white belly on the Brambling whereas on the Chaffinch the underparts are more uniformly coloured pink or buff. The Brambling's scapular feathers are orange whereas the Chaffinch's are grey or grey-brown. The flanks are dark-spotted on the Brambling but plain on the Chaffinch.The Brambling lacks the white outer tail feathers of the Chaffinch. An additional difference for all plumages except breeding plumaged males is the bill colour. It is yellow in the Brambling and dull pinkish in the Chaffinch. Breeding-plumaged male Bramblings have black bills whereas Chaffinches in the corresponding plumage have grey bills. The Brambling is widespread in the breeding season throughout the coniferous and birch forests of north Europe and Asia. It is a migrant and winters in central and south Europe, north Africa, north India, north Pakistan, China and Japan. In Europe, the Brambling forms large flocks in the winter, sometimes with thousands or even millions of birds in a single flock. Such large gatherings occur especially if beech mast is abundant. The Brambling does not require beech mast in the winter but flocks will move until they find it. This may be an adaptation to avoid competition with the Chaffinch. The Brambling arrives in the UK from mid-September and leaves again in March and April. It is a gregarious species and may form very large flocks often associating with Chaffinches. It can be found in beech woodlands, farmland fields near woods and also in some gardens. Date: 1st April 2013 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42222526.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17320561076023b68f9109b.jpgRedwing The Redwing is most commonly encountered as a winter visitor and is the UK's smallest true thrush. The creamy stripe above the eye and the orange-red flank patches make it distinctive. Redwings arrive in the UK from September but most arrive in October and November. They leave again in March and April, although occasionally birds stay later including a few pairs to nest in northern Scotland. Redwings can be found across the UK's countryside feeding in fields and hedgerows and also in parks and gardens in the coldest weather when snow covers the fields. They often associate with flocks of Fieldfares, the other wintering thrush. Date: 9th January 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13683313.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17378771024ed72cf8f3767.jpgRoe Deer The Roe Deer is a small deer which has a white to buff patch on their rump, a black nose and “moustache” and a white chin. Its coat varies from sandy to reddish-brown in the summer to grey-brown or even black in winter. The antlers, which have no more than 3 points and are less than 10 inches in length, grow in winter and are shed in the autumn. The Roe Deer is found throughout Europe but it is absent from Ireland, much of Portugal, Greece and large parts of England and Wales. Roe Deer became extinct in most of England during the 18th century but they were reintroduced in the 19th century. The Roe Deer lives mainly in woodland where there are open patches of ground and access to the edges of fields and it feeds on grasses and the leaves of young broad-leaved trees and bushes. Both male and female Roe Deer are usually solitary and highly territorial with clearly defined boundaries which they scent mark. The Roe Deer has very good senses of smell, hearing and vision. When alarmed, it makes a characteristic barking noise. Roe Deer mate in July and August and fawns are born in the following spring. Many fawns die during their first year due to heavy predation by foxes. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/juvenile-black-headed-gull https://images.on-this.website/4752_9497431626117e0c5eca44.jpgJuvenile Black-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 5th July 2021 Location: RSPB Old Moor, Dearne Valley, South Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13797187.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_411137674ee9bf95cb276.jpgBottlenose Dolphin The Bottlenose Dolphin is one of the most well-known species of dolphin. They have a stocky, torpedo-shaped body, a short beak and pointed flippers and are usually dark grey on the back with paler grey flanks and a white or pinkish belly. The sickle-shaped dorsal fin is tall and positioned centrally on the back. Variations in the shape of the dorsal fin along with scars and other markings on the skin can help researchers to identify individuals. The Bottlenose Dolphin is found in coastal waters of most temperate, tropical and subtropical areas. Around the UK, it occurs in the English Channel, in the Moray Firth in north-east Scotland and in Cardigan Bay in Wales. Although lone individuals do occur, Bottle-nosed Dolphins are very sociable animals which usually live in groups numbering between 10 and 100 individuals. They engage in much energetic behaviour, including breaching (clearing the water), lobtailing (slapping the tail flukes down onto the surface of the water) and bow-riding (riding the swell created in front of boats and even large whales). The Bottlenose Dolphin faces a number of threats including human disturbance, entanglement in fishing nets and hunting. Like all cetaceans, they are also vulnerable to chemical and noise pollution. The captivity industry that supplies the world aquarium trade is also a problem. The Bottlenose Dolphin is a UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority species and it is protected in UK waters by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Orders 1985. It is illegal to intentionally kill, injure, or harass any cetacean (whale or dolphin) species in UK waters. The Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans in the Baltic and North Seas (ASCOBANS), has been signed by 7 European Countries including the UK. Provision is made under this agreement to set up protected areas, promote research and monitoring, pollution control and increase public awareness. Under Annex II of the EC Habitats Directive, candidate marine Special Areas of Conservation (SACS) are being set up for this species in Cardigan Bay (Wales) and the Moray Firth (north-east Scotland). Date: 6th August 2006 Location: River Thames, Canvey Island, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/snfellsjkull-west-iceland https://images.on-this.website/4752_1160305450561cd20a132fd.jpgSnæfellsjökull, Snæfellsnes peninsula, west Iceland Snæfellsjökull at 4744 feet high is a 700,000 year-old stratovolcano with a glacier covering its summit situated on the most western part of the Snæfellsnes peninsula in west Iceland. The name of the mountain is actually Snæfell but it is normally called Snæfellsjökull to distinguish it from two other mountains with this name. Snæfellsjökull is regarded as one of the symbols of Iceland and it can be seen on clear days from Reykjavík, a distance of about 75 miles. Snæfellsjökull is also known as the setting of the novel <i>"Journey to the Centre of the Earth"</i> by the French author Jules Verne. The area surrounding Snæfellsjökull has been designated as a National Park by the Iceland Government. It is Iceland’s only National Park to extend to the seashore and it covers an area of 65 square miles. Date: 6th June 2015 Location: view from road 54 near Hellissandur http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29487060.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_170197311658107d9233fcb.jpgGoldeneye The Goldeneye is a medium-sized diving duck, named for its golden-yellow eye. Adult males have a dark head with a greenish gloss and a circular white patch below the eye, a dark back and a white neck and belly. Adult females have a brown head and a mostly grey body. The Goldeneye breeds on the lakes and in the rivers of boreal forests in Scandinavia, Canada, north USA and north Russia. Naturally it will nest in cavities in large trees but it will also readily use nestboxes put up on trees close to water. This has enabled a healthy breeding population to establish in the Scottish Highlands from 1970 where it is increasing and slowly spreading. The Goldeneye is migratory and most winter in protected coastal waters or open inland waters at more temperate latitudes. The Goldeneye forages by diving underwater for crustaceans, aquatic insects and molluscs. Insects are the predominant prey while nesting and crustaceans are the predominant prey during migration and winter. Date: 23rd May 2016 Location: Wild Brown Bear Centre, near Vartius, Kainuu, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13683354.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17235694304ed733a224bc1.jpgTawny Owl The Tawny Owl is an owl about the size of a pigeon. It has a rounded body and head with a ring of dark feathers around its face surrounding the dark eyes. It is mainly reddish brown above and paler underneath. The Tawny Owl can be found all year round in the UK and it is a widespread breeding species. Birds are mainly residents with established pairs probably never leaving their territories. Young birds disperse from breeding grounds in autumn. The Tawny Owl is nocturnal so it is often heard calling at night but much less often seen. In the daytime, you may see one only if you disturb it inadvertently from its roost site in woodland. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29487208.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_47030879958107e53cceec.jpgCommon Gull The Common Gull is a medium-sized gull. The north American subspecies is commonly referred to as the Mew Gull although that name is also used by some authorities for the whole species. The Common Gull is noticeably smaller and more gentle looking than the Herring Gull. It is grey above and white below with greenish-yellow legs. It has black wingtips with large white "mirrors". Young birds have scaly black-brown upperparts and a neat wing pattern and grey legs and take 2 to 3 years to reach maturity. In winter, the head is streaked grey and the bill often has a poorly defined blackish band near the tip which is sometimes sufficiently obvious to cause confusion with the Ring-billed Gull. The call is a high-pitched "laughing" cry. The Common Gull breeds colonially near water or in marshes in north Europe, north west north America and north Asia. It is most numerous in Europe with over half (possibly as much as 80 to 90%) of the world population. In the UK, the Common Gull can be found in summer along the coasts and inland marshes and lakes of Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England. Elsewhere in England and Wales, it can be found in winter on farmland, on marshes and lakes and on the coast. Date: 29th May 2016 Location: South Harbour, Helsinki, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071704.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17962402916643397e3420c.jpgWillow Warbler The Willow Warbler is one of the Phylloscopus leaf warblers. It is greenish brown above and off-white to yellowish below and the wings are plain greenish-brown with no wing bars. Juveniles are yellower below than the adults. The Willow Warbler is very similar to the Chiffchaff but non-singing birds can be distinguished from that species by their paler pinkish-yellow legs (dark brown to blackish in Chiffchaff), longer paler bill, more elegant shape and longer primary projection (wingtip). The Willow Warbler is very common and widespread and breeds throughout northern and temperate Europe and Asia from Ireland east to the Anadyr River basin in eastern Siberia. The highest population densities are found in Scandinavia (where it is often the commonest bird) but lower densities occur further east and south in its range. In England, it has on average decreased in population by 70% within the last 25 years with the biggest declines in the south east. In Scotland, some increases in the population have occurred. The Willow Warbler is strongly migratory with almost all of the population wintering in sub-Saharan Africa during October to March. It is one of the first warblers to return in the spring from mid March to mid May although this is later than the closely related Chiffchaff. The Willow Warbler can be found in open, scrubby woodlands with small trees such as birch, alder and willow, including human-altered habitats such as coppice and young plantations up to 10 to 20 years old. The nest is usually built in close contact with the ground, often in low vegetation such as bracken, mosses and bramble The Willow Warbler is insectivorous and eats a wide variety of small insects and spiders but additionally fruit and berries in the autumn. Date: 5th May 2024 Location: RWT Gilfach, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230747.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2017315264649171a881943.jpgWood Warbler The Wood Warbler is a typical leaf warbler in appearance, green above and white below with a lemon-yellow breast. It can be distinguished from similar species, like the Chiffchaff and the Willow Warbler by its yellow supercilium, throat and upper breast, pale tertial edges, longer primary projection and by its shorter but broader tail. The Wood Warbler is common and widespread and breeds throughout north and temperate Europe and just into the extreme west of Asia in the south Ural Mountains. It is strongly migratory and the entire population winters in tropical Africa. The Wood Warbler can be found in open but shady mature woodlands, such as beech and sessile oak, with some sparse ground cover for nesting. The dome-shaped nest is built near the ground in low shrub. The Wood Warbler is a declining summer visitor to the UK and can be seen from April to August. Unlike much of the population in Europe which is found in forested lowlands, the UK population is predominantly found in upland oak woods in the west with the highest densities in the oak woods Wales. The Wood Warbler has 2 song types which are often given alternatively: a high-pitched fluid metallic trill of increasing tempo (often described as a spinning coin on a marble slab) and a series of 3 to 5 descending piping notes of lower pitch. During the former, the bird’s body shudders and shivers as it delivers the song and there are frequent song flights between different branches. Date: 14th May 2023 Location: RSPB Carngafallt, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41505235.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5187973975f37b32c061d1.jpgLapland Bunting The Lapland Bunting, also known as the Lapland Longspur, is a passerine bird in the longspur family ([i]Calcariidae[/i]), a group generally separated from the finches ([i]Fringillidae[/i]). The name longspur refers to the long claw on the hind toe of each foot. The breeding male Lapland Bunting has a black head and throat, white eyestripe, chestnut nape, white underparts, a heavily streaked black-grey back and a thick yellow bill. Other plumages have a plainer orange-brown head, a browner back and chestnut nape and wing panels. During the summer, the Lapland Bunting can be found across Arctic Europe and in Canada and the northernmost parts of the USA where it breeds in wet areas with birch or willow and on bare mountains. It is a migratory bird, wintering in the Russian steppes, south USA, north Scandinavia and down to coastal south Sweden, Denmark and other parts of coastal west Europe. In the UK, the Lapland Bunting is occasionally seen in north Scotland in summer although small numbers are seen more regularly in autumn and winter along the east coast from East Lothian to Kent. The coasts of Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and north Norfolk usually hold the most birds. During winter, it often feeds in mixed species flocks. The Lapland Bunting eats mostly insects during the summer and seeds during the winter. Date: 3rd July 2019 Location: Komagdalen, Varangerhalvøya National Park, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533662.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_136563790062ca8f94e7753.jpgMarsh Harrier The Marsh Harrier is the largest of the harrier species in the UK. It can be recognised by its long tail and light flight with wings held in a shallow “V” and is distinguishable from other harriers by its larger size, heavier build, broader wings and absence of white on the rump. The Marsh Harrier’s future in the UK is now more secure than at any time during the last century but historical declines and subsequent recovery means it is an Amber List species. Marsh Harriers are mainly found in reedbed and marshland habitat in eastern and south east England with others in north west and south-west England and in parts of Scotland. Elmley and Stodmarsh in Kent, Leighton Moss in Lancashire, Minsmere in Suffolk, Titchwell Marsh and Strumpshaw Fen in Norfolk, the Ouse and Nene Washes and Wicken Fen in Cambridgeshire, Blacktoft Sands in south Yorkshire are all reliable locations for Marsh Harriers. Date: 26th June 2022 Location: RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41176238.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15864675535e941068c18b2.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 7th April 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50809813.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1239632831660bd81379ebb.jpgThe Blue Tit is a small passerine bird in the tit family. It is easily recognisable by its generally blue and yellow plumage and its small size. The Blue Tit is about 4.7 inches long with a wingspan of 7.1 inches. It has an azure blue crown and a dark blue line passing through the eye and encircling the white cheeks to the chin, giving the bird a very distinctive appearance. The forehead and a bar on the wing are white. The nape, wings and tail are blue and the back is yellowish green. The underparts are mostly sulphur-yellow with a dark line down the abdomen. The bill is black and the legs bluish grey. The sexes are similar whilst young birds are noticeably more yellow. The Blue Tit is very agile and it can cling to the outermost branches and hang upside down when searching for food such as insects, caterpillars and seeds. The Blue Tit can be found throughout areas of the European continent with a mainly temperate or Mediterranean climate and in parts of the Middle East. In the UK it is common in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens and widespread across the whole of the country with the exception of some Scottish islands. The Blue Tit will nest in any suitable hole in a tree, wall or stump, often competing with other birds such as the House Sparrow or Great Tit for the site. In addition, it will readily accept an artificial nesting box. The same hole is returned to year after year and when one pair dies another takes possession. The nesting material is usually moss, wool, hair and feathers and the eggs are laid in April or May. The number in the clutch is often very large but 7 or 8 is normal. It is not unusual for a single bird to feed the chicks in the nest at a rate of one feed every 90 seconds during the height of the breeding season. Successful breeding is dependent on a sufficient supply of caterpillars as well as satisfactory weather. Breeding may be affected badly if the weather is cold and wet between May and July, particularly if this coincides with the emergence of the caterpillars on which the nestlings are fed. The small size of the Blue Tit makes it vulnerable to predation by larger birds and the typical lifespan is 3 years or less. The most significant predator is probably the Sparrowhawk, closely followed by the domestic cat. Nests may also be robbed by mammals such as the Weasel and Red and Grey Squirrels. Date: 1st April 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453918.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1008440254ff5455fa3f83.jpgGriffon Vultures The Griffon Vulture is a typical Old World vulture in appearance with a white bald head, very broad wings and short tail feathers. It has a white neck ruff and yellow bill. The buff body and wing coverts contrast with the dark flight feathers. They are very large birds around 37 to 43 inches long with a 91 to 106 inches wingspan. Like other vultures, the Griffon Vulture is a scavenger, feeding mostly from carcasses of dead animals which it finds by soaring over open areas, often moving in flocks. The population is mostly resident in its breeding range in the mountains of southern Europe, north Africa, and Asia. In Spain, there are tens of thousands of birds from a low of a few thousand around 1980 although the Pyrenees population has apparently been affected by an EU ruling that due to danger of BSE transmission, no carcasses must be left on the fields for the time being. Although the Griffon Vulture does not normally attack larger living prey, there are reports of Spanish Griffon Vultures killing weak, young or unhealthy living animals as they do not find enough carrion to eat. Date: 27th April 2012 Location: Location: Portilla del Tiétar, Parque Nacional de Monfragüe, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26030700.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_171959124356376826d87ca.jpgWhooper Swans The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 2nd June 2015 Location: Lake Mývatn area, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40755804.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15404779285e20442a4b284.jpgLauwersmeer National Park, Friesland Province, Netherlands The River Lauwers forms part of the east-west border between the provinces of Friesland and Groningen in the Netherlands and it flows from south to north in to the Waddenzee. The Lauwersmeer is its estuary which is connected to the sea via a sluice at Lauwersoog. In May 1969, the Lauwerszee was enclosed by dikes and a dam which separated it from the Waddenzee and since then it has been called the Lauwersmeer. The Lauwersmeer gradually became a freshwater lake landscape and new flora and fauna appeared. To protect this new and young nature area, the Lauwersmeer became a national park in November 2003. The Lauwersmeer National Park, bordering the world heritage site of the Waddenzee, is one of the Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) of western Europe. It is home to over 100 species of birds that breed in its water, forests and grasslands plus huge flocks of wintering geese and ducks of various species. The Lauwersmeer National Park offers various hiking opportunities as well as stunning views and bird watching hides. The International Dark Sky Association named Lauwersmeer National Park an official Dark Sky Park in October 2016. This designation is particularly special since light pollution in the Netherlands is ranked high on the global scale. Only one other location can be found in the Netherlands: the Boschplaat on Terschelling received the Dark Sky Park designation in 2015. Date: 9th December 2019 Location: Lauwersmeer National Park, Friesland Province, Netherlands http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40755803.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_647476155e20442713cb0.jpgLauwersmeer National Park, Friesland Province, Netherlands The River Lauwers forms part of the east-west border between the provinces of Friesland and Groningen in the Netherlands and it flows from south to north in to the Waddenzee. The Lauwersmeer is its estuary which is connected to the sea via a sluice at Lauwersoog. In May 1969, the Lauwerszee was enclosed by dikes and a dam which separated it from the Waddenzee and since then it has been called the Lauwersmeer. The Lauwersmeer gradually became a freshwater lake landscape and new flora and fauna appeared. To protect this new and young nature area, the Lauwersmeer became a national park in November 2003. The Lauwersmeer National Park, bordering the world heritage site of the Waddenzee, is one of the Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) of western Europe. It is home to over 100 species of birds that breed in its water, forests and grasslands plus huge flocks of wintering geese and ducks of various species. The Lauwersmeer National Park offers various hiking opportunities as well as stunning views and bird watching hides. The International Dark Sky Association named Lauwersmeer National Park an official Dark Sky Park in October 2016. This designation is particularly special since light pollution in the Netherlands is ranked high on the global scale. Only one other location can be found in the Netherlands: the Boschplaat on Terschelling received the Dark Sky Park designation in 2015. Date: 9th December 2019 Location: Lauwersmeer National Park, Friesland Province, Netherlands http://www.richardchewphotography.com/bumblebee-species https://images.on-this.website/4752_2040076446614f0db2ac6e8.jpgBumblebee species Date: 27th August 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26030031.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_49667127956375f18227b6.jpgGoðafoss, north east Iceland Goðafoss (Icelandic: waterfall of the gods) is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Iceland. It is located in the Bárðardalur district of north east Iceland at the beginning of the Sprengisandur highland road. The water of the Skjálfandafljót river falls from a height of 40 feet over a width of 98 feet and the waterfall is segmented into 2 main components whilst forming an arcing semi-horseshoe shape. In the year 999 or 1000 the Lawspeaker Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði made Christianity the official religion of Iceland. After his conversion it is said that upon returning from the Alþingi, Þorgeir threw his statues of the Norse gods into the waterfall. Þorgeir's story is preserved in Ari Þorgilsson's Íslendingabók (Icelandic: Book of Icelanders), a historical work dealing with early Icelandic history. Date: 2nd June 2015 Location: view from the west bank of the Skjálfandafljót river http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41389663.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5788488855f269478b67e4.jpgVarangerfjord, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway The Varanger peninsula is situated in Troms og Finnmark in the extreme north east of Norway. With an area of 800 square miles, it is the largest area within the Arctic climate zone in mainland Norway and is bordered by Tanafjord to the west, Varangerfjord to the south and the Barents Sea to the north and east. The area has a rugged mountain terrain with altitudes up to 2077 feet and it has an Arctic tundra climate. The coast of the Varanger peninsula is an important area for breeding, migrating and wintering birds, especially some notable Arctic species. The Norwegian Directorate for Nature Management has a project on the Varanger peninsula to reintroduce and protect the Arctic Fox which is critically endangered on the Norwegian mainland. The Varangerhalvøya National Park (Norwegian: [I]Varangerhalvøya Nasjonalpark[/I]) lies to the west of road Fv341 and protects a majority of the land on the Varanger peninsula. Varangerfjord is the easternmost fjord in Norway and is located between the Varanger peninsula and the mainland of Norway. Varangerfjord flows through the municipalities of Vardø, Vadsø, Nesseby and Sør-Varanger. The fjord is approximately 62 miles long and empties in to the Barents Sea. The mouth is about 43 miles wide and is located between the town of Vardø in the north west and the village of Grense Jakobselv in the south east. The fjord stretches westwards inland past the town of Vadsø to the village of Varangerbotn in Nesseby municipality. Date: 1st July 2019 Location: view from road Fv355 to Bugøynes, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9681722.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15990195444db7f2484e8b5.jpgShoveler The Northern Shoveler, known simply as the Shoveler in the UK, is a common and widespread dabbling duck. The Shoveler is unmistakable due to its large spatulate bill. The breeding male has an iridescent dark green head, white breast and chestnut belly and flanks. In flight, pale blue forewing feathers are revealed which are separated from the green speculum by a white border. In early autumn the male has a white crescent on each side of the face. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male resembles the female. The female is a drab mottled brown with plumage much like a female Mallard but easily distinguished by the long broad bill which is grey tinged with orange on the cutting edge and lower mandible. The female's forewing is grey. The Shoveler can be found in open wetlands, such as wet grassland or marshes with some emergent vegetation, in northern areas of Europe and Asia and across most of north America. It winters in south Europe, Africa, the Indian sub-continent, south east Asia and central and northern south America. In the UK, the Shoveler breeds primarily in south and east England and in much smaller numbers in Scotland and west England. In winter, breeding birds move south and there is additionally an influx of continental birds from further north. The UK is home to more than 20% of the north west European population. The Shoveler prefers to nest in grassy areas away from open water. The nest is a shallow depression on the ground lined with plant material and down. Females typically lay about 9 eggs. The males are very territorial during the breeding season and will defend their territory and partners from competing males. Males also engage in elaborate courtship behaviours both on the water and in the air. The Shoveler feeds by dabbling for plant food, often by swinging its bill from side to side and using the bill to strain food from the water. It uses its highly specialized bill (from which their name is derived) to forage for aquatic invertebrates. Date: 25th April 2011 Location: Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28886172.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_153179782657cc3913799ce.jpgHooded Crow The Hooded Crow is a member of the crow family. It is locally known as a “hoodie” in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Except for the head, throat, wings, tail and thigh feathers, which are black and mostly glossy, the plumage is ash-grey, the dark shafts giving it a streaky appearance. The bill and legs are black. The male is the larger bird, otherwise the sexes are alike. The Hooded Crow, with its contrasting greys and blacks, can not be confused with either the Carrion Crow or Rook, both of which are predominantly black. However, the Hooded Crow is so similar in morphology and habits to the Carrion Crow that for many years it was considered to be a geographical race of a single species. Hybridization observed where their ranges overlapped added weight to this view. However, since 2002 the Hooded Crow has been elevated to full species status after closer observation. The Hooded Crow is widely distributed and can be found across north, east and south east Europe as well as parts of the Middle East. In the UK, the Hooded Crow can be found in north and west Scotland and on the Isle of Man where it replaces the Carrion Crow. Outside the breeding season it occurs across its breeding range and can sometimes be seen in east Scotland and east England. Like other corvids, the Hooded Crow is an omnivorous and opportunistic forager and scavenger and will feed on small mammals and birds, eggs, molluscs, scraps and carrion. Date: 11th May 2016 Location: Matsalu National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/great-bustard https://images.on-this.website/4752_15065109694ff544dc2ec4d.jpgGreat Bustard The male Great Bustard is possibly the heaviest bird capable of flight. An adult male typically is over 3 to 3 ½ feet long with a 7 to 8 feet wingspan An adult male is brown above and white below with a long grey neck and head. The breast and lower neck sides are chestnut. In the breeding season, the male has long white neck bristles. In flight, the long wings show large areas of white. The female is around 30% smaller and lighter than the male. The Great Bustard breeds in southern and central Europe where it is the largest species of bird and across temperate Asia. European populations are mainly resident but Asian birds move further south in winter. Sizeable populations exist in Hungary, Portugal, Slovakia, Russia and Spain but the species is declining due to habitat loss throughout its range. The Great Bustard was formerly found in the south of the UK but was hunted out of existence by the 1840s. In 2004 a reintroduction to Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire using eggs taken from Saratov in Russia was undertaken by The Great Bustard Group, a UK registered charity that aims to establish a self-sustaining population of Great Bustards in the UK. Before mating, the males moult into their breeding plumage around January. Like other bustards, the male Great Bustard has a flamboyant display showing much white, mainly from the undertail, and withdrawing the head. The Great Bustard breeds in March and a single male may mate with up to 5 females. The Great Bustard is usually found in open grassland although it can also be found on undisturbed cultivation. It has a stately slow walk and tends to run when disturbed rather than fly. It is gregarious, especially in winter. Date: 26th April 2012 Location: La Serena, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51334380.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10096064676676e3c31782d.jpgHeath Fritillary Flight period: June to July. The Heath Fritillary is at the north west extreme of its range in the southern UK and its numbers have greatly reduced this century due to changes in woodland management. It is now one of our rarest and most localised butterflies and can only be found at a few sites in Essex and Kent and in south west England. In Essex and Kent, they can be found in coppiced woodland with acid soils where Common Cow Wheat, the preferred foodplant, is available. On Exmoor they favour sheltered combes (valleys) and in Devon and Cornwall abandoned hay meadows are preferred. Detailed study has determined the Heath Fritillary’s precise habitat requirements and its future in the UK depends on deliberate conservation and habitat management. Date: 20th June 2024 Location: EWT Pound Wood, Hadleigh, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51982689.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_34598394866d33d27b0ace.jpgSmall Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Small Skipper has a rusty orange colour to the wings, upper body and the tips of the antennae. The body is silvery white below and it has a wingspan of 25 to 30 mm. It is very similar in appearance to the Essex Skipper but the undersides of the tips of the antennae are yellow orange in the Small Skipper whereas they are black in the Essex Skipper. The Small Skipper is a common and widespread butterfly in most parts of England and has been expanding its range northwards. It can be found in rough grassland, roadside verges, edges of fields and woodland clearings where it is often seen basking on vegetation or making short buzzing flights among tall grass stems. Date: 19th July 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41824231.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_466489515f6b4ae64fc49.jpgWall Flight period: May to September The Wall was once widely distributed throughout England, Wales, Northern Ireland and south Scotland. However over the last decade, it has declined substantially and it is now confined to primarily coastal regions and has been lost from many sites in central, east and south east England. The Wall favours short, open, unimproved grassland where turf is broken or stony. It is also found on dunes and other coastal habitats as well as disused quarries, derelict land, farm tracks, railway embankments and cuttings, gardens, hedgerows and field edges. The Wall is aptly named after its habit of basking on walls, rocks and stony places. The delicately patterned light brown undersides provide good camouflage against a stony or sandy surface. Date: 15th September 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14247091.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20715792434f4e0425a8ebf.jpgTufted Duck The Tufted Duck is a medium-sized diving duck. Males are black on the head, neck, breast and back and white on the sides with a small crest and a yellow eye. Females are browner in colour. Tufted Ducks breed in the UK across the lowland areas of England, Scotland and Ireland but less commonly in Wales. Numbers increase in the UK in winter due to birds moving to the UK from Iceland and northern Europe. Tufted Ducks can be found all year round in suitable habitats such as a reservoirs, gravel pits or lakes. Date: 25th February 2012 Location: Rye Meads RSPB reserve, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801124.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_51422976264edace9134be.jpgAvocet The (Pied) Avocet is a large black and white wader in the avocet and stilt family. It is one of 4 species of avocet that make up the genus Recurvirostra. The genus name is from the Latin recurvus meaning "curved backwards" and rostrum meaning "bill". The Avocet is a striking white wader with bold black markings. Adults have white plumage except for a black cap and black patches in the wings and on the back. They have long, upturned bills and long, bluish legs. Males and females look alike whilst juveniles resemble the adult but with more greyish and sepia tones. The Avocet breeds in temperate Europe and western and central Asia. The breeding habitat is shallow lakes with brackish water and exposed bare mud where they build a nest on open ground in a lined scrape or on a mound of vegetation. The Avocet is a migratory species and most winter in Africa or southern Asia. Some remain to winter in the mildest parts of their range such as in southern Spain and southern England. The Avocet feeds on crustaceans and insects in shallow brackish water or on mud flats, often scything their bills from side to side in water (a feeding technique that is unique to the avocet species). The Avocet was extinct as a breeding species in the UK by 1840 but its successful recolonisation at Minsmere in Suffolk in 1947 led to its adoption as the logo of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Date: 17th July 2023 Location: RSPB Frampton Marsh, near Boston, Lincolnshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308875.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_152585368863ee380b6cf6b.jpgGadwall The Gadwall is one of the most common and widespread dabbling ducks. The breeding male is patterned grey with a black rear end, light chestnut wings and a brilliant white speculum which is obvious in flight or at rest. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female but retains the male wing pattern and is usually greyer above and has less orange on the bill. The female is light brown with plumage much like a female Mallard. It can be distinguished from that species by the dark orange-edged bill, smaller size, the white speculum and white belly. The Gadwall breeds in north Europe and Asia and central north America and appears to be expanding into eastern north America. It is a bird of open wetlands and lakes, wet grassland or marshes with dense fringing vegetation and it nests on the ground, often some distance from water. In the UK, the Gadwall is a scarce breeding bird on some lakes and gravel pits in the Midlands, south east England, eastern central Scotland, eastern Northern Ireland and south east Wales. In winter, numbers increase as birds migrate to spend the winter in the UK on gravel pits, lakes, reservoirs and coastal wetlands. Date: 21st January 2022 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801042.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_210739747364eda26887671.jpgEssex Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Essex Skipper is a small butterfly with a darting flight. It has bright orange-brown wings which are held with the forewings angled above the hind wings. The males have a thin black scent brand line running through the centre of the forewing and parallel to the leading edge. The Small Skipper appears very similar but it lacks the black tips to the antenna and it has a longer scent brand which is angled to the edge of the forewing. Since the Essex Skipper and the Small Skipper closely resemble each other and are often found in the same company, the Essex Skipper has been overlooked both in terms of recording and ecological study and it was the last UK resident species to be described (in 1889). The Essex Skipper can be found in tall, dry grasslands in open sunny situations, especially roadside verges, woodland rides and acid grasslands as well as coastal marshes. The distribution of the Essex Skipper in the UK has more than doubled in the last few decades. It is a widespread species in southern and central England but not in the far south-west. Date: 8th July 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48483020.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1682538379640a401551a90.jpgBlue Tit The Blue Tit is a small passerine bird in the tit family. It is easily recognisable by its generally blue and yellow plumage and its small size. The Blue Tit is about 4.7 inches long with a wingspan of 7.1 inches. It has an azure blue crown and a dark blue line passing through the eye and encircling the white cheeks to the chin, giving the bird a very distinctive appearance. The forehead and a bar on the wing are white. The nape, wings and tail are blue and the back is yellowish green. The underparts are mostly sulphur-yellow with a dark line down the abdomen. The bill is black and the legs bluish grey. The sexes are similar whilst young birds are noticeably more yellow. The Blue Tit is very agile and it can cling to the outermost branches and hang upside down when searching for food such as insects, caterpillars and seeds. The Blue Tit can be found throughout areas of the European continent with a mainly temperate or Mediterranean climate and in parts of the Middle East. In the UK it is common in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens and widespread across the whole of the country with the exception of some Scottish islands. The Blue Tit will nest in any suitable hole in a tree, wall or stump, often competing with other birds such as the House Sparrow or Great Tit for the site. In addition, it will readily accept an artificial nesting box. The same hole is returned to year after year and when one pair dies another takes possession. The nesting material is usually moss, wool, hair and feathers and the eggs are laid in April or May. The number in the clutch is often very large but 7 or 8 is normal. It is not unusual for a single bird to feed the chicks in the nest at a rate of one feed every 90 seconds during the height of the breeding season. Successful breeding is dependent on a sufficient supply of caterpillars as well as satisfactory weather. Breeding may be affected badly if the weather is cold and wet between May and July, particularly if this coincides with the emergence of the caterpillars on which the nestlings are fed. The small size of the Blue Tit makes it vulnerable to predation by larger birds and the typical lifespan is 3 years or less. The most significant predator is probably the Sparrowhawk, closely followed by the domestic cat. Nests may also be robbed by mammals such as the Weasel and Red and Grey Squirrels. Date: 1st February 2023 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493278.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19968298105f326f604fd4a.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48482992.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1048441276640a3ffcea48e.jpgGreenfinch The European Greenfinch, or simply the Greenfinch, is a small passerine bird in the finch. There are 10 recognised sub-species reflecting its widespread range, including the British Greenfinch found in the UK (except north Scotland) and Ireland and the Northern European Greenfinch found in north Scotland, north and central France and Scandinavia to west Siberia. The Greenfinch is similar in size and shape to a House Sparrow but it is mainly green with yellow in the wings and tail. The female and young birds are duller and have brown tones on the back. The bill is thick and conical. The song contains a lot of trilling twitters interspersed with wheezes and the male has a "butterfly" display flight. The Greenfinch is widespread throughout Europe, north Africa and south west Asia where it is mainly resident although some of the most northern populations migrate further south in autumn and winter. It has also been introduced into Australia, New Zealand, Uruguay and Argentina. The Greenfinch can be found around woodland edges, in farmland hedges and in gardens with relatively thick vegetation favoured for breeding. It can form large flocks outside the breeding season, sometimes mixing with other groups of finches and buntings. In the UK, the Greenfinch is widespread and relatively common (although a sharp decline in the population in recent years has been noted due to an outbreak of trichomonosis, a parasite-induced disease which prevents the birds from feeding properly) and it is only absent from upland areas without trees and bushes. The breeding season occurs in spring and early summer, commencing in the second half of March with the young fledging in early July. Incubation of the eggs is undertaken by the female and lasts about 13 to 14 days with the male feeding her at the nest during this period. The chicks are fed on insect larvae by both adults during the first few days and thereafter by a frequently regurgitated yellowish paste made of seeds. The chicks leave the nest about 13 days later but they are unable to fly. The Greenfinch usually produces 2 or 3 broods per year. The Greenfinch predominantly feeds on seeds but it will also take berries and nuts. Date: 1st February 2023 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48483021.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1010892820640a401617b23.jpgBlue Tit The Blue Tit is a small passerine bird in the tit family. It is easily recognisable by its generally blue and yellow plumage and its small size. The Blue Tit is about 4.7 inches long with a wingspan of 7.1 inches. It has an azure blue crown and a dark blue line passing through the eye and encircling the white cheeks to the chin, giving the bird a very distinctive appearance. The forehead and a bar on the wing are white. The nape, wings and tail are blue and the back is yellowish green. The underparts are mostly sulphur-yellow with a dark line down the abdomen. The bill is black and the legs bluish grey. The sexes are similar whilst young birds are noticeably more yellow. The Blue Tit is very agile and it can cling to the outermost branches and hang upside down when searching for food such as insects, caterpillars and seeds. The Blue Tit can be found throughout areas of the European continent with a mainly temperate or Mediterranean climate and in parts of the Middle East. In the UK it is common in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens and widespread across the whole of the country with the exception of some Scottish islands. The Blue Tit will nest in any suitable hole in a tree, wall or stump, often competing with other birds such as the House Sparrow or Great Tit for the site. In addition, it will readily accept an artificial nesting box. The same hole is returned to year after year and when one pair dies another takes possession. The nesting material is usually moss, wool, hair and feathers and the eggs are laid in April or May. The number in the clutch is often very large but 7 or 8 is normal. It is not unusual for a single bird to feed the chicks in the nest at a rate of one feed every 90 seconds during the height of the breeding season. Successful breeding is dependent on a sufficient supply of caterpillars as well as satisfactory weather. Breeding may be affected badly if the weather is cold and wet between May and July, particularly if this coincides with the emergence of the caterpillars on which the nestlings are fed. The small size of the Blue Tit makes it vulnerable to predation by larger birds and the typical lifespan is 3 years or less. The most significant predator is probably the Sparrowhawk, closely followed by the domestic cat. Nests may also be robbed by mammals such as the Weasel and Red and Grey Squirrels. Date: 1st February 2023 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/crab-spider https://images.on-this.website/4752_179667090746c0fc7060c30.jpgCrab Spider As the common name suggests, the Crab Spider is reminiscent of a crab with its wide, flattened body and its habit of sitting with the first pair of legs held apart. The Crab Spider has the remarkable ability to alter its colour to match its background, usually a white or yellow flower, allowing it to become camouflaged. It does not spin a web to catch its prey but instead it lies in wait on flowers and vegetation for a suitable prey species, such as a bee or butterfly, to visit and then swiftly ambushes the insect and injects venom into the prey with its slender fangs. The Crab Spider is common in southern England and can found on flowers and shrubs in gardens, woodlands, grassland and scrubby habitats. Date: 12th August 2007 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874834.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1746821612561ccf44dfefd.jpgHaukadalur, south Iceland The Haukadalur geothermal area is located in south west Iceland to the north east of the Reykjanes peninsula and Reykjavík. Here can be seen some of the most famous sights of Iceland: the geysers and other geothermal features which have developed on the Laugarfjall rhyolitic dome. The biggest geysers of Haukadalur are Strokkur and Geysir. There are also more than 40 other hot springs, mud pots and fumaroles nearby. The oldest accounts of hot springs at Haukadalur date back to 1294 when earthquakes in the area caused significant changes in the local neighbouring landscape creating several new hot springs. Changes in the activity of Geysir and the surrounding geysers are still strongly related to earthquake activity. Strokkur is a fountain geyser and is one of Iceland's most famous geysers. It is very dependable and erupts about every 5 to 10 minutes with boiling water reaching a height of 50 to 65 feet and sometimes up to 130 feet. Geysir, sometimes known as The Great Geysir, was the first geyser described in a printed source in the 18th century and the first known to modern Europeans. Since unusual natural phenomena were of high interest to society during the Age of Enlightenment, the term became popular and has been used for similar hydrothermal features worldwide since then. The English word geyser derives from Geysir whilst Geysir itself is derived from the Icelandic verb <i>geysa</i> ("to gush"). Eruptions at Geysir can hurl boiling water up to 230 feet in the air but eruptions are now very infrequent and have in the past stopped altogether for years at a time. The Haukadalur geothermal area, usually referred to as Geysir, is popular with tourists and, together with the magnificent waterfall at Gulfoss and Þingvellir, it is part of a group of the most famous sights of Iceland known as the "Golden Circle". Date: 7th June 2015 Location: Strokkur at Haukadalur http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo22527558.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_32140068354227d091cd5b.jpgWhite-tailed Eagles The White-tailed Eagle is a very large bird with a 72 to 96 inch wingspan and is the fourth largest eagle in the world. It has broad "barn door" wings, a large head and a thick "meat-cleaver" beak. The adult is mainly brown except for the paler head and neck, blackish flight feathers, distinctive white tail, and yellow bill and legs. In juvenile birds the tail and bill are darker, with the tail becoming white with a dark terminal band in sub-adults. The White-tailed Eagle breeds in northern Europe and northern Asia. The largest population in Europe is found along the coast of Norway. In the UK it became extinct during the early 20th century and the present population in Scotland has arisen from a reintroduction programme which commenced on the island of Rhum in 1975. It is still a rare breeding bird which was previously confined to the west coast of Scotland, although a reintroduction programme is now taking place in east Scotland. Date: 8th September 2014 Location: Creag Mhor, Loch na Keal, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493319.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4692485265f326ff21907f.jpgHurtigruten ship MS Vesterålen MS Vesterålen is a passenger ship operated by the Norwegian-based Hurtigruten and named after the first Hurtigruten ship that sailed along Norway´s coastline in 1893. She was constructed in Harstad, Norway in 1983, refitted in Bremen, Germany in 1989 to increase passenger capacity and again later in 1995. From 2010, the ship operates cruises primarily along the coast of Norway with a passenger capacity of 490 and a car capacity of 24. Hurtigruten is a Norwegian public coastal route which provides daily, year-round traffic between Bergen in the south and Kirkenes in the north. It transports passengers that travel locally, regionally and between the 34 ports of call plus additionally cargo between ports north of Tromsø. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: MS Vesterålen leaving Vardø, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo22527782.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_203090392454228bda6079a.jpgSanna Bay, Ardnamurchan, Highland The small settlement of Sanna lies 6 miles north west of Kilchoan, close to the tip of the Ardnamurchan Peninsula. Sanna Bay lies between Sanna Point to the north and Ardnamurchan Point to the south and is dominated by impressive sand dunes, beautiful white shell sand bays and a stunning turquoise sea. It is one of the most beautiful beaches in Scotland. From Sanna Point there are superb views, extending from the islands of Eigg and Rhum to the north with Skye beyond, round to Ardnamurchan Point and its lighthouse to the south west and the island of Coll beyond that. The Western Isles can be seen to the north west but due west there is nothing but sea until the continent of North America is reached. Date: 10th September 2014 Location: view from Sanna Bay http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49797306.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_71366302264ec9d13626fd.jpgTree Pipit The Tree Pipit is a small passerine bird in the pipit family. It is an undistinguished-looking species, similar to the Meadow Pipit, streaked brown above and with black markings on a white belly and buff breast below. It can be distinguished from the slightly smaller Meadow Pipit by its heavier bill and greater contrast between its buff breast and white belly. The Tree Pipit’s song flight is unmistakable. The bird rises a short distance up from a tree and then parachutes down on stiff wings, the song becoming more drawn out towards the end. The Tree Pipit breeds across most of Europe and temperate western and central Asia. It is a long-distance migrant moving in winter to Africa and southern Asia. The Tree Pipit breeds in habitats with a wooded component, including lowland heath and coppice. It is found mostly in open birch woodland on the boundary with moorland or in open structured oak woodland. It nests on the ground amongst grass or heather tussocks. Date: 2nd July 2023 Location: Great Ovens NNR, Wareham Forest, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41249313.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5997658545f00b7f2c75d2.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 22nd June 2020 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38397295.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7051045355ce1279227421.jpgGoldfinch The European Goldfinch or simply the Goldfinch is a small passerine bird in the finch family. The Goldfinch is 4.7 to 5.1 inches in length with a wingspan of 8.3 to 9.8 inches. The sexes are broadly similar, with a red face, black and white head, warm brown upper parts, white underparts with buff flanks and breast patches and black and yellow wings. On closer inspection, males can often be distinguished by a larger, darker red mask that extends just behind the eye. The shoulder feathers are black, whereas they are brown on the female. In females, the red face does not extend past the eye. The ivory-coloured bill is long and pointed and the tail is forked. Juveniles have a plain head and a greyer back but are unmistakable due to the yellow wing stripe. The Goldfinch is native to Europe, north Africa and west and central Asia. It is found in open, partially wooded lowlands and it is a resident in the milder west of its range but migrates from colder regions. It will also make local movements, even in the west, to escape bad weather. It has been introduced to many areas of the world. In the UK, the Goldfinch can be seen anywhere there are scattered bushes and trees, rough ground with thistles and other seeding plants, including orchards, parks, gardens, heathland and commons. It is less common in upland areas and most numerous in the south of England. The nest is built entirely by the female Goldfinch and is generally completed within a week. It is neat and compact and constructed of mosses and lichens and lined with plant down such as that from thistles. It is generally located several feet above the ground, hidden by leaves in the twigs at the end of a branch. The female typically lays 4 to 6 eggs which are incubated for 11 to 13 days. The chicks are fed by both parents. Initially they receive a mixture of seeds and insects but as they grow the proportion of insect material decreases. For the first 7 to 9 days the young are brooded by the female. The nestlings fledge 13 to 18 days after hatching. The young birds are fed by both parents for a further 7 to 9 days. The parents typically raise 2 broods each year and occasionally 3. The Goldfinch's preferred food is small seeds such as those from thistles and teasels but insects are also taken when feeding young. It also regularly visits bird feeders in winter. The Goldfinch is commonly kept and bred in captivity around the world because of its distinctive appearance and pleasant song. In the UK during the 19th century, many thousands of Goldfinches were trapped each year to be sold as cage birds. One of the earliest campaigns of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was directed against this trade. Date: 7th May 2019 Location: Weeting Heath NWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41249312.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12536662875f00b7efcae61.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 22nd June 2020 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41249306.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19027447895f00b7d358f8e.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 22nd June 2020 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/thekla-lark https://images.on-this.website/4752_11216793454ff5450c1b2b8.jpgCrested Lark The Crested Lark is slightly larger and plumper than the Skylark and has a long spiky erectile crest. It is greyer than the Skylark and lacks the white wing and tail edges of that species. The body is mainly dark-streaked grey above and whitish below and in flight it shows reddish underwings The song is melodious and varied with mournful whistles and mimicry included. The Crested Lark breeds across most of temperate Eurasia from Portugal to northeast China and eastern India and in Africa south to Niger. It is non-migratory and the sedentary nature of this species is illustrated by the fact that it is only a very rare vagrant to the UK despite breeding as close as northern France. The Crested Lark is a common bird of dry open country and cultivation, nesting on the ground. Date: 26th April 2012 Location: steppes of Belén, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833930.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_553164812559cf1f3ba6be.jpgRed-backed Shrike The Red-backed Shrike is a carnivorous passerine bird and member of the shrike family. The general colour of the male’s upper parts is reddish. It has a grey head and a typical shrike black stripe through the eye. Underparts are tinged pink and the tail has a black and white pattern similar to that of a Wheatear. In the female and young birds the upperparts are brown and vermiculated and the underparts are buff and also vermiculated. The Red-backed Shrike eats large insects, small birds, frogs, rodents and lizards. Like other shrikes it hunts from prominent perches and impales corpses on thorns or barbed wire as a "larder." This practice has earned it the nickname of "butcher bird." The Red-backed Shrike breeds in most of Europe and western Asia and winters in tropical Africa. Once a common migratory visitor to the UK, numbers declined sharply during the 20th century. The bird's last stronghold was in Breckland but by 1988 just a single pair remained, successfully raising young at Santon Downham. The following year for the first time no nests were recorded in the UK but since then sporadic breeding has taken place, mostly in Scotland and Wales, and in September 2010 the RSPB announced that a pair had raised chicks at a secret location on Dartmoor where the bird last bred in 1970. This return to south west England has been an unexpected development and has raised speculation that a warming climate could assist the bird in re-colonising some of its traditional sites, if only in small numbers. Date: 10th May 2015 Location: near Mandra, East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46535403.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_156352757062caaa08cfb87.jpgSmall Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Small Skipper has a rusty orange colour to the wings, upper body and the tips of the antennae. The body is silvery white below and it has a wingspan of 25 to 30 mm. It is very similar in appearance to the Essex Skipper but the undersides of the tips of the antennae are yellow orange in the Small Skipper whereas they are black in the Essex Skipper. The Small Skipper is a common and widespread butterfly in most parts of England and has been expanding its range northwards. It can be found in rough grassland, roadside verges, edges of fields and woodland clearings where it is often seen basking on vegetation or making short buzzing flights among tall grass stems. Date: 6th July 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41292146.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13781533605f10ade630c39.jpgWhooper Swans The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 28th June 2019 Location: River Ivalojoki valley between Ivalo and Repojoki, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43082714.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_96705234360dd89240b9ee.jpgBroad-bodied Chaser Flight period: May to August The broad, flattened body of the Broad-bodied Chaser is distinctive and makes this dragonfly appear “fat”. The male has a powder-blue body with yellow spots along the sides and a dark thorax whilst the female is green-brown with paler spots. There are several medium-sized, pale blue dragonflies that can be confused with one another. The Broad-bodied Chaser can be distinguished by the combination of its broad, blue body and chocolate-brown eyes. The Broad-bodied Chaser is a common dragonfly of ponds and small lakes and it may be the first to colonise such habitats. It regularly returns to the same low perch after swift flights out across the water looking for insects. The Broad-bodied Chaser is widespread and common throughout southern and central England and south Wales. Date: 15th June 2021 Location: Broadwater Warren RSPB reserve, High Weald, East Sussex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41187457.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2189804435ea6d549c038d.jpgMagpie The Eurasian Magpie, often simply known as the Magpie, is one of several birds in the crow family [i] Corvidae[/i] designated as a Magpie. In Europe, Magpie is generally used by English speakers to describe the Eurasian Magpie. The only other species in Europe is the Iberian Magpie or Azure-winged Magpie which is limited to the Iberian peninsula. The adult male Magpie is 17 to 18 inches in length, of which more than half is the tail. The wingspan is 20 to 24 inches. The head, neck and breast are glossy black with a metallic green and violet sheen, the belly and scapulars are pure white, the wings are black glossed with green or purple and the primaries have white inner webs, conspicuous when the wing is open. The graduated tail is black, glossed with green and reddish purple. The legs and bill are black and the iris is dark brown. The plumage of the sexes is similar but the female is slightly smaller. The young resemble the adults but are at first without much of the gloss on the sooty plumage and the tail is much shorter. The Magpie can be found across temperate Eurasia from Spain and Ireland in the west to the Kamchatka Peninsula in the east. It has also been introduced in Japan on the island of Kyushu. The preferred habitat of the Magpie is open countryside with scattered trees and it is normally absent from treeless areas and dense forests. It sometimes breeds at high densities in suburban settings such as parks and gardens and it can often be found close to the centre of cities. The Magpie is normally sedentary and spends winters close to its breeding areas but birds living near the northern limit of their range in Scandinavia and Russia can move south in harsh weather. Some Magpies breed after their first year whilst others remain in non-breeding flocks and first breed in their second year. The Magpie is monogamous and pairs often remain together from one breeding season to the next and generally occupy the same territory in successive years. Mating takes place in spring. In the courtship display, males rapidly raise and depress their head feathers, uplift, open and close their tails like fans and call in soft tones quite distinct from their usual chatter. The loose feathers of the flanks are brought over the primaries, and the shoulder patch is spread so the white is conspicuous, presumably to attract females. Short buoyant flights and chases follow. The Magpie prefers tall trees for their bulky nest, firmly attaching them to a central fork in the upper branches. A framework of sticks is cemented with earth and clay and a lining of the same is covered with fine roots. Above is a stout though loosely built dome of prickly branches with a single well concealed entrance. These huge nests are conspicuous when the leaves fall. Where trees are scarce, though even in well-wooded country, nests are at times built in bushes and hedgerows. In Europe, the eggs are typically laid in April and clutches usually contain 5 or 6 eggs. The eggs are incubated for 21 to 22 days by the female who is fed on the nest by the male. The chicks are brooded by the female for the first 5 to 10 days and fed by both parents. The nestlings open their eyes 7 to 8 days after hatching and their body feathers start to appear after around 8 days and the primary wing feathers after 10 days. Fledging takes place at around 27 days and the parents then continue to feed the young for several more weeks. The parents also protect the young from predators since their ability to fly is poor, making them vulnerable. On average, only 3 or 4 chicks survive to fledge successfully. Some nests are lost to predators but an important factor causing nestling mortality is starvation. Eggs hatch asynchronously and if the parents have difficulty finding sufficient food, the last chicks to hatch are unlikely to survive. The Magpie is omnivorous, eating young birds and eggs, small mammals, insects, scraps and carrion, acorns, grain and other vegetable substances. The Magpie is believed not only to be among the most intelligent of birds but among the most intelligent of all animals. Along with the Jackdaw, the Magpie's nidopallium area of the brain is approximately the same relative size as those in Chimpanzees and humans. Like other corvids, such as the Raven and Carrion crow, the total brain-to-body mass ratio is equal to most great apes and cetaceans. A 2004 review suggests that the intelligence of the corvid family to which the Magpie belongs is equivalent to that of great apes (Chimpanzees, Orangutans and Gorillas) in terms of social cognition, causal reasoning, flexibility, imagination and prospection. The Magpie has an extremely large range and a very large population. The population trend in Europe has been stable since 1980 and there is no evidence of any serious overall decline in numbers so the species is classified by the IUCN as being of “Least Concern”. In Europe, the Magpie has been historically demonized by humans, mainly as a result of folklore, superstition and myth and its reputation as an omen of ill fortune. The Magpie has also been attacked for their role as a predator which includes eating other birds' eggs and their young. However, different studies have reached different conclusions on their impact on the populations of other birds. Date: 21st April 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49002233.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10051817416468eaabb1c17.jpgGreenfinch The European Greenfinch, or simply the Greenfinch, is a small passerine bird in the finch. There are 10 recognised sub-species reflecting its widespread range, including the British Greenfinch found in the UK (except north Scotland) and Ireland and the Northern European Greenfinch found in north Scotland, north and central France and Scandinavia to west Siberia. The Greenfinch is similar in size and shape to a House Sparrow but it is mainly green with yellow in the wings and tail. The female and young birds are duller and have brown tones on the back. The bill is thick and conical. The song contains a lot of trilling twitters interspersed with wheezes and the male has a "butterfly" display flight. The Greenfinch is widespread throughout Europe, north Africa and south west Asia where it is mainly resident although some of the most northern populations migrate further south in autumn and winter. It has also been introduced into Australia, New Zealand, Uruguay and Argentina. The Greenfinch can be found around woodland edges, in farmland hedges and in gardens with relatively thick vegetation favoured for breeding. It can form large flocks outside the breeding season, sometimes mixing with other groups of finches and buntings. In the UK, the Greenfinch is widespread and relatively common (although a sharp decline in the population in recent years has been noted due to an outbreak of trichomonosis, a parasite-induced disease which prevents the birds from feeding properly) and it is only absent from upland areas without trees and bushes. The breeding season occurs in spring and early summer, commencing in the second half of March with the young fledging in early July. Incubation of the eggs is undertaken by the female and lasts about 13 to 14 days with the male feeding her at the nest during this period. The chicks are fed on insect larvae by both adults during the first few days and thereafter by a frequently regurgitated yellowish paste made of seeds. The chicks leave the nest about 13 days later but they are unable to fly. The Greenfinch usually produces 2 or 3 broods per year. The Greenfinch predominantly feeds on seeds but it will also take berries and nuts. Date: 12th April 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41249295.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11982464705f00b7b61b956.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 22nd June 2020 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33568460.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21176997515a106d340971a.jpgDate: 7th November 2017 Location: Loch na Keal, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12759428.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17937064724e71b0de13624.jpgRed Squirrel The Red Squirrel or Eurasian Red Squirrel is a species of tree squirrel in the genus [i]Sciurus[/i]. It is an arboreal and primarily herbivorous rodent. The Red Squirrel has a typical head and body length of 7.5 to 9 inches, a tail length of 6 to 8 inches and a weight of 9 to 12 ounces. Males and females are the same size. The Red Squirrel is smaller and lighter in weight than the Grey Squirrel The coat of the Red Squirrel varies in colour with the time of year and its location and there are several different coat colour morphs ranging from black to red. Red coats are most common in the UK but in other parts of Europe and Asia different coat colours co-exist within populations. The underside of the Red Squirrel is always creamy-white in colour. The Red Squirrel sheds its coat twice a year, switching from a thinner summer coat to a thicker, darker winter coat with noticeably larger ear-tufts (a prominent distinguishing feature of this species) between August and November. A lighter, redder overall coat colour, along with the ear-tufts (in adults) and smaller size, distinguish the Red Squirrel from the Grey Squirrel. The long tail helps the Red Squirrel to balance and steer when jumping from tree to tree and running along branches and it may also keep it warm during sleep. The Red Squirrel, like most tree squirrels, has sharp and curved claws to enable it to climb and descend broad tree trunks, thin branches and even house walls and its strong hind legs enable it to leap gaps between trees. The Red Squirrel can be found in the boreal coniferous woods in north Europe and Siberia where it prefers Scots Pine, Norway Spruce and Siberian Pine. In west and south Europe it can be found in broad-leaved woods where the mixture of tree and shrub species provides a better year round source of food. In most of the UK and in Italy, broad-leaved woodlands are now less suitable for it due to the better competitive feeding strategy of the introduced Grey Squirrel. The Red Squirrel makes a drey (nest) out of twigs in a branch-fork, forming a domed structure about 9 to 12 inches in diameter. This is lined with moss, leaves, grass and bark. Tree hollows and woodpecker holes are also used. The Red Squirrel is generally a solitary animal and is shy and reluctant to share food with others. However, outside the breeding season and particularly in winter, several Red Squirrels may share a drey to keep warm. Social organisation is based on dominance hierarchies within and between sexes. Although males are not necessarily dominant towards females, the dominant animals tend to be larger and older than subordinate animals and dominant males tend to have larger home ranges than subordinate males or females. Mating can occur in late winter during February and March and in summer between June and July. During mating, males detect females that are in oestrus by an odour that they produce and, although there is no courtship, the male will chase the female for up to an hour prior to mating. Usually multiple males will chase a single female until the dominant male, usually the largest in the group, mates with the female. Males and females will mate multiple times with many partners. Females must reach a minimum body mass before they enter oestrus and heavy females on average produce more young. If food is scarce breeding may be delayed. Typically a female will produce her first litter in her second year. Up to 2 litters a year per female are possible. Each litter averages 3 young and these are known as kits. Gestation is about 38 to 39 days and the young are looked after by the mother alone and are born helpless, blind and deaf. Their body is covered by hair at 21 days, their eyes and ears open after 3 to 4 weeks and they develop all their teeth by 42 days. Juveniles can eat solids around 40 days following birth and from that point they can leave the nest on their own to find food. However, they still suckle from their mother until weaning occurs at 8 to 10 weeks. The Red Squirrel eats mostly the seeds of trees, fungi, nuts (especially hazelnuts but also beech and chestnuts), berries and young shoots. More rarely, it may also eat bird eggs or nestlings and may occasionally exhibit opportunistic omnivory similar to other rodents. Excess food is put into caches, either buried or in nooks or holes in trees, and eaten when food is scarce. Although the Red Squirrel remembers where it created caches at a better than chance level, its spatial memory is believed to be substantially less accurate and durable than that of the Grey Squirrel. Therefore it will often have to search for them when in need and many caches are never found again. Between 60% and 80% of the active time of a Red Squirrel may be spent foraging and feeding. The active period is generally in the morning and in the late afternoon and evening. It often rests in its nest in the middle of the day to avoid the heat and the high visibility to birds of prey that are dangers during these hours. During the winter, this midday rest is often much more brief or absent entirely although harsh weather may cause it to stay in its nest for days at a time. No territories are claimed between Red Squirrels and the feeding areas of individuals overlap considerably. A Red Squirrel that survives its first winter has a life expectancy of 3 years. Individuals may reach 7 years of age and 10 years in captivity. Survival is positively related to the availability of autumn and winter tree seeds. On average, 75 to 85% of juveniles die during their first winter and mortality is approximately 50% for winters following the first. Predators include small mammals such as the Pine Marten, the Wildcat and the Stoat which all prey on juveniles. Birds, including owls and raptors such as the Goshawk and Common Buzzard, may also prey on the Red Squirrel as will the Red Fox and domestic cats and dogs when it is on the ground. Humans influence the population size and mortality of the Red Squirrel by destroying or altering habitats, by causing road casualties and by introducing non-native populations of the Grey Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel and the Red Squirrel are not directly antagonistic and violent conflict between these species is not a factor in the decline in Red Squirrel populations. However, the Grey Squirrel appears to contribute to the decrease in the Red Squirrel population for several reasons: it carries a disease, the squirrel parapoxvirus, that does not appear to affect its own health but will often kill the Red Squirrel, it can better digest acorns whilst the Red Squirrel cannot access the proteins and fats in acorns as easily and it can put the Red Squirrel under pressure for food resources resulting in it not breeding as often. In the UK, due to the above circumstances, the population has today fallen to 160,000 Red Squirrels or fewer with the majority of these in Scotland. Outside the UK and Ireland, the impact of competition from the Grey Squirrel has also been observed in Italy where 2 pairs escaped from captivity in 1948. A significant drop in the Red Squirrel population has been observed since 1970 and it is feared that the Grey Squirrel may expand into the rest of Europe. The Red Squirrel is protected in most of Europe although in some areas it is abundant and is hunted for its fur. In the UK there are several active projects to protect the Red Squirrel and its native woodland habitat, introduce or re-introduce it in to areas where it is absent and eradicate and prevent the spread of the Grey Squirrel. Research undertaken in 2007 in the UK credits the Pine Marten with reducing the population of the invasive Grey Squirrel. Where the range of the expanding Pine Marten population meets that of the Grey Squirrel, the population of the latter retreats. It is theorised that, because the Grey Squirrel spends more time on the ground than the Red Squirrel, it is far more likely to come in contact with the Pine Marten. Date: 27th March 2008 Location: Abernethy Forest, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41249286.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18946335205f00b79b2b074.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 22nd June 2020 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33568420.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15320106825a106b366c2e4.jpgGolden Plovers The European Golden Plover, also known as the Eurasian Golden Plover or just the Golden Plover within Europe, is a largish plover. It is similar to 2 other Golden Plovers: the American Golden Plover and the Pacific Golden Plover which are both smaller, slimmer and relatively longer-legged than the European Golden Plover and have grey rather than white axillary feathers. The Golden Plover is a medium sized plover with a distinctive gold and black summer plumage. In winter the black is replaced by buff and white. It typically stands upright and runs in short bursts. The Golden Plover breeds on the ground in a dry open area on moorland, mountains and fells, tundra and marshland in northern Europe and western Asia as far west as Iceland and as far east as central Siberia. It is migratory and winters in western and southern Europe and in north Africa where it tends to gather in large flocks in open areas and on agricultural plains, ploughed land and short meadows. In the UK, the Golden Plover can be found from May to September on the upland moorlands in the southern uplands of Scotland, the Scottish Highlands, the Western and Northern Isles, the Peak District, north Yorkshire, Wales and Devon. Winter flocks start to appear at lower levels and around the coasts after the breeding season with the largest numbers seen between November and February when Golden Plovers often form large flocks with Lapwings. Date: 4th November 2017 Location: Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081301.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_48653730763a5af7af3f05.jpgRedwing The Redwing is most commonly encountered as a winter visitor and is the UK's smallest true thrush. The creamy stripe above the eye and the orange-red flank patches make it distinctive. Redwings arrive in the UK from September but most arrive in October and November. They leave again in March and April, although occasionally birds stay later including a few pairs to nest in northern Scotland. Redwings can be found across the UK's countryside feeding in fields and hedgerows and also in parks and gardens in the coldest weather when snow covers the fields. They often associate with flocks of Fieldfares, the other wintering thrush. Date: 15th December 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/utsjoki-to-nuorgam-lappi-finland https://images.on-this.website/4752_3557000264bf6d77f5cb3c.jpgUtsjoki to Nuorgam, Lappi, Finland Utsjoki is the most northern municipality of Finland and the European Union and is located beside the Teno/Tana river and the border with Norway. The municipality is very sparsely populated with large wilderness areas and about half the population is Sami. Reindeer husbandry is important both culturally and economically. The border trade with Norway is important and social ties across the border are common. The second most important village is Nuorgam, about 35 miles north east from Utsjoki. Nuorgam is the most northern point of Finland and of the European Union and the location of the most northern land border crossing in the world. Date: 11th April 2010 Location: view from road between Utsjoki and Nuorgam, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/reeves-muntjac https://images.on-this.website/4752_64282174862849fc727d02.jpgReeves' Muntjac The Reeves' Muntjac, also known as the Chinese Muntjac, is a small, hump-backed deer species. It is named after British naturalist and employee of the East India Company, John Russell Reeves (1774 to 1856). Reeves came across them when he lived in China and sent specimens back to England. It is also called the “barking deer” due to its distinctive barking sound, although this name is also used for other Muntjac species. The barking sound is common during mating or when provoked. The Reeves' Muntjac grows to 1 foot 8 inches high at the shoulder and 3 feet 1 inches in length plus a short tail up to 4 inches long. It is reddish-brown in appearance with striped markings on its face. The belly is creamy-white with lighter fur extending to the neck, chin and the underside of the tail. The males have short antlers, usually 4 inches or less in length, and long upper canines or tusks, usually about 2 inches in length The Reeves' Muntjac is found widely in south east China (from Gansu to Yunnan) and Taiwan but it has also been introduced in Belgium, the Netherlands and Japan. In the UK, it was introduced to Woburn Park in Bedfordshire in 1894 by the then Duke of Bedford and was deliberately released into surrounding woodlands from 1901 onward. Releases, translocations and escapes from the 1930s onwards resulted in wide establishment in south east England and the population is still increasing and spreading across the UK where it can be found in deciduous woodland with a good understorey plus hedgerows, gardens, parks, conifer plantations, railway embankments, etc. Since the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it has been illegal to release the species except where it is already established. The Reeves' Muntjac is a solitary and crepuscular animal and both males and females defend small territories that they mark with preorbital gland secretions that are thought to be pheromonal in nature The Reeves' Muntjac feeds on herbs, blossoms, succulent shoots, fungi, berries, grasses and nuts and it has also been reported to eat tree bark. Eggs and carrion are eaten opportunistically. Date: 31st March 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37913606.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7445053065cab34bb95a41.jpgLittle Ringed Plover The Little Ringed Plover is a small plover with a distinctive black and white head pattern similar to the Ringed Plover. It has a black beak and pale (not orange) legs and close views reveal a distinctive yellow eye-ring. In flight it shows a plain brown wing without the white wing bar that the Ringed Plover has. The Little Ringed Plover can be found in most of Eurasia and north west Africa. In the UK, it is mainly found in England and is uncommon in Wales and Scotland. It is a migratory species, arriving in March from its wintering grounds in Africa and leaving again in July. The breeding habitat is open gravel or shingle areas near fresh water, including gravel pits, reservoirs, islands and river edges Nests are located on the ground on stones with little or no plant growth. Both males and females take turns incubating the eggs. The Little Ringed Plover is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 10th April 2019 Location: Abberton Reservoir, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41537226.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6479617985f3cfcfb39e04.jpgCommon Gull The Common Gull is a medium-sized gull. The north American subspecies is commonly referred to as the Mew Gull although that name is also used by some authorities for the whole species. The Common Gull is noticeably smaller and more gentle looking than the Herring Gull. It is grey above and white below with greenish-yellow legs. It has black wingtips with large white "mirrors". Young birds have scaly black-brown upperparts and a neat wing pattern and grey legs and take 2 to 3 years to reach maturity. In winter, the head is streaked grey and the bill often has a poorly defined blackish band near the tip which is sometimes sufficiently obvious to cause confusion with the Ring-billed Gull. The call is a high-pitched "laughing" cry. The Common Gull breeds colonially near water or in marshes in north Europe, north west north America and north Asia. It is most numerous in Europe with over half (possibly as much as 80 to 90%) of the world population. In the UK, the Common Gull can be found in summer along the coasts and inland marshes and lakes of Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England. Elsewhere in England and Wales, it can be found in winter on farmland, on marshes and lakes and on the coast. Date: 4th July 2019 Location: Flåget, Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813354.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18905256115d0dde1063256.jpgGreat Skuas The Great Skua is an aggressive "pirate" of the seas, deliberately harrassing birds as large as Gannets to steal a free meal. It also readily kills and eats smaller birds such as Puffins. These birds migrate to the northernmost parts of the UK from their wintering grounds off the coasts of Spain and Africa. They breed on coastal rocky islands and moorland in northern Scotland, Orkney and Shetland, arriving in April and leaving in July. At other times they are seen around coasts often in vicinity of seabird colonies, scavenging from other birds or picking food from the surface of the sea. Date: 10th June 2019 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19905508.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5964269545290893e54a71.jpgGadwall The Gadwall is one of the most common and widespread dabbling ducks. The breeding male is patterned grey with a black rear end, light chestnut wings and a brilliant white speculum which is obvious in flight or at rest. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female but retains the male wing pattern and is usually greyer above and has less orange on the bill. The female is light brown with plumage much like a female Mallard. It can be distinguished from that species by the dark orange-edged bill, smaller size, the white speculum and white belly. The Gadwall breeds in north Europe and Asia and central north America and appears to be expanding into eastern north America. It is a bird of open wetlands and lakes, wet grassland or marshes with dense fringing vegetation and it nests on the ground, often some distance from water. In the UK, the Gadwall is a scarce breeding bird on some lakes and gravel pits in the Midlands, south east England, eastern central Scotland, eastern Northern Ireland and south east Wales. In winter, numbers increase as birds migrate to spend the winter in the UK on gravel pits, lakes, reservoirs and coastal wetlands. Date: 30th September 2013 Location: Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084879.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15303852055d3088fdef58a.jpgPiatra Craiului Mountains, Brașov County, Romania The Piatra Craiului Mountains are a mountain range in the Southern Carpathians in central Romania. It forms a narrow and saw-like ridge which is about 16 miles long. Vârful La Om is the highest peak at 7343 feet. The ridge is regarded as one of the most impressive and beautiful sites in the Carpathian Mountians and the views both towards and from the mountains are superb. The whole range is included in the Piatra Craiului National Park. The first protection of this area started in 1938 when 2 square miles were declared as a nature reserve. This has been progressively extended and in 1990 it became a national park covering an area of 38 square miles. In 2003 the external limits and internal zoning were created. Since 1999 a park administration has existed with a visitor centre located on the minor road 0.6 miles west of Zărnești and since 2005 a management plan has been in place. Piatra Craiului National Park supports and protects an abundance and diversity of mammals (including Brown Bear, Wolf and Lynx), birds and plants. Zărneşti is the most important town for visiting the Piatra Craiului Mountains and the Piatra Craiului National Park. The town is located 17 miles south west of the city of Brașov. From Zărnești, a 7 mile long minor road runs west and ends at Cabana Plaiul Foii which is a good starting point for climbing the ridge. In addition, a forest road starts from the south west of Zărneşti which leads to the Zărneştilor Gorge and continues up to the ridge. The traditional villages of Măgura, Peştera, Ciocanu and Şirnea are starting points for routes up to the eastern slopes. Măgura, situated at 3281 feet, is one of Romania’s most picturesque villages and it provides stunning views towards the Bucegi Mountains and the Piatra Craiului Mountains. Date: 5th June 2018 Location: Piatra Craiului Mountains from Zărnești, Brașov County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081299.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_120663713763a5af74beba8.jpgRedwing The Redwing is most commonly encountered as a winter visitor and is the UK's smallest true thrush. The creamy stripe above the eye and the orange-red flank patches make it distinctive. Redwings arrive in the UK from September but most arrive in October and November. They leave again in March and April, although occasionally birds stay later including a few pairs to nest in northern Scotland. Redwings can be found across the UK's countryside feeding in fields and hedgerows and also in parks and gardens in the coldest weather when snow covers the fields. They often associate with flocks of Fieldfares, the other wintering thrush. Date: 15th December 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847581.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_152522191859bd536acfb1e.jpgMorské oko, Vihorlat Mountains, Košice region, Slovakia Morské oko (literally Sea Eye) is the largest lake in the Vihorlat Mountains (Vihorlatské vrchy) in eastern Slovakia and the third largest natural lake in Slovakia after the Štrbské pleso lake and the Veľké Hincovo pleso lake in the High Tatras. It is situated at 2027 feet high with a maximum length of 0.47 miles and a maximum width of 0.19 miles. It covers an area of 0.05 square miles and has a maximum depth of 82 feet. Morské oko has been designated as a wider National Nature Reserve covering 0.42 square miles since 1984 and it is part of the Vihorlat Protected Landscape Area within the Vihorlat Mountains. There is a walking trail around the lake but recreational activities such as fishing, swimming and boating are prohibited. Morské oko contains many species of fish, of which the most numerous is the European Chub. The Vihorlat Mountains (Vihorlatské vrchy) are a volcanic mountain range in eastern Slovakia and western Ukraine. They form part of the Inner Eastern Carpathian Mountains. The Slovakian section is 34 miles long and up to 9 miles wide. The highest peak is Vihorlat at 3530 feet and the largest lake is Morské oko. It is a mountainous and mostly forested area with a predominance of beech and forests in addition to hornbeam, ash, maple and some conifers. Arable land and unused pastures and meadows can be found in the non-forested and foothill areas. The middle part of the Vihorlat Mountains in the Humenné, Sobrance and Snina districts was designated as the Vihorlat Protected Landscape Area in December 1973 and they were also designated a Special Protection Area in April 2010. Kyjovský prales, a primeval beech forest in the Vihorlat Mountains, was designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in June 2007. Date: 2nd June 2017 Location: Morské oko, Vihorlat Mountains, Košice region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833229.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_713559108559ce912d660f.jpgGreat Prespa Lake (Megali Prespa), West Macedonia, Greece The Prespa lakes constitute 2 freshwater lakes located in the north west corner of Greece and shared by Greece, Albania and Macedonia. Of the total surface area, 68.07 square miles belongs to Macedonia, 17.88 square miles to Albania and 14.05 square miles to Greece. They are the highest tectonic lakes in the Balkans, standing at a height of 2,798 feet. The Prespa lakes are separated by a narrow causeway. The Great Prespa Lake (Megali Prespa) is divided between Albania, Greece and Macedonia. The Small Prespa Lake (Mikri Prespa) is shared only between Greece and Albania. The lakes and the area surrounding them are well known for their natural beauty and they offer a wonderfully rich diversity of habitats, from deep water, shallows, reedbeds, wet meadows, farmland, forests, hills and mountains. The area hosts 40 species of mammals, 260 species of birds, 32 species of reptiles and amphibians and 17 species of fish including a number of endemic species. Date: 13th May 2015 Location: view from near Laimos, West Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42082957.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12873013155faa5b9112b93.jpgReeve's Muntjac The Reeves' Muntjac, also known as the Chinese Muntjac, is a small, hump-backed deer species. It is named after British naturalist and employee of the East India Company, John Russell Reeves (1774 to 1856). Reeves came across them when he lived in China and sent specimens back to England. It is also called the “barking deer” due to its distinctive barking sound, although this name is also used for other Muntjac species. The barking sound is common during mating or when provoked. The Reeves' Muntjac grows to 1 foot 8 inches high at the shoulder and 3 feet 1 inches in length plus a short tail up to 4 inches long. It is reddish-brown in appearance with striped markings on its face. The belly is creamy-white with lighter fur extending to the neck, chin and the underside of the tail. The males have short antlers, usually 4 inches or less in length, and long upper canines or tusks, usually about 2 inches in length The Reeves' Muntjac is found widely in south east China (from Gansu to Yunnan) and Taiwan but it has also been introduced in Belgium, the Netherlands and Japan. In the UK, it was introduced to Woburn Park in Bedfordshire in 1894 by the then Duke of Bedford and was deliberately released into surrounding woodlands from 1901 onward. Releases, translocations and escapes from the 1930s onwards resulted in wide establishment in south east England and the population is still increasing and spreading across the UK where it can be found in deciduous woodland with a good understorey plus hedgerows, gardens, parks, conifer plantations, railway embankments, etc. Since the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it has been illegal to release the species except where it is already established. The Reeves' Muntjac is a solitary and crepuscular animal and both males and females defend small territories that they mark with preorbital gland secretions that are thought to be pheromonal in nature The Reeves' Muntjac feeds on herbs, blossoms, succulent shoots, fungi, berries, grasses and nuts and it has also been reported to eat tree bark. Eggs and carrion are eaten opportunistically. Date: 9th October 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29870214.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_237343216584e6d2f50260.jpgWaxwing The Waxwing is a plump bird which is slightly smaller than a Starling. It is buff or pinkish-brown in colour with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings, a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest. The bird’s name is derived from the red tips to some of the wing feathers which are said to look like they have been dipped in sealing wax. Waxwings breed in the dense forests of northern Europe but they occur in varying numbers in the UK from October to March. In some years they can occur in large numbers (known as irruptions) when the population in the breeding areas gets too big for the food available. The first UK arrivals each winter are usually seen on the east coast from Scotland to East Anglia but birds then move inland in search of food. They can be found in parks and gardens and even busy public places such as supermarket car parks, typically where there are berry-bearing trees and bushes such as rowan, hawthorn, cotoneaster and rose. Waxwings seem fearless of humans so it is relatively easy to get very close views of these stunning birds. Waxwings make an easily recognisable high-pitched trilling sound like a bell. Date: 7th November 2016 Location: Holt, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31192385.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_210958441759182430e61769.40487165.jpgGreat Spotted Woodpecker The Great Spotted Woodpecker is a Blackbird-sized bird with striking black and white plumage. The male has a distinctive red patch on the back of the head and young birds have a red crown. Great Spotted Woodpeckers have a very distinctive bouncing flight and spend most of their time clinging to tree trunks and branches. Their presence is often announced by its loud call or by its distinctive spring “drumming” display. Great Spotted Woodpeckers can be found all year round and are most common in woodlands, parks and large gardens in England and Wales. They also readily visit bird tables and peanut feeders. Date: 9th May 2017 Location: Weeting Heath NWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31192280.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1626426878591823a1445f33.52608643.jpgNorthern Wheatear The Northern Wheatear or Wheatear is a small passerine bird that was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family but is now more generally considered to be an Old World flycatcher. It is the most widespread member of the Wheatear genus in Europe and Asia. The English name has nothing to do with wheat or ears but is probably derived from the Middle English [i]whit ers[/i] meaning "white arse" and referring to the prominent white rump of many Wheatear species The Northern Wheatear is larger than the European Robin at 5.7 to 6.3 inches in length. Both sexes have a white rump and tail with a black inverted T-pattern at the end of the tail. The summer plumaged male has grey upperparts, buff throat and black wings and face mask. In autumn it resembles the female apart from the black wings. The female is pale brown above and buff below with darker brown wings. The Northern Wheatear makes one of the longest migratory flights of any small bird, crossing ocean, ice and desert. It migrates from sub-Saharan Africa in spring to breed in open rocky country, tundra, moorland, heaths and pastures over a vast area of the Northern Hemisphere that includes northern and central Asia, Europe, Greenland, Alaska and parts of Canada. In autumn it returns to winter in central Africa. In the UK, the Northern Wheatear is a summer visitor and passage migrant arriving in early March and leaving in September. It breeds mainly in western and northern Britain and western Ireland although smaller numbers also breed in southern and eastern England. The Northern Wheatear is primarily an insectivorous bird and feeds mostly on beetles, ants, caterpillars, grasshoppers, flies, etc. It also eats spiders, centipedes and snails and berries in the autumn. Date: 7th May 2017 Location: RSPB Conwy, Conwy http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51334461.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4141550206676e3eda6bec.jpgHeath Fritillary Flight period: June to July. The Heath Fritillary is at the north west extreme of its range in the southern UK and its numbers have greatly reduced this century due to changes in woodland management. It is now one of our rarest and most localised butterflies and can only be found at a few sites in Essex and Kent and in south west England. In Essex and Kent, they can be found in coppiced woodland with acid soils where Common Cow Wheat, the preferred foodplant, is available. On Exmoor they favour sheltered combes (valleys) and in Devon and Cornwall abandoned hay meadows are preferred. Detailed study has determined the Heath Fritillary’s precise habitat requirements and its future in the UK depends on deliberate conservation and habitat management. Date: 20th June 2024 Location: EWT Pound Wood, Hadleigh, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31192292.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1345765542591823b18c6a95.49137554.jpgRing Ousel The Ring Ousel is a member of the thrush family and is the upland and mountain equivalent of the closely related Blackbird. "Ousel" or "ouzel" is an old name for the Blackbird from the Old English [I]osle[/I]. "Ousel" may also be applied to a group of superficially similar but unrelated birds, the Dippers, the European representative of which is sometimes known as the Water Ousel. The scientific name [i]Turdus torquatus[/i] also refers to the male's obvious white neck crescent, being derived from the Latin words [i]turdus[/i] meaning "thrush" and [i]torquatus[/i] meaning "collared". The Ring Ousel is slightly smaller and slimmer than a Blackbird. The adult male is all black except for a white crescent on the breast and a yellowish bill. The wings have a silvery appearance due to white feather edgings. The female is similar but duller and younger birds often lack the breast crescent. The juvenile has brown plumage. The Ring Ousel breeds in the higher regions of western and central Europe and also in the Caucasus and in the Scandinavian mountains. Most populations are migratory and winter in the Mediterranean region. It is declining in parts of its range. In the UK the Ring Ousel arrives in late March and April and leaves again in September. It breeds in upland areas of Scotland, northern England, north west Wales and Dartmoor. On spring and autumn migration it may be seen away from its breeding areas, often on the east and south coasts of the UK. The Ring Ousel is territorial and normally seen alone or in pairs, although loose flocks may form on migration. When not breeding, several birds may also be loosely associated in good feeding areas, often with other thrushes. The Ring Ousel is omnivorous and eats a wide range of food such as insects, earthworms, small rodents, reptiles, fruit and berries. Date: 7th May 2017 Location: Nant Ffrancon, Gwynedd http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41205453.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2375379745eb971e7a320f.jpgCanada Goose goslings The Canada Goose belongs to the Branta genus of geese which contains species with largely black plumage distinguishing it from the grey species of the genus Anser. The black head and neck with a white "chinstrap" distinguish the Canada Goose from all other goose species with the exception of the Cackling Goose from north America and the Barnacle Goose which has a black breast and grey rather than brownish body plumage. The 7 sub-species of the Canada Goose vary widely in size and plumage details but all are recognizable as Canada Geese. Of the "true geese" (i.e. the genera Anser, Branta or Chen), the Canada Goose is on average the largest living species. It ranges from 30 to 43 inches in length and with a 50 to 73 inches wingspan. The male usually weighs 5.7 to 14.3 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 8.6 pounds. The female looks virtually identical but is slightly lighter at 5.3 to 12.1 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 7.9 pounds. It is also generally 10% smaller in linear dimensions than the male. The Canada Goose is native to north America where it breeds in Canada and the north USA in a wide range of habitats. The Great Lakes region maintains a very large population. It occurs all year round in the southern part of its breeding range, including most of the eastern seaboard and the Pacific coast. Between California and South Carolina in the south USA and north Mexico, it is primarily present as a migrant from further north during the winter. Outside north America, the Canada Goose has reached north Europe naturally as has been proved by ringing recoveries. It has also been introduced in to Europe and had established populations in the UK in the middle of the 18th century, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany and Scandinavia. Most European populations are not migratory but those in more northerly parts of Sweden and Finland migrate to the North Sea and Baltic coasts. Semi-tame feral birds are common in parks and have become a pest in some areas. In the early 17th century, explorer Samuel de Champlain sent several pairs of Canada Geese to France as a present for King Louis XIII. Canada Geese were first introduced in to the UK in the late 17th century as an addition to King James II's waterfowl collection in St. James's Park. They were also introduced in to Germany and Scandinavia during the 20th century. During the second year of its life, the Canada Goose finds a mate. It is a monogamous species and most couples stay together all of their lives. If one dies, the other may find a new mate. The female lays from 2 to 9 eggs with an average of 5. Both parents protect the nest while the eggs incubate but the female spends more time at the nest than the male. The nest is usually located in an elevated area near water such as streams, lakes and ponds and the eggs are laid in a shallow depression lined with plant material and down. The incubation period, in which the female incubates the eggs while the male remains nearby, lasts for 24 to 28 days after laying. As soon as the goslings hatch, they are immediately capable of walking, swimming and finding their own food (a diet similar to the adults). Parents are often seen leading their goslings in a line, usually with one adult at the front and the other at the back. While protecting their goslings, parents often violently chase away anything from small birds to lone humans who approach, after warning them by giving off a hissing sound and then attacking with bites and slaps of the wings if the threat does not retreat. Although parents are hostile to unfamiliar geese, they may form groups (crèches) of a number of goslings and a few adults. The goslings enter the fledgling stage any time from 6 to 9 weeks of age. Once it reaches adulthood, due to its large size and often aggressive behaviour, the Canada Goose is rarely preyed on although prior injury may make it more vulnerable to natural predators. The lifespan in the wild of birds that survive to adulthood ranges from 10 to 24 years. The UK longevity record is held by a specimen tagged as a nestling which was observed alive at the age of 31. The Canada Goose is primarily a herbivore although it will sometimes eat small insects and fish. Their diet includes grasses, aquatic plants, beans and grains such as wheat, rice, and corn when they are available. In urban areas, it is also known to pick food out of rubbish bins and it will readily take a variety of food from humans in parks. Date: 6th May 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/red-knobbed-coot https://images.on-this.website/4752_19375577104ff548d097340.jpgRed-knobbed Coot The Red-knobbed Coot or Crested Coot is largely black except for the white beak and “shield” above the beak. A good view is necessary to separate this species from the much commoner Eurasian Coot with which its range overlaps. There are two tiny red knobs at the top of the facial “shield” which are not visible at any great distance and are only present in the breeding season. The habits of the Red-knobbed Coot are practically identical to those of the Eurasian Coot. It is reluctant to fly and when taking off runs across the water surface with much splashing. It also does the same, but without actually flying, when travelling a short distance at speed. It bobs its head as it swims and makes short dives from a little jump. The Red-knobbed Coot is a resident breeder across much of Africa while Spain is also important as the only European country supporting a remnant and partly reintroduced population where it is restricted to a few sites in Andalucía in the south. The population is threatened in Spain and Morocco (the northernmost range extremes) primarily by habitat loss and degradation. The Red-knobbed Coot can be found in wetlands with submerged aquatic vegetation and still water for foraging and waters with fringing or emergent vegetation in which to nest when breeding. Date: 1st May 2012 Location: Cañada de Rianzuela, Coto Doñana, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31192348.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1605703877591823fe3831c8.17305274.jpgPied Flycatcher The Pied Flycatcher is a small passerine bird in the Old World flycatcher family and is 1 of the 4 species of Western Palearctic black and white flycatchers. The breeding male Pied Flycatcher is mainly black above and white below with a large white wing patch, white tail sides and a small forehead patch. Non-breeding males, females and juveniles have the black replaced by a pale brown. The bill is black and it has the broad but pointed shape typical of aerial insectivores. The Pied Flycatcher has a very large range and population size and so it is of “least concern” according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It breeds in most of Europe and west Asia where it can be found in deciduous woodlands, parks and gardens, with a preference for oak trees. It will sometimes use mature open conifer woodland where natural tree holes occur. It builds an open nest in a tree hole and it will readily adapt to nest boxes. In the UK, the Pied Flycatcher is limited by geography and habitat to the north and west of the country where it prefers mature oak woodlands but also mature upland ash and birch woodlands. It has on average decreased in population by 25% within the last 25 years and it has ceased to breed in several parts of its former range. The Pied Flycatcher is migratory, wintering mainly in tropical west Africa from mid September to mid April. It first arrives in its breeding areas from mid April to the end of May. Following breeding, return migration to Africa occurs between August and mid September. The Pied Flycatcher is mainly insectivorous and its diet is composed nearly entirely of insects including flies, bees, wasps, ants, beetles, butterflies, moths, etc. but it will also eat fruit and seeds in late summer and autumn and on migration. Date: 8th May 2017 Location: Gilfach RWT reserve, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38397348.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2818279685ce12840e98f8.jpgTree Pipit The Tree Pipit is a small passerine bird in the pipit family. It is an undistinguished-looking species, similar to the Meadow Pipit, streaked brown above and with black markings on a white belly and buff breast below. It can be distinguished from the slightly smaller Meadow Pipit by its heavier bill and greater contrast between its buff breast and white belly. The Tree Pipit’s song flight is unmistakable. The bird rises a short distance up from a tree and then parachutes down on stiff wings, the song becoming more drawn out towards the end. The Tree Pipit breeds across most of Europe and temperate western and central Asia. It is a long-distance migrant moving in winter to Africa and southern Asia. The Tree Pipit breeds in habitats with a wooded component, including lowland heath and coppice. It is found mostly in open birch woodland on the boundary with moorland or in open structured oak woodland. It nests on the ground amongst grass or heather tussocks. Date: 12th May 2019 Location: Gilfach RWT reserve, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41176049.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6876955075e9306c728d1b.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 5th April 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31192284.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_133446249591823a6189d72.13551316.jpgNorthern Wheatear The Northern Wheatear or Wheatear is a small passerine bird that was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family but is now more generally considered to be an Old World flycatcher. It is the most widespread member of the Wheatear genus in Europe and Asia. The English name has nothing to do with wheat or ears but is probably derived from the Middle English [i]whit ers[/i] meaning "white arse" and referring to the prominent white rump of many Wheatear species The Northern Wheatear is larger than the European Robin at 5.7 to 6.3 inches in length. Both sexes have a white rump and tail with a black inverted T-pattern at the end of the tail. The summer plumaged male has grey upperparts, buff throat and black wings and face mask. In autumn it resembles the female apart from the black wings. The female is pale brown above and buff below with darker brown wings. The Northern Wheatear makes one of the longest migratory flights of any small bird, crossing ocean, ice and desert. It migrates from sub-Saharan Africa in spring to breed in open rocky country, tundra, moorland, heaths and pastures over a vast area of the Northern Hemisphere that includes northern and central Asia, Europe, Greenland, Alaska and parts of Canada. In autumn it returns to winter in central Africa. In the UK, the Northern Wheatear is a summer visitor and passage migrant arriving in early March and leaving in September. It breeds mainly in western and northern Britain and western Ireland although smaller numbers also breed in southern and eastern England. The Northern Wheatear is primarily an insectivorous bird and feeds mostly on beetles, ants, caterpillars, grasshoppers, flies, etc. It also eats spiders, centipedes and snails and berries in the autumn. Date: 7th May 2017 Location: RSPB Conwy, Conwy http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26541191.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_144064101056acead45e58f.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 16th January 2016 Location: Caerlaverock WWT reserve, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/greylag-goose-gosling https://images.on-this.website/4752_12767224055ea6d513a9234.jpgGreylag Goose gosling The Greylag Goose is the ancestor of most domestic geese but is also the largest and bulkiest of the wild geese native to the UK and Europe. In many parts of the UK it has been re-established by releasing birds in suitable areas but the resulting flocks found around gravel pits, lakes and reservoirs all year round in southern Britain tend to be semi-tame. The native birds and wintering flocks found on lochs in northern Scotland and on some Scottish islands retain the special appeal of truly wild geese. Date: 21st April 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42202631.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14331566755ff3102670e9b.jpgBrown Bear and cub The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, Ursus arctos arctos. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an evening visit with [url=https://www.karhujenkatselu.fi/en-gb]Karhu-Kuusamo[/url] Date: 7th July 2019 Location: Kuntilampi, near Kuusamo, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46511666.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_119312419662c9922874450.jpgPied Flycatcher The Pied Flycatcher is a small passerine bird in the Old World flycatcher family and is 1 of the 4 species of Western Palearctic black and white flycatchers. The breeding male Pied Flycatcher is mainly black above and white below with a large white wing patch, white tail sides and a small forehead patch. Non-breeding males, females and juveniles have the black replaced by a pale brown. The bill is black and it has the broad but pointed shape typical of aerial insectivores. The Pied Flycatcher has a very large range and population size and so it is of “least concern” according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It breeds in most of Europe and west Asia where it can be found in deciduous woodlands, parks and gardens, with a preference for oak trees. It will sometimes use mature open conifer woodland where natural tree holes occur. It builds an open nest in a tree hole and it will readily adapt to nest boxes. In the UK, the Pied Flycatcher is limited by geography and habitat to the north and west of the country where it prefers mature oak woodlands but also mature upland ash and birch woodlands. It has on average decreased in population by 25% within the last 25 years and it has ceased to breed in several parts of its former range. The Pied Flycatcher is migratory, wintering mainly in tropical west Africa from mid September to mid April. It first arrives in its breeding areas from mid April to the end of May. Following breeding, return migration to Africa occurs between August and mid September. The Pied Flycatcher is mainly insectivorous and its diet is composed nearly entirely of insects including flies, bees, wasps, ants, beetles, butterflies, moths, etc. but it will also eat fruit and seeds in late summer and autumn and on migration. Date: 8th May 2022 Location: RSPB Ynys-hir, Ceredigion http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46510862.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_154930977762c98d01cb5d7.jpgBlack Grouse The Black Grouse is a large game bird in the grouse family. The male has all black plumage with distinctive red wattles over the eyes and striking white stripes along each wing in flight. It has a lyre-shaped tail which is fanned out and raised to show white under-tail feathers when displaying. The female is smaller and grey-brown in colour. The Black Grouse is a sedentary species and breeds across northern Eurasia in moorland and bog areas near to mostly boreal woodland. Although it is declining, it is not considered to be vulnerable globally due to the large population and slow rate of decline. Its decline is due to loss of habitat, disturbance, predation by foxes, crows, etc., and small populations gradually dying out. In the UK, the Black Grouse are found in upland areas of Wales, the Pennines and most of Scotland, especially on farmland and moorland with nearby forestry or scattered trees. Habitat loss and overgrazing have resulted in severe population declines which make the Black Grouse a Red List species. Positive habitat management and re-introduction programmes are helping it to increase in some areas. The Black Grouse has a very distinctive and well-recorded courtship. At dawn in the spring, the males strut around in a traditional area (lek) and display whilst making a highly distinctive and bubbling mating call. This photo was taken at a well known roadside lekking site. If visiting, please remain in your car to avoid disturbance to these vulnerable breeding birds. Date: 7th May 2022 Location: World's End, Denbighshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo47806650.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_170513640863610c7ab0a31.jpgCommon Buzzard The Common Buzzard is a member of the genus Buteo and the family Accipitridae, a group of medium-sized raptors with robust bodies and broad wings. The Buteo species of Eurasia and Africa are usually commonly referred to as buzzards whilst those in the Americas are called hawks. Under current classification, the genus Buteo includes approximately 28 species. The Common Buzzard includes between 7 to 16 sub-species and the western Buteo group includes Buteo buteo buteo which is found more or less continuously throughout Europe including the UK. The Common Buzzard is a medium-sized raptor that is highly variable in plumage. It is distinctly round headed with a somewhat slender bill and it has relatively long wings that either reach or fall slightly short of the tail tip when perched, a fairly short tail and somewhat short and mainly bare tarsi. It can appear fairly compact in overall appearance but may also appear large relative to other commoner raptors such as the Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. The Common Buzzard measures between 16 and 23 inches in length with a 3 feet 7 inches to 4 feet 7 inches wingspan. Females average about 2 to 7% larger than males in length and weigh about 15% more. Body mass can show considerable variation from 0.94 to 2.6 pounds in males and 1.07 to 3.02 pounds in females. In Europe, the Common Buzzard is typically dark brown above and on the upperside of the head and mantle but this can become paler and warmer brown with worn plumage. Usually the tail will be narrowly barred grey-brown and dark brown with a pale tip and a broad dark subterminal band but the tail in the palest birds can show a varying amount of white and a reduced sub-terminal band or even appear almost all white. The underside colouring can be variable but typically shows a brown-streaked white throat with a somewhat darker chest. A pale U across the breast is often present followed by a pale line running down the belly which separates the dark areas on the breast side and flanks. These pale areas tend to have highly variable markings that form irregular bars. Juveniles are quite similar to adults and are best told apart by having a paler eye, a narrower sub-terminal band on the tail and underside markings that appear as streaks rather than bars. Beyond the typical mid-range brownish Common Buzzard, birds in Europe can range from almost uniform black-brown above to mainly white. Extreme dark individuals may range from chocolate-brown to blackish with almost no pale colour showing but with a variable or faded U on the breast and with or without faint lighter brown throat streaks. Extreme pale individuals are largely whitish with variable widely spaced streaks or arrowheads of light brown about the mid-chest and flanks and may or may not show dark feather-centres on the head, wing-coverts and sometimes all but part of the mantle. Individuals can show nearly endless variation of colours and hues in between these extremes and the Common Buzzard is among the most variably plumaged diurnal raptors for this reason. The Common Buzzard is often confused with other raptors especially in flight or at a distance including other Buteo species such as Rough-legged Buzzard and Long-legged Buzzard and also Honey Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, Golden Eagle, Booted Eagle and Short-toed Eagle. The Common Buzzard is found throughout several islands in the eastern Atlantic islands, including the Canary Islands and the Azores, and almost throughout Europe. In the UK, it is found in Northern Ireland and in nearly every part of Scotland and England. In mainland Europe, there are no substantial gaps in the range from Portugal and Spain to Greece, Estonia, Belarus and the Ukraine, although it is present mainly only in the breeding season in much of the eastern half of the latter 3 countries. It is also present in all larger Mediterranean islands such as Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily and Crete. Further north in to Scandinavia, it is found mainly in south Norway, the southern half of Sweden and in the southern two-thirds of Finland. The Common Buzzard reaches its northern limit as a breeder in far eastern Finland and over the border in to European Russia and nearly to the Kola Peninsula. In these northern limits, the Common Buzzard is present typically only in summer. The Common Buzzard generally inhabits the interface of woodlands and open ground and typically lives in forest edge, small broad-leaved, coniferous or mixed woodlands with adjacent grassland, arable fields or other farmland and open moorland as long as there are some trees. It is absent from treeless tundra and sporadic or rare in treeless steppe. The Common Buzzard can be found from sea level to elevations of 6600 feet although it breeds mostly below 3300 feet. It can winter to an elevation of 8200 feet and migrates easily at 14,800 feet. The Common Buzzard is a partial migrant. Autumn and spring movements are subject to extensive variation, even down to the individual level, based on a region's food resources, competition (both from other Common Buzzards and other predators), the extent of human disturbance and weather conditions. Short distance movements are the norm for juveniles and some adults in autumn and winter but more adults in central and south Europe and the UK remain in their year-around areas than do not. The Common Buzzard is a typical Buteo in much of its behaviour. It is most often seen effortlessly soaring for extended periods at varying heights although it can appear laborious and heavy in level flight. It is also often seen perched prominently on tree tops, bare branches, telegraph poles, fence posts, rocks or ledges or alternatively well inside the tree canopy. It will also stand and forage on the ground. The Common Buzzard is a generalist predator which hunts a wide variety of prey given the opportunity. The prey extents to a wide variety of vertebrates including mammals, birds (from any age from eggs to adult birds), reptiles, amphibians and fish as well as to various invertebrates, mostly insects. In total, well over 300 prey species are known to be taken by the Common Buzzard. However, dietary studies have shown that it mostly preys upon small mammals, mainly small rodents. Furthermore, prey size can vary from tiny beetles, caterpillars and ants to large adult grouse and Rabbits up to nearly twice their body mass. At times, the Common Buzzard will also subsist partially on carrion, usually of dead mammals or fish. Hunting in relatively open areas has been found to increase hunting success whereas more complete shrub cover lowered success. A majority of prey is taken by dropping from a perch and is normally taken on the ground. Prey may also be hunted in a low flight, by random glides or soars or by foraging on the ground. The home range of the Common Buzzard is generally 0.19 to 0.77 square miles and the size of the breeding territory seems to be correlated with food supply. The territory is maintained through flight displays and in Europe territorial behaviour usually starts in February. However, displays are not uncommon throughout the year in resident pairs, especially by males, and can elicit similar displays by their neighbours. In the display, the Common Buzzard generally engages in high circling, spiraling upward on slightly raised wings. Mutual high circling by pairs sometimes goes on at length, especially during the period prior to or during breeding season. During the mutual displays, the male may engage in exaggerated deep flapping or zig-zag tumbling, apparently in response to the female being too distant. Several pairs may circle together at times and as many as 14 individual adults have been recorded over established display sites. Sky-dancing by the Common Buzzard has been recorded in spring and autumn, typically by the male but sometimes by the female, nearly always with much calling. Sky-dances are of the rollercoaster type, with an upward sweep of up to 100 feet until the bird starts start to stall but sometimes embellished with loops or rolls at the top. Next in the sky-dance, the bird will dive at least 200 feet on more or less closed wings before spreading them and shooting up again. These sky-dances may be repeated in series of 10 to 20. In the climax of the sky-dance, the undulations become progressively shallower, often slowing and terminating directly on to a perch. Various other aerial displays include low contour flight or weaving among trees, frequently with deep beats and exaggerated upstrokes which show underwing pattern to rivals perched below. Talon grappling and occasionally cartwheeling downward with feet interlocked has also been recorded. The Common Buzzard tends to build a bulky nest of sticks, twigs and often heather and lined with broad-leaved foliage. Nests are up to 3.3 to 3.9 feet across and 24 inches deep. With reuse over years, the diameter of a nest can reach or exceed 5 feet. Trees are generally used for a nesting location but crags or cliffs are used if trees are unavailable. Nests in trees are usually located by the main trunk at a height of around 10 to 82 feet. Pairs often have 2 to 4 nests in a territory but some pairs may use a single nest over several consecutive years. The breeding season of the Common Buzzard commences at differing times based on latitude. It may fall as early as January to April but typically it is March to July in most of Europe. In the northern limits of the range the breeding season may occur from May to August. Mating usually occurs on or near the nest and eggs are usually laid in 2 to 3 day intervals. The clutch size can range from to 2 to 6 and it appears that local factors such as habitat and food supply are relevant. Eggs are generally laid in late March to early April in the extreme south, sometime in April in most of Europe and in to May and possibly even early June in the extreme north. If eggs are lost to a predator or fail in some other way, replacement clutches are not usually laid although this has been recorded. Incubation lasts for 33 to 35 days and is mostly, but not solely, undertaken by the female. Hatching may take place over 3 to 7 days. Often the youngest nestling dies from starvation, especially in broods of 3 or more. The female remains at the nest brooding the young in the early stages with the male bringing all prey. At about 8 to 12 days, both the male and female will bring prey but the female continues to do all feeding until the young can tear up their own prey. The young are nearly fully feathered rather than downy at about a month of age and can start to feed themselves as well. The first attempts to leave the nest are often at about 40 to 50 days. Fledging occurs typically at 43 to 54 days but in extreme cases as late 62 days. After leaving the nest, the young generally stay close by until full independence 6 to 8 weeks after fledging. Numerous factors may influence the breeding success of the Common Buzzard including the availability of prey populations, habitat, disturbance and persecution levels and competition. The Common Buzzard is one of the most numerous birds of prey in its range and it is the most numerous diurnal bird of prey throughout much of Europe. Date: 22nd June 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512261.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19458675862c99664e85ae.jpgDartford Warbler The Dartford Warbler is a small warbler distinguished by its long tail compared with that of other warblers. Its plumage comprises unobtrusive and muted tones which blend in with its preferred habitats. Like many warblers, the Dartford Warbler has distinct male and female plumages. The male has a grey back and head, reddish underparts and a red eye. The female is paler below, especially on the throat, and a browner grey above. The song of the Dartford Warbler is a distinctive rattling warble. The largest populations of Dartford Warbler are found in Iberia with smaller populations in France, Italy and the south of the UK. In Africa, they are found in small areas in northern Morocco and northern Algeria. The Dartford Warbler breeds on heathlands amongst gorse, heather and other scrub bushes, sometimes near coasts. Dartford Warblers are named after Dartford Heath in north west Kent in the UK where the population became extinct in the early 20th century. They almost died out in the UK in the severe winter of 1962/63 when the national population dropped to just 10 pairs. However, this species can recover well in good quality habitat, thanks to repeated nesting and a high survival rate for the young. In the UK, Dartford Warblers can now be found at various heathland locations in south and east England. Date: 11th May 2022 Location: Morden Bog, Wareham Forest, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512260.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_82084582462c9966359b0c.jpgDartford Warbler The Dartford Warbler is a small warbler distinguished by its long tail compared with that of other warblers. Its plumage comprises unobtrusive and muted tones which blend in with its preferred habitats. Like many warblers, the Dartford Warbler has distinct male and female plumages. The male has a grey back and head, reddish underparts and a red eye. The female is paler below, especially on the throat, and a browner grey above. The song of the Dartford Warbler is a distinctive rattling warble. The largest populations of Dartford Warbler are found in Iberia with smaller populations in France, Italy and the south of the UK. In Africa, they are found in small areas in northern Morocco and northern Algeria. The Dartford Warbler breeds on heathlands amongst gorse, heather and other scrub bushes, sometimes near coasts. Dartford Warblers are named after Dartford Heath in north west Kent in the UK where the population became extinct in the early 20th century. They almost died out in the UK in the severe winter of 1962/63 when the national population dropped to just 10 pairs. However, this species can recover well in good quality habitat, thanks to repeated nesting and a high survival rate for the young. In the UK, Dartford Warblers can now be found at various heathland locations in south and east England. Date: 11th May 2022 Location: Morden Bog, Wareham Forest, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512244.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_129864360262c9964367f27.jpgDartford Warbler The Dartford Warbler is a small warbler distinguished by its long tail compared with that of other warblers. Its plumage comprises unobtrusive and muted tones which blend in with its preferred habitats. Like many warblers, the Dartford Warbler has distinct male and female plumages. The male has a grey back and head, reddish underparts and a red eye. The female is paler below, especially on the throat, and a browner grey above. The song of the Dartford Warbler is a distinctive rattling warble. The largest populations of Dartford Warbler are found in Iberia with smaller populations in France, Italy and the south of the UK. In Africa, they are found in small areas in northern Morocco and northern Algeria. The Dartford Warbler breeds on heathlands amongst gorse, heather and other scrub bushes, sometimes near coasts. Dartford Warblers are named after Dartford Heath in north west Kent in the UK where the population became extinct in the early 20th century. They almost died out in the UK in the severe winter of 1962/63 when the national population dropped to just 10 pairs. However, this species can recover well in good quality habitat, thanks to repeated nesting and a high survival rate for the young. In the UK, Dartford Warblers can now be found at various heathland locations in south and east England. Date: 11th May 2022 Location: Morden Bog, Wareham Forest, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51984179.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_65869120566d34b3f1da28.jpgRuddy Darter Flight period: mid June to mid September. The Ruddy Darter takes its name from its colour and its swift flight behaviour. The male has a deep russet colour over the entire body and the abdomen has a pinched section close to where it joins the thorax. Females are slightly smaller, golden yellow in colour and being less obviously marked are more difficult to identify than the males. There is more than one red coloured darter species in the UK and they can be easily confused with each other. The commonest red species, the Common Darter, can be distinguished as having red veins at the base of the wings and a less ruddy colouration across the body. However, the Ruddy Darter has entirely black legs, distinguishing it from all other red darters which have longitudinal yellow stripes on their legs. The UK range of the Ruddy Darter has undergone something of an expansion in recent years. Although still relatively uncommon in the west and north of Britain, it is increasing in numbers in the Midlands and eastern England. The population is augmented by continental migrants. It is also found over most of Europe except for northern Scandinavia, as far east as western Siberia and south to north Africa. The Ruddy Darter prefers water bodies with tall emergent vegetation, such as reeds and club rush, and it is known to breed in ponds, lakes, canals, ditches and sluggish rivers. They can also be found near coasts and can breed in fairly brackish water. Date: 30th July 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9563046.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5540510084dae996a432bf.jpgSnow Bunting Snow Buntings are large buntings with striking “snowy” plumages. Males in summer have all white heads and underparts contrasting with a black mantle and wing tips. Females are a more mottled above. In autumn and winter birds develop a sandy/buff wash to their plumage and males have more mottled upperparts. Snow Buntings breed in far northern Europe and migrate south in winter. They are a very scarce breeding species in the UK and can be found on the highest mountain peaks in Scotland where they nest in rocky crevices. Snow Buntings are best looked for in winter (from late September to early March) where they can sometimes be seen in large flocks on the seashore or on adjacent short rough grassland at coastal sites in Scotland and eastern England. Date: 12/11/06 Location: Snettisham, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9563020.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20459893164dae951aef6e5.jpgSnow Bunting Snow Buntings are large buntings with striking “snowy” plumages. Males in summer have all white heads and underparts contrasting with a black mantle and wing tips. Females are a more mottled above. In autumn and winter birds develop a sandy/buff wash to their plumage and males have more mottled upperparts. Snow Buntings breed in far northern Europe and migrate south in winter. They are a very scarce breeding species in the UK and can be found on the highest mountain peaks in Scotland where they nest in rocky crevices. Snow Buntings are best looked for in winter (from late September to early March) where they can sometimes be seen in large flocks on the seashore or on adjacent short rough grassland at coastal sites in Scotland and eastern England. Date: 26th March 2008 Location: Cairngorm, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9563028.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4112207304dae953a456f4.jpgSnow Bunting Snow Buntings are large buntings with striking “snowy” plumages. Males in summer have all white heads and underparts contrasting with a black mantle and wing tips. Females are a more mottled above. In autumn and winter birds develop a sandy/buff wash to their plumage and males have more mottled upperparts. Snow Buntings breed in far northern Europe and migrate south in winter. They are a very scarce breeding species in the UK and can be found on the highest mountain peaks in Scotland where they nest in rocky crevices. Snow Buntings are best looked for in winter (from late September to early March) where they can sometimes be seen in large flocks on the seashore or on adjacent short rough grassland at coastal sites in Scotland and eastern England. Date: 26th March 2008 Location: Cairngorm, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9563042.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10314160924dae9954bbe56.jpgSnow Bunting Snow Buntings are large buntings with striking “snowy” plumages. Males in summer have all white heads and underparts contrasting with a black mantle and wing tips. Females are a more mottled above. In autumn and winter birds develop a sandy/buff wash to their plumage and males have more mottled upperparts. Snow Buntings breed in far northern Europe and migrate south in winter. They are a very scarce breeding species in the UK and can be found on the highest mountain peaks in Scotland where they nest in rocky crevices. Snow Buntings are best looked for in winter (from late September to early March) where they can sometimes be seen in large flocks on the seashore or on adjacent short rough grassland at coastal sites in Scotland and eastern England. Date: 12/11/06 Location: Snettisham, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833583.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_677366663559cecdc4f22f.jpgCollared Dove Collared Doves are distinctive birds with their buffy-pink plumage and black neck collar. They are usually seen singly or in pairs, although flocks may form where food is plentiful. They feed on the ground but readily perch on roofs and wires and in trees. The Collared Dove is not migratory but it is strongly dispersive. Over the last century, it has been one of the great colonisers of the bird world. Its original range at the end of the 19th century was warm temperate and subtropical Asia from Turkey east to south China and south through India to Sri Lanka. In 1838 it was reported in Bulgaria but not until the 20th century did it expand across Europe, appearing in parts of the Balkans between 1900 and 1920 and then spreading rapidly north west, reaching Germany in 1945, the UK in 1953, Ireland in 1959 and the Faroe Islands in the early 1970s. Subsequent spread was “sideways” from this fast north west spread reaching north east to north of the Arctic Circle in Norway, east to the Ural Mountains in Russia and south west to the Canary Islands and north Africa from Morocco to Egypt by the end of the 20th century. In the east of its range it has also spread north east to most of central and north China and locally (probably introduced) in Japan. It has also reached Iceland as a vagrant but has not colonised successfully there. Date: 12th May 2015 Location: Lake Kerkini, Central Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833619.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_260764695559cee824d41e.jpgWhite Stork The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan, and is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers with red legs and a long red bill. They walk slowly and steadily on the ground and fly with necks outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the Second World War and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 12th May 2015 Location: Lake Kerkini, Central Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49027114.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1775156172646b499787e19.jpgBlue Tit The Blue Tit is a small passerine bird in the tit family. It is easily recognisable by its generally blue and yellow plumage and its small size. The Blue Tit is about 4.7 inches long with a wingspan of 7.1 inches. It has an azure blue crown and a dark blue line passing through the eye and encircling the white cheeks to the chin, giving the bird a very distinctive appearance. The forehead and a bar on the wing are white. The nape, wings and tail are blue and the back is yellowish green. The underparts are mostly sulphur-yellow with a dark line down the abdomen. The bill is black and the legs bluish grey. The sexes are similar whilst young birds are noticeably more yellow. The Blue Tit is very agile and it can cling to the outermost branches and hang upside down when searching for food such as insects, caterpillars and seeds. The Blue Tit can be found throughout areas of the European continent with a mainly temperate or Mediterranean climate and in parts of the Middle East. In the UK it is common in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens and widespread across the whole of the country with the exception of some Scottish islands. The Blue Tit will nest in any suitable hole in a tree, wall or stump, often competing with other birds such as the House Sparrow or Great Tit for the site. In addition, it will readily accept an artificial nesting box. The same hole is returned to year after year and when one pair dies another takes possession. The nesting material is usually moss, wool, hair and feathers and the eggs are laid in April or May. The number in the clutch is often very large but 7 or 8 is normal. It is not unusual for a single bird to feed the chicks in the nest at a rate of one feed every 90 seconds during the height of the breeding season. Successful breeding is dependent on a sufficient supply of caterpillars as well as satisfactory weather. Breeding may be affected badly if the weather is cold and wet between May and July, particularly if this coincides with the emergence of the caterpillars on which the nestlings are fed. The small size of the Blue Tit makes it vulnerable to predation by larger birds and the typical lifespan is 3 years or less. The most significant predator is probably the Sparrowhawk, closely followed by the domestic cat. Nests may also be robbed by mammals such as the Weasel and Red and Grey Squirrels. Date: 20th May 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41537257.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2815590715f3cfe1412ae8.jpgFlåget, Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Ekkerøy is a small village in Troms og Finnmark in north east Norway. It is located on the Varanger peninsula along the shore of the Varangerfjord. The village lies along the European route E75 about 9 miles east of the town of Vadsø. As the ending "øy" in the name indicates, Ekkerøy was originally an island. However, it is now joined to the Varanger peninsula by a narrow isthmus of land. At the mainland end of the isthmus is the small hamlet of Valen. The headland on the northern tip of Ekkerøy is called Varnes and its eastern tip is called Skagodden. The bay on the north east side of the neck which joins Ekkerøy to the mainland is called Yttersida and that on the south west side is called Innersida. Ekkerøy is one of the few places in Troms og Finnmark where pre-World War 2 buildings can be seen. When the German army retreated from the Litsa front and Kirkenes in late 1944, they burned most buildings in the county under Operation Nordlicht, the German “scorched earth” retreat from Finnmark. However, buildings on the north side of the Varangerfjord survived because the Russians advanced so quickly that the German troops in this area fled west to get across the Tana river before they were cut off and therefore did not have enough time to obey the order to destroy all buildings. Historically, the economy of Ekkerøy was based on fishing and farming but today tourism also forms part of the economy. Flåget is a bird reserve with an easily accessible bird cliff just outside the village. The cliffs face south towards the Varangerfjord, stretch for just over 0.5 miles and rise steeply to a height of 130 to 165 feet. They can be reached by a short walk from a small car park. Flåget is best known for a huge colony of breeding Kittiwakes between March and September. In addition, Ekkerøy and nearby Salttjern, have sheltered sandy bays and these, together with the Varangerfjord offshore, provide good habitats for many species of birds and sea mammals. Date: 4th July 2019 Location: Flåget, Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874828.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1641434900561ccf035b782.jpgHaukadalur, south Iceland The Haukadalur geothermal area is located in south west Iceland to the north east of the Reykjanes peninsula and Reykjavík. Here can be seen some of the most famous sights of Iceland: the geysers and other geothermal features which have developed on the Laugarfjall rhyolitic dome. The biggest geysers of Haukadalur are Strokkur and Geysir. There are also more than 40 other hot springs, mud pots and fumaroles nearby. The oldest accounts of hot springs at Haukadalur date back to 1294 when earthquakes in the area caused significant changes in the local neighbouring landscape creating several new hot springs. Changes in the activity of Geysir and the surrounding geysers are still strongly related to earthquake activity. Strokkur is a fountain geyser and is one of Iceland's most famous geysers. It is very dependable and erupts about every 5 to 10 minutes with boiling water reaching a height of 50 to 65 feet and sometimes up to 130 feet. Geysir, sometimes known as The Great Geysir, was the first geyser described in a printed source in the 18th century and the first known to modern Europeans. Since unusual natural phenomena were of high interest to society during the Age of Enlightenment, the term became popular and has been used for similar hydrothermal features worldwide since then. The English word geyser derives from Geysir whilst Geysir itself is derived from the Icelandic verb <i>geysa</i> ("to gush"). Eruptions at Geysir can hurl boiling water up to 230 feet in the air but eruptions are now very infrequent and have in the past stopped altogether for years at a time. The Haukadalur geothermal area, usually referred to as Geysir, is popular with tourists and, together with the magnificent waterfall at Gulfoss and Þingvellir, it is part of a group of the most famous sights of Iceland known as the "Golden Circle". Date: 7th June 2015 Location: Strokkur at Haukadalur http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9564638.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17956000004daec5c39b43a.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 3rd November 2008 Location: Claggain Bay, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37403985.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10500179365c6828f7bcd71.jpgBrambling The Brambling is a small passerine bird in the finch family and is similar in size and shape to a Chaffinch. Breeding-plumaged males are very distinctive, with a black head, dark upperparts, orange breast and white belly. Females and younger birds are less distinct and more similar in appearance to some Chaffinches. In all plumages, however, the Brambling differs from the Chaffinch in a number of features. The Brambling has a white rump whereas that of the Chaffinch is grey-green. The breast is orange contrasting with a white belly on the Brambling whereas on the Chaffinch the underparts are more uniformly coloured pink or buff. The Brambling's scapular feathers are orange whereas the Chaffinch's are grey or grey-brown. The flanks are dark-spotted on the Brambling but plain on the Chaffinch.The Brambling lacks the white outer tail feathers of the Chaffinch. An additional difference for all plumages except breeding plumaged males is the bill colour. It is yellow in the Brambling and dull pinkish in the Chaffinch. Breeding-plumaged male Bramblings have black bills whereas Chaffinches in the corresponding plumage have grey bills. The Brambling is widespread in the breeding season throughout the coniferous and birch forests of north Europe and Asia. It is a migrant and winters in central and south Europe, north Africa, north India, north Pakistan, China and Japan. In Europe, the Brambling forms large flocks in the winter, sometimes with thousands or even millions of birds in a single flock. Such large gatherings occur especially if beech mast is abundant. The Brambling does not require beech mast in the winter but flocks will move until they find it. This may be an adaptation to avoid competition with the Chaffinch. The Brambling arrives in the UK from mid-September and leaves again in March and April. It is a gregarious species and may form very large flocks often associating with Chaffinches. It can be found in beech woodlands, farmland fields near woods and also in some gardens. Date: 11th February 2019 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874818.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_714875272561cce9c1e899.jpgÞingvellir, south Iceland Þingvellir (Icelandic: Thing Fields), anglicized as Thingvellir or Pingvellir, is located in south west Iceland to the north east of the Reykjanes peninsula and Reykjavík. Þingvellir is the national shrine of Iceland and is a site of significant historical, cultural and geological importance and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Iceland. Alþingi, anglicized as Althing, the Icelandic Parliament, was established at Þingvellir in 930 and remained there until 1798. Þingvellir National Park or Thingvellir National Park was founded in 1930 to mark the 1000th anniversary of the Althing. It was later expanded to protect natural phenomena in the surrounding area and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004. Þingvellir is notable for its unusual tectonic and volcanic environment in a rift valley. The continental drift between the north American and Eurasian tectonic plates can be clearly seen in the cracks or faults which traverse the region, the largest one, Almannagjá, being a veritable canyon. This also causes the often measurable earthquakes in the area. Þingvellir is situated on the northern shore of Þingvallavatn, the largest natural lake of Iceland. The river Öxará traverses the National Park and forms a waterfall called Öxarárfoss at Almannagjá. On the lake's northern shore the Silfra fissure is a popular diving and snorkelling tour location. Þingvellir is popular with tourists and, together with the magnificent waterfall at Gulfoss and the geothermal features at Geysir, Þingvellir is part of a group of the most famous sights of Iceland known as the "Golden Circle". Date: 7th June 2015 Location: view from the trail from the visitor centre at Þingvellir http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18776289.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_206387925751f4cf3235676.jpgGreat Skua The Great Skua is an aggressive "pirate" of the seas, deliberately harrassing birds as large as Gannets to steal a free meal. It also readily kills and eats smaller birds such as Puffins. These birds migrate to the northernmost parts of the UK from their wintering grounds off the coasts of Spain and Africa. They breed on coastal rocky islands and moorland in northern Scotland, Orkney and Shetland, arriving in April and leaving in July. At other times they are seen around coasts often in vicinity of seabird colonies, scavenging from other birds or picking food from the surface of the sea. Date: 20th June 2013 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874805.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1425153800561cce27d1141.jpgRed-throated Diver The Red-throated Diver is the smallest and lightest of the world's diver or loon species. Like all divers, it is long-bodied and short-necked and with its legs set far back on its body. The sexes are similar in appearance although males tend to be slightly larger and heavier than females. In breeding plumage, the adult has a dark grey head and neck with narrow black and white stripes on the back of the neck, a triangular red throat patch, white underparts and a dark grey-brown mantle. The non-breeding plumage is drabber with the chin, foreneck and much of the face white, the top of the head and back of the neck grey and considerable white speckling on the dark mantle. The bill is thin, straight and sharp and the bird often holds it at an uptilted angle. In flight, the Red-throated Diver has a distinctive profile. Its small feet do not project far past the end of its body, its head and neck droop below the horizontal (giving the flying bird a distinctly hunchbacked shape) and its thin wings are angled back. It has a quicker, deeper wing beat than other divers. The Red-throated Diver has a large global population and a significant global range but some populations are declining. Oil spills, habitat degradation, pollution and fishing nets are among the major threats and natural predators, such as various gull species and both red and Arctic foxes, will take eggs and young. The Red-throated Diver breeds primarily in the Arctic regions of northern Eurasia and north America and it winters in northern coastal waters, sometimes in groups of considerable size. Unlike other divers, it regularly uses very small freshwater lakes as breeding sites. In Europe, it breeds in Iceland, northern Scotland, Scandinavia and northern Russia and it winters along the coast as far south as parts of Spain. Date: 7th June 2015 Location: east of Ólafsvík, Snæfellsnes peninsula, west Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41255236.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16281026445f06f54b08b7c.jpgSiberian Tit The Siberian Tit or Gray-headed Chickadee is a member of the tit family. The head is dark brown with white cheeks, the mantle brown, the wing feathers blackish with pale fringes, and the underparts whitish with pale brown flanks. The Siberian Tit is a widespread resident throughout subarctic Fennoscandia, northern Asia, Alaska and the far north west of Canada and can be found in conifer forests, mostly of old-growth spruce, especially in areas with dead trees. Date: 28th June 2019 Location: Neljan Tuulen Tupa near Kaamanen, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874819.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1351094800561cceaa8ac8b.jpgÞingvellir, south Iceland Þingvellir (Icelandic: Thing Fields), anglicized as Thingvellir or Pingvellir, is located in south west Iceland to the north east of the Reykjanes peninsula and Reykjavík. Þingvellir is the national shrine of Iceland and is a site of significant historical, cultural and geological importance and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Iceland. Alþingi, anglicized as Althing, the Icelandic Parliament, was established at Þingvellir in 930 and remained there until 1798. Þingvellir National Park or Thingvellir National Park was founded in 1930 to mark the 1000th anniversary of the Althing. It was later expanded to protect natural phenomena in the surrounding area and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004. Þingvellir is notable for its unusual tectonic and volcanic environment in a rift valley. The continental drift between the north American and Eurasian tectonic plates can be clearly seen in the cracks or faults which traverse the region, the largest one, Almannagjá, being a veritable canyon. This also causes the often measurable earthquakes in the area. Þingvellir is situated on the northern shore of Þingvallavatn, the largest natural lake of Iceland. The river Öxará traverses the National Park and forms a waterfall called Öxarárfoss at Almannagjá. On the lake's northern shore the Silfra fissure is a popular diving and snorkelling tour location. Þingvellir is popular with tourists and, together with the magnificent waterfall at Gulfoss and the geothermal features at Geysir, Þingvellir is part of a group of the most famous sights of Iceland known as the "Golden Circle". Date: 7th June 2015 Location: view from the trail from the visitor centre at Þingvellir http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874815.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_671386684561cce80921bc.jpgÞingvellir, south Iceland Þingvellir (Icelandic: Thing Fields), anglicized as Thingvellir or Pingvellir, is located in south west Iceland to the north east of the Reykjanes peninsula and Reykjavík. Þingvellir is the national shrine of Iceland and is a site of significant historical, cultural and geological importance and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Iceland. Alþingi, anglicized as Althing, the Icelandic Parliament, was established at Þingvellir in 930 and remained there until 1798. Þingvellir National Park or Thingvellir National Park was founded in 1930 to mark the 1000th anniversary of the Althing. It was later expanded to protect natural phenomena in the surrounding area and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004. Þingvellir is notable for its unusual tectonic and volcanic environment in a rift valley. The continental drift between the north American and Eurasian tectonic plates can be clearly seen in the cracks or faults which traverse the region, the largest one, Almannagjá, being a veritable canyon. This also causes the often measurable earthquakes in the area. Þingvellir is situated on the northern shore of Þingvallavatn, the largest natural lake of Iceland. The river Öxará traverses the National Park and forms a waterfall called Öxarárfoss at Almannagjá. On the lake's northern shore the Silfra fissure is a popular diving and snorkelling tour location. Þingvellir is popular with tourists and, together with the magnificent waterfall at Gulfoss and the geothermal features at Geysir, Þingvellir is part of a group of the most famous sights of Iceland known as the "Golden Circle". Date: 7th June 2015 Location: view from the trail from the visitor centre at Þingvellir http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874800.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1580354140561cce07d6325.jpgRed-throated Divers The Red-throated Diver is the smallest and lightest of the world's diver or loon species. Like all divers, it is long-bodied and short-necked and with its legs set far back on its body. The sexes are similar in appearance although males tend to be slightly larger and heavier than females. In breeding plumage, the adult has a dark grey head and neck with narrow black and white stripes on the back of the neck, a triangular red throat patch, white underparts and a dark grey-brown mantle. The non-breeding plumage is drabber with the chin, foreneck and much of the face white, the top of the head and back of the neck grey and considerable white speckling on the dark mantle. The bill is thin, straight and sharp and the bird often holds it at an uptilted angle. In flight, the Red-throated Diver has a distinctive profile. Its small feet do not project far past the end of its body, its head and neck droop below the horizontal (giving the flying bird a distinctly hunchbacked shape) and its thin wings are angled back. It has a quicker, deeper wing beat than other divers. The Red-throated Diver has a large global population and a significant global range but some populations are declining. Oil spills, habitat degradation, pollution and fishing nets are among the major threats and natural predators, such as various gull species and both red and Arctic foxes, will take eggs and young. The Red-throated Diver breeds primarily in the Arctic regions of northern Eurasia and north America and it winters in northern coastal waters, sometimes in groups of considerable size. Unlike other divers, it regularly uses very small freshwater lakes as breeding sites. In Europe, it breeds in Iceland, northern Scotland, Scandinavia and northern Russia and it winters along the coast as far south as parts of Spain. Date: 7th June 2015 Location: east of Ólafsvík, Snæfellsnes peninsula, west Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874792.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_827726427561ccdd0babb6.jpgCommon Redshank The Common Redshank, or simply Redshank, is a Eurasian wader. In breeding plumage it is a marbled brown colour and slightly lighter below. In winter plumage it becomes somewhat lighter toned and less patterned and rather plain greyish-brown above and whitish below. It has red legs and a black-tipped red bill and it shows white up the back and on the wings in flight. The Common Redshank is widespread across temperate Eurasia and it breeds in any wetland from damp meadows to saltmarsh, often at high densities. It is migratory and it winters on coasts around the Mediterranean, on the Atlantic coast of Europe from the UK southwards and in south Asia. The Common Redshank is a wary and noisy bird which will alert everything else with their loud piping call. Date: 7th June 2015 Location: east of Ólafsvík, Snæfellsnes peninsula, west Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874810.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2015461184561cce499f879.jpgRed-throated Diver The Red-throated Diver is the smallest and lightest of the world's diver or loon species. Like all divers, it is long-bodied and short-necked and with its legs set far back on its body. The sexes are similar in appearance although males tend to be slightly larger and heavier than females. In breeding plumage, the adult has a dark grey head and neck with narrow black and white stripes on the back of the neck, a triangular red throat patch, white underparts and a dark grey-brown mantle. The non-breeding plumage is drabber with the chin, foreneck and much of the face white, the top of the head and back of the neck grey and considerable white speckling on the dark mantle. The bill is thin, straight and sharp and the bird often holds it at an uptilted angle. In flight, the Red-throated Diver has a distinctive profile. Its small feet do not project far past the end of its body, its head and neck droop below the horizontal (giving the flying bird a distinctly hunchbacked shape) and its thin wings are angled back. It has a quicker, deeper wing beat than other divers. The Red-throated Diver has a large global population and a significant global range but some populations are declining. Oil spills, habitat degradation, pollution and fishing nets are among the major threats and natural predators, such as various gull species and both red and Arctic foxes, will take eggs and young. The Red-throated Diver breeds primarily in the Arctic regions of northern Eurasia and north America and it winters in northern coastal waters, sometimes in groups of considerable size. Unlike other divers, it regularly uses very small freshwater lakes as breeding sites. In Europe, it breeds in Iceland, northern Scotland, Scandinavia and northern Russia and it winters along the coast as far south as parts of Spain. Date: 7th June 2015 Location: east of Ólafsvík, Snæfellsnes peninsula, west Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874797.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_286273981561ccdf15b6cf.jpgRed-throated Divers The Red-throated Diver is the smallest and lightest of the world's diver or loon species. Like all divers, it is long-bodied and short-necked and with its legs set far back on its body. The sexes are similar in appearance although males tend to be slightly larger and heavier than females. In breeding plumage, the adult has a dark grey head and neck with narrow black and white stripes on the back of the neck, a triangular red throat patch, white underparts and a dark grey-brown mantle. The non-breeding plumage is drabber with the chin, foreneck and much of the face white, the top of the head and back of the neck grey and considerable white speckling on the dark mantle. The bill is thin, straight and sharp and the bird often holds it at an uptilted angle. In flight, the Red-throated Diver has a distinctive profile. Its small feet do not project far past the end of its body, its head and neck droop below the horizontal (giving the flying bird a distinctly hunchbacked shape) and its thin wings are angled back. It has a quicker, deeper wing beat than other divers. The Red-throated Diver has a large global population and a significant global range but some populations are declining. Oil spills, habitat degradation, pollution and fishing nets are among the major threats and natural predators, such as various gull species and both red and Arctic foxes, will take eggs and young. The Red-throated Diver breeds primarily in the Arctic regions of northern Eurasia and north America and it winters in northern coastal waters, sometimes in groups of considerable size. Unlike other divers, it regularly uses very small freshwater lakes as breeding sites. In Europe, it breeds in Iceland, northern Scotland, Scandinavia and northern Russia and it winters along the coast as far south as parts of Spain. Date: 7th June 2015 Location: east of Ólafsvík, Snæfellsnes peninsula, west Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081377.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_123532679863a713484ff22.jpgDate: 10th January 2022 Location: fenland landscape near RSPB Ouse Washes, Cambridgeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28886184.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_165002895357cc392e861d2.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose with a creamy white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwing linings are visible. It is a very sociable goose and flies in packs and long lines with a noisy chorus of barking or yapping sounds. The Barnacle Goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations with separate breeding and wintering ranges. Birds from eastern Greenland winter on Islay in western Scotland and in western Ireland whilst birds from the Svalbard winter on the Solway Firth on the Scotland/England border. Around 70,000 Barnacle Geese are present in the UK from October to March each year. Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in the UK and several other north European countries. Date: 11th May 2016 Location: Haeska, Matsalu National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41524242.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9004726255f3a6afb99b4d.jpgSmall Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Small Skipper has a rusty orange colour to the wings, upper body and the tips of the antennae. The body is silvery white below and it has a wingspan of 25 to 30 mm. It is very similar in appearance to the Essex Skipper but the undersides of the tips of the antennae are yellow orange in the Small Skipper whereas they are black in the Essex Skipper. The Small Skipper is a common and widespread butterfly in most parts of England and has been expanding its range northwards. It can be found in rough grassland, roadside verges, edges of fields and woodland clearings where it is often seen basking on vegetation or making short buzzing flights among tall grass stems. Date: 1st August 2020 Location, Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50931095.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21021800396627d1ba55691.jpgCetti's Warbler The Cetti's Warbler is a small, brown warbler named after the 18th century Italian zoologist, Francesco Cetti. It is approximately 5 to 5.5 inches in length with a rounded head and a narrow pale grey stripe arching over conspicuous black eyes. The upperparts are a rich chestnut or dark reddish-brown and the throat and breast are pale grey. It has short rounded wings but the tail is longer and broader than many other warblers. The sexes have similar plumage but males are larger and heavier than females. The Cetti's Warbler is a typically skulking species and can be difficult to see although it signals its presence with loud bursts of song. The Cetti’s Warbler is mainly found in south and central Europe, north west Africa and the east Palearctic as far as Afghanistan and north west Pakistan where it inhabits damp areas including ponds, lakes, marshes and rivers. It has greatly increased across Europe since 1990. The Cetti's Warbler was first recorded in the UK in 1961 and, after a significant decline in the mid-1980s, populations in milder regions in the south and east continue to grow. The Cetti’s Warbler feeds on arthropods such as small, soft-bodied insects and larvae. Date: 8th April 2024 Location: RSPB Canvey Wick, Canvey Island, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/shag-juvenile https://images.on-this.website/4752_20240993853da37b6f0a84.jpgShag chick The European Shag, Common Shag or simply Shag is a species of cormorant. It is 27 to 31 inches in length with a 37 to 43 inches wingspan. It is mainly black in colour but with a glossy green-tinged sheen in adults. It has a longish tail and a yellow throat-patch. Adults have a small recurved crest in the breeding season. It is distinguished from the Cormorant by its smaller size, lighter build, thinner and narrower bill, and, in breeding adults, by the crest and metallic green-tinged sheen. The Shag breeds around the rocky coasts of west and south Europe, north Africa and south west Asia, mainly wintering in its breeding range except for the northernmost birds. It nests on rocky ledges or in crevices or small caves and the nests are untidy heaps of rotting seaweed or twigs cemented together by the bird's own guano. The nesting season is long and begins in late February although some nests are not started until May or even later. The female lays 3 eggs and the chicks hatch without down and so they rely totally on their parents for warmth, often for a period of 2 months before they can fly. Fledging may occur at any time from early June to late August and exceptionally to mid-October. In the UK, the Shag breeds at coastal sites, mainly in the north and west of the country, and more than half of the population is found at fewer than 10 sites. It can be seen during the breeding season at the large Scottish colonies on Orkney, Shetland, the Inner Hebrides and in the Firth of Forth. Elsewhere it can be seen commonly around the coasts of Wales and south west England, especially in Devon and Cornwall. The Shag feeds in the sea and, unlike the Cormorant, it is rare inland. It is one of the deepest pursuit divers among the cormorant family and it has been shown to dive to at least 150 feet. When it dives, it jumps out of the water first to give extra impetus to the dive. The Shag forages for food on the sea bed and eats a wide range of fish although the commonest prey is the sand eel. It will travel long distances from its breeding and roosting sites in order to feed. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Staple Island, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081464.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_91457064963a853b5b3bbf.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 9th January 2022 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081383.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_129995099963a715335df6e.jpgSnow Bunting Snow Buntings are large buntings with striking “snowy” plumages. Males in summer have all white heads and underparts contrasting with a black mantle and wing tips. Females are a more mottled above. In autumn and winter birds develop a sandy/buff wash to their plumage and males have more mottled upperparts. Snow Buntings breed in far northern Europe and migrate south in winter. They are a very scarce breeding species in the UK and can be found on the highest mountain peaks in Scotland where they nest in rocky crevices. Snow Buntings are best looked for in winter (from late September to early March) where they can sometimes be seen in large flocks on the seashore or on adjacent short rough grassland at coastal sites in Scotland and eastern England. Date: 12th January 2022 Location: Holkham Bay, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081470.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_23564226663a856084b0d9.jpgShoveler The Northern Shoveler, known simply as the Shoveler in the UK, is a common and widespread dabbling duck. The Shoveler is unmistakable due to its large spatulate bill. The breeding male has an iridescent dark green head, white breast and chestnut belly and flanks. In flight, pale blue forewing feathers are revealed which are separated from the green speculum by a white border. In early autumn the male has a white crescent on each side of the face. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male resembles the female. The female is a drab mottled brown with plumage much like a female Mallard but easily distinguished by the long broad bill which is grey tinged with orange on the cutting edge and lower mandible. The female's forewing is grey. The Shoveler can be found in open wetlands, such as wet grassland or marshes with some emergent vegetation, in northern areas of Europe and Asia and across most of north America. It winters in south Europe, Africa, the Indian sub-continent, south east Asia and central and northern south America. In the UK, the Shoveler breeds primarily in south and east England and in much smaller numbers in Scotland and west England. In winter, breeding birds move south and there is additionally an influx of continental birds from further north. The UK is home to more than 20% of the north west European population. The Shoveler prefers to nest in grassy areas away from open water. The nest is a shallow depression on the ground lined with plant material and down. Females typically lay about 9 eggs. The males are very territorial during the breeding season and will defend their territory and partners from competing males. Males also engage in elaborate courtship behaviours both on the water and in the air. The Shoveler feeds by dabbling for plant food, often by swinging its bill from side to side and using the bill to strain food from the water. It uses its highly specialized bill (from which their name is derived) to forage for aquatic invertebrates. Date: 9th January 2022 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4466121.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16895153414b8a267846d34.jpgFløyfjellet, Bergen Fløyfjellet or Fløyen is the most visited of the 7 mountains that surround the city centre of Bergen, Norway. It has a funicular railway system (Fløibanen) that transports passengers from the centre of Bergen to a height of 1050 feet in roughly 8 minutes. The actual highest point on Fløifjellet at 1394 feet is approximately 1/2 mile to the north east. From Fløyfjellet there are stunning views of the city of Bergen and the surrounding area. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12759406.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13397061564e71b0aa3c930.jpgRed Squirrel The Red Squirrel or Eurasian Red Squirrel is a species of tree squirrel in the genus [i]Sciurus[/i]. It is an arboreal and primarily herbivorous rodent. The Red Squirrel has a typical head and body length of 7.5 to 9 inches, a tail length of 6 to 8 inches and a weight of 9 to 12 ounces. Males and females are the same size. The Red Squirrel is smaller and lighter in weight than the Grey Squirrel The coat of the Red Squirrel varies in colour with the time of year and its location and there are several different coat colour morphs ranging from black to red. Red coats are most common in the UK but in other parts of Europe and Asia different coat colours co-exist within populations. The underside of the Red Squirrel is always creamy-white in colour. The Red Squirrel sheds its coat twice a year, switching from a thinner summer coat to a thicker, darker winter coat with noticeably larger ear-tufts (a prominent distinguishing feature of this species) between August and November. A lighter, redder overall coat colour, along with the ear-tufts (in adults) and smaller size, distinguish the Red Squirrel from the Grey Squirrel. The long tail helps the Red Squirrel to balance and steer when jumping from tree to tree and running along branches and it may also keep it warm during sleep. The Red Squirrel, like most tree squirrels, has sharp and curved claws to enable it to climb and descend broad tree trunks, thin branches and even house walls and its strong hind legs enable it to leap gaps between trees. The Red Squirrel can be found in the boreal coniferous woods in north Europe and Siberia where it prefers Scots Pine, Norway Spruce and Siberian Pine. In west and south Europe it can be found in broad-leaved woods where the mixture of tree and shrub species provides a better year round source of food. In most of the UK and in Italy, broad-leaved woodlands are now less suitable for it due to the better competitive feeding strategy of the introduced Grey Squirrel. The Red Squirrel makes a drey (nest) out of twigs in a branch-fork, forming a domed structure about 9 to 12 inches in diameter. This is lined with moss, leaves, grass and bark. Tree hollows and woodpecker holes are also used. The Red Squirrel is generally a solitary animal and is shy and reluctant to share food with others. However, outside the breeding season and particularly in winter, several Red Squirrels may share a drey to keep warm. Social organisation is based on dominance hierarchies within and between sexes. Although males are not necessarily dominant towards females, the dominant animals tend to be larger and older than subordinate animals and dominant males tend to have larger home ranges than subordinate males or females. Mating can occur in late winter during February and March and in summer between June and July. During mating, males detect females that are in oestrus by an odour that they produce and, although there is no courtship, the male will chase the female for up to an hour prior to mating. Usually multiple males will chase a single female until the dominant male, usually the largest in the group, mates with the female. Males and females will mate multiple times with many partners. Females must reach a minimum body mass before they enter oestrus and heavy females on average produce more young. If food is scarce breeding may be delayed. Typically a female will produce her first litter in her second year. Up to 2 litters a year per female are possible. Each litter averages 3 young and these are known as kits. Gestation is about 38 to 39 days and the young are looked after by the mother alone and are born helpless, blind and deaf. Their body is covered by hair at 21 days, their eyes and ears open after 3 to 4 weeks and they develop all their teeth by 42 days. Juveniles can eat solids around 40 days following birth and from that point they can leave the nest on their own to find food. However, they still suckle from their mother until weaning occurs at 8 to 10 weeks. The Red Squirrel eats mostly the seeds of trees, fungi, nuts (especially hazelnuts but also beech and chestnuts), berries and young shoots. More rarely, it may also eat bird eggs or nestlings and may occasionally exhibit opportunistic omnivory similar to other rodents. Excess food is put into caches, either buried or in nooks or holes in trees, and eaten when food is scarce. Although the Red Squirrel remembers where it created caches at a better than chance level, its spatial memory is believed to be substantially less accurate and durable than that of the Grey Squirrel. Therefore it will often have to search for them when in need and many caches are never found again. Between 60% and 80% of the active time of a Red Squirrel may be spent foraging and feeding. The active period is generally in the morning and in the late afternoon and evening. It often rests in its nest in the middle of the day to avoid the heat and the high visibility to birds of prey that are dangers during these hours. During the winter, this midday rest is often much more brief or absent entirely although harsh weather may cause it to stay in its nest for days at a time. No territories are claimed between Red Squirrels and the feeding areas of individuals overlap considerably. A Red Squirrel that survives its first winter has a life expectancy of 3 years. Individuals may reach 7 years of age and 10 years in captivity. Survival is positively related to the availability of autumn and winter tree seeds. On average, 75 to 85% of juveniles die during their first winter and mortality is approximately 50% for winters following the first. Predators include small mammals such as the Pine Marten, the Wildcat and the Stoat which all prey on juveniles. Birds, including owls and raptors such as the Goshawk and Common Buzzard, may also prey on the Red Squirrel as will the Red Fox and domestic cats and dogs when it is on the ground. Humans influence the population size and mortality of the Red Squirrel by destroying or altering habitats, by causing road casualties and by introducing non-native populations of the Grey Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel and the Red Squirrel are not directly antagonistic and violent conflict between these species is not a factor in the decline in Red Squirrel populations. However, the Grey Squirrel appears to contribute to the decrease in the Red Squirrel population for several reasons: it carries a disease, the squirrel parapoxvirus, that does not appear to affect its own health but will often kill the Red Squirrel, it can better digest acorns whilst the Red Squirrel cannot access the proteins and fats in acorns as easily and it can put the Red Squirrel under pressure for food resources resulting in it not breeding as often. In the UK, due to the above circumstances, the population has today fallen to 160,000 Red Squirrels or fewer with the majority of these in Scotland. Outside the UK and Ireland, the impact of competition from the Grey Squirrel has also been observed in Italy where 2 pairs escaped from captivity in 1948. A significant drop in the Red Squirrel population has been observed since 1970 and it is feared that the Grey Squirrel may expand into the rest of Europe. The Red Squirrel is protected in most of Europe although in some areas it is abundant and is hunted for its fur. In the UK there are several active projects to protect the Red Squirrel and its native woodland habitat, introduce or re-introduce it in to areas where it is absent and eradicate and prevent the spread of the Grey Squirrel. Research undertaken in 2007 in the UK credits the Pine Marten with reducing the population of the invasive Grey Squirrel. Where the range of the expanding Pine Marten population meets that of the Grey Squirrel, the population of the latter retreats. It is theorised that, because the Grey Squirrel spends more time on the ground than the Red Squirrel, it is far more likely to come in contact with the Pine Marten. Date: 10th May 2006 Location: Freshfield National Trust reserve, Formby Point, Merseyside http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081461.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_209316114163a84c9057689.jpgThe Tufted Duck is a small diving duck. The adult male is all black except for white flanks and a blue-grey bill. It has an obvious head tuft that gives the species its name. The adult female is brown with paler flanks and is more easily confused with other diving ducks. In particular, some have white around the bill base which resembles the Scaup although the white is never as extensive as in that species. The Tufted Duck breeds widely throughout temperate and northern Eurasia. It occasionally can be found as a winter visitor along both coasts of the United States and Canada. It is migratory in most of its range and winters in the milder south and west of Europe and southern Asia where large flocks form on open water. The Tufted Duck breeds close to marshes and lakes with plenty of vegetation to conceal the nest. It is also found on coastal lagoons and sheltered ponds. The Tufted Duck feeds mainly by diving for molluscs, aquatic insects and aquatic plants. Date: 9th January 2022 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9590644.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20322603784db16cb8d59c5.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 07/02/07 Location: Northlands Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46027943.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16934450836291ef74ae113.jpgMallards The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 21st May 2022 Location: EWT Two Tree Island, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21959084.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_92047080053da5ee43a00a.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Inner Farne, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46028420.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13795136276291f5c625b45.jpgCommon Lizard The Common Lizard ranges across central and northern Europe (but are absent from the Mediterranean area) and through to northern Asia. It is the most common lizard in northern regions and the only reptile found in Ireland. The Common Lizard has a long body and short legs. It has coarse scales which range from grey, brown, bronze or green on the back and males are generally darker than females. It has a series of white spots down the flanks, which fuse to form a line, and a black line along the back. The Common Lizard also has numerous black spots scattered over the body. Males have orange/yellow bellies with black spots and females have cream/white bellies. The Common Lizard is found in a range of habitats including woodland, marshes, heathland, moors, sand dunes, hedgerows, bogs and rubbish dumps and it hunts insects, spiders, snails and earthworms, stunning its prey by shaking it and then swallowing it whole. The Common Lizard is active during the day and spends the morning and afternoon (but not the intense heat of midday) basking in the sun either alone or in groups. It is a good swimmer and will dive underwater when threatened. At night, and when startled, it will shelter beneath logs, stones and metal sheets. After emerging from hibernation, males defend breeding territories from other males. The young develop over 3 months within egg membranes inside the female's body which they usually break out of as she gives birth. Litters of 3 to 12 young are born from June to September after which time the mother shows no parental care with the young feeding actively from birth and quickly dispersing. The Common Lizard hibernates from October to March. It will often hibernate in groups and sometimes emerge for a brief time during warm spells. Date: 26th May 2022 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26040922.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_24197699563894e327858.jpgWestfjords, Iceland The Westfjords is the name of a large peninsula in north west Iceland and it is situated on the Denmark Strait facing the east coast of Greenland to the north west. It is connected to the rest of Iceland by a 5 mile wide isthmus between Gilsfjörður and Bitrufjörður. The Westfjords are one of the most breathtakingly beautiful and least visited corners of Iceland with only a small number of foreign tourist visitors. This peninsula of almost 5500 square miles stretching out into the icy waters of the Denmark Strait is characterised by dramatic fjords which have resulted from intense glacial activity. Everything here is extreme from the table mountains that dominate the landscape and which plunge precipitously into the sea to the ferocious storms that have gnawed the coastline into countless craggy inlets. After crossing the Steingrímsfjarðarheiði mountain pass west of Hólmavík, road 61 becomes a convoluted and circuitous route which winds it’s way in and around no fewer than 7 deeply indented fjords in the northern part of the Westfjords before reaching the regional capital of Ísafjörður. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: view from road 60 between Ísafjörður and Þingeyri http://www.richardchewphotography.com/southern-grey-shrike https://images.on-this.website/4752_109199489552528a5456f41.jpgSouthern Grey Shrike The Southern Grey Shrike is a member of the shrike family about the size of a large thrush. The plumage is generally similar to Great Grey Shrike to which it is closely related and with which it used to be considered conspecific. Where the 2 species do co-occur, they do not interbreed and are separated by choice of habitat. The Southern Grey Shrike is resident in southern Europe and north Africa where it can be found in dry open country. It eats large insects, small birds and rodents. Like other shrikes it hunts from prominent perches for large insects, small birds and rodents and impales corpses on thorns or barbed wire as a "larder". Date: 13th September 2013 Location: view from road to Embalse del Jándula, Sierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645495.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16950373551e3cef421b54.jpgWhite-winged Black Terns The White-winged Black Tern is a small “marsh” tern. Adult birds in summer have short red legs and a short black bill, a black neck and belly, a very dark grey back, a white rump and light grey almost white tail. The wings, as the name implies, are mainly white. In non-breeding plumage, most of the black is replaced by white or pale grey although a few blackish feathers may be retained mixed with white underparts. The White-winged Black Tern breeds on freshwater marshes and lakes from central and eastern Europe to central Asia. Date: 21st May 2013 Location: Biebrza area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533184.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_60887994262ca7c7490b47.jpgBanded Demoiselle Flight period: May to August. The Banded Demoiselle is a large metallic damselfly with fluttering, butterfly-like wings. Males have a metallic blue body with broad dark blue-black spots across the outer parts of the wings. Females have a metallic green body with translucent pale green wings. The Banded Demoiselle’s name is derived from the distinctive “fingerprint” mark on the wings of the males. Of the UK's damselflies, only the Banded Demoiselle and the similar Beautiful Demoiselle have coloured wings. The latter differs by displaying almost entirely dark, metallic wings. The Banded Demoiselle is mainly found amongst lush, damp vegetation along the edges of slow-flowing lowland streams rivers and canals and around still ponds and lakes. Males are very territorial and perform fluttering display flights to win over females. The Banded Demoiselle is common in Wales and most of England apart from in the north. However, its range is expanding. The species was first recorded from Scotland in 2002 and it has now spread along the east coast and west coast in southern Scotland. Date: 13th June 2022 Location: Cowles Drove near RSPB Lakenheath Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42524879.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2913781896098fbd38e7ca.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 7th April 2021 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46534770.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_42421444762ca98c51ee34.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 27th June 2022 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18776285.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_84645108951f4cf18a0673.jpgArctic Skua The Arctic Skua is medium-sized dark-looking seabird with pointed wings which is often seen flying low and fast above the waves harassing a tern or other bird in order to make it drop its food. Arctic Skuas only come to land to breed and they are aggressive towards any intruders in to their breeding territories on coastal moorland in the Shetland and Orkney Islands and some areas of north and west Scotland. During the autumn passage, Arctic Skuas are best looked for from coasts in August and September (especially in areas near tern colonies where there are good numbers of feeding birds) but they winter at sea associating with other pelagic seabirds. Date: 20th June 2013 Location: Handa Island, Sutherland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13797188.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19304399644ee9bf987a03c.jpgBottlenose Dolphin The Bottlenose Dolphin is one of the most well-known species of dolphin. They have a stocky, torpedo-shaped body, a short beak and pointed flippers and are usually dark grey on the back with paler grey flanks and a white or pinkish belly. The sickle-shaped dorsal fin is tall and positioned centrally on the back. Variations in the shape of the dorsal fin along with scars and other markings on the skin can help researchers to identify individuals. The Bottlenose Dolphin is found in coastal waters of most temperate, tropical and subtropical areas. Around the UK, it occurs in the English Channel, in the Moray Firth in north-east Scotland and in Cardigan Bay in Wales. Although lone individuals do occur, Bottle-nosed Dolphins are very sociable animals which usually live in groups numbering between 10 and 100 individuals. They engage in much energetic behaviour, including breaching (clearing the water), lobtailing (slapping the tail flukes down onto the surface of the water) and bow-riding (riding the swell created in front of boats and even large whales). The Bottlenose Dolphin faces a number of threats including human disturbance, entanglement in fishing nets and hunting. Like all cetaceans, they are also vulnerable to chemical and noise pollution. The captivity industry that supplies the world aquarium trade is also a problem. The Bottlenose Dolphin is a UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority species and it is protected in UK waters by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Orders 1985. It is illegal to intentionally kill, injure, or harass any cetacean (whale or dolphin) species in UK waters. The Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans in the Baltic and North Seas (ASCOBANS), has been signed by 7 European Countries including the UK. Provision is made under this agreement to set up protected areas, promote research and monitoring, pollution control and increase public awareness. Under Annex II of the EC Habitats Directive, candidate marine Special Areas of Conservation (SACS) are being set up for this species in Cardigan Bay (Wales) and the Moray Firth (north-east Scotland). Date: 6th August 2006 Location: River Thames, Canvey Island, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14261288.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3714951784f51e9574b868.jpgKingfisher The Kingfisher is a small unmistakable bright blue and orange bird of slow moving or still water. They fly rapidly and low over water and hunt fish from riverside perches, occasionally hovering above the water's surface. Kingfishers are vulnerable to hard winters and habitat degradation through pollution or unsympathetic management of watercourses and are an “Amber List” species due to their unfavourable conservation status in Europe. Kingfishers are widespread especially in central and southern England but become less common further north. Following some declines last century, they are currently increasing in their range in Scotland. Kingfishers can be found all year round by still or slow flowing water such as lakes, canals and rivers in lowland areas. In winter, some individuals move to estuaries and the coast. Occasionally they may also visit garden ponds if they are of a suitable size. Date: 25th February 2012 Location: Rye Meads RSPB reserve, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11947748.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7291263764e40fe01b6db6.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 21st October 2007 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30024900.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_775950184587a08f7ad176.jpgRing-necked Parakeet The Ring-necked Parakeet is the UK's only naturalised parrot. It is large, long-tailed and green with a red beak and a pink and black ring around its face and neck. In flight it has pointed wings, a long tail and a steady, direct flight. Ring-necked Parakeets can be seen all year round at a number of locations in south east England, particularly Surrey, Kent and Sussex. They can often be found in flocks sometimes numbering hundreds of birds at roost sites. Parks, orchards and gardens with mature trees to provide nest holes are favoured habitats. In its native India it is found in jungle and around farms and gardens. Date: 5th January 2017 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308832.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_145515925963ee2f573ea09.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 17th January 2023 Location: EWT Langdon Conservation Centre, Dunton, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453882.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15983580644ff5443371dae.jpgBlack-winged Stilt The Black-winged Stilt is a widely distributed very long-legged wader. They have long pink-red legs, a long thin black bill and are blackish above and white below with a white head and neck with a varying amount of black. Both in flight and at rest the long pink-red legs are characteristic and even if these are hidden in water of unknown depth, the pure white underparts and jet black upperparts are distinctive. The amount of dark feathering on the otherwise white head doesn't necessarily indicate the sex of a stilt although young birds always have smoky patterning on the head. The Black-winged Stilt can be found in central and southern Europe, central and southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Many birds migrate to south of the Sahara from August to November and return in March and April. However, many of those which breed in Iberia are now increasingly remaining throughout the year. The Black-winged Stilt breeds around shallow wetlands, especially coastal lagoons, saltpans and estuaries. The nest site is a bare spot on the ground near water and birds often nest in small groups, sometimes with Avocets. In Europe, the Black-winged Stilt is a regular spring overshoot vagrant north of its normal range, occasionally remaining to breed in northern European countries including the UK. Date: 24th April 2012 Location: Laguna de Fuente de Piedra, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49003065.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8843212436468fcf13459f.jpgAdder Adders are widespread throughout mainland UK but they are absent from Ireland. They occur throughout Europe, with the exception of the Mediterranean islands, and across Russia and Asia through to northern China. They are the UK's only venomous reptile. Adders are relatively short and robust snakes with large heads and a rounded snout. Males are usually a grey or buff colour with vivid black markings although they can also vary from silver to yellow or green in colour. Females are brown with dark red-brown markings that are less prominent than in the males. Both sexes have a zigzag pattern running along the back with a / or X-shaped marking at the rear of the head. Adders can be found in a variety of habitats, including open woodland, hedgerows, moorland, sand dunes, riverbanks, bogs, heathland and mountains. They are active during the day and spend time basking until their body temperature is high enough to hunt for food. Adders use venom to immobilise prey such as lizards, amphibians, nestlings and small mammals. After striking their prey, they will leave the venom to take effect before following the victim’s scent to find the body. Mating takes place between April and May with males often fighting for females. Females have a 3 to 4 month gestation period and Adders are one of the few snakes that are viviparous (give birth to live young). In late August females give birth to between 5 and 20 live young and the young remain close to their mother for a few days before going off in search of food. Adders hibernate from September to March often using deserted rabbit or rodent burrows or settling under logs. They sometimes hibernate communally. Males emerge 2 to 5 weeks before the females and shed their skin before setting off in search of females. Adders are not aggressive snakes and they will only attack if harassed or threatened. Although an Adder’s venom poses little danger to a healthy adult, the bite is very painful and requires urgent medical attention. Date: 3rd May 2023 Location: Benfleet and Hadleigh Downs, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453905.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14508303774ff54501046c0.jpgWhite Storks The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 26th April 2012 Location: steppes of Belén, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo34006634.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3187341365a72f9be200b6.jpgBlack Redstart The Black Redstart is a small passerine bird. Like its relatives, it was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family but is now known to be an Old World flycatcher. The Black Redstart is similar in size and weight to the Common Redstart. The adult male is dark grey to black on the upperparts and with a black breast. The lower rump and tail are orange-red with 2 dark red-brown central tail feathers. The belly and undertail are either blackish-grey (western subspecies) or orange-red (eastern subspecies) and the wings are blackish-grey with pale fringes on the secondaries forming a whitish panel (western subspecies) or all blackish (eastern subspecies). The female is grey (western subspecies) to grey-brown (eastern subspecies) except for the orange-red lower rump and tail. First year males are similar to females but blacker. The Black Redstart is a widespread breeder in south and central Europe, north west Africa and Asia, ranging from the UK south to Morocco and east to central China. It is resident in the milder parts of its range but north eastern birds migrate to winter in southern and western Europe, north Africa and Asia. The Black Redstart originally inhabited stony ground in mountains, particularly cliffs, but since about 1900 it has expanded to include similar urban habitats including bombed areas during and after World War 2 and large industrial complexes that have the bare areas and cliff-like buildings it favours. It generally nests in crevices or holes in buildings. In the UK, the Black Redstart is most common as a passage and winter visitor with only 20 to 50 pairs breeding. On passage, it can be found on the east and south coasts whilst in winter it can be found on the coasts of Wales and western and southern England with a few also at inland sites. Migrants arrive in the UK in October or November and either move on or remain to winter returning eastward in March or April. The Black Redstart will catch passing insects in flight and migrants often hunt in coastal tide-wrack for flies or tiny crustaceans. Date: 22nd January 2018 Location: Sheringham, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49002486.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2917701896468f07f3774d.jpgLittle Ringed Plover The Little Ringed Plover is a small plover with a distinctive black and white head pattern similar to the Ringed Plover. It has a black beak and pale (not orange) legs and close views reveal a distinctive yellow eye-ring. In flight it shows a plain brown wing without the white wing bar that the Ringed Plover has. The Little Ringed Plover can be found in most of Eurasia and north west Africa. In the UK, it is mainly found in England and is uncommon in Wales and Scotland. It is a migratory species, arriving in March from its wintering grounds in Africa and leaving again in July. The breeding habitat is open gravel or shingle areas near fresh water, including gravel pits, reservoirs, islands and river edges Nests are located on the ground on stones with little or no plant growth. Both males and females take turns incubating the eggs. The Little Ringed Plover is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 17th April 2023 Location: Abberton Reservoir, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21959209.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_65940410453da66a513c1d.jpgShag chick The European Shag, Common Shag or simply Shag is a species of cormorant. It is 27 to 31 inches in length with a 37 to 43 inches wingspan. It is mainly black in colour but with a glossy green-tinged sheen in adults. It has a longish tail and a yellow throat-patch. Adults have a small recurved crest in the breeding season. It is distinguished from the Cormorant by its smaller size, lighter build, thinner and narrower bill, and, in breeding adults, by the crest and metallic green-tinged sheen. The Shag breeds around the rocky coasts of west and south Europe, north Africa and south west Asia, mainly wintering in its breeding range except for the northernmost birds. It nests on rocky ledges or in crevices or small caves and the nests are untidy heaps of rotting seaweed or twigs cemented together by the bird's own guano. The nesting season is long and begins in late February although some nests are not started until May or even later. The female lays 3 eggs and the chicks hatch without down and so they rely totally on their parents for warmth, often for a period of 2 months before they can fly. Fledging may occur at any time from early June to late August and exceptionally to mid-October. In the UK, the Shag breeds at coastal sites, mainly in the north and west of the country, and more than half of the population is found at fewer than 10 sites. It can be seen during the breeding season at the large Scottish colonies on Orkney, Shetland, the Inner Hebrides and in the Firth of Forth. Elsewhere it can be seen commonly around the coasts of Wales and south west England, especially in Devon and Cornwall. The Shag feeds in the sea and, unlike the Cormorant, it is rare inland. It is one of the deepest pursuit divers among the cormorant family and it has been shown to dive to at least 150 feet. When it dives, it jumps out of the water first to give extra impetus to the dive. The Shag forages for food on the sea bed and eats a wide range of fish although the commonest prey is the sand eel. It will travel long distances from its breeding and roosting sites in order to feed. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Inner Farne, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29487229.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_178400790258107e6ea18ad.jpgCommon Gull The Common Gull is a medium-sized gull. The north American subspecies is commonly referred to as the Mew Gull although that name is also used by some authorities for the whole species. The Common Gull is noticeably smaller and more gentle looking than the Herring Gull. It is grey above and white below with greenish-yellow legs. It has black wingtips with large white "mirrors". Young birds have scaly black-brown upperparts and a neat wing pattern and grey legs and take 2 to 3 years to reach maturity. In winter, the head is streaked grey and the bill often has a poorly defined blackish band near the tip which is sometimes sufficiently obvious to cause confusion with the Ring-billed Gull. The call is a high-pitched "laughing" cry. The Common Gull breeds colonially near water or in marshes in north Europe, north west north America and north Asia. It is most numerous in Europe with over half (possibly as much as 80 to 90%) of the world population. In the UK, the Common Gull can be found in summer along the coasts and inland marshes and lakes of Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England. Elsewhere in England and Wales, it can be found in winter on farmland, on marshes and lakes and on the coast. Date: 29th May 2016 Location: South Harbour, Helsinki, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/november-2022-grey-squirrel https://images.on-this.website/4752_103360013464ea10a73284e.jpgNovember 2022 - Grey Squirrel Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo47900598.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084523.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13068009815d308767e6e3a.jpgWhite Stork The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 3rd June 2018 Location: Ocland, Harghita County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49003058.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9314085716468fce552ef7.jpgAdder Adders are widespread throughout mainland UK but they are absent from Ireland. They occur throughout Europe, with the exception of the Mediterranean islands, and across Russia and Asia through to northern China. They are the UK's only venomous reptile. Adders are relatively short and robust snakes with large heads and a rounded snout. Males are usually a grey or buff colour with vivid black markings although they can also vary from silver to yellow or green in colour. Females are brown with dark red-brown markings that are less prominent than in the males. Both sexes have a zigzag pattern running along the back with a / or X-shaped marking at the rear of the head. Adders can be found in a variety of habitats, including open woodland, hedgerows, moorland, sand dunes, riverbanks, bogs, heathland and mountains. They are active during the day and spend time basking until their body temperature is high enough to hunt for food. Adders use venom to immobilise prey such as lizards, amphibians, nestlings and small mammals. After striking their prey, they will leave the venom to take effect before following the victim’s scent to find the body. Mating takes place between April and May with males often fighting for females. Females have a 3 to 4 month gestation period and Adders are one of the few snakes that are viviparous (give birth to live young). In late August females give birth to between 5 and 20 live young and the young remain close to their mother for a few days before going off in search of food. Adders hibernate from September to March often using deserted rabbit or rodent burrows or settling under logs. They sometimes hibernate communally. Males emerge 2 to 5 weeks before the females and shed their skin before setting off in search of females. Adders are not aggressive snakes and they will only attack if harassed or threatened. Although an Adder’s venom poses little danger to a healthy adult, the bite is very painful and requires urgent medical attention. Date: 3rd May 2023 Location: Benfleet and Hadleigh Downs, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623100.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21415258246117d77436f02.jpgKittiwakes The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082457.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14411948675d307ca7b49bd.jpgWhite Stork The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 23rd May 2018 Location: Yasna Polyana, Burgas Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49002793.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5198866656468f7a2a3317.jpgReeves' Muntjac The Reeves' Muntjac, also known as the Chinese Muntjac, is a small, hump-backed deer species. It is named after British naturalist and employee of the East India Company, John Russell Reeves (1774 to 1856). Reeves came across them when he lived in China and sent specimens back to England. It is also called the “barking deer” due to its distinctive barking sound, although this name is also used for other Muntjac species. The barking sound is common during mating or when provoked. The Reeves' Muntjac grows to 1 foot 8 inches high at the shoulder and 3 feet 1 inches in length plus a short tail up to 4 inches long. It is reddish-brown in appearance with striped markings on its face. The belly is creamy-white with lighter fur extending to the neck, chin and the underside of the tail. The males have short antlers, usually 4 inches or less in length, and long upper canines or tusks, usually about 2 inches in length The Reeves' Muntjac is found widely in south east China (from Gansu to Yunnan) and Taiwan but it has also been introduced in Belgium, the Netherlands and Japan. In the UK, it was introduced to Woburn Park in Bedfordshire in 1894 by the then Duke of Bedford and was deliberately released into surrounding woodlands from 1901 onward. Releases, translocations and escapes from the 1930s onwards resulted in wide establishment in south east England and the population is still increasing and spreading across the UK where it can be found in deciduous woodland with a good understorey plus hedgerows, gardens, parks, conifer plantations, railway embankments, etc. Since the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it has been illegal to release the species except where it is already established. The Reeves' Muntjac is a solitary and crepuscular animal and both males and females defend small territories that they mark with preorbital gland secretions that are thought to be pheromonal in nature The Reeves' Muntjac feeds on herbs, blossoms, succulent shoots, fungi, berries, grasses and nuts and it has also been reported to eat tree bark. Eggs and carrion are eaten opportunistically. Date: 25th April 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/common-gulls https://images.on-this.website/4752_801653754e3134348974e.jpgCommon Gulls The Common Gull is a medium-sized gull. The north American subspecies is commonly referred to as the Mew Gull although that name is also used by some authorities for the whole species. The Common Gull is noticeably smaller and more gentle looking than the Herring Gull. It is grey above and white below with greenish-yellow legs. It has black wingtips with large white "mirrors". Young birds have scaly black-brown upperparts and a neat wing pattern and grey legs and take 2 to 3 years to reach maturity. In winter, the head is streaked grey and the bill often has a poorly defined blackish band near the tip which is sometimes sufficiently obvious to cause confusion with the Ring-billed Gull. The call is a high-pitched "laughing" cry. The Common Gull breeds colonially near water or in marshes in north Europe, north west north America and north Asia. It is most numerous in Europe with over half (possibly as much as 80 to 90%) of the world population. In the UK, the Common Gull can be found in summer along the coasts and inland marshes and lakes of Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England. Elsewhere in England and Wales, it can be found in winter on farmland, on marshes and lakes and on the coast. Date: 10th June 2007 Location: Tarbet, Sutherland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50570337.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17970794965ccc6324d7a6.jpgWaxwing The Waxwing is a plump bird which is slightly smaller than a Starling. It is buff or pinkish-brown in colour with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings, a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest. The bird’s name is derived from the red tips to some of the wing feathers which are said to look like they have been dipped in sealing wax. Waxwings breed in the dense forests of northern Europe but they occur in varying numbers in the UK from October to March. In some years they can occur in large numbers (known as irruptions) when the population in the breeding areas gets too big for the food available. The first UK arrivals each winter are usually seen on the east coast from Scotland to East Anglia but birds then move inland in search of food. They can be found in parks and gardens and even busy public places such as supermarket car parks, typically where there are berry-bearing trees and bushes such as rowan, hawthorn, cotoneaster and rose. Waxwings seem fearless of humans so it is relatively easy to get very close views of these stunning birds. Waxwings make an easily recognisable high-pitched trilling sound like a bell. Date: 9th January 2024 Location: Colchester, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26006790.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7005602725634a397d4aa8.jpgRed-necked Phalarope The Red-necked Phalarope is a small wader with lobed toes to assist swimming and a straight, fine bill. The breeding female is predominantly dark grey above with a chestnut neck and upper breast, black face and white throat. The breeding male is a duller version of the female. In winter, the plumage is essentially grey above and white below but the black eyepatch is always present. When feeding, a Red-necked Phalarope will often swim in a small, rapid circle, forming a small whirlpool. This behaviour is thought to aid feeding by raising food from the bottom of shallow water. The bird will reach into the centre of the vortex with its bill, plucking small insects or crustaceans caught up therein. On the open ocean, they are often found where converging currents produce upwellings. The Red-necked Phalarope breeds in the Arctic regions of north America and Eurasia. It is migratory and, unusually for a wader, it winters at sea on tropical oceans. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Steingrímsfjarðarheiði to Ísafjörður, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/eider https://images.on-this.website/4752_2765482344fec1d058d105.jpgEider The Eider is the UK's heaviest duck and its fastest flying. The male is unmistakable with its black and white plumage and green nape. The female is a brown bird but can still be readily distinguished from all ducks, except other eider species, on the basis of size and head shape. The Eider is often readily approachable. Eiders are true sea ducks and are rarely found away from coasts where they dive for crustaceans and molluscs, with mussels being a favoured food. They are highly gregarious and usually stay close inshore where they can be seen in sheltered bays or strung out in long lines out beyond the breaking waves. The Eider can be found all year round in its breeding areas from the Northumberland coast northwards and off the north and west coast of Scotland where it nests colonially. They are found in the same areas in autumn and winter and also further south on the Yorkshire coast and around the east and south coast as far as Cornwall. A particularly famous colony of Eiders lives around the Farne Islands in Northumberland. These birds were the subject of one of the first ever bird protection laws, established by Saint Cuthbert in the year 676. About 1,000 pairs still nest there every year. Because St. Cuthbert is the patron saint of Northumberland, it was natural that the Eider should be chosen as the county's emblem bird and the birds are still often called Cuddy's ducks in the area, "Cuddy" being the familiar form of Cuthbert. Date: 9th June 2012 Location: Kyle of Durness, Sutherland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41389690.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12091577535f2695c1477fb.jpgCommon Redshank The Common Redshank, or simply Redshank, is a Eurasian wader. In breeding plumage it is a marbled brown colour and slightly lighter below. In winter plumage it becomes somewhat lighter toned and less patterned and rather plain greyish-brown above and whitish below. It has red legs and a black-tipped red bill and it shows white up the back and on the wings in flight. The Common Redshank is widespread across temperate Eurasia and it breeds in any wetland from damp meadows to saltmarsh, often at high densities. It is migratory and it winters on coasts around the Mediterranean, on the Atlantic coast of Europe from the UK southwards and in south Asia. The Common Redshank is a wary and noisy bird which will alert everything else with their loud piping call. Date: 1st July 2019 Location: Nesseby, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21892330.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_55278442853d0f7b2704cb.jpgCommon Gull The Common Gull is a medium-sized gull. The north American subspecies is commonly referred to as the Mew Gull although that name is also used by some authorities for the whole species. The Common Gull is noticeably smaller and more gentle looking than the Herring Gull. It is grey above and white below with greenish-yellow legs. It has black wingtips with large white "mirrors". Young birds have scaly black-brown upperparts and a neat wing pattern and grey legs and take 2 to 3 years to reach maturity. In winter, the head is streaked grey and the bill often has a poorly defined blackish band near the tip which is sometimes sufficiently obvious to cause confusion with the Ring-billed Gull. The call is a high-pitched "laughing" cry. The Common Gull breeds colonially near water or in marshes in north Europe, north west north America and north Asia. It is most numerous in Europe with over half (possibly as much as 80 to 90%) of the world population. In the UK, the Common Gull can be found in summer along the coasts and inland marshes and lakes of Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England. Elsewhere in England and Wales, it can be found in winter on farmland, on marshes and lakes and on the coast. Date: 17th June 2014 Location: Coignafearn, Findhorn Valley, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38397308.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1291084195ce127bfa6e8e.jpgBlack Grouse The Black Grouse is a large game bird in the grouse family. The male has all black plumage with distinctive red wattles over the eyes and striking white stripes along each wing in flight. It has a lyre-shaped tail which is fanned out and raised to show white under-tail feathers when displaying. The female is smaller and grey-brown in colour. The Black Grouse is a sedentary species and breeds across northern Eurasia in moorland and bog areas near to mostly boreal woodland. Although it is declining, it is not considered to be vulnerable globally due to the large population and slow rate of decline. Its decline is due to loss of habitat, disturbance, predation by foxes, crows, etc., and small populations gradually dying out. In the UK, the Black Grouse are found in upland areas of Wales, the Pennines and most of Scotland, especially on farmland and moorland with nearby forestry or scattered trees. Habitat loss and overgrazing have resulted in severe population declines which make the Black Grouse a Red List species. Positive habitat management and re-introduction programmes are helping it to increase in some areas. The Black Grouse has a very distinctive and well-recorded courtship. At dawn in the spring, the males strut around in a traditional area (lek) and display whilst making a highly distinctive and bubbling mating call. This photo was taken at a well known roadside lekking site. If visiting, please remain in your car to avoid disturbance to these vulnerable breeding birds. Date: 10th May 2019 Location: World's End, Denbighshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45182255.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17782726776235c3941633b.jpgMoorhen The Moorhen is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird that is usually found near water. From a distance it looks black with a ragged white line along its body. However, closer up it is olive-brown on the back and the head and blue-grey underneath. It has a red bill with a yellow tip. The Moorhen can be found all year round almost anywhere where there is water. They breed in lowland areas particularly in central and eastern England but are scarce in northern Scotland and the uplands of Wales and northern England. UK breeding birds are residents and seldom travel far. Date: 21st January 2022 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45182250.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11854544806235c3830da2d.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 21st January 2022 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11946562.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7715905874e40f21e8b8ea.jpgRoe Deer The Roe Deer is a small deer which has a white to buff patch on their rump, a black nose and “moustache” and a white chin. Its coat varies from sandy to reddish-brown in the summer to grey-brown or even black in winter. The antlers, which have no more than 3 points and are less than 10 inches in length, grow in winter and are shed in the autumn. The Roe Deer is found throughout Europe but it is absent from Ireland, much of Portugal, Greece and large parts of England and Wales. Roe Deer became extinct in most of England during the 18th century but they were reintroduced in the 19th century. The Roe Deer lives mainly in woodland where there are open patches of ground and access to the edges of fields and it feeds on grasses and the leaves of young broad-leaved trees and bushes. Both male and female Roe Deer are usually solitary and highly territorial with clearly defined boundaries which they scent mark. The Roe Deer has very good senses of smell, hearing and vision. When alarmed, it makes a characteristic barking noise. Roe Deer mate in July and August and fawns are born in the following spring. Many fawns die during their first year due to heavy predation by foxes. Date: 6th November 2007 Location: Saligo to Gruinart, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30040462.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2081450996587cb3b319a5d.jpgWaxwings The Waxwing is a plump bird which is slightly smaller than a Starling. It is buff or pinkish-brown in colour with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings, a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest. The bird’s name is derived from the red tips to some of the wing feathers which are said to look like they have been dipped in sealing wax. Waxwings breed in the dense forests of northern Europe but they occur in varying numbers in the UK from October to March. In some years they can occur in large numbers (known as irruptions) when the population in the breeding areas gets too big for the food available. The first UK arrivals each winter are usually seen on the east coast from Scotland to East Anglia but birds then move inland in search of food. They can be found in parks and gardens and even busy public places such as supermarket car parks, typically where there are berry-bearing trees and bushes such as rowan, hawthorn, cotoneaster and rose. Waxwings seem fearless of humans so it is relatively easy to get very close views of these stunning birds. Waxwings make an easily recognisable high-pitched trilling sound like a bell. Date: 10th January 2017 Location: Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30040483.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_350655523587cb3c333482.jpgWaxwing The Waxwing is a plump bird which is slightly smaller than a Starling. It is buff or pinkish-brown in colour with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings, a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest. The bird’s name is derived from the red tips to some of the wing feathers which are said to look like they have been dipped in sealing wax. Waxwings breed in the dense forests of northern Europe but they occur in varying numbers in the UK from October to March. In some years they can occur in large numbers (known as irruptions) when the population in the breeding areas gets too big for the food available. The first UK arrivals each winter are usually seen on the east coast from Scotland to East Anglia but birds then move inland in search of food. They can be found in parks and gardens and even busy public places such as supermarket car parks, typically where there are berry-bearing trees and bushes such as rowan, hawthorn, cotoneaster and rose. Waxwings seem fearless of humans so it is relatively easy to get very close views of these stunning birds. Waxwings make an easily recognisable high-pitched trilling sound like a bell. Date: 10th January 2017 Location: Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo16538238.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_196484265350827ed701163.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 1st October 2012 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30825738.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_141482170758f349e459c931.11391217.jpgGadwall The Gadwall is one of the most common and widespread dabbling ducks. The breeding male is patterned grey with a black rear end, light chestnut wings and a brilliant white speculum which is obvious in flight or at rest. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female but retains the male wing pattern and is usually greyer above and has less orange on the bill. The female is light brown with plumage much like a female Mallard. It can be distinguished from that species by the dark orange-edged bill, smaller size, the white speculum and white belly. The Gadwall breeds in north Europe and Asia and central north America and appears to be expanding into eastern north America. It is a bird of open wetlands and lakes, wet grassland or marshes with dense fringing vegetation and it nests on the ground, often some distance from water. In the UK, the Gadwall is a scarce breeding bird on some lakes and gravel pits in the Midlands, south east England, eastern central Scotland, eastern Northern Ireland and south east Wales. In winter, numbers increase as birds migrate to spend the winter in the UK on gravel pits, lakes, reservoirs and coastal wetlands. Date: 9th April 2017 Location: EWT Blue House Farm, North Fambridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30825211.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10270352758f343316bf2f8.47679107.jpgMarsh Frogs The Marsh Frog is the largest European frog. It is very similar in appearance to the closely related Edible Frog and Pool Frog. These 3 species are often referred to as "green frogs" to distinguish them from the more terrestrial European species which are known as "brown frogs" (best exemplified by the Common Frog). Marsh Frogs show a large variation in colour and pattern, ranging from dark green to brown or grey. The Western European populations are generally dark green to black with dark spots on the back and sides and 3 clear green lines on the back. Females can reach a maximum length of around 6.5 inches but males are smaller at around 4.5 inches. The head is proportionally large and the hind legs are long which gives them excellent jumping abilities. The Marsh Frog is usually gregarious and diurnal and more tied to aquatic habitats than the Common Frog. It is tolerant of brackish conditions and typically it is found on or in the water of its favoured drainage channels and pools throughout the year. Marsh Frogs frequently sunbathe on the bank of the water body where they are often inconspicuous until disturbed when they will jump in to the water with a characteristic “plop”. They can often be seen on lily pads or floating at the surface amongst vegetation with only their heads exposed. During the breeding season (and sometimes beyond) the male Marsh Frog calls very loudly with a sound reminiscent of a loud chuckle which is often very raucous and can be heard all day and night. Dominant males establish territories from which they call. After mating a female may produce up to 16,000 eggs in a season, laying them in clumps of a few hundred in aquatic vegetation below the surface. They hatch in about a week, tadpoles being rather solitary and living in deep water with vegetation. Newly metamorphosed frogs are up to 1 inch in length and take 2 years to mature. The diet of the Marsh Frog consists of dragonflies and other insects, spiders, earthworms and slugs. Larger frogs also eat small rodents and sometimes smaller amphibians and fish. Date: 8th April 2017 Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21661316.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_84272179653b68155ddb83.jpgSmall Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Small Skipper has a rusty orange colour to the wings, upper body and the tips of the antennae. The body is silvery white below and it has a wingspan of 25 to 30 mm. It is very similar in appearance to the Essex Skipper but the undersides of the tips of the antennae are yellow orange in the Small Skipper whereas they are black in the Essex Skipper. The Small Skipper is a common and widespread butterfly in most parts of England and has been expanding its range northwards. It can be found in rough grassland, roadside verges, edges of fields and woodland clearings where it is often seen basking on vegetation or making short buzzing flights among tall grass stems. Date: 1st July 2014 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30825196.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_65140157058f3431c79f0c7.57346332.jpgLittle Grebe The Little Grebe, also known as the Dabchick, is the smallest member of the grebe family measuring 9 to 11.5 inches in length. The adult is unmistakable in summer, predominantly dark above with its rich, rufous colour neck, cheeks and flanks and bright yellow gape. The rufous is replaced by a dirty brownish grey in non-breeding and juvenile birds. Juveniles have a yellow bill with a small black tip and black and white streaks on the cheeks and sides of the neck. This yellow bill darkens as the juveniles age, eventually turning black as an adult. The Little Grebe can be noisy with a distinctive whinnying trill. The Little Grebe can be found across Europe, much of Asia down to New Guinea and in most of Africa. It breeds in small colonies in freshwater wetlands with muddy bottoms and edges and still or slow-moving water with plenty of emergent vegetation such as lakes, gravel pits, canals and rivers. Most birds move to more open or coastal waters in winter but it is only migratory in those parts of its range where the waters freeze. Like all grebes, the Little Grebe nests at the water's edge since its legs are set very far back and it can not walk well. Usually 4 to 7 eggs are laid. The young leave the nest and can swim soon after hatching but are often carried on the backs of the swimming adults. The Little Grebe is an excellent swimmer and diver and pursues its fish and aquatic invertebrate prey underwater. It uses the vegetation skilfully as a hiding place. Date: 8th April 2017 Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41205436.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16874408285eb96e4bbd43d.jpgStock Dove The Stock Dove is similar in plumage and size to the Rock Dove and feral pigeon. It is largely blue-grey with an attractive iridescent bottle green band on the back of the neck and in flight it shows black edges to the wings and two partial black bands near their back. Unlike the Rock Dove and feral pigeon it does not have a pale or white rump. The Stock Dove is widely distributed in the UK except for parts of northern Scotland and Ireland. Over half of the European population is found in the UK. In the breeding season, the Stock Dove can be found in parkland, along woodland edges and by quarries and cliffs whilst in winter small flocks can be found feeding on farmland stubbles. Date: 30th April 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45948262.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_142305955862849fc555c69.jpgReeves' Muntjac The Reeves' Muntjac, also known as the Chinese Muntjac, is a small, hump-backed deer species. It is named after British naturalist and employee of the East India Company, John Russell Reeves (1774 to 1856). Reeves came across them when he lived in China and sent specimens back to England. It is also called the “barking deer” due to its distinctive barking sound, although this name is also used for other Muntjac species. The barking sound is common during mating or when provoked. The Reeves' Muntjac grows to 1 foot 8 inches high at the shoulder and 3 feet 1 inches in length plus a short tail up to 4 inches long. It is reddish-brown in appearance with striped markings on its face. The belly is creamy-white with lighter fur extending to the neck, chin and the underside of the tail. The males have short antlers, usually 4 inches or less in length, and long upper canines or tusks, usually about 2 inches in length The Reeves' Muntjac is found widely in south east China (from Gansu to Yunnan) and Taiwan but it has also been introduced in Belgium, the Netherlands and Japan. In the UK, it was introduced to Woburn Park in Bedfordshire in 1894 by the then Duke of Bedford and was deliberately released into surrounding woodlands from 1901 onward. Releases, translocations and escapes from the 1930s onwards resulted in wide establishment in south east England and the population is still increasing and spreading across the UK where it can be found in deciduous woodland with a good understorey plus hedgerows, gardens, parks, conifer plantations, railway embankments, etc. Since the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it has been illegal to release the species except where it is already established. The Reeves' Muntjac is a solitary and crepuscular animal and both males and females defend small territories that they mark with preorbital gland secretions that are thought to be pheromonal in nature The Reeves' Muntjac feeds on herbs, blossoms, succulent shoots, fungi, berries, grasses and nuts and it has also been reported to eat tree bark. Eggs and carrion are eaten opportunistically. Date: 31st March 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo10926890.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20234596754e09761f6a771.jpgBottlenose Dolphin The Bottlenose Dolphin is one of the most well-known species of dolphin. They have a stocky, torpedo-shaped body, a short beak and pointed flippers and are usually dark grey on the back with paler grey flanks and a white or pinkish belly. The sickle-shaped dorsal fin is tall and positioned centrally on the back. Variations in the shape of the dorsal fin along with scars and other markings on the skin can help researchers to identify individuals. The Bottlenose Dolphin is found in coastal waters of most temperate, tropical and subtropical areas. Around the UK, it occurs in the English Channel, in the Moray Firth in north-east Scotland and in Cardigan Bay in Wales. Although lone individuals do occur, Bottle-nosed Dolphins are very sociable animals which usually live in groups numbering between 10 and 100 individuals. They engage in much energetic behaviour, including breaching (clearing the water), lobtailing (slapping the tail flukes down onto the surface of the water) and bow-riding (riding the swell created in front of boats and even large whales). The Bottlenose Dolphin faces a number of threats including human disturbance, entanglement in fishing nets and hunting. Like all cetaceans, they are also vulnerable to chemical and noise pollution. The captivity industry that supplies the world aquarium trade is also a problem. The Bottlenose Dolphin is a UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority species and it is protected in UK waters by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Orders 1985. It is illegal to intentionally kill, injure, or harass any cetacean (whale or dolphin) species in UK waters. The Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans in the Baltic and North Seas (ASCOBANS), has been signed by 7 European Countries including the UK. Provision is made under this agreement to set up protected areas, promote research and monitoring, pollution control and increase public awareness. Under Annex II of the EC Habitats Directive, candidate marine Special Areas of Conservation (SACS) are being set up for this species in Cardigan Bay (Wales) and the Moray Firth (north-east Scotland). Date: 12th June 2011 Location: Moray Firth (from Chanonry Point), Inverness-shire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19507379.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10250407152528ac64682c.jpgSierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain This Natural Park (Parque Natural) includes a large sector of the central Sierra Morena, the east-west line of mountains which divides Andalucia from the rest of Spain. The Sierra de Andújar stretches for 45 miles with a highest point of 4230 feet and it is densely wooded boasting one of Andalucia's best preserved expanses of Mediterranean woodland and scrubland. The Sierra de Andújar is one of two of Spain's last refuges for the elusive and highly endangered Iberian Lynx. Date: 5th September 2013 Location: view from road to Embalse del Jándula, Sierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41524244.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20573778075f3a6b0056697.jpgSmall Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Small Skipper has a rusty orange colour to the wings, upper body and the tips of the antennae. The body is silvery white below and it has a wingspan of 25 to 30 mm. It is very similar in appearance to the Essex Skipper but the undersides of the tips of the antennae are yellow orange in the Small Skipper whereas they are black in the Essex Skipper. The Small Skipper is a common and widespread butterfly in most parts of England and has been expanding its range northwards. It can be found in rough grassland, roadside verges, edges of fields and woodland clearings where it is often seen basking on vegetation or making short buzzing flights among tall grass stems. Date: 1st August 2020 Location, Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30017239.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14076847655875508d05064.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 2nd January 2017 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308831.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_36450159163ee2f569242e.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 17th January 2023 Location: EWT Langdon Conservation Centre, Dunton, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072351.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3790138384bf6dfbc7535c.jpgSnow Bunting Snow Buntings are large buntings with striking “snowy” plumages. Males in summer have all white heads and underparts contrasting with a black mantle and wing tips. Females are a more mottled above. In autumn and winter birds develop a sandy/buff wash to their plumage and males have more mottled upperparts. The Snow Bunting is an Arctic specialist with a circumpolar Arctic breeding range throughout the northern hemisphere. The breeding habitat is on tundra, treeless moors, and bare mountains. It is migratory, wintering a short distance further south in open habitats in northern temperate areas, typically on either sandy coasts, steppes, prairies, or low mountains, more rarely on farmland stubble. In winter, it forms mobile flocks. The Snow Bunting is a very scarce breeding species in the UK and can be found on the highest mountain peaks in Scotland where they nest in rocky crevices. Date: 13th April 2010 Location: Vardø, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871522.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11602068564eff19659b14b.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 26th December 2011 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43629106.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5743481756118ac665daee.jpgCommon Darter Flight period: end May to early October. Common Darters are the most widespread of the dragonflies over lowland UK but they are absent from upland areas. They can be found in a wide range of habitats including ponds, lakes, ditches, canals, slow flowing rivers and brackish water. They can also be frequently seen some way from water. Date: 18th July 2021 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/loch-toscaig-highland https://images.on-this.website/4752_48698022153d114de30f86.jpgLoch Toscaig, Highland Toscaig is a small, remote village at the southern end of the Applecross peninsula on the north west coast of Scotland and lies at the head of the south facing sea loch, Loch Toscaig, which in turn links with the Inner Sound. The village of Applecross lies 5 miles to the north of Toscaig, along the coastal road via the hamlets of Camusterrach and Camusteel. Toscaig once had a ferry service linking it to Kyle of Lochalsh. This service operated between 1955 and 1978 and was the only route into Applecross when the road over the Bealach na Bà mountain road was closed. Date: 20th June 2014 Location: view from the pier south of Toscaig http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11948038.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17799211564e41093fa0c6a.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 24th December 2005 Location: Glen Garry, Inverness-shire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37190298.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14592575635c2a0e430aa6d.jpgGruinard Bay, Wester Ross Gruinard Bay is situated along the rocky Wester Ross coastline and has 3 beautiful beaches with pink sand derived from the Torridonian sandstone rocks. It is surrounded by magnificent rocky scenery. Offshore lies Gruinard Island which in 1942 became the focus of the UK's secret effort to find a weapon capable of defeating the Nazis. To test the potency of their biological arsenal, War Office scientists took a flock of 60 sheep to Gruinard Island and exposed them to a bomb packed with anthrax spores. The island was so contaminated that it was deemed out of bounds for almost 50 years. Date: 24th June 2018 Location: view from near Little Gruinard on the A832 road between Poolewe and Ullapool http://www.richardchewphotography.com/magpie-fledgling https://images.on-this.website/4752_94092032760dd82a9ab2ab.jpgMagpie fledgling The Eurasian Magpie, often simply known as the Magpie, is one of several birds in the crow family Corvidae designated as a Magpie. In Europe, Magpie is generally used by English speakers to describe the Eurasian Magpie. The only other species in Europe is the Iberian Magpie or Azure-winged Magpie which is limited to the Iberian peninsula. The adult male Magpie is 17 to 18 inches in length, of which more than half is the tail. The wingspan is 20 to 24 inches. The head, neck and breast are glossy black with a metallic green and violet sheen, the belly and scapulars are pure white, the wings are black glossed with green or purple and the primaries have white inner webs, conspicuous when the wing is open. The graduated tail is black, glossed with green and reddish purple. The legs and bill are black and the iris is dark brown. The plumage of the sexes is similar but the female is slightly smaller. The young resemble the adults but are at first without much of the gloss on the sooty plumage and the tail is much shorter. The Magpie can be found across temperate Eurasia from Spain and Ireland in the west to the Kamchatka Peninsula in the east. It has also been introduced in Japan on the island of Kyushu. The preferred habitat of the Magpie is open countryside with scattered trees and it is normally absent from treeless areas and dense forests. It sometimes breeds at high densities in suburban settings such as parks and gardens and it can often be found close to the centre of cities. The Magpie is normally sedentary and spends winters close to its breeding areas but birds living near the northern limit of their range in Scandinavia and Russia can move south in harsh weather. Some Magpies breed after their first year whilst others remain in non-breeding flocks and first breed in their second year. The Magpie is monogamous and pairs often remain together from one breeding season to the next and generally occupy the same territory in successive years. Mating takes place in spring. In the courtship display, males rapidly raise and depress their head feathers, uplift, open and close their tails like fans and call in soft tones quite distinct from their usual chatter. The loose feathers of the flanks are brought over the primaries, and the shoulder patch is spread so the white is conspicuous, presumably to attract females. Short buoyant flights and chases follow. The Magpie prefers tall trees for their bulky nest, firmly attaching them to a central fork in the upper branches. A framework of sticks is cemented with earth and clay and a lining of the same is covered with fine roots. Above is a stout though loosely built dome of prickly branches with a single well concealed entrance. These huge nests are conspicuous when the leaves fall. Where trees are scarce, though even in well-wooded country, nests are at times built in bushes and hedgerows. In Europe, the eggs are typically laid in April and clutches usually contain 5 or 6 eggs. The eggs are incubated for 21 to 22 days by the female who is fed on the nest by the male. The chicks are brooded by the female for the first 5 to 10 days and fed by both parents. The nestlings open their eyes 7 to 8 days after hatching and their body feathers start to appear after around 8 days and the primary wing feathers after 10 days. Fledging takes place at around 27 days and the parents then continue to feed the young for several more weeks. The parents also protect the young from predators since their ability to fly is poor, making them vulnerable. On average, only 3 or 4 chicks survive to fledge successfully. Some nests are lost to predators but an important factor causing nestling mortality is starvation. Eggs hatch asynchronously and if the parents have difficulty finding sufficient food, the last chicks to hatch are unlikely to survive. The Magpie is omnivorous, eating young birds and eggs, small mammals, insects, scraps and carrion, acorns, grain and other vegetable substances. The Magpie is believed not only to be among the most intelligent of birds but among the most intelligent of all animals. Along with the Jackdaw, the Magpie's nidopallium area of the brain is approximately the same relative size as those in Chimpanzees and humans. Like other corvids, such as the Raven and Carrion crow, the total brain-to-body mass ratio is equal to most great apes and cetaceans. A 2004 review suggests that the intelligence of the corvid family to which the Magpie belongs is equivalent to that of great apes (Chimpanzees, Orangutans and Gorillas) in terms of social cognition, causal reasoning, flexibility, imagination and prospection. The Magpie has an extremely large range and a very large population. The population trend in Europe has been stable since 1980 and there is no evidence of any serious overall decline in numbers so the species is classified by the IUCN as being of “Least Concern”. In Europe, the Magpie has been historically demonized by humans, mainly as a result of folklore, superstition and myth and its reputation as an omen of ill fortune. The Magpie has also been attacked for their role as a predator which includes eating other birds' eggs and their young. However, different studies have reached different conclusions on their impact on the populations of other birds. Date: 31st May 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41254057.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20892161305f059e01c4615.jpgPorvoonjoki river at Porvoo, Uusimaa, Finland The Porvoonjoki is a small river in the south of Finland. The city of Porvoo is situated in the river delta. Porvoo is a city and a municipality situated on the south coast of Finland approximately 30 miles east of Helsinki. It is one of the 6 medieval towns in Finland and the country’s second oldest city. It was first mentioned as a city in texts from the 14th century. Porvoo is the seat of the Swedish-speaking Diocese of Borgå of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland. Porvoo Old Town is a popular tourist destination with its timeless atmosphere, unique buildings, cobbled streets, narrow lanes, idyllic parks and riverbank views. It is especially well known for its well-preserved 18th and 19th century red painted riverside warehouses and the 15th century Porvoo Cathedral. The Old Town together with the valley of the Porvoonjoki river is recognised as historically and culturally significant as one of the designated national landscapes of Finland. Porvoo is internationally considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in Finland. Porvoo can be easily reached by a main road from Helsinki in about 50 minutes but also by a much more leisurely 3.5 hour trip on the steamship m/s J. L. Runeberg along the coast and through the Helsinki Archipelago. The m/s J.L. Runeberg was built in Helsinki in 1912. Originally she sailed under the name s/s Helsingfors Skärgård (”Helsinki Archipelago”). In the beginning this steamer cruised west from Helsinki to Porkkala but in the 1930’s the name was changed to s/s J.L. Runeberg and the ship cruised to Porvoo for the first time. Date: 26th June 2019 Location: Porvoonjoki river at Porvoo, Uusimaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/silver-spotted-skipper https://images.on-this.website/4752_20017953734f421f92b134e.jpgSilver-spotted Skipper Flight period: August to September The Silver-spotted Skipper is a rare and localised skipper species at the northern edge of its European range. They can be found on south-facing slopes on open chalk or limestone grassland but their range is highly restricted to a very small number of sites in southern England. Date: 11th August 2007 Location: Denbies Hillside, near Dorking, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43629097.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8826516936118aaace3cfd.jpgSmall Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Small Skipper has a rusty orange colour to the wings, upper body and the tips of the antennae. The body is silvery white below and it has a wingspan of 25 to 30 mm. It is very similar in appearance to the Essex Skipper but the undersides of the tips of the antennae are yellow orange in the Small Skipper whereas they are black in the Essex Skipper. The Small Skipper is a common and widespread butterfly in most parts of England and has been expanding its range northwards. It can be found in rough grassland, roadside verges, edges of fields and woodland clearings where it is often seen basking on vegetation or making short buzzing flights among tall grass stems. Date: 17th July 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo8048536.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14886656254d0d039cb4a5b.jpgWaxwing The Waxwing is a plump bird which is slightly smaller than a Starling. It is buff or pinkish-brown in colour with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings, a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest. The bird’s name is derived from the red tips to some of the wing feathers which are said to look like they have been dipped in sealing wax. Waxwings breed in the dense forests of northern Europe but they occur in varying numbers in the UK from October to March. In some years they can occur in large numbers (known as irruptions) when the population in the breeding areas gets too big for the food available. The first UK arrivals each winter are usually seen on the east coast from Scotland to East Anglia but birds then move inland in search of food. They can be found in parks and gardens and even busy public places such as supermarket car parks, typically where there are berry-bearing trees and bushes such as rowan, hawthorn, cotoneaster and rose. Waxwings seem fearless of humans so it is relatively easy to get very close views of these stunning birds. Waxwings make an easily recognisable high-pitched trilling sound like a bell. Date: 11th December 2010 Location: Folkestone, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21957102.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_179333990853da3475e6444.jpgFulmar The Fulmar is almost gull-like but is a grey and white seabird that is related to the albatrosses. It flies low over the sea on stiff wings with shallow wing beats, gliding and banking to show its white under-parts and then grey upper-parts. At its breeding sites it will fly high up the cliff face riding the updraughts. Fulmars feed in flocks out at sea and defend their nests from intruders by spitting out a foul-smelling oil. Fulmars breed on coastal cliffs with suitable ledges and grassy slopes but will occasionally breed on buildings. Fulmars are best looked for at seabird colonies and are most abundant along the Scottish coastline especially in the Northern Isles. They are least common along the east, south and north-west coasts of England. Adults are present at the breeding colonies nearly all year although young birds leave in late summer. Away from the breeding colonies, Fulmars spend their whole time offshore at sea. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Staple Island, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38397343.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10696201755ce1283314675.jpgSpotted Flycatcher The Spotted Flycatcher is a small passerine bird in the Old World flycatcher family. It is an undistinguished looking bird with long wings and tail. The adults have dull grey-brown upperparts and off-white underparts and a streaked crown, throat and breast. The legs are short and black and the bill is black and has the broad but pointed shape typical of aerial insectivores. The sexes are similar. Juveniles have ochre-buff spots above and scaly brown spots below. The Spotted Flycatcher breeds in most of Europe and west Asia where it can be found in deciduous woodlands, parks and gardens, with a preference for open areas amongst trees. It builds an open nest in a suitable recess, often against a wall, and it will readily adapt to an open-fronted nest box. The Spotted Flycatcher is migratory and winters in Africa and south west Asia. It is declining in parts of its range. The Spotted Flycatcher is a declining summer visitor to the UK and can be seen from late April or early May to September. It can be found throughout the UK but it is now very scarce in many areas. Recent dramatic population declines make the Spotted Flycatcher a Red List species. The Spotted Flycatcher hunts from conspicuous perches, making sallies after passing flying insects and often returning to the same perch. The upright posture is characteristic. Date: 12th May 2019 Location: Gilfach RWT reserve, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41389713.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1887129315f26963133c1a.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 1st July 2019 Location: Vardø, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo10926918.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12506175074e0979045471c.jpgBottlenose Dolphin The Bottlenose Dolphin is one of the most well-known species of dolphin. They have a stocky, torpedo-shaped body, a short beak and pointed flippers and are usually dark grey on the back with paler grey flanks and a white or pinkish belly. The sickle-shaped dorsal fin is tall and positioned centrally on the back. Variations in the shape of the dorsal fin along with scars and other markings on the skin can help researchers to identify individuals. The Bottlenose Dolphin is found in coastal waters of most temperate, tropical and subtropical areas. Around the UK, it occurs in the English Channel, in the Moray Firth in north-east Scotland and in Cardigan Bay in Wales. Although lone individuals do occur, Bottle-nosed Dolphins are very sociable animals which usually live in groups numbering between 10 and 100 individuals. They engage in much energetic behaviour, including breaching (clearing the water), lobtailing (slapping the tail flukes down onto the surface of the water) and bow-riding (riding the swell created in front of boats and even large whales). The Bottlenose Dolphin faces a number of threats including human disturbance, entanglement in fishing nets and hunting. Like all cetaceans, they are also vulnerable to chemical and noise pollution. The captivity industry that supplies the world aquarium trade is also a problem. The Bottlenose Dolphin is a UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority species and it is protected in UK waters by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Orders 1985. It is illegal to intentionally kill, injure, or harass any cetacean (whale or dolphin) species in UK waters. The Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans in the Baltic and North Seas (ASCOBANS), has been signed by 7 European Countries including the UK. Provision is made under this agreement to set up protected areas, promote research and monitoring, pollution control and increase public awareness. Under Annex II of the EC Habitats Directive, candidate marine Special Areas of Conservation (SACS) are being set up for this species in Cardigan Bay (Wales) and the Moray Firth (north-east Scotland). Date: 12th June 2011 Location: Moray Firth (from Chanonry Point), Inverness-shire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo10926866.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16590397364e0975c935848.jpgBottlenose Dolphin The Bottlenose Dolphin is one of the most well-known species of dolphin. They have a stocky, torpedo-shaped body, a short beak and pointed flippers and are usually dark grey on the back with paler grey flanks and a white or pinkish belly. The sickle-shaped dorsal fin is tall and positioned centrally on the back. Variations in the shape of the dorsal fin along with scars and other markings on the skin can help researchers to identify individuals. The Bottlenose Dolphin is found in coastal waters of most temperate, tropical and subtropical areas. Around the UK, it occurs in the English Channel, in the Moray Firth in north-east Scotland and in Cardigan Bay in Wales. Although lone individuals do occur, Bottle-nosed Dolphins are very sociable animals which usually live in groups numbering between 10 and 100 individuals. They engage in much energetic behaviour, including breaching (clearing the water), lobtailing (slapping the tail flukes down onto the surface of the water) and bow-riding (riding the swell created in front of boats and even large whales). The Bottlenose Dolphin faces a number of threats including human disturbance, entanglement in fishing nets and hunting. Like all cetaceans, they are also vulnerable to chemical and noise pollution. The captivity industry that supplies the world aquarium trade is also a problem. The Bottlenose Dolphin is a UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority species and it is protected in UK waters by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Orders 1985. It is illegal to intentionally kill, injure, or harass any cetacean (whale or dolphin) species in UK waters. The Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans in the Baltic and North Seas (ASCOBANS), has been signed by 7 European Countries including the UK. Provision is made under this agreement to set up protected areas, promote research and monitoring, pollution control and increase public awareness. Under Annex II of the EC Habitats Directive, candidate marine Special Areas of Conservation (SACS) are being set up for this species in Cardigan Bay (Wales) and the Moray Firth (north-east Scotland). Date: 12th June 2011 Location: Moray Firth (from Chanonry Point), Inverness-shire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo10926874.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6792067354e0975e562d51.jpgBottlenose Dolphin The Bottlenose Dolphin is one of the most well-known species of dolphin. They have a stocky, torpedo-shaped body, a short beak and pointed flippers and are usually dark grey on the back with paler grey flanks and a white or pinkish belly. The sickle-shaped dorsal fin is tall and positioned centrally on the back. Variations in the shape of the dorsal fin along with scars and other markings on the skin can help researchers to identify individuals. The Bottlenose Dolphin is found in coastal waters of most temperate, tropical and subtropical areas. Around the UK, it occurs in the English Channel, in the Moray Firth in north-east Scotland and in Cardigan Bay in Wales. Although lone individuals do occur, Bottle-nosed Dolphins are very sociable animals which usually live in groups numbering between 10 and 100 individuals. They engage in much energetic behaviour, including breaching (clearing the water), lobtailing (slapping the tail flukes down onto the surface of the water) and bow-riding (riding the swell created in front of boats and even large whales). The Bottlenose Dolphin faces a number of threats including human disturbance, entanglement in fishing nets and hunting. Like all cetaceans, they are also vulnerable to chemical and noise pollution. The captivity industry that supplies the world aquarium trade is also a problem. The Bottlenose Dolphin is a UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority species and it is protected in UK waters by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Orders 1985. It is illegal to intentionally kill, injure, or harass any cetacean (whale or dolphin) species in UK waters. The Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans in the Baltic and North Seas (ASCOBANS), has been signed by 7 European Countries including the UK. Provision is made under this agreement to set up protected areas, promote research and monitoring, pollution control and increase public awareness. Under Annex II of the EC Habitats Directive, candidate marine Special Areas of Conservation (SACS) are being set up for this species in Cardigan Bay (Wales) and the Moray Firth (north-east Scotland). Date: 12th June 2011 Location: Moray Firth (from Chanonry Point), Inverness-shire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo10926906.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4404808414e0978db8281f.jpgBottlenose Dolphin The Bottlenose Dolphin is one of the most well-known species of dolphin. They have a stocky, torpedo-shaped body, a short beak and pointed flippers and are usually dark grey on the back with paler grey flanks and a white or pinkish belly. The sickle-shaped dorsal fin is tall and positioned centrally on the back. Variations in the shape of the dorsal fin along with scars and other markings on the skin can help researchers to identify individuals. The Bottlenose Dolphin is found in coastal waters of most temperate, tropical and subtropical areas. Around the UK, it occurs in the English Channel, in the Moray Firth in north-east Scotland and in Cardigan Bay in Wales. Although lone individuals do occur, Bottle-nosed Dolphins are very sociable animals which usually live in groups numbering between 10 and 100 individuals. They engage in much energetic behaviour, including breaching (clearing the water), lobtailing (slapping the tail flukes down onto the surface of the water) and bow-riding (riding the swell created in front of boats and even large whales). The Bottlenose Dolphin faces a number of threats including human disturbance, entanglement in fishing nets and hunting. Like all cetaceans, they are also vulnerable to chemical and noise pollution. The captivity industry that supplies the world aquarium trade is also a problem. The Bottlenose Dolphin is a UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority species and it is protected in UK waters by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Orders 1985. It is illegal to intentionally kill, injure, or harass any cetacean (whale or dolphin) species in UK waters. The Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans in the Baltic and North Seas (ASCOBANS), has been signed by 7 European Countries including the UK. Provision is made under this agreement to set up protected areas, promote research and monitoring, pollution control and increase public awareness. Under Annex II of the EC Habitats Directive, candidate marine Special Areas of Conservation (SACS) are being set up for this species in Cardigan Bay (Wales) and the Moray Firth (north-east Scotland). Date: 12th June 2011 Location: Moray Firth (from Chanonry Point), Inverness-shire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45456946.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_63094225362500842a6ba3.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 1st January 2022 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11481120.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12040545994e2699c35594b.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 17th May 2009 Location: Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453979.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2662635064ff54720cb583.jpgGriffon Vulture The Griffon Vulture is a typical Old World vulture in appearance with a white bald head, very broad wings and short tail feathers. It has a white neck ruff and yellow bill. The buff body and wing coverts contrast with the dark flight feathers. They are very large birds around 37 to 43 inches long with a 91 to 106 inches wingspan. Like other vultures, the Griffon Vulture is a scavenger, feeding mostly from carcasses of dead animals which it finds by soaring over open areas, often moving in flocks. The population is mostly resident in its breeding range in the mountains of southern Europe, north Africa, and Asia. In Spain, there are tens of thousands of birds from a low of a few thousand around 1980 although the Pyrenees population has apparently been affected by an EU ruling that due to danger of BSE transmission, no carcasses must be left on the fields for the time being. Although the Griffon Vulture does not normally attack larger living prey, there are reports of Spanish Griffon Vultures killing weak, young or unhealthy living animals as they do not find enough carrion to eat. Date: 30th April 2012 Location: south of Brozas, western Cáceres, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30825207.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_128621388958f3432bdbb690.28529911.jpgCollared Doves Collared Doves are distinctive birds with their buffy-pink plumage and black neck collar. They are usually seen singly or in pairs, although flocks may form where food is plentiful. They feed on the ground but readily perch on roofs and wires and in trees. The Collared Dove is not migratory but it is strongly dispersive. Over the last century, it has been one of the great colonisers of the bird world. Its original range at the end of the 19th century was warm temperate and subtropical Asia from Turkey east to south China and south through India to Sri Lanka. In 1838 it was reported in Bulgaria but not until the 20th century did it expand across Europe, appearing in parts of the Balkans between 1900 and 1920 and then spreading rapidly north west, reaching Germany in 1945, the UK in 1953, Ireland in 1959 and the Faroe Islands in the early 1970s. Subsequent spread was “sideways” from this fast north west spread reaching north east to north of the Arctic Circle in Norway, east to the Ural Mountains in Russia and south west to the Canary Islands and north Africa from Morocco to Egypt by the end of the 20th century. In the east of its range it has also spread north east to most of central and north China and locally (probably introduced) in Japan. It has also reached Iceland as a vagrant but has not colonised successfully there. Date: 8th April 2017 Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847621.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_53145430159bd54247439a.jpgMarsh Frog The Marsh Frog is the largest European frog. It is very similar in appearance to the closely related Edible Frog and Pool Frog. These 3 species are often referred to as "green frogs" to distinguish them from the more terrestrial European species which are known as "brown frogs" (best exemplified by the Common Frog). Marsh Frogs show a large variation in colour and pattern, ranging from dark green to brown or grey. The Western European populations are generally dark green to black with dark spots on the back and sides and 3 clear green lines on the back. Females can reach a maximum length of around 6.5 inches but males are smaller at around 4.5 inches. The head is proportionally large and the hind legs are long which gives them excellent jumping abilities. The Marsh Frog is usually gregarious and diurnal and more tied to aquatic habitats than the Common Frog. It is tolerant of brackish conditions and typically it is found on or in the water of its favoured drainage channels and pools throughout the year. Marsh Frogs frequently sunbathe on the bank of the water body where they are often inconspicuous until disturbed when they will jump in to the water with a characteristic “plop”. They can often be seen on lily pads or floating at the surface amongst vegetation with only their heads exposed. During the breeding season (and sometimes beyond) the male Marsh Frog calls very loudly with a sound reminiscent of a loud chuckle which is often very raucous and can be heard all day and night. Dominant males establish territories from which they call. After mating a female may produce up to 16,000 eggs in a season, laying them in clumps of a few hundred in aquatic vegetation below the surface. They hatch in about a week, tadpoles being rather solitary and living in deep water with vegetation. Newly metamorphosed frogs are up to 1 inch in length and take 2 years to mature. The diet of the Marsh Frog consists of dragonflies and other insects, spiders, earthworms and slugs. Larger frogs also eat small rodents and sometimes smaller amphibians and fish. Date: 2nd June 2017 Location: Leles to Boľ area, Latorica, Košice region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833730.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1919163818559cf0c09902b.jpgLake Kerkini, Central Macedonia, Greece Lake Kerkini is one of the most important wetlands in Europe and is considered to be one of the top European birding destinations due to the wealth of resident, breeding and migratory birds. It is situated along the migratory flyway for birds en route to the Aegean Sea, the Balkan region, the Black Sea, the Hungarian steppes and beyond. Lake Kerkini is located close to the border with Bulgaria 25 miles from Serres and 60 miles from Thessaloniki, and it is surrounded by Mounts Belles and Mavrovouni. It is approximately 9 miles long and its maximum width, when full, reaches 5.5 miles. Lake Kerkini is an artificial irrigation reservoir fed by the Strymon River that was created in 1932, and then redeveloped in 1980, on the site of what was previously an extremely extensive and uninhabitable marshland. More than 300 species of birds have been recorded in the area, including 140 resident species and 170 species that migrate through every year on their way to the Aegean Sea, the Black Sea, and the Balkan region. Date: 12th May 2015 Location: view from Mandraki, Central Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41349598.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3881632605f2001f7d5a5e.jpgCommon Lizard The Common Lizard ranges across central and northern Europe (but are absent from the Mediterranean area) and through to northern Asia. It is the most common lizard in northern regions and the only reptile found in Ireland. The Common Lizard has a long body and short legs. It has coarse scales which range from grey, brown, bronze or green on the back and males are generally darker than females. It has a series of white spots down the flanks, which fuse to form a line, and a black line along the back. The Common Lizard also has numerous black spots scattered over the body. Males have orange/yellow bellies with black spots and females have cream/white bellies. The Common Lizard is found in a range of habitats including woodland, marshes, heathland, moors, sand dunes, hedgerows, bogs and rubbish dumps and it hunts insects, spiders, snails and earthworms, stunning its prey by shaking it and then swallowing it whole. The Common Lizard is active during the day and spends the morning and afternoon (but not the intense heat of midday) basking in the sun either alone or in groups. It is a good swimmer and will dive underwater when threatened. At night, and when startled, it will shelter beneath logs, stones and metal sheets. After emerging from hibernation, males defend breeding territories from other males. The young develop over 3 months within egg membranes inside the female's body which they usually break out of as she gives birth. Litters of 3 to 12 young are born from June to September after which time the mother shows no parental care with the young feeding actively from birth and quickly dispersing. The Common Lizard hibernates from October to March. It will often hibernate in groups and sometimes emerge for a brief time during warm spells. Date: 16th June 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15454037.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1812361294ff548c65af65.jpgWhite Stork The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 1st May 2012 Location: Dehesa de Abajo, Coto Doñana, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453936.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_434138704ff545d6785df.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox's distinctive red-brown fur and its long bushy tail are a familiar sight in towns and in the countryside all over the UK but they are absent from many Scottish islands. They are present in virtually every habitat including woodland, scrubland and mountains as well as in urban areas and especially residential suburbs and gardens. Foxes are very adaptable mammals and have successfully established themselves due to their opportunistic, unfussy nature and their very varied diet. Foxes are very social animals and each group includes a dog, a vixen and cubs in the spring. Foxes mate in December and January and between March and May the females give birth to a litter of 4 to 5 blind and deaf cubs covered in dark grey fur. They are independent by the autumn and some move away from their parents but others may remain to help rear the next litter of cubs. Foxes eat almost anything from rabbits, field voles and berries to earthworms, insects and fruits. In towns, they scavenge food from rubbish bins, gardens and bird tables. In Parque Nacional de Monfragüe, the Red Fox is common and widespread. Date: 27th April 2012 Location: La Malavuelta, Parque Nacional de Monfragüe, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11947728.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7901619614e40fde4d37f4.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 21st October 2007 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41349665.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20096010355f2010a624303.jpgSmall Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Small Skipper has a rusty orange colour to the wings, upper body and the tips of the antennae. The body is silvery white below and it has a wingspan of 25 to 30 mm. It is very similar in appearance to the Essex Skipper but the undersides of the tips of the antennae are yellow orange in the Small Skipper whereas they are black in the Essex Skipper. The Small Skipper is a common and widespread butterfly in most parts of England and has been expanding its range northwards. It can be found in rough grassland, roadside verges, edges of fields and woodland clearings where it is often seen basking on vegetation or making short buzzing flights among tall grass stems. Date: 12th July 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15454019.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4424996664ff548509e691.jpgSpanish Terrapin The Spanish Terrapin is a semi-aquatic terrapin with an orange-brown to olive coloured and slightly flattened shell and their head and neck shows a light patterning. The Spanish Terrapin can be found in Spain, Portugal , southern France , Morocco , Algeria and Tunisia where it inhabits freshwater bodies like rivers or swamps. It is almost entirely aquatic but they enjoy sunbathing since they are cold-blooded and need the sun’s warmth. However, they are very secretive and are always alert and dive back in to the water if alarmed. The Spanish Terrapin is an excellent swimmer and feeds on small fish, amphibians, tadpoles and insects. They sometimes feed on reeds and other plants. During the winter months, the Spanish Terrapin hibernates at the bottom of ponds or shallow lakes. Date: 1st May 2012 Location: El Acebuche, Coto Doñana, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45948290.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7283744476284a9290bb11.jpgLittle Grebe The Little Grebe, also known as the Dabchick, is the smallest member of the grebe family measuring 9 to 11.5 inches in length. The adult is unmistakable in summer, predominantly dark above with its rich, rufous colour neck, cheeks and flanks and bright yellow gape. The rufous is replaced by a dirty brownish grey in non-breeding and juvenile birds. Juveniles have a yellow bill with a small black tip and black and white streaks on the cheeks and sides of the neck. This yellow bill darkens as the juveniles age, eventually turning black as an adult. The Little Grebe can be noisy with a distinctive whinnying trill. The Little Grebe can be found across Europe, much of Asia down to New Guinea and in most of Africa. It breeds in small colonies in freshwater wetlands with muddy bottoms and edges and still or slow-moving water with plenty of emergent vegetation such as lakes, gravel pits, canals and rivers. Most birds move to more open or coastal waters in winter but it is only migratory in those parts of its range where the waters freeze. Like all grebes, the Little Grebe nests at the water's edge since its legs are set very far back and it can not walk well. Usually 4 to 7 eggs are laid. The young leave the nest and can swim soon after hatching but are often carried on the backs of the swimming adults. The Little Grebe is an excellent swimmer and diver and pursues its fish and aquatic invertebrate prey underwater. It uses the vegetation skillfully as a hiding place. Date: 14th April 2022 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40399569.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2253179455dc6ad62531cc.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 18th October 2019 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41225534.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8287208595ed9fd2442727.jpgJay The Jay is a colourful member of the crow family that is about the same size as a Jackdaw. The Jay is mostly a pinkish brown colour with the underparts being slightly paler. The head has a black and white flecked crown, black moustache and white throat. The white rump contrasts starkly with the black tail. The iris of the eye is a pale blue, the bill is black and the legs are pink-brown. The wings are mostly black with white patches but also have striking blue patches, but close to these wing patches are actually bands of graduated shades of blue. Although it is the most strikingly colourful member of the crow family, the Jay can be quite difficult to see since it is a shy woodland bird and rarely moves far from cover. It can often be seen flying across a woodland clearing or glade giving its raucous screeching call. The Jay can be found across most of the UK, except northern Scotland, and occurs in both deciduous and coniferous woodland, parks and mature gardens. It particularly likes oak trees in the autumn when there are plenty of acorns which it seeks out and buries for retrieving later. The majority of the UK population is sedentary but European birds are irruptive when there is a poor acorn harvest and may arrive in large numbers along the east coast of the UK in the autumn. Date: 12th May 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082755.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4652960255d307dce95bf3.jpgEastern Olivaceous Warbler The Eastern Olivaceous Warbler is a species of marsh warbler in the genus [i]Acrocephalus[/i]. It was formerly regarded as part of a wider "Olivaceous Warbler" species but as a result of modern taxonomic developments, it is now usually considered distinct from the Western Olivaceous Warbler. The Eastern Olivaceous Warbler is a medium-sized warbler broadly similar in appearance to the Reed Warbler. The adult has a plain pale brown back and whitish underparts. The bill is strong and pointed and the legs are grey. The plumage of the sexes is identical. It has a characteristic downward tail flick and the song is a fast nasal babbling. The Western Olivaceous Warbler differs from the Eastern Olivaceous Warbler in being larger and having a browner tinge to the upperparts. The Eastern Olivaceous Warbler breeds in dry open country with bushes or trees in south east Europe and the Middle East and a sub-species is thought to be locally common as a breeding species in south east Morocco. It is migratory and winters in sub-Saharan Africa or Arabia. It is a rare vagrant to north Europe. Like most warblers, the Eastern Olivaceous Warbler is insectivorous. Date: 24th May 2018 Location: Ivaylovgrad Reservoir near Borislavtsi, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623094.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4154943556117d76b8a095.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13683346.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21212347554ed7315c7754f.jpgHarvest Mouse The Harvest Mouse is the UK’s smallest rodent at around 2 inches long and weighing less than a 2p coin. It has yellow-brown furry upper parts and a whiter underbelly, small ears and a blunt nose, with a long prehensile tail. The Harvest Mouse is mainly found from central Yorkshire southwards. Isolated records from Scotland and Wales probably result from the release of captive animals. Breeding nests are the most obvious sign indicating the presence of the Harvest Mouse. The Harvest Mouse is the only UK mammal to build nests of woven grass well above ground. Nests tend to be found in dense vegetation such as grasses, rushes, cereals, grassy hedgerows, ditches and brambles. They are generally located on the stalk zone of grasses, at least 12 inches above ground in short grasses and up to 3 feet above ground in tall reeds. The size of the nest can vary from only 2 inches in diameter for non-breeding nests to 4 inches in diameter for breeding nests. The Harvest Mouse is an extremely active climber and it feeds in the stalk zone of long grasses and reeds, particularly around dusk and dawn. Their diet contains a mixture of seeds, berries and insects, although moss, roots and fungi may also be taken. They also sometimes take grain from cereal heads, leaving characteristic sickle-shaped remains. Based on tooth wear analysis, the maximum lifespan of a Harvest Mouse in the wild is around 18 months. The Harvest Mouse is listed as a BAP (Biodiversity Action Plan) Species because it is thought to have become much scarcer in recent years. Changes in habitat management and agricultural methods are thought to have caused this although there have been no studies to quantify this change. The Harvest Mouse has many predators including Weasel, Stoat, Fox, birds of prey and domestic cats. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38397330.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14552193225ce1280845c6b.jpgCommon Lizard The Common Lizard ranges across central and northern Europe (but are absent from the Mediterranean area) and through to northern Asia. It is the most common lizard in northern regions and the only reptile found in Ireland. The Common Lizard has a long body and short legs. It has coarse scales which range from grey, brown, bronze or green on the back and males are generally darker than females. It has a series of white spots down the flanks, which fuse to form a line, and a black line along the back. The Common Lizard also has numerous black spots scattered over the body. Males have orange/yellow bellies with black spots and females have cream/white bellies. The Common Lizard is found in a range of habitats including woodland, marshes, heathland, moors, sand dunes, hedgerows, bogs and rubbish dumps and it hunts insects, spiders, snails and earthworms, stunning its prey by shaking it and then swallowing it whole. The Common Lizard is active during the day and spends the morning and afternoon (but not the intense heat of midday) basking in the sun either alone or in groups. It is a good swimmer and will dive underwater when threatened. At night, and when startled, it will shelter beneath logs, stones and metal sheets. After emerging from hibernation, males defend breeding territories from other males. The young develop over 3 months within egg membranes inside the female's body which they usually break out of as she gives birth. Litters of 3 to 12 young are born from June to September after which time the mother shows no parental care with the young feeding actively from birth and quickly dispersing. The Common Lizard hibernates from October to March. It will often hibernate in groups and sometimes emerge for a brief time during warm spells. Date: 16th April 2020 Location: Cors Dyfi MWT reserve, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/gadwall https://images.on-this.website/4752_1883748434db17d5379e82.jpgGadwall The Gadwall is one of the most common and widespread dabbling ducks. The breeding male is patterned grey with a black rear end, light chestnut wings and a brilliant white speculum which is obvious in flight or at rest. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female but retains the male wing pattern and is usually greyer above and has less orange on the bill. The female is light brown with plumage much like a female Mallard. It can be distinguished from that species by the dark orange-edged bill, smaller size, the white speculum and white belly. The Gadwall breeds in north Europe and Asia and central north America and appears to be expanding into eastern north America. It is a bird of open wetlands and lakes, wet grassland or marshes with dense fringing vegetation and it nests on the ground, often some distance from water. In the UK, the Gadwall is a scarce breeding bird on some lakes and gravel pits in the Midlands, south east England, eastern central Scotland, eastern Northern Ireland and south east Wales. In winter, numbers increase as birds migrate to spend the winter in the UK on gravel pits, lakes, reservoirs and coastal wetlands. Date: 20th May 2007 Location: Lakenheath Fen, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/sanderlings https://images.on-this.website/4752_18982861514db0351650a90.jpgSanderlings The Sanderling is a small, plump, energetic wading bird. It has a short straight black bill and medium length black legs and is pale grey above and white underneath. Sanderlings breed in the high Arctic but can be seen in the UK during the winter months and as a passage migrant in spring and autumn. They can be found where there are long, sandy beaches around most of the coast other than in south west England and the rocky coasts of mainland Scotland. Date: 7th December 2008 Location: Leysdown, Isle of Sheppey, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17408504.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18289237615133273715087.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 12th January 2013 Location: Martin Mere WWT reserve, Lancashire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17408511.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1982911025513327603ac91.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 12th January 2013 Location: Martin Mere WWT reserve, Lancashire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46028418.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7627695286291f5c050c38.jpgCommon Lizard The Common Lizard ranges across central and northern Europe (but are absent from the Mediterranean area) and through to northern Asia. It is the most common lizard in northern regions and the only reptile found in Ireland. The Common Lizard has a long body and short legs. It has coarse scales which range from grey, brown, bronze or green on the back and males are generally darker than females. It has a series of white spots down the flanks, which fuse to form a line, and a black line along the back. The Common Lizard also has numerous black spots scattered over the body. Males have orange/yellow bellies with black spots and females have cream/white bellies. The Common Lizard is found in a range of habitats including woodland, marshes, heathland, moors, sand dunes, hedgerows, bogs and rubbish dumps and it hunts insects, spiders, snails and earthworms, stunning its prey by shaking it and then swallowing it whole. The Common Lizard is active during the day and spends the morning and afternoon (but not the intense heat of midday) basking in the sun either alone or in groups. It is a good swimmer and will dive underwater when threatened. At night, and when startled, it will shelter beneath logs, stones and metal sheets. After emerging from hibernation, males defend breeding territories from other males. The young develop over 3 months within egg membranes inside the female's body which they usually break out of as she gives birth. Litters of 3 to 12 young are born from June to September after which time the mother shows no parental care with the young feeding actively from birth and quickly dispersing. The Common Lizard hibernates from October to March. It will often hibernate in groups and sometimes emerge for a brief time during warm spells. Date: 26th May 2022 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49279112.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13591413736499ca087a050.jpgMeadow Brown Flight period: June to August. The Meadow Brown is one of the most widespread and abundant of the UK's butterflies. It can be found typically in open grasslands but also other habitats such as roadside verges, woodland rides and urban parks and cemeteries. Date: 22nd June 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072353.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19824677124bf6dfced9e04.jpgSteller's Eiders The Steller's Eider is a medium sized sea duck and the smallest of the 4 species of eider. In it’s breeding plumage, the male is unmistakable with a black back, white shoulders, chestnut breast and belly, a white head with a greenish tuft and small black eye patches. During the late summer and autumn, males are entirely mottled dark brown. Females and juveniles are mottled dark brown all year round. Adults of both sexes have a blue patch with a white border on the upper wing similar to a mallard. The bird is named after the German naturalist Georg Steller. Steller's Eiders breed along the Arctic coasts of northern Russia and northern and western Alaska. It is estimated that the world population of Steller's Eiders is around 220,000 birds, the majority of which nest in Russia. Most Steller's Eiders breeding in Alaska and Russia migrate south after breeding. An estimated 40,000 winter in north eastern Europe along the coasts of Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Finland, Norway and Sweden. It is very scarce south of its wintering range. Date: 13th April 2010 Location: Svartnes, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17408529.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_516349680513327c3e0f38.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 12th January 2013 Location: Martin Mere WWT reserve, Lancashire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17408520.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_38267030051332792bec45.jpgPink-footed Geese The Pink-footed Goose is a medium-sized goose, smaller than a Mute Swan but bigger than a Mallard. It is pinkish grey with a dark head and neck, a pink bill and pink feet and legs. The Pink-footed Goose does not breed in the UK but large numbers of birds spend the winter here arriving in October from their breeding grounds in Spitsbergen, Iceland and Greenland. The Pink-footed Goose can be found on large estuaries, such as on the east Scottish coast, The Wash, the Ribble and the Solway, or on surrounding farmland where birds go in the day to feed. Numbers in England are on the increase, particularly in Norfolk, probably due to better protection at winter roosts. Date: 12th January 2013 Location: Martin Mere WWT reserve, Lancashire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11481034.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2926285244e26997f1fbde.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 17th May 2009 Location: Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26008667.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_147126172056351acc506ff.jpgLake Mývatn, north east Iceland Mývatn is the undisputed gem of north east Iceland, a tourist and ornithological honeypot. The lake and the surrounding area are starkly beautiful, an otherworldly landscape of spluttering mudpots, weird lava formations, steaming fumaroles and volcanic craters. The Mývatn basin sits squarely on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and the violent geological character of the area has produced an astonishing landscape unlike anywhere else in the country. Mývatn is a shallow eutrophic lake situated in an area of active volcanism not far from Krafla volcano. The lake was created by a large basaltic lava eruption 2300 years ago and the surrounding landscape is dominated by volcanic landforms including lava pillars. The name of the lake (Icelandic mý ("midge") and vatn ("lake") .... the lake of midges) comes from the huge numbers of midges to be found in the summer. The name Mývatn is sometimes used not only for the lake but the whole surrounding inhabited area. The River Laxá, Lake Mývatn and the surrounding wetlands are protected as a nature reserve known as the Mývatn-Laxá Nature Conservation Area which occupies 440,000 hectares. The lake is fed by nutrient-rich springwater and has a high abundance of aquatic insects and plants that form an attractive food supply for ducks. Thirteen species of ducks nest at Mývatn. The duck species composition is unique in the mixture of Eurasian and north American elements and of boreal and Arctic species. Most of the ducks are migratory, arriving in late April to early May from north west Europe. The most abundant is the Tufted Duck whilst the Scaup is the second most common duck species. Other common species include the Red-breasted Merganser, Wigeon, Gadwall, Mallard, Common Scoter, Long-tailed Duck and Teal. Mývatn and the River Laxá are also special in that they support good numbers of Harlequin Ducks and Barrow’s Goldeneyes, 2 species that within Europe are solely confined to Iceland. Other common waterbirds include the Slavonian Grebe, Red-necked Phalarope, Great Northern Diver, Red-throated Diver and Whooper Swan. Date: 4th June 2015 Location: view from the track to the farm Ytri-Neslönd and Sigurgeirs Bird Museum http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230675.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_63595598264916dfd51c62.jpgBlack Grouse The Black Grouse is a large game bird in the grouse family. The male has all black plumage with distinctive red wattles over the eyes and striking white stripes along each wing in flight. It has a lyre-shaped tail which is fanned out and raised to show white under-tail feathers when displaying. The female is smaller and grey-brown in colour. The Black Grouse is a sedentary species and breeds across northern Eurasia in moorland and bog areas near to mostly boreal woodland. Although it is declining, it is not considered to be vulnerable globally due to the large population and slow rate of decline. Its decline is due to loss of habitat, disturbance, predation by foxes, crows, etc., and small populations gradually dying out. In the UK, the Black Grouse are found in upland areas of Wales, the Pennines and most of Scotland, especially on farmland and moorland with nearby forestry or scattered trees. Habitat loss and overgrazing have resulted in severe population declines which make the Black Grouse a Red List species. Positive habitat management and re-introduction programmes are helping it to increase in some areas. The Black Grouse has a very distinctive and well-recorded courtship. At dawn in the spring, the males strut around in a traditional area (lek) and display whilst making a highly distinctive and bubbling mating call. This photo was taken at a well known roadside lekking site. If visiting, please remain in your car to avoid disturbance to these vulnerable breeding birds. Date: 13th May 2023 Location: World's End, Denbighshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/cirl-bunting https://images.on-this.website/4752_1857705313559cf10764020.jpgCirl Bunting The Cirl Bunting is a member of the bunting family and is similar to a small Yellowhammer. The male has a bright yellow head with a black crown, eyestripe and throat, a greenish breast band across its otherwise yellow underparts and a heavily streaked brown back. The female is much more like a Yellowhammer but has a streaked grey-brown rump and chestnut shoulders. The Cirl Bunting breeds across southern Europe, on the Mediterranean islands and in north Africa. It is a resident of these warmer areas and does not migrate in winter. It is common in all sorts of open areas with some scrub or trees including farmland. It can tolerate a certain degree of urbanisation and can be found in green spaces in some towns and cities. Changes in agricultural practice have affected the Cirl Bunting very adversely at the northern fringes of its range and in England, where it once occurred over much of the south of the country, it is now restricted to south Devon and Cornwall. In the summer the Cirl Bunting’s natural food consists of invertebrates whilst in the winter it feeds on small seeds from over-wintered stubbles, fallow land, set-aside and the over-winter feeding of stock with grain or hay. It tends to feed in flocks during the winter. Date: 12th May 2015 Location: Mount Belles foothills, Ano Poroia, East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo453473.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_133992231546883f3079116.jpgLoch na Keal, Mull, Argyll Loch na Keal, meaning Loch of the Kyle or Loch of the Narrows, is the principal sea loch on the western coastline of the island of Mull. It extends for over 13 miles inland and almost cuts the island in half as it reaches a point only 3 miles from the east coast. Loch na Keal consists of a wide triangular shaped outer loch, separated from Loch Tuath to the north by the islands of Gometra and Ulva, leading into a narrow inner loch. The island of Staffa is at the mouth of the outer loch, the island of Inch Kenneth is in the outer loch and the island of Eorsa is in the inner loch. The outer loch northern coastline is made up of basaltic ridges and many rocks and islets with many different types of vegetation. The southern coastline, bounded by the Ardmeanach peninsula, has cliffs, land slips and substantial slopes that are covered in scree. The northern shore of the inner loch is steeply sloped with Killiechronan Wood to the east. The southern shore of the inner loch consists of cliffs and slopes leading to the Munro and extinct volcano of Ben More (3169 feet high) with Scarisdale Wood to the south east. Loch na Keal has no significant villages. Most of the small settlements are at the head (east end) of the loch where there is a small area of flat land where the River Bà flows into Loch na Keal from Loch Bà. These include Gruline, a small scattered settlement, primarily consisting of crofting and tourist homes. The closest larger village is Salen, located 2.5 miles north east across the isthmus from the head of the loch. Date: 8th June 2007 Location: view from the B8035 road http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo34209772.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19357259275a997920bd072.jpgSpotted Sandpiper The Spotted Sandpiper is a small wader. The adult has brown upperparts, white underparts with black spots, short yellowish legs and an orange bill with a dark tip. Non-breeding birds (as in this photo) do not have the spotted underparts and are very similar to the Common Sandpiper of Eurasia. The main difference is the shorter tail, more washed out wing pattern visible in flight and the normally light yellow legs and feet of the Spotted Sandpiper. The Spotted Sandpiper is often solitary and walks with a distinctive teeter, bobbing its tail up and down constantly. When foraging it walks quickly, crouching low, occasionally darting toward prey, all the while bobbing its tail. In flight, the Spotted Sandpipers has quick, snappy wingbeats interspersed with glides, keeping its wings below horizontal. The Spotted Sandpiper is common and widespread across most of Canada and the USA where it breeds almost anywhere near water i.e. along streams, rivers, ponds, lakes and beaches, particularly on rocky shores. It migrates to winter in southern USA and South America and it is a very rare vagrant to western Europe. The Spotted Sandpiper forages on the ground picking up food such as insects, crustaceans and other invertebrates by sight. It may also catch insects in flight and pick up earthworms, small crabs and crayfish, small fish and bits of carrion. This bird was first reported at the Slalom Course/River Trent confluence at Holme Pierrepoint Country Park in mid-January 2018 and remained on site for most of February 2018. Date: 24th February 2018 Location: Holme Pierrepoint Country Park, Nottinghamshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo34209780.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3845371315a997938e10d1.jpgLittle Grebe The Little Grebe, also known as the Dabchick, is the smallest member of the grebe family measuring 9 to 11.5 inches in length. The adult is unmistakable in summer, predominantly dark above with its rich, rufous colour neck, cheeks and flanks and bright yellow gape. The rufous is replaced by a dirty brownish grey in non-breeding and juvenile birds. Juveniles have a yellow bill with a small black tip and black and white streaks on the cheeks and sides of the neck. This yellow bill darkens as the juveniles age, eventually turning black as an adult. The Little Grebe can be noisy with a distinctive whinnying trill. The Little Grebe can be found across Europe, much of Asia down to New Guinea and in most of Africa. It breeds in small colonies in freshwater wetlands with muddy bottoms and edges and still or slow-moving water with plenty of emergent vegetation such as lakes, gravel pits, canals and rivers. Most birds move to more open or coastal waters in winter but it is only migratory in those parts of its range where the waters freeze. Like all grebes, the Little Grebe nests at the water's edge since its legs are set very far back and it can not walk well. Usually 4 to 7 eggs are laid. The young leave the nest and can swim soon after hatching but are often carried on the backs of the swimming adults. The Little Grebe is an excellent swimmer and diver and pursues its fish and aquatic invertebrate prey underwater. It uses the vegetation skilfully as a hiding place. Date: 25th February 2018 Location: Cromford Canal, Derbyshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo16548210.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16733030705083a35d9dafe.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 7th October 2012 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14856790.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8561951414face4f7c3aaa.jpgGreat Crested Grebes The Great Crested Grebe is the largest member of the grebe family measuring 18 to 20 inches in length with a wing span of 23 to 29 inches. It is a graceful bird with its long neck, long bill and slender outline. In summer, the adults of both sexes are unmistakable being adorned with beautiful head-plumes which are reddish-orange in colour with black tips. There is also an erectile black crown. Non-breeding adults lack the full crest and have a dark crown bordered by a white face, the white extending down the fore-neck and chest. The sexes are similar in appearance but juveniles can be distinguished from adults by having a striped black and white head and neck. The Great Crested Grebe can be found across Europe and Asia and it breeds on shallow, reed-fringed freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs and slow rivers. It is resident in the milder west of its range but it migrates from the colder regions of its range to freshwater lakes, reservoirs and sheltered coastal areas in winter. The Great Crested Grebe has an elaborate mating display. Like all grebes, it nests on the water's edge since its legs are set relatively far back and it is thus unable to walk very well. Usually 2 eggs are laid and the fluffy, striped young grebes are often carried on the adult's back. In a clutch of 2 or more hatchlings, male and female grebes will each identify their “favourites” which they alone will care for and teach. Unusually, young Great Crested Grebes are capable of swimming and diving almost at hatching. The adults teach these skills to their young by carrying them on their backs and diving, leaving the chicks to float on the surface. They then re-emerge a few feet away so that the chicks may swim back on to them. The Great Crested Grebe feeds mainly on fish but it will also eat small crustaceans, insects and small frogs and newts. The Great Crested Grebe was hunted almost to extinction in the UK in the 19th century due to being hunted for its head plumes which were used to decorate hats and ladies' undergarments. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was set up to help protect the Great Crested Grebe which is now again a common sight. Date: 30th March 2012 Location: Grove Ferry, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49278568.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20028963646499b490917bd.jpgGrass Snake The Grass Snake is the UK’s largest terrestrial reptile reaching up to 6 feet in length although such large specimens are rare. Females are considerably larger than males and typically reach a size of 2 feet 11 inches to 3 feet 7 inches when fully grown whilst males are approximately 8 inches shorter. The Grass Snake is typically olive-green, brown or greyish in colour with a variable row of black bars along the sides, occasionally with smaller round markings along the back in double rows. The underside of the Grass Snake is off-white or yellowish with dark triangular or rectangular markings. A characteristic black and yellow collar is present behind the head. The Grass Snake is one of only 3 snakes to occur in the UK and it is distributed throughout lowland areas of England and Wales. It is almost absent from Scotland and is not found in Ireland at all which has no native snakes. The Grass Snake is an aquatic species that is usually closely associated with water where it preys almost entirely on amphibians, especially the Common Toad and the Common Frog, although they may also occasionally eat mammals and fish. It is a strong swimmer and is found in habitats featuring ponds, lakes, streams, marshes and ditches which provide access to sunshine for basking and plenty of shelter. The Grass Snake may also be found in open woodland, rough grassland, wet heathlands, gardens, parks and hedgerows. The Grass Snake, as with most reptiles, is at the mercy of the thermal environment and it needs to overwinter in areas which are not subject to freezing. Therefore it will typically spend the winter underground where the temperature is relatively stable. Date: 13th June 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14856794.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19955352574face5029e23b.jpgGreat Crested Grebe The Great Crested Grebe is the largest member of the grebe family measuring 18 to 20 inches in length with a wing span of 23 to 29 inches. It is a graceful bird with its long neck, long bill and slender outline. In summer, the adults of both sexes are unmistakable being adorned with beautiful head-plumes which are reddish-orange in colour with black tips. There is also an erectile black crown. Non-breeding adults lack the full crest and have a dark crown bordered by a white face, the white extending down the fore-neck and chest. The sexes are similar in appearance but juveniles can be distinguished from adults by having a striped black and white head and neck. The Great Crested Grebe can be found across Europe and Asia and it breeds on shallow, reed-fringed freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs and slow rivers. It is resident in the milder west of its range but it migrates from the colder regions of its range to freshwater lakes, reservoirs and sheltered coastal areas in winter. The Great Crested Grebe has an elaborate mating display. Like all grebes, it nests on the water's edge since its legs are set relatively far back and it is thus unable to walk very well. Usually 2 eggs are laid and the fluffy, striped young grebes are often carried on the adult's back. In a clutch of 2 or more hatchlings, male and female grebes will each identify their “favourites” which they alone will care for and teach. Unusually, young Great Crested Grebes are capable of swimming and diving almost at hatching. The adults teach these skills to their young by carrying them on their backs and diving, leaving the chicks to float on the surface. They then re-emerge a few feet away so that the chicks may swim back on to them. The Great Crested Grebe feeds mainly on fish but it will also eat small crustaceans, insects and small frogs and newts. The Great Crested Grebe was hunted almost to extinction in the UK in the 19th century due to being hunted for its head plumes which were used to decorate hats and ladies' undergarments. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was set up to help protect the Great Crested Grebe which is now again a common sight. Date: 30th March 2012 Location: Grove Ferry, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14856796.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7346774face50a74361.jpgGreat Crested Grebe The Great Crested Grebe is the largest member of the grebe family measuring 18 to 20 inches in length with a wing span of 23 to 29 inches. It is a graceful bird with its long neck, long bill and slender outline. In summer, the adults of both sexes are unmistakable being adorned with beautiful head-plumes which are reddish-orange in colour with black tips. There is also an erectile black crown. Non-breeding adults lack the full crest and have a dark crown bordered by a white face, the white extending down the fore-neck and chest. The sexes are similar in appearance but juveniles can be distinguished from adults by having a striped black and white head and neck. The Great Crested Grebe can be found across Europe and Asia and it breeds on shallow, reed-fringed freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs and slow rivers. It is resident in the milder west of its range but it migrates from the colder regions of its range to freshwater lakes, reservoirs and sheltered coastal areas in winter. The Great Crested Grebe has an elaborate mating display. Like all grebes, it nests on the water's edge since its legs are set relatively far back and it is thus unable to walk very well. Usually 2 eggs are laid and the fluffy, striped young grebes are often carried on the adult's back. In a clutch of 2 or more hatchlings, male and female grebes will each identify their “favourites” which they alone will care for and teach. Unusually, young Great Crested Grebes are capable of swimming and diving almost at hatching. The adults teach these skills to their young by carrying them on their backs and diving, leaving the chicks to float on the surface. They then re-emerge a few feet away so that the chicks may swim back on to them. The Great Crested Grebe feeds mainly on fish but it will also eat small crustaceans, insects and small frogs and newts. The Great Crested Grebe was hunted almost to extinction in the UK in the 19th century due to being hunted for its head plumes which were used to decorate hats and ladies' undergarments. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was set up to help protect the Great Crested Grebe which is now again a common sight. Date: 30th March 2012 Location: Grove Ferry, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31837515.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10149820465956245d3063f1.85278384.jpgLoch Insh, Highland Loch Insh is a freshwater loch in the Scottish Highlands located 7 miles south of Aviemore and 7 miles north of Kingussie. The nearest village to the loch is Kincraig. The River Spey rises in the Monadhliath Mountains and to the north east of Kingussie it flows in to Loch Insh and this and the adjacent Insh Marshes to the west are an important wildlife habitat. The eastern side of Loch Insh hosts watersports and other outdoor activities. Date: 20th June 2017 Location: view from the unclassified road running out of Kincraig along the eastern shore http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42524877.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20525550406098fafcdbb36.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 7th April 2021 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17942869.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2018113254518cb61b2ba8a.jpgGreat Crested Grebe The Great Crested Grebe is the largest member of the grebe family measuring 18 to 20 inches in length with a wing span of 23 to 29 inches. It is a graceful bird with its long neck, long bill and slender outline. In summer, the adults of both sexes are unmistakable being adorned with beautiful head-plumes which are reddish-orange in colour with black tips. There is also an erectile black crown. Non-breeding adults lack the full crest and have a dark crown bordered by a white face, the white extending down the fore-neck and chest. The sexes are similar in appearance but juveniles can be distinguished from adults by having a striped black and white head and neck. The Great Crested Grebe can be found across Europe and Asia and it breeds on shallow, reed-fringed freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs and slow rivers. It is resident in the milder west of its range but it migrates from the colder regions of its range to freshwater lakes, reservoirs and sheltered coastal areas in winter. The Great Crested Grebe has an elaborate mating display. Like all grebes, it nests on the water's edge since its legs are set relatively far back and it is thus unable to walk very well. Usually 2 eggs are laid and the fluffy, striped young grebes are often carried on the adult's back. In a clutch of 2 or more hatchlings, male and female grebes will each identify their “favourites” which they alone will care for and teach. Unusually, young Great Crested Grebes are capable of swimming and diving almost at hatching. The adults teach these skills to their young by carrying them on their backs and diving, leaving the chicks to float on the surface. They then re-emerge a few feet away so that the chicks may swim back on to them. The Great Crested Grebe feeds mainly on fish but it will also eat small crustaceans, insects and small frogs and newts. The Great Crested Grebe was hunted almost to extinction in the UK in the 19th century due to being hunted for its head plumes which were used to decorate hats and ladies' undergarments. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was set up to help protect the Great Crested Grebe which is now again a common sight. Date: 28th April 2013 Location: Abberton Reservoir, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833608.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1549985234559cedf0885ee.jpgBlack Kite The Black Kite is a medium-sized bird of prey which can be distinguished from the Red Kite by its slightly smaller size, less forked tail and generally dark plumage without any rufous colouring. The upper plumage is brown but the head and neck tend to be paler and the patch behind the eye appears darker. The outer flight feathers are black and the feathers have dark cross bars and are mottled at the base. The lower parts of the body are pale brown, becoming lighter towards the chin. They have a distinctive shrill whistle followed by a rapid whinnying call. Black Kites are opportunistic hunters and are more likely to scavenge. They spend a lot of time soaring and gliding in thermals in search of food. The Black Kite is widely distributed through the temperate and tropical parts of Eurasia and parts of Australasia and Oceania with the temperate region populations tending to be migratory. The European populations are small but the south Asian population is very large. Date: 12th May 2015 Location: Lake Kerkini, Central Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801280.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_139983327864edb33504810.jpgRuddy Darter Flight period: mid June to mid September. The Ruddy Darter takes its name from its colour and its swift flight behaviour. The male has a deep russet colour over the entire body and the abdomen has a pinched section close to where it joins the thorax. Females are slightly smaller, golden yellow in colour and being less obviously marked are more difficult to identify than the males. There is more than one red coloured darter species in the UK and they can be easily confused with each other. The commonest red species, the Common Darter, can be distinguished as having red veins at the base of the wings and a less ruddy colouration across the body. However, the Ruddy Darter has entirely black legs, distinguishing it from all other red darters which have longitudinal yellow stripes on their legs. The UK range of the Ruddy Darter has undergone something of an expansion in recent years. Although still relatively uncommon in the west and north of Britain, it is increasing in numbers in the Midlands and eastern England. The population is augmented by continental migrants. It is also found over most of Europe except for northern Scandinavia, as far east as western Siberia and south to north Africa. The Ruddy Darter prefers water bodies with tall emergent vegetation, such as reeds and club rush, and it is known to breed in ponds, lakes, canals, ditches and sluggish rivers. They can also be found near coasts and can breed in fairly brackish water. Date: 26th July 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41234299.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4090448905ee771c51931d.jpgLarge Skipper Flight period: June to July. The Large Skipper is a small golden butterfly which is widespread throughout England and Wales and it is also extending its range northwards in to southern Scotland. They can be found in areas of tall, uncut grassland, woodland rides, roadside verges and hedgerows. Date: 9th June 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28883739.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8616980457cc125047ee7.jpgLake Peipus, Estonia Lake Peipus is the biggest trans-boundary lake in Europe on the border between Estonia and Russia. It is the 5th largest lake in Europe after Lake Ladoga and Lake Onega in Russia north of Saint Petersburg, Lake Vänern in Sweden and Lake Saimaa in Finland. Lake Peipus is a remnant of a body of water which existed in this area during the Ice Age. It covers an area of 1370 square miles and has an average depth of 23 feet, the deepest point being 50 feet. Some 30 rivers and streams discharge in to Lake Peipus, the largest being the Emajõgi and the Velikaya, and it is drained by the Narva river. The low shores of the lake mostly consist of peat and are bordered by vast lowland and marshes which are flooded in the spring with the flooding area reaching up to 85 square miles. There are also sand dunes and hills covered with pine forests. The lake is used for fishing and recreation but it has suffered from some environmental degradation. Date: 18th May 2016 Location: Lake Peipus at Mehikoorma, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/srve-peninsula-estonia https://images.on-this.website/4752_87741451757cc35f298b8d.jpgSõrve peninsula, Saaremaa island, Estonia Saaremaa is the 4th largest island in the Baltic Sea and largest island in Estonia, measuring over 1000 square miles. It is located in the Baltic Sea, south of the island of Hiiumaa, and it is included within the the West Estonian Archipelago Biosphere Reserve. The island lies on a major migration flyway between Europe and the Arctic and huge numbers of birds appear in spring and autumn. The Sõrve peninsula is situated at the southern tip of Saaremaa and is a well known seawatching and migration hotspot and the site of a bird observatory. Date: 13th May 2016 Location: Sõrve peninsula, Saaremaa island, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14467413.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14997634954f743c42ccaa3.jpgReindeer The Reindeer, also known as the Caribou in North America, is a deer from the Arctic and sub Arctic, including both resident and migratory populations. Whilst it is overall widespread and numerous, some of its subspecies are rare or already extinct. The Reindeer is a widespread and numerous species in the northern Holarctic, being present in tundra (frozen arctic plain with lichens, mosses and dwarfed vegetation) and taiga (marshy pine forest) regions. Originally, the Reindeer was found in Scandinavia, eastern Europe, Russia, Mongolia, and northern China. In North America, it was found in Canada, Alaska and the northern USA from Washington to Maine. It also occurred naturally on Sakhalin, Greenland, and probably even in historical times in Ireland. Today, wild Reindeer have disappeared from many areas within this large historical range, especially from the southern parts where it has vanished almost everywhere. Large populations of wild Reindeer are still found in Norway, Finland, Siberia, Greenland, Alaska, and Canada. Wild Reindeer hunting and herding of semi-domesticated Reindeer (for meat, hides, antlers, milk and transportation) are important to several Arctic and Subarctic people. Domesticated Reindeer are mostly found in northern Fennoscandia and Russia with a herd of approximately 150-170 Reindeer also living around the Cairngorms region in Scotland. Reindeer vary considerably in colour and size. Both sexes grow antlers, though they are typically larger in males. Even far outside its range, the Reindeer is well known due to the myth, probably originating in early 19th century America, in which Santa Claus's sleigh is pulled by flying Reindeer, a popular element of Christmas. Date: 17th March 2012 Location: near Tisnes, Kvaløya, Troms, north Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11202930.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9748435904e18608955d52.jpgWhooper Swans The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 10/12/06 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26008752.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_104173636856351c82a23d7.jpgLake Mývatn, north Iceland Mývatn is the undisputed gem of north east Iceland, a tourist and ornithological honeypot. The lake and the surrounding area are starkly beautiful, an otherworldly landscape of spluttering mudpots, weird lava formations, steaming fumaroles and volcanic craters. The Mývatn basin sits squarely on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and the violent geological character of the area has produced an astonishing landscape unlike anywhere else in the country. Mývatn is a shallow eutrophic lake situated in an area of active volcanism not far from Krafla volcano. The lake was created by a large basaltic lava eruption 2300 years ago and the surrounding landscape is dominated by volcanic landforms including lava pillars. The name of the lake (Icelandic mý ("midge") and vatn ("lake") .... the lake of midges) comes from the huge numbers of midges to be found in the summer. The name Mývatn is sometimes used not only for the lake but the whole surrounding inhabited area. The River Laxá, Lake Mývatn and the surrounding wetlands are protected as a nature reserve known as the Mývatn-Laxá Nature Conservation Area which occupies 440,000 hectares. The lake is fed by nutrient-rich springwater and has a high abundance of aquatic insects and plants that form an attractive food supply for ducks. Thirteen species of ducks nest at Mývatn. The duck species composition is unique in the mixture of Eurasian and north American elements and of boreal and Arctic species. Most of the ducks are migratory, arriving in late April to early May from north west Europe. The most abundant is the Tufted Duck whilst the Scaup is the second most common duck species. Other common species include the Red-breasted Merganser, Wigeon, Gadwall, Mallard, Common Scoter, Long-tailed Duck and Teal. Mývatn and the River Laxá are also special in that they support good numbers of Harlequin Ducks and Barrow’s Goldeneyes, 2 species that within Europe are solely confined to Iceland. Other common waterbirds include the Slavonian Grebe, Red-necked Phalarope, Great Northern Diver, Red-throated Diver and Whooper Swan. Date: 4th June 2015 Location: view from the track to the farm Ytri-Neslönd and Sigurgeirs Bird Museum http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072349.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14372364164bf6dfa7d1547.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill <i>"kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake"</i>. The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 13th April 2010 Location: Hornøya, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26008639.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1714716622563513ed698b2.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 4th June 2015 Location: Siglufjörður, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26008636.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9256132835635133a2f08f.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 4th June 2015 Location: Siglufjörður, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41234271.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13010244745ee76c82e6624.jpgLittle Ringed Plover The Little Ringed Plover is a small plover with a distinctive black and white head pattern similar to the Ringed Plover. It has a black beak and pale (not orange) legs and close views reveal a distinctive yellow eye-ring. In flight it shows a plain brown wing without the white wing bar that the Ringed Plover has. The Little Ringed Plover can be found in most of Eurasia and north west Africa. In the UK, it is mainly found in England and is uncommon in Wales and Scotland. It is a migratory species, arriving in March from its wintering grounds in Africa and leaving again in July. The breeding habitat is open gravel or shingle areas near fresh water, including gravel pits, reservoirs, islands and river edges Nests are located on the ground on stones with little or no plant growth. Both males and females take turns incubating the eggs. The Little Ringed Plover is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 31st May 2020 Location: Abberton Reservoir, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084046.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17340731305d3083b8e4641.jpgEuropean Bee-eaters The European Bee-eater is an incredibly colourful bird with an unmistakable appearance. In breeding plumage, it has a rich chestnut crown that blends into gold on its back. The forehead is white, the throat is yellow bordered by black and the underparts are blue. The male European Bee-eater has a chestnut-coloured patch in the middle of the wing while in females this patch is usually smaller or even absent. Occasionally, females may also be distinguished from the males by having a green back. The wings and backs of juvenile European Bee-eaters are entirely green and the eyes are brown in contrast to the bright red eyes of adults. The European Bee-eater breeds in southern Europe and in parts of north Africa and western Asia. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, India and Sri Lanka. European Bee-eaters are occasionally seen in northern Europe (including the UK) as a spring overshoot north of its range with occasional breeding occurring. Just as the name suggests, the European Bee-eater predominantly eats insects, especially bees, wasps and hornets which are caught in the air by sorties from an open perch. Before eating its meal, a European Bee-eater removes the sting by repeatedly hitting the insect on a hard surface. Lizards and frogs are also taken. European Bee-eaters are gregarious, nesting colonially in sandy banks preferably near river shores and also feeding and roosting communally. Date: 29th May 2018 Location: near Melnik, Blagoevgrad Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26008634.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1356244863563512131d6cf.jpgRed-necked Phalarope The Red-necked Phalarope is a small wader with lobed toes to assist swimming and a straight, fine bill. The breeding female is predominantly dark grey above with a chestnut neck and upper breast, black face and white throat. The breeding male is a duller version of the female. In winter, the plumage is essentially grey above and white below but the black eyepatch is always present. When feeding, a Red-necked Phalarope will often swim in a small, rapid circle, forming a small whirlpool. This behaviour is thought to aid feeding by raising food from the bottom of shallow water. The bird will reach into the centre of the vortex with its bill, plucking small insects or crustaceans caught up therein. On the open ocean, they are often found where converging currents produce upwellings. The Red-necked Phalarope breeds in the Arctic regions of north America and Eurasia. It is migratory and, unusually for a wader, it winters at sea on tropical oceans. Date: 4th June 2015 Location: Siglufjörður, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/loch-ruthven https://images.on-this.website/4752_195892307453d0f9b565856.jpgLoch Ruthven, Highland Loch Ruthven is a large loch which lies to the south east of Loch Ness. It is 2.25 miles long, extends over an area of 368 acres and is up to 42 feet deep. Fringed by sedges and birchwood, Loch Ruthven is the most important site in the UK for the rare Slavonian Grebe. Up to 10 pairs breed and are present from late April to early September. The site is managed by the RSPB and an excellent lochside observation hide is reached by a 1.5 mile trail. Date: 17th June 2014 Location: view from the unclassified road at the eastern end of the lcoh http://www.richardchewphotography.com/tramore-bay-co-waterford-ireland https://images.on-this.website/4752_1694336565e53939b3804b.jpgTramore Bay and "Backstrand", Co. Waterford, Ireland Tramore, meaning "great strand", is a seaside village in Co. Waterford. With humble origins as a small fishing village, the area saw rapid development upon the arrival of the railway from Waterford in 1853. Initially the town flourished as a tourist destination, attracting visitors from as far away as Dublin in summer and from closer to home all year round. As the population grew steadily in the latter part of the 20th century, Tramore became a satellite and dormitory town of Waterford, situated 8 miles to the north. Today the town is a popular destination for surfing and other water sports due to its large, sheltered bay and provision of accommodation and amenities. Tramore is situated at the north west corner of the 3 mile long Tramore Bay on a hill that slopes down to the strand or sand spit that divides the bay. Behind the spit lies the tidal lagoon known as the "Backstrand". Date: 1st February 2020 Location: view from the road to Brownstown Head, Co. Wexford, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo44183396.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3150393636161c9354671e.jpgBlack-necked Grebe The Black-necked Grebe is a member of the grebe family of water birds. It usually measures between 11 and 13 inches in length with a wingspan of 20.5 to 21.5 inches. The common name for this species refers to features visible when the bird is in its breeding plumage. In breeding plumage, the Black-necked Grebe has a black or blackish-brown coloured head, neck, breast and upper parts with the exception of the golden or ochre-coloured fan or spray of feathers extending behind the eye over the ear coverts and the sides of the nape. The flanks are tawny-rufous to maroon-chestnut and the abdomen is white. The eye is mostly red with a narrow and paler yellow ring on the inner parts of the eye and an orange-yellow to pinkish-red orbital ring. The thin and slightly upturned bill is black and is connected to the eye by a blackish line starting at the gape. The upperwing is blackish to drab brown in colour and has a white patch formed by the secondaries and part of the inner primaries. The underwing is white except the dark tertials and the mostly pale grey-brown outer primaries. The legs are a dark greenish grey. The sexes are similar. In non-breeding plumage, the Black-necked Grebe has greyish-black upper parts, cap, nape and hindneck. The dark colour of the cap reaches below the eye and can be seen diffused to the ear-coverts. The rest of the neck is grey to brownish-grey in colour and has some white that varies in amount. The breast is white and the abdomen is whitish. The flanks are coloured in a mix of blackish-grey with white flecks. The juvenile Black-necked Grebe is very similar to the non-breeding adult. The Black-necked Grebe breeds in vegetated areas of freshwater lakes across Europe, Asia, Africa, northern South America and the south west and west USA. After breeding, it migrates to saline lakes and coastal estuaries to moult and over-winter. In the UK, the Black-necked Grebe can be found all year round although here are only a small number of breeding locations. It is best looked for in winter on reservoirs, gravel pits, estuaries and off the coast. In the Northern Hemisphere, the Black-necked Grebe breeds from April to August. The male and female build a floating nest of plant matter in the usually shallow water of open lakes and the nest itself is also anchored to the lake by plants. Most of the nest is submerged with the bottom of the shallow cup usually being level with the water. The Black-necked Grebe nests both in colonies and by itself. When it does not nest by itself, it will often nest in mixed-species colonies made up of Black-headed Gulls, ducks and various other waterbirds. Pair formation in the Black-necked Grebe usually starts during pauses in the migration to the breeding grounds although it occasionally occurs before in wintering pairs. This pair formation continues after arrival on the breeding grounds. Courtship occurs when the bird arrives at the breeding lake and elaborate displays are performed in the middle of the lake. There is no territory involved in courting and birds use the whole area of the lake. The Black-necked Grebe is socially monogamous but conspecific or intraspecific brood parasitism, where the female lays eggs in the nest of others of their own species, is common with nearly 40% of nests being parasitized on average. However, in terms of territory, breeding pairs will only defend their own nest site. The female lays a clutch, although sometimes 2 clutches, of 3 to 4 eggs but nests that have been parasitised will have 2 more eggs on average even though the number the host lays is about the same no matter if it has been parasitized or not. The eggs are incubated by both parents for about 21 days. After the chicks hatch, the birds will desert their nest. Even though the young can swim and dive during this time, they rarely do, instead staying on the parents' backs for 4 days after hatching. This behaviour is present in all grebes and is likely to have evolved because it reduces travel, specifically back to the nest to brood the chicks and give them food. After about 10 days, the parents split the chicks up with each parent taking care of about half of the brood. After this split, the chicks are independent in about 10 days and fledge in about 3 weeks. The Black-necked Grebe forages mainly by diving from the water with dives usually lasting less than 30 seconds. These dives are usually shorter in time when in more shallow water. In between dives, it rests for an average of 15 seconds. The Black-necked Grebe also forages by gleaning foliage, plucking objects off of the surface of water, having its head submerged while swimming and sometimes by capturing flying insects. It eats mostly insects, of both adult and larval stages, as well as crustaceans, molluscs, tadpoles and small frogs and fish. The Black-necked Grebe is classified as “least concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, the population trend is uncertain since some populations are decreasing whereas others are stable, have an uncertain trend or are increasing. The justification for the current classification of the Black-necked Grebe is its very large population (estimated around 3.9 to 4.2 million individuals) combined with a large estimated extent of occurrence (about 60 million square miles). It is probably the most numerous grebe in the world. Date: 18th September 2021 Location: Alexandra Lake, Wanstead Flats, London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/norfolk-hawker https://images.on-this.website/4752_2589090885ee76ca54fe7f.jpgNorfolk Hawker Flight period: mid May to mid August The Norfolk Hawker is one of two brown hawker dragonflies found in the UK. It is just over 5 inches long with a brown body, green eyes and a yellow triangular mark near the top of the abdomen. The Norfolk Hawker is a rare dragonfly in the UK and its range is almost completely restricted to the fens, grazing marshes and ditches of the Broads National Park in Norfolk and north east Suffolk although new colonies are becoming established in other areas of south east England. Since 2011 it has been recorded in the River Stour valley in east Kent where egg laying has been observed and it appears to be spreading. The optimum conditions for breeding appear to be unspoilt grazing marsh and ditch systems with clean, non-saline water and rushy margins, preferably with an abundance of water soldier as well as other aquatic plants. The main threats to the Norfolk Hawker are the conversion of grazing marsh to arable farming, inappropriate ditch and dyke management, nutrients enrichment, pollution and the impact of global climate change and fluctuations in water levels. Date: 1st June 2020 Location: NNR Stodmarsh (Grove Ferry), Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533130.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_107756640762ca75387467d.jpgFour-spotted Chaser Flight period: mid May to end August. Four-spotted Chasers are a common and widespread species of dragonfly throughout most of the UK. They can be found around sheltered lowland lakes and ponds and around acidic moorland bogs and sheltered upland lakes. Date: 12th June 2022 Location: RSPB Ham Wall, Somerset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11328632.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15248318364e1d679aafda9.jpgLittle Grebe The Little Grebe, also known as the Dabchick, is the smallest member of the grebe family measuring 9 to 11.5 inches in length. The adult is unmistakable in summer, predominantly dark above with its rich, rufous colour neck, cheeks and flanks and bright yellow gape. The rufous is replaced by a dirty brownish grey in non-breeding and juvenile birds. Juveniles have a yellow bill with a small black tip and black and white streaks on the cheeks and sides of the neck. This yellow bill darkens as the juveniles age, eventually turning black as an adult. The Little Grebe can be noisy with a distinctive whinnying trill. The Little Grebe can be found across Europe, much of Asia down to New Guinea and in most of Africa. It breeds in small colonies in freshwater wetlands with muddy bottoms and edges and still or slow-moving water with plenty of emergent vegetation such as lakes, gravel pits, canals and rivers. Most birds move to more open or coastal waters in winter but it is only migratory in those parts of its range where the waters freeze. Like all grebes, the Little Grebe nests at the water's edge since its legs are set very far back and it can not walk well. Usually 4 to 7 eggs are laid. The young leave the nest and can swim soon after hatching but are often carried on the backs of the swimming adults. The Little Grebe is an excellent swimmer and diver and pursues its fish and aquatic invertebrate prey underwater. It uses the vegetation skilfully as a hiding place. Date: 01/10/06 Location: Cromford Canal, Derbyshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/strumble-head-pembrokeshire https://images.on-this.website/4752_139989938664996bef06c82.jpgStrumble Head, Pembrokeshire Strumble Head is located on the north west tip of Pembrokeshire, 6 miles from the ferry port of Fishguard. The general area is known as the Pencaer peninsula, the focus of which is Strumble Head Lighthouse perched on a tiny island just off the coast and reached by a small suspension bridge. From a birding point of view, Strumble Head is a well-known and very productive seawatching location during the peak seabird passage during August to October. Date: 8th June 2023 Location: view from Pembrokeshire Coast Path, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11328640.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9512470284e1d67a6e11f3.jpgLittle Grebe The Little Grebe, also known as the Dabchick, is the smallest member of the grebe family measuring 9 to 11.5 inches in length. The adult is unmistakable in summer, predominantly dark above with its rich, rufous colour neck, cheeks and flanks and bright yellow gape. The rufous is replaced by a dirty brownish grey in non-breeding and juvenile birds. Juveniles have a yellow bill with a small black tip and black and white streaks on the cheeks and sides of the neck. This yellow bill darkens as the juveniles age, eventually turning black as an adult. The Little Grebe can be noisy with a distinctive whinnying trill. The Little Grebe can be found across Europe, much of Asia down to New Guinea and in most of Africa. It breeds in small colonies in freshwater wetlands with muddy bottoms and edges and still or slow-moving water with plenty of emergent vegetation such as lakes, gravel pits, canals and rivers. Most birds move to more open or coastal waters in winter but it is only migratory in those parts of its range where the waters freeze. Like all grebes, the Little Grebe nests at the water's edge since its legs are set very far back and it can not walk well. Usually 4 to 7 eggs are laid. The young leave the nest and can swim soon after hatching but are often carried on the backs of the swimming adults. The Little Grebe is an excellent swimmer and diver and pursues its fish and aquatic invertebrate prey underwater. It uses the vegetation skilfully as a hiding place. Date: 12/03/06 Location: Cromford Wharf, Derbyshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11328644.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16966932244e1d67b2c09a1.jpgLittle Grebe The Little Grebe, also known as the Dabchick, is the smallest member of the grebe family measuring 9 to 11.5 inches in length. The adult is unmistakable in summer, predominantly dark above with its rich, rufous colour neck, cheeks and flanks and bright yellow gape. The rufous is replaced by a dirty brownish grey in non-breeding and juvenile birds. Juveniles have a yellow bill with a small black tip and black and white streaks on the cheeks and sides of the neck. This yellow bill darkens as the juveniles age, eventually turning black as an adult. The Little Grebe can be noisy with a distinctive whinnying trill. The Little Grebe can be found across Europe, much of Asia down to New Guinea and in most of Africa. It breeds in small colonies in freshwater wetlands with muddy bottoms and edges and still or slow-moving water with plenty of emergent vegetation such as lakes, gravel pits, canals and rivers. Most birds move to more open or coastal waters in winter but it is only migratory in those parts of its range where the waters freeze. Like all grebes, the Little Grebe nests at the water's edge since its legs are set very far back and it can not walk well. Usually 4 to 7 eggs are laid. The young leave the nest and can swim soon after hatching but are often carried on the backs of the swimming adults. The Little Grebe is an excellent swimmer and diver and pursues its fish and aquatic invertebrate prey underwater. It uses the vegetation skilfully as a hiding place. Date: 5th March 2008 Location: Cromford Canal, Derbyshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38116641.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11826543105cc325ffd76b6.jpgNorthern Wheatear The Northern Wheatear or Wheatear is a small passerine bird that was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family but is now more generally considered to be an Old World flycatcher. It is the most widespread member of the Wheatear genus in Europe and Asia. The English name has nothing to do with wheat or ears but is probably derived from the Middle English whit ers meaning "white arse" and referring to the prominent white rump of many Wheatear species The Northern Wheatear is larger than the European Robin at 5.7 to 6.3 inches in length. Both sexes have a white rump and tail with a black inverted T-pattern at the end of the tail. The summer plumaged male has grey upperparts, buff throat and black wings and face mask. In autumn it resembles the female apart from the black wings. The female is pale brown above and buff below with darker brown wings. The Northern Wheatear makes one of the longest migratory flights of any small bird, crossing ocean, ice and desert. It migrates from sub-Saharan Africa in spring to breed in open rocky country, tundra, moorland, heaths and pastures over a vast area of the Northern Hemisphere that includes northern and central Asia, Europe, Greenland, Alaska and parts of Canada. In autumn it returns to winter in central Africa. In the UK, the Northern Wheatear is a summer visitor and passage migrant arriving in early March and leaving in September. It breeds mainly in western and northern Britain and western Ireland although smaller numbers also breed in southern and eastern England. The Northern Wheatear is primarily an insectivorous bird and feeds mostly on beetles, ants, caterpillars, grasshoppers, flies, etc. It also eats spiders, centipedes and snails and berries in the autumn. Date: 25th April 2019 Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15454026.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2165037944ff548823c004.jpgGreater Flamingos The Greater Flamingo is a largely pinkish-white bird but the wing coverts are red and the primary and secondary flight feathers are black. The bill is pink with a black tip and the legs are entirely pink. The Greater Flamingo is the most widespread species of the flamingo family and can be found in parts of Africa, southern Asia and southern Europe (including Spain, Sardinia, Albania, Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Portugal and the Camargue region of France). Some populations are short distance migrants, and records north of the breeding range are relatively frequent. However, given the species' popularity in captivity, whether these are truly wild individuals is a matter of some debate. Date: 1st May 2012 Location: La Madre de las Marismas, El Rocío, Coto Doñana, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11328638.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2499042924e1d67a17854f.jpgLittle Grebe The Little Grebe, also known as the Dabchick, is the smallest member of the grebe family measuring 9 to 11.5 inches in length. The adult is unmistakable in summer, predominantly dark above with its rich, rufous colour neck, cheeks and flanks and bright yellow gape. The rufous is replaced by a dirty brownish grey in non-breeding and juvenile birds. Juveniles have a yellow bill with a small black tip and black and white streaks on the cheeks and sides of the neck. This yellow bill darkens as the juveniles age, eventually turning black as an adult. The Little Grebe can be noisy with a distinctive whinnying trill. The Little Grebe can be found across Europe, much of Asia down to New Guinea and in most of Africa. It breeds in small colonies in freshwater wetlands with muddy bottoms and edges and still or slow-moving water with plenty of emergent vegetation such as lakes, gravel pits, canals and rivers. Most birds move to more open or coastal waters in winter but it is only migratory in those parts of its range where the waters freeze. Like all grebes, the Little Grebe nests at the water's edge since its legs are set very far back and it can not walk well. Usually 4 to 7 eggs are laid. The young leave the nest and can swim soon after hatching but are often carried on the backs of the swimming adults. The Little Grebe is an excellent swimmer and diver and pursues its fish and aquatic invertebrate prey underwater. It uses the vegetation skilfully as a hiding place. Date: 5th March 2008 Location: Cromford Canal, Derbyshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31837516.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_118363604759562461541111.27083792.jpgLoch Insh, Highland Loch Insh is a freshwater loch in the Scottish Highlands located 7 miles south of Aviemore and 7 miles north of Kingussie. The nearest village to the loch is Kincraig. The River Spey rises in the Monadhliath Mountains and to the north east of Kingussie it flows in to Loch Insh and this and the adjacent Insh Marshes to the west are an important wildlife habitat. The eastern side of Loch Insh hosts watersports and other outdoor activities. Date: 20th June 2017 Location: view from the unclassified road running out of Kincraig along the eastern shore http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15454012.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5378415294ff5482231aa0.jpgSpoonbill The Spoonbill is an unmistakable wading bird. Breeding adults are all white except for dark legs, a black spoon-shaped bill with a yellow tip, a yellow breast patch and a crest. Non-breeders lack the crest and breast patch and immature birds have a pale bill and black tips to the primary flight feathers. Unlike herons, Spoonbills fly with their necks outstretched. Feeding birds swing their heads and sweep their bills from side to side through the water. The Spoonbill breeds from the UK and Spain in the west through to Japan and also in North Africa. In Europe, only the Netherlands, Spain, Austria, Hungary and Greece have sizeable populations. Birds from north west and south west Europe winter mainly in west Africa whilst those from south east Europe winter in the Mediterranean and north Africa. Eastern European and Turkish birds appear to move to north east Africa, the Middle East and India. The Spoonbill became extinct in the UK but sporadic breeding attempts in the early 21st century finally culminated with the formation of a colony at Holkham in Norfolk in 2010. The Spoonbill can be found in extensive shallow, wetlands with muddy, clay or fine sandy beds. They may inhabit any type of marsh, river, lake, flooded area and mangrove swamp, whether fresh, brackish or saline but especially those with islands for nesting or dense emergent vegetation such as reedbeds and scattered trees or shrubs. The Spoonbill may also frequent sheltered marine habitats during the winter such as deltas, estuaries, tidal creeks and coastal lagoons. Threats to the Eurasian Spoonbill include habitat destruction through drainage of wetlands and habitat degradation by pollution. Date: 1st May 2012 Location: La Rocina, Coto Doñana, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21829334.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_115154260553cb9d449f9bb.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 11th June 2014 Location: Bempton Cliifs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28887383.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_181348724557cc3fa36c77c.jpgSlavonian Grebe The Slavonian Grebe is a member of the grebe family of water birds. It is also known as the Horned Grebe in north America. Unmistakable in summer, the plumage of both the male and female Slavonian Grebe shows a black head with golden puffy earlike tufts along the sides of its face. It shows a deep rusty red neck, scarlet eyes and a small, straight black bill tipped with white. During the winter, the Slavonian Grebe is mainly white with a sharply defined black cap. The Slavonian Grebe breeds in vegetated areas of freshwater lakes across Europe and Asia. It also breeds in remote inland parts of the United States and much of Canada. Like all grebes, it builds a nest on the water's edge, since its legs are set very far back and it can not walk well. Most birds migrate in winter to the coast. Date: 10th May 2016 Location: Haapsalu, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50570349.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_34738687065ccc6459c61f.jpgWaxwing The Waxwing is a plump bird which is slightly smaller than a Starling. It is buff or pinkish-brown in colour with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings, a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest. The bird’s name is derived from the red tips to some of the wing feathers which are said to look like they have been dipped in sealing wax. Waxwings breed in the dense forests of northern Europe but they occur in varying numbers in the UK from October to March. In some years they can occur in large numbers (known as irruptions) when the population in the breeding areas gets too big for the food available. The first UK arrivals each winter are usually seen on the east coast from Scotland to East Anglia but birds then move inland in search of food. They can be found in parks and gardens and even busy public places such as supermarket car parks, typically where there are berry-bearing trees and bushes such as rowan, hawthorn, cotoneaster and rose. Waxwings seem fearless of humans so it is relatively easy to get very close views of these stunning birds. Waxwings make an easily recognisable high-pitched trilling sound like a bell. Date: 9th January 2024 Location: Colchester, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42524880.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_221502076098fc25468ef.jpgGoldfinch The European Goldfinch or simply the Goldfinch is a small passerine bird in the finch family. The Goldfinch is 4.7 to 5.1 inches in length with a wingspan of 8.3 to 9.8 inches. The sexes are broadly similar, with a red face, black and white head, warm brown upper parts, white underparts with buff flanks and breast patches and black and yellow wings. On closer inspection, males can often be distinguished by a larger, darker red mask that extends just behind the eye. The shoulder feathers are black, whereas they are brown on the female. In females, the red face does not extend past the eye. The ivory-coloured bill is long and pointed and the tail is forked. Juveniles have a plain head and a greyer back but are unmistakable due to the yellow wing stripe. The Goldfinch is native to Europe, north Africa and west and central Asia. It is found in open, partially wooded lowlands and it is a resident in the milder west of its range but migrates from colder regions. It will also make local movements, even in the west, to escape bad weather. It has been introduced to many areas of the world. In the UK, the Goldfinch can be seen anywhere there are scattered bushes and trees, rough ground with thistles and other seeding plants, including orchards, parks, gardens, heathland and commons. It is less common in upland areas and most numerous in the south of England. The nest is built entirely by the female Goldfinch and is generally completed within a week. It is neat and compact and constructed of mosses and lichens and lined with plant down such as that from thistles. It is generally located several feet above the ground, hidden by leaves in the twigs at the end of a branch. The female typically lays 4 to 6 eggs which are incubated for 11 to 13 days. The chicks are fed by both parents. Initially they receive a mixture of seeds and insects but as they grow the proportion of insect material decreases. For the first 7 to 9 days the young are brooded by the female. The nestlings fledge 13 to 18 days after hatching. The young birds are fed by both parents for a further 7 to 9 days. The parents typically raise 2 broods each year and occasionally 3. The Goldfinch's preferred food is small seeds such as those from thistles and teasels but insects are also taken when feeding young. It also regularly visits bird feeders in winter. The Goldfinch is commonly kept and bred in captivity around the world because of its distinctive appearance and pleasant song. In the UK during the 19th century, many thousands of Goldfinches were trapped each year to be sold as cage birds. One of the earliest campaigns of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was directed against this trade. Date: 7th April 2021 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43082696.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20364222260dd84d159fca.jpgEdible Frog The Edible Frog is a species of frog found across Europe that is also known as the Common Water Frog and the Green Frog. The Edible Frog is one of the few animals in the world that is a fertile hybrid of 2 different species, as although similar but genetically different species are known to mate, it is very rare that their offspring will be able to breed. The Edible Frog is a fertile hybrid of 2 other European frogs, namely the Pool Frog and the Marsh Frog, that inter-bred when populations where isolated close to one another during the Ice Age. It was first described in 1758 and is known as the Edible Frog due to the fact that it is now seen as a culinary delicacy across Europe but especially in France where frog’s legs are often served as a national dish. The reason for humans favouring this frog over others is not really known but it may have something to do with their abundance. The Edible Frog is a medium sized frog growing to around 3.5 to 4.5 inches in length. Adults are mainly green in colour with light patches of brown on their backs, yellow eyes and a white underside covered in a few dark spots. There are number of distinct differences between males and females including the fact that males become much lighter and greener during the mating season. Males also have vocal sacs on the outside of their cheeks and extra skin patches on their feet, both of which are primarily used for mating. The Edible Frog is endemic to Europe and it naturally occurs across central Europe as far north as Germany and Estonia. Southern populations are found from Croatia, through northern Italy and into the south of France. There are also isolated populations in Sweden and Bulgaria which are thought to have migrated from the countries nearby. It has also been introduced to the UK. The Edible Frog spends all of its time either in or very close to water and it is most commonly found in calmer parts of rivers and streams where there is a slow but constant flow of fresh water. It tends to prefer more open areas and can also be commonly found around lakes, ponds and marshes. Unlike many other species of frog, the Edible Frog is a diurnal animal and is therefore most active during the day. This is when it is most likely to move away from the water so that it can find a better supply of food or move to a different part of the water if it needs to. The Edible Frog is a relatively solitary animal so there is less competition for food but males are often seen sitting together in groups during the breeding season when they are trying to out-compete each other to find a mate. The breeding season for the Edible Frog begins during March and generally lasts for around 2 months. Males sing by drawing air in and out of their vocal sacs to produce the highest-pitched sound possible since females are most attracted to the loudest males. After courting her in a lake, pond or swamp, the male lets the female lay up to 10,000 eggs in a sticky mass into the water before he fertilises them. Tadpoles can be as small as 0.2 inches long when they hatch and are a grey/brown colour. They then grow up to 2 to 3 inches in length before metamorphoses occurs and they leave the water as 0.75 inches long young frogs. The Edible Frog reaches sexual maturity at the age of 2 years and can live until it is 15 years old. The Edible Frog is a carnivorous amphibian but the tadpoles mainly eat vegetation although they are known to occasionally supplement their diet with aquatic micro-organisms. Adults eat small invertebrates such as insects, spiders and flies, which make up the majority of their diet, along with larger aquatic animals like fish, newts and other frogs. The Edible Frog hunts for food during the day and can be seen catching food both in water and on land. The Edible Frog remains very still when it is sitting on the banks of its water habitat and this, along with its camouflage, makes it very difficult for predators to spot. Its eyes are positioned near the top of the head meaning that it can also see danger coming whilst the body is mainly hidden. Snakes, owls and water birds are the main predators of the Edible Frog. The Edible Frog will jump into the water and hide if it senses approaching danger and it will make a loud screeching sound if caught. Edible Frog populations are under threat from habitat destruction mainly caused by deforestation and water pollution. Date: 2nd June 2021 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15367560.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20721057164fec1d0b99c7d.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 9th June 2012 Location: Traigh Allt Chailgeag, Sutherland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21829489.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19330907753cba6f0f34a9.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 11th June 2014 Location: Bempton Cliifs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18776273.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_210089567751f4cecb53e92.jpgGreat Skua The Great Skua is an aggressive "pirate" of the seas, deliberately harrassing birds as large as Gannets to steal a free meal. It also readily kills and eats smaller birds such as Puffins. These birds migrate to the northernmost parts of the UK from their wintering grounds off the coasts of Spain and Africa. They breed on coastal rocky islands and moorland in northern Scotland, Orkney and Shetland, arriving in April and leaving in July. At other times they are seen around coasts often in vicinity of seabird colonies, scavenging from other birds or picking food from the surface of the sea. Date: 20th June 2013 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50570341.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_79870696965ccc638cfad1.jpgWaxwing The Waxwing is a plump bird which is slightly smaller than a Starling. It is buff or pinkish-brown in colour with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings, a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest. The bird’s name is derived from the red tips to some of the wing feathers which are said to look like they have been dipped in sealing wax. Waxwings breed in the dense forests of northern Europe but they occur in varying numbers in the UK from October to March. In some years they can occur in large numbers (known as irruptions) when the population in the breeding areas gets too big for the food available. The first UK arrivals each winter are usually seen on the east coast from Scotland to East Anglia but birds then move inland in search of food. They can be found in parks and gardens and even busy public places such as supermarket car parks, typically where there are berry-bearing trees and bushes such as rowan, hawthorn, cotoneaster and rose. Waxwings seem fearless of humans so it is relatively easy to get very close views of these stunning birds. Waxwings make an easily recognisable high-pitched trilling sound like a bell. Date: 9th January 2024 Location: Colchester, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14247105.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5184732824f4e04886791e.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the [i]Canidae[/i] family and is a part of the order [i]Carnivora[/i] within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 25th February 2012 Location: Rye Meads RSPB reserve, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48482982.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_164275256640a3e0180d23.jpgSnow Bunting Snow Buntings are large buntings with striking “snowy” plumages. Males in summer have all white heads and underparts contrasting with a black mantle and wing tips. Females are a more mottled above. In autumn and winter birds develop a sandy/buff wash to their plumage and males have more mottled upperparts. Snow Buntings breed in far northern Europe and migrate south in winter. They are a very scarce breeding species in the UK and can be found on the highest mountain peaks in Scotland where they nest in rocky crevices. Snow Buntings are best looked for in winter (from late September to early March) where they can sometimes be seen in large flocks on the seashore or on adjacent short rough grassland at coastal sites in Scotland and eastern England. Date: 31st January 2023 Location: Cley-next-the-Sea, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo8135886.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5260113084d1d98eddc5b0.jpgGreylag Goose The Greylag Goose is the ancestor of most domestic geese but is also the largest and bulkiest of the wild geese native to the UK and Europe. In many parts of the UK it has been re-established by releasing birds in suitable areas but the resulting flocks found around gravel pits, lakes and reservoirs all year round in southern Britain tend to be semi-tame. The native birds and wintering flocks found on lochs in northern Scotland and on some Scottish islands retain the special appeal of truly wild geese. Date: 20th December 2010 Location: Hanningfield Reservoir, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26891965.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_164866452556e7d636e9e8f.jpgGreat Tit The Great Tit is a passerine bird in the tit family. It is large for a tit species at 4.9 to 5.5 inches in length and it has a distinctive appearance that makes it easy to recognise. The nominate race, which is found throughout much of Europe, Asia Minor, north and east Kazakhstan, south Siberia and north Mongolia, has a bluish-black crown, black neck, throat, bib and head and white cheeks and ear coverts. The breast is bright lemon-yellow and there is a broad black mid-line stripe running from the bib to the vent. There is a dull white spot on the neck turning to greenish yellow on the upper nape. The rest of the nape and back are green tinged with olive. The wing-coverts are green and the rest of the wing is bluish-grey with a white-wing-bar. The tail is bluish grey with white outer tips. The plumage of the female is similar to that of the male except that the colours are generally duller and the bib is less intensely black, as is the line running down the belly which is also narrower and sometimes broken. There is some variation in the UK sub-species. It is broadly similar to the nominate race but has a slightly longer bill, the mantle is slightly deeper green, there is less white on the tail tips and the ventral mid-line stripe is broader on the belly. The Great Tit has a wide distribution across much of Eurasia. It is found across all of Europe except for Iceland and northern Scandinavia. In North Africa it is found in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. It also occurs across the Middle East and parts of central Asia from north Iran and Afghanistan to Mongolia, as well as across north Asia from the Urals as far east as north China and the Amur Valley. The Great Tit can be found in a range of habitats but most commonly in open deciduous woodland, mixed forests, forest edges and gardens. In dense forests, including conifer forests, it is usually found in forest clearings. In north Siberia it is found in the boreal taiga. In north Africa it prefers oak forests as well as stands of Atlas cedar and even palm groves. In the east of its range, it favours riverine willow and birch forest. At higher altitudes it occupies habitats ranging from dense deciduous and coniferous forests to open areas with scattered trees. The Great Tit is generally not migratory. Pairs will usually remain near or in their territory all year round even in the northern parts of their range. Young birds will disperse from their parents' territory but usually not far. Populations may become irruptive in poor or harsh winters and very large groups may unpredictably move from north Europe to the Baltic, the Netherlands, the UK and even as far as the south Balkans. The Great Tit is monogamous and establish breeding territories in late January. Territories are usually reoccupied in successive years even if one of the pair dies so long as the brood is raised successfully. Females are likely to disperse to new territories if their nest is predated the previous year. The Great Tit is a seasonal breeder but the exact timing of breeding varies due to a number of factors, most importantly location. Most breeding occurs between January and September. In Europe the breeding season usually begins after March The amount of sunlight and daytime temperatures also affects the timing of breeding as does the peak abundance of caterpillar prey which itself is correlated to temperature. The Great Tit is a cavity nester and occupies a hole that is usually inside a tree, although occasionally in a wall or rock face. It also readily takes to nest boxes. The nest inside the cavity is built by the female and is made of plant fibres, grasses, moss, hair, wool and feathers. The female often lays a very large clutch of eggs, as many as 18 although 5 to 12 is more common. Clutch size is smaller when females start laying later and it is also lower when the density of competitors is higher. Second broods also tend to have smaller clutches. The female undertakes all incubation duties and is fed by the male during this time. The timing of hatching, which is synchronised with peak availability of food, can be manipulated when environmental conditions change after the laying of the first egg by delaying the beginning of incubation, laying more eggs or pausing during incubation. The incubation period is between 12 and 15 days. The chicks are fed by both parents and the nestling period is between 16 and 22 days. The chicks become independent of the parents 8 days after fledging although feeding may continue after independence and last up to a further 25 days. The Great Tit is primarily insectivorous in the summer and feeds on a wide range of insects and spiders. During the breeding season, protein-rich caterpillars are fed to the young. In autumn and winter, when insect prey becomes scarcer, berries and seeds are added to the diet. Where it is available, it will also readily take table scraps, peanuts and sunflower seeds from bird tables. The Great Tit, along with other tits, joins winter mixed-species foraging flocks. The Great Tit has generally adjusted to human modifications of the environment. Whilst it is more common and has better breeding success in areas with undisturbed forest cover, it has adapted well to human modified habitats and can be very common in urban and suburban areas. While there have been some localised declines in population in areas with poorer quality habitats, its large range and high numbers mean that the Great Tit is not considered to be threatened and it is classed as “Least Concern” by the IUCN. Date: 28th February 2016 Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5325517.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8791560944c1dc722c59ae.jpgHerring Gull Herring Gulls are large, noisy gulls and can be found throughout the year around coasts. During winter they can also be found inland around rubbish tips, fields, large reservoirs and lakes. Herring Gulls usually breed in colonies at coastal sites around the UK including cliffs with grassy slopes, shingle beaches, small islands and rooftops in seaside towns. Date: 13th June 2010 Location: Aldeburgh, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457641.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18720939676685767234446.jpgFulmar The (Northern) Fulmar is a highly abundant seabird found primarily in subarctic regions of the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans. Though similar in appearance to gulls, the 2 species of fulmars (Northern and Southern) are in fact members of a different seabird family which include petrels and shearwaters. The Fulmar’s latin name, Fulmarus glacialis can be broken down to the Old Norse word full meaning "foul" and mar meaning "gull". "Foul-gull" is in reference to its stomach oil and also its superficial similarity to gulls. Finally, glacialis is Latin for "glacial" reflecting its extreme northern range. The Fulmar is generally grey and white with a pale yellow and thick bill and bluish legs. However there is both a light morph and a dark morph. Like other petrels, their walking ability is limited but they are strong fliers with a stiff wing action quite unlike the gulls. The Fulmar also looks bull-necked compared to gulls and it has a short stubby bill. The Fulmar is estimated to have between 15 to 30 million mature individuals that occupy a range of around 11 million square miles. Its range increased greatly last century due to the availability of fish offal from commercial fleets but may contract because of less food from this source and climate change. The population increase has been especially notable in the UK. The Fulmar starts breeding at between 6 and 12 years old. It is monogamous, forms long term pair bonds, returns to the same nest site year after year and nests in large colonies. The nest is a scrape on a grassy cliff ledge or a saucer of vegetation on the ground lined with softer material and recently they have started nesting on rooftops and buildings. The Fulmar feeds on shrimp, fish, squid, plankton, jellyfish and carrion as well as refuse. When eating fish, it will dive up to several feet deep to retrieve its prey. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9580142.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4684196094db0214ccfd5a.jpgCommon Sandpiper The Common Sandpiper is a small wader. The adult is 7.1 to 7.9 inches long with a 13 to 14 inches wingspan. It has greyish-brown upperparts, white underparts, short dark-yellowish legs and feet and a bill with a pale base and dark tip. In winter plumage, it is duller and has more conspicuous barring on the wings although this is still only visible at close range. Juveniles are more heavily barred above and have buff edges to the wing feathers. The Common Sandpiper habitually bobs up and down and it has a distinctive flight with stiff, bowed wings. Its presence is often betrayed by its three-note call which it gives as it flies off. The Common Sandpiper is widespread and common and breeds across most of temperate and sub-tropical Europe and Asia where it nests on the ground near freshwater. It migrates to Africa, south Asia and Australia in winter. In the UK, the Common Sandpiper breeds along fast-flowing upland streams and rivers and at the edges of lochs and lakes in Scotland, Wales and the north of England. Summer visitors arrive in March and April and leave the breeding grounds in July and August with the young following in September. During the spring and autumn passage migration, it can be found elsewhere in the UK, near lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers, ditches, coastal shores and estuaries. The Common Sandpiper forages by sight on the ground or in shallow water, picking up small food items such as insects, crustaceans and other invertebrates. Date: 8th June 2007 Location: Loch na Keal, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo10926852.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9114928724e097597748a4.jpgGruinard Bay, Wester Ross Gruinard Bay is situated along the rocky Wester Ross coastline and has 3 beautiful beaches with pink sand derived from the Torridonian sandstone rocks. It is surrounded by magnificent rocky scenery. Offshore lies Gruinard Island which in 1942 became the focus of the UK's secret effort to find a weapon capable of defeating the Nazis. To test the potency of their biological arsenal, War Office scientists took a flock of 60 sheep to Gruinard Island and exposed them to a bomb packed with anthrax spores. The island was so contaminated that it was deemed out of bounds for almost 50 years. Date: 12th June 2011 Location: view from near Little Gruinard on the A832 road between Poolewe and Ullapool http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14863192.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1164267174fae2af2145bc.jpgGlossy Ibis The Glossy Ibis is a wading bird and a member of the ibis family. Breeding adults have reddish-brown bodies and shiny bottle-green wings whilst non-breeders and juveniles have duller bodies. They have a brownish bill, dark facial skin bordered above and below in blue-grey (non-breeding) to cobalt blue (breeding) and red-brown legs. Unlike herons, ibises fly with necks outstretched and often flocks fly in lines. The Glossy Ibis is the most widespread ibis species breeding in scattered sites in the warmer regions of Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and the Atlantic and Caribbean region of the Americas. They are also migratory with most European birds wintering in Africa. The Glossy Ibis nests colonially in trees often with herons. It is also gregarious when feeding in marshy wetlands when it predates on fish, frogs and other water creatures. The Glossy Ibis is a very rare visitor to the UK although some individuals have stayed here for many months or even years. The species is prone to occasional influxes and in 2009 the UK enjoyed the biggest influx ever with small flocks discovered in several counties. This photo shows a Glossy Ibis that was seen at various locations in Essex during March and April 2012. The bird was ringed at El Rocio in the Coto Donana National Park in southern Spain in September 2007. Date: 2nd April 2012 Location: Baddow Meads flood plain, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26029078.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19390980575637567ead98b.jpgWhooper Swans The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 2nd June 2015 Location: Svarfaðardalur, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26022785.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_79374528456372b18a309e.jpgTufted Duck The Tufted Duck is a small diving duck. The adult male is all black except for white flanks and a blue-grey bill. It has an obvious head tuft that gives the species its name. The adult female is brown with paler flanks and is more easily confused with other diving ducks. In particular, some have white around the bill base which resembles the Scaup although the white is never as extensive as in that species. The Tufted Duck breeds widely throughout temperate and northern Eurasia. It occasionally can be found as a winter visitor along both coasts of the United States and Canada. It is migratory in most of its range and winters in the milder south and west of Europe and southern Asia where large flocks form on open water. The Tufted Duck breeds close to marshes and lakes with plenty of vegetation to conceal the nest. It is also found on coastal lagoons and sheltered ponds. The Tufted Duck feeds mainly by diving for molluscs, aquatic insects and aquatic plants. Date: 3rd June 2015 Location: Lake Mývatn, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26026267.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16766017563746e2721b0.jpgRed-throated Diver The Red-throated Diver is the smallest and lightest of the world's diver or loon species. Like all divers, it is long-bodied and short-necked and with its legs set far back on its body. The sexes are similar in appearance although males tend to be slightly larger and heavier than females. In breeding plumage, the adult has a dark grey head and neck with narrow black and white stripes on the back of the neck, a triangular red throat patch, white underparts and a dark grey-brown mantle. The non-breeding plumage is drabber with the chin, foreneck and much of the face white, the top of the head and back of the neck grey and considerable white speckling on the dark mantle. The bill is thin, straight and sharp and the bird often holds it at an uptilted angle. In flight, the Red-throated Diver has a distinctive profile. Its small feet do not project far past the end of its body, its head and neck droop below the horizontal (giving the flying bird a distinctly hunchbacked shape) and its thin wings are angled back. It has a quicker, deeper wing beat than other divers. The Red-throated Diver has a large global population and a significant global range but some populations are declining. Oil spills, habitat degradation, pollution and fishing nets are among the major threats and natural predators, such as various gull species and both red and Arctic foxes, will take eggs and young. The Red-throated Diver breeds primarily in the Arctic regions of northern Eurasia and north America and it winters in northern coastal waters, sometimes in groups of considerable size. Unlike other divers, it regularly uses very small freshwater lakes as breeding sites. In Europe, it breeds in Iceland, northern Scotland, Scandinavia and northern Russia and it winters along the coast as far south as parts of Spain. Date: 3rd June 2015 Location: near Kópasker, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30017272.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7814387785875525fdd8f8.jpgShelducks The Shelduck resembles a small short-necked goose in size and shape. It is larger than a Mallard but smaller than geese such as Greylag and Canada Geese. The Shelduck is a striking bird with a reddish-pink bill, pink feet, a white body with chestnut patches and a black belly and a dark green head and neck. The wing coverts are white, the primaries are black and the secondaries are green and chestnut. The underwings are almost entirely white. Sexes are similar but the female is smaller with some white facial markings whilst the male is particularly crisply coloured in the breeding season with a bright red bill bearing a prominent knob at the forehead. Ducklings are white with a black cap, hindneck and wing and back patches. Juveniles are greyish above and mostly white below but already have the adult's wing pattern. The Shelduck breeds in temperate Eurasia where it nests in rabbit burrows and tree holes. Most populations migrate to sub-tropical areas in winter but it is largely resident in west Europe apart from movements to favoured moulting grounds such as the Wadden Sea on the north German coast. The Shelduck is common around the coastline of the UK and Ireland where it can be found on salt marshes, tidal mudflats and estuaries although it can also be found around inland waters such as reservoirs and gravel workings. It can be seen all year round but the population increases significantly during winter with the arrival of birds from continental Europe. Date: 2nd January 2017 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo22527439.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21183978954227ad9c15cc.jpgWhite-tailed Eagle The White-tailed Eagle is a very large bird with a 72 to 96 inch wingspan and is the fourth largest eagle in the world. It has broad "barn door" wings, a large head and a thick "meat-cleaver" beak. The adult is mainly brown except for the paler head and neck, blackish flight feathers, distinctive white tail, and yellow bill and legs. In juvenile birds the tail and bill are darker, with the tail becoming white with a dark terminal band in sub-adults. The White-tailed Eagle breeds in northern Europe and northern Asia. The largest population in Europe is found along the coast of Norway. In the UK it became extinct during the early 20th century and the present population in Scotland has arisen from a reintroduction programme which commenced on the island of Rhum in 1975. It is still a rare breeding bird which was previously confined to the west coast of Scotland, although a reintroduction programme is now taking place in east Scotland. Date: 8th September 2014 Location: Killiechronan, Loch na Keal, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26026715.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_987724743563749e7159c1.jpgKnot The Knot is a dumpy, short-legged, stocky wading bird. In winter, the Knot is grey above and white below but in summer the chest, belly and face are brick red, hence the name Red Knot in north America. The Knot breeds in the tundra areas of the far Arctic north of Europe, Russia and Canada. During migration periods, it can be seen on tidal flats, rocky shores and beaches. The Knot undertakes one of the longest migrations of any bird flying from their Arctic breeding grounds to the coasts and estuaries of Europe, Africa and Australia where they spend the winter. During winter, the Knot forms large, wheeling flocks that contain in excess of 100,000 birds. Date: 3rd June 2015 Location: Melrakkaslétta, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45182488.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9119050666235c903d991b.jpgBlackbird The Common Blackbird is a species of true thrush. It is also called Eurasian Blackbird (especially in North America in order to distinguish it from the unrelated New World blackbirds) or simply Blackbird where this does not lead to confusion with a similar-looking local species. The Blackbird’s name derives form 2 Latin words: turdus meaning “thrush” and merula meaning “blackbird”. It may not immediately be clear why the name "blackbird", first recorded in 1486, was applied to this species but not to one of the various other common black English birds, such as the Carrion Crow, Raven, Rook or Jackdaw. However, in Old English and in modern English up to about the 18th century, "bird" was used only for smaller or young birds and larger ones such as crows were called "fowl". At that time, the Blackbird was therefore the only widespread and conspicuous black bird in the UK. The Blackbird is around 9.25 to 11.5 inches in length including a long tail. The adult male has glossy black plumage, blackish-brown legs, a yellow eye-ring and an orange-yellow bill. The bill darkens somewhat in winter. The adult female is sooty-brown with a dull yellowish-brownish bill, a brownish-white throat and some weak mottling on the breast. The juvenile is similar to the female but has pale spots on the upperparts and the very young juvenile also has a speckled breast. Young birds vary in the shade of brown, with darker birds presumably males. The first year male resembles the adult male but has a dark bill and weaker eye ring and its folded wing is brown rather than black like the body plumage. The Blackbird breeds in temperate Eurasia, north Africa, the Canary Islands and south Asia. Populations are sedentary in the south and west of the range although northern birds migrate south as far as north Africa and tropical Asia in winter. Common over most of its range in woodland, the Blackbird has a preference for deciduous trees with dense undergrowth. However, gardens provide the most successful breeding habitat. It occurs up to around 3300 feet in Europe and is often replaced by the related Ring Ousel in areas of higher altitude. The Blackbird has an extensive range and a large population which is generally stable or increasing. However, there have been local declines, especially on farmland, which may be due to agricultural policies that encouraged farmers to remove hedgerows (which provide nesting places) and to drain damp grassland and increase the use of pesticides, both of which could have reduced the availability of invertebrate food. The Blackbird may commence breeding in March when the breeding pair prospect for a suitable nest site in a creeper or bush, favouring evergreen or thorny species such as ivy, holly, hawthorn, honeysuckle or pyracantha. Sometimes they will nest in sheds or outbuildings where a ledge or cavity is used. The cup-shaped nest is made with grasses, leaves and other vegetation and bound together with mud. It is built by the female alone. The nest is often ill-concealed compared with those of other species and many breeding attempts fail due to predation. The female lays 3 to 5 (average 4) bluish-green eggs marked with reddish-brown blotches which are incubated for 12 to 14 days before the chicks are hatched naked and blind. Fledging takes another 10 to 19 (average 13.6) days, with both parents feeding the young. The young are fed by the parents for up to 3 weeks after leaving the nest and they will follow the adults begging for food. If the female starts another nest, the male alone will feed the fledged young. Second broods are common with the female reusing the same nest if the brood was successful. The first-year male Blackbird may start singing as early as late January in fine weather in order to establish a territory, followed in late March by the adult male. The male's song is a varied and melodious low-pitched fluted warble which is given from trees, rooftops or other elevated perches mainly in the period from March to June and sometimes into the beginning of July. During the winter, the Blackbird can be heard quietly singing to itself, so much so that September and October are the only months which the song cannot be heard. The Blackbird is omnivorous, eating a wide range of insects, earthworms, seeds and berries. It feeds mainly on the ground, running and hopping with a start-stop-start progress. It pulls earthworms from the soil, usually finding them by sight but sometimes by hearing, and roots through leaf litter for other invertebrates. Small amphibians and lizards are occasionally hunted. The Blackbird will also perch in bushes to take berries and collect caterpillars and other active insects. Animal prey predominates and this is particularly important during the breeding season with windfall apples and berries taken more in the autumn and winter. Near human habitation the main predator of the Blackbird is the domestic cat, with newly fledged young especially vulnerable. Foxes and predatory birds, such as the Sparrowhawk, also predate the Blackbird when the opportunity arises. Eggs and chicks are also taken by corvids, such as the Magpie or Jay. Date: 11th February 2022 Location: EWT Warley Place, Brentwood, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41824234.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17048631875f6b4aed2a816.jpgSmall Copper Flight period: April to October. The Small Copper is a common and widespread butterfly in the UK but has suffered a population decline due to change in land use and habitat loss. They are fond of warm and dry locations and can be found in a variety of habitats including heathland, unimproved grassland, woodland clearings, waste ground and gardens. Date: 15th September 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29487447.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_66183099358108038412b7.jpgNuuksio National Park, Uusimaa, Finland Nuuksio National Park was established in 1994 and covers an area of 20 square miles of forests and lakes around Espoo, Kirkkonummi and Vihti. About 20 miles north west of Helsinki, it is the second closest National Park to the capital after Sipoonkorpi National Park. The [url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siberian_flying_squirrel]Siberian Flying Squirrel[/url] is the emblem of the Nuuksio National Park due to the density of its population. Date: 30th May 2016 Location: Haukkalampi, Nuuksio National Park, Uusimaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457165.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_872373850668570f2ad177.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26021660.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17479506375637216e0ec43.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 3rd June 2015 Location: Námafjall-Krafla area east of Lake Mývatn, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45948293.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15755809816284a939e3d69.jpgGadwall The Gadwall is one of the most common and widespread dabbling ducks. The breeding male is patterned grey with a black rear end, light chestnut wings and a brilliant white speculum which is obvious in flight or at rest. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female but retains the male wing pattern and is usually greyer above and has less orange on the bill. The female is light brown with plumage much like a female Mallard. It can be distinguished from that species by the dark orange-edged bill, smaller size, the white speculum and white belly. The Gadwall breeds in north Europe and Asia and central north America and appears to be expanding into eastern north America. It is a bird of open wetlands and lakes, wet grassland or marshes with dense fringing vegetation and it nests on the ground, often some distance from water. In the UK, the Gadwall is a scarce breeding bird on some lakes and gravel pits in the Midlands, south east England, eastern central Scotland, eastern Northern Ireland and south east Wales. In winter, numbers increase as birds migrate to spend the winter in the UK on gravel pits, lakes, reservoirs and coastal wetlands. Date: 14th April 2022 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26026570.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_141869478563748bd107a4.jpgRed-necked Phalarope The Red-necked Phalarope is a small wader with lobed toes to assist swimming and a straight, fine bill. The breeding female is predominantly dark grey above with a chestnut neck and upper breast, black face and white throat. The breeding male is a duller version of the female. In winter, the plumage is essentially grey above and white below but the black eyepatch is always present. When feeding, a Red-necked Phalarope will often swim in a small, rapid circle, forming a small whirlpool. This behaviour is thought to aid feeding by raising food from the bottom of shallow water. The bird will reach into the centre of the vortex with its bill, plucking small insects or crustaceans caught up therein. On the open ocean, they are often found where converging currents produce upwellings. The Red-necked Phalarope breeds in the Arctic regions of north America and Eurasia. It is migratory and, unusually for a wader, it winters at sea on tropical oceans. Date: 3rd June 2015 Location: Kópasker, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41205445.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14570702915eb9704a02f6e.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 2nd May 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26029473.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2224972175637593f1bc43.jpgBlack-tailed Godwit The Black-tailed Godwit is a large, long-legged, long-billed shorebird with an orange head, neck and chest in its breeding plumage and a uniform brown-grey breast and upperparts in winter. During the breeding season, the bill has a yellowish or orange-pink base and dark tip but the base is pink in winter. The legs are dark grey, brown or black. The sexes are similar but in breeding plumage they can be separated by the male's brighter, more extensive orange breast, neck and head. In flight, the bold black and white wingbar and white rump can be seen readily. When on the ground the Black-tailed Godwit can be difficult to separate from the similar Bar-tailed Godwit but the Black-tailed Godwit's longer, straighter bill and longer legs are diagnostic. The Black-tailed Godwit’s breeding range stretches from Iceland through northern Europe and areas of central Asia where it can be found in fens, lake edges, damp meadows, moorlands and bogs. It winters in areas as diverse as the Indian Subcontinent, Australia, western Europe and west Africa where it can be found on estuaries and floods. It is also more likely to be found inland and on freshwater than the Bar-tailed Godwit. Date: 2nd June 2015 Location: Svarfaðardalur, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12653622.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15179616604e69cbf2770e0.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 4th September 2011 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405469.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16467212956586e79e310f1.jpgFallow Deer Fallow Deer are native to the Mediterranean region of Europe and from Turkey to Iran but they have been introduced to nearly 40 countries including the UK by the Normans in the 11th century. They have since become the most widespread species of deer in the UK and typically can be found in deciduous woodland with open patches. Fallow Deer commonly gather in small herds of 4 to 5 but in good feeding areas groupings of up to 100 may gather. When competing for access to females, males display by groaning, thrashing their antlers and by walking alongside their opponent. Fighting occurs if both stags are evenly matched and involves wrestling and clashing of antlers. Fallow Deer have many colour varieties but they are typically fawn-coloured in the summer and reddish-brown in the winter. They have yellow-white undersides, white spots and a black line that runs along the back to the tip of the tail. The spots become less conspicuous or disappear in winter. Males have palmate (flattened) antlers. Date: 14th October 2023 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405471.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8780885876586e7b19ae21.jpgFallow Deer Fallow Deer are native to the Mediterranean region of Europe and from Turkey to Iran but they have been introduced to nearly 40 countries including the UK by the Normans in the 11th century. They have since become the most widespread species of deer in the UK and typically can be found in deciduous woodland with open patches. Fallow Deer commonly gather in small herds of 4 to 5 but in good feeding areas groupings of up to 100 may gather. When competing for access to females, males display by groaning, thrashing their antlers and by walking alongside their opponent. Fighting occurs if both stags are evenly matched and involves wrestling and clashing of antlers. Fallow Deer have many colour varieties but they are typically fawn-coloured in the summer and reddish-brown in the winter. They have yellow-white undersides, white spots and a black line that runs along the back to the tip of the tail. The spots become less conspicuous or disappear in winter. Males have palmate (flattened) antlers. Date: 14th October 2023 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405459.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12400309076586e0fcd5853.jpgWater Vole The Water Vole is found throughout the UK although it is less common on higher ground. It is infrequently recorded from parts of northern Scotland and is absent in Ireland. Water Voles are legally protected in the UK and recent evidence suggests that they have undergone a long term decline. On current trends it is predicted that they may eventually disappear from 94% of their former sites. The shocking decline in both the range and numbers of the Water Vole is due to a number of factors. The large-scale loss and fragmentation of sensitive waterside habitats due to riverbank modification, drainage and flood defence works has been an important factor as has the pollution of waterways and poisoning by rodenticides. Perhaps the most serious threat facing the Water Vole is predation by the introduced American Mink. Water Voles are sometimes confused with Brown Rats which often also live near water courses. They are sometimes called "the water rat" which is the origin of the Water Vole’s fame as "Ratty" from Kenneth Grahame's book “The Wind in the Willows”. Prime Water Vole sites are found along densely vegetated banks of slow flowing rivers, ditches, lakes and marshes where water is present throughout the year. Water Voles are herbivores and feed on a huge variety of waterside vegetation, consuming 80% of their body weight each day. They excavate extensive burrow systems into the banks of waterways and have sleeping/nest chambers at various levels in the steepest parts of the bank. Burrows usually have underwater entrances to provide a secure route for escape if danger threatens. Water Voles usually have 3 or 4 litters a year depending on the weather. In mild springs the first of these can be born in March or April although cold conditions can delay breeding until May or even June. There are about 5 young in a litter and these are born below ground in a nest made from suitable vegetation such as grasses and rushes. Young water voles grow quickly and are weaned at 14 days. On average, Water Voles only live about 5 months in the wild. Their most important predators are Mink and Stoats although Grey Herons, Barn Owls, Brown Rats and Pike are also known to take them. Date: 9th October 2023 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871705.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10398708364eff20df4df38.jpgReindeer The Reindeer, also known as the Caribou in North America, is a deer from the Arctic and sub Arctic, including both resident and migratory populations. Whilst it is overall widespread and numerous, some of its subspecies are rare or already extinct. The Reindeer is a widespread and numerous species in the northern Holarctic, being present in tundra (frozen arctic plain with lichens, mosses and dwarfed vegetation) and taiga (marshy pine forest) regions. Originally, the Reindeer was found in Scandinavia, eastern Europe, Russia, Mongolia, and northern China. In North America, it was found in Canada, Alaska and the northern USA from Washington to Maine. It also occurred naturally on Sakhalin, Greenland, and probably even in historical times in Ireland. Today, wild Reindeer have disappeared from many areas within this large historical range, especially from the southern parts where it has vanished almost everywhere. Large populations of wild Reindeer are still found in Norway, Finland, Siberia, Greenland, Alaska, and Canada. Wild Reindeer hunting and herding of semi-domesticated Reindeer (for meat, hides, antlers, milk and transportation) are important to several Arctic and Subarctic people. Domesticated Reindeer are mostly found in northern Fennoscandia and Russia with a herd of approximately 150-170 Reindeer also living around the Cairngorms region in Scotland. Reindeer vary considerably in colour and size. Both sexes grow antlers, though they are typically larger in males. Even far outside its range, the Reindeer is well known due to the myth, probably originating in early 19th century America, in which Santa Claus's sleigh is pulled by flying Reindeer, a popular element of Christmas. Date: 30th May 2009 Location: Inari to Utsjoki, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5325514.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10324840404c1dc70820c13.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 13th June 2010 Location: Aldeburgh, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405489.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7872296476586e87a2f88c.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 14th October 2023 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405505.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9484010846586eeba4e7b5.jpgBrown Rat Brown Rats have coarse brown or occasionally black fur with a pale underside. They have a long tail which is sparsely haired. Although originally native to eastern Asia and Japan, Brown Rats are now distributed world-wide. They spread across the UK via the shipping traffic from foreign countries in the 18th century and largely replaced the Black Rat. They are highly adaptable and can be found all over the UK, except for exposed mountain regions and some small offshore islands, and live in loose colonies and home ranges of around 50 metres in diameter. Along with the House Mouse, the Brown Rat is considered to be the most widespread terrestrial mammal in the UK and they are subject to persistent pest control due to the damage they cause and the numerous diseases they spread. Brown Rats are omnivorous and have a very varied diet. They are typically nocturnal although they will sometimes forage for food during the day. They also swim well and are sometimes mistaken for Water Voles. Brown Rats live for around 18 months and breed throughout the year producing 5 litters of 8 young a year. Date: 7th November 2023 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405494.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7033759136586e8b8c1124.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 14th October 2023 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405466.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11908856656586e13dc99b4.jpgWater Vole The Water Vole is found throughout the UK although it is less common on higher ground. It is infrequently recorded from parts of northern Scotland and is absent in Ireland. Water Voles are legally protected in the UK and recent evidence suggests that they have undergone a long term decline. On current trends it is predicted that they may eventually disappear from 94% of their former sites. The shocking decline in both the range and numbers of the Water Vole is due to a number of factors. The large-scale loss and fragmentation of sensitive waterside habitats due to riverbank modification, drainage and flood defence works has been an important factor as has the pollution of waterways and poisoning by rodenticides. Perhaps the most serious threat facing the Water Vole is predation by the introduced American Mink. Water Voles are sometimes confused with Brown Rats which often also live near water courses. They are sometimes called "the water rat" which is the origin of the Water Vole’s fame as "Ratty" from Kenneth Grahame's book “The Wind in the Willows”. Prime Water Vole sites are found along densely vegetated banks of slow flowing rivers, ditches, lakes and marshes where water is present throughout the year. Water Voles are herbivores and feed on a huge variety of waterside vegetation, consuming 80% of their body weight each day. They excavate extensive burrow systems into the banks of waterways and have sleeping/nest chambers at various levels in the steepest parts of the bank. Burrows usually have underwater entrances to provide a secure route for escape if danger threatens. Water Voles usually have 3 or 4 litters a year depending on the weather. In mild springs the first of these can be born in March or April although cold conditions can delay breeding until May or even June. There are about 5 young in a litter and these are born below ground in a nest made from suitable vegetation such as grasses and rushes. Young water voles grow quickly and are weaned at 14 days. On average, Water Voles only live about 5 months in the wild. Their most important predators are Mink and Stoats although Grey Herons, Barn Owls, Brown Rats and Pike are also known to take them. Date: 9th October 2023 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405375.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1512143596586ce50d36c5.jpgBlack-tailed Godwit The Black-tailed Godwit is a large, long-legged, long-billed shorebird with an orange head, neck and chest in its breeding plumage and a uniform brown-grey breast and upperparts in winter. During the breeding season, the bill has a yellowish or orange-pink base and dark tip but the base is pink in winter. The legs are dark grey, brown or black. The sexes are similar but in breeding plumage they can be separated by the male's brighter, more extensive orange breast, neck and head. In flight, the bold black and white wingbar and white rump can be seen readily. When on the ground the Black-tailed Godwit can be difficult to separate from the similar Bar-tailed Godwit but the Black-tailed Godwit's longer, straighter bill and longer legs are diagnostic. The Black-tailed Godwit’s breeding range stretches from Iceland through northern Europe and areas of central Asia where it can be found in fens, lake edges, damp meadows, moorlands and bogs. It winters in areas as diverse as the Indian Subcontinent, Australia, western Europe and west Africa where it can be found on estuaries and floods. It is also more likely to be found inland and on freshwater than the Bar-tailed Godwit. Date: 24th September 2023 Location: RSPB Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11948048.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3801871434e41095145d63.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 24th December 2005 Location: Glen Garry, Inverness-shire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405487.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7093876036586e86252a6d.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 14th October 2023 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17408514.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_882766523513327701a49b.jpgWhooper Swans The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 12th January 2013 Location: Martin Mere WWT reserve, Lancashirere http://www.richardchewphotography.com/knoydart-highland https://images.on-this.website/4752_6051495764681c73706cfd.jpgKnoydart, Highland Height: Ladhar Bheinn 3343 feet, Meall Buidhe 3107 feet and Luinne Bheinn 3083 feet. One of the last wilderness areas in the UK, the Knoydart peninsula is only accessible by boat from Mallaig or by a 20 mile hike on foot. Flanked by Loch Nevis in the south and the fjord-like inlet of Loch Hourn to the north, Knoydart's mountains sweep straight out of the sea and are shrouded for much of the time in a pall of grey mist Knoydart is traditionally known as the "rough bounds" because of its remoteness and it is a national scenic area. The area is managed by the Knoydart Foundation which was established in 1997 to take ownership of the Knoydart Estate. As a partnership of local residents and other organisations, the Foundation's aim is to preserve, enhance and develop Knoydart for the well being of the environment and the local people. Date: June 2004 Location: view from Duisdalemore, Sleat, Skye http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405465.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16314680186586e1342c4cb.jpgWater Vole The Water Vole is found throughout the UK although it is less common on higher ground. It is infrequently recorded from parts of northern Scotland and is absent in Ireland. Water Voles are legally protected in the UK and recent evidence suggests that they have undergone a long term decline. On current trends it is predicted that they may eventually disappear from 94% of their former sites. The shocking decline in both the range and numbers of the Water Vole is due to a number of factors. The large-scale loss and fragmentation of sensitive waterside habitats due to riverbank modification, drainage and flood defence works has been an important factor as has the pollution of waterways and poisoning by rodenticides. Perhaps the most serious threat facing the Water Vole is predation by the introduced American Mink. Water Voles are sometimes confused with Brown Rats which often also live near water courses. They are sometimes called "the water rat" which is the origin of the Water Vole’s fame as "Ratty" from Kenneth Grahame's book “The Wind in the Willows”. Prime Water Vole sites are found along densely vegetated banks of slow flowing rivers, ditches, lakes and marshes where water is present throughout the year. Water Voles are herbivores and feed on a huge variety of waterside vegetation, consuming 80% of their body weight each day. They excavate extensive burrow systems into the banks of waterways and have sleeping/nest chambers at various levels in the steepest parts of the bank. Burrows usually have underwater entrances to provide a secure route for escape if danger threatens. Water Voles usually have 3 or 4 litters a year depending on the weather. In mild springs the first of these can be born in March or April although cold conditions can delay breeding until May or even June. There are about 5 young in a litter and these are born below ground in a nest made from suitable vegetation such as grasses and rushes. Young water voles grow quickly and are weaned at 14 days. On average, Water Voles only live about 5 months in the wild. Their most important predators are Mink and Stoats although Grey Herons, Barn Owls, Brown Rats and Pike are also known to take them. Date: 9th October 2023 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405464.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11243403246586e12ac4f5d.jpgWater Vole The Water Vole is found throughout the UK although it is less common on higher ground. It is infrequently recorded from parts of northern Scotland and is absent in Ireland. Water Voles are legally protected in the UK and recent evidence suggests that they have undergone a long term decline. On current trends it is predicted that they may eventually disappear from 94% of their former sites. The shocking decline in both the range and numbers of the Water Vole is due to a number of factors. The large-scale loss and fragmentation of sensitive waterside habitats due to riverbank modification, drainage and flood defence works has been an important factor as has the pollution of waterways and poisoning by rodenticides. Perhaps the most serious threat facing the Water Vole is predation by the introduced American Mink. Water Voles are sometimes confused with Brown Rats which often also live near water courses. They are sometimes called "the water rat" which is the origin of the Water Vole’s fame as "Ratty" from Kenneth Grahame's book “The Wind in the Willows”. Prime Water Vole sites are found along densely vegetated banks of slow flowing rivers, ditches, lakes and marshes where water is present throughout the year. Water Voles are herbivores and feed on a huge variety of waterside vegetation, consuming 80% of their body weight each day. They excavate extensive burrow systems into the banks of waterways and have sleeping/nest chambers at various levels in the steepest parts of the bank. Burrows usually have underwater entrances to provide a secure route for escape if danger threatens. Water Voles usually have 3 or 4 litters a year depending on the weather. In mild springs the first of these can be born in March or April although cold conditions can delay breeding until May or even June. There are about 5 young in a litter and these are born below ground in a nest made from suitable vegetation such as grasses and rushes. Young water voles grow quickly and are weaned at 14 days. On average, Water Voles only live about 5 months in the wild. Their most important predators are Mink and Stoats although Grey Herons, Barn Owls, Brown Rats and Pike are also known to take them. Date: 9th October 2023 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405475.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9888866336586e7e305795.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 14th October 2023 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13683342.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5677224714ed731423117c.jpgHarvest Mouse The Harvest Mouse is the UK’s smallest rodent at around 2 inches long and weighing less than a 2p coin. It has yellow-brown furry upper parts and a whiter underbelly, small ears and a blunt nose, with a long prehensile tail. The Harvest Mouse is mainly found from central Yorkshire southwards. Isolated records from Scotland and Wales probably result from the release of captive animals. Breeding nests are the most obvious sign indicating the presence of the Harvest Mouse. The Harvest Mouse is the only UK mammal to build nests of woven grass well above ground. Nests tend to be found in dense vegetation such as grasses, rushes, cereals, grassy hedgerows, ditches and brambles. They are generally located on the stalk zone of grasses, at least 12 inches above ground in short grasses and up to 3 feet above ground in tall reeds. The size of the nest can vary from only 2 inches in diameter for non-breeding nests to 4 inches in diameter for breeding nests. The Harvest Mouse is an extremely active climber and it feeds in the stalk zone of long grasses and reeds, particularly around dusk and dawn. Their diet contains a mixture of seeds, berries and insects, although moss, roots and fungi may also be taken. They also sometimes take grain from cereal heads, leaving characteristic sickle-shaped remains. Based on tooth wear analysis, the maximum lifespan of a Harvest Mouse in the wild is around 18 months. The Harvest Mouse is listed as a BAP (Biodiversity Action Plan) Species because it is thought to have become much scarcer in recent years. Changes in habitat management and agricultural methods are thought to have caused this although there have been no studies to quantify this change. The Harvest Mouse has many predators including Weasel, Stoat, Fox, birds of prey and domestic cats. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405488.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8837391836586e86f5110a.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 14th October 2023 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833561.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1733848857559cebce0b916.jpgGreat Prespa Lake (Megali Prespa), West Macedonia, Greece The Prespa lakes constitute 2 freshwater lakes located in the north west corner of Greece and shared by Greece, Albania and Macedonia. Of the total surface area, 68.07 square miles belongs to Macedonia, 17.88 square miles to Albania and 14.05 square miles to Greece. They are the highest tectonic lakes in the Balkans, standing at a height of 2,798 feet. The Prespa lakes are separated by a narrow causeway. The Great Prespa Lake (Megali Prespa) is divided between Albania, Greece and Macedonia. The Small Prespa Lake (Mikri Prespa) is shared only between Greece and Albania. The lakes and the area surrounding them are well known for their natural beauty and they offer a wonderfully rich diversity of habitats, from deep water, shallows, reedbeds, wet meadows, farmland, forests, hills and mountains. The area hosts 40 species of mammals, 260 species of birds, 32 species of reptiles and amphibians and 17 species of fish including a number of endemic species. Date: 13th May 2015 Location: view from near Laimos, West Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41424251.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4726398725f2aa87748071.jpgVaranger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway The Varanger peninsula is situated in Troms og Finnmark in the extreme north east of Norway. With an area of 800 square miles, it is the largest area within the Arctic climate zone in mainland Norway and is bordered by Tanafjord to the west, Varangerfjord to the south and the Barents Sea to the north and east. The area has a rugged mountain terrain with altitudes up to 2077 feet and it has an Arctic tundra climate. The coast of the Varanger peninsula is an important area for breeding, migrating and wintering birds, especially some notable Arctic species. The Norwegian Directorate for Nature Management has a project on the Varanger peninsula to reintroduce and protect the Arctic Fox which is critically endangered on the Norwegian mainland. The Varangerhalvøya National Park (Norwegian: [I]Varangerhalvøya Nasjonalpark[/I]) lies to the west of road Fv341 and protects a majority of the land on the Varanger peninsula. The eastern part of the Varanger peninsula can be accessed from Vardø, via Svartnes, to Hamningberg. Hamningberg is an abandoned fishing village situated on the Varanger peninsula and on the shores of the Barents Sea. It’s only road connection is via the narrow and winding road Fv341 which runs for about 25 miles north from Svartnes. This is a very scenic road which follows the shores of the Barents Sea. It is considered to be one of the wildest and most memorable drives in Norway and passes through a bare and barren but awe-inspiring Arctic landscape. The road is closed during the winter months from October to late May. Traditionally a fishing village, Hamningberg is one of very few places in Troms og Finnmark that was not burnt and destroyed under Operation Nordlicht in 1944 and 1945, the German “scorched earth” retreat from Finnmark. It was depopulated and abandoned in 1964 although some of the houses are still in use as summer cottages. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: view from road Fv341 between Svartnes and Hamningberg, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/hsavk-north-iceland https://images.on-this.website/4752_213585440056374f135568c.jpgHúsavík, north east Iceland Húsavík is a town on the north east coast of Iceland and on the shores of Skjálfandi Flói. The most famous landmark of the town is the wooden church Húsavíkurkirkja built in 1907. The population of around 2000 derives its income primarily from fishing and tourism, the latter including whale-watching due to the several species of whales that can be seen in Skjálfandi Flói. The Húsavík Whale Museum is located in the town by the harbour. Húsavík is the main town and the obvious starting and ending point of the “Diamond Circle”, a magnificent circuit of about 160 miles which includes some of the most stunning sights and the most scenic landscapes in the whole country including Lake Mývatn, the Dettifoss waterfall and the Ásbyrgi canyon. Date: 3rd June 2015 Location: view looking towards Húsavík town and harbour http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405495.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9375573866586e8c7d110c.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 14th October 2023 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405473.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13322714806586e7cc23888.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 14th October 2023 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46511671.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_141626690362c99231b0e48.jpgPied Flycatcher The Pied Flycatcher is a small passerine bird in the Old World flycatcher family and is 1 of the 4 species of Western Palearctic black and white flycatchers. The breeding male Pied Flycatcher is mainly black above and white below with a large white wing patch, white tail sides and a small forehead patch. Non-breeding males, females and juveniles have the black replaced by a pale brown. The bill is black and it has the broad but pointed shape typical of aerial insectivores. The Pied Flycatcher has a very large range and population size and so it is of “least concern” according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It breeds in most of Europe and west Asia where it can be found in deciduous woodlands, parks and gardens, with a preference for oak trees. It will sometimes use mature open conifer woodland where natural tree holes occur. It builds an open nest in a tree hole and it will readily adapt to nest boxes. In the UK, the Pied Flycatcher is limited by geography and habitat to the north and west of the country where it prefers mature oak woodlands but also mature upland ash and birch woodlands. It has on average decreased in population by 25% within the last 25 years and it has ceased to breed in several parts of its former range. The Pied Flycatcher is migratory, wintering mainly in tropical west Africa from mid September to mid April. It first arrives in its breeding areas from mid April to the end of May. Following breeding, return migration to Africa occurs between August and mid September. The Pied Flycatcher is mainly insectivorous and its diet is composed nearly entirely of insects including flies, bees, wasps, ants, beetles, butterflies, moths, etc. but it will also eat fruit and seeds in late summer and autumn and on migration. Date: 8th May 2022 Location: RSPB Ynys-hir, Ceredigion http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43622987.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21059919656117cc005d3c7.jpgWren The Eurasian Wren is a very small passerine bird and the only member of the wren family, Troglodytidae, found in Eurasia and Africa. In Europe, it is commonly known simply as the Wren. The scientific name is taken from the Greek word troglodytes meaning "cave-dweller" and referring to its habit of disappearing into cavities or crevices whilst hunting invertebrates or to roost. The Wren is a tiny bird at just 3.5 to 4.1 inches long although it is heavier and not as slim as the even smaller Goldcrest. It is dumpy, almost rounded, with a fine bill, very short round wings and a short, narrow tail which is sometimes cocked up vertically. It is rufous brown above, greyer beneath and barred with darker brown and grey. The bill is dark brown and the legs are pale brown. Young birds are less distinctly barred. The plumage is subject to considerable variation and, where populations have been isolated, the variation has become fixed in one minor form or another. There are around 27 sub-species of this taxonomically complex bird e.g. in Scotland, in addition to the typical bird, there are 3 distinct sub-species confined to St. Kilda, Shetland and Fair Isle. The Wren occurs throughout Europe and across the Palearctic including a belt of Asia from north Iran and Afghanistan across to Japan. It is migratory in only the northern parts of its range. It is almost as familiar in Europe as the Robin. It can be found in a wide range of habitats including woodland, farmland, heathland, moorland, mountains, coastal areas and islands. It is also a regular visitor to gardens. The Wren is the most common UK breeding bird although it suffers declines during prolonged and severely cold winters. For such a small bird, the Wren has a remarkably loud voice. Its song is very loud, trilling, gushing and emphatic and may sometimes be confused with that of the Dunnock although that species has a warble that is shorter and weaker. The Wren's song also incorporates repeated trill sounds whilst the Dunnock's does not. Individuals vary in quality as well as the volume of their song. The song begins with a few preliminary notes, then runs into a slightly ascending trill and ends in full clear notes or another trill. The song may be heard during any season although it is most noticeable during the spring. Despite its generally mouse-like behaviour, the male Wren may sing from an exposed perch as its whole body quivers from the effort. The male Wren builds several nests called "cock nests" but they are never lined until the female chooses one to use. The normal round nest of grass, moss, lichens or leaves is tucked into a hole in a wall, tree trunk, crack in a rock or corner of a building but it is often built in bushes, overhanging boughs or the litter which accumulates in branches washed by floods. The female lays 5 to 8 eggs in April and second broods are generally reared. The Wren is a highly polygamous species meaning that a male can have, at any one time, more than a single female with an active nest on his territory. An active nest is one in which there are eggs or nestlings. A male has been recorded with 4 females breeding on his territory. Bigamy and trigamy are the most common forms of polygamy. The Wren is an insectivorous bird and mostly eats insects and spiders but in winter it will also take pupae and seeds. Date: 25th June 2021 Location: Gilfach RWT reserve, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43082693.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_172684269460dd84ccbe277.jpgEdible Frog The Edible Frog is a species of frog found across Europe that is also known as the Common Water Frog and the Green Frog. The Edible Frog is one of the few animals in the world that is a fertile hybrid of 2 different species, as although similar but genetically different species are known to mate, it is very rare that their offspring will be able to breed. The Edible Frog is a fertile hybrid of 2 other European frogs, namely the Pool Frog and the Marsh Frog, that inter-bred when populations where isolated close to one another during the Ice Age. It was first described in 1758 and is known as the Edible Frog due to the fact that it is now seen as a culinary delicacy across Europe but especially in France where frog’s legs are often served as a national dish. The reason for humans favouring this frog over others is not really known but it may have something to do with their abundance. The Edible Frog is a medium sized frog growing to around 3.5 to 4.5 inches in length. Adults are mainly green in colour with light patches of brown on their backs, yellow eyes and a white underside covered in a few dark spots. There are number of distinct differences between males and females including the fact that males become much lighter and greener during the mating season. Males also have vocal sacs on the outside of their cheeks and extra skin patches on their feet, both of which are primarily used for mating. The Edible Frog is endemic to Europe and it naturally occurs across central Europe as far north as Germany and Estonia. Southern populations are found from Croatia, through northern Italy and into the south of France. There are also isolated populations in Sweden and Bulgaria which are thought to have migrated from the countries nearby. It has also been introduced to the UK. The Edible Frog spends all of its time either in or very close to water and it is most commonly found in calmer parts of rivers and streams where there is a slow but constant flow of fresh water. It tends to prefer more open areas and can also be commonly found around lakes, ponds and marshes. Unlike many other species of frog, the Edible Frog is a diurnal animal and is therefore most active during the day. This is when it is most likely to move away from the water so that it can find a better supply of food or move to a different part of the water if it needs to. The Edible Frog is a relatively solitary animal so there is less competition for food but males are often seen sitting together in groups during the breeding season when they are trying to out-compete each other to find a mate. The breeding season for the Edible Frog begins during March and generally lasts for around 2 months. Males sing by drawing air in and out of their vocal sacs to produce the highest-pitched sound possible since females are most attracted to the loudest males. After courting her in a lake, pond or swamp, the male lets the female lay up to 10,000 eggs in a sticky mass into the water before he fertilises them. Tadpoles can be as small as 0.2 inches long when they hatch and are a grey/brown colour. They then grow up to 2 to 3 inches in length before metamorphoses occurs and they leave the water as 0.75 inches long young frogs. The Edible Frog reaches sexual maturity at the age of 2 years and can live until it is 15 years old. The Edible Frog is a carnivorous amphibian but the tadpoles mainly eat vegetation although they are known to occasionally supplement their diet with aquatic micro-organisms. Adults eat small invertebrates such as insects, spiders and flies, which make up the majority of their diet, along with larger aquatic animals like fish, newts and other frogs. The Edible Frog hunts for food during the day and can be seen catching food both in water and on land. The Edible Frog remains very still when it is sitting on the banks of its water habitat and this, along with its camouflage, makes it very difficult for predators to spot. Its eyes are positioned near the top of the head meaning that it can also see danger coming whilst the body is mainly hidden. Snakes, owls and water birds are the main predators of the Edible Frog. The Edible Frog will jump into the water and hide if it senses approaching danger and it will make a loud screeching sound if caught. Edible Frog populations are under threat from habitat destruction mainly caused by deforestation and water pollution. Date: 2nd June 2021 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801128.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_106983790464edaced62775.jpgBlack-winged Stilt The Black-winged Stilt is a widely distributed very long-legged wader. They have long pink-red legs, a long thin black bill and are blackish above and white below with a white head and neck with a varying amount of black. Both in flight and at rest the long pink-red legs are characteristic and even if these are hidden in water of unknown depth, the pure white underparts and jet black upperparts are distinctive. The amount of dark feathering on the otherwise white head doesn't necessarily indicate the sex of a stilt although young birds always have smoky patterning on the head. The Black-winged Stilt can be found in central and southern Europe, central and southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Many birds migrate to south of the Sahara from August to November and return in March and April. However, many of those which breed in Iberia are now increasingly remaining throughout the year. The Black-winged Stilt breeds around shallow wetlands, especially coastal lagoons, saltpans and estuaries. The nest site is a bare spot on the ground near water and birds often nest in small groups, sometimes with Avocets. In Europe, the Black-winged Stilt is a regular spring overshoot vagrant north of its normal range, occasionally remaining to breed in northern European countries including the UK. Date: 17th July 2023 Location: RSPB Frampton Marsh, near Boston, Lincolnshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405476.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8167577576586e7ef1c521.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 14th October 2023 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21830098.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4767513153cbb04893d69.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a gentle looking, medium sized gull with a small yellow bill and a dark eye. It has a grey back and is white underneath. Its legs are short and black. In flight the black wing-tips show no white, unlike other gulls, and look as if they have been “dipped in ink”. The population is declining in some areas, perhaps due to a shortage of sand eels. Kittiwakes are strictly coastal gulls. In the breeding season, they can be found on rocky, steep sea-cliffs at the major seabird colonies around the UK from February until August. From August to October they can be seen flying past offshore and they spend the winter months out at sea. Date: 11th June 2014 Location: Bempton Cliifs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833201.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1245419930559ce7cb30748.jpgCommon Wall Lizard The Common (European) Wall Lizard is a small, thin lizard which can grow to about 7.9 inches in total length and whose small scales are highly variable in colour and pattern. Its colouration is generally brownish or greyish and may occasionally be tinged with green. In some individuals, the row of spots along their backs may form a line whilst others may have a reticulated pattern with dark spots on the side and scattered white spots that can be blue in the shoulder region. The tail is brown, grey or rust in colour and may also have light bars on the sides. The belly region has six rows of larger rectangular scales that are generally reddish, pink or orangish. There may also be dark markings on the throat. The Common Wall Lizard has 6 distinct morphological forms which are identified by the colouration of its throat and underbelly. The Common Wall Lizard can be found in rocky environments, including urban settings, where it can scurry between rock, rubble, debris and buildings. Its natural range spans mainland Europe but it also occurs as an introduced species in southern UK and north America. Date: 14th May 2015 Location: Great Prespa Lake (Megali Prespa), West Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405472.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19615147836586e7bdb05d2.jpgFallow Deer Fallow Deer are native to the Mediterranean region of Europe and from Turkey to Iran but they have been introduced to nearly 40 countries including the UK by the Normans in the 11th century. They have since become the most widespread species of deer in the UK and typically can be found in deciduous woodland with open patches. Fallow Deer commonly gather in small herds of 4 to 5 but in good feeding areas groupings of up to 100 may gather. When competing for access to females, males display by groaning, thrashing their antlers and by walking alongside their opponent. Fighting occurs if both stags are evenly matched and involves wrestling and clashing of antlers. Fallow Deer have many colour varieties but they are typically fawn-coloured in the summer and reddish-brown in the winter. They have yellow-white undersides, white spots and a black line that runs along the back to the tip of the tail. The spots become less conspicuous or disappear in winter. Males have palmate (flattened) antlers. Date: 14th October 2023 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41254042.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2873469685f059dc596772.jpgHelsinki, Uusimaa, Finland Helsinki is the capital and largest city of Finland. It is located in the extreme south of the country on the shore of the Gulf of Finland of the Baltic Sea, 50 miles north of Tallinn in Estonia, 250 miles east of Stockholm in Sweden and 190 miles west of Saint Petersburg in Russia. It is the main financial, industrial, cultural, educational and research centre of Finland. Together with the cities of Espoo, Vantaa and Kauniainen, and surrounding commuter towns, Helsinki forms the Greater Helsinki metropolitan area which has a population of around 1.5 million. Often considered to be Finland's only metropolis, it is the world's northernmost metropolitan area as well as being the northernmost capital of an EU member state. After Stockholm in Sweden and Oslo in Norway, Helsinki is the third largest municipality in the Nordic countries. Date: 26th June 2019 Location: view from the Tallinn to Helsinki Viking ferry http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11481634.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11559465844e269d4922fff.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 12th September 2008 Location: photo taken from Portsmouth to Bilbao P&O ferry http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo44605468.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_184790654261acbf55ccee7.jpgStonechat The (European) Stonechat is a small passerine bird that was long considered a member of the thrush family although genetic evidence has now placed it and its relatives in the Old World flycatcher family. Two weakly defined sub-species differing in colour intensity are currently accepted: hibernans found in north west Europe in Atlantic coastal areas, south west Norway, the UK, Ireland and north west France and rubicola found in the south and east of its range from Denmark south west to Spain and north Morocco, east to Poland and Ukraine and south east to Turkey. The (European) Stonechat is slightly smaller than the Robin. Both sexes have distinctively short wings, shorter than those of the more migratory Whinchat and Siberian Stonechat. The summer male has black upperparts, a black head, an orange throat and breast and a white belly and vent. It also has a white half-collar on the sides of its neck, a small white scapular patch on the wings and a very small white patch on the rump often streaked with black. The female has brown upperparts and head and no white neck patches, rump or belly. Instead these areas are streaked dark brown on paler brown, the only white being the scapular patch on the wings and even this often being buffy-white. The (European) Stonechat can often be seen perched on the tops of low bushes where, as its name suggests, it can be heard uttering a sharp loud call that sounds like stones being knocked together. The male's song is high and twittering like a Dunnock. The (European) Stonechat breeds in heathland, coastal dunes and rough grassland with scattered small shrubs and bramble, open gorse, tussocks or heather. It is a short-distance migrant or non-migratory, with part of the population, particularly from the north east of the range where winters are colder, moving to winter further south in Europe and north Africa. Date: 16th November 2021 Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072245.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4221987284bf6d54eb0d90.jpgPine Grosbeak The Pine Grosbeak is a large member of the finch family. Adults have a long forked black tail, black wings with white wing bars and a large bill. Adult males have a rose-red head, back and rump. Adult females are olive-yellow on the head and rump and grey on the back and underparts. Young birds have a less contrasting plumage overall, appearing shaggy when they moult their colored head plumage. The Pine Grosbeak is a permanent resident through most of its range and can be found in coniferous woods in subarctic Fennoscandia and Siberia and across Alaska, the western mountains of the United States and Canada. In the extreme north or when food sources are scarce, they may migrate further south. It is a very rare vagrant to temperate Europe. The Pine Grosbeak forages in trees and bushes. It mainly eats seeds, buds, berries and insects. Outside of the nesting season, it often feeds in flocks. Date: 10th April 2010 Location: Neljan Tuulen Tupa near Kaamanen, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo22527497.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7151341054227bd400bb1.jpgWhite-tailed Eagle The White-tailed Eagle is a very large bird with a 72 to 96 inch wingspan and is the fourth largest eagle in the world. It has broad "barn door" wings, a large head and a thick "meat-cleaver" beak. The adult is mainly brown except for the paler head and neck, blackish flight feathers, distinctive white tail, and yellow bill and legs. In juvenile birds the tail and bill are darker, with the tail becoming white with a dark terminal band in sub-adults. The White-tailed Eagle breeds in northern Europe and northern Asia. The largest population in Europe is found along the coast of Norway. In the UK it became extinct during the early 20th century and the present population in Scotland has arisen from a reintroduction programme which commenced on the island of Rhum in 1975. It is still a rare breeding bird which was previously confined to the west coast of Scotland, although a reintroduction programme is now taking place in east Scotland. Date: 8th September 2014 Location: Killiechronan, Loch na Keal, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28885505.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_157781912457cc32573a820.jpgSoomaa National Park, Estonia The Soomaa National Park (Soomaa means "land of bogs") is located about 20 miles east of Pärnu and it was established in 1993 to protect a wilderness of bogs, fens, wet mixed forests, wooded meadows and carrs. It is also included in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance. The territory of the Soomaa National Park is mostly covered with large bogs, separated from each other by the tributaries of the Pärnu river, namely the Navesti, Halliste, Raudna and Lemmjõgi rivers. Every spring the Pärnu river and its tributaries flood and vast areas are inundated. The flood has been called the “fifth season” in Soomaa. Much of the Soomaa National Park is very difficult to access but it can be partially explored by a network of dusty gravel tracks and a minor road between Jõesuu and Kildu. The Soomaa National Park supports a wide range of breeding birds and the floods attract large numbers of migrating wildfowl and waders. As a large wilderness area, Soomaa National Park is also home to numerous species of large mammals including Brown Bear, Wolf, Lynx, Beaver, Elk and Wild Boar. Date: 15th May 2016 Location: Raudna river, Soomaa National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405460.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19964891336586e10561827.jpgWater Vole The Water Vole is found throughout the UK although it is less common on higher ground. It is infrequently recorded from parts of northern Scotland and is absent in Ireland. Water Voles are legally protected in the UK and recent evidence suggests that they have undergone a long term decline. On current trends it is predicted that they may eventually disappear from 94% of their former sites. The shocking decline in both the range and numbers of the Water Vole is due to a number of factors. The large-scale loss and fragmentation of sensitive waterside habitats due to riverbank modification, drainage and flood defence works has been an important factor as has the pollution of waterways and poisoning by rodenticides. Perhaps the most serious threat facing the Water Vole is predation by the introduced American Mink. Water Voles are sometimes confused with Brown Rats which often also live near water courses. They are sometimes called "the water rat" which is the origin of the Water Vole’s fame as "Ratty" from Kenneth Grahame's book “The Wind in the Willows”. Prime Water Vole sites are found along densely vegetated banks of slow flowing rivers, ditches, lakes and marshes where water is present throughout the year. Water Voles are herbivores and feed on a huge variety of waterside vegetation, consuming 80% of their body weight each day. They excavate extensive burrow systems into the banks of waterways and have sleeping/nest chambers at various levels in the steepest parts of the bank. Burrows usually have underwater entrances to provide a secure route for escape if danger threatens. Water Voles usually have 3 or 4 litters a year depending on the weather. In mild springs the first of these can be born in March or April although cold conditions can delay breeding until May or even June. There are about 5 young in a litter and these are born below ground in a nest made from suitable vegetation such as grasses and rushes. Young water voles grow quickly and are weaned at 14 days. On average, Water Voles only live about 5 months in the wild. Their most important predators are Mink and Stoats although Grey Herons, Barn Owls, Brown Rats and Pike are also known to take them. Date: 9th October 2023 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39081966.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21059740745d3078b62a677.jpgEuropean Bee-eater The European Bee-eater is an incredibly colourful bird with an unmistakable appearance. In breeding plumage, it has a rich chestnut crown that blends into gold on its back. The forehead is white, the throat is yellow bordered by black and the underparts are blue. The male European Bee-eater has a chestnut-coloured patch in the middle of the wing while in females this patch is usually smaller or even absent. Occasionally, females may also be distinguished from the males by having a green back. The wings and backs of juvenile European Bee-eaters are entirely green and the eyes are brown in contrast to the bright red eyes of adults. The European Bee-eater breeds in southern Europe and in parts of north Africa and western Asia. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, India and Sri Lanka. European Bee-eaters are occasionally seen in northern Europe (including the UK) as a spring overshoot north of its range with occasional breeding occurring. Just as the name suggests, the European Bee-eater predominantly eats insects, especially bees, wasps and hornets which are caught in the air by sorties from an open perch. Before eating its meal, a European Bee-eater removes the sting by repeatedly hitting the insect on a hard surface. Lizards and frogs are also taken. European Bee-eaters are gregarious, nesting colonially in sandy banks preferably near river shores and also feeding and roosting communally. Date: 17th May 2018 Location: Vetren, Silistra Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7439620.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2852084114cd57289b8d03.jpgRio Duero, Castille y Leon, Spain The Duero (Spanish) or Douro (Portuguese) is the third largest river of the Iberian Peninsula. It is approximately 475 miles long and rises in the Sierra de Urbión in north central Spain. The river flows west across northern Spain, then south west to form part of the Spanish-Portuguese border before flowing west across northern Portugal to the Atlantic Ocean at Pôrto. Silting, rapids and deep gorges combine to make the Duero unnavigable along most of its course. The middle Duero is extensively used for irrigation. Several hydroelectric power plants are located along the river and through an international agreement the power is used for irrigation and development. Grapes are the chief crop of the Duero valley. In its Spanish section, the Duero crosses the great Castilian meseta and meanders through 5 significant provinces of Castile y Leon: Soria, Burgos, Valladolid, Zamora and Salamanca. Date: 11th September 2010 Location: view from near Saucelle, Castille y Leon, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/spotted-flycatcher https://images.on-this.website/4752_6925585974e0974d842887.jpgSpotted Flycatcher The Spotted Flycatcher is a small passerine bird in the Old World flycatcher family. It is an undistinguished looking bird with long wings and tail. The adults have dull grey-brown upperparts and off-white underparts and a streaked crown, throat and breast. The legs are short and black and the bill is black and has the broad but pointed shape typical of aerial insectivores. The sexes are similar. Juveniles have ochre-buff spots above and scaly brown spots below. The Spotted Flycatcher breeds in most of Europe and west Asia where it can be found in deciduous woodlands, parks and gardens, with a preference for open areas amongst trees. It builds an open nest in a suitable recess, often against a wall, and it will readily adapt to an open-fronted nest box. The Spotted Flycatcher is migratory and winters in Africa and south west Asia. It is declining in parts of its range. The Spotted Flycatcher is a declining summer visitor to the UK and can be seen from late April or early May to September. It can be found throughout the UK but it is now very scarce in many areas. Recent dramatic population declines make the Spotted Flycatcher a Red List species. The Spotted Flycatcher hunts from conspicuous perches, making sallies after passing flying insects and often returning to the same perch. The upright posture is characteristic. Date: 10th June 2011 Location: Abernethy Forest, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12869410.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20205252124e786b301d4cf.jpgLittle Grebe The Little Grebe, also known as the Dabchick, is the smallest member of the grebe family measuring 9 to 11.5 inches in length. The adult is unmistakable in summer, predominantly dark above with its rich, rufous colour neck, cheeks and flanks and bright yellow gape. The rufous is replaced by a dirty brownish grey in non-breeding and juvenile birds. Juveniles have a yellow bill with a small black tip and black and white streaks on the cheeks and sides of the neck. This yellow bill darkens as the juveniles age, eventually turning black as an adult. The Little Grebe can be noisy with a distinctive whinnying trill. The Little Grebe can be found across Europe, much of Asia down to New Guinea and in most of Africa. It breeds in small colonies in freshwater wetlands with muddy bottoms and edges and still or slow-moving water with plenty of emergent vegetation such as lakes, gravel pits, canals and rivers. Most birds move to more open or coastal waters in winter but it is only migratory in those parts of its range where the waters freeze. Like all grebes, the Little Grebe nests at the water's edge since its legs are set very far back and it can not walk well. Usually 4 to 7 eggs are laid. The young leave the nest and can swim soon after hatching but are often carried on the backs of the swimming adults. The Little Grebe is an excellent swimmer and diver and pursues its fish and aquatic invertebrate prey underwater. It uses the vegetation skilfully as a hiding place. Date: 18th September 2011 Location: Cromford Canal, Derbyshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11328588.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14620120954e1d676f85f06.jpgCoot The Coot is an all black bird with a distinctive white beak and “shield” above the beak from which earns it the title “bald”. Its feet have distinctive lobed flaps of skin on the toes which act instead of webs when swimming. It patters noisily over the water before taking off and can be very aggressive towards other birds. Coot can be found all the year round mainly on freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers and town park lakes. Sometimes they can be seen offshore, especially in winter if freshwater areas are frozen. They breed in areas of fairly shallow standing freshwater with a muddy bottom and plenty of vegetation at the sides, usually in lowland areas. Date: 2nd February 2008 Location: Northlands Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/weasel https://images.on-this.website/4752_2934032794f3e16cd6e1c7.jpgWeasel Weasels are widespread throughout the UK and the smallest and probably most numerous carnivore. They are found in a wide range of habitats which include urban areas, lowland pasture and woodland, marshes and moorland. Weasels are less common where their small mammal prey is scarce such as at higher altitudes and in dense woodland with sparse ground cover. Weasels specialise in hunting small rodents and their numbers depend on the abundance of their prey. The Weasel's small size enables it to search through tunnels and runways of mice and voles. Access to tunnels means weasels can hunt at any time of the day or year. They do not hibernate and can hunt even under deep snow. Additional prey such as birds, eggs and young rabbits may be taken, particularly if rodents are scarce. Traditionally Weasels have been considered enemies of game birds and gamekeepers have exercised intensive predator control, trapping and killing of many animals along with other carnivores. Weasels have no legal protection in Britain but trapping probably has no long term effect and populations are very resilient as they naturally suffer high mortality. In bad rodent years many Weasels starve and few of the survivors breed. Local populations often experience extinctions although Weasels are extremely good at recolonising abandoned areas when conditions improve. Date: 4th November 2006 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12869424.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18211254444e786b4fb8754.jpgLittle Grebe The Little Grebe, also known as the Dabchick, is the smallest member of the grebe family measuring 9 to 11.5 inches in length. The adult is unmistakable in summer, predominantly dark above with its rich, rufous colour neck, cheeks and flanks and bright yellow gape. The rufous is replaced by a dirty brownish grey in non-breeding and juvenile birds. Juveniles have a yellow bill with a small black tip and black and white streaks on the cheeks and sides of the neck. This yellow bill darkens as the juveniles age, eventually turning black as an adult. The Little Grebe can be noisy with a distinctive whinnying trill. The Little Grebe can be found across Europe, much of Asia down to New Guinea and in most of Africa. It breeds in small colonies in freshwater wetlands with muddy bottoms and edges and still or slow-moving water with plenty of emergent vegetation such as lakes, gravel pits, canals and rivers. Most birds move to more open or coastal waters in winter but it is only migratory in those parts of its range where the waters freeze. Like all grebes, the Little Grebe nests at the water's edge since its legs are set very far back and it can not walk well. Usually 4 to 7 eggs are laid. The young leave the nest and can swim soon after hatching but are often carried on the backs of the swimming adults. The Little Grebe is an excellent swimmer and diver and pursues its fish and aquatic invertebrate prey underwater. It uses the vegetation skilfully as a hiding place. Date: 18th September 2011 Location: Cromford Canal, Derbyshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071730.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_177739159566433ec61e3b8.jpgGreat White Egret The Great White Egret is a large bird with all white plumage. Apart from size, the Great White Egret can be distinguished from other white egrets by its yellow bill and black legs and feet although the bill may become darker and the lower legs lighter in the breeding season. In breeding plumage, delicate ornamental feathers are borne on the back. It has a slow flight with its neck retracted. The Great White Egret is distributed across most of the tropical and warmer temperate regions of the world favouring all kinds of wetland habitats and it is a familiar species in southern Europe. Expanding populations in Europe mean that the Great White Egret is now seen more frequently in the UK and it can turn up in almost any part of the country with the majority of records in south east England and East Anglia. Date: 7th May 2024 Location: RSPB Ham Wall, Somerset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/slender-billed-gull https://images.on-this.website/4752_6446092174ff54935f15d2.jpgSlender-billed Gull The Slender-billed Gull is a mid-sized gull which is most easily identified by its distinctive profile with a long, sloping forehead and a long, slightly drooping beak after which it is named. It is slightly larger than the Black-headed Gull which it resembles although it does not have a black hood in summer. The head, neck, rump and tail are white while the back and the upper surfaces of the wings are grey with a white leading edge to the wings and black tips to the outer primary feathers. The underparts are white, sometimes with a rosy tinge. It has long, blackish-red legs, a dark red beak and yellowish-white eyes with a red eye ring. The Slender-billed Gull breeds at widely scattered, isolated locations from Senegal and Mauritania in Africa and the south and east of the Iberian Peninsula, through the Mediterranean, Black Sea and Middle East and into Asia as far as Kazakhstan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and north west India. Only some populations migrate and some also winter at the Caspian and Black Seas and around the Mediterranean. The Slender-billed Gull is sometimes recorded outside of its normal range, for example in other parts of Europe. The Slender-billed Gull breeds in colonies and like most gulls it is gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Slender-billed Gull breeds on the coast as well as on inland seas, steppe lakes and on beaches, islands and sand-spits in shallow, tidal water. It also uses meadows, grasslands and freshwater or brackish marshes near river deltas during the breeding season. In winter, it is almost always found on the coast, generally using shallow, inshore waters and salt pans. Date: 2nd May 2012 Location: Salinas de Bonanza near Jerez de la Frontera, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28570833.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4103610057a8720a49261.jpgBlack-tailed Godwit The Black-tailed Godwit is a large, long-legged, long-billed shorebird with an orange head, neck and chest in its breeding plumage and a uniform brown-grey breast and upperparts in winter. During the breeding season, the bill has a yellowish or orange-pink base and dark tip but the base is pink in winter. The legs are dark grey, brown or black. The sexes are similar but in breeding plumage they can be separated by the male's brighter, more extensive orange breast, neck and head. In flight, the bold black and white wingbar and white rump can be seen readily. When on the ground the Black-tailed Godwit can be difficult to separate from the similar Bar-tailed Godwit but the Black-tailed Godwit's longer, straighter bill and longer legs are diagnostic. The Black-tailed Godwit’s breeding range stretches from Iceland through northern Europe and areas of central Asia where it can be found in fens, lake edges, damp meadows, moorlands and bogs. It winters in areas as diverse as the Indian Subcontinent, Australia, western Europe and west Africa where it can be found on estuaries and floods. It is also more likely to be found inland and on freshwater than the Bar-tailed Godwit. Date: 1st August 2016 Location: Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4158142.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15329992954b291f9d9033d.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 15th December 2009 Location: Connaught Water, Epping Forest, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26006810.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5843352205634a61937848.jpgRed-necked Phalarope The Red-necked Phalarope is a small wader with lobed toes to assist swimming and a straight, fine bill. The breeding female is predominantly dark grey above with a chestnut neck and upper breast, black face and white throat. The breeding male is a duller version of the female. In winter, the plumage is essentially grey above and white below but the black eyepatch is always present. When feeding, a Red-necked Phalarope will often swim in a small, rapid circle, forming a small whirlpool. This behaviour is thought to aid feeding by raising food from the bottom of shallow water. The bird will reach into the centre of the vortex with its bill, plucking small insects or crustaceans caught up therein. On the open ocean, they are often found where converging currents produce upwellings. The Red-necked Phalarope breeds in the Arctic regions of north America and Eurasia. It is migratory and, unusually for a wader, it winters at sea on tropical oceans. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Steingrímsfjarðarheiði to Ísafjörður, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51980698.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_31949819866d3348b8b26e.jpgCommon Blue Damselfly Flight period: early May to end September. As the name suggests, the Common Blue Damselfly is one of the commonest species in the UK. They can be confused with other blue damselflies, particularly since the markings on this species are rather variable. Common Blue Damselflies are found across most of the UK and are probably the most widespread member of the "blue" damselflies. They can be found around open lakes and ponds, along river and canal banks and streams, provided there is plenty of bankside vegetation. Date: 29th June 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30017221.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_180450106258754f89e22ec.jpgCirl Bunting The Cirl Bunting is a member of the bunting family and is similar to a small Yellowhammer. The male has a bright yellow head with a black crown, eyestripe and throat, a greenish breast band across its otherwise yellow underparts and a heavily streaked brown back. The female is much more like a Yellowhammer but has a streaked grey-brown rump and chestnut shoulders. The Cirl Bunting breeds across southern Europe, on the Mediterranean islands and in north Africa. It is a resident of these warmer areas and does not migrate in winter. It is common in all sorts of open areas with some scrub or trees including farmland. It can tolerate a certain degree of urbanisation and can be found in green spaces in some towns and cities. Changes in agricultural practice have affected the Cirl Bunting very adversely at the northern fringes of its range and in England, where it once occurred over much of the south of the country, it is now restricted to south Devon and Cornwall. In the summer the Cirl Bunting’s natural food consists of invertebrates whilst in the winter it feeds on small seeds from over-wintered stubbles, fallow land, set-aside and the over-winter feeding of stock with grain or hay. It tends to feed in flocks during the winter. Date: 1st January 2017 Location: Broadsands, Devon http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4157475.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16312915134b2913ddf2142.jpgLapwing The Northern Lapwing, also known as the peewit, pewit, tuit or tew-it (imitative of its cry), Green Plover (emphasising the colour of the plumage) or (in the UK) just Lapwing (which refers to its peculiar, erratic way of flying), is a bird in the lapwing family. The Lapwing has rounded wings and a crest. It is also the shortest-legged of the lapwing species. It is mainly black and white but the back is tinted green. The male has a long crest and a black crown, throat and breast contrasting with an otherwise white face. Females and young birds have shorter crests and have less strongly marked heads but plumages are otherwise quite similar. The Lapwing is a vocal bird in the breeding season with constant calling as the crazed tumbling display flight is performed by the male. The typical contact call is a loud, shrill "pee-wit" from which they get their other name of peewit. The Lapwing is common through temperate Eurasia and breeds on cultivated land and other short vegetation habitats. The ground scrape nest and young are defended noisily and aggressively against all intruders. It is highly migratory over most of its extensive range, wintering further south as far as north Africa, north India, Pakistan and parts of China. It migrates mainly by day, often in large flocks. Lowland breeders in the westernmost areas of Europe are resident. In winter, it forms huge flocks on open land, particularly arable land and mud-flats. In the UK, the Lapwing has suffered a significant decline in the last 25 years and is an Amber List species because of the importance of its UK wintering population. It breeds on farmland throughout the UK, particularly in lowland areas of north England, the Borders and east Scotland, and prefers fields of spring sown cereals and root crops, permanent unimproved pasture, meadows and fallow fields but also wet grassland and marshes. During the winter, the Lapwing can be seen on flooded grassland, estuaries, coastal wetlands, short grassy fields and ploughed fields. In addition to the UK population, large numbers of north European birds arrive in the autumn for the winter. The Lapwing feeds primarily on insects and other small invertebrates. It often feeds in mixed flocks with Golden Plovers and Black-headed Gulls, the latter often robbing the plovers, but providing a degree of protection against predators. Date: 6th December 2009 Location: Elmley, Isle of Sheppey, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42222533.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7802601266023b76342460.jpgRedwing The Redwing is most commonly encountered as a winter visitor and is the UK's smallest true thrush. The creamy stripe above the eye and the orange-red flank patches make it distinctive. Redwings arrive in the UK from September but most arrive in October and November. They leave again in March and April, although occasionally birds stay later including a few pairs to nest in northern Scotland. Redwings can be found across the UK's countryside feeding in fields and hedgerows and also in parks and gardens in the coldest weather when snow covers the fields. They often associate with flocks of Fieldfares, the other wintering thrush. Date: 9th January 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28885868.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_167022591657cc369657669.jpgWhite Stork The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 13th May 2016 Location: Audru, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457493.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16881393626685720bc0418.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30017231.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_156676915258755038de2bd.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 2nd January 2017 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42229298.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_872912004603e62b7481d5.jpgTufted Duck The Tufted Duck is a small diving duck. The adult male is all black except for white flanks and a blue-grey bill. It has an obvious head tuft that gives the species its name. The adult female is brown with paler flanks and is more easily confused with other diving ducks. In particular, some have white around the bill base which resembles the Scaup although the white is never as extensive as in that species. The Tufted Duck breeds widely throughout temperate and northern Eurasia. It occasionally can be found as a winter visitor along both coasts of the United States and Canada. It is migratory in most of its range and winters in the milder south and west of Europe and southern Asia where large flocks form on open water. The Tufted Duck breeds close to marshes and lakes with plenty of vegetation to conceal the nest. It is also found on coastal lagoons and sheltered ponds. The Tufted Duck feeds mainly by diving for molluscs, aquatic insects and aquatic plants. Date: 13th February 2021 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32723053.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_134257717559ae6ed7c2f8e1.44433101.jpgTurtle Dove The Turtle Dove is smaller and slighter in build than many other doves and can be recognised by its distinctively mottled chestnut/cinnamon and black upperparts and the black-and-white-striped patch on the side of its neck. The tail is notable as the bird flies, being wedge shaped with a dark centre and white borders and tips. The Turtle Dove is a bird of open country rather than dense woodlands and frequently feeds on the ground. It is usually extremely timid, probably due to the heavy hunting pressure it faces during migration. The Turtle Dove is one of the latest migrants and rarely appears in northern Europe before the end of April, returning south again to south Africa in September. The arrival in spring is heralded by its purring song, a rather deep, vibrating “turrr, turrr”, from which the bird's name is derived. The Turtle Dove has suffered a substantial population decline in recent years. This is partly because changed farming practices mean that the weed seeds and shoots on which it feeds are more scarce and partly due to the shooting of birds in Mediterranean countries during their migration. Date: 21st May 2017 Location: Borsodi-Mezoseg ("Little Hortobagy"), Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51984700.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_88797772866d356f5cd65e.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 27th August 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32708780.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_100672645459ad24fac3c043.50040227.jpgGreat White Egret The Great White Egret is a large bird with all white plumage. Apart from size, the Great White Egret can be distinguished from other white egrets by its yellow bill and black legs and feet although the bill may become darker and the lower legs lighter in the breeding season. In breeding plumage, delicate ornamental feathers are borne on the back. It has a slow flight with its neck retracted. The Great White Egret is distributed across most of the tropical and warmer temperate regions of the world favouring all kinds of wetland habitats and it is a familiar species in southern Europe. Expanding populations in Europe mean that the Great White Egret is now seen more frequently in the UK and it can turn up in almost any part of the country with the majority of records in south east England and East Anglia. Date: 18th May 2017 Location: Csaj-tó, Csanytelek, Csongrád county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33751270.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14454231345a291a729c15e.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 26th November 2017 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457104.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1776061052668570ba45032.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874737.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1789659285561cca24b107f.jpgFaxaflói, Reykjavík, Iceland Faxaflói, formerly known in English as Faxa Bay or Faxe Bay, is a large bay located in south west Iceland between the Snæfellsnes peninsula and the Reykjanes peninsula. The capital of Iceland, Reykjavík, is situated on the southern shore of Faxaflói. Faxaflói has always been a source of nourishment of the people living on its shore. Historically, fishermen went out in small boats to fish near the shore but today the ships are much bigger but have to go farther out to sea if they wish to catch anything. Faxaflói is a popular destination for whale watching trips from Reykjavík which set off in search of Minke Whales, Humpback Whales, White-beaked Dolphins and Harbour Porpoises. Date: 10th June 2015 Location: view from Elding whale watching boat http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15367543.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9518817924fec1ca17428a.jpgRoe Deer The Roe Deer is a small deer which has a white to buff patch on their rump, a black nose and “moustache” and a white chin. Its coat varies from sandy to reddish-brown in the summer to grey-brown or even black in winter. The antlers, which have no more than 3 points and are less than 10 inches in length, grow in winter and are shed in the autumn. The Roe Deer is found throughout Europe but it is absent from Ireland, much of Portugal, Greece and large parts of England and Wales. Roe Deer became extinct in most of England during the 18th century but they were reintroduced in the 19th century. The Roe Deer lives mainly in woodland where there are open patches of ground and access to the edges of fields and it feeds on grasses and the leaves of young broad-leaved trees and bushes. Both male and female Roe Deer are usually solitary and highly territorial with clearly defined boundaries which they scent mark. The Roe Deer has very good senses of smell, hearing and vision. When alarmed, it makes a characteristic barking noise. Roe Deer mate in July and August and fawns are born in the following spring. Many fawns die during their first year due to heavy predation by foxes. Date: 8th June 2012 Location: Drumguish near Insh, Inverness-shire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51334403.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8195038076676e3ce0ad65.jpgHeath Fritillary Flight period: June to July. The Heath Fritillary is at the north west extreme of its range in the southern UK and its numbers have greatly reduced this century due to changes in woodland management. It is now one of our rarest and most localised butterflies and can only be found at a few sites in Essex and Kent and in south west England. In Essex and Kent, they can be found in coppiced woodland with acid soils where Common Cow Wheat, the preferred foodplant, is available. On Exmoor they favour sheltered combes (valleys) and in Devon and Cornwall abandoned hay meadows are preferred. Detailed study has determined the Heath Fritillary’s precise habitat requirements and its future in the UK depends on deliberate conservation and habitat management. Date: 20th June 2024 Location: EWT Pound Wood, Hadleigh, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457261.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1268765526668571430043a.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29487001.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_212395231158107d4277685.jpgWild Brown Bear Centre, near Vartius, Kainuu, Finland The [url=http://www.wildbrownbear.fi/]Wild Brown Bear Centre[/url] is located in the wilderness taiga forest area near Vartius close to the Finland-Russia border. During May, June, July and August, 22 photography and observation hides can be occupied between 5 p.m. and 7 a.m. The hides are approached by about a half mile walk through the forest from the main lodge and they each accommodate 2 to 3 people. They are situated in a small open wetland area, near a small pond and inside a pine forest clearing. Please see my [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/trip-report-estonia-and-north]trip report[/url] for further information. Date: 24th May 2016 Location: Wild Brown Bear Centre, near Vartius, Kainuu, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo47900586.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_937258407637364a0d85f1.jpgCommon Pochard The Common Pochard is a medium-sized and stocky diving duck. The adult male has a long dark bill with a grey band, a red head and neck, a black breast, red eyes and a grey back. The adult female has a brown head and body and a narrower grey bill band. The triangular head shape is distinctive. The Common Pochard is superficially similar to the closely related Redhead and Canvasback found in north America. The Common Pochard breeds in marshes and on lakes in much of temperate and north Europe and in to Asia. It is migratory and spends the winter in the south and west of Europe. In the UK, the Common Pochard breeds in east England and lowland Scotland plus in small numbers in Northern Ireland. Large numbers from Russia and Scandinavia winter in the UK on lakes, reservoirs and gravel pits, often mixing with other diving ducks such as the Tufted Duck. In a number of countries, the Common Pochard is decreasing mainly due to habitat loss and hunting. It is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. The Common Pochard feeds mainly by diving or dabbling for aquatic plants, molluscs, aquatic insects and small fish. Date: 4th November 2022 Location: Bushy Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42626846.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_143308948460a92e5c6ab3a.jpgAdder Adders are widespread throughout mainland UK but they are absent from Ireland. They occur throughout Europe, with the exception of the Mediterranean islands, and across Russia and Asia through to northern China. They are the UK's only venomous reptile. Adders are relatively short and robust snakes with large heads and a rounded snout. Males are usually a grey or buff colour with vivid black markings although they can also vary from silver to yellow or green in colour. Females are brown with dark red-brown markings that are less prominent than in the males. Both sexes have a zigzag pattern running along the back with a / or X-shaped marking at the rear of the head. Adders can be found in a variety of habitats, including open woodland, hedgerows, moorland, sand dunes, riverbanks, bogs, heathland and mountains. They are active during the day and spend time basking until their body temperature is high enough to hunt for food. Adders use venom to immobilise prey such as lizards, amphibians, nestlings and small mammals. After striking their prey, they will leave the venom to take effect before following the victim’s scent to find the body. Mating takes place between April and May with males often fighting for females. Females have a 3 to 4 month gestation period and Adders are one of the few snakes that are viviparous (give birth to live young). In late August females give birth to between 5 and 20 live young and the young remain close to their mother for a few days before going off in search of food. Adders hibernate from September to March often using deserted rabbit or rodent burrows or settling under logs. They sometimes hibernate communally. Males emerge 2 to 5 weeks before the females and shed their skin before setting off in search of females. Adders are not aggressive snakes and they will only attack if harassed or threatened. Although an Adder’s venom poses little danger to a healthy adult, the bite is very painful and requires urgent medical attention. Date: 17th April 2021 Location: Benfleet and Hadleigh Downs, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457124.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1916530138668570cfa2271.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15747157.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11227124535017a74e8569d.jpgSmall Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Small Skipper has a rusty orange colour to the wings, upper body and the tips of the antennae. The body is silvery white below and it has a wingspan of 25 to 30 mm. It is very similar in appearance to the Essex Skipper but the undersides of the tips of the antennae are yellow orange in the Small Skipper whereas they are black in the Essex Skipper. The Small Skipper is a common and widespread butterfly in most parts of England and has been expanding its range northwards. It can be found in rough grassland, roadside verges, edges of fields and woodland clearings where it is often seen basking on vegetation or making short buzzing flights among tall grass stems. Date: 25th July 2012 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15747161.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12439190175017a756aac12.jpgSmall Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Small Skipper has a rusty orange colour to the wings, upper body and the tips of the antennae. The body is silvery white below and it has a wingspan of 25 to 30 mm. It is very similar in appearance to the Essex Skipper but the undersides of the tips of the antennae are yellow orange in the Small Skipper whereas they are black in the Essex Skipper. The Small Skipper is a common and widespread butterfly in most parts of England and has been expanding its range northwards. It can be found in rough grassland, roadside verges, edges of fields and woodland clearings where it is often seen basking on vegetation or making short buzzing flights among tall grass stems. Date: 25th July 2012 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453988.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19898380894ff54759b2705.jpgExtremadura dehesa Dehesa is a multifunctional agropastoral system and cultural landscape of southern and central Spain and southern Portugal where it covers around 12500 square miles. Dehesas may be private or communal property (usually belonging to the municipality). The dehesa is derived from the Mediterranean forest ecosystem consisting of pastureland featuring herbaceous species for grazing and tree species such as holm and cork oak. Dehesas are used primarily for grazing by cattle, sheep and goats and they also produce a variety of products including non-timber forest products such as wild game, mushrooms, honey, cork, and firewood. Oaks are protected and pruned to produce acorns which the famous black Iberian pigs feed on in the autumn. Ham produced from Iberian pigs fattened with acorns and then air dried at high elevations is known as jamon which sells for premium prices. Dehesa is an agropastoral system that not only provides a variety of foods and other products but it also a very important wildlife habitat supporting many rare species. Date: 30th April 2012 Location: La Herreruela, western Cáceres, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15747113.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17346401995017a6bacaea2.jpgLittle Grebe The Little Grebe, also known as the Dabchick, is the smallest member of the grebe family measuring 9 to 11.5 inches in length. The adult is unmistakable in summer, predominantly dark above with its rich, rufous colour neck, cheeks and flanks and bright yellow gape. The rufous is replaced by a dirty brownish grey in non-breeding and juvenile birds. Juveniles have a yellow bill with a small black tip and black and white streaks on the cheeks and sides of the neck. This yellow bill darkens as the juveniles age, eventually turning black as an adult. The Little Grebe can be noisy with a distinctive whinnying trill. The Little Grebe can be found across Europe, much of Asia down to New Guinea and in most of Africa. It breeds in small colonies in freshwater wetlands with muddy bottoms and edges and still or slow-moving water with plenty of emergent vegetation such as lakes, gravel pits, canals and rivers. Most birds move to more open or coastal waters in winter but it is only migratory in those parts of its range where the waters freeze. Like all grebes, the Little Grebe nests at the water's edge since its legs are set very far back and it can not walk well. Usually 4 to 7 eggs are laid. The young leave the nest and can swim soon after hatching but are often carried on the backs of the swimming adults. The Little Grebe is an excellent swimmer and diver and pursues its fish and aquatic invertebrate prey underwater. It uses the vegetation skilfully as a hiding place. Date: 23rd July 2012 Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42222317.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16071461156023a2efbcda0.jpgNorthern Hawk Owl The Northern Hawk Owl is a medium sized owl, 14 to 16 inches long and with a wing span of 8.5 to 10 inches. Females are slightly larger than males. The term "hawk" refers to its falcon-like wing shape and long tail. The facial disc is whitish and broadly rimmed blackish at the sides. The eyebrows are white and the eyes are pale yellow. The upperparts are dark grey to dusky greyish-brown with the crown densely spotted whitish and the nape has indistinct false eyes. The mantle and back are dusky grey with some whitish dots and the scapulars are mainly white forming rather broad white bands across the shoulder. The flight feathers are dark grey-brown with rows of white spots. The tail is long and graduated and dark greyish-brown with several narrow whitish bars. The underparts are whitish and barred with greyish-brown. The legs and toes are feathered. The Northern Hawk Owl is found in the boreal coniferous forests of North America and Eurasia, usually on the edges of more open woodland, and hunts in semi-open country with scattered trees or groups of trees. It nests in large tree cavities or uses nests abandoned by other large birds and moves widely within its area of distribution, breeding where food is abundant. The Northern Hawk Owl is a partially diurnal owl which hunts voles and birds like thrushes. It waits on a treetop or other perch and takes advantage of its rapid flight to overtake prey. It has exceptional hearing and can plunge into snow to capture rodents below the surface. The typical male call is a rapid, melodious, purring trill of up to 14 seconds long which consists of about 11 to 15 notes per second. It begins softly, rises slightly in pitch and increases to a vibrating trill before breaking off abruptly. This is repeated at various intervals. Females utter a similar, higher-pitched, less clear song. Date: 9th July 2019 Location: Iivaara, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457638.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_816351104668575231090b.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15747159.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16927732375017a75293c91.jpgSmall Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Small Skipper has a rusty orange colour to the wings, upper body and the tips of the antennae. The body is silvery white below and it has a wingspan of 25 to 30 mm. It is very similar in appearance to the Essex Skipper but the undersides of the tips of the antennae are yellow orange in the Small Skipper whereas they are black in the Essex Skipper. The Small Skipper is a common and widespread butterfly in most parts of England and has been expanding its range northwards. It can be found in rough grassland, roadside verges, edges of fields and woodland clearings where it is often seen basking on vegetation or making short buzzing flights among tall grass stems. Date: 25th July 2012 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33568446.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20878810165a106b978aa1a.jpgWhite-tailed Eagles The White-tailed Eagle is a very large bird with a 72 to 96 inch wingspan and is the fourth largest eagle in the world. It has broad "barn door" wings, a large head and a thick "meat-cleaver" beak. The adult is mainly brown except for the paler head and neck, blackish flight feathers, distinctive white tail, and yellow bill and legs. In juvenile birds the tail and bill are darker, with the tail becoming white with a dark terminal band in sub-adults. The White-tailed Eagle breeds in northern Europe and northern Asia. The largest population in Europe is found along the coast of Norway. In the UK it became extinct during the early 20th century and the present population in Scotland has arisen from a reintroduction programme which commenced on the island of Rhum in 1975. It is still a rare breeding bird which was previously confined to the west coast of Scotland, although a reintroduction programme is now taking place in east Scotland. The photo is a poor record shot taken in very wet and windy weather and at some distance. Date: 6th November 2017 Location: Scarisdale Rocks, Loch na Keal, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457632.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_176771747066857506458c0.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9952278.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18375560794dca3e1f27c4f.jpgNant Francon, Gwynedd Nant Ffrancon is a steep-sided glacial valley situated between the Glyderau and the Carneddau mountains in Snowdonia. It lies south of Bethesda and north of Llyn Ogwen. The summit of the pass at 1,024 feet is at Pont Wern-gof, about 1/3 of a mile beyond the eastern end of Llyn Ogwen. The River Ogwen flows through Nant Frrancon. The A5 road runs down the eastern side of Nant Ffrancon and is the Holyhead to London trunk road which was re-engineered by Thomas Telford between 1810 and 1826. A narrow and very quiet single track minor road runs down the west side of Nant Ffrancon. Date: 7th May 2011 Location: view looking south from minor road http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28139866.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_312878090577a323c3f950.jpgGrey Wagtail The Grey Wagtail is a member of the wagtail family. It is somewhat similar to the Yellow Wagtail but more colourful than its name suggests. The upperparts are grey and the yellow vent contrasting with whitish underparts makes it distinctive. The breeding male has a black throat that is edged by whitish moustachial stripes, a narrow white supercilium and a broken eye ring and a tail noticeably longer than those of Pied and Yellow wagtails. Like other wagtails, it frequently wags its tail and flies low with undulations. The Grey Wagtail is widely distributed across the Palearctic region with several sub-species breeding in Europe and Asia. It can be found over most of the UK with the exception of the northern and western isles of Scotland. The greatest densities are found in the uplands of England, Wales and Scotland. The Grey Wagtail is always associated with fast running streams and rivers when breeding although they may use man-made structures near streams for the nest. Outside the breeding season, it may also be seen around lakes, coasts and other watery habitats including in town and city centres. It forages singly or in pairs feeding on a variety of aquatic invertebrates including adult flies, mayflies, beetles, crustacea and molluscs and will use rocks in water and often perch in waterside bushes and trees. Date: 20th June 2016 Location: Findhorn valley, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308885.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_182134644563ee381d4db96.jpgEgyptian Geese The Egyptian Goose is native to Africa south of the Sahara and the Nile Valley. It was considered sacred by the ancient Egyptians and appeared in much of their artwork. It has been raised for food and extensively bred in parts of Africa since it was domesticated by the ancient Egyptians. The Egyptian Goose is believed to be most closely related to the shelducks and their relatives. However, in flight it looks heavy and more like a goose than a duck, hence the English name. The sexes of the Egyptian Goose are identical in plumage but the males average slightly larger. There is a fair amount of variation in plumage with some birds greyer and others browner. It has distinctive dark brown eye patches and contrasting white wing patches in flight. The Egyptian Goose breeds widely in Africa except in deserts and dense forests and it is locally abundant. It is found mostly in the Nile Valley and south of the Sahara. While not breeding, it sometimes makes longer migrations northwards into the arid regions of the Sahel. The Egyptian Goose has also been introduced elsewhere: the UK, the Netherlands, France and Germany have self-sustaining populations which are mostly derived from escaped ornamental birds. The UK population dates back to the 18th century although it was only formally added to the British list in 1971. In the UK it can be seen on ornamental ponds as well as on gravel pits and lowland lakes and wetlands. The north Norfolk coast and Norfolk Broads hold the highest numbers. The Egyptian Goose will nest in a large variety of situations, especially in holes in mature trees in parkland. The female builds the nest from reeds, leaves and grass, and both parents take turns incubating eggs. Egyptian Geese usually pair for life and both the male and female care for the offspring until they are old enough to care for themselves. Date: 21st January 2022 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/scarce-chaser https://images.on-this.website/4752_17008022526499bab321691.jpgScarce Chaser Flight period: end May to early August Male Scarce Chasers are dark grey with a light blue abdomen which has a dark grey tip. Females have an orange-brown abdomen with a line of elongated black triangles along the top. The Scarce Chaser can be found in lowland slow-flowing and meandering rivers, large dykes, ponds, lakes and gravel pits with plenty of aquatic vegetation The Scarce Chaser is very localised species in the south and east of the UK and is considered a species of special concern in the UK due to THE loss of its specific ideal habitat. Date: 16th June 2023 Location: RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493246.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21329917675f326eb76144e.jpgShag The European Shag, Common Shag or simply Shag is a species of cormorant. It is 27 to 31 inches in length with a 37 to 43 inches wingspan. It is mainly black in colour but with a glossy green-tinged sheen in adults. It has a longish tail and a yellow throat-patch. Adults have a small recurved crest in the breeding season. It is distinguished from the Cormorant by its smaller size, lighter build, thinner and narrower bill, and, in breeding adults, by the crest and metallic green-tinged sheen. The Shag breeds around the rocky coasts of west and south Europe, north Africa and south west Asia, mainly wintering in its breeding range except for the northernmost birds. It nests on rocky ledges or in crevices or small caves and the nests are untidy heaps of rotting seaweed or twigs cemented together by the bird's own guano. The nesting season is long and begins in late February although some nests are not started until May or even later. The female lays 3 eggs and the chicks hatch without down and so they rely totally on their parents for warmth, often for a period of 2 months before they can fly. Fledging may occur at any time from early June to late August and exceptionally to mid-October. In the UK, the Shag breeds at coastal sites, mainly in the north and west of the country, and more than half of the population is found at fewer than 10 sites. It can be seen during the breeding season at the large Scottish colonies on Orkney, Shetland, the Inner Hebrides and in the Firth of Forth. Elsewhere it can be seen commonly around the coasts of Wales and south west England, especially in Devon and Cornwall. The Shag feeds in the sea and, unlike the Cormorant, it is rare inland. It is one of the deepest pursuit divers among the cormorant family and it has been shown to dive to at least 150 feet. When it dives, it jumps out of the water first to give extra impetus to the dive. The Shag forages for food on the sea bed and eats a wide range of fish although the commonest prey is the sand eel. It will travel long distances from its breeding and roosting sites in order to feed. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26008481.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5528689156350520919fd.jpgGoðafoss, north east Iceland Goðafoss (Icelandic: waterfall of the gods) is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Iceland. It is located in the Bárðardalur district of north east Iceland at the beginning of the Sprengisandur highland road. The water of the Skjálfandafljót river falls from a height of 40 feet over a width of 98 feet and the waterfall is segmented into 2 main components whilst forming an arcing semi-horseshoe shape. In the year 999 or 1000 the Lawspeaker Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði made Christianity the official religion of Iceland. After his conversion it is said that upon returning from the Alþingi, Þorgeir threw his statues of the Norse gods into the waterfall. Þorgeir's story is preserved in Ari Þorgilsson's Íslendingabók (Icelandic: Book of Icelanders), a historical work dealing with early Icelandic history. Date: 4th June 2015 Location: view from the east bank of the Skjálfandafljót river http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo44044935.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1301298992614f10e2421a2.jpgGreenshank The Greenshank is a medium-sized slim wader with a dark grey back and white underparts. Its long green legs and slightly up-turned bill help to distinguish it from other waders. In flight, it shows a white wedge on the back. It is slightly larger than the related Common Redshank. The Greenshank is a sub-Arctic bird where it breeds on dry ground near marshy areas from eastwards across northern Europe and Asia. It is a migratory species and winters on fresh water in Africa, the Indian subcontinent and Australasia. In the UK, the Greenshank is confined to the north and west of Scotland where it breeds around boggy moorland and peatland pools from April to August. On migration during April and May and between July and September, it can be found across the UK on inland lakes and freshwater marshes as well as at coastal wetlands and estuaries. In winter from October to March it can be found on the estuaries of south west England, Wales, west Scotland and Northern Ireland. Like most waders, the Greenshank feeds on small invertebrates but will also take small fish and amphibians. The Greenshank is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 6th September 2021 Location: RSPB Blacktoft Sands, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847596.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_96421866559bd5393c200f.jpgEuropean Bee-eater The European Bee-eater is an incredibly colourful bird with an unmistakable appearance. In breeding plumage, it has a rich chestnut crown that blends into gold on its back. The forehead is white, the throat is yellow bordered by black and the underparts are blue. The male European Bee-eater has a chestnut-coloured patch in the middle of the wing while in females this patch is usually smaller or even absent. Occasionally, females may also be distinguished from the males by having a green back. The wings and backs of juvenile European Bee-eaters are entirely green and the eyes are brown in contrast to the bright red eyes of adults. The European Bee-eater breeds in southern Europe and in parts of north Africa and western Asia. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, India and Sri Lanka. European Bee-eaters are occasionally seen in northern Europe (including the UK) as a spring overshoot north of its range with occasional breeding occurring. Just as the name suggests, the European Bee-eater predominantly eats insects, especially bees, wasps and hornets which are caught in the air by sorties from an open perch. Before eating its meal, a European Bee-eater removes the sting by repeatedly hitting the insect on a hard surface. Lizards and frogs are also taken. European Bee-eaters are gregarious, nesting colonially in sandy banks preferably near river shores and also feeding and roosting communally. Date: 2nd June 2017 Location: Leles to Boľ area, Latorica, Košice region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo16548221.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14068080145083a3b5c6bcf.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 7th October 2012 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457433.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_582701322668571dcc87b9.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50776403.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18326476576606e6b48d4aa.jpgGreat Crested Grebe The Great Crested Grebe is the largest member of the grebe family measuring 18 to 20 inches in length with a wing span of 23 to 29 inches. It is a graceful bird with its long neck, long bill and slender outline. In summer, the adults of both sexes are unmistakable being adorned with beautiful head-plumes which are reddish-orange in colour with black tips. There is also an erectile black crown. Non-breeding adults lack the full crest and have a dark crown bordered by a white face, the white extending down the fore-neck and chest. The sexes are similar in appearance but juveniles can be distinguished from adults by having a striped black and white head and neck. The Great Crested Grebe can be found across Europe and Asia and it breeds on shallow, reed-fringed freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs and slow rivers. It is resident in the milder west of its range but it migrates from the colder regions of its range to freshwater lakes, reservoirs and sheltered coastal areas in winter. The Great Crested Grebe has an elaborate mating display. Like all grebes, it nests on the water's edge since its legs are set relatively far back and it is thus unable to walk very well. Usually 2 eggs are laid and the fluffy, striped young grebes are often carried on the adult's back. In a clutch of 2 or more hatchlings, male and female grebes will each identify their “favourites” which they alone will care for and teach. Unusually, young Great Crested Grebes are capable of swimming and diving almost at hatching. The adults teach these skills to their young by carrying them on their backs and diving, leaving the chicks to float on the surface. They then re-emerge a few feet away so that the chicks may swim back on to them. The Great Crested Grebe feeds mainly on fish but it will also eat small crustaceans, insects and small frogs and newts. The Great Crested Grebe was hunted almost to extinction in the UK in the 19th century due to being hunted for its head plumes which were used to decorate hats and ladies' undergarments. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was set up to help protect the Great Crested Grebe which is now again a common sight. Date: 16th March 2024 Location: EWT Abberton Reservoir, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/kaliakra-dobrich-province-bulgaria https://images.on-this.website/4752_10781035255d3079eee5c34.jpgNos Kaliakra, Dobrich Province, Bulgaria Nos Kaliakra is a long and narrow headland on the northern Bulgarian Black Sea coast. It is situated 7 miles east of Kavarna and 37 miles north east of Varna. The headland is around 1.2 miles long and the coast is steep with vertical cliffs reaching 230 feet down to the sea. The name [i]"Kaliakra"[/i] is of Byzantine Greek origin. It is a combination of [i]"καλός"[/i] meaning [i]"beautiful"[/i] and [i]"άκρα"[/i] meaning [i]"headland"[/i] or [i]"fortress"[/i]. Nos Kaliakra was the site of the naval Battle of Cape Kaliakra on 11th August 1791, part of the Russo-Turkish War of 1787 to 1792. The first modern lighthouse on Nos Kaliakra was built in 1866 by the Compagnie des Phares de l’Empire Ottomane. The present one, a 33 foot cylindrical stone masonry tower with lantern and gallery, was built in 1901. Nos Kaliakra is a nature reserve which sits on the Via Pontica bird migration flyway. Many rare and migrant birds can be seen during spring and autumn and it is also home to several rare breeding birds such as Pied Wheatear, Isabelline Wheatear and the local [i] desmarestii[/i] race of European Shag. The road to the headland passes through scrub and steppe which provides suitable habitat for a wide range of breeding birds including Saker Falcon, Red-footed Falcon, Long-legged Buzzard, Stone Curlew, Calandra and Short-toed Larks, Tawny Pipit, Lesser Grey Shrike, Hoopoe and Black-headed Bunting. Date: 18th May 2018 Location: Nos Kaliakra, Dobrich Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33820932.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15072504005a3d07827f22c.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 12th December 2017 Location: Kensington Gardens, London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/passage-east-ferry-waterford-harbour https://images.on-this.website/4752_2105182555e539390bda7d.jpgPassage East Ferry, Waterford Harbour, Co. Wexford and Co. Waterford The Passage East Ferry Company Ltd has operated a continuous car ferry shuttle service linking the villages of Ballyhack in Co. Wexford and Passage East in Co. Waterford since 1982. The ferry is a very important link for tourism and business operators as well as being very popular as part of a day trip itinerary for many people on both the Co. Waterford and Co. Wexford sides of Waterford Harbour, the natural harbour at the mouth of “The Three Sisters” (the estuary the rivers Nore, Suir and Barrow) A 15 minute trip on the ferry saves a road journey of almost 35 miles. Passage East is a fishing village in Co. Waterford situated on the west shore of Waterford Harbour, 7 miles east of Waterford and 18 miles north of Tramore via Dunmore East. Ballyhack is a small village in Co. Wexford situated on the east shore of Waterford Harbour, 4 miles north of Duncannon. Date: 1st February 2020 Location: Ballyhack, Co. Wexford, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45948297.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16803768856284a965c78bf.jpgTeal The Eurasian Teal or Common Teal is often called simply the Teal due to being the only one of these small Anas dabbling ducks in much of its range. The Teal is the smallest dabbling duck at 7.9 to 11.8 inches in length and with a wingspan of 21 to 23 inches. From a distance, the male Teal in breeding plumage appears grey with a dark head, a yellowish behind and a white stripe running along the flanks. Their head and upper neck is chestnut with a wide and iridescent dark green patch of half-moon or teardrop-shape that starts immediately before the eye and arcs to the upper hindneck. This patch is bordered with thin yellowish-white lines and a single line of that colour extends from the patch's forward end and curving along the base of the bill. The breast is buff with small round brown spots. The centre of the belly is white and the rest of the body plumage is mostly white with thin and dense blackish vermiculations, appearing medium grey even at a short distance. The outer scapular feathers are white with a black border to the outer vanes and these form the white side-stripe when the bird is in resting position. The tail and tail coverts are black with a bright yellowish-buff triangular patch in the centre of the coverts at each side. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female. It is more uniform in colour with a dark head and vestigial facial markings. The female Teal is yellowish-brown but somewhat darker on the wings and back. It has a dark greyish-brown upper head, hindneck, eyestripe and feather pattern. The pattern is dense short streaks on the head and neck and scaly spots on the rest of the body. Overall it looks much like a tiny Mallard. Immatures are coloured much like the adult females but they have a stronger pattern. The downy young are coloured like other dabbling ducks, brown above and yellow below with a yellow supercilium. The male's bill is dark grey but in the eclipse plumage it often shows some light greenish or brownish hue at the base. The bill of the females and immatures is pinkish or yellowish at the base, becoming dark grey towards the tip. The feet are dark grey in the males and greyish olive or greyish-brown in females and immatures. The Teal breeds across north Eurasia where it occupies sheltered freshwater wetlands with some tall vegetation such as taiga bogs or small lakes and ponds with extensive reedbeds. It mostly winters well south of its breeding range in the Mediterranean region, south Asia and some parts of Africa where it is often seen in large flocks in brackish waters and even in sheltered inlets and lagoons along the seashore. It is also regularly recorded on the north American coasts south to California and South Carolina. In the milder climate of temperate Europe, such as in the UK, the summer and winter ranges overlap. In the UK, the Teal can be found all year round but it is thinly distributed as a breeding species. In winter, birds congregate in larger numbers on low-lying wetlands both on the coast and inland in the south and west of the UK. Of these, many are continental birds from around the Baltic and Siberia. At this time, the UK is home to a significant percentage of the north west European wintering population. The Teal is much less abundant than the very similar Green-winged Teal from north America although it is still common and widespread. It appears to be holding its own currently with perhaps a slow decline due to drainage and pollution of wetlands. The IUCN and BirdLife International classify the Teal as a species of “Least Concern”. However, it is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. The Teal nests on the ground near water. Pairs form in the winter range and arrive on the breeding range together from about March. Breeding starts some weeks thereafter and not until May in the most northerly locations. The nest is a deep hollow lined with dry leaves and down feathers which is built in dense vegetation near water. After the females have started laying their eggs, the males leave them and move away and assemble in flocks on particular lakes where they moult into their eclipse plumage. The female lays 5 to 16 eggs but usually 8 to 11. Incubation lasts for 21 to 23 days and the young leave the nest soon after hatching and are cared for by the female for about 25 to 30 days. The males and the females with young generally move to the winter range separately. After the first winter, the young moult in to their adult plumage. The Teal usually feeds by dabbling, upending or grazing. In the breeding season it eats mainly aquatic invertebrates, such as crustaceans, insects and their larvae, molluscs and worms. In winter, it shifts to a largely granivorous diet, feeding on seeds of aquatic plants and grasses including sedges and grains. Date: 14th April 2022 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14863191.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15922580474fae2aedb6661.jpgGlossy Ibis The Glossy Ibis is a wading bird and a member of the ibis family. Breeding adults have reddish-brown bodies and shiny bottle-green wings whilst non-breeders and juveniles have duller bodies. They have a brownish bill, dark facial skin bordered above and below in blue-grey (non-breeding) to cobalt blue (breeding) and red-brown legs. Unlike herons, ibises fly with necks outstretched and often flocks fly in lines. The Glossy Ibis is the most widespread ibis species breeding in scattered sites in the warmer regions of Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and the Atlantic and Caribbean region of the Americas. They are also migratory with most European birds wintering in Africa. The Glossy Ibis nests colonially in trees often with herons. It is also gregarious when feeding in marshy wetlands when it predates on fish, frogs and other water creatures. The Glossy Ibis is a very rare visitor to the UK although some individuals have stayed here for many months or even years. The species is prone to occasional influxes and in 2009 the UK enjoyed the biggest influx ever with small flocks discovered in several counties. This photo shows a Glossy Ibis that was seen at various locations in Essex during March and April 2012. The bird was ringed at El Rocio in the Coto Donana National Park in southern Spain in September 2007. Date: 2nd April 2012 Location: Baddow Meads flood plain, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453990.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18700513434ff54768b77ff.jpgCattle Egret The Cattle Egret is a stocky white bird adorned with buff plumes in the breeding season. The easiest way to separate them from Little Egrets is by their short, yellow rather than long, black bills but Cattle Egrets are also smaller, stockier and more squat in shape with shorter, thicker necks and less elegant heads. The Cattle Egret is a cosmopolitan species of heron found in the tropics, subtropics and warm temperate zones. Originally native to parts of Asia, Africa and Europe, it has undergone a rapid expansion in its distribution and successfully colonised much of the rest of the world. Cattle Egrets breed and roost in trees usually close to fresh water and feed in shallow wetlands, especially rice-paddies, but also dry grasslands. They can often be seen feeding around cattle waiting to pick off disturbed insects, including riding on the backs of animals. Cattle Egrets are visiting the UK in increasing numbers and are most likely to be seen in the south of England and Wales. In winter 2007/08, a large influx of Cattle Egrets occurred in the UK, with the largest numbers in south-west England although birds did get as far north as Scotland. This influx led to the first ever pair breeding successfully in Somerset. Date: 30th April 2012 Location: western Cáceres, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40399552.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7215719735dc6ad124a580.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 18th October 2019 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41176048.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7610271995e9306c141dfa.jpgCollared Dove Collared Doves are distinctive birds with their buffy-pink plumage and black neck collar. They are usually seen singly or in pairs, although flocks may form where food is plentiful. They feed on the ground but readily perch on roofs and wires and in trees. The Collared Dove is not migratory but it is strongly dispersive. Over the last century, it has been one of the great colonisers of the bird world. Its original range at the end of the 19th century was warm temperate and subtropical Asia from Turkey east to south China and south through India to Sri Lanka. In 1838 it was reported in Bulgaria but not until the 20th century did it expand across Europe, appearing in parts of the Balkans between 1900 and 1920 and then spreading rapidly north west, reaching Germany in 1945, the UK in 1953, Ireland in 1959 and the Faroe Islands in the early 1970s. Subsequent spread was “sideways” from this fast north west spread reaching north east to north of the Arctic Circle in Norway, east to the Ural Mountains in Russia and south west to the Canary Islands and north Africa from Morocco to Egypt by the end of the 20th century. In the east of its range it has also spread north east to most of central and north China and locally (probably introduced) in Japan. It has also reached Iceland as a vagrant but has not colonised successfully there. Date: 5th April 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071515.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_524522056664325467e2cd.jpgCommon Sandpiper The Common Sandpiper is a small wader. The adult is 7.1 to 7.9 inches long with a 13 to 14 inches wingspan. It has greyish-brown upperparts, white underparts, short dark-yellowish legs and feet and a bill with a pale base and dark tip. In winter plumage, it is duller and has more conspicuous barring on the wings although this is still only visible at close range. Juveniles are more heavily barred above and have buff edges to the wing feathers. The Common Sandpiper habitually bobs up and down and it has a distinctive flight with stiff, bowed wings. Its presence is often betrayed by its three-note call which it gives as it flies off. The Common Sandpiper is widespread and common and breeds across most of temperate and sub-tropical Europe and Asia where it nests on the ground near freshwater. It migrates to Africa, south Asia and Australia in winter. In the UK, the Common Sandpiper breeds along fast-flowing upland streams and rivers and at the edges of lochs and lakes in Scotland, Wales and the north of England. Summer visitors arrive in March and April and leave the breeding grounds in July and August with the young following in September. During the spring and autumn passage migration, it can be found elsewhere in the UK, near lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers, ditches, coastal shores and estuaries. The Common Sandpiper forages by sight on the ground or in shallow water, picking up small food items such as insects, crustaceans and other invertebrates. Date: 2nd May 2024 Location: RSPB Minsmere, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14863189.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10631552374fae2adf84ea0.jpgGlossy Ibis The Glossy Ibis is a wading bird and a member of the ibis family. Breeding adults have reddish-brown bodies and shiny bottle-green wings whilst non-breeders and juveniles have duller bodies. They have a brownish bill, dark facial skin bordered above and below in blue-grey (non-breeding) to cobalt blue (breeding) and red-brown legs. Unlike herons, ibises fly with necks outstretched and often flocks fly in lines. The Glossy Ibis is the most widespread ibis species breeding in scattered sites in the warmer regions of Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and the Atlantic and Caribbean region of the Americas. They are also migratory with most European birds wintering in Africa. The Glossy Ibis nests colonially in trees often with herons. It is also gregarious when feeding in marshy wetlands when it predates on fish, frogs and other water creatures. The Glossy Ibis is a very rare visitor to the UK although some individuals have stayed here for many months or even years. The species is prone to occasional influxes and in 2009 the UK enjoyed the biggest influx ever with small flocks discovered in several counties. This photo shows a Glossy Ibis that was seen at various locations in Essex during March and April 2012. The bird was ringed at El Rocio in the Coto Donana National Park in southern Spain in September 2007. Date: 2nd April 2012 Location: Baddow Meads flood plain, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28885486.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_187489828057cc32078167e.jpgSoomaa National Park, Estonia The Soomaa National Park (Soomaa means "land of bogs") is located about 20 miles east of Pärnu and it was established in 1993 to protect a wilderness of bogs, fens, wet mixed forests, wooded meadows and carrs. It is also included in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance. The territory of the Soomaa National Park is mostly covered with large bogs, separated from each other by the tributaries of the Pärnu river, namely the Navesti, Halliste, Raudna and Lemmjõgi rivers. Every spring the Pärnu river and its tributaries flood and vast areas are inundated. The flood has been called the “fifth season” in Soomaa. Much of the Soomaa National Park is very difficult to access but it can be partially explored by a network of dusty gravel tracks and a minor road between Jõesuu and Kildu. The Soomaa National Park supports a wide range of breeding birds and the floods attract large numbers of migrating wildfowl and waders. As a large wilderness area, Soomaa National Park is also home to numerous species of large mammals including Brown Bear, Wolf, Lynx, Beaver, Elk and Wild Boar. Date: 15th May 2016 Location: Tõramaa to Tipu road, Soomaa National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813349.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10949890955d0dde006a7ef.jpgQuinag and Loch Assynt, Assynt, Highland The area east of Lochinver is a remote wilderness of mountains and moorland dotted with lochs and lochans. Loch Assynt extends for 6 miles north west from Inchnadamph with the River Inver flowing out of its western end and down to the sea at Lochinver. To the north lies Quinag, to the south Suilven and Cansip and to the east Ben More Assynt. Quinag is a "Y" shaped mountain mass that fills the area north of Loch Assynt and south of Loch a Chairn Bhain at Kylesku. Date: 9th June 2019 Location: view from the A835 road at Inchnadamph http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308895.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_33104301763ee3832e0d1a.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 21st January 2022 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/los-alcornocales-andalucia-spain https://images.on-this.website/4752_64418932152528c80b3664.jpgRio Hozgarganta, Los Alcornocales, Andalucia, Spain Rio Hozgarganta is a river in the Los Alcornocales Natural Park. Date: 10th September 2013 Location: view from the bridge on the road between Jimena de la Frontera and La Sauceda, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50776404.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1054682236606e6b595a73.jpgGreat Crested Grebes The Great Crested Grebe is the largest member of the grebe family measuring 18 to 20 inches in length with a wing span of 23 to 29 inches. It is a graceful bird with its long neck, long bill and slender outline. In summer, the adults of both sexes are unmistakable being adorned with beautiful head-plumes which are reddish-orange in colour with black tips. There is also an erectile black crown. Non-breeding adults lack the full crest and have a dark crown bordered by a white face, the white extending down the fore-neck and chest. The sexes are similar in appearance but juveniles can be distinguished from adults by having a striped black and white head and neck. The Great Crested Grebe can be found across Europe and Asia and it breeds on shallow, reed-fringed freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs and slow rivers. It is resident in the milder west of its range but it migrates from the colder regions of its range to freshwater lakes, reservoirs and sheltered coastal areas in winter. The Great Crested Grebe has an elaborate mating display. Like all grebes, it nests on the water's edge since its legs are set relatively far back and it is thus unable to walk very well. Usually 2 eggs are laid and the fluffy, striped young grebes are often carried on the adult's back. In a clutch of 2 or more hatchlings, male and female grebes will each identify their “favourites” which they alone will care for and teach. Unusually, young Great Crested Grebes are capable of swimming and diving almost at hatching. The adults teach these skills to their young by carrying them on their backs and diving, leaving the chicks to float on the surface. They then re-emerge a few feet away so that the chicks may swim back on to them. The Great Crested Grebe feeds mainly on fish but it will also eat small crustaceans, insects and small frogs and newts. The Great Crested Grebe was hunted almost to extinction in the UK in the 19th century due to being hunted for its head plumes which were used to decorate hats and ladies' undergarments. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was set up to help protect the Great Crested Grebe which is now again a common sight. Date: 16th March 2024 Location: EWT Abberton Reservoir, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo16548229.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12204766165083a3efce447.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 7th October 2012 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230745.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_836324506649171a716d5f.jpgWood Warbler The Wood Warbler is a typical leaf warbler in appearance, green above and white below with a lemon-yellow breast. It can be distinguished from similar species, like the Chiffchaff and the Willow Warbler by its yellow supercilium, throat and upper breast, pale tertial edges, longer primary projection and by its shorter but broader tail. The Wood Warbler is common and widespread and breeds throughout north and temperate Europe and just into the extreme west of Asia in the south Ural Mountains. It is strongly migratory and the entire population winters in tropical Africa. The Wood Warbler can be found in open but shady mature woodlands, such as beech and sessile oak, with some sparse ground cover for nesting. The dome-shaped nest is built near the ground in low shrub. The Wood Warbler is a declining summer visitor to the UK and can be seen from April to August. Unlike much of the population in Europe which is found in forested lowlands, the UK population is predominantly found in upland oak woods in the west with the highest densities in the oak woods Wales. The Wood Warbler has 2 song types which are often given alternatively: a high-pitched fluid metallic trill of increasing tempo (often described as a spinning coin on a marble slab) and a series of 3 to 5 descending piping notes of lower pitch. During the former, the bird’s body shudders and shivers as it delivers the song and there are frequent song flights between different branches. Date: 14th May 2023 Location: RSPB Carngafallt, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30024931.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2130767890587a0aac7b231.jpgTufted Duck The Tufted Duck is a small diving duck. The adult male is all black except for white flanks and a blue-grey bill. It has an obvious head tuft that gives the species its name. The adult female is brown with paler flanks and is more easily confused with other diving ducks. In particular, some have white around the bill base which resembles the Scaup although the white is never as extensive as in that species. The Tufted Duck breeds widely throughout temperate and northern Eurasia. It occasionally can be found as a winter visitor along both coasts of the United States and Canada. It is migratory in most of its range and winters in the milder south and west of Europe and southern Asia where large flocks form on open water. The Tufted Duck breeds close to marshes and lakes with plenty of vegetation to conceal the nest. It is also found on coastal lagoons and sheltered ponds. The Tufted Duck feeds mainly by diving for molluscs, aquatic insects and aquatic plants. Date: 5th January 2017 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50809816.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1855984205660bd8168f510.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 1st April 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17408553.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1416838982513328631b10e.jpgLong-tailed Tit The Long-tailed Tit is easily recognisable with its distinctive colouring, a tail that is bigger than its body, and undulating flight. They are most usually noticed in small, excitable flocks of about 20 birds as they rove the woods, hedgerows and gardens often with other tit species. Long-tailed Tits can be seen all year round and throughout the UK except the far north and west of Scotland. Date: 13th January 2013 Location: Pennington Flash, Greater Manchester http://www.richardchewphotography.com/curlew-sandpipers https://images.on-this.website/4752_1803785794ff54927bbb9c.jpgCurlew Sandpipers The Curlew Sandpiper is a small wader which is slightly larger than the Dunlin but differing from the Dunlin in having a longer down-curved bill, longer neck and legs and a white rump. The breeding adult has patterned dark grey upperparts and brick-red underparts. In winter, it is pale grey above and white below and shows an obvious white supercilium. Juveniles have a grey and brown back, a white belly and a peach-coloured breast. Of all shorebird species, the Curlew Sandpiper has the smallest breeding range in relation to its non-breeding range. After breeding on the tundra of Arctic Siberia, these birds migrate south to Africa, Australasia or India. This Curlew Sandpiper is highly gregarious and will form flocks with other calidrid waders, particularly Dunlin. Despite its easterly breeding range, the Curlew Sandpiper is a regular passage migrant to coastal marshes in western Europe, including the UK. Date: 2nd May 2012 Location: Salinas de Bonanza near Jerez de la Frontera, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645448.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_55269914651e3ce5696681.jpgWhite Stork The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 20th May 2013 Location: Biebrza area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833747.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1561439591559cf0d2bce9e.jpgCirl Bunting The Cirl Bunting is a member of the bunting family and is similar to a small Yellowhammer. The male has a bright yellow head with a black crown, eyestripe and throat, a greenish breast band across its otherwise yellow underparts and a heavily streaked brown back. The female is much more like a Yellowhammer but has a streaked grey-brown rump and chestnut shoulders. The Cirl Bunting breeds across southern Europe, on the Mediterranean islands and in north Africa. It is a resident of these warmer areas and does not migrate in winter. It is common in all sorts of open areas with some scrub or trees including farmland. It can tolerate a certain degree of urbanisation and can be found in green spaces in some towns and cities. Changes in agricultural practice have affected the Cirl Bunting very adversely at the northern fringes of its range and in England, where it once occurred over much of the south of the country, it is now restricted to south Devon and Cornwall. In the summer the Cirl Bunting’s natural food consists of invertebrates whilst in the winter it feeds on small seeds from over-wintered stubbles, fallow land, set-aside and the over-winter feeding of stock with grain or hay. It tends to feed in flocks during the winter. Date: 12th May 2015 Location: Mount Belles foothills, Ano Poroia, East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645413.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_135125313851e3cdd1a1001.jpgBiebrza area, Poland The Biebrza marshes are a complex series of habitats located in the Biebrza river valley. The area encompasses river channels, lakes, extensive marshes, fenland, reed beds, peat bogs and fields and meadows with woods and forests on higher ground. The Biebrza National Park, which covers much of the area, is the largest of Poland’s 23 National Parks and was created in 1993. Covering a total area of 228 square miles, it protects the vast and relatively untouched habitats with their unique variety of several communities of plants and species of wetland birds and mammals. Date: 19th May 2013 Location: view from Carska Droga ("Czars Road"), Biebrza area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51984196.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_22029525566d34b74ef081.jpgRuddy Darter Flight period: mid June to mid September. The Ruddy Darter takes its name from its colour and its swift flight behaviour. The male has a deep russet colour over the entire body and the abdomen has a pinched section close to where it joins the thorax. Females are slightly smaller, golden yellow in colour and being less obviously marked are more difficult to identify than the males. There is more than one red coloured darter species in the UK and they can be easily confused with each other. The commonest red species, the Common Darter, can be distinguished as having red veins at the base of the wings and a less ruddy colouration across the body. However, the Ruddy Darter has entirely black legs, distinguishing it from all other red darters which have longitudinal yellow stripes on their legs. The UK range of the Ruddy Darter has undergone something of an expansion in recent years. Although still relatively uncommon in the west and north of Britain, it is increasing in numbers in the Midlands and eastern England. The population is augmented by continental migrants. It is also found over most of Europe except for northern Scandinavia, as far east as western Siberia and south to north Africa. The Ruddy Darter prefers water bodies with tall emergent vegetation, such as reeds and club rush, and it is known to breed in ponds, lakes, canals, ditches and sluggish rivers. They can also be found near coasts and can breed in fairly brackish water. Date: 30th July 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645684.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_43633673951e3d00759baf.jpgBiałowieża, Poland The Białowieża forest is an ancient mixed forest that straddles the border between Poland and Belarus. It is one of the largest remaining parts of the immense primaeval forest that once stretched across the Great European Plain. On the Polish side, the central part of the Białowieża forest is protected as the Białowieża National Park with an area of about 39 square miles. The National Park, created in 1932, is under strict preservation and has been declared by UNESCO a World Biosphere Reserve and put on the World Heritage List. The Białowieża forest is home to many species of forest birds plus large mammals such as Wolf, Lynx, Moose and European Bison. Date: 25th May 2013 Location: south of Białowieża around Narewka bridge, Białowieża area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17408551.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_159915964513328570f915.jpgGreenfinch The European Greenfinch, or simply the Greenfinch, is a small passerine bird in the finch. There are 10 recognised sub-species reflecting its widespread range, including the British Greenfinch found in the UK (except north Scotland) and Ireland and the Northern European Greenfinch found in north Scotland, north and central France and Scandinavia to west Siberia. The Greenfinch is similar in size and shape to a House Sparrow but it is mainly green with yellow in the wings and tail. The female and young birds are duller and have brown tones on the back. The bill is thick and conical. The song contains a lot of trilling twitters interspersed with wheezes and the male has a "butterfly" display flight. The Greenfinch is widespread throughout Europe, north Africa and south west Asia where it is mainly resident although some of the most northern populations migrate further south in autumn and winter. It has also been introduced into Australia, New Zealand, Uruguay and Argentina. The Greenfinch can be found around woodland edges, in farmland hedges and in gardens with relatively thick vegetation favoured for breeding. It can form large flocks outside the breeding season, sometimes mixing with other groups of finches and buntings. In the UK, the Greenfinch is widespread and relatively common (although a sharp decline in the population in recent years has been noted due to an outbreak of trichomonosis, a parasite-induced disease which prevents the birds from feeding properly) and it is only absent from upland areas without trees and bushes. The breeding season occurs in spring and early summer, commencing in the second half of March with the young fledging in early July. Incubation of the eggs is undertaken by the female and lasts about 13 to 14 days with the male feeding her at the nest during this period. The chicks are fed on insect larvae by both adults during the first few days and thereafter by a frequently regurgitated yellowish paste made of seeds. The chicks leave the nest about 13 days later but they are unable to fly. The Greenfinch usually produces 2 or 3 broods per year. The Greenfinch predominantly feeds on seeds but it will also take berries and nuts. Date: 13th January 2013 Location: Pennington Flash, Greater Manchester http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46508898.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_42889580662c989d223185.jpgNorthern Wheatear The Northern Wheatear or Wheatear is a small passerine bird that was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family but is now more generally considered to be an Old World flycatcher. It is the most widespread member of the Wheatear genus in Europe and Asia. The English name has nothing to do with wheat or ears but is probably derived from the Middle English whit ers meaning "white arse" and referring to the prominent white rump of many Wheatear species The Northern Wheatear is larger than the European Robin at 5.7 to 6.3 inches in length. Both sexes have a white rump and tail with a black inverted T-pattern at the end of the tail. The summer plumaged male has grey upperparts, buff throat and black wings and face mask. In autumn it resembles the female apart from the black wings. The female is pale brown above and buff below with darker brown wings. The Northern Wheatear makes one of the longest migratory flights of any small bird, crossing ocean, ice and desert. It migrates from sub-Saharan Africa in spring to breed in open rocky country, tundra, moorland, heaths and pastures over a vast area of the Northern Hemisphere that includes northern and central Asia, Europe, Greenland, Alaska and parts of Canada. In autumn it returns to winter in central Africa. In the UK, the Northern Wheatear is a summer visitor and passage migrant arriving in early March and leaving in September. It breeds mainly in western and northern Britain and western Ireland although smaller numbers also breed in southern and eastern England. The Northern Wheatear is primarily an insectivorous bird and feeds mostly on beetles, ants, caterpillars, grasshoppers, flies, etc. It also eats spiders, centipedes and snails and berries in the autumn. Date: 7th May 2022 Location: World's End, Denbighshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645603.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20782594051e3cf969e65d.jpgEuropean Bison The European Bison, also known as Wisent, is a Eurasian species of bison. It is one of two species of bison, alongside the American Bison. The European Bison is the heaviest surviving wild land animal in Europe. A typical European Bison is about 7 to 10 feet long, not counting a tail of 1 to 2 feet long, and 5 to 7 feet tall. In the free-ranging populations of Poland and Belarus, body masses among adults aged 6 years and over are 1,400 pounds on average in the cases of males, with a range of 960 to 1,900 pounds, and of 930 pounds among females, with a range of 750 to 1,200 pounds. The European Bison has a characteristic thickset body shape with a short neck and a pronounced shoulder hump. There is a longer mane of hair underneath the neck and also on the forehead. The dense coat is dark to golden brown in colour. Both sexes bear short horns that project outwards and then curve up. Historically, the lowland European Bison's range encompassed all lowlands of Europe but with the increasing human population and the advance of agriculture, vast tracts of the habitat were lost and it’s range became massively restricted. The European Bison was also persecuted by hunting. The European Bison was hunted to extinction in the wild, with the last wild animals being shot in the Białowieża Forest (on the Poland-Belarus border) in 1919 and in the north west Caucasus in 1927. By that year fewer than 50 remained, all in zoos. From 1951, it has since been successfully reintroduced from captivity into several countries in Europe, all descendants of the Białowieża or lowland European Bison. Free-ranging herds are currently found in Poland, Lithuania, Belarus, Ukraine, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Latvia, Kyrgyzstan, Germany and in forest preserves in the Western Caucasus. Białowieża Forest, an ancient woodland that straddles the border between Poland and Belarus, is now home to around 800 wild individuals. The total worldwide population is around 4200 (including 2700 free ranging) individuals and has been increasing. In 1996 the IUCN classified the European Bison as an endangered species. It has since been downgraded to a vulnerable species. Date: 22nd May 2013 Location: Białowieża area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39081964.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1178600475d3078af2d2ac.jpgEuropean Bee-eater The European Bee-eater is an incredibly colourful bird with an unmistakable appearance. In breeding plumage, it has a rich chestnut crown that blends into gold on its back. The forehead is white, the throat is yellow bordered by black and the underparts are blue. The male European Bee-eater has a chestnut-coloured patch in the middle of the wing while in females this patch is usually smaller or even absent. Occasionally, females may also be distinguished from the males by having a green back. The wings and backs of juvenile European Bee-eaters are entirely green and the eyes are brown in contrast to the bright red eyes of adults. The European Bee-eater breeds in southern Europe and in parts of north Africa and western Asia. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, India and Sri Lanka. European Bee-eaters are occasionally seen in northern Europe (including the UK) as a spring overshoot north of its range with occasional breeding occurring. Just as the name suggests, the European Bee-eater predominantly eats insects, especially bees, wasps and hornets which are caught in the air by sorties from an open perch. Before eating its meal, a European Bee-eater removes the sting by repeatedly hitting the insect on a hard surface. Lizards and frogs are also taken. European Bee-eaters are gregarious, nesting colonially in sandy banks preferably near river shores and also feeding and roosting communally. Date: 17th May 2018 Location: Vetren, Silistra Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40952826.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21105213535e5393602d3f6.jpgHook Head, Co. Wexford, Ireland The Hook peninsula is a peninsula in Co. Wexford and has been a gateway to south-east Ireland for successive waves of immigrants including the Vikings, Anglo-Normans and the English. Hook Head is a headland situated 30 miles south west of Wexford. It is located on the east side of the estuary of “The Three Sisters” rivers (the Nore, the Suir and the Barrow) and is part of the Hook peninsula adjacent to the historic townland of Loftus Hall. Hook Head is said to have found its way into common English usage in the saying "By Hook or by Crook." It is claimed that the phrase is derived from a vow by Oliver Cromwell to take Waterford by Hook (on the Wexford side of Waterford Harbour) or by Crook (a village on the Waterford side of Waterford Harbour). Hook Head Lighthouse is situated on Hook Head at the tip of the Hook peninsula and is one of the oldest lighthouses in the world and the second oldest operating lighthouse in the world after the Tower of Hercules in Galicia in Spain. The existing tower dates from the 12th century although tradition states that Dubhán, a missionary to the Wexford area, established a form of beacon as early as the 5th century. The headland of Hook Head is known in Irish as Rinn Dubháin (St. Dubhán's Head). However, the similar sounding Irish word “duán” means a fish hook, hence the English name. In March 1996, the Hook Head Lighthouse was converted to automatic operation and the last light-keepers who had climbed the stairs and tended the light were permanently withdrawn from the station. The lighthouse is now remotely controlled from Dún Laoghaire by the Commissioners of Irish Lights. In 2001 the Hook Head Lighthouse was opened to the public as a tourist attraction after the old keepers houses were turned into a visitor centre. In January 2011, the Hook Head Lighthouse fog horn was heard for the last time as all the fog horns were turned off. It was felt that the technology on modern ships was so advanced that the fog horn was no longer required. Date: 31st January 2020 Location: Hook Head, Co. Wexford, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24902702.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_35411146955a4e2d8a82c8.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 4th July 2015 Location: Bempton Cliifs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645426.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_101509257551e3ce0565a0e.jpgBiebrza, Poland The Biebrza marshes are a complex series of habitats located in the Biebrza river valley. The area encompasses river channels, lakes, extensive marshes, fenland, reed beds, peat bogs and fields and meadows with woods and forests on higher ground. The Biebrza National Park, which covers much of the area, is the largest of Poland’s 23 National Parks and was created in 1993. Covering a total area of 228 square miles, it protects the vast and relatively untouched habitats with their unique variety of several communities of plants and species of wetland birds and mammals. Date: 19th May 2013 Location: view from Burzyn, Biebrza area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17942851.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_329733479518cb07417e28.jpgMarsh Tit The Marsh Tit is a member of the tit family and is mainly brown with a shiny black cap, dark “bib” and pale belly. In the UK its identification is made tricky by the very similar appearance of our race of the Willow Tit. The 2 birds are so hard to identify that ornithologists didn't realise there were 2 species until 1897! The Marsh Tit can be seen all year round across England and Wales and also in southern Scotland and despite its name it is most often found in broadleaf woodland and also copses, parks and gardens Date: 1st April 2013 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080555.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_157624440363a44a7f7a5f9.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 3rd December 2022 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082120.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16517217875d307a78a4ab1.jpgSpotted Flycatcher The Spotted Flycatcher is a small passerine bird in the Old World flycatcher family. It is an undistinguished looking bird with long wings and tail. The adults have dull grey-brown upperparts and off-white underparts and a streaked crown, throat and breast. The legs are short and black and the bill is black and has the broad but pointed shape typical of aerial insectivores. The sexes are similar. Juveniles have ochre-buff spots above and scaly brown spots below. The Spotted Flycatcher breeds in most of Europe and west Asia where it can be found in deciduous woodlands, parks and gardens, with a preference for open areas amongst trees. It builds an open nest in a suitable recess, often against a wall, and it will readily adapt to an open-fronted nest box. The Spotted Flycatcher is migratory and winters in Africa and south west Asia. It is declining in parts of its range. The Spotted Flycatcher is a declining summer visitor to the UK and can be seen from late April or early May to September. It can be found throughout the UK but it is now very scarce in many areas. Recent dramatic population declines make the Spotted Flycatcher a Red List species. The Spotted Flycatcher hunts from conspicuous perches, making sallies after passing flying insects and often returning to the same perch. The upright posture is characteristic. Date: 19th May 2018 Location: Durankulak, Dobrich Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26029561.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1193017594563759f4161da.jpgRed-necked Phalarope The Red-necked Phalarope is a small wader with lobed toes to assist swimming and a straight, fine bill. The breeding female is predominantly dark grey above with a chestnut neck and upper breast, black face and white throat. The breeding male is a duller version of the female. In winter, the plumage is essentially grey above and white below but the black eyepatch is always present. When feeding, a Red-necked Phalarope will often swim in a small, rapid circle, forming a small whirlpool. This behaviour is thought to aid feeding by raising food from the bottom of shallow water. The bird will reach into the centre of the vortex with its bill, plucking small insects or crustaceans caught up therein. On the open ocean, they are often found where converging currents produce upwellings. The Red-necked Phalarope breeds in the Arctic regions of north America and Eurasia. It is migratory and, unusually for a wader, it winters at sea on tropical oceans. Date: 2nd June 2015 Location: Svarfaðardalur, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30017234.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10798759958755052da261.jpgGoldeneye The Goldeneye is a medium-sized diving duck, named for its golden-yellow eye. Adult males have a dark head with a greenish gloss and a circular white patch below the eye, a dark back and a white neck and belly. Adult females have a brown head and a mostly grey body. The Goldeneye breeds on the lakes and in the rivers of boreal forests in Scandinavia, Canada, north USA and north Russia. Naturally it will nest in cavities in large trees but it will also readily use nestboxes put up on trees close to water. This has enabled a healthy breeding population to establish in the Scottish Highlands from 1970 where it is increasing and slowly spreading. The Goldeneye is migratory and most winter in protected coastal waters or open inland waters at more temperate latitudes. The Goldeneye forages by diving underwater for crustaceans, aquatic insects and molluscs. Insects are the predominant prey while nesting and crustaceans are the predominant prey during migration and winter. This bird was part of the captive collection at WWT Slimbridge. Date: 2nd January 2017 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24901266.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_61466413455a4ca4e3c8cc.jpgWillow Warbler fledgling The Willow Warbler is one of the [i]Phylloscopus[/i] leaf warblers. It is greenish brown above and off-white to yellowish below and the wings are plain greenish-brown with no wing bars. Juveniles are yellower below than the adults. The Willow Warbler is very similar to the Chiffchaff but non-singing birds can be distinguished from that species by their paler pinkish-yellow legs (dark brown to blackish in Chiffchaff), longer paler bill, more elegant shape and longer primary projection (wingtip). The Willow Warbler is very common and widespread and breeds throughout northern and temperate Europe and Asia from Ireland east to the Anadyr River basin in eastern Siberia. The highest population densities are found in Scandinavia (where it is often the commonest bird) but lower densities occur further east and south in its range. In England, it has on average decreased in population by 70% within the last 25 years with the biggest declines in the south east. In Scotland, some increases in the population have occurred. The Willow Warbler is strongly migratory with almost all of the population wintering in sub-Saharan Africa during October to March. It is one of the first warblers to return in the spring from mid March to mid May although this is later than the closely related Chiffchaff. The Willow Warbler can be found in open, scrubby woodlands with small trees such as birch, alder and willow, including human-altered habitats such as coppice and young plantations up to 10 to 20 years old. The nest is usually built in close contact with the ground, often in low vegetation such as bracken, mosses and bramble The Willow Warbler is insectivorous and eats a wide variety of small insects and spiders but additionally fruit and berries in the autumn. Date: 21st June 2015 Location: Loch Insh, Kincraig, Dunkeld, Perthshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082126.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_495155235d307a7f381b9.jpgCollared Dove Collared Doves are distinctive birds with their buffy-pink plumage and black neck collar. They are usually seen singly or in pairs, although flocks may form where food is plentiful. They feed on the ground but readily perch on roofs and wires and in trees. The Collared Dove is not migratory but it is strongly dispersive. Over the last century, it has been one of the great colonisers of the bird world. Its original range at the end of the 19th century was warm temperate and subtropical Asia from Turkey east to south China and south through India to Sri Lanka. In 1838 it was reported in Bulgaria but not until the 20th century did it expand across Europe, appearing in parts of the Balkans between 1900 and 1920 and then spreading rapidly north west, reaching Germany in 1945, the UK in 1953, Ireland in 1959 and the Faroe Islands in the early 1970s. Subsequent spread was “sideways” from this fast north west spread reaching north east to north of the Arctic Circle in Norway, east to the Ural Mountains in Russia and south west to the Canary Islands and north Africa from Morocco to Egypt by the end of the 20th century. In the east of its range it has also spread north east to most of central and north China and locally (probably introduced) in Japan. It has also reached Iceland as a vagrant but has not colonised successfully there. Date: 19th May 2018 Location: Durankulak, Dobrich Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/buff-tailed-bumblebee https://images.on-this.website/4752_298433733467ee3583d930.jpgBuff-tailed Bumblebee This photo is of the Bombus terrestris species, one of the commoner Bumblebees in the UK. Date: 31st March 2007 Location: Langdon Conservation Centre, Dunton, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26008473.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4568050935634fff720396.jpgHarlequin Duck The Harlequin Duck is a small sea duck which takes its name from Harlequin, a colourfully dressed character in "Commedia dell'arte" (a form of Italian theatre with masked characters). The adult male Harlequin Duck has a colourful and complex plumage pattern. The head and neck are dark slate blue with a large white crescent marking in front of the eye, a small round dot behind the eye and a larger oval spot down the side of the neck. A black crown stripe runs over the top of the head with chestnut patches on either side. A black-bordered white collar separates the head from the breast. The body is largely a lighter slate blue with chestnut sides. A black-bordered white bar divides the breast vertically from the sides. The tail is black, long and pointed. The speculum is metallic blue. The inner secondary feathers are white and form white markings over the back when folded. The bill is blue-grey and the eye is reddish. The adult female Harlequin Duck is less colourful with brownish-grey plumage with three white patches on the head, a round spot behind the eye, a larger patch from the eye to the bill and a small spot above the eye. The Harlequin Duck has smooth, densely packed feathers that trap a lot of air within them. This is vital for insulating such a small body against the chilly waters that it inhabits and it also makes it exceptionally buoyant, making it bounce like a cork after dives. The Harlequin Duck breeds alongside cold fast moving streams in the northern regions of north America, Greenland, Iceland (the only European site) and western Russia. The nest is usually located in a well concealed location on the ground near a stream. They are usually found near pounding surf and white water. It is a short distance migrant and most winter near rocky shorelines on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. The Harlequin Duck is a very rare migrant to western Europe. The Harlequin Duck feeds by swimming under water or diving and also by dabbling. It feeds on molluscs, crustaceans and insects. Date: 4th June 2015 Location: River Laxá, Lake Mývatn area, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13683316.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18447984054ed72dba56994.jpgHedgehog The Hedgehog is unmistakeable being the only spiny British mammal. The yellow-tipped 2cm spines on a grey/brown back and sides are perhaps the best known features of the Hedgehog which has relatively long legs and a short tail together with small eyes and ears. The Hedgehog is common in parks, gardens and farmland throughout mainland UK. It has also been introduced to many islands including Orkney, Shetland, Isle of Man and some of the Channel Islands. Hedgehogs prefer woodland edges, hedgerows and suburban habitats where there is plenty of food for them. Intensively farmed arable land is probably a poor habitat as are moorlands and dense conifer forests. Hedgehogs survive well in gardens, particularly assisted by food put out for them as modern tidy gardens may not otherwise provide sufficient food. The Hedgehog is generally nocturnal travelling around a mile each night feeding on a diet of beetles, worms, caterpillars, slugs and almost anything they can catch. They can also take the eggs and chicks of ground-nesting birds although rarely in large numbers. The Hedgehog‘s hibernation usually begins about November and ends around Easter but it is much affected by the weather. They normally wake up several times over winter and often build a new nest. In the spring they commonly spend a few days active and then enter hibernation again during any cold snap. The winter nest or hibernaculum is made of leaves, tucked under a bush or log pile or garden shed or anywhere that offers support and protection. The Hedgehog can live up to 10 years but this is exceptional. Over half die within their first year and average life expectancy is 2 to 3 years in the wild. Hedgehogs may become locally scarce or even disappear but nationwide extinction is unlikely. Nevertheless, the Hedgehog appears to be in decline although the total population is unknown. The biggest threat to the Hedgehog is probably habitat loss with the change from pastoral farming to arable crops over the last 30 years. The use of chemicals in gardens and for intensive farming kills the creatures hedgehogs need for food and may also poison them directly. Many are also killed on the roads. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42524838.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12448301166098f28c6c839.jpgReeves' Muntjac The Reeves' Muntjac, also known as the Chinese Muntjac, is a small, hump-backed deer species. It is named after British naturalist and employee of the East India Company, John Russell Reeves (1774 to 1856). Reeves came across them when he lived in China and sent specimens back to England. It is also called the “barking deer” due to its distinctive barking sound, although this name is also used for other Muntjac species. The barking sound is common during mating or when provoked. The Reeves' Muntjac grows to 1 foot 8 inches high at the shoulder and 3 feet 1 inches in length plus a short tail up to 4 inches long. It is reddish-brown in appearance with striped markings on its face. The belly is creamy-white with lighter fur extending to the neck, chin and the underside of the tail. The males have short antlers, usually 4 inches or less in length, and long upper canines or tusks, usually about 2 inches in length The Reeves' Muntjac is found widely in south east China (from Gansu to Yunnan) and Taiwan but it has also been introduced in Belgium, the Netherlands and Japan. In the UK, it was introduced to Woburn Park in Bedfordshire in 1894 by the then Duke of Bedford and was deliberately released into surrounding woodlands from 1901 onward. Releases, translocations and escapes from the 1930s onwards resulted in wide establishment in south east England and the population is still increasing and spreading across the UK where it can be found in deciduous woodland with a good understorey plus hedgerows, gardens, parks, conifer plantations, railway embankments, etc. Since the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it has been illegal to release the species except where it is already established. The Reeves' Muntjac is a solitary and crepuscular animal and both males and females defend small territories that they mark with preorbital gland secretions that are thought to be pheromonal in nature The Reeves' Muntjac feeds on herbs, blossoms, succulent shoots, fungi, berries, grasses and nuts and it has also been reported to eat tree bark. Eggs and carrion are eaten opportunistically. Date: 25th March 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41255247.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2769741095f06f57e26f66.jpgSiberian Jay The Siberian Jay is noticeably smaller, slighter and proportionately longer-tailed than the Jay with a much shorter and more pointed bill. It is the smallest and most delicate of the Western Palearctic crows and is rather drab brown-grey with rufous-chestnut near the wing-bend and on under wing coverts, rump and sides of tail which set the bird “on fire” in flight. The Siberian Jay is a widespread and highly sedentary resident in Fennoscandia and Russia with Europe accounting for less than half of its global range. It breeds across the higher latitudes of the Western Palearctic and is predominantly at all seasons a bird of coniferous forest, mainly dense stands of forest unmodified by man rather than open growth. The Siberian Jay contrasts with the Jay in a lack of fear of man, readily attaching itself to human travellers and their living quarters, but this has little effect on choice of habitat since its normal range is largely uninhabited by people. Date: 28th June 2019 Location: Neljan Tuulen Tupa near Kaamanen, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26040768.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_963455492563892ddcc9b2.jpgHarlequin Duck The Harlequin Duck is a small sea duck which takes its name from Harlequin, a colourfully dressed character in "Commedia dell'arte" (a form of Italian theatre with masked characters). The adult male Harlequin Duck has a colourful and complex plumage pattern. The head and neck are dark slate blue with a large white crescent marking in front of the eye, a small round dot behind the eye and a larger oval spot down the side of the neck. A black crown stripe runs over the top of the head with chestnut patches on either side. A black-bordered white collar separates the head from the breast. The body is largely a lighter slate blue with chestnut sides. A black-bordered white bar divides the breast vertically from the sides. The tail is black, long and pointed. The speculum is metallic blue. The inner secondary feathers are white and form white markings over the back when folded. The bill is blue-grey and the eye is reddish. The adult female Harlequin Duck is less colourful with brownish-grey plumage with three white patches on the head, a round spot behind the eye, a larger patch from the eye to the bill and a small spot above the eye. The Harlequin Duck has smooth, densely packed feathers that trap a lot of air within them. This is vital for insulating such a small body against the chilly waters that it inhabits and it also makes it exceptionally buoyant, making it bounce like a cork after dives. The Harlequin Duck breeds alongside cold fast moving streams in the northern regions of north America, Greenland, Iceland (the only European site) and western Russia. The nest is usually located in a well concealed location on the ground near a stream. They are usually found near pounding surf and white water. It is a short distance migrant and most winter near rocky shorelines on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. The Harlequin Duck is a very rare migrant to western Europe. The Harlequin Duck feeds by swimming under water or diving and also by dabbling. It feeds on molluscs, crustaceans and insects. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: near Ísafjörður, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42202616.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21389278345ff30db431341.jpgWhite-tailed Eagles The White-tailed Eagle is a very large bird with a 72 to 96 inch wingspan and is the fourth largest eagle in the world. It has broad "barn door" wings, a large head and a thick "meat-cleaver" beak. The adult is mainly brown except for the paler head and neck, blackish flight feathers, distinctive white tail, and yellow bill and legs. In juvenile birds the tail and bill are darker, with the tail becoming white with a dark terminal band in sub-adults. The White-tailed Eagle breeds in northern Europe and northern Asia. The largest population in Europe is found along the coast of Norway. In the UK it became extinct during the early 20th century and the present population in Scotland has arisen from a reintroduction programme which commenced on the island of Rhum in 1975. It is still a rare breeding bird which was previously confined to the west coast of Scotland, although a reintroduction programme is now taking place in east Scotland. Date: 7th July 2019 Location: Kuntilampi, near Kuusamo, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308850.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_171763740963ee37d57b847.jpgCoot The Coot is an all black bird with a distinctive white beak and “shield” above the beak from which earns it the title “bald”. Its feet have distinctive lobed flaps of skin on the toes which act instead of webs when swimming. It patters noisily over the water before taking off and can be very aggressive towards other birds. Coot can be found all the year round mainly on freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers and town park lakes. Sometimes they can be seen offshore, especially in winter if freshwater areas are frozen. They breed in areas of fairly shallow standing freshwater with a muddy bottom and plenty of vegetation at the sides, usually in lowland areas. Date: 21st January 2022 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847519.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_62558397759bd522426fef.jpgSlovak Paradise, Slovakia Slovak Paradise (Slovenský raj) is a mountain range in eastern Slovakia. It is a part of the Spiš-Gemer Karst, which in turn is a part of the Slovak Ore Mountains (Slovenské rudohorie), a major subdivision of the Western Carpathians. It is located between the towns of Spišská Nová Ves in the north and Dobšiná in the south. Slovak Paradise is a plain with high plateaus between 2625 feet and 3280 feet. The highest peak is Ondrejisko at 4167 feet. The area is mainly formed of karst limestone and dolomite. The karst plateaus show phenomena such as sinkholes and limestone pavements. Other typical features are canyons, gorges and ravines which form picturesque rocky scenes with waterfalls which were created mainly by the Hnilec and Hornád rivers and their tributaries. 80% of the area is covered with spruce forests. There are more than 200 caves and underground abysses. Among the caves, Dobšinská ľadová jaskyňa (Dobšinská Ice Cave) and Medvedia jaskyňa (Bear Cave) are the best known. Slovak Paradise is protected by Slovak Paradise National Park (Národný park Slovenský raj), one of the 9 national parks in Slovakia. It covers an area of 76.3 square miles with a surrounding buffer zone of 50 square miles. It is situated in the Banská Bystrica region, Prešov region and Košice Region. The highest peak is Predná hoľa at 5069 feet. Slovak Paradise National Park includes 11 National Nature Reserves and 8 Nature Reserves and around 185 miles of hiking trails, often equipped with ladders, chains and bridges. It also contains about 350 caves but only the Dobšinská ľadová jaskyňa (Dobšinská Ice Cave), a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000, is open to the public. The first protected reserve in the area of the Slovak Paradise was founded in 1890. The name Slovenský raj first appeared in 1921 in the "Krásy Slovenska" magazine and replaced many names used until that period. In August 1964 the first Protected Landscape Area in Slovakia was established in Slovak Paradise. The area was redesignated as Slovak Paradise National Park in January 1988. Since 2004, parts of the national park have been included in the Natura 2000 ecological network, the network of nature protection areas within the European Union. The best known tourist centres in Slovak Paradise National Park are Čingov, Podlesok, Dedinky and Kláštorisko. Date: 31st May 2017 Location: Podlesok to Dedinky, Slovak Paradise National Park, Košice region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13797120.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_450010624ee9bc0c3e9bb.jpgBottlenose Dolphin The Bottlenose Dolphin is one of the most well-known species of dolphin. They have a stocky, torpedo-shaped body, a short beak and pointed flippers and are usually dark grey on the back with paler grey flanks and a white or pinkish belly. The sickle-shaped dorsal fin is tall and positioned centrally on the back. Variations in the shape of the dorsal fin along with scars and other markings on the skin can help researchers to identify individuals. The Bottlenose Dolphin is found in coastal waters of most temperate, tropical and subtropical areas. Around the UK, it occurs in the English Channel, in the Moray Firth in north-east Scotland and in Cardigan Bay in Wales. Although lone individuals do occur, Bottle-nosed Dolphins are very sociable animals which usually live in groups numbering between 10 and 100 individuals. They engage in much energetic behaviour, including breaching (clearing the water), lobtailing (slapping the tail flukes down onto the surface of the water) and bow-riding (riding the swell created in front of boats and even large whales). The Bottlenose Dolphin faces a number of threats including human disturbance, entanglement in fishing nets and hunting. Like all cetaceans, they are also vulnerable to chemical and noise pollution. The captivity industry that supplies the world aquarium trade is also a problem. The Bottlenose Dolphin is a UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority species and it is protected in UK waters by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Orders 1985. It is illegal to intentionally kill, injure, or harass any cetacean (whale or dolphin) species in UK waters. The Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans in the Baltic and North Seas (ASCOBANS), has been signed by 7 European Countries including the UK. Provision is made under this agreement to set up protected areas, promote research and monitoring, pollution control and increase public awareness. Under Annex II of the EC Habitats Directive, candidate marine Special Areas of Conservation (SACS) are being set up for this species in Cardigan Bay (Wales) and the Moray Firth (north-east Scotland). Date: 13th April 2009 Location: Moray Firth (from Chanonry Point), Inverness-shire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40648540.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2706529355df9fd7b4d643.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 30th November 2019 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072294.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5518608334bf6d9810d18f.jpgVardø, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway Vardø is a small town located on the island of Vardøya in the Barents Sea just off the coast of the Varanger peninsula in Vardø municipality in Finnmark county in north east Norway. Vardø is the easternmost town in Norway (and in all the Nordic countries) located at 31°E which is east of Saint Petersburg, Kiev, and Istanbul. The eastern part of Finnmark is in the same time zone as the rest of Norway but it is more than an hour at odds with daylight hours. Vardø is connected to the mainland by the undersea Vardø tunnel which is part of European route E75. The port of Vardø, and another port in nearby Svartnes on the mainland, remains ice-free all year round thanks to the effect of the warm North Atlantic drift and the largest industry in the town is fishing and fish processing. Since 1998, Vardø has housed a radar installation called Globus II. Its official purpose is the tracking of space junk but due to the site's proximity to Russia and an alleged connection between the Globus II system and US anti-missile systems, the site has been the basis for heated controversy in diplomatic and intelligence circles. Date: 12th April 2010 Location: view looking north east from towards Vardøya and Vardø, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41349628.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19536740765f2008b8efab2.jpgEmperor Dragonfly Flight period: June to August. The Emperor Dragonfly is the largest UK dragonfly species and apart from its size it can easily be recognized by its bright colouration and highly territorial behaviour as it flies endlessly well above the water’s surface. The Emperor Dragonfly has expanded its range in to northern England in recent years and has now been recorded in Scotland. They can be found around well-vegetated ponds, lakes, large ditches, canals and slow-moving rivers. Date: 25th June 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15454014.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11130488404ff54831af1c2.jpgLarge Psammodromus The Large Psammodromus is a long, slim lizard which has incredible agility and speed. They hatch at around 1 inch long and grow up to 3 inches long excluding the tail. Including the tail, the maximum size can be up to 9 inches long. The Large Psammodromus is usually dark brown on the back and slightly lighter brown below the 2 characteristic light thin lines that run down the top of the flanks. The area near the hind legs and tail can sometimes be more orange. The legs and tail are long and slim, allowing short bursts of high speed. The Large Psammodromus can be found in Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia and its natural habitats are temperate forests, Mediterranean-type shrubby vegetation, sandy shores, arable land, pastureland, plantations and rural gardens. Date: 1st May 2012 Location: La Rocina, Coto Doñana, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo8048496.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11656669024d0d035babd3a.jpgWaxwing The Waxwing is a plump bird which is slightly smaller than a Starling. It is buff or pinkish-brown in colour with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings, a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest. The bird’s name is derived from the red tips to some of the wing feathers which are said to look like they have been dipped in sealing wax. Waxwings breed in the dense forests of northern Europe but they occur in varying numbers in the UK from October to March. In some years they can occur in large numbers (known as irruptions) when the population in the breeding areas gets too big for the food available. The first UK arrivals each winter are usually seen on the east coast from Scotland to East Anglia but birds then move inland in search of food. They can be found in parks and gardens and even busy public places such as supermarket car parks, typically where there are berry-bearing trees and bushes such as rowan, hawthorn, cotoneaster and rose. Waxwings seem fearless of humans so it is relatively easy to get very close views of these stunning birds. Waxwings make an easily recognisable high-pitched trilling sound like a bell. Date: 11th December 2010 Location: Folkestone, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41255204.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16896559245f06f0f6d1e84.jpgArctic Circle, Rovaniemi, Lappi, Finland The Arctic Circle is one of the five major circles of latitude that mark maps of the Earth. In 2012, it is the parallel of latitude that runs 66° 33′ 44″ north of the Equator. The region north of this circle is known as the Arctic and the zone just to the south is called the Northern Temperate Zone. The equivalent polar circle in the Southern Hemisphere is called the Antarctic Circle. The Arctic Circle is the southernmost latitude in the Northern Hemisphere at which the sun can remain continuously above or below the horizon for 24 hours (at the June solstice and December solstice respectively). North of the Arctic Circle, the sun is above the horizon for 24 continuous hours at least once per year (and therefore visible at midnight) and below the horizon for 24 continuous hours at least once per year. The position of the Arctic Circle is not fixed. It directly depends on the Earth's axial tilt, which fluctuates within a margin of 2° over a 40,000-year period, notably due to tidal forces resulting from the orbit of the Moon. Relatively few people live north of the Arctic Circle due to the severe climate. Areas have been settled for thousands of years by indigenous peoples. Tens of thousands of years ago, waves of people migrated from eastern Siberia across the Bering Strait into North America and gradually eastward to settle. Much later, in the historic period, there has been migration into some Arctic areas by Europeans and other immigrants. Rovaniemi, which lies slightly south of the Arctic Circle, has a population of approximately 60,000, and is the largest settlement in the immediate vicinity of the Arctic Circle. It is the administrative capital and commercial centre of Finland's northernmost province, Lapland. It is situated between the hills of Ounasvaara and Korkalovaara at the confluence of the river Kemijoki and its tributary, the Ounasjoki. Date: 27th June 2019 Location: Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453881.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9701718894ff5442ecef08.jpgBlack-winged Stilt The Black-winged Stilt is a widely distributed very long-legged wader. They have long pink-red legs, a long thin black bill and are blackish above and white below with a white head and neck with a varying amount of black. Both in flight and at rest the long pink-red legs are characteristic and even if these are hidden in water of unknown depth, the pure white underparts and jet black upperparts are distinctive. The amount of dark feathering on the otherwise white head doesn't necessarily indicate the sex of a stilt although young birds always have smoky patterning on the head. The Black-winged Stilt can be found in central and southern Europe, central and southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Many birds migrate to south of the Sahara from August to November and return in March and April. However, many of those which breed in Iberia are now increasingly remaining throughout the year. The Black-winged Stilt breeds around shallow wetlands, especially coastal lagoons, saltpans and estuaries. The nest site is a bare spot on the ground near water and birds often nest in small groups, sometimes with Avocets. In Europe, the Black-winged Stilt is a regular spring overshoot vagrant north of its normal range, occasionally remaining to breed in northern European countries including the UK. Date: 24th April 2012 Location: Laguna de Fuente de Piedra, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833588.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1856751570559ced128464e.jpgPygmy Cormorant The Pygmy Cormorant is the smallest member of the cormorant family and is a medium-sized green-glossed black bird with a long tail and short thick bill. Adults have small white feather tufts on the head, neck and underparts in the breeding season. The sexes are similar, but juveniles are duller and browner. The Pygmy Cormorant is distinguished from the Great Cormorant and the Shag by its much smaller size, lighter build and long tail. The Pygmy Cormorant can be found along the east coasts of the Adriatic Sea, the northern Aegean Sea, the Black Sea eastwards to the Caspian Sea and in Iraq. The Pygmy Cormorant breeds in Albania, Greece, Bulgaria, Turkey, Romania, Moldavia, Ukraine, Russia, Azerbaijan and Iraq while a few pairs also breed in Hungary and Slovakia. The biggest colony is located in the Danube Delta in Romania and numbers 4,000 pairs. In Greece the most important colonies are located at Lake Mikri Prespa and Lake Kerkini. The Pygmy Cormorant also formerly bred in the Axios Delta, at Lake Ismarida and Lake Kastoria, in the Evros Delta and at Porto Lagos. The most important wintering areas in Greece are mainly the large wetlands of Thrace and Macedonia. The Pygmy Cormorant can be found in wetlands with still or slowly flowing fresh water and more rarely in coastal wetlands. It builds nests from sticks and reeds in dense vegetation, in trees, shrubs, willows but occasionally in reeds on small floating islets, either alone or with Great Cormorants, Spoonbills and heron and egret species. The Pygmy Cormorant feeds on small fish and rarely on small aquatic mammals and molluscs which are caught by diving. It often hunts in groups and perches in trees between fishing expeditions. The Pygmy Cormorant is a species with habitats strongly affected by human actions. Threats include the drainage and serious degradation of wetlands and their associated woodland, water pollution, disturbance, poaching as well as drowning in fishing nets. Being a great fish consumer and destroyer of fishing nets, it is often persecuted by fishermen. Date: 12th May 2015 Location: Lake Kerkini, Central Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453889.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16284312584ff5447df4058.jpgEuropean Bee-eater The European Bee-eater is an incredibly colourful bird with an unmistakable appearance. In breeding plumage, it has a rich chestnut crown that blends into gold on its back. The forehead is white, the throat is yellow bordered by black and the underparts are blue. The male European Bee-eater has a chestnut-coloured patch in the middle of the wing while in females this patch is usually smaller or even absent. Occasionally, females may also be distinguished from the males by having a green back. The wings and backs of juvenile European Bee-eaters are entirely green and the eyes are brown in contrast to the bright red eyes of adults. The European Bee-eater breeds in southern Europe and in parts of north Africa and western Asia. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, India and Sri Lanka. European Bee-eaters are occasionally seen in northern Europe (including the UK) as a spring overshoot north of its range with occasional breeding occurring. Just as the name suggests, the European Bee-eater predominantly eats insects, especially bees, wasps and hornets which are caught in the air by sorties from an open perch. Before eating its meal, a European Bee-eater removes the sting by repeatedly hitting the insect on a hard surface. Lizards and frogs are also taken. European Bee-eaters are gregarious, nesting colonially in sandy banks preferably near river shores and also feeding and roosting communally. Date: 25th April 2012 Location: road to La Lancha and Embalse del Jándula, Sierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41255252.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5756346735f06f599116b5.jpgSiberian Jay The Siberian Jay is noticeably smaller, slighter and proportionately longer-tailed than the Jay with a much shorter and more pointed bill. It is the smallest and most delicate of the Western Palearctic crows and is rather drab brown-grey with rufous-chestnut near the wing-bend and on under wing coverts, rump and sides of tail which set the bird “on fire” in flight. The Siberian Jay is a widespread and highly sedentary resident in Fennoscandia and Russia with Europe accounting for less than half of its global range. It breeds across the higher latitudes of the Western Palearctic and is predominantly at all seasons a bird of coniferous forest, mainly dense stands of forest unmodified by man rather than open growth. The Siberian Jay contrasts with the Jay in a lack of fear of man, readily attaching itself to human travellers and their living quarters, but this has little effect on choice of habitat since its normal range is largely uninhabited by people. Date: 28th June 2019 Location: Neljan Tuulen Tupa near Kaamanen, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453890.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1911218574ff54484cffa3.jpgSpanish Imperial Eagle The Spanish or Iberian Imperial Eagle is a large eagle with a pale cream head and neck but dark brown feathers elsewhere. There is a distinctive white area on the shoulders and a pale grey area on the upper tail and the species can be recognised by its particularly flat gliding flight. The Spanish Imperial Eagle breeds in central and south west Spain. It previously bred in Portugal, Algeria and Morocco but is now only found there as a vagrant. The Spanish Imperial Eagle can be found in cork oak forests, plains and hills in south west Spain, the flood plains and dunes in the Guadalquivir marshes of southern Spain and on the high mountain slopes in the Sistema Central of central Spain. In the 1960s, with just 30 pairs remaining, conservation efforts succeeded in increasing the population of the Spanish Imperial Eagle by a considerable amount. However, since 1994, the population has declined again to just 160 pairs. There are several causes of this decline: habitat fragmentation due to deforestation for agricultural land and timber has disturbed breeding grounds, intentional poisoning on hunting reserves to reduce natural predators of game species, lead shot poisoning as a result of ingestion of game killed with bullets and electrocution on power cables. Approximately 80% of Spanish Imperial Eagles killed on power lines are female, causing a greater impact on this monogamous species than if equal numbers of males and females were killed. The Spanish Imperial Eagle relies mainly on rabbits as prey and following drops in rabbit abundance due to shooting and disease, food supplies have been limited causing reduced breeding success. The Spanish Imperial Eagle is legally protected in Spain and 62% of the breeding population occurs in 20 protected areas. A European action plan was published in 1996 and national and regional governments have worked to implement a coordinated conservation and reintroduction plan. Date: 25th April 2012 Location: road to La Lancha and Embalse del Jándula, Sierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623000.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18411485766117ce27efe04.jpgChough Whilst its black plumage identifies it as a crow, the Chough has a red bill and legs unlike any other member of the crow family. It readily displays its mastery of flight with wonderful aerial displays of diving and swooping and can be found in flocks in autumn and winter. The Chough has a restricted westerly distribution in the UK and because of its small population size and historically declining populations it is an Amber List species. The best places to see Chough are north and west Wales, Islay in west Scotland and the Isle of Man, although they have also recently recolonised Cornwall. Date: 23rd June 2021 Location: Rhossili, Gower peninsula, Swansea http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50570347.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_88663476965ccc642ea383.jpgWaxwing The Waxwing is a plump bird which is slightly smaller than a Starling. It is buff or pinkish-brown in colour with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings, a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest. The bird’s name is derived from the red tips to some of the wing feathers which are said to look like they have been dipped in sealing wax. Waxwings breed in the dense forests of northern Europe but they occur in varying numbers in the UK from October to March. In some years they can occur in large numbers (known as irruptions) when the population in the breeding areas gets too big for the food available. The first UK arrivals each winter are usually seen on the east coast from Scotland to East Anglia but birds then move inland in search of food. They can be found in parks and gardens and even busy public places such as supermarket car parks, typically where there are berry-bearing trees and bushes such as rowan, hawthorn, cotoneaster and rose. Waxwings seem fearless of humans so it is relatively easy to get very close views of these stunning birds. Waxwings make an easily recognisable high-pitched trilling sound like a bell. Date: 9th January 2024 Location: Colchester, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18776270.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_170044292251f4ceba2a554.jpgCurlew The (Eurasian) Curlew is a wader and one of the most widespread of the curlew species. In Europe, it is usually referred to just as the Curlew. It is mainly greyish-brown with a white back, greyish-blue legs and a very long curved bill. Males and females look identical but the bill is longest in the adult female. The only similar species over most of the Curlew's range is the Whimbrel but this species is smaller and has a shorter bill with a kinked tip rather than a smooth curve. The English name "curlew" is imitative of the Curlew's familiar and loud [i]curloo-oo[/i] call. The Curlew breeds across temperate Europe and Asia and builds a nest in a bare scrape on moors, meadows and similar habitats. It is a migratory species over most of its range and winters in Africa, south Europe and south Asia. It is present all year in the milder climates of the UK and its adjacent European coasts. In the UK, the greatest breeding numbers are found in north Wales, the Pennines, the southern uplands and Highlands of Scotland and on Orkney. In winter, it can be found around the whole UK coastline with the largest concentrations at Morecambe Bay, the Solway Firth and the Wash and the Dee, Severn, Humber and Thames estuaries. The Curlew is highly gregarious outside the breeding season and feeds by probing soft mud for small invertebrates or picking up small crabs and earthworms off the surface if the opportunity arises. The Curlew is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Formerly classified as a species of “Least Concern” by the IUCN, it was suspected to be rarer than generally assumed. Following the evaluation of its population size, the classification was found to be incorrect and it was consequently promoted to “Near Threatened” status in 2008. Though it is a common bird, its numbers are noticeably declining. Date: 19th June 2013 Location: Glen Quaich, Perthshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453894.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15179843984ff544966938e.jpgGriffon Vulture The Griffon Vulture is a typical Old World vulture in appearance with a white bald head, very broad wings and short tail feathers. It has a white neck ruff and yellow bill. The buff body and wing coverts contrast with the dark flight feathers. They are very large birds around 37 to 43 inches long with a 91 to 106 inches wingspan. Like other vultures, the Griffon Vulture is a scavenger, feeding mostly from carcasses of dead animals which it finds by soaring over open areas, often moving in flocks. The population is mostly resident in its breeding range in the mountains of southern Europe, north Africa, and Asia. In Spain, there are tens of thousands of birds from a low of a few thousand around 1980 although the Pyrenees population has apparently been affected by an EU ruling that due to danger of BSE transmission, no carcasses must be left on the fields for the time being. Although the Griffon Vulture does not normally attack larger living prey, there are reports of Spanish Griffon Vultures killing weak, young or unhealthy living animals as they do not find enough carrion to eat. Date: 25th April 2012 Location: road to La Lancha and Embalse del Jándula, Sierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38397309.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3941294175ce127c558efb.jpgBlack Grouse The Black Grouse is a large game bird in the grouse family. The male has all black plumage with distinctive red wattles over the eyes and striking white stripes along each wing in flight. It has a lyre-shaped tail which is fanned out and raised to show white under-tail feathers when displaying. The female is smaller and grey-brown in colour. The Black Grouse is a sedentary species and breeds across northern Eurasia in moorland and bog areas near to mostly boreal woodland. Although it is declining, it is not considered to be vulnerable globally due to the large population and slow rate of decline. Its decline is due to loss of habitat, disturbance, predation by foxes, crows, etc., and small populations gradually dying out. In the UK, the Black Grouse are found in upland areas of Wales, the Pennines and most of Scotland, especially on farmland and moorland with nearby forestry or scattered trees. Habitat loss and overgrazing have resulted in severe population declines which make the Black Grouse a Red List species. Positive habitat management and re-introduction programmes are helping it to increase in some areas. The Black Grouse has a very distinctive and well-recorded courtship. At dawn in the spring, the males strut around in a traditional area (lek) and display whilst making a highly distinctive and bubbling mating call. This photo was taken at a well known roadside lekking site. If visiting, please remain in your car to avoid disturbance to these vulnerable breeding birds. Date: 10th May 2019 Location: World's End, Denbighshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084464.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19256207945d30873d4a6e0.jpgCollared Dove Collared Doves are distinctive birds with their buffy-pink plumage and black neck collar. They are usually seen singly or in pairs, although flocks may form where food is plentiful. They feed on the ground but readily perch on roofs and wires and in trees. The Collared Dove is not migratory but it is strongly dispersive. Over the last century, it has been one of the great colonisers of the bird world. Its original range at the end of the 19th century was warm temperate and subtropical Asia from Turkey east to south China and south through India to Sri Lanka. In 1838 it was reported in Bulgaria but not until the 20th century did it expand across Europe, appearing in parts of the Balkans between 1900 and 1920 and then spreading rapidly north west, reaching Germany in 1945, the UK in 1953, Ireland in 1959 and the Faroe Islands in the early 1970s. Subsequent spread was “sideways” from this fast north west spread reaching north east to north of the Arctic Circle in Norway, east to the Ural Mountains in Russia and south west to the Canary Islands and north Africa from Morocco to Egypt by the end of the 20th century. In the east of its range it has also spread north east to most of central and north China and locally (probably introduced) in Japan. It has also reached Iceland as a vagrant but has not colonised successfully there. Date: 3rd June 2018 Location: Rotbav, Brașov County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23806440.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7733964765512b343c2a7e.jpgPintail Slightly bigger than a Mallard, the Pintail is a long-necked and small-headed duck which flies with a curved back, pointed wings and a long tapering tail. The male's long central tail feathers give rise to the species' English and scientific names. Both sexes have blue-grey bills and grey legs and feet. The male is more striking, having a thin white stripe running from the back of its chocolate-coloured head down its neck to its mostly white underparts. The male also has attractive grey, brown, and black patterning on its back and sides. The female's plumage is more subtle and subdued with drab brown feathers similar to those of other female dabbling ducks. The Pintail can be found all year round but it is primarily a winter visitor with significant populations occurring on coasts, estuaries and other wetlands at sites such as the Dee Estuary, Solway Estuary and Ouse Washes. The winter population arrives in September with numbers peaking in December and the return migration takes place from late February into March. This bird was part of the captive collection at the WWT Wetland Centre. Date: 7th March 2015 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/smew https://images.on-this.website/4752_7334639084f2eafabf2f8b.jpgSmew The Smew is a species of diving duck and is the only living member of the genus [i]Mergellus[/i]. This genus is closely related to [i]Mergus[/i] which is represented in the UK by the Red-breasted Merganser and the Goosander. The male Smew is white with a black mask and a black back and is unmistakable. It is often described as having a “cracked ice” appearance. The female and immature male are grey birds with chestnut foreheads and crowns and they can be confused at a distance with the Ruddy Duck. They are often known as "redheads". The Smew's small bill has a hooked tip and serrated edges which help it catch fish when it dives for them. The Smew can be found on the lakes and rivers of the northern taiga region of Europe and Asia. It usually breeds in May and June and nests in tree holes such as old woodpecker nests. As a migrant, it leaves its breeding areas and winters further south on the sheltered coasts or inland lakes of the Baltic Sea, the Black Sea, north Germany and the Low Countries. The Smew is also a winter visitor to the UK in small numbers where it is mainly found south of a line between the Wash and the River Severn, typically on lakes, reservoirs and gravel pits. Sometimes birds move to the UK from Holland and Denmark to escape freezing weather there. The Smew is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. It is not considered threatened on the IUCN Red List although its population is decreasing. Date: 30th January 2012 Location: Abberton Reservoir, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40648544.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6723376065df9fd87998da.jpgWhooper Swans The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 30th November 2019 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23806362.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_170891400255129624aad5c.jpgSmew The Smew is a species of diving duck and is the only living member of the genus [i]Mergellus[/i]. This genus is closely related to [i]Mergus[/i] which is represented in the UK by the Red-breasted Merganser and the Goosander. The male Smew is white with a black mask and a black back and is unmistakable. It is often described as having a “cracked ice” appearance. The female and immature male are grey birds with chestnut foreheads and crowns and they can be confused at a distance with the Ruddy Duck. They are often known as "redheads". The Smew's small bill has a hooked tip and serrated edges which help it catch fish when it dives for them. The Smew can be found on the lakes and rivers of the northern taiga region of Europe and Asia. It usually breeds in May and June and nests in tree holes such as old woodpecker nests. As a migrant, it leaves its breeding areas and winters further south on the sheltered coasts or inland lakes of the Baltic Sea, the Black Sea, north Germany and the Low Countries. The Smew is also a winter visitor to the UK in small numbers where it is mainly found south of a line between the Wash and the River Severn, typically on lakes, reservoirs and gravel pits. Sometimes birds move to the UK from Holland and Denmark to escape freezing weather there. The Smew is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. It is not considered threatened on the IUCN Red List although its population is decreasing. This bird was part of the captive collection at the WWT Wetland Centre. Date: 7th March 2015 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/red-deer https://images.on-this.website/4752_8459229714e41095611efb.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 24th December 2005 Location: Glen Garry, Inverness-shire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/black-headed-wagtail https://images.on-this.website/4752_424499432559cf422aa542.jpgBlack-headed Wagtail The Western Yellow Wagtail is a small passerine in the wagtail family. The breeding adult male is basically olive above and yellow below. In other plumages, the yellow may be diluted by white. The heads of breeding males come in a variety of colours and patterns depending on the subspecies. The male Black-headed Wagtail has a black cap, white throat and dirty yellowish underparts. The female is similar but duller in colour. The Black-headed Wagtail breeds in the Balkans east to the Caspian Sea, south to Turkey, Iran and Afghanistan and winters in central Africa from Nigeria to Uganda and south Sudan. The Black-headed Wagtail is an insectivorous bird and can be found in open country near water such as wet meadows. Date: 8th May 2015 Location: Evros Delta (west), East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15454016.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15915529284ff5483ee11fa.jpgAzure-winged Magpie The Azure-winged Magpie is a member of the crow family, similar in overall shape to the European Magpie but is more slender with proportionately smaller legs and bill. It has a glossy black top to the head and a white throat. The underparts and the back are a light grey-fawn in colour with the wings and the feathers of the long tail are an azure blue. Azure-winged Magpies occurs in two population groups separated by a huge geographical region between. One population lives in western Europe, specifically the south western part of the Iberian Peninsula in Spain and Portugal. The other population occurs over a much larger region of eastern Asia in most of China, Korea, Japan and north into Mongolia. Azure-winged Magpies inhabit various types of coniferous (mainly pine) and broadleaf forest. They usually nest in loose, open colonies with a single nest in each tree and often find food as a family group or several groups making flocks of up to 70 birds. The largest groups congregate after the breeding season and throughout the winter months. Date: 1st May 2012 Location: El Acebuche, Coto Doñana, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41349664.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12840218595f20109fa9876.jpgComma Flight period: March to October. The Comma was a rarity 100 years ago but is now a common and widespread butterfly in England and Wales and is on the point of recolonising Scotland. They are one of the first butterflies to be seen in spring and can be found in open woodland, woodland edges and gardens. Date: 12th July 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072239.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20179355314bf6d525466bf.jpgSiberian Jay The Siberian Jay is noticeably smaller, slighter and proportionately longer-tailed than the Jay with a much shorter and more pointed bill. It is the smallest and most delicate of the Western Palearctic crows and is rather drab brown-grey with rufous-chestnut near the wing-bend and on under wing coverts, rump and sides of tail which set the bird “on fire” in flight. The Siberian Jay is a widespread and highly sedentary resident in Fennoscandia and Russia with Europe accounting for less than half of its global range. It breeds across the higher latitudes of the Western Palearctic and is predominantly at all seasons a bird of coniferous forest, mainly dense stands of forest unmodified by man rather than open growth. The Siberian Jay contrasts with the Jay in a lack of fear of man, readily attaching itself to human travellers and their living quarters, but this has little effect on choice of habitat since its normal range is largely uninhabited by people. Date: 10th April 2010 Location: Neljan Tuulen Tupa near Kaamanen, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071694.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_41843293664335ef6d7ce.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 4th May 2023 Location: Bwlch Nant yr Arian, Llywernog, Ceredigion http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23806442.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13268178365512b43dab263.jpgLittle Grebe The Little Grebe, also known as the Dabchick, is the smallest member of the grebe family measuring 9 to 11.5 inches in length. The adult is unmistakable in summer, predominantly dark above with its rich, rufous colour neck, cheeks and flanks and bright yellow gape. The rufous is replaced by a dirty brownish grey in non-breeding and juvenile birds. Juveniles have a yellow bill with a small black tip and black and white streaks on the cheeks and sides of the neck. This yellow bill darkens as the juveniles age, eventually turning black as an adult. The Little Grebe can be noisy with a distinctive whinnying trill. The Little Grebe can be found across Europe, much of Asia down to New Guinea and in most of Africa. It breeds in small colonies in freshwater wetlands with muddy bottoms and edges and still or slow-moving water with plenty of emergent vegetation such as lakes, gravel pits, canals and rivers. Most birds move to more open or coastal waters in winter but it is only migratory in those parts of its range where the waters freeze. Like all grebes, the Little Grebe nests at the water's edge since its legs are set very far back and it can not walk well. Usually 4 to 7 eggs are laid. The young leave the nest and can swim soon after hatching but are often carried on the backs of the swimming adults. The Little Grebe is an excellent swimmer and diver and pursues its fish and aquatic invertebrate prey underwater. It uses the vegetation skilfully as a hiding place. Date: 7th March 2015 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39081923.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3350024755d3076ba5a3b5.jpgRed-backed Shrike The Red-backed Shrike is a carnivorous passerine bird and member of the shrike family. The general colour of the male’s upper parts is reddish. It has a grey head and a typical shrike black stripe through the eye. Underparts are tinged pink and the tail has a black and white pattern similar to that of a Wheatear. In the female and young birds the upperparts are brown and vermiculated and the underparts are buff and also vermiculated. The Red-backed Shrike eats large insects, small birds, frogs, rodents and lizards. Like other shrikes it hunts from prominent perches and impales corpses on thorns or barbed wire as a "larder." This practice has earned it the nickname of "butcher bird." The Red-backed Shrike breeds in most of Europe and western Asia and winters in tropical Africa. Once a common migratory visitor to the UK, numbers declined sharply during the 20th century. The bird's last stronghold was in Breckland but by 1988 just a single pair remained, successfully raising young at Santon Downham. The following year for the first time no nests were recorded in the UK but since then sporadic breeding has taken place, mostly in Scotland and Wales, and in September 2010 the RSPB announced that a pair had raised chicks at a secret location on Dartmoor where the bird last bred in 1970. This return to south west England has been an unexpected development and has raised speculation that a warming climate could assist the bird in re-colonising some of its traditional sites, if only in small numbers. Date: 15th May 2018 Location: Palamartsa, Targovishte Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38397325.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9501615855ce127f80fc76.jpgWhinchat The Whinchat is similar in size to its relative the Robin. Both sexes have brownish upperparts mottled darker, a buff throat and breast, a pale buff to whitish belly and a blackish tail with white bases to the outer tail feathers. The male in breeding plumage has blackish face mask almost encircled by a strong white supercilium and malar stripe, a bright orange-buff throat and breast and small white wing patches. The female is duller overall, in particular having browner face mask, pale buffy-brown breast, and a buff supercilium and malar stripe and smaller or no white wing patches. Males in immature and winter plumage and are similar to females. The Whinchat is a fairly common migratory species in Europe and western Asia with birds arriving at their breeding grounds between the end of April and mid May and departing between mid August and mid September. They winter primarily in tropical sub-Saharan Africa with small numbers also in north west Africa. Date: 10th May 2019 Location: Beaumaris to Penmon, Anglesey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41254049.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6568584845f059de0a3bdc.jpgPorvoo Cathedral, Porvoo, Uusimaa, Finland Porvoo Cathedral (Finnish: [I]Porvoon tuomiokirkko[/I]; Swedish: [I]Borgå domkyrka[/I]) is located in the centre of the city of Porvoo. It is a cathedral of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland and the seat of the Diocese of Borgå, Finland's Swedish-speaking diocese (Borgå is the Swedish language form of Porvoo). It is also used for services by the Porvoo Finnish-speaking community which is administratively part of the Diocese of Helsinki. The church first became a cathedral in 1723 when the diocese of Viipuri (Viborg) (now the Diocese of Tampere) moved to Porvoo after Vyborg was ceded to Russia in the Treaty of Nystad. Porvoo Cathedral was originally built of wood in the 13th century but the first stone walls were built between 1410 and 1420. In about 1450, it was expanded 13 feet towards the east and 20 feet towards the south. It has been destroyed by fire numerous times: in 1508 by Danish forces and in 1571, 1590 and 1708 by Russian forces. In May 29 2006, the outer roof collapsed in a fire (deliberate arson) but with the inner ceiling undamaged and the interior intact. It was reopened in July 2008. Date: 26th June 2019 Location: Porvoo Cathedral, Porvoo, Uusimaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23806598.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10243228375512bfbf7b988.jpgRing-necked Parakeet The Ring-necked Parakeet is the UK's only naturalised parrot. It is large, long-tailed and green with a red beak and a pink and black ring around its face and neck. In flight it has pointed wings, a long tail and a steady, direct flight. Ring-necked Parakeets can be seen all year round at a number of locations in south east England, particularly Surrey, Kent and Sussex. They can often be found in flocks sometimes numbering hundreds of birds at roost sites. Parks, orchards and gardens with mature trees to provide nest holes are favoured habitats. In its native India it is found in jungle and around farms and gardens. Date: 7th March 2015 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081380.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_86141305363a7152eb2f62.jpgSnow Bunting Snow Buntings are large buntings with striking “snowy” plumages. Males in summer have all white heads and underparts contrasting with a black mantle and wing tips. Females are a more mottled above. In autumn and winter birds develop a sandy/buff wash to their plumage and males have more mottled upperparts. Snow Buntings breed in far northern Europe and migrate south in winter. They are a very scarce breeding species in the UK and can be found on the highest mountain peaks in Scotland where they nest in rocky crevices. Snow Buntings are best looked for in winter (from late September to early March) where they can sometimes be seen in large flocks on the seashore or on adjacent short rough grassland at coastal sites in Scotland and eastern England. Date: 12th January 2022 Location: Holkham Bay, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42229294.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_237882052603e5f009a1e8.jpgCollared Dove Collared Doves are distinctive birds with their buffy-pink plumage and black neck collar. They are usually seen singly or in pairs, although flocks may form where food is plentiful. They feed on the ground but readily perch on roofs and wires and in trees. The Collared Dove is not migratory but it is strongly dispersive. Over the last century, it has been one of the great colonisers of the bird world. Its original range at the end of the 19th century was warm temperate and subtropical Asia from Turkey east to south China and south through India to Sri Lanka. In 1838 it was reported in Bulgaria but not until the 20th century did it expand across Europe, appearing in parts of the Balkans between 1900 and 1920 and then spreading rapidly north west, reaching Germany in 1945, the UK in 1953, Ireland in 1959 and the Faroe Islands in the early 1970s. Subsequent spread was “sideways” from this fast north west spread reaching north east to north of the Arctic Circle in Norway, east to the Ural Mountains in Russia and south west to the Canary Islands and north Africa from Morocco to Egypt by the end of the 20th century. In the east of its range it has also spread north east to most of central and north China and locally (probably introduced) in Japan. It has also reached Iceland as a vagrant but has not colonised successfully there. Date: 26th February 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41292177.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3584380515f10b8c146684.jpgPasvikdalen, Troms og Finnmark, Norway The Pasvik valley (Norwegian: [i]Pasvikdalen[/i]) is a river valley located in Norway and Russia. The Norwegian side of the valley is situated in Sør-Varanger municipality in Troms og Finnmark and the Russian side is located in the Pechengsky district in Murmansk Oblast. Øvre Pasvik National Park (Norwegian: [i]Øvre Pasvik Nasjonalpark[/i]) is located in the south eastern part of the valley and covers an area of 46 square miles. It is dominated by Siberian-like taiga consisting of old-growth forests of Scots pine, shallow lakes and bogs. Proposals for a national park in Øvre Pasvik were first launched in 1936 but it was not created until February 1970. It originally covered 25 square miles but was expanded in August 2003. Øvre Pasvik National Park is part of the larger Pasvik–Inari Trilateral Park along with the adjacent Øvre Pasvik Landscape Protection Area, the joint Norwegian and Russian Pasvik Nature Reserve and Finland's Vätsäri Wilderness Area. The fauna and flora of the Øvre Pasvik National Park is typical of the Siberian taiga. This includes Brown Bear, Wolverine, Wolf, Lynx and Elk and a very interesting diversity of northern and eastern species of birds which breed on the lakes and rivers and in the forests. The River Pasvikelva runs through the valley (giving it the name) and the river defines part of the border between Norway and Russia. It is the outlet from the large Lake Inari in Finland and flows through Norway and Russia to discharge into the Bøkfjorden (which later flows into the Varangerfjorden and then the Barents Sea) not far from the town of Kirkenes. The river has a watershed of 7106 square miles and is 90 miles long. A series of hydroelectric power stations are situated along its course. Since 1826, the River Pasvikelva has marked parts of the border between Norway and Russia, except from 1920 to 1944 when it was along the border between Norway and Finland. The southern part of the valley is also the location of the Treriksrøysa (Three-Country Cairn), a cairn which marks the tripoint where the borders between Norway, Finland and Russia meet. The site is on a hill called Muotkavaara situated west of the River Pasvikelva. It is the only place where 3 time zones meet: Central European Time, Eastern European Time and Further-Eastern European Time. The tripoint can only be approached by the public from the Norwegian side since both Finland and Russia maintain extensive border zones where public access is prohibited. Date: 30th June 2019 Location: view between Melkefoss and Nyrud, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40399559.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13293866965dc6ad364e7ef.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 18th October 2019 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40399575.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7833333925dc6ade3868a8.jpgWhooper Swans The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 30th September 2019 Location: Loch Suardal, Dunvegan, Skye, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33820961.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11694021125a3d07e6cdf8f.jpgTufted Duck The Tufted Duck is a small diving duck. The adult male is all black except for white flanks and a blue-grey bill. It has an obvious head tuft that gives the species its name. The adult female is brown with paler flanks and is more easily confused with other diving ducks. In particular, some have white around the bill base which resembles the Scaup although the white is never as extensive as in that species. The Tufted Duck breeds widely throughout temperate and northern Eurasia. It occasionally can be found as a winter visitor along both coasts of the United States and Canada. It is migratory in most of its range and winters in the milder south and west of Europe and southern Asia where large flocks form on open water. The Tufted Duck breeds close to marshes and lakes with plenty of vegetation to conceal the nest. It is also found on coastal lagoons and sheltered ponds. The Tufted Duck feeds mainly by diving for molluscs, aquatic insects and aquatic plants. Date: 12th December 2017 Location: Kensington Gardens, London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41205465.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1715082605eb97546337ae.jpgCollared Dove Collared Doves are distinctive birds with their buffy-pink plumage and black neck collar. They are usually seen singly or in pairs, although flocks may form where food is plentiful. They feed on the ground but readily perch on roofs and wires and in trees. The Collared Dove is not migratory but it is strongly dispersive. Over the last century, it has been one of the great colonisers of the bird world. Its original range at the end of the 19th century was warm temperate and subtropical Asia from Turkey east to south China and south through India to Sri Lanka. In 1838 it was reported in Bulgaria but not until the 20th century did it expand across Europe, appearing in parts of the Balkans between 1900 and 1920 and then spreading rapidly north west, reaching Germany in 1945, the UK in 1953, Ireland in 1959 and the Faroe Islands in the early 1970s. Subsequent spread was “sideways” from this fast north west spread reaching north east to north of the Arctic Circle in Norway, east to the Ural Mountains in Russia and south west to the Canary Islands and north Africa from Morocco to Egypt by the end of the 20th century. In the east of its range it has also spread north east to most of central and north China and locally (probably introduced) in Japan. It has also reached Iceland as a vagrant but has not colonised successfully there. Date: 8th May 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23806414.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5151641985512a530e4303.jpgWhite-headed Duck The White-headed Duck is a small stiff-tailed duck. Adult males have a grey and reddish body, a blue bill and a largely white head with a black cap and neck. Adult females have a grey-brown body with a white face and a darker bill, cap and a cheek stripe. The White-headed Duck dives and swims underwater and it is omnivorous with vegetable matter predominating. They are reluctant to fly, preferring to swim for cover. The White-headed Duck breeds in Spain and North Africa with a larger population in western and central Asia. Their breeding habitat is large tracts of open water with dense stands of aquatic plants to provide cover and nesting sites. The White-headed Duck is considered to be endangered due to a large reduction in populations in the last 10 years. Most of this decline is due to habitat loss and hunting but inter-breeding of the Spanish population with the introduced Ruddy Duck is a more recent threat. This has led to the attempted eradication of the American species from western Europe. This bird was part of the captive collection at the WWT London Wetland Centre. Date: 7th March 2015 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23806408.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12305481835512a11685e78.jpgCommon Pochard The Common Pochard is a medium-sized and stocky diving duck. The adult male has a long dark bill with a grey band, a red head and neck, a black breast, red eyes and a grey back. The adult female has a brown head and body and a narrower grey bill band. The triangular head shape is distinctive. The Common Pochard is superficially similar to the closely related Redhead and Canvasback found in north America. The Common Pochard breeds in marshes and on lakes in much of temperate and north Europe and in to Asia. It is migratory and spends the winter in the south and west of Europe. In the UK, the Common Pochard breeds in east England and lowland Scotland plus in small numbers in Northern Ireland. Large numbers from Russia and Scandinavia winter in the UK on lakes, reservoirs and gravel pits, often mixing with other diving ducks such as the Tufted Duck. In a number of countries, the Common Pochard is decreasing mainly due to habitat loss and hunting. It is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. The Common Pochard feeds mainly by diving or dabbling for aquatic plants, molluscs, aquatic insects and small fish. Date: 7th March 2015 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/nuuksio-national-park-uusimaa-finlan https://images.on-this.website/4752_138014102058107f14bbf76.jpgNuuksio National Park, Uusimaa, Finland Nuuksio National Park was established in 1994 and covers an area of 20 square miles of forests and lakes around Espoo, Kirkkonummi and Vihti. About 20 miles north west of Helsinki, it is the second closest National Park to the capital after Sipoonkorpi National Park. The [url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siberian_flying_squirrel]Siberian Flying Squirrel[/url] is the emblem of the Nuuksio National Park due to the density of its population. Date: 30th May 2016 Location: Kattila, Nuuksio National Park, Uusimaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15454020.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11754521324ff54856df1cc.jpgWhite Stork The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 1st May 2012 Location: El Acebuche, Coto Doñana, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14160864.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1695060564f3e26dd5790d.jpgHeath Fritillary Flight period: June to July. The Heath Fritillary is at the north west extreme of its range in the southern UK and its numbers have greatly reduced this century due to changes in woodland management. It is now one of our rarest and most localised butterflies and can only be found at a few sites in Essex and Kent and in south west England. In Essex and Kent, they can be found in coppiced woodland with acid soils where Common Cow Wheat, the preferred foodplant, is available. On Exmoor they favour sheltered combes (valleys) and in Devon and Cornwall abandoned hay meadows are preferred. Detailed study has determined the Heath Fritillary’s precise habitat requirements and its future in the UK depends on deliberate conservation and habitat management. Date: 1st June 2007 Location: Undisclosed site, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33568440.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_550737535a106b85d870b.jpgWhite-tailed Eagles The White-tailed Eagle is a very large bird with a 72 to 96 inch wingspan and is the fourth largest eagle in the world. It has broad "barn door" wings, a large head and a thick "meat-cleaver" beak. The adult is mainly brown except for the paler head and neck, blackish flight feathers, distinctive white tail, and yellow bill and legs. In juvenile birds the tail and bill are darker, with the tail becoming white with a dark terminal band in sub-adults. The White-tailed Eagle breeds in northern Europe and northern Asia. The largest population in Europe is found along the coast of Norway. In the UK it became extinct during the early 20th century and the present population in Scotland has arisen from a reintroduction programme which commenced on the island of Rhum in 1975. It is still a rare breeding bird which was previously confined to the west coast of Scotland, although a reintroduction programme is now taking place in east Scotland. Date: 6th November 2017 Location: Killiechronan, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23806441.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3912622445512b3c7b5ae1.jpgPintail Slightly bigger than a Mallard, the Pintail is a long-necked and small-headed duck which flies with a curved back, pointed wings and a long tapering tail. The male's long central tail feathers give rise to the species' English and scientific names. Both sexes have blue-grey bills and grey legs and feet. The male is more striking, having a thin white stripe running from the back of its chocolate-coloured head down its neck to its mostly white underparts. The male also has attractive grey, brown, and black patterning on its back and sides. The female's plumage is more subtle and subdued with drab brown feathers similar to those of other female dabbling ducks. The Pintail can be found all year round but it is primarily a winter visitor with significant populations occurring on coasts, estuaries and other wetlands at sites such as the Dee Estuary, Solway Estuary and Ouse Washes. The winter population arrives in September with numbers peaking in December and the return migration takes place from late February into March. This bird was part of the captive collection at the WWT Wetland Centre. Date: 7th March 2015 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40952800.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21335122545e53928202508.jpgWexford Wildfowl Nature Reserve, Co. Wexford, Ireland Wexford Wildfowl Reserve is located on flat farmland on the North Slob which was walled off from Wexford Harbour and reclaimed from the sea in the 1840s partly as a famine relief project. Wet grassland and tillage, along with a brackish water drainage channel and reedbeds, form the main habitats which collectively make for an internationally important wetland and one of Ireland’s finest bird sites. Much of the area lies below sea level. Wexford Wildfowl Reserve is jointly owned and managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service and BirdWatch Ireland. First established in 1969 the reserve covers about 200 hectares, around 25% of the North Slob. Today, Wexford Wildfowl Reserve is part of the larger Wexford Slobs and Harbour Special Protected Area (SPA), a designated Ramsar Site, part of a Special Protection Area (SPA), a proposed National Heritage Area (NHA) and a National Nature Reserve. It is included within the EU network of nature protected areas called Natura 2000, the aim of which is to secure the long-term survival of Europe’s most threatened and vulnerable species and habitats. Wexford Wildfowl Reserve is renowned for the wide diversity and density of its birdlife. Over 250 species of birds have been recorded, many of them winter migrants from Greenland and Arctic Canada or from Scandinavia and Arctic Russia. Greater (Greenland) White-fronted Geese are the most numerous and important goose species and it is for them that Wexford Wildfowl Reserve was established. They breed on the western lowlands of Greenland during the summer and winter in Ireland and Scotland from October to early April. The North Slob holds about 8500 or 45% of the current world population of Greater (Greenland) White-fronted Goose during these months. The Greater (Greenland) White-fronted Geese are joined by wintering Bewick’s and Whooper Swans as well as Pale-bellied Brent Geese and a variety of other ducks and waders. The birds and other wildlife on the Reserve can be watched from an observation tower and 3 other hides and there is a Visitor Centre providing an exhibition and other information. Date: 30th January 2020 Location: Wexford Wildfowl Nature Reserve, Co. Wexford, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871584.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4684224164eff1eb99149d.jpgReindeer The Reindeer, also known as the Caribou in North America, is a deer from the Arctic and sub Arctic, including both resident and migratory populations. Whilst it is overall widespread and numerous, some of its subspecies are rare or already extinct. The Reindeer is a widespread and numerous species in the northern Holarctic, being present in tundra (frozen arctic plain with lichens, mosses and dwarfed vegetation) and taiga (marshy pine forest) regions. Originally, the Reindeer was found in Scandinavia, eastern Europe, Russia, Mongolia, and northern China. In North America, it was found in Canada, Alaska and the northern USA from Washington to Maine. It also occurred naturally on Sakhalin, Greenland, and probably even in historical times in Ireland. Today, wild Reindeer have disappeared from many areas within this large historical range, especially from the southern parts where it has vanished almost everywhere. Large populations of wild Reindeer are still found in Norway, Finland, Siberia, Greenland, Alaska, and Canada. Wild Reindeer hunting and herding of semi-domesticated Reindeer (for meat, hides, antlers, milk and transportation) are important to several Arctic and Subarctic people. Domesticated Reindeer are mostly found in northern Fennoscandia and Russia with a herd of approximately 150-170 Reindeer also living around the Cairngorms region in Scotland. Reindeer vary considerably in colour and size. Both sexes grow antlers, though they are typically larger in males. Even far outside its range, the Reindeer is well known due to the myth, probably originating in early 19th century America, in which Santa Claus's sleigh is pulled by flying Reindeer, a popular element of Christmas. Date: 25th May 2009 Location: east of Sodankylä, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9591246.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19821601924db17517204ec.jpgCommon Pochard The Common Pochard is a medium-sized and stocky diving duck. The adult male has a long dark bill with a grey band, a red head and neck, a black breast, red eyes and a grey back. The adult female has a brown head and body and a narrower grey bill band. The triangular head shape is distinctive. The Common Pochard is superficially similar to the closely related Redhead and Canvasback found in north America. The Common Pochard breeds in marshes and on lakes in much of temperate and north Europe and in to Asia. It is migratory and spends the winter in the south and west of Europe. In the UK, the Common Pochard breeds in east England and lowland Scotland plus in small numbers in Northern Ireland. Large numbers from Russia and Scandinavia winter in the UK on lakes, reservoirs and gravel pits, often mixing with other diving ducks such as the Tufted Duck. In a number of countries, the Common Pochard is decreasing mainly due to habitat loss and hunting. It is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. The Common Pochard feeds mainly by diving or dabbling for aquatic plants, molluscs, aquatic insects and small fish. Date: 6th January 2008 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19905544.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_81612471052908a06b1f45.jpgCurlew Sandpiper The Curlew Sandpiper is a small wader which is slightly larger than the Dunlin but differing from the Dunlin in having a longer down-curved bill, longer neck and legs and a white rump. The breeding adult has patterned dark grey upperparts and brick-red underparts. In winter, it is pale grey above and white below and shows an obvious white supercilium. Juveniles have a grey and brown back, a white belly and a peach-coloured breast. Of all shorebird species, the Curlew Sandpiper has the smallest breeding range in relation to its non-breeding range. After breeding on the tundra of Arctic Siberia, these birds migrate south to Africa, Australasia or India. This Curlew Sandpiper is highly gregarious and will form flocks with other calidrid waders, particularly Dunlin. Despite its easterly breeding range, the Curlew Sandpiper is a regular passage migrant to coastal marshes in western Europe, including the UK. Date: 30th September 2013 Location: Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/little-auk https://images.on-this.website/4752_17486022604dae9fae06a0c.jpgLittle Auk The Little Auk is a very small seabird about the size of a Starling. It is black above and white below and in flight it shows dark underwings. It has a black stubby bill and a short neck and tail. It flies with very fast whirring wingbeats low over the sea. Little Auks breed on Arctic islands on boulder scree and sea cliffs and winter in the north Atlantic. Storms in late autumn can drive large numbers of Little Auks into the North Sea and they may be seen from seawatching points along the coast of eastern Scotland and England in late October and early November. Occasionally a few birds will be blown inland and can be seen on gravel pits and reservoirs. Wintering birds can be seen off the northern coast of the UK. Date: 12/11/06 Location: Snettisham, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623089.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6507931356117d761cda77.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072232.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21395934024bf6d4ef84aa5.jpgPine Grosbeak The Pine Grosbeak is a large member of the finch family. Adults have a long forked black tail, black wings with white wing bars and a large bill. Adult males have a rose-red head, back and rump. Adult females are olive-yellow on the head and rump and grey on the back and underparts. Young birds have a less contrasting plumage overall, appearing shaggy when they moult their colored head plumage. The Pine Grosbeak is a permanent resident through most of its range and can be found in coniferous woods in subarctic Fennoscandia and Siberia and across Alaska, the western mountains of the United States and Canada. In the extreme north or when food sources are scarce, they may migrate further south. It is a very rare vagrant to temperate Europe. The Pine Grosbeak forages in trees and bushes. It mainly eats seeds, buds, berries and insects. Outside of the nesting season, it often feeds in flocks. Date: 10th April 2010 Location: Neljan Tuulen Tupa near Kaamanen, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13683318.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1658403864ed72dc9408b3.jpgHedgehog The Hedgehog is unmistakeable being the only spiny British mammal. The yellow-tipped 2cm spines on a grey/brown back and sides are perhaps the best known features of the Hedgehog which has relatively long legs and a short tail together with small eyes and ears. The Hedgehog is common in parks, gardens and farmland throughout mainland UK. It has also been introduced to many islands including Orkney, Shetland, Isle of Man and some of the Channel Islands. Hedgehogs prefer woodland edges, hedgerows and suburban habitats where there is plenty of food for them. Intensively farmed arable land is probably a poor habitat as are moorlands and dense conifer forests. Hedgehogs survive well in gardens, particularly assisted by food put out for them as modern tidy gardens may not otherwise provide sufficient food. The Hedgehog is generally nocturnal travelling around a mile each night feeding on a diet of beetles, worms, caterpillars, slugs and almost anything they can catch. They can also take the eggs and chicks of ground-nesting birds although rarely in large numbers. The Hedgehog‘s hibernation usually begins about November and ends around Easter but it is much affected by the weather. They normally wake up several times over winter and often build a new nest. In the spring they commonly spend a few days active and then enter hibernation again during any cold snap. The winter nest or hibernaculum is made of leaves, tucked under a bush or log pile or garden shed or anywhere that offers support and protection. The Hedgehog can live up to 10 years but this is exceptional. Over half die within their first year and average life expectancy is 2 to 3 years in the wild. Hedgehogs may become locally scarce or even disappear but nationwide extinction is unlikely. Nevertheless, the Hedgehog appears to be in decline although the total population is unknown. The biggest threat to the Hedgehog is probably habitat loss with the change from pastoral farming to arable crops over the last 30 years. The use of chemicals in gardens and for intensive farming kills the creatures hedgehogs need for food and may also poison them directly. Many are also killed on the roads. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23806458.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5209909105512b7314ca18.jpgWhite-headed Duck The White-headed Duck is a small stiff-tailed duck. Adult males have a grey and reddish body, a blue bill and a largely white head with a black cap and neck. Adult females have a grey-brown body with a white face and a darker bill, cap and a cheek stripe. The White-headed Duck dives and swims underwater and it is omnivorous with vegetable matter predominating. They are reluctant to fly, preferring to swim for cover. The White-headed Duck breeds in Spain and North Africa with a larger population in western and central Asia. Their breeding habitat is large tracts of open water with dense stands of aquatic plants to provide cover and nesting sites. The White-headed Duck is considered to be endangered due to a large reduction in populations in the last 10 years. Most of this decline is due to habitat loss and hunting but inter-breeding of the Spanish population with the introduced Ruddy Duck is a more recent threat. This has led to the attempted eradication of the American species from western Europe. This bird was part of the captive collection at the WWT London Wetland Centre. Date: 7th March 2015 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871587.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10006549554eff1ecb3a6f6.jpgReindeer The Reindeer, also known as the Caribou in North America, is a deer from the Arctic and sub Arctic, including both resident and migratory populations. Whilst it is overall widespread and numerous, some of its subspecies are rare or already extinct. The Reindeer is a widespread and numerous species in the northern Holarctic, being present in tundra (frozen arctic plain with lichens, mosses and dwarfed vegetation) and taiga (marshy pine forest) regions. Originally, the Reindeer was found in Scandinavia, eastern Europe, Russia, Mongolia, and northern China. In North America, it was found in Canada, Alaska and the northern USA from Washington to Maine. It also occurred naturally on Sakhalin, Greenland, and probably even in historical times in Ireland. Today, wild Reindeer have disappeared from many areas within this large historical range, especially from the southern parts where it has vanished almost everywhere. Large populations of wild Reindeer are still found in Norway, Finland, Siberia, Greenland, Alaska, and Canada. Wild Reindeer hunting and herding of semi-domesticated Reindeer (for meat, hides, antlers, milk and transportation) are important to several Arctic and Subarctic people. Domesticated Reindeer are mostly found in northern Fennoscandia and Russia with a herd of approximately 150-170 Reindeer also living around the Cairngorms region in Scotland. Reindeer vary considerably in colour and size. Both sexes grow antlers, though they are typically larger in males. Even far outside its range, the Reindeer is well known due to the myth, probably originating in early 19th century America, in which Santa Claus's sleigh is pulled by flying Reindeer, a popular element of Christmas. Date: 25th May 2009 Location: east of Sodankylä, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19507370.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_126608577152528aa4c85b5.jpgSierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain This Natural Park (Parque Natural) includes a large sector of the central Sierra Morena, the east-west line of mountains which divides Andalucia from the rest of Spain. The Sierra de Andújar stretches for 45 miles with a highest point of 4230 feet and it is densely wooded boasting one of Andalucia's best preserved expanses of Mediterranean woodland and scrubland. The Sierra de Andújar is one of two of Spain's last refuges for the elusive and highly endangered Iberian Lynx. Date: 5th September 2013 Location: view from road along River Andújar to Jándula Dam, Sierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871669.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9089130534eff20669ef55.jpgRed-necked Phalarope The Red-necked Phalarope is a small wader with lobed toes to assist swimming and a straight, fine bill. The breeding female is predominantly dark grey above with a chestnut neck and upper breast, black face and white throat. The breeding male is a duller version of the female. In winter, the plumage is essentially grey above and white below but the black eyepatch is always present. When feeding, a Red-necked Phalarope will often swim in a small, rapid circle, forming a small whirlpool. This behaviour is thought to aid feeding by raising food from the bottom of shallow water. The bird will reach into the centre of the vortex with its bill, plucking small insects or crustaceans caught up therein. On the open ocean, they are often found where converging currents produce upwellings. The Red-necked Phalarope breeds in the Arctic regions of north America and Eurasia. It is migratory and, unusually for a wader, it winters at sea on tropical oceans. Date: 28th May 2009 Location: Vadsøya, Varanger peninsula, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41292151.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17169275055f10adf67964c.jpgKing Oscar II Chapel, Grense Jakobselv, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Grense Jakobselv is a small village located in Sør-Varanger municipality in Troms og Finnmark in Norway about 35 miles by road east of the town of Kirkenes. It is situated on the shore of the Barents Sea at the mouth of the River Jakobselva. The River Jakobselva forms the border between Norway and Russia. There is a small post of the garrison of Sør-Varanger of the Norwegian Army here from where soldiers patrol the border. However, there is no public border crossing. In Grense Jakobselv there is a stone chapel built in 1869 known as King Oscar II Chapel. The chapel was built in a long church style in 1869 by the architect Jacob Wilhelm Nordan and was designed to reinforce Norway's territorial claim to the area. It was named after King Oscar II of Sweden and Norway at a visit he made in 1873. Date: 28th June 2019 Location: King Oscar II Chapel, Grense Jakobselv, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11947724.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7064934684e40fddee4429.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 21st October 2007 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26029312.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1340765901563757d1181b8.jpgBlack-tailed Godwits The Black-tailed Godwit is a large, long-legged, long-billed shorebird with an orange head, neck and chest in its breeding plumage and a uniform brown-grey breast and upperparts in winter. During the breeding season, the bill has a yellowish or orange-pink base and dark tip but the base is pink in winter. The legs are dark grey, brown or black. The sexes are similar but in breeding plumage they can be separated by the male's brighter, more extensive orange breast, neck and head. In flight, the bold black and white wingbar and white rump can be seen readily. When on the ground the Black-tailed Godwit can be difficult to separate from the similar Bar-tailed Godwit but the Black-tailed Godwit's longer, straighter bill and longer legs are diagnostic. The Black-tailed Godwit’s breeding range stretches from Iceland through northern Europe and areas of central Asia where it can be found in fens, lake edges, damp meadows, moorlands and bogs. It winters in areas as diverse as the Indian Subcontinent, Australia, western Europe and west Africa where it can be found on estuaries and floods. It is also more likely to be found inland and on freshwater than the Bar-tailed Godwit. Date: 2nd June 2015 Location: Svarfaðardalur, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48309169.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_57992789363ee456aa80c7.jpgCoot The Coot is an all black bird with a distinctive white beak and “shield” above the beak from which earns it the title “bald”. Its feet have distinctive lobed flaps of skin on the toes which act instead of webs when swimming. It patters noisily over the water before taking off and can be very aggressive towards other birds. Coot can be found all the year round mainly on freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers and town park lakes. Sometimes they can be seen offshore, especially in winter if freshwater areas are frozen. They breed in areas of fairly shallow standing freshwater with a muddy bottom and plenty of vegetation at the sides, usually in lowland areas. Date: 6th February 2022 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871578.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5234105004eff1e96e643b.jpgReindeer The Reindeer, also known as the Caribou in North America, is a deer from the Arctic and sub Arctic, including both resident and migratory populations. Whilst it is overall widespread and numerous, some of its subspecies are rare or already extinct. The Reindeer is a widespread and numerous species in the northern Holarctic, being present in tundra (frozen arctic plain with lichens, mosses and dwarfed vegetation) and taiga (marshy pine forest) regions. Originally, the Reindeer was found in Scandinavia, eastern Europe, Russia, Mongolia, and northern China. In North America, it was found in Canada, Alaska and the northern USA from Washington to Maine. It also occurred naturally on Sakhalin, Greenland, and probably even in historical times in Ireland. Today, wild Reindeer have disappeared from many areas within this large historical range, especially from the southern parts where it has vanished almost everywhere. Large populations of wild Reindeer are still found in Norway, Finland, Siberia, Greenland, Alaska, and Canada. Wild Reindeer hunting and herding of semi-domesticated Reindeer (for meat, hides, antlers, milk and transportation) are important to several Arctic and Subarctic people. Domesticated Reindeer are mostly found in northern Fennoscandia and Russia with a herd of approximately 150-170 Reindeer also living around the Cairngorms region in Scotland. Reindeer vary considerably in colour and size. Both sexes grow antlers, though they are typically larger in males. Even far outside its range, the Reindeer is well known due to the myth, probably originating in early 19th century America, in which Santa Claus's sleigh is pulled by flying Reindeer, a popular element of Christmas. Date: 25th May 2009 Location: east of Sodankylä, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26028899.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_196542422556375586d81eb.jpgWhooper Swans The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 2nd June 2015 Location: Svarfaðardalur, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874841.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1386712172561ccf8736d7a.jpgHaukadalur, south Iceland The Haukadalur geothermal area is located in south west Iceland to the north east of the Reykjanes peninsula and Reykjavík. Here can be seen some of the most famous sights of Iceland: the geysers and other geothermal features which have developed on the Laugarfjall rhyolitic dome. The biggest geysers of Haukadalur are Strokkur and Geysir. There are also more than 40 other hot springs, mud pots and fumaroles nearby. The oldest accounts of hot springs at Haukadalur date back to 1294 when earthquakes in the area caused significant changes in the local neighbouring landscape creating several new hot springs. Changes in the activity of Geysir and the surrounding geysers are still strongly related to earthquake activity. Strokkur is a fountain geyser and is one of Iceland's most famous geysers. It is very dependable and erupts about every 5 to 10 minutes with boiling water reaching a height of 50 to 65 feet and sometimes up to 130 feet. Geysir, sometimes known as The Great Geysir, was the first geyser described in a printed source in the 18th century and the first known to modern Europeans. Since unusual natural phenomena were of high interest to society during the Age of Enlightenment, the term became popular and has been used for similar hydrothermal features worldwide since then. The English word geyser derives from Geysir whilst Geysir itself is derived from the Icelandic verb <i>geysa</i> ("to gush"). Eruptions at Geysir can hurl boiling water up to 230 feet in the air but eruptions are now very infrequent and have in the past stopped altogether for years at a time. The Haukadalur geothermal area, usually referred to as Geysir, is popular with tourists and, together with the magnificent waterfall at Gulfoss and Þingvellir, it is part of a group of the most famous sights of Iceland known as the "Golden Circle". Date: 7th June 2015 Location: geothermal spring at Haukadalur http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41424275.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8106672525f2aa9495c7cd.jpgHamingberg, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway The Varanger peninsula is situated in Troms og Finnmark in the extreme north east of Norway. With an area of 800 square miles, it is the largest area within the Arctic climate zone in mainland Norway and is bordered by Tanafjord to the west, Varangerfjord to the south and the Barents Sea to the north and east. The area has a rugged mountain terrain with altitudes up to 2077 feet and it has an Arctic tundra climate. The coast of the Varanger peninsula is an important area for breeding, migrating and wintering birds, especially some notable Arctic species. The Norwegian Directorate for Nature Management has a project on the Varanger peninsula to reintroduce and protect the Arctic Fox which is critically endangered on the Norwegian mainland. The Varangerhalvøya National Park (Norwegian: [I]Varangerhalvøya Nasjonalpark[/I]) lies to the west of road Fv341 and protects a majority of the land on the Varanger peninsula. The eastern part of the Varanger peninsula can be accessed from Vardø, via Svartnes, to Hamningberg. Hamningberg is an abandoned fishing village situated on the Varanger peninsula and on the shores of the Barents Sea. It’s only road connection is via the narrow and winding road Fv341 which runs for about 25 miles north from Svartnes. This is a very scenic road which follows the shores of the Barents Sea. It is considered to be one of the wildest and most memorable drives in Norway and passes through a bare and barren but awe-inspiring Arctic landscape. The road is closed during the winter months from October to late May. Traditionally a fishing village, Hamningberg is one of very few places in Troms og Finnmark that was not burnt and destroyed under Operation Nordlicht in 1944 and 1945, the German “scorched earth” retreat from Finnmark. It was depopulated and abandoned in 1964 although some of the houses are still in use as summer cottages. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hamningberg, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19507492.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_116105579352528bf9386da.jpgTurtle Dove The Turtle Dove is smaller and slighter in build than many other doves and can be recognised by its distinctively mottled chestnut/cinnamon and black upperparts and the black-and-white-striped patch on the side of its neck. The tail is notable as the bird flies, being wedge shaped with a dark centre and white borders and tips. The Turtle Dove is a bird of open country rather than dense woodlands and frequently feeds on the ground. It is usually extremely timid, probably due to the heavy hunting pressure it faces during migration. The Turtle Dove is one of the latest migrants and rarely appears in northern Europe before the end of April, returning south again to south Africa in September. The arrival in spring is heralded by its purring song, a rather deep, vibrating “turrr, turrr”, from which the bird's name is derived. The Turtle Dove has suffered a substantial population decline in recent years. This is partly because changed farming practices mean that the weed seeds and shoots on which it feeds are more scarce and partly due to the shooting of birds in Mediterranean countries during their migration. Date: 9th September 2013 Location: La Janda, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48482970.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2005283810640a3df7d5b57.jpgSnow Bunting Snow Buntings are large buntings with striking “snowy” plumages. Males in summer have all white heads and underparts contrasting with a black mantle and wing tips. Females are a more mottled above. In autumn and winter birds develop a sandy/buff wash to their plumage and males have more mottled upperparts. Snow Buntings breed in far northern Europe and migrate south in winter. They are a very scarce breeding species in the UK and can be found on the highest mountain peaks in Scotland where they nest in rocky crevices. Snow Buntings are best looked for in winter (from late September to early March) where they can sometimes be seen in large flocks on the seashore or on adjacent short rough grassland at coastal sites in Scotland and eastern England. Date: 31st January 2023 Location: Cley-next-the-Sea, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/boldogki-vr-boldogkvralja-borsod-abaj https://images.on-this.website/4752_169007475159ae70127d5713.88530507.jpgBoldogkői vár, Boldogkőváralja, Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén county, Hungary Boldogkőváralja is a small village located in the Zemplén Mountains in north east Hungary. The main attraction is Boldogkői vár, a castle built in the mid 13th century on a rocky outcrop called Bodókő. The Zemplén Mountains lie to the north of the towns of Szerencs and Tokaj in north east Hungary. They are an upland area of volcanic origin forming part of the Carpathian Mountains. The highest peak is Nagy-Milic at 2933 feet which is situated near the northernmost point of Hungary on the border with Slovakia. The Zemplén Mountains are surrounded by the flood plains of the Bodrog and Hernád rivers and are primarily covered in oak, beech, birch, ash and alder forest with conifer forest at higher levels. Orchards, vineyards and pastures occur in the valleys and on lower slopes. The 110 square miles comprising the majority of the Zemplén Mountains became the Zemplén Protected Landscape Area in 1984. The steep peaks of the Zemplén Mountains form the bases for many medieval stone castles. Date: 23rd May 2017 Location: Boldogkőváralja, Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19507550.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_87465726752528c88e0c51.jpgLos Alcornocales, Andalucia, Spain Los Alcornocales Natural Park (Parque Natural Los Alcornocales) is a natural park covering 167,767 hectares located in the the provinces of Cádiz and Málaga in Andalucia. "Los Alcornocales" means "the cork oak groves" and the Natural Park is named after its handsome and beautifully kept cork tree groves, the largest in the Iberian peninsula and one of the most important ones in the world. It is the best example of what the densely wooded, primeval Iberian forests may have been like. Nearly all of the uninhabited land in the Natural Park is covered by Mediterranean native forest. While some of the land has been cleared for cattle ranches, much of the human activity in the park is devoted to exploitation of the forest's resources: hunting wild game, collecting wild mushrooms and foraging for good specimens of tree heath. The tree heath is a small evergreen shrub which is the source of the reddish briar-root wood used in making tobacco pipes and its wood is also an excellent raw material for making charcoal. Above all, however, the Natural Park’s forests are exploited for the production of cork oak. Harvesting cork from a given tree can be undertaken every 10 to 12 years without damaging the tree and the cork has many commercial uses including wine-bottle stoppers, bulletin boards, coasters, insulation, sealing material for jar lids, flooring, gaskets for engines, fishing bobbers, handles for fishing rods and tennis rackets, etc. The Natural Park is easily accessible via road between Ubrique in the north east and Alcalá de los Gazules in the west, between Algar in the north and Jimena de la Frontera in the east and between Alcalá de los Gazules to Algeciras in the south. There are also many minor roads and forest tracks criss-crossing the park. Date: 10th September 2013 Location: view from Puerto de Galis between Jimena de la Frontera and Alcalá de los Gazules, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871588.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10483329344eff1ed0d9071.jpgReindeer The Reindeer, also known as the Caribou in North America, is a deer from the Arctic and sub Arctic, including both resident and migratory populations. Whilst it is overall widespread and numerous, some of its subspecies are rare or already extinct. The Reindeer is a widespread and numerous species in the northern Holarctic, being present in tundra (frozen arctic plain with lichens, mosses and dwarfed vegetation) and taiga (marshy pine forest) regions. Originally, the Reindeer was found in Scandinavia, eastern Europe, Russia, Mongolia, and northern China. In North America, it was found in Canada, Alaska and the northern USA from Washington to Maine. It also occurred naturally on Sakhalin, Greenland, and probably even in historical times in Ireland. Today, wild Reindeer have disappeared from many areas within this large historical range, especially from the southern parts where it has vanished almost everywhere. Large populations of wild Reindeer are still found in Norway, Finland, Siberia, Greenland, Alaska, and Canada. Wild Reindeer hunting and herding of semi-domesticated Reindeer (for meat, hides, antlers, milk and transportation) are important to several Arctic and Subarctic people. Domesticated Reindeer are mostly found in northern Fennoscandia and Russia with a herd of approximately 150-170 Reindeer also living around the Cairngorms region in Scotland. Reindeer vary considerably in colour and size. Both sexes grow antlers, though they are typically larger in males. Even far outside its range, the Reindeer is well known due to the myth, probably originating in early 19th century America, in which Santa Claus's sleigh is pulled by flying Reindeer, a popular element of Christmas. Date: 25th May 2009 Location: east of Sodankylä, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo34209773.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6422022615a99792251a31.jpgSpotted Sandpiper The Spotted Sandpiper is a small wader. The adult has brown upperparts, white underparts with black spots, short yellowish legs and an orange bill with a dark tip. Non-breeding birds (as in this photo) do not have the spotted underparts and are very similar to the Common Sandpiper of Eurasia. The main difference is the shorter tail, more washed out wing pattern visible in flight and the normally light yellow legs and feet of the Spotted Sandpiper. The Spotted Sandpiper is often solitary and walks with a distinctive teeter, bobbing its tail up and down constantly. When foraging it walks quickly, crouching low, occasionally darting toward prey, all the while bobbing its tail. In flight, the Spotted Sandpipers has quick, snappy wingbeats interspersed with glides, keeping its wings below horizontal. The Spotted Sandpiper is common and widespread across most of Canada and the USA where it breeds almost anywhere near water i.e. along streams, rivers, ponds, lakes and beaches, particularly on rocky shores. It migrates to winter in southern USA and South America and it is a very rare vagrant to western Europe. The Spotted Sandpiper forages on the ground picking up food such as insects, crustaceans and other invertebrates by sight. It may also catch insects in flight and pick up earthworms, small crabs and crayfish, small fish and bits of carrion. This bird was first reported at the Slalom Course/River Trent confluence at Holme Pierrepoint Country Park in mid-January 2018 and remained on site for most of February 2018. Date: 24th February 2018 Location: Holme Pierrepoint Country Park, Nottinghamshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19507376.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_177107632752528abe5ec35.jpgGriffon Vultures The Griffon Vulture is a typical Old World vulture in appearance with a white bald head, very broad wings and short tail feathers. It has a white neck ruff and yellow bill. The buff body and wing coverts contrast with the dark flight feathers. They are very large birds around 37 to 43 inches long with a 91 to 106 inches wingspan. Like other vultures, the Griffon Vulture is a scavenger, feeding mostly from carcasses of dead animals which it finds by soaring over open areas, often moving in flocks. The population is mostly resident in its breeding range in the mountains of southern Europe, north Africa, and Asia. In Spain, there are tens of thousands of birds from a low of a few thousand around 1980 although the Pyrenees population has apparently been affected by an EU ruling that due to danger of BSE transmission, no carcasses must be left on the fields for the time being. Although the Griffon Vulture does not normally attack larger living prey, there are reports of Spanish Griffon Vultures killing weak, young or unhealthy living animals as they do not find enough carrion to eat. Date: 5th September 2013 Location: road to La Lancha and Embalse del Jándula, Sierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874766.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_698123772561ccc1c3d75d.jpgSkógafoss, south Iceland Skógafoss is is located to the west of Vík í Mýrdal in south Iceland and is one of the best known and biggest waterfalls in the country. After the coastline had receded (it is now 3 miles from Skógar), the former sea cliffs remained parallel to the coast creating a clear border between the coastal lowlands and the interior Highlands of Iceland. The Skógá River drops over the cliffs of the former coastline and the waterfall has a width of 82 feet and a drop of 200 feet. Due to the amount of spray the waterfall consistently produces, a single or double rainbow is normally visible on sunny days. At the eastern side of the waterfall, a hiking and trekking trail leads up to the Fimmvörðuháls pass between the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers. It then goes down to the Þórsmörk glacial valley on the other side and continues as the famous Laugavegur trekking route to Landmannalaugar area of the interior Highlands of Iceland. Date: 8th June 2015 Location: view from the trail from the Skógafoss car park http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41352884.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2704436575f2151fc73578.jpgRuddy Darter Flight period: mid June to mid September. The Ruddy Darter takes its name from its colour and its swift flight behaviour. The male has a deep russet colour over the entire body and the abdomen has a pinched section close to where it joins the thorax. Females are slightly smaller, golden yellow in colour and being less obviously marked are more difficult to identify than the males. There is more than one red coloured darter species in the UK and they can be easily confused with each other. The commonest red species, the Common Darter, can be distinguished as having red veins at the base of the wings and a less ruddy colouration across the body. However, the Ruddy Darter has entirely black legs, distinguishing it from all other red darters which have longitudinal yellow stripes on their legs. The UK range of the Ruddy Darter has undergone something of an expansion in recent years. Although still relatively uncommon in the west and north of Britain, it is increasing in numbers in the Midlands and eastern England. The population is augmented by continental migrants. It is also found over most of Europe except for northern Scandinavia, as far east as western Siberia and south to north Africa. The Ruddy Darter prefers water bodies with tall emergent vegetation, such as reeds and club rush, and it is known to breed in ponds, lakes, canals, ditches and sluggish rivers. They can also be found near coasts and can breed in fairly brackish water. Date: 20th July 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37431118.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18138373535c6be39a8c66f.jpgLesser Yellowlegs The Lesser Yellowlegs is a large sandpiper with brown-streaked upperparts, white underparts and streaked upper breast and sides. A white lower rump and dark-barred tail are visible in flight. The bill is straight and uniformly dark grey and the legs are long and yellow. The Lesser Yellowlegs breeds from western Alaska and Canada east to western Quebec. They spend winters on coasts from southern California and Virginia southward and along the Gulf coast. The preferred habitats include coastal mudflats and lagoons, inland lakes, ponds, rivers, sewage works and flooded grasslands. In the UK, the Lesser Yellowlegs is a very scarce visitor with typically 5 records per year. This photo is of a first winter bird that took up residence at RSPB Lodmoor for several months from mid-September 2018. Date: 13th January 2019 Location: RSPB Lodmoor, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19507349.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_79431634352528a404cd4b.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is one of the largest deer species. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer can be found in most of Europe, the Caucasus Mountains region, Asia Minor and parts of western and central Asia. It also inhabits the Atlas Mountains region between Morocco and Tunisia in northwestern Africa, being the only species of deer to inhabit Africa. Red Deer have been introduced to other areas including Australia, New Zealand and Argentina. Date: 13th September 2013 Location: view from road to Embalse del Jándula, Sierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19507360.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_141035155252528a751f578.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is one of the largest deer species. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer can be found in most of Europe, the Caucasus Mountains region, Asia Minor and parts of western and central Asia. It also inhabits the Atlas Mountains region between Morocco and Tunisia in northwestern Africa, being the only species of deer to inhabit Africa. Red Deer have been introduced to other areas including Australia, New Zealand and Argentina. Date: 5th September 2013 Location: road to La Lancha and Embalse del Jándula, Sierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/beinn-eighe-highland https://images.on-this.website/4752_9138501224681c7501f2da.jpgBeinn Eighe, Highland Height: Ruadh Stac Mor 3313 feet, Sail Mhor 3215 feet, Coinneach Mhor 3202 feet and Spidean Coire nan Clach 3189 feet. The name Beinn Eighe originates from Gaelic and means "ice mountain" or "file mountain". The complete range, which dominates the north side of Glen Torridon, is made up of 9 peaks covering almost 6 miles with white quartzite upper reaches and scree-covered flanks. Beinn Eighe was the UK’s first National Nature Reserve and features wonderful mountain scenery and ancient pinewood fragments overlooking Loch Maree. Date: 12th June 2006 Location: view from the A896 road between Kinlochewe and Torridon http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871591.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12739997864eff1ee250858.jpgReindeer The Reindeer, also known as the Caribou in North America, is a deer from the Arctic and sub Arctic, including both resident and migratory populations. Whilst it is overall widespread and numerous, some of its subspecies are rare or already extinct. The Reindeer is a widespread and numerous species in the northern Holarctic, being present in tundra (frozen arctic plain with lichens, mosses and dwarfed vegetation) and taiga (marshy pine forest) regions. Originally, the Reindeer was found in Scandinavia, eastern Europe, Russia, Mongolia, and northern China. In North America, it was found in Canada, Alaska and the northern USA from Washington to Maine. It also occurred naturally on Sakhalin, Greenland, and probably even in historical times in Ireland. Today, wild Reindeer have disappeared from many areas within this large historical range, especially from the southern parts where it has vanished almost everywhere. Large populations of wild Reindeer are still found in Norway, Finland, Siberia, Greenland, Alaska, and Canada. Wild Reindeer hunting and herding of semi-domesticated Reindeer (for meat, hides, antlers, milk and transportation) are important to several Arctic and Subarctic people. Domesticated Reindeer are mostly found in northern Fennoscandia and Russia with a herd of approximately 150-170 Reindeer also living around the Cairngorms region in Scotland. Reindeer vary considerably in colour and size. Both sexes grow antlers, though they are typically larger in males. Even far outside its range, the Reindeer is well known due to the myth, probably originating in early 19th century America, in which Santa Claus's sleigh is pulled by flying Reindeer, a popular element of Christmas. Date: 25th May 2009 Location: east of Sodankylä, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41292148.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_45732205f10adee397ff.jpgNeiden Chapel, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Neiden is a village located in the Sápmi area, the cultural region traditionally inhabited by the Sámi people, along the Norway and Finland border. Situated along the River Neiden, it actually consists of 2 villages separated by the border. One side is in Sør-Varanger municipality in Troms og Finnmark in Norway and the other side is in the Inari municipality in Lappi, Finland. Neiden is the official name in Norway and Näätämö is the official name in Finland. The European route E6 highway runs through the Norwegian village of Neiden. In the Finnish view, Neiden/Näätämö extends into Finland and there is a small village in Finland near the border called Näätämö around 7 miles from Neiden village centre. Neiden Chapel (Norwegian: Neiden kapell) is a parish church of the Church of Norway located in the village of Neiden. In 1898, many farmers in Neiden made a request to the Ministry of Church and Education to have a church and a cemetery built in Neiden. Only 4 years later, the church was finished. The residents' desire to have a church coincided with the Government's desire to secure the border from Finnish-Russian expansion and they believed that a Norwegian church near the border would help. The red and white wooden church was built in a long church format in the style called [i]dragestil[/i] by the architect Karl Norum and was consecrated in July 1902. Karl Norum was very keen on old Norwegian stave churches and he created a [i]dragestil[/i] building that would be an expression of Norwegian culture and national cohesion in a border area. The cemetery and the area surrounding Neiden Chapel is well known amongst birders visiting the region as a reliable site to see Arctic Warbler. The Arctic Warbler is a widespread leaf warbler in sub-Arctic birch or mixed birch forest near water throughout its breeding range in the northern Palearctic and this extends in to the far east fringe areas of Norway and Finland. Date: 28th June 2019 Location: Neiden Chapel, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26029368.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18068268305637586bcb967.jpgBlack-tailed Godwit The Black-tailed Godwit is a large, long-legged, long-billed shorebird with an orange head, neck and chest in its breeding plumage and a uniform brown-grey breast and upperparts in winter. During the breeding season, the bill has a yellowish or orange-pink base and dark tip but the base is pink in winter. The legs are dark grey, brown or black. The sexes are similar but in breeding plumage they can be separated by the male's brighter, more extensive orange breast, neck and head. In flight, the bold black and white wingbar and white rump can be seen readily. When on the ground the Black-tailed Godwit can be difficult to separate from the similar Bar-tailed Godwit but the Black-tailed Godwit's longer, straighter bill and longer legs are diagnostic. The Black-tailed Godwit’s breeding range stretches from Iceland through northern Europe and areas of central Asia where it can be found in fens, lake edges, damp meadows, moorlands and bogs. It winters in areas as diverse as the Indian Subcontinent, Australia, western Europe and west Africa where it can be found on estuaries and floods. It is also more likely to be found inland and on freshwater than the Bar-tailed Godwit. Date: 2nd June 2015 Location: Svarfaðardalur, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19507343.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_29051567052528a26d6f9e.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is one of the largest deer species. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer can be found in most of Europe, the Caucasus Mountains region, Asia Minor and parts of western and central Asia. It also inhabits the Atlas Mountains region between Morocco and Tunisia in northwestern Africa, being the only species of deer to inhabit Africa. Red Deer have been introduced to other areas including Australia, New Zealand and Argentina. Date: 13th September 2013 Location: view from road to Embalse del Jándula, Sierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11806176.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_863102154e3a78383d1ff.jpgLittle Grebe The Little Grebe, also known as the Dabchick, is the smallest member of the grebe family measuring 9 to 11.5 inches in length. The adult is unmistakable in summer, predominantly dark above with its rich, rufous colour neck, cheeks and flanks and bright yellow gape. The rufous is replaced by a dirty brownish grey in non-breeding and juvenile birds. Juveniles have a yellow bill with a small black tip and black and white streaks on the cheeks and sides of the neck. This yellow bill darkens as the juveniles age, eventually turning black as an adult. The Little Grebe can be noisy with a distinctive whinnying trill. The Little Grebe can be found across Europe, much of Asia down to New Guinea and in most of Africa. It breeds in small colonies in freshwater wetlands with muddy bottoms and edges and still or slow-moving water with plenty of emergent vegetation such as lakes, gravel pits, canals and rivers. Most birds move to more open or coastal waters in winter but it is only migratory in those parts of its range where the waters freeze. Like all grebes, the Little Grebe nests at the water's edge since its legs are set very far back and it can not walk well. Usually 4 to 7 eggs are laid. The young leave the nest and can swim soon after hatching but are often carried on the backs of the swimming adults. The Little Grebe is an excellent swimmer and diver and pursues its fish and aquatic invertebrate prey underwater. It uses the vegetation skilfully as a hiding place. Date: 31st July 2011 Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/lesser-kestrel https://images.on-this.website/4752_7017525044cd57244a9e2a.jpgLesser Kestrel The Lesser Kestrel is, as the name implies, a smaller and more delicate bird than the Common Kestrel with long pointed wings and a long tail marked with a black band at the end. Males and females are distinguishable by colouring. Males have a pale brown back and blue-grey feathers on the crown, rump, neck and tail. The belly is creamy pink with small brown streaks. In females, the back and head are mid brown and the belly is pale. Both back and belly are streaked with brown. Males and females have white undersides to their wings, with black tips. The eye ring is bright yellow and the feet are yellow to orange. The ankles and feet lack feathers. The Lesser Kestrel breeds from the Mediterranean across southern central Asia to China and Mongolia. It is a summer migrant, wintering in Africa and Pakistan and sometimes even India. It is rare north of its breeding range. In its breeding range, the Lesser Kestrel can be found in open or wooded grassland and cultivated areas and nests in areas with mountain slopes, gorges and deep ravines surrounded by open areas for hunting. The Lesser Kestrel is widespread and plentiful on a global scale but in many areas of its range it seems to be undergoing a significant and possibly accelerating decline. The main cause of decline is habitat loss and degradation as a result of agricultural intensification, afforestation and urbanisation. Populations have been reduced most in the European range. Date: 10th September 2010 Location: Cerecinos de Campos, Castille y Leon, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26028397.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_582207913563753678cb2d.jpgRinged Plover The Ringed Plover is a small plover with a grey-brown back and wings, a white belly and a white breast with one black neckband. They have a brown cap, a white forehead, a black mask around the eyes and a short orange and black bill. The legs are orange and only the outer two toes are slightly webbed. Juvenile ringed plovers are duller than the adults in colour, with an often incomplete grey-brown breast band, a dark bill and dull yellowish-grey legs. The Ringed Plover breeds on open ground on beaches or sandflats across northern Eurasia and in Arctic north east Canada. Some birds breed inland and in western Europe they nest as far south as northern France. They nest on the ground in an open area with little or no plant growth. The Ringed Plover is migratory and winters in coastal areas south to Africa. Date: 2nd June 2015 Location: Svarfaðardalur, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28887347.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_33664464257cc3f6ba4876.jpgHooded Crow The Hooded Crow is a member of the crow family. It is locally known as a “hoodie” in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Except for the head, throat, wings, tail and thigh feathers, which are black and mostly glossy, the plumage is ash-grey, the dark shafts giving it a streaky appearance. The bill and legs are black. The male is the larger bird, otherwise the sexes are alike. The Hooded Crow, with its contrasting greys and blacks, can not be confused with either the Carrion Crow or Rook, both of which are predominantly black. However, the Hooded Crow is so similar in morphology and habits to the Carrion Crow that for many years it was considered to be a geographical race of a single species. Hybridization observed where their ranges overlapped added weight to this view. However, since 2002 the Hooded Crow has been elevated to full species status after closer observation. The Hooded Crow is widely distributed and can be found across north, east and south east Europe as well as parts of the Middle East. In the UK, the Hooded Crow can be found in north and west Scotland and on the Isle of Man where it replaces the Carrion Crow. Outside the breeding season it occurs across its breeding range and can sometimes be seen in east Scotland and east England. Like other corvids, the Hooded Crow is an omnivorous and opportunistic forager and scavenger and will feed on small mammals and birds, eggs, molluscs, scraps and carrion. Date: 10th May 2016 Location: Haapsalu, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/hill-of-tara-tara-skryne https://images.on-this.website/4752_9866745335e5394635e934.jpgHill of Tara, Tara-Skryne valley, Co.Meath, Ireland The Hill of Tara is a hill and ancient ceremonial and burial site 7 miles south of Navan in the Tara-Skryne valley in Co. Meath. According to tradition, it was the inauguration place and seat of the High Kings of Ireland and it also appears in Irish mythology. Tara consists of numerous monuments and earthworks dating from the Neolithic to the Iron Age. These include a passage tomb (the "Mound of the Hostages"), burial mounds, round enclosures, a standing stone (believed to be the Lia Fáil or the "Stone of Destiny", the coronation stone for the High Kings of Ireland) and a ceremonial avenue. Saint Patrick's Church is located on the eastern side of the hilltop. The modern church was built between 1822 and 1823 on the site of an earlier one. The earliest evidence of a church at the Hill of Tara is a charter dating from the 1190s. A stump of wall marks the site of the old church today but some of its stonework was re-used in the current church. The building is now the Hill of Tara visitor centre. The Hill of Tara is part of a larger ancient landscape in the Tara-Skryne valley and the Hill of Tara itself is a protected national monument under the care of The Office of Public Works, an agency of the Irish Government. Date: 3rd February 2020 Location: Hill of Tara, Tara-Skryne valley, Co.Meath, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11805608.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9826703554e3a69ce5bdec.jpgSmall Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Small Skipper has a rusty orange colour to the wings, upper body and the tips of the antennae. The body is silvery white below and it has a wingspan of 25 to 30 mm. It is very similar in appearance to the Essex Skipper but the undersides of the tips of the antennae are yellow orange in the Small Skipper whereas they are black in the Essex Skipper. The Small Skipper is a common and widespread butterfly in most parts of England and has been expanding its range northwards. It can be found in rough grassland, roadside verges, edges of fields and woodland clearings where it is often seen basking on vegetation or making short buzzing flights among tall grass stems. Date: 2nd August 2011 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26028259.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_933441104563752e46e9ba.jpgWhimbrel The Whimbrel is a large wading bird although smaller than the similar Curlew. It has longish legs, a long bill that curves near the tip and stripes through its crown. It is brownish above and whitish below. In flight, the Whimbrel shows a white “V” shape up its back from its tail. The Whimbrel is one of the most widespread of the curlew species breeding across much of subarctic north America, Europe and Asia as far south as Scotland and wintering on coasts in Africa, south America, south Asia into Australasia and southern north America. Date: 2nd June 2015 Location: Svarfaðardalur, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4088359.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10188559844b194b7fc4868.jpgCommon Cranes The Common Crane is a large, stately bird and a medium-sized crane at 40 to 52 inches long with a 71 to 96 inches wingspan. At rest, Cranes are rather stork-like but with big bushy tails, black wing plumes and grey bodies and even from a great distance the white stripe through the black head is noticeable. In flight, the long neck, held outstretched and slightly drooping makes them quite different from the herons and the grey plumage eliminates both of the storks. They fly in flocks in “V” formation making trumpeting calls. Common Cranes breed in large areas of marsh and bog in northern parts of Europe and Asia and occur in winter and on passage in open, often agricultural, areas close to large wetlands used for roosting. The global population is in the region of 210,000 to 250,000 with the vast majority nesting in Russia and Scandinavia. In the UK the Common Crane became extinct in the 17th century but a tiny population now breeds again in the Norfolk Broads and is slowly increasing. Flocks of Cranes in late spring can be watched performing their “dancing” displays. This usually involves opening their wings and leaping vertically into the air with the legs dangling. Once one bird starts this, others will join in and the whole performance can even be initiated by a human pretending to be a dancing crane. Once the birds are paired off they are more likely to perform different displays involving stretching their necks vertically and trumpeting. Common Cranes from Fennoscandia, the Baltic states and western Russia take the west European migration route to their wintering grounds. Over 100,000 birds use this flyway and over 70,000 winter in Spain (mainly Extremadura) with smaller numbers in south west France, Portugal and north Africa. Laguna de Gallocanta in Aragon is a key staging post for Common Cranes both entering and leaving Spain and very large numbers use the lake and surrounding land to feed and rest for varying periods before continuing their journey. Up to 20,000 Common Cranes may be seen at Laguna de Gallocanta regularly and concentrations of up to 60,000 have been recorded, these being the largest gatherings anywhere in western Europe. Date: 11th November 2009 Location: Laguna de Gallocanta, Aragon, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo1025487.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19638678344813be6a0fb79.jpgBen Nevis, Highland Height: 4409 feet. Ben Nevis is a granite mountain rising to a height of 4409 feet to the east of Fort William and is the highest peak in the UK. The first recorded ascent of Ben Nevis was undertaken in 1771 by the botanist James Robertson. The ruins of a weather observatory which was manned between 1883 and 1904 can be found on the north east ridge of Ben Nevis Ben Nevis became popular with tourists following the opening of the West Highland Railway to Fort William in 1894 and in the following year the first Ben Nevis Hill Race was run. This event now takes place each year in September. A Peace Cairn was erected on Ben Nevis by Bert Bissell who made his 104th ascent of the mountain on his 90th birthday in 1992. In 2000 Ben Nevis was acquired by the John Muir Trust. Date: 27th March 2008 Location: view from the A861 road http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo1907486.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_159727662749230c815ba58.jpgLoch na Keal, Mull, Argyll Loch na Keal, meaning Loch of the Kyle or Loch of the Narrows, is the principal sea loch on the western coastline of the island of Mull. It extends for over 13 miles inland and almost cuts the island in half as it reaches a point only 3 miles from the east coast. Loch na Keal consists of a wide triangular shaped outer loch, separated from Loch Tuath to the north by the islands of Gometra and Ulva, leading into a narrow inner loch. The island of Staffa is at the mouth of the outer loch, the island of Inch Kenneth is in the outer loch and the island of Eorsa is in the inner loch. The outer loch northern coastline is made up of basaltic ridges and many rocks and islets with many different types of vegetation. The southern coastline, bounded by the Ardmeanach peninsula, has cliffs, land slips and substantial slopes that are covered in scree. The northern shore of the inner loch is steeply sloped with Killiechronan Wood to the east. The southern shore of the inner loch consists of cliffs and slopes leading to the Munro and extinct volcano of Ben More (3169 feet high) with Scarisdale Wood to the south east. Loch na Keal has no significant villages. Most of the small settlements are at the head (east end) of the loch where there is a small area of flat land where the River Bà flows into Loch na Keal from Loch Bà. These include Gruline, a small scattered settlement, primarily consisting of crofting and tourist homes. The closest larger village is Salen, located 2.5 miles north east across the isthmus from the head of the loch. Date: 7th November 2008 Location: view from the northern shore near Killiechronan http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29487017.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_209520935458107d599ad9c.jpgWild Brown Bear Centre, near Vartius, Kainuu, Finland The [url=http://www.wildbrownbear.fi/]Wild Brown Bear Centre[/url] is located in the wilderness taiga forest area near Vartius close to the Finland-Russia border. During May, June, July and August, 22 photography and observation hides can be occupied between 5 p.m. and 7 a.m. The hides are approached by about a half mile walk through the forest from the main lodge and they each accommodate 2 to 3 people. They are situated in a small open wetland area, near a small pond and inside a pine forest clearing. Please see my [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/trip-report-estonia-and-north]trip report[/url] for further information. Date: 24th May 2016 Location: Wild Brown Bear Centre, near Vartius, Kainuu, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4088428.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13728903814b194f92308f2.jpgGriffon Vulture The Griffon Vulture is a typical Old World vulture in appearance with a white bald head, very broad wings and short tail feathers. It has a white neck ruff and yellow bill. The buff body and wing coverts contrast with the dark flight feathers. They are very large birds around 37 to 43 inches long with a 91 to 106 inches wingspan. Like other vultures, the Griffon Vulture is a scavenger, feeding mostly from carcasses of dead animals which it finds by soaring over open areas, often moving in flocks. The population is mostly resident in its breeding range in the mountains of southern Europe, north Africa, and Asia. In Spain, there are tens of thousands of birds from a low of a few thousand around 1980 although the Pyrenees population has apparently been affected by an EU ruling that due to danger of BSE transmission, no carcasses must be left on the fields for the time being. Although the Griffon Vulture does not normally attack larger living prey, there are reports of Spanish Griffon Vultures killing weak, young or unhealthy living animals as they do not find enough carrion to eat. Date: 12th November 2009 Location: Villanueva de Huerva, Aragon, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/malhamdale-north-yorkshire https://images.on-this.website/4752_1258261684681c76e13da3.jpgMalhamdale, North Yorkshire Malhamdale is the name given to the upper reaches of the valley of the River Aire. The landscape of Malhamdale is dominated by the influence of limestone and includes some of the most spectacular examples of this type of scenery within the Yorkshire Dales National Park and within the UK as a whole. The roads north from Malham village join near Malham Tarn which lies on a bedrock of slates in a depression scoured out by glacier ice in the Ice Age and is the highest lime-rich lake in the country. A stream from Malham Tarn disappears into the ground through sink holes in the limestone and reappears at Airehead Springs. Date: 10th April 2006 Location: view from near Malham Tarn http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40952804.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2851158425e5392bb4c9c3.jpgGreater (Greenland) White-fronted Geese The Greater White-fronted Goose is a species of goose which is closely related to the smaller Lesser White-fronted Goose. The Latin name, [i]Anser albifrons[/i], is derived from [i]anser[/i] meaning "goose" and [i]albus[/i] meaning "white" and [i]frons[/i] meaning “forehead”. The Greater White-fronted Goose is 25 to 32 inches in length with a 51 to 65 inches wingspan and weighs 4.3 to 7.3 pounds. It is smaller than the Greylag Goose and, as well as being larger than the Lesser White-fronted Goose, it lacks the yellow eye-ring of that species and the white facial blaze does not extend upwards so far. The Greater White-fronted Goose is a greyish-brown goose with a light grey breast dappled with dark brown to black blotches and bar, a pinkish bill and orange legs and feet. The male is typically larger in size but both sexes are similar in appearance The Greater White-fronted Goose is divided into 5 subspecies. The nominate subspecies Eurasian or Russian White-fronted Goose, [i]A. a. albifrons[/i], breeds in the far north of Europe and Asia and winters further south and west in Europe, including England and Wales. The very distinct Greenland White-fronted Goose, [i]A. a. flavirostris[/i], breeds in west Greenland and is much darker overall with only a very narrow white tip to the tail (broader on the other races), more black barring on its belly and usually has an orange (not pink) bill. It winters in Ireland and west Scotland. Some ecological studies suggest that the Greenland White-fronted Goose should probably be considered a separate species. Weather conditions are a key factor in the annual breeding success of the Greater White-fronted Goose. In the Arctic, the window of opportunity for nesting, incubating eggs and raising a brood is open briefly for about 3 months. Arriving in late May or early June, Greater White-fronted Geese begin departing for their wintering areas in early September. This means that a delayed snowmelt or late spring storm can significantly reduce breeding success. Date: 30th January 2020 Location: Wexford Wildfowl Nature Reserve, Co. Wexford, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43082686.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_133851950260dd84b819d95.jpgEdible Frog The Edible Frog is a species of frog found across Europe that is also known as the Common Water Frog and the Green Frog. The Edible Frog is one of the few animals in the world that is a fertile hybrid of 2 different species, as although similar but genetically different species are known to mate, it is very rare that their offspring will be able to breed. The Edible Frog is a fertile hybrid of 2 other European frogs, namely the Pool Frog and the Marsh Frog, that inter-bred when populations where isolated close to one another during the Ice Age. It was first described in 1758 and is known as the Edible Frog due to the fact that it is now seen as a culinary delicacy across Europe but especially in France where frog’s legs are often served as a national dish. The reason for humans favouring this frog over others is not really known but it may have something to do with their abundance. The Edible Frog is a medium sized frog growing to around 3.5 to 4.5 inches in length. Adults are mainly green in colour with light patches of brown on their backs, yellow eyes and a white underside covered in a few dark spots. There are number of distinct differences between males and females including the fact that males become much lighter and greener during the mating season. Males also have vocal sacs on the outside of their cheeks and extra skin patches on their feet, both of which are primarily used for mating. The Edible Frog is endemic to Europe and it naturally occurs across central Europe as far north as Germany and Estonia. Southern populations are found from Croatia, through northern Italy and into the south of France. There are also isolated populations in Sweden and Bulgaria which are thought to have migrated from the countries nearby. It has also been introduced to the UK. The Edible Frog spends all of its time either in or very close to water and it is most commonly found in calmer parts of rivers and streams where there is a slow but constant flow of fresh water. It tends to prefer more open areas and can also be commonly found around lakes, ponds and marshes. Unlike many other species of frog, the Edible Frog is a diurnal animal and is therefore most active during the day. This is when it is most likely to move away from the water so that it can find a better supply of food or move to a different part of the water if it needs to. The Edible Frog is a relatively solitary animal so there is less competition for food but males are often seen sitting together in groups during the breeding season when they are trying to out-compete each other to find a mate. The breeding season for the Edible Frog begins during March and generally lasts for around 2 months. Males sing by drawing air in and out of their vocal sacs to produce the highest-pitched sound possible since females are most attracted to the loudest males. After courting her in a lake, pond or swamp, the male lets the female lay up to 10,000 eggs in a sticky mass into the water before he fertilises them. Tadpoles can be as small as 0.2 inches long when they hatch and are a grey/brown colour. They then grow up to 2 to 3 inches in length before metamorphoses occurs and they leave the water as 0.75 inches long young frogs. The Edible Frog reaches sexual maturity at the age of 2 years and can live until it is 15 years old. The Edible Frog is a carnivorous amphibian but the tadpoles mainly eat vegetation although they are known to occasionally supplement their diet with aquatic micro-organisms. Adults eat small invertebrates such as insects, spiders and flies, which make up the majority of their diet, along with larger aquatic animals like fish, newts and other frogs. The Edible Frog hunts for food during the day and can be seen catching food both in water and on land. The Edible Frog remains very still when it is sitting on the banks of its water habitat and this, along with its camouflage, makes it very difficult for predators to spot. Its eyes are positioned near the top of the head meaning that it can also see danger coming whilst the body is mainly hidden. Snakes, owls and water birds are the main predators of the Edible Frog. The Edible Frog will jump into the water and hide if it senses approaching danger and it will make a loud screeching sound if caught. Edible Frog populations are under threat from habitat destruction mainly caused by deforestation and water pollution. Date: 2nd June 2021 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/curracloe-strand-co-wexford-ireland https://images.on-this.website/4752_13878563605e53933854eb9.jpgCurracloe Strand (Balinesker), Co. Wexford, Ireland Curracloe is a village in Co. Wexford situated 6 miles north east of the town of Wexford. A short minor road leads east from the village to the long and sandy Curracloe Strand which stretches almost 8 miles from Raven Point to Ballyconigar near Blackwater. It has 3 separate access points along its length and the sections of the beach are named after these. From north to south there is Ballinesker, White Gap and Culletons Gap. Curracloe Strand was designated as a “Blue Flag” beach in May 2015. The “Blue Flag” award is presented to beaches and marinas with excellent water quality and which achieve high standards in a wide range of other criteria including environmental education, management of the environment, safety and other services. The beaches of Curracloe Strand were used for the filming of the D-Day sequence in “Saving Private Ryan” due to their similarity to Omaha Beach in Normandy. Filming began on 27th June 1997 and lasted for 2 months. Curracloe Strand was also used for the Irish beach scene in the movie “Brooklyn” Date: 30th January 2020 Location: Curracloe Strand (Balinesker), Co. Wexford, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28887225.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_184288880057cc3e8856b4a.jpgTree Pipit The Tree Pipit is a small passerine bird in the pipit family. It is an undistinguished-looking species, similar to the Meadow Pipit, streaked brown above and with black markings on a white belly and buff breast below. It can be distinguished from the slightly smaller Meadow Pipit by its heavier bill and greater contrast between its buff breast and white belly. The Tree Pipit’s song flight is unmistakable. The bird rises a short distance up from a tree and then parachutes down on stiff wings, the song becoming more drawn out towards the end. The Tree Pipit breeds across most of Europe and temperate western and central Asia. It is a long-distance migrant moving in winter to Africa and southern Asia. The Tree Pipit breeds in habitats with a wooded component, including lowland heath and coppice. It is found mostly in open birch woodland on the boundary with moorland or in open structured oak woodland. It nests on the ground amongst grass or heather tussocks. Date: 10th May 2016 Location: Põõsaspea peninsula, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13683320.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20096565214ed72dd75c468.jpgHedgehog The Hedgehog is unmistakeable being the only spiny British mammal. The yellow-tipped 2cm spines on a grey/brown back and sides are perhaps the best known features of the Hedgehog which has relatively long legs and a short tail together with small eyes and ears. The Hedgehog is common in parks, gardens and farmland throughout mainland UK. It has also been introduced to many islands including Orkney, Shetland, Isle of Man and some of the Channel Islands. Hedgehogs prefer woodland edges, hedgerows and suburban habitats where there is plenty of food for them. Intensively farmed arable land is probably a poor habitat as are moorlands and dense conifer forests. Hedgehogs survive well in gardens, particularly assisted by food put out for them as modern tidy gardens may not otherwise provide sufficient food. The Hedgehog is generally nocturnal travelling around a mile each night feeding on a diet of beetles, worms, caterpillars, slugs and almost anything they can catch. They can also take the eggs and chicks of ground-nesting birds although rarely in large numbers. The Hedgehog‘s hibernation usually begins about November and ends around Easter but it is much affected by the weather. They normally wake up several times over winter and often build a new nest. In the spring they commonly spend a few days active and then enter hibernation again during any cold snap. The winter nest or hibernaculum is made of leaves, tucked under a bush or log pile or garden shed or anywhere that offers support and protection. The Hedgehog can live up to 10 years but this is exceptional. Over half die within their first year and average life expectancy is 2 to 3 years in the wild. Hedgehogs may become locally scarce or even disappear but nationwide extinction is unlikely. Nevertheless, the Hedgehog appears to be in decline although the total population is unknown. The biggest threat to the Hedgehog is probably habitat loss with the change from pastoral farming to arable crops over the last 30 years. The use of chemicals in gardens and for intensive farming kills the creatures hedgehogs need for food and may also poison them directly. Many are also killed on the roads. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37431107.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1403767915c6be383b9f57.jpgLesser Yellowlegs The Lesser Yellowlegs is a large sandpiper with brown-streaked upperparts, white underparts and streaked upper breast and sides. A white lower rump and dark-barred tail are visible in flight. The bill is straight and uniformly dark grey and the legs are long and yellow. The Lesser Yellowlegs breeds from western Alaska and Canada east to western Quebec. They spend winters on coasts from southern California and Virginia southward and along the Gulf coast. The preferred habitats include coastal mudflats and lagoons, inland lakes, ponds, rivers, sewage works and flooded grasslands. In the UK, the Lesser Yellowlegs is a very scarce visitor with typically 5 records per year. This photo is of a first winter bird that took up residence at RSPB Lodmoor for several months from mid-September 2018. Date: 13th January 2019 Location: RSPB Lodmoor, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49002966.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5165889336468faff6619d.jpgBlue Tit The Blue Tit is a small passerine bird in the tit family. It is easily recognisable by its generally blue and yellow plumage and its small size. The Blue Tit is about 4.7 inches long with a wingspan of 7.1 inches. It has an azure blue crown and a dark blue line passing through the eye and encircling the white cheeks to the chin, giving the bird a very distinctive appearance. The forehead and a bar on the wing are white. The nape, wings and tail are blue and the back is yellowish green. The underparts are mostly sulphur-yellow with a dark line down the abdomen. The bill is black and the legs bluish grey. The sexes are similar whilst young birds are noticeably more yellow. The Blue Tit is very agile and it can cling to the outermost branches and hang upside down when searching for food such as insects, caterpillars and seeds. The Blue Tit can be found throughout areas of the European continent with a mainly temperate or Mediterranean climate and in parts of the Middle East. In the UK it is common in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens and widespread across the whole of the country with the exception of some Scottish islands. The Blue Tit will nest in any suitable hole in a tree, wall or stump, often competing with other birds such as the House Sparrow or Great Tit for the site. In addition, it will readily accept an artificial nesting box. The same hole is returned to year after year and when one pair dies another takes possession. The nesting material is usually moss, wool, hair and feathers and the eggs are laid in April or May. The number in the clutch is often very large but 7 or 8 is normal. It is not unusual for a single bird to feed the chicks in the nest at a rate of one feed every 90 seconds during the height of the breeding season. Successful breeding is dependent on a sufficient supply of caterpillars as well as satisfactory weather. Breeding may be affected badly if the weather is cold and wet between May and July, particularly if this coincides with the emergence of the caterpillars on which the nestlings are fed. The small size of the Blue Tit makes it vulnerable to predation by larger birds and the typical lifespan is 3 years or less. The most significant predator is probably the Sparrowhawk, closely followed by the domestic cat. Nests may also be robbed by mammals such as the Weasel and Red and Grey Squirrels. Date: 30th April 2023 Location: Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4088355.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12989950864b194b607e930.jpgCommon Cranes The Common Crane is a large, stately bird and a medium-sized crane at 40 to 52 inches long with a 71 to 96 inches wingspan. At rest, Cranes are rather stork-like but with big bushy tails, black wing plumes and grey bodies and even from a great distance the white stripe through the black head is noticeable. In flight, the long neck, held outstretched and slightly drooping makes them quite different from the herons and the grey plumage eliminates both of the storks. They fly in flocks in “V” formation making trumpeting calls. Common Cranes breed in large areas of marsh and bog in northern parts of Europe and Asia and occur in winter and on passage in open, often agricultural, areas close to large wetlands used for roosting. The global population is in the region of 210,000 to 250,000 with the vast majority nesting in Russia and Scandinavia. In the UK the Common Crane became extinct in the 17th century but a tiny population now breeds again in the Norfolk Broads and is slowly increasing. Flocks of Cranes in late spring can be watched performing their “dancing” displays. This usually involves opening their wings and leaping vertically into the air with the legs dangling. Once one bird starts this, others will join in and the whole performance can even be initiated by a human pretending to be a dancing crane. Once the birds are paired off they are more likely to perform different displays involving stretching their necks vertically and trumpeting. Common Cranes from Fennoscandia, the Baltic states and western Russia take the west European migration route to their wintering grounds. Over 100,000 birds use this flyway and over 70,000 winter in Spain (mainly Extremadura) with smaller numbers in south west France, Portugal and north Africa. Laguna de Gallocanta in Aragon is a key staging post for Common Cranes both entering and leaving Spain and very large numbers use the lake and surrounding land to feed and rest for varying periods before continuing their journey. Up to 20,000 Common Cranes may be seen at Laguna de Gallocanta regularly and concentrations of up to 60,000 have been recorded, these being the largest gatherings anywhere in western Europe. Date: 11th November 2009 Location: Laguna de Gallocanta, Aragon, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493264.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11259011425f326f35c48fe.jpgShag The European Shag, Common Shag or simply Shag is a species of cormorant. It is 27 to 31 inches in length with a 37 to 43 inches wingspan. It is mainly black in colour but with a glossy green-tinged sheen in adults. It has a longish tail and a yellow throat-patch. Adults have a small recurved crest in the breeding season. It is distinguished from the Cormorant by its smaller size, lighter build, thinner and narrower bill, and, in breeding adults, by the crest and metallic green-tinged sheen. The Shag breeds around the rocky coasts of west and south Europe, north Africa and south west Asia, mainly wintering in its breeding range except for the northernmost birds. It nests on rocky ledges or in crevices or small caves and the nests are untidy heaps of rotting seaweed or twigs cemented together by the bird's own guano. The nesting season is long and begins in late February although some nests are not started until May or even later. The female lays 3 eggs and the chicks hatch without down and so they rely totally on their parents for warmth, often for a period of 2 months before they can fly. Fledging may occur at any time from early June to late August and exceptionally to mid-October. In the UK, the Shag breeds at coastal sites, mainly in the north and west of the country, and more than half of the population is found at fewer than 10 sites. It can be seen during the breeding season at the large Scottish colonies on Orkney, Shetland, the Inner Hebrides and in the Firth of Forth. Elsewhere it can be seen commonly around the coasts of Wales and south west England, especially in Devon and Cornwall. The Shag feeds in the sea and, unlike the Cormorant, it is rare inland. It is one of the deepest pursuit divers among the cormorant family and it has been shown to dive to at least 150 feet. When it dives, it jumps out of the water first to give extra impetus to the dive. The Shag forages for food on the sea bed and eats a wide range of fish although the commonest prey is the sand eel. It will travel long distances from its breeding and roosting sites in order to feed. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15454027.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12699224184ff54887ad82d.jpgGreater Flamingos The Greater Flamingo is a largely pinkish-white bird but the wing coverts are red and the primary and secondary flight feathers are black. The bill is pink with a black tip and the legs are entirely pink. The Greater Flamingo is the most widespread species of the flamingo family and can be found in parts of Africa, southern Asia and southern Europe (including Spain, Sardinia, Albania, Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Portugal and the Camargue region of France). Some populations are short distance migrants, and records north of the breeding range are relatively frequent. However, given the species' popularity in captivity, whether these are truly wild individuals is a matter of some debate. Date: 1st May 2012 Location: La Madre de las Marismas, El Rocío, Coto Doñana, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833195.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_577494753559ce7873d934.jpgGreater Flamingos The Greater Flamingo is a largely pinkish-white bird but the wing coverts are red and the primary and secondary flight feathers are black. The bill is pink with a black tip and the legs are entirely pink. The Greater Flamingo is the most widespread species of the flamingo family and can be found in parts of Africa, southern Asia and southern Europe (including Spain, Sardinia, Albania, Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Portugal and the Camargue region of France). Some populations are short distance migrants, and records north of the breeding range are relatively frequent. However, given the species' popularity in captivity, whether these are truly wild individuals is a matter of some debate. The Greater Flamingo is the most widespread species of the flamingo family and can be found in parts of Africa, southern Asia and southern Europe (including Spain, Sardinia, Albania, Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Portugal and the Camargue region of France). Some populations are short distance migrants, and records north of the breeding range are relatively frequent. However, given the species' popularity in captivity, whether these are truly wild individuals is a matter of some debate. Date: 15th May 2015 Location: Kalahori Lagoon, Gulf of Thermaikos, Central Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871667.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12509106914eff205cc8998.jpgPurple Sandpipers The Purple Sandpiper is a small wading shorebird. Adults have short yellow legs and a medium thin dark bill with a yellow base. The body is dark above with a slight purplish gloss and mainly white below. The breast is smeared with grey and the rump is black. The Purple Sandpiper breeds in the northern tundra and Arctic islands in Canada and coastal areas in Greenland and north west Europe and nests on the ground either elevated on rocks or in a lower damp location. The males makes several scrapes following which the female chooses one and lays 3 or 4 eggs. The male takes the major responsibility for incubation and tends the chicks. The Purple Sandpiper is migratory and moves to rocky ice-free Atlantic coasts in winter where it is fairly gregarious, forming small flocks and often associating with Turnstones. It is also relatively tame and approachable. In the UK, the Purple Sandpiper occurs in winter in good numbers, principally along the east and south coasts where it favours rocky shorelines adjacent to the sea. It is a very rare breeding bird and is found only in a localised area of the Cairngorms National Park where 1 to 3 pairs have bred since the 1970s. Date: 27th May 2009 Location: Store Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17061287.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_152038061150e02df6e82a5.jpgSnow Buntings Snow Buntings are large buntings with striking “snowy” plumages. Males in summer have all white heads and underparts contrasting with a black mantle and wing tips. Females are a more mottled above. In autumn and winter birds develop a sandy/buff wash to their plumage and males have more mottled upperparts. Snow Buntings breed in far northern Europe and migrate south in winter. They are a very scarce breeding species in the UK and can be found on the highest mountain peaks in Scotland where they nest in rocky crevices. Snow Buntings are best looked for in winter (from late September to early March) where they can sometimes be seen in large flocks on the seashore or on adjacent short rough grassland at coastal sites in Scotland and eastern England. Date: 26th December 2012 Location: Caister-on-Sea, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405485.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17325850516586e8504f379.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 14th October 2023 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874829.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1625122926561ccf0fdb2ef.jpgHaukadalur, south Iceland The Haukadalur geothermal area is located in south west Iceland to the north east of the Reykjanes peninsula and Reykjavík. Here can be seen some of the most famous sights of Iceland: the geysers and other geothermal features which have developed on the Laugarfjall rhyolitic dome. The biggest geysers of Haukadalur are Strokkur and Geysir. There are also more than 40 other hot springs, mud pots and fumaroles nearby. The oldest accounts of hot springs at Haukadalur date back to 1294 when earthquakes in the area caused significant changes in the local neighbouring landscape creating several new hot springs. Changes in the activity of Geysir and the surrounding geysers are still strongly related to earthquake activity. Strokkur is a fountain geyser and is one of Iceland's most famous geysers. It is very dependable and erupts about every 5 to 10 minutes with boiling water reaching a height of 50 to 65 feet and sometimes up to 130 feet. Geysir, sometimes known as The Great Geysir, was the first geyser described in a printed source in the 18th century and the first known to modern Europeans. Since unusual natural phenomena were of high interest to society during the Age of Enlightenment, the term became popular and has been used for similar hydrothermal features worldwide since then. The English word geyser derives from Geysir whilst Geysir itself is derived from the Icelandic verb <i>geysa</i> ("to gush"). Eruptions at Geysir can hurl boiling water up to 230 feet in the air but eruptions are now very infrequent and have in the past stopped altogether for years at a time. The Haukadalur geothermal area, usually referred to as Geysir, is popular with tourists and, together with the magnificent waterfall at Gulfoss and Þingvellir, it is part of a group of the most famous sights of Iceland known as the "Golden Circle". Date: 7th June 2015 Location: Strokkur at Haukadalur http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42633033.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_200754770760aa6d344b233.jpgJay The Jay is a colourful member of the crow family that is about the same size as a Jackdaw. The Jay is mostly a pinkish brown colour with the underparts being slightly paler. The head has a black and white flecked crown, black moustache and white throat. The white rump contrasts starkly with the black tail. The iris of the eye is a pale blue, the bill is black and the legs are pink-brown. The wings are mostly black with white patches but also have striking blue patches, but close to these wing patches are actually bands of graduated shades of blue. Although it is the most strikingly colourful member of the crow family, the Jay can be quite difficult to see since it is a shy woodland bird and rarely moves far from cover. It can often be seen flying across a woodland clearing or glade giving its raucous screeching call. The Jay can be found across most of the UK, except northern Scotland, and occurs in both deciduous and coniferous woodland, parks and mature gardens. It particularly likes oak trees in the autumn when there are plenty of acorns which it seeks out and buries for retrieving later. The majority of the UK population is sedentary but European birds are irruptive when there is a poor acorn harvest and may arrive in large numbers along the east coast of the UK in the autumn. Date: 29th April 2021 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645485.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_210947391051e3ced772be9.jpgWhite Stork The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 20th May 2013 Location: Biebrza area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453961.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15410703654ff546a0b4c37.jpgSpanish Sparrow The Spanish Sparrow is a rather large sparrow and it is slightly larger and heavier than the House Sparrow and also has a slightly longer and stouter bill. The male is similar to the House Sparrow in plumage but it differs in that its underparts are heavily streaked with black, it has a chestnut rather than grey crown and it has white rather than grey cheeks. The female is effectively inseparable from the House Sparrow in its plumage which is grey-brown overall but more boldly marked. The Spanish Sparrow is a close relative of the House Sparrow but its taxonomy is greatly complicated by the "biological mix-up" of hybridisation it forms with the House Sparrow in the Mediterranean region. In most of its range, the Spanish Sparrow occurs alongside the House Sparrow. In such areas, both species breed in farmland and open woodland with the Spanish Sparrow preferring moister habitats. Date: 28th April 2012 Location: Monroy to Santa Marta de Magasca, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/terrapin-sp https://images.on-this.website/4752_1754283426559cf499ba03c.jpgEuropean Pond Terrapin The European Pond Terrapin (also called the European Pond Turtle) is a long-living freshwater species of turtle. It varies quite a bit across its distribution from 5 to 15 inches in length and is olive, brown or black in colour with yellow spots and streaks on the shell and skin although some individuals are nearly black without yellow markings. The European Pond Terrapin is found in south and central Europe, west Asia and north Africa. In the early post-glacial period, it had a much wider distribution being found as far north as south Sweden. The European Pond Terrapin can be found in ponds, lakes and slow moving rivers, preferring water bodies with soft bottoms such as mud or sand where it hunts for fish, amphibians, aquatic invertebrates and aquatic plants. It basks during the day but will dive back in to the water if disturbed. The European Pond Terrapin hibernates during the winter. The European Pond Terrapin is usually considered semi-aquatic since their terrestrial movements can span considerable distances away from water. In spring females lay 3 to 18 eggs in small holes dug in sunny spots and the incubation period lasts 2 to 4 months. Climate has an effect on the survival of hatchlings. Hatchlings are only able to survive under favourable weather conditions but due to regular annual clutch sizes and long lifespan, adults balance out the loss of hatchlings due to climate. The European Pond Terrapin has become rare in most countries even though they are widely distributed in Europe. The building of roads and driving of cars through natural habitats is a possible factor that threatens the population. Road networks and traffic often carry complex ecological effects to animal populations such as fragmenting natural habitats and creating barriers for animal movement. Mortality on the road is most likely due to females selecting nests near roads which places a potential danger for the hatchlings as well. Hatchlings that wander too closely to roads are more likely to be killed and put the future population in danger. The life span of the European Pond Terrapin is 40 to 60 years but it can live to over 100 years but this is very rare and unusual. Date: 7th May 2015 Location: Evros Delta (west), East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26008664.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_170697230656351984278ca.jpgLong-tailed Duck The Long-tailed Duck is a medium-sized sea duck. Adults have white underparts although the rest of the plumage goes through a complex moulting process. The male has a long pointed tail and a dark grey bill crossed by a pink band. In winter, the male has a dark cheek patch on a mainly white head and neck, a dark breast and mostly white body. In summer, the male is dark on the head, neck and back with a white cheek patch. The female has a brown back and a relatively short pointed tail. In winter, the female's head and neck are white with a dark crown. In summer, the head is dark. Juveniles resemble adult females in autumn plumage, though with a lighter, less distinct cheek patch. The Long-tailed Duck breeds in tundra pools and marshes but also along sea coasts and in large mountain lakes in north America, northern Europe and Russia. It is migratory and winters along the eastern and western coasts of north America, on the Great Lakes, coastal northern and western Europe and Asia. The most important wintering area is the Baltic Sea where a total of about 4.5 million gather. The Long-tailed Duck feeds by diving for molluscs, crustaceans and some small fish. Date: 4th June 2015 Location: Lake Mývatn, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45174849.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1167622366232f9fd2e3cd.jpgBlack-headed Gulls The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 31st December 2021 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17408516.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1987897275133277c55df6.jpgWhooper Swans The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 12th January 2013 Location: Martin Mere WWT reserve, Lancashire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833522.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1467123988559ceb75e21bf.jpgRed-backed Shrike The Red-backed Shrike is a carnivorous passerine bird and member of the shrike family. The general colour of the male’s upper parts is reddish. It has a grey head and a typical shrike black stripe through the eye. Underparts are tinged pink and the tail has a black and white pattern similar to that of a Wheatear. In the female and young birds the upperparts are brown and vermiculated and the underparts are buff and also vermiculated. The Red-backed Shrike eats large insects, small birds, frogs, rodents and lizards. Like other shrikes it hunts from prominent perches and impales corpses on thorns or barbed wire as a "larder." This practice has earned it the nickname of "butcher bird." The Red-backed Shrike breeds in most of Europe and western Asia and winters in tropical Africa. Once a common migratory visitor to the UK, numbers declined sharply during the 20th century. The bird's last stronghold was in Breckland but by 1988 just a single pair remained, successfully raising young at Santon Downham. The following year for the first time no nests were recorded in the UK but since then sporadic breeding has taken place, mostly in Scotland and Wales, and in September 2010 the RSPB announced that a pair had raised chicks at a secret location on Dartmoor where the bird last bred in 1970. This return to south west England has been an unexpected development and has raised speculation that a warming climate could assist the bird in re-colonising some of its traditional sites, if only in small numbers. Date: 13th May 2015 Location: Great Prespa Lake (Megali Prespa), West Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo8048522.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3897587144d0d0389bdf95.jpgWaxwings The Waxwing is a plump bird which is slightly smaller than a Starling. It is buff or pinkish-brown in colour with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings, a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest. The bird’s name is derived from the red tips to some of the wing feathers which are said to look like they have been dipped in sealing wax. Waxwings breed in the dense forests of northern Europe but they occur in varying numbers in the UK from October to March. In some years they can occur in large numbers (known as irruptions) when the population in the breeding areas gets too big for the food available. The first UK arrivals each winter are usually seen on the east coast from Scotland to East Anglia but birds then move inland in search of food. They can be found in parks and gardens and even busy public places such as supermarket car parks, typically where there are berry-bearing trees and bushes such as rowan, hawthorn, cotoneaster and rose. Waxwings seem fearless of humans so it is relatively easy to get very close views of these stunning birds. Waxwings make an easily recognisable high-pitched trilling sound like a bell. Date: 11th December 2010 Location: Folkestone, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645672.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_158416594451e3cff3e8e2a.jpgBiałowieża, Poland The Białowieża forest is an ancient mixed forest that straddles the border between Poland and Belarus. It is one of the largest remaining parts of the immense primaeval forest that once stretched across the Great European Plain. On the Polish side, the central part of the Białowieża forest is protected as the Białowieża National Park with an area of about 39 square miles. The National Park, created in 1932, is under strict preservation and has been declared by UNESCO a World Biosphere Reserve and put on the World Heritage List. The Białowieża forest is home to many species of forest birds plus large mammals such as Wolf, Lynx, Moose and European Bison. Date: 25th May 2013 Location: south of Białowieża around Narewka bridge, Białowieża area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29486902.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13770920758107c60959e8.jpgGreenshank The Greenshank is a medium-sized slim wader with a dark grey back and white underparts. Its long green legs and slightly up-turned bill help to distinguish it from other waders. In flight, it shows a white wedge on the back. It is slightly larger than the related Common Redshank. The Greenshank is a sub-Arctic bird where it breeds on dry ground near marshy areas from eastwards across northern Europe and Asia. It is a migratory species and winters on fresh water in Africa, the Indian subcontinent and Australasia. In the UK, the Greenshank is confined to the north and west of Scotland where it breeds around boggy moorland and peatland pools from April to August. On migration during April and May and between July and September, it can be found across the UK on inland lakes and freshwater marshes as well as at coastal wetlands and estuaries. In winter from October to March it can be found on the estuaries of south west England, Wales, west Scotland and Northern Ireland. Like most waders, the Greenshank feeds on small invertebrates but will also take small fish and amphibians. The Greenshank is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 23rd May 2016 Location: Wild Brown Bear Centre, near Vartius, Kainuu, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/snowdon https://images.on-this.website/4752_9843881924681c79187a2b.jpgSnowdon Height: Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) 3560 feet, Crib y Ddysgl 3494 feet, Crib Coch 3028 feet and Y Lliwedd 2946 feet. Snowdonia, or "Eagles nesting place" in Welsh, offers some of the most impressive scenery in the UK. The highest peak, Snowdon, at 3560 feet is the highest mountain in England and Wales. Snowdonia is one of the 11 National Parks of England and Wales and is the second largest after the Lake District. The National Park covers 823 square miles of the most beautiful and unspoilt countryside in north west Wales. Date: 12th May 1995 Location: view from the A4086 road near Capel Curig http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41292185.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13985336815f10b9049d528.jpgPasvikdalen, Troms og Finnmark, Norway The Pasvik valley (Norwegian: [i]Pasvikdalen[/i]) is a river valley located in Norway and Russia. The Norwegian side of the valley is situated in Sør-Varanger municipality in Troms og Finnmark and the Russian side is located in the Pechengsky district in Murmansk Oblast. Øvre Pasvik National Park (Norwegian: [i]Øvre Pasvik Nasjonalpark[/i]) is located in the south eastern part of the valley and covers an area of 46 square miles. It is dominated by Siberian-like taiga consisting of old-growth forests of Scots pine, shallow lakes and bogs. Proposals for a national park in Øvre Pasvik were first launched in 1936 but it was not created until February 1970. It originally covered 25 square miles but was expanded in August 2003. Øvre Pasvik National Park is part of the larger Pasvik–Inari Trilateral Park along with the adjacent Øvre Pasvik Landscape Protection Area, the joint Norwegian and Russian Pasvik Nature Reserve and Finland's Vätsäri Wilderness Area. The fauna and flora of the Øvre Pasvik National Park is typical of the Siberian taiga. This includes Brown Bear, Wolverine, Wolf, Lynx and Elk and a very interesting diversity of northern and eastern species of birds which breed on the lakes and rivers and in the forests. The River Pasvikelva runs through the valley (giving it the name) and the river defines part of the border between Norway and Russia. It is the outlet from the large Lake Inari in Finland and flows through Norway and Russia to discharge into the Bøkfjorden (which later flows into the Varangerfjorden and then the Barents Sea) not far from the town of Kirkenes. The river has a watershed of 7106 square miles and is 90 miles long. A series of hydroelectric power stations are situated along its course. Since 1826, the River Pasvikelva has marked parts of the border between Norway and Russia, except from 1920 to 1944 when it was along the border between Norway and Finland. The southern part of the valley is also the location of the Treriksrøysa (Three-Country Cairn), a cairn which marks the tripoint where the borders between Norway, Finland and Russia meet. The site is on a hill called Muotkavaara situated west of the River Pasvikelva. It is the only place where 3 time zones meet: Central European Time, Eastern European Time and Further-Eastern European Time. The tripoint can only be approached by the public from the Norwegian side since both Finland and Russia maintain extensive border zones where public access is prohibited. Date: 30th June 2019 Location: Øvre Pasvik National Park, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26041311.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_167906372056389c247b7ab.jpgGlaucous Gull The Glaucous Gull is a large and powerful gull which is very pale in all plumages with no black on either the wings or the tail. The term “glaucous” describes its colouration. Adults are pale grey above with a thick yellow bill. Immatures are very pale grey with a pink and black bill. The Glaucous Gull is considerably larger, bulkier and thicker-billed than the similar Iceland Gull and it can sometimes equal the size of the Great Black-backed Gull. The Glaucous Gull breeds colonially or singly on coasts and cliffs in the Arctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere and the Atlantic coasts of Europe. It is migratory and winters in the north Atlantic and north Pacific as far south as the UK and the northernmost states of the USA and the Great Lakes. Like most gulls, the Glaucous Gull is an omnivore and it eats fish, molluscs, offal, scraps, eggs, small birds, small mammals and carrion. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Arnarfjörður, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081427.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_174865403963a833634e4a6.jpgBrown Rat Brown Rats have coarse brown or occasionally black fur with a pale underside. They have a long tail which is sparsely haired. Although originally native to eastern Asia and Japan, Brown Rats are now distributed world-wide. They spread across the UK via the shipping traffic from foreign countries in the 18th century and largely replaced the Black Rat. They are highly adaptable and can be found all over the UK, except for exposed mountain regions and some small offshore islands, and live in loose colonies and home ranges of around 50 metres in diameter. Along with the House Mouse, the Brown Rat is considered to be the most widespread terrestrial mammal in the UK and they are subject to persistent pest control due to the damage they cause and the numerous diseases they spread. Brown Rats are omnivorous and have a very varied diet. They are typically nocturnal although they will sometimes forage for food during the day. They also swim well and are sometimes mistaken for Water Voles. Brown Rats live for around 18 months and breed throughout the year producing 5 litters of 8 young a year. Date: 9th January 2022 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14185354.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1676253934f422f6286a22.jpgSmall White Flight period: April to September. The Small White is a highly successful species which is common and widespread in the UK. They can be found almost anywhere including in towns and gardens. Date: 28th July 2007 Location: EWT Langdon Conservation Centre, Dunton, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308889.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6321259963ee38255c33a.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 21st January 2022 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072334.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2746384034bf6df200db8b.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill <i>"kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake"</i>. The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 13th April 2010 Location: Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/kyle-of-durness-sutherland https://images.on-this.website/4752_20439787414866c8cc6a23e.jpgKyle of Durness, Sutherland The Kyle of Durness is a broad and sandy coastal inlet in the far north west of Scotland. It extends 5.5 miles inland from Balnakeil and divides the Cape Wrath peninsula from the mainland. The nearest village is Durness. The Kyle of Durness is around 0.5 miles wide and tidal with only a narrow channel of water remaining at low tide along most of its length. Unlike other coastal inlets along Scotland's north coast it is not straight, having 2 major bends around Keoldale. It opens into Balnakeil Bay which is around 2 miles wide at its mouth. The River Dionard and River Grudie flow into the Kyle of Durness at its southern end with the River Daill and a number of minor streams also flowing into it along its length. The geology along the eastern side of the Kyle of Durness is limestone with rolling grasslands dominating. The Kyle of Durness and its surrounding area forms part of the Oldshoremore, Cape Wrath and Durness Special Landscape Area. It contains a number of archaeological remains dating to the prehistoric period. The A838 road runs along the eastern shore of the Kyle of Durness in its southern section with an unclassified road leading west to Keoldale, the only remaining settlement on the shore. The Cape Wrath passenger ferry operates from Keoldale between May and September and this connects with a minibus on the other side which conveys visitors on a very rough 14 mile journey on a track across The Parph to Cape Wrath, the most north westerly point on the Scottish mainland. The western shore of the Kyle of Durness is uninhabited with the former farmsteads at Achimore and Daill the only settlements. Date: 5th June 2008 Location: view looking north from the A838 road http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41205458.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21197959085eb973de4cd6d.jpgHairy Shieldbug The Hairy Shieldbug is a species of shield bug in the family [i]Pentatomidae[/i]. It is a large and distinctive species reaching a length of about 0.4 to 0.5 inches and is purple-brown and greenish in colour with banded black and white antennae. The whole body is covered with long hairs. During the winter, the ground colour becomes uniformly dull brown. The male and female are very similar. The Hairy Shieldbug overwinters as an adult and emerges in the spring when mating occurs and females lay eggs. By the end of summer, the new generation of adults appear. The Hairy Shieldbug is common and widespread in most of Europe and central Asia where it mainly inhabits hedgerows and woodland edges, fields, forests, parks and gardens. It can be found in many habitats throughout the UK but is scarcer and mainly coastal in the north. Date: 7th May 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48483003.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_342082236640a4005df37e.jpgBlue Tit The Blue Tit is a small passerine bird in the tit family. It is easily recognisable by its generally blue and yellow plumage and its small size. The Blue Tit is about 4.7 inches long with a wingspan of 7.1 inches. It has an azure blue crown and a dark blue line passing through the eye and encircling the white cheeks to the chin, giving the bird a very distinctive appearance. The forehead and a bar on the wing are white. The nape, wings and tail are blue and the back is yellowish green. The underparts are mostly sulphur-yellow with a dark line down the abdomen. The bill is black and the legs bluish grey. The sexes are similar whilst young birds are noticeably more yellow. The Blue Tit is very agile and it can cling to the outermost branches and hang upside down when searching for food such as insects, caterpillars and seeds. The Blue Tit can be found throughout areas of the European continent with a mainly temperate or Mediterranean climate and in parts of the Middle East. In the UK it is common in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens and widespread across the whole of the country with the exception of some Scottish islands. The Blue Tit will nest in any suitable hole in a tree, wall or stump, often competing with other birds such as the House Sparrow or Great Tit for the site. In addition, it will readily accept an artificial nesting box. The same hole is returned to year after year and when one pair dies another takes possession. The nesting material is usually moss, wool, hair and feathers and the eggs are laid in April or May. The number in the clutch is often very large but 7 or 8 is normal. It is not unusual for a single bird to feed the chicks in the nest at a rate of one feed every 90 seconds during the height of the breeding season. Successful breeding is dependent on a sufficient supply of caterpillars as well as satisfactory weather. Breeding may be affected badly if the weather is cold and wet between May and July, particularly if this coincides with the emergence of the caterpillars on which the nestlings are fed. The small size of the Blue Tit makes it vulnerable to predation by larger birds and the typical lifespan is 3 years or less. The most significant predator is probably the Sparrowhawk, closely followed by the domestic cat. Nests may also be robbed by mammals such as the Weasel and Red and Grey Squirrels. Date: 1st February 2023 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41424256.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2343627585f2aa90dc262f.jpgVaranger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway The Varanger peninsula is situated in Troms og Finnmark in the extreme north east of Norway. With an area of 800 square miles, it is the largest area within the Arctic climate zone in mainland Norway and is bordered by Tanafjord to the west, Varangerfjord to the south and the Barents Sea to the north and east. The area has a rugged mountain terrain with altitudes up to 2077 feet and it has an Arctic tundra climate. The coast of the Varanger peninsula is an important area for breeding, migrating and wintering birds, especially some notable Arctic species. The Norwegian Directorate for Nature Management has a project on the Varanger peninsula to reintroduce and protect the Arctic Fox which is critically endangered on the Norwegian mainland. The Varangerhalvøya National Park (Norwegian: [I]Varangerhalvøya Nasjonalpark[/I]) lies to the west of road Fv341 and protects a majority of the land on the Varanger peninsula. The eastern part of the Varanger peninsula can be accessed from Vardø, via Svartnes, to Hamningberg. Hamningberg is an abandoned fishing village situated on the Varanger peninsula and on the shores of the Barents Sea. It’s only road connection is via the narrow and winding road Fv341 which runs for about 25 miles north from Svartnes. This is a very scenic road which follows the shores of the Barents Sea. It is considered to be one of the wildest and most memorable drives in Norway and passes through a bare and barren but awe-inspiring Arctic landscape. The road is closed during the winter months from October to late May. Traditionally a fishing village, Hamningberg is one of very few places in Troms og Finnmark that was not burnt and destroyed under Operation Nordlicht in 1944 and 1945, the German “scorched earth” retreat from Finnmark. It was depopulated and abandoned in 1964 although some of the houses are still in use as summer cottages. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: view from road Fv341 between Svartnes and Hamningberg, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/long-tailed-skua https://images.on-this.website/4752_11167063485f10b21be13b7.jpgLong-tailed Skua The Long-tailed Skua, known as the Long-tailed Jaeger in the Americas, is a seabird in the skua family [I]Stercorariidae[/I]. It is the smallest of the skua family at 15 to 23 inches in length depending on the season and age. However, up to 11 inches of its length can be made up of the tail which may include 6 inch long tail streamers in the summer adult. The adult Long-tailed Skua is unmistakable with its grey back, dark primary wing feathers without a white "flash", black cap and very long tail. Adults often hover over their breeding territories. Juveniles are much more problematic to identify and are difficult to separate from the Arctic Skua over the sea. It is slimmer, longer-winged and more tern-like than the Arctic Skua but shows the same wide range of plumage variation. However, it is usually colder toned than the Arctic Skua with greyer shades rather than brown. The Long-tailed Skua breeds in the high Arctic of Eurasia and north America with major populations in Russia, Alaska and Canada and smaller populations around the rest of the Arctic. It nests on dry tundra or higher fells where they can be heard making yelping and rattling sounds. Outside of the breeding season they spend most of their time over open ocean and have a harsher cry. It is a migrant species and winters in the south Atlantic and Pacific. The Long-tailed Skua feeds on fish (mainly caught from other seabirds), small birds, small mammals, fruit, food scraps and carrion. On migration, it is more likely to catch its own food and less likely to steal from gulls and terns than the larger skua species. Date: 29th June 2019 Location: Jarfjordfjellet, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/slovak-paradise-national-park-slovakia https://images.on-this.website/4752_41293850459bd51f7dcdd5.jpgSlovak Paradise, Slovakia Slovak Paradise (Slovenský raj) is a mountain range in eastern Slovakia. It is a part of the Spiš-Gemer Karst, which in turn is a part of the Slovak Ore Mountains (Slovenské rudohorie), a major subdivision of the Western Carpathians. It is located between the towns of Spišská Nová Ves in the north and Dobšiná in the south. Slovak Paradise is a plain with high plateaus between 2625 feet and 3280 feet. The highest peak is Ondrejisko at 4167 feet. The area is mainly formed of karst limestone and dolomite. The karst plateaus show phenomena such as sinkholes and limestone pavements. Other typical features are canyons, gorges and ravines which form picturesque rocky scenes with waterfalls which were created mainly by the Hnilec and Hornád rivers and their tributaries. 80% of the area is covered with spruce forests. There are more than 200 caves and underground abysses. Among the caves, Dobšinská ľadová jaskyňa (Dobšinská Ice Cave) and Medvedia jaskyňa (Bear Cave) are the best known. Slovak Paradise is protected by Slovak Paradise National Park (Národný park Slovenský raj), one of the 9 national parks in Slovakia. It covers an area of 76.3 square miles with a surrounding buffer zone of 50 square miles. It is situated in the Banská Bystrica region, Prešov region and Košice Region. The highest peak is Predná hoľa at 5069 feet. Slovak Paradise National Park includes 11 National Nature Reserves and 8 Nature Reserves and around 185 miles of hiking trails, often equipped with ladders, chains and bridges. It also contains about 350 caves but only the Dobšinská ľadová jaskyňa (Dobšinská Ice Cave), a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000, is open to the public. The first protected reserve in the area of the Slovak Paradise was founded in 1890. The name Slovenský raj first appeared in 1921 in the "Krásy Slovenska" magazine and replaced many names used until that period. In August 1964 the first Protected Landscape Area in Slovakia was established in Slovak Paradise. The area was redesignated as Slovak Paradise National Park in January 1988. Since 2004, parts of the national park have been included in the Natura 2000 ecological network, the network of nature protection areas within the European Union. The best known tourist centres in Slovak Paradise National Park are Čingov, Podlesok, Dedinky and Kláštorisko. Date: 31st May 2017 Location: Podlesok, Slovak Paradise National Park, Košice region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo453508.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_213926510346883fb1553ae.jpgGlencoe mountains, Argyll Height: Bidean nam Bian 3773 feet, Beinn Fhada 3054 feet, Aonach Dubh 2972 feet and Sgorr nam Fiannaidh 3172 feet Glencoe is internationally famous for its amazing landscape and its natural and cultural heritage. It is a place of towering and spectacular mountains, an environment for diverse and rare wildlife and the site of a famous yet tragic event in Scotland’s history. Glencoe is a steep-sided valley climbing steadily south east from the village of Glencoe on the shores of Loch Leven. It eventually emerges from its mountain landscape on to the very wet and boggy Rannoch Moor over 10 miles away and at an altitude of over 1000 feet. The Glencoe mountains contain some of the oldest sedimentary and volcanic rocks in the world but the effects of glaciation and millions of years and many cycles of erosion have subsequently carved and worn them away into the formation seen today. Glencoe is bounded on its northern side by the famous Aonach Eagach or “notched ridge”, a pinnacled and very narrow ridge linking three peaks over 3000 feet which stretches for over three miles. On the southern side, there is a range of magnificent mountains comprising the “Three Sisters” of Beinn Fhada, Gearr Aonach and Aonach Dubh plus Bidean nam Bian whose summit sits behind the three protruding buttresses. Glencoe is best know for an event that took place here at 5am on the morning of 13 February 1692, the massacre of the MacDonald clan. Date: 6th June 2007 Location: view from the A82 road before the descent through Glen Coe http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072343.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6500831184bf6df74038a5.jpgSteller's Eiders The Steller's Eider is a medium sized sea duck and the smallest of the 4 species of eider. In it’s breeding plumage, the male is unmistakable with a black back, white shoulders, chestnut breast and belly, a white head with a greenish tuft and small black eye patches. During the late summer and autumn, males are entirely mottled dark brown. Females and juveniles are mottled dark brown all year round. Adults of both sexes have a blue patch with a white border on the upper wing similar to a mallard. The bird is named after the German naturalist Georg Steller. Steller's Eiders breed along the Arctic coasts of northern Russia and northern and western Alaska. It is estimated that the world population of Steller's Eiders is around 220,000 birds, the majority of which nest in Russia. Most Steller's Eiders breeding in Alaska and Russia migrate south after breeding. An estimated 40,000 winter in north eastern Europe along the coasts of Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Finland, Norway and Sweden. It is very scarce south of its wintering range. Date: 13th April 2010 Location: Svartnes, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/white-tailed-eagle https://images.on-this.website/4752_1584765484eff1f8c83573.jpgWhite-tailed Eagle The White-tailed Eagle is a very large bird with a 72 to 96 inch wingspan and is the fourth largest eagle in the world. It has broad "barn door" wings, a large head and a thick "meat-cleaver" beak. The adult is mainly brown except for the paler head and neck, blackish flight feathers, distinctive white tail, and yellow bill and legs. In juvenile birds the tail and bill are darker, with the tail becoming white with a dark terminal band in sub-adults. The White-tailed Eagle breeds in northern Europe and northern Asia. The largest population in Europe is found along the coast of Norway. They are mostly resident with only the northernmost birds such as the eastern Scandinavian and Siberian population migrating south in winter. Date: 26th May 2009 Location: Salttjern to Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/mallard-ducking https://images.on-this.website/4752_19105053624db7eca699abd.jpgMallard ducking The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 25th April 2011 Location: Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7190854.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17217513714cc30535ea95e.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 17th October 2010 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14467392.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2528284114f743b8e03edd.jpg"Northern Lights" The aurora is a natural light display in the sky, particularly in the high latitude Arctic and Antarctic regions, caused by the collision of energetic charged particles with atoms in the high altitude atmosphere. The charged particles originate in the magnetosphere and solar wind and on Earth they are directed by the Earth's magnetic field into the atmosphere. Most aurora occur in a band known as the auroral zone which is typically 3° to 6° in latitudinal extent and 10° to 20° from the magnetic pole. During a geomagnetic storm, the auroral zone will expand to lower latitudes. The diffuse aurora is a featureless glow in the sky which may not be visible to the naked eye even on a dark night and defines the extent of the auroral zone. The discrete aurora are sharply defined features within the diffuse aurora which vary in brightness from just barely visible to the naked eye to bright enough to read a newspaper at night. In northern latitudes, the effect is known as the aurora borealis (or the “Northern Lights), named after the Roman goddess of dawn, Aurora, and the Greek name for the north wind, Boreas, by Pierre Gassendi in 1621. Auroras seen near the magnetic pole may be high overhead but from farther away they illuminate the northern horizon as a greenish glow or sometimes a faint red. Auroras often display magnetic field lines or curtain-like structures and can change within seconds or glow unchanging for hours, most often in fluorescent green. In Scandinavia, you can see the aurora all over Norway, Sweden and Finland. However, the best places are above the Arctic Circle in the auroral zone. The aurora is most frequent in late autumn and in winter and early spring. In the time span between the autumn equinox and the spring equinox (21st September to 21st March), it is dark the whole time between 6 p.m. and 1 a.m. and this provides the maximum chance of seeing the aurora in suitable weather conditions and with increased solar activity. Date: 16th March 2012 Location: Skibotndalen, Troms, north Norway close to Norway/Finland border http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645633.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_202067228951e3cfbd63b4c.jpgBiałowieża, Poland The Białowieża forest is an ancient mixed forest that straddles the border between Poland and Belarus. It is one of the largest remaining parts of the immense primaeval forest that once stretched across the Great European Plain. On the Polish side, the central part of the Białowieża forest is protected as the Białowieża National Park with an area of about 39 square miles. The National Park, created in 1932, is under strict preservation and has been declared by UNESCO a World Biosphere Reserve and put on the World Heritage List. The Białowieża forest is home to many species of forest birds plus large mammals such as Wolf, Lynx, Moose and European Bison. Date: 25th May 2013 Location: south of Białowieża around Narewka bridge, Białowieża area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/wood-warbler https://images.on-this.website/4752_11139665075ce1282328efb.jpgWood Warbler The Wood Warbler is a typical leaf warbler in appearance, green above and white below with a lemon-yellow breast. It can be distinguished from similar species, like the Chiffchaff and the Willow Warbler by its yellow supercilium, throat and upper breast, pale tertial edges, longer primary projection and by its shorter but broader tail. The Wood Warbler is common and widespread and breeds throughout north and temperate Europe and just into the extreme west of Asia in the south Ural Mountains. It is strongly migratory and the entire population winters in tropical Africa. The Wood Warbler can be found in open but shady mature woodlands, such as beech and sessile oak, with some sparse ground cover for nesting. The dome-shaped nest is built near the ground in low shrub. The Wood Warbler is a declining summer visitor to the UK and can be seen from April to August. Unlike much of the population in Europe which is found in forested lowlands, the UK population is predominantly found in upland oak woods in the west with the highest densities in the oak woods Wales. The Wood Warbler has 2 song types which are often given alternatively: a high-pitched fluid metallic trill of increasing tempo (often described as a spinning coin on a marble slab) and a series of 3 to 5 descending piping notes of lower pitch. During the former, the bird’s body shudders and shivers as it delivers the song and there are frequent song flights between different branches. Date: 11th May 2019 Location: Ynys-hir RSPB reserve, Ceredigion http://www.richardchewphotography.com/ptarmigan https://images.on-this.website/4752_9516082305635185411fc8.jpgPtarmigan The (Rock) Ptarmigan is a medium-sized gamebird in the grouse family. The Ptarmigan is seasonally camouflaged with its feathers moulting from white in winter to brown in spring or summer. The breeding male has greyish upper parts with white wings and under parts. In winter, its plumage becomes completely white except for the black tail. The Ptarmigan is a sedentary species which breeds across Arctic and sub Arctic Eurasia and north America and Greenland on rocky mountainsides and tundra. Because of the remote habitat in which it lives, it has only a few predators (such as the Golden Eagle) and it can be surprisingly approachable. During the last Ice Age, the Ptarmigan was far more widespread in continental Europe. The Ptarmigan feeds primarily on birch and willow buds and catkins when available. It will also eat various seeds, leaves, flowers and berries of other plant species. Insects are eaten by the developing young. Date: 4th June 2015 Location: Lake Mývatn area, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/wasp-spider https://images.on-this.website/4752_89608708046d95f934cfd8.jpgWasp Spider The Wasp Spider is so called because of the eye-catching yellow, black and white striped colouration of the female. The Wasp Spider is common in Europe from the Mediterranean to as far north as Scandinavia but it was only first recorded in the UK at 1922 at Rye in Sussex. However, they have now spread northwards and become much more frequent in suitable habitat over the past 15 years due to the warmer climate. Female Wasp Spiders are 11-15mm and males are 4-4.5mm. The females are distinctively marked with a silvery thorax and black, yellow and white striped abdomen but the males are pale brown. Wasp Spiders live in long grass and low vegetation and, because the egg sac is made on grass leaves, they can only become established where grass is not regularly managed. Wasp spiders hunt flying insects and grasshoppers and build an orb web with a vertical zigzag pattern of silk in it called a stabilimentum. The purpose of the stabilimentum is unclear but it is thought that it helps attract insects. Date: 26th August 2007 Location: Stow Maries Halt EWT reserve, Stow Maries, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/frog-species https://images.on-this.website/4752_1989417777559cefbc64e92.jpgMarsh Frog The Marsh Frog is the largest European frog. It is very similar in appearance to the closely related Edible Frog and Pool Frog. These 3 species are often referred to as "green frogs" to distinguish them from the more terrestrial European species which are known as "brown frogs" (best exemplified by the Common Frog). Marsh Frogs show a large variation in colour and pattern, ranging from dark green to brown or grey. The Western European populations are generally dark green to black with dark spots on the back and sides and 3 clear green lines on the back. Females can reach a maximum length of around 6.5 inches but males are smaller at around 4.5 inches. The head is proportionally large and the hind legs are long which gives them excellent jumping abilities. The Marsh Frog is usually gregarious and diurnal and more tied to aquatic habitats than the Common Frog. It is tolerant of brackish conditions and typically it is found on or in the water of its favoured drainage channels and pools throughout the year. Marsh Frogs frequently sunbathe on the bank of the water body where they are often inconspicuous until disturbed when they will jump in to the water with a characteristic “plop”. They can often be seen on lily pads or floating at the surface amongst vegetation with only their heads exposed. During the breeding season (and sometimes beyond) the male Marsh Frog calls very loudly with a sound reminiscent of a loud chuckle which is often very raucous and can be heard all day and night. Dominant males establish territories from which they call. After mating a female may produce up to 16,000 eggs in a season, laying them in clumps of a few hundred in aquatic vegetation below the surface. They hatch in about a week, tadpoles being rather solitary and living in deep water with vegetation. Newly metamorphosed frogs are up to 1 inch in length and take 2 years to mature. The diet of the Marsh Frog consists of dragonflies and other insects, spiders, earthworms and slugs. Larger frogs also eat small rodents and sometimes smaller amphibians and fish. Date: 12th May 2015 Location: Lake Kerkini, Central Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41505228.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16469400995f37b2a505f53.jpgVaranger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway The Varanger peninsula is situated in Troms og Finnmark in the extreme north east of Norway. With an area of 800 square miles, it is the largest area within the Arctic climate zone in mainland Norway and is bordered by Tanafjord to the west, Varangerfjord to the south and the Barents Sea to the north and east. The area has a rugged mountain terrain with altitudes up to 2077 feet and it has an Arctic tundra climate. The coast of the Varanger peninsula is an important area for breeding, migrating and wintering birds, especially some notable Arctic species. The Norwegian Directorate for Nature Management has a project on the Varanger peninsula to reintroduce and protect the Arctic Fox which is critically endangered on the Norwegian mainland. The Varangerhalvøya National Park (Norwegian: [I]Varangerhalvøya Nasjonalpark[/I]) lies to the west of road Fv341 and protects a majority of the land on the Varanger peninsula. Date: 3rd July 2019 Location: Komagdalen, Varangerhalvøya National Park, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/beautiful-demoiselle https://images.on-this.website/4752_87083433460dd86baf1b35.jpgBeautiful Demoiselle Flight period: May to August The Beautiful Demoiselle is often confused for a dragonfly but it is in fact a large damselfly. Males have dark coloured wings and metallic blue-green bodies whilst females have brown wings and metallic green-bronze bodies with pale brown wings. The Beautiful Demoiselle is similar to the Banded Demoiselle but the males of the latter species have distinctive dark patches in the middle of their wings. The Beautiful Demoiselle has fluttering butterfly-like wings. Males often rest on bankside vegetation awaiting passing females and they use their fluttering flight as a courtship display. The Beautiful Demoiselle is mainly seen along streams and rivers, particularly those with sand or gravel bottoms. It is locally abundant and mostly found west of a line between Liverpool and Folkestone and in southern Ireland. Date: 15th June 2021 Location: Old Lodge SWT reserve, High Weald, East Sussex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7439536.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1966774854cd571193b84a.jpgGriffon Vulture The Griffon Vulture is a typical Old World vulture in appearance with a white bald head, very broad wings and short tail feathers. It has a white neck ruff and yellow bill. The buff body and wing coverts contrast with the dark flight feathers. They are very large birds around 37 to 43 inches long with a 91 to 106 inches wingspan. Like other vultures, the Griffon Vulture is a scavenger, feeding mostly from carcasses of dead animals which it finds by soaring over open areas, often moving in flocks. The population is mostly resident in its breeding range in the mountains of southern Europe, north Africa, and Asia. In Spain, there are tens of thousands of birds from a low of a few thousand around 1980 although the Pyrenees population has apparently been affected by an EU ruling that due to danger of BSE transmission, no carcasses must be left on the fields for the time being. Although the Griffon Vulture does not normally attack larger living prey, there are reports of Spanish Griffon Vultures killing weak, young or unhealthy living animals as they do not find enough carrion to eat. Date: 7th September 2010 Location: Sierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain - road to La Lancha and Embalse del Jándula http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5325688.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5028414024c1dd3a7debb9.jpgFulmar The Fulmar is almost gull-like but is a grey and white seabird that is related to the albatrosses. It flies low over the sea on stiff wings with shallow wing beats, gliding and banking to show its white under-parts and then grey upper-parts. At its breeding sites it will fly high up the cliff face riding the updraughts. Fulmars feed in flocks out at sea and defend their nests from intruders by spitting out a foul-smelling oil. Fulmars breed on coastal cliffs with suitable ledges and grassy slopes but will occasionally breed on buildings. Fulmars are best looked for at seabird colonies and are most abundant along the Scottish coastline especially in the Northern Isles. They are least common along the east, south and north-west coasts of England. Adults are present at the breeding colonies nearly all year although young birds leave in late summer. Away from the breeding colonies, Fulmars spend their whole time offshore at sea. Date: 3rd June 2010 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874807.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2062625251561cce36e613a.jpgRed-throated Diver The Red-throated Diver is the smallest and lightest of the world's diver or loon species. Like all divers, it is long-bodied and short-necked and with its legs set far back on its body. The sexes are similar in appearance although males tend to be slightly larger and heavier than females. In breeding plumage, the adult has a dark grey head and neck with narrow black and white stripes on the back of the neck, a triangular red throat patch, white underparts and a dark grey-brown mantle. The non-breeding plumage is drabber with the chin, foreneck and much of the face white, the top of the head and back of the neck grey and considerable white speckling on the dark mantle. The bill is thin, straight and sharp and the bird often holds it at an uptilted angle. In flight, the Red-throated Diver has a distinctive profile. Its small feet do not project far past the end of its body, its head and neck droop below the horizontal (giving the flying bird a distinctly hunchbacked shape) and its thin wings are angled back. It has a quicker, deeper wing beat than other divers. The Red-throated Diver has a large global population and a significant global range but some populations are declining. Oil spills, habitat degradation, pollution and fishing nets are among the major threats and natural predators, such as various gull species and both red and Arctic foxes, will take eggs and young. The Red-throated Diver breeds primarily in the Arctic regions of northern Eurasia and north America and it winters in northern coastal waters, sometimes in groups of considerable size. Unlike other divers, it regularly uses very small freshwater lakes as breeding sites. In Europe, it breeds in Iceland, northern Scotland, Scandinavia and northern Russia and it winters along the coast as far south as parts of Spain. Date: 7th June 2015 Location: east of Ólafsvík, Snæfellsnes peninsula, west Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071720.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_65256436666433d13e12ac.jpgChough Whilst its black plumage identifies it as a crow, the Chough has a red bill and legs unlike any other member of the crow family. It readily displays its mastery of flight with wonderful aerial displays of diving and swooping and can be found in flocks in autumn and winter. The Chough has a restricted westerly distribution in the UK and because of its small population size and historically declining populations it is an Amber List species. The best places to see Chough are north and west Wales, Islay in west Scotland and the Isle of Man, although they have also recently recolonised Cornwall. Date: 6th May 2024 Location: St. Govan's Head, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42632849.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_204816906960aa668fb9652.jpgJay The Jay is a colourful member of the crow family that is about the same size as a Jackdaw. The Jay is mostly a pinkish brown colour with the underparts being slightly paler. The head has a black and white flecked crown, black moustache and white throat. The white rump contrasts starkly with the black tail. The iris of the eye is a pale blue, the bill is black and the legs are pink-brown. The wings are mostly black with white patches but also have striking blue patches, but close to these wing patches are actually bands of graduated shades of blue. Although it is the most strikingly colourful member of the crow family, the Jay can be quite difficult to see since it is a shy woodland bird and rarely moves far from cover. It can often be seen flying across a woodland clearing or glade giving its raucous screeching call. The Jay can be found across most of the UK, except northern Scotland, and occurs in both deciduous and coniferous woodland, parks and mature gardens. It particularly likes oak trees in the autumn when there are plenty of acorns which it seeks out and buries for retrieving later. The majority of the UK population is sedentary but European birds are irruptive when there is a poor acorn harvest and may arrive in large numbers along the east coast of the UK in the autumn. Date: 22nd April 2021 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41187446.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13209094615ea6d5276eef3.jpgCormorant The (Great) Cormorant is a widespread member of the cormorant and shag family Phalacrocoracidae. There is a wide variation in size in the species' wide range and males are typically larger and heavier than females. It has a predominantly black plumage but the adult has white patches on the thighs and throat and a yellow throat during the breeding season. In Europe it can be distinguished from the Shag by its larger size, heavier build, thicker bill, lack of a crest and plumage without any green tinge. The (Great) Cormorant is a very common and widespread bird and it breeds in much of the Old World and the Atlantic coast of north America. It feeds on the sea, in estuaries and on freshwater lakes and rivers. Northern birds migrate south and winter along any coast that is well-supplied with fish. The (Great) Cormorant is found around the UK coastline on rocky shores, coastal lagoons and estuaries and it is increasingly seen inland at reservoirs, lakes and gravel pits. The UK holds internationally important wintering numbers. The (Great) Cormorant mainly nests in colonies near wetlands, rivers and sheltered inshore waters. Pairs will use the same nest site to breed year after year. It builds its nest, which is made mainly from sticks, in trees, on the ledges of cliffs and on the ground on rocky islands that are free of predators. The female lays 3 to 5 eggs which are incubated for a period of about 28 to 31 days. The (Great) Cormorant feeds on fish caught through diving and it will consume all fish of appropriate size that they are able to catch. Many fishermen see the (Great) Cormorant a competitor for fish. Because of this, it was nearly hunted to extinction in the past. Due to conservation efforts, its numbers increased although this has once again brought it in to conflict with fisheries. In the UK, where inland breeding was once uncommon, there are now increasing numbers of birds and many inland fish farms and fisheries now claim to be suffering high losses. In the UK each year, some licences are issued to cull specified numbers in order to help reduce predation although it is still illegal to kill a bird without such a licence. Date: 21st April 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37913604.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5706190915cab34b5bf7de.jpgLittle Ringed Plover The Little Ringed Plover is a small plover with a distinctive black and white head pattern similar to the Ringed Plover. It has a black beak and pale (not orange) legs and close views reveal a distinctive yellow eye-ring. In flight it shows a plain brown wing without the white wing bar that the Ringed Plover has. The Little Ringed Plover can be found in most of Eurasia and north west Africa. In the UK, it is mainly found in England and is uncommon in Wales and Scotland. It is a migratory species, arriving in March from its wintering grounds in Africa and leaving again in July. The breeding habitat is open gravel or shingle areas near fresh water, including gravel pits, reservoirs, islands and river edges Nests are located on the ground on stones with little or no plant growth. Both males and females take turns incubating the eggs. The Little Ringed Plover is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 10th April 2019 Location: Abberton Reservoir, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50931101.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2160092246627d6855f589.jpgCoot The Coot is an all black bird with a distinctive white beak and “shield” above the beak from which earns it the title “bald”. Its feet have distinctive lobed flaps of skin on the toes which act instead of webs when swimming. It patters noisily over the water before taking off and can be very aggressive towards other birds. Coot can be found all the year round mainly on freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers and town park lakes. Sometimes they can be seen offshore, especially in winter if freshwater areas are frozen. They breed in areas of fairly shallow standing freshwater with a muddy bottom and plenty of vegetation at the sides, usually in lowland areas. Date: 14th April 2024 Location: RSPB Rainham Marshes, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084742.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16110440905d3087f238039.jpgBicaz Gorge, Neamţ and Harghita Counties, Romania The Bicaz Gorge, known locally as Cheile Bicazului, is a gorge located in north east Romania in the Eastern Carpathians group of the Carpathian Mountains. It is the deepest gorge in the country and connects the historical regions of Moldova and Transylvania. It was created by the River Bicaz and it is one of the most breathtaking natural attractions in Romania. The Bicaz Gorge is included within the Cheile Bicazului-Hășmaș National Park. The DN12C road runs through the Bicaz Gorge and is one of the most scenic drives in Romania. The gorge twists and turns steeply uphill for 5 miles with hairpin bends and deep drops and cuts through sheer 985 feet high limestone cliffs. At one point, the narrow mountain road runs uncomfortably beneath the overhanging rocks in a section known as Gâtul Iadului (“the neck of hell”). Beyond the cliffs there are spruce and beech forests and upland grazing pastures. Date: 4th June 2018 Location: Bicaz Gorge, Neamţ and Harghita Counties, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/common-pochards https://images.on-this.website/4752_183671154356ace918eda45.jpgCommon Pochards The Common Pochard is a medium-sized and stocky diving duck. The adult male has a long dark bill with a grey band, a red head and neck, a black breast, red eyes and a grey back. The adult female has a brown head and body and a narrower grey bill band. The triangular head shape is distinctive. The Common Pochard is superficially similar to the closely related Redhead and Canvasback found in north America. The Common Pochard breeds in marshes and on lakes in much of temperate and north Europe and in to Asia. It is migratory and spends the winter in the south and west of Europe. In the UK, the Common Pochard breeds in east England and lowland Scotland plus in small numbers in Northern Ireland. Large numbers from Russia and Scandinavia winter in the UK on lakes, reservoirs and gravel pits, often mixing with other diving ducks such as the Tufted Duck. In a number of countries, the Common Pochard is decreasing mainly due to habitat loss and hunting. It is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. The Common Pochard feeds mainly by diving or dabbling for aquatic plants, molluscs, aquatic insects and small fish. Date: 13th January 2016 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071522.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7459365206643292e2f4ec.jpgBlack Grouse The Black Grouse is a large game bird in the grouse family. The male has all black plumage with distinctive red wattles over the eyes and striking white stripes along each wing in flight. It has a lyre-shaped tail which is fanned out and raised to show white under-tail feathers when displaying. The female is smaller and grey-brown in colour. The Black Grouse is a sedentary species and breeds across northern Eurasia in moorland and bog areas near to mostly boreal woodland. Although it is declining, it is not considered to be vulnerable globally due to the large population and slow rate of decline. Its decline is due to loss of habitat, disturbance, predation by foxes, crows, etc., and small populations gradually dying out. In the UK, the Black Grouse are found in upland areas of Wales, the Pennines and most of Scotland, especially on farmland and moorland with nearby forestry or scattered trees. Habitat loss and overgrazing have resulted in severe population declines which make the Black Grouse a Red List species. Positive habitat management and re-introduction programmes are helping it to increase in some areas. The Black Grouse has a very distinctive and well-recorded courtship. At dawn in the spring, the males strut around in a traditional area (lek) and display whilst making a highly distinctive and bubbling mating call. This photo was taken at a well known roadside lekking site. If visiting, please remain in your car to avoid disturbance to these vulnerable breeding birds. Date: 3rd May 2023 Location: World's End, Denbighshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37159132.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17742166325c1e61385b1da.jpgTree Pipit The Tree Pipit is a small passerine bird in the pipit family. It is an undistinguished-looking species, similar to the Meadow Pipit, streaked brown above and with black markings on a white belly and buff breast below. It can be distinguished from the slightly smaller Meadow Pipit by its heavier bill and greater contrast between its buff breast and white belly. The Tree Pipit’s song flight is unmistakable. The bird rises a short distance up from a tree and then parachutes down on stiff wings, the song becoming more drawn out towards the end. The Tree Pipit breeds across most of Europe and temperate western and central Asia. It is a long-distance migrant moving in winter to Africa and southern Asia. The Tree Pipit breeds in habitats with a wooded component, including lowland heath and coppice. It is found mostly in open birch woodland on the boundary with moorland or in open structured oak woodland. It nests on the ground amongst grass or heather tussocks. Date: 6th May 2018 Location: Gilfach RWT reserve, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871695.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18045726434eff20b067182.jpgWaxwing The Waxwing is a plump bird which is slightly smaller than a starling. It is reddish-brown with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings, a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest. Waxwings breed in the dense forests of northern Europe but they occur in varying numbers in the UK from October to March. In some years they can occur in large numbers (known as irruptions) when the population in the breeding areas gets too big for the food available. Waxwings make an easily recognisable high-pitched trilling sound like a bell. Date: 29th May 2009 Location: north of Sodankylä, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084437.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17446011785d30872d4de30.jpgBucegi Mountains, Prahova County, Romania The Bucegi Mountains are a mountain range located in central Romania south of the city of Brașov. They are part of the Southern Carpathians group of the Carpathian Mountains. Omu is the highest peak at 8219 feet. To the east, the Bucegi Mountains have a very steep slope and are bordered by the Prahova Valley. This area holds the most ski resorts in Romania including the small mountain towns of Sinaia and Bușteni. The area of the Bucegi Mountains was proposed for protection in 1936 due to its landscapes and great diversity of plant and animal species. Bucegi Natural Park was eventually established in March 1990 and this covers an area of over 125 square miles representing a mountainous area with caves, pit caves, canyons, ridges, sinkholes, valleys and waterfalls. Habitats include beech forests, bushes, alpine limestone grasslands, alpine rivers and herbaceous vegetation, mountain hay meadows, springs, limestone rocky slopes and semi-natural dry grasslands. There are several nature reserves in Bucegi Natural Park. The TransBucegi (designated as route DJ 713) is one of Romania’s most scenic drives. It starts 10 miles west of Sinaia at Cabana Dichiu and runs for 24 miles to Cabana Piatra Arsa on the Bucegi Mountains Plateau in Bucegi National Park. The TransBucegi ranges in height from 2495 feet at Sinaia to 6316 feet at the route end at Cabana Piatra Arsa. The route encompasses miles of stunning views through twisty hair pin corners, steep gradients and high elevations. The route was officially inaugurated in August 2013 and it is the third high altitude road in Romania after the Transfăgărăşan and Transalpina. Date: 2nd June 2018 Location: Bucegi Mountains from Bușteni, Prahova County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084337.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18894120525d3086e92b600.jpgBucegi Mountains, Prahova County, Romania The Bucegi Mountains are a mountain range located in central Romania south of the city of Brașov. They are part of the Southern Carpathians group of the Carpathian Mountains. Omu is the highest peak at 8219 feet. To the east, the Bucegi Mountains have a very steep slope and are bordered by the Prahova Valley. This area holds the most ski resorts in Romania including the small mountain towns of Sinaia and Bușteni. The area of the Bucegi Mountains was proposed for protection in 1936 due to its landscapes and great diversity of plant and animal species. Bucegi Natural Park was eventually established in March 1990 and this covers an area of over 125 square miles representing a mountainous area with caves, pit caves, canyons, ridges, sinkholes, valleys and waterfalls. Habitats include beech forests, bushes, alpine limestone grasslands, alpine rivers and herbaceous vegetation, mountain hay meadows, springs, limestone rocky slopes and semi-natural dry grasslands. There are several nature reserves in Bucegi Natural Park. The TransBucegi (designated as route DJ 713) is one of Romania’s most scenic drives. It starts 10 miles west of Sinaia at Cabana Dichiu and runs for 24 miles to Cabana Piatra Arsa on the Bucegi Mountains Plateau in Bucegi National Park. The TransBucegi ranges in height from 2495 feet at Sinaia to 6316 feet at the route end at Cabana Piatra Arsa. The route encompasses miles of stunning views through twisty hair pin corners, steep gradients and high elevations. The route was officially inaugurated in August 2013 and it is the third high altitude road in Romania after the Transfăgărăşan and Transalpina. Date: 2nd June 2018 Location: Bucegi Mountain Plateau from the TransBucegi route, Prahova County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51984021.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_162807934566d347718f57e.jpgRuddy Darter Flight period: mid June to mid September. The Ruddy Darter takes its name from its colour and its swift flight behaviour. The male has a deep russet colour over the entire body and the abdomen has a pinched section close to where it joins the thorax. Females are slightly smaller, golden yellow in colour and being less obviously marked are more difficult to identify than the males. There is more than one red coloured darter species in the UK and they can be easily confused with each other. The commonest red species, the Common Darter, can be distinguished as having red veins at the base of the wings and a less ruddy colouration across the body. However, the Ruddy Darter has entirely black legs, distinguishing it from all other red darters which have longitudinal yellow stripes on their legs. The UK range of the Ruddy Darter has undergone something of an expansion in recent years. Although still relatively uncommon in the west and north of Britain, it is increasing in numbers in the Midlands and eastern England. The population is augmented by continental migrants. It is also found over most of Europe except for northern Scandinavia, as far east as western Siberia and south to north Africa. The Ruddy Darter prefers water bodies with tall emergent vegetation, such as reeds and club rush, and it is known to breed in ponds, lakes, canals, ditches and sluggish rivers. They can also be found near coasts and can breed in fairly brackish water. Date: 28th July 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26041071.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1941233431563896b48a27f.jpgWestfjords, Iceland The Westfjords is the name of a large peninsula in north west Iceland and it is situated on the Denmark Strait facing the east coast of Greenland to the north west. It is connected to the rest of Iceland by a 5 mile wide isthmus between Gilsfjörður and Bitrufjörður. The Westfjords are one of the most breathtakingly beautiful and least visited corners of Iceland with only a small number of foreign tourist visitors. This peninsula of almost 5500 square miles stretching out into the icy waters of the Denmark Strait is characterised by dramatic fjords which have resulted from intense glacial activity. Everything here is extreme from the table mountains that dominate the landscape and which plunge precipitously into the sea to the ferocious storms that have gnawed the coastline into countless craggy inlets. After crossing the Steingrímsfjarðarheiði mountain pass west of Hólmavík, road 61 becomes a convoluted and circuitous route which winds it’s way in and around no fewer than 7 deeply indented fjords in the northern part of the Westfjords before reaching the regional capital of Ísafjörður. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: view from road 60 between Ísafjörður and Þingeyri http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084000.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10082636185d308362b9add.jpgCommon Wall Lizard The Common (European) Wall Lizard is a small, thin lizard which can grow to about 7.9 inches in total length and whose small scales are highly variable in colour and pattern. Its colouration is generally brownish or greyish and may occasionally be tinged with green. In some individuals, the row of spots along their backs may form a line whilst others may have a reticulated pattern with dark spots on the side and scattered white spots that can be blue in the shoulder region. The tail is brown, grey or rust in colour and may also have light bars on the sides. The belly region has six rows of larger rectangular scales that are generally reddish, pink or orangish. There may also be dark markings on the throat. The Common Wall Lizard has 6 distinct morphological forms which are identified by the colouration of its throat and underbelly. The Common Wall Lizard can be found in rocky environments, including urban settings, where it can scurry between rock, rubble, debris and buildings. Its natural range spans mainland Europe but it also occurs as an introduced species in southern UK and north America. Date: 29th May 2018 Location: near Teshel, Smolyan Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9579340.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10472079084db00cbcd2a5c.jpgOystercatcher The Oystercatcher is a wader in the oystercatcher family. It is an obvious and noisy bird with black and white plumage, red legs and a strong broad red bill which is used for smashing or prising open molluscs such as mussels or for finding earthworms. Despite its name, oysters do not form a large part of its diet. The Oystercatcher is unmistakable in flight with white patches on the wings and tail with otherwise black upperparts and white underparts. Young birds are more brown, have a white neck collar and a duller bill. The call is a distinctive loud piping. The bill shape varies: Oystercatchers with broad bill tips open molluscs by prising them apart or hammering through the shell whereas birds with pointed bills dig up worms. Much of this is due to the wear resulting from feeding on their prey. Individual Oystercatchers specialise in one technique or the other which they learn from their parents. The Oystercatcher is the most widespread of the oystercatchers with 3 races breeding in western Europe, central Eurasia, Kamchatka, China, and the western coast of Korea. It is a migratory species over most of its range. The European population breeds mainly in northern Europe but in winter the birds can be found in north Africa and southern parts of Europe. Although the species is present all year in Ireland, the UK and the adjacent European coasts, there is still migratory movement within these populations. In winter, large flocks can be seen on major estuaries in the UK. The Oystercatcher breeds on shingle and rocky beaches, sand dunes, salt marshes and on the grassy tops of small islands and also inland on shingle banks of rivers, lakes and gravel pits. Date: 8th June 2007 Location: Loch Scridain, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071520.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18034413316643292beef4b.jpgBlack Grouse The Black Grouse is a large game bird in the grouse family. The male has all black plumage with distinctive red wattles over the eyes and striking white stripes along each wing in flight. It has a lyre-shaped tail which is fanned out and raised to show white under-tail feathers when displaying. The female is smaller and grey-brown in colour. The Black Grouse is a sedentary species and breeds across northern Eurasia in moorland and bog areas near to mostly boreal woodland. Although it is declining, it is not considered to be vulnerable globally due to the large population and slow rate of decline. Its decline is due to loss of habitat, disturbance, predation by foxes, crows, etc., and small populations gradually dying out. In the UK, the Black Grouse are found in upland areas of Wales, the Pennines and most of Scotland, especially on farmland and moorland with nearby forestry or scattered trees. Habitat loss and overgrazing have resulted in severe population declines which make the Black Grouse a Red List species. Positive habitat management and re-introduction programmes are helping it to increase in some areas. The Black Grouse has a very distinctive and well-recorded courtship. At dawn in the spring, the males strut around in a traditional area (lek) and display whilst making a highly distinctive and bubbling mating call. This photo was taken at a well known roadside lekking site. If visiting, please remain in your car to avoid disturbance to these vulnerable breeding birds. Date: 3rd May 2023 Location: World's End, Denbighshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084462.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9199731655d308739c6a73.jpgWhite Stork The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 3rd June 2018 Location: Rotbav, Brașov County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230681.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_197478750664916e029a519.jpgBlack Grouse The Black Grouse is a large game bird in the grouse family. The male has all black plumage with distinctive red wattles over the eyes and striking white stripes along each wing in flight. It has a lyre-shaped tail which is fanned out and raised to show white under-tail feathers when displaying. The female is smaller and grey-brown in colour. The Black Grouse is a sedentary species and breeds across northern Eurasia in moorland and bog areas near to mostly boreal woodland. Although it is declining, it is not considered to be vulnerable globally due to the large population and slow rate of decline. Its decline is due to loss of habitat, disturbance, predation by foxes, crows, etc., and small populations gradually dying out. In the UK, the Black Grouse are found in upland areas of Wales, the Pennines and most of Scotland, especially on farmland and moorland with nearby forestry or scattered trees. Habitat loss and overgrazing have resulted in severe population declines which make the Black Grouse a Red List species. Positive habitat management and re-introduction programmes are helping it to increase in some areas. The Black Grouse has a very distinctive and well-recorded courtship. At dawn in the spring, the males strut around in a traditional area (lek) and display whilst making a highly distinctive and bubbling mating call. This photo was taken at a well known roadside lekking site. If visiting, please remain in your car to avoid disturbance to these vulnerable breeding birds. Date: 13th May 2023 Location: World's End, Denbighshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39081970.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11191222475d3078c48d67f.jpgEuropean Bee-eater The European Bee-eater is an incredibly colourful bird with an unmistakable appearance. In breeding plumage, it has a rich chestnut crown that blends into gold on its back. The forehead is white, the throat is yellow bordered by black and the underparts are blue. The male European Bee-eater has a chestnut-coloured patch in the middle of the wing while in females this patch is usually smaller or even absent. Occasionally, females may also be distinguished from the males by having a green back. The wings and backs of juvenile European Bee-eaters are entirely green and the eyes are brown in contrast to the bright red eyes of adults. The European Bee-eater breeds in southern Europe and in parts of north Africa and western Asia. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, India and Sri Lanka. European Bee-eaters are occasionally seen in northern Europe (including the UK) as a spring overshoot north of its range with occasional breeding occurring. Just as the name suggests, the European Bee-eater predominantly eats insects, especially bees, wasps and hornets which are caught in the air by sorties from an open perch. Before eating its meal, a European Bee-eater removes the sting by repeatedly hitting the insect on a hard surface. Lizards and frogs are also taken. European Bee-eaters are gregarious, nesting colonially in sandy banks preferably near river shores and also feeding and roosting communally. Date: 17th May 2018 Location: Vetren, Silistra Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39081918.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6375487765d3076997dcce.jpgRed-backed Shrike The Red-backed Shrike is a carnivorous passerine bird and member of the shrike family. The general colour of the male’s upper parts is reddish. It has a grey head and a typical shrike black stripe through the eye. Underparts are tinged pink and the tail has a black and white pattern similar to that of a Wheatear. In the female and young birds the upperparts are brown and vermiculated and the underparts are buff and also vermiculated. The Red-backed Shrike eats large insects, small birds, frogs, rodents and lizards. Like other shrikes it hunts from prominent perches and impales corpses on thorns or barbed wire as a "larder." This practice has earned it the nickname of "butcher bird." The Red-backed Shrike breeds in most of Europe and western Asia and winters in tropical Africa. Once a common migratory visitor to the UK, numbers declined sharply during the 20th century. The bird's last stronghold was in Breckland but by 1988 just a single pair remained, successfully raising young at Santon Downham. The following year for the first time no nests were recorded in the UK but since then sporadic breeding has taken place, mostly in Scotland and Wales, and in September 2010 the RSPB announced that a pair had raised chicks at a secret location on Dartmoor where the bird last bred in 1970. This return to south west England has been an unexpected development and has raised speculation that a warming climate could assist the bird in re-colonising some of its traditional sites, if only in small numbers. Date: 13th May 2018 Location: Nisovo to Pisanec, Ruse Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50570350.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_109722946965ccc6475cc43.jpgWaxwing The Waxwing is a plump bird which is slightly smaller than a Starling. It is buff or pinkish-brown in colour with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings, a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest. The bird’s name is derived from the red tips to some of the wing feathers which are said to look like they have been dipped in sealing wax. Waxwings breed in the dense forests of northern Europe but they occur in varying numbers in the UK from October to March. In some years they can occur in large numbers (known as irruptions) when the population in the breeding areas gets too big for the food available. The first UK arrivals each winter are usually seen on the east coast from Scotland to East Anglia but birds then move inland in search of food. They can be found in parks and gardens and even busy public places such as supermarket car parks, typically where there are berry-bearing trees and bushes such as rowan, hawthorn, cotoneaster and rose. Waxwings seem fearless of humans so it is relatively easy to get very close views of these stunning birds. Waxwings make an easily recognisable high-pitched trilling sound like a bell. Date: 9th January 2024 Location: Colchester, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/grass-snake https://images.on-this.website/4752_4809968374dd22024d08c7.jpgGrass Snake The Grass Snake is the UK’s largest terrestrial reptile reaching up to 6 feet in length although such large specimens are rare. Females are considerably larger than males and typically reach a size of 2 feet 11 inches to 3 feet 7 inches when fully grown whilst males are approximately 8 inches shorter. The Grass Snake is typically olive-green, brown or greyish in colour with a variable row of black bars along the sides, occasionally with smaller round markings along the back in double rows. The underside of the Grass Snake is off-white or yellowish with dark triangular or rectangular markings. A characteristic black and yellow collar is present behind the head. The Grass Snake is one of only 3 snakes to occur in the UK and it is distributed throughout lowland areas of England and Wales. It is almost absent from Scotland and is not found in Ireland at all which has no native snakes. The Grass Snake is an aquatic species that is usually closely associated with water where it preys almost entirely on amphibians, especially the Common Toad and the Common Frog, although they may also occasionally eat mammals and fish. It is a strong swimmer and is found in habitats featuring ponds, lakes, streams, marshes and ditches which provide access to sunshine for basking and plenty of shelter. The Grass Snake may also be found in open woodland, rough grassland, wet heathlands, gardens, parks and hedgerows. The Grass Snake, as with most reptiles, is at the mercy of the thermal environment and it needs to overwinter in areas which are not subject to freezing. Therefore it will typically spend the winter underground where the temperature is relatively stable. Date: 13th May 2011 Location: Stodmarsh, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50809812.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_600955224660bd81291f2a.jpgBlue Tit The Blue Tit is a small passerine bird in the tit family. It is easily recognisable by its generally blue and yellow plumage and its small size. The Blue Tit is about 4.7 inches long with a wingspan of 7.1 inches. It has an azure blue crown and a dark blue line passing through the eye and encircling the white cheeks to the chin, giving the bird a very distinctive appearance. The forehead and a bar on the wing are white. The nape, wings and tail are blue and the back is yellowish green. The underparts are mostly sulphur-yellow with a dark line down the abdomen. The bill is black and the legs bluish grey. The sexes are similar whilst young birds are noticeably more yellow. The Blue Tit is very agile and it can cling to the outermost branches and hang upside down when searching for food such as insects, caterpillars and seeds. The Blue Tit can be found throughout areas of the European continent with a mainly temperate or Mediterranean climate and in parts of the Middle East. In the UK it is common in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens and widespread across the whole of the country with the exception of some Scottish islands. The Blue Tit will nest in any suitable hole in a tree, wall or stump, often competing with other birds such as the House Sparrow or Great Tit for the site. In addition, it will readily accept an artificial nesting box. The same hole is returned to year after year and when one pair dies another takes possession. The nesting material is usually moss, wool, hair and feathers and the eggs are laid in April or May. The number in the clutch is often very large but 7 or 8 is normal. It is not unusual for a single bird to feed the chicks in the nest at a rate of one feed every 90 seconds during the height of the breeding season. Successful breeding is dependent on a sufficient supply of caterpillars as well as satisfactory weather. Breeding may be affected badly if the weather is cold and wet between May and July, particularly if this coincides with the emergence of the caterpillars on which the nestlings are fed. The small size of the Blue Tit makes it vulnerable to predation by larger birds and the typical lifespan is 3 years or less. The most significant predator is probably the Sparrowhawk, closely followed by the domestic cat. Nests may also be robbed by mammals such as the Weasel and Red and Grey Squirrels. Date: 1st April 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084440.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19020218065d30872f8f758.jpgBucegi Mountains, Prahova County, Romania The Bucegi Mountains are a mountain range located in central Romania south of the city of Brașov. They are part of the Southern Carpathians group of the Carpathian Mountains. Omu is the highest peak at 8219 feet. To the east, the Bucegi Mountains have a very steep slope and are bordered by the Prahova Valley. This area holds the most ski resorts in Romania including the small mountain towns of Sinaia and Bușteni. The area of the Bucegi Mountains was proposed for protection in 1936 due to its landscapes and great diversity of plant and animal species. Bucegi Natural Park was eventually established in March 1990 and this covers an area of over 125 square miles representing a mountainous area with caves, pit caves, canyons, ridges, sinkholes, valleys and waterfalls. Habitats include beech forests, bushes, alpine limestone grasslands, alpine rivers and herbaceous vegetation, mountain hay meadows, springs, limestone rocky slopes and semi-natural dry grasslands. There are several nature reserves in Bucegi Natural Park. The TransBucegi (designated as route DJ 713) is one of Romania’s most scenic drives. It starts 10 miles west of Sinaia at Cabana Dichiu and runs for 24 miles to Cabana Piatra Arsa on the Bucegi Mountains Plateau in Bucegi National Park. The TransBucegi ranges in height from 2495 feet at Sinaia to 6316 feet at the route end at Cabana Piatra Arsa. The route encompasses miles of stunning views through twisty hair pin corners, steep gradients and high elevations. The route was officially inaugurated in August 2013 and it is the third high altitude road in Romania after the Transfăgărăşan and Transalpina. Date: 2nd June 2018 Location: Bucegi Mountains from Bușteni, Prahova County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12081914.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16209445804e48e97c8a97f.jpgCommon Seals Common Seals feed at sea but regularly haul out on to rocky shores or inter-tidal sandbanks to rest, to give birth and to suckle their pups. The most important haul-out areas are around the coast of Scotland, particularly in the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland, and on the east coast of England in the Wash. Date: 11th June 2006 Location: Poll Creadha near Applecross, Wester Ross http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21808740.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_211629266253c78eed9a605.jpgCommon Seal Common Seals feed at sea but regularly haul out on to rocky shores or inter-tidal sandbanks to rest, to give birth and to suckle their pups. The most important haul-out areas are around the coast of Scotland, particularly in the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland, and on the east coast of England in the Wash. Date: 14th July 2014 Location: Blakeney Point, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21808722.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_214238354653c78e8c294d9.jpgCommon Seal Common Seals feed at sea but regularly haul out on to rocky shores or inter-tidal sandbanks to rest, to give birth and to suckle their pups. The most important haul-out areas are around the coast of Scotland, particularly in the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland, and on the east coast of England in the Wash. Date: 14th July 2014 Location: Blakeney Point, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/viikki-vanhankaupunginlahti-nature-reserve-helsinki https://images.on-this.website/4752_53738963258108114802ad.jpgViikki-Vanhankaupunginlahti Nature Reserve, Helsinki, Finland Viikki-Vanhankaupunginlahti Nature Reserve is the most important nature reserve in Helsinki and among the most valuable conservation areas on the coastal Gulf of Finland. It is included on the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance and lies around Vanhankaupunginlahti Bay, a reed-fringed sea inlet. It consists of the mouth of the Vantaa river with its accompanying floodplain forests, alder marshes and coastal meadows and can be accessed and viewed by a network of trails and birdwatching towers. Date: 30th May 2016 Location: Viikki-Vanhankaupunginlahti Nature Reserve, Helsinki, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15454004.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9319385944ff547e5bb1b2.jpgEl Rocío, Coto Doñana, Andalucia, Spain El Rocío sits right on the north western edge of the Parque Nacional de Doñana and is located in an area rich in wildlife. The village is a sprawling and pretty Wild-West style place with white houses and sandy, unpaved roads where horses are tied to wooden rails. The village of El Rocío overlooks the La Madre de las Marismas, a marshland area where there are huge numbers of birds. Near the hermitage and running alongside the wetlands is the Paseo Marismeño, an excellent birdwatching spot. The Hermitage of El Rocío is home to the Virgin of El Rocío, a small and much-venerated carved wood statue, and it is the destination of an annual procession and pilgrimage on the second day of the Pentecost known as the Romería de El Rocío. In recent years the Romería has brought together roughly a million pilgrims each year from all over Andalucia and beyond. Although there has been a hermitage on this site for centuries, the present hermitage building was designed by architects in 1961 and built in stages over the next two decades. The modern church of Nuestra Señora del Rocio is a stunning sight when viewed from across the water where the dazzling white sanctuary stands out like a beacon against the green of the marisma and the deep blue of the sky. Date: 1st May 2012 Location: view from La Madre de las Marismas, El Rocío, Coto Doñana, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9593608.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16301288764db181c03f906.jpgGreat Northern Diver The Great Northern Diver is the largest of the UK's divers with a bigger, heavier head and bill than its commoner relatives. The Great Northern Diver is largely a winter visitor to the UK coast although some non-breeding birds stay off northern coasts in the summer. They start to arrive offshore in August and birds move back to their largely Icelandic breeding grounds in April and May. The largest numbers can be found off the northern and western islands of Scotland. Date: 6th November 2008 Location: Loch Scridain, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50931097.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12713287106627d3adafa51.jpgAdder Adders are widespread throughout mainland UK but they are absent from Ireland. They occur throughout Europe, with the exception of the Mediterranean islands, and across Russia and Asia through to northern China. They are the UK's only venomous reptile. Adders are relatively short and robust snakes with large heads and a rounded snout. Males are usually a grey or buff colour with vivid black markings although they can also vary from silver to yellow or green in colour. Females are brown with dark red-brown markings that are less prominent than in the males. Both sexes have a zigzag pattern running along the back with a / or X-shaped marking at the rear of the head. Adders can be found in a variety of habitats, including open woodland, hedgerows, moorland, sand dunes, riverbanks, bogs, heathland and mountains. They are active during the day and spend time basking until their body temperature is high enough to hunt for food. Adders use venom to immobilise prey such as lizards, amphibians, nestlings and small mammals. After striking their prey, they will leave the venom to take effect before following the victim’s scent to find the body. Mating takes place between April and May with males often fighting for females. Females have a 3 to 4 month gestation period and Adders are one of the few snakes that are viviparous (give birth to live young). In late August females give birth to between 5 and 20 live young and the young remain close to their mother for a few days before going off in search of food. Adders hibernate from September to March often using deserted rabbit or rodent burrows or settling under logs. They sometimes hibernate communally. Males emerge 2 to 5 weeks before the females and shed their skin before setting off in search of females. Adders are not aggressive snakes and they will only attack if harassed or threatened. Although an Adder’s venom poses little danger to a healthy adult, the bite is very painful and requires urgent medical attention. Date: 10th April 2024 Location: Benfleet and Hadleigh Downs, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51334455.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15972859196676e3eb8225c.jpgHeath Fritillary Flight period: June to July. The Heath Fritillary is at the north west extreme of its range in the southern UK and its numbers have greatly reduced this century due to changes in woodland management. It is now one of our rarest and most localised butterflies and can only be found at a few sites in Essex and Kent and in south west England. In Essex and Kent, they can be found in coppiced woodland with acid soils where Common Cow Wheat, the preferred foodplant, is available. On Exmoor they favour sheltered combes (valleys) and in Devon and Cornwall abandoned hay meadows are preferred. Detailed study has determined the Heath Fritillary’s precise habitat requirements and its future in the UK depends on deliberate conservation and habitat management. Date: 20th June 2024 Location: EWT Pound Wood, Hadleigh, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52518251.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_234350137675460ec66e19.jpgJay The Jay is a colourful member of the crow family that is about the same size as a Jackdaw. The Jay is mostly a pinkish brown colour with the underparts being slightly paler. The head has a black and white flecked crown, black moustache and white throat. The white rump contrasts starkly with the black tail. The iris of the eye is a pale blue, the bill is black and the legs are pink-brown. The wings are mostly black with white patches but also have striking blue patches, but close to these wing patches are actually bands of graduated shades of blue. Although it is the most strikingly colourful member of the crow family, the Jay can be quite difficult to see since it is a shy woodland bird and rarely moves far from cover. It can often be seen flying across a woodland clearing or glade giving its raucous screeching call. The Jay can be found across most of the UK, except northern Scotland, and occurs in both deciduous and coniferous woodland, parks and mature gardens. It particularly likes oak trees in the autumn when there are plenty of acorns which it seeks out and buries for retrieving later. The majority of the UK population is sedentary but European birds are irruptive when there is a poor acorn harvest and may arrive in large numbers along the east coast of the UK in the autumn. Date: 20th November 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51334189.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16997887126676e35ed2764.jpgHeath Fritillary Flight period: June to July. The Heath Fritillary is at the north west extreme of its range in the southern UK and its numbers have greatly reduced this century due to changes in woodland management. It is now one of our rarest and most localised butterflies and can only be found at a few sites in Essex and Kent and in south west England. In Essex and Kent, they can be found in coppiced woodland with acid soils where Common Cow Wheat, the preferred foodplant, is available. On Exmoor they favour sheltered combes (valleys) and in Devon and Cornwall abandoned hay meadows are preferred. Detailed study has determined the Heath Fritillary’s precise habitat requirements and its future in the UK depends on deliberate conservation and habitat management. Date: 20th June 2024 Location: EWT Pound Wood, Hadleigh, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51387301.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_909551133667e7d3492aed.jpgEmerald Damselfly Flight period: June to September The Emerald Damselfly is widely distributed in uplands and lowlands throughout the UK. They can be found around small, shallow standing water with luxuriant vegetation such as rushes and sedges. Date: 23rd June 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533492.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_98605860162ca8a7fac7f2.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 25th June 2022 Location: RSPB Minsmere, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28885780.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_188983917557cc360c3fa76.jpgCormorants The (Great) Cormorant is a widespread member of the cormorant and shag family [i] Phalacrocoracidae[/i]. There is a wide variation in size in the species' wide range and males are typically larger and heavier than females. It has a predominantly black plumage but the adult has white patches on the thighs and throat and a yellow throat during the breeding season. In Europe it can be distinguished from the Shag by its larger size, heavier build, thicker bill, lack of a crest and plumage without any green tinge. The (Great) Cormorant is a very common and widespread bird and it breeds in much of the Old World and the Atlantic coast of north America. It feeds on the sea, in estuaries and on freshwater lakes and rivers. Northern birds migrate south and winter along any coast that is well-supplied with fish. The (Great) Cormorant is found around the UK coastline on rocky shores, coastal lagoons and estuaries and it is increasingly seen inland at reservoirs, lakes and gravel pits. The UK holds internationally important wintering numbers. The (Great) Cormorant mainly nests in colonies near wetlands, rivers and sheltered inshore waters. Pairs will use the same nest site to breed year after year. It builds its nest, which is made mainly from sticks, in trees, on the ledges of cliffs and on the ground on rocky islands that are free of predators. The female lays 3 to 5 eggs which are incubated for a period of about 28 to 31 days. The (Great) Cormorant feeds on fish caught through diving and it will consume all fish of appropriate size that they are able to catch. Many fishermen see the (Great) Cormorant a competitor for fish. Because of this, it was nearly hunted to extinction in the past. Due to conservation efforts, its numbers increased although this has once again brought it in to conflict with fisheries. In the UK, where inland breeding was once uncommon, there are now increasing numbers of birds and many inland fish farms and fisheries now claim to be suffering high losses. In the UK each year, some licences are issued to cull specified numbers in order to help reduce predation although it is still illegal to kill a bird without such a licence. Date: 13th May 2016 Location: Sõrve peninsula, Saaremaa island, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23806456.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16965025685512b66edaadc.jpgFerruginous Duck The Ferruginous Duck is a medium-sized diving duck known colloquially by birders as "fudge duck". The adult male is a rich chestnut colour with a darker back and a yellow eye. The female is similar but duller and with a dark eye. The Ferruginous Duck feeds mainly by diving or dabbling. They eat aquatic plants with some molluscs, aquatic insects and small fish. The Ferruginous Duck breeds in southern and eastern Europe and southern and western Asia. They are somewhat migratory and winter farther south and into north Africa. Their breeding habitat is marshes and lakes with a metre or more water depth. It is a gregarious bird, forming large flocks in winter, often mixed with other diving ducks, such as Tufted Ducks and Common Pochards. This bird was part of the captive collection at the WWT London Wetland Centre. Date: 7th March 2015 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41249298.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21002000065f00b7c362d87.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 22nd June 2020 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623255.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16930755906117d9c010a9f.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41249310.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16472931015f00b7e54ce7f.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 22nd June 2020 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo44183400.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12582747106161c941b831a.jpgEgyptian Geese The Egyptian Goose is native to Africa south of the Sahara and the Nile Valley. It was considered sacred by the ancient Egyptians and appeared in much of their artwork. It has been raised for food and extensively bred in parts of Africa since it was domesticated by the ancient Egyptians. The Egyptian Goose is believed to be most closely related to the shelducks and their relatives. However, in flight it looks heavy and more like a goose than a duck, hence the English name. The sexes of the Egyptian Goose are identical in plumage but the males average slightly larger. There is a fair amount of variation in plumage with some birds greyer and others browner. It has distinctive dark brown eye patches and contrasting white wing patches in flight. The Egyptian Goose breeds widely in Africa except in deserts and dense forests and it is locally abundant. It is found mostly in the Nile Valley and south of the Sahara. While not breeding, it sometimes makes longer migrations northwards into the arid regions of the Sahel. The Egyptian Goose has also been introduced elsewhere: the UK, the Netherlands, France and Germany have self-sustaining populations which are mostly derived from escaped ornamental birds. The UK population dates back to the 18th century although it was only formally added to the British list in 1971. In the UK it can be seen on ornamental ponds as well as on gravel pits and lowland lakes and wetlands. The north Norfolk coast and Norfolk Broads hold the highest numbers. The Egyptian Goose will nest in a large variety of situations, especially in holes in mature trees in parkland. The female builds the nest from reeds, leaves and grass, and both parents take turns incubating eggs. Egyptian Geese usually pair for life and both the male and female care for the offspring until they are old enough to care for themselves. Date: 18th September 2021 Location: Alexandra Lake, Wanstead Flats, London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46534808.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_126782898762ca98d58da94.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 27th June 2022 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623253.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16216749646117d9bb72615.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623270.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6244978136117d9d825ca6.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24834031.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_973557666559cf404314b1.jpgCorn Bunting The Corn Bunting is a rather non-descript stout and dumpy brown bird which is the largest of the bunting family. The Corn Bunting breeds across southern and central Europe, north Africa and Asia across to Kazahkstan. It is mainly resident but some birds from the colder regions of central Europe and Asia migrate southwards in winter. The Corn Bunting is a bird of open country with trees such as farmland and weedy wasteland. It has declined greatly in north west Europe due to intensive agricultural practices depriving it of its food supply of weed seeds and insects, the latter especially when feeding young. Date: 8th May 2015 Location: Evros Delta (west), East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29486881.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_42066944658107c2a9b5d2.jpgGoldeneye The Goldeneye is a medium-sized diving duck, named for its golden-yellow eye. Adult males have a dark head with a greenish gloss and a circular white patch below the eye, a dark back and a white neck and belly. Adult females have a brown head and a mostly grey body. The Goldeneye breeds on the lakes and in the rivers of boreal forests in Scandinavia, Canada, north USA and north Russia. Naturally it will nest in cavities in large trees but it will also readily use nestboxes put up on trees close to water. This has enabled a healthy breeding population to establish in the Scottish Highlands from 1970 where it is increasing and slowly spreading. The Goldeneye is migratory and most winter in protected coastal waters or open inland waters at more temperate latitudes. The Goldeneye forages by diving underwater for crustaceans, aquatic insects and molluscs. Insects are the predominant prey while nesting and crustaceans are the predominant prey during migration and winter. Date: 23rd May 2016 Location: Wild Brown Bear Centre, near Vartius, Kainuu, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41205429.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7890992795eb96cd20d4cc.jpgWoodpigeon The Woodpigeon is the UK's largest and commonest pigeon and is largely grey with a white neck patch and white wing patches which are clearly visible in flight. Although shy in the countryside, it can be tame and approachable in towns and cities. Its cooing call is a familiar sound in woodlands as is the loud clatter of its wings when it flies away. Woodpigeons can be found across the UK. In the countryside they breed on farmland with hedges, trees and copses and in towns and cities they breed in parks and gardens. In winter, Woodpigeons form large flocks on farmland fields. Date: 29th April 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15454040.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5194472924ff5490d01ec7.jpgBlack-winged Stilt The Black-winged Stilt is a widely distributed very long-legged wader. They have long pink-red legs, a long thin black bill and are blackish above and white below with a white head and neck with a varying amount of black. Both in flight and at rest the long pink-red legs are characteristic and even if these are hidden in water of unknown depth, the pure white underparts and jet black upperparts are distinctive. The amount of dark feathering on the otherwise white head doesn't necessarily indicate the sex of a stilt although young birds always have smoky patterning on the head. The Black-winged Stilt can be found in central and southern Europe, central and southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Many birds migrate to south of the Sahara from August to November and return in March and April. However, many of those which breed in Iberia are now increasingly remaining throughout the year. The Black-winged Stilt breeds around shallow wetlands, especially coastal lagoons, saltpans and estuaries. The nest site is a bare spot on the ground near water and birds often nest in small groups, sometimes with Avocets. In Europe, the Black-winged Stilt is a regular spring overshoot vagrant north of its normal range, occasionally remaining to breed in northern European countries including the UK. Date: 2nd May 2012 Location: Salinas de Bonanza near Jerez de la Frontera, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46534581.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_178540394862ca987a46a1f.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 27th June 2022 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37190341.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5452020115c2a254622641.jpgNorthern Wheatear The Northern Wheatear or Wheatear is a small passerine bird that was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family but is now more generally considered to be an Old World flycatcher. It is the most widespread member of the Wheatear genus in Europe and Asia. The English name has nothing to do with wheat or ears but is probably derived from the Middle English whit ers meaning "white arse" and referring to the prominent white rump of many Wheatear species The Northern Wheatear is larger than the European Robin at 5.7 to 6.3 inches in length. Both sexes have a white rump and tail with a black inverted T-pattern at the end of the tail. The summer plumaged male has grey upperparts, buff throat and black wings and face mask. In autumn it resembles the female apart from the black wings. The female is pale brown above and buff below with darker brown wings. The Northern Wheatear makes one of the longest migratory flights of any small bird, crossing ocean, ice and desert. It migrates from sub-Saharan Africa in spring to breed in open rocky country, tundra, moorland, heaths and pastures over a vast area of the Northern Hemisphere that includes northern and central Asia, Europe, Greenland, Alaska and parts of Canada. In autumn it returns to winter in central Africa. In the UK, the Northern Wheatear is a summer visitor and passage migrant arriving in early March and leaving in September. It breeds mainly in western and northern Britain and western Ireland although smaller numbers also breed in southern and eastern England. The Northern Wheatear is primarily an insectivorous bird and feeds mostly on beetles, ants, caterpillars, grasshoppers, flies, etc. It also eats spiders, centipedes and snails and berries in the autumn. Date: 22nd June 2018 Location: Glen Quaich, Perthshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/lizard-species https://images.on-this.website/4752_2075686747559ce86893a4b.jpgCommon Wall Lizard The Common (European) Wall Lizard is a small, thin lizard which can grow to about 7.9 inches in total length and whose small scales are highly variable in colour and pattern. Its colouration is generally brownish or greyish and may occasionally be tinged with green. In some individuals, the row of spots along their backs may form a line whilst others may have a reticulated pattern with dark spots on the side and scattered white spots that can be blue in the shoulder region. The tail is brown, grey or rust in colour and may also have light bars on the sides. The belly region has six rows of larger rectangular scales that are generally reddish, pink or orangish. There may also be dark markings on the throat. The Common Wall Lizard has 6 distinct morphological forms which are identified by the colouration of its throat and underbelly. The Common Wall Lizard can be found in rocky environments, including urban settings, where it can scurry between rock, rubble, debris and buildings. Its natural range spans mainland Europe but it also occurs as an introduced species in southern UK and north America. Date: 14th May 2015 Location: Great Prespa Lake (Megali Prespa), West Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308893.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_38747745663ee382e319e5.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 21st January 2022 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405504.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2330314676586eeb4d4676.jpgBrown Rat Brown Rats have coarse brown or occasionally black fur with a pale underside. They have a long tail which is sparsely haired. Although originally native to eastern Asia and Japan, Brown Rats are now distributed world-wide. They spread across the UK via the shipping traffic from foreign countries in the 18th century and largely replaced the Black Rat. They are highly adaptable and can be found all over the UK, except for exposed mountain regions and some small offshore islands, and live in loose colonies and home ranges of around 50 metres in diameter. Along with the House Mouse, the Brown Rat is considered to be the most widespread terrestrial mammal in the UK and they are subject to persistent pest control due to the damage they cause and the numerous diseases they spread. Brown Rats are omnivorous and have a very varied diet. They are typically nocturnal although they will sometimes forage for food during the day. They also swim well and are sometimes mistaken for Water Voles. Brown Rats live for around 18 months and breed throughout the year producing 5 litters of 8 young a year. Date: 7th November 2023 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49903161.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1842305665042a693ff84.jpgRuddy Darter Flight period: mid June to mid September. The Ruddy Darter takes its name from its colour and its swift flight behaviour. The male has a deep russet colour over the entire body and the abdomen has a pinched section close to where it joins the thorax. Females are slightly smaller, golden yellow in colour and being less obviously marked are more difficult to identify than the males. There is more than one red coloured darter species in the UK and they can be easily confused with each other. The commonest red species, the Common Darter, can be distinguished as having red veins at the base of the wings and a less ruddy colouration across the body. However, the Ruddy Darter has entirely black legs, distinguishing it from all other red darters which have longitudinal yellow stripes on their legs. The UK range of the Ruddy Darter has undergone something of an expansion in recent years. Although still relatively uncommon in the west and north of Britain, it is increasing in numbers in the Midlands and eastern England. The population is augmented by continental migrants. It is also found over most of Europe except for northern Scandinavia, as far east as western Siberia and south to north Africa. The Ruddy Darter prefers water bodies with tall emergent vegetation, such as reeds and club rush, and it is known to breed in ponds, lakes, canals, ditches and sluggish rivers. They can also be found near coasts and can breed in fairly brackish water. Date: 9th September 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833383.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2085226331559cea86c8f67.jpgDalmatian Pelican The somewhat similar-looking White Pelican broadly overlaps in size but has greater size sexual dimorphism. Female White Pelicans can be noticeably smaller than female Dalmatian Pelicans but male individuals of the two species are essentially the same size and weight. The Dalmatian Pelican differs from the White Pelican in that it has curly nape feathers, grey legs and silvery-white (rather than pure white) plumage. In winter, the adult Dalmatian Pelican goes from silvery-grey to a dingier brownish-grey cream colour. Immature birds are grey and lack the pink facial patch of immature White Pelicans. The bare skin around the eye can vary from yellow to purplish in colour. In the breeding season the Dalmatian Pelican has an orange-red lower mandible and pouch against a yellow upper mandible but in winter the whole bill is a somewhat dull yellow. The bill, at 14 to 18 inches long, is the second largest of any bird after the Australian Pelican. In flight, the Dalmatian Pelican is an elegant soaring bird, with the head held close to and aligned with the body by a downward bend in the neck. Unlike other pelicans, its wings are solid greyish-white with black tips. The Dalmatian Pelican can be found in lakes, rivers, deltas and estuaries from south east Europe to India and China. Compared to the White Pelican, the Dalmatian Pelican is not as tied to lowland areas and will nest in suitable wetlands at many elevations. It is less opportunistic in breeding habitat selection than the White Pelican, usually returning to a traditional breeding site year after year unless it becomes completely unsuitable. The Dalmatian Pelican usually migrates short distances. It is dispersive in Europe, based on feeding opportunities, with most western birds staying through the winter in the Mediterranean region. It is more actively migratory in Asia, where most of the birds that breed in Russia fly down for the winter to the central Middle East, largely around Iran through to the Indian Subcontinent from Nepal to central India. The Dalmatian Pelican has declined greatly throughout its range, more so than the White Pelican. During the 20th century, the species' numbers underwent a dramatic decline for reasons that are not entirely understood. The most likely reason was habitat loss due to human activities such as the drainage of wetlands and land development. Colonies are regularly disturbed by human activity, and, like all pelicans, the parents may temporarily leave their nest if threatened which then exposes the chicks to the risk of predation. Occasionally, Dalmatian Pelicans may be shot by fishermen who believe the birds are dangerously depleting the fish population and hence threatening their livelihood. Dalmatian Pelicans also regularly fly into power-lines and are killed by electrocution. The largest single remaining colony of Dalmatian Pelicans in Europe is at the Prespa lakes shared between Albania and Greece with around 1400 pairs. Approximately 450 pairs breed in the Danube Delta in Romania. The country with the largest breeding population today, including about 70% of pairs or possibly over 3,000 pairs, is Russia. Conservation efforts have been undertaken on behalf of the Dalmatian Pelican especially in Europe. Although they normally nest on the ground, Dalmatian Pelicans have nested on platforms put out in Turkey, Greece, Bulgaria and Romania in order to encourage them to breed. Rafts over water have also been set up for the species to use in Greece and Bulgaria. Power-lines have also been marked or dismantled in areas adjacent to colonies in these countries. Additionally, water-level management and educational programs may be aiding them at a local level. The Dalmatian Pelican feeds almost entirely on fish. It usually forages alone or in groups of only 2 or 3 birds. It normally swims along, placidly and slowly, until it quickly dunks its head underwater and scoops the fish out along with great masses of water. The water is dumped out of the sides of the pouch and the fish is swallowed. Occasionally it may feed cooperatively with other pelicans by corralling fish into shallow waters and may even co-operate similarly while fishing alongside Cormorants. Among a highly social family in general, the Dalmatian Pelican may have the least social inclinations. It naturally nests in relatively small groups compared to most other pelican species and sometimes may even nest alone. However, small colonies are usually formed, which regularly include upwards of 250 pairs. Occasionally, Dalmatian Pelicans may mix in with colonies of White Pelicans. Nesting sites selected are usually either islands in large bodies of water (typically lagoons or river deltas) or dense mats of aquatic vegetation. The nest is a moderately-sized pile of grass, reeds, sticks and feathers and is usually located on or near the ground, often being placed on dense floating vegetation. Breeding commences in March or April, about a month before the White Pelican breeds. Date: 13th May 2015 Location: Great Prespa Lake (Megali Prespa), West Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082482.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4712889395d307cbce6192.jpgWhite Stork The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 23rd May 2018 Location: Malomirovo, Yambol Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49276703.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_631357516649962a856b7c.jpgNorthern Wheatear The Northern Wheatear or Wheatear is a small passerine bird that was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family but is now more generally considered to be an Old World flycatcher. It is the most widespread member of the Wheatear genus in Europe and Asia. The English name has nothing to do with wheat or ears but is probably derived from the Middle English whit ers meaning "white arse" and referring to the prominent white rump of many Wheatear species The Northern Wheatear is larger than the European Robin at 5.7 to 6.3 inches in length. Both sexes have a white rump and tail with a black inverted T-pattern at the end of the tail. The summer plumaged male has grey upperparts, buff throat and black wings and face mask. In autumn it resembles the female apart from the black wings. The female is pale brown above and buff below with darker brown wings. The Northern Wheatear makes one of the longest migratory flights of any small bird, crossing ocean, ice and desert. It migrates from sub-Saharan Africa in spring to breed in open rocky country, tundra, moorland, heaths and pastures over a vast area of the Northern Hemisphere that includes northern and central Asia, Europe, Greenland, Alaska and parts of Canada. In autumn it returns to winter in central Africa. In the UK, the Northern Wheatear is a summer visitor and passage migrant arriving in early March and leaving in September. It breeds mainly in western and northern Britain and western Ireland although smaller numbers also breed in southern and eastern England. The Northern Wheatear is primarily an insectivorous bird and feeds mostly on beetles, ants, caterpillars, grasshoppers, flies, etc. It also eats spiders, centipedes and snails and berries in the autumn. Date: 7th June 2023 Location: RSPB Ramsey Island, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874842.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1688681673561ccf94ab011.jpgHaukadalur, south Iceland The Haukadalur geothermal area is located in south west Iceland to the north east of the Reykjanes peninsula and Reykjavík. Here can be seen some of the most famous sights of Iceland: the geysers and other geothermal features which have developed on the Laugarfjall rhyolitic dome. The biggest geysers of Haukadalur are Strokkur and Geysir. There are also more than 40 other hot springs, mud pots and fumaroles nearby. The oldest accounts of hot springs at Haukadalur date back to 1294 when earthquakes in the area caused significant changes in the local neighbouring landscape creating several new hot springs. Changes in the activity of Geysir and the surrounding geysers are still strongly related to earthquake activity. Strokkur is a fountain geyser and is one of Iceland's most famous geysers. It is very dependable and erupts about every 5 to 10 minutes with boiling water reaching a height of 50 to 65 feet and sometimes up to 130 feet. Geysir, sometimes known as The Great Geysir, was the first geyser described in a printed source in the 18th century and the first known to modern Europeans. Since unusual natural phenomena were of high interest to society during the Age of Enlightenment, the term became popular and has been used for similar hydrothermal features worldwide since then. The English word geyser derives from Geysir whilst Geysir itself is derived from the Icelandic verb <i>geysa</i> ("to gush"). Eruptions at Geysir can hurl boiling water up to 230 feet in the air but eruptions are now very infrequent and have in the past stopped altogether for years at a time. The Haukadalur geothermal area, usually referred to as Geysir, is popular with tourists and, together with the magnificent waterfall at Gulfoss and Þingvellir, it is part of a group of the most famous sights of Iceland known as the "Golden Circle". Date: 7th June 2015 Location: geothermal spring at Haukadalur http://www.richardchewphotography.com/white-headed-duck https://images.on-this.website/4752_20497076805512ba3e23de5.jpgWhite-headed Duck The White-headed Duck is a small stiff-tailed duck. Adult males have a grey and reddish body, a blue bill and a largely white head with a black cap and neck. Adult females have a grey-brown body with a white face and a darker bill, cap and a cheek stripe. The White-headed Duck dives and swims underwater and it is omnivorous with vegetable matter predominating. They are reluctant to fly, preferring to swim for cover. The White-headed Duck breeds in Spain and North Africa with a larger population in western and central Asia. Their breeding habitat is large tracts of open water with dense stands of aquatic plants to provide cover and nesting sites. The White-headed Duck is considered to be endangered due to a large reduction in populations in the last 10 years. Most of this decline is due to habitat loss and hunting but inter-breeding of the Spanish population with the introduced Ruddy Duck is a more recent threat. This has led to the attempted eradication of the American species from western Europe. This bird was part of the captive collection at the WWT London Wetland Centre. Date: 7th March 2015 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24834055.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1424176424559cf50c6f5a0.jpgCrested Lark The Crested Lark is slightly larger and plumper than the Skylark and has a long spiky erectile crest. It is greyer than the Skylark and lacks the white wing and tail edges of that species. The body is mainly dark-streaked grey above and whitish below and in flight it shows reddish underwings The song is melodious and varied with mournful whistles and mimicry included. The Crested Lark breeds across most of temperate Eurasia from Portugal to north east China and eastern India and in Africa south to Niger. It is non-migratory and the sedentary nature of this species is illustrated by the fact that it is only a very rare vagrant to the UK despite breeding as close as northern France. The Crested Lark is a common bird of dry open country and cultivation, nesting on the ground. Date: 7th May 2015 Location: Evros Delta (west), East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9566400.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5308728714daed7e2dde26.jpgWaxwing The Waxwing is a plump bird which is slightly smaller than a starling. It is reddish-brown with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings, a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest. Waxwings breed in the dense forests of northern Europe but they occur in varying numbers in the UK from October to March. In some years they can occur in large numbers (known as irruptions) when the population in the breeding areas gets too big for the food available. The first UK arrivals each winter are usually seen on the east coast from Scotland to East Anglia but birds then move inland in search of food. They can be found in parks and gardens and even busy public places, typically where there are berry-bearing trees and bushes such as rowan, hawthorn, cotoneaster and rose. Waxwings make an easily recognisable high-pitched trilling sound like a bell. Date: 28th December 2008 Location: Folkestone, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308887.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_179200015863ee38211c617.jpgGreat Crested Grebe The Great Crested Grebe is the largest member of the grebe family measuring 18 to 20 inches in length with a wing span of 23 to 29 inches. It is a graceful bird with its long neck, long bill and slender outline. In summer, the adults of both sexes are unmistakable being adorned with beautiful head-plumes which are reddish-orange in colour with black tips. There is also an erectile black crown. Non-breeding adults lack the full crest and have a dark crown bordered by a white face, the white extending down the fore-neck and chest. The sexes are similar in appearance but juveniles can be distinguished from adults by having a striped black and white head and neck. The Great Crested Grebe can be found across Europe and Asia and it breeds on shallow, reed-fringed freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs and slow rivers. It is resident in the milder west of its range but it migrates from the colder regions of its range to freshwater lakes, reservoirs and sheltered coastal areas in winter. The Great Crested Grebe has an elaborate mating display. Like all grebes, it nests on the water's edge since its legs are set relatively far back and it is thus unable to walk very well. Usually 2 eggs are laid and the fluffy, striped young grebes are often carried on the adult's back. In a clutch of 2 or more hatchlings, male and female grebes will each identify their “favourites” which they alone will care for and teach. Unusually, young Great Crested Grebes are capable of swimming and diving almost at hatching. The adults teach these skills to their young by carrying them on their backs and diving, leaving the chicks to float on the surface. They then re-emerge a few feet away so that the chicks may swim back on to them. The Great Crested Grebe feeds mainly on fish but it will also eat small crustaceans, insects and small frogs and newts. The Great Crested Grebe was hunted almost to extinction in the UK in the 19th century due to being hunted for its head plumes which were used to decorate hats and ladies' undergarments. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was set up to help protect the Great Crested Grebe which is now again a common sight. Date: 21st January 2022 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308902.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_23908730563ee41977147b.jpgSmew The Smew is a species of diving duck and is the only living member of the genus Mergellus. This genus is closely related to Mergus which is represented in the UK by the Red-breasted Merganser and the Goosander. The male Smew is white with a black mask and a black back and is unmistakable. It is often described as having a “cracked ice” appearance. The female and immature male are grey birds with chestnut foreheads and crowns and they can be confused at a distance with the Ruddy Duck. They are often known as "redheads". The Smew's small bill has a hooked tip and serrated edges which help it catch fish when it dives for them. The Smew can be found on the lakes and rivers of the northern taiga region of Europe and Asia. It usually breeds in May and June and nests in tree holes such as old woodpecker nests. As a migrant, it leaves its breeding areas and winters further south on the sheltered coasts or inland lakes of the Baltic Sea, the Black Sea, north Germany and the Low Countries. The Smew is also a winter visitor to the UK in small numbers where it is mainly found south of a line between the Wash and the River Severn, typically on lakes, reservoirs and gravel pits. Sometimes birds move to the UK from Holland and Denmark to escape freezing weather there. The Smew is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. It is not considered threatened on the IUCN Red List although its population is decreasing. Date: 27th January 2023 Location: Fishers Green, Lee Valley Regional Park, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo445317.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7639115184681bab6a2029.jpgThe stark rise of the jagged Black Cuillin ridge .... The Black Cuillin are a mountain range on the Isle of Skye off the North West coast of Scotland and contain the highest concentration of mountains over 3000 feet high in the UK (20 summits exceed this height). The mountains are a memorable sight whether the weather is bright and sunny or grey and misty as it often is on Skye. Either way they have a unique presence and can be seen from miles around both on Skye and on the mainland. The mountains themselves are the preserve of experienced mountaineers and hillwalkers but the rest of us can enjoy classic views from Elgol and Sligachan and along Glenbrittle. Date: June 2000 Location: view from Sligachan bridge http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41537262.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8230474155f3cfe1ebd5e4.jpgKittiwakes The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 4th July 2019 Location: Flåget, Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13683385.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9530971344ed73810a1225.jpgBarn Owl With a heart shaped face, buff back and wings and pure white under-parts the Barn Owl is a distinctive and much-loved bird of the countryside. Barn Owls are widely distributed across the UK and can be seen all year round sometimes during the day but normally at dusk in open country and along field edges, riverbanks and roadside verges. Barn owls have suffered population declines over the past 50 years as a result of habitat degradation following increasing intensive agricultural practices. However, that decline has stopped in many areas and their population may now be increasing. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13683390.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8849945174ed7382ba7875.jpgBarn Owl With a heart shaped face, buff back and wings and pure white under-parts the Barn Owl is a distinctive and much-loved bird of the countryside. Barn Owls are widely distributed across the UK and can be seen all year round sometimes during the day but normally at dusk in open country and along field edges, riverbanks and roadside verges. Barn owls have suffered population declines over the past 50 years as a result of habitat degradation following increasing intensive agricultural practices. However, that decline has stopped in many areas and their population may now be increasing. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9579336.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12922793544db00ca3d5c5b.jpgOystercatcher The Oystercatcher is a wader in the oystercatcher family. It is an obvious and noisy bird with black and white plumage, red legs and a strong broad red bill which is used for smashing or prising open molluscs such as mussels or for finding earthworms. Despite its name, oysters do not form a large part of its diet. The Oystercatcher is unmistakable in flight with white patches on the wings and tail with otherwise black upperparts and white underparts. Young birds are more brown, have a white neck collar and a duller bill. The call is a distinctive loud piping. The bill shape varies: Oystercatchers with broad bill tips open molluscs by prising them apart or hammering through the shell whereas birds with pointed bills dig up worms. Much of this is due to the wear resulting from feeding on their prey. Individual Oystercatchers specialise in one technique or the other which they learn from their parents. The Oystercatcher is the most widespread of the oystercatchers with 3 races breeding in western Europe, central Eurasia, Kamchatka, China, and the western coast of Korea. It is a migratory species over most of its range. The European population breeds mainly in northern Europe but in winter the birds can be found in north Africa and southern parts of Europe. Although the species is present all year in Ireland, the UK and the adjacent European coasts, there is still migratory movement within these populations. In winter, large flocks can be seen on major estuaries in the UK. The Oystercatcher breeds on shingle and rocky beaches, sand dunes, salt marshes and on the grassy tops of small islands and also inland on shingle banks of rivers, lakes and gravel pits. Date: 7th June 2007 Location: Loch na Keal, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14467400.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11534965074f743bc1af495.jpg"Northern Lights" The aurora is a natural light display in the sky, particularly in the high latitude Arctic and Antarctic regions, caused by the collision of energetic charged particles with atoms in the high altitude atmosphere. The charged particles originate in the magnetosphere and solar wind and on Earth they are directed by the Earth's magnetic field into the atmosphere. Most aurora occur in a band known as the auroral zone which is typically 3° to 6° in latitudinal extent and 10° to 20° from the magnetic pole. During a geomagnetic storm, the auroral zone will expand to lower latitudes. The diffuse aurora is a featureless glow in the sky which may not be visible to the naked eye even on a dark night and defines the extent of the auroral zone. The discrete aurora are sharply defined features within the diffuse aurora which vary in brightness from just barely visible to the naked eye to bright enough to read a newspaper at night. In northern latitudes, the effect is known as the aurora borealis (or the “Northern Lights), named after the Roman goddess of dawn, Aurora, and the Greek name for the north wind, Boreas, by Pierre Gassendi in 1621. Auroras seen near the magnetic pole may be high overhead but from farther away they illuminate the northern horizon as a greenish glow or sometimes a faint red. Auroras often display magnetic field lines or curtain-like structures and can change within seconds or glow unchanging for hours, most often in fluorescent green. In Scandinavia, you can see the aurora all over Norway, Sweden and Finland. However, the best places are above the Arctic Circle in the auroral zone. The aurora is most frequent in late autumn and in winter and early spring. In the time span between the autumn equinox and the spring equinox (21st September to 21st March), it is dark the whole time between 6 p.m. and 1 a.m. and this provides the maximum chance of seeing the aurora in suitable weather conditions and with increased solar activity. Date: 16th March 2012 Location: Skibotndalen, Troms, north Norway close to Norway/Finland border http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29486471.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1486250113581077dc17181.jpgKajaani to Kuhmo, Kainuu, Finland Kainuu region borders the regions of Pohjois-Pohjanmaa (Northern Ostrobothnia) to the north and Pohjois-Karjala (North Karelia) and Pohjois-Savo (Northern Savonia) to the south. In the east it also borders Russia. The landscape of Kainuu region consists of lakes, hills and vast uninhabited forest areas. Boreal forest makes up most of the region and consists of birches, pines and spruces. Date: 23rd May 2016 Location: view from road 76 between Kajaani and Kuhmo, Kainuu, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45174877.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_766004229623301e9e790f.jpgSnow Buntings Snow Buntings are large buntings with striking “snowy” plumages. Males in summer have all white heads and underparts contrasting with a black mantle and wing tips. Females are a more mottled above. In autumn and winter birds develop a sandy/buff wash to their plumage and males have more mottled upperparts. Snow Buntings breed in far northern Europe and migrate south in winter. They are a very scarce breeding species in the UK and can be found on the highest mountain peaks in Scotland where they nest in rocky crevices. Snow Buntings are best looked for in winter (from late September to early March) where they can sometimes be seen in large flocks on the seashore or on adjacent short rough grassland at coastal sites in Scotland and eastern England. Date: 20th December 2021 Location: Holkham Bay, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51980707.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_44859867266d334ad4a7f8.jpgRuddy Darter Flight period: mid June to mid September. The Ruddy Darter takes its name from its colour and its swift flight behaviour. The male has a deep russet colour over the entire body and the abdomen has a pinched section close to where it joins the thorax. Females are slightly smaller, golden yellow in colour and being less obviously marked are more difficult to identify than the males. There is more than one red coloured darter species in the UK and they can be easily confused with each other. The commonest red species, the Common Darter, can be distinguished as having red veins at the base of the wings and a less ruddy colouration across the body. However, the Ruddy Darter has entirely black legs, distinguishing it from all other red darters which have longitudinal yellow stripes on their legs. The UK range of the Ruddy Darter has undergone something of an expansion in recent years. Although still relatively uncommon in the west and north of Britain, it is increasing in numbers in the Midlands and eastern England. The population is augmented by continental migrants. It is also found over most of Europe except for northern Scandinavia, as far east as western Siberia and south to north Africa. The Ruddy Darter prefers water bodies with tall emergent vegetation, such as reeds and club rush, and it is known to breed in ponds, lakes, canals, ditches and sluggish rivers. They can also be found near coasts and can breed in fairly brackish water. Date: 29th June 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49003062.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_818100116468fce9f3e93.jpgAdder Adders are widespread throughout mainland UK but they are absent from Ireland. They occur throughout Europe, with the exception of the Mediterranean islands, and across Russia and Asia through to northern China. They are the UK's only venomous reptile. Adders are relatively short and robust snakes with large heads and a rounded snout. Males are usually a grey or buff colour with vivid black markings although they can also vary from silver to yellow or green in colour. Females are brown with dark red-brown markings that are less prominent than in the males. Both sexes have a zigzag pattern running along the back with a / or X-shaped marking at the rear of the head. Adders can be found in a variety of habitats, including open woodland, hedgerows, moorland, sand dunes, riverbanks, bogs, heathland and mountains. They are active during the day and spend time basking until their body temperature is high enough to hunt for food. Adders use venom to immobilise prey such as lizards, amphibians, nestlings and small mammals. After striking their prey, they will leave the venom to take effect before following the victim’s scent to find the body. Mating takes place between April and May with males often fighting for females. Females have a 3 to 4 month gestation period and Adders are one of the few snakes that are viviparous (give birth to live young). In late August females give birth to between 5 and 20 live young and the young remain close to their mother for a few days before going off in search of food. Adders hibernate from September to March often using deserted rabbit or rodent burrows or settling under logs. They sometimes hibernate communally. Males emerge 2 to 5 weeks before the females and shed their skin before setting off in search of females. Adders are not aggressive snakes and they will only attack if harassed or threatened. Although an Adder’s venom poses little danger to a healthy adult, the bite is very painful and requires urgent medical attention. Date: 3rd May 2023 Location: Benfleet and Hadleigh Downs, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308898.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16997302263ee3838de3a7.jpgLapwing The Northern Lapwing, also known as the peewit, pewit, tuit or tew-it (imitative of its cry), Green Plover (emphasising the colour of the plumage) or (in the UK) just Lapwing (which refers to its peculiar, erratic way of flying), is a bird in the lapwing family. The Lapwing has rounded wings and a crest. It is also the shortest-legged of the lapwing species. It is mainly black and white but the back is tinted green. The male has a long crest and a black crown, throat and breast contrasting with an otherwise white face. Females and young birds have shorter crests and have less strongly marked heads but plumages are otherwise quite similar. The Lapwing is a vocal bird in the breeding season with constant calling as the crazed tumbling display flight is performed by the male. The typical contact call is a loud, shrill "pee-wit" from which they get their other name of peewit. The Lapwing is common through temperate Eurasia and breeds on cultivated land and other short vegetation habitats. The ground scrape nest and young are defended noisily and aggressively against all intruders. It is highly migratory over most of its extensive range, wintering further south as far as north Africa, north India, Pakistan and parts of China. It migrates mainly by day, often in large flocks. Lowland breeders in the westernmost areas of Europe are resident. In winter, it forms huge flocks on open land, particularly arable land and mud-flats. In the UK, the Lapwing has suffered a significant decline in the last 25 years and is an Amber List species because of the importance of its UK wintering population. It breeds on farmland throughout the UK, particularly in lowland areas of north England, the Borders and east Scotland, and prefers fields of spring sown cereals and root crops, permanent unimproved pasture, meadows and fallow fields but also wet grassland and marshes. During the winter, the Lapwing can be seen on flooded grassland, estuaries, coastal wetlands, short grassy fields and ploughed fields. In addition to the UK population, large numbers of north European birds arrive in the autumn for the winter. The Lapwing feeds primarily on insects and other small invertebrates. It often feeds in mixed flocks with Golden Plovers and Black-headed Gulls, the latter often robbing the plovers, but providing a degree of protection against predators. Date: 21st January 2022 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39083073.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8304089875d307f37ce792.jpgEastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria The Rhodopes Mountains are a mountain range in south east Europe. They are spread over 5689 square miles of which 4723 square miles are located in south Bulgaria and the remainder in north Greece. The Rhodopes Mountains are about 149 miles long and about 62 to 75 miles wide with an average altitude of 2575 feet. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 7188 feet and is situated 12 miles to the west of Smolyan. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rhodopes Mountains gives its name to the terrestrial eco-region Rodope montane mixed forests that belong in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The area is particularly notable for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans plus its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms such as the Trigrad Gorge. The Rhodopes Mountains can be sub-divided in to 3 sections: The Western Rhodopes are spread over 66% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and they are higher, the most infrastructurally developed and the most visited part of the mountains. The highest and best known peaks are located in this section with more than 10 over 6562 feet high including the highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7188 feet). Some of the deepest river gorges in the Rhodopes Mountains are located in the west as well as several large lakes. The Eastern Rhodopes are spread over a territory of about 34% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and are much lower in height. The large artificial dams of Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets are located in this part of the mountains. Almost every species of European bird of prey nests in the Eastern Rhodopes including the rare Black Vulture and Egyptian Vulture. The Southern Rhodopes are the part of the mountain range that is located in Greece and they are characterized by numerous peaks of relatively low altitude. Date: 26th May 2018 Location: Krumovgrad to Vransko, eastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40952811.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15502396495e5393009bda8.jpgWexford Wildfowl Nature Reserve, Co. Wexford, Ireland Wexford Wildfowl Reserve is located on flat farmland on the North Slob which was walled off from Wexford Harbour and reclaimed from the sea in the 1840s partly as a famine relief project. Wet grassland and tillage, along with a brackish water drainage channel and reedbeds, form the main habitats which collectively make for an internationally important wetland and one of Ireland’s finest bird sites. Much of the area lies below sea level. Wexford Wildfowl Reserve is jointly owned and managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service and BirdWatch Ireland. First established in 1969 the reserve covers about 200 hectares, around 25% of the North Slob. Today, Wexford Wildfowl Reserve is part of the larger Wexford Slobs and Harbour Special Protected Area (SPA), a designated Ramsar Site, part of a Special Protection Area (SPA), a proposed National Heritage Area (NHA) and a National Nature Reserve. It is included within the EU network of nature protected areas called Natura 2000, the aim of which is to secure the long-term survival of Europe’s most threatened and vulnerable species and habitats. Wexford Wildfowl Reserve is renowned for the wide diversity and density of its birdlife. Over 250 species of birds have been recorded, many of them winter migrants from Greenland and Arctic Canada or from Scandinavia and Arctic Russia. Greater (Greenland) White-fronted Geese are the most numerous and important goose species and it is for them that Wexford Wildfowl Reserve was established. They breed on the western lowlands of Greenland during the summer and winter in Ireland and Scotland from October to early April. The North Slob holds about 8500 or 45% of the current world population of Greater (Greenland) White-fronted Goose during these months. The Greater (Greenland) White-fronted Geese are joined by wintering Bewick’s and Whooper Swans as well as Pale-bellied Brent Geese and a variety of other ducks and waders. The birds and other wildlife on the Reserve can be watched from an observation tower and 3 other hides and there is a Visitor Centre providing an exhibition and other information. Date: 30th January 2020 Location: Wexford Wildfowl Nature Reserve, Co. Wexford, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14863195.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5025172254fae2b0522085.jpgGlossy Ibis The Glossy Ibis is a wading bird and a member of the ibis family. Breeding adults have reddish-brown bodies and shiny bottle-green wings whilst non-breeders and juveniles have duller bodies. They have a brownish bill, dark facial skin bordered above and below in blue-grey (non-breeding) to cobalt blue (breeding) and red-brown legs. Unlike herons, ibises fly with necks outstretched and often flocks fly in lines. The Glossy Ibis is the most widespread ibis species breeding in scattered sites in the warmer regions of Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and the Atlantic and Caribbean region of the Americas. They are also migratory with most European birds wintering in Africa. The Glossy Ibis nests colonially in trees often with herons. It is also gregarious when feeding in marshy wetlands when it predates on fish, frogs and other water creatures. The Glossy Ibis is a very rare visitor to the UK although some individuals have stayed here for many months or even years. The species is prone to occasional influxes and in 2009 the UK enjoyed the biggest influx ever with small flocks discovered in several counties. This photo shows a Glossy Ibis that was seen at various locations in Essex during March and April 2012. The bird was ringed at El Rocio in the Coto Donana National Park in southern Spain in September 2007. Date: 2nd April 2012 Location: Baddow Meads flood plain, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308906.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_140921295763ee419cd1e1b.jpgSmew The Smew is a species of diving duck and is the only living member of the genus Mergellus. This genus is closely related to Mergus which is represented in the UK by the Red-breasted Merganser and the Goosander. The male Smew is white with a black mask and a black back and is unmistakable. It is often described as having a “cracked ice” appearance. The female and immature male are grey birds with chestnut foreheads and crowns and they can be confused at a distance with the Ruddy Duck. They are often known as "redheads". The Smew's small bill has a hooked tip and serrated edges which help it catch fish when it dives for them. The Smew can be found on the lakes and rivers of the northern taiga region of Europe and Asia. It usually breeds in May and June and nests in tree holes such as old woodpecker nests. As a migrant, it leaves its breeding areas and winters further south on the sheltered coasts or inland lakes of the Baltic Sea, the Black Sea, north Germany and the Low Countries. The Smew is also a winter visitor to the UK in small numbers where it is mainly found south of a line between the Wash and the River Severn, typically on lakes, reservoirs and gravel pits. Sometimes birds move to the UK from Holland and Denmark to escape freezing weather there. The Smew is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. It is not considered threatened on the IUCN Red List although its population is decreasing. Date: 27th January 2023 Location: Fishers Green, Lee Valley Regional Park, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12869440.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14886758804e786b8b6823c.jpgMoorhen The Moorhen is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird that is usually found near water. From a distance it looks black with a ragged white line along its body. However, closer up it is olive-brown on the back and the head and blue-grey underneath. It has a red bill with a yellow tip. The Moorhen can be found all year round almost anywhere where there is water. They breed in lowland areas particularly in central and eastern England but are scarce in northern Scotland and the uplands of Wales and northern England. UK breeding birds are residents and seldom travel far. Date: 18th September 2011 Location: Cromford Canal, Derbyshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49003030.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16922256236468fc96e3a93.jpgAdder Adders are widespread throughout mainland UK but they are absent from Ireland. They occur throughout Europe, with the exception of the Mediterranean islands, and across Russia and Asia through to northern China. They are the UK's only venomous reptile. Adders are relatively short and robust snakes with large heads and a rounded snout. Males are usually a grey or buff colour with vivid black markings although they can also vary from silver to yellow or green in colour. Females are brown with dark red-brown markings that are less prominent than in the males. Both sexes have a zigzag pattern running along the back with a / or X-shaped marking at the rear of the head. Adders can be found in a variety of habitats, including open woodland, hedgerows, moorland, sand dunes, riverbanks, bogs, heathland and mountains. They are active during the day and spend time basking until their body temperature is high enough to hunt for food. Adders use venom to immobilise prey such as lizards, amphibians, nestlings and small mammals. After striking their prey, they will leave the venom to take effect before following the victim’s scent to find the body. Mating takes place between April and May with males often fighting for females. Females have a 3 to 4 month gestation period and Adders are one of the few snakes that are viviparous (give birth to live young). In late August females give birth to between 5 and 20 live young and the young remain close to their mother for a few days before going off in search of food. Adders hibernate from September to March often using deserted rabbit or rodent burrows or settling under logs. They sometimes hibernate communally. Males emerge 2 to 5 weeks before the females and shed their skin before setting off in search of females. Adders are not aggressive snakes and they will only attack if harassed or threatened. Although an Adder’s venom poses little danger to a healthy adult, the bite is very painful and requires urgent medical attention. Date: 3rd May 2023 Location: Benfleet and Hadleigh Downs, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo453631.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_733994960468840e658969.jpgLoch Assynt, Highland The area east of Lochinver is a remote wilderness of mountains and moorland dotted with lochs and lochans. Loch Assynt extends for 6 miles north west from Inchnadamph with the River Inver flowing out of its western end and down to the sea at Lochinver. To the north lies Quinag, to the south Suilven and Cansip and to the east Ben More Assynt. The A837 Lochinver to Lairg road meets the A894 to Durness 10 miles east of Lochinver at Skiag Bridge by Loch Assynt. Nearby are the ruins of Ardvreck Castle. The castle dates from 1597 and was the stronghold of the Macleods of Assynt until a siege of the castle in 1691, when it was taken by the Seaforth Mackenzies. Date: 9th June 2007 Location: view from the A837 road between Skiag Bridge and Inchnadamph http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308867.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_80214798663ee37f85c1a4.jpgGreat Crested Grebe The Great Crested Grebe is the largest member of the grebe family measuring 18 to 20 inches in length with a wing span of 23 to 29 inches. It is a graceful bird with its long neck, long bill and slender outline. In summer, the adults of both sexes are unmistakable being adorned with beautiful head-plumes which are reddish-orange in colour with black tips. There is also an erectile black crown. Non-breeding adults lack the full crest and have a dark crown bordered by a white face, the white extending down the fore-neck and chest. The sexes are similar in appearance but juveniles can be distinguished from adults by having a striped black and white head and neck. The Great Crested Grebe can be found across Europe and Asia and it breeds on shallow, reed-fringed freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs and slow rivers. It is resident in the milder west of its range but it migrates from the colder regions of its range to freshwater lakes, reservoirs and sheltered coastal areas in winter. The Great Crested Grebe has an elaborate mating display. Like all grebes, it nests on the water's edge since its legs are set relatively far back and it is thus unable to walk very well. Usually 2 eggs are laid and the fluffy, striped young grebes are often carried on the adult's back. In a clutch of 2 or more hatchlings, male and female grebes will each identify their “favourites” which they alone will care for and teach. Unusually, young Great Crested Grebes are capable of swimming and diving almost at hatching. The adults teach these skills to their young by carrying them on their backs and diving, leaving the chicks to float on the surface. They then re-emerge a few feet away so that the chicks may swim back on to them. The Great Crested Grebe feeds mainly on fish but it will also eat small crustaceans, insects and small frogs and newts. The Great Crested Grebe was hunted almost to extinction in the UK in the 19th century due to being hunted for its head plumes which were used to decorate hats and ladies' undergarments. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was set up to help protect the Great Crested Grebe which is now again a common sight. Date: 21st January 2022 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308899.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_80720086663ee383b25dee.jpgLapwing The Northern Lapwing, also known as the peewit, pewit, tuit or tew-it (imitative of its cry), Green Plover (emphasising the colour of the plumage) or (in the UK) just Lapwing (which refers to its peculiar, erratic way of flying), is a bird in the lapwing family. The Lapwing has rounded wings and a crest. It is also the shortest-legged of the lapwing species. It is mainly black and white but the back is tinted green. The male has a long crest and a black crown, throat and breast contrasting with an otherwise white face. Females and young birds have shorter crests and have less strongly marked heads but plumages are otherwise quite similar. The Lapwing is a vocal bird in the breeding season with constant calling as the crazed tumbling display flight is performed by the male. The typical contact call is a loud, shrill "pee-wit" from which they get their other name of peewit. The Lapwing is common through temperate Eurasia and breeds on cultivated land and other short vegetation habitats. The ground scrape nest and young are defended noisily and aggressively against all intruders. It is highly migratory over most of its extensive range, wintering further south as far as north Africa, north India, Pakistan and parts of China. It migrates mainly by day, often in large flocks. Lowland breeders in the westernmost areas of Europe are resident. In winter, it forms huge flocks on open land, particularly arable land and mud-flats. In the UK, the Lapwing has suffered a significant decline in the last 25 years and is an Amber List species because of the importance of its UK wintering population. It breeds on farmland throughout the UK, particularly in lowland areas of north England, the Borders and east Scotland, and prefers fields of spring sown cereals and root crops, permanent unimproved pasture, meadows and fallow fields but also wet grassland and marshes. During the winter, the Lapwing can be seen on flooded grassland, estuaries, coastal wetlands, short grassy fields and ploughed fields. In addition to the UK population, large numbers of north European birds arrive in the autumn for the winter. The Lapwing feeds primarily on insects and other small invertebrates. It often feeds in mixed flocks with Golden Plovers and Black-headed Gulls, the latter often robbing the plovers, but providing a degree of protection against predators. Date: 21st January 2022 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo22527824.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_180421577354228e7fe02c8.jpgBlaven, Skye Height: 3044 feet. The meaning of the name Blaven or Bla Bhienn is confused and is variously documented as "blue mountain", "warm mountain", "sunny mountain", "mount of the blast" or "hill of bloom". Blaven is the eastern most peak of the Black Cuillin and is separated from the Cuillin range by Glen Sligachan. Blaven is the highest of the surrounding mountains and is managed by the John Muir Trust. ".... and even if I came in sight of Paradise, what price it's moon without Blaven?" - Sorley Maclean - "The Island" Date: 11th September 2014 Location: view from the B8083 Broadford to Elgol road near Torrin http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49278567.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8543372136499b48ee75c5.jpgGrass Snake The Grass Snake is the UK’s largest terrestrial reptile reaching up to 6 feet in length although such large specimens are rare. Females are considerably larger than males and typically reach a size of 2 feet 11 inches to 3 feet 7 inches when fully grown whilst males are approximately 8 inches shorter. The Grass Snake is typically olive-green, brown or greyish in colour with a variable row of black bars along the sides, occasionally with smaller round markings along the back in double rows. The underside of the Grass Snake is off-white or yellowish with dark triangular or rectangular markings. A characteristic black and yellow collar is present behind the head. The Grass Snake is one of only 3 snakes to occur in the UK and it is distributed throughout lowland areas of England and Wales. It is almost absent from Scotland and is not found in Ireland at all which has no native snakes. The Grass Snake is an aquatic species that is usually closely associated with water where it preys almost entirely on amphibians, especially the Common Toad and the Common Frog, although they may also occasionally eat mammals and fish. It is a strong swimmer and is found in habitats featuring ponds, lakes, streams, marshes and ditches which provide access to sunshine for basking and plenty of shelter. The Grass Snake may also be found in open woodland, rough grassland, wet heathlands, gardens, parks and hedgerows. The Grass Snake, as with most reptiles, is at the mercy of the thermal environment and it needs to overwinter in areas which are not subject to freezing. Therefore it will typically spend the winter underground where the temperature is relatively stable. Date: 13th June 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11265350.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_315078074e1ad4394443b.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 11th May 2008 Location: Skomer, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45948289.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20930809716284a923ef790.jpgLapwing The Northern Lapwing, also known as the peewit, pewit, tuit or tew-it (imitative of its cry), Green Plover (emphasising the colour of the plumage) or (in the UK) just Lapwing (which refers to its peculiar, erratic way of flying), is a bird in the lapwing family. The Lapwing has rounded wings and a crest. It is also the shortest-legged of the lapwing species. It is mainly black and white but the back is tinted green. The male has a long crest and a black crown, throat and breast contrasting with an otherwise white face. Females and young birds have shorter crests and have less strongly marked heads but plumages are otherwise quite similar. The Lapwing is a vocal bird in the breeding season with constant calling as the crazed tumbling display flight is performed by the male. The typical contact call is a loud, shrill "pee-wit" from which they get their other name of peewit. The Lapwing is common through temperate Eurasia and breeds on cultivated land and other short vegetation habitats. The ground scrape nest and young are defended noisily and aggressively against all intruders. It is highly migratory over most of its extensive range, wintering further south as far as north Africa, north India, Pakistan and parts of China. It migrates mainly by day, often in large flocks. Lowland breeders in the westernmost areas of Europe are resident. In winter, it forms huge flocks on open land, particularly arable land and mud-flats. In the UK, the Lapwing has suffered a significant decline in the last 25 years and is an Amber List species because of the importance of its UK wintering population. It breeds on farmland throughout the UK, particularly in lowland areas of north England, the Borders and east Scotland, and prefers fields of spring sown cereals and root crops, permanent unimproved pasture, meadows and fallow fields but also wet grassland and marshes. During the winter, the Lapwing can be seen on flooded grassland, estuaries, coastal wetlands, short grassy fields and ploughed fields. In addition to the UK population, large numbers of north European birds arrive in the autumn for the winter. The Lapwing feeds primarily on insects and other small invertebrates. It often feeds in mixed flocks with Golden Plovers and Black-headed Gulls, the latter often robbing the plovers, but providing a degree of protection against predators. Date: 14th April 2022 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45948272.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14859614246284a2a8a199b.jpgBlue Tit The Blue Tit is a small passerine bird in the tit family. It is easily recognisable by its generally blue and yellow plumage and its small size. The Blue Tit is about 4.7 inches long with a wingspan of 7.1 inches. It has an azure blue crown and a dark blue line passing through the eye and encircling the white cheeks to the chin, giving the bird a very distinctive appearance. The forehead and a bar on the wing are white. The nape, wings and tail are blue and the back is yellowish green. The underparts are mostly sulphur-yellow with a dark line down the abdomen. The bill is black and the legs bluish grey. The sexes are similar whilst young birds are noticeably more yellow. The Blue Tit is very agile and it can cling to the outermost branches and hang upside down when searching for food such as insects, caterpillars and seeds. The Blue Tit can be found throughout areas of the European continent with a mainly temperate or Mediterranean climate and in parts of the Middle East. In the UK it is common in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens and widespread across the whole of the country with the exception of some Scottish islands. The Blue Tit will nest in any suitable hole in a tree, wall or stump, often competing with other birds such as the House Sparrow or Great Tit for the site. In addition, it will readily accept an artificial nesting box. The same hole is returned to year after year and when one pair dies another takes possession. The nesting material is usually moss, wool, hair and feathers and the eggs are laid in April or May. The number in the clutch is often very large but 7 or 8 is normal. It is not unusual for a single bird to feed the chicks in the nest at a rate of one feed every 90 seconds during the height of the breeding season. Successful breeding is dependent on a sufficient supply of caterpillars as well as satisfactory weather. Breeding may be affected badly if the weather is cold and wet between May and July, particularly if this coincides with the emergence of the caterpillars on which the nestlings are fed. The small size of the Blue Tit makes it vulnerable to predation by larger birds and the typical lifespan is 3 years or less. The most significant predator is probably the Sparrowhawk, closely followed by the domestic cat. Nests may also be robbed by mammals such as the Weasel and Red and Grey Squirrels. Date: 3rd April 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081248.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_146379179063a5aa6b9ac3d.jpgBlue Tit The Blue Tit is a small passerine bird in the tit family. It is easily recognisable by its generally blue and yellow plumage and its small size. The Blue Tit is about 4.7 inches long with a wingspan of 7.1 inches. It has an azure blue crown and a dark blue line passing through the eye and encircling the white cheeks to the chin, giving the bird a very distinctive appearance. The forehead and a bar on the wing are white. The nape, wings and tail are blue and the back is yellowish green. The underparts are mostly sulphur-yellow with a dark line down the abdomen. The bill is black and the legs bluish grey. The sexes are similar whilst young birds are noticeably more yellow. The Blue Tit is very agile and it can cling to the outermost branches and hang upside down when searching for food such as insects, caterpillars and seeds. The Blue Tit can be found throughout areas of the European continent with a mainly temperate or Mediterranean climate and in parts of the Middle East. In the UK it is common in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens and widespread across the whole of the country with the exception of some Scottish islands. The Blue Tit will nest in any suitable hole in a tree, wall or stump, often competing with other birds such as the House Sparrow or Great Tit for the site. In addition, it will readily accept an artificial nesting box. The same hole is returned to year after year and when one pair dies another takes possession. The nesting material is usually moss, wool, hair and feathers and the eggs are laid in April or May. The number in the clutch is often very large but 7 or 8 is normal. It is not unusual for a single bird to feed the chicks in the nest at a rate of one feed every 90 seconds during the height of the breeding season. Successful breeding is dependent on a sufficient supply of caterpillars as well as satisfactory weather. Breeding may be affected badly if the weather is cold and wet between May and July, particularly if this coincides with the emergence of the caterpillars on which the nestlings are fed. The small size of the Blue Tit makes it vulnerable to predation by larger birds and the typical lifespan is 3 years or less. The most significant predator is probably the Sparrowhawk, closely followed by the domestic cat. Nests may also be robbed by mammals such as the Weasel and Red and Grey Squirrels. Date: 10th December 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45948303.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5072787056284a9a756d10.jpgBlue Tit The Blue Tit is a small passerine bird in the tit family. It is easily recognisable by its generally blue and yellow plumage and its small size. The Blue Tit is about 4.7 inches long with a wingspan of 7.1 inches. It has an azure blue crown and a dark blue line passing through the eye and encircling the white cheeks to the chin, giving the bird a very distinctive appearance. The forehead and a bar on the wing are white. The nape, wings and tail are blue and the back is yellowish green. The underparts are mostly sulphur-yellow with a dark line down the abdomen. The bill is black and the legs bluish grey. The sexes are similar whilst young birds are noticeably more yellow. The Blue Tit is very agile and it can cling to the outermost branches and hang upside down when searching for food such as insects, caterpillars and seeds. The Blue Tit can be found throughout areas of the European continent with a mainly temperate or Mediterranean climate and in parts of the Middle East. In the UK it is common in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens and widespread across the whole of the country with the exception of some Scottish islands. The Blue Tit will nest in any suitable hole in a tree, wall or stump, often competing with other birds such as the House Sparrow or Great Tit for the site. In addition, it will readily accept an artificial nesting box. The same hole is returned to year after year and when one pair dies another takes possession. The nesting material is usually moss, wool, hair and feathers and the eggs are laid in April or May. The number in the clutch is often very large but 7 or 8 is normal. It is not unusual for a single bird to feed the chicks in the nest at a rate of one feed every 90 seconds during the height of the breeding season. Successful breeding is dependent on a sufficient supply of caterpillars as well as satisfactory weather. Breeding may be affected badly if the weather is cold and wet between May and July, particularly if this coincides with the emergence of the caterpillars on which the nestlings are fed. The small size of the Blue Tit makes it vulnerable to predation by larger birds and the typical lifespan is 3 years or less. The most significant predator is probably the Sparrowhawk, closely followed by the domestic cat. Nests may also be robbed by mammals such as the Weasel and Red and Grey Squirrels. Date: 14th April 2022 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/camas-a-charraig-mellon-udrigle https://images.on-this.website/4752_1522846929595624bc2e0fc7.96053635.jpgCamas a' Charraig and Gruinard Bay, Wester Ross From the village of Laide on the north west coast of Wester Ross in the Scottish Highlands, a single track road heads north from the A832 along the western shore of Gruinard Bay towards Mellon Udrigle. Mellon Udrigle is a small and remote crofting, fishing and tourist settlement. Backed by dunes and framed by rocky promontories, this is one of the most attractive pieces of coastline in Wester Ross. With clear turquoise water and clean white sand, Camas a’ Charraig is spectacular in itself even without its stunning location. What makes the beach really special is the distant mountain vista across Gruinard Bay. To the north east the views include the distinctive profile of Suilven near Lochinver, and the mountains of Coigach, including the top of Stac Pollaidh, whilst to the south east the views conclude with a glimpse of An Teallach. Date: 23rd June 2017 Location: view from Mellon Udrigle at Camas a’ Charraig looking east across Gruinard Bay http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo34006646.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15316367965a72f9eee5f29.jpgCommon Gull The Common Gull is a medium-sized gull. The north American subspecies is commonly referred to as the Mew Gull although that name is also used by some authorities for the whole species. The Common Gull is noticeably smaller and more gentle looking than the Herring Gull. It is grey above and white below with greenish-yellow legs. It has black wingtips with large white "mirrors". Young birds have scaly black-brown upperparts and a neat wing pattern and grey legs and take 2 to 3 years to reach maturity. In winter, the head is streaked grey and the bill often has a poorly defined blackish band near the tip which is sometimes sufficiently obvious to cause confusion with the Ring-billed Gull. The call is a high-pitched "laughing" cry. The Common Gull breeds colonially near water or in marshes in north Europe, north west north America and north Asia. It is most numerous in Europe with over half (possibly as much as 80 to 90%) of the world population. In the UK, the Common Gull can be found in summer along the coasts and inland marshes and lakes of Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England. Elsewhere in England and Wales, it can be found in winter on farmland, on marshes and lakes and on the coast. Date: 22nd January 2018 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo20140110.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_189602842252c00295d5d32.jpgWhooper Swans The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 9th December 2013 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37159131.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9607484595c1e60e2ddd2a.jpgTree Pipit The Tree Pipit is a small passerine bird in the pipit family. It is an undistinguished-looking species, similar to the Meadow Pipit, streaked brown above and with black markings on a white belly and buff breast below. It can be distinguished from the slightly smaller Meadow Pipit by its heavier bill and greater contrast between its buff breast and white belly. The Tree Pipit’s song flight is unmistakable. The bird rises a short distance up from a tree and then parachutes down on stiff wings, the song becoming more drawn out towards the end. The Tree Pipit breeds across most of Europe and temperate western and central Asia. It is a long-distance migrant moving in winter to Africa and southern Asia. The Tree Pipit breeds in habitats with a wooded component, including lowland heath and coppice. It is found mostly in open birch woodland on the boundary with moorland or in open structured oak woodland. It nests on the ground amongst grass or heather tussocks. Date: 6th May 2018 Location: Gilfach RWT reserve, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50931102.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1797589656627d687113cf.jpgCoot The Coot is an all black bird with a distinctive white beak and “shield” above the beak from which earns it the title “bald”. Its feet have distinctive lobed flaps of skin on the toes which act instead of webs when swimming. It patters noisily over the water before taking off and can be very aggressive towards other birds. Coot can be found all the year round mainly on freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers and town park lakes. Sometimes they can be seen offshore, especially in winter if freshwater areas are frozen. They breed in areas of fairly shallow standing freshwater with a muddy bottom and plenty of vegetation at the sides, usually in lowland areas. Date: 14th April 2024 Location: RSPB Rainham Marshes, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37159142.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20299883505c1e64b25e8da.jpgGreat Crested Grebe The Great Crested Grebe is an elegant water bird which has ornate head plumes during the breeding season and an elaborate courtship display. The Great Crested Grebe can be found across Europe and Asia and it breeds on shallow, reed-fringed freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs and slow rivers. It is resident in the milder west of its range but migrates from the colder regions of its range to sheltered coastal areas in winter. Date: 7th May 2018 Location: Ham Wall RSPB reserve, Somerset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/red-fox https://images.on-this.website/4752_16062638904b19517a9ca3a.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox's distinctive red-brown fur and its long bushy tail are a familiar sight in towns and in the countryside all over the UK but they are absent from many Scottish islands. They are present in virtually every habitat including woodland, scrubland and mountains as well as in urban areas and especially residential suburbs and gardens. Foxes are very adaptable mammals and have successfully established themselves due to their opportunistic, unfussy nature and their very varied diet. Foxes are very social animals and each group includes a dog, a vixen and cubs in the spring. Foxes mate in December and January and between March and May the females give birth to a litter of 4 to 5 blind and deaf cubs covered in dark grey fur. They are independent by the autumn and some move away from their parents but others may remain to help rear the next litter of cubs. Foxes eat almost anything from rabbits, field voles and berries to earthworms, insects and fruits. In towns, they scavenge food from rubbish bins, gardens and bird tables. In north east Spain, the Red Fox is common and widespread. Date: 13th November 2009 Location: Alcolea de Cinca to Sarinena, Aragon, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/melnik-blagoevgrad-province-bulgaria https://images.on-this.website/4752_17215975825d3083c787fca.jpgMelnik, Blagoevgrad Province, Bulgaria Melnik is situated in the south west foothills of the Pirin Mountains in south west Bulgaria. With a population of around 385, it is Bulgaria's smallest town and retains its town status today for historical reasons. The town is an architectural reserve and 96 of its buildings are designated as cultural monuments. It is among the “100 Tourist Sites of Bulgaria” programme which promotes tourism among Bulgaria's most significant cultural, historic and natural landmarks. The town is also a centre of red wine production with numerous vineyards and cellars dug in to the local sandstone rock. The area around Melnik is strikingly eroded, particularly the enormous area of cliff that serves as a backdrop to the town. This area, covering some 6.5 square miles around Melnik, Kurlanovo and Rozhen has been called the Melnik Earth Pyramids. The hills in this area can rise up to 330 feet high and the unique formations, which can resemble giant mushrooms, ancient towers and obelisks, were formed when heavy rain eroded the sandstone and clay which the hills are composed of. The Melnik Earth Pyramids are a geological phenomenon of global importance and they were declared a natural landmark in 1960 with a total protected area of 5 square miles. Date: 29th May 2018 Location: view from Hotel Melnik, Melnik, Blagoevgrad Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28887362.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_156876533157cc3f849d215.jpgThe Hooded Crow is a member of the crow family. It is locally known as a “hoodie” in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Except for the head, throat, wings, tail and thigh feathers, which are black and mostly glossy, the plumage is ash-grey, the dark shafts giving it a streaky appearance. The bill and legs are black. The male is the larger bird, otherwise the sexes are alike. The Hooded Crow, with its contrasting greys and blacks, can not be confused with either the Carrion Crow or Rook, both of which are predominantly black. However, the Hooded Crow is so similar in morphology and habits to the Carrion Crow that for many years it was considered to be a geographical race of a single species. Hybridization observed where their ranges overlapped added weight to this view. However, since 2002 the Hooded Crow has been elevated to full species status after closer observation. The Hooded Crow is widely distributed and can be found across north, east and south east Europe as well as parts of the Middle East. In the UK, the Hooded Crow can be found in north and west Scotland and on the Isle of Man where it replaces the Carrion Crow. Outside the breeding season it occurs across its breeding range and can sometimes be seen in east Scotland and east England. Like other corvids, the Hooded Crow is an omnivorous and opportunistic forager and scavenger and will feed on small mammals and birds, eggs, molluscs, scraps and carrion. Date: 10th May 2016 Location: Haapsalu, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43082710.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_130318324560dd86b903ed4.jpgBeautiful Demoiselle Flight period: May to August The Beautiful Demoiselle is often confused for a dragonfly but it is in fact a large damselfly. Males have dark coloured wings and metallic blue-green bodies whilst females have brown wings and metallic green-bronze bodies with pale brown wings. The Beautiful Demoiselle is similar to the Banded Demoiselle but the males of the latter species have distinctive dark patches in the middle of their wings. The Beautiful Demoiselle has fluttering butterfly-like wings. Males often rest on bankside vegetation awaiting passing females and they use their fluttering flight as a courtship display. The Beautiful Demoiselle is mainly seen along streams and rivers, particularly those with sand or gravel bottoms. It is locally abundant and mostly found west of a line between Liverpool and Folkestone and in southern Ireland. Date: 15th June 2021 Location: Old Lodge SWT reserve, High Weald, East Sussex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43082692.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_180922250360dd84cbe0fa2.jpgEdible Frog The Edible Frog is a species of frog found across Europe that is also known as the Common Water Frog and the Green Frog. The Edible Frog is one of the few animals in the world that is a fertile hybrid of 2 different species, as although similar but genetically different species are known to mate, it is very rare that their offspring will be able to breed. The Edible Frog is a fertile hybrid of 2 other European frogs, namely the Pool Frog and the Marsh Frog, that inter-bred when populations where isolated close to one another during the Ice Age. It was first described in 1758 and is known as the Edible Frog due to the fact that it is now seen as a culinary delicacy across Europe but especially in France where frog’s legs are often served as a national dish. The reason for humans favouring this frog over others is not really known but it may have something to do with their abundance. The Edible Frog is a medium sized frog growing to around 3.5 to 4.5 inches in length. Adults are mainly green in colour with light patches of brown on their backs, yellow eyes and a white underside covered in a few dark spots. There are number of distinct differences between males and females including the fact that males become much lighter and greener during the mating season. Males also have vocal sacs on the outside of their cheeks and extra skin patches on their feet, both of which are primarily used for mating. The Edible Frog is endemic to Europe and it naturally occurs across central Europe as far north as Germany and Estonia. Southern populations are found from Croatia, through northern Italy and into the south of France. There are also isolated populations in Sweden and Bulgaria which are thought to have migrated from the countries nearby. It has also been introduced to the UK. The Edible Frog spends all of its time either in or very close to water and it is most commonly found in calmer parts of rivers and streams where there is a slow but constant flow of fresh water. It tends to prefer more open areas and can also be commonly found around lakes, ponds and marshes. Unlike many other species of frog, the Edible Frog is a diurnal animal and is therefore most active during the day. This is when it is most likely to move away from the water so that it can find a better supply of food or move to a different part of the water if it needs to. The Edible Frog is a relatively solitary animal so there is less competition for food but males are often seen sitting together in groups during the breeding season when they are trying to out-compete each other to find a mate. The breeding season for the Edible Frog begins during March and generally lasts for around 2 months. Males sing by drawing air in and out of their vocal sacs to produce the highest-pitched sound possible since females are most attracted to the loudest males. After courting her in a lake, pond or swamp, the male lets the female lay up to 10,000 eggs in a sticky mass into the water before he fertilises them. Tadpoles can be as small as 0.2 inches long when they hatch and are a grey/brown colour. They then grow up to 2 to 3 inches in length before metamorphoses occurs and they leave the water as 0.75 inches long young frogs. The Edible Frog reaches sexual maturity at the age of 2 years and can live until it is 15 years old. The Edible Frog is a carnivorous amphibian but the tadpoles mainly eat vegetation although they are known to occasionally supplement their diet with aquatic micro-organisms. Adults eat small invertebrates such as insects, spiders and flies, which make up the majority of their diet, along with larger aquatic animals like fish, newts and other frogs. The Edible Frog hunts for food during the day and can be seen catching food both in water and on land. The Edible Frog remains very still when it is sitting on the banks of its water habitat and this, along with its camouflage, makes it very difficult for predators to spot. Its eyes are positioned near the top of the head meaning that it can also see danger coming whilst the body is mainly hidden. Snakes, owls and water birds are the main predators of the Edible Frog. The Edible Frog will jump into the water and hide if it senses approaching danger and it will make a loud screeching sound if caught. Edible Frog populations are under threat from habitat destruction mainly caused by deforestation and water pollution. Date: 2nd June 2021 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28885499.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_122463286257cc32489a503.jpgLesser Spotted Eagle The Lesser Spotted Eagle is a medium-sized bird of prey with dark brown plumage, broad wings and a small bill. While there can be significant variation between the brown plumage tones exhibited by different individuals, the head, neck and upperwings are generally paler than the body and the flight feathers are usually particularly dark. In most birds, but especially noticeable in younger adults, there is also a white patch on the upperwings that can be seen during flight and also a clear-marked white V on the rump. In contrast to the brown plumage, the eyes, feet and the skin at the base of the beak are yellow. The Lesser Spotted Eagle’s breeding range extends throughout much of central, east and south-east Europe, through Turkey and the Caucasus mountains and as far as southern Russia and Iran. Vagrant individuals occur even further afield, from France and Spain, east to Kazakhstan, north as far as Finland and south to the Arabian Peninsula. During migration, the entire population heads south, passing through Israel on route to the wintering grounds in southern and eastern Africa. Within its breeding range, the Lesser Spotted Eagle can be found in patchy woodland areas, often near meadows and fields, and constructs its nest close to the forest edge. Date: 15th May 2016 Location: Tõramaa to Tipu road, Soomaa National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26026036.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_550958868563745c618be2.jpgWhooper Swans The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 3rd June 2015 Location: near Kópasker, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847517.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_171168520159bd521e65fe1.jpgSlovak Paradise, Slovakia Slovak Paradise (Slovenský raj) is a mountain range in eastern Slovakia. It is a part of the Spiš-Gemer Karst, which in turn is a part of the Slovak Ore Mountains (Slovenské rudohorie), a major subdivision of the Western Carpathians. It is located between the towns of Spišská Nová Ves in the north and Dobšiná in the south. Slovak Paradise is a plain with high plateaus between 2625 feet and 3280 feet. The highest peak is Ondrejisko at 4167 feet. The area is mainly formed of karst limestone and dolomite. The karst plateaus show phenomena such as sinkholes and limestone pavements. Other typical features are canyons, gorges and ravines which form picturesque rocky scenes with waterfalls which were created mainly by the Hnilec and Hornád rivers and their tributaries. 80% of the area is covered with spruce forests. There are more than 200 caves and underground abysses. Among the caves, Dobšinská ľadová jaskyňa (Dobšinská Ice Cave) and Medvedia jaskyňa (Bear Cave) are the best known. Slovak Paradise is protected by Slovak Paradise National Park (Národný park Slovenský raj), one of the 9 national parks in Slovakia. It covers an area of 76.3 square miles with a surrounding buffer zone of 50 square miles. It is situated in the Banská Bystrica region, Prešov region and Košice Region. The highest peak is Predná hoľa at 5069 feet. Slovak Paradise National Park includes 11 National Nature Reserves and 8 Nature Reserves and around 185 miles of hiking trails, often equipped with ladders, chains and bridges. It also contains about 350 caves but only the Dobšinská ľadová jaskyňa (Dobšinská Ice Cave), a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000, is open to the public. The first protected reserve in the area of the Slovak Paradise was founded in 1890. The name Slovenský raj first appeared in 1921 in the "Krásy Slovenska" magazine and replaced many names used until that period. In August 1964 the first Protected Landscape Area in Slovakia was established in Slovak Paradise. The area was redesignated as Slovak Paradise National Park in January 1988. Since 2004, parts of the national park have been included in the Natura 2000 ecological network, the network of nature protection areas within the European Union. The best known tourist centres in Slovak Paradise National Park are Čingov, Podlesok, Dedinky and Kláštorisko. Date: 31st May 2017 Location: http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28887304.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_93491591257cc3f2deb540.jpgSutlepa meri, Silma Nature Reserve, Estonia The Silma Nature Reserve covers nearly 20 square miles and it was established in order to protect the local waters, wetlands and meadows and their wildlife. It covers a vast expanse of lagoons, waterways, islets and coastal meadows with up to 24 percent of the area covered in reedbeds. It is considered to be the second most important area for birds in western Estonia, second only to Matsalu National Park, and ranks as a wetland of international importance. Sutlepa meri is located centrally within the Silma Nature Reserve and it is a wetland that was once a coastal lagoon but which today is set inland in a forested landscape. It is a mosaic area with open water, bogs and reedbeds. Date: 10th May 2016 Location: Sutlepa meri, Silma Nature Reserve, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9593616.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2999397204db181f7ea6c6.jpgRed-throated Diver The Red-throated Diver is the smallest of the UK's divers and its grey-brown plumage and up-tilted bill readily distinguish it from the other species. In summer it has a distinctive red throat. Shetland is the UK breeding stronghold for the Red-throated Diver with other key populations on Orkney, the Outer Hebrides and the northern Scottish mainland. They are also found along the whole of west Scotland south to the Mull of Kintyre. They arrive on their breeding grounds in April and depart in September and October. Outside the breeding season from August and September, the Red-throated Diver can be seen around the east coast of the UK and also along the west coast with concentrations off western Scotland and around north-west Wales. Date: 6th November 2008 Location: Loch Spelve, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28887373.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_182738374957cc3f93939e6.jpgSlavonian Grebe The Slavonian Grebe is a member of the grebe family of water birds. It is also known as the Horned Grebe in north America. Unmistakable in summer, the plumage of both the male and female Slavonian Grebe shows a black head with golden puffy earlike tufts along the sides of its face. It shows a deep rusty red neck, scarlet eyes and a small, straight black bill tipped with white. During the winter, the Slavonian Grebe is mainly white with a sharply defined black cap. The Slavonian Grebe breeds in vegetated areas of freshwater lakes across Europe and Asia. It also breeds in remote inland parts of the United States and much of Canada. Like all grebes, it builds a nest on the water's edge, since its legs are set very far back and it can not walk well. Most birds migrate in winter to the coast. Date: 10th May 2016 Location: Haapsalu, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26009048.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1153823769563520c71ae11.jpgLake Mývatn, north east Iceland Mývatn is the undisputed gem of north east Iceland, a tourist and ornithological honeypot. The lake and the surrounding area are starkly beautiful, an otherworldly landscape of spluttering mudpots, weird lava formations, steaming fumaroles and volcanic craters. The Mývatn basin sits squarely on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and the violent geological character of the area has produced an astonishing landscape unlike anywhere else in the country. Mývatn is a shallow eutrophic lake situated in an area of active volcanism not far from Krafla volcano. The lake was created by a large basaltic lava eruption 2300 years ago and the surrounding landscape is dominated by volcanic landforms including lava pillars. The name of the lake (Icelandic mý ("midge") and vatn ("lake") .... the lake of midges) comes from the huge numbers of midges to be found in the summer. The name Mývatn is sometimes used not only for the lake but the whole surrounding inhabited area. The River Laxá, Lake Mývatn and the surrounding wetlands are protected as a nature reserve known as the Mývatn-Laxá Nature Conservation Area which occupies 440,000 hectares. The lake is fed by nutrient-rich springwater and has a high abundance of aquatic insects and plants that form an attractive food supply for ducks. Thirteen species of ducks nest at Mývatn. The duck species composition is unique in the mixture of Eurasian and north American elements and of boreal and Arctic species. Most of the ducks are migratory, arriving in late April to early May from north west Europe. The most abundant is the Tufted Duck whilst the Scaup is the second most common duck species. Other common species include the Red-breasted Merganser, Wigeon, Gadwall, Mallard, Common Scoter, Long-tailed Duck and Teal. Mývatn and the River Laxá are also special in that they support good numbers of Harlequin Ducks and Barrow’s Goldeneyes, 2 species that within Europe are solely confined to Iceland. Other common waterbirds include the Slavonian Grebe, Red-necked Phalarope, Great Northern Diver, Red-throated Diver and Whooper Swan. Date: 4th June 2015 Location: view from junction of road 1 and road 87 near Reykjahlíð http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453913.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17764837554ff545389defd.jpgWhite Stork The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 27th April 2012 Location: Toril to Villareal de San Carlos, Parque Nacional de Monfragüe, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072342.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17301049364bf6df6b8d539.jpgSteller's Eiders The Steller's Eider is a medium sized sea duck and the smallest of the 4 species of eider. In it’s breeding plumage, the male is unmistakable with a black back, white shoulders, chestnut breast and belly, a white head with a greenish tuft and small black eye patches. During the late summer and autumn, males are entirely mottled dark brown. Females and juveniles are mottled dark brown all year round. Adults of both sexes have a blue patch with a white border on the upper wing similar to a mallard. The bird is named after the German naturalist Georg Steller. Steller's Eiders breed along the Arctic coasts of northern Russia and northern and western Alaska. It is estimated that the world population of Steller's Eiders is around 220,000 birds, the majority of which nest in Russia. Most Steller's Eiders breeding in Alaska and Russia migrate south after breeding. An estimated 40,000 winter in north eastern Europe along the coasts of Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Finland, Norway and Sweden. It is very scarce south of its wintering range. Date: 13th April 2010 Location: Svartnes, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/cormorant https://images.on-this.website/4752_1392586934db1842b160a6.jpgCormorant The (Great) Cormorant is a widespread member of the cormorant and shag family [i] Phalacrocoracidae[/i]. There is a wide variation in size in the species' wide range and males are typically larger and heavier than females. It has a predominantly black plumage but the adult has white patches on the thighs and throat and a yellow throat during the breeding season. In Europe it can be distinguished from the Shag by its larger size, heavier build, thicker bill, lack of a crest and plumage without any green tinge. The (Great) Cormorant is a very common and widespread bird and it breeds in much of the Old World and the Atlantic coast of north America. It feeds on the sea, in estuaries and on freshwater lakes and rivers. Northern birds migrate south and winter along any coast that is well-supplied with fish. The (Great) Cormorant is found around the UK coastline on rocky shores, coastal lagoons and estuaries and it is increasingly seen inland at reservoirs, lakes and gravel pits. The UK holds internationally important wintering numbers. The (Great) Cormorant mainly nests in colonies near wetlands, rivers and sheltered inshore waters. Pairs will use the same nest site to breed year after year. It builds its nest, which is made mainly from sticks, in trees, on the ledges of cliffs and on the ground on rocky islands that are free of predators. The female lays 3 to 5 eggs which are incubated for a period of about 28 to 31 days. The (Great) Cormorant feeds on fish caught through diving and it will consume all fish of appropriate size that they are able to catch. Many fishermen see the (Great) Cormorant a competitor for fish. Because of this, it was nearly hunted to extinction in the past. Due to conservation efforts, its numbers increased although this has once again brought it in to conflict with fisheries. In the UK, where inland breeding was once uncommon, there are now increasing numbers of birds and many inland fish farms and fisheries now claim to be suffering high losses. In the UK each year, some licences are issued to cull specified numbers in order to help reduce predation although it is still illegal to kill a bird without such a licence. Date: 3rd May 2008 Location: Abberton Reservoir, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/inner-farne-farne-islands-northummberland https://images.on-this.website/4752_164319189853da08b17560f.jpgInner Farne, Farne Islands, Northummberland The Farne Islands are a group of islands off the coast of Northumberland. There are between 15 and 20 islands depending on the state of the tide and they are scattered about 1½ to 4¾ miles from the mainland and divided into two groups, the Inner Group and the Outer Group. The main islands in the Inner Group are Inner Farne, Knoxes Reef and the East and West Wideopens (all joined together on very low tides) and the Megstone. The main islands in the Outer Group are Staple Island, the Brownsman, North and South Wamses, Big Harcar and the Longstone. The two groups are separated by Staple Sound. The highest point, on Inner Farne, is 62 feet above mean sea level. The Farne Islands, an important wildlife habitat, are much visited by boat trips from Seahouses. Local boats are licensed to land passengers on Inner Farne, Staple Island and the Longstone. Landing on other islands is prohibited to protect the wildlife. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: view from the boat from Seahouses Harbour http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21829980.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_117883789753cbadfc0dbfe.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a gentle looking, medium sized gull with a small yellow bill and a dark eye. It has a grey back and is white underneath. Its legs are short and black. In flight the black wing-tips show no white, unlike other gulls, and look as if they have been “dipped in ink”. The population is declining in some areas, perhaps due to a shortage of sand eels. Kittiwakes are strictly coastal gulls. In the breeding season, they can be found on rocky, steep sea-cliffs at the major seabird colonies around the UK from February until August. From August to October they can be seen flying past offshore and they spend the winter months out at sea. Date: 11th June 2014 Location: Bempton Cliifs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42626778.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_176995775960a927dce8939.jpgGreat Crested Grebe The Great Crested Grebe is the largest member of the grebe family measuring 18 to 20 inches in length with a wing span of 23 to 29 inches. It is a graceful bird with its long neck, long bill and slender outline. In summer, the adults of both sexes are unmistakable being adorned with beautiful head-plumes which are reddish-orange in colour with black tips. There is also an erectile black crown. Non-breeding adults lack the full crest and have a dark crown bordered by a white face, the white extending down the fore-neck and chest. The sexes are similar in appearance but juveniles can be distinguished from adults by having a striped black and white head and neck. The Great Crested Grebe can be found across Europe and Asia and it breeds on shallow, reed-fringed freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs and slow rivers. It is resident in the milder west of its range but it migrates from the colder regions of its range to freshwater lakes, reservoirs and sheltered coastal areas in winter. The Great Crested Grebe has an elaborate mating display. Like all grebes, it nests on the water's edge since its legs are set relatively far back and it is thus unable to walk very well. Usually 2 eggs are laid and the fluffy, striped young grebes are often carried on the adult's back. In a clutch of 2 or more hatchlings, male and female grebes will each identify their “favourites” which they alone will care for and teach. Unusually, young Great Crested Grebes are capable of swimming and diving almost at hatching. The adults teach these skills to their young by carrying them on their backs and diving, leaving the chicks to float on the surface. They then re-emerge a few feet away so that the chicks may swim back on to them. The Great Crested Grebe feeds mainly on fish but it will also eat small crustaceans, insects and small frogs and newts. The Great Crested Grebe was hunted almost to extinction in the UK in the 19th century due to being hunted for its head plumes which were used to decorate hats and ladies' undergarments. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was set up to help protect the Great Crested Grebe which is now again a common sight. Date: 15th April 2021 Location: Lake Meadows, Billericay, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42626783.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_126249675760a927e528d31.jpgGreat Crested Grebe The Great Crested Grebe is the largest member of the grebe family measuring 18 to 20 inches in length with a wing span of 23 to 29 inches. It is a graceful bird with its long neck, long bill and slender outline. In summer, the adults of both sexes are unmistakable being adorned with beautiful head-plumes which are reddish-orange in colour with black tips. There is also an erectile black crown. Non-breeding adults lack the full crest and have a dark crown bordered by a white face, the white extending down the fore-neck and chest. The sexes are similar in appearance but juveniles can be distinguished from adults by having a striped black and white head and neck. The Great Crested Grebe can be found across Europe and Asia and it breeds on shallow, reed-fringed freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs and slow rivers. It is resident in the milder west of its range but it migrates from the colder regions of its range to freshwater lakes, reservoirs and sheltered coastal areas in winter. The Great Crested Grebe has an elaborate mating display. Like all grebes, it nests on the water's edge since its legs are set relatively far back and it is thus unable to walk very well. Usually 2 eggs are laid and the fluffy, striped young grebes are often carried on the adult's back. In a clutch of 2 or more hatchlings, male and female grebes will each identify their “favourites” which they alone will care for and teach. Unusually, young Great Crested Grebes are capable of swimming and diving almost at hatching. The adults teach these skills to their young by carrying them on their backs and diving, leaving the chicks to float on the surface. They then re-emerge a few feet away so that the chicks may swim back on to them. The Great Crested Grebe feeds mainly on fish but it will also eat small crustaceans, insects and small frogs and newts. The Great Crested Grebe was hunted almost to extinction in the UK in the 19th century due to being hunted for its head plumes which were used to decorate hats and ladies' undergarments. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was set up to help protect the Great Crested Grebe which is now again a common sight. Date: 15th April 2021 Location: Lake Meadows, Billericay, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11349638.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3129174304e1ef8d4420a7.jpgFulmar The Fulmar is almost gull-like but is a grey and white seabird that is related to the albatrosses. It flies low over the sea on stiff wings with shallow wing beats, gliding and banking to show its white under-parts and then grey upper-parts. At its breeding sites it will fly high up the cliff face riding the updraughts. Fulmars feed in flocks out at sea and defend their nests from intruders by spitting out a foul-smelling oil. Fulmars breed on coastal cliffs with suitable ledges and grassy slopes but will occasionally breed on buildings. Fulmars are best looked for at seabird colonies and are most abundant along the Scottish coastline especially in the Northern Isles. They are least common along the east, south and north-west coasts of England. Adults are present at the breeding colonies nearly all year although young birds leave in late summer. Away from the breeding colonies, Fulmars spend their whole time offshore at sea. Date: 31st May 2008 Location: Sumburgh Head, South Mainland, Shetland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/vihorlat-mountains-koice-region-slovakia https://images.on-this.website/4752_178698144459bd52ac7708b.jpgVihorlat Mountains, Košice region, Slovakia The Vihorlat Mountains (Vihorlatské vrchy) are a volcanic mountain range in eastern Slovakia and western Ukraine. They form part of the Inner Eastern Carpathian Mountains. The Slovakian section is 34 miles long and up to 9 miles wide. The highest peak is Vihorlat at 3530 feet and the largest lake is Morské oko. It is a mountainous and mostly forested area with a predominance of beech and forests in addition to hornbeam, ash, maple and some conifers. Arable land and unused pastures and meadows can be found in the non-forested and foothill areas. The middle part of the Vihorlat Mountains in the Humenné, Sobrance and Snina districts was designated as the Vihorlat Protected Landscape Area in December 1973 and they were also designated a Special Protection Area in April 2010. Kyjovský prales, a primeval beech forest in the Vihorlat Mountains, was designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in June 2007. Date: 1st June 2017 Location: Vihorlat Mountains, Košice region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457123.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1850235161668570cf7979b.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42626785.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12942564560a927e83c75c.jpgGreat Crested Grebe The Great Crested Grebe is the largest member of the grebe family measuring 18 to 20 inches in length with a wing span of 23 to 29 inches. It is a graceful bird with its long neck, long bill and slender outline. In summer, the adults of both sexes are unmistakable being adorned with beautiful head-plumes which are reddish-orange in colour with black tips. There is also an erectile black crown. Non-breeding adults lack the full crest and have a dark crown bordered by a white face, the white extending down the fore-neck and chest. The sexes are similar in appearance but juveniles can be distinguished from adults by having a striped black and white head and neck. The Great Crested Grebe can be found across Europe and Asia and it breeds on shallow, reed-fringed freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs and slow rivers. It is resident in the milder west of its range but it migrates from the colder regions of its range to freshwater lakes, reservoirs and sheltered coastal areas in winter. The Great Crested Grebe has an elaborate mating display. Like all grebes, it nests on the water's edge since its legs are set relatively far back and it is thus unable to walk very well. Usually 2 eggs are laid and the fluffy, striped young grebes are often carried on the adult's back. In a clutch of 2 or more hatchlings, male and female grebes will each identify their “favourites” which they alone will care for and teach. Unusually, young Great Crested Grebes are capable of swimming and diving almost at hatching. The adults teach these skills to their young by carrying them on their backs and diving, leaving the chicks to float on the surface. They then re-emerge a few feet away so that the chicks may swim back on to them. The Great Crested Grebe feeds mainly on fish but it will also eat small crustaceans, insects and small frogs and newts. The Great Crested Grebe was hunted almost to extinction in the UK in the 19th century due to being hunted for its head plumes which were used to decorate hats and ladies' undergarments. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was set up to help protect the Great Crested Grebe which is now again a common sight. Date: 15th April 2021 Location: Lake Meadows, Billericay, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15082450.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17393757534fc7919ea0e31.jpgCommon Blue Damselflies Flight period: early May to end September. As the name suggests, the Common Blue Damselfly is one of the commonest species in the UK. They can be confused with other blue damselflies, particularly since the markings on this species are rather variable. Common Blue Damselflies are found across most of the UK and are probably the most widespread member of the "blue" damselflies. They can be found around open lakes and ponds, along river and canal banks and streams, provided there is plenty of bankside vegetation. Date: 28th May 2012 Location: Wheatfen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801138.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_205979165064edad0420244.jpgLapwing The Northern Lapwing, also known as the peewit, pewit, tuit or tew-it (imitative of its cry), Green Plover (emphasising the colour of the plumage) or (in the UK) just Lapwing (which refers to its peculiar, erratic way of flying), is a bird in the lapwing family. The Lapwing has rounded wings and a crest. It is also the shortest-legged of the lapwing species. It is mainly black and white but the back is tinted green. The male has a long crest and a black crown, throat and breast contrasting with an otherwise white face. Females and young birds have shorter crests and have less strongly marked heads but plumages are otherwise quite similar. The Lapwing is a vocal bird in the breeding season with constant calling as the crazed tumbling display flight is performed by the male. The typical contact call is a loud, shrill "pee-wit" from which they get their other name of peewit. The Lapwing is common through temperate Eurasia and breeds on cultivated land and other short vegetation habitats. The ground scrape nest and young are defended noisily and aggressively against all intruders. It is highly migratory over most of its extensive range, wintering further south as far as north Africa, north India, Pakistan and parts of China. It migrates mainly by day, often in large flocks. Lowland breeders in the westernmost areas of Europe are resident. In winter, it forms huge flocks on open land, particularly arable land and mud-flats. In the UK, the Lapwing has suffered a significant decline in the last 25 years and is an Amber List species because of the importance of its UK wintering population. It breeds on farmland throughout the UK, particularly in lowland areas of north England, the Borders and east Scotland, and prefers fields of spring sown cereals and root crops, permanent unimproved pasture, meadows and fallow fields but also wet grassland and marshes. During the winter, the Lapwing can be seen on flooded grassland, estuaries, coastal wetlands, short grassy fields and ploughed fields. In addition to the UK population, large numbers of north European birds arrive in the autumn for the winter. The Lapwing feeds primarily on insects and other small invertebrates. It often feeds in mixed flocks with Golden Plovers and Black-headed Gulls, the latter often robbing the plovers, but providing a degree of protection against predators. Date: 17th July 2023 Location: RSPB Frampton Marsh, near Boston, Lincolnshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42524846.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12589152566098f43083d80.jpgBlue Tit The Blue Tit is a small passerine bird in the tit family. It is easily recognisable by its generally blue and yellow plumage and its small size. The Blue Tit is about 4.7 inches long with a wingspan of 7.1 inches. It has an azure blue crown and a dark blue line passing through the eye and encircling the white cheeks to the chin, giving the bird a very distinctive appearance. The forehead and a bar on the wing are white. The nape, wings and tail are blue and the back is yellowish green. The underparts are mostly sulphur-yellow with a dark line down the abdomen. The bill is black and the legs bluish grey. The sexes are similar whilst young birds are noticeably more yellow. The Blue Tit is very agile and it can cling to the outermost branches and hang upside down when searching for food such as insects, caterpillars and seeds. The Blue Tit can be found throughout areas of the European continent with a mainly temperate or Mediterranean climate and in parts of the Middle East. In the UK it is common in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens and widespread across the whole of the country with the exception of some Scottish islands. The Blue Tit will nest in any suitable hole in a tree, wall or stump, often competing with other birds such as the House Sparrow or Great Tit for the site. In addition, it will readily accept an artificial nesting box. The same hole is returned to year after year and when one pair dies another takes possession. The nesting material is usually moss, wool, hair and feathers and the eggs are laid in April or May. The number in the clutch is often very large but 7 or 8 is normal. It is not unusual for a single bird to feed the chicks in the nest at a rate of one feed every 90 seconds during the height of the breeding season. Successful breeding is dependent on a sufficient supply of caterpillars as well as satisfactory weather. Breeding may be affected badly if the weather is cold and wet between May and July, particularly if this coincides with the emergence of the caterpillars on which the nestlings are fed. The small size of the Blue Tit makes it vulnerable to predation by larger birds and the typical lifespan is 3 years or less. The most significant predator is probably the Sparrowhawk, closely followed by the domestic cat. Nests may also be robbed by mammals such as the Weasel and Red and Grey Squirrels. Date: 27th March 2021 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51983644.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_102024325566d34368e5c3f.jpgRuddy Darter Flight period: mid June to mid September. The Ruddy Darter takes its name from its colour and its swift flight behaviour. The male has a deep russet colour over the entire body and the abdomen has a pinched section close to where it joins the thorax. Females are slightly smaller, golden yellow in colour and being less obviously marked are more difficult to identify than the males. There is more than one red coloured darter species in the UK and they can be easily confused with each other. The commonest red species, the Common Darter, can be distinguished as having red veins at the base of the wings and a less ruddy colouration across the body. However, the Ruddy Darter has entirely black legs, distinguishing it from all other red darters which have longitudinal yellow stripes on their legs. The UK range of the Ruddy Darter has undergone something of an expansion in recent years. Although still relatively uncommon in the west and north of Britain, it is increasing in numbers in the Midlands and eastern England. The population is augmented by continental migrants. It is also found over most of Europe except for northern Scandinavia, as far east as western Siberia and south to north Africa. The Ruddy Darter prefers water bodies with tall emergent vegetation, such as reeds and club rush, and it is known to breed in ponds, lakes, canals, ditches and sluggish rivers. They can also be found near coasts and can breed in fairly brackish water. Date: 26th July 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26041326.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_91899652056389cea21d38.jpgGlaucous Gull The Glaucous Gull is a large and powerful gull which is very pale in all plumages with no black on either the wings or the tail. The term “glaucous” describes its colouration. Adults are pale grey above with a thick yellow bill. Immatures are very pale grey with a pink and black bill. The Glaucous Gull is considerably larger, bulkier and thicker-billed than the similar Iceland Gull and it can sometimes equal the size of the Great Black-backed Gull. The Glaucous Gull breeds colonially or singly on coasts and cliffs in the Arctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere and the Atlantic coasts of Europe. It is migratory and winters in the north Atlantic and north Pacific as far south as the UK and the northernmost states of the USA and the Great Lakes. Like most gulls, the Glaucous Gull is an omnivore and it eats fish, molluscs, offal, scraps, eggs, small birds, small mammals and carrion. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Arnarfjörður, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45291003.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1389869362623acb9e28d6d.jpgBlue Tit The Blue Tit is a small passerine bird in the tit family. It is easily recognisable by its generally blue and yellow plumage and its small size. The Blue Tit is about 4.7 inches long with a wingspan of 7.1 inches. It has an azure blue crown and a dark blue line passing through the eye and encircling the white cheeks to the chin, giving the bird a very distinctive appearance. The forehead and a bar on the wing are white. The nape, wings and tail are blue and the back is yellowish green. The underparts are mostly sulphur-yellow with a dark line down the abdomen. The bill is black and the legs bluish grey. The sexes are similar whilst young birds are noticeably more yellow. The Blue Tit is very agile and it can cling to the outermost branches and hang upside down when searching for food such as insects, caterpillars and seeds. The Blue Tit can be found throughout areas of the European continent with a mainly temperate or Mediterranean climate and in parts of the Middle East. In the UK it is common in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens and widespread across the whole of the country with the exception of some Scottish islands. The Blue Tit will nest in any suitable hole in a tree, wall or stump, often competing with other birds such as the House Sparrow or Great Tit for the site. In addition, it will readily accept an artificial nesting box. The same hole is returned to year after year and when one pair dies another takes possession. The nesting material is usually moss, wool, hair and feathers and the eggs are laid in April or May. The number in the clutch is often very large but 7 or 8 is normal. It is not unusual for a single bird to feed the chicks in the nest at a rate of one feed every 90 seconds during the height of the breeding season. Successful breeding is dependent on a sufficient supply of caterpillars as well as satisfactory weather. Breeding may be affected badly if the weather is cold and wet between May and July, particularly if this coincides with the emergence of the caterpillars on which the nestlings are fed. The small size of the Blue Tit makes it vulnerable to predation by larger birds and the typical lifespan is 3 years or less. The most significant predator is probably the Sparrowhawk, closely followed by the domestic cat. Nests may also be robbed by mammals such as the Weasel and Red and Grey Squirrels. Date: 10th March 2022 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41183539.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13690591155e9c2edb32d14.jpgWoodpigeon The Woodpigeon is the UK's largest and commonest pigeon and is largely grey with a white neck patch and white wing patches which are clearly visible in flight. Although shy in the countryside, it can be tame and approachable in towns and cities. Its cooing call is a familiar sound in woodlands as is the loud clatter of its wings when it flies away. Woodpigeons can be found across the UK. In the countryside they breed on farmland with hedges, trees and copses and in towns and cities they breed in parks and gardens. In winter, Woodpigeons form large flocks on farmland fields. Date: 15th April 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833610.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1480935739559cedff40fb9.jpgBlack Kite The Black Kite is a medium-sized bird of prey which can be distinguished from the Red Kite by its slightly smaller size, less forked tail and generally dark plumage without any rufous colouring. The upper plumage is brown but the head and neck tend to be paler and the patch behind the eye appears darker. The outer flight feathers are black and the feathers have dark cross bars and are mottled at the base. The lower parts of the body are pale brown, becoming lighter towards the chin. They have a distinctive shrill whistle followed by a rapid whinnying call. Black Kites are opportunistic hunters and are more likely to scavenge. They spend a lot of time soaring and gliding in thermals in search of food. The Black Kite is widely distributed through the temperate and tropical parts of Eurasia and parts of Australasia and Oceania with the temperate region populations tending to be migratory. The European populations are small but the south Asian population is very large. Date: 12th May 2015 Location: Lake Kerkini, Central Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41349602.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4159815055f200214efc46.jpgCommon Blue Damselfly Flight period: early May to end September. As the name suggests, the Common Blue Damselfly is one of the commonest species in the UK. They can be confused with other blue damselflies, particularly since the markings on this species are rather variable. Common Blue Damselflies are found across most of the UK and are probably the most widespread member of the "blue" damselflies. They can be found around open lakes and ponds, along river and canal banks and streams, provided there is plenty of bankside vegetation. Date: 16th June 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48482972.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1400799540640a3df990fd8.jpgSnow Bunting Snow Buntings are large buntings with striking “snowy” plumages. Males in summer have all white heads and underparts contrasting with a black mantle and wing tips. Females are a more mottled above. In autumn and winter birds develop a sandy/buff wash to their plumage and males have more mottled upperparts. Snow Buntings breed in far northern Europe and migrate south in winter. They are a very scarce breeding species in the UK and can be found on the highest mountain peaks in Scotland where they nest in rocky crevices. Snow Buntings are best looked for in winter (from late September to early March) where they can sometimes be seen in large flocks on the seashore or on adjacent short rough grassland at coastal sites in Scotland and eastern England. Date: 31st January 2023 Location: Cley-next-the-Sea, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41389648.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_247198635f26942dc2802.jpgWood Sandpiper The Wood Sandpiper is a medium sized wader which resembles a longer-legged and more delicate Green Sandpiper. It has a fine straight bill, brown back, yellowish legs and a conspicuous long white stripe from the bill over the eye to the back of the neck. The Wood Sandpiper breeds in sub-Arctic wetlands across Europe and Asia. It migrates to Africa, southern Asia, particularly India, and Australia. It is usually found in freshwater habitats during migration and on its wintering grounds. It forages by probing in shallow water or in wet mud and it mainly eats insects and similar small prey. A slight westward expansion saw the establishment of a small but permanent breeding population in Scotland from the 1950s. In addition, passage migrants most commonly appear in south and east England in April and September. Date: 1st July 2019 Location: Skrøytnesmyra, Skrøytnes area, Pasvikdalen, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40399562.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17380389115dc6ad428d953.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 18th October 2019 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48482974.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1839141955640a3dfb2e822.jpgSnow Bunting Snow Buntings are large buntings with striking “snowy” plumages. Males in summer have all white heads and underparts contrasting with a black mantle and wing tips. Females are a more mottled above. In autumn and winter birds develop a sandy/buff wash to their plumage and males have more mottled upperparts. Snow Buntings breed in far northern Europe and migrate south in winter. They are a very scarce breeding species in the UK and can be found on the highest mountain peaks in Scotland where they nest in rocky crevices. Snow Buntings are best looked for in winter (from late September to early March) where they can sometimes be seen in large flocks on the seashore or on adjacent short rough grassland at coastal sites in Scotland and eastern England. Date: 31st January 2023 Location: Cley-next-the-Sea, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46510660.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_160103795662c98cd47924a.jpgBlack Grouse The Black Grouse is a large game bird in the grouse family. The male has all black plumage with distinctive red wattles over the eyes and striking white stripes along each wing in flight. It has a lyre-shaped tail which is fanned out and raised to show white under-tail feathers when displaying. The female is smaller and grey-brown in colour. The Black Grouse is a sedentary species and breeds across northern Eurasia in moorland and bog areas near to mostly boreal woodland. Although it is declining, it is not considered to be vulnerable globally due to the large population and slow rate of decline. Its decline is due to loss of habitat, disturbance, predation by foxes, crows, etc., and small populations gradually dying out. In the UK, the Black Grouse are found in upland areas of Wales, the Pennines and most of Scotland, especially on farmland and moorland with nearby forestry or scattered trees. Habitat loss and overgrazing have resulted in severe population declines which make the Black Grouse a Red List species. Positive habitat management and re-introduction programmes are helping it to increase in some areas. The Black Grouse has a very distinctive and well-recorded courtship. At dawn in the spring, the males strut around in a traditional area (lek) and display whilst making a highly distinctive and bubbling mating call. This photo was taken at a well known roadside lekking site. If visiting, please remain in your car to avoid disturbance to these vulnerable breeding birds. Date: 7th May 2022 Location: World's End, Denbighshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41292167.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18206939525f10b2222d012.jpgKing Oscar II Chapel, Grense Jakobselv, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Grense Jakobselv is a small village located in Sør-Varanger municipality in Troms og Finnmark in Norway about 35 miles by road east of the town of Kirkenes. It is situated on the shore of the Barents Sea at the mouth of the River Jakobselva. The River Jakobselva forms the border between Norway and Russia. There is a small post of the garrison of Sør-Varanger of the Norwegian Army here from where soldiers patrol the border. However, there is no public border crossing. In Grense Jakobselv there is a stone chapel built in 1869 known as King Oscar II Chapel. The chapel was built in a long church style in 1869 by the architect Jacob Wilhelm Nordan and was designed to reinforce Norway's territorial claim to the area. It was named after King Oscar II of Sweden and Norway at a visit he made in 1873. Date: 29th June 2019 Location: King Oscar II Chapel, Grense Jakobselv, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48137715.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21320143663bd4a551e045.jpgJay The Jay is a colourful member of the crow family that is about the same size as a Jackdaw. The Jay is mostly a pinkish brown colour with the underparts being slightly paler. The head has a black and white flecked crown, black moustache and white throat. The white rump contrasts starkly with the black tail. The iris of the eye is a pale blue, the bill is black and the legs are pink-brown. The wings are mostly black with white patches but also have striking blue patches, but close to these wing patches are actually bands of graduated shades of blue. Although it is the most strikingly colourful member of the crow family, the Jay can be quite difficult to see since it is a shy woodland bird and rarely moves far from cover. It can often be seen flying across a woodland clearing or glade giving its raucous screeching call. The Jay can be found across most of the UK, except northern Scotland, and occurs in both deciduous and coniferous woodland, parks and mature gardens. It particularly likes oak trees in the autumn when there are plenty of acorns which it seeks out and buries for retrieving later. The majority of the UK population is sedentary but European birds are irruptive when there is a poor acorn harvest and may arrive in large numbers along the east coast of the UK in the autumn. Date: 5th January 2023 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/common-blue-damselflies https://images.on-this.website/4752_9265399314fc7916cb614e.jpgCommon Blue Damselflies Flight period: early May to end September. As the name suggests, the Common Blue Damselfly is one of the commonest species in the UK. They can be confused with other blue damselflies, particularly since the markings on this species are rather variable. Common Blue Damselflies are found across most of the UK and are probably the most widespread member of the "blue" damselflies. They can be found around open lakes and ponds, along river and canal banks and streams, provided there is plenty of bankside vegetation. Date: 28th May 2012 Location: Strumpshaw Fen RSPB reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41254095.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3356664775f059ec828a40.jpgCommon Gull The Common Gull is a medium-sized gull. The north American subspecies is commonly referred to as the Mew Gull although that name is also used by some authorities for the whole species. The Common Gull is noticeably smaller and more gentle looking than the Herring Gull. It is grey above and white below with greenish-yellow legs. It has black wingtips with large white "mirrors". Young birds have scaly black-brown upperparts and a neat wing pattern and grey legs and take 2 to 3 years to reach maturity. In winter, the head is streaked grey and the bill often has a poorly defined blackish band near the tip which is sometimes sufficiently obvious to cause confusion with the Ring-billed Gull. The call is a high-pitched "laughing" cry. The Common Gull breeds colonially near water or in marshes in north Europe, north west north America and north Asia. It is most numerous in Europe with over half (possibly as much as 80 to 90%) of the world population. In the UK, the Common Gull can be found in summer along the coasts and inland marshes and lakes of Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England. Elsewhere in England and Wales, it can be found in winter on farmland, on marshes and lakes and on the coast. Date: 26th June 2019 Location: Katajanokka harbour, Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45174881.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_803763259623304d1d5d4b.jpgKestrel The Common Kestrel is a small falcon, smaller than most other birds of prey but larger than most songbirds. Females are noticeably larger than males. Their plumage is mainly light chestnut brown with blackish spots on the upperside and buff with narrow blackish streaks on the underside. Males have less black spots and streaks as well as a blue-grey cap and tail. The tail is brown with black bars in females and has a black tip with a narrow white rim in both sexes. Both sexes also have a prominent black malar stripe. The Common Kestrel occurs over a large range and it is widespread in Europe, Asia and Africa. In the cool temperate parts of its range, it migrates south in winter but otherwise it is sedentary although juveniles may wander around in search for a good place to settle down as they become mature. The Common Kestrel is a diurnal bird and can be found in most lowland habitats although it prefers open habitat such as fields, heaths, moorlands, shrubland and marshland. It does not require woodland to be present as long as there are alternate perching and nesting sites like rocks or buildings. It will thrive in treeless steppe where there are abundant shrubs to support a population of prey animals. Date: 19th January 2022 Location: RSPB Rainham Marshes, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46027963.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9571823956291efb45a4a0.jpgReed Warbler The Eurasian Reed warbler, or just Reed Warbler, is a warbler in the genus [i]Acrocephalus[/i]. It is a medium-sized warbler, 5 to 5.5 inches in length. The adult has an unstreaked brown back and buff underparts. The forehead is flattened and the bill is strong and pointed. The sexes are identical, as with most warblers, but young birds are a richer buff colour below. The Reed Warbler’s song is a slow chatter, with typically whistles and mimicry added, and it usually sings from within a reedbed rather than from a perch so it is often heard rather than seen. The Reed Warbler is found almost exclusively in reedbeds where it breeds across Europe into the temperate western Palaearctic. It is migratory and winters in sub-Saharan Africa. It is a summer visitor to the UK with the largest concentrations in the reedbeds in lowland central and southern England and Wales. The Reed Warbler is one of the species that is brood parasitised by the Cuckoo. Like most warblers, the Reed Warbler is insectivorous but it will take other small food items including berries. Date: 21st May 2022 Location: EWT Two Tree Island, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13683399.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19905583994ed7385593789.jpgBarn Owl With a heart shaped face, buff back and wings and pure white under-parts the Barn Owl is a distinctive and much-loved bird of the countryside. Barn Owls are widely distributed across the UK and can be seen all year round sometimes during the day but normally at dusk in open country and along field edges, riverbanks and roadside verges. Barn owls have suffered population declines over the past 50 years as a result of habitat degradation following increasing intensive agricultural practices. However, that decline has stopped in many areas and their population may now be increasing. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo47764626.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1214913012635e594f202aa.jpgGreen Sandpiper The Green Sandpiper is a small and slightly plump wader with a dark greenish-brown back and wings, greyish head and breast and otherwise white underparts. The back is spotted white to varying extents, being most noticeable in the breeding adult and less so in winter and young birds. The legs and short bill are both dark green. It is conspicuous and characteristically patterned in flight with the wings dark above and below and a brilliant white rump. In flight it has a characteristic 3 note whistle. The Green Sandpiper breeds across sub-arctic Europe and east across the Palearctic. It is a migratory bird, wintering in southern Europe, the Indian subcontinent, south east Asia and tropical Africa. The Green Sandpiper is very much a bird of freshwater habitats and it is often found in sites too restricted for other waders. It is not a gregarious species although sometimes small numbers congregate in suitable feeding areas. The Green Sandpiper feeds on small invertebrate items picked off the mud as it works steadily around the edges of its chosen lagoon, pond or ditch. The Green Sandpiper is widely distributed and not uncommon. It is not considered a threatened species by the IUCN on a global scale but it is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 27th October 2022 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533250.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_85243020862ca8135469aa.jpgCommon Blue Damselfly Flight period: early May to end September. As the name suggests, the Common Blue Damselfly is one of the commonest species in the UK. They can be confused with other blue damselflies, particularly since the markings on this species are rather variable. Common Blue Damselflies are found across most of the UK and are probably the most widespread member of the "blue" damselflies. They can be found around open lakes and ponds, along river and canal banks and streams, provided there is plenty of bankside vegetation. Date: 15th June 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15367556.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15052836964fec1cf37e036.jpgCommon Gull The Common Gull is a medium-sized gull. The north American subspecies is commonly referred to as the Mew Gull although that name is also used by some authorities for the whole species. The Common Gull is noticeably smaller and more gentle looking than the Herring Gull. It is grey above and white below with greenish-yellow legs. It has black wingtips with large white "mirrors". Young birds have scaly black-brown upperparts and a neat wing pattern and grey legs and take 2 to 3 years to reach maturity. In winter, the head is streaked grey and the bill often has a poorly defined blackish band near the tip which is sometimes sufficiently obvious to cause confusion with the Ring-billed Gull. The call is a high-pitched "laughing" cry. The Common Gull breeds colonially near water or in marshes in north Europe, north west north America and north Asia. It is most numerous in Europe with over half (possibly as much as 80 to 90%) of the world population. In the UK, the Common Gull can be found in summer along the coasts and inland marshes and lakes of Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England. Elsewhere in England and Wales, it can be found in winter on farmland, on marshes and lakes and on the coast. Date: 9th June 2012 Location: Tarbet, Sutherland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24901260.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_173775143055a4c6de852de.jpgBlack Grouse The Black Grouse is a large game bird in the grouse family. The male has all black plumage with distinctive red wattles over the eyes and striking white stripes along each wing in flight. It has a lyre-shaped tail which is fanned out and raised to show white under-tail feathers when displaying. The female is smaller and grey-brown in colour. The Black Grouse is a sedentary species and breeds across northern Eurasia in moorland and bog areas near to mostly boreal woodland. Although it is declining, it is not considered to be vulnerable globally due to the large population and slow rate of decline. Its decline is due to loss of habitat, disturbance, predation by foxes, crows, etc., and small populations gradually dying out. In the UK, the Black Grouse are found in upland areas of Wales, the Pennines and most of Scotland, especially on farmland and moorland with nearby forestry or scattered trees. Habitat loss and overgrazing have resulted in severe population declines which make the Black Grouse a Red List species. Positive habitat management and re-introduction programmes are helping it to increase in some areas. The Black Grouse has a very distinctive and well-recorded courtship. At dawn in the spring, the males strut around in a traditional area (lek) and display whilst making a highly distinctive and bubbling mating call. Date: 21st June 2015 Location: undisclosed site, Perthshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45182257.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7677602576235c3990a4a5.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 21st January 2022 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26540740.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_179887478056ace67529084.jpgAldeburgh is located on the UK's North Sea coast around 87 miles north east of London, 20 miles north east of Ipswich and 23 miles south of Lowestoft. It lies just to the north of the river Alde with the narrow shingle spit of Orford Ness all that stops the river meeting the sea at Aldeburgh. Instead the river flows another 9 miles to the south west. Aldeburgh means "old fort" although this structure, along with much of the Tudor town, has now been lost to the sea. In the 16th century, Aldeburgh was a leading port and it had a flourishing ship-building industry. It's importance as a port declined as the river Alde silted up and larger ships could no longer berth. It survived mainly as a fishing village until the 19th century when it also became a seaside resort. The beach at Aldeburgh is mainly shingle and wide in places but it narrows at the neck of Orford Ness. Aldeburgh was flooded during the North Sea flood of 1953 and flood defences around the town were strengthened as a result. The beach was awarded the Blue Flag rural beach award in 2005. The town is located within the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and there are a number of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and nature reserves in the local area. On Aldeburgh's beach, a short distance north of the town centre, stands a sculpture known as "The Scallop" which is dedicated to the composer Benjamin Britten. Created from stainless steel by Suffolk-based artist Maggi Hambling, it stands 15 feet high and was unveiled in November 2003. The piece is made up of two interlocking scallop shells, each broken, the upright shell being pierced with the words <i>"I hear those voices that will not be drowned"</i> which are taken from Britten's opera "Peter Grimes". The sculpture is controversial in the local area with some local residents considering that it spoils the beach. It has been vandalised with graffiti and paint on a number of occasions and there have been petitions for its removal and for its retention. Date: 1st January 2016 Location: Aldeburgh, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26540931.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_53778758656ace9514286f.jpgWhooper Swans The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 13th January 2016 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46510716.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_69342739362c98ce0c78ee.jpgBlack Grouse The Black Grouse is a large game bird in the grouse family. The male has all black plumage with distinctive red wattles over the eyes and striking white stripes along each wing in flight. It has a lyre-shaped tail which is fanned out and raised to show white under-tail feathers when displaying. The female is smaller and grey-brown in colour. The Black Grouse is a sedentary species and breeds across northern Eurasia in moorland and bog areas near to mostly boreal woodland. Although it is declining, it is not considered to be vulnerable globally due to the large population and slow rate of decline. Its decline is due to loss of habitat, disturbance, predation by foxes, crows, etc., and small populations gradually dying out. In the UK, the Black Grouse are found in upland areas of Wales, the Pennines and most of Scotland, especially on farmland and moorland with nearby forestry or scattered trees. Habitat loss and overgrazing have resulted in severe population declines which make the Black Grouse a Red List species. Positive habitat management and re-introduction programmes are helping it to increase in some areas. The Black Grouse has a very distinctive and well-recorded courtship. At dawn in the spring, the males strut around in a traditional area (lek) and display whilst making a highly distinctive and bubbling mating call. This photo was taken at a well known roadside lekking site. If visiting, please remain in your car to avoid disturbance to these vulnerable breeding birds. Date: 7th May 2022 Location: World's End, Denbighshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512796.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_90607993962c99fcf68d97.jpgShelduck The Shelduck resembles a small short-necked goose in size and shape. It is larger than a Mallard but smaller than geese such as Greylag and Canada Geese. The Shelduck is a striking bird with a reddish-pink bill, pink feet, a white body with chestnut patches and a black belly and a dark green head and neck. The wing coverts are white, the primaries are black and the secondaries are green and chestnut. The underwings are almost entirely white. Sexes are similar but the female is smaller with some white facial markings whilst the male is particularly crisply coloured in the breeding season with a bright red bill bearing a prominent knob at the forehead. Ducklings are white with a black cap, hindneck and wing and back patches. Juveniles are greyish above and mostly white below but already have the adult's wing pattern. The Shelduck breeds in temperate Eurasia where it nests in rabbit burrows and tree holes. Most populations migrate to sub-tropical areas in winter but it is largely resident in west Europe apart from movements to favoured moulting grounds such as the Wadden Sea on the north German coast. The Shelduck is common around the coastline of the UK and Ireland where it can be found on salt marshes, tidal mudflats and estuaries although it can also be found around inland waters such as reservoirs and gravel workings. It can be seen all year round but the population increases significantly during winter with the arrival of birds from continental Europe. Date: 10th May 2022 Location: WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre, Carmarthenshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48482969.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_85937605640a3cdda3ab2.jpgLapwings The Northern Lapwing, also known as the peewit, pewit, tuit or tew-it (imitative of its cry), Green Plover (emphasising the colour of the plumage) or (in the UK) just Lapwing (which refers to its peculiar, erratic way of flying), is a bird in the lapwing family. The Lapwing has rounded wings and a crest. It is also the shortest-legged of the lapwing species. It is mainly black and white but the back is tinted green. The male has a long crest and a black crown, throat and breast contrasting with an otherwise white face. Females and young birds have shorter crests and have less strongly marked heads but plumages are otherwise quite similar. The Lapwing is a vocal bird in the breeding season with constant calling as the crazed tumbling display flight is performed by the male. The typical contact call is a loud, shrill "pee-wit" from which they get their other name of peewit. The Lapwing is common through temperate Eurasia and breeds on cultivated land and other short vegetation habitats. The ground scrape nest and young are defended noisily and aggressively against all intruders. It is highly migratory over most of its extensive range, wintering further south as far as north Africa, north India, Pakistan and parts of China. It migrates mainly by day, often in large flocks. Lowland breeders in the westernmost areas of Europe are resident. In winter, it forms huge flocks on open land, particularly arable land and mud-flats. In the UK, the Lapwing has suffered a significant decline in the last 25 years and is an Amber List species because of the importance of its UK wintering population. It breeds on farmland throughout the UK, particularly in lowland areas of north England, the Borders and east Scotland, and prefers fields of spring sown cereals and root crops, permanent unimproved pasture, meadows and fallow fields but also wet grassland and marshes. During the winter, the Lapwing can be seen on flooded grassland, estuaries, coastal wetlands, short grassy fields and ploughed fields. In addition to the UK population, large numbers of north European birds arrive in the autumn for the winter. The Lapwing feeds primarily on insects and other small invertebrates. It often feeds in mixed flocks with Golden Plovers and Black-headed Gulls, the latter often robbing the plovers, but providing a degree of protection against predators. Date: 31st January 2023 Location: Holkham, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230775.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_151428154264917f6b56590.jpgGrass Snake The Grass Snake is the UK’s largest terrestrial reptile reaching up to 6 feet in length although such large specimens are rare. Females are considerably larger than males and typically reach a size of 2 feet 11 inches to 3 feet 7 inches when fully grown whilst males are approximately 8 inches shorter. The Grass Snake is typically olive-green, brown or greyish in colour with a variable row of black bars along the sides, occasionally with smaller round markings along the back in double rows. The underside of the Grass Snake is off-white or yellowish with dark triangular or rectangular markings. A characteristic black and yellow collar is present behind the head. The Grass Snake is one of only 3 snakes to occur in the UK and it is distributed throughout lowland areas of England and Wales. It is almost absent from Scotland and is not found in Ireland at all which has no native snakes. The Grass Snake is an aquatic species that is usually closely associated with water where it preys almost entirely on amphibians, especially the Common Toad and the Common Frog, although they may also occasionally eat mammals and fish. It is a strong swimmer and is found in habitats featuring ponds, lakes, streams, marshes and ditches which provide access to sunshine for basking and plenty of shelter. The Grass Snake may also be found in open woodland, rough grassland, wet heathlands, gardens, parks and hedgerows. The Grass Snake, as with most reptiles, is at the mercy of the thermal environment and it needs to overwinter in areas which are not subject to freezing. Therefore it will typically spend the winter underground where the temperature is relatively stable. Date: 24th May 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37431038.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2847881055c6be15b1718c.jpgMediterranean Gull The Mediterranean Gull is intermediate in size between the Common Gull and the Black-headed Gull. The breeding plumage adult is a distinctive white gull with a very pale grey mantle and wings with white primary feathers without black tips. The black hood extends down the nape and shows distinct white eye crescents. The blunt tipped, dark red bill has a black sub-terminal band. The non-breeding adult is similar but the hood is reduced to an extensive dusky "bandit" mask through the eye. The Mediterranean Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity and first year birds have a black terminal tail band and more black areas in the upperwings and pale underwings. The Mediterranean Gull was formerly restricted to the Black Sea and the eastern Mediterranean but in recent decades it has undergone a dramatic range expansion and can be found over most of Europe as far as the UK and Ireland. It can be found in scattered colonies of varying size in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes. It is sometimes found nesting in mixed colonies with Black-headed Gull. In winter, the majority of Mediterranean Gulls migrate to the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious during winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. The Mediterranean Gull was a very rare UK bird until the 1950s but it is now widespread in winter and breeding in ever increasing numbers. It is mainly found along the east and south coasts of England and most of the breeding population nest within Black-headed Gull colonies at coastal wetlands. It is more widespread in winter with some beaches in Norfolk and Kent attracting more than a hundred birds and it can also be found inland in small numbers wherever Black-headed and Common Gulls gather (especially in roosts on reservoirs). The Mediterranean Gull tends to be an opportunistic omnivore and eats fish, worms, insects, offal and carrion. The Mediterranean Gull is not globally threatened and is designated by the IUCN as being “Least Concern”. However, it is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 13th January 2019 Location: RSPB Radipole Lake, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230774.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_153051733464917f6964854.jpgJay The Jay is a colourful member of the crow family that is about the same size as a Jackdaw. The Jay is mostly a pinkish brown colour with the underparts being slightly paler. The head has a black and white flecked crown, black moustache and white throat. The white rump contrasts starkly with the black tail. The iris of the eye is a pale blue, the bill is black and the legs are pink-brown. The wings are mostly black with white patches but also have striking blue patches, but close to these wing patches are actually bands of graduated shades of blue. Although it is the most strikingly colourful member of the crow family, the Jay can be quite difficult to see since it is a shy woodland bird and rarely moves far from cover. It can often be seen flying across a woodland clearing or glade giving its raucous screeching call. The Jay can be found across most of the UK, except northern Scotland, and occurs in both deciduous and coniferous woodland, parks and mature gardens. It particularly likes oak trees in the autumn when there are plenty of acorns which it seeks out and buries for retrieving later. The majority of the UK population is sedentary but European birds are irruptive when there is a poor acorn harvest and may arrive in large numbers along the east coast of the UK in the autumn. Date: 24th May 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/sumburgh-head-shetland https://images.on-this.website/4752_9640875744681c4f3c5b5d.jpgSumburgh Head, Shetland Sumburgh Head is situated at the southernmost point of Shetland and is a spur of rock crowned by a lighthouse designed by Robert Stevenson and first lit in 1821. Sumburgh Head is normally the first and last that most visitors see of Shetland if they are travelling by sea. The RSPB reserve at Sumburgh Head is Shetland's most accessible seabird colony and is also recognised as the best place in Shetland to spot Killer Whales and other cetaceans during the summer months. Date: June 2003 Location: view from the unclassified road south of Sumburgh http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49278738.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3382052226499bab9d981a.jpgNorfolk Hawker Flight period: mid May to mid August The Norfolk Hawker is one of two brown hawker dragonflies found in the UK. It is just over 5 inches long with a brown body, green eyes and a yellow triangular mark near the top of the abdomen. The Norfolk Hawker is a rare dragonfly in the UK and its range is almost completely restricted to the fens, grazing marshes and ditches of the Broads National Park in Norfolk and north east Suffolk although new colonies are becoming established in other areas of south east England. Since 2011 it has been recorded in the River Stour valley in east Kent where egg laying has been observed and it appears to be spreading. The optimum conditions for breeding appear to be unspoilt grazing marsh and ditch systems with clean, non-saline water and rushy margins, preferably with an abundance of water soldier as well as other aquatic plants. The main threats to the Norfolk Hawker are the conversion of grazing marsh to arable farming, inappropriate ditch and dyke management, nutrients enrichment, pollution and the impact of global climate change and fluctuations in water levels. Date: 16th June 2023 Location: RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49278731.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12782762966499baaad7c03.jpgBanded Demoiselle Flight period: May to August. The Banded Demoiselle is a large metallic damselfly with fluttering, butterfly-like wings. Males have a metallic blue body with broad dark blue-black spots across the outer parts of the wings. Females have a metallic green body with translucent pale green wings. The Banded Demoiselle’s name is derived from the distinctive “fingerprint” mark on the wings of the males. Of the UK's damselflies, only the Banded Demoiselle and the similar Beautiful Demoiselle have coloured wings. The latter differs by displaying almost entirely dark, metallic wings. The Banded Demoiselle is mainly found amongst lush, damp vegetation along the edges of slow-flowing lowland streams rivers and canals and around still ponds and lakes. Males are very territorial and perform fluttering display flights to win over females. The Banded Demoiselle is common in Wales and most of England apart from in the north. However, its range is expanding. The species was first recorded from Scotland in 2002 and it has now spread along the east coast and west coast in southern Scotland. Date: 16th June 2023 Location: RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49278724.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9490600456499baa591a26.jpgNorfolk Hawker Flight period: mid May to mid August The Norfolk Hawker is one of two brown hawker dragonflies found in the UK. It is just over 5 inches long with a brown body, green eyes and a yellow triangular mark near the top of the abdomen. The Norfolk Hawker is a rare dragonfly in the UK and its range is almost completely restricted to the fens, grazing marshes and ditches of the Broads National Park in Norfolk and north east Suffolk although new colonies are becoming established in other areas of south east England. Since 2011 it has been recorded in the River Stour valley in east Kent where egg laying has been observed and it appears to be spreading. The optimum conditions for breeding appear to be unspoilt grazing marsh and ditch systems with clean, non-saline water and rushy margins, preferably with an abundance of water soldier as well as other aquatic plants. The main threats to the Norfolk Hawker are the conversion of grazing marsh to arable farming, inappropriate ditch and dyke management, nutrients enrichment, pollution and the impact of global climate change and fluctuations in water levels. Date: 16th June 2023 Location: RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874758.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_778741967561ccba1707b6.jpgLesser Black-backed Gull The Lesser Black-backed Gull is much smaller than the Greater Black-backed Gull with a slimmer build, yellow rather than pinkish legs and smaller white "mirrors" at the wing tips. The adults have black or dark grey wings (depending on the race) and back and the bill is yellow with a red spot. The head is greyer in winter unlike the Greater Black-backed Gull. Young birds have scaly black-brown upperparts and a neat wing pattern and take 4 years to reach maturity. The Lesser Black-backed Gull breeds colonially on coasts and lakes on the Atlantic coasts of Europe. It is migratory and winters from the UK south to west Africa. It is a regular winter visitor to the east coast of north America, probably from the breeding population in Iceland. Like most gulls, the Lesser Black-backed Gull is an omnivore and it eats fish, molluscs, crustaceans, small mammals, small birds, chicks, eggs, scraps, offal and carrion. Date: 9th June 2015 Location: Tjörnin, Reykjavík, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo8048482.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6993695134d0d0344efede.jpgWaxwings The Waxwing is a plump bird which is slightly smaller than a Starling. It is buff or pinkish-brown in colour with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings, a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest. The bird’s name is derived from the red tips to some of the wing feathers which are said to look like they have been dipped in sealing wax. Waxwings breed in the dense forests of northern Europe but they occur in varying numbers in the UK from October to March. In some years they can occur in large numbers (known as irruptions) when the population in the breeding areas gets too big for the food available. The first UK arrivals each winter are usually seen on the east coast from Scotland to East Anglia but birds then move inland in search of food. They can be found in parks and gardens and even busy public places such as supermarket car parks, typically where there are berry-bearing trees and bushes such as rowan, hawthorn, cotoneaster and rose. Waxwings seem fearless of humans so it is relatively easy to get very close views of these stunning birds. Waxwings make an easily recognisable high-pitched trilling sound like a bell. Date: 11th December 2010 Location: Folkestone, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19507526.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_121484871852528c487b28e.jpgCattle Egret The Cattle Egret is a stocky white bird adorned with buff plumes in the breeding season. The easiest way to separate them from Little Egrets is by their short, yellow rather than long, black bills but Cattle Egrets are also smaller, stockier and more squat in shape with shorter, thicker necks and less elegant heads. The Cattle Egret is a cosmopolitan species of heron found in the tropics, subtropics and warm temperate zones. Originally native to parts of Asia, Africa and Europe, it has undergone a rapid expansion in its distribution and successfully colonised much of the rest of the world. Cattle Egrets breed and roost in trees usually close to fresh water and feed in shallow wetlands, especially rice-paddies, but also dry grasslands. They can often be seen feeding around cattle waiting to pick off disturbed insects, including riding on the backs of animals. Cattle Egrets are visiting the UK in increasing numbers and are most likely to be seen in the south of England and Wales. In winter 2007/08, a large influx of Cattle Egrets occurred in the UK, with the largest numbers in south-west England although birds did get as far north as Scotland. This influx led to the first ever pair breeding successfully in Somerset. Date: 9th September 2013 Location: La Janda, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49276527.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_188984230464995cf77ff1e.jpgTurtle Dove The Turtle Dove is smaller and slighter in build than many other doves and can be recognised by its distinctively mottled chestnut/cinnamon and black upperparts and the black-and-white-striped patch on the side of its neck. The tail is notable as the bird flies, being wedge shaped with a dark centre and white borders and tips. The Turtle Dove is a bird of open country rather than dense woodlands and frequently feeds on the ground. It is usually extremely timid, probably due to the heavy hunting pressure it faces during migration. The Turtle Dove is one of the latest migrants and rarely appears in northern Europe before the end of April, returning south again to south Africa in September. The arrival in spring is heralded by its purring song, a rather deep, vibrating “turrr, turrr”, from which the bird's name is derived. The Turtle Dove has suffered a substantial population decline in recent years. This is partly because changed farming practices mean that the weed seeds and shoots on which it feeds are more scarce and partly due to the shooting of birds in Mediterranean countries during their migration. Date: 5th June 2023 Location: EWT Wrabness, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo47645579.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1175922586347cd8c8e69d.jpgGrass Snake The Grass Snake is the UK’s largest terrestrial reptile reaching up to 6 feet in length although such large specimens are rare. Females are considerably larger than males and typically reach a size of 2 feet 11 inches to 3 feet 7 inches when fully grown whilst males are approximately 8 inches shorter. The Grass Snake is typically olive-green, brown or greyish in colour with a variable row of black bars along the sides, occasionally with smaller round markings along the back in double rows. The underside of the Grass Snake is off-white or yellowish with dark triangular or rectangular markings. A characteristic black and yellow collar is present behind the head. The Grass Snake is one of only 3 snakes to occur in the UK and it is distributed throughout lowland areas of England and Wales. It is almost absent from Scotland and is not found in Ireland at all which has no native snakes. The Grass Snake is an aquatic species that is usually closely associated with water where it preys almost entirely on amphibians, especially the Common Toad and the Common Frog, although they may also occasionally eat mammals and fish. It is a strong swimmer and is found in habitats featuring ponds, lakes, streams, marshes and ditches which provide access to sunshine for basking and plenty of shelter. The Grass Snake may also be found in open woodland, rough grassland, wet heathlands, gardens, parks and hedgerows. The Grass Snake, as with most reptiles, is at the mercy of the thermal environment and it needs to overwinter in areas which are not subject to freezing. Therefore it will typically spend the winter underground where the temperature is relatively stable. Date: 7th August 2022 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49276683.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5149260866499626396f9a.jpgRSPB Ramsey Island, Pembrokeshire RSPB Ramsey Island is recognised as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Special Protection Area (SPA) and a Natura 2000 site. RSPB Ramsey Island is located just 1 mile off the St David's peninsula and a 3.5 mile trail, tough going and rugged in some places, provides a route around it. The summits of Carn Ysgubor and Carn Llundain give amazing views east to the mainland, south to Skomer Island and, on the clearest of days, west to Ireland. At nearly 400 feet high in some places, the western cliffs on RSPB Ramsey Island are among the highest in Wales. These provide nesting sites for breeding Guillemots, Razorbills, Kittiwakes, Fulmars, Choughs and Ravens. A large Atlantic Grey Seal colony lives around the island, with pups born in September and October, and Harbour Porpoise often feed in Ramsey Sound. Other habitats in the interior of the island include grassland and heathland providing breeding habitat for Wheatears, Stonechats, Meadow Pipits, Linnets and Skylarks. In 1999/2000 RSPB Ramsey Island was finally cleared of the Brown Rats that had decimated the island's bird populations for 100 years. The highest standards of bio-security are still maintained in order to ensure rats and mice, which have disastrous impacts on seabird colonies, are never re-introduced to the island again. Date: 7th June 2023 Location: view from the trail around RSPB Ramsey Island, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41349608.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18497351505f20022708ffa.jpgCommon Blue Damselfly Flight period: early May to end September. As the name suggests, the Common Blue Damselfly is one of the commonest species in the UK. They can be confused with other blue damselflies, particularly since the markings on this species are rather variable. Common Blue Damselflies are found across most of the UK and are probably the most widespread member of the "blue" damselflies. They can be found around open lakes and ponds, along river and canal banks and streams, provided there is plenty of bankside vegetation. Date: 16th June 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41187422.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12915150325ea6d4e239220.jpgCoot The Coot is an all black bird with a distinctive white beak and “shield” above the beak from which earns it the title “bald”. Its feet have distinctive lobed flaps of skin on the toes which act instead of webs when swimming. It patters noisily over the water before taking off and can be very aggressive towards other birds. Coot can be found all the year round mainly on freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers and town park lakes. Sometimes they can be seen offshore, especially in winter if freshwater areas are frozen. They breed in areas of fairly shallow standing freshwater with a muddy bottom and plenty of vegetation at the sides, usually in lowland areas. Date: 21st April 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49278714.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8136470036499ba98e7a58.jpgBanded Demoiselle Flight period: May to August. The Banded Demoiselle is a large metallic damselfly with fluttering, butterfly-like wings. Males have a metallic blue body with broad dark blue-black spots across the outer parts of the wings. Females have a metallic green body with translucent pale green wings. The Banded Demoiselle’s name is derived from the distinctive “fingerprint” mark on the wings of the males. Of the UK's damselflies, only the Banded Demoiselle and the similar Beautiful Demoiselle have coloured wings. The latter differs by displaying almost entirely dark, metallic wings. The Banded Demoiselle is mainly found amongst lush, damp vegetation along the edges of slow-flowing lowland streams rivers and canals and around still ponds and lakes. Males are very territorial and perform fluttering display flights to win over females. The Banded Demoiselle is common in Wales and most of England apart from in the north. However, its range is expanding. The species was first recorded from Scotland in 2002 and it has now spread along the east coast and west coast in southern Scotland. Date: 16th June 2023 Location: RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41292194.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5762916915f10b926c7134.jpgSvanhovd, Pasvikdalen, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Svanhovd is a popular destination in the Pasvik valley and the location of the Visitor Centre for the Øvre Pasvik National Park. The Visitor Centre is open from mid June to mid August and includes an exhibition about the unique environment, culture, history and wildlife of the Pasvik valley. It also provides accommodation, conference facilities and a café. Date: 30th June 2019 Location: Øvre Pasvik National Park Visitor Centre, Svanhovd, Pasvikdalen, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50776410.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3572980626606e8d1de569.jpgMoorhen The Moorhen is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird that is usually found near water. From a distance it looks black with a ragged white line along its body. However, closer up it is olive-brown on the back and the head and blue-grey underneath. It has a red bill with a yellow tip. The Moorhen can be found all year round almost anywhere where there is water. They breed in lowland areas particularly in central and eastern England but are scarce in northern Scotland and the uplands of Wales and northern England. UK breeding birds are residents and seldom travel far. Date: 27th March 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45174865.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20130174806232fe3e2d20b.jpgMute Swan The Mute Swan is a species of swan native to much of Eurasia. Despite its Eurasian origin, its closest relatives are the Black Swan of Australia and the Black-necked Swan of south America, not the other Northern Hemisphere swans such as the Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan. The name “mute” derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. The adult Mute Swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob at the top of the beak. All Mute Swans are white at maturity although the feathers (particularly on the head and neck) are often stained orange-brown by iron and tannins in the water. Young birds (cygnets) are not the bright white colour of mature adults and their bill is dull greyish-black for the first year. The plumage may range from pure white to grey to buff with grey/buff being the most common. Cygnets typically retain their grey/buff feathers until they are at least 1 year old. On average, the Mute Swan is the second largest waterfowl species after the Trumpeter Swan although the male Mute Swan can easily match or even exceed a male Trumpeter Swan in mass. The adult Mute Swan typically ranges from 55 to 63 inches in length (although it can range in extreme cases from 49 to 67 inches) with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. Males (cobs) are larger than females (pens) and have a larger knob on their bill. The Mute Swan is one of the heaviest flying birds. In several studies from the UK, males were found to average from about 23.4 to 26.2 pounds, with a weight range of 20 to 32 pounds, while the slightly smaller females were found to average about 18.7 to 21.3 pounds, with a weight range of 17 to 23 pounds. The Mute Swan is less vocal than the noisy Bewick's Swan and Whooper Swan although it does make a variety of grunting, hoarse whistling and snorting noises, especially in communicating with their cygnets and threatening competitors or intruders trying to enter their territory. The most familiar sound associated with the Mute Swan is the vibrant throbbing of the wings in flight which is unique to the species and this can be heard from a range of up to 1 mile. The Mute Swan is found naturally mainly in the temperate areas of Europe across west Asia and as far east as Primorsky Krai in the far east of Russia. It is partially migratory throughout the northern latitudes in Europe and Asia as far south as north Africa and the Mediterranean. It is also often kept in captivity outside its natural range as a decoration for parks and ponds and escapes have occurred. The descendants of such birds have become naturalised in east USA and the Great Lakes region across the USA and Canada border. The Mute Swan population in the UK has increased recently probably due to better protection of this species. Some birds are resident all year whilst others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into east England. Mute Swans nest on large mounds that they build with waterside vegetation in shallow water on islands in the middle or at the very edge of a lake. It is a monogamous species and often reuses the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Males and females share the care of the nest. The female lays from 4 to 10 eggs and broods for around 36 days. Cygnets are unable to fly before an age of 120 to 150 days and this limits the distribution of the species in the northern edge of its range since the cygnets must learn to fly before the water freezes. The Mute Swan is usually strongly territorial with just a single pair on smaller lakes although in a few locations where a large area of suitable feeding habitat is found they can be colonial. The largest colonies can hold over 100 pairs such as that at the colony at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset in the UK. Non-mated juveniles up to 3 to 4 years old commonly form larger flocks often at regular traditional sites and these can total several hundred birds. The Mute Swan can be very aggressive in defence of its nest and it is highly protective of its mate and offspring. Most defensive attacks from a Mute Swan begin with a loud hiss and, if this is not sufficient to drive off the predator, are followed by a physical attack. It attacks by smashing at its enemy with bony spurs in the wings accompanied by biting with its large bill. Smaller waterbirds such as ducks are normally grabbed with the bill and dragged or thrown clear. Large waterfowl, such as the Canada Goose, more likely out of competition than in response to potential predation, may be aggressively driven off. The wings of the Mute Swan are very powerful although not strong enough to break an adult man's leg as has been claimed anecdotally. The Mute Swan feeds on a wide range of vegetation, both submerged aquatic plants which they reach with their long necks and by grazing on land. The food commonly includes agricultural crop plants such as oilseed rape and wheat and feeding flocks in the winter may cause significant crop damage, often as much through trampling with their large webbed feet as through direct consumption. Date: 1st January 2022 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26541434.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9750282056acec39900d3.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 16th January 2016 Location: Caerlaverock WWT reserve, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49279108.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12810238926499c9fced17e.jpgRuddy Darter Flight period: mid June to mid September. The Ruddy Darter takes its name from its colour and its swift flight behaviour. The male has a deep russet colour over the entire body and the abdomen has a pinched section close to where it joins the thorax. Females are slightly smaller, golden yellow in colour and being less obviously marked are more difficult to identify than the males. There is more than one red coloured darter species in the UK and they can be easily confused with each other. The commonest red species, the Common Darter, can be distinguished as having red veins at the base of the wings and a less ruddy colouration across the body. However, the Ruddy Darter has entirely black legs, distinguishing it from all other red darters which have longitudinal yellow stripes on their legs. The UK range of the Ruddy Darter has undergone something of an expansion in recent years. Although still relatively uncommon in the west and north of Britain, it is increasing in numbers in the Midlands and eastern England. The population is augmented by continental migrants. It is also found over most of Europe except for northern Scandinavia, as far east as western Siberia and south to north Africa. The Ruddy Darter prefers water bodies with tall emergent vegetation, such as reeds and club rush, and it is known to breed in ponds, lakes, canals, ditches and sluggish rivers. They can also be found near coasts and can breed in fairly brackish water. Date: 22nd June 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43622988.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21227605256117cdc0a36fc.jpgJackdaw The Western Jackdaw, also known as the Eurasian Jackdaw, European Jackdaw or simply Jackdaw, is a passerine bird in the crow family. Measuring 13 to 15 inches in length, the Jackdaw is the second smallest member of the crow family. Most of the plumage is a shiny black with a purple or blue sheen on the crown, forehead and secondaries and a green-blue sheen on the throat, primaries and tail. The cheeks, nape and neck are light grey to greyish-silver and the underparts are slate-grey. The legs are black as is the short stout bill. The irises of adults are greyish or silvery white while those of juveniles are light blue, becoming brownish before whitening at around one year of age. The sexes look alike although the head and neck plumage of male birds fades more with age and wear, particularly just before moulting. Immature birds have duller and less demarcated plumage. The head is a sooty black, sometimes with a faint greenish sheen and brown feather bases visible, the back and side of the neck are dark grey and the underparts greyish or sooty black. The tail has narrower feathers and a greenish sheen. There are 4 recognised geographical subspecies of the Jackdaw, each with slight plumage variations. Within its range, the Jackdaw is generally unmistakable and its short bill and grey nape are distinguishing features. In flight, the Jackdaw is distinguishable from other crows by its smaller size, faster and deeper wingbeats and proportionately narrower and less fingered wing tips. It also has a shorter and thicker neck and a much shorter bill and it frequently flies in tighter flocks. The Jackdaw is a skilled flyer and can manoeuvre tightly as well as tumble and glide. It has characteristic jerky wing beats when flying. On the ground, the Jackdaw has an upright posture and struts briskly with its short legs giving it a rapid gait. The Jackdaw is found from north west Africa, throughout all of Europe, except for the extreme north, and east through central Asia to the east Himalayas and Lake Baikal. To the east, it occurs throughout Turkey, the Caucasus, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and north west India. A small number of Jackdaws reached the north east of North America in the 1980s and have been found from Atlantic Canada to Pennsylvania. The range is vast and there is a large global population. Most populations are resident but the north and east populations are more migratory and relocate to wintering areas between September and November and return between February and early May. The Jackdaw can be found in wooded steppes, pastures, cultivated land, coastal cliffs and towns. It thrives when forested areas are cleared and converted to fields and open areas. Habitats with a mix of large trees, buildings and open ground are preferred. Open fields are left to the Rook and more wooded areas to the Jay. The Jackdaw is highly gregarious and is generally seen in flocks of varying sizes. Flocks increase in size in autumn and birds congregate at dusk for communal roosting with up to several thousand individuals gathering at one site. Males and females pair bond for life and pairs stay together within flocks. Jackdaws will frequently congregate with other crows such as Carrion Crows, Hooded Crows or Rooks. Foraging takes place mostly on the ground in open areas and to some extent in trees. Landfill sites, bins, streets and gardens are also visited, more often early in the morning when there are fewer people about. Various feeding methods are employed, such as jumping, pecking, clod-turning and scattering, probing the soil and occasional digging. The Jackdaw will also ride on the backs of sheep and other mammals such as deer, seeking ticks as well as actively gathering wool or hair for nests. Compared with other crows, the Jackdaw spends more time exploring and turning over objects with its bill. It also has a straighter and less downturned bill and increased binocular vision which are advantageous for this foraging strategy. The Jackdaw is opportunistic and highly adaptable and varies its diet markedly depending on available food sources. It tends to feed on small invertebrates that are found above ground, including various species of beetle as well as snails and spiders. It will also eat small rodents, bats, the eggs and chicks of birds and carrion such as roadkill. Vegetable items consumed include farm grains, weed seeds, elderberries, acorns and various cultivated fruits. The Jackdaw practices active food sharing with a number of individuals regardless of sex or kinship. It also shares more of a preferred food than a less preferred food. The active giving of food by most birds is found mainly in the context of parental care and courtship although the Jackdaw shows much higher levels of active giving than has been documented for other species. The function of this behaviour is not fully understood and several theories have been advanced. Genetic analysis of Jackdaw pairs and offspring shows no evidence of extra-pair copulation and there is little evidence for couple separation even after multiple instances of reproductive failure. Some pairs do separate in the first few months but almost all pairings of over 6 months' duration are lifelong and end only when a partner dies. Widowed or separated birds fare badly and are often ousted from nests or territories and are unable to rear broods alone. The Jackdaw usually breeds in colonies with pairs collaborating to find a nest site which they then defend from other pairs and predators during most of the year. It will nest in cavities in trees or cliffs, in ruined or occupied buildings and in chimneys, the common feature being a sheltered site for the nest. A mated pair usually constructs a nest by improving a crevice by dropping sticks into it. The nest is then built on top of the platform formed. Nest platforms can attain a great size. Nests are lined with hair, wool, dead grass and many other materials. Clutches usually contain 4 or 5 eggs which are incubated by the female for 17 to 18 days until hatching as naked altricial chicks which are completely dependent on the adults for food. The chicks fledge after 28 to 35 days and the parents continue to feed them for another 4 weeks or so. Date: 23rd June 2021 Location: Rhossili, Gower peninsula, Swansea http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45174857.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2117896896232fa15aa40a.jpgTufted Duck The Tufted Duck is a small diving duck. The adult male is all black except for white flanks and a blue-grey bill. It has an obvious head tuft that gives the species its name. The adult female is brown with paler flanks and is more easily confused with other diving ducks. In particular, some have white around the bill base which resembles the Scaup although the white is never as extensive as in that species. The Tufted Duck breeds widely throughout temperate and northern Eurasia. It occasionally can be found as a winter visitor along both coasts of the United States and Canada. It is migratory in most of its range and winters in the milder south and west of Europe and southern Asia where large flocks form on open water. The Tufted Duck breeds close to marshes and lakes with plenty of vegetation to conceal the nest. It is also found on coastal lagoons and sheltered ponds. The Tufted Duck feeds mainly by diving for molluscs, aquatic insects and aquatic plants. Date: 31st December 2021 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45174856.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8707465586232fa11e6c33.jpgTufted Duck The Tufted Duck is a small diving duck. The adult male is all black except for white flanks and a blue-grey bill. It has an obvious head tuft that gives the species its name. The adult female is brown with paler flanks and is more easily confused with other diving ducks. In particular, some have white around the bill base which resembles the Scaup although the white is never as extensive as in that species. The Tufted Duck breeds widely throughout temperate and northern Eurasia. It occasionally can be found as a winter visitor along both coasts of the United States and Canada. It is migratory in most of its range and winters in the milder south and west of Europe and southern Asia where large flocks form on open water. The Tufted Duck breeds close to marshes and lakes with plenty of vegetation to conceal the nest. It is also found on coastal lagoons and sheltered ponds. The Tufted Duck feeds mainly by diving for molluscs, aquatic insects and aquatic plants. Date: 31st December 2021 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26541354.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4065738256aceb9f2cfde.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 16th January 2016 Location: Caerlaverock WWT reserve, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45174858.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6169292326232fa18d20c7.jpgTufted Duck The Tufted Duck is a small diving duck. The adult male is all black except for white flanks and a blue-grey bill. It has an obvious head tuft that gives the species its name. The adult female is brown with paler flanks and is more easily confused with other diving ducks. In particular, some have white around the bill base which resembles the Scaup although the white is never as extensive as in that species. The Tufted Duck breeds widely throughout temperate and northern Eurasia. It occasionally can be found as a winter visitor along both coasts of the United States and Canada. It is migratory in most of its range and winters in the milder south and west of Europe and southern Asia where large flocks form on open water. The Tufted Duck breeds close to marshes and lakes with plenty of vegetation to conceal the nest. It is also found on coastal lagoons and sheltered ponds. The Tufted Duck feeds mainly by diving for molluscs, aquatic insects and aquatic plants. Date: 31st December 2021 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45174841.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8919770076232f9ea1998e.jpgTufted Duck The Tufted Duck is a small diving duck. The adult male is all black except for white flanks and a blue-grey bill. It has an obvious head tuft that gives the species its name. The adult female is brown with paler flanks and is more easily confused with other diving ducks. In particular, some have white around the bill base which resembles the Scaup although the white is never as extensive as in that species. The Tufted Duck breeds widely throughout temperate and northern Eurasia. It occasionally can be found as a winter visitor along both coasts of the United States and Canada. It is migratory in most of its range and winters in the milder south and west of Europe and southern Asia where large flocks form on open water. The Tufted Duck breeds close to marshes and lakes with plenty of vegetation to conceal the nest. It is also found on coastal lagoons and sheltered ponds. The Tufted Duck feeds mainly by diving for molluscs, aquatic insects and aquatic plants. Date: 31st December 2021 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/dettifoss-vatnajkull-national-park-north https://images.on-this.website/4752_10273053625634f3f0b8b27.jpgDettifoss, Vatnajökull National Park, north east Iceland Dettifoss is a waterfall in Vatnajökull National Park in north east Iceland and it is reputed to be the most powerful waterfall in Europe. Dettifoss is situated on the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river which flows from the Vatnajökull glacier and collects water from a large area in north east Iceland. The falls are 330 feet wide and have a drop of 150 feet down to the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon. It is the largest waterfall in Iceland in terms of volume discharge. Since the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river can not be crossed in the vicinity of Dettifoss, it is reached by 2 separate roads: a new tarmac road for the west bank (road 862 finished in 2011) and an older gravel road for the east bank (road 864). On the west bank there are no facilities and the view of the waterfall is somewhat hindered by the waterfall's spray. On the east bank there is an information panel maintained by the staff of Vatnajökull National Park and a maintained track to the best viewpoints. Dettifoss is located on the “Diamond Circle”, a popular tourist route around Húsavík including Lake Mývatn and the Ásbyrgi canyon. Date: 4th June 2015 Location: view from the west bank of the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46534774.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16425312662ca98c6bb9ad.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 27th June 2022 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14185070.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21175608804f42231f9c44d.jpgSmall Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Small Skipper has a rusty orange colour to the wings, upper body and the tips of the antennae. The body is silvery white below and it has a wingspan of 25 to 30 mm. It is very similar in appearance to the Essex Skipper but the undersides of the tips of the antennae are yellow orange in the Small Skipper whereas they are black in the Essex Skipper. The Small Skipper is a common and widespread butterfly in most parts of England and has been expanding its range northwards. It can be found in rough grassland, roadside verges, edges of fields and woodland clearings where it is often seen basking on vegetation or making short buzzing flights among tall grass stems. Date: 8th July 2006 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41234282.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15655691805ee7700d4c0c6.jpgCollared Dove Collared Doves are distinctive birds with their buffy-pink plumage and black neck collar. They are usually seen singly or in pairs, although flocks may form where food is plentiful. They feed on the ground but readily perch on roofs and wires and in trees. The Collared Dove is not migratory but it is strongly dispersive. Over the last century, it has been one of the great colonisers of the bird world. Its original range at the end of the 19th century was warm temperate and subtropical Asia from Turkey east to south China and south through India to Sri Lanka. In 1838 it was reported in Bulgaria but not until the 20th century did it expand across Europe, appearing in parts of the Balkans between 1900 and 1920 and then spreading rapidly north west, reaching Germany in 1945, the UK in 1953, Ireland in 1959 and the Faroe Islands in the early 1970s. Subsequent spread was “sideways” from this fast north west spread reaching north east to north of the Arctic Circle in Norway, east to the Ural Mountains in Russia and south west to the Canary Islands and north Africa from Morocco to Egypt by the end of the 20th century. In the east of its range it has also spread north east to most of central and north China and locally (probably introduced) in Japan. It has also reached Iceland as a vagrant but has not colonised successfully there. Date: 7th June 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46534706.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_23384411562ca98ad6fd44.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 27th June 2022 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533491.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_191057153162ca8a7cd77e2.jpgAvocet The (Pied) Avocet is a large black and white wader in the avocet and stilt family. It is one of 4 species of avocet that make up the genus Recurvirostra. The genus name is from the Latin recurvus meaning "curved backwards" and rostrum meaning "bill". The Avocet is a striking white wader with bold black markings. Adults have white plumage except for a black cap and black patches in the wings and on the back. They have long, upturned bills and long, bluish legs. Males and females look alike whilst juveniles resemble the adult but with more greyish and sepia tones. The Avocet breeds in temperate Europe and western and central Asia. The breeding habitat is shallow lakes with brackish water and exposed bare mud where they build a nest on open ground in a lined scrape or on a mound of vegetation. The Avocet is a migratory species and most winter in Africa or southern Asia. Some remain to winter in the mildest parts of their range such as in southern Spain and southern England. The Avocet feeds on crustaceans and insects in shallow brackish water or on mud flats, often scything their bills from side to side in water (a feeding technique that is unique to the avocet species). The Avocet was extinct as a breeding species in the UK by 1840 but its successful recolonisation at Minsmere in Suffolk in 1947 led to its adoption as the logo of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Date: 25th June 2022 Location: RSPB Minsmere, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11481012.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10606847944e2699692b111.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 17th May 2009 Location: Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28885568.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6530135957cc3419d2a18.jpgSoomaa National Park, Estonia The Soomaa National Park (Soomaa means "land of bogs") is located about 20 miles east of Pärnu and it was established in 1993 to protect a wilderness of bogs, fens, wet mixed forests, wooded meadows and carrs. It is also included in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance. The territory of the Soomaa National Park is mostly covered with large bogs, separated from each other by the tributaries of the Pärnu river, namely the Navesti, Halliste, Raudna and Lemmjõgi rivers. Every spring the Pärnu river and its tributaries flood and vast areas are inundated. The flood has been called the “fifth season” in Soomaa. Much of the Soomaa National Park is very difficult to access but it can be partially explored by a network of dusty gravel tracks and a minor between Jõesuu and Kildu. The Soomaa National Park supports a wide range of breeding birds and the floods attract large numbers of migrating wildfowl and waders. As a large wilderness area, Soomaa National Park is also home to numerous species of large mammals including Brown Bear, Wolf, Lynx, Beaver, Elk and Wild Boar. Date: 14th May 2016 Location: Lemmjõgi river, Tõramaa to Kõrtsi road, Soomaa National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50776413.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6390244746606e8d5a8c4d.jpgChiffchaff The (Common) Chiffchaff is a common and widespread leaf warbler which is named onomatopoeically for its simple and repetitive chiff-chaff song. The British naturalist Gilbert White was one of the first people to separate the similar looking Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler and Wood Warbler by their songs, as detailed in 1789 in “The Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne. The Chiffchaff is a small, dumpy, 4 inch long leaf warbler. The spring adult has brown-washed dull green upperparts, off-white underparts becoming yellowish on the flanks and a short whitish supercilium. It has dark legs, a fine dark bill and short primary projection (extension of the flight feathers beyond the folded wing). As the plumage wears, it gets duller and browner and the yellow on the flanks tends to be lost and after the breeding season there is a prolonged complete moult before migration. After moulting, both the adult and the juvenile have brighter and greener upperparts and a paler supercilium. When not singing, the Chiffchaff can be difficult to distinguish from other leaf warblers with greenish upperparts and whitish underparts, particularly the Willow Warbler. However, that species has a longer primary projection, a sleeker, brighter appearance and generally pale legs. The Chiffchaff breeds across Europe and Asia east to eastern Siberia and north to about 70°N, with isolated populations in north west Africa, north and west Turkey and north west Iran. It is a migratory species but one of the first passerine birds to return to its breeding areas in the spring and amongst the last to leave in late autumn. When breeding, the Chiffchaff is a bird of open woodlands with some taller trees and ground cover for nesting purposes. In winter, the Chiffchaff uses a wider range of habitats and is not so dependent on trees and is often found near water. There is an increasing tendency to winter in western Europe well north of the traditional areas, especially in coastal south England and the mild urban microclimate of London. The male Chiffchaff returns to its breeding territory 2 or 3 weeks before the female and immediately starts singing to establish ownership and attract a female. When a female is located, the male will use a slow butterfly-like flight as part of the courtship ritual but, once a pair-bond has been established, other females will be driven from the territory. The male has little involvement in the nesting process other than defending the territory. The female's nest is built on or near the ground in a concealed site in brambles, nettles or other dense low vegetation. The domed nest has a side entrance and is constructed from coarse plant material such as dead leaves and grass with finer material used on the interior before the addition of a lining of feathers. The clutch is 2 to 7 (normally 5 or 6) cream-coloured eggs which are incubated by the female for 13 to 14 days before hatching as naked, blind chicks. The female broods and feeds the chicks for another 14 to 15 days until they fledge. The male rarely participates in feeding although this sometimes occurs, especially when bad weather limits insect supplies or if the female disappears. After fledging, the young stay in the vicinity of the nest for 3 to 4 weeks where they are fed by and roost with the female. In the north of the range there is only time to raise one brood due to the short summer but a second brood is common in central and southern areas. Like most leaf warblers, the Chiffchaff is insectivorous and moves restlessly though foliage or briefly hovering. It has been recorded as taking insects, mainly flies, from more than 50 families, along with other small and medium-sized invertebrates. It will also take the eggs and larvae of butterflies and moths. The Chiffchaff has been estimated to require about one third of its weight in insects daily and it feeds almost continuously in the autumn to put on extra fat as fuel for its long migration flight. As with most small birds, mortality in the first year of life is high but adults aged 3 to 4 years are regularly recorded and the record is more than 7 years. Eggs, chicks and fledglings are taken by Stoats, Weasels and crows such as the Magpie and adults are hunted by birds of prey, particularly the Sparrowhawk. The Chiffchaff is also susceptible to poor weather, particularly when migrating, but also on the breeding and wintering grounds. The main effect of humans on the Chiffchaff is indirect through woodland clearance which affects the habitat, predation by cats and collisions with windows, buildings and cars. Date: 27th March 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42626827.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11621500460a92c4d7a8d3.jpgBlue Tit The Blue Tit is a small passerine bird in the tit family. It is easily recognisable by its generally blue and yellow plumage and its small size. The Blue Tit is about 4.7 inches long with a wingspan of 7.1 inches. It has an azure blue crown and a dark blue line passing through the eye and encircling the white cheeks to the chin, giving the bird a very distinctive appearance. The forehead and a bar on the wing are white. The nape, wings and tail are blue and the back is yellowish green. The underparts are mostly sulphur-yellow with a dark line down the abdomen. The bill is black and the legs bluish grey. The sexes are similar whilst young birds are noticeably more yellow. The Blue Tit is very agile and it can cling to the outermost branches and hang upside down when searching for food such as insects, caterpillars and seeds. The Blue Tit can be found throughout areas of the European continent with a mainly temperate or Mediterranean climate and in parts of the Middle East. In the UK it is common in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens and widespread across the whole of the country with the exception of some Scottish islands. The Blue Tit will nest in any suitable hole in a tree, wall or stump, often competing with other birds such as the House Sparrow or Great Tit for the site. In addition, it will readily accept an artificial nesting box. The same hole is returned to year after year and when one pair dies another takes possession. The nesting material is usually moss, wool, hair and feathers and the eggs are laid in April or May. The number in the clutch is often very large but 7 or 8 is normal. It is not unusual for a single bird to feed the chicks in the nest at a rate of one feed every 90 seconds during the height of the breeding season. Successful breeding is dependent on a sufficient supply of caterpillars as well as satisfactory weather. Breeding may be affected badly if the weather is cold and wet between May and July, particularly if this coincides with the emergence of the caterpillars on which the nestlings are fed. The small size of the Blue Tit makes it vulnerable to predation by larger birds and the typical lifespan is 3 years or less. The most significant predator is probably the Sparrowhawk, closely followed by the domestic cat. Nests may also be robbed by mammals such as the Weasel and Red and Grey Squirrels. Date: 16th April 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21830164.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_149149543653cbb3a1753f6.jpgRazorbills The Razorbill is a medium-sized seabird and breeds around the coast of the UK with the largest colonies in northern Scotland. They breed on rocky cliffs and among boulder scree close to the sea. Birds only come to shore to breed from March to July and they winter in the northern Atlantic. Date: 11th June 2014 Location: Bempton Cliifs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40399556.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19362148385dc6ad26c2f78.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 18th October 2019 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4466085.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12866200944b8a24dd035a9.jpg http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42222328.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11780460946023a31a4d1d0.jpgNorthern Hawk Owl The Northern Hawk Owl is a medium sized owl, 14 to 16 inches long and with a wing span of 8.5 to 10 inches. Females are slightly larger than males. The term "hawk" refers to its falcon-like wing shape and long tail. The facial disc is whitish and broadly rimmed blackish at the sides. The eyebrows are white and the eyes are pale yellow. The upperparts are dark grey to dusky greyish-brown with the crown densely spotted whitish and the nape has indistinct false eyes. The mantle and back are dusky grey with some whitish dots and the scapulars are mainly white forming rather broad white bands across the shoulder. The flight feathers are dark grey-brown with rows of white spots. The tail is long and graduated and dark greyish-brown with several narrow whitish bars. The underparts are whitish and barred with greyish-brown. The legs and toes are feathered. The Northern Hawk Owl is found in the boreal coniferous forests of North America and Eurasia, usually on the edges of more open woodland, and hunts in semi-open country with scattered trees or groups of trees. It nests in large tree cavities or uses nests abandoned by other large birds and moves widely within its area of distribution, breeding where food is abundant. The Northern Hawk Owl is a partially diurnal owl which hunts voles and birds like thrushes. It waits on a treetop or other perch and takes advantage of its rapid flight to overtake prey. It has exceptional hearing and can plunge into snow to capture rodents below the surface. The typical male call is a rapid, melodious, purring trill of up to 14 seconds long which consists of about 11 to 15 notes per second. It begins softly, rises slightly in pitch and increases to a vibrating trill before breaking off abruptly. This is repeated at various intervals. Females utter a similar, higher-pitched, less clear song. Date: 9th July 2019 Location: Iivaara, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50569761.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_63313412265ccb540607a7.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 8th December 2023 Location: Great Notley Country Park, Braintree, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11159386.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15178328644e1582a877fb5.jpgGreylag Goose The Greylag Goose is the ancestor of most domestic geese but is also the largest and bulkiest of the wild geese native to the UK and Europe. In many parts of the UK it has been re-established by releasing birds in suitable areas but the resulting flocks found around gravel pits, lakes and reservoirs all year round in southern Britain tend to be semi-tame. The native birds and wintering flocks found on lochs in northern Scotland and on some Scottish islands retain the special appeal of truly wild geese. Date: 02/04/06 Location: Abberton Reservoir, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/collared-doves https://images.on-this.website/4752_7451287656e7d68d8a78f.jpgCollared Doves Collared Doves are distinctive birds with their buffy-pink plumage and black neck collar. They are usually seen singly or in pairs, although flocks may form where food is plentiful. They feed on the ground but readily perch on roofs and wires and in trees. The Collared Dove is not migratory but it is strongly dispersive. Over the last century, it has been one of the great colonisers of the bird world. Its original range at the end of the 19th century was warm temperate and subtropical Asia from Turkey east to south China and south through India to Sri Lanka. In 1838 it was reported in Bulgaria but not until the 20th century did it expand across Europe, appearing in parts of the Balkans between 1900 and 1920 and then spreading rapidly north west, reaching Germany in 1945, the UK in 1953, Ireland in 1959 and the Faroe Islands in the early 1970s. Subsequent spread was “sideways” from this fast north west spread reaching north east to north of the Arctic Circle in Norway, east to the Ural Mountains in Russia and south west to the Canary Islands and north Africa from Morocco to Egypt by the end of the 20th century. In the east of its range it has also spread north east to most of central and north China and locally (probably introduced) in Japan. It has also reached Iceland as a vagrant but has not colonised successfully there. Date: 28th February 2016 Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41539283.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8210115715f3e4b17e7036.jpgOystercatcher The Oystercatcher is a wader in the oystercatcher family. It is an obvious and noisy bird with black and white plumage, red legs and a strong broad red bill which is used for smashing or prising open molluscs such as mussels or for finding earthworms. Despite its name, oysters do not form a large part of its diet. The Oystercatcher is unmistakable in flight with white patches on the wings and tail with otherwise black upperparts and white underparts. Young birds are more brown, have a white neck collar and a duller bill. The call is a distinctive loud piping. The bill shape varies: Oystercatchers with broad bill tips open molluscs by prising them apart or hammering through the shell whereas birds with pointed bills dig up worms. Much of this is due to the wear resulting from feeding on their prey. Individual Oystercatchers specialise in one technique or the other which they learn from their parents. The Oystercatcher is the most widespread of the oystercatchers with 3 races breeding in western Europe, central Eurasia, Kamchatka, China, and the western coast of Korea. It is a migratory species over most of its range. The European population breeds mainly in northern Europe but in winter the birds can be found in north Africa and southern parts of Europe. Although the species is present all year in Ireland, the UK and the adjacent European coasts, there is still migratory movement within these populations. The Oystercatcher breeds on shingle and rocky beaches, sand dunes, salt marshes and on the grassy tops of small islands and also inland on shingle banks of rivers, lakes and gravel pits. Date: 5th July 2019 Location: Hoyholmen, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623051.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17147156896117d37cbe82f.jpgPuffins The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/sbyrgi-canyon-vatnajkull-national-park https://images.on-this.website/4752_566353375637454463379.jpgÁsbyrgi canyon, Vatnajökull National Park, north east Iceland Ásbyrgi canyon lies in north east Iceland to the east of Húsavík on the "Diamond Circle" route which additionally includes Lake Mývatn and the Dettifoss Waterfall. The horseshoe-shaped depression of the Ásbyrgi canyon is part of the Vatnajökull National Park and measures approximately 2.2 miles in length and 0.68 miles across. For more than half of its length, the canyon is divided through the middle by a distinctive rock formation 80 feet high called Eyjan ("the Island"), from which there are spectacular views. The canyon's steep sides are formed by cliffs up to 325 feet in height. The canyon habitat is made up of birch and willow woodland. Between 1947 and 1977, a number of foreign tree species were introduced including fir, larch and pine. The small lake Botnstjörn is home to a variety of waterfowl species. The Ásbyrgi canyon was most likely formed by catastrophic glacial flooding of the river Jökulsá á Fjöllum after the last Ice Age 8000 to 10000 years ago and then again some 3000 years ago. The river has since changed its course and now runs a short distance to the east. Legend explains the unusual shape of the canyon differently. Nicknamed “Sleipnir's footprint”, it is said that the canyon was formed when Odin's eight-legged horse, Sleipnir, touched one of its feet to the ground here. Date: 3rd June 2015 Location: view from road 862 south of Ásbyrgi http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45182261.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3404461136235c3a1303eb.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 21st January 2022 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41249289.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10273551425f00b7a68a8c4.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 22nd June 2020 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41249297.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20156572115f00b7beec8e5.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 22nd June 2020 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11481000.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7491160354e26995c3695e.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 17th May 2009 Location: Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42524876.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8123138886098fa79dc606.jpgMoorhen The Moorhen is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird that is usually found near water. From a distance it looks black with a ragged white line along its body. However, closer up it is olive-brown on the back and the head and blue-grey underneath. It has a red bill with a yellow tip. The Moorhen can be found all year round almost anywhere where there is water. They breed in lowland areas particularly in central and eastern England but are scarce in northern Scotland and the uplands of Wales and northern England. UK breeding birds are residents and seldom travel far. Date: 7th April 2021 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/pool-frog https://images.on-this.website/4752_15412067351e3cf5173af7.jpgPool Frog The Pool Frog is extremely variable in colour although it is often olive-brown above with dark-brown blotches and a prominent yellow line running down the centre of the back and two, lightly coloured stripes that run down either side of the back. Pool Frogs from central and southern Europe are often green in colour. Pool Frogs differ in shape from the Common Frog, having a more pointed snout and they lack the dark patch behind the eye around the eardrum. During the breeding season, male Pool Frogs have a loud quacking call generated by a pair of inflatable pouches or vocal sacs each side of the mouth. The Pool Frog was only recognised as a distinct species as recently as 1973. It can be found across much of central Europe as far north as Sweden and Norway and east to Russia. In the UK, the Pool Frog has only been recorded as possibly native from one site in Norfolk in recent years. There has been much speculation as to whether the Pool Frog was native to the UK or an introduced species. Whilst there have been documented introductions in the past, recent evidence strongly indicates the species was in fact native to some areas. Introduced Pool Frogs from central and southern Europe do occur at a few sites in England. Date: 21st May 2013 Location: Biebrza area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42670662.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_205701263360b20513083dd.jpgBlackcap The Eurasian Blackcap, usually known simply as the Blackcap, is a typical warbler in the Sylvia genus. It is a mainly grey warbler with distinct male and female plumages. It is about 5.1 inches long with a 2.8 to 3.1 inches wing span. The adult male has olive-grey upperparts, other than a paler grey nape, and a neat black cap on the head. The underparts are light grey, becoming silvery white on the chin, throat and upper breast. The tail is dark grey with an olive tint to the outer edge of each feather. The bill and long legs are grey and the iris is reddish brown. The female resembles the male but has a reddish-brown cap and a slightly browner tone to the grey of the upperparts. Juveniles are similar to the female but their upperparts have a slight rufous tinge and the breast and flanks have a more olive tone. Young males have a darker brown cap than their female counterparts. The Blackcap is unmistakable and other dark-headed Sylvia species, such as the Sardinian Warbler and the Orphean Warbler, have extensive black on the head instead of a small cap and they are also larger and have white edges on the tail. The male Blackcap's song is a rich musical warbling, often ending in a loud high-pitched crescendo, which is given in bursts of up to 30 seconds. The song is repeated for about 2 minutes with a short pause before each repetition. The main song can be confused with that of the Garden Warbler but it is slightly higher pitched than in that species, more broken into discrete song segments and less mellow. Both species have a quiet sub-song, a muted version of the full song, which is even harder to separate. The Blackcap also occasionally mimics the song of other birds, the most frequently copied including the Garden Warbler and the Nightingale. The Blackcap’s breeding range includes much of Europe, west Asia and north west Africa and its preferred habitat is mature deciduous woodland. Birds on the Mediterranean and Atlantic islands and in the milder west and south of the main Eurasian distribution often winter within the breeding range but populations elsewhere are migratory. The Blackcap is a “leap-frog migrant” meaning that birds from the north of the breeding range travel furthest south whereas Mediterranean breeders move much shorter distances. The wintering areas overlap with the breeding range but also include extensive areas in west Africa, east Africa south to Lake Malawi and further north in Ethiopia, South Sudan and Eritrea. There is a migratory divide in Europe at longitude 10 to 11°E. Birds to the west of this line migrate south west towards Iberia or west Africa whereas populations to the east migrate to the east Mediterranean and on to east Africa. Climate change appears to be affecting the migration pattern of the Blackcap. It is arriving in Europe earlier than previously and departing nearly 2 weeks later than in the 1980s. In recent decades, some central European birds have taken to wintering in gardens in the UK and, to a lesser extent, in Ireland, where the Blackcap was formerly just a summer visitor. Although the UK climate is sub-optimal, compensatory factors include the ready availability of food (particularly from bird tables), a shorter migration distance and the avoidance of the Alps and the Sahara Desert. The Blackcap's main breeding habitat is mature deciduous woodland with good scrub cover below the trees. Other habitats, such as parks, large gardens and overgrown hedges, are used as long as they meet the essential requirements of tall trees for song posts and an established under-story. Where other Sylvia warblers also breed, the Blackcap tends to use taller trees than its relatives, preferably those with a good canopy such as pedunculate oak. The preferred winter habitat around the Mediterranean is scrub and olive orchards. In Africa, habitats include cultivated land, acacia scrub, mangroves and forest. When the male Blackcap returns to its breeding range, it establishes a territory. Adults that have previously bred return to the site they have used in previous summers whereas inexperienced birds either wander until they find a suitable area or establish a very large initial territory which contracts under pressure from neighbours. Territorial boundaries are established initially by loud singing which is performed while the male displays with its crown raised, tail fanned and slow wingbeats. Sylvia warblers are unusual in that they vigorously defend their territories against other members of their genus. Blackcaps and Garden Warblers use almost identical habitats yet aggressive interactions mean that their territories rarely overlap. The Blackcap first breeds at 1 year old. It is mainly monogamous although both sexes may sometimes deviate from this. A male attracts a female to his territory through song and a display involving raising the black crown feathers, fluffing the tail, slow wingbeats and a short flapping flight. He also builds one or more simple nests (cock nests) usually near his song post. The final nest, which may be one of the cock nests or built from scratch, is a neat cup of roots, stems and grasses lined with fine material such as hair. The nest is built in the cover of bramble, scrub or trees and it is constructed mainly by the female and may be up to 15 feet above the ground although lower than 3 feet is more typical. The clutch is 2 to 7 eggs (typically 4 to 6) which are incubated by both adults for 10 to 16 days (average 11 days). The chicks are fed by both parents and fledge about 11 to 12 days after hatching, leaving the nest shortly before they are able to fly. They are assisted with feeding for a further 2 or 3 weeks. The Blackcap normally raises just 1 brood but second broods are sometimes recorded, particularly in the milder climate of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic islands. The Blackcap feeds mainly on insects during the breeding season and then switches to fruit in late summer, the change being triggered by an internal biological rhythm. When migrants arrive on their breeding territories they initially take berries, pollen and nectar if there are insufficient insects available but then soon switch to their preferred diet. The Blackcap mainly picks prey off foliage and twigs but it may occasionally hover, flycatch or feed on the ground. It eats a wide range of invertebrate prey, although aphids are particularly important early in the season, and flies, beetles and caterpillars are also taken in large numbers. In July, the diet switches increasingly to a wide range of small fruit. The protein needed for egg-laying and for the chicks to grow is replaced by fruit sugar which helps the birds to fatten for migration. Aphids are still taken while they are available since they often contain sugars from the plant sap on which they feed. The Blackcap has a very large range and a very large population. It is therefore classified by the IUCN as being of “Least Concern”. The Blackcap and other small birds are illegally trapped and hunted in large numbers in Mediterranean countries, particularly in Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, Malta, Libya, Egypt and Cyprus, where they are considered as a delicacy. Despite hunting and natural hazards, the European population of the Blackcap has been increasing for several decades as the range extends northwards. There are occasional nesting records from outside the main range such as in north Israel and the Faroe Islands and wandering birds may appear further afield in Iceland or on the islands of Arctic Russia. In the Baltic region, the spread of the Blackcap appears to have been helped by the availability of territories formerly occupied by the declining Barred Warbler. Date: 18th May 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37190331.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14029047295c2a207f35e8c.jpgSanna Bay, Ardnamurchan, Highland The small settlement of Sanna lies 6 miles north west of Kilchoan, close to the tip of the Ardnamurchan Peninsula. Sanna Bay lies between Sanna Point to the north and Ardnamurchan Point to the south and is dominated by impressive sand dunes, beautiful white shell sand bays and a stunning turquoise sea. It is one of the most beautiful beaches in Scotland. From Sanna Point there are superb views, extending from the islands of Eigg and Rhum to the north with Skye beyond, round to Ardnamurchan Point and its lighthouse to the south west and the island of Coll beyond that. The Western Isles can be seen to the north west but due west there is nothing but sea until the continent of North America is reached. Date: 27th June 2018 Location: view from Sanna Bay http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41389705.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12010242945f269610b7b11.jpgKittiwakes The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 1st July 2019 Location: Vardø, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874876.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2034903010561cd136033bc.jpgCommon Redshank The Common Redshank, or simply Redshank, is a Eurasian wader. In breeding plumage it is a marbled brown colour and slightly lighter below. In winter plumage it becomes somewhat lighter toned and less patterned and rather plain greyish-brown above and whitish below. It has red legs and a black-tipped red bill and it shows white up the back and on the wings in flight. The Common Redshank is widespread across temperate Eurasia and it breeds in any wetland from damp meadows to saltmarsh, often at high densities. It is migratory and it winters on coasts around the Mediterranean, on the Atlantic coast of Europe from the UK southwards and in south Asia. The Common Redshank is a wary and noisy bird which will alert everything else with their loud piping call. Date: 6th June 2015 Location: Reykhólar area, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/willow-warbler https://images.on-this.website/4752_1950903517591823c5827cd1.85717240.jpgWillow Warbler The Willow Warbler is one of the [i]Phylloscopus[/i] leaf warblers. It is greenish brown above and off-white to yellowish below and the wings are plain greenish-brown with no wing bars. Juveniles are yellower below than the adults. The Willow Warbler is very similar to the Chiffchaff but non-singing birds can be distinguished from that species by their paler pinkish-yellow legs (dark brown to blackish in Chiffchaff), longer paler bill, more elegant shape and longer primary projection (wingtip). The Willow Warbler is very common and widespread and breeds throughout northern and temperate Europe and Asia from Ireland east to the Anadyr River basin in eastern Siberia. The highest population densities are found in Scandinavia (where it is often the commonest bird) but lower densities occur further east and south in its range. In England, it has on average decreased in population by 70% within the last 25 years with the biggest declines in the south east. In Scotland, some increases in the population have occurred. The Willow Warbler is strongly migratory with almost all of the population wintering in sub-Saharan Africa during October to March. It is one of the first warblers to return in the spring from mid March to mid May although this is later than the closely related Chiffchaff. The Willow Warbler can be found in open, scrubby woodlands with small trees such as birch, alder and willow, including human-altered habitats such as coppice and young plantations up to 10 to 20 years old. The nest is usually built in close contact with the ground, often in low vegetation such as bracken, mosses and bramble The Willow Warbler is insectivorous and eats a wide variety of small insects and spiders but additionally fruit and berries in the autumn. Date: 7th May 2017 Location: RSPB Ynys-hir, Ceredigion http://www.richardchewphotography.com/black-cuillin-skye https://images.on-this.website/4752_167182345853d11e8f769e5.jpgBlack Cuillin, Skye The Black Cuillin are a mountain range on Skye off the north west coast of Scotland and contain the highest concentration of mountains over 3000 feet high in the UK (20 summits exceed this height). The mountains are a memorable sight whether the weather is bright and sunny or grey and misty as it often is on Skye. Either way they have a unique presence and can be seen from miles around both on Skye and on the mainland. The mountains themselves are the preserve of experienced mountaineers and hillwalkers but the rest of us can enjoy classic views from Elgol and Sligachan and along Glenbrittle. Date: 21st June 2014 Location: view from the end of the unclassified road through Glenbrittle http://www.richardchewphotography.com/shags-and-chicks https://images.on-this.website/4752_162232841253da3dd9df93a.jpgShags and chicks The European Shag, Common Shag or simply Shag is a species of cormorant. It is 27 to 31 inches in length with a 37 to 43 inches wingspan. It is mainly black in colour but with a glossy green-tinged sheen in adults. It has a longish tail and a yellow throat-patch. Adults have a small recurved crest in the breeding season. It is distinguished from the Cormorant by its smaller size, lighter build, thinner and narrower bill, and, in breeding adults, by the crest and metallic green-tinged sheen. The Shag breeds around the rocky coasts of west and south Europe, north Africa and south west Asia, mainly wintering in its breeding range except for the northernmost birds. It nests on rocky ledges or in crevices or small caves and the nests are untidy heaps of rotting seaweed or twigs cemented together by the bird's own guano. The nesting season is long and begins in late February although some nests are not started until May or even later. The female lays 3 eggs and the chicks hatch without down and so they rely totally on their parents for warmth, often for a period of 2 months before they can fly. Fledging may occur at any time from early June to late August and exceptionally to mid-October. In the UK, the Shag breeds at coastal sites, mainly in the north and west of the country, and more than half of the population is found at fewer than 10 sites. It can be seen during the breeding season at the large Scottish colonies on Orkney, Shetland, the Inner Hebrides and in the Firth of Forth. Elsewhere it can be seen commonly around the coasts of Wales and south west England, especially in Devon and Cornwall. The Shag feeds in the sea and, unlike the Cormorant, it is rare inland. It is one of the deepest pursuit divers among the cormorant family and it has been shown to dive to at least 150 feet. When it dives, it jumps out of the water first to give extra impetus to the dive. The Shag forages for food on the sea bed and eats a wide range of fish although the commonest prey is the sand eel. It will travel long distances from its breeding and roosting sites in order to feed. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Staple Island, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4352152.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19527676574b687b124f5a0.jpgSnow Bunting Snow Buntings are large buntings with striking “snowy” plumages. Males in summer have all white heads and underparts contrasting with a black mantle and wing tips. Females are a more mottled above. In autumn and winter birds develop a sandy/buff wash to their plumage and males have more mottled upperparts. Snow Buntings breed in far northern Europe and migrate south in winter. They are a very scarce breeding species in the UK and can be found on the highest mountain peaks in Scotland where they nest in rocky crevices. Snow Buntings are best looked for in winter (from late September to early March) where they can sometimes be seen in large flocks on the seashore or on adjacent short rough grassland at coastal sites in Scotland and eastern England. Date: 1st February 2010 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo8048492.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20061892684d0d03543abcc.jpgWaxwing The Waxwing is a plump bird which is slightly smaller than a Starling. It is buff or pinkish-brown in colour with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings, a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest. The bird’s name is derived from the red tips to some of the wing feathers which are said to look like they have been dipped in sealing wax. Waxwings breed in the dense forests of northern Europe but they occur in varying numbers in the UK from October to March. In some years they can occur in large numbers (known as irruptions) when the population in the breeding areas gets too big for the food available. The first UK arrivals each winter are usually seen on the east coast from Scotland to East Anglia but birds then move inland in search of food. They can be found in parks and gardens and even busy public places such as supermarket car parks, typically where there are berry-bearing trees and bushes such as rowan, hawthorn, cotoneaster and rose. Waxwings seem fearless of humans so it is relatively easy to get very close views of these stunning birds. Waxwings make an easily recognisable high-pitched trilling sound like a bell. Date: 11th December 2010 Location: Folkestone, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/coot-and-juvenile https://images.on-this.website/4752_7865249776117e06de8e9b.jpgCoot and juvenile The Coot is an all black bird with a distinctive white beak and “shield” above the beak from which earns it the title “bald”. Its feet have distinctive lobed flaps of skin on the toes which act instead of webs when swimming. It patters noisily over the water before taking off and can be very aggressive towards other birds. Coot can be found all the year round mainly on freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers and town park lakes. Sometimes they can be seen offshore, especially in winter if freshwater areas are frozen. They breed in areas of fairly shallow standing freshwater with a muddy bottom and plenty of vegetation at the sides, usually in lowland areas. Date: 5th July 2021 Location: RSPB Old Moor, Dearne Valley, South Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13439463.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20675400464eb264da49fdd.jpgGrey Phalarope The Grey Phalarope is an Arctic-breeding wader that spends a large proportion of its life out at sea and many miles from land. Grey Phalaropes do occur annually in the UK and are most often seen between October and January on the coast or at inland wetlands having been blown off-course by bad weather and strong winds in autumn. Like the other phalarope species, the female is the more colourful and leaves the male to incubate the eggs and bring up the young. In North America, these birds are known as Red Phalaropes, due to their orangey-red breeding plumage. In winter, the Grey Phalarope eats marine plankton picked from the sea's surface whilst on their breeding grounds they eat small insects and aquatic creatures. Date: 21st October 2011 Location: Cudmore Grove Country Park, East Mersea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/castle-tioram-loch-moidart-highland https://images.on-this.website/4752_2044060447560fb4884c51b.jpgLoch Moidart, Ardnamurchan, Highland Loch Moidart is a sea-loch on the west coast of Scotland which opens out to the south of the Sound of Arisaig. It is fed by the River Moidart which rises to the north east and flows through Glen Moidart to meet the loch at the settlement of Kinlochmoidart. Castle Tioram from the Gaelic "Caisteal Tioram" meaning "dry castle" is a ruined castle that sits on the tidal island Eilean Tioram in Loch Moidart located west of Acharacle, approximately 50 miles from Fort William. Though hidden from the sea, the castle controls access to Loch Shiel. The castle, a listed building and scheduled ancient monument, is the traditional seat of Clan MacDonald of Clan Ranald, a branch of Clan Donald. Castle Tioram was seized by Government forces around 1692 when Clan Chief Allan of Clanranald joined the Jacobite Court in France, despite having sworn allegiance to the British Crown. A small garrison was stationed in the castle until the Jacobite Uprising of 1715 when Allan recaptured and torched it, purportedly to keep it out of the hands of Hanoverian forces. It has been unoccupied since that time. The castle is now in extremely poor condition and in 1998 was closed to the public at the request of Highland Council. The castle can be reached on foot across the tidal causeway but there is no access to the interior because of the risk of falling masonry. Date: 21st September 2015 Location: view from the unclassified road north of Shiel Bridge http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833569.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1161020416559cec3c8a539.jpgLake Kerkini, Central Macedonia, Greece Lake Kerkini is one of the most important wetlands in Europe and is considered to be one of the top European birding destinations due to the wealth of resident, breeding and migratory birds. It is situated along the migratory flyway for birds en route to the Aegean Sea, the Balkan region, the Black Sea, the Hungarian steppes and beyond. Lake Kerkini is located close to the border with Bulgaria 25 miles from Serres and 60 miles from Thessaloniki, and it is surrounded by Mounts Belles and Mavrovouni. It is approximately 9 miles long and its maximum width, when full, reaches 5.5 miles. Lake Kerkini is an artificial irrigation reservoir fed by the Strymon River that was created in 1932, and then redeveloped in 1980, on the site of what was previously an extremely extensive and uninhabitable marshland. More than 300 species of birds have been recorded in the area, including 140 resident species and 170 species that migrate through every year on their way to the Aegean Sea, the Black Sea, and the Balkan region. Date: 12th May 2015 Location: view from Mandraki, Central Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/sanna-bay-ardnamurchan-highland https://images.on-this.website/4752_42202868054227ddfb559a.jpgSanna Bay, Ardnamurchan, Highland The small settlement of Sanna lies 6 miles north west of Kilchoan, close to the tip of the Ardnamurchan Peninsula. Sanna Bay lies between Sanna Point to the north and Ardnamurchan Point to the south and is dominated by impressive sand dunes, beautiful white shell sand bays and a stunning turquoise sea. It is one of the most beautiful beaches in Scotland. From Sanna Point there are superb views, extending from the islands of Eigg and Rhum to the north with Skye beyond, round to Ardnamurchan Point and its lighthouse to the south west and the island of Coll beyond that. The Western Isles can be seen to the north west but due west there is nothing but sea until the continent of North America is reached. Date: 9th September 2014 Location: view from Sanna Bay http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533199.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_65903073862ca7f3f05507.jpgLarge Skipper Flight period: June to July. The Large Skipper is a small golden butterfly which is widespread throughout England and Wales and it is also extending its range northwards in to southern Scotland. They can be found in areas of tall, uncut grassland, woodland rides, roadside verges and hedgerows. Date: 22nd June 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/little-egrets https://images.on-this.website/4752_366744572559cf5a8efa0e.jpgLittle Egrets The Little Egret is a species of small heron. The genus name comes from the Provençal French [i]Aigrette[/i] (egret), a diminutive of [i]Aigron [/i] (heron). The adult Little Egret is 22 to 26 inches long with a 35 to 42 inches wingspan. Its plumage is normally entirely white although there are dark forms with largely bluish-grey plumage. In the breeding season, the adult has 2 long plumes on the nape that form a crest. These plumes are about 6 inches in length and are pointed and very narrow. There are similar feathers on the breast but the barbs are more widely spread. There are also several elongated scapular feathers that have long loose barbs around 8 inches long. During the winter the plumage is similar but the scapulars are shorter and more normal in appearance. The bill is long and slender and both it and the lores are black. There is an area of greenish-grey bare skin at the base of the lower mandible and around the eye which has a yellow iris. The legs are black and the feet yellow. Juveniles are similar to non-breeding adults but have greenish-black legs and duller yellow feet and may have a certain proportion of greyish or brownish feathers. The Little Egret is mostly silent but it does make various croaking and bubbling calls at its breeding colonies and it produces a harsh alarm call when disturbed. The breeding range of the western race of the Little Egret includes south Europe, the Middle East, much of Africa and south Asia. European populations are migratory and mostly travel to Africa although some remain in southern Europe. During the late 20th century, the range of the Little Egret expanded northwards in Europe and into the New World. The Little Egret's habitat varies widely and includes the shores of lakes, rivers, canals, ponds, lagoons, marshes and flooded land, the bird preferring open locations to dense cover. On the coast it inhabits mudflats, sandy beaches, mangrove areas, swamps and reefs. The Little Egret is a sociable bird and can be seen in small flocks. However, individual birds do not tolerate others coming too close to their chosen feeding site although this depends on the abundance of prey. The Little Egret uses a variety of methods to find its food. It stalks its prey in shallow water, often running with raised wings or shuffling its feet to disturb small fish, or it may stand still and wait to ambush prey. It also makes use of opportunities provided by Cormorants disturbing fish or humans attracting fish by throwing bread into water. On land, it walks or runs while chasing its prey, often feeding on creatures disturbed by grazing livestock. The diet is mainly fish but amphibians, small reptiles, mammals and birds are also eaten as well as crustaceans, molluscs, insects, spiders and worms. The Little Egret nests in colonies, often with other wading birds such as Cattle Egret, Black-crowned Night Heron, Squacco Heron and Glossy Ibis. The nests are usually platforms of sticks built in trees or shrubs or in reed beds or bamboo groves. Pairs defend a small breeding territory, usually extending around 10 to 13 feet from the nest. The 3 to 5 eggs are incubated by both adults for 21 to 25 days before hatching. The young birds are covered in white down feathers are cared for by both parents and fledge after 40 to 45 days. Globally, the Little Egret is not listed as a threatened species and has in fact expanded its range over the last few decades.[5] The IUCN states that their wide distribution and large total population means that they are a species that cause them "least concern". Historical research has shown that the Little Egret was once present, and probably common, in the UK but became extinct there through a combination of over-hunting in the late mediaeval period and climate change at the start of the Little Ice Age. Further declines occurred throughout Europe as the plumes of the Little Egret and other egrets were in demand for decorating hats. They had been used in the plume trade since at least the 17th century but in the 19th century it became a major craze and the number of egret skins passing through dealers reached into the millions. Hunting, which reduced the population of the species to dangerously low levels, stimulated the establishment of Britain's Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in 1889. By the 1950s, the Little Egret had become restricted to south Europe and conservation laws protecting the species were introduced. This allowed the population to rebound strongly and over the next few decades it became increasingly common in western France and later on the north coast. It bred in the Netherlands in 1979 with further breeding from the 1990s onward. Populations are now mostly stable or increasing in Europe. In the UK, the Little Egret was a rare vagrant from its 16th century extinction until the late 20th century. It has, however, recently become a regular breeding species and is commonly present, often in large numbers, at favoured coastal sites. The first recent breeding record in England was on Brownsea Island in Dorset in 1996 and it bred in Wales for the first time in 2002. The population increase has been rapid subsequently with over 750 pairs breeding in nearly 70 colonies in 2008 and a post-breeding total of 4,540 birds in September 2008. Severe winter weather proves only to be a temporary setback and the Little Egret continues to expand both its numbers and range in the UK. Date: 7th May 2015 Location: Evros Delta (west), East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833191.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1861829038559ce747668f3.jpgGreater Flamingos The Greater Flamingo is a largely pinkish-white bird but the wing coverts are red and the primary and secondary flight feathers are black. The bill is pink with a black tip and the legs are entirely pink. The Greater Flamingo is the most widespread species of the flamingo family and can be found in parts of Africa, southern Asia and southern Europe (including Spain, Sardinia, Albania, Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Portugal and the Camargue region of France). Some populations are short distance migrants, and records north of the breeding range are relatively frequent. However, given the species' popularity in captivity, whether these are truly wild individuals is a matter of some debate. The Greater Flamingo is the most widespread species of the flamingo family and can be found in parts of Africa, southern Asia and southern Europe (including Spain, Sardinia, Albania, Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Portugal and the Camargue region of France). Some populations are short distance migrants, and records north of the breeding range are relatively frequent. However, given the species' popularity in captivity, whether these are truly wild individuals is a matter of some debate. Date: 15th May 2015 Location: Kalahori Lagoon, Gulf of Thermaikos, Central Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/black-tailed-godwits https://images.on-this.website/4752_9273556344db01d7bf0168.jpgBlack-tailed Godwits The Black-tailed Godwit is a large, long-legged, long-billed shorebird with an orange head, neck and chest in its breeding plumage and a uniform brown-grey breast and upperparts in winter. During the breeding season, the bill has a yellowish or orange-pink base and dark tip but the base is pink in winter. The legs are dark grey, brown or black. The sexes are similar but in breeding plumage they can be separated by the male's brighter, more extensive orange breast, neck and head. In flight, the bold black and white wingbar and white rump can be seen readily. When on the ground the Black-tailed Godwit can be difficult to separate from the similar Bar-tailed Godwit but the Black-tailed Godwit's longer, straighter bill and longer legs are diagnostic. The Black-tailed Godwit’s breeding range stretches from Iceland through northern Europe and areas of central Asia where it can be found in fens, lake edges, damp meadows, moorlands and bogs. It winters in areas as diverse as the Indian Subcontinent, Australia, western Europe and west Africa where it can be found on estuaries and floods. It is also more likely to be found inland and on freshwater than the Bar-tailed Godwit. Date: 1st September 2007 Location: Maldon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15367568.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6628228784fec1d3ac51e8.jpgNorthern Wheatear fledgling The Northern Wheatear or Wheatear is a small passerine bird that was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family but is now more generally considered to be an Old World flycatcher. It is the most widespread member of the Wheatear genus in Europe and Asia. The English name has nothing to do with wheat or ears but is probably derived from the Middle English [i]whit ers[/i] meaning "white arse" and referring to the prominent white rump of many Wheatear species The Northern Wheatear is larger than the European Robin at 5.7 to 6.3 inches in length. Both sexes have a white rump and tail with a black inverted T-pattern at the end of the tail. The summer plumaged male has grey upperparts, buff throat and black wings and face mask. In autumn it resembles the female apart from the black wings. The female is pale brown above and buff below with darker brown wings. The Northern Wheatear makes one of the longest migratory flights of any small bird, crossing ocean, ice and desert. It migrates from sub-Saharan Africa in spring to breed in open rocky country, tundra, moorland, heaths and pastures over a vast area of the Northern Hemisphere that includes northern and central Asia, Europe, Greenland, Alaska and parts of Canada. In autumn it returns to winter in central Africa. In the UK, the Northern Wheatear is a summer visitor and passage migrant arriving in early March and leaving in September. It breeds mainly in western and northern Britain and western Ireland although smaller numbers also breed in southern and eastern England. The Northern Wheatear is primarily an insectivorous bird and feeds mostly on beetles, ants, caterpillars, grasshoppers, flies, etc. It also eats spiders, centipedes and snails and berries in the autumn. Date: 10th June 2012 Location: Stoer, Sutherland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/eastern-rhodopes-mountains-smolyan-province https://images.on-this.website/4752_12823491355d3081de892b6.jpgEastern Rhodopes Mountains, Smolyan Province, Bulgaria The Rhodopes Mountains are a mountain range in south east Europe. They are spread over 5689 square miles of which 4723 square miles are located in south Bulgaria and the remainder in north Greece. The Rhodopes Mountains are about 149 miles long and about 62 to 75 miles wide with an average altitude of 2575 feet. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 7188 feet and is situated 12 miles to the west of Smolyan. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rhodopes Mountains gives its name to the terrestrial eco-region Rodope montane mixed forests that belong in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The area is particularly notable for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans plus its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms such as the Trigrad Gorge. The Rhodopes Mountains can be sub-divided in to 3 sections: The Western Rhodopes are spread over 66% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and they are higher, the most infrastructurally developed and the most visited part of the mountains. The highest and best known peaks are located in this section with more than 10 over 6562 feet high including the highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7188 feet). Some of the deepest river gorges in the Rhodopes Mountains are located in the west as well as several large lakes. The Eastern Rhodopes are spread over a territory of about 34% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and are much lower in height. The large artificial dams of Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets are located in this part of the mountains. Almost every species of European bird of prey nests in the Eastern Rhodopes including the rare Black Vulture and Egyptian Vulture. The Southern Rhodopes are the part of the mountain range that is located in Greece and they are characterized by numerous peaks of relatively low altitude. Date: 28th May 2018 Location: near Leska, Eastern Rhodopes Mountains, Smolyan Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/sierra-y-de-canones-de https://images.on-this.website/4752_18004127694b158283af151.jpgSierra y de Canones de Guara, Aragon, Spain The Sierra y de Canones de Guara is a beautiful and rather remote, depopulated area in the Pre-Pyrenees and is a huge upland limestone massif north east of Huesca in Aragon stretching for 40km west to east. The limestone terrain is cut through by rivers which have produced many deep gorges. The altitude within this Parque Natural ranges from 430m to 2077m at its highest point. In addition to the mountains, extensive areas of grassland, scrub and woodland provide important habitats for birds of prey and other species. Date: 15th November 2009 Location: Arcusa to Ainsa, Aragon, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9593642.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5826008954db1843ec8d8a.jpgShags The European Shag, Common Shag or simply Shag is a species of cormorant. It is 27 to 31 inches in length with a 37 to 43 inches wingspan. It is mainly black in colour but with a glossy green-tinged sheen in adults. It has a longish tail and a yellow throat-patch. Adults have a small recurved crest in the breeding season. It is distinguished from the Cormorant by its smaller size, lighter build, thinner and narrower bill, and, in breeding adults, by the crest and metallic green-tinged sheen. The Shag breeds around the rocky coasts of west and south Europe, north Africa and south west Asia, mainly wintering in its breeding range except for the northernmost birds. It nests on rocky ledges or in crevices or small caves and the nests are untidy heaps of rotting seaweed or twigs cemented together by the bird's own guano. The nesting season is long and begins in late February although some nests are not started until May or even later. The female lays 3 eggs and the chicks hatch without down and so they rely totally on their parents for warmth, often for a period of 2 months before they can fly. Fledging may occur at any time from early June to late August and exceptionally to mid-October. In the UK, the Shag breeds at coastal sites, mainly in the north and west of the country, and more than half of the population is found at fewer than 10 sites. It can be seen during the breeding season at the large Scottish colonies on Orkney, Shetland, the Inner Hebrides and in the Firth of Forth. Elsewhere it can be seen commonly around the coasts of Wales and south west England, especially in Devon and Cornwall. The Shag feeds in the sea and, unlike the Cormorant, it is rare inland. It is one of the deepest pursuit divers among the cormorant family and it has been shown to dive to at least 150 feet. When it dives, it jumps out of the water first to give extra impetus to the dive. The Shag forages for food on the sea bed and eats a wide range of fish although the commonest prey is the sand eel. It will travel long distances from its breeding and roosting sites in order to feed. Date: 7th November 2008 Location: Loch na Keal, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28887528.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_122645030657cc40dc93d3c.jpgMatsalu National Park, Estonia Matsalu National Park is the most famous coastal wetland in Estonia. It was established in 1957 mainly to protect nesting, moulting and migratory birds and in 1976 it was included in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance. Matsalu National Park covers a total area of 188 square miles and comprises Matsalu Bay, the Kasari river delta and surrounding areas. 87 square miles of the protected area is terrestrial and 101 square miles is aquatic. The varied habitats include open sea, grassy and rocky islets, sandy and stony shores, saltmarsh, reedbeds, flooded meadows, pastures, arable land, mixed woodland and birch copses. Matsalu Bay is shallow, brackish and rich in nutrients. It is 11.2 miles long and 3.7 miles wide but has an average depth of only 5 feet and a maximum depth of 11 feet. Shoreline length of the bay is about 102.5 miles. The bay's shoreline lacks high banks and is populated mostly with shingle shores with reedbeds in the innermost sheltered parts. Nearly 300 species of birds have been recorded, around 175 species have nested and around 35 are migratory wildfowl. Matsalu Bay is one of the most important wetland bird areas in Europe due to its prime position on the East Atlantic Flyway. Huge numbers of migratory ducks, geese and waders use Matsalu Bay as a staging area in spring and autumn. The Kasari river is the biggest of several rivers that run into Matsalu Bay and the alluvial meadow of the delta (15 square miles) is one of the biggest open wet meadows in Europe. Date: 10th May 2016 Location: Puise, Matsalu National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41537244.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_192309315f3cfdea5a7fa.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 4th July 2019 Location: Flåget, Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23806472.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3688458685512b803d1069.jpgWhite-headed Duck The White-headed Duck is a small stiff-tailed duck. Adult males have a grey and reddish body, a blue bill and a largely white head with a black cap and neck. Adult females have a grey-brown body with a white face and a darker bill, cap and a cheek stripe. The White-headed Duck dives and swims underwater and it is omnivorous with vegetable matter predominating. They are reluctant to fly, preferring to swim for cover. The White-headed Duck breeds in Spain and North Africa with a larger population in western and central Asia. Their breeding habitat is large tracts of open water with dense stands of aquatic plants to provide cover and nesting sites. The White-headed Duck is considered to be endangered due to a large reduction in populations in the last 10 years. Most of this decline is due to habitat loss and hunting but inter-breeding of the Spanish population with the introduced Ruddy Duck is a more recent threat. This has led to the attempted eradication of the American species from western Europe. This bird was part of the captive collection at the WWT London Wetland Centre. Date: 7th March 2015 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40952844.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1785927375e5393b06d4dd.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 1st February 2020 Location: Tramore, Co. Waterford, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/neist-point-skye https://images.on-this.website/4752_69905786053d11dac0b9ad.jpgAn t-Aigeach and Neist Point, Skye Neist Point (Rubha na h-Eist) is the most westerly point on the Duirinish peninsula on Skye located at the end of the road from Glendale. It projects into The Minch and provides a popular walk and viewpoint. Neist Point lies beyond the cliffs of An t-Aigeach (The Stallion). Neist Point Lighthouse, designed and built by David Stevenson, has been located there since 1909 but was fully automated in 1990. Basalt at Neist Point is very similar to that at the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland and it is believed that the causeway extends under the sea from Northern Ireland to Skye. The area is a good place to see whales, dolphins, porpoises and basking shark and sea birds include Gannet, Black Guillemot, Common Guillemot, Razorbill, Fulmar and Shag. Date: 21st June 2014 Location: view from the parking area at the end of the unclassified road from Glendale http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21829816.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_75527052053cbaa8d4c949.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 11th June 2014 Location: Bempton Cliifs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/yellow-bellied-slider https://images.on-this.website/4752_123646528458f34310019982.92514382.jpgYellow-bellied Slider The Yellow-bellied Slider is a land and water turtle. The adult male typically reaches 5 to 9 inches in length whilst the female reaches 8 to 13 inches. The carapace (upper shell) is typically brown and black, often with yellow stripes. The skin is olive green with prominent patches of yellow down the neck and legs. As the name implies, the plastron (bottom shell) is mostly yellow with black spots along the edges. There are yellow stripes on the neck and an "s"-shaped yellow stripe on the face. Adults tend to grow darker as they age. The Yellow-bellied Slider is native to eastern and central USA where it is the most common turtle species in its range. It can be found in a wide range of freshwater habitats, rivers, ditches, swamps, lakes and ponds. It prefers shallow, slow-flowing waters with abundant aquatic vegetation to feed on, soft bottom substrates and plenty of basking sites. The Yellow-bellied Slider has been introduced into other parts of the USA, Europe, Africa and Asia and it is becoming increasingly abundant in many countries outside its native range. It is considered to be one of the 100 top invasive species in the world and has been introduced to many countries through the pet trade. Proper education into the responsibilities of keeping the Yellow-bellied Slider as a pet and disposal methods for unwanted pets are needed to stem the invasive threats posed by this species. Date: 8th April 2017 Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082218.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1287257965d307b24a1ac3.jpgSpanish Sparrow The Spanish Sparrow is a passerine in the sparrow family. It is a rather large sparrow at 6 to 6.5 inches in length. It is slightly larger and heavier than the House Sparrows and it also has a slightly longer and stouter bill. The male is similar to the House Sparrow in plumage but it differs in that its underparts are heavily streaked with black, it has a chestnut rather than grey crown and it has white rather than grey cheeks. The female is effectively inseparable from the House Sparrow in its plumage which is grey-brown overall but more boldly marked. The female has light streaking on its sides, a pale cream supercilium and broad cream streaks on its back. The Spanish Sparrow's vocalisations are similar to those of the House Sparrow. The Spanish Sparrow is a close relative of the House Sparrow. Its taxonomy is greatly complicated by the "biological mix-up" it forms with the House Sparrow in the Mediterranean. In most of the Mediterranean, one or both of the species occurs, with only a limited degree of hybridisation. On the Italian peninsula and on Corsica, the 2 species are replaced by the Italian Sparrow, a puzzling type of sparrow apparently intermediate between the Spanish Sparrow and the House Sparrow. The Italian Sparrow has been classified as a hybrid with the House Sparrow, the same species as the Spanish Sparrow, the same species as the House Sparrow and as a separate species. The Spanish Sparrow also hybridises freely with the House Sparrow in parts of north Africa (north east Algeria, Tunisia and north west Libya), forming highly variable mixed populations with a full range of characters from pure House Sparrow to pure Spanish Sparrow. The Spanish Sparrow has a highly complex distribution in the Mediterranean region, Macaronesia and south west to central Asia. It breeds mostly in a band of latitude about 15 degrees wide from the Danube valley and the Aral Sea in the north to Libya and central Iran in the south. Its range has expanded greatly by natural colonisation over the last 2 centuries. Vagrants occur widely as far north as Scotland and Norway. Two sub-species of Spanish Sparrow are usually recognised: the western sub-species hispaniolensis and the eastern sub-species transcaspicus. The western sub-species hispaniolensis breeds in parts of Iberia and north Africa, some islands and the Balkans whilst the eastern sub-species transcaspicus breeds from Anatolia and Cyprus through the Middle East and central Asia to far west China. In most of its range, the Spanish Sparrow can be found alongside the House Sparrow. In such areas, both species breed in farmland and open woodland with the Spanish Sparrow preferring moister habitats. In areas where the House Sparrow is absent, the Spanish Sparrow may live in urban habitats. The Spanish Sparrow is strongly gregarious and nests in large colonies of closely spaced or even multiple shared nests. Nests are usually placed in trees or bushes either amongst branches or underneath the nests of larger birds such as the White Stork. Colonies may hold from 10 pairs to hundreds of thousands of pairs. Each pair lays 3 to 8 eggs which hatch after 12 days with the chicks fledging when about 14 days old. Like other sparrows, the Spanish Sparrow feeds principally on the seeds of grains and other grasses but it also eats leaves, fruits and other plant materials. Young birds are fed mostly on insects and adults also feed on insects and other animals during and before the breeding season. Date: 21st May 2018 Location: near Dimcevo, Burgas Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457066.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8080221036685700968433.jpgKestrel The Common Kestrel is a small falcon, smaller than most other birds of prey but larger than most songbirds. Females are noticeably larger than males. Their plumage is mainly light chestnut brown with blackish spots on the upperside and buff with narrow blackish streaks on the underside. Males have less black spots and streaks as well as a blue-grey cap and tail. The tail is brown with black bars in females and has a black tip with a narrow white rim in both sexes. Both sexes also have a prominent black malar stripe. The Common Kestrel occurs over a large range and it is widespread in Europe, Asia and Africa. In the cool temperate parts of its range, it migrates south in winter but otherwise it is sedentary although juveniles may wander around in search for a good place to settle down as they become mature. The Common Kestrel is a diurnal bird and can be found in most lowland habitats although it prefers open habitat such as fields, heaths, moorlands, shrubland and marshland. It does not require woodland to be present as long as there are alternate perching and nesting sites like rocks or buildings. It will thrive in treeless steppe where there are abundant shrubs to support a population of prey animals. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30825746.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_42381273358f349eeb8c0e3.56782172.jpgAvocet The (Pied) Avocet is a large black and white wader in the avocet and stilt family. It is one of 4 species of avocet that make up the genus Recurvirostra. The genus name is from the Latin [i]recurvus[/i] meaning "curved backwards" and [i]rostrum[/i] meaning "bill". The Avocet is a striking white wader with bold black markings. Adults have white plumage except for a black cap and black patches in the wings and on the back. They have long, upturned bills and long, bluish legs. Males and females look alike whilst juveniles resemble the adult but with more greyish and sepia tones. The Avocet breeds in temperate Europe and western and central Asia. The breeding habitat is shallow lakes with brackish water and exposed bare mud where they build a nest on open ground in a lined scrape or on a mound of vegetation. The Avocet is a migratory species and most winter in Africa or southern Asia. Some remain to winter in the mildest parts of their range such as in southern Spain and southern England. The Avocet feeds on crustaceans and insects in shallow brackish water or on mud flats, often scything their bills from side to side in water (a feeding technique that is unique to the avocet species). The Avocet was extinct as a breeding species in the UK by 1840 but its successful recolonisation at Minsmere in Suffolk in 1947 led to its adoption as the logo of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Date: 9th April 2017 Location: EWT Blue House Farm, North Fambridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37431264.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1974167955c6bebf1e405e.jpgCommon Crane The Common Crane is a large, stately bird and a medium-sized crane at 40 to 52 inches long with a 71 to 96 inches wingspan. At rest, the Common Crane is rather stork-like but with a big bushy tail, black wing plumes and a grey body and even from a great distance the white stripe through the black head is noticeable. In flight, the long neck, held outstretched and slightly drooping makes it quite different from the herons and the grey plumage eliminates both of the storks. The Common Crane flies in flocks in “V” formation making trumpeting calls. The Common Crane breeds in large areas of marsh and bog in northern parts of Europe and Asia and occurs in winter and on passage in open, often agricultural, areas close to large wetlands used for roosting. The global population is in the region of 210,000 to 250,000 with the vast majority nesting in Russia and Scandinavia. In the UK the Common Crane became extinct in the 17th century but a tiny population now breeds again at a few sites in east and west England. Flocks of Common Cranes in late spring can be watched performing their “dancing” displays. This usually involves opening their wings and leaping vertically into the air with the legs dangling. Once one bird starts this, others will join in and the whole performance can even be initiated by a human pretending to be a dancing crane. Once the birds are paired off they are more likely to perform different displays involving stretching their necks vertically and trumpeting. Common Cranes from Fennoscandia, the Baltic states and western Russia take the west European migration route to their wintering grounds. Over 100,000 birds use this flyway and over 70,000 winter in Spain (mainly Extremadura) with smaller numbers in south west France, Portugal and north Africa. Date: 8th January 2019 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37190342.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_355696745c2a25875a62a.jpgNorthern Wheatear The Northern Wheatear or Wheatear is a small passerine bird that was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family but is now more generally considered to be an Old World flycatcher. It is the most widespread member of the Wheatear genus in Europe and Asia. The English name has nothing to do with wheat or ears but is probably derived from the Middle English whit ers meaning "white arse" and referring to the prominent white rump of many Wheatear species The Northern Wheatear is larger than the European Robin at 5.7 to 6.3 inches in length. Both sexes have a white rump and tail with a black inverted T-pattern at the end of the tail. The summer plumaged male has grey upperparts, buff throat and black wings and face mask. In autumn it resembles the female apart from the black wings. The female is pale brown above and buff below with darker brown wings. The Northern Wheatear makes one of the longest migratory flights of any small bird, crossing ocean, ice and desert. It migrates from sub-Saharan Africa in spring to breed in open rocky country, tundra, moorland, heaths and pastures over a vast area of the Northern Hemisphere that includes northern and central Asia, Europe, Greenland, Alaska and parts of Canada. In autumn it returns to winter in central Africa. In the UK, the Northern Wheatear is a summer visitor and passage migrant arriving in early March and leaving in September. It breeds mainly in western and northern Britain and western Ireland although smaller numbers also breed in southern and eastern England. The Northern Wheatear is primarily an insectivorous bird and feeds mostly on beetles, ants, caterpillars, grasshoppers, flies, etc. It also eats spiders, centipedes and snails and berries in the autumn. Date: 22nd June 2018 Location: Glen Quaich, Perthshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/moray-firth-highland https://images.on-this.website/4752_1792986414560fb63d34752.jpgMoray Firth, Highland The Moray Firth is a roughly triangular inlet (or firth) of the North Sea located to the north and east of Inverness. It is the largest firth in Scotland, stretching from Duncansby Head (near John o' Groats) in the north and Fraserburgh in the east to Inverness and the Beauly Firth in the west. The Moray Firth has more than 500 miles of coastline. A number of rivers flow into the Moray Firth, including the River Ness, the River Findhorn and the River Spey. Various smaller firths and bays are inlets of the firth, including the Cromarty Firth and the Dornoch Firth. The Pentland Firth has its eastern mouth at the Moray Firth's northern boundary. The Moray Firth is one of the most important places on the UK coast for observing dolphins and whales. The most common species are the Bottlenose Dolphin and the Harbour Porpoise with occasional sightings of Common Dolphin and Minke Whale. The popular wildlife viewing area located at Chanonry Point host some spectacular displays of Bottlenose Dolphins within the inner Moray Firth. There are also visitor centres at Spey Bay and North Kessock run by the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society. The inner Moray Firth is designated as a Special Protection Area for wildlife conservation purposes. The Moray Firth contains a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) designated under the EU Habitats Directive which is one of the largest Marine Protection Areas in Europe. The SAC protects the inner waters of the Moray Firth from a line between Lossiemouth (on the south coast) and Helmsdale (on the north coast) westwards. The Moray Firth is also an important oil field and fishing ground. The Beatrice oil field in the outer Moray Firth is the closest of the North Sea oil fields. Much of the fishing industry focuses on scallops and Norway lobsters. Date: 23rd September 2015 Location: view from Chanonry Point looking east towards the Kessock Bridge and Inverness http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17408552.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16114324455133285e11fa6.jpgBullfinch The male Bullfinch is unmistakable with a bright pinkish-red breast and cheeks, grey back, black cap and tail and bright white rump. The flash of the rump in flight and the sad call note are usually the first signs of Bullfinches being present. Bullfinches can be found throughout most of the UK but their localised and declining populations make it a Red List species. Bullfinches can be seen all the year round and breed in broad-leaved woodland, thickets, hedgerows, orchards and mature gardens. Date: 13th January 2013 Location: Pennington Flash, Greater Manchester http://www.richardchewphotography.com/common-blue-damselfly https://images.on-this.website/4752_1211047611467ea898be3cf.jpgCommon Blue Damselfly Flight period: early May to end September. As the name suggests, the Common Blue Damselfly is one of the commonest species in the UK. They can be confused with other blue damselflies, particularly since the markings on this species are rather variable. Common Blue Damselflies are found across most of the UK and are probably the most widespread member of the "blue" damselflies. They can be found around open lakes and ponds, along river and canal banks and streams, provided there is plenty of bankside vegetation. Date: 1st July 2006 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo34006642.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2500724805a72f9dd21462.jpgCommon Gull The Common Gull is a medium-sized gull. The north American subspecies is commonly referred to as the Mew Gull although that name is also used by some authorities for the whole species. The Common Gull is noticeably smaller and more gentle looking than the Herring Gull. It is grey above and white below with greenish-yellow legs. It has black wingtips with large white "mirrors". Young birds have scaly black-brown upperparts and a neat wing pattern and grey legs and take 2 to 3 years to reach maturity. In winter, the head is streaked grey and the bill often has a poorly defined blackish band near the tip which is sometimes sufficiently obvious to cause confusion with the Ring-billed Gull. The call is a high-pitched "laughing" cry. The Common Gull breeds colonially near water or in marshes in north Europe, north west north America and north Asia. It is most numerous in Europe with over half (possibly as much as 80 to 90%) of the world population. In the UK, the Common Gull can be found in summer along the coasts and inland marshes and lakes of Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England. Elsewhere in England and Wales, it can be found in winter on farmland, on marshes and lakes and on the coast. Date: 22nd January 2018 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/white-tailed-lapwing https://images.on-this.website/4752_17254066654ca73f7e0ab88.jpgWhite-tailed Lapwing The White-tailed Lapwing or White-tailed Plover is a medium-sized, long-legged and fairly long-billed plover species. Adults are slim erect birds with a brown back and foreneck, paler face and grey breast. Its long yellow legs, pure white tail and distinctive brown, white and black wings make this species unmistakable. The White-tailed Lapwing is the only plover species likely to be seen in other than very shallow water where it picks insects and other small prey mainly from the surface. White-tailed Lapwings breed semi-colonially on inland marshes in Iraq, Iran and southern Russia. The Iraqi and Iranian breeders are mainly residents but Russian birds migrate south in winter to south Asia, the Middle East and north east Africa. The White-tailed Lapwing is a very rare vagrant in western Europe, the first record in the UK being found in Warwickshire in July 1975. There were 5 UK records prior to this bird which went “on tour” in 2010. Seaforth, Merseyside: 27th and 28th May Haarlem, Netherlands: 29th May RSPB Rainham Marshes, Essex: 7th and 8th July WWT Slimbridge: Gloucestershire: 9th and 10th July RSPB Dungeness, Kent: 11th to 21st July All photos were taken from a considerable distance with a DSLR camera and telescope, hence the poor quality. However, they are acceptable record shots of a very rare bird! Date: 17th July 2010 Location: Dungeness RSPB reserve, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874833.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_760432200561ccf37ecf06.jpgHaukadalur, south Iceland The Haukadalur geothermal area is located in south west Iceland to the north east of the Reykjanes peninsula and Reykjavík. Here can be seen some of the most famous sights of Iceland: the geysers and other geothermal features which have developed on the Laugarfjall rhyolitic dome. The biggest geysers of Haukadalur are Strokkur and Geysir. There are also more than 40 other hot springs, mud pots and fumaroles nearby. The oldest accounts of hot springs at Haukadalur date back to 1294 when earthquakes in the area caused significant changes in the local neighbouring landscape creating several new hot springs. Changes in the activity of Geysir and the surrounding geysers are still strongly related to earthquake activity. Strokkur is a fountain geyser and is one of Iceland's most famous geysers. It is very dependable and erupts about every 5 to 10 minutes with boiling water reaching a height of 50 to 65 feet and sometimes up to 130 feet. Geysir, sometimes known as The Great Geysir, was the first geyser described in a printed source in the 18th century and the first known to modern Europeans. Since unusual natural phenomena were of high interest to society during the Age of Enlightenment, the term became popular and has been used for similar hydrothermal features worldwide since then. The English word geyser derives from Geysir whilst Geysir itself is derived from the Icelandic verb <i>geysa</i> ("to gush"). Eruptions at Geysir can hurl boiling water up to 230 feet in the air but eruptions are now very infrequent and have in the past stopped altogether for years at a time. The Haukadalur geothermal area, usually referred to as Geysir, is popular with tourists and, together with the magnificent waterfall at Gulfoss and Þingvellir, it is part of a group of the most famous sights of Iceland known as the "Golden Circle". Date: 7th June 2015 Location: Strokkur at Haukadalur http://www.richardchewphotography.com/cettis-warbler https://images.on-this.website/4752_72795508760aa644fd794f.jpgCetti's Warbler The Cetti's Warbler is a small, brown warbler named after the 18th century Italian zoologist, Francesco Cetti. It is approximately 5 to 5.5 inches in length with a rounded head and a narrow pale grey stripe arching over conspicuous black eyes. The upperparts are a rich chestnut or dark reddish-brown and the throat and breast are pale grey. It has short rounded wings but the tail is longer and broader than many other warblers. The sexes have similar plumage but males are larger and heavier than females. The Cetti's Warbler is a typically skulking species and can be difficult to see although it signals its presence with loud bursts of song. The Cetti’s Warbler is mainly found in south and central Europe, north west Africa and the east Palearctic as far as Afghanistan and north west Pakistan where it inhabits damp areas including ponds, lakes, marshes and rivers. It has greatly increased across Europe since 1990. The Cetti's Warbler was first recorded in the UK in 1961 and, after a significant decline in the mid-1980s, populations in milder regions in the south and east continue to grow. The Cetti’s Warbler feeds on arthropods such as small, soft-bodied insects and larvae. Date: 21st April 2021 Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45948305.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17273796106284a9c977054.jpgTeal The Eurasian Teal or Common Teal is often called simply the Teal due to being the only one of these small Anas dabbling ducks in much of its range. The Teal is the smallest dabbling duck at 7.9 to 11.8 inches in length and with a wingspan of 21 to 23 inches. From a distance, the male Teal in breeding plumage appears grey with a dark head, a yellowish behind and a white stripe running along the flanks. Their head and upper neck is chestnut with a wide and iridescent dark green patch of half-moon or teardrop-shape that starts immediately before the eye and arcs to the upper hindneck. This patch is bordered with thin yellowish-white lines and a single line of that colour extends from the patch's forward end and curving along the base of the bill. The breast is buff with small round brown spots. The centre of the belly is white and the rest of the body plumage is mostly white with thin and dense blackish vermiculations, appearing medium grey even at a short distance. The outer scapular feathers are white with a black border to the outer vanes and these form the white side-stripe when the bird is in resting position. The tail and tail coverts are black with a bright yellowish-buff triangular patch in the centre of the coverts at each side. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female. It is more uniform in colour with a dark head and vestigial facial markings. The female Teal is yellowish-brown but somewhat darker on the wings and back. It has a dark greyish-brown upper head, hindneck, eyestripe and feather pattern. The pattern is dense short streaks on the head and neck and scaly spots on the rest of the body. Overall it looks much like a tiny Mallard. Immatures are coloured much like the adult females but they have a stronger pattern. The downy young are coloured like other dabbling ducks, brown above and yellow below with a yellow supercilium. The male's bill is dark grey but in the eclipse plumage it often shows some light greenish or brownish hue at the base. The bill of the females and immatures is pinkish or yellowish at the base, becoming dark grey towards the tip. The feet are dark grey in the males and greyish olive or greyish-brown in females and immatures. The Teal breeds across north Eurasia where it occupies sheltered freshwater wetlands with some tall vegetation such as taiga bogs or small lakes and ponds with extensive reedbeds. It mostly winters well south of its breeding range in the Mediterranean region, south Asia and some parts of Africa where it is often seen in large flocks in brackish waters and even in sheltered inlets and lagoons along the seashore. It is also regularly recorded on the north American coasts south to California and South Carolina. In the milder climate of temperate Europe, such as in the UK, the summer and winter ranges overlap. In the UK, the Teal can be found all year round but it is thinly distributed as a breeding species. In winter, birds congregate in larger numbers on low-lying wetlands both on the coast and inland in the south and west of the UK. Of these, many are continental birds from around the Baltic and Siberia. At this time, the UK is home to a significant percentage of the north west European wintering population. The Teal is much less abundant than the very similar Green-winged Teal from north America although it is still common and widespread. It appears to be holding its own currently with perhaps a slow decline due to drainage and pollution of wetlands. The IUCN and BirdLife International classify the Teal as a species of “Least Concern”. However, it is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. The Teal nests on the ground near water. Pairs form in the winter range and arrive on the breeding range together from about March. Breeding starts some weeks thereafter and not until May in the most northerly locations. The nest is a deep hollow lined with dry leaves and down feathers which is built in dense vegetation near water. After the females have started laying their eggs, the males leave them and move away and assemble in flocks on particular lakes where they moult into their eclipse plumage. The female lays 5 to 16 eggs but usually 8 to 11. Incubation lasts for 21 to 23 days and the young leave the nest soon after hatching and are cared for by the female for about 25 to 30 days. The males and the females with young generally move to the winter range separately. After the first winter, the young moult in to their adult plumage. The Teal usually feeds by dabbling, upending or grazing. In the breeding season it eats mainly aquatic invertebrates, such as crustaceans, insects and their larvae, molluscs and worms. In winter, it shifts to a largely granivorous diet, feeding on seeds of aquatic plants and grasses including sedges and grains. Date: 14th April 2022 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/wheatear-fledgling https://images.on-this.website/4752_16720345934c1dd35d6ba6a.jpgNorthern Wheatear fledgling The Northern Wheatear or Wheatear is a small passerine bird that was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family but is now more generally considered to be an Old World flycatcher. It is the most widespread member of the Wheatear genus in Europe and Asia. The English name has nothing to do with wheat or ears but is probably derived from the Middle English [i]whit ers[/i] meaning "white arse" and referring to the prominent white rump of many Wheatear species The Northern Wheatear is larger than the European Robin at 5.7 to 6.3 inches in length. Both sexes have a white rump and tail with a black inverted T-pattern at the end of the tail. The summer plumaged male has grey upperparts, buff throat and black wings and face mask. In autumn it resembles the female apart from the black wings. The female is pale brown above and buff below with darker brown wings. The Northern Wheatear makes one of the longest migratory flights of any small bird, crossing ocean, ice and desert. It migrates from sub-Saharan Africa in spring to breed in open rocky country, tundra, moorland, heaths and pastures over a vast area of the Northern Hemisphere that includes northern and central Asia, Europe, Greenland, Alaska and parts of Canada. In autumn it returns to winter in central Africa. In the UK, the Northern Wheatear is a summer visitor and passage migrant arriving in early March and leaving in September. It breeds mainly in western and northern Britain and western Ireland although smaller numbers also breed in southern and eastern England. The Northern Wheatear is primarily an insectivorous bird and feeds mostly on beetles, ants, caterpillars, grasshoppers, flies, etc. It also eats spiders, centipedes and snails and berries in the autumn. Date: 3rd June 2010 Location: Oldshoremore, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/akureyri-north-iceland https://images.on-this.website/4752_65701361256350ad3c47cd.jpgAkureyri, north east Iceland Akureyri is a small city in north east Iceland and it is the second largest urban area with a population of 18,000 (after the Capital Region which includes Reykjavík). It is located on a narrow coastal strip of flat land on the west side of the inland end of the Eyjafjörður, the longest fjord in Iceland, and surrounded by mountains, the highest being Kista at 47474 feet. Because of Akureyri 's position at the end of a long fjord surrounded by high mountains, the climate is actually more inland than coastal. This leads to greater variations in temperature (warmer summers, colder winters) than in many other inhabited parts of Iceland. However, the mountains shield the town from strong winds. The area around Akureyri has one of the warmest climates in Iceland even though it is only 62 miles from the Arctic Circle. Akureyri is an important port and fishing centre and its relatively mild climate due to geographical factors and it’s ice-free harbour has played a significant role in its history. In 2015, Akureyri topped travel guide Lonely Planet's list of the 10 best places to visit in Europe in the summer and it is an excellent base to explore north Iceland and its natural attractions. Akureyri is also the number one ski destination for Icelanders. Date: 4th June 2015 Location: view from road 1 on the east side of Eyjafjörður http://www.richardchewphotography.com/loch-lomond-argyll https://images.on-this.website/4752_334318311467f22d3cdd63.jpgLoch Lomond, Argyll Loch Lomond is the largest inland water body in the UK with an area of 27.4 square miles and a shoreline length of 96 miles. The total length is 24 miles extending from Ardlui in the north to Balloch in the south. In the north the loch is relatively narrow but it widens in the south where many of its 38 islands can be found. Loch Lomond is a major tourist attraction due to its closeness to the major population centres of central Scotland and it is now part of Scotland's first National Park, the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, which covers an area of 720 square miles. Date: 23rd December 2006 Location: view from the A82 road near Tarbet http://www.richardchewphotography.com/paddyfield-warbler https://images.on-this.website/4752_6299393525d307a615cb8e.jpgPaddyfield Warbler The Paddyfield Warbler is a species of marsh warbler in the genus[i] Acrocephalus[/i]. It is 5.1 inches long and is close in size to the Reed Warbler but with a shorter bill and longer tail. The adult has an unstreaked pale brown back and buff underparts with a warm brown rump. There is a whitish supercilium and the bill is short and pointed. The male and female are identical as with most warblers but young birds are a richer buff colour below. The Paddyfield Warbler breeds in temperate central Asia where it can be found in low vegetation such as long grass, reeds and rice paddy fields. It is migratory and winters in Bangladesh, India and Pakistan. It is a rare vagrant to west Europe although there is a small breeding population along the shores of the Black Sea around the border between Bulgaria and Romania. The song is fast and similar to the Marsh Warbler with much mimicry and whistles typical of the [i] Acrocephalus[/i] warblers. Like most warblers, the Paddyfield Warbler is insectivorous. Date: 19th May 2018 Location: Lake Durankulak, Dobrich Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/applecross-bay-wester-ross https://images.on-this.website/4752_1697190907468840d97dbcd.jpgApplecross Bay, Wester Ross The small village of Applecross is the best known settlement on the Applecross peninsula of Wester Ross and is located at the foot of the notorious Bealach na Ba route over the Applecross mountains. The village of Applecross looks out northwards over Applecross Bay, one of the largest sandy inlets in Wester Ross. There are stunning views across the bay and the Inner Sound to Skye and Raasay. The Gaelic name for Applecross is a'Chomraich which translates as "The Sanctuary". This dates back to the building of a monastery here by the Irish monk, Maelrubha, in 671 and the establishment of an area of 6 square miles around it as a sanctuary. Date: 9th June 2007 Location: view from the unclassified road descending in to Applecross from the Bealach na Ba summit http://www.richardchewphotography.com/sound-of-sleat-skye https://images.on-this.website/4752_172746008354228caa3a736.jpgSound of Sleat, Skye The Sound of Sleat is a narrow sea channel off the west coast of Scotland. It divides the Sleat peninsula on the south east side of the Isle of Skye from Morar, Knoydart and Glenelg on the Scottish mainland. The Sound of Sleat extends in a south west direction for 19.5 miles from Loch Alsh. It is widest at nearly 7.75 miles at the south west entrance and narrows to just 0.25 miles at Kyle Rhea, a narrow channel which connects the Sound of Sleat through to Loch Alsh. On the mainland side of the Sound of Sleat are the entrances to Loch Nevis and Loch Hourn. The largest settlement on the mainland side is Mallaig which sits at the entrance to the Sound of Sleat. On the Skye side of the Sound of Sleat sit Knock Castle, a former stronghold of the MacDonalds, and the village of Armadale. The Sound of Sleat is crossed on a regular basis in the summer by a ferry operating between Glenelg and Kylerhea. A Caledonian MacBrayne ferry operates between Mallaig and Armadale throughout the year. Date: 11th September 2014 Location: view from A851 north of Armadale, Skye http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42626838.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_130605073460a92e45552fe.jpgAdders Adders are widespread throughout mainland UK but they are absent from Ireland. They occur throughout Europe, with the exception of the Mediterranean islands, and across Russia and Asia through to northern China. They are the UK's only venomous reptile. Adders are relatively short and robust snakes with large heads and a rounded snout. Males are usually a grey or buff colour with vivid black markings although they can also vary from silver to yellow or green in colour. Females are brown with dark red-brown markings that are less prominent than in the males. Both sexes have a zigzag pattern running along the back with a / or X-shaped marking at the rear of the head. Adders can be found in a variety of habitats, including open woodland, hedgerows, moorland, sand dunes, riverbanks, bogs, heathland and mountains. They are active during the day and spend time basking until their body temperature is high enough to hunt for food. Adders use venom to immobilise prey such as lizards, amphibians, nestlings and small mammals. After striking their prey, they will leave the venom to take effect before following the victim’s scent to find the body. Mating takes place between April and May with males often fighting for females. Females have a 3 to 4 month gestation period and Adders are one of the few snakes that are viviparous (give birth to live young). In late August females give birth to between 5 and 20 live young and the young remain close to their mother for a few days before going off in search of food. Adders hibernate from September to March often using deserted rabbit or rodent burrows or settling under logs. They sometimes hibernate communally. Males emerge 2 to 5 weeks before the females and shed their skin before setting off in search of females. Adders are not aggressive snakes and they will only attack if harassed or threatened. Although an Adder’s venom poses little danger to a healthy adult, the bite is very painful and requires urgent medical attention. Date: 17th April 2021 Location: Benfleet and Hadleigh Downs, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/red-necked-phalarope https://images.on-this.website/4752_19082286724db00027ebb40.jpgRed-necked Phalarope The Red-necked Phalarope is a small wader with lobed toes to assist swimming and a straight, fine bill. The breeding female is predominantly dark grey above with a chestnut neck and upper breast, black face and white throat. The breeding male is a duller version of the female. In winter, the plumage is essentially grey above and white below but the black eyepatch is always present. When feeding, a Red-necked Phalarope will often swim in a small, rapid circle, forming a small whirlpool. This behaviour is thought to aid feeding by raising food from the bottom of shallow water. The bird will reach into the centre of the vortex with its bill, plucking small insects or crustaceans caught up therein. On the open ocean, they are often found where converging currents produce upwellings. The Red-necked Phalarope breeds in the Arctic regions of north America and Eurasia. It is migratory and, unusually for a wader, it winters at sea on tropical oceans. The Red-necked Phalarope is one of the UK's rarest breeding waders and is on the southern-most edge of its range here. It has always been mainly confined to the Northern and Western Isles of Scotland. The Government agreed a Biodiversity Action Plan for this species in 1998. The targets for this plan have recently been reviewed and aim to maintain and expand the Red-necked Phalarope as a breeding species at existing sites and to enable range expansion to a number of previously occupied sites. Fetlar holds 90% of the UK breeding population and this bird was photographed at the RSPB's reserve at the Loch of Funzie. Date: 2nd June 2008 Location: Loch of Funzie, Fetlar, Shetland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42670670.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_99409516560b2056b4c490.jpgReeves' Muntjac The Reeves' Muntjac, also known as the Chinese Muntjac, is a small, hump-backed deer species. It is named after British naturalist and employee of the East India Company, John Russell Reeves (1774 to 1856). Reeves came across them when he lived in China and sent specimens back to England. It is also called the “barking deer” due to its distinctive barking sound, although this name is also used for other Muntjac species. The barking sound is common during mating or when provoked. The Reeves' Muntjac grows to 1 foot 8 inches high at the shoulder and 3 feet 1 inches in length plus a short tail up to 4 inches long. It is reddish-brown in appearance with striped markings on its face. The belly is creamy-white with lighter fur extending to the neck, chin and the underside of the tail. The males have short antlers, usually 4 inches or less in length, and long upper canines or tusks, usually about 2 inches in length The Reeves' Muntjac is found widely in south east China (from Gansu to Yunnan) and Taiwan but it has also been introduced in Belgium, the Netherlands and Japan. In the UK, it was introduced to Woburn Park in Bedfordshire in 1894 by the then Duke of Bedford and was deliberately released into surrounding woodlands from 1901 onward. Releases, translocations and escapes from the 1930s onwards resulted in wide establishment in south east England and the population is still increasing and spreading across the UK where it can be found in deciduous woodland with a good understorey plus hedgerows, gardens, parks, conifer plantations, railway embankments, etc. Since the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it has been illegal to release the species except where it is already established. The Reeves' Muntjac is a solitary and crepuscular animal and both males and females defend small territories that they mark with preorbital gland secretions that are thought to be pheromonal in nature The Reeves' Muntjac feeds on herbs, blossoms, succulent shoots, fungi, berries, grasses and nuts and it has also been reported to eat tree bark. Eggs and carrion are eaten opportunistically. Date: 18th May 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41505229.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14112383805f37b2a8c6fbc.jpgVaranger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway The Varanger peninsula is situated in Troms og Finnmark in the extreme north east of Norway. With an area of 800 square miles, it is the largest area within the Arctic climate zone in mainland Norway and is bordered by Tanafjord to the west, Varangerfjord to the south and the Barents Sea to the north and east. The area has a rugged mountain terrain with altitudes up to 2077 feet and it has an Arctic tundra climate. The coast of the Varanger peninsula is an important area for breeding, migrating and wintering birds, especially some notable Arctic species. The Norwegian Directorate for Nature Management has a project on the Varanger peninsula to reintroduce and protect the Arctic Fox which is critically endangered on the Norwegian mainland. The Varangerhalvøya National Park (Norwegian: [I]Varangerhalvøya Nasjonalpark[/I]) lies to the west of road Fv341 and protects a majority of the land on the Varanger peninsula. Date: 3rd July 2019 Location: Komagdalen, Varangerhalvøya National Park, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32709101.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_71032036459ad27d534f580.61272424.jpgEuropean Pond Terrapin The European Pond Terrapin (also called the European Pond Turtle) is a long-living freshwater species of turtle. It varies quite a bit across its distribution from 5 to 15 inches in length and is olive, brown or black in colour with yellow spots and streaks on the shell and skin although some individuals are nearly black without yellow markings. The European Pond Terrapin is found in south and central Europe, west Asia and north Africa. In the early post-glacial period, it had a much wider distribution being found as far north as south Sweden. The European Pond Terrapin can be found in ponds, lakes and slow moving rivers, preferring water bodies with soft bottoms such as mud or sand where it hunts for fish, amphibians, aquatic invertebrates and aquatic plants. It basks during the day but will dive back in to the water if disturbed. The European Pond Terrapin hibernates during the winter. The European Pond Terrapin is usually considered semi-aquatic since their terrestrial movements can span considerable distances away from water. In spring females lay 3 to 18 eggs in small holes dug in sunny spots and the incubation period lasts 2 to 4 months. Climate has an effect on the survival of hatchlings. Hatchlings are only able to survive under favourable weather conditions but due to regular annual clutch sizes and long lifespan, adults balance out the loss of hatchlings due to climate. The European Pond Terrapin has become rare in most countries even though they are widely distributed in Europe. The building of roads and driving of cars through natural habitats is a possible factor that threatens the population. Road networks and traffic often carry complex ecological effects to animal populations such as fragmenting natural habitats and creating barriers for animal movement. Mortality on the road is most likely due to females selecting nests near roads which places a potential danger for the hatchlings as well. Hatchlings that wander too closely to roads are more likely to be killed and put the future population in danger. The life span of the European Pond Terrapin is 40 to 60 years but it can live to over 100 years but this is very rare and unusual. Date: 20th May 2017 Location: Hortobágy-Halastó, Hortobágy National Park, Hajdú-Bihar county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/western-rhodopes-mountains-smolyan-province https://images.on-this.website/4752_19608018885d3081f630d91.jpgWestern Rhodopes Mountains, Smolyan Province, Bulgaria The Rhodopes Mountains are a mountain range in south east Europe. They are spread over 5689 square miles of which 4723 square miles are located in south Bulgaria and the remainder in north Greece. The Rhodopes Mountains are about 149 miles long and about 62 to 75 miles wide with an average altitude of 2575 feet. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 7188 feet and is situated 12 miles to the west of Smolyan. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rhodopes Mountains gives its name to the terrestrial eco-region Rodope montane mixed forests that belong in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The area is particularly notable for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans plus its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms such as the Trigrad Gorge. The Rhodopes Mountains can be sub-divided in to 3 sections: The Western Rhodopes are spread over 66% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and they are higher, the most infrastructurally developed and the most visited part of the mountains. The highest and best known peaks are located in this section with more than 10 over 6562 feet high including the highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7188 feet). Some of the deepest river gorges in the Rhodopes Mountains are located in the west as well as several large lakes. The Eastern Rhodopes are spread over a territory of about 34% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and are much lower in height. The large artificial dams of Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets are located in this part of the mountains. Almost every species of European bird of prey nests in the Eastern Rhodopes including the rare Black Vulture and Egyptian Vulture. The Southern Rhodopes are the part of the mountain range that is located in Greece and they are characterized by numerous peaks of relatively low altitude. Date: 28th May 2018 Location: near Devin, Western Rhodopes Mountains, Smolyan Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/straits-of-gibraltar-and-northern https://images.on-this.website/4752_106836010452528c5663c0c.jpgStraits of Gibraltar and northern Africa The Straits of Gibraltar are a narrow strait that connect the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea and separate Gibraltar and Spain in Europe from Morocco in Africa. The name comes from the Rock of Gibraltar, which in turn originates from the Arabic Jebel Tariq (meaning "Tariq's mountain") named after Tariq ibn Ziyad. It is Europe and Africa are separated by 8.9 miles of sea at the Straits’ narrowest point and the Straits’ depth ranges from 980 and 3,000 feet. On the northern side of the Straits are Spain and Gibraltar (a British overseas territory in the Iberian peninsula) while on the southern side are Morocco and Ceuta (a Spanish exclave in north Africa). Its boundaries were known in antiquity as the Pillars of Hercules. There are several islets, such as the disputed Isla Perejil, that are claimed by both Morocco and Spain. The Straits are an important shipping route from the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean. There are also ferries that operate between Spain and Morocco across the Straits as well as between Spain and Ceuta and between Gibraltar and Tangier. Due to its location, the Straits are commonly used for illegal immigration from Africa to Europe. Date: 9th September 2013 Location: view from El Mirador del Estrecho, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/loch-moidart-ardnamurchan-highland https://images.on-this.website/4752_996456052560fb49b679e9.jpgLoch Moidart, Ardnamurchan, Highland Loch Moidart is a sea-loch on the west coast of Scotland which opens out to the south of the Sound of Arisaig. It is fed by the River Moidart which rises to the north east and flows through Glen Moidart to meet the loch at the settlement of Kinlochmoidart. Castle Tioram from the Gaelic "Caisteal Tioram" meaning "dry castle" is a ruined castle that sits on the tidal island Eilean Tioram in Loch Moidart located west of Acharacle, approximately 50 miles from Fort William. Though hidden from the sea, the castle controls access to Loch Shiel. The castle, a listed building and scheduled ancient monument, is the traditional seat of Clan MacDonald of Clan Ranald, a branch of Clan Donald. Castle Tioram was seized by Government forces around 1692 when Clan Chief Allan of Clanranald joined the Jacobite Court in France, despite having sworn allegiance to the British Crown. A small garrison was stationed in the castle until the Jacobite Uprising of 1715 when Allan recaptured and torched it, purportedly to keep it out of the hands of Hanoverian forces. It has been unoccupied since that time. The castle is now in extremely poor condition and in 1998 was closed to the public at the request of Highland Council. The castle can be reached on foot across the tidal causeway but there is no access to the interior because of the risk of falling masonry. Date: 21st September 2015 Location: view from the unclassified road north of Shiel Bridge http://www.richardchewphotography.com/loch-garten-highland https://images.on-this.website/4752_931018417467f230339f68.jpgLoch Garten, Highland Loch Garten lies between the River Spey and the Cairngorm Mountains just to the north east of Aviemore and became famous in 1954 when a pair of Ospreys returned to nest here, the first since 1910. Loch Garten is situated in the Abernethy Forest, part of the largest native Caledonian pine forest in the UK. It offers a unique mix of woodland and northern bog with a great variety of birds and other wildlife. The loch and surrounding areas are managed by the RSPB as a nature reserve. Date: 15th May 2005 Location: view from the northern shore along the track to Loch Mallachie http://www.richardchewphotography.com/little-grebe-chick https://images.on-this.website/4752_11343062674e3a7840da00a.jpgLittle Grebe chick The Little Grebe, also known as the Dabchick, is the smallest member of the grebe family measuring 9 to 11.5 inches in length. The adult is unmistakable in summer, predominantly dark above with its rich, rufous colour neck, cheeks and flanks and bright yellow gape. The rufous is replaced by a dirty brownish grey in non-breeding and juvenile birds. Juveniles have a yellow bill with a small black tip and black and white streaks on the cheeks and sides of the neck. This yellow bill darkens as the juveniles age, eventually turning black as an adult. The Little Grebe can be noisy with a distinctive whinnying trill. The Little Grebe can be found across Europe, much of Asia down to New Guinea and in most of Africa. It breeds in small colonies in freshwater wetlands with muddy bottoms and edges and still or slow-moving water with plenty of emergent vegetation such as lakes, gravel pits, canals and rivers. Most birds move to more open or coastal waters in winter but it is only migratory in those parts of its range where the waters freeze. Like all grebes, the Little Grebe nests at the water's edge since its legs are set very far back and it can not walk well. Usually 4 to 7 eggs are laid. The young leave the nest and can swim soon after hatching but are often carried on the backs of the swimming adults. The Little Grebe is an excellent swimmer and diver and pursues its fish and aquatic invertebrate prey underwater. It uses the vegetation skilfully as a hiding place. Date: 31st July 2011 Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/spur-winged-plover https://images.on-this.website/4752_1868126897559cf39fd9a02.jpgSpur-winged Plover The Spur-winged Plover or Spur-winged Lapwing is a lapwing species and is a conspicuous and unmistakable bird. It is a medium-large wader with a black crown, chest, fore-neck stripe and tail. The face, the rest of the neck and the belly are white and the wings and back are light brown. The bill and legs are black. The bird's common name refers to a small claw or spur hidden in each of its wings. The Spur-winged Plover breeds in marshes and similar freshwater wetland habitats around the eastern Mediterranean and in a wide band from sub-Saharan west Africa to Arabia. The Greek and Turkish breeders are migratory but other populations are resident. The species is declining in its northern range but is abundant in much of tropical Africa where it can be seen at almost any wetland habitat in its range. Date: 8th May 2015 Location: Evros Delta (east), East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33568430.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14760546605a106b5dd9943.jpgSound of Islay and Jura, Argyll The Sound of Islay is the name given to a narrow strait of water in Argyll that separates the island of Islay from the island of Jura. It is approximately 19 miles in length from north to south and lies between Rubh' a' Mhàil on Islay and Rubh' Aird na Sgitheich on Jura to the north and Macarthur's Head on Islay and Rubha na Tràille on Jura to the south. At its narrowest point, a vehicle and passenger ferry service operates across the Sound of Islay from Feolin on the west coast of Jura to Port Askaig on Islay. Jura is an island in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. It is separated from the Knapdale district of Argyll to the east by the Sound of Jura and from the island of Islay to the south west by the Sound of Islay. To the north, the Strait of Corryvreckan, with its notorious whirlpools, separates Jura from the island of Scarba. Jura extends 27 miles north east to south west and is 8 miles at its widest. It rises to a height of 2571 feet at Beinn an Oir, one of the three distinctive conical peaks known as the Paps of Jura. Jura is nearly bisected in to 2 separate islands by Loch Tarbert. Compared with its fertile and more populous neighbour of Islay, Jura is mountainous, bare and infertile and it is covered largely by vast areas of blanket bog, hence its very small population. Most of the island's population live in Craighouse which sits on a bay on the east coast protected by a string of islets known as the Small Isles. A 19th century whisky distillery here was reopened in 1963. A single road follows the east coast as far north as Inverlussa and a track continues northwards from here past Barnhill where the novelist George Orwell spent much of his final years and where he wrote “1984”. Date: 4th November 2017 Location: view from Bunnahabhain, Islay looking east towards Jura http://www.richardchewphotography.com/kyle-of-durness-highland https://images.on-this.website/4752_192967414753d106e1db0de.jpgKyle of Durness, Highland The Kyle of Durness is a broad and sandy coastal inlet in the far north west of Scotland. It extends 5.5 miles inland from Balnakeil and divides the Cape Wrath peninsula from the mainland. The nearest village is Durness. The Kyle of Durness is around 0.5 miles wide and tidal with only a narrow channel of water remaining at low tide along most of its length. Unlike other coastal inlets along Scotland's north coast it is not straight, having 2 major bends around Keoldale. It opens into Balnakeil Bay which is around 2 miles wide at its mouth. The River Dionard and River Grudie flow into the Kyle of Durness at its southern end with the River Daill and a number of minor streams also flowing into it along its length. The geology along the eastern side of the Kyle of Durness is limestone with rolling grasslands dominating. The Kyle of Durness and its surrounding area forms part of the Oldshoremore, Cape Wrath and Durness Special Landscape Area. It contains a number of archaeological remains dating to the prehistoric period. The A838 road runs along the eastern shore of the Kyle of Durness in its southern section with an unclassified road leading west to Keoldale, the only remaining settlement on the shore. The Cape Wrath passenger ferry operates from Keoldale between May and September and this connects with a minibus on the other side which conveys visitors on a very rough 14 mile journey on a track across The Parph to Cape Wrath, the most north westerly point on the Scottish mainland. The western shore of the Kyle of Durness is uninhabited with the former farmsteads at Achimore and Daill the only settlements. Date: 18th June 2014 Location: view looking north from the A838 http://www.richardchewphotography.com/greater-short-toed-lark https://images.on-this.website/4752_4648770935d3081ce3762f.jpgGreater Short-toed Lark The Greater Short-toed Lark is a small passerine bird and 8 sub-species have been described according to their geographical range. This includes the European Greater Short-toed Lark which is found in south Europe and on Mediterranean islands. The Greater Short-toed Lark is a small pale lark which is smaller than the Skylark. It is dark-streaked greyish-brown above and white below. It has a strong pointed bill that is pinkish with a grey culmen and it has a pale supercilium, dark patches on each side of its neck and a dark tail. Some birds in the west of the range have a rufous crown. The sexes are similar. The song varies between a dry twittering and a more varied and imitative melody. Flocks will often fly together to water at favourite spots in the mornings. In the evenings, flocks will roost in open ground with each bird squatting in a small depression made in the soil. The nominate form of the Greater Short-toed Lark breeds in Europe (Iberia, France, Italy, the Balkans and Romania) and winters south of the Sahara in Africa. Other sub-species breed in east Europe, north west Africa and across temperate Asia from Turkey and south Russia to Mongolia. It is also a fairly common vagrant to north and west Europe in spring and autumn. The Greater Short-toed Lark is a common bird of dry open country and cultivation. It nests on the ground and feeds mainly on seeds and insects, the latter especially during the breeding season. Date: 28th May 2018 Location: Enchets to Pudartsi, Eastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/grazalema-andalucia-spain https://images.on-this.website/4752_50459395352528ba0128f6.jpgGrazalema, Andalucia, Spain Grazalema is a “white village” located in a high valley in the Sierra del Endrinal and dominated by the magnificent rocky outcrop known as Peñon Grande. It is situated in the foothills of the mountains of the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park in the province of Cádiz in Andalucia. Grazalema is a lively village whose population of 2,250 swells hugely with the influx of visitors to the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park. Its steep, cobbled streets are immaculately kept and are lined by whitewashed houses with windows covered by wrought-iron rejas and plant pots spilling over with colourful flowers. The village was established in Moorish times by Berber settlers who discovered a striking similarity with the mountains of their homeland and those of the Sierra de Grazalema. They introduced sheep to graze the lush mountain pastures and produced wool for ponchos and blankets to guard against the wet climate. Date: 7th September 2013 Location: Grazalema, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/haukadalur-south-iceland https://images.on-this.website/4752_1828123511561ccfafcc4c4.jpgHaukadalur, south Iceland The Haukadalur geothermal area is located in south west Iceland to the north east of the Reykjanes peninsula and Reykjavík. Here can be seen some of the most famous sights of Iceland: the geysers and other geothermal features which have developed on the Laugarfjall rhyolitic dome. The biggest geysers of Haukadalur are Strokkur and Geysir. There are also more than 40 other hot springs, mud pots and fumaroles nearby. The oldest accounts of hot springs at Haukadalur date back to 1294 when earthquakes in the area caused significant changes in the local neighbouring landscape creating several new hot springs. Changes in the activity of Geysir and the surrounding geysers are still strongly related to earthquake activity. Strokkur is a fountain geyser and is one of Iceland's most famous geysers. It is very dependable and erupts about every 5 to 10 minutes with boiling water reaching a height of 50 to 65 feet and sometimes up to 130 feet. Geysir, sometimes known as The Great Geysir, was the first geyser described in a printed source in the 18th century and the first known to modern Europeans. Since unusual natural phenomena were of high interest to society during the Age of Enlightenment, the term became popular and has been used for similar hydrothermal features worldwide since then. The English word geyser derives from Geysir whilst Geysir itself is derived from the Icelandic verb <i>geysa</i> ("to gush"). Eruptions at Geysir can hurl boiling water up to 230 feet in the air but eruptions are now very infrequent and have in the past stopped altogether for years at a time. The Haukadalur geothermal area, usually referred to as Geysir, is popular with tourists and, together with the magnificent waterfall at Gulfoss and Þingvellir, it is part of a group of the most famous sights of Iceland known as the "Golden Circle". Date: 7th June 2015 Location: site of Geysir at Haukadalur http://www.richardchewphotography.com/black-tailed-godwits-and-a https://images.on-this.website/4752_101996533556351ffc1c2cd.jpgBlack-tailed Godwits .... and a Redwing! The Black-tailed Godwit is a large, long-legged, long-billed shorebird with an orange head, neck and chest in its breeding plumage and a uniform brown-grey breast and upperparts in winter. During the breeding season, the bill has a yellowish or orange-pink base and dark tip but the base is pink in winter. The legs are dark grey, brown or black. The sexes are similar but in breeding plumage they can be separated by the male's brighter, more extensive orange breast, neck and head. In flight, the bold black and white wingbar and white rump can be seen readily. When on the ground the Black-tailed Godwit can be difficult to separate from the similar Bar-tailed Godwit but the Black-tailed Godwit's longer, straighter bill and longer legs are diagnostic. The Black-tailed Godwit’s breeding range stretches from Iceland through northern Europe and areas of central Asia where it can be found in fens, lake edges, damp meadows, moorlands and bogs. It winters in areas as diverse as the Indian Subcontinent, Australia, western Europe and west Africa where it can be found on estuaries and floods. It is also more likely to be found inland and on freshwater than the Bar-tailed Godwit. Date: 4th June 2015 Location: Lake Mývatn, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/greenland-white-fronted-geese https://images.on-this.website/4752_14664493275a106ae5f2313.jpgGreater (Greenland) White-fronted Geese The Greater White-fronted Goose is a species of goose which is closely related to the smaller Lesser White-fronted Goose. The Latin name, [i]Anser albifrons[/i], is derived from [i]anser[/i] meaning "goose" and [i]albus[/i] meaning "white" and [i]frons[/i] meaning “forehead”. The Greater White-fronted Goose is 25 to 32 inches in length with a 51 to 65 inches wingspan and weighs 4.3 to 7.3 pounds. It is smaller than the Greylag Goose and, as well as being larger than the Lesser White-fronted Goose, it lacks the yellow eye-ring of that species and the white facial blaze does not extend upwards so far. The Greater White-fronted Goose is a greyish-brown goose with a light grey breast dappled with dark brown to black blotches and bar, a pinkish bill and orange legs and feet. The male is typically larger in size but both sexes are similar in appearance The Greater White-fronted Goose is divided into 5 subspecies. The nominate subspecies Eurasian or Russian White-fronted Goose, [i]A. a. albifrons[/i], breeds in the far north of Europe and Asia and winters further south and west in Europe, including England and Wales. The very distinct Greenland White-fronted Goose, [i]A. a. flavirostris[/i], breeds in west Greenland and is much darker overall with only a very narrow white tip to the tail (broader on the other races), more black barring on its belly and usually has an orange (not pink) bill. It winters in Ireland and west Scotland. Some ecological studies suggest that the Greenland White-fronted Goose should probably be considered a separate species. Weather conditions are a key factor in the annual breeding success of the Greater White-fronted Goose. In the Arctic, the window of opportunity for nesting, incubating eggs and raising a brood is open briefly for about 3 months. Arriving in late May or early June, Greater White-fronted Geese begin departing for their wintering areas in early September. This means that a delayed snowmelt or late spring storm can significantly reduce breeding success. Date: 4th November 2017 Location: Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/dunnet-head-caithness https://images.on-this.website/4752_7715814584e0974f00f703.jpgDunnet Head, Caithness Dunnet Head is a peninsula on the north coast of Scotland, 6 miles north east of Thurso and 10½ miles west of John o' Groats. The peninsula terminates at Easter Head which represents the most northerly point on the mainland of Britain. Dunnet Head is ringed by stunning sea cliffs which reach 300 feet in height and are home to numerous seabirds such as Puffins, Razorbills, Guillemots, Fulmars, Kittiwakes, Shags and Cormorants. The site is protected as a 66-acre reserve which was established in 2008 and is managed by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. A lighthouse was built at Dunnet Head in 1831 by Robert Stevenson and a radar station was built nearby in 1940 to detect German U-boats passing into the Atlantic Ocean but was abandoned at the end of the war. Date: 11th June 2011 Location: view from Dunnet Head looking over the Pentland Firth towards Hoy http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457076.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_60587028766857076582a0.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18776269.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_101164282251f4ceb44ce7b.jpgOystercatcher The Oystercatcher is a wader in the oystercatcher family. It is an obvious and noisy bird with black and white plumage, red legs and a strong broad red bill which is used for smashing or prising open molluscs such as mussels or for finding earthworms. Despite its name, oysters do not form a large part of its diet. The Oystercatcher is unmistakable in flight with white patches on the wings and tail with otherwise black upperparts and white underparts. Young birds are more brown, have a white neck collar and a duller bill. The call is a distinctive loud piping. The bill shape varies: Oystercatchers with broad bill tips open molluscs by prising them apart or hammering through the shell whereas birds with pointed bills dig up worms. Much of this is due to the wear resulting from feeding on their prey. Individual Oystercatchers specialise in one technique or the other which they learn from their parents. The Oystercatcher is the most widespread of the oystercatchers with 3 races breeding in western Europe, central Eurasia, Kamchatka, China, and the western coast of Korea. It is a migratory species over most of its range. The European population breeds mainly in northern Europe but in winter the birds can be found in north Africa and southern parts of Europe. Although the species is present all year in Ireland, the UK and the adjacent European coasts, there is still migratory movement within these populations. In winter, large flocks can be seen on major estuaries in the UK. The Oystercatcher breeds on shingle and rocky beaches, sand dunes, salt marshes and on the grassy tops of small islands and also inland on shingle banks of rivers, lakes and gravel pits Date: 19th June 2013 Location: Glen Quaich, Perthshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/eastern-subalpine-warbler https://images.on-this.website/4752_865890001559ce8b641bb4.jpgEastern Subalpine Warbler The Subalpine Warbler is a small typical Sylvia warbler. The adult male has a blue-grey back and head, brick-red underparts, white malar stripes ("moustaches") and red eyes. The female is mainly brown above with a greyer head and whitish below with a pink flush. The Subalpine Warbler breeds in the southern most areas of Europe and in north west Africa. It is migratory and winters along the southern edge of the Sahara. It can also occur as a vagrant well away from its breeding range in both spring and autumn as far north as the UK. The Subalpine Warbler is a bird of dry open country often on hill slopes with bushes and scrub for nesting. The Subalpine Warbler is divided into 3 distinct sub-species which may possibly be sufficiently diverged to qualify as 3 separate species. The 3 sub-species have differing male plumages and distinctive calls. Western Subalpine Warbler: breeds in Iberia, south France and north west Italy Eastern Subalpine Warbler: breeds in central and south Italy through to the Balkans and west Turkey Moltoni's Warbler: breeds on Mallorca, Cabrera, Corsica and Sardinia and in north Italy The Eastern Subalpine Warbler differs from the nominate race by its deeper blue-grey upperparts, a blackish mask on the lores and ear-coverts, brick reddish-brown colouration confined to the throat and breast and sharply demarcated from a largely white belly, paler flanks and a wider white malar stripe. Date: 14th May 2015 Location: Small Prespa Lake (Mikri Prespa), West Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30825781.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_132495110658f34a0f2b1109.95163815.jpgAvocets The (Pied) Avocet is a large black and white wader in the avocet and stilt family. It is one of 4 species of avocet that make up the genus Recurvirostra. The genus name is from the Latin [i]recurvus[/i] meaning "curved backwards" and [i]rostrum[/i] meaning "bill". The Avocet is a striking white wader with bold black markings. Adults have white plumage except for a black cap and black patches in the wings and on the back. They have long, upturned bills and long, bluish legs. Males and females look alike whilst juveniles resemble the adult but with more greyish and sepia tones. The Avocet breeds in temperate Europe and western and central Asia. The breeding habitat is shallow lakes with brackish water and exposed bare mud where they build a nest on open ground in a lined scrape or on a mound of vegetation. The Avocet is a migratory species and most winter in Africa or southern Asia. Some remain to winter in the mildest parts of their range such as in southern Spain and southern England. The Avocet feeds on crustaceans and insects in shallow brackish water or on mud flats, often scything their bills from side to side in water (a feeding technique that is unique to the avocet species). The Avocet was extinct as a breeding species in the UK by 1840 but its successful recolonisation at Minsmere in Suffolk in 1947 led to its adoption as the logo of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Date: 9th April 2017 Location: EWT Blue House Farm, North Fambridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/helsinki-cathedral-helsinki-uusimaa-finland https://images.on-this.website/4752_5958451295f059ea9c0e08.jpgHelsinki Cathedral, Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland Helsinki Cathedral (Finnish: [i]Helsingin tuomiokirkko, Suurkirkko[/i]; Swedish: [I]Helsingfors domkyrka, Storkyrkan[/i]) is the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran cathedral of the Diocese of Helsinki located in the neighbourhood of Kruununhaka in the centre of Helsinki at the Senate Square. It was originally built from 1830 to 1852 as a tribute to the Grand Duke of Finland, Tsar Nicholas I of Russia. It was also known as St Nicholas' Church until the independence of Finland in 1917. Helsinki Cathedral is a major and distinctive landmark in the Helsinki cityscape with its tall, green dome surrounded by 4 smaller domes. The building is constructed in the neoclassical style and was designed by Carl Ludvig Engel as the climax of his Senate Square layout. It is surrounded by other, smaller buildings designed by him. Date: 26th June 2019 Location: view from Katajanokka harbour, Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28885428.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4619107957cc310ea69b8.jpgWhite Stork The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 15th May 2016 Location: Soomaa National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/loch-eriboll-sutherland https://images.on-this.website/4752_8507123374866c903a3f38.jpgLoch Eriboll, Sutherland Loch Eriboll is a large and deep sea loch which was once used as a naval anchorage. It is located in north west Sutherland 4 miles east of Durness and 9 miles west of Tongue. The loch is around 1 mile wide for much of its length and widens considerably as it reaches the sea. From Durness the A838 road turns south to begin its 10 mile route to where Loch Eriboll ends surrounded by the mountains of north west Sutherland. Having rounded the end of the loch, the road then continues north east past Ard Neakie, the site of former Durness limestone kilns, and heads east towards Tongue. Date: 5th June 2008 Location: view from the A838 road looking south west from the east shore near Ard Neakie http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41249302.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4184809415f00b7ca87be6.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 22nd June 2020 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/kiskunsg-national-park-fejr-hungary https://images.on-this.website/4752_105174480659ad248ab22e13.64643549.jpgKiskunság National Park, Hungary The Kiskunság is a large flat plain situated to the south of Budapest and north of Szeged and located between the Danube and Tisza rivers. Several separate areas of land have been protected as the Kiskunság National Park (Kiskunsági Nemzeti Park) which was created in 1975 and has been declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO. The Kiskunság National Park Management Centre is responsible for 444 square miles of protected area with 193 square miles of the total amount comprising the 7 separated areas of the National Park. Several landscape protection areas, nature conservation areas and other protected areas make up the remainder. While most of the Kiskunság plain is now under intensive agriculture there remains good areas of deciduous woodland and excellent lakes, reedbeds, marshes and wet grassland as well as surviving areas of puszta (grassland plains). Visiting the Kiskunság National Park protected areas requires permission in advance from the visitor centre in Kecskemét. However, most of the birds of the area can be seen outside the protected areas and driving along the minor roads can be highly productive with suitable habitat worthy of investigation scattered over the farmland between the protected areas. From a birding point of view one of the most interesting areas is located between the villages of Szabadszallas and Fulopszallas in the centre of the region. Date: 17th May 2017 Location: puszta area between Szabadszallas and Fulopszallas, Kiskunság National Park, Fejér county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/p5030502-edit https://images.on-this.website/4752_139003590066433042c961d.jpgRed Squirrel The Red Squirrel or Eurasian Red Squirrel is a species of tree squirrel in the genus Sciurus. It is an arboreal and primarily herbivorous rodent. The Red Squirrel has a typical head and body length of 7.5 to 9 inches, a tail length of 6 to 8 inches and a weight of 9 to 12 ounces. Males and females are the same size. The Red Squirrel is smaller and lighter in weight than the Grey Squirrel The coat of the Red Squirrel varies in colour with the time of year and its location and there are several different coat colour morphs ranging from black to red. Red coats are most common in the UK but in other parts of Europe and Asia different coat colours co-exist within populations. The underside of the Red Squirrel is always creamy-white in colour. The Red Squirrel sheds its coat twice a year, switching from a thinner summer coat to a thicker, darker winter coat with noticeably larger ear-tufts (a prominent distinguishing feature of this species) between August and November. A lighter, redder overall coat colour, along with the ear-tufts (in adults) and smaller size, distinguish the Red Squirrel from the Grey Squirrel. The long tail helps the Red Squirrel to balance and steer when jumping from tree to tree and running along branches and it may also keep it warm during sleep. The Red Squirrel, like most tree squirrels, has sharp and curved claws to enable it to climb and descend broad tree trunks, thin branches and even house walls and its strong hind legs enable it to leap gaps between trees. The Red Squirrel can be found in the boreal coniferous woods in north Europe and Siberia where it prefers Scots Pine, Norway Spruce and Siberian Pine. In west and south Europe it can be found in broad-leaved woods where the mixture of tree and shrub species provides a better year round source of food. In most of the UK and in Italy, broad-leaved woodlands are now less suitable for it due to the better competitive feeding strategy of the introduced Grey Squirrel. The Red Squirrel makes a drey (nest) out of twigs in a branch-fork, forming a domed structure about 9 to 12 inches in diameter. This is lined with moss, leaves, grass and bark. Tree hollows and woodpecker holes are also used. The Red Squirrel is generally a solitary animal and is shy and reluctant to share food with others. However, outside the breeding season and particularly in winter, several Red Squirrels may share a drey to keep warm. Social organisation is based on dominance hierarchies within and between sexes. Although males are not necessarily dominant towards females, the dominant animals tend to be larger and older than subordinate animals and dominant males tend to have larger home ranges than subordinate males or females. Mating can occur in late winter during February and March and in summer between June and July. During mating, males detect females that are in oestrus by an odour that they produce and, although there is no courtship, the male will chase the female for up to an hour prior to mating. Usually multiple males will chase a single female until the dominant male, usually the largest in the group, mates with the female. Males and females will mate multiple times with many partners. Females must reach a minimum body mass before they enter oestrus and heavy females on average produce more young. If food is scarce breeding may be delayed. Typically a female will produce her first litter in her second year. Up to 2 litters a year per female are possible. Each litter averages 3 young and these are known as kits. Gestation is about 38 to 39 days and the young are looked after by the mother alone and are born helpless, blind and deaf. Their body is covered by hair at 21 days, their eyes and ears open after 3 to 4 weeks and they develop all their teeth by 42 days. Juveniles can eat solids around 40 days following birth and from that point they can leave the nest on their own to find food. However, they still suckle from their mother until weaning occurs at 8 to 10 weeks. The Red Squirrel eats mostly the seeds of trees, fungi, nuts (especially hazelnuts but also beech and chestnuts), berries and young shoots. More rarely, it may also eat bird eggs or nestlings and may occasionally exhibit opportunistic omnivory similar to other rodents. Excess food is put into caches, either buried or in nooks or holes in trees, and eaten when food is scarce. Although the Red Squirrel remembers where it created caches at a better than chance level, its spatial memory is believed to be substantially less accurate and durable than that of the Grey Squirrel. Therefore it will often have to search for them when in need and many caches are never found again. Between 60% and 80% of the active time of a Red Squirrel may be spent foraging and feeding. The active period is generally in the morning and in the late afternoon and evening. It often rests in its nest in the middle of the day to avoid the heat and the high visibility to birds of prey that are dangers during these hours. During the winter, this midday rest is often much more brief or absent entirely although harsh weather may cause it to stay in its nest for days at a time. No territories are claimed between Red Squirrels and the feeding areas of individuals overlap considerably. A Red Squirrel that survives its first winter has a life expectancy of 3 years. Individuals may reach 7 years of age and 10 years in captivity. Survival is positively related to the availability of autumn and winter tree seeds. On average, 75 to 85% of juveniles die during their first winter and mortality is approximately 50% for winters following the first. Predators include small mammals such as the Pine Marten, the Wildcat and the Stoat which all prey on juveniles. Birds, including owls and raptors such as the Goshawk and Common Buzzard, may also prey on the Red Squirrel as will the Red Fox and domestic cats and dogs when it is on the ground. Humans influence the population size and mortality of the Red Squirrel by destroying or altering habitats, by causing road casualties and by introducing non-native populations of the Grey Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel and the Red Squirrel are not directly antagonistic and violent conflict between these species is not a factor in the decline in Red Squirrel populations. However, the Grey Squirrel appears to contribute to the decrease in the Red Squirrel population for several reasons: it carries a disease, the squirrel parapoxvirus, that does not appear to affect its own health but will often kill the Red Squirrel, it can better digest acorns whilst the Red Squirrel cannot access the proteins and fats in acorns as easily and it can put the Red Squirrel under pressure for food resources resulting in it not breeding as often. In the UK, due to the above circumstances, the population has today fallen to 160,000 Red Squirrels or fewer with the majority of these in Scotland. Outside the UK and Ireland, the impact of competition from the Grey Squirrel has also been observed in Italy where 2 pairs escaped from captivity in 1948. A significant drop in the Red Squirrel population has been observed since 1970 and it is feared that the Grey Squirrel may expand into the rest of Europe. The Red Squirrel is protected in most of Europe although in some areas it is abundant and is hunted for its fur. In the UK there are several active projects to protect the Red Squirrel and its native woodland habitat, introduce or re-introduce it in to areas where it is absent and eradicate and prevent the spread of the Grey Squirrel. Research undertaken in 2007 in the UK credits the Pine Marten with reducing the population of the invasive Grey Squirrel. Where the range of the expanding Pine Marten population meets that of the Grey Squirrel, the population of the latter retreats. It is theorised that, because the Grey Squirrel spends more time on the ground than the Red Squirrel, it is far more likely to come in contact with the Pine Marten. Date: 3rd May 2024 Location: Dingle Local Nature Reserve, Llangefni, Anglesey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45290996.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1176054918623acb2f311cf.jpgBrown Rat Brown Rats have coarse brown or occasionally black fur with a pale underside. They have a long tail which is sparsely haired. Although originally native to eastern Asia and Japan, Brown Rats are now distributed world-wide. They spread across the UK via the shipping traffic from foreign countries in the 18th century and largely replaced the Black Rat. They are highly adaptable and can be found all over the UK, except for exposed mountain regions and some small offshore islands, and live in loose colonies and home ranges of around 50 metres in diameter. Along with the House Mouse, the Brown Rat is considered to be the most widespread terrestrial mammal in the UK and they are subject to persistent pest control due to the damage they cause and the numerous diseases they spread. Brown Rats are omnivorous and have a very varied diet. They are typically nocturnal although they will sometimes forage for food during the day. They also swim well and are sometimes mistaken for Water Voles. Brown Rats live for around 18 months and breed throughout the year producing 5 litters of 8 young a year. Date: 10th March 2022 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11328552.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17792382674e1d674ed10f1.jpgLittle Grebe The Little Grebe, also known as the Dabchick, is the smallest member of the grebe family measuring 9 to 11.5 inches in length. The adult is unmistakable in summer, predominantly dark above with its rich, rufous colour neck, cheeks and flanks and bright yellow gape. The rufous is replaced by a dirty brownish grey in non-breeding and juvenile birds. Juveniles have a yellow bill with a small black tip and black and white streaks on the cheeks and sides of the neck. This yellow bill darkens as the juveniles age, eventually turning black as an adult. The Little Grebe can be noisy with a distinctive whinnying trill. The Little Grebe can be found across Europe, much of Asia down to New Guinea and in most of Africa. It breeds in small colonies in freshwater wetlands with muddy bottoms and edges and still or slow-moving water with plenty of emergent vegetation such as lakes, gravel pits, canals and rivers. Most birds move to more open or coastal waters in winter but it is only migratory in those parts of its range where the waters freeze. Like all grebes, the Little Grebe nests at the water's edge since its legs are set very far back and it can not walk well. Usually 4 to 7 eggs are laid. The young leave the nest and can swim soon after hatching but are often carried on the backs of the swimming adults. The Little Grebe is an excellent swimmer and diver and pursues its fish and aquatic invertebrate prey underwater. It uses the vegetation skilfully as a hiding place. Date: 13th September 2007 Location: Snettisham, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453982.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15350001554ff547342e138.jpgEuropean Bee-eater The European Bee-eater is an incredibly colourful bird with an unmistakable appearance. In breeding plumage, it has a rich chestnut crown that blends into gold on its back. The forehead is white, the throat is yellow bordered by black and the underparts are blue. The male European Bee-eater has a chestnut-coloured patch in the middle of the wing while in females this patch is usually smaller or even absent. Occasionally, females may also be distinguished from the males by having a green back. The wings and backs of juvenile European Bee-eaters are entirely green and the eyes are brown in contrast to the bright red eyes of adults. The European Bee-eater breeds in southern Europe and in parts of north Africa and western Asia. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, India and Sri Lanka. European Bee-eaters are occasionally seen in northern Europe (including the UK) as a spring overshoot north of its range with occasional breeding occurring. Just as the name suggests, the European Bee-eater predominantly eats insects, especially bees, wasps and hornets which are caught in the air by sorties from an open perch. Before eating its meal, a European Bee-eater removes the sting by repeatedly hitting the insect on a hard surface. Lizards and frogs are also taken. European Bee-eaters are gregarious, nesting colonially in sandy banks preferably near river shores and also feeding and roosting communally. Date: 30th April 2012 Location: south of Brozas, western Cáceres, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/kyle-more-sound-of-raasay https://images.on-this.website/4752_80038154553d119f096ee5.jpgNarrows of Raasay, Sound of Raasay and The Storr, Skye The Narrows of Raasay and the Sound of Raasay are the stretches of water between the islands of Raasay and Skye. The Sound of Raasay is the deepest water in the UK Continental Shelf at 1,062 feet, exceeding the 987 feet below sea level depth observed at Loch Morar. The Storr is a rocky hill on the Trotternish peninsula of Skye. The hill presents a steep rocky eastern face overlooking the Sound of Raasay, contrasting with gentler grassy slopes to the west. The Storr is a prime example of the Trotternish landslip, the longest such feature in the UK. The area in front of the cliffs of the Storr is known as the Sanctuary. This has a number of weirdly shaped rock pinnacles, the remnants of ancient landslips. Date: 21st June 2014 Location: view from the unclassified road east of Sconser http://www.richardchewphotography.com/loch-torridon-wester-ross https://images.on-this.website/4752_760718065467f22d83c8d5.jpgLoch Torridon, Wester Ross Loch Torridon is a sea loch on the west coast of Scotland and is in total around 15 miles long. It has two sections: Upper Loch Torridon to landward and east of Rubha na h-Airde Ghlaise and at which point it joins Loch Sheildaig and the main western section of Loch Torridon proper. Loch Torridon is surrounded by various mountains to the north, including Liathach, Beinn Alligin and Beinn Eighe, all of which are over 3,000 feet in height and exhibit some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the UK. The rocks of which they are made are known as Torridonian sandstone, some of which are crowned by white Cambrian quartzite. They are amongst the oldest rocks in the UK and sit on yet older rocks of Lewisian gneiss. Date: 11th June 2006 Location: view from near Kenmore on the unclassified road between Applecross and Shieldaig http://www.richardchewphotography.com/bucegi-mountains-braov-county-romania https://images.on-this.website/4752_1596512465d3089eab746b.jpgBucegi Mountains, Brașov County, Romania The Bucegi Mountains are a mountain range located in central Romania south of the city of Brașov. They are part of the Southern Carpathians group of the Carpathian Mountains. Omu is the highest peak at 8219 feet. To the east, the Bucegi Mountains have a very steep slope and are bordered by the Prahova Valley. This area holds the most ski resorts in Romania including the small mountain towns of Sinaia and Bușteni. The area of the Bucegi Mountains was proposed for protection in 1936 due to its landscapes and great diversity of plant and animal species. Bucegi Natural Park was eventually established in March 1990 and this covers an area of over 125 square miles representing a mountainous area with caves, pit caves, canyons, ridges, sinkholes, valleys and waterfalls. Habitats include beech forests, bushes, alpine limestone grasslands, alpine rivers and herbaceous vegetation, mountain hay meadows, springs, limestone rocky slopes and semi-natural dry grasslands. There are several nature reserves in Bucegi Natural Park. The TransBucegi (designated as route DJ 713) is one of Romania’s most scenic drives. It starts 10 miles west of Sinaia at Cabana Dichiu and runs for 24 miles to Cabana Piatra Arsa on the Bucegi Mountains Plateau in Bucegi National Park. The TransBucegi ranges in height from 2495 feet at Sinaia to 6316 feet at the route end at Cabana Piatra Arsa. The route encompasses miles of stunning views through twisty hair pin corners, steep gradients and high elevations. The route was officially inaugurated in August 2013 and it is the third high altitude road in Romania after the Transfăgărăşan and Transalpina. Date: 6th June 2018 Location: Bucegi Mountains from the Bran Pass, Moieciu de Jos, Brașov County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9581118.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7666034454db03542b3124.jpgLesser Yellowlegs The Lesser Yellowlegs is a large sandpiper with brown-streaked upperparts, white underparts and streaked upper breast and sides. A white lower rump and dark-barred tail are visible in flight. The bill is straight and uniformly dark grey and the legs are long and yellow. The Lesser Yellowlegs breeds from western Alaska and Canada east to western Quebec. They spend winters on coasts from southern California and Virginia southward and along the Gulf coast. The preferred habitats include coastal mudflats and lagoons, inland lakes, ponds, rivers, sewage works and flooded grasslands. In the UK, the Lesser Yellowlegs is a very scarce visitor with typically 5 records per year. This photo is of a first winter bird that took up residence in the creeks and flooded fields around Thornham Harbour in north Norfolk in January 2007. Date: 26/01/07 Location: Thornham, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512506.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_113600973462c99a135750a.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 9th May 2022 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/ballycotton-co-cork-ireland https://images.on-this.website/4752_5270349615e5394000a374.jpgBallycotton, Co. Cork, Ireland Ballycotton is a coastal village in Co. Cork situated about 25 miles east of Cork city. It sits on a rocky ledge overlooking Ballycotton Bay. The current village is actually a re-settlement of an older village which is now entirely underwater. Ballycotton experiences severe coastal erosion with land crumbling into the sea every few years. It is a site of international research interest on coastal erosion. Situated on the steep sloped Ballycotton Island just offshore from the village, Ballycotton lighthouse was commissioned in 1851 when the keeper and his family lived on the island and their children rowed to school weather permitting. By 1899 the 4 keepers were housed in the village with keepers rotating duty at the lighthouse. In 1975 the light was converted to electricity and it was automated in March 1992 when the lighthouse keepers were withdrawn. Ballycotton has a cliff walk extending westward for over 5 miles to Ballytrasna and Ballyandreen flanked by meadows on one side and the Celtic Sea on the other. It is also surrounded by wonderful sandy beaches stretching eastwards from Silverstrand to Ballycrenane towards Knockadoon Head. Ballycotton is well known as a site for rare and scarce migrant landbirds during spring and autumn migration and for sea-watching in suitable weather conditions. The cliff walk provides opportunities to see Chough and Peregrine and the beaches support waders, ducks and other coastal/dune birds Date: 2nd February 2020 Location: Ballycotton cliffs and Ballycotton Island, Co. Cork, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/eastern-olivaceous-warbler https://images.on-this.website/4752_17968700035d307dc9b3d56.jpgEastern Olivaceous Warbler The Eastern Olivaceous Warbler is a species of marsh warbler in the genus [i]Acrocephalus[/i]. It was formerly regarded as part of a wider "Olivaceous Warbler" species but as a result of modern taxonomic developments, it is now usually considered distinct from the Western Olivaceous Warbler. The Eastern Olivaceous Warbler is a medium-sized warbler broadly similar in appearance to the Reed Warbler. The adult has a plain pale brown back and whitish underparts. The bill is strong and pointed and the legs are grey. The plumage of the sexes is identical. It has a characteristic downward tail flick and the song is a fast nasal babbling. The Western Olivaceous Warbler differs from the Eastern Olivaceous Warbler in being larger and having a browner tinge to the upperparts. The Eastern Olivaceous Warbler breeds in dry open country with bushes or trees in south east Europe and the Middle East and a sub-species is thought to be locally common as a breeding species in south east Morocco. It is migratory and winters in sub-Saharan Africa or Arabia. It is a rare vagrant to north Europe. Like most warblers, the Eastern Olivaceous Warbler is insectivorous. Date: 24th May 2018 Location: Ivaylovgrad Reservoir near Borislavtsi, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48482978.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_641036928640a3dfe1d09e.jpgSnow Bunting Snow Buntings are large buntings with striking “snowy” plumages. Males in summer have all white heads and underparts contrasting with a black mantle and wing tips. Females are a more mottled above. In autumn and winter birds develop a sandy/buff wash to their plumage and males have more mottled upperparts. Snow Buntings breed in far northern Europe and migrate south in winter. They are a very scarce breeding species in the UK and can be found on the highest mountain peaks in Scotland where they nest in rocky crevices. Snow Buntings are best looked for in winter (from late September to early March) where they can sometimes be seen in large flocks on the seashore or on adjacent short rough grassland at coastal sites in Scotland and eastern England. Date: 31st January 2023 Location: Cley-next-the-Sea, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/juvenile-blackcap https://images.on-this.website/4752_18110413716118b01552308.jpgJuvenile Blackcap The Eurasian Blackcap, usually known simply as the Blackcap, is a typical warbler in the Sylvia genus. It is a mainly grey warbler with distinct male and female plumages. It is about 5.1 inches long with a 2.8 to 3.1 inches wing span. The adult male has olive-grey upperparts, other than a paler grey nape, and a neat black cap on the head. The underparts are light grey, becoming silvery white on the chin, throat and upper breast. The tail is dark grey with an olive tint to the outer edge of each feather. The bill and long legs are grey and the iris is reddish brown. The female resembles the male but has a reddish-brown cap and a slightly browner tone to the grey of the upperparts. Juveniles are similar to the female but their upperparts have a slight rufous tinge and the breast and flanks have a more olive tone. Young males have a darker brown cap than their female counterparts. The Blackcap is unmistakable and other dark-headed Sylvia species, such as the Sardinian Warbler and the Orphean Warbler, have extensive black on the head instead of a small cap and they are also larger and have white edges on the tail. The male Blackcap's song is a rich musical warbling, often ending in a loud high-pitched crescendo, which is given in bursts of up to 30 seconds. The song is repeated for about 2 minutes with a short pause before each repetition. The main song can be confused with that of the Garden Warbler but it is slightly higher pitched than in that species, more broken into discrete song segments and less mellow. Both species have a quiet sub-song, a muted version of the full song, which is even harder to separate. The Blackcap also occasionally mimics the song of other birds, the most frequently copied including the Garden Warbler and the Nightingale. The Blackcap’s breeding range includes much of Europe, west Asia and north west Africa and its preferred habitat is mature deciduous woodland. Birds on the Mediterranean and Atlantic islands and in the milder west and south of the main Eurasian distribution often winter within the breeding range but populations elsewhere are migratory. The Blackcap is a “leap-frog migrant” meaning that birds from the north of the breeding range travel furthest south whereas Mediterranean breeders move much shorter distances. The wintering areas overlap with the breeding range but also include extensive areas in west Africa, east Africa south to Lake Malawi and further north in Ethiopia, South Sudan and Eritrea. There is a migratory divide in Europe at longitude 10 to 11°E. Birds to the west of this line migrate south west towards Iberia or west Africa whereas populations to the east migrate to the east Mediterranean and on to east Africa. Climate change appears to be affecting the migration pattern of the Blackcap. It is arriving in Europe earlier than previously and departing nearly 2 weeks later than in the 1980s. In recent decades, some central European birds have taken to wintering in gardens in the UK and, to a lesser extent, in Ireland, where the Blackcap was formerly just a summer visitor. Although the UK climate is sub-optimal, compensatory factors include the ready availability of food (particularly from bird tables), a shorter migration distance and the avoidance of the Alps and the Sahara Desert. The Blackcap's main breeding habitat is mature deciduous woodland with good scrub cover below the trees. Other habitats, such as parks, large gardens and overgrown hedges, are used as long as they meet the essential requirements of tall trees for song posts and an established under-story. Where other Sylvia warblers also breed, the Blackcap tends to use taller trees than its relatives, preferably those with a good canopy such as pedunculate oak. The preferred winter habitat around the Mediterranean is scrub and olive orchards. In Africa, habitats include cultivated land, acacia scrub, mangroves and forest. When the male Blackcap returns to its breeding range, it establishes a territory. Adults that have previously bred return to the site they have used in previous summers whereas inexperienced birds either wander until they find a suitable area or establish a very large initial territory which contracts under pressure from neighbours. Territorial boundaries are established initially by loud singing which is performed while the male displays with its crown raised, tail fanned and slow wingbeats. Sylvia warblers are unusual in that they vigorously defend their territories against other members of their genus. Blackcaps and Garden Warblers use almost identical habitats yet aggressive interactions mean that their territories rarely overlap. The Blackcap first breeds at 1 year old. It is mainly monogamous although both sexes may sometimes deviate from this. A male attracts a female to his territory through song and a display involving raising the black crown feathers, fluffing the tail, slow wingbeats and a short flapping flight. He also builds one or more simple nests (cock nests) usually near his song post. The final nest, which may be one of the cock nests or built from scratch, is a neat cup of roots, stems and grasses lined with fine material such as hair. The nest is built in the cover of bramble, scrub or trees and it is constructed mainly by the female and may be up to 15 feet above the ground although lower than 3 feet is more typical. The clutch is 2 to 7 eggs (typically 4 to 6) which are incubated by both adults for 10 to 16 days (average 11 days). The chicks are fed by both parents and fledge about 11 to 12 days after hatching, leaving the nest shortly before they are able to fly. They are assisted with feeding for a further 2 or 3 weeks. The Blackcap normally raises just 1 brood but second broods are sometimes recorded, particularly in the milder climate of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic islands. The Blackcap feeds mainly on insects during the breeding season and then switches to fruit in late summer, the change being triggered by an internal biological rhythm. When migrants arrive on their breeding territories they initially take berries, pollen and nectar if there are insufficient insects available but then soon switch to their preferred diet. The Blackcap mainly picks prey off foliage and twigs but it may occasionally hover, flycatch or feed on the ground. It eats a wide range of invertebrate prey, although aphids are particularly important early in the season, and flies, beetles and caterpillars are also taken in large numbers. In July, the diet switches increasingly to a wide range of small fruit. The protein needed for egg-laying and for the chicks to grow is replaced by fruit sugar which helps the birds to fatten for migration. Aphids are still taken while they are available since they often contain sugars from the plant sap on which they feed. The Blackcap has a very large range and a very large population. It is therefore classified by the IUCN as being of “Least Concern”. The Blackcap and other small birds are illegally trapped and hunted in large numbers in Mediterranean countries, particularly in Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, Malta, Libya, Egypt and Cyprus, where they are considered as a delicacy. Despite hunting and natural hazards, the European population of the Blackcap has been increasing for several decades as the range extends northwards. There are occasional nesting records from outside the main range such as in north Israel and the Faroe Islands and wandering birds may appear further afield in Iceland or on the islands of Arctic Russia. In the Baltic region, the spread of the Blackcap appears to have been helped by the availability of territories formerly occupied by the declining Barred Warbler. Date: 1st August 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833424.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_31146822559ceac5f33cf.jpgGreat White Egret The Great White Egret is a large bird with all white plumage. Apart from size, the Great White Egret can be distinguished from other white egrets by its yellow bill and black legs and feet although the bill may become darker and the lower legs lighter in the breeding season. In breeding plumage, delicate ornamental feathers are borne on the back. It has a slow flight with its neck retracted. The Great White Egret is distributed across most of the tropical and warmer temperate regions of the world favouring all kinds of wetland habitats and it is a familiar species in southern Europe. Expanding populations in Europe mean that the Great White Egret is now seen more frequently in the UK and it can turn up in almost any part of the country with the majority of records in south east England and East Anglia. Date: 14th May 2015 Location: Great Prespa Lake (Megali Prespa), West Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46510825.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_151564547662c98cf99117b.jpgBlack Grouse The Black Grouse is a large game bird in the grouse family. The male has all black plumage with distinctive red wattles over the eyes and striking white stripes along each wing in flight. It has a lyre-shaped tail which is fanned out and raised to show white under-tail feathers when displaying. The female is smaller and grey-brown in colour. The Black Grouse is a sedentary species and breeds across northern Eurasia in moorland and bog areas near to mostly boreal woodland. Although it is declining, it is not considered to be vulnerable globally due to the large population and slow rate of decline. Its decline is due to loss of habitat, disturbance, predation by foxes, crows, etc., and small populations gradually dying out. In the UK, the Black Grouse are found in upland areas of Wales, the Pennines and most of Scotland, especially on farmland and moorland with nearby forestry or scattered trees. Habitat loss and overgrazing have resulted in severe population declines which make the Black Grouse a Red List species. Positive habitat management and re-introduction programmes are helping it to increase in some areas. The Black Grouse has a very distinctive and well-recorded courtship. At dawn in the spring, the males strut around in a traditional area (lek) and display whilst making a highly distinctive and bubbling mating call. This photo was taken at a well known roadside lekking site. If visiting, please remain in your car to avoid disturbance to these vulnerable breeding birds. Date: 7th May 2022 Location: World's End, Denbighshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/tjrnes-peninsula-north-iceland https://images.on-this.website/4752_62215028356374e2b98deb.jpgSkjálfandi Flói and Tjörnes peninsula, north east Iceland Skjálfandi Flói (“Shaky Bay”) is a large bay on the north east coast of Iceland situated between the unnamed peninsula between Eyjafjörður in the west and the Tjörnes peninsula in the east. The original name of “Shaky Bay” is thought to derive from local seismic activity but there hasn’t been a real earthquake here for over 100 years. Two large rivers flow in to Skjálfandi Flói: the Laxá and the Skjálfandafljót. Skjálfandi Flói is well known for its wildlife and especially its whales. A hive of cetacean activity, Skjálfandi Flói, together with its harbour town of Húsavík, is often regarded as one of the best whale-watching places in Europe with the local boat companies offering practically guaranteed sightings over the summer months. Tjörnes is a stubby peninsula situated in north east Iceland between Öxarfjörður and Skjálfandi Flói. It is one of the best-known geological locations in Iceland and layers of fossil shells and lignite can be found on the coastal cliffs. Colonies of Puffins and other sea birds nest on the cliffs along the eastern coast. Date: 3rd June 2015 Location: view from road 85 north of Húsavík http://www.richardchewphotography.com/ms-jl-runeberg-at-helsinki https://images.on-this.website/4752_4474524905f059e918b6f6.jpgm/s J.L. Runeberg at Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland The city of Porvoo can be easily reached by a main road from Helsinki in about 50 minutes but also by a much more leisurely 3.5 hour trip on the steamship m/s J. L. Runeberg along the Porvoonjoki river, the coast and through the Helsinki Archipelago. The m/s J.L. Runeberg was built in Helsinki in 1912. Originally she sailed under the name s/s Helsingfors Skärgård (”Helsinki Archipelago”). In the beginning this steamer cruised west from Helsinki to Porkkala but in the 1930’s the name was changed to s/s J.L. Runeberg and the ship cruised to Porvoo for the first time. Date: 26th June 2019 Location: m/s J.L. Runeberg at Katajanokka harbour, Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/upper-loch-torridon-highland https://images.on-this.website/4752_73397784853d10a874f23c.jpgUpper Loch Torridon, Highland Loch Torridon is a sea loch on the west coast of Scotland and is in total around 15 miles long. It has two sections: Upper Loch Torridon to landward and east of Rubha na h-Airde Ghlaise and at which point it joins Loch Sheildaig and the main western section of Loch Torridon proper. Loch Torridon is surrounded by various mountains to the north, including Liathach, Beinn Alligin and Beinn Eighe, all of which are over 3,000 feet in height and exhibit some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the UK. The rocks of which they are made are known as Torridonian sandstone, some of which are crowned by white Cambrian quartzite. They are amongst the oldest rocks in the UK and sit on yet older rocks of Lewisian gneiss. At the north east corner of Upper Loch Torridon, the linear village of Torridon lies strung out along the shore and the side of the low lying ground at the head of the loch. Behind it the mountain of Liathach rises almost sheer to its summit ridge. Torridon is not large by any standards, comprising of a small number of houses and cottages, a village hall, a shop, a campsite and youth hostel. Date: 20th June 2014 Location: view from the northern shore just west of Torridon http://www.richardchewphotography.com/loch-na-keal-mull-argyll https://images.on-this.website/4752_17066486644b5223fbd4d80.jpgLoch na Keal, Mull, Argyll Loch na Keal, meaning Loch of the Kyle or Loch of the Narrows, is the principal sea loch on the western coastline of the island of Mull. It extends for over 13 miles inland and almost cuts the island in half as it reaches a point only 3 miles from the east coast. Loch na Keal consists of a wide triangular shaped outer loch, separated from Loch Tuath to the north by the islands of Gometra and Ulva, leading into a narrow inner loch. The island of Staffa is at the mouth of the outer loch, the island of Inch Kenneth is in the outer loch and the island of Eorsa is in the inner loch. The outer loch northern coastline is made up of basaltic ridges and many rocks and islets with many different types of vegetation. The southern coastline, bounded by the Ardmeanach peninsula, has cliffs, land slips and substantial slopes that are covered in scree. The northern shore of the inner loch is steeply sloped with Killiechronan Wood to the east. The southern shore of the inner loch consists of cliffs and slopes leading to the Munro and extinct volcano of Ben More (3169 feet high) with Scarisdale Wood to the south east. Loch na Keal has no significant villages. Most of the small settlements are at the head (east end) of the loch where there is a small area of flat land where the River Bà flows into Loch na Keal from Loch Bà. These include Gruline, a small scattered settlement, primarily consisting of crofting and tourist homes. The closest larger village is Salen, located 2.5 miles north east across the isthmus from the head of the loch. Date: 31st December 2009 Location: view from southern shore http://www.richardchewphotography.com/skallelv-varanger-peninsula-troms-og https://images.on-this.website/4752_14771998475f37b3797a1f8.jpgSkallelv, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Skallelv is a small village in Troms og Finnmark in north east Norway. It is located on the Varanger peninsula along the shore of the Varangerfjord. The village lies along the European route E75 about halfway between the villages of Komagvær and Krampenes. Skallelv is one of very few places that was not burnt and destroyed under Operation Nordlicht in 1944 and 1945, the German “scorched earth” retreat from Finnmark. Date: 3rd July 2019 Location: Skallelv, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/evros-delta-east-macedonia-and https://images.on-this.website/4752_369012935559cf5280b12b.jpgEvros Delta, East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece The Evros Delta is located on the border with Turkey and covers a huge area of around 75 square miles, much of which was declared a Ramsar protected wetland site in 1974. Despite this and other designated protection, the Evros Delta faces major issues of freshwater management, overgrazing, overfishing, hunting and drainage. The Evros Delta has a rich diversity of habitats including freshwater lakes, brackish and seawater lagoons, rivers, reedy ditches, tamarisk forest, sandy islets, swamps, reedbeds and a small area of riverine forest. As such, it is one of the most important wetlands in Europe and offers excellent wildlife watching opportunities with 40 species of mammal, 28 species of reptile and amphibian and 46 species of fish. More than 320 bird species have been recorded and the biodiversity, as well as the presence of rare species, are characteristic of the Evros Delta. The geographical position together with the vast areas of natural habitats contributes to its value for wildlife. The western section of the Evros Delta has free public access but a permit is required to visit the eastern section which is a military designated zone adjacent to the border with Turkey. Date: 7th May 2015 Location: Evros Delta (west), East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/eyjafjrur-north-east-iceland https://images.on-this.website/4752_129774636556350d45340f8.jpgEyjafjörður, north east Iceland Eyjafjörður is the longest fjord in Iceland and is located in the central north of the country. Eyjafjörður is long and narrow and measures 37 miles from north to south. Its greatest width is 15.5 miles between Siglunes and Gjögurtá at the fjord's mouth but for the greater part of its length it is usually 3.5 to 6.5 miles wide. Two smaller fjords branch out of Eyjafjörður's west side, namely Ólafsfjörður and Héðinsfjörður. Eyjafjörður is surrounded by hills and mountains on both sides but the mountains are considerably taller on the west side in the mountain range of the Tröllaskagi peninsula. In the outer part of the fjord there are no lowlands along the coast as the steep hills roll directly into the sea. Further south in the fjord there are strips of lowland along both coasts and these are widest on the west side. Several valleys lead from Eyjafjörður, most of them to the west where the two most significant are: Hörgárdalur and Svarfaðardalur. Dalsmynni is the only valley on the east side. However the greatest valley in Eyjafjörður is also called Eyjafjörður and runs directly south from the fjord itself. It is long and wide and home to one of Iceland's largest agricultural regions. The island of Hrísey in the middle of Eyjafjörður is the second largest island off the coast of Iceland and often referred to as "The Pearl of Eyjafjörður". The region of Eyjafjörður is Iceland's second most populous one after the Capital Region in south west Iceland. The largest town by far is Akureyri and other settlements in the region include Dalvík, Ólafsfjörður, Hrísey, Árskógssandur, Hauganes, Hjalteyri, Hrafnagil, Svalbarðseyri and Grenivík. Most of these settlements base their livelihood on fisheries and agriculture but Akureyri is a service centre as well. Date: 4th June 2015 Location: view from Haugarnes http://www.richardchewphotography.com/piatra-craiului-mountains-braov-county https://images.on-this.website/4752_2897150975d3088c64f10b.jpgPiatra Craiului Mountains, Brașov County, Romania The Piatra Craiului Mountains are a mountain range in the Southern Carpathians in central Romania. It forms a narrow and saw-like ridge which is about 16 miles long. Vârful La Om is the highest peak at 7343 feet. The ridge is regarded as one of the most impressive and beautiful sites in the Carpathian Mountians and the views both towards and from the mountains are superb. The whole range is included in the Piatra Craiului National Park. The first protection of this area started in 1938 when 2 square miles were declared as a nature reserve. This has been progressively extended and in 1990 it became a national park covering an area of 38 square miles. In 2003 the external limits and internal zoning were created. Since 1999 a park administration has existed with a visitor centre located on the minor road 0.6 miles west of Zărnești and since 2005 a management plan has been in place. Piatra Craiului National Park supports and protects an abundance and diversity of mammals (including Brown Bear, Wolf and Lynx), birds and plants. Zărneşti is the most important town for visiting the Piatra Craiului Mountains and the Piatra Craiului National Park. The town is located 17 miles south west of the city of Brașov. From Zărnești, a 7 mile long minor road runs west and ends at Cabana Plaiul Foii which is a good starting point for climbing the ridge. In addition, a forest road starts from the south west of Zărneşti which leads to the Zărneştilor Gorge and continues up to the ridge. The traditional villages of Măgura, Peştera, Ciocanu and Şirnea are starting points for routes up to the eastern slopes. Măgura, situated at 3281 feet, is one of Romania’s most picturesque villages and it provides stunning views towards the Bucegi Mountains and the Piatra Craiului Mountains. Date: 5th June 2018 Location: Piatra Craiului Mountains from the Zărnești to Cabana Plaiul Foii road, Brașov County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41255245.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15051146005f06f56f78208.jpgGreenfinch The European Greenfinch, or simply the Greenfinch, is a small passerine bird in the finch. There are 10 recognised sub-species reflecting its widespread range, including the British Greenfinch found in the UK (except north Scotland) and Ireland and the Northern European Greenfinch found in north Scotland, north and central France and Scandinavia to west Siberia. The Greenfinch is similar in size and shape to a House Sparrow but it is mainly green with yellow in the wings and tail. The female and young birds are duller and have brown tones on the back. The bill is thick and conical. The song contains a lot of trilling twitters interspersed with wheezes and the male has a "butterfly" display flight. The Greenfinch is widespread throughout Europe, north Africa and south west Asia where it is mainly resident although some of the most northern populations migrate further south in autumn and winter. It has also been introduced into Australia, New Zealand, Uruguay and Argentina. The Greenfinch can be found around woodland edges, in farmland hedges and in gardens with relatively thick vegetation favoured for breeding. It can form large flocks outside the breeding season, sometimes mixing with other groups of finches and buntings. In the UK, the Greenfinch is widespread and relatively common (although a sharp decline in the population in recent years has been noted due to an outbreak of trichomonosis, a parasite-induced disease which prevents the birds from feeding properly) and it is only absent from upland areas without trees and bushes. The breeding season occurs in spring and early summer, commencing in the second half of March with the young fledging in early July. Incubation of the eggs is undertaken by the female and lasts about 13 to 14 days with the male feeding her at the nest during this period. The chicks are fed on insect larvae by both adults during the first few days and thereafter by a frequently regurgitated yellowish paste made of seeds. The chicks leave the nest about 13 days later but they are unable to fly. The Greenfinch usually produces 2 or 3 broods per year. The Greenfinch predominantly feeds on seeds but it will also take berries and nuts. Date: 28th June 2019 Location: Neljan Tuulen Tupa near Kaamanen, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/applecross-bay-and-skye-highland https://images.on-this.website/4752_109657331053d112bd55167.jpgApplecross Bay, Raasay and Skye, Highland The Applecross peninsula is a peninsula on the north west coast of Scotland. The name Applecross is at least 1300 years old and is now used locally to refer to the 19th century village lying on the small Applecross Bay facing the Inner Sound, on the opposite side of which lie the islands of Raasay and Skye. Extremely isolated, Applecross was only accessible by boat until the early 20th century. For many years after that the only road access was over one of Scotland's most notoriously treacherous roads, the Bealach na Bà ('Pass of the Cattle'), which crosses the peninsula and reaches a maximum height of 2053 feet. Applecross is now connected via a winding coastal road which skirts the shore of the Inner Sound and Loch Torridon and travels around the edge of the peninsula to Shieldaig and Torridon. Date: 20th June 2014 Location: view from the bridge over the River Applecross at the eastern end of Applecross Bay http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14467390.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18310713344f743b816fdee.jpg"Northern Lights" The aurora is a natural light display in the sky, particularly in the high latitude Arctic and Antarctic regions, caused by the collision of energetic charged particles with atoms in the high altitude atmosphere. The charged particles originate in the magnetosphere and solar wind and on Earth they are directed by the Earth's magnetic field into the atmosphere. Most aurora occur in a band known as the auroral zone which is typically 3° to 6° in latitudinal extent and 10° to 20° from the magnetic pole. During a geomagnetic storm, the auroral zone will expand to lower latitudes. The diffuse aurora is a featureless glow in the sky which may not be visible to the naked eye even on a dark night and defines the extent of the auroral zone. The discrete aurora are sharply defined features within the diffuse aurora which vary in brightness from just barely visible to the naked eye to bright enough to read a newspaper at night. In northern latitudes, the effect is known as the aurora borealis (or the “Northern Lights), named after the Roman goddess of dawn, Aurora, and the Greek name for the north wind, Boreas, by Pierre Gassendi in 1621. Auroras seen near the magnetic pole may be high overhead but from farther away they illuminate the northern horizon as a greenish glow or sometimes a faint red. Auroras often display magnetic field lines or curtain-like structures and can change within seconds or glow unchanging for hours, most often in fluorescent green. In Scandinavia, you can see the aurora all over Norway, Sweden and Finland. However, the best places are above the Arctic Circle in the auroral zone. The aurora is most frequent in late autumn and in winter and early spring. In the time span between the autumn equinox and the spring equinox (21st September to 21st March), it is dark the whole time between 6 p.m. and 1 a.m. and this provides the maximum chance of seeing the aurora in suitable weather conditions and with increased solar activity. Date: 16th March 2012 Location: Skibotndalen, Troms, north Norway close to Norway/Finland border http://www.richardchewphotography.com/may-2022-eurasian-beaver https://images.on-this.website/4752_6826671162ce7c1e2fc91.jpgMay 2022 - Eurasian Beaver Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512869.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42229305.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_301933529603e640649e4a.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 13th February 2021 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42626774.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21079619860a927d1e89a1.jpgGreat Crested Grebe The Great Crested Grebe is the largest member of the grebe family measuring 18 to 20 inches in length with a wing span of 23 to 29 inches. It is a graceful bird with its long neck, long bill and slender outline. In summer, the adults of both sexes are unmistakable being adorned with beautiful head-plumes which are reddish-orange in colour with black tips. There is also an erectile black crown. Non-breeding adults lack the full crest and have a dark crown bordered by a white face, the white extending down the fore-neck and chest. The sexes are similar in appearance but juveniles can be distinguished from adults by having a striped black and white head and neck. The Great Crested Grebe can be found across Europe and Asia and it breeds on shallow, reed-fringed freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs and slow rivers. It is resident in the milder west of its range but it migrates from the colder regions of its range to freshwater lakes, reservoirs and sheltered coastal areas in winter. The Great Crested Grebe has an elaborate mating display. Like all grebes, it nests on the water's edge since its legs are set relatively far back and it is thus unable to walk very well. Usually 2 eggs are laid and the fluffy, striped young grebes are often carried on the adult's back. In a clutch of 2 or more hatchlings, male and female grebes will each identify their “favourites” which they alone will care for and teach. Unusually, young Great Crested Grebes are capable of swimming and diving almost at hatching. The adults teach these skills to their young by carrying them on their backs and diving, leaving the chicks to float on the surface. They then re-emerge a few feet away so that the chicks may swim back on to them. The Great Crested Grebe feeds mainly on fish but it will also eat small crustaceans, insects and small frogs and newts. The Great Crested Grebe was hunted almost to extinction in the UK in the 19th century due to being hunted for its head plumes which were used to decorate hats and ladies' undergarments. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was set up to help protect the Great Crested Grebe which is now again a common sight. Date: 15th April 2021 Location: Lake Meadows, Billericay, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/shabla-wetlands-dobrich-province-bulgaria https://images.on-this.website/4752_6134044925d307a91eee46.jpgShabla wetlands, Dobrich Province, Bulgaria Shabla is a small town and seaside resort in north east Bulgaria. It is situated on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast 50 miles from Varna (the third largest city in Bulgaria) to the south. Shabla itself is not located by the sea but it is close to the oldest active lighthouse on the Balkan peninsula at Cape Shabla. Cape Shabla is the most eastern point of Bulgaria. Close to Shabla is an extensive white sand beach which was a popular destination for Eastern Bloc tourism until the fall of Communism. It is probably the only untouched area along the Bulgarian Black Sea coast and it has not experienced the construction boom and development of resorts that is seen further south. About 2 miles from Shabla, there is a complex of 3 coastal brackish lagoons (Shabla, Ezerets and Tuzla) separated from the Black Sea by sand dunes. Shabla and Ezerets are connected by an artificial canal. The lagoons comprise open water, large reedbeds and salt marsh and they are surrounded by seasonally flooded pastures, sand dunes and agricultural land. The mix of habitats supports a wide range of breeding, migratory and wintering birds The Shabla lagoon complex is an important wetland on the Via Pontica bird migration flyway and it is included within the Natura 2000 network of nature protection areas in Europe and also designated as an Important Bird Area (IBA) and Ramsar site. Date: 19th March 2018 Location: Shabla wetlands, Dobrich Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/loch-indaal-islay-argyll https://images.on-this.website/4752_2079888625a106b4ccb712.jpgLoch Indaal, Islay, Argyll Loch Indaal is a large sea loch on the island of Islay in Argyll. It extends northwards from the Mull of Oa and Laggan Bay in the east and the Rhinns of Islay in the west. Almost splitting the island in half, it is only separated from the southern end of Loch Gruinart by a 2 mile stretch of land. The shores of Loch Indaal are approximately 35 miles long and show a variety of landscapes, such as the high cliffs at Lower Killeyan, the 7 miles of sandy beach at Laggan Bay, the beaches at the head of the loch near Black Rock, the mudflats and salt marshes at the head of the loch near Bridgend and the rocky beaches from Bruichladdich to Rinns Point. The whole coastline of Loch Indaal is interesting for its rich wildlife and birds can be seen from almost any location. During late autumn and winter, the mudflats and salt marshes near Bridgend hold a very large roost of Barnacle Geese. The main settlements along the loch are Bridgend and Bowmore along the eastern shore and Bruichladdich and Port Charlotte along the western shore. The A846 from Bowmore to Bridgend and the A847 from Bridgend to Portnahaven are the roads leading around the loch. Date: 4th November 2017 Location: view from the A846 near Bridgend http://www.richardchewphotography.com/lake-kerkini-central-macedonia-greece https://images.on-this.website/4752_1862302328559cf0323957d.jpgLake Kerkini, Central Macedonia, Greece Lake Kerkini is one of the most important wetlands in Europe and is considered to be one of the top European birding destinations due to the wealth of resident, breeding and migratory birds. It is situated along the migratory flyway for birds en route to the Aegean Sea, the Balkan region, the Black Sea, the Hungarian steppes and beyond. Lake Kerkini is located close to the border with Bulgaria 25 miles from Serres and 60 miles from Thessaloniki, and it is surrounded by Mounts Belles and Mavrovouni. It is approximately 9 miles long and its maximum width, when full, reaches 5.5 miles. Lake Kerkini is an artificial irrigation reservoir fed by the Strymon River that was created in 1932, and then redeveloped in 1980, on the site of what was previously an extremely extensive and uninhabitable marshland. More than 300 species of birds have been recorded in the area, including 140 resident species and 170 species that migrate through every year on their way to the Aegean Sea, the Black Sea, and the Balkan region. Date: 12th May 2015 Location: view from Mandraki, Central Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457626.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1392684348668574e05e07f.jpgKittiwakes The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/borsodi-mezoseg-little-hortobgy-hungary https://images.on-this.website/4752_208380671259ae6ef9d3ff63.10334330.jpg"Little Hortobágy", Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén county, Hungary The “Little Hortobágy“ (Borsod Mezőség) covers an area of 115 square miles and is located north west of the Tisza River. It is a protected area managed by the Bükk National Park which lies further to the north. The “Little Hortobágy“ is very similar to the larger Hortobágy area to the south east but it has much less strict visitor regulations and access can be more problematic unless the rough tracks crossing it are dry. The main habitats are alkaline grasslands (puszta) and arable fields with some small areas of woodland. The best area for birding is the rough track between the villages of Tiszabábolna and Szentistvan. Date: 21st May 2017 Location: Tiszabábolna to Szentistvan, Borsodi-Mezoseg ("Little Hortobagy"), Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/safjarardjp-westfjords-iceland https://images.on-this.website/4752_19621089985634adc3d06b4.jpgÍsafjarðardjúp, Westfjords, Iceland Ísafjarðardjúp is a large fjord in the Westfjords region of Iceland and an extended arm of the Denmark Strait. Its 47 mile length takes a massive swathe out of the Westfjords landmass. The north east coast of Ísafjarðardjúp is fairly straight with the only inlet being Kaldalón. However, approaching from the south east and descending from the Steingrímsfjarðarheiði mountain pass on road 61, the views of Ísafjarðardjúp are spectacular: remote, uninhabited, forbidding fjordlands as far as the eye can see. In fact, from the head of Ísafjörður in the east to the regional capital of Ísafjörður in the west there are very few settlements along a very lonely and circuitous road which stretches around 125 miles and winds its way in and out of a series of smaller fjords making the drive like sliding along each tooth of a fine comb. The southern fjords of Skutulsfjörður, Álftafjörður, Seyðisfjörður, Hestsfjörður, Skötufjörður, Mjóifjörður and Ísafjörður extend well in to the land. Three islands lie in Ísafjarðardjúp: Borgarey, Æðey and Vigur with Borgarey the smallest with no inhabitants and Vigur the largest. Ísafjörður is the regional capital of the Westfjords region and is located on a spit of sand in Skutulsfjörður, a fjord which meets the waters of the larger Ísafjarðardjúp. With a population of about 2,600, it is the largest town in the Westfjords and is connected by road and a recent 3.4 mile road tunnel to Bolungarvík which lies 9 miles to the north west and to the small town of Súðavík to the east. The partly one-lane Vestfjarðagöng tunnel completed in 1996 leads to the small towns of Flateyri and Suðureyri and to the western parts of the Westfjords. Fishing has been the main industry in Ísafjörður and the town has one of the largest fisheries in Iceland. A severe decline in the fishing industry for a variety of reasons and a decline in the fish population has led the inhabitants to seek work elsewhere and to a decline in the town's population. The harbour at Ísafjörður also serves ferries to nearby settlements as well as larger cruise ships for tourists visiting the area. The tourist industry is growing and Ísafjörður is a major access point to the nature reserve and uninhabited wilderness area on the Hornstrandir peninsula. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: view from road 61 near Ogur http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49003171.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7339422606468ff98865e3.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 4th May 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12653618.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1271423734e69cbe477e56.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 4th September 2011 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/red-backed-shrikes https://images.on-this.website/4752_112419116259ad2678ab6e15.49291464.jpgRed-backed Shrikes The Red-backed Shrike is a carnivorous passerine bird and member of the shrike family. The general colour of the male’s upper parts is reddish. It has a grey head and a typical shrike black stripe through the eye. Underparts are tinged pink and the tail has a black and white pattern similar to that of a Wheatear. In the female and young birds the upperparts are brown and vermiculated and the underparts are buff and also vermiculated. The Red-backed Shrike eats large insects, small birds, frogs, rodents and lizards. Like other shrikes it hunts from prominent perches and impales corpses on thorns or barbed wire as a "larder." This practice has earned it the nickname of "butcher bird." The Red-backed Shrike breeds in most of Europe and western Asia and winters in tropical Africa. Once a common migratory visitor to the UK, numbers declined sharply during the 20th century. The bird's last stronghold was in Breckland but by 1988 just a single pair remained, successfully raising young at Santon Downham. The following year for the first time no nests were recorded in the UK but since then sporadic breeding has taken place, mostly in Scotland and Wales, and in September 2010 the RSPB announced that a pair had raised chicks at a secret location on Dartmoor where the bird last bred in 1970. This return to south west England has been an unexpected development and has raised speculation that a warming climate could assist the bird in re-colonising some of its traditional sites, if only in small numbers. Date: 19th May 2017 Location: south of Hortobágy towards Szásztelek, Hortobágy National Park, Hajdú-Bihar county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/bugynes-sr-varanger-finnmark-norway https://images.on-this.website/4752_20620554bf6d7bf33905.jpgBugøynes, Varangerfjord, Finnmark, Norway Bugøynes is a small fishing village located along the Varangerfjord in Sør-Varanger municipality in Finnmark county in north east Norway and 310 miles north of the Arctic Circle. It was settled by Norwegians in the 17th century but later deserted before being repopulated by people from Finland in the 18th century. Bugøynes is one of very few places in Finnmark that was not burnt and destroyed under Operation Nordlicht, a German operation during the Lapland War at the end of World War 2. Before the road was built to Bugøynes in 1962, the main link between Bugøynes and the rest of the world was by sea. The most visited town in those days was Vadsø across the other side of the Varangerfjord. Although the town of Kirkenes, on the southern side of Varangerfjord, was the local administrative centre for Bugøynes, it did not become the centre for shopping until people could reach it by car. Today most trade in this part of Finnmark takes place in Kirkenes but Bugøynes has industries include fishing, salmon and other fish processing, processing of reindeer meat and other game as well as slipway and machine workshops. Date: 11th April 2010 Location: view from route E6 looking towards Bugøynes, Sør-Varanger, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/tjrnes-peninsula-and-skjlfandi-fli https://images.on-this.website/4752_162599581556374d810af61.jpgSkjálfandi Flói and Tjörnes peninsula, north east Iceland Skjálfandi Flói (“Shaky Bay”) is a large bay on the north east coast of Iceland situated between the unnamed peninsula between Eyjafjörður in the west and the Tjörnes peninsula in the east. The original name of “Shaky Bay” is thought to derive from local seismic activity but there hasn’t been a real earthquake here for over 100 years. Two large rivers flow in to Skjálfandi Flói: the Laxá and the Skjálfandafljót. Skjálfandi Flói is well known for its wildlife and especially its whales. A hive of cetacean activity, Skjálfandi Flói, together with its harbour town of Húsavík, is often regarded as one of the best whale-watching places in Europe with the local boat companies offering practically guaranteed sightings over the summer months. Tjörnes is a stubby peninsula situated in north east Iceland between Öxarfjörður and Skjálfandi Flói. It is one of the best-known geological locations in Iceland and layers of fossil shells and lignite can be found on the coastal cliffs. Colonies of Puffins and other sea birds nest on the cliffs along the eastern coast. Date: 3rd June 2015 Location: view from road 85 north of Húsavík http://www.richardchewphotography.com/porvoo-cathedral-porvoo-uusimaa-finland https://images.on-this.website/4752_19085460435f059dd66cc73.jpgPorvoo Cathedral, Porvoo, Uusimaa, Finland Porvoo Cathedral (Finnish: [I]Porvoon tuomiokirkko[/I]; Swedish: [I]Borgå domkyrka[/I]) is located in the centre of the city of Porvoo. It is a cathedral of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland and the seat of the Diocese of Borgå, Finland's Swedish-speaking diocese (Borgå is the Swedish language form of Porvoo). It is also used for services by the Porvoo Finnish-speaking community which is administratively part of the Diocese of Helsinki. The church first became a cathedral in 1723 when the diocese of Viipuri (Viborg) (now the Diocese of Tampere) moved to Porvoo after Vyborg was ceded to Russia in the Treaty of Nystad. Porvoo Cathedral was originally built of wood in the 13th century but the first stone walls were built between 1410 and 1420. In about 1450, it was expanded 13 feet towards the east and 20 feet towards the south. It has been destroyed by fire numerous times: in 1508 by Danish forces and in 1571, 1590 and 1708 by Russian forces. In May 29 2006, the outer roof collapsed in a fire (deliberate arson) but with the inner ceiling undamaged and the interior intact. It was reopened in July 2008. Date: 26th June 2019 Location: Porvoo Cathedral, Porvoo, Uusimaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4088360.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_987280584b194b862c907.jpgCommon Cranes The Common Crane is a large, stately bird and a medium-sized crane at 40 to 52 inches long with a 71 to 96 inches wingspan. At rest, Cranes are rather stork-like but with big bushy tails, black wing plumes and grey bodies and even from a great distance the white stripe through the black head is noticeable. In flight, the long neck, held outstretched and slightly drooping makes them quite different from the herons and the grey plumage eliminates both of the storks. They fly in flocks in “V” formation making trumpeting calls. Common Cranes breed in large areas of marsh and bog in northern parts of Europe and Asia and occur in winter and on passage in open, often agricultural, areas close to large wetlands used for roosting. The global population is in the region of 210,000 to 250,000 with the vast majority nesting in Russia and Scandinavia. In the UK the Common Crane became extinct in the 17th century but a tiny population now breeds again in the Norfolk Broads and is slowly increasing. Flocks of Cranes in late spring can be watched performing their “dancing” displays. This usually involves opening their wings and leaping vertically into the air with the legs dangling. Once one bird starts this, others will join in and the whole performance can even be initiated by a human pretending to be a dancing crane. Once the birds are paired off they are more likely to perform different displays involving stretching their necks vertically and trumpeting. Common Cranes from Fennoscandia, the Baltic states and western Russia take the west European migration route to their wintering grounds. Over 100,000 birds use this flyway and over 70,000 winter in Spain (mainly Extremadura) with smaller numbers in south west France, Portugal and north Africa. Laguna de Gallocanta in Aragon is a key staging post for Common Cranes both entering and leaving Spain and very large numbers use the lake and surrounding land to feed and rest for varying periods before continuing their journey. Up to 20,000 Common Cranes may be seen at Laguna de Gallocanta regularly and concentrations of up to 60,000 have been recorded, these being the largest gatherings anywhere in western Europe. Date: 11th November 2009 Location: Laguna de Gallocanta, Aragon, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/eyjafjrur-and-dalvik-north-iceland https://images.on-this.website/4752_199515886256350ed57e48c.jpgEyjafjörður, north east Iceland Eyjafjörður is the longest fjord in Iceland and is located in the central north of the country. Eyjafjörður is long and narrow and measures 37 miles from north to south. Its greatest width is 15.5 miles between Siglunes and Gjögurtá at the fjord's mouth but for the greater part of its length it is usually 3.5 to 6.5 miles wide. Two smaller fjords branch out of Eyjafjörður's west side, namely Ólafsfjörður and Héðinsfjörður. Eyjafjörður is surrounded by hills and mountains on both sides but the mountains are considerably taller on the west side in the mountain range of the Tröllaskagi peninsula. In the outer part of the fjord there are no lowlands along the coast as the steep hills roll directly into the sea. Further south in the fjord there are strips of lowland along both coasts and these are widest on the west side. Several valleys lead from Eyjafjörður, most of them to the west where the two most significant are: Hörgárdalur and Svarfaðardalur. Dalsmynni is the only valley on the east side. However the greatest valley in Eyjafjörður is also called Eyjafjörður and runs directly south from the fjord itself. It is long and wide and home to one of Iceland's largest agricultural regions. The island of Hrísey in the middle of Eyjafjörður is the second largest island off the coast of Iceland and often referred to as "The Pearl of Eyjafjörður". The region of Eyjafjörður is Iceland's second most populous one after the Capital Region in south west Iceland. The largest town by far is Akureyri and other settlements in the region include Dalvík, Ólafsfjörður, Hrísey, Árskógssandur, Hauganes, Hjalteyri, Hrafnagil, Svalbarðseyri and Grenivík. Most of these settlements base their livelihood on fisheries and agriculture but Akureyri is a service centre as well. Date: 4th June 2015 Location: view from road 82 between Haugarnes and Dalvik looking towards Dalvik http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084881.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4771679825d3089050a19d.jpgPiatra Craiului Mountains, Brașov County, Romania The Piatra Craiului Mountains are a mountain range in the Southern Carpathians in central Romania. It forms a narrow and saw-like ridge which is about 16 miles long. Vârful La Om is the highest peak at 7343 feet. The ridge is regarded as one of the most impressive and beautiful sites in the Carpathian Mountians and the views both towards and from the mountains are superb. The whole range is included in the Piatra Craiului National Park. The first protection of this area started in 1938 when 2 square miles were declared as a nature reserve. This has been progressively extended and in 1990 it became a national park covering an area of 38 square miles. In 2003 the external limits and internal zoning were created. Since 1999 a park administration has existed with a visitor centre located on the minor road 0.6 miles west of Zărnești and since 2005 a management plan has been in place. Piatra Craiului National Park supports and protects an abundance and diversity of mammals (including Brown Bear, Wolf and Lynx), birds and plants. Zărneşti is the most important town for visiting the Piatra Craiului Mountains and the Piatra Craiului National Park. The town is located 17 miles south west of the city of Brașov. From Zărnești, a 7 mile long minor road runs west and ends at Cabana Plaiul Foii which is a good starting point for climbing the ridge. In addition, a forest road starts from the south west of Zărneşti which leads to the Zărneştilor Gorge and continues up to the ridge. The traditional villages of Măgura, Peştera, Ciocanu and Şirnea are starting points for routes up to the eastern slopes. Măgura, situated at 3281 feet, is one of Romania’s most picturesque villages and it provides stunning views towards the Bucegi Mountains and the Piatra Craiului Mountains. Date: 5th June 2018 Location: Piatra Craiului Mountains from Zărnești, Brașov County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084845.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14478033305d3088517bee5.jpgLake Izvorul Muntelui, Neamț County, Romania Lake Izvorul Muntelui, also known as Lake Bicaz, is the largest artificial lake in Romania. It was created after the completion of a dam built between 1950 and 1960 on the River Bistrița. The dam is located just north of the town of Bicaz and is used to generate hydroelectricity at the Bicaz-Stejaru hydro-plant. Lake Izvorul Muntelui has a length of 25 miles an area of 12 square miles and it is an important tourist destination in the area, especially during the summer when boat trips operate. Date: 5th June 2018 Location: view from near Ruginești, Neamț County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/hamningberg-varanger-peninsula-finnmark-norway https://images.on-this.website/4752_14686351764eff1fd2a4f8b.jpgHamningberg, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway Hamningberg is an abandoned fishing village in Båtsfjord municipality in Finnmark county, Norway. The village lies along the northern coast of the large Varanger peninsula on the shores of the Barents Sea. Its only road connection is through Vardø municipality and it is located about 55 miles north along the coast from Vardø. Traditionally a fishing village, Hamningberg is one of very few places in Finnmark county that was not burned down by the retreating Germans in the latter part of WW2. It was depopulated and abandoned in 1964 although some of the houses are still in use as summer cottages. Date: 26th May 2009 Location: view from coastal road at Hamningberg, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308892.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_191754447763ee382aba237.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 21st January 2022 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29487364.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_178461151058107f9dc5bee.jpgNuuksio National Park, Uusimaa, Finland Nuuksio National Park was established in 1994 and covers an area of 20 square miles of forests and lakes around Espoo, Kirkkonummi and Vihti. About 20 miles north west of Helsinki, it is the second closest National Park to the capital after Sipoonkorpi National Park. The [url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siberian_flying_squirrel]Siberian Flying Squirrel[/url] is the emblem of the Nuuksio National Park due to the density of its population. Date: 30th May 2016 Location: Hogbacka, Nuuksio National Park, Uusimaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072225.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6693426774bf6d4b94c211.jpgPine Grosbeak The Pine Grosbeak is a large member of the finch family. Adults have a long forked black tail, black wings with white wing bars and a large bill. Adult males have a rose-red head, back and rump. Adult females are olive-yellow on the head and rump and grey on the back and underparts. Young birds have a less contrasting plumage overall, appearing shaggy when they moult their colored head plumage. The Pine Grosbeak is a permanent resident through most of its range and can be found in coniferous woods in subarctic Fennoscandia and Siberia and across Alaska, the western mountains of the United States and Canada. In the extreme north or when food sources are scarce, they may migrate further south. It is a very rare vagrant to temperate Europe. The Pine Grosbeak forages in trees and bushes. It mainly eats seeds, buds, berries and insects. Outside of the nesting season, it often feeds in flocks. Date: 10th April 2010 Location: Neljan Tuulen Tupa near Kaamanen, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45456924.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1471824609624ffefeda851.jpgSanderling The Sanderling is a small, plump, energetic wading bird. It has a short straight black bill and medium length black legs and is pale grey above and white underneath. Sanderlings breed in the high Arctic but can be seen in the UK during the winter months and as a passage migrant in spring and autumn. They can be found where there are long, sandy beaches around most of the coast other than in south west England and the rocky coasts of mainland Scotland. Date: 9th November 2021 Location: Shoeburyness, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/bay-of-clachtoll-sutherland https://images.on-this.website/4752_12847617174681c4ff10204.jpgBay of Clachtoll, Sutherland [i]"An elegant confusion pours A whole Atlantic on these shores. Where seapods crack and pebbles cry And sand grains whisper trundling by."[/i] [b]Norman McCaig[/b] – “Clachtoll” The name Clachtoll comes from the Gaelic words "Clach" (a rock or stone) and "toll" (a hole) and probably refers to the famous "Split Rock" at the entrance to the bay. The Bay of Clachtoll is an oasis of white sand and turquoise sea set in the rugged and rocky terrain of Assynt. Date: June 2003 Location: view from Clachtoll on the B869 road between Lochinver and Drumbeg http://www.richardchewphotography.com/jack-snipe https://images.on-this.website/4752_12245166325c6bebe59e8fb.jpgJack Snipe The Jack Snipe is a small stocky wader and the smallest of the snipe species. The body is mottled brown on top and pale underneath. It has a dark stripe through the eye. The wings are pointed and narrow and yellow back stripes are visible in flight. When seen, the distinctive bobbing movement, as if the bird is on springs, has an almost hypnotic quality. The head pattern of the Jack Snipe differs from the Common Snipe in that there is no central crown stripe. Instead, there are 2 pale lateral crown stripes, which are separated from the supercilium by an area of dark plumage. The adult Jack Snipe is smaller than the Common Snipe and it has a relatively shorter bill. It is 7.1 to 9.8 inches in length with a wingspan of 12 to 16 inches. The Jack Snipe breeds in the marshes, bogs, wet meadows and tundra of north Europe and north Russia. The male performs an aerial display during courtship when it makes a distinctive sound like a galloping horse. The nest is located in a well-hidden location on the ground. The Jack Snipe is a migratory species and spends the non-breeding period in the UK, Atlantic and Mediterranean coastal Europe, Africa and India. It can be secretive in its non-breeding areas and difficult to observe, being well camouflaged in its habitat. The Jack Snipe forages in soft mud, probing or picking up food by sight. It mainly eats insects and earthworms but also some plant material. Date: 8th January 2019 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11159384.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13983641094e1582a34a1e2.jpgGreater (Greenland) White-fronted Geese The Greater White-fronted Goose is a species of goose which is closely related to the smaller Lesser White-fronted Goose. The Latin name, [i]Anser albifrons[/i], is derived from [i]anser[/i] meaning "goose" and [i]albus[/i] meaning "white" and [i]frons[/i] meaning “forehead”. The Greater White-fronted Goose is 25 to 32 inches in length with a 51 to 65 inches wingspan and weighs 4.3 to 7.3 pounds. It is smaller than the Greylag Goose and, as well as being larger than the Lesser White-fronted Goose, it lacks the yellow eye-ring of that species and the white facial blaze does not extend upwards so far. The Greater White-fronted Goose is a greyish-brown goose with a light grey breast dappled with dark brown to black blotches and bar, a pinkish bill and orange legs and feet. The male is typically larger in size but both sexes are similar in appearance The Greater White-fronted Goose is divided into 5 subspecies. The nominate subspecies Eurasian or Russian White-fronted Goose, [i]A. a. albifrons[/i], breeds in the far north of Europe and Asia and winters further south and west in Europe, including England and Wales. The very distinct Greenland White-fronted Goose, [i]A. a. flavirostris[/i], breeds in west Greenland and is much darker overall with only a very narrow white tip to the tail (broader on the other races), more black barring on its belly and usually has an orange (not pink) bill. It winters in Ireland and west Scotland. Some ecological studies suggest that the Greenland White-fronted Goose should probably be considered a separate species. Weather conditions are a key factor in the annual breeding success of the Greater White-fronted Goose. In the Arctic, the window of opportunity for nesting, incubating eggs and raising a brood is open briefly for about 3 months. Arriving in late May or early June, Greater White-fronted Geese begin departing for their wintering areas in early September. This means that a delayed snowmelt or late spring storm can significantly reduce breeding success. Date: 6th November 2007 Location: Saligo to Gruinart, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/black-grouse https://images.on-this.website/4752_14614629784e2fe236d55c6.jpgBlack Grouse The Black Grouse is a large game bird in the grouse family. The male has all black plumage with distinctive red wattles over the eyes and striking white stripes along each wing in flight. It has a lyre-shaped tail which is fanned out and raised to show white under-tail feathers when displaying. The female is smaller and grey-brown in colour. The Black Grouse is a sedentary species and breeds across northern Eurasia in moorland and bog areas near to mostly boreal woodland. Although it is declining, it is not considered to be vulnerable globally due to the large population and slow rate of decline. Its decline is due to loss of habitat, disturbance, predation by foxes, crows, etc., and small populations gradually dying out. In the UK, the Black Grouse are found in upland areas of Wales, the Pennines and most of Scotland, especially on farmland and moorland with nearby forestry or scattered trees. Habitat loss and overgrazing have resulted in severe population declines which make the Black Grouse a Red List species. Positive habitat management and re-introduction programmes are helping it to increase in some areas. The Black Grouse has a very distinctive and well-recorded courtship. At dawn in the spring, the males strut around in a traditional area (lek) and display whilst making a highly distinctive and bubbling mating call. This photo was taken at a "lek" which included 8 males and 3 females. Date: 11th April 2009 Location: undisclosed site, Perthshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/azure-winged-magpie https://images.on-this.website/4752_20762300184cd5718715234.jpgAzure-winged Magpie The Azure-winged Magpie is a member of the crow family, similar in overall shape to the European Magpie but is more slender with proportionately smaller legs and bill. It has a glossy black top to the head and a white throat. The underparts and the back are a light grey-fawn in colour with the wings and the feathers of the long tail are an azure blue. Azure-winged Magpies occurs in two population groups separated by a huge geographical region between. One population lives in western Europe, specifically the south western part of the Iberian Peninsula in Spain and Portugal. The other population occurs over a much larger region of eastern Asia in most of China, Korea, Japan and north into Mongolia. Azure-winged Magpies inhabit various types of coniferous (mainly pine) and broadleaf forest. They usually nest in loose, open colonies with a single nest in each tree and often find food as a family group or several groups making flocks of up to 70 birds. The largest groups congregate after the breeding season and throughout the winter months. Date: 8th September 2010 Location: Sierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain - road along River Andújar to Jándula Dam http://www.richardchewphotography.com/shag-and-chicks https://images.on-this.website/4752_106866524453da370ba0bd8.jpgShag and chicks The European Shag, Common Shag or simply Shag is a species of cormorant. It is 27 to 31 inches in length with a 37 to 43 inches wingspan. It is mainly black in colour but with a glossy green-tinged sheen in adults. It has a longish tail and a yellow throat-patch. Adults have a small recurved crest in the breeding season. It is distinguished from the Cormorant by its smaller size, lighter build, thinner and narrower bill, and, in breeding adults, by the crest and metallic green-tinged sheen. The Shag breeds around the rocky coasts of west and south Europe, north Africa and south west Asia, mainly wintering in its breeding range except for the northernmost birds. It nests on rocky ledges or in crevices or small caves and the nests are untidy heaps of rotting seaweed or twigs cemented together by the bird's own guano. The nesting season is long and begins in late February although some nests are not started until May or even later. The female lays 3 eggs and the chicks hatch without down and so they rely totally on their parents for warmth, often for a period of 2 months before they can fly. Fledging may occur at any time from early June to late August and exceptionally to mid-October. In the UK, the Shag breeds at coastal sites, mainly in the north and west of the country, and more than half of the population is found at fewer than 10 sites. It can be seen during the breeding season at the large Scottish colonies on Orkney, Shetland, the Inner Hebrides and in the Firth of Forth. Elsewhere it can be seen commonly around the coasts of Wales and south west England, especially in Devon and Cornwall. The Shag feeds in the sea and, unlike the Cormorant, it is rare inland. It is one of the deepest pursuit divers among the cormorant family and it has been shown to dive to at least 150 feet. When it dives, it jumps out of the water first to give extra impetus to the dive. The Shag forages for food on the sea bed and eats a wide range of fish although the commonest prey is the sand eel. It will travel long distances from its breeding and roosting sites in order to feed. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Staple Island, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/hill-of-tara-comeath-ireland https://images.on-this.website/4752_11153783275e539465b0236.jpgHill of Tara, Tara-Skryne valley, Co.Meath, Ireland The Hill of Tara is a hill and ancient ceremonial and burial site 7 miles south of Navan in the Tara-Skryne valley in Co. Meath. According to tradition, it was the inauguration place and seat of the High Kings of Ireland and it also appears in Irish mythology. Tara consists of numerous monuments and earthworks dating from the Neolithic to the Iron Age. These include a passage tomb (the "Mound of the Hostages"), burial mounds, round enclosures, a standing stone (believed to be the Lia Fáil or the "Stone of Destiny", the coronation stone for the High Kings of Ireland) and a ceremonial avenue. Saint Patrick's Church is located on the eastern side of the hilltop. The modern church was built between 1822 and 1823 on the site of an earlier one. The earliest evidence of a church at the Hill of Tara is a charter dating from the 1190s. A stump of wall marks the site of the old church today but some of its stonework was re-used in the current church. The building is now the Hill of Tara visitor centre. The Hill of Tara is part of a larger ancient landscape in the Tara-Skryne valley and the Hill of Tara itself is a protected national monument under the care of The Office of Public Works, an agency of the Irish Government. Date: 3rd February 2020 Location: Hill of Tara, Tara-Skryne valley, Co.Meath, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/skywheel-helsinki-uusimaa-finland https://images.on-this.website/4752_6690882835f059eb3439f0.jpgSkyWheel, Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland SkyWheel Helsinki is a 131 foot tall Ferris wheel in central Helsinki, Finland. It opened to the public in June 2014. It was originally named the Finnair SkyWheel and its placement on Katajanokka harbour is where the airline Finnair first located its flight operations in the 1920s. The Netherlands-based Dutch Wheels designed and constructed SkyWheel Helsinki. It has 30 climate controlled gondolas, allowing the wheel to operate all year round. Of these, 29 blue and white gondolas can accommodate 6 people except for the VIP gondola which accommodates 4 people. The VIP gondola features a glass floor and leather chairs. The wood panelled SkySauna gondola can hold up to 5 people. Date: 26th June 2019 Location: view from Katajanokka harbour, Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/december-2022-red-fox https://images.on-this.website/4752_112519706664ea12c97f54c.jpgDecember 2022 - Red Fox http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41254069.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3919729555f059e4970d81.jpgView from the m/s J.L. Runeberg between Porvoo and Helsinki, Finland Date: 26th June 2019 Location: view from the m/s J.L. Runeberg between Porvoo and Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/barrows-goldeneye https://images.on-this.website/4752_16282999695637632e6d8df.jpgBarrow's Goldeneye The Barrow's Goldeneye is a medium-sized diving duck named after Sir John Barrow, an English statesman and writer. The male Barrow's Goldeneye has a large dark head with an iridescent purplish gloss and a crescent-shaped white patch between the eye and bill. The dark back contrasts with the white neck, breast and belly. The scapulars are black with a distinctive row of rectangular white spots. The white greater coverts are tipped with black, forming a black band between the white speculum and the white patch on the greater coverts. The bill is black and the legs and feet are yellowish. The female Barrow's Goldeneye has a dark chocolate-brown head with a narrow whitish collar. The back and sides are slaty grey and the chest, breast and belly are white. The bill is mostly yellowish and the legs and feet are yellowish. The adult is similar in appearance to the Common Goldeneye. However, the male Barrow's Goldeneye differs from the male Common Goldeneye by the fact that the Common Goldeneye has a round white patch on the face, less black on the back and a larger bill. For the females, the Common Goldeneye has a less rounded head and a bill in which only the tip is yellow. The Barrow’s Goldeneye breeds on wooded lakes and ponds primarily in north western north America. It is considered to be an arboreal species because it mainly nests in cavities found in mature trees although it will also nest in burrows or protected sites on the ground. The Barrow’s Goldeneye can also be found in scattered locations in eastern Canada and Iceland (the only European site). It is an extremely rare vagrant to western Europe and to southern areas of north America. In Icelandic the Barrow’s Goldeneye is known as húsönd (house duck) and it is a common species in the Mývatn area in the north of the country. The Barrow’s Goldeneye is migratory and most winter in large flocks on lakes, rivers, estuaries and bays The Barrow's Goldeneye dives to feed on aquatic insects, crustaceans, small fish, fish eggs and pondweeds found in freshwater habitats and molluscs, crustaceans, seastars and marine worms found in saltwater habitats. Date: 2nd June 2015 Location: River Laxá, Lake Mývatn area, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14863193.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11809208514fae2af7dec0f.jpgGlossy Ibis The Glossy Ibis is a wading bird and a member of the ibis family. Breeding adults have reddish-brown bodies and shiny bottle-green wings whilst non-breeders and juveniles have duller bodies. They have a brownish bill, dark facial skin bordered above and below in blue-grey (non-breeding) to cobalt blue (breeding) and red-brown legs. Unlike herons, ibises fly with necks outstretched and often flocks fly in lines. The Glossy Ibis is the most widespread ibis species breeding in scattered sites in the warmer regions of Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and the Atlantic and Caribbean region of the Americas. They are also migratory with most European birds wintering in Africa. The Glossy Ibis nests colonially in trees often with herons. It is also gregarious when feeding in marshy wetlands when it predates on fish, frogs and other water creatures. The Glossy Ibis is a very rare visitor to the UK although some individuals have stayed here for many months or even years. The species is prone to occasional influxes and in 2009 the UK enjoyed the biggest influx ever with small flocks discovered in several counties. This photo shows a Glossy Ibis that was seen at various locations in Essex during March and April 2012. The bird was ringed at El Rocio in the Coto Donana National Park in southern Spain in September 2007. Date: 2nd April 2012 Location: Baddow Meads flood plain, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14093928.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16251183334f2eaf6243067.jpgSnow Bunting Snow Buntings are large buntings with striking “snowy” plumages. Males in summer have all white heads and underparts contrasting with a black mantle and wing tips. Females are a more mottled above. In autumn and winter birds develop a sandy/buff wash to their plumage and males have more mottled upperparts. Snow Buntings breed in far northern Europe and migrate south in winter. They are a very scarce breeding species in the UK and can be found on the highest mountain peaks in Scotland where they nest in rocky crevices. Snow Buntings are best looked for in winter (from late September to early March) where they can sometimes be seen in large flocks on the seashore or on adjacent short rough grassland at coastal sites in Scotland and eastern England. Date: 29th January 2012 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/endla-nature-reserve-estonia https://images.on-this.website/4752_94916169357cc0596df959.jpgEndla Nature Reserve, Estonia The Endla Nature Reserve is located in central Estonia about 40 miles north west of Tartu and it was established in 1981 to protect a complex of bogs, fens, pools, lakes, rivers, reedbeds, meadows and wet and dry forests. It is also included in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance. The Endla Nature Reserve is a large wilderness area of over 31 square miles and much of it is very difficult to access but it can mainly be explored from the visitor centre at Tooma which is about 20 miles north west of Jõgeva. Date: 19th May 2016 Location: Tooma, Endla Nature Reserve, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871678.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9112373804eff207cc0bae.jpgOystercatcher The Oystercatcher is a wader in the oystercatcher family. It is an obvious and noisy bird with black and white plumage, red legs and a strong broad red bill which is used for smashing or prising open molluscs such as mussels or for finding earthworms. Despite its name, oysters do not form a large part of its diet. The Oystercatcher is unmistakable in flight with white patches on the wings and tail with otherwise black upperparts and white underparts. Young birds are more brown, have a white neck collar and a duller bill. The call is a distinctive loud piping. The bill shape varies: Oystercatchers with broad bill tips open molluscs by prising them apart or hammering through the shell whereas birds with pointed bills dig up worms. Much of this is due to the wear resulting from feeding on their prey. Individual Oystercatchers specialise in one technique or the other which they learn from their parents. The Oystercatcher is the most widespread of the oystercatchers with 3 races breeding in western Europe, central Eurasia, Kamchatka, China, and the western coast of Korea. It is a migratory species over most of its range. The European population breeds mainly in northern Europe but in winter the birds can be found in north Africa and southern parts of Europe. Although the species is present all year in Ireland, the UK and the adjacent European coasts, there is still migratory movement within these populations. The Oystercatcher breeds on shingle and rocky beaches, sand dunes, salt marshes and on the grassy tops of small islands and also inland on shingle banks of rivers, lakes and gravel pits. Date: 28th May 2009 Location: Nesseby, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19905523.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18240009305290899a2ac9b.jpgGadwall The Gadwall is one of the most common and widespread dabbling ducks. The breeding male is patterned grey with a black rear end, light chestnut wings and a brilliant white speculum which is obvious in flight or at rest. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female but retains the male wing pattern and is usually greyer above and has less orange on the bill. The female is light brown with plumage much like a female Mallard. It can be distinguished from that species by the dark orange-edged bill, smaller size, the white speculum and white belly. The Gadwall breeds in north Europe and Asia and central north America and appears to be expanding into eastern north America. It is a bird of open wetlands and lakes, wet grassland or marshes with dense fringing vegetation and it nests on the ground, often some distance from water. In the UK, the Gadwall is a scarce breeding bird on some lakes and gravel pits in the Midlands, south east England, eastern central Scotland, eastern Northern Ireland and south east Wales. In winter, numbers increase as birds migrate to spend the winter in the UK on gravel pits, lakes, reservoirs and coastal wetlands. Date: 30th September 2013 Location: Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48309173.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20378935063ee4574da65a.jpgRed-crested Pochards The Red-crested Pochard is a large diving duck. The adult male is unmistakable. It has a rounded orange head, red bill and black breast. The flanks are white, the back brown and the tail black. The female is mainly a pale brown with a darker back and crown and a whitish face. Eclipse males are like females but with red bills. The Red-crested Pochard feeds mainly by diving or dabbling. They eat aquatic plants and typically upend for food more than most diving ducks. The Red-crested Pochard breeds in southern Europe and Central Asia and winters in the Indian subcontinent and Africa. Their breeding habitat is lowland marshes and lakes. It is a gregarious bird forming large flocks in winter, often mixed with other diving ducks. The status of the Red-crested Pochard in the UK is much confused because there have been many escapes and deliberate releases over the years, as well as natural visitors from the continent. However, it is most likely that UK birds are escapees that are now breeding wild and have built up a successful feral population. Date: 6th February 2022 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49797304.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_96469291864ec9c64f05c8.jpgDartford Warbler The Dartford Warbler is a small warbler distinguished by its long tail compared with that of other warblers. Its plumage comprises unobtrusive and muted tones which blend in with its preferred habitats. Like many warblers, the Dartford Warbler has distinct male and female plumages. The male has a grey back and head, reddish underparts and a red eye. The female is paler below, especially on the throat, and a browner grey above. The song of the Dartford Warbler is a distinctive rattling warble. The largest populations of Dartford Warbler are found in Iberia with smaller populations in France, Italy and the south of the UK. In Africa, they are found in small areas in northern Morocco and northern Algeria. The Dartford Warbler breeds on heathlands amongst gorse, heather and other scrub bushes, sometimes near coasts. Dartford Warblers are named after Dartford Heath in north west Kent in the UK where the population became extinct in the early 20th century. They almost died out in the UK in the severe winter of 1962/63 when the national population dropped to just 10 pairs. However, this species can recover well in good quality habitat, thanks to repeated nesting and a high survival rate for the young. In the UK, Dartford Warblers can now be found at various heathland locations in south and east England. Date: 2nd July 2023 Location: Great Ovens NNR, Wareham Forest, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871596.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12681348604eff1f006149f.jpgReindeer The Reindeer, also known as the Caribou in North America, is a deer from the Arctic and sub Arctic, including both resident and migratory populations. Whilst it is overall widespread and numerous, some of its subspecies are rare or already extinct. The Reindeer is a widespread and numerous species in the northern Holarctic, being present in tundra (frozen arctic plain with lichens, mosses and dwarfed vegetation) and taiga (marshy pine forest) regions. Originally, the Reindeer was found in Scandinavia, eastern Europe, Russia, Mongolia, and northern China. In North America, it was found in Canada, Alaska and the northern USA from Washington to Maine. It also occurred naturally on Sakhalin, Greenland, and probably even in historical times in Ireland. Today, wild Reindeer have disappeared from many areas within this large historical range, especially from the southern parts where it has vanished almost everywhere. Large populations of wild Reindeer are still found in Norway, Finland, Siberia, Greenland, Alaska, and Canada. Wild Reindeer hunting and herding of semi-domesticated Reindeer (for meat, hides, antlers, milk and transportation) are important to several Arctic and Subarctic people. Domesticated Reindeer are mostly found in northern Fennoscandia and Russia with a herd of approximately 150-170 Reindeer also living around the Cairngorms region in Scotland. Reindeer vary considerably in colour and size. Both sexes grow antlers, though they are typically larger in males. Even far outside its range, the Reindeer is well known due to the myth, probably originating in early 19th century America, in which Santa Claus's sleigh is pulled by flying Reindeer, a popular element of Christmas. Date: 25th May 2009 Location: east of Sodankylä, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5325789.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1525704994c1dd5b740f52.jpgSango Bay, Sutherland Sango Bay is a beautiful sandy bay on the north coast of Sutherland and located by the village of Durness 4 miles west of Loch Eriboll. The bay is approximately half a mile in width and surrounded by low cliffs. Date: 3rd June 2010 Location: view from the A838 road east of Durness http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46511799.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_211892789862c993b5bd577.jpgDipper The White-throated Dipper, also known as the European Dipper or simply as the Dipper, is an aquatic passerine bird. It is divided into several sub-species based primarily on colour differences, particularly of the pectoral band. These include the Black-bellied Dipper found in Scandinavia, west France, north west Spain, Corsica and Sardinia and an infrequent migrant to the UK and the “British” Dipper found in England, Wales and Scotland excluding the west and north west and the islands. The Dipper is about 7.1 inches long, rotund and short tailed. The head of the adult is brown, the back slate-grey mottled with black (looking black from a distance) and the wings and tail are brown. The throat and upper breast are white followed by a band of warm chestnut (“British” Dipper) or black (Black-bellied Dipper ) which merges into black on the belly and flanks. The young are greyish brown and have no chestnut band. The Dipper can be found in Europe, the Middle East, central Asia and the Indian Subcontinent and it is closely associated with swiftly running rivers and streams or the lakes in to which these fall. It often perches and bobs spasmodically with its short tail uplifted on the rocks around which the water swirls and tumbles. It acquired its name from these sudden dips and not from its diving habit, although it dives as well as walks into the water. It flies rapidly and straight with its short wings whirring swiftly and without pauses or glides and will then either drop on the water and dive or plunge in with a small splash. In addition, it will walk into the water and deliberately submerge from a perch. In this way the Dipper finds its food which includes aquatic invertebrates, aquatic insect larvae, beetles, freshwater molluscs, fish and small amphibians. It will also walk and run on the banks and rocks seeking terrestrial invertebrates. The winter habits of the Dipper vary considerably and apparently individually. When the swift hill rivers and streams are frozen it is forced to descend to the lowlands and even visit the coasts but some will remain if there is any open water. The Dipper breeds close to water and the nest is large, globular or oval (similar to a large Wren's nest) built into a crack or hollow in the rock or in the masonry or on the supports of a bridge. It is composed of moss, dead grass and leaves. This ball, however, is just a shelter. Usually hidden beneath a lip is the entrance to the real nest inside which is a cup of grass or sedge lined with leaves of oak, beech or other trees. Eggs are laid (3 to 6) are laid between March and May and 1 or 2 broods are raised. Date: 9th May 2022 Location: RWT Gilfach, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/snow-buntings https://images.on-this.website/4752_6416517674bf6df5882323.jpgSnow Buntings Snow Buntings are large buntings with striking “snowy” plumages. Males in summer have all white heads and underparts contrasting with a black mantle and wing tips. Females are a more mottled above. In autumn and winter birds develop a sandy/buff wash to their plumage and males have more mottled upperparts. The Snow Bunting is an Arctic specialist with a circumpolar Arctic breeding range throughout the northern hemisphere. The breeding habitat is on tundra, treeless moors, and bare mountains. It is migratory, wintering a short distance further south in open habitats in northern temperate areas, typically on either sandy coasts, steppes, prairies, or low mountains, more rarely on farmland stubble. In winter, it forms mobile flocks. The Snow Bunting is a very scarce breeding species in the UK and can be found on the highest mountain peaks in Scotland where they nest in rocky crevices. This photo shows just a few of a "blizzard" of c.200 Snow Buntings that were feeding in a field near Kramvik. Date: 13th April 2010 Location: near Kramvik, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26008666.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2132989099563519ead510e.jpgLong-tailed Duck The Long-tailed Duck is a medium-sized sea duck. Adults have white underparts although the rest of the plumage goes through a complex moulting process. The male has a long pointed tail and a dark grey bill crossed by a pink band. In winter, the male has a dark cheek patch on a mainly white head and neck, a dark breast and mostly white body. In summer, the male is dark on the head, neck and back with a white cheek patch. The female has a brown back and a relatively short pointed tail. In winter, the female's head and neck are white with a dark crown. In summer, the head is dark. Juveniles resemble adult females in autumn plumage, though with a lighter, less distinct cheek patch. The Long-tailed Duck breeds in tundra pools and marshes but also along sea coasts and in large mountain lakes in north America, northern Europe and Russia. It is migratory and winters along the eastern and western coasts of north America, on the Great Lakes, coastal northern and western Europe and Asia. The most important wintering area is the Baltic Sea where a total of about 4.5 million gather. The Long-tailed Duck feeds by diving for molluscs, crustaceans and some small fish. Date: 4th June 2015 Location: Lake Mývatn, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/whimbrel https://images.on-this.website/4752_1971168174db0173f0c97f.jpgWhimbrel The Whimbrel is a large wading bird although smaller than the similar Curlew. It has longish legs, a long bill that curves near the tip and stripes through its crown. It is brownish above and whitish below. In flight, the Whimbrel shows a white “V” shape up its back from its tail. In the UK, the Whimbrel only breeds in northern Scotland, particularly Shetland. It is a passage migrant to other areas in spring and autumn on its way from and to its wintering areas in South Africa. Date: 2nd June 2008 Location: Loch of Funzie, Fetlar, Shetland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46028402.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9237976176291f59434fa7.jpgEdible Frog The Edible Frog is a species of frog found across Europe that is also known as the Common Water Frog and the Green Frog. The Edible Frog is one of the few animals in the world that is a fertile hybrid of 2 different species, as although similar but genetically different species are known to mate, it is very rare that their offspring will be able to breed. The Edible Frog is a fertile hybrid of 2 other European frogs, namely the Pool Frog and the Marsh Frog, that inter-bred when populations where isolated close to one another during the Ice Age. It was first described in 1758 and is known as the Edible Frog due to the fact that it is now seen as a culinary delicacy across Europe but especially in France where frog’s legs are often served as a national dish. The reason for humans favouring this frog over others is not really known but it may have something to do with their abundance. The Edible Frog is a medium sized frog growing to around 3.5 to 4.5 inches in length. Adults are mainly green in colour with light patches of brown on their backs, yellow eyes and a white underside covered in a few dark spots. There are number of distinct differences between males and females including the fact that males become much lighter and greener during the mating season. Males also have vocal sacs on the outside of their cheeks and extra skin patches on their feet, both of which are primarily used for mating. The Edible Frog is endemic to Europe and it naturally occurs across central Europe as far north as Germany and Estonia. Southern populations are found from Croatia, through northern Italy and into the south of France. There are also isolated populations in Sweden and Bulgaria which are thought to have migrated from the countries nearby. It has also been introduced to the UK. The Edible Frog spends all of its time either in or very close to water and it is most commonly found in calmer parts of rivers and streams where there is a slow but constant flow of fresh water. It tends to prefer more open areas and can also be commonly found around lakes, ponds and marshes. Unlike many other species of frog, the Edible Frog is a diurnal animal and is therefore most active during the day. This is when it is most likely to move away from the water so that it can find a better supply of food or move to a different part of the water if it needs to. The Edible Frog is a relatively solitary animal so there is less competition for food but males are often seen sitting together in groups during the breeding season when they are trying to out-compete each other to find a mate. The breeding season for the Edible Frog begins during March and generally lasts for around 2 months. Males sing by drawing air in and out of their vocal sacs to produce the highest-pitched sound possible since females are most attracted to the loudest males. After courting her in a lake, pond or swamp, the male lets the female lay up to 10,000 eggs in a sticky mass into the water before he fertilises them. Tadpoles can be as small as 0.2 inches long when they hatch and are a grey/brown colour. They then grow up to 2 to 3 inches in length before metamorphoses occurs and they leave the water as 0.75 inches long young frogs. The Edible Frog reaches sexual maturity at the age of 2 years and can live until it is 15 years old. The Edible Frog is a carnivorous amphibian but the tadpoles mainly eat vegetation although they are known to occasionally supplement their diet with aquatic micro-organisms. Adults eat small invertebrates such as insects, spiders and flies, which make up the majority of their diet, along with larger aquatic animals like fish, newts and other frogs. The Edible Frog hunts for food during the day and can be seen catching food both in water and on land. The Edible Frog remains very still when it is sitting on the banks of its water habitat and this, along with its camouflage, makes it very difficult for predators to spot. Its eyes are positioned near the top of the head meaning that it can also see danger coming whilst the body is mainly hidden. Snakes, owls and water birds are the main predators of the Edible Frog. The Edible Frog will jump into the water and hide if it senses approaching danger and it will make a loud screeching sound if caught. Edible Frog populations are under threat from habitat destruction mainly caused by deforestation and water pollution. Date: 26th May 2022 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11328474.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3901389324e1d66f75ea37.jpgCoot The Coot is an all black bird with a distinctive white beak and “shield” above the beak from which earns it the title “bald”. Its feet have distinctive lobed flaps of skin on the toes which act instead of webs when swimming. It patters noisily over the water before taking off and can be very aggressive towards other birds. Coot can be found all the year round mainly on freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers and town park lakes. Sometimes they can be seen offshore, especially in winter if freshwater areas are frozen. They breed in areas of fairly shallow standing freshwater with a muddy bottom and plenty of vegetation at the sides, usually in lowland areas. Date: 08/05/05 Location: Conwy RSPB reserve, Gwynedd http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11349612.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17174301874e1ef8a35a2f0.jpgFulmar The Fulmar is almost gull-like but is a grey and white seabird that is related to the albatrosses. It flies low over the sea on stiff wings with shallow wing beats, gliding and banking to show its white under-parts and then grey upper-parts. At its breeding sites it will fly high up the cliff face riding the updraughts. Fulmars feed in flocks out at sea and defend their nests from intruders by spitting out a foul-smelling oil. Fulmars breed on coastal cliffs with suitable ledges and grassy slopes but will occasionally breed on buildings. Fulmars are best looked for at seabird colonies and are most abundant along the Scottish coastline especially in the Northern Isles. They are least common along the east, south and north-west coasts of England. Adults are present at the breeding colonies nearly all year although young birds leave in late summer. Away from the breeding colonies, Fulmars spend their whole time offshore at sea. Date: 14/06/06 Location: Handa Island, Sutherland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50570368.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_133228010965ccc830e2825.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the Canidae family and is a part of the order Carnivora within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 11th January 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405560.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_731908236586fbfb0b4b4.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the Canidae family and is a part of the order Carnivora within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 6th December 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11947768.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6789607824e40fe20cfd1b.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 21st October 2007 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/patreksfjrur-westfjords-iceland https://images.on-this.website/4752_19591396665638a68b5b40f.jpgPatreksfjörður, Westfjords, Iceland Patreksfjörður is the southernmost fjord in the Westfjords. The small settlement of Patreksfjörður is built on the sandspits of Geirseyri and Vatnseyri and was named after Saint Patrick who was the spiritual guide of Örlygur Hrappson, the original settler in the area. It is the largest settlement in the southern part of the Westfjords and it is the only place in the Westfjords outside of the regional capital of Ísafjörður to boast more than the odd shop and restaurant. Early in the 20th century, Patreksfjörður was a pioneering force in Iceland's fishing industry, initiating trawler fishing. Commercial fishing and fish processing remain important today but other industries like fish farming and services are also increasingly important. Tourism has been on the increase in Patreksfjörður, not surprisingly since the Látrabjarg cliffs, Rauðasandur beach and Dynjandi waterfalls are all within its reach. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: view from the road 612 to Látrabjarg along the southern shore of Patreksfjörður http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12869426.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4510076324e786b56d28cc.jpgLittle Grebe The Little Grebe, also known as the Dabchick, is the smallest member of the grebe family measuring 9 to 11.5 inches in length. The adult is unmistakable in summer, predominantly dark above with its rich, rufous colour neck, cheeks and flanks and bright yellow gape. The rufous is replaced by a dirty brownish grey in non-breeding and juvenile birds. Juveniles have a yellow bill with a small black tip and black and white streaks on the cheeks and sides of the neck. This yellow bill darkens as the juveniles age, eventually turning black as an adult. The Little Grebe can be noisy with a distinctive whinnying trill. The Little Grebe can be found across Europe, much of Asia down to New Guinea and in most of Africa. It breeds in small colonies in freshwater wetlands with muddy bottoms and edges and still or slow-moving water with plenty of emergent vegetation such as lakes, gravel pits, canals and rivers. Most birds move to more open or coastal waters in winter but it is only migratory in those parts of its range where the waters freeze. Like all grebes, the Little Grebe nests at the water's edge since its legs are set very far back and it can not walk well. Usually 4 to 7 eggs are laid. The young leave the nest and can swim soon after hatching but are often carried on the backs of the swimming adults. The Little Grebe is an excellent swimmer and diver and pursues its fish and aquatic invertebrate prey underwater. It uses the vegetation skilfully as a hiding place. Date: 18th September 2011 Location: Cromford Canal, Derbyshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081430.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_38400665363a83369254c4.jpgBrown Rat Brown Rats have coarse brown or occasionally black fur with a pale underside. They have a long tail which is sparsely haired. Although originally native to eastern Asia and Japan, Brown Rats are now distributed world-wide. They spread across the UK via the shipping traffic from foreign countries in the 18th century and largely replaced the Black Rat. They are highly adaptable and can be found all over the UK, except for exposed mountain regions and some small offshore islands, and live in loose colonies and home ranges of around 50 metres in diameter. Along with the House Mouse, the Brown Rat is considered to be the most widespread terrestrial mammal in the UK and they are subject to persistent pest control due to the damage they cause and the numerous diseases they spread. Brown Rats are omnivorous and have a very varied diet. They are typically nocturnal although they will sometimes forage for food during the day. They also swim well and are sometimes mistaken for Water Voles. Brown Rats live for around 18 months and breed throughout the year producing 5 litters of 8 young a year. Date: 9th January 2022 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45182258.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17842102096235c39b4febb.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 21st January 2022 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/goldfinch https://images.on-this.website/4752_18199092404da1f0b569514.jpgGoldfinch The European Goldfinch or simply the Goldfinch is a small passerine bird in the finch family. The Goldfinch is 4.7 to 5.1 inches in length with a wingspan of 8.3 to 9.8 inches. The sexes are broadly similar, with a red face, black and white head, warm brown upper parts, white underparts with buff flanks and breast patches and black and yellow wings. On closer inspection, males can often be distinguished by a larger, darker red mask that extends just behind the eye. The shoulder feathers are black, whereas they are brown on the female. In females, the red face does not extend past the eye. The ivory-coloured bill is long and pointed and the tail is forked. Juveniles have a plain head and a greyer back but are unmistakable due to the yellow wing stripe. The Goldfinch is native to Europe, north Africa and west and central Asia. It is found in open, partially wooded lowlands and it is a resident in the milder west of its range but migrates from colder regions. It will also make local movements, even in the west, to escape bad weather. It has been introduced to many areas of the world. In the UK, the Goldfinch can be seen anywhere there are scattered bushes and trees, rough ground with thistles and other seeding plants, including orchards, parks, gardens, heathland and commons. It is less common in upland areas and most numerous in the south of England. The nest is built entirely by the female Goldfinch and is generally completed within a week. It is neat and compact and constructed of mosses and lichens and lined with plant down such as that from thistles. It is generally located several feet above the ground, hidden by leaves in the twigs at the end of a branch. The female typically lays 4 to 6 eggs which are incubated for 11 to 13 days. The chicks are fed by both parents. Initially they receive a mixture of seeds and insects but as they grow the proportion of insect material decreases. For the first 7 to 9 days the young are brooded by the female. The nestlings fledge 13 to 18 days after hatching. The young birds are fed by both parents for a further 7 to 9 days. The parents typically raise 2 broods each year and occasionally 3. The Goldfinch's preferred food is small seeds such as those from thistles and teasels but insects are also taken when feeding young. It also regularly visits bird feeders in winter. The Goldfinch is commonly kept and bred in captivity around the world because of its distinctive appearance and pleasant song. In the UK during the 19th century, many thousands of Goldfinches were trapped each year to be sold as cage birds. One of the earliest campaigns of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was directed against this trade. Date: 8th April 2011 Location: Way Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9580172.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2921193134db02165e865c.jpgCommon Sandpiper The Common Sandpiper is a small wader. The adult is 7.1 to 7.9 inches long with a 13 to 14 inches wingspan. It has greyish-brown upperparts, white underparts, short dark-yellowish legs and feet and a bill with a pale base and dark tip. In winter plumage, it is duller and has more conspicuous barring on the wings although this is still only visible at close range. Juveniles are more heavily barred above and have buff edges to the wing feathers. The Common Sandpiper habitually bobs up and down and it has a distinctive flight with stiff, bowed wings. Its presence is often betrayed by its three-note call which it gives as it flies off. The Common Sandpiper is widespread and common and breeds across most of temperate and sub-tropical Europe and Asia where it nests on the ground near freshwater. It migrates to Africa, south Asia and Australia in winter. In the UK, the Common Sandpiper breeds along fast-flowing upland streams and rivers and at the edges of lochs and lakes in Scotland, Wales and the north of England. Summer visitors arrive in March and April and leave the breeding grounds in July and August with the young following in September. During the spring and autumn passage migration, it can be found elsewhere in the UK, near lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers, ditches, coastal shores and estuaries. The Common Sandpiper forages by sight on the ground or in shallow water, picking up small food items such as insects, crustaceans and other invertebrates. Date: 9th June 2007 Location: Craignure Bay, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11654810.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11428695044e31341ff293c.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 7th December 2008 Location: Leysdown, Isle of Sheppey, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11639902.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9123327764e2fe2446eb33.jpgBlack Grouse The Black Grouse is a large game bird in the grouse family. The male has all black plumage with distinctive red wattles over the eyes and striking white stripes along each wing in flight. It has a lyre-shaped tail which is fanned out and raised to show white under-tail feathers when displaying. The female is smaller and grey-brown in colour. The Black Grouse is a sedentary species and breeds across northern Eurasia in moorland and bog areas near to mostly boreal woodland. Although it is declining, it is not considered to be vulnerable globally due to the large population and slow rate of decline. Its decline is due to loss of habitat, disturbance, predation by foxes, crows, etc., and small populations gradually dying out. In the UK, the Black Grouse are found in upland areas of Wales, the Pennines and most of Scotland, especially on farmland and moorland with nearby forestry or scattered trees. Habitat loss and overgrazing have resulted in severe population declines which make the Black Grouse a Red List species. Positive habitat management and re-introduction programmes are helping it to increase in some areas. The Black Grouse has a very distinctive and well-recorded courtship. At dawn in the spring, the males strut around in a traditional area (lek) and display whilst making a highly distinctive and bubbling mating call. This photo was taken at a "lek" which included 8 males and 3 females. Date: 11th April 2009 Location: undisclosed site, Perthshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46028416.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3427865486291f5bc0f8d6.jpgCommon Lizard The Common Lizard ranges across central and northern Europe (but are absent from the Mediterranean area) and through to northern Asia. It is the most common lizard in northern regions and the only reptile found in Ireland. The Common Lizard has a long body and short legs. It has coarse scales which range from grey, brown, bronze or green on the back and males are generally darker than females. It has a series of white spots down the flanks, which fuse to form a line, and a black line along the back. The Common Lizard also has numerous black spots scattered over the body. Males have orange/yellow bellies with black spots and females have cream/white bellies. The Common Lizard is found in a range of habitats including woodland, marshes, heathland, moors, sand dunes, hedgerows, bogs and rubbish dumps and it hunts insects, spiders, snails and earthworms, stunning its prey by shaking it and then swallowing it whole. The Common Lizard is active during the day and spends the morning and afternoon (but not the intense heat of midday) basking in the sun either alone or in groups. It is a good swimmer and will dive underwater when threatened. At night, and when startled, it will shelter beneath logs, stones and metal sheets. After emerging from hibernation, males defend breeding territories from other males. The young develop over 3 months within egg membranes inside the female's body which they usually break out of as she gives birth. Litters of 3 to 12 young are born from June to September after which time the mother shows no parental care with the young feeding actively from birth and quickly dispersing. The Common Lizard hibernates from October to March. It will often hibernate in groups and sometimes emerge for a brief time during warm spells. Date: 26th May 2022 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17408509.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_443589728513327536c754.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 12th January 2013 Location: Martin Mere WWT reserve, Lancashire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21959357.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_140522920253da7e0588baa.jpgGolden Plover The European Golden Plover, also known as the Eurasian Golden Plover or just the Golden Plover within Europe, is a largish plover. It is similar to 2 other Golden Plovers: the American Golden Plover and the Pacific Golden Plover which are both smaller, slimmer and relatively longer-legged than the European Golden Plover and have grey rather than white axillary feathers. The Golden Plover is a medium sized plover with a distinctive gold and black summer plumage. In winter the black is replaced by buff and white. It typically stands upright and runs in short bursts. The Golden Plover breeds on the ground in a dry open area on moorland, mountains and fells, tundra and marshland in northern Europe and western Asia as far west as Iceland and as far east as central Siberia. It is migratory and winters in western and southern Europe and in north Africa where it tends to gather in large flocks in open areas and on agricultural plains, ploughed land and short meadows. In the UK, the Golden Plover can be found from May to September on the upland moorlands in the southern uplands of Scotland, the Scottish Highlands, the Western and Northern Isles, the Peak District, north Yorkshire, Wales and Devon. Winter flocks start to appear at lower levels and around the coasts after the breeding season with the largest numbers seen between November and February when Golden Plovers often form large flocks with Lapwings. Date: 13th June 2014 Location: Grinton Moor, Yorkshire Dales National Park, North Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12759410.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13606652254e71b0b3469bf.jpgRed Squirrel The Red Squirrel or Eurasian Red Squirrel is a species of tree squirrel in the genus [i]Sciurus[/i]. It is an arboreal and primarily herbivorous rodent. The Red Squirrel has a typical head and body length of 7.5 to 9 inches, a tail length of 6 to 8 inches and a weight of 9 to 12 ounces. Males and females are the same size. The Red Squirrel is smaller and lighter in weight than the Grey Squirrel The coat of the Red Squirrel varies in colour with the time of year and its location and there are several different coat colour morphs ranging from black to red. Red coats are most common in the UK but in other parts of Europe and Asia different coat colours co-exist within populations. The underside of the Red Squirrel is always creamy-white in colour. The Red Squirrel sheds its coat twice a year, switching from a thinner summer coat to a thicker, darker winter coat with noticeably larger ear-tufts (a prominent distinguishing feature of this species) between August and November. A lighter, redder overall coat colour, along with the ear-tufts (in adults) and smaller size, distinguish the Red Squirrel from the Grey Squirrel. The long tail helps the Red Squirrel to balance and steer when jumping from tree to tree and running along branches and it may also keep it warm during sleep. The Red Squirrel, like most tree squirrels, has sharp and curved claws to enable it to climb and descend broad tree trunks, thin branches and even house walls and its strong hind legs enable it to leap gaps between trees. The Red Squirrel can be found in the boreal coniferous woods in north Europe and Siberia where it prefers Scots Pine, Norway Spruce and Siberian Pine. In west and south Europe it can be found in broad-leaved woods where the mixture of tree and shrub species provides a better year round source of food. In most of the UK and in Italy, broad-leaved woodlands are now less suitable for it due to the better competitive feeding strategy of the introduced Grey Squirrel. The Red Squirrel makes a drey (nest) out of twigs in a branch-fork, forming a domed structure about 9 to 12 inches in diameter. This is lined with moss, leaves, grass and bark. Tree hollows and woodpecker holes are also used. The Red Squirrel is generally a solitary animal and is shy and reluctant to share food with others. However, outside the breeding season and particularly in winter, several Red Squirrels may share a drey to keep warm. Social organisation is based on dominance hierarchies within and between sexes. Although males are not necessarily dominant towards females, the dominant animals tend to be larger and older than subordinate animals and dominant males tend to have larger home ranges than subordinate males or females. Mating can occur in late winter during February and March and in summer between June and July. During mating, males detect females that are in oestrus by an odour that they produce and, although there is no courtship, the male will chase the female for up to an hour prior to mating. Usually multiple males will chase a single female until the dominant male, usually the largest in the group, mates with the female. Males and females will mate multiple times with many partners. Females must reach a minimum body mass before they enter oestrus and heavy females on average produce more young. If food is scarce breeding may be delayed. Typically a female will produce her first litter in her second year. Up to 2 litters a year per female are possible. Each litter averages 3 young and these are known as kits. Gestation is about 38 to 39 days and the young are looked after by the mother alone and are born helpless, blind and deaf. Their body is covered by hair at 21 days, their eyes and ears open after 3 to 4 weeks and they develop all their teeth by 42 days. Juveniles can eat solids around 40 days following birth and from that point they can leave the nest on their own to find food. However, they still suckle from their mother until weaning occurs at 8 to 10 weeks. The Red Squirrel eats mostly the seeds of trees, fungi, nuts (especially hazelnuts but also beech and chestnuts), berries and young shoots. More rarely, it may also eat bird eggs or nestlings and may occasionally exhibit opportunistic omnivory similar to other rodents. Excess food is put into caches, either buried or in nooks or holes in trees, and eaten when food is scarce. Although the Red Squirrel remembers where it created caches at a better than chance level, its spatial memory is believed to be substantially less accurate and durable than that of the Grey Squirrel. Therefore it will often have to search for them when in need and many caches are never found again. Between 60% and 80% of the active time of a Red Squirrel may be spent foraging and feeding. The active period is generally in the morning and in the late afternoon and evening. It often rests in its nest in the middle of the day to avoid the heat and the high visibility to birds of prey that are dangers during these hours. During the winter, this midday rest is often much more brief or absent entirely although harsh weather may cause it to stay in its nest for days at a time. No territories are claimed between Red Squirrels and the feeding areas of individuals overlap considerably. A Red Squirrel that survives its first winter has a life expectancy of 3 years. Individuals may reach 7 years of age and 10 years in captivity. Survival is positively related to the availability of autumn and winter tree seeds. On average, 75 to 85% of juveniles die during their first winter and mortality is approximately 50% for winters following the first. Predators include small mammals such as the Pine Marten, the Wildcat and the Stoat which all prey on juveniles. Birds, including owls and raptors such as the Goshawk and Common Buzzard, may also prey on the Red Squirrel as will the Red Fox and domestic cats and dogs when it is on the ground. Humans influence the population size and mortality of the Red Squirrel by destroying or altering habitats, by causing road casualties and by introducing non-native populations of the Grey Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel and the Red Squirrel are not directly antagonistic and violent conflict between these species is not a factor in the decline in Red Squirrel populations. However, the Grey Squirrel appears to contribute to the decrease in the Red Squirrel population for several reasons: it carries a disease, the squirrel parapoxvirus, that does not appear to affect its own health but will often kill the Red Squirrel, it can better digest acorns whilst the Red Squirrel cannot access the proteins and fats in acorns as easily and it can put the Red Squirrel under pressure for food resources resulting in it not breeding as often. In the UK, due to the above circumstances, the population has today fallen to 160,000 Red Squirrels or fewer with the majority of these in Scotland. Outside the UK and Ireland, the impact of competition from the Grey Squirrel has also been observed in Italy where 2 pairs escaped from captivity in 1948. A significant drop in the Red Squirrel population has been observed since 1970 and it is feared that the Grey Squirrel may expand into the rest of Europe. The Red Squirrel is protected in most of Europe although in some areas it is abundant and is hunted for its fur. In the UK there are several active projects to protect the Red Squirrel and its native woodland habitat, introduce or re-introduce it in to areas where it is absent and eradicate and prevent the spread of the Grey Squirrel. Research undertaken in 2007 in the UK credits the Pine Marten with reducing the population of the invasive Grey Squirrel. Where the range of the expanding Pine Marten population meets that of the Grey Squirrel, the population of the latter retreats. It is theorised that, because the Grey Squirrel spends more time on the ground than the Red Squirrel, it is far more likely to come in contact with the Pine Marten. Date: 10th May 2006 Location: Freshfield National Trust reserve, Formby Point, Merseyside http://www.richardchewphotography.com/fallow-deer-and-magpie https://images.on-this.website/4752_5122674644cc3052e6f471.jpgFallow Deer .... and Magpie Fallow Deer are native to the Mediterranean region of Europe and from Turkey to Iran but they have been introduced to nearly 40 countries including the UK by the Normans in the 11th century. They have since become the most widespread species of deer in the UK and typically can be found in deciduous woodland with open patches. Fallow Deer commonly gather in small herds of 4 to 5 but in good feeding areas groupings of up to 100 may gather. When competing for access to females, males display by groaning, thrashing their antlers and by walking alongside their opponent. Fighting occurs if both stags are evenly matched and involves wrestling and clashing of antlers. Fallow Deer have many colour varieties but they are typically fawn-coloured in the summer and reddish-brown in the winter. They have yellow-white undersides, white spots and a black line that runs along the back to the tip of the tail. The spots become less conspicuous or disappear in winter. Males have palmate (flattened) antlers. Date: 17th October 2010 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/hurtigruten-ship-ms-vesterlen https://images.on-this.website/4752_11569684825f326f2fdb25d.jpgHurtigruten ship MS Vesterålen MS Vesterålen is a passenger ship operated by the Norwegian-based Hurtigruten and named after the first Hurtigruten ship that sailed along Norway´s coastline in 1893. She was constructed in Harstad, Norway in 1983, refitted in Bremen, Germany in 1989 to increase passenger capacity and again later in 1995. From 2010, the ship operates cruises primarily along the coast of Norway with a passenger capacity of 490 and a car capacity of 24. Hurtigruten is a Norwegian public coastal route which provides daily, year-round traffic between Bergen in the south and Kirkenes in the north. It transports passengers that travel locally, regionally and between the 34 ports of call plus additionally cargo between ports north of Tromsø. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: MS Vesterålen arriving at Vardø, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/piatra-craiului-mountains https://images.on-this.website/4752_20243219635d3088bf85b9a.jpgPiatra Craiului Mountains, Brașov County, Romania The Piatra Craiului Mountains are a mountain range in the Southern Carpathians in central Romania. It forms a narrow and saw-like ridge which is about 16 miles long. Vârful La Om is the highest peak at 7343 feet. The ridge is regarded as one of the most impressive and beautiful sites in the Carpathian Mountians and the views both towards and from the mountains are superb. The whole range is included in the Piatra Craiului National Park. The first protection of this area started in 1938 when 2 square miles were declared as a nature reserve. This has been progressively extended and in 1990 it became a national park covering an area of 38 square miles. In 2003 the external limits and internal zoning were created. Since 1999 a park administration has existed with a visitor centre located on the minor road 0.6 miles west of Zărnești and since 2005 a management plan has been in place. Piatra Craiului National Park supports and protects an abundance and diversity of mammals (including Brown Bear, Wolf and Lynx), birds and plants. Zărneşti is the most important town for visiting the Piatra Craiului Mountains and the Piatra Craiului National Park. The town is located 17 miles south west of the city of Brașov. From Zărnești, a 7 mile long minor road runs west and ends at Cabana Plaiul Foii which is a good starting point for climbing the ridge. In addition, a forest road starts from the south west of Zărneşti which leads to the Zărneştilor Gorge and continues up to the ridge. The traditional villages of Măgura, Peştera, Ciocanu and Şirnea are starting points for routes up to the eastern slopes. Măgura, situated at 3281 feet, is one of Romania’s most picturesque villages and it provides stunning views towards the Bucegi Mountains and the Piatra Craiului Mountains. Date: 5th June 2018 Location: Piatra Craiului Mountains from the Zărnești to Cabana Plaiul Foii road, Brașov County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/ropotamo-nature-reserve-burgas-province https://images.on-this.website/4752_8481752175d307bbccdb7f.jpgRopotamo Nature Reserve, Burgas Province, Bulgaria The Ropotamo, from the Ancient Greek word meaning "border river", is a 30 mile long river in south east Bulgaria. Its source is the Bosna Ridge in the Strandzha Mountains. Up until the village of Novo Panicharevo it flows in a north east direction in a deep and narrow forested valley. Further downstream from the village it leaves the mountains and turns eastwards in a wide valley. The Ropotamo then forms a narrow gorge between the ridges Medni Rid and Uzun Bair and enters a wide marshy valley near its mouth. It empties into the Black Sea in a small bay to the west of Cape Saint Demetrius between Dyuni and Primorsko. Near its mouth there is a long and wide estuary lagoon separated from the sea by sandspits. To protect the dense riparian forests of oak, ash, elm and hornbeam, lily-clad marshes and scrub covered hillsides in the lower section of the River Ropotamo, the Ropotamo Nature Reserve was established in 1940. It was subsequently designated as a Ramsar site in 1975 which was extended in 2002 as the Ropotamo Complex covering an area of over 20 square miles and including the swamps of Lake Alepu and Lake Arkutino and several other smaller protected areas. Over 260 bird species, around 50 mammal species and 32 reptile and amphibian species have been recorded in the area. Date: 22nd May 2018 Location: bridge over the River Ropotamo, Burgas Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/collared-dove https://images.on-this.website/4752_15525808474db18cc9c18ef.jpgCollared Dove Collared Doves are distinctive birds with their buffy-pink plumage and black neck collar. They are usually seen singly or in pairs, although flocks may form where food is plentiful. They feed on the ground but readily perch on roofs and wires and in trees. The Collared Dove is not migratory but it is strongly dispersive. Over the last century, it has been one of the great colonisers of the bird world. Its original range at the end of the 19th century was warm temperate and subtropical Asia from Turkey east to south China and south through India to Sri Lanka. In 1838 it was reported in Bulgaria but not until the 20th century did it expand across Europe, appearing in parts of the Balkans between 1900 and 1920 and then spreading rapidly north west, reaching Germany in 1945, the UK in 1953, Ireland in 1959 and the Faroe Islands in the early 1970s. Subsequent spread was “sideways” from this fast north west spread reaching north east to north of the Arctic Circle in Norway, east to the Ural Mountains in Russia and south west to the Canary Islands and north Africa from Morocco to Egypt by the end of the 20th century. In the east of its range it has also spread north east to most of central and north China and locally (probably introduced) in Japan. It has also reached Iceland as a vagrant but has not colonised successfully there. Date: 06/02/07 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41254047.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7056314005f059dd9a1c9a.jpgPorvoo Cathedral, Porvoo, Uusimaa, Finland Porvoo Cathedral (Finnish: [I]Porvoon tuomiokirkko[/I]; Swedish: [I]Borgå domkyrka[/I]) is located in the centre of the city of Porvoo. It is a cathedral of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland and the seat of the Diocese of Borgå, Finland's Swedish-speaking diocese (Borgå is the Swedish language form of Porvoo). It is also used for services by the Porvoo Finnish-speaking community which is administratively part of the Diocese of Helsinki. The church first became a cathedral in 1723 when the diocese of Viipuri (Viborg) (now the Diocese of Tampere) moved to Porvoo after Vyborg was ceded to Russia in the Treaty of Nystad. Porvoo Cathedral was originally built of wood in the 13th century but the first stone walls were built between 1410 and 1420. In about 1450, it was expanded 13 feet towards the east and 20 feet towards the south. It has been destroyed by fire numerous times: in 1508 by Danish forces and in 1571, 1590 and 1708 by Russian forces. In May 29 2006, the outer roof collapsed in a fire (deliberate arson) but with the inner ceiling undamaged and the interior intact. It was reopened in July 2008. Date: 26th June 2019 Location: Porvoo Cathedral, Porvoo, Uusimaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874770.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1905805576561ccc48485d6.jpgEyjafjallajökull, south Iceland Eyjafjallajökull is located to the north of Skógar and to the west of Mýrdalsjökull in south Iceland. Eyjafjallajökull consists of a volcano completely covered by an ice cap. The ice cap covers an area of about 39 square miles and feeds many outlet glaciers mainly to the north. The mountain itself is a stratovolcano and stands 5417 feet at its highest point. It has a crater 1.9 to 2.5 miles in diameter which is open to the north. The crater rim has 3 main peaks: Guðnasteinn, Hámundur and Goðasteinn. The south face of the mountain was once part of Iceland's Atlantic coastline but over thousands of years the sea has retreated some 3 miles. The former coastline now consists of sheer cliffs with many waterfalls (of which the best known is Skógafoss) but the area between Eyjafjallajökull and the present coast is a relatively flat strand, 1 to 3 miles wide, called Eyjafjöll. Eyjafjallajökull has erupted relatively frequently since the last glacial period, most recently and notably in 2010. On 26th February 2010, unusual seismic activity along with rapid expansion of the Earth's crust was registered by the Meteorological Institute of Iceland. This gave geophysicists evidence that magma was pouring from underneath the crust into the magma chamber of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano. Pressure stemming from the process caused the huge crustal displacement at Þorvaldseyri farm. The seismic activity continued to increase and from 3rd to 5th March 2010 almost 3000 earthquakes were measured at the epicentre of the volcano. The eruption is thought to have begun on 20th March 2010 about 5 miles east of the top crater of Eyjafjallajökull on Fimmvörðuháls, the high neck between Eyjafjallajökull and the neighbouring icecap of Mýrdalsjökull. This first eruption, in the form of a fissure vent, did not occur under the glacier and was smaller in scale than had been expected by some geologists. On 14th April 2010 Eyjafjallajökull resumed erupting after a brief pause, this time from the top crater in the centre of the glacier, causing meltwater floods to rush down the nearby rivers and requiring 800 people to be evacuated. This eruption was explosive in nature due to melt water getting into the volcanic vent. It was estimated to be 10 to 20 times larger than the previous one in Fimmvörðuháls. This second eruption threw volcanic ash several miles up in the atmosphere which led to the closure of airspace and air travel disruption in north west Europe for 6 days from 15th April to 21st April 2010. It caused a significant delay in my own return from a [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/trip-report-north-finland-and]trip to north Norway and north Finland[/url] On 23rd May 2010, the eruption was declared to have stopped but monitoring continued. The volcano continued to have several earthquakes daily but since August 2010 Eyjafjallajökull has been considered dormant. Date: 8th June 2015 Location: view of farms below Eyjafjallajökull near Hvolsvöllur http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo10073260.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5909466334dd2201487a1a.jpgGrass Snake The Grass Snake is the UK’s largest terrestrial reptile reaching up to 6 feet in length although such large specimens are rare. Females are considerably larger than males and typically reach a size of 2 feet 11 inches to 3 feet 7 inches when fully grown whilst males are approximately 8 inches shorter. The Grass Snake is typically olive-green, brown or greyish in colour with a variable row of black bars along the sides, occasionally with smaller round markings along the back in double rows. The underside of the Grass Snake is off-white or yellowish with dark triangular or rectangular markings. A characteristic black and yellow collar is present behind the head. The Grass Snake is one of only 3 snakes to occur in the UK and it is distributed throughout lowland areas of England and Wales. It is almost absent from Scotland and is not found in Ireland at all which has no native snakes. The Grass Snake is an aquatic species that is usually closely associated with water where it preys almost entirely on amphibians, especially the Common Toad and the Common Frog, although they may also occasionally eat mammals and fish. It is a strong swimmer and is found in habitats featuring ponds, lakes, streams, marshes and ditches which provide access to sunshine for basking and plenty of shelter. The Grass Snake may also be found in open woodland, rough grassland, wet heathlands, gardens, parks and hedgerows. The Grass Snake, as with most reptiles, is at the mercy of the thermal environment and it needs to overwinter in areas which are not subject to freezing. Therefore it will typically spend the winter underground where the temperature is relatively stable. Date: 13th May 2011 Location: Stodmarsh, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13683353.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1979795044ed7339a974ed.jpgTawny Owl The Tawny Owl is an owl about the size of a pigeon. It has a rounded body and head with a ring of dark feathers around its face surrounding the dark eyes. It is mainly reddish brown above and paler underneath. The Tawny Owl can be found all year round in the UK and it is a widespread breeding species. Birds are mainly residents with established pairs probably never leaving their territories. Young birds disperse from breeding grounds in autumn. The Tawny Owl is nocturnal so it is often heard calling at night but much less often seen. In the daytime, you may see one only if you disturb it inadvertently from its roost site in woodland. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512875.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_135629574062c9a889c3c25.jpgGrey Wagtail The Grey Wagtail is a member of the wagtail family. It is somewhat similar to the Yellow Wagtail but more colourful than its name suggests. The upperparts are grey and the yellow vent contrasting with whitish underparts makes it distinctive. The breeding male has a black throat that is edged by whitish moustachial stripes, a narrow white supercilium and a broken eye ring and a tail noticeably longer than those of Pied and Yellow wagtails. Like other wagtails, it frequently wags its tail and flies low with undulations. The Grey Wagtail is widely distributed across the Palearctic region with several sub-species breeding in Europe and Asia. It can be found over most of the UK with the exception of the northern and western isles of Scotland. The greatest densities are found in the uplands of England, Wales and Scotland. The Grey Wagtail is always associated with fast running streams and rivers when breeding although they may use man-made structures near streams for the nest. Outside the breeding season, it may also be seen around lakes, coasts and other watery habitats including in town and city centres. It forages singly or in pairs feeding on a variety of aquatic invertebrates including adult flies, mayflies, beetles, crustacea and molluscs and will use rocks in water and often perch in waterside bushes and trees. Date: 12th June 2022 Location: River Otter near Otterton, Devon http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11328614.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7358993884e1d67880f81a.jpgLittle Grebe The Little Grebe, also known as the Dabchick, is the smallest member of the grebe family measuring 9 to 11.5 inches in length. The adult is unmistakable in summer, predominantly dark above with its rich, rufous colour neck, cheeks and flanks and bright yellow gape. The rufous is replaced by a dirty brownish grey in non-breeding and juvenile birds. Juveniles have a yellow bill with a small black tip and black and white streaks on the cheeks and sides of the neck. This yellow bill darkens as the juveniles age, eventually turning black as an adult. The Little Grebe can be noisy with a distinctive whinnying trill. The Little Grebe can be found across Europe, much of Asia down to New Guinea and in most of Africa. It breeds in small colonies in freshwater wetlands with muddy bottoms and edges and still or slow-moving water with plenty of emergent vegetation such as lakes, gravel pits, canals and rivers. Most birds move to more open or coastal waters in winter but it is only migratory in those parts of its range where the waters freeze. Like all grebes, the Little Grebe nests at the water's edge since its legs are set very far back and it can not walk well. Usually 4 to 7 eggs are laid. The young leave the nest and can swim soon after hatching but are often carried on the backs of the swimming adults. The Little Grebe is an excellent swimmer and diver and pursues its fish and aquatic invertebrate prey underwater. It uses the vegetation skilfully as a hiding place. Date: 12/03/06 Location: Cromford Wharf, Derbyshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41524255.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2927506595f3a6f47526b0.jpgRoesel's Bush-cricket The Roesel's Bush-cricket is dark brown with orangey legs, a green face, a creamy border to the thorax and 2 or 3 cream spots on its sides. It is best recognised by its long, monotonous and mechanical song which can be heard from June to October in rough grassland, scrub and damp meadows. Until the early 20th century, the Roesel's Bush-cricket was only found on the south east coast of the UK but in recent years there has been a rapid expansion in its range further north and west. Date: 13th August 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405377.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_189590956586ce540d462.jpgBlack-tailed Godwit The Black-tailed Godwit is a large, long-legged, long-billed shorebird with an orange head, neck and chest in its breeding plumage and a uniform brown-grey breast and upperparts in winter. During the breeding season, the bill has a yellowish or orange-pink base and dark tip but the base is pink in winter. The legs are dark grey, brown or black. The sexes are similar but in breeding plumage they can be separated by the male's brighter, more extensive orange breast, neck and head. In flight, the bold black and white wingbar and white rump can be seen readily. When on the ground the Black-tailed Godwit can be difficult to separate from the similar Bar-tailed Godwit but the Black-tailed Godwit's longer, straighter bill and longer legs are diagnostic. The Black-tailed Godwit’s breeding range stretches from Iceland through northern Europe and areas of central Asia where it can be found in fens, lake edges, damp meadows, moorlands and bogs. It winters in areas as diverse as the Indian Subcontinent, Australia, western Europe and west Africa where it can be found on estuaries and floods. It is also more likely to be found inland and on freshwater than the Bar-tailed Godwit. Date: 24th September 2023 Location: RSPB Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo512732.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11471331846ad11e04caa6.jpgCinnabar caterpillar The Cinnabar moth is a widespread moth throughout the UK and can often be seen during daylight hours. The moth is brightly coloured with crimson hindwings bordered with dusky black. The caterpillar is even more striking with a bright orange body and black transverse bands. Both the moth and caterpillar can be found in meadows, wasteland, road verges and downland where the foodplants ragwort occur. Moths are present from May to July and during June, females lay large batches of eggs on the undersides of ragwort leaves. The caterpillars hatch out in July and are active until August. Date: 28th July 2007 Location: EWT Langdon Conservation Centre, Dunton, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24834064.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1708245445559cf56c4f984.jpgSquacco Heron The Squacco Heron is named after its piercing “squawk’ call” and is a small, chunky heron with a short, thick bill, warm buff-brown back and snowy white wings, breast, tail and belly. The long, almost hair-like feathers on the back cover the tail and there are tufts of long white and black feathers on the head that sometimes stick straight up in the air. The Squacco Heron’s highly recognisable call is often given at night, especially during the breeding season. The Squacco Heron inhabits wetlands such as lakes, river valleys, swamps and other permanent or temporary freshwater wetlands. However, due to habitat alteration or loss, rice paddy fields are becoming a principal habitat. It prefers sites with abundant nearby vegetation, such as tamarisk, elm and ash trees, where it likes to nest in small colonies often with other herons and egrets. The Squacco Heron occurs in Europe (although rare in the north), Africa and the Middle East as far east as Iran, breeding in the northern parts of its range and migrating to southern regions to spend the winter. Date: 7th May 2015 Location: Evros Delta (west), East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42202651.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7722529035ff31070cafb8.jpgBrown Bear The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, Ursus arctos arctos. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an evening visit with [url=https://www.karhujenkatselu.fi/en-gb]Karhu-Kuusamo[/url] Date: 7th July 2019 Location: Kuntilampi, near Kuusamo, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45948309.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2314868566284a9deca75c.jpgKingfisher The Kingfisher is a small unmistakable bright blue and orange bird of slow moving or still water. They fly rapidly and low over water and hunt fish from riverside perches, occasionally hovering above the water's surface. Kingfishers are vulnerable to hard winters and habitat degradation through pollution or unsympathetic management of watercourses and are an “Amber List” species due to their unfavourable conservation status in Europe. Kingfishers are widespread especially in central and southern England but become less common further north. Following some declines last century, they are currently increasing in their range in Scotland. Kingfishers can be found all year round by still or slow flowing water such as lakes, canals and rivers in lowland areas. In winter, some individuals move to estuaries and the coast. Occasionally they may also visit garden ponds if they are of a suitable size. Date: 14th April 2022 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/-westfjords-iceland https://images.on-this.website/4752_8277796325638906f7ffd5.jpgWestfjords, Iceland The Westfjords is the name of a large peninsula in north west Iceland and it is situated on the Denmark Strait facing the east coast of Greenland to the north west. It is connected to the rest of Iceland by a 5 mile wide isthmus between Gilsfjörður and Bitrufjörður. The Westfjords are one of the most breathtakingly beautiful and least visited corners of Iceland with only a small number of foreign tourist visitors. This peninsula of almost 5500 square miles stretching out into the icy waters of the Denmark Strait is characterised by dramatic fjords which have resulted from intense glacial activity. Everything here is extreme from the table mountains that dominate the landscape and which plunge precipitously into the sea to the ferocious storms that have gnawed the coastline into countless craggy inlets. After crossing the Steingrímsfjarðarheiði mountain pass west of Hólmavík, road 61 becomes a convoluted and circuitous route which winds it’s way in and around no fewer than 7 deeply indented fjords in the northern part of the Westfjords before reaching the regional capital of Ísafjörður. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: view from road 61 between Súðavík and Ísafjörður http://www.richardchewphotography.com/mountain-hare https://images.on-this.website/4752_17970724835f06f4c3ca4fc.jpgMountain Hare The Mountain Hare, also known as the Blue Hare, Tundra Hare, Variable Hare, White Hare, Snow Hare, Alpine Hare and Irish Hare, is a large Palearctic hare species that is largely adapted to polar and mountainous habitats. The Arctic Hare was once considered a sub-species of the Mountain Hare but it is now regarded as a separate species. Similarly, some scientists believe that the Irish Hare should be regarded as a separate species. Currently, 15 sub-species are recognised. Whilst a large species, the Mountain Hare is slightly smaller than the European Hare. It grows to a length of 18 to 26 inches with a tail of 1.6 to 3.1 inches. Females are slightly heavier than males. In summer, the Mountain Hare’s coat is various shades of brown but in preparation for winter it moults in to a white or largely coat. The tail remains completely white all year round, distinguishing the Mountain Hare from the European Hare which has a black upper side to the tail. The subspecies Irish Mountain Hare stays brown all year and individuals rarely develop a white coat. The Mountain Hare is distributed from Fennoscandia to eastern Siberia and in addition there are isolated mountain populations in the Alps, Scotland, the Baltics, north east Poland and Hokkaidō in Japan. It has also been introduced to Iceland, Svalbard and the UK Peak District. In northern parts of Finland, Norway and Sweden, the Mountain Hare and the European Hare compete for habitat. The European Hare, being larger, is usually able to drive away the Mountain Hare but it is less adapted for living in snowy regions since its feet are smaller and its winter fur is a mixture of white and brown. The Mountain Hare is better adapted for the snowier conditions of the inland and upland areas but the 2 species may sometimes co-exist in lowland or coastal areas. The Mountain Hare is a favourite prey item of the Golden Eagle and may additionally be preyed on by Eagle Owls, Red Foxes and Stoats. Date: 28th June 2019 Location: Neljan Tuulen Tupa near Kaamanen, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30825793.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_68549079958f34a1c6b54d6.84125099.jpgAvocets The (Pied) Avocet is a large black and white wader in the avocet and stilt family. It is one of 4 species of avocet that make up the genus Recurvirostra. The genus name is from the Latin [i]recurvus[/i] meaning "curved backwards" and [i]rostrum[/i] meaning "bill". The Avocet is a striking white wader with bold black markings. Adults have white plumage except for a black cap and black patches in the wings and on the back. They have long, upturned bills and long, bluish legs. Males and females look alike whilst juveniles resemble the adult but with more greyish and sepia tones. The Avocet breeds in temperate Europe and western and central Asia. The breeding habitat is shallow lakes with brackish water and exposed bare mud where they build a nest on open ground in a lined scrape or on a mound of vegetation. The Avocet is a migratory species and most winter in Africa or southern Asia. Some remain to winter in the mildest parts of their range such as in southern Spain and southern England. The Avocet feeds on crustaceans and insects in shallow brackish water or on mud flats, often scything their bills from side to side in water (a feeding technique that is unique to the avocet species). The Avocet was extinct as a breeding species in the UK by 1840 but its successful recolonisation at Minsmere in Suffolk in 1947 led to its adoption as the logo of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Date: 9th April 2017 Location: EWT Blue House Farm, North Fambridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/oystercatcher https://images.on-this.website/4752_158740004db003db230f5.jpgOystercatcher The Oystercatcher is a wader in the oystercatcher family. It is an obvious and noisy bird with black and white plumage, red legs and a strong broad red bill which is used for smashing or prising open molluscs such as mussels or for finding earthworms. Despite its name, oysters do not form a large part of its diet. The Oystercatcher is unmistakable in flight with white patches on the wings and tail with otherwise black upperparts and white underparts. Young birds are more brown, have a white neck collar and a duller bill. The call is a distinctive loud piping. The bill shape varies: Oystercatchers with broad bill tips open molluscs by prising them apart or hammering through the shell whereas birds with pointed bills dig up worms. Much of this is due to the wear resulting from feeding on their prey. Individual Oystercatchers specialise in one technique or the other which they learn from their parents. The Oystercatcher is the most widespread of the oystercatchers with 3 races breeding in western Europe, central Eurasia, Kamchatka, China, and the western coast of Korea. It is a migratory species over most of its range. The European population breeds mainly in northern Europe but in winter the birds can be found in north Africa and southern parts of Europe. Although the species is present all year in Ireland, the UK and the adjacent European coasts, there is still migratory movement within these populations. In winter, large flocks can be seen on major estuaries in the UK. The Oystercatcher breeds on shingle and rocky beaches, sand dunes, salt marshes and on the grassy tops of small islands and also inland on shingle banks of rivers, lakes and gravel pits. Date: 3rd June 2008 Location: Bousta, West Mainland, Shetland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405457.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9857297926586e0ef4305f.jpgWater Vole The Water Vole is found throughout the UK although it is less common on higher ground. It is infrequently recorded from parts of northern Scotland and is absent in Ireland. Water Voles are legally protected in the UK and recent evidence suggests that they have undergone a long term decline. On current trends it is predicted that they may eventually disappear from 94% of their former sites. The shocking decline in both the range and numbers of the Water Vole is due to a number of factors. The large-scale loss and fragmentation of sensitive waterside habitats due to riverbank modification, drainage and flood defence works has been an important factor as has the pollution of waterways and poisoning by rodenticides. Perhaps the most serious threat facing the Water Vole is predation by the introduced American Mink. Water Voles are sometimes confused with Brown Rats which often also live near water courses. They are sometimes called "the water rat" which is the origin of the Water Vole’s fame as "Ratty" from Kenneth Grahame's book “The Wind in the Willows”. Prime Water Vole sites are found along densely vegetated banks of slow flowing rivers, ditches, lakes and marshes where water is present throughout the year. Water Voles are herbivores and feed on a huge variety of waterside vegetation, consuming 80% of their body weight each day. They excavate extensive burrow systems into the banks of waterways and have sleeping/nest chambers at various levels in the steepest parts of the bank. Burrows usually have underwater entrances to provide a secure route for escape if danger threatens. Water Voles usually have 3 or 4 litters a year depending on the weather. In mild springs the first of these can be born in March or April although cold conditions can delay breeding until May or even June. There are about 5 young in a litter and these are born below ground in a nest made from suitable vegetation such as grasses and rushes. Young water voles grow quickly and are weaned at 14 days. On average, Water Voles only live about 5 months in the wild. Their most important predators are Mink and Stoats although Grey Herons, Barn Owls, Brown Rats and Pike are also known to take them. Date: 9th October 2023 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453944.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20185503664ff5462532947.jpgCrag Martin The Crag Martin is a small passerine bird in the hirundine (swallow and martin) family with ash-brown upperparts and paler underparts and with a broader body, wings and tail than any other European swallow. The tail is short and square with white patches near the tips of all but the central and outermost pairs of feathers. The underwing and undertail coverts are blackish, the eyes are brown, the small bill is mainly black and the legs are brownish-pink. The Crag Martin can be distinguished from the Sand Martin by its larger size, the white patches on the tail and its lack of a brown breast band. The Crag Martin's flight appears relatively slow for a hirundine. Rapid wing beats are interspersed with flat-winged glides and its long flexible primaries give it the agility to manoeuvre near cliff faces. The Crag Martin breeds in mountains from Iberia and north west Africa through southern Europe, the Persian Gulf and the Himalayas to south west and north east China. Northern populations are migratory with European birds wintering in north Africa, Senegal, Ethiopia and the Nile Valley and Asian breeders going to south China, the Indian subcontinent and the Middle East. Some European birds stay north of the Mediterranean and just move to lower ground after breeding. The Crag Martin is a rare species any distance north of its breeding areas with, for example, very few records in the UK. The Crag Martin breeds on dry, warm and sheltered cliffs in mountainous areas with crags and gorges, building a nest adherent to the rock under a cliff overhang or increasingly on to a man-made structure. Nests are often solitary although a few pairs may breed relativity close together at good locations. Date: 28th April 2012 Location: bridge over the Rio Almonte, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084173.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17959173305d30863a0e46e.jpgRila Mountains, Sofia Province, Bulgaria The Rila Mountains are a mountain range in south west Bulgaria and constitute the highest mountain range in the country and the Balkans. It is the sixth highest mountain range in Europe after the Caucasus, the Alps, the Sierra Nevada, the Pyrenees and Mount Etna and the highest one between the Alps and the Caucasus. The Rila Mountains are spread over an area of 1015 square miles with an average altitude of 4879 feet. Musala is its highest peak at 9596 feet. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rila-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rila Mountains have abundant water resources and some of the Balkans' longest and deepest rivers originate here including the longest river entirely in the Balkans, the River Maritsa, and the longest river entirely in Bulgaria, the River Iskar. Bulgaria's main water divide separating the Black Sea and the Aegean Sea drainage systems follows the main ridge of the Rila Mountains. The mountain range is dotted with almost 200 glacial lakes such as the renowned Seven Rila Lakes. It is also rich in hot springs in the fault areas at the foothills including the hottest spring in south east Europe in Sapareva Banya. The Rila Mountains have typical layers of montane habitat ranging from river and stream valleys at lower altitudes to mixed deciduous woodland, coniferous forests and Alpine meadows and lakes at higher altitudes and finally to rocky ridges and bare rugged peaks. The biodiversity and the pristine landscapes are protected by the Rila National Park which is among the largest and most valuable protected areas in Europe. It is the largest national park in Bulgaria covering an area of 313 square miles and it was established in February 1992 to protect several ecosystems of national importance. Its altitude varies from 2600 feet near Blagoevgrad to 9596 feet at the peak of Musala. It occupies territory from 4 of the 28 provinces of the country (Sofia, Kyustendil, Blagoevgrad and Pazardzhik) and it includes 4 nature reserves (Parangalitsa, Central Rila Reserve, Ibar and Skakavitsa). The Rila National Park falls within the Rodope montane mixed forests terrestrial eco-region of the Palearctic temperate broadleaf and mixed forest. Forests occupy 206.5 square miles or 66% of the total area. The Rila Mountains also contain the Rila Monastery Nature Park which is among the largest nature parks in Bulgaria covering an area of 97.5 square miles at an altitude between 2460 and 8901 feet. It was established in 1992 as part of the newly founded Rila National Park. In 2000 some territory of the Rila National Park was re-assigned to the Rila Monastery Nature Park and was recategorized as a nature park because by law all lands in national parks are exclusively state owned. Today most of the Rila Monastery Nature Park is owned by the Rila Monastery. The Rila Monastery Nature Park includes one nature reserve, namely the Rila Monastery Forest with an area of 14 square miles or 14% of its total area. The most recognisable landmark in the Rila Mountains is the Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila, better known as the Rila Monastery. This is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria and is situated in the deep valley of the River Rilska River within the Rila Monastery Nature Park at a height of 3763 feet. The monastery is named after its founder, the hermit Ivan of Rila (876 to 946 AD) and houses around 60 monks. Founded in the 10th century, the Rila Monastery is regarded as one of Bulgaria's most important cultural, historical and architectural monuments and is a key tourist attraction for both Bulgaria and south Europe. Due to its outstanding cultural and spiritual value it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. The Rila Mountains are also a popular destination for hiking, winter sports and spa tourism, hosting the nation's oldest ski resort at Borovets as well as numerous hiking trails. Date: 30th May 2018 Location: Malyovitsa, Sofia Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/woodchat-shrike https://images.on-this.website/4752_10563713284cd5727fe785f.jpgWoodchat Shrike The Woodchat Shrike is a member of the shrike family. The male is a striking bird with black and white plumage and a chestnut crown whilst in the female and young birds the upperparts are brown and vermiculated. Underparts are buff and also vermiculated. The Woodchat Shrike breeds in southern Europe, the Middle East and north west Africa and winters in tropical Africa. It breeds in open cultivated country, preferably with orchard trees and some bare or sandy ground. The Woodchat Shrike eats large insects, small birds and frogs. Like other shrikes it hunts from prominent perches and impales corpses on thorns or barbed wire as a "larder". Date: 10th September 2010 Location: Lago de Sanabria, Castille y Leon, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43082704.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_49169696260dd86ad37f95.jpgPheasant The Common Pheasant is native to Asia but it has been widely introduced elsewhere as a game bird. In parts of its range, namely in places where none of its relatives occur such as in Europe (where it is naturalised), it is simply known as the Pheasant. Body weight of the Pheasant can range from 1.1 to 6.6 pounds, with males averaging 2.6 pounds and females averaging 2 pounds The adult male Pheasant is 24 to 35 inches in length with a long brown streaked black tail, accounting for almost 20 inches of the total length. The body plumage is barred bright gold or fiery copper-red and chestnut-brown with an iridescent sheen of green and purple. The wings are white or cream and black-barred markings are common on the tail. The head is bottle green with a small crest and distinctive red wattling. The female Pheasant is much less showy with a duller mottled brown plumage all over and measuring 20 to 25 inches long including a tail of around 8 inches. Juveniles have the appearance of the female with a shorter tail until young males begin to grow characteristic bright feathers on the breast, head and back at about 10 weeks after hatching. There are many colour forms of the male Pheasant, ranging in colour from nearly white to almost black in some melanistic examples. These are due to captive breeding and hybridisation between sub-species reinforced by continual releases of stock from varying sources to the wild. The Pheasant is native to Asia with its original range extending from between the Black and Caspian Seas to Manchuria, Siberia, Korea, mainland China and Taiwan. It can now be found across the globe due to its readiness to breed in captivity and the fact it can naturalise in many climates. At least since the Roman Empire, the Pheasant has been extensively introduced in many places and it has become a naturalised species in Europe, including throughout most of the UK where successive introductions have led to it becoming well adapted to the climate and able to breed naturally in the wild without human supervision on farmland and in copses, heaths, scrub, commons and wetlands. The Pheasant nests solely on the ground in scrapes lined with some grass and leaves, frequently under dense cover or a hedge. Occasionally it will nest in a haystack or in an old nest left by other birds. The male is polygynous and is often accompanied by a harem of several females. A clutch of around 8 to 15 eggs is laid during April to June, sometimes as many as 18 but usually 10 to 12. The incubation period is about 22 to 27 days. The chicks stay near the female for several weeks although they leave the nest when only a few hours old. After hatching they grow quickly, flying after 12 to 14 days and resembling adults by only 15 weeks of age. The Pheasant eats a wide variety of animal and vegetable food including fruit, seeds, grain, mast, berries and leaves as well as a wide range of invertebrates and insects. Small vertebrates like lizards, small mammals and small birds are occasionally taken. The Pheasant is a well-known gamebird and perhaps the most widespread and ancient one in the world. It is one of the world's most hunted birds. The Pheasant is bred to be hunted and it is shot in great numbers in Europe, especially in the UK where they are shot in the open season from 1st October to 1st February. Generally they are shot by hunters employing gun dogs to help find, flush and retrieve shot birds. Pheasant farming is also a common practice and it is sometimes done intensively. Birds are supplied both to hunting preserves/estates and to restaurants. Date: 15th June 2021 Location: Old Lodge SWT reserve, High Weald, East Sussex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/iberian-lynx https://images.on-this.website/4752_8588270684cd570fa8edb8.jpgIberian Lynx The Iberian Lynx (Lynx pardinus) is a critically endangered species native to the Iberian Peninsula in southern Europe. It is the most endangered cat species in the world. According to the conservation group SOS Lynx, if this species died out, it would be one of the few feline extinctions since the Smilodon 10,000 years ago. The only breeding populations are in Spain and they were thought to be only living in Andalucia in the Coto Doñana National Park and in the Sierra de Andújar. However, in 2007, Spanish authorities announced that they had discovered a previously unknown population in Castilla - La Mancha in central Spain. On my trip to the Sierra de Andújar in September 2010, I failed to see an Iberian Lynx despite much searching. However, Dave and Laura Pierce from Kingussie in northern Scotland, and who also stayed at Villa Matilde whilst I was there, were fortunate enough to see Iberian Lynx on 2 separate occasions in the Sierra de Andújar. They have kindly allowed me to use 2 of their photos which can be seen at the bottom of my [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/news26282.html]trip report.[/url] More information on Iberian Lynx .... [url=http://www.lifelince.org]Life Lince[/url] [url=http://www.arkive.org/iberian-lynx/lynx-pardinus/]ARKive[/url] [url=http://wwf.panda.org/about_our_earth/species/profiles/mammals/iberian_lynx/]WWF[/url] [url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-11586279]BBC[/url] Date: 6th September 2010 http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46534699.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_207893868962ca98a8361a5.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 27th June 2022 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50571559.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_93424575865ce19cea140c.jpgWaxwing The Waxwing is a plump bird which is slightly smaller than a Starling. It is buff or pinkish-brown in colour with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings, a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest. The bird’s name is derived from the red tips to some of the wing feathers which are said to look like they have been dipped in sealing wax. Waxwings breed in the dense forests of northern Europe but they occur in varying numbers in the UK from October to March. In some years they can occur in large numbers (known as irruptions) when the population in the breeding areas gets too big for the food available. The first UK arrivals each winter are usually seen on the east coast from Scotland to East Anglia but birds then move inland in search of food. They can be found in parks and gardens and even busy public places such as supermarket car parks, typically where there are berry-bearing trees and bushes such as rowan, hawthorn, cotoneaster and rose. Waxwings seem fearless of humans so it is relatively easy to get very close views of these stunning birds. Waxwings make an easily recognisable high-pitched trilling sound like a bell. Date: 9th January 2024 Location: Colchester, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26026657.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6491276095637496d994a6.jpgEiders The Eider is a large sea duck that is distributed over the northern coasts of Europe, north America and eastern Siberia. It breeds in the Arctic and some northern temperate regions but winters somewhat further south in temperate zones when it can form large flocks on coastal waters. The Eider is both the largest of the 4 eider species and the largest duck found in Europe and in north America (except for the Muscovy duck which only reaches north America in a wild state in southernmost Texas and south Florida). The Eider is characterized by its bulky shape and large, wedge-shaped bill. The male is unmistakable with its black and white plumage and green nape. The female is a brown bird but can still be readily distinguished from all ducks, except other eider species, on the basis of size and head shape. The drake's display call is a strange almost human-like "ah-ooo" while the duck utters hoarse quacks. The Eider dives for crustaceans and molluscs, with mussels being a favoured food. The Eider will eat mussels by swallowing them whole. The shells are then crushed in their gizzard and excreted. When eating a crab, the Eider will remove all of its claws and legs and then eat the body in a similar fashion. The Eider is abundant with populations of about 1.5 to 2 million birds in both Europe and north America and also large but unknown numbers in eastern Siberia. The Eider is a colonial breeder nesting on coastal islands in colonies ranging in size of less than 100 to upwards of 10,000 to 15,000 individuals. Female Eiders frequently exhibit a high degree of natal philopatry where they return to breed on the same island where they were hatched. This can lead to a high degree of relatedness between individuals nesting on the same island as well as the development of kin-based female social structures. This relatedness has likely played a role in the evolution of co-operative breeding behaviours amongst Eiders. Examples of these behaviours include laying eggs in the nests of related individuals and crèching where female Eiders team up and share the work of rearing ducklings. The Eider's nest is built close to the sea and is lined with the celebrated eiderdown plucked from the female's breast. This soft and warm lining has long been harvested for filling pillows and quilts but in more recent years has been largely replaced by down from domestic farm geese and synthetic alternatives. Although eiderdown pillows or quilts are now a rarity, eiderdown harvesting continues and is sustainable as it can be done after the ducklings leave the nest with no harm to the birds. Date: 3rd June 2015 Location: Kópasker, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42222307.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8100785426023a2c473533.jpgBlack-throated Diver The Black-throated Diver, known as the Black-throated Loon or Arctic Loon in north America, is an aquatic bird of the diver family found in the Northern Hemisphere. The adult Black-throated Diver is 23 to 30 inches in length with a 39 to 51 inches wingspan and it is shaped like a smaller, sleeker version of the Great Northern Diver. The breeding adult has a grey head and hindneck with a black throat and a large black patch on the foreneck, both of which have a soft purple gloss. The lower throat has a necklace-shaped patch of short parallel white lines. The sides of the throat have about 5 long parallel white lines that start at the side of the patch on the lower throat and run down to the chest which also has a pattern of parallel white and black lines. The rest of the underparts, including the centre of the chest, are a pure white. The upperparts are blackish down to the base of the wing where there are a few rows of high contrast white squares that cover the mantle and scapulars. There are small white spots on both the lesser and median coverts. The rest of the upperwing is a blackish colour. The underwing is paler than the upperwing and the underwing coverts are white. The tail is blackish. The bill and legs are black. The sexes are alike. The non-breeding adult differs from the breeding adult in that the cap and the back of the neck are more brownish. The non-breeding adult also lacks the patterned upperparts of the breeding adult although some of the upperwing coverts do not lose their white spots. This results in the upperparts being an almost unpatterned black from above. The sides of the throat are usually darker at the white border separating the sides of the throat and the front of the throat. Most of the time a thin dark necklace between these areas can be seen. There is white on the sides of the head that are below the eye. The bill is a steel-grey with, similar to the breeding adult, a blackish tip. The Black-throated Diver breeds in Eurasia and occasionally in western Alaska. It winters at sea as well as on large lakes over a much wider range. In the UK, the Black-throated Diver can be found on lochs in the Scottish Highlands in summer and around sheltered coasts in winter, especially the Moray Firth in north east Scotland, the west coast of Scotland and the north east and south west coasts of England. In addition, it is sometimes seen on inland reservoirs and lakes. In the breeding season, the Black-throated Diver can be found on isolated, deep freshwater lakes especially those with inlets since it prefers to face small stretches of open water. It protects this territory and will often return to the site to nest near it. The oval-shaped nest is usually located within 3 feet of the body of water it nests near and is made out of heaped plant material, leaves and sticks. It also sometimes nests on vegetation that has emerged from lakes. In the southern part of its range, the Black-throated Diver starts to breed in April whereas in the northern part of its range, it waits until the spring thaw. It will usually arrive before the lake thaws in the latter case. The Black-throated Diver lays a clutch of 2, very rarely 1 or 3, eggs which are incubated by both parents for a period of 27 to 29 days, with the female spending the most time out of the sexes incubating. The hatched, mobile chicks are fed by both parents for a period of several weeks and fledge about 60 to 65 days after hatching. Nesting success (i.e. whether or not at least a single chick will hatch from any given nest) is variable with the rate of success ranging from just under 30% to just over 90%. The nesting success is influenced primarily by predation and flooding as well as disturbance and this makes the Black-throated Diver a vulnerable as well as a rare breeding species. The Black-throated Diver feeds on fish and sometimes insects, molluscs, crustaceans and plant matter. It usually forages by itself or in pairs but sometimes in small groups. It dives with consummate ease from the surface into the water at depths of no more than about 15 feet. These dives are frequent and most are successful. Those that are successful are usually shorter than those that are unsuccessful with an average of 17 seconds for each successful dive and 27 seconds for each unsuccessful dive. These dives usually result in only small food items being caught and those that are more profitable are usually more than 40 seconds where the bird catches quick-swimming fish. When they are breeding, the adults will usually feed away from the nest, either at the end of the breeding lake away from the nest or at lakes near the breeding lake. When foraging for newly hatched chicks, one of the adults will forage in the lake that the nest is at or in nearby lakes, returning to the nest after a prey item has been caught. When the chicks are older, they will usually accompany both of the parents, and swim a short distance behind them. Date: 9th July 2019 Location: Ollilan Lomamajat cabins near Kuusamo, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45291004.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20590186623acdaba522a.jpgChiffchaff The (Common) Chiffchaff is a common and widespread leaf warbler which is named onomatopoeically for its simple and repetitive chiff-chaff song. The British naturalist Gilbert White was one of the first people to separate the similar looking Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler and Wood Warbler by their songs, as detailed in 1789 in “The Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne. The Chiffchaff is a small, dumpy, 4 inch long leaf warbler. The spring adult has brown-washed dull green upperparts, off-white underparts becoming yellowish on the flanks and a short whitish supercilium. It has dark legs, a fine dark bill and short primary projection (extension of the flight feathers beyond the folded wing). As the plumage wears, it gets duller and browner and the yellow on the flanks tends to be lost and after the breeding season there is a prolonged complete moult before migration. After moulting, both the adult and the juvenile have brighter and greener upperparts and a paler supercilium. When not singing, the Chiffchaff can be difficult to distinguish from other leaf warblers with greenish upperparts and whitish underparts, particularly the Willow Warbler. However, that species has a longer primary projection, a sleeker, brighter appearance and generally pale legs. The Chiffchaff breeds across Europe and Asia east to eastern Siberia and north to about 70°N, with isolated populations in north west Africa, north and west Turkey and north west Iran. It is a migratory species but one of the first passerine birds to return to its breeding areas in the spring and amongst the last to leave in late autumn. When breeding, the Chiffchaff is a bird of open woodlands with some taller trees and ground cover for nesting purposes. In winter, the Chiffchaff uses a wider range of habitats and is not so dependent on trees and is often found near water. There is an increasing tendency to winter in western Europe well north of the traditional areas, especially in coastal south England and the mild urban microclimate of London. The male Chiffchaff returns to its breeding territory 2 or 3 weeks before the female and immediately starts singing to establish ownership and attract a female. When a female is located, the male will use a slow butterfly-like flight as part of the courtship ritual but, once a pair-bond has been established, other females will be driven from the territory. The male has little involvement in the nesting process other than defending the territory. The female's nest is built on or near the ground in a concealed site in brambles, nettles or other dense low vegetation. The domed nest has a side entrance and is constructed from coarse plant material such as dead leaves and grass with finer material used on the interior before the addition of a lining of feathers. The clutch is 2 to 7 (normally 5 or 6) cream-coloured eggs which are incubated by the female for 13 to 14 days before hatching as naked, blind chicks. The female broods and feeds the chicks for another 14 to 15 days until they fledge. The male rarely participates in feeding although this sometimes occurs, especially when bad weather limits insect supplies or if the female disappears. After fledging, the young stay in the vicinity of the nest for 3 to 4 weeks where they are fed by and roost with the female. In the north of the range there is only time to raise one brood due to the short summer but a second brood is common in central and southern areas. Like most leaf warblers, the Chiffchaff is insectivorous and moves restlessly though foliage or briefly hovering. It has been recorded as taking insects, mainly flies, from more than 50 families, along with other small and medium-sized invertebrates. It will also take the eggs and larvae of butterflies and moths. The Chiffchaff has been estimated to require about one third of its weight in insects daily and it feeds almost continuously in the autumn to put on extra fat as fuel for its long migration flight. As with most small birds, mortality in the first year of life is high but adults aged 3 to 4 years are regularly recorded and the record is more than 7 years. Eggs, chicks and fledglings are taken by Stoats, Weasels and crows such as the Magpie and adults are hunted by birds of prey, particularly the Sparrowhawk. The Chiifchaff is also susceptible to poor weather, particularly when migrating, but also on the breeding and wintering grounds. The main effect of humans on the Chiffchaff is indirect through woodland clearance which affects the habitat, predation by cats and collisions with windows, buildings and cars. Date: 12th March 2022 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/rhum-and-eigg-highland https://images.on-this.website/4752_7011466355dc6ae16f1402.jpgRhum and Eigg, Highland The Small Isles are a small archipelago of islands in the Inner Hebrides off the west coast of Scotland. They lie south of Skye and north of Mull and Ardnamurchan. Rhum is the largest of the Small Isles with an area of 40 square miles. It is one of the most sparsely populated of all Scottish islands. Eigg is the second largest of the Small Isles after Rhum with an area of 12 square miles. Date: 4th October 2019 Location: view from the junction of the B8007 road and the unclassified road to Kilmory, Fascadale, Swordle and Ockle http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo445664.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3503344304681c5055bac5.jpgKyle of Durness, Sutherland The Kyle of Durness is a broad and sandy coastal inlet in the far north west of Scotland. It extends 5.5 miles inland from Balnakeil and divides the Cape Wrath peninsula from the mainland. The nearest village is Durness. The Kyle of Durness is around 0.5 miles wide and tidal with only a narrow channel of water remaining at low tide along most of its length. Unlike other coastal inlets along Scotland's north coast it is not straight, having 2 major bends around Keoldale. It opens into Balnakeil Bay which is around 2 miles wide at its mouth. The River Dionard and River Grudie flow into the Kyle of Durness at its southern end with the River Daill and a number of minor streams also flowing into it along its length. The geology along the eastern side of the Kyle of Durness is limestone with rolling grasslands dominating. The Kyle of Durness and its surrounding area forms part of the Oldshoremore, Cape Wrath and Durness Special Landscape Area. It contains a number of archaeological remains dating to the prehistoric period. The A838 road runs along the eastern shore of the Kyle of Durness in its southern section with an unclassified road leading west to Keoldale, the only remaining settlement on the shore. The Cape Wrath passenger ferry operates from Keoldale between May and September and this connects with a minibus on the other side which conveys visitors on a very rough 14 mile journey on a track across The Parph to Cape Wrath, the most north westerly point on the Scottish mainland. The western shore of the Kyle of Durness is uninhabited with the former farmsteads at Achimore and Daill the only settlements. Date: June 2003 Location: view looking south from Keoldale just off the A838 road http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493318.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17393420955f326fed1c5d6.jpgHurtigruten ship MS Vesterålen MS Vesterålen is a passenger ship operated by the Norwegian-based Hurtigruten and named after the first Hurtigruten ship that sailed along Norway´s coastline in 1893. She was constructed in Harstad, Norway in 1983, refitted in Bremen, Germany in 1989 to increase passenger capacity and again later in 1995. From 2010, the ship operates cruises primarily along the coast of Norway with a passenger capacity of 490 and a car capacity of 24. Hurtigruten is a Norwegian public coastal route which provides daily, year-round traffic between Bergen in the south and Kirkenes in the north. It transports passengers that travel locally, regionally and between the 34 ports of call plus additionally cargo between ports north of Tromsø. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: MS Vesterålen leaving Vardø, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42524882.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14211057266098fc8da33da.jpgGrey Wagtail The Grey Wagtail is a member of the wagtail family. It is somewhat similar to the Yellow Wagtail but more colourful than its name suggests. The upperparts are grey and the yellow vent contrasting with whitish underparts makes it distinctive. The breeding male has a black throat that is edged by whitish moustachial stripes, a narrow white supercilium and a broken eye ring and a tail noticeably longer than those of Pied and Yellow wagtails. Like other wagtails, it frequently wags its tail and flies low with undulations. The Grey Wagtail is widely distributed across the Palearctic region with several sub-species breeding in Europe and Asia. It can be found over most of the UK with the exception of the northern and western isles of Scotland. The greatest densities are found in the uplands of England, Wales and Scotland. The Grey Wagtail is always associated with fast running streams and rivers when breeding although they may use man-made structures near streams for the nest. Outside the breeding season, it may also be seen around lakes, coasts and other watery habitats including in town and city centres. It forages singly or in pairs feeding on a variety of aquatic invertebrates including adult flies, mayflies, beetles, crustacea and molluscs and will use rocks in water and often perch in waterside bushes and trees. Date: 7th April 2021 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49002238.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_611883086468eab2bad39.jpgGreenfinch The European Greenfinch, or simply the Greenfinch, is a small passerine bird in the finch. There are 10 recognised sub-species reflecting its widespread range, including the British Greenfinch found in the UK (except north Scotland) and Ireland and the Northern European Greenfinch found in north Scotland, north and central France and Scandinavia to west Siberia. The Greenfinch is similar in size and shape to a House Sparrow but it is mainly green with yellow in the wings and tail. The female and young birds are duller and have brown tones on the back. The bill is thick and conical. The song contains a lot of trilling twitters interspersed with wheezes and the male has a "butterfly" display flight. The Greenfinch is widespread throughout Europe, north Africa and south west Asia where it is mainly resident although some of the most northern populations migrate further south in autumn and winter. It has also been introduced into Australia, New Zealand, Uruguay and Argentina. The Greenfinch can be found around woodland edges, in farmland hedges and in gardens with relatively thick vegetation favoured for breeding. It can form large flocks outside the breeding season, sometimes mixing with other groups of finches and buntings. In the UK, the Greenfinch is widespread and relatively common (although a sharp decline in the population in recent years has been noted due to an outbreak of trichomonosis, a parasite-induced disease which prevents the birds from feeding properly) and it is only absent from upland areas without trees and bushes. The breeding season occurs in spring and early summer, commencing in the second half of March with the young fledging in early July. Incubation of the eggs is undertaken by the female and lasts about 13 to 14 days with the male feeding her at the nest during this period. The chicks are fed on insect larvae by both adults during the first few days and thereafter by a frequently regurgitated yellowish paste made of seeds. The chicks leave the nest about 13 days later but they are unable to fly. The Greenfinch usually produces 2 or 3 broods per year. The Greenfinch predominantly feeds on seeds but it will also take berries and nuts. Date: 12th April 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/december-2021-mallard https://images.on-this.website/4752_15818843636250052a6728f.jpgDecember 2021 - Mallard Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45174847.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21829620.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4261531053cba89686c12.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 11th June 2014 Location: Bempton Cliifs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49002248.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_415501726468eabcca981.jpgBlue Tit The Blue Tit is a small passerine bird in the tit family. It is easily recognisable by its generally blue and yellow plumage and its small size. The Blue Tit is about 4.7 inches long with a wingspan of 7.1 inches. It has an azure blue crown and a dark blue line passing through the eye and encircling the white cheeks to the chin, giving the bird a very distinctive appearance. The forehead and a bar on the wing are white. The nape, wings and tail are blue and the back is yellowish green. The underparts are mostly sulphur-yellow with a dark line down the abdomen. The bill is black and the legs bluish grey. The sexes are similar whilst young birds are noticeably more yellow. The Blue Tit is very agile and it can cling to the outermost branches and hang upside down when searching for food such as insects, caterpillars and seeds. The Blue Tit can be found throughout areas of the European continent with a mainly temperate or Mediterranean climate and in parts of the Middle East. In the UK it is common in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens and widespread across the whole of the country with the exception of some Scottish islands. The Blue Tit will nest in any suitable hole in a tree, wall or stump, often competing with other birds such as the House Sparrow or Great Tit for the site. In addition, it will readily accept an artificial nesting box. The same hole is returned to year after year and when one pair dies another takes possession. The nesting material is usually moss, wool, hair and feathers and the eggs are laid in April or May. The number in the clutch is often very large but 7 or 8 is normal. It is not unusual for a single bird to feed the chicks in the nest at a rate of one feed every 90 seconds during the height of the breeding season. Successful breeding is dependent on a sufficient supply of caterpillars as well as satisfactory weather. Breeding may be affected badly if the weather is cold and wet between May and July, particularly if this coincides with the emergence of the caterpillars on which the nestlings are fed. The small size of the Blue Tit makes it vulnerable to predation by larger birds and the typical lifespan is 3 years or less. The most significant predator is probably the Sparrowhawk, closely followed by the domestic cat. Nests may also be robbed by mammals such as the Weasel and Red and Grey Squirrels. Date: 12th April 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40713565.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1517436945e16f7a8d3d66.jpgWaxwing The Waxwing is a plump bird which is slightly smaller than a Starling. It is buff or pinkish-brown in colour with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings, a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest. The bird’s name is derived from the red tips to some of the wing feathers which are said to look like they have been dipped in sealing wax. Waxwings breed in the dense forests of northern Europe but they occur in varying numbers in the UK from October to March. In some years they can occur in large numbers (known as irruptions) when the population in the breeding areas gets too big for the food available. The first UK arrivals each winter are usually seen on the east coast from Scotland to East Anglia but birds then move inland in search of food. They can be found in parks and gardens and even busy public places such as supermarket car parks, typically where there are berry-bearing trees and bushes such as rowan, hawthorn, cotoneaster and rose. Waxwings seem fearless of humans so it is relatively easy to get very close views of these stunning birds. Waxwings make an easily recognisable high-pitched trilling sound like a bell. Date: 24th December 2019 Location: Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49003239.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1790637092646901478ddbf.jpgJay The Jay is a colourful member of the crow family that is about the same size as a Jackdaw. The Jay is mostly a pinkish brown colour with the underparts being slightly paler. The head has a black and white flecked crown, black moustache and white throat. The white rump contrasts starkly with the black tail. The iris of the eye is a pale blue, the bill is black and the legs are pink-brown. The wings are mostly black with white patches but also have striking blue patches, but close to these wing patches are actually bands of graduated shades of blue. Although it is the most strikingly colourful member of the crow family, the Jay can be quite difficult to see since it is a shy woodland bird and rarely moves far from cover. It can often be seen flying across a woodland clearing or glade giving its raucous screeching call. The Jay can be found across most of the UK, except northern Scotland, and occurs in both deciduous and coniferous woodland, parks and mature gardens. It particularly likes oak trees in the autumn when there are plenty of acorns which it seeks out and buries for retrieving later. The majority of the UK population is sedentary but European birds are irruptive when there is a poor acorn harvest and may arrive in large numbers along the east coast of the UK in the autumn. Date: 5th May 2022 Location: Danbury Common, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405491.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1709366786586e892a6ac8.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 14th October 2023 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49276529.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_32546743364995cfcae5be.jpgJay The Jay is a colourful member of the crow family that is about the same size as a Jackdaw. The Jay is mostly a pinkish brown colour with the underparts being slightly paler. The head has a black and white flecked crown, black moustache and white throat. The white rump contrasts starkly with the black tail. The iris of the eye is a pale blue, the bill is black and the legs are pink-brown. The wings are mostly black with white patches but also have striking blue patches, but close to these wing patches are actually bands of graduated shades of blue. Although it is the most strikingly colourful member of the crow family, the Jay can be quite difficult to see since it is a shy woodland bird and rarely moves far from cover. It can often be seen flying across a woodland clearing or glade giving its raucous screeching call. The Jay can be found across most of the UK, except northern Scotland, and occurs in both deciduous and coniferous woodland, parks and mature gardens. It particularly likes oak trees in the autumn when there are plenty of acorns which it seeks out and buries for retrieving later. The majority of the UK population is sedentary but European birds are irruptive when there is a poor acorn harvest and may arrive in large numbers along the east coast of the UK in the autumn. Date: 5th June 2023 Location: NWT Weeting Heath, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23806411.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2271132765512a2985c313.jpgWhite-headed Duck The White-headed Duck is a small stiff-tailed duck. Adult males have a grey and reddish body, a blue bill and a largely white head with a black cap and neck. Adult females have a grey-brown body with a white face and a darker bill, cap and a cheek stripe. The White-headed Duck dives and swims underwater and it is omnivorous with vegetable matter predominating. They are reluctant to fly, preferring to swim for cover. The White-headed Duck breeds in Spain and North Africa with a larger population in western and central Asia. Their breeding habitat is large tracts of open water with dense stands of aquatic plants to provide cover and nesting sites. The White-headed Duck is considered to be endangered due to a large reduction in populations in the last 10 years. Most of this decline is due to habitat loss and hunting but inter-breeding of the Spanish population with the introduced Ruddy Duck is a more recent threat. This has led to the attempted eradication of the American species from western Europe. This bird was part of the captive collection at the WWT London Wetland Centre. Date: 7th March 2015 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21830169.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_81428125853cbb45b14de7.jpgKittiwakes The Kittiwake is a gentle looking, medium sized gull with a small yellow bill and a dark eye. It has a grey back and is white underneath. Its legs are short and black. In flight the black wing-tips show no white, unlike other gulls, and look as if they have been “dipped in ink”. The population is declining in some areas, perhaps due to a shortage of sand eels. Kittiwakes are strictly coastal gulls. In the breeding season, they can be found on rocky, steep sea-cliffs at the major seabird colonies around the UK from February until August. From August to October they can be seen flying past offshore and they spend the winter months out at sea. Date: 11th June 2014 Location: Bempton Cliifs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/holly-blue https://images.on-this.website/4752_9209606926676e5fceb78c.jpgHolly Blue Flight period: late April to end of August. The Holly Blue is easily identified in early spring as it emerges well before other blue butterflies. It tends to fly high around bushes and trees whereas other grassland blues usually stay near ground level. It is the commonest blue butterfly found in parks and gardens where it congregates around Holly (in spring) and Ivy (in late summer). The Holly Blue is widespread but undergoes large fluctuations in numbers from year to year. It has expanded northwards in recent years and has now colonised parts of north England and the extreme south of Scotland. Date: 21st June 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41255253.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14137691665f06f59dc7b0d.jpgSiberian Jay The Siberian Jay is noticeably smaller, slighter and proportionately longer-tailed than the Jay with a much shorter and more pointed bill. It is the smallest and most delicate of the Western Palearctic crows and is rather drab brown-grey with rufous-chestnut near the wing-bend and on under wing coverts, rump and sides of tail which set the bird “on fire” in flight. The Siberian Jay is a widespread and highly sedentary resident in Fennoscandia and Russia with Europe accounting for less than half of its global range. It breeds across the higher latitudes of the Western Palearctic and is predominantly at all seasons a bird of coniferous forest, mainly dense stands of forest unmodified by man rather than open growth. The Siberian Jay contrasts with the Jay in a lack of fear of man, readily attaching itself to human travellers and their living quarters, but this has little effect on choice of habitat since its normal range is largely uninhabited by people. Date: 28th June 2019 Location: Neljan Tuulen Tupa near Kaamanen, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14467393.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4753210364f743b9466659.jpg"Northern Lights" The aurora is a natural light display in the sky, particularly in the high latitude Arctic and Antarctic regions, caused by the collision of energetic charged particles with atoms in the high altitude atmosphere. The charged particles originate in the magnetosphere and solar wind and on Earth they are directed by the Earth's magnetic field into the atmosphere. Most aurora occur in a band known as the auroral zone which is typically 3° to 6° in latitudinal extent and 10° to 20° from the magnetic pole. During a geomagnetic storm, the auroral zone will expand to lower latitudes. The diffuse aurora is a featureless glow in the sky which may not be visible to the naked eye even on a dark night and defines the extent of the auroral zone. The discrete aurora are sharply defined features within the diffuse aurora which vary in brightness from just barely visible to the naked eye to bright enough to read a newspaper at night. In northern latitudes, the effect is known as the aurora borealis (or the “Northern Lights), named after the Roman goddess of dawn, Aurora, and the Greek name for the north wind, Boreas, by Pierre Gassendi in 1621. Auroras seen near the magnetic pole may be high overhead but from farther away they illuminate the northern horizon as a greenish glow or sometimes a faint red. Auroras often display magnetic field lines or curtain-like structures and can change within seconds or glow unchanging for hours, most often in fluorescent green. In Scandinavia, you can see the aurora all over Norway, Sweden and Finland. However, the best places are above the Arctic Circle in the auroral zone. The aurora is most frequent in late autumn and in winter and early spring. In the time span between the autumn equinox and the spring equinox (21st September to 21st March), it is dark the whole time between 6 p.m. and 1 a.m. and this provides the maximum chance of seeing the aurora in suitable weather conditions and with increased solar activity. Date: 16th March 2012 Location: Skibotndalen, Troms, north Norway close to Norway/Finland border http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42626830.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_186538464760a92c51e867d.jpgBlue Tit The Blue Tit is a small passerine bird in the tit family. It is easily recognisable by its generally blue and yellow plumage and its small size. The Blue Tit is about 4.7 inches long with a wingspan of 7.1 inches. It has an azure blue crown and a dark blue line passing through the eye and encircling the white cheeks to the chin, giving the bird a very distinctive appearance. The forehead and a bar on the wing are white. The nape, wings and tail are blue and the back is yellowish green. The underparts are mostly sulphur-yellow with a dark line down the abdomen. The bill is black and the legs bluish grey. The sexes are similar whilst young birds are noticeably more yellow. The Blue Tit is very agile and it can cling to the outermost branches and hang upside down when searching for food such as insects, caterpillars and seeds. The Blue Tit can be found throughout areas of the European continent with a mainly temperate or Mediterranean climate and in parts of the Middle East. In the UK it is common in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens and widespread across the whole of the country with the exception of some Scottish islands. The Blue Tit will nest in any suitable hole in a tree, wall or stump, often competing with other birds such as the House Sparrow or Great Tit for the site. In addition, it will readily accept an artificial nesting box. The same hole is returned to year after year and when one pair dies another takes possession. The nesting material is usually moss, wool, hair and feathers and the eggs are laid in April or May. The number in the clutch is often very large but 7 or 8 is normal. It is not unusual for a single bird to feed the chicks in the nest at a rate of one feed every 90 seconds during the height of the breeding season. Successful breeding is dependent on a sufficient supply of caterpillars as well as satisfactory weather. Breeding may be affected badly if the weather is cold and wet between May and July, particularly if this coincides with the emergence of the caterpillars on which the nestlings are fed. The small size of the Blue Tit makes it vulnerable to predation by larger birds and the typical lifespan is 3 years or less. The most significant predator is probably the Sparrowhawk, closely followed by the domestic cat. Nests may also be robbed by mammals such as the Weasel and Red and Grey Squirrels. Date: 16th April 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14261284.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20240887014f51e9414fb6c.jpgKingfisher The Kingfisher is a small unmistakable bright blue and orange bird of slow moving or still water. They fly rapidly and low over water and hunt fish from riverside perches, occasionally hovering above the water's surface. Kingfishers are vulnerable to hard winters and habitat degradation through pollution or unsympathetic management of watercourses and are an “Amber List” species due to their unfavourable conservation status in Europe. Kingfishers are widespread especially in central and southern England but become less common further north. Following some declines last century, they are currently increasing in their range in Scotland. Kingfishers can be found all year round by still or slow flowing water such as lakes, canals and rivers in lowland areas. In winter, some individuals move to estuaries and the coast. Occasionally they may also visit garden ponds if they are of a suitable size. Date: 25th February 2012 Location: Rye Meads RSPB reserve, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45290999.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_756094269623acb51678d3.jpgCormorant The (Great) Cormorant is a widespread member of the cormorant and shag family Phalacrocoracidae. There is a wide variation in size in the species' wide range and males are typically larger and heavier than females. It has a predominantly black plumage but the adult has white patches on the thighs and throat and a yellow throat during the breeding season. In Europe it can be distinguished from the Shag by its larger size, heavier build, thicker bill, lack of a crest and plumage without any green tinge. The (Great) Cormorant is a very common and widespread bird and it breeds in much of the Old World and the Atlantic coast of north America. It feeds on the sea, in estuaries and on freshwater lakes and rivers. Northern birds migrate south and winter along any coast that is well-supplied with fish. The (Great) Cormorant is found around the UK coastline on rocky shores, coastal lagoons and estuaries and it is increasingly seen inland at reservoirs, lakes and gravel pits. The UK holds internationally important wintering numbers. The (Great) Cormorant mainly nests in colonies near wetlands, rivers and sheltered inshore waters. Pairs will use the same nest site to breed year after year. It builds its nest, which is made mainly from sticks, in trees, on the ledges of cliffs and on the ground on rocky islands that are free of predators. The female lays 3 to 5 eggs which are incubated for a period of about 28 to 31 days. The (Great) Cormorant feeds on fish caught through diving and it will consume all fish of appropriate size that they are able to catch. Many fishermen see the (Great) Cormorant a competitor for fish. Because of this, it was nearly hunted to extinction in the past. Due to conservation efforts, its numbers increased although this has once again brought it in to conflict with fisheries. In the UK, where inland breeding was once uncommon, there are now increasing numbers of birds and many inland fish farms and fisheries now claim to be suffering high losses. In the UK each year, some licences are issued to cull specified numbers in order to help reduce predation although it is still illegal to kill a bird without such a licence. Date: 10th March 2022 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51984568.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_111616468066d353cae7f35.jpgRuddy Darter Flight period: mid June to mid September. The Ruddy Darter takes its name from its colour and its swift flight behaviour. The male has a deep russet colour over the entire body and the abdomen has a pinched section close to where it joins the thorax. Females are slightly smaller, golden yellow in colour and being less obviously marked are more difficult to identify than the males. There is more than one red coloured darter species in the UK and they can be easily confused with each other. The commonest red species, the Common Darter, can be distinguished as having red veins at the base of the wings and a less ruddy colouration across the body. However, the Ruddy Darter has entirely black legs, distinguishing it from all other red darters which have longitudinal yellow stripes on their legs. The UK range of the Ruddy Darter has undergone something of an expansion in recent years. Although still relatively uncommon in the west and north of Britain, it is increasing in numbers in the Midlands and eastern England. The population is augmented by continental migrants. It is also found over most of Europe except for northern Scandinavia, as far east as western Siberia and south to north Africa. The Ruddy Darter prefers water bodies with tall emergent vegetation, such as reeds and club rush, and it is known to breed in ponds, lakes, canals, ditches and sluggish rivers. They can also be found near coasts and can breed in fairly brackish water. Date: 8th August 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42222334.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1578101876023a32ecbc78.jpgArctic Circle, Rovaniemi, Lappi, Finland The Arctic Circle is one of the five major circles of latitude that mark maps of the Earth. In 2012, it is the parallel of latitude that runs 66° 33′ 44″ north of the Equator. The region north of this circle is known as the Arctic and the zone just to the south is called the Northern Temperate Zone. The equivalent polar circle in the Southern Hemisphere is called the Antarctic Circle. The Arctic Circle is the southernmost latitude in the Northern Hemisphere at which the sun can remain continuously above or below the horizon for 24 hours (at the June solstice and December solstice respectively). North of the Arctic Circle, the sun is above the horizon for 24 continuous hours at least once per year (and therefore visible at midnight) and below the horizon for 24 continuous hours at least once per year. The position of the Arctic Circle is not fixed. It directly depends on the Earth's axial tilt, which fluctuates within a margin of 2° over a 40,000-year period, notably due to tidal forces resulting from the orbit of the Moon. Relatively few people live north of the Arctic Circle due to the severe climate. Areas have been settled for thousands of years by indigenous peoples. Tens of thousands of years ago, waves of people migrated from eastern Siberia across the Bering Strait into North America and gradually eastward to settle. Much later, in the historic period, there has been migration into some Arctic areas by Europeans and other immigrants. Rovaniemi, which lies slightly south of the Arctic Circle, has a population of approximately 60,000, and is the largest settlement in the immediate vicinity of the Arctic Circle. It is the administrative capital and commercial centre of Finland's northernmost province, Lapland. It is situated between the hills of Ounasvaara and Korkalovaara at the confluence of the river Kemijoki and its tributary, the Ounasjoki. Date: 9th July 2019 Location: Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/prespa-lakes-west-macedonia-greece https://images.on-this.website/4752_1194206444559cec193c5e6.jpgSmall Prespa Lake (Mikri Prespa), West Macedonia, Greece The Prespa lakes constitute 2 freshwater lakes located in the north west corner of Greece and shared by Greece, Albania and Macedonia. Of the total surface area, 68.07 square miles belongs to Macedonia, 17.88 square miles to Albania and 14.05 square miles to Greece. They are the highest tectonic lakes in the Balkans, standing at a height of 2,798 feet. The Prespa lakes are separated by a narrow causeway. The Great Prespa Lake (Megali Prespa) is divided between Albania, Greece and Macedonia. The Small Prespa Lake (Mikri Prespa) is shared only between Greece and Albania. The lakes and the area surrounding them are well known for their natural beauty and they offer a wonderfully rich diversity of habitats, from deep water, shallows, reedbeds, wet meadows, farmland, forests, hills and mountains. The area hosts 40 species of mammals, 260 species of birds, 32 species of reptiles and amphibians and 17 species of fish including a number of endemic species. Date: 13th May 2015 Location: view from the road from Florina, West Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9681554.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1580655994db7ec98b5e37.jpgCoot The Coot is an all black bird with a distinctive white beak and “shield” above the beak from which earns it the title “bald”. Its feet have distinctive lobed flaps of skin on the toes which act instead of webs when swimming. It patters noisily over the water before taking off and can be very aggressive towards other birds. Coot can be found all the year round mainly on freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers and town park lakes. Sometimes they can be seen offshore, especially in winter if freshwater areas are frozen. They breed in areas of fairly shallow standing freshwater with a muddy bottom and plenty of vegetation at the sides, usually in lowland areas. Date: 25th April 2011 Location: Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25774126.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1624882969560fb81c58792.jpgBlaven, Skye, Highland Height: 3044 feet. The meaning of the name Blaven or Bla Bhienn is confused and is variously documented as "blue mountain", "warm mountain", "sunny mountain", "mount of the blast" or "hill of bloom". Blaven is the eastern most peak of the Black Cuillin and is separated from the Cuillin range by Glen Sligachan. Blaven is the highest of the surrounding mountains and is managed by the John Muir Trust. [i]".... and even if I came in sight of Paradise, what price it's moon without Blaven?"[/i] [b]Sorley Maclean[/b] - [i]"The Island"[/i] Date: 25th September 2015 Location: view from the B8083 Broadford to Elgol road near Torrin http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15454024.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18446551764ff548751a6cf.jpgOcellated Lizard The Ocellated Lizard is a species of wall lizard and one of the largest members of its family. The adult is 1 to 2 feet long and may reach up to 3 feet. About two-thirds of its length is the tail. Newly hatched young are 1 to 2 inches long excluding the tail. The Ocellated Lizard a robust lizard with a serrated collar and the male has a characteristic broad head and thick, strong legs with long, curved claws. The dorsal background colour is usually green but sometimes grey or brownish, especially on the head and tail. This is overlaid with black stippling that may form a bold pattern of interconnected rosettes. The underside is yellowish or greenish. The male is brighter in colour than the female and has blue spots on its flanks. There are fewer or no blue spots in the female. Young are green, grey or brown with yellowish or white and often black-edged spots all over. The Ocellated Lizard can be found in southern Spain, Portugal and France and north west Italy from sea level up to 7000 feet. Its natural habitats are dry, bushy areas such as open woodland and scrub, old olive groves and vineyards sometimes in more open, rocky or sandy areas. It can occasionally be seen basking on roadsides, it can also climb well on rocks and in trees and it can dig holes and sometimes uses abandoned rabbit burrows. The Ocellated Lizard feeds mainly on large insects, especially beetles. It also robs birds’ nests and occasionally takes reptiles, frogs and small mammals as well as fruit and other plant matter. Breeding occurs in late spring or early summer. Males are territorial in spring and fight in the breeding season. The female lays up to 22 eggs in June and July about 3 months after mating, hiding them under stones and logs or in leaf litter or in loose damp soil. The eggs hatch in 8 to 14 weeks. Date: 1st May 2012 Location: El Acebuche, Coto Doñana, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533132.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_35092778862ca753cd78b9.jpgRuddy Darter Flight period: mid June to mid September. The Ruddy Darter takes its name from its colour and its swift flight behaviour. The male has a deep russet colour over the entire body and the abdomen has a pinched section close to where it joins the thorax. Females are slightly smaller, golden yellow in colour and being less obviously marked are more difficult to identify than the males. There is more than one red coloured darter species in the UK and they can be easily confused with each other. The commonest red species, the Common Darter, can be distinguished as having red veins at the base of the wings and a less ruddy colouration across the body. However, the Ruddy Darter has entirely black legs, distinguishing it from all other red darters which have longitudinal yellow stripes on their legs. The UK range of the Ruddy Darter has undergone something of an expansion in recent years. Although still relatively uncommon in the west and north of Britain, it is increasing in numbers in the Midlands and eastern England. The population is augmented by continental migrants. It is also found over most of Europe except for northern Scandinavia, as far east as western Siberia and south to north Africa. The Ruddy Darter prefers water bodies with tall emergent vegetation, such as reeds and club rush, and it is known to breed in ponds, lakes, canals, ditches and sluggish rivers. They can also be found near coasts and can breed in fairly brackish water. Date: 12th June 2022 Location: RSPB Ham Wall, Somerset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/pygmy-cormorant https://images.on-this.website/4752_327190403559cf04a421ce.jpgPygmy Cormorant The Pygmy Cormorant is the smallest member of the cormorant family and is a medium-sized green-glossed black bird with a long tail and short thick bill. Adults have small white feather tufts on the head, neck and underparts in the breeding season. The sexes are similar, but juveniles are duller and browner. The Pygmy Cormorant is distinguished from the Great Cormorant and the Shag by its much smaller size, lighter build and long tail. The Pygmy Cormorant can be found along the east coasts of the Adriatic Sea, the northern Aegean Sea, the Black Sea eastwards to the Caspian Sea and in Iraq. The Pygmy Cormorant breeds in Albania, Greece, Bulgaria, Turkey, Romania, Moldavia, Ukraine, Russia, Azerbaijan and Iraq while a few pairs also breed in Hungary and Slovakia. The biggest colony is located in the Danube Delta in Romania and numbers 4,000 pairs. In Greece the most important colonies are located at Lake Mikri Prespa and Lake Kerkini. The Pygmy Cormorant also formerly bred in the Axios Delta, at Lake Ismarida and Lake Kastoria, in the Evros Delta and at Porto Lagos. The most important wintering areas in Greece are mainly the large wetlands of Thrace and Macedonia. The Pygmy Cormorant can be found in wetlands with still or slowly flowing fresh water and more rarely in coastal wetlands. It builds nests from sticks and reeds in dense vegetation, in trees, shrubs, willows but occasionally in reeds on small floating islets, either alone or with Great Cormorants, Spoonbills and heron and egret species. The Pygmy Cormorant feeds on small fish and rarely on small aquatic mammals and molluscs which are caught by diving. It often hunts in groups and perches in trees between fishing expeditions. The Pygmy Cormorant is a species with habitats strongly affected by human actions. Threats include the drainage and serious degradation of wetlands and their associated woodland, water pollution, disturbance, poaching as well as drowning in fishing nets. Being a great fish consumer and destroyer of fishing nets, it is often persecuted by fishermen. Date: 12th May 2015 Location: Lake Kerkini, Central Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/kbassaare-peninsula-saaremaa-island-estonia https://images.on-this.website/4752_204936097057cc38044e6d0.jpgKübassaare peninsula, Saaremaa island, Estonia Saaremaa is the 4th largest island in the Baltic Sea and largest island in Estonia, measuring over 1000 square miles. It is located in the Baltic Sea, south of the island of Hiiumaa, and it is included within the the West Estonian Archipelago Biosphere Reserve. The island lies on a major migration flyway between Europe and the Arctic and huge numbers of birds appear in spring and autumn. The Kübassaare peninsula is one of the best birding sites combining both wetland and woodland habitats including grassy shores, meadows, mixed forests, reedbeds, lakes and coastal islets, inlets and bays. Date: 12th May 2016 Location: Kübassaare peninsula, Saaremaa island, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43629111.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17338966336118accdc6740.jpgEdible Frog The Edible Frog is a species of frog found across Europe that is also known as the Common Water Frog and the Green Frog. The Edible Frog is one of the few animals in the world that is a fertile hybrid of 2 different species, as although similar but genetically different species are known to mate, it is very rare that their offspring will be able to breed. The Edible Frog is a fertile hybrid of 2 other European frogs, namely the Pool Frog and the Marsh Frog, that inter-bred when populations where isolated close to one another during the Ice Age. It was first described in 1758 and is known as the Edible Frog due to the fact that it is now seen as a culinary delicacy across Europe but especially in France where frog’s legs are often served as a national dish. The reason for humans favouring this frog over others is not really known but it may have something to do with their abundance. The Edible Frog is a medium sized frog growing to around 3.5 to 4.5 inches in length. Adults are mainly green in colour with light patches of brown on their backs, yellow eyes and a white underside covered in a few dark spots. There are number of distinct differences between males and females including the fact that males become much lighter and greener during the mating season. Males also have vocal sacs on the outside of their cheeks and extra skin patches on their feet, both of which are primarily used for mating. The Edible Frog is endemic to Europe and it naturally occurs across central Europe as far north as Germany and Estonia. Southern populations are found from Croatia, through northern Italy and into the south of France. There are also isolated populations in Sweden and Bulgaria which are thought to have migrated from the countries nearby. It has also been introduced to the UK. The Edible Frog spends all of its time either in or very close to water and it is most commonly found in calmer parts of rivers and streams where there is a slow but constant flow of fresh water. It tends to prefer more open areas and can also be commonly found around lakes, ponds and marshes. Unlike many other species of frog, the Edible Frog is a diurnal animal and is therefore most active during the day. This is when it is most likely to move away from the water so that it can find a better supply of food or move to a different part of the water if it needs to. The Edible Frog is a relatively solitary animal so there is less competition for food but males are often seen sitting together in groups during the breeding season when they are trying to out-compete each other to find a mate. The breeding season for the Edible Frog begins during March and generally lasts for around 2 months. Males sing by drawing air in and out of their vocal sacs to produce the highest-pitched sound possible since females are most attracted to the loudest males. After courting her in a lake, pond or swamp, the male lets the female lay up to 10,000 eggs in a sticky mass into the water before he fertilises them. Tadpoles can be as small as 0.2 inches long when they hatch and are a grey/brown colour. They then grow up to 2 to 3 inches in length before metamorphoses occurs and they leave the water as 0.75 inches long young frogs. The Edible Frog reaches sexual maturity at the age of 2 years and can live until it is 15 years old. The Edible Frog is a carnivorous amphibian but the tadpoles mainly eat vegetation although they are known to occasionally supplement their diet with aquatic micro-organisms. Adults eat small invertebrates such as insects, spiders and flies, which make up the majority of their diet, along with larger aquatic animals like fish, newts and other frogs. The Edible Frog hunts for food during the day and can be seen catching food both in water and on land. The Edible Frog remains very still when it is sitting on the banks of its water habitat and this, along with its camouflage, makes it very difficult for predators to spot. Its eyes are positioned near the top of the head meaning that it can also see danger coming whilst the body is mainly hidden. Snakes, owls and water birds are the main predators of the Edible Frog. The Edible Frog will jump into the water and hide if it senses approaching danger and it will make a loud screeching sound if caught. Edible Frog populations are under threat from habitat destruction mainly caused by deforestation and water pollution. Date: 18th July 2021 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833554.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1084981667559ceba09adf0.jpgGreat Prespa Lake (Megali Prespa), West Macedonia, Greece The Prespa lakes constitute 2 freshwater lakes located in the north west corner of Greece and shared by Greece, Albania and Macedonia. Of the total surface area, 68.07 square miles belongs to Macedonia, 17.88 square miles to Albania and 14.05 square miles to Greece. They are the highest tectonic lakes in the Balkans, standing at a height of 2,798 feet. The Prespa lakes are separated by a narrow causeway. The Great Prespa Lake (Megali Prespa) is divided between Albania, Greece and Macedonia. The Small Prespa Lake (Mikri Prespa) is shared only between Greece and Albania. The lakes and the area surrounding them are well known for their natural beauty and they offer a wonderfully rich diversity of habitats, from deep water, shallows, reedbeds, wet meadows, farmland, forests, hills and mountains. The area hosts 40 species of mammals, 260 species of birds, 32 species of reptiles and amphibians and 17 species of fish including a number of endemic species. Date: 13th May 2015 Location: view from near Laimos, West Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453891.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1925038704ff5448ac32a6.jpgSpanish Imperial Eagle The Spanish or Iberian Imperial Eagle is a large eagle with a pale cream head and neck but dark brown feathers elsewhere. There is a distinctive white area on the shoulders and a pale grey area on the upper tail and the species can be recognised by its particularly flat gliding flight. The Spanish Imperial Eagle breeds in central and south west Spain. It previously bred in Portugal, Algeria and Morocco but is now only found there as a vagrant. The Spanish Imperial Eagle can be found in cork oak forests, plains and hills in south west Spain, the flood plains and dunes in the Guadalquivir marshes of southern Spain and on the high mountain slopes in the Sistema Central of central Spain. In the 1960s, with just 30 pairs remaining, conservation efforts succeeded in increasing the population of the Spanish Imperial Eagle by a considerable amount. However, since 1994, the population has declined again to just 160 pairs. There are several causes of this decline: habitat fragmentation due to deforestation for agricultural land and timber has disturbed breeding grounds, intentional poisoning on hunting reserves to reduce natural predators of game species, lead shot poisoning as a result of ingestion of game killed with bullets and electrocution on power cables. Approximately 80% of Spanish Imperial Eagles killed on power lines are female, causing a greater impact on this monogamous species than if equal numbers of males and females were killed. The Spanish Imperial Eagle relies mainly on rabbits as prey and following drops in rabbit abundance due to shooting and disease, food supplies have been limited causing reduced breeding success. The Spanish Imperial Eagle is legally protected in Spain and 62% of the breeding population occurs in 20 protected areas. A European action plan was published in 1996 and national and regional governments have worked to implement a coordinated conservation and reintroduction plan. Date: 25th April 2012 Location: road to La Lancha and Embalse del Jándula, Sierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17408549.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_91563920351332851b5e28.jpgGreenfinch The European Greenfinch, or simply the Greenfinch, is a small passerine bird in the finch. There are 10 recognised sub-species reflecting its widespread range, including the British Greenfinch found in the UK (except north Scotland) and Ireland and the Northern European Greenfinch found in north Scotland, north and central France and Scandinavia to west Siberia. The Greenfinch is similar in size and shape to a House Sparrow but it is mainly green with yellow in the wings and tail. The female and young birds are duller and have brown tones on the back. The bill is thick and conical. The song contains a lot of trilling twitters interspersed with wheezes and the male has a "butterfly" display flight. The Greenfinch is widespread throughout Europe, north Africa and south west Asia where it is mainly resident although some of the most northern populations migrate further south in autumn and winter. It has also been introduced into Australia, New Zealand, Uruguay and Argentina. The Greenfinch can be found around woodland edges, in farmland hedges and in gardens with relatively thick vegetation favoured for breeding. It can form large flocks outside the breeding season, sometimes mixing with other groups of finches and buntings. In the UK, the Greenfinch is widespread and relatively common (although a sharp decline in the population in recent years has been noted due to an outbreak of trichomonosis, a parasite-induced disease which prevents the birds from feeding properly) and it is only absent from upland areas without trees and bushes. The breeding season occurs in spring and early summer, commencing in the second half of March with the young fledging in early July. Incubation of the eggs is undertaken by the female and lasts about 13 to 14 days with the male feeding her at the nest during this period. The chicks are fed on insect larvae by both adults during the first few days and thereafter by a frequently regurgitated yellowish paste made of seeds. The chicks leave the nest about 13 days later but they are unable to fly. The Greenfinch usually produces 2 or 3 broods per year. The Greenfinch predominantly feeds on seeds but it will also take berries and nuts. Date: 13th January 2013 Location: Pennington Flash, Greater Manchester http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50931094.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13150866076627d1b94cf23.jpgCetti's Warbler The Cetti's Warbler is a small, brown warbler named after the 18th century Italian zoologist, Francesco Cetti. It is approximately 5 to 5.5 inches in length with a rounded head and a narrow pale grey stripe arching over conspicuous black eyes. The upperparts are a rich chestnut or dark reddish-brown and the throat and breast are pale grey. It has short rounded wings but the tail is longer and broader than many other warblers. The sexes have similar plumage but males are larger and heavier than females. The Cetti's Warbler is a typically skulking species and can be difficult to see although it signals its presence with loud bursts of song. The Cetti’s Warbler is mainly found in south and central Europe, north west Africa and the east Palearctic as far as Afghanistan and north west Pakistan where it inhabits damp areas including ponds, lakes, marshes and rivers. It has greatly increased across Europe since 1990. The Cetti's Warbler was first recorded in the UK in 1961 and, after a significant decline in the mid-1980s, populations in milder regions in the south and east continue to grow. The Cetti’s Warbler feeds on arthropods such as small, soft-bodied insects and larvae. Date: 8th April 2024 Location: RSPB Canvey Wick, Canvey Island, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14261287.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12700410124f51e9525eafb.jpgKingfisher The Kingfisher is a small unmistakable bright blue and orange bird of slow moving or still water. They fly rapidly and low over water and hunt fish from riverside perches, occasionally hovering above the water's surface. Kingfishers are vulnerable to hard winters and habitat degradation through pollution or unsympathetic management of watercourses and are an “Amber List” species due to their unfavourable conservation status in Europe. Kingfishers are widespread especially in central and southern England but become less common further north. Following some declines last century, they are currently increasing in their range in Scotland. Kingfishers can be found all year round by still or slow flowing water such as lakes, canals and rivers in lowland areas. In winter, some individuals move to estuaries and the coast. Occasionally they may also visit garden ponds if they are of a suitable size. Date: 25th February 2012 Location: Rye Meads RSPB reserve, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33568419.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16741522815a106b3209d46.jpgGreater (Greenland) White-fronted Geese The Greater White-fronted Goose is a species of goose which is closely related to the smaller Lesser White-fronted Goose. The Latin name, [i]Anser albifrons[/i], is derived from [i]anser[/i] meaning "goose" and [i]albus[/i] meaning "white" and [i]frons[/i] meaning “forehead”. The Greater White-fronted Goose is 25 to 32 inches in length with a 51 to 65 inches wingspan and weighs 4.3 to 7.3 pounds. It is smaller than the Greylag Goose and, as well as being larger than the Lesser White-fronted Goose, it lacks the yellow eye-ring of that species and the white facial blaze does not extend upwards so far. The Greater White-fronted Goose is a greyish-brown goose with a light grey breast dappled with dark brown to black blotches and bar, a pinkish bill and orange legs and feet. The male is typically larger in size but both sexes are similar in appearance The Greater White-fronted Goose is divided into 5 subspecies. The nominate subspecies Eurasian or Russian White-fronted Goose, [i]A. a. albifrons[/i], breeds in the far north of Europe and Asia and winters further south and west in Europe, including England and Wales. The very distinct Greenland White-fronted Goose, [i]A. a. flavirostris[/i], breeds in west Greenland and is much darker overall with only a very narrow white tip to the tail (broader on the other races), more black barring on its belly and usually has an orange (not pink) bill. It winters in Ireland and west Scotland. Some ecological studies suggest that the Greenland White-fronted Goose should probably be considered a separate species. Weather conditions are a key factor in the annual breeding success of the Greater White-fronted Goose. In the Arctic, the window of opportunity for nesting, incubating eggs and raising a brood is open briefly for about 3 months. Arriving in late May or early June, Greater White-fronted Geese begin departing for their wintering areas in early September. This means that a delayed snowmelt or late spring storm can significantly reduce breeding success. Date: 4th November 2017 Location: Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308854.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_109854808363ee37dbb0c86.jpgShoveler The Northern Shoveler, known simply as the Shoveler in the UK, is a common and widespread dabbling duck. The Shoveler is unmistakable due to its large spatulate bill. The breeding male has an iridescent dark green head, white breast and chestnut belly and flanks. In flight, pale blue forewing feathers are revealed which are separated from the green speculum by a white border. In early autumn the male has a white crescent on each side of the face. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male resembles the female. The female is a drab mottled brown with plumage much like a female Mallard but easily distinguished by the long broad bill which is grey tinged with orange on the cutting edge and lower mandible. The female's forewing is grey. The Shoveler can be found in open wetlands, such as wet grassland or marshes with some emergent vegetation, in northern areas of Europe and Asia and across most of north America. It winters in south Europe, Africa, the Indian sub-continent, south east Asia and central and northern south America. In the UK, the Shoveler breeds primarily in south and east England and in much smaller numbers in Scotland and west England. In winter, breeding birds move south and there is additionally an influx of continental birds from further north. The UK is home to more than 20% of the north west European population. The Shoveler prefers to nest in grassy areas away from open water. The nest is a shallow depression on the ground lined with plant material and down. Females typically lay about 9 eggs. The males are very territorial during the breeding season and will defend their territory and partners from competing males. Males also engage in elaborate courtship behaviours both on the water and in the air. The Shoveler feeds by dabbling for plant food, often by swinging its bill from side to side and using the bill to strain food from the water. It uses its highly specialized bill (from which their name is derived) to forage for aquatic invertebrates. Date: 21st January 2022 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4173952.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3485709384b2d31e051c6f.jpgCoot The Coot is an all black bird with a distinctive white beak and “shield” above the beak from which earns it the title “bald”. Its feet have distinctive lobed flaps of skin on the toes which act instead of webs when swimming. It patters noisily over the water before taking off and can be very aggressive towards other birds. Coot can be found all the year round mainly on freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers and town park lakes. Sometimes they can be seen offshore, especially in winter if freshwater areas are frozen. They breed in areas of fairly shallow standing freshwater with a muddy bottom and plenty of vegetation at the sides, usually in lowland areas. Date: 19th December 2009 Location: Northlands Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512777.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_112752479362c99fa026747.jpgBlack-tailed Godwits The Black-tailed Godwit is a large, long-legged, long-billed shorebird with an orange head, neck and chest in its breeding plumage and a uniform brown-grey breast and upperparts in winter. During the breeding season, the bill has a yellowish or orange-pink base and dark tip but the base is pink in winter. The legs are dark grey, brown or black. The sexes are similar but in breeding plumage they can be separated by the male's brighter, more extensive orange breast, neck and head. In flight, the bold black and white wingbar and white rump can be seen readily. When on the ground the Black-tailed Godwit can be difficult to separate from the similar Bar-tailed Godwit but the Black-tailed Godwit's longer, straighter bill and longer legs are diagnostic. The Black-tailed Godwit’s breeding range stretches from Iceland through northern Europe and areas of central Asia where it can be found in fens, lake edges, damp meadows, moorlands and bogs. It winters in areas as diverse as the Indian Subcontinent, Australia, western Europe and west Africa where it can be found on estuaries and floods. It is also more likely to be found inland and on freshwater than the Bar-tailed Godwit. Date: 10th May 2022 Location: WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre, Carmarthenshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871625.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12188578554eff1f9e21dc2.jpgWhite-tailed Eagle The White-tailed Eagle is a very large bird with a 72 to 96 inch wingspan and is the fourth largest eagle in the world. It has broad "barn door" wings, a large head and a thick "meat-cleaver" beak. The adult is mainly brown except for the paler head and neck, blackish flight feathers, distinctive white tail, and yellow bill and legs. In juvenile birds the tail and bill are darker, with the tail becoming white with a dark terminal band in sub-adults. The White-tailed Eagle breeds in northern Europe and northern Asia. The largest population in Europe is found along the coast of Norway. They are mostly resident with only the northernmost birds such as the eastern Scandinavian and Siberian population migrating south in winter. Date: 26th May 2009 Location: Salttjern to Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/arctic-circle-rovaniemi-lappi-finland https://images.on-this.website/4752_21414687465f06f0f9573a0.jpgArctic Circle, Rovaniemi, Lappi, Finland The Arctic Circle is one of the five major circles of latitude that mark maps of the Earth. In 2012, it is the parallel of latitude that runs 66° 33′ 44″ north of the Equator. The region north of this circle is known as the Arctic and the zone just to the south is called the Northern Temperate Zone. The equivalent polar circle in the Southern Hemisphere is called the Antarctic Circle. The Arctic Circle is the southernmost latitude in the Northern Hemisphere at which the sun can remain continuously above or below the horizon for 24 hours (at the June solstice and December solstice respectively). North of the Arctic Circle, the sun is above the horizon for 24 continuous hours at least once per year (and therefore visible at midnight) and below the horizon for 24 continuous hours at least once per year. The position of the Arctic Circle is not fixed. It directly depends on the Earth's axial tilt, which fluctuates within a margin of 2° over a 40,000-year period, notably due to tidal forces resulting from the orbit of the Moon. Relatively few people live north of the Arctic Circle due to the severe climate. Areas have been settled for thousands of years by indigenous peoples. Tens of thousands of years ago, waves of people migrated from eastern Siberia across the Bering Strait into North America and gradually eastward to settle. Much later, in the historic period, there has been migration into some Arctic areas by Europeans and other immigrants. Rovaniemi, which lies slightly south of the Arctic Circle, has a population of approximately 60,000, and is the largest settlement in the immediate vicinity of the Arctic Circle. It is the administrative capital and commercial centre of Finland's northernmost province, Lapland. It is situated between the hills of Ounasvaara and Korkalovaara at the confluence of the river Kemijoki and its tributary, the Ounasjoki. Date: 27th June 2019 Location: Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo44044953.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1833037097614f1496557fe.jpgWhite-tailed Lapwing The White-tailed Lapwing or White-tailed Plover is a medium-sized, long-legged and fairly long-billed plover species. Adults are slim erect birds with a brown back and foreneck, paler face and grey breast. Its long yellow legs, pure white tail and distinctive brown, white and black wings make this species unmistakable. The White-tailed Lapwing is the only plover species likely to be seen in other than very shallow water where it picks insects and other small prey mainly from the surface. White-tailed Lapwings breed semi-colonially on inland marshes in Iraq, Iran and southern Russia. The Iraqi and Iranian breeders are mainly residents but Russian birds migrate south in winter to south Asia, the Middle East and north east Africa. The White-tailed Lapwing is a very rare vagrant in western Europe, the first record in the UK being found in Warwickshire in July 1975. There were 11 UK records prior to this bird. Date: 6th September 2021 Location: RSPB Blacktoft Sands, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14467391.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10460294314f743b87bc8c5.jpg"Northern Lights" The aurora is a natural light display in the sky, particularly in the high latitude Arctic and Antarctic regions, caused by the collision of energetic charged particles with atoms in the high altitude atmosphere. The charged particles originate in the magnetosphere and solar wind and on Earth they are directed by the Earth's magnetic field into the atmosphere. Most aurora occur in a band known as the auroral zone which is typically 3° to 6° in latitudinal extent and 10° to 20° from the magnetic pole. During a geomagnetic storm, the auroral zone will expand to lower latitudes. The diffuse aurora is a featureless glow in the sky which may not be visible to the naked eye even on a dark night and defines the extent of the auroral zone. The discrete aurora are sharply defined features within the diffuse aurora which vary in brightness from just barely visible to the naked eye to bright enough to read a newspaper at night. In northern latitudes, the effect is known as the aurora borealis (or the “Northern Lights), named after the Roman goddess of dawn, Aurora, and the Greek name for the north wind, Boreas, by Pierre Gassendi in 1621. Auroras seen near the magnetic pole may be high overhead but from farther away they illuminate the northern horizon as a greenish glow or sometimes a faint red. Auroras often display magnetic field lines or curtain-like structures and can change within seconds or glow unchanging for hours, most often in fluorescent green. In Scandinavia, you can see the aurora all over Norway, Sweden and Finland. However, the best places are above the Arctic Circle in the auroral zone. The aurora is most frequent in late autumn and in winter and early spring. In the time span between the autumn equinox and the spring equinox (21st September to 21st March), it is dark the whole time between 6 p.m. and 1 a.m. and this provides the maximum chance of seeing the aurora in suitable weather conditions and with increased solar activity. Date: 16th March 2012 Location: Skibotndalen, Troms, north Norway close to Norway/Finland border http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42633041.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_65867926560aa6d4113fbd.jpgBlue Tit The Blue Tit is a small passerine bird in the tit family. It is easily recognisable by its generally blue and yellow plumage and its small size. The Blue Tit is about 4.7 inches long with a wingspan of 7.1 inches. It has an azure blue crown and a dark blue line passing through the eye and encircling the white cheeks to the chin, giving the bird a very distinctive appearance. The forehead and a bar on the wing are white. The nape, wings and tail are blue and the back is yellowish green. The underparts are mostly sulphur-yellow with a dark line down the abdomen. The bill is black and the legs bluish grey. The sexes are similar whilst young birds are noticeably more yellow. The Blue Tit is very agile and it can cling to the outermost branches and hang upside down when searching for food such as insects, caterpillars and seeds. The Blue Tit can be found throughout areas of the European continent with a mainly temperate or Mediterranean climate and in parts of the Middle East. In the UK it is common in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens and widespread across the whole of the country with the exception of some Scottish islands. The Blue Tit will nest in any suitable hole in a tree, wall or stump, often competing with other birds such as the House Sparrow or Great Tit for the site. In addition, it will readily accept an artificial nesting box. The same hole is returned to year after year and when one pair dies another takes possession. The nesting material is usually moss, wool, hair and feathers and the eggs are laid in April or May. The number in the clutch is often very large but 7 or 8 is normal. It is not unusual for a single bird to feed the chicks in the nest at a rate of one feed every 90 seconds during the height of the breeding season. Successful breeding is dependent on a sufficient supply of caterpillars as well as satisfactory weather. Breeding may be affected badly if the weather is cold and wet between May and July, particularly if this coincides with the emergence of the caterpillars on which the nestlings are fed. The small size of the Blue Tit makes it vulnerable to predation by larger birds and the typical lifespan is 3 years or less. The most significant predator is probably the Sparrowhawk, closely followed by the domestic cat. Nests may also be robbed by mammals such as the Weasel and Red and Grey Squirrels. Date: 29th April 2021 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42670644.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19402194660b204a24e098.jpgCollared Dove Collared Doves are distinctive birds with their buffy-pink plumage and black neck collar. They are usually seen singly or in pairs, although flocks may form where food is plentiful. They feed on the ground but readily perch on roofs and wires and in trees. The Collared Dove is not migratory but it is strongly dispersive. Over the last century, it has been one of the great colonisers of the bird world. Its original range at the end of the 19th century was warm temperate and subtropical Asia from Turkey east to south China and south through India to Sri Lanka. In 1838 it was reported in Bulgaria but not until the 20th century did it expand across Europe, appearing in parts of the Balkans between 1900 and 1920 and then spreading rapidly north west, reaching Germany in 1945, the UK in 1953, Ireland in 1959 and the Faroe Islands in the early 1970s. Subsequent spread was “sideways” from this fast north west spread reaching north east to north of the Arctic Circle in Norway, east to the Ural Mountains in Russia and south west to the Canary Islands and north Africa from Morocco to Egypt by the end of the 20th century. In the east of its range it has also spread north east to most of central and north China and locally (probably introduced) in Japan. It has also reached Iceland as a vagrant but has not colonised successfully there. Date: 18th May 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41537253.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10333636685f3cfe072c517.jpgKittiwakes The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 4th July 2019 Location: Flåget, Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42626848.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_190521654660a9317c09e34.jpgCollared Doves Collared Doves are distinctive birds with their buffy-pink plumage and black neck collar. They are usually seen singly or in pairs, although flocks may form where food is plentiful. They feed on the ground but readily perch on roofs and wires and in trees. The Collared Dove is not migratory but it is strongly dispersive. Over the last century, it has been one of the great colonisers of the bird world. Its original range at the end of the 19th century was warm temperate and subtropical Asia from Turkey east to south China and south through India to Sri Lanka. In 1838 it was reported in Bulgaria but not until the 20th century did it expand across Europe, appearing in parts of the Balkans between 1900 and 1920 and then spreading rapidly north west, reaching Germany in 1945, the UK in 1953, Ireland in 1959 and the Faroe Islands in the early 1970s. Subsequent spread was “sideways” from this fast north west spread reaching north east to north of the Arctic Circle in Norway, east to the Ural Mountains in Russia and south west to the Canary Islands and north Africa from Morocco to Egypt by the end of the 20th century. In the east of its range it has also spread north east to most of central and north China and locally (probably introduced) in Japan. It has also reached Iceland as a vagrant but has not colonised successfully there. Date: 18th April 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41389702.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2876993975f2695fa9d2ba.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 1st July 2019 Location: Vardø, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405374.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5793958716586ce5054622.jpgBlack-tailed Godwit The Black-tailed Godwit is a large, long-legged, long-billed shorebird with an orange head, neck and chest in its breeding plumage and a uniform brown-grey breast and upperparts in winter. During the breeding season, the bill has a yellowish or orange-pink base and dark tip but the base is pink in winter. The legs are dark grey, brown or black. The sexes are similar but in breeding plumage they can be separated by the male's brighter, more extensive orange breast, neck and head. In flight, the bold black and white wingbar and white rump can be seen readily. When on the ground the Black-tailed Godwit can be difficult to separate from the similar Bar-tailed Godwit but the Black-tailed Godwit's longer, straighter bill and longer legs are diagnostic. The Black-tailed Godwit’s breeding range stretches from Iceland through northern Europe and areas of central Asia where it can be found in fens, lake edges, damp meadows, moorlands and bogs. It winters in areas as diverse as the Indian Subcontinent, Australia, western Europe and west Africa where it can be found on estuaries and floods. It is also more likely to be found inland and on freshwater than the Bar-tailed Godwit. Date: 24th September 2023 Location: RSPB Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41389700.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8552373965f2695ef72910.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 1st July 2019 Location: Vardø, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4088245.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16818523804b193e0889a7e.jpgWhite Storks The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 8th November 2009 Location: Aiguamolls de l'Emporda, Catalunya, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512791.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_213094908262c99fc216a26.jpgBlack-tailed Godwits The Black-tailed Godwit is a large, long-legged, long-billed shorebird with an orange head, neck and chest in its breeding plumage and a uniform brown-grey breast and upperparts in winter. During the breeding season, the bill has a yellowish or orange-pink base and dark tip but the base is pink in winter. The legs are dark grey, brown or black. The sexes are similar but in breeding plumage they can be separated by the male's brighter, more extensive orange breast, neck and head. In flight, the bold black and white wingbar and white rump can be seen readily. When on the ground the Black-tailed Godwit can be difficult to separate from the similar Bar-tailed Godwit but the Black-tailed Godwit's longer, straighter bill and longer legs are diagnostic. The Black-tailed Godwit’s breeding range stretches from Iceland through northern Europe and areas of central Asia where it can be found in fens, lake edges, damp meadows, moorlands and bogs. It winters in areas as diverse as the Indian Subcontinent, Australia, western Europe and west Africa where it can be found on estuaries and floods. It is also more likely to be found inland and on freshwater than the Bar-tailed Godwit. Date: 10th May 2022 Location: WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre, Carmarthenshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37159121.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16326959735c1e5deaf1389.jpgTufted Duck The Tufted Duck is a small diving duck. The adult male is all black except for white flanks and a blue-grey bill. It has an obvious head tuft that gives the species its name. The adult female is brown with paler flanks and is more easily confused with other diving ducks. In particular, some have white around the bill base which resembles the Scaup although the white is never as extensive as in that species. The Tufted Duck breeds widely throughout temperate and northern Eurasia. It occasionally can be found as a winter visitor along both coasts of the United States and Canada. It is migratory in most of its range and winters in the milder south and west of Europe and southern Asia where large flocks form on open water. The Tufted Duck breeds close to marshes and lakes with plenty of vegetation to conceal the nest. It is also found on coastal lagoons and sheltered ponds. The Tufted Duck feeds mainly by diving for molluscs, aquatic insects and aquatic plants. Date: 7th May 2018 Location: Ham Wall RSPB reserve, Somerset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39081959.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13654191445d3078995e402.jpgEuropean Bee-eater The European Bee-eater is an incredibly colourful bird with an unmistakable appearance. In breeding plumage, it has a rich chestnut crown that blends into gold on its back. The forehead is white, the throat is yellow bordered by black and the underparts are blue. The male European Bee-eater has a chestnut-coloured patch in the middle of the wing while in females this patch is usually smaller or even absent. Occasionally, females may also be distinguished from the males by having a green back. The wings and backs of juvenile European Bee-eaters are entirely green and the eyes are brown in contrast to the bright red eyes of adults. The European Bee-eater breeds in southern Europe and in parts of north Africa and western Asia. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, India and Sri Lanka. European Bee-eaters are occasionally seen in northern Europe (including the UK) as a spring overshoot north of its range with occasional breeding occurring. Just as the name suggests, the European Bee-eater predominantly eats insects, especially bees, wasps and hornets which are caught in the air by sorties from an open perch. Before eating its meal, a European Bee-eater removes the sting by repeatedly hitting the insect on a hard surface. Lizards and frogs are also taken. European Bee-eaters are gregarious, nesting colonially in sandy banks preferably near river shores and also feeding and roosting communally. Date: 17th May 2018 Location: Vetren, Silistra Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39081950.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16821825935d30786f5b5d9.jpgEuropean Bee-eaters The European Bee-eater is an incredibly colourful bird with an unmistakable appearance. In breeding plumage, it has a rich chestnut crown that blends into gold on its back. The forehead is white, the throat is yellow bordered by black and the underparts are blue. The male European Bee-eater has a chestnut-coloured patch in the middle of the wing while in females this patch is usually smaller or even absent. Occasionally, females may also be distinguished from the males by having a green back. The wings and backs of juvenile European Bee-eaters are entirely green and the eyes are brown in contrast to the bright red eyes of adults. The European Bee-eater breeds in southern Europe and in parts of north Africa and western Asia. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, India and Sri Lanka. European Bee-eaters are occasionally seen in northern Europe (including the UK) as a spring overshoot north of its range with occasional breeding occurring. Just as the name suggests, the European Bee-eater predominantly eats insects, especially bees, wasps and hornets which are caught in the air by sorties from an open perch. Before eating its meal, a European Bee-eater removes the sting by repeatedly hitting the insect on a hard surface. Lizards and frogs are also taken. European Bee-eaters are gregarious, nesting colonially in sandy banks preferably near river shores and also feeding and roosting communally. Date: 17th May 2018 Location: Vetren, Silistra Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813353.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4948078695d0dde0ec38f7.jpgArctic Skua The Arctic Skua is a seabird in the skua family. Identification is complicated by similarities to the Long-tailed Skua and the Pomarine Skua and the existence of three colour morphs. Light-morph adults have a brown back, mainly white underparts and dark primary wing feathers with a white flash. The head and neck are yellowish-white with a black cap and there is a pointed central tail projection. Dark-morph adults are dark brown and intermediate-phase birds are dark with somewhat paler underparts, head and neck. All morphs have the white wing flash. The Arctic Skua breeds on dry tundra, higher fells and islands in the north of Eurasia and north America with significant populations as far south as northern Scotland. In the UK, it breeds in Shetland and Orkney, the Outer Hebrides, Sutherland, Caithness and some islands in Argyll. The Arctic Skua is a migrant, wintering at sea in the tropics and southern oceans. The Arctic Skua feeds on rodents, small birds and insects but also robs gulls and terns of their catches. Like the larger skua species, it continues this piratical behaviour throughout the year and shows great agility as it harasses its victims. Date: 10th June 2019 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/vard-varanger-peninsula-finnmark-norway https://images.on-this.website/4752_14900797494bf6dfc4a859a.jpgVardø, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway Vardø is a small town located on the island of Vardøya in the Barents Sea just off the coast of the Varanger peninsula in Vardø municipality in Finnmark county in north east Norway. Vardø is the easternmost town in Norway (and in all the Nordic countries) located at 31°E which is east of Saint Petersburg, Kiev, and Istanbul. The eastern part of Finnmark is in the same time zone as the rest of Norway but it is more than an hour at odds with daylight hours. Vardø is connected to the mainland by the undersea Vardø tunnel which is part of European route E75. The port of Vardø, and another port in nearby Svartnes on the mainland, remains ice-free all year round thanks to the effect of the warm North Atlantic drift and the largest industry in the town is fishing and fish processing. Since 1998, Vardø has housed a radar installation called Globus II. Its official purpose is the tracking of space junk but due to the site's proximity to Russia and an alleged connection between the Globus II system and US anti-missile systems, the site has been the basis for heated controversy in diplomatic and intelligence circles. Date: 13th April 2010 Location: view looking north east towards Vardøya and Vardø, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/fzri-vr-fzr-borsod-abaj https://images.on-this.website/4752_161308838359ae70749e43b4.61128261.jpgFüzéri vár, Füzér, Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén county, Hungary Füzér is a small village located in the Zemplén Mountains in north east Hungary. The main attraction is Füzéri vár, a castle standing on a solitary volcanic cone at the edge of the village. It was built at the beginning of the 13th century as a defence against the Turks, expanded in the 14th and 15th centuries but ruined at the end of the 18th century. The entire castle hill is a protected historic site and since 1977 it has been reconstructed and renewed. The Zemplén Mountains lie to the north of the towns of Szerencs and Tokaj in north east Hungary. They are an upland area of volcanic origin forming part of the Carpathian Mountains. The highest peak is Nagy-Milic at 2933 feet which is situated near the northernmost point of Hungary on the border with Slovakia. The Zemplén Mountains are surrounded by the flood plains of the Bodrog and Hernád rivers and are primarily covered in oak, beech, birch, ash and alder forest with conifer forest at higher levels. Orchards, vineyards and pastures occur in the valleys and on lower slopes. The 110 square miles comprising the majority of the Zemplén Mountains became the Zemplén Protected Landscape Area in 1984. The steep peaks of the Zemplén Mountains form the bases for many medieval stone castles. Date: 24th May 2017 Location: Füzéri vár, Füzér, Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo34209770.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1702037275a99791ab4ef0.jpgSpotted Sandpiper The Spotted Sandpiper is a small wader. The adult has brown upperparts, white underparts with black spots, short yellowish legs and an orange bill with a dark tip. Non-breeding birds (as in this photo) do not have the spotted underparts and are very similar to the Common Sandpiper of Eurasia. The main difference is the shorter tail, more washed out wing pattern visible in flight and the normally light yellow legs and feet of the Spotted Sandpiper. The Spotted Sandpiper is often solitary and walks with a distinctive teeter, bobbing its tail up and down constantly. When foraging it walks quickly, crouching low, occasionally darting toward prey, all the while bobbing its tail. In flight, the Spotted Sandpipers has quick, snappy wingbeats interspersed with glides, keeping its wings below horizontal. The Spotted Sandpiper is common and widespread across most of Canada and the USA where it breeds almost anywhere near water i.e. along streams, rivers, ponds, lakes and beaches, particularly on rocky shores. It migrates to winter in southern USA and South America and it is a very rare vagrant to western Europe. The Spotted Sandpiper forages on the ground picking up food such as insects, crustaceans and other invertebrates by sight. It may also catch insects in flight and pick up earthworms, small crabs and crayfish, small fish and bits of carrion. This bird was first reported at the Slalom Course/River Trent confluence at Holme Pierrepoint Country Park in mid-January 2018 and remained on site for most of February 2018. Date: 24th February 2018 Location: Holme Pierrepoint Country Park, Nottinghamshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/ocellated-lizard https://images.on-this.website/4752_20893011584ff5485ec2aaa.jpgOcellated Lizard The Ocellated Lizard is a species of wall lizard and one of the largest members of its family. The adult is 1 to 2 feet long and may reach up to 3 feet. About two-thirds of its length is the tail. Newly hatched young are 1 to 2 inches long excluding the tail. The Ocellated Lizard a robust lizard with a serrated collar and the male has a characteristic broad head and thick, strong legs with long, curved claws. The dorsal background colour is usually green but sometimes grey or brownish, especially on the head and tail. This is overlaid with black stippling that may form a bold pattern of interconnected rosettes. The underside is yellowish or greenish. The male is brighter in colour than the female and has blue spots on its flanks. There are fewer or no blue spots in the female. Young are green, grey or brown with yellowish or white and often black-edged spots all over. The Ocellated Lizard can be found in southern Spain, Portugal and France and north west Italy from sea level up to 7000 feet. Its natural habitats are dry, bushy areas such as open woodland and scrub, old olive groves and vineyards sometimes in more open, rocky or sandy areas. It can occasionally be seen basking on roadsides, it can also climb well on rocks and in trees and it can dig holes and sometimes uses abandoned rabbit burrows. The Ocellated Lizard feeds mainly on large insects, especially beetles. It also robs birds’ nests and occasionally takes reptiles, frogs and small mammals as well as fruit and other plant matter. Breeding occurs in late spring or early summer. Males are territorial in spring and fight in the breeding season. The female lays up to 22 eggs in June and July about 3 months after mating, hiding them under stones and logs or in leaf litter or in loose damp soil. The eggs hatch in 8 to 14 weeks. Date: 1st May 2012 Location: El Acebuche, Coto Doñana, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37431267.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12910427965c6bec067c4ad.jpgCommon Crane The Common Crane is a large, stately bird and a medium-sized crane at 40 to 52 inches long with a 71 to 96 inches wingspan. At rest, the Common Crane is rather stork-like but with a big bushy tail, black wing plumes and a grey body and even from a great distance the white stripe through the black head is noticeable. In flight, the long neck, held outstretched and slightly drooping makes it quite different from the herons and the grey plumage eliminates both of the storks. The Common Crane flies in flocks in “V” formation making trumpeting calls. The Common Crane breeds in large areas of marsh and bog in northern parts of Europe and Asia and occurs in winter and on passage in open, often agricultural, areas close to large wetlands used for roosting. The global population is in the region of 210,000 to 250,000 with the vast majority nesting in Russia and Scandinavia. In the UK the Common Crane became extinct in the 17th century but a tiny population now breeds again at a few sites in east and west England. Flocks of Common Cranes in late spring can be watched performing their “dancing” displays. This usually involves opening their wings and leaping vertically into the air with the legs dangling. Once one bird starts this, others will join in and the whole performance can even be initiated by a human pretending to be a dancing crane. Once the birds are paired off they are more likely to perform different displays involving stretching their necks vertically and trumpeting. Common Cranes from Fennoscandia, the Baltic states and western Russia take the west European migration route to their wintering grounds. Over 100,000 birds use this flyway and over 70,000 winter in Spain (mainly Extremadura) with smaller numbers in south west France, Portugal and north Africa. Date: 8th January 2019 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/dark-edged-bee-fly https://images.on-this.website/4752_14545302545ea6dce1d5c89.jpgDark-edged Bee-fly The Dark-edged Bee-fly is a bee mimic, meaning it resembles a small bumblebee yet it is actually a fly. In flight, it is even more like a bumblebee as it produces a high-pitched buzz. The Dark-edged Bee-fly has yellowy-brown hair on its body, long, spindly legs and a long, straight proboscis. The wings have dark markings along their leading edges, hence it's common name. There are several species of Bee-fly in the UK which can be very difficult to tell apart. The Dark-edged Bee-fly has a dark edge to it's wings, while other species have plainer, translucent wings. The Dark-edged Bee-fly is the most common and largest of the Bee-fly species in the UK. It is most common in south England, the Midlands and the Welsh lowlands but it has also been expanding northwards in recent years as far as north Scotland. It can be found particularly in April and May in a variety of habitats including gardens, alongside hedgerows, in and around woods and around the coast. It is a familiar sign of spring as it hovers over flowers and uses its long straight proboscis to feed on nectar. The larvae of the Dark-edged Bee-fly are parasitoids of the larvae of mining bees which usually nest in colonies in soil in woodlands or even in flower beds and lawns. Female Bee-flies hover a few inches above mining bee nesting areas and flick eggs on to the ground with a rapid twist of the body. Once Bee-fly eggs hatch, the larvae crawl in to the underground nest cell of the host mining bee. Once the host grubs are sufficiently large, the Bee-fly larvae attach themselves and start to suck out the body fluids of the host species. Date: 25th April 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4088440.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12715231084b195171e2a9d.jpgGreat Bustards The male Great Bustard is possibly the heaviest bird capable of flight. An adult male typically is over 3 to 3 ½ feet long with a 7 to 8 feet wingspan An adult male is brown above and white below with a long grey neck and head. The breast and lower neck sides are chestnut. In the breeding season, the male has long white neck bristles. In flight, the long wings show large areas of white. The female is around 30% smaller and lighter than the male. The Great Bustard breeds in southern and central Europe where it is the largest species of bird and across temperate Asia. European populations are mainly resident but Asian birds move further south in winter. Sizeable populations exist in Hungary, Portugal, Slovakia, Russia and Spain but the species is declining due to habitat loss throughout its range. The Great Bustard was formerly found in the south of the UK but was hunted out of existence by the 1840s. In 2004 a reintroduction to Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire using eggs taken from Saratov in Russia was undertaken by The Great Bustard Group, a UK registered charity that aims to establish a self-sustaining population of Great Bustards in the UK. Before mating, the males moult into their breeding plumage around January. Like other bustards, the male Great Bustard has a flamboyant display showing much white, mainly from the undertail, and withdrawing the head. The Great Bustard breeds in March and a single male may mate with up to 5 females. The Great Bustard is usually found in open grassland although it can also be found on undisturbed cultivation. It has a stately slow walk and tends to run when disturbed rather than fly. It is gregarious, especially in winter. Date: 13th November 2009 Location: Bujaraloz to Alborge, Aragon, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26006799.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13790731035634a4f7c2264.jpgRed-necked Phalarope The Red-necked Phalarope is a small wader with lobed toes to assist swimming and a straight, fine bill. The breeding female is predominantly dark grey above with a chestnut neck and upper breast, black face and white throat. The breeding male is a duller version of the female. In winter, the plumage is essentially grey above and white below but the black eyepatch is always present. When feeding, a Red-necked Phalarope will often swim in a small, rapid circle, forming a small whirlpool. This behaviour is thought to aid feeding by raising food from the bottom of shallow water. The bird will reach into the centre of the vortex with its bill, plucking small insects or crustaceans caught up therein. On the open ocean, they are often found where converging currents produce upwellings. The Red-necked Phalarope breeds in the Arctic regions of north America and Eurasia. It is migratory and, unusually for a wader, it winters at sea on tropical oceans. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Steingrímsfjarðarheiði to Ísafjörður, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32709049.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_122213488359ad27639b52e2.88104298.jpgSquacco Heron The Squacco Heron is named after its piercing “squawk’ call” and is a small, chunky heron with a short, thick bill, warm buff-brown back and snowy white wings, breast, tail and belly. The long, almost hair-like feathers on the back cover the tail and there are tufts of long white and black feathers on the head that sometimes stick straight up in the air. The Squacco Heron’s highly recognisable call is often given at night, especially during the breeding season. The Squacco Heron inhabits wetlands such as lakes, river valleys, swamps and other permanent or temporary freshwater wetlands. However, due to habitat alteration or loss, rice paddy fields are becoming a principal habitat. It prefers sites with abundant nearby vegetation, such as tamarisk, elm and ash trees, where it likes to nest in small colonies often with other herons and egrets. The Squacco Heron occurs in Europe (although rare in the north), Africa and the Middle East as far east as Iran, breeding in the northern parts of its range and migrating to southern regions to spend the winter. Date: 19th May 2017 Location: Location: Hortobágy-Halastó, Hortobágy National Park, Hajdú-Bihar county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41183546.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7276088345e9c30556103a.jpgCommon Lizard The Common Lizard ranges across central and northern Europe (but are absent from the Mediterranean area) and through to northern Asia. It is the most common lizard in northern regions and the only reptile found in Ireland. The Common Lizard has a long body and short legs. It has coarse scales which range from grey, brown, bronze or green on the back and males are generally darker than females. It has a series of white spots down the flanks, which fuse to form a line, and a black line along the back. The Common Lizard also has numerous black spots scattered over the body. Males have orange/yellow bellies with black spots and females have cream/white bellies. The Common Lizard is found in a range of habitats including woodland, marshes, heathland, moors, sand dunes, hedgerows, bogs and rubbish dumps and it hunts insects, spiders, snails and earthworms, stunning its prey by shaking it and then swallowing it whole. The Common Lizard is active during the day and spends the morning and afternoon (but not the intense heat of midday) basking in the sun either alone or in groups. It is a good swimmer and will dive underwater when threatened. At night, and when startled, it will shelter beneath logs, stones and metal sheets. After emerging from hibernation, males defend breeding territories from other males. The young develop over 3 months within egg membranes inside the female's body which they usually break out of as she gives birth. Litters of 3 to 12 young are born from June to September after which time the mother shows no parental care with the young feeding actively from birth and quickly dispersing. The Common Lizard hibernates from October to March. It will often hibernate in groups and sometimes emerge for a brief time during warm spells. Date: 16th April 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31837524.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_456636945595624863a9b19.77574896.jpgKyle of Durness, Sutherland The Kyle of Durness is a broad and sandy coastal inlet in the far north west of Scotland. It extends 5.5 miles inland from Balnakeil and divides the Cape Wrath peninsula from the mainland. The nearest village is Durness. The Kyle of Durness is around 0.5 miles wide and tidal with only a narrow channel of water remaining at low tide along most of its length. Unlike other coastal inlets along Scotland's north coast it is not straight, having 2 major bends around Keoldale. It opens into Balnakeil Bay which is around 2 miles wide at its mouth. The River Dionard and River Grudie flow into the Kyle of Durness at its southern end with the River Daill and a number of minor streams also flowing into it along its length. The geology along the eastern side of the Kyle of Durness is limestone with rolling grasslands dominating. The Kyle of Durness and its surrounding area forms part of the Oldshoremore, Cape Wrath and Durness Special Landscape Area. It contains a number of archaeological remains dating to the prehistoric period. The A838 road runs along the eastern shore of the Kyle of Durness in its southern section with an unclassified road leading west to Keoldale, the only remaining settlement on the shore. The Cape Wrath passenger ferry operates from Keoldale between May and September and this connects with a minibus on the other side which conveys visitors on a very rough 14 mile journey on a track across The Parph to Cape Wrath, the most north westerly point on the Scottish mainland. The western shore of the Kyle of Durness is uninhabited with the former farmsteads at Achimore and Daill the only settlements. Date: 22nd June 2017 Location: view looking north from the A838 http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30024905.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_474850633587a09607e157.jpgEgyptian Goose The Egyptian Goose is native to Africa south of the Sahara and the Nile Valley. It was considered sacred by the ancient Egyptians and appeared in much of their artwork. It has been raised for food and extensively bred in parts of Africa since it was domesticated by the ancient Egyptians. The Egyptian Goose is believed to be most closely related to the shelducks and their relatives. However, in flight it looks heavy and more like a goose than a duck, hence the English name. The sexes of the Egyptian Goose are identical in plumage but the males average slightly larger. There is a fair amount of variation in plumage with some birds greyer and others browner. It has distinctive dark brown eye patches and contrasting white wing patches in flight. The Egyptian Goose breeds widely in Africa except in deserts and dense forests and it is locally abundant. It is found mostly in the Nile Valley and south of the Sahara. While not breeding, it sometimes makes longer migrations northwards into the arid regions of the Sahel. The Egyptian Goose has also been introduced elsewhere: the UK, the Netherlands, France and Germany have self-sustaining populations which are mostly derived from escaped ornamental birds. The UK population dates back to the 18th century although it was only formally added to the British list in 1971. In the UK it can be seen on ornamental ponds as well as on gravel pits and lowland lakes and wetlands. The north Norfolk coast and Norfolk Broads hold the highest numbers. The Egyptian Goose will nest in a large variety of situations, especially in holes in mature trees in parkland. The female builds the nest from reeds, leaves and grass, and both parents take turns incubating eggs. Egyptian Geese usually pair for life and both the male and female care for the offspring until they are old enough to care for themselves. This bird was part of the captive collection at the WWT Wetland Centre. Date: 5th January 2017 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39083727.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15077848135d3081e75ba40.jpgEastern Rhodopes Mountains, Smolyan Province, Bulgaria The Rhodopes Mountains are a mountain range in south east Europe. They are spread over 5689 square miles of which 4723 square miles are located in south Bulgaria and the remainder in north Greece. The Rhodopes Mountains are about 149 miles long and about 62 to 75 miles wide with an average altitude of 2575 feet. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 7188 feet and is situated 12 miles to the west of Smolyan. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rhodopes Mountains gives its name to the terrestrial eco-region Rodope montane mixed forests that belong in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The area is particularly notable for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans plus its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms such as the Trigrad Gorge. The Rhodopes Mountains can be sub-divided in to 3 sections: The Western Rhodopes are spread over 66% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and they are higher, the most infrastructurally developed and the most visited part of the mountains. The highest and best known peaks are located in this section with more than 10 over 6562 feet high including the highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7188 feet). Some of the deepest river gorges in the Rhodopes Mountains are located in the west as well as several large lakes. The Eastern Rhodopes are spread over a territory of about 34% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and are much lower in height. The large artificial dams of Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets are located in this part of the mountains. Almost every species of European bird of prey nests in the Eastern Rhodopes including the rare Black Vulture and Egyptian Vulture. The Southern Rhodopes are the part of the mountain range that is located in Greece and they are characterized by numerous peaks of relatively low altitude. Date: 28th May 2018 Location: near Leska, Eastern Rhodopes Mountains, Smolyan Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29967778.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1868778034586cc7960c8bc.jpgRing-necked Duck The Ring-necked Duck is a small to medium-sized diving duck from north America. The adult male is similar in colour pattern to the Eurasian Tufted Duck. It has two white rings surrounding its grey bill, a shiny black angular head, a black back, a white line on the wings, a white breast and yellow eyes. The adult female has a greyish brown angular head and body with a dark brown back, a dark bill with a more subtle light band than the male and brown eyes with white rings surrounding them. The Ring-necked Duck breeds on wooded lakes or ponds in the boreal forests in the northern USA and Canada. During the winter months it is usually found on lakes, ponds, rivers or bays in the southern USA. The Ring-necked Duck is a strong migrant and a rare but regular vagrant to western Europe including the UK where small numbers are found each year. Date: 17th December 2016 Location: Dungeness RSPB reserve, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41255222.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14971720145f06f512d2f2e.jpgSiberian Jay The Siberian Jay is noticeably smaller, slighter and proportionately longer-tailed than the Jay with a much shorter and more pointed bill. It is the smallest and most delicate of the Western Palearctic crows and is rather drab brown-grey with rufous-chestnut near the wing-bend and on under wing coverts, rump and sides of tail which set the bird “on fire” in flight. The Siberian Jay is a widespread and highly sedentary resident in Fennoscandia and Russia with Europe accounting for less than half of its global range. It breeds across the higher latitudes of the Western Palearctic and is predominantly at all seasons a bird of coniferous forest, mainly dense stands of forest unmodified by man rather than open growth. The Siberian Jay contrasts with the Jay in a lack of fear of man, readily attaching itself to human travellers and their living quarters, but this has little effect on choice of habitat since its normal range is largely uninhabited by people. Date: 28th June 2019 Location: Neljan Tuulen Tupa near Kaamanen, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28887325.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_103887768257cc3f489753f.jpgCommon Crane The Common Crane is a large, stately bird and a medium-sized crane at 40 to 52 inches long with a 71 to 96 inches wingspan. At rest, the Common Crane is rather stork-like but with a big bushy tail, black wing plumes and a grey body and even from a great distance the white stripe through the black head is noticeable. In flight, the long neck, held outstretched and slightly drooping makes it quite different from the herons and the grey plumage eliminates both of the storks. The Common Crane flies in flocks in “V” formation making trumpeting calls. The Common Crane breeds in large areas of marsh and bog in northern parts of Europe and Asia and occurs in winter and on passage in open, often agricultural, areas close to large wetlands used for roosting. The global population is in the region of 210,000 to 250,000 with the vast majority nesting in Russia and Scandinavia. In the UK the Common Crane became extinct in the 17th century but a tiny population now breeds again at a few sites in east and west England. Flocks of Common Cranes in late spring can be watched performing their “dancing” displays. This usually involves opening their wings and leaping vertically into the air with the legs dangling. Once one bird starts this, others will join in and the whole performance can even be initiated by a human pretending to be a dancing crane. Once the birds are paired off they are more likely to perform different displays involving stretching their necks vertically and trumpeting. Common Cranes from Fennoscandia, the Baltic states and western Russia take the west European migration route to their wintering grounds. Over 100,000 birds use this flyway and over 70,000 winter in Spain (mainly Extremadura) with smaller numbers in south west France, Portugal and north Africa. Date: 10th May 2016 Location: near Sutlepa meri, Silma Nature Reserve, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30825687.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_57318122858f34964ddc848.84958192.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 9th April 2017 Location: EWT Blue House Farm, North Fambridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28885581.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3900136857cc34368146a.jpgSoomaa National Park, Estonia The Soomaa National Park (Soomaa means "land of bogs") is located about 20 miles east of Pärnu and it was established in 1993 to protect a wilderness of bogs, fens, wet mixed forests, wooded meadows and carrs. It is also included in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance. The territory of the Soomaa National Park is mostly covered with large bogs, separated from each other by the tributaries of the Pärnu river, namely the Navesti, Halliste, Raudna and Lemmjõgi rivers. Every spring the Pärnu river and its tributaries flood and vast areas are inundated. The flood has been called the “fifth season” in Soomaa. Much of the Soomaa National Park is very difficult to access but it can be partially explored by a network of dusty gravel tracks and a minor between Jõesuu and Kildu. The Soomaa National Park supports a wide range of breeding birds and the floods attract large numbers of migrating wildfowl and waders. As a large wilderness area, Soomaa National Park is also home to numerous species of large mammals including Brown Bear, Wolf, Lynx, Beaver, Elk and Wild Boar. Date: 14th May 2016 Location: Lemmjõgi river, Tõramaa to Kõrtsi road, Soomaa National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/corys-shearwater https://images.on-this.website/4752_20150080964e1efd125b191.jpgCory's Shearwater The Cory's Shearwater is a large shearwater which flies with long glides and always with wings bowed and angled slightly back unlike the stiff, straight-winged flight of the similarly-sized Great Shearwater. The Cory’s Shearwater breeds on islands and cliffs in the Mediterranean, with the odd outpost on the Atlantic coast of Iberia. The biggest colony is located in Savage Islands, Madeira. In late summer and autumn, Cory’s Shearwaters migrate into the Atlantic as far north as the south-western coasts of the UK and then return to the Mediterranean in February. The Cory’s Shearwater is a gregarious species which can be seen in large numbers from ships or appropriate coastal headlands. The Bay of Biscay ferries are particularly good for spotting this species. The Cory’s Shearwater was named after the American ornithologist Charles B. Cory. Date: 12th September 2008 Location: photo taken from Portsmouth to Bilbao P&O ferry http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26031141.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_208004761056376b4e85b3a.jpgSlavonian Grebe The Slavonian Grebe is a member of the grebe family of water birds. It is also known as the Horned Grebe in north America. Unmistakable in summer, the plumage of both the male and female Slavonian Grebe shows a black head with golden puffy earlike tufts along the sides of its face. It shows a deep rusty red neck, scarlet eyes and a small, straight black bill tipped with white. During the winter, the Slavonian Grebe is mainly white with a sharply defined black cap. The Slavonian Grebe breeds in vegetated areas of freshwater lakes across Europe and Asia. It also breeds in remote inland parts of the United States and much of Canada. Like all grebes, it builds a nest on the water's edge, since its legs are set very far back and it can not walk well. Most birds migrate in winter to the coast. Date: 2nd June 2015 Location: Lake Mývatn, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33568368.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1591241005a106a8aea6af.jpgRoe Deer The Roe Deer is a small deer which has a white to buff patch on their rump, a black nose and “moustache” and a white chin. Its coat varies from sandy to reddish-brown in the summer to grey-brown or even black in winter. The antlers, which have no more than 3 points and are less than 10 inches in length, grow in winter and are shed in the autumn. The Roe Deer is found throughout Europe but it is absent from Ireland, much of Portugal, Greece and large parts of England and Wales. Roe Deer became extinct in most of England during the 18th century but they were reintroduced in the 19th century. The Roe Deer lives mainly in woodland where there are open patches of ground and access to the edges of fields and it feeds on grasses and the leaves of young broad-leaved trees and bushes. Both male and female Roe Deer are usually solitary and highly territorial with clearly defined boundaries which they scent mark. The Roe Deer has very good senses of smell, hearing and vision. When alarmed, it makes a characteristic barking noise. Roe Deer mate in July and August and fawns are born in the following spring. Many fawns die during their first year due to heavy predation by foxes. Date: 4th November 2017 Location: Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26008471.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19518669505634fe5a4f19e.jpgLake Mývatn, north east Iceland Mývatn is the undisputed gem of north east Iceland, a tourist and ornithological honeypot. The lake and the surrounding area are starkly beautiful, an otherworldly landscape of spluttering mudpots, weird lava formations, steaming fumaroles and volcanic craters. The Mývatn basin sits squarely on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and the violent geological character of the area has produced an astonishing landscape unlike anywhere else in the country. Mývatn is a shallow eutrophic lake situated in an area of active volcanism not far from Krafla volcano. The lake was created by a large basaltic lava eruption 2300 years ago and the surrounding landscape is dominated by volcanic landforms including lava pillars. The name of the lake (Icelandic mý ("midge") and vatn ("lake") .... the lake of midges) comes from the huge numbers of midges to be found in the summer. The name Mývatn is sometimes used not only for the lake but the whole surrounding inhabited area. The River Laxá, Lake Mývatn and the surrounding wetlands are protected as a nature reserve known as the Mývatn-Laxá Nature Conservation Area which occupies 440,000 hectares. The lake is fed by nutrient-rich springwater and has a high abundance of aquatic insects and plants that form an attractive food supply for ducks. Thirteen species of ducks nest at Mývatn. The duck species composition is unique in the mixture of Eurasian and north American elements and of boreal and Arctic species. Most of the ducks are migratory, arriving in late April to early May from north west Europe. The most abundant is the Tufted Duck whilst the Scaup is the second most common duck species. Other common species include the Red-breasted Merganser, Wigeon, Gadwall, Mallard, Common Scoter, Long-tailed Duck and Teal. Mývatn and the River Laxá are also special in that they support good numbers of Harlequin Ducks and Barrow’s Goldeneyes, 2 species that within Europe are solely confined to Iceland. Other common waterbirds include the Slavonian Grebe, Red-necked Phalarope, Great Northern Diver, Red-throated Diver and Whooper Swan. Date: 4th June 2015 Location: view from the north shore http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874832.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1412156493561ccf2af10f3.jpgHaukadalur, south Iceland The Haukadalur geothermal area is located in south west Iceland to the north east of the Reykjanes peninsula and Reykjavík. Here can be seen some of the most famous sights of Iceland: the geysers and other geothermal features which have developed on the Laugarfjall rhyolitic dome. The biggest geysers of Haukadalur are Strokkur and Geysir. There are also more than 40 other hot springs, mud pots and fumaroles nearby. The oldest accounts of hot springs at Haukadalur date back to 1294 when earthquakes in the area caused significant changes in the local neighbouring landscape creating several new hot springs. Changes in the activity of Geysir and the surrounding geysers are still strongly related to earthquake activity. Strokkur is a fountain geyser and is one of Iceland's most famous geysers. It is very dependable and erupts about every 5 to 10 minutes with boiling water reaching a height of 50 to 65 feet and sometimes up to 130 feet. Geysir, sometimes known as The Great Geysir, was the first geyser described in a printed source in the 18th century and the first known to modern Europeans. Since unusual natural phenomena were of high interest to society during the Age of Enlightenment, the term became popular and has been used for similar hydrothermal features worldwide since then. The English word geyser derives from Geysir whilst Geysir itself is derived from the Icelandic verb <i>geysa</i> ("to gush"). Eruptions at Geysir can hurl boiling water up to 230 feet in the air but eruptions are now very infrequent and have in the past stopped altogether for years at a time. The Haukadalur geothermal area, usually referred to as Geysir, is popular with tourists and, together with the magnificent waterfall at Gulfoss and Þingvellir, it is part of a group of the most famous sights of Iceland known as the "Golden Circle". Date: 7th June 2015 Location: Strokkur at Haukadalur http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33568380.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4351957165a106ab7e0128.jpgRoe Deer The Roe Deer is a small deer which has a white to buff patch on their rump, a black nose and “moustache” and a white chin. Its coat varies from sandy to reddish-brown in the summer to grey-brown or even black in winter. The antlers, which have no more than 3 points and are less than 10 inches in length, grow in winter and are shed in the autumn. The Roe Deer is found throughout Europe but it is absent from Ireland, much of Portugal, Greece and large parts of England and Wales. Roe Deer became extinct in most of England during the 18th century but they were reintroduced in the 19th century. The Roe Deer lives mainly in woodland where there are open patches of ground and access to the edges of fields and it feeds on grasses and the leaves of young broad-leaved trees and bushes. Both male and female Roe Deer are usually solitary and highly territorial with clearly defined boundaries which they scent mark. The Roe Deer has very good senses of smell, hearing and vision. When alarmed, it makes a characteristic barking noise. Roe Deer mate in July and August and fawns are born in the following spring. Many fawns die during their first year due to heavy predation by foxes. Date: 4th November 2017 Location: Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40952829.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5743013425e53936d49fda.jpgGreat Black-backed Gulls The largest of the gulls, the Great Black-backed Gull is a dominating and opportunistic predator, scavenger and pirate that has been described as a “merciless tyrant” due to its aggressive feeding habits. The Great Black-backed Gull has a thick-set body with a large, yellow, red-tipped bill, strong legs and wide, webbed feet which have a delicate pink hue. The breast and head are snowy white and sit in stark contrast to the black back and wings. Young Great Black-backed Gulls undergo several plumage changes before taking on that of the adult. Juveniles are pale brown with heavy white mottling whilst immatures are also mottled but have a distinctive whitish head and breast but with a dark-tipped, pale bill The Great Black-backed Gull occurs along the coastlines of northern Europe and northern Russia as well as the east coast of north America and central America and it can be found in a variety of coastal habitats, including rocky and sandy coasts and estuaries as well as inland habitats such as lakes, ponds, fields and moorland. It breeds in areas free of or largely inaccessible to terrestrial predators such as vegetated islands, sand dunes, flat-topped stacks, building roofs and sometimes amongst bushes on salt-marsh islands. During the winter, the Great Black-backed Gull often travels far out to sea to feed. Date: 31st January 2020 Location: Slade harbour, Hook peninsula, Co. Wexford, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874825.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_72572252561ccee50eeb1.jpgHaukadalur, south Iceland The Haukadalur geothermal area is located in south west Iceland to the north east of the Reykjanes peninsula and Reykjavík. Here can be seen some of the most famous sights of Iceland: the geysers and other geothermal features which have developed on the Laugarfjall rhyolitic dome. The biggest geysers of Haukadalur are Strokkur and Geysir. There are also more than 40 other hot springs, mud pots and fumaroles nearby. The oldest accounts of hot springs at Haukadalur date back to 1294 when earthquakes in the area caused significant changes in the local neighbouring landscape creating several new hot springs. Changes in the activity of Geysir and the surrounding geysers are still strongly related to earthquake activity. Strokkur is a fountain geyser and is one of Iceland's most famous geysers. It is very dependable and erupts about every 5 to 10 minutes with boiling water reaching a height of 50 to 65 feet and sometimes up to 130 feet. Geysir, sometimes known as The Great Geysir, was the first geyser described in a printed source in the 18th century and the first known to modern Europeans. Since unusual natural phenomena were of high interest to society during the Age of Enlightenment, the term became popular and has been used for similar hydrothermal features worldwide since then. The English word geyser derives from Geysir whilst Geysir itself is derived from the Icelandic verb <i>geysa</i> ("to gush"). Eruptions at Geysir can hurl boiling water up to 230 feet in the air but eruptions are now very infrequent and have in the past stopped altogether for years at a time. The Haukadalur geothermal area, usually referred to as Geysir, is popular with tourists and, together with the magnificent waterfall at Gulfoss and Þingvellir, it is part of a group of the most famous sights of Iceland known as the "Golden Circle". Date: 7th June 2015 Location: site of Strokkur at Haukadalur http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25774125.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1104985893560fb805998f3.jpgBlack Cuillin, Skye, Highland The Black Cuillin are a mountain range on Skye off the north west coast of Scotland and contain the highest concentration of mountains over 3000 feet high in the UK (20 summits exceed this height). The mountains are a memorable sight whether the weather is bright and sunny or grey and misty as it often is on Skye. Either way they have a unique presence and can be seen from miles around both on Skye and on the mainland. The mountains themselves are the preserve of experienced mountaineers and hillwalkers but the rest of us can enjoy classic views from Elgol and Sligachan and along Glenbrittle. [i]"Beyond the lochs of the blood of the children of men, Beyond the frailty of the plain and the labour of the mountain, Beyond poverty, consumption, fever, agony, Beyond hardship, wrong, tyranny, distress, Beyond misery, despair, hatred, treachery, Beyond guilt and defilement; watchful, Heroic, the Cuillin is seen Rising on the other side of sorrow."[/i] [b]Sorley Maclean[/b] - [i]"The Cuillin"[/i] Date: 25th September 2015 Location: view from the monor road between Elgol and Glasnakille http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833205.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1005203707559ce7fde1a4b.jpgCommon Wall Lizard The Common (European) Wall Lizard is a small, thin lizard which can grow to about 7.9 inches in total length and whose small scales are highly variable in colour and pattern. Its colouration is generally brownish or greyish and may occasionally be tinged with green. In some individuals, the row of spots along their backs may form a line whilst others may have a reticulated pattern with dark spots on the side and scattered white spots that can be blue in the shoulder region. The tail is brown, grey or rust in colour and may also have light bars on the sides. The belly region has six rows of larger rectangular scales that are generally reddish, pink or orangish. There may also be dark markings on the throat. The Common Wall Lizard has 6 distinct morphological forms which are identified by the colouration of its throat and underbelly. The Common Wall Lizard can be found in rocky environments, including urban settings, where it can scurry between rock, rubble, debris and buildings. Its natural range spans mainland Europe but it also occurs as an introduced species in southern UK and north America. Date: 14th May 2015 Location: Great Prespa Lake (Megali Prespa), West Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38397351.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19318213075ce128528cb60.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 14th May 2019 Location: Arne RSPB reserve, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833218.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_307046666559ce8a303006.jpgEastern Subalpine Warbler The Subalpine Warbler is a small typical Sylvia warbler. The adult male has a blue-grey back and head, brick-red underparts, white malar stripes ("moustaches") and red eyes. The female is mainly brown above with a greyer head and whitish below with a pink flush. The Subalpine Warbler breeds in the southern most areas of Europe and in north west Africa. It is migratory and winters along the southern edge of the Sahara. It can also occur as a vagrant well away from its breeding range in both spring and autumn as far north as the UK. The Subalpine Warbler is a bird of dry open country often on hill slopes with bushes and scrub for nesting. The Subalpine Warbler is divided into 3 distinct sub-species which may possibly be sufficiently diverged to qualify as 3 separate species. The 3 sub-species have differing male plumages and distinctive calls. Western Subalpine Warbler: breeds in Iberia, south France and north west Italy Eastern Subalpine Warbler: breeds in central and south Italy through to the Balkans and west Turkey Moltoni's Warbler: breeds on Mallorca, Cabrera, Corsica and Sardinia and in north Italy The Eastern Subalpine Warbler differs from the nominate race by its deeper blue-grey upperparts, a blackish mask on the lores and ear-coverts, brick reddish-brown colouration confined to the throat and breast and sharply demarcated from a largely white belly, paler flanks and a wider white malar stripe. Date: 14th May 2015 Location: Small Prespa Lake (Mikri Prespa), West Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40952830.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14402721725e539372c4615.jpgGreat Black-backed Gulls The largest of the gulls, the Great Black-backed Gull is a dominating and opportunistic predator, scavenger and pirate that has been described as a “merciless tyrant” due to its aggressive feeding habits. The Great Black-backed Gull has a thick-set body with a large, yellow, red-tipped bill, strong legs and wide, webbed feet which have a delicate pink hue. The breast and head are snowy white and sit in stark contrast to the black back and wings. Young Great Black-backed Gulls undergo several plumage changes before taking on that of the adult. Juveniles are pale brown with heavy white mottling whilst immatures are also mottled but have a distinctive whitish head and breast but with a dark-tipped, pale bill The Great Black-backed Gull occurs along the coastlines of northern Europe and northern Russia as well as the east coast of north America and central America and it can be found in a variety of coastal habitats, including rocky and sandy coasts and estuaries as well as inland habitats such as lakes, ponds, fields and moorland. It breeds in areas free of or largely inaccessible to terrestrial predators such as vegetated islands, sand dunes, flat-topped stacks, building roofs and sometimes amongst bushes on salt-marsh islands. During the winter, the Great Black-backed Gull often travels far out to sea to feed. Date: 31st January 2020 Location: Slade harbour, Hook peninsula, Co. Wexford, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21958777.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_129485655153da50a223558.jpgShag and chicks The European Shag, Common Shag or simply Shag is a species of cormorant. It is 27 to 31 inches in length with a 37 to 43 inches wingspan. It is mainly black in colour but with a glossy green-tinged sheen in adults. It has a longish tail and a yellow throat-patch. Adults have a small recurved crest in the breeding season. It is distinguished from the Cormorant by its smaller size, lighter build, thinner and narrower bill, and, in breeding adults, by the crest and metallic green-tinged sheen. The Shag breeds around the rocky coasts of west and south Europe, north Africa and south west Asia, mainly wintering in its breeding range except for the northernmost birds. It nests on rocky ledges or in crevices or small caves and the nests are untidy heaps of rotting seaweed or twigs cemented together by the bird's own guano. The nesting season is long and begins in late February although some nests are not started until May or even later. The female lays 3 eggs and the chicks hatch without down and so they rely totally on their parents for warmth, often for a period of 2 months before they can fly. Fledging may occur at any time from early June to late August and exceptionally to mid-October. In the UK, the Shag breeds at coastal sites, mainly in the north and west of the country, and more than half of the population is found at fewer than 10 sites. It can be seen during the breeding season at the large Scottish colonies on Orkney, Shetland, the Inner Hebrides and in the Firth of Forth. Elsewhere it can be seen commonly around the coasts of Wales and south west England, especially in Devon and Cornwall. The Shag feeds in the sea and, unlike the Cormorant, it is rare inland. It is one of the deepest pursuit divers among the cormorant family and it has been shown to dive to at least 150 feet. When it dives, it jumps out of the water first to give extra impetus to the dive. The Shag forages for food on the sea bed and eats a wide range of fish although the commonest prey is the sand eel. It will travel long distances from its breeding and roosting sites in order to feed. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Staple Island, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645416.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_120872500051e3cddbde9ea.jpgWhite Stork The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 19th May 2013 Location: Biebrza area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19507437.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_40164298952528b7aa23c2.jpgGriffon Vulture The Griffon Vulture is a typical Old World vulture in appearance with a white bald head, very broad wings and short tail feathers. It has a white neck ruff and yellow bill. The buff body and wing coverts contrast with the dark flight feathers. They are very large birds around 37 to 43 inches long with a 91 to 106 inches wingspan. Like other vultures, the Griffon Vulture is a scavenger, feeding mostly from carcasses of dead animals which it finds by soaring over open areas, often moving in flocks. The population is mostly resident in its breeding range in the mountains of southern Europe, north Africa, and Asia. In Spain, there are tens of thousands of birds from a low of a few thousand around 1980 although the Pyrenees population has apparently been affected by an EU ruling that due to danger of BSE transmission, no carcasses must be left on the fields for the time being. Although the Griffon Vulture does not normally attack larger living prey, there are reports of Spanish Griffon Vultures killing weak, young or unhealthy living animals as they do not find enough carrion to eat. Date: 8th September 2013 Location: Los Llanos de Libar, Sierra de Grazalema, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21955327.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_152086709353da1474d839a.jpgShag The European Shag, Common Shag or simply Shag is a species of cormorant. It is 27 to 31 inches in length with a 37 to 43 inches wingspan. It is mainly black in colour but with a glossy green-tinged sheen in adults. It has a longish tail and a yellow throat-patch. Adults have a small recurved crest in the breeding season. It is distinguished from the Cormorant by its smaller size, lighter build, thinner and narrower bill, and, in breeding adults, by the crest and metallic green-tinged sheen. The Shag breeds around the rocky coasts of west and south Europe, north Africa and south west Asia, mainly wintering in its breeding range except for the northernmost birds. It nests on rocky ledges or in crevices or small caves and the nests are untidy heaps of rotting seaweed or twigs cemented together by the bird's own guano. The nesting season is long and begins in late February although some nests are not started until May or even later. The female lays 3 eggs and the chicks hatch without down and so they rely totally on their parents for warmth, often for a period of 2 months before they can fly. Fledging may occur at any time from early June to late August and exceptionally to mid-October. In the UK, the Shag breeds at coastal sites, mainly in the north and west of the country, and more than half of the population is found at fewer than 10 sites. It can be seen during the breeding season at the large Scottish colonies on Orkney, Shetland, the Inner Hebrides and in the Firth of Forth. Elsewhere it can be seen commonly around the coasts of Wales and south west England, especially in Devon and Cornwall. The Shag feeds in the sea and, unlike the Cormorant, it is rare inland. It is one of the deepest pursuit divers among the cormorant family and it has been shown to dive to at least 150 feet. When it dives, it jumps out of the water first to give extra impetus to the dive. The Shag forages for food on the sea bed and eats a wide range of fish although the commonest prey is the sand eel. It will travel long distances from its breeding and roosting sites in order to feed. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: view from the Farne Islands boat trip from Seahouses Harbour, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453956.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12737374764ff5467f1d489.jpgExtremadura dehesa, Spain Dehesa is a multifunctional agropastoral system and cultural landscape of southern and central Spain and southern Portugal where it covers around 12500 square miles. Dehesas may be private or communal property (usually belonging to the municipality). The dehesa is derived from the Mediterranean forest ecosystem consisting of pastureland featuring herbaceous species for grazing and tree species such as holm and cork oak. Dehesas are used primarily for grazing by cattle, sheep and goats and they also produce a variety of products including non-timber forest products such as wild game, mushrooms, honey, cork, and firewood. Oaks are protected and pruned to produce acorns which the famous black Iberian pigs feed on in the autumn. Ham produced from Iberian pigs fattened with acorns and then air dried at high elevations is known as jamon which sells for premium prices. Dehesa is an agropastoral system that not only provides a variety of foods and other products but it also a very important wildlife habitat supporting many rare species. Date: 28th April 2012 Location: Rio Almonte bridge to Monroy, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871534.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1632652444eff1976e8bed.jpgTurnstones The Turnstone has a mottled appearance with brown or chestnut and black upperparts, brown and white or black and white head pattern, white underparts and orange legs. Turnstones can be found around most of the UK coastline including rocky, sandy and muddy shores and particularly like feeding on seaweed covered rocks, seawalls and jetties. They are present for most of the year. Birds from Northern Europe pass through in July and August and again in spring and birds from Canada and Greenland arrive in August and September and remain until April and May. Non-breeding birds may stay throughout the summer. Date: 25th December 2011 Location: Walcott, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871719.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9523754514eff2104cea01.jpgOulanka National Park, Finland The Oulanka National Park, established in 1956 and expanded again in 1982 and 1989, is one of the most popular national parks in Finland located in the Ostrobothnia and Lapland regions of Finland. The National Park covers 104 square miles and it borders the Paanajärvi National Park in Russia The Oulanka National Park is a unique and versatile combination of northern, southern and eastern nature. The landscape is made up of pine forests, river valleys with sandy banks and rapids, and in the north of vast mires. It has a unique river ecosystem and is an example of untouched and unlogged boreal forest, close to the arctic circle, which is protected by World Wide Fund for Nature from intensive reindeer herding. The area is rich in animal and plant species including endangered ones. A short distance from the Oulanka Visitor Centre are the magnificent Kiutaköngäs Rapids. The Oulankajoki River falls, hemmed in by red granite walls, for about 600 metres and over a distance of about a 100 metres, the river descends 14 metres. Date: 31st May 2009 Location: Kiutaköngäs rapids, Oulanka National Park, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/sound-of-jura-and-jura https://images.on-this.website/4752_12720366775a106b816407a.jpgSound of Jura and Jura, Argyll The Sound of Jura is a strait of water in Argyll lying to the east of the island of Jura and to the west of Knapdale, part of a peninsula of the Scottish mainland. Lochs that lead to the sound include Loch Sween and Loch Caolisport. The north end of the Sound of Jura is particularly treacherous and is filled with skerries, small islands, strong tidal currents and whirlpools. The Gulf of Corryvreckan, which contains a notorious whirlpool and the world's third largest, leads from the north of the Sound of Jura. The south end, in contrast, is much wider and more open and most of the small islands and reefs are close into shore. Jura is an island in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. It is separated from the Knapdale district of Argyll to the east by the Sound of Jura and from the island of Islay to the south west by the Sound of Islay. To the north, the Strait of Corryvreckan, with its notorious whirlpools, separates Jura from the island of Scarba. Jura extends 27 miles north east to south west and is 8 miles at its widest. It rises to a height of 2571 feet at Beinn an Oir, one of the three distinctive conical peaks known as the Paps of Jura. Jura is nearly bisected in to 2 separate islands by Loch Tarbert. Compared with its fertile and more populous neighbour of Islay, Jura is mountainous, bare and infertile and it is covered largely by vast areas of blanket bog, hence its very small population. Most of the island's population live in Craighouse which sits on a bay on the east coast protected by a string of islets known as the Small Isles. A 19th century whisky distillery here was reopened in 1963. A single road follows the east coast as far north as Inverlussa and a track continues northwards from here past Barnhill where the novelist George Orwell spent much of his final years and where he wrote “1984”. Date: 5th November 2017 Location: view from B8024 between Kilberry and Ormsary, Knapdale, Argyll looking west towards Jura http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31045296.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3960339255909a1536842a3.12834662.jpgGoldeneye The Goldeneye is a medium-sized diving duck, named for its golden-yellow eye. Adult males have a dark head with a greenish gloss and a circular white patch below the eye, a dark back and a white neck and belly. Adult females have a brown head and a mostly grey body. The Goldeneye breeds on the lakes and in the rivers of boreal forests in Scandinavia, Canada, north USA and north Russia. Naturally it will nest in cavities in large trees but it will also readily use nestboxes put up on trees close to water. This has enabled a healthy breeding population to establish in the Scottish Highlands from 1970 where it is increasing and slowly spreading. The Goldeneye is migratory and most winter in protected coastal waters or open inland waters at more temperate latitudes. The Goldeneye forages by diving underwater for crustaceans, aquatic insects and molluscs. Insects are the predominant prey while nesting and crustaceans are the predominant prey during migration and winter. This bird was part of the captive collection at WWT London Wetland Centre. Date: 19th April 2017 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7950440.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6029686614d03cfd146440.jpgTurnstone The Turnstone has a mottled appearance with brown or chestnut and black upperparts, brown and white or black and white head pattern, white underparts and orange legs. Turnstones can be found around most of the UK coastline including rocky, sandy and muddy shores and particularly like feeding on seaweed covered rocks, seawalls and jetties. They are present for most of the year. Birds from Northern Europe pass through in July and August and again in spring and birds from Canada and Greenland arrive in August and September and remain until April and May. Non-breeding birds may stay throughout the summer. Date: 15th November 2010 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33568366.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12082318655a106a83668fb.jpgRoe Deer The Roe Deer is a small deer which has a white to buff patch on their rump, a black nose and “moustache” and a white chin. Its coat varies from sandy to reddish-brown in the summer to grey-brown or even black in winter. The antlers, which have no more than 3 points and are less than 10 inches in length, grow in winter and are shed in the autumn. The Roe Deer is found throughout Europe but it is absent from Ireland, much of Portugal, Greece and large parts of England and Wales. Roe Deer became extinct in most of England during the 18th century but they were reintroduced in the 19th century. The Roe Deer lives mainly in woodland where there are open patches of ground and access to the edges of fields and it feeds on grasses and the leaves of young broad-leaved trees and bushes. Both male and female Roe Deer are usually solitary and highly territorial with clearly defined boundaries which they scent mark. The Roe Deer has very good senses of smell, hearing and vision. When alarmed, it makes a characteristic barking noise. Roe Deer mate in July and August and fawns are born in the following spring. Many fawns die during their first year due to heavy predation by foxes. Date: 4th November 2017 Location: Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11159418.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5488124594e158311b0966.jpgGreater (Greenland) White-fronted Geese The Greater White-fronted Goose is a species of goose which is closely related to the smaller Lesser White-fronted Goose. The Latin name, [i]Anser albifrons[/i], is derived from [i]anser[/i] meaning "goose" and [i]albus[/i] meaning "white" and [i]frons[/i] meaning “forehead”. The Greater White-fronted Goose is 25 to 32 inches in length with a 51 to 65 inches wingspan and weighs 4.3 to 7.3 pounds. It is smaller than the Greylag Goose and, as well as being larger than the Lesser White-fronted Goose, it lacks the yellow eye-ring of that species and the white facial blaze does not extend upwards so far. The Greater White-fronted Goose is a greyish-brown goose with a light grey breast dappled with dark brown to black blotches and bar, a pinkish bill and orange legs and feet. The male is typically larger in size but both sexes are similar in appearance The Greater White-fronted Goose is divided into 5 subspecies. The nominate subspecies Eurasian or Russian White-fronted Goose, [i]A. a. albifrons[/i], breeds in the far north of Europe and Asia and winters further south and west in Europe, including England and Wales. The very distinct Greenland White-fronted Goose, [i]A. a. flavirostris[/i], breeds in west Greenland and is much darker overall with only a very narrow white tip to the tail (broader on the other races), more black barring on its belly and usually has an orange (not pink) bill. It winters in Ireland and west Scotland. Some ecological studies suggest that the Greenland White-fronted Goose should probably be considered a separate species. Weather conditions are a key factor in the annual breeding success of the Greater White-fronted Goose. In the Arctic, the window of opportunity for nesting, incubating eggs and raising a brood is open briefly for about 3 months. Arriving in late May or early June, Greater White-fronted Geese begin departing for their wintering areas in early September. This means that a delayed snowmelt or late spring storm can significantly reduce breeding success. Date: 4th November 2007 Location: Port Ellen to Bowmore, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33568382.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7491869965a106abd74f52.jpgRoe Deer The Roe Deer is a small deer which has a white to buff patch on their rump, a black nose and “moustache” and a white chin. Its coat varies from sandy to reddish-brown in the summer to grey-brown or even black in winter. The antlers, which have no more than 3 points and are less than 10 inches in length, grow in winter and are shed in the autumn. The Roe Deer is found throughout Europe but it is absent from Ireland, much of Portugal, Greece and large parts of England and Wales. Roe Deer became extinct in most of England during the 18th century but they were reintroduced in the 19th century. The Roe Deer lives mainly in woodland where there are open patches of ground and access to the edges of fields and it feeds on grasses and the leaves of young broad-leaved trees and bushes. Both male and female Roe Deer are usually solitary and highly territorial with clearly defined boundaries which they scent mark. The Roe Deer has very good senses of smell, hearing and vision. When alarmed, it makes a characteristic barking noise. Roe Deer mate in July and August and fawns are born in the following spring. Many fawns die during their first year due to heavy predation by foxes. Date: 4th November 2017 Location: Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31045353.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16335101815909a19462fd40.00983358.jpgFerruginous Duck The Ferruginous Duck is a medium-sized diving duck known colloquially by birders as "fudge duck". The adult male is a rich chestnut colour with a darker back and a yellow eye. The female is similar but duller and with a dark eye. The Ferruginous Duck feeds mainly by diving or dabbling. They eat aquatic plants with some molluscs, aquatic insects and small fish. The Ferruginous Duck breeds in southern and eastern Europe and southern and western Asia. They are somewhat migratory and winter farther south and into north Africa. Their breeding habitat is marshes and lakes with a metre or more water depth. It is a gregarious bird, forming large flocks in winter, often mixed with other diving ducks, such as Tufted Ducks and Common Pochards. This bird was part of the captive collection at the WWT London Wetland Centre. Date: 19th April 2017 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33568418.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15161640555a106b2f89736.jpgGreater (Greenland) White-fronted Geese The Greater White-fronted Goose is a species of goose which is closely related to the smaller Lesser White-fronted Goose. The Latin name, [i]Anser albifrons[/i], is derived from [i]anser[/i] meaning "goose" and [i]albus[/i] meaning "white" and [i]frons[/i] meaning “forehead”. The Greater White-fronted Goose is 25 to 32 inches in length with a 51 to 65 inches wingspan and weighs 4.3 to 7.3 pounds. It is smaller than the Greylag Goose and, as well as being larger than the Lesser White-fronted Goose, it lacks the yellow eye-ring of that species and the white facial blaze does not extend upwards so far. The Greater White-fronted Goose is a greyish-brown goose with a light grey breast dappled with dark brown to black blotches and bar, a pinkish bill and orange legs and feet. The male is typically larger in size but both sexes are similar in appearance The Greater White-fronted Goose is divided into 5 subspecies. The nominate subspecies Eurasian or Russian White-fronted Goose, [i]A. a. albifrons[/i], breeds in the far north of Europe and Asia and winters further south and west in Europe, including England and Wales. The very distinct Greenland White-fronted Goose, [i]A. a. flavirostris[/i], breeds in west Greenland and is much darker overall with only a very narrow white tip to the tail (broader on the other races), more black barring on its belly and usually has an orange (not pink) bill. It winters in Ireland and west Scotland. Some ecological studies suggest that the Greenland White-fronted Goose should probably be considered a separate species. Weather conditions are a key factor in the annual breeding success of the Greater White-fronted Goose. In the Arctic, the window of opportunity for nesting, incubating eggs and raising a brood is open briefly for about 3 months. Arriving in late May or early June, Greater White-fronted Geese begin departing for their wintering areas in early September. This means that a delayed snowmelt or late spring storm can significantly reduce breeding success. Date: 4th November 2017 Location: Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32708797.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_153695780559ad25341a6dd4.40854482.jpgBlack Stork The Black Stork is a large wading bird in the stork family. Whilst slightly smaller than the White Stork, the Black Stork is a large bird, 37 to 39 inches in length with a 4.5 to 5 feet wingspan and standing as tall as 40 inches. Like all storks, it has long legs, a long neck, and a long, straight, pointed beak. The Black Stork’s plumage is all black with a purplish green sheen, except for the white lower breast, belly, axillaries and undertail coverts. The breast feathers are long and shaggy forming a ruff which is used in some courtship displays. The bare skin around its eyes is red as are its red bill and legs. The sexes are identical in appearance, except that males are larger than females on average. The Black Stork walks slowly and steadily on the ground and, like all storks, it flies with its neck outstretched. It has a rasping call but rarely indulges in mutual bill-clattering like the White Stork when adults meet at the nest. The Black Stork is a widespread but uncommon species that breeds from eastern Asia (Siberia and China) west to central Europe, reaching Estonia in the north, Poland, Lower Saxony and Bavaria in Germany, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Italy and Greece in the south with an outlying population in Spain and Portugal. The Black Stork is a strong migrant, wintering in tropical Africa and India. It migrates from its breeding areas from the middle of August to the end of September and returns in the middle of March. A broad-winged soaring bird, it is assisted by thermals of hot air for long distance flight, although it is less dependent on them than the White Stork. Since thermals only form over land, storks, together with large raptors, must cross the Mediterranean at the narrowest points, and many Black Storks can be seen going through the Straits of Gibraltar and the Bosphorus. The Black Stork prefers more wooded areas than the White Stork and it breeds in large marshy wetlands with interspersed coniferous or broadleaved woodlands but also inhabits hills and mountains with sufficient networks of creeks. Date: 18th May 2017 Location: Csaj-tó, Csanytelek, Csongrád county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41537241.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18206770725f3cfde145ddc.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 4th July 2019 Location: Flåget, Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26008470.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6285246135634facd425f6.jpgLake Mývatn, north east Iceland Mývatn is the undisputed gem of north east Iceland, a tourist and ornithological honeypot. The lake and the surrounding area are starkly beautiful, an otherworldly landscape of spluttering mudpots, weird lava formations, steaming fumaroles and volcanic craters. The Mývatn basin sits squarely on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and the violent geological character of the area has produced an astonishing landscape unlike anywhere else in the country. Mývatn is a shallow eutrophic lake situated in an area of active volcanism not far from Krafla volcano. The lake was created by a large basaltic lava eruption 2300 years ago and the surrounding landscape is dominated by volcanic landforms including lava pillars. The name of the lake (Icelandic mý ("midge") and vatn ("lake") .... the lake of midges) comes from the huge numbers of midges to be found in the summer. The name Mývatn is sometimes used not only for the lake but the whole surrounding inhabited area. The River Laxá, Lake Mývatn and the surrounding wetlands are protected as a nature reserve known as the Mývatn-Laxá Nature Conservation Area which occupies 440,000 hectares. The lake is fed by nutrient-rich springwater and has a high abundance of aquatic insects and plants that form an attractive food supply for ducks. Thirteen species of ducks nest at Mývatn. The duck species composition is unique in the mixture of Eurasian and north American elements and of boreal and Arctic species. Most of the ducks are migratory, arriving in late April to early May from north west Europe. The most abundant is the Tufted Duck whilst the Scaup is the second most common duck species. Other common species include the Red-breasted Merganser, Wigeon, Gadwall, Mallard, Common Scoter, Long-tailed Duck and Teal. Mývatn and the River Laxá are also special in that they support good numbers of Harlequin Ducks and Barrow’s Goldeneyes, 2 species that within Europe are solely confined to Iceland. Other common waterbirds include the Slavonian Grebe, Red-necked Phalarope, Great Northern Diver, Red-throated Diver and Whooper Swan. Date: 4th June 2015 Location: view from the north shore http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41537238.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19762854435f3cfdd57d3e1.jpgKittiwakes The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 4th July 2019 Location: Flåget, Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15454035.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19425482304ff548bab0e2b.jpgWhite Stork The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 1st May 2012 Location: Dehesa de Abajo, Coto Doñana, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645611.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_174344829651e3cfa22f4b3.jpgEuropean Bison The European Bison, also known as Wisent, is a Eurasian species of bison. It is one of two species of bison, alongside the American Bison. The European Bison is the heaviest surviving wild land animal in Europe. A typical European Bison is about 7 to 10 feet long, not counting a tail of 1 to 2 feet long, and 5 to 7 feet tall. In the free-ranging populations of Poland and Belarus, body masses among adults aged 6 years and over are 1,400 pounds on average in the cases of males, with a range of 960 to 1,900 pounds, and of 930 pounds among females, with a range of 750 to 1,200 pounds. The European Bison has a characteristic thickset body shape with a short neck and a pronounced shoulder hump. There is a longer mane of hair underneath the neck and also on the forehead. The dense coat is dark to golden brown in colour. Both sexes bear short horns that project outwards and then curve up. Historically, the lowland European Bison's range encompassed all lowlands of Europe but with the increasing human population and the advance of agriculture, vast tracts of the habitat were lost and it’s range became massively restricted. The European Bison was also persecuted by hunting. The European Bison was hunted to extinction in the wild, with the last wild animals being shot in the Białowieża Forest (on the Poland-Belarus border) in 1919 and in the north west Caucasus in 1927. By that year fewer than 50 remained, all in zoos. From 1951, it has since been successfully reintroduced from captivity into several countries in Europe, all descendants of the Białowieża or lowland European Bison. Free-ranging herds are currently found in Poland, Lithuania, Belarus, Ukraine, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Latvia, Kyrgyzstan, Germany and in forest preserves in the Western Caucasus. Białowieża Forest, an ancient woodland that straddles the border between Poland and Belarus, is now home to around 800 wild individuals. The total worldwide population is around 4200 (including 2700 free ranging) individuals and has been increasing. In 1996 the IUCN classified the European Bison as an endangered species. It has since been downgraded to a vulnerable species. Date: 22nd May 2013 Location: Białowieża area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo27293540.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_176811154857232f4b3cf24.jpgEgyptian Geese The Egyptian Goose is native to Africa south of the Sahara and the Nile Valley. It was considered sacred by the ancient Egyptians and appeared in much of their artwork. It has been raised for food and extensively bred in parts of Africa since it was domesticated by the ancient Egyptians. The Egyptian Goose is believed to be most closely related to the shelducks and their relatives. However, in flight it looks heavy and more like a goose than a duck, hence the English name. The sexes of the Egyptian Goose are identical in plumage but the males average slightly larger. There is a fair amount of variation in plumage with some birds greyer and others browner. It has distinctive dark brown eye patches and contrasting white wing patches in flight. The Egyptian Goose breeds widely in Africa except in deserts and dense forests and it is locally abundant. It is found mostly in the Nile Valley and south of the Sahara. While not breeding, it sometimes makes longer migrations northwards into the arid regions of the Sahel. The Egyptian Goose has also been introduced elsewhere: the UK, the Netherlands, France and Germany have self-sustaining populations which are mostly derived from escaped ornamental birds. The UK population dates back to the 18th century although it was only formally added to the British list in 1971. In the UK it can be seen on ornamental ponds as well as on gravel pits and lowland lakes and wetlands. The north Norfolk coast and Norfolk Broads hold the highest numbers. The Egyptian Goose will nest in a large variety of situations, especially in holes in mature trees in parkland. The female builds the nest from reeds, leaves and grass, and both parents take turns incubating eggs. Egyptian Geese usually pair for life and both the male and female care for the offspring until they are old enough to care for themselves. Date: 23rd April 2016 Location: Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve, Sevenoaks, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41292179.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19666818945f10b8c7ada35.jpgPasvikdalen, Troms og Finnmark, Norway The Pasvik valley (Norwegian: [i]Pasvikdalen[/i]) is a river valley located in Norway and Russia. The Norwegian side of the valley is situated in Sør-Varanger municipality in Troms og Finnmark and the Russian side is located in the Pechengsky district in Murmansk Oblast. Øvre Pasvik National Park (Norwegian: [i]Øvre Pasvik Nasjonalpark[/i]) is located in the south eastern part of the valley and covers an area of 46 square miles. It is dominated by Siberian-like taiga consisting of old-growth forests of Scots pine, shallow lakes and bogs. Proposals for a national park in Øvre Pasvik were first launched in 1936 but it was not created until February 1970. It originally covered 25 square miles but was expanded in August 2003. Øvre Pasvik National Park is part of the larger Pasvik–Inari Trilateral Park along with the adjacent Øvre Pasvik Landscape Protection Area, the joint Norwegian and Russian Pasvik Nature Reserve and Finland's Vätsäri Wilderness Area. The fauna and flora of the Øvre Pasvik National Park is typical of the Siberian taiga. This includes Brown Bear, Wolverine, Wolf, Lynx and Elk and a very interesting diversity of northern and eastern species of birds which breed on the lakes and rivers and in the forests. The River Pasvikelva runs through the valley (giving it the name) and the river defines part of the border between Norway and Russia. It is the outlet from the large Lake Inari in Finland and flows through Norway and Russia to discharge into the Bøkfjorden (which later flows into the Varangerfjorden and then the Barents Sea) not far from the town of Kirkenes. The river has a watershed of 7106 square miles and is 90 miles long. A series of hydroelectric power stations are situated along its course. Since 1826, the River Pasvikelva has marked parts of the border between Norway and Russia, except from 1920 to 1944 when it was along the border between Norway and Finland. The southern part of the valley is also the location of the Treriksrøysa (Three-Country Cairn), a cairn which marks the tripoint where the borders between Norway, Finland and Russia meet. The site is on a hill called Muotkavaara situated west of the River Pasvikelva. It is the only place where 3 time zones meet: Central European Time, Eastern European Time and Further-Eastern European Time. The tripoint can only be approached by the public from the Norwegian side since both Finland and Russia maintain extensive border zones where public access is prohibited. Date: 30th June 2019 Location: Øvre Pasvik National Park, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49003037.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_450343346468fca32cce3.jpgAdder Adders are widespread throughout mainland UK but they are absent from Ireland. They occur throughout Europe, with the exception of the Mediterranean islands, and across Russia and Asia through to northern China. They are the UK's only venomous reptile. Adders are relatively short and robust snakes with large heads and a rounded snout. Males are usually a grey or buff colour with vivid black markings although they can also vary from silver to yellow or green in colour. Females are brown with dark red-brown markings that are less prominent than in the males. Both sexes have a zigzag pattern running along the back with a / or X-shaped marking at the rear of the head. Adders can be found in a variety of habitats, including open woodland, hedgerows, moorland, sand dunes, riverbanks, bogs, heathland and mountains. They are active during the day and spend time basking until their body temperature is high enough to hunt for food. Adders use venom to immobilise prey such as lizards, amphibians, nestlings and small mammals. After striking their prey, they will leave the venom to take effect before following the victim’s scent to find the body. Mating takes place between April and May with males often fighting for females. Females have a 3 to 4 month gestation period and Adders are one of the few snakes that are viviparous (give birth to live young). In late August females give birth to between 5 and 20 live young and the young remain close to their mother for a few days before going off in search of food. Adders hibernate from September to March often using deserted rabbit or rodent burrows or settling under logs. They sometimes hibernate communally. Males emerge 2 to 5 weeks before the females and shed their skin before setting off in search of females. Adders are not aggressive snakes and they will only attack if harassed or threatened. Although an Adder’s venom poses little danger to a healthy adult, the bite is very painful and requires urgent medical attention. Date: 3rd May 2023 Location: Benfleet and Hadleigh Downs, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453912.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11710163724ff54531c4642.jpgCattle Egret The Cattle Egret is a stocky white bird adorned with buff plumes in the breeding season. The easiest way to separate them from Little Egrets is by their short, yellow rather than long, black bills but Cattle Egrets are also smaller, stockier and more squat in shape with shorter, thicker necks and less elegant heads. The Cattle Egret is a cosmopolitan species of heron found in the tropics, subtropics and warm temperate zones. Originally native to parts of Asia, Africa and Europe, it has undergone a rapid expansion in its distribution and successfully colonised much of the rest of the world. Cattle Egrets breed and roost in trees usually close to fresh water and feed in shallow wetlands, especially rice-paddies, but also dry grasslands. They can often be seen feeding around cattle waiting to pick off disturbed insects, including riding on the backs of animals. Cattle Egrets are visiting the UK in increasing numbers and are most likely to be seen in the south of England and Wales. In winter 2007/08, a large influx of Cattle Egrets occurred in the UK, with the largest numbers in south-west England although birds did get as far north as Scotland. This influx led to the first ever pair breeding successfully in Somerset. Date: 27th April 2012 Location: Embalse de Arrocampo, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26540949.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_111928624356ace9a89e33e.jpgCommon Pochard The Common Pochard is a medium-sized and stocky diving duck. The adult male has a long dark bill with a grey band, a red head and neck, a black breast, red eyes and a grey back. The adult female has a brown head and body and a narrower grey bill band. The triangular head shape is distinctive. The Common Pochard is superficially similar to the closely related Redhead and Canvasback found in north America. The Common Pochard breeds in marshes and on lakes in much of temperate and north Europe and in to Asia. It is migratory and spends the winter in the south and west of Europe. In the UK, the Common Pochard breeds in east England and lowland Scotland plus in small numbers in Northern Ireland. Large numbers from Russia and Scandinavia winter in the UK on lakes, reservoirs and gravel pits, often mixing with other diving ducks such as the Tufted Duck. In a number of countries, the Common Pochard is decreasing mainly due to habitat loss and hunting. It is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. The Common Pochard feeds mainly by diving or dabbling for aquatic plants, molluscs, aquatic insects and small fish. Date: 13th January 2016 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071698.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1992835166643361b91bf0.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 4th May 2023 Location: Bwlch Nant yr Arian, Llywernog, Ceredigion http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37190304.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12762066145c2a11c7c5b04.jpgLoch Assynt, Highland The area east of Lochinver is a remote wilderness of mountains and moorland dotted with lochs and lochans. Loch Assynt extends for 6 miles north west from Inchnadamph with the River Inver flowing out of its western end and down to the sea at Lochinver. To the north lies Quinag, to the south Suilven and Cansip and to the east Ben More Assynt. The A837 Lochinver to Lairg road meets the A894 to Durness 10 miles east of Lochinver at Skiag Bridge by Loch Assynt. Nearby are the ruins of Ardvreck Castle. The castle dates from 1597 and was the stronghold of the Macleods of Assynt until a siege of the castle in 1691, when it was taken by the Seaforth Mackenzies. Date: 24th June 2018 Location: view from the A837 road between Skiag Bridge and Inchnadamph http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31837533.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1525035067595624ae872e35.44786050.jpgCommon Gull The Common Gull is a medium-sized gull. The north American subspecies is commonly referred to as the Mew Gull although that name is also used by some authorities for the whole species. The Common Gull is noticeably smaller and more gentle looking than the Herring Gull. It is grey above and white below with greenish-yellow legs. It has black wingtips with large white "mirrors". Young birds have scaly black-brown upperparts and a neat wing pattern and grey legs and take 2 to 3 years to reach maturity. In winter, the head is streaked grey and the bill often has a poorly defined blackish band near the tip which is sometimes sufficiently obvious to cause confusion with the Ring-billed Gull. The call is a high-pitched "laughing" cry. The Common Gull breeds colonially near water or in marshes in north Europe, north west north America and north Asia. It is most numerous in Europe with over half (possibly as much as 80 to 90%) of the world population. In the UK, the Common Gull can be found in summer along the coasts and inland marshes and lakes of Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England. Elsewhere in England and Wales, it can be found in winter on farmland, on marshes and lakes and on the coast. Date: 22nd June 2017 Location: Inverkirkaig Bay near Lochinver, Sutherland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21893086.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_168324174753d1050ccfb53.jpgOystercatcher The Oystercatcher is a wader in the oystercatcher family. It is an obvious and noisy bird with black and white plumage, red legs and a strong broad red bill which is used for smashing or prising open molluscs such as mussels or for finding earthworms. Despite its name, oysters do not form a large part of its diet. The Oystercatcher is unmistakable in flight with white patches on the wings and tail with otherwise black upperparts and white underparts. Young birds are more brown, have a white neck collar and a duller bill. The call is a distinctive loud piping. The bill shape varies: Oystercatchers with broad bill tips open molluscs by prising them apart or hammering through the shell whereas birds with pointed bills dig up worms. Much of this is due to the wear resulting from feeding on their prey. Individual Oystercatchers specialise in one technique or the other which they learn from their parents. The Oystercatcher is the most widespread of the oystercatchers with 3 races breeding in western Europe, central Eurasia, Kamchatka, China, and the western coast of Korea. It is a migratory species over most of its range. The European population breeds mainly in northern Europe but in winter the birds can be found in north Africa and southern parts of Europe. Although the species is present all year in Ireland, the UK and the adjacent European coasts, there is still migratory movement within these populations. In winter, large flocks can be seen on major estuaries in the UK. The Oystercatcher breeds on shingle and rocky beaches, sand dunes, salt marshes and on the grassy tops of small islands and also inland on shingle banks of rivers, lakes and gravel pits Date: 18th June 2014 Location: Kyle of Durness, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081397.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17229675163a71ac4e7b1c.jpgMoorhen The Moorhen is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird that is usually found near water. From a distance it looks black with a ragged white line along its body. However, closer up it is olive-brown on the back and the head and blue-grey underneath. It has a red bill with a yellow tip. The Moorhen can be found all year round almost anywhere where there is water. They breed in lowland areas particularly in central and eastern England but are scarce in northern Scotland and the uplands of Wales and northern England. UK breeding birds are residents and seldom travel far. Date: 12th January 2022 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48309170.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_25727287963ee456be67c1.jpgMoorhen The Moorhen is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird that is usually found near water. From a distance it looks black with a ragged white line along its body. However, closer up it is olive-brown on the back and the head and blue-grey underneath. It has a red bill with a yellow tip. The Moorhen can be found all year round almost anywhere where there is water. They breed in lowland areas particularly in central and eastern England but are scarce in northern Scotland and the uplands of Wales and northern England. UK breeding birds are residents and seldom travel far. Date: 6th February 2022 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4639653.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_138656524baf086ea5577.jpgWater Vole The Water Vole is found throughout the UK although it is less common on higher ground. It is infrequently recorded from parts of northern Scotland and is absent in Ireland. Water Voles are legally protected in the UK and recent evidence suggests that they have undergone a long term decline. On current trends it is predicted that they may eventually disappear from 94% of their former sites. The shocking decline in both the range and numbers of the Water Vole is due to a number of factors. The large-scale loss and fragmentation of sensitive waterside habitats due to riverbank modification, drainage and flood defence works has been an important factor as has the pollution of waterways and poisoning by rodenticides. Perhaps the most serious threat facing the Water Vole is predation by the introduced American Mink. Water Voles are sometimes confused with Brown Rats which often also live near water courses. They are sometimes called "the water rat" which is the origin of the Water Vole’s fame as "Ratty" from Kenneth Grahame's book “The Wind in the Willows”. Prime Water Vole sites are found along densely vegetated banks of slow flowing rivers, ditches, lakes and marshes where water is present throughout the year. Water Voles are herbivores and feed on a huge variety of waterside vegetation, consuming 80% of their body weight each day. They excavate extensive burrow systems into the banks of waterways and have sleeping/nest chambers at various levels in the steepest parts of the bank. Burrows usually have underwater entrances to provide a secure route for escape if danger threatens. Water Voles usually have 3 or 4 litters a year depending on the weather. In mild springs the first of these can be born in March or April although cold conditions can delay breeding until May or even June. There are about 5 young in a litter and these are born below ground in a nest made from suitable vegetation such as grasses and rushes. Young water voles grow quickly and are weaned at 14 days. On average, Water Voles only live about 5 months in the wild. Their most important predators are Mink and Stoats although Grey Herons, Barn Owls, Brown Rats and Pike are also known to take them. Date: 10th March 2010 Location: Cromford Canal, Derbyshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41249316.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19217752095f00b7fb272e4.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 22nd June 2020 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo47900587.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_984712404637364a324be9.jpgCormorant The (Great) Cormorant is a widespread member of the cormorant and shag family Phalacrocoracidae. There is a wide variation in size in the species' wide range and males are typically larger and heavier than females. It has a predominantly black plumage but the adult has white patches on the thighs and throat and a yellow throat during the breeding season. In Europe it can be distinguished from the Shag by its larger size, heavier build, thicker bill, lack of a crest and plumage without any green tinge. The (Great) Cormorant is a very common and widespread bird and it breeds in much of the Old World and the Atlantic coast of north America. It feeds on the sea, in estuaries and on freshwater lakes and rivers. Northern birds migrate south and winter along any coast that is well-supplied with fish. The (Great) Cormorant is found around the UK coastline on rocky shores, coastal lagoons and estuaries and it is increasingly seen inland at reservoirs, lakes and gravel pits. The UK holds internationally important wintering numbers. The (Great) Cormorant mainly nests in colonies near wetlands, rivers and sheltered inshore waters. Pairs will use the same nest site to breed year after year. It builds its nest, which is made mainly from sticks, in trees, on the ledges of cliffs and on the ground on rocky islands that are free of predators. The female lays 3 to 5 eggs which are incubated for a period of about 28 to 31 days. The (Great) Cormorant feeds on fish caught through diving and it will consume all fish of appropriate size that they are able to catch. Many fishermen see the (Great) Cormorant a competitor for fish. Because of this, it was nearly hunted to extinction in the past. Due to conservation efforts, its numbers increased although this has once again brought it in to conflict with fisheries. In the UK, where inland breeding was once uncommon, there are now increasing numbers of birds and many inland fish farms and fisheries now claim to be suffering high losses. In the UK each year, some licences are issued to cull specified numbers in order to help reduce predation although it is still illegal to kill a bird without such a licence. Date: 4th November 2022 Location: Bushy Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/roe-deer https://images.on-this.website/4752_12400822504e40f24b74cae.jpgRoe Deer The Roe Deer is a small deer which has a white to buff patch on their rump, a black nose and “moustache” and a white chin. Its coat varies from sandy to reddish-brown in the summer to grey-brown or even black in winter. The antlers, which have no more than 3 points and are less than 10 inches in length, grow in winter and are shed in the autumn. The Roe Deer is found throughout Europe but it is absent from Ireland, much of Portugal, Greece and large parts of England and Wales. Roe Deer became extinct in most of England during the 18th century but they were reintroduced in the 19th century. The Roe Deer lives mainly in woodland where there are open patches of ground and access to the edges of fields and it feeds on grasses and the leaves of young broad-leaved trees and bushes. Both male and female Roe Deer are usually solitary and highly territorial with clearly defined boundaries which they scent mark. The Roe Deer has very good senses of smell, hearing and vision. When alarmed, it makes a characteristic barking noise. Roe Deer mate in July and August and fawns are born in the following spring. Many fawns die during their first year due to heavy predation by foxes. Date: 3rd November 2008 Location: Loch Gruinart, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50931105.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15705479646627d689b2069.jpgMarsh Frog The Marsh Frog is the largest European frog. It is very similar in appearance to the closely related Edible Frog and Pool Frog. These 3 species are often referred to as "green frogs" to distinguish them from the more terrestrial European species which are known as "brown frogs" (best exemplified by the Common Frog). Marsh Frogs show a large variation in colour and pattern, ranging from dark green to brown or grey. The Western European populations are generally dark green to black with dark spots on the back and sides and 3 clear green lines on the back. Females can reach a maximum length of around 6.5 inches but males are smaller at around 4.5 inches. The head is proportionally large and the hind legs are long which gives them excellent jumping abilities. The Marsh Frog is usually gregarious and diurnal and more tied to aquatic habitats than the Common Frog. It is tolerant of brackish conditions and typically it is found on or in the water of its favoured drainage channels and pools throughout the year. Marsh Frogs frequently sunbathe on the bank of the water body where they are often inconspicuous until disturbed when they will jump in to the water with a characteristic “plop”. They can often be seen on lily pads or floating at the surface amongst vegetation with only their heads exposed. During the breeding season (and sometimes beyond) the male Marsh Frog calls very loudly with a sound reminiscent of a loud chuckle which is often very raucous and can be heard all day and night. Dominant males establish territories from which they call. After mating a female may produce up to 16,000 eggs in a season, laying them in clumps of a few hundred in aquatic vegetation below the surface. They hatch in about a week, tadpoles being rather solitary and living in deep water with vegetation. Newly metamorphosed frogs are up to 1 inch in length and take 2 years to mature. The diet of the Marsh Frog consists of dragonflies and other insects, spiders, earthworms and slugs. Larger frogs also eat small rodents and sometimes smaller amphibians and fish. The Marsh Frog is not a native species of the UK. It was first introduced to Walland Marsh, Kent in 1935 and is now found in several areas of Kent and East Sussex. Other introductions exist, including colonies in London. Date: 14th April 2024 Location: RSPB Rainham Marshes, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9589012.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15639666204db160df9d9ce.jpgWigeon The Eurasian Wigeon, or simply Wigeon, is one of 3 species of Wigeon in the dabbling duck genus [i]Mareca[/i]. The Wigeon is 17 to 20 inches in length with a 28 to 31 inches wingspan. The breeding male has grey flanks and back with a black rear end, a dark green speculum and a brilliant white patch on the upper wings which obvious in flight or at rest. It has a pink breast, white belly and a chestnut head with a creamy crown. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female. The female is generally light brown but it can be distinguished from most other ducks, apart from the American Wigeon, on shape. The Wigeon breeds in the northernmost areas of Europe and Asia where it is the Old World counterpart of north America's American Wigeon. It is a bird of open wetlands, such as wet grassland or marshes with some taller vegetation, and nests on the ground near water and under cover. The Wigeon is strongly migratory and winters further south than its breeding range. It is highly gregarious outside of the breeding season and will form large flocks. In the UK, the Wigeon can be found all year round. It is a scarce breeding bird in central and northern Scotland and in northern England. In winter, many birds arrive in the UK from Iceland, Scandinavia and Russia and very large numbers can be seen on the coasts and at some inland sites. The Wigeon is categorised by the IUCN as a species of “Least Concern” but it is a species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 26th December 2007 Location: Buckenham Marshes, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37159147.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14235501835c1e6676eca29.jpgGadwall The Gadwall is one of the most common and widespread dabbling ducks. The breeding male is patterned grey with a black rear end, light chestnut wings and a brilliant white speculum which is obvious in flight or at rest. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female but retains the male wing pattern and is usually greyer above and has less orange on the bill. The female is light brown with plumage much like a female Mallard. It can be distinguished from that species by the dark orange-edged bill, smaller size, the white speculum and white belly. The Gadwall breeds in north Europe and Asia and central north America and appears to be expanding into eastern north America. It is a bird of open wetlands and lakes, wet grassland or marshes with dense fringing vegetation and it nests on the ground, often some distance from water. In the UK, the Gadwall is a scarce breeding bird on some lakes and gravel pits in the Midlands, south east England, eastern central Scotland, eastern Northern Ireland and south east Wales. In winter, numbers increase as birds migrate to spend the winter in the UK on gravel pits, lakes, reservoirs and coastal wetlands. Date: 7th May 2018 Location: Ham Wall RSPB reserve, Somerset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9593640.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19827037094db1842f4fd07.jpgCormorant The (Great) Cormorant is a widespread member of the cormorant and shag family [i] Phalacrocoracidae[/i]. There is a wide variation in size in the species' wide range and males are typically larger and heavier than females. It has a predominantly black plumage but the adult has white patches on the thighs and throat and a yellow throat during the breeding season. In Europe it can be distinguished from the Shag by its larger size, heavier build, thicker bill, lack of a crest and plumage without any green tinge. The (Great) Cormorant is a very common and widespread bird and it breeds in much of the Old World and the Atlantic coast of north America. It feeds on the sea, in estuaries and on freshwater lakes and rivers. Northern birds migrate south and winter along any coast that is well-supplied with fish. The (Great) Cormorant is found around the UK coastline on rocky shores, coastal lagoons and estuaries and it is increasingly seen inland at reservoirs, lakes and gravel pits. The UK holds internationally important wintering numbers. The (Great) Cormorant mainly nests in colonies near wetlands, rivers and sheltered inshore waters. Pairs will use the same nest site to breed year after year. It builds its nest, which is made mainly from sticks, in trees, on the ledges of cliffs and on the ground on rocky islands that are free of predators. The female lays 3 to 5 eggs which are incubated for a period of about 28 to 31 days. The (Great) Cormorant feeds on fish caught through diving and it will consume all fish of appropriate size that they are able to catch. Many fishermen see the (Great) Cormorant a competitor for fish. Because of this, it was nearly hunted to extinction in the past. Due to conservation efforts, its numbers increased although this has once again brought it in to conflict with fisheries. In the UK, where inland breeding was once uncommon, there are now increasing numbers of birds and many inland fish farms and fisheries now claim to be suffering high losses. In the UK each year, some licences are issued to cull specified numbers in order to help reduce predation although it is still illegal to kill a bird without such a licence. Date: 3rd May 2008 Location: Abberton Reservoir, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405571.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17887042066586fc6441c97.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the Canidae family and is a part of the order Carnivora within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 6th December 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39083918.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13773106565d3082c7672f6.jpgWestern Rhodopes Mountains, Smolyan Province, Bulgaria The Rhodopes Mountains are a mountain range in south east Europe. They are spread over 5689 square miles of which 4723 square miles are located in south Bulgaria and the remainder in north Greece. The Rhodopes Mountains are about 149 miles long and about 62 to 75 miles wide with an average altitude of 2575 feet. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 7188 feet and is situated 12 miles to the west of Smolyan. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rhodopes Mountains gives its name to the terrestrial eco-region Rodope montane mixed forests that belong in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The area is particularly notable for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans plus its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms such as the Trigrad Gorge. The Rhodopes Mountains can be sub-divided in to 3 sections: The Western Rhodopes are spread over 66% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and they are higher, the most infrastructurally developed and the most visited part of the mountains. The highest and best known peaks are located in this section with more than 10 over 6562 feet high including the highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7188 feet). Some of the deepest river gorges in the Rhodopes Mountains are located in the west as well as several large lakes. The Eastern Rhodopes are spread over a territory of about 34% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and are much lower in height. The large artificial dams of Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets are located in this part of the mountains. Almost every species of European bird of prey nests in the Eastern Rhodopes including the rare Black Vulture and Egyptian Vulture. The Southern Rhodopes are the part of the mountain range that is located in Greece and they are characterized by numerous peaks of relatively low altitude. Date: 28th May 2018 Location: River Trigrad south of Trigrad, western Rhodopes Mountains, Smolyan Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45174854.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4352257546232fa097883d.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 31st December 2021 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457474.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_557881541668571ff501dd.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41623100.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6180347055f4d1e18caec4.jpgEiders The Eider is a large sea duck that is distributed over the northern coasts of Europe, north America and eastern Siberia. It breeds in the Arctic and some northern temperate regions but winters somewhat further south in temperate zones when it can form large flocks on coastal waters. The Eider is both the largest of the 4 eider species and the largest duck found in Europe and in north America (except for the Muscovy duck which only reaches north America in a wild state in southernmost Texas and south Florida). The Eider is characterized by its bulky shape and large, wedge-shaped bill. The male is unmistakable with its black and white plumage and green nape. The female is a brown bird but can still be readily distinguished from all ducks, except other eider species, on the basis of size and head shape. The drake's display call is a strange almost human-like "ah-ooo" while the duck utters hoarse quacks. The Eider dives for crustaceans and molluscs, with mussels being a favoured food. The Eider will eat mussels by swallowing them whole. The shells are then crushed in their gizzard and excreted. When eating a crab, the Eider will remove all of its claws and legs and then eat the body in a similar fashion. The Eider is abundant with populations of about 1.5 to 2 million birds in both Europe and north America and also large but unknown numbers in eastern Siberia. The Eider is a colonial breeder nesting on coastal islands in colonies ranging in size of less than 100 to upwards of 10,000 to 15,000 individuals. Female Eiders frequently exhibit a high degree of natal philopatry where they return to breed on the same island where they were hatched. This can lead to a high degree of relatedness between individuals nesting on the same island as well as the development of kin-based female social structures. This relatedness has likely played a role in the evolution of co-operative breeding behaviours amongst Eiders. Examples of these behaviours include laying eggs in the nests of related individuals and crèching where female Eiders team up and share the work of rearing ducklings. The Eider's nest is built close to the sea and is lined with the celebrated eiderdown plucked from the female's breast. This soft and warm lining has long been harvested for filling pillows and quilts but in more recent years has been largely replaced by down from domestic farm geese and synthetic alternatives. Although eiderdown pillows or quilts are now a rarity, eiderdown harvesting continues and is sustainable as it can be done after the ducklings leave the nest with no harm to the birds. Date: 6th July 2019 Location: near Sandfjord, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15454031.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14847373814ff5489f1d449.jpgEl Rocío, Coto Doñana, Andalucia, Spain El Rocío sits right on the north western edge of the Parque Nacional de Doñana and is located in an area rich in wildlife. The village is a sprawling and pretty Wild-West style place with white houses and sandy, unpaved roads where horses are tied to wooden rails. The village of El Rocío overlooks the La Madre de las Marismas, a marshland area where there are huge numbers of birds. Near the hermitage and running alongside the wetlands is the Paseo Marismeño, an excellent birdwatching spot. The Hermitage of El Rocío is home to the Virgin of El Rocío, a small and much-venerated carved wood statue, and it is the destination of an annual procession and pilgrimage on the second day of the Pentecost known as the Romería de El Rocío. In recent years the Romería has brought together roughly a million pilgrims each year from all over Andalucia and beyond. Although there has been a hermitage on this site for centuries, the present hermitage building was designed by architects in 1961 and built in stages over the next two decades. The modern church of Nuestra Señora del Rocio is a stunning sight when viewed from across the water where the dazzling white sanctuary stands out like a beacon against the green of the marisma and the deep blue of the sky. Date: 1st May 2012 Location: view from La Madre de las Marismas, El Rocío, Coto Doñana, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847523.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_144873795159bd5230ecb76.jpgSlovak Paradise, Slovakia Slovak Paradise (Slovenský raj) is a mountain range in eastern Slovakia. It is a part of the Spiš-Gemer Karst, which in turn is a part of the Slovak Ore Mountains (Slovenské rudohorie), a major subdivision of the Western Carpathians. It is located between the towns of Spišská Nová Ves in the north and Dobšiná in the south. Slovak Paradise is a plain with high plateaus between 2625 feet and 3280 feet. The highest peak is Ondrejisko at 4167 feet. The area is mainly formed of karst limestone and dolomite. The karst plateaus show phenomena such as sinkholes and limestone pavements. Other typical features are canyons, gorges and ravines which form picturesque rocky scenes with waterfalls which were created mainly by the Hnilec and Hornád rivers and their tributaries. 80% of the area is covered with spruce forests. There are more than 200 caves and underground abysses. Among the caves, Dobšinská ľadová jaskyňa (Dobšinská Ice Cave) and Medvedia jaskyňa (Bear Cave) are the best known. Slovak Paradise is protected by Slovak Paradise National Park (Národný park Slovenský raj), one of the 9 national parks in Slovakia. It covers an area of 76.3 square miles with a surrounding buffer zone of 50 square miles. It is situated in the Banská Bystrica region, Prešov region and Košice Region. The highest peak is Predná hoľa at 5069 feet. Slovak Paradise National Park includes 11 National Nature Reserves and 8 Nature Reserves and around 185 miles of hiking trails, often equipped with ladders, chains and bridges. It also contains about 350 caves but only the Dobšinská ľadová jaskyňa (Dobšinská Ice Cave), a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000, is open to the public. The first protected reserve in the area of the Slovak Paradise was founded in 1890. The name Slovenský raj first appeared in 1921 in the "Krásy Slovenska" magazine and replaced many names used until that period. In August 1964 the first Protected Landscape Area in Slovakia was established in Slovak Paradise. The area was redesignated as Slovak Paradise National Park in January 1988. Since 2004, parts of the national park have been included in the Natura 2000 ecological network, the network of nature protection areas within the European Union. The best known tourist centres in Slovak Paradise National Park are Čingov, Podlesok, Dedinky and Kláštorisko. Date: 31st May 2017 Location: Palcmanská Masa and Dedinky, Slovak Paradise National Park, Košice region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo47645577.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18527913216347cd89e21dd.jpgGrass Snake The Grass Snake is the UK’s largest terrestrial reptile reaching up to 6 feet in length although such large specimens are rare. Females are considerably larger than males and typically reach a size of 2 feet 11 inches to 3 feet 7 inches when fully grown whilst males are approximately 8 inches shorter. The Grass Snake is typically olive-green, brown or greyish in colour with a variable row of black bars along the sides, occasionally with smaller round markings along the back in double rows. The underside of the Grass Snake is off-white or yellowish with dark triangular or rectangular markings. A characteristic black and yellow collar is present behind the head. The Grass Snake is one of only 3 snakes to occur in the UK and it is distributed throughout lowland areas of England and Wales. It is almost absent from Scotland and is not found in Ireland at all which has no native snakes. The Grass Snake is an aquatic species that is usually closely associated with water where it preys almost entirely on amphibians, especially the Common Toad and the Common Frog, although they may also occasionally eat mammals and fish. It is a strong swimmer and is found in habitats featuring ponds, lakes, streams, marshes and ditches which provide access to sunshine for basking and plenty of shelter. The Grass Snake may also be found in open woodland, rough grassland, wet heathlands, gardens, parks and hedgerows. The Grass Snake, as with most reptiles, is at the mercy of the thermal environment and it needs to overwinter in areas which are not subject to freezing. Therefore it will typically spend the winter underground where the temperature is relatively stable. Date: 7th August 2022 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31192227.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13991651645918235c719467.38652476.jpgBlack Grouse The Black Grouse is a large game bird in the grouse family. The male has all black plumage with distinctive red wattles over the eyes and striking white stripes along each wing in flight. It has a lyre-shaped tail which is fanned out and raised to show white under-tail feathers when displaying. The female is smaller and grey-brown in colour. The Black Grouse is a sedentary species and breeds across northern Eurasia in moorland and bog areas near to mostly boreal woodland. Although it is declining, it is not considered to be vulnerable globally due to the large population and slow rate of decline. Its decline is due to loss of habitat, disturbance, predation by foxes, crows, etc., and small populations gradually dying out. In the UK, the Black Grouse are found in upland areas of Wales, the Pennines and most of Scotland, especially on farmland and moorland with nearby forestry or scattered trees. Habitat loss and overgrazing have resulted in severe population declines which make the Black Grouse a Red List species. Positive habitat management and re-introduction programmes are helping it to increase in some areas. The Black Grouse has a very distinctive and well-recorded courtship. At dawn in the spring, the males strut around in a traditional area (lek) and display whilst making a highly distinctive and bubbling mating call. This photo was taken at a well known roadside lekking site. If visiting, please remain in your car to avoid disturbance to these vulnerable breeding birds. Date: 6th May 2017 Location: World's End, Denbighshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41424248.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4132318045f2aa837461a2.jpgOystercatcher The Oystercatcher is a wader in the oystercatcher family. It is an obvious and noisy bird with black and white plumage, red legs and a strong broad red bill which is used for smashing or prising open molluscs such as mussels or for finding earthworms. Despite its name, oysters do not form a large part of its diet. The Oystercatcher is unmistakable in flight with white patches on the wings and tail with otherwise black upperparts and white underparts. Young birds are more brown, have a white neck collar and a duller bill. The call is a distinctive loud piping. The bill shape varies: Oystercatchers with broad bill tips open molluscs by prising them apart or hammering through the shell whereas birds with pointed bills dig up worms. Much of this is due to the wear resulting from feeding on their prey. Individual Oystercatchers specialise in one technique or the other which they learn from their parents. The Oystercatcher is the most widespread of the oystercatchers with 3 races breeding in western Europe, central Eurasia, Kamchatka, China, and the western coast of Korea. It is a migratory species over most of its range. The European population breeds mainly in northern Europe but in winter the birds can be found in north Africa and southern parts of Europe. Although the species is present all year in Ireland, the UK and the adjacent European coasts, there is still migratory movement within these populations. The Oystercatcher breeds on shingle and rocky beaches, sand dunes, salt marshes and on the grassy tops of small islands and also inland on shingle banks of rivers, lakes and gravel pits. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Svartnes to Hamningberg, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/tufted-ducks https://images.on-this.website/4752_1039372774563724db8dc4b.jpgTufted Ducks The Tufted Duck is a small diving duck. The adult male is all black except for white flanks and a blue-grey bill. It has an obvious head tuft that gives the species its name. The adult female is brown with paler flanks and is more easily confused with other diving ducks. In particular, some have white around the bill base which resembles the Scaup although the white is never as extensive as in that species. The Tufted Duck breeds widely throughout temperate and northern Eurasia. It occasionally can be found as a winter visitor along both coasts of the United States and Canada. It is migratory in most of its range and winters in the milder south and west of Europe and southern Asia where large flocks form on open water. The Tufted Duck breeds close to marshes and lakes with plenty of vegetation to conceal the nest. It is also found on coastal lagoons and sheltered ponds. The Tufted Duck feeds mainly by diving for molluscs, aquatic insects and aquatic plants. Date: 3rd June 2015 Location: Lake Mývatn, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45174852.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14501335546232fa04be618.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 31st December 2021 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41255209.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10203844065f06f4d36ab31.jpgPine Grosbeak The Pine Grosbeak is a large member of the finch family. Adults have a long forked black tail, black wings with white wing bars and a large bill. Adult males have a rose-red head, back and rump. Adult females are olive-yellow on the head and rump and grey on the back and underparts. Young birds have a less contrasting plumage overall, appearing shaggy when they moult their colored head plumage. The Pine Grosbeak is a permanent resident through most of its range and can be found in coniferous woods in subarctic Fennoscandia and Siberia and across Alaska, the western mountains of the United States and Canada. In the extreme north or when food sources are scarce, they may migrate further south. It is a very rare vagrant to temperate Europe. The Pine Grosbeak forages in trees and bushes. It mainly eats seeds, buds, berries and insects. Outside of the nesting season, it often feeds in flocks. Date: 28th June 2019 Location: Neljan Tuulen Tupa near Kaamanen, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071496.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_206926993166431ffdcf23b.jpgGreat Crested Grebe The Great Crested Grebe is the largest member of the grebe family measuring 18 to 20 inches in length with a wing span of 23 to 29 inches. It is a graceful bird with its long neck, long bill and slender outline. In summer, the adults of both sexes are unmistakable being adorned with beautiful head-plumes which are reddish-orange in colour with black tips. There is also an erectile black crown. Non-breeding adults lack the full crest and have a dark crown bordered by a white face, the white extending down the fore-neck and chest. The sexes are similar in appearance but juveniles can be distinguished from adults by having a striped black and white head and neck. The Great Crested Grebe can be found across Europe and Asia and it breeds on shallow, reed-fringed freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs and slow rivers. It is resident in the milder west of its range but it migrates from the colder regions of its range to freshwater lakes, reservoirs and sheltered coastal areas in winter. The Great Crested Grebe has an elaborate mating display. Like all grebes, it nests on the water's edge since its legs are set relatively far back and it is thus unable to walk very well. Usually 2 eggs are laid and the fluffy, striped young grebes are often carried on the adult's back. In a clutch of 2 or more hatchlings, male and female grebes will each identify their “favourites” which they alone will care for and teach. Unusually, young Great Crested Grebes are capable of swimming and diving almost at hatching. The adults teach these skills to their young by carrying them on their backs and diving, leaving the chicks to float on the surface. They then re-emerge a few feet away so that the chicks may swim back on to them. The Great Crested Grebe feeds mainly on fish but it will also eat small crustaceans, insects and small frogs and newts. The Great Crested Grebe was hunted almost to extinction in the UK in the 19th century due to being hunted for its head plumes which were used to decorate hats and ladies' undergarments. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was set up to help protect the Great Crested Grebe which is now again a common sight. Date: 29th April 2024 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40713571.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12563314155e16f7c00fe8f.jpgWaxwing The Waxwing is a plump bird which is slightly smaller than a Starling. It is buff or pinkish-brown in colour with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings, a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest. The bird’s name is derived from the red tips to some of the wing feathers which are said to look like they have been dipped in sealing wax. Waxwings breed in the dense forests of northern Europe but they occur in varying numbers in the UK from October to March. In some years they can occur in large numbers (known as irruptions) when the population in the breeding areas gets too big for the food available. The first UK arrivals each winter are usually seen on the east coast from Scotland to East Anglia but birds then move inland in search of food. They can be found in parks and gardens and even busy public places such as supermarket car parks, typically where there are berry-bearing trees and bushes such as rowan, hawthorn, cotoneaster and rose. Waxwings seem fearless of humans so it is relatively easy to get very close views of these stunning birds. Waxwings make an easily recognisable high-pitched trilling sound like a bell. Date: 24th December 2019 Location: Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42626777.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_206201364760a927daed09b.jpgGreat Crested Grebe The Great Crested Grebe is the largest member of the grebe family measuring 18 to 20 inches in length with a wing span of 23 to 29 inches. It is a graceful bird with its long neck, long bill and slender outline. In summer, the adults of both sexes are unmistakable being adorned with beautiful head-plumes which are reddish-orange in colour with black tips. There is also an erectile black crown. Non-breeding adults lack the full crest and have a dark crown bordered by a white face, the white extending down the fore-neck and chest. The sexes are similar in appearance but juveniles can be distinguished from adults by having a striped black and white head and neck. The Great Crested Grebe can be found across Europe and Asia and it breeds on shallow, reed-fringed freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs and slow rivers. It is resident in the milder west of its range but it migrates from the colder regions of its range to freshwater lakes, reservoirs and sheltered coastal areas in winter. The Great Crested Grebe has an elaborate mating display. Like all grebes, it nests on the water's edge since its legs are set relatively far back and it is thus unable to walk very well. Usually 2 eggs are laid and the fluffy, striped young grebes are often carried on the adult's back. In a clutch of 2 or more hatchlings, male and female grebes will each identify their “favourites” which they alone will care for and teach. Unusually, young Great Crested Grebes are capable of swimming and diving almost at hatching. The adults teach these skills to their young by carrying them on their backs and diving, leaving the chicks to float on the surface. They then re-emerge a few feet away so that the chicks may swim back on to them. The Great Crested Grebe feeds mainly on fish but it will also eat small crustaceans, insects and small frogs and newts. The Great Crested Grebe was hunted almost to extinction in the UK in the 19th century due to being hunted for its head plumes which were used to decorate hats and ladies' undergarments. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was set up to help protect the Great Crested Grebe which is now again a common sight. Date: 15th April 2021 Location: Lake Meadows, Billericay, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7190758.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1540524024cc304b864a61.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 17th October 2010 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo8048574.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11557963674d0d03d99a147.jpgWaxwing The Waxwing is a plump bird which is slightly smaller than a Starling. It is buff or pinkish-brown in colour with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings, a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest. The bird’s name is derived from the red tips to some of the wing feathers which are said to look like they have been dipped in sealing wax. Waxwings breed in the dense forests of northern Europe but they occur in varying numbers in the UK from October to March. In some years they can occur in large numbers (known as irruptions) when the population in the breeding areas gets too big for the food available. The first UK arrivals each winter are usually seen on the east coast from Scotland to East Anglia but birds then move inland in search of food. They can be found in parks and gardens and even busy public places such as supermarket car parks, typically where there are berry-bearing trees and bushes such as rowan, hawthorn, cotoneaster and rose. Waxwings seem fearless of humans so it is relatively easy to get very close views of these stunning birds. Waxwings make an easily recognisable high-pitched trilling sound like a bell. Date: 11th December 2010 Location: Folkestone, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/wheatear https://images.on-this.website/4752_8071351544daea3bb22021.jpgNorthern Wheatear The Northern Wheatear or Wheatear is a small passerine bird that was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family but is now more generally considered to be an Old World flycatcher. It is the most widespread member of the Wheatear genus in Europe and Asia. The English name has nothing to do with wheat or ears but is probably derived from the Middle English [i]whit ers[/i] meaning "white arse" and referring to the prominent white rump of many Wheatear species The Northern Wheatear is larger than the European Robin at 5.7 to 6.3 inches in length. Both sexes have a white rump and tail with a black inverted T-pattern at the end of the tail. The summer plumaged male has grey upperparts, buff throat and black wings and face mask. In autumn it resembles the female apart from the black wings. The female is pale brown above and buff below with darker brown wings. The Northern Wheatear makes one of the longest migratory flights of any small bird, crossing ocean, ice and desert. It migrates from sub-Saharan Africa in spring to breed in open rocky country, tundra, moorland, heaths and pastures over a vast area of the Northern Hemisphere that includes northern and central Asia, Europe, Greenland, Alaska and parts of Canada. In autumn it returns to winter in central Africa. In the UK, the Northern Wheatear is a summer visitor and passage migrant arriving in early March and leaving in September. It breeds mainly in western and northern Britain and western Ireland although smaller numbers also breed in southern and eastern England. The Northern Wheatear is primarily an insectivorous bird and feeds mostly on beetles, ants, caterpillars, grasshoppers, flies, etc. It also eats spiders, centipedes and snails and berries in the autumn. Date: 9th May 2005 Location: South Stack RSPB reserve, Anglesey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082718.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1300818695d307daf9aef5.jpgGriffon Vultures The Griffon Vulture is a typical Old World vulture in appearance with a white bald head, very broad wings and short tail feathers. It has a white neck ruff and yellow bill. The buff body and wing coverts contrast with the dark flight feathers. They are very large birds around 37 to 43 inches long with a 91 to 106 inches wingspan. Like other vultures, the Griffon Vulture is a scavenger, feeding mostly from carcasses of dead animals which it finds by soaring over open areas, often moving in flocks. The population is mostly resident in its breeding range in the mountains of southern Europe, north Africa, and Asia. In Spain, there are tens of thousands of birds from a low of a few thousand around 1980 although the Pyrenees population has apparently been affected by an EU ruling that due to danger of BSE transmission, no carcasses must be left on the fields for the time being. Although the Griffon Vulture does not normally attack larger living prey, there are reports of Spanish Griffon Vultures killing weak, young or unhealthy living animals as they do not find enough carrion to eat. Date: 24th May 2018 Location: Kovan Kaya near Madzharovo, eastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847521.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_195526393059bd52285ba86.jpgSlovak Paradise, Slovakia Slovak Paradise (Slovenský raj) is a mountain range in eastern Slovakia. It is a part of the Spiš-Gemer Karst, which in turn is a part of the Slovak Ore Mountains (Slovenské rudohorie), a major subdivision of the Western Carpathians. It is located between the towns of Spišská Nová Ves in the north and Dobšiná in the south. Slovak Paradise is a plain with high plateaus between 2625 feet and 3280 feet. The highest peak is Ondrejisko at 4167 feet. The area is mainly formed of karst limestone and dolomite. The karst plateaus show phenomena such as sinkholes and limestone pavements. Other typical features are canyons, gorges and ravines which form picturesque rocky scenes with waterfalls which were created mainly by the Hnilec and Hornád rivers and their tributaries. 80% of the area is covered with spruce forests. There are more than 200 caves and underground abysses. Among the caves, Dobšinská ľadová jaskyňa (Dobšinská Ice Cave) and Medvedia jaskyňa (Bear Cave) are the best known. Slovak Paradise is protected by Slovak Paradise National Park (Národný park Slovenský raj), one of the 9 national parks in Slovakia. It covers an area of 76.3 square miles with a surrounding buffer zone of 50 square miles. It is situated in the Banská Bystrica region, Prešov region and Košice Region. The highest peak is Predná hoľa at 5069 feet. Slovak Paradise National Park includes 11 National Nature Reserves and 8 Nature Reserves and around 185 miles of hiking trails, often equipped with ladders, chains and bridges. It also contains about 350 caves but only the Dobšinská ľadová jaskyňa (Dobšinská Ice Cave), a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000, is open to the public. The first protected reserve in the area of the Slovak Paradise was founded in 1890. The name Slovenský raj first appeared in 1921 in the "Krásy Slovenska" magazine and replaced many names used until that period. In August 1964 the first Protected Landscape Area in Slovakia was established in Slovak Paradise. The area was redesignated as Slovak Paradise National Park in January 1988. Since 2004, parts of the national park have been included in the Natura 2000 ecological network, the network of nature protection areas within the European Union. The best known tourist centres in Slovak Paradise National Park are Čingov, Podlesok, Dedinky and Kláštorisko. Date: 31st May 2017 Location: Palcmanská Masa and Dedinky, Slovak Paradise National Park, Košice region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871683.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9428943664eff2088539fc.jpgWhite-tailed Eagle The White-tailed Eagle is a very large bird with a 72 to 96 inch wingspan and is the fourth largest eagle in the world. It has broad "barn door" wings, a large head and a thick "meat-cleaver" beak. The adult is mainly brown except for the paler head and neck, blackish flight feathers, distinctive white tail, and yellow bill and legs. In juvenile birds the tail and bill are darker, with the tail becoming white with a dark terminal band in sub-adults. The White-tailed Eagle breeds in northern Europe and northern Asia. The largest population in Europe is found along the coast of Norway. They are mostly resident with only the northernmost birds such as the eastern Scandinavian and Siberian population migrating south in winter. Date: 28th May 2009 Location: near Nesseby, Varangerfjord, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15747155.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17577451605017a749e894c.jpgRuddy Darter Flight period: mid June to mid September. The Ruddy Darter takes its name from its colour and its swift flight behaviour. The male has a deep russet colour over the entire body and the abdomen has a pinched section close to where it joins the thorax. Females are slightly smaller, golden yellow in colour and being less obviously marked are more difficult to identify than the males. There is more than one red coloured darter species in the UK and they can be easily confused with each other. The commonest red species, the Common Darter, can be distinguished as having red veins at the base of the wings and a less ruddy colouration across the body. However, the Ruddy Darter has entirely black legs, distinguishing it from all other red darters which have longitudinal yellow stripes on their legs. The UK range of the Ruddy Darter has undergone something of an expansion in recent years. Although still relatively uncommon in the west and north of Britain, it is increasing in numbers in the Midlands and eastern England. The population is augmented by continental migrants. It is also found over most of Europe except for northern Scandinavia, as far east as western Siberia and south to north Africa. The Ruddy Darter prefers water bodies with tall emergent vegetation, such as reeds and club rush, and it is known to breed in ponds, lakes, canals, ditches and sluggish rivers. They can also be found near coasts and can breed in fairly brackish water. Date: 25th July 2012 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871580.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9502829754eff1ea2bd498.jpgReindeer The Reindeer, also known as the Caribou in North America, is a deer from the Arctic and sub Arctic, including both resident and migratory populations. Whilst it is overall widespread and numerous, some of its subspecies are rare or already extinct. The Reindeer is a widespread and numerous species in the northern Holarctic, being present in tundra (frozen arctic plain with lichens, mosses and dwarfed vegetation) and taiga (marshy pine forest) regions. Originally, the Reindeer was found in Scandinavia, eastern Europe, Russia, Mongolia, and northern China. In North America, it was found in Canada, Alaska and the northern USA from Washington to Maine. It also occurred naturally on Sakhalin, Greenland, and probably even in historical times in Ireland. Today, wild Reindeer have disappeared from many areas within this large historical range, especially from the southern parts where it has vanished almost everywhere. Large populations of wild Reindeer are still found in Norway, Finland, Siberia, Greenland, Alaska, and Canada. Wild Reindeer hunting and herding of semi-domesticated Reindeer (for meat, hides, antlers, milk and transportation) are important to several Arctic and Subarctic people. Domesticated Reindeer are mostly found in northern Fennoscandia and Russia with a herd of approximately 150-170 Reindeer also living around the Cairngorms region in Scotland. Reindeer vary considerably in colour and size. Both sexes grow antlers, though they are typically larger in males. Even far outside its range, the Reindeer is well known due to the myth, probably originating in early 19th century America, in which Santa Claus's sleigh is pulled by flying Reindeer, a popular element of Christmas. Date: 25th May 2009 Location: east of Sodankylä, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28885874.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_56281762057cc369dc1550.jpgWhite Stork The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 13th May 2016 Location: Audru, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30040673.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_637861917587cb49d408ad.jpgWaxwing The Waxwing is a plump bird which is slightly smaller than a Starling. It is buff or pinkish-brown in colour with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings, a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest. The bird’s name is derived from the red tips to some of the wing feathers which are said to look like they have been dipped in sealing wax. Waxwings breed in the dense forests of northern Europe but they occur in varying numbers in the UK from October to March. In some years they can occur in large numbers (known as irruptions) when the population in the breeding areas gets too big for the food available. The first UK arrivals each winter are usually seen on the east coast from Scotland to East Anglia but birds then move inland in search of food. They can be found in parks and gardens and even busy public places such as supermarket car parks, typically where there are berry-bearing trees and bushes such as rowan, hawthorn, cotoneaster and rose. Waxwings seem fearless of humans so it is relatively easy to get very close views of these stunning birds. Waxwings make an easily recognisable high-pitched trilling sound like a bell. Date: 10th January 2017 Location: Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533668.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_201228845362ca8fa388b41.jpgMarsh Harrier The Marsh Harrier is the largest of the harrier species in the UK. It can be recognised by its long tail and light flight with wings held in a shallow “V” and is distinguishable from other harriers by its larger size, heavier build, broader wings and absence of white on the rump. The Marsh Harrier’s future in the UK is now more secure than at any time during the last century but historical declines and subsequent recovery means it is an Amber List species. Marsh Harriers are mainly found in reedbed and marshland habitat in eastern and south east England with others in north west and south-west England and in parts of Scotland. Elmley and Stodmarsh in Kent, Leighton Moss in Lancashire, Minsmere in Suffolk, Titchwell Marsh and Strumpshaw Fen in Norfolk, the Ouse and Nene Washes and Wicken Fen in Cambridgeshire, Blacktoft Sands in south Yorkshire are all reliable locations for Marsh Harriers. Date: 26th June 2022 Location: RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo44044943.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_738646350614f137980458.jpgJuvenile Goldfinch The European Goldfinch or simply the Goldfinch is a small passerine bird in the finch family. The Goldfinch is 4.7 to 5.1 inches in length with a wingspan of 8.3 to 9.8 inches. The sexes are broadly similar, with a red face, black and white head, warm brown upper parts, white underparts with buff flanks and breast patches and black and yellow wings. On closer inspection, males can often be distinguished by a larger, darker red mask that extends just behind the eye. The shoulder feathers are black, whereas they are brown on the female. In females, the red face does not extend past the eye. The ivory-coloured bill is long and pointed and the tail is forked. Juveniles have a plain head and a greyer back but are unmistakable due to the yellow wing stripe. The Goldfinch is native to Europe, north Africa and west and central Asia. It is found in open, partially wooded lowlands and it is a resident in the milder west of its range but migrates from colder regions. It will also make local movements, even in the west, to escape bad weather. It has been introduced to many areas of the world. In the UK, the Goldfinch can be seen anywhere there are scattered bushes and trees, rough ground with thistles and other seeding plants, including orchards, parks, gardens, heathland and commons. It is less common in upland areas and most numerous in the south of England. The nest is built entirely by the female Goldfinch and is generally completed within a week. It is neat and compact and constructed of mosses and lichens and lined with plant down such as that from thistles. It is generally located several feet above the ground, hidden by leaves in the twigs at the end of a branch. The female typically lays 4 to 6 eggs which are incubated for 11 to 13 days. The chicks are fed by both parents. Initially they receive a mixture of seeds and insects but as they grow the proportion of insect material decreases. For the first 7 to 9 days the young are brooded by the female. The nestlings fledge 13 to 18 days after hatching. The young birds are fed by both parents for a further 7 to 9 days. The parents typically raise 2 broods each year and occasionally 3. The Goldfinch's preferred food is small seeds such as those from thistles and teasels but insects are also taken when feeding young. It also regularly visits bird feeders in winter. The Goldfinch is commonly kept and bred in captivity around the world because of its distinctive appearance and pleasant song. In the UK during the 19th century, many thousands of Goldfinches were trapped each year to be sold as cage birds. One of the earliest campaigns of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was directed against this trade. Date: 6th September 2021 Location: RSPB Blacktoft Sands, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/wigeon-duckling https://images.on-this.website/4752_11093682874c1dd34947172.jpgWigeon duckling The Eurasian Wigeon, or simply Wigeon, is one of 3 species of Wigeon in the dabbling duck genus [i]Mareca[/i]. The Wigeon is 17 to 20 inches in length with a 28 to 31 inches wingspan. The breeding male has grey flanks and back with a black rear end, a dark green speculum and a brilliant white patch on the upper wings which obvious in flight or at rest. It has a pink breast, white belly and a chestnut head with a creamy crown. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female. The female is generally light brown but it can be distinguished from most other ducks, apart from the American Wigeon, on shape. The Wigeon breeds in the northernmost areas of Europe and Asia where it is the Old World counterpart of north America's American Wigeon. It is a bird of open wetlands, such as wet grassland or marshes with some taller vegetation, and nests on the ground near water and under cover. The Wigeon is strongly migratory and winters further south than its breeding range. It is highly gregarious outside of the breeding season and will form large flocks. In the UK, the Wigeon can be found all year round. It is a scarce breeding bird in central and northern Scotland and in northern England. In winter, many birds arrive in the UK from Iceland, Scandinavia and Russia and very large numbers can be seen on the coasts and at some inland sites. The Wigeon is categorised by the IUCN as a species of “Least Concern” but it is a species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 2nd June 2010 Location: Loch Garten, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512810.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_151631651562c99fe7b188e.jpgBlack-tailed Godwit The Black-tailed Godwit is a large, long-legged, long-billed shorebird with an orange head, neck and chest in its breeding plumage and a uniform brown-grey breast and upperparts in winter. During the breeding season, the bill has a yellowish or orange-pink base and dark tip but the base is pink in winter. The legs are dark grey, brown or black. The sexes are similar but in breeding plumage they can be separated by the male's brighter, more extensive orange breast, neck and head. In flight, the bold black and white wingbar and white rump can be seen readily. When on the ground the Black-tailed Godwit can be difficult to separate from the similar Bar-tailed Godwit but the Black-tailed Godwit's longer, straighter bill and longer legs are diagnostic. The Black-tailed Godwit’s breeding range stretches from Iceland through northern Europe and areas of central Asia where it can be found in fens, lake edges, damp meadows, moorlands and bogs. It winters in areas as diverse as the Indian Subcontinent, Australia, western Europe and west Africa where it can be found on estuaries and floods. It is also more likely to be found inland and on freshwater than the Bar-tailed Godwit. Date: 10th May 2022 Location: WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre, Carmarthenshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23806383.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_837240975551297f53b05d.jpgSmew The Smew is a species of diving duck and is the only living member of the genus [i]Mergellus[/i]. This genus is closely related to [i]Mergus[/i] which is represented in the UK by the Red-breasted Merganser and the Goosander. The male Smew is white with a black mask and a black back and is unmistakable. It is often described as having a “cracked ice” appearance. The female and immature male are grey birds with chestnut foreheads and crowns and they can be confused at a distance with the Ruddy Duck. They are often known as "redheads". The Smew's small bill has a hooked tip and serrated edges which help it catch fish when it dives for them. The Smew can be found on the lakes and rivers of the northern taiga region of Europe and Asia. It usually breeds in May and June and nests in tree holes such as old woodpecker nests. As a migrant, it leaves its breeding areas and winters further south on the sheltered coasts or inland lakes of the Baltic Sea, the Black Sea, north Germany and the Low Countries. The Smew is also a winter visitor to the UK in small numbers where it is mainly found south of a line between the Wash and the River Severn, typically on lakes, reservoirs and gravel pits. Sometimes birds move to the UK from Holland and Denmark to escape freezing weather there. The Smew is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. It is not considered threatened on the IUCN Red List although its population is decreasing. This bird was part of the captive collection at the WWT Wetland Centre. Date: 7th March 2015 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49797307.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_159830402864ec9d154b852.jpgDartford Warbler The Dartford Warbler is a small warbler distinguished by its long tail compared with that of other warblers. Its plumage comprises unobtrusive and muted tones which blend in with its preferred habitats. Like many warblers, the Dartford Warbler has distinct male and female plumages. The male has a grey back and head, reddish underparts and a red eye. The female is paler below, especially on the throat, and a browner grey above. The song of the Dartford Warbler is a distinctive rattling warble. The largest populations of Dartford Warbler are found in Iberia with smaller populations in France, Italy and the south of the UK. In Africa, they are found in small areas in northern Morocco and northern Algeria. The Dartford Warbler breeds on heathlands amongst gorse, heather and other scrub bushes, sometimes near coasts. Dartford Warblers are named after Dartford Heath in north west Kent in the UK where the population became extinct in the early 20th century. They almost died out in the UK in the severe winter of 1962/63 when the national population dropped to just 10 pairs. However, this species can recover well in good quality habitat, thanks to repeated nesting and a high survival rate for the young. In the UK, Dartford Warblers can now be found at various heathland locations in south and east England. Date: 2nd July 2023 Location: Great Ovens NNR, Wareham Forest, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457646.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_204635366166857747d3eb4.jpgRazorbill The Razorbill is a seabird and a member of the auk family which also includes the Common Guillemot, Brunnich's Guillemot and Little Auk. It is also the closest living relative to the Great Auk which is now extinct. The Razorbill has white underparts and a black head, neck, back and feet during the breeding season. A thin white line also extends from the eyes to the end of the bill. Its head is darker than that of the CommonGuillemot. Outside the breeding season, the throat and face behind the eye become white and the white line on the face becomes less prominent. The thick black bill has a blunt end. The adult male and female female are very much alike having only small differences such as wing length. The Razorbill has a horizontal stance and the tail feathers are slightly longer in the centre in comparison to other auks making it have a distinctly long tail which is not common for an auk. The Razorbill is distributed across the sub-arctic and boreal waters of the north Atlantic where water surface temperature are typically below 15°c. The world population is estimated to be less than 1 million breeding pairs, making it among the rarest auks in the world. Approximately 60 to 70% of the entire Razorbill population breeds in Iceland., including over 200,000 pairs at Látrabjarg. The breeding habitat is islands, rocky shores and cliffs on north Atlantic coasts, in eastern North America as far south as Maine and in western Europe from north west Russia to northern France. Eurasian birds winter at sea with some moving south as far as the western Mediterranean. North American birds migrate offshore and south. The Razorbill is a colonial breeder and only comes to land to breed. Individuals only breed at 3 to 5 years of age. Females select their mate and will often encourage competition between males before choosing a partner. Once a male is chosen, the pair will usually stay together for life. Nest site determination is very important to ensure protection of young from predators. Unlike Common Guillemots, nest sites are not immediately alongside the sea on open cliff ledges but at least 4 to 6 inches away in crevices on cliffs or among boulders. Generally a nest is not built although some pairs often use their bills to drag material upon which to lay their single egg. The mating pair will often reuse the same site every year. The Razorbill feeds mainly on schooling fish and crustaceans and it will dive deep into the sea using its wings and its streamlined body to propel itself toward their prey. Whilst diving, it rarely stays in groups but instead spreads out to feed. The majority of feeding occurs at a depth of about 80 feet but it has the ability to dive up to 400 feet below the surface. During a single dive the Razorbill can capture and swallow many schooling fish depending on their size. The Razorbill spends approximately 45% of its time foraging at sea and it may well fly more than 60 miles out to sea to feed. However, when feeding chicks it will forage much closer to the nesting grounds and often in shallower water. The Razorbill and its eggs and chicks have several predators which include Great Black-backed Gulls, Peregrines, Ravens and other crows, Arctic Foxes and Polar Bears. In the early 20th century, Razorbills were harvested for their eggs, meat and feathers and this greatly decreased their population. In 1917 they were finally protected which reduced hunting. Other current threats include oil pollution, unintentional bycatch arising from commercial fishing and overfishing which decreases the abundance of prey. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41183549.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1076446775e9c305d9a676.jpgCommon Lizard The Common Lizard ranges across central and northern Europe (but are absent from the Mediterranean area) and through to northern Asia. It is the most common lizard in northern regions and the only reptile found in Ireland. The Common Lizard has a long body and short legs. It has coarse scales which range from grey, brown, bronze or green on the back and males are generally darker than females. It has a series of white spots down the flanks, which fuse to form a line, and a black line along the back. The Common Lizard also has numerous black spots scattered over the body. Males have orange/yellow bellies with black spots and females have cream/white bellies. The Common Lizard is found in a range of habitats including woodland, marshes, heathland, moors, sand dunes, hedgerows, bogs and rubbish dumps and it hunts insects, spiders, snails and earthworms, stunning its prey by shaking it and then swallowing it whole. The Common Lizard is active during the day and spends the morning and afternoon (but not the intense heat of midday) basking in the sun either alone or in groups. It is a good swimmer and will dive underwater when threatened. At night, and when startled, it will shelter beneath logs, stones and metal sheets. After emerging from hibernation, males defend breeding territories from other males. The young develop over 3 months within egg membranes inside the female's body which they usually break out of as she gives birth. Litters of 3 to 12 young are born from June to September after which time the mother shows no parental care with the young feeding actively from birth and quickly dispersing. The Common Lizard hibernates from October to March. It will often hibernate in groups and sometimes emerge for a brief time during warm spells. Date: 16th April 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40755763.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6649192285e204352201c9.jpgGreat White Egret The Great White Egret is a large bird with all white plumage. Apart from size, the Great White Egret can be distinguished from other white egrets by its yellow bill and black legs and feet although the bill may become darker and the lower legs lighter in the breeding season. In breeding plumage, delicate ornamental feathers are borne on the back. It has a slow flight with its neck retracted. The Great White Egret is distributed across most of the tropical and warmer temperate regions of the world favouring all kinds of wetland habitats and it is a familiar species in southern Europe. Expanding populations in Europe mean that the Great White Egret is now seen more frequently in the UK and it can turn up in almost any part of the country with the majority of records in south east England and East Anglia. Date: 6th December 2019 Location: Oudeland van Strijen, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071712.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17914756426643399a1da33.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 5th May 2024 Location: RWT Gilfach, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45948291.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3694845246284a92bbd7aa.jpgGreat Crested Grebe The Great Crested Grebe is the largest member of the grebe family measuring 18 to 20 inches in length with a wing span of 23 to 29 inches. It is a graceful bird with its long neck, long bill and slender outline. In summer, the adults of both sexes are unmistakable being adorned with beautiful head-plumes which are reddish-orange in colour with black tips. There is also an erectile black crown. Non-breeding adults lack the full crest and have a dark crown bordered by a white face, the white extending down the fore-neck and chest. The sexes are similar in appearance but juveniles can be distinguished from adults by having a striped black and white head and neck. The Great Crested Grebe can be found across Europe and Asia and it breeds on shallow, reed-fringed freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs and slow rivers. It is resident in the milder west of its range but it migrates from the colder regions of its range to freshwater lakes, reservoirs and sheltered coastal areas in winter. The Great Crested Grebe has an elaborate mating display. Like all grebes, it nests on the water's edge since its legs are set relatively far back and it is thus unable to walk very well. Usually 2 eggs are laid and the fluffy, striped young grebes are often carried on the adult's back. In a clutch of 2 or more hatchlings, male and female grebes will each identify their “favourites” which they alone will care for and teach. Unusually, young Great Crested Grebes are capable of swimming and diving almost at hatching. The adults teach these skills to their young by carrying them on their backs and diving, leaving the chicks to float on the surface. They then re-emerge a few feet away so that the chicks may swim back on to them. The Great Crested Grebe feeds mainly on fish but it will also eat small crustaceans, insects and small frogs and newts. The Great Crested Grebe was hunted almost to extinction in the UK in the 19th century due to being hunted for its head plumes which were used to decorate hats and ladies' undergarments. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was set up to help protect the Great Crested Grebe which is now again a common sight. Date: 14th April 2022 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37431113.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12695505735c6be39081c8b.jpgLesser Yellowlegs The Lesser Yellowlegs is a large sandpiper with brown-streaked upperparts, white underparts and streaked upper breast and sides. A white lower rump and dark-barred tail are visible in flight. The bill is straight and uniformly dark grey and the legs are long and yellow. The Lesser Yellowlegs breeds from western Alaska and Canada east to western Quebec. They spend winters on coasts from southern California and Virginia southward and along the Gulf coast. The preferred habitats include coastal mudflats and lagoons, inland lakes, ponds, rivers, sewage works and flooded grasslands. In the UK, the Lesser Yellowlegs is a very scarce visitor with typically 5 records per year. This photo is of a first winter bird that took up residence at RSPB Lodmoor for several months from mid-September 2018. Date: 13th January 2019 Location: RSPB Lodmoor, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082054.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11608356975d3079fd0d2e9.jpgRed-backed Shrike The Red-backed Shrike is a carnivorous passerine bird and member of the shrike family. The general colour of the male’s upper parts is reddish. It has a grey head and a typical shrike black stripe through the eye. Underparts are tinged pink and the tail has a black and white pattern similar to that of a Wheatear. In the female and young birds the upperparts are brown and vermiculated and the underparts are buff and also vermiculated. The Red-backed Shrike eats large insects, small birds, frogs, rodents and lizards. Like other shrikes it hunts from prominent perches and impales corpses on thorns or barbed wire as a "larder." This practice has earned it the nickname of "butcher bird." The Red-backed Shrike breeds in most of Europe and western Asia and winters in tropical Africa. Once a common migratory visitor to the UK, numbers declined sharply during the 20th century. The bird's last stronghold was in Breckland but by 1988 just a single pair remained, successfully raising young at Santon Downham. The following year for the first time no nests were recorded in the UK but since then sporadic breeding has taken place, mostly in Scotland and Wales, and in September 2010 the RSPB announced that a pair had raised chicks at a secret location on Dartmoor where the bird last bred in 1970. This return to south west England has been an unexpected development and has raised speculation that a warming climate could assist the bird in re-colonising some of its traditional sites, if only in small numbers. Date: 18th May 2018 Location: Durankulak, Dobrich Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33568365.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10456021495a106a8083ff4.jpgRoe Deer The Roe Deer is a small deer which has a white to buff patch on their rump, a black nose and “moustache” and a white chin. Its coat varies from sandy to reddish-brown in the summer to grey-brown or even black in winter. The antlers, which have no more than 3 points and are less than 10 inches in length, grow in winter and are shed in the autumn. The Roe Deer is found throughout Europe but it is absent from Ireland, much of Portugal, Greece and large parts of England and Wales. Roe Deer became extinct in most of England during the 18th century but they were reintroduced in the 19th century. The Roe Deer lives mainly in woodland where there are open patches of ground and access to the edges of fields and it feeds on grasses and the leaves of young broad-leaved trees and bushes. Both male and female Roe Deer are usually solitary and highly territorial with clearly defined boundaries which they scent mark. The Roe Deer has very good senses of smell, hearing and vision. When alarmed, it makes a characteristic barking noise. Roe Deer mate in July and August and fawns are born in the following spring. Many fawns die during their first year due to heavy predation by foxes. Date: 4th November 2017 Location: Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41254062.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20079778615f059e1f1f4cb.jpgPorvoo Cathedral, Porvoo, Uusimaa, Finland Porvoo Cathedral (Finnish: [I]Porvoon tuomiokirkko[/I]; Swedish: [I]Borgå domkyrka[/I]) is located in the centre of the city of Porvoo. It is a cathedral of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland and the seat of the Diocese of Borgå, Finland's Swedish-speaking diocese (Borgå is the Swedish language form of Porvoo). It is also used for services by the Porvoo Finnish-speaking community which is administratively part of the Diocese of Helsinki. The church first became a cathedral in 1723 when the diocese of Viipuri (Viborg) (now the Diocese of Tampere) moved to Porvoo after Vyborg was ceded to Russia in the Treaty of Nystad. Porvoo Cathedral was originally built of wood in the 13th century but the first stone walls were built between 1410 and 1420. In about 1450, it was expanded 13 feet towards the east and 20 feet towards the south. It has been destroyed by fire numerous times: in 1508 by Danish forces and in 1571, 1590 and 1708 by Russian forces. In May 29 2006, the outer roof collapsed in a fire (deliberate arson) but with the inner ceiling undamaged and the interior intact. It was reopened in July 2008. Date: 26th June 2019 Location: Porvoo Cathedral, Porvoo, Uusimaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645697.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_209133164451e3d01aa2200.jpgBiałowieża, Poland The Białowieża forest is an ancient mixed forest that straddles the border between Poland and Belarus. It is one of the largest remaining parts of the immense primaeval forest that once stretched across the Great European Plain. On the Polish side, the central part of the Białowieża forest is protected as the Białowieża National Park with an area of about 39 square miles. The National Park, created in 1932, is under strict preservation and has been declared by UNESCO a World Biosphere Reserve and put on the World Heritage List. The Białowieża forest is home to many species of forest birds plus large mammals such as Wolf, Lynx, Moose and European Bison. Date: 25th May 2013 Location: south of Białowieża around Narewka bridge, Białowieża area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31192338.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1409539402591823f12d8b47.28904201.jpgPied Flycatcher The Pied Flycatcher is a small passerine bird in the Old World flycatcher family and is 1 of the 4 species of Western Palearctic black and white flycatchers. The breeding male Pied Flycatcher is mainly black above and white below with a large white wing patch, white tail sides and a small forehead patch. Non-breeding males, females and juveniles have the black replaced by a pale brown. The bill is black and it has the broad but pointed shape typical of aerial insectivores. The Pied Flycatcher has a very large range and population size and so it is of “least concern” according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It breeds in most of Europe and west Asia where it can be found in deciduous woodlands, parks and gardens, with a preference for oak trees. It will sometimes use mature open conifer woodland where natural tree holes occur. It builds an open nest in a tree hole and it will readily adapt to nest boxes. In the UK, the Pied Flycatcher is limited by geography and habitat to the north and west of the country where it prefers mature oak woodlands but also mature upland ash and birch woodlands. It has on average decreased in population by 25% within the last 25 years and it has ceased to breed in several parts of its former range. The Pied Flycatcher is migratory, wintering mainly in tropical west Africa from mid September to mid April. It first arrives in its breeding areas from mid April to the end of May. Following breeding, return migration to Africa occurs between August and mid September. The Pied Flycatcher is mainly insectivorous and its diet is composed nearly entirely of insects including flies, bees, wasps, ants, beetles, butterflies, moths, etc. but it will also eat fruit and seeds in late summer and autumn and on migration. Date: 8th May 2017 Location: Gilfach RWT reserve, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26541436.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_82382244556acec41a34f3.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 16th January 2016 Location: Caerlaverock WWT reserve, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51980701.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_156473454766d33498722d9.jpgLarge Skipper Flight period: June to July. The Large Skipper is a small golden butterfly which is widespread throughout England and Wales and it is also extending its range northwards in to southern Scotland. They can be found in areas of tall, uncut grassland, woodland rides, roadside verges and hedgerows. Date: 29th June 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645470.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_57700205851e3cea6d10e9.jpgWhinchat The Whinchat is similar in size to its relative the Robin. Both sexes have brownish upperparts mottled darker, a buff throat and breast, a pale buff to whitish belly and a blackish tail with white bases to the outer tail feathers. The male in breeding plumage has blackish face mask almost encircled by a strong white supercilium and malar stripe, a bright orange-buff throat and breast and small white wing patches. The female is duller overall, in particular having browner face mask, pale buffy-brown breast, and a buff supercilium and malar stripe and smaller or no white wing patches. Males in immature and winter plumage and are similar to females. The Whinchat is a fairly common migratory species in Europe and western Asia with birds arriving at their breeding grounds between the end of April and mid May and departing between mid August and mid September. They winter primarily in tropical sub-Saharan Africa with small numbers also in north west Africa. Date: 21st May 2013 Location: Biebrza area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52635531.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13568349366798c20db65f4.jpgGreat White Egret The Great White Egret is a large bird with all white plumage. Apart from size, the Great White Egret can be distinguished from other white egrets by its yellow bill and black legs and feet although the bill may become darker and the lower legs lighter in the breeding season. In breeding plumage, delicate ornamental feathers are borne on the back. It has a slow flight with its neck retracted. The Great White Egret is distributed across most of the tropical and warmer temperate regions of the world favouring all kinds of wetland habitats and it is a familiar species in southern Europe. Expanding populations in Europe mean that the Great White Egret is now seen more frequently in the UK and it can turn up in almost any part of the country with the majority of records in south east England and East Anglia. Date: 4th January 2025 Location: RSPB Dungeness, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52698447.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_131872609267b0be683c3e4.jpgKnot The Knot is a dumpy, short-legged, stocky wading bird. In winter, the Knot is grey above and white below but in summer the chest, belly and face are brick red, hence the name Red Knot in north America. The Knot breeds in the tundra areas of the far Arctic north of Europe, Russia and Canada. During migration periods, it can be seen on tidal flats, rocky shores and beaches. The Knot undertakes one of the longest migrations of any bird flying from their Arctic breeding grounds to the coasts and estuaries of Europe, Africa and Australia where they spend the winter. During winter, the Knot forms large, wheeling flocks that contain in excess of 100,000 birds. Date: 29th January 2025 Location: EWT Two Tree Island, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52635536.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5128501566798c2388c97b.jpgKestrel The Common Kestrel is a small falcon, smaller than most other birds of prey but larger than most songbirds. Females are noticeably larger than males. Their plumage is mainly light chestnut brown with blackish spots on the upperside and buff with narrow blackish streaks on the underside. Males have less black spots and streaks as well as a blue-grey cap and tail. The tail is brown with black bars in females and has a black tip with a narrow white rim in both sexes. Both sexes also have a prominent black malar stripe. The Common Kestrel occurs over a large range and it is widespread in Europe, Asia and Africa. In the cool temperate parts of its range, it migrates south in winter but otherwise it is sedentary although juveniles may wander around in search for a good place to settle down as they become mature. The Common Kestrel is a diurnal bird and can be found in most lowland habitats although it prefers open habitat such as fields, heaths, moorlands, shrubland and marshland. It does not require woodland to be present as long as there are alternate perching and nesting sites like rocks or buildings. It will thrive in treeless steppe where there are abundant shrubs to support a population of prey animals. Date: 4th January 2025 Location: Elmley, Isle of Sheppey, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24834019.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_610765680559cf3771a017.jpgSpur-winged Plover The Spur-winged Plover or Spur-winged Lapwing is a lapwing species and is a conspicuous and unmistakable bird. It is a medium-large wader with a black crown, chest, fore-neck stripe and tail. The face, the rest of the neck and the belly are white and the wings and back are light brown. The bill and legs are black. The bird's common name refers to a small claw or spur hidden in each of its wings. The Spur-winged Plover breeds in marshes and similar freshwater wetland habitats around the eastern Mediterranean and in a wide band from sub-Saharan west Africa to Arabia. The Greek and Turkish breeders are migratory but other populations are resident. The species is declining in its northern range but is abundant in much of tropical Africa where it can be seen at almost any wetland habitat in its range. Date: 8th May 2015 Location: Evros Delta (east), East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52698377.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_79520695767b0be491a37c.jpgWigeon The Eurasian Wigeon, or simply Wigeon, is one of 3 species of Wigeon in the dabbling duck genus Mareca. The Wigeon is 17 to 20 inches in length with a 28 to 31 inches wingspan. The breeding male has grey flanks and back with a black rear end, a dark green speculum and a brilliant white patch on the upper wings which obvious in flight or at rest. It has a pink breast, white belly and a chestnut head with a creamy crown. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female. The female is generally light brown but it can be distinguished from most other ducks, apart from the American Wigeon, on shape. The Wigeon breeds in the northernmost areas of Europe and Asia where it is the Old World counterpart of north America's American Wigeon. It is a bird of open wetlands, such as wet grassland or marshes with some taller vegetation, and nests on the ground near water and under cover. The Wigeon is strongly migratory and winters further south than its breeding range. It is highly gregarious outside of the breeding season and will form large flocks. In the UK, the Wigeon can be found all year round. It is a scarce breeding bird in central and northern Scotland and in northern England. In winter, many birds arrive in the UK from Iceland, Scandinavia and Russia and very large numbers can be seen on the coasts and at some inland sites. The Wigeon is categorised by the IUCN as a species of “Least Concern” but it is a species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 29th January 2025 Location: EWT Two Tree Island, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52699007.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_197885759467b0c48bc213f.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 2nd February 2025 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52698401.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10799427767b0be537da49.jpgCurlew The (Eurasian) Curlew is a wader and one of the most widespread of the curlew species. In Europe, it is usually referred to just as the Curlew. It is mainly greyish-brown with a white back, greyish-blue legs and a very long curved bill. Males and females look identical but the bill is longest in the adult female. The only similar species over most of the Curlew's range is the Whimbrel but this species is smaller and has a shorter bill with a kinked tip rather than a smooth curve. The English name "curlew" is imitative of the Curlew's familiar and loud curloo-oo call. The Curlew breeds across temperate Europe and Asia and builds a nest in a bare scrape on moors, meadows and similar habitats. It is a migratory species over most of its range and winters in Africa, south Europe and south Asia. It is present all year in the milder climates of the UK and its adjacent European coasts. In the UK, the greatest breeding numbers are found in north Wales, the Pennines, the southern uplands and Highlands of Scotland and on Orkney. In winter, it can be found around the whole UK coastline with the largest concentrations at Morecambe Bay, the Solway Firth and the Wash and the Dee, Severn, Humber and Thames estuaries. The Curlew is highly gregarious outside the breeding season and feeds by probing soft mud for small invertebrates or picking up small crabs and earthworms off the surface if the opportunity arises. The Curlew is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Formerly classified as a species of “Least Concern” by the IUCN, it was suspected to be rarer than generally assumed. Following the evaluation of its population size, the classification was found to be incorrect and it was consequently promoted to “Near Threatened” status in 2008. Though it is a common bird, its numbers are noticeably declining. Date: 29th January 2025 Location: EWT Two Tree Island, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52699002.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_209177287967b0c47c7db92.jpgGreat Crested Grebe The Great Crested Grebe is the largest member of the grebe family measuring 18 to 20 inches in length with a wing span of 23 to 29 inches. It is a graceful bird with its long neck, long bill and slender outline. In summer, the adults of both sexes are unmistakable being adorned with beautiful head-plumes which are reddish-orange in colour with black tips. There is also an erectile black crown. Non-breeding adults lack the full crest and have a dark crown bordered by a white face, the white extending down the fore-neck and chest. The sexes are similar in appearance but juveniles can be distinguished from adults by having a striped black and white head and neck. The Great Crested Grebe can be found across Europe and Asia and it breeds on shallow, reed-fringed freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs and slow rivers. It is resident in the milder west of its range but it migrates from the colder regions of its range to freshwater lakes, reservoirs and sheltered coastal areas in winter. The Great Crested Grebe has an elaborate mating display. Like all grebes, it nests on the water's edge since its legs are set relatively far back and it is thus unable to walk very well. Usually 2 eggs are laid and the fluffy, striped young grebes are often carried on the adult's back. In a clutch of 2 or more hatchlings, male and female grebes will each identify their “favourites” which they alone will care for and teach. Unusually, young Great Crested Grebes are capable of swimming and diving almost at hatching. The adults teach these skills to their young by carrying them on their backs and diving, leaving the chicks to float on the surface. They then re-emerge a few feet away so that the chicks may swim back on to them. The Great Crested Grebe feeds mainly on fish but it will also eat small crustaceans, insects and small frogs and newts. The Great Crested Grebe was hunted almost to extinction in the UK in the 19th century due to being hunted for its head plumes which were used to decorate hats and ladies' undergarments. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was set up to help protect the Great Crested Grebe which is now again a common sight. Date: 2nd February 2025 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52698356.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12975227367b0be3e952bc.jpgKnot The Knot is a dumpy, short-legged, stocky wading bird. In winter, the Knot is grey above and white below but in summer the chest, belly and face are brick red, hence the name Red Knot in north America. The Knot breeds in the tundra areas of the far Arctic north of Europe, Russia and Canada. During migration periods, it can be seen on tidal flats, rocky shores and beaches. The Knot undertakes one of the longest migrations of any bird flying from their Arctic breeding grounds to the coasts and estuaries of Europe, Africa and Australia where they spend the winter. During winter, the Knot forms large, wheeling flocks that contain in excess of 100,000 birds. Date: 29th January 2025 Location: EWT Two Tree Island, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/male-mallard https://images.on-this.website/4752_5998010067b0c4720e366.jpgMale Mallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 2nd February 2025 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453931.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14468839754ff545b3411e9.jpgGriffon Vultures The Griffon Vulture is a typical Old World vulture in appearance with a white bald head, very broad wings and short tail feathers. It has a white neck ruff and yellow bill. The buff body and wing coverts contrast with the dark flight feathers. They are very large birds around 37 to 43 inches long with a 91 to 106 inches wingspan. Like other vultures, the Griffon Vulture is a scavenger, feeding mostly from carcasses of dead animals which it finds by soaring over open areas, often moving in flocks. The population is mostly resident in its breeding range in the mountains of southern Europe, north Africa, and Asia. In Spain, there are tens of thousands of birds from a low of a few thousand around 1980 although the Pyrenees population has apparently been affected by an EU ruling that due to danger of BSE transmission, no carcasses must be left on the fields for the time being. Although the Griffon Vulture does not normally attack larger living prey, there are reports of Spanish Griffon Vultures killing weak, young or unhealthy living animals as they do not find enough carrion to eat. Date: 27th April 2012 Location: La Higuerilla, Parque Nacional de Monfragüe, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/june-2011-stac-pollaidh https://images.on-this.website/4752_11000412024e672fc3a1a74.jpgJune 2011 - Stac Pollaidh Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo10926834.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52698997.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13715168267b0c469bf065.jpgGreat Crested Grebe The Great Crested Grebe is the largest member of the grebe family measuring 18 to 20 inches in length with a wing span of 23 to 29 inches. It is a graceful bird with its long neck, long bill and slender outline. In summer, the adults of both sexes are unmistakable being adorned with beautiful head-plumes which are reddish-orange in colour with black tips. There is also an erectile black crown. Non-breeding adults lack the full crest and have a dark crown bordered by a white face, the white extending down the fore-neck and chest. The sexes are similar in appearance but juveniles can be distinguished from adults by having a striped black and white head and neck. The Great Crested Grebe can be found across Europe and Asia and it breeds on shallow, reed-fringed freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs and slow rivers. It is resident in the milder west of its range but it migrates from the colder regions of its range to freshwater lakes, reservoirs and sheltered coastal areas in winter. The Great Crested Grebe has an elaborate mating display. Like all grebes, it nests on the water's edge since its legs are set relatively far back and it is thus unable to walk very well. Usually 2 eggs are laid and the fluffy, striped young grebes are often carried on the adult's back. In a clutch of 2 or more hatchlings, male and female grebes will each identify their “favourites” which they alone will care for and teach. Unusually, young Great Crested Grebes are capable of swimming and diving almost at hatching. The adults teach these skills to their young by carrying them on their backs and diving, leaving the chicks to float on the surface. They then re-emerge a few feet away so that the chicks may swim back on to them. The Great Crested Grebe feeds mainly on fish but it will also eat small crustaceans, insects and small frogs and newts. The Great Crested Grebe was hunted almost to extinction in the UK in the 19th century due to being hunted for its head plumes which were used to decorate hats and ladies' undergarments. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was set up to help protect the Great Crested Grebe which is now again a common sight. Date: 2nd February 2025 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52698387.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_147768023067b0be4cd5dea.jpgWigeon The Eurasian Wigeon, or simply Wigeon, is one of 3 species of Wigeon in the dabbling duck genus Mareca. The Wigeon is 17 to 20 inches in length with a 28 to 31 inches wingspan. The breeding male has grey flanks and back with a black rear end, a dark green speculum and a brilliant white patch on the upper wings which obvious in flight or at rest. It has a pink breast, white belly and a chestnut head with a creamy crown. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female. The female is generally light brown but it can be distinguished from most other ducks, apart from the American Wigeon, on shape. The Wigeon breeds in the northernmost areas of Europe and Asia where it is the Old World counterpart of north America's American Wigeon. It is a bird of open wetlands, such as wet grassland or marshes with some taller vegetation, and nests on the ground near water and under cover. The Wigeon is strongly migratory and winters further south than its breeding range. It is highly gregarious outside of the breeding season and will form large flocks. In the UK, the Wigeon can be found all year round. It is a scarce breeding bird in central and northern Scotland and in northern England. In winter, many birds arrive in the UK from Iceland, Scandinavia and Russia and very large numbers can be seen on the coasts and at some inland sites. The Wigeon is categorised by the IUCN as a species of “Least Concern” but it is a species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 29th January 2025 Location: EWT Two Tree Island, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801071.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_90932813364eda2a13cb2b.jpgEssex Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Essex Skipper is a small butterfly with a darting flight. It has bright orange-brown wings which are held with the forewings angled above the hind wings. The males have a thin black scent brand line running through the centre of the forewing and parallel to the leading edge. The Small Skipper appears very similar but it lacks the black tips to the antenna and it has a longer scent brand which is angled to the edge of the forewing. Since the Essex Skipper and the Small Skipper closely resemble each other and are often found in the same company, the Essex Skipper has been overlooked both in terms of recording and ecological study and it was the last UK resident species to be described (in 1889). The Essex Skipper can be found in tall, dry grasslands in open sunny situations, especially roadside verges, woodland rides and acid grasslands as well as coastal marshes. The distribution of the Essex Skipper in the UK has more than doubled in the last few decades. It is a widespread species in southern and central England but not in the far south-west. Date: 8th July 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52698425.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_96354566867b0be5e10aae.jpgKnot The Knot is a dumpy, short-legged, stocky wading bird. In winter, the Knot is grey above and white below but in summer the chest, belly and face are brick red, hence the name Red Knot in north America. The Knot breeds in the tundra areas of the far Arctic north of Europe, Russia and Canada. During migration periods, it can be seen on tidal flats, rocky shores and beaches. The Knot undertakes one of the longest migrations of any bird flying from their Arctic breeding grounds to the coasts and estuaries of Europe, Africa and Australia where they spend the winter. During winter, the Knot forms large, wheeling flocks that contain in excess of 100,000 birds. Date: 29th January 2025 Location: EWT Two Tree Island, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52698452.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_69079135967b0be6c857a5.jpgKestrel The Common Kestrel is a small falcon, smaller than most other birds of prey but larger than most songbirds. Females are noticeably larger than males. Their plumage is mainly light chestnut brown with blackish spots on the upperside and buff with narrow blackish streaks on the underside. Males have less black spots and streaks as well as a blue-grey cap and tail. The tail is brown with black bars in females and has a black tip with a narrow white rim in both sexes. Both sexes also have a prominent black malar stripe. The Common Kestrel occurs over a large range and it is widespread in Europe, Asia and Africa. In the cool temperate parts of its range, it migrates south in winter but otherwise it is sedentary although juveniles may wander around in search for a good place to settle down as they become mature. The Common Kestrel is a diurnal bird and can be found in most lowland habitats although it prefers open habitat such as fields, heaths, moorlands, shrubland and marshland. It does not require woodland to be present as long as there are alternate perching and nesting sites like rocks or buildings. It will thrive in treeless steppe where there are abundant shrubs to support a population of prey animals. Date: 29th January 2025 Location: EWT Two Tree Island, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52699006.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_173453682867b0c4867bd00.jpgGreat Crested Grebe The Great Crested Grebe is the largest member of the grebe family measuring 18 to 20 inches in length with a wing span of 23 to 29 inches. It is a graceful bird with its long neck, long bill and slender outline. In summer, the adults of both sexes are unmistakable being adorned with beautiful head-plumes which are reddish-orange in colour with black tips. There is also an erectile black crown. Non-breeding adults lack the full crest and have a dark crown bordered by a white face, the white extending down the fore-neck and chest. The sexes are similar in appearance but juveniles can be distinguished from adults by having a striped black and white head and neck. The Great Crested Grebe can be found across Europe and Asia and it breeds on shallow, reed-fringed freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs and slow rivers. It is resident in the milder west of its range but it migrates from the colder regions of its range to freshwater lakes, reservoirs and sheltered coastal areas in winter. The Great Crested Grebe has an elaborate mating display. Like all grebes, it nests on the water's edge since its legs are set relatively far back and it is thus unable to walk very well. Usually 2 eggs are laid and the fluffy, striped young grebes are often carried on the adult's back. In a clutch of 2 or more hatchlings, male and female grebes will each identify their “favourites” which they alone will care for and teach. Unusually, young Great Crested Grebes are capable of swimming and diving almost at hatching. The adults teach these skills to their young by carrying them on their backs and diving, leaving the chicks to float on the surface. They then re-emerge a few feet away so that the chicks may swim back on to them. The Great Crested Grebe feeds mainly on fish but it will also eat small crustaceans, insects and small frogs and newts. The Great Crested Grebe was hunted almost to extinction in the UK in the 19th century due to being hunted for its head plumes which were used to decorate hats and ladies' undergarments. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was set up to help protect the Great Crested Grebe which is now again a common sight. Date: 2nd February 2025 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52635523.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_642635156798c1c24d349.jpgGreen Sandpiper The Green Sandpiper is a small and slightly plump wader with a dark greenish-brown back and wings, greyish head and breast and otherwise white underparts. The back is spotted white to varying extents, being most noticeable in the breeding adult and less so in winter and young birds. The legs and short bill are both dark green. It is conspicuous and characteristically patterned in flight with the wings dark above and below and a brilliant white rump. In flight it has a characteristic 3 note whistle. The Green Sandpiper breeds across sub-arctic Europe and east across the Palearctic. It is a migratory bird, wintering in southern Europe, the Indian subcontinent, south east Asia and tropical Africa. The Green Sandpiper is very much a bird of freshwater habitats and it is often found in sites too restricted for other waders. It is not a gregarious species although sometimes small numbers congregate in suitable feeding areas. The Green Sandpiper feeds on small invertebrate items picked off the mud as it works steadily around the edges of its chosen lagoon, pond or ditch. The Green Sandpiper is widely distributed and not uncommon. It is not considered a threatened species by the IUCN on a global scale but it is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 3rd January 2025 Location: EWT Abberton Reservoir, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52635527.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2569298916798c1cd50092.jpgSlavonian Grebe The Slavonian Grebe is a member of the grebe family of water birds. It is also known as the Horned Grebe in north America. Unmistakable in summer, the plumage of both the male and female Slavonian Grebe shows a black head with golden puffy earlike tufts along the sides of its face. It shows a deep rusty red neck, scarlet eyes and a small, straight black bill tipped with white. During the winter, the Slavonian Grebe is mainly white with a sharply defined black cap. The Slavonian Grebe breeds in vegetated areas of freshwater lakes across Europe and Asia. It also breeds in remote inland parts of the United States and much of Canada. Like all grebes, it builds a nest on the water's edge, since its legs are set very far back and it can not walk well. Most birds migrate in winter to the coast. Date: 3rd January 2025 Location: EWT Abberton Reservoir, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/ben-more-mull-argyll https://images.on-this.website/4752_6681123984b5221f99d98b.jpgBen More, Mull, Argyll Height: 3168 feet. Ben More is the highest peak on the island of Mull and is a prominent feature of many views on the island. It is situated to the west of Mull's main central range of hills to the north of Loch Scridain and to the south of Loch na Keal. Ben More is a massive grey bulk whose upper slopes are covered in a mantle of angular scree. Its north eastern corrie is particularly craggy and often contains snow well into the spring. The Gaelic name Beinn Mhòr means "big hill" or “great mountain”. Date: 2nd January 2010 Location: view from the A849 road overlooking Loch Beg http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11202938.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9689676604e186097c26f0.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 6th January 2008 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/common-wall-lizard https://images.on-this.website/4752_800947061559ce817e1249.jpgCommon Wall Lizard The Common (European) Wall Lizard is a small, thin lizard which can grow to about 7.9 inches in total length and whose small scales are highly variable in colour and pattern. Its colouration is generally brownish or greyish and may occasionally be tinged with green. In some individuals, the row of spots along their backs may form a line whilst others may have a reticulated pattern with dark spots on the side and scattered white spots that can be blue in the shoulder region. The tail is brown, grey or rust in colour and may also have light bars on the sides. The belly region has six rows of larger rectangular scales that are generally reddish, pink or orangish. There may also be dark markings on the throat. The Common Wall Lizard has 6 distinct morphological forms which are identified by the colouration of its throat and underbelly. The Common Wall Lizard can be found in rocky environments, including urban settings, where it can scurry between rock, rubble, debris and buildings. Its natural range spans mainland Europe but it also occurs as an introduced species in southern UK and north America. Date: 14th May 2015 Location: Great Prespa Lake (Megali Prespa), West Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41349632.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3032892705f2008e65a38b.jpgSmall Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Small Skipper is a common and widespread butterfly in most parts of England and has been expanding its range northwards. They can be found in rough grassland, roadside verges, edges of fields and woodland glades. Date: 25th June 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo44605471.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_115795303061acbf5cb288d.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 16th November 2021 Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43629094.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15463260606118aaa7ab97c.jpgSmall Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Small Skipper has a rusty orange colour to the wings, upper body and the tips of the antennae. The body is silvery white below and it has a wingspan of 25 to 30 mm. It is very similar in appearance to the Essex Skipper but the undersides of the tips of the antennae are yellow orange in the Small Skipper whereas they are black in the Essex Skipper. The Small Skipper is a common and widespread butterfly in most parts of England and has been expanding its range northwards. It can be found in rough grassland, roadside verges, edges of fields and woodland clearings where it is often seen basking on vegetation or making short buzzing flights among tall grass stems. Date: 17th July 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15747151.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14006643485017a7431b277.jpgRuddy Darter Flight period: mid June to mid September. The Ruddy Darter takes its name from its colour and its swift flight behaviour. The male has a deep russet colour over the entire body and the abdomen has a pinched section close to where it joins the thorax. Females are slightly smaller, golden yellow in colour and being less obviously marked are more difficult to identify than the males. There is more than one red coloured darter species in the UK and they can be easily confused with each other. The commonest red species, the Common Darter, can be distinguished as having red veins at the base of the wings and a less ruddy colouration across the body. However, the Ruddy Darter has entirely black legs, distinguishing it from all other red darters which have longitudinal yellow stripes on their legs. The UK range of the Ruddy Darter has undergone something of an expansion in recent years. Although still relatively uncommon in the west and north of Britain, it is increasing in numbers in the Midlands and eastern England. The population is augmented by continental migrants. It is also found over most of Europe except for northern Scandinavia, as far east as western Siberia and south to north Africa. The Ruddy Darter prefers water bodies with tall emergent vegetation, such as reeds and club rush, and it is known to breed in ponds, lakes, canals, ditches and sluggish rivers. They can also be found near coasts and can breed in fairly brackish water. Date: 25th July 2012 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28592751.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_81857590557ab053d7d8eb.jpgRed Admiral Flight period: April to November. The Red Admiral is a familiar and widespread butterfly in the UK although numbers depend on immigration from Europe. It can be found in any flower-rich habitat. Date: 5th August 2016 Location: Minsmere, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11806168.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3240331824e3a7816a20b3.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 30th July 2011 Location: Minsmere RSPB reserve, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457113.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_585527447668570c7333e4.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801266.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_150734247364edb316ddb07.jpgBrown Argus Flight period: May to September. The Brown Argus is always brown but confusingly belongs to the group of "blue" butterflies! They are usually found on chalk and limestone grassland in south east England but may also occur in a wide variety of other habitats such as heathland, coastal dunes, woodland clearings and road verges. Date: 26th July 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14184419.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12299261714f421b19a827c.jpgCommon Blue Flight period: June to September. The Common Blue is the UK’s most widespread and common blue butterfly although it has suffered some local declines due to habitat loss. They can be found in sunny, sheltered areas including downland, roadside verges, woodland clearings and rural gardens. Date: 5th August 2006 Location: Stow Maries Halt EWT reserve, Stow Maries, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19507352.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_74399814752528a4fd0490.jpgSierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain This Natural Park (Parque Natural) includes a large sector of the central Sierra Morena, the east-west line of mountains which divides Andalucia from the rest of Spain. The Sierra de Andújar stretches for 45 miles with a highest point of 4230 feet and it is densely wooded boasting one of Andalucia's best preserved expanses of Mediterranean woodland and scrubland. The Sierra de Andújar is one of two of Spain's last refuges for the elusive and highly endangered Iberian Lynx. Date: 13th September 2013 Location: view from road to Embalse del Jándula, Sierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/ojen-valley-andalucia-spain https://images.on-this.website/4752_993331495525289f9b8822.jpgOjen valley, Andalucia, Spain The Ojen valley is located in the Los Alcornocales Natural Park in the province of Cádiz in Andalucia. The minor road between Facinas in the west and Los Barrios in the east is an attractive route and halfway along is the Mirador Puerto de Ojén with superb views. The road winds through cork forests and past verdant river woodland in the bottom of the valley itself. Date: 11th September 2013 Location: minor road between Facinas and Los Barrios, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19507355.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_44985438852528a5c5795e.jpgSierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain This Natural Park (Parque Natural) includes a large sector of the central Sierra Morena, the east-west line of mountains which divides Andalucia from the rest of Spain. The Sierra de Andújar stretches for 45 miles with a highest point of 4230 feet and it is densely wooded boasting one of Andalucia's best preserved expanses of Mediterranean woodland and scrubland. The Sierra de Andújar is one of two of Spain's last refuges for the elusive and highly endangered Iberian Lynx. Date: 13th September 2013 Location: view from road to Embalse del Jándula, Sierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51984696.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_75313270266d356e8e1920.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 27th August 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/south-spain-trip-description-to https://images.on-this.website/4752_79530876152528a17a9bd6.jpgSierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain This Natural Park (Parque Natural) includes a large sector of the central Sierra Morena, the east-west line of mountains which divides Andalucia from the rest of Spain. The Sierra de Andújar stretches for 45 miles with a highest point of 4230 feet and it is densely wooded boasting one of Andalucia's best preserved expanses of Mediterranean woodland and scrubland. The Sierra de Andújar is one of two of Spain's last refuges for the elusive and highly endangered Iberian Lynx. Date: 13th September 2013 Location: view from road from Andújar to Los Pinos, Sierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17061278.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_64053330150e02dc8295bc.jpgWigeon The Eurasian Wigeon, or simply Wigeon, is one of 3 species of Wigeon in the dabbling duck genus [i]Mareca[/i]. The Wigeon is 17 to 20 inches in length with a 28 to 31 inches wingspan. The breeding male has grey flanks and back with a black rear end, a dark green speculum and a brilliant white patch on the upper wings which obvious in flight or at rest. It has a pink breast, white belly and a chestnut head with a creamy crown. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female. The female is generally light brown but it can be distinguished from most other ducks, apart from the American Wigeon, on shape. The Wigeon breeds in the northernmost areas of Europe and Asia where it is the Old World counterpart of north America's American Wigeon. It is a bird of open wetlands, such as wet grassland or marshes with some taller vegetation, and nests on the ground near water and under cover. The Wigeon is strongly migratory and winters further south than its breeding range. It is highly gregarious outside of the breeding season and will form large flocks. In the UK, the Wigeon can be found all year round. It is a scarce breeding bird in central and northern Scotland and in northern England. In winter, many birds arrive in the UK from Iceland, Scandinavia and Russia and very large numbers can be seen on the coasts and at some inland sites. The Wigeon is categorised by the IUCN as a species of “Least Concern” but it is a species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 26th December 2012 Location: Buckenham Marshes, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41225545.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4227362185ed9fe8145ab9.jpgLesser Whitethroat The Lesser Whitethroat is a typical warbler in the Sylvia genus. Unlike many warblers in its genus, the sexes are almost identical. It is a small bird with a grey back, whitish underparts, a grey head with a darker "bandit mask" through the eyes and a white throat. It is slightly smaller than the Common Whitethroat and lacks the chestnut wings and uniform head and face colour of that species. The Lesser Whitethroat can be hard to see and it is often only noticed when it gives its fast and rattling song or “tacking” alarm call. The Lesser Whitethroat is common and widespread and breeds in temperate Europe and in the west and central Palearctic. It is usually found in fairly open country with scattered trees and large bushes and scrub for nesting. It is strongly migratory and winters in Africa just south of the Sahara, Arabia and India. In the UK, the Lesser Whitethroat can be seen from mid-April to mid-October in England, Wales and south Scotland but it is absent from upland areas. Like most warblers, the Lesser Whitethroat is insectivorous but it will also take berries and other soft fruit to build up fat reserves before migration. Date: 14th May 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/sanna-bay-ardnamurchan-argyll https://images.on-this.website/4752_9383978764681c4dd9d756.jpgSanna Bay, Ardnamurchan, Argyll The small settlement of Sanna lies 6 miles north west of Kilchoan, close to the tip of the Ardnamurchan Peninsula. Sanna Bay lies between Sanna Point to the north and Ardnamurchan Point to the south and is dominated by impressive sand dunes, beautiful white shell sand bays and a stunning turquoise sea. It is one of the most beautiful beaches in Scotland. From Sanna Point there are superb views, extending from the islands of Eigg and Rhum to the north with Skye beyond, round to Ardnamurchan Point and its lighthouse to the south west and the island of Coll beyond that. The Western Isles can be seen to the north west but due west there is nothing but sea until the continent of North America is reached. Date: 8th June 2006 Location: view from Sanna Bay http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38397314.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6078537225ce127d30fb7e.jpgBlack Grouse The Black Grouse is a large game bird in the grouse family. The male has all black plumage with distinctive red wattles over the eyes and striking white stripes along each wing in flight. It has a lyre-shaped tail which is fanned out and raised to show white under-tail feathers when displaying. The female is smaller and grey-brown in colour. The Black Grouse is a sedentary species and breeds across northern Eurasia in moorland and bog areas near to mostly boreal woodland. Although it is declining, it is not considered to be vulnerable globally due to the large population and slow rate of decline. Its decline is due to loss of habitat, disturbance, predation by foxes, crows, etc., and small populations gradually dying out. In the UK, the Black Grouse are found in upland areas of Wales, the Pennines and most of Scotland, especially on farmland and moorland with nearby forestry or scattered trees. Habitat loss and overgrazing have resulted in severe population declines which make the Black Grouse a Red List species. Positive habitat management and re-introduction programmes are helping it to increase in some areas. The Black Grouse has a very distinctive and well-recorded courtship. At dawn in the spring, the males strut around in a traditional area (lek) and display whilst making a highly distinctive and bubbling mating call. This photo was taken at a well known roadside lekking site. If visiting, please remain in your car to avoid disturbance to these vulnerable breeding birds. Date: 10th May 2019 Location: World's End, Denbighshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46027947.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13314281926291ef7f94ebc.jpgOystercatcher The Oystercatcher is a wader in the oystercatcher family. It is an obvious and noisy bird with black and white plumage, red legs and a strong broad red bill which is used for smashing or prising open molluscs such as mussels or for finding earthworms. Despite its name, oysters do not form a large part of its diet. The Oystercatcher is unmistakable in flight with white patches on the wings and tail with otherwise black upperparts and white underparts. Young birds are more brown, have a white neck collar and a duller bill. The call is a distinctive loud piping. The bill shape varies: Oystercatchers with broad bill tips open molluscs by prising them apart or hammering through the shell whereas birds with pointed bills dig up worms. Much of this is due to the wear resulting from feeding on their prey. Individual Oystercatchers specialise in one technique or the other which they learn from their parents. The Oystercatcher is the most widespread of the oystercatchers with 3 races breeding in western Europe, central Eurasia, Kamchatka, China, and the western coast of Korea. It is a migratory species over most of its range. The European population breeds mainly in northern Europe but in winter the birds can be found in north Africa and southern parts of Europe. Although the species is present all year in Ireland, the UK and the adjacent European coasts, there is still migratory movement within these populations. The Oystercatcher breeds on shingle and rocky beaches, sand dunes, salt marshes and on the grassy tops of small islands and also inland on shingle banks of rivers, lakes and gravel pits. Date: 21st May 2022 Location: EWT Two Tree Island, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308897.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15167797963ee38373b196.jpgEgyptian Geese The Egyptian Goose is native to Africa south of the Sahara and the Nile Valley. It was considered sacred by the ancient Egyptians and appeared in much of their artwork. It has been raised for food and extensively bred in parts of Africa since it was domesticated by the ancient Egyptians. The Egyptian Goose is believed to be most closely related to the shelducks and their relatives. However, in flight it looks heavy and more like a goose than a duck, hence the English name. The sexes of the Egyptian Goose are identical in plumage but the males average slightly larger. There is a fair amount of variation in plumage with some birds greyer and others browner. It has distinctive dark brown eye patches and contrasting white wing patches in flight. The Egyptian Goose breeds widely in Africa except in deserts and dense forests and it is locally abundant. It is found mostly in the Nile Valley and south of the Sahara. While not breeding, it sometimes makes longer migrations northwards into the arid regions of the Sahel. The Egyptian Goose has also been introduced elsewhere: the UK, the Netherlands, France and Germany have self-sustaining populations which are mostly derived from escaped ornamental birds. The UK population dates back to the 18th century although it was only formally added to the British list in 1971. In the UK it can be seen on ornamental ponds as well as on gravel pits and lowland lakes and wetlands. The north Norfolk coast and Norfolk Broads hold the highest numbers. The Egyptian Goose will nest in a large variety of situations, especially in holes in mature trees in parkland. The female builds the nest from reeds, leaves and grass, and both parents take turns incubating eggs. Egyptian Geese usually pair for life and both the male and female care for the offspring until they are old enough to care for themselves. Date: 21st January 2022 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52698996.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_202338346867b0c463b9402.jpgGreat Crested Grebe The Great Crested Grebe is the largest member of the grebe family measuring 18 to 20 inches in length with a wing span of 23 to 29 inches. It is a graceful bird with its long neck, long bill and slender outline. In summer, the adults of both sexes are unmistakable being adorned with beautiful head-plumes which are reddish-orange in colour with black tips. There is also an erectile black crown. Non-breeding adults lack the full crest and have a dark crown bordered by a white face, the white extending down the fore-neck and chest. The sexes are similar in appearance but juveniles can be distinguished from adults by having a striped black and white head and neck. The Great Crested Grebe can be found across Europe and Asia and it breeds on shallow, reed-fringed freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs and slow rivers. It is resident in the milder west of its range but it migrates from the colder regions of its range to freshwater lakes, reservoirs and sheltered coastal areas in winter. The Great Crested Grebe has an elaborate mating display. Like all grebes, it nests on the water's edge since its legs are set relatively far back and it is thus unable to walk very well. Usually 2 eggs are laid and the fluffy, striped young grebes are often carried on the adult's back. In a clutch of 2 or more hatchlings, male and female grebes will each identify their “favourites” which they alone will care for and teach. Unusually, young Great Crested Grebes are capable of swimming and diving almost at hatching. The adults teach these skills to their young by carrying them on their backs and diving, leaving the chicks to float on the surface. They then re-emerge a few feet away so that the chicks may swim back on to them. The Great Crested Grebe feeds mainly on fish but it will also eat small crustaceans, insects and small frogs and newts. The Great Crested Grebe was hunted almost to extinction in the UK in the 19th century due to being hunted for its head plumes which were used to decorate hats and ladies' undergarments. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was set up to help protect the Great Crested Grebe which is now again a common sight. Date: 2nd February 2025 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52698457.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10721319767b0be6d671ab.jpgKestrel The Common Kestrel is a small falcon, smaller than most other birds of prey but larger than most songbirds. Females are noticeably larger than males. Their plumage is mainly light chestnut brown with blackish spots on the upperside and buff with narrow blackish streaks on the underside. Males have less black spots and streaks as well as a blue-grey cap and tail. The tail is brown with black bars in females and has a black tip with a narrow white rim in both sexes. Both sexes also have a prominent black malar stripe. The Common Kestrel occurs over a large range and it is widespread in Europe, Asia and Africa. In the cool temperate parts of its range, it migrates south in winter but otherwise it is sedentary although juveniles may wander around in search for a good place to settle down as they become mature. The Common Kestrel is a diurnal bird and can be found in most lowland habitats although it prefers open habitat such as fields, heaths, moorlands, shrubland and marshland. It does not require woodland to be present as long as there are alternate perching and nesting sites like rocks or buildings. It will thrive in treeless steppe where there are abundant shrubs to support a population of prey animals. Date: 29th January 2025 Location: EWT Two Tree Island, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52635529.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3305932466798c20a8a9c9.jpgGreat White Egret The Great White Egret is a large bird with all white plumage. Apart from size, the Great White Egret can be distinguished from other white egrets by its yellow bill and black legs and feet although the bill may become darker and the lower legs lighter in the breeding season. In breeding plumage, delicate ornamental feathers are borne on the back. It has a slow flight with its neck retracted. The Great White Egret is distributed across most of the tropical and warmer temperate regions of the world favouring all kinds of wetland habitats and it is a familiar species in southern Europe. Expanding populations in Europe mean that the Great White Egret is now seen more frequently in the UK and it can turn up in almost any part of the country with the majority of records in south east England and East Anglia. Date: 4th January 2025 Location: RSPB Dungeness, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11946590.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12695135984e40f246319b6.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 3rd November 2008 Location: Kintour, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4267232.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3963892894b522366e5c51.jpgWigeon The Eurasian Wigeon, or simply Wigeon, is one of 3 species of Wigeon in the dabbling duck genus [i]Mareca[/i]. The Wigeon is 17 to 20 inches in length with a 28 to 31 inches wingspan. The breeding male has grey flanks and back with a black rear end, a dark green speculum and a brilliant white patch on the upper wings which obvious in flight or at rest. It has a pink breast, white belly and a chestnut head with a creamy crown. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female. The female is generally light brown but it can be distinguished from most other ducks, apart from the American Wigeon, on shape. The Wigeon breeds in the northernmost areas of Europe and Asia where it is the Old World counterpart of north America's American Wigeon. It is a bird of open wetlands, such as wet grassland or marshes with some taller vegetation, and nests on the ground near water and under cover. The Wigeon is strongly migratory and winters further south than its breeding range. It is highly gregarious outside of the breeding season and will form large flocks. In the UK, the Wigeon can be found all year round. It is a scarce breeding bird in central and northern Scotland and in northern England. In winter, many birds arrive in the UK from Iceland, Scandinavia and Russia and very large numbers can be seen on the coasts and at some inland sites. The Wigeon is categorised by the IUCN as a species of “Least Concern” but it is a species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 26th December 2009 Location: Buckenham Marshes, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21955204.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_150880661753da0ac01b99b.jpgInner Farne, Farne Islands, Northummberland The Farne Islands are a group of islands off the coast of Northumberland. There are between 15 and 20 islands depending on the state of the tide and they are scattered about 1½ to 4¾ miles from the mainland and divided into two groups, the Inner Group and the Outer Group. The main islands in the Inner Group are Inner Farne, Knoxes Reef and the East and West Wideopens (all joined together on very low tides) and the Megstone. The main islands in the Outer Group are Staple Island, the Brownsman, North and South Wamses, Big Harcar and the Longstone. The two groups are separated by Staple Sound. The highest point, on Inner Farne, is 62 feet above mean sea level. The Farne Islands, an important wildlife habitat, are much visited by boat trips from Seahouses. Local boats are licensed to land passengers on Inner Farne, Staple Island and the Longstone. Landing on other islands is prohibited to protect the wildlife. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: view from the boat from Seahouses Harbour http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874745.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1798035372561cca917b465.jpgFaxaflói, Reykjavík, Iceland Faxaflói, formerly known in English as Faxa Bay or Faxe Bay, is a large bay located in south west Iceland between the Snæfellsnes peninsula and the Reykjanes peninsula. The capital of Iceland, Reykjavík, is situated on the southern shore of Faxaflói. Faxaflói has always been a source of nourishment of the people living on its shore. Historically, fishermen went out in small boats to fish near the shore but today the ships are much bigger but have to go farther out to sea if they wish to catch anything. Faxaflói is a popular destination for whale watching trips from Reykjavík which set off in search of Minke Whales, Humpback Whales, White-beaked Dolphins and Harbour Porpoises. Date: 10th June 2015 Location: view from Elding whale watching boat http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493296.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18712582865f326f9b9f9ab.jpgRazorbill The Razorbill is a seabird and a member of the auk family which also includes the Common Guillemot, Brunnich's Guillemot and Little Auk. It is also the closest living relative to the Great Auk which is now extinct. The Razorbill has white underparts and a black head, neck, back and feet during the breeding season. A thin white line also extends from the eyes to the end of the bill. Its head is darker than that of the CommonGuillemot. Outside the breeding season, the throat and face behind the eye become white and the white line on the face becomes less prominent. The thick black bill has a blunt end. The adult male and female female are very much alike having only small differences such as wing length. The Razorbill has a horizontal stance and the tail feathers are slightly longer in the centre in comparison to other auks making it have a distinctly long tail which is not common for an auk. The Razorbill is distributed across the sub-arctic and boreal waters of the north Atlantic where water surface temperature are typically below 15°c. The world population is estimated to be less than 1 million breeding pairs, making it among the rarest auks in the world. Approximately 60 to 70% of the entire Razorbill population breeds in Iceland., including over 200,000 pairs at Látrabjarg. The breeding habitat is islands, rocky shores and cliffs on north Atlantic coasts, in eastern North America as far south as Maine and in western Europe from north west Russia to northern France. Eurasian birds winter at sea with some moving south as far as the western Mediterranean. North American birds migrate offshore and south. The Razorbill is a colonial breeder and only comes to land to breed. Individuals only breed at 3 to 5 years of age. Females select their mate and will often encourage competition between males before choosing a partner. Once a male is chosen, the pair will usually stay together for life. Nest site determination is very important to ensure protection of young from predators. Unlike Common Guillemots, nest sites are not immediately alongside the sea on open cliff ledges but at least 4 to 6 inches away in crevices on cliffs or among boulders. Generally a nest is not built although some pairs often use their bills to drag material upon which to lay their single egg. The mating pair will often reuse the same site every year. The Razorbill feeds mainly on schooling fish and crustaceans and it will dive deep into the sea using its wings and its streamlined body to propel itself toward their prey. Whilst diving, it rarely stays in groups but instead spreads out to feed. The majority of feeding occurs at a depth of about 80 feet but it has the ability to dive up to 400 feet below the surface. During a single dive the Razorbill can capture and swallow many schooling fish depending on their size. The Razorbill spends approximately 45% of its time foraging at sea and it may well fly more than 60 miles out to sea to feed. However, when feeding chicks it will forage much closer to the nesting grounds and often in shallower water. The Razorbill and its eggs and chicks have several predators which include Great Black-backed Gulls, Peregrines, Ravens and other crows, Arctic Foxes and Polar Bears. In the early 20th century, Razorbills were harvested for their eggs, meat and feathers and this greatly decreased their population. In 1917 they were finally protected which reduced hunting. Other current threats include oil pollution, unintentional bycatch arising from commercial fishing and overfishing which decreases the abundance of prey. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40713564.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18693241615e16f7a85baa9.jpgWaxwing The Waxwing is a plump bird which is slightly smaller than a Starling. It is buff or pinkish-brown in colour with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings, a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest. The bird’s name is derived from the red tips to some of the wing feathers which are said to look like they have been dipped in sealing wax. Waxwings breed in the dense forests of northern Europe but they occur in varying numbers in the UK from October to March. In some years they can occur in large numbers (known as irruptions) when the population in the breeding areas gets too big for the food available. The first UK arrivals each winter are usually seen on the east coast from Scotland to East Anglia but birds then move inland in search of food. They can be found in parks and gardens and even busy public places such as supermarket car parks, typically where there are berry-bearing trees and bushes such as rowan, hawthorn, cotoneaster and rose. Waxwings seem fearless of humans so it is relatively easy to get very close views of these stunning birds. Waxwings make an easily recognisable high-pitched trilling sound like a bell. Date: 24th December 2019 Location: Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/camas-a-charraig-and-gruinard https://images.on-this.website/4752_741066624595624c1d27ec8.31681085.jpgCamas a' Charraig and Gruinard Bay, Wester Ross From the village of Laide on the north west coast of Wester Ross in the Scottish Highlands, a single track road heads north from the A832 along the western shore of Gruinard Bay towards Mellon Udrigle. Mellon Udrigle is a small and remote crofting, fishing and tourist settlement. Backed by dunes and framed by rocky promontories, this is one of the most attractive pieces of coastline in Wester Ross. With clear turquoise water and clean white sand, Camas a’ Charraig is spectacular in itself even without its stunning location. What makes the beach really special is the distant mountain vista across Gruinard Bay. To the north east the views include the distinctive profile of Suilven near Lochinver, and the mountains of Coigach, including the top of Stac Pollaidh, whilst to the south east the views conclude with a glimpse of An Teallach. Date: 23rd June 2017 Location: view from Mellon Udrigle at Camas a’ Charraig looking east across Gruinard Bay http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12869408.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_638564934e786b27c69f9.jpgLittle Grebe The Little Grebe, also known as the Dabchick, is the smallest member of the grebe family measuring 9 to 11.5 inches in length. The adult is unmistakable in summer, predominantly dark above with its rich, rufous colour neck, cheeks and flanks and bright yellow gape. The rufous is replaced by a dirty brownish grey in non-breeding and juvenile birds. Juveniles have a yellow bill with a small black tip and black and white streaks on the cheeks and sides of the neck. This yellow bill darkens as the juveniles age, eventually turning black as an adult. The Little Grebe can be noisy with a distinctive whinnying trill. The Little Grebe can be found across Europe, much of Asia down to New Guinea and in most of Africa. It breeds in small colonies in freshwater wetlands with muddy bottoms and edges and still or slow-moving water with plenty of emergent vegetation such as lakes, gravel pits, canals and rivers. Most birds move to more open or coastal waters in winter but it is only migratory in those parts of its range where the waters freeze. Like all grebes, the Little Grebe nests at the water's edge since its legs are set very far back and it can not walk well. Usually 4 to 7 eggs are laid. The young leave the nest and can swim soon after hatching but are often carried on the backs of the swimming adults. The Little Grebe is an excellent swimmer and diver and pursues its fish and aquatic invertebrate prey underwater. It uses the vegetation skilfully as a hiding place. Date: 18th September 2011 Location: Cromford Canal, Derbyshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41537250.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12665998565f3cfdfe6d11c.jpgKittiwakes The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 4th July 2019 Location: Flåget, Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/glaucous-gulls https://images.on-this.website/4752_91510251656389b8758911.jpgGlaucous Gulls The Glaucous Gull is a large and powerful gull which is very pale in all plumages with no black on either the wings or the tail. The term “glaucous” describes its colouration. Adults are pale grey above with a thick yellow bill. Immatures are very pale grey with a pink and black bill. The Glaucous Gull is considerably larger, bulkier and thicker-billed than the similar Iceland Gull and it can sometimes equal the size of the Great Black-backed Gull. The Glaucous Gull breeds colonially or singly on coasts and cliffs in the Arctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere and the Atlantic coasts of Europe. It is migratory and winters in the north Atlantic and north Pacific as far south as the UK and the northernmost states of the USA and the Great Lakes. Like most gulls, the Glaucous Gull is an omnivore and it eats fish, molluscs, offal, scraps, eggs, small birds, small mammals and carrion. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Arnarfjörður, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12869442.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14668234114e786b933d09e.jpgMoorhen The Moorhen is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird that is usually found near water. From a distance it looks black with a ragged white line along its body. However, closer up it is olive-brown on the back and the head and blue-grey underneath. It has a red bill with a yellow tip. The Moorhen can be found all year round almost anywhere where there is water. They breed in lowland areas particularly in central and eastern England but are scarce in northern Scotland and the uplands of Wales and northern England. UK breeding birds are residents and seldom travel far. Date: 18th September 2011 Location: Cromford Canal, Derbyshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9594234.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2758959504db18cae8f9fc.jpgCollared Dove Collared Doves are distinctive birds with their buffy-pink plumage and black neck collar. They are usually seen singly or in pairs, although flocks may form where food is plentiful. They feed on the ground but readily perch on roofs and wires and in trees. The Collared Dove is not migratory but it is strongly dispersive. Over the last century, it has been one of the great colonisers of the bird world. Its original range at the end of the 19th century was warm temperate and subtropical Asia from Turkey east to south China and south through India to Sri Lanka. In 1838 it was reported in Bulgaria but not until the 20th century did it expand across Europe, appearing in parts of the Balkans between 1900 and 1920 and then spreading rapidly north west, reaching Germany in 1945, the UK in 1953, Ireland in 1959 and the Faroe Islands in the early 1970s. Subsequent spread was “sideways” from this fast north west spread reaching north east to north of the Arctic Circle in Norway, east to the Ural Mountains in Russia and south west to the Canary Islands and north Africa from Morocco to Egypt by the end of the 20th century. In the east of its range it has also spread north east to most of central and north China and locally (probably introduced) in Japan. It has also reached Iceland as a vagrant but has not colonised successfully there. Date: 28th September 2008 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo1278881.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4383911784866c8e29cfeb.jpgHoy, Orkney Hoy is the second largest of the Orkney Islands with an area of over 35,000 acres. The name Hoy is derived from the Norse “Haey” or “High Island” and the island reaches a height of 1570 feet at Ward Hill, the highest point in the Orkney Islands. Hoy is famous for its sandstone sea cliffs and the world famous pinnacle known as the Old Man of Hoy which rises to 450 feet and which has inspired generations of climbers. The RSPB manages the North Hoy Nature Reserve for the benefit of a variety of moorland and sea cliff nesting birds. Date: 5th June 2008 Location: view from the Stromness to Scrabster ferry http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo47900588.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1212080229637364a6beca5.jpgCormorant The (Great) Cormorant is a widespread member of the cormorant and shag family Phalacrocoracidae. There is a wide variation in size in the species' wide range and males are typically larger and heavier than females. It has a predominantly black plumage but the adult has white patches on the thighs and throat and a yellow throat during the breeding season. In Europe it can be distinguished from the Shag by its larger size, heavier build, thicker bill, lack of a crest and plumage without any green tinge. The (Great) Cormorant is a very common and widespread bird and it breeds in much of the Old World and the Atlantic coast of north America. It feeds on the sea, in estuaries and on freshwater lakes and rivers. Northern birds migrate south and winter along any coast that is well-supplied with fish. The (Great) Cormorant is found around the UK coastline on rocky shores, coastal lagoons and estuaries and it is increasingly seen inland at reservoirs, lakes and gravel pits. The UK holds internationally important wintering numbers. The (Great) Cormorant mainly nests in colonies near wetlands, rivers and sheltered inshore waters. Pairs will use the same nest site to breed year after year. It builds its nest, which is made mainly from sticks, in trees, on the ledges of cliffs and on the ground on rocky islands that are free of predators. The female lays 3 to 5 eggs which are incubated for a period of about 28 to 31 days. The (Great) Cormorant feeds on fish caught through diving and it will consume all fish of appropriate size that they are able to catch. Many fishermen see the (Great) Cormorant a competitor for fish. Because of this, it was nearly hunted to extinction in the past. Due to conservation efforts, its numbers increased although this has once again brought it in to conflict with fisheries. In the UK, where inland breeding was once uncommon, there are now increasing numbers of birds and many inland fish farms and fisheries now claim to be suffering high losses. In the UK each year, some licences are issued to cull specified numbers in order to help reduce predation although it is still illegal to kill a bird without such a licence. Date: 4th November 2022 Location: Bushy Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23225861.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_74127852548d53635568e.jpgCattle Egret The Cattle Egret is a stocky white bird adorned with buff plumes in the breeding season. The easiest way to separate them from Little Egrets is by their short, yellow rather than long, black bills but Cattle Egrets are also smaller, stockier and more squat in shape with shorter, thicker necks and less elegant heads. The Cattle Egret is a cosmopolitan species of heron found in the tropics, subtropics and warm temperate zones. Originally native to parts of Asia, Africa and Europe, it has undergone a rapid expansion in its distribution and successfully colonised much of the rest of the world. Cattle Egrets breed and roost in trees usually close to fresh water and feed in shallow wetlands, especially rice-paddies, but also dry grasslands. They can often be seen feeding around cattle waiting to pick off disturbed insects, including riding on the backs of animals. Cattle Egrets are visiting the UK in increasing numbers and are most likely to be seen in the south of England and Wales. In winter 2007/08, a large influx of Cattle Egrets occurred in the UK, with the largest numbers in south-west England although birds did get as far north as Scotland. This influx led to the first ever pair breeding successfully in Somerset. Date: 8th December 2014 Location: Denge Marsh, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42626749.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1233759860a9272b90080.jpgMoorhen The Moorhen is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird that is usually found near water. From a distance it looks black with a ragged white line along its body. However, closer up it is olive-brown on the back and the head and blue-grey underneath. It has a red bill with a yellow tip. The Moorhen can be found all year round almost anywhere where there is water. They breed in lowland areas particularly in central and eastern England but are scarce in northern Scotland and the uplands of Wales and northern England. UK breeding birds are residents and seldom travel far. Date: 15th April 2021 Location: Lake Meadows, Billericay, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/shag-and-juveniles https://images.on-this.website/4752_16650774853da36637b040.jpgShag and chicks The European Shag, Common Shag or simply Shag is a species of cormorant. It is 27 to 31 inches in length with a 37 to 43 inches wingspan. It is mainly black in colour but with a glossy green-tinged sheen in adults. It has a longish tail and a yellow throat-patch. Adults have a small recurved crest in the breeding season. It is distinguished from the Cormorant by its smaller size, lighter build, thinner and narrower bill, and, in breeding adults, by the crest and metallic green-tinged sheen. The Shag breeds around the rocky coasts of west and south Europe, north Africa and south west Asia, mainly wintering in its breeding range except for the northernmost birds. It nests on rocky ledges or in crevices or small caves and the nests are untidy heaps of rotting seaweed or twigs cemented together by the bird's own guano. The nesting season is long and begins in late February although some nests are not started until May or even later. The female lays 3 eggs and the chicks hatch without down and so they rely totally on their parents for warmth, often for a period of 2 months before they can fly. Fledging may occur at any time from early June to late August and exceptionally to mid-October. In the UK, the Shag breeds at coastal sites, mainly in the north and west of the country, and more than half of the population is found at fewer than 10 sites. It can be seen during the breeding season at the large Scottish colonies on Orkney, Shetland, the Inner Hebrides and in the Firth of Forth. Elsewhere it can be seen commonly around the coasts of Wales and south west England, especially in Devon and Cornwall. The Shag feeds in the sea and, unlike the Cormorant, it is rare inland. It is one of the deepest pursuit divers among the cormorant family and it has been shown to dive to at least 150 feet. When it dives, it jumps out of the water first to give extra impetus to the dive. The Shag forages for food on the sea bed and eats a wide range of fish although the commonest prey is the sand eel. It will travel long distances from its breeding and roosting sites in order to feed. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Staple Island, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833637.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1600847784559cef6371b44.jpgLake Kerkini, Central Macedonia, Greece Lake Kerkini is one of the most important wetlands in Europe and is considered to be one of the top European birding destinations due to the wealth of resident, breeding and migratory birds. It is situated along the migratory flyway for birds en route to the Aegean Sea, the Balkan region, the Black Sea, the Hungarian steppes and beyond. Lake Kerkini is located close to the border with Bulgaria 25 miles from Serres and 60 miles from Thessaloniki, and it is surrounded by Mounts Belles and Mavrovouni. It is approximately 9 miles long and its maximum width, when full, reaches 5.5 miles. Lake Kerkini is an artificial irrigation reservoir fed by the Strymon River that was created in 1932, and then redeveloped in 1980, on the site of what was previously an extremely extensive and uninhabitable marshland. More than 300 species of birds have been recorded in the area, including 140 resident species and 170 species that migrate through every year on their way to the Aegean Sea, the Black Sea, and the Balkan region. Date: 12th May 2015 Location: eastern embankment, Lake Kerkini, Central Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo44044954.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1687577063614f149811f4c.jpgWhite-tailed Lapwing The White-tailed Lapwing or White-tailed Plover is a medium-sized, long-legged and fairly long-billed plover species. Adults are slim erect birds with a brown back and foreneck, paler face and grey breast. Its long yellow legs, pure white tail and distinctive brown, white and black wings make this species unmistakable. The White-tailed Lapwing is the only plover species likely to be seen in other than very shallow water where it picks insects and other small prey mainly from the surface. White-tailed Lapwings breed semi-colonially on inland marshes in Iraq, Iran and southern Russia. The Iraqi and Iranian breeders are mainly residents but Russian birds migrate south in winter to south Asia, the Middle East and north east Africa. The White-tailed Lapwing is a very rare vagrant in western Europe, the first record in the UK being found in Warwickshire in July 1975. There were 11 UK records prior to this bird. Date: 6th September 2021 Location: RSPB Blacktoft Sands, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28886314.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6373599257cc3a404b930.jpgWhite-tailed Eagle The White-tailed Eagle is a very large bird with a 72 to 96 inch wingspan and is the fourth largest eagle in the world. It has broad "barn door" wings, a large head and a thick "meat-cleaver" beak. The adult is mainly brown except for the paler head and neck, blackish flight feathers, distinctive white tail, and yellow bill and legs. In juvenile birds the tail and bill are darker, with the tail becoming white with a dark terminal band in sub-adults. The White-tailed Eagle breeds in northern Europe and northern Asia. The largest population in Europe is found along the coast of Norway. In the UK it became extinct during the early 20th century and the present population in Scotland has arisen from a reintroduction programme which commenced on the island of Rhum in 1975. It is still a rare breeding bird which was previously confined to the west coast of Scotland, although a reintroduction programme is now taking place in east Scotland. This photo was taken from a long distance and has been tightly cropped. Date: 11th May 2016 Location: Haeska, Matsalu National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/ardnamurchan-point-argyll https://images.on-this.website/4752_4784578484681c4d774e65.jpgArdnamurchan Point, Argyll [i]”Twenty three miles further west Than Lands End’s slim reach, Ardnamurchan points to the great ocean. There is a finely sanded beach Where coarse machair finds life, Nudged by the water’s ceaseless motion”[/i] The most western point of the UK mainland is not Lands End in Cornwall but Ardnamurchan Point in Argyll which is located at the end of the Ardnamurchan Peninsula between the islands of Mull to the south and Eigg, Rhum and Skye to the north. Ardnamurchan Point is 45 miles east of the Corran Ferry, the gateway to the Ardnamurchan Peninsula, and is reached primarily via a single track road through outstanding scenery. It is a wild and lonely place, particularly when lashed by severe gales. The lighthouse at Ardnamurchan Point was built in 1849 with stone from Mull by the Stevenson family. Ardnamurchan Point is an excellent viewpoint for watching seabirds and sightings of cetaceans are also fairly common. Date: 8th June 2006 Location: view from the end of the road! http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17408530.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_704713022513327cc442ff.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 12th January 2013 Location: Martin Mere WWT reserve, Lancashire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40399577.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18435927485dc6adeb7e328.jpgThe Storr, Skye, Highland The Storr is a rocky hill on the Trotternish peninsula of Skye. The hill presents a steep rocky eastern face overlooking the Sound of Raasay, contrasting with gentler grassy slopes to the west. The Storr is a prime example of the Trotternish landslip, the longest such feature in the UK. The area in front of the cliffs of the Storr is known as the Sanctuary. This has a number of weirdly shaped rock pinnacles, the remnants of ancient landslips. Date: 30th September 2019 Location: view from the A855 north of Portree http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084314.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21049477495d3086dff2571.jpgBucegi Mountains, Prahova County, Romania The Bucegi Mountains are a mountain range located in central Romania south of the city of Brașov. They are part of the Southern Carpathians group of the Carpathian Mountains. Omu is the highest peak at 8219 feet. To the east, the Bucegi Mountains have a very steep slope and are bordered by the Prahova Valley. This area holds the most ski resorts in Romania including the small mountain towns of Sinaia and Bușteni. The area of the Bucegi Mountains was proposed for protection in 1936 due to its landscapes and great diversity of plant and animal species. Bucegi Natural Park was eventually established in March 1990 and this covers an area of over 125 square miles representing a mountainous area with caves, pit caves, canyons, ridges, sinkholes, valleys and waterfalls. Habitats include beech forests, bushes, alpine limestone grasslands, alpine rivers and herbaceous vegetation, mountain hay meadows, springs, limestone rocky slopes and semi-natural dry grasslands. There are several nature reserves in Bucegi Natural Park. The TransBucegi (designated as route DJ 713) is one of Romania’s most scenic drives. It starts 10 miles west of Sinaia at Cabana Dichiu and runs for 24 miles to Cabana Piatra Arsa on the Bucegi Mountains Plateau in Bucegi National Park. The TransBucegi ranges in height from 2495 feet at Sinaia to 6316 feet at the route end at Cabana Piatra Arsa. The route encompasses miles of stunning views through twisty hair pin corners, steep gradients and high elevations. The route was officially inaugurated in August 2013 and it is the third high altitude road in Romania after the Transfăgărăşan and Transalpina. Date: 2nd June 2018 Location: Bucegi Mountain Plateau from the TransBucegi route, Prahova County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25774121.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1941878329560fb7b025309.jpgBlaven, Skye, Highland Height: 3044 feet. The meaning of the name Blaven or Bla Bhienn is confused and is variously documented as "blue mountain", "warm mountain", "sunny mountain", "mount of the blast" or "hill of bloom". Blaven is the eastern most peak of the Black Cuillin and is separated from the Cuillin range by Glen Sligachan. Blaven is the highest of the surrounding mountains and is managed by the John Muir Trust. [i]".... and even if I came in sight of Paradise, what price it's moon without Blaven?"[/i] [b]Sorley Maclean[/b] - [i]"The Island"[/i] Date: 25th September 2015 Location: view from the B8083 Broadford to Elgol road near Torrin http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11328642.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20865233764e1d67ac57bab.jpgGreat Crested Grebe The Great Crested Grebe is the largest member of the grebe family measuring 18 to 20 inches in length with a wing span of 23 to 29 inches. It is a graceful bird with its long neck, long bill and slender outline. In summer, the adults of both sexes are unmistakable being adorned with beautiful head-plumes which are reddish-orange in colour with black tips. There is also an erectile black crown. Non-breeding adults lack the full crest and have a dark crown bordered by a white face, the white extending down the fore-neck and chest. The sexes are similar in appearance but juveniles can be distinguished from adults by having a striped black and white head and neck. The Great Crested Grebe can be found across Europe and Asia and it breeds on shallow, reed-fringed freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs and slow rivers. It is resident in the milder west of its range but it migrates from the colder regions of its range to freshwater lakes, reservoirs and sheltered coastal areas in winter. The Great Crested Grebe has an elaborate mating display. Like all grebes, it nests on the water's edge since its legs are set relatively far back and it is thus unable to walk very well. Usually 2 eggs are laid and the fluffy, striped young grebes are often carried on the adult's back. In a clutch of 2 or more hatchlings, male and female grebes will each identify their “favourites” which they alone will care for and teach. Unusually, young Great Crested Grebes are capable of swimming and diving almost at hatching. The adults teach these skills to their young by carrying them on their backs and diving, leaving the chicks to float on the surface. They then re-emerge a few feet away so that the chicks may swim back on to them. The Great Crested Grebe feeds mainly on fish but it will also eat small crustaceans, insects and small frogs and newts. The Great Crested Grebe was hunted almost to extinction in the UK in the 19th century due to being hunted for its head plumes which were used to decorate hats and ladies' undergarments. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was set up to help protect the Great Crested Grebe which is now again a common sight. Date: 9th February 2008 Location: Northlands Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21808702.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_123731345353c78e119f167.jpgSandwich Tern The Sandwich Tern is a medium-large tern, gull-like in appearance but usually with a more delicate, lighter build and shorter, weaker legs. It is very closely related to the Lesser Crested Tern, Chinese Crested Tern, Cabot's Tern and Elegant Tern and it has been known to inter-breed with the Lesser Crested Tern. It is 15 to 17 inches in length with a 33 to 38 inches wingspan. It has long, pointed wings, which gives it a fast buoyant flight, and a deeply forked tail. The upperwings are pale grey and the underparts are white. It has a shaggy black crest. The thin sharp bill is black with a yellow tip and the short legs are black. It looks very pale in flight although the primary flight feathers darken during the summer. In winter, the adult's forehead becomes white. Juveniles have dark tips to their tails and a scaly appearance on their back and wings. The Sandwich Tern has an extensive global range and, whilst population trends have not been quantified, it is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List. For these reasons, it is evaluated as “least concern”. The Sandwich Tern breeds in very dense colonies on coasts and islands and exceptionally inland on suitable large freshwater lakes close to the coast. It nests in a ground scrape and lays 1 to 3 eggs. Unlike some of the smaller white terns, it is not very aggressive toward potential predators, relying on the sheer density of the nests and nesting close to other more aggressive species such as the Arctic Tern and the Black-headed Gull. In the UK, the Sandwich Tern can be seen from late March to September and there are breeding colonies scattered around the UK coasts including the north Norfolk coast and at Minsmere in Suffolk and Dungeness in Kent. The Sandwich tern feeds by plunge-diving for fish, almost invariably from the sea. It usually dives directly and not from a hover favoured by other terns. The offering of fish by the male to the female is part of the courtship display. Date: 14th July 2014 Location: Blakeney Point, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/common-blue https://images.on-this.website/4752_808362254f3e3988463c2.jpgCommon Blue Flight period: June to September. The Common Blue is the UK’s most widespread and common blue butterfly although it has suffered some local declines due to habitat loss. They can be found in sunny, sheltered areas including downland, roadside verges, woodland clearings and rural gardens. This photo won second prize in the Essex Wildlife Trust photography competition for 2007. This photo also received a BBC Wildlife magazine photo masterclass award in the “Extreme close up” category for August 2007. Please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/news4693.html]here[/url] for further information. Date: 22nd July 2007 Location: Stow Maries Halt EWT reserve, Stow Maries, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/great-crested-grebes https://images.on-this.website/4752_17041598064face4fd00da7.jpgGreat Crested Grebes The Great Crested Grebe is the largest member of the grebe family measuring 18 to 20 inches in length with a wing span of 23 to 29 inches. It is a graceful bird with its long neck, long bill and slender outline. In summer, the adults of both sexes are unmistakable being adorned with beautiful head-plumes which are reddish-orange in colour with black tips. There is also an erectile black crown. Non-breeding adults lack the full crest and have a dark crown bordered by a white face, the white extending down the fore-neck and chest. The sexes are similar in appearance but juveniles can be distinguished from adults by having a striped black and white head and neck. The Great Crested Grebe can be found across Europe and Asia and it breeds on shallow, reed-fringed freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs and slow rivers. It is resident in the milder west of its range but it migrates from the colder regions of its range to freshwater lakes, reservoirs and sheltered coastal areas in winter. The Great Crested Grebe has an elaborate mating display. Like all grebes, it nests on the water's edge since its legs are set relatively far back and it is thus unable to walk very well. Usually 2 eggs are laid and the fluffy, striped young grebes are often carried on the adult's back. In a clutch of 2 or more hatchlings, male and female grebes will each identify their “favourites” which they alone will care for and teach. Unusually, young Great Crested Grebes are capable of swimming and diving almost at hatching. The adults teach these skills to their young by carrying them on their backs and diving, leaving the chicks to float on the surface. They then re-emerge a few feet away so that the chicks may swim back on to them. The Great Crested Grebe feeds mainly on fish but it will also eat small crustaceans, insects and small frogs and newts. The Great Crested Grebe was hunted almost to extinction in the UK in the 19th century due to being hunted for its head plumes which were used to decorate hats and ladies' undergarments. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was set up to help protect the Great Crested Grebe which is now again a common sight. Date: 30th March 2012 Location: Grove Ferry, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/azure-winged-magpies https://images.on-this.website/4752_16240014084cd5717ac50b3.jpgAzure-winged Magpies The Azure-winged Magpie is a member of the crow family, similar in overall shape to the European Magpie but is more slender with proportionately smaller legs and bill. It has a glossy black top to the head and a white throat. The underparts and the back are a light grey-fawn in colour with the wings and the feathers of the long tail are an azure blue. Azure-winged Magpies occurs in two population groups separated by a huge geographical region between. One population lives in western Europe, specifically the south western part of the Iberian Peninsula in Spain and Portugal. The other population occurs over a much larger region of eastern Asia in most of China, Korea, Japan and north into Mongolia. Azure-winged Magpies inhabit various types of coniferous (mainly pine) and broadleaf forest. They usually nest in loose, open colonies with a single nest in each tree and often find food as a family group or several groups making flocks of up to 70 birds. The largest groups congregate after the breeding season and throughout the winter months. Date: 8th September 2010 Location: Sierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain - road along River Andújar to Jándula Dam http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405562.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13417413766586fc124e0ba.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the Canidae family and is a part of the order Carnivora within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 6th December 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/european-bee-eater https://images.on-this.website/4752_20597604674cd57136619da.jpgEuropean Bee-eater The European Bee-eater is an incredibly colourful bird with an unmistakable appearance. In breeding plumage, it has a rich chestnut crown that blends into gold on its back. The forehead is white, the throat is yellow bordered by black and the underparts are blue. The male European Bee-eater has a chestnut-coloured patch in the middle of the wing while in females this patch is usually smaller or even absent. Occasionally, females may also be distinguished from the males by having a green back. The wings and backs of juvenile European Bee-eaters are entirely green and the eyes are brown in contrast to the bright red eyes of adults. The European Bee-eater breeds in southern Europe and in parts of north Africa and western Asia. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, India and Sri Lanka. European Bee-eaters are occasionally seen in northern Europe (including the UK) as a spring overshoot north of its range with occasional breeding occurring. Just as the name suggests, the European Bee-eater predominantly eats insects, especially bees, wasps and hornets which are caught in the air by sorties from an open perch. Before eating its meal, a European Bee-eater removes the sting by repeatedly hitting the insect on a hard surface. Lizards and frogs are also taken. European Bee-eaters are gregarious, nesting colonially in sandy banks preferably near river shores and also feeding and roosting communally. Date: 7th September 2010 Location: Sierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain - road to La Lancha and Embalse del Jándula http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405441.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16133565096586e08654f03.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 9th October 2023 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/griffon-vultures https://images.on-this.website/4752_15783609314b157adabf8cd.jpgGriffon Vultures The Griffon Vulture is a typical Old World vulture in appearance with a white bald head, very broad wings and short tail feathers. It has a white neck ruff and yellow bill. The buff body and wing coverts contrast with the dark flight feathers. They are very large birds around 37 to 43 inches long with a 91 to 106 inches wingspan. Like other vultures, the Griffon Vulture is a scavenger, feeding mostly from carcasses of dead animals which it finds by soaring over open areas, often moving in flocks. The population is mostly resident in its breeding range in the mountains of southern Europe, north Africa, and Asia. In Spain, there are tens of thousands of birds from a low of a few thousand around 1980 although the Pyrenees population has apparently been affected by an EU ruling that due to danger of BSE transmission, no carcasses must be left on the fields for the time being. Although the Griffon Vulture does not normally attack larger living prey, there are reports of Spanish Griffon Vultures killing weak, young or unhealthy living animals as they do not find enough carrion to eat. Date: 11th November 2009 Location: Els Ports, Catalunya, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/bee-eaters https://images.on-this.website/4752_2060066190559cf5eb7cdc0.jpgEuropean Bee-eaters The European Bee-eater is an incredibly colourful bird with an unmistakable appearance. In breeding plumage, it has a rich chestnut crown that blends into gold on its back. The forehead is white, the throat is yellow bordered by black and the underparts are blue. The male European Bee-eater has a chestnut-coloured patch in the middle of the wing while in females this patch is usually smaller or even absent. Occasionally, females may also be distinguished from the males by having a green back. The wings and backs of juvenile European Bee-eaters are entirely green and the eyes are brown in contrast to the bright red eyes of adults. The European Bee-eater breeds in southern Europe and in parts of north Africa and western Asia. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, India and Sri Lanka. European Bee-eaters are occasionally seen in northern Europe (including the UK) as a spring overshoot north of its range with occasional breeding occurring. Just as the name suggests, the European Bee-eater predominantly eats insects, especially bees, wasps and hornets which are caught in the air by sorties from an open perch. Before eating its meal, a European Bee-eater removes the sting by repeatedly hitting the insect on a hard surface. Lizards and frogs are also taken. European Bee-eaters are gregarious, nesting colonially in sandy banks preferably near river shores and also feeding and roosting communally. Date: 7th May 2015 Location: Evros Delta (west), East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/punta-de-tarifa-andalucia-spain https://images.on-this.website/4752_1682171771525289f22f83e.jpgPunta de Tarifa, Andalucia, Spain Punta de Tarifa is the southernmost point of the Iberian peninsula and continental Europe. It is located in the province of Cádiz in Andalucia at the Atlantic end of the Straits of Gibraltar. The coast of Morocco in north Africa can be seen from this point. The point is at the south east tip of the former island, known as Isla de Tarifa or Isla de las Palomas, located offshore and connected by the mainland with a causeway. The island was occupied by a military installation between the 1930s and 2001. The name of Tarifa originates from Tarif ibn Malik, who in 710 started the Islamic conquest of Spain from here. Date: 11th September 2013 Location: view from Cazalla near Tarifa, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/p5030515-edit https://images.on-this.website/4752_116257235266433053a8601.jpgRed Squirrel The Red Squirrel or Eurasian Red Squirrel is a species of tree squirrel in the genus Sciurus. It is an arboreal and primarily herbivorous rodent. The Red Squirrel has a typical head and body length of 7.5 to 9 inches, a tail length of 6 to 8 inches and a weight of 9 to 12 ounces. Males and females are the same size. The Red Squirrel is smaller and lighter in weight than the Grey Squirrel The coat of the Red Squirrel varies in colour with the time of year and its location and there are several different coat colour morphs ranging from black to red. Red coats are most common in the UK but in other parts of Europe and Asia different coat colours co-exist within populations. The underside of the Red Squirrel is always creamy-white in colour. The Red Squirrel sheds its coat twice a year, switching from a thinner summer coat to a thicker, darker winter coat with noticeably larger ear-tufts (a prominent distinguishing feature of this species) between August and November. A lighter, redder overall coat colour, along with the ear-tufts (in adults) and smaller size, distinguish the Red Squirrel from the Grey Squirrel. The long tail helps the Red Squirrel to balance and steer when jumping from tree to tree and running along branches and it may also keep it warm during sleep. The Red Squirrel, like most tree squirrels, has sharp and curved claws to enable it to climb and descend broad tree trunks, thin branches and even house walls and its strong hind legs enable it to leap gaps between trees. The Red Squirrel can be found in the boreal coniferous woods in north Europe and Siberia where it prefers Scots Pine, Norway Spruce and Siberian Pine. In west and south Europe it can be found in broad-leaved woods where the mixture of tree and shrub species provides a better year round source of food. In most of the UK and in Italy, broad-leaved woodlands are now less suitable for it due to the better competitive feeding strategy of the introduced Grey Squirrel. The Red Squirrel makes a drey (nest) out of twigs in a branch-fork, forming a domed structure about 9 to 12 inches in diameter. This is lined with moss, leaves, grass and bark. Tree hollows and woodpecker holes are also used. The Red Squirrel is generally a solitary animal and is shy and reluctant to share food with others. However, outside the breeding season and particularly in winter, several Red Squirrels may share a drey to keep warm. Social organisation is based on dominance hierarchies within and between sexes. Although males are not necessarily dominant towards females, the dominant animals tend to be larger and older than subordinate animals and dominant males tend to have larger home ranges than subordinate males or females. Mating can occur in late winter during February and March and in summer between June and July. During mating, males detect females that are in oestrus by an odour that they produce and, although there is no courtship, the male will chase the female for up to an hour prior to mating. Usually multiple males will chase a single female until the dominant male, usually the largest in the group, mates with the female. Males and females will mate multiple times with many partners. Females must reach a minimum body mass before they enter oestrus and heavy females on average produce more young. If food is scarce breeding may be delayed. Typically a female will produce her first litter in her second year. Up to 2 litters a year per female are possible. Each litter averages 3 young and these are known as kits. Gestation is about 38 to 39 days and the young are looked after by the mother alone and are born helpless, blind and deaf. Their body is covered by hair at 21 days, their eyes and ears open after 3 to 4 weeks and they develop all their teeth by 42 days. Juveniles can eat solids around 40 days following birth and from that point they can leave the nest on their own to find food. However, they still suckle from their mother until weaning occurs at 8 to 10 weeks. The Red Squirrel eats mostly the seeds of trees, fungi, nuts (especially hazelnuts but also beech and chestnuts), berries and young shoots. More rarely, it may also eat bird eggs or nestlings and may occasionally exhibit opportunistic omnivory similar to other rodents. Excess food is put into caches, either buried or in nooks or holes in trees, and eaten when food is scarce. Although the Red Squirrel remembers where it created caches at a better than chance level, its spatial memory is believed to be substantially less accurate and durable than that of the Grey Squirrel. Therefore it will often have to search for them when in need and many caches are never found again. Between 60% and 80% of the active time of a Red Squirrel may be spent foraging and feeding. The active period is generally in the morning and in the late afternoon and evening. It often rests in its nest in the middle of the day to avoid the heat and the high visibility to birds of prey that are dangers during these hours. During the winter, this midday rest is often much more brief or absent entirely although harsh weather may cause it to stay in its nest for days at a time. No territories are claimed between Red Squirrels and the feeding areas of individuals overlap considerably. A Red Squirrel that survives its first winter has a life expectancy of 3 years. Individuals may reach 7 years of age and 10 years in captivity. Survival is positively related to the availability of autumn and winter tree seeds. On average, 75 to 85% of juveniles die during their first winter and mortality is approximately 50% for winters following the first. Predators include small mammals such as the Pine Marten, the Wildcat and the Stoat which all prey on juveniles. Birds, including owls and raptors such as the Goshawk and Common Buzzard, may also prey on the Red Squirrel as will the Red Fox and domestic cats and dogs when it is on the ground. Humans influence the population size and mortality of the Red Squirrel by destroying or altering habitats, by causing road casualties and by introducing non-native populations of the Grey Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel and the Red Squirrel are not directly antagonistic and violent conflict between these species is not a factor in the decline in Red Squirrel populations. However, the Grey Squirrel appears to contribute to the decrease in the Red Squirrel population for several reasons: it carries a disease, the squirrel parapoxvirus, that does not appear to affect its own health but will often kill the Red Squirrel, it can better digest acorns whilst the Red Squirrel cannot access the proteins and fats in acorns as easily and it can put the Red Squirrel under pressure for food resources resulting in it not breeding as often. In the UK, due to the above circumstances, the population has today fallen to 160,000 Red Squirrels or fewer with the majority of these in Scotland. Outside the UK and Ireland, the impact of competition from the Grey Squirrel has also been observed in Italy where 2 pairs escaped from captivity in 1948. A significant drop in the Red Squirrel population has been observed since 1970 and it is feared that the Grey Squirrel may expand into the rest of Europe. The Red Squirrel is protected in most of Europe although in some areas it is abundant and is hunted for its fur. In the UK there are several active projects to protect the Red Squirrel and its native woodland habitat, introduce or re-introduce it in to areas where it is absent and eradicate and prevent the spread of the Grey Squirrel. Research undertaken in 2007 in the UK credits the Pine Marten with reducing the population of the invasive Grey Squirrel. Where the range of the expanding Pine Marten population meets that of the Grey Squirrel, the population of the latter retreats. It is theorised that, because the Grey Squirrel spends more time on the ground than the Red Squirrel, it is far more likely to come in contact with the Pine Marten. Date: 3rd May 2024 Location: Dingle Local Nature Reserve, Llangefni, Anglesey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo3119848.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12896844674a6c3b48106c1.jpgSandwich Tern The Sandwich Tern is a medium-large tern, gull-like in appearance but usually with a more delicate, lighter build and shorter, weaker legs. It is very closely related to the Lesser Crested Tern, Chinese Crested Tern, Cabot's Tern and Elegant Tern and it has been known to inter-breed with the Lesser Crested Tern. It is 15 to 17 inches in length with a 33 to 38 inches wingspan. It has long, pointed wings, which gives it a fast buoyant flight, and a deeply forked tail. The upperwings are pale grey and the underparts are white. It has a shaggy black crest. The thin sharp bill is black with a yellow tip and the short legs are black. It looks very pale in flight although the primary flight feathers darken during the summer. In winter, the adult's forehead becomes white. Juveniles have dark tips to their tails and a scaly appearance on their back and wings. The Sandwich Tern has an extensive global range and, whilst population trends have not been quantified, it is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List. For these reasons, it is evaluated as “least concern”. The Sandwich Tern breeds in very dense colonies on coasts and islands and exceptionally inland on suitable large freshwater lakes close to the coast. It nests in a ground scrape and lays 1 to 3 eggs. Unlike some of the smaller white terns, it is not very aggressive toward potential predators, relying on the sheer density of the nests and nesting close to other more aggressive species such as the Arctic Tern and the Black-headed Gull. In the UK, the Sandwich Tern can be seen from late March to September and there are breeding colonies scattered around the UK coasts including the north Norfolk coast and at Minsmere in Suffolk and Dungeness in Kent. The Sandwich tern feeds by plunge-diving for fish, almost invariably from the sea. It usually dives directly and not from a hover favoured by other terns. The offering of fish by the male to the female is part of the courtship display. Date: 13th July 2009 Location: Blakeney Point, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33857814.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11298209525a4dfe9fed185.jpgPurple Sandpipers The Purple Sandpiper is a small wading shorebird. Adults have short yellow legs and a medium thin dark bill with a yellow base. The body is dark above with a slight purplish gloss and mainly white below. The breast is smeared with grey and the rump is black. The Purple Sandpiper breeds in the northern tundra and Arctic islands in Canada and coastal areas in Greenland and north west Europe and nests on the ground either elevated on rocks or in a lower damp location. The males makes several scrapes following which the female chooses one and lays 3 or 4 eggs. The male takes the major responsibility for incubation and tends the chicks. The Purple Sandpiper is migratory and moves to rocky ice-free Atlantic coasts in winter where it is fairly gregarious, forming small flocks and often associating with Turnstones. It is also relatively tame and approachable. In the UK, the Purple Sandpiper occurs in winter in good numbers, principally along the east and south coasts where it favours rocky shorelines adjacent to the sea. It is a very rare breeding bird and is found only in a localised area of the Cairngorms National Park where 1 to 3 pairs have bred since the 1970s. Date: 1st January 2018 Location: Aldeburgh, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14160886.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19108487874f3e283e864fb.jpgMarbled White Flight period: July to August The Marbled White is a very distinctive black and white butterfly that is widespread in southern England and expanding its range northwards and eastwards. They can be found in unimproved grassland, coastal grassland, roadside verges and railway embankments. Date: 8th July 2007 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230679.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_72922679464916e009c2e2.jpgMeadow Pipit The Meadow Pipit is a widespread and often abundant small pipit. It is an undistinguished looking species, mainly brown above and buff below with darker streaking on most of its plumage. The tail is brown with narrow white outer side edges. It has a thin bill and pale pinkish-yellow legs. A simple repetitive song is given in a short song and parachute display flight. The Meadow Pipit breeds in much of north west Eurasia from south east Greenland and Iceland east to just east of the Ural Mountains in Russia and south to central France and Romania. It is migratory over most of its range, wintering in south Europe, north Africa and south west Asia, but it is resident all year round in west Europe although many birds move to the coast or lowlands in winter. The Meadow Pipit is primarily a species of open habitats, either uncultivated or low-intensity agriculture, such as pasture, bogs and moorland. It also occurs in low numbers in arable croplands and in winter it occurs on saltmarshes where it can be quite gregarious and gather in small flocks. The Meadow Pipit is an abundant species in the north of its range but it is less common further south. It can be found all year round across the UK but it is commonest in the upland areas of the west and north during the breeding season. In winter it moves south to more lowland areas and becomes much commoner in the southern half of the UK. The Meadow Pipit nests on the ground in dense vegetation and it is one of the most important nest hosts of the Cuckoo. The Meadow Pipit is a fairly terrestrial pipit usually feeding on the ground although it will use elevated perches such as shrubs, fence lines or electricity wires as vantage points to watch for predators. It feeds mainly on insects and other invertebrates but it also eats the seeds of grasses, sedges, rushes and heather and crowberry berries. Date: 13th May 2023 Location: World's End, Denbighshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41187478.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10722798505ea6dfd4d3ab6.jpgGreylag Goose The Greylag Goose is the ancestor of most domestic geese but is also the largest and bulkiest of the wild geese native to the UK and Europe. In many parts of the UK it has been re-established by releasing birds in suitable areas but the resulting flocks found around gravel pits, lakes and reservoirs all year round in southern Britain tend to be semi-tame. The native birds and wintering flocks found on lochs in northern Scotland and on some Scottish islands retain the special appeal of truly wild geese. Date: 26th April 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo6826752.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14199501994ca73f68ee947.jpgWhite-tailed Lapwing The White-tailed Lapwing or White-tailed Plover is a medium-sized, long-legged and fairly long-billed plover species. Adults are slim erect birds with a brown back and foreneck, paler face and grey breast. Its long yellow legs, pure white tail and distinctive brown, white and black wings make this species unmistakable. The White-tailed Lapwing is the only plover species likely to be seen in other than very shallow water where it picks insects and other small prey mainly from the surface. White-tailed Lapwings breed semi-colonially on inland marshes in Iraq, Iran and southern Russia. The Iraqi and Iranian breeders are mainly residents but Russian birds migrate south in winter to south Asia, the Middle East and north east Africa. The White-tailed Lapwing is a very rare vagrant in western Europe, the first record in the UK being found in Warwickshire in July 1975. There were 5 UK records prior to this bird which went “on tour” in 2010. Seaforth, Merseyside: 27th and 28th May Haarlem, Netherlands: 29th May RSPB Rainham Marshes, Essex: 7th and 8th July WWT Slimbridge: Gloucestershire: 9th and 10th July RSPB Dungeness, Kent: 11th to 21st July All photos were taken from a considerable distance with a DSLR camera and telescope, hence the poor quality. However, they are acceptable record shots of a very rare bird! Date: 17th July 2010 Location: Dungeness RSPB reserve, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37190343.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18498408485c2a25c6b5dd5.jpgNorthern Wheatear fledgling The Northern Wheatear or Wheatear is a small passerine bird that was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family but is now more generally considered to be an Old World flycatcher. It is the most widespread member of the Wheatear genus in Europe and Asia. The English name has nothing to do with wheat or ears but is probably derived from the Middle English whit ers meaning "white arse" and referring to the prominent white rump of many Wheatear species The Northern Wheatear is larger than the European Robin at 5.7 to 6.3 inches in length. Both sexes have a white rump and tail with a black inverted T-pattern at the end of the tail. The summer plumaged male has grey upperparts, buff throat and black wings and face mask. In autumn it resembles the female apart from the black wings. The female is pale brown above and buff below with darker brown wings. The Northern Wheatear makes one of the longest migratory flights of any small bird, crossing ocean, ice and desert. It migrates from sub-Saharan Africa in spring to breed in open rocky country, tundra, moorland, heaths and pastures over a vast area of the Northern Hemisphere that includes northern and central Asia, Europe, Greenland, Alaska and parts of Canada. In autumn it returns to winter in central Africa. In the UK, the Northern Wheatear is a summer visitor and passage migrant arriving in early March and leaving in September. It breeds mainly in western and northern Britain and western Ireland although smaller numbers also breed in southern and eastern England. The Northern Wheatear is primarily an insectivorous bird and feeds mostly on beetles, ants, caterpillars, grasshoppers, flies, etc. It also eats spiders, centipedes and snails and berries in the autumn. Date: 22nd June 2018 Location: Glen Quaich, Perthshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41424240.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2741675865f2aa76aedf5c.jpgVaranger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway The Varanger peninsula is situated in Troms og Finnmark in the extreme north east of Norway. With an area of 800 square miles, it is the largest area within the Arctic climate zone in mainland Norway and is bordered by Tanafjord to the west, Varangerfjord to the south and the Barents Sea to the north and east. The area has a rugged mountain terrain with altitudes up to 2077 feet and it has an Arctic tundra climate. The coast of the Varanger peninsula is an important area for breeding, migrating and wintering birds, especially some notable Arctic species. The Norwegian Directorate for Nature Management has a project on the Varanger peninsula to reintroduce and protect the Arctic Fox which is critically endangered on the Norwegian mainland. The Varangerhalvøya National Park (Norwegian: [I]Varangerhalvøya Nasjonalpark[/I]) lies to the west of road Fv341 and protects a majority of the land on the Varanger peninsula. The eastern part of the Varanger peninsula can be accessed from Vardø, via Svartnes, to Hamningberg. Hamningberg is an abandoned fishing village situated on the Varanger peninsula and on the shores of the Barents Sea. It’s only road connection is via the narrow and winding road Fv341 which runs for about 25 miles north from Svartnes. This is a very scenic road which follows the shores of the Barents Sea. It is considered to be one of the wildest and most memorable drives in Norway and passes through a bare and barren but awe-inspiring Arctic landscape. The road is closed during the winter months from October to late May. Traditionally a fishing village, Hamningberg is one of very few places in Troms og Finnmark that was not burnt and destroyed under Operation Nordlicht in 1944 and 1945, the German “scorched earth” retreat from Finnmark. It was depopulated and abandoned in 1964 although some of the houses are still in use as summer cottages. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: view from road Fv341 between Svartnes and Hamningberg, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/sheytan-dere-rabovo-haskovo-province https://images.on-this.website/4752_9944072715d307f26e798a.jpgSheytan Dere, Rabovo, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria Sheytan Dere (“Devil's Canyon”) is located close to the Studen Kladenets reservoir dam and the village of Rabovo in the eastern Rhodopes Mountains. It is a natural phenomenon created by the River Arda in an area of historical volcanic activity. The river has created craters, wells and grooves of varying sizes through the erosion of the different types of rock in the area. Legends still tell that this place was created by "sheytana" (Turkish for “the devil”). Folklore is preserved in the memory of an initiation ritual in which only the truly brave could leapfrog the waters of the River Arda without falling in to dangerous waters and being caught up in the underworld. Date: 26th May 2018 Location: Sheytan Dere, Rabovo, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871644.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20481837694eff2007419bd.jpgRed-throated Diver The Red-throated Diver is the smallest and lightest of the world's diver or loon species. Like all divers, it is long-bodied and short-necked and with its legs set far back on its body. The sexes are similar in appearance although males tend to be slightly larger and heavier than females. In breeding plumage, the adult has a dark grey head and neck with narrow black and white stripes on the back of the neck, a triangular red throat patch, white underparts and a dark grey-brown mantle. The non-breeding plumage is drabber with the chin, foreneck and much of the face white, the top of the head and back of the neck grey and considerable white speckling on the dark mantle. The bill is thin, straight and sharp and the bird often holds it at an uptilted angle. In flight, the Red-throated Diver has a distinctive profile. Its small feet do not project far past the end of its body, its head and neck droop below the horizontal (giving the flying bird a distinctly hunchbacked shape) and its thin wings are angled back. It has a quicker, deeper wing beat than other divers. The Red-throated Diver has a large global population and a significant global range but some populations are declining. Oil spills, habitat degradation, pollution and fishing nets are among the major threats and natural predators, such as various gull species and both red and Arctic foxes, will take eggs and young. The Red-throated Diver breeds primarily in the Arctic regions of northern Eurasia and north America and it winters in northern coastal waters, sometimes in groups of considerable size. Unlike other divers, it regularly uses very small freshwater lakes as breeding sites. In Europe, it breeds in Iceland, northern Scotland, Scandinavia and northern Russia and it winters along the coast as far south as parts of Spain. Date: 27th May 2009 Location: Vardø to Sandfjord, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405568.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4155530966586fc4d61c36.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the Canidae family and is a part of the order Carnivora within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 6th December 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457685.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_126452936166857899befcd.jpgPuffins The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405575.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5518972966586fc86d6ff7.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the Canidae family and is a part of the order Carnivora within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 6th December 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49277084.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_603556249649971be94378.jpgMute Swan The Mute Swan is a species of swan native to much of Eurasia. Despite its Eurasian origin, its closest relatives are the Black Swan of Australia and the Black-necked Swan of south America, not the other Northern Hemisphere swans such as the Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan. The name “mute” derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. The adult Mute Swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob at the top of the beak. All Mute Swans are white at maturity although the feathers (particularly on the head and neck) are often stained orange-brown by iron and tannins in the water. Young birds (cygnets) are not the bright white colour of mature adults and their bill is dull greyish-black for the first year. The plumage may range from pure white to grey to buff with grey/buff being the most common. Cygnets typically retain their grey/buff feathers until they are at least 1 year old. On average, the Mute Swan is the second largest waterfowl species after the Trumpeter Swan although the male Mute Swan can easily match or even exceed a male Trumpeter Swan in mass. The adult Mute Swan typically ranges from 55 to 63 inches in length (although it can range in extreme cases from 49 to 67 inches) with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. Males (cobs) are larger than females (pens) and have a larger knob on their bill. The Mute Swan is one of the heaviest flying birds. In several studies from the UK, males were found to average from about 23.4 to 26.2 pounds, with a weight range of 20 to 32 pounds, while the slightly smaller females were found to average about 18.7 to 21.3 pounds, with a weight range of 17 to 23 pounds. The Mute Swan is less vocal than the noisy Bewick's Swan and Whooper Swan although it does make a variety of grunting, hoarse whistling and snorting noises, especially in communicating with their cygnets and threatening competitors or intruders trying to enter their territory. The most familiar sound associated with the Mute Swan is the vibrant throbbing of the wings in flight which is unique to the species and this can be heard from a range of up to 1 mile. The Mute Swan is found naturally mainly in the temperate areas of Europe across west Asia and as far east as Primorsky Krai in the far east of Russia. It is partially migratory throughout the northern latitudes in Europe and Asia as far south as north Africa and the Mediterranean. It is also often kept in captivity outside its natural range as a decoration for parks and ponds and escapes have occurred. The descendants of such birds have become naturalised in east USA and the Great Lakes region across the USA and Canada border. The Mute Swan population in the UK has increased recently probably due to better protection of this species. Some birds are resident all year whilst others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into east England. Mute Swans nest on large mounds that they build with waterside vegetation in shallow water on islands in the middle or at the very edge of a lake. It is a monogamous species and often reuses the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Males and females share the care of the nest. The female lays from 4 to 10 eggs and broods for around 36 days. Cygnets are unable to fly before an age of 120 to 150 days and this limits the distribution of the species in the northern edge of its range since the cygnets must learn to fly before the water freezes. The Mute Swan is usually strongly territorial with just a single pair on smaller lakes although in a few locations where a large area of suitable feeding habitat is found they can be colonial. The largest colonies can hold over 100 pairs such as that at the colony at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset in the UK. Non-mated juveniles up to 3 to 4 years old commonly form larger flocks often at regular traditional sites and these can total several hundred birds. The Mute Swan can be very aggressive in defence of its nest and it is highly protective of its mate and offspring. Most defensive attacks from a Mute Swan begin with a loud hiss and, if this is not sufficient to drive off the predator, are followed by a physical attack. It attacks by smashing at its enemy with bony spurs in the wings accompanied by biting with its large bill. Smaller waterbirds such as ducks are normally grabbed with the bill and dragged or thrown clear. Large waterfowl, such as the Canada Goose, more likely out of competition than in response to potential predation, may be aggressively driven off. The wings of the Mute Swan are very powerful although not strong enough to break an adult man's leg as has been claimed anecdotally. The Mute Swan feeds on a wide range of vegetation, both submerged aquatic plants which they reach with their long necks and by grazing on land. The food commonly includes agricultural crop plants such as oilseed rape and wheat and feeding flocks in the winter may cause significant crop damage, often as much through trampling with their large webbed feet as through direct consumption. Date: 9th June 2023 Location: Bosherston Lily Ponds, Bosherton, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48137712.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_93175187263bd4a4d64f7d.jpgBrown Rat Brown Rats have coarse brown or occasionally black fur with a pale underside. They have a long tail which is sparsely haired. Although originally native to eastern Asia and Japan, Brown Rats are now distributed world-wide. They spread across the UK via the shipping traffic from foreign countries in the 18th century and largely replaced the Black Rat. They are highly adaptable and can be found all over the UK, except for exposed mountain regions and some small offshore islands, and live in loose colonies and home ranges of around 50 metres in diameter. Along with the House Mouse, the Brown Rat is considered to be the most widespread terrestrial mammal in the UK and they are subject to persistent pest control due to the damage they cause and the numerous diseases they spread. Brown Rats are omnivorous and have a very varied diet. They are typically nocturnal although they will sometimes forage for food during the day. They also swim well and are sometimes mistaken for Water Voles. Brown Rats live for around 18 months and breed throughout the year producing 5 litters of 8 young a year. Date: 5th January 2023 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52699104.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_107782823967b0c931aaaee.jpgSanderling The Sanderling is a small, plump, energetic wading bird. It has a short straight black bill and medium length black legs and is pale grey above and white underneath. Sanderlings breed in the high Arctic but can be seen in the UK during the winter months and as a passage migrant in spring and autumn. They can be found where there are long, sandy beaches around most of the coast other than in south west England and the rocky coasts of mainland Scotland. Date: 14th February 2025 Location: Shoeburyness, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52699102.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_192350822067b0c92d62097.jpgCommon Redshank The Common Redshank, or simply Redshank, is a Eurasian wader. In breeding plumage it is a marbled brown colour and slightly lighter below. In winter plumage it becomes somewhat lighter toned and less patterned and rather plain greyish-brown above and whitish below. It has red legs and a black-tipped red bill and it shows white up the back and on the wings in flight. The Common Redshank is widespread across temperate Eurasia and it breeds in any wetland from damp meadows to saltmarsh, often at high densities. It is migratory and it winters on coasts around the Mediterranean, on the Atlantic coast of Europe from the UK southwards and in south Asia. The Common Redshank is a wary and noisy bird which will alert everything else with their loud piping call. Date: 14th February 2025 Location: Shoeburyness, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11805640.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20501499664e3a69f771e9b.jpgRuddy Darter Flight period: mid June to mid September. The Ruddy Darter takes its name from its colour and its swift flight behaviour. The male has a deep russet colour over the entire body and the abdomen has a pinched section close to where it joins the thorax. Females are slightly smaller, golden yellow in colour and being less obviously marked are more difficult to identify than the males. There is more than one red coloured darter species in the UK and they can be easily confused with each other. The commonest red species, the Common Darter, can be distinguished as having red veins at the base of the wings and a less ruddy colouration across the body. However, the Ruddy Darter has entirely black legs, distinguishing it from all other red darters which have longitudinal yellow stripes on their legs. The UK range of the Ruddy Darter has undergone something of an expansion in recent years. Although still relatively uncommon in the west and north of Britain, it is increasing in numbers in the Midlands and eastern England. The population is augmented by continental migrants. It is also found over most of Europe except for northern Scandinavia, as far east as western Siberia and south to north Africa. The Ruddy Darter prefers water bodies with tall emergent vegetation, such as reeds and club rush, and it is known to breed in ponds, lakes, canals, ditches and sluggish rivers. They can also be found near coasts and can breed in fairly brackish water. Date: 2nd August 2011 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26006811.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14770457775634a724f2b91.jpgWestfjords, Iceland The Westfjords is the name of a large peninsula in north west Iceland and it is situated on the Denmark Strait facing the east coast of Greenland to the north west. It is connected to the rest of Iceland by a 5 mile wide isthmus between Gilsfjörður and Bitrufjörður. The Westfjords are one of the most breathtakingly beautiful and least visited corners of Iceland with only a small number of foreign tourist visitors. This peninsula of almost 5500 square miles stretching out into the icy waters of the Denmark Strait is characterised by dramatic fjords which have resulted from intense glacial activity. Everything here is extreme from the table mountains that dominate the landscape and which plunge precipitously into the sea to the ferocious storms that have gnawed the coastline into countless craggy inlets. After crossing the Steingrímsfjarðarheiði mountain pass west of Hólmavík, road 61 becomes a convoluted and circuitous route which winds it’s way in and around no fewer than 7 deeply indented fjords in the northern part of the Westfjords before reaching the regional capital of Ísafjörður. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: view from road 61 between the western end of the Steingrímsfjarðarheiði mountain pass and Ísafjörður http://www.richardchewphotography.com/cairngorms-highland https://images.on-this.website/4752_2514143254e0974be9ed0c.jpgCairngorms, Highland Height: Beinn Macdui 4295 feet and Braeriach 4252 feet. Although Ben Nevis, Scotland's highest mountain, lies on the west coast near Fort William, most of the rest of Scotland's highest mountains form a cluster of summits lying to the east of the A9 Perth to Inverness road near Aviemore. The Cairngorms form a massive plateau of granite about 19 miles long by 12 miles wide. Five of Scotland's nine 4000 feet summits lie within the range, plus a further nine mountains higher than 3500 feet and four more exceeding 3000 feet. The mountains of the Cairngorm plateau are predominantly vast, rounded, dome-like structures. The Cairngorms National Park has the largest area of arctic mountain landscape in the UK at its heart. It is home to 17,000 people and 25% of Britain's threatened birds, animals, and plants. It includes moorlands, forests, rivers, lochs and glens. Date: 10th June 2011 Location: view from the B970 road between Aviemore and Boat of Garten http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453924.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15475964374ff545878ab28.jpgGriffon Vulture The Griffon Vulture is a typical Old World vulture in appearance with a white bald head, very broad wings and short tail feathers. It has a white neck ruff and yellow bill. The buff body and wing coverts contrast with the dark flight feathers. They are very large birds around 37 to 43 inches long with a 91 to 106 inches wingspan. Like other vultures, the Griffon Vulture is a scavenger, feeding mostly from carcasses of dead animals which it finds by soaring over open areas, often moving in flocks. The population is mostly resident in its breeding range in the mountains of southern Europe, north Africa, and Asia. In Spain, there are tens of thousands of birds from a low of a few thousand around 1980 although the Pyrenees population has apparently been affected by an EU ruling that due to danger of BSE transmission, no carcasses must be left on the fields for the time being. Although the Griffon Vulture does not normally attack larger living prey, there are reports of Spanish Griffon Vultures killing weak, young or unhealthy living animals as they do not find enough carrion to eat. Date: 27th April 2012 Location: Location: Portilla del Tiétar, Parque Nacional de Monfragüe, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080545.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9641090363a4489c80f50.jpgWaxwing The Waxwing is a plump bird which is slightly smaller than a Starling. It is buff or pinkish-brown in colour with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings, a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest. The bird’s name is derived from the red tips to some of the wing feathers which are said to look like they have been dipped in sealing wax. Waxwings breed in the dense forests of northern Europe but they occur in varying numbers in the UK from October to March. In some years they can occur in large numbers (known as irruptions) when the population in the breeding areas gets too big for the food available. The first UK arrivals each winter are usually seen on the east coast from Scotland to East Anglia but birds then move inland in search of food. They can be found in parks and gardens and even busy public places such as supermarket car parks, typically where there are berry-bearing trees and bushes such as rowan, hawthorn, cotoneaster and rose. Waxwings seem fearless of humans so it is relatively easy to get very close views of these stunning birds. Waxwings make an easily recognisable high-pitched trilling sound like a bell. Date: 2nd December 2022 Location: Sheringham, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28883588.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_74253488757cc046d998a9.jpgLahemaa National Park, Estonia Lahemaa National Park was established in 1971 and was the first area to be designated as a National Park of the former Soviet Union. It is located about 40 miles east of Tallinn with the Gulf of Finland to the north and the Tallinn to Narva road to the south. It covers an area of 280 square miles including almost 100 square miles of sea and it is the largest National Park in Estonia. Forest covers around 70% of the Lahemaa National Park and much of the remainder includes raised bogs. The area is rich in flora and fauna including a population of Wolves, Brown Bears and Lynx. Date: 19th May 2016 Location: Altja, Lahemaa National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26541388.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_51888618056acebc8ca97a.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 16th January 2016 Location: Caerlaverock WWT reserve, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/whooper-swan https://images.on-this.website/4752_12059817684e186090def87.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 6th January 2008 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12078558.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4007627954e48dd5386129.jpgWater Vole The Water Vole is found throughout the UK although it is less common on higher ground. It is infrequently recorded from parts of northern Scotland and is absent in Ireland. Water Voles are legally protected in the UK and recent evidence suggests that they have undergone a long term decline. On current trends it is predicted that they may eventually disappear from 94% of their former sites. The shocking decline in both the range and numbers of the Water Vole is due to a number of factors. The large-scale loss and fragmentation of sensitive waterside habitats due to riverbank modification, drainage and flood defence works has been an important factor as has the pollution of waterways and poisoning by rodenticides. Perhaps the most serious threat facing the Water Vole is predation by the introduced American Mink. Water Voles are sometimes confused with Brown Rats which often also live near water courses. They are sometimes called "the water rat" which is the origin of the Water Vole’s fame as "Ratty" from Kenneth Grahame's book “The Wind in the Willows”. Prime Water Vole sites are found along densely vegetated banks of slow flowing rivers, ditches, lakes and marshes where water is present throughout the year. Water Voles are herbivores and feed on a huge variety of waterside vegetation, consuming 80% of their body weight each day. They excavate extensive burrow systems into the banks of waterways and have sleeping/nest chambers at various levels in the steepest parts of the bank. Burrows usually have underwater entrances to provide a secure route for escape if danger threatens. Water Voles usually have 3 or 4 litters a year depending on the weather. In mild springs the first of these can be born in March or April although cold conditions can delay breeding until May or even June. There are about 5 young in a litter and these are born below ground in a nest made from suitable vegetation such as grasses and rushes. Young water voles grow quickly and are weaned at 14 days. On average, Water Voles only live about 5 months in the wild. Their most important predators are Mink and Stoats although Grey Herons, Barn Owls, Brown Rats and Pike are also known to take them. Date: 5th March 2008 Location: Cromford Canal, Derbyshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37913603.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3432457555cab34b20a254.jpgLittle Ringed Plover The Little Ringed Plover is a small plover with a distinctive black and white head pattern similar to the Ringed Plover. It has a black beak and pale (not orange) legs and close views reveal a distinctive yellow eye-ring. In flight it shows a plain brown wing without the white wing bar that the Ringed Plover has. The Little Ringed Plover can be found in most of Eurasia and north west Africa. In the UK, it is mainly found in England and is uncommon in Wales and Scotland. It is a migratory species, arriving in March from its wintering grounds in Africa and leaving again in July. The breeding habitat is open gravel or shingle areas near fresh water, including gravel pits, reservoirs, islands and river edges Nests are located on the ground on stones with little or no plant growth. Both males and females take turns incubating the eggs. The Little Ringed Plover is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 10th April 2019 Location: Abberton Reservoir, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52699005.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11407352067b0c483d1a1e.jpgMale Mallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 2nd February 2025 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9547598.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14001034784dad759c57f9f.jpgAvocet The (Pied) Avocet is a large black and white wader in the avocet and stilt family. It is one of 4 species of avocet that make up the genus Recurvirostra. The genus name is from the Latin [i]recurvus[/i] meaning "curved backwards" and [i]rostrum[/i] meaning "bill". The Avocet is a striking white wader with bold black markings. Adults have white plumage except for a black cap and black patches in the wings and on the back. They have long, upturned bills and long, bluish legs. Males and females look alike whilst juveniles resemble the adult but with more greyish and sepia tones. The Avocet breeds in temperate Europe and western and central Asia. The breeding habitat is shallow lakes with brackish water and exposed bare mud where they build a nest on open ground in a lined scrape or on a mound of vegetation. The Avocet is a migratory species and most winter in Africa or southern Asia. Some remain to winter in the mildest parts of their range such as in southern Spain and southern England. The Avocet feeds on crustaceans and insects in shallow brackish water or on mud flats, often scything their bills from side to side in water (a feeding technique that is unique to the avocet species). The Avocet was extinct as a breeding species in the UK by 1840 but its successful recolonisation at Minsmere in Suffolk in 1947 led to its adoption as the logo of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Date: 18th April 2011 Location: Two Tree Island, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo16538253.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5985742950827f0701b1b.jpgDunlin The Dunlin is the commonest small wader found along the coast and can be seen on all UK estuaries with the largest numbers in winter. During winter they feed in large flocks on estuaries with mudflats, saltmarsh and coastal lagoons as well as inland lakes and sewage farms. Dunlin breed on the wet upland moors of Scotland, Wales and England and also the wet grassland machair of the Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland and the Flow Country of Caithness and Sutherland. Date: 1st October 2012 Location: Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23806400.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_209350306355129ba948d95.jpgTufted Duck The Tufted Duck is a medium-sized diving duck. Males are black on the head, neck, breast and back and white on the sides with a small crest and a yellow eye. Females are browner in colour. Tufted Ducks breed in the UK across the lowland areas of England, Scotland and Ireland but less commonly in Wales. Numbers increase in the UK in winter due to birds moving to the UK from Iceland and northern Europe. Tufted Ducks can be found all year round in suitable habitats such as a reservoirs, gravel pits or lakes. Date: 7th March 2015 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645433.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_68513060951e3ce1e7bf18.jpgWhite Storks The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 20th May 2013 Location: Biebrza area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623260.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5973965336117d9c77b19b.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43629103.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3115446866118ac615ce89.jpgCommon Darter Flight period: end May to early October. Common Darters are the most widespread of the dragonflies over lowland UK but they are absent from upland areas. They can be found in a wide range of habitats including ponds, lakes, ditches, canals, slow flowing rivers and brackish water. They can also be frequently seen some way from water. Date: 18th July 2021 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/ruddy-duck https://images.on-this.website/4752_17519309854db17d292e91f.jpgRuddy Duck Ruddy Ducks are small, stout freshwater diving ducks with broad, short wings and narrow, stiff tails. The male Ruddy Duck has a bright chestnut body, black crown, white cheeks and blue bill. They swim buoyantly, often with the tail cocked up and they can also gradually submerge without diving. They hardly ever leave the water as they are very ungainly on land. Ruddy Ducks were brought to the UK from North America to enhance captive wildfowl collections. Subsequent escape and successful establishment outside of the UK has resulted in a European conservation problem due to them hybridising with the rare White-headed Duck. Ruddy Ducks breed in lowland wetlands and open fresh water such as reservoirs, gravel pits and lakes with weedy fringes. In winter, they concentrate in flocks on large open waters, particularly reservoirs. Date: 30/04/05 Location: Wat Tyler CP, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45174845.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3415556276232f9f520dcf.jpgCoot The Coot is an all black bird with a distinctive white beak and “shield” above the beak from which earns it the title “bald”. Its feet have distinctive lobed flaps of skin on the toes which act instead of webs when swimming. It patters noisily over the water before taking off and can be very aggressive towards other birds. Coot can be found all the year round mainly on freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers and town park lakes. Sometimes they can be seen offshore, especially in winter if freshwater areas are frozen. They breed in areas of fairly shallow standing freshwater with a muddy bottom and plenty of vegetation at the sides, usually in lowland areas. Date: 31st December 2021 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15367567.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9801561414fec1d356c9a8.jpgBalnakeil Bay, Sutherland Balnakeil Bay is situated at the north west point of Scotland at the end of the minor road running west out of Durness. To the north of Durness lies the rocky headland of Faraid Head which projects 2 miles out in to the Pentland Firth and is the home of military installations .... and Puffins! On the west side of the narrow stretch of land leading to Faraid Head is the wide sweeping curve and marram grass dunes of Balnakeil Bay. The name Balnakeil is derived from the Gaelic "Baille ne Cille" (Village of the Church). The ruined chapel here was built in the 17th century but a church has stood at the location for at least 1200 years. Date: 10th June 2012 Location: view from the south side of the bay at the end of the unclassified road from Durness http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13683361.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11545304214ed733d0e297e.jpgTawny Owl The Tawny Owl is an owl about the size of a pigeon. It has a rounded body and head with a ring of dark feathers around its face surrounding the dark eyes. It is mainly reddish brown above and paler underneath. The Tawny Owl can be found all year round in the UK and it is a widespread breeding species. Birds are mainly residents with established pairs probably never leaving their territories. Young birds disperse from breeding grounds in autumn. The Tawny Owl is nocturnal so it is often heard calling at night but much less often seen. In the daytime, you may see one only if you disturb it inadvertently from its roost site in woodland. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41234280.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14356366205ee76ca1ad38d.jpgNorfolk Hawker Flight period: mid May to mid August The Norfolk Hawker is one of two brown hawker dragonflies found in the UK. It is just over 5 inches long with a brown body, green eyes and a yellow triangular mark near the top of the abdomen. The Norfolk Hawker is a rare dragonfly in the UK and its range is almost completely restricted to the fens, grazing marshes and ditches of the Broads National Park in Norfolk and north east Suffolk although new colonies are becoming established in other areas of south east England. Since 2011 it has been recorded in the River Stour valley in east Kent where egg laying has been observed and it appears to be spreading. The optimum conditions for breeding appear to be unspoilt grazing marsh and ditch systems with clean, non-saline water and rushy margins, preferably with an abundance of water soldier as well as other aquatic plants. The main threats to the Norfolk Hawker are the conversion of grazing marsh to arable farming, inappropriate ditch and dyke management, nutrients enrichment, pollution and the impact of global climate change and fluctuations in water levels. Date: 1st June 2020 Location: NNR Stodmarsh (Grove Ferry), Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41824232.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_609971515f6b4ae8287fe.jpgWall Flight period: May to September The Wall was once widely distributed throughout England, Wales, Northern Ireland and south Scotland. However over the last decade, it has declined substantially and it is now confined to primarily coastal regions and has been lost from many sites in central, east and south east England. The Wall favours short, open, unimproved grassland where turf is broken or stony. It is also found on dunes and other coastal habitats as well as disused quarries, derelict land, farm tracks, railway embankments and cuttings, gardens, hedgerows and field edges. The Wall is aptly named after its habit of basking on walls, rocks and stony places. The delicately patterned light brown undersides provide good camouflage against a stony or sandy surface. Date: 15th September 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/red-necked-phalaropes https://images.on-this.website/4752_180535832656376a4a28c19.jpgRed-necked Phalaropes The Red-necked Phalarope is a small wader with lobed toes to assist swimming and a straight, fine bill. The breeding female is predominantly dark grey above with a chestnut neck and upper breast, black face and white throat. The breeding male is a duller version of the female. In winter, the plumage is essentially grey above and white below but the black eyepatch is always present. When feeding, a Red-necked Phalarope will often swim in a small, rapid circle, forming a small whirlpool. This behaviour is thought to aid feeding by raising food from the bottom of shallow water. The bird will reach into the centre of the vortex with its bill, plucking small insects or crustaceans caught up therein. On the open ocean, they are often found where converging currents produce upwellings. The Red-necked Phalarope breeds in the Arctic regions of north America and Eurasia. It is migratory and, unusually for a wader, it winters at sea on tropical oceans. Date: 2nd June 2015 Location: Lake Mývatn, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32709039.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_71407732159ad27502fef01.74169387.jpgSquacco Heron The Squacco Heron is named after its piercing “squawk’ call” and is a small, chunky heron with a short, thick bill, warm buff-brown back and snowy white wings, breast, tail and belly. The long, almost hair-like feathers on the back cover the tail and there are tufts of long white and black feathers on the head that sometimes stick straight up in the air. The Squacco Heron’s highly recognisable call is often given at night, especially during the breeding season. The Squacco Heron inhabits wetlands such as lakes, river valleys, swamps and other permanent or temporary freshwater wetlands. However, due to habitat alteration or loss, rice paddy fields are becoming a principal habitat. It prefers sites with abundant nearby vegetation, such as tamarisk, elm and ash trees, where it likes to nest in small colonies often with other herons and egrets. The Squacco Heron occurs in Europe (although rare in the north), Africa and the Middle East as far east as Iran, breeding in the northern parts of its range and migrating to southern regions to spend the winter. Date: 19th May 2017 Location: Location: Hortobágy-Halastó, Hortobágy National Park, Hajdú-Bihar county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645773.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_129578559051e3d084f1f10.jpgBiałowieża, Poland The Białowieża forest is an ancient mixed forest that straddles the border between Poland and Belarus. It is one of the largest remaining parts of the immense primaeval forest that once stretched across the Great European Plain. On the Polish side, the central part of the Białowieża forest is protected as the Białowieża National Park with an area of about 39 square miles. The National Park, created in 1932, is under strict preservation and has been declared by UNESCO a World Biosphere Reserve and put on the World Heritage List. The Białowieża forest is home to many species of forest birds plus large mammals such as Wolf, Lynx, Moose and European Bison. Park Palacowy (Palace Park) in Białowieża covering 50 ha was founded between 19th and 20th century. It is a park in an English landscape style with several tsarist red brick buildings from the 19th century and a gate which is the only remnant of the wooden manor. There are extensive views to Białowieża National Park. Date: 26th May 2013 Location: Białowieża area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7950446.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1530331884d03cfe8823c5.jpgTurnstone The Turnstone has a mottled appearance with brown or chestnut and black upperparts, brown and white or black and white head pattern, white underparts and orange legs. Turnstones can be found around most of the UK coastline including rocky, sandy and muddy shores and particularly like feeding on seaweed covered rocks, seawalls and jetties. They are present for most of the year. Birds from Northern Europe pass through in July and August and again in spring and birds from Canada and Greenland arrive in August and September and remain until April and May. Non-breeding birds may stay throughout the summer. Date: 15th November 2010 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405486.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18481175396586e858e0710.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 14th October 2023 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26032742.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_47701806156378a2681e46.jpgEider The Eider is a large sea duck that is distributed over the northern coasts of Europe, north America and eastern Siberia. It breeds in the Arctic and some northern temperate regions but winters somewhat further south in temperate zones when it can form large flocks on coastal waters. The Eider is both the largest of the 4 eider species and the largest duck found in Europe and in north America (except for the Muscovy duck which only reaches north America in a wild state in southernmost Texas and south Florida). The Eider is characterized by its bulky shape and large, wedge-shaped bill. The male is unmistakable with its black and white plumage and green nape. The female is a brown bird but can still be readily distinguished from all ducks, except other eider species, on the basis of size and head shape. The drake's display call is a strange almost human-like "ah-ooo" while the duck utters hoarse quacks. The Eider dives for crustaceans and molluscs, with mussels being a favoured food. The Eider will eat mussels by swallowing them whole. The shells are then crushed in their gizzard and excreted. When eating a crab, the Eider will remove all of its claws and legs and then eat the body in a similar fashion. The Eider is abundant with populations of about 1.5 to 2 million birds in both Europe and north America and also large but unknown numbers in eastern Siberia. The Eider is a colonial breeder nesting on coastal islands in colonies ranging in size of less than 100 to upwards of 10,000 to 15,000 individuals. Female Eiders frequently exhibit a high degree of natal philopatry where they return to breed on the same island where they were hatched. This can lead to a high degree of relatedness between individuals nesting on the same island as well as the development of kin-based female social structures. This relatedness has likely played a role in the evolution of co-operative breeding behaviours amongst Eiders. Examples of these behaviours include laying eggs in the nests of related individuals and crèching where female Eiders team up and share the work of rearing ducklings. The Eider's nest is built close to the sea and is lined with the celebrated eiderdown plucked from the female's breast. This soft and warm lining has long been harvested for filling pillows and quilts but in more recent years has been largely replaced by down from domestic farm geese and synthetic alternatives. Although eiderdown pillows or quilts are now a rarity, eiderdown harvesting continues and is sustainable as it can be done after the ducklings leave the nest with no harm to the birds. Date: 1st June 2015 Location: Hvammstangi, Vatnsnes peninsula, north west Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082739.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5084446155d307dc27e9b8.jpgWhite Storks The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 24th May 2018 Location: Borislavtsi, eastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28883595.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_35522750357cc055ca2d87.jpgWhinchat The Whinchat is similar in size to its relative the Robin. Both sexes have brownish upperparts mottled darker, a buff throat and breast, a pale buff to whitish belly and a blackish tail with white bases to the outer tail feathers. The male in breeding plumage has blackish face mask almost encircled by a strong white supercilium and malar stripe, a bright orange-buff throat and breast and small white wing patches. The female is duller overall, in particular having browner face mask, pale buffy-brown breast, and a buff supercilium and malar stripe and smaller or no white wing patches. Males in immature and winter plumage and are similar to females. The Whinchat is a fairly common migratory species in Europe and western Asia with birds arriving at their breeding grounds between the end of April and mid May and departing between mid August and mid September. They winter primarily in tropical sub-Saharan Africa with small numbers also in north west Africa. Date: 19th May 2016 Location: Alam Pedja Nature Reserve, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833575.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1323107543559cec8e56f11.jpgLake Kerkini, Central Macedonia, Greece Lake Kerkini is one of the most important wetlands in Europe and is considered to be one of the top European birding destinations due to the wealth of resident, breeding and migratory birds. It is situated along the migratory flyway for birds en route to the Aegean Sea, the Balkan region, the Black Sea, the Hungarian steppes and beyond. Lake Kerkini is located close to the border with Bulgaria 25 miles from Serres and 60 miles from Thessaloniki, and it is surrounded by Mounts Belles and Mavrovouni. It is approximately 9 miles long and its maximum width, when full, reaches 5.5 miles. Lake Kerkini is an artificial irrigation reservoir fed by the Strymon River that was created in 1932, and then redeveloped in 1980, on the site of what was previously an extremely extensive and uninhabitable marshland. More than 300 species of birds have been recorded in the area, including 140 resident species and 170 species that migrate through every year on their way to the Aegean Sea, the Black Sea, and the Balkan region. Date: 12th May 2015 Location: near Kerkini village, Lake Kerkini, Central Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28884639.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_45164778057cc2359b75b8.jpgBlue-headed Wagtail The Western Yellow Wagtail is a small passerine in the wagtail family. The breeding adult male is basically olive above and yellow below. In other plumages, the yellow may be diluted by white. The heads of breeding males come in a variety of colours and patterns depending on the subspecies. The male Blue-headed Wagtail has a blue-grey head with white supercilium and malar stripe in males, much washed with buffish green in females. The Blue-headed Wagtail breeds in much of temperate Europe and Asia. It is resident in the milder parts of its range, such as western Europe, but northern and eastern populations migrate to sub-Saharan Africa and south Asia. Date: 18th May 2016 Location: Aardla polder, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo445704.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1727368214681c7706f820.jpgRed Cuillin, Skye The Red Cuillin are located to the east of Glen Sligachan and are volcanic in origin. They take their colour from magma which has cooled slowly underground forming crystals which ultimately became speckled red granite. Through processes of uplift and erosion, this has resulted in rounded red granite mountains. Date: June 2002 Location: view from the island of Raasay http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo34006638.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5147931375a72f9ce0d93b.jpgTurnstone The Turnstone has a mottled appearance with brown or chestnut and black upperparts, brown and white or black and white head pattern, white underparts and orange legs. Turnstones can be found around most of the UK coastline including rocky, sandy and muddy shores and particularly like feeding on seaweed covered rocks, seawalls and jetties. They are present for most of the year. Birds from Northern Europe pass through in July and August and again in spring and birds from Canada and Greenland arrive in August and September and remain until April and May. Non-breeding birds may stay throughout the summer. Date: 22nd January 2018 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874791.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1386282137561ccdc769dd0.jpgSnæfellsnes peninsula, west Iceland The 55 mile long Snæfellsnes peninsula is situated in west Iceland with Breiðafjörður and the Westfjords region to the north and Faxaflói and Reykjavík to the south. The Snæfellsnes peninsula has been named "Iceland in Miniature". In addition to its characteristic Snæfellsjökull volcano and glacier, there are white and black sandy beaches, fjords, sheer cliffs, spectacular mountains and volcanic craters, incredibly rich trout lakes and salmon rivers, lush valleys and unique harbours and fishing villages. The stunning landscape of the Snæfellsnes peninsula has captured the imagination of people all over the world ever since Jules Verne wrote the famous science fiction novel <i>"Journey to the Centre of the Earth"</i>. Date: 7th June 2015 Location: view from road 54 between Grundarfjörður and Ólafsvík http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871593.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17925683734eff1eee800b4.jpgReindeer The Reindeer, also known as the Caribou in North America, is a deer from the Arctic and sub Arctic, including both resident and migratory populations. Whilst it is overall widespread and numerous, some of its subspecies are rare or already extinct. The Reindeer is a widespread and numerous species in the northern Holarctic, being present in tundra (frozen arctic plain with lichens, mosses and dwarfed vegetation) and taiga (marshy pine forest) regions. Originally, the Reindeer was found in Scandinavia, eastern Europe, Russia, Mongolia, and northern China. In North America, it was found in Canada, Alaska and the northern USA from Washington to Maine. It also occurred naturally on Sakhalin, Greenland, and probably even in historical times in Ireland. Today, wild Reindeer have disappeared from many areas within this large historical range, especially from the southern parts where it has vanished almost everywhere. Large populations of wild Reindeer are still found in Norway, Finland, Siberia, Greenland, Alaska, and Canada. Wild Reindeer hunting and herding of semi-domesticated Reindeer (for meat, hides, antlers, milk and transportation) are important to several Arctic and Subarctic people. Domesticated Reindeer are mostly found in northern Fennoscandia and Russia with a herd of approximately 150-170 Reindeer also living around the Cairngorms region in Scotland. Reindeer vary considerably in colour and size. Both sexes grow antlers, though they are typically larger in males. Even far outside its range, the Reindeer is well known due to the myth, probably originating in early 19th century America, in which Santa Claus's sleigh is pulled by flying Reindeer, a popular element of Christmas. Date: 25th May 2009 Location: east of Sodankylä, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33820958.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14576716875a3d07de857df.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 12th December 2017 Location: Kensington Gardens, London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45456940.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9911414046250017564773.jpgTurnstone The Turnstone has a mottled appearance with brown or chestnut and black upperparts, brown and white or black and white head pattern, white underparts and orange legs. Turnstones can be found around most of the UK coastline including rocky, sandy and muddy shores and particularly like feeding on seaweed covered rocks, seawalls and jetties. They are present for most of the year. Birds from Northern Europe pass through in July and August and again in spring and birds from Canada and Greenland arrive in August and September and remain until April and May. Non-breeding birds may stay throughout the summer. Date: 9th November 2021 Location: Shoeburyness, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23806415.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9989154875512a63a1c9e1.jpgFerruginous Duck The Ferruginous Duck is a medium-sized diving duck known colloquially by birders as "fudge duck". The adult male is a rich chestnut colour with a darker back and a yellow eye. The female is similar but duller and with a dark eye. The Ferruginous Duck feeds mainly by diving or dabbling. They eat aquatic plants with some molluscs, aquatic insects and small fish. The Ferruginous Duck breeds in southern and eastern Europe and southern and western Asia. They are somewhat migratory and winter farther south and into north Africa. Their breeding habitat is marshes and lakes with a metre or more water depth. It is a gregarious bird, forming large flocks in winter, often mixed with other diving ducks, such as Tufted Ducks and Common Pochards. This bird was part of the captive collection at the WWT London Wetland Centre. Date: 7th March 2015 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39081995.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16078275695d3079935c9e6.jpgBlack-headed Bunting The Black-headed Bunting is a member of the bunting family but larger and longer tailed than the Reed Bunting. The breeding male has bright yellow underparts, chestnut upperparts and a black hood. The female is a washed-out version of the male with paler underparts, a grey-brown back and a greyish head. The Black-headed Bunting breeds in open scrubby areas including agricultural land from south east Europe to central Asia. The wintering grounds are mainly in India although vagrants have been found wintering as far east as Japan, China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Laos, South Korea and Malaysia. Summer vagrants may occur as far north in Europe as Norway. Date: 18th May 2018 Location: Nos Kaliakra, Dobrich Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41349637.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6808628425f200901c297b.jpgRuddy Darter Flight period: mid June to mid September. The Ruddy Darter takes its name from its colour and its swift flight behaviour. The male has a deep russet colour over the entire body and the abdomen has a pinched section close to where it joins the thorax. Females are slightly smaller, golden yellow in colour and being less obviously marked are more difficult to identify than the males. There is more than one red coloured darter species in the UK and they can be easily confused with each other. The commonest red species, the Common Darter, can be distinguished as having red veins at the base of the wings and a less ruddy colouration across the body. However, the Ruddy Darter has entirely black legs, distinguishing it from all other red darters which have longitudinal yellow stripes on their legs. The UK range of the Ruddy Darter has undergone something of an expansion in recent years. Although still relatively uncommon in the west and north of Britain, it is increasing in numbers in the Midlands and eastern England. The population is augmented by continental migrants. It is also found over most of Europe except for northern Scandinavia, as far east as western Siberia and south to north Africa. The Ruddy Darter prefers water bodies with tall emergent vegetation, such as reeds and club rush, and it is known to breed in ponds, lakes, canals, ditches and sluggish rivers. They can also be found near coasts and can breed in fairly brackish water. Date: 25th June 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28883737.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_213348060157cc10cc15861.jpgLake Peipus, Estonia Lake Peipus is the biggest trans-boundary lake in Europe on the border between Estonia and Russia. It is the 5th largest lake in Europe after Lake Ladoga and Lake Onega in Russia north of Saint Petersburg, Lake Vänern in Sweden and Lake Saimaa in Finland. Lake Peipus is a remnant of a body of water which existed in this area during the Ice Age. It covers an area of 1370 square miles and has an average depth of 23 feet, the deepest point being 50 feet. Some 30 rivers and streams discharge in to Lake Peipus, the largest being the Emajõgi and the Velikaya, and it is drained by the Narva river. The low shores of the lake mostly consist of peat and are bordered by vast lowland and marshes which are flooded in the spring with the flooding area reaching up to 85 square miles. There are also sand dunes and hills covered with pine forests. The lake is used for fishing and recreation but it has suffered from some environmental degradation. Date: 18th May 2016 Location: Lake Peipus at Mehikoorma, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45174844.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12234509236232f9f1de1e0.jpgTufted Duck The Tufted Duck is a small diving duck. The adult male is all black except for white flanks and a blue-grey bill. It has an obvious head tuft that gives the species its name. The adult female is brown with paler flanks and is more easily confused with other diving ducks. In particular, some have white around the bill base which resembles the Scaup although the white is never as extensive as in that species. The Tufted Duck breeds widely throughout temperate and northern Eurasia. It occasionally can be found as a winter visitor along both coasts of the United States and Canada. It is migratory in most of its range and winters in the milder south and west of Europe and southern Asia where large flocks form on open water. The Tufted Duck breeds close to marshes and lakes with plenty of vegetation to conceal the nest. It is also found on coastal lagoons and sheltered ponds. The Tufted Duck feeds mainly by diving for molluscs, aquatic insects and aquatic plants. Date: 31st December 2021 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28883617.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_156521099157cc071c3a8fe.jpgLahemaa National Park, Estonia Lahemaa National Park was established in 1971 and was the first area to be designated as a National Park of the former Soviet Union. It is located about 40 miles east of Tallinn with the Gulf of Finland to the north and the Tallinn to Narva road to the south. It covers an area of 280 square miles including almost 100 square miles of sea and it is the largest National Park in Estonia. Forest covers around 70% of the Lahemaa National Park and much of the remainder includes raised bogs. The area is rich in flora and fauna including a population of Wolves, Brown Bears and Lynx. Date: 19th May 2016 Location: Vainupea, Lahemaa National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13657266.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7887159144ed36bf27cd01.jpgWater Vole The Water Vole is found throughout the UK although it is less common on higher ground. It is infrequently recorded from parts of northern Scotland and is absent in Ireland. Water Voles are legally protected in the UK and recent evidence suggests that they have undergone a long term decline. On current trends it is predicted that they may eventually disappear from 94% of their former sites. The shocking decline in both the range and numbers of the Water Vole is due to a number of factors. The large-scale loss and fragmentation of sensitive waterside habitats due to riverbank modification, drainage and flood defence works has been an important factor as has the pollution of waterways and poisoning by rodenticides. Perhaps the most serious threat facing the Water Vole is predation by the introduced American Mink. Water Voles are sometimes confused with Brown Rats which often also live near water courses. They are sometimes called "the water rat" which is the origin of the Water Vole’s fame as "Ratty" from Kenneth Grahame's book “The Wind in the Willows”. Prime Water Vole sites are found along densely vegetated banks of slow flowing rivers, ditches, lakes and marshes where water is present throughout the year. Water Voles are herbivores and feed on a huge variety of waterside vegetation, consuming 80% of their body weight each day. They excavate extensive burrow systems into the banks of waterways and have sleeping/nest chambers at various levels in the steepest parts of the bank. Burrows usually have underwater entrances to provide a secure route for escape if danger threatens. Water Voles usually have 3 or 4 litters a year depending on the weather. In mild springs the first of these can be born in March or April although cold conditions can delay breeding until May or even June. There are about 5 young in a litter and these are born below ground in a nest made from suitable vegetation such as grasses and rushes. Young water voles grow quickly and are weaned at 14 days. On average, Water Voles only live about 5 months in the wild. Their most important predators are Mink and Stoats although Grey Herons, Barn Owls, Brown Rats and Pike are also known to take them. Date: 16th September, 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/avocet https://images.on-this.website/4752_17757492254db01d91547ab.jpgAvocet The (Pied) Avocet is a large black and white wader in the avocet and stilt family. It is one of 4 species of avocet that make up the genus Recurvirostra. The genus name is from the Latin [i]recurvus[/i] meaning "curved backwards" and [i]rostrum[/i] meaning "bill". The Avocet is a striking white wader with bold black markings. Adults have white plumage except for a black cap and black patches in the wings and on the back. They have long, upturned bills and long, bluish legs. Males and females look alike whilst juveniles resemble the adult but with more greyish and sepia tones. The Avocet breeds in temperate Europe and western and central Asia. The breeding habitat is shallow lakes with brackish water and exposed bare mud where they build a nest on open ground in a lined scrape or on a mound of vegetation. The Avocet is a migratory species and most winter in Africa or southern Asia. Some remain to winter in the mildest parts of their range such as in southern Spain and southern England. The Avocet feeds on crustaceans and insects in shallow brackish water or on mud flats, often scything their bills from side to side in water (a feeding technique that is unique to the avocet species). The Avocet was extinct as a breeding species in the UK by 1840 but its successful recolonisation at Minsmere in Suffolk in 1947 led to its adoption as the logo of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Date: 27/04/06 Location: Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/long-tailed-duck https://images.on-this.website/4752_50301823056376ddf7633c.jpgLong-tailed Duck The Long-tailed Duck is a medium-sized sea duck. Adults have white underparts although the rest of the plumage goes through a complex moulting process. The male has a long pointed tail and a dark grey bill crossed by a pink band. In winter, the male has a dark cheek patch on a mainly white head and neck, a dark breast and mostly white body. In summer, the male is dark on the head, neck and back with a white cheek patch. The female has a brown back and a relatively short pointed tail. In winter, the female's head and neck are white with a dark crown. In summer, the head is dark. Juveniles resemble adult females in autumn plumage, though with a lighter, less distinct cheek patch. The Long-tailed Duck breeds in tundra pools and marshes but also along sea coasts and in large mountain lakes in north America, northern Europe and Russia. It is migratory and winters along the eastern and western coasts of north America, on the Great Lakes, coastal northern and western Europe and Asia. The most important wintering area is the Baltic Sea where a total of about 4.5 million gather. The Long-tailed Duck feeds by diving for molluscs, crustaceans and some small fish. Date: 2nd June 2015 Location: Lake Mývatn, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/great-crested-grebe https://images.on-this.website/4752_687402614e1d671c7d961.jpgGreat Crested Grebe The Great Crested Grebe is the largest member of the grebe family measuring 18 to 20 inches in length with a wing span of 23 to 29 inches. It is a graceful bird with its long neck, long bill and slender outline. In summer, the adults of both sexes are unmistakable being adorned with beautiful head-plumes which are reddish-orange in colour with black tips. There is also an erectile black crown. Non-breeding adults lack the full crest and have a dark crown bordered by a white face, the white extending down the fore-neck and chest. The sexes are similar in appearance but juveniles can be distinguished from adults by having a striped black and white head and neck. The Great Crested Grebe can be found across Europe and Asia and it breeds on shallow, reed-fringed freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs and slow rivers. It is resident in the milder west of its range but it migrates from the colder regions of its range to freshwater lakes, reservoirs and sheltered coastal areas in winter. The Great Crested Grebe has an elaborate mating display. Like all grebes, it nests on the water's edge since its legs are set relatively far back and it is thus unable to walk very well. Usually 2 eggs are laid and the fluffy, striped young grebes are often carried on the adult's back. In a clutch of 2 or more hatchlings, male and female grebes will each identify their “favourites” which they alone will care for and teach. Unusually, young Great Crested Grebes are capable of swimming and diving almost at hatching. The adults teach these skills to their young by carrying them on their backs and diving, leaving the chicks to float on the surface. They then re-emerge a few feet away so that the chicks may swim back on to them. The Great Crested Grebe feeds mainly on fish but it will also eat small crustaceans, insects and small frogs and newts. The Great Crested Grebe was hunted almost to extinction in the UK in the 19th century due to being hunted for its head plumes which were used to decorate hats and ladies' undergarments. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was set up to help protect the Great Crested Grebe which is now again a common sight. Date: 04/03/06 Location: Northlands Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/brown-rats https://images.on-this.website/4752_205306534863a8335be2d4c.jpgBrown Rats Brown Rats have coarse brown or occasionally black fur with a pale underside. They have a long tail which is sparsely haired. Although originally native to eastern Asia and Japan, Brown Rats are now distributed world-wide. They spread across the UK via the shipping traffic from foreign countries in the 18th century and largely replaced the Black Rat. They are highly adaptable and can be found all over the UK, except for exposed mountain regions and some small offshore islands, and live in loose colonies and home ranges of around 50 metres in diameter. Along with the House Mouse, the Brown Rat is considered to be the most widespread terrestrial mammal in the UK and they are subject to persistent pest control due to the damage they cause and the numerous diseases they spread. Brown Rats are omnivorous and have a very varied diet. They are typically nocturnal although they will sometimes forage for food during the day. They also swim well and are sometimes mistaken for Water Voles. Brown Rats live for around 18 months and breed throughout the year producing 5 litters of 8 young a year. Date: 9th January 2022 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19507505.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_48081339352528c18a20be.jpgBlack-winged Stilt The Black-winged Stilt is a widely distributed very long-legged wader. They have long pink-red legs, a long thin black bill and are blackish above and white below with a white head and neck with a varying amount of black. Both in flight and at rest the long pink-red legs are characteristic and even if these are hidden in water of unknown depth, the pure white underparts and jet black upperparts are distinctive. The amount of dark feathering on the otherwise white head doesn't necessarily indicate the sex of a stilt although young birds always have smoky patterning on the head. The Black-winged Stilt can be found in central and southern Europe, central and southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Many birds migrate to south of the Sahara from August to November and return in March and April. However, many of those which breed in Iberia are now increasingly remaining throughout the year. The Black-winged Stilt breeds around shallow wetlands, especially coastal lagoons, saltpans and estuaries. The nest site is a bare spot on the ground near water and birds often nest in small groups, sometimes with Avocets. In Europe, the Black-winged Stilt is a regular spring overshoot vagrant north of its normal range, occasionally remaining to breed in northern European countries including the UK. Date: 9th September 2013 Location: La Janda, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13657272.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9992511834ed36c08e6c07.jpgWater Vole The Water Vole is found throughout the UK although it is less common on higher ground. It is infrequently recorded from parts of northern Scotland and is absent in Ireland. Water Voles are legally protected in the UK and recent evidence suggests that they have undergone a long term decline. On current trends it is predicted that they may eventually disappear from 94% of their former sites. The shocking decline in both the range and numbers of the Water Vole is due to a number of factors. The large-scale loss and fragmentation of sensitive waterside habitats due to riverbank modification, drainage and flood defence works has been an important factor as has the pollution of waterways and poisoning by rodenticides. Perhaps the most serious threat facing the Water Vole is predation by the introduced American Mink. Water Voles are sometimes confused with Brown Rats which often also live near water courses. They are sometimes called "the water rat" which is the origin of the Water Vole’s fame as "Ratty" from Kenneth Grahame's book “The Wind in the Willows”. Prime Water Vole sites are found along densely vegetated banks of slow flowing rivers, ditches, lakes and marshes where water is present throughout the year. Water Voles are herbivores and feed on a huge variety of waterside vegetation, consuming 80% of their body weight each day. They excavate extensive burrow systems into the banks of waterways and have sleeping/nest chambers at various levels in the steepest parts of the bank. Burrows usually have underwater entrances to provide a secure route for escape if danger threatens. Water Voles usually have 3 or 4 litters a year depending on the weather. In mild springs the first of these can be born in March or April although cold conditions can delay breeding until May or even June. There are about 5 young in a litter and these are born below ground in a nest made from suitable vegetation such as grasses and rushes. Young water voles grow quickly and are weaned at 14 days. On average, Water Voles only live about 5 months in the wild. Their most important predators are Mink and Stoats although Grey Herons, Barn Owls, Brown Rats and Pike are also known to take them. Date: 16th September, 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623097.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11140809816117d771698a1.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo34209782.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11086523585a99793e427c0.jpgLittle Grebe The Little Grebe, also known as the Dabchick, is the smallest member of the grebe family measuring 9 to 11.5 inches in length. The adult is unmistakable in summer, predominantly dark above with its rich, rufous colour neck, cheeks and flanks and bright yellow gape. The rufous is replaced by a dirty brownish grey in non-breeding and juvenile birds. Juveniles have a yellow bill with a small black tip and black and white streaks on the cheeks and sides of the neck. This yellow bill darkens as the juveniles age, eventually turning black as an adult. The Little Grebe can be noisy with a distinctive whinnying trill. The Little Grebe can be found across Europe, much of Asia down to New Guinea and in most of Africa. It breeds in small colonies in freshwater wetlands with muddy bottoms and edges and still or slow-moving water with plenty of emergent vegetation such as lakes, gravel pits, canals and rivers. Most birds move to more open or coastal waters in winter but it is only migratory in those parts of its range where the waters freeze. Like all grebes, the Little Grebe nests at the water's edge since its legs are set very far back and it can not walk well. Usually 4 to 7 eggs are laid. The young leave the nest and can swim soon after hatching but are often carried on the backs of the swimming adults. The Little Grebe is an excellent swimmer and diver and pursues its fish and aquatic invertebrate prey underwater. It uses the vegetation skilfully as a hiding place. Date: 25th February 2018 Location: Cromford Canal, Derbyshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15747115.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20875263295017a6c1d37ad.jpgCoot The Coot is an all black bird with a distinctive white beak and “shield” above the beak from which earns it the title “bald”. Its feet have distinctive lobed flaps of skin on the toes which act instead of webs when swimming. It patters noisily over the water before taking off and can be very aggressive towards other birds. Coot can be found all the year round mainly on freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers and town park lakes. Sometimes they can be seen offshore, especially in winter if freshwater areas are frozen. They breed in areas of fairly shallow standing freshwater with a muddy bottom and plenty of vegetation at the sides, usually in lowland areas. Date: 23rd July 2012 Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41537248.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18863999725f3cfdf783c2b.jpgKittiwakes The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 4th July 2019 Location: Flåget, Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13657260.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5392194674ed36bda6b607.jpgWater Vole The Water Vole is found throughout the UK although it is less common on higher ground. It is infrequently recorded from parts of northern Scotland and is absent in Ireland. Water Voles are legally protected in the UK and recent evidence suggests that they have undergone a long term decline. On current trends it is predicted that they may eventually disappear from 94% of their former sites. The shocking decline in both the range and numbers of the Water Vole is due to a number of factors. The large-scale loss and fragmentation of sensitive waterside habitats due to riverbank modification, drainage and flood defence works has been an important factor as has the pollution of waterways and poisoning by rodenticides. Perhaps the most serious threat facing the Water Vole is predation by the introduced American Mink. Water Voles are sometimes confused with Brown Rats which often also live near water courses. They are sometimes called "the water rat" which is the origin of the Water Vole’s fame as "Ratty" from Kenneth Grahame's book “The Wind in the Willows”. Prime Water Vole sites are found along densely vegetated banks of slow flowing rivers, ditches, lakes and marshes where water is present throughout the year. Water Voles are herbivores and feed on a huge variety of waterside vegetation, consuming 80% of their body weight each day. They excavate extensive burrow systems into the banks of waterways and have sleeping/nest chambers at various levels in the steepest parts of the bank. Burrows usually have underwater entrances to provide a secure route for escape if danger threatens. Water Voles usually have 3 or 4 litters a year depending on the weather. In mild springs the first of these can be born in March or April although cold conditions can delay breeding until May or even June. There are about 5 young in a litter and these are born below ground in a nest made from suitable vegetation such as grasses and rushes. Young water voles grow quickly and are weaned at 14 days. On average, Water Voles only live about 5 months in the wild. Their most important predators are Mink and Stoats although Grey Herons, Barn Owls, Brown Rats and Pike are also known to take them. Date: 16th September, 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40952833.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8267832935e53937e8c27a.jpgGreat Black-backed Gull The largest of the gulls, the Great Black-backed Gull is a dominating and opportunistic predator, scavenger and pirate that has been described as a “merciless tyrant” due to its aggressive feeding habits. The Great Black-backed Gull has a thick-set body with a large, yellow, red-tipped bill, strong legs and wide, webbed feet which have a delicate pink hue. The breast and head are snowy white and sit in stark contrast to the black back and wings. Young Great Black-backed Gulls undergo several plumage changes before taking on that of the adult. Juveniles are pale brown with heavy white mottling whilst immatures are also mottled but have a distinctive whitish head and breast but with a dark-tipped, pale bill The Great Black-backed Gull occurs along the coastlines of northern Europe and northern Russia as well as the east coast of north America and central America and it can be found in a variety of coastal habitats, including rocky and sandy coasts and estuaries as well as inland habitats such as lakes, ponds, fields and moorland. It breeds in areas free of or largely inaccessible to terrestrial predators such as vegetated islands, sand dunes, flat-topped stacks, building roofs and sometimes amongst bushes on salt-marsh islands. During the winter, the Great Black-backed Gull often travels far out to sea to feed. Date: 31st January 2020 Location: Slade harbour, Hook peninsula, Co. Wexford, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13657270.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18807401794ed36c01a15e6.jpgWater Vole The Water Vole is found throughout the UK although it is less common on higher ground. It is infrequently recorded from parts of northern Scotland and is absent in Ireland. Water Voles are legally protected in the UK and recent evidence suggests that they have undergone a long term decline. On current trends it is predicted that they may eventually disappear from 94% of their former sites. The shocking decline in both the range and numbers of the Water Vole is due to a number of factors. The large-scale loss and fragmentation of sensitive waterside habitats due to riverbank modification, drainage and flood defence works has been an important factor as has the pollution of waterways and poisoning by rodenticides. Perhaps the most serious threat facing the Water Vole is predation by the introduced American Mink. Water Voles are sometimes confused with Brown Rats which often also live near water courses. They are sometimes called "the water rat" which is the origin of the Water Vole’s fame as "Ratty" from Kenneth Grahame's book “The Wind in the Willows”. Prime Water Vole sites are found along densely vegetated banks of slow flowing rivers, ditches, lakes and marshes where water is present throughout the year. Water Voles are herbivores and feed on a huge variety of waterside vegetation, consuming 80% of their body weight each day. They excavate extensive burrow systems into the banks of waterways and have sleeping/nest chambers at various levels in the steepest parts of the bank. Burrows usually have underwater entrances to provide a secure route for escape if danger threatens. Water Voles usually have 3 or 4 litters a year depending on the weather. In mild springs the first of these can be born in March or April although cold conditions can delay breeding until May or even June. There are about 5 young in a litter and these are born below ground in a nest made from suitable vegetation such as grasses and rushes. Young water voles grow quickly and are weaned at 14 days. On average, Water Voles only live about 5 months in the wild. Their most important predators are Mink and Stoats although Grey Herons, Barn Owls, Brown Rats and Pike are also known to take them. Date: 16th September, 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29870218.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_211667876584e6d8aec020.jpgPurple Sandpiper The Purple Sandpiper is a small wading shorebird. Adults have short yellow legs and a medium thin dark bill with a yellow base. The body is dark above with a slight purplish gloss and mainly white below. The breast is smeared with grey and the rump is black. The Purple Sandpiper breeds in the northern tundra and Arctic islands in Canada and coastal areas in Greenland and north west Europe and nests on the ground either elevated on rocks or in a lower damp location. The males makes several scrapes following which the female chooses one and lays 3 or 4 eggs. The male takes the major responsibility for incubation and tends the chicks. The Purple Sandpiper is migratory and moves to rocky ice-free Atlantic coasts in winter where it is fairly gregarious, forming small flocks and often associating with Turnstones. It is also relatively tame and approachable. In the UK, the Purple Sandpiper occurs in winter in good numbers, principally along the east and south coasts where it favours rocky shorelines adjacent to the sea. It is a very rare breeding bird and is found only in a localised area of the Cairngorms National Park where 1 to 3 pairs have bred since the 1970s. Date: 7th November 2016 Location: Lowestoft Ness, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40952832.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7209654195e53937857854.jpgGreat Black-backed Gulls The largest of the gulls, the Great Black-backed Gull is a dominating and opportunistic predator, scavenger and pirate that has been described as a “merciless tyrant” due to its aggressive feeding habits. The Great Black-backed Gull has a thick-set body with a large, yellow, red-tipped bill, strong legs and wide, webbed feet which have a delicate pink hue. The breast and head are snowy white and sit in stark contrast to the black back and wings. Young Great Black-backed Gulls undergo several plumage changes before taking on that of the adult. Juveniles are pale brown with heavy white mottling whilst immatures are also mottled but have a distinctive whitish head and breast but with a dark-tipped, pale bill The Great Black-backed Gull occurs along the coastlines of northern Europe and northern Russia as well as the east coast of north America and central America and it can be found in a variety of coastal habitats, including rocky and sandy coasts and estuaries as well as inland habitats such as lakes, ponds, fields and moorland. It breeds in areas free of or largely inaccessible to terrestrial predators such as vegetated islands, sand dunes, flat-topped stacks, building roofs and sometimes amongst bushes on salt-marsh islands. During the winter, the Great Black-backed Gull often travels far out to sea to feed. Date: 31st January 2020 Location: Slade harbour, Hook peninsula, Co. Wexford, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13683315.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16815663894ed72db327ed5.jpgHedgehog The Hedgehog is unmistakeable being the only spiny British mammal. The yellow-tipped 2cm spines on a grey/brown back and sides are perhaps the best known features of the Hedgehog which has relatively long legs and a short tail together with small eyes and ears. The Hedgehog is common in parks, gardens and farmland throughout mainland UK. It has also been introduced to many islands including Orkney, Shetland, Isle of Man and some of the Channel Islands. Hedgehogs prefer woodland edges, hedgerows and suburban habitats where there is plenty of food for them. Intensively farmed arable land is probably a poor habitat as are moorlands and dense conifer forests. Hedgehogs survive well in gardens, particularly assisted by food put out for them as modern tidy gardens may not otherwise provide sufficient food. The Hedgehog is generally nocturnal travelling around a mile each night feeding on a diet of beetles, worms, caterpillars, slugs and almost anything they can catch. They can also take the eggs and chicks of ground-nesting birds although rarely in large numbers. The Hedgehog‘s hibernation usually begins about November and ends around Easter but it is much affected by the weather. They normally wake up several times over winter and often build a new nest. In the spring they commonly spend a few days active and then enter hibernation again during any cold snap. The winter nest or hibernaculum is made of leaves, tucked under a bush or log pile or garden shed or anywhere that offers support and protection. The Hedgehog can live up to 10 years but this is exceptional. Over half die within their first year and average life expectancy is 2 to 3 years in the wild. Hedgehogs may become locally scarce or even disappear but nationwide extinction is unlikely. Nevertheless, the Hedgehog appears to be in decline although the total population is unknown. The biggest threat to the Hedgehog is probably habitat loss with the change from pastoral farming to arable crops over the last 30 years. The use of chemicals in gardens and for intensive farming kills the creatures hedgehogs need for food and may also poison them directly. Many are also killed on the roads. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28885509.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_37853123057cc32626afa4.jpgSoomaa National Park, Estonia The Soomaa National Park (Soomaa means "land of bogs") is located about 20 miles east of Pärnu and it was established in 1993 to protect a wilderness of bogs, fens, wet mixed forests, wooded meadows and carrs. It is also included in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance. The territory of the Soomaa National Park is mostly covered with large bogs, separated from each other by the tributaries of the Pärnu river, namely the Navesti, Halliste, Raudna and Lemmjõgi rivers. Every spring the Pärnu river and its tributaries flood and vast areas are inundated. The flood has been called the “fifth season” in Soomaa. Much of the Soomaa National Park is very difficult to access but it can be partially explored by a network of dusty gravel tracks and a minor road between Jõesuu and Kildu. The Soomaa National Park supports a wide range of breeding birds and the floods attract large numbers of migrating wildfowl and waders. As a large wilderness area, Soomaa National Park is also home to numerous species of large mammals including Brown Bear, Wolf, Lynx, Beaver, Elk and Wild Boar. Date: 15th May 2016 Location: Halliste river, Soomaa National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28884643.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_108152487457cc24d2cf86d.jpgBlue-headed Wagtail The Western Yellow Wagtail is a small passerine in the wagtail family. The breeding adult male is basically olive above and yellow below. In other plumages, the yellow may be diluted by white. The heads of breeding males come in a variety of colours and patterns depending on the subspecies. The male Blue-headed Wagtail has a blue-grey head with white supercilium and malar stripe in males, much washed with buffish green in females. The Blue-headed Wagtail breeds in much of temperate Europe and Asia. It is resident in the milder parts of its range, such as western Europe, but northern and eastern populations migrate to sub-Saharan Africa and south Asia. Date: 18th May 2016 Location: Aardla polder, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13657268.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15154100524ed36bfa93ca6.jpgWater Vole The Water Vole is found throughout the UK although it is less common on higher ground. It is infrequently recorded from parts of northern Scotland and is absent in Ireland. Water Voles are legally protected in the UK and recent evidence suggests that they have undergone a long term decline. On current trends it is predicted that they may eventually disappear from 94% of their former sites. The shocking decline in both the range and numbers of the Water Vole is due to a number of factors. The large-scale loss and fragmentation of sensitive waterside habitats due to riverbank modification, drainage and flood defence works has been an important factor as has the pollution of waterways and poisoning by rodenticides. Perhaps the most serious threat facing the Water Vole is predation by the introduced American Mink. Water Voles are sometimes confused with Brown Rats which often also live near water courses. They are sometimes called "the water rat" which is the origin of the Water Vole’s fame as "Ratty" from Kenneth Grahame's book “The Wind in the Willows”. Prime Water Vole sites are found along densely vegetated banks of slow flowing rivers, ditches, lakes and marshes where water is present throughout the year. Water Voles are herbivores and feed on a huge variety of waterside vegetation, consuming 80% of their body weight each day. They excavate extensive burrow systems into the banks of waterways and have sleeping/nest chambers at various levels in the steepest parts of the bank. Burrows usually have underwater entrances to provide a secure route for escape if danger threatens. Water Voles usually have 3 or 4 litters a year depending on the weather. In mild springs the first of these can be born in March or April although cold conditions can delay breeding until May or even June. There are about 5 young in a litter and these are born below ground in a nest made from suitable vegetation such as grasses and rushes. Young water voles grow quickly and are weaned at 14 days. On average, Water Voles only live about 5 months in the wild. Their most important predators are Mink and Stoats although Grey Herons, Barn Owls, Brown Rats and Pike are also known to take them. Date: 16th September, 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071499.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15724536266432227d51ef.jpgNorthern Wheatear The Northern Wheatear or Wheatear is a small passerine bird that was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family but is now more generally considered to be an Old World flycatcher. It is the most widespread member of the Wheatear genus in Europe and Asia. The English name has nothing to do with wheat or ears but is probably derived from the Middle English whit ers meaning "white arse" and referring to the prominent white rump of many Wheatear species The Northern Wheatear is larger than the European Robin at 5.7 to 6.3 inches in length. Both sexes have a white rump and tail with a black inverted T-pattern at the end of the tail. The summer plumaged male has grey upperparts, buff throat and black wings and face mask. In autumn it resembles the female apart from the black wings. The female is pale brown above and buff below with darker brown wings. The Northern Wheatear makes one of the longest migratory flights of any small bird, crossing ocean, ice and desert. It migrates from sub-Saharan Africa in spring to breed in open rocky country, tundra, moorland, heaths and pastures over a vast area of the Northern Hemisphere that includes northern and central Asia, Europe, Greenland, Alaska and parts of Canada. In autumn it returns to winter in central Africa. In the UK, the Northern Wheatear is a summer visitor and passage migrant arriving in early March and leaving in September. It breeds mainly in western and northern Britain and western Ireland although smaller numbers also breed in southern and eastern England. The Northern Wheatear is primarily an insectivorous bird and feeds mostly on beetles, ants, caterpillars, grasshoppers, flies, etc. It also eats spiders, centipedes and snails and berries in the autumn. Date: 1st May 2024 Location: Old Lodge SWT reserve, High Weald, East Sussex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45456918.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_428005290624ffdbe12d90.jpgRinged Plover The Ringed Plover is a small plover with a grey-brown back and wings, a white belly and a white breast with a single black neck band. It has a brown cap, a white forehead, a black mask around the eyes and a short orange and black bill. The legs are orange and only the outer two toes are slightly webbed. The juvenile Ringed Plover is duller than the adult in colour with an often incomplete grey-brown breast band, a dark bill and dull yellowish-grey legs. The Ringed Plover breeds on open ground on beaches or sandflats across northern Eurasia and in Arctic north east Canada. Some birds breed inland and in western Europe they nest as far south as northern France. It is migratory and winters in coastal areas south to Africa. Date: 9th November 2021 Location: Shoeburyness, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26006667.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_99717575756349a19e9404.jpgOystercatcher The Oystercatcher is a wader in the oystercatcher family. It is an obvious and noisy bird with black and white plumage, red legs and a strong broad red bill which is used for smashing or prising open molluscs such as mussels or for finding earthworms. Despite its name, oysters do not form a large part of its diet. The Oystercatcher is unmistakable in flight with white patches on the wings and tail with otherwise black upperparts and white underparts. Young birds are more brown, have a white neck collar and a duller bill. The call is a distinctive loud piping. The bill shape varies: Oystercatchers with broad bill tips open molluscs by prising them apart or hammering through the shell whereas birds with pointed bills dig up worms. Much of this is due to the wear resulting from feeding on their prey. Individual Oystercatchers specialise in one technique or the other which they learn from their parents. The Oystercatcher is the most widespread of the oystercatchers with 3 races breeding in western Europe, central Eurasia, Kamchatka, China, and the western coast of Korea. It is a migratory species over most of its range. The European population breeds mainly in northern Europe but in winter the birds can be found in north Africa and southern parts of Europe. Although the species is present all year in Ireland, the UK and the adjacent European coasts, there is still migratory movement within these populations. The Oystercatcher breeds on shingle and rocky beaches, sand dunes, salt marshes and on the grassy tops of small islands and also inland on shingle banks of rivers, lakes and gravel pits. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Steingrímsfjarðarheiði to Ísafjörður, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26041732.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18084066715638b2987bd0f.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name <i>Fratercula</i> comes from the Medieval Latin <i>fratercula</i> meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name <i>arctica</i> refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek <i>άρκτος</i> ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name <i>puffin</i> (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Látrabjarg, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082051.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19919752755d3079f825c80.jpgEuropean Glass Lizard The European Glass Lizard, also known as the Sheltopusik or the European Legless Lizard, is a species of large glass lizard. The European Glass Lizard is heavy-bodied and snake-like in appearance, reaching a maximum length of around 4 feet. It is usually yellow-brown or warm brown in colour and darkens with age. It tends to be paler on the ventral surface and the head and has a ring-like or segmented appearance that makes it look like a large Slow Worm. It has a distinctive fold of skin down each side called a lateral groove. Tiny vestiges of rear legs are sometimes visible near the vent. Though the legs are barely discernible, the European Glass Lizard can be quickly distinguished from a snake by its ears, eyelids and ventral scales. The European Glass Lizard can be found in the Balkans region as far north as north west Croatia, north Greece, south Macedonia and south and east Bulgaria. It inhabits fairly dry habitats in open country such as short grassland or sparsely wooded hills where it feeds on snails, slugs, beetles and other invertebrates and small mammals such as mice and shrews. It is diurnal but avoids the hottest times of the day and is often most active after rain. The European Glass Lizard can move fairly fast when alarmed but it lacks stamina. Due to its size, it tends to respond to harassment or threats by hissing, biting and musking. It is less likely to drop off its tail than some other lizard species. However, where this does occur, the released tail may break into pieces leading to the myth that the lizard can shatter like glass (hence glass lizard) and reassemble itself later. In reality, if the tail is lost it will grow back slowly but it is often shorter and darker. About 10 weeks after mating, the female European Glass Lizard lays 6 to 10 eggs which she hides under bark or a stone. The young hatch after 45 to 55 days. They are typically about 6 inches long and usually start to eat after 4 days. Date: 18th May 2018 Location: Nos Kaliakra, Dobrich Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28883600.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_114578226257cc05cf4e163.jpgEndla Nature Reserve, Estonia The Endla Nature Reserve is located in central Estonia about 40 miles north west of Tartu and it was established in 1981 to protect a complex of bogs, fens, pools, lakes, rivers, reedbeds, meadows and wet and dry forests. It is also included in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance. The Endla Nature Reserve is a large wilderness area of over 31 square miles and much of it is very difficult to access but it can mainly be explored from the visitor centre at Tooma which is about 20 miles north west of Jõgeva. Date: 19th May 2016 Location: Tooma, Endla Nature Reserve, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/edible-frogs https://images.on-this.website/4752_18325972806291f596adf6e.jpgEdible Frogs The Edible Frog is a species of frog found across Europe that is also known as the Common Water Frog and the Green Frog. The Edible Frog is one of the few animals in the world that is a fertile hybrid of 2 different species, as although similar but genetically different species are known to mate, it is very rare that their offspring will be able to breed. The Edible Frog is a fertile hybrid of 2 other European frogs, namely the Pool Frog and the Marsh Frog, that inter-bred when populations where isolated close to one another during the Ice Age. It was first described in 1758 and is known as the Edible Frog due to the fact that it is now seen as a culinary delicacy across Europe but especially in France where frog’s legs are often served as a national dish. The reason for humans favouring this frog over others is not really known but it may have something to do with their abundance. The Edible Frog is a medium sized frog growing to around 3.5 to 4.5 inches in length. Adults are mainly green in colour with light patches of brown on their backs, yellow eyes and a white underside covered in a few dark spots. There are number of distinct differences between males and females including the fact that males become much lighter and greener during the mating season. Males also have vocal sacs on the outside of their cheeks and extra skin patches on their feet, both of which are primarily used for mating. The Edible Frog is endemic to Europe and it naturally occurs across central Europe as far north as Germany and Estonia. Southern populations are found from Croatia, through northern Italy and into the south of France. There are also isolated populations in Sweden and Bulgaria which are thought to have migrated from the countries nearby. It has also been introduced to the UK. The Edible Frog spends all of its time either in or very close to water and it is most commonly found in calmer parts of rivers and streams where there is a slow but constant flow of fresh water. It tends to prefer more open areas and can also be commonly found around lakes, ponds and marshes. Unlike many other species of frog, the Edible Frog is a diurnal animal and is therefore most active during the day. This is when it is most likely to move away from the water so that it can find a better supply of food or move to a different part of the water if it needs to. The Edible Frog is a relatively solitary animal so there is less competition for food but males are often seen sitting together in groups during the breeding season when they are trying to out-compete each other to find a mate. The breeding season for the Edible Frog begins during March and generally lasts for around 2 months. Males sing by drawing air in and out of their vocal sacs to produce the highest-pitched sound possible since females are most attracted to the loudest males. After courting her in a lake, pond or swamp, the male lets the female lay up to 10,000 eggs in a sticky mass into the water before he fertilises them. Tadpoles can be as small as 0.2 inches long when they hatch and are a grey/brown colour. They then grow up to 2 to 3 inches in length before metamorphoses occurs and they leave the water as 0.75 inches long young frogs. The Edible Frog reaches sexual maturity at the age of 2 years and can live until it is 15 years old. The Edible Frog is a carnivorous amphibian but the tadpoles mainly eat vegetation although they are known to occasionally supplement their diet with aquatic micro-organisms. Adults eat small invertebrates such as insects, spiders and flies, which make up the majority of their diet, along with larger aquatic animals like fish, newts and other frogs. The Edible Frog hunts for food during the day and can be seen catching food both in water and on land. The Edible Frog remains very still when it is sitting on the banks of its water habitat and this, along with its camouflage, makes it very difficult for predators to spot. Its eyes are positioned near the top of the head meaning that it can also see danger coming whilst the body is mainly hidden. Snakes, owls and water birds are the main predators of the Edible Frog. The Edible Frog will jump into the water and hide if it senses approaching danger and it will make a loud screeching sound if caught. Edible Frog populations are under threat from habitat destruction mainly caused by deforestation and water pollution. Date: 26th May 2022 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo34209778.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10112839195a997930f2b65.jpgLittle Grebe The Little Grebe, also known as the Dabchick, is the smallest member of the grebe family measuring 9 to 11.5 inches in length. The adult is unmistakable in summer, predominantly dark above with its rich, rufous colour neck, cheeks and flanks and bright yellow gape. The rufous is replaced by a dirty brownish grey in non-breeding and juvenile birds. Juveniles have a yellow bill with a small black tip and black and white streaks on the cheeks and sides of the neck. This yellow bill darkens as the juveniles age, eventually turning black as an adult. The Little Grebe can be noisy with a distinctive whinnying trill. The Little Grebe can be found across Europe, much of Asia down to New Guinea and in most of Africa. It breeds in small colonies in freshwater wetlands with muddy bottoms and edges and still or slow-moving water with plenty of emergent vegetation such as lakes, gravel pits, canals and rivers. Most birds move to more open or coastal waters in winter but it is only migratory in those parts of its range where the waters freeze. Like all grebes, the Little Grebe nests at the water's edge since its legs are set very far back and it can not walk well. Usually 4 to 7 eggs are laid. The young leave the nest and can swim soon after hatching but are often carried on the backs of the swimming adults. The Little Grebe is an excellent swimmer and diver and pursues its fish and aquatic invertebrate prey underwater. It uses the vegetation skilfully as a hiding place. Date: 25th February 2018 Location: Cromford Canal, Derbyshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453900.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4447100744ff544e391751.jpgGreat Bustards The male Great Bustard is possibly the heaviest bird capable of flight. An adult male typically is over 3 to 3 ½ feet long with a 7 to 8 feet wingspan An adult male is brown above and white below with a long grey neck and head. The breast and lower neck sides are chestnut. In the breeding season, the male has long white neck bristles. In flight, the long wings show large areas of white. The female is around 30% smaller and lighter than the male. The Great Bustard breeds in southern and central Europe where it is the largest species of bird and across temperate Asia. European populations are mainly resident but Asian birds move further south in winter. Sizeable populations exist in Hungary, Portugal, Slovakia, Russia and Spain but the species is declining due to habitat loss throughout its range. The Great Bustard was formerly found in the south of the UK but was hunted out of existence by the 1840s. In 2004 a reintroduction to Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire using eggs taken from Saratov in Russia was undertaken by The Great Bustard Group, a UK registered charity that aims to establish a self-sustaining population of Great Bustards in the UK. Before mating, the males moult into their breeding plumage around January. Like other bustards, the male Great Bustard has a flamboyant display showing much white, mainly from the undertail, and withdrawing the head. The Great Bustard breeds in March and a single male may mate with up to 5 females. The Great Bustard is usually found in open grassland although it can also be found on undisturbed cultivation. It has a stately slow walk and tends to run when disturbed rather than fly. It is gregarious, especially in winter. Date: 26th April 2012 Location: La Serena, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/brown-argus https://images.on-this.website/4752_15569452264f3e33dd55687.jpgBrown Argus Flight period: May to September. The Brown Argus is always brown but confusingly belongs to the group of "blue" butterflies! They are usually found on chalk and limestone grassland in south east England but may also occur in a wide variety of other habitats such as heathland, coastal dunes, woodland clearings and road verges. Date: 4th August 2007 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28884666.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5156677457cc29d906772.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 17th May 2016 Location: Ilmatsalu, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/bukovsk-mountains-preov-region-slovakia https://images.on-this.website/4752_182402024259bd5281cf7e4.jpgBukovské Mountains, Prešov region, Slovakia The Bukovské Mountains (Bukovské vrchy) are a mountain range in north east Slovakia and form part of the ranges belonging to the Eastern Carpathians. They are located in the Prešov region near the borders with Poland (Bieszczady Mountains) and Ukraine and adjacent to the Laborec Highlands in Slovakia. The highest mountain is Kremenec at 4005 feet. The Bukovské Mountains are characterised by 80% forest cover and contain the highest concentration of old growth forests in Slovakia. Beech forests dominate but there are also oak and hornbeam forests and maple and fir woods in combination with the beech forests. Meadows, known as poloniny in eastern Slovakian dialects, situated on the main ridges are common. Agricultural land is represented primarily by permanent grassy vegetation and in lesser extent by arable land. The Bukovské Mountains were designated a Special Protection Area in January 2008 and they are additionally protected by the Poloniny National Park. The Poloniny National Park (Národný park Poloniny) was created in October 1997 with a protected area of 115 square miles and a buffer zone of 42 square miles. The highest point of the national park lies at 3,963 feet at a point where the borders of Slovakia, Poland and Ukraine meet near the summit of Kremenec. The national park is the easternmost and the least populated area of Slovakia but there are many winter (cross-country skiing) and summer hiking trails. Besides the several mountain trails, there is also one connecting outstanding wooden churches from the 18th century at Topoľa, Uličské Krivé and Ruský Potok. The primeval beech forests of Havešová, Stužica and Rožok were designated within a UNESCO World Heritage Site in June 2007. Together with the Vihorlat Mountains further to the south in Slovakia and an additional 6 sites in Ukraine they form the Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians. Date: 1st June 2017 Location: Bukovské Mountains, Prešov region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42670668.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_55030188460b2055059bdf.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 18th May 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/zahara-de-la-sierra-andalucia https://images.on-this.website/4752_69076280052528b007fd96.jpgZahara de la Sierra, Andalucia, Spain Zahara de la Sierra is a “white town” in the province of Cádiz in Andalucia. It is perched on a mountain, overlooking a valley and a man-made lake formed by the dam that must be driven over to access the town. Zahara de la Sierra is one of the most stunning images in the province of Cadiz and was once described by Richard Ford, the romantic British traveller, as a "Moorish eagle's nest". Zahara de la Sierra was originally a Moorish outpost and due to its position between Ronda and Seville, it was a perfect site for a castle to be built to serve as a fortress in case of attack. The inhabitants lived in constant danger as Muslims and Christians fought over ownership. Today, Zahara de la Sierra is a popular tourist destination in the Sierra de Grazalema. Date: 7th September 2013 Location: Zahara de la Sierra, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/greylag-geese https://images.on-this.website/4752_18503281564e15834f4451b.jpgGreylag Geese The Greylag Goose is the ancestor of most domestic geese but is also the largest and bulkiest of the wild geese native to the UK and Europe. In many parts of the UK it has been re-established by releasing birds in suitable areas but the resulting flocks found around gravel pits, lakes and reservoirs all year round in southern Britain tend to be semi-tame. The native birds and wintering flocks found on lochs in northern Scotland and on some Scottish islands retain the special appeal of truly wild geese. Date: 13th September 2007 Location: Snettisham, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/squacco-heron https://images.on-this.website/4752_1019246262559cf590ce1c0.jpgSquacco Heron The Squacco Heron is named after its piercing “squawk’ call” and is a small, chunky heron with a short, thick bill, warm buff-brown back and snowy white wings, breast, tail and belly. The long, almost hair-like feathers on the back cover the tail and there are tufts of long white and black feathers on the head that sometimes stick straight up in the air. The Squacco Heron’s highly recognisable call is often given at night, especially during the breeding season. The Squacco Heron inhabits wetlands such as lakes, river valleys, swamps and other permanent or temporary freshwater wetlands. However, due to habitat alteration or loss, rice paddy fields are becoming a principal habitat. It prefers sites with abundant nearby vegetation, such as tamarisk, elm and ash trees, where it likes to nest in small colonies often with other herons and egrets. The Squacco Heron occurs in Europe (although rare in the north), Africa and the Middle East as far east as Iran, breeding in the northern parts of its range and migrating to southern regions to spend the winter. Date: 7th May 2015 Location: Evros Delta (west), East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/porvoo-uusimaa-finland https://images.on-this.website/4752_2329839425f059df5e7132.jpgPorvoo, Uusimaa, Finland Porvoo is a city and a municipality situated on the south coast of Finland approximately 30 miles east of Helsinki. It is one of the 6 medieval towns in Finland and the country’s second oldest city. It was first mentioned as a city in texts from the 14th century. Porvoo is the seat of the Swedish-speaking Diocese of Borgå of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland. Porvoo Old Town is a popular tourist destination with its timeless atmosphere, unique buildings, cobbled streets, narrow lanes, idyllic parks and riverbank views. It is especially well known for its well-preserved 18th and 19th century red painted riverside warehouses and the 15th century Porvoo Cathedral. The Old Town together with the valley of the Porvoonjoki river is recognised as historically and culturally significant as one of the designated national landscapes of Finland. Porvoo is internationally considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in Finland. Porvoo can be easily reached by a main road from Helsinki in about 50 minutes but also by a much more leisurely 3.5 hour trip on the steamship m/s J. L. Runeberg along the Porvoonjoki river, the coast and through the Helsinki Archipelago. The m/s J.L. Runeberg was built in Helsinki in 1912. Originally she sailed under the name s/s Helsingfors Skärgård (”Helsinki Archipelago”). In the beginning this steamer cruised west from Helsinki to Porkkala but in the 1930’s the name was changed to s/s J.L. Runeberg and the ship cruised to Porvoo for the first time. Date: 26th June 2019 Location: Porvoo, Uusimaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082473.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17462101395d307cb547af5.jpgWhite Stork The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 23rd May 2018 Location: Yasna Polyana, Burgas Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4074523.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9122039444b157dd08a455.jpgLas Estepas de Belchite, Aragon, Spain Las Estepas de Belchite are located to the south and south east of Zaragoza in Aragon and form one of the most important steppe landscapes in the Rio Ebre valley. Large areas have been destroyed through irrigation and cultivation and the low hills and plains are now a mix of steppe, cereal fields and irrigated areas with small wooded hills, gullies and cliffs formed by local rivers. Las Estepas de Bechite is an area of great importance for steppe birds and La Reserva Ornitológica El Planerón is one of the few protected areas. Date: 12th November 2009 Location: La Reserva Ornitológica El Planerón http://www.richardchewphotography.com/spisk-podhradie-spi-region-slovakia https://images.on-this.website/4752_195803862059bd523a5dcb2.jpgSpišské Podhradie and Spišský hrad, Košice region, Slovakia Spišské Podhradie is a small town in the Spišská Nová Ves district of the Košice region of Slovakia in north east Slovakia. The history of Spišské Podhradie is connected with its castle although the oldest settlement is from the Stone Age. There are many cultural monuments in the vicinity of Spišské Podhradie, including the castle of Spišský hrad and the exceptionally well-preserved medieval walled ecclesiastical town of Spišska Kapitula with its cathedral, monastery and single street. These form part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Levoča, Spiš Castle and the associated cultural monuments. Spišské Podhradie is situated at the foot of the hill of Spišský hrad, a ruined castle and one of the largest castle sites in central Europe at almost 446000 square feet. It was built in the 12th century on the site of an earlier castle and was the political, administrative, economic and cultural centre of Szepes county of the Kingdom of Hungary. Before 1464 it was owned by the Kings of Hungary and afterwards by the Zápolya family (until 1528), the Thurzó family (from 1531 to 1635) and the Csáky family (from 1638 to 1945) and since 1945 by the states of Czechoslovakia and Slovakia. In 1780, the castle burned down and there are a number of theories as to the cause. Whatever the cause, the castle was no longer occupied after the fire and began to fall into disrepair. It was partly reconstructed in the second half of the 20th century and extensive archaeological research was carried out on the site. The reconstructed sections house displays of the Spiš Museum. Date: 31st May 2017 Location: view from the west of Spišské Podhradie, Košice region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7439554.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10286412074cd571626d51f.jpgSierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain This Natural Park (Parque Natural) includes a large sector of the central Sierra Morena, the east-west line of mountains which divides Andalucia from the rest of Spain. The Sierra de Andújar stretches for 45 miles with a highest point of 4230 feet and it is densely wooded boasting one of Andalucia's best preserved expanses of Mediterranean woodland and scrubland. The Sierra de Andújar is one of two of Spain's last refuges for the elusive and highly endangered Iberian Lynx. Date: 7th September 2010 Location: view from road along River Andújar to Jándula Dam http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13683393.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2376527954ed738396b1da.jpgBarn Owl With a heart shaped face, buff back and wings and pure white under-parts the Barn Owl is a distinctive and much-loved bird of the countryside. Barn Owls are widely distributed across the UK and can be seen all year round sometimes during the day but normally at dusk in open country and along field edges, riverbanks and roadside verges. Barn owls have suffered population declines over the past 50 years as a result of habitat degradation following increasing intensive agricultural practices. However, that decline has stopped in many areas and their population may now be increasing. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9566384.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20039615734daed74b260f2.jpgWaxwing The Waxwing is a plump bird which is slightly smaller than a starling. It is reddish-brown with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings, a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest. Waxwings breed in the dense forests of northern Europe but they occur in varying numbers in the UK from October to March. In some years they can occur in large numbers (known as irruptions) when the population in the breeding areas gets too big for the food available. The first UK arrivals each winter are usually seen on the east coast from Scotland to East Anglia but birds then move inland in search of food. They can be found in parks and gardens and even busy public places, typically where there are berry-bearing trees and bushes such as rowan, hawthorn, cotoneaster and rose. Waxwings make an easily recognisable high-pitched trilling sound like a bell. Date: 28th December 2008 Location: Folkestone, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645499.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_211845685651e3cefa29f54.jpgWhite-winged Black Tern The White-winged Black Tern is a small “marsh” tern. Adult birds in summer have short red legs and a short black bill, a black neck and belly, a very dark grey back, a white rump and light grey almost white tail. The wings, as the name implies, are mainly white. In non-breeding plumage, most of the black is replaced by white or pale grey although a few blackish feathers may be retained mixed with white underparts. The White-winged Black Tern breeds on freshwater marshes and lakes from central and eastern Europe to central Asia. Date: 21st May 2013 Location: Biebrza area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43082720.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1059567760dd892cb1684.jpgBroad-bodied Chaser Flight period: May to August The broad, flattened body of the Broad-bodied Chaser is distinctive and makes this dragonfly appear “fat”. The male has a powder-blue body with yellow spots along the sides and a dark thorax whilst the female is green-brown with paler spots. There are several medium-sized, pale blue dragonflies that can be confused with one another. The Broad-bodied Chaser can be distinguished by the combination of its broad, blue body and chocolate-brown eyes. The Broad-bodied Chaser is a common dragonfly of ponds and small lakes and it may be the first to colonise such habitats. It regularly returns to the same low perch after swift flights out across the water looking for insects. The Broad-bodied Chaser is widespread and common throughout southern and central England and south Wales. Date: 15th June 2021 Location: Broadwater Warren RSPB reserve, High Weald, East Sussex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30024926.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1545450526587a0a67ee1a8.jpgTufted Duck The Tufted Duck is a small diving duck. The adult male is all black except for white flanks and a blue-grey bill. It has an obvious head tuft that gives the species its name. The adult female is brown with paler flanks and is more easily confused with other diving ducks. In particular, some have white around the bill base which resembles the Scaup although the white is never as extensive as in that species. The Tufted Duck breeds widely throughout temperate and northern Eurasia. It occasionally can be found as a winter visitor along both coasts of the United States and Canada. It is migratory in most of its range and winters in the milder south and west of Europe and southern Asia where large flocks form on open water. The Tufted Duck breeds close to marshes and lakes with plenty of vegetation to conceal the nest. It is also found on coastal lagoons and sheltered ponds. The Tufted Duck feeds mainly by diving for molluscs, aquatic insects and aquatic plants. Date: 5th January 2017 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42632852.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_30674325260aa67d955672.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 23rd April 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42626669.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_47709711360a922ce110ef.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 13th April 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/delta-de-lebre-catalunya-spain https://images.on-this.website/4752_9166264404b15784be810d.jpgDelta de l’Ebre, Catalunya, Spain The Delta de l’Ebre is the largest coastal wetland in Catalunya and the second largest in Spain after the Coto Donana, covering 320 km². It is probably the most important wetland in the western Mediterranean after the Carmargue in France. This internationally important area for birds is designated as a Parque Natural and RAMSAR site. The Delta de l’Ebre is a massive triangular deposit of sediment fed by the Rio Ebre which drains much of north east Spain including the southern slopes of the Pyrenees. The delta extends in to the Mediterranean Sea for around 20km and is one of the most extensive rice growing areas in Spain. Whilst much of the natural vegetation has disappeared under rice cultivation, the paddies provide large areas of open water for most of the year and are very attractive to a wide range and large number of breeding and wintering wetland birds (herons, egrets, ducks, waders, gulls, terns, etc.). The natural habitat of lagoons, reedbeds, woods, sand dunes and saline steppes are also very important. Date: 10th November 2009 http://www.richardchewphotography.com/flyfjellet-bergen https://images.on-this.website/4752_14401120944b8a261f3ca01.jpgFløyfjellet, Bergen Fløyfjellet or Fløyen is the most visited of the 7 mountains that surround the city centre of Bergen, Norway. It has a funicular railway system (Fløibanen) that transports passengers from the centre of Bergen to a height of 1050 feet in roughly 8 minutes. The actual highest point on Fløifjellet at 1394 feet is approximately 1/2 mile to the north east. From Fløyfjellet there are stunning views of the city of Bergen and the surrounding area. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623106.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3283353166117d77f54f0b.jpgKittiwakes The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37399601.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8272106215c66976bd3215.jpgGreat Black-backed Gull The largest of the gulls, the Great Black-backed Gull is a dominating and opportunistic predator, scavenger and pirate that has been described as a “merciless tyrant” due to its aggressive feeding habits. The Great Black-backed Gull has a thick-set body with a large, yellow, red-tipped bill, strong legs and wide, webbed feet which have a delicate pink hue. The breast and head are snowy white and sit in stark contrast to the black back and wings. Young Great Black-backed Gulls undergo several plumage changes before taking on that of the adult. Juveniles are pale brown with heavy white mottling whilst immatures are also mottled but have a distinctive whitish head and breast but with a dark-tipped, pale bill The Great Black-backed Gull occurs along the coastlines of northern Europe and northern Russia as well as the east coast of north America and central America and it can be found in a variety of coastal habitats, including rocky and sandy coasts and estuaries as well as inland habitats such as lakes, ponds, fields and moorland. It breeds in areas free of or largely inaccessible to terrestrial predators such as vegetated islands, sand dunes, flat-topped stacks, building roofs and sometimes amongst bushes on salt-marsh islands. During the winter, the Great Black-backed Gull often travels far out to sea to feed. Date: 9th December 2018 Location: Winterton-Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo22527734.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_53837389454228815817e2.jpgSanna Bay, Ardnamurchan, Highland The small settlement of Sanna lies 6 miles north west of Kilchoan, close to the tip of the Ardnamurchan Peninsula. Sanna Bay lies between Sanna Point to the north and Ardnamurchan Point to the south and is dominated by impressive sand dunes, beautiful white shell sand bays and a stunning turquoise sea. It is one of the most beautiful beaches in Scotland. From Sanna Point there are superb views, extending from the islands of Eigg and Rhum to the north with Skye beyond, round to Ardnamurchan Point and its lighthouse to the south west and the island of Coll beyond that. The Western Isles can be seen to the north west but due west there is nothing but sea until the continent of North America is reached. Date: 10th September 2014 Location: view from Sanna Bay http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11349610.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19408923254e1ef89cb51bd.jpgFulmars The Fulmar is almost gull-like but is a grey and white seabird that is related to the albatrosses. It flies low over the sea on stiff wings with shallow wing beats, gliding and banking to show its white under-parts and then grey upper-parts. At its breeding sites it will fly high up the cliff face riding the updraughts. Fulmars feed in flocks out at sea and defend their nests from intruders by spitting out a foul-smelling oil. Fulmars breed on coastal cliffs with suitable ledges and grassy slopes but will occasionally breed on buildings. Fulmars are best looked for at seabird colonies and are most abundant along the Scottish coastline especially in the Northern Isles. They are least common along the east, south and north-west coasts of England. Adults are present at the breeding colonies nearly all year although young birds leave in late summer. Away from the breeding colonies, Fulmars spend their whole time offshore at sea. Date: 24/05/05 Location: Castle of Burrian, Westray, Orkney http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072419.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18660139034bf6e27be20fc.jpgNorthern Hawk Owl The Northern Hawk Owl is a medium sized owl, 14 to 16 inches long and with a wing span of 8.5 to 10 inches. Females are slightly larger than males. The term "hawk" refers to its falcon-like wing shape and long tail. The facial disc is whitish and broadly rimmed blackish at the sides. The eyebrows are white and the eyes are pale yellow. The upperparts are dark grey to dusky greyish-brown with the crown densely spotted whitish and the nape has indistinct false eyes. The mantle and back are dusky grey with some whitish dots and the scapulars are mainly white forming rather broad white bands across the shoulder. The flight feathers are dark grey-brown with rows of white spots. The tail is long and graduated and dark greyish-brown with several narrow whitish bars. The underparts are whitish and barred with greyish-brown. The legs and toes are feathered. The Northern Hawk Owl is found in the boreal coniferous forests of North America and Eurasia, usually on the edges of more open woodland, and hunts in semi-open country with scattered trees or groups of trees. It nests in large tree cavities or uses nests abandoned by other large birds and moves widely within its area of distribution, breeding where food is abundant. The Northern Hawk Owl is a partially diurnal owl which hunts voles and birds like thrushes. It waits on a treetop or other perch and takes advantage of its rapid flight to overtake prey. It has exceptional hearing and can plunge into snow to capture rodents below the surface. The typical male call is a rapid, melodious, purring trill of up to 14 seconds long which consists of about 11 to 15 notes per second. It begins softly, rises slightly in pitch and increases to a vibrating trill before breaking off abruptly. This is repeated at various intervals. Females utter a similar, higher-pitched, less clear song. Date: 15th April 2010 Location: Toivoniemi area, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7190732.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20082720764cc3048a56f43.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 17th October 2010 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/purple-sandpiper https://images.on-this.website/4752_20800869864bf6d7e58445b.jpgPurple Sandpiper The Purple Sandpiper is a small wading shorebird. Adults have short yellow legs and a medium thin dark bill with a yellow base. The body is dark above with a slight purplish gloss and mainly white below. The breast is smeared with grey and the rump is black. The Purple Sandpiper breeds in the northern tundra and Arctic islands in Canada and coastal areas in Greenland and north west Europe and nests on the ground either elevated on rocks or in a lower damp location. The males makes several scrapes following which the female chooses one and lays 3 or 4 eggs. The male takes the major responsibility for incubation and tends the chicks. The Purple Sandpiper is migratory and moves to rocky ice-free Atlantic coasts in winter where it is fairly gregarious, forming small flocks and often associating with Turnstones. It is also relatively tame and approachable. In the UK, the Purple Sandpiper occurs in winter in good numbers, principally along the east and south coasts where it favours rocky shorelines adjacent to the sea. It is a very rare breeding bird and is found only in a localised area of the Cairngorms National Park where 1 to 3 pairs have bred since the 1970s. Date: 11th April 2010 Location: Nesseby, Varangerfjord, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081429.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_151750438863a833677f4a6.jpgBrown Rat Brown Rats have coarse brown or occasionally black fur with a pale underside. They have a long tail which is sparsely haired. Although originally native to eastern Asia and Japan, Brown Rats are now distributed world-wide. They spread across the UK via the shipping traffic from foreign countries in the 18th century and largely replaced the Black Rat. They are highly adaptable and can be found all over the UK, except for exposed mountain regions and some small offshore islands, and live in loose colonies and home ranges of around 50 metres in diameter. Along with the House Mouse, the Brown Rat is considered to be the most widespread terrestrial mammal in the UK and they are subject to persistent pest control due to the damage they cause and the numerous diseases they spread. Brown Rats are omnivorous and have a very varied diet. They are typically nocturnal although they will sometimes forage for food during the day. They also swim well and are sometimes mistaken for Water Voles. Brown Rats live for around 18 months and breed throughout the year producing 5 litters of 8 young a year. Date: 9th January 2022 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo47645609.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1696812726347cf0d039bd.jpgEdible Frog The Edible Frog is a species of frog found across Europe that is also known as the Common Water Frog and the Green Frog. The Edible Frog is one of the few animals in the world that is a fertile hybrid of 2 different species, as although similar but genetically different species are known to mate, it is very rare that their offspring will be able to breed. The Edible Frog is a fertile hybrid of 2 other European frogs, namely the Pool Frog and the Marsh Frog, that inter-bred when populations where isolated close to one another during the Ice Age. It was first described in 1758 and is known as the Edible Frog due to the fact that it is now seen as a culinary delicacy across Europe but especially in France where frog’s legs are often served as a national dish. The reason for humans favouring this frog over others is not really known but it may have something to do with their abundance. The Edible Frog is a medium sized frog growing to around 3.5 to 4.5 inches in length. Adults are mainly green in colour with light patches of brown on their backs, yellow eyes and a white underside covered in a few dark spots. There are number of distinct differences between males and females including the fact that males become much lighter and greener during the mating season. Males also have vocal sacs on the outside of their cheeks and extra skin patches on their feet, both of which are primarily used for mating. The Edible Frog is endemic to Europe and it naturally occurs across central Europe as far north as Germany and Estonia. Southern populations are found from Croatia, through northern Italy and into the south of France. There are also isolated populations in Sweden and Bulgaria which are thought to have migrated from the countries nearby. It has also been introduced to the UK. The Edible Frog spends all of its time either in or very close to water and it is most commonly found in calmer parts of rivers and streams where there is a slow but constant flow of fresh water. It tends to prefer more open areas and can also be commonly found around lakes, ponds and marshes. Unlike many other species of frog, the Edible Frog is a diurnal animal and is therefore most active during the day. This is when it is most likely to move away from the water so that it can find a better supply of food or move to a different part of the water if it needs to. The Edible Frog is a relatively solitary animal so there is less competition for food but males are often seen sitting together in groups during the breeding season when they are trying to out-compete each other to find a mate. The breeding season for the Edible Frog begins during March and generally lasts for around 2 months. Males sing by drawing air in and out of their vocal sacs to produce the highest-pitched sound possible since females are most attracted to the loudest males. After courting her in a lake, pond or swamp, the male lets the female lay up to 10,000 eggs in a sticky mass into the water before he fertilises them. Tadpoles can be as small as 0.2 inches long when they hatch and are a grey/brown colour. They then grow up to 2 to 3 inches in length before metamorphoses occurs and they leave the water as 0.75 inches long young frogs. The Edible Frog reaches sexual maturity at the age of 2 years and can live until it is 15 years old. The Edible Frog is a carnivorous amphibian but the tadpoles mainly eat vegetation although they are known to occasionally supplement their diet with aquatic micro-organisms. Adults eat small invertebrates such as insects, spiders and flies, which make up the majority of their diet, along with larger aquatic animals like fish, newts and other frogs. The Edible Frog hunts for food during the day and can be seen catching food both in water and on land. The Edible Frog remains very still when it is sitting on the banks of its water habitat and this, along with its camouflage, makes it very difficult for predators to spot. Its eyes are positioned near the top of the head meaning that it can also see danger coming whilst the body is mainly hidden. Snakes, owls and water birds are the main predators of the Edible Frog. The Edible Frog will jump into the water and hide if it senses approaching danger and it will make a loud screeching sound if caught. Edible Frog populations are under threat from habitat destruction mainly caused by deforestation and water pollution. Date: 7th August 2022 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801278.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_135824721664edb330d749e.jpgRuddy Darter Flight period: mid June to mid September. The Ruddy Darter takes its name from its colour and its swift flight behaviour. The male has a deep russet colour over the entire body and the abdomen has a pinched section close to where it joins the thorax. Females are slightly smaller, golden yellow in colour and being less obviously marked are more difficult to identify than the males. There is more than one red coloured darter species in the UK and they can be easily confused with each other. The commonest red species, the Common Darter, can be distinguished as having red veins at the base of the wings and a less ruddy colouration across the body. However, the Ruddy Darter has entirely black legs, distinguishing it from all other red darters which have longitudinal yellow stripes on their legs. The UK range of the Ruddy Darter has undergone something of an expansion in recent years. Although still relatively uncommon in the west and north of Britain, it is increasing in numbers in the Midlands and eastern England. The population is augmented by continental migrants. It is also found over most of Europe except for northern Scandinavia, as far east as western Siberia and south to north Africa. The Ruddy Darter prefers water bodies with tall emergent vegetation, such as reeds and club rush, and it is known to breed in ponds, lakes, canals, ditches and sluggish rivers. They can also be found near coasts and can breed in fairly brackish water. Date: 26th July 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/linnet https://images.on-this.website/4752_197982940460aa644cced5b.jpgLinnet The Linnet is a small passerine bird in the finch family, [i]Fringillidae[/i]. It derives its common name and scientific name, [i]Linaria cannabina[/i], from its fondness for hemp seeds and flax seeds. The genus name [i]linaria[/i] is the Latin for a linen weaver derived from [i]linum[/i] or flax. The species name [i]cannabina[/i] comes from the Latin for hemp. There are 7 recognised sub-species including the Eurasian Linnet found in west, central and north Europe and the Scottish Linnet. The Linnet is a slim bird with a long tail. The upper parts are brown, the throat is white and the bill is grey. The summer male has a grey nape, crimson head patch and crimson breast. Females and juveniles lack the crimson colour and have white underparts and a buff streaked breast. The Linnet breeds in Europe and north Africa. It is partially resident but many eastern and northern birds migrate farther south in the breeding range or move to the coasts. During the breeding season, it can be found on open land with thick bushes including farmland, commons, heathland and parks. It can form large flocks outside the breeding season on coasts and salt marshes, sometimes mixing with other finches such as Twite. The Linnet feeds on the ground and low down in bushes and its food mainly consists of a wide variety of seeds but also a small number of invertebrates. Date: 21st April 2021 Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21958079.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_55108257153da4321b395e.jpgShags and chicks The European Shag, Common Shag or simply Shag is a species of cormorant. It is 27 to 31 inches in length with a 37 to 43 inches wingspan. It is mainly black in colour but with a glossy green-tinged sheen in adults. It has a longish tail and a yellow throat-patch. Adults have a small recurved crest in the breeding season. It is distinguished from the Cormorant by its smaller size, lighter build, thinner and narrower bill, and, in breeding adults, by the crest and metallic green-tinged sheen. The Shag breeds around the rocky coasts of west and south Europe, north Africa and south west Asia, mainly wintering in its breeding range except for the northernmost birds. It nests on rocky ledges or in crevices or small caves and the nests are untidy heaps of rotting seaweed or twigs cemented together by the bird's own guano. The nesting season is long and begins in late February although some nests are not started until May or even later. The female lays 3 eggs and the chicks hatch without down and so they rely totally on their parents for warmth, often for a period of 2 months before they can fly. Fledging may occur at any time from early June to late August and exceptionally to mid-October. In the UK, the Shag breeds at coastal sites, mainly in the north and west of the country, and more than half of the population is found at fewer than 10 sites. It can be seen during the breeding season at the large Scottish colonies on Orkney, Shetland, the Inner Hebrides and in the Firth of Forth. Elsewhere it can be seen commonly around the coasts of Wales and south west England, especially in Devon and Cornwall. The Shag feeds in the sea and, unlike the Cormorant, it is rare inland. It is one of the deepest pursuit divers among the cormorant family and it has been shown to dive to at least 150 feet. When it dives, it jumps out of the water first to give extra impetus to the dive. The Shag forages for food on the sea bed and eats a wide range of fish although the commonest prey is the sand eel. It will travel long distances from its breeding and roosting sites in order to feed. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Staple Island, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46028417.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6981347566291f5becc5a4.jpgCommon Lizard The Common Lizard ranges across central and northern Europe (but are absent from the Mediterranean area) and through to northern Asia. It is the most common lizard in northern regions and the only reptile found in Ireland. The Common Lizard has a long body and short legs. It has coarse scales which range from grey, brown, bronze or green on the back and males are generally darker than females. It has a series of white spots down the flanks, which fuse to form a line, and a black line along the back. The Common Lizard also has numerous black spots scattered over the body. Males have orange/yellow bellies with black spots and females have cream/white bellies. The Common Lizard is found in a range of habitats including woodland, marshes, heathland, moors, sand dunes, hedgerows, bogs and rubbish dumps and it hunts insects, spiders, snails and earthworms, stunning its prey by shaking it and then swallowing it whole. The Common Lizard is active during the day and spends the morning and afternoon (but not the intense heat of midday) basking in the sun either alone or in groups. It is a good swimmer and will dive underwater when threatened. At night, and when startled, it will shelter beneath logs, stones and metal sheets. After emerging from hibernation, males defend breeding territories from other males. The young develop over 3 months within egg membranes inside the female's body which they usually break out of as she gives birth. Litters of 3 to 12 young are born from June to September after which time the mother shows no parental care with the young feeding actively from birth and quickly dispersing. The Common Lizard hibernates from October to March. It will often hibernate in groups and sometimes emerge for a brief time during warm spells. Date: 26th May 2022 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46028423.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21084844866291f5d177f74.jpgCommon Lizard The Common Lizard ranges across central and northern Europe (but are absent from the Mediterranean area) and through to northern Asia. It is the most common lizard in northern regions and the only reptile found in Ireland. The Common Lizard has a long body and short legs. It has coarse scales which range from grey, brown, bronze or green on the back and males are generally darker than females. It has a series of white spots down the flanks, which fuse to form a line, and a black line along the back. The Common Lizard also has numerous black spots scattered over the body. Males have orange/yellow bellies with black spots and females have cream/white bellies. The Common Lizard is found in a range of habitats including woodland, marshes, heathland, moors, sand dunes, hedgerows, bogs and rubbish dumps and it hunts insects, spiders, snails and earthworms, stunning its prey by shaking it and then swallowing it whole. The Common Lizard is active during the day and spends the morning and afternoon (but not the intense heat of midday) basking in the sun either alone or in groups. It is a good swimmer and will dive underwater when threatened. At night, and when startled, it will shelter beneath logs, stones and metal sheets. After emerging from hibernation, males defend breeding territories from other males. The young develop over 3 months within egg membranes inside the female's body which they usually break out of as she gives birth. Litters of 3 to 12 young are born from June to September after which time the mother shows no parental care with the young feeding actively from birth and quickly dispersing. The Common Lizard hibernates from October to March. It will often hibernate in groups and sometimes emerge for a brief time during warm spells. Date: 26th May 2022 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo10926896.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13610451894e0978b57b20a.jpgBottlenose Dolphin The Bottlenose Dolphin is one of the most well-known species of dolphin. They have a stocky, torpedo-shaped body, a short beak and pointed flippers and are usually dark grey on the back with paler grey flanks and a white or pinkish belly. The sickle-shaped dorsal fin is tall and positioned centrally on the back. Variations in the shape of the dorsal fin along with scars and other markings on the skin can help researchers to identify individuals. The Bottlenose Dolphin is found in coastal waters of most temperate, tropical and subtropical areas. Around the UK, it occurs in the English Channel, in the Moray Firth in north-east Scotland and in Cardigan Bay in Wales. Although lone individuals do occur, Bottle-nosed Dolphins are very sociable animals which usually live in groups numbering between 10 and 100 individuals. They engage in much energetic behaviour, including breaching (clearing the water), lobtailing (slapping the tail flukes down onto the surface of the water) and bow-riding (riding the swell created in front of boats and even large whales). The Bottlenose Dolphin faces a number of threats including human disturbance, entanglement in fishing nets and hunting. Like all cetaceans, they are also vulnerable to chemical and noise pollution. The captivity industry that supplies the world aquarium trade is also a problem. The Bottlenose Dolphin is a UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority species and it is protected in UK waters by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Orders 1985. It is illegal to intentionally kill, injure, or harass any cetacean (whale or dolphin) species in UK waters. The Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans in the Baltic and North Seas (ASCOBANS), has been signed by 7 European Countries including the UK. Provision is made under this agreement to set up protected areas, promote research and monitoring, pollution control and increase public awareness. Under Annex II of the EC Habitats Directive, candidate marine Special Areas of Conservation (SACS) are being set up for this species in Cardigan Bay (Wales) and the Moray Firth (north-east Scotland). Date: 12th June 2011 Location: Moray Firth (from Chanonry Point), Inverness-shire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46511170.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_50217267262c9909a2c061.jpgCommon Lizard The Common Lizard ranges across central and northern Europe (but are absent from the Mediterranean area) and through to northern Asia. It is the most common lizard in northern regions and the only reptile found in Ireland. The Common Lizard has a long body and short legs. It has coarse scales which range from grey, brown, bronze or green on the back and males are generally darker than females. It has a series of white spots down the flanks, which fuse to form a line, and a black line along the back. The Common Lizard also has numerous black spots scattered over the body. Males have orange/yellow bellies with black spots and females have cream/white bellies. The Common Lizard is found in a range of habitats including woodland, marshes, heathland, moors, sand dunes, hedgerows, bogs and rubbish dumps and it hunts insects, spiders, snails and earthworms, stunning its prey by shaking it and then swallowing it whole. The Common Lizard is active during the day and spends the morning and afternoon (but not the intense heat of midday) basking in the sun either alone or in groups. It is a good swimmer and will dive underwater when threatened. At night, and when startled, it will shelter beneath logs, stones and metal sheets. After emerging from hibernation, males defend breeding territories from other males. The young develop over 3 months within egg membranes inside the female's body which they usually break out of as she gives birth. Litters of 3 to 12 young are born from June to September after which time the mother shows no parental care with the young feeding actively from birth and quickly dispersing. The Common Lizard hibernates from October to March. It will often hibernate in groups and sometimes emerge for a brief time during warm spells. Date: 8th May 2022 Location: MWT Cors Dyfi, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45174843.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4195720436232f9f13c5ff.jpgPintail Slightly bigger than a Mallard, the Pintail is a long-necked and small-headed duck which flies with a curved back, pointed wings and a long tapering tail. The male's long central tail feathers give rise to the species' English and scientific names. Both sexes have blue-grey bills and grey legs and feet. The male is more striking, having a thin white stripe running from the back of its chocolate-coloured head down its neck to its mostly white underparts. The male also has attractive grey, brown, and black patterning on its back and sides. The female's plumage is more subtle and subdued with drab brown feathers similar to those of other female dabbling ducks. The Pintail can be found all year round but it is primarily a winter visitor with significant populations occurring on coasts, estuaries and other wetlands at sites such as the Dee Estuary, Solway Estuary and Ouse Washes. The winter population arrives in September with numbers peaking in December and the return migration takes place from late February into March. Date: 31st December 2021 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4267091.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10130681694b5221df628df.jpgHooded Crow The Hooded Crow is a member of the crow family. It is locally known as a “hoodie” in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Except for the head, throat, wings, tail and thigh feathers, which are black and mostly glossy, the plumage is ash-grey, the dark shafts giving it a streaky appearance. The bill and legs are black. The male is the larger bird, otherwise the sexes are alike. The Hooded Crow, with its contrasting greys and blacks, can not be confused with either the Carrion Crow or Rook, both of which are predominantly black. However, the Hooded Crow is so similar in morphology and habits to the Carrion Crow that for many years it was considered to be a geographical race of a single species. Hybridization observed where their ranges overlapped added weight to this view. However, since 2002 the Hooded Crow has been elevated to full species status after closer observation. The Hooded Crow is widely distributed and can be found across north, east and south east Europe as well as parts of the Middle East. In the UK, the Hooded Crow can be found in north and west Scotland and on the Isle of Man where it replaces the Carrion Crow. Outside the breeding season it occurs across its breeding range and can sometimes be seen in east Scotland and east England. Like other corvids, the Hooded Crow is an omnivorous and opportunistic forager and scavenger and will feed on small mammals and birds, eggs, molluscs, scraps and carrion. Date: 1st January 2010 Location: Loch Scridain, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo442212.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1728147097467f2384c4a43.jpgLoch Broom, Wester Ross Loch Broom opens from the Minch at a width of 12.5 miles and covers a distance of 7 miles south-eastwards holding the Summer Isles. At its mouth proper, with the sea loch Loch Kanaird to the east and Annat Bay to the west, Loch Broom is 4 miles wide and runs south east for about 9.5 miles at a width of 1 mile where it is fed by the River Broom. Ullapool, on the north east shore of Loch Broom, began as a planned village built by Thomas Telford and the British Fisheries Society in 1788 to exploit the boom in herring fishing. It is now the largest settlement in the area and serves as the terminal for the ferry to Stornaway in the Western Isles. The entrance to Loch Broom is overlooked to the north by the mountain of Ben More Coigach on the Coigach peninsula and to the south by the mountains of Beinn Ghobhlach and Beinn nam Ban on the Scoraig peninsula which separates Loch Broom and Little Loch Broom. Broom comes from the gaelic word "bhraoin" meaning place of rain showers. Date: June 2000 Location: view from the A835 road looking south towards Ullapool http://www.richardchewphotography.com/grey-phalarope https://images.on-this.website/4752_17448264214eb264df2ff14.jpgGrey Phalarope The Grey Phalarope is an Arctic-breeding wader that spends a large proportion of its life out at sea and many miles from land. Grey Phalaropes do occur annually in the UK and are most often seen between October and January on the coast or at inland wetlands having been blown off-course by bad weather and strong winds in autumn. Like the other phalarope species, the female is the more colourful and leaves the male to incubate the eggs and bring up the young. In North America, these birds are known as Red Phalaropes, due to their orangey-red breeding plumage. In winter, the Grey Phalarope eats marine plankton picked from the sea's surface whilst on their breeding grounds they eat small insects and aquatic creatures. Date: 21st October 2011 Location: Cudmore Grove Country Park, East Mersea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623115.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17161773706117d79237db8.jpgKittiwakes The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14155719.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1339275334f3cc5efc1f26.jpgFieldfare The Fieldfare is a member of the thrush family which is very similar to a Mistle Thrush in general size, shape and behaviour. It has a slate grey crown, neck and rump, a plain brown back, dark wings, blackish tail and white underwings. The breast and flanks are heavily speckled. The breast has a reddish wash and the rest of the underparts are white. The sexes are similar in appearance but the females are slightly more brown. The male has a simple chattering song and the birds have various guttural flight and alarm calls. The Fieldfare is a migratory species with a Palearctic distribution. It breeds in north Norway, north Sweden, Finland, the Baltic states, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland and in to Asia. In the summer the Fieldfare frequents mixed woodland of birch, alder, pine, spruce and fir, often near marshes, moorland or other open ground. It does not avoid the vicinity of humans and can be seen in cultivated areas, orchards, parks and gardens. It also inhabits open tundra and the slopes of hills above the tree line. It often breeds in small colonies, possibly for protection from predators. The first known breeding of the Fieldfare in the UK was in 1967 when a pair nested in Orkney. Very small numbers have continued nesting fairly regularly in Scotland. The winter range extends through west Europe, including the UK, south Europe and north Africa although it is uncommon in the Mediterranean region. Eastern populations migrate to Anatolia, Israel, Iran and north west India. Migrating and wintering Fieldfares often form large flocks, often in the company of Redwings. In the winter, the Fieldfare can be found in open country, agricultural land, orchards, open woodland and gardens. It is nomadic, wandering wherever there is an abundance of berries and insects. Later in the year it moves on to pastureland and cultivated fields. The Fieldfare is omnivorous. Animal food in the diet includes snails and slugs, earthworms, spiders and insects such as beetles and their larvae, flies and grasshoppers. In the autumn ripened berries such as hawthorn, holly, rowan, yew, juniper, dog rose, cotoneaster, pyracantha and berberis are eaten. In addition, windfall apples, grain and seeds are eaten. When these are exhausted, or in particularly harsh weather, the birds may move to marshes or even the foreshore where molluscs can be found. Date: 7th February 2012 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072279.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14843468804bf6d80ce09c8.jpgPurple Sandpiper The Purple Sandpiper is a small wading shorebird. Adults have short yellow legs and a medium thin dark bill with a yellow base. The body is dark above with a slight purplish gloss and mainly white below. The breast is smeared with grey and the rump is black. The Purple Sandpiper breeds in the northern tundra and Arctic islands in Canada and coastal areas in Greenland and north west Europe and nests on the ground either elevated on rocks or in a lower damp location. The males makes several scrapes following which the female chooses one and lays 3 or 4 eggs. The male takes the major responsibility for incubation and tends the chicks. The Purple Sandpiper is migratory and moves to rocky ice-free Atlantic coasts in winter where it is fairly gregarious, forming small flocks and often associating with Turnstones. It is also relatively tame and approachable. In the UK, the Purple Sandpiper occurs in winter in good numbers, principally along the east and south coasts where it favours rocky shorelines adjacent to the sea. It is a very rare breeding bird and is found only in a localised area of the Cairngorms National Park where 1 to 3 pairs have bred since the 1970s. Date: 11th April 2010 Location: Nesseby, Varangerfjord, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4088357.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1849267514b194b70a6d3e.jpgCommon Cranes The Common Crane is a large, stately bird and a medium-sized crane at 40 to 52 inches long with a 71 to 96 inches wingspan. At rest, Cranes are rather stork-like but with big bushy tails, black wing plumes and grey bodies and even from a great distance the white stripe through the black head is noticeable. In flight, the long neck, held outstretched and slightly drooping makes them quite different from the herons and the grey plumage eliminates both of the storks. They fly in flocks in “V” formation making trumpeting calls. Common Cranes breed in large areas of marsh and bog in northern parts of Europe and Asia and occur in winter and on passage in open, often agricultural, areas close to large wetlands used for roosting. The global population is in the region of 210,000 to 250,000 with the vast majority nesting in Russia and Scandinavia. In the UK the Common Crane became extinct in the 17th century but a tiny population now breeds again in the Norfolk Broads and is slowly increasing. Flocks of Cranes in late spring can be watched performing their “dancing” displays. This usually involves opening their wings and leaping vertically into the air with the legs dangling. Once one bird starts this, others will join in and the whole performance can even be initiated by a human pretending to be a dancing crane. Once the birds are paired off they are more likely to perform different displays involving stretching their necks vertically and trumpeting. Common Cranes from Fennoscandia, the Baltic states and western Russia take the west European migration route to their wintering grounds. Over 100,000 birds use this flyway and over 70,000 winter in Spain (mainly Extremadura) with smaller numbers in south west France, Portugal and north Africa. Laguna de Gallocanta in Aragon is a key staging post for Common Cranes both entering and leaving Spain and very large numbers use the lake and surrounding land to feed and rest for varying periods before continuing their journey. Up to 20,000 Common Cranes may be seen at Laguna de Gallocanta regularly and concentrations of up to 60,000 have been recorded, these being the largest gatherings anywhere in western Europe. Date: 11th November 2009 Location: Laguna de Gallocanta, Aragon, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46511786.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_75940584262c993a4c3421.jpgBrown Hare The Brown Hare resembles the Rabbit but obvious differences include the Brown Hare's longer, larger body, much longer hind legs and longer ears with black tips. Generally, they are a brown-russet colour with a white underside. The tail is black on the upper surface and white underneath. In contrast to Rabbits, which have a brown iris, the Brown Hare has a golden iris and a black pupil. Brown Hares are the fastest land animals in the UK and can run at speeds of up to 45 mph to evade predators. Brown Hares are widespread in central and western Europe including the UK but they are absent in southern Europe. It is thought that they were introduced in to the UK during Roman times, probably from Asia. They have little legal protection, partly because they are game animals and can be managed by farmers and landowners and partly because they are also a minor pest and can damage crops and young tree plantations. Numbers have substantially declined in the UK and most of Europe since the 1960s mainly due to the intensification of agricultural practices as well as shooting, poaching and coursing and an increase in the number of Foxes. Brown Hares prefer temperate open habitats and can be found in most flat country among open grassland and arable farms. Unlike Rabbits, they do not burrow but rest in a shallow depression in fields or long grass known as a form where only their back and head are visible. An adult occupies a range of 300 hectares which it may share with other hares as they are not territorially aggressive. Courtship involves boxing …. the traditional “mad March hare” behaviour. This is actually unreceptive females fending off males rather than fighting between males. Date: 9th May 2022 Location: RWT Gilfach, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623002.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_806300966117ce2b5643d.jpgChough Whilst its black plumage identifies it as a crow, the Chough has a red bill and legs unlike any other member of the crow family. It readily displays its mastery of flight with wonderful aerial displays of diving and swooping and can be found in flocks in autumn and winter. The Chough has a restricted westerly distribution in the UK and because of its small population size and historically declining populations it is an Amber List species. The best places to see Chough are north and west Wales, Islay in west Scotland and the Isle of Man, although they have also recently recolonised Cornwall. Date: 23rd June 2021 Location: Rhossili, Gower peninsula, Swansea http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4088356.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13314271794b194b6aaec6b.jpgCommon Cranes The Common Crane is a large, stately bird and a medium-sized crane at 40 to 52 inches long with a 71 to 96 inches wingspan. At rest, Cranes are rather stork-like but with big bushy tails, black wing plumes and grey bodies and even from a great distance the white stripe through the black head is noticeable. In flight, the long neck, held outstretched and slightly drooping makes them quite different from the herons and the grey plumage eliminates both of the storks. They fly in flocks in “V” formation making trumpeting calls. Common Cranes breed in large areas of marsh and bog in northern parts of Europe and Asia and occur in winter and on passage in open, often agricultural, areas close to large wetlands used for roosting. The global population is in the region of 210,000 to 250,000 with the vast majority nesting in Russia and Scandinavia. In the UK the Common Crane became extinct in the 17th century but a tiny population now breeds again in the Norfolk Broads and is slowly increasing. Flocks of Cranes in late spring can be watched performing their “dancing” displays. This usually involves opening their wings and leaping vertically into the air with the legs dangling. Once one bird starts this, others will join in and the whole performance can even be initiated by a human pretending to be a dancing crane. Once the birds are paired off they are more likely to perform different displays involving stretching their necks vertically and trumpeting. Common Cranes from Fennoscandia, the Baltic states and western Russia take the west European migration route to their wintering grounds. Over 100,000 birds use this flyway and over 70,000 winter in Spain (mainly Extremadura) with smaller numbers in south west France, Portugal and north Africa. Laguna de Gallocanta in Aragon is a key staging post for Common Cranes both entering and leaving Spain and very large numbers use the lake and surrounding land to feed and rest for varying periods before continuing their journey. Up to 20,000 Common Cranes may be seen at Laguna de Gallocanta regularly and concentrations of up to 60,000 have been recorded, these being the largest gatherings anywhere in western Europe. Date: 11th November 2009 Location: Laguna de Gallocanta, Aragon, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/coot https://images.on-this.website/4752_13659873674e1d672890730.jpgCoot Coot can be found mainly on freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers and town park lakes. Sometimes they can be seen offshore, especially in winter if freshwater areas are frozen. Coot breed in areas of fairly shallow standing freshwater with a muddy bottom and plenty of vegetation at the sides, usually in lowland areas. Date: 31/03/07 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37190330.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20558152555c2a1fc625f83.jpgSanna Bay, Ardnamurchan, Highland The small settlement of Sanna lies 6 miles north west of Kilchoan, close to the tip of the Ardnamurchan Peninsula. Sanna Bay lies between Sanna Point to the north and Ardnamurchan Point to the south and is dominated by impressive sand dunes, beautiful white shell sand bays and a stunning turquoise sea. It is one of the most beautiful beaches in Scotland. From Sanna Point there are superb views, extending from the islands of Eigg and Rhum to the north with Skye beyond, round to Ardnamurchan Point and its lighthouse to the south west and the island of Coll beyond that. The Western Isles can be seen to the north west but due west there is nothing but sea until the continent of North America is reached. Date: 27th June 2018 Location: view from Sanna Bay http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42626775.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_112329535160a927d6bb521.jpgGreat Crested Grebe The Great Crested Grebe is the largest member of the grebe family measuring 18 to 20 inches in length with a wing span of 23 to 29 inches. It is a graceful bird with its long neck, long bill and slender outline. In summer, the adults of both sexes are unmistakable being adorned with beautiful head-plumes which are reddish-orange in colour with black tips. There is also an erectile black crown. Non-breeding adults lack the full crest and have a dark crown bordered by a white face, the white extending down the fore-neck and chest. The sexes are similar in appearance but juveniles can be distinguished from adults by having a striped black and white head and neck. The Great Crested Grebe can be found across Europe and Asia and it breeds on shallow, reed-fringed freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs and slow rivers. It is resident in the milder west of its range but it migrates from the colder regions of its range to freshwater lakes, reservoirs and sheltered coastal areas in winter. The Great Crested Grebe has an elaborate mating display. Like all grebes, it nests on the water's edge since its legs are set relatively far back and it is thus unable to walk very well. Usually 2 eggs are laid and the fluffy, striped young grebes are often carried on the adult's back. In a clutch of 2 or more hatchlings, male and female grebes will each identify their “favourites” which they alone will care for and teach. Unusually, young Great Crested Grebes are capable of swimming and diving almost at hatching. The adults teach these skills to their young by carrying them on their backs and diving, leaving the chicks to float on the surface. They then re-emerge a few feet away so that the chicks may swim back on to them. The Great Crested Grebe feeds mainly on fish but it will also eat small crustaceans, insects and small frogs and newts. The Great Crested Grebe was hunted almost to extinction in the UK in the 19th century due to being hunted for its head plumes which were used to decorate hats and ladies' undergarments. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was set up to help protect the Great Crested Grebe which is now again a common sight. Date: 15th April 2021 Location: Lake Meadows, Billericay, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo450823.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_117768886746866bb08d1ed.jpgRed-necked Phalarope The Red-necked Phalarope is a small wader with lobed toes to assist swimming and a straight, fine bill. The breeding female is predominantly dark grey above with a chestnut neck and upper breast, black face and white throat. The breeding male is a duller version of the female. In winter, the plumage is essentially grey above and white below but the black eyepatch is always present. When feeding, a Red-necked Phalarope will often swim in a small, rapid circle, forming a small whirlpool. This behaviour is thought to aid feeding by raising food from the bottom of shallow water. The bird will reach into the centre of the vortex with its bill, plucking small insects or crustaceans caught up therein. On the open ocean, they are often found where converging currents produce upwellings. The Red-necked Phalarope breeds in the Arctic regions of north America and Eurasia. It is migratory and, unusually for a wader, it winters at sea on tropical oceans. The Red-necked Phalarope is one of the UK's rarest breeding waders and is on the southern-most edge of its range here. It has always been mainly confined to the Northern and Western Isles of Scotland. The Government agreed a Biodiversity Action Plan for this species in 1998. The targets for this plan have recently been reviewed and aim to maintain and expand the Red-necked Phalarope as a breeding species at existing sites and to enable range expansion to a number of previously occupied sites. Fetlar holds 90% of the UK breeding population and this bird was photographed at the RSPB's reserve at the Loch of Funzie. Date: 01/06/03 Location: Loch of Funzie, Fetlar, Shetland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo442187.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1805815252467f22d1cb84c.jpgLoch Linnhe, Argyll Loch Linnhe is a large sea loch in the Western Highlands separating the areas of Morvern and Ardgour to the west from the areas of Appin, Benderloch and Lochaber to the east. Loch Linnhe stretches some 30 miles from north east to south west and forms a southern extension of the Great Glen that opens out into the Firth of Lorn. Its greatest width is nearly 6 miles while its narrowest width lies just north of the mouth of Loch Leven at the Corran Narrows. Fort William stands at the head of the loch, at the junction with Loch Eil and the beginning of the Caledonian Canal system. Date: 6th June 2006 Location: view looking over the Corran Narrows to the Corran lighthouse http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42626841.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_104131801260a92e4d7118e.jpgAdder Adders are widespread throughout mainland UK but they are absent from Ireland. They occur throughout Europe, with the exception of the Mediterranean islands, and across Russia and Asia through to northern China. They are the UK's only venomous reptile. Adders are relatively short and robust snakes with large heads and a rounded snout. Males are usually a grey or buff colour with vivid black markings although they can also vary from silver to yellow or green in colour. Females are brown with dark red-brown markings that are less prominent than in the males. Both sexes have a zigzag pattern running along the back with a / or X-shaped marking at the rear of the head. Adders can be found in a variety of habitats, including open woodland, hedgerows, moorland, sand dunes, riverbanks, bogs, heathland and mountains. They are active during the day and spend time basking until their body temperature is high enough to hunt for food. Adders use venom to immobilise prey such as lizards, amphibians, nestlings and small mammals. After striking their prey, they will leave the venom to take effect before following the victim’s scent to find the body. Mating takes place between April and May with males often fighting for females. Females have a 3 to 4 month gestation period and Adders are one of the few snakes that are viviparous (give birth to live young). In late August females give birth to between 5 and 20 live young and the young remain close to their mother for a few days before going off in search of food. Adders hibernate from September to March often using deserted rabbit or rodent burrows or settling under logs. They sometimes hibernate communally. Males emerge 2 to 5 weeks before the females and shed their skin before setting off in search of females. Adders are not aggressive snakes and they will only attack if harassed or threatened. Although an Adder’s venom poses little danger to a healthy adult, the bite is very painful and requires urgent medical attention. Date: 17th April 2021 Location: Benfleet and Hadleigh Downs, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46534947.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_30199518462ca9c77a35cc.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 27th June 2022 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31837538.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_310897965595624c6cfafc8.59865893.jpgCamas a' Charraig and Gruinard Bay, Wester Ross From the village of Laide on the north west coast of Wester Ross in the Scottish Highlands, a single track road heads north from the A832 along the western shore of Gruinard Bay towards Mellon Udrigle. Mellon Udrigle is a small and remote crofting, fishing and tourist settlement. Backed by dunes and framed by rocky promontories, this is one of the most attractive pieces of coastline in Wester Ross. With clear turquoise water and clean white sand, Camas a’ Charraig is spectacular in itself even without its stunning location. What makes the beach really special is the distant mountain vista across Gruinard Bay. To the north east the views include the distinctive profile of Suilven near Lochinver, and the mountains of Coigach, including the top of Stac Pollaidh, whilst to the south east the views conclude with a glimpse of An Teallach. Date: 23rd June 2017 Location: view from Mellon Udrigle at Camas a’ Charraig looking east across Gruinard Bay http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4088232.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18285414374b193dd95332c.jpgWhite Stork The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 8th November 2009 Location: Aiguamolls de l'Emporda, Catalunya, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37190299.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9145591585c2a0eeea99a7.jpgGruinard Bay, Wester Ross Gruinard Bay is situated along the rocky Wester Ross coastline and has 3 beautiful beaches with pink sand derived from the Torridonian sandstone rocks. It is surrounded by magnificent rocky scenery. Offshore lies Gruinard Island which in 1942 became the focus of the UK's secret effort to find a weapon capable of defeating the Nazis. To test the potency of their biological arsenal, War Office scientists took a flock of 60 sheep to Gruinard Island and exposed them to a bomb packed with anthrax spores. The island was so contaminated that it was deemed out of bounds for almost 50 years. Date: 24th June 2018 Location: view from near Little Gruinard on the A832 road between Poolewe and Ullapool http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847620.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_98866748859bd542101723.jpgMarsh Frog The Marsh Frog is the largest European frog. It is very similar in appearance to the closely related Edible Frog and Pool Frog. These 3 species are often referred to as "green frogs" to distinguish them from the more terrestrial European species which are known as "brown frogs" (best exemplified by the Common Frog). Marsh Frogs show a large variation in colour and pattern, ranging from dark green to brown or grey. The Western European populations are generally dark green to black with dark spots on the back and sides and 3 clear green lines on the back. Females can reach a maximum length of around 6.5 inches but males are smaller at around 4.5 inches. The head is proportionally large and the hind legs are long which gives them excellent jumping abilities. The Marsh Frog is usually gregarious and diurnal and more tied to aquatic habitats than the Common Frog. It is tolerant of brackish conditions and typically it is found on or in the water of its favoured drainage channels and pools throughout the year. Marsh Frogs frequently sunbathe on the bank of the water body where they are often inconspicuous until disturbed when they will jump in to the water with a characteristic “plop”. They can often be seen on lily pads or floating at the surface amongst vegetation with only their heads exposed. During the breeding season (and sometimes beyond) the male Marsh Frog calls very loudly with a sound reminiscent of a loud chuckle which is often very raucous and can be heard all day and night. Dominant males establish territories from which they call. After mating a female may produce up to 16,000 eggs in a season, laying them in clumps of a few hundred in aquatic vegetation below the surface. They hatch in about a week, tadpoles being rather solitary and living in deep water with vegetation. Newly metamorphosed frogs are up to 1 inch in length and take 2 years to mature. The diet of the Marsh Frog consists of dragonflies and other insects, spiders, earthworms and slugs. Larger frogs also eat small rodents and sometimes smaller amphibians and fish. Date: 2nd June 2017 Location: Leles to Boľ area, Latorica, Košice region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46511082.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7563445262c9907ae090a.jpgCommon Lizard The Common Lizard ranges across central and northern Europe (but are absent from the Mediterranean area) and through to northern Asia. It is the most common lizard in northern regions and the only reptile found in Ireland. The Common Lizard has a long body and short legs. It has coarse scales which range from grey, brown, bronze or green on the back and males are generally darker than females. It has a series of white spots down the flanks, which fuse to form a line, and a black line along the back. The Common Lizard also has numerous black spots scattered over the body. Males have orange/yellow bellies with black spots and females have cream/white bellies. The Common Lizard is found in a range of habitats including woodland, marshes, heathland, moors, sand dunes, hedgerows, bogs and rubbish dumps and it hunts insects, spiders, snails and earthworms, stunning its prey by shaking it and then swallowing it whole. The Common Lizard is active during the day and spends the morning and afternoon (but not the intense heat of midday) basking in the sun either alone or in groups. It is a good swimmer and will dive underwater when threatened. At night, and when startled, it will shelter beneath logs, stones and metal sheets. After emerging from hibernation, males defend breeding territories from other males. The young develop over 3 months within egg membranes inside the female's body which they usually break out of as she gives birth. Litters of 3 to 12 young are born from June to September after which time the mother shows no parental care with the young feeding actively from birth and quickly dispersing. The Common Lizard hibernates from October to March. It will often hibernate in groups and sometimes emerge for a brief time during warm spells. Date: 8th May 2022 Location: MWT Cors Dyfi, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081466.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_157928163363a85499894eb.jpgPintail Slightly bigger than a Mallard, the Pintail is a long-necked and small-headed duck which flies with a curved back, pointed wings and a long tapering tail. The male's long central tail feathers give rise to the species' English and scientific names. Both sexes have blue-grey bills and grey legs and feet. The male is more striking, having a thin white stripe running from the back of its chocolate-coloured head down its neck to its mostly white underparts. The male also has attractive grey, brown, and black patterning on its back and sides. The female's plumage is more subtle and subdued with drab brown feathers similar to those of other female dabbling ducks. The Pintail can be found all year round but it is primarily a winter visitor with significant populations occurring on coasts, estuaries and other wetlands at sites such as the Dee Estuary, Solway Estuary and Ouse Washes. The winter population arrives in September with numbers peaking in December and the return migration takes place from late February into March. Date: 9th January 2022 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/grey-wagtail https://images.on-this.website/4752_1469099194577a32748d2b0.jpgGrey Wagtail The Grey Wagtail is a member of the wagtail family. It is somewhat similar to the Yellow Wagtail but more colourful than its name suggests. The upperparts are grey and the yellow vent contrasting with whitish underparts makes it distinctive. The breeding male has a black throat that is edged by whitish moustachial stripes, a narrow white supercilium and a broken eye ring and a tail noticeably longer than those of Pied and Yellow wagtails. Like other wagtails, it frequently wags its tail and flies low with undulations. The Grey Wagtail is widely distributed across the Palearctic region with several sub-species breeding in Europe and Asia. It can be found over most of the UK with the exception of the northern and western isles of Scotland. The greatest densities are found in the uplands of England, Wales and Scotland. The Grey Wagtail is always associated with fast running streams and rivers when breeding although they may use man-made structures near streams for the nest. Outside the breeding season, it may also be seen around lakes, coasts and other watery habitats including in town and city centres. It forages singly or in pairs feeding on a variety of aquatic invertebrates including adult flies, mayflies, beetles, crustacea and molluscs and will use rocks in water and often perch in waterside bushes and trees. Date: 20th June 2016 Location: Findhorn valley, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4088255.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2051679774b193e32c853a.jpgWhite Stork The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 8th November 2009 Location: Aiguamolls de l'Emporda, Catalunya, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28885466.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_77771356357cc3188c6673.jpgSoomaa National Park, Estonia The Soomaa National Park (Soomaa means "land of bogs") is located about 20 miles east of Pärnu and it was established in 1993 to protect a wilderness of bogs, fens, wet mixed forests, wooded meadows and carrs. It is also included in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance. The territory of the Soomaa National Park is mostly covered with large bogs, separated from each other by the tributaries of the Pärnu river, namely the Navesti, Halliste, Raudna and Lemmjõgi rivers. Every spring the Pärnu river and its tributaries flood and vast areas are inundated. The flood has been called the “fifth season” in Soomaa. Much of the Soomaa National Park is very difficult to access but it can be partially explored by a network of dusty gravel tracks and a minor road between Jõesuu and Kildu. The Soomaa National Park supports a wide range of breeding birds and the floods attract large numbers of migrating wildfowl and waders. As a large wilderness area, Soomaa National Park is also home to numerous species of large mammals including Brown Bear, Wolf, Lynx, Beaver, Elk and Wild Boar. Date: 15th May 2016 Location: Tõramaa to Kõrtsi road, Soomaa National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623055.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12389863446117d38583626.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11202888.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8139859664e18603f49657.jpgWhooper Swans The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 5th November 2008 Location: Ardnave Loch, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42626781.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17167499560a927e1f181c.jpgGreat Crested Grebe The Great Crested Grebe is the largest member of the grebe family measuring 18 to 20 inches in length with a wing span of 23 to 29 inches. It is a graceful bird with its long neck, long bill and slender outline. In summer, the adults of both sexes are unmistakable being adorned with beautiful head-plumes which are reddish-orange in colour with black tips. There is also an erectile black crown. Non-breeding adults lack the full crest and have a dark crown bordered by a white face, the white extending down the fore-neck and chest. The sexes are similar in appearance but juveniles can be distinguished from adults by having a striped black and white head and neck. The Great Crested Grebe can be found across Europe and Asia and it breeds on shallow, reed-fringed freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs and slow rivers. It is resident in the milder west of its range but it migrates from the colder regions of its range to freshwater lakes, reservoirs and sheltered coastal areas in winter. The Great Crested Grebe has an elaborate mating display. Like all grebes, it nests on the water's edge since its legs are set relatively far back and it is thus unable to walk very well. Usually 2 eggs are laid and the fluffy, striped young grebes are often carried on the adult's back. In a clutch of 2 or more hatchlings, male and female grebes will each identify their “favourites” which they alone will care for and teach. Unusually, young Great Crested Grebes are capable of swimming and diving almost at hatching. The adults teach these skills to their young by carrying them on their backs and diving, leaving the chicks to float on the surface. They then re-emerge a few feet away so that the chicks may swim back on to them. The Great Crested Grebe feeds mainly on fish but it will also eat small crustaceans, insects and small frogs and newts. The Great Crested Grebe was hunted almost to extinction in the UK in the 19th century due to being hunted for its head plumes which were used to decorate hats and ladies' undergarments. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was set up to help protect the Great Crested Grebe which is now again a common sight. Date: 15th April 2021 Location: Lake Meadows, Billericay, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081465.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_146610808063a85498e48a5.jpgPintail Slightly bigger than a Mallard, the Pintail is a long-necked and small-headed duck which flies with a curved back, pointed wings and a long tapering tail. The male's long central tail feathers give rise to the species' English and scientific names. Both sexes have blue-grey bills and grey legs and feet. The male is more striking, having a thin white stripe running from the back of its chocolate-coloured head down its neck to its mostly white underparts. The male also has attractive grey, brown, and black patterning on its back and sides. The female's plumage is more subtle and subdued with drab brown feathers similar to those of other female dabbling ducks. The Pintail can be found all year round but it is primarily a winter visitor with significant populations occurring on coasts, estuaries and other wetlands at sites such as the Dee Estuary, Solway Estuary and Ouse Washes. The winter population arrives in September with numbers peaking in December and the return migration takes place from late February into March. Date: 9th January 2022 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29240093.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_79222450057eb969e10385.jpgBen Nevis, Highland Height: 4409 feet. Ben Nevis is a granite mountain rising to a height of 4409 feet to the east of Fort William and is the highest peak in the UK. The first recorded ascent of Ben Nevis was undertaken in 1771 by the botanist James Robertson. The ruins of a weather observatory which was manned between 1883 and 1904 can be found on the north east ridge of Ben Nevis Ben Nevis became popular with tourists following the opening of the West Highland Railway to Fort William in 1894 and in the following year the first Ben Nevis Hill Race was run. This event now takes place each year in September. A Peace Cairn was erected on Ben Nevis by Bert Bissell who made his 104th ascent of the mountain on his 90th birthday in 1992. In 2000 Ben Nevis was acquired by the John Muir Trust. Date: 22nd September 2016 Location: view from the A861 road along the south shore of Loch Eil http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo10926902.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18226404824e0978ce2ce82.jpgBottlenose Dolphin The Bottlenose Dolphin is one of the most well-known species of dolphin. They have a stocky, torpedo-shaped body, a short beak and pointed flippers and are usually dark grey on the back with paler grey flanks and a white or pinkish belly. The sickle-shaped dorsal fin is tall and positioned centrally on the back. Variations in the shape of the dorsal fin along with scars and other markings on the skin can help researchers to identify individuals. The Bottlenose Dolphin is found in coastal waters of most temperate, tropical and subtropical areas. Around the UK, it occurs in the English Channel, in the Moray Firth in north-east Scotland and in Cardigan Bay in Wales. Although lone individuals do occur, Bottle-nosed Dolphins are very sociable animals which usually live in groups numbering between 10 and 100 individuals. They engage in much energetic behaviour, including breaching (clearing the water), lobtailing (slapping the tail flukes down onto the surface of the water) and bow-riding (riding the swell created in front of boats and even large whales). The Bottlenose Dolphin faces a number of threats including human disturbance, entanglement in fishing nets and hunting. Like all cetaceans, they are also vulnerable to chemical and noise pollution. The captivity industry that supplies the world aquarium trade is also a problem. The Bottlenose Dolphin is a UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority species and it is protected in UK waters by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Orders 1985. It is illegal to intentionally kill, injure, or harass any cetacean (whale or dolphin) species in UK waters. The Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans in the Baltic and North Seas (ASCOBANS), has been signed by 7 European Countries including the UK. Provision is made under this agreement to set up protected areas, promote research and monitoring, pollution control and increase public awareness. Under Annex II of the EC Habitats Directive, candidate marine Special Areas of Conservation (SACS) are being set up for this species in Cardigan Bay (Wales) and the Moray Firth (north-east Scotland). Date: 12th June 2011 Location: Moray Firth (from Chanonry Point), Inverness-shire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4074436.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18694092394b15785a3cb1f.jpgDelta de l’Ebre, Catalunya, Spain The Delta de l’Ebre is the largest coastal wetland in Catalunya and the second largest in Spain after the Coto Donana, covering 320 km². It is probably the most important wetland in the western Mediterranean after the Carmargue in France. This internationally important area for birds is designated as a Parque Natural and RAMSAR site. The Delta de l’Ebre is a massive triangular deposit of sediment fed by the Rio Ebre which drains much of north east Spain including the southern slopes of the Pyrenees. The delta extends in to the Mediterranean Sea for around 20km and is one of the most extensive rice growing areas in Spain. Whilst much of the natural vegetation has disappeared under rice cultivation, the paddies provide large areas of open water for most of the year and are very attractive to a wide range and large number of breeding and wintering wetland birds (herons, egrets, ducks, waders, gulls, terns, etc.). The natural habitat of lagoons, reedbeds, woods, sand dunes and saline steppes are also very important. Date: 10th November 2009 http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo442183.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1259571408467f22c6dc889.jpgLoch Broom, Wester Ross Loch Broom opens from the Minch at a width of 12.5 miles and covers a distance of 7 miles south-eastwards holding the Summer Isles. At its mouth proper, with the sea loch Loch Kanaird to the east and Annat Bay to the west, Loch Broom is 4 miles wide and runs south east for about 9.5 miles at a width of 1 mile where it is fed by the River Broom. Ullapool, on the north east shore of Loch Broom, began as a planned village built by Thomas Telford and the British Fisheries Society in 1788 to exploit the boom in herring fishing. It is now the largest settlement in the area and serves as the terminal for the ferry to Stornaway in the Western Isles. The entrance to Loch Broom is overlooked to the north by the mountain of Ben More Coigach on the Coigach peninsula and to the south by the mountains of Beinn Ghobhlach and Beinn nam Ban on the Scoraig peninsula which separates Loch Broom and Little Loch Broom. Broom comes from the gaelic word "bhraoin" meaning place of rain showers. Date: 14th June 2006 Location: view from the A835 road looking north towards Ullapool http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623101.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12829532946117d7760451b.jpgKittiwakes The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo20140121.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_205590179652c002d59ffae.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 9th December 2013 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo10926878.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9171973154e0975f39dd75.jpgBottlenose Dolphin The Bottlenose Dolphin is one of the most well-known species of dolphin. They have a stocky, torpedo-shaped body, a short beak and pointed flippers and are usually dark grey on the back with paler grey flanks and a white or pinkish belly. The sickle-shaped dorsal fin is tall and positioned centrally on the back. Variations in the shape of the dorsal fin along with scars and other markings on the skin can help researchers to identify individuals. The Bottlenose Dolphin is found in coastal waters of most temperate, tropical and subtropical areas. Around the UK, it occurs in the English Channel, in the Moray Firth in north-east Scotland and in Cardigan Bay in Wales. Although lone individuals do occur, Bottle-nosed Dolphins are very sociable animals which usually live in groups numbering between 10 and 100 individuals. They engage in much energetic behaviour, including breaching (clearing the water), lobtailing (slapping the tail flukes down onto the surface of the water) and bow-riding (riding the swell created in front of boats and even large whales). The Bottlenose Dolphin faces a number of threats including human disturbance, entanglement in fishing nets and hunting. Like all cetaceans, they are also vulnerable to chemical and noise pollution. The captivity industry that supplies the world aquarium trade is also a problem. The Bottlenose Dolphin is a UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority species and it is protected in UK waters by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Orders 1985. It is illegal to intentionally kill, injure, or harass any cetacean (whale or dolphin) species in UK waters. The Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans in the Baltic and North Seas (ASCOBANS), has been signed by 7 European Countries including the UK. Provision is made under this agreement to set up protected areas, promote research and monitoring, pollution control and increase public awareness. Under Annex II of the EC Habitats Directive, candidate marine Special Areas of Conservation (SACS) are being set up for this species in Cardigan Bay (Wales) and the Moray Firth (north-east Scotland). Date: 12th June 2011 Location: Moray Firth (from Chanonry Point), Inverness-shire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25774531.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1601269936560fea811d3c4.jpgBottlenose Dolphin The Bottlenose Dolphin is one of the most well-known species of dolphin. They have a stocky, torpedo-shaped body, a short beak and pointed flippers and are usually dark grey on the back with paler grey flanks and a white or pinkish belly. The sickle-shaped dorsal fin is tall and positioned centrally on the back. Variations in the shape of the dorsal fin along with scars and other markings on the skin can help researchers to identify individuals. The Bottlenose Dolphin is found in coastal waters of most temperate, tropical and subtropical areas. Around the UK, it occurs in the English Channel, in the Moray Firth in north-east Scotland and in Cardigan Bay in Wales. Although lone individuals do occur, Bottlenose Dolphins are very sociable animals which usually live in groups numbering between 10 and 100 individuals. They engage in much energetic behaviour, including breaching (clearing the water), lobtailing (slapping the tail flukes down onto the surface of the water) and bow-riding (riding the swell created in front of boats and even large whales). The Bottlenose Dolphin faces a number of threats including human disturbance, entanglement in fishing nets and hunting. Like all cetaceans, they are also vulnerable to chemical and noise pollution. The captivity industry that supplies the world aquarium trade is also a problem. The Bottlenose Dolphin is a UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority species and it is protected in UK waters by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Orders 1985. It is illegal to intentionally kill, injure, or harass any cetacean (whale or dolphin) species in UK waters. The Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans in the Baltic and North Seas (ASCOBANS), has been signed by 7 European Countries including the UK. Provision is made under this agreement to set up protected areas, promote research and monitoring, pollution control and increase public awareness. Under Annex II of the EC Habitats Directive, candidate marine Special Areas of Conservation (SACS) are being set up for this species in Cardigan Bay (Wales) and the Moray Firth (north-east Scotland). Date: 23rd September 2015 Location: Moray Firth (from Chanonry Point), Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25774095.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1557458467560fb5be03510.jpgBottlenose Dolphin The Bottlenose Dolphin is one of the most well-known species of dolphin. They have a stocky, torpedo-shaped body, a short beak and pointed flippers and are usually dark grey on the back with paler grey flanks and a white or pinkish belly. The sickle-shaped dorsal fin is tall and positioned centrally on the back. Variations in the shape of the dorsal fin along with scars and other markings on the skin can help researchers to identify individuals. The Bottlenose Dolphin is found in coastal waters of most temperate, tropical and subtropical areas. Around the UK, it occurs in the English Channel, in the Moray Firth in north-east Scotland and in Cardigan Bay in Wales. Although lone individuals do occur, Bottlenose Dolphins are very sociable animals which usually live in groups numbering between 10 and 100 individuals. They engage in much energetic behaviour, including breaching (clearing the water), lobtailing (slapping the tail flukes down onto the surface of the water) and bow-riding (riding the swell created in front of boats and even large whales). The Bottlenose Dolphin faces a number of threats including human disturbance, entanglement in fishing nets and hunting. Like all cetaceans, they are also vulnerable to chemical and noise pollution. The captivity industry that supplies the world aquarium trade is also a problem. The Bottlenose Dolphin is a UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority species and it is protected in UK waters by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Orders 1985. It is illegal to intentionally kill, injure, or harass any cetacean (whale or dolphin) species in UK waters. The Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans in the Baltic and North Seas (ASCOBANS), has been signed by 7 European Countries including the UK. Provision is made under this agreement to set up protected areas, promote research and monitoring, pollution control and increase public awareness. Under Annex II of the EC Habitats Directive, candidate marine Special Areas of Conservation (SACS) are being set up for this species in Cardigan Bay (Wales) and the Moray Firth (north-east Scotland). Date: 23rd September 2015 Location: Moray Firth (from Chanonry Point), Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46028421.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18711549876291f5c752099.jpgCommon Lizard The Common Lizard ranges across central and northern Europe (but are absent from the Mediterranean area) and through to northern Asia. It is the most common lizard in northern regions and the only reptile found in Ireland. The Common Lizard has a long body and short legs. It has coarse scales which range from grey, brown, bronze or green on the back and males are generally darker than females. It has a series of white spots down the flanks, which fuse to form a line, and a black line along the back. The Common Lizard also has numerous black spots scattered over the body. Males have orange/yellow bellies with black spots and females have cream/white bellies. The Common Lizard is found in a range of habitats including woodland, marshes, heathland, moors, sand dunes, hedgerows, bogs and rubbish dumps and it hunts insects, spiders, snails and earthworms, stunning its prey by shaking it and then swallowing it whole. The Common Lizard is active during the day and spends the morning and afternoon (but not the intense heat of midday) basking in the sun either alone or in groups. It is a good swimmer and will dive underwater when threatened. At night, and when startled, it will shelter beneath logs, stones and metal sheets. After emerging from hibernation, males defend breeding territories from other males. The young develop over 3 months within egg membranes inside the female's body which they usually break out of as she gives birth. Litters of 3 to 12 young are born from June to September after which time the mother shows no parental care with the young feeding actively from birth and quickly dispersing. The Common Lizard hibernates from October to March. It will often hibernate in groups and sometimes emerge for a brief time during warm spells. Date: 26th May 2022 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42626784.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_84570533160a927e6c9de8.jpgGreat Crested Grebe The Great Crested Grebe is the largest member of the grebe family measuring 18 to 20 inches in length with a wing span of 23 to 29 inches. It is a graceful bird with its long neck, long bill and slender outline. In summer, the adults of both sexes are unmistakable being adorned with beautiful head-plumes which are reddish-orange in colour with black tips. There is also an erectile black crown. Non-breeding adults lack the full crest and have a dark crown bordered by a white face, the white extending down the fore-neck and chest. The sexes are similar in appearance but juveniles can be distinguished from adults by having a striped black and white head and neck. The Great Crested Grebe can be found across Europe and Asia and it breeds on shallow, reed-fringed freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs and slow rivers. It is resident in the milder west of its range but it migrates from the colder regions of its range to freshwater lakes, reservoirs and sheltered coastal areas in winter. The Great Crested Grebe has an elaborate mating display. Like all grebes, it nests on the water's edge since its legs are set relatively far back and it is thus unable to walk very well. Usually 2 eggs are laid and the fluffy, striped young grebes are often carried on the adult's back. In a clutch of 2 or more hatchlings, male and female grebes will each identify their “favourites” which they alone will care for and teach. Unusually, young Great Crested Grebes are capable of swimming and diving almost at hatching. The adults teach these skills to their young by carrying them on their backs and diving, leaving the chicks to float on the surface. They then re-emerge a few feet away so that the chicks may swim back on to them. The Great Crested Grebe feeds mainly on fish but it will also eat small crustaceans, insects and small frogs and newts. The Great Crested Grebe was hunted almost to extinction in the UK in the 19th century due to being hunted for its head plumes which were used to decorate hats and ladies' undergarments. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was set up to help protect the Great Crested Grebe which is now again a common sight. Date: 15th April 2021 Location: Lake Meadows, Billericay, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11328648.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5691803914e1d67bec9419.jpgMoorhen The Moorhen is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird that is usually found near water. From a distance it looks black with a ragged white line along its body. However, closer up it is olive-brown on the back and the head and blue-grey underneath. It has a red bill with a yellow tip. The Moorhen can be found all year round almost anywhere where there is water. They breed in lowland areas particularly in central and eastern England but are scarce in northern Scotland and the uplands of Wales and northern England. UK breeding birds are residents and seldom travel far. Date: 5th March 2008 Location: Cromford Canal, Derbyshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072273.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8117309414bf6d7dcab1ba.jpgPurple Sandpiper The Purple Sandpiper is a small wading shorebird. Adults have short yellow legs and a medium thin dark bill with a yellow base. The body is dark above with a slight purplish gloss and mainly white below. The breast is smeared with grey and the rump is black. The Purple Sandpiper breeds in the northern tundra and Arctic islands in Canada and coastal areas in Greenland and north west Europe and nests on the ground either elevated on rocks or in a lower damp location. The males makes several scrapes following which the female chooses one and lays 3 or 4 eggs. The male takes the major responsibility for incubation and tends the chicks. The Purple Sandpiper is migratory and moves to rocky ice-free Atlantic coasts in winter where it is fairly gregarious, forming small flocks and often associating with Turnstones. It is also relatively tame and approachable. In the UK, the Purple Sandpiper occurs in winter in good numbers, principally along the east and south coasts where it favours rocky shorelines adjacent to the sea. It is a very rare breeding bird and is found only in a localised area of the Cairngorms National Park where 1 to 3 pairs have bred since the 1970s. Date: 11th April 2010 Location: Nesseby, Varangerfjord, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo2463024.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_88922040449f2039eca6fb.jpgCairngorms, Highland Height: Beinn Macdui 4295 feet and Braeriach 4252 feet. Although Ben Nevis, Scotland's highest mountain, lies on the west coast near Fort William, most of the rest of Scotland's highest mountains form a cluster of summits lying to the east of the A9 Perth to Inverness road near Aviemore. The Cairngorms form a massive plateau of granite about 19 miles long by 12 miles wide. Five of Scotland's nine 4000 feet summits lie within the range, plus a further nine mountains higher than 3500 feet and four more exceeding 3000 feet. The mountains of the Cairngorm plateau are predominantly vast, rounded, dome-like structures. The Cairngorms National Park has the largest area of arctic mountain landscape in the UK at its heart. It is home to 17,000 people and 25% of Britain's threatened birds, animals, and plants. It includes moorlands, forests, rivers, lochs and glens. Date: 13th April 2009 Location: view from Aviemore http://www.richardchewphotography.com/mellon-udrigle-wester-ross https://images.on-this.website/4752_166882659595624b726cc87.59225011.jpgCamas a' Charraig and Gruinard Bay, Wester Ross From the village of Laide on the north west coast of Wester Ross in the Scottish Highlands, a single track road heads north from the A832 along the western shore of Gruinard Bay towards Mellon Udrigle. Mellon Udrigle is a small and remote crofting, fishing and tourist settlement. Backed by dunes and framed by rocky promontories, this is one of the most attractive pieces of coastline in Wester Ross. With clear turquoise water and clean white sand, Camas a’ Charraig is spectacular in itself even without its stunning location. What makes the beach really special is the distant mountain vista across Gruinard Bay. To the north east the views include the distinctive profile of Suilven near Lochinver, and the mountains of Coigach, including the top of Stac Pollaidh, whilst to the south east the views conclude with a glimpse of An Teallach. Date: 23rd June 2017 Location: view from Mellon Udrigle at Camas a’ Charraig looking east across Gruinard Bay http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45201926.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_165613173862372c4b76e6c.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 26th February 2022 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40952810.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5785414165e5392fd061d4.jpgGreater (Greenland) White-fronted Geese The Greater White-fronted Goose is a species of goose which is closely related to the smaller Lesser White-fronted Goose. The Latin name, [i]Anser albifrons[/i], is derived from [i]anser[/i] meaning "goose" and [i]albus[/i] meaning "white" and [i]frons[/i] meaning “forehead”. The Greater White-fronted Goose is 25 to 32 inches in length with a 51 to 65 inches wingspan and weighs 4.3 to 7.3 pounds. It is smaller than the Greylag Goose and, as well as being larger than the Lesser White-fronted Goose, it lacks the yellow eye-ring of that species and the white facial blaze does not extend upwards so far. The Greater White-fronted Goose is a greyish-brown goose with a light grey breast dappled with dark brown to black blotches and bar, a pinkish bill and orange legs and feet. The male is typically larger in size but both sexes are similar in appearance The Greater White-fronted Goose is divided into 5 subspecies. The nominate subspecies Eurasian or Russian White-fronted Goose, [i]A. a. albifrons[/i], breeds in the far north of Europe and Asia and winters further south and west in Europe, including England and Wales. The very distinct Greenland White-fronted Goose, [i]A. a. flavirostris[/i], breeds in west Greenland and is much darker overall with only a very narrow white tip to the tail (broader on the other races), more black barring on its belly and usually has an orange (not pink) bill. It winters in Ireland and west Scotland. Some ecological studies suggest that the Greenland White-fronted Goose should probably be considered a separate species. Weather conditions are a key factor in the annual breeding success of the Greater White-fronted Goose. In the Arctic, the window of opportunity for nesting, incubating eggs and raising a brood is open briefly for about 3 months. Arriving in late May or early June, Greater White-fronted Geese begin departing for their wintering areas in early September. This means that a delayed snowmelt or late spring storm can significantly reduce breeding success. Date: 30th January 2020 Location: Wexford Wildfowl Nature Reserve, Co. Wexford, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40952845.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6528499425e5393b5288f6.jpgCommon Gull The Common Gull is a medium-sized gull. The north American subspecies is commonly referred to as the Mew Gull although that name is also used by some authorities for the whole species. The Common Gull is noticeably smaller and more gentle looking than the Herring Gull. It is grey above and white below with greenish-yellow legs. It has black wingtips with large white "mirrors". Young birds have scaly black-brown upperparts and a neat wing pattern and grey legs and take 2 to 3 years to reach maturity. In winter, the head is streaked grey and the bill often has a poorly defined blackish band near the tip which is sometimes sufficiently obvious to cause confusion with the Ring-billed Gull. The call is a high-pitched "laughing" cry. The Common Gull breeds colonially near water or in marshes in north Europe, north west north America and north Asia. It is most numerous in Europe with over half (possibly as much as 80 to 90%) of the world population. In the UK, the Common Gull can be found in summer along the coasts and inland marshes and lakes of Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England. Elsewhere in England and Wales, it can be found in winter on farmland, on marshes and lakes and on the coast. Date: 1st February 2020 Location: Tramore, Co. Waterford, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21893815.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_177302673253d10cb9c1adb.jpgUpper Loch Torridon, Highland Loch Torridon is a sea loch on the west coast of Scotland and is in total around 15 miles long. It has two sections: Upper Loch Torridon to landward and east of Rubha na h-Airde Ghlaise and at which point it joins Loch Sheildaig and the main western section of Loch Torridon proper. Loch Torridon is surrounded by various mountains to the north, including Liathach, Beinn Alligin and Beinn Eighe, all of which are over 3,000 feet in height and exhibit some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the UK. The rocks of which they are made are known as Torridonian sandstone, some of which are crowned by white Cambrian quartzite. They are amongst the oldest rocks in the UK and sit on yet older rocks of Lewisian gneiss. At the north east corner of Upper Loch Torridon, the linear village of Torridon lies strung out along the shore and the side of the low lying ground at the head of the loch. Behind it the mountain of Liathach rises almost sheer to its summit ridge. Torridon is not large by any standards, comprising of a small number of houses and cottages, a village hall, a shop, a campsite and youth hostel. Date: 20th June 2014 Location: view from the A896 along the southern shore at Annat http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52699105.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_110587958367b0c937cf63f.jpgOystercatchers The Oystercatcher is a wader in the oystercatcher family. It is an obvious and noisy bird with black and white plumage, red legs and a strong broad red bill which is used for smashing or prising open molluscs such as mussels or for finding earthworms. Despite its name, oysters do not form a large part of its diet. The Oystercatcher is unmistakable in flight with white patches on the wings and tail with otherwise black upperparts and white underparts. Young birds are more brown, have a white neck collar and a duller bill. The call is a distinctive loud piping. The bill shape varies: Oystercatchers with broad bill tips open molluscs by prising them apart or hammering through the shell whereas birds with pointed bills dig up worms. Much of this is due to the wear resulting from feeding on their prey. Individual Oystercatchers specialise in one technique or the other which they learn from their parents. The Oystercatcher is the most widespread of the oystercatchers with 3 races breeding in western Europe, central Eurasia, Kamchatka, China, and the western coast of Korea. It is a migratory species over most of its range. The European population breeds mainly in northern Europe but in winter the birds can be found in north Africa and southern parts of Europe. Although the species is present all year in Ireland, the UK and the adjacent European coasts, there is still migratory movement within these populations. The Oystercatcher breeds on shingle and rocky beaches, sand dunes, salt marshes and on the grassy tops of small islands and also inland on shingle banks of rivers, lakes and gravel pits. Date: 14th February 2025 Location: Shoeburyness, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49003056.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20520497696468fcdd66f74.jpgAdder Adders are widespread throughout mainland UK but they are absent from Ireland. They occur throughout Europe, with the exception of the Mediterranean islands, and across Russia and Asia through to northern China. They are the UK's only venomous reptile. Adders are relatively short and robust snakes with large heads and a rounded snout. Males are usually a grey or buff colour with vivid black markings although they can also vary from silver to yellow or green in colour. Females are brown with dark red-brown markings that are less prominent than in the males. Both sexes have a zigzag pattern running along the back with a / or X-shaped marking at the rear of the head. Adders can be found in a variety of habitats, including open woodland, hedgerows, moorland, sand dunes, riverbanks, bogs, heathland and mountains. They are active during the day and spend time basking until their body temperature is high enough to hunt for food. Adders use venom to immobilise prey such as lizards, amphibians, nestlings and small mammals. After striking their prey, they will leave the venom to take effect before following the victim’s scent to find the body. Mating takes place between April and May with males often fighting for females. Females have a 3 to 4 month gestation period and Adders are one of the few snakes that are viviparous (give birth to live young). In late August females give birth to between 5 and 20 live young and the young remain close to their mother for a few days before going off in search of food. Adders hibernate from September to March often using deserted rabbit or rodent burrows or settling under logs. They sometimes hibernate communally. Males emerge 2 to 5 weeks before the females and shed their skin before setting off in search of females. Adders are not aggressive snakes and they will only attack if harassed or threatened. Although an Adder’s venom poses little danger to a healthy adult, the bite is very painful and requires urgent medical attention. Date: 3rd May 2023 Location: Benfleet and Hadleigh Downs, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28885481.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_74167768457cc31ea597a7.jpgSoomaa National Park, Estonia The Soomaa National Park (Soomaa means "land of bogs") is located about 20 miles east of Pärnu and it was established in 1993 to protect a wilderness of bogs, fens, wet mixed forests, wooded meadows and carrs. It is also included in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance. The territory of the Soomaa National Park is mostly covered with large bogs, separated from each other by the tributaries of the Pärnu river, namely the Navesti, Halliste, Raudna and Lemmjõgi rivers. Every spring the Pärnu river and its tributaries flood and vast areas are inundated. The flood has been called the “fifth season” in Soomaa. Much of the Soomaa National Park is very difficult to access but it can be partially explored by a network of dusty gravel tracks and a minor road between Jõesuu and Kildu. The Soomaa National Park supports a wide range of breeding birds and the floods attract large numbers of migrating wildfowl and waders. As a large wilderness area, Soomaa National Park is also home to numerous species of large mammals including Brown Bear, Wolf, Lynx, Beaver, Elk and Wild Boar. Date: 15th May 2016 Location: Tõramaa, Soomaa National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37159143.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12648834315c1e6509873b7.jpgGreat Crested Grebe The Great Crested Grebe is the largest member of the grebe family measuring 18 to 20 inches in length with a wing span of 23 to 29 inches. It is a graceful bird with its long neck, long bill and slender outline. In summer, the adults of both sexes are unmistakable being adorned with beautiful head-plumes which are reddish-orange in colour with black tips. There is also an erectile black crown. Non-breeding adults lack the full crest and have a dark crown bordered by a white face, the white extending down the fore-neck and chest. The sexes are similar in appearance but juveniles can be distinguished from adults by having a striped black and white head and neck. The Great Crested Grebe can be found across Europe and Asia and it breeds on shallow, reed-fringed freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs and slow rivers. It is resident in the milder west of its range but it migrates from the colder regions of its range to freshwater lakes, reservoirs and sheltered coastal areas in winter. The Great Crested Grebe has an elaborate mating display. Like all grebes, it nests on the water's edge since its legs are set relatively far back and it is thus unable to walk very well. Usually 2 eggs are laid and the fluffy, striped young grebes are often carried on the adult's back. In a clutch of 2 or more hatchlings, male and female grebes will each identify their “favourites” which they alone will care for and teach. Unusually, young Great Crested Grebes are capable of swimming and diving almost at hatching. The adults teach these skills to their young by carrying them on their backs and diving, leaving the chicks to float on the surface. They then re-emerge a few feet away so that the chicks may swim back on to them. The Great Crested Grebe feeds mainly on fish but it will also eat small crustaceans, insects and small frogs and newts. The Great Crested Grebe was hunted almost to extinction in the UK in the 19th century due to being hunted for its head plumes which were used to decorate hats and ladies' undergarments. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was set up to help protect the Great Crested Grebe which is now again a common sight. Date: 7th May 2018 Location: Ham Wall RSPB reserve, Somerset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/little-grebe-and-juvenile https://images.on-this.website/4752_16763985686117e139063e9.jpgLittle Grebe and juvenile The Little Grebe, also known as the Dabchick, is the smallest member of the grebe family measuring 9 to 11.5 inches in length. The adult is unmistakable in summer, predominantly dark above with its rich, rufous colour neck, cheeks and flanks and bright yellow gape. The rufous is replaced by a dirty brownish grey in non-breeding and juvenile birds. Juveniles have a yellow bill with a small black tip and black and white streaks on the cheeks and sides of the neck. This yellow bill darkens as the juveniles age, eventually turning black as an adult. The Little Grebe can be noisy with a distinctive whinnying trill. The Little Grebe can be found across Europe, much of Asia down to New Guinea and in most of Africa. It breeds in small colonies in freshwater wetlands with muddy bottoms and edges and still or slow-moving water with plenty of emergent vegetation such as lakes, gravel pits, canals and rivers. Most birds move to more open or coastal waters in winter but it is only migratory in those parts of its range where the waters freeze. Like all grebes, the Little Grebe nests at the water's edge since its legs are set very far back and it can not walk well. Usually 4 to 7 eggs are laid. The young leave the nest and can swim soon after hatching but are often carried on the backs of the swimming adults. The Little Grebe is an excellent swimmer and diver and pursues its fish and aquatic invertebrate prey underwater. It uses the vegetation skillfully as a hiding place. Date: 5th July 2021 Location: RSPB Old Moor, Dearne Valley, South Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo22527708.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15401731725422873cad877.jpgLoch Linnhe, Highland Loch Linnhe is a large sea loch in the Western Highlands separating the areas of Morvern and Ardgour to the west from the areas of Appin, Benderloch and Lochaber to the east. Loch Linnhe stretches some 30 miles from north east to south west and forms a southern extension of the Great Glen that opens out into the Firth of Lorn. Its greatest width is nearly 6 miles while its narrowest width lies just north of the mouth of Loch Leven at the Corran Narrows. Fort William stands at the head of the loch, at the junction with Loch Eil and the beginning of the Caledonian Canal system. Date: 10th September 2014 Location: view from the A861 at Sallachan, Ardnamurchan, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42626782.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_194849431260a927e365e08.jpgGreat Crested Grebe The Great Crested Grebe is the largest member of the grebe family measuring 18 to 20 inches in length with a wing span of 23 to 29 inches. It is a graceful bird with its long neck, long bill and slender outline. In summer, the adults of both sexes are unmistakable being adorned with beautiful head-plumes which are reddish-orange in colour with black tips. There is also an erectile black crown. Non-breeding adults lack the full crest and have a dark crown bordered by a white face, the white extending down the fore-neck and chest. The sexes are similar in appearance but juveniles can be distinguished from adults by having a striped black and white head and neck. The Great Crested Grebe can be found across Europe and Asia and it breeds on shallow, reed-fringed freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs and slow rivers. It is resident in the milder west of its range but it migrates from the colder regions of its range to freshwater lakes, reservoirs and sheltered coastal areas in winter. The Great Crested Grebe has an elaborate mating display. Like all grebes, it nests on the water's edge since its legs are set relatively far back and it is thus unable to walk very well. Usually 2 eggs are laid and the fluffy, striped young grebes are often carried on the adult's back. In a clutch of 2 or more hatchlings, male and female grebes will each identify their “favourites” which they alone will care for and teach. Unusually, young Great Crested Grebes are capable of swimming and diving almost at hatching. The adults teach these skills to their young by carrying them on their backs and diving, leaving the chicks to float on the surface. They then re-emerge a few feet away so that the chicks may swim back on to them. The Great Crested Grebe feeds mainly on fish but it will also eat small crustaceans, insects and small frogs and newts. The Great Crested Grebe was hunted almost to extinction in the UK in the 19th century due to being hunted for its head plumes which were used to decorate hats and ladies' undergarments. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was set up to help protect the Great Crested Grebe which is now again a common sight. Date: 15th April 2021 Location: Lake Meadows, Billericay, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo10926886.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14708686484e09760fc9d6b.jpgBottlenose Dolphin The Bottlenose Dolphin is one of the most well-known species of dolphin. They have a stocky, torpedo-shaped body, a short beak and pointed flippers and are usually dark grey on the back with paler grey flanks and a white or pinkish belly. The sickle-shaped dorsal fin is tall and positioned centrally on the back. Variations in the shape of the dorsal fin along with scars and other markings on the skin can help researchers to identify individuals. The Bottlenose Dolphin is found in coastal waters of most temperate, tropical and subtropical areas. Around the UK, it occurs in the English Channel, in the Moray Firth in north-east Scotland and in Cardigan Bay in Wales. Although lone individuals do occur, Bottle-nosed Dolphins are very sociable animals which usually live in groups numbering between 10 and 100 individuals. They engage in much energetic behaviour, including breaching (clearing the water), lobtailing (slapping the tail flukes down onto the surface of the water) and bow-riding (riding the swell created in front of boats and even large whales). The Bottlenose Dolphin faces a number of threats including human disturbance, entanglement in fishing nets and hunting. Like all cetaceans, they are also vulnerable to chemical and noise pollution. The captivity industry that supplies the world aquarium trade is also a problem. The Bottlenose Dolphin is a UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority species and it is protected in UK waters by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Orders 1985. It is illegal to intentionally kill, injure, or harass any cetacean (whale or dolphin) species in UK waters. The Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans in the Baltic and North Seas (ASCOBANS), has been signed by 7 European Countries including the UK. Provision is made under this agreement to set up protected areas, promote research and monitoring, pollution control and increase public awareness. Under Annex II of the EC Habitats Directive, candidate marine Special Areas of Conservation (SACS) are being set up for this species in Cardigan Bay (Wales) and the Moray Firth (north-east Scotland). Date: 12th June 2011 Location: Moray Firth (from Chanonry Point), Inverness-shire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11328558.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2926684034e1d67552d184.jpgGreat Crested Grebe The Great Crested Grebe is the largest member of the grebe family measuring 18 to 20 inches in length with a wing span of 23 to 29 inches. It is a graceful bird with its long neck, long bill and slender outline. In summer, the adults of both sexes are unmistakable being adorned with beautiful head-plumes which are reddish-orange in colour with black tips. There is also an erectile black crown. Non-breeding adults lack the full crest and have a dark crown bordered by a white face, the white extending down the fore-neck and chest. The sexes are similar in appearance but juveniles can be distinguished from adults by having a striped black and white head and neck. The Great Crested Grebe can be found across Europe and Asia and it breeds on shallow, reed-fringed freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs and slow rivers. It is resident in the milder west of its range but it migrates from the colder regions of its range to freshwater lakes, reservoirs and sheltered coastal areas in winter. The Great Crested Grebe has an elaborate mating display. Like all grebes, it nests on the water's edge since its legs are set relatively far back and it is thus unable to walk very well. Usually 2 eggs are laid and the fluffy, striped young grebes are often carried on the adult's back. In a clutch of 2 or more hatchlings, male and female grebes will each identify their “favourites” which they alone will care for and teach. Unusually, young Great Crested Grebes are capable of swimming and diving almost at hatching. The adults teach these skills to their young by carrying them on their backs and diving, leaving the chicks to float on the surface. They then re-emerge a few feet away so that the chicks may swim back on to them. The Great Crested Grebe feeds mainly on fish but it will also eat small crustaceans, insects and small frogs and newts. The Great Crested Grebe was hunted almost to extinction in the UK in the 19th century due to being hunted for its head plumes which were used to decorate hats and ladies' undergarments. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was set up to help protect the Great Crested Grebe which is now again a common sight. Date: 9th February 2008 Location: Northlands Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46511081.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_36701505762c99078b51d6.jpgCommon Lizard The Common Lizard ranges across central and northern Europe (but are absent from the Mediterranean area) and through to northern Asia. It is the most common lizard in northern regions and the only reptile found in Ireland. The Common Lizard has a long body and short legs. It has coarse scales which range from grey, brown, bronze or green on the back and males are generally darker than females. It has a series of white spots down the flanks, which fuse to form a line, and a black line along the back. The Common Lizard also has numerous black spots scattered over the body. Males have orange/yellow bellies with black spots and females have cream/white bellies. The Common Lizard is found in a range of habitats including woodland, marshes, heathland, moors, sand dunes, hedgerows, bogs and rubbish dumps and it hunts insects, spiders, snails and earthworms, stunning its prey by shaking it and then swallowing it whole. The Common Lizard is active during the day and spends the morning and afternoon (but not the intense heat of midday) basking in the sun either alone or in groups. It is a good swimmer and will dive underwater when threatened. At night, and when startled, it will shelter beneath logs, stones and metal sheets. After emerging from hibernation, males defend breeding territories from other males. The young develop over 3 months within egg membranes inside the female's body which they usually break out of as she gives birth. Litters of 3 to 12 young are born from June to September after which time the mother shows no parental care with the young feeding actively from birth and quickly dispersing. The Common Lizard hibernates from October to March. It will often hibernate in groups and sometimes emerge for a brief time during warm spells. Date: 8th May 2022 Location: MWT Cors Dyfi, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072271.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7216297184bf6d7ca9c1fe.jpgReindeer The Reindeer, also known as the Caribou in North America, is a deer from the Arctic and sub Arctic, including both resident and migratory populations. Whilst it is overall widespread and numerous, some of its subspecies are rare or already extinct. The Reindeer is a widespread and numerous species in the northern Holarctic, being present in tundra (frozen arctic plain with lichens, mosses and dwarfed vegetation) and taiga (marshy pine forest) regions. Originally, the Reindeer was found in Scandinavia, eastern Europe, Russia, Mongolia, and northern China. In North America, it was found in Canada, Alaska and the northern USA from Washington to Maine. It also occurred naturally on Sakhalin, Greenland, and probably even in historical times in Ireland. Today, wild Reindeer have disappeared from many areas within this large historical range, especially from the southern parts where it has vanished almost everywhere. Large populations of wild Reindeer are still found in Norway, Finland, Siberia, Greenland, Alaska, and Canada. Wild Reindeer hunting and herding of semi-domesticated Reindeer (for meat, hides, antlers, milk and transportation) are important to several Arctic and Subarctic people. Domesticated Reindeer are mostly found in northern Fennoscandia and Russia with a herd of approximately 150-170 Reindeer also living around the Cairngorms region in Scotland. Reindeer vary considerably in colour and size. Both sexes grow antlers, though they are typically larger in males. Even far outside its range, the Reindeer is well known due to the myth, probably originating in early 19th century America, in which Santa Claus's sleigh is pulled by flying Reindeer, a popular element of Christmas. Date: 11th April 2010 Location: near Bugøynes, Sør-Varanger, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453883.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6342709104ff54438e5224.jpgBlack-winged Stilt The Black-winged Stilt is a widely distributed very long-legged wader. They have long pink-red legs, a long thin black bill and are blackish above and white below with a white head and neck with a varying amount of black. Both in flight and at rest the long pink-red legs are characteristic and even if these are hidden in water of unknown depth, the pure white underparts and jet black upperparts are distinctive. The amount of dark feathering on the otherwise white head doesn't necessarily indicate the sex of a stilt although young birds always have smoky patterning on the head. The Black-winged Stilt can be found in central and southern Europe, central and southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Many birds migrate to south of the Sahara from August to November and return in March and April. However, many of those which breed in Iberia are now increasingly remaining throughout the year. The Black-winged Stilt breeds around shallow wetlands, especially coastal lagoons, saltpans and estuaries. The nest site is a bare spot on the ground near water and birds often nest in small groups, sometimes with Avocets. In Europe, the Black-winged Stilt is a regular spring overshoot vagrant north of its normal range, occasionally remaining to breed in northern European countries including the UK. Date: 24th April 2012 Location: Laguna de Fuente de Piedra, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/kilchoan-ardnamurchan-argyll https://images.on-this.website/4752_14234404064681c4df9f9ee.jpgKilchoan, Ardnamurchan, Argyll Kilchoan is the most westerly village in mainland UK and is the only significant settlement in west Ardnamurchan. Until about 1900 the village was only accessible by sea but then a road was built to link the Ardnamurchan Peninsula with the rest of Scotland at Salen 23 miles to the east. From Kilchoan, minor roads head west to Ardnamurchan Point, the UK’s most westerly mainland point, and north west to the stunning beaches at Sanna Bay. Mingary Pier is the terminus for a ferry linking Kilchoan with Tobermory on Mull and across Port nan Spainteach can be seen Ben Hiant and the formidable Mingary Castle. The castle was built in the 13th century on a naturally occurring outcrop of rock right on the shore of the bay. It was built for the MacIans of Ardnamurchan and has had an eventful history. Date: 8th June 2006 Location: view from Mingary Pier, Kilchoan http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9378306.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6782140154da1f0ab2b839.jpgGreat Crested Grebe The Great Crested Grebe is the largest member of the grebe family measuring 18 to 20 inches in length with a wing span of 23 to 29 inches. It is a graceful bird with its long neck, long bill and slender outline. In summer, the adults of both sexes are unmistakable being adorned with beautiful head-plumes which are reddish-orange in colour with black tips. There is also an erectile black crown. Non-breeding adults lack the full crest and have a dark crown bordered by a white face, the white extending down the fore-neck and chest. The sexes are similar in appearance but juveniles can be distinguished from adults by having a striped black and white head and neck. The Great Crested Grebe can be found across Europe and Asia and it breeds on shallow, reed-fringed freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs and slow rivers. It is resident in the milder west of its range but it migrates from the colder regions of its range to freshwater lakes, reservoirs and sheltered coastal areas in winter. The Great Crested Grebe has an elaborate mating display. Like all grebes, it nests on the water's edge since its legs are set relatively far back and it is thus unable to walk very well. Usually 2 eggs are laid and the fluffy, striped young grebes are often carried on the adult's back. In a clutch of 2 or more hatchlings, male and female grebes will each identify their “favourites” which they alone will care for and teach. Unusually, young Great Crested Grebes are capable of swimming and diving almost at hatching. The adults teach these skills to their young by carrying them on their backs and diving, leaving the chicks to float on the surface. They then re-emerge a few feet away so that the chicks may swim back on to them. The Great Crested Grebe feeds mainly on fish but it will also eat small crustaceans, insects and small frogs and newts. The Great Crested Grebe was hunted almost to extinction in the UK in the 19th century due to being hunted for its head plumes which were used to decorate hats and ladies' undergarments. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was set up to help protect the Great Crested Grebe which is now again a common sight. Date: 8th April 2011 Location: Northlands Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4088247.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3143159474b193e12c05a4.jpgWhite Storks The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 8th November 2009 Location: Aiguamolls de l'Emporda, Catalunya, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo34209783.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20356169635a9979414c486.jpgLittle Grebe The Little Grebe, also known as the Dabchick, is the smallest member of the grebe family measuring 9 to 11.5 inches in length. The adult is unmistakable in summer, predominantly dark above with its rich, rufous colour neck, cheeks and flanks and bright yellow gape. The rufous is replaced by a dirty brownish grey in non-breeding and juvenile birds. Juveniles have a yellow bill with a small black tip and black and white streaks on the cheeks and sides of the neck. This yellow bill darkens as the juveniles age, eventually turning black as an adult. The Little Grebe can be noisy with a distinctive whinnying trill. The Little Grebe can be found across Europe, much of Asia down to New Guinea and in most of Africa. It breeds in small colonies in freshwater wetlands with muddy bottoms and edges and still or slow-moving water with plenty of emergent vegetation such as lakes, gravel pits, canals and rivers. Most birds move to more open or coastal waters in winter but it is only migratory in those parts of its range where the waters freeze. Like all grebes, the Little Grebe nests at the water's edge since its legs are set very far back and it can not walk well. Usually 4 to 7 eggs are laid. The young leave the nest and can swim soon after hatching but are often carried on the backs of the swimming adults. The Little Grebe is an excellent swimmer and diver and pursues its fish and aquatic invertebrate prey underwater. It uses the vegetation skilfully as a hiding place. Date: 25th February 2018 Location: Cromford Canal, Derbyshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9578718.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4755477314db00007c4289.jpgRed-necked Phalarope The Red-necked Phalarope is a small wader with lobed toes to assist swimming and a straight, fine bill. The breeding female is predominantly dark grey above with a chestnut neck and upper breast, black face and white throat. The breeding male is a duller version of the female. In winter, the plumage is essentially grey above and white below but the black eyepatch is always present. When feeding, a Red-necked Phalarope will often swim in a small, rapid circle, forming a small whirlpool. This behaviour is thought to aid feeding by raising food from the bottom of shallow water. The bird will reach into the centre of the vortex with its bill, plucking small insects or crustaceans caught up therein. On the open ocean, they are often found where converging currents produce upwellings. The Red-necked Phalarope breeds in the Arctic regions of north America and Eurasia. It is migratory and, unusually for a wader, it winters at sea on tropical oceans. The Red-necked Phalarope is one of the UK's rarest breeding waders and is on the southern-most edge of its range here. It has always been mainly confined to the Northern and Western Isles of Scotland. The Government agreed a Biodiversity Action Plan for this species in 1998. The targets for this plan have recently been reviewed and aim to maintain and expand the Red-necked Phalarope as a breeding species at existing sites and to enable range expansion to a number of previously occupied sites. Fetlar holds 90% of the UK breeding population and this bird was photographed at the RSPB's reserve at the Loch of Funzie. Date: 2nd June 2008 Location: Loch of Funzie, Fetlar, Shetland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo8048512.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2136495064d0d03760f948.jpgWaxwings The Waxwing is a plump bird which is slightly smaller than a Starling. It is buff or pinkish-brown in colour with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings, a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest. The bird’s name is derived from the red tips to some of the wing feathers which are said to look like they have been dipped in sealing wax. Waxwings breed in the dense forests of northern Europe but they occur in varying numbers in the UK from October to March. In some years they can occur in large numbers (known as irruptions) when the population in the breeding areas gets too big for the food available. The first UK arrivals each winter are usually seen on the east coast from Scotland to East Anglia but birds then move inland in search of food. They can be found in parks and gardens and even busy public places such as supermarket car parks, typically where there are berry-bearing trees and bushes such as rowan, hawthorn, cotoneaster and rose. Waxwings seem fearless of humans so it is relatively easy to get very close views of these stunning birds. Waxwings make an easily recognisable high-pitched trilling sound like a bell. Date: 11th December 2010 Location: Folkestone, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37159122.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6783435995c1e5e2c88c4a.jpgTufted Duck The Tufted Duck is a small diving duck. The adult male is all black except for white flanks and a blue-grey bill. It has an obvious head tuft that gives the species its name. The adult female is brown with paler flanks and is more easily confused with other diving ducks. In particular, some have white around the bill base which resembles the Scaup although the white is never as extensive as in that species. The Tufted Duck breeds widely throughout temperate and northern Eurasia. It occasionally can be found as a winter visitor along both coasts of the United States and Canada. It is migratory in most of its range and winters in the milder south and west of Europe and southern Asia where large flocks form on open water. The Tufted Duck breeds close to marshes and lakes with plenty of vegetation to conceal the nest. It is also found on coastal lagoons and sheltered ponds. The Tufted Duck feeds mainly by diving for molluscs, aquatic insects and aquatic plants. Date: 7th May 2018 Location: Ham Wall RSPB reserve, Somerset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/red-admiral https://images.on-this.website/4752_6120560744f3e2c5ecfc28.jpgRed Admiral Flight period: April to November. The Red Admiral is a familiar and widespread butterfly in the UK although numbers depend on immigration from Europe. They can be found in any flower-rich habitat. Date: 25th July 2006 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42202630.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9355900785ff31023145be.jpgBrown Bear The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, Ursus arctos arctos. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an evening visit with [url=https://www.karhujenkatselu.fi/en-gb]Karhu-Kuusamo[/url] Date: 7th July 2019 Location: Kuntilampi, near Kuusamo, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12082074.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20492900644e48ea0b77dec.jpgAtlantic Grey and Common Seals Common Seals feed at sea but regularly haul out on to rocky shores or inter-tidal sandbanks to rest, to give birth and to suckle their pups. The most important haul-out areas are around the coast of Scotland, particularly in the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland, and on the east coast of England in the Wash. The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 1st June 2008 Location: Noss, Shetland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512856.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_132209490462c9a4ae53a80.jpgFallow Deer Fallow Deer are native to the Mediterranean region of Europe and from Turkey to Iran but they have been introduced to nearly 40 countries including the UK by the Normans in the 11th century. They have since become the most widespread species of deer in the UK and typically can be found in deciduous woodland with open patches. Fallow Deer commonly gather in small herds of 4 to 5 but in good feeding areas groupings of up to 100 may gather. When competing for access to females, males display by groaning, thrashing their antlers and by walking alongside their opponent. Fighting occurs if both stags are evenly matched and involves wrestling and clashing of antlers. Fallow Deer have many colour varieties but they are typically fawn-coloured in the summer and reddish-brown in the winter. They have yellow-white undersides, white spots and a black line that runs along the back to the tip of the tail. The spots become less conspicuous or disappear in winter. Males have palmate (flattened) antlers. Date: 13th May 2022 Location: Knepp, West Sussex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43622997.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20100023936117ce0808592.jpgFulmar The (Northern) Fulmar is a highly abundant seabird found primarily in subarctic regions of the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans. Though similar in appearance to gulls, the 2 species of fulmars (Northern and Southern) are in fact members of a different seabird family which include petrels and shearwaters. The Fulmar’s latin name, Fulmarus glacialis can be broken down to the Old Norse word full meaning "foul" and mar meaning "gull". "Foul-gull" is in reference to its stomach oil and also its superficial similarity to gulls. Finally, glacialis is Latin for "glacial" reflecting its extreme northern range. The Fulmar is generally grey and white with a pale yellow and thick bill and bluish legs. However there is both a light morph and a dark morph. Like other petrels, their walking ability is limited but they are strong fliers with a stiff wing action quite unlike the gulls. The Fulmar also looks bull-necked compared to gulls and it has a short stubby bill. The Fulmar is estimated to have between 15 to 30 million mature individuals that occupy a range of around 11 million square miles. Its range increased greatly last century due to the availability of fish offal from commercial fleets but may contract because of less food from this source and climate change. The population increase has been especially notable in the UK. The Fulmar starts breeding at between 6 and 12 years old. It is monogamous, forms long term pair bonds, returns to the same nest site year after year and nests in large colonies. The nest is a scrape on a grassy cliff ledge or a saucer of vegetation on the ground lined with softer material and recently they have started nesting on rooftops and buildings. The Fulmar feeds on shrimp, fish, squid, plankton, jellyfish and carrion as well as refuse. When eating fish, it will dive up to several feet deep to retrieve its prey. Date: 23rd June 2021 Location: Rhossili, Gower peninsula, Swansea http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41225589.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17691532155eda017a01cfc.jpgCommon Whitethroat The Common Whitethroat is a common and widespread [I]Sylvia[/i] warbler. It is one of several [i]Sylvia[/i] species that has distinct male and female plumages. Both sexes are mainly brown above and buff below with chestnut fringes to the wings. The adult male has a grey head and a white throat. The female lacks the grey head and the throat is duller. The song is fast and scratchy with a scolding tone. The Common Whitethroat breeds throughout Europe and across much of temperate west Asia where it can be found in areas of open countryside and cultivation with bushes for nesting. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, Arabia and Pakistan. In the UK, it is a summer visitor from April to October and a passage migrant. It breeds widely throughout the country although avoids urban and mountainous areas. Like most warblers, the Common Whitethroat is insectivorous but it will also eat berries and other soft fruit. Date: 27th May 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071718.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_99955764366433d0cf35fa.jpgHerring Gull The Herring Gull is one of the best known of all gulls along the shores of Europe. Adults in breeding plumage have a grey back and upperwings and white head and underparts. The wingtips are black with white spots known as "mirrors". The bill is yellow with a red spot and there is a ring of bare yellow skin around the pale eye. The legs are normally pink at all ages but can be yellowish. Non-breeding adults have brown streaks on the head and neck. Male and female plumage is identical at all stages of development although adult males are often larger. Juvenile and first-winter birds are mainly brown with darker streaks and have a dark bill and eyes. Second-winter birds have a whiter head and underparts with less streaking and the back is grey. Third-winter individuals are similar to adults but retain some of the features of immature birds such as brown feathers in the wings and dark markings on the bill. The Herring Gull attains adult plumage and reaches sexual maturity at an average age of 4 years. The loud laughing call of the Herring Gull is well known and is often seen as a symbol of the seaside in countries such as the UK. It also has a yelping alarm call and a low barking anxiety call. Chicks and fledglings emit a distinctive, repetitive high-pitched 'peep', accompanied by a head-flicking gesture when begging for food from or calling to their parents. Adult gulls in urban areas will also exhibit this behaviour when fed by humans. The Herring Gull breeds across northern Europe, western Europe, central Europe, eastern Europe, Scandinavia and the Baltic states. Some, especially those resident in colder areas, migrate further south in winter but many are permanent residents such as in the UK or on the North Sea shores. While Herring Gull numbers appear to have been decreased in recent years, possibly by fish population declines and competition, they have proved able to survive in human-adapted areas and can often be seen in towns acting as a scavenger. The Herring Gull, like most gulls, is an omnivore and opportunist and will scavenge from garbage dumps, landfill sites and sewage outflows with refuse comprising up to half of the bird's diet. In addition, it will eat fish, crustaceans and dead animals as well as some plants and it will steal the eggs and young of other birds (including those of other gulls). The Herring Gull may also dive from the surface of the water or engage in plunge diving in the pursuit of aquatic prey although they are typically unable to reach any great depth due to their natural buoyancy. Date: 6th May 2024 Location: St. Govan's Head, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo47645626.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9616979986347d46256311.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 12th September 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/november-2021-stonechat https://images.on-this.website/4752_4738048226230dfee2fe44.jpgNovember 2021 - Stonechat Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo44605466.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo22527516.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_136008720754227c2a52252.jpgWhite-tailed Eagles The White-tailed Eagle is a very large bird with a 72 to 96 inch wingspan and is the fourth largest eagle in the world. It has broad "barn door" wings, a large head and a thick "meat-cleaver" beak. The adult is mainly brown except for the paler head and neck, blackish flight feathers, distinctive white tail, and yellow bill and legs. In juvenile birds the tail and bill are darker, with the tail becoming white with a dark terminal band in sub-adults. The White-tailed Eagle breeds in northern Europe and northern Asia. The largest population in Europe is found along the coast of Norway. In the UK it became extinct during the early 20th century and the present population in Scotland has arisen from a reintroduction programme which commenced on the island of Rhum in 1975. It is still a rare breeding bird which was previously confined to the west coast of Scotland, although a reintroduction programme is now taking place in east Scotland. Date: 8th September 2014 Location: Creag Mhor, Loch na Keal, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813339.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_372934245d0ddddd177ee.jpgCommon Sandpiper The Common Sandpiper is a small wader. The adult is 7.1 to 7.9 inches long with a 13 to 14 inches wingspan. It has greyish-brown upperparts, white underparts, short dark-yellowish legs and feet and a bill with a pale base and dark tip. In winter plumage, it is duller and has more conspicuous barring on the wings although this is still only visible at close range. Juveniles are more heavily barred above and have buff edges to the wing feathers. The Common Sandpiper habitually bobs up and down and it has a distinctive flight with stiff, bowed wings. Its presence is often betrayed by its three-note call which it gives as it flies off. The Common Sandpiper is widespread and common and breeds across most of temperate and sub-tropical Europe and Asia where it nests on the ground near freshwater. It migrates to Africa, south Asia and Australia in winter. In the UK, the Common Sandpiper breeds along fast-flowing upland streams and rivers and at the edges of lochs and lakes in Scotland, Wales and the north of England. Summer visitors arrive in March and April and leave the breeding grounds in July and August with the young following in September. During the spring and autumn passage migration, it can be found elsewhere in the UK, near lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers, ditches, coastal shores and estuaries. The Common Sandpiper forages by sight on the ground or in shallow water, picking up small food items such as insects, crustaceans and other invertebrates. Date: 7th June 2019 Location: Dulnain Bridge, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871737.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19943826024eff2175eb917.jpgBlack Kite The Black Kite is a medium-sized bird of prey which can be distinguished from the Red Kite by its slightly smaller size, less forked tail and generally dark plumage without any rufous colouring. The upper plumage is brown but the head and neck tend to be paler and the patch behind the eye appears darker. The outer flight feathers are black and the feathers have dark cross bars and are mottled at the base. The lower parts of the body are pale brown, becoming lighter towards the chin. They have a distinctive shrill whistle followed by a rapid whinnying call. Black Kites are opportunistic hunters and are more likely to scavenge. They spend a lot of time soaring and gliding in thermals in search of food. The Black Kite is widely distributed through the temperate and tropical parts of Eurasia and parts of Australasia and Oceania with the temperate region populations tending to be migratory. The European populations are small but the south Asian population is very large. Date: 1st June 2009 Location: Martinselkosen Eräkeskus, Pirttivaara, Kainuu, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49278726.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7878461186499baa75fecb.jpgGrasshopper Warbler The Grasshopper Warbler is a medium-sized warbler with a streaked brown back with whitish grey underparts which are unstreaked except on the undertail. Grasshopper Warblers are secretive and skulking birds most of the time and only really make themselves known by singing. The high, insect-like reeling song is the best clue to its presence but even when you hear one it can be difficult to locate it due to the ventriloquial effect of its singing. Grasshopper Warblers may sing at any time during the day and night but singing birds are especially vocal around dusk and dawn. Males sing most when they first arrive on territory in April. When paired up the frequency of song declines but singing continues until July with short, sporadic bursts later in the summer. A Grasshopper Warbler sings with its bill wide open and turning its head from side to side. This gives a ventriloquial effect and it is almost impossible to place exactly where the song is coming from and its intensity alters constantly. The reeling song is made up of double notes which are repeated at a rate of 25 per second. Reeling can last for 5 minutes with the smallest of pauses. Grasshopper Warblers can be found scattered across the UK in areas of scrub, thick grassland, edges of reedbeds, new forestry plantations and gravel pits with plenty of scattered bushes. Birds arrive in mid April and leave again in August or September. Date: 16th June 2023 Location: RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30024907.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_810058725587a098b9cbe7.jpgPintail Slightly bigger than a Mallard, the Pintail is a long-necked and small-headed duck which flies with a curved back, pointed wings and a long tapering tail. The male's long central tail feathers give rise to the species' English and scientific names. Both sexes have blue-grey bills and grey legs and feet. The male is more striking, having a thin white stripe running from the back of its chocolate-coloured head down its neck to its mostly white underparts. The male also has attractive grey, brown, and black patterning on its back and sides. The female's plumage is more subtle and subdued with drab brown feathers similar to those of other female dabbling ducks. The Pintail can be found all year round but it is primarily a winter visitor with significant populations occurring on coasts, estuaries and other wetlands at sites such as the Dee Estuary, Solway Estuary and Ouse Washes. The winter population arrives in September with numbers peaking in December and the return migration takes place from late February into March. This bird was part of the captive collection at the WWT Wetland Centre. Date: 5th January 2017 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/purple-sandpipers https://images.on-this.website/4752_13967921004eff205643a57.jpgPurple Sandpipers The Purple Sandpiper is a small wading shorebird. Adults have short yellow legs and a medium thin dark bill with a yellow base. The body is dark above with a slight purplish gloss and mainly white below. The breast is smeared with grey and the rump is black. The Purple Sandpiper breeds in the northern tundra and Arctic islands in Canada and coastal areas in Greenland and north west Europe and nests on the ground either elevated on rocks or in a lower damp location. The males makes several scrapes following which the female chooses one and lays 3 or 4 eggs. The male takes the major responsibility for incubation and tends the chicks. The Purple Sandpiper is migratory and moves to rocky ice-free Atlantic coasts in winter where it is fairly gregarious, forming small flocks and often associating with Turnstones. It is also relatively tame and approachable. In the UK, the Purple Sandpiper occurs in winter in good numbers, principally along the east and south coasts where it favours rocky shorelines adjacent to the sea. It is a very rare breeding bird and is found only in a localised area of the Cairngorms National Park where 1 to 3 pairs have bred since the 1970s. Date: 27th May 2009 Location: Store Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42202658.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6793822825ff310eda6f82.jpgBrown Bear cub The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, Ursus arctos arctos. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an evening visit with [url=https://www.karhujenkatselu.fi/en-gb]Karhu-Kuusamo[/url] Date: 7th July 2019 Location: Kuntilampi, near Kuusamo, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41183547.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10577217605e9c305808096.jpgCommon Lizard The Common Lizard ranges across central and northern Europe (but are absent from the Mediterranean area) and through to northern Asia. It is the most common lizard in northern regions and the only reptile found in Ireland. The Common Lizard has a long body and short legs. It has coarse scales which range from grey, brown, bronze or green on the back and males are generally darker than females. It has a series of white spots down the flanks, which fuse to form a line, and a black line along the back. The Common Lizard also has numerous black spots scattered over the body. Males have orange/yellow bellies with black spots and females have cream/white bellies. The Common Lizard is found in a range of habitats including woodland, marshes, heathland, moors, sand dunes, hedgerows, bogs and rubbish dumps and it hunts insects, spiders, snails and earthworms, stunning its prey by shaking it and then swallowing it whole. The Common Lizard is active during the day and spends the morning and afternoon (but not the intense heat of midday) basking in the sun either alone or in groups. It is a good swimmer and will dive underwater when threatened. At night, and when startled, it will shelter beneath logs, stones and metal sheets. After emerging from hibernation, males defend breeding territories from other males. The young develop over 3 months within egg membranes inside the female's body which they usually break out of as she gives birth. Litters of 3 to 12 young are born from June to September after which time the mother shows no parental care with the young feeding actively from birth and quickly dispersing. The Common Lizard hibernates from October to March. It will often hibernate in groups and sometimes emerge for a brief time during warm spells. Date: 16th April 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081369.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_46405059263a710d7afecf.jpgDark-bellied Brent Geese The Brent Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. Branta is a Latinised form of Old Norse brandgás, meaning "burnt (black) goose", and bernicla is the medieval Latin name for the barnacle. The Brent Goose and the similar Barnacle Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be the same creature as the crustacean, a myth that can be dated back to at least the 12th century. The Brent Goose, Branta bernicla is divided into 3 sub-species: Dark-bellied Brent Goose B. b. bernicla, Pale-bellied Brent Goose B. b. hrota (sometimes also known as Light-bellied Brent Goose) and Black Brant B. b. nigricans. Some DNA evidence suggests that these forms are genetically distinct and a split into 3 separate species has been proposed. However, other evidence upholds their maintenance as a single species. The Brent Goose is a small goose, 22 to 26 inches long with a wingspan of 42 to 48 inches. The under-tail is pure white and the tail black and very short (the shortest of any goose). The Dark-bellied Brent Goose is fairly uniformly dark grey-brown all over and the flanks and belly are not significantly paler than the back. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds on the Arctic coasts of central and west Siberia and winters in west Europe with over half the population in south England and the rest between north Germany and north west France. The Pale-bellied Brent Goose appears blackish-brown and light grey in colour and the flanks and belly are significantly paler than the back and present a marked contrast. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds in Franz Josef Land, Svalbard, Greenland and north east Canada and winters in Denmark, north east England, Ireland and the Atlantic coast of the USA from Maine to Georgia as well as in a small but significant area in north France. The Black Brant appears blackish-brown and white in colour. This sub-species is very contrastingly black and white with a uniformly dark sooty-brown back, similarly-coloured underparts (with the dark colour extending furthest back of the 3 sub-species) and a prominent white flank patch. It also has a larger white neck patch which forms an almost complete collar. It breeds in north west Canada, Alaska and east Siberia and winters mostly on the west coast of north America from south Alaska to California but also in east Asia, mainly Japan. It sometimes appears as a vagrant in Europe when it associates with the other Brent Goose species. The Brent Goose used to be a strictly coastal bird in winter, seldom leaving tidal estuaries where it feeds on eel-grass and seaweed. In recent decades, it has started using agricultural land a short distance inland, feeding extensively on grass and winter-sown cereals. This may be behaviour learned by following other species of geese. Food resource pressure may also be important in forcing this change since the world population increased over 10-fold by the mid-1980s, possibly reaching the carrying capacity of the estuaries. In the breeding season, the Brent Goose uses low-lying wet coastal tundra for both breeding and feeding. The nest is bowl-shaped, lined with grass and down and located in an elevated position often near a small pond. The Brent Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds applies. Date: 13th January 2022 Location: Brightlingsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/ring-necked-parakeet https://images.on-this.website/4752_10773275456586f2a1aa7b2.jpgRing-necked Parakeet The Ring-necked Parakeet is the UK's only naturalised parrot. It is large, long-tailed and green with a red beak and a pink and black ring around its face and neck. In flight it has pointed wings, a long tail and a steady, direct flight. Ring-necked Parakeets can be seen all year round at a number of locations in south east England, particularly Surrey, Kent and Sussex. They can often be found in flocks sometimes numbering hundreds of birds at roost sites. Parks, orchards and gardens with mature trees to provide nest holes are favoured habitats. In its native India it is found in jungle and around farms and gardens. Date: 15th November 2023 Location: Fishers Green, Lee Valley Regional Park, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645402.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_214085468751e3cda9b487e.jpgWhite Storks The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 19th May 2013 Location: Biebrza area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/greater-flamingos https://images.on-this.website/4752_17704225744b19460ba2751.jpgGreater Flamingos The Greater Flamingo is a largely pinkish-white bird but the wing coverts are red and the primary and secondary flight feathers are black. The bill is pink with a black tip and the legs are entirely pink. The Greater Flamingo is the most widespread species of the flamingo family and can be found in parts of Africa, southern Asia and southern Europe (including Spain, Sardinia, Albania, Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Portugal, and the Camargue region of France). Some populations are short distance migrants, and records north of the breeding range are relatively frequent. However, given the species' popularity in captivity, whether these are truly wild individuals is a matter of some debate. Date: 10th November 2009 Location: Delta de l’Ebre, Catalunya, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833627.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1468095667559ceeec39869.jpgCormorant The (Great) Cormorant is a widespread member of the cormorant and shag family [i] Phalacrocoracidae[/i]. There is a wide variation in size in the species' wide range and males are typically larger and heavier than females. It has a predominantly black plumage but the adult has white patches on the thighs and throat and a yellow throat during the breeding season. In Europe it can be distinguished from the Shag by its larger size, heavier build, thicker bill, lack of a crest and plumage without any green tinge. The (Great) Cormorant is a very common and widespread bird and it breeds in much of the Old World and the Atlantic coast of north America. It feeds on the sea, in estuaries and on freshwater lakes and rivers. Northern birds migrate south and winter along any coast that is well-supplied with fish. The (Great) Cormorant is found around the UK coastline on rocky shores, coastal lagoons and estuaries and it is increasingly seen inland at reservoirs, lakes and gravel pits. The UK holds internationally important wintering numbers. The (Great) Cormorant mainly nests in colonies near wetlands, rivers and sheltered inshore waters. Pairs will use the same nest site to breed year after year. It builds its nest, which is made mainly from sticks, in trees, on the ledges of cliffs and on the ground on rocky islands that are free of predators. The female lays 3 to 5 eggs which are incubated for a period of about 28 to 31 days. The (Great) Cormorant feeds on fish caught through diving and it will consume all fish of appropriate size that they are able to catch. Many fishermen see the (Great) Cormorant a competitor for fish. Because of this, it was nearly hunted to extinction in the past. Due to conservation efforts, its numbers increased although this has once again brought it in to conflict with fisheries. In the UK, where inland breeding was once uncommon, there are now increasing numbers of birds and many inland fish farms and fisheries now claim to be suffering high losses. In the UK each year, some licences are issued to cull specified numbers in order to help reduce predation although it is still illegal to kill a bird without such a licence. Date: 12th May 2015 Location: Lake Kerkini, Central Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo8048578.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18536718464d0d03e065dfd.jpgWaxwing The Waxwing is a plump bird which is slightly smaller than a Starling. It is buff or pinkish-brown in colour with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings, a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest. The bird’s name is derived from the red tips to some of the wing feathers which are said to look like they have been dipped in sealing wax. Waxwings breed in the dense forests of northern Europe but they occur in varying numbers in the UK from October to March. In some years they can occur in large numbers (known as irruptions) when the population in the breeding areas gets too big for the food available. The first UK arrivals each winter are usually seen on the east coast from Scotland to East Anglia but birds then move inland in search of food. They can be found in parks and gardens and even busy public places such as supermarket car parks, typically where there are berry-bearing trees and bushes such as rowan, hawthorn, cotoneaster and rose. Waxwings seem fearless of humans so it is relatively easy to get very close views of these stunning birds. Waxwings make an easily recognisable high-pitched trilling sound like a bell. Date: 11th December 2010 Location: Folkestone, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50776400.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_585735156606e2ef21ae5.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 4th March 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40713568.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19053986565e16f7b64cd80.jpgWaxwing The Waxwing is a plump bird which is slightly smaller than a Starling. It is buff or pinkish-brown in colour with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings, a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest. The bird’s name is derived from the red tips to some of the wing feathers which are said to look like they have been dipped in sealing wax. Waxwings breed in the dense forests of northern Europe but they occur in varying numbers in the UK from October to March. In some years they can occur in large numbers (known as irruptions) when the population in the breeding areas gets too big for the food available. The first UK arrivals each winter are usually seen on the east coast from Scotland to East Anglia but birds then move inland in search of food. They can be found in parks and gardens and even busy public places such as supermarket car parks, typically where there are berry-bearing trees and bushes such as rowan, hawthorn, cotoneaster and rose. Waxwings seem fearless of humans so it is relatively easy to get very close views of these stunning birds. Waxwings make an easily recognisable high-pitched trilling sound like a bell. Date: 24th December 2019 Location: Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/ring-necked-duck https://images.on-this.website/4752_134160293856aced6deb783.jpgRing-necked Duck The Ring-necked Duck is a small to medium-sized diving duck from north America. The adult male is similar in colour pattern to the Eurasian Tufted Duck. It has two white rings surrounding its grey bill, a shiny black angular head, a black back, a white line on the wings, a white breast and yellow eyes. The adult female has a greyish brown angular head and body with a dark brown back, a dark bill with a more subtle light band than the male and brown eyes with white rings surrounding them. The Ring-necked Duck breeds on wooded lakes or ponds in the boreal forests in the northern USA and Canada. During the winter months it is usually found on lakes, ponds, rivers or bays in the southern USA. The Ring-necked Duck is a strong migrant and a rare but regular vagrant to western Europe including the UK where small numbers are found each year. Date: 17th January 2016 Location: Caerlaverock WWT reserve, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41225533.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19302404325ed9fd1f1907c.jpgCollared Dove Collared Doves are distinctive birds with their buffy-pink plumage and black neck collar. They are usually seen singly or in pairs, although flocks may form where food is plentiful. They feed on the ground but readily perch on roofs and wires and in trees. The Collared Dove is not migratory but it is strongly dispersive. Over the last century, it has been one of the great colonisers of the bird world. Its original range at the end of the 19th century was warm temperate and subtropical Asia from Turkey east to south China and south through India to Sri Lanka. In 1838 it was reported in Bulgaria but not until the 20th century did it expand across Europe, appearing in parts of the Balkans between 1900 and 1920 and then spreading rapidly north west, reaching Germany in 1945, the UK in 1953, Ireland in 1959 and the Faroe Islands in the early 1970s. Subsequent spread was “sideways” from this fast north west spread reaching north east to north of the Arctic Circle in Norway, east to the Ural Mountains in Russia and south west to the Canary Islands and north Africa from Morocco to Egypt by the end of the 20th century. In the east of its range it has also spread north east to most of central and north China and locally (probably introduced) in Japan. It has also reached Iceland as a vagrant but has not colonised successfully there. Date: 12th May 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11948032.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20544687894e410934b7404.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 24th December 2005 Location: Glen Garry, Inverness-shire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37431115.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13584247475c6be39505019.jpgLesser Yellowlegs The Lesser Yellowlegs is a large sandpiper with brown-streaked upperparts, white underparts and streaked upper breast and sides. A white lower rump and dark-barred tail are visible in flight. The bill is straight and uniformly dark grey and the legs are long and yellow. The Lesser Yellowlegs breeds from western Alaska and Canada east to western Quebec. They spend winters on coasts from southern California and Virginia southward and along the Gulf coast. The preferred habitats include coastal mudflats and lagoons, inland lakes, ponds, rivers, sewage works and flooded grasslands. In the UK, the Lesser Yellowlegs is a very scarce visitor with typically 5 records per year. This photo is of a first winter bird that took up residence at RSPB Lodmoor for several months from mid-September 2018. Date: 13th January 2019 Location: RSPB Lodmoor, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308888.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_71236408663ee3822e1078.jpgShoveler The Northern Shoveler, known simply as the Shoveler in the UK, is a common and widespread dabbling duck. The Shoveler is unmistakable due to its large spatulate bill. The breeding male has an iridescent dark green head, white breast and chestnut belly and flanks. In flight, pale blue forewing feathers are revealed which are separated from the green speculum by a white border. In early autumn the male has a white crescent on each side of the face. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male resembles the female. The female is a drab mottled brown with plumage much like a female Mallard but easily distinguished by the long broad bill which is grey tinged with orange on the cutting edge and lower mandible. The female's forewing is grey. The Shoveler can be found in open wetlands, such as wet grassland or marshes with some emergent vegetation, in northern areas of Europe and Asia and across most of north America. It winters in south Europe, Africa, the Indian sub-continent, south east Asia and central and northern south America. In the UK, the Shoveler breeds primarily in south and east England and in much smaller numbers in Scotland and west England. In winter, breeding birds move south and there is additionally an influx of continental birds from further north. The UK is home to more than 20% of the north west European population. The Shoveler prefers to nest in grassy areas away from open water. The nest is a shallow depression on the ground lined with plant material and down. Females typically lay about 9 eggs. The males are very territorial during the breeding season and will defend their territory and partners from competing males. Males also engage in elaborate courtship behaviours both on the water and in the air. The Shoveler feeds by dabbling for plant food, often by swinging its bill from side to side and using the bill to strain food from the water. It uses its highly specialized bill (from which their name is derived) to forage for aquatic invertebrates. Date: 21st January 2022 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo20950843.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_349316947535e0e62e7fa2.jpgGadwall The Gadwall is one of the most common and widespread dabbling ducks. The breeding male is patterned grey with a black rear end, light chestnut wings and a brilliant white speculum which is obvious in flight or at rest. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female but retains the male wing pattern and is usually greyer above and has less orange on the bill. The female is light brown with plumage much like a female Mallard. It can be distinguished from that species by the dark orange-edged bill, smaller size, the white speculum and white belly. The Gadwall breeds in north Europe and Asia and central north America and appears to be expanding into eastern north America. It is a bird of open wetlands and lakes, wet grassland or marshes with dense fringing vegetation and it nests on the ground, often some distance from water. In the UK, the Gadwall is a scarce breeding bird on some lakes and gravel pits in the Midlands, south east England, eastern central Scotland, eastern Northern Ireland and south east Wales. In winter, numbers increase as birds migrate to spend the winter in the UK on gravel pits, lakes, reservoirs and coastal wetlands. Date: 12th April 2014 Location: Rye Meads RSPB reserve, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19507513.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7477204852528c2d38bbd.jpgBlack-winged Stilt The Black-winged Stilt is a widely distributed very long-legged wader. They have long pink-red legs, a long thin black bill and are blackish above and white below with a white head and neck with a varying amount of black. Both in flight and at rest the long pink-red legs are characteristic and even if these are hidden in water of unknown depth, the pure white underparts and jet black upperparts are distinctive. The amount of dark feathering on the otherwise white head doesn't necessarily indicate the sex of a stilt although young birds always have smoky patterning on the head. The Black-winged Stilt can be found in central and southern Europe, central and southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Many birds migrate to south of the Sahara from August to November and return in March and April. However, many of those which breed in Iberia are now increasingly remaining throughout the year. The Black-winged Stilt breeds around shallow wetlands, especially coastal lagoons, saltpans and estuaries. The nest site is a bare spot on the ground near water and birds often nest in small groups, sometimes with Avocets. In Europe, the Black-winged Stilt is a regular spring overshoot vagrant north of its normal range, occasionally remaining to breed in northern European countries including the UK. Date: 9th September 2013 Location: La Janda, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17061288.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_160853428950e02dfc15472.jpgSnow Bunting Snow Buntings are large buntings with striking “snowy” plumages. Males in summer have all white heads and underparts contrasting with a black mantle and wing tips. Females are a more mottled above. In autumn and winter birds develop a sandy/buff wash to their plumage and males have more mottled upperparts. Snow Buntings breed in far northern Europe and migrate south in winter. They are a very scarce breeding species in the UK and can be found on the highest mountain peaks in Scotland where they nest in rocky crevices. Snow Buntings are best looked for in winter (from late September to early March) where they can sometimes be seen in large flocks on the seashore or on adjacent short rough grassland at coastal sites in Scotland and eastern England. Date: 26th December 2012 Location: Caister-on-Sea, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9580016.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15729027404db0171e1c4f1.jpgCurlew The (Eurasian) Curlew is a wader and one of the most widespread of the curlew species. In Europe, it is usually referred to just as the Curlew. It is mainly greyish-brown with a white back, greyish-blue legs and a very long curved bill. Males and females look identical but the bill is longest in the adult female. The only similar species over most of the Curlew's range is the Whimbrel but this species is smaller and has a shorter bill with a kinked tip rather than a smooth curve. The English name "curlew" is imitative of the Curlew's familiar and loud [i]curloo-oo[/i] call. The Curlew breeds across temperate Europe and Asia and builds a nest in a bare scrape on moors, meadows and similar habitats. It is a migratory species over most of its range and winters in Africa, south Europe and south Asia. It is present all year in the milder climates of the UK and its adjacent European coasts. In the UK, the greatest breeding numbers are found in north Wales, the Pennines, the southern uplands and Highlands of Scotland and on Orkney. In winter, it can be found around the whole UK coastline with the largest concentrations at Morecambe Bay, the Solway Firth and the Wash and the Dee, Severn, Humber and Thames estuaries. The Curlew is highly gregarious outside the breeding season and feeds by probing soft mud for small invertebrates or picking up small crabs and earthworms off the surface if the opportunity arises. The Curlew is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Formerly classified as a species of “Least Concern” by the IUCN, it was suspected to be rarer than generally assumed. Following the evaluation of its population size, the classification was found to be incorrect and it was consequently promoted to “Near Threatened” status in 2008. Though it is a common bird, its numbers are noticeably declining. Date: 6th November 2008 Location: Loch Spelve, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28887337.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_195050765757cc3f59ae369.jpgHooded Crow The Hooded Crow is a member of the crow family. It is locally known as a “hoodie” in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Except for the head, throat, wings, tail and thigh feathers, which are black and mostly glossy, the plumage is ash-grey, the dark shafts giving it a streaky appearance. The bill and legs are black. The male is the larger bird, otherwise the sexes are alike. The Hooded Crow, with its contrasting greys and blacks, can not be confused with either the Carrion Crow or Rook, both of which are predominantly black. However, the Hooded Crow is so similar in morphology and habits to the Carrion Crow that for many years it was considered to be a geographical race of a single species. Hybridization observed where their ranges overlapped added weight to this view. However, since 2002 the Hooded Crow has been elevated to full species status after closer observation. The Hooded Crow is widely distributed and can be found across north, east and south east Europe as well as parts of the Middle East. In the UK, the Hooded Crow can be found in north and west Scotland and on the Isle of Man where it replaces the Carrion Crow. Outside the breeding season it occurs across its breeding range and can sometimes be seen in east Scotland and east England. Like other corvids, the Hooded Crow is an omnivorous and opportunistic forager and scavenger and will feed on small mammals and birds, eggs, molluscs, scraps and carrion. Date: 10th May 2016 Location: Haapsalu, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26029888.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_75048082256375c9a293e1.jpgGoðafoss, north east Iceland Goðafoss (Icelandic: waterfall of the gods) is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Iceland. It is located in the Bárðardalur district of north east Iceland at the beginning of the Sprengisandur highland road. The water of the Skjálfandafljót river falls from a height of 40 feet over a width of 98 feet and the waterfall is segmented into 2 main components whilst forming an arcing semi-horseshoe shape. In the year 999 or 1000 the Lawspeaker Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði made Christianity the official religion of Iceland. After his conversion it is said that upon returning from the Alþingi, Þorgeir threw his statues of the Norse gods into the waterfall. Þorgeir's story is preserved in Ari Þorgilsson's Íslendingabók (Icelandic: Book of Icelanders), a historical work dealing with early Icelandic history. Date: 2nd June 2015 Location: view from the west bank of the Skjálfandafljót river http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14247080.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11331317074f4e03dc2df18.jpgCoot The Coot is an all black bird with a distinctive white beak and “shield” above the beak from which earns it the title “bald”. Its feet have distinctive lobed flaps of skin on the toes which act instead of webs when swimming. It patters noisily over the water before taking off and can be very aggressive towards other birds. Coot can be found all the year round mainly on freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers and town park lakes. Sometimes they can be seen offshore, especially in winter if freshwater areas are frozen. They breed in areas of fairly shallow standing freshwater with a muddy bottom and plenty of vegetation at the sides, usually in lowland areas. Date: 25th February 2012 Location: Verulamium Park, St Albans, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49002376.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5250501106468edc592474.jpgReeves' Muntjac The Reeves' Muntjac, also known as the Chinese Muntjac, is a small, hump-backed deer species. It is named after British naturalist and employee of the East India Company, John Russell Reeves (1774 to 1856). Reeves came across them when he lived in China and sent specimens back to England. It is also called the “barking deer” due to its distinctive barking sound, although this name is also used for other Muntjac species. The barking sound is common during mating or when provoked. The Reeves' Muntjac grows to 1 foot 8 inches high at the shoulder and 3 feet 1 inches in length plus a short tail up to 4 inches long. It is reddish-brown in appearance with striped markings on its face. The belly is creamy-white with lighter fur extending to the neck, chin and the underside of the tail. The males have short antlers, usually 4 inches or less in length, and long upper canines or tusks, usually about 2 inches in length The Reeves' Muntjac is found widely in south east China (from Gansu to Yunnan) and Taiwan but it has also been introduced in Belgium, the Netherlands and Japan. In the UK, it was introduced to Woburn Park in Bedfordshire in 1894 by the then Duke of Bedford and was deliberately released into surrounding woodlands from 1901 onward. Releases, translocations and escapes from the 1930s onwards resulted in wide establishment in south east England and the population is still increasing and spreading across the UK where it can be found in deciduous woodland with a good understorey plus hedgerows, gardens, parks, conifer plantations, railway embankments, etc. Since the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it has been illegal to release the species except where it is already established. The Reeves' Muntjac is a solitary and crepuscular animal and both males and females defend small territories that they mark with preorbital gland secretions that are thought to be pheromonal in nature The Reeves' Muntjac feeds on herbs, blossoms, succulent shoots, fungi, berries, grasses and nuts and it has also been reported to eat tree bark. Eggs and carrion are eaten opportunistically. Date: 13th April 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/river-lax-lake-mvatn-area https://images.on-this.website/4752_12409371535637303119205.jpgRiver Laxá, Lake Mývatn area, north east Iceland The Laxá river originates in Lake Mývatn and flows northwards to Skjálfandi Flói south of Húsavík and in to the Greenland Sea. The Laxá river supports good numbers of Harlequin Ducks and Barrow’s Goldeneyes. It is also among the best salmon and trout fishing rivers in the world. Date: 3rd June 2015 Location: view from the bridge over road 1 http://www.richardchewphotography.com/berlevg-airport-varanger-peninsula-troms https://images.on-this.website/4752_6074555325f3e4bbf8c7fb.jpgBerlevåg Airport, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Berlevåg is a small village located on the north east coast of the Varanger peninsula along the Barents Sea in Berlevåg municipality in Troms og Finnmark in north east Norway. The village lies along road Fv890 and the Hurtigruten boats stop daily. Berlevåg is one of the largest fishing villages in Troms og Finnmark and there are 4 large breakwaters protecting the village and harbour from the ocean. Near the end of World War 2, the Germans retreated from Finnmark from September 1944 to February 1945 and under Operation Nordlicht they used "scorched earth" tactics resulting in all buildings in Berlevåg being burned down. Berlevåg Airport is a regional airport situated just over 1 mile north west of the village of Berlevåg and is owned and operated by Avinor. Services are provided by Widerøe using Dash 8-100 aircraft to other communities in Troms og Finnmark. Date: 5th July 2019 Location: Berlevåg Airport, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11948054.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19736924304e41095c01826.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 24th December 2005 Location: Glen Garry, Inverness-shire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41205431.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_52537615eb96e38a1bf3.jpgMoorhens The Moorhen is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird that is usually found near water. From a distance it looks black with a ragged white line along its body. However, closer up it is olive-brown on the back and the head and blue-grey underneath. It has a red bill with a yellow tip. The Moorhen can be found all year round almost anywhere where there is water. They breed in lowland areas particularly in central and eastern England but are scarce in northern Scotland and the uplands of Wales and northern England. UK breeding birds are residents and seldom travel far. Date: 30th April 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/burnet-companion https://images.on-this.website/4752_15442702566291f57cdd53a.jpgBurnet Companion Flight period: May to July The Burnet Companion is a day-flying moth found in dry or damp grasslands including downland, flower-rich meadows, woodland rides, verges and embankments. It is widespread in southern England with a more patchy distribution in northern England, southern Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man. The Burnet Companion is often found flying alongside butterflies and other day-flying moths (especially the Dingy Skipper butterfly and Mother Shipton moth), occasionally including burnet moths and hence the name, Burnet Companion. The Burnet Companion flies in sunshine and warm overcast weather. It is very alert and is readily disturbed from roosting spots in low vegetation, generally flying only short distances before settling down again. Date: 26th May 2022 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4074820.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15475904854b15827c3c832.jpgSierra y de Canones de Guara, Aragon, Spain The Sierra y de Canones de Guara is a beautiful and rather remote, depopulated area in the Pre-Pyrenees and is a huge upland limestone massif north east of Huesca in Aragon stretching for 40km west to east. The limestone terrain is cut through by rivers which have produced many deep gorges. The altitude within this Parque Natural ranges from 430m to 2077m at its highest point. In addition to the mountains, extensive areas of grassland, scrub and woodland provide important habitats for birds of prey and other species. Date: 15th November 2009 Location: Arcusa to Ainsa, Aragon, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13683300.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9091507904ed72bf88d7df.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533245.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_179864256262ca812b5f01f.jpgFour-spotted Chaser Flight period: mid May to end August. Four-spotted Chasers are a common and widespread species of dragonfly throughout most of the UK. They can be found around sheltered lowland lakes and ponds and around acidic moorland bogs and sheltered upland lakes. Date: 15th June 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40952803.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4835051665e5392b460440.jpgWexford Wildfowl Nature Reserve, Co. Wexford, Ireland Wexford Wildfowl Reserve is located on flat farmland on the North Slob which was walled off from Wexford Harbour and reclaimed from the sea in the 1840s partly as a famine relief project. Wet grassland and tillage, along with a brackish water drainage channel and reedbeds, form the main habitats which collectively make for an internationally important wetland and one of Ireland’s finest bird sites. Much of the area lies below sea level. Wexford Wildfowl Reserve is jointly owned and managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service and BirdWatch Ireland. First established in 1969 the reserve covers about 200 hectares, around 25% of the North Slob. Today, Wexford Wildfowl Reserve is part of the larger Wexford Slobs and Harbour Special Protected Area (SPA), a designated Ramsar Site, part of a Special Protection Area (SPA), a proposed National Heritage Area (NHA) and a National Nature Reserve. It is included within the EU network of nature protected areas called Natura 2000, the aim of which is to secure the long-term survival of Europe’s most threatened and vulnerable species and habitats. Wexford Wildfowl Reserve is renowned for the wide diversity and density of its birdlife. Over 250 species of birds have been recorded, many of them winter migrants from Greenland and Arctic Canada or from Scandinavia and Arctic Russia. Greater (Greenland) White-fronted Geese are the most numerous and important goose species and it is for them that Wexford Wildfowl Reserve was established. They breed on the western lowlands of Greenland during the summer and winter in Ireland and Scotland from October to early April. The North Slob holds about 8500 or 45% of the current world population of Greater (Greenland) White-fronted Goose during these months. The Greater (Greenland) White-fronted Geese are joined by wintering Bewick’s and Whooper Swans as well as Pale-bellied Brent Geese and a variety of other ducks and waders. The birds and other wildlife on the Reserve can be watched from an observation tower and 3 other hides and there is a Visitor Centre providing an exhibition and other information. Date: 30th January 2020 Location: Wexford Wildfowl Nature Reserve, Co. Wexford, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26022012.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_185076126256372630460e5.jpgRed-necked Phalarope The Red-necked Phalarope is a small wader with lobed toes to assist swimming and a straight, fine bill. The breeding female is predominantly dark grey above with a chestnut neck and upper breast, black face and white throat. The breeding male is a duller version of the female. In winter, the plumage is essentially grey above and white below but the black eyepatch is always present. When feeding, a Red-necked Phalarope will often swim in a small, rapid circle, forming a small whirlpool. This behaviour is thought to aid feeding by raising food from the bottom of shallow water. The bird will reach into the centre of the vortex with its bill, plucking small insects or crustaceans caught up therein. On the open ocean, they are often found where converging currents produce upwellings. The Red-necked Phalarope breeds in the Arctic regions of north America and Eurasia. It is migratory and, unusually for a wader, it winters at sea on tropical oceans. Date: 3rd June 2015 Location: Lake Mývatn, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/mallard-duckling https://images.on-this.website/4752_17058868195eb979704a8f1.jpgMallard duckling The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 10th May 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41389676.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18683850945f2694fae5b45.jpgNesseby, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Nesseby is a small village located on the southern coast of the Varanger peninsula near the inner part of the Varangerfjord in Troms og Finnmark in north east Norway. The European route E75 highway runs through the village on its way from Varangerbotn to Vadsø. Nesseby Church lies on a small peninsula on the coast of the village. It was designed by Christian Heinrich Grosch and built of wood in 1858 and fully restored in 1983. The prayer books in the church are in the Northern Sami language since that is the predominant language for the people of the area. The village and the municipality of the same name are bilingual and have 2 official names: Nesseby (Norwegian) and Unjárga (Northern Sami). Date: 1st July 2019 Location: view looking towards Nesseby church, Nesseby, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801135.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_153183349464edacffba717.jpgSpoonbills The Spoonbill is an unmistakable wading bird. Breeding adults are all white except for dark legs, a black spoon-shaped bill with a yellow tip, a yellow breast patch and a crest. Non-breeders lack the crest and breast patch and immature birds have a pale bill and black tips to the primary flight feathers. Unlike herons, Spoonbills fly with their necks outstretched. Feeding birds swing their heads and sweep their bills from side to side through the water. The Spoonbill breeds from the UK and Spain in the west through to Japan and also in North Africa. In Europe, only the Netherlands, Spain, Austria, Hungary and Greece have sizeable populations. Birds from north west and south west Europe winter mainly in west Africa whilst those from south east Europe winter in the Mediterranean and north Africa. Eastern European and Turkish birds appear to move to north east Africa, the Middle East and India. The Spoonbill became extinct in the UK but sporadic breeding attempts in the early 21st century finally culminated with the formation of a colony at Holkham in Norfolk in 2010. The Spoonbill can be found in extensive shallow, wetlands with muddy, clay or fine sandy beds. They may inhabit any type of marsh, river, lake, flooded area and mangrove swamp, whether fresh, brackish or saline but especially those with islands for nesting or dense emergent vegetation such as reedbeds and scattered trees or shrubs. The Spoonbill may also frequent sheltered marine habitats during the winter such as deltas, estuaries, tidal creeks and coastal lagoons. Threats to the Eurasian Spoonbill include habitat destruction through drainage of wetlands and habitat degradation by pollution. Date: 17th July 2023 Location: RSPB Frampton Marsh, near Boston, Lincolnshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo16538234.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_127725156350827ec7a769b.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 1st October 2012 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50931099.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1186164016627d683e2458.jpgMarsh Frog The Marsh Frog is the largest European frog. It is very similar in appearance to the closely related Edible Frog and Pool Frog. These 3 species are often referred to as "green frogs" to distinguish them from the more terrestrial European species which are known as "brown frogs" (best exemplified by the Common Frog). Marsh Frogs show a large variation in colour and pattern, ranging from dark green to brown or grey. The Western European populations are generally dark green to black with dark spots on the back and sides and 3 clear green lines on the back. Females can reach a maximum length of around 6.5 inches but males are smaller at around 4.5 inches. The head is proportionally large and the hind legs are long which gives them excellent jumping abilities. The Marsh Frog is usually gregarious and diurnal and more tied to aquatic habitats than the Common Frog. It is tolerant of brackish conditions and typically it is found on or in the water of its favoured drainage channels and pools throughout the year. Marsh Frogs frequently sunbathe on the bank of the water body where they are often inconspicuous until disturbed when they will jump in to the water with a characteristic “plop”. They can often be seen on lily pads or floating at the surface amongst vegetation with only their heads exposed. During the breeding season (and sometimes beyond) the male Marsh Frog calls very loudly with a sound reminiscent of a loud chuckle which is often very raucous and can be heard all day and night. Dominant males establish territories from which they call. After mating a female may produce up to 16,000 eggs in a season, laying them in clumps of a few hundred in aquatic vegetation below the surface. They hatch in about a week, tadpoles being rather solitary and living in deep water with vegetation. Newly metamorphosed frogs are up to 1 inch in length and take 2 years to mature. The diet of the Marsh Frog consists of dragonflies and other insects, spiders, earthworms and slugs. Larger frogs also eat small rodents and sometimes smaller amphibians and fish. The Marsh Frog is not a native species of the UK. It was first introduced to Walland Marsh, Kent in 1935 and is now found in several areas of Kent and East Sussex. Other introductions exist, including colonies in London. Date: 14th April 2024 Location: RSPB Rainham Marshes, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453896.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20628690494ff544a637d7a.jpgCattle Egret The Cattle Egret is a stocky white bird adorned with buff plumes in the breeding season. The easiest way to separate them from Little Egrets is by their short, yellow rather than long, black bills but Cattle Egrets are also smaller, stockier and more squat in shape with shorter, thicker necks and less elegant heads. The Cattle Egret is a cosmopolitan species of heron found in the tropics, subtropics and warm temperate zones. Originally native to parts of Asia, Africa and Europe, it has undergone a rapid expansion in its distribution and successfully colonised much of the rest of the world. Cattle Egrets breed and roost in trees usually close to fresh water and feed in shallow wetlands, especially rice-paddies, but also dry grasslands. They can often be seen feeding around cattle waiting to pick off disturbed insects, including riding on the backs of animals. Cattle Egrets are visiting the UK in increasing numbers and are most likely to be seen in the south of England and Wales. In winter 2007/08, a large influx of Cattle Egrets occurred in the UK, with the largest numbers in south-west England although birds did get as far north as Scotland. This influx led to the first ever pair breeding successfully in Somerset. Date: 25th April 2012 Location: El Guijo-Santa Eufemia, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49001687.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2804921866468e079c9350.jpgKingfisher The Kingfisher is a small unmistakable bright blue and orange bird of slow moving or still water. They fly rapidly and low over water and hunt fish from riverside perches, occasionally hovering above the water's surface. Kingfishers are vulnerable to hard winters and habitat degradation through pollution or unsympathetic management of watercourses and are an “Amber List” species due to their unfavourable conservation status in Europe. Kingfishers are widespread especially in central and southern England but become less common further north. Following some declines last century, they are currently increasing in their range in Scotland. Kingfishers can be found all year round by still or slow flowing water such as lakes, canals and rivers in lowland areas. In winter, some individuals move to estuaries and the coast. Occasionally they may also visit garden ponds if they are of a suitable size. Date: 24th March 2023 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/geysir-south-iceland https://images.on-this.website/4752_643337705561cd005d32be.jpgHaukadalur, south Iceland The Haukadalur geothermal area is located in south west Iceland to the north east of the Reykjanes peninsula and Reykjavík. Here can be seen some of the most famous sights of Iceland: the geysers and other geothermal features which have developed on the Laugarfjall rhyolitic dome. The biggest geysers of Haukadalur are Strokkur and Geysir. There are also more than 40 other hot springs, mud pots and fumaroles nearby. The oldest accounts of hot springs at Haukadalur date back to 1294 when earthquakes in the area caused significant changes in the local neighbouring landscape creating several new hot springs. Changes in the activity of Geysir and the surrounding geysers are still strongly related to earthquake activity. Strokkur is a fountain geyser and is one of Iceland's most famous geysers. It is very dependable and erupts about every 5 to 10 minutes with boiling water reaching a height of 50 to 65 feet and sometimes up to 130 feet. Geysir, sometimes known as The Great Geysir, was the first geyser described in a printed source in the 18th century and the first known to modern Europeans. Since unusual natural phenomena were of high interest to society during the Age of Enlightenment, the term became popular and has been used for similar hydrothermal features worldwide since then. The English word geyser derives from Geysir whilst Geysir itself is derived from the Icelandic verb <i>geysa</i> ("to gush"). Eruptions at Geysir can hurl boiling water up to 230 feet in the air but eruptions are now very infrequent and have in the past stopped altogether for years at a time. The Haukadalur geothermal area, usually referred to as Geysir, is popular with tourists and, together with the magnificent waterfall at Gulfoss and Þingvellir, it is part of a group of the most famous sights of Iceland known as the "Golden Circle". Date: 7th June 2015 Location: fumarole at Haukadalur http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871514.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21226033584eff1958c4314.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 26th December 2011 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21957077.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_66319303453da33819cce8.jpgKittiwakes The Kittiwake is a gentle looking, medium sized gull with a small yellow bill and a dark eye. It has a grey back and is white underneath. Its legs are short and black. In flight the black wing-tips show no white, unlike other gulls, and look as if they have been “dipped in ink”. The population is declining in some areas, perhaps due to a shortage of sand eels. Kittiwakes are strictly coastal gulls. In the breeding season, they can be found on rocky, steep sea-cliffs at the major seabird colonies around the UK from February until August. From August to October they can be seen flying past offshore and they spend the winter months out at sea. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Staple Island, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072234.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11372308624bf6d4fd755f4.jpgPine Grosbeak The Pine Grosbeak is a large member of the finch family. Adults have a long forked black tail, black wings with white wing bars and a large bill. Adult males have a rose-red head, back and rump. Adult females are olive-yellow on the head and rump and grey on the back and underparts. Young birds have a less contrasting plumage overall, appearing shaggy when they moult their colored head plumage. The Pine Grosbeak is a permanent resident through most of its range and can be found in coniferous woods in subarctic Fennoscandia and Siberia and across Alaska, the western mountains of the United States and Canada. In the extreme north or when food sources are scarce, they may migrate further south. It is a very rare vagrant to temperate Europe. The Pine Grosbeak forages in trees and bushes. It mainly eats seeds, buds, berries and insects. Outside of the nesting season, it often feeds in flocks. Date: 10th April 2010 Location: Neljan Tuulen Tupa near Kaamanen, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801143.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_100706844964edad0a67f0a.jpgBlack-tailed Godwit The Black-tailed Godwit is a large, long-legged, long-billed shorebird with an orange head, neck and chest in its breeding plumage and a uniform brown-grey breast and upperparts in winter. During the breeding season, the bill has a yellowish or orange-pink base and dark tip but the base is pink in winter. The legs are dark grey, brown or black. The sexes are similar but in breeding plumage they can be separated by the male's brighter, more extensive orange breast, neck and head. In flight, the bold black and white wingbar and white rump can be seen readily. When on the ground the Black-tailed Godwit can be difficult to separate from the similar Bar-tailed Godwit but the Black-tailed Godwit's longer, straighter bill and longer legs are diagnostic. The Black-tailed Godwit’s breeding range stretches from Iceland through northern Europe and areas of central Asia where it can be found in fens, lake edges, damp meadows, moorlands and bogs. It winters in areas as diverse as the Indian Subcontinent, Australia, western Europe and west Africa where it can be found on estuaries and floods. It is also more likely to be found inland and on freshwater than the Bar-tailed Godwit. Date: 17th July 2023 Location: RSPB Frampton Marsh, near Boston, Lincolnshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847599.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_155862896259bd539d69e02.jpgEuropean Bee-eater The European Bee-eater is an incredibly colourful bird with an unmistakable appearance. In breeding plumage, it has a rich chestnut crown that blends into gold on its back. The forehead is white, the throat is yellow bordered by black and the underparts are blue. The male European Bee-eater has a chestnut-coloured patch in the middle of the wing while in females this patch is usually smaller or even absent. Occasionally, females may also be distinguished from the males by having a green back. The wings and backs of juvenile European Bee-eaters are entirely green and the eyes are brown in contrast to the bright red eyes of adults. The European Bee-eater breeds in southern Europe and in parts of north Africa and western Asia. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, India and Sri Lanka. European Bee-eaters are occasionally seen in northern Europe (including the UK) as a spring overshoot north of its range with occasional breeding occurring. Just as the name suggests, the European Bee-eater predominantly eats insects, especially bees, wasps and hornets which are caught in the air by sorties from an open perch. Before eating its meal, a European Bee-eater removes the sting by repeatedly hitting the insect on a hard surface. Lizards and frogs are also taken. European Bee-eaters are gregarious, nesting colonially in sandy banks preferably near river shores and also feeding and roosting communally. Date: 2nd June 2017 Location: Leles to Boľ area, Latorica, Košice region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17408527.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1376690733513327b921ddf.jpgShelduck The Shelduck resembles a small short-necked goose in size and shape. It is larger than a Mallard but smaller than geese such as Greylag and Canada Geese. The Shelduck is a striking bird with a reddish-pink bill, pink feet, a white body with chestnut patches and a black belly and a dark green head and neck. The wing coverts are white, the primaries are black and the secondaries are green and chestnut. The underwings are almost entirely white. Sexes are similar but the female is smaller with some white facial markings whilst the male is particularly crisply coloured in the breeding season with a bright red bill bearing a prominent knob at the forehead. Ducklings are white with a black cap, hindneck and wing and back patches. Juveniles are greyish above and mostly white below but already have the adult's wing pattern. The Shelduck breeds in temperate Eurasia where it nests in rabbit burrows and tree holes. Most populations migrate to sub-tropical areas in winter but it is largely resident in west Europe apart from movements to favoured moulting grounds such as the Wadden Sea on the north German coast. The Shelduck is common around the coastline of the UK and Ireland where it can be found on salt marshes, tidal mudflats and estuaries although it can also be found around inland waters such as reservoirs and gravel workings. It can be seen all year round but the population increases significantly during winter with the arrival of birds from continental Europe. Date: 12th January 2013 Location: Martin Mere WWT reserve, Lancashire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/akureyri-north-east-iceland https://images.on-this.website/4752_138214909056350bb226843.jpgAkureyri, north east Iceland Akureyri is a small city in north east Iceland and it is the second largest urban area with a population of 18,000 (after the Capital Region which includes Reykjavík). It is located on a narrow coastal strip of flat land on the west side of the inland end of the Eyjafjörður, the longest fjord in Iceland, and surrounded by mountains, the highest being Kista at 47474 feet. Because of Akureyri 's position at the end of a long fjord surrounded by high mountains, the climate is actually more inland than coastal. This leads to greater variations in temperature (warmer summers, colder winters) than in many other inhabited parts of Iceland. However, the mountains shield the town from strong winds. The area around Akureyri has one of the warmest climates in Iceland even though it is only 62 miles from the Arctic Circle. Akureyri is an important port and fishing centre and its relatively mild climate due to geographical factors and it’s ice-free harbour has played a significant role in its history. In 2015, Akureyri topped travel guide Lonely Planet's list of the 10 best places to visit in Europe in the summer and it is an excellent base to explore north Iceland and its natural attractions. Akureyri is also the number one ski destination for Icelanders. Date: 4th June 2015 Location: view from road 1 on the east side of Eyjafjörður http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28885862.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_46690728757cc368a7c1f7.jpgWhite Stork The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 13th May 2016 Location: Audru, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11349634.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6229661964e1ef8cbbe667.jpgFulmar The Fulmar is almost gull-like but is a grey and white seabird that is related to the albatrosses. It flies low over the sea on stiff wings with shallow wing beats, gliding and banking to show its white under-parts and then grey upper-parts. At its breeding sites it will fly high up the cliff face riding the updraughts. Fulmars feed in flocks out at sea and defend their nests from intruders by spitting out a foul-smelling oil. Fulmars breed on coastal cliffs with suitable ledges and grassy slopes but will occasionally breed on buildings. Fulmars are best looked for at seabird colonies and are most abundant along the Scottish coastline especially in the Northern Isles. They are least common along the east, south and north-west coasts of England. Adults are present at the breeding colonies nearly all year although young birds leave in late summer. Away from the breeding colonies, Fulmars spend their whole time offshore at sea. Date: 31st May 2008 Location: Sumburgh Head, South Mainland, Shetland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/nigula-nature-reserve-estonia https://images.on-this.website/4752_2565964157cc303eeb037.jpgNigula Nature Reserve, Estonia Nigula Nature Reserve is located in south west Estonia near Häädemeeste and it was established in 1957 to protect the Nigula Bog and its surrounding untouched swamp forests and managed forests. It is also included in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance. Nigula Nature Reserve is an important area for both migratory wildfowl and breeding wetland and forest birds and it is also home to numerous species of large mammals including Brown Bear, Wolf, Lynx, Beaver, Elk and Wild Boar. Date: 16th May 2016 Location: Nigula Nature Reserve, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26008474.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21187116255635009ae1b83.jpgHarlequin Ducks The Harlequin Duck is a small sea duck which takes its name from Harlequin, a colourfully dressed character in "Commedia dell'arte" (a form of Italian theatre with masked characters). The adult male Harlequin Duck has a colourful and complex plumage pattern. The head and neck are dark slate blue with a large white crescent marking in front of the eye, a small round dot behind the eye and a larger oval spot down the side of the neck. A black crown stripe runs over the top of the head with chestnut patches on either side. A black-bordered white collar separates the head from the breast. The body is largely a lighter slate blue with chestnut sides. A black-bordered white bar divides the breast vertically from the sides. The tail is black, long and pointed. The speculum is metallic blue. The inner secondary feathers are white and form white markings over the back when folded. The bill is blue-grey and the eye is reddish. The adult female Harlequin Duck is less colourful with brownish-grey plumage with three white patches on the head, a round spot behind the eye, a larger patch from the eye to the bill and a small spot above the eye. The Harlequin Duck has smooth, densely packed feathers that trap a lot of air within them. This is vital for insulating such a small body against the chilly waters that it inhabits and it also makes it exceptionally buoyant, making it bounce like a cork after dives. The Harlequin Duck breeds alongside cold fast moving streams in the northern regions of north America, Greenland, Iceland (the only European site) and western Russia. The nest is usually located in a well concealed location on the ground near a stream. They are usually found near pounding surf and white water. It is a short distance migrant and most winter near rocky shorelines on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. The Harlequin Duck is a very rare migrant to western Europe. The Harlequin Duck feeds by swimming under water or diving and also by dabbling. It feeds on molluscs, crustaceans and insects. Date: 4th June 2015 Location: River Laxá, Lake Mývatn area, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50570344.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_46056479965ccc63e10166.jpgWaxwing The Waxwing is a plump bird which is slightly smaller than a Starling. It is buff or pinkish-brown in colour with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings, a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest. The bird’s name is derived from the red tips to some of the wing feathers which are said to look like they have been dipped in sealing wax. Waxwings breed in the dense forests of northern Europe but they occur in varying numbers in the UK from October to March. In some years they can occur in large numbers (known as irruptions) when the population in the breeding areas gets too big for the food available. The first UK arrivals each winter are usually seen on the east coast from Scotland to East Anglia but birds then move inland in search of food. They can be found in parks and gardens and even busy public places such as supermarket car parks, typically where there are berry-bearing trees and bushes such as rowan, hawthorn, cotoneaster and rose. Waxwings seem fearless of humans so it is relatively easy to get very close views of these stunning birds. Waxwings make an easily recognisable high-pitched trilling sound like a bell. Date: 9th January 2024 Location: Colchester, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50570346.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_164887937865ccc63f8a3e1.jpgWaxwing The Waxwing is a plump bird which is slightly smaller than a Starling. It is buff or pinkish-brown in colour with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings, a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest. The bird’s name is derived from the red tips to some of the wing feathers which are said to look like they have been dipped in sealing wax. Waxwings breed in the dense forests of northern Europe but they occur in varying numbers in the UK from October to March. In some years they can occur in large numbers (known as irruptions) when the population in the breeding areas gets too big for the food available. The first UK arrivals each winter are usually seen on the east coast from Scotland to East Anglia but birds then move inland in search of food. They can be found in parks and gardens and even busy public places such as supermarket car parks, typically where there are berry-bearing trees and bushes such as rowan, hawthorn, cotoneaster and rose. Waxwings seem fearless of humans so it is relatively easy to get very close views of these stunning birds. Waxwings make an easily recognisable high-pitched trilling sound like a bell. Date: 9th January 2024 Location: Colchester, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26540939.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_190298118456ace97e6c490.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 13th January 2016 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48482997.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1820529640a4000b18e6.jpgBlue Tit The Blue Tit is a small passerine bird in the tit family. It is easily recognisable by its generally blue and yellow plumage and its small size. The Blue Tit is about 4.7 inches long with a wingspan of 7.1 inches. It has an azure blue crown and a dark blue line passing through the eye and encircling the white cheeks to the chin, giving the bird a very distinctive appearance. The forehead and a bar on the wing are white. The nape, wings and tail are blue and the back is yellowish green. The underparts are mostly sulphur-yellow with a dark line down the abdomen. The bill is black and the legs bluish grey. The sexes are similar whilst young birds are noticeably more yellow. The Blue Tit is very agile and it can cling to the outermost branches and hang upside down when searching for food such as insects, caterpillars and seeds. The Blue Tit can be found throughout areas of the European continent with a mainly temperate or Mediterranean climate and in parts of the Middle East. In the UK it is common in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens and widespread across the whole of the country with the exception of some Scottish islands. The Blue Tit will nest in any suitable hole in a tree, wall or stump, often competing with other birds such as the House Sparrow or Great Tit for the site. In addition, it will readily accept an artificial nesting box. The same hole is returned to year after year and when one pair dies another takes possession. The nesting material is usually moss, wool, hair and feathers and the eggs are laid in April or May. The number in the clutch is often very large but 7 or 8 is normal. It is not unusual for a single bird to feed the chicks in the nest at a rate of one feed every 90 seconds during the height of the breeding season. Successful breeding is dependent on a sufficient supply of caterpillars as well as satisfactory weather. Breeding may be affected badly if the weather is cold and wet between May and July, particularly if this coincides with the emergence of the caterpillars on which the nestlings are fed. The small size of the Blue Tit makes it vulnerable to predation by larger birds and the typical lifespan is 3 years or less. The most significant predator is probably the Sparrowhawk, closely followed by the domestic cat. Nests may also be robbed by mammals such as the Weasel and Red and Grey Squirrels. Date: 1st February 2023 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo47900591.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2128798169637364b08b275.jpgCormorants The (Great) Cormorant is a widespread member of the cormorant and shag family Phalacrocoracidae. There is a wide variation in size in the species' wide range and males are typically larger and heavier than females. It has a predominantly black plumage but the adult has white patches on the thighs and throat and a yellow throat during the breeding season. In Europe it can be distinguished from the Shag by its larger size, heavier build, thicker bill, lack of a crest and plumage without any green tinge. The (Great) Cormorant is a very common and widespread bird and it breeds in much of the Old World and the Atlantic coast of north America. It feeds on the sea, in estuaries and on freshwater lakes and rivers. Northern birds migrate south and winter along any coast that is well-supplied with fish. The (Great) Cormorant is found around the UK coastline on rocky shores, coastal lagoons and estuaries and it is increasingly seen inland at reservoirs, lakes and gravel pits. The UK holds internationally important wintering numbers. The (Great) Cormorant mainly nests in colonies near wetlands, rivers and sheltered inshore waters. Pairs will use the same nest site to breed year after year. It builds its nest, which is made mainly from sticks, in trees, on the ledges of cliffs and on the ground on rocky islands that are free of predators. The female lays 3 to 5 eggs which are incubated for a period of about 28 to 31 days. The (Great) Cormorant feeds on fish caught through diving and it will consume all fish of appropriate size that they are able to catch. Many fishermen see the (Great) Cormorant a competitor for fish. Because of this, it was nearly hunted to extinction in the past. Due to conservation efforts, its numbers increased although this has once again brought it in to conflict with fisheries. In the UK, where inland breeding was once uncommon, there are now increasing numbers of birds and many inland fish farms and fisheries now claim to be suffering high losses. In the UK each year, some licences are issued to cull specified numbers in order to help reduce predation although it is still illegal to kill a bird without such a licence. Date: 4th November 2022 Location: Bushy Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31192387.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_508176760591824351dac65.41652457.jpgGreat Spotted Woodpecker The Great Spotted Woodpecker is a Blackbird-sized bird with striking black and white plumage. The male has a distinctive red patch on the back of the head and young birds have a red crown. Great Spotted Woodpeckers have a very distinctive bouncing flight and spend most of their time clinging to tree trunks and branches. Their presence is often announced by its loud call or by its distinctive spring “drumming” display. Great Spotted Woodpeckers can be found all year round and are most common in woodlands, parks and large gardens in England and Wales. They also readily visit bird tables and peanut feeders. Date: 9th May 2017 Location: Weeting Heath NWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42202620.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16230156575ff30dc17b486.jpgWhite-tailed Eagles The White-tailed Eagle is a very large bird with a 72 to 96 inch wingspan and is the fourth largest eagle in the world. It has broad "barn door" wings, a large head and a thick "meat-cleaver" beak. The adult is mainly brown except for the paler head and neck, blackish flight feathers, distinctive white tail, and yellow bill and legs. In juvenile birds the tail and bill are darker, with the tail becoming white with a dark terminal band in sub-adults. The White-tailed Eagle breeds in northern Europe and northern Asia. The largest population in Europe is found along the coast of Norway. In the UK it became extinct during the early 20th century and the present population in Scotland has arisen from a reintroduction programme which commenced on the island of Rhum in 1975. It is still a rare breeding bird which was previously confined to the west coast of Scotland, although a reintroduction programme is now taking place in east Scotland. Date: 7th July 2019 Location: Kuntilampi, near Kuusamo, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28886020.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_103093889857cc37d471e20.jpgRoe Deer The Roe Deer is a small deer which has a white to buff patch on their rump, a black nose and “moustache” and a white chin. Its coat varies from sandy to reddish-brown in the summer to grey-brown or even black in winter. The antlers, which have no more than 3 points and are less than 10 inches in length, grow in winter and are shed in the autumn. The Roe Deer is found throughout Europe but it is absent from Ireland, much of Portugal, Greece and large parts of England and Wales. Roe Deer became extinct in most of England during the 18th century but they were reintroduced in the 19th century. The Roe Deer lives mainly in woodland where there are open patches of ground and access to the edges of fields and it feeds on grasses and the leaves of young broad-leaved trees and bushes. Both male and female Roe Deer are usually solitary and highly territorial with clearly defined boundaries which they scent mark. The Roe Deer has very good senses of smell, hearing and vision. When alarmed, it makes a characteristic barking noise. Roe Deer mate in July and August and fawns are born in the following spring. Many fawns die during their first year due to heavy predation by foxes. Date: 12th May 2016 Location: Tuhu Soo, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7950406.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8084652324d03ce58d384a.jpgCollared Dove CCollared Doves are distinctive birds with their buffy-pink plumage and black neck collar. They are usually seen singly or in pairs, although flocks may form where food is plentiful. They feed on the ground but readily perch on roofs and wires and in trees. The Collared Dove is not migratory but it is strongly dispersive. Over the last century, it has been one of the great colonisers of the bird world. Its original range at the end of the 19th century was warm temperate and subtropical Asia from Turkey east to south China and south through India to Sri Lanka. In 1838 it was reported in Bulgaria but not until the 20th century did it expand across Europe, appearing in parts of the Balkans between 1900 and 1920 and then spreading rapidly north west, reaching Germany in 1945, the UK in 1953, Ireland in 1959 and the Faroe Islands in the early 1970s. Subsequent spread was “sideways” from this fast north west spread reaching north east to north of the Arctic Circle in Norway, east to the Ural Mountains in Russia and south west to the Canary Islands and north Africa from Morocco to Egypt by the end of the 20th century. In the east of its range it has also spread north east to most of central and north China and locally (probably introduced) in Japan. It has also reached Iceland as a vagrant but has not colonised successfully there. Date: 1st November 2010 Location: Fairburn Ings RSPB reserve, South Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50570902.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_98697054965ccce52e02fe.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 17th January 2024 Location: Lee Navigation Canal, Lee Valley Regional Park, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41205437.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12633088545eb96e4f97caf.jpgLong-tailed Tit The Long-tailed Tit is easily recognisable with its distinctive colouring, a tail that is bigger than its body, and undulating flight. They are most usually noticed in small, excitable flocks of about 20 birds as they rove the woods, hedgerows and gardens often with other tit species. Long-tailed Tits can be seen all year round and throughout the UK except the far north and west of Scotland. Date: 30th April 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46534949.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_46114466362ca9c79a7978.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 27th June 2022 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40755797.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11070707535e20440842091.jpgGreater (Russian) White-fronted Goose The Greater White-fronted Goose is a species of goose which is closely related to the smaller Lesser White-fronted Goose. The Latin name, [i]Anser albifrons[/i], is derived from [i]anser[/i] meaning "goose" and [i]albus[/i] meaning "white" and [i]frons[/i] meaning “forehead”. The Greater White-fronted Goose is 25 to 32 inches in length with a 51 to 65 inches wingspan and weighs 4.3 to 7.3 pounds. It is smaller than the Greylag Goose and, as well as being larger than the Lesser White-fronted Goose, it lacks the yellow eye-ring of that species and the white facial blaze does not extend upwards so far. The Greater White-fronted Goose is a greyish-brown goose with a light grey breast dappled with dark brown to black blotches and bar, a pinkish bill and orange legs and feet. The male is typically larger in size but both sexes are similar in appearance The Greater White-fronted Goose is divided into 5 subspecies. The nominate subspecies Eurasian or Russian White-fronted Goose, [i]A. a. albifrons[/i], breeds in the far north of Europe and Asia and winters further south and west in Europe, including England and Wales. The very distinct Greenland White-fronted Goose, [i]A. a. flavirostris[/i], breeds in west Greenland and is much darker overall with only a very narrow white tip to the tail (broader on the other races), more black barring on its belly and usually has an orange (not pink) bill. It winters in Ireland and west Scotland. Some ecological studies suggest that the Greenland White-fronted Goose should probably be considered a separate species. Weather conditions are a key factor in the annual breeding success of the Greater White-fronted Goose. In the Arctic, the window of opportunity for nesting, incubating eggs and raising a brood is open briefly for about 3 months. Arriving in late May or early June, Greater White-fronted Geese begin departing for their wintering areas in early September. This means that a delayed snowmelt or late spring storm can significantly reduce breeding success. Date: 8th December 2019 Location: Joure to Terherne area, Friesland, Netherlands http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45182260.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18138237416235c39fb3a31.jpgCormorant The (Great) Cormorant is a widespread member of the cormorant and shag family Phalacrocoracidae. There is a wide variation in size in the species' wide range and males are typically larger and heavier than females. It has a predominantly black plumage but the adult has white patches on the thighs and throat and a yellow throat during the breeding season. In Europe it can be distinguished from the Shag by its larger size, heavier build, thicker bill, lack of a crest and plumage without any green tinge. The (Great) Cormorant is a very common and widespread bird and it breeds in much of the Old World and the Atlantic coast of north America. It feeds on the sea, in estuaries and on freshwater lakes and rivers. Northern birds migrate south and winter along any coast that is well-supplied with fish. The (Great) Cormorant is found around the UK coastline on rocky shores, coastal lagoons and estuaries and it is increasingly seen inland at reservoirs, lakes and gravel pits. The UK holds internationally important wintering numbers. The (Great) Cormorant mainly nests in colonies near wetlands, rivers and sheltered inshore waters. Pairs will use the same nest site to breed year after year. It builds its nest, which is made mainly from sticks, in trees, on the ledges of cliffs and on the ground on rocky islands that are free of predators. The female lays 3 to 5 eggs which are incubated for a period of about 28 to 31 days. The (Great) Cormorant feeds on fish caught through diving and it will consume all fish of appropriate size that they are able to catch. Many fishermen see the (Great) Cormorant a competitor for fish. Because of this, it was nearly hunted to extinction in the past. Due to conservation efforts, its numbers increased although this has once again brought it in to conflict with fisheries. In the UK, where inland breeding was once uncommon, there are now increasing numbers of birds and many inland fish farms and fisheries now claim to be suffering high losses. In the UK each year, some licences are issued to cull specified numbers in order to help reduce predation although it is still illegal to kill a bird without such a licence. Date: 21st January 2022 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453995.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16240124594ff547b182ec5.jpgWhite Stork The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 1st May 2012 Location: La Madre de las Marismas, El Rocío, Coto Doñana, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo34209769.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11783923785a9979189edf9.jpgSpotted Sandpiper The Spotted Sandpiper is a small wader. The adult has brown upperparts, white underparts with black spots, short yellowish legs and an orange bill with a dark tip. Non-breeding birds (as in this photo) do not have the spotted underparts and are very similar to the Common Sandpiper of Eurasia. The main difference is the shorter tail, more washed out wing pattern visible in flight and the normally light yellow legs and feet of the Spotted Sandpiper. The Spotted Sandpiper is often solitary and walks with a distinctive teeter, bobbing its tail up and down constantly. When foraging it walks quickly, crouching low, occasionally darting toward prey, all the while bobbing its tail. In flight, the Spotted Sandpipers has quick, snappy wingbeats interspersed with glides, keeping its wings below horizontal. The Spotted Sandpiper is common and widespread across most of Canada and the USA where it breeds almost anywhere near water i.e. along streams, rivers, ponds, lakes and beaches, particularly on rocky shores. It migrates to winter in southern USA and South America and it is a very rare vagrant to western Europe. The Spotted Sandpiper forages on the ground picking up food such as insects, crustaceans and other invertebrates by sight. It may also catch insects in flight and pick up earthworms, small crabs and crayfish, small fish and bits of carrion. This bird was first reported at the Slalom Course/River Trent confluence at Holme Pierrepoint Country Park in mid-January 2018 and remained on site for most of February 2018. Date: 24th February 2018 Location: Holme Pierrepoint Country Park, Nottinghamshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38397323.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7811424695ce127f35e2bf.jpgOystercatchers The Oystercatcher is a wader in the oystercatcher family. It is an obvious and noisy bird with black and white plumage, red legs and a strong broad red bill which is used for smashing or prising open molluscs such as mussels or for finding earthworms. Despite its name, oysters do not form a large part of its diet. The Oystercatcher is unmistakable in flight with white patches on the wings and tail with otherwise black upperparts and white underparts. Young birds are more brown, have a white neck collar and a duller bill. The call is a distinctive loud piping. The bill shape varies: Oystercatchers with broad bill tips open molluscs by prising them apart or hammering through the shell whereas birds with pointed bills dig up worms. Much of this is due to the wear resulting from feeding on their prey. Individual Oystercatchers specialise in one technique or the other which they learn from their parents. The Oystercatcher is the most widespread of the oystercatchers with 3 races breeding in western Europe, central Eurasia, Kamchatka, China, and the western coast of Korea. It is a migratory species over most of its range. The European population breeds mainly in northern Europe but in winter the birds can be found in north Africa and southern parts of Europe. Although the species is present all year in Ireland, the UK and the adjacent European coasts, there is still migratory movement within these populations. The Oystercatcher breeds on shingle and rocky beaches, sand dunes, salt marshes and on the grassy tops of small islands and also inland on shingle banks of rivers, lakes and gravel pits. Date: 10th May 2019 Location: Beaumaris to Penmon, Anglesey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847634.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7053933059bd544f06cc5.jpgMarsh Frog The Marsh Frog is the largest European frog. It is very similar in appearance to the closely related Edible Frog and Pool Frog. These 3 species are often referred to as "green frogs" to distinguish them from the more terrestrial European species which are known as "brown frogs" (best exemplified by the Common Frog). Marsh Frogs show a large variation in colour and pattern, ranging from dark green to brown or grey. The Western European populations are generally dark green to black with dark spots on the back and sides and 3 clear green lines on the back. Females can reach a maximum length of around 6.5 inches but males are smaller at around 4.5 inches. The head is proportionally large and the hind legs are long which gives them excellent jumping abilities. The Marsh Frog is usually gregarious and diurnal and more tied to aquatic habitats than the Common Frog. It is tolerant of brackish conditions and typically it is found on or in the water of its favoured drainage channels and pools throughout the year. Marsh Frogs frequently sunbathe on the bank of the water body where they are often inconspicuous until disturbed when they will jump in to the water with a characteristic “plop”. They can often be seen on lily pads or floating at the surface amongst vegetation with only their heads exposed. During the breeding season (and sometimes beyond) the male Marsh Frog calls very loudly with a sound reminiscent of a loud chuckle which is often very raucous and can be heard all day and night. Dominant males establish territories from which they call. After mating a female may produce up to 16,000 eggs in a season, laying them in clumps of a few hundred in aquatic vegetation below the surface. They hatch in about a week, tadpoles being rather solitary and living in deep water with vegetation. Newly metamorphosed frogs are up to 1 inch in length and take 2 years to mature. The diet of the Marsh Frog consists of dragonflies and other insects, spiders, earthworms and slugs. Larger frogs also eat small rodents and sometimes smaller amphibians and fish. Date: 2nd June 2017 Location: Leles to Boľ area, Latorica, Košice region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33820957.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8193417405a3d07da019ca.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 12th December 2017 Location: Kensington Gardens, London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833199.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1763743216559ce7b13123d.jpgCommon Wall Lizard The Common (European) Wall Lizard is a small, thin lizard which can grow to about 7.9 inches in total length and whose small scales are highly variable in colour and pattern. Its colouration is generally brownish or greyish and may occasionally be tinged with green. In some individuals, the row of spots along their backs may form a line whilst others may have a reticulated pattern with dark spots on the side and scattered white spots that can be blue in the shoulder region. The tail is brown, grey or rust in colour and may also have light bars on the sides. The belly region has six rows of larger rectangular scales that are generally reddish, pink or orangish. There may also be dark markings on the throat. The Common Wall Lizard has 6 distinct morphological forms which are identified by the colouration of its throat and underbelly. The Common Wall Lizard can be found in rocky environments, including urban settings, where it can scurry between rock, rubble, debris and buildings. Its natural range spans mainland Europe but it also occurs as an introduced species in southern UK and north America. Date: 14th May 2015 Location: Great Prespa Lake (Megali Prespa), West Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo47900589.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_476841321637364aab4ab3.jpgEgyptian Goose The Egyptian Goose is native to Africa south of the Sahara and the Nile Valley. It was considered sacred by the ancient Egyptians and appeared in much of their artwork. It has been raised for food and extensively bred in parts of Africa since it was domesticated by the ancient Egyptians. The Egyptian Goose is believed to be most closely related to the shelducks and their relatives. However, in flight it looks heavy and more like a goose than a duck, hence the English name. The sexes of the Egyptian Goose are identical in plumage but the males average slightly larger. There is a fair amount of variation in plumage with some birds greyer and others browner. It has distinctive dark brown eye patches and contrasting white wing patches in flight. The Egyptian Goose breeds widely in Africa except in deserts and dense forests and it is locally abundant. It is found mostly in the Nile Valley and south of the Sahara. While not breeding, it sometimes makes longer migrations northwards into the arid regions of the Sahel. The Egyptian Goose has also been introduced elsewhere: the UK, the Netherlands, France and Germany have self-sustaining populations which are mostly derived from escaped ornamental birds. The UK population dates back to the 18th century although it was only formally added to the British list in 1971. In the UK it can be seen on ornamental ponds as well as on gravel pits and lowland lakes and wetlands. The north Norfolk coast and Norfolk Broads hold the highest numbers. The Egyptian Goose will nest in a large variety of situations, especially in holes in mature trees in parkland. The female builds the nest from reeds, leaves and grass, and both parents take turns incubating eggs. Egyptian Geese usually pair for life and both the male and female care for the offspring until they are old enough to care for themselves. Date: 4th November 2022 Location: Bushy Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4352178.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10854114354b687b8d57292.jpgSnow Bunting Snow Buntings are large buntings with striking “snowy” plumages. Males in summer have all white heads and underparts contrasting with a black mantle and wing tips. Females are a more mottled above. In autumn and winter birds develop a sandy/buff wash to their plumage and males have more mottled upperparts. Snow Buntings breed in far northern Europe and migrate south in winter. They are a very scarce breeding species in the UK and can be found on the highest mountain peaks in Scotland where they nest in rocky crevices. Snow Buntings are best looked for in winter (from late September to early March) where they can sometimes be seen in large flocks on the seashore or on adjacent short rough grassland at coastal sites in Scotland and eastern England. Date: 1st February 2010 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4088361.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11430836554b194b8e2ce09.jpgCommon Cranes The Common Crane is a large, stately bird and a medium-sized crane at 40 to 52 inches long with a 71 to 96 inches wingspan. At rest, Cranes are rather stork-like but with big bushy tails, black wing plumes and grey bodies and even from a great distance the white stripe through the black head is noticeable. In flight, the long neck, held outstretched and slightly drooping makes them quite different from the herons and the grey plumage eliminates both of the storks. They fly in flocks in “V” formation making trumpeting calls. Common Cranes breed in large areas of marsh and bog in northern parts of Europe and Asia and occur in winter and on passage in open, often agricultural, areas close to large wetlands used for roosting. The global population is in the region of 210,000 to 250,000 with the vast majority nesting in Russia and Scandinavia. In the UK the Common Crane became extinct in the 17th century but a tiny population now breeds again in the Norfolk Broads and is slowly increasing. Flocks of Cranes in late spring can be watched performing their “dancing” displays. This usually involves opening their wings and leaping vertically into the air with the legs dangling. Once one bird starts this, others will join in and the whole performance can even be initiated by a human pretending to be a dancing crane. Once the birds are paired off they are more likely to perform different displays involving stretching their necks vertically and trumpeting. Common Cranes from Fennoscandia, the Baltic states and western Russia take the west European migration route to their wintering grounds. Over 100,000 birds use this flyway and over 70,000 winter in Spain (mainly Extremadura) with smaller numbers in south west France, Portugal and north Africa. Laguna de Gallocanta in Aragon is a key staging post for Common Cranes both entering and leaving Spain and very large numbers use the lake and surrounding land to feed and rest for varying periods before continuing their journey. Up to 20,000 Common Cranes may be seen at Laguna de Gallocanta regularly and concentrations of up to 60,000 have been recorded, these being the largest gatherings anywhere in western Europe. Date: 11th November 2009 Location: Laguna de Gallocanta, Aragon, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/lake-durankulak-dobrich-province-bulgaria https://images.on-this.website/4752_20056521945d3079ff835af.jpgLake Durankulak, Dobrich Province, Bulgaria Durankulak is a village in north east Bulgaria and it is the most north eastern inhabited place in the country and the most northern village on the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast. It is located just 3.5 miles from the Bulgaria-Romania border checkpoint to the north, 62 miles from Varna (the third largest city in Bulgaria) to the south and 37 miles from Constanța (the oldest continuously inhabited city in Romania) to the north. The freshwater Lake Durankulak is located to the south east of the village and is separated from the Black Sea by sand dunes and a strip of beach. It has an area of around 2.5 square miles and features 2 islands in its western part. Lake Durankulak is one of the most important and well preserved coastal wetlands in Bulgaria. It is situated on the Via Pontica bird migration flyway and it is included within the Natura 2000 network of nature protection areas in Europe and also designated as an Important Bird Area (IBA) and Ramsar site. Lake Durankulak can be divided in to 3 main sections: the so-called Eagle Marsh in the north, the main brackish lake in the centre and a shallow reed and rush covered marsh in the south east. It is an important site for a large range of breeding, migrating and wintering birds but the main reason for visiting is that it is an easy place to see Paddyfield Warbler during spring and summer. The Paddyfield Warbler is a marsh warbler that breeds in temperate central Asia. It is a rare vagrant to west Europe although the small breeding population along the shores of the Black Sea around the border between Bulgaria and Romania is notable. Lake Durankulak is also an archaeologically important area. Pithouses of the oldest known inhabitants of the historical region of Dobruja, dating to 5100 to 4700 BC, have been unearthed near the west shore as well as burial mounds from 3500 to 3400 BC. The “Big Island” of Lake Durankulak is particularly important as it is the site of an Eneolithic settlement from 4600 to 4200 BC, a cultural monument of national importance. The island also features a 1300 to 1200 BC fortified settlement, a Hellenistic rock-hewn cave sanctuary of Cybele from the 3rd century BC and a Bulgar settlement from the 9th to 10th century AD. Date: 18th May 2018 Location: view from Branta Birding Lodge, Durankulak, Dobrich Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26008468.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16626247695634f92d3c4f5.jpgDettifoss, Vatnajökull National Park, north east Iceland Dettifoss is a waterfall in Vatnajökull National Park in north east Iceland and it is reputed to be the most powerful waterfall in Europe. Dettifoss is situated on the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river which flows from the Vatnajökull glacier and collects water from a large area in north east Iceland. The falls are 330 feet wide and have a drop of 150 feet down to the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon. It is the largest waterfall in Iceland in terms of volume discharge. Since the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river can not be crossed in the vicinity of Dettifoss, it is reached by 2 separate roads: a new tarmac road for the west bank (road 862 finished in 2011) and an older gravel road for the east bank (road 864). On the west bank there are no facilities and the view of the waterfall is somewhat hindered by the waterfall's spray. On the east bank there is an information panel maintained by the staff of Vatnajökull National Park and a maintained track to the best viewpoints. Dettifoss is located on the “Diamond Circle”, a popular tourist route around Húsavík including Lake Mývatn and the Ásbyrgi canyon. Date: 4th June 2015 Location: view from the west bank of the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874802.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_437492361561cce1073fa3.jpgRed-throated Divers The Red-throated Diver is the smallest and lightest of the world's diver or loon species. Like all divers, it is long-bodied and short-necked and with its legs set far back on its body. The sexes are similar in appearance although males tend to be slightly larger and heavier than females. In breeding plumage, the adult has a dark grey head and neck with narrow black and white stripes on the back of the neck, a triangular red throat patch, white underparts and a dark grey-brown mantle. The non-breeding plumage is drabber with the chin, foreneck and much of the face white, the top of the head and back of the neck grey and considerable white speckling on the dark mantle. The bill is thin, straight and sharp and the bird often holds it at an uptilted angle. In flight, the Red-throated Diver has a distinctive profile. Its small feet do not project far past the end of its body, its head and neck droop below the horizontal (giving the flying bird a distinctly hunchbacked shape) and its thin wings are angled back. It has a quicker, deeper wing beat than other divers. The Red-throated Diver has a large global population and a significant global range but some populations are declining. Oil spills, habitat degradation, pollution and fishing nets are among the major threats and natural predators, such as various gull species and both red and Arctic foxes, will take eggs and young. The Red-throated Diver breeds primarily in the Arctic regions of northern Eurasia and north America and it winters in northern coastal waters, sometimes in groups of considerable size. Unlike other divers, it regularly uses very small freshwater lakes as breeding sites. In Europe, it breeds in Iceland, northern Scotland, Scandinavia and northern Russia and it winters along the coast as far south as parts of Spain. Date: 7th June 2015 Location: east of Ólafsvík, Snæfellsnes peninsula, west Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874838.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1515028803561ccf6b997d9.jpgHaukadalur, south Iceland The Haukadalur geothermal area is located in south west Iceland to the north east of the Reykjanes peninsula and Reykjavík. Here can be seen some of the most famous sights of Iceland: the geysers and other geothermal features which have developed on the Laugarfjall rhyolitic dome. The biggest geysers of Haukadalur are Strokkur and Geysir. There are also more than 40 other hot springs, mud pots and fumaroles nearby. The oldest accounts of hot springs at Haukadalur date back to 1294 when earthquakes in the area caused significant changes in the local neighbouring landscape creating several new hot springs. Changes in the activity of Geysir and the surrounding geysers are still strongly related to earthquake activity. Strokkur is a fountain geyser and is one of Iceland's most famous geysers. It is very dependable and erupts about every 5 to 10 minutes with boiling water reaching a height of 50 to 65 feet and sometimes up to 130 feet. Geysir, sometimes known as The Great Geysir, was the first geyser described in a printed source in the 18th century and the first known to modern Europeans. Since unusual natural phenomena were of high interest to society during the Age of Enlightenment, the term became popular and has been used for similar hydrothermal features worldwide since then. The English word geyser derives from Geysir whilst Geysir itself is derived from the Icelandic verb <i>geysa</i> ("to gush"). Eruptions at Geysir can hurl boiling water up to 230 feet in the air but eruptions are now very infrequent and have in the past stopped altogether for years at a time. The Haukadalur geothermal area, usually referred to as Geysir, is popular with tourists and, together with the magnificent waterfall at Gulfoss and Þingvellir, it is part of a group of the most famous sights of Iceland known as the "Golden Circle". Date: 7th June 2015 Location: Strokkur at Haukadalur http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21829777.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_148321952153cbaa3315e8f.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 11th June 2014 Location: Bempton Cliifs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26041654.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5685991485638ae63f282a.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill <i>"kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake"</i>. The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Látrabjarg, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21958008.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_52290826753da421066ab8.jpgShag and chicks The European Shag, Common Shag or simply Shag is a species of cormorant. It is 27 to 31 inches in length with a 37 to 43 inches wingspan. It is mainly black in colour but with a glossy green-tinged sheen in adults. It has a longish tail and a yellow throat-patch. Adults have a small recurved crest in the breeding season. It is distinguished from the Cormorant by its smaller size, lighter build, thinner and narrower bill, and, in breeding adults, by the crest and metallic green-tinged sheen. The Shag breeds around the rocky coasts of west and south Europe, north Africa and south west Asia, mainly wintering in its breeding range except for the northernmost birds. It nests on rocky ledges or in crevices or small caves and the nests are untidy heaps of rotting seaweed or twigs cemented together by the bird's own guano. The nesting season is long and begins in late February although some nests are not started until May or even later. The female lays 3 eggs and the chicks hatch without down and so they rely totally on their parents for warmth, often for a period of 2 months before they can fly. Fledging may occur at any time from early June to late August and exceptionally to mid-October. In the UK, the Shag breeds at coastal sites, mainly in the north and west of the country, and more than half of the population is found at fewer than 10 sites. It can be seen during the breeding season at the large Scottish colonies on Orkney, Shetland, the Inner Hebrides and in the Firth of Forth. Elsewhere it can be seen commonly around the coasts of Wales and south west England, especially in Devon and Cornwall. The Shag feeds in the sea and, unlike the Cormorant, it is rare inland. It is one of the deepest pursuit divers among the cormorant family and it has been shown to dive to at least 150 feet. When it dives, it jumps out of the water first to give extra impetus to the dive. The Shag forages for food on the sea bed and eats a wide range of fish although the commonest prey is the sand eel. It will travel long distances from its breeding and roosting sites in order to feed. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Staple Island, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19507412.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_104073119252528b392cbc2.jpgSierra de Grazalema, Andalucia, Spain The Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park is a Natural Park in the north east part of the province of Cádiz in Andalucia. The Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park contains within its 127,740 acres a complex of mountain ranges known collectively as the Sierra de Grazalema, which in turn are part of the Cordillera Subbética. Other ranges comprising the Sierra de Grazalema include the Sierra de Zafalgar, the Sierra del Pinar, and the Sierra de Endrinal. El Torreón at 5425 feet is the tallest peak. Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1977, the Sierra de Grazalema was declared the first Natural Park in Andalucia in 1984 and is one of Spain's most ecologically outstanding areas. The Natural Park is famous for its spectacularly rugged limestone landscape of cliffs, gullies, caves and gorges. By far the most impressive gorge is Garganta Verde rocky walls that tower vertically for 1300 feet. Andalucia's largest cave system is also here, the Hundidero-Gato with its biggest cavern measuring 2.5 miles long and an entrance of 200 feet tall. The region is well known for being the rainiest place in Spain, with an annual rainfall of over 85 inches This means that the 1,300 Mediterranean plant species that have been registered here, many of them endemic and some of them unique to the Sierra de Grazalema, flourish. There is a magnificent and well preserved forest of the rare Spanish Fir, a relic from the Tertiary period, in the Sierra del Pinar on the slopes of El Torreón. Dotted around the Sierra de Grazalema are attractive “pueblos blancos” or “white villages” including Grazalema and Zahara de la Sierra. A stunning mountain road rises north west from Grazalema to Puerto de las Palomas at 4450 feet before descending to Zahara de la Sierra. Date: 7th September 2013 Location: view from the road between Grazalema and Zahara de la Sierra, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo20140109.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_167462250052c0028f39084.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 9th December 2013 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453886.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1724776024ff54470a34de.jpgEuropean Bee-eater The European Bee-eater is an incredibly colourful bird with an unmistakable appearance. In breeding plumage, it has a rich chestnut crown that blends into gold on its back. The forehead is white, the throat is yellow bordered by black and the underparts are blue. The male European Bee-eater has a chestnut-coloured patch in the middle of the wing while in females this patch is usually smaller or even absent. Occasionally, females may also be distinguished from the males by having a green back. The wings and backs of juvenile European Bee-eaters are entirely green and the eyes are brown in contrast to the bright red eyes of adults. The European Bee-eater breeds in southern Europe and in parts of north Africa and western Asia. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, India and Sri Lanka. European Bee-eaters are occasionally seen in northern Europe (including the UK) as a spring overshoot north of its range with occasional breeding occurring. Just as the name suggests, the European Bee-eater predominantly eats insects, especially bees, wasps and hornets which are caught in the air by sorties from an open perch. Before eating its meal, a European Bee-eater removes the sting by repeatedly hitting the insect on a hard surface. Lizards and frogs are also taken. European Bee-eaters are gregarious, nesting colonially in sandy banks preferably near river shores and also feeding and roosting communally. Date: 25th April 2012 Location: road to La Lancha and Embalse del Jándula, Sierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17942870.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_688934096518cb6215dab4.jpgGreat Crested Grebe The Great Crested Grebe is the largest member of the grebe family measuring 18 to 20 inches in length with a wing span of 23 to 29 inches. It is a graceful bird with its long neck, long bill and slender outline. In summer, the adults of both sexes are unmistakable being adorned with beautiful head-plumes which are reddish-orange in colour with black tips. There is also an erectile black crown. Non-breeding adults lack the full crest and have a dark crown bordered by a white face, the white extending down the fore-neck and chest. The sexes are similar in appearance but juveniles can be distinguished from adults by having a striped black and white head and neck. The Great Crested Grebe can be found across Europe and Asia and it breeds on shallow, reed-fringed freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs and slow rivers. It is resident in the milder west of its range but it migrates from the colder regions of its range to freshwater lakes, reservoirs and sheltered coastal areas in winter. The Great Crested Grebe has an elaborate mating display. Like all grebes, it nests on the water's edge since its legs are set relatively far back and it is thus unable to walk very well. Usually 2 eggs are laid and the fluffy, striped young grebes are often carried on the adult's back. In a clutch of 2 or more hatchlings, male and female grebes will each identify their “favourites” which they alone will care for and teach. Unusually, young Great Crested Grebes are capable of swimming and diving almost at hatching. The adults teach these skills to their young by carrying them on their backs and diving, leaving the chicks to float on the surface. They then re-emerge a few feet away so that the chicks may swim back on to them. The Great Crested Grebe feeds mainly on fish but it will also eat small crustaceans, insects and small frogs and newts. The Great Crested Grebe was hunted almost to extinction in the UK in the 19th century due to being hunted for its head plumes which were used to decorate hats and ladies' undergarments. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was set up to help protect the Great Crested Grebe which is now again a common sight. Date: 28th April 2013 Location: Abberton Reservoir, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11481810.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19116867634e26a32462404.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 16/04/07 Location: Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072354.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4625045564bf6dfd76992d.jpgSteller's Eiders The Steller's Eider is a medium sized sea duck and the smallest of the 4 species of eider. In it’s breeding plumage, the male is unmistakable with a black back, white shoulders, chestnut breast and belly, a white head with a greenish tuft and small black eye patches. During the late summer and autumn, males are entirely mottled dark brown. Females and juveniles are mottled dark brown all year round. Adults of both sexes have a blue patch with a white border on the upper wing similar to a mallard. The bird is named after the German naturalist Georg Steller. Steller's Eiders breed along the Arctic coasts of northern Russia and northern and western Alaska. It is estimated that the world population of Steller's Eiders is around 220,000 birds, the majority of which nest in Russia. Most Steller's Eiders breeding in Alaska and Russia migrate south after breeding. An estimated 40,000 winter in north eastern Europe along the coasts of Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Finland, Norway and Sweden. It is very scarce south of its wintering range. Date: 13th April 2010 Location: Svartnes, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31192261.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17440560775918238777d6d0.91104431.jpgLittle Egret The Little Egret is a species of small heron. The genus name comes from the Provençal French [i]Aigrette[/i] (egret), a diminutive of [i]Aigron [/i] (heron). The adult Little Egret is 22 to 26 inches long with a 35 to 42 inches wingspan. Its plumage is normally entirely white although there are dark forms with largely bluish-grey plumage. In the breeding season, the adult has 2 long plumes on the nape that form a crest. These plumes are about 6 inches in length and are pointed and very narrow. There are similar feathers on the breast but the barbs are more widely spread. There are also several elongated scapular feathers that have long loose barbs around 8 inches long. During the winter the plumage is similar but the scapulars are shorter and more normal in appearance. The bill is long and slender and both it and the lores are black. There is an area of greenish-grey bare skin at the base of the lower mandible and around the eye which has a yellow iris. The legs are black and the feet yellow. Juveniles are similar to non-breeding adults but have greenish-black legs and duller yellow feet and may have a certain proportion of greyish or brownish feathers. The Little Egret is mostly silent but it does make various croaking and bubbling calls at its breeding colonies and it produces a harsh alarm call when disturbed. The breeding range of the western race of the Little Egret includes south Europe, the Middle East, much of Africa and south Asia. European populations are migratory and mostly travel to Africa although some remain in south Europe. During the late 20th century, the range of the Little Egret expanded northwards in Europe and into the New World. The Little Egret's habitat varies widely and includes the shores of lakes, rivers, canals, ponds, lagoons, marshes and flooded land, the bird preferring open locations to dense cover. On the coast it inhabits mudflats, sandy beaches, mangrove areas, swamps and reefs. The Little Egret is a sociable bird and can be seen in small flocks. However, individual birds do not tolerate others coming too close to their chosen feeding site although this depends on the abundance of prey. The Little Egret uses a variety of methods to find its food. It stalks its prey in shallow water, often running with raised wings or shuffling its feet to disturb small fish, or it may stand still and wait to ambush prey. It also makes use of opportunities provided by Cormorants disturbing fish or humans attracting fish by throwing bread into water. On land, it walks or runs while chasing its prey, often feeding on creatures disturbed by grazing livestock. The diet is mainly fish but amphibians, small reptiles, mammals and birds are also eaten as well as crustaceans, molluscs, insects, spiders and worms. The Little Egret nests in colonies, often with other wading birds such as Cattle Egret, Black-crowned Night Heron, Squacco Heron and Glossy Ibis. The nests are usually platforms of sticks built in trees or shrubs or in reed beds or bamboo groves. Pairs defend a small breeding territory, usually extending around 10 to 13 feet from the nest. The 3 to 5 eggs are incubated by both adults for 21 to 25 days before hatching. The young birds are covered in white down feathers and are cared for by both parents fledging after 40 to 45 days. Globally, the Little Egret is not listed as a threatened species and has in fact expanded its range over the last few decades. The IUCN states that their wide distribution and large total population means that they are a species that cause them "least concern". Historical research has shown that the Little Egret was once present and probably common in the UK but became extinct through a combination of over-hunting in the late mediaeval period and climate change at the start of the Little Ice Age. Further declines occurred throughout Europe as the plumes of the Little Egret and other egrets were in demand for decorating hats. They had been used in the plume trade since at least the 17th century but in the 19th century it became a major craze and the number of egret skins passing through dealers reached into the millions. Hunting, which reduced the population of the species to dangerously low levels, stimulated the establishment of Britain's Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in 1889. By the 1950s, the Little Egret had become restricted to south Europe and conservation laws protecting the species were introduced. This allowed the population to rebound strongly and over the next few decades it became increasingly common in western France and later on the north coast. It bred in the Netherlands in 1979 with further breeding from the 1990s onward. Populations are now mostly stable or increasing in Europe. In the UK, the Little Egret was a rare vagrant from its 16th century extinction until the late 20th century. It has, however, recently become a regular breeding species and is commonly present, often in large numbers, at favoured coastal sites. The first recent breeding record in England was on Brownsea Island in Dorset in 1996 and it bred in Wales for the first time in 2002. The population increase has been rapid subsequently with over 750 pairs breeding in nearly 70 colonies in 2008 and a post-breeding total of 4540 birds in September 2008. Severe winter weather proves only to be a temporary setback and the Little Egret continues to expand both its numbers and range in the UK. Date: 6th May 2017 Location: Aberogwen (Spinnies) NWWT reserve, Gwynedd http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457082.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_76393429666857082ce49b.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/sand-martins https://images.on-this.website/4752_9423280945c2a1c8ca0a65.jpgSand Martins The Sand Martin (or Bank Swallow in north America) is a migratory passerine bird in the hirundine or swallow family. It is the smallest member of its family in Europe. It is brown above, white below with a narrow brown band on the breast. The bill is black and the legs are brown. Its brown back, white throat, small size and quick jerky flight separate it at once from similar swallows such as the House Martin. The Sand Martin has a wide range in summer and can be found near larger bodies of water such as rivers and lakes throughout Europe, parts of north Asia and north America. It winters in east and south Africa, south America and the Indian subcontinent. The Sand Martin arrives in its breeding range as the first of its family, starting towards the end of March just in advance of the Swallow. At first, they flit over the larger bodies of water alone in search of early flies. Later parties accompany other swallow species before moving on to their nesting sites. It departs early from its breeding range from the end of August and the majority have left by the end of September. The Sand Martin is gregarious in its nesting habits and many hundred pairs will nest close together according to available space. The nests are located at the end of tunnels from a few inches to 3 or 4 feet in length and are bored in to sand or gravel. The actual nest is a litter of straw and feathers in a chamber at the end of the tunnel. Eggs are laid around mid-May and a second brood is usual in all but the most northernly breeding sites. The Sand Martin feeds on small insects, mostly gnats and other flies, whose early stages are aquatic. Date: 27th June 2018 Location: near Kilchoan, Ardnamurchan, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/greater-greenland-white-fronted-geese https://images.on-this.website/4752_18916934465e5392d0585db.jpgGreater (Greenland) White-fronted Geese The Greater White-fronted Goose is a species of goose which is closely related to the smaller Lesser White-fronted Goose. The Latin name, [i]Anser albifrons[/i], is derived from [i]anser[/i] meaning "goose" and [i]albus[/i] meaning "white" and [i]frons[/i] meaning “forehead”. The Greater White-fronted Goose is 25 to 32 inches in length with a 51 to 65 inches wingspan and weighs 4.3 to 7.3 pounds. It is smaller than the Greylag Goose and, as well as being larger than the Lesser White-fronted Goose, it lacks the yellow eye-ring of that species and the white facial blaze does not extend upwards so far. The Greater White-fronted Goose is a greyish-brown goose with a light grey breast dappled with dark brown to black blotches and bar, a pinkish bill and orange legs and feet. The male is typically larger in size but both sexes are similar in appearance The Greater White-fronted Goose is divided into 5 subspecies. The nominate subspecies Eurasian or Russian White-fronted Goose, [i]A. a. albifrons[/i], breeds in the far north of Europe and Asia and winters further south and west in Europe, including England and Wales. The very distinct Greenland White-fronted Goose, [i]A. a. flavirostris[/i], breeds in west Greenland and is much darker overall with only a very narrow white tip to the tail (broader on the other races), more black barring on its belly and usually has an orange (not pink) bill. It winters in Ireland and west Scotland. Some ecological studies suggest that the Greenland White-fronted Goose should probably be considered a separate species. Weather conditions are a key factor in the annual breeding success of the Greater White-fronted Goose. In the Arctic, the window of opportunity for nesting, incubating eggs and raising a brood is open briefly for about 3 months. Arriving in late May or early June, Greater White-fronted Geese begin departing for their wintering areas in early September. This means that a delayed snowmelt or late spring storm can significantly reduce breeding success. Date: 30th January 2020 Location: Wexford Wildfowl Nature Reserve, Co. Wexford, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833589.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1223069353559ced25505ca.jpgPygmy Cormorant The Pygmy Cormorant is the smallest member of the cormorant family of seabirds and is a medium-sized green-glossed black bird with a long tail and short thick bill. Adults have small white feather tufts on the head, neck and underparts in the breeding season. The sexes are similar, but juveniles are duller and browner. The Pygmy Cormorant is distinguished from the Great Cormorant and the Common Shag by its much smaller size, lighter build and long tail. The Pygmy Cormorant can be found along the east coasts of the Adriatic Sea, the northern Aegean Sea, the Black Sea eastwards to the Caspian Sea and in Iraq. The Pygmy Cormorant breeds in Albania, Greece, Bulgaria, Turkey, Romania, Moldavia, Ukraine, Russia, Azerbaijan and Iraq while a few pairs also breed in Hungary and Slovakia. The biggest colony is located in Danube Delta in Romania and numbers 4,000 pairs. In Greece the most important colonies are located at Lake Mikri Prespa and Lake Kerkini. The Pygmy Cormorant also formerly bred in the Axios Delta, at Lake Ismarida and Lake Kastoria, in the Evros Delta and at Porto Lagos. The most important wintering areas in Greece are mainly the large wetlands of Thrace and Macedonia. The Pygmy Cormorant can be found in wetlands with still or slowly flowing fresh water and more rarely in coastal wetlands. It builds nests from sticks and reeds in dense vegetation, in trees, shrubs, willows but occasionally in reeds on small floating islets, either alone with Great Cormorants, Spoonbills and heron and egret species. The Pygmy Cormorant feeds on small fish and rarely on small aquatic mammals and molluscs which are caught by diving. It often hunts in groups and perches in trees between fishing expeditions. The Pygmy Cormorant is a species with habitats strongly affected by human actions. Threats include the drainage and serious degradation of wetlands and their associated woodland, water pollution, disturbance, poaching as well as drowning in fishing nets. Being a great fish consumer and destroyer of fishing nets, it is often persecuted by fishermen. Date: 12th May 2015 Location: Lake Kerkini, Central Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11202908.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5005166524e18605f77d79.jpgWhooper Swans The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 6th November 2007 Location: Machrie, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37431274.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3994761765c6bec2471b38.jpgShelduck The Shelduck resembles a small short-necked goose in size and shape. It is larger than a Mallard but smaller than geese such as Greylag and Canada Geese. The Shelduck is a striking bird with a reddish-pink bill, pink feet, a white body with chestnut patches and a black belly and a dark green head and neck. The wing coverts are white, the primaries are black and the secondaries are green and chestnut. The underwings are almost entirely white. Sexes are similar but the female is smaller with some white facial markings whilst the male is particularly crisply coloured in the breeding season with a bright red bill bearing a prominent knob at the forehead. Ducklings are white with a black cap, hindneck and wing and back patches. Juveniles are greyish above and mostly white below but already have the adult's wing pattern. The Shelduck breeds in temperate Eurasia where it nests in rabbit burrows and tree holes. Most populations migrate to sub-tropical areas in winter but it is largely resident in west Europe apart from movements to favoured moulting grounds such as the Wadden Sea on the north German coast. The Shelduck is common around the coastline of the UK and Ireland where it can be found on salt marshes, tidal mudflats and estuaries although it can also be found around inland waters such as reservoirs and gravel workings. It can be seen all year round but the population increases significantly during winter with the arrival of birds from continental Europe. Date: 8th January 2019 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33820954.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_426115405a3d07d1ba717.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 12th December 2017 Location: Kensington Gardens, London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23806427.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19569605435512a94ac82fc.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 7th March 2015 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081399.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_71786701463a71b730fd65.jpgMallards The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 12th January 2022 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/parque-nacional-de-monfrague-extremadura https://images.on-this.website/4752_11762339804ff54551d240c.jpgParque Nacional de Monfragüe, Extremadura, Spain The Monfragüe National Park is located in the region of Extremadura in western Spain at the confluence of the rivers Tajo (Tagus) and Tiétar. The rivers have eroded deep gorges flanked by sheer rock faces. However, their flow was dammed in the late 1960s and the resulting reservoirs ensure an abundance of standing water all year round. Monfragüe extends to 17,852 hectares and was declared a Parque Natural (Natural Park) in 1979 and then a Parque Nacional (National Park) in 2007. Monfragüe was designated a Biosphere Reserve in 2003 by UNESCO. The variety of habitats within Monfragüe range from open grassland, wooded valleys and scrub-covered hillsides to high rocky crags and they support a wide range of Iberian birds including some major rarities. Part of the area has been planted with non-native pines and eucalyptus but much native Mediterranean-type woodland remains including the dehesa. This habitat, almost confined to Iberia is dry, open pasture with scattered patches of cork and holm oak and has a characteristic flora and fauna, providing breeding and feeding sites for many of the region's birds. Monfragüe is the best known raptor site in Spain and has one of the largest colonies of Black Vultures in the world and one of the highest concentrations of the Spanish Imperial Eagle in the world. In all, 3 species of vulture breed here along with 5 species of eagle, 3 species of kite and 2 species of harrier. As well as supporting some of Spain's rarest birds, Monfragüe is home to the rare Iberian Lynx and many other mammals. In addition to 15 species of bat there are Red Deer, Roe Deer and Fallow Deer, Wild Boar, Wildcat, Otter, Genet, Polecat and Beech Marten and more widespread species such as Red Fox and Badger. Mouflon and Egyptian Mongoose have been introduced. 19 species of reptile occur, including 9 snakes and various amphibians. Monfragüe is easily accessible from Cáceres and Trujillo in the south and Plasencia in the north. Date: 27th April 2012 Location: eastern entrance to Parque Nacional de Monfragüe, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9589828.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2853338664db168f25b60c.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 10th February 2008 Location: Verulanium Park, St Albans, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32708769.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_44911327059ad248dc4bbf7.72289330.jpgLittle Owl The Little Owl is a small owl, white-speckled brown above and brown-streaked white below. It has a large head, long legs and yellow eyes and its white “eyebrows” give it a stern expression. The Little Owl can be seen during daylight, usually perching on a tree branch, telegraph pole, rock or building. It will bob its head up and down when alarmed. In flight it has long, rounded wings, rapid wingbeats and flies with a slight undulation. The Little Owl is a bird which is resident in much of the temperate and warmer parts of Europe, Asia east to Korea and north Africa. It is not native to the UK but was first introduced in 1842 and is now naturalised there. Date: 17th May 2017 Location: Bugyi to Kunpeszér, Pest county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871640.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_191892094eff1feee5c0a.jpgSandfjord, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway Date: 26th May 2009 Location: view from coastal road at Sandfjord, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50809820.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_219230126660bd81c6abe1.jpgPeacock Flight period: March to September. The Peacock is a familiar and widespread butterfly which is continuing to expand its range in the UK. It is a highly adaptable species that can be found almost anywhere but the best sites are where favoured nectar plants are available. Date: 1st April 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45456911.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1475714900624ffc5114de7.jpgDunlin The Dunlin is the commonest small wader found along the coast and can be seen on all UK estuaries with the largest numbers in winter. During winter they feed in large flocks on estuaries with mudflats, saltmarsh and coastal lagoons as well as inland lakes and sewage farms. Dunlin breed on the wet upland moors of Scotland, Wales and England and also the wet grassland machair of the Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland and the Flow Country of Caithness and Sutherland. Date: 9th November 2021 Location: Shoeburyness, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7439586.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11329673724cd572032a912.jpgFallow Deer Fallow Deer are native to the Mediterranean region of Europe and from Turkey to Iran but they have been introduced to nearly 40 countries including the UK by the Normans in the 11th century. Fallow Deer commonly gather in small herds of 4 to 5 but in good feeding areas groupings of up to 100 may gather. When competing for access to females, males display by groaning, thrashing their antlers and by walking alongside their opponent. Fighting occurs if both stags are evenly matched and involves wrestling and clashing of antlers. Fallow Deer have many colour varieties but they are typically fawn-coloured in the summer and reddish-brown in the winter. They have yellow-white undersides, white spots and a black line that runs along the back to the tip of the tail. The spots become less conspicuous or disappear in winter. Males have palmate (flattened) antlers. Date: 8th September 2010 Location: Sierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain - road to La Lancha and Embalse del Jándula http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512803.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_805696462c99fdb9cc18.jpgCommon Sandpiper The Common Sandpiper is a small wader. The adult is 7.1 to 7.9 inches long with a 13 to 14 inches wingspan. It has greyish-brown upperparts, white underparts, short dark-yellowish legs and feet and a bill with a pale base and dark tip. In winter plumage, it is duller and has more conspicuous barring on the wings although this is still only visible at close range. Juveniles are more heavily barred above and have buff edges to the wing feathers. The Common Sandpiper habitually bobs up and down and it has a distinctive flight with stiff, bowed wings. Its presence is often betrayed by its three-note call which it gives as it flies off. The Common Sandpiper is widespread and common and breeds across most of temperate and sub-tropical Europe and Asia where it nests on the ground near freshwater. It migrates to Africa, south Asia and Australia in winter. In the UK, the Common Sandpiper breeds along fast-flowing upland streams and rivers and at the edges of lochs and lakes in Scotland, Wales and the north of England. Summer visitors arrive in March and April and leave the breeding grounds in July and August with the young following in September. During the spring and autumn passage migration, it can be found elsewhere in the UK, near lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers, ditches, coastal shores and estuaries. The Common Sandpiper forages by sight on the ground or in shallow water, picking up small food items such as insects, crustaceans and other invertebrates. Date: 10th May 2022 Location: WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre, Carmarthenshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/lake-tisza-heves-county-hungary https://images.on-this.website/4752_117338860159ad282f8566d9.63001609.jpgLake Tisza, Heves County, Hungary Lake Tisza (Tisza-tó) is the largest artificial lake in Hungary. As part of the ongoing Tisza River flood control project, the Tisza Dam was built in 1973. Its filling was finished in the 1990s resulting in Lake Tisza which covers an area of 49 square miles. The lake is 17 miles in length and has a total shoreline of 50 miles. It has an average depth of 6 feet and a maximum depth of 56 feet and contains around 17 square miles of small islands. It sits at an elevation of 273 feet and drains a watershed that covers around 25000 square miles. Its main inflow and outflow is the Tisza River. Following the reservoir's completion, Hungarians began to flock to the site for holidays since it compared favourably with the crowded and expensive Lake Balaton, the traditional holiday site located south west of Budapest. As a result, tourist infrastructure has been developed and it has been designated an official tourism destination. Lake Tisza can be divided into 3 parts. The best area for birding lies between Poroszló and Tiszafüred and north of Highway 33 which crosses the lake. This is a bird reserve and part of the Hortobágy National Park and the protected area consists of floodplains, oxbows lakes, riverbeds, marsh meadows, wet grasslands, willow shrubberies, groves and marsh forests. The middle section is mainly designated for anglers but has some good birding areas. The southern section is the main tourism and water sports area. Date: 20th May 2017 Location: view looking east from the track north east of Poroszló, Heves county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19905527.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_374969231529089b211530.jpgBlack Swan The Black Swan is a large species of swan which breeds mainly in the south east and south west regions of Australia. The species was hunted to extinction in New Zealand, but later reintroduced. The Black Swan is mostly black-feathered bird with white flight feathers. The bill is bright red with a pale bar and tip and the legs and feet are greyish-black. Cobs (males) are slightly larger than pens (females) with a longer and straighter bill. The Black Swan's preferred habitat extends across fresh, brackish and salt water lakes, swamps and rivers with underwater and emergent vegetation for food and nesting materials. Permanent wetlands are preferred, including ornamental lakes, but Black Swans can also be found in flooded pastures and tidal mudflats and occasionally on the open sea near islands or the shore. The Black Swan is also very popular as an ornamental waterbird in western Europe, especially the UK, and escapes are commonly reported. As yet the population in Britain is not considered to be self-sustaining and so the species is not afforded admission to the official British List. Date: 30th September 2013 Location: Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19905533.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_388832169529089cee685d.jpgDunlin The Dunlin is the commonest small wader found along the coast and can be seen on all UK estuaries with the largest numbers in winter. During winter they feed in large flocks on estuaries with mudflats, saltmarsh and coastal lagoons as well as inland lakes and sewage farms. Dunlin breed on the wet upland moors of Scotland, Wales and England and also the wet grassland machair of the Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland and the Flow Country of Caithness and Sutherland. Date: 30th September 2013 Location: Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41292191.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18027436105f10b91c9fae2.jpgGolden Plover The European Golden Plover, also known as the Eurasian Golden Plover or just the Golden Plover within Europe, is a largish plover. It is similar to 2 other Golden Plovers: the American Golden Plover and the Pacific Golden Plover which are both smaller, slimmer and relatively longer-legged than the European Golden Plover and have grey rather than white axillary feathers. The Golden Plover is a medium sized plover with a distinctive gold and black summer plumage. In winter the black is replaced by buff and white. It typically stands upright and runs in short bursts. The Golden Plover breeds on the ground in a dry open area on moorland, mountains and fells, tundra and marshland in northern Europe and western Asia as far west as Iceland and as far east as central Siberia. It is migratory and winters in western and southern Europe and in north Africa where it tends to gather in large flocks in open areas and on agricultural plains, ploughed land and short meadows. In the UK, the Golden Plover can be found from May to September on the upland moorlands in the southern uplands of Scotland, the Scottish Highlands, the Western and Northern Isles, the Peak District, north Yorkshire, Wales and Devon. Winter flocks start to appear at lower levels and around the coasts after the breeding season with the largest numbers seen between November and February when Golden Plovers often form large flocks with Lapwings. Date: 30th June 2019 Location: Svanhovd, Pasvikdalen, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871613.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7962780474eff1f5ee9327.jpgCommon Gull The Common Gull (European and Asian subspecies) or Mew Gull (North American subspecies) is a medium-sized gull. The body is grey above and white below. The legs are greenish-yellow. In winter, the head is streaked grey and the bill often has a poorly defined blackish band near the tip (sometimes sufficiently obvious to cause confusion with Ring-billed Gull). They have black wingtips with large white "mirrors". Young birds have scaly black-brown upperparts and a neat wing pattern, and grey legs. They take two to three years to reach maturity. The call is a high-pitched "laughing" cry. The Common Gull can be found in northern Asia, northern Europe and north west USA but it migrates further south in winter. The global population is estimated to be about one million pairs and it is most numerous in Europe with over 50% (possibly as much as 80-90%) of the world population. The Common Gull breeds colonially near water or in marshes, making a lined nest on the ground or in a small tree. Colony size varies from 2 to 320 or even more pairs. Date: 26th May 2009 Location: Store Ekkerøy, Varangerfjord, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28885594.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_193990133957cc3453dcf05.jpgSoomaa National Park, Estonia The Soomaa National Park (Soomaa means "land of bogs") is located about 20 miles east of Pärnu and it was established in 1993 to protect a wilderness of bogs, fens, wet mixed forests, wooded meadows and carrs. It is also included in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance. The territory of the Soomaa National Park is mostly covered with large bogs, separated from each other by the tributaries of the Pärnu river, namely the Navesti, Halliste, Raudna and Lemmjõgi rivers. Every spring the Pärnu river and its tributaries flood and vast areas are inundated. The flood has been called the “fifth season” in Soomaa. Much of the Soomaa National Park is very difficult to access but it can be partially explored by a network of dusty gravel tracks and a minor road between Jõesuu and Kildu. The Soomaa National Park supports a wide range of breeding birds and the floods attract large numbers of migrating wildfowl and waders. As a large wilderness area, Soomaa National Park is also home to numerous species of large mammals including Brown Bear, Wolf, Lynx, Beaver, Elk and Wild Boar. Date: 15th May 2016 Location: Tõramaa to Kõrtsi road, Soomaa National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50570342.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_170622278865ccc63a47094.jpgWaxwing The Waxwing is a plump bird which is slightly smaller than a Starling. It is buff or pinkish-brown in colour with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings, a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest. The bird’s name is derived from the red tips to some of the wing feathers which are said to look like they have been dipped in sealing wax. Waxwings breed in the dense forests of northern Europe but they occur in varying numbers in the UK from October to March. In some years they can occur in large numbers (known as irruptions) when the population in the breeding areas gets too big for the food available. The first UK arrivals each winter are usually seen on the east coast from Scotland to East Anglia but birds then move inland in search of food. They can be found in parks and gardens and even busy public places such as supermarket car parks, typically where there are berry-bearing trees and bushes such as rowan, hawthorn, cotoneaster and rose. Waxwings seem fearless of humans so it is relatively easy to get very close views of these stunning birds. Waxwings make an easily recognisable high-pitched trilling sound like a bell. Date: 9th January 2024 Location: Colchester, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28884662.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_24252320157cc29a5f032f.jpgBlue-headed Wagtail The Western Yellow Wagtail is a small passerine in the wagtail family. The breeding adult male is basically olive above and yellow below. In other plumages, the yellow may be diluted by white. The heads of breeding males come in a variety of colours and patterns depending on the subspecies. The male Blue-headed Wagtail has a blue-grey head with white supercilium and malar stripe in males, much washed with buffish green in females. The Blue-headed Wagtail breeds in much of temperate Europe and Asia. It is resident in the milder parts of its range, such as western Europe, but northern and eastern populations migrate to sub-Saharan Africa and south Asia. Date: 17th May 2016 Location: Aardla polder, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39081921.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4316739295d30769f51ba7.jpgEuropean Bee-eater The European Bee-eater is an incredibly colourful bird with an unmistakable appearance. In breeding plumage, it has a rich chestnut crown that blends into gold on its back. The forehead is white, the throat is yellow bordered by black and the underparts are blue. The male European Bee-eater has a chestnut-coloured patch in the middle of the wing while in females this patch is usually smaller or even absent. Occasionally, females may also be distinguished from the males by having a green back. The wings and backs of juvenile European Bee-eaters are entirely green and the eyes are brown in contrast to the bright red eyes of adults. The European Bee-eater breeds in southern Europe and in parts of north Africa and western Asia. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, India and Sri Lanka. European Bee-eaters are occasionally seen in northern Europe (including the UK) as a spring overshoot north of its range with occasional breeding occurring. Just as the name suggests, the European Bee-eater predominantly eats insects, especially bees, wasps and hornets which are caught in the air by sorties from an open perch. Before eating its meal, a European Bee-eater removes the sting by repeatedly hitting the insect on a hard surface. Lizards and frogs are also taken. European Bee-eaters are gregarious, nesting colonially in sandy banks preferably near river shores and also feeding and roosting communally. Date: 13th May 2018 Location: Nisovo to Pisanec, Ruse Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13683345.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12114266814ed73155c9687.jpgHarvest Mouse The Harvest Mouse is the UK’s smallest rodent at around 2 inches long and weighing less than a 2p coin. It has yellow-brown furry upper parts and a whiter underbelly, small ears and a blunt nose, with a long prehensile tail. The Harvest Mouse is mainly found from central Yorkshire southwards. Isolated records from Scotland and Wales probably result from the release of captive animals. Breeding nests are the most obvious sign indicating the presence of the Harvest Mouse. The Harvest Mouse is the only UK mammal to build nests of woven grass well above ground. Nests tend to be found in dense vegetation such as grasses, rushes, cereals, grassy hedgerows, ditches and brambles. They are generally located on the stalk zone of grasses, at least 12 inches above ground in short grasses and up to 3 feet above ground in tall reeds. The size of the nest can vary from only 2 inches in diameter for non-breeding nests to 4 inches in diameter for breeding nests. The Harvest Mouse is an extremely active climber and it feeds in the stalk zone of long grasses and reeds, particularly around dusk and dawn. Their diet contains a mixture of seeds, berries and insects, although moss, roots and fungi may also be taken. They also sometimes take grain from cereal heads, leaving characteristic sickle-shaped remains. Based on tooth wear analysis, the maximum lifespan of a Harvest Mouse in the wild is around 18 months. The Harvest Mouse is listed as a BAP (Biodiversity Action Plan) Species because it is thought to have become much scarcer in recent years. Changes in habitat management and agricultural methods are thought to have caused this although there have been no studies to quantify this change. The Harvest Mouse has many predators including Weasel, Stoat, Fox, birds of prey and domestic cats. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/european-glass-lizard https://images.on-this.website/4752_20051562775d3079f425372.jpgEuropean Glass Lizard The European Glass Lizard, also known as the Sheltopusik or the European Legless Lizard, is a species of large glass lizard. The European Glass Lizard is heavy-bodied and snake-like in appearance, reaching a maximum length of around 4 feet. It is usually yellow-brown or warm brown in colour and darkens with age. It tends to be paler on the ventral surface and the head and has a ring-like or segmented appearance that makes it look like a large Slow Worm. It has a distinctive fold of skin down each side called a lateral groove. Tiny vestiges of rear legs are sometimes visible near the vent. Though the legs are barely discernible, the European Glass Lizard can be quickly distinguished from a snake by its ears, eyelids and ventral scales. The European Glass Lizard can be found in the Balkans region as far north as north west Croatia, north Greece, south Macedonia and south and east Bulgaria. It inhabits fairly dry habitats in open country such as short grassland or sparsely wooded hills where it feeds on snails, slugs, beetles and other invertebrates and small mammals such as mice and shrews. It is diurnal but avoids the hottest times of the day and is often most active after rain. The European Glass Lizard can move fairly fast when alarmed but it lacks stamina. Due to its size, it tends to respond to harassment or threats by hissing, biting and musking. It is less likely to drop off its tail than some other lizard species. However, where this does occur, the released tail may break into pieces leading to the myth that the lizard can shatter like glass (hence glass lizard) and reassemble itself later. In reality, if the tail is lost it will grow back slowly but it is often shorter and darker. About 10 weeks after mating, the female European Glass Lizard lays 6 to 10 eggs which she hides under bark or a stone. The young hatch after 45 to 55 days. They are typically about 6 inches long and usually start to eat after 4 days. Date: 18th May 2018 Location: Nos Kaliakra, Dobrich Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21829377.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_188458596653cba13269af5.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 11th June 2014 Location: Bempton Cliifs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453929.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9366374834ff545a62423e.jpgGriffon Vulture The Griffon Vulture is a typical Old World vulture in appearance with a white bald head, very broad wings and short tail feathers. It has a white neck ruff and yellow bill. The buff body and wing coverts contrast with the dark flight feathers. They are very large birds around 37 to 43 inches long with a 91 to 106 inches wingspan. Like other vultures, the Griffon Vulture is a scavenger, feeding mostly from carcasses of dead animals which it finds by soaring over open areas, often moving in flocks. The population is mostly resident in its breeding range in the mountains of southern Europe, north Africa, and Asia. In Spain, there are tens of thousands of birds from a low of a few thousand around 1980 although the Pyrenees population has apparently been affected by an EU ruling that due to danger of BSE transmission, no carcasses must be left on the fields for the time being. Although the Griffon Vulture does not normally attack larger living prey, there are reports of Spanish Griffon Vultures killing weak, young or unhealthy living animals as they do not find enough carrion to eat. Date: 27th April 2012 Location: Location: Portilla del Tiétar, Parque Nacional de Monfragüe, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/egyptian-vulture https://images.on-this.website/4752_6635401204ff545dec3945.jpgEgyptian Vulture The Egyptian Vulture is a small Old World vulture. The adult's plumage is white with black flight feathers in the wings. Wild birds usually appear soiled with a rusty or brown shade to the white plumage which is derived from mud or iron-rich soil. The bill is slender and long and the tip of the upper mandible is hooked. The neck feathers are long and form a hackle. The wings are pointed and the tail is wedge shaped. The contrasting underwing pattern and wedge-shaped tail make it distinctive in flight as it soars in thermals during the warmer parts of the day. The Egyptian Vulture is widely distributed across the Old World with their breeding range extending from southern Europe to northern Africa and east to western and southern Asia. Most Egyptian Vultures in the temperate zone migrate south to Africa in winter. Like many other large soaring migrants, they avoid making long crossings over water. Italian birds cross over through Sicily and into Tunisia making short sea crossings by passing through the islands of Marettimo and Pantelleria and those that migrate through the Iberian Peninsula cross into Africa over the Strait of Gibraltar while others cross further east through the Levant. The Egyptian Vulture nests mainly on rocky cliffs and in large trees. Egyptian Vulture populations have declined in most parts of their range due to hunting, accidental poisoning and collision with power lines and wind farms. Date: 27th April 2012 Location: La Tajadilla, Parque Nacional de Monfragüe, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072428.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16031642864bf6e2c55e782.jpgNorthern Hawk Owl The Northern Hawk Owl is a medium sized owl, 14 to 16 inches long and with a wing span of 8.5 to 10 inches. Females are slightly larger than males. The term "hawk" refers to its falcon-like wing shape and long tail. The facial disc is whitish and broadly rimmed blackish at the sides. The eyebrows are white and the eyes are pale yellow. The upperparts are dark grey to dusky greyish-brown with the crown densely spotted whitish and the nape has indistinct false eyes. The mantle and back are dusky grey with some whitish dots and the scapulars are mainly white forming rather broad white bands across the shoulder. The flight feathers are dark grey-brown with rows of white spots. The tail is long and graduated and dark greyish-brown with several narrow whitish bars. The underparts are whitish and barred with greyish-brown. The legs and toes are feathered. The Northern Hawk Owl is found in the boreal coniferous forests of North America and Eurasia, usually on the edges of more open woodland, and hunts in semi-open country with scattered trees or groups of trees. It nests in large tree cavities or uses nests abandoned by other large birds and moves widely within its area of distribution, breeding where food is abundant. The Northern Hawk Owl is a partially diurnal owl which hunts voles and birds like thrushes. It waits on a treetop or other perch and takes advantage of its rapid flight to overtake prey. It has exceptional hearing and can plunge into snow to capture rodents below the surface. The typical male call is a rapid, melodious, purring trill of up to 14 seconds long which consists of about 11 to 15 notes per second. It begins softly, rises slightly in pitch and increases to a vibrating trill before breaking off abruptly. This is repeated at various intervals. Females utter a similar, higher-pitched, less clear song. Date: 15th April 2010 Location: Toivoniemi area, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801052.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_31182081264eda27f0851f.jpgEssex Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Essex Skipper is a small butterfly with a darting flight. It has bright orange-brown wings which are held with the forewings angled above the hind wings. The males have a thin black scent brand line running through the centre of the forewing and parallel to the leading edge. The Small Skipper appears very similar but it lacks the black tips to the antenna and it has a longer scent brand which is angled to the edge of the forewing. Since the Essex Skipper and the Small Skipper closely resemble each other and are often found in the same company, the Essex Skipper has been overlooked both in terms of recording and ecological study and it was the last UK resident species to be described (in 1889). The Essex Skipper can be found in tall, dry grasslands in open sunny situations, especially roadside verges, woodland rides and acid grasslands as well as coastal marshes. The distribution of the Essex Skipper in the UK has more than doubled in the last few decades. It is a widespread species in southern and central England but not in the far south-west. Date: 8th July 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623007.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21118395876117ce37db091.jpgChough Whilst its black plumage identifies it as a crow, the Chough has a red bill and legs unlike any other member of the crow family. It readily displays its mastery of flight with wonderful aerial displays of diving and swooping and can be found in flocks in autumn and winter. The Chough has a restricted westerly distribution in the UK and because of its small population size and historically declining populations it is an Amber List species. The best places to see Chough are north and west Wales, Islay in west Scotland and the Isle of Man, although they have also recently recolonised Cornwall. Date: 23rd June 2021 Location: Rhossili, Gower peninsula, Swansea http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871546.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7092959384eff198a51b0c.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 25th December 2011 Location: Walcott, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23526664.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_56145365454ddc4e57b817.jpgShoveler The Northern Shoveler, known simply as the Shoveler in the UK, is a common and widespread dabbling duck. The Shoveler is unmistakable due to its large spatulate bill. The breeding male has an iridescent dark green head, white breast and chestnut belly and flanks. In flight, pale blue forewing feathers are revealed which are separated from the green speculum by a white border. In early autumn the male has a white crescent on each side of the face. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male resembles the female. The female is a drab mottled brown with plumage much like a female Mallard but easily distinguished by the long broad bill which is grey tinged with orange on the cutting edge and lower mandible. The female's forewing is grey. The Shoveler can be found in open wetlands, such as wet grassland or marshes with some emergent vegetation, in northern areas of Europe and Asia and across most of north America. It winters in south Europe, Africa, the Indian sub-continent, south east Asia and central and northern south America. In the UK, the Shoveler breeds primarily in south and east England and in much smaller numbers in Scotland and west England. In winter, breeding birds move south and there is additionally an influx of continental birds from further north. The UK is home to more than 20% of the north west European population. The Shoveler prefers to nest in grassy areas away from open water. The nest is a shallow depression on the ground lined with plant material and down. Females typically lay about 9 eggs. The males are very territorial during the breeding season and will defend their territory and partners from competing males. Males also engage in elaborate courtship behaviours both on the water and in the air. The Shoveler feeds by dabbling for plant food, often by swinging its bill from side to side and using the bill to strain food from the water. It uses its highly specialized bill (from which their name is derived) to forage for aquatic invertebrates. Date: 26th January 2015 Location: Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39083084.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8523858255d307f48d2e96.jpgEastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria The Rhodopes Mountains are a mountain range in south east Europe. They are spread over 5689 square miles of which 4723 square miles are located in south Bulgaria and the remainder in north Greece. The Rhodopes Mountains are about 149 miles long and about 62 to 75 miles wide with an average altitude of 2575 feet. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 7188 feet and is situated 12 miles to the west of Smolyan. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rhodopes Mountains gives its name to the terrestrial eco-region Rodope montane mixed forests that belong in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The area is particularly notable for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans plus its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms such as the Trigrad Gorge. The Rhodopes Mountains can be sub-divided in to 3 sections: The Western Rhodopes are spread over 66% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and they are higher, the most infrastructurally developed and the most visited part of the mountains. The highest and best known peaks are located in this section with more than 10 over 6562 feet high including the highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7188 feet). Some of the deepest river gorges in the Rhodopes Mountains are located in the west as well as several large lakes. The Eastern Rhodopes are spread over a territory of about 34% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and are much lower in height. The large artificial dams of Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets are located in this part of the mountains. Almost every species of European bird of prey nests in the Eastern Rhodopes including the rare Black Vulture and Egyptian Vulture. The Southern Rhodopes are the part of the mountain range that is located in Greece and they are characterized by numerous peaks of relatively low altitude. The Kardzhali reservoir is a reservoir formed by the Kardzhali dam located less than 0.5 miles to the west of the town of Kardzhali in the eastern Rhodopes Mountains. The dam was constructed between 1957 and 1963 and was commissioned in to service in the year of its completion. The reservoir is the second largest reservoir by volume in Bulgaria covering an area of almost 10 square miles when filled to its maximum capacity and is situated at 1065 feet above sea level. A hydro-electric power plant operates at the foot of the dam. Date: 26th May 2018 Location: Kardzhali reservoir, Eastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38397305.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17371261795ce127b65e99c.jpgBlack Grouse The Black Grouse is a large game bird in the grouse family. The male has all black plumage with distinctive red wattles over the eyes and striking white stripes along each wing in flight. It has a lyre-shaped tail which is fanned out and raised to show white under-tail feathers when displaying. The female is smaller and grey-brown in colour. The Black Grouse is a sedentary species and breeds across northern Eurasia in moorland and bog areas near to mostly boreal woodland. Although it is declining, it is not considered to be vulnerable globally due to the large population and slow rate of decline. Its decline is due to loss of habitat, disturbance, predation by foxes, crows, etc., and small populations gradually dying out. In the UK, the Black Grouse are found in upland areas of Wales, the Pennines and most of Scotland, especially on farmland and moorland with nearby forestry or scattered trees. Habitat loss and overgrazing have resulted in severe population declines which make the Black Grouse a Red List species. Positive habitat management and re-introduction programmes are helping it to increase in some areas. The Black Grouse has a very distinctive and well-recorded courtship. At dawn in the spring, the males strut around in a traditional area (lek) and display whilst making a highly distinctive and bubbling mating call. This photo was taken at a well known roadside lekking site. If visiting, please remain in your car to avoid disturbance to these vulnerable breeding birds. Date: 10th May 2019 Location: World's End, Denbighshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453973.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19494352304ff546f172893.jpgCorn Bunting The Corn Bunting is a rather non-descript stout and dumpy brown bird which is the largest of the bunting family. The Corn Bunting breeds across southern and central Europe, north Africa and Asia across to Kazahkstan. It is mainly resident but some birds from the colder regions of central Europe and Asia migrate southwards in winter. The Corn Bunting is a bird of open country with trees such as farmland and weedy wasteland. It has declined greatly in north west Europe due to intensive agricultural practices depriving it of its food supply of weed seeds and insects, the latter especially when feeding young. Date: 29th April 2012 Location: Santa Marta de Magasca to Cáceres, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo10073262.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1399628454dd2201c4d6db.jpgGrass Snake The Grass Snake is the UK’s largest terrestrial reptile reaching up to 6 feet in length although such large specimens are rare. Females are considerably larger than males and typically reach a size of 2 feet 11 inches to 3 feet 7 inches when fully grown whilst males are approximately 8 inches shorter. The Grass Snake is typically olive-green, brown or greyish in colour with a variable row of black bars along the sides, occasionally with smaller round markings along the back in double rows. The underside of the Grass Snake is off-white or yellowish with dark triangular or rectangular markings. A characteristic black and yellow collar is present behind the head. The Grass Snake is one of only 3 snakes to occur in the UK and it is distributed throughout lowland areas of England and Wales. It is almost absent from Scotland and is not found in Ireland at all which has no native snakes. The Grass Snake is an aquatic species that is usually closely associated with water where it preys almost entirely on amphibians, especially the Common Toad and the Common Frog, although they may also occasionally eat mammals and fish. It is a strong swimmer and is found in habitats featuring ponds, lakes, streams, marshes and ditches which provide access to sunshine for basking and plenty of shelter. The Grass Snake may also be found in open woodland, rough grassland, wet heathlands, gardens, parks and hedgerows. The Grass Snake, as with most reptiles, is at the mercy of the thermal environment and it needs to overwinter in areas which are not subject to freezing. Therefore it will typically spend the winter underground where the temperature is relatively stable. Date: 13th May 2011 Location: Stodmarsh, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42175419.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6096344245fdbc02c6ecfb.jpgReeves' Muntjac The Reeves' Muntjac, also known as the Chinese Muntjac, is a small, hump-backed deer species. It is named after British naturalist and employee of the East India Company, John Russell Reeves (1774 to 1856). Reeves came across them when he lived in China and sent specimens back to England. It is also called the “barking deer” due to its distinctive barking sound, although this name is also used for other Muntjac species. The barking sound is common during mating or when provoked. The Reeves' Muntjac grows to 1 foot 8 inches high at the shoulder and 3 feet 1 inches in length plus a short tail up to 4 inches long. It is reddish-brown in appearance with striped markings on its face. The belly is creamy-white with lighter fur extending to the neck, chin and the underside of the tail. The males have short antlers, usually 4 inches or less in length, and long upper canines or tusks, usually about 2 inches in length The Reeves' Muntjac is found widely in south east China (from Gansu to Yunnan) and Taiwan but it has also been introduced in Belgium, the Netherlands and Japan. In the UK, it was introduced to Woburn Park in Bedfordshire in 1894 by the then Duke of Bedford and was deliberately released into surrounding woodlands from 1901 onward. Releases, translocations and escapes from the 1930s onwards resulted in wide establishment in south east England and the population is still increasing and spreading across the UK where it can be found in deciduous woodland with a good understorey plus hedgerows, gardens, parks, conifer plantations, railway embankments, etc. Since the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it has been illegal to release the species except where it is already established. The Reeves' Muntjac is a solitary and crepuscular animal and both males and females defend small territories that they mark with preorbital gland secretions that are thought to be pheromonal in nature The Reeves' Muntjac feeds on herbs, blossoms, succulent shoots, fungi, berries, grasses and nuts and it has also been reported to eat tree bark. Eggs and carrion are eaten opportunistically. Date: 1st December 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/great-northern-divers https://images.on-this.website/4752_2798144724b52220e79c20.jpgGreat Northern Divers The Great Northern Diver is the largest of the UK's divers with a bigger, heavier head and bill than its commoner relatives. The Great Northern Diver is largely a winter visitor to the UK coast although some non-breeding birds stay off northern coasts in the summer. They start to arrive offshore in August and birds move back to their largely Icelandic breeding grounds in April and May. The largest numbers can be found off the northern and western islands of Scotland. Date: 1st January 2010 Location: Loch Scridain, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/lake-inari-finland https://images.on-this.website/4752_18632301704eff1f0b3d849.jpgLake Inari, Finland Lake Inari or Inarijärvi is the third largest lake in Finland and is located in the northern part of Lapland north of the Arctic Circle and near the Russian border. The lake is approximately 50 miles long and 25 miles wide at its farthest points, has an area of 425 square miles and is about 200 feet deep. It has over 3,000 islands and is frozen from November to late May or early June. The town of Inari, a Sami trading centre, is located on the south western shore Date: 25th May 2009 Location: Ivalo to Inari, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/lago-de-sanabria-castille-y https://images.on-this.website/4752_2594009354cd5726c9abcb.jpgLago de Sanabria, Castille y Leon, Spain The Lago de Sanabria is a Natural Park (Parque Natural) located in the mountainous area of Sierra Segundera and Sierra de la Cabrera in Castille y Leon. It occupies a surface area of 22,365 hectares with heights ranging from 3270 feet at the lake banks to the 6968 feet peak of Peña Trevinca. The 318 hectares lake that gives the name to the park is the largest glacial lake of Iberian Peninsula. Date: 10th September 2010 Location: view from the road above San Martin de Castaneda, Lago de Sanabria, Castille y Leon http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39083994.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_952644145d30835ae6315.jpgCommon Wall Lizard The Common (European) Wall Lizard is a small, thin lizard which can grow to about 7.9 inches in total length and whose small scales are highly variable in colour and pattern. Its colouration is generally brownish or greyish and may occasionally be tinged with green. In some individuals, the row of spots along their backs may form a line whilst others may have a reticulated pattern with dark spots on the side and scattered white spots that can be blue in the shoulder region. The tail is brown, grey or rust in colour and may also have light bars on the sides. The belly region has six rows of larger rectangular scales that are generally reddish, pink or orangish. There may also be dark markings on the throat. The Common Wall Lizard has 6 distinct morphological forms which are identified by the colouration of its throat and underbelly. The Common Wall Lizard can be found in rocky environments, including urban settings, where it can scurry between rock, rubble, debris and buildings. Its natural range spans mainland Europe but it also occurs as an introduced species in southern UK and north America. Date: 29th May 2018 Location: near Teshel, Smolyan Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082138.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6907356925d307a8cba918.jpgEuropean Bee-eater The European Bee-eater is an incredibly colourful bird with an unmistakable appearance. In breeding plumage, it has a rich chestnut crown that blends into gold on its back. The forehead is white, the throat is yellow bordered by black and the underparts are blue. The male European Bee-eater has a chestnut-coloured patch in the middle of the wing while in females this patch is usually smaller or even absent. Occasionally, females may also be distinguished from the males by having a green back. The wings and backs of juvenile European Bee-eaters are entirely green and the eyes are brown in contrast to the bright red eyes of adults. The European Bee-eater breeds in southern Europe and in parts of north Africa and western Asia. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, India and Sri Lanka. European Bee-eaters are occasionally seen in northern Europe (including the UK) as a spring overshoot north of its range with occasional breeding occurring. Just as the name suggests, the European Bee-eater predominantly eats insects, especially bees, wasps and hornets which are caught in the air by sorties from an open perch. Before eating its meal, a European Bee-eater removes the sting by repeatedly hitting the insect on a hard surface. Lizards and frogs are also taken. European Bee-eaters are gregarious, nesting colonially in sandy banks preferably near river shores and also feeding and roosting communally. Date: 19th May 2018 Location: Krapets, Dobrich Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/bjarnarflag-near-reykjahl-north-east https://images.on-this.website/4752_107234535563724115333f.jpgBjarnarflag near Reykjahlíð, north east Iceland Located 3 miles east of Reykjahlíð, Bjarnarflag is an active geothermal area on the lower slopes of Dalfjall, a long, faulted ridge that runs north east to Krafla volcano. Bjarnarflag has a small geothermal power station which was Iceland’s first built in 1969. The outflow has been harnessed to create the Jarðböðin Nature Baths, the local version of Reykjavík’s “Blue Lagoon”. Date: 3rd June 2015 Location: view from road 1 looking towards Bjarnarflag and Lake Mývatn http://www.richardchewphotography.com/mouflon https://images.on-this.website/4752_163316706252528ace2b798.jpgMouflon The Mouflon is a subspecies group of wild sheep and is thought to be one of the ancestors for all modern domestic sheep breeds. Mouflon have red-brown, short-haired coats with dark back-stripes and light-coloured saddle patches. The males are horned and some females are horned while others are polled. The horns of mature rams are curved in almost one full revolution. Today Mouflon inhabit the Caucasus, northern Iraq and north west Iran. The range originally stretched further to Anatolia, the Crimean peninsula and the Balkans where they had already disappeared 3,000 years ago. Mouflon were introduced to the islands of Corsica, Sardinia, Rhodes and Cyprus during the neolithic period, perhaps as feral domesticated animals, where they have naturalized in the mountainous interiors of these islands over the past few thousand years, giving rise to the subspecies known as European Mouflon. Mouflon were later successfully introduced into continental Europe, including Spain, France, Germany, central Italy, Switzerland, Austria, the Netherlands, Belgium, Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania, the Canary Islands, and even some northern European countries such as Sweden and Finland. Mouflon are normally found in steep mountainous woods near tree lines. In winter, they migrate to lower altitudes. Date: 5th September 2013 Location: road to La Lancha and Embalse del Jándula, Sierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40952835.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7612921715e539386b261e.jpgGreat Black-backed Gull The largest of the gulls, the Great Black-backed Gull is a dominating and opportunistic predator, scavenger and pirate that has been described as a “merciless tyrant” due to its aggressive feeding habits. The Great Black-backed Gull has a thick-set body with a large, yellow, red-tipped bill, strong legs and wide, webbed feet which have a delicate pink hue. The breast and head are snowy white and sit in stark contrast to the black back and wings. Young Great Black-backed Gulls undergo several plumage changes before taking on that of the adult. Juveniles are pale brown with heavy white mottling whilst immatures are also mottled but have a distinctive whitish head and breast but with a dark-tipped, pale bill The Great Black-backed Gull occurs along the coastlines of northern Europe and northern Russia as well as the east coast of north America and central America and it can be found in a variety of coastal habitats, including rocky and sandy coasts and estuaries as well as inland habitats such as lakes, ponds, fields and moorland. It breeds in areas free of or largely inaccessible to terrestrial predators such as vegetated islands, sand dunes, flat-topped stacks, building roofs and sometimes amongst bushes on salt-marsh islands. During the winter, the Great Black-backed Gull often travels far out to sea to feed. Date: 31st January 2020 Location: Slade harbour, Hook peninsula, Co. Wexford, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084870.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7451865665d3088c95a0ef.jpgPiatra Craiului Mountains, Brașov County, Romania The Piatra Craiului Mountains are a mountain range in the Southern Carpathians in central Romania. It forms a narrow and saw-like ridge which is about 16 miles long. Vârful La Om is the highest peak at 7343 feet. The ridge is regarded as one of the most impressive and beautiful sites in the Carpathian Mountians and the views both towards and from the mountains are superb. The whole range is included in the Piatra Craiului National Park. The first protection of this area started in 1938 when 2 square miles were declared as a nature reserve. This has been progressively extended and in 1990 it became a national park covering an area of 38 square miles. In 2003 the external limits and internal zoning were created. Since 1999 a park administration has existed with a visitor centre located on the minor road 0.6 miles west of Zărnești and since 2005 a management plan has been in place. Piatra Craiului National Park supports and protects an abundance and diversity of mammals (including Brown Bear, Wolf and Lynx), birds and plants. Zărneşti is the most important town for visiting the Piatra Craiului Mountains and the Piatra Craiului National Park. The town is located 17 miles south west of the city of Brașov. From Zărnești, a 7 mile long minor road runs west and ends at Cabana Plaiul Foii which is a good starting point for climbing the ridge. In addition, a forest road starts from the south west of Zărneşti which leads to the Zărneştilor Gorge and continues up to the ridge. The traditional villages of Măgura, Peştera, Ciocanu and Şirnea are starting points for routes up to the eastern slopes. Măgura, situated at 3281 feet, is one of Romania’s most picturesque villages and it provides stunning views towards the Bucegi Mountains and the Piatra Craiului Mountains. Date: 5th June 2018 Location: Piatra Craiului Mountains from the Zărnești to Cabana Plaiul Foii road, Brașov County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871608.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18305195874eff1f43dde8e.jpgKnot The Knot is a dumpy, short-legged, stocky wading bird. In winter, the Knot is grey above and white below but in summer the chest, belly and face are brick red, hence the name Red Knot in north America. The Knot breeds in the tundra areas of the far Arctic north of Europe, Russia and Canada. During migration periods, it can be seen on tidal flats, rocky shores and beaches. The Knot undertakes one of the longest migrations of any bird flying from their Arctic breeding grounds to the coasts and estuaries of Europe, Africa and Australia where they spend the winter. During winter, the Knot forms large, wheeling flocks that contain in excess of 100,000 birds. Date: 26th May 2009 Location: Salltjern, Varangerfjord, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17061285.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_88120326450e02df1b4767.jpgSnow Bunting Snow Buntings are large buntings with striking “snowy” plumages. Males in summer have all white heads and underparts contrasting with a black mantle and wing tips. Females are a more mottled above. In autumn and winter birds develop a sandy/buff wash to their plumage and males have more mottled upperparts. Snow Buntings breed in far northern Europe and migrate south in winter. They are a very scarce breeding species in the UK and can be found on the highest mountain peaks in Scotland where they nest in rocky crevices. Snow Buntings are best looked for in winter (from late September to early March) where they can sometimes be seen in large flocks on the seashore or on adjacent short rough grassland at coastal sites in Scotland and eastern England. Date: 26th December 2012 Location: Caister-on-Sea, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14093927.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11578599044f2eaf5b1c20c.jpgSnow Bunting Snow Buntings are large buntings with striking “snowy” plumages. Males in summer have all white heads and underparts contrasting with a black mantle and wing tips. Females are a more mottled above. In autumn and winter birds develop a sandy/buff wash to their plumage and males have more mottled upperparts. Snow Buntings breed in far northern Europe and migrate south in winter. They are a very scarce breeding species in the UK and can be found on the highest mountain peaks in Scotland where they nest in rocky crevices. Snow Buntings are best looked for in winter (from late September to early March) where they can sometimes be seen in large flocks on the seashore or on adjacent short rough grassland at coastal sites in Scotland and eastern England. Date: 29th January 2012 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37159148.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1917811715c1e66d44ed3a.jpgGadwall The Gadwall is one of the most common and widespread dabbling ducks. The breeding male is patterned grey with a black rear end, light chestnut wings and a brilliant white speculum which is obvious in flight or at rest. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female but retains the male wing pattern and is usually greyer above and has less orange on the bill. The female is light brown with plumage much like a female Mallard. It can be distinguished from that species by the dark orange-edged bill, smaller size, the white speculum and white belly. The Gadwall breeds in north Europe and Asia and central north America and appears to be expanding into eastern north America. It is a bird of open wetlands and lakes, wet grassland or marshes with dense fringing vegetation and it nests on the ground, often some distance from water. In the UK, the Gadwall is a scarce breeding bird on some lakes and gravel pits in the Midlands, south east England, eastern central Scotland, eastern Northern Ireland and south east Wales. In winter, numbers increase as birds migrate to spend the winter in the UK on gravel pits, lakes, reservoirs and coastal wetlands. Date: 7th May 2018 Location: Ham Wall RSPB reserve, Somerset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453994.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13764433874ff547ac9feba.jpgGreater Flamingos The Greater Flamingo is a largely pinkish-white bird but the wing coverts are red and the primary and secondary flight feathers are black. The bill is pink with a black tip and the legs are entirely pink. The Greater Flamingo is the most widespread species of the flamingo family and can be found in parts of Africa, southern Asia and southern Europe (including Spain, Sardinia, Albania, Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Portugal and the Camargue region of France). Some populations are short distance migrants, and records north of the breeding range are relatively frequent. However, given the species' popularity in captivity, whether these are truly wild individuals is a matter of some debate. Date: 1st May 2012 Location: La Madre de las Marismas, El Rocío, Coto Doñana, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/calgary-bay-mull-argyll https://images.on-this.website/4752_1352528123560fb5589161d.jpgCalgary Bay, Mull, Argyll Calgary Bay is a sheltered bay located on the north west coast of Mull about 5 miles beyond Dervaig and 12 miles from Tobermory. It is framed by partly wooded low hills and is the location of a shimmering white shell sand beach and craggy headlands, home to a rich variety of birdlife and the haunting ruins of stone forts and abandoned villages. The hamlet of Calgary lies at the eastern end of the bay. The name Calgary comes from the Gaelic, Cala Ghearraidh, meaning "Beach of the Meadow". A broad area of machair (a grassy meadow growing on calcareous sand) lies between the land and the beach. As the tide falls a river meanders across the sands. Date: 22nd September 2015 Location: view from the B8073 road http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14247108.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18849676984f4e049967139.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 25th February 2012 Location: Verulamium Park, St Albans, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11328618.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12554531704e1d678d00cca.jpgCoot The Coot is an all black bird with a distinctive white beak and “shield” above the beak from which earns it the title “bald”. Its feet have distinctive lobed flaps of skin on the toes which act instead of webs when swimming. It patters noisily over the water before taking off and can be very aggressive towards other birds. Coot can be found all the year round mainly on freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers and town park lakes. Sometimes they can be seen offshore, especially in winter if freshwater areas are frozen. They breed in areas of fairly shallow standing freshwater with a muddy bottom and plenty of vegetation at the sides, usually in lowland areas. Date: 2nd February 2008 Location: Northlands Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17054586.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_184006854850dec2ab61a0c.jpgKingfisher The Kingfisher is a small unmistakable bright blue and orange bird of slow moving or still water. They fly rapidly and low over water and hunt fish from riverside perches, occasionally hovering above the water's surface. Kingfishers are vulnerable to hard winters and habitat degradation through pollution or unsympathetic management of watercourses and are an “Amber List” species due to their unfavourable conservation status in Europe. Kingfishers are widespread especially in central and southern England but become less common further north. Following some declines last century, they are currently increasing in their range in Scotland. Kingfishers can be found all year round by still or slow flowing water such as lakes, canals and rivers in lowland areas. In winter, some individuals move to estuaries and the coast. Occasionally they may also visit garden ponds if they are of a suitable size. Date: 29th October 2012 Location: Strumpshaw Fen RSPB reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo20950834.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1609862958535e0e4fb6171.jpgKingfisher The Kingfisher is a small unmistakable bright blue and orange bird of slow moving or still water. They fly rapidly and low over water and hunt fish from riverside perches, occasionally hovering above the water's surface. Kingfishers are vulnerable to hard winters and habitat degradation through pollution or unsympathetic management of watercourses and are an “Amber List” species due to their unfavourable conservation status in Europe. Kingfishers are widespread especially in central and southern England but become less common further north. Following some declines last century, they are currently increasing in their range in Scotland. Kingfishers can be found all year round by still or slow flowing water such as lakes, canals and rivers in lowland areas. In winter, some individuals move to estuaries and the coast. Occasionally they may also visit garden ponds if they are of a suitable size. Date: 12th April 2014 Location: Rye Meads RSPB reserve, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405376.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9868600236586ce5355dfa.jpgAvocet The (Pied) Avocet is a large black and white wader in the avocet and stilt family. It is one of 4 species of avocet that make up the genus Recurvirostra. The genus name is from the Latin recurvus meaning "curved backwards" and rostrum meaning "bill". The Avocet is a striking white wader with bold black markings. Adults have white plumage except for a black cap and black patches in the wings and on the back. They have long, upturned bills and long, bluish legs. Males and females look alike whilst juveniles resemble the adult but with more greyish and sepia tones. The Avocet breeds in temperate Europe and western and central Asia. The breeding habitat is shallow lakes with brackish water and exposed bare mud where they build a nest on open ground in a lined scrape or on a mound of vegetation. The Avocet is a migratory species and most winter in Africa or southern Asia. Some remain to winter in the mildest parts of their range such as in southern Spain and southern England. The Avocet feeds on crustaceans and insects in shallow brackish water or on mud flats, often scything their bills from side to side in water (a feeding technique that is unique to the avocet species). The Avocet was extinct as a breeding species in the UK by 1840 but its successful recolonisation at Minsmere in Suffolk in 1947 led to its adoption as the logo of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Date: 24th September 2023 Location: RSPB Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46508900.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_114914979762c989d841277.jpgNorthern Wheatear The Northern Wheatear or Wheatear is a small passerine bird that was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family but is now more generally considered to be an Old World flycatcher. It is the most widespread member of the Wheatear genus in Europe and Asia. The English name has nothing to do with wheat or ears but is probably derived from the Middle English whit ers meaning "white arse" and referring to the prominent white rump of many Wheatear species The Northern Wheatear is larger than the European Robin at 5.7 to 6.3 inches in length. Both sexes have a white rump and tail with a black inverted T-pattern at the end of the tail. The summer plumaged male has grey upperparts, buff throat and black wings and face mask. In autumn it resembles the female apart from the black wings. The female is pale brown above and buff below with darker brown wings. The Northern Wheatear makes one of the longest migratory flights of any small bird, crossing ocean, ice and desert. It migrates from sub-Saharan Africa in spring to breed in open rocky country, tundra, moorland, heaths and pastures over a vast area of the Northern Hemisphere that includes northern and central Asia, Europe, Greenland, Alaska and parts of Canada. In autumn it returns to winter in central Africa. In the UK, the Northern Wheatear is a summer visitor and passage migrant arriving in early March and leaving in September. It breeds mainly in western and northern Britain and western Ireland although smaller numbers also breed in southern and eastern England. The Northern Wheatear is primarily an insectivorous bird and feeds mostly on beetles, ants, caterpillars, grasshoppers, flies, etc. It also eats spiders, centipedes and snails and berries in the autumn. Date: 7th May 2022 Location: World's End, Denbighshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37159120.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10227609985c1e5db440b90.jpgCormorant The (Great) Cormorant is a widespread member of the cormorant and shag family [i] Phalacrocoracidae[/i]. There is a wide variation in size in the species' wide range and males are typically larger and heavier than females. It has a predominantly black plumage but the adult has white patches on the thighs and throat and a yellow throat during the breeding season. In Europe it can be distinguished from the Shag by its larger size, heavier build, thicker bill, lack of a crest and plumage without any green tinge. The (Great) Cormorant is a very common and widespread bird and it breeds in much of the Old World and the Atlantic coast of north America. It feeds on the sea, in estuaries and on freshwater lakes and rivers. Northern birds migrate south and winter along any coast that is well-supplied with fish. The (Great) Cormorant is found around the UK coastline on rocky shores, coastal lagoons and estuaries and it is increasingly seen inland at reservoirs, lakes and gravel pits. The UK holds internationally important wintering numbers. The (Great) Cormorant mainly nests in colonies near wetlands, rivers and sheltered inshore waters. Pairs will use the same nest site to breed year after year. It builds its nest, which is made mainly from sticks, in trees, on the ledges of cliffs and on the ground on rocky islands that are free of predators. The female lays 3 to 5 eggs which are incubated for a period of about 28 to 31 days. The (Great) Cormorant feeds on fish caught through diving and it will consume all fish of appropriate size that they are able to catch. Many fishermen see the (Great) Cormorant a competitor for fish. Because of this, it was nearly hunted to extinction in the past. Due to conservation efforts, its numbers increased although this has once again brought it in to conflict with fisheries. In the UK, where inland breeding was once uncommon, there are now increasing numbers of birds and many inland fish farms and fisheries now claim to be suffering high losses. In the UK each year, some licences are issued to cull specified numbers in order to help reduce predation although it is still illegal to kill a bird without such a licence. Date: 7th May 2018 Location: Ham Wall RSPB reserve, Somerset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15747163.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16241449055017a75a0f673.jpgSmall Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Small Skipper has a rusty orange colour to the wings, upper body and the tips of the antennae. The body is silvery white below and it has a wingspan of 25 to 30 mm. It is very similar in appearance to the Essex Skipper but the undersides of the tips of the antennae are yellow orange in the Small Skipper whereas they are black in the Essex Skipper. The Small Skipper is a common and widespread butterfly in most parts of England and has been expanding its range northwards. It can be found in rough grassland, roadside verges, edges of fields and woodland clearings where it is often seen basking on vegetation or making short buzzing flights among tall grass stems. Date: 25th July 2012 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo16538250.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_58118844450827efeaf62b.jpgRuff The Ruff is a medium-sized wading bird in the sandpiper family, [i]Scolopacidae[/i]. The original English name for this bird, dating back to at least 1465, is the [i]ree[/i], perhaps derived from a dialectical term meaning "frenzied". A later name [I]reeve[/I], which is still used for the female, is of unknown origin but may be derived from the shire-reeve, a feudal officer, likening the male's flamboyant plumage to the official's robes. The current name was first recorded in 1634 and is derived from the ruff, an exaggerated collar fashionable from the mid-16th century to the mid-17th century, since the male bird's neck ornamental feathers resemble the neck wear. The Ruff has a distinctive appearance with a small head, medium-length bill, longish neck and pot-bellied body. It has long legs that are variable in colour but usually yellow or orange. In flight, it has a deeper, slower wing stroke than other waders of a similar size and it displays a thin, indistinct white bar on the wing and white ovals on the sides of the tail. The Ruff shows very distinctive sexual dimorphism. Although a small percentage of males resemble females, the typical male is much larger than the female and has an elaborate breeding plumage. The male is 11 to 13 inches in length with a 21 to 24 inches wingspan. During the May to June breeding season, the typical male's legs, bill and warty bare facial skin are orange and he has distinctive head tufts and a neck ruff. These ornaments vary on individual birds and are black, chestnut or white with the colouring solid, barred or irregular. The grey-brown back has a scale-like pattern, often with black or chestnut feathers, and the underparts are white with extensive black on the breast. The extreme variability of the main breeding plumage is thought to have developed to aid individual recognition in a species that has communal breeding displays but is usually mute. Outside the breeding season, the typical male's head and neck decorations and the bare facial skin are lost and the legs and bill become duller. The upperparts are grey-brown and the underparts are white with grey mottling on the breast and flanks. The female, or "reeve", is 9 to 10 inches in length with a 18 to 19 inches wingspan. In the breeding plumage, the female has grey-brown upperparts with white-fringed, dark-centred feathers. The breast and flanks are variably blotched with black. In winter, her plumage is similar to that of the male but the sexes are distinguishable on size. The plumage of the juvenile Ruff resembles the non-breeding adult but has upperparts with a neat, scale-like pattern with dark feather centres and a strong buff tinge to the underparts. The Ruff is a migratory species, breeding in wetlands in the colder regions of northern Eurasia and wintering in the tropics, mainly in Africa. There is a limited overlap of the summer and winter ranges in the UK and parts of coastal western Europe and birds may be present throughout the year. The Ruff breeds in Europe and Asia from Scandinavia and the UK almost to the Pacific. In Europe, it is found in cool temperate areas but over its Russian range it is an Arctic species and occurs mainly north of about 65°N. The largest numbers breed in Russia, Sweden, Finland and Norway. Although it also breeds from the UK east through the Low Countries to Poland, Germany and Denmark, the populations are much lower in these more southerly areas. The Ruff is highly gregarious on migration and it travels in large flocks that can contain hundreds or thousands of individuals. Huge dense groups form on the wintering grounds. The males, which play no part in nesting or chick care, leave the breeding grounds in late June or early July followed later in July by the females and juveniles. Males typically make shorter flights and winter further north than females. Many migratory species use this differential wintering strategy since it reduces feeding competition between the sexes and enables territorial males to reach the breeding grounds as early as possible thereby improving their chances of successful mating. Males may also be able to tolerate colder winter conditions because they are larger than females. The Ruff breeds in extensive lowland freshwater marshes and damp grasslands. It avoids barren tundra and areas badly affected by severe weather, preferring hummocky marshes and deltas with shallow water. The wetter areas provide a source of food, the mounds and slopes may be used for leks and dry areas with sedge or low scrub offer nesting sites. When it is not breeding, it can be found in a wider range of shallow wetlands. Dry grassland, tidal mudflats and the seashore are less frequently used. Male Ruffs display during the breeding season at a lek in a traditional open grassy arena. The Ruff is one of the few lekking species in which the display is primarily directed at other males rather than to the females and it is among a small percentage of birds in which the males have well-marked and inherited variations in plumage and mating behaviour. There are 3 male forms: the typical territorial males, satellite males which have a white neck ruff and a very rare variant with female-like plumage. The behaviour and appearance for an individual male remain constant through its adult life and are determined by its genes. The territorial males, about 84% of the total, have strongly coloured black or chestnut ruffs and stake out and occupy small mating territories in the lek. They actively court females and display a high degree of aggression towards other resident males. Between 5 and 20 territorial males each hold an area of the lek about 3 feet across and usually with bare soil in the centre. They perform an elaborate display that includes wing fluttering, jumping, standing upright, crouching with ruff erect or lunging at rivals. They are typically silent even when displaying. Territorial males are very site faithful and 90% return to the same lekking sites in subsequent seasons, the most dominant males being the most likely to reappear. Site faithful males can acquire accurate information about the competitive abilities of other males, leading to well-developed dominance relationships. Such stable relationships reduce conflict and the risk of injury and the consequent lower levels of male aggression are less likely to scare off females. Lower-ranked territorial males also benefit from site fidelity since they can remain on the leks while waiting for the top males eventually to drop out. Satellite males, about 16% of the total number, have white or mottled ruffs and do not occupy territories. Instead, they enter leks and attempt to mate with the females visiting the territories occupied by the resident territorial males. Resident territorial males tolerate the satellite birds because, although they are competitors for mating with the females, the presence of both types of male on a territory attracts additional females. A third type of male was first described in 2006. This is a permanent female mimic, the first such reported for a bird. About 1% of males are small, intermediate in size between males and females and do not grow the elaborate breeding plumage of the territorial and satellite males. This cryptic male obtains access to mating territories together with the females and "steals" matings when the females crouch to solicit copulation. It moults into the prenuptial male plumage with striped feathers but does not go on to develop the ornamental feathers of the normal male. Not all mating takes place at the lek since only a minority of the males attend an active lek. As alternative strategies, males can also directly pursue females or wait for them as they approach good feeding sites. The level of polyandry in the Ruff is the highest known for any avian lekking species and for any shorebird. More than half of females mate with and have clutches fertilised by more than one male. In lekking species, females can choose mates without risking the loss of support from males in nesting and rearing chicks since the males take no part in raising the brood anyway. The nest of the Ruff is a shallow ground scrape lined with grass leaves and stems and concealed in marsh plants or tall grass up to 450 yards from the lek. Nesting is solitary although several females may lay in the general vicinity of a lek. The female lays typically 4 eggs from mid-March to early June depending on latitude. Incubation is undertaken by the female alone and the time to hatching is 20 to 23 days with a further 25 to 28 days to fledging. The precocial chicks have buff and chestnut down, streaked and barred with black and frosted with white. They feed themselves on a variety of small invertebrates. The Ruff normally feeds using a steady walk and pecking action, selecting food items by sight, but it will also wade deeply and submerge its head. During the breeding season, the Ruff’s diet consists almost exclusively of the adults and larva of terrestrial and aquatic insects such as beetles and flies. On migration and during the winter, it eats insects, crustaceans, spiders, molluscs, worms, frogs, small fish and also the seeds of rice and other cereals, sedges, grasses and aquatic plants. The Ruff has a large range and a large population although there is some evidence of a decrease in the population in some regions and countries. However, the species as a whole is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List (i.e. declining more than 30 percent in 10 years or 3 generations). For these reasons, the Ruff is classified as "least concern". However, the range in much of Europe is contracting because of land drainage, increased fertiliser use, the loss of mown or grazed breeding sites and over-hunting. Therefore the Ruff is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 1st October 2012 Location: Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31192277.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18916164665918239aa950e2.88487664.jpgNorthern Wheatear The Northern Wheatear or Wheatear is a small passerine bird that was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family but is now more generally considered to be an Old World flycatcher. It is the most widespread member of the Wheatear genus in Europe and Asia. The English name has nothing to do with wheat or ears but is probably derived from the Middle English [i]whit ers[/i] meaning "white arse" and referring to the prominent white rump of many Wheatear species The Northern Wheatear is larger than the European Robin at 5.7 to 6.3 inches in length. Both sexes have a white rump and tail with a black inverted T-pattern at the end of the tail. The summer plumaged male has grey upperparts, buff throat and black wings and face mask. In autumn it resembles the female apart from the black wings. The female is pale brown above and buff below with darker brown wings. The Northern Wheatear makes one of the longest migratory flights of any small bird, crossing ocean, ice and desert. It migrates from sub-Saharan Africa in spring to breed in open rocky country, tundra, moorland, heaths and pastures over a vast area of the Northern Hemisphere that includes northern and central Asia, Europe, Greenland, Alaska and parts of Canada. In autumn it returns to winter in central Africa. In the UK, the Northern Wheatear is a summer visitor and passage migrant arriving in early March and leaving in September. It breeds mainly in western and northern Britain and western Ireland although smaller numbers also breed in southern and eastern England. The Northern Wheatear is primarily an insectivorous bird and feeds mostly on beetles, ants, caterpillars, grasshoppers, flies, etc. It also eats spiders, centipedes and snails and berries in the autumn. Date: 7th May 2017 Location: RSPB Conwy, Conwy http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30825715.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_200212442958f349b14f9036.00465219.jpgGadwall The Gadwall is one of the most common and widespread dabbling ducks. The breeding male is patterned grey with a black rear end, light chestnut wings and a brilliant white speculum which is obvious in flight or at rest. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female but retains the male wing pattern and is usually greyer above and has less orange on the bill. The female is light brown with plumage much like a female Mallard. It can be distinguished from that species by the dark orange-edged bill, smaller size, the white speculum and white belly. The Gadwall breeds in north Europe and Asia and central north America and appears to be expanding into eastern north America. It is a bird of open wetlands and lakes, wet grassland or marshes with dense fringing vegetation and it nests on the ground, often some distance from water. In the UK, the Gadwall is a scarce breeding bird on some lakes and gravel pits in the Midlands, south east England, eastern central Scotland, eastern Northern Ireland and south east Wales. In winter, numbers increase as birds migrate to spend the winter in the UK on gravel pits, lakes, reservoirs and coastal wetlands. Date: 9th April 2017 Location: EWT Blue House Farm, North Fambridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41234283.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9257426325ee7700f96d53.jpgWoodpigeon The Woodpigeon is the UK's largest and commonest pigeon and is largely grey with a white neck patch and white wing patches which are clearly visible in flight. Although shy in the countryside, it can be tame and approachable in towns and cities. Its cooing call is a familiar sound in woodlands as is the loud clatter of its wings when it flies away. Woodpigeons can be found across the UK. In the countryside they breed on farmland with hedges, trees and copses and in towns and cities they breed in parks and gardens. In winter, Woodpigeons form large flocks on farmland fields. Date: 7th June 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39081960.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14832966745d30789eac1cb.jpgEuropean Bee-eater The European Bee-eater is an incredibly colourful bird with an unmistakable appearance. In breeding plumage, it has a rich chestnut crown that blends into gold on its back. The forehead is white, the throat is yellow bordered by black and the underparts are blue. The male European Bee-eater has a chestnut-coloured patch in the middle of the wing while in females this patch is usually smaller or even absent. Occasionally, females may also be distinguished from the males by having a green back. The wings and backs of juvenile European Bee-eaters are entirely green and the eyes are brown in contrast to the bright red eyes of adults. The European Bee-eater breeds in southern Europe and in parts of north Africa and western Asia. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, India and Sri Lanka. European Bee-eaters are occasionally seen in northern Europe (including the UK) as a spring overshoot north of its range with occasional breeding occurring. Just as the name suggests, the European Bee-eater predominantly eats insects, especially bees, wasps and hornets which are caught in the air by sorties from an open perch. Before eating its meal, a European Bee-eater removes the sting by repeatedly hitting the insect on a hard surface. Lizards and frogs are also taken. European Bee-eaters are gregarious, nesting colonially in sandy banks preferably near river shores and also feeding and roosting communally. Date: 17th May 2018 Location: Vetren, Silistra Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19507336.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_138205465552528a0937872.jpgOjen valley, Andalucia, Spain The Ojen valley is located in the Los Alcornocales Natural Park in the province of Cádiz in Andalucia. The minor road between Facinas in the west and Los Barrios in the east is an attractive route and halfway along is the Mirador Puerto de Ojén with superb views. The road winds through cork forests and past verdant river woodland in the bottom of the valley itself. Date: 11th September 2013 Location: minor road between Facinas and Los Barrios, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14863244.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13301229684fae3677e5330.jpgCorn Bunting The Corn Bunting is a rather non-descript stout and dumpy brown bird which is the largest of the bunting family. Corn Buntings an often be seen perched prominently on a hedge, post or wire singing their jangling song. In the summer corn buntings prefer open farmland but in winter they may be found in stubbles and weedy fields and in cattle yards or stockyards. The Corn Bunting has experienced a dramatic population decline in the UK and therefore it is a Red List species. Date: 16th April 2012 Location: Wallasea Island, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo20140115.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_168669221452c002b2c2e65.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 9th December 2013 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21958453.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_89522731353da48550a864.jpgShag The European Shag, Common Shag or simply Shag is a species of cormorant. It is 27 to 31 inches in length with a 37 to 43 inches wingspan. It is mainly black in colour but with a glossy green-tinged sheen in adults. It has a longish tail and a yellow throat-patch. Adults have a small recurved crest in the breeding season. It is distinguished from the Cormorant by its smaller size, lighter build, thinner and narrower bill, and, in breeding adults, by the crest and metallic green-tinged sheen. The Shag breeds around the rocky coasts of west and south Europe, north Africa and south west Asia, mainly wintering in its breeding range except for the northernmost birds. It nests on rocky ledges or in crevices or small caves and the nests are untidy heaps of rotting seaweed or twigs cemented together by the bird's own guano. The nesting season is long and begins in late February although some nests are not started until May or even later. The female lays 3 eggs and the chicks hatch without down and so they rely totally on their parents for warmth, often for a period of 2 months before they can fly. Fledging may occur at any time from early June to late August and exceptionally to mid-October. In the UK, the Shag breeds at coastal sites, mainly in the north and west of the country, and more than half of the population is found at fewer than 10 sites. It can be seen during the breeding season at the large Scottish colonies on Orkney, Shetland, the Inner Hebrides and in the Firth of Forth. Elsewhere it can be seen commonly around the coasts of Wales and south west England, especially in Devon and Cornwall. The Shag feeds in the sea and, unlike the Cormorant, it is rare inland. It is one of the deepest pursuit divers among the cormorant family and it has been shown to dive to at least 150 feet. When it dives, it jumps out of the water first to give extra impetus to the dive. The Shag forages for food on the sea bed and eats a wide range of fish although the commonest prey is the sand eel. It will travel long distances from its breeding and roosting sites in order to feed. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Staple Island, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/grey-partridge https://images.on-this.website/4752_1660112855518cb2804c900.jpgGrey Partridge The Grey Partridge, also known as the English Partridge, is a game bird in the pheasant family. It is a rotund bird, 11 to 13 inches in length, brown-backed, with grey flanks and chest and an orange face. The belly is white, usually marked with a large chestnut-brown horseshoe mark in males and also in some females. When disturbed, it flies a short distance with whirring wings and occasional glides and often calling. The Grey Partridge is widespread and common throughout much of its range and breeds on farmland across most of Europe in to west Asia. The nest is usually located in the margin of a cereal field where the hens lay up to 20 eggs. The Grey Partridge has also been introduced widely into Canada, the USA, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. It is a non-migratory terrestrial species and groups of up to 15 to 20 birds known as coveys are most usually seen outside the breeding season. In the UK, the Grey Partridge is traditionally found in lowland arable areas but although once very common and widespread, it has undergone a serious population decline throughout most of its range due to a loss of breeding habitat through the intensification of agriculture and possibly due to the loss of food supplies. Numbers have fallen by as much as 85% in the last 25 years and the species is now designated as a Red List species. The Grey Partridge is a seed-eating species but the young in particular take insects as an essential protein supply. During the first 10 days of life, the young can only digest insects. Date: 1st April 2013 Location: Egmere, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29486905.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6488279558107c6b80f5b.jpgGoldeneye The Goldeneye is a medium-sized diving duck, named for its golden-yellow eye. Adult males have a dark head with a greenish gloss and a circular white patch below the eye, a dark back and a white neck and belly. Adult females have a brown head and a mostly grey body. The Goldeneye breeds on the lakes and in the rivers of boreal forests in Scandinavia, Canada, north USA and north Russia. Naturally it will nest in cavities in large trees but it will also readily use nestboxes put up on trees close to water. This has enabled a healthy breeding population to establish in the Scottish Highlands from 1970 where it is increasing and slowly spreading. The Goldeneye is migratory and most winter in protected coastal waters or open inland waters at more temperate latitudes. The Goldeneye forages by diving underwater for crustaceans, aquatic insects and molluscs. Insects are the predominant prey while nesting and crustaceans are the predominant prey during migration and winter. Date: 23rd May 2016 Location: Wild Brown Bear Centre, near Vartius, Kainuu, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871626.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_466826844eff1fa2a607f.jpgWhite-tailed Eagle The White-tailed Eagle is a very large bird with a 72 to 96 inch wingspan and is the fourth largest eagle in the world. It has broad "barn door" wings, a large head and a thick "meat-cleaver" beak. The adult is mainly brown except for the paler head and neck, blackish flight feathers, distinctive white tail, and yellow bill and legs. In juvenile birds the tail and bill are darker, with the tail becoming white with a dark terminal band in sub-adults. The White-tailed Eagle breeds in northern Europe and northern Asia. The largest population in Europe is found along the coast of Norway. They are mostly resident with only the northernmost birds such as the eastern Scandinavian and Siberian population migrating south in winter. Date: 26th May 2009 Location: Salttjern to Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30017264.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1299510583587551fe3be00.jpgShelduck The Shelduck resembles a small short-necked goose in size and shape. It is larger than a Mallard but smaller than geese such as Greylag and Canada Geese. The Shelduck is a striking bird with a reddish-pink bill, pink feet, a white body with chestnut patches and a black belly and a dark green head and neck. The wing coverts are white, the primaries are black and the secondaries are green and chestnut. The underwings are almost entirely white. Sexes are similar but the female is smaller with some white facial markings whilst the male is particularly crisply coloured in the breeding season with a bright red bill bearing a prominent knob at the forehead. Ducklings are white with a black cap, hindneck and wing and back patches. Juveniles are greyish above and mostly white below but already have the adult's wing pattern. The Shelduck breeds in temperate Eurasia where it nests in rabbit burrows and tree holes. Most populations migrate to sub-tropical areas in winter but it is largely resident in west Europe apart from movements to favoured moulting grounds such as the Wadden Sea on the north German coast. The Shelduck is common around the coastline of the UK and Ireland where it can be found on salt marshes, tidal mudflats and estuaries although it can also be found around inland waters such as reservoirs and gravel workings. It can be seen all year round but the population increases significantly during winter with the arrival of birds from continental Europe. This bird was part of the captive collection at WWT Slimbridge. Date: 2nd January 2017 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41187474.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14139038385ea6dfc8a0e3e.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 26th April 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9563026.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7624116134dae9532466da.jpgSnow Bunting Snow Buntings are large buntings with striking “snowy” plumages. Males in summer have all white heads and underparts contrasting with a black mantle and wing tips. Females are a more mottled above. In autumn and winter birds develop a sandy/buff wash to their plumage and males have more mottled upperparts. Snow Buntings breed in far northern Europe and migrate south in winter. They are a very scarce breeding species in the UK and can be found on the highest mountain peaks in Scotland where they nest in rocky crevices. Snow Buntings are best looked for in winter (from late September to early March) where they can sometimes be seen in large flocks on the seashore or on adjacent short rough grassland at coastal sites in Scotland and eastern England. Date: 26th March 2008 Location: Cairngorm, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50931106.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16981194776627d68ab6ad8.jpgStarling The Common Starling, also known as the European starling or in the UK just as the Starling, is a medium-sized passerine bird in the starling family. There are several sub-species of the Starling which vary in size and the colour tone of the adult plumage. The gradual variation over geographic range and extensive intergradation means that acceptance of the various sub-species varies between different authorities. The Starling is 7.5 to 9.1 inches in length with a wingspan of 12 to 17 inches. The plumage is iridescent black, glossed purple or green and spangled with white, especially in winter. The underparts of the adult male Starlings are generally less spotted than those of adult females. The throat feathers of the males are long and loose and are used in display while those of the females are smaller and more pointed. The legs are stout and pinkish-red or greyish-red. The bill is narrow and conical with a sharp tip. In the winter it is brownish-black but in summer the females have lemon yellow beaks whilst the males have yellow bills with blue-grey bases. Moulting occurs once a year in late summer after the breeding season and the fresh feathers are prominently tipped white (breast feathers) or buff (wing and back feathers) giving a speckled appearance. The reduction in the spotting in the breeding season is achieved through the white feather tips largely wearing off. Juveniles are grey-brown and by their first winter they resemble adults although they often retain some brown juvenile feathering especially on the head. In flight, the Starling’s strongly pointed wings and dark colouration are distinctive whilst on the ground its strange waddling gait is also characteristic. The colouring and build usually distinguish the Starling from other starling species although the closely related Spotless Starling from Iberia and north Africa may be physically distinguished by the lack of iridescent spots in the adult breeding plumage. Like most terrestrial starlings, the Starling moves by walking or running rather than hopping. Their flight is quite strong and direct and their triangular-shaped wings beat very rapidly. They periodically glide for a short way without losing much height before resuming powered flight. When in a flock, the birds take off almost simultaneously, wheel and turn in unison, form a compact mass or trail off into a wispy stream, bunch up again and the land in a co-ordinated fashion. The Starling is a noisy bird. Its song consists of a wide variety of both melodic and mechanical-sounding noises as part of a ritual succession of sounds. The male is the main songster and engages in bouts of song lasting for a minute or more. Each of these typically includes 4 varieties of song type which follow each other in a regular order without pause. The bout starts with a series of pure tone whistles and these are followed by the main part of the song, a number of variable sequences that often incorporate snatches of song mimicked from other species of bird and various naturally occurring or man-made noises. The structure and simplicity of the sound mimicked is of greater importance than the frequency with which it occurs. Each sound clip is repeated several times before the bird moves on to the next. After this variable section comes a number of types of repeated clicks followed by a final burst of high frequency song, again formed of several types. Each bird has its own repertoire with more proficient birds having a range of up to 35 variable song types and as many as 14 types of clicks. Males sing constantly as the breeding period approaches and perform less often once pairs have bonded. In the presence of a female, a male sometimes flies to his nest and sings from the entrance, apparently attempting to entice the female in. Having a complex song is also useful in defending a territory and deterring less experienced males from encroaching. Singing also occurs outside the breeding season and takes place throughout the year apart from the moulting period. The songsters are more commonly males although females also sing on occasion. The function of such out-of-season song is poorly understood. Starlings chatter while roosting and bathing and make a great deal of noise that can cause irritation to some people living nearby. When a flock of Starlings is flying together, the synchronised movements of their wings make a distinctive whooshing sound that can be heard hundred yards away. The global population of the Starling was estimated to be 310 million birds in 2004, occupying a total area of 3.4 million square miles. Its numbers are not thought to be declining significantly so it is classified by the IUCN as being of “Least Concern”. It had shown a marked increase in numbers throughout Europe from the 19th century to around the 1950s and 1960s. However, declines in populations have been observed since 1980, including in the UK. This seems to be due to the low survival rate of young birds which may be caused by changes in agricultural practices. The intensive farming methods used in north Europe mean there is less pasture and meadow habitat available and the supply of grassland invertebrates needed for the nestlings to thrive is correspondingly reduced. The Starling remains widespread throughout the Northern Hemisphere and it is native to Eurasia. It is found throughout Europe, north Africa from Morocco to Egypt, India (mainly in the north but regularly extending further south) and extending into the Maldives, Nepal, the Middle East including Syria, Iran and Iraq and north west China. Starlings in the south and west of Europe and south of latitude 40°N are mainly resident although other populations migrate from regions where the winter is harsh, the ground frozen and food scarce. Large numbers of birds from northern Europe, Russia and Ukraine migrate south westwards or south eastwards. In the autumn, when immigrants are arriving from eastern Europe, many of the UK's Starlings are setting off for Iberia and north Africa. Other groups of birds are in passage across the country and the pathways of these different streams of bird may cross. The Starling prefers urban or suburban areas where artificial structures and trees provide adequate nesting and roosting sites. Reedbeds are also favoured for roosting and Starlings commonly feed in grassy areas such as farmland, grazing pastures, playing fields, golf courses and airfields where short grass makes foraging easy. The Starling occasionally inhabits open forests and woodlands although it is rarely found in dense, wet forests. It can also be found in coastal areas where it nests and roosts on cliffs and forages amongst seaweed. The Starling’s ability to adapt to a large variety of habitats has allowed it to disperse and establish the species in diverse locations around the world and resulting in a habitat range from coastal wetlands to alpine forests and from sea cliffs to mountain ranges. The Starling has been introduced to and has successfully established itself in New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, north America, Fiji and several Caribbean islands. As a result, it has also been able to migrate to Thailand, south east Asia and New Guinea. Breeding takes place during the spring and summer. Unpaired males find a suitable cavity and begin to build nests in order to attract single females, often decorating the nest with ornaments such as flowers and fresh green material, which the female later disassembles when accepting the male as a mate. The males sing throughout much of the construction and even more so when a female approaches his nest. Following mating, the male and female continue to build the nest. Nests may be located in any type of hole and common locations include inside hollowed trees, buildings, tree stumps and man-made nest-boxes. Nests are typically made out of straw, dry grass and twigs with an inner lining made up of feathers, wool and soft leaves. Construction usually takes 4 or 5 days and may continue through incubation.[29] The Starling is both monogamous and polygamous. Although broods are generally brought up by a single male and a single female, occasionally the pair may have an extra helper. Pairs may be part of a colony, in which case several other nests may occupy the same or nearby trees. Males may mate with a second female while the first is still on the nest. The reproductive success of the bird is poorer in the second nest than it is in the primary nest and is better when the male remains monogamous. Following mating, the female lays eggs on a daily basis over a period of several days. There are normally 4 or 5 eggs which are pale blue or occasionally white and they commonly have a glossy appearance. Incubation lasts 13 days and both parents share this responsibility although the female spends more time incubating than the male. The female is the only parent to do so at night when the male returns to the communal roost. Nestlings remain in the nest for 3 weeks where they are fed continuously by both parents. Fledglings continue to be fed by their parents for another 1 or 2 weeks. A pair can raise up to 3 broods per year although 2 broods is typical and just a single one is normal north of 48°N. Within 2 months most juveniles will have moulted and gained their first basic plumage. They acquire their adult plumage the following year. Starling nests have a 48% to 79% rate of successful fledging although only 20% of nestlings survive to breeding age. The adult survival rate is closer to 60%. The average life span is about 2 to 3 years. A majority of starling predators are avian, in particular birds of prey The Starling is a highly gregarious species, especially in autumn and winter. Although flock size is highly variable, huge noisy flocks (murmurations) may form near roosts. These dense concentrations of birds are thought to be a defence against attacks by birds of prey. Flocks form a tight sphere-like formation in flight, frequently expanding and contracting and changing shape, seemingly without any sort of leader. Each Starling changes its course and speed as a result of the movement of its closest neighbours. Very large roosts, exceptionally up to 1.5 million birds, can form in city centres, woodlands or reedbeds. The Starling is largely insectivorous and feeds on a wide range of invertebrates in both the adult and larvae stages of development. It will also feed on earthworms, snails, small amphibians and lizards. While the consumption of invertebrates is necessary for successful breeding, the Starling is omnivorous and will also eat grains, seeds, fruits, nectar and food waste if the opportunity arises. Date: 14th April 2024 Location: RSPB Rainham Marshes, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17408557.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7987235295133287c609de.jpgWhooper Swans The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 14th January 2013 Location: Abbeytown to Silloth, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19507432.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15080103252528b68d2878.jpgGriffon Vultures The Griffon Vulture is a typical Old World vulture in appearance with a white bald head, very broad wings and short tail feathers. It has a white neck ruff and yellow bill. The buff body and wing coverts contrast with the dark flight feathers. They are very large birds around 37 to 43 inches long with a 91 to 106 inches wingspan. Like other vultures, the Griffon Vulture is a scavenger, feeding mostly from carcasses of dead animals which it finds by soaring over open areas, often moving in flocks. The population is mostly resident in its breeding range in the mountains of southern Europe, north Africa, and Asia. In Spain, there are tens of thousands of birds from a low of a few thousand around 1980 although the Pyrenees population has apparently been affected by an EU ruling that due to danger of BSE transmission, no carcasses must be left on the fields for the time being. Although the Griffon Vulture does not normally attack larger living prey, there are reports of Spanish Griffon Vultures killing weak, young or unhealthy living animals as they do not find enough carrion to eat. Date: 8th September 2013 Location: Los Llanos de Libar, Sierra de Grazalema, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42222323.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21442267706023a307d9143.jpgNorthern Hawk Owl The Northern Hawk Owl is a medium sized owl, 14 to 16 inches long and with a wing span of 8.5 to 10 inches. Females are slightly larger than males. The term "hawk" refers to its falcon-like wing shape and long tail. The facial disc is whitish and broadly rimmed blackish at the sides. The eyebrows are white and the eyes are pale yellow. The upperparts are dark grey to dusky greyish-brown with the crown densely spotted whitish and the nape has indistinct false eyes. The mantle and back are dusky grey with some whitish dots and the scapulars are mainly white forming rather broad white bands across the shoulder. The flight feathers are dark grey-brown with rows of white spots. The tail is long and graduated and dark greyish-brown with several narrow whitish bars. The underparts are whitish and barred with greyish-brown. The legs and toes are feathered. The Northern Hawk Owl is found in the boreal coniferous forests of North America and Eurasia, usually on the edges of more open woodland, and hunts in semi-open country with scattered trees or groups of trees. It nests in large tree cavities or uses nests abandoned by other large birds and moves widely within its area of distribution, breeding where food is abundant. The Northern Hawk Owl is a partially diurnal owl which hunts voles and birds like thrushes. It waits on a treetop or other perch and takes advantage of its rapid flight to overtake prey. It has exceptional hearing and can plunge into snow to capture rodents below the surface. The typical male call is a rapid, melodious, purring trill of up to 14 seconds long which consists of about 11 to 15 notes per second. It begins softly, rises slightly in pitch and increases to a vibrating trill before breaking off abruptly. This is repeated at various intervals. Females utter a similar, higher-pitched, less clear song. Date: 9th July 2019 Location: Iivaara, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21829450.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5733577953cba5ba6cf7b.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 11th June 2014 Location: Bempton Cliifs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46535973.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_105085016362caab44bbedd.jpgEssex Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Essex Skipper is a small butterfly with a darting flight. It has bright orange-brown wings which are held with the forewings angled above the hind wings. The males have a thin black scent brand line running through the centre of the forewing and parallel to the leading edge. The Small Skipper appears very similar but it lacks the black tips to the antenna and it has a longer scent brand which is angled to the edge of the forewing. Since the Essex Skipper and the Small Skipper closely resemble each other and are often found in the same company, the Essex Skipper has been overlooked both in terms of recording and ecological study and it was the last UK resident species to be described (in 1889). The Essex Skipper can be found in tall, dry grasslands in open sunny situations, especially roadside verges, woodland rides and acid grasslands as well as coastal marshes. The distribution of the Essex Skipper in the UK has more than doubled in the last few decades. It is a widespread species in southern and central England but not in the far south-west Date: 6th July 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9562988.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20671259724dae9054abf33.jpgSnow Bunting Snow Buntings are large buntings with striking “snowy” plumages. Males in summer have all white heads and underparts contrasting with a black mantle and wing tips. Females are a more mottled above. In autumn and winter birds develop a sandy/buff wash to their plumage and males have more mottled upperparts. Snow Buntings breed in far northern Europe and migrate south in winter. They are a very scarce breeding species in the UK and can be found on the highest mountain peaks in Scotland where they nest in rocky crevices. Snow Buntings are best looked for in winter (from late September to early March) where they can sometimes be seen in large flocks on the seashore or on adjacent short rough grassland at coastal sites in Scotland and eastern England. Date: 26th December 2008 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5094170.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5058091664bfaac4bd9b73.jpgGreat Crested Grebe The Great Crested Grebe is the largest member of the grebe family measuring 18 to 20 inches in length with a wing span of 23 to 29 inches. It is a graceful bird with its long neck, long bill and slender outline. In summer, the adults of both sexes are unmistakable being adorned with beautiful head-plumes which are reddish-orange in colour with black tips. There is also an erectile black crown. Non-breeding adults lack the full crest and have a dark crown bordered by a white face, the white extending down the fore-neck and chest. The sexes are similar in appearance but juveniles can be distinguished from adults by having a striped black and white head and neck. The Great Crested Grebe can be found across Europe and Asia and it breeds on shallow, reed-fringed freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs and slow rivers. It is resident in the milder west of its range but it migrates from the colder regions of its range to freshwater lakes, reservoirs and sheltered coastal areas in winter. The Great Crested Grebe has an elaborate mating display. Like all grebes, it nests on the water's edge since its legs are set relatively far back and it is thus unable to walk very well. Usually 2 eggs are laid and the fluffy, striped young grebes are often carried on the adult's back. In a clutch of 2 or more hatchlings, male and female grebes will each identify their “favourites” which they alone will care for and teach. Unusually, young Great Crested Grebes are capable of swimming and diving almost at hatching. The adults teach these skills to their young by carrying them on their backs and diving, leaving the chicks to float on the surface. They then re-emerge a few feet away so that the chicks may swim back on to them. The Great Crested Grebe feeds mainly on fish but it will also eat small crustaceans, insects and small frogs and newts. The Great Crested Grebe was hunted almost to extinction in the UK in the 19th century due to being hunted for its head plumes which were used to decorate hats and ladies' undergarments. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was set up to help protect the Great Crested Grebe which is now again a common sight. Date: 23rd May 2010 Location: Lakenheath Fen, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533178.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_57345172362ca7af140439.jpgMarsh Tit The Marsh Tit is a member of the tit family and is mainly brown with a shiny black cap, dark “bib” and pale belly. In the UK its identification is made tricky by the very similar appearance of our race of the Willow Tit. The 2 birds are so hard to identify that ornithologists didn't realise there were 2 species until 1897! The Marsh Tit can be seen all year round across England and Wales and also in southern Scotland and despite its name it is most often found in broadleaf woodland and also copses, parks and gardens. Date: 13th June 2022 Location: NWT Weeting Heath, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/vestmannaeyjar-south-iceland https://images.on-this.website/4752_1105418110561ccc54a1eb0.jpgVestmannaeyjar archipelago, south Iceland Vestmannaeyjar, anglicized as Westman Islands, is a town and archipelago off the south coast of Iceland. The Vestmannaeyjar archipelago is about 24 miles long and 18 miles broad with the closest point lying about 5 miles from the mainland. The largest island is Heimaey with a population of around 4000 but the other islands are uninhabited. The archipelago is young in geological terms. The islands lie in the Southern Icelandic Volcanic Zone and have been formed by eruptions over the past 10000 to 12000 years. The volcanic system consists of 70 to 80 volcanoes both above and below the sea. There are 15 islands and about 30 rock stacks and skerries. All the islands have been built up in submarine eruptions and consist of alternating layers of tuff and lava. The oldest geological formations are in the northern part of Heimaey, the largest island and the only inhabited one. Basalt columns can be seen in many places and the sea has eroded the soft rock of the shoreline and scooped out many picturesque coves and grottos which are among the special features of the islands. There was a submarine eruption south east of Hellisey in 1896. The next eruption began on 14th November 1963. It lasted about 4 years, one of the longest in Icelandic history, and gave birth to Surtsey which became the 15th island in the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago. The Vestmannaeyjar archipelago came to further international attention in 1973 with the eruption of the Eldfell volcano which destroyed many buildings in Heimay and forced a month long evacuation of the entire population to mainland Iceland. Approximately one fifth of the town was destroyed before the lava flow was halted by application of 6.8 billion litres of cold sea water. The eruption of 1973 lasted for 155 days and Heimaey grew in size by about 0.81 square miles. Date: 8th June 2015 Location: view from the Landeyjahöfn ferry terminal looking south towards the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512798.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_102365481962c99fd156a04.jpgShelduck The Shelduck resembles a small short-necked goose in size and shape. It is larger than a Mallard but smaller than geese such as Greylag and Canada Geese. The Shelduck is a striking bird with a reddish-pink bill, pink feet, a white body with chestnut patches and a black belly and a dark green head and neck. The wing coverts are white, the primaries are black and the secondaries are green and chestnut. The underwings are almost entirely white. Sexes are similar but the female is smaller with some white facial markings whilst the male is particularly crisply coloured in the breeding season with a bright red bill bearing a prominent knob at the forehead. Ducklings are white with a black cap, hindneck and wing and back patches. Juveniles are greyish above and mostly white below but already have the adult's wing pattern. The Shelduck breeds in temperate Eurasia where it nests in rabbit burrows and tree holes. Most populations migrate to sub-tropical areas in winter but it is largely resident in west Europe apart from movements to favoured moulting grounds such as the Wadden Sea on the north German coast. The Shelduck is common around the coastline of the UK and Ireland where it can be found on salt marshes, tidal mudflats and estuaries although it can also be found around inland waters such as reservoirs and gravel workings. It can be seen all year round but the population increases significantly during winter with the arrival of birds from continental Europe. Date: 10th May 2022 Location: WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre, Carmarthenshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40713545.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21091344785e16f728ed9e3.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 23rd December 2019 Location: Abberton Reservoir, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28887284.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_76035639957cc3f1217f41.jpgSutlepa meri, Silma Nature Reserve, Estonia The Silma Nature Reserve covers nearly 20 square miles and it was established in order to protect the local waters, wetlands and meadows and their wildlife. It covers a vast expanse of lagoons, waterways, islets and coastal meadows with up to 24 percent of the area covered in reedbeds. It is considered to be the second most important area for birds in western Estonia, second only to Matsalu National Park, and ranks as a wetland of international importance. Sutlepa meri is located centrally within the Silma Nature Reserve and it is a wetland that was once a coastal lagoon but which today is set inland in a forested landscape. It is a mosaic area with open water, bogs and reedbeds. Date: 10th May 2016 Location: Sutlepa meri, Silma Nature Reserve, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9579018.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6931887504db0050ec8899.jpgOystercatcher The Oystercatcher is a wader in the oystercatcher family. It is an obvious and noisy bird with black and white plumage, red legs and a strong broad red bill which is used for smashing or prising open molluscs such as mussels or for finding earthworms. Despite its name, oysters do not form a large part of its diet. The Oystercatcher is unmistakable in flight with white patches on the wings and tail with otherwise black upperparts and white underparts. Young birds are more brown, have a white neck collar and a duller bill. The call is a distinctive loud piping. The bill shape varies: Oystercatchers with broad bill tips open molluscs by prising them apart or hammering through the shell whereas birds with pointed bills dig up worms. Much of this is due to the wear resulting from feeding on their prey. Individual Oystercatchers specialise in one technique or the other which they learn from their parents. The Oystercatcher is the most widespread of the oystercatchers with 3 races breeding in western Europe, central Eurasia, Kamchatka, China, and the western coast of Korea. It is a migratory species over most of its range. The European population breeds mainly in northern Europe but in winter the birds can be found in north Africa and southern parts of Europe. Although the species is present all year in Ireland, the UK and the adjacent European coasts, there is still migratory movement within these populations. In winter, large flocks can be seen on major estuaries in the UK. The Oystercatcher breeds on shingle and rocky beaches, sand dunes, salt marshes and on the grassy tops of small islands and also inland on shingle banks of rivers, lakes and gravel pits. Date: 31st May 2008 Location: Sumburgh Head, South Mainland, Shetland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533483.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13486486762ca8a6a664c8.jpgShelduck The Shelduck resembles a small short-necked goose in size and shape. It is larger than a Mallard but smaller than geese such as Greylag and Canada Geese. The Shelduck is a striking bird with a reddish-pink bill, pink feet, a white body with chestnut patches and a black belly and a dark green head and neck. The wing coverts are white, the primaries are black and the secondaries are green and chestnut. The underwings are almost entirely white. Sexes are similar but the female is smaller with some white facial markings whilst the male is particularly crisply coloured in the breeding season with a bright red bill bearing a prominent knob at the forehead. Ducklings are white with a black cap, hindneck and wing and back patches. Juveniles are greyish above and mostly white below but already have the adult's wing pattern. The Shelduck breeds in temperate Eurasia where it nests in rabbit burrows and tree holes. Most populations migrate to sub-tropical areas in winter but it is largely resident in west Europe apart from movements to favoured moulting grounds such as the Wadden Sea on the north German coast. The Shelduck is common around the coastline of the UK and Ireland where it can be found on salt marshes, tidal mudflats and estuaries although it can also be found around inland waters such as reservoirs and gravel workings. It can be seen all year round but the population increases significantly during winter with the arrival of birds from continental Europe. Date: 25th June 2022 Location: RSPB Minsmere, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30825708.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_488185458f349a078fff2.23952971.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 9th April 2017 Location: EWT Blue House Farm, North Fambridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39081909.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1717415435d30767cc69d9.jpgRiver Danube and Belene Island, Pleven Province, Bulgaria The River Danube, known by various names in other languages, is Europe's second longest river after the River Volga. It is located in central and eastern Europe. The River Danube was once a long-standing frontier of the Roman Empire and today it flows through 10 countries, more than any other river in the world. Originating in Germany, the River Danube flows south east for 1,770 miles, passing through or bordering Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova and Ukraine before draining in to the Danube Delta and the Black Sea. Its drainage basin extends into 9 more countries. Since ancient times, the River Danube has been a traditional trade route in Europe and today 1,501 miles of its total length is navigable. Belene is a town in Pleven Province in north Bulgaria. It is situated on the right bank of the River Danube close to the town of Svishtov. Belene Island or Persin Island is the largest island in Bulgarian waters and the fourth largest island along the River Danube. The island is formed by the River Danube splitting in to 2 branches passing north and south of it. The international frontier between Bulgaria and Romania follows the north branch of the river and therefore Belene Island is part of Bulgarian territory. The island is 9 miles long and reaches 3.7 miles in width. It is connected to the town of Belene with a pontoon bridge. Belene Island is a part of the Belene Islands Complex and of the Persina Natural Park which focuses on the conservation and restoration of the River Danube wetlands. Because of its uniqueness and importance, the island group was designated as a Ramsar Convention site in September 2002. The most significant ecosystems within the park are the flooded forests and the inland marshes along the River Danube. Belene Island is infamous for the Belene concentration camp that functioned there for the detention of political prisoners between 1949 to 1953 and 1956 to 1959. It was part of the network of forced labour camps in Communist Bulgaria. Date: 13th May 2018 Location: view from the Prestige Hotel, Belene, Pleven Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9580114.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7325764924db01dbd8a441.jpgBlack-tailed Godwit The Black-tailed Godwit is a large, long-legged, long-billed shorebird with an orange head, neck and chest in its breeding plumage and a uniform brown-grey breast and upperparts in winter. During the breeding season, the bill has a yellowish or orange-pink base and dark tip but the base is pink in winter. The legs are dark grey, brown or black. The sexes are similar but in breeding plumage they can be separated by the male's brighter, more extensive orange breast, neck and head. In flight, the bold black and white wingbar and white rump can be seen readily. When on the ground the Black-tailed Godwit can be difficult to separate from the similar Bar-tailed Godwit but the Black-tailed Godwit's longer, straighter bill and longer legs are diagnostic. The Black-tailed Godwit’s breeding range stretches from Iceland through northern Europe and areas of central Asia where it can be found in fens, lake edges, damp meadows, moorlands and bogs. It winters in areas as diverse as the Indian Subcontinent, Australia, western Europe and west Africa where it can be found on estuaries and floods. It is also more likely to be found inland and on freshwater than the Bar-tailed Godwit. Date: 27/04/06 Location: Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21957059.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_84252719253da322c87eef.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a gentle looking, medium sized gull with a small yellow bill and a dark eye. It has a grey back and is white underneath. Its legs are short and black. In flight the black wing-tips show no white, unlike other gulls, and look as if they have been “dipped in ink”. The population is declining in some areas, perhaps due to a shortage of sand eels. Kittiwakes are strictly coastal gulls. In the breeding season, they can be found on rocky, steep sea-cliffs at the major seabird colonies around the UK from February until August. From August to October they can be seen flying past offshore and they spend the winter months out at sea. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Staple Island, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082115.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17112076405d307a72bd897.jpgRed-backed Shrike The Red-backed Shrike is a carnivorous passerine bird and member of the shrike family. The general colour of the male’s upper parts is reddish. It has a grey head and a typical shrike black stripe through the eye. Underparts are tinged pink and the tail has a black and white pattern similar to that of a Wheatear. In the female and young birds the upperparts are brown and vermiculated and the underparts are buff and also vermiculated. The Red-backed Shrike eats large insects, small birds, frogs, rodents and lizards. Like other shrikes it hunts from prominent perches and impales corpses on thorns or barbed wire as a "larder." This practice has earned it the nickname of "butcher bird." The Red-backed Shrike breeds in most of Europe and western Asia and winters in tropical Africa. Once a common migratory visitor to the UK, numbers declined sharply during the 20th century. The bird's last stronghold was in Breckland but by 1988 just a single pair remained, successfully raising young at Santon Downham. The following year for the first time no nests were recorded in the UK but since then sporadic breeding has taken place, mostly in Scotland and Wales, and in September 2010 the RSPB announced that a pair had raised chicks at a secret location on Dartmoor where the bird last bred in 1970. This return to south west England has been an unexpected development and has raised speculation that a warming climate could assist the bird in re-colonising some of its traditional sites, if only in small numbers. Date: 19th May 2018 Location: Durankulak, Dobrich Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41524249.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6303240635f3a6d981c444.jpgRuddy Darter Flight period: mid June to mid September. The Ruddy Darter takes its name from its colour and its swift flight behaviour. The male has a deep russet colour over the entire body and the abdomen has a pinched section close to where it joins the thorax. Females are slightly smaller, golden yellow in colour and being less obviously marked are more difficult to identify than the males. There is more than one red coloured darter species in the UK and they can be easily confused with each other. The commonest red species, the Common Darter, can be distinguished as having red veins at the base of the wings and a less ruddy colouration across the body. However, the Ruddy Darter has entirely black legs, distinguishing it from all other red darters which have longitudinal yellow stripes on their legs. The UK range of the Ruddy Darter has undergone something of an expansion in recent years. Although still relatively uncommon in the west and north of Britain, it is increasing in numbers in the Midlands and eastern England. The population is augmented by continental migrants. It is also found over most of Europe except for northern Scandinavia, as far east as western Siberia and south to north Africa. The Ruddy Darter prefers water bodies with tall emergent vegetation, such as reeds and club rush, and it is known to breed in ponds, lakes, canals, ditches and sluggish rivers. They can also be found near coasts and can breed in fairly brackish water. Date: 4th August 2020 Location, Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11805618.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9025951704e3a69df1afe7.jpgSeven-spot Ladybird The Seven-spot Ladybird is a very familiar and widespread in the UK. They are small round beetles with three and a half spots on each of their two elytra (wing cases). The thorax is black with two white marks at the side and the head is small and black. The Ladybird's bright colours are a warning to predators of its foul taste. When disturbed the Ladybird will secrete small amounts of its oily foul-smelling yellow blood from its legs as a further warning to predators such as ants or birds. They inhabit gardens, woodland, hedgerows and meadows and have a varied diet of small insects but favour plant-lice and aphids. They are known as the gardener's friend as they eat garden pests. The average Seven-spot Ladybird will eat more than 5,000 aphids in its year-long life. Ladybirds will hibernate in large groups in sites which are used year after year. In the main breeding season during May and June, mating Seven-spot Ladybirds are a common sight in hedgerows and gardens. In her short life, a female may lay more than 2,000 small yellow eggs. The name Ladybird comes from the Middle Ages when the colourful insects were known as the "beetle of Our Lady". They were named after the Virgin Mary because in early religious paintings she was often shown wearing a red cloak. The 7 spots symbolise 7 joys and 7 sorrows. Date: 2nd August 2011 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29486972.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_115282846858107d0836ea2.jpgWild Brown Bear Centre, near Vartius, Kainuu, Finland The [url=http://www.wildbrownbear.fi/]Wild Brown Bear Centre[/url] is located in the wilderness taiga forest area near Vartius close to the Finland-Russia border. During May, June, July and August, 22 photography and observation hides can be occupied between 5 p.m. and 7 a.m. The hides are approached by about a half mile walk through the forest from the main lodge and they each accommodate 2 to 3 people. They are situated in a small open wetland area, near a small pond and inside a pine forest clearing. Please see my [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/trip-report-estonia-and-north]trip report[/url] for further information. Date: 23rd May 2016 Location: Wild Brown Bear Centre, near Vartius, Kainuu, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/loch-linnhe-argyll https://images.on-this.website/4752_1607928114467f22b9c2b5e.jpgLoch Linnhe, Argyll Loch Linnhe is a large sea loch in the Western Highlands separating the areas of Morvern and Ardgour to the west from the areas of Appin, Benderloch and Lochaber to the east. Loch Linnhe stretches some 30 miles from north east to south west and forms a southern extension of the Great Glen that opens out into the Firth of Lorn. Its greatest width is nearly 6 miles while its narrowest width lies just north of the mouth of Loch Leven at the Corran Narrows. Fort William stands at the head of the loch, at the junction with Loch Eil and the beginning of the Caledonian Canal system. Date: 30th May 2005 Location: view looking over the Corran Narrows to the Corran lighthouse http://www.richardchewphotography.com/common-toad https://images.on-this.website/4752_1299069062467ee6afd46ca.jpgCommon Toad The Common Toad is surrounded by a wealth of folklore and superstition. It can alter the tone of its skin to suit its surroundings. The upper surface may be brown, greenish or grey and occasionally features dark markings. Females are often more reddish or brown than males. The underside is typically white or grey and the eye which has a horizontal pupil is copper in colour. The most obvious feature that distinguishes this species from the Common Frog is its warty skin. These dark warts secrete powerful toxins when the Common Toad is harassed and potential predators soon learn to avoid them. Common Toads have a very wide distribution throughout Europe and in the UK they are only uncommon in northern Scotland. Although they are common and widespread in the UK, it is likely that habitat loss, particularly the drainage of wetlands, has affected populations.They are largely nocturnal and can be found in a broad variety of habitats including gardens. Large water bodies are required for good populations and optimal habitats seem to be woodland, scrub and rough grasslands. Common Toads have a broad diet and feed on a huge range of prey small enough to swallow, including insects, spiders, earwigs, earthworms, snails and slugs. They are usually welcomed by gardeners due to their voracious appetites for many garden pests. Date: 5th June 2006 Location: Lochdon-Grasspoint, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46027959.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6647477026291efaadf493.jpgReed Warbler The Eurasian Reed warbler, or just Reed Warbler, is a warbler in the genus [i]Acrocephalus[/i]. It is a medium-sized warbler, 5 to 5.5 inches in length. The adult has an unstreaked brown back and buff underparts. The forehead is flattened and the bill is strong and pointed. The sexes are identical, as with most warblers, but young birds are a richer buff colour below. The Reed Warbler’s song is a slow chatter, with typically whistles and mimicry added, and it usually sings from within a reedbed rather than from a perch so it is often heard rather than seen. The Reed Warbler is found almost exclusively in reedbeds where it breeds across Europe into the temperate western Palaearctic. It is migratory and winters in sub-Saharan Africa. It is a summer visitor to the UK with the largest concentrations in the reedbeds in lowland central and southern England and Wales. The Reed Warbler is one of the species that is brood parasitised by the Cuckoo. Like most warblers, the Reed Warbler is insectivorous but it will take other small food items including berries. Date: 21st May 2022 Location: EWT Two Tree Island, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30017276.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_76864184658755280304b0.jpgGrey Wagtail The Grey Wagtail is a member of the wagtail family. It is somewhat similar to the Yellow Wagtail but more colourful than its name suggests. The upperparts are grey and the yellow vent contrasting with whitish underparts makes it distinctive. The breeding male has a black throat that is edged by whitish moustachial stripes, a narrow white supercilium and a broken eye ring and a tail noticeably longer than those of Pied and Yellow wagtails. Like other wagtails, it frequently wags its tail and flies low with undulations. The Grey Wagtail is widely distributed across the Palearctic region with several sub-species breeding in Europe and Asia. It can be found over most of the UK with the exception of the northern and western isles of Scotland. The greatest densities are found in the uplands of England, Wales and Scotland. The Grey Wagtail is always associated with fast running streams and rivers when breeding although they may use man-made structures near streams for the nest. Outside the breeding season, it may also be seen around lakes, coasts and other watery habitats including in town and city centres. It forages singly or in pairs feeding on a variety of aquatic invertebrates including adult flies, mayflies, beetles, crustacea and molluscs and will use rocks in water and often perch in waterside bushes and trees. Date: 2nd January 2017 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14185425.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10979609234f4233406e862.jpgGatekeeper Flight period: mid-July to early September. The Gatekeeper or Hedge Brown is common and widespread throughout the southern half of the UK. They can be found in areas with hedgerows or in scrubby woodland with wide and sunny rides. Date: 21st July 2007 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081368.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_94410681863a710d7ad066.jpgDark-bellied Brent Geese The Brent Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. Branta is a Latinised form of Old Norse brandgás, meaning "burnt (black) goose", and bernicla is the medieval Latin name for the barnacle. The Brent Goose and the similar Barnacle Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be the same creature as the crustacean, a myth that can be dated back to at least the 12th century. The Brent Goose, Branta bernicla is divided into 3 sub-species: Dark-bellied Brent Goose B. b. bernicla, Pale-bellied Brent Goose B. b. hrota (sometimes also known as Light-bellied Brent Goose) and Black Brant B. b. nigricans. Some DNA evidence suggests that these forms are genetically distinct and a split into 3 separate species has been proposed. However, other evidence upholds their maintenance as a single species. The Brent Goose is a small goose, 22 to 26 inches long with a wingspan of 42 to 48 inches. The under-tail is pure white and the tail black and very short (the shortest of any goose). The Dark-bellied Brent Goose is fairly uniformly dark grey-brown all over and the flanks and belly are not significantly paler than the back. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds on the Arctic coasts of central and west Siberia and winters in west Europe with over half the population in south England and the rest between north Germany and north west France. The Pale-bellied Brent Goose appears blackish-brown and light grey in colour and the flanks and belly are significantly paler than the back and present a marked contrast. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds in Franz Josef Land, Svalbard, Greenland and north east Canada and winters in Denmark, north east England, Ireland and the Atlantic coast of the USA from Maine to Georgia as well as in a small but significant area in north France. The Black Brant appears blackish-brown and white in colour. This sub-species is very contrastingly black and white with a uniformly dark sooty-brown back, similarly-coloured underparts (with the dark colour extending furthest back of the 3 sub-species) and a prominent white flank patch. It also has a larger white neck patch which forms an almost complete collar. It breeds in north west Canada, Alaska and east Siberia and winters mostly on the west coast of north America from south Alaska to California but also in east Asia, mainly Japan. It sometimes appears as a vagrant in Europe when it associates with the other Brent Goose species. The Brent Goose used to be a strictly coastal bird in winter, seldom leaving tidal estuaries where it feeds on eel-grass and seaweed. In recent decades, it has started using agricultural land a short distance inland, feeding extensively on grass and winter-sown cereals. This may be behaviour learned by following other species of geese. Food resource pressure may also be important in forcing this change since the world population increased over 10-fold by the mid-1980s, possibly reaching the carrying capacity of the estuaries. In the breeding season, the Brent Goose uses low-lying wet coastal tundra for both breeding and feeding. The nest is bowl-shaped, lined with grass and down and located in an elevated position often near a small pond. The Brent Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds applies. Date: 13th January 2022 Location: Brightlingsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7439630.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4326651364cd572b1acb41.jpgGriffon Vultures The Griffon Vulture is a typical Old World vulture in appearance with a white bald head, very broad wings and short tail feathers. It has a white neck ruff and yellow bill. The buff body and wing coverts contrast with the dark flight feathers. They are very large birds around 37 to 43 inches long with a 91 to 106 inches wingspan. Like other vultures, the Griffon Vulture is a scavenger, feeding mostly from carcasses of dead animals which it finds by soaring over open areas, often moving in flocks. The population is mostly resident in its breeding range in the mountains of southern Europe, north Africa, and Asia. In Spain, there are tens of thousands of birds from a low of a few thousand around 1980 although the Pyrenees population has apparently been affected by an EU ruling that due to danger of BSE transmission, no carcasses must be left on the fields for the time being. Although the Griffon Vulture does not normally attack larger living prey, there are reports of Spanish Griffon Vultures killing weak, young or unhealthy living animals as they do not find enough carrion to eat. Date: 11th September 2010 Location: Arribes del Duero, Castille y Leon, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30017265.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_42317948158755212638fb.jpgShelduck The Shelduck resembles a small short-necked goose in size and shape. It is larger than a Mallard but smaller than geese such as Greylag and Canada Geese. The Shelduck is a striking bird with a reddish-pink bill, pink feet, a white body with chestnut patches and a black belly and a dark green head and neck. The wing coverts are white, the primaries are black and the secondaries are green and chestnut. The underwings are almost entirely white. Sexes are similar but the female is smaller with some white facial markings whilst the male is particularly crisply coloured in the breeding season with a bright red bill bearing a prominent knob at the forehead. Ducklings are white with a black cap, hindneck and wing and back patches. Juveniles are greyish above and mostly white below but already have the adult's wing pattern. The Shelduck breeds in temperate Eurasia where it nests in rabbit burrows and tree holes. Most populations migrate to sub-tropical areas in winter but it is largely resident in west Europe apart from movements to favoured moulting grounds such as the Wadden Sea on the north German coast. The Shelduck is common around the coastline of the UK and Ireland where it can be found on salt marshes, tidal mudflats and estuaries although it can also be found around inland waters such as reservoirs and gravel workings. It can be seen all year round but the population increases significantly during winter with the arrival of birds from continental Europe. This bird was part of the captive collection at WWT Slimbridge. Date: 2nd January 2017 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37431286.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3663452105c6bec412447c.jpgSmew The Smew is a species of diving duck and is the only living member of the genus [i]Mergellus[/i]. This genus is closely related to [i]Mergus[/i] which is represented in the UK by the Red-breasted Merganser and the Goosander. The male Smew is white with a black mask and a black back and is unmistakable. It is often described as having a “cracked ice” appearance. The female and immature male are grey birds with chestnut foreheads and crowns and they can be confused at a distance with the Ruddy Duck. They are often known as "redheads". The Smew's small bill has a hooked tip and serrated edges which help it catch fish when it dives for them. The Smew can be found on the lakes and rivers of the northern taiga region of Europe and Asia. It usually breeds in May and June and nests in tree holes such as old woodpecker nests. As a migrant, it leaves its breeding areas and winters further south on the sheltered coasts or inland lakes of the Baltic Sea, the Black Sea, north Germany and the Low Countries. The Smew is also a winter visitor to the UK in small numbers where it is mainly found south of a line between the Wash and the River Severn, typically on lakes, reservoirs and gravel pits. Sometimes birds move to the UK from Holland and Denmark to escape freezing weather there. The Smew is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. It is not considered threatened on the IUCN Red List although its population is decreasing. This bird was part of the captive collection at WWT Slimbridge. Date: 8th January 2019 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7439594.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4087508904cd5722eebbfa.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is one of the largest deer species. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer can be found in most of Europe, the Caucasus Mountains region, Asia Minor and parts of western and central Asia. It also inhabits the Atlas Mountains region between Morocco and Tunisia in northwestern Africa, being the only species of deer to inhabit Africa. Red Deer have been introduced to other areas including Australia, New Zealand and Argentina. Date: 8th September 2010 Location: Sierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain - road to La Lancha and Embalse del Jándula http://www.richardchewphotography.com/northern-waterthrush https://images.on-this.website/4752_61896731165ccca2a7dd53.jpgNorthern Waterthrush The Northern Waterthrush is a species of ground-feeding migratory New World warbler of the genus Parkesia. It breeds in the northern part of North America in Canada and the northern United States including Alaska and it winters in Central America, the West Indies and Florida as well as in Venezuela, Colombia and Ecuador. It is a rare vagrant to other South American countries and to western Europe. The Northern Waterthrush is typically found in swampy or wet woods, streamsides and lake shores and breeds mostly in coniferous forests with standing or sluggish water such as shrubby bogs and the edges of lakes. On migration, it may appear in any habitat but is more frequent in thickets along the edges of water. In winter in the tropics, it is often found in coastal mangrove swamps. The Northern Waterthrush is a large New World warbler (and not a thrush despite the name). It has a length of 4.7 to 5.9 inches and a wingspan of 8.3 to 9.4 inches. On the head, the crown is brown with a white supercilium. The bill is pointed and dark. The throat is lightly streaked brown to black with heavier streaking continuing onto the breast and flanks. The back is evenly brown. Sexes are morphologically similar. The Northern Waterthrush is a terrestrial ground feeder, eating insects, spiders, molluscs, worms and crustaceans as well as minnows found by wading through water. The Northern Waterthrush is an exceptionally rare bird in the UK. This bird is a first record for Essex, only the third mainland record for the UK and the first UK record since 2011. The UK’s first Northern Waterthrush was found on St. Agnes on the Isles of Scilly in September 1958. The Isles of Scilly have since hosted 4 more birds, most recently in September 2011. All previous UK records have been found in the autumn. Ireland has 2 records in September 1983 and August 2008, both on Cape Clear in County Cork. This first Essex record was found on 3rd January 2024 on a garden pond in Heybridge near Maldon in Essex. The bird was found by Simon Wood, President of the Essex Birdwatching Society. It was swiftly relocated the next morning at the nearby Heybridge Hall sluice and ditch where it attracted birders not just from Essex but from across the UK for a period of several weeks. Date: 19th January 2024 Location: Heybridge, Maldon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/fzr-borsod-abaj-zempln-county https://images.on-this.website/4752_162755341659ae707a7ad2c4.27378149.jpgFüzér, Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén county, Hungary Füzér is a small village located in the Zemplén Mountains in north east Hungary. The main attraction is Füzéri vár, a castle standing on a solitary volcanic cone at the edge of the village. It was built at the beginning of the 13th century as a defence against the Turks, expanded in the 14th and 15th centuries but ruined at the end of the 18th century. The entire castle hill is a protected historic site and since 1977 it has been reconstructed and renewed. The Zemplén Mountains lie to the north of the towns of Szerencs and Tokaj in north east Hungary. They are an upland area of volcanic origin forming part of the Carpathian Mountains. The highest peak is Nagy-Milic at 2933 feet which is situated near the northernmost point of Hungary on the border with Slovakia. The Zemplén Mountains are surrounded by the flood plains of the Bodrog and Hernád rivers and are primarily covered in oak, beech, birch, ash and alder forest with conifer forest at higher levels. Orchards, vineyards and pastures occur in the valleys and on lower slopes. The 110 square miles comprising the majority of the Zemplén Mountains became the Zemplén Protected Landscape Area in 1984. The steep peaks of the Zemplén Mountains form the bases for many medieval stone castles. Date: 24th May 2017 Location: Füzéri vár, Füzér, Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081415.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_158491170063a82a9bcc453.jpgBewick's Swan The Tundra Swan is a small Holarctic swan. The 2 taxa within it are usually regarded as conspecific but are also sometimes split into 2 species: the Bewick's Swan of the Palaearctic and the Whistling Swan of the Nearctic. The Bewick's Swan was named in 1830 by William Yarrell after the engraver Thomas Bewick who specialised in illustrations of birds and animals. The Bewick's Swan measures 45 to 55 inches in length with a wing span of 18.5 to 21.5 inches. Males are slightly larger and heavier than females. It is similar in appearance to the Whooper Swan but is smaller, shorter-necked and has a more rounded head shape. It has a variable bill pattern but always shows more black than yellow and having a blunt forward edge of the yellow base patch. The Whooper Swan has a bill that has more yellow than black and the forward edge of the yellow patch is usually pointed. The bill pattern for every individual Bewick's Swan is unique and scientists often make detailed drawings of each bill and assign names to the swans to assist with studying these birds. As their common name implies, the Tundra Swan breeds in the Arctic and sub-Arctic tundra where they inhabit shallow pools, lakes and rivers. Unlike the Mute Swan, but like the other Arctic swans, it is a migratory bird. The winter habitat is mainly grassland and marshland, often near the coast. The breeding range of the Bewick’s Swan extends across the coastal lowlands of Siberia from the Kola Peninsula east to the Pacific. It starts to arrive in its breeding range around mid-May and leaves for its winter range around the end of September. The populations west of the Taimyr Peninsula migrate via the White Sea, Baltic Sea and the Elbe estuary to winter in Denmark, the Netherlands and the UK where it is common in winter on a few RSPB and WWT reserves. Some birds also winter elsewhere on the southern shores of the North Sea. The Bewick’s Swans that breed in eastern Russia migrate via Mongolia and north China to winter in the coastal regions of Korea, Japan and south China, south to Guangdong and occasionally as far as Taiwan. A few birds from the central Siberian range also winter in Iran at the south of the Caspian Sea. Arrival in the winter range starts about mid-October although most birds spend weeks or even months at favourite resting locations and will only arrive in the winter range in November or even as late as January. Departure from the winter range starts in mid-February. Bewick’s Swans mate in the late spring, usually after they have returned to the breeding range. As is usual for swans, they pair monogamously until one partner dies. Should one partner die long before the other, the surviving bird often will not mate again for several years or even for the rest of its life. The nesting season starts at the end of May. The pair build the large mound-shaped nest from plant material at an elevated site near open water and they defend a large territory around it. The pen (female) lays and incubates a clutch of 2 to 7 (usually 3 to 5) eggs whilst the cob (male) keeps a steady lookout for potential predators heading towards his mate and offspring. The time from egg laying to hatching is 29 to 30 days. Since they nest in cold regions, Bewick’s Swan cygnets grow faster than those of swans breeding in warmer climates and they may fledge in 40 to 45 days. Cygnets stay with their parents for the first winter migration and the family is sometimes even joined by their offspring from previous breeding seasons while on the wintering grounds. Bewick’s Swans do not reach sexual maturity until 3 or 4 years of age. In summer, the diet of the Bewick’s Swan consists mainly of aquatic vegetation which it finds by sticking its head underwater or upending while swimming. It will also eat some grass growing on dry land. At other times of the year, leftover grains and other crops such as potatoes, picked up in open fields after harvest, make up much of the diet. Healthy adult Bewick’s Swans have few natural predators. The Arctic Fox may threaten breeding females and particular the eggs and hatchlings. Adults typically can stand their ground and displace foxes but occasionally the foxes are successful. Other potential nest predators include the Red Fox, the Brown Bear, the Golden Eagle, the Arctic Skua and the Glaucous Gull. The Brown Bear, the Golden Eagle and the Wolf may occasionally succeed at capturing and killing an adult. About 15% adults die each year from various causes and the average lifespan in the wild is about 10 years. The status of the Bewick's Swan is not well known although its population is in decline in north west Europe for largely unexplained reasons. It is increasingly dependent on agricultural crops to supplement its winter diet as aquatic vegetation in its winter habitat declines due to habitat destruction and water pollution. However, the main cause of adult mortality is hunting and, whilst the Bewick's Swan can not be hunted legally, almost half the birds studied contain lead shot in their bodies, indicating that they were shot at by poachers. Lead poisoning by ingestion of lead shot is also a very significant cause of mortality. The Bewick's Swan is one of the birds to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 9th January 2022 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo47645720.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10882696246347d9d962761.jpgGreen Woodpecker The (European) Green Woodpecker is a large green woodpecker species. There are 3 sub-species with subtle differences between them whilst the Iberian Green Woodpecker found in Spain and Portugal and the Levaillant's Woodpecker found in north west Africa were formerly considered as sub-species but are now treated as separate species based on the results of studies published in 2011 The Green Woodpecker measures 12 to 14 inches in length with a 18 to 20 inches wingspan. Both sexes are green above and pale yellowish green below with a yellow rump and red crown and nape. The moustachial stripe has a red centre in the male but is solid black in the female. The lores and around the white eye are black in both male and female. Juveniles are spotty and streaked all over with a dark moustachial stripe initially although juvenile males can show some red feathers by early June or usually by July or August. Although the Green Woodpecker is shy and wary, it is usually its loud calls known as “yaffling” which first draw attention. Unlike many other woodpecker species, it rarely “drums” but often gives noisy calls while flying. The flight is undulating with 3 to 4 wingbeats followed by a short glide when the wings are held by the body. More than 75% of the range of the Green Woodpecker is in Europe although it is absent from the extreme north and east and also from Ireland, Greenland and the Macaronesian islands. Otherwise it is distributed widely with over 50% of the European population thought to be in France and Germany with substantial numbers also in the UK. It also occurs in west Asia. The Green Woodpecker is highly sedentary and individuals rarely move far from where they were born. The Green Woodpecker is generally found in semi-open landscapes with small woodlands, hedges, scattered old trees, edges of forests and floodplain forests. Suitable habitats for feeding include grassland, heaths, plantations, orchards and lawns. The Green Woodpecker is the largest of the 3 woodpecker species that breed in the UK. It can be found all year round and it is mainly a lowland species that breeds in open deciduous woodland, parks, orchards and farmland in England, Wales and Scotland although it is absent from the far north and west of the UK. The nest hole of the Green Woodpecker is larger but similar to those of other woodpecker species. It may be a few feet above the ground or at the top of a tall tree. Oaks, beeches, willows, aspens and fruit trees are the preferred nest trees. The hole may be excavated in sound or rotten wood with an entrance hole of 2.5 to 3 inches. The cavity inside may be up to 16 inches deep and excavation work is performed mostly by the male over 15 to 30 days. Some tree holes are used for breeding for more than 10 years but not necessarily by the same pair. The female lays 4 to 6 eggs and, after the last egg is laid, they are incubated for 19 to 20 days by both parents. The chicks fledge 21 to 24 days after hatching. The Green Woodpecker's diet consists primarily of various ant species and it spends much of its time foraging on the ground in grassland areas where the availability of ant nests is high. At ant nests, it probes into the ground and licks up adult ants and their larvae with its long tongue that wraps up and around the back of its head. Other insects and small reptiles are also taken occasionally. Date: 3rd October 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084955.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3383435325d3089c50ce37.jpgPiatra Craiului Mountains, Brașov County, Romania The Piatra Craiului Mountains are a mountain range in the Southern Carpathians in central Romania. It forms a narrow and saw-like ridge which is about 16 miles long. Vârful La Om is the highest peak at 7343 feet. The ridge is regarded as one of the most impressive and beautiful sites in the Carpathian Mountians and the views both towards and from the mountains are superb. The whole range is included in the Piatra Craiului National Park. The first protection of this area started in 1938 when 2 square miles were declared as a nature reserve. This has been progressively extended and in 1990 it became a national park covering an area of 38 square miles. In 2003 the external limits and internal zoning were created. Since 1999 a park administration has existed with a visitor centre located on the minor road 0.6 miles west of Zărnești and since 2005 a management plan has been in place. Piatra Craiului National Park supports and protects an abundance and diversity of mammals (including Brown Bear, Wolf and Lynx), birds and plants. Zărneşti is the most important town for visiting the Piatra Craiului Mountains and the Piatra Craiului National Park. The town is located 17 miles south west of the city of Brașov. From Zărnești, a 7 mile long minor road runs west and ends at Cabana Plaiul Foii which is a good starting point for climbing the ridge. In addition, a forest road starts from the south west of Zărneşti which leads to Zărneştilor Gorge and continues up to the ridge. The traditional villages of Măgura, Peştera, Ciocanu and Şirnea are starting points for routes up to the eastern slopes. Măgura, situated at 3281 feet, is one of Romania’s most picturesque villages and it provides stunning views towards the Bucegi Mountains and the Piatra Craiului Mountains. Date: 6th June 2018 Location: Zărneştilor Gorge, Brașov County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/common-scoter https://images.on-this.website/4752_18687214685637299dd38ce.jpgCommon Scoter The Common Scoter is a medium-sized, rather stocky sea duck with a relatively long, pointed tail which is often held up when the bird is sitting on water. The scientific name of the Common Scoter, <i>nigra</i>, comes from the Latin for “black” and refers to the entirely glossy black plumage of the male. The beak of the male Common Scoter is also black with a swollen black knob at the base and a conspicuous patch of yellow on the top. In flight, the slightly paler undersides of the flight feathers contrast with the otherwise dark wings. In summer, the male Common Scoter becomes slightly duller and more mottled in appearance. In contrast to the male, the female Common Scoter is dark brown with a darker crown which contrasts with the pale sides of the head and neck. The female Common Scoter has a dark brownish to black beak and is also slightly smaller than the male. The Common Scoter breeds across northern Europe, including Iceland, Greenland, Scandinavia and the northern UK, and northern Russia as far east as the Olenek River in Siberia. Outside of the breeding season, the Common Scoter moves south to spend the winter along inshore coastal waters of western Europe and western north Africa from Norway south to Mauretania. A large proportion of the Common Scoter population overwinters in the Baltic Sea. A few Common Scoters spend the winter in ice-free waters near their breeding grounds and some non-breeding individuals remain in the wintering grounds over summer. The Common Scoter breeds around freshwater lakes, pools, rivers and streams in tundra and in open habitats in sub-Arctic areas. Although it may sometimes use inland, freshwater lakes during its migration, the Common Scoter mainly overwinters at sea where it is typically found in large flocks in shallow, inshore waters and in bays and estuary mouths. Date: 3rd June 2015 Location: Lake Mývatn, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49001652.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13700516266468de5f4cbfb.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 15th March 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50570590.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_186173350165cccc82da84d.jpgCommon Snipe The Common Snipe is a small, stocky wader native to the Old World. It is the most widespread of several similar snipe species. It most closely resembles the Wilson's Snipe of north America which was previously considered to be a sub-species of the Common Snipe. It is also very similar to the Pin-tailed Snipe and Swinhoe's Snipe of east Asia. A sub-species of Common Snipe can be found in Iceland, the Faroe Islands, Shetland and Orkney. This sub-species winters in the UK and Ireland. The Common Snipe is 9.8 to 10.6 inches in length with a 17 to 19 inches wingspan. The body is mottled brown with straw-yellow stripes on top and pale underneath. It has a dark stripe through the eye with light stripes above and below it. The wings are pointed. It has short greenish-grey legs and a very long (2.2 to 2.8 inches) straight dark bill. The Common Snipe can be found in the marshes, bogs, tundra and wet meadows throughout north Europe and north Asia. It is migratory with European birds wintering in south and west Europe and Africa (south to the Equator) and Asian birds wintering in tropical south Asia. The male Common Snipe performs a "winnowing" display during courtship, flying high in circles and then taking shallow dives to produce a "drumming" sound by vibrating its tail feathers. The nest is located in a well hidden location on the ground. The female lays 4 eggs which are incubated for 18 to 21 days. The young are covered in dark maroon down, variegated with black, white and buff and are cared for by both parents with fledging occurring in 10 to 20 days. The Common Snipe is a well camouflaged bird and it is usually shy and conceals itself close to ground vegetation and flushes only when approached closely. When flushed, it utters a sharp call and flies off in a series of aerial zig-zags to confuse predators. The Common Snipe forages in soft mud, probing or picking up food by sight. It mainly eats insects and earthworms but also some plant material. Overall, the Common Snipe is not a threatened species although populations on the southern fringes of the breeding range in Europe are declining with local extinction in some areas (including in the UK) mainly due to field drainage and agricultural intensification. The Common Snipe is a species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 19th January 2024 Location: Heybridge, Maldon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26008515.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_469181689563506d6191fa.jpgGoðafoss, north east Iceland Goðafoss (Icelandic: waterfall of the gods) is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Iceland. It is located in the Bárðardalur district of north east Iceland at the beginning of the Sprengisandur highland road. The water of the Skjálfandafljót river falls from a height of 40 feet over a width of 98 feet and the waterfall is segmented into 2 main components whilst forming an arcing semi-horseshoe shape. In the year 999 or 1000 the Lawspeaker Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði made Christianity the official religion of Iceland. After his conversion it is said that upon returning from the Alþingi, Þorgeir threw his statues of the Norse gods into the waterfall. Þorgeir's story is preserved in Ari Þorgilsson's Íslendingabók (Icelandic: Book of Icelanders), a historical work dealing with early Icelandic history. Date: 4th June 2015 Location: view from the east bank of the Skjálfandafljót river http://www.richardchewphotography.com/crag-martin https://images.on-this.website/4752_20985049144ff5461d28a37.jpgCrag Martin The Crag Martin is a small passerine bird in the hirundine (swallow and martin) family with ash-brown upperparts and paler underparts and with a broader body, wings and tail than any other European swallow. The tail is short and square with white patches near the tips of all but the central and outermost pairs of feathers. The underwing and undertail coverts are blackish, the eyes are brown, the small bill is mainly black and the legs are brownish-pink. The Crag Martin can be distinguished from the Sand Martin by its larger size, the white patches on the tail and its lack of a brown breast band. The Crag Martin's flight appears relatively slow for a hirundine. Rapid wing beats are interspersed with flat-winged glides and its long flexible primaries give it the agility to manoeuvre near cliff faces. The Crag Martin breeds in mountains from Iberia and north west Africa through southern Europe, the Persian Gulf and the Himalayas to south west and north east China. Northern populations are migratory with European birds wintering in north Africa, Senegal, Ethiopia and the Nile Valley and Asian breeders going to south China, the Indian subcontinent and the Middle East. Some European birds stay north of the Mediterranean and just move to lower ground after breeding. The Crag Martin is a rare species any distance north of its breeding areas with, for example, very few records in the UK. The Crag Martin breeds on dry, warm and sheltered cliffs in mountainous areas with crags and gorges, building a nest adherent to the rock under a cliff overhang or increasingly on to a man-made structure. Nests are often solitary although a few pairs may breed relativity close together at good locations. Date: 28th April 2012 Location: bridge over the Rio Almonte, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/river-skjlfandafljt-goafoss-north-east https://images.on-this.website/4752_54936520956350450cd03e.jpgRiver Skjálfandafljót, Goðafoss, north east Iceland The Skjálfandafljót river is situated in north east Iceland. It has its source at the north western border of the Vatnajökull glacier in the interior highlands of Iceland. From there it streams parallel to the Sprengisandur highland road in a northern direction, flowing finally into Skjálfandi bay south west of Húsavík. By following the river from its source at the Vatnajökull glacier all the way to the river mouth at Skjalfandi Bay it is possible to see many waterfalls. Skjálfandafljót possesses some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country, including Goðafoss which is considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Europe. Other well-known waterfalls in Skjalfandafljot include Hrafnabjargafoss, Aldeyjarfoss, Barnafoss and Ullarfoss. Date: 4th June 2015 Location: view from the east bank at Goðafoss http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30024901.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_838304294587a0905ace64.jpgRing-necked Parakeet The Ring-necked Parakeet is the UK's only naturalised parrot. It is large, long-tailed and green with a red beak and a pink and black ring around its face and neck. In flight it has pointed wings, a long tail and a steady, direct flight. Ring-necked Parakeets can be seen all year round at a number of locations in south east England, particularly Surrey, Kent and Sussex. They can often be found in flocks sometimes numbering hundreds of birds at roost sites. Parks, orchards and gardens with mature trees to provide nest holes are favoured habitats. In its native India it is found in jungle and around farms and gardens. Date: 5th January 2017 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45949035.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9348815336284b3e4ab29a.jpgJay The Jay is a colourful member of the crow family that is about the same size as a Jackdaw. The Jay is mostly a pinkish brown colour with the underparts being slightly paler. The head has a black and white flecked crown, black moustache and white throat. The white rump contrasts starkly with the black tail. The iris of the eye is a pale blue, the bill is black and the legs are pink-brown. The wings are mostly black with white patches but also have striking blue patches, but close to these wing patches are actually bands of graduated shades of blue. Although it is the most strikingly colourful member of the crow family, the Jay can be quite difficult to see since it is a shy woodland bird and rarely moves far from cover. It can often be seen flying across a woodland clearing or glade giving its raucous screeching call. The Jay can be found across most of the UK, except northern Scotland, and occurs in both deciduous and coniferous woodland, parks and mature gardens. It particularly likes oak trees in the autumn when there are plenty of acorns which it seeks out and buries for retrieving later. The majority of the UK population is sedentary but European birds are irruptive when there is a poor acorn harvest and may arrive in large numbers along the east coast of the UK in the autumn. Date: 25th April 2022 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871590.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10905904274eff1edc45547.jpgReindeer The Reindeer, also known as the Caribou in North America, is a deer from the Arctic and sub Arctic, including both resident and migratory populations. Whilst it is overall widespread and numerous, some of its subspecies are rare or already extinct. The Reindeer is a widespread and numerous species in the northern Holarctic, being present in tundra (frozen arctic plain with lichens, mosses and dwarfed vegetation) and taiga (marshy pine forest) regions. Originally, the Reindeer was found in Scandinavia, eastern Europe, Russia, Mongolia, and northern China. In North America, it was found in Canada, Alaska and the northern USA from Washington to Maine. It also occurred naturally on Sakhalin, Greenland, and probably even in historical times in Ireland. Today, wild Reindeer have disappeared from many areas within this large historical range, especially from the southern parts where it has vanished almost everywhere. Large populations of wild Reindeer are still found in Norway, Finland, Siberia, Greenland, Alaska, and Canada. Wild Reindeer hunting and herding of semi-domesticated Reindeer (for meat, hides, antlers, milk and transportation) are important to several Arctic and Subarctic people. Domesticated Reindeer are mostly found in northern Fennoscandia and Russia with a herd of approximately 150-170 Reindeer also living around the Cairngorms region in Scotland. Reindeer vary considerably in colour and size. Both sexes grow antlers, though they are typically larger in males. Even far outside its range, the Reindeer is well known due to the myth, probably originating in early 19th century America, in which Santa Claus's sleigh is pulled by flying Reindeer, a popular element of Christmas. Date: 25th May 2009 Location: east of Sodankylä, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21215558.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_257841462537dbfb38374b.jpgRed-legged Partridge The Red-legged Partridge is a gamebird and is sometimes known as French Partridge in order to distinguish it from the Grey or English Partridge. The Red-legged Partridge is plump bird which is sandy-brown above, pinkish-buff on the belly, pale grey on the breast with a prominent gorget of black streaking, bold rufous and black flank-bars, a cream throat, pink legs and a red bill and eye ring. When disturbed, it prefers to run rather than fly but if necessary it flies a short distance on rounded wings. The Red-legged Partridge is a non-migratory terrestrial species which breeds naturally in south western Europe in France and in Iberia. It has also become naturalised in flat areas of England and Wales where it was introduced as a game species and has been seen breeding as far north as Lancashire and east Yorkshire. It is replaced in south east Europe by the very similar Rock Partridge. The Red-legged Partridge breeds on dry lowlands such as farmland and open stony areas, laying its eggs in a ground nest. Date: 7th May 2014 Location: Worlds End, Berwyn Mountains, Denbighshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/hooded-crow https://images.on-this.website/4752_7486546584b5221e80a7a4.jpgHooded Crow The Hooded Crow is a member of the crow family. It is locally known as a “hoodie” in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Except for the head, throat, wings, tail and thigh feathers, which are black and mostly glossy, the plumage is ash-grey, the dark shafts giving it a streaky appearance. The bill and legs are black. The male is the larger bird, otherwise the sexes are alike. The Hooded Crow, with its contrasting greys and blacks, can not be confused with either the Carrion Crow or Rook, both of which are predominantly black. However, the Hooded Crow is so similar in morphology and habits to the Carrion Crow that for many years it was considered to be a geographical race of a single species. Hybridization observed where their ranges overlapped added weight to this view. However, since 2002 the Hooded Crow has been elevated to full species status after closer observation. The Hooded Crow is widely distributed and can be found across north, east and south east Europe as well as parts of the Middle East. In the UK, the Hooded Crow can be found in north and west Scotland and on the Isle of Man where it replaces the Carrion Crow. Outside the breeding season it occurs across its breeding range and can sometimes be seen in east Scotland and east England. Like other corvids, the Hooded Crow is an omnivorous and opportunistic forager and scavenger and will feed on small mammals and birds, eggs, molluscs, scraps and carrion. Date: 1st January 2010 Location: Loch Scridain, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11202914.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19172697594e18606d78abf.jpgWhooper Swans The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 10/12/06 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41349677.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9504587355f2011451184c.jpgCommon Lizard The Common Lizard ranges across central and northern Europe (but are absent from the Mediterranean area) and through to northern Asia. It is the most common lizard in northern regions and the only reptile found in Ireland. The Common Lizard has a long body and short legs. It has coarse scales which range from grey, brown, bronze or green on the back and males are generally darker than females. It has a series of white spots down the flanks, which fuse to form a line, and a black line along the back. The Common Lizard also has numerous black spots scattered over the body. Males have orange/yellow bellies with black spots and females have cream/white bellies. The Common Lizard is found in a range of habitats including woodland, marshes, heathland, moors, sand dunes, hedgerows, bogs and rubbish dumps and it hunts insects, spiders, snails and earthworms, stunning its prey by shaking it and then swallowing it whole. The Common Lizard is active during the day and spends the morning and afternoon (but not the intense heat of midday) basking in the sun either alone or in groups. It is a good swimmer and will dive underwater when threatened. At night, and when startled, it will shelter beneath logs, stones and metal sheets. After emerging from hibernation, males defend breeding territories from other males. The young develop over 3 months within egg membranes inside the female's body which they usually break out of as she gives birth. Litters of 3 to 12 young are born from June to September after which time the mother shows no parental care with the young feeding actively from birth and quickly dispersing. The Common Lizard hibernates from October to March. It will often hibernate in groups and sometimes emerge for a brief time during warm spells. Date: 12th July 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230749.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2113023496649171aa02196.jpgCommon Redstart The Common Redstart, or often simply Redstart, is a small passerine bird. Like its relatives, it was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family but it is now known to be an Old World flycatcher. The Common Redstart shows some affinity to the Robin in many of its habits and actions. It has the same general carriage and chat-like behaviour and it is the same length but slightly slimmer and not quite as heavy. The orange-red tail, from which it and other redstarts get their names ("start" is an old word for "tail"), is frequently quivered. Among common European birds, only the Black Redstart has a similarly coloured tail. In summer, the male Common Redstart has a slate-grey head and upperparts, except the rump and tail, which, like the flanks, underwing coverts and axillaries, are orange-chestnut. The forehead is white and the sides of the face and throat are black. The wings and the two central tail feathers are brown and the other tail feathers are bright orange-red. The orange on the flanks shades to almost white on the belly. The bill and legs are black. In autumn, pale feather fringes on the body feathering obscures the colours of the male and gives it a washed-out appearance. The female is browner with paler underparts and it lacks the black and slate head. The Common Redstart is a summer visitor throughout most of Europe and west Asia (east to Lake Baikal) and also in north west Africa in Morocco. It can be found in open mature birch and oak woodland with low amounts of shrub and understorey especially where the trees are old enough to have holes suitable for its nest. It prefers to nest on the edge of woodland clearings in natural tree holes so dead trees or those with dead limbs are beneficial to it. It also nests in mature open conifer woodland, particularly in the north of the breeding range, and nestboxes are sometimes used. In the UK, the Common Redstart occurs primarily in broadleaf woodlands in upland areas in the north and west with the greatest concentrations in Wales. Further east in Europe it also commonly occurs in lowland areas including parks and old gardens in urban areas. The Common Redstart winters in central Africa and Arabia, south of the Sahara Desert but north of the Equator and from Senegal east to Yemen. It first arrives in its breeding areas in early to mid April, the males often a few days in advance of the females. Following breeding, return migration to Africa occurs between mid August and early October. The Common Redstart is insectivorous and eats a wide variety of small insects and spiders but additionally fruit and berries in the autumn. It often feeds like a flycatcher and makes aerial sallies after passing insects. Date: 14th May 2023 Location: RSPB Carngafallt, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21829407.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_187039080553cba40d91038.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a gentle looking, medium sized gull with a small yellow bill and a dark eye. It has a grey back and is white underneath. Its legs are short and black. In flight the black wing-tips show no white, unlike other gulls, and look as if they have been “dipped in ink”. The population is declining in some areas, perhaps due to a shortage of sand eels. Kittiwakes are strictly coastal gulls. In the breeding season, they can be found on rocky, steep sea-cliffs at the major seabird colonies around the UK from February until August. From August to October they can be seen flying past offshore and they spend the winter months out at sea. Date: 11th June 2014 Location: Bempton Cliifs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42222319.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16877966776023a2f82f900.jpgNorthern Hawk Owl The Northern Hawk Owl is a medium sized owl, 14 to 16 inches long and with a wing span of 8.5 to 10 inches. Females are slightly larger than males. The term "hawk" refers to its falcon-like wing shape and long tail. The facial disc is whitish and broadly rimmed blackish at the sides. The eyebrows are white and the eyes are pale yellow. The upperparts are dark grey to dusky greyish-brown with the crown densely spotted whitish and the nape has indistinct false eyes. The mantle and back are dusky grey with some whitish dots and the scapulars are mainly white forming rather broad white bands across the shoulder. The flight feathers are dark grey-brown with rows of white spots. The tail is long and graduated and dark greyish-brown with several narrow whitish bars. The underparts are whitish and barred with greyish-brown. The legs and toes are feathered. The Northern Hawk Owl is found in the boreal coniferous forests of North America and Eurasia, usually on the edges of more open woodland, and hunts in semi-open country with scattered trees or groups of trees. It nests in large tree cavities or uses nests abandoned by other large birds and moves widely within its area of distribution, breeding where food is abundant. The Northern Hawk Owl is a partially diurnal owl which hunts voles and birds like thrushes. It waits on a treetop or other perch and takes advantage of its rapid flight to overtake prey. It has exceptional hearing and can plunge into snow to capture rodents below the surface. The typical male call is a rapid, melodious, purring trill of up to 14 seconds long which consists of about 11 to 15 notes per second. It begins softly, rises slightly in pitch and increases to a vibrating trill before breaking off abruptly. This is repeated at various intervals. Females utter a similar, higher-pitched, less clear song. Date: 9th July 2019 Location: Iivaara, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23806402.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_161756242355129c574ff7c.jpgCommon Pochard The Common Pochard is a medium-sized and stocky diving duck. The adult male has a long dark bill with a grey band, a red head and neck, a black breast, red eyes and a grey back. The adult female has a brown head and body and a narrower grey bill band. The triangular head shape is distinctive. The Common Pochard is superficially similar to the closely related Redhead and Canvasback found in north America. The Common Pochard breeds in marshes and on lakes in much of temperate and north Europe and in to Asia. It is migratory and spends the winter in the south and west of Europe. In the UK, the Common Pochard breeds in east England and lowland Scotland plus in small numbers in Northern Ireland. Large numbers from Russia and Scandinavia winter in the UK on lakes, reservoirs and gravel pits, often mixing with other diving ducks such as the Tufted Duck. In a number of countries, the Common Pochard is decreasing mainly due to habitat loss and hunting. It is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. The Common Pochard feeds mainly by diving or dabbling for aquatic plants, molluscs, aquatic insects and small fish. Date: 7th March 2015 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871702.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3794707994eff20d92d2ba.jpgReindeer The Reindeer, also known as the Caribou in North America, is a deer from the Arctic and sub Arctic, including both resident and migratory populations. Whilst it is overall widespread and numerous, some of its subspecies are rare or already extinct. The Reindeer is a widespread and numerous species in the northern Holarctic, being present in tundra (frozen arctic plain with lichens, mosses and dwarfed vegetation) and taiga (marshy pine forest) regions. Originally, the Reindeer was found in Scandinavia, eastern Europe, Russia, Mongolia, and northern China. In North America, it was found in Canada, Alaska and the northern USA from Washington to Maine. It also occurred naturally on Sakhalin, Greenland, and probably even in historical times in Ireland. Today, wild Reindeer have disappeared from many areas within this large historical range, especially from the southern parts where it has vanished almost everywhere. Large populations of wild Reindeer are still found in Norway, Finland, Siberia, Greenland, Alaska, and Canada. Wild Reindeer hunting and herding of semi-domesticated Reindeer (for meat, hides, antlers, milk and transportation) are important to several Arctic and Subarctic people. Domesticated Reindeer are mostly found in northern Fennoscandia and Russia with a herd of approximately 150-170 Reindeer also living around the Cairngorms region in Scotland. Reindeer vary considerably in colour and size. Both sexes grow antlers, though they are typically larger in males. Even far outside its range, the Reindeer is well known due to the myth, probably originating in early 19th century America, in which Santa Claus's sleigh is pulled by flying Reindeer, a popular element of Christmas. Date: 30th May 2009 Location: Inari to Utsjoki, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081422.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8553661263a82ab364883.jpgBewick's Swan The Tundra Swan is a small Holarctic swan. The 2 taxa within it are usually regarded as conspecific but are also sometimes split into 2 species: the Bewick's Swan of the Palaearctic and the Whistling Swan of the Nearctic. The Bewick's Swan was named in 1830 by William Yarrell after the engraver Thomas Bewick who specialised in illustrations of birds and animals. The Bewick's Swan measures 45 to 55 inches in length with a wing span of 18.5 to 21.5 inches. Males are slightly larger and heavier than females. It is similar in appearance to the Whooper Swan but is smaller, shorter-necked and has a more rounded head shape. It has a variable bill pattern but always shows more black than yellow and having a blunt forward edge of the yellow base patch. The Whooper Swan has a bill that has more yellow than black and the forward edge of the yellow patch is usually pointed. The bill pattern for every individual Bewick's Swan is unique and scientists often make detailed drawings of each bill and assign names to the swans to assist with studying these birds. As their common name implies, the Tundra Swan breeds in the Arctic and sub-Arctic tundra where they inhabit shallow pools, lakes and rivers. Unlike the Mute Swan, but like the other Arctic swans, it is a migratory bird. The winter habitat is mainly grassland and marshland, often near the coast. The breeding range of the Bewick’s Swan extends across the coastal lowlands of Siberia from the Kola Peninsula east to the Pacific. It starts to arrive in its breeding range around mid-May and leaves for its winter range around the end of September. The populations west of the Taimyr Peninsula migrate via the White Sea, Baltic Sea and the Elbe estuary to winter in Denmark, the Netherlands and the UK where it is common in winter on a few RSPB and WWT reserves. Some birds also winter elsewhere on the southern shores of the North Sea. The Bewick’s Swans that breed in eastern Russia migrate via Mongolia and north China to winter in the coastal regions of Korea, Japan and south China, south to Guangdong and occasionally as far as Taiwan. A few birds from the central Siberian range also winter in Iran at the south of the Caspian Sea. Arrival in the winter range starts about mid-October although most birds spend weeks or even months at favourite resting locations and will only arrive in the winter range in November or even as late as January. Departure from the winter range starts in mid-February. Bewick’s Swans mate in the late spring, usually after they have returned to the breeding range. As is usual for swans, they pair monogamously until one partner dies. Should one partner die long before the other, the surviving bird often will not mate again for several years or even for the rest of its life. The nesting season starts at the end of May. The pair build the large mound-shaped nest from plant material at an elevated site near open water and they defend a large territory around it. The pen (female) lays and incubates a clutch of 2 to 7 (usually 3 to 5) eggs whilst the cob (male) keeps a steady lookout for potential predators heading towards his mate and offspring. The time from egg laying to hatching is 29 to 30 days. Since they nest in cold regions, Bewick’s Swan cygnets grow faster than those of swans breeding in warmer climates and they may fledge in 40 to 45 days. Cygnets stay with their parents for the first winter migration and the family is sometimes even joined by their offspring from previous breeding seasons while on the wintering grounds. Bewick’s Swans do not reach sexual maturity until 3 or 4 years of age. In summer, the diet of the Bewick’s Swan consists mainly of aquatic vegetation which it finds by sticking its head underwater or upending while swimming. It will also eat some grass growing on dry land. At other times of the year, leftover grains and other crops such as potatoes, picked up in open fields after harvest, make up much of the diet. Healthy adult Bewick’s Swans have few natural predators. The Arctic Fox may threaten breeding females and particular the eggs and hatchlings. Adults typically can stand their ground and displace foxes but occasionally the foxes are successful. Other potential nest predators include the Red Fox, the Brown Bear, the Golden Eagle, the Arctic Skua and the Glaucous Gull. The Brown Bear, the Golden Eagle and the Wolf may occasionally succeed at capturing and killing an adult. About 15% adults die each year from various causes and the average lifespan in the wild is about 10 years. The status of the Bewick's Swan is not well known although its population is in decline in north west Europe for largely unexplained reasons. It is increasingly dependent on agricultural crops to supplement its winter diet as aquatic vegetation in its winter habitat declines due to habitat destruction and water pollution. However, the main cause of adult mortality is hunting and, whilst the Bewick's Swan can not be hunted legally, almost half the birds studied contain lead shot in their bodies, indicating that they were shot at by poachers. Lead poisoning by ingestion of lead shot is also a very significant cause of mortality. The Bewick's Swan is one of the birds to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 9th January 2019 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32723069.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_117469660059ae6f11db8456.28386614.jpgRed-backed Shrike The Red-backed Shrike is a carnivorous passerine bird and member of the shrike family. The general colour of the male’s upper parts is reddish. It has a grey head and a typical shrike black stripe through the eye. Underparts are tinged pink and the tail has a black and white pattern similar to that of a Wheatear. In the female and young birds the upperparts are brown and vermiculated and the underparts are buff and also vermiculated. The Red-backed Shrike eats large insects, small birds, frogs, rodents and lizards. Like other shrikes it hunts from prominent perches and impales corpses on thorns or barbed wire as a "larder." This practice has earned it the nickname of "butcher bird." The Red-backed Shrike breeds in most of Europe and western Asia and winters in tropical Africa. Once a common migratory visitor to the UK, numbers declined sharply during the 20th century. The bird's last stronghold was in Breckland but by 1988 just a single pair remained, successfully raising young at Santon Downham. The following year for the first time no nests were recorded in the UK but since then sporadic breeding has taken place, mostly in Scotland and Wales, and in September 2010 the RSPB announced that a pair had raised chicks at a secret location on Dartmoor where the bird last bred in 1970. This return to south west England has been an unexpected development and has raised speculation that a warming climate could assist the bird in re-colonising some of its traditional sites, if only in small numbers. Date: 21st May 2017 Location: Borsodi-Mezoseg ("Little Hortobagy"), Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39083075.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11253014855d307f39a2171.jpgEastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria The Rhodopes Mountains are a mountain range in south east Europe. They are spread over 5689 square miles of which 4723 square miles are located in south Bulgaria and the remainder in north Greece. The Rhodopes Mountains are about 149 miles long and about 62 to 75 miles wide with an average altitude of 2575 feet. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 7188 feet and is situated 12 miles to the west of Smolyan. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rhodopes Mountains gives its name to the terrestrial eco-region Rodope montane mixed forests that belong in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The area is particularly notable for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans plus its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms such as the Trigrad Gorge. The Rhodopes Mountains can be sub-divided in to 3 sections: The Western Rhodopes are spread over 66% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and they are higher, the most infrastructurally developed and the most visited part of the mountains. The highest and best known peaks are located in this section with more than 10 over 6562 feet high including the highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7188 feet). Some of the deepest river gorges in the Rhodopes Mountains are located in the west as well as several large lakes. The Eastern Rhodopes are spread over a territory of about 34% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and are much lower in height. The large artificial dams of Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets are located in this part of the mountains. Almost every species of European bird of prey nests in the Eastern Rhodopes including the rare Black Vulture and Egyptian Vulture. The Southern Rhodopes are the part of the mountain range that is located in Greece and they are characterized by numerous peaks of relatively low altitude. Date: 26th May 2018 Location: Karamfil, eastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17408561.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9329756775133289a83abd.jpgWhooper Swans The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 14th January 2013 Location: Abbeytown to Silloth, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41254064.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9400878195f059e2830c73.jpgm/s J.L. Runeberg at Porvoo, Uusimaa, Finland The city of Porvoo can be easily reached by a main road from Helsinki in about 50 minutes but also by a much more leisurely 3.5 hour trip on the steamship m/s J. L. Runeberg along the Porvoonjoki river, the coast and through the Helsinki Archipelago. The m/s J.L. Runeberg was built in Helsinki in 1912. Originally she sailed under the name s/s Helsingfors Skärgård (”Helsinki Archipelago”). In the beginning this steamer cruised west from Helsinki to Porkkala but in the 1930’s the name was changed to s/s J.L. Runeberg and the ship cruised to Porvoo for the first time. Date: 26th June 2019 Location: m/s J.L. Runeberg at Porvoo harbour, Uusimaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405497.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14907661306586e8d6d6b05.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 14th October 2023 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21893596.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_92044597753d10b9d55af4.jpgLiathach, Highland Height: Spidean a'Choire Leith 3456 feet and Mullach an Rathain 3356 feet. The Torridon area, consisting of Loch Torridon, Upper Loch Torridon and Loch Shieldaig, is situated on the west coast of Scotland in Wester Ross. The magnificent mountains here such as Liathach and Beinn Alligin are some of the highest in the UK, rising in places almost vertically to 3500 feet from the deep sea lochs. Liathach is one of the most formidable mountains on the west coast of Scotland. The range covers some 5 miles and takes in six main summits along its length. The mountain dominates the terrain at the head of Upper Loch Torridon and dwarfs the village of Torridon below it. Date: 20th June 2014 Location: view from the A896 along the southern shore at Annat http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31192275.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_159781656059182398138a86.75743724.jpgNorthern Wheatear The Northern Wheatear or Wheatear is a small passerine bird that was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family but is now more generally considered to be an Old World flycatcher. It is the most widespread member of the Wheatear genus in Europe and Asia. The English name has nothing to do with wheat or ears but is probably derived from the Middle English [i]whit ers[/i] meaning "white arse" and referring to the prominent white rump of many Wheatear species The Northern Wheatear is larger than the European Robin at 5.7 to 6.3 inches in length. Both sexes have a white rump and tail with a black inverted T-pattern at the end of the tail. The summer plumaged male has grey upperparts, buff throat and black wings and face mask. In autumn it resembles the female apart from the black wings. The female is pale brown above and buff below with darker brown wings. The Northern Wheatear makes one of the longest migratory flights of any small bird, crossing ocean, ice and desert. It migrates from sub-Saharan Africa in spring to breed in open rocky country, tundra, moorland, heaths and pastures over a vast area of the Northern Hemisphere that includes northern and central Asia, Europe, Greenland, Alaska and parts of Canada. In autumn it returns to winter in central Africa. In the UK, the Northern Wheatear is a summer visitor and passage migrant arriving in early March and leaving in September. It breeds mainly in western and northern Britain and western Ireland although smaller numbers also breed in southern and eastern England. The Northern Wheatear is primarily an insectivorous bird and feeds mostly on beetles, ants, caterpillars, grasshoppers, flies, etc. It also eats spiders, centipedes and snails and berries in the autumn. Date: 7th May 2017 Location: RSPB Conwy, Conwy http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623040.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11147254706117d326291c2.jpgRazorbill The Razorbill is a seabird and a member of the auk family which also includes the Common Guillemot, Brunnich's Guillemot and Little Auk. It is also the closest living relative to the Great Auk which is now extinct. The Razorbill has white underparts and a black head, neck, back and feet during the breeding season. A thin white line also extends from the eyes to the end of the bill. Its head is darker than that of the CommonGuillemot. Outside the breeding season, the throat and face behind the eye become white and the white line on the face becomes less prominent. The thick black bill has a blunt end. The adult male and female female are very much alike having only small differences such as wing length. The Razorbill has a horizontal stance and the tail feathers are slightly longer in the centre in comparison to other auks making it have a distinctly long tail which is not common for an auk. The Razorbill is distributed across the sub-arctic and boreal waters of the north Atlantic where water surface temperature are typically below 15°c. The world population is estimated to be less than 1 million breeding pairs, making it among the rarest auks in the world. Approximately 60 to 70% of the entire Razorbill population breeds in Iceland., including over 200,000 pairs at Látrabjarg. The breeding habitat is islands, rocky shores and cliffs on north Atlantic coasts, in eastern North America as far south as Maine and in western Europe from north west Russia to northern France. Eurasian birds winter at sea with some moving south as far as the western Mediterranean. North American birds migrate offshore and south. The Razorbill is a colonial breeder and only comes to land to breed. Individuals only breed at 3 to 5 years of age. Females select their mate and will often encourage competition between males before choosing a partner. Once a male is chosen, the pair will usually stay together for life. Nest site determination is very important to ensure protection of young from predators. Unlike Common Guillemots, nest sites are not immediately alongside the sea on open cliff ledges but at least 4 to 6 inches away in crevices on cliffs or among boulders. Generally a nest is not built although some pairs often use their bills to drag material upon which to lay their single egg. The mating pair will often reuse the same site every year. The Razorbill feeds mainly on schooling fish and crustaceans and it will dive deep into the sea using its wings and its streamlined body to propel itself toward their prey. Whilst diving, it rarely stays in groups but instead spreads out to feed. The majority of feeding occurs at a depth of about 80 feet but it has the ability to dive up to 400 feet below the surface. During a single dive the Razorbill can capture and swallow many schooling fish depending on their size. The Razorbill spends approximately 45% of its time foraging at sea and it may well fly more than 60 miles out to sea to feed. However, when feeding chicks it will forage much closer to the nesting grounds and often in shallower water. The Razorbill and its eggs and chicks have several predators which include Great Black-backed Gulls, Peregrines, Ravens and other crows, Arctic Foxes and Polar Bears. In the early 20th century, Razorbills were harvested for their eggs, meat and feathers and this greatly decreased their population. In 1917 they were finally protected which reduced hunting. Other current threats include oil pollution, unintentional bycatch arising from commercial fishing and overfishing which decreases the abundance of prey. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623364.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11183411336117dd56404af.jpgTree Sparrow The Tree Sparrow is a member of the sparrow family Passer, a group of small passerine birds that is believed to have originated in Africa and which contains 15 to 25 species. The Tree Sparrow's name is derived from 2 Latin words: passer meaning "sparrow" and montanus meaning "of the mountains". The common name is given to suggest the preference for tree holes for nesting. However, this name and the scientific name montanus do not appropriately describe the Tree Sparrow’s habitat preferences: the German name Feldsperling meaning "field sparrow" comes closer to doing so. The Tree Sparrow is around 5 to 5.5 inches in length with a wingspan of about 8.3 inches, making it roughly 10% smaller than the House Sparrow. The adult's crown and nape are a rich chestnut and there is a kidney-shaped black ear patch on each pure white cheek. The chin, throat and the area between the bill and throat are black. The upperparts are light brown streaked with black and the brown wings have 2 distinct narrow white bars. The legs are pale brown and the bill is lead-blue in summer becoming almost black in winter. The Tree Sparrow is distinctive even within its own family in that there are no plumage differences between the sexes. The juvenile resembles the adult although the colours tend to be duller. The contrasting face pattern makes the Tree Sparrow easily identifiable in all plumages and the smaller size and chestnut (not grey) crown are additional differences from the male House Sparrow. The Tree Sparrow's breeding range comprises most of temperate Europe and Asia south of about latitude 68°N (north of this the summers are too cold) and through south east Asia to Java and Bali. It is sedentary over most of its extensive range but northernmost breeding populations migrate south for the winter and small numbers leave south Europe for north Africa and the Middle East. The Tree Sparrow has been introduced outside its native range but it has not always become successfully established, possibly due to competition with the House Sparrow. Ship-carried birds have colonised some areas and birds have also occurred as vagrants. Despite its scientific name, the Tree Sparrow is not typically a mountain species and reaches only 2300 feet in Switzerland although it has bred at 5600 feet in the northern Caucasus and as high as 14010 feet in Nepal. In Europe, the Tree Sparrow is frequently found in open countryside with small isolated patches of woodland but also on coasts with cliffs, in woodland along slow water courses and in empty buildings. It shows a strong preference for nest sites near wetland habitats and avoids breeding on intensively managed farmland. In Europe, where the Tree Sparrow and the House Sparrow occur in the same region, the House Sparrow generally nests in urban areas while the Tree Sparrow nests in rural areas. Where trees are in short supply, both species may utilise man-made structures as nest sites. Whilst the Tree Sparrow is mainly a rural bird in Europe, it tends to be an urban bird in Asia and Australia. In the UK, the Tree Sparrow is scarcer in upland areas and the far north and west of the and the main populations are now found across the Midlands and south and east England. The Tree Sparrow may breed in isolated pairs or in loose colonies. The male calls from near the nest site in spring to proclaim ownership and attract a mate and he may also carry nest material in to the nest hole. The Tree Sparrow typically builds its nest in a cavity in an old tree or rock face. Some nests are not in holes as such but are built among roots of overhanging bushes. Roof cavities in houses and nest boxes are also readily used. In addition, the Tree Sparrow will breed in the disused nest of a Magpie or other crow species or an active or unused nest of a large bird such as the White Stork or a heron or raptor species. It will sometimes attempt to take over the nest of other birds that breed in holes or enclosed spaces such as tit species, flycatcher species, Swallow, House Martin, Sand Martin or European Bee-eater. The untidy nest is composed of hay, grass, wool or other material and lined with feathers which improve thermal insulation. The female lays 5 or 6 eggs which are incubated by both parents for 12 to 13 days and the chicks fledge after a further 15 to 18 days. There are 2 or 3 broods each year. Hybridisation between the Tree Sparrow and the House Sparrow has been recorded in many parts of the world with male hybrids tending to resemble the Tree Sparrow while female hybrids are more similar to the House Sparrow. The Tree Sparrow is a predominantly seed and grain eating bird which feeds on the ground in flocks and often with House Sparrows, finches and buntings. It may also visit feeding stations. It additionally feeds on invertebrates including insects, woodlice, millipedes, centipedes, spiders, etc. especially during the breeding season when the young are fed mainly on animal food. Adults use a variety of wetlands when foraging for invertebrate prey to feed chicks and aquatic sites play a key role in providing adequate diversity and availability of suitable invertebrate prey to allow successful chick rearing. Large areas of formerly occupied farmland no longer provide these invertebrate resources due to the effects of intensive farming. The Tree Sparrow has a large range and a large population. Although the population is declining, the species is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List. For this reason, the Tree Sparrow is designated as being of “Least Concern”. Although the Tree Sparrow has been expanding its range in Fennoscandia and east Europe, its population has been declining in much of west Europe, a trend reflected in other farmland birds such as the Skylark and Corn Bunting. The collapse in population seems to have been particularly severe in the UK where there was a 93% decline between 1970 and 2008. However, recent Breeding Bird Survey data is encouraging and suggests that numbers may have started to increase albeit from a very low point. The decrease in population is probably the result of agricultural intensification and specialisation, particularly the increased use of herbicides and a trend towards autumn-sown crops at the expense of spring-sown crops that produce stubble fields in winter. The change from mixed to specialised farming and the increased use of insecticides has reduced the amount of insect food available for chicks. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51332361.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14222414926676daee07103.jpgDunnock The Dunnock is a small passerine bird and the most widespread member of the genus Prunella, the accentor family which otherwise consists of mountain species. Other common names for the Dunnock include the Hedge Sparrow or Hedge Accentor. The Dunnock is about the size of a Robin. It has a generally drab brown streaked appearance with a grey head and a fine pointed bill. Both sexes are similar. It is quiet and unobtrusive and is frequently seen on its own, creeping along and moving with a rather nervous, shuffling gait often flicking its wings. The Dunnock is native to large areas of Eurasia where it is the only commonly found accentor in lowland areas. It can be found throughout the UK all the year round in any well vegetated areas with scrub, brambles and hedges and also in deciduous woodland, farmland edges, parks and gardens. The Dunnock is territorial and may engage in conflict with other birds that encroach upon their nesting areas. The Dunnock possesses variable mating systems. Females are often polyandrous, breeding with 2 or more males at once which is quite rare among birds. This multiple mating system leads to the development of sperm competition amongst the male suitors. DNA fingerprinting has shown that chicks within a brood often have different fathers depending on the success of the males at monopolising the female. Males try to ensure their paternity by pecking at the cloaca of the female to stimulate ejection of rival males' sperm. Males provide parental care in proportion to their mating success so 2 males and a female can commonly be seen provisioning nestlings at one nest. Other mating systems also exist within Dunnock populations depending on the ratio of male to females and the overlap of territories. When only a single female and a single male territory overlap, monogamy is preferred. Sometimes, 2 or 3 adjacent female territories overlap a single male territory and so polygyny is favoured with the male monopolising several females. Polygynandry also exists in which 2 males jointly defend a territory containing several females. Polyandry, however, is the most common mating system of the Dunnock. Depending on the population, males generally have the best reproductive success in polygynous populations whilst females have the advantage during polyandry. Studies have illustrated the fluidity of Dunnock mating systems. When food is in abundance, female territory size is reduced drastically. Consequently, males can more easily monopolise the females. Thus, the mating system can be shifted from one that favours female success (polyandry) to one that favours male success (monogamy, polygynandry or polygyny). The Dunnock builds a neat nest predominantly from twigs and moss and lined with soft materials such as wool or feathers which is located low in a bush. The female typically lays 3 to 5 eggs. Broods, depending on the population, can be raised by a lone female, multiple females with the part-time help of a male, multiple females with full-time help by a male or by multiple females and multiple males. Parental care varies according to the type of relationship. Date: 10th May 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28886419.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20772655457cc3ad52bd8d.jpgMatsalu National Park, Estonia Matsalu National Park is the most famous coastal wetland in Estonia. It was established in 1957 mainly to protect nesting, moulting and migratory birds and in 1976 it was included in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance. Matsalu National Park covers a total area of 188 square miles and comprises Matsalu Bay, the Kasari river delta and surrounding areas. 87 square miles of the protected area is terrestrial and 101 square miles is aquatic. The varied habitats include open sea, grassy and rocky islets, sandy and stony shores, saltmarsh, reedbeds, flooded meadows, pastures, arable land, mixed woodland and birch copses. Matsalu Bay is shallow, brackish and rich in nutrients. It is 11.2 miles long and 3.7 miles wide but has an average depth of only 5 feet and a maximum depth of 11 feet. Shoreline length of the bay is about 102.5 miles. The bay's shoreline lacks high banks and is populated mostly with shingle shores with reedbeds in the innermost sheltered parts. Nearly 300 species of birds have been recorded, around 175 species have nested and around 35 are migratory wildfowl. Matsalu Bay is one of the most important wetland bird areas in Europe due to its prime position on the East Atlantic Flyway. Huge numbers of migratory ducks, geese and waders use Matsalu Bay as a staging area in spring and autumn. The Kasari river is the biggest of several rivers that run into Matsalu Bay and the alluvial meadow of the delta (15 square miles) is one of the biggest open wet meadows in Europe. Date: 11th May 2016 Location: Kasari river, Matsalu National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11349642.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16519221244e1ef8da4195e.jpgFulmar The Fulmar is almost gull-like but is a grey and white seabird that is related to the albatrosses. It flies low over the sea on stiff wings with shallow wing beats, gliding and banking to show its white under-parts and then grey upper-parts. At its breeding sites it will fly high up the cliff face riding the updraughts. Fulmars feed in flocks out at sea and defend their nests from intruders by spitting out a foul-smelling oil. Fulmars breed on coastal cliffs with suitable ledges and grassy slopes but will occasionally breed on buildings. Fulmars are best looked for at seabird colonies and are most abundant along the Scottish coastline especially in the Northern Isles. They are least common along the east, south and north-west coasts of England. Adults are present at the breeding colonies nearly all year although young birds leave in late summer. Away from the breeding colonies, Fulmars spend their whole time offshore at sea. Date: 27/05/05 Location: Whitemill Bay, Sanday, Orkney http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14863198.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7445856534fae2b1c114cd.jpgGlossy Ibis The Glossy Ibis is a wading bird and a member of the ibis family. Breeding adults have reddish-brown bodies and shiny bottle-green wings whilst non-breeders and juveniles have duller bodies. They have a brownish bill, dark facial skin bordered above and below in blue-grey (non-breeding) to cobalt blue (breeding) and red-brown legs. Unlike herons, ibises fly with necks outstretched and often flocks fly in lines. The Glossy Ibis is the most widespread ibis species breeding in scattered sites in the warmer regions of Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and the Atlantic and Caribbean region of the Americas. They are also migratory with most European birds wintering in Africa. The Glossy Ibis nests colonially in trees often with herons. It is also gregarious when feeding in marshy wetlands when it predates on fish, frogs and other water creatures. The Glossy Ibis is a very rare visitor to the UK although some individuals have stayed here for many months or even years. The species is prone to occasional influxes and in 2009 the UK enjoyed the biggest influx ever with small flocks discovered in several counties. This photo shows a Glossy Ibis that was seen at various locations in Essex during March and April 2012. The bird was ringed at El Rocio in the Coto Donana National Park in southern Spain in September 2007. Date: 2nd April 2012 Location: Baddow Meads flood plain, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45174864.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19898377806232fe3924fed.jpgCormorant The (Great) Cormorant is a widespread member of the cormorant and shag family Phalacrocoracidae. There is a wide variation in size in the species' wide range and males are typically larger and heavier than females. It has a predominantly black plumage but the adult has white patches on the thighs and throat and a yellow throat during the breeding season. In Europe it can be distinguished from the Shag by its larger size, heavier build, thicker bill, lack of a crest and plumage without any green tinge. The (Great) Cormorant is a very common and widespread bird and it breeds in much of the Old World and the Atlantic coast of north America. It feeds on the sea, in estuaries and on freshwater lakes and rivers. Northern birds migrate south and winter along any coast that is well-supplied with fish. The (Great) Cormorant is found around the UK coastline on rocky shores, coastal lagoons and estuaries and it is increasingly seen inland at reservoirs, lakes and gravel pits. The UK holds internationally important wintering numbers. The (Great) Cormorant mainly nests in colonies near wetlands, rivers and sheltered inshore waters. Pairs will use the same nest site to breed year after year. It builds its nest, which is made mainly from sticks, in trees, on the ledges of cliffs and on the ground on rocky islands that are free of predators. The female lays 3 to 5 eggs which are incubated for a period of about 28 to 31 days. The (Great) Cormorant feeds on fish caught through diving and it will consume all fish of appropriate size that they are able to catch. Many fishermen see the (Great) Cormorant a competitor for fish. Because of this, it was nearly hunted to extinction in the past. Due to conservation efforts, its numbers increased although this has once again brought it in to conflict with fisheries. In the UK, where inland breeding was once uncommon, there are now increasing numbers of birds and many inland fish farms and fisheries now claim to be suffering high losses. In the UK each year, some licences are issued to cull specified numbers in order to help reduce predation although it is still illegal to kill a bird without such a licence. Date: 1st January 2022 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12078510.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6321125134e48dd1f1cb97.jpgWater Vole The Water Vole is found throughout the UK although it is less common on higher ground. It is infrequently recorded from parts of northern Scotland and is absent in Ireland. Water Voles are legally protected in the UK and recent evidence suggests that they have undergone a long term decline. On current trends it is predicted that they may eventually disappear from 94% of their former sites. The shocking decline in both the range and numbers of the Water Vole is due to a number of factors. The large-scale loss and fragmentation of sensitive waterside habitats due to riverbank modification, drainage and flood defence works has been an important factor as has the pollution of waterways and poisoning by rodenticides. Perhaps the most serious threat facing the Water Vole is predation by the introduced American Mink. Water Voles are sometimes confused with Brown Rats which often also live near water courses. They are sometimes called "the water rat" which is the origin of the Water Vole’s fame as "Ratty" from Kenneth Grahame's book “The Wind in the Willows”. Prime Water Vole sites are found along densely vegetated banks of slow flowing rivers, ditches, lakes and marshes where water is present throughout the year. Water Voles are herbivores and feed on a huge variety of waterside vegetation, consuming 80% of their body weight each day. They excavate extensive burrow systems into the banks of waterways and have sleeping/nest chambers at various levels in the steepest parts of the bank. Burrows usually have underwater entrances to provide a secure route for escape if danger threatens. Water Voles usually have 3 or 4 litters a year depending on the weather. In mild springs the first of these can be born in March or April although cold conditions can delay breeding until May or even June. There are about 5 young in a litter and these are born below ground in a nest made from suitable vegetation such as grasses and rushes. Young water voles grow quickly and are weaned at 14 days. On average, Water Voles only live about 5 months in the wild. Their most important predators are Mink and Stoats although Grey Herons, Barn Owls, Brown Rats and Pike are also known to take them. Date: 17th February 2008 Location: Cromford Canal, Derbyshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874868.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1814424913561cd06ef1d10.jpgGullfoss, south Iceland Gullfoss (Icelandic: "Golden Falls") is a waterfall located in the canyon of the Hvítá river in south west Iceland. The wide Hvítá river rushes southward from the Hvítávatn glacier lake at the Lángjökull glacier about 25 miles north of Gullfoss. Less than a mile above Gullfoss the river turns sharply to the right and flows down into a wide curved three-step "staircase" and then abruptly plunges in 2 stages (36 feet and 69 feet) into a crevice 105 feet deep. The crevice, about 66 feet wide and 1.5 miles in length, extends perpendicular to the flow of the river. The average amount of water running over Gullfoss is 260 to 460 cubic feet per second but the highest flood measured was 6500 cubic feet per second. During the first half of the 20th century and some years into the late 20th century, there was much speculation about using Gullfoss to generate electricity. During this period, Gullfoss was rented indirectly by its owners to foreign investors. However, the investors' attempts were unsuccessful and Gullfoss was later sold to the state of Iceland and is now protected. Gullfoss is popular with tourists and, together with the Haukadalur geothermal area, usually referred to as Geysir, and Þingvellir, it is part of a group of the most famous sights of Iceland known as the "Golden Circle". Date: 7th June 2015 Location: view from the trail from the visitor centre at Gullfoss http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11654816.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18965812594e31343aad710.jpgCommon Gull The Common Gull is a medium-sized gull. The north American subspecies is commonly referred to as the Mew Gull although that name is also used by some authorities for the whole species. The Common Gull is noticeably smaller and more gentle looking than the Herring Gull. It is grey above and white below with greenish-yellow legs. It has black wingtips with large white "mirrors". Young birds have scaly black-brown upperparts and a neat wing pattern and grey legs and take 2 to 3 years to reach maturity. In winter, the head is streaked grey and the bill often has a poorly defined blackish band near the tip which is sometimes sufficiently obvious to cause confusion with the Ring-billed Gull. The call is a high-pitched "laughing" cry. The Common Gull breeds colonially near water or in marshes in north Europe, north west north America and north Asia. It is most numerous in Europe with over half (possibly as much as 80 to 90%) of the world population. In the UK, the Common Gull can be found in summer along the coasts and inland marshes and lakes of Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England. Elsewhere in England and Wales, it can be found in winter on farmland, on marshes and lakes and on the coast. This bird sat patiently waiting for food scraps from birdwatchers who patiently waited for Golden Eagles to appear .... neither had their patience rewarded! Date: 15/05/05 Location: Coignafearn, Findhorn Valley, Inverness-shire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7439534.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20858797434cd571141ab83.jpgGriffon Vulture The Griffon Vulture is a typical Old World vulture in appearance with a white bald head, very broad wings and short tail feathers. It has a white neck ruff and yellow bill. The buff body and wing coverts contrast with the dark flight feathers. They are very large birds around 37 to 43 inches long with a 91 to 106 inches wingspan. Like other vultures, the Griffon Vulture is a scavenger, feeding mostly from carcasses of dead animals which it finds by soaring over open areas, often moving in flocks. The population is mostly resident in its breeding range in the mountains of southern Europe, north Africa, and Asia. In Spain, there are tens of thousands of birds from a low of a few thousand around 1980 although the Pyrenees population has apparently been affected by an EU ruling that due to danger of BSE transmission, no carcasses must be left on the fields for the time being. Although the Griffon Vulture does not normally attack larger living prey, there are reports of Spanish Griffon Vultures killing weak, young or unhealthy living animals as they do not find enough carrion to eat. Date: 7th September 2010 Location: Sierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain - road to La Lancha and Embalse del Jándula http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31837531.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1510830610595624a621c391.85686927.jpgCommon Sandpiper The Common Sandpiper is a small wader. The adult is 7.1 to 7.9 inches long with a 13 to 14 inches wingspan. It has greyish-brown upperparts, white underparts, short dark-yellowish legs and feet and a bill with a pale base and dark tip. In winter plumage, it is duller and has more conspicuous barring on the wings although this is still only visible at close range. Juveniles are more heavily barred above and have buff edges to the wing feathers. The Common Sandpiper habitually bobs up and down and it has a distinctive flight with stiff, bowed wings. Its presence is often betrayed by its three-note call which it gives as it flies off. The Common Sandpiper is widespread and common and breeds across most of temperate and sub-tropical Europe and Asia where it nests on the ground near freshwater. It migrates to Africa, south Asia and Australia in winter. In the UK, the Common Sandpiper breeds along fast-flowing upland streams and rivers and at the edges of lochs and lakes in Scotland, Wales and the north of England. Summer visitors arrive in March and April and leave the breeding grounds in July and August with the young following in September. During the spring and autumn passage migration, it can be found elsewhere in the UK, near lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers, ditches, coastal shores and estuaries. The Common Sandpiper forages by sight on the ground or in shallow water, picking up small food items such as insects, crustaceans and other invertebrates. Date: 22nd June 2017 Location: Inverkirkaig Bay near Lochinver, Sutherland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/ben-nevis-highland https://images.on-this.website/4752_16593919894681c75555140.jpgBen Nevis, Highland Height: 4409 feet. Ben Nevis is a granite mountain rising to a height of 4409 feet to the east of Fort William and is the highest peak in the UK. The first recorded ascent of Ben Nevis was undertaken in 1771 by the botanist James Robertson. The ruins of a weather observatory which was manned between 1883 and 1904 can be found on the north east ridge of Ben Nevis Ben Nevis became popular with tourists following the opening of the West Highland Railway to Fort William in 1894 and in the following year the first Ben Nevis Hill Race was run. This event now takes place each year in September. A Peace Cairn was erected on Ben Nevis by Bert Bissell who made his 104th ascent of the mountain on his 90th birthday in 1992. In 2000 Ben Nevis was acquired by the John Muir Trust. Date: 7th June 2006 Location: view from the A82 road between Fort William and Spean Bridge http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49798203.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_104335174864ecada995076.jpgEssex Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Essex Skipper is a small butterfly with a darting flight. It has bright orange-brown wings which are held with the forewings angled above the hind wings. The males have a thin black scent brand line running through the centre of the forewing and parallel to the leading edge. The Small Skipper appears very similar but it lacks the black tips to the antenna and it has a longer scent brand which is angled to the edge of the forewing. Since the Essex Skipper and the Small Skipper closely resemble each other and are often found in the same company, the Essex Skipper has been overlooked both in terms of recording and ecological study and it was the last UK resident species to be described (in 1889). The Essex Skipper can be found in tall, dry grasslands in open sunny situations, especially roadside verges, woodland rides and acid grasslands as well as coastal marshes. The distribution of the Essex Skipper in the UK has more than doubled in the last few decades. It is a widespread species in southern and central England but not in the far south-west. Date: 3rd July 2023 Location: Durlston Country Park, Swanage, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9578736.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20527526814db000376832d.jpgRed-necked Phalarope The Red-necked Phalarope is a small wader with lobed toes to assist swimming and a straight, fine bill. The breeding female is predominantly dark grey above with a chestnut neck and upper breast, black face and white throat. The breeding male is a duller version of the female. In winter, the plumage is essentially grey above and white below but the black eyepatch is always present. When feeding, a Red-necked Phalarope will often swim in a small, rapid circle, forming a small whirlpool. This behaviour is thought to aid feeding by raising food from the bottom of shallow water. The bird will reach into the centre of the vortex with its bill, plucking small insects or crustaceans caught up therein. On the open ocean, they are often found where converging currents produce upwellings. The Red-necked Phalarope breeds in the Arctic regions of north America and Eurasia. It is migratory and, unusually for a wader, it winters at sea on tropical oceans. The Red-necked Phalarope is one of the UK's rarest breeding waders and is on the southern-most edge of its range here. It has always been mainly confined to the Northern and Western Isles of Scotland. The Government agreed a Biodiversity Action Plan for this species in 1998. The targets for this plan have recently been reviewed and aim to maintain and expand the Red-necked Phalarope as a breeding species at existing sites and to enable range expansion to a number of previously occupied sites. Fetlar holds 90% of the UK breeding population and this bird was photographed at the RSPB's reserve at the Loch of Funzie. Date: 2nd June 2008 Location: Loch of Funzie, Fetlar, Shetland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/redwings https://images.on-this.website/4752_198461877563a5af6260c29.jpgRedwings The Redwing is most commonly encountered as a winter visitor and is the UK's smallest true thrush. The creamy stripe above the eye and the orange-red flank patches make it distinctive. Redwings arrive in the UK from September but most arrive in October and November. They leave again in March and April, although occasionally birds stay later including a few pairs to nest in northern Scotland. Redwings can be found across the UK's countryside feeding in fields and hedgerows and also in parks and gardens in the coldest weather when snow covers the fields. They often associate with flocks of Fieldfares, the other wintering thrush. Date: 15th December 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37403977.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12006420825c6828eb03efc.jpgBrambling The Brambling is a small passerine bird in the finch family and is similar in size and shape to a Chaffinch. Breeding-plumaged males are very distinctive, with a black head, dark upperparts, orange breast and white belly. Females and younger birds are less distinct and more similar in appearance to some Chaffinches. In all plumages, however, the Brambling differs from the Chaffinch in a number of features. The Brambling has a white rump whereas that of the Chaffinch is grey-green. The breast is orange contrasting with a white belly on the Brambling whereas on the Chaffinch the underparts are more uniformly coloured pink or buff. The Brambling's scapular feathers are orange whereas the Chaffinch's are grey or grey-brown. The flanks are dark-spotted on the Brambling but plain on the Chaffinch.The Brambling lacks the white outer tail feathers of the Chaffinch. An additional difference for all plumages except breeding plumaged males is the bill colour. It is yellow in the Brambling and dull pinkish in the Chaffinch. Breeding-plumaged male Bramblings have black bills whereas Chaffinches in the corresponding plumage have grey bills. The Brambling is widespread in the breeding season throughout the coniferous and birch forests of north Europe and Asia. It is a migrant and winters in central and south Europe, north Africa, north India, north Pakistan, China and Japan. In Europe, the Brambling forms large flocks in the winter, sometimes with thousands or even millions of birds in a single flock. Such large gatherings occur especially if beech mast is abundant. The Brambling does not require beech mast in the winter but flocks will move until they find it. This may be an adaptation to avoid competition with the Chaffinch. The Brambling arrives in the UK from mid-September and leaves again in March and April. It is a gregarious species and may form very large flocks often associating with Chaffinches. It can be found in beech woodlands, farmland fields near woods and also in some gardens. Date: 11th February 2019 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31192245.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_209743552359182373c40618.82133721.jpgBlack Grouse The Black Grouse is a large game bird in the grouse family. The male has all black plumage with distinctive red wattles over the eyes and striking white stripes along each wing in flight. It has a lyre-shaped tail which is fanned out and raised to show white under-tail feathers when displaying. The female is smaller and grey-brown in colour. The Black Grouse is a sedentary species and breeds across northern Eurasia in moorland and bog areas near to mostly boreal woodland. Although it is declining, it is not considered to be vulnerable globally due to the large population and slow rate of decline. Its decline is due to loss of habitat, disturbance, predation by foxes, crows, etc., and small populations gradually dying out. In the UK, the Black Grouse are found in upland areas of Wales, the Pennines and most of Scotland, especially on farmland and moorland with nearby forestry or scattered trees. Habitat loss and overgrazing have resulted in severe population declines which make the Black Grouse a Red List species. Positive habitat management and re-introduction programmes are helping it to increase in some areas. The Black Grouse has a very distinctive and well-recorded courtship. At dawn in the spring, the males strut around in a traditional area (lek) and display whilst making a highly distinctive and bubbling mating call. This photo was taken at a well known roadside lekking site. If visiting, please remain in your car to avoid disturbance to these vulnerable breeding birds. Date: 6th May 2017 Location: World's End, Denbighshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49002636.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1497035936468f41464249.jpgSandwich Terns The Sandwich Tern is a medium-large tern, gull-like in appearance but usually with a more delicate, lighter build and shorter, weaker legs. It is very closely related to the Lesser Crested Tern, Chinese Crested Tern, Cabot's Tern and Elegant Tern and it has been known to inter-breed with the Lesser Crested Tern. It is 15 to 17 inches in length with a 33 to 38 inches wingspan. It has long, pointed wings, which gives it a fast buoyant flight, and a deeply forked tail. The upperwings are pale grey and the underparts are white. It has a shaggy black crest. The thin sharp bill is black with a yellow tip and the short legs are black. It looks very pale in flight although the primary flight feathers darken during the summer. In winter, the adult's forehead becomes white. Juveniles have dark tips to their tails and a scaly appearance on their back and wings. The Sandwich Tern has an extensive global range and, whilst population trends have not been quantified, it is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List. For these reasons, it is evaluated as “least concern”. The Sandwich Tern breeds in very dense colonies on coasts and islands and exceptionally inland on suitable large freshwater lakes close to the coast. It nests in a ground scrape and lays 1 to 3 eggs. Unlike some of the smaller white terns, it is not very aggressive toward potential predators, relying on the sheer density of the nests and nesting close to other more aggressive species such as the Arctic Tern and the Black-headed Gull. In the UK, the Sandwich Tern can be seen from late March to September and there are breeding colonies scattered around the UK coasts including the north Norfolk coast and at Minsmere in Suffolk and Dungeness in Kent. The Sandwich tern feeds by plunge-diving for fish, almost invariably from the sea. It usually dives directly and not from a hover favoured by other terns. The offering of fish by the male to the female is part of the courtship display. Date: 17th May 2023 Location: RSPB Minsmere, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28884668.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10489121457cc29f108924.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 17th May 2016 Location: Ilmatsalu, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11654806.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10161811354e31340d08466.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 24th December 2007 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493241.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12530373665f326e1b5e852.jpgRazorbills The Razorbill is a seabird and a member of the auk family which also includes the Common Guillemot, Brunnich's Guillemot and Little Auk. It is also the closest living relative to the Great Auk which is now extinct. The Razorbill has white underparts and a black head, neck, back and feet during the breeding season. A thin white line also extends from the eyes to the end of the bill. Its head is darker than that of the CommonGuillemot. Outside the breeding season, the throat and face behind the eye become white and the white line on the face becomes less prominent. The thick black bill has a blunt end. The adult male and female female are very much alike having only small differences such as wing length. The Razorbill has a horizontal stance and the tail feathers are slightly longer in the centre in comparison to other auks making it have a distinctly long tail which is not common for an auk. The Razorbill is distributed across the sub-arctic and boreal waters of the north Atlantic where water surface temperature are typically below 15°c. The world population is estimated to be less than 1 million breeding pairs, making it among the rarest auks in the world. Approximately 60 to 70% of the entire Razorbill population breeds in Iceland., including over 200,000 pairs at Látrabjarg. The breeding habitat is islands, rocky shores and cliffs on north Atlantic coasts, in eastern North America as far south as Maine and in western Europe from north west Russia to northern France. Eurasian birds winter at sea with some moving south as far as the western Mediterranean. North American birds migrate offshore and south. The Razorbill is a colonial breeder and only comes to land to breed. Individuals only breed at 3 to 5 years of age. Females select their mate and will often encourage competition between males before choosing a partner. Once a male is chosen, the pair will usually stay together for life. Nest site determination is very important to ensure protection of young from predators. Unlike Common Guillemots, nest sites are not immediately alongside the sea on open cliff ledges but at least 4 to 6 inches away in crevices on cliffs or among boulders. Generally a nest is not built although some pairs often use their bills to drag material upon which to lay their single egg. The mating pair will often reuse the same site every year. The Razorbill feeds mainly on schooling fish and crustaceans and it will dive deep into the sea using its wings and its streamlined body to propel itself toward their prey. Whilst diving, it rarely stays in groups but instead spreads out to feed. The majority of feeding occurs at a depth of about 80 feet but it has the ability to dive up to 400 feet below the surface. During a single dive the Razorbill can capture and swallow many schooling fish depending on their size. The Razorbill spends approximately 45% of its time foraging at sea and it may well fly more than 60 miles out to sea to feed. However, when feeding chicks it will forage much closer to the nesting grounds and often in shallower water. The Razorbill and its eggs and chicks have several predators which include Great Black-backed Gulls, Peregrines, Ravens and other crows, Arctic Foxes and Polar Bears. In the early 20th century, Razorbills were harvested for their eggs, meat and feathers and this greatly decreased their population. In 1917 they were finally protected which reduced hunting. Other current threats include oil pollution, unintentional bycatch arising from commercial fishing and overfishing which decreases the abundance of prey. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9578726.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14372990144db0001a667e7.jpgRed-necked Phalarope The Red-necked Phalarope is a small wader with lobed toes to assist swimming and a straight, fine bill. The breeding female is predominantly dark grey above with a chestnut neck and upper breast, black face and white throat. The breeding male is a duller version of the female. In winter, the plumage is essentially grey above and white below but the black eyepatch is always present. When feeding, a Red-necked Phalarope will often swim in a small, rapid circle, forming a small whirlpool. This behaviour is thought to aid feeding by raising food from the bottom of shallow water. The bird will reach into the centre of the vortex with its bill, plucking small insects or crustaceans caught up therein. On the open ocean, they are often found where converging currents produce upwellings. The Red-necked Phalarope breeds in the Arctic regions of north America and Eurasia. It is migratory and, unusually for a wader, it winters at sea on tropical oceans. The Red-necked Phalarope is one of the UK's rarest breeding waders and is on the southern-most edge of its range here. It has always been mainly confined to the Northern and Western Isles of Scotland. The Government agreed a Biodiversity Action Plan for this species in 1998. The targets for this plan have recently been reviewed and aim to maintain and expand the Red-necked Phalarope as a breeding species at existing sites and to enable range expansion to a number of previously occupied sites. Fetlar holds 90% of the UK breeding population and this bird was photographed at the RSPB's reserve at the Loch of Funzie. This photo won first prize in the Rural Gateway's "Going Wild in Rural Scotland" photography competition. More information can be found here[/url] on the Shetland Times website. Date: 2nd June 2008 Location: Loch of Funzie, Fetlar, Shetland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13656958.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9478949724ed368a875971.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the [i]Canidae[/i] family and is a part of the order [i]Carnivora[/i] within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874882.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1958922584561cd179a77fd.jpgBreiðafjörður, west Iceland Breiðafjörður is a large shallow bay, about 31 miles wide and 78 miles long, situated in the west of Iceland. It separates the region of the Westfjords from the south of the country. Breiðafjörður is encircled by mountains, including the glacier Snæfellsjökull on the Snæfellsnes peninsula to the south and the Westfjords peninsula to the north. Breiðafjörður has a spectacular land and seascape consisting of shallow seas, small fjords and bays and an inner part of intertidal areas dotted with about 3,000 islands, islets and skerries. The area contains about half of Iceland's intertidal area. The large intertidal zone is high in biodiversity and productivity and has extensive algal forests and other important habitats for fish and invertebrates. The area supports 230 species of plants and around 50 breeding bird species. Common Seal and Atlantic Grey Seal have their main haul-out sites on the islands and skerries. Several species of cetaceans are commonly found including Common Porpoise, White-beaked Dolphin, Orca and Minke Whale. The many islands in Breiðafjörður have an unbroken history of human use but now only a few islands are inhabited all year round. Many islands are used for summer residences and natural resources such as eiderdown harvesting are the main source of income for many farmers. Some of the more well known islands are Flatey, Brokey, Skáleyjar, Hvallátur, Svefneyjar, Sviðnur, Hergilsey and Elliðaey. If the weather is fine it is possible to see the coast line of the Westfjords from the Snæfellsnes peninsula but in reality they lie at a distance of up to 25 miles away. From Stykkishólmur on the Snæfellsnes peninsula the Baldur ferry crosses Breiðafjörður via Flatey to Brjánslækur in the Westfjords. Date: 6th June 2015 Location: view from road 54 to Stykkishólmur, Snæfellsnes peninsula http://www.richardchewphotography.com/october-december-2014-cattle-egret https://images.on-this.website/4752_598863118559e35922cad7.jpgOctober to December 2014 - Cattle Egret Please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/photo23225864.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847629.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19159821759bd543d9906b.jpgMarsh Frog The Marsh Frog is the largest European frog. It is very similar in appearance to the closely related Edible Frog and Pool Frog. These 3 species are often referred to as "green frogs" to distinguish them from the more terrestrial European species which are known as "brown frogs" (best exemplified by the Common Frog). Marsh Frogs show a large variation in colour and pattern, ranging from dark green to brown or grey. The Western European populations are generally dark green to black with dark spots on the back and sides and 3 clear green lines on the back. Females can reach a maximum length of around 6.5 inches but males are smaller at around 4.5 inches. The head is proportionally large and the hind legs are long which gives them excellent jumping abilities. The Marsh Frog is usually gregarious and diurnal and more tied to aquatic habitats than the Common Frog. It is tolerant of brackish conditions and typically it is found on or in the water of its favoured drainage channels and pools throughout the year. Marsh Frogs frequently sunbathe on the bank of the water body where they are often inconspicuous until disturbed when they will jump in to the water with a characteristic “plop”. They can often be seen on lily pads or floating at the surface amongst vegetation with only their heads exposed. During the breeding season (and sometimes beyond) the male Marsh Frog calls very loudly with a sound reminiscent of a loud chuckle which is often very raucous and can be heard all day and night. Dominant males establish territories from which they call. After mating a female may produce up to 16,000 eggs in a season, laying them in clumps of a few hundred in aquatic vegetation below the surface. They hatch in about a week, tadpoles being rather solitary and living in deep water with vegetation. Newly metamorphosed frogs are up to 1 inch in length and take 2 years to mature. The diet of the Marsh Frog consists of dragonflies and other insects, spiders, earthworms and slugs. Larger frogs also eat small rodents and sometimes smaller amphibians and fish. Date: 2nd June 2017 Location: Leles to Boľ area, Latorica, Košice region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533260.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_110095961662ca8143be9c0.jpgSmall Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Small Skipper has a rusty orange colour to the wings, upper body and the tips of the antennae. The body is silvery white below and it has a wingspan of 25 to 30 mm. It is very similar in appearance to the Essex Skipper but the undersides of the tips of the antennae are yellow orange in the Small Skipper whereas they are black in the Essex Skipper. The Small Skipper is a common and widespread butterfly in most parts of England and has been expanding its range northwards. It can be found in rough grassland, roadside verges, edges of fields and woodland clearings where it is often seen basking on vegetation or making short buzzing flights among tall grass stems. Date: 15th June 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo2917992.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1929258844a4a5e141dc8d.jpgPied Flycatcher The Pied Flycatcher is a small passerine bird in the Old World flycatcher family and is 1 of the 4 species of Western Palearctic black and white flycatchers. The breeding male Pied Flycatcher is mainly black above and white below with a large white wing patch, white tail sides and a small forehead patch. Non-breeding males, females and juveniles have the black replaced by a pale brown. The bill is black and it has the broad but pointed shape typical of aerial insectivores. The Pied Flycatcher has a very large range and population size and so it is of “least concern” according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It breeds in most of Europe and west Asia where it can be found in deciduous woodlands, parks and gardens, with a preference for oak trees. It will sometimes use mature open conifer woodland where natural tree holes occur. It builds an open nest in a tree hole and it will readily adapt to nest boxes. In the UK, the Pied Flycatcher is limited by geography and habitat to the north and west of the country where it prefers mature oak woodlands but also mature upland ash and birch woodlands. It has on average decreased in population by 25% within the last 25 years and it has ceased to breed in several parts of its former range. The Pied Flycatcher is migratory, wintering mainly in tropical west Africa from mid September to mid April. It first arrives in its breeding areas from mid April to the end of May. Following breeding, return migration to Africa occurs between August and mid September. The Pied Flycatcher is mainly insectivorous and its diet is composed nearly entirely of insects including flies, bees, wasps, ants, beetles, butterflies, moths, etc. but it will also eat fruit and seeds in late summer and autumn and on migration. Date: 8th May 2009 Location: Ynys-hir RSPB reserve, Ceredigion http://www.richardchewphotography.com/river-warbler https://images.on-this.website/4752_64812345657cc0544ef9dc.jpgRiver Warbler The River Warbler is an Old World warbler in the genus Locustella. It is a skulking species, creeping through grass and low foliage, and it is very difficult to see except sometimes when it is singing. The adult has an unstreaked grey-brown back, whitish grey streaked underparts and a darker undertail which has white feather tips giving a contrasting pattern. The sexes are identical but young birds are yellower below. The River Warbler’s song is a long, monotonous, mechanical, insect-like reeling, often given at dusk. It is similar to the song of other species in the genus Locustella but it has more of a sewing machine type sound. The River Warbler breeds in eastern and central Europe and west Asia in dense deciduous vegetation close to water in bogs or near a river. It is migratory and winters in east Africa. It is also a rare vagrant to western Europe including the UK. This poor quality record photo was taken from a long distance and has been tightly cropped. Date: 19th May 2016 Location: Alam Pedja Nature Reserve, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/heath-fritillary https://images.on-this.website/4752_1986635994f3e26d879115.jpgHeath Fritillary Flight period: June to July. The Heath Fritillary is at the north west extreme of its range in the southern UK and its numbers have greatly reduced this century due to changes in woodland management. It is now one of our rarest and most localised butterflies and can only be found at a few sites in Essex and Kent and in south west England. In Essex and Kent, they can be found in coppiced woodland with acid soils where Common Cow Wheat, the preferred foodplant, is available. On Exmoor they favour sheltered combes (valleys) and in Devon and Cornwall abandoned hay meadows are preferred. Detailed study has determined the Heath Fritillary’s precise habitat requirements and its future in the UK depends on deliberate conservation and habitat management. Date: 1st June 2007 Location: Undisclosed site, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo2918003.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19511638394a4a5e49057d0.jpgPied Flycatcher The Pied Flycatcher is a small passerine bird in the Old World flycatcher family and is 1 of the 4 species of Western Palearctic black and white flycatchers. The breeding male Pied Flycatcher is mainly black above and white below with a large white wing patch, white tail sides and a small forehead patch. Non-breeding males, females and juveniles have the black replaced by a pale brown. The bill is black and it has the broad but pointed shape typical of aerial insectivores. The Pied Flycatcher has a very large range and population size and so it is of “least concern” according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It breeds in most of Europe and west Asia where it can be found in deciduous woodlands, parks and gardens, with a preference for oak trees. It will sometimes use mature open conifer woodland where natural tree holes occur. It builds an open nest in a tree hole and it will readily adapt to nest boxes. In the UK, the Pied Flycatcher is limited by geography and habitat to the north and west of the country where it prefers mature oak woodlands but also mature upland ash and birch woodlands. It has on average decreased in population by 25% within the last 25 years and it has ceased to breed in several parts of its former range. The Pied Flycatcher is migratory, wintering mainly in tropical west Africa from mid September to mid April. It first arrives in its breeding areas from mid April to the end of May. Following breeding, return migration to Africa occurs between August and mid September. The Pied Flycatcher is mainly insectivorous and its diet is composed nearly entirely of insects including flies, bees, wasps, ants, beetles, butterflies, moths, etc. but it will also eat fruit and seeds in late summer and autumn and on migration. Date: 8th May 2009 Location: Ynys-hir RSPB reserve, Ceredigion http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9952186.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19799654374dca3d8c3e3f7.jpgPied Flycatcher The Pied Flycatcher is a small passerine bird in the Old World flycatcher family and is 1 of the 4 species of Western Palearctic black and white flycatchers. The breeding male Pied Flycatcher is mainly black above and white below with a large white wing patch, white tail sides and a small forehead patch. Non-breeding males, females and juveniles have the black replaced by a pale brown. The bill is black and it has the broad but pointed shape typical of aerial insectivores. The Pied Flycatcher has a very large range and population size and so it is of “least concern” according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It breeds in most of Europe and west Asia where it can be found in deciduous woodlands, parks and gardens, with a preference for oak trees. It will sometimes use mature open conifer woodland where natural tree holes occur. It builds an open nest in a tree hole and it will readily adapt to nest boxes. In the UK, the Pied Flycatcher is limited by geography and habitat to the north and west of the country where it prefers mature oak woodlands but also mature upland ash and birch woodlands. It has on average decreased in population by 25% within the last 25 years and it has ceased to breed in several parts of its former range. The Pied Flycatcher is migratory, wintering mainly in tropical west Africa from mid September to mid April. It first arrives in its breeding areas from mid April to the end of May. Following breeding, return migration to Africa occurs between August and mid September. The Pied Flycatcher is mainly insectivorous and its diet is composed nearly entirely of insects including flies, bees, wasps, ants, beetles, butterflies, moths, etc. but it will also eat fruit and seeds in late summer and autumn and on migration. Date: 7th May 2011 Location: Ynys-hir RSPB reserve, Ceredigion http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41537231.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14208923355f3cfda869e89.jpgFlåget, Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Ekkerøy is a small village in Troms og Finnmark in north east Norway. It is located on the Varanger peninsula along the shore of the Varangerfjord. The village lies along the European route E75 about 9 miles east of the town of Vadsø. As the ending "øy" in the name indicates, Ekkerøy was originally an island. However, it is now joined to the Varanger peninsula by a narrow isthmus of land. At the mainland end of the isthmus is the small hamlet of Valen. The headland on the northern tip of Ekkerøy is called Varnes and its eastern tip is called Skagodden. The bay on the north east side of the neck which joins Ekkerøy to the mainland is called Yttersida and that on the south west side is called Innersida. Ekkerøy is one of the few places in Troms og Finnmark where pre-World War 2 buildings can be seen. When the German army retreated from the Litsa front and Kirkenes in late 1944, they burned most buildings in the county under Operation Nordlicht, the German “scorched earth” retreat from Finnmark. However, buildings on the north side of the Varangerfjord survived because the Russians advanced so quickly that the German troops in this area fled west to get across the Tana river before they were cut off and therefore did not have enough time to obey the order to destroy all buildings. Historically, the economy of Ekkerøy was based on fishing and farming but today tourism also forms part of the economy. Flåget is a bird reserve with an easily accessible bird cliff just outside the village. The cliffs face south towards the Varangerfjord, stretch for just over 0.5 miles and rise steeply to a height of 130 to 165 feet. They can be reached by a short walk from a small car park. Flåget is best known for a huge colony of breeding Kittiwakes between March and September. In addition, Ekkerøy and nearby Salttjern, have sheltered sandy bays and these, together with the Varangerfjord offshore, provide good habitats for many species of birds and sea mammals. Date: 4th July 2019 Location: Flåget, Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40648542.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15952361725df9fd80d3d17.jpgCommon Pochard The Common Pochard is a medium-sized and stocky diving duck. The adult male has a long dark bill with a grey band, a red head and neck, a black breast, red eyes and a grey back. The adult female has a brown head and body and a narrower grey bill band. The triangular head shape is distinctive. The Common Pochard is superficially similar to the closely related Redhead and Canvasback found in north America. The Common Pochard breeds in marshes and on lakes in much of temperate and north Europe and in to Asia. It is migratory and spends the winter in the south and west of Europe. In the UK, the Common Pochard breeds in east England and lowland Scotland plus in small numbers in Northern Ireland. Large numbers from Russia and Scandinavia winter in the UK on lakes, reservoirs and gravel pits, often mixing with other diving ducks such as the Tufted Duck. In a number of countries, the Common Pochard is decreasing mainly due to habitat loss and hunting. It is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. The Common Pochard feeds mainly by diving or dabbling for aquatic plants, molluscs, aquatic insects and small fish. Date: 30th November 2019 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533186.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5318074262ca7c7be0257.jpgBanded Demoiselle Flight period: May to August. The Banded Demoiselle is a large metallic damselfly with fluttering, butterfly-like wings. Males have a metallic blue body with broad dark blue-black spots across the outer parts of the wings. Females have a metallic green body with translucent pale green wings. The Banded Demoiselle’s name is derived from the distinctive “fingerprint” mark on the wings of the males. Of the UK's damselflies, only the Banded Demoiselle and the similar Beautiful Demoiselle have coloured wings. The latter differs by displaying almost entirely dark, metallic wings. The Banded Demoiselle is mainly found amongst lush, damp vegetation along the edges of slow-flowing lowland streams rivers and canals and around still ponds and lakes. Males are very territorial and perform fluttering display flights to win over females. The Banded Demoiselle is common in Wales and most of England apart from in the north. However, its range is expanding. The species was first recorded from Scotland in 2002 and it has now spread along the east coast and west coast in southern Scotland. Date: 13th June 2022 Location: Cowles Drove near RSPB Lakenheath Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9952208.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_330814254dca3db00d9e0.jpgPied Flycatcher The Pied Flycatcher is a small passerine bird in the Old World flycatcher family and is 1 of the 4 species of Western Palearctic black and white flycatchers. The breeding male Pied Flycatcher is mainly black above and white below with a large white wing patch, white tail sides and a small forehead patch. Non-breeding males, females and juveniles have the black replaced by a pale brown. The bill is black and it has the broad but pointed shape typical of aerial insectivores. The Pied Flycatcher has a very large range and population size and so it is of “least concern” according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It breeds in most of Europe and west Asia where it can be found in deciduous woodlands, parks and gardens, with a preference for oak trees. It will sometimes use mature open conifer woodland where natural tree holes occur. It builds an open nest in a tree hole and it will readily adapt to nest boxes. In the UK, the Pied Flycatcher is limited by geography and habitat to the north and west of the country where it prefers mature oak woodlands but also mature upland ash and birch woodlands. It has on average decreased in population by 25% within the last 25 years and it has ceased to breed in several parts of its former range. The Pied Flycatcher is migratory, wintering mainly in tropical west Africa from mid September to mid April. It first arrives in its breeding areas from mid April to the end of May. Following breeding, return migration to Africa occurs between August and mid September. The Pied Flycatcher is mainly insectivorous and its diet is composed nearly entirely of insects including flies, bees, wasps, ants, beetles, butterflies, moths, etc. but it will also eat fruit and seeds in late summer and autumn and on migration. Date: 7th May 2011 Location: Ynys-hir RSPB reserve, Ceredigion http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46510587.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_145686008662c98cc3035c3.jpgBlack Grouse The Black Grouse is a large game bird in the grouse family. The male has all black plumage with distinctive red wattles over the eyes and striking white stripes along each wing in flight. It has a lyre-shaped tail which is fanned out and raised to show white under-tail feathers when displaying. The female is smaller and grey-brown in colour. The Black Grouse is a sedentary species and breeds across northern Eurasia in moorland and bog areas near to mostly boreal woodland. Although it is declining, it is not considered to be vulnerable globally due to the large population and slow rate of decline. Its decline is due to loss of habitat, disturbance, predation by foxes, crows, etc., and small populations gradually dying out. In the UK, the Black Grouse are found in upland areas of Wales, the Pennines and most of Scotland, especially on farmland and moorland with nearby forestry or scattered trees. Habitat loss and overgrazing have resulted in severe population declines which make the Black Grouse a Red List species. Positive habitat management and re-introduction programmes are helping it to increase in some areas. The Black Grouse has a very distinctive and well-recorded courtship. At dawn in the spring, the males strut around in a traditional area (lek) and display whilst making a highly distinctive and bubbling mating call. This photo was taken at a well known roadside lekking site. If visiting, please remain in your car to avoid disturbance to these vulnerable breeding birds. Date: 7th May 2022 Location: World's End, Denbighshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/pied-flycatcher https://images.on-this.website/4752_19247588304dca3da2c9c30.jpgPied Flycatcher The Pied Flycatcher is a small passerine bird in the Old World flycatcher family and is 1 of the 4 species of Western Palearctic black and white flycatchers. The breeding male Pied Flycatcher is mainly black above and white below with a large white wing patch, white tail sides and a small forehead patch. Non-breeding males, females and juveniles have the black replaced by a pale brown. The bill is black and it has the broad but pointed shape typical of aerial insectivores. The Pied Flycatcher has a very large range and population size and so it is of “least concern” according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It breeds in most of Europe and west Asia where it can be found in deciduous woodlands, parks and gardens, with a preference for oak trees. It will sometimes use mature open conifer woodland where natural tree holes occur. It builds an open nest in a tree hole and it will readily adapt to nest boxes. In the UK, the Pied Flycatcher is limited by geography and habitat to the north and west of the country where it prefers mature oak woodlands but also mature upland ash and birch woodlands. It has on average decreased in population by 25% within the last 25 years and it has ceased to breed in several parts of its former range. The Pied Flycatcher is migratory, wintering mainly in tropical west Africa from mid September to mid April. It first arrives in its breeding areas from mid April to the end of May. Following breeding, return migration to Africa occurs between August and mid September. The Pied Flycatcher is mainly insectivorous and its diet is composed nearly entirely of insects including flies, bees, wasps, ants, beetles, butterflies, moths, etc. but it will also eat fruit and seeds in late summer and autumn and on migration. Date: 7th May 2011 Location: Ynys-hir RSPB reserve, Ceredigion http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17942849.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1816708900518cb06955f9d.jpgBrambling The Brambling is a small passerine bird in the finch family and is similar in size and shape to a Chaffinch. Breeding-plumaged males are very distinctive, with a black head, dark upperparts, orange breast and white belly. Females and younger birds are less distinct and more similar in appearance to some Chaffinches. In all plumages, however, the Brambling differs from the Chaffinch in a number of features. The Brambling has a white rump whereas that of the Chaffinch is grey-green. The breast is orange contrasting with a white belly on the Brambling whereas on the Chaffinch the underparts are more uniformly coloured pink or buff. The Brambling's scapular feathers are orange whereas the Chaffinch's are grey or grey-brown. The flanks are dark-spotted on the Brambling but plain on the Chaffinch.The Brambling lacks the white outer tail feathers of the Chaffinch. An additional difference for all plumages except breeding plumaged males is the bill colour. It is yellow in the Brambling and dull pinkish in the Chaffinch. Breeding-plumaged male Bramblings have black bills whereas Chaffinches in the corresponding plumage have grey bills. The Brambling is widespread in the breeding season throughout the coniferous and birch forests of north Europe and Asia. It is a migrant and winters in central and south Europe, north Africa, north India, north Pakistan, China and Japan. In Europe, the Brambling forms large flocks in the winter, sometimes with thousands or even millions of birds in a single flock. Such large gatherings occur especially if beech mast is abundant. The Brambling does not require beech mast in the winter but flocks will move until they find it. This may be an adaptation to avoid competition with the Chaffinch. The Brambling arrives in the UK from mid-September and leaves again in March and April. It is a gregarious species and may form very large flocks often associating with Chaffinches. It can be found in beech woodlands, farmland fields near woods and also in some gardens. Date: 1st April 2013 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46534744.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_209805530362ca98bc08ef7.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 27th June 2022 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14160710.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18124630324f3e1f2b840d8.jpgBrown Rat Brown Rats have coarse brown or occasionally black fur with a pale underside. They have a long tail which is sparsely haired. Although originally native to eastern Asia and Japan, Brown Rats are now distributed world-wide. They spread across the UK via the shipping traffic from foreign countries in the 18th century and largely replaced the Black Rat. They are highly adaptable and can be found all over the UK, except for exposed mountain regions and some small offshore islands, and live in loose colonies and home ranges of around 50 metres in diameter. Along with the House Mouse, the Brown Rat is considered to be the most widespread terrestrial mammal in the UK and they are subject to persistent pest control due to the damage they cause and the numerous diseases they spread. Brown Rats are omnivorous and have a very varied diet. They are typically nocturnal although they will sometimes forage for food during the day. They also swim well and are sometimes mistaken for Water Voles. Brown Rats live for around 18 months and breed throughout the year producing 5 litters of 8 young a year. Date: 9th February 2008 Location: Northlands Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/greylag-goose-and-goslings https://images.on-this.website/4752_14223082485ea6d519af85e.jpgGreylag Goose and goslings The Greylag Goose is the ancestor of most domestic geese but is also the largest and bulkiest of the wild geese native to the UK and Europe. In many parts of the UK it has been re-established by releasing birds in suitable areas but the resulting flocks found around gravel pits, lakes and reservoirs all year round in southern Britain tend to be semi-tame. The native birds and wintering flocks found on lochs in northern Scotland and on some Scottish islands retain the special appeal of truly wild geese. Date: 21st April 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41292159.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20631945955f10b20754e05.jpgJarfjordfjellet, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Jarfjordfjellet is an upland area crossed by road 886 between Storskog and Grense Jakobselv in Troms og Finnmark in Norway. Storskog is a border crossing station on the Norwegian side of the Norway-Russia border about 10 miles east of Kirkenes in Norway and 25 miles north of Nikel in Russia. It is the only legal land border crossing between Norway and Russia and is located in Sør-Varanger municipality in Troms og Finnmark on the Norwegian side of the border. The Russian side is in Boris Gleb in Pechengsky district in Murmansk Oblast. Grense Jakobselv is a small village located in Sør-Varanger municipality in Troms og Finnmark in Norway about 35 miles east of Kirkenes. It is situated on the shore of the Barents Sea at the mouth of the River Jakobselva. Date: 29th June 2019 Location: midnight sun view from road 886 between Storskog and Grense Jakobselv, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308884.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_144629122563ee381c521f4.jpgEgyptian Goose The Egyptian Goose is native to Africa south of the Sahara and the Nile Valley. It was considered sacred by the ancient Egyptians and appeared in much of their artwork. It has been raised for food and extensively bred in parts of Africa since it was domesticated by the ancient Egyptians. The Egyptian Goose is believed to be most closely related to the shelducks and their relatives. However, in flight it looks heavy and more like a goose than a duck, hence the English name. The sexes of the Egyptian Goose are identical in plumage but the males average slightly larger. There is a fair amount of variation in plumage with some birds greyer and others browner. It has distinctive dark brown eye patches and contrasting white wing patches in flight. The Egyptian Goose breeds widely in Africa except in deserts and dense forests and it is locally abundant. It is found mostly in the Nile Valley and south of the Sahara. While not breeding, it sometimes makes longer migrations northwards into the arid regions of the Sahel. The Egyptian Goose has also been introduced elsewhere: the UK, the Netherlands, France and Germany have self-sustaining populations which are mostly derived from escaped ornamental birds. The UK population dates back to the 18th century although it was only formally added to the British list in 1971. In the UK it can be seen on ornamental ponds as well as on gravel pits and lowland lakes and wetlands. The north Norfolk coast and Norfolk Broads hold the highest numbers. The Egyptian Goose will nest in a large variety of situations, especially in holes in mature trees in parkland. The female builds the nest from reeds, leaves and grass, and both parents take turns incubating eggs. Egyptian Geese usually pair for life and both the male and female care for the offspring until they are old enough to care for themselves. Date: 21st January 2022 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533188.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_112557793162ca7c7fd9390.jpgBanded Demoiselle Flight period: May to August. The Banded Demoiselle is a large metallic damselfly with fluttering, butterfly-like wings. Males have a metallic blue body with broad dark blue-black spots across the outer parts of the wings. Females have a metallic green body with translucent pale green wings. The Banded Demoiselle’s name is derived from the distinctive “fingerprint” mark on the wings of the males. Of the UK's damselflies, only the Banded Demoiselle and the similar Beautiful Demoiselle have coloured wings. The latter differs by displaying almost entirely dark, metallic wings. The Banded Demoiselle is mainly found amongst lush, damp vegetation along the edges of slow-flowing lowland streams rivers and canals and around still ponds and lakes. Males are very territorial and perform fluttering display flights to win over females. The Banded Demoiselle is common in Wales and most of England apart from in the north. However, its range is expanding. The species was first recorded from Scotland in 2002 and it has now spread along the east coast and west coast in southern Scotland. Date: 13th June 2022 Location: Cowles Drove near RSPB Lakenheath Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19507507.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_119524185652528c1defa77.jpgBlack-winged Stilt The Black-winged Stilt is a widely distributed very long-legged wader. They have long pink-red legs, a long thin black bill and are blackish above and white below with a white head and neck with a varying amount of black. Both in flight and at rest the long pink-red legs are characteristic and even if these are hidden in water of unknown depth, the pure white underparts and jet black upperparts are distinctive. The amount of dark feathering on the otherwise white head doesn't necessarily indicate the sex of a stilt although young birds always have smoky patterning on the head. The Black-winged Stilt can be found in central and southern Europe, central and southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Many birds migrate to south of the Sahara from August to November and return in March and April. However, many of those which breed in Iberia are now increasingly remaining throughout the year. The Black-winged Stilt breeds around shallow wetlands, especially coastal lagoons, saltpans and estuaries. The nest site is a bare spot on the ground near water and birds often nest in small groups, sometimes with Avocets. In Europe, the Black-winged Stilt is a regular spring overshoot vagrant north of its normal range, occasionally remaining to breed in northern European countries including the UK. Date: 9th September 2013 Location: La Janda, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/june-2022-black-browed-albatross https://images.on-this.website/4752_30511572262ce7d0c80861.jpgJune 2022 - Black-browed Albatross Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/black-browed-albatross]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15454015.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16178996724ff548394b7e0.jpgLarge Psammodromus The Large Psammodromus is a long, slim lizard which has incredible agility and speed. They hatch at around 1 inch long and grow up to 3 inches long excluding the tail. Including the tail, the maximum size can be up to 9 inches long. The Large Psammodromus is usually dark brown on the back and slightly lighter brown below the 2 characteristic light thin lines that run down the top of the flanks. The area near the hind legs and tail can sometimes be more orange. The legs and tail are long and slim, allowing short bursts of high speed. The Large Psammodromus can be found in Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia and its natural habitats are temperate forests, Mediterranean-type shrubby vegetation, sandy shores, arable land, pastureland, plantations and rural gardens. Date: 1st May 2012 Location: La Rocina, Coto Doñana, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/march-2022 https://images.on-this.website/4752_101533316562c97b66657cb.jpgMarch 2022 - Chiffchaff Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/chiffchaff]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/wall https://images.on-this.website/4752_11998857845f6b4aea995c4.jpgWall Flight period: May to September The Wall was once widely distributed throughout England, Wales, Northern Ireland and south Scotland. However over the last decade, it has declined substantially and it is now confined to primarily coastal regions and has been lost from many sites in central, east and south east England. The Wall favours short, open, unimproved grassland where turf is broken or stony. It is also found on dunes and other coastal habitats as well as disused quarries, derelict land, farm tracks, railway embankments and cuttings, gardens, hedgerows and field edges. The Wall is aptly named after its habit of basking on walls, rocks and stony places. The delicately patterned light brown undersides provide good camouflage against a stony or sandy surface. Date: 15th September 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/grasshopper-warbler https://images.on-this.website/4752_20434823214dad7d8c08294.jpgGrasshopper Warbler The Grasshopper Warbler is a medium-sized warbler with a streaked brown back with whitish grey underparts which are unstreaked except on the undertail. Grasshopper Warblers are secretive and skulking birds most of the time and only really make themselves known by singing. The high, insect-like reeling song is the best clue to its presence but even when you hear one it can be difficult to locate it due to the ventriloquial effect of its singing. Grasshopper Warblers may sing at any time during the day and night but singing birds are especially vocal around dusk and dawn. Males sing most when they first arrive on territory in April. When paired up the frequency of song declines but singing continues until July with short, sporadic bursts later in the summer. A Grasshopper Warbler sings with its bill wide open and turning its head from side to side. This gives a ventriloquial effect and it is almost impossible to place exactly where the song is coming from and its intensity alters constantly. The reeling song is made up of double notes which are repeated at a rate of 25 per second. Reeling can last for 5 minutes with the smallest of pauses. Grasshopper Warblers can be found scattered across the UK in areas of scrub, thick grassland, edges of reedbeds, new forestry plantations and gravel pits with plenty of scattered bushes. Birds arrive in mid April and leave again in August or September. Date: 18th April 2011 Location: Two Tree Island, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48482965.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_108119455640a3cd712837.jpgLapwings The Northern Lapwing, also known as the peewit, pewit, tuit or tew-it (imitative of its cry), Green Plover (emphasising the colour of the plumage) or (in the UK) just Lapwing (which refers to its peculiar, erratic way of flying), is a bird in the lapwing family. The Lapwing has rounded wings and a crest. It is also the shortest-legged of the lapwing species. It is mainly black and white but the back is tinted green. The male has a long crest and a black crown, throat and breast contrasting with an otherwise white face. Females and young birds have shorter crests and have less strongly marked heads but plumages are otherwise quite similar. The Lapwing is a vocal bird in the breeding season with constant calling as the crazed tumbling display flight is performed by the male. The typical contact call is a loud, shrill "pee-wit" from which they get their other name of peewit. The Lapwing is common through temperate Eurasia and breeds on cultivated land and other short vegetation habitats. The ground scrape nest and young are defended noisily and aggressively against all intruders. It is highly migratory over most of its extensive range, wintering further south as far as north Africa, north India, Pakistan and parts of China. It migrates mainly by day, often in large flocks. Lowland breeders in the westernmost areas of Europe are resident. In winter, it forms huge flocks on open land, particularly arable land and mud-flats. In the UK, the Lapwing has suffered a significant decline in the last 25 years and is an Amber List species because of the importance of its UK wintering population. It breeds on farmland throughout the UK, particularly in lowland areas of north England, the Borders and east Scotland, and prefers fields of spring sown cereals and root crops, permanent unimproved pasture, meadows and fallow fields but also wet grassland and marshes. During the winter, the Lapwing can be seen on flooded grassland, estuaries, coastal wetlands, short grassy fields and ploughed fields. In addition to the UK population, large numbers of north European birds arrive in the autumn for the winter. The Lapwing feeds primarily on insects and other small invertebrates. It often feeds in mixed flocks with Golden Plovers and Black-headed Gulls, the latter often robbing the plovers, but providing a degree of protection against predators. Date: 31st January 2023 Location: Holkham, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo2918008.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17130341464a4a5e5d28ca2.jpgPied Flycatcher The Pied Flycatcher is a small passerine bird in the Old World flycatcher family and is 1 of the 4 species of Western Palearctic black and white flycatchers. The breeding male Pied Flycatcher is mainly black above and white below with a large white wing patch, white tail sides and a small forehead patch. Non-breeding males, females and juveniles have the black replaced by a pale brown. The bill is black and it has the broad but pointed shape typical of aerial insectivores. The Pied Flycatcher has a very large range and population size and so it is of “least concern” according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It breeds in most of Europe and west Asia where it can be found in deciduous woodlands, parks and gardens, with a preference for oak trees. It will sometimes use mature open conifer woodland where natural tree holes occur. It builds an open nest in a tree hole and it will readily adapt to nest boxes. In the UK, the Pied Flycatcher is limited by geography and habitat to the north and west of the country where it prefers mature oak woodlands but also mature upland ash and birch woodlands. It has on average decreased in population by 25% within the last 25 years and it has ceased to breed in several parts of its former range. The Pied Flycatcher is migratory, wintering mainly in tropical west Africa from mid September to mid April. It first arrives in its breeding areas from mid April to the end of May. Following breeding, return migration to Africa occurs between August and mid September. The Pied Flycatcher is mainly insectivorous and its diet is composed nearly entirely of insects including flies, bees, wasps, ants, beetles, butterflies, moths, etc. but it will also eat fruit and seeds in late summer and autumn and on migration. Date: 8th May 2009 Location: Ynys-hir RSPB reserve, Ceredigion http://www.richardchewphotography.com/common-cranes https://images.on-this.website/4752_17219441294b194b96284d6.jpgCommon Cranes The Common Crane is a large, stately bird and a medium-sized crane at 40 to 52 inches long with a 71 to 96 inches wingspan. At rest, Cranes are rather stork-like but with big bushy tails, black wing plumes and grey bodies and even from a great distance the white stripe through the black head is noticeable. In flight, the long neck, held outstretched and slightly drooping makes them quite different from the herons and the grey plumage eliminates both of the storks. They fly in flocks in “V” formation making trumpeting calls. Common Cranes breed in large areas of marsh and bog in northern parts of Europe and Asia and occur in winter and on passage in open, often agricultural, areas close to large wetlands used for roosting. The global population is in the region of 210,000 to 250,000 with the vast majority nesting in Russia and Scandinavia. In the UK the Common Crane became extinct in the 17th century but a tiny population now breeds again in the Norfolk Broads and is slowly increasing. Flocks of Cranes in late spring can be watched performing their “dancing” displays. This usually involves opening their wings and leaping vertically into the air with the legs dangling. Once one bird starts this, others will join in and the whole performance can even be initiated by a human pretending to be a dancing crane. Once the birds are paired off they are more likely to perform different displays involving stretching their necks vertically and trumpeting. Common Cranes from Fennoscandia, the Baltic states and western Russia take the west European migration route to their wintering grounds. Over 100,000 birds use this flyway and over 70,000 winter in Spain (mainly Extremadura) with smaller numbers in south west France, Portugal and north Africa. Laguna de Gallocanta in Aragon is a key staging post for Common Cranes both entering and leaving Spain and very large numbers use the lake and surrounding land to feed and rest for varying periods before continuing their journey. Up to 20,000 Common Cranes may be seen at Laguna de Gallocanta regularly and concentrations of up to 60,000 have been recorded, these being the largest gatherings anywhere in western Europe. Date: 11th November 2009 Location: Laguna de Gallocanta, Aragon, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26022417.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_624475892563729350a34d.jpgRed-necked Phalarope The Red-necked Phalarope is a small wader with lobed toes to assist swimming and a straight, fine bill. The breeding female is predominantly dark grey above with a chestnut neck and upper breast, black face and white throat. The breeding male is a duller version of the female. In winter, the plumage is essentially grey above and white below but the black eyepatch is always present. When feeding, a Red-necked Phalarope will often swim in a small, rapid circle, forming a small whirlpool. This behaviour is thought to aid feeding by raising food from the bottom of shallow water. The bird will reach into the centre of the vortex with its bill, plucking small insects or crustaceans caught up therein. On the open ocean, they are often found where converging currents produce upwellings. The Red-necked Phalarope breeds in the Arctic regions of north America and Eurasia. It is migratory and, unusually for a wader, it winters at sea on tropical oceans. Date: 3rd June 2015 Location: Lake Mývatn, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9952204.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3858354664dca3da992ccb.jpgPied Flycatcher The Pied Flycatcher is a small passerine bird in the Old World flycatcher family and is 1 of the 4 species of Western Palearctic black and white flycatchers. The breeding male Pied Flycatcher is mainly black above and white below with a large white wing patch, white tail sides and a small forehead patch. Non-breeding males, females and juveniles have the black replaced by a pale brown. The bill is black and it has the broad but pointed shape typical of aerial insectivores. The Pied Flycatcher has a very large range and population size and so it is of “least concern” according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It breeds in most of Europe and west Asia where it can be found in deciduous woodlands, parks and gardens, with a preference for oak trees. It will sometimes use mature open conifer woodland where natural tree holes occur. It builds an open nest in a tree hole and it will readily adapt to nest boxes. In the UK, the Pied Flycatcher is limited by geography and habitat to the north and west of the country where it prefers mature oak woodlands but also mature upland ash and birch woodlands. It has on average decreased in population by 25% within the last 25 years and it has ceased to breed in several parts of its former range. The Pied Flycatcher is migratory, wintering mainly in tropical west Africa from mid September to mid April. It first arrives in its breeding areas from mid April to the end of May. Following breeding, return migration to Africa occurs between August and mid September. The Pied Flycatcher is mainly insectivorous and its diet is composed nearly entirely of insects including flies, bees, wasps, ants, beetles, butterflies, moths, etc. but it will also eat fruit and seeds in late summer and autumn and on migration. Date: 7th May 2011 Location: Ynys-hir RSPB reserve, Ceredigion http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7439548.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18001711474cd57141424ef.jpgIberian Lynx The Iberian Lynx (Lynx pardinus) is a critically endangered species native to the Iberian Peninsula in southern Europe. It is the most endangered cat species in the world. According to the conservation group SOS Lynx, if this species died out, it would be one of the few feline extinctions since the Smilodon 10,000 years ago. The only breeding populations are in Spain and they were thought to be only living in Andalucia in the Coto Doñana National Park and in the Sierra de Andújar. However, in 2007, Spanish authorities announced that they had discovered a previously unknown population in Castilla - La Mancha in central Spain. On my trip to the Sierra de Andújar in September 2010, I failed to see an Iberian Lynx despite much searching. However, Dave and Laura Pierce from Kingussie in northern Scotland, and who also stayed at Villa Matilde whilst I was there, were fortunate enough to see Iberian Lynx on 2 separate occasions in the Sierra de Andújar. They have kindly allowed me to use 2 of their photos which can be seen at the bottom of my [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/news26282.html]trip report.[/url] More information on Iberian Lynx .... [url=http://www.lifelince.org]Life Lince[/url] [url=http://www.arkive.org/iberian-lynx/lynx-pardinus/]ARKive[/url] [url=http://wwf.panda.org/about_our_earth/species/profiles/mammals/iberian_lynx/]WWF[/url] [url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-11586279]BBC[/url] Date: 6th September 2010 http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo16548205.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_753084045083a337a996b.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 7th October 2012 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/essex-skipper https://images.on-this.website/4752_103075525362ca7f35e24c7.jpgEssex Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Essex Skipper is a small butterfly with a darting flight. It has bright orange-brown wings which are held with the forewings angled above the hind wings. The males have a thin black scent brand line running through the centre of the forewing and parallel to the leading edge. The Small Skipper appears very similar but it lacks the black tips to the antenna and it has a longer scent brand which is angled to the edge of the forewing. Since the Essex Skipper and the Small Skipper closely resemble each other and are often found in the same company, the Essex Skipper has been overlooked both in terms of recording and ecological study and it was the last UK resident species to be described (in 1889). The Essex Skipper can be found in tall, dry grasslands in open sunny situations, especially roadside verges, woodland rides and acid grasslands as well as coastal marshes. The distribution of the Essex Skipper in the UK has more than doubled in the last few decades. It is a widespread species in southern and central England but not in the far south-west Date: 22nd June 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43082709.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_81313537360dd86b6c6e1f.jpgBeautiful Demoiselle Flight period: May to August The Beautiful Demoiselle is often confused for a dragonfly but it is in fact a large damselfly. Males have dark coloured wings and metallic blue-green bodies whilst females have brown wings and metallic green-bronze bodies with pale brown wings. The Beautiful Demoiselle is similar to the Banded Demoiselle but the males of the latter species have distinctive dark patches in the middle of their wings. The Beautiful Demoiselle has fluttering butterfly-like wings. Males often rest on bankside vegetation awaiting passing females and they use their fluttering flight as a courtship display. The Beautiful Demoiselle is mainly seen along streams and rivers, particularly those with sand or gravel bottoms. It is locally abundant and mostly found west of a line between Liverpool and Folkestone and in southern Ireland. Date: 15th June 2021 Location: Old Lodge SWT reserve, High Weald, East Sussex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11639904.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2387180504e2fe24b52327.jpgBlack Grouse The Black Grouse is a large game bird in the grouse family. The male has all black plumage with distinctive red wattles over the eyes and striking white stripes along each wing in flight. It has a lyre-shaped tail which is fanned out and raised to show white under-tail feathers when displaying. The female is smaller and grey-brown in colour. The Black Grouse is a sedentary species and breeds across northern Eurasia in moorland and bog areas near to mostly boreal woodland. Although it is declining, it is not considered to be vulnerable globally due to the large population and slow rate of decline. Its decline is due to loss of habitat, disturbance, predation by foxes, crows, etc., and small populations gradually dying out. In the UK, the Black Grouse are found in upland areas of Wales, the Pennines and most of Scotland, especially on farmland and moorland with nearby forestry or scattered trees. Habitat loss and overgrazing have resulted in severe population declines which make the Black Grouse a Red List species. Positive habitat management and re-introduction programmes are helping it to increase in some areas. The Black Grouse has a very distinctive and well-recorded courtship. At dawn in the spring, the males strut around in a traditional area (lek) and display whilst making a highly distinctive and bubbling mating call. This photo was taken at a "lek" which included 8 males and 3 females. Date: 11th April 2009 Location: undisclosed site, Perthshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/loch-ewe-wester-ross https://images.on-this.website/4752_7935515814e09759ea7cca.jpgLoch Ewe, Wester Ross Loch Ewe is a 10 mile long sea loch on the coast of Wester Ross lying between 2 peninsulas with the village of Poolewe at its head. The other notable village is Aultbea on the north east shore. The River Ewe runs north west for just over 3 miles from Loch Maree and flows in to Loch Ewe at Poolewe. During World War 2, convoys assembled in Loch Ewe before setting sail for Arctic Russia and the loch was heavily defended with artillery, anti-aircraft guns, mines and anti-submarine nets. Date: 12th June 2011 Location: view from the A832 road looking north towards Aultbea http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46534812.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_174037915562ca98e39bb62.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 27th June 2022 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30024896.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_70568856587a08b1df4a5.jpgRing-necked Parakeet The Ring-necked Parakeet is the UK's only naturalised parrot. It is large, long-tailed and green with a red beak and a pink and black ring around its face and neck. In flight it has pointed wings, a long tail and a steady, direct flight. Ring-necked Parakeets can be seen all year round at a number of locations in south east England, particularly Surrey, Kent and Sussex. They can often be found in flocks sometimes numbering hundreds of birds at roost sites. Parks, orchards and gardens with mature trees to provide nest holes are favoured habitats. In its native India it is found in jungle and around farms and gardens. Date: 5th January 2017 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49002638.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18880832096468f41629207.jpgSandwich Terns The Sandwich Tern is a medium-large tern, gull-like in appearance but usually with a more delicate, lighter build and shorter, weaker legs. It is very closely related to the Lesser Crested Tern, Chinese Crested Tern, Cabot's Tern and Elegant Tern and it has been known to inter-breed with the Lesser Crested Tern. It is 15 to 17 inches in length with a 33 to 38 inches wingspan. It has long, pointed wings, which gives it a fast buoyant flight, and a deeply forked tail. The upperwings are pale grey and the underparts are white. It has a shaggy black crest. The thin sharp bill is black with a yellow tip and the short legs are black. It looks very pale in flight although the primary flight feathers darken during the summer. In winter, the adult's forehead becomes white. Juveniles have dark tips to their tails and a scaly appearance on their back and wings. The Sandwich Tern has an extensive global range and, whilst population trends have not been quantified, it is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List. For these reasons, it is evaluated as “least concern”. The Sandwich Tern breeds in very dense colonies on coasts and islands and exceptionally inland on suitable large freshwater lakes close to the coast. It nests in a ground scrape and lays 1 to 3 eggs. Unlike some of the smaller white terns, it is not very aggressive toward potential predators, relying on the sheer density of the nests and nesting close to other more aggressive species such as the Arctic Tern and the Black-headed Gull. In the UK, the Sandwich Tern can be seen from late March to September and there are breeding colonies scattered around the UK coasts including the north Norfolk coast and at Minsmere in Suffolk and Dungeness in Kent. The Sandwich tern feeds by plunge-diving for fish, almost invariably from the sea. It usually dives directly and not from a hover favoured by other terns. The offering of fish by the male to the female is part of the courtship display. Date: 17th May 2023 Location: RSPB Minsmere, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41537258.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12770740605f3cfe1868ec2.jpgFlåget, Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Ekkerøy is a small village in Troms og Finnmark in north east Norway. It is located on the Varanger peninsula along the shore of the Varangerfjord. The village lies along the European route E75 about 9 miles east of the town of Vadsø. As the ending "øy" in the name indicates, Ekkerøy was originally an island. However, it is now joined to the Varanger peninsula by a narrow isthmus of land. At the mainland end of the isthmus is the small hamlet of Valen. The headland on the northern tip of Ekkerøy is called Varnes and its eastern tip is called Skagodden. The bay on the north east side of the neck which joins Ekkerøy to the mainland is called Yttersida and that on the south west side is called Innersida. Ekkerøy is one of the few places in Troms og Finnmark where pre-World War 2 buildings can be seen. When the German army retreated from the Litsa front and Kirkenes in late 1944, they burned most buildings in the county under Operation Nordlicht, the German “scorched earth” retreat from Finnmark. However, buildings on the north side of the Varangerfjord survived because the Russians advanced so quickly that the German troops in this area fled west to get across the Tana river before they were cut off and therefore did not have enough time to obey the order to destroy all buildings. Historically, the economy of Ekkerøy was based on fishing and farming but today tourism also forms part of the economy. Flåget is a bird reserve with an easily accessible bird cliff just outside the village. The cliffs face south towards the Varangerfjord, stretch for just over 0.5 miles and rise steeply to a height of 130 to 165 feet. They can be reached by a short walk from a small car park. Flåget is best known for a huge colony of breeding Kittiwakes between March and September. In addition, Ekkerøy and nearby Salttjern, have sheltered sandy bays and these, together with the Varangerfjord offshore, provide good habitats for many species of birds and sea mammals. Date: 4th July 2019 Location: Flåget, Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41389714.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_410625235f269636338c7.jpgKittiwakes The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 1st July 2019 Location: Vardø, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623510.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21440977976117e139e8d7b.jpgLittle Grebe The Little Grebe, also known as the Dabchick, is the smallest member of the grebe family measuring 9 to 11.5 inches in length. The adult is unmistakable in summer, predominantly dark above with its rich, rufous colour neck, cheeks and flanks and bright yellow gape. The rufous is replaced by a dirty brownish grey in non-breeding and juvenile birds. Juveniles have a yellow bill with a small black tip and black and white streaks on the cheeks and sides of the neck. This yellow bill darkens as the juveniles age, eventually turning black as an adult. The Little Grebe can be noisy with a distinctive whinnying trill. The Little Grebe can be found across Europe, much of Asia down to New Guinea and in most of Africa. It breeds in small colonies in freshwater wetlands with muddy bottoms and edges and still or slow-moving water with plenty of emergent vegetation such as lakes, gravel pits, canals and rivers. Most birds move to more open or coastal waters in winter but it is only migratory in those parts of its range where the waters freeze. Like all grebes, the Little Grebe nests at the water's edge since its legs are set very far back and it can not walk well. Usually 4 to 7 eggs are laid. The young leave the nest and can swim soon after hatching but are often carried on the backs of the swimming adults. The Little Grebe is an excellent swimmer and diver and pursues its fish and aquatic invertebrate prey underwater. It uses the vegetation skillfully as a hiding place. Date: 5th July 2021 Location: RSPB Old Moor, Dearne Valley, South Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9564532.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15122629514daebb67cd508.jpgCommon Whitethroat The Common Whitethroat is a common and widespread [I]Sylvia[/i] warbler. It is one of several [i]Sylvia[/i] species that has distinct male and female plumages. Both sexes are mainly brown above and buff below with chestnut fringes to the wings. The adult male has a grey head and a white throat. The female lacks the grey head and the throat is duller. The song is fast and scratchy with a scolding tone. The Common Whitethroat breeds throughout Europe and across much of temperate west Asia where it can be found in areas of open countryside and cultivation with bushes for nesting. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, Arabia and Pakistan. In the UK, it is a summer visitor from April to October and a passage migrant. It breeds widely throughout the country although avoids urban and mountainous areas. Like most warblers, the Common Whitethroat is insectivorous but it will also eat berries and other soft fruit. Date: 13th September 2007 Location: Snettisham, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11639914.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11957704184e2fe2f7363c1.jpgBlack Grouse The Black Grouse is a large game bird in the grouse family. The male has all black plumage with distinctive red wattles over the eyes and striking white stripes along each wing in flight. It has a lyre-shaped tail which is fanned out and raised to show white under-tail feathers when displaying. The female is smaller and grey-brown in colour. The Black Grouse is a sedentary species and breeds across northern Eurasia in moorland and bog areas near to mostly boreal woodland. Although it is declining, it is not considered to be vulnerable globally due to the large population and slow rate of decline. Its decline is due to loss of habitat, disturbance, predation by foxes, crows, etc., and small populations gradually dying out. In the UK, the Black Grouse are found in upland areas of Wales, the Pennines and most of Scotland, especially on farmland and moorland with nearby forestry or scattered trees. Habitat loss and overgrazing have resulted in severe population declines which make the Black Grouse a Red List species. Positive habitat management and re-introduction programmes are helping it to increase in some areas. The Black Grouse has a very distinctive and well-recorded courtship. At dawn in the spring, the males strut around in a traditional area (lek) and display whilst making a highly distinctive and bubbling mating call. This photo was taken at a "lek" which included 8 males and 3 females. Date: 11th April 2009 Location: undisclosed site, Perthshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/spanish-terrapin https://images.on-this.website/4752_18660826354ff547526c74c.jpgSpanish Terrapin The Spanish Terrapin is a semi-aquatic terrapin with an orange-brown to olive coloured and slightly flattened shell and their head and neck shows a light patterning. The Spanish Terrapin can be found in Spain, Portugal , southern France , Morocco , Algeria and Tunisia where it inhabits freshwater bodies like rivers or swamps. It is almost entirely aquatic but they enjoy sunbathing since they are cold-blooded and need the sun’s warmth. However, they are very secretive and are always alert and dive back in to the water if alarmed. The Spanish Terrapin is an excellent swimmer and feeds on small fish, amphibians, tadpoles and insects. They sometimes feed on reeds and other plants. During the winter months, the Spanish Terrapin hibernates at the bottom of ponds or shallow lakes. Date: 30th April 2012 Location: Brozas to Membrio, western Cáceres, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17942846.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_304828187518cb05bb157d.jpgBrambling The Brambling is a small passerine bird in the finch family and is similar in size and shape to a Chaffinch. Breeding-plumaged males are very distinctive, with a black head, dark upperparts, orange breast and white belly. Females and younger birds are less distinct and more similar in appearance to some Chaffinches. In all plumages, however, the Brambling differs from the Chaffinch in a number of features. The Brambling has a white rump whereas that of the Chaffinch is grey-green. The breast is orange contrasting with a white belly on the Brambling whereas on the Chaffinch the underparts are more uniformly coloured pink or buff. The Brambling's scapular feathers are orange whereas the Chaffinch's are grey or grey-brown. The flanks are dark-spotted on the Brambling but plain on the Chaffinch.The Brambling lacks the white outer tail feathers of the Chaffinch. An additional difference for all plumages except breeding plumaged males is the bill colour. It is yellow in the Brambling and dull pinkish in the Chaffinch. Breeding-plumaged male Bramblings have black bills whereas Chaffinches in the corresponding plumage have grey bills. The Brambling is widespread in the breeding season throughout the coniferous and birch forests of north Europe and Asia. It is a migrant and winters in central and south Europe, north Africa, north India, north Pakistan, China and Japan. In Europe, the Brambling forms large flocks in the winter, sometimes with thousands or even millions of birds in a single flock. Such large gatherings occur especially if beech mast is abundant. The Brambling does not require beech mast in the winter but flocks will move until they find it. This may be an adaptation to avoid competition with the Chaffinch. The Brambling arrives in the UK from mid-September and leaves again in March and April. It is a gregarious species and may form very large flocks often associating with Chaffinches. It can be found in beech woodlands, farmland fields near woods and also in some gardens. Date: 1st April 2013 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk Date: 1st April 2013 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/jakobselva-river-troms-og-finnmark https://images.on-this.website/4752_10715962345f10adff3ef37.jpgJakobselva River, Troms og Finnmark, Norway The River Jakobselva is a river that runs along the border between Norway and Russia, specifically the border of Sør-Varanger municipality in Troms og Finnmark in Norway and Pechengsky district in Murmansk Oblast in Russia. It discharges into the Varangerfjorden, a bay of the Barents Sea. This river is known as a superb salmon fishing river but where the river forms the border only Norwegian citizens and long-term residents of Norway are permitted to fish and then only on the Norwegian side. The Russian side is normally not accessible. The Jakobselva gives its name to the small village of Grense Jakobselv which is situated near the mouth of the river on the Norwegian side. Date: 28th June 2019 Location: Jakobselva River, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46534800.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_126616699462ca98d0a1a3d.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 27th June 2022 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/jarfjordfjellet-troms-og-finnmark-norway https://images.on-this.website/4752_4145199895f10b20582e05.jpgJarfjordfjellet, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Jarfjordfjellet is an upland area crossed by road 886 between Storskog and Grense Jakobselv in Troms og Finnmark in Norway. Storskog is a border crossing station on the Norwegian side of the Norway-Russia border about 10 miles east of Kirkenes in Norway and 25 miles north of Nikel in Russia. It is the only legal land border crossing between Norway and Russia and is located in Sør-Varanger municipality in Troms og Finnmark on the Norwegian side of the border. The Russian side is in Boris Gleb in Pechengsky district in Murmansk Oblast. Grense Jakobselv is a small village located in Sør-Varanger municipality in Troms og Finnmark in Norway about 35 miles east of Kirkenes. It is situated on the shore of the Barents Sea at the mouth of the River Jakobselva. Date: 29th June 2019 Location: midnight sun view from road 886 between Storskog and Grense Jakobselv, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19507419.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_88836985152528b4a1d710.jpgSierra de Grazalema, Andalucia, Spain The Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park is a Natural Park in the north east part of the province of Cádiz in Andalucia. The Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park contains within its 127,740 acres a complex of mountain ranges known collectively as the Sierra de Grazalema, which in turn are part of the Cordillera Subbética. Other ranges comprising the Sierra de Grazalema include the Sierra de Zafalgar, the Sierra del Pinar, and the Sierra de Endrinal. El Torreón at 5425 feet is the tallest peak. Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1977, the Sierra de Grazalema was declared the first Natural Park in Andalucia in 1984 and is one of Spain's most ecologically outstanding areas. The Natural Park is famous for its spectacularly rugged limestone landscape of cliffs, gullies, caves and gorges. By far the most impressive gorge is Garganta Verde rocky walls that tower vertically for 1300 feet. Andalucia's largest cave system is also here, the Hundidero-Gato with its biggest cavern measuring 2.5 miles long and an entrance of 200 feet tall. The region is well known for being the rainiest place in Spain, with an annual rainfall of over 85 inches This means that the 1,300 Mediterranean plant species that have been registered here, many of them endemic and some of them unique to the Sierra de Grazalema, flourish. There is a magnificent and well preserved forest of the rare Spanish Fir, a relic from the Tertiary period, in the Sierra del Pinar on the slopes of El Torreón. Dotted around the Sierra de Grazalema are attractive “pueblos blancos” or “white villages” including Grazalema and Zahara de la Sierra. A stunning mountain road rises north west from Grazalema to Puerto de las Palomas at 4450 feet before descending to Zahara de la Sierra. Date: 7th September 2013 Location: view from the road between Grazalema and Zahara de la Sierra, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15367558.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9823555784fec1d00e3f1f.jpgCommon Gull The Common Gull is a medium-sized gull. The north American subspecies is commonly referred to as the Mew Gull although that name is also used by some authorities for the whole species. The Common Gull is noticeably smaller and more gentle looking than the Herring Gull. It is grey above and white below with greenish-yellow legs. It has black wingtips with large white "mirrors". Young birds have scaly black-brown upperparts and a neat wing pattern and grey legs and take 2 to 3 years to reach maturity. In winter, the head is streaked grey and the bill often has a poorly defined blackish band near the tip which is sometimes sufficiently obvious to cause confusion with the Ring-billed Gull. The call is a high-pitched "laughing" cry. The Common Gull breeds colonially near water or in marshes in north Europe, north west north America and north Asia. It is most numerous in Europe with over half (possibly as much as 80 to 90%) of the world population. In the UK, the Common Gull can be found in summer along the coasts and inland marshes and lakes of Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England. Elsewhere in England and Wales, it can be found in winter on farmland, on marshes and lakes and on the coast. Date: 9th June 2012 Location: Tarbet, Sutherland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26008476.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8635171385635012ec17a2.jpgHarlequin Duck The Harlequin Duck is a small sea duck which takes its name from Harlequin, a colourfully dressed character in "Commedia dell'arte" (a form of Italian theatre with masked characters). The adult male Harlequin Duck has a colourful and complex plumage pattern. The head and neck are dark slate blue with a large white crescent marking in front of the eye, a small round dot behind the eye and a larger oval spot down the side of the neck. A black crown stripe runs over the top of the head with chestnut patches on either side. A black-bordered white collar separates the head from the breast. The body is largely a lighter slate blue with chestnut sides. A black-bordered white bar divides the breast vertically from the sides. The tail is black, long and pointed. The speculum is metallic blue. The inner secondary feathers are white and form white markings over the back when folded. The bill is blue-grey and the eye is reddish. The adult female Harlequin Duck is less colourful with brownish-grey plumage with three white patches on the head, a round spot behind the eye, a larger patch from the eye to the bill and a small spot above the eye. The Harlequin Duck has smooth, densely packed feathers that trap a lot of air within them. This is vital for insulating such a small body against the chilly waters that it inhabits and it also makes it exceptionally buoyant, making it bounce like a cork after dives. The Harlequin Duck breeds alongside cold fast moving streams in the northern regions of north America, Greenland, Iceland (the only European site) and western Russia. The nest is usually located in a well concealed location on the ground near a stream. They are usually found near pounding surf and white water. It is a short distance migrant and most winter near rocky shorelines on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. The Harlequin Duck is a very rare migrant to western Europe. The Harlequin Duck feeds by swimming under water or diving and also by dabbling. It feeds on molluscs, crustaceans and insects. Date: 4th June 2015 Location: River Laxá, Lake Mývatn area, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28883608.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_44436076157cc06cfa7087.jpgRed-backed Shrike The Red-backed Shrike is a carnivorous passerine bird and member of the shrike family. The general colour of the male’s upper parts is reddish. It has a grey head and a typical shrike black stripe through the eye. Underparts are tinged pink and the tail has a black and white pattern similar to that of a Wheatear. In the female and young birds the upperparts are brown and vermiculated and the underparts are buff and also vermiculated. The Red-backed Shrike eats large insects, small birds, frogs, rodents and lizards. Like other shrikes it hunts from prominent perches and impales corpses on thorns or barbed wire as a "larder." This practice has earned it the nickname of "butcher bird." The Red-backed Shrike breeds in most of Europe and western Asia and winters in tropical Africa. Once a common migratory visitor to the UK, numbers declined sharply during the 20th century. The bird's last stronghold was in Breckland but by 1988 just a single pair remained, successfully raising young at Santon Downham. The following year for the first time no nests were recorded in the UK but since then sporadic breeding has taken place, mostly in Scotland and Wales, and in September 2010 the RSPB announced that a pair had raised chicks at a secret location on Dartmoor where the bird last bred in 1970. This return to south west England has been an unexpected development and has raised speculation that a warming climate could assist the bird in re-colonising some of its traditional sites, if only in small numbers. Date: 19th May 2016 Location: Vainupea, Lahemaa National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28883743.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_118940280457cc15e9038f8.jpgRed-backed Shrike The Red-backed Shrike is a carnivorous passerine bird and member of the shrike family. The general colour of the male’s upper parts is reddish. It has a grey head and a typical shrike black stripe through the eye. Underparts are tinged pink and the tail has a black and white pattern similar to that of a Wheatear. In the female and young birds the upperparts are brown and vermiculated and the underparts are buff and also vermiculated. The Red-backed Shrike eats large insects, small birds, frogs, rodents and lizards. Like other shrikes it hunts from prominent perches and impales corpses on thorns or barbed wire as a "larder." This practice has earned it the nickname of "butcher bird." The Red-backed Shrike breeds in most of Europe and western Asia and winters in tropical Africa. Once a common migratory visitor to the UK, numbers declined sharply during the 20th century. The bird's last stronghold was in Breckland but by 1988 just a single pair remained, successfully raising young at Santon Downham. The following year for the first time no nests were recorded in the UK but since then sporadic breeding has taken place, mostly in Scotland and Wales, and in September 2010 the RSPB announced that a pair had raised chicks at a secret location on Dartmoor where the bird last bred in 1970. This return to south west England has been an unexpected development and has raised speculation that a warming climate could assist the bird in re-colonising some of its traditional sites, if only in small numbers. Date: 18th May 2016 Location: Mehikoorma to Haavametsa, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo453454.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_154362393446883f05e1aee.jpgGlencoe mountains, Argyll Height: Bidean nam Bian 3773 feet, Beinn Fhada 3054 feet, Aonach Dubh 2972 feet and Sgorr nam Fiannaidh 3172 feet Glencoe is internationally famous for its amazing landscape and its natural and cultural heritage. It is a place of towering and spectacular mountains, an environment for diverse and rare wildlife and the site of a famous yet tragic event in Scotland’s history. Glencoe is a steep-sided valley climbing steadily south east from the village of Glencoe on the shores of Loch Leven. It eventually emerges from its mountain landscape on to the very wet and boggy Rannoch Moor over 10 miles away and at an altitude of over 1000 feet. The Glencoe mountains contain some of the oldest sedimentary and volcanic rocks in the world but the effects of glaciation and millions of years and many cycles of erosion have subsequently carved and worn them away into the formation seen today. Glencoe is bounded on its northern side by the famous Aonach Eagach or “notched ridge”, a pinnacled and very narrow ridge linking three peaks over 3000 feet which stretches for over three miles. On the southern side, there is a range of magnificent mountains comprising the “Three Sisters” of Beinn Fhada, Gearr Aonach and Aonach Dubh plus Bidean nam Bian whose summit sits behind the three protruding buttresses. Glencoe is best know for an event that took place here at 5am on the morning of 13 February 1692, the massacre of the MacDonald clan. Date: 6th June 2007 Location: view from the A82 road near Loch Achtriochtan http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533490.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_164349265662ca8a7be1806.jpgOystercatcher The Oystercatcher is a wader in the oystercatcher family. It is an obvious and noisy bird with black and white plumage, red legs and a strong broad red bill which is used for smashing or prising open molluscs such as mussels or for finding earthworms. Despite its name, oysters do not form a large part of its diet. The Oystercatcher is unmistakable in flight with white patches on the wings and tail with otherwise black upperparts and white underparts. Young birds are more brown, have a white neck collar and a duller bill. The call is a distinctive loud piping. The bill shape varies: Oystercatchers with broad bill tips open molluscs by prising them apart or hammering through the shell whereas birds with pointed bills dig up worms. Much of this is due to the wear resulting from feeding on their prey. Individual Oystercatchers specialise in one technique or the other which they learn from their parents. The Oystercatcher is the most widespread of the oystercatchers with 3 races breeding in western Europe, central Eurasia, Kamchatka, China, and the western coast of Korea. It is a migratory species over most of its range. The European population breeds mainly in northern Europe but in winter the birds can be found in north Africa and southern parts of Europe. Although the species is present all year in Ireland, the UK and the adjacent European coasts, there is still migratory movement within these populations. The Oystercatcher breeds on shingle and rocky beaches, sand dunes, salt marshes and on the grassy tops of small islands and also inland on shingle banks of rivers, lakes and gravel pits. Date: 25th June 2022 Location: RSPB Minsmere, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38116640.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16529353905cc325f641bf6.jpgMarsh Frog The Marsh Frog is the largest European frog. It is very similar in appearance to the closely related Edible Frog and Pool Frog. These 3 species are often referred to as "green frogs" to distinguish them from the more terrestrial European species which are known as "brown frogs" (best exemplified by the Common Frog). Marsh Frogs show a large variation in colour and pattern, ranging from dark green to brown or grey. The Western European populations are generally dark green to black with dark spots on the back and sides and 3 clear green lines on the back. Females can reach a maximum length of around 6.5 inches but males are smaller at around 4.5 inches. The head is proportionally large and the hind legs are long which gives them excellent jumping abilities. The Marsh Frog is usually gregarious and diurnal and more tied to aquatic habitats than the Common Frog. It is tolerant of brackish conditions and typically it is found on or in the water of its favoured drainage channels and pools throughout the year. Marsh Frogs frequently sunbathe on the bank of the water body where they are often inconspicuous until disturbed when they will jump in to the water with a characteristic “plop”. They can often be seen on lily pads or floating at the surface amongst vegetation with only their heads exposed. During the breeding season (and sometimes beyond) the male Marsh Frog calls very loudly with a sound reminiscent of a loud chuckle which is often very raucous and can be heard all day and night. Dominant males establish territories from which they call. After mating a female may produce up to 16,000 eggs in a season, laying them in clumps of a few hundred in aquatic vegetation below the surface. They hatch in about a week, tadpoles being rather solitary and living in deep water with vegetation. Newly metamorphosed frogs are up to 1 inch in length and take 2 years to mature. The diet of the Marsh Frog consists of dragonflies and other insects, spiders, earthworms and slugs. Larger frogs also eat small rodents and sometimes smaller amphibians and fish. Date: 25th April 2019 Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50570340.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_128729286365ccc6361b0a9.jpgWaxwing The Waxwing is a plump bird which is slightly smaller than a Starling. It is buff or pinkish-brown in colour with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings, a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest. The bird’s name is derived from the red tips to some of the wing feathers which are said to look like they have been dipped in sealing wax. Waxwings breed in the dense forests of northern Europe but they occur in varying numbers in the UK from October to March. In some years they can occur in large numbers (known as irruptions) when the population in the breeding areas gets too big for the food available. The first UK arrivals each winter are usually seen on the east coast from Scotland to East Anglia but birds then move inland in search of food. They can be found in parks and gardens and even busy public places such as supermarket car parks, typically where there are berry-bearing trees and bushes such as rowan, hawthorn, cotoneaster and rose. Waxwings seem fearless of humans so it is relatively easy to get very close views of these stunning birds. Waxwings make an easily recognisable high-pitched trilling sound like a bell. Date: 9th January 2024 Location: Colchester, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo47645608.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4779983246347cf0c6f758.jpgEdible Frog The Edible Frog is a species of frog found across Europe that is also known as the Common Water Frog and the Green Frog. The Edible Frog is one of the few animals in the world that is a fertile hybrid of 2 different species, as although similar but genetically different species are known to mate, it is very rare that their offspring will be able to breed. The Edible Frog is a fertile hybrid of 2 other European frogs, namely the Pool Frog and the Marsh Frog, that inter-bred when populations where isolated close to one another during the Ice Age. It was first described in 1758 and is known as the Edible Frog due to the fact that it is now seen as a culinary delicacy across Europe but especially in France where frog’s legs are often served as a national dish. The reason for humans favouring this frog over others is not really known but it may have something to do with their abundance. The Edible Frog is a medium sized frog growing to around 3.5 to 4.5 inches in length. Adults are mainly green in colour with light patches of brown on their backs, yellow eyes and a white underside covered in a few dark spots. There are number of distinct differences between males and females including the fact that males become much lighter and greener during the mating season. Males also have vocal sacs on the outside of their cheeks and extra skin patches on their feet, both of which are primarily used for mating. The Edible Frog is endemic to Europe and it naturally occurs across central Europe as far north as Germany and Estonia. Southern populations are found from Croatia, through northern Italy and into the south of France. There are also isolated populations in Sweden and Bulgaria which are thought to have migrated from the countries nearby. It has also been introduced to the UK. The Edible Frog spends all of its time either in or very close to water and it is most commonly found in calmer parts of rivers and streams where there is a slow but constant flow of fresh water. It tends to prefer more open areas and can also be commonly found around lakes, ponds and marshes. Unlike many other species of frog, the Edible Frog is a diurnal animal and is therefore most active during the day. This is when it is most likely to move away from the water so that it can find a better supply of food or move to a different part of the water if it needs to. The Edible Frog is a relatively solitary animal so there is less competition for food but males are often seen sitting together in groups during the breeding season when they are trying to out-compete each other to find a mate. The breeding season for the Edible Frog begins during March and generally lasts for around 2 months. Males sing by drawing air in and out of their vocal sacs to produce the highest-pitched sound possible since females are most attracted to the loudest males. After courting her in a lake, pond or swamp, the male lets the female lay up to 10,000 eggs in a sticky mass into the water before he fertilises them. Tadpoles can be as small as 0.2 inches long when they hatch and are a grey/brown colour. They then grow up to 2 to 3 inches in length before metamorphoses occurs and they leave the water as 0.75 inches long young frogs. The Edible Frog reaches sexual maturity at the age of 2 years and can live until it is 15 years old. The Edible Frog is a carnivorous amphibian but the tadpoles mainly eat vegetation although they are known to occasionally supplement their diet with aquatic micro-organisms. Adults eat small invertebrates such as insects, spiders and flies, which make up the majority of their diet, along with larger aquatic animals like fish, newts and other frogs. The Edible Frog hunts for food during the day and can be seen catching food both in water and on land. The Edible Frog remains very still when it is sitting on the banks of its water habitat and this, along with its camouflage, makes it very difficult for predators to spot. Its eyes are positioned near the top of the head meaning that it can also see danger coming whilst the body is mainly hidden. Snakes, owls and water birds are the main predators of the Edible Frog. The Edible Frog will jump into the water and hide if it senses approaching danger and it will make a loud screeching sound if caught. Edible Frog populations are under threat from habitat destruction mainly caused by deforestation and water pollution. Date: 7th August 2022 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7190792.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1735351634cc304e5b3926.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 17th October 2010 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo445690.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18498004994681c751b8668.jpgBen More, Mull, Argyll Height: 3168 feet. Ben More is the highest peak on the island of Mull and is a prominent feature of many views on the island. It is situated to the west of Mull's main central range of hills to the north of Loch Scridain and to the south of Loch na Keal. Ben More is a massive grey bulk whose upper slopes are covered in a mantle of angular scree. Its north eastern corrie is particularly craggy and often contains snow well into the spring. The Gaelic name Beinn Mhòr means "big hill" or “great mountain”. Date: 9th June 2006 Location: view from the B8073 road overlooking Loch na Keal http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49002576.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18502382796468f2990e399.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 17th April 2023 Location: Dunwich Heath, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080546.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_139289091163a4489dae6ad.jpgWaxwing The Waxwing is a plump bird which is slightly smaller than a Starling. It is buff or pinkish-brown in colour with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings, a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest. The bird’s name is derived from the red tips to some of the wing feathers which are said to look like they have been dipped in sealing wax. Waxwings breed in the dense forests of northern Europe but they occur in varying numbers in the UK from October to March. In some years they can occur in large numbers (known as irruptions) when the population in the breeding areas gets too big for the food available. The first UK arrivals each winter are usually seen on the east coast from Scotland to East Anglia but birds then move inland in search of food. They can be found in parks and gardens and even busy public places such as supermarket car parks, typically where there are berry-bearing trees and bushes such as rowan, hawthorn, cotoneaster and rose. Waxwings seem fearless of humans so it is relatively easy to get very close views of these stunning birds. Waxwings make an easily recognisable high-pitched trilling sound like a bell. Date: 2nd December 2022 Location: Sheringham, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33820962.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17984302025a3d07eb09dd0.jpgRing-necked Parakeet The Ring-necked Parakeet is the UK's only naturalised parrot. It is large, long-tailed and green with a red beak and a pink and black ring around its face and neck. In flight it has pointed wings, a long tail and a steady, direct flight. Ring-necked Parakeets can be seen all year round at a number of locations in south east England, particularly Surrey, Kent and Sussex. They can often be found in flocks sometimes numbering hundreds of birds at roost sites. Parks, orchards and gardens with mature trees to provide nest holes are favoured habitats. In its native India it is found in jungle and around farms and gardens. Date: 12th December 2017 Location: Kensington Gardens, London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14261286.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10094724864f51e94d443ba.jpgKingfisher The Kingfisher is a small unmistakable bright blue and orange bird of slow moving or still water. They fly rapidly and low over water and hunt fish from riverside perches, occasionally hovering above the water's surface. Kingfishers are vulnerable to hard winters and habitat degradation through pollution or unsympathetic management of watercourses and are an “Amber List” species due to their unfavourable conservation status in Europe. Kingfishers are widespread especially in central and southern England but become less common further north. Following some declines last century, they are currently increasing in their range in Scotland. Kingfishers can be found all year round by still or slow flowing water such as lakes, canals and rivers in lowland areas. In winter, some individuals move to estuaries and the coast. Occasionally they may also visit garden ponds if they are of a suitable size. Date: 25th February 2012 Location: Rye Meads RSPB reserve, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453897.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9482443704ff544acc8b08.jpgWhite Stork The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 25th April 2012 Location: near Pedroche, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4088358.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3103017024b194b76b5345.jpgCommon Cranes The Common Crane is a large, stately bird and a medium-sized crane at 40 to 52 inches long with a 71 to 96 inches wingspan. At rest, Cranes are rather stork-like but with big bushy tails, black wing plumes and grey bodies and even from a great distance the white stripe through the black head is noticeable. In flight, the long neck, held outstretched and slightly drooping makes them quite different from the herons and the grey plumage eliminates both of the storks. They fly in flocks in “V” formation making trumpeting calls. Common Cranes breed in large areas of marsh and bog in northern parts of Europe and Asia and occur in winter and on passage in open, often agricultural, areas close to large wetlands used for roosting. The global population is in the region of 210,000 to 250,000 with the vast majority nesting in Russia and Scandinavia. In the UK the Common Crane became extinct in the 17th century but a tiny population now breeds again in the Norfolk Broads and is slowly increasing. Flocks of Cranes in late spring can be watched performing their “dancing” displays. This usually involves opening their wings and leaping vertically into the air with the legs dangling. Once one bird starts this, others will join in and the whole performance can even be initiated by a human pretending to be a dancing crane. Once the birds are paired off they are more likely to perform different displays involving stretching their necks vertically and trumpeting. Common Cranes from Fennoscandia, the Baltic states and western Russia take the west European migration route to their wintering grounds. Over 100,000 birds use this flyway and over 70,000 winter in Spain (mainly Extremadura) with smaller numbers in south west France, Portugal and north Africa. Laguna de Gallocanta in Aragon is a key staging post for Common Cranes both entering and leaving Spain and very large numbers use the lake and surrounding land to feed and rest for varying periods before continuing their journey. Up to 20,000 Common Cranes may be seen at Laguna de Gallocanta regularly and concentrations of up to 60,000 have been recorded, these being the largest gatherings anywhere in western Europe. Date: 11th November 2009 Location: Laguna de Gallocanta, Aragon, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072255.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16342547184bf6d59eaaa75.jpgPine Grosbeak The Pine Grosbeak is a large member of the finch family. Adults have a long forked black tail, black wings with white wing bars and a large bill. Adult males have a rose-red head, back and rump. Adult females are olive-yellow on the head and rump and grey on the back and underparts. Young birds have a less contrasting plumage overall, appearing shaggy when they moult their colored head plumage. The Pine Grosbeak is a permanent resident through most of its range and can be found in coniferous woods in subarctic Fennoscandia and Siberia and across Alaska, the western mountains of the United States and Canada. In the extreme north or when food sources are scarce, they may migrate further south. It is a very rare vagrant to temperate Europe. The Pine Grosbeak forages in trees and bushes. It mainly eats seeds, buds, berries and insects. Outside of the nesting season, it often feeds in flocks. Date: 10th April 2010 Location: Neljan Tuulen Tupa near Kaamanen, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/white-fronted-goose https://images.on-this.website/4752_6205646374e1582ddacae8.jpgGreater (Greenland) White-fronted Goose The Greater White-fronted Goose is a species of goose which is closely related to the smaller Lesser White-fronted Goose. The Latin name, [i]Anser albifrons[/i], is derived from [i]anser[/i] meaning "goose" and [i]albus[/i] meaning "white" and [i]frons[/i] meaning “forehead”. The Greater White-fronted Goose is 25 to 32 inches in length with a 51 to 65 inches wingspan and weighs 4.3 to 7.3 pounds. It is smaller than the Greylag Goose and, as well as being larger than the Lesser White-fronted Goose, it lacks the yellow eye-ring of that species and the white facial blaze does not extend upwards so far. The Greater White-fronted Goose is a greyish-brown goose with a light grey breast dappled with dark brown to black blotches and bar, a pinkish bill and orange legs and feet. The male is typically larger in size but both sexes are similar in appearance The Greater White-fronted Goose is divided into 5 subspecies. The nominate subspecies Eurasian or Russian White-fronted Goose, [i]A. a. albifrons[/i], breeds in the far north of Europe and Asia and winters further south and west in Europe, including England and Wales. The very distinct Greenland White-fronted Goose, [i]A. a. flavirostris[/i], breeds in west Greenland and is much darker overall with only a very narrow white tip to the tail (broader on the other races), more black barring on its belly and usually has an orange (not pink) bill. It winters in Ireland and west Scotland. Some ecological studies suggest that the Greenland White-fronted Goose should probably be considered a separate species. Weather conditions are a key factor in the annual breeding success of the Greater White-fronted Goose. In the Arctic, the window of opportunity for nesting, incubating eggs and raising a brood is open briefly for about 3 months. Arriving in late May or early June, Greater White-fronted Geese begin departing for their wintering areas in early September. This means that a delayed snowmelt or late spring storm can significantly reduce breeding success. Date: 3rd November 2008 Location: Loch Gruinart, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39081968.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1092007185d3078bdee048.jpgEuropean Bee-eater The European Bee-eater is an incredibly colourful bird with an unmistakable appearance. In breeding plumage, it has a rich chestnut crown that blends into gold on its back. The forehead is white, the throat is yellow bordered by black and the underparts are blue. The male European Bee-eater has a chestnut-coloured patch in the middle of the wing while in females this patch is usually smaller or even absent. Occasionally, females may also be distinguished from the males by having a green back. The wings and backs of juvenile European Bee-eaters are entirely green and the eyes are brown in contrast to the bright red eyes of adults. The European Bee-eater breeds in southern Europe and in parts of north Africa and western Asia. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, India and Sri Lanka. European Bee-eaters are occasionally seen in northern Europe (including the UK) as a spring overshoot north of its range with occasional breeding occurring. Just as the name suggests, the European Bee-eater predominantly eats insects, especially bees, wasps and hornets which are caught in the air by sorties from an open perch. Before eating its meal, a European Bee-eater removes the sting by repeatedly hitting the insect on a hard surface. Lizards and frogs are also taken. European Bee-eaters are gregarious, nesting colonially in sandy banks preferably near river shores and also feeding and roosting communally. Date: 17th May 2018 Location: Vetren, Silistra Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40648547.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3243978875df9fd8e766f4.jpgWhooper Swans The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 30th November 2019 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/bottlenose-dolphin https://images.on-this.website/4752_1845787248560fb5b27f5d1.jpgBottlenose Dolphin The Bottlenose Dolphin is one of the most well-known species of dolphin. They have a stocky, torpedo-shaped body, a short beak and pointed flippers and are usually dark grey on the back with paler grey flanks and a white or pinkish belly. The sickle-shaped dorsal fin is tall and positioned centrally on the back. Variations in the shape of the dorsal fin along with scars and other markings on the skin can help researchers to identify individuals. The Bottlenose Dolphin is found in coastal waters of most temperate, tropical and subtropical areas. Around the UK, it occurs in the English Channel, in the Moray Firth in north-east Scotland and in Cardigan Bay in Wales. Although lone individuals do occur, Bottlenose Dolphins are very sociable animals which usually live in groups numbering between 10 and 100 individuals. They engage in much energetic behaviour, including breaching (clearing the water), lobtailing (slapping the tail flukes down onto the surface of the water) and bow-riding (riding the swell created in front of boats and even large whales). The Bottlenose Dolphin faces a number of threats including human disturbance, entanglement in fishing nets and hunting. Like all cetaceans, they are also vulnerable to chemical and noise pollution. The captivity industry that supplies the world aquarium trade is also a problem. The Bottlenose Dolphin is a UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority species and it is protected in UK waters by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Orders 1985. It is illegal to intentionally kill, injure, or harass any cetacean (whale or dolphin) species in UK waters. The Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans in the Baltic and North Seas (ASCOBANS), has been signed by 7 European Countries including the UK. Provision is made under this agreement to set up protected areas, promote research and monitoring, pollution control and increase public awareness. Under Annex II of the EC Habitats Directive, candidate marine Special Areas of Conservation (SACS) are being set up for this species in Cardigan Bay (Wales) and the Moray Firth (north-east Scotland). Date: 23rd September 2015 Location: Moray Firth (from Chanonry Point), Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871767.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3887878394eff22236886c.jpgCommon Tern The Common Tern is a seabird of the tern family. Breeding adults have pale grey upperparts, very pale grey underparts, a black cap, orange-red legs and a narrow pointed bill that can be mostly red with a black tip. The upperwings are pale grey but as the summer wears on the dark feather shafts of the outer flight feathers become exposed and a grey wedge appears on the wings. The rump and tail are white and on a standing bird the long tail extends no further than the folded wingtips unlike the Arctic and Roseate Terns in which the tail protrudes beyond the wings. There are no significant differences between the sexes. In non-breeding adults the forehead and underparts become white, the bill is all black or black with a red base and the legs are dark red or black. The upperwings have an obvious dark area at the front edge of the wing. Terns that have not bred successfully may start moulting into non-breeding adult plumage from June but late July is more typical with the moult suspended during migration. Juveniles have pale grey upperwings with a dark carpal bar. The crown and nape are brown and the forehead is ginger wearing to white by autumn. The upperparts are ginger with brown and white scaling and the tail lacks the adult's long outer feathers. Birds in their first post-juvenile plumage resemble non-breeding adults but have a duskier crown, dark carpal bar and often very worn plumage. By their second year, most young terns are either indistinguishable from adults or show only minor differences such as a darker bill or white forehead. There are several terns of a similar size and general appearance to the Common Tern. A traditionally difficult species to separate is the Arctic Tern and, until the key characteristics were clarified, distant or flying birds of the 2 species were often jointly recorded as "commic terns". Although similar in size, the two terns differ in structure and flight. The Common Tern has a larger head, thicker neck, longer legs and more triangular and stiffer wings than the Arctic Tern and has a more powerful and direct flight. The Arctic Tern has greyer underparts than the Common Tern which make its white cheeks more obvious whereas the rump of the Common Tern can be greyish in non-breeding plumage compared to the white of the Arctic Tern. The Common Tern develops a dark wedge on the wings as the breeding season progresses but the wings of the Arctic Tern stay white throughout the northern summer. All the flight feathers of the Arctic Tern are translucent against a bright sky but only the 4 innermost wing feathers of the Common Tern share this characteristic. The trailing edge of the outer flight feathers is a thin black line in the Arctic Tern but it is thicker and less defined in the Common Tern. The bill of an adult Common Tern is orange-red with a black tip and its legs are bright red while both are a darker red colour in the Arctic Tern which also lacks the black bill tip. The Common Tern is an agile flyer, capable of rapid turns and swoops, hovering and vertical take-off. When commuting with fish, it flies close to the surface in a strong head wind but up to 100 feet above the water in a following wind. The Common Tern has a circumpolar distribution and breeds in temperate and sub-arctic regions of Europe, Asia and north America. It is strongly migratory and winters in coastal tropical and subtropical regions. Breeding in a wider range of habitats than any of its relatives, the Common Tern nests on any flat, poorly vegetated surface close to water including beaches and islands. It also readily adapts to artificial floating rafts. The nest may be a bare scrape in sand or gravel but it is often lined or edged with whatever debris is available. Eggs and young are vulnerable to predation by mammals such as rats and American Mink and large birds including gulls, owls and herons. Like most terns, the Common Tern feeds by plunge-diving for fish, either in the sea or in freshwater, but molluscs, crustaceans and other invertebrate prey may form a significant part of the diet in some areas. Date: 7th June 2009 Location: Siikalahti near Parikkala, Etelä-Karjala, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40952836.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1812949455e53938f74b7b.jpgGreat Black-backed Gulls The largest of the gulls, the Great Black-backed Gull is a dominating and opportunistic predator, scavenger and pirate that has been described as a “merciless tyrant” due to its aggressive feeding habits. The Great Black-backed Gull has a thick-set body with a large, yellow, red-tipped bill, strong legs and wide, webbed feet which have a delicate pink hue. The breast and head are snowy white and sit in stark contrast to the black back and wings. Young Great Black-backed Gulls undergo several plumage changes before taking on that of the adult. Juveniles are pale brown with heavy white mottling whilst immatures are also mottled but have a distinctive whitish head and breast but with a dark-tipped, pale bill The Great Black-backed Gull occurs along the coastlines of northern Europe and northern Russia as well as the east coast of north America and central America and it can be found in a variety of coastal habitats, including rocky and sandy coasts and estuaries as well as inland habitats such as lakes, ponds, fields and moorland. It breeds in areas free of or largely inaccessible to terrestrial predators such as vegetated islands, sand dunes, flat-topped stacks, building roofs and sometimes amongst bushes on salt-marsh islands. During the winter, the Great Black-backed Gull often travels far out to sea to feed. Date: 31st January 2020 Location: Slade harbour, Hook peninsula, Co. Wexford, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/hvalfjrur-west-iceland https://images.on-this.website/4752_91541523956377e736a43f.jpgHvalfjörður, west Iceland Hvalfjörður (Icelandic: Whale fjord) is situated in the west of Iceland 31 miles north of Reykjavík between Mosfellsbær and Akranesand. The fjord is approximately 19 miles long and 3 miles wide and gives an excellent opportunity to enjoy the unique beauty of Icelandic fjords. The name Hvalfjörður is derived from the large number of whales which could be found and caught there in the past. In addition the fjord also contained a large number of herring fisheries. During World War 2, a naval base for the UK and USA navies could be found in this fjord. One of the piers built by the USA navy is today used by the Hvalur whaling company for the processing of Fin Whales, partially for the domestic market and mostly for export to Japan. Until the late 1990s, travel by car involved a long detour of 38 miles around the fjord in order to get from the city of Reykjavík to the town of Borgarnes. In July 1998, the Hvalfjarðargöngin tunnel was opened to public traffic. The tunnel is approximately 3.5 miles in length and cuts travel by car around the fjord by about an hour. The tunnel runs to a depth of 550 feet below sea level. Date: 1st June 2015 Location: view from road 47 around Hvalfjörður http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871579.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2156147414eff1e9d00d46.jpgReindeer The Reindeer, also known as the Caribou in North America, is a deer from the Arctic and sub Arctic, including both resident and migratory populations. Whilst it is overall widespread and numerous, some of its subspecies are rare or already extinct. The Reindeer is a widespread and numerous species in the northern Holarctic, being present in tundra (frozen arctic plain with lichens, mosses and dwarfed vegetation) and taiga (marshy pine forest) regions. Originally, the Reindeer was found in Scandinavia, eastern Europe, Russia, Mongolia, and northern China. In North America, it was found in Canada, Alaska and the northern USA from Washington to Maine. It also occurred naturally on Sakhalin, Greenland, and probably even in historical times in Ireland. Today, wild Reindeer have disappeared from many areas within this large historical range, especially from the southern parts where it has vanished almost everywhere. Large populations of wild Reindeer are still found in Norway, Finland, Siberia, Greenland, Alaska, and Canada. Wild Reindeer hunting and herding of semi-domesticated Reindeer (for meat, hides, antlers, milk and transportation) are important to several Arctic and Subarctic people. Domesticated Reindeer are mostly found in northern Fennoscandia and Russia with a herd of approximately 150-170 Reindeer also living around the Cairngorms region in Scotland. Reindeer vary considerably in colour and size. Both sexes grow antlers, though they are typically larger in males. Even far outside its range, the Reindeer is well known due to the myth, probably originating in early 19th century America, in which Santa Claus's sleigh is pulled by flying Reindeer, a popular element of Christmas. Date: 25th May 2009 Location: east of Sodankylä, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/shags https://images.on-this.website/4752_2654253944c1dd5e38f17e.jpgShags The European Shag, Common Shag or simply Shag is a species of cormorant. It is 27 to 31 inches in length with a 37 to 43 inches wingspan. It is mainly black in colour but with a glossy green-tinged sheen in adults. It has a longish tail and a yellow throat-patch. Adults have a small recurved crest in the breeding season. It is distinguished from the Cormorant by its smaller size, lighter build, thinner and narrower bill, and, in breeding adults, by the crest and metallic green-tinged sheen. The Shag breeds around the rocky coasts of west and south Europe, north Africa and south west Asia, mainly wintering in its breeding range except for the northernmost birds. It nests on rocky ledges or in crevices or small caves and the nests are untidy heaps of rotting seaweed or twigs cemented together by the bird's own guano. The nesting season is long and begins in late February although some nests are not started until May or even later. The female lays 3 eggs and the chicks hatch without down and so they rely totally on their parents for warmth, often for a period of 2 months before they can fly. Fledging may occur at any time from early June to late August and exceptionally to mid-October. In the UK, the Shag breeds at coastal sites, mainly in the north and west of the country, and more than half of the population is found at fewer than 10 sites. It can be seen during the breeding season at the large Scottish colonies on Orkney, Shetland, the Inner Hebrides and in the Firth of Forth. Elsewhere it can be seen commonly around the coasts of Wales and south west England, especially in Devon and Cornwall. The Shag feeds in the sea and, unlike the Cormorant, it is rare inland. It is one of the deepest pursuit divers among the cormorant family and it has been shown to dive to at least 150 feet. When it dives, it jumps out of the water first to give extra impetus to the dive. The Shag forages for food on the sea bed and eats a wide range of fish although the commonest prey is the sand eel. It will travel long distances from its breeding and roosting sites in order to feed. Date: 3rd June 2010 Location: Sango Bay, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo44605467.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_171317674061acbf539199b.jpgStonechat The (European) Stonechat is a small passerine bird that was long considered a member of the thrush family although genetic evidence has now placed it and its relatives in the Old World flycatcher family. Two weakly defined sub-species differing in colour intensity are currently accepted: hibernans found in north west Europe in Atlantic coastal areas, south west Norway, the UK, Ireland and north west France and rubicola found in the south and east of its range from Denmark south west to Spain and north Morocco, east to Poland and Ukraine and south east to Turkey. The (European) Stonechat is slightly smaller than the Robin. Both sexes have distinctively short wings, shorter than those of the more migratory Whinchat and Siberian Stonechat. The summer male has black upperparts, a black head, an orange throat and breast and a white belly and vent. It also has a white half-collar on the sides of its neck, a small white scapular patch on the wings and a very small white patch on the rump often streaked with black. The female has brown upperparts and head and no white neck patches, rump or belly. Instead these areas are streaked dark brown on paler brown, the only white being the scapular patch on the wings and even this often being buffy-white. The (European) Stonechat can often be seen perched on the tops of low bushes where, as its name suggests, it can be heard uttering a sharp loud call that sounds like stones being knocked together. The male's song is high and twittering like a Dunnock. The (European) Stonechat breeds in heathland, coastal dunes and rough grassland with scattered small shrubs and bramble, open gorse, tussocks or heather. It is a short-distance migrant or non-migratory, with part of the population, particularly from the north east of the range where winters are colder, moving to winter further south in Europe and north Africa. Date: 16th November 2021 Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31192336.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1113193345591823eee046d4.89100122.jpgPied Flycatcher The Pied Flycatcher is a small passerine bird in the Old World flycatcher family and is 1 of the 4 species of Western Palearctic black and white flycatchers. The breeding male Pied Flycatcher is mainly black above and white below with a large white wing patch, white tail sides and a small forehead patch. Non-breeding males, females and juveniles have the black replaced by a pale brown. The bill is black and it has the broad but pointed shape typical of aerial insectivores. The Pied Flycatcher has a very large range and population size and so it is of “least concern” according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It breeds in most of Europe and west Asia where it can be found in deciduous woodlands, parks and gardens, with a preference for oak trees. It will sometimes use mature open conifer woodland where natural tree holes occur. It builds an open nest in a tree hole and it will readily adapt to nest boxes. In the UK, the Pied Flycatcher is limited by geography and habitat to the north and west of the country where it prefers mature oak woodlands but also mature upland ash and birch woodlands. It has on average decreased in population by 25% within the last 25 years and it has ceased to breed in several parts of its former range. The Pied Flycatcher is migratory, wintering mainly in tropical west Africa from mid September to mid April. It first arrives in its breeding areas from mid April to the end of May. Following breeding, return migration to Africa occurs between August and mid September. The Pied Flycatcher is mainly insectivorous and its diet is composed nearly entirely of insects including flies, bees, wasps, ants, beetles, butterflies, moths, etc. but it will also eat fruit and seeds in late summer and autumn and on migration. Date: 8th May 2017 Location: Gilfach RWT reserve, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39081954.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17705354985d30787bbe3d9.jpgEuropean Bee-eater The European Bee-eater is an incredibly colourful bird with an unmistakable appearance. In breeding plumage, it has a rich chestnut crown that blends into gold on its back. The forehead is white, the throat is yellow bordered by black and the underparts are blue. The male European Bee-eater has a chestnut-coloured patch in the middle of the wing while in females this patch is usually smaller or even absent. Occasionally, females may also be distinguished from the males by having a green back. The wings and backs of juvenile European Bee-eaters are entirely green and the eyes are brown in contrast to the bright red eyes of adults. The European Bee-eater breeds in southern Europe and in parts of north Africa and western Asia. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, India and Sri Lanka. European Bee-eaters are occasionally seen in northern Europe (including the UK) as a spring overshoot north of its range with occasional breeding occurring. Just as the name suggests, the European Bee-eater predominantly eats insects, especially bees, wasps and hornets which are caught in the air by sorties from an open perch. Before eating its meal, a European Bee-eater removes the sting by repeatedly hitting the insect on a hard surface. Lizards and frogs are also taken. European Bee-eaters are gregarious, nesting colonially in sandy banks preferably near river shores and also feeding and roosting communally. Date: 17th May 2018 Location: Vetren, Silistra Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4639657.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4954079824baf0881e30b3.jpgRed Grouse The Red Grouse is a medium-sized bird of the grouse family which is found in heather moorland in the UK and Ireland. It is endemic to the UK and has developed in isolation. It is usually classified as a sub-species of the Willow Ptarmigan or Willow Grouse which is found in birch and other forests and moorlands in north Europe, the tundra of Scandinavia, Siberia, Alaska and north Canada. The Red Grouse is differentiated from the Willow Ptarmigan and Rock Ptarmigan by its plumage being reddish brown and not having a white winter plumage. The tail is black and the legs are white. There are white stripes on the underwing and red combs over the eye. Females are less reddish than the males and have less conspicuous combs. Young birds are duller and lack the red combs. The Red Grouse is found across most parts of Scotland, including Orkney, Shetland and most of the Outer Hebrides. It is only absent from urban areas such as in the Central Belt. In Wales there are strong populations of Red Grouse in some places but the range has retracted. It is now largely absent from the far south and the main strongholds are Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons and the Cambrian Mountains. In England the Red Grouse is mainly found in the north in areas such as the Lake District, Northumberland, County Durham, much of Yorkshire, the Pennines and the Peak District as far south as the Staffordshire Moorlands. There is an isolated introduced population on Dartmoor and overspill Welsh birds visit the Shropshire Hills.The typical habitat is upland heather moors away from trees. It can also be found in some low-lying bogs and birds may visit farmland during hard weather. The UK population of the Red Grouse is estimated at about 250,000 pairs. Numbers have declined in recent years and it is now absent in areas where it was once common. Reasons for the decline include disease, loss of heather due to overgrazing, creation of new conifer plantations and a decline in the number of upland gamekeepers. Some predators feed on Red Grouse and there is ongoing controversy as to what effect these have on numbers. The Red Grouse is herbivorous and feeds mainly on the shoots, seeds and flowers of heather. It will also feed on berries, cereal crops and sometimes insects. The Red Grouse is considered a game bird and is shot in large numbers during the shooting season which traditionally starts on August 12th (known as the Glorious Twelfth). Shooting can take the form of “walked up” (where shooters walk across the moor to flush grouse and take a shot) or “driven” (where grouse are driven, often in large numbers, by “beaters” towards the shooters who are hiding behind a line of “butts”). Many moors are managed to increase the density of Red Grouse. Areas of heather are subjected to controlled burning since this allows fresh young shoots to regenerate which are favoured by Red Grouse. In addition, extensive predator control is a feature of grouse moor management and the extent and legality to which it occurs is hotly contested between conservation groups and shooting interests and the subject generates a lot of media attention. The Red Grouse is widely known as the logo of The Famous Grouse whisky and an animated bird is a character in a series of its adverts. It is also the emblem of the magazine “British Birds”. Date: 11th March 2010 Location: Grinton Moor, Yorkshire Dales National Park, North Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072282.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5062025414bf6d8245df60.jpgNesseby, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway Nesseby is a small village located on the southern coast of the Varanger peninsula near the inner part of the Varangerfjord in Nesseby municipality in Finnmark county in north east Norway. The European route E75 highway runs through the village on its way from Varangerbotn to Vadsø. Nesseby church lies on a small peninsula on the coast of the village. The village and municipality are bilingual and have 2 official names: Nesseby (Norwegian) and Unjárga (Northern Sami). Date: 11th April 2010 Location: view looking towards Nesseby church, Nesseby, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo20951315.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_685355623535e13e87e0ae.jpgWoodlark The Woodlark is a streaky brown bird with a buffy-white eye-stripe which meets across the nape. It has a well developed crest on its crown which is not always conspicuous. In flight the peculiarly short tail and broad, rounded wings are noticeable and the deeply undulating flight with closed wing glides is characteristic. The Woodlark can be found all year round and breeds mainly in eastern and southern England on the heathlands of Hampshire, Surrey, Berkshire, Norfolk and Suffolk. Date: 14th April 2014 Location: Santon Downham, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11328646.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1356016564e1d67b8a35af.jpgLittle Grebe The Little Grebe, also known as the Dabchick, is the smallest member of the grebe family measuring 9 to 11.5 inches in length. The adult is unmistakable in summer, predominantly dark above with its rich, rufous colour neck, cheeks and flanks and bright yellow gape. The rufous is replaced by a dirty brownish grey in non-breeding and juvenile birds. Juveniles have a yellow bill with a small black tip and black and white streaks on the cheeks and sides of the neck. This yellow bill darkens as the juveniles age, eventually turning black as an adult. The Little Grebe can be noisy with a distinctive whinnying trill. The Little Grebe can be found across Europe, much of Asia down to New Guinea and in most of Africa. It breeds in small colonies in freshwater wetlands with muddy bottoms and edges and still or slow-moving water with plenty of emergent vegetation such as lakes, gravel pits, canals and rivers. Most birds move to more open or coastal waters in winter but it is only migratory in those parts of its range where the waters freeze. Like all grebes, the Little Grebe nests at the water's edge since its legs are set very far back and it can not walk well. Usually 4 to 7 eggs are laid. The young leave the nest and can swim soon after hatching but are often carried on the backs of the swimming adults. The Little Grebe is an excellent swimmer and diver and pursues its fish and aquatic invertebrate prey underwater. It uses the vegetation skilfully as a hiding place. Date: 5th March 2008 Location: Cromford Canal, Derbyshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19507382.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_214652660952528ad49e167.jpgGreater Flamingo The Greater Flamingo is a largely pinkish-white bird but the wing coverts are red and the primary and secondary flight feathers are black. The bill is pink with a black tip and the legs are entirely pink. The Greater Flamingo is the most widespread species of the flamingo family and can be found in parts of Africa, southern Asia and southern Europe (including Spain, Sardinia, Albania, Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Portugal and the Camargue region of France). Some populations are short distance migrants, and records north of the breeding range are relatively frequent. However, given the species' popularity in captivity, whether these are truly wild individuals is a matter of some debate. Date: 7th September 2013 Location: Laguna Dulce, Campillos, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29486954.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_190943960858107ce37b771.jpgGoldeneye The Goldeneye is a medium-sized diving duck, named for its golden-yellow eye. Adult males have a dark head with a greenish gloss and a circular white patch below the eye, a dark back and a white neck and belly. Adult females have a brown head and a mostly grey body. The Goldeneye breeds on the lakes and in the rivers of boreal forests in Scandinavia, Canada, north USA and north Russia. Naturally it will nest in cavities in large trees but it will also readily use nestboxes put up on trees close to water. This has enabled a healthy breeding population to establish in the Scottish Highlands from 1970 where it is increasing and slowly spreading. The Goldeneye is migratory and most winter in protected coastal waters or open inland waters at more temperate latitudes. The Goldeneye forages by diving underwater for crustaceans, aquatic insects and molluscs. Insects are the predominant prey while nesting and crustaceans are the predominant prey during migration and winter. Date: 23rd May 2016 Location: Wild Brown Bear Centre, near Vartius, Kainuu, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41254053.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1291929175f059df2a3733.jpgPorvoonjoki river at Porvoo, Uusimaa, Finland The Porvoonjoki is a small river in the south of Finland. The city of Porvoo is situated in the river delta. Porvoo is a city and a municipality situated on the south coast of Finland approximately 30 miles east of Helsinki. It is one of the 6 medieval towns in Finland and the country’s second oldest city. It was first mentioned as a city in texts from the 14th century. Porvoo is the seat of the Swedish-speaking Diocese of Borgå of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland. Porvoo Old Town is a popular tourist destination with its timeless atmosphere, unique buildings, cobbled streets, narrow lanes, idyllic parks and riverbank views. It is especially well known for its well-preserved 18th and 19th century red painted riverside warehouses and the 15th century Porvoo Cathedral. The Old Town together with the valley of the Porvoonjoki river is recognised as historically and culturally significant as one of the designated national landscapes of Finland. Porvoo is internationally considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in Finland. Porvoo can be easily reached by a main road from Helsinki in about 50 minutes but also by a much more leisurely 3.5 hour trip on the steamship m/s J. L. Runeberg along the coast and through the Helsinki Archipelago. The m/s J.L. Runeberg was built in Helsinki in 1912. Originally she sailed under the name s/s Helsingfors Skärgård (”Helsinki Archipelago”). In the beginning this steamer cruised west from Helsinki to Porkkala but in the 1930’s the name was changed to s/s J.L. Runeberg and the ship cruised to Porvoo for the first time. Date: 26th June 2019 Location: Porvoonjoki river at Porvoo, Uusimaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7439628.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20745836224cd572abc2d1f.jpgGriffon Vultures The Griffon Vulture is a typical Old World vulture in appearance with a white bald head, very broad wings and short tail feathers. It has a white neck ruff and yellow bill. The buff body and wing coverts contrast with the dark flight feathers. They are very large birds around 37 to 43 inches long with a 91 to 106 inches wingspan. Like other vultures, the Griffon Vulture is a scavenger, feeding mostly from carcasses of dead animals which it finds by soaring over open areas, often moving in flocks. The population is mostly resident in its breeding range in the mountains of southern Europe, north Africa, and Asia. In Spain, there are tens of thousands of birds from a low of a few thousand around 1980 although the Pyrenees population has apparently been affected by an EU ruling that due to danger of BSE transmission, no carcasses must be left on the fields for the time being. Although the Griffon Vulture does not normally attack larger living prey, there are reports of Spanish Griffon Vultures killing weak, young or unhealthy living animals as they do not find enough carrion to eat. Date: 11th September 2010 Location: Arribes del Duero, Castille y Leon, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41292153.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4538306385f10adfb00aaa.jpgBarents Sea, Grense Jakobselv, Troms og Finnmark, Norway The Barents Sea (Norwegian: Barentshavet) is a marginal sea of the Arctic Ocean located off the northern coasts of Norway and Russia and divided between Norwegian and Russian territorial waters. It is bordered by the Kola Peninsula to the south, the shelf edge towards the Norwegian Sea to the west and the archipelagos of Svalbard to the northwest, Franz Josef Land to the north east and Novaya Zemlya to the east. The islands of Novaya Zemlya, an extension of the northern end of the Ural Mountains, separate the Barents Sea from the Kara Sea. Known among Russians in the Middle Ages as the Murman Sea ("Norwegian Sea"), it is currently named after the historical Dutch navigator Willem Barentsz. The Barents Sea is a rather shallow shelf sea with an average depth of 750 feet and it is an important site for both fishing and hydro-carbon exploration. Although part of the Arctic Ocean, the Barents Sea has been characterised as "turning into the Atlantic" because of its status as an “Arctic warming hot spot." Date: 28th June 2019 Location: sunset view at 23:35 from Grense Jakobselv, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080557.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_106095020163a44b800d09e.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 4th December 2022 Location: EWT Abberton Reservoir, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/great-skua https://images.on-this.website/4752_7809686724e1efcfcb8f39.jpgGreat Skua The Great Skua is an aggressive "pirate" of the seas, deliberately harrassing birds as large as Gannets to steal a free meal. It also readily kills and eats smaller birds such as Puffins. These birds migrate to the northernmost parts of the UK from their wintering grounds off the coasts of Spain and Africa. They breed on coastal rocky islands and moorland in northern Scotland, Orkney and Shetland, arriving in April and leaving in July. At other times they are seen around coasts often in vicinity of seabird colonies, scavenging from other birds or picking food from the surface of the sea. Date: 14/06/06 Location: Handa Island, Sutherland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080556.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_39652706763a44a80d5ced.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 3rd December 2022 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo16538254.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_177746075450827f0e24133.jpgGolden Plover The European Golden Plover, also known as the Eurasian Golden Plover or just the Golden Plover within Europe, is a largish plover. It is similar to 2 other Golden Plovers: the American Golden Plover and the Pacific Golden Plover which are both smaller, slimmer and relatively longer-legged than the European Golden Plover and have grey rather than white axillary feathers. The Golden Plover is a medium sized plover with a distinctive gold and black summer plumage. In winter the black is replaced by buff and white. It typically stands upright and runs in short bursts. The Golden Plover breeds on the ground in a dry open area on moorland, mountains and fells, tundra and marshland in northern Europe and western Asia as far west as Iceland and as far east as central Siberia. It is migratory and winters in western and southern Europe and in north Africa where it tends to gather in large flocks in open areas and on agricultural plains, ploughed land and short meadows. In the UK, the Golden Plover can be found from May to September on the upland moorlands in the southern uplands of Scotland, the Scottish Highlands, the Western and Northern Isles, the Peak District, north Yorkshire, Wales and Devon. Winter flocks start to appear at lower levels and around the coasts after the breeding season with the largest numbers seen between November and February when Golden Plovers often form large flocks with Lapwings. Date: 1st October 2012 Location: Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19399528.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1709310941524408974b3d8.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 26th August 2013 Location: Dovedale, Derbyshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13657273.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12031082094ed36c10cf9f4.jpgWater Vole The Water Vole is found throughout the UK although it is less common on higher ground. It is infrequently recorded from parts of northern Scotland and is absent in Ireland. Water Voles are legally protected in the UK and recent evidence suggests that they have undergone a long term decline. On current trends it is predicted that they may eventually disappear from 94% of their former sites. The shocking decline in both the range and numbers of the Water Vole is due to a number of factors. The large-scale loss and fragmentation of sensitive waterside habitats due to riverbank modification, drainage and flood defence works has been an important factor as has the pollution of waterways and poisoning by rodenticides. Perhaps the most serious threat facing the Water Vole is predation by the introduced American Mink. Water Voles are sometimes confused with Brown Rats which often also live near water courses. They are sometimes called "the water rat" which is the origin of the Water Vole’s fame as "Ratty" from Kenneth Grahame's book “The Wind in the Willows”. Prime Water Vole sites are found along densely vegetated banks of slow flowing rivers, ditches, lakes and marshes where water is present throughout the year. Water Voles are herbivores and feed on a huge variety of waterside vegetation, consuming 80% of their body weight each day. They excavate extensive burrow systems into the banks of waterways and have sleeping/nest chambers at various levels in the steepest parts of the bank. Burrows usually have underwater entrances to provide a secure route for escape if danger threatens. Water Voles usually have 3 or 4 litters a year depending on the weather. In mild springs the first of these can be born in March or April although cold conditions can delay breeding until May or even June. There are about 5 young in a litter and these are born below ground in a nest made from suitable vegetation such as grasses and rushes. Young water voles grow quickly and are weaned at 14 days. On average, Water Voles only live about 5 months in the wild. Their most important predators are Mink and Stoats although Grey Herons, Barn Owls, Brown Rats and Pike are also known to take them. Date: 16th September, 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30017280.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_169294767587552943052c.jpgGrey Wagtail The Grey Wagtail is a member of the wagtail family. It is somewhat similar to the Yellow Wagtail but more colourful than its name suggests. The upperparts are grey and the yellow vent contrasting with whitish underparts makes it distinctive. The breeding male has a black throat that is edged by whitish moustachial stripes, a narrow white supercilium and a broken eye ring and a tail noticeably longer than those of Pied and Yellow wagtails. Like other wagtails, it frequently wags its tail and flies low with undulations. The Grey Wagtail is widely distributed across the Palearctic region with several sub-species breeding in Europe and Asia. It can be found over most of the UK with the exception of the northern and western isles of Scotland. The greatest densities are found in the uplands of England, Wales and Scotland. The Grey Wagtail is always associated with fast running streams and rivers when breeding although they may use man-made structures near streams for the nest. Outside the breeding season, it may also be seen around lakes, coasts and other watery habitats including in town and city centres. It forages singly or in pairs feeding on a variety of aquatic invertebrates including adult flies, mayflies, beetles, crustacea and molluscs and will use rocks in water and often perch in waterside bushes and trees. Date: 2nd January 2017 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072235.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7858981724bf6d50747d0a.jpgPine Grosbeak The Pine Grosbeak is a large member of the finch family. Adults have a long forked black tail, black wings with white wing bars and a large bill. Adult males have a rose-red head, back and rump. Adult females are olive-yellow on the head and rump and grey on the back and underparts. Young birds have a less contrasting plumage overall, appearing shaggy when they moult their colored head plumage. The Pine Grosbeak is a permanent resident through most of its range and can be found in coniferous woods in subarctic Fennoscandia and Siberia and across Alaska, the western mountains of the United States and Canada. In the extreme north or when food sources are scarce, they may migrate further south. It is a very rare vagrant to temperate Europe. The Pine Grosbeak forages in trees and bushes. It mainly eats seeds, buds, berries and insects. Outside of the nesting season, it often feeds in flocks. Date: 10th April 2010 Location: Neljan Tuulen Tupa near Kaamanen, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43082713.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_53914384060dd86bd4c838.jpgStonechat The (European) Stonechat is a small passerine bird that was long considered a member of the thrush family although genetic evidence has now placed it and its relatives in the Old World flycatcher family. Two weakly defined sub-species differing in colour intensity are currently accepted: hibernans found in north west Europe in Atlantic coastal areas, south west Norway, the UK, Ireland and north west France and rubicola found in the south and east of its range from Denmark south west to Spain and north Morocco, east to Poland and Ukraine and south east to Turkey. The (European) Stonechat is slightly smaller than the Robin. Both sexes have distinctively short wings, shorter than those of the more migratory Whinchat and Siberian Stonechat. The summer male has black upperparts, a black head, an orange throat and breast and a white belly and vent. It also has a white half-collar on the sides of its neck, a small white scapular patch on the wings and a very small white patch on the rump often streaked with black. The female has brown upperparts and head and no white neck patches, rump or belly. Instead these areas are streaked dark brown on paler brown, the only white being the scapular patch on the wings and even this often being buffy-white. The (European) Stonechat can often be seen perched on the tops of low bushes where, as its name suggests, it can be heard uttering a sharp loud call that sounds like stones being knocked together. The male's song is high and twittering like a Dunnock. The (European) Stonechat breeds in heathland, coastal dunes and rough grassland with scattered small shrubs and bramble, open gorse, tussocks or heather. It is a short-distance migrant or non-migratory, with part of the population, particularly from the north east of the range where winters are colder, moving to winter further south in Europe and north Africa. Date: 15th June 2021 Location: Old Lodge SWT reserve, High Weald, East Sussex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/red-backed-shrike https://images.on-this.website/4752_6796370944daec01d1ba7a.jpgRed-backed Shrike The Red-backed Shrike is a carnivorous passerine bird and member of the shrike family. The general colour of the male’s upper parts is reddish. It has a grey head and a typical shrike black stripe through the eye. Underparts are tinged pink and the tail has a black and white pattern similar to that of a Wheatear. In the female and young birds the upperparts are brown and vermiculated and the underparts are buff and also vermiculated. The Red-backed Shrike eats large insects, small birds, frogs, rodents and lizards. Like other shrikes it hunts from prominent perches and impales corpses on thorns or barbed wire as a "larder." This practice has earned it the nickname of "butcher bird." The Red-backed Shrike breeds in most of Europe and western Asia and winters in tropical Africa. Once a common migratory visitor to the UK, numbers declined sharply during the 20th century. The bird's last stronghold was in Breckland but by 1988 just a single pair remained, successfully raising young at Santon Downham. The following year for the first time no nests were recorded in the UK but since then sporadic breeding has taken place, mostly in Scotland and Wales, and in September 2010 the RSPB announced that a pair had raised chicks at a secret location on Dartmoor where the bird last bred in 1970. This return to south west England has been an unexpected development and has raised speculation that a warming climate could assist the bird in re-colonising some of its traditional sites, if only in small numbers. Date: 30th September 2007 Location: St Margarets at Cliffe, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7439532.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20591962124cd5710e4db8f.jpgGriffon Vulture The Griffon Vulture is a typical Old World vulture in appearance with a white bald head, very broad wings and short tail feathers. It has a white neck ruff and yellow bill. The buff body and wing coverts contrast with the dark flight feathers. They are very large birds around 37 to 43 inches long with a 91 to 106 inches wingspan. Like other vultures, the Griffon Vulture is a scavenger, feeding mostly from carcasses of dead animals which it finds by soaring over open areas, often moving in flocks. The population is mostly resident in its breeding range in the mountains of southern Europe, north Africa, and Asia. In Spain, there are tens of thousands of birds from a low of a few thousand around 1980 although the Pyrenees population has apparently been affected by an EU ruling that due to danger of BSE transmission, no carcasses must be left on the fields for the time being. Although the Griffon Vulture does not normally attack larger living prey, there are reports of Spanish Griffon Vultures killing weak, young or unhealthy living animals as they do not find enough carrion to eat. Date: 7th September 2010 Location: Sierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain - road to La Lancha and Embalse del Jándula http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45949075.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3133175056284b42951bb0.jpgCollared Dove Collared Doves are distinctive birds with their buffy-pink plumage and black neck collar. They are usually seen singly or in pairs, although flocks may form where food is plentiful. They feed on the ground but readily perch on roofs and wires and in trees. The Collared Dove is not migratory but it is strongly dispersive. Over the last century, it has been one of the great colonisers of the bird world. Its original range at the end of the 19th century was warm temperate and subtropical Asia from Turkey east to south China and south through India to Sri Lanka. In 1838 it was reported in Bulgaria but not until the 20th century did it expand across Europe, appearing in parts of the Balkans between 1900 and 1920 and then spreading rapidly north west, reaching Germany in 1945, the UK in 1953, Ireland in 1959 and the Faroe Islands in the early 1970s. Subsequent spread was “sideways” from this fast north west spread reaching north east to north of the Arctic Circle in Norway, east to the Ural Mountains in Russia and south west to the Canary Islands and north Africa from Morocco to Egypt by the end of the 20th century. In the east of its range it has also spread north east to most of central and north China and locally (probably introduced) in Japan. It has also reached Iceland as a vagrant but has not colonised successfully there. Date: 25th April 2022 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072292.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9595096584bf6d9706d5b3.jpgNesseby, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway Nesseby is a small village located on the southern coast of the Varanger peninsula near the inner part of the Varangerfjord in Nesseby municipality in Finnmark county in north east Norway. The European route E75 highway runs through the village on its way from Varangerbotn to Vadsø. Nesseby church lies on a small peninsula on the coast of the village. The village and municipality are bilingual and have 2 official names: Nesseby (Norwegian) and Unjárga (Northern Sami). Date: 12th April 2010 Location: view looking towards Nesseby church, Nesseby, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45948994.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13488800856284b3a963f65.jpgGarganey The Garganey is a scarce and very secretive breeding duck in the UK. It is smaller than a Mallard and slightly bigger than a Teal. The male is most easily recognised with a broad white stripe over the eye. The Garganey is mostly found in central and southern England where it favours shallow wetlands and flooded meadows and ditches with plenty of aquatic vegetation. Breeding birds are present from March and return from July and small numbers of non-breeding birds visit on passage migration in spring and autumn. Date: 25th April 2022 Location: RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/iberian-hare https://images.on-this.website/4752_10780667904ffe943299f23.jpgIberian Hare The Iberian Hare is a hare species that was until recently considered a race of the European Brown Hare although it is now considered a separate species. The Iberian Hare is a medium sized hare species measuring around 17 to 19 inches in length. It has soft and short fur with a reddish brown back and a white belly to the front legs and a black tip to the tail. The Iberian Hare is only found in the Iberian peninsula with the exception of the Cantabrian coast and the territories north of the river Ebro. There are 2 other species of hare in the Iberian peninsula: the European Brown Hare, found north of the river Ebro and from the coast of Asturias to the coast of Catalonia and the Broom Hare, with a distribution restricted to the Cantabrian mountains. The Iberian Hare can be found in an extremely variable habitat including plains covered with grass or bushes or low trees, marshes and high mountain meadows. It also adapts well to human impact on the environment and can often be found in arable fields, orchards, olive groves and vineyards . Date: 27th April 2012 Location: Toril to Villareal de San Carlos, Parque Nacional de Monfragüe, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30017281.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1949412916587552a073f9c.jpgGrey Wagtail The Grey Wagtail is a member of the wagtail family. It is somewhat similar to the Yellow Wagtail but more colourful than its name suggests. The upperparts are grey and the yellow vent contrasting with whitish underparts makes it distinctive. The breeding male has a black throat that is edged by whitish moustachial stripes, a narrow white supercilium and a broken eye ring and a tail noticeably longer than those of Pied and Yellow wagtails. Like other wagtails, it frequently wags its tail and flies low with undulations. The Grey Wagtail is widely distributed across the Palearctic region with several sub-species breeding in Europe and Asia. It can be found over most of the UK with the exception of the northern and western isles of Scotland. The greatest densities are found in the uplands of England, Wales and Scotland. The Grey Wagtail is always associated with fast running streams and rivers when breeding although they may use man-made structures near streams for the nest. Outside the breeding season, it may also be seen around lakes, coasts and other watery habitats including in town and city centres. It forages singly or in pairs feeding on a variety of aquatic invertebrates including adult flies, mayflies, beetles, crustacea and molluscs and will use rocks in water and often perch in waterside bushes and trees. Date: 2nd January 2017 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847586.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6066469759bd537e60864.jpgMorské oko, Vihorlat Mountains, Košice region, Slovakia Morské oko (literally Sea Eye) is the largest lake in the Vihorlat Mountains (Vihorlatské vrchy) in eastern Slovakia and the third largest natural lake in Slovakia after the Štrbské pleso lake and the Veľké Hincovo pleso lake in the High Tatras. It is situated at 2027 feet high with a maximum length of 0.47 miles and a maximum width of 0.19 miles. It covers an area of 0.05 square miles and has a maximum depth of 82 feet. Morské oko has been designated as a wider National Nature Reserve covering 0.42 square miles since 1984 and it is part of the Vihorlat Protected Landscape Area within the Vihorlat Mountains. There is a walking trail around the lake but recreational activities such as fishing, swimming and boating are prohibited. Morské oko contains many species of fish, of which the most numerous is the European Chub. The Vihorlat Mountains (Vihorlatské vrchy) are a volcanic mountain range in eastern Slovakia and western Ukraine. They form part of the Inner Eastern Carpathian Mountains. The Slovakian section is 34 miles long and up to 9 miles wide. The highest peak is Vihorlat at 3530 feet and the largest lake is Morské oko. It is a mountainous and mostly forested area with a predominance of beech and forests in addition to hornbeam, ash, maple and some conifers. Arable land and unused pastures and meadows can be found in the non-forested and foothill areas. The middle part of the Vihorlat Mountains in the Humenné, Sobrance and Snina districts was designated as the Vihorlat Protected Landscape Area in December 1973 and they were also designated a Special Protection Area in April 2010. Kyjovský prales, a primeval beech forest in the Vihorlat Mountains, was designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in June 2007. Date: 2nd June 2017 Location: Morské oko, Vihorlat Mountains, Košice region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/705128n-berlevg-varanger-peninsula-finnmark https://images.on-this.website/4752_20428845234bf6e1cfa5c48.jpg70°51′28″N .... Berlevåg, Varanger Peninsula, Finnmark, Norway Berlevåg is located on the north eastern coast of the Varanger peninsula along the Barents Sea in Berlevåg municipality in Finnmark county in north east Norway. The village lies along road 890 and the Hurtigruten boats stop daily. Berlevåg is one of the largest fishing villages in Finnmark county and there are 4 large breakwaters protecting the village and harbour from the ocean. Near the end of World War 2, the Germans retreated from Finnmark county from September 1944 to February 1945 and they used "scorched earth" tactics resulting in all buildings in Berlevåg being burned down. Date: 14th April 2010 Location: view from road 890 between Kongsfjord and Berlevåg, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42626779.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_191617235660a927de95cbc.jpgGreat Crested Grebe The Great Crested Grebe is the largest member of the grebe family measuring 18 to 20 inches in length with a wing span of 23 to 29 inches. It is a graceful bird with its long neck, long bill and slender outline. In summer, the adults of both sexes are unmistakable being adorned with beautiful head-plumes which are reddish-orange in colour with black tips. There is also an erectile black crown. Non-breeding adults lack the full crest and have a dark crown bordered by a white face, the white extending down the fore-neck and chest. The sexes are similar in appearance but juveniles can be distinguished from adults by having a striped black and white head and neck. The Great Crested Grebe can be found across Europe and Asia and it breeds on shallow, reed-fringed freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs and slow rivers. It is resident in the milder west of its range but it migrates from the colder regions of its range to freshwater lakes, reservoirs and sheltered coastal areas in winter. The Great Crested Grebe has an elaborate mating display. Like all grebes, it nests on the water's edge since its legs are set relatively far back and it is thus unable to walk very well. Usually 2 eggs are laid and the fluffy, striped young grebes are often carried on the adult's back. In a clutch of 2 or more hatchlings, male and female grebes will each identify their “favourites” which they alone will care for and teach. Unusually, young Great Crested Grebes are capable of swimming and diving almost at hatching. The adults teach these skills to their young by carrying them on their backs and diving, leaving the chicks to float on the surface. They then re-emerge a few feet away so that the chicks may swim back on to them. The Great Crested Grebe feeds mainly on fish but it will also eat small crustaceans, insects and small frogs and newts. The Great Crested Grebe was hunted almost to extinction in the UK in the 19th century due to being hunted for its head plumes which were used to decorate hats and ladies' undergarments. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was set up to help protect the Great Crested Grebe which is now again a common sight. Date: 15th April 2021 Location: Lake Meadows, Billericay, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13593655.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11007140354ec8dad0198c5.jpgHooded Crow The Hooded Crow is a member of the crow family. It is locally known as a “hoodie” in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Except for the head, throat, wings, tail and thigh feathers, which are black and mostly glossy, the plumage is ash-grey, the dark shafts giving it a streaky appearance. The bill and legs are black. The male is the larger bird, otherwise the sexes are alike. The Hooded Crow, with its contrasting greys and blacks, can not be confused with either the Carrion Crow or Rook, both of which are predominantly black. However, the Hooded Crow is so similar in morphology and habits to the Carrion Crow that for many years it was considered to be a geographical race of a single species. Hybridization observed where their ranges overlapped added weight to this view. However, since 2002 the Hooded Crow has been elevated to full species status after closer observation. The Hooded Crow is widely distributed and can be found across north, east and south east Europe as well as parts of the Middle East. In the UK, the Hooded Crow can be found in north and west Scotland and on the Isle of Man where it replaces the Carrion Crow. Outside the breeding season it occurs across its breeding range and can sometimes be seen in east Scotland and east England. Like other corvids, the Hooded Crow is an omnivorous and opportunistic forager and scavenger and will feed on small mammals and birds, eggs, molluscs, scraps and carrion. Date: 10th November 2011 Location: Fidden, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874790.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_409731298561ccdba71f2e.jpgSnæfellsnes peninsula, west Iceland The 55 mile long Snæfellsnes peninsula is situated in west Iceland with Breiðafjörður and the Westfjords region to the north and Faxaflói and Reykjavík to the south. The Snæfellsnes peninsula has been named "Iceland in Miniature". In addition to its characteristic Snæfellsjökull volcano and glacier, there are white and black sandy beaches, fjords, sheer cliffs, spectacular mountains and volcanic craters, incredibly rich trout lakes and salmon rivers, lush valleys and unique harbours and fishing villages. The stunning landscape of the Snæfellsnes peninsula has captured the imagination of people all over the world ever since Jules Verne wrote the famous science fiction novel <i>"Journey to the Centre of the Earth"</i>. Date: 7th June 2015 Location: view from road 54 between Grundarfjörður and Ólafsvík http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847614.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_130783072159bd540c3426d.jpgLatorica, Košice region, Slovakia The Latorica Protected Landscape Area (Chránená krajinná oblasť Latorica) is located in the Košice Region in south east Slovakia around the Slovakian part of the Latorica River (a river in the watershed of the Danube with its source in the mountains of the Ukrainian Carpathians) and around the lower parts of the Ondava River and Laborec River. The landscape consists of a system of riverbeds surrounded by alluvial riverine oak, ash, alder and birch forest, oxbow lakes, ponds, marshes, reedbeds, sandy banks, dyke-lined canals, pastures and hay meadows. Much of the surrounding floodplain is farmed. The Latorica Protected Landscape Area was designated in 1990 and covers an area of 90 square miles. Part of the area was added to the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance in 1993. Date: 2nd June 2017 Location: Leles to Boľ area, Latorica, Košice region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082489.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14153788885d307cc0a09bf.jpgRed-backed Shrike The Red-backed Shrike is a carnivorous passerine bird and member of the shrike family. The general colour of the male’s upper parts is reddish. It has a grey head and a typical shrike black stripe through the eye. Underparts are tinged pink and the tail has a black and white pattern similar to that of a Wheatear. In the female and young birds the upperparts are brown and vermiculated and the underparts are buff and also vermiculated. The Red-backed Shrike eats large insects, small birds, frogs, rodents and lizards. Like other shrikes it hunts from prominent perches and impales corpses on thorns or barbed wire as a "larder." This practice has earned it the nickname of "butcher bird." The Red-backed Shrike breeds in most of Europe and western Asia and winters in tropical Africa. Once a common migratory visitor to the UK, numbers declined sharply during the 20th century. The bird's last stronghold was in Breckland but by 1988 just a single pair remained, successfully raising young at Santon Downham. The following year for the first time no nests were recorded in the UK but since then sporadic breeding has taken place, mostly in Scotland and Wales, and in September 2010 the RSPB announced that a pair had raised chicks at a secret location on Dartmoor where the bird last bred in 1970. This return to south west England has been an unexpected development and has raised speculation that a warming climate could assist the bird in re-colonising some of its traditional sites, if only in small numbers. Date: 23rd May 2018 Location: Topolovgrad to Svilengrad, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39081911.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20657816325d307688422ce.jpgRiver Danube and Belene Island, Pleven Province, Bulgaria The River Danube, known by various names in other languages, is Europe's second longest river after the River Volga. It is located in central and eastern Europe. The River Danube was once a long-standing frontier of the Roman Empire and today it flows through 10 countries, more than any other river in the world. Originating in Germany, the River Danube flows south east for 1,770 miles, passing through or bordering Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova and Ukraine before draining in to the Danube Delta and the Black Sea. Its drainage basin extends into 9 more countries. Since ancient times, the River Danube has been a traditional trade route in Europe and today 1,501 miles of its total length is navigable. Belene is a town in Pleven Province in north Bulgaria. It is situated on the right bank of the River Danube close to the town of Svishtov. Belene Island or Persin Island is the largest island in Bulgarian waters and the fourth largest island along the River Danube. The island is formed by the River Danube splitting in to 2 branches passing north and south of it. The international frontier between Bulgaria and Romania follows the north branch of the river and therefore Belene Island is part of Bulgarian territory. The island is 9 miles long and reaches 3.7 miles in width. It is connected to the town of Belene with a pontoon bridge. Belene Island is a part of the Belene Islands Complex and of the Persina Natural Park which focuses on the conservation and restoration of the River Danube wetlands. Because of its uniqueness and importance, the island group was designated as a Ramsar Convention site in September 2002. The most significant ecosystems within the park are the flooded forests and the inland marshes along the River Danube. Belene Island is infamous for the Belene concentration camp that functioned there for the detention of political prisoners between 1949 to 1953 and 1956 to 1959. It was part of the network of forced labour camps in Communist Bulgaria. Date: 13th May 2018 Location: view from the Persina Nature Park visitor centre, Belene, Pleven Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37159130.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6710045505c1e609289ace.jpgTree Pipit The Tree Pipit is a small passerine bird in the pipit family. It is an undistinguished-looking species, similar to the Meadow Pipit, streaked brown above and with black markings on a white belly and buff breast below. It can be distinguished from the slightly smaller Meadow Pipit by its heavier bill and greater contrast between its buff breast and white belly. The Tree Pipit’s song flight is unmistakable. The bird rises a short distance up from a tree and then parachutes down on stiff wings, the song becoming more drawn out towards the end. The Tree Pipit breeds across most of Europe and temperate western and central Asia. It is a long-distance migrant moving in winter to Africa and southern Asia. The Tree Pipit breeds in habitats with a wooded component, including lowland heath and coppice. It is found mostly in open birch woodland on the boundary with moorland or in open structured oak woodland. It nests on the ground amongst grass or heather tussocks. Date: 6th May 2018 Location: Gilfach RWT reserve, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo10926844.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3556842744e09757827cb2.jpgLoch Broom, Wester Ross Loch Broom opens from the Minch at a width of 12.5 miles and covers a distance of 7 miles south-eastwards holding the Summer Isles. At its mouth proper, with the sea loch Loch Kanaird to the east and Annat Bay to the west, Loch Broom is 4 miles wide and runs south east for about 9.5 miles at a width of 1 mile where it is fed by the River Broom. Ullapool, on the north east shore of Loch Broom, began as a planned village built by Thomas Telford and the British Fisheries Society in 1788 to exploit the boom in herring fishing. It is now the largest settlement in the area and serves as the terminal for the ferry to Stornaway in the Western Isles. The entrance to Loch Broom is overlooked to the north by the mountain of Ben More Coigach on the Coigach peninsula and to the south by the mountains of Beinn Ghobhlach and Beinn nam Ban on the Scoraig peninsula which separates Loch Broom and Little Loch Broom. Broom comes from the gaelic word "bhraoin" meaning place of rain showers. Date: 12th June 2011 Location: view from the A835 road looking north towards Ullapool http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23225875.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1633415577548d53c327dbb.jpgCattle Egret The Cattle Egret is a stocky white bird adorned with buff plumes in the breeding season. The easiest way to separate them from Little Egrets is by their short, yellow rather than long, black bills but Cattle Egrets are also smaller, stockier and more squat in shape with shorter, thicker necks and less elegant heads. The Cattle Egret is a cosmopolitan species of heron found in the tropics, subtropics and warm temperate zones. Originally native to parts of Asia, Africa and Europe, it has undergone a rapid expansion in its distribution and successfully colonised much of the rest of the world. Cattle Egrets breed and roost in trees usually close to fresh water and feed in shallow wetlands, especially rice-paddies, but also dry grasslands. They can often be seen feeding around cattle waiting to pick off disturbed insects, including riding on the backs of animals. Cattle Egrets are visiting the UK in increasing numbers and are most likely to be seen in the south of England and Wales. In winter 2007/08, a large influx of Cattle Egrets occurred in the UK, with the largest numbers in south-west England although birds did get as far north as Scotland. This influx led to the first ever pair breeding successfully in Somerset. Date: 8th December 2014 Location: Denge Marsh, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19507358.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_65711339852528a6d56376.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is one of the largest deer species. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer can be found in most of Europe, the Caucasus Mountains region, Asia Minor and parts of western and central Asia. It also inhabits the Atlas Mountains region between Morocco and Tunisia in northwestern Africa, being the only species of deer to inhabit Africa. Red Deer have been introduced to other areas including Australia, New Zealand and Argentina. Date: 5th September 2013 Location: road to La Lancha and Embalse del Jándula, Sierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21959071.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_201508715953da5e63335a9.jpgCommon Tern The Common Tern is a silvery-grey and white sea bird with a black cap, a black tipped red bill, red legs and long tail streamers. It has a buoyant, graceful flight and frequently hovers over water before plunging down for fish. The Common Tern breeds in colonies along coasts with shingle beaches and rocky islands, on rivers with shingle bars and at inland gravel pits and reservoirs. The Common Tern occurs throughout the summer, arriving in April and leaving in August and September. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Inner Farne, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645452.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_118854159451e3ce65b9a97.jpgWhite Stork The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 20th May 2013 Location: Biebrza area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14093930.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9143485394f2eaf750af87.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 29th January 2012 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33568412.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20734393075a106b193bd83.jpgGolden Plovers The European Golden Plover, also known as the Eurasian Golden Plover or just the Golden Plover within Europe, is a largish plover. It is similar to 2 other Golden Plovers: the American Golden Plover and the Pacific Golden Plover which are both smaller, slimmer and relatively longer-legged than the European Golden Plover and have grey rather than white axillary feathers. The Golden Plover is a medium sized plover with a distinctive gold and black summer plumage. In winter the black is replaced by buff and white. It typically stands upright and runs in short bursts. The Golden Plover breeds on the ground in a dry open area on moorland, mountains and fells, tundra and marshland in northern Europe and western Asia as far west as Iceland and as far east as central Siberia. It is migratory and winters in western and southern Europe and in north Africa where it tends to gather in large flocks in open areas and on agricultural plains, ploughed land and short meadows. In the UK, the Golden Plover can be found from May to September on the upland moorlands in the southern uplands of Scotland, the Scottish Highlands, the Western and Northern Isles, the Peak District, north Yorkshire, Wales and Devon. Winter flocks start to appear at lower levels and around the coasts after the breeding season with the largest numbers seen between November and February when Golden Plovers often form large flocks with Lapwings. Date: 4th November 2017 Location: Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493300.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12647124245f326fad3f228.jpgGreat Black-backed Gull The largest of the gulls, the Great Black-backed Gull is a dominating and opportunistic predator, scavenger and pirate that has been described as a “merciless tyrant” due to its aggressive feeding habits. The Great Black-backed Gull has a thick-set body with a large, yellow, red-tipped bill, strong legs and wide, webbed feet which have a delicate pink hue. The breast and head are snowy white and sit in stark contrast to the black back and wings. Young Great Black-backed Gulls undergo several plumage changes before taking on that of the adult. Juveniles are pale brown with heavy white mottling whilst immatures are also mottled but have a distinctive whitish head and breast but with a dark-tipped, pale bill The Great Black-backed Gull occurs along the coastlines of northern Europe and northern Russia as well as the east coast of north America and central America and it can be found in a variety of coastal habitats, including rocky and sandy coasts and estuaries as well as inland habitats such as lakes, ponds, fields and moorland. It breeds in areas free of or largely inaccessible to terrestrial predators such as vegetated islands, sand dunes, flat-topped stacks, building roofs and sometimes amongst bushes on salt-marsh islands. During the winter, the Great Black-backed Gull often travels far out to sea to feed. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42524835.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15838410546098f2859e077.jpgReeves' Muntjac The Reeves' Muntjac, also known as the Chinese Muntjac, is a small, hump-backed deer species. It is named after British naturalist and employee of the East India Company, John Russell Reeves (1774 to 1856). Reeves came across them when he lived in China and sent specimens back to England. It is also called the “barking deer” due to its distinctive barking sound, although this name is also used for other Muntjac species. The barking sound is common during mating or when provoked. The Reeves' Muntjac grows to 1 foot 8 inches high at the shoulder and 3 feet 1 inches in length plus a short tail up to 4 inches long. It is reddish-brown in appearance with striped markings on its face. The belly is creamy-white with lighter fur extending to the neck, chin and the underside of the tail. The males have short antlers, usually 4 inches or less in length, and long upper canines or tusks, usually about 2 inches in length The Reeves' Muntjac is found widely in south east China (from Gansu to Yunnan) and Taiwan but it has also been introduced in Belgium, the Netherlands and Japan. In the UK, it was introduced to Woburn Park in Bedfordshire in 1894 by the then Duke of Bedford and was deliberately released into surrounding woodlands from 1901 onward. Releases, translocations and escapes from the 1930s onwards resulted in wide establishment in south east England and the population is still increasing and spreading across the UK where it can be found in deciduous woodland with a good understorey plus hedgerows, gardens, parks, conifer plantations, railway embankments, etc. Since the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it has been illegal to release the species except where it is already established. The Reeves' Muntjac is a solitary and crepuscular animal and both males and females defend small territories that they mark with preorbital gland secretions that are thought to be pheromonal in nature The Reeves' Muntjac feeds on herbs, blossoms, succulent shoots, fungi, berries, grasses and nuts and it has also been reported to eat tree bark. Eggs and carrion are eaten opportunistically. Date: 25th March 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32708764.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_88350471659ad2472c46881.66558451.jpgStonechat The (European) Stonechat is a small passerine bird that was long considered a member of the thrush family although genetic evidence has now placed it and its relatives in the Old World flycatcher family. Two weakly defined sub-species differing in colour intensity are currently accepted: [i]hibernans[/i] found in north west Europe in Atlantic coastal areas, south west Norway, the UK, Ireland and north west France and [i]rubicola[/i] found in the south and east of its range from Denmark south west to Spain and north Morocco, east to Poland and Ukraine and south east to Turkey. The (European) Stonechat is slightly smaller than the Robin. Both sexes have distinctively short wings, shorter than those of the more migratory Whinchat and Siberian Stonechat. The summer male has black upperparts, a black head, an orange throat and breast and a white belly and vent. It also has a white half-collar on the sides of its neck, a small white scapular patch on the wings and a very small white patch on the rump often streaked with black. The female has brown upperparts and head and no white neck patches, rump or belly. Instead these areas are streaked dark brown on paler brown, the only white being the scapular patch on the wings and even this often being buffy-white. The (European) Stonechat can often be seen perched on the tops of low bushes where, as its name suggests, it can be heard uttering a sharp loud call that sounds like stones being knocked together. The male's song is high and twittering like a Dunnock. The (European) Stonechat breeds in heathland, coastal dunes and rough grassland with scattered small shrubs and bramble, open gorse, tussocks or heather. It is a short-distance migrant or non-migratory, with part of the population, particularly from the north east of the range where winters are colder, moving to winter further south in Europe and north Africa. Date: 17th May 2017 Location: Csákvár to Fornapuszta, Kiskunság National Park, Fejér county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072275.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4240633424bf6d7ede306e.jpgPurple Sandpiper The Purple Sandpiper is a small wading shorebird. Adults have short yellow legs and a medium thin dark bill with a yellow base. The body is dark above with a slight purplish gloss and mainly white below. The breast is smeared with grey and the rump is black. The Purple Sandpiper breeds in the northern tundra and Arctic islands in Canada and coastal areas in Greenland and north west Europe and nests on the ground either elevated on rocks or in a lower damp location. The males makes several scrapes following which the female chooses one and lays 3 or 4 eggs. The male takes the major responsibility for incubation and tends the chicks. The Purple Sandpiper is migratory and moves to rocky ice-free Atlantic coasts in winter where it is fairly gregarious, forming small flocks and often associating with Turnstones. It is also relatively tame and approachable. In the UK, the Purple Sandpiper occurs in winter in good numbers, principally along the east and south coasts where it favours rocky shorelines adjacent to the sea. It is a very rare breeding bird and is found only in a localised area of the Cairngorms National Park where 1 to 3 pairs have bred since the 1970s. Date: 11th April 2010 Location: Nesseby, Varangerfjord, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405455.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16668906606586e0da99f05.jpgWater Vole The Water Vole is found throughout the UK although it is less common on higher ground. It is infrequently recorded from parts of northern Scotland and is absent in Ireland. Water Voles are legally protected in the UK and recent evidence suggests that they have undergone a long term decline. On current trends it is predicted that they may eventually disappear from 94% of their former sites. The shocking decline in both the range and numbers of the Water Vole is due to a number of factors. The large-scale loss and fragmentation of sensitive waterside habitats due to riverbank modification, drainage and flood defence works has been an important factor as has the pollution of waterways and poisoning by rodenticides. Perhaps the most serious threat facing the Water Vole is predation by the introduced American Mink. Water Voles are sometimes confused with Brown Rats which often also live near water courses. They are sometimes called "the water rat" which is the origin of the Water Vole’s fame as "Ratty" from Kenneth Grahame's book “The Wind in the Willows”. Prime Water Vole sites are found along densely vegetated banks of slow flowing rivers, ditches, lakes and marshes where water is present throughout the year. Water Voles are herbivores and feed on a huge variety of waterside vegetation, consuming 80% of their body weight each day. They excavate extensive burrow systems into the banks of waterways and have sleeping/nest chambers at various levels in the steepest parts of the bank. Burrows usually have underwater entrances to provide a secure route for escape if danger threatens. Water Voles usually have 3 or 4 litters a year depending on the weather. In mild springs the first of these can be born in March or April although cold conditions can delay breeding until May or even June. There are about 5 young in a litter and these are born below ground in a nest made from suitable vegetation such as grasses and rushes. Young water voles grow quickly and are weaned at 14 days. On average, Water Voles only live about 5 months in the wild. Their most important predators are Mink and Stoats although Grey Herons, Barn Owls, Brown Rats and Pike are also known to take them. Date: 9th October 2023 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072357.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8080191984bf6dff1ca9ba.jpgVarangerfjord, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway Varangerfjord is the easternmost fjord in Norway and is located in Finnmark county between the Varanger peninsula and the mainland of Norway. Varangerfjord flows through the municipalities of Vardø, Vadsø, Nesseby and Sør-Varanger. The fjord is approximately 62 miles long and empties in to the Barents Sea. The mouth is about 43 miles wide and is located between the town of Vardø in the north west and the village of Grense Jakobselv in the south east. The fjord stretches westwards inland past the town of Vadsø to the village of Varangerbotn in Nesseby municipality. Date: 13th April 2010 Location: view from route E75 between Vardø and Ekkerøy, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38397316.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14223811585ce127da1ba9e.jpgBlack Grouse The Black Grouse is a large game bird in the grouse family. The male has all black plumage with distinctive red wattles over the eyes and striking white stripes along each wing in flight. It has a lyre-shaped tail which is fanned out and raised to show white under-tail feathers when displaying. The female is smaller and grey-brown in colour. The Black Grouse is a sedentary species and breeds across northern Eurasia in moorland and bog areas near to mostly boreal woodland. Although it is declining, it is not considered to be vulnerable globally due to the large population and slow rate of decline. Its decline is due to loss of habitat, disturbance, predation by foxes, crows, etc., and small populations gradually dying out. In the UK, the Black Grouse are found in upland areas of Wales, the Pennines and most of Scotland, especially on farmland and moorland with nearby forestry or scattered trees. Habitat loss and overgrazing have resulted in severe population declines which make the Black Grouse a Red List species. Positive habitat management and re-introduction programmes are helping it to increase in some areas. The Black Grouse has a very distinctive and well-recorded courtship. At dawn in the spring, the males strut around in a traditional area (lek) and display whilst making a highly distinctive and bubbling mating call. This photo was taken at a well known roadside lekking site. If visiting, please remain in your car to avoid disturbance to these vulnerable breeding birds. Date: 10th May 2019 Location: World's End, Denbighshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/citrine-wagtail https://images.on-this.website/4752_74531747157cc227eab302.jpgCitrine Wagtail The Citrine Wagtail is a member of the wagtail family. It is a slender bird, with a long, constantly wagging tail characteristic of the genus Motacilla. The term “citrine” refers to its yellowish colouration. During the breeding season, the male Citrine Wagtail is easily identified by its striking bright yellow head and underparts, black hind-neck collar and 2 bold white patches on the wing-coverts. The upperparts are dark slate-grey with a wash of olive-grey on the sides of the body and often blackish spots on the breast. The upper-tail is black and the bill and legs are blackish-brown. At other times of the year, the male bird becomes paler in colour and more similar in appearance to the duller female. The juvenile has little or no yellow plumage, with olive-brown on the breast and sides of the body. The Citrine Wagtail breeds in north central Asia. Typically it leaves the northern breeding grounds between August and October and migrates to winter in south Asia. Its range is expanding westwards and it is a rare but increasing breeding bird in eastern Europe (e.g. Poland and Estonia) and an increasing vagrant to western Europe. The Citrine Wagtail typically breeds in open country near water and favours marshes, bogs, the edge of lakes, wet grassland, areas of willow bushes in mountain meadows and occasionally fields near villages. Outside of the breeding season, it also occupies coastal marshes, brackish lagoons and river sandbars and artificial environments such as sewage farms and irrigated land. The Citrine Wagtail is an insectivorous bird and it walks along the water’s edge, foraging and picking prey off the low vegetation It may also wade into shallow water to consume insects floating on the water surface. Date: 18th May 2016 Location: Aardla polder, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37190307.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19712350105c2a127b80536.jpgSuilven, Assynt, Highland Height: 2389 feet. Suilven is one of the most instantly recognisable mountains in the Scottish Highlands and is an iconic symbol of the Assynt region. Its name is said to come from the Norse "Pillar Mountain" which shows, not surprisingly, that the Vikings saw its seaward profile first. Suilven has an appearance which changes dramatically depending on which direction it is viewed from and its impressive profile viewed from Elphin or Lochinver dominates any view of Assynt despite it being lower than its neighbours. Date: 24th June 2018 Location: view from the A837 road between Skiag Bridge and Lochinver http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52699106.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_137881317167b0c93da1f63.jpgOystercatchers The Oystercatcher is a wader in the oystercatcher family. It is an obvious and noisy bird with black and white plumage, red legs and a strong broad red bill which is used for smashing or prising open molluscs such as mussels or for finding earthworms. Despite its name, oysters do not form a large part of its diet. The Oystercatcher is unmistakable in flight with white patches on the wings and tail with otherwise black upperparts and white underparts. Young birds are more brown, have a white neck collar and a duller bill. The call is a distinctive loud piping. The bill shape varies: Oystercatchers with broad bill tips open molluscs by prising them apart or hammering through the shell whereas birds with pointed bills dig up worms. Much of this is due to the wear resulting from feeding on their prey. Individual Oystercatchers specialise in one technique or the other which they learn from their parents. The Oystercatcher is the most widespread of the oystercatchers with 3 races breeding in western Europe, central Eurasia, Kamchatka, China, and the western coast of Korea. It is a migratory species over most of its range. The European population breeds mainly in northern Europe but in winter the birds can be found in north Africa and southern parts of Europe. Although the species is present all year in Ireland, the UK and the adjacent European coasts, there is still migratory movement within these populations. The Oystercatcher breeds on shingle and rocky beaches, sand dunes, salt marshes and on the grassy tops of small islands and also inland on shingle banks of rivers, lakes and gravel pits. Date: 14th February 2025 Location: Shoeburyness, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32708777.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_207273312559ad24eee45037.86376652.jpgCormorants The (Great) Cormorant is a widespread member of the cormorant and shag family [i] Phalacrocoracidae[/i]. There is a wide variation in size in the species' wide range and males are typically larger and heavier than females. It has a predominantly black plumage but the adult has white patches on the thighs and throat and a yellow throat during the breeding season. In Europe it can be distinguished from the Shag by its larger size, heavier build, thicker bill, lack of a crest and plumage without any green tinge. The (Great) Cormorant is a very common and widespread bird and it breeds in much of the Old World and the Atlantic coast of north America. It feeds on the sea, in estuaries and on freshwater lakes and rivers. Northern birds migrate south and winter along any coast that is well-supplied with fish. The (Great) Cormorant is found around the UK coastline on rocky shores, coastal lagoons and estuaries and it is increasingly seen inland at reservoirs, lakes and gravel pits. The UK holds internationally important wintering numbers. The (Great) Cormorant mainly nests in colonies near wetlands, rivers and sheltered inshore waters. Pairs will use the same nest site to breed year after year. It builds its nest, which is made mainly from sticks, in trees, on the ledges of cliffs and on the ground on rocky islands that are free of predators. The female lays 3 to 5 eggs which are incubated for a period of about 28 to 31 days. The (Great) Cormorant feeds on fish caught through diving and it will consume all fish of appropriate size that they are able to catch. Many fishermen see the (Great) Cormorant a competitor for fish. Because of this, it was nearly hunted to extinction in the past. Due to conservation efforts, its numbers increased although this has once again brought it in to conflict with fisheries. In the UK, where inland breeding was once uncommon, there are now increasing numbers of birds and many inland fish farms and fisheries now claim to be suffering high losses. In the UK each year, some licences are issued to cull specified numbers in order to help reduce predation although it is still illegal to kill a bird without such a licence. Date: 18th May 2017 Location: Csaj-tó, Csanytelek, Csongrád county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405481.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18730661276586e82a532a5.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 14th October 2023 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49002647.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14163841156468f4237dc20.jpgShelduck The Shelduck resembles a small short-necked goose in size and shape. It is larger than a Mallard but smaller than geese such as Greylag and Canada Geese. The Shelduck is a striking bird with a reddish-pink bill, pink feet, a white body with chestnut patches and a black belly and a dark green head and neck. The wing coverts are white, the primaries are black and the secondaries are green and chestnut. The underwings are almost entirely white. Sexes are similar but the female is smaller with some white facial markings whilst the male is particularly crisply coloured in the breeding season with a bright red bill bearing a prominent knob at the forehead. Ducklings are white with a black cap, hindneck and wing and back patches. Juveniles are greyish above and mostly white below but already have the adult's wing pattern. The Shelduck breeds in temperate Eurasia where it nests in rabbit burrows and tree holes. Most populations migrate to sub-tropical areas in winter but it is largely resident in west Europe apart from movements to favoured moulting grounds such as the Wadden Sea on the north German coast. The Shelduck is common around the coastline of the UK and Ireland where it can be found on salt marshes, tidal mudflats and estuaries although it can also be found around inland waters such as reservoirs and gravel workings. It can be seen all year round but the population increases significantly during winter with the arrival of birds from continental Europe. Date: 17th May 2023 Location: RSPB Minsmere, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11947766.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18202732584e40fe1a3a266.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 21st October 2007 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512809.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_62142553662c99fe71e57e.jpgBlack-tailed Godwit The Black-tailed Godwit is a large, long-legged, long-billed shorebird with an orange head, neck and chest in its breeding plumage and a uniform brown-grey breast and upperparts in winter. During the breeding season, the bill has a yellowish or orange-pink base and dark tip but the base is pink in winter. The legs are dark grey, brown or black. The sexes are similar but in breeding plumage they can be separated by the male's brighter, more extensive orange breast, neck and head. In flight, the bold black and white wingbar and white rump can be seen readily. When on the ground the Black-tailed Godwit can be difficult to separate from the similar Bar-tailed Godwit but the Black-tailed Godwit's longer, straighter bill and longer legs are diagnostic. The Black-tailed Godwit’s breeding range stretches from Iceland through northern Europe and areas of central Asia where it can be found in fens, lake edges, damp meadows, moorlands and bogs. It winters in areas as diverse as the Indian Subcontinent, Australia, western Europe and west Africa where it can be found on estuaries and floods. It is also more likely to be found inland and on freshwater than the Bar-tailed Godwit. Date: 10th May 2022 Location: WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre, Carmarthenshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/black-winged-stilt https://images.on-this.website/4752_18234744264ff5442b0e89a.jpgBlack-winged Stilt The Black-winged Stilt is a widely distributed very long-legged wader. They have long pink-red legs, a long thin black bill and are blackish above and white below with a white head and neck with a varying amount of black. Both in flight and at rest the long pink-red legs are characteristic and even if these are hidden in water of unknown depth, the pure white underparts and jet black upperparts are distinctive. The amount of dark feathering on the otherwise white head doesn't necessarily indicate the sex of a stilt although young birds always have smoky patterning on the head. The Black-winged Stilt can be found in central and southern Europe, central and southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Many birds migrate to south of the Sahara from August to November and return in March and April. However, many of those which breed in Iberia are now increasingly remaining throughout the year. The Black-winged Stilt breeds around shallow wetlands, especially coastal lagoons, saltpans and estuaries. The nest site is a bare spot on the ground near water and birds often nest in small groups, sometimes with Avocets. In Europe, the Black-winged Stilt is a regular spring overshoot vagrant north of its normal range, occasionally remaining to breed in northern European countries including the UK. Date: 24th April 2012 Location: Laguna de Fuente de Piedra, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17942855.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_271288616518cb08e92992.jpgBrambling The Brambling is a small passerine bird in the finch family and is similar in size and shape to a Chaffinch. Breeding-plumaged males are very distinctive, with a black head, dark upperparts, orange breast and white belly. Females and younger birds are less distinct and more similar in appearance to some Chaffinches. In all plumages, however, the Brambling differs from the Chaffinch in a number of features. The Brambling has a white rump whereas that of the Chaffinch is grey-green. The breast is orange contrasting with a white belly on the Brambling whereas on the Chaffinch the underparts are more uniformly coloured pink or buff. The Brambling's scapular feathers are orange whereas the Chaffinch's are grey or grey-brown. The flanks are dark-spotted on the Brambling but plain on the Chaffinch.The Brambling lacks the white outer tail feathers of the Chaffinch. An additional difference for all plumages except breeding plumaged males is the bill colour. It is yellow in the Brambling and dull pinkish in the Chaffinch. Breeding-plumaged male Bramblings have black bills whereas Chaffinches in the corresponding plumage have grey bills. The Brambling is widespread in the breeding season throughout the coniferous and birch forests of north Europe and Asia. It is a migrant and winters in central and south Europe, north Africa, north India, north Pakistan, China and Japan. In Europe, the Brambling forms large flocks in the winter, sometimes with thousands or even millions of birds in a single flock. Such large gatherings occur especially if beech mast is abundant. The Brambling does not require beech mast in the winter but flocks will move until they find it. This may be an adaptation to avoid competition with the Chaffinch. The Brambling arrives in the UK from mid-September and leaves again in March and April. It is a gregarious species and may form very large flocks often associating with Chaffinches. It can be found in beech woodlands, farmland fields near woods and also in some gardens. Date: 1st April 2013 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/skgafoss-south-iceland https://images.on-this.website/4752_489676564561ccc0d81879.jpgSkógafoss, south Iceland Skógafoss is is located to the west of Vík í Mýrdal in south Iceland and is one of the best known and biggest waterfalls in the country. After the coastline had receded (it is now 3 miles from Skógar), the former sea cliffs remained parallel to the coast creating a clear border between the coastal lowlands and the interior Highlands of Iceland. The Skógá River drops over the cliffs of the former coastline and the waterfall has a width of 82 feet and a drop of 200 feet. Due to the amount of spray the waterfall consistently produces, a single or double rainbow is normally visible on sunny days. At the eastern side of the waterfall, a hiking and trekking trail leads up to the Fimmvörðuháls pass between the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers. It then goes down to the Þórsmörk glacial valley on the other side and continues as the famous Laugavegur trekking route to Landmannalaugar area of the interior Highlands of Iceland. Date: 8th June 2015 Location: view from the trail from the Skógafoss car park http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833638.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_897386091559cef73edae0.jpgWhite Storks The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan, and is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers with red legs and a long red bill. They walk slowly and steadily on the ground and fly with necks outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the Second World War and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 12th May 2015 Location: Lake Kerkini, Central Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41254055.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14707316645f059dfa7f95d.jpgPorvoonjoki river at Porvoo, Uusimaa, Finland The Porvoonjoki is a small river in the south of Finland. The city of Porvoo is situated in the river delta. Porvoo is a city and a municipality situated on the south coast of Finland approximately 30 miles east of Helsinki. It is one of the 6 medieval towns in Finland and the country’s second oldest city. It was first mentioned as a city in texts from the 14th century. Porvoo is the seat of the Swedish-speaking Diocese of Borgå of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland. Porvoo Old Town is a popular tourist destination with its timeless atmosphere, unique buildings, cobbled streets, narrow lanes, idyllic parks and riverbank views. It is especially well known for its well-preserved 18th and 19th century red painted riverside warehouses and the 15th century Porvoo Cathedral. The Old Town together with the valley of the Porvoonjoki river is recognised as historically and culturally significant as one of the designated national landscapes of Finland. Porvoo is internationally considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in Finland. Porvoo can be easily reached by a main road from Helsinki in about 50 minutes but also by a much more leisurely 3.5 hour trip on the steamship m/s J. L. Runeberg along the coast and through the Helsinki Archipelago. The m/s J.L. Runeberg was built in Helsinki in 1912. Originally she sailed under the name s/s Helsingfors Skärgård (”Helsinki Archipelago”). In the beginning this steamer cruised west from Helsinki to Porkkala but in the 1930’s the name was changed to s/s J.L. Runeberg and the ship cruised to Porvoo for the first time. Date: 26th June 2019 Location: Porvoonjoki river at Porvoo, Uusimaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12653630.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_979984084e69cc0e42bcd.jpgCoot The Coot is an all black bird with a distinctive white beak and “shield” above the beak from which earns it the title “bald”. Its feet have distinctive lobed flaps of skin on the toes which act instead of webs when swimming. It patters noisily over the water before taking off and can be very aggressive towards other birds. Coot can be found all the year round mainly on freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers and town park lakes. Sometimes they can be seen offshore, especially in winter if freshwater areas are frozen. They breed in areas of fairly shallow standing freshwater with a muddy bottom and plenty of vegetation at the sides, usually in lowland areas. Date: 4th September 2011 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9952178.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8028816064dca3d7e55f70.jpgPied Flycatcher The Pied Flycatcher is a small passerine bird in the Old World flycatcher family and is 1 of the 4 species of Western Palearctic black and white flycatchers. The breeding male Pied Flycatcher is mainly black above and white below with a large white wing patch, white tail sides and a small forehead patch. Non-breeding males, females and juveniles have the black replaced by a pale brown. The bill is black and it has the broad but pointed shape typical of aerial insectivores. The Pied Flycatcher has a very large range and population size and so it is of “least concern” according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It breeds in most of Europe and west Asia where it can be found in deciduous woodlands, parks and gardens, with a preference for oak trees. It will sometimes use mature open conifer woodland where natural tree holes occur. It builds an open nest in a tree hole and it will readily adapt to nest boxes. In the UK, the Pied Flycatcher is limited by geography and habitat to the north and west of the country where it prefers mature oak woodlands but also mature upland ash and birch woodlands. It has on average decreased in population by 25% within the last 25 years and it has ceased to breed in several parts of its former range. The Pied Flycatcher is migratory, wintering mainly in tropical west Africa from mid September to mid April. It first arrives in its breeding areas from mid April to the end of May. Following breeding, return migration to Africa occurs between August and mid September. The Pied Flycatcher is mainly insectivorous and its diet is composed nearly entirely of insects including flies, bees, wasps, ants, beetles, butterflies, moths, etc. but it will also eat fruit and seeds in late summer and autumn and on migration. Date: 7th May 2011 Location: Ynys-hir RSPB reserve, Ceredigion http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41349636.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10532292275f2008f7aa2b7.jpgRuddy Darter Flight period: mid June to mid September. The Ruddy Darter takes its name from its colour and its swift flight behaviour. The male has a deep russet colour over the entire body and the abdomen has a pinched section close to where it joins the thorax. Females are slightly smaller, golden yellow in colour and being less obviously marked are more difficult to identify than the males. There is more than one red coloured darter species in the UK and they can be easily confused with each other. The commonest red species, the Common Darter, can be distinguished as having red veins at the base of the wings and a less ruddy colouration across the body. However, the Ruddy Darter has entirely black legs, distinguishing it from all other red darters which have longitudinal yellow stripes on their legs. The UK range of the Ruddy Darter has undergone something of an expansion in recent years. Although still relatively uncommon in the west and north of Britain, it is increasing in numbers in the Midlands and eastern England. The population is augmented by continental migrants. It is also found over most of Europe except for northern Scandinavia, as far east as western Siberia and south to north Africa. The Ruddy Darter prefers water bodies with tall emergent vegetation, such as reeds and club rush, and it is known to breed in ponds, lakes, canals, ditches and sluggish rivers. They can also be found near coasts and can breed in fairly brackish water. Date: 25th June 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo27293543.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_190712562557232f7af3f39.jpgBlue Tit The Blue Tit is a small passerine bird in the tit family. It is easily recognisable by its generally blue and yellow plumage and its small size. The Blue Tit is about 4.7 inches long with a wingspan of 7.1 inches. It has an azure blue crown and a dark blue line passing through the eye and encircling the white cheeks to the chin, giving the bird a very distinctive appearance. The forehead and a bar on the wing are white. The nape, wings and tail are blue and the back is yellowish green. The underparts are mostly sulphur-yellow with a dark line down the abdomen. The bill is black and the legs bluish grey. The sexes are similar whilst young birds are noticeably more yellow. The Blue Tit is very agile and it can cling to the outermost branches and hang upside down when searching for food such as insects, caterpillars and seeds. The Blue Tit can be found throughout areas of the European continent with a mainly temperate or Mediterranean climate and in parts of the Middle East. In the UK it is common in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens and widespread across the whole of the country with the exception of some Scottish islands. The Blue Tit will nest in any suitable hole in a tree, wall or stump, often competing with other birds such as the House Sparrow or Great Tit for the site. In addition, it will readily accept an artificial nesting box. The same hole is returned to year after year and when one pair dies another takes possession. The nesting material is usually moss, wool, hair and feathers and the eggs are laid in April or May. The number in the clutch is often very large but 7 or 8 is normal. It is not unusual for a single bird to feed the chicks in the nest at a rate of one feed every 90 seconds during the height of the breeding season. Successful breeding is dependent on a sufficient supply of caterpillars as well as satisfactory weather. Breeding may be affected badly if the weather is cold and wet between May and July, particularly if this coincides with the emergence of the caterpillars on which the nestlings are fed. The small size of the Blue Tit makes it vulnerable to predation by larger birds and the typical lifespan is 3 years or less. The most significant predator is probably the Sparrowhawk, closely followed by the domestic cat. Nests may also be robbed by mammals such as the Weasel and Red and Grey Squirrels. Date: 23rd April 2016 Location: Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve, Sevenoaks, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4466127.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18133551234b8a26a26ba76.jpgFløyfjellet, Bergen Fløyfjellet or Fløyen is the most visited of the 7 mountains that surround the city centre of Bergen, Norway. It has a funicular railway system (Fløibanen) that transports passengers from the centre of Bergen to a height of 1050 feet in roughly 8 minutes. The actual highest point on Fløifjellet at 1394 feet is approximately 1/2 mile to the north east. From Fløyfjellet there are stunning views of the city of Bergen and the surrounding area. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9589002.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20027346444db160c715259.jpgWigeon The Eurasian Wigeon, or simply Wigeon, is one of 3 species of Wigeon in the dabbling duck genus [i]Mareca[/i]. The Wigeon is 17 to 20 inches in length with a 28 to 31 inches wingspan. The breeding male has grey flanks and back with a black rear end, a dark green speculum and a brilliant white patch on the upper wings which obvious in flight or at rest. It has a pink breast, white belly and a chestnut head with a creamy crown. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female. The female is generally light brown but it can be distinguished from most other ducks, apart from the American Wigeon, on shape. The Wigeon breeds in the northernmost areas of Europe and Asia where it is the Old World counterpart of north America's American Wigeon. It is a bird of open wetlands, such as wet grassland or marshes with some taller vegetation, and nests on the ground near water and under cover. The Wigeon is strongly migratory and winters further south than its breeding range. It is highly gregarious outside of the breeding season and will form large flocks. In the UK, the Wigeon can be found all year round. It is a scarce breeding bird in central and northern Scotland and in northern England. In winter, many birds arrive in the UK from Iceland, Scandinavia and Russia and very large numbers can be seen on the coasts and at some inland sites. The Wigeon is categorised by the IUCN as a species of “Least Concern” but it is a species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 26th December 2007 Location: Buckenham Marshes, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7439570.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3863736094cd571bce8d57.jpgSierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain This Natural Park (Parque Natural) includes a large sector of the central Sierra Morena, the east-west line of mountains which divides Andalucia from the rest of Spain. This Natural Park (Parque Natural) includes a large sector of the central Sierra Morena, the east-west line of mountains which divides Andalucia from the rest of Spain. The Sierra de Andújar stretches for 45 miles with a highest point of 4230 feet and it is densely wooded boasting one of Andalucia's best preserved expanses of Mediterranean woodland and scrubland. The Sierra de Andújar is one of two of Spain's last refuges for the elusive and highly endangered Iberian Lynx. Date: 8th September 2010 Location: view from road to Embalse del Jándula http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49002651.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9029188526468f4269cd90.jpgSandwich Tern The Sandwich Tern is a medium-large tern, gull-like in appearance but usually with a more delicate, lighter build and shorter, weaker legs. It is very closely related to the Lesser Crested Tern, Chinese Crested Tern, Cabot's Tern and Elegant Tern and it has been known to inter-breed with the Lesser Crested Tern. It is 15 to 17 inches in length with a 33 to 38 inches wingspan. It has long, pointed wings, which gives it a fast buoyant flight, and a deeply forked tail. The upperwings are pale grey and the underparts are white. It has a shaggy black crest. The thin sharp bill is black with a yellow tip and the short legs are black. It looks very pale in flight although the primary flight feathers darken during the summer. In winter, the adult's forehead becomes white. Juveniles have dark tips to their tails and a scaly appearance on their back and wings. The Sandwich Tern has an extensive global range and, whilst population trends have not been quantified, it is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List. For these reasons, it is evaluated as “least concern”. The Sandwich Tern breeds in very dense colonies on coasts and islands and exceptionally inland on suitable large freshwater lakes close to the coast. It nests in a ground scrape and lays 1 to 3 eggs. Unlike some of the smaller white terns, it is not very aggressive toward potential predators, relying on the sheer density of the nests and nesting close to other more aggressive species such as the Arctic Tern and the Black-headed Gull. In the UK, the Sandwich Tern can be seen from late March to September and there are breeding colonies scattered around the UK coasts including the north Norfolk coast and at Minsmere in Suffolk and Dungeness in Kent. The Sandwich tern feeds by plunge-diving for fish, almost invariably from the sea. It usually dives directly and not from a hover favoured by other terns. The offering of fish by the male to the female is part of the courtship display. Date: 17th May 2023 Location: RSPB Minsmere, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18776575.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_53571710651f4df6d0941f.jpgHeath Fritillary Flight period: June to July. The Heath Fritillary is at the north west extreme of its range in the southern UK and its numbers have greatly reduced this century due to changes in woodland management. It is now one of our rarest and most localised butterflies and can only be found at a few sites in Essex and Kent and in south west England. In Essex and Kent, they can be found in coppiced woodland with acid soils where Common Cow Wheat, the preferred foodplant, is available. On Exmoor they favour sheltered combes (valleys) and in Devon and Cornwall abandoned hay meadows are preferred. Detailed study has determined the Heath Fritillary’s precise habitat requirements and its future in the UK depends on deliberate conservation and habitat management. Date: 1st July 2013 Location: Thrift Wood EWT reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081442.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_62128335863a84557e172e.jpgMute Swan The Mute Swan is a species of swan native to much of Eurasia. Despite its Eurasian origin, its closest relatives are the Black Swan of Australia and the Black-necked Swan of south America, not the other Northern Hemisphere swans such as the Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan. The name “mute” derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. The adult Mute Swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob at the top of the beak. All Mute Swans are white at maturity although the feathers (particularly on the head and neck) are often stained orange-brown by iron and tannins in the water. Young birds (cygnets) are not the bright white colour of mature adults and their bill is dull greyish-black for the first year. The plumage may range from pure white to grey to buff with grey/buff being the most common. Cygnets typically retain their grey/buff feathers until they are at least 1 year old. On average, the Mute Swan is the second largest waterfowl species after the Trumpeter Swan although the male Mute Swan can easily match or even exceed a male Trumpeter Swan in mass. The adult Mute Swan typically ranges from 55 to 63 inches in length (although it can range in extreme cases from 49 to 67 inches) with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. Males (cobs) are larger than females (pens) and have a larger knob on their bill. The Mute Swan is one of the heaviest flying birds. In several studies from the UK, males were found to average from about 23.4 to 26.2 pounds, with a weight range of 20 to 32 pounds, while the slightly smaller females were found to average about 18.7 to 21.3 pounds, with a weight range of 17 to 23 pounds. The Mute Swan is less vocal than the noisy Bewick's Swan and Whooper Swan although it does make a variety of grunting, hoarse whistling and snorting noises, especially in communicating with their cygnets and threatening competitors or intruders trying to enter their territory. The most familiar sound associated with the Mute Swan is the vibrant throbbing of the wings in flight which is unique to the species and this can be heard from a range of up to 1 mile. The Mute Swan is found naturally mainly in the temperate areas of Europe across west Asia and as far east as Primorsky Krai in the far east of Russia. It is partially migratory throughout the northern latitudes in Europe and Asia as far south as north Africa and the Mediterranean. It is also often kept in captivity outside its natural range as a decoration for parks and ponds and escapes have occurred. The descendants of such birds have become naturalised in east USA and the Great Lakes region across the USA and Canada border. The Mute Swan population in the UK has increased recently probably due to better protection of this species. Some birds are resident all year whilst others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into east England. Mute Swans nest on large mounds that they build with waterside vegetation in shallow water on islands in the middle or at the very edge of a lake. It is a monogamous species and often reuses the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Males and females share the care of the nest. The female lays from 4 to 10 eggs and broods for around 36 days. Cygnets are unable to fly before an age of 120 to 150 days and this limits the distribution of the species in the northern edge of its range since the cygnets must learn to fly before the water freezes. The Mute Swan is usually strongly territorial with just a single pair on smaller lakes although in a few locations where a large area of suitable feeding habitat is found they can be colonial. The largest colonies can hold over 100 pairs such as that at the colony at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset in the UK. Non-mated juveniles up to 3 to 4 years old commonly form larger flocks often at regular traditional sites and these can total several hundred birds. The Mute Swan can be very aggressive in defence of its nest and it is highly protective of its mate and offspring. Most defensive attacks from a Mute Swan begin with a loud hiss and, if this is not sufficient to drive off the predator, are followed by a physical attack. It attacks by smashing at its enemy with bony spurs in the wings accompanied by biting with its large bill. Smaller waterbirds such as ducks are normally grabbed with the bill and dragged or thrown clear. Large waterfowl, such as the Canada Goose, more likely out of competition than in response to potential predation, may be aggressively driven off. The wings of the Mute Swan are very powerful although not strong enough to break an adult man's leg as has been claimed anecdotally. The Mute Swan feeds on a wide range of vegetation, both submerged aquatic plants which they reach with their long necks and by grazing on land. The food commonly includes agricultural crop plants such as oilseed rape and wheat and feeding flocks in the winter may cause significant crop damage, often as much through trampling with their large webbed feet as through direct consumption. Date: 9th January 2022 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081440.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_27217339763a8455457539.jpgMute Swan The Mute Swan is a species of swan native to much of Eurasia. Despite its Eurasian origin, its closest relatives are the Black Swan of Australia and the Black-necked Swan of south America, not the other Northern Hemisphere swans such as the Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan. The name “mute” derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. The adult Mute Swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob at the top of the beak. All Mute Swans are white at maturity although the feathers (particularly on the head and neck) are often stained orange-brown by iron and tannins in the water. Young birds (cygnets) are not the bright white colour of mature adults and their bill is dull greyish-black for the first year. The plumage may range from pure white to grey to buff with grey/buff being the most common. Cygnets typically retain their grey/buff feathers until they are at least 1 year old. On average, the Mute Swan is the second largest waterfowl species after the Trumpeter Swan although the male Mute Swan can easily match or even exceed a male Trumpeter Swan in mass. The adult Mute Swan typically ranges from 55 to 63 inches in length (although it can range in extreme cases from 49 to 67 inches) with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. Males (cobs) are larger than females (pens) and have a larger knob on their bill. The Mute Swan is one of the heaviest flying birds. In several studies from the UK, males were found to average from about 23.4 to 26.2 pounds, with a weight range of 20 to 32 pounds, while the slightly smaller females were found to average about 18.7 to 21.3 pounds, with a weight range of 17 to 23 pounds. The Mute Swan is less vocal than the noisy Bewick's Swan and Whooper Swan although it does make a variety of grunting, hoarse whistling and snorting noises, especially in communicating with their cygnets and threatening competitors or intruders trying to enter their territory. The most familiar sound associated with the Mute Swan is the vibrant throbbing of the wings in flight which is unique to the species and this can be heard from a range of up to 1 mile. The Mute Swan is found naturally mainly in the temperate areas of Europe across west Asia and as far east as Primorsky Krai in the far east of Russia. It is partially migratory throughout the northern latitudes in Europe and Asia as far south as north Africa and the Mediterranean. It is also often kept in captivity outside its natural range as a decoration for parks and ponds and escapes have occurred. The descendants of such birds have become naturalised in east USA and the Great Lakes region across the USA and Canada border. The Mute Swan population in the UK has increased recently probably due to better protection of this species. Some birds are resident all year whilst others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into east England. Mute Swans nest on large mounds that they build with waterside vegetation in shallow water on islands in the middle or at the very edge of a lake. It is a monogamous species and often reuses the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Males and females share the care of the nest. The female lays from 4 to 10 eggs and broods for around 36 days. Cygnets are unable to fly before an age of 120 to 150 days and this limits the distribution of the species in the northern edge of its range since the cygnets must learn to fly before the water freezes. The Mute Swan is usually strongly territorial with just a single pair on smaller lakes although in a few locations where a large area of suitable feeding habitat is found they can be colonial. The largest colonies can hold over 100 pairs such as that at the colony at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset in the UK. Non-mated juveniles up to 3 to 4 years old commonly form larger flocks often at regular traditional sites and these can total several hundred birds. The Mute Swan can be very aggressive in defence of its nest and it is highly protective of its mate and offspring. Most defensive attacks from a Mute Swan begin with a loud hiss and, if this is not sufficient to drive off the predator, are followed by a physical attack. It attacks by smashing at its enemy with bony spurs in the wings accompanied by biting with its large bill. Smaller waterbirds such as ducks are normally grabbed with the bill and dragged or thrown clear. Large waterfowl, such as the Canada Goose, more likely out of competition than in response to potential predation, may be aggressively driven off. The wings of the Mute Swan are very powerful although not strong enough to break an adult man's leg as has been claimed anecdotally. The Mute Swan feeds on a wide range of vegetation, both submerged aquatic plants which they reach with their long necks and by grazing on land. The food commonly includes agricultural crop plants such as oilseed rape and wheat and feeding flocks in the winter may cause significant crop damage, often as much through trampling with their large webbed feet as through direct consumption. Date: 9th January 2022 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/common-scoters-and-velvet-scoter https://images.on-this.website/4752_98709406056372aa801026.jpgCommon Scoters and Surf Scoter The Surf Scoter is a large sea duck characterised by its bulky shape and large bill. The male is all black except for white patches on the nape and forehead. It has a bulbous red, yellow and white bill. The females are brown with pale head patches. The Surf Scoter breeds in Canada and Alaska close to the sea, on lakes or rivers, in woodland or in tundra areas. It winters farther south in temperate zones on the coasts of the northern United States where it forms large flocks on suitable coastal waters. Very small numbers regularly winter in western Europe as far south as the UK. The Surf Scoter feeds by diving for crustaceans and molluscs. The Common Scoter is a medium-sized, rather stocky sea duck with a relatively long, pointed tail which is often held up when the bird is sitting on water. The scientific name of the Common Scoter, <i>nigra</i>, comes from the Latin for “black” and refers to the entirely glossy black plumage of the male. The beak of the male Common Scoter is also black with a swollen black knob at the base and a conspicuous patch of yellow on the top. In flight, the slightly paler undersides of the flight feathers contrast with the otherwise dark wings. In summer, the male Common Scoter becomes slightly duller and more mottled in appearance. In contrast to the male, the female Common Scoter is dark brown with a darker crown which contrasts with the pale sides of the head and neck. The female Common Scoter has a dark brownish to black beak and is also slightly smaller than the male. The Common Scoter breeds across northern Europe, including Iceland, Greenland, Scandinavia and the northern UK, and northern Russia as far east as the Olenek River in Siberia. Outside of the breeding season, the Common Scoter moves south to spend the winter along inshore coastal waters of western Europe and western north Africa from Norway south to Mauretania. A large proportion of the Common Scoter population overwinters in the Baltic Sea. A few Common Scoters spend the winter in ice-free waters near their breeding grounds and some non-breeding individuals remain in the wintering grounds over summer. The Common Scoter breeds around freshwater lakes, pools, rivers and streams in tundra and in open habitats in sub-Arctic areas. Although it may sometimes use inland, freshwater lakes during its migration, the Common Scoter mainly overwinters at sea where it is typically found in large flocks in shallow, inshore waters and in bays and estuary mouths. Date: 3rd June 2015 Location: Lake Mývatn, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17942857.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1316379934518cb0a046f53.jpgBrambling The Brambling is a small passerine bird in the finch family and is similar in size and shape to a Chaffinch. Breeding-plumaged males are very distinctive, with a black head, dark upperparts, orange breast and white belly. Females and younger birds are less distinct and more similar in appearance to some Chaffinches. In all plumages, however, the Brambling differs from the Chaffinch in a number of features. The Brambling has a white rump whereas that of the Chaffinch is grey-green. The breast is orange contrasting with a white belly on the Brambling whereas on the Chaffinch the underparts are more uniformly coloured pink or buff. The Brambling's scapular feathers are orange whereas the Chaffinch's are grey or grey-brown. The flanks are dark-spotted on the Brambling but plain on the Chaffinch.The Brambling lacks the white outer tail feathers of the Chaffinch. An additional difference for all plumages except breeding plumaged males is the bill colour. It is yellow in the Brambling and dull pinkish in the Chaffinch. Breeding-plumaged male Bramblings have black bills whereas Chaffinches in the corresponding plumage have grey bills. The Brambling is widespread in the breeding season throughout the coniferous and birch forests of north Europe and Asia. It is a migrant and winters in central and south Europe, north Africa, north India, north Pakistan, China and Japan. In Europe, the Brambling forms large flocks in the winter, sometimes with thousands or even millions of birds in a single flock. Such large gatherings occur especially if beech mast is abundant. The Brambling does not require beech mast in the winter but flocks will move until they find it. This may be an adaptation to avoid competition with the Chaffinch. The Brambling arrives in the UK from mid-September and leaves again in March and April. It is a gregarious species and may form very large flocks often associating with Chaffinches. It can be found in beech woodlands, farmland fields near woods and also in some gardens. Date: 1st April 2013 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15454042.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18702891854ff54915ad16f.jpgCurlew Sandpiper The Curlew Sandpiper is a small wader which is slightly larger than the Dunlin but differing from the Dunlin in having a longer down-curved bill, longer neck and legs and a white rump. The breeding adult has patterned dark grey upperparts and brick-red underparts. In winter, it is pale grey above and white below and shows an obvious white supercilium. Juveniles have a grey and brown back, a white belly and a peach-coloured breast. Of all shorebird species, the Curlew Sandpiper has the smallest breeding range in relation to its non-breeding range. After breeding on the tundra of Arctic Siberia, these birds migrate south to Africa, Australasia or India. This Curlew Sandpiper is highly gregarious and will form flocks with other calidrid waders, particularly Dunlin. Despite its easterly breeding range, the Curlew Sandpiper is a regular passage migrant to coastal marshes in western Europe, including the UK. Date: 2nd May 2012 Location: Salinas de Bonanza near Jerez de la Frontera, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45182495.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15283728786235c91938fe9.jpgGreat Spotted Woodpecker The Great Spotted Woodpecker is a Blackbird-sized bird with striking black and white plumage. The male has a distinctive red patch on the back of the head and young birds have a red crown. Great Spotted Woodpeckers have a very distinctive bouncing flight and spend most of their time clinging to tree trunks and branches. Their presence is often announced by its loud call or by its distinctive spring “drumming” display. Great Spotted Woodpeckers can be found all year round and are most common in woodlands, parks and large gardens in England and Wales. They also readily visit bird tables and peanut feeders. Date: 11th February 2022 Location: EWT Warley Place, Brentwood, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26031502.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_143983038356376e7a53586.jpgLong-tailed Duck The Long-tailed Duck is a medium-sized sea duck. Adults have white underparts although the rest of the plumage goes through a complex moulting process. The male has a long pointed tail and a dark grey bill crossed by a pink band. In winter, the male has a dark cheek patch on a mainly white head and neck, a dark breast and mostly white body. In summer, the male is dark on the head, neck and back with a white cheek patch. The female has a brown back and a relatively short pointed tail. In winter, the female's head and neck are white with a dark crown. In summer, the head is dark. Juveniles resemble adult females in autumn plumage, though with a lighter, less distinct cheek patch. The Long-tailed Duck breeds in tundra pools and marshes but also along sea coasts and in large mountain lakes in north America, northern Europe and Russia. It is migratory and winters along the eastern and western coasts of north America, on the Great Lakes, coastal northern and western Europe and Asia. The most important wintering area is the Baltic Sea where a total of about 4.5 million gather. The Long-tailed Duck feeds by diving for molluscs, crustaceans and some small fish. Date: 2nd June 2015 Location: Lake Mývatn, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4352161.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20057514694b687b41b0fc5.jpgTurnstone The Turnstone has a mottled appearance with brown or chestnut and black upperparts, brown and white or black and white head pattern, white underparts and orange legs. Turnstones can be found around most of the UK coastline including rocky, sandy and muddy shores and particularly like feeding on seaweed covered rocks, seawalls and jetties. They are present for most of the year. Birds from Northern Europe pass through in July and August and again in spring and birds from Canada and Greenland arrive in August and September and remain until April and May. Non-breeding birds may stay throughout the summer. Date: 1st February 2010 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512487.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_172310925962c999c75a5c3.jpgRed Kites The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 9th May 2022 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072230.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14280834224bf6d4e0bd9e7.jpgPine Grosbeak The Pine Grosbeak is a large member of the finch family. Adults have a long forked black tail, black wings with white wing bars and a large bill. Adult males have a rose-red head, back and rump. Adult females are olive-yellow on the head and rump and grey on the back and underparts. Young birds have a less contrasting plumage overall, appearing shaggy when they moult their colored head plumage. The Pine Grosbeak is a permanent resident through most of its range and can be found in coniferous woods in subarctic Fennoscandia and Siberia and across Alaska, the western mountains of the United States and Canada. In the extreme north or when food sources are scarce, they may migrate further south. It is a very rare vagrant to temperate Europe. The Pine Grosbeak forages in trees and bushes. It mainly eats seeds, buds, berries and insects. Outside of the nesting season, it often feeds in flocks. Date: 10th April 2010 Location: Neljan Tuulen Tupa near Kaamanen, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7950448.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21239340384d03cfefb89af.jpgTurnstone The Turnstone has a mottled appearance with brown or chestnut and black upperparts, brown and white or black and white head pattern, white underparts and orange legs. Turnstones can be found around most of the UK coastline including rocky, sandy and muddy shores and particularly like feeding on seaweed covered rocks, seawalls and jetties. They are present for most of the year. Birds from Northern Europe pass through in July and August and again in spring and birds from Canada and Greenland arrive in August and September and remain until April and May. Non-breeding birds may stay throughout the summer. Date: 15th November 2010 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14155783.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10862049164f3cd264cbe78.jpgGreat Spotted Woodpecker The Great Spotted Woodpecker is a Blackbird-sized bird with striking black and white plumage. The male has a distinctive red patch on the back of the head and young birds have a red crown. Great Spotted Woodpeckers have a very distinctive bouncing flight and spend most of their time clinging to tree trunks and branches. Their presence is often announced by its loud call or by its distinctive spring “drumming” display. Great Spotted Woodpeckers can be found all year round and are most common in woodlands, parks and large gardens in England and Wales. They also readily visit bird tables and peanut feeders. Date: 12th February 2012 Location: Pennington Flash, Greater Manchester http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7950504.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15028694154d03d0983a9c1.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 15th November 2010 Location: Strumpshaw Fen RSPB reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13683322.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1582062824ed72de531e7e.jpgHedgehog The Hedgehog is unmistakeable being the only spiny British mammal. The yellow-tipped 2cm spines on a grey/brown back and sides are perhaps the best known features of the Hedgehog which has relatively long legs and a short tail together with small eyes and ears. The Hedgehog is common in parks, gardens and farmland throughout mainland UK. It has also been introduced to many islands including Orkney, Shetland, Isle of Man and some of the Channel Islands. Hedgehogs prefer woodland edges, hedgerows and suburban habitats where there is plenty of food for them. Intensively farmed arable land is probably a poor habitat as are moorlands and dense conifer forests. Hedgehogs survive well in gardens, particularly assisted by food put out for them as modern tidy gardens may not otherwise provide sufficient food. The Hedgehog is generally nocturnal travelling around a mile each night feeding on a diet of beetles, worms, caterpillars, slugs and almost anything they can catch. They can also take the eggs and chicks of ground-nesting birds although rarely in large numbers. The Hedgehog‘s hibernation usually begins about November and ends around Easter but it is much affected by the weather. They normally wake up several times over winter and often build a new nest. In the spring they commonly spend a few days active and then enter hibernation again during any cold snap. The winter nest or hibernaculum is made of leaves, tucked under a bush or log pile or garden shed or anywhere that offers support and protection. The Hedgehog can live up to 10 years but this is exceptional. Over half die within their first year and average life expectancy is 2 to 3 years in the wild. Hedgehogs may become locally scarce or even disappear but nationwide extinction is unlikely. Nevertheless, the Hedgehog appears to be in decline although the total population is unknown. The biggest threat to the Hedgehog is probably habitat loss with the change from pastoral farming to arable crops over the last 30 years. The use of chemicals in gardens and for intensive farming kills the creatures hedgehogs need for food and may also poison them directly. Many are also killed on the roads. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40399551.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2351047705dc6ad0bcf5fe.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 18th October 2019 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40399547.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20414553525dc6acfbefbb7.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 18th October 2019 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50570224.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_62550257165ccc378c5485.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 30th December 2023 Location: Connaught Water, Epping Forest, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26029204.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18171520315637572f3aa91.jpgBlack-tailed Godwit The Black-tailed Godwit is a large, long-legged, long-billed shorebird with an orange head, neck and chest in its breeding plumage and a uniform brown-grey breast and upperparts in winter. During the breeding season, the bill has a yellowish or orange-pink base and dark tip but the base is pink in winter. The legs are dark grey, brown or black. The sexes are similar but in breeding plumage they can be separated by the male's brighter, more extensive orange breast, neck and head. In flight, the bold black and white wingbar and white rump can be seen readily. When on the ground the Black-tailed Godwit can be difficult to separate from the similar Bar-tailed Godwit but the Black-tailed Godwit's longer, straighter bill and longer legs are diagnostic. The Black-tailed Godwit’s breeding range stretches from Iceland through northern Europe and areas of central Asia where it can be found in fens, lake edges, damp meadows, moorlands and bogs. It winters in areas as diverse as the Indian Subcontinent, Australia, western Europe and west Africa where it can be found on estuaries and floods. It is also more likely to be found inland and on freshwater than the Bar-tailed Godwit. Date: 2nd June 2015 Location: Svarfaðardalur, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21959358.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_37033660253da7e89ceeb2.jpgGolden Plover The European Golden Plover, also known as the Eurasian Golden Plover or just the Golden Plover within Europe, is a largish plover. It is similar to 2 other Golden Plovers: the American Golden Plover and the Pacific Golden Plover which are both smaller, slimmer and relatively longer-legged than the European Golden Plover and have grey rather than white axillary feathers. The Golden Plover is a medium sized plover with a distinctive gold and black summer plumage. In winter the black is replaced by buff and white. It typically stands upright and runs in short bursts. The Golden Plover breeds on the ground in a dry open area on moorland, mountains and fells, tundra and marshland in northern Europe and western Asia as far west as Iceland and as far east as central Siberia. It is migratory and winters in western and southern Europe and in north Africa where it tends to gather in large flocks in open areas and on agricultural plains, ploughed land and short meadows. In the UK, the Golden Plover can be found from May to September on the upland moorlands in the southern uplands of Scotland, the Scottish Highlands, the Western and Northern Isles, the Peak District, north Yorkshire, Wales and Devon. Winter flocks start to appear at lower levels and around the coasts after the breeding season with the largest numbers seen between November and February when Golden Plovers often form large flocks with Lapwings. Date: 13th June 2014 Location: Grinton Moor, Yorkshire Dales National Park, North Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33568413.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2417298135a106b1e66986.jpgGolden Plovers The European Golden Plover, also known as the Eurasian Golden Plover or just the Golden Plover within Europe, is a largish plover. It is similar to 2 other Golden Plovers: the American Golden Plover and the Pacific Golden Plover which are both smaller, slimmer and relatively longer-legged than the European Golden Plover and have grey rather than white axillary feathers. The Golden Plover is a medium sized plover with a distinctive gold and black summer plumage. In winter the black is replaced by buff and white. It typically stands upright and runs in short bursts. The Golden Plover breeds on the ground in a dry open area on moorland, mountains and fells, tundra and marshland in northern Europe and western Asia as far west as Iceland and as far east as central Siberia. It is migratory and winters in western and southern Europe and in north Africa where it tends to gather in large flocks in open areas and on agricultural plains, ploughed land and short meadows. In the UK, the Golden Plover can be found from May to September on the upland moorlands in the southern uplands of Scotland, the Scottish Highlands, the Western and Northern Isles, the Peak District, north Yorkshire, Wales and Devon. Winter flocks start to appear at lower levels and around the coasts after the breeding season with the largest numbers seen between November and February when Golden Plovers often form large flocks with Lapwings. Date: 4th November 2017 Location: Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37190332.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12743847225c2a213b8d556.jpgSanna Bay, Ardnamurchan, Highland The small settlement of Sanna lies 6 miles north west of Kilchoan, close to the tip of the Ardnamurchan Peninsula. Sanna Bay lies between Sanna Point to the north and Ardnamurchan Point to the south and is dominated by impressive sand dunes, beautiful white shell sand bays and a stunning turquoise sea. It is one of the most beautiful beaches in Scotland. From Sanna Point there are superb views, extending from the islands of Eigg and Rhum to the north with Skye beyond, round to Ardnamurchan Point and its lighthouse to the south west and the island of Coll beyond that. The Western Isles can be seen to the north west but due west there is nothing but sea until the continent of North America is reached. Date: 27th June 2018 Location: view from Sanna Bay http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081462.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_46418915663a84c93449b0.jpgCommon Pochard The Common Pochard is a medium-sized and stocky diving duck. The adult male has a long dark bill with a grey band, a red head and neck, a black breast, red eyes and a grey back. The adult female has a brown head and body and a narrower grey bill band. The triangular head shape is distinctive. The Common Pochard is superficially similar to the closely related Redhead and Canvasback found in north America. The Common Pochard breeds in marshes and on lakes in much of temperate and north Europe and in to Asia. It is migratory and spends the winter in the south and west of Europe. In the UK, the Common Pochard breeds in east England and lowland Scotland plus in small numbers in Northern Ireland. Large numbers from Russia and Scandinavia winter in the UK on lakes, reservoirs and gravel pits, often mixing with other diving ducks such as the Tufted Duck. In a number of countries, the Common Pochard is decreasing mainly due to habitat loss and hunting. It is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. The Common Pochard feeds mainly by diving or dabbling for aquatic plants, molluscs, aquatic insects and small fish. Date: 9th January 2022 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41225578.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18136717095eda012b2e054.jpgNursery Web Spider The Nursery Web Spider is a relatively large, slender-bodied spider. It is pale grey-brown with a pattern of dark brown and black stripes running the length of its body. It is common and widespread and can be found between March and July in grassland and heathland. The adult Nursery Web Spider is an active hunter and does not spin a web to catch food. Instead, it roams and uses a quick sprint to capture flies and other insects. The female carries her large, round egg sac in her fangs. When the young are about to hatch, she builds a silk sheet among the vegetation to act as a tent which shelters the young until they are old enough to fend for themselves (hence the name of the species). Date: 25th May 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308870.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_93470189663ee37fdc8684.jpgCommon Snipe The Common Snipe is a small, stocky wader native to the Old World. It is the most widespread of several similar snipe species. It most closely resembles the Wilson's Snipe of north America which was previously considered to be a sub-species of the Common Snipe. It is also very similar to the Pin-tailed Snipe and Swinhoe's Snipe of east Asia. A sub-species of Common Snipe can be found in Iceland, the Faroe Islands, Shetland and Orkney. This sub-species winters in the UK and Ireland. The Common Snipe is 9.8 to 10.6 inches in length with a 17 to 19 inches wingspan. The body is mottled brown with straw-yellow stripes on top and pale underneath. It has a dark stripe through the eye with light stripes above and below it. The wings are pointed. It has short greenish-grey legs and a very long (2.2 to 2.8 inches) straight dark bill. The Common Snipe can be found in the marshes, bogs, tundra and wet meadows throughout north Europe and north Asia. It is migratory with European birds wintering in south and west Europe and Africa (south to the Equator) and Asian birds wintering in tropical south Asia. The male Common Snipe performs a "winnowing" display during courtship, flying high in circles and then taking shallow dives to produce a "drumming" sound by vibrating its tail feathers. The nest is located in a well hidden location on the ground. The female lays 4 eggs which are incubated for 18 to 21 days. The young are covered in dark maroon down, variegated with black, white and buff and are cared for by both parents with fledging occurring in 10 to 20 days. The Common Snipe is a well camouflaged bird and it is usually shy and conceals itself close to ground vegetation and flushes only when approached closely. When flushed, it utters a sharp call and flies off in a series of aerial zig-zags to confuse predators. The Common Snipe forages in soft mud, probing or picking up food by sight. It mainly eats insects and earthworms but also some plant material. Overall, the Common Snipe is not a threatened species although populations on the southern fringes of the breeding range in Europe are declining with local extinction in some areas (including in the UK) mainly due to field drainage and agricultural intensification. The Common Snipe is a species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 21st January 2022 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23225877.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1770121315548d53cfce301.jpgCattle Egrets The Cattle Egret is a stocky white bird adorned with buff plumes in the breeding season. The easiest way to separate them from Little Egrets is by their short, yellow rather than long, black bills but Cattle Egrets are also smaller, stockier and more squat in shape with shorter, thicker necks and less elegant heads. The Cattle Egret is a cosmopolitan species of heron found in the tropics, subtropics and warm temperate zones. Originally native to parts of Asia, Africa and Europe, it has undergone a rapid expansion in its distribution and successfully colonised much of the rest of the world. Cattle Egrets breed and roost in trees usually close to fresh water and feed in shallow wetlands, especially rice-paddies, but also dry grasslands. They can often be seen feeding around cattle waiting to pick off disturbed insects, including riding on the backs of animals. Cattle Egrets are visiting the UK in increasing numbers and are most likely to be seen in the south of England and Wales. In winter 2007/08, a large influx of Cattle Egrets occurred in the UK, with the largest numbers in south-west England although birds did get as far north as Scotland. This influx led to the first ever pair breeding successfully in Somerset. Date: 8th December 2014 Location: Denge Marsh, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/december-great-northern-diver https://images.on-this.website/4752_54899720065ce2e9f224d0.jpgDecember - Great Northern Diver Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405546.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26031262.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_111104342956376bcfac105.jpgSlavonian Grebe The Slavonian Grebe is a member of the grebe family of water birds. It is also known as the Horned Grebe in north America. Unmistakable in summer, the plumage of both the male and female Slavonian Grebe shows a black head with golden puffy earlike tufts along the sides of its face. It shows a deep rusty red neck, scarlet eyes and a small, straight black bill tipped with white. During the winter, the Slavonian Grebe is mainly white with a sharply defined black cap. The Slavonian Grebe breeds in vegetated areas of freshwater lakes across Europe and Asia. It also breeds in remote inland parts of the United States and much of Canada. Like all grebes, it builds a nest on the water's edge, since its legs are set very far back and it can not walk well. Most birds migrate in winter to the coast. Date: 2nd June 2015 Location: Lake Mývatn, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo16538255.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_60780406250827f15c0422.jpgGolden Plover The European Golden Plover, also known as the Eurasian Golden Plover or just the Golden Plover within Europe, is a largish plover. It is similar to 2 other Golden Plovers: the American Golden Plover and the Pacific Golden Plover which are both smaller, slimmer and relatively longer-legged than the European Golden Plover and have grey rather than white axillary feathers. The Golden Plover is a medium sized plover with a distinctive gold and black summer plumage. In winter the black is replaced by buff and white. It typically stands upright and runs in short bursts. The Golden Plover breeds on the ground in a dry open area on moorland, mountains and fells, tundra and marshland in northern Europe and western Asia as far west as Iceland and as far east as central Siberia. It is migratory and winters in western and southern Europe and in north Africa where it tends to gather in large flocks in open areas and on agricultural plains, ploughed land and short meadows. In the UK, the Golden Plover can be found from May to September on the upland moorlands in the southern uplands of Scotland, the Scottish Highlands, the Western and Northern Isles, the Peak District, north Yorkshire, Wales and Devon. Winter flocks start to appear at lower levels and around the coasts after the breeding season with the largest numbers seen between November and February when Golden Plovers often form large flocks with Lapwings. Date: 1st October 2012 Location: Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41349640.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17010001955f20090ebb7cd.jpgRuddy Darter Flight period: mid June to mid September. The Ruddy Darter takes its name from its colour and its swift flight behaviour. The male has a deep russet colour over the entire body and the abdomen has a pinched section close to where it joins the thorax. Females are slightly smaller, golden yellow in colour and being less obviously marked are more difficult to identify than the males. There is more than one red coloured darter species in the UK and they can be easily confused with each other. The commonest red species, the Common Darter, can be distinguished as having red veins at the base of the wings and a less ruddy colouration across the body. However, the Ruddy Darter has entirely black legs, distinguishing it from all other red darters which have longitudinal yellow stripes on their legs. The UK range of the Ruddy Darter has undergone something of an expansion in recent years. Although still relatively uncommon in the west and north of Britain, it is increasing in numbers in the Midlands and eastern England. The population is augmented by continental migrants. It is also found over most of Europe except for northern Scandinavia, as far east as western Siberia and south to north Africa. The Ruddy Darter prefers water bodies with tall emergent vegetation, such as reeds and club rush, and it is known to breed in ponds, lakes, canals, ditches and sluggish rivers. They can also be found near coasts and can breed in fairly brackish water. Date: 25th June 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/bealach-na-ba-highland https://images.on-this.website/4752_75508385353d118d9c8724.jpgBealach na Bà, Highland The Bealach na Bà (Gaelic: Bealach nam Bò .... Pass of the Cattle) is a historic drover’s pass through the mountains of the Applecross peninsula on the north west coast of Scotland and the name of a famous twisting, single-track mountain road through the pass and mountains. The road is one of few in the Scottish Highlands that is engineered similarly to roads through the great mountain passes in the Alps, with very tight hairpin bends that switch back and forth up the hillside and gradients that approach 20%. The Bealach na Bà rises to 2053 feet in height from sea level in only 5 miles and is the most spectacular mountain pass in Scotland. From the summit of the Bealach na Bà there are breathtaking views overlooking Skye and Raasay and as far as the Cairngorms in the east, Ben Nevis in the south and the Outer Hebrides in the west. The view to the north is dominated by Beinn Bahn at 2938 feet. The small village of Applecross is now connected via an alternative but longer winding coastal road which skirts the shore of the Inner Sound and Loch Torridon and travels around the edge of the peninsula to Shieldaig and Torridon. Date: 20th June 2014 Location: view from close to the summit of the Bealach na Bà looking east towards Loch Kishorn http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41505238.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5569796455f37b335f15f6.jpgVarangerfjord, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway The Varanger peninsula is situated in Troms og Finnmark in the extreme north east of Norway. With an area of 800 square miles, it is the largest area within the Arctic climate zone in mainland Norway and is bordered by Tanafjord to the west, Varangerfjord to the south and the Barents Sea to the north and east. The area has a rugged mountain terrain with altitudes up to 2077 feet and it has an Arctic tundra climate. The coast of the Varanger peninsula is an important area for breeding, migrating and wintering birds, especially some notable Arctic species. The Norwegian Directorate for Nature Management has a project on the Varanger peninsula to reintroduce and protect the Arctic Fox which is critically endangered on the Norwegian mainland. The Varangerhalvøya National Park (Norwegian: [I]Varangerhalvøya Nasjonalpark[/I]) lies to the west of road Fv341 and protects a majority of the land on the Varanger peninsula. Varangerfjord is the easternmost fjord in Norway and is located between the Varanger peninsula and the mainland of Norway. Varangerfjord flows through the municipalities of Vardø, Vadsø, Nesseby and Sør-Varanger. The fjord is approximately 62 miles long and empties in to the Barents Sea. The mouth is about 43 miles wide and is located between the town of Vardø in the north west and the village of Grense Jakobselv in the south east. The fjord stretches westwards inland past the town of Vadsø to the village of Varangerbotn in Nesseby municipality. Date: 3rd July 2019 Location: view between Komagvær and Skallelv, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/river-skjlfandafljt-goafoss-north-iceland https://images.on-this.website/4752_105843592656350352a47b5.jpgRiver Skjálfandafljót, Goðafoss, north east Iceland The Skjálfandafljót river is situated in north east Iceland. It has its source at the north western border of the Vatnajökull glacier in the interior highlands of Iceland. From there it streams parallel to the Sprengisandur highland road in a northern direction, flowing finally into Skjálfandi bay south west of Húsavík. By following the river from its source at the Vatnajökull glacier all the way to the river mouth at Skjalfandi Bay it is possible to see many waterfalls. Skjálfandafljót possesses some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country, including Goðafoss which is considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Europe. Other well-known waterfalls in Skjalfandafljot include Hrafnabjargafoss, Aldeyjarfoss, Barnafoss and Ullarfoss. Date: 4th June 2015 Location: view from the east bank at Goðafoss http://www.richardchewphotography.com/varangerfjord-sr-varanger-finnmark-norway https://images.on-this.website/4752_8220655744bf6d78fe93c1.jpgVarangerfjord, Finnmark, Norway Varangerfjord is the easternmost fjord in Norway and is located in Finnmark county between the Varanger peninsula and the mainland of Norway. Varangerfjord flows through the municipalities of Vardø, Vadsø, Nesseby and Sør-Varanger. The fjord is approximately 62 miles long and empties in to the Barents Sea. The mouth is about 43 miles wide and is located between the town of Vardø in the north west and the village of Grense Jakobselv in the south east. The fjord stretches westwards inland past the town of Vadsø to the village of Varangerbotn in Nesseby municipality. Date: 11th April 2010 Location: view from route E6 between Varangerbotn and Bugøynes, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21661456.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18662607353b683be0aba7.jpgRuddy Darter Flight period: mid June to mid September. The Ruddy Darter takes its name from its colour and its swift flight behaviour. The male has a deep russet colour over the entire body and the abdomen has a pinched section close to where it joins the thorax. Females are slightly smaller, golden yellow in colour and being less obviously marked are more difficult to identify than the males. There is more than one red coloured darter species in the UK and they can be easily confused with each other. The commonest red species, the Common Darter, can be distinguished as having red veins at the base of the wings and a less ruddy colouration across the body. However, the Ruddy Darter has entirely black legs, distinguishing it from all other red darters which have longitudinal yellow stripes on their legs. The UK range of the Ruddy Darter has undergone something of an expansion in recent years. Although still relatively uncommon in the west and north of Britain, it is increasing in numbers in the Midlands and eastern England. The population is augmented by continental migrants. It is also found over most of Europe except for northern Scandinavia, as far east as western Siberia and south to north Africa. The Ruddy Darter prefers water bodies with tall emergent vegetation, such as reeds and club rush, and it is known to breed in ponds, lakes, canals, ditches and sluggish rivers. They can also be found near coasts and can breed in fairly brackish water. Date: 1st July 2014 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533185.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_61245510162ca7c780b6e1.jpgBanded Demoiselle Flight period: May to August. The Banded Demoiselle is a large metallic damselfly with fluttering, butterfly-like wings. Males have a metallic blue body with broad dark blue-black spots across the outer parts of the wings. Females have a metallic green body with translucent pale green wings. The Banded Demoiselle’s name is derived from the distinctive “fingerprint” mark on the wings of the males. Of the UK's damselflies, only the Banded Demoiselle and the similar Beautiful Demoiselle have coloured wings. The latter differs by displaying almost entirely dark, metallic wings. The Banded Demoiselle is mainly found amongst lush, damp vegetation along the edges of slow-flowing lowland streams rivers and canals and around still ponds and lakes. Males are very territorial and perform fluttering display flights to win over females. The Banded Demoiselle is common in Wales and most of England apart from in the north. However, its range is expanding. The species was first recorded from Scotland in 2002 and it has now spread along the east coast and west coast in southern Scotland. Date: 13th June 2022 Location: Cowles Drove near RSPB Lakenheath Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072392.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4543114864bf6e1f82baa7.jpgKittiwakes The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill <i>"kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake"</i>. The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 14th April 2010 Location: Kongsfjord, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457065.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16533086226685700728336.jpgKestrel The Common Kestrel is a small falcon, smaller than most other birds of prey but larger than most songbirds. Females are noticeably larger than males. Their plumage is mainly light chestnut brown with blackish spots on the upperside and buff with narrow blackish streaks on the underside. Males have less black spots and streaks as well as a blue-grey cap and tail. The tail is brown with black bars in females and has a black tip with a narrow white rim in both sexes. Both sexes also have a prominent black malar stripe. The Common Kestrel occurs over a large range and it is widespread in Europe, Asia and Africa. In the cool temperate parts of its range, it migrates south in winter but otherwise it is sedentary although juveniles may wander around in search for a good place to settle down as they become mature. The Common Kestrel is a diurnal bird and can be found in most lowland habitats although it prefers open habitat such as fields, heaths, moorlands, shrubland and marshland. It does not require woodland to be present as long as there are alternate perching and nesting sites like rocks or buildings. It will thrive in treeless steppe where there are abundant shrubs to support a population of prey animals. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/kuressaare-estonia https://images.on-this.website/4752_102956433057cc384d8f008.jpgKuressaare, Saaremaa island, Estonia Saaremaa is the 4th largest island in the Baltic Sea and largest island in Estonia, measuring over 1000 square miles. It is located in the Baltic Sea, south of the island of Hiiumaa. Kuressaare is a town and a municipality on Saaremaa island and it is the capital of Saare County and the westernmost town in Estonia. The population, according to the 2011 census, was 13,166. The earliest record of Kuressaare is a document written in 1381 that mentions that the town housed the fortified residency of a local Catholic bishop and that it was the main centre for the islands of west Estonia. The town, which grew around the fortress, was simultaneously known as Arensburg and Kuressaarelinn, the latter name being a combination of Kuressaare, an ancient name of Saaremaa island, and linn which means town. Eventually, the town's name was shortened to Kuressaare and it became official in 1918 after Estonia had declared its independence from Russia. Under the rule of the former Soviet Union the town was renamed Kingissepa in 1952 but the name name Kuressaare was restored in 1990. The medieval episcopal Kuressaare Castle today houses the Saaremaa Regional Museum. The castle was originally built in wood between 1338 and 1380, although other sources claim a fortress was first built in Kuressaare as early as 1260. Date: 12th May 2016 Location: Kuressaare Castle, Kuressaare, Saaremaa island, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30024899.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_468615945587a08ee1aebd.jpgRing-necked Parakeets The Ring-necked Parakeet is the UK's only naturalised parrot. It is large, long-tailed and green with a red beak and a pink and black ring around its face and neck. In flight it has pointed wings, a long tail and a steady, direct flight. Ring-necked Parakeets can be seen all year round at a number of locations in south east England, particularly Surrey, Kent and Sussex. They can often be found in flocks sometimes numbering hundreds of birds at roost sites. Parks, orchards and gardens with mature trees to provide nest holes are favoured habitats. In its native India it is found in jungle and around farms and gardens. Date: 5th January 2017 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/neiden-river-troms-og-finnmark https://images.on-this.website/4752_17447877685f10adf1360b4.jpgRiver Neiden, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Neiden is a village located in the Sápmi area, the cultural region traditionally inhabited by the Sámi people, along the Norway and Finland border. Situated along the River Neiden, it actually consists of 2 villages separated by the border. One side is in Sør-Varanger municipality in Troms og Finnmark in Norway and the other side is in the Inari municipality in Lappi, Finland. Neiden is the official name in Norway and Näätämö is the official name in Finland. The European route E6 highway runs through the Norwegian village of Neiden. In the Finnish view, Neiden/Näätämö extends into Finland and there is a small village in Finland near the border called Näätämö around 7 miles from Neiden village centre. Date: 28th June 2019 Location: River Neiden, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11654794.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18037043204e3133e54e0ab.jpgKittiwakes The Kittiwake is a gentle looking, medium sized gull with a small yellow bill and a dark eye. It has a grey back and is white underneath. Its legs are short and black. In flight the black wing-tips show no white, unlike other gulls, and look as if they have been “dipped in ink”. The population is declining in some areas, perhaps due to a shortage of sand eels. Kittiwakes are strictly coastal gulls. In the breeding season, they can be found on rocky, steep sea-cliffs at the major seabird colonies around the UK from February until August. From August to October they can be seen flying past offshore and they spend the winter months out at sea. Date: 08/05/06 Location: Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21829344.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_194830885653cb9eb8657ec.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 11th June 2014 Location: Bempton Cliifs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30024928.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_855279628587a0a82a4420.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 5th January 2017 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17408526.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1710099721513327b49cd79.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 12th January 2013 Location: Martin Mere WWT reserve, Lancashire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082724.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3700588315d307db3d3a60.jpgGriffon Vulture The Griffon Vulture is a typical Old World vulture in appearance with a white bald head, very broad wings and short tail feathers. It has a white neck ruff and yellow bill. The buff body and wing coverts contrast with the dark flight feathers. They are very large birds around 37 to 43 inches long with a 91 to 106 inches wingspan. Like other vultures, the Griffon Vulture is a scavenger, feeding mostly from carcasses of dead animals which it finds by soaring over open areas, often moving in flocks. The population is mostly resident in its breeding range in the mountains of southern Europe, north Africa, and Asia. In Spain, there are tens of thousands of birds from a low of a few thousand around 1980 although the Pyrenees population has apparently been affected by an EU ruling that due to danger of BSE transmission, no carcasses must be left on the fields for the time being. Although the Griffon Vulture does not normally attack larger living prey, there are reports of Spanish Griffon Vultures killing weak, young or unhealthy living animals as they do not find enough carrion to eat. Date: 24th May 2018 Location: Kovan Kaya near Madzharovo, eastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/westfjords-iceland https://images.on-this.website/4752_57993689563494917efb5.jpgWestfjords, Iceland The Westfjords is the name of a large peninsula in north west Iceland and it is situated on the Denmark Strait facing the east coast of Greenland to the north west. It is connected to the rest of Iceland by a 5 mile wide isthmus between Gilsfjörður and Bitrufjörður. The Westfjords are one of the most breathtakingly beautiful and least visited corners of Iceland with only a small number of foreign tourist visitors. This peninsula of almost 5500 square miles stretching out into the icy waters of the Denmark Strait is characterised by dramatic fjords which have resulted from intense glacial activity. Everything here is extreme from the table mountains that dominate the landscape and which plunge precipitously into the sea to the ferocious storms that have gnawed the coastline into countless craggy inlets. After crossing the Steingrímsfjarðarheiði mountain pass west of Hólmavík, road 61 becomes a convoluted and circuitous route which winds it’s way in and around no fewer than 7 deeply indented fjords in the northern part of the Westfjords before reaching the regional capital of Ísafjörður. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: view from road 61 between the western end of the Steingrímsfjarðarheiði mountain pass and Ísafjörður http://www.richardchewphotography.com/greater-flamingo https://images.on-this.website/4752_200718323352528ae041f19.jpgGreater Flamingo The Greater Flamingo is a largely pinkish-white bird but the wing coverts are red and the primary and secondary flight feathers are black. The bill is pink with a black tip and the legs are entirely pink. The Greater Flamingo is the most widespread species of the flamingo family and can be found in parts of Africa, southern Asia and southern Europe (including Spain, Sardinia, Albania, Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Portugal and the Camargue region of France). Some populations are short distance migrants, and records north of the breeding range are relatively frequent. However, given the species' popularity in captivity, whether these are truly wild individuals is a matter of some debate. Date: 7th September 2013 Location: Laguna Dulce, Campillos, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo47900593.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_431745651637364b598cd6.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 4th November 2022 Location: Bushy Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15454050.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6507643694ff54943b10b4.jpgSpoonbill The Spoonbill is an unmistakable wading bird. Breeding adults are all white except for dark legs, a black spoon-shaped bill with a yellow tip, a yellow breast patch and a crest. Non-breeders lack the crest and breast patch and immature birds have a pale bill and black tips to the primary flight feathers. Unlike herons, Spoonbills fly with their necks outstretched. Feeding birds swing their heads, sweeping their bills from side to side through the water. The Spoonbill breeds from the UK and Spain in the west through to Japan and also in North Africa. In Europe, only the Netherlands, Spain, Austria, Hungary and Greece have sizeable populations. Birds from north west and south west Europe winter mainly in west Africa whilst those from southeast Europe winter in the Mediterranean and north Africa. Eastern European and Turkish birds appear to move to north east Africa, the Middle East and India. The Spoonbill became extinct in the UK but sporadic breeding attempts in the early 21st century finally culminated with the formation of a colony at Holkham in Norfolk in 2010. The Spoonbill can be found in extensive shallow, wetlands with muddy, clay or fine sandy beds. They may inhabit any type of marsh, river, lake, flooded area and mangrove swamp, whether fresh, brackish or saline but especially those with islands for nesting or dense emergent vegetation such as reedbeds and scattered trees or shrubs. The Spoonbill may also frequent sheltered marine habitats during the winter such as deltas, estuaries, tidal creeks and coastal lagoons. Threats to the Eurasian Spoonbill include habitat destruction through drainage of wetlands and habitat degradation by pollution. Date: 2nd May 2012 Location: Trebujena marismas near Jerez de la Frontera, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo47645714.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20160900956347d9c30f82b.jpgJay The Jay is a colourful member of the crow family that is about the same size as a Jackdaw. The Jay is mostly a pinkish brown colour with the underparts being slightly paler. The head has a black and white flecked crown, black moustache and white throat. The white rump contrasts starkly with the black tail. The iris of the eye is a pale blue, the bill is black and the legs are pink-brown. The wings are mostly black with white patches but also have striking blue patches, but close to these wing patches are actually bands of graduated shades of blue. Although it is the most strikingly colourful member of the crow family, the Jay can be quite difficult to see since it is a shy woodland bird and rarely moves far from cover. It can often be seen flying across a woodland clearing or glade giving its raucous screeching call. The Jay can be found across most of the UK, except northern Scotland, and occurs in both deciduous and coniferous woodland, parks and mature gardens. It particularly likes oak trees in the autumn when there are plenty of acorns which it seeks out and buries for retrieving later. The majority of the UK population is sedentary but European birds are irruptive when there is a poor acorn harvest and may arrive in large numbers along the east coast of the UK in the autumn. Date: 3rd October 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080543.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_60585556163a4489a22844.jpgWaxwings The Waxwing is a plump bird which is slightly smaller than a Starling. It is buff or pinkish-brown in colour with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings, a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest. The bird’s name is derived from the red tips to some of the wing feathers which are said to look like they have been dipped in sealing wax. Waxwings breed in the dense forests of northern Europe but they occur in varying numbers in the UK from October to March. In some years they can occur in large numbers (known as irruptions) when the population in the breeding areas gets too big for the food available. The first UK arrivals each winter are usually seen on the east coast from Scotland to East Anglia but birds then move inland in search of food. They can be found in parks and gardens and even busy public places such as supermarket car parks, typically where there are berry-bearing trees and bushes such as rowan, hawthorn, cotoneaster and rose. Waxwings seem fearless of humans so it is relatively easy to get very close views of these stunning birds. Waxwings make an easily recognisable high-pitched trilling sound like a bell. Date: 2nd December 2022 Location: Sheringham, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11349482.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7525801414e1eef34bf119.jpgLittle Auk The Little Auk is a very small seabird about the size of a Starling. It is black above and white below and in flight it shows dark underwings. It has a black stubby bill and a short neck and tail. It flies with very fast whirring wingbeats low over the sea. Little Auks breed on Arctic islands on boulder scree and sea cliffs and winter in the north Atlantic. Storms in late autumn can drive large numbers of Little Auks into the North Sea and they may be seen from seawatching points along the coast of eastern Scotland and England in late October and early November. Occasionally a few birds will be blown inland and can be seen on gravel pits and reservoirs. Wintering birds can be seen off the northern coast of the UK. Date: 12/11/06 Location: Snettisham, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39083691.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5661503455d3081d3b2114.jpgEastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria The Rhodopes Mountains are a mountain range in south east Europe. They are spread over 5689 square miles of which 4723 square miles are located in south Bulgaria and the remainder in north Greece. The Rhodopes Mountains are about 149 miles long and about 62 to 75 miles wide with an average altitude of 2575 feet. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 7188 feet and is situated 12 miles to the west of Smolyan. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rhodopes Mountains gives its name to the terrestrial eco-region Rodope montane mixed forests that belong in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The area is particularly notable for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans plus its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms such as the Trigrad Gorge. The Rhodopes Mountains can be sub-divided in to 3 sections: The Western Rhodopes are spread over 66% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and they are higher, the most infrastructurally developed and the most visited part of the mountains. The highest and best known peaks are located in this section with more than 10 over 6562 feet high including the highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7188 feet). Some of the deepest river gorges in the Rhodopes Mountains are located in the west as well as several large lakes. The Eastern Rhodopes are spread over a territory of about 34% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and are much lower in height. The large artificial dams of Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets are located in this part of the mountains. Almost every species of European bird of prey nests in the Eastern Rhodopes including the rare Black Vulture and Egyptian Vulture. The Southern Rhodopes are the part of the mountain range that is located in Greece and they are characterized by numerous peaks of relatively low altitude. The Kardzhali reservoir is a reservoir formed by the Kardzhali dam located less than 0.5 miles to the west of the town of Kardzhali in the eastern Rhodopes Mountains. The dam was constructed between 1957 and 1963 and was commissioned in to service in the year of its completion. The reservoir is the second largest reservoir by volume in Bulgaria covering an area of almost 10 square miles when filled to its maximum capacity and is situated at 1065 feet above sea level. A hydro-electric power plant operates at the foot of the dam. Date: 28th May 2018 Location: Kardzhali reservoir, Eastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11948024.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1654558184e41092a7df57.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 10th June 2006 Location: Glen Garry, Inverness-shire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512800.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_171313561562c99fd5398a0.jpgShelduck The Shelduck resembles a small short-necked goose in size and shape. It is larger than a Mallard but smaller than geese such as Greylag and Canada Geese. The Shelduck is a striking bird with a reddish-pink bill, pink feet, a white body with chestnut patches and a black belly and a dark green head and neck. The wing coverts are white, the primaries are black and the secondaries are green and chestnut. The underwings are almost entirely white. Sexes are similar but the female is smaller with some white facial markings whilst the male is particularly crisply coloured in the breeding season with a bright red bill bearing a prominent knob at the forehead. Ducklings are white with a black cap, hindneck and wing and back patches. Juveniles are greyish above and mostly white below but already have the adult's wing pattern. The Shelduck breeds in temperate Eurasia where it nests in rabbit burrows and tree holes. Most populations migrate to sub-tropical areas in winter but it is largely resident in west Europe apart from movements to favoured moulting grounds such as the Wadden Sea on the north German coast. The Shelduck is common around the coastline of the UK and Ireland where it can be found on salt marshes, tidal mudflats and estuaries although it can also be found around inland waters such as reservoirs and gravel workings. It can be seen all year round but the population increases significantly during winter with the arrival of birds from continental Europe. Date: 10th May 2022 Location: WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre, Carmarthenshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874757.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1718665984561ccb63e53b8.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 10th June 2015 Location: Tjörnin, Reykjavík, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9579922.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8144411824db01348e143b.jpgLapwing The Northern Lapwing, also known as the peewit, pewit, tuit or tew-it (imitative of its cry), Green Plover (emphasising the colour of the plumage) or (in the UK) just Lapwing (which refers to its peculiar, erratic way of flying), is a bird in the lapwing family. The Lapwing has rounded wings and a crest. It is also the shortest-legged of the lapwing species. It is mainly black and white but the back is tinted green. The male has a long crest and a black crown, throat and breast contrasting with an otherwise white face. Females and young birds have shorter crests and have less strongly marked heads but plumages are otherwise quite similar. The Lapwing is a vocal bird in the breeding season with constant calling as the crazed tumbling display flight is performed by the male. The typical contact call is a loud, shrill "pee-wit" from which they get their other name of peewit. The Lapwing is common through temperate Eurasia and breeds on cultivated land and other short vegetation habitats. The ground scrape nest and young are defended noisily and aggressively against all intruders. It is highly migratory over most of its extensive range, wintering further south as far as north Africa, north India, Pakistan and parts of China. It migrates mainly by day, often in large flocks. Lowland breeders in the westernmost areas of Europe are resident. In winter, it forms huge flocks on open land, particularly arable land and mud-flats. In the UK, the Lapwing has suffered a significant decline in the last 25 years and is an Amber List species because of the importance of its UK wintering population. It breeds on farmland throughout the UK, particularly in lowland areas of north England, the Borders and east Scotland, and prefers fields of spring sown cereals and root crops, permanent unimproved pasture, meadows and fallow fields but also wet grassland and marshes. During the winter, the Lapwing can be seen on flooded grassland, estuaries, coastal wetlands, short grassy fields and ploughed fields. In addition to the UK population, large numbers of north European birds arrive in the autumn for the winter. The Lapwing feeds primarily on insects and other small invertebrates. It often feeds in mixed flocks with Golden Plovers and Black-headed Gulls, the latter often robbing the plovers, but providing a degree of protection against predators. Date: 7th December 2008 Location: Elmley, Isle of Sheppey, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847561.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_86441397859bd52d75922e.jpgWhite Storks The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 1st June 2017 Location: near Zemplinska reservoir, Košice region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42626773.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_28105491160a927d0f3de8.jpgGreat Crested Grebe The Great Crested Grebe is the largest member of the grebe family measuring 18 to 20 inches in length with a wing span of 23 to 29 inches. It is a graceful bird with its long neck, long bill and slender outline. In summer, the adults of both sexes are unmistakable being adorned with beautiful head-plumes which are reddish-orange in colour with black tips. There is also an erectile black crown. Non-breeding adults lack the full crest and have a dark crown bordered by a white face, the white extending down the fore-neck and chest. The sexes are similar in appearance but juveniles can be distinguished from adults by having a striped black and white head and neck. The Great Crested Grebe can be found across Europe and Asia and it breeds on shallow, reed-fringed freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs and slow rivers. It is resident in the milder west of its range but it migrates from the colder regions of its range to freshwater lakes, reservoirs and sheltered coastal areas in winter. The Great Crested Grebe has an elaborate mating display. Like all grebes, it nests on the water's edge since its legs are set relatively far back and it is thus unable to walk very well. Usually 2 eggs are laid and the fluffy, striped young grebes are often carried on the adult's back. In a clutch of 2 or more hatchlings, male and female grebes will each identify their “favourites” which they alone will care for and teach. Unusually, young Great Crested Grebes are capable of swimming and diving almost at hatching. The adults teach these skills to their young by carrying them on their backs and diving, leaving the chicks to float on the surface. They then re-emerge a few feet away so that the chicks may swim back on to them. The Great Crested Grebe feeds mainly on fish but it will also eat small crustaceans, insects and small frogs and newts. The Great Crested Grebe was hunted almost to extinction in the UK in the 19th century due to being hunted for its head plumes which were used to decorate hats and ladies' undergarments. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was set up to help protect the Great Crested Grebe which is now again a common sight. Date: 15th April 2021 Location: Lake Meadows, Billericay, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26041706.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5007608935638afdb2491c.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill <i>"kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake"</i>. The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Látrabjarg, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072233.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19531151384bf6d4f66ba67.jpgPine Grosbeak The Pine Grosbeak is a large member of the finch family. Adults have a long forked black tail, black wings with white wing bars and a large bill. Adult males have a rose-red head, back and rump. Adult females are olive-yellow on the head and rump and grey on the back and underparts. Young birds have a less contrasting plumage overall, appearing shaggy when they moult their colored head plumage. The Pine Grosbeak is a permanent resident through most of its range and can be found in coniferous woods in subarctic Fennoscandia and Siberia and across Alaska, the western mountains of the United States and Canada. In the extreme north or when food sources are scarce, they may migrate further south. It is a very rare vagrant to temperate Europe. The Pine Grosbeak forages in trees and bushes. It mainly eats seeds, buds, berries and insects. Outside of the nesting season, it often feeds in flocks. Date: 10th April 2010 Location: Neljan Tuulen Tupa near Kaamanen, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41234285.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17958427855ee771a195d80.jpgWoodpigeon The Woodpigeon is the UK's largest and commonest pigeon and is largely grey with a white neck patch and white wing patches which are clearly visible in flight. Although shy in the countryside, it can be tame and approachable in towns and cities. Its cooing call is a familiar sound in woodlands as is the loud clatter of its wings when it flies away. Woodpigeons can be found across the UK. In the countryside they breed on farmland with hedges, trees and copses and in towns and cities they breed in parks and gardens. In winter, Woodpigeons form large flocks on farmland fields. Date: 9th June 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26031934.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7838538775637844fb6e9b.jpgHvalfjörður, west Iceland Hvalfjörður (Icelandic: Whale fjord) is situated in the west of Iceland 31 miles north of Reykjavík between Mosfellsbær and Akranesand. The fjord is approximately 19 miles long and 3 miles wide and gives an excellent opportunity to enjoy the unique beauty of Icelandic fjords. The name Hvalfjörður is derived from the large number of whales which could be found and caught there in the past. In addition the fjord also contained a large number of herring fisheries. During World War 2, a naval base for the UK and USA navies could be found in this fjord. One of the piers built by the USA navy is today used by the Hvalur whaling company for the processing of Fin Whales, partially for the domestic market and mostly for export to Japan. Until the late 1990s, travel by car involved a long detour of 38 miles around the fjord in order to get from the city of Reykjavík to the town of Borgarnes. In July 1998, the Hvalfjarðargöngin tunnel was opened to public traffic. The tunnel is approximately 3.5 miles in length and cuts travel by car around the fjord by about an hour. The tunnel runs to a depth of 550 feet below sea level. Date: 1st June 2015 Location: view from road 47 around Hvalfjörður http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo10926832.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12799445054e09754fba6a6.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 11th June 2011 Location: Balnakeil Bay, Sutherland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46027941.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6059198496291ef6c0e31e.jpgOystercatcher The Oystercatcher is a wader in the oystercatcher family. It is an obvious and noisy bird with black and white plumage, red legs and a strong broad red bill which is used for smashing or prising open molluscs such as mussels or for finding earthworms. Despite its name, oysters do not form a large part of its diet. The Oystercatcher is unmistakable in flight with white patches on the wings and tail with otherwise black upperparts and white underparts. Young birds are more brown, have a white neck collar and a duller bill. The call is a distinctive loud piping. The bill shape varies: Oystercatchers with broad bill tips open molluscs by prising them apart or hammering through the shell whereas birds with pointed bills dig up worms. Much of this is due to the wear resulting from feeding on their prey. Individual Oystercatchers specialise in one technique or the other which they learn from their parents. The Oystercatcher is the most widespread of the oystercatchers with 3 races breeding in western Europe, central Eurasia, Kamchatka, China, and the western coast of Korea. It is a migratory species over most of its range. The European population breeds mainly in northern Europe but in winter the birds can be found in north Africa and southern parts of Europe. Although the species is present all year in Ireland, the UK and the adjacent European coasts, there is still migratory movement within these populations. The Oystercatcher breeds on shingle and rocky beaches, sand dunes, salt marshes and on the grassy tops of small islands and also inland on shingle banks of rivers, lakes and gravel pits. Date: 21st May 2022 Location: EWT Two Tree Island, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405458.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10726321076586e0f71821b.jpgWater Vole The Water Vole is found throughout the UK although it is less common on higher ground. It is infrequently recorded from parts of northern Scotland and is absent in Ireland. Water Voles are legally protected in the UK and recent evidence suggests that they have undergone a long term decline. On current trends it is predicted that they may eventually disappear from 94% of their former sites. The shocking decline in both the range and numbers of the Water Vole is due to a number of factors. The large-scale loss and fragmentation of sensitive waterside habitats due to riverbank modification, drainage and flood defence works has been an important factor as has the pollution of waterways and poisoning by rodenticides. Perhaps the most serious threat facing the Water Vole is predation by the introduced American Mink. Water Voles are sometimes confused with Brown Rats which often also live near water courses. They are sometimes called "the water rat" which is the origin of the Water Vole’s fame as "Ratty" from Kenneth Grahame's book “The Wind in the Willows”. Prime Water Vole sites are found along densely vegetated banks of slow flowing rivers, ditches, lakes and marshes where water is present throughout the year. Water Voles are herbivores and feed on a huge variety of waterside vegetation, consuming 80% of their body weight each day. They excavate extensive burrow systems into the banks of waterways and have sleeping/nest chambers at various levels in the steepest parts of the bank. Burrows usually have underwater entrances to provide a secure route for escape if danger threatens. Water Voles usually have 3 or 4 litters a year depending on the weather. In mild springs the first of these can be born in March or April although cold conditions can delay breeding until May or even June. There are about 5 young in a litter and these are born below ground in a nest made from suitable vegetation such as grasses and rushes. Young water voles grow quickly and are weaned at 14 days. On average, Water Voles only live about 5 months in the wild. Their most important predators are Mink and Stoats although Grey Herons, Barn Owls, Brown Rats and Pike are also known to take them. Date: 9th October 2023 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29967777.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1088154802586cc78e8c021.jpgRing-necked Duck The Ring-necked Duck is a small to medium-sized diving duck from north America. The adult male is similar in colour pattern to the Eurasian Tufted Duck. It has two white rings surrounding its grey bill, a shiny black angular head, a black back, a white line on the wings, a white breast and yellow eyes. The adult female has a greyish brown angular head and body with a dark brown back, a dark bill with a more subtle light band than the male and brown eyes with white rings surrounding them. The Ring-necked Duck breeds on wooded lakes or ponds in the boreal forests in the northern USA and Canada. During the winter months it is usually found on lakes, ponds, rivers or bays in the southern USA. The Ring-necked Duck is a strong migrant and a rare but regular vagrant to western Europe including the UK where small numbers are found each year. Date: 17th December 2016 Location: Dungeness RSPB reserve, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/slender-billed-gulls https://images.on-this.website/4752_11831778084ff5491cb5049.jpgSlender-billed Gulls The Slender-billed Gull is a mid-sized gull which is most easily identified by its distinctive profile with a long, sloping forehead and a long, slightly drooping beak after which it is named. It is slightly larger than the Black-headed Gull which it resembles although it does not have a black hood in summer. The head, neck, rump and tail are white while the back and the upper surfaces of the wings are grey with a white leading edge to the wings and black tips to the outer primary feathers. The underparts are white, sometimes with a rosy tinge. It has long, blackish-red legs, a dark red beak and yellowish-white eyes with a red eye ring. The Slender-billed Gull breeds at widely scattered, isolated locations from Senegal and Mauritania in Africa and the south and east of the Iberian Peninsula, through the Mediterranean, Black Sea and Middle East and into Asia as far as Kazakhstan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and north west India. Only some populations migrate and some also winter at the Caspian and Black Seas and around the Mediterranean. The Slender-billed Gull is sometimes recorded outside of its normal range, for example in other parts of Europe. The Slender-billed Gull breeds in colonies and like most gulls it is gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Slender-billed Gull breeds on the coast as well as on inland seas, steppe lakes and on beaches, islands and sand-spits in shallow, tidal water. It also uses meadows, grasslands and freshwater or brackish marshes near river deltas during the breeding season. In winter, it is almost always found on the coast, generally using shallow, inshore waters and salt pans. Date: 2nd May 2012 Location: Salinas de Bonanza near Jerez de la Frontera, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645430.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_69689902851e3ce14af2d1.jpgWhite Stork The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 19th May 2013 Location: Biebrza area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26024990.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_155566847556373c4ca04c5.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 3rd June 2015 Location: Tjörnes peninsula, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28883746.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_33723671757cc17c0ea39f.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 18th May 2016 Location: Ilmatsalu, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26006646.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2319484255634957187731.jpgGreat Northern Divers The Great Northern Diver is a large member of the diver or loon family. The species is known as the Great Northern Diver in Eurasia and the Common Loon in north America. The European name "diver" comes from the bird's habit of catching fish by swimming calmly along the surface and then abruptly plunging into the water. The north American name "loon" is a reference to the bird's clumsiness on land and is derived from Scandinavian words for lame such as Icelandic "lúinn" and Swedish "lam". Breeding adult Great Northern Divers have a black head, white underparts and a chequered black and white mantle. The non-breeding plumage is brownish with the chin and foreneck white. The bill is black-blue and held horizontally. The Great Northern Diver breeds in north America, Greenland and Iceland on hollowed-out mounds of dirt and vegetation very close to water and typically placed on islands to avoid ground-based predators. It winters on sea coasts or on large lakes further south in Europe, north America and north west Africa. The Great Northern Diver is a specialist fresh water or salt water fish-eater. It catches its prey underwater, diving as deep as 200 feet and remaining underwater for as long as 3 minutes. The Great Northern Diver needs a long distance to gain momentum for take-off and it is ungainly on landing. Its clumsiness on land is due to the legs being positioned at the rear of the body. This is ideal for diving but not well-suited for walking. However, it swims gracefully on the surface. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Steingrímsfjarðarheiði to Ísafjörður, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/dadia-forest https://images.on-this.website/4752_1950342424559cf2d834810.jpgDadia-Lefkimi-Soufli Forest, East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece The Dadia-Lefkimi-Soufli Forest constitutes one of the most important protected areas in Europe, since it hosts a variety of habitats such as pine and oak forests, shrublands, networks of streams, pastures and cultivated fields. Due to these characteristics, the forest presents an ideal habitat for birds of prey: Dadia Forest hosts 36 out of the 39 diurnal raptor species of Europe and 3 out of the 4 European vulture species. Among the latter, the Black Vulture, whose only reproductive colony in the Balkans is to be found in Dadia, constitutes the area’s flagship species. Date: 9th May 2015 Location: view from the road from Lefkimi to Kapsalo, East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813357.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13513187155d0dde1a99819.jpgGreat Skua The Great Skua is an aggressive "pirate" of the seas, deliberately harrassing birds as large as Gannets to steal a free meal. It also readily kills and eats smaller birds such as Puffins. These birds migrate to the northernmost parts of the UK from their wintering grounds off the coasts of Spain and Africa. They breed on coastal rocky islands and moorland in northern Scotland, Orkney and Shetland, arriving in April and leaving in July. At other times they are seen around coasts often in vicinity of seabird colonies, scavenging from other birds or picking food from the surface of the sea. Date: 10th June 2019 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37190303.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4535531265c2a1116b6c95.jpgLoch Assynt, Highland The area east of Lochinver is a remote wilderness of mountains and moorland dotted with lochs and lochans. Loch Assynt extends for 6 miles north west from Inchnadamph with the River Inver flowing out of its western end and down to the sea at Lochinver. To the north lies Quinag, to the south Suilven and Cansip and to the east Ben More Assynt. The A837 Lochinver to Lairg road meets the A894 to Durness 10 miles east of Lochinver at Skiag Bridge by Loch Assynt. Nearby are the ruins of Ardvreck Castle. The castle dates from 1597 and was the stronghold of the Macleods of Assynt until a siege of the castle in 1691, when it was taken by the Seaforth Mackenzies. Date: 24th June 2018 Location: view from the A837 road between Skiag Bridge and Inchnadamph http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801126.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_114252938264edaceb27852.jpgBlack-winged Stilt The Black-winged Stilt is a widely distributed very long-legged wader. They have long pink-red legs, a long thin black bill and are blackish above and white below with a white head and neck with a varying amount of black. Both in flight and at rest the long pink-red legs are characteristic and even if these are hidden in water of unknown depth, the pure white underparts and jet black upperparts are distinctive. The amount of dark feathering on the otherwise white head doesn't necessarily indicate the sex of a stilt although young birds always have smoky patterning on the head. The Black-winged Stilt can be found in central and southern Europe, central and southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Many birds migrate to south of the Sahara from August to November and return in March and April. However, many of those which breed in Iberia are now increasingly remaining throughout the year. The Black-winged Stilt breeds around shallow wetlands, especially coastal lagoons, saltpans and estuaries. The nest site is a bare spot on the ground near water and birds often nest in small groups, sometimes with Avocets. In Europe, the Black-winged Stilt is a regular spring overshoot vagrant north of its normal range, occasionally remaining to breed in northern European countries including the UK. Date: 17th July 2023 Location: RSPB Frampton Marsh, near Boston, Lincolnshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874767.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1525551895561ccc298b017.jpgSkógafoss, south Iceland Skógafoss is is located to the west of Vík í Mýrdal in south Iceland and is one of the best known and biggest waterfalls in the country. After the coastline had receded (it is now 3 miles from Skógar), the former sea cliffs remained parallel to the coast creating a clear border between the coastal lowlands and the interior Highlands of Iceland. The Skógá River drops over the cliffs of the former coastline and the waterfall has a width of 82 feet and a drop of 200 feet. Due to the amount of spray the waterfall consistently produces, a single or double rainbow is normally visible on sunny days. At the eastern side of the waterfall, a hiking and trekking trail leads up to the Fimmvörðuháls pass between the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers. It then goes down to the Þórsmörk glacial valley on the other side and continues as the famous Laugavegur trekking route to Landmannalaugar area of the interior Highlands of Iceland. Date: 8th June 2015 Location: view from the trail from the Skógafoss car park http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11946558.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2940660984e40f21805270.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 22nd October 2008 Location: Bradgate Park, Newton Linford , Leicestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo34209771.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1891267195a99791d4d148.jpgSpotted Sandpiper The Spotted Sandpiper is a small wader. The adult has brown upperparts, white underparts with black spots, short yellowish legs and an orange bill with a dark tip. Non-breeding birds (as in this photo) do not have the spotted underparts and are very similar to the Common Sandpiper of Eurasia. The main difference is the shorter tail, more washed out wing pattern visible in flight and the normally light yellow legs and feet of the Spotted Sandpiper. The Spotted Sandpiper is often solitary and walks with a distinctive teeter, bobbing its tail up and down constantly. When foraging it walks quickly, crouching low, occasionally darting toward prey, all the while bobbing its tail. In flight, the Spotted Sandpipers has quick, snappy wingbeats interspersed with glides, keeping its wings below horizontal. The Spotted Sandpiper is common and widespread across most of Canada and the USA where it breeds almost anywhere near water i.e. along streams, rivers, ponds, lakes and beaches, particularly on rocky shores. It migrates to winter in southern USA and South America and it is a very rare vagrant to western Europe. The Spotted Sandpiper forages on the ground picking up food such as insects, crustaceans and other invertebrates by sight. It may also catch insects in flight and pick up earthworms, small crabs and crayfish, small fish and bits of carrion. This bird was first reported at the Slalom Course/River Trent confluence at Holme Pierrepoint Country Park in mid-January 2018 and remained on site for most of February 2018. Date: 24th February 2018 Location: Holme Pierrepoint Country Park, Nottinghamshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13657264.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17113089314ed36bea956e9.jpgWater Vole The Water Vole is found throughout the UK although it is less common on higher ground. It is infrequently recorded from parts of northern Scotland and is absent in Ireland. Water Voles are legally protected in the UK and recent evidence suggests that they have undergone a long term decline. On current trends it is predicted that they may eventually disappear from 94% of their former sites. The shocking decline in both the range and numbers of the Water Vole is due to a number of factors. The large-scale loss and fragmentation of sensitive waterside habitats due to riverbank modification, drainage and flood defence works has been an important factor as has the pollution of waterways and poisoning by rodenticides. Perhaps the most serious threat facing the Water Vole is predation by the introduced American Mink. Water Voles are sometimes confused with Brown Rats which often also live near water courses. They are sometimes called "the water rat" which is the origin of the Water Vole’s fame as "Ratty" from Kenneth Grahame's book “The Wind in the Willows”. Prime Water Vole sites are found along densely vegetated banks of slow flowing rivers, ditches, lakes and marshes where water is present throughout the year. Water Voles are herbivores and feed on a huge variety of waterside vegetation, consuming 80% of their body weight each day. They excavate extensive burrow systems into the banks of waterways and have sleeping/nest chambers at various levels in the steepest parts of the bank. Burrows usually have underwater entrances to provide a secure route for escape if danger threatens. Water Voles usually have 3 or 4 litters a year depending on the weather. In mild springs the first of these can be born in March or April although cold conditions can delay breeding until May or even June. There are about 5 young in a litter and these are born below ground in a nest made from suitable vegetation such as grasses and rushes. Young water voles grow quickly and are weaned at 14 days. On average, Water Voles only live about 5 months in the wild. Their most important predators are Mink and Stoats although Grey Herons, Barn Owls, Brown Rats and Pike are also known to take them. Date: 16th September, 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7950490.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18278958494d03d051542ef.jpgGreylag Goose The Greylag Goose is the ancestor of most domestic geese but is also the largest and bulkiest of the wild geese native to the UK and Europe. In many parts of the UK it has been re-established by releasing birds in suitable areas but the resulting flocks found around gravel pits, lakes and reservoirs all year round in southern Britain tend to be semi-tame. The native birds and wintering flocks found on lochs in northern Scotland and on some Scottish islands retain the special appeal of truly wild geese. Date: 15th November 2010 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11481088.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10133635474e2699abbd916.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 17th May 2009 Location: Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19905531.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1045176123529089c61ad15.jpgDunlin The Dunlin is the commonest small wader found along the coast and can be seen on all UK estuaries with the largest numbers in winter. During winter they feed in large flocks on estuaries with mudflats, saltmarsh and coastal lagoons as well as inland lakes and sewage farms. Dunlin breed on the wet upland moors of Scotland, Wales and England and also the wet grassland machair of the Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland and the Flow Country of Caithness and Sutherland. Date: 30th September 2013 Location: Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308890.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_72404993163ee3826ceb35.jpgGreat Crested Grebe The Great Crested Grebe is the largest member of the grebe family measuring 18 to 20 inches in length with a wing span of 23 to 29 inches. It is a graceful bird with its long neck, long bill and slender outline. In summer, the adults of both sexes are unmistakable being adorned with beautiful head-plumes which are reddish-orange in colour with black tips. There is also an erectile black crown. Non-breeding adults lack the full crest and have a dark crown bordered by a white face, the white extending down the fore-neck and chest. The sexes are similar in appearance but juveniles can be distinguished from adults by having a striped black and white head and neck. The Great Crested Grebe can be found across Europe and Asia and it breeds on shallow, reed-fringed freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs and slow rivers. It is resident in the milder west of its range but it migrates from the colder regions of its range to freshwater lakes, reservoirs and sheltered coastal areas in winter. The Great Crested Grebe has an elaborate mating display. Like all grebes, it nests on the water's edge since its legs are set relatively far back and it is thus unable to walk very well. Usually 2 eggs are laid and the fluffy, striped young grebes are often carried on the adult's back. In a clutch of 2 or more hatchlings, male and female grebes will each identify their “favourites” which they alone will care for and teach. Unusually, young Great Crested Grebes are capable of swimming and diving almost at hatching. The adults teach these skills to their young by carrying them on their backs and diving, leaving the chicks to float on the surface. They then re-emerge a few feet away so that the chicks may swim back on to them. The Great Crested Grebe feeds mainly on fish but it will also eat small crustaceans, insects and small frogs and newts. The Great Crested Grebe was hunted almost to extinction in the UK in the 19th century due to being hunted for its head plumes which were used to decorate hats and ladies' undergarments. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was set up to help protect the Great Crested Grebe which is now again a common sight. Date: 21st January 2022 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49002802.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13679964196468f7b02678b.jpgBlue Tit The Blue Tit is a small passerine bird in the tit family. It is easily recognisable by its generally blue and yellow plumage and its small size. The Blue Tit is about 4.7 inches long with a wingspan of 7.1 inches. It has an azure blue crown and a dark blue line passing through the eye and encircling the white cheeks to the chin, giving the bird a very distinctive appearance. The forehead and a bar on the wing are white. The nape, wings and tail are blue and the back is yellowish green. The underparts are mostly sulphur-yellow with a dark line down the abdomen. The bill is black and the legs bluish grey. The sexes are similar whilst young birds are noticeably more yellow. The Blue Tit is very agile and it can cling to the outermost branches and hang upside down when searching for food such as insects, caterpillars and seeds. The Blue Tit can be found throughout areas of the European continent with a mainly temperate or Mediterranean climate and in parts of the Middle East. In the UK it is common in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens and widespread across the whole of the country with the exception of some Scottish islands. The Blue Tit will nest in any suitable hole in a tree, wall or stump, often competing with other birds such as the House Sparrow or Great Tit for the site. In addition, it will readily accept an artificial nesting box. The same hole is returned to year after year and when one pair dies another takes possession. The nesting material is usually moss, wool, hair and feathers and the eggs are laid in April or May. The number in the clutch is often very large but 7 or 8 is normal. It is not unusual for a single bird to feed the chicks in the nest at a rate of one feed every 90 seconds during the height of the breeding season. Successful breeding is dependent on a sufficient supply of caterpillars as well as satisfactory weather. Breeding may be affected badly if the weather is cold and wet between May and July, particularly if this coincides with the emergence of the caterpillars on which the nestlings are fed. The small size of the Blue Tit makes it vulnerable to predation by larger birds and the typical lifespan is 3 years or less. The most significant predator is probably the Sparrowhawk, closely followed by the domestic cat. Nests may also be robbed by mammals such as the Weasel and Red and Grey Squirrels. Date: 25th April 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801139.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_44738227064edad054bcbd.jpgSpoonbill The Spoonbill is an unmistakable wading bird. Breeding adults are all white except for dark legs, a black spoon-shaped bill with a yellow tip, a yellow breast patch and a crest. Non-breeders lack the crest and breast patch and immature birds have a pale bill and black tips to the primary flight feathers. Unlike herons, Spoonbills fly with their necks outstretched. Feeding birds swing their heads and sweep their bills from side to side through the water. The Spoonbill breeds from the UK and Spain in the west through to Japan and also in North Africa. In Europe, only the Netherlands, Spain, Austria, Hungary and Greece have sizeable populations. Birds from north west and south west Europe winter mainly in west Africa whilst those from south east Europe winter in the Mediterranean and north Africa. Eastern European and Turkish birds appear to move to north east Africa, the Middle East and India. The Spoonbill became extinct in the UK but sporadic breeding attempts in the early 21st century finally culminated with the formation of a colony at Holkham in Norfolk in 2010. The Spoonbill can be found in extensive shallow, wetlands with muddy, clay or fine sandy beds. They may inhabit any type of marsh, river, lake, flooded area and mangrove swamp, whether fresh, brackish or saline but especially those with islands for nesting or dense emergent vegetation such as reedbeds and scattered trees or shrubs. The Spoonbill may also frequent sheltered marine habitats during the winter such as deltas, estuaries, tidal creeks and coastal lagoons. Threats to the Eurasian Spoonbill include habitat destruction through drainage of wetlands and habitat degradation by pollution. Date: 17th July 2023 Location: RSPB Frampton Marsh, near Boston, Lincolnshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/spotted-crake https://images.on-this.website/4752_7638749394e1d6748ca058.jpgSpotted Crake The Spotted Crake is only the size of a Starling. Breeding adults have a brown back with dark streaks, a blue-grey face and an olive-brown breast, all covered with white flecks and spots, and the under tail is a warm buff colour. Spotted Crakes tend to skulk in thick cover and walk with their body close to the ground with their tail flicking. If they are surprised in the open, they run for cover or jump up and flutter away with legs dangling. Spotted Crakes live in freshwater wetlands with shallow water and dense vegetation. It is rare in the UK (with around 70 calling males) and it is a difficult bird to see as it spends most of its time in thick cover. Date: 1st September 2007 Location: Maldon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30825740.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_25291225958f349e6c76be3.35304120.jpgShelduck The Shelduck resembles a small short-necked goose in size and shape. It is larger than a Mallard but smaller than geese such as Greylag and Canada Geese. The Shelduck is a striking bird with a reddish-pink bill, pink feet, a white body with chestnut patches and a black belly and a dark green head and neck. The wing coverts are white, the primaries are black and the secondaries are green and chestnut. The underwings are almost entirely white. Sexes are similar but the female is smaller with some white facial markings whilst the male is particularly crisply coloured in the breeding season with a bright red bill bearing a prominent knob at the forehead. Ducklings are white with a black cap, hindneck and wing and back patches. Juveniles are greyish above and mostly white below but already have the adult's wing pattern. The Shelduck breeds in temperate Eurasia where it nests in rabbit burrows and tree holes. Most populations migrate to sub-tropical areas in winter but it is largely resident in west Europe apart from movements to favoured moulting grounds such as the Wadden Sea on the north German coast. The Shelduck is common around the coastline of the UK and Ireland where it can be found on salt marshes, tidal mudflats and estuaries although it can also be found around inland waters such as reservoirs and gravel workings. It can be seen all year round but the population increases significantly during winter with the arrival of birds from continental Europe. Date: 9th April 2017 Location: EWT Blue House Farm, North Fambridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28883768.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_98488385857cc1b037236d.jpgWhooper Swans The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 18th May 2016 Location: Ilmatsalu, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38397319.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7695843505ce127e7b89ab.jpgStonechat The (European) Stonechat is a small passerine bird that was long considered a member of the thrush family although genetic evidence has now placed it and its relatives in the Old World flycatcher family. Two weakly defined sub-species differing in colour intensity are currently accepted: hibernans found in north west Europe in Atlantic coastal areas, south west Norway, the UK, Ireland and north west France and rubicola found in the south and east of its range from Denmark south west to Spain and north Morocco, east to Poland and Ukraine and south east to Turkey. The (European) Stonechat is slightly smaller than the Robin. Both sexes have distinctively short wings, shorter than those of the more migratory Whinchat and Siberian Stonechat. The summer male has black upperparts, a black head, an orange throat and breast and a white belly and vent. It also has a white half-collar on the sides of its neck, a small white scapular patch on the wings and a very small white patch on the rump often streaked with black. The female has brown upperparts and head and no white neck patches, rump or belly. Instead these areas are streaked dark brown on paler brown, the only white being the scapular patch on the wings and even this often being buffy-white. The (European) Stonechat can often be seen perched on the tops of low bushes where, as its name suggests, it can be heard uttering a sharp loud call that sounds like stones being knocked together. The male's song is high and twittering like a Dunnock. The (European) Stonechat breeds in heathland, coastal dunes and rough grassland with scattered small shrubs and bramble, open gorse, tussocks or heather. It is a short-distance migrant or non-migratory, with part of the population, particularly from the north east of the range where winters are colder, moving to winter further south in Europe and north Africa. Date: 10th May 2019 Location: World's End, Denbighshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31192294.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1502761826591823b4efaa30.39245056.jpgRing Ousel The Ring Ousel is a member of the thrush family and is the upland and mountain equivalent of the closely related Blackbird. "Ousel" or "ouzel" is an old name for the Blackbird from the Old English [I]osle[/I]. "Ousel" may also be applied to a group of superficially similar but unrelated birds, the Dippers, the European representative of which is sometimes known as the Water Ousel. The scientific name [i]Turdus torquatus[/i] also refers to the male's obvious white neck crescent, being derived from the Latin words [i]turdus[/i] meaning "thrush" and [i]torquatus[/i] meaning "collared". The Ring Ousel is slightly smaller and slimmer than a Blackbird. The adult male is all black except for a white crescent on the breast and a yellowish bill. The wings have a silvery appearance due to white feather edgings. The female is similar but duller and younger birds often lack the breast crescent. The juvenile has brown plumage. The Ring Ousel breeds in the higher regions of western and central Europe and also in the Caucasus and in the Scandinavian mountains. Most populations are migratory and winter in the Mediterranean region. It is declining in parts of its range. In the UK the Ring Ousel arrives in late March and April and leaves again in September. It breeds in upland areas of Scotland, northern England, north west Wales and Dartmoor. On spring and autumn migration it may be seen away from its breeding areas, often on the east and south coasts of the UK. The Ring Ousel is territorial and normally seen alone or in pairs, although loose flocks may form on migration. When not breeding, several birds may also be loosely associated in good feeding areas, often with other thrushes. The Ring Ousel is omnivorous and eats a wide range of food such as insects, earthworms, small rodents, reptiles, fruit and berries. Date: 7th May 2017 Location: Nant Ffrancon, Gwynedd http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30825789.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_75777940258f34a16c5afb1.99595376.jpgAvocets The (Pied) Avocet is a large black and white wader in the avocet and stilt family. It is one of 4 species of avocet that make up the genus Recurvirostra. The genus name is from the Latin [i]recurvus[/i] meaning "curved backwards" and [i]rostrum[/i] meaning "bill". The Avocet is a striking white wader with bold black markings. Adults have white plumage except for a black cap and black patches in the wings and on the back. They have long, upturned bills and long, bluish legs. Males and females look alike whilst juveniles resemble the adult but with more greyish and sepia tones. The Avocet breeds in temperate Europe and western and central Asia. The breeding habitat is shallow lakes with brackish water and exposed bare mud where they build a nest on open ground in a lined scrape or on a mound of vegetation. The Avocet is a migratory species and most winter in Africa or southern Asia. Some remain to winter in the mildest parts of their range such as in southern Spain and southern England. The Avocet feeds on crustaceans and insects in shallow brackish water or on mud flats, often scything their bills from side to side in water (a feeding technique that is unique to the avocet species). The Avocet was extinct as a breeding species in the UK by 1840 but its successful recolonisation at Minsmere in Suffolk in 1947 led to its adoption as the logo of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Date: 9th April 2017 Location: EWT Blue House Farm, North Fambridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308882.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_84405388863ee3817e92c7.jpgEgyptian Goose The Egyptian Goose is native to Africa south of the Sahara and the Nile Valley. It was considered sacred by the ancient Egyptians and appeared in much of their artwork. It has been raised for food and extensively bred in parts of Africa since it was domesticated by the ancient Egyptians. The Egyptian Goose is believed to be most closely related to the shelducks and their relatives. However, in flight it looks heavy and more like a goose than a duck, hence the English name. The sexes of the Egyptian Goose are identical in plumage but the males average slightly larger. There is a fair amount of variation in plumage with some birds greyer and others browner. It has distinctive dark brown eye patches and contrasting white wing patches in flight. The Egyptian Goose breeds widely in Africa except in deserts and dense forests and it is locally abundant. It is found mostly in the Nile Valley and south of the Sahara. While not breeding, it sometimes makes longer migrations northwards into the arid regions of the Sahel. The Egyptian Goose has also been introduced elsewhere: the UK, the Netherlands, France and Germany have self-sustaining populations which are mostly derived from escaped ornamental birds. The UK population dates back to the 18th century although it was only formally added to the British list in 1971. In the UK it can be seen on ornamental ponds as well as on gravel pits and lowland lakes and wetlands. The north Norfolk coast and Norfolk Broads hold the highest numbers. The Egyptian Goose will nest in a large variety of situations, especially in holes in mature trees in parkland. The female builds the nest from reeds, leaves and grass, and both parents take turns incubating eggs. Egyptian Geese usually pair for life and both the male and female care for the offspring until they are old enough to care for themselves. Date: 21st January 2022 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo445688.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12426026884681c74e03b82.jpgCairngorms, Highland Height: Beinn Macdui 4295 feet and Braeriach 4252 feet. Although Ben Nevis, Scotland's highest mountain, lies on the west coast near Fort William, most of the rest of Scotland's highest mountains form a cluster of summits lying to the east of the A9 Perth to Inverness road near Aviemore. The Cairngorms form a massive plateau of granite about 19 miles long by 12 miles wide. Five of Scotland's nine 4000 feet summits lie within the range, plus a further nine mountains higher than 3500 feet and four more exceeding 3000 feet. The mountains of the Cairngorm plateau are predominantly vast, rounded, dome-like structures. The Cairngorms National Park has the largest area of arctic mountain landscape in the UK at its heart. It is home to 17,000 people and 25% of Britain's threatened birds, animals, and plants. It includes moorlands, forests, rivers, lochs and glens. Date: 17th May 2005 Location: view from the B970 road between Aviemore and Boat of Garten http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39081952.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5505218335d30787627f4f.jpgEuropean Bee-eater The European Bee-eater is an incredibly colourful bird with an unmistakable appearance. In breeding plumage, it has a rich chestnut crown that blends into gold on its back. The forehead is white, the throat is yellow bordered by black and the underparts are blue. The male European Bee-eater has a chestnut-coloured patch in the middle of the wing while in females this patch is usually smaller or even absent. Occasionally, females may also be distinguished from the males by having a green back. The wings and backs of juvenile European Bee-eaters are entirely green and the eyes are brown in contrast to the bright red eyes of adults. The European Bee-eater breeds in southern Europe and in parts of north Africa and western Asia. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, India and Sri Lanka. European Bee-eaters are occasionally seen in northern Europe (including the UK) as a spring overshoot north of its range with occasional breeding occurring. Just as the name suggests, the European Bee-eater predominantly eats insects, especially bees, wasps and hornets which are caught in the air by sorties from an open perch. Before eating its meal, a European Bee-eater removes the sting by repeatedly hitting the insect on a hard surface. Lizards and frogs are also taken. European Bee-eaters are gregarious, nesting colonially in sandy banks preferably near river shores and also feeding and roosting communally. Date: 17th May 2018 Location: Vetren, Silistra Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405456.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15896331606586e0e63b59c.jpgWater Vole The Water Vole is found throughout the UK although it is less common on higher ground. It is infrequently recorded from parts of northern Scotland and is absent in Ireland. Water Voles are legally protected in the UK and recent evidence suggests that they have undergone a long term decline. On current trends it is predicted that they may eventually disappear from 94% of their former sites. The shocking decline in both the range and numbers of the Water Vole is due to a number of factors. The large-scale loss and fragmentation of sensitive waterside habitats due to riverbank modification, drainage and flood defence works has been an important factor as has the pollution of waterways and poisoning by rodenticides. Perhaps the most serious threat facing the Water Vole is predation by the introduced American Mink. Water Voles are sometimes confused with Brown Rats which often also live near water courses. They are sometimes called "the water rat" which is the origin of the Water Vole’s fame as "Ratty" from Kenneth Grahame's book “The Wind in the Willows”. Prime Water Vole sites are found along densely vegetated banks of slow flowing rivers, ditches, lakes and marshes where water is present throughout the year. Water Voles are herbivores and feed on a huge variety of waterside vegetation, consuming 80% of their body weight each day. They excavate extensive burrow systems into the banks of waterways and have sleeping/nest chambers at various levels in the steepest parts of the bank. Burrows usually have underwater entrances to provide a secure route for escape if danger threatens. Water Voles usually have 3 or 4 litters a year depending on the weather. In mild springs the first of these can be born in March or April although cold conditions can delay breeding until May or even June. There are about 5 young in a litter and these are born below ground in a nest made from suitable vegetation such as grasses and rushes. Young water voles grow quickly and are weaned at 14 days. On average, Water Voles only live about 5 months in the wild. Their most important predators are Mink and Stoats although Grey Herons, Barn Owls, Brown Rats and Pike are also known to take them. Date: 9th October 2023 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/mealy-redpoll https://images.on-this.website/4752_1466752745f06f53b2d0ff.jpgMealy Redpoll The Common (Mealy) Redpoll is a small passerine bird in the finch family. It is streaky brown above and whitish below with black streaks and has a bright red patch on its forehead, a black bib and 2 pale stripes on the wings. Males often have their breasts suffused with red. The rump is streaked and there is a broad dark brown streak across the vent. It has brown legs and a dark-tipped yellowish bill. The Common Redpoll is smaller, browner and more streaked than the generally similar Arctic Redpoll. The Common (Mealy) Redpoll can be found through northern Europe and Asia to northern North America, Greenland and Iceland. It is a partial migrant and moves southward in late autumn and northward again in March and April. Its typical habitat is boreal forests of pines, spruces and larches. The Common (Mealy) Redpoll does not breed in the UK but it is an autumn passage migrant and winter visitor, particularly to the east coast. Many taxonomic authorities consider the Lesser Redpoll, which is found in the UK, to be a sub-species of the Common (Mealy) Redpoll. However, the Common (Mealy) Redpoll is larger and paler than the Lesser Redpoll with which it often mixes, apparently without significant interbreeding. The Common (Mealy) Redpoll builds its nest low down in a tree or bush. The nest typically has an outer layer of thin twigs, a middle layer of root fibres, fragments of juniper bark and lichens and an inner layer of down, willow buds and reindeer hair. The female lays 3 to 7 eggs which hatch after about 11 days with the young fledging in about a further 13 days. The Common (Mealy) Redpoll feeds mainly on seeds, such as birch, alder, and insects. Date: 28th June 2019 Location: Neljan Tuulen Tupa near Kaamanen, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41349597.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9515545425f2001f4bfff4.jpgCommon Lizard The Common Lizard ranges across central and northern Europe (but are absent from the Mediterranean area) and through to northern Asia. It is the most common lizard in northern regions and the only reptile found in Ireland. The Common Lizard has a long body and short legs. It has coarse scales which range from grey, brown, bronze or green on the back and males are generally darker than females. It has a series of white spots down the flanks, which fuse to form a line, and a black line along the back. The Common Lizard also has numerous black spots scattered over the body. Males have orange/yellow bellies with black spots and females have cream/white bellies. The Common Lizard is found in a range of habitats including woodland, marshes, heathland, moors, sand dunes, hedgerows, bogs and rubbish dumps and it hunts insects, spiders, snails and earthworms, stunning its prey by shaking it and then swallowing it whole. The Common Lizard is active during the day and spends the morning and afternoon (but not the intense heat of midday) basking in the sun either alone or in groups. It is a good swimmer and will dive underwater when threatened. At night, and when startled, it will shelter beneath logs, stones and metal sheets. After emerging from hibernation, males defend breeding territories from other males. The young develop over 3 months within egg membranes inside the female's body which they usually break out of as she gives birth. Litters of 3 to 12 young are born from June to September after which time the mother shows no parental care with the young feeding actively from birth and quickly dispersing. The Common Lizard hibernates from October to March. It will often hibernate in groups and sometimes emerge for a brief time during warm spells. Date: 16th June 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41505242.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18141409925f37b411be791.jpgVarangerfjord, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway The Varanger peninsula is situated in Troms og Finnmark in the extreme north east of Norway. With an area of 800 square miles, it is the largest area within the Arctic climate zone in mainland Norway and is bordered by Tanafjord to the west, Varangerfjord to the south and the Barents Sea to the north and east. The area has a rugged mountain terrain with altitudes up to 2077 feet and it has an Arctic tundra climate. The coast of the Varanger peninsula is an important area for breeding, migrating and wintering birds, especially some notable Arctic species. The Norwegian Directorate for Nature Management has a project on the Varanger peninsula to reintroduce and protect the Arctic Fox which is critically endangered on the Norwegian mainland. The Varangerhalvøya National Park (Norwegian: [I]Varangerhalvøya Nasjonalpark[/I]) lies to the west of road Fv341 and protects a majority of the land on the Varanger peninsula. Varangerfjord is the easternmost fjord in Norway and is located between the Varanger peninsula and the mainland of Norway. Varangerfjord flows through the municipalities of Vardø, Vadsø, Nesseby and Sør-Varanger. The fjord is approximately 62 miles long and empties in to the Barents Sea. The mouth is about 43 miles wide and is located between the town of Vardø in the north west and the village of Grense Jakobselv in the south east. The fjord stretches westwards inland past the town of Vadsø to the village of Varangerbotn in Nesseby municipality. Date: 3rd July 2019 Location: view near Krampenes, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49903682.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_94915227565043882ddc80.jpgRuddy Darter Flight period: mid June to mid September. The Ruddy Darter takes its name from its colour and its swift flight behaviour. The male has a deep russet colour over the entire body and the abdomen has a pinched section close to where it joins the thorax. Females are slightly smaller, golden yellow in colour and being less obviously marked are more difficult to identify than the males. There is more than one red coloured darter species in the UK and they can be easily confused with each other. The commonest red species, the Common Darter, can be distinguished as having red veins at the base of the wings and a less ruddy colouration across the body. However, the Ruddy Darter has entirely black legs, distinguishing it from all other red darters which have longitudinal yellow stripes on their legs. The UK range of the Ruddy Darter has undergone something of an expansion in recent years. Although still relatively uncommon in the west and north of Britain, it is increasing in numbers in the Midlands and eastern England. The population is augmented by continental migrants. It is also found over most of Europe except for northern Scandinavia, as far east as western Siberia and south to north Africa. The Ruddy Darter prefers water bodies with tall emergent vegetation, such as reeds and club rush, and it is known to breed in ponds, lakes, canals, ditches and sluggish rivers. They can also be found near coasts and can breed in fairly brackish water. Date: 21st August 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33820967.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1065336745a3d1045b9bbd.jpgRing-necked Parakeets The Ring-necked Parakeet is the UK's only naturalised parrot. It is large, long-tailed and green with a red beak and a pink and black ring around its face and neck. In flight it has pointed wings, a long tail and a steady, direct flight. Ring-necked Parakeets can be seen all year round at a number of locations in south east England, particularly Surrey, Kent and Sussex. They can often be found in flocks sometimes numbering hundreds of birds at roost sites. Parks, orchards and gardens with mature trees to provide nest holes are favoured habitats. In its native India it is found in jungle and around farms and gardens. Date: 12th December 2017 Location: Kensington Gardens, London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52699001.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_167240673167b0c47903a6b.jpgGreat Crested Grebe The Great Crested Grebe is the largest member of the grebe family measuring 18 to 20 inches in length with a wing span of 23 to 29 inches. It is a graceful bird with its long neck, long bill and slender outline. In summer, the adults of both sexes are unmistakable being adorned with beautiful head-plumes which are reddish-orange in colour with black tips. There is also an erectile black crown. Non-breeding adults lack the full crest and have a dark crown bordered by a white face, the white extending down the fore-neck and chest. The sexes are similar in appearance but juveniles can be distinguished from adults by having a striped black and white head and neck. The Great Crested Grebe can be found across Europe and Asia and it breeds on shallow, reed-fringed freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs and slow rivers. It is resident in the milder west of its range but it migrates from the colder regions of its range to freshwater lakes, reservoirs and sheltered coastal areas in winter. The Great Crested Grebe has an elaborate mating display. Like all grebes, it nests on the water's edge since its legs are set relatively far back and it is thus unable to walk very well. Usually 2 eggs are laid and the fluffy, striped young grebes are often carried on the adult's back. In a clutch of 2 or more hatchlings, male and female grebes will each identify their “favourites” which they alone will care for and teach. Unusually, young Great Crested Grebes are capable of swimming and diving almost at hatching. The adults teach these skills to their young by carrying them on their backs and diving, leaving the chicks to float on the surface. They then re-emerge a few feet away so that the chicks may swim back on to them. The Great Crested Grebe feeds mainly on fish but it will also eat small crustaceans, insects and small frogs and newts. The Great Crested Grebe was hunted almost to extinction in the UK in the 19th century due to being hunted for its head plumes which were used to decorate hats and ladies' undergarments. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was set up to help protect the Great Crested Grebe which is now again a common sight. Date: 2nd February 2025 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512489.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_93005540962c999d3215b1.jpgRed Kites The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 9th May 2022 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46508896.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_80197523062c989ce6b16d.jpgNorthern Wheatear The Northern Wheatear or Wheatear is a small passerine bird that was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family but is now more generally considered to be an Old World flycatcher. It is the most widespread member of the Wheatear genus in Europe and Asia. The English name has nothing to do with wheat or ears but is probably derived from the Middle English whit ers meaning "white arse" and referring to the prominent white rump of many Wheatear species The Northern Wheatear is larger than the European Robin at 5.7 to 6.3 inches in length. Both sexes have a white rump and tail with a black inverted T-pattern at the end of the tail. The summer plumaged male has grey upperparts, buff throat and black wings and face mask. In autumn it resembles the female apart from the black wings. The female is pale brown above and buff below with darker brown wings. The Northern Wheatear makes one of the longest migratory flights of any small bird, crossing ocean, ice and desert. It migrates from sub-Saharan Africa in spring to breed in open rocky country, tundra, moorland, heaths and pastures over a vast area of the Northern Hemisphere that includes northern and central Asia, Europe, Greenland, Alaska and parts of Canada. In autumn it returns to winter in central Africa. In the UK, the Northern Wheatear is a summer visitor and passage migrant arriving in early March and leaving in September. It breeds mainly in western and northern Britain and western Ireland although smaller numbers also breed in southern and eastern England. The Northern Wheatear is primarily an insectivorous bird and feeds mostly on beetles, ants, caterpillars, grasshoppers, flies, etc. It also eats spiders, centipedes and snails and berries in the autumn. Date: 7th May 2022 Location: World's End, Denbighshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50570904.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_80410252465ccce5aa4bd9.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 17th January 2024 Location: Lee Navigation Canal, Lee Valley Regional Park, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9566416.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21048430084daedcfe72dd5.jpgWaxwing The Waxwing is a plump bird which is slightly smaller than a starling. It is reddish-brown with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings, a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest. Waxwings breed in the dense forests of northern Europe but they occur in varying numbers in the UK from October to March. In some years they can occur in large numbers (known as irruptions) when the population in the breeding areas gets too big for the food available. The first UK arrivals each winter are usually seen on the east coast from Scotland to East Anglia but birds then move inland in search of food. They can be found in parks and gardens and even busy public places, typically where there are berry-bearing trees and bushes such as rowan, hawthorn, cotoneaster and rose. Waxwings make an easily recognisable high-pitched trilling sound like a bell. Date: 16th February 2008 Location: Allerstree, Derby, Derbyshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/porvoonjoki-river-at-porvoo-uusimaa https://images.on-this.website/4752_4885948645f059dead2802.jpgPorvoonjoki river at Porvoo, Uusimaa, Finland The Porvoonjoki is a small river in the south of Finland. The city of Porvoo is situated in the river delta. Porvoo is a city and a municipality situated on the south coast of Finland approximately 30 miles east of Helsinki. It is one of the 6 medieval towns in Finland and the country’s second oldest city. It was first mentioned as a city in texts from the 14th century. Porvoo is the seat of the Swedish-speaking Diocese of Borgå of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland. Porvoo Old Town is a popular tourist destination with its timeless atmosphere, unique buildings, cobbled streets, narrow lanes, idyllic parks and riverbank views. It is especially well known for its well-preserved 18th and 19th century red painted riverside warehouses and the 15th century Porvoo Cathedral. The Old Town together with the valley of the Porvoonjoki river is recognised as historically and culturally significant as one of the designated national landscapes of Finland. Porvoo is internationally considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in Finland. Porvoo can be easily reached by a main road from Helsinki in about 50 minutes but also by a much more leisurely 3.5 hour trip on the steamship m/s J. L. Runeberg along the coast and through the Helsinki Archipelago. The m/s J.L. Runeberg was built in Helsinki in 1912. Originally she sailed under the name s/s Helsingfors Skärgård (”Helsinki Archipelago”). In the beginning this steamer cruised west from Helsinki to Porkkala but in the 1930’s the name was changed to s/s J.L. Runeberg and the ship cruised to Porvoo for the first time. Date: 26th June 2019 Location: Porvoonjoki river at Porvoo, Uusimaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52699000.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_177218448667b0c4747c95b.jpgGreat Crested Grebe The Great Crested Grebe is the largest member of the grebe family measuring 18 to 20 inches in length with a wing span of 23 to 29 inches. It is a graceful bird with its long neck, long bill and slender outline. In summer, the adults of both sexes are unmistakable being adorned with beautiful head-plumes which are reddish-orange in colour with black tips. There is also an erectile black crown. Non-breeding adults lack the full crest and have a dark crown bordered by a white face, the white extending down the fore-neck and chest. The sexes are similar in appearance but juveniles can be distinguished from adults by having a striped black and white head and neck. The Great Crested Grebe can be found across Europe and Asia and it breeds on shallow, reed-fringed freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs and slow rivers. It is resident in the milder west of its range but it migrates from the colder regions of its range to freshwater lakes, reservoirs and sheltered coastal areas in winter. The Great Crested Grebe has an elaborate mating display. Like all grebes, it nests on the water's edge since its legs are set relatively far back and it is thus unable to walk very well. Usually 2 eggs are laid and the fluffy, striped young grebes are often carried on the adult's back. In a clutch of 2 or more hatchlings, male and female grebes will each identify their “favourites” which they alone will care for and teach. Unusually, young Great Crested Grebes are capable of swimming and diving almost at hatching. The adults teach these skills to their young by carrying them on their backs and diving, leaving the chicks to float on the surface. They then re-emerge a few feet away so that the chicks may swim back on to them. The Great Crested Grebe feeds mainly on fish but it will also eat small crustaceans, insects and small frogs and newts. The Great Crested Grebe was hunted almost to extinction in the UK in the 19th century due to being hunted for its head plumes which were used to decorate hats and ladies' undergarments. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was set up to help protect the Great Crested Grebe which is now again a common sight. Date: 2nd February 2025 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon http://www.richardchewphotography.com/great-spotted-woodpecker-juvenile https://images.on-this.website/4752_140775762455a4c91fa2639.jpgGreat Spotted Woodpecker juvenile The Great Spotted Woodpecker is a Blackbird-sized bird with striking black and white plumage. The male has a distinctive red patch on the back of the head and young birds have a red crown. Great Spotted Woodpeckers have a very distinctive bouncing flight and spend most of their time clinging to tree trunks and branches. Their presence is often announced by its loud call or by its distinctive spring “drumming” display. Great Spotted Woodpeckers can be found all year round and are most common in woodlands, parks and large gardens in England and Wales. They also readily visit bird tables and peanut feeders. Date: 21st June 2015 Location: Loch of the Lowes SWT reserve, Dunkeld, Perthshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo47645638.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20492341256347d75537232.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 19th September 2022 Location: Walcott, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072269.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2439617604bf6d7b63a846.jpgVarangerfjord, Finnmark, Norway Varangerfjord is the easternmost fjord in Norway and is located in Finnmark county between the Varanger peninsula and the mainland of Norway. Varangerfjord flows through the municipalities of Vardø, Vadsø, Nesseby and Sør-Varanger. The fjord is approximately 62 miles long and empties in to the Barents Sea. The mouth is about 43 miles wide and is located between the town of Vardø in the north west and the village of Grense Jakobselv in the south east. The fjord stretches westwards inland past the town of Vadsø to the village of Varangerbotn in Nesseby municipality. Date: 11th April 2010 Location: view from route E6 between Varangerbotn and Bugøynes, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847563.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_208574502259bd52dd906fc.jpgWhite Storks The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 1st June 2017 Location: near Zemplinska reservoir, Košice region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33568443.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3822788915a106b8b11356.jpgWhite-tailed Eagle The White-tailed Eagle is a very large bird with a 72 to 96 inch wingspan and is the fourth largest eagle in the world. It has broad "barn door" wings, a large head and a thick "meat-cleaver" beak. The adult is mainly brown except for the paler head and neck, blackish flight feathers, distinctive white tail, and yellow bill and legs. In juvenile birds the tail and bill are darker, with the tail becoming white with a dark terminal band in sub-adults. The White-tailed Eagle breeds in northern Europe and northern Asia. The largest population in Europe is found along the coast of Norway. In the UK it became extinct during the early 20th century and the present population in Scotland has arisen from a reintroduction programme which commenced on the island of Rhum in 1975. It is still a rare breeding bird which was previously confined to the west coast of Scotland, although a reintroduction programme is now taking place in east Scotland. Date: 6th November 2017 Location: Killiechronan, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4088350.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14017749024b19462f5009c.jpgWestern Purple Swamphen The Western Purple Swamphen is a chicken-sized bird and a member of the rail family which includes the Coot and Moorhen. With its large feet, bright plumage and red bill and frontal shield it is easily recognisable in its native range of Spain, Portugal, southern France, Sardinia and north Africa to Tunisia. It used to be considered the nominate subspecies of the Purple Swamphen which has now been split in to 6 separate species since 2015. The Western Purple Swamphen makes loud, quick, bleating and hooting calls, which are hardly bird-like in tone, and it is particularly noisy during the breeding season. Despite being clumsy in flight it can fly long distances and it is also a good swimmer, especially for a bird without webbed feet. The Western Purple Swamphen can be found in wet areas such as reedbeds, swamps, lake edges and damp pastures. It often lives in pairs and larger communities. It clambers through the reeds, eating the tender shoots and vegetable-like matter, although it has been known to eat eggs, ducklings, small fish and invertebrates such as snails. It will often use one foot to bring food to their mouth rather than eat it on the ground. The Western Purple Swamphen in the Mediterranean region has declined due to habitat loss, hunting and pesticide use, and requires strict protection. Date: 10th November 2009 Location: Delta de l’Ebre, Catalunya, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42229300.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2093620374603e62bce7bd5.jpgTufted Duck The Tufted Duck is a small diving duck. The adult male is all black except for white flanks and a blue-grey bill. It has an obvious head tuft that gives the species its name. The adult female is brown with paler flanks and is more easily confused with other diving ducks. In particular, some have white around the bill base which resembles the Scaup although the white is never as extensive as in that species. The Tufted Duck breeds widely throughout temperate and northern Eurasia. It occasionally can be found as a winter visitor along both coasts of the United States and Canada. It is migratory in most of its range and winters in the milder south and west of Europe and southern Asia where large flocks form on open water. The Tufted Duck breeds close to marshes and lakes with plenty of vegetation to conceal the nest. It is also found on coastal lagoons and sheltered ponds. The Tufted Duck feeds mainly by diving for molluscs, aquatic insects and aquatic plants. Date: 13th February 2021 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42632870.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_41962740660aa6b713b741.jpgGreenfinch The European Greenfinch, or simply the Greenfinch, is a small passerine bird in the finch. There are 10 recognised sub-species reflecting its widespread range, including the British Greenfinch found in the UK (except north Scotland) and Ireland and the Northern European Greenfinch found in north Scotland, north and central France and Scandinavia to west Siberia. The Greenfinch is similar in size and shape to a House Sparrow but it is mainly green with yellow in the wings and tail. The female and young birds are duller and have brown tones on the back. The bill is thick and conical. The song contains a lot of trilling twitters interspersed with wheezes and the male has a "butterfly" display flight. The Greenfinch is widespread throughout Europe, north Africa and south west Asia where it is mainly resident although some of the most northern populations migrate further south in autumn and winter. It has also been introduced into Australia, New Zealand, Uruguay and Argentina. The Greenfinch can be found around woodland edges, in farmland hedges and in gardens with relatively thick vegetation favoured for breeding. It can form large flocks outside the breeding season, sometimes mixing with other groups of finches and buntings. In the UK, the Greenfinch is widespread and relatively common (although a sharp decline in the population in recent years has been noted due to an outbreak of trichomonosis, a parasite-induced disease which prevents the birds from feeding properly) and it is only absent from upland areas without trees and bushes. The breeding season occurs in spring and early summer, commencing in the second half of March with the young fledging in early July. Incubation of the eggs is undertaken by the female and lasts about 13 to 14 days with the male feeding her at the nest during this period. The chicks are fed on insect larvae by both adults during the first few days and thereafter by a frequently regurgitated yellowish paste made of seeds. The chicks leave the nest about 13 days later but they are unable to fly. The Greenfinch usually produces 2 or 3 broods per year. The Greenfinch predominantly feeds on seeds but it will also take berries and nuts. Date: 27th April 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42229289.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1604135347603e5ef77932d.jpgReeves' Muntjac The Reeves' Muntjac, also known as the Chinese Muntjac, is a small, hump-backed deer species. It is named after British naturalist and employee of the East India Company, John Russell Reeves (1774 to 1856). Reeves came across them when he lived in China and sent specimens back to England. It is also called the “barking deer” due to its distinctive barking sound, although this name is also used for other Muntjac species. The barking sound is common during mating or when provoked. The Reeves' Muntjac grows to 1 foot 8 inches high at the shoulder and 3 feet 1 inches in length plus a short tail up to 4 inches long. It is reddish-brown in appearance with striped markings on its face. The belly is creamy-white with lighter fur extending to the neck, chin and the underside of the tail. The males have short antlers, usually 4 inches or less in length, and long upper canines or tusks, usually about 2 inches in length The Reeves' Muntjac is found widely in south east China (from Gansu to Yunnan) and Taiwan but it has also been introduced in Belgium, the Netherlands and Japan. In the UK, it was introduced to Woburn Park in Bedfordshire in 1894 by the then Duke of Bedford and was deliberately released into surrounding woodlands from 1901 onward. Releases, translocations and escapes from the 1930s onwards resulted in wide establishment in south east England and the population is still increasing and spreading across the UK where it can be found in deciduous woodland with a good understorey plus hedgerows, gardens, parks, conifer plantations, railway embankments, etc. Since the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it has been illegal to release the species except where it is already established. The Reeves' Muntjac is a solitary and crepuscular animal and both males and females defend small territories that they mark with preorbital gland secretions that are thought to be pheromonal in nature The Reeves' Muntjac feeds on herbs, blossoms, succulent shoots, fungi, berries, grasses and nuts and it has also been reported to eat tree bark. Eggs and carrion are eaten opportunistically. Date: 26th February 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49003036.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17510846876468fca13fabd.jpgAdder Adders are widespread throughout mainland UK but they are absent from Ireland. They occur throughout Europe, with the exception of the Mediterranean islands, and across Russia and Asia through to northern China. They are the UK's only venomous reptile. Adders are relatively short and robust snakes with large heads and a rounded snout. Males are usually a grey or buff colour with vivid black markings although they can also vary from silver to yellow or green in colour. Females are brown with dark red-brown markings that are less prominent than in the males. Both sexes have a zigzag pattern running along the back with a / or X-shaped marking at the rear of the head. Adders can be found in a variety of habitats, including open woodland, hedgerows, moorland, sand dunes, riverbanks, bogs, heathland and mountains. They are active during the day and spend time basking until their body temperature is high enough to hunt for food. Adders use venom to immobilise prey such as lizards, amphibians, nestlings and small mammals. After striking their prey, they will leave the venom to take effect before following the victim’s scent to find the body. Mating takes place between April and May with males often fighting for females. Females have a 3 to 4 month gestation period and Adders are one of the few snakes that are viviparous (give birth to live young). In late August females give birth to between 5 and 20 live young and the young remain close to their mother for a few days before going off in search of food. Adders hibernate from September to March often using deserted rabbit or rodent burrows or settling under logs. They sometimes hibernate communally. Males emerge 2 to 5 weeks before the females and shed their skin before setting off in search of females. Adders are not aggressive snakes and they will only attack if harassed or threatened. Although an Adder’s venom poses little danger to a healthy adult, the bite is very painful and requires urgent medical attention. Date: 3rd May 2023 Location: Benfleet and Hadleigh Downs, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/waxwings https://images.on-this.website/4752_10880956804d0d034c6458b.jpgWaxwings The Waxwing is a plump bird which is slightly smaller than a Starling. It is buff or pinkish-brown in colour with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings, a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest. The bird’s name is derived from the red tips to some of the wing feathers which are said to look like they have been dipped in sealing wax. Waxwings breed in the dense forests of northern Europe but they occur in varying numbers in the UK from October to March. In some years they can occur in large numbers (known as irruptions) when the population in the breeding areas gets too big for the food available. The first UK arrivals each winter are usually seen on the east coast from Scotland to East Anglia but birds then move inland in search of food. They can be found in parks and gardens and even busy public places such as supermarket car parks, typically where there are berry-bearing trees and bushes such as rowan, hawthorn, cotoneaster and rose. Waxwings seem fearless of humans so it is relatively easy to get very close views of these stunning birds. Waxwings make an easily recognisable high-pitched trilling sound like a bell. Date: 11th December 2010 Location: Folkestone, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/long-legged-buzzard https://images.on-this.website/4752_670490995d307691c684e.jpgLong-legged Buzzard The Long-legged Buzzard is a bird of prey in the genus [I]Buteo[/I]. It is similar in appearance to the Rough-legged Buzzard but it is larger and more robust. The Long-legged Buzzard ranges from 20 to 26 inches in length with a wingspan of 45 to 63 inches. Females, at an average weight of 2.9 pounds, are larger than males, at an average of 2.4 pounds. There are many different colour forms but usually there is a clear orange tint to the plumage, red or orange tail, pale head and largely white underwings. There is usually a distinctive black carpal patch and dark trailing edge to the wing. The rump and "trousers" are often dark or deep rufous. Plumage varies from ghostly pale individuals to very dark ones. The Long-legged Buzzard can be found on the dry open plains of north Africa, south east Europe, west and central Asia east to China and across central India. Open uncultivated areas with high bushes, trees, cliffs or hillocks are favoured as nesting areas. Younger birds disperse north of breeding grounds and there are records from north Europe. The Long-legged Buzzard feeds mainly on small rodents although it will also take lizards, snakes, small birds and large insects. Date: 13th May 2018 Location: Červen Brjag, Pleven Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26031797.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_181628087456377f4b9657d.jpgHvalfjörður, west Iceland Hvalfjörður (Icelandic: Whale fjord) is situated in the west of Iceland 31 miles north of Reykjavík between Mosfellsbær and Akranesand. The fjord is approximately 19 miles long and 3 miles wide and gives an excellent opportunity to enjoy the unique beauty of Icelandic fjords. The name Hvalfjörður is derived from the large number of whales which could be found and caught there in the past. In addition the fjord also contained a large number of herring fisheries. During World War 2, a naval base for the UK and USA navies could be found in this fjord. One of the piers built by the USA navy is today used by the Hvalur whaling company for the processing of Fin Whales, partially for the domestic market and mostly for export to Japan. Until the late 1990s, travel by car involved a long detour of 38 miles around the fjord in order to get from the city of Reykjavík to the town of Borgarnes. In July 1998, the Hvalfjarðargöngin tunnel was opened to public traffic. The tunnel is approximately 3.5 miles in length and cuts travel by car around the fjord by about an hour. The tunnel runs to a depth of 550 feet below sea level. Date: 1st June 2015 Location: view from road 47 around Hvalfjörður http://www.richardchewphotography.com/barents-sea-grense-jakobselv-troms https://images.on-this.website/4752_4738155915f10adf865cd5.jpgBarents Sea, Grense Jakobselv, Troms og Finnmark, Norway The Barents Sea (Norwegian: Barentshavet) is a marginal sea of the Arctic Ocean located off the northern coasts of Norway and Russia and divided between Norwegian and Russian territorial waters. It is bordered by the Kola Peninsula to the south, the shelf edge towards the Norwegian Sea to the west and the archipelagos of Svalbard to the northwest, Franz Josef Land to the north east and Novaya Zemlya to the east. The islands of Novaya Zemlya, an extension of the northern end of the Ural Mountains, separate the Barents Sea from the Kara Sea. Known among Russians in the Middle Ages as the Murman Sea ("Norwegian Sea"), it is currently named after the historical Dutch navigator Willem Barentsz. The Barents Sea is a rather shallow shelf sea with an average depth of 750 feet and it is an important site for both fishing and hydro-carbon exploration. Although part of the Arctic Ocean, the Barents Sea has been characterised as "turning into the Atlantic" because of its status as an “Arctic warming hot spot." Date: 28th June 2019 Location: sunset view at 23:35 from Grense Jakobselv, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41349629.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3710740055f2008dce65f3.jpgEmperor Dragonfly Flight period: June to August. The Emperor Dragonfly is the largest UK dragonfly species and apart from its size it can easily be recognized by its bright colouration and highly territorial behaviour as it flies endlessly well above the water’s surface. The Emperor Dragonfly has expanded its range in to northern England in recent years and has now been recorded in Scotland. They can be found around well-vegetated ponds, lakes, large ditches, canals and slow-moving rivers. Date: 25th June 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40713569.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14767961975e16f7b6e62f1.jpgWaxwing The Waxwing is a plump bird which is slightly smaller than a Starling. It is buff or pinkish-brown in colour with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings, a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest. The bird’s name is derived from the red tips to some of the wing feathers which are said to look like they have been dipped in sealing wax. Waxwings breed in the dense forests of northern Europe but they occur in varying numbers in the UK from October to March. In some years they can occur in large numbers (known as irruptions) when the population in the breeding areas gets too big for the food available. The first UK arrivals each winter are usually seen on the east coast from Scotland to East Anglia but birds then move inland in search of food. They can be found in parks and gardens and even busy public places such as supermarket car parks, typically where there are berry-bearing trees and bushes such as rowan, hawthorn, cotoneaster and rose. Waxwings seem fearless of humans so it is relatively easy to get very close views of these stunning birds. Waxwings make an easily recognisable high-pitched trilling sound like a bell. Date: 24th December 2019 Location: Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/spotted-sandpiper https://images.on-this.website/4752_5734772805a99792de3a34.jpgSpotted Sandpiper The Spotted Sandpiper is a small wader. The adult has brown upperparts, white underparts with black spots, short yellowish legs and an orange bill with a dark tip. Non-breeding birds (as in this photo) do not have the spotted underparts and are very similar to the Common Sandpiper of Eurasia. The main difference is the shorter tail, more washed out wing pattern visible in flight and the normally light yellow legs and feet of the Spotted Sandpiper. The Spotted Sandpiper is often solitary and walks with a distinctive teeter, bobbing its tail up and down constantly. When foraging it walks quickly, crouching low, occasionally darting toward prey, all the while bobbing its tail. In flight, the Spotted Sandpipers has quick, snappy wingbeats interspersed with glides, keeping its wings below horizontal. The Spotted Sandpiper is common and widespread across most of Canada and the USA where it breeds almost anywhere near water i.e. along streams, rivers, ponds, lakes and beaches, particularly on rocky shores. It migrates to winter in southern USA and South America and it is a very rare vagrant to western Europe. The Spotted Sandpiper forages on the ground picking up food such as insects, crustaceans and other invertebrates by sight. It may also catch insects in flight and pick up earthworms, small crabs and crayfish, small fish and bits of carrion. This bird was first reported at the Slalom Course/River Trent confluence at Holme Pierrepoint Country Park in mid-January 2018 and remained on site for most of February 2018. Date: 24th February 2018 Location: Holme Pierrepoint Country Park, Nottinghamshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26006675.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_169897306956349c2c0e7f0.jpgOystercatcher The Oystercatcher is a wader in the oystercatcher family. It is an obvious and noisy bird with black and white plumage, red legs and a strong broad red bill which is used for smashing or prising open molluscs such as mussels or for finding earthworms. Despite its name, oysters do not form a large part of its diet. The Oystercatcher is unmistakable in flight with white patches on the wings and tail with otherwise black upperparts and white underparts. Young birds are more brown, have a white neck collar and a duller bill. The call is a distinctive loud piping. The bill shape varies: Oystercatchers with broad bill tips open molluscs by prising them apart or hammering through the shell whereas birds with pointed bills dig up worms. Much of this is due to the wear resulting from feeding on their prey. Individual Oystercatchers specialise in one technique or the other which they learn from their parents. The Oystercatcher is the most widespread of the oystercatchers with 3 races breeding in western Europe, central Eurasia, Kamchatka, China, and the western coast of Korea. It is a migratory species over most of its range. The European population breeds mainly in northern Europe but in winter the birds can be found in north Africa and southern parts of Europe. Although the species is present all year in Ireland, the UK and the adjacent European coasts, there is still migratory movement within these populations. The Oystercatcher breeds on shingle and rocky beaches, sand dunes, salt marshes and on the grassy tops of small islands and also inland on shingle banks of rivers, lakes and gravel pits. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Steingrímsfjarðarheiði to Ísafjörður, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081413.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_188531617963a82a94be31e.jpgBewick's Swan The Tundra Swan is a small Holarctic swan. The 2 taxa within it are usually regarded as conspecific but are also sometimes split into 2 species: the Bewick's Swan of the Palaearctic and the Whistling Swan of the Nearctic. The Bewick's Swan was named in 1830 by William Yarrell after the engraver Thomas Bewick who specialised in illustrations of birds and animals. The Bewick's Swan measures 45 to 55 inches in length with a wing span of 18.5 to 21.5 inches. Males are slightly larger and heavier than females. It is similar in appearance to the Whooper Swan but is smaller, shorter-necked and has a more rounded head shape. It has a variable bill pattern but always shows more black than yellow and having a blunt forward edge of the yellow base patch. The Whooper Swan has a bill that has more yellow than black and the forward edge of the yellow patch is usually pointed. The bill pattern for every individual Bewick's Swan is unique and scientists often make detailed drawings of each bill and assign names to the swans to assist with studying these birds. As their common name implies, the Tundra Swan breeds in the Arctic and sub-Arctic tundra where they inhabit shallow pools, lakes and rivers. Unlike the Mute Swan, but like the other Arctic swans, it is a migratory bird. The winter habitat is mainly grassland and marshland, often near the coast. The breeding range of the Bewick’s Swan extends across the coastal lowlands of Siberia from the Kola Peninsula east to the Pacific. It starts to arrive in its breeding range around mid-May and leaves for its winter range around the end of September. The populations west of the Taimyr Peninsula migrate via the White Sea, Baltic Sea and the Elbe estuary to winter in Denmark, the Netherlands and the UK where it is common in winter on a few RSPB and WWT reserves. Some birds also winter elsewhere on the southern shores of the North Sea. The Bewick’s Swans that breed in eastern Russia migrate via Mongolia and north China to winter in the coastal regions of Korea, Japan and south China, south to Guangdong and occasionally as far as Taiwan. A few birds from the central Siberian range also winter in Iran at the south of the Caspian Sea. Arrival in the winter range starts about mid-October although most birds spend weeks or even months at favourite resting locations and will only arrive in the winter range in November or even as late as January. Departure from the winter range starts in mid-February. Bewick’s Swans mate in the late spring, usually after they have returned to the breeding range. As is usual for swans, they pair monogamously until one partner dies. Should one partner die long before the other, the surviving bird often will not mate again for several years or even for the rest of its life. The nesting season starts at the end of May. The pair build the large mound-shaped nest from plant material at an elevated site near open water and they defend a large territory around it. The pen (female) lays and incubates a clutch of 2 to 7 (usually 3 to 5) eggs whilst the cob (male) keeps a steady lookout for potential predators heading towards his mate and offspring. The time from egg laying to hatching is 29 to 30 days. Since they nest in cold regions, Bewick’s Swan cygnets grow faster than those of swans breeding in warmer climates and they may fledge in 40 to 45 days. Cygnets stay with their parents for the first winter migration and the family is sometimes even joined by their offspring from previous breeding seasons while on the wintering grounds. Bewick’s Swans do not reach sexual maturity until 3 or 4 years of age. In summer, the diet of the Bewick’s Swan consists mainly of aquatic vegetation which it finds by sticking its head underwater or upending while swimming. It will also eat some grass growing on dry land. At other times of the year, leftover grains and other crops such as potatoes, picked up in open fields after harvest, make up much of the diet. Healthy adult Bewick’s Swans have few natural predators. The Arctic Fox may threaten breeding females and particular the eggs and hatchlings. Adults typically can stand their ground and displace foxes but occasionally the foxes are successful. Other potential nest predators include the Red Fox, the Brown Bear, the Golden Eagle, the Arctic Skua and the Glaucous Gull. The Brown Bear, the Golden Eagle and the Wolf may occasionally succeed at capturing and killing an adult. About 15% adults die each year from various causes and the average lifespan in the wild is about 10 years. The status of the Bewick's Swan is not well known although its population is in decline in north west Europe for largely unexplained reasons. It is increasingly dependent on agricultural crops to supplement its winter diet as aquatic vegetation in its winter habitat declines due to habitat destruction and water pollution. However, the main cause of adult mortality is hunting and, whilst the Bewick's Swan can not be hunted legally, almost half the birds studied contain lead shot in their bodies, indicating that they were shot at by poachers. Lead poisoning by ingestion of lead shot is also a very significant cause of mortality. The Bewick's Swan is one of the birds to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 9th January 2022 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/sunrise-on-new-years-day https://images.on-this.website/4752_1535710956ace67bef9f7.jpgAldeburgh is located on the UK's North Sea coast around 87 miles north east of London, 20 miles north east of Ipswich and 23 miles south of Lowestoft. It lies just to the north of the river Alde with the narrow shingle spit of Orford Ness all that stops the river meeting the sea at Aldeburgh. Instead the river flows another 9 miles to the south west. Aldeburgh means "old fort" although this structure, along with much of the Tudor town, has now been lost to the sea. In the 16th century, Aldeburgh was a leading port and it had a flourishing ship-building industry. It's importance as a port declined as the river Alde silted up and larger ships could no longer berth. It survived mainly as a fishing village until the 19th century when it also became a seaside resort. The beach at Aldeburgh is mainly shingle and wide in places but it narrows at the neck of Orford Ness. Aldeburgh was flooded during the North Sea flood of 1953 and flood defences around the town were strengthened as a result. The beach was awarded the Blue Flag rural beach award in 2005. The town is located within the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and there are a number of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and nature reserves in the local area. On Aldeburgh's beach, a short distance north of the town centre, stands a sculpture known as "The Scallop" which is dedicated to the composer Benjamin Britten. Created from stainless steel by Suffolk-based artist Maggi Hambling, it stands 15 feet high and was unveiled in November 2003. The piece is made up of two interlocking scallop shells, each broken, the upright shell being pierced with the words <i>"I hear those voices that will not be drowned"</i> which are taken from Britten's opera "Peter Grimes". The sculpture is controversial in the local area with some local residents considering that it spoils the beach. It has been vandalised with graffiti and paint on a number of occasions and there have been petitions for its removal and for its retention. Date: 1st January 2016 Location: Aldeburgh, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49903681.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_191366125265043881f03f8.jpgRuddy Darter Flight period: mid June to mid September. The Ruddy Darter takes its name from its colour and its swift flight behaviour. The male has a deep russet colour over the entire body and the abdomen has a pinched section close to where it joins the thorax. Females are slightly smaller, golden yellow in colour and being less obviously marked are more difficult to identify than the males. There is more than one red coloured darter species in the UK and they can be easily confused with each other. The commonest red species, the Common Darter, can be distinguished as having red veins at the base of the wings and a less ruddy colouration across the body. However, the Ruddy Darter has entirely black legs, distinguishing it from all other red darters which have longitudinal yellow stripes on their legs. The UK range of the Ruddy Darter has undergone something of an expansion in recent years. Although still relatively uncommon in the west and north of Britain, it is increasing in numbers in the Midlands and eastern England. The population is augmented by continental migrants. It is also found over most of Europe except for northern Scandinavia, as far east as western Siberia and south to north Africa. The Ruddy Darter prefers water bodies with tall emergent vegetation, such as reeds and club rush, and it is known to breed in ponds, lakes, canals, ditches and sluggish rivers. They can also be found near coasts and can breed in fairly brackish water. Date: 21st August 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46511096.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_67566215762c990805b982.jpgCommon Lizard The Common Lizard ranges across central and northern Europe (but are absent from the Mediterranean area) and through to northern Asia. It is the most common lizard in northern regions and the only reptile found in Ireland. The Common Lizard has a long body and short legs. It has coarse scales which range from grey, brown, bronze or green on the back and males are generally darker than females. It has a series of white spots down the flanks, which fuse to form a line, and a black line along the back. The Common Lizard also has numerous black spots scattered over the body. Males have orange/yellow bellies with black spots and females have cream/white bellies. The Common Lizard is found in a range of habitats including woodland, marshes, heathland, moors, sand dunes, hedgerows, bogs and rubbish dumps and it hunts insects, spiders, snails and earthworms, stunning its prey by shaking it and then swallowing it whole. The Common Lizard is active during the day and spends the morning and afternoon (but not the intense heat of midday) basking in the sun either alone or in groups. It is a good swimmer and will dive underwater when threatened. At night, and when startled, it will shelter beneath logs, stones and metal sheets. After emerging from hibernation, males defend breeding territories from other males. The young develop over 3 months within egg membranes inside the female's body which they usually break out of as she gives birth. Litters of 3 to 12 young are born from June to September after which time the mother shows no parental care with the young feeding actively from birth and quickly dispersing. The Common Lizard hibernates from October to March. It will often hibernate in groups and sometimes emerge for a brief time during warm spells. Date: 8th May 2022 Location: MWT Cors Dyfi, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21959355.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10656846053da7cfb321a0.jpgGolden Plover The European Golden Plover, also known as the Eurasian Golden Plover or just the Golden Plover within Europe, is a largish plover. It is similar to 2 other Golden Plovers: the American Golden Plover and the Pacific Golden Plover which are both smaller, slimmer and relatively longer-legged than the European Golden Plover and have grey rather than white axillary feathers. The Golden Plover is a medium sized plover with a distinctive gold and black summer plumage. In winter the black is replaced by buff and white. It typically stands upright and runs in short bursts. The Golden Plover breeds on the ground in a dry open area on moorland, mountains and fells, tundra and marshland in northern Europe and western Asia as far west as Iceland and as far east as central Siberia. It is migratory and winters in western and southern Europe and in north Africa where it tends to gather in large flocks in open areas and on agricultural plains, ploughed land and short meadows. In the UK, the Golden Plover can be found from May to September on the upland moorlands in the southern uplands of Scotland, the Scottish Highlands, the Western and Northern Isles, the Peak District, north Yorkshire, Wales and Devon. Winter flocks start to appear at lower levels and around the coasts after the breeding season with the largest numbers seen between November and February when Golden Plovers often form large flocks with Lapwings. Date: 13th June 2014 Location: Grinton Moor, Yorkshire Dales National Park, North Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12653634.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17751596604e69cc1719fa3.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 4th September 2011 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623111.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18914598956117d78c8791a.jpgKittiwakes The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833818.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2052425663559cf131e4e5c.jpgFire Salamander The Fire Salamander is possibly the best-known salamander species in Europe. It is black with yellow spots or stripes to a varying degree although some individuals can be nearly completely black while on others the yellow is dominant. Shades of red and orange may sometimes appear either replacing or mixing with the yellow according to the subspecies. Males and females look very similar except during the breeding season when the most conspicuous difference is a swollen gland around the male's vent. This gland produces the spermatophore which carries a sperm packet at its tip. The Fire Salamander can grow to be 5.9 to 9.8 inches long. The Fire Salamander can be found in most of southern and central Europe. They are most commonly found at altitudes between 1,300 feet and 3,300 feet. It is only found rarely below these levels but in the Balkans or in Spain it is commonly found in higher altitudes as well. The Fire Salamander prefers deciduous forests since it likes to hide in fallen leaves and around mossy tree trunks. It needs small brooks or ponds with clean water in its habitat for the development of the larvae. Whether on land or in water, the Fire Salamander is inconspicuous spending much of its time hidden beneath stones, wood or other objects. It is active in the evening and at night but on rainy days it is active during daytime as well. The diet of the Fire Salamander consists of various insects, spiders, earthworms and slugs but they also occasionally eat newts and young frogs. The Fire Salamander may actively defend itself once it is grasped by a predator. Besides various anti-predator postures, it is able to exude toxic skin secretions such as the neurotoxic alkaloid Samandarin. This alkaloid causes strong muscle convulsions and hypertension combined with hyperventilation in all vertebrates. The poison glands of the Fire Salamander are concentrated in certain areas of the body, especially around the head and the dorsal skin surface. The coloured portions of the animal's skin usually coincide with these glands. Date: 11th May 2015 Location: road from Serres to Mount Vrontou summit, East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533480.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_49825116162ca8a60344bb.jpgAvocet The (Pied) Avocet is a large black and white wader in the avocet and stilt family. It is one of 4 species of avocet that make up the genus Recurvirostra. The genus name is from the Latin recurvus meaning "curved backwards" and rostrum meaning "bill". The Avocet is a striking white wader with bold black markings. Adults have white plumage except for a black cap and black patches in the wings and on the back. They have long, upturned bills and long, bluish legs. Males and females look alike whilst juveniles resemble the adult but with more greyish and sepia tones. The Avocet breeds in temperate Europe and western and central Asia. The breeding habitat is shallow lakes with brackish water and exposed bare mud where they build a nest on open ground in a lined scrape or on a mound of vegetation. The Avocet is a migratory species and most winter in Africa or southern Asia. Some remain to winter in the mildest parts of their range such as in southern Spain and southern England. The Avocet feeds on crustaceans and insects in shallow brackish water or on mud flats, often scything their bills from side to side in water (a feeding technique that is unique to the avocet species). The Avocet was extinct as a breeding species in the UK by 1840 but its successful recolonisation at Minsmere in Suffolk in 1947 led to its adoption as the logo of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Date: 25th June 2022 Location: RSPB Minsmere, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405555.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3174316616586fbd12611b.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the Canidae family and is a part of the order Carnivora within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 6th December 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49903072.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18032298596504277d5ab40.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 30th August 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41254039.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14361038335f059dbabfb8c.jpgSuomenlinna, Uusimaa, Finland Suomenlinna is an inhabited sea fortress built on 8 islands about 2.5 miles south east of the city centre of Helsinki, the capital of Finland. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site that is popular with tourists and locals. Originally named Sveaborg (Castle of the Swedes) or Viapori as referred to by Finnish-speaking Finns, it was renamed in Finnish to Suomenlinna (Castle of Finland) in 1918 for patriotic and nationalistic reasons although it is still known by its original name in Sweden and by Swedish-speaking Finns. The Swedish crown commenced the construction of the fortress in 1748 as protection against Russian expansionism. The general responsibility for the fortification work was given to Augustin Ehrensvärd. The original plan of the bastion fortress was strongly influenced by the ideas of Vauban, the foremost military engineer of the time, and the principles of the star fort style of fortification, albeit adapted to a group of rocky islands. During the Finnish War, Sweden surrendered the fortress to Russia in May 1808 and this paved the way for the occupation of Finland by Russian forces in 1809 and the eventual cession of Finland to Russia at the conclusion of the war. Russia held the fortress until Finnish independence in 1918. Finland then managed Suomenlinna through the Defence Department until turning most of it over to civilian control in 1973. Date: 26th June 2019 Location: view from Tallinn to Helsinki Viking ferry http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082210.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19987651715d307b1a5dc4f.jpgLake Mandra, Burgas Province, Bulgaria The Burgas lakes or Burgas wetlands are a group of coastal lakes of varying salinity located around the city of Burgas (the fourth largest city in Bulgaria) on the Black Sea coast. They constitute the largest group of lakes in the country and comprise some of Bulgaria's biggest and most important lakes. The total area of the lakes and wetlands (including swamps, marshes, ponds and other reservoirs) amounts to 59 square miles of which 21 square miles are either designated or proposed protected areas that are inhabited by a large number of locally or globally endangered species of birds, mammals and fish. Apart from this, the Burgas lakes are also of economic importance and they are used to obtain sea salt and curative mud as well as to supply the local economy with fresh water in the case of Lake Mandra. The lakes comprise (in north to south order): Lake Pomorie: an ultra-saline lagoon Lake Atanasovsko: a nature reserve and Ramsar site Lake Burgas or Lake Vaya: the largest natural lake in Bulgaria by area Lake Poda: sometimes regarded as a part of Lake Mandra Lake Mandra or Lake Mandrensko: now a fresh water reservoir and the largest of the group Lake Mandra or Lake Mandrensko is the most southern of the Burgas lakes. It is 5 miles in length and 0.8 miles wide at its maximum and it has an area of 24 square miles. It was a brackish natural lake until 1963 when it was turned into a reservoir with the construction of a dam to secure fresh water for the large Neftochim Burgas oil refinery. The rivers Izvorska, Fakiyska, Sredetska and Rusokastrenska flow into the lake. The lake is surrounded by areas of wet meadow, reedbeds, woodland and scrub and the lake itself and these other habitats support a wide range of breeding, migrating and wintering birds. Date: 21st May 2018 Location: view from the south shore near Dimcevo, Burgas Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13593627.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20935399584ec8da456cc63.jpgGreylag Goose The Greylag Goose is the ancestor of most domestic geese but is also the largest and bulkiest of the wild geese native to the UK and Europe. In many parts of the UK it has been re-established by releasing birds in suitable areas but the resulting flocks found around gravel pits, lakes and reservoirs all year round in southern Britain tend to be semi-tame. The native birds and wintering flocks found on lochs in northern Scotland and on some Scottish islands retain the special appeal of truly wild geese. Date: 10th November 2011 Location: Loch Beg, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645519.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5822033251e3cf1d88173.jpgBiebrza, Poland The Biebrza marshes are a complex series of habitats located in the Biebrza river valley. The area encompasses river channels, lakes, extensive marshes, fenland, reed beds, peat bogs and fields and meadows with woods and forests on higher ground. The Biebrza National Park, which covers much of the area, is the largest of Poland’s 23 National Parks and was created in 1993. Covering a total area of 228 square miles, it protects the vast and relatively untouched habitats with their unique variety of several communities of plants and species of wetland birds and mammals. Date: 21st May 2013 Location: view from near Grady Wonieko, Biebrza area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871581.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1521085644eff1ea8c55ce.jpgReindeer The Reindeer, also known as the Caribou in North America, is a deer from the Arctic and sub Arctic, including both resident and migratory populations. Whilst it is overall widespread and numerous, some of its subspecies are rare or already extinct. The Reindeer is a widespread and numerous species in the northern Holarctic, being present in tundra (frozen arctic plain with lichens, mosses and dwarfed vegetation) and taiga (marshy pine forest) regions. Originally, the Reindeer was found in Scandinavia, eastern Europe, Russia, Mongolia, and northern China. In North America, it was found in Canada, Alaska and the northern USA from Washington to Maine. It also occurred naturally on Sakhalin, Greenland, and probably even in historical times in Ireland. Today, wild Reindeer have disappeared from many areas within this large historical range, especially from the southern parts where it has vanished almost everywhere. Large populations of wild Reindeer are still found in Norway, Finland, Siberia, Greenland, Alaska, and Canada. Wild Reindeer hunting and herding of semi-domesticated Reindeer (for meat, hides, antlers, milk and transportation) are important to several Arctic and Subarctic people. Domesticated Reindeer are mostly found in northern Fennoscandia and Russia with a herd of approximately 150-170 Reindeer also living around the Cairngorms region in Scotland. Reindeer vary considerably in colour and size. Both sexes grow antlers, though they are typically larger in males. Even far outside its range, the Reindeer is well known due to the myth, probably originating in early 19th century America, in which Santa Claus's sleigh is pulled by flying Reindeer, a popular element of Christmas. Date: 25th May 2009 Location: east of Sodankylä, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082106.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16672630305d307a69d266f.jpgPaddyfield Warbler The Paddyfield Warbler is a species of marsh warbler in the genus[i] Acrocephalus[/i]. It is 5.1 inches long and is close in size to the Reed Warbler but with a shorter bill and longer tail. The adult has an unstreaked pale brown back and buff underparts with a warm brown rump. There is a whitish supercilium and the bill is short and pointed. The male and female are identical as with most warblers but young birds are a richer buff colour below. The Paddyfield Warbler breeds in temperate central Asia where it can be found in low vegetation such as long grass, reeds and rice paddy fields. It is migratory and winters in Bangladesh, India and Pakistan. It is a rare vagrant to west Europe although there is a small breeding population along the shores of the Black Sea around the border between Bulgaria and Romania. The song is fast and similar to the Marsh Warbler with much mimicry and whistles typical of the [i] Acrocephalus[/i] warblers. Like most warblers, the Paddyfield Warbler is insectivorous. Date: 19th May 2018 Location: Lake Durankulak, Dobrich Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082109.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8532204595d307a6c493cd.jpgPaddyfield Warbler The Paddyfield Warbler is a species of marsh warbler in the genus[i] Acrocephalus[/i]. It is 5.1 inches long and is close in size to the Reed Warbler but with a shorter bill and longer tail. The adult has an unstreaked pale brown back and buff underparts with a warm brown rump. There is a whitish supercilium and the bill is short and pointed. The male and female are identical as with most warblers but young birds are a richer buff colour below. The Paddyfield Warbler breeds in temperate central Asia where it can be found in low vegetation such as long grass, reeds and rice paddy fields. It is migratory and winters in Bangladesh, India and Pakistan. It is a rare vagrant to west Europe although there is a small breeding population along the shores of the Black Sea around the border between Bulgaria and Romania. The song is fast and similar to the Marsh Warbler with much mimicry and whistles typical of the [i] Acrocephalus[/i] warblers. Like most warblers, the Paddyfield Warbler is insectivorous. Date: 19th May 2018 Location: Lake Durankulak, Dobrich Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15454023.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3476873714ff5486e2b464.jpgOcellated Lizard The Ocellated Lizard is a species of wall lizard and one of the largest members of its family. The adult is 1 to 2 feet long and may reach up to 3 feet. About two-thirds of its length is the tail. Newly hatched young are 1 to 2 inches long excluding the tail. The Ocellated Lizard a robust lizard with a serrated collar and the male has a characteristic broad head and thick, strong legs with long, curved claws. The dorsal background colour is usually green but sometimes grey or brownish, especially on the head and tail. This is overlaid with black stippling that may form a bold pattern of interconnected rosettes. The underside is yellowish or greenish. The male is brighter in colour than the female and has blue spots on its flanks. There are fewer or no blue spots in the female. Young are green, grey or brown with yellowish or white and often black-edged spots all over. The Ocellated Lizard can be found in southern Spain, Portugal and France and north west Italy from sea level up to 7000 feet. Its natural habitats are dry, bushy areas such as open woodland and scrub, old olive groves and vineyards sometimes in more open, rocky or sandy areas. It can occasionally be seen basking on roadsides, it can also climb well on rocks and in trees and it can dig holes and sometimes uses abandoned rabbit burrows. The Ocellated Lizard feeds mainly on large insects, especially beetles. It also robs birds’ nests and occasionally takes reptiles, frogs and small mammals as well as fruit and other plant matter. Breeding occurs in late spring or early summer. Males are territorial in spring and fight in the breeding season. The female lays up to 22 eggs in June and July about 3 months after mating, hiding them under stones and logs or in leaf litter or in loose damp soil. The eggs hatch in 8 to 14 weeks. Date: 1st May 2012 Location: El Acebuche, Coto Doñana, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14185268.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16138864004f42298579cb0.jpgLarge Skipper Flight period: June to July. The Large Skipper is a small golden butterfly which is widespread throughout England and Wales and it is also extending its range northwards in to southern Scotland. They can be found in areas of tall, uncut grassland, woodland rides, roadside verges and hedgerows. Date: 3rd July 2006 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072267.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5916833464bf6d7a3c98ad.jpgReindeer The Reindeer, also known as the Caribou in North America, is a deer from the Arctic and sub Arctic, including both resident and migratory populations. Whilst it is overall widespread and numerous, some of its subspecies are rare or already extinct. The Reindeer is a widespread and numerous species in the northern Holarctic, being present in tundra (frozen arctic plain with lichens, mosses and dwarfed vegetation) and taiga (marshy pine forest) regions. Originally, the Reindeer was found in Scandinavia, eastern Europe, Russia, Mongolia, and northern China. In North America, it was found in Canada, Alaska and the northern USA from Washington to Maine. It also occurred naturally on Sakhalin, Greenland, and probably even in historical times in Ireland. Today, wild Reindeer have disappeared from many areas within this large historical range, especially from the southern parts where it has vanished almost everywhere. Large populations of wild Reindeer are still found in Norway, Finland, Siberia, Greenland, Alaska, and Canada. Wild Reindeer hunting and herding of semi-domesticated Reindeer (for meat, hides, antlers, milk and transportation) are important to several Arctic and Subarctic people. Domesticated Reindeer are mostly found in northern Fennoscandia and Russia with a herd of approximately 150-170 Reindeer also living around the Cairngorms region in Scotland. Reindeer vary considerably in colour and size. Both sexes grow antlers, though they are typically larger in males. Even far outside its range, the Reindeer is well known due to the myth, probably originating in early 19th century America, in which Santa Claus's sleigh is pulled by flying Reindeer, a popular element of Christmas. Date: 11th April 2010 Location: near Bugøynes, Sør-Varanger, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14185500.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8841284914f42350e11f0e.jpgGatekeeper Flight period: mid-July to early September. The Gatekeeper or Hedge Brown is common and widespread throughout the southern half of the UK. They can be found in areas with hedgerows or in scrubby woodland with wide and sunny rides. Date: 26th July 2008 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19905526.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1989455437529089ab662a1.jpgBlack Swan The Black Swan is a large species of swan which breeds mainly in the south east and south west regions of Australia. The species was hunted to extinction in New Zealand, but later reintroduced. The Black Swan is mostly black-feathered bird with white flight feathers. The bill is bright red with a pale bar and tip and the legs and feet are greyish-black. Cobs (males) are slightly larger than pens (females) with a longer and straighter bill. The Black Swan's preferred habitat extends across fresh, brackish and salt water lakes, swamps and rivers with underwater and emergent vegetation for food and nesting materials. Permanent wetlands are preferred, including ornamental lakes, but Black Swans can also be found in flooded pastures and tidal mudflats and occasionally on the open sea near islands or the shore. The Black Swan is also very popular as an ornamental waterbird in western Europe, especially the UK, and escapes are commonly reported. As yet the population in Britain is not considered to be self-sustaining and so the species is not afforded admission to the official British List. Date: 30th September 2013 Location: Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081426.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_92666327163a83360d0caf.jpgBrown Rat Brown Rats have coarse brown or occasionally black fur with a pale underside. They have a long tail which is sparsely haired. Although originally native to eastern Asia and Japan, Brown Rats are now distributed world-wide. They spread across the UK via the shipping traffic from foreign countries in the 18th century and largely replaced the Black Rat. They are highly adaptable and can be found all over the UK, except for exposed mountain regions and some small offshore islands, and live in loose colonies and home ranges of around 50 metres in diameter. Along with the House Mouse, the Brown Rat is considered to be the most widespread terrestrial mammal in the UK and they are subject to persistent pest control due to the damage they cause and the numerous diseases they spread. Brown Rats are omnivorous and have a very varied diet. They are typically nocturnal although they will sometimes forage for food during the day. They also swim well and are sometimes mistaken for Water Voles. Brown Rats live for around 18 months and breed throughout the year producing 5 litters of 8 young a year. Date: 9th January 2022 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29486987.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_117335169558107d2caf4b3.jpgGoldeneye The Goldeneye is a medium-sized diving duck, named for its golden-yellow eye. Adult males have a dark head with a greenish gloss and a circular white patch below the eye, a dark back and a white neck and belly. Adult females have a brown head and a mostly grey body. The Goldeneye breeds on the lakes and in the rivers of boreal forests in Scandinavia, Canada, north USA and north Russia. Naturally it will nest in cavities in large trees but it will also readily use nestboxes put up on trees close to water. This has enabled a healthy breeding population to establish in the Scottish Highlands from 1970 where it is increasing and slowly spreading. The Goldeneye is migratory and most winter in protected coastal waters or open inland waters at more temperate latitudes. The Goldeneye forages by diving underwater for crustaceans, aquatic insects and molluscs. Insects are the predominant prey while nesting and crustaceans are the predominant prey during migration and winter. Date: 23rd May 2016 Location: Wild Brown Bear Centre, near Vartius, Kainuu, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/coot-juveniles https://images.on-this.website/4752_136691417153804a1ae3001.jpgCoot juveniles The Coot is an all black bird with a distinctive white beak and “shield” above the beak from which earns it the title “bald”. Its feet have distinctive lobed flaps of skin on the toes which act instead of webs when swimming. It patters noisily over the water before taking off and can be very aggressive towards other birds. Coot can be found all the year round mainly on freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers and town park lakes. Sometimes they can be seen offshore, especially in winter if freshwater areas are frozen. They breed in areas of fairly shallow standing freshwater with a muddy bottom and plenty of vegetation at the sides, usually in lowland areas. Date: 18th May 2014 Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14247109.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6945999844f4e049e429c6.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 25th February 2012 Location: Verulamium Park, St Albans, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308865.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_88763560063ee37f49444a.jpgCommon Snipe The Common Snipe is a small, stocky wader native to the Old World. It is the most widespread of several similar snipe species. It most closely resembles the Wilson's Snipe of north America which was previously considered to be a sub-species of the Common Snipe. It is also very similar to the Pin-tailed Snipe and Swinhoe's Snipe of east Asia. A sub-species of Common Snipe can be found in Iceland, the Faroe Islands, Shetland and Orkney. This sub-species winters in the UK and Ireland. The Common Snipe is 9.8 to 10.6 inches in length with a 17 to 19 inches wingspan. The body is mottled brown with straw-yellow stripes on top and pale underneath. It has a dark stripe through the eye with light stripes above and below it. The wings are pointed. It has short greenish-grey legs and a very long (2.2 to 2.8 inches) straight dark bill. The Common Snipe can be found in the marshes, bogs, tundra and wet meadows throughout north Europe and north Asia. It is migratory with European birds wintering in south and west Europe and Africa (south to the Equator) and Asian birds wintering in tropical south Asia. The male Common Snipe performs a "winnowing" display during courtship, flying high in circles and then taking shallow dives to produce a "drumming" sound by vibrating its tail feathers. The nest is located in a well hidden location on the ground. The female lays 4 eggs which are incubated for 18 to 21 days. The young are covered in dark maroon down, variegated with black, white and buff and are cared for by both parents with fledging occurring in 10 to 20 days. The Common Snipe is a well camouflaged bird and it is usually shy and conceals itself close to ground vegetation and flushes only when approached closely. When flushed, it utters a sharp call and flies off in a series of aerial zig-zags to confuse predators. The Common Snipe forages in soft mud, probing or picking up food by sight. It mainly eats insects and earthworms but also some plant material. Overall, the Common Snipe is not a threatened species although populations on the southern fringes of the breeding range in Europe are declining with local extinction in some areas (including in the UK) mainly due to field drainage and agricultural intensification. The Common Snipe is a species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 21st January 2022 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13683319.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7889062314ed72dd04a17b.jpgHedgehog The Hedgehog is unmistakeable being the only spiny British mammal. The yellow-tipped 2cm spines on a grey/brown back and sides are perhaps the best known features of the Hedgehog which has relatively long legs and a short tail together with small eyes and ears. The Hedgehog is common in parks, gardens and farmland throughout mainland UK. It has also been introduced to many islands including Orkney, Shetland, Isle of Man and some of the Channel Islands. Hedgehogs prefer woodland edges, hedgerows and suburban habitats where there is plenty of food for them. Intensively farmed arable land is probably a poor habitat as are moorlands and dense conifer forests. Hedgehogs survive well in gardens, particularly assisted by food put out for them as modern tidy gardens may not otherwise provide sufficient food. The Hedgehog is generally nocturnal travelling around a mile each night feeding on a diet of beetles, worms, caterpillars, slugs and almost anything they can catch. They can also take the eggs and chicks of ground-nesting birds although rarely in large numbers. The Hedgehog‘s hibernation usually begins about November and ends around Easter but it is much affected by the weather. They normally wake up several times over winter and often build a new nest. In the spring they commonly spend a few days active and then enter hibernation again during any cold snap. The winter nest or hibernaculum is made of leaves, tucked under a bush or log pile or garden shed or anywhere that offers support and protection. The Hedgehog can live up to 10 years but this is exceptional. Over half die within their first year and average life expectancy is 2 to 3 years in the wild. Hedgehogs may become locally scarce or even disappear but nationwide extinction is unlikely. Nevertheless, the Hedgehog appears to be in decline although the total population is unknown. The biggest threat to the Hedgehog is probably habitat loss with the change from pastoral farming to arable crops over the last 30 years. The use of chemicals in gardens and for intensive farming kills the creatures hedgehogs need for food and may also poison them directly. Many are also killed on the roads. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19507342.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_62534031052528a1d98d5d.jpgIberian Lynx - El Lince Ibérico The Iberian Lynx (Lynx pardinus) is a critically endangered species native to the Iberian Peninsula in southern Europe. It is the most endangered cat species in the world. According to the conservation group SOS Lynx, if this species died out, it would be one of the few feline extinctions since the Smilodon 10,000 years ago. The only breeding populations are in Spain and they were thought to be only living in Andalucia in the Coto Doñana National Park and in the Sierra de Andújar. However, in 2007, Spanish authorities announced that they had discovered a previously unknown population in Castilla - La Mancha in central Spain. More information on Iberian Lynx .... [url=http://www.lifelince.org]Life Lince[/url] [url=http://www.arkive.org/iberian-lynx/lynx-pardinus/]ARKive[/url] [url=http://wwf.panda.org/about_our_earth/species/profiles/mammals/iberian_lynx/]WWF[/url] [url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-11586279]BBC[/url] Date: 13th September 2013 Location: road to La Lancha and Embalse del Jándula, Sierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41254067.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10485341195f059e3b89024.jpgView from the m/s J.L. Runeberg between Porvoo and Helsinki, Finland Date: 26th June 2019 Location: view from the m/s J.L. Runeberg between Porvoo and Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645768.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_181183017551e3d079d1ec9.jpgBiałowieża, Poland The Białowieża forest is an ancient mixed forest that straddles the border between Poland and Belarus. It is one of the largest remaining parts of the immense primaeval forest that once stretched across the Great European Plain. On the Polish side, the central part of the Białowieża forest is protected as the Białowieża National Park with an area of about 39 square miles. The National Park, created in 1932, is under strict preservation and has been declared by UNESCO a World Biosphere Reserve and put on the World Heritage List. The Białowieża forest is home to many species of forest birds plus large mammals such as Wolf, Lynx, Moose and European Bison. Park Palacowy (Palace Park) in Białowieża covering 50 ha was founded between 19th and 20th century. It is a park in an English landscape style with several tsarist red brick buildings from the 19th century and a gate which is the only remnant of the wooden manor. There are extensive views to Białowieża National Park. Date: 26th May 2013 Location: Białowieża area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/loch-duartmore-highland https://images.on-this.website/4752_1465258149468841e116752.jpgLoch Duartmore, Highland Loch Duartmore is a freshwater loch situated between Kylesku and Scourie but it is connected to the sea by a small river that runs out of the western end. In an area of few trees, Loch Duartmore is bordered by the Duartmore Forest along its southern shore. The A894 road now passes over the loch via a new bridge but to the east can be seen the remains of the old single track road and the arch of the old Duartmore Bridge. Date: 10th June 2007 Location: view from the A894 road http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9952182.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2760156084dca3d85323be.jpgPied Flycatcher The Pied Flycatcher is a small passerine bird in the Old World flycatcher family and is 1 of the 4 species of Western Palearctic black and white flycatchers. The breeding male Pied Flycatcher is mainly black above and white below with a large white wing patch, white tail sides and a small forehead patch. Non-breeding males, females and juveniles have the black replaced by a pale brown. The bill is black and it has the broad but pointed shape typical of aerial insectivores. The Pied Flycatcher has a very large range and population size and so it is of “least concern” according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It breeds in most of Europe and west Asia where it can be found in deciduous woodlands, parks and gardens, with a preference for oak trees. It will sometimes use mature open conifer woodland where natural tree holes occur. It builds an open nest in a tree hole and it will readily adapt to nest boxes. In the UK, the Pied Flycatcher is limited by geography and habitat to the north and west of the country where it prefers mature oak woodlands but also mature upland ash and birch woodlands. It has on average decreased in population by 25% within the last 25 years and it has ceased to breed in several parts of its former range. The Pied Flycatcher is migratory, wintering mainly in tropical west Africa from mid September to mid April. It first arrives in its breeding areas from mid April to the end of May. Following breeding, return migration to Africa occurs between August and mid September. The Pied Flycatcher is mainly insectivorous and its diet is composed nearly entirely of insects including flies, bees, wasps, ants, beetles, butterflies, moths, etc. but it will also eat fruit and seeds in late summer and autumn and on migration. Date: 7th May 2011 Location: Ynys-hir RSPB reserve, Ceredigion http://www.richardchewphotography.com/hook-head-co-wexford-ireland https://images.on-this.website/4752_17025630015e53934b76693.jpgHook Head, Co. Wexford, Ireland The Hook peninsula is a peninsula in Co. Wexford and has been a gateway to south-east Ireland for successive waves of immigrants including the Vikings, Anglo-Normans and the English. Hook Head is a headland situated 30 miles south west of Wexford. It is located on the east side of the estuary of “The Three Sisters” rivers (the Nore, the Suir and the Barrow) and is part of the Hook peninsula adjacent to the historic townland of Loftus Hall. Hook Head is said to have found its way into common English usage in the saying "By Hook or by Crook." It is claimed that the phrase is derived from a vow by Oliver Cromwell to take Waterford by Hook (on the Wexford side of Waterford Harbour) or by Crook (a village on the Waterford side of Waterford Harbour). Hook Head Lighthouse is situated on Hook Head at the tip of the Hook peninsula and is one of the oldest lighthouses in the world and the second oldest operating lighthouse in the world after the Tower of Hercules in Galicia in Spain. The existing tower dates from the 12th century although tradition states that Dubhán, a missionary to the Wexford area, established a form of beacon as early as the 5th century. The headland of Hook Head is known in Irish as Rinn Dubháin (St. Dubhán's Head). However, the similar sounding Irish word “duán” means a fish hook, hence the English name. In March 1996, the Hook Head Lighthouse was converted to automatic operation and the last light-keepers who had climbed the stairs and tended the light were permanently withdrawn from the station. The lighthouse is now remotely controlled from Dún Laoghaire by the Commissioners of Irish Lights. In 2001 the Hook Head Lighthouse was opened to the public as a tourist attraction after the old keepers houses were turned into a visitor centre. In January 2011, the Hook Head Lighthouse fog horn was heard for the last time as all the fog horns were turned off. It was felt that the technology on modern ships was so advanced that the fog horn was no longer required. Date: 31st January 2020 Location: Hook Head, Co. Wexford, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15747166.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20941447345017a7612d2b3.jpgSmall Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Small Skipper has a rusty orange colour to the wings, upper body and the tips of the antennae. The body is silvery white below and it has a wingspan of 25 to 30 mm. It is very similar in appearance to the Essex Skipper but the undersides of the tips of the antennae are yellow orange in the Small Skipper whereas they are black in the Essex Skipper. The Small Skipper is a common and widespread butterfly in most parts of England and has been expanding its range northwards. It can be found in rough grassland, roadside verges, edges of fields and woodland clearings where it is often seen basking on vegetation or making short buzzing flights among tall grass stems. Date: 25th July 2012 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40952824.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2094980975e53935614c6e.jpgHook Head, Co. Wexford, Ireland The Hook peninsula is a peninsula in Co. Wexford and has been a gateway to south-east Ireland for successive waves of immigrants including the Vikings, Anglo-Normans and the English. Hook Head is a headland situated 30 miles south west of Wexford. It is located on the east side of the estuary of “The Three Sisters” rivers (the Nore, the Suir and the Barrow) and is part of the Hook peninsula adjacent to the historic townland of Loftus Hall. Hook Head is said to have found its way into common English usage in the saying "By Hook or by Crook." It is claimed that the phrase is derived from a vow by Oliver Cromwell to take Waterford by Hook (on the Wexford side of Waterford Harbour) or by Crook (a village on the Waterford side of Waterford Harbour). Hook Head Lighthouse is situated on Hook Head at the tip of the Hook peninsula and is one of the oldest lighthouses in the world and the second oldest operating lighthouse in the world after the Tower of Hercules in Galicia in Spain. The existing tower dates from the 12th century although tradition states that Dubhán, a missionary to the Wexford area, established a form of beacon as early as the 5th century. The headland of Hook Head is known in Irish as Rinn Dubháin (St. Dubhán's Head). However, the similar sounding Irish word “duán” means a fish hook, hence the English name. In March 1996, the Hook Head Lighthouse was converted to automatic operation and the last light-keepers who had climbed the stairs and tended the light were permanently withdrawn from the station. The lighthouse is now remotely controlled from Dún Laoghaire by the Commissioners of Irish Lights. In 2001 the Hook Head Lighthouse was opened to the public as a tourist attraction after the old keepers houses were turned into a visitor centre. In January 2011, the Hook Head Lighthouse fog horn was heard for the last time as all the fog horns were turned off. It was felt that the technology on modern ships was so advanced that the fog horn was no longer required. Date: 31st January 2020 Location: Hook Head, Co. Wexford, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14247076.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6663347374f4e03c176c44.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 25th February 2012 Location: Verulamium Park, St Albans, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512253.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_97238719562c99655d1309.jpgDartford Warbler The Dartford Warbler is a small warbler distinguished by its long tail compared with that of other warblers. Its plumage comprises unobtrusive and muted tones which blend in with its preferred habitats. Like many warblers, the Dartford Warbler has distinct male and female plumages. The male has a grey back and head, reddish underparts and a red eye. The female is paler below, especially on the throat, and a browner grey above. The song of the Dartford Warbler is a distinctive rattling warble. The largest populations of Dartford Warbler are found in Iberia with smaller populations in France, Italy and the south of the UK. In Africa, they are found in small areas in northern Morocco and northern Algeria. The Dartford Warbler breeds on heathlands amongst gorse, heather and other scrub bushes, sometimes near coasts. Dartford Warblers are named after Dartford Heath in north west Kent in the UK where the population became extinct in the early 20th century. They almost died out in the UK in the severe winter of 1962/63 when the national population dropped to just 10 pairs. However, this species can recover well in good quality habitat, thanks to repeated nesting and a high survival rate for the young. In the UK, Dartford Warblers can now be found at various heathland locations in south and east England. Date: 11th May 2022 Location: Morden Bog, Wareham Forest, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801144.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16043861264edad0c43cd2.jpgLapwing The Northern Lapwing, also known as the peewit, pewit, tuit or tew-it (imitative of its cry), Green Plover (emphasising the colour of the plumage) or (in the UK) just Lapwing (which refers to its peculiar, erratic way of flying), is a bird in the lapwing family. The Lapwing has rounded wings and a crest. It is also the shortest-legged of the lapwing species. It is mainly black and white but the back is tinted green. The male has a long crest and a black crown, throat and breast contrasting with an otherwise white face. Females and young birds have shorter crests and have less strongly marked heads but plumages are otherwise quite similar. The Lapwing is a vocal bird in the breeding season with constant calling as the crazed tumbling display flight is performed by the male. The typical contact call is a loud, shrill "pee-wit" from which they get their other name of peewit. The Lapwing is common through temperate Eurasia and breeds on cultivated land and other short vegetation habitats. The ground scrape nest and young are defended noisily and aggressively against all intruders. It is highly migratory over most of its extensive range, wintering further south as far as north Africa, north India, Pakistan and parts of China. It migrates mainly by day, often in large flocks. Lowland breeders in the westernmost areas of Europe are resident. In winter, it forms huge flocks on open land, particularly arable land and mud-flats. In the UK, the Lapwing has suffered a significant decline in the last 25 years and is an Amber List species because of the importance of its UK wintering population. It breeds on farmland throughout the UK, particularly in lowland areas of north England, the Borders and east Scotland, and prefers fields of spring sown cereals and root crops, permanent unimproved pasture, meadows and fallow fields but also wet grassland and marshes. During the winter, the Lapwing can be seen on flooded grassland, estuaries, coastal wetlands, short grassy fields and ploughed fields. In addition to the UK population, large numbers of north European birds arrive in the autumn for the winter. The Lapwing feeds primarily on insects and other small invertebrates. It often feeds in mixed flocks with Golden Plovers and Black-headed Gulls, the latter often robbing the plovers, but providing a degree of protection against predators. Date: 17th July 2023 Location: RSPB Frampton Marsh, near Boston, Lincolnshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9563040.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8087764704dae994a77561.jpgSnow Bunting Snow Buntings breed in far northern Europe and migrate south in winter. They are a very scarce breeding species in the UK and can be found on the highest mountain peaks in Scotland where they nest in rocky crevices. Snow Buntings are best looked for in winter (from late September to early March) where they can sometimes be seen in large flocks on the seashore or on adjacent short rough grassland at coastal sites in Scotland and eastern England. Date: 12/11/06 Location: Snettisham, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072277.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5130390814bf6d7fdd186a.jpgPurple Sandpiper The Purple Sandpiper is a small wading shorebird. Adults have short yellow legs and a medium thin dark bill with a yellow base. The body is dark above with a slight purplish gloss and mainly white below. The breast is smeared with grey and the rump is black. The Purple Sandpiper breeds in the northern tundra and Arctic islands in Canada and coastal areas in Greenland and north west Europe and nests on the ground either elevated on rocks or in a lower damp location. The males makes several scrapes following which the female chooses one and lays 3 or 4 eggs. The male takes the major responsibility for incubation and tends the chicks. The Purple Sandpiper is migratory and moves to rocky ice-free Atlantic coasts in winter where it is fairly gregarious, forming small flocks and often associating with Turnstones. It is also relatively tame and approachable. In the UK, the Purple Sandpiper occurs in winter in good numbers, principally along the east and south coasts where it favours rocky shorelines adjacent to the sea. It is a very rare breeding bird and is found only in a localised area of the Cairngorms National Park where 1 to 3 pairs have bred since the 1970s. Date: 11th April 2010 Location: Nesseby, Varangerfjord, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/ortolan https://images.on-this.website/4752_15891572285d307697b844b.jpgOrtolan The Ortolan or Ortolan Bunting is a member of the bunting family [i]Emberizidae[/i]. It is around 6 inches in length with a wing-span of 9 to 11 inches. In appearance and habits it resembles its relative the Yellowhammer but it lacks the bright colouring of that species. It can be recognized by its olive-brown and black streaked upperparts, yellow-pink or peach-coloured belly contrasting with olive-grey head, nape and breast, yellow throat and eye ring, pink-orange bill and white outer tail feathers. The Ortolan can be found in scrubland, open fields and farmland with sparse trees in most European countries and western Asia. It reaches as far north as Scandinavia and beyond the Arctic Circle and it is an uncommon vagrant in spring and particularly autumn to the UK. A massive decline is occurring in many countries in Europe. The main reasons for the decline are changes in agriculture and loss of habitat, human disturbance during the breeding season and hunting. The Ortolan mainly feeds on seeds but beetles and other insects are also taken when feeding their young. Date: 13th May 2018 Location: Červen Brjag to Nisovo, Pleven and Ruse Provinces, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/loch-maree-wester-ross https://images.on-this.website/4752_1354718139595624ce5800a3.79173960.jpgLoch Maree, Wester Ross Loch Maree is a loch in Wester Ross in the Scottish Highlands. At 12 miles long and with a maximum width of 2.5 miles, it is the 4th largest freshwater loch in Scotland and the largest north of Loch Ness. It has a surface area11.0 square miles. Loch Maree is bounded to the east by the mountain of Slioch (3218 feet high) which dominates its surroundings and to the west by the mountain of Beinn Eighe (3314 feet high) which is included within the first National Nature Reserve declared in the UK. Loch Maree contains 5 large wooded islands and over 60 smaller ones, many of which have their own lakelets. Isle Maree has the remains of a chapel, graveyard, holy well and holy tree on it, believed to be the 8th century hermitage of Saint Máel Ruba who founded the monastery of Applecross in 672. Loch Maree is often referred to as the most beautiful loch in the Scottish Highlands and is of international importance for its special wildlife and biodiversity. It is a designated Special Area of Conservation and Special Protected Area under the EU Habitats Directive and a wetland site designated under the Ramsar Convention. Like Loch Ness, Loch Maree has its own monster in the form of the Muc-sheilch. Date: 23rd June 2017 Location: view from Slattadale http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46508901.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_117541587062c989daa3e66.jpgMeadow Pipit The Meadow Pipit is a widespread and often abundant small pipit. It is an undistinguished looking species, mainly brown above and buff below with darker streaking on most of its plumage. The tail is brown with narrow white outer side edges. It has a thin bill and pale pinkish-yellow legs. A simple repetitive song is given in a short song and parachute display flight. The Meadow Pipit breeds in much of north west Eurasia from south east Greenland and Iceland east to just east of the Ural Mountains in Russia and south to central France and Romania. It is migratory over most of its range, wintering in south Europe, north Africa and south west Asia, but it is resident all year round in west Europe although many birds move to the coast or lowlands in winter. The Meadow Pipit is primarily a species of open habitats, either uncultivated or low-intensity agriculture, such as pasture, bogs and moorland. It also occurs in low numbers in arable croplands and in winter it occurs on saltmarshes where it can be quite gregarious and gather in small flocks. The Meadow Pipit is an abundant species in the north of its range but it is less common further south. It can be found all year round across the UK but it is commonest in the upland areas of the west and north during the breeding season. In winter it moves south to more lowland areas and becomes much commoner in the southern half of the UK. The Meadow Pipit nests on the ground in dense vegetation and it is one of the most important nest hosts of the Cuckoo. The Meadow Pipit is a fairly terrestrial pipit usually feeding on the ground although it will use elevated perches such as shrubs, fence lines or electricity wires as vantage points to watch for predators. It feeds mainly on insects and other invertebrates but it also eats the seeds of grasses, sedges, rushes and heather and crowberry berries. Date: 7th May 2022 Location: World's End, Denbighshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41254041.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16873292225f059dc1eac78.jpgHelsinki, Uusimaa, Finland Helsinki is the capital and largest city of Finland. It is located in the extreme south of the country on the shore of the Gulf of Finland of the Baltic Sea, 50 miles north of Tallinn in Estonia, 250 miles east of Stockholm in Sweden and 190 miles west of Saint Petersburg in Russia. It is the main financial, industrial, cultural, educational and research centre of Finland. Together with the cities of Espoo, Vantaa and Kauniainen, and surrounding commuter towns, Helsinki forms the Greater Helsinki metropolitan area which has a population of around 1.5 million. Often considered to be Finland's only metropolis, it is the world's northernmost metropolitan area as well as being the northernmost capital of an EU member state. After Stockholm in Sweden and Oslo in Norway, Helsinki is the third largest municipality in the Nordic countries. Date: 26th June 2019 Location: view from the Tallinn to Helsinki Viking ferry http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45174842.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14732749186232f9eac0da9.jpgTufted Duck The Tufted Duck is a small diving duck. The adult male is all black except for white flanks and a blue-grey bill. It has an obvious head tuft that gives the species its name. The adult female is brown with paler flanks and is more easily confused with other diving ducks. In particular, some have white around the bill base which resembles the Scaup although the white is never as extensive as in that species. The Tufted Duck breeds widely throughout temperate and northern Eurasia. It occasionally can be found as a winter visitor along both coasts of the United States and Canada. It is migratory in most of its range and winters in the milder south and west of Europe and southern Asia where large flocks form on open water. The Tufted Duck breeds close to marshes and lakes with plenty of vegetation to conceal the nest. It is also found on coastal lagoons and sheltered ponds. The Tufted Duck feeds mainly by diving for molluscs, aquatic insects and aquatic plants. Date: 31st December 2021 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50931117.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1540002886627de7163d2e.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 21st April 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/shag-chick https://images.on-this.website/4752_110146153153da4d4d6eff8.jpgShag chick The European Shag, Common Shag or simply Shag is a species of cormorant. It is 27 to 31 inches in length with a 37 to 43 inches wingspan. It is mainly black in colour but with a glossy green-tinged sheen in adults. It has a longish tail and a yellow throat-patch. Adults have a small recurved crest in the breeding season. It is distinguished from the Cormorant by its smaller size, lighter build, thinner and narrower bill, and, in breeding adults, by the crest and metallic green-tinged sheen. The Shag breeds around the rocky coasts of west and south Europe, north Africa and south west Asia, mainly wintering in its breeding range except for the northernmost birds. It nests on rocky ledges or in crevices or small caves and the nests are untidy heaps of rotting seaweed or twigs cemented together by the bird's own guano. The nesting season is long and begins in late February although some nests are not started until May or even later. The female lays 3 eggs and the chicks hatch without down and so they rely totally on their parents for warmth, often for a period of 2 months before they can fly. Fledging may occur at any time from early June to late August and exceptionally to mid-October. In the UK, the Shag breeds at coastal sites, mainly in the north and west of the country, and more than half of the population is found at fewer than 10 sites. It can be seen during the breeding season at the large Scottish colonies on Orkney, Shetland, the Inner Hebrides and in the Firth of Forth. Elsewhere it can be seen commonly around the coasts of Wales and south west England, especially in Devon and Cornwall. The Shag feeds in the sea and, unlike the Cormorant, it is rare inland. It is one of the deepest pursuit divers among the cormorant family and it has been shown to dive to at least 150 feet. When it dives, it jumps out of the water first to give extra impetus to the dive. The Shag forages for food on the sea bed and eats a wide range of fish although the commonest prey is the sand eel. It will travel long distances from its breeding and roosting sites in order to feed. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Staple Island, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081474.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_184050853963a857a6d6294.jpgTeal The Eurasian Teal or Common Teal is often called simply the Teal due to being the only one of these small [i]Anas[/i] dabbling ducks in much of its range. The Teal is the smallest dabbling duck at 7.9 to 11.8 inches in length and with a wingspan of 21 to 23 inches. From a distance, the male Teal in breeding plumage appears grey with a dark head, a yellowish behind and a white stripe running along the flanks. Their head and upper neck is chestnut with a wide and iridescent dark green patch of half-moon or teardrop-shape that starts immediately before the eye and arcs to the upper hindneck. This patch is bordered with thin yellowish-white lines and a single line of that colour extends from the patch's forward end and curving along the base of the bill. The breast is buff with small round brown spots. The centre of the belly is white and the rest of the body plumage is mostly white with thin and dense blackish vermiculations, appearing medium grey even at a short distance. The outer scapular feathers are white with a black border to the outer vanes and these form the white side-stripe when the bird is in resting position. The tail and tail coverts are black with a bright yellowish-buff triangular patch in the centre of the coverts at each side. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female. It is more uniform in colour with a dark head and vestigial facial markings. The female Teal is yellowish-brown but somewhat darker on the wings and back. It has a dark greyish-brown upper head, hindneck, eyestripe and feather pattern. The pattern is dense short streaks on the head and neck and scaly spots on the rest of the body. Overall it looks much like a tiny Mallard. Immatures are coloured much like the adult females but they have a stronger pattern. The downy young are coloured like other dabbling ducks, brown above and yellow below with a yellow supercilium. The male's bill is dark grey but in the eclipse plumage it often shows some light greenish or brownish hue at the base. The bill of the females and immatures is pinkish or yellowish at the base, becoming dark grey towards the tip. The feet are dark grey in the males and greyish olive or greyish-brown in females and immatures. The Teal breeds across north Eurasia where it occupies sheltered freshwater wetlands with some tall vegetation such as taiga bogs or small lakes and ponds with extensive reedbeds. It mostly winters well south of its breeding range in the Mediterranean region, south Asia and some parts of Africa where it is often seen in large flocks in brackish waters and even in sheltered inlets and lagoons along the seashore. It is also regularly recorded on the north American coasts south to California and South Carolina. In the milder climate of temperate Europe, such as in the UK, the summer and winter ranges overlap. In the UK, the Teal can be found all year round but it is thinly distributed as a breeding species. In winter, birds congregate in larger numbers on low-lying wetlands both on the coast and inland in the south and west of the UK. Of these, many are continental birds from around the Baltic and Siberia. At this time, the UK is home to a significant percentage of the north west European wintering population. The Teal is much less abundant than the very similar Green-winged Teal from north America although it is still common and widespread. It appears to be holding its own currently with perhaps a slow decline due to drainage and pollution of wetlands. The IUCN and BirdLife International classify the Teal as a species of “Least Concern”. However, it is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. The Teal nests on the ground near water. Pairs form in the winter range and arrive on the breeding range together from about March. Breeding starts some weeks thereafter and not until May in the most northerly locations. The nest is a deep hollow lined with dry leaves and down feathers which is built in dense vegetation near water. After the females have started laying their eggs, the males leave them and move away and assemble in flocks on particular lakes where they moult into their eclipse plumage. The female lays 5 to 16 eggs but usually 8 to 11. Incubation lasts for 21 to 23 days and the young leave the nest soon after hatching and are cared for by the female for about 25 to 30 days. The males and the females with young generally move to the winter range separately. After the first winter, the young moult in to their adult plumage. The Teal usually feeds by dabbling, upending or grazing. In the breeding season it eats mainly aquatic invertebrates, such as crustaceans, insects and their larvae, molluscs and worms. In winter, it shifts to a largely granivorous diet, feeding on seeds of aquatic plants and grasses including sedges and grains. Date: 9th January 2022 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871592.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7730637604eff1ee8206be.jpgReindeer The Reindeer, also known as the Caribou in North America, is a deer from the Arctic and sub Arctic, including both resident and migratory populations. Whilst it is overall widespread and numerous, some of its subspecies are rare or already extinct. The Reindeer is a widespread and numerous species in the northern Holarctic, being present in tundra (frozen arctic plain with lichens, mosses and dwarfed vegetation) and taiga (marshy pine forest) regions. Originally, the Reindeer was found in Scandinavia, eastern Europe, Russia, Mongolia, and northern China. In North America, it was found in Canada, Alaska and the northern USA from Washington to Maine. It also occurred naturally on Sakhalin, Greenland, and probably even in historical times in Ireland. Today, wild Reindeer have disappeared from many areas within this large historical range, especially from the southern parts where it has vanished almost everywhere. Large populations of wild Reindeer are still found in Norway, Finland, Siberia, Greenland, Alaska, and Canada. Wild Reindeer hunting and herding of semi-domesticated Reindeer (for meat, hides, antlers, milk and transportation) are important to several Arctic and Subarctic people. Domesticated Reindeer are mostly found in northern Fennoscandia and Russia with a herd of approximately 150-170 Reindeer also living around the Cairngorms region in Scotland. Reindeer vary considerably in colour and size. Both sexes grow antlers, though they are typically larger in males. Even far outside its range, the Reindeer is well known due to the myth, probably originating in early 19th century America, in which Santa Claus's sleigh is pulled by flying Reindeer, a popular element of Christmas. Date: 25th May 2009 Location: east of Sodankylä, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623107.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19521661776117d7838ffb9.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081475.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2826075563a857a8065db.jpgTeal The Eurasian Teal or Common Teal is often called simply the Teal due to being the only one of these small [i]Anas[/i] dabbling ducks in much of its range. The Teal is the smallest dabbling duck at 7.9 to 11.8 inches in length and with a wingspan of 21 to 23 inches. From a distance, the male Teal in breeding plumage appears grey with a dark head, a yellowish behind and a white stripe running along the flanks. Their head and upper neck is chestnut with a wide and iridescent dark green patch of half-moon or teardrop-shape that starts immediately before the eye and arcs to the upper hindneck. This patch is bordered with thin yellowish-white lines and a single line of that colour extends from the patch's forward end and curving along the base of the bill. The breast is buff with small round brown spots. The centre of the belly is white and the rest of the body plumage is mostly white with thin and dense blackish vermiculations, appearing medium grey even at a short distance. The outer scapular feathers are white with a black border to the outer vanes and these form the white side-stripe when the bird is in resting position. The tail and tail coverts are black with a bright yellowish-buff triangular patch in the centre of the coverts at each side. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female. It is more uniform in colour with a dark head and vestigial facial markings. The female Teal is yellowish-brown but somewhat darker on the wings and back. It has a dark greyish-brown upper head, hindneck, eyestripe and feather pattern. The pattern is dense short streaks on the head and neck and scaly spots on the rest of the body. Overall it looks much like a tiny Mallard. Immatures are coloured much like the adult females but they have a stronger pattern. The downy young are coloured like other dabbling ducks, brown above and yellow below with a yellow supercilium. The male's bill is dark grey but in the eclipse plumage it often shows some light greenish or brownish hue at the base. The bill of the females and immatures is pinkish or yellowish at the base, becoming dark grey towards the tip. The feet are dark grey in the males and greyish olive or greyish-brown in females and immatures. The Teal breeds across north Eurasia where it occupies sheltered freshwater wetlands with some tall vegetation such as taiga bogs or small lakes and ponds with extensive reedbeds. It mostly winters well south of its breeding range in the Mediterranean region, south Asia and some parts of Africa where it is often seen in large flocks in brackish waters and even in sheltered inlets and lagoons along the seashore. It is also regularly recorded on the north American coasts south to California and South Carolina. In the milder climate of temperate Europe, such as in the UK, the summer and winter ranges overlap. In the UK, the Teal can be found all year round but it is thinly distributed as a breeding species. In winter, birds congregate in larger numbers on low-lying wetlands both on the coast and inland in the south and west of the UK. Of these, many are continental birds from around the Baltic and Siberia. At this time, the UK is home to a significant percentage of the north west European wintering population. The Teal is much less abundant than the very similar Green-winged Teal from north America although it is still common and widespread. It appears to be holding its own currently with perhaps a slow decline due to drainage and pollution of wetlands. The IUCN and BirdLife International classify the Teal as a species of “Least Concern”. However, it is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. The Teal nests on the ground near water. Pairs form in the winter range and arrive on the breeding range together from about March. Breeding starts some weeks thereafter and not until May in the most northerly locations. The nest is a deep hollow lined with dry leaves and down feathers which is built in dense vegetation near water. After the females have started laying their eggs, the males leave them and move away and assemble in flocks on particular lakes where they moult into their eclipse plumage. The female lays 5 to 16 eggs but usually 8 to 11. Incubation lasts for 21 to 23 days and the young leave the nest soon after hatching and are cared for by the female for about 25 to 30 days. The males and the females with young generally move to the winter range separately. After the first winter, the young moult in to their adult plumage. The Teal usually feeds by dabbling, upending or grazing. In the breeding season it eats mainly aquatic invertebrates, such as crustaceans, insects and their larvae, molluscs and worms. In winter, it shifts to a largely granivorous diet, feeding on seeds of aquatic plants and grasses including sedges and grains. Date: 9th January 2022 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42222550.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6411394876023b94111433.jpgCoot The Coot is an all black bird with a distinctive white beak and “shield” above the beak from which earns it the title “bald”. Its feet have distinctive lobed flaps of skin on the toes which act instead of webs when swimming. It patters noisily over the water before taking off and can be very aggressive towards other birds. Coot can be found all the year round mainly on freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers and town park lakes. Sometimes they can be seen offshore, especially in winter if freshwater areas are frozen. They breed in areas of fairly shallow standing freshwater with a muddy bottom and plenty of vegetation at the sides, usually in lowland areas. Date: 21st January 2021 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5472462.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5326350804c306accb7f38.jpgMediterranean Gull The Mediterranean Gull is intermediate in size between the Common Gull and the Black-headed Gull. The breeding plumage adult is a distinctive white gull with a very pale grey mantle and wings with white primary feathers without black tips. The black hood extends down the nape and shows distinct white eye crescents. The blunt tipped, dark red bill has a black sub-terminal band. The non-breeding adult is similar but the hood is reduced to an extensive dusky "bandit" mask through the eye. The Mediterranean Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity and first year birds have a black terminal tail band and more black areas in the upperwings and pale underwings. The Mediterranean Gull was formerly restricted to the Black Sea and the eastern Mediterranean but in recent decades it has undergone a dramatic range expansion and can be found over most of Europe as far as the UK and Ireland. It can be found in scattered colonies of varying size in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes. It is sometimes found nesting in mixed colonies with Black-headed Gull. In winter, the majority of Mediterranean Gulls migrate to the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious during winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. The Mediterranean Gull was a very rare UK bird until the 1950s but it is now widespread in winter and breeding in ever increasing numbers. It is mainly found along the east and south coasts of England and most of the breeding population nest within Black-headed Gull colonies at coastal wetlands. It is more widespread in winter with some beaches in Norfolk and Kent attracting more than a hundred birds and it can also be found inland in small numbers wherever Black-headed and Common Gulls gather (especially in roosts on reservoirs). The Mediterranean Gull tends to be an opportunistic omnivore and eats fish, worms, insects, offal and carrion. The Mediterranean Gull is not globally threatened and is designated by the IUCN as being “Least Concern”. However, it is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 2nd July 2010 Location: Camber, East Suusex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833514.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1920493235559ceb69d177e.jpgRed-backed Shrike The Red-backed Shrike is a carnivorous passerine bird and member of the shrike family. The general colour of the male’s upper parts is reddish. It has a grey head and a typical shrike black stripe through the eye. Underparts are tinged pink and the tail has a black and white pattern similar to that of a Wheatear. In the female and young birds the upperparts are brown and vermiculated and the underparts are buff and also vermiculated. The Red-backed Shrike eats large insects, small birds, frogs, rodents and lizards. Like other shrikes it hunts from prominent perches and impales corpses on thorns or barbed wire as a "larder." This practice has earned it the nickname of "butcher bird." The Red-backed Shrike breeds in most of Europe and western Asia and winters in tropical Africa. Once a common migratory visitor to the UK, numbers declined sharply during the 20th century. The bird's last stronghold was in Breckland but by 1988 just a single pair remained, successfully raising young at Santon Downham. The following year for the first time no nests were recorded in the UK but since then sporadic breeding has taken place, mostly in Scotland and Wales, and in September 2010 the RSPB announced that a pair had raised chicks at a secret location on Dartmoor where the bird last bred in 1970. This return to south west England has been an unexpected development and has raised speculation that a warming climate could assist the bird in re-colonising some of its traditional sites, if only in small numbers. Date: 13th May 2015 Location: Great Prespa Lake (Megali Prespa), West Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28883752.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_58942824157cc19ea19fb7.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 18th May 2016 Location: Ilmatsalu, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29487294.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16699238058107ef6b16bd.jpgHelsinki archipelago, Helsinki, Finland Known as the "Daughter of the Baltic", Helsinki is located on the tip of a peninsula facing south to an archipelago of around 330 islands. Major islands include Pihlajasaari, Seurasaari, Vallisaari, Lauttasaari and Korkeasaari. Other noteworthy islands are the fortress island of Suomenlinna, the military island of Santahamina and Isosaari. The Helsinki archipelago provides a getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city for both residents and tourists. Date: 29th May 2016 Location: view from the Strömma archipelago and canal boat trip from Helsinki, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30825723.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_58189295258f349c5b19d25.32710350.jpgShelduck The Shelduck resembles a small short-necked goose in size and shape. It is larger than a Mallard but smaller than geese such as Greylag and Canada Geese. The Shelduck is a striking bird with a reddish-pink bill, pink feet, a white body with chestnut patches and a black belly and a dark green head and neck. The wing coverts are white, the primaries are black and the secondaries are green and chestnut. The underwings are almost entirely white. Sexes are similar but the female is smaller with some white facial markings whilst the male is particularly crisply coloured in the breeding season with a bright red bill bearing a prominent knob at the forehead. Ducklings are white with a black cap, hindneck and wing and back patches. Juveniles are greyish above and mostly white below but already have the adult's wing pattern. The Shelduck breeds in temperate Eurasia where it nests in rabbit burrows and tree holes. Most populations migrate to sub-tropical areas in winter but it is largely resident in west Europe apart from movements to favoured moulting grounds such as the Wadden Sea on the north German coast. The Shelduck is common around the coastline of the UK and Ireland where it can be found on salt marshes, tidal mudflats and estuaries although it can also be found around inland waters such as reservoirs and gravel workings. It can be seen all year round but the population increases significantly during winter with the arrival of birds from continental Europe. Date: 9th April 2017 Location: EWT Blue House Farm, North Fambridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/blue-rock-thrush https://images.on-this.website/4752_2821372234ff54493510eb.jpgBlue Rock Thrush The Blue Rock Thrush is a Starling-sized chat named for the distinctive deep blue colouration of the male, which is slightly brighter around the eyes, head and throat and darker and browner on the wings and tail. The female is duller, most often a brownish blue-grey above, streaked buff and brown on the lower parts of the face and upper chest and with buff-brown barring on the lower breast and undertail The Blue Rock Thrush is a widespread species with breeding and non-breeding populations spanning from north west Africa, throughout southern Europe, the Arabian Peninsula, northern India and the central Himalayas to China, Mongolia, Japan and South East Asia. The European, north African and south east Asian birds are mainly resident apart from altitudinal movements. This Blue Rock Thrush is a very uncommon visitor to northern and western Europe. The Blue Rock Thrush breeds mainly on cliffs, in rocky valleys and gorges, on crags, outcrops, sea cliffs and rocky coasts. It also breeds occasionally in ruins, quarries, isolated stone buildings and on houses, churches, castles and monuments. Depending on the location, the Blue Rock Thrush can be found from sea level up to elevations of over 13,000 feet. The wintering habitat is more varied but it is still often associated with areas of bare rock, and includes foothills, valleys, towns, olive groves and gardens, areas of woody vegetation on rocky slopes and isolated hills in rainforest and savannah. Date: 25th April 2012 Location: Embalse del Jándula, Sierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30024906.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1367005359587a097618a77.jpgPintail Slightly bigger than a Mallard, the Pintail is a long-necked and small-headed duck which flies with a curved back, pointed wings and a long tapering tail. The male's long central tail feathers give rise to the species' English and scientific names. Both sexes have blue-grey bills and grey legs and feet. The male is more striking, having a thin white stripe running from the back of its chocolate-coloured head down its neck to its mostly white underparts. The male also has attractive grey, brown, and black patterning on its back and sides. The female's plumage is more subtle and subdued with drab brown feathers similar to those of other female dabbling ducks. The Pintail can be found all year round but it is primarily a winter visitor with significant populations occurring on coasts, estuaries and other wetlands at sites such as the Dee Estuary, Solway Estuary and Ouse Washes. The winter population arrives in September with numbers peaking in December and the return migration takes place from late February into March. This bird was part of the captive collection at the WWT Wetland Centre. Date: 5th January 2017 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28885468.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_139506271257cc3195390be.jpgRed-backed Shrike The Red-backed Shrike is a carnivorous passerine bird and member of the shrike family. The general colour of the male’s upper parts is reddish. It has a grey head and a typical shrike black stripe through the eye. Underparts are tinged pink and the tail has a black and white pattern similar to that of a Wheatear. In the female and young birds the upperparts are brown and vermiculated and the underparts are buff and also vermiculated. The Red-backed Shrike eats large insects, small birds, frogs, rodents and lizards. Like other shrikes it hunts from prominent perches and impales corpses on thorns or barbed wire as a "larder." This practice has earned it the nickname of "butcher bird." The Red-backed Shrike breeds in most of Europe and western Asia and winters in tropical Africa. Once a common migratory visitor to the UK, numbers declined sharply during the 20th century. The bird's last stronghold was in Breckland but by 1988 just a single pair remained, successfully raising young at Santon Downham. The following year for the first time no nests were recorded in the UK but since then sporadic breeding has taken place, mostly in Scotland and Wales, and in September 2010 the RSPB announced that a pair had raised chicks at a secret location on Dartmoor where the bird last bred in 1970. This return to south west England has been an unexpected development and has raised speculation that a warming climate could assist the bird in re-colonising some of its traditional sites, if only in small numbers. Date: 15th May 2016 Location: Tõramaa, Soomaa National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29487425.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10021174885810801cb5c99.jpgNuuksio National Park, Uusimaa, Finland Nuuksio National Park was established in 1994 and covers an area of 20 square miles of forests and lakes around Espoo, Kirkkonummi and Vihti. About 20 miles north west of Helsinki, it is the second closest National Park to the capital after Sipoonkorpi National Park. The [url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siberian_flying_squirrel]Siberian Flying Squirrel[/url] is the emblem of the Nuuksio National Park due to the density of its population. Date: 30th May 2016 Location: Hogbacka, Nuuksio National Park, Uusimaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13683321.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3534447164ed72dde5613a.jpgHedgehog The Hedgehog is unmistakeable being the only spiny British mammal. The yellow-tipped 2cm spines on a grey/brown back and sides are perhaps the best known features of the Hedgehog which has relatively long legs and a short tail together with small eyes and ears. The Hedgehog is common in parks, gardens and farmland throughout mainland UK. It has also been introduced to many islands including Orkney, Shetland, Isle of Man and some of the Channel Islands. Hedgehogs prefer woodland edges, hedgerows and suburban habitats where there is plenty of food for them. Intensively farmed arable land is probably a poor habitat as are moorlands and dense conifer forests. Hedgehogs survive well in gardens, particularly assisted by food put out for them as modern tidy gardens may not otherwise provide sufficient food. The Hedgehog is generally nocturnal travelling around a mile each night feeding on a diet of beetles, worms, caterpillars, slugs and almost anything they can catch. They can also take the eggs and chicks of ground-nesting birds although rarely in large numbers. The Hedgehog‘s hibernation usually begins about November and ends around Easter but it is much affected by the weather. They normally wake up several times over winter and often build a new nest. In the spring they commonly spend a few days active and then enter hibernation again during any cold snap. The winter nest or hibernaculum is made of leaves, tucked under a bush or log pile or garden shed or anywhere that offers support and protection. The Hedgehog can live up to 10 years but this is exceptional. Over half die within their first year and average life expectancy is 2 to 3 years in the wild. Hedgehogs may become locally scarce or even disappear but nationwide extinction is unlikely. Nevertheless, the Hedgehog appears to be in decline although the total population is unknown. The biggest threat to the Hedgehog is probably habitat loss with the change from pastoral farming to arable crops over the last 30 years. The use of chemicals in gardens and for intensive farming kills the creatures hedgehogs need for food and may also poison them directly. Many are also killed on the roads. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/biebrza-area-poland https://images.on-this.website/4752_106359700351e3cdc893fcd.jpgBiebrza area, Poland The Biebrza marshes are a complex series of habitats located in the Biebrza river valley. The area encompasses river channels, lakes, extensive marshes, fenland, reed beds, peat bogs and fields and meadows with woods and forests on higher ground. The Biebrza National Park, which covers much of the area, is the largest of Poland’s 23 National Parks and was created in 1993. Covering a total area of 228 square miles, it protects the vast and relatively untouched habitats with their unique variety of several communities of plants and species of wetland birds and mammals. Date: 19th May 2013 Location: view from Carska Droga ("Czars Road"), Biebrza area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28139855.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1516730150577a320b9a59b.jpgGrey Wagtail The Grey Wagtail is a member of the wagtail family. It is somewhat similar to the Yellow Wagtail but more colourful than its name suggests. The upperparts are grey and the yellow vent contrasting with whitish underparts makes it distinctive. The breeding male has a black throat that is edged by whitish moustachial stripes, a narrow white supercilium and a broken eye ring and a tail noticeably longer than those of Pied and Yellow wagtails. Like other wagtails, it frequently wags its tail and flies low with undulations. The Grey Wagtail is widely distributed across the Palearctic region with several sub-species breeding in Europe and Asia. It can be found over most of the UK with the exception of the northern and western isles of Scotland. The greatest densities are found in the uplands of England, Wales and Scotland. The Grey Wagtail is always associated with fast running streams and rivers when breeding although they may use man-made structures near streams for the nest. Outside the breeding season, it may also be seen around lakes, coasts and other watery habitats including in town and city centres. It forages singly or in pairs feeding on a variety of aquatic invertebrates including adult flies, mayflies, beetles, crustacea and molluscs and will use rocks in water and often perch in waterside bushes and trees. Date: 20th June 2016 Location: Findhorn valley, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26032133.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1031452419563785f77d1c6.jpgHvalfjörður, west Iceland Hvalfjörður (Icelandic: Whale fjord) is situated in the west of Iceland 31 miles north of Reykjavík between Mosfellsbær and Akranesand. The fjord is approximately 19 miles long and 3 miles wide and gives an excellent opportunity to enjoy the unique beauty of Icelandic fjords. The name Hvalfjörður is derived from the large number of whales which could be found and caught there in the past. In addition the fjord also contained a large number of herring fisheries. During World War 2, a naval base for the UK and USA navies could be found in this fjord. One of the piers built by the USA navy is today used by the Hvalur whaling company for the processing of Fin Whales, partially for the domestic market and mostly for export to Japan. Until the late 1990s, travel by car involved a long detour of 38 miles around the fjord in order to get from the city of Reykjavík to the town of Borgarnes. In July 1998, the Hvalfjarðargöngin tunnel was opened to public traffic. The tunnel is approximately 3.5 miles in length and cuts travel by car around the fjord by about an hour. The tunnel runs to a depth of 550 feet below sea level. Date: 1st June 2015 Location: view from road 47 around Hvalfjörður http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23806436.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6350179905512affa167fc.jpgPintail Slightly bigger than a Mallard, the Pintail is a long-necked and small-headed duck which flies with a curved back, pointed wings and a long tapering tail. The male's long central tail feathers give rise to the species' English and scientific names. Both sexes have blue-grey bills and grey legs and feet. The male is more striking, having a thin white stripe running from the back of its chocolate-coloured head down its neck to its mostly white underparts. The male also has attractive grey, brown, and black patterning on its back and sides. The female's plumage is more subtle and subdued with drab brown feathers similar to those of other female dabbling ducks. The Pintail can be found all year round but it is primarily a winter visitor with significant populations occurring on coasts, estuaries and other wetlands at sites such as the Dee Estuary, Solway Estuary and Ouse Washes. The winter population arrives in September with numbers peaking in December and the return migration takes place from late February into March. This bird was part of the captive collection at the WWT Wetland Centre. Date: 7th March 2015 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871583.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7534487314eff1eb4099a8.jpgReindeer The Reindeer, also known as the Caribou in North America, is a deer from the Arctic and sub Arctic, including both resident and migratory populations. Whilst it is overall widespread and numerous, some of its subspecies are rare or already extinct. The Reindeer is a widespread and numerous species in the northern Holarctic, being present in tundra (frozen arctic plain with lichens, mosses and dwarfed vegetation) and taiga (marshy pine forest) regions. Originally, the Reindeer was found in Scandinavia, eastern Europe, Russia, Mongolia, and northern China. In North America, it was found in Canada, Alaska and the northern USA from Washington to Maine. It also occurred naturally on Sakhalin, Greenland, and probably even in historical times in Ireland. Today, wild Reindeer have disappeared from many areas within this large historical range, especially from the southern parts where it has vanished almost everywhere. Large populations of wild Reindeer are still found in Norway, Finland, Siberia, Greenland, Alaska, and Canada. Wild Reindeer hunting and herding of semi-domesticated Reindeer (for meat, hides, antlers, milk and transportation) are important to several Arctic and Subarctic people. Domesticated Reindeer are mostly found in northern Fennoscandia and Russia with a herd of approximately 150-170 Reindeer also living around the Cairngorms region in Scotland. Reindeer vary considerably in colour and size. Both sexes grow antlers, though they are typically larger in males. Even far outside its range, the Reindeer is well known due to the myth, probably originating in early 19th century America, in which Santa Claus's sleigh is pulled by flying Reindeer, a popular element of Christmas. Date: 25th May 2009 Location: east of Sodankylä, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/ingleborough-north-yorkshire https://images.on-this.website/4752_17955352304681c76598329.jpgIngleborough, North Yorkshire Height: 2371 feet The “Three Peaks” in the Yorkshire Dales National Park boast some of the most spectacular upland scenery in Yorkshire comprising the peaks of Ingleborough, Whernside and Pen-y-Ghent. The distinctive shape of Ingleborough, with its famous flat topped profile, is due to the local geology i.e. a broad cap of millstone grit atop a broader plateau of carboniferous limestone. Streams running off the millstone grit meet limestone rock further down the slopes where they disappear underground, falling into deep potholes and caverns. Date: 10th April 2006 Location: view from B6255 road near Ribblehead station http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40952820.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15336443225e5393437f6bb.jpgHerring Gull The Herring Gull is one of the best known of all gulls along the shores of Europe. Adults in breeding plumage have a grey back and upperwings and white head and underparts. The wingtips are black with white spots known as "mirrors". The bill is yellow with a red spot and there is a ring of bare yellow skin around the pale eye. The legs are normally pink at all ages but can be yellowish. Non-breeding adults have brown streaks on the head and neck. Male and female plumage is identical at all stages of development although adult males are often larger. Juvenile and first-winter birds are mainly brown with darker streaks and have a dark bill and eyes. Second-winter birds have a whiter head and underparts with less streaking and the back is grey. Third-winter individuals are similar to adults but retain some of the features of immature birds such as brown feathers in the wings and dark markings on the bill. The Herring Gull attains adult plumage and reaches sexual maturity at an average age of 4 years. The loud laughing call of the Herring Gull is well known and is often seen as a symbol of the seaside in countries such as the UK. It also has a yelping alarm call and a low barking anxiety call. Chicks and fledglings emit a distinctive, repetitive high-pitched 'peep', accompanied by a head-flicking gesture when begging for food from or calling to their parents. Adult gulls in urban areas will also exhibit this behaviour when fed by humans. The Herring Gull breeds across northern Europe, western Europe, central Europe, eastern Europe, Scandinavia and the Baltic states. Some, especially those resident in colder areas, migrate further south in winter but many are permanent residents such as in the UK or on the North Sea shores. While Herring Gull numbers appear to have been decreased in recent years, possibly by fish population declines and competition, they have proved able to survive in human-adapted areas and can often be seen in towns acting as a scavenger. The Herring Gull, like most gulls, is an omnivore and opportunist and will scavenge from garbage dumps, landfill sites and sewage outflows with refuse comprising up to half of the bird's diet. In addition, it will eat fish, crustaceans and dead animals as well as some plants and it will steal the eggs and young of other birds (including those of other gulls). The Herring Gull may also dive from the surface of the water or engage in plunge diving in the pursuit of aquatic prey although they are typically unable to reach any great depth due to their natural buoyancy. Date: 31st January 2020 Location: Kilmore Quay, Co. Wexford, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo44253549.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_142395135261654fb8ab68e.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 9th October 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/kongsfjordfjellet-varanger-peninsula-troms-og https://images.on-this.website/4752_5531019325f3e4b999ebf0.jpgKongsfjordfjellet, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Kongsfjordfjellet is a sparsely vegetated high tundra mountain plateau situated in the north west of the Varanger peninsula in Troms og Finnmark in north east Norway. It is crossed by the Fv890 road to Berlevåg where traffic is escorted in convoy at specified times. This upland area includes many lakes, pools and bogs which hold a wide range of Arctic species. Kongsfjordfjellet is almost invariably cold and largely covered in snow well into mid-summer. Date: 5th July 2019 Location: Kongsfjordfjellet, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/pygmy-cormorants https://images.on-this.website/4752_449188061559cf2fdabcc2.jpgPygmy Cormorants The Pygmy Cormorant is the smallest member of the cormorant family and is a medium-sized green-glossed black bird with a long tail and short thick bill. Adults have small white feather tufts on the head, neck and underparts in the breeding season. The sexes are similar, but juveniles are duller and browner. The Pygmy Cormorant is distinguished from the Great Cormorant and the Shag by its much smaller size, lighter build and long tail. The Pygmy Cormorant can be found along the east coasts of the Adriatic Sea, the northern Aegean Sea, the Black Sea eastwards to the Caspian Sea and in Iraq. The Pygmy Cormorant breeds in Albania, Greece, Bulgaria, Turkey, Romania, Moldavia, Ukraine, Russia, Azerbaijan and Iraq while a few pairs also breed in Hungary and Slovakia. The biggest colony is located in the Danube Delta in Romania and numbers 4,000 pairs. In Greece the most important colonies are located at Lake Mikri Prespa and Lake Kerkini. The Pygmy Cormorant also formerly bred in the Axios Delta, at Lake Ismarida and Lake Kastoria, in the Evros Delta and at Porto Lagos. The most important wintering areas in Greece are mainly the large wetlands of Thrace and Macedonia. The Pygmy Cormorant can be found in wetlands with still or slowly flowing fresh water and more rarely in coastal wetlands. It builds nests from sticks and reeds in dense vegetation, in trees, shrubs, willows but occasionally in reeds on small floating islets, either alone or with Great Cormorants, Spoonbills and heron and egret species. The Pygmy Cormorant feeds on small fish and rarely on small aquatic mammals and molluscs which are caught by diving. It often hunts in groups and perches in trees between fishing expeditions. The Pygmy Cormorant is a species with habitats strongly affected by human actions. Threats include the drainage and serious degradation of wetlands and their associated woodland, water pollution, disturbance, poaching as well as drowning in fishing nets. Being a great fish consumer and destroyer of fishing nets, it is often persecuted by fishermen. Date: 8th May 2015 Location: Evros Delta (east), East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11948028.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2070936444e41092fb6c70.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 24th December 2005 Location: Glen Garry, Inverness-shire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308862.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_173063351263ee37ecebb66.jpgShelduck The Shelduck resembles a small short-necked goose in size and shape. It is larger than a Mallard but smaller than geese such as Greylag and Canada Geese. The Shelduck is a striking bird with a reddish-pink bill, pink feet, a white body with chestnut patches and a black belly and a dark green head and neck. The wing coverts are white, the primaries are black and the secondaries are green and chestnut. The underwings are almost entirely white. Sexes are similar but the female is smaller with some white facial markings whilst the male is particularly crisply coloured in the breeding season with a bright red bill bearing a prominent knob at the forehead. Ducklings are white with a black cap, hindneck and wing and back patches. Juveniles are greyish above and mostly white below but already have the adult's wing pattern. The Shelduck breeds in temperate Eurasia where it nests in rabbit burrows and tree holes. Most populations migrate to sub-tropical areas in winter but it is largely resident in west Europe apart from movements to favoured moulting grounds such as the Wadden Sea on the north German coast. The Shelduck is common around the coastline of the UK and Ireland where it can be found on salt marshes, tidal mudflats and estuaries although it can also be found around inland waters such as reservoirs and gravel workings. It can be seen all year round but the population increases significantly during winter with the arrival of birds from continental Europe. Date: 21st January 2022 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801270.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_72209180964edb3225e90e.jpgLarge White Flight period: April to September. The Large White is a highly successful species which is common and widespread in the UK. They can be found almost anywhere including in towns and gardens. Date: 26th July 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13797112.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20497570564ee9bbf8bdbca.jpgBottlenose Dolphin The Bottlenose Dolphin is one of the most well-known species of dolphin. They have a stocky, torpedo-shaped body, a short beak and pointed flippers and are usually dark grey on the back with paler grey flanks and a white or pinkish belly. The sickle-shaped dorsal fin is tall and positioned centrally on the back. Variations in the shape of the dorsal fin along with scars and other markings on the skin can help researchers to identify individuals. The Bottlenose Dolphin is found in coastal waters of most temperate, tropical and subtropical areas. Around the UK, it occurs in the English Channel, in the Moray Firth in north-east Scotland and in Cardigan Bay in Wales. Although lone individuals do occur, Bottle-nosed Dolphins are very sociable animals which usually live in groups numbering between 10 and 100 individuals. They engage in much energetic behaviour, including breaching (clearing the water), lobtailing (slapping the tail flukes down onto the surface of the water) and bow-riding (riding the swell created in front of boats and even large whales). The Bottlenose Dolphin faces a number of threats including human disturbance, entanglement in fishing nets and hunting. Like all cetaceans, they are also vulnerable to chemical and noise pollution. The captivity industry that supplies the world aquarium trade is also a problem. The Bottlenose Dolphin is a UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority species and it is protected in UK waters by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Orders 1985. It is illegal to intentionally kill, injure, or harass any cetacean (whale or dolphin) species in UK waters. The Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans in the Baltic and North Seas (ASCOBANS), has been signed by 7 European Countries including the UK. Provision is made under this agreement to set up protected areas, promote research and monitoring, pollution control and increase public awareness. Under Annex II of the EC Habitats Directive, candidate marine Special Areas of Conservation (SACS) are being set up for this species in Cardigan Bay (Wales) and the Moray Firth (north-east Scotland). Date: 13th April 2009 Location: Moray Firth (from Chanonry Point), Inverness-shire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11947734.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11969244104e40fdeaed1e9.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 21st October 2007 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24834061.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_607911922559cf545893b7.jpgBlack-winged Stilts The Black-winged Stilt is a widely distributed very long-legged wader. They have long pink-red legs, a long thin black bill and are blackish above and white below with a white head and neck with a varying amount of black. Both in flight and at rest the long pink-red legs are characteristic and even if these are hidden in water of unknown depth, the pure white underparts and jet black upperparts are distinctive. The amount of dark feathering on the otherwise white head doesn't necessarily indicate the sex of a stilt although young birds always have smoky patterning on the head. The Black-winged Stilt can be found in central and southern Europe, central and southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Many birds migrate to south of the Sahara from August to November and return in March and April. However, many of those which breed in Iberia are now increasingly remaining throughout the year. The Black-winged Stilt breeds around shallow wetlands, especially coastal lagoons, saltpans and estuaries. The nest site is a bare spot on the ground near water and birds often nest in small groups, sometimes with Avocets. In Europe, the Black-winged Stilt is a regular spring overshoot vagrant north of its normal range, occasionally remaining to breed in northern European countries including the UK. Date: 7th May 2015 Location: Evros Delta (west), East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/lahemaa-national-park-estonia https://images.on-this.website/4752_181445163557cc06bf9bcec.jpgLahemaa National Park, Estonia Lahemaa National Park was established in 1971 and was the first area to be designated as a National Park of the former Soviet Union. It is located about 40 miles east of Tallinn with the Gulf of Finland to the north and the Tallinn to Narva road to the south. It covers an area of 280 square miles including almost 100 square miles of sea and it is the largest National Park in Estonia. Forest covers around 70% of the Lahemaa National Park and much of the remainder includes raised bogs. The area is rich in flora and fauna including a population of Wolves, Brown Bears and Lynx. Date: 19th May 2016 Location: Vergi to Vainupea, Lahemaa National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405474.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5026790126586e7d474ec2.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 14th October 2023 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/iceland-gulls https://images.on-this.website/4752_624360572563492df2e2a8.jpgIceland Gulls The Iceland Gull is a largish gull although relatively slender and light-weight. It is smaller and thinner billed than the very large Glaucous Gull and it is usually smaller than the Herring Gull. The Iceland Gull is very pale in all plumages with absolutely no black in the tips of the primaries in adult plumage. Adults are pale grey above with a yellowish-green bill. Immatures are very pale grey. The Iceland Gull breeds colonially or singly on coasts and cliffs in the Arctic regions of Canada and Greenland .... but not Iceland where it is usually only seen in the winter. It is migratory and winters in the north Atlantic as far south as the UK and northernmost states of the eastern USA as well as in the interior of north America as far west as the western Great Lakes. It is generally much scarcer in Europe than the similar Glaucous Gull. Like most gulls, the Iceland Gull is an omnivore and it eats fish, molluscs, offal, scraps, and eggs. It forages while flying, picking up food at or just below the water's surface and also feeds while walking or swimming. Scavenging habits lead it to frequent garbage dumps, sewage outlets and places where fish are cleaned. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Steingrímsfjarðarheiði to Ísafjörður, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49003168.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10998401646468ff96722b7.jpgBlue Tit The Blue Tit is a small passerine bird in the tit family. It is easily recognisable by its generally blue and yellow plumage and its small size. The Blue Tit is about 4.7 inches long with a wingspan of 7.1 inches. It has an azure blue crown and a dark blue line passing through the eye and encircling the white cheeks to the chin, giving the bird a very distinctive appearance. The forehead and a bar on the wing are white. The nape, wings and tail are blue and the back is yellowish green. The underparts are mostly sulphur-yellow with a dark line down the abdomen. The bill is black and the legs bluish grey. The sexes are similar whilst young birds are noticeably more yellow. The Blue Tit is very agile and it can cling to the outermost branches and hang upside down when searching for food such as insects, caterpillars and seeds. The Blue Tit can be found throughout areas of the European continent with a mainly temperate or Mediterranean climate and in parts of the Middle East. In the UK it is common in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens and widespread across the whole of the country with the exception of some Scottish islands. The Blue Tit will nest in any suitable hole in a tree, wall or stump, often competing with other birds such as the House Sparrow or Great Tit for the site. In addition, it will readily accept an artificial nesting box. The same hole is returned to year after year and when one pair dies another takes possession. The nesting material is usually moss, wool, hair and feathers and the eggs are laid in April or May. The number in the clutch is often very large but 7 or 8 is normal. It is not unusual for a single bird to feed the chicks in the nest at a rate of one feed every 90 seconds during the height of the breeding season. Successful breeding is dependent on a sufficient supply of caterpillars as well as satisfactory weather. Breeding may be affected badly if the weather is cold and wet between May and July, particularly if this coincides with the emergence of the caterpillars on which the nestlings are fed. The small size of the Blue Tit makes it vulnerable to predation by larger birds and the typical lifespan is 3 years or less. The most significant predator is probably the Sparrowhawk, closely followed by the domestic cat. Nests may also be robbed by mammals such as the Weasel and Red and Grey Squirrels. Date: 4th May 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49797643.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_59838585664eca230c8f3b.jpgStonechat The (European) Stonechat is a small passerine bird that was long considered a member of the thrush family although genetic evidence has now placed it and its relatives in the Old World flycatcher family. Two weakly defined sub-species differing in colour intensity are currently accepted: hibernans found in north west Europe in Atlantic coastal areas, south west Norway, the UK, Ireland and north west France and rubicola found in the south and east of its range from Denmark south west to Spain and north Morocco, east to Poland and Ukraine and south east to Turkey. The (European) Stonechat is slightly smaller than the Robin. Both sexes have distinctively short wings, shorter than those of the more migratory Whinchat and Siberian Stonechat. The summer male has black upperparts, a black head, an orange throat and breast and a white belly and vent. It also has a white half-collar on the sides of its neck, a small white scapular patch on the wings and a very small white patch on the rump often streaked with black. The female has brown upperparts and head and no white neck patches, rump or belly. Instead these areas are streaked dark brown on paler brown, the only white being the scapular patch on the wings and even this often being buffy-white. The (European) Stonechat can often be seen perched on the tops of low bushes where, as its name suggests, it can be heard uttering a sharp loud call that sounds like stones being knocked together. The male's song is high and twittering like a Dunnock. The (European) Stonechat breeds in heathland, coastal dunes and rough grassland with scattered small shrubs and bramble, open gorse, tussocks or heather. It is a short-distance migrant or non-migratory, with part of the population, particularly from the north east of the range where winters are colder, moving to winter further south in Europe and north Africa. Date: 2nd July 2023 Location: Hartland Moor NNR, Purbeck Heaths NNR, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26006662.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1850889106563499476c02d.jpgOystercatchers The Oystercatcher is a wader in the oystercatcher family. It is an obvious and noisy bird with black and white plumage, red legs and a strong broad red bill which is used for smashing or prising open molluscs such as mussels or for finding earthworms. Despite its name, oysters do not form a large part of its diet. The Oystercatcher is unmistakable in flight with white patches on the wings and tail with otherwise black upperparts and white underparts. Young birds are more brown, have a white neck collar and a duller bill. The call is a distinctive loud piping. The bill shape varies: Oystercatchers with broad bill tips open molluscs by prising them apart or hammering through the shell whereas birds with pointed bills dig up worms. Much of this is due to the wear resulting from feeding on their prey. Individual Oystercatchers specialise in one technique or the other which they learn from their parents. The Oystercatcher is the most widespread of the oystercatchers with 3 races breeding in western Europe, central Eurasia, Kamchatka, China, and the western coast of Korea. It is a migratory species over most of its range. The European population breeds mainly in northern Europe but in winter the birds can be found in north Africa and southern parts of Europe. Although the species is present all year in Ireland, the UK and the adjacent European coasts, there is still migratory movement within these populations. The Oystercatcher breeds on shingle and rocky beaches, sand dunes, salt marshes and on the grassy tops of small islands and also inland on shingle banks of rivers, lakes and gravel pits. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Steingrímsfjarðarheiði to Ísafjörður, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533477.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_193861321762ca8a5721cf2.jpgAvocet The (Pied) Avocet is a large black and white wader in the avocet and stilt family. It is one of 4 species of avocet that make up the genus Recurvirostra. The genus name is from the Latin recurvus meaning "curved backwards" and rostrum meaning "bill". The Avocet is a striking white wader with bold black markings. Adults have white plumage except for a black cap and black patches in the wings and on the back. They have long, upturned bills and long, bluish legs. Males and females look alike whilst juveniles resemble the adult but with more greyish and sepia tones. The Avocet breeds in temperate Europe and western and central Asia. The breeding habitat is shallow lakes with brackish water and exposed bare mud where they build a nest on open ground in a lined scrape or on a mound of vegetation. The Avocet is a migratory species and most winter in Africa or southern Asia. Some remain to winter in the mildest parts of their range such as in southern Spain and southern England. The Avocet feeds on crustaceans and insects in shallow brackish water or on mud flats, often scything their bills from side to side in water (a feeding technique that is unique to the avocet species). The Avocet was extinct as a breeding species in the UK by 1840 but its successful recolonisation at Minsmere in Suffolk in 1947 led to its adoption as the logo of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Date: 25th June 2022 Location: RSPB Minsmere, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo22527770.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_110889161554228ad3d4f19.jpgSanna Bay, Ardnamurchan, Highland The small settlement of Sanna lies 6 miles north west of Kilchoan, close to the tip of the Ardnamurchan Peninsula. Sanna Bay lies between Sanna Point to the north and Ardnamurchan Point to the south and is dominated by impressive sand dunes, beautiful white shell sand bays and a stunning turquoise sea. It is one of the most beautiful beaches in Scotland. From Sanna Point there are superb views, extending from the islands of Eigg and Rhum to the north with Skye beyond, round to Ardnamurchan Point and its lighthouse to the south west and the island of Coll beyond that. The Western Isles can be seen to the north west but due west there is nothing but sea until the continent of North America is reached. Date: 10th September 2014 Location: view from Sanna Bay http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871586.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19290115634eff1ec56dcb8.jpgReindeer The Reindeer, also known as the Caribou in North America, is a deer from the Arctic and sub Arctic, including both resident and migratory populations. Whilst it is overall widespread and numerous, some of its subspecies are rare or already extinct. The Reindeer is a widespread and numerous species in the northern Holarctic, being present in tundra (frozen arctic plain with lichens, mosses and dwarfed vegetation) and taiga (marshy pine forest) regions. Originally, the Reindeer was found in Scandinavia, eastern Europe, Russia, Mongolia, and northern China. In North America, it was found in Canada, Alaska and the northern USA from Washington to Maine. It also occurred naturally on Sakhalin, Greenland, and probably even in historical times in Ireland. Today, wild Reindeer have disappeared from many areas within this large historical range, especially from the southern parts where it has vanished almost everywhere. Large populations of wild Reindeer are still found in Norway, Finland, Siberia, Greenland, Alaska, and Canada. Wild Reindeer hunting and herding of semi-domesticated Reindeer (for meat, hides, antlers, milk and transportation) are important to several Arctic and Subarctic people. Domesticated Reindeer are mostly found in northern Fennoscandia and Russia with a herd of approximately 150-170 Reindeer also living around the Cairngorms region in Scotland. Reindeer vary considerably in colour and size. Both sexes grow antlers, though they are typically larger in males. Even far outside its range, the Reindeer is well known due to the myth, probably originating in early 19th century America, in which Santa Claus's sleigh is pulled by flying Reindeer, a popular element of Christmas. Date: 25th May 2009 Location: east of Sodankylä, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26030040.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_177443654356375ffad0f3d.jpgGoðafoss, north east Iceland Goðafoss (Icelandic: waterfall of the gods) is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Iceland. It is located in the Bárðardalur district of north east Iceland at the beginning of the Sprengisandur highland road. The water of the Skjálfandafljót river falls from a height of 40 feet over a width of 98 feet and the waterfall is segmented into 2 main components whilst forming an arcing semi-horseshoe shape. In the year 999 or 1000 the Lawspeaker Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði made Christianity the official religion of Iceland. After his conversion it is said that upon returning from the Alþingi, Þorgeir threw his statues of the Norse gods into the waterfall. Þorgeir's story is preserved in Ari Þorgilsson's Íslendingabók (Icelandic: Book of Icelanders), a historical work dealing with early Icelandic history. Date: 2nd June 2015 Location: view from the west bank of the Skjálfandafljót river http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28883583.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20311511157cc03e38d954.jpgLahemaa National Park, Estonia Lahemaa National Park was established in 1971 and was the first area to be designated as a National Park of the former Soviet Union. It is located about 40 miles east of Tallinn with the Gulf of Finland to the north and the Tallinn to Narva road to the south. It covers an area of 280 square miles including almost 100 square miles of sea and it is the largest National Park in Estonia. Forest covers around 70% of the Lahemaa National Park and much of the remainder includes raised bogs. The area is rich in flora and fauna including a population of Wolves, Brown Bears and Lynx. Date: 19th May 2016 Location: Beaver Trail" near Ouanda, Lahemaa National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/banded-demoiselle https://images.on-this.website/4752_81544709462ca7c7322557.jpgBanded Demoiselle Flight period: May to August. The Banded Demoiselle is a large metallic damselfly with fluttering, butterfly-like wings. Males have a metallic blue body with broad dark blue-black spots across the outer parts of the wings. Females have a metallic green body with translucent pale green wings. The Banded Demoiselle’s name is derived from the distinctive “fingerprint” mark on the wings of the males. Of the UK's damselflies, only the Banded Demoiselle and the similar Beautiful Demoiselle have coloured wings. The latter differs by displaying almost entirely dark, metallic wings. The Banded Demoiselle is mainly found amongst lush, damp vegetation along the edges of slow-flowing lowland streams rivers and canals and around still ponds and lakes. Males are very territorial and perform fluttering display flights to win over females. The Banded Demoiselle is common in Wales and most of England apart from in the north. However, its range is expanding. The species was first recorded from Scotland in 2002 and it has now spread along the east coast and west coast in southern Scotland. Date: 13th June 2022 Location: Cowles Drove near RSPB Lakenheath Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29870215.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1783745917584e6d4748221.jpgPurple Sandpiper The Purple Sandpiper is a small wading shorebird. Adults have short yellow legs and a medium thin dark bill with a yellow base. The body is dark above with a slight purplish gloss and mainly white below. The breast is smeared with grey and the rump is black. The Purple Sandpiper breeds in the northern tundra and Arctic islands in Canada and coastal areas in Greenland and north west Europe and nests on the ground either elevated on rocks or in a lower damp location. The males makes several scrapes following which the female chooses one and lays 3 or 4 eggs. The male takes the major responsibility for incubation and tends the chicks. The Purple Sandpiper is migratory and moves to rocky ice-free Atlantic coasts in winter where it is fairly gregarious, forming small flocks and often associating with Turnstones. It is also relatively tame and approachable. In the UK, the Purple Sandpiper occurs in winter in good numbers, principally along the east and south coasts where it favours rocky shorelines adjacent to the sea. It is a very rare breeding bird and is found only in a localised area of the Cairngorms National Park where 1 to 3 pairs have bred since the 1970s. Date: 7th November 2016 Location: Lowestoft Ness, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39081910.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_620449425d30768681bbc.jpgRiver Danube and Belene Island, Pleven Province, Bulgaria The River Danube, known by various names in other languages, is Europe's second longest river after the River Volga. It is located in central and eastern Europe. The River Danube was once a long-standing frontier of the Roman Empire and today it flows through 10 countries, more than any other river in the world. Originating in Germany, the River Danube flows south east for 1,770 miles, passing through or bordering Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova and Ukraine before draining in to the Danube Delta and the Black Sea. Its drainage basin extends into 9 more countries. Since ancient times, the River Danube has been a traditional trade route in Europe and today 1,501 miles of its total length is navigable. Belene is a town in Pleven Province in north Bulgaria. It is situated on the right bank of the River Danube close to the town of Svishtov. Belene Island or Persin Island is the largest island in Bulgarian waters and the fourth largest island along the River Danube. The island is formed by the River Danube splitting in to 2 branches passing north and south of it. The international frontier between Bulgaria and Romania follows the north branch of the river and therefore Belene Island is part of Bulgarian territory. The island is 9 miles long and reaches 3.7 miles in width. It is connected to the town of Belene with a pontoon bridge. Belene Island is a part of the Belene Islands Complex and of the Persina Natural Park which focuses on the conservation and restoration of the River Danube wetlands. Because of its uniqueness and importance, the island group was designated as a Ramsar Convention site in September 2002. The most significant ecosystems within the park are the flooded forests and the inland marshes along the River Danube. Belene Island is infamous for the Belene concentration camp that functioned there for the detention of political prisoners between 1949 to 1953 and 1956 to 1959. It was part of the network of forced labour camps in Communist Bulgaria. Date: 13th May 2018 Location: view from the Persina Nature Park visitor centre, Belene, Pleven Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41292175.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15940452025f10b8ba6caaf.jpgPasvikdalen, Troms og Finnmark, Norway The Pasvik valley (Norwegian: [i]Pasvikdalen[/i]) is a river valley located in Norway and Russia. The Norwegian side of the valley is situated in Sør-Varanger municipality in Troms og Finnmark and the Russian side is located in the Pechengsky district in Murmansk Oblast. Øvre Pasvik National Park (Norwegian: [i]Øvre Pasvik Nasjonalpark[/i]) is located in the south eastern part of the valley and covers an area of 46 square miles. It is dominated by Siberian-like taiga consisting of old-growth forests of Scots pine, shallow lakes and bogs. Proposals for a national park in Øvre Pasvik were first launched in 1936 but it was not created until February 1970. It originally covered 25 square miles but was expanded in August 2003. Øvre Pasvik National Park is part of the larger Pasvik–Inari Trilateral Park along with the adjacent Øvre Pasvik Landscape Protection Area, the joint Norwegian and Russian Pasvik Nature Reserve and Finland's Vätsäri Wilderness Area. The fauna and flora of the Øvre Pasvik National Park is typical of the Siberian taiga. This includes Brown Bear, Wolverine, Wolf, Lynx and Elk and a very interesting diversity of northern and eastern species of birds which breed on the lakes and rivers and in the forests. The River Pasvikelva runs through the valley (giving it the name) and the river defines part of the border between Norway and Russia. It is the outlet from the large Lake Inari in Finland and flows through Norway and Russia to discharge into the Bøkfjorden (which later flows into the Varangerfjorden and then the Barents Sea) not far from the town of Kirkenes. The river has a watershed of 7106 square miles and is 90 miles long. A series of hydroelectric power stations are situated along its course. Since 1826, the River Pasvikelva has marked parts of the border between Norway and Russia, except from 1920 to 1944 when it was along the border between Norway and Finland. The southern part of the valley is also the location of the Treriksrøysa (Three-Country Cairn), a cairn which marks the tripoint where the borders between Norway, Finland and Russia meet. The site is on a hill called Muotkavaara situated west of the River Pasvikelva. It is the only place where 3 time zones meet: Central European Time, Eastern European Time and Further-Eastern European Time. The tripoint can only be approached by the public from the Norwegian side since both Finland and Russia maintain extensive border zones where public access is prohibited. Date: 30th June 2019 Location: view between Melkefoss and Nyrud, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo16548218.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21395477465083a3a109634.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 7th October 2012 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40399546.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7431332305dc6acf508524.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 18th October 2019 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17054587.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18771918650dec2b1913c3.jpgKingfisher The Kingfisher is a small unmistakable bright blue and orange bird of slow moving or still water. They fly rapidly and low over water and hunt fish from riverside perches, occasionally hovering above the water's surface. Kingfishers are vulnerable to hard winters and habitat degradation through pollution or unsympathetic management of watercourses and are an “Amber List” species due to their unfavourable conservation status in Europe. Kingfishers are widespread especially in central and southern England but become less common further north. Following some declines last century, they are currently increasing in their range in Scotland. Kingfishers can be found all year round by still or slow flowing water such as lakes, canals and rivers in lowland areas. In winter, some individuals move to estuaries and the coast. Occasionally they may also visit garden ponds if they are of a suitable size. Date: 29th October 2012 Location: Strumpshaw Fen RSPB reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623116.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5112221686117d7938bb94.jpgKittiwakes The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41205433.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11730019465eb96e41c8f0a.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 30th April 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/leaving-tallinn-estonia-for-helsinki https://images.on-this.website/4752_1815167665f0599949e5ff.jpgTallinn, Estonia Tallinn is the capital and largest city of Estonia. It is located in the northern part of the country on the shore of the Gulf of Finland of the Baltic Sea, 50 miles south of Helsinki in Finland, 200 miles west of Saint Petersburg in Russia, 190 miles north of Riga in Latvia and 240 miles east of Stockholm in Sweden. It is the main financial, industrial, cultural, educational and research centre of Estonia. Tallinn, first mentioned in 1219, received city rights in 1248 but the earliest human settlements date back 5,000 years. The first recorded claim over the land was laid by Denmark in 1219 followed by a period of alternating Scandinavian and Teutonic rulers. Due to its strategic location, the city became a major trade hub, especially from the 14th to the 16th century, when it grew in importance as part of the Hanseatic League. Tallinn's Old Town is one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Date: 26th June 2019 Location: view from the Tallinn to Helsinki Viking ferry http://www.richardchewphotography.com/inner-sound-raasay-and-skye https://images.on-this.website/4752_9994878553d10e71d7990.jpgInner Sound, Raasay and Skye, Highland The Inner Sound is a strait separating the Inner Hebridean islands of Skye, Raasay and South Rona from the Applecross peninsula on the Scottish mainland. Raasay is an island 14 miles north to south and 3 miles east to west at its widest located between the Isle of Skye and the mainland of Scotland. It is separated from Skye by the Sound of Raasay and from Applecross by the Inner Sound. Skye is the largest and most northerly large island in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. The island's peninsulas radiate from a mountainous centre dominated by the Cuillins, the rocky slopes of which provide some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the country. At 639 sq miles, Skye is the second-largest island in Scotland after Lewis and Harris. Date: 20th June 2014 Location: view from the unclassified road between Lonbain and Applecross http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308869.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_28473577163ee37fbb522d.jpgCommon Snipe The Common Snipe is a small, stocky wader native to the Old World. It is the most widespread of several similar snipe species. It most closely resembles the Wilson's Snipe of north America which was previously considered to be a sub-species of the Common Snipe. It is also very similar to the Pin-tailed Snipe and Swinhoe's Snipe of east Asia. A sub-species of Common Snipe can be found in Iceland, the Faroe Islands, Shetland and Orkney. This sub-species winters in the UK and Ireland. The Common Snipe is 9.8 to 10.6 inches in length with a 17 to 19 inches wingspan. The body is mottled brown with straw-yellow stripes on top and pale underneath. It has a dark stripe through the eye with light stripes above and below it. The wings are pointed. It has short greenish-grey legs and a very long (2.2 to 2.8 inches) straight dark bill. The Common Snipe can be found in the marshes, bogs, tundra and wet meadows throughout north Europe and north Asia. It is migratory with European birds wintering in south and west Europe and Africa (south to the Equator) and Asian birds wintering in tropical south Asia. The male Common Snipe performs a "winnowing" display during courtship, flying high in circles and then taking shallow dives to produce a "drumming" sound by vibrating its tail feathers. The nest is located in a well hidden location on the ground. The female lays 4 eggs which are incubated for 18 to 21 days. The young are covered in dark maroon down, variegated with black, white and buff and are cared for by both parents with fledging occurring in 10 to 20 days. The Common Snipe is a well camouflaged bird and it is usually shy and conceals itself close to ground vegetation and flushes only when approached closely. When flushed, it utters a sharp call and flies off in a series of aerial zig-zags to confuse predators. The Common Snipe forages in soft mud, probing or picking up food by sight. It mainly eats insects and earthworms but also some plant material. Overall, the Common Snipe is not a threatened species although populations on the southern fringes of the breeding range in Europe are declining with local extinction in some areas (including in the UK) mainly due to field drainage and agricultural intensification. The Common Snipe is a species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 21st January 2022 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/bee-eater https://images.on-this.website/4752_752645258559cf5ffb5238.jpgEuropean Bee-eater The European Bee-eater is an incredibly colourful bird with an unmistakable appearance. In breeding plumage, it has a rich chestnut crown that blends into gold on its back. The forehead is white, the throat is yellow bordered by black and the underparts are blue. The male European Bee-eater has a chestnut-coloured patch in the middle of the wing while in females this patch is usually smaller or even absent. Occasionally, females may also be distinguished from the males by having a green back. The wings and backs of juvenile European Bee-eaters are entirely green and the eyes are brown in contrast to the bright red eyes of adults. The European Bee-eater breeds in southern Europe and in parts of north Africa and western Asia. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, India and Sri Lanka. European Bee-eaters are occasionally seen in northern Europe (including the UK) as a spring overshoot north of its range with occasional breeding occurring. Just as the name suggests, the European Bee-eater predominantly eats insects, especially bees, wasps and hornets which are caught in the air by sorties from an open perch. Before eating its meal, a European Bee-eater removes the sting by repeatedly hitting the insect on a hard surface. Lizards and frogs are also taken. European Bee-eaters are gregarious, nesting colonially in sandy banks preferably near river shores and also feeding and roosting communally. Date: 7th May 2015 Location: Evros Delta (west), East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/nursery-web-spider https://images.on-this.website/4752_5446599875eda012f16b16.jpgNursery Web Spider The Nursery Web Spider is a relatively large, slender-bodied spider. It is pale grey-brown with a pattern of dark brown and black stripes running the length of its body. It is common and widespread and can be found between March and July in grassland and heathland. The adult Nursery Web Spider is an active hunter and does not spin a web to catch food. Instead, it roams and uses a quick sprint to capture flies and other insects. The female carries her large, round egg sac in her fangs. When the young are about to hatch, she builds a silk sheet among the vegetation to act as a tent which shelters the young until they are old enough to fend for themselves (hence the name of the species). Date: 25th May 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14261283.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9170894314f51e93c9bc1f.jpgKingfisher The Kingfisher is a small unmistakable bright blue and orange bird of slow moving or still water. They fly rapidly and low over water and hunt fish from riverside perches, occasionally hovering above the water's surface. Kingfishers are vulnerable to hard winters and habitat degradation through pollution or unsympathetic management of watercourses and are an “Amber List” species due to their unfavourable conservation status in Europe. Kingfishers are widespread especially in central and southern England but become less common further north. Following some declines last century, they are currently increasing in their range in Scotland. Kingfishers can be found all year round by still or slow flowing water such as lakes, canals and rivers in lowland areas. In winter, some individuals move to estuaries and the coast. Occasionally they may also visit garden ponds if they are of a suitable size. Date: 25th February 2012 Location: Rye Meads RSPB reserve, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/common-lizards https://images.on-this.website/4752_1677699345537dbf9e7d0d6.jpgCommon Lizards The Common Lizard ranges across central and northern Europe (but are absent from the Mediterranean area) and through to northern Asia. It is the most common lizard in northern regions and the only reptile found in Ireland. The Common Lizard has a long body and short legs. It has coarse scales which range from grey, brown, bronze or green on the back and males are generally darker than females. It has a series of white spots down the flanks, which fuse to form a line, and a black line along the back. The Common Lizard also has numerous black spots scattered over the body. Males have orange/yellow bellies with black spots and females have cream/white bellies. The Common Lizard is found in a range of habitats including woodland, marshes, heathland, moors, sand dunes, hedgerows, bogs and rubbish dumps and it hunts insects, spiders, snails and earthworms, stunning its prey by shaking it and then swallowing it whole. The Common Lizard is active during the day and spends the morning and afternoon (but not the intense heat of midday) basking in the sun either alone or in groups. It is a good swimmer and will dive underwater when threatened. At night, and when startled, it will shelter beneath logs, stones and metal sheets. After emerging from hibernation, males defend breeding territories from other males. The young develop over 3 months within egg membranes inside the female's body which they usually break out of as she gives birth. Litters of 3 to 12 young are born from June to September after which time the mother shows no parental care with the young feeding actively from birth and quickly dispersing. The Common Lizard hibernates from October to March. It will often hibernate in groups and sometimes emerge for a brief time during warm spells. Date: 9th May 2014 Location: Welsh Wildlife Centre, Teifi Marshes, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/black-stork https://images.on-this.website/4752_1421539439559cf4581c136.jpgBlack Stork The Black Stork is a large wading bird in the stork family. Whilst slightly smaller than the White Stork, the Black Stork is a large bird, 37 to 39 inches in length with a 4.5 to 5 feet wingspan and standing as tall as 40 inches. Like all storks, it has long legs, a long neck, and a long, straight, pointed beak. The Black Stork’s plumage is all black with a purplish green sheen, except for the white lower breast, belly, axillaries and undertail coverts. The breast feathers are long and shaggy forming a ruff which is used in some courtship displays. The bare skin around its eyes is red as are its red bill and legs. The sexes are identical in appearance, except that males are larger than females on average. The Black Stork walks slowly and steadily on the ground and, like all storks, it flies with its neck outstretched. It has a rasping call but rarely indulges in mutual bill-clattering like the White Stork when adults meet at the nest. The Black Stork is a widespread but uncommon species that breeds from eastern Asia (Siberia and China) west to central Europe, reaching Estonia in the north, Poland, Lower Saxony and Bavaria in Germany, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Italy and Greece in the south with an outlying population in Spain and Portugal. The Black Stork is a strong migrant, wintering in tropical Africa and India. It migrates from its breeding areas from the middle of August to the end of September and returns in the middle of March. A broad-winged soaring bird, it is assisted by thermals of hot air for long distance flight, although it is less dependent on them than the White Stork. Since thermals only form over land, storks, together with large raptors, must cross the Mediterranean at the narrowest points, and many Black Storks can be seen going through the Straits of Gibraltar and the Bosphorus. The Black Stork prefers more wooded areas than the White Stork and it breeds in large marshy wetlands with interspersed coniferous or broadleaved woodlands but also inhabits hills and mountains with sufficient networks of creeks. Date: 8th May 2015 Location: Evros Delta (west), East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/stonechat https://images.on-this.website/4752_8486697014ec8da84cd644.jpgStonechat The (European) Stonechat is a small passerine bird that was long considered a member of the thrush family although genetic evidence has now placed it and its relatives in the Old World flycatcher family. Two weakly defined sub-species differing in colour intensity are currently accepted: [i]hibernans[/i] found in north west Europe in Atlantic coastal areas, south west Norway, the UK, Ireland and north west France and [i]rubicola[/i] found in the south and east of its range from Denmark south west to Spain and north Morocco, east to Poland and Ukraine and south east to Turkey. The (European) Stonechat is slightly smaller than the Robin. Both sexes have distinctively short wings, shorter than those of the more migratory Whinchat and Siberian Stonechat. The summer male has black upperparts, a black head, an orange throat and breast and a white belly and vent. It also has a white half-collar on the sides of its neck, a small white scapular patch on the wings and a very small white patch on the rump often streaked with black. The female has brown upperparts and head and no white neck patches, rump or belly. Instead these areas are streaked dark brown on paler brown, the only white being the scapular patch on the wings and even this often being buffy-white. The (European) Stonechat can often be seen perched on the tops of low bushes where, as its name suggests, it can be heard uttering a sharp loud call that sounds like stones being knocked together. The male's song is high and twittering like a Dunnock. The (European) Stonechat breeds in heathland, coastal dunes and rough grassland with scattered small shrubs and bramble, open gorse, tussocks or heather. It is a short-distance migrant or non-migratory, with part of the population, particularly from the north east of the range where winters are colder, moving to winter further south in Europe and north Africa. Date: 10th November 2011 Location: Loch Beg, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo34209768.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13483280205a9979148adfb.jpgSpotted Sandpiper The Spotted Sandpiper is a small wader. The adult has brown upperparts, white underparts with black spots, short yellowish legs and an orange bill with a dark tip. Non-breeding birds (as in this photo) do not have the spotted underparts and are very similar to the Common Sandpiper of Eurasia. The main difference is the shorter tail, more washed out wing pattern visible in flight and the normally light yellow legs and feet of the Spotted Sandpiper. The Spotted Sandpiper is often solitary and walks with a distinctive teeter, bobbing its tail up and down constantly. When foraging it walks quickly, crouching low, occasionally darting toward prey, all the while bobbing its tail. In flight, the Spotted Sandpipers has quick, snappy wingbeats interspersed with glides, keeping its wings below horizontal. The Spotted Sandpiper is common and widespread across most of Canada and the USA where it breeds almost anywhere near water i.e. along streams, rivers, ponds, lakes and beaches, particularly on rocky shores. It migrates to winter in southern USA and South America and it is a very rare vagrant to western Europe. The Spotted Sandpiper forages on the ground picking up food such as insects, crustaceans and other invertebrates by sight. It may also catch insects in flight and pick up earthworms, small crabs and crayfish, small fish and bits of carrion. This bird was first reported at the Slalom Course/River Trent confluence at Holme Pierrepoint Country Park in mid-January 2018 and remained on site for most of February 2018. Date: 24th February 2018 Location: Holme Pierrepoint Country Park, Nottinghamshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/neiden-chapel-troms-og-finnmark https://images.on-this.website/4752_12198440535f10adea52d55.jpgNeiden Chapel, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Neiden is a village located in the Sápmi area, the cultural region traditionally inhabited by the Sámi people, along the Norway and Finland border. Situated along the River Neiden, it actually consists of 2 villages separated by the border. One side is in Sør-Varanger municipality in Troms og Finnmark in Norway and the other side is in the Inari municipality in Lappi, Finland. Neiden is the official name in Norway and Näätämö is the official name in Finland. The European route E6 highway runs through the Norwegian village of Neiden. In the Finnish view, Neiden/Näätämö extends into Finland and there is a small village in Finland near the border called Näätämö around 7 miles from Neiden village centre. Neiden Chapel (Norwegian: Neiden kapell) is a parish church of the Church of Norway located in the village of Neiden. In 1898, many farmers in Neiden made a request to the Ministry of Church and Education to have a church and a cemetery built in Neiden. Only 4 years later, the church was finished. The residents' desire to have a church coincided with the Government's desire to secure the border from Finnish-Russian expansion and they believed that a Norwegian church near the border would help. The red and white wooden church was built in a long church format in the style called [i]dragestil[/i] by the architect Karl Norum and was consecrated in July 1902. Karl Norum was very keen on old Norwegian stave churches and he created a [i]dragestil[/i] building that would be an expression of Norwegian culture and national cohesion in a border area. The cemetery and the area surrounding Neiden Chapel is well known amongst birders visiting the region as a reliable site to see Arctic Warbler. The Arctic Warbler is a widespread leaf warbler in sub-Arctic birch or mixed birch forest near water throughout its breeding range in the northern Palearctic and this extends in to the far east fringe areas of Norway and Finland. Date: 28th June 2019 Location: Neiden Chapel, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4267190.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5751696004b5222c48f3b5.jpgGreat Spotted Woodpecker The Great Spotted Woodpecker is a Blackbird-sized bird with striking black and white plumage. The male has a distinctive red patch on the back of the head and young birds have a red crown. Great Spotted Woodpeckers have a very distinctive bouncing flight and spend most of their time clinging to tree trunks and branches. Their presence is often announced by its loud call or by its distinctive spring “drumming” display. Great Spotted Woodpeckers can be found all year round and are most common in woodlands, parks and large gardens in England and Wales. They also readily visit bird tables and peanut feeders. Date: 29th December 2009 Location: near Cairngorm Reindeer Centre, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11328500.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18476946544e1d67217c08f.jpgGreat Crested Grebe The Great Crested Grebe is the largest member of the grebe family measuring 18 to 20 inches in length with a wing span of 23 to 29 inches. It is a graceful bird with its long neck, long bill and slender outline. In summer, the adults of both sexes are unmistakable being adorned with beautiful head-plumes which are reddish-orange in colour with black tips. There is also an erectile black crown. Non-breeding adults lack the full crest and have a dark crown bordered by a white face, the white extending down the fore-neck and chest. The sexes are similar in appearance but juveniles can be distinguished from adults by having a striped black and white head and neck. The Great Crested Grebe can be found across Europe and Asia and it breeds on shallow, reed-fringed freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs and slow rivers. It is resident in the milder west of its range but it migrates from the colder regions of its range to freshwater lakes, reservoirs and sheltered coastal areas in winter. The Great Crested Grebe has an elaborate mating display. Like all grebes, it nests on the water's edge since its legs are set relatively far back and it is thus unable to walk very well. Usually 2 eggs are laid and the fluffy, striped young grebes are often carried on the adult's back. In a clutch of 2 or more hatchlings, male and female grebes will each identify their “favourites” which they alone will care for and teach. Unusually, young Great Crested Grebes are capable of swimming and diving almost at hatching. The adults teach these skills to their young by carrying them on their backs and diving, leaving the chicks to float on the surface. They then re-emerge a few feet away so that the chicks may swim back on to them. The Great Crested Grebe feeds mainly on fish but it will also eat small crustaceans, insects and small frogs and newts. The Great Crested Grebe was hunted almost to extinction in the UK in the 19th century due to being hunted for its head plumes which were used to decorate hats and ladies' undergarments. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was set up to help protect the Great Crested Grebe which is now again a common sight. Date: 04/03/06 Location: Northlands Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645419.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_198483761051e3cde8ee0a4.jpgWhite Storks The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 19th May 2013 Location: Biebrza area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13683303.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21309604624ed72bffb887a.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26008594.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_206648187756350e1a04ec6.jpgEyjafjörður, north east Iceland Eyjafjörður is the longest fjord in Iceland and is located in the central north of the country. Eyjafjörður is long and narrow and measures 37 miles from north to south. Its greatest width is 15.5 miles between Siglunes and Gjögurtá at the fjord's mouth but for the greater part of its length it is usually 3.5 to 6.5 miles wide. Two smaller fjords branch out of Eyjafjörður's west side, namely Ólafsfjörður and Héðinsfjörður. Eyjafjörður is surrounded by hills and mountains on both sides but the mountains are considerably taller on the west side in the mountain range of the Tröllaskagi peninsula. In the outer part of the fjord there are no lowlands along the coast as the steep hills roll directly into the sea. Further south in the fjord there are strips of lowland along both coasts and these are widest on the west side. Several valleys lead from Eyjafjörður, most of them to the west where the two most significant are: Hörgárdalur and Svarfaðardalur. Dalsmynni is the only valley on the east side. However the greatest valley in Eyjafjörður is also called Eyjafjörður and runs directly south from the fjord itself. It is long and wide and home to one of Iceland's largest agricultural regions. The island of Hrísey in the middle of Eyjafjörður is the second largest island off the coast of Iceland and often referred to as "The Pearl of Eyjafjörður". The region of Eyjafjörður is Iceland's second most populous one after the Capital Region in south west Iceland. The largest town by far is Akureyri and other settlements in the region include Dalvík, Ólafsfjörður, Hrísey, Árskógssandur, Hauganes, Hjalteyri, Hrafnagil, Svalbarðseyri and Grenivík. Most of these settlements base their livelihood on fisheries and agriculture but Akureyri is a service centre as well. Date: 4th June 2015 Location: view from road 82 between Haugarnes and Dalvik looking east towards Hrísey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24834067.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_185627172559cf57c59dca.jpgBlack-winged Stilts The Black-winged Stilt is a widely distributed very long-legged wader. They have long pink-red legs, a long thin black bill and are blackish above and white below with a white head and neck with a varying amount of black. Both in flight and at rest the long pink-red legs are characteristic and even if these are hidden in water of unknown depth, the pure white underparts and jet black upperparts are distinctive. The amount of dark feathering on the otherwise white head doesn't necessarily indicate the sex of a stilt although young birds always have smoky patterning on the head. The Black-winged Stilt can be found in central and southern Europe, central and southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Many birds migrate to south of the Sahara from August to November and return in March and April. However, many of those which breed in Iberia are now increasingly remaining throughout the year. The Black-winged Stilt breeds around shallow wetlands, especially coastal lagoons, saltpans and estuaries. The nest site is a bare spot on the ground near water and birds often nest in small groups, sometimes with Avocets. In Europe, the Black-winged Stilt is a regular spring overshoot vagrant north of its normal range, occasionally remaining to breed in northern European countries including the UK. Date: 7th May 2015 Location: Evros Delta (west), East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871582.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12644056284eff1eae548a9.jpgReindeer The Reindeer, also known as the Caribou in North America, is a deer from the Arctic and sub Arctic, including both resident and migratory populations. Whilst it is overall widespread and numerous, some of its subspecies are rare or already extinct. The Reindeer is a widespread and numerous species in the northern Holarctic, being present in tundra (frozen arctic plain with lichens, mosses and dwarfed vegetation) and taiga (marshy pine forest) regions. Originally, the Reindeer was found in Scandinavia, eastern Europe, Russia, Mongolia, and northern China. In North America, it was found in Canada, Alaska and the northern USA from Washington to Maine. It also occurred naturally on Sakhalin, Greenland, and probably even in historical times in Ireland. Today, wild Reindeer have disappeared from many areas within this large historical range, especially from the southern parts where it has vanished almost everywhere. Large populations of wild Reindeer are still found in Norway, Finland, Siberia, Greenland, Alaska, and Canada. Wild Reindeer hunting and herding of semi-domesticated Reindeer (for meat, hides, antlers, milk and transportation) are important to several Arctic and Subarctic people. Domesticated Reindeer are mostly found in northern Fennoscandia and Russia with a herd of approximately 150-170 Reindeer also living around the Cairngorms region in Scotland. Reindeer vary considerably in colour and size. Both sexes grow antlers, though they are typically larger in males. Even far outside its range, the Reindeer is well known due to the myth, probably originating in early 19th century America, in which Santa Claus's sleigh is pulled by flying Reindeer, a popular element of Christmas. Date: 25th May 2009 Location: east of Sodankylä, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30825713.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11569845258f349ac2d72c2.89857316.jpgAvocets The (Pied) Avocet is a large black and white wader in the avocet and stilt family. It is one of 4 species of avocet that make up the genus Recurvirostra. The genus name is from the Latin [i]recurvus[/i] meaning "curved backwards" and [i]rostrum[/i] meaning "bill". The Avocet is a striking white wader with bold black markings. Adults have white plumage except for a black cap and black patches in the wings and on the back. They have long, upturned bills and long, bluish legs. Males and females look alike whilst juveniles resemble the adult but with more greyish and sepia tones. The Avocet breeds in temperate Europe and western and central Asia. The breeding habitat is shallow lakes with brackish water and exposed bare mud where they build a nest on open ground in a lined scrape or on a mound of vegetation. The Avocet is a migratory species and most winter in Africa or southern Asia. Some remain to winter in the mildest parts of their range such as in southern Spain and southern England. The Avocet feeds on crustaceans and insects in shallow brackish water or on mud flats, often scything their bills from side to side in water (a feeding technique that is unique to the avocet species). The Avocet was extinct as a breeding species in the UK by 1840 but its successful recolonisation at Minsmere in Suffolk in 1947 led to its adoption as the logo of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Date: 9th April 2017 Location: EWT Blue House Farm, North Fambridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26033710.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1971265114563792464e06a.jpgSkagafjörður, north west Iceland Skagafjörður is a deep fjord in north west Iceland located between the Tröllaskagi peninsula to the east and the Skagi peninsula to the west. It is about 25 miles long and 9 miles wide. Skagafjörður is situated in a submerged glacial valley which continues southwards by a plain in which lies the delta of the Héraðsvötn river. This is one of Iceland's most prosperous agricultural regions with widespread dairy and sheep farming in addition to the horse breeding for which the district is famed. Skagafjörður is the only county in Iceland where horses outnumber people. The main settlement in the Skagafjörður area is Sauðárkrókur. Date: 1st June 2015 Location: view from road 75 east of Sauðárkrókur http://www.richardchewphotography.com/river-danube-and-belene-island https://images.on-this.website/4752_16554208935d30767a76249.jpgRiver Danube and Belene Island, Pleven Province, Bulgaria The River Danube, known by various names in other languages, is Europe's second longest river after the River Volga. It is located in central and eastern Europe. The River Danube was once a long-standing frontier of the Roman Empire and today it flows through 10 countries, more than any other river in the world. Originating in Germany, the River Danube flows south east for 1,770 miles, passing through or bordering Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova and Ukraine before draining in to the Danube Delta and the Black Sea. Its drainage basin extends into 9 more countries. Since ancient times, the River Danube has been a traditional trade route in Europe and today 1,501 miles of its total length is navigable. Belene is a town in Pleven Province in north Bulgaria. It is situated on the right bank of the River Danube close to the town of Svishtov. Belene Island or Persin Island is the largest island in Bulgarian waters and the fourth largest island along the River Danube. The island is formed by the River Danube splitting in to 2 branches passing north and south of it. The international frontier between Bulgaria and Romania follows the north branch of the river and therefore Belene Island is part of Bulgarian territory. The island is 9 miles long and reaches 3.7 miles in width. It is connected to the town of Belene with a pontoon bridge. Belene Island is a part of the Belene Islands Complex and of the Persina Natural Park which focuses on the conservation and restoration of the River Danube wetlands. Because of its uniqueness and importance, the island group was designated as a Ramsar Convention site in September 2002. The most significant ecosystems within the park are the flooded forests and the inland marshes along the River Danube. Belene Island is infamous for the Belene concentration camp that functioned there for the detention of political prisoners between 1949 to 1953 and 1956 to 1959. It was part of the network of forced labour camps in Communist Bulgaria. Date: 13th May 2018 Location: view from the Prestige Hotel, Belene, Pleven Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11654874.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15856802164e313ab912f41.jpgHerring Gull Herring Gulls are large, noisy gulls and can be found throughout the year around coasts. During winter they can also be found inland around rubbish tips, fields, large reservoirs and lakes. Herring Gulls usually breed in colonies at coastal sites around the UK including cliffs with grassy slopes, shingle beaches, small islands and rooftops in seaside towns. Date: 8th June 2007 Location: Loch na Keal, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9589870.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6367936854db1692ac804e.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 24th December 2007 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/loch-etive-argyll https://images.on-this.website/4752_368619356467f22dc62a1c.jpgLoch Etive, Argyll Loch Etive is a sea loch between the Lorn and Benderloch districts of Argyll and is fed from the north east by the River Etive which meets the loch at Kinlochetive. Loch Etive extends 10 miles south west from Kinlochetive towards Bonawe where it then turns west for 8 miles before entering the Firth of Lorn at Ledaig Point and Ardmucknish Bay. Date: 23rd December 2006 Location: view from the minor road near Kinlochetive http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50570413.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_91368354165ccc9fa4c8b5.jpgNorthern Waterthrush The Northern Waterthrush is a species of ground-feeding migratory New World warbler of the genus Parkesia. It breeds in the northern part of North America in Canada and the northern United States including Alaska and it winters in Central America, the West Indies and Florida as well as in Venezuela, Colombia and Ecuador. It is a rare vagrant to other South American countries and to western Europe. The Northern Waterthrush is typically found in swampy or wet woods, streamsides and lake shores and breeds mostly in coniferous forests with standing or sluggish water such as shrubby bogs and the edges of lakes. On migration, it may appear in any habitat but is more frequent in thickets along the edges of water. In winter in the tropics, it is often found in coastal mangrove swamps. The Northern Waterthrush is a large New World warbler (and not a thrush despite the name). It has a length of 4.7 to 5.9 inches and a wingspan of 8.3 to 9.4 inches. On the head, the crown is brown with a white supercilium. The bill is pointed and dark. The throat is lightly streaked brown to black with heavier streaking continuing onto the breast and flanks. The back is evenly brown. Sexes are morphologically similar. The Northern Waterthrush is a terrestrial ground feeder, eating insects, spiders, molluscs, worms and crustaceans as well as minnows found by wading through water. The Northern Waterthrush is an exceptionally rare bird in the UK. This bird is a first record for Essex, only the third mainland record for the UK and the first UK record since 2011. The UK’s first Northern Waterthrush was found on St. Agnes on the Isles of Scilly in September 1958. The Isles of Scilly have since hosted 4 more birds, most recently in September 2011. All previous UK records have been found in the autumn. Ireland has 2 records in September 1983 and August 2008, both on Cape Clear in County Cork. This first Essex record was found on 3rd January 2024 on a garden pond in Heybridge near Maldon in Essex. The bird was found by Simon Wood, President of the Essex Birdwatching Society. It was swiftly relocated the next morning at the nearby Heybridge Hall sluice and ditch where it attracted birders not just from Essex but from across the UK for a period of several weeks. Date: 19th January 2024 Location: Heybridge, Maldon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874899.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1623599842561cd250e0161.jpgSnæfellsnes peninsula, west Iceland The 55 mile long Snæfellsnes peninsula is situated in west Iceland with Breiðafjörður and the Westfjords region to the north and Faxaflói and Reykjavík to the south. The Snæfellsnes peninsula has been named "Iceland in Miniature". In addition to its characteristic Snæfellsjökull volcano and glacier, there are white and black sandy beaches, fjords, sheer cliffs, spectacular mountains and volcanic craters, incredibly rich trout lakes and salmon rivers, lush valleys and unique harbours and fishing villages. The stunning landscape of the Snæfellsnes peninsula has captured the imagination of people all over the world ever since Jules Verne wrote the famous science fiction novel <i>"Journey to the Centre of the Earth"</i>. Date: 6th June 2015 Location: view from the gravel road to Snæfellsjökull looking south http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38397329.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15229920835ce128052dbe4.jpgCommon Lizard The Common Lizard ranges across central and northern Europe (but are absent from the Mediterranean area) and through to northern Asia. It is the most common lizard in northern regions and the only reptile found in Ireland. The Common Lizard has a long body and short legs. It has coarse scales which range from grey, brown, bronze or green on the back and males are generally darker than females. It has a series of white spots down the flanks, which fuse to form a line, and a black line along the back. The Common Lizard also has numerous black spots scattered over the body. Males have orange/yellow bellies with black spots and females have cream/white bellies. The Common Lizard is found in a range of habitats including woodland, marshes, heathland, moors, sand dunes, hedgerows, bogs and rubbish dumps and it hunts insects, spiders, snails and earthworms, stunning its prey by shaking it and then swallowing it whole. The Common Lizard is active during the day and spends the morning and afternoon (but not the intense heat of midday) basking in the sun either alone or in groups. It is a good swimmer and will dive underwater when threatened. At night, and when startled, it will shelter beneath logs, stones and metal sheets. After emerging from hibernation, males defend breeding territories from other males. The young develop over 3 months within egg membranes inside the female's body which they usually break out of as she gives birth. Litters of 3 to 12 young are born from June to September after which time the mother shows no parental care with the young feeding actively from birth and quickly dispersing. The Common Lizard hibernates from October to March. It will often hibernate in groups and sometimes emerge for a brief time during warm spells. Date: 16th April 2020 Location: Cors Dyfi MWT reserve, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21958404.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_127474146253da47ac9379b.jpgShag The European Shag, Common Shag or simply Shag is a species of cormorant. It is 27 to 31 inches in length with a 37 to 43 inches wingspan. It is mainly black in colour but with a glossy green-tinged sheen in adults. It has a longish tail and a yellow throat-patch. Adults have a small recurved crest in the breeding season. It is distinguished from the Cormorant by its smaller size, lighter build, thinner and narrower bill, and, in breeding adults, by the crest and metallic green-tinged sheen. The Shag breeds around the rocky coasts of west and south Europe, north Africa and south west Asia, mainly wintering in its breeding range except for the northernmost birds. It nests on rocky ledges or in crevices or small caves and the nests are untidy heaps of rotting seaweed or twigs cemented together by the bird's own guano. The nesting season is long and begins in late February although some nests are not started until May or even later. The female lays 3 eggs and the chicks hatch without down and so they rely totally on their parents for warmth, often for a period of 2 months before they can fly. Fledging may occur at any time from early June to late August and exceptionally to mid-October. In the UK, the Shag breeds at coastal sites, mainly in the north and west of the country, and more than half of the population is found at fewer than 10 sites. It can be seen during the breeding season at the large Scottish colonies on Orkney, Shetland, the Inner Hebrides and in the Firth of Forth. Elsewhere it can be seen commonly around the coasts of Wales and south west England, especially in Devon and Cornwall. The Shag feeds in the sea and, unlike the Cormorant, it is rare inland. It is one of the deepest pursuit divers among the cormorant family and it has been shown to dive to at least 150 feet. When it dives, it jumps out of the water first to give extra impetus to the dive. The Shag forages for food on the sea bed and eats a wide range of fish although the commonest prey is the sand eel. It will travel long distances from its breeding and roosting sites in order to feed. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Staple Island, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32723051.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_90955145859ae6ece024ed2.67656648.jpgRoe Deer The Roe Deer is a small deer which has a white to buff patch on their rump, a black nose and “moustache” and a white chin. Its coat varies from sandy to reddish-brown in the summer to grey-brown or even black in winter. The antlers, which have no more than 3 points and are less than 10 inches in length, grow in winter and are shed in the autumn. The Roe Deer is found throughout Europe but it is absent from Ireland, much of Portugal, Greece and large parts of England and Wales. Roe Deer became extinct in most of England during the 18th century but they were reintroduced in the 19th century. The Roe Deer lives mainly in woodland where there are open patches of ground and access to the edges of fields and it feeds on grasses and the leaves of young broad-leaved trees and bushes. Both male and female Roe Deer are usually solitary and highly territorial with clearly defined boundaries which they scent mark. The Roe Deer has very good senses of smell, hearing and vision. When alarmed, it makes a characteristic barking noise. Roe Deer mate in July and August and fawns are born in the following spring. Many fawns die during their first year due to heavy predation by foxes. Date: 21st May 2017 Location: Borsodi-Mezoseg ("Little Hortobagy"), Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28883751.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8215617857cc18ef10abd.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 18th May 2016 Location: Ilmatsalu, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/willow-tit https://images.on-this.website/4752_1444001872513327df54255.jpgWillow Tit The Willow Tit is between the Blue Tit and Great Tit in size. It has a large sooty-black cap extending to the back of the neck and a small untidy black bib and is mid-brown above with whiter cheeks and pale buff-grey underparts. Its wings show a pale panel not found in the Marsh Tit. The Willow Tit’s recent significant population declines make it a Red List species. The Willow Tit is found mainly in England and Wales with some in southern Scotland in damp woodlands, marshes, edges of lowland peat bog and around gravel pits. Date: 13th January 2013 Location: Pennington Flash, Greater Manchester http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23806412.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15658392165512a3518cca4.jpgWhite-headed Duck The White-headed Duck is a small stiff-tailed duck. Adult males have a grey and reddish body, a blue bill and a largely white head with a black cap and neck. Adult females have a grey-brown body with a white face and a darker bill, cap and a cheek stripe. The White-headed Duck dives and swims underwater and it is omnivorous with vegetable matter predominating. They are reluctant to fly, preferring to swim for cover. The White-headed Duck breeds in Spain and North Africa with a larger population in western and central Asia. Their breeding habitat is large tracts of open water with dense stands of aquatic plants to provide cover and nesting sites. The White-headed Duck is considered to be endangered due to a large reduction in populations in the last 10 years. Most of this decline is due to habitat loss and hunting but inter-breeding of the Spanish population with the introduced Ruddy Duck is a more recent threat. This has led to the attempted eradication of the American species from western Europe. This bird was part of the captive collection at the WWT London Wetland Centre. Date: 7th March 2015 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21895446.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_120231899453d11bcc143f9.jpgThe Storr, Skye The Storr is a rocky hill on the Trotternish peninsula of Skye. The hill presents a steep rocky eastern face overlooking the Sound of Raasay, contrasting with gentler grassy slopes to the west. The Storr is a prime example of the Trotternish landslip, the longest such feature in the UK. The area in front of the cliffs of the Storr is known as the Sanctuary. This has a number of weirdly shaped rock pinnacles, the remnants of ancient landslips. Date: 21st June 2014 Location: view from the A855 north of Portree http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41292176.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13540469615f10b8bc6b4a6.jpgPasvikdalen, Troms og Finnmark, Norway The Pasvik valley (Norwegian: [i]Pasvikdalen[/i]) is a river valley located in Norway and Russia. The Norwegian side of the valley is situated in Sør-Varanger municipality in Troms og Finnmark and the Russian side is located in the Pechengsky district in Murmansk Oblast. Øvre Pasvik National Park (Norwegian: [i]Øvre Pasvik Nasjonalpark[/i]) is located in the south eastern part of the valley and covers an area of 46 square miles. It is dominated by Siberian-like taiga consisting of old-growth forests of Scots pine, shallow lakes and bogs. Proposals for a national park in Øvre Pasvik were first launched in 1936 but it was not created until February 1970. It originally covered 25 square miles but was expanded in August 2003. Øvre Pasvik National Park is part of the larger Pasvik–Inari Trilateral Park along with the adjacent Øvre Pasvik Landscape Protection Area, the joint Norwegian and Russian Pasvik Nature Reserve and Finland's Vätsäri Wilderness Area. The fauna and flora of the Øvre Pasvik National Park is typical of the Siberian taiga. This includes Brown Bear, Wolverine, Wolf, Lynx and Elk and a very interesting diversity of northern and eastern species of birds which breed on the lakes and rivers and in the forests. The River Pasvikelva runs through the valley (giving it the name) and the river defines part of the border between Norway and Russia. It is the outlet from the large Lake Inari in Finland and flows through Norway and Russia to discharge into the Bøkfjorden (which later flows into the Varangerfjorden and then the Barents Sea) not far from the town of Kirkenes. The river has a watershed of 7106 square miles and is 90 miles long. A series of hydroelectric power stations are situated along its course. Since 1826, the River Pasvikelva has marked parts of the border between Norway and Russia, except from 1920 to 1944 when it was along the border between Norway and Finland. The southern part of the valley is also the location of the Treriksrøysa (Three-Country Cairn), a cairn which marks the tripoint where the borders between Norway, Finland and Russia meet. The site is on a hill called Muotkavaara situated west of the River Pasvikelva. It is the only place where 3 time zones meet: Central European Time, Eastern European Time and Further-Eastern European Time. The tripoint can only be approached by the public from the Norwegian side since both Finland and Russia maintain extensive border zones where public access is prohibited. Date: 30th June 2019 Location: view between Melkefoss and Nyrud, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645418.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20323365451e3cde31554b.jpgWhite Stork The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 19th May 2013 Location: Biebrza area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071674.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_213550106366433551e735c.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 4th May 2023 Location: Bwlch Nant yr Arian, Llywernog, Ceredigion http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo34209774.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9684455285a997925910b6.jpgSpotted Sandpiper The Spotted Sandpiper is a small wader. The adult has brown upperparts, white underparts with black spots, short yellowish legs and an orange bill with a dark tip. Non-breeding birds (as in this photo) do not have the spotted underparts and are very similar to the Common Sandpiper of Eurasia. The main difference is the shorter tail, more washed out wing pattern visible in flight and the normally light yellow legs and feet of the Spotted Sandpiper. The Spotted Sandpiper is often solitary and walks with a distinctive teeter, bobbing its tail up and down constantly. When foraging it walks quickly, crouching low, occasionally darting toward prey, all the while bobbing its tail. In flight, the Spotted Sandpipers has quick, snappy wingbeats interspersed with glides, keeping its wings below horizontal. The Spotted Sandpiper is common and widespread across most of Canada and the USA where it breeds almost anywhere near water i.e. along streams, rivers, ponds, lakes and beaches, particularly on rocky shores. It migrates to winter in southern USA and South America and it is a very rare vagrant to western Europe. The Spotted Sandpiper forages on the ground picking up food such as insects, crustaceans and other invertebrates by sight. It may also catch insects in flight and pick up earthworms, small crabs and crayfish, small fish and bits of carrion. This bird was first reported at the Slalom Course/River Trent confluence at Holme Pierrepoint Country Park in mid-January 2018 and remained on site for most of February 2018. Date: 24th February 2018 Location: Holme Pierrepoint Country Park, Nottinghamshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/marbled-teal https://images.on-this.website/4752_6586745325512b59e5fe6d.jpgMarbled Teal The Marbled Teal is a medium-sized duck. It used to be included among the dabbling ducks but it is now classed as a diving duck. Adults are a pale sandy-brown colour, diffusely blotched off-white, with a dark eye-patch and shaggy head. Juveniles are similar but with more off-white blotches. The Marbled Teal feeds mainly in shallow water by dabbling or up-ending and occasionally diving. Little is known of their diet. The Marbled Teal formerly bred in large numbers in the Mediterranean region but it is now restricted to a few sites in southern Spain, north west Africa and in Israel. In the east it survives in the Mesopotamian marshland in southern Iraq and in Iran as well as isolated pockets in Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iraq and further to the east in western India and western China. Their breeding habitat is lowland marshes where they lay their eggs in long grass or in high trees. The Marbled Teal is a gregarious bird, at times even when nesting. Outside the breeding season flocks are often small, although large wintering flocks have been reported in some areas. The largest winter concentration known is in Khuzestan, Iran. In 2011, a group of Iraqi ornithologists counted a single flock on the lakes of the Iraqi marshes, numbering at least 40,000 birds. This bird was part of the captive collection at the WWT Wetland Centre. Date: 7th March 2015 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11948064.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18012724784e41096619153.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 24th December 2005 Location: Glen Garry, Inverness-shire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/loch-ness-highland https://images.on-this.website/4752_351307415467f22c10a6fe.jpgLoch Ness, Highland Loch Ness is a large, deep, freshwater loch in the Scottish Highlands extending for approximately 23 miles south west of Inverness. It is the 2nd largest Scottish loch by surface area at 22 square miles after Loch Lomond but, due to its great depth, it is the largest by volume in the UK. Its deepest point is 755 feet making it the 2nd deepest loch in Scotland after Loch Morar. It contains more fresh water than all the lakes in England and Wales combined and it is the largest body of water in the Great Glen which runs from Inverness in the north to Fort William in the south. Loch Ness lies along the Great Glen Fault which forms a line of weakness in the rocks which has been excavated by glacial erosion to form the Great Glen and the basins of Loch Lochy, Loch Oich and Loch Ness itself. Loch Ness is best known for alleged sightings of the “Loch Ness Monster”, also known affectionately as "Nessie". It is similar to other supposed lake monsters in Scotland and elsewhere although its description varies from one account to the next. Popular interest and belief in the animal's existence has varied since it was first brought to the world's attention in 1933. Date: 7th June 2006 Location: view from the southern end of the loch at Fort Augustus http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874744.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1110140311561cca82e1120.jpgFaxaflói, Reykjavík, Iceland Faxaflói, formerly known in English as Faxa Bay or Faxe Bay, is a large bay located in south west Iceland between the Snæfellsnes peninsula and the Reykjanes peninsula. The capital of Iceland, Reykjavík, is situated on the southern shore of Faxaflói. Faxaflói has always been a source of nourishment of the people living on its shore. Historically, fishermen went out in small boats to fish near the shore but today the ships are much bigger but have to go farther out to sea if they wish to catch anything. Faxaflói is a popular destination for whale watching trips from Reykjavík which set off in search of Minke Whales, Humpback Whales, White-beaked Dolphins and Harbour Porpoises. Date: 10th June 2015 Location: view from Elding whale watching boat http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30040644.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2127309122587cb4689d5c7.jpgWaxwings The Waxwing is a plump bird which is slightly smaller than a Starling. It is buff or pinkish-brown in colour with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings, a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest. The bird’s name is derived from the red tips to some of the wing feathers which are said to look like they have been dipped in sealing wax. Waxwings breed in the dense forests of northern Europe but they occur in varying numbers in the UK from October to March. In some years they can occur in large numbers (known as irruptions) when the population in the breeding areas gets too big for the food available. The first UK arrivals each winter are usually seen on the east coast from Scotland to East Anglia but birds then move inland in search of food. They can be found in parks and gardens and even busy public places such as supermarket car parks, typically where there are berry-bearing trees and bushes such as rowan, hawthorn, cotoneaster and rose. Waxwings seem fearless of humans so it is relatively easy to get very close views of these stunning birds. Waxwings make an easily recognisable high-pitched trilling sound like a bell. Date: 10th January 2017 Location: Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33568400.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18130535505a106af27b438.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 4th November 2017 Location: Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30040667.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1133687860587cb4907d9f1.jpgWaxwings The Waxwing is a plump bird which is slightly smaller than a Starling. It is buff or pinkish-brown in colour with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings, a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest. The bird’s name is derived from the red tips to some of the wing feathers which are said to look like they have been dipped in sealing wax. Waxwings breed in the dense forests of northern Europe but they occur in varying numbers in the UK from October to March. In some years they can occur in large numbers (known as irruptions) when the population in the breeding areas gets too big for the food available. The first UK arrivals each winter are usually seen on the east coast from Scotland to East Anglia but birds then move inland in search of food. They can be found in parks and gardens and even busy public places such as supermarket car parks, typically where there are berry-bearing trees and bushes such as rowan, hawthorn, cotoneaster and rose. Waxwings seem fearless of humans so it is relatively easy to get very close views of these stunning birds. Waxwings make an easily recognisable high-pitched trilling sound like a bell. Date: 10th January 2017 Location: Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29951161.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_653136635866427a2cf9f.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the [i]Canidae[/i] family and is a part of the order [i]Carnivora[/i] within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 29th December 2016 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/pink-footed-geese https://images.on-this.website/4752_11770040104eff1995f1900.jpgPink-footed Geese The Pink-footed Goose is a medium-sized goose, smaller than a Mute Swan but bigger than a Mallard. It is pinkish grey with a dark head and neck, a pink bill and pink feet and legs. The Pink-footed Goose does not breed in the UK but large numbers of birds spend the winter here arriving in October from their breeding grounds in Spitsbergen, Iceland and Greenland. The Pink-footed Goose can be found on large estuaries, such as on the east Scottish coast, The Wash, the Ribble and the Solway, or on surrounding farmland where birds go in the day to feed. Numbers in England are on the increase, particularly in Norfolk, probably due to better protection at winter roosts. Date: 25th December 2011 Location: Happisburgh, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/zempln-hills https://images.on-this.website/4752_56141631859ae70aa1e5610.69557798.jpgZemplén Mountains, Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén county, Hungary The Zemplén Mountains lie to the north of the towns of Szerencs and Tokaj in north east Hungary. They are an upland area of volcanic origin forming part of the Carpathian Mountains. The highest peak is Nagy-Milic at 2933 feet which is situated near the northernmost point of Hungary on the border with Slovakia. The Zemplén Mountains are surrounded by the flood plains of the Bodrog and Hernád rivers and are primarily covered in oak, beech, birch, ash and alder forest with conifer forest at higher levels. Orchards, vineyards and pastures occur in the valleys and on lower slopes. The 110 square miles comprising the majority of the Zemplén Mountains became the Zemplén Protected Landscape Area in 1984. The steep peaks of the Zemplén Mountains form the bases for many medieval stone castles. Date: 24th May 2017 Location: Zemplén Hills, Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26270600.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11974121065665549385fbb.jpgStonechat The (European) Stonechat is a small passerine bird that was long considered a member of the thrush family although genetic evidence has now placed it and its relatives in the Old World flycatcher family. Two weakly defined sub-species differing in colour intensity are currently accepted: [i]hibernans[/i] found in north west Europe in Atlantic coastal areas, south west Norway, the UK, Ireland and north west France and [i]rubicola[/i] found in the south and east of its range from Denmark south west to Spain and north Morocco, east to Poland and Ukraine and south east to Turkey. The (European) Stonechat is slightly smaller than the Robin. Both sexes have distinctively short wings, shorter than those of the more migratory Whinchat and Siberian Stonechat. The summer male has black upperparts, a black head, an orange throat and breast and a white belly and vent. It also has a white half-collar on the sides of its neck, a small white scapular patch on the wings and a very small white patch on the rump often streaked with black. The female has brown upperparts and head and no white neck patches, rump or belly. Instead these areas are streaked dark brown on paler brown, the only white being the scapular patch on the wings and even this often being buffy-white. The (European) Stonechat can often be seen perched on the tops of low bushes where, as its name suggests, it can be heard uttering a sharp loud call that sounds like stones being knocked together. The male's song is high and twittering like a Dunnock. The (European) Stonechat breeds in heathland, coastal dunes and rough grassland with scattered small shrubs and bramble, open gorse, tussocks or heather. It is a short-distance migrant or non-migratory, with part of the population, particularly from the north east of the range where winters are colder, moving to winter further south in Europe and north Africa. Date: 4th December 2015 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13683306.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6029890004ed72c083e1b2.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/king-oscar-ii-chapel-grense https://images.on-this.website/4752_19156756045f10adf3cdaad.jpgKing Oscar II Chapel, Grense Jakobselv, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Grense Jakobselv is a small village located in Sør-Varanger municipality in Troms og Finnmark in Norway about 35 miles by road east of the town of Kirkenes. It is situated on the shore of the Barents Sea at the mouth of the River Jakobselva. The River Jakobselva forms the border between Norway and Russia. There is a small post of the garrison of Sør-Varanger of the Norwegian Army here from where soldiers patrol the border. However, there is no public border crossing. In Grense Jakobselv there is a stone chapel built in 1869 known as King Oscar II Chapel. The chapel was built in a long church style in 1869 by the architect Jacob Wilhelm Nordan and was designed to reinforce Norway's territorial claim to the area. It was named after King Oscar II of Sweden and Norway at a visit he made in 1873. Date: 28th June 2019 Location: King Oscar II Chapel, Grense Jakobselv, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41537259.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16186937935f3cfe19c9575.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 4th July 2019 Location: Flåget, Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45949095.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9018303406284b4436c66c.jpgBlue Tit The Blue Tit is a small passerine bird in the tit family. It is easily recognisable by its generally blue and yellow plumage and its small size. The Blue Tit is about 4.7 inches long with a wingspan of 7.1 inches. It has an azure blue crown and a dark blue line passing through the eye and encircling the white cheeks to the chin, giving the bird a very distinctive appearance. The forehead and a bar on the wing are white. The nape, wings and tail are blue and the back is yellowish green. The underparts are mostly sulphur-yellow with a dark line down the abdomen. The bill is black and the legs bluish grey. The sexes are similar whilst young birds are noticeably more yellow. The Blue Tit is very agile and it can cling to the outermost branches and hang upside down when searching for food such as insects, caterpillars and seeds. The Blue Tit can be found throughout areas of the European continent with a mainly temperate or Mediterranean climate and in parts of the Middle East. In the UK it is common in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens and widespread across the whole of the country with the exception of some Scottish islands. The Blue Tit will nest in any suitable hole in a tree, wall or stump, often competing with other birds such as the House Sparrow or Great Tit for the site. In addition, it will readily accept an artificial nesting box. The same hole is returned to year after year and when one pair dies another takes possession. The nesting material is usually moss, wool, hair and feathers and the eggs are laid in April or May. The number in the clutch is often very large but 7 or 8 is normal. It is not unusual for a single bird to feed the chicks in the nest at a rate of one feed every 90 seconds during the height of the breeding season. Successful breeding is dependent on a sufficient supply of caterpillars as well as satisfactory weather. Breeding may be affected badly if the weather is cold and wet between May and July, particularly if this coincides with the emergence of the caterpillars on which the nestlings are fed. The small size of the Blue Tit makes it vulnerable to predation by larger birds and the typical lifespan is 3 years or less. The most significant predator is probably the Sparrowhawk, closely followed by the domestic cat. Nests may also be robbed by mammals such as the Weasel and Red and Grey Squirrels. Date: 25th April 2022 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/hrafnseyrarheii-westfjords-iceland https://images.on-this.website/4752_105702077456389a8da860b.jpgHrafnseyrarheiði, Westfjords, Iceland Hrafnseyrarheiði is the mountain pass situated between Dýrafjörður and Arnarfjörður. The peninsula between Dýrafjörður and Arnarfjörður includes a great expanse of mountains unlike all other mountains in the Westfjords because the tops are not as level and they are usually much higher. The name “Westfjords Alps” has been used since they are reminiscent of the Alps in central Europe. Kaldbakur at a height of 3275 feet is the highest mountain in the Westfjords. The gravel road 60 over Hrafnseyrarheiði is the only road linking the northern and southern parts of the Westfjords and it is usually closed during the winter. However, the 3.5 mile Dýrafjarðargöng tunnel is planned between Dýrafjörður and Arnarfjörður and this will replace much of the Hrafnseyrarheiði route. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: view from road 60 south of Þingeyri http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30040635.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1651141010587cb45725a5f.jpgWaxwings The Waxwing is a plump bird which is slightly smaller than a Starling. It is buff or pinkish-brown in colour with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings, a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest. The bird’s name is derived from the red tips to some of the wing feathers which are said to look like they have been dipped in sealing wax. Waxwings breed in the dense forests of northern Europe but they occur in varying numbers in the UK from October to March. In some years they can occur in large numbers (known as irruptions) when the population in the breeding areas gets too big for the food available. The first UK arrivals each winter are usually seen on the east coast from Scotland to East Anglia but birds then move inland in search of food. They can be found in parks and gardens and even busy public places such as supermarket car parks, typically where there are berry-bearing trees and bushes such as rowan, hawthorn, cotoneaster and rose. Waxwings seem fearless of humans so it is relatively easy to get very close views of these stunning birds. Waxwings make an easily recognisable high-pitched trilling sound like a bell. Date: 10th January 2017 Location: Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41505219.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16011906045f37b2767aa0f.jpgWhite-tailed Eagle The White-tailed Eagle is the fourth largest eagle in the world, 27 to 36 inches in length with a 72 to 96 inches wingspan. Females are slightly larger than males. It has broad "barn door" wings, a large head and a thick "meat-cleaver" beak. The adult is mainly brown except for the paler head and neck, blackish flight feathers, distinctive white tail, and yellow bill and legs. In juvenile birds the tail and bill are darker, with the tail becoming white with a dark terminal band in sub-adults Some individuals have been found to live over 25 years although 21 years is the average. The White-tailed Eagle breeds in northern Europe and northern Asia with the largest population in Europe along the coast of Norway. The World population in 2008 was estimated at only 9,000 to 11,000 pairs. They are mostly resident with only the northernmost birds such as the eastern Scandinavian and Siberian population migrating south in winter. In the UK, the White-tailed Eagle became extinct during the early 20th century and the present population in Scotland has arisen from a reintroduction programme which commenced on the island of Rhum in 1975. It is still a rare breeding bird which was previously confined to the west coast of Scotland although a reintroduction programme has taken place in east Scotland. Date: 3rd July 2019 Location: Skagen near Vardø, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/european-pond-terrapin https://images.on-this.website/4752_1592194612559cec748cb0c.jpgEuropean Pond Terrapin The European Pond Terrapin (also called the European Pond Turtle) is a long-living freshwater species of turtle. It varies quite a bit across its distribution from 5 to 15 inches in length and is olive, brown or black in colour with yellow spots and streaks on the shell and skin although some individuals are nearly black without yellow markings. The European Pond Terrapin is found in south and central Europe, west Asia and north Africa. In the early post-glacial period, it had a much wider distribution being found as far north as south Sweden. The European Pond Terrapin can be found in ponds, lakes and slow moving rivers, preferring water bodies with soft bottoms such as mud or sand where it hunts for fish, amphibians, aquatic invertebrates and aquatic plants. It basks during the day but will dive back in to the water if disturbed. The European Pond Terrapin hibernates during the winter. The European Pond Terrapin is usually considered semi-aquatic since their terrestrial movements can span considerable distances away from water. In spring females lay 3 to 18 eggs in small holes dug in sunny spots and the incubation period lasts 2 to 4 months. Climate has an effect on the survival of hatchlings. Hatchlings are only able to survive under favourable weather conditions but due to regular annual clutch sizes and long lifespan, adults balance out the loss of hatchlings due to climate. The European Pond Terrapin has become rare in most countries even though they are widely distributed in Europe. The building of roads and driving of cars through natural habitats is a possible factor that threatens the population. Road networks and traffic often carry complex ecological effects to animal populations such as fragmenting natural habitats and creating barriers for animal movement. Mortality on the road is most likely due to females selecting nests near roads which places a potential danger for the hatchlings as well. Hatchlings that wander too closely to roads are more likely to be killed and put the future population in danger. The life span of the European Pond Terrapin is 40 to 60 years but it can live to over 100 years but this is very rare and unusual. Date: 12th May 2015 Location: Lake Kerkini, Central Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45174847.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19415899876232f9f9c4e56.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 31st December 2021 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37190297.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19321911675c2a0d9d200f0.jpgGruinard Bay, Wester Ross Gruinard Bay is situated along the rocky Wester Ross coastline and has 3 beautiful beaches with pink sand derived from the Torridonian sandstone rocks. It is surrounded by magnificent rocky scenery. Offshore lies Gruinard Island which in 1942 became the focus of the UK's secret effort to find a weapon capable of defeating the Nazis. To test the potency of their biological arsenal, War Office scientists took a flock of 60 sheep to Gruinard Island and exposed them to a bomb packed with anthrax spores. The island was so contaminated that it was deemed out of bounds for almost 50 years. Date: 24th June 2018 Location: view from near Little Gruinard on the A832 road between Poolewe and Ullapool http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453997.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10658334384ff547bd4d7a4.jpgGreater Flamingos The Greater Flamingo is a largely pinkish-white bird but the wing coverts are red and the primary and secondary flight feathers are black. The bill is pink with a black tip and the legs are entirely pink. The Greater Flamingo is the most widespread species of the flamingo family and can be found in parts of Africa, southern Asia and southern Europe (including Spain, Sardinia, Albania, Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Portugal and the Camargue region of France). Some populations are short distance migrants, and records north of the breeding range are relatively frequent. However, given the species' popularity in captivity, whether these are truly wild individuals is a matter of some debate. Date: 1st May 2012 Location: La Madre de las Marismas, El Rocío, Coto Doñana, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9593438.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_412204034db17d145c862.jpgShelduck The Shelduck resembles a small short-necked goose in size and shape. It is larger than a Mallard but smaller than geese such as Greylag and Canada Geese. The Shelduck is a striking bird with a reddish-pink bill, pink feet, a white body with chestnut patches and a black belly and a dark green head and neck. The wing coverts are white, the primaries are black and the secondaries are green and chestnut. The underwings are almost entirely white. Sexes are similar but the female is smaller with some white facial markings whilst the male is particularly crisply coloured in the breeding season with a bright red bill bearing a prominent knob at the forehead. Ducklings are white with a black cap, hindneck and wing and back patches. Juveniles are greyish above and mostly white below but already have the adult's wing pattern. The Shelduck breeds in temperate Eurasia where it nests in rabbit burrows and tree holes. Most populations migrate to sub-tropical areas in winter but it is largely resident in west Europe apart from movements to favoured moulting grounds such as the Wadden Sea on the north German coast. The Shelduck is common around the coastline of the UK and Ireland where it can be found on salt marshes, tidal mudflats and estuaries although it can also be found around inland waters such as reservoirs and gravel workings. It can be seen all year round but the population increases significantly during winter with the arrival of birds from continental Europe. Date: 9th May 2009 Location: Conwy RSPB reserve, Conwy http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084463.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5443966175d30873b5dafc.jpgWhite Stork The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 3rd June 2018 Location: Rotbav, Brașov County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19905541.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1864228502529089f637f7a.jpgCurlew Sandpiper The Curlew Sandpiper is a small wader which is slightly larger than the Dunlin but differing from the Dunlin in having a longer down-curved bill, longer neck and legs and a white rump. The breeding adult has patterned dark grey upperparts and brick-red underparts. In winter, it is pale grey above and white below and shows an obvious white supercilium. Juveniles have a grey and brown back, a white belly and a peach-coloured breast. Of all shorebird species, the Curlew Sandpiper has the smallest breeding range in relation to its non-breeding range. After breeding on the tundra of Arctic Siberia, these birds migrate south to Africa, Australasia or India. This Curlew Sandpiper is highly gregarious and will form flocks with other calidrid waders, particularly Dunlin. Despite its easterly breeding range, the Curlew Sandpiper is a regular passage migrant to coastal marshes in western Europe, including the UK. Date: 30th September 2013 Location: Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo10926846.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12486474014e09758037068.jpgLoch Broom, Wester Ross Loch Broom opens from the Minch at a width of 12.5 miles and covers a distance of 7 miles south-eastwards holding the Summer Isles. At its mouth proper, with the sea loch Loch Kanaird to the east and Annat Bay to the west, Loch Broom is 4 miles wide and runs south east for about 9.5 miles at a width of 1 mile where it is fed by the River Broom. Ullapool, on the north east shore of Loch Broom, began as a planned village built by Thomas Telford and the British Fisheries Society in 1788 to exploit the boom in herring fishing. It is now the largest settlement in the area and serves as the terminal for the ferry to Stornaway in the Western Isles. The entrance to Loch Broom is overlooked to the north by the mountain of Ben More Coigach on the Coigach peninsula and to the south by the mountains of Beinn Ghobhlach and Beinn nam Ban on the Scoraig peninsula which separates Loch Broom and Little Loch Broom. Broom comes from the gaelic word "bhraoin" meaning place of rain showers. Date: 12th June 2011 Location: view from the A835 road looking south towards Inverlael http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26041756.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14689545705638b9a13f9b1.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill <i>"kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake"</i>. The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Látrabjarg, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5015777.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18312765304beed10d4c0c3.jpgNant Gwynant, Gwynedd Nant Gwynant is a valley in Snowdonia and is one of Wales’ most spectacular valleys. It is encircled by high mountains with Snowdon rising up to the north. The A498 road descends 600 feet in to the valley in about 2 miles from Pen-y-Gwryd close to the foot of Snowdon. It follows the Nant y Cynnyd, the Afon Glaslyn and alongside Llyn Gwynant and then beside the Nant Gwynant river to Llyn Dinas and down to Beddgelert. Date: 9th May 2010 Location: view from A498 road south of Pen-y-Gwryd http://www.richardchewphotography.com/barrows-goldeneyes https://images.on-this.website/4752_5973574595637626d13ffc.jpgBarrow's Goldeneyes The Barrow's Goldeneye is a medium-sized diving duck named after Sir John Barrow, an English statesman and writer. The male Barrow's Goldeneye has a large dark head with an iridescent purplish gloss and a crescent-shaped white patch between the eye and bill. The dark back contrasts with the white neck, breast and belly. The scapulars are black with a distinctive row of rectangular white spots. The white greater coverts are tipped with black, forming a black band between the white speculum and the white patch on the greater coverts. The bill is black and the legs and feet are yellowish. The female Barrow's Goldeneye has a dark chocolate-brown head with a narrow whitish collar. The back and sides are slaty grey and the chest, breast and belly are white. The bill is mostly yellowish and the legs and feet are yellowish. The adult is similar in appearance to the Common Goldeneye. However, the male Barrow's Goldeneye differs from the male Common Goldeneye by the fact that the Common Goldeneye has a round white patch on the face, less black on the back and a larger bill. For the females, the Common Goldeneye has a less rounded head and a bill in which only the tip is yellow. The Barrow’s Goldeneye breeds on wooded lakes and ponds primarily in north western north America. It is considered to be an arboreal species because it mainly nests in cavities found in mature trees although it will also nest in burrows or protected sites on the ground. The Barrow’s Goldeneye can also be found in scattered locations in eastern Canada and Iceland (the only European site). It is an extremely rare vagrant to western Europe and to southern areas of north America. In Icelandic the Barrow’s Goldeneye is known as húsönd (house duck) and it is a common species in the Mývatn area in the north of the country. The Barrow’s Goldeneye is migratory and most winter in large flocks on lakes, rivers, estuaries and bays The Barrow's Goldeneye dives to feed on aquatic insects, crustaceans, small fish, fish eggs and pondweeds found in freshwater habitats and molluscs, crustaceans, seastars and marine worms found in saltwater habitats. Date: 2nd June 2015 Location: River Laxá, Lake Mývatn area, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/soomaa-national-park-estonia https://images.on-this.website/4752_63955404757cc30fb1018f.jpgSoomaa National Park, Estonia The Soomaa National Park (Soomaa means "land of bogs") is located about 20 miles east of Pärnu and it was established in 1993 to protect a wilderness of bogs, fens, wet mixed forests, wooded meadows and carrs. It is also included in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance. The territory of the Soomaa National Park is mostly covered with large bogs, separated from each other by the tributaries of the Pärnu river, namely the Navesti, Halliste, Raudna and Lemmjõgi rivers. Every spring the Pärnu river and its tributaries flood and vast areas are inundated. The flood has been called the “fifth season” in Soomaa. Much of the Soomaa National Park is very difficult to access but it can be partially explored by a network of dusty gravel tracks and a minor road between Jõesuu and Kildu. The Soomaa National Park supports a wide range of breeding birds and the floods attract large numbers of migrating wildfowl and waders. As a large wilderness area, Soomaa National Park is also home to numerous species of large mammals including Brown Bear, Wolf, Lynx, Beaver, Elk and Wild Boar. Date: 15th May 2016 Location: Tõramaa to Kõrtsi road, Soomaa National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49003045.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2256730206468fcb882718.jpgAdder Adders are widespread throughout mainland UK but they are absent from Ireland. They occur throughout Europe, with the exception of the Mediterranean islands, and across Russia and Asia through to northern China. They are the UK's only venomous reptile. Adders are relatively short and robust snakes with large heads and a rounded snout. Males are usually a grey or buff colour with vivid black markings although they can also vary from silver to yellow or green in colour. Females are brown with dark red-brown markings that are less prominent than in the males. Both sexes have a zigzag pattern running along the back with a / or X-shaped marking at the rear of the head. Adders can be found in a variety of habitats, including open woodland, hedgerows, moorland, sand dunes, riverbanks, bogs, heathland and mountains. They are active during the day and spend time basking until their body temperature is high enough to hunt for food. Adders use venom to immobilise prey such as lizards, amphibians, nestlings and small mammals. After striking their prey, they will leave the venom to take effect before following the victim’s scent to find the body. Mating takes place between April and May with males often fighting for females. Females have a 3 to 4 month gestation period and Adders are one of the few snakes that are viviparous (give birth to live young). In late August females give birth to between 5 and 20 live young and the young remain close to their mother for a few days before going off in search of food. Adders hibernate from September to March often using deserted rabbit or rodent burrows or settling under logs. They sometimes hibernate communally. Males emerge 2 to 5 weeks before the females and shed their skin before setting off in search of females. Adders are not aggressive snakes and they will only attack if harassed or threatened. Although an Adder’s venom poses little danger to a healthy adult, the bite is very painful and requires urgent medical attention. Date: 3rd May 2023 Location: Benfleet and Hadleigh Downs, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/laguna-de-gallocanta-aragon-spain https://images.on-this.website/4752_11012903574b157ad58462d.jpgLaguna de Gallocanta, Aragon, Spain The Laguna de Gallocanta is the largest natural lake in Spain covering around 1500ha of open water within a total protected area of 6720ha. It is located at an altitude of 1000m in the extreme south west of the province of Zaragoza and the north east of the province of Teruel in Aragon in an area of extreme continental climate. Absolute temperatures can range between 39°C maximum and -20°C minimum with frequent strong winds. The lake is fed mainly by rainwater giving rise to dramatic changes in water level from year to year. In wet years the lake can be vast while in dry ones it dries out completely during the hot summers. The surrounding fields are steppe-like in character although much of the area is now under agricultural production. Laguna de Gallocanta is renowned for the bi-annual migration of Common Cranes (November to December and late February to March) and up to 60,000 birds have been recorded at the site. Date: 11th November 2009 http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30017247.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_581022316587550e99bb61.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 2nd January 2017 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37431040.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15769604575c6be16635a12.jpgMediterranean Gull The Mediterranean Gull is intermediate in size between the Common Gull and the Black-headed Gull. The breeding plumage adult is a distinctive white gull with a very pale grey mantle and wings with white primary feathers without black tips. The black hood extends down the nape and shows distinct white eye crescents. The blunt tipped, dark red bill has a black sub-terminal band. The non-breeding adult is similar but the hood is reduced to an extensive dusky "bandit" mask through the eye. The Mediterranean Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity and first year birds have a black terminal tail band and more black areas in the upperwings and pale underwings. The Mediterranean Gull was formerly restricted to the Black Sea and the eastern Mediterranean but in recent decades it has undergone a dramatic range expansion and can be found over most of Europe as far as the UK and Ireland. It can be found in scattered colonies of varying size in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes. It is sometimes found nesting in mixed colonies with Black-headed Gull. In winter, the majority of Mediterranean Gulls migrate to the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious during winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. The Mediterranean Gull was a very rare UK bird until the 1950s but it is now widespread in winter and breeding in ever increasing numbers. It is mainly found along the east and south coasts of England and most of the breeding population nest within Black-headed Gull colonies at coastal wetlands. It is more widespread in winter with some beaches in Norfolk and Kent attracting more than a hundred birds and it can also be found inland in small numbers wherever Black-headed and Common Gulls gather (especially in roosts on reservoirs). The Mediterranean Gull tends to be an opportunistic omnivore and eats fish, worms, insects, offal and carrion. The Mediterranean Gull is not globally threatened and is designated by the IUCN as being “Least Concern”. However, it is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 13th January 2019 Location: RSPB Radipole Lake, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801130.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_131940127864edacf19d968.jpgBlack-winged Stilt The Black-winged Stilt is a widely distributed very long-legged wader. They have long pink-red legs, a long thin black bill and are blackish above and white below with a white head and neck with a varying amount of black. Both in flight and at rest the long pink-red legs are characteristic and even if these are hidden in water of unknown depth, the pure white underparts and jet black upperparts are distinctive. The amount of dark feathering on the otherwise white head doesn't necessarily indicate the sex of a stilt although young birds always have smoky patterning on the head. The Black-winged Stilt can be found in central and southern Europe, central and southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Many birds migrate to south of the Sahara from August to November and return in March and April. However, many of those which breed in Iberia are now increasingly remaining throughout the year. The Black-winged Stilt breeds around shallow wetlands, especially coastal lagoons, saltpans and estuaries. The nest site is a bare spot on the ground near water and birds often nest in small groups, sometimes with Avocets. In Europe, the Black-winged Stilt is a regular spring overshoot vagrant north of its normal range, occasionally remaining to breed in northern European countries including the UK. Date: 17th July 2023 Location: RSPB Frampton Marsh, near Boston, Lincolnshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11654798.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11259263974e3133f0acd66.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 24th December 2007 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/white-fronted-geese https://images.on-this.website/4752_3398323204e1582c1454dc.jpgGreater (Greenland) White-fronted Geese The Greater White-fronted Goose is a species of goose which is closely related to the smaller Lesser White-fronted Goose. The Latin name, [i]Anser albifrons[/i], is derived from [i]anser[/i] meaning "goose" and [i]albus[/i] meaning "white" and [i]frons[/i] meaning “forehead”. The Greater White-fronted Goose is 25 to 32 inches in length with a 51 to 65 inches wingspan and weighs 4.3 to 7.3 pounds. It is smaller than the Greylag Goose and, as well as being larger than the Lesser White-fronted Goose, it lacks the yellow eye-ring of that species and the white facial blaze does not extend upwards so far. The Greater White-fronted Goose is a greyish-brown goose with a light grey breast dappled with dark brown to black blotches and bar, a pinkish bill and orange legs and feet. The male is typically larger in size but both sexes are similar in appearance The Greater White-fronted Goose is divided into 5 subspecies. The nominate subspecies Eurasian or Russian White-fronted Goose, [i]A. a. albifrons[/i], breeds in the far north of Europe and Asia and winters further south and west in Europe, including England and Wales. The very distinct Greenland White-fronted Goose, [i]A. a. flavirostris[/i], breeds in west Greenland and is much darker overall with only a very narrow white tip to the tail (broader on the other races), more black barring on its belly and usually has an orange (not pink) bill. It winters in Ireland and west Scotland. Some ecological studies suggest that the Greenland White-fronted Goose should probably be considered a separate species. Weather conditions are a key factor in the annual breeding success of the Greater White-fronted Goose. In the Arctic, the window of opportunity for nesting, incubating eggs and raising a brood is open briefly for about 3 months. Arriving in late May or early June, Greater White-fronted Geese begin departing for their wintering areas in early September. This means that a delayed snowmelt or late spring storm can significantly reduce breeding success. Date: 5th November 2008 Location: Uiskentuie to Gruinart, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo10073258.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15461777494dd2200cbfde3.jpgGrass Snake The Grass Snake is the UK’s largest terrestrial reptile reaching up to 6 feet in length although such large specimens are rare. Females are considerably larger than males and typically reach a size of 2 feet 11 inches to 3 feet 7 inches when fully grown whilst males are approximately 8 inches shorter. The Grass Snake is typically olive-green, brown or greyish in colour with a variable row of black bars along the sides, occasionally with smaller round markings along the back in double rows. The underside of the Grass Snake is off-white or yellowish with dark triangular or rectangular markings. A characteristic black and yellow collar is present behind the head. The Grass Snake is one of only 3 snakes to occur in the UK and it is distributed throughout lowland areas of England and Wales. It is almost absent from Scotland and is not found in Ireland at all which has no native snakes. The Grass Snake is an aquatic species that is usually closely associated with water where it preys almost entirely on amphibians, especially the Common Toad and the Common Frog, although they may also occasionally eat mammals and fish. It is a strong swimmer and is found in habitats featuring ponds, lakes, streams, marshes and ditches which provide access to sunshine for basking and plenty of shelter. The Grass Snake may also be found in open woodland, rough grassland, wet heathlands, gardens, parks and hedgerows. The Grass Snake, as with most reptiles, is at the mercy of the thermal environment and it needs to overwinter in areas which are not subject to freezing. Therefore it will typically spend the winter underground where the temperature is relatively stable. Date: 13th May 2011 Location: Stodmarsh, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11947712.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8794259514e40fdcc070b6.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 21st October 2007 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49002078.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1116351476468e785650fd.jpgBlue Tit The Blue Tit is a small passerine bird in the tit family. It is easily recognisable by its generally blue and yellow plumage and its small size. The Blue Tit is about 4.7 inches long with a wingspan of 7.1 inches. It has an azure blue crown and a dark blue line passing through the eye and encircling the white cheeks to the chin, giving the bird a very distinctive appearance. The forehead and a bar on the wing are white. The nape, wings and tail are blue and the back is yellowish green. The underparts are mostly sulphur-yellow with a dark line down the abdomen. The bill is black and the legs bluish grey. The sexes are similar whilst young birds are noticeably more yellow. The Blue Tit is very agile and it can cling to the outermost branches and hang upside down when searching for food such as insects, caterpillars and seeds. The Blue Tit can be found throughout areas of the European continent with a mainly temperate or Mediterranean climate and in parts of the Middle East. In the UK it is common in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens and widespread across the whole of the country with the exception of some Scottish islands. The Blue Tit will nest in any suitable hole in a tree, wall or stump, often competing with other birds such as the House Sparrow or Great Tit for the site. In addition, it will readily accept an artificial nesting box. The same hole is returned to year after year and when one pair dies another takes possession. The nesting material is usually moss, wool, hair and feathers and the eggs are laid in April or May. The number in the clutch is often very large but 7 or 8 is normal. It is not unusual for a single bird to feed the chicks in the nest at a rate of one feed every 90 seconds during the height of the breeding season. Successful breeding is dependent on a sufficient supply of caterpillars as well as satisfactory weather. Breeding may be affected badly if the weather is cold and wet between May and July, particularly if this coincides with the emergence of the caterpillars on which the nestlings are fed. The small size of the Blue Tit makes it vulnerable to predation by larger birds and the typical lifespan is 3 years or less. The most significant predator is probably the Sparrowhawk, closely followed by the domestic cat. Nests may also be robbed by mammals such as the Weasel and Red and Grey Squirrels. Date: 8th April 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/beinne-eighe-wester-ross https://images.on-this.website/4752_15111779285c2a09d78062c.jpgBeinne Eighe, Wester Ross Height: Ruadh Stac Mor 3313 feet, Sail Mhor 3215 feet, Coinneach Mhor 3202 feet and Spidean Coire nan Clach 3189 feet. The name Beinn Eighe originates from Gaelic and means "ice mountain" or "file mountain". The complete range, which dominates the north side of Glen Torridon, is made up of 9 peaks covering almost 6 miles with white quartzite upper reaches and scree-covered flanks. Beinn Eighe was the UK’s first National Nature Reserve and features wonderful mountain scenery and ancient pinewood fragments overlooking Loch Maree. Date: 24th June 2018 Location: view from the A896 road between Kinlochewe and Torridon http://www.richardchewphotography.com/bucegi-mountains-prahova-county-romania https://images.on-this.website/4752_14936797935d3086c9e7885.jpgBucegi Mountains, Prahova County, Romania The Bucegi Mountains are a mountain range located in central Romania south of the city of Brașov. They are part of the Southern Carpathians group of the Carpathian Mountains. Omu is the highest peak at 8219 feet. To the east, the Bucegi Mountains have a very steep slope and are bordered by the Prahova Valley. This area holds the most ski resorts in Romania including the small mountain towns of Sinaia and Bușteni. The area of the Bucegi Mountains was proposed for protection in 1936 due to its landscapes and great diversity of plant and animal species. Bucegi Natural Park was eventually established in March 1990 and this covers an area of over 125 square miles representing a mountainous area with caves, pit caves, canyons, ridges, sinkholes, valleys and waterfalls. Habitats include beech forests, bushes, alpine limestone grasslands, alpine rivers and herbaceous vegetation, mountain hay meadows, springs, limestone rocky slopes and semi-natural dry grasslands. There are several nature reserves in Bucegi Natural Park. The TransBucegi (designated as route DJ 713) is one of Romania’s most scenic drives. It starts 10 miles west of Sinaia at Cabana Dichiu and runs for 24 miles to Cabana Piatra Arsa on the Bucegi Mountains Plateau in Bucegi National Park. The TransBucegi ranges in height from 2495 feet at Sinaia to 6316 feet at the route end at Cabana Piatra Arsa. The route encompasses miles of stunning views through twisty hair pin corners, steep gradients and high elevations. The route was officially inaugurated in August 2013 and it is the third high altitude road in Romania after the Transfăgărăşan and Transalpina. Date: 2nd June 2018 Location: Bucegi Mountain Plateau from the TransBucegi route, Prahova County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833996.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1173225229559cf267d7483.jpgRed-backed Shrike The Red-backed Shrike is a carnivorous passerine bird and member of the shrike family. The general colour of the male’s upper parts is reddish. It has a grey head and a typical shrike black stripe through the eye. Underparts are tinged pink and the tail has a black and white pattern similar to that of a Wheatear. In the female and young birds the upperparts are brown and vermiculated and the underparts are buff and also vermiculated. The Red-backed Shrike eats large insects, small birds, frogs, rodents and lizards. Like other shrikes it hunts from prominent perches and impales corpses on thorns or barbed wire as a "larder." This practice has earned it the nickname of "butcher bird." The Red-backed Shrike breeds in most of Europe and western Asia and winters in tropical Africa. Once a common migratory visitor to the UK, numbers declined sharply during the 20th century. The bird's last stronghold was in Breckland but by 1988 just a single pair remained, successfully raising young at Santon Downham. The following year for the first time no nests were recorded in the UK but since then sporadic breeding has taken place, mostly in Scotland and Wales, and in September 2010 the RSPB announced that a pair had raised chicks at a secret location on Dartmoor where the bird last bred in 1970. This return to south west England has been an unexpected development and has raised speculation that a warming climate could assist the bird in re-colonising some of its traditional sites, if only in small numbers. Date: 9th May 2015 Location: Dadia-Lefkimi-Soufli Forest, East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082957.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20167252045d307eb693950.jpgGriffon Vulture The Griffon Vulture is a typical Old World vulture in appearance with a white bald head, very broad wings and short tail feathers. It has a white neck ruff and yellow bill. The buff body and wing coverts contrast with the dark flight feathers. They are very large birds around 37 to 43 inches long with a 91 to 106 inches wingspan. Like other vultures, the Griffon Vulture is a scavenger, feeding mostly from carcasses of dead animals which it finds by soaring over open areas, often moving in flocks. The population is mostly resident in its breeding range in the mountains of southern Europe, north Africa, and Asia. In Spain, there are tens of thousands of birds from a low of a few thousand around 1980 although the Pyrenees population has apparently been affected by an EU ruling that due to danger of BSE transmission, no carcasses must be left on the fields for the time being. Although the Griffon Vulture does not normally attack larger living prey, there are reports of Spanish Griffon Vultures killing weak, young or unhealthy living animals as they do not find enough carrion to eat. Date: 25th May 2018 Location: Kovan Kaya near Madzharovo, eastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15454044.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18167777614ff5492175a48.jpgSlender-billed Gulls The Slender-billed Gull is a mid-sized gull which is most easily identified by its distinctive profile with a long, sloping forehead and a long, slightly drooping beak after which it is named. It is slightly larger than the Black-headed Gull which it resembles although it does not have a black hood in summer. The head, neck, rump and tail are white while the back and the upper surfaces of the wings are grey with a white leading edge to the wings and black tips to the outer primary feathers. The underparts are white, sometimes with a rosy tinge. It has long, blackish-red legs, a dark red beak and yellowish-white eyes with a red eye ring. The Slender-billed Gull breeds at widely scattered, isolated locations from Senegal and Mauritania in Africa and the south and east of the Iberian Peninsula, through the Mediterranean, Black Sea and Middle East and into Asia as far as Kazakhstan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and north west India. Only some populations migrate and some also winter at the Caspian and Black Seas and around the Mediterranean. The Slender-billed Gull is sometimes recorded outside of its normal range, for example in other parts of Europe. The Slender-billed Gull breeds in colonies and like most gulls it is gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Slender-billed Gull breeds on the coast as well as on inland seas, steppe lakes and on beaches, islands and sand-spits in shallow, tidal water. It also uses meadows, grasslands and freshwater or brackish marshes near river deltas during the breeding season. In winter, it is almost always found on the coast, generally using shallow, inshore waters and salt pans. Date: 2nd May 2012 Location: Salinas de Bonanza near Jerez de la Frontera, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41254080.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19148079335f059e8344172.jpgHelsinki, Uusimaa, Finland Helsinki is the capital and largest city of Finland. It is located in the extreme south of the country on the shore of the Gulf of Finland of the Baltic Sea, 50 miles north of Tallinn in Estonia, 250 miles east of Stockholm in Sweden and 190 miles west of Saint Petersburg in Russia. It is the main financial, industrial, cultural, educational and research centre of Finland. Together with the cities of Espoo, Vantaa and Kauniainen, and surrounding commuter towns, Helsinki forms the Greater Helsinki metropolitan area which has a population of around 1.5 million. Often considered to be Finland's only metropolis, it is the world's northernmost metropolitan area as well as being the northernmost capital of an EU member state. After Stockholm in Sweden and Oslo in Norway, Helsinki is the third largest municipality in the Nordic countries. Date: 26th June 2019 Location: view from the m/s J.L. Runeberg between Porvoo and Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41254094.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13129347975f059ec216c65.jpgCommon Gull The Common Gull is a medium-sized gull. The north American subspecies is commonly referred to as the Mew Gull although that name is also used by some authorities for the whole species. The Common Gull is noticeably smaller and more gentle looking than the Herring Gull. It is grey above and white below with greenish-yellow legs. It has black wingtips with large white "mirrors". Young birds have scaly black-brown upperparts and a neat wing pattern and grey legs and take 2 to 3 years to reach maturity. In winter, the head is streaked grey and the bill often has a poorly defined blackish band near the tip which is sometimes sufficiently obvious to cause confusion with the Ring-billed Gull. The call is a high-pitched "laughing" cry. The Common Gull breeds colonially near water or in marshes in north Europe, north west north America and north Asia. It is most numerous in Europe with over half (possibly as much as 80 to 90%) of the world population. In the UK, the Common Gull can be found in summer along the coasts and inland marshes and lakes of Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England. Elsewhere in England and Wales, it can be found in winter on farmland, on marshes and lakes and on the coast. Date: 26th June 2019 Location: Katajanokka harbour, Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42626760.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6151509160a9277ae71c0.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 15th April 2021 Location: Lake Meadows, Billericay, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11948060.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16444739054e41096119296.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 24th December 2005 Location: Glen Garry, Inverness-shire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/loch-fleet-highland https://images.on-this.website/4752_81201548953d0fd9d5e79c.jpgLoch Fleet, Highland Loch Fleet is a sea loch on the east coast of Sutherland, located midway between Golspie and Dornoch. It forms a shallow estuary with extensive sandflats and mudflats backed by salt marsh, sand dunes, coastal heath and pine woods. In 1997 the Dornoch Firth and Loch Fleet Special Protection Area (SPA) was established for wildlife conservation. The SPA covers 19,364 acres of Loch Fleet, the Dornoch Firth, Morrich More, the Mound Alderwoods and Tarbat Ness. The Joint Nature Conservation Committee described it as "one of the best examples in north west Europe of a large complex estuary which has been relatively unaffected by industrial development". The Loch Fleet area supports many different species of plants and animals because of the varied habitats around its shores. Common seals can often be seen, particularly at low tide when they haul themselves out onto the sandbanks and there are good vantage points all along the southern shore where they can be viewed from the road. There are sandflats and mudflats that support large numbers of waders and wildfowl. The pine woodlands support many rare plants and are also home to mammals such as Roe Deer, Pine Marten and Red Squirrel. These woods also support a wide range of birds. Ospreys can often be seen fishing in Loch Fleet. Date: 18th June 2014 Location: view from the minor road along the southern shore between the A9 and Skelbo http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37431043.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3015781455c6be16d48813.jpgMediterranean Gull The Mediterranean Gull is intermediate in size between the Common Gull and the Black-headed Gull. The breeding plumage adult is a distinctive white gull with a very pale grey mantle and wings with white primary feathers without black tips. The black hood extends down the nape and shows distinct white eye crescents. The blunt tipped, dark red bill has a black sub-terminal band. The non-breeding adult is similar but the hood is reduced to an extensive dusky "bandit" mask through the eye. The Mediterranean Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity and first year birds have a black terminal tail band and more black areas in the upperwings and pale underwings. The Mediterranean Gull was formerly restricted to the Black Sea and the eastern Mediterranean but in recent decades it has undergone a dramatic range expansion and can be found over most of Europe as far as the UK and Ireland. It can be found in scattered colonies of varying size in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes. It is sometimes found nesting in mixed colonies with Black-headed Gull. In winter, the majority of Mediterranean Gulls migrate to the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious during winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. The Mediterranean Gull was a very rare UK bird until the 1950s but it is now widespread in winter and breeding in ever increasing numbers. It is mainly found along the east and south coasts of England and most of the breeding population nest within Black-headed Gull colonies at coastal wetlands. It is more widespread in winter with some beaches in Norfolk and Kent attracting more than a hundred birds and it can also be found inland in small numbers wherever Black-headed and Common Gulls gather (especially in roosts on reservoirs). The Mediterranean Gull tends to be an opportunistic omnivore and eats fish, worms, insects, offal and carrion. The Mediterranean Gull is not globally threatened and is designated by the IUCN as being “Least Concern”. However, it is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 13th January 2019 Location: RSPB Radipole Lake, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28885476.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_59906648157cc31bf108c5.jpgSoomaa National Park, Estonia The Soomaa National Park (Soomaa means "land of bogs") is located about 20 miles east of Pärnu and it was established in 1993 to protect a wilderness of bogs, fens, wet mixed forests, wooded meadows and carrs. It is also included in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance. The territory of the Soomaa National Park is mostly covered with large bogs, separated from each other by the tributaries of the Pärnu river, namely the Navesti, Halliste, Raudna and Lemmjõgi rivers. Every spring the Pärnu river and its tributaries flood and vast areas are inundated. The flood has been called the “fifth season” in Soomaa. Much of the Soomaa National Park is very difficult to access but it can be partially explored by a network of dusty gravel tracks and a minor road between Jõesuu and Kildu. The Soomaa National Park supports a wide range of breeding birds and the floods attract large numbers of migrating wildfowl and waders. As a large wilderness area, Soomaa National Park is also home to numerous species of large mammals including Brown Bear, Wolf, Lynx, Beaver, Elk and Wild Boar. Date: 15th May 2016 Location: Tõramaa, Soomaa National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230793.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_137032160964917f81f3bc5.jpgGrass Snake The Grass Snake is the UK’s largest terrestrial reptile reaching up to 6 feet in length although such large specimens are rare. Females are considerably larger than males and typically reach a size of 2 feet 11 inches to 3 feet 7 inches when fully grown whilst males are approximately 8 inches shorter. The Grass Snake is typically olive-green, brown or greyish in colour with a variable row of black bars along the sides, occasionally with smaller round markings along the back in double rows. The underside of the Grass Snake is off-white or yellowish with dark triangular or rectangular markings. A characteristic black and yellow collar is present behind the head. The Grass Snake is one of only 3 snakes to occur in the UK and it is distributed throughout lowland areas of England and Wales. It is almost absent from Scotland and is not found in Ireland at all which has no native snakes. The Grass Snake is an aquatic species that is usually closely associated with water where it preys almost entirely on amphibians, especially the Common Toad and the Common Frog, although they may also occasionally eat mammals and fish. It is a strong swimmer and is found in habitats featuring ponds, lakes, streams, marshes and ditches which provide access to sunshine for basking and plenty of shelter. The Grass Snake may also be found in open woodland, rough grassland, wet heathlands, gardens, parks and hedgerows. The Grass Snake, as with most reptiles, is at the mercy of the thermal environment and it needs to overwinter in areas which are not subject to freezing. Therefore it will typically spend the winter underground where the temperature is relatively stable. Date: 24th May 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533501.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_140402997062ca8a9c66009.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 25th June 2022 Location: RSPB Minsmere, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo34006632.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10661786625a72f9b7aee9d.jpgBlack Redstart The Black Redstart is a small passerine bird. Like its relatives, it was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family but is now known to be an Old World flycatcher. The Black Redstart is similar in size and weight to the Common Redstart. The adult male is dark grey to black on the upperparts and with a black breast. The lower rump and tail are orange-red with 2 dark red-brown central tail feathers. The belly and undertail are either blackish-grey (western subspecies) or orange-red (eastern subspecies) and the wings are blackish-grey with pale fringes on the secondaries forming a whitish panel (western subspecies) or all blackish (eastern subspecies). The female is grey (western subspecies) to grey-brown (eastern subspecies) except for the orange-red lower rump and tail. First year males are similar to females but blacker. The Black Redstart is a widespread breeder in south and central Europe, north west Africa and Asia, ranging from the UK south to Morocco and east to central China. It is resident in the milder parts of its range but north eastern birds migrate to winter in southern and western Europe, north Africa and Asia. The Black Redstart originally inhabited stony ground in mountains, particularly cliffs, but since about 1900 it has expanded to include similar urban habitats including bombed areas during and after World War 2 and large industrial complexes that have the bare areas and cliff-like buildings it favours. It generally nests in crevices or holes in buildings. In the UK, the Black Redstart is most common as a passage and winter visitor with only 20 to 50 pairs breeding. On passage, it can be found on the east and south coasts whilst in winter it can be found on the coasts of Wales and western and southern England with a few also at inland sites. Migrants arrive in the UK in October or November and either move on or remain to winter returning eastward in March or April. The Black Redstart will catch passing insects in flight and migrants often hunt in coastal tide-wrack for flies or tiny crustaceans. Date: 22nd January 2018 Location: Sheringham, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15454057.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20096892004ff54971d85d7.jpgSpoonbills The Spoonbill is an unmistakable wading bird. Breeding adults are all white except for dark legs, a black spoon-shaped bill with a yellow tip, a yellow breast patch and a crest. Non-breeders lack the crest and breast patch and immature birds have a pale bill and black tips to the primary flight feathers. Unlike herons, Spoonbills fly with their necks outstretched. Feeding birds swing their heads and sweep their bills from side to side through the water. The Spoonbill breeds from the UK and Spain in the west through to Japan and also in North Africa. In Europe, only the Netherlands, Spain, Austria, Hungary and Greece have sizeable populations. Birds from north west and south west Europe winter mainly in west Africa whilst those from south east Europe winter in the Mediterranean and north Africa. Eastern European and Turkish birds appear to move to north east Africa, the Middle East and India. The Spoonbill became extinct in the UK but sporadic breeding attempts in the early 21st century finally culminated with the formation of a colony at Holkham in Norfolk in 2010. The Spoonbill can be found in extensive shallow, wetlands with muddy, clay or fine sandy beds. They may inhabit any type of marsh, river, lake, flooded area and mangrove swamp, whether fresh, brackish or saline but especially those with islands for nesting or dense emergent vegetation such as reedbeds and scattered trees or shrubs. The Spoonbill may also frequent sheltered marine habitats during the winter such as deltas, estuaries, tidal creeks and coastal lagoons. Threats to the Eurasian Spoonbill include habitat destruction through drainage of wetlands and habitat degradation by pollution. Date: 2nd May 2012 Location: Trebujena marismas near Jerez de la Frontera, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32723086.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_194363233559ae708cc35189.77719680.jpgFüzéri vár, Füzér, Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén county, Hungary Füzér is a small village located in the Zemplén Mountains in north east Hungary. The main attraction is Füzéri vár, a castle standing on a solitary volcanic cone at the edge of the village. It was built at the beginning of the 13th century as a defence against the Turks, expanded in the 14th and 15th centuries but ruined at the end of the 18th century. The entire castle hill is a protected historic site and since 1977 it has been reconstructed and renewed. The Zemplén Mountains lie to the north of the towns of Szerencs and Tokaj in north east Hungary. They are an upland area of volcanic origin forming part of the Carpathian Mountains. The highest peak is Nagy-Milic at 2933 feet which is situated near the northernmost point of Hungary on the border with Slovakia. The Zemplén Mountains are surrounded by the flood plains of the Bodrog and Hernád rivers and are primarily covered in oak, beech, birch, ash and alder forest with conifer forest at higher levels. Orchards, vineyards and pastures occur in the valleys and on lower slopes. The 110 square miles comprising the majority of the Zemplén Mountains became the Zemplén Protected Landscape Area in 1984. The steep peaks of the Zemplén Mountains form the bases for many medieval stone castles. Date: 24th May 2017 Location: Füzéri vár, Füzér, Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41352885.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4121105225f2151fe5c9ac.jpgRuddy Darter Flight period: mid June to mid September. The Ruddy Darter takes its name from its colour and its swift flight behaviour. The male has a deep russet colour over the entire body and the abdomen has a pinched section close to where it joins the thorax. Females are slightly smaller, golden yellow in colour and being less obviously marked are more difficult to identify than the males. There is more than one red coloured darter species in the UK and they can be easily confused with each other. The commonest red species, the Common Darter, can be distinguished as having red veins at the base of the wings and a less ruddy colouration across the body. However, the Ruddy Darter has entirely black legs, distinguishing it from all other red darters which have longitudinal yellow stripes on their legs. The UK range of the Ruddy Darter has undergone something of an expansion in recent years. Although still relatively uncommon in the west and north of Britain, it is increasing in numbers in the Midlands and eastern England. The population is augmented by continental migrants. It is also found over most of Europe except for northern Scandinavia, as far east as western Siberia and south to north Africa. The Ruddy Darter prefers water bodies with tall emergent vegetation, such as reeds and club rush, and it is known to breed in ponds, lakes, canals, ditches and sluggish rivers. They can also be found near coasts and can breed in fairly brackish water. Date: 20th July 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41254081.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19994845395f059e8786ab1.jpgHelsinki, Uusimaa, Finland Helsinki is the capital and largest city of Finland. It is located in the extreme south of the country on the shore of the Gulf of Finland of the Baltic Sea, 50 miles north of Tallinn in Estonia, 250 miles east of Stockholm in Sweden and 190 miles west of Saint Petersburg in Russia. It is the main financial, industrial, cultural, educational and research centre of Finland. Together with the cities of Espoo, Vantaa and Kauniainen, and surrounding commuter towns, Helsinki forms the Greater Helsinki metropolitan area which has a population of around 1.5 million. Often considered to be Finland's only metropolis, it is the world's northernmost metropolitan area as well as being the northernmost capital of an EU member state. After Stockholm in Sweden and Oslo in Norway, Helsinki is the third largest municipality in the Nordic countries. Date: 26th June 2019 Location: view from the m/s J.L. Runeberg between Porvoo and Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46508903.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_78453141262c989e17a8a2.jpgMeadow Pipit The Meadow Pipit is a widespread and often abundant small pipit. It is an undistinguished looking species, mainly brown above and buff below with darker streaking on most of its plumage. The tail is brown with narrow white outer side edges. It has a thin bill and pale pinkish-yellow legs. A simple repetitive song is given in a short song and parachute display flight. The Meadow Pipit breeds in much of north west Eurasia from south east Greenland and Iceland east to just east of the Ural Mountains in Russia and south to central France and Romania. It is migratory over most of its range, wintering in south Europe, north Africa and south west Asia, but it is resident all year round in west Europe although many birds move to the coast or lowlands in winter. The Meadow Pipit is primarily a species of open habitats, either uncultivated or low-intensity agriculture, such as pasture, bogs and moorland. It also occurs in low numbers in arable croplands and in winter it occurs on saltmarshes where it can be quite gregarious and gather in small flocks. The Meadow Pipit is an abundant species in the north of its range but it is less common further south. It can be found all year round across the UK but it is commonest in the upland areas of the west and north during the breeding season. In winter it moves south to more lowland areas and becomes much commoner in the southern half of the UK. The Meadow Pipit nests on the ground in dense vegetation and it is one of the most important nest hosts of the Cuckoo. The Meadow Pipit is a fairly terrestrial pipit usually feeding on the ground although it will use elevated perches such as shrubs, fence lines or electricity wires as vantage points to watch for predators. It feeds mainly on insects and other invertebrates but it also eats the seeds of grasses, sedges, rushes and heather and crowberry berries. Date: 7th May 2022 Location: World's End, Denbighshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801136.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_50525221864edad01a7bc6.jpgSpoonbills The Spoonbill is an unmistakable wading bird. Breeding adults are all white except for dark legs, a black spoon-shaped bill with a yellow tip, a yellow breast patch and a crest. Non-breeders lack the crest and breast patch and immature birds have a pale bill and black tips to the primary flight feathers. Unlike herons, Spoonbills fly with their necks outstretched. Feeding birds swing their heads and sweep their bills from side to side through the water. The Spoonbill breeds from the UK and Spain in the west through to Japan and also in North Africa. In Europe, only the Netherlands, Spain, Austria, Hungary and Greece have sizeable populations. Birds from north west and south west Europe winter mainly in west Africa whilst those from south east Europe winter in the Mediterranean and north Africa. Eastern European and Turkish birds appear to move to north east Africa, the Middle East and India. The Spoonbill became extinct in the UK but sporadic breeding attempts in the early 21st century finally culminated with the formation of a colony at Holkham in Norfolk in 2010. The Spoonbill can be found in extensive shallow, wetlands with muddy, clay or fine sandy beds. They may inhabit any type of marsh, river, lake, flooded area and mangrove swamp, whether fresh, brackish or saline but especially those with islands for nesting or dense emergent vegetation such as reedbeds and scattered trees or shrubs. The Spoonbill may also frequent sheltered marine habitats during the winter such as deltas, estuaries, tidal creeks and coastal lagoons. Threats to the Eurasian Spoonbill include habitat destruction through drainage of wetlands and habitat degradation by pollution. Date: 17th July 2023 Location: RSPB Frampton Marsh, near Boston, Lincolnshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/wigeon https://images.on-this.website/4752_13338780784db160aa65b27.jpgWigeon The Eurasian Wigeon, or simply Wigeon, is one of 3 species of Wigeon in the dabbling duck genus [i]Mareca[/i]. The Wigeon is 17 to 20 inches in length with a 28 to 31 inches wingspan. The breeding male has grey flanks and back with a black rear end, a dark green speculum and a brilliant white patch on the upper wings which obvious in flight or at rest. It has a pink breast, white belly and a chestnut head with a creamy crown. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female. The female is generally light brown but it can be distinguished from most other ducks, apart from the American Wigeon, on shape. The Wigeon breeds in the northernmost areas of Europe and Asia where it is the Old World counterpart of north America's American Wigeon. It is a bird of open wetlands, such as wet grassland or marshes with some taller vegetation, and nests on the ground near water and under cover. The Wigeon is strongly migratory and winters further south than its breeding range. It is highly gregarious outside of the breeding season and will form large flocks. In the UK, the Wigeon can be found all year round. It is a scarce breeding bird in central and northern Scotland and in northern England. In winter, many birds arrive in the UK from Iceland, Scandinavia and Russia and very large numbers can be seen on the coasts and at some inland sites. The Wigeon is categorised by the IUCN as a species of “Least Concern” but it is a species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 26th December 2007 Location: Buckenham Marshes, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17408519.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16312195875133278b70fe8.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 12th January 2013 Location: Martin Mere WWT reserve, Lancashire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28886221.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_154446905957cc3980b924b.jpgMatsalu National Park, Estonia Matsalu National Park is the most famous coastal wetland in Estonia. It was established in 1957 mainly to protect nesting, moulting and migratory birds and in 1976 it was included in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance. Matsalu National Park covers a total area of 188 square miles and comprises Matsalu Bay, the Kasari river delta and surrounding areas. 87 square miles of the protected area is terrestrial and 101 square miles is aquatic. The varied habitats include open sea, grassy and rocky islets, sandy and stony shores, saltmarsh, reedbeds, flooded meadows, pastures, arable land, mixed woodland and birch copses. Matsalu Bay is shallow, brackish and rich in nutrients. It is 11.2 miles long and 3.7 miles wide but has an average depth of only 5 feet and a maximum depth of 11 feet. Shoreline length of the bay is about 102.5 miles. The bay's shoreline lacks high banks and is populated mostly with shingle shores with reedbeds in the innermost sheltered parts. Nearly 300 species of birds have been recorded, around 175 species have nested and around 35 are migratory wildfowl. Matsalu Bay is one of the most important wetland bird areas in Europe due to its prime position on the East Atlantic Flyway. Huge numbers of migratory ducks, geese and waders use Matsalu Bay as a staging area in spring and autumn. The Kasari river is the biggest of several rivers that run into Matsalu Bay and the alluvial meadow of the delta (15 square miles) is one of the biggest open wet meadows in Europe. Date: 11th May 2016 Location: Haeska, Matsalu National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833215.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1916722623559ce87cd6406.jpgGreat Prespa Lake (Megali Prespa), West Macedonia, Greece Prespa lakes constitute 2 freshwater lakes located in the north west corner of Greece and shared by Greece, Albania and Macedonia. Of the total surface area, 68.07 square miles belongs to Macedonia, 17.88 square miles to Albania and 14.05 square miles to Greece. They are the highest tectonic lakes in the Balkans, standing at a height of 2,798 feet. The Prespa lakes are separated by a narrow causeway. The Great Prespa Lake (Megali Prespa) is divided between Albania, Greece and Macedonia. The Small Prespa Lake (Mikri Prespa) is shared only between Greece and Albania. The lakes and the area surrounding them are well known for their natural beauty and they offer a wonderfully rich diversity of habitats, from deep water, shallows, reedbeds, wet meadows, farmland, forests, hills and mountains. The area hosts 40 species of mammals, 260 species of birds, 32 species of reptiles and amphibians and 17 species of fish including a number of endemic species. Date: 14th May 2015 Location: view from Agios Georgios between Psarades and Laimos, West Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308868.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5930304563ee37fa998f6.jpgGreat Crested Grebe The Great Crested Grebe is the largest member of the grebe family measuring 18 to 20 inches in length with a wing span of 23 to 29 inches. It is a graceful bird with its long neck, long bill and slender outline. In summer, the adults of both sexes are unmistakable being adorned with beautiful head-plumes which are reddish-orange in colour with black tips. There is also an erectile black crown. Non-breeding adults lack the full crest and have a dark crown bordered by a white face, the white extending down the fore-neck and chest. The sexes are similar in appearance but juveniles can be distinguished from adults by having a striped black and white head and neck. The Great Crested Grebe can be found across Europe and Asia and it breeds on shallow, reed-fringed freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs and slow rivers. It is resident in the milder west of its range but it migrates from the colder regions of its range to freshwater lakes, reservoirs and sheltered coastal areas in winter. The Great Crested Grebe has an elaborate mating display. Like all grebes, it nests on the water's edge since its legs are set relatively far back and it is thus unable to walk very well. Usually 2 eggs are laid and the fluffy, striped young grebes are often carried on the adult's back. In a clutch of 2 or more hatchlings, male and female grebes will each identify their “favourites” which they alone will care for and teach. Unusually, young Great Crested Grebes are capable of swimming and diving almost at hatching. The adults teach these skills to their young by carrying them on their backs and diving, leaving the chicks to float on the surface. They then re-emerge a few feet away so that the chicks may swim back on to them. The Great Crested Grebe feeds mainly on fish but it will also eat small crustaceans, insects and small frogs and newts. The Great Crested Grebe was hunted almost to extinction in the UK in the 19th century due to being hunted for its head plumes which were used to decorate hats and ladies' undergarments. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was set up to help protect the Great Crested Grebe which is now again a common sight. Date: 21st January 2022 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308857.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_126837542063ee37e15f307.jpgWigeon The Eurasian Wigeon, or simply Wigeon, is one of 3 species of Wigeon in the dabbling duck genus Mareca. The Wigeon is 17 to 20 inches in length with a 28 to 31 inches wingspan. The breeding male has grey flanks and back with a black rear end, a dark green speculum and a brilliant white patch on the upper wings which obvious in flight or at rest. It has a pink breast, white belly and a chestnut head with a creamy crown. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female. The female is generally light brown but it can be distinguished from most other ducks, apart from the American Wigeon, on shape. The Wigeon breeds in the northernmost areas of Europe and Asia where it is the Old World counterpart of north America's American Wigeon. It is a bird of open wetlands, such as wet grassland or marshes with some taller vegetation, and nests on the ground near water and under cover. The Wigeon is strongly migratory and winters further south than its breeding range. It is highly gregarious outside of the breeding season and will form large flocks. In the UK, the Wigeon can be found all year round. It is a scarce breeding bird in central and northern Scotland and in northern England. In winter, many birds arrive in the UK from Iceland, Scandinavia and Russia and very large numbers can be seen on the coasts and at some inland sites. The Wigeon is categorised by the IUCN as a species of “Least Concern” but it is a species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 21st January 2022 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4088363.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16520727634b194b9e80fc8.jpgCommon Cranes The Common Crane is a large, stately bird and a medium-sized crane at 40 to 52 inches long with a 71 to 96 inches wingspan. At rest, Cranes are rather stork-like but with big bushy tails, black wing plumes and grey bodies and even from a great distance the white stripe through the black head is noticeable. In flight, the long neck, held outstretched and slightly drooping makes them quite different from the herons and the grey plumage eliminates both of the storks. They fly in flocks in “V” formation making trumpeting calls. Common Cranes breed in large areas of marsh and bog in northern parts of Europe and Asia and occur in winter and on passage in open, often agricultural, areas close to large wetlands used for roosting. The global population is in the region of 210,000 to 250,000 with the vast majority nesting in Russia and Scandinavia. In the UK the Common Crane became extinct in the 17th century but a tiny population now breeds again in the Norfolk Broads and is slowly increasing. Flocks of Cranes in late spring can be watched performing their “dancing” displays. This usually involves opening their wings and leaping vertically into the air with the legs dangling. Once one bird starts this, others will join in and the whole performance can even be initiated by a human pretending to be a dancing crane. Once the birds are paired off they are more likely to perform different displays involving stretching their necks vertically and trumpeting. Common Cranes from Fennoscandia, the Baltic states and western Russia take the west European migration route to their wintering grounds. Over 100,000 birds use this flyway and over 70,000 winter in Spain (mainly Extremadura) with smaller numbers in south west France, Portugal and north Africa. Laguna de Gallocanta in Aragon is a key staging post for Common Cranes both entering and leaving Spain and very large numbers use the lake and surrounding land to feed and rest for varying periods before continuing their journey. Up to 20,000 Common Cranes may be seen at Laguna de Gallocanta regularly and concentrations of up to 60,000 have been recorded, these being the largest gatherings anywhere in western Europe. Date: 11th November 2009 Location: Laguna de Gallocanta, Aragon, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14467396.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3409967054f743ba795016.jpg"Northern Lights" The aurora is a natural light display in the sky, particularly in the high latitude Arctic and Antarctic regions, caused by the collision of energetic charged particles with atoms in the high altitude atmosphere. The charged particles originate in the magnetosphere and solar wind and on Earth they are directed by the Earth's magnetic field into the atmosphere. Most aurora occur in a band known as the auroral zone which is typically 3° to 6° in latitudinal extent and 10° to 20° from the magnetic pole. During a geomagnetic storm, the auroral zone will expand to lower latitudes. The diffuse aurora is a featureless glow in the sky which may not be visible to the naked eye even on a dark night and defines the extent of the auroral zone. The discrete aurora are sharply defined features within the diffuse aurora which vary in brightness from just barely visible to the naked eye to bright enough to read a newspaper at night. In northern latitudes, the effect is known as the aurora borealis (or the “Northern Lights), named after the Roman goddess of dawn, Aurora, and the Greek name for the north wind, Boreas, by Pierre Gassendi in 1621. Auroras seen near the magnetic pole may be high overhead but from farther away they illuminate the northern horizon as a greenish glow or sometimes a faint red. Auroras often display magnetic field lines or curtain-like structures and can change within seconds or glow unchanging for hours, most often in fluorescent green. In Scandinavia, you can see the aurora all over Norway, Sweden and Finland. However, the best places are above the Arctic Circle in the auroral zone. The aurora is most frequent in late autumn and in winter and early spring. In the time span between the autumn equinox and the spring equinox (21st September to 21st March), it is dark the whole time between 6 p.m. and 1 a.m. and this provides the maximum chance of seeing the aurora in suitable weather conditions and with increased solar activity. Date: 16th March 2012 Location: Skibotndalen, Troms, north Norway close to Norway/Finland border http://www.richardchewphotography.com/skye-highland https://images.on-this.website/4752_20099215075dc6ae19955ef.jpgSkye, Highland The Isle of Skye, commonly known as Skye, is the largest and northernmost of the major islands in the Inner Hebrides. The island's peninsulas radiate from a mountainous centre dominated by the Black Cuillin and the Red Cuillin, the rocky slopes of which provide some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the UK. Although it has been suggested that the Gaelic name [i]An t-Eilean Sgitheanach[/i] describes a winged shape there is no definitive agreement as to the name's origins. Date: 4th October 2019 Location: view from the junction of the B8007 road and the unclassified road to Kilmory, Fascadale, Swordle and Ockle http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21957105.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_47105341953da359a02878.jpgFulmar The Fulmar is almost gull-like but is a grey and white seabird that is related to the albatrosses. It flies low over the sea on stiff wings with shallow wing beats, gliding and banking to show its white under-parts and then grey upper-parts. At its breeding sites it will fly high up the cliff face riding the updraughts. Fulmars feed in flocks out at sea and defend their nests from intruders by spitting out a foul-smelling oil. Fulmars breed on coastal cliffs with suitable ledges and grassy slopes but will occasionally breed on buildings. Fulmars are best looked for at seabird colonies and are most abundant along the Scottish coastline especially in the Northern Isles. They are least common along the east, south and north-west coasts of England. Adults are present at the breeding colonies nearly all year although young birds leave in late summer. Away from the breeding colonies, Fulmars spend their whole time offshore at sea. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Staple Island, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14160860.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15978750554f3e26d3e9fc5.jpgHeath Fritillary Flight period: June to July. The Heath Fritillary is at the north west extreme of its range in the southern UK and its numbers have greatly reduced this century due to changes in woodland management. It is now one of our rarest and most localised butterflies and can only be found at a few sites in Essex and Kent and in south west England. In Essex and Kent, they can be found in coppiced woodland with acid soils where Common Cow Wheat, the preferred foodplant, is available. On Exmoor they favour sheltered combes (valleys) and in Devon and Cornwall abandoned hay meadows are preferred. Detailed study has determined the Heath Fritillary’s precise habitat requirements and its future in the UK depends on deliberate conservation and habitat management. Date: 1st June 2007 Location: Undisclosed site, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo16538229.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_123484931650827eb5e11a1.jpgGolden Plover The European Golden Plover, also known as the Eurasian Golden Plover or just the Golden Plover within Europe, is a largish plover. It is similar to 2 other Golden Plovers: the American Golden Plover and the Pacific Golden Plover which are both smaller, slimmer and relatively longer-legged than the European Golden Plover and have grey rather than white axillary feathers. The Golden Plover is a medium sized plover with a distinctive gold and black summer plumage. In winter the black is replaced by buff and white. It typically stands upright and runs in short bursts. The Golden Plover breeds on the ground in a dry open area on moorland, mountains and fells, tundra and marshland in northern Europe and western Asia as far west as Iceland and as far east as central Siberia. It is migratory and winters in western and southern Europe and in north Africa where it tends to gather in large flocks in open areas and on agricultural plains, ploughed land and short meadows. In the UK, the Golden Plover can be found from May to September on the upland moorlands in the southern uplands of Scotland, the Scottish Highlands, the Western and Northern Isles, the Peak District, north Yorkshire, Wales and Devon. Winter flocks start to appear at lower levels and around the coasts after the breeding season with the largest numbers seen between November and February when Golden Plovers often form large flocks with Lapwings. Date: 1st October 2012 Location: Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833596.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1731641793559ced71bb48f.jpgGreat Crested Grebe The Great Crested Grebe is an elegant water bird which has ornate head plumes during the breeding season and an elaborate courtship display. The Great Crested Grebe can be found across Europe and Asia and it breeds on shallow, reed-fringed freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs and slow rivers. It is resident in the milder west of its range but migrates from the colder regions of its range to sheltered coastal areas in winter. Date: 12th May 2015 Location: Lake Kerkini, Central Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12869428.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12340470514e786b5e67f95.jpgLittle Grebe The Little Grebe, also known as the Dabchick, is the smallest member of the grebe family measuring 9 to 11.5 inches in length. The adult is unmistakable in summer, predominantly dark above with its rich, rufous colour neck, cheeks and flanks and bright yellow gape. The rufous is replaced by a dirty brownish grey in non-breeding and juvenile birds. Juveniles have a yellow bill with a small black tip and black and white streaks on the cheeks and sides of the neck. This yellow bill darkens as the juveniles age, eventually turning black as an adult. The Little Grebe can be noisy with a distinctive whinnying trill. The Little Grebe can be found across Europe, much of Asia down to New Guinea and in most of Africa. It breeds in small colonies in freshwater wetlands with muddy bottoms and edges and still or slow-moving water with plenty of emergent vegetation such as lakes, gravel pits, canals and rivers. Most birds move to more open or coastal waters in winter but it is only migratory in those parts of its range where the waters freeze. Like all grebes, the Little Grebe nests at the water's edge since its legs are set very far back and it can not walk well. Usually 4 to 7 eggs are laid. The young leave the nest and can swim soon after hatching but are often carried on the backs of the swimming adults. The Little Grebe is an excellent swimmer and diver and pursues its fish and aquatic invertebrate prey underwater. It uses the vegetation skilfully as a hiding place. Date: 18th September 2011 Location: Cromford Canal, Derbyshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/bicaz-gorge-neam-and-harghita https://images.on-this.website/4752_2851519995d3087bfdc204.jpgBicaz Gorge, Neamţ and Harghita Counties, Romania The Bicaz Gorge, known locally as Cheile Bicazului, is a gorge located in north east Romania in the Eastern Carpathians group of the Carpathian Mountains. It is the deepest gorge in the country and connects the historical regions of Moldova and Transylvania. It was created by the River Bicaz and it is one of the most breathtaking natural attractions in Romania. The Bicaz Gorge is included within the Cheile Bicazului-Hășmaș National Park. The DN12C road runs through the Bicaz Gorge and is one of the most scenic drives in Romania. The gorge twists and turns steeply uphill for 5 miles with hairpin bends and deep drops and cuts through sheer 985 feet high limestone cliffs. At one point, the narrow mountain road runs uncomfortably beneath the overhanging rocks in a section known as Gâtul Iadului (“the neck of hell”). Beyond the cliffs there are spruce and beech forests and upland grazing pastures. Date: 4th June 2018 Location: Bicaz Gorge, Neamţ and Harghita Counties, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833660.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_216239033559cf05d6b571.jpgGreat Crested Grebe The Great Crested Grebe is an elegant water bird which has ornate head plumes during the breeding season and an elaborate courtship display. The Great Crested Grebe can be found across Europe and Asia and it breeds on shallow, reed-fringed freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs and slow rivers. It is resident in the milder west of its range but migrates from the colder regions of its range to sheltered coastal areas in winter. Date: 12th May 2015 Location: Lake Kerkini, Central Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49797857.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_69147146864eca771ba1d9.jpgSmall Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Small Skipper has a rusty orange colour to the wings, upper body and the tips of the antennae. The body is silvery white below and it has a wingspan of 25 to 30 mm. It is very similar in appearance to the Essex Skipper but the undersides of the tips of the antennae are yellow orange in the Small Skipper whereas they are black in the Essex Skipper. The Small Skipper is a common and widespread butterfly in most parts of England and has been expanding its range northwards. It can be found in rough grassland, roadside verges, edges of fields and woodland clearings where it is often seen basking on vegetation or making short buzzing flights among tall grass stems. Date: 3rd July 2023 Location: Broadcroft Quarry, Isle of Portland, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26540678.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_89706713656ace61f4d6a0.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 31st December 2015 Location: Winterton-Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081416.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_200546867663a82a9d455a3.jpgBewick's Swan The Tundra Swan is a small Holarctic swan. The 2 taxa within it are usually regarded as conspecific but are also sometimes split into 2 species: the Bewick's Swan of the Palaearctic and the Whistling Swan of the Nearctic. The Bewick's Swan was named in 1830 by William Yarrell after the engraver Thomas Bewick who specialised in illustrations of birds and animals. The Bewick's Swan measures 45 to 55 inches in length with a wing span of 18.5 to 21.5 inches. Males are slightly larger and heavier than females. It is similar in appearance to the Whooper Swan but is smaller, shorter-necked and has a more rounded head shape. It has a variable bill pattern but always shows more black than yellow and having a blunt forward edge of the yellow base patch. The Whooper Swan has a bill that has more yellow than black and the forward edge of the yellow patch is usually pointed. The bill pattern for every individual Bewick's Swan is unique and scientists often make detailed drawings of each bill and assign names to the swans to assist with studying these birds. As their common name implies, the Tundra Swan breeds in the Arctic and sub-Arctic tundra where they inhabit shallow pools, lakes and rivers. Unlike the Mute Swan, but like the other Arctic swans, it is a migratory bird. The winter habitat is mainly grassland and marshland, often near the coast. The breeding range of the Bewick’s Swan extends across the coastal lowlands of Siberia from the Kola Peninsula east to the Pacific. It starts to arrive in its breeding range around mid-May and leaves for its winter range around the end of September. The populations west of the Taimyr Peninsula migrate via the White Sea, Baltic Sea and the Elbe estuary to winter in Denmark, the Netherlands and the UK where it is common in winter on a few RSPB and WWT reserves. Some birds also winter elsewhere on the southern shores of the North Sea. The Bewick’s Swans that breed in eastern Russia migrate via Mongolia and north China to winter in the coastal regions of Korea, Japan and south China, south to Guangdong and occasionally as far as Taiwan. A few birds from the central Siberian range also winter in Iran at the south of the Caspian Sea. Arrival in the winter range starts about mid-October although most birds spend weeks or even months at favourite resting locations and will only arrive in the winter range in November or even as late as January. Departure from the winter range starts in mid-February. Bewick’s Swans mate in the late spring, usually after they have returned to the breeding range. As is usual for swans, they pair monogamously until one partner dies. Should one partner die long before the other, the surviving bird often will not mate again for several years or even for the rest of its life. The nesting season starts at the end of May. The pair build the large mound-shaped nest from plant material at an elevated site near open water and they defend a large territory around it. The pen (female) lays and incubates a clutch of 2 to 7 (usually 3 to 5) eggs whilst the cob (male) keeps a steady lookout for potential predators heading towards his mate and offspring. The time from egg laying to hatching is 29 to 30 days. Since they nest in cold regions, Bewick’s Swan cygnets grow faster than those of swans breeding in warmer climates and they may fledge in 40 to 45 days. Cygnets stay with their parents for the first winter migration and the family is sometimes even joined by their offspring from previous breeding seasons while on the wintering grounds. Bewick’s Swans do not reach sexual maturity until 3 or 4 years of age. In summer, the diet of the Bewick’s Swan consists mainly of aquatic vegetation which it finds by sticking its head underwater or upending while swimming. It will also eat some grass growing on dry land. At other times of the year, leftover grains and other crops such as potatoes, picked up in open fields after harvest, make up much of the diet. Healthy adult Bewick’s Swans have few natural predators. The Arctic Fox may threaten breeding females and particular the eggs and hatchlings. Adults typically can stand their ground and displace foxes but occasionally the foxes are successful. Other potential nest predators include the Red Fox, the Brown Bear, the Golden Eagle, the Arctic Skua and the Glaucous Gull. The Brown Bear, the Golden Eagle and the Wolf may occasionally succeed at capturing and killing an adult. About 15% adults die each year from various causes and the average lifespan in the wild is about 10 years. The status of the Bewick's Swan is not well known although its population is in decline in north west Europe for largely unexplained reasons. It is increasingly dependent on agricultural crops to supplement its winter diet as aquatic vegetation in its winter habitat declines due to habitat destruction and water pollution. However, the main cause of adult mortality is hunting and, whilst the Bewick's Swan can not be hunted legally, almost half the birds studied contain lead shot in their bodies, indicating that they were shot at by poachers. Lead poisoning by ingestion of lead shot is also a very significant cause of mortality. The Bewick's Swan is one of the birds to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 9th January 2022 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071682.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19778441926643356cec897.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 4th May 2023 Location: Bwlch Nant yr Arian, Llywernog, Ceredigion http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308881.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_194017449163ee38149b3ae.jpgRing-necked Parakeet The Ring-necked Parakeet is the UK's only naturalised parrot. It is large, long-tailed and green with a red beak and a pink and black ring around its face and neck. In flight it has pointed wings, a long tail and a steady, direct flight. Ring-necked Parakeets can be seen all year round at a number of locations in south east England, particularly Surrey, Kent and Sussex. They can often be found in flocks sometimes numbering hundreds of birds at roost sites. Parks, orchards and gardens with mature trees to provide nest holes are favoured habitats. In its native India it is found in jungle and around farms and gardens. Date: 21st January 2022 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46535407.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_126767937462caaa0ce8d68.jpgSmall Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Small Skipper has a rusty orange colour to the wings, upper body and the tips of the antennae. The body is silvery white below and it has a wingspan of 25 to 30 mm. It is very similar in appearance to the Essex Skipper but the undersides of the tips of the antennae are yellow orange in the Small Skipper whereas they are black in the Essex Skipper. The Small Skipper is a common and widespread butterfly in most parts of England and has been expanding its range northwards. It can be found in rough grassland, roadside verges, edges of fields and woodland clearings where it is often seen basking on vegetation or making short buzzing flights among tall grass stems. Date: 6th July 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4466104.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6229923374b8a2573cae93.jpg http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46535404.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_103219862262caaa0a36322.jpgSmall Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Small Skipper has a rusty orange colour to the wings, upper body and the tips of the antennae. The body is silvery white below and it has a wingspan of 25 to 30 mm. It is very similar in appearance to the Essex Skipper but the undersides of the tips of the antennae are yellow orange in the Small Skipper whereas they are black in the Essex Skipper. The Small Skipper is a common and widespread butterfly in most parts of England and has been expanding its range northwards. It can be found in rough grassland, roadside verges, edges of fields and woodland clearings where it is often seen basking on vegetation or making short buzzing flights among tall grass stems. Date: 6th July 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623360.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19753262746117dd4a44665.jpgTree Sparrow The Tree Sparrow is a member of the sparrow family Passer, a group of small passerine birds that is believed to have originated in Africa and which contains 15 to 25 species. The Tree Sparrow's name is derived from 2 Latin words: passer meaning "sparrow" and montanus meaning "of the mountains". The common name is given to suggest the preference for tree holes for nesting. However, this name and the scientific name montanus do not appropriately describe the Tree Sparrow’s habitat preferences: the German name Feldsperling meaning "field sparrow" comes closer to doing so. The Tree Sparrow is around 5 to 5.5 inches in length with a wingspan of about 8.3 inches, making it roughly 10% smaller than the House Sparrow. The adult's crown and nape are a rich chestnut and there is a kidney-shaped black ear patch on each pure white cheek. The chin, throat and the area between the bill and throat are black. The upperparts are light brown streaked with black and the brown wings have 2 distinct narrow white bars. The legs are pale brown and the bill is lead-blue in summer becoming almost black in winter. The Tree Sparrow is distinctive even within its own family in that there are no plumage differences between the sexes. The juvenile resembles the adult although the colours tend to be duller. The contrasting face pattern makes the Tree Sparrow easily identifiable in all plumages and the smaller size and chestnut (not grey) crown are additional differences from the male House Sparrow. The Tree Sparrow's breeding range comprises most of temperate Europe and Asia south of about latitude 68°N (north of this the summers are too cold) and through south east Asia to Java and Bali. It is sedentary over most of its extensive range but northernmost breeding populations migrate south for the winter and small numbers leave south Europe for north Africa and the Middle East. The Tree Sparrow has been introduced outside its native range but it has not always become successfully established, possibly due to competition with the House Sparrow. Ship-carried birds have colonised some areas and birds have also occurred as vagrants. Despite its scientific name, the Tree Sparrow is not typically a mountain species and reaches only 2300 feet in Switzerland although it has bred at 5600 feet in the northern Caucasus and as high as 14010 feet in Nepal. In Europe, the Tree Sparrow is frequently found in open countryside with small isolated patches of woodland but also on coasts with cliffs, in woodland along slow water courses and in empty buildings. It shows a strong preference for nest sites near wetland habitats and avoids breeding on intensively managed farmland. In Europe, where the Tree Sparrow and the House Sparrow occur in the same region, the House Sparrow generally nests in urban areas while the Tree Sparrow nests in rural areas. Where trees are in short supply, both species may utilise man-made structures as nest sites. Whilst the Tree Sparrow is mainly a rural bird in Europe, it tends to be an urban bird in Asia and Australia. In the UK, the Tree Sparrow is scarcer in upland areas and the far north and west of the and the main populations are now found across the Midlands and south and east England. The Tree Sparrow may breed in isolated pairs or in loose colonies. The male calls from near the nest site in spring to proclaim ownership and attract a mate and he may also carry nest material in to the nest hole. The Tree Sparrow typically builds its nest in a cavity in an old tree or rock face. Some nests are not in holes as such but are built among roots of overhanging bushes. Roof cavities in houses and nest boxes are also readily used. In addition, the Tree Sparrow will breed in the disused nest of a Magpie or other crow species or an active or unused nest of a large bird such as the White Stork or a heron or raptor species. It will sometimes attempt to take over the nest of other birds that breed in holes or enclosed spaces such as tit species, flycatcher species, Swallow, House Martin, Sand Martin or European Bee-eater. The untidy nest is composed of hay, grass, wool or other material and lined with feathers which improve thermal insulation. The female lays 5 or 6 eggs which are incubated by both parents for 12 to 13 days and the chicks fledge after a further 15 to 18 days. There are 2 or 3 broods each year. Hybridisation between the Tree Sparrow and the House Sparrow has been recorded in many parts of the world with male hybrids tending to resemble the Tree Sparrow while female hybrids are more similar to the House Sparrow. The Tree Sparrow is a predominantly seed and grain eating bird which feeds on the ground in flocks and often with House Sparrows, finches and buntings. It may also visit feeding stations. It additionally feeds on invertebrates including insects, woodlice, millipedes, centipedes, spiders, etc. especially during the breeding season when the young are fed mainly on animal food. Adults use a variety of wetlands when foraging for invertebrate prey to feed chicks and aquatic sites play a key role in providing adequate diversity and availability of suitable invertebrate prey to allow successful chick rearing. Large areas of formerly occupied farmland no longer provide these invertebrate resources due to the effects of intensive farming. The Tree Sparrow has a large range and a large population. Although the population is declining, the species is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List. For this reason, the Tree Sparrow is designated as being of “Least Concern”. Although the Tree Sparrow has been expanding its range in Fennoscandia and east Europe, its population has been declining in much of west Europe, a trend reflected in other farmland birds such as the Skylark and Corn Bunting. The collapse in population seems to have been particularly severe in the UK where there was a 93% decline between 1970 and 2008. However, recent Breeding Bird Survey data is encouraging and suggests that numbers may have started to increase albeit from a very low point. The decrease in population is probably the result of agricultural intensification and specialisation, particularly the increased use of herbicides and a trend towards autumn-sown crops at the expense of spring-sown crops that produce stubble fields in winter. The change from mixed to specialised farming and the increased use of insecticides has reduced the amount of insect food available for chicks. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/river-lathkill-derbyshire https://images.on-this.website/4752_700412632467f1c16bc2d3.jpgRiver Lathkill, Derbyshire Lathkill Dale is situated 2 miles south west of Bakewell between the villages of Over Haddon, Monyash and Youlgreave. The valley it forms is one of the finest of the limestone dales in Derbyshire and the upper part is a National Nature Reserve in the care of English Nature. The River Lathkill rises just below Monyash and flows down to meet the River Wye just below Haddon Hall. It is a famous trout-fishing river, and Izaak Walton declared it to be the "purest and most transparent stream" he had seen. Date: 9th April 2006 Location: view from footpath near Over Haddon http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874894.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1660940740561cd217da4e8.jpgSnæfellsnes peninsula, west Iceland The 55 mile long Snæfellsnes peninsula is situated in west Iceland with Breiðafjörður and the Westfjords region to the north and Faxaflói and Reykjavík to the south. The Snæfellsnes peninsula has been named "Iceland in Miniature". In addition to its characteristic Snæfellsjökull volcano and glacier, there are white and black sandy beaches, fjords, sheer cliffs, spectacular mountains and volcanic craters, incredibly rich trout lakes and salmon rivers, lush valleys and unique harbours and fishing villages. The stunning landscape of the Snæfellsnes peninsula has captured the imagination of people all over the world ever since Jules Verne wrote the famous science fiction novel <i>"Journey to the Centre of the Earth"</i>. Date: 6th June 2015 Location: view from the gravel road to Snæfellsjökull http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21661325.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_104942996953b6816d9b0ef.jpgLarge Skipper Flight period: June to July. The Large Skipper is a small golden butterfly which is widespread throughout England and Wales and it is also extending its range northwards in to southern Scotland. They can be found in areas of tall, uncut grassland, woodland rides, roadside verges and hedgerows. Date: 1st July 2014 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/common-blue-damselfy https://images.on-this.website/4752_18453349024fc79146bdc5b.jpgCommon Blue Damselfy Flight period: early May to end September. As the name suggests, the Common Blue Damselfly is one of the commonest species in the UK. They can be confused with other blue damselflies, particularly since the markings on this species are rather variable. Common Blue Damselflies are found across most of the UK and are probably the most widespread member of the "blue" damselflies. They can be found around open lakes and ponds, along river and canal banks and streams, provided there is plenty of bankside vegetation. Date: 28th May 2012 Location: How Hill, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874895.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_726870206561cd225e7817.jpgGolden Plover The Golden Plover is a medium sized plover with a distinctive gold and black summer plumage. In winter the black is replaced by buff and white. It typically stands upright and runs in short bursts. The Golden Plover breeds on the ground in a dry open area on moorland, mountains and fells, tundra and marshland in northern Europe and western Asia. It is migratory and winters in western and southern Europe and in north Africa. Date: 6th June 2015 Location: gravel road to Snæfellsjökull, Snæfellsnes peninsula, west Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457630.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1887624496668574fde8f7e.jpgKittiwakes The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/nor-wick-unst-shetland https://images.on-this.website/4752_16520561574866c52b26410.jpgNor Wick, Unst, Shetland Nor Wick is a sandy bay on the north east coast of the island of Unst, Shetland and lies 5 miles north east of Baltasound. Date: 2nd June 2008 Location: view from the unclassified road to Skaw http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9580882.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14990726224db0308405812.jpgRinged Plover The Ringed Plover is a small, dumpy, short-legged wading bird. Many UK birds live here all year round but birds from Europe winter in Britain and birds from Greenland and Canada pass through on migration. Ringed Plovers breed on sandy and shingle beaches and on inland gravel pits. They can be found in winter on sandy and shingle beaches, estuaries and coastal lagoons and marshes. Date: 26/12/05 Location: Cuil Bay, Appin, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/nant-gwynant-gwynedd https://images.on-this.website/4752_15310373994beed1425a6bf.jpgNant Gwynant, Gwynedd Nant Gwynant is a valley in Snowdonia and is one of Wales’ most spectacular valleys. It is encircled by high mountains with Snowdon rising up to the north. The A498 road descends 600 feet in to the valley in about 2 miles from Pen-y-Gwryd close to the foot of Snowdon. It follows the Nant y Cynnyd, the Afon Glaslyn and alongside Llyn Gwynant and then beside the Nant Gwynant river to Llyn Dinas and down to Beddgelert. Date: 9th May 2010 Location: view from A498 road south of Pen-y-Gwryd http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081309.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_43301280763a5af9311c12.jpgRedwing The Redwing is most commonly encountered as a winter visitor and is the UK's smallest true thrush. The creamy stripe above the eye and the orange-red flank patches make it distinctive. Redwings arrive in the UK from September but most arrive in October and November. They leave again in March and April, although occasionally birds stay later including a few pairs to nest in northern Scotland. Redwings can be found across the UK's countryside feeding in fields and hedgerows and also in parks and gardens in the coldest weather when snow covers the fields. They often associate with flocks of Fieldfares, the other wintering thrush. Date: 15th December 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4088283.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10581514354b19417b4488e.jpgWestern Purple Swamphen The Western Purple Swamphen is a chicken-sized bird and a member of the rail family which includes the Coot and Moorhen. With its large feet, bright plumage and red bill and frontal shield it is easily recognisable in its native range of Spain, Portugal, southern France, Sardinia and north Africa to Tunisia. It used to be considered the nominate subspecies of the Purple Swamphen which has now been split in to 6 separate species since 2015. The Western Purple Swamphen makes loud, quick, bleating and hooting calls, which are hardly bird-like in tone, and it is particularly noisy during the breeding season. Despite being clumsy in flight it can fly long distances and it is also a good swimmer, especially for a bird without webbed feet. The Western Purple Swamphen can be found in wet areas such as reedbeds, swamps, lake edges and damp pastures. It often lives in pairs and larger communities. It clambers through the reeds, eating the tender shoots and vegetable-like matter, although it has been known to eat eggs, ducklings, small fish and invertebrates such as snails. It will often use one foot to bring food to their mouth rather than eat it on the ground. The Western Purple Swamphen in the Mediterranean region has declined due to habitat loss, hunting and pesticide use, and requires strict protection. Date: 9th November 2009 Location: Delta de l’Ebre, Catalunya, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/suilven-assynt-highland https://images.on-this.website/4752_5202147134681c78ba0291.jpgSuilven, Assynt, Highland Height: 2389 feet. Suilven is one of the most instantly recognisable mountains in the Scottish Highlands and is an iconic symbol of the Assynt region. Its name is said to come from the Norse "Pillar Mountain" which shows, not surprisingly, that the Vikings saw its seaward profile first. Suilven has an appearance which changes dramatically depending on which direction it is viewed from and its impressive profile viewed from Elphin or Lochinver dominates any view of Assynt despite it being lower than its neighbours. Date: June 2003 Location: view from the A835 Ledmore to Ullapool road near Elphin http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874901.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1610858524561cd26b186da.jpgBreiðafjörður, west Iceland Breiðafjörður is a large shallow bay, about 31 miles wide and 78 miles long, situated in the west of Iceland. It separates the region of the Westfjords from the south of the country. Breiðafjörður is encircled by mountains, including the glacier Snæfellsjökull on the Snæfellsnes peninsula to the south and the Westfjords peninsula to the north. Breiðafjörður has a spectacular land and seascape consisting of shallow seas, small fjords and bays and an inner part of intertidal areas dotted with about 3,000 islands, islets and skerries. The area contains about half of Iceland's intertidal area. The large intertidal zone is high in biodiversity and productivity and has extensive algal forests and other important habitats for fish and invertebrates. The area supports 230 species of plants and around 50 breeding bird species. Common Seal and Atlantic Grey Seal have their main haul-out sites on the islands and skerries. Several species of cetaceans are commonly found including Common Porpoise, White-beaked Dolphin, Orca and Minke Whale. The many islands in Breiðafjörður have an unbroken history of human use but now only a few islands are inhabited all year round. Many islands are used for summer residences and natural resources such as eiderdown harvesting are the main source of income for many farmers. Some of the more well known islands are Flatey, Brokey, Skáleyjar, Hvallátur, Svefneyjar, Sviðnur, Hergilsey and Elliðaey. If the weather is fine it is possible to see the coast line of the Westfjords from the Snæfellsnes peninsula but in reality they lie at a distance of up to 25 miles away. From Stykkishólmur on the Snæfellsnes peninsula the Baldur ferry crosses Breiðafjörður via Flatey to Brjánslækur in the Westfjords. Date: 6th June 2015 Location: view from between Ólafsvík and Grundarfjörður looking north towards Látrabjarg, Westfjords http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623043.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10500356626117d347ae2d1.jpgCommon Guillemot The Common Guillemot, also known as the Common Murre or Thin-billed Murre, is a large species of auk. The auks are a family of seabirds which includes the Brunnich's Guillemot or Thick-billed Murre, Razorbill, Little Auk and the extinct Great Auk. The Common Guillemot is 15 to 18 inches in length with a 24 to 29 inches wingspan. In breeding plumage, it is black or dark brown on the head, back and wings with white underparts. It has a thin dark pointed bill and a small rounded dark tail. Legs are grey and the bill is dark grey. Males and females are identical. Some individuals in the North Atlantic, known as "Bridled Guillemots", have a white ring around the eye extending back as a white line. This is not a distinct subspecies but a polymorphism that becomes more common the farther north the birds breed. The Common Guillemot flies with fast wing beats and has a flight speed of around 50 mph. Groups of birds are often seen flying together in a line just above the surface of the sea. However, it is not a very agile bird and take-off is often difficult. The Common Guillemot becomes flightless for 45 to 60 days while moulting its primary feathers. The Common Guillemot is a pursuit diver that forages for food by swimming underwater using its wings for propulsion. Dives usually last less than one minute but the bird swims underwater for distances of over 100 feet on a regular basis. Diving depths up to 590 feet have been recorded. The Common Guillemot has a circumpolar distribution and it occurs in low Arctic and boreal waters in the north Atlantic and north Pacific. It spends most of its time at sea and only comes to land to breed on rocky cliffs, sea stacks and islands. Some birds are permanent residents but northern birds migrate south to open waters off New England, southern California, Japan, Korea and the western Mediterranean. The Common Guillemot breeds in colonies at high densities and nesting pairs may be in bodily contact with their neighbours. No nest is made and the single egg is laid and incubated on a bare rock ledge on a cliff face. The egg hatches after 30 days incubation and the chick is born downy and can regulate its body temperature after 10 days. Some 20 days after hatching the chick jumps off its nesting ledge and heads for the sea unable to fly but gliding for some distance with fluttering wings and accompanied by its male parent. The chicks are capable of diving as soon as they hit the water. The female stays at the nest site for some 14 days after the chick has left. The Common Guillemot can venture far from its breeding grounds to forage and distances of 60 miles or more are often observed although if sufficient food is available closer by, birds will only travel much shorter distances. It mainly eats small schooling fish 8 inches long or less such as Polar Cod, Capelin, Sand Lances, Sprats, Sandeels, Atlantic Cod and Atlantic Herring. It also eats some molluscs, marine worms, squid and crustaceans. It is often seen carrying fish in its bill with the tail hanging out. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26028678.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1230357356563754952f499.jpgGolden Plover The Golden Plover is a medium sized plover with a distinctive gold and black summer plumage. In winter the black is replaced by buff and white. It typically stands upright and runs in short bursts. The Golden Plover breeds on the ground in a dry open area on moorland, mountains and fells, tundra and marshland in northern Europe and western Asia. It is migratory and winters in western and southern Europe and in north Africa. Date: 2nd June 2015 Location: Svarfaðardalur, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/bealach-na-ba-summit-highland https://images.on-this.website/4752_13778130754681c733638f3.jpgBealach na Ba summit, Highland The Bealach na Ba ("Pass of the Cattle") rises to 2053 feet in height from sea level in only 5 miles and is the most spectacular mountain pass in Scotland. It also provides some of the most challenging driving in the country! There is a single track road with a number of steep hairpin bends which passes through the Applecross Mountains. From the summit of the Bealach na Ba there are breathtaking views overlooking Skye and Raasay and as far as the Cairngorms in the east, Ben Nevis in the south and the Outer Hebrides in the West. The view to the north is dominated by Beinn Bahn at 2938 feet. Date: June 1999 Location: view from the Bealach na Ba looking south east to Loch Kishorn http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19507357.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_200563455152528a6528130.jpgSierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain This Natural Park (Parque Natural) includes a large sector of the central Sierra Morena, the east-west line of mountains which divides Andalucia from the rest of Spain. The Sierra de Andújar stretches for 45 miles with a highest point of 4230 feet and it is densely wooded boasting one of Andalucia's best preserved expanses of Mediterranean woodland and scrubland. The Sierra de Andújar is one of two of Spain's last refuges for the elusive and highly endangered Iberian Lynx. Date: 13th September 2013 Location: view from road to Embalse del Jándula, Sierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19507364.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_25582997752528a862c27e.jpgSierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain This Natural Park (Parque Natural) includes a large sector of the central Sierra Morena, the east-west line of mountains which divides Andalucia from the rest of Spain. The Sierra de Andújar stretches for 45 miles with a highest point of 4230 feet and it is densely wooded boasting one of Andalucia's best preserved expanses of Mediterranean woodland and scrubland. The Sierra de Andújar is one of two of Spain's last refuges for the elusive and highly endangered Iberian Lynx. Date: 13th September 2013 Location: view from road to Embalse del Jándula, Sierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14160974.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1186845564f3e396e77329.jpgCommon Blue Flight period: June to September. The Common Blue is the UK’s most widespread and common blue butterfly although it has suffered some local declines due to habitat loss. They can be found in sunny, sheltered areas including downland, roadside verges, woodland clearings and rural gardens. This photo won second prize in the Essex Wildlife Trust photography competition for 2007. This photo also received a BBC Wildlife magazine photo masterclass award in the “Extreme close up” category for August 2007. Please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/news4693.html]here[/url] for further information. Date: 22nd July 2007 Location: Stow Maries Halt EWT reserve, Stow Maries, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43622996.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8079246216117ce06c1299.jpgFulmar The (Northern) Fulmar is a highly abundant seabird found primarily in subarctic regions of the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans. Though similar in appearance to gulls, the 2 species of fulmars (Northern and Southern) are in fact members of a different seabird family which include petrels and shearwaters. The Fulmar’s latin name, Fulmarus glacialis can be broken down to the Old Norse word full meaning "foul" and mar meaning "gull". "Foul-gull" is in reference to its stomach oil and also its superficial similarity to gulls. Finally, glacialis is Latin for "glacial" reflecting its extreme northern range. The Fulmar is generally grey and white with a pale yellow and thick bill and bluish legs. However there is both a light morph and a dark morph. Like other petrels, their walking ability is limited but they are strong fliers with a stiff wing action quite unlike the gulls. The Fulmar also looks bull-necked compared to gulls and it has a short stubby bill. The Fulmar is estimated to have between 15 to 30 million mature individuals that occupy a range of around 11 million square miles. Its range increased greatly last century due to the availability of fish offal from commercial fleets but may contract because of less food from this source and climate change. The population increase has been especially notable in the UK. The Fulmar starts breeding at between 6 and 12 years old. It is monogamous, forms long term pair bonds, returns to the same nest site year after year and nests in large colonies. The nest is a scrape on a grassy cliff ledge or a saucer of vegetation on the ground lined with softer material and recently they have started nesting on rooftops and buildings. The Fulmar feeds on shrimp, fish, squid, plankton, jellyfish and carrion as well as refuse. When eating fish, it will dive up to several feet deep to retrieve its prey. Date: 23rd June 2021 Location: Rhossili, Gower peninsula, Swansea http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457574.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2605031766685724507d76.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/loch-leven-inverness-shire https://images.on-this.website/4752_397821093467f22c8b07a3.jpgLoch Leven, Inverness-shire Loch Leven stretches eastwards from Loch Linnhe for 11 miles from South Ballachulish to Kinlochleven. Looking eastwards from Ballachulish bridge where Loch Leven flows in to Loch Linnhe there is an impressive view of the mountains of Glen Coe whilst from the southern shore outside Glen Coe village there are good views of the mountains of Morvern. Date: 26th December 2005 Location: view looking westwards towards the mountains of Morvern from the A82 road between Glencoe village and the Ballachulish bridge http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14863241.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6243101994fae36412713c.jpgCorn Bunting The Corn Bunting is a rather non-descript stout and dumpy brown bird which is the largest of the bunting family. Corn Buntings an often be seen perched prominently on a hedge, post or wire singing their jangling song. In the summer corn buntings prefer open farmland but in winter they may be found in stubbles and weedy fields and in cattle yards or stockyards. The Corn Bunting has experienced a dramatic population decline in the UK and therefore it is a Red List species. Date: 16th April 2012 Location: Wallasea Island, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14863245.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14096418434fae368a6b7e2.jpgCorn Bunting The Corn Bunting is a rather non-descript stout and dumpy brown bird which is the largest of the bunting family. Corn Buntings an often be seen perched prominently on a hedge, post or wire singing their jangling song. In the summer corn buntings prefer open farmland but in winter they may be found in stubbles and weedy fields and in cattle yards or stockyards. The Corn Bunting has experienced a dramatic population decline in the UK and therefore it is a Red List species. Date: 16th April 2012 Location: Wallasea Island, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623049.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13782077486117d35854002.jpgCommon Guillemot The Common Guillemot, also known as the Common Murre or Thin-billed Murre, is a large species of auk. The auks are a family of seabirds which includes the Brunnich's Guillemot or Thick-billed Murre, Razorbill, Little Auk and the extinct Great Auk. The Common Guillemot is 15 to 18 inches in length with a 24 to 29 inches wingspan. In breeding plumage, it is black or dark brown on the head, back and wings with white underparts. It has a thin dark pointed bill and a small rounded dark tail. Legs are grey and the bill is dark grey. Males and females are identical. Some individuals in the North Atlantic, known as "Bridled Guillemots", have a white ring around the eye extending back as a white line. This is not a distinct subspecies but a polymorphism that becomes more common the farther north the birds breed. The Common Guillemot flies with fast wing beats and has a flight speed of around 50 mph. Groups of birds are often seen flying together in a line just above the surface of the sea. However, it is not a very agile bird and take-off is often difficult. The Common Guillemot becomes flightless for 45 to 60 days while moulting its primary feathers. The Common Guillemot is a pursuit diver that forages for food by swimming underwater using its wings for propulsion. Dives usually last less than one minute but the bird swims underwater for distances of over 100 feet on a regular basis. Diving depths up to 590 feet have been recorded. The Common Guillemot has a circumpolar distribution and it occurs in low Arctic and boreal waters in the north Atlantic and north Pacific. It spends most of its time at sea and only comes to land to breed on rocky cliffs, sea stacks and islands. Some birds are permanent residents but northern birds migrate south to open waters off New England, southern California, Japan, Korea and the western Mediterranean. The Common Guillemot breeds in colonies at high densities and nesting pairs may be in bodily contact with their neighbours. No nest is made and the single egg is laid and incubated on a bare rock ledge on a cliff face. The egg hatches after 30 days incubation and the chick is born downy and can regulate its body temperature after 10 days. Some 20 days after hatching the chick jumps off its nesting ledge and heads for the sea unable to fly but gliding for some distance with fluttering wings and accompanied by its male parent. The chicks are capable of diving as soon as they hit the water. The female stays at the nest site for some 14 days after the chick has left. The Common Guillemot can venture far from its breeding grounds to forage and distances of 60 miles or more are often observed although if sufficient food is available closer by, birds will only travel much shorter distances. It mainly eats small schooling fish 8 inches long or less such as Polar Cod, Capelin, Sand Lances, Sprats, Sandeels, Atlantic Cod and Atlantic Herring. It also eats some molluscs, marine worms, squid and crustaceans. It is often seen carrying fish in its bill with the tail hanging out. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623368.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5628649486117dd64a53d8.jpgTree Sparrow The Tree Sparrow is a member of the sparrow family Passer, a group of small passerine birds that is believed to have originated in Africa and which contains 15 to 25 species. The Tree Sparrow's name is derived from 2 Latin words: passer meaning "sparrow" and montanus meaning "of the mountains". The common name is given to suggest the preference for tree holes for nesting. However, this name and the scientific name montanus do not appropriately describe the Tree Sparrow’s habitat preferences: the German name Feldsperling meaning "field sparrow" comes closer to doing so. The Tree Sparrow is around 5 to 5.5 inches in length with a wingspan of about 8.3 inches, making it roughly 10% smaller than the House Sparrow. The adult's crown and nape are a rich chestnut and there is a kidney-shaped black ear patch on each pure white cheek. The chin, throat and the area between the bill and throat are black. The upperparts are light brown streaked with black and the brown wings have 2 distinct narrow white bars. The legs are pale brown and the bill is lead-blue in summer becoming almost black in winter. The Tree Sparrow is distinctive even within its own family in that there are no plumage differences between the sexes. The juvenile resembles the adult although the colours tend to be duller. The contrasting face pattern makes the Tree Sparrow easily identifiable in all plumages and the smaller size and chestnut (not grey) crown are additional differences from the male House Sparrow. The Tree Sparrow's breeding range comprises most of temperate Europe and Asia south of about latitude 68°N (north of this the summers are too cold) and through south east Asia to Java and Bali. It is sedentary over most of its extensive range but northernmost breeding populations migrate south for the winter and small numbers leave south Europe for north Africa and the Middle East. The Tree Sparrow has been introduced outside its native range but it has not always become successfully established, possibly due to competition with the House Sparrow. Ship-carried birds have colonised some areas and birds have also occurred as vagrants. Despite its scientific name, the Tree Sparrow is not typically a mountain species and reaches only 2300 feet in Switzerland although it has bred at 5600 feet in the northern Caucasus and as high as 14010 feet in Nepal. In Europe, the Tree Sparrow is frequently found in open countryside with small isolated patches of woodland but also on coasts with cliffs, in woodland along slow water courses and in empty buildings. It shows a strong preference for nest sites near wetland habitats and avoids breeding on intensively managed farmland. In Europe, where the Tree Sparrow and the House Sparrow occur in the same region, the House Sparrow generally nests in urban areas while the Tree Sparrow nests in rural areas. Where trees are in short supply, both species may utilise man-made structures as nest sites. Whilst the Tree Sparrow is mainly a rural bird in Europe, it tends to be an urban bird in Asia and Australia. In the UK, the Tree Sparrow is scarcer in upland areas and the far north and west of the and the main populations are now found across the Midlands and south and east England. The Tree Sparrow may breed in isolated pairs or in loose colonies. The male calls from near the nest site in spring to proclaim ownership and attract a mate and he may also carry nest material in to the nest hole. The Tree Sparrow typically builds its nest in a cavity in an old tree or rock face. Some nests are not in holes as such but are built among roots of overhanging bushes. Roof cavities in houses and nest boxes are also readily used. In addition, the Tree Sparrow will breed in the disused nest of a Magpie or other crow species or an active or unused nest of a large bird such as the White Stork or a heron or raptor species. It will sometimes attempt to take over the nest of other birds that breed in holes or enclosed spaces such as tit species, flycatcher species, Swallow, House Martin, Sand Martin or European Bee-eater. The untidy nest is composed of hay, grass, wool or other material and lined with feathers which improve thermal insulation. The female lays 5 or 6 eggs which are incubated by both parents for 12 to 13 days and the chicks fledge after a further 15 to 18 days. There are 2 or 3 broods each year. Hybridisation between the Tree Sparrow and the House Sparrow has been recorded in many parts of the world with male hybrids tending to resemble the Tree Sparrow while female hybrids are more similar to the House Sparrow. The Tree Sparrow is a predominantly seed and grain eating bird which feeds on the ground in flocks and often with House Sparrows, finches and buntings. It may also visit feeding stations. It additionally feeds on invertebrates including insects, woodlice, millipedes, centipedes, spiders, etc. especially during the breeding season when the young are fed mainly on animal food. Adults use a variety of wetlands when foraging for invertebrate prey to feed chicks and aquatic sites play a key role in providing adequate diversity and availability of suitable invertebrate prey to allow successful chick rearing. Large areas of formerly occupied farmland no longer provide these invertebrate resources due to the effects of intensive farming. The Tree Sparrow has a large range and a large population. Although the population is declining, the species is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List. For this reason, the Tree Sparrow is designated as being of “Least Concern”. Although the Tree Sparrow has been expanding its range in Fennoscandia and east Europe, its population has been declining in much of west Europe, a trend reflected in other farmland birds such as the Skylark and Corn Bunting. The collapse in population seems to have been particularly severe in the UK where there was a 93% decline between 1970 and 2008. However, recent Breeding Bird Survey data is encouraging and suggests that numbers may have started to increase albeit from a very low point. The decrease in population is probably the result of agricultural intensification and specialisation, particularly the increased use of herbicides and a trend towards autumn-sown crops at the expense of spring-sown crops that produce stubble fields in winter. The change from mixed to specialised farming and the increased use of insecticides has reduced the amount of insect food available for chicks. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29486384.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10505550815810773081424.jpgKajaani to Kuhmo, Kainuu, Finland Kainuu region borders the regions of Pohjois-Pohjanmaa (Northern Ostrobothnia) to the north and Pohjois-Karjala (North Karelia) and Pohjois-Savo (Northern Savonia) to the south. In the east it also borders Russia. The landscape of Kainuu region consists of lakes, hills and vast uninhabited forest areas. Boreal forest makes up most of the region and consists of birches, pines and spruces. Date: 23rd May 2016 Location: view from road 76 between Kajaani and Kuhmo, Kainuu, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41187472.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20236861515ea6dfbf33bef.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 26th April 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/shags-and-juveniles https://images.on-this.website/4752_142175443853da3d39125ad.jpgShags and chicks The European Shag, Common Shag or simply Shag is a species of cormorant. It is 27 to 31 inches in length with a 37 to 43 inches wingspan. It is mainly black in colour but with a glossy green-tinged sheen in adults. It has a longish tail and a yellow throat-patch. Adults have a small recurved crest in the breeding season. It is distinguished from the Cormorant by its smaller size, lighter build, thinner and narrower bill, and, in breeding adults, by the crest and metallic green-tinged sheen. The Shag breeds around the rocky coasts of west and south Europe, north Africa and south west Asia, mainly wintering in its breeding range except for the northernmost birds. It nests on rocky ledges or in crevices or small caves and the nests are untidy heaps of rotting seaweed or twigs cemented together by the bird's own guano. The nesting season is long and begins in late February although some nests are not started until May or even later. The female lays 3 eggs and the chicks hatch without down and so they rely totally on their parents for warmth, often for a period of 2 months before they can fly. Fledging may occur at any time from early June to late August and exceptionally to mid-October. In the UK, the Shag breeds at coastal sites, mainly in the north and west of the country, and more than half of the population is found at fewer than 10 sites. It can be seen during the breeding season at the large Scottish colonies on Orkney, Shetland, the Inner Hebrides and in the Firth of Forth. Elsewhere it can be seen commonly around the coasts of Wales and south west England, especially in Devon and Cornwall. The Shag feeds in the sea and, unlike the Cormorant, it is rare inland. It is one of the deepest pursuit divers among the cormorant family and it has been shown to dive to at least 150 feet. When it dives, it jumps out of the water first to give extra impetus to the dive. The Shag forages for food on the sea bed and eats a wide range of fish although the commonest prey is the sand eel. It will travel long distances from its breeding and roosting sites in order to feed. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Staple Island, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29951159.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20465460258664254f169b.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the [i]Canidae[/i] family and is a part of the order [i]Carnivora[/i] within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 29th December 2016 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26006683.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_26920685156349e19a21f7.jpgWestfjords, Iceland The Westfjords is the name of a large peninsula in north west Iceland and it is situated on the Denmark Strait facing the east coast of Greenland to the north west. It is connected to the rest of Iceland by a 5 mile wide isthmus between Gilsfjörður and Bitrufjörður. The Westfjords are one of the most breathtakingly beautiful and least visited corners of Iceland with only a small number of foreign tourist visitors. This peninsula of almost 5500 square miles stretching out into the icy waters of the Denmark Strait is characterised by dramatic fjords which have resulted from intense glacial activity. Everything here is extreme from the table mountains that dominate the landscape and which plunge precipitously into the sea to the ferocious storms that have gnawed the coastline into countless craggy inlets. After crossing the Steingrímsfjarðarheiði mountain pass west of Hólmavík, road 61 becomes a convoluted and circuitous route which winds it’s way in and around no fewer than 7 deeply indented fjords in the northern part of the Westfjords before reaching the regional capital of Ísafjörður. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: view from road 61 between the western end of the Steingrímsfjarðarheiði mountain pass and Ísafjörður http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21828870.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_196903162753cb9ac445f19.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 11th June 2014 Location: Bempton Cliifs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo22527736.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_721457965542288df199ae.jpgSanna Bay, Ardnamurchan, Highland The small settlement of Sanna lies 6 miles north west of Kilchoan, close to the tip of the Ardnamurchan Peninsula. Sanna Bay lies between Sanna Point to the north and Ardnamurchan Point to the south and is dominated by impressive sand dunes, beautiful white shell sand bays and a stunning turquoise sea. It is one of the most beautiful beaches in Scotland. From Sanna Point there are superb views, extending from the islands of Eigg and Rhum to the north with Skye beyond, round to Ardnamurchan Point and its lighthouse to the south west and the island of Coll beyond that. The Western Isles can be seen to the north west but due west there is nothing but sea until the continent of North America is reached. Date: 10th September 2014 Location: view from Sanna Bay http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072226.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7526822254bf6d4c1183eb.jpgSiberian Jay The Siberian Jay is noticeably smaller, slighter and proportionately longer-tailed than the Jay with a much shorter and more pointed bill. It is the smallest and most delicate of the Western Palearctic crows and is rather drab brown-grey with rufous-chestnut near the wing-bend and on under wing coverts, rump and sides of tail which set the bird “on fire” in flight. The Siberian Jay is a widespread and highly sedentary resident in Fennoscandia and Russia with Europe accounting for less than half of its global range. It breeds across the higher latitudes of the Western Palearctic and is predominantly at all seasons a bird of coniferous forest, mainly dense stands of forest unmodified by man rather than open growth. The Siberian Jay contrasts with the Jay in a lack of fear of man, readily attaching itself to human travellers and their living quarters, but this has little effect on choice of habitat since its normal range is largely uninhabited by people. Date: 10th April 2010 Location: Neljan Tuulen Tupa near Kaamanen, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/yellow-legged-gull https://images.on-this.website/4752_6699394564b193e3a80fa7.jpgYellow-legged Gull UK birdwatchers have known for years that the Herring Gulls they see in southern Europe have yellow rather than flesh-coloured legs. However, the Yellow-legged Gull has only been recognised as a species in its own right since 2007, having previously been considered to be a race of Herring Gull. The adult Yellow-legged Gull has a darker grey back and wings than the Herring Gull but it is paler than the Lesser Black-backed Gull. It also has more black in the wing tips than the Herring Gull and smaller white “mirrors”. The legs are bright yellow, there is a red ring around the eye and the bill is yellow with a large red spot. The Yellow-legged Gull is a common bird in southern Europe and north Africa on reservoirs, on rubbish tips, in fields, on coastal marshes and in large evening gull roosts on reservoirs and lakes. A northward spread from the Mediterranean and an increased awareness among UK birdwatchers of how to identify the Yellow-legged Gull means it is now also a regular sight in many parts of southern UK. Date: 8th November 2009 Location: Roses, Catalunya, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/white-winged-black-terns https://images.on-this.website/4752_183428128251e3ceed41be8.jpgWhite-winged Black Terns The White-winged Black Tern is a small “marsh” tern. Adult birds in summer have short red legs and a short black bill, a black neck and belly, a very dark grey back, a white rump and light grey almost white tail. The wings, as the name implies, are mainly white. In non-breeding plumage, most of the black is replaced by white or pale grey although a few blackish feathers may be retained mixed with white underparts. The White-winged Black Tern breeds on freshwater marshes and lakes from central and eastern Europe to central Asia. Date: 21st May 2013 Location: Biebrza area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230767.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_125741810264917363e53a2.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 14th May 2023 Location: Llanddeusant Red Kite feeding station, Carmarthenshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40952878.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15519437775e5394a19939d.jpgCliffs of Moher, Co. Clare, Ireland The Cliffs of Moher are located at the south western edge of the Burren region in Co. Clare and stretch for about 9 miles. At their southern end, they rise 390 feet above the Atlantic Ocean at Hag's Head and 5 miles to the north they reach their maximum height of 702 feet just north of O'Brien's Tower, a round stone tower near the midpoint of the cliffs built in 1835 by Sir Cornelius O'Brien, and then continue at lower heights. The closest villages are Liscannor, 4 miles to the south, and Doolin, 4 miles, to the north. From the Cliffs of Moher, visitors can see the Aran Islands in Galway Bay, the mountain ranges of the Maumturks and Twelve Pins in Connemara in Co. Galway to the north and Loop Head in Co. Clare to the south. The official Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk runs for about 11 miles from Hag's Head to Doolin. This passes the Visitor Centre and O'Brien's Tower with good viewing throughout subject to rain or sea fog. There are 2 paths near the Visitor Centre, the official one being set back a little for safety whilst an unofficial path runs closer to the edge. In July 2016 the so-called Cliff Walk, outside the official Cliffs of Moher amenities, was temporarily closed because of the risk of rock falls. People were warned to stay on the official path further away from the cliff edge instead of the unofficial path. Since 2011, the Cliffs of Moher have formed a part of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark, one of a family of geotourism destinations throughout Europe that are members of the European Geoparks Network and also recognized by UNESCO. The cliffs are also a "signature point" on the official Wild Atlantic Way tourist trail. The Cliffs of Moher rank among the most visited tourist sites in Ireland with around 1.5 million visits per year. In the 1990s the local authority, Clare County Council, initiated development plans to enable visitors to experience the cliffs without significant intrusive man-made amenities. In keeping with this approach, a modern visitor centre, the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience, was built into a hillside approaching the cliffs. The centre was planned to be environmentally sensitive in its use of renewable energy systems including geothermal heating and cooling, solar panels and grey water recycling. The €32 million facility was planned and built over a 17 year period and officially opened in February 2007. Exhibits include interactive media displays covering the geology, history, flora and fauna of the Cliffs of Moher. The Cliffs of Moher consist mainly of beds of Namurian shale and sandstone with the oldest rocks being found at the bottom of the cliffs. During the time of their formation between 313 and 326 million years ago, a river dumped sand, silt and clay in to an ancient marine basin. Over millions of years, the sediments collecting at the mouth of this ancient delta were compacted and lithified in to the sedimentary strata preserved in the now exposed cliffs. Today the Cliffs of Moher are subject to erosion by wave action which undermines the base of support causing the cliffs to collapse under their own weight. This process creates a variety of coastal landforms characteristic of eroded coasts such as sea caves, sea stacks and sea stumps. Branaunmore, a 220 feet high sea stack at the foot below O'Brien's Tower, was once part of the Cliffs of Moher but coastal erosion gradually removed the layers of rock that joined it with the mainland. A large sea arch can also be seen at Hag's Head below the Napoleonic signal tower and many smaller sea arches can be seen from sea level. During the peak summer breeding season, there are an estimated 30,000 pairs of birds of more than 20 species and the Cliffs of Moher are designated as an Important Bird Area. A wide range of sea life can also be seen from the Cliffs of Moher including Atlantic Grey Seals, various species of whales and dolphins and Basking Sharks. Date: 6th February 2020 Location: view from Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk near Visitor Centre http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33820948.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11883874545a3d07b853ac9.jpgCoot The Coot is an all black bird with a distinctive white beak and “shield” above the beak from which earns it the title “bald”. Its feet have distinctive lobed flaps of skin on the toes which act instead of webs when swimming. It patters noisily over the water before taking off and can be very aggressive towards other birds. Coot can be found all the year round mainly on freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers and town park lakes. Sometimes they can be seen offshore, especially in winter if freshwater areas are frozen. They breed in areas of fairly shallow standing freshwater with a muddy bottom and plenty of vegetation at the sides, usually in lowland areas. Date: 12th December 2017 Location: Kensington Gardens, London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/kongsfjord-varanger-peninsula-finnmark-norway https://images.on-this.website/4752_15120232014bf6e168b8f25.jpgKongsfjord area, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway Date: 14th April 2010 Location: view from road 890 south of Kongsfjord, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45174846.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10890546656232f9f66f62b.jpgCoot The Coot is an all black bird with a distinctive white beak and “shield” above the beak from which earns it the title “bald”. Its feet have distinctive lobed flaps of skin on the toes which act instead of webs when swimming. It patters noisily over the water before taking off and can be very aggressive towards other birds. Coot can be found all the year round mainly on freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers and town park lakes. Sometimes they can be seen offshore, especially in winter if freshwater areas are frozen. They breed in areas of fairly shallow standing freshwater with a muddy bottom and plenty of vegetation at the sides, usually in lowland areas. Date: 31st December 2021 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072281.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10473618614bf6d81c2d1b1.jpgVarangerfjord, Finnmark, Norway Varangerfjord is the easternmost fjord in Norway and is located in Finnmark county between the Varanger peninsula and the mainland of Norway. Varangerfjord flows through the municipalities of Vardø, Vadsø, Nesseby and Sør-Varanger. The fjord is approximately 62 miles long and empties in to the Barents Sea. The mouth is about 43 miles wide and is located between the town of Vardø in the north west and the village of Grense Jakobselv in the south east. The fjord stretches westwards inland past the town of Vadsø to the village of Varangerbotn in Nesseby municipality. Date: 11th April 2010 Location: Nesseby, Varangerfjord, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/clashnessie-bay-highland https://images.on-this.website/4752_11392748495c2a14a45765e.jpgClashnessie Bay, Highland North of Lochinver, the single track B869 road makes its winding way along the Assynt coast to the north before turning east towards Kylesku. Between Stoer and Drumbeg lies Clashnessie Bay with its sweeping sandy shore. Date: 24th June 2018 Location: view from the B869 road http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41352877.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_880454085f2151efb49c9.jpgCinnabar caterpillar The Cinnabar moth is a widespread moth throughout the UK and can often be seen during daylight hours. The moth is brightly coloured with crimson hindwings bordered with dusky black. The caterpillar is even more striking with a bright orange body and black transverse bands. Both the moth and caterpillar can be found in meadows, wasteland, road verges and downland where the foodplants ragwort occur. Moths are present from May to July and during June, females lay large batches of eggs on the undersides of ragwort leaves. The caterpillars hatch out in July and are active until August. Date: 20th July 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49277054.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_50336660664996ce34ee1e.jpgRazorbill The Razorbill is a seabird and a member of the auk family which also includes the Common Guillemot, Brunnich's Guillemot and Little Auk. It is also the closest living relative to the Great Auk which is now extinct. The Razorbill has white underparts and a black head, neck, back and feet during the breeding season. A thin white line also extends from the eyes to the end of the bill. Its head is darker than that of the CommonGuillemot. Outside the breeding season, the throat and face behind the eye become white and the white line on the face becomes less prominent. The thick black bill has a blunt end. The adult male and female female are very much alike having only small differences such as wing length. The Razorbill has a horizontal stance and the tail feathers are slightly longer in the centre in comparison to other auks making it have a distinctly long tail which is not common for an auk. The Razorbill is distributed across the sub-arctic and boreal waters of the north Atlantic where water surface temperature are typically below 15°c. The world population is estimated to be less than 1 million breeding pairs, making it among the rarest auks in the world. Approximately 60 to 70% of the entire Razorbill population breeds in Iceland., including over 200,000 pairs at Látrabjarg. The breeding habitat is islands, rocky shores and cliffs on north Atlantic coasts, in eastern North America as far south as Maine and in western Europe from north west Russia to northern France. Eurasian birds winter at sea with some moving south as far as the western Mediterranean. North American birds migrate offshore and south. The Razorbill is a colonial breeder and only comes to land to breed. Individuals only breed at 3 to 5 years of age. Females select their mate and will often encourage competition between males before choosing a partner. Once a male is chosen, the pair will usually stay together for life. Nest site determination is very important to ensure protection of young from predators. Unlike Common Guillemots, nest sites are not immediately alongside the sea on open cliff ledges but at least 4 to 6 inches away in crevices on cliffs or among boulders. Generally a nest is not built although some pairs often use their bills to drag material upon which to lay their single egg. The mating pair will often reuse the same site every year. The Razorbill feeds mainly on schooling fish and crustaceans and it will dive deep into the sea using its wings and its streamlined body to propel itself toward their prey. Whilst diving, it rarely stays in groups but instead spreads out to feed. The majority of feeding occurs at a depth of about 80 feet but it has the ability to dive up to 400 feet below the surface. During a single dive the Razorbill can capture and swallow many schooling fish depending on their size. The Razorbill spends approximately 45% of its time foraging at sea and it may well fly more than 60 miles out to sea to feed. However, when feeding chicks it will forage much closer to the nesting grounds and often in shallower water. The Razorbill and its eggs and chicks have several predators which include Great Black-backed Gulls, Peregrines, Ravens and other crows, Arctic Foxes and Polar Bears. In the early 20th century, Razorbills were harvested for their eggs, meat and feathers and this greatly decreased their population. In 1917 they were finally protected which reduced hunting. Other current threats include oil pollution, unintentional bycatch arising from commercial fishing and overfishing which decreases the abundance of prey. Date: 9th June 2023 Location: Stackpole Head, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/kilnaughton-bay-islay-argyll https://images.on-this.website/4752_16627401984923112019654.jpgKilnaughton Bay, Islay, Argyll Kilnaughton Bay is a sandy bay located adjacent to the Oa Peninsula 1 mile west of Port Ellen on the south coast of the island of Islay in Argyll. Date: 3rd November 2008 Location: view from western shore looking towars Port Ellen http://www.richardchewphotography.com/june-2023-marbled-white https://images.on-this.website/4752_112798663064ea1d734ffee.jpgJune 2023 - Marbled White Please see [url=https://rlchew1.photium.com/photo49279110.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21893081.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_60306256353d1031f2a070.jpgHerring Gulls Herring Gulls are large, noisy gulls and can be found throughout the year around coasts. During winter they can also be found inland around rubbish tips, fields, large reservoirs and lakes. Herring Gulls usually breed in colonies at coastal sites around the UK including cliffs with grassy slopes, shingle beaches, small islands and rooftops in seaside towns. Date: 18th June 2014 Location: Loch Fleet, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/barafundle-bay-and-beach-pembrokeshire https://images.on-this.website/4752_136167763864996cbb3564a.jpgBarafundle Bay and Beach, Pembrokeshire Barafundle Bay and Beach is part of the National Trust Stackpole Estate and accessible only by a half mile walk from the nearest car park at Stackpole Quay. It is a stunning broad stretch of golden sand flanked by woodland, dunes and limestone headlands. After crossing Barafundle Beach, a path leads up through the woodland before emerging on the cliff-top path to Stackpole Head, a spectacular point where the sea has sculpted stacks, caves, arches, inlets and headlands and where Guillemots, Razorbills, Choughs, Ravens and Peregrines breed. Date: 9th June 2023 Location: view from Pembrokeshire Coast Path, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29487490.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8415126225810806e6f759.jpgNuuksio National Park, Uusimaa, Finland Nuuksio National Park was established in 1994 and covers an area of 20 square miles of forests and lakes around Espoo, Kirkkonummi and Vihti. About 20 miles north west of Helsinki, it is the second closest National Park to the capital after Sipoonkorpi National Park. The [url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siberian_flying_squirrel]Siberian Flying Squirrel[/url] is the emblem of the Nuuksio National Park due to the density of its population. Date: 30th May 2016 Location: Haukkalampi, Nuuksio National Park, Uusimaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081436.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_169346063363a83b7456696.jpgCommon Buzzard The Common Buzzard is a member of the genus Buteo and the family Accipitridae, a group of medium-sized raptors with robust bodies and broad wings. The Buteo species of Eurasia and Africa are usually commonly referred to as buzzards whilst those in the Americas are called hawks. Under current classification, the genus Buteo includes approximately 28 species. The Common Buzzard includes between 7 to 16 sub-species and the western Buteo group includes Buteo buteo buteo which is found more or less continuously throughout Europe including the UK. The Common Buzzard is a medium-sized raptor that is highly variable in plumage. It is distinctly round headed with a somewhat slender bill and it has relatively long wings that either reach or fall slightly short of the tail tip when perched, a fairly short tail and somewhat short and mainly bare tarsi. It can appear fairly compact in overall appearance but may also appear large relative to other commoner raptors such as the Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. The Common Buzzard measures between 16 and 23 inches in length with a 3 feet 7 inches to 4 feet 7 inches wingspan. Females average about 2 to 7% larger than males in length and weigh about 15% more. Body mass can show considerable variation from 0.94 to 2.6 pounds in males and 1.07 to 3.02 pounds in females. In Europe, the Common Buzzard is typically dark brown above and on the upperside of the head and mantle but this can become paler and warmer brown with worn plumage. Usually the tail will be narrowly barred grey-brown and dark brown with a pale tip and a broad dark subterminal band but the tail in the palest birds can show a varying amount of white and a reduced sub-terminal band or even appear almost all white. The underside colouring can be variable but typically shows a brown-streaked white throat with a somewhat darker chest. A pale U across the breast is often present followed by a pale line running down the belly which separates the dark areas on the breast side and flanks. These pale areas tend to have highly variable markings that form irregular bars. Juveniles are quite similar to adults and are best told apart by having a paler eye, a narrower sub-terminal band on the tail and underside markings that appear as streaks rather than bars. Beyond the typical mid-range brownish Common Buzzard, birds in Europe can range from almost uniform black-brown above to mainly white. Extreme dark individuals may range from chocolate-brown to blackish with almost no pale colour showing but with a variable or faded U on the breast and with or without faint lighter brown throat streaks. Extreme pale individuals are largely whitish with variable widely spaced streaks or arrowheads of light brown about the mid-chest and flanks and may or may not show dark feather-centres on the head, wing-coverts and sometimes all but part of the mantle. Individuals can show nearly endless variation of colours and hues in between these extremes and the Common Buzzard is among the most variably plumaged diurnal raptors for this reason. The Common Buzzard is often confused with other raptors especially in flight or at a distance including other Buteo species such as Rough-legged Buzzard and Long-legged Buzzard and also Honey Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, Golden Eagle, Booted Eagle and Short-toed Eagle. The Common Buzzard is found throughout several islands in the eastern Atlantic islands, including the Canary Islands and the Azores, and almost throughout Europe. In the UK, it is found in Northern Ireland and in nearly every part of Scotland and England. In mainland Europe, there are no substantial gaps in the range from Portugal and Spain to Greece, Estonia, Belarus and the Ukraine, although it is present mainly only in the breeding season in much of the eastern half of the latter 3 countries. It is also present in all larger Mediterranean islands such as Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily and Crete. Further north in to Scandinavia, it is found mainly in south Norway, the southern half of Sweden and in the southern two-thirds of Finland. The Common Buzzard reaches its northern limit as a breeder in far eastern Finland and over the border in to European Russia and nearly to the Kola Peninsula. In these northern limits, the Common Buzzard is present typically only in summer. The Common Buzzard generally inhabits the interface of woodlands and open ground and typically lives in forest edge, small broad-leaved, coniferous or mixed woodlands with adjacent grassland, arable fields or other farmland and open moorland as long as there are some trees. It is absent from treeless tundra and sporadic or rare in treeless steppe. The Common Buzzard can be found from sea level to elevations of 6600 feet although it breeds mostly below 3300 feet. It can winter to an elevation of 8200 feet and migrates easily at 14,800 feet. The Common Buzzard is a partial migrant. Autumn and spring movements are subject to extensive variation, even down to the individual level, based on a region's food resources, competition (both from other Common Buzzards and other predators), the extent of human disturbance and weather conditions. Short distance movements are the norm for juveniles and some adults in autumn and winter but more adults in central and south Europe and the UK remain in their year-around areas than do not. The Common Buzzard is a typical Buteo in much of its behaviour. It is most often seen effortlessly soaring for extended periods at varying heights although it can appear laborious and heavy in level flight. It is also often seen perched prominently on tree tops, bare branches, telegraph poles, fence posts, rocks or ledges or alternatively well inside the tree canopy. It will also stand and forage on the ground. The Common Buzzard is a generalist predator which hunts a wide variety of prey given the opportunity. The prey extents to a wide variety of vertebrates including mammals, birds (from any age from eggs to adult birds), reptiles, amphibians and fish as well as to various invertebrates, mostly insects. In total, well over 300 prey species are known to be taken by the Common Buzzard. However, dietary studies have shown that it mostly preys upon small mammals, mainly small rodents. Furthermore, prey size can vary from tiny beetles, caterpillars and ants to large adult grouse and Rabbits up to nearly twice their body mass. At times, the Common Buzzard will also subsist partially on carrion, usually of dead mammals or fish. Hunting in relatively open areas has been found to increase hunting success whereas more complete shrub cover lowered success. A majority of prey is taken by dropping from a perch and is normally taken on the ground. Prey may also be hunted in a low flight, by random glides or soars or by foraging on the ground. The home range of the Common Buzzard is generally 0.19 to 0.77 square miles and the size of the breeding territory seems to be correlated with food supply. The territory is maintained through flight displays and in Europe territorial behaviour usually starts in February. However, displays are not uncommon throughout the year in resident pairs, especially by males, and can elicit similar displays by their neighbours. In the display, the Common Buzzard generally engages in high circling, spiraling upward on slightly raised wings. Mutual high circling by pairs sometimes goes on at length, especially during the period prior to or during breeding season. During the mutual displays, the male may engage in exaggerated deep flapping or zig-zag tumbling, apparently in response to the female being too distant. Several pairs may circle together at times and as many as 14 individual adults have been recorded over established display sites. Sky-dancing by the Common Buzzard has been recorded in spring and autumn, typically by the male but sometimes by the female, nearly always with much calling. Sky-dances are of the rollercoaster type, with an upward sweep of up to 100 feet until the bird starts start to stall but sometimes embellished with loops or rolls at the top. Next in the sky-dance, the bird will dive at least 200 feet on more or less closed wings before spreading them and shooting up again. These sky-dances may be repeated in series of 10 to 20. In the climax of the sky-dance, the undulations become progressively shallower, often slowing and terminating directly on to a perch. Various other aerial displays include low contour flight or weaving among trees, frequently with deep beats and exaggerated upstrokes which show underwing pattern to rivals perched below. Talon grappling and occasionally cartwheeling downward with feet interlocked has also been recorded. The Common Buzzard tends to build a bulky nest of sticks, twigs and often heather and lined with broad-leaved foliage. Nests are up to 3.3 to 3.9 feet across and 24 inches deep. With reuse over years, the diameter of a nest can reach or exceed 5 feet. Trees are generally used for a nesting location but crags or cliffs are used if trees are unavailable. Nests in trees are usually located by the main trunk at a height of around 10 to 82 feet. Pairs often have 2 to 4 nests in a territory but some pairs may use a single nest over several consecutive years. The breeding season of the Common Buzzard commences at differing times based on latitude. It may fall as early as January to April but typically it is March to July in most of Europe. In the northern limits of the range the breeding season may occur from May to August. Mating usually occurs on or near the nest and eggs are usually laid in 2 to 3 day intervals. The clutch size can range from to 2 to 6 and it appears that local factors such as habitat and food supply are relevant. Eggs are generally laid in late March to early April in the extreme south, sometime in April in most of Europe and in to May and possibly even early June in the extreme north. If eggs are lost to a predator or fail in some other way, replacement clutches are not usually laid although this has been recorded. Incubation lasts for 33 to 35 days and is mostly, but not solely, undertaken by the female. Hatching may take place over 3 to 7 days. Often the youngest nestling dies from starvation, especially in broods of 3 or more. The female remains at the nest brooding the young in the early stages with the male bringing all prey. At about 8 to 12 days, both the male and female will bring prey but the female continues to do all feeding until the young can tear up their own prey. The young are nearly fully feathered rather than downy at about a month of age and can start to feed themselves as well. The first attempts to leave the nest are often at about 40 to 50 days. Fledging occurs typically at 43 to 54 days but in extreme cases as late 62 days. After leaving the nest, the young generally stay close by until full independence 6 to 8 weeks after fledging. Numerous factors may influence the breeding success of the Common Buzzard including the availability of prey populations, habitat, disturbance and persecution levels and competition. The Common Buzzard is one of the most numerous birds of prey in its range and it is the most numerous diurnal bird of prey throughout much of Europe. Date: 9th January 2022 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/golden-plover https://images.on-this.website/4752_18477724124bf6d9c24c108.jpgGolden Plover The Golden Plover is a medium sized plover with a distinctive gold and black summer plumage. In winter the black is replaced by buff and white. It typically stands upright and runs in short bursts. The Golden Plover breeds on the ground in a dry open area on moorland, mountains and fells, tundra and marshland in northern Europe and western Asia. It is migratory and winters in western and southern Europe and in north Africa. Date: 12th April 2010 Location: Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230759.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1228179399649173581defa.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 14th May 2023 Location: Llanddeusant Red Kite feeding station, Carmarthenshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/march-2021-blue-tit https://images.on-this.website/4752_64321485260b62eff6969b.jpgMarch 2021 - Blue Tit Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42524847.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405584.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20598230276586fcd350a8d.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the Canidae family and is a part of the order Carnivora within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 6th December 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49277078.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2127044032649971b246733.jpgMute Swan The Mute Swan is a species of swan native to much of Eurasia. Despite its Eurasian origin, its closest relatives are the Black Swan of Australia and the Black-necked Swan of south America, not the other Northern Hemisphere swans such as the Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan. The name “mute” derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. The adult Mute Swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob at the top of the beak. All Mute Swans are white at maturity although the feathers (particularly on the head and neck) are often stained orange-brown by iron and tannins in the water. Young birds (cygnets) are not the bright white colour of mature adults and their bill is dull greyish-black for the first year. The plumage may range from pure white to grey to buff with grey/buff being the most common. Cygnets typically retain their grey/buff feathers until they are at least 1 year old. On average, the Mute Swan is the second largest waterfowl species after the Trumpeter Swan although the male Mute Swan can easily match or even exceed a male Trumpeter Swan in mass. The adult Mute Swan typically ranges from 55 to 63 inches in length (although it can range in extreme cases from 49 to 67 inches) with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. Males (cobs) are larger than females (pens) and have a larger knob on their bill. The Mute Swan is one of the heaviest flying birds. In several studies from the UK, males were found to average from about 23.4 to 26.2 pounds, with a weight range of 20 to 32 pounds, while the slightly smaller females were found to average about 18.7 to 21.3 pounds, with a weight range of 17 to 23 pounds. The Mute Swan is less vocal than the noisy Bewick's Swan and Whooper Swan although it does make a variety of grunting, hoarse whistling and snorting noises, especially in communicating with their cygnets and threatening competitors or intruders trying to enter their territory. The most familiar sound associated with the Mute Swan is the vibrant throbbing of the wings in flight which is unique to the species and this can be heard from a range of up to 1 mile. The Mute Swan is found naturally mainly in the temperate areas of Europe across west Asia and as far east as Primorsky Krai in the far east of Russia. It is partially migratory throughout the northern latitudes in Europe and Asia as far south as north Africa and the Mediterranean. It is also often kept in captivity outside its natural range as a decoration for parks and ponds and escapes have occurred. The descendants of such birds have become naturalised in east USA and the Great Lakes region across the USA and Canada border. The Mute Swan population in the UK has increased recently probably due to better protection of this species. Some birds are resident all year whilst others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into east England. Mute Swans nest on large mounds that they build with waterside vegetation in shallow water on islands in the middle or at the very edge of a lake. It is a monogamous species and often reuses the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Males and females share the care of the nest. The female lays from 4 to 10 eggs and broods for around 36 days. Cygnets are unable to fly before an age of 120 to 150 days and this limits the distribution of the species in the northern edge of its range since the cygnets must learn to fly before the water freezes. The Mute Swan is usually strongly territorial with just a single pair on smaller lakes although in a few locations where a large area of suitable feeding habitat is found they can be colonial. The largest colonies can hold over 100 pairs such as that at the colony at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset in the UK. Non-mated juveniles up to 3 to 4 years old commonly form larger flocks often at regular traditional sites and these can total several hundred birds. The Mute Swan can be very aggressive in defence of its nest and it is highly protective of its mate and offspring. Most defensive attacks from a Mute Swan begin with a loud hiss and, if this is not sufficient to drive off the predator, are followed by a physical attack. It attacks by smashing at its enemy with bony spurs in the wings accompanied by biting with its large bill. Smaller waterbirds such as ducks are normally grabbed with the bill and dragged or thrown clear. Large waterfowl, such as the Canada Goose, more likely out of competition than in response to potential predation, may be aggressively driven off. The wings of the Mute Swan are very powerful although not strong enough to break an adult man's leg as has been claimed anecdotally. The Mute Swan feeds on a wide range of vegetation, both submerged aquatic plants which they reach with their long necks and by grazing on land. The food commonly includes agricultural crop plants such as oilseed rape and wheat and feeding flocks in the winter may cause significant crop damage, often as much through trampling with their large webbed feet as through direct consumption. Date: 9th June 2023 Location: Bosherston Lily Ponds, Bosherton, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43082687.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_160771865860dd84be29f6c.jpgEdible Frog The Edible Frog is a species of frog found across Europe that is also known as the Common Water Frog and the Green Frog. The Edible Frog is one of the few animals in the world that is a fertile hybrid of 2 different species, as although similar but genetically different species are known to mate, it is very rare that their offspring will be able to breed. The Edible Frog is a fertile hybrid of 2 other European frogs, namely the Pool Frog and the Marsh Frog, that inter-bred when populations where isolated close to one another during the Ice Age. It was first described in 1758 and is known as the Edible Frog due to the fact that it is now seen as a culinary delicacy across Europe but especially in France where frog’s legs are often served as a national dish. The reason for humans favouring this frog over others is not really known but it may have something to do with their abundance. The Edible Frog is a medium sized frog growing to around 3.5 to 4.5 inches in length. Adults are mainly green in colour with light patches of brown on their backs, yellow eyes and a white underside covered in a few dark spots. There are number of distinct differences between males and females including the fact that males become much lighter and greener during the mating season. Males also have vocal sacs on the outside of their cheeks and extra skin patches on their feet, both of which are primarily used for mating. The Edible Frog is endemic to Europe and it naturally occurs across central Europe as far north as Germany and Estonia. Southern populations are found from Croatia, through northern Italy and into the south of France. There are also isolated populations in Sweden and Bulgaria which are thought to have migrated from the countries nearby. It has also been introduced to the UK. The Edible Frog spends all of its time either in or very close to water and it is most commonly found in calmer parts of rivers and streams where there is a slow but constant flow of fresh water. It tends to prefer more open areas and can also be commonly found around lakes, ponds and marshes. Unlike many other species of frog, the Edible Frog is a diurnal animal and is therefore most active during the day. This is when it is most likely to move away from the water so that it can find a better supply of food or move to a different part of the water if it needs to. The Edible Frog is a relatively solitary animal so there is less competition for food but males are often seen sitting together in groups during the breeding season when they are trying to out-compete each other to find a mate. The breeding season for the Edible Frog begins during March and generally lasts for around 2 months. Males sing by drawing air in and out of their vocal sacs to produce the highest-pitched sound possible since females are most attracted to the loudest males. After courting her in a lake, pond or swamp, the male lets the female lay up to 10,000 eggs in a sticky mass into the water before he fertilises them. Tadpoles can be as small as 0.2 inches long when they hatch and are a grey/brown colour. They then grow up to 2 to 3 inches in length before metamorphoses occurs and they leave the water as 0.75 inches long young frogs. The Edible Frog reaches sexual maturity at the age of 2 years and can live until it is 15 years old. The Edible Frog is a carnivorous amphibian but the tadpoles mainly eat vegetation although they are known to occasionally supplement their diet with aquatic micro-organisms. Adults eat small invertebrates such as insects, spiders and flies, which make up the majority of their diet, along with larger aquatic animals like fish, newts and other frogs. The Edible Frog hunts for food during the day and can be seen catching food both in water and on land. The Edible Frog remains very still when it is sitting on the banks of its water habitat and this, along with its camouflage, makes it very difficult for predators to spot. Its eyes are positioned near the top of the head meaning that it can also see danger coming whilst the body is mainly hidden. Snakes, owls and water birds are the main predators of the Edible Frog. The Edible Frog will jump into the water and hide if it senses approaching danger and it will make a loud screeching sound if caught. Edible Frog populations are under threat from habitat destruction mainly caused by deforestation and water pollution. Date: 2nd June 2021 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623266.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8413482776117d9d19f4d7.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871681.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17211997414eff208265df4.jpgWhite-tailed Eagle The White-tailed Eagle is a very large bird with a 72 to 96 inch wingspan and is the fourth largest eagle in the world. It has broad "barn door" wings, a large head and a thick "meat-cleaver" beak. The adult is mainly brown except for the paler head and neck, blackish flight feathers, distinctive white tail, and yellow bill and legs. In juvenile birds the tail and bill are darker, with the tail becoming white with a dark terminal band in sub-adults. The White-tailed Eagle breeds in northern Europe and northern Asia. The largest population in Europe is found along the coast of Norway. They are mostly resident with only the northernmost birds such as the eastern Scandinavian and Siberian population migrating south in winter. Date: 28th May 2009 Location: near Nesseby, Varangerfjord, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/mount-paggeo-eastern-macedonia-and https://images.on-this.website/4752_31815579559cf1966c758.jpgMount Paggeo, East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece Mount Paggeo is located west of Kavala and is easily reached by the road which rises to the ski centre. At around 6500 feet high, the route and summit areas are excellent for mountain birds. The route to the summit passes the Monastery of Eikosiphoiníssis. Date: 11th May 2015 Location: view from road from Eleftheroupoli to Mount Panggeo summit, East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50570589.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_191837073865cccc816bf25.jpgDunnock The Dunnock is a small passerine bird and the most widespread member of the genus Prunella, the accentor family which otherwise consists of mountain species. Other common names for the Dunnock include the Hedge Sparrow or Hedge Accentor. The Dunnock is about the size of a Robin. It has a generally drab brown streaked appearance with a grey head and a fine pointed bill. Both sexes are similar. It is quiet and unobtrusive and is frequently seen on its own, creeping along and moving with a rather nervous, shuffling gait often flicking its wings. The Dunnock is native to large areas of Eurasia where it is the only commonly found accentor in lowland areas. It can be found throughout the UK all the year round in any well vegetated areas with scrub, brambles and hedges and also in deciduous woodland, farmland edges, parks and gardens. The Dunnock is territorial and may engage in conflict with other birds that encroach upon their nesting areas. The Dunnock possesses variable mating systems. Females are often polyandrous, breeding with 2 or more males at once which is quite rare among birds. This multiple mating system leads to the development of sperm competition amongst the male suitors. DNA fingerprinting has shown that chicks within a brood often have different fathers depending on the success of the males at monopolising the female. Males try to ensure their paternity by pecking at the cloaca of the female to stimulate ejection of rival males' sperm. Males provide parental care in proportion to their mating success so 2 males and a female can commonly be seen provisioning nestlings at one nest. Other mating systems also exist within Dunnock populations depending on the ratio of male to females and the overlap of territories. When only a single female and a single male territory overlap, monogamy is preferred. Sometimes, 2 or 3 adjacent female territories overlap a single male territory and so polygyny is favoured with the male monopolising several females. Polygynandry also exists in which 2 males jointly defend a territory containing several females. Polyandry, however, is the most common mating system of the Dunnock. Depending on the population, males generally have the best reproductive success in polygynous populations whilst females have the advantage during polyandry. Studies have illustrated the fluidity of Dunnock mating systems. When food is in abundance, female territory size is reduced drastically. Consequently, males can more easily monopolise the females. Thus, the mating system can be shifted from one that favours female success (polyandry) to one that favours male success (monogamy, polygynandry or polygyny). The Dunnock builds a neat nest predominantly from twigs and moss and lined with soft materials such as wool or feathers which is located low in a bush. The female typically lays 3 to 5 eggs. Broods, depending on the population, can be raised by a lone female, multiple females with the part-time help of a male, multiple females with full-time help by a male or by multiple females and multiple males. Parental care varies according to the type of relationship. Date: 19th January 2024 Location: Heybridge, Maldon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21830239.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_98676325353cbb8ca88b01.jpgKittiwakes The Kittiwake is a gentle looking, medium sized gull with a small yellow bill and a dark eye. It has a grey back and is white underneath. Its legs are short and black. In flight the black wing-tips show no white, unlike other gulls, and look as if they have been “dipped in ink”. The population is declining in some areas, perhaps due to a shortage of sand eels. Kittiwakes are strictly coastal gulls. In the breeding season, they can be found on rocky, steep sea-cliffs at the major seabird colonies around the UK from February until August. From August to October they can be seen flying past offshore and they spend the winter months out at sea. Date: 11th June 2014 Location: Bempton Cliifs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41205449.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21114438755eb971df2faf0.jpgCoot The Coot is an all black bird with a distinctive white beak and “shield” above the beak from which earns it the title “bald”. Its feet have distinctive lobed flaps of skin on the toes which act instead of webs when swimming. It patters noisily over the water before taking off and can be very aggressive towards other birds. Coot can be found all the year round mainly on freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers and town park lakes. Sometimes they can be seen offshore, especially in winter if freshwater areas are frozen. They breed in areas of fairly shallow standing freshwater with a muddy bottom and plenty of vegetation at the sides, usually in lowland areas. Date: 6th May 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4267053.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6862089444b522128862a3.jpgBen More, Mull, Argyll Height: 3168 feet. Ben More is the highest peak on the island of Mull and is a prominent feature of many views on the island. It is situated to the west of Mull's main central range of hills to the north of Loch Scridain and to the south of Loch na Keal. Ben More is a massive grey bulk whose upper slopes are covered in a mantle of angular scree. Its north eastern corrie is particularly craggy and often contains snow well into the spring. The Gaelic name Beinn Mhòr means "big hill" or “great mountain”. Date: 2nd January 2010 Location: view from the A849 road overlooking Loch Beg http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26006779.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19934570805634a1910a1fe.jpgRinged Plover The Ringed Plover is a small plover with a grey-brown back and wings, a white belly and a white breast with a single black neck band. It has a brown cap, a white forehead, a black mask around the eyes and a short orange and black bill. The legs are orange and only the outer two toes are slightly webbed. The juvenile Ringed Plover is duller than the adult in colour with an often incomplete grey-brown breast band, a dark bill and dull yellowish-grey legs. The Ringed Plover breeds on open ground on beaches or sandflats across northern Eurasia and in Arctic north east Canada. Some birds breed inland and in western Europe they nest as far south as northern France. It is migratory and winters in coastal areas south to Africa. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Steingrímsfjarðarheiði to Ísafjörður, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/hvalfjrur-area-west-iceland https://images.on-this.website/4752_2696135105637837a29744.jpgHvalfjörður area, west Iceland Hvalfjörður (Icelandic: Whale fjord) is situated in the west of Iceland 31 miles north of Reykjavík between Mosfellsbær and Akranesand. The fjord is approximately 19 miles long and 3 miles wide and gives an excellent opportunity to enjoy the unique beauty of Icelandic fjords. The name Hvalfjörður is derived from the large number of whales which could be found and caught there in the past. In addition the fjord also contained a large number of herring fisheries. During World War 2, a naval base for the UK and USA navies could be found in this fjord. One of the piers built by the USA navy is today used by the Hvalur whaling company for the processing of Fin Whales, partially for the domestic market and mostly for export to Japan. Until the late 1990s, travel by car involved a long detour of 38 miles around the fjord in order to get from the city of Reykjavík to the town of Borgarnes. In July 1998, the Hvalfjarðargöngin tunnel was opened to public traffic. The tunnel is approximately 3.5 miles in length and cuts travel by car around the fjord by about an hour. The tunnel runs to a depth of 550 feet below sea level. Date: 1st June 2015 Location: view from road 47 around Hvalfjörður http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11654796.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21167496294e3133eb62804.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 24th December 2007 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405533.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19504389436586f48a53bc9.jpgShort-eared Owl The Short-eared Owl is a species of the typical owl family Strigidae. Owls belonging to the genus Asio, such as the Short-eared Owl, are known as the eared owls since they have tufts of feathers resembling mammalian ears. These "ear" tufts may or may not be visible. The Short-eared Owl will display its tufts when in a defensive pose although its very short tufts are usually not visible. The Short-eared Owl is a medium-sized owl 13 to 17 inches in length with a 33 to 43 inches wingspan. Females are slightly larger than males. It has large yellow eyes with black encircling rings, a big head, a short neck and broad wings. The bill is short, strong, hooked and black. The plumage is mottled tawny to brown with a barred tail and wings. The upper breast is significantly streaked. The flight is characteristically floppy due to the irregular wingbeats and the Short-eared Owl is often described as "moth-like” or bat-like" in flight. Through much of its range, the Short-eared Owl occurs with the similar looking Long-eared Owl. At rest, the ear-tufts of the Long-eared Owl serve to easily distinguish the 2 species although the Long-eared Owl can sometimes hold its ear-tufts flat. The iris colour also differs: yellow in the Short-eared Owl and orange in the Long-eared Owl plus the black surrounding the eyes is vertical on the Long-eared Owl and horizontal on the Short-eared Owl. Overall, the Short-eared Owl tends to be a paler, sandier coloured bird than the Long-eared Owl. There are 10 recognized sub-species of the Short-eared Owl and its range covers all continents except Antarctica and Australia. It therefore has one of the most widespread distributions of any bird. It is partially migratory and moves south in winter from the northern parts of its range. The Short-eared Owl is also known to relocate to areas of higher rodent populations and it will also wander nomadically in search of better food supplies during years when vole populations are low. In the UK, the Short-eared Owl breeds primarily in north England and Scotland but it is seen more widely in winter when there is an influx of continental birds from Scandinavia, Russia and Iceland to north, east and parts of central south England, especially around coastal marshes and wetlands. The breeding season of the Short-eared Owl in the northern hemisphere lasts from March to June but peaks in April. During the breeding season, the male makes a great spectacle of itself in flight to attract a female. The male swoops down over the potential nest site flapping its wings in a courtship display. The Short-eared Owl is generally monogamous and nests on the ground in prairie, tundra, savanna or meadow habitats. The nest is concealed by low vegetation and may be lightly lined by weeds, grass or feathers. The female lays 4 to 7 eggs but clutch size can reach up to 12 eggs in years when voles are abundant. There is a single brood per year. The eggs are incubated mostly by the female for 21 to 37 days and the young fledge at a little over 4 weeks. The Short-eared Owl hunts mostly at night but it is known as a diurnal and crepuscular hunter as well. Its daylight hunting seems to coincide with the high activity periods of voles, its preferred prey. It tends to fly only a few feet above the ground in open fields and grasslands until swooping down upon its prey feet first. Several owls may hunt over the same open area. The diet of the Short-eared Owl consists mainly of rodents, especially voles, but it will eat other small mammals such as mice, ground squirrels, shrews, rats, bats, muskrats and moles. It will also occasionally predate smaller birds especially when near sea coasts and adjacent wetlands at which time they may attack waders, terns and small gulls and seabirds. Avian prey is more infrequently preyed on inland and includes small passerines. Insects also supplement the diet. Date: 25th November 2023 Location: RSPB Wallasea Island, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9563022.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18911093744dae952283406.jpgSnow Bunting Snow Buntings are large buntings with striking “snowy” plumages. Males in summer have all white heads and underparts contrasting with a black mantle and wing tips. Females are a more mottled above. In autumn and winter birds develop a sandy/buff wash to their plumage and males have more mottled upperparts. Snow Buntings breed in far northern Europe and migrate south in winter. They are a very scarce breeding species in the UK and can be found on the highest mountain peaks in Scotland where they nest in rocky crevices. Snow Buntings are best looked for in winter (from late September to early March) where they can sometimes be seen in large flocks on the seashore or on adjacent short rough grassland at coastal sites in Scotland and eastern England. Date: 26th March 2008 Location: Cairngorm, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081433.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_76397724663a83b6f1aa32.jpgCommon Buzzard The Common Buzzard is a member of the genus Buteo and the family Accipitridae, a group of medium-sized raptors with robust bodies and broad wings. The Buteo species of Eurasia and Africa are usually commonly referred to as buzzards whilst those in the Americas are called hawks. Under current classification, the genus Buteo includes approximately 28 species. The Common Buzzard includes between 7 to 16 sub-species and the western Buteo group includes Buteo buteo buteo which is found more or less continuously throughout Europe including the UK. The Common Buzzard is a medium-sized raptor that is highly variable in plumage. It is distinctly round headed with a somewhat slender bill and it has relatively long wings that either reach or fall slightly short of the tail tip when perched, a fairly short tail and somewhat short and mainly bare tarsi. It can appear fairly compact in overall appearance but may also appear large relative to other commoner raptors such as the Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. The Common Buzzard measures between 16 and 23 inches in length with a 3 feet 7 inches to 4 feet 7 inches wingspan. Females average about 2 to 7% larger than males in length and weigh about 15% more. Body mass can show considerable variation from 0.94 to 2.6 pounds in males and 1.07 to 3.02 pounds in females. In Europe, the Common Buzzard is typically dark brown above and on the upperside of the head and mantle but this can become paler and warmer brown with worn plumage. Usually the tail will be narrowly barred grey-brown and dark brown with a pale tip and a broad dark subterminal band but the tail in the palest birds can show a varying amount of white and a reduced sub-terminal band or even appear almost all white. The underside colouring can be variable but typically shows a brown-streaked white throat with a somewhat darker chest. A pale U across the breast is often present followed by a pale line running down the belly which separates the dark areas on the breast side and flanks. These pale areas tend to have highly variable markings that form irregular bars. Juveniles are quite similar to adults and are best told apart by having a paler eye, a narrower sub-terminal band on the tail and underside markings that appear as streaks rather than bars. Beyond the typical mid-range brownish Common Buzzard, birds in Europe can range from almost uniform black-brown above to mainly white. Extreme dark individuals may range from chocolate-brown to blackish with almost no pale colour showing but with a variable or faded U on the breast and with or without faint lighter brown throat streaks. Extreme pale individuals are largely whitish with variable widely spaced streaks or arrowheads of light brown about the mid-chest and flanks and may or may not show dark feather-centres on the head, wing-coverts and sometimes all but part of the mantle. Individuals can show nearly endless variation of colours and hues in between these extremes and the Common Buzzard is among the most variably plumaged diurnal raptors for this reason. The Common Buzzard is often confused with other raptors especially in flight or at a distance including other Buteo species such as Rough-legged Buzzard and Long-legged Buzzard and also Honey Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, Golden Eagle, Booted Eagle and Short-toed Eagle. The Common Buzzard is found throughout several islands in the eastern Atlantic islands, including the Canary Islands and the Azores, and almost throughout Europe. In the UK, it is found in Northern Ireland and in nearly every part of Scotland and England. In mainland Europe, there are no substantial gaps in the range from Portugal and Spain to Greece, Estonia, Belarus and the Ukraine, although it is present mainly only in the breeding season in much of the eastern half of the latter 3 countries. It is also present in all larger Mediterranean islands such as Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily and Crete. Further north in to Scandinavia, it is found mainly in south Norway, the southern half of Sweden and in the southern two-thirds of Finland. The Common Buzzard reaches its northern limit as a breeder in far eastern Finland and over the border in to European Russia and nearly to the Kola Peninsula. In these northern limits, the Common Buzzard is present typically only in summer. The Common Buzzard generally inhabits the interface of woodlands and open ground and typically lives in forest edge, small broad-leaved, coniferous or mixed woodlands with adjacent grassland, arable fields or other farmland and open moorland as long as there are some trees. It is absent from treeless tundra and sporadic or rare in treeless steppe. The Common Buzzard can be found from sea level to elevations of 6600 feet although it breeds mostly below 3300 feet. It can winter to an elevation of 8200 feet and migrates easily at 14,800 feet. The Common Buzzard is a partial migrant. Autumn and spring movements are subject to extensive variation, even down to the individual level, based on a region's food resources, competition (both from other Common Buzzards and other predators), the extent of human disturbance and weather conditions. Short distance movements are the norm for juveniles and some adults in autumn and winter but more adults in central and south Europe and the UK remain in their year-around areas than do not. The Common Buzzard is a typical Buteo in much of its behaviour. It is most often seen effortlessly soaring for extended periods at varying heights although it can appear laborious and heavy in level flight. It is also often seen perched prominently on tree tops, bare branches, telegraph poles, fence posts, rocks or ledges or alternatively well inside the tree canopy. It will also stand and forage on the ground. The Common Buzzard is a generalist predator which hunts a wide variety of prey given the opportunity. The prey extents to a wide variety of vertebrates including mammals, birds (from any age from eggs to adult birds), reptiles, amphibians and fish as well as to various invertebrates, mostly insects. In total, well over 300 prey species are known to be taken by the Common Buzzard. However, dietary studies have shown that it mostly preys upon small mammals, mainly small rodents. Furthermore, prey size can vary from tiny beetles, caterpillars and ants to large adult grouse and Rabbits up to nearly twice their body mass. At times, the Common Buzzard will also subsist partially on carrion, usually of dead mammals or fish. Hunting in relatively open areas has been found to increase hunting success whereas more complete shrub cover lowered success. A majority of prey is taken by dropping from a perch and is normally taken on the ground. Prey may also be hunted in a low flight, by random glides or soars or by foraging on the ground. The home range of the Common Buzzard is generally 0.19 to 0.77 square miles and the size of the breeding territory seems to be correlated with food supply. The territory is maintained through flight displays and in Europe territorial behaviour usually starts in February. However, displays are not uncommon throughout the year in resident pairs, especially by males, and can elicit similar displays by their neighbours. In the display, the Common Buzzard generally engages in high circling, spiraling upward on slightly raised wings. Mutual high circling by pairs sometimes goes on at length, especially during the period prior to or during breeding season. During the mutual displays, the male may engage in exaggerated deep flapping or zig-zag tumbling, apparently in response to the female being too distant. Several pairs may circle together at times and as many as 14 individual adults have been recorded over established display sites. Sky-dancing by the Common Buzzard has been recorded in spring and autumn, typically by the male but sometimes by the female, nearly always with much calling. Sky-dances are of the rollercoaster type, with an upward sweep of up to 100 feet until the bird starts start to stall but sometimes embellished with loops or rolls at the top. Next in the sky-dance, the bird will dive at least 200 feet on more or less closed wings before spreading them and shooting up again. These sky-dances may be repeated in series of 10 to 20. In the climax of the sky-dance, the undulations become progressively shallower, often slowing and terminating directly on to a perch. Various other aerial displays include low contour flight or weaving among trees, frequently with deep beats and exaggerated upstrokes which show underwing pattern to rivals perched below. Talon grappling and occasionally cartwheeling downward with feet interlocked has also been recorded. The Common Buzzard tends to build a bulky nest of sticks, twigs and often heather and lined with broad-leaved foliage. Nests are up to 3.3 to 3.9 feet across and 24 inches deep. With reuse over years, the diameter of a nest can reach or exceed 5 feet. Trees are generally used for a nesting location but crags or cliffs are used if trees are unavailable. Nests in trees are usually located by the main trunk at a height of around 10 to 82 feet. Pairs often have 2 to 4 nests in a territory but some pairs may use a single nest over several consecutive years. The breeding season of the Common Buzzard commences at differing times based on latitude. It may fall as early as January to April but typically it is March to July in most of Europe. In the northern limits of the range the breeding season may occur from May to August. Mating usually occurs on or near the nest and eggs are usually laid in 2 to 3 day intervals. The clutch size can range from to 2 to 6 and it appears that local factors such as habitat and food supply are relevant. Eggs are generally laid in late March to early April in the extreme south, sometime in April in most of Europe and in to May and possibly even early June in the extreme north. If eggs are lost to a predator or fail in some other way, replacement clutches are not usually laid although this has been recorded. Incubation lasts for 33 to 35 days and is mostly, but not solely, undertaken by the female. Hatching may take place over 3 to 7 days. Often the youngest nestling dies from starvation, especially in broods of 3 or more. The female remains at the nest brooding the young in the early stages with the male bringing all prey. At about 8 to 12 days, both the male and female will bring prey but the female continues to do all feeding until the young can tear up their own prey. The young are nearly fully feathered rather than downy at about a month of age and can start to feed themselves as well. The first attempts to leave the nest are often at about 40 to 50 days. Fledging occurs typically at 43 to 54 days but in extreme cases as late 62 days. After leaving the nest, the young generally stay close by until full independence 6 to 8 weeks after fledging. Numerous factors may influence the breeding success of the Common Buzzard including the availability of prey populations, habitat, disturbance and persecution levels and competition. The Common Buzzard is one of the most numerous birds of prey in its range and it is the most numerous diurnal bird of prey throughout much of Europe. Date: 9th January 2022 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51387308.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2129492827667e7d556ca54.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the Canidae family and is a part of the order Carnivora within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 23rd June 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/kaldfjorden-and-skulsfjord-kvalya-troms https://images.on-this.website/4752_10658571124f743cb21b5eb.jpgKaldfjorden and Skulsfjord, Kvaløya, Troms, north Norway Kaldfjorden is a fjord off the island of Kvaløya. The fjord is 10 miles long and begins at the east end of Vengsøyfjorden and just south east of the island of Vengsøy. The fjord heads south for most of its length until it suddenly turns straight east for the last stretch before the head of the fjord. Location: view from the Belvik to Skulsfjord road Date: 18th March 2012 http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14247101.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8456454744f4e046c9922d.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the [i]Canidae[/i] family and is a part of the order [i]Carnivora[/i] within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 25th February 2012 Location: Rye Meads RSPB reserve, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512559.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_49974141462c99a71d020d.jpgRed Kites The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 9th May 2022 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623003.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2565212256117ce2fb9d2d.jpgChough Whilst its black plumage identifies it as a crow, the Chough has a red bill and legs unlike any other member of the crow family. It readily displays its mastery of flight with wonderful aerial displays of diving and swooping and can be found in flocks in autumn and winter. The Chough has a restricted westerly distribution in the UK and because of its small population size and historically declining populations it is an Amber List species. The best places to see Chough are north and west Wales, Islay in west Scotland and the Isle of Man, although they have also recently recolonised Cornwall. Date: 23rd June 2021 Location: Rhossili, Gower peninsula, Swansea http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801267.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8774143664edb318816c2.jpgBrown Argus Flight period: May to September. The Brown Argus is always brown but confusingly belongs to the group of "blue" butterflies! They are usually found on chalk and limestone grassland in south east England but may also occur in a wide variety of other habitats such as heathland, coastal dunes, woodland clearings and road verges. Date: 26th July 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11481110.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14951400014e2699bc89a3c.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 17th May 2009 Location: Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41255238.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9243058485f06f5531e311.jpgSiskin The Siskin is a small passerine bird in the finch family. It is known as the European Siskin, Common Siskin or just Siskin. The Siskin is a small, short-tailed bird around 4.3 to 4.9 inches in length with a wingspan that ranges from 7.9 to 9.1 inches. The male has a greyish green back and yellow rump. The sides of the tail are yellow and the end is black, the wings are black with a distinctive yellow wing stripe and the breast is yellowish becoming whiter and striped. It has a black bib and a black cap. The amount of black on the bib is very variable between males and the size of the bib has been related to dominance within a flock. The female is more olive-coloured than the male, the cap is greenish, the bib is white and the rump is slightly striped and whitish yellow. The shape of the Siskin's beak is determined by its feeding habits. It is strong although it is also slender in order to pick up the seeds on which they feed. The legs and feet are dark brown and the eyes are black. The Siskin has a rapid and bounding flight pattern that is similar to other finches. It is easy to recognise but it can be confused with other finches such as the Citril Finch, the Greenfinch or the European Serin. The Siskin is a very active and restless bird. It is also very social and forms small cohesive flocks especially in autumn and winter. During the breeding season it is much more timid, solitary and difficult to observe. The Siskin can be found across the greater part of Eurasia and the north of Africa. It can be found throughout the year in central Europe and some mountain ranges in the south of the continent. It is also present in the north of Scandinavia and in Russia as a summer visitor and over-winters in the Mediterranean basin and around the Black Sea. The Siskin does not remain for long in one area but varies the areas it uses for breeding, feeding and over-wintering from one year to the next. It breeds in coniferous and mixed forested areas at a particular altitude on a hillside or mountain side whilst in winter it prefers stubble and crops and areas containing trees with seeds. The Siskin is mainly a seed eater although it varies its diet depending on the season. It feeds in trees and usually avoids eating on the ground. In autumn and winter its diet is based on the seeds of deciduous trees such as birch and alder. At this time it will also visit cultivated areas and pasture where it joins with other finches in eating the seeds of various plants. In spring and during the breeding season when it is found mainly in coniferous forests, it will eat the seeds of fir, spruce and larch trees. The Siskin will also readily visit garden bird feeding stations. Date: 28th June 2019 Location: Neljan Tuulen Tupa near Kaamanen, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/siberian-tit https://images.on-this.website/4752_2235791944bf6d52eb4b3c.jpgSiberian Tit The Siberian Tit or Gray-headed Chickadee is a member of the tit family. The head is dark brown with white cheeks, the mantle brown, the wing feathers blackish with pale fringes, and the underparts whitish with pale brown flanks. The Siberian Tit is a widespread resident throughout subarctic Fennoscandia, northern Asia, Alaska and the far north west of Canada and can be found in conifer forests, mostly of old-growth spruce, especially in areas with dead trees. Date: 10th April 2010 Location: Neljan Tuulen Tupa near Kaamanen, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49797635.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_133379519964eca2278817d.jpgSilver-studded Blue Description to follow .... Date: 2nd July 2023 Location: Hartland Moor NNR, Purbeck Heaths NNR, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40399586.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9633193535dc6ae15709c4.jpgSkye, Highland The Isle of Skye, commonly known as Skye, is the largest and northernmost of the major islands in the Inner Hebrides. The island's peninsulas radiate from a mountainous centre dominated by the Black Cuillin and the Red Cuillin, the rocky slopes of which provide some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the UK. Although it has been suggested that the Gaelic name [i]An t-Eilean Sgitheanach[/i] describes a winged shape there is no definitive agreement as to the name's origins. Date: 4th October 2019 Location: view from the junction of the B8007 road and the unclassified road to Kilmory, Fascadale, Swordle and Ockle http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13656982.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12699203824ed368ea2efd4.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the [i]Canidae[/i] family and is a part of the order [i]Carnivora[/i] within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43082695.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_30610935960dd84cfa49a7.jpgEdible Frog The Edible Frog is a species of frog found across Europe that is also known as the Common Water Frog and the Green Frog. The Edible Frog is one of the few animals in the world that is a fertile hybrid of 2 different species, as although similar but genetically different species are known to mate, it is very rare that their offspring will be able to breed. The Edible Frog is a fertile hybrid of 2 other European frogs, namely the Pool Frog and the Marsh Frog, that inter-bred when populations where isolated close to one another during the Ice Age. It was first described in 1758 and is known as the Edible Frog due to the fact that it is now seen as a culinary delicacy across Europe but especially in France where frog’s legs are often served as a national dish. The reason for humans favouring this frog over others is not really known but it may have something to do with their abundance. The Edible Frog is a medium sized frog growing to around 3.5 to 4.5 inches in length. Adults are mainly green in colour with light patches of brown on their backs, yellow eyes and a white underside covered in a few dark spots. There are number of distinct differences between males and females including the fact that males become much lighter and greener during the mating season. Males also have vocal sacs on the outside of their cheeks and extra skin patches on their feet, both of which are primarily used for mating. The Edible Frog is endemic to Europe and it naturally occurs across central Europe as far north as Germany and Estonia. Southern populations are found from Croatia, through northern Italy and into the south of France. There are also isolated populations in Sweden and Bulgaria which are thought to have migrated from the countries nearby. It has also been introduced to the UK. The Edible Frog spends all of its time either in or very close to water and it is most commonly found in calmer parts of rivers and streams where there is a slow but constant flow of fresh water. It tends to prefer more open areas and can also be commonly found around lakes, ponds and marshes. Unlike many other species of frog, the Edible Frog is a diurnal animal and is therefore most active during the day. This is when it is most likely to move away from the water so that it can find a better supply of food or move to a different part of the water if it needs to. The Edible Frog is a relatively solitary animal so there is less competition for food but males are often seen sitting together in groups during the breeding season when they are trying to out-compete each other to find a mate. The breeding season for the Edible Frog begins during March and generally lasts for around 2 months. Males sing by drawing air in and out of their vocal sacs to produce the highest-pitched sound possible since females are most attracted to the loudest males. After courting her in a lake, pond or swamp, the male lets the female lay up to 10,000 eggs in a sticky mass into the water before he fertilises them. Tadpoles can be as small as 0.2 inches long when they hatch and are a grey/brown colour. They then grow up to 2 to 3 inches in length before metamorphoses occurs and they leave the water as 0.75 inches long young frogs. The Edible Frog reaches sexual maturity at the age of 2 years and can live until it is 15 years old. The Edible Frog is a carnivorous amphibian but the tadpoles mainly eat vegetation although they are known to occasionally supplement their diet with aquatic micro-organisms. Adults eat small invertebrates such as insects, spiders and flies, which make up the majority of their diet, along with larger aquatic animals like fish, newts and other frogs. The Edible Frog hunts for food during the day and can be seen catching food both in water and on land. The Edible Frog remains very still when it is sitting on the banks of its water habitat and this, along with its camouflage, makes it very difficult for predators to spot. Its eyes are positioned near the top of the head meaning that it can also see danger coming whilst the body is mainly hidden. Snakes, owls and water birds are the main predators of the Edible Frog. The Edible Frog will jump into the water and hide if it senses approaching danger and it will make a loud screeching sound if caught. Edible Frog populations are under threat from habitat destruction mainly caused by deforestation and water pollution. Date: 2nd June 2021 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo44605479.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_38869185161acc15c8d104.jpgCarrion Crow The Carrion Crow is a passerine bird in the crow family Corvidae. The Hooded Crow was formerly regarded as a sub-species but it has now been split off as a separate species The plumage of the Carrion Crow is black with a green or purple sheen. The bill, legs and feet are also black. It can be distinguished from the Raven by its smaller size (19 to 20 inches in length as compared to an average of 25 inches for the Raven) and from the Hooded Crow by its all black plumage. There is frequent confusion between the Carrion Crow and the Rook, another black corvid species found within its range. The beak of the Carrion Crow is stouter and in consequence it looks shorter and whereas in the adult Rook the nostrils are bare, those of the Carrion Crow are covered at all ages with bristle-like feathers. As well as this, the wings of a Carrion Crow are proportionally shorter and broader than those of the Rook when seen in flight. Unlike the Rook which is generally gregarious, the Carrion Crow is usually solitary or seen in breeding pairs. The Carrion Crow is a noisy bird, perching on a vantage point such as a building or the top of a tree and calling 3 or 4 times in quick succession with a slight pause between each series of calls. During each series of calls, the bird may perform an accompanying gesture, bowing its head and neck downwards with each call. The Carrion Crow can become tame near humans and can often be found in or around areas of human activity or habitation where they compete with other social birds such as gulls and ducks for food. The Carrion Crow breeds in west and central Europe with an allied form or race occurring in east Asia with the closely allied Hooded Crow filling the gap between. Fertile hybrids occur along the boundary between these 2 forms indicating their close genetic relationship. Across its range, it can be seen all year round in a wide range of habitats such as urban areas, farmland, woodlands, mountains, moorlands and seashores. The Carrion Crow reaches sexual maturity around the age of 3 years for females and 5 years for males and birds often mate for life. The Carrion Crow builds a bulky stick nest which is usually placed in a tall tree although cliff ledges, old buildings and pylons may be used as well. Nests are also occasionally placed on or near the ground. The nest resembles that of the Raven but is less bulky. The female lays 3 to 4 eggs which are incubated for 18 to 20 days by the female alone who is fed by the male. The young fledge after 29 to 30 days. It is not uncommon for offspring from the previous year to stay around and help rear the new hatchlings. Instead of seeking out a mate, these birds look for food and assist the parents in feeding the young. Although an eater of carrion of all kinds, the Carrion Crow will eat insects, earthworms, grain, fruits, seeds, small mammals, amphibians and scraps and it will also steal eggs of other birds. It is a scavenger by nature which is why it tends to frequent sites inhabited by humans in order to feed on household waste. The Carrion Crow will also harass birds of prey or even Foxes for their kills. The Carrion Crow has few natural predators although powerful raptors such as the Northern Goshawk, the Peregrine, the Eurasian Eagle Owl and the Golden Eagle will readily hunt them and they can become an important prey item locally. Date: 25th November 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19507447.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_133959368852528b921b9e5.jpgLos Llanos de Libar, Sierra de Grazalema, Andalucia, Spain The Sierra de Libar lies between the Sierra de Grazalema and the Guadiaro river valley. The Sierra de Libar range itself consists of two karst limestone ridges running in a north-south direction separated by the fertile valley of Los Llanos de Libar. The Los Llanos de Libar track starting at the mountain village of Montejaque west of Ronda allows access to open pasture, oak woodlands limestone pavements and craggy cliffs.. Date: 8th September 2013 Location: view from the track running south west out of Montejaque, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43082694.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_138172677160dd84ce8569a.jpgEdible Frog The Edible Frog is a species of frog found across Europe that is also known as the Common Water Frog and the Green Frog. The Edible Frog is one of the few animals in the world that is a fertile hybrid of 2 different species, as although similar but genetically different species are known to mate, it is very rare that their offspring will be able to breed. The Edible Frog is a fertile hybrid of 2 other European frogs, namely the Pool Frog and the Marsh Frog, that inter-bred when populations where isolated close to one another during the Ice Age. It was first described in 1758 and is known as the Edible Frog due to the fact that it is now seen as a culinary delicacy across Europe but especially in France where frog’s legs are often served as a national dish. The reason for humans favouring this frog over others is not really known but it may have something to do with their abundance. The Edible Frog is a medium sized frog growing to around 3.5 to 4.5 inches in length. Adults are mainly green in colour with light patches of brown on their backs, yellow eyes and a white underside covered in a few dark spots. There are number of distinct differences between males and females including the fact that males become much lighter and greener during the mating season. Males also have vocal sacs on the outside of their cheeks and extra skin patches on their feet, both of which are primarily used for mating. The Edible Frog is endemic to Europe and it naturally occurs across central Europe as far north as Germany and Estonia. Southern populations are found from Croatia, through northern Italy and into the south of France. There are also isolated populations in Sweden and Bulgaria which are thought to have migrated from the countries nearby. It has also been introduced to the UK. The Edible Frog spends all of its time either in or very close to water and it is most commonly found in calmer parts of rivers and streams where there is a slow but constant flow of fresh water. It tends to prefer more open areas and can also be commonly found around lakes, ponds and marshes. Unlike many other species of frog, the Edible Frog is a diurnal animal and is therefore most active during the day. This is when it is most likely to move away from the water so that it can find a better supply of food or move to a different part of the water if it needs to. The Edible Frog is a relatively solitary animal so there is less competition for food but males are often seen sitting together in groups during the breeding season when they are trying to out-compete each other to find a mate. The breeding season for the Edible Frog begins during March and generally lasts for around 2 months. Males sing by drawing air in and out of their vocal sacs to produce the highest-pitched sound possible since females are most attracted to the loudest males. After courting her in a lake, pond or swamp, the male lets the female lay up to 10,000 eggs in a sticky mass into the water before he fertilises them. Tadpoles can be as small as 0.2 inches long when they hatch and are a grey/brown colour. They then grow up to 2 to 3 inches in length before metamorphoses occurs and they leave the water as 0.75 inches long young frogs. The Edible Frog reaches sexual maturity at the age of 2 years and can live until it is 15 years old. The Edible Frog is a carnivorous amphibian but the tadpoles mainly eat vegetation although they are known to occasionally supplement their diet with aquatic micro-organisms. Adults eat small invertebrates such as insects, spiders and flies, which make up the majority of their diet, along with larger aquatic animals like fish, newts and other frogs. The Edible Frog hunts for food during the day and can be seen catching food both in water and on land. The Edible Frog remains very still when it is sitting on the banks of its water habitat and this, along with its camouflage, makes it very difficult for predators to spot. Its eyes are positioned near the top of the head meaning that it can also see danger coming whilst the body is mainly hidden. Snakes, owls and water birds are the main predators of the Edible Frog. The Edible Frog will jump into the water and hide if it senses approaching danger and it will make a loud screeching sound if caught. Edible Frog populations are under threat from habitat destruction mainly caused by deforestation and water pollution. Date: 2nd June 2021 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo20140145.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4490263252c0035f66e45.jpgMute Swan The Mute Swan is a species of swan native to much of Eurasia. Despite its Eurasian origin, its closest relatives are the Black Swan of Australia and the Black-necked Swan of south America, not the other Northern Hemisphere swans such as the Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan. The name “mute” derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. The adult Mute Swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob at the top of the beak. All Mute Swans are white at maturity although the feathers (particularly on the head and neck) are often stained orange-brown by iron and tannins in the water. Young birds (cygnets) are not the bright white colour of mature adults and their bill is dull greyish-black for the first year. The plumage may range from pure white to grey to buff with grey/buff being the most common. Cygnets typically retain their grey/buff feathers until they are at least 1 year old. On average, the Mute Swan is the second largest waterfowl species after the Trumpeter Swan although the male Mute Swan can easily match or even exceed a male Trumpeter Swan in mass. The adult Mute Swan typically ranges from 55 to 63 inches in length (although it can range in extreme cases from 49 to 67 inches) with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. Males (cobs) are larger than females (pens) and have a larger knob on their bill. The Mute Swan is one of the heaviest flying birds. In several studies from the UK, males were found to average from about 23.4 to 26.2 pounds, with a weight range of 20 to 32 pounds, while the slightly smaller females were found to average about 18.7 to 21.3 pounds, with a weight range of 17 to 23 pounds. The Mute Swan is less vocal than the noisy Bewick's Swan and Whooper Swan although it does make a variety of grunting, hoarse whistling and snorting noises, especially in communicating with their cygnets and threatening competitors or intruders trying to enter their territory. The most familiar sound associated with the Mute Swan is the vibrant throbbing of the wings in flight which is unique to the species and this can be heard from a range of up to 1 mile. The Mute Swan is found naturally mainly in the temperate areas of Europe across west Asia and as far east as Primorsky Krai in the far east of Russia. It is partially migratory throughout the northern latitudes in Europe and Asia as far south as north Africa and the Mediterranean. It is also often kept in captivity outside its natural range as a decoration for parks and ponds and escapes have occurred. The descendants of such birds have become naturalised in east USA and the Great Lakes region across the USA and Canada border. The Mute Swan population in the UK has increased recently probably due to better protection of this species. Some birds are resident all year whilst others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into east England. Mute Swans nest on large mounds that they build with waterside vegetation in shallow water on islands in the middle or at the very edge of a lake. It is a monogamous species and often reuses the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Males and females share the care of the nest. The female lays from 4 to 10 eggs and broods for around 36 days. Cygnets are unable to fly before an age of 120 to 150 days and this limits the distribution of the species in the northern edge of its range since the cygnets must learn to fly before the water freezes. The Mute Swan is usually strongly territorial with just a single pair on smaller lakes although in a few locations where a large area of suitable feeding habitat is found they can be colonial. The largest colonies can hold over 100 pairs such as that at the colony at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset in the UK. Non-mated juveniles up to 3 to 4 years old commonly form larger flocks often at regular traditional sites and these can total several hundred birds. The Mute Swan can be very aggressive in defence of its nest and it is highly protective of its mate and offspring. Most defensive attacks from a Mute Swan begin with a loud hiss and, if this is not sufficient to drive off the predator, are followed by a physical attack. It attacks by smashing at its enemy with bony spurs in the wings accompanied by biting with its large bill. Smaller waterbirds such as ducks are normally grabbed with the bill and dragged or thrown clear. Large waterfowl, such as the Canada Goose, more likely out of competition than in response to potential predation, may be aggressively driven off. The wings of the Mute Swan are very powerful although not strong enough to break an adult man's leg as has been claimed anecdotally. The Mute Swan feeds on a wide range of vegetation, both submerged aquatic plants which they reach with their long necks and by grazing on land. The food commonly includes agricultural crop plants such as oilseed rape and wheat and feeding flocks in the winter may cause significant crop damage, often as much through trampling with their large webbed feet as through direct consumption. Date: 9th December 2013 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4074522.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20937314474b157dc50b50c.jpgLas Estepas de Belchite, Aragon, Spain Las Estepas de Belchite are located to the south and south east of Zaragoza in Aragon and form one of the most important steppe landscapes in the Rio Ebre valley. Large areas have been destroyed through irrigation and cultivation and the low hills and plains are now a mix of steppe, cereal fields and irrigated areas with small wooded hills, gullies and cliffs formed by local rivers. Las Estepas de Bechite is an area of great importance for steppe birds and La Reserva Ornitológica El Planerón is one of the few protected areas. Date: 12th November 2009 Location: La Reserva Ornitológica El Planerón http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813332.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9404233555d0dddc04516e.jpgLoch Garten, Highland Loch Garten lies between the River Spey and the Cairngorm Mountains just to the north east of Aviemore and became famous in 1954 when a pair of Ospreys returned to nest here, the first since 1910. Loch Garten is situated in the Abernethy Forest, part of the largest native Caledonian pine forest in the UK. It offers a unique mix of woodland and northern bog with a great variety of birds and other wildlife. The loch and surrounding areas are managed by the RSPB as a nature reserve. Date: 6th June 2019 Location: view from the north shore near the RSPB visitor centre http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533187.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_162695957162ca7c7d8b211.jpgBanded Demoiselle Flight period: May to August. The Banded Demoiselle is a large metallic damselfly with fluttering, butterfly-like wings. Males have a metallic blue body with broad dark blue-black spots across the outer parts of the wings. Females have a metallic green body with translucent pale green wings. The Banded Demoiselle’s name is derived from the distinctive “fingerprint” mark on the wings of the males. Of the UK's damselflies, only the Banded Demoiselle and the similar Beautiful Demoiselle have coloured wings. The latter differs by displaying almost entirely dark, metallic wings. The Banded Demoiselle is mainly found amongst lush, damp vegetation along the edges of slow-flowing lowland streams rivers and canals and around still ponds and lakes. Males are very territorial and perform fluttering display flights to win over females. The Banded Demoiselle is common in Wales and most of England apart from in the north. However, its range is expanding. The species was first recorded from Scotland in 2002 and it has now spread along the east coast and west coast in southern Scotland. Date: 13th June 2022 Location: Cowles Drove near RSPB Lakenheath Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081419.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_130091727363a82aabab0e3.jpgBewick's Swan The Tundra Swan is a small Holarctic swan. The 2 taxa within it are usually regarded as conspecific but are also sometimes split into 2 species: the Bewick's Swan of the Palaearctic and the Whistling Swan of the Nearctic. The Bewick's Swan was named in 1830 by William Yarrell after the engraver Thomas Bewick who specialised in illustrations of birds and animals. The Bewick's Swan measures 45 to 55 inches in length with a wing span of 18.5 to 21.5 inches. Males are slightly larger and heavier than females. It is similar in appearance to the Whooper Swan but is smaller, shorter-necked and has a more rounded head shape. It has a variable bill pattern but always shows more black than yellow and having a blunt forward edge of the yellow base patch. The Whooper Swan has a bill that has more yellow than black and the forward edge of the yellow patch is usually pointed. The bill pattern for every individual Bewick's Swan is unique and scientists often make detailed drawings of each bill and assign names to the swans to assist with studying these birds. As their common name implies, the Tundra Swan breeds in the Arctic and sub-Arctic tundra where they inhabit shallow pools, lakes and rivers. Unlike the Mute Swan, but like the other Arctic swans, it is a migratory bird. The winter habitat is mainly grassland and marshland, often near the coast. The breeding range of the Bewick’s Swan extends across the coastal lowlands of Siberia from the Kola Peninsula east to the Pacific. It starts to arrive in its breeding range around mid-May and leaves for its winter range around the end of September. The populations west of the Taimyr Peninsula migrate via the White Sea, Baltic Sea and the Elbe estuary to winter in Denmark, the Netherlands and the UK where it is common in winter on a few RSPB and WWT reserves. Some birds also winter elsewhere on the southern shores of the North Sea. The Bewick’s Swans that breed in eastern Russia migrate via Mongolia and north China to winter in the coastal regions of Korea, Japan and south China, south to Guangdong and occasionally as far as Taiwan. A few birds from the central Siberian range also winter in Iran at the south of the Caspian Sea. Arrival in the winter range starts about mid-October although most birds spend weeks or even months at favourite resting locations and will only arrive in the winter range in November or even as late as January. Departure from the winter range starts in mid-February. Bewick’s Swans mate in the late spring, usually after they have returned to the breeding range. As is usual for swans, they pair monogamously until one partner dies. Should one partner die long before the other, the surviving bird often will not mate again for several years or even for the rest of its life. The nesting season starts at the end of May. The pair build the large mound-shaped nest from plant material at an elevated site near open water and they defend a large territory around it. The pen (female) lays and incubates a clutch of 2 to 7 (usually 3 to 5) eggs whilst the cob (male) keeps a steady lookout for potential predators heading towards his mate and offspring. The time from egg laying to hatching is 29 to 30 days. Since they nest in cold regions, Bewick’s Swan cygnets grow faster than those of swans breeding in warmer climates and they may fledge in 40 to 45 days. Cygnets stay with their parents for the first winter migration and the family is sometimes even joined by their offspring from previous breeding seasons while on the wintering grounds. Bewick’s Swans do not reach sexual maturity until 3 or 4 years of age. In summer, the diet of the Bewick’s Swan consists mainly of aquatic vegetation which it finds by sticking its head underwater or upending while swimming. It will also eat some grass growing on dry land. At other times of the year, leftover grains and other crops such as potatoes, picked up in open fields after harvest, make up much of the diet. Healthy adult Bewick’s Swans have few natural predators. The Arctic Fox may threaten breeding females and particular the eggs and hatchlings. Adults typically can stand their ground and displace foxes but occasionally the foxes are successful. Other potential nest predators include the Red Fox, the Brown Bear, the Golden Eagle, the Arctic Skua and the Glaucous Gull. The Brown Bear, the Golden Eagle and the Wolf may occasionally succeed at capturing and killing an adult. About 15% adults die each year from various causes and the average lifespan in the wild is about 10 years. The status of the Bewick's Swan is not well known although its population is in decline in north west Europe for largely unexplained reasons. It is increasingly dependent on agricultural crops to supplement its winter diet as aquatic vegetation in its winter habitat declines due to habitat destruction and water pollution. However, the main cause of adult mortality is hunting and, whilst the Bewick's Swan can not be hunted legally, almost half the birds studied contain lead shot in their bodies, indicating that they were shot at by poachers. Lead poisoning by ingestion of lead shot is also a very significant cause of mortality. The Bewick's Swan is one of the birds to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 9th January 2022 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31192365.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1277563884591824172469c3.09493144.jpgTree Pipit The Tree Pipit is a small passerine bird in the pipit family. It is an undistinguished-looking species, similar to the Meadow Pipit, streaked brown above and with black markings on a white belly and buff breast below. It can be distinguished from the slightly smaller Meadow Pipit by its heavier bill and greater contrast between its buff breast and white belly. The Tree Pipit’s song flight is unmistakable. The bird rises a short distance up from a tree and then parachutes down on stiff wings, the song becoming more drawn out towards the end. The Tree Pipit breeds across most of Europe and temperate western and central Asia. It is a long-distance migrant moving in winter to Africa and southern Asia. The Tree Pipit breeds in habitats with a wooded component, including lowland heath and coppice. It is found mostly in open birch woodland on the boundary with moorland or in open structured oak woodland. It nests on the ground amongst grass or heather tussocks. Date: 8th May 2017 Location: Gilfach RWT reserve, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453996.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7651946704ff547b689108.jpgGreater Flamingos The Greater Flamingo is a largely pinkish-white bird but the wing coverts are red and the primary and secondary flight feathers are black. The bill is pink with a black tip and the legs are entirely pink. The Greater Flamingo is the most widespread species of the flamingo family and can be found in parts of Africa, southern Asia and southern Europe (including Spain, Sardinia, Albania, Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Portugal and the Camargue region of France). Some populations are short distance migrants, and records north of the breeding range are relatively frequent. However, given the species' popularity in captivity, whether these are truly wild individuals is a matter of some debate. Date: 1st May 2012 Location: La Madre de las Marismas, El Rocío, Coto Doñana, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/barafundle-bay-and-beach-and https://images.on-this.website/4752_120692584264996ccc12c47.jpgBarafundle Bay and Beach and Stackpole Head, Pembrokeshire Barafundle Bay and Beach is part of the National Trust Stackpole Estate and accessible only by a half mile walk from the nearest car park at Stackpole Quay. It is a stunning broad stretch of golden sand flanked by woodland, dunes and limestone headlands. After crossing Barafundle Beach, a path leads up through the woodland before emerging on the cliff-top path to Stackpole Head, a spectacular point where the sea has sculpted stacks, caves, arches, inlets and headlands and where Guillemots, Razorbills, Choughs, Ravens and Peregrines breed. Date: 9th June 2023 Location: view from Pembrokeshire Coast Path, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230764.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10410476696491735eef312.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 14th May 2023 Location: Llanddeusant Red Kite feeding station, Carmarthenshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46027945.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3213885846291ef7855d6e.jpgOystercatcher The Oystercatcher is a wader in the oystercatcher family. It is an obvious and noisy bird with black and white plumage, red legs and a strong broad red bill which is used for smashing or prising open molluscs such as mussels or for finding earthworms. Despite its name, oysters do not form a large part of its diet. The Oystercatcher is unmistakable in flight with white patches on the wings and tail with otherwise black upperparts and white underparts. Young birds are more brown, have a white neck collar and a duller bill. The call is a distinctive loud piping. The bill shape varies: Oystercatchers with broad bill tips open molluscs by prising them apart or hammering through the shell whereas birds with pointed bills dig up worms. Much of this is due to the wear resulting from feeding on their prey. Individual Oystercatchers specialise in one technique or the other which they learn from their parents. The Oystercatcher is the most widespread of the oystercatchers with 3 races breeding in western Europe, central Eurasia, Kamchatka, China, and the western coast of Korea. It is a migratory species over most of its range. The European population breeds mainly in northern Europe but in winter the birds can be found in north Africa and southern parts of Europe. Although the species is present all year in Ireland, the UK and the adjacent European coasts, there is still migratory movement within these populations. The Oystercatcher breeds on shingle and rocky beaches, sand dunes, salt marshes and on the grassy tops of small islands and also inland on shingle banks of rivers, lakes and gravel pits. Date: 21st May 2022 Location: EWT Two Tree Island, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49276707.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1622657260649962b7973ac.jpgCommon Guillemots The Common Guillemot, also known as the Common Murre or Thin-billed Murre, is a large species of auk. The auks are a family of seabirds which includes the Brunnich's Guillemot or Thick-billed Murre, Razorbill, Little Auk and the extinct Great Auk. The Common Guillemot is 15 to 18 inches in length with a 24 to 29 inches wingspan. In breeding plumage, it is black or dark brown on the head, back and wings with white underparts. It has a thin dark pointed bill and a small rounded dark tail. Legs are grey and the bill is dark grey. Males and females are identical. Some individuals in the North Atlantic, known as "Bridled Guillemots", have a white ring around the eye extending back as a white line. This is not a distinct subspecies but a polymorphism that becomes more common the farther north the birds breed. The Common Guillemot flies with fast wing beats and has a flight speed of around 50 mph. Groups of birds are often seen flying together in a line just above the surface of the sea. However, it is not a very agile bird and take-off is often difficult. The Common Guillemot becomes flightless for 45 to 60 days while moulting its primary feathers. The Common Guillemot is a pursuit diver that forages for food by swimming underwater using its wings for propulsion. Dives usually last less than one minute but the bird swims underwater for distances of over 100 feet on a regular basis. Diving depths up to 590 feet have been recorded. The Common Guillemot has a circumpolar distribution and it occurs in low Arctic and boreal waters in the north Atlantic and north Pacific. It spends most of its time at sea and only comes to land to breed on rocky cliffs, sea stacks and islands. Some birds are permanent residents but northern birds migrate south to open waters off New England, southern California, Japan, Korea and the western Mediterranean. The Common Guillemot breeds in colonies at high densities and nesting pairs may be in bodily contact with their neighbours. No nest is made and the single egg is laid and incubated on a bare rock ledge on a cliff face. The egg hatches after 30 days incubation and the chick is born downy and can regulate its body temperature after 10 days. Some 20 days after hatching the chick jumps off its nesting ledge and heads for the sea unable to fly but gliding for some distance with fluttering wings and accompanied by its male parent. The chicks are capable of diving as soon as they hit the water. The female stays at the nest site for some 14 days after the chick has left. The Common Guillemot can venture far from its breeding grounds to forage and distances of 60 miles or more are often observed although if sufficient food is available closer by, birds will only travel much shorter distances. It mainly eats small schooling fish 8 inches long or less such as Polar Cod, Capelin, Sand Lances, Sprats, Sandeels, Atlantic Cod and Atlantic Herring. It also eats some molluscs, marine worms, squid and crustaceans. It is often seen carrying fish in its bill with the tail hanging out. Date: 7th June 2023 Location: Stack Rocks, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26006872.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3063209445634c63a3595a.jpgEiders The Eider is a large sea duck that is distributed over the northern coasts of Europe, north America and eastern Siberia. It breeds in the Arctic and some northern temperate regions but winters somewhat further south in temperate zones when it can form large flocks on coastal waters. The Eider is both the largest of the 4 eider species and the largest duck found in Europe and in north America (except for the Muscovy duck which only reaches north America in a wild state in southernmost Texas and south Florida). The Eider is characterized by its bulky shape and large, wedge-shaped bill. The male is unmistakable with its black and white plumage and green nape. The female is a brown bird but can still be readily distinguished from all ducks, except other eider species, on the basis of size and head shape. The drake's display call is a strange almost human-like "ah-ooo" while the duck utters hoarse quacks. The Eider dives for crustaceans and molluscs, with mussels being a favoured food. The Eider will eat mussels by swallowing them whole. The shells are then crushed in their gizzard and excreted. When eating a crab, the Eider will remove all of its claws and legs and then eat the body in a similar fashion. The Eider is abundant with populations of about 1.5 to 2 million birds in both Europe and north America and also large but unknown numbers in eastern Siberia. The Eider is a colonial breeder nesting on coastal islands in colonies ranging in size of less than 100 to upwards of 10,000 to 15,000 individuals. Female Eiders frequently exhibit a high degree of natal philopatry where they return to breed on the same island where they were hatched. This can lead to a high degree of relatedness between individuals nesting on the same island as well as the development of kin-based female social structures. This relatedness has likely played a role in the evolution of co-operative breeding behaviours amongst Eiders. Examples of these behaviours include laying eggs in the nests of related individuals and crèching where female Eiders team up and share the work of rearing ducklings. The Eider's nest is built close to the sea and is lined with the celebrated eiderdown plucked from the female's breast. This soft and warm lining has long been harvested for filling pillows and quilts but in more recent years has been largely replaced by down from domestic farm geese and synthetic alternatives. Although eiderdown pillows or quilts are now a rarity, eiderdown harvesting continues and is sustainable as it can be done after the ducklings leave the nest with no harm to the birds. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Steingrímsfjarðarheiði to Ísafjörður, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081400.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_23651397663a71ce5ca522.jpgTree Sparrow The Tree Sparrow is a member of the sparrow family Passer, a group of small passerine birds that is believed to have originated in Africa and which contains 15 to 25 species. The Tree Sparrow's name is derived from 2 Latin words: passer meaning "sparrow" and montanus meaning "of the mountains". The common name is given to suggest the preference for tree holes for nesting. However, this name and the scientific name montanus do not appropriately describe the Tree Sparrow’s habitat preferences: the German name Feldsperling meaning "field sparrow" comes closer to doing so. The Tree Sparrow is around 5 to 5.5 inches in length with a wingspan of about 8.3 inches, making it roughly 10% smaller than the House Sparrow. The adult's crown and nape are a rich chestnut and there is a kidney-shaped black ear patch on each pure white cheek. The chin, throat and the area between the bill and throat are black. The upperparts are light brown streaked with black and the brown wings have 2 distinct narrow white bars. The legs are pale brown and the bill is lead-blue in summer becoming almost black in winter. The Tree Sparrow is distinctive even within its own family in that there are no plumage differences between the sexes. The juvenile resembles the adult although the colours tend to be duller. The contrasting face pattern makes the Tree Sparrow easily identifiable in all plumages and the smaller size and chestnut (not grey) crown are additional differences from the male House Sparrow. The Tree Sparrow's breeding range comprises most of temperate Europe and Asia south of about latitude 68°N (north of this the summers are too cold) and through south east Asia to Java and Bali. It is sedentary over most of its extensive range but northernmost breeding populations migrate south for the winter and small numbers leave south Europe for north Africa and the Middle East. The Tree Sparrow has been introduced outside its native range but it has not always become successfully established, possibly due to competition with the House Sparrow. Ship-carried birds have colonised some areas and birds have also occurred as vagrants. Despite its scientific name, the Tree Sparrow is not typically a mountain species and reaches only 2300 feet in Switzerland although it has bred at 5600 feet in the northern Caucasus and as high as 14010 feet in Nepal. In Europe, the Tree Sparrow is frequently found in open countryside with small isolated patches of woodland but also on coasts with cliffs, in woodland along slow water courses and in empty buildings. It shows a strong preference for nest sites near wetland habitats and avoids breeding on intensively managed farmland. In Europe, where the Tree Sparrow and the House Sparrow occur in the same region, the House Sparrow generally nests in urban areas while the Tree Sparrow nests in rural areas. Where trees are in short supply, both species may utilise man-made structures as nest sites. Whilst the Tree Sparrow is mainly a rural bird in Europe, it tends to be an urban bird in Asia and Australia. In the UK, the Tree Sparrow is scarcer in upland areas and the far north and west of the and the main populations are now found across the Midlands and south and east England. The Tree Sparrow may breed in isolated pairs or in loose colonies. The male calls from near the nest site in spring to proclaim ownership and attract a mate and he may also carry nest material in to the nest hole. The Tree Sparrow typically builds its nest in a cavity in an old tree or rock face. Some nests are not in holes as such but are built among roots of overhanging bushes. Roof cavities in houses and nest boxes are also readily used. In addition, the Tree Sparrow will breed in the disused nest of a Magpie or other crow species or an active or unused nest of a large bird such as the White Stork or a heron or raptor species. It will sometimes attempt to take over the nest of other birds that breed in holes or enclosed spaces such as tit species, flycatcher species, Swallow, House Martin, Sand Martin or European Bee-eater. The untidy nest is composed of hay, grass, wool or other material and lined with feathers which improve thermal insulation. The female lays 5 or 6 eggs which are incubated by both parents for 12 to 13 days and the chicks fledge after a further 15 to 18 days. There are 2 or 3 broods each year. Hybridisation between the Tree Sparrow and the House Sparrow has been recorded in many parts of the world with male hybrids tending to resemble the Tree Sparrow while female hybrids are more similar to the House Sparrow. The Tree Sparrow is a predominantly seed and grain eating bird which feeds on the ground in flocks and often with House Sparrows, finches and buntings. It may also visit feeding stations. It additionally feeds on invertebrates including insects, woodlice, millipedes, centipedes, spiders, etc. especially during the breeding season when the young are fed mainly on animal food. Adults use a variety of wetlands when foraging for invertebrate prey to feed chicks and aquatic sites play a key role in providing adequate diversity and availability of suitable invertebrate prey to allow successful chick rearing. Large areas of formerly occupied farmland no longer provide these invertebrate resources due to the effects of intensive farming. The Tree Sparrow has a large range and a large population. Although the population is declining, the species is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List. For this reason, the Tree Sparrow is designated as being of “Least Concern”. Although the Tree Sparrow has been expanding its range in Fennoscandia and east Europe, its population has been declining in much of west Europe, a trend reflected in other farmland birds such as the Skylark and Corn Bunting. The collapse in population seems to have been particularly severe in the UK where there was a 93% decline between 1970 and 2008. However, recent Breeding Bird Survey data is encouraging and suggests that numbers may have started to increase albeit from a very low point. The decrease in population is probably the result of agricultural intensification and specialisation, particularly the increased use of herbicides and a trend towards autumn-sown crops at the expense of spring-sown crops that produce stubble fields in winter. The change from mixed to specialised farming and the increased use of insecticides has reduced the amount of insect food available for chicks. Date: 10th January 2022 Location: WWT Welney, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230772.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12173468116491736dba06a.jpgRed Kites The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 14th May 2023 Location: Llanddeusant Red Kite feeding station, Carmarthenshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081417.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_135645084863a82aa2d1433.jpgBewick's Swan The Tundra Swan is a small Holarctic swan. The 2 taxa within it are usually regarded as conspecific but are also sometimes split into 2 species: the Bewick's Swan of the Palaearctic and the Whistling Swan of the Nearctic. The Bewick's Swan was named in 1830 by William Yarrell after the engraver Thomas Bewick who specialised in illustrations of birds and animals. The Bewick's Swan measures 45 to 55 inches in length with a wing span of 18.5 to 21.5 inches. Males are slightly larger and heavier than females. It is similar in appearance to the Whooper Swan but is smaller, shorter-necked and has a more rounded head shape. It has a variable bill pattern but always shows more black than yellow and having a blunt forward edge of the yellow base patch. The Whooper Swan has a bill that has more yellow than black and the forward edge of the yellow patch is usually pointed. The bill pattern for every individual Bewick's Swan is unique and scientists often make detailed drawings of each bill and assign names to the swans to assist with studying these birds. As their common name implies, the Tundra Swan breeds in the Arctic and sub-Arctic tundra where they inhabit shallow pools, lakes and rivers. Unlike the Mute Swan, but like the other Arctic swans, it is a migratory bird. The winter habitat is mainly grassland and marshland, often near the coast. The breeding range of the Bewick’s Swan extends across the coastal lowlands of Siberia from the Kola Peninsula east to the Pacific. It starts to arrive in its breeding range around mid-May and leaves for its winter range around the end of September. The populations west of the Taimyr Peninsula migrate via the White Sea, Baltic Sea and the Elbe estuary to winter in Denmark, the Netherlands and the UK where it is common in winter on a few RSPB and WWT reserves. Some birds also winter elsewhere on the southern shores of the North Sea. The Bewick’s Swans that breed in eastern Russia migrate via Mongolia and north China to winter in the coastal regions of Korea, Japan and south China, south to Guangdong and occasionally as far as Taiwan. A few birds from the central Siberian range also winter in Iran at the south of the Caspian Sea. Arrival in the winter range starts about mid-October although most birds spend weeks or even months at favourite resting locations and will only arrive in the winter range in November or even as late as January. Departure from the winter range starts in mid-February. Bewick’s Swans mate in the late spring, usually after they have returned to the breeding range. As is usual for swans, they pair monogamously until one partner dies. Should one partner die long before the other, the surviving bird often will not mate again for several years or even for the rest of its life. The nesting season starts at the end of May. The pair build the large mound-shaped nest from plant material at an elevated site near open water and they defend a large territory around it. The pen (female) lays and incubates a clutch of 2 to 7 (usually 3 to 5) eggs whilst the cob (male) keeps a steady lookout for potential predators heading towards his mate and offspring. The time from egg laying to hatching is 29 to 30 days. Since they nest in cold regions, Bewick’s Swan cygnets grow faster than those of swans breeding in warmer climates and they may fledge in 40 to 45 days. Cygnets stay with their parents for the first winter migration and the family is sometimes even joined by their offspring from previous breeding seasons while on the wintering grounds. Bewick’s Swans do not reach sexual maturity until 3 or 4 years of age. In summer, the diet of the Bewick’s Swan consists mainly of aquatic vegetation which it finds by sticking its head underwater or upending while swimming. It will also eat some grass growing on dry land. At other times of the year, leftover grains and other crops such as potatoes, picked up in open fields after harvest, make up much of the diet. Healthy adult Bewick’s Swans have few natural predators. The Arctic Fox may threaten breeding females and particular the eggs and hatchlings. Adults typically can stand their ground and displace foxes but occasionally the foxes are successful. Other potential nest predators include the Red Fox, the Brown Bear, the Golden Eagle, the Arctic Skua and the Glaucous Gull. The Brown Bear, the Golden Eagle and the Wolf may occasionally succeed at capturing and killing an adult. About 15% adults die each year from various causes and the average lifespan in the wild is about 10 years. The status of the Bewick's Swan is not well known although its population is in decline in north west Europe for largely unexplained reasons. It is increasingly dependent on agricultural crops to supplement its winter diet as aquatic vegetation in its winter habitat declines due to habitat destruction and water pollution. However, the main cause of adult mortality is hunting and, whilst the Bewick's Swan can not be hunted legally, almost half the birds studied contain lead shot in their bodies, indicating that they were shot at by poachers. Lead poisoning by ingestion of lead shot is also a very significant cause of mortality. The Bewick's Swan is one of the birds to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 9th January 2022 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405500.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3957524116586ed031bd0a.jpgSparrowhawk The Sparrowhawk is a small bird of prey that is adapted for hunting birds up to pigeon size in confined spaces like dense woodland. The adult male has a bluish-grey back and wings and orangey-brown bars on the chest and belly. The female and young birds have a brown back and wings and brown bars on the chest and belly. The Sparrowhawk has bright yellow or orangey eyes, long yellow legs and long talons. Females are larger than males as with most birds of prey. The Sparrowhawk can be seen at any time of year throughout the UK except for parts of the Scottish Highlands, the Western Isles and Shetland. It can be found in woodland and open country but it also visits gardens in towns and cities and in rural areas. Date: 7th November 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46830569.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_118529631862e8fac9cec91.jpgGatekeeper Flight period: mid-July to early September. The Gatekeeper or Hedge Brown is common and widespread throughout the southern half of the UK. They can be found in areas with hedgerows or in scrubby woodland with wide and sunny rides. Date: 30th July 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512855.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_97671844062c9a4a9f3d99.jpgFallow Deer Fallow Deer are native to the Mediterranean region of Europe and from Turkey to Iran but they have been introduced to nearly 40 countries including the UK by the Normans in the 11th century. They have since become the most widespread species of deer in the UK and typically can be found in deciduous woodland with open patches. Fallow Deer commonly gather in small herds of 4 to 5 but in good feeding areas groupings of up to 100 may gather. When competing for access to females, males display by groaning, thrashing their antlers and by walking alongside their opponent. Fighting occurs if both stags are evenly matched and involves wrestling and clashing of antlers. Fallow Deer have many colour varieties but they are typically fawn-coloured in the summer and reddish-brown in the winter. They have yellow-white undersides, white spots and a black line that runs along the back to the tip of the tail. The spots become less conspicuous or disappear in winter. Males have palmate (flattened) antlers. Date: 13th May 2022 Location: Knepp, West Sussex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo20950790.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2015684140535e0db7b43b6.jpgBarn Owl With a heart shaped face, buff back and wings and pure white under-parts the Barn Owl is a distinctive and much-loved bird of the countryside. Barn Owls are widely distributed across the UK and can be seen all year round sometimes during the day but normally at dusk in open country and along field edges, riverbanks and roadside verges. Barn Owls have suffered population declines over the past 50 years as a result of habitat degradation following increasing intensive agricultural practices. However, that decline has stopped in many areas and their population may now be increasing. Date: 9th February 2014 Location: Wallasea Island RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/wild-cat https://images.on-this.website/4752_718896651559cf3d1e5612.jpgEuropean Wild Cat The European Wild Cat is a sub-species of the Wild Cat that inhabits European forests and scrub grassland as well as forested areas in Turkey and the Caucasus Mountains. It is absent in Scandinavia and has been extirpated in England and Wales. Numbers in Scotland are critically low. The European Wild Cat is much bigger and stouter than the domestic cat, has a longer pelage and a shorter non-tapering bushy tail. It has a striped fur and a dark dorsal band. Since European Wild Cats and domestic cats interbreed, it is difficult to distinguish European Wild Cat and striped hybrids correctly on the basis of only physical appearance. Although the European Wild Cat physically resembles domesticated cats in most respects, domesticated breeds show a great variety of shapes and colours whilst wild species are pale yellow to medium-brown with black stripes or spots. The underparts are light grey,and sometimes marked with black spots. The European Wild Cat ranges from 18 to 32 inches in length and weighs between 6 and 13 pounds. Shoulder height averages about 13.5 inches and tail length is about 12 inches. The European Wild Cat has the same range of vocalisations as a domestic cat, including purring, meowing, hissing, and growling. Except during the mating season, however, they tend to be quiet animals, vocalising only when close to each other. The European Wild Cat is predominantly nocturnal but is active in the daytime in the absence of human disturbance. It can be found in a wide variety of habitats from deserts and scrub grassland to dry and mixed forest, absent only from rainforest and coniferous forest. It is primarily associated with forest and is found in highest numbers in broad-leaved or mixed forests with low densities of humans. It is also found in Mediterranean maquis scrubland, riparian forest, marsh boundaries and along sea coasts. Areas of intensive cultivation are avoided. The European Wild Cat is widespread in continental Greece with sightings in all forested areas and many wetlands. There are apparently more sightings in north and north east Greece where the population density seems to be higher. The population trend has not been quantified but is believed to be stable. Rodents and rabbits are the staple of the European Wild Cat 's diet across its range. Birds are of secondary importance although a variety of small prey is taken. The European Wild Cat typically breeds only once a year, although a second litter may be produced if the first dies early. The European Wild Cat breeds between February and March. Gestation is from 56 to 69 days and litter sizes range from 1 to 5 kittens, with 3 or 4 being the most common. Date: 8th May 2015 Location: Evros Delta (east), East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623469.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1334255216117e08b08b36.jpgLittle Egret The Little Egret is a species of small heron. The genus name comes from the Provençal French Aigrette (egret), a diminutive of Aigron (heron). The adult Little Egret is 22 to 26 inches long with a 35 to 42 inches wingspan. Its plumage is normally entirely white although there are dark forms with largely bluish-grey plumage. In the breeding season, the adult has 2 long plumes on the nape that form a crest. These plumes are about 6 inches in length and are pointed and very narrow. There are similar feathers on the breast but the barbs are more widely spread. There are also several elongated scapular feathers that have long loose barbs around 8 inches long. During the winter the plumage is similar but the scapulars are shorter and more normal in appearance. The bill is long and slender and both it and the lores are black. There is an area of greenish-grey bare skin at the base of the lower mandible and around the eye which has a yellow iris. The legs are black and the feet yellow. Juveniles are similar to non-breeding adults but have greenish-black legs and duller yellow feet and may have a certain proportion of greyish or brownish feathers. The Little Egret is mostly silent but it does make various croaking and bubbling calls at its breeding colonies and it produces a harsh alarm call when disturbed. The breeding range of the western race of the Little Egret includes south Europe, the Middle East, much of Africa and south Asia. European populations are migratory and mostly travel to Africa although some remain in southern Europe. During the late 20th century, the range of the Little Egret expanded northwards in Europe and into the New World. The Little Egret's habitat varies widely and includes the shores of lakes, rivers, canals, ponds, lagoons, marshes and flooded land, the bird preferring open locations to dense cover. On the coast it inhabits mudflats, sandy beaches, mangrove areas, swamps and reefs. The Little Egret is a sociable bird and can be seen in small flocks. However, individual birds do not tolerate others coming too close to their chosen feeding site although this depends on the abundance of prey. The Little Egret uses a variety of methods to find its food. It stalks its prey in shallow water, often running with raised wings or shuffling its feet to disturb small fish, or it may stand still and wait to ambush prey. It also makes use of opportunities provided by Cormorants disturbing fish or humans attracting fish by throwing bread into water. On land, it walks or runs while chasing its prey, often feeding on creatures disturbed by grazing livestock. The diet is mainly fish but amphibians, small reptiles, mammals and birds are also eaten as well as crustaceans, molluscs, insects, spiders and worms. The Little Egret nests in colonies, often with other wading birds such as Cattle Egret, Black-crowned Night Heron, Squacco Heron and Glossy Ibis. The nests are usually platforms of sticks built in trees or shrubs or in reed beds or bamboo groves. Pairs defend a small breeding territory, usually extending around 10 to 13 feet from the nest. The 3 to 5 eggs are incubated by both adults for 21 to 25 days before hatching. The young birds are covered in white down feathers are cared for by both parents and fledge after 40 to 45 days. Globally, the Little Egret is not listed as a threatened species and has in fact expanded its range over the last few decades.[5] The IUCN states that their wide distribution and large total population means that they are a species that cause them "least concern". Historical research has shown that the Little Egret was once present, and probably common, in the UK but became extinct there through a combination of over-hunting in the late mediaeval period and climate change at the start of the Little Ice Age. Further declines occurred throughout Europe as the plumes of the Little Egret and other egrets were in demand for decorating hats. They had been used in the plume trade since at least the 17th century but in the 19th century it became a major craze and the number of egret skins passing through dealers reached into the millions. Hunting, which reduced the population of the species to dangerously low levels, stimulated the establishment of Britain's Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in 1889. By the 1950s, the Little Egret had become restricted to south Europe and conservation laws protecting the species were introduced. This allowed the population to rebound strongly and over the next few decades it became increasingly common in western France and later on the north coast. It bred in the Netherlands in 1979 with further breeding from the 1990s onward. Populations are now mostly stable or increasing in Europe. In the UK, the Little Egret was a rare vagrant from its 16th century extinction until the late 20th century. It has, however, recently become a regular breeding species and is commonly present, often in large numbers, at favoured coastal sites. The first recent breeding record in England was on Brownsea Island in Dorset in 1996 and it bred in Wales for the first time in 2002. The population increase has been rapid subsequently with over 750 pairs breeding in nearly 70 colonies in 2008 and a post-breeding total of 4,540 birds in September 2008. Severe winter weather proves only to be a temporary setback and the Little Egret continues to expand both its numbers and range in the UK. Date: 5th July 2021 Location: RSPB Old Moor, Dearne Valley, South Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081447.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3707748563a845612436f.jpgMute Swan The Mute Swan is a species of swan native to much of Eurasia. Despite its Eurasian origin, its closest relatives are the Black Swan of Australia and the Black-necked Swan of south America, not the other Northern Hemisphere swans such as the Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan. The name “mute” derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. The adult Mute Swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob at the top of the beak. All Mute Swans are white at maturity although the feathers (particularly on the head and neck) are often stained orange-brown by iron and tannins in the water. Young birds (cygnets) are not the bright white colour of mature adults and their bill is dull greyish-black for the first year. The plumage may range from pure white to grey to buff with grey/buff being the most common. Cygnets typically retain their grey/buff feathers until they are at least 1 year old. On average, the Mute Swan is the second largest waterfowl species after the Trumpeter Swan although the male Mute Swan can easily match or even exceed a male Trumpeter Swan in mass. The adult Mute Swan typically ranges from 55 to 63 inches in length (although it can range in extreme cases from 49 to 67 inches) with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. Males (cobs) are larger than females (pens) and have a larger knob on their bill. The Mute Swan is one of the heaviest flying birds. In several studies from the UK, males were found to average from about 23.4 to 26.2 pounds, with a weight range of 20 to 32 pounds, while the slightly smaller females were found to average about 18.7 to 21.3 pounds, with a weight range of 17 to 23 pounds. The Mute Swan is less vocal than the noisy Bewick's Swan and Whooper Swan although it does make a variety of grunting, hoarse whistling and snorting noises, especially in communicating with their cygnets and threatening competitors or intruders trying to enter their territory. The most familiar sound associated with the Mute Swan is the vibrant throbbing of the wings in flight which is unique to the species and this can be heard from a range of up to 1 mile. The Mute Swan is found naturally mainly in the temperate areas of Europe across west Asia and as far east as Primorsky Krai in the far east of Russia. It is partially migratory throughout the northern latitudes in Europe and Asia as far south as north Africa and the Mediterranean. It is also often kept in captivity outside its natural range as a decoration for parks and ponds and escapes have occurred. The descendants of such birds have become naturalised in east USA and the Great Lakes region across the USA and Canada border. The Mute Swan population in the UK has increased recently probably due to better protection of this species. Some birds are resident all year whilst others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into east England. Mute Swans nest on large mounds that they build with waterside vegetation in shallow water on islands in the middle or at the very edge of a lake. It is a monogamous species and often reuses the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Males and females share the care of the nest. The female lays from 4 to 10 eggs and broods for around 36 days. Cygnets are unable to fly before an age of 120 to 150 days and this limits the distribution of the species in the northern edge of its range since the cygnets must learn to fly before the water freezes. The Mute Swan is usually strongly territorial with just a single pair on smaller lakes although in a few locations where a large area of suitable feeding habitat is found they can be colonial. The largest colonies can hold over 100 pairs such as that at the colony at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset in the UK. Non-mated juveniles up to 3 to 4 years old commonly form larger flocks often at regular traditional sites and these can total several hundred birds. The Mute Swan can be very aggressive in defence of its nest and it is highly protective of its mate and offspring. Most defensive attacks from a Mute Swan begin with a loud hiss and, if this is not sufficient to drive off the predator, are followed by a physical attack. It attacks by smashing at its enemy with bony spurs in the wings accompanied by biting with its large bill. Smaller waterbirds such as ducks are normally grabbed with the bill and dragged or thrown clear. Large waterfowl, such as the Canada Goose, more likely out of competition than in response to potential predation, may be aggressively driven off. The wings of the Mute Swan are very powerful although not strong enough to break an adult man's leg as has been claimed anecdotally. The Mute Swan feeds on a wide range of vegetation, both submerged aquatic plants which they reach with their long necks and by grazing on land. The food commonly includes agricultural crop plants such as oilseed rape and wheat and feeding flocks in the winter may cause significant crop damage, often as much through trampling with their large webbed feet as through direct consumption. Date: 9th January 2022 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19905535.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1551315064529089d88edf6.jpgRuff The Ruff is a medium-sized wading bird in the sandpiper family, [i]Scolopacidae[/i]. The original English name for this bird, dating back to at least 1465, is the [i]ree[/i], perhaps derived from a dialectical term meaning "frenzied". A later name [I]reeve[/I], which is still used for the female, is of unknown origin but may be derived from the shire-reeve, a feudal officer, likening the male's flamboyant plumage to the official's robes. The current name was first recorded in 1634 and is derived from the ruff, an exaggerated collar fashionable from the mid-16th century to the mid-17th century, since the male bird's neck ornamental feathers resemble the neck wear. The Ruff has a distinctive appearance with a small head, medium-length bill, longish neck and pot-bellied body. It has long legs that are variable in colour but usually yellow or orange. In flight, it has a deeper, slower wing stroke than other waders of a similar size and it displays a thin, indistinct white bar on the wing and white ovals on the sides of the tail. The Ruff shows very distinctive sexual dimorphism. Although a small percentage of males resemble females, the typical male is much larger than the female and has an elaborate breeding plumage. The male is 11 to 13 inches in length with a 21 to 24 inches wingspan. During the May to June breeding season, the typical male's legs, bill and warty bare facial skin are orange and he has distinctive head tufts and a neck ruff. These ornaments vary on individual birds and are black, chestnut or white with the colouring solid, barred or irregular. The grey-brown back has a scale-like pattern, often with black or chestnut feathers, and the underparts are white with extensive black on the breast. The extreme variability of the main breeding plumage is thought to have developed to aid individual recognition in a species that has communal breeding displays but is usually mute. Outside the breeding season, the typical male's head and neck decorations and the bare facial skin are lost and the legs and bill become duller. The upperparts are grey-brown and the underparts are white with grey mottling on the breast and flanks. The female, or "reeve", is 9 to 10 inches in length with a 18 to 19 inches wingspan. In the breeding plumage, the female has grey-brown upperparts with white-fringed, dark-centred feathers. The breast and flanks are variably blotched with black. In winter, her plumage is similar to that of the male but the sexes are distinguishable on size. The plumage of the juvenile Ruff resembles the non-breeding adult but has upperparts with a neat, scale-like pattern with dark feather centres and a strong buff tinge to the underparts. The Ruff is a migratory species, breeding in wetlands in the colder regions of northern Eurasia and wintering in the tropics, mainly in Africa. There is a limited overlap of the summer and winter ranges in the UK and parts of coastal western Europe and birds may be present throughout the year. The Ruff breeds in Europe and Asia from Scandinavia and the UK almost to the Pacific. In Europe, it is found in cool temperate areas but over its Russian range it is an Arctic species and occurs mainly north of about 65°N. The largest numbers breed in Russia, Sweden, Finland and Norway. Although it also breeds from the UK east through the Low Countries to Poland, Germany and Denmark, the populations are much lower in these more southerly areas. The Ruff is highly gregarious on migration and it travels in large flocks that can contain hundreds or thousands of individuals. Huge dense groups form on the wintering grounds. The males, which play no part in nesting or chick care, leave the breeding grounds in late June or early July followed later in July by the females and juveniles. Males typically make shorter flights and winter further north than females. Many migratory species use this differential wintering strategy since it reduces feeding competition between the sexes and enables territorial males to reach the breeding grounds as early as possible thereby improving their chances of successful mating. Males may also be able to tolerate colder winter conditions because they are larger than females. The Ruff breeds in extensive lowland freshwater marshes and damp grasslands. It avoids barren tundra and areas badly affected by severe weather, preferring hummocky marshes and deltas with shallow water. The wetter areas provide a source of food, the mounds and slopes may be used for leks and dry areas with sedge or low scrub offer nesting sites. When it is not breeding, it can be found in a wider range of shallow wetlands. Dry grassland, tidal mudflats and the seashore are less frequently used. Male Ruffs display during the breeding season at a lek in a traditional open grassy arena. The Ruff is one of the few lekking species in which the display is primarily directed at other males rather than to the females and it is among a small percentage of birds in which the males have well-marked and inherited variations in plumage and mating behaviour. There are 3 male forms: the typical territorial males, satellite males which have a white neck ruff and a very rare variant with female-like plumage. The behaviour and appearance for an individual male remain constant through its adult life and are determined by its genes. The territorial males, about 84% of the total, have strongly coloured black or chestnut ruffs and stake out and occupy small mating territories in the lek. They actively court females and display a high degree of aggression towards other resident males. Between 5 and 20 territorial males each hold an area of the lek about 3 feet across and usually with bare soil in the centre. They perform an elaborate display that includes wing fluttering, jumping, standing upright, crouching with ruff erect or lunging at rivals. They are typically silent even when displaying. Territorial males are very site faithful and 90% return to the same lekking sites in subsequent seasons, the most dominant males being the most likely to reappear. Site faithful males can acquire accurate information about the competitive abilities of other males, leading to well-developed dominance relationships. Such stable relationships reduce conflict and the risk of injury and the consequent lower levels of male aggression are less likely to scare off females. Lower-ranked territorial males also benefit from site fidelity since they can remain on the leks while waiting for the top males eventually to drop out. Satellite males, about 16% of the total number, have white or mottled ruffs and do not occupy territories. Instead, they enter leks and attempt to mate with the females visiting the territories occupied by the resident territorial males. Resident territorial males tolerate the satellite birds because, although they are competitors for mating with the females, the presence of both types of male on a territory attracts additional females. A third type of male was first described in 2006. This is a permanent female mimic, the first such reported for a bird. About 1% of males are small, intermediate in size between males and females and do not grow the elaborate breeding plumage of the territorial and satellite males. This cryptic male obtains access to mating territories together with the females and "steals" matings when the females crouch to solicit copulation. It moults into the prenuptial male plumage with striped feathers but does not go on to develop the ornamental feathers of the normal male. Not all mating takes place at the lek since only a minority of the males attend an active lek. As alternative strategies, males can also directly pursue females or wait for them as they approach good feeding sites. The level of polyandry in the Ruff is the highest known for any avian lekking species and for any shorebird. More than half of females mate with and have clutches fertilised by more than one male. In lekking species, females can choose mates without risking the loss of support from males in nesting and rearing chicks since the males take no part in raising the brood anyway. The nest of the Ruff is a shallow ground scrape lined with grass leaves and stems and concealed in marsh plants or tall grass up to 450 yards from the lek. Nesting is solitary although several females may lay in the general vicinity of a lek. The female lays typically 4 eggs from mid-March to early June depending on latitude. Incubation is undertaken by the female alone and the time to hatching is 20 to 23 days with a further 25 to 28 days to fledging. The precocial chicks have buff and chestnut down, streaked and barred with black and frosted with white. They feed themselves on a variety of small invertebrates. The Ruff normally feeds using a steady walk and pecking action, selecting food items by sight, but it will also wade deeply and submerge its head. During the breeding season, the Ruff’s diet consists almost exclusively of the adults and larva of terrestrial and aquatic insects such as beetles and flies. On migration and during the winter, it eats insects, crustaceans, spiders, molluscs, worms, frogs, small fish and also the seeds of rice and other cereals, sedges, grasses and aquatic plants. The Ruff has a large range and a large population although there is some evidence of a decrease in the population in some regions and countries. However, the species as a whole is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List (i.e. declining more than 30 percent in 10 years or 3 generations). For these reasons, the Ruff is classified as "least concern". However, the range in much of Europe is contracting because of land drainage, increased fertiliser use, the loss of mown or grazed breeding sites and over-hunting. Therefore the Ruff is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 30th September 2013 Location: Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457643.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_939714032668576b82b330.jpgCommon Guillemot The Common Guillemot, also known as the Common Murre or Thin-billed Murre, is a large species of auk. The auks are a family of seabirds which includes the Brunnich's Guillemot or Thick-billed Murre, Razorbill, Little Auk and the extinct Great Auk. The Common Guillemot is 15 to 18 inches in length with a 24 to 29 inches wingspan. In breeding plumage, it is black or dark brown on the head, back and wings with white underparts. It has a thin dark pointed bill and a small rounded dark tail. Legs are grey and the bill is dark grey. Males and females are identical. Some individuals in the North Atlantic, known as "Bridled Guillemots", have a white ring around the eye extending back as a white line. This is not a distinct subspecies but a polymorphism that becomes more common the farther north the birds breed. The Common Guillemot flies with fast wing beats and has a flight speed of around 50 mph. Groups of birds are often seen flying together in a line just above the surface of the sea. However, it is not a very agile bird and take-off is often difficult. The Common Guillemot becomes flightless for 45 to 60 days while moulting its primary feathers. The Common Guillemot is a pursuit diver that forages for food by swimming underwater using its wings for propulsion. Dives usually last less than one minute but the bird swims underwater for distances of over 100 feet on a regular basis. Diving depths up to 590 feet have been recorded. The Common Guillemot has a circumpolar distribution and it occurs in low Arctic and boreal waters in the north Atlantic and north Pacific. It spends most of its time at sea and only comes to land to breed on rocky cliffs, sea stacks and islands. Some birds are permanent residents but northern birds migrate south to open waters off New England, southern California, Japan, Korea and the western Mediterranean. The Common Guillemot breeds in colonies at high densities and nesting pairs may be in bodily contact with their neighbours. No nest is made and the single egg is laid and incubated on a bare rock ledge on a cliff face. The egg hatches after 30 days incubation and the chick is born downy and can regulate its body temperature after 10 days. Some 20 days after hatching the chick jumps off its nesting ledge and heads for the sea unable to fly but gliding for some distance with fluttering wings and accompanied by its male parent. The chicks are capable of diving as soon as they hit the water. The female stays at the nest site for some 14 days after the chick has left. The Common Guillemot can venture far from its breeding grounds to forage and distances of 60 miles or more are often observed although if sufficient food is available closer by, birds will only travel much shorter distances. It mainly eats small schooling fish 8 inches long or less such as Polar Cod, Capelin, Sand Lances, Sprats, Sandeels, Atlantic Cod and Atlantic Herring. It also eats some molluscs, marine worms, squid and crustaceans. It is often seen carrying fish in its bill with the tail hanging out. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081374.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6926148163a7134280711.jpgDate: 10th January 2022 Location: fenland landscape near RSPB Ouse Washes, Cambridgeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50809811.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_622081126660bcf571290c.jpgChiffchaff The (Common) Chiffchaff is a common and widespread leaf warbler which is named onomatopoeically for its simple and repetitive chiff-chaff song. The British naturalist Gilbert White was one of the first people to separate the similar looking Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler and Wood Warbler by their songs, as detailed in 1789 in “The Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne. The Chiffchaff is a small, dumpy, 4 inch long leaf warbler. The spring adult has brown-washed dull green upperparts, off-white underparts becoming yellowish on the flanks and a short whitish supercilium. It has dark legs, a fine dark bill and short primary projection (extension of the flight feathers beyond the folded wing). As the plumage wears, it gets duller and browner and the yellow on the flanks tends to be lost and after the breeding season there is a prolonged complete moult before migration. After moulting, both the adult and the juvenile have brighter and greener upperparts and a paler supercilium. When not singing, the Chiffchaff can be difficult to distinguish from other leaf warblers with greenish upperparts and whitish underparts, particularly the Willow Warbler. However, that species has a longer primary projection, a sleeker, brighter appearance and generally pale legs. The Chiffchaff breeds across Europe and Asia east to eastern Siberia and north to about 70°N, with isolated populations in north west Africa, north and west Turkey and north west Iran. It is a migratory species but one of the first passerine birds to return to its breeding areas in the spring and amongst the last to leave in late autumn. When breeding, the Chiffchaff is a bird of open woodlands with some taller trees and ground cover for nesting purposes. In winter, the Chiffchaff uses a wider range of habitats and is not so dependent on trees and is often found near water. There is an increasing tendency to winter in western Europe well north of the traditional areas, especially in coastal south England and the mild urban microclimate of London. The male Chiffchaff returns to its breeding territory 2 or 3 weeks before the female and immediately starts singing to establish ownership and attract a female. When a female is located, the male will use a slow butterfly-like flight as part of the courtship ritual but, once a pair-bond has been established, other females will be driven from the territory. The male has little involvement in the nesting process other than defending the territory. The female's nest is built on or near the ground in a concealed site in brambles, nettles or other dense low vegetation. The domed nest has a side entrance and is constructed from coarse plant material such as dead leaves and grass with finer material used on the interior before the addition of a lining of feathers. The clutch is 2 to 7 (normally 5 or 6) cream-coloured eggs which are incubated by the female for 13 to 14 days before hatching as naked, blind chicks. The female broods and feeds the chicks for another 14 to 15 days until they fledge. The male rarely participates in feeding although this sometimes occurs, especially when bad weather limits insect supplies or if the female disappears. After fledging, the young stay in the vicinity of the nest for 3 to 4 weeks where they are fed by and roost with the female. In the north of the range there is only time to raise one brood due to the short summer but a second brood is common in central and southern areas. Like most leaf warblers, the Chiffchaff is insectivorous and moves restlessly though foliage or briefly hovering. It has been recorded as taking insects, mainly flies, from more than 50 families, along with other small and medium-sized invertebrates. It will also take the eggs and larvae of butterflies and moths. The Chiffchaff has been estimated to require about one third of its weight in insects daily and it feeds almost continuously in the autumn to put on extra fat as fuel for its long migration flight. As with most small birds, mortality in the first year of life is high but adults aged 3 to 4 years are regularly recorded and the record is more than 7 years. Eggs, chicks and fledglings are taken by Stoats, Weasels and crows such as the Magpie and adults are hunted by birds of prey, particularly the Sparrowhawk. The Chiffchaff is also susceptible to poor weather, particularly when migrating, but also on the breeding and wintering grounds. The main effect of humans on the Chiffchaff is indirect through woodland clearance which affects the habitat, predation by cats and collisions with windows, buildings and cars. Date: 30th March 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405569.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3305363656586fc572b41e.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the Canidae family and is a part of the order Carnivora within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 6th December 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512529.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11699894362c99a4146884.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 9th May 2022 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50571566.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_145749408265ce1dcc220af.jpgWaxwing The Waxwing is a plump bird which is slightly smaller than a Starling. It is buff or pinkish-brown in colour with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings, a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest. The bird’s name is derived from the red tips to some of the wing feathers which are said to look like they have been dipped in sealing wax. Waxwings breed in the dense forests of northern Europe but they occur in varying numbers in the UK from October to March. In some years they can occur in large numbers (known as irruptions) when the population in the breeding areas gets too big for the food available. The first UK arrivals each winter are usually seen on the east coast from Scotland to East Anglia but birds then move inland in search of food. They can be found in parks and gardens and even busy public places such as supermarket car parks, typically where there are berry-bearing trees and bushes such as rowan, hawthorn, cotoneaster and rose. Waxwings seem fearless of humans so it is relatively easy to get very close views of these stunning birds. Waxwings make an easily recognisable high-pitched trilling sound like a bell. Date: 9th January 2024 Location: Colchester, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11159452.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3407929654e158379a6dd8.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 3rd November 2008 Location: Loch Gruinart, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645440.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_190618485651e3ce358b5de.jpgReed Bunting The Reed Bunting is a sparrow-sized but slimmer and with a long, deeply notched tail. The male has a black head, white collar and a drooping “moustache”. Females and winter males are browner and have a streaked head. In flight the tail looks black with broad, white edges. The Reed Bunting breeds across Europe and much of temperate and northern Asia. Most birds migrate south in winter but those in the milder south and west of the range are resident. It is common in reedbeds and also breeds in drier open areas such as moorland and farmland. Date: 20th May 2013 Location: Biebrza area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45949007.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4281872956284b3ba06f13.jpgDunnock The Dunnock is a small passerine bird and the most widespread member of the genus Prunella, the accentor family which otherwise consists of mountain species. Other common names for the Dunnock include the Hedge Sparrow or Hedge Accentor. The Dunnock is about the size of a Robin. It has a generally drab brown streaked appearance with a grey head and a fine pointed bill. Both sexes are similar. It is quiet and unobtrusive and is frequently seen on its own, creeping along and moving with a rather nervous, shuffling gait often flicking its wings. The Dunnock is native to large areas of Eurasia where it is the only commonly found accentor in lowland areas. It can be found throughout the UK all the year round in any well vegetated areas with scrub, brambles and hedges and also in deciduous woodland, farmland edges, parks and gardens. The Dunnock is territorial and may engage in conflict with other birds that encroach upon their nesting areas. The Dunnock possesses variable mating systems. Females are often polyandrous, breeding with 2 or more males at once which is quite rare among birds. This multiple mating system leads to the development of sperm competition amongst the male suitors. DNA fingerprinting has shown that chicks within a brood often have different fathers depending on the success of the males at monopolising the female. Males try to ensure their paternity by pecking at the cloaca of the female to stimulate ejection of rival males' sperm. Males provide parental care in proportion to their mating success so 2 males and a female can commonly be seen provisioning nestlings at one nest. Other mating systems also exist within Dunnock populations depending on the ratio of male to females and the overlap of territories. When only a single female and a single male territory overlap, monogamy is preferred. Sometimes, 2 or 3 adjacent female territories overlap a single male territory and so polygyny is favoured with the male monopolising several females. Polygynandry also exists in which 2 males jointly defend a territory containing several females. Polyandry, however, is the most common mating system of the Dunnock. Depending on the population, males generally have the best reproductive success in polygynous populations whilst females have the advantage during polyandry. Studies have illustrated the fluidity of Dunnock mating systems. When food is in abundance, female territory size is reduced drastically. Consequently, males can more easily monopolise the females. Thus, the mating system can be shifted from one that favours female success (polyandry) to one that favours male success (monogamy, polygynandry or polygyny). The Dunnock builds a neat nest predominantly from twigs and moss and lined with soft materials such as wool or feathers which is located low in a bush. The female typically lays 3 to 5 eggs. Broods, depending on the population, can be raised by a lone female, multiple females with the part-time help of a male, multiple females with full-time help by a male or by multiple females and multiple males. Parental care varies according to the type of relationship. Date: 25th April 2022 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15747128.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1640005015017a6e06fdd4.jpgMarsh Frog The Marsh Frog is the largest European frog. It is very similar in appearance to the closely related Edible Frog and Pool Frog. These 3 species are often referred to as "green frogs" to distinguish them from the more terrestrial European species which are known as "brown frogs" (best exemplified by the Common Frog). Marsh Frogs show a large variation in colour and pattern, ranging from dark green to brown or grey. The Western European populations are generally dark green to black with dark spots on the back and sides and 3 clear green lines on the back. Females can reach a maximum length of around 6.5 inches but males are smaller at around 4.5 inches. The head is proportionally large and the hind legs are long which gives them excellent jumping abilities. The Marsh Frog is usually gregarious and diurnal and more tied to aquatic habitats than the Common Frog. It is tolerant of brackish conditions and typically it is found on or in the water of its favoured drainage channels and pools throughout the year. Marsh Frogs frequently sunbathe on the bank of the water body where they are often inconspicuous until disturbed when they will jump in to the water with a characteristic “plop”. They can often be seen on lily pads or floating at the surface amongst vegetation with only their heads exposed. During the breeding season (and sometimes beyond) the male Marsh Frog calls very loudly with a sound reminiscent of a loud chuckle which is often very raucous and can be heard all day and night. Dominant males establish territories from which they call. After mating a female may produce up to 16,000 eggs in a season, laying them in clumps of a few hundred in aquatic vegetation below the surface. They hatch in about a week, tadpoles being rather solitary and living in deep water with vegetation. Newly metamorphosed frogs are up to 1 inch in length and take 2 years to mature. The diet of the Marsh Frog consists of dragonflies and other insects, spiders, earthworms and slugs. Larger frogs also eat small rodents and sometimes smaller amphibians and fish. The Marsh Frog is not a native species of the UK. It was first introduced to Walland Marsh, Kent in 1935 and is now found in several areas of Kent and East Sussex. Other introductions exist, including colonies in London. Date: 23rd July 2012 Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493310.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19503902295f326fcc99fd4.jpgCommon Guillemots The Common Guillemot, also known as the Common Murre or Thin-billed Murre, is a large species of auk. The auks are a family of seabirds which includes the Brunnich's Guillemot or Thick-billed Murre, Razorbill, Little Auk and the extinct Great Auk. The Common Guillemot is 15 to 18 inches in length with a 24 to 29 inches wingspan. In breeding plumage, it is black or dark brown on the head, back and wings with white underparts. It has a thin dark pointed bill and a small rounded dark tail. Legs are grey and the bill is dark grey. Males and females are identical. Some individuals in the North Atlantic, known as "Bridled Guillemots", have a white ring around the eye extending back as a white line. This is not a distinct subspecies but a polymorphism that becomes more common the farther north the birds breed. The Common Guillemot flies with fast wing beats and has a flight speed of around 50 mph. Groups of birds are often seen flying together in a line just above the surface of the sea. However, it is not a very agile bird and take-off is often difficult. The Common Guillemot becomes flightless for 45 to 60 days while moulting its primary feathers. The Common Guillemot is a pursuit diver that forages for food by swimming underwater using its wings for propulsion. Dives usually last less than one minute but the bird swims underwater for distances of over 100 feet on a regular basis. Diving depths up to 590 feet have been recorded. The Common Guillemot has a circumpolar distribution and it occurs in low Arctic and boreal waters in the north Atlantic and north Pacific. It spends most of its time at sea and only comes to land to breed on rocky cliffs, sea stacks and islands. Some birds are permanent residents but northern birds migrate south to open waters off New England, southern California, Japan, Korea and the western Mediterranean. The Common Guillemot breeds in colonies at high densities and nesting pairs may be in bodily contact with their neighbours. No nest is made and the single egg is laid and incubated on a bare rock ledge on a cliff face. The egg hatches after 30 days incubation and the chick is born downy and can regulate its body temperature after 10 days. Some 20 days after hatching the chick jumps off its nesting ledge and heads for the sea unable to fly but gliding for some distance with fluttering wings and accompanied by its male parent. The chicks are capable of diving as soon as they hit the water. The female stays at the nest site for some 14 days after the chick has left. The Common Guillemot can venture far from its breeding grounds to forage and distances of 60 miles or more are often observed although if sufficient food is available closer by, birds will only travel much shorter distances. It mainly eats small schooling fish 8 inches long or less such as Polar Cod, Capelin, Sand Lances, Sprats, Sandeels, Atlantic Cod and Atlantic Herring. It also eats some molluscs, marine worms, squid and crustaceans. It is often seen carrying fish in its bill with the tail hanging out. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/cley-next-the-sea-norfolk https://images.on-this.website/4752_17259192296347d6357a24d.jpgDate: 19th September 2022 Location: Cley-next-the-Sea, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623351.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21164743986117dc1d553d8.jpgJackdaw The Western Jackdaw, also known as the Eurasian Jackdaw, European Jackdaw or simply Jackdaw, is a passerine bird in the crow family. Measuring 13 to 15 inches in length, the Jackdaw is the second smallest member of the crow family. Most of the plumage is a shiny black with a purple or blue sheen on the crown, forehead and secondaries and a green-blue sheen on the throat, primaries and tail. The cheeks, nape and neck are light grey to greyish-silver and the underparts are slate-grey. The legs are black as is the short stout bill. The irises of adults are greyish or silvery white while those of juveniles are light blue, becoming brownish before whitening at around one year of age. The sexes look alike although the head and neck plumage of male birds fades more with age and wear, particularly just before moulting. Immature birds have duller and less demarcated plumage. The head is a sooty black, sometimes with a faint greenish sheen and brown feather bases visible, the back and side of the neck are dark grey and the underparts greyish or sooty black. The tail has narrower feathers and a greenish sheen. There are 4 recognised geographical subspecies of the Jackdaw, each with slight plumage variations. Within its range, the Jackdaw is generally unmistakable and its short bill and grey nape are distinguishing features. In flight, the Jackdaw is distinguishable from other crows by its smaller size, faster and deeper wingbeats and proportionately narrower and less fingered wing tips. It also has a shorter and thicker neck and a much shorter bill and it frequently flies in tighter flocks. The Jackdaw is a skilled flyer and can manoeuvre tightly as well as tumble and glide. It has characteristic jerky wing beats when flying. On the ground, the Jackdaw has an upright posture and struts briskly with its short legs giving it a rapid gait. The Jackdaw is found from north west Africa, throughout all of Europe, except for the extreme north, and east through central Asia to the east Himalayas and Lake Baikal. To the east, it occurs throughout Turkey, the Caucasus, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and north west India. A small number of Jackdaws reached the north east of North America in the 1980s and have been found from Atlantic Canada to Pennsylvania. The range is vast and there is a large global population. Most populations are resident but the north and east populations are more migratory and relocate to wintering areas between September and November and return between February and early May. The Jackdaw can be found in wooded steppes, pastures, cultivated land, coastal cliffs and towns. It thrives when forested areas are cleared and converted to fields and open areas. Habitats with a mix of large trees, buildings and open ground are preferred. Open fields are left to the Rook and more wooded areas to the Jay. The Jackdaw is highly gregarious and is generally seen in flocks of varying sizes. Flocks increase in size in autumn and birds congregate at dusk for communal roosting with up to several thousand individuals gathering at one site. Males and females pair bond for life and pairs stay together within flocks. Jackdaws will frequently congregate with other crows such as Carrion Crows, Hooded Crows or Rooks. Foraging takes place mostly on the ground in open areas and to some extent in trees. Landfill sites, bins, streets and gardens are also visited, more often early in the morning when there are fewer people about. Various feeding methods are employed, such as jumping, pecking, clod-turning and scattering, probing the soil and occasional digging. The Jackdaw will also ride on the backs of sheep and other mammals such as deer, seeking ticks as well as actively gathering wool or hair for nests. Compared with other crows, the Jackdaw spends more time exploring and turning over objects with its bill. It also has a straighter and less downturned bill and increased binocular vision which are advantageous for this foraging strategy. The Jackdaw is opportunistic and highly adaptable and varies its diet markedly depending on available food sources. It tends to feed on small invertebrates that are found above ground, including various species of beetle as well as snails and spiders. It will also eat small rodents, bats, the eggs and chicks of birds and carrion such as roadkill. Vegetable items consumed include farm grains, weed seeds, elderberries, acorns and various cultivated fruits. The Jackdaw practices active food sharing with a number of individuals regardless of sex or kinship. It also shares more of a preferred food than a less preferred food. The active giving of food by most birds is found mainly in the context of parental care and courtship although the Jackdaw shows much higher levels of active giving than has been documented for other species. The function of this behaviour is not fully understood and several theories have been advanced. Genetic analysis of Jackdaw pairs and offspring shows no evidence of extra-pair copulation and there is little evidence for couple separation even after multiple instances of reproductive failure. Some pairs do separate in the first few months but almost all pairings of over 6 months' duration are lifelong and end only when a partner dies. Widowed or separated birds fare badly and are often ousted from nests or territories and are unable to rear broods alone. The Jackdaw usually breeds in colonies with pairs collaborating to find a nest site which they then defend from other pairs and predators during most of the year. It will nest in cavities in trees or cliffs, in ruined or occupied buildings and in chimneys, the common feature being a sheltered site for the nest. A mated pair usually constructs a nest by improving a crevice by dropping sticks into it. The nest is then built on top of the platform formed. Nest platforms can attain a great size. Nests are lined with hair, wool, dead grass and many other materials. Clutches usually contain 4 or 5 eggs which are incubated by the female for 17 to 18 days until hatching as naked altricial chicks which are completely dependent on the adults for food. The chicks fledge after 28 to 35 days and the parents continue to feed them for another 4 weeks or so. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071678.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16173646876643355d45db7.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 4th May 2023 Location: Bwlch Nant yr Arian, Llywernog, Ceredigion http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813386.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13454122505d0dde967414d.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 10th June 2019 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512517.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_175034864262c99a2c6210b.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 9th May 2022 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42670667.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_73720830160b2054ee79f5.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 18th May 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40755825.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17950687705e204494e30f0.jpgGreater (Russian) White-fronted Goose The Greater White-fronted Goose is a species of goose which is closely related to the smaller Lesser White-fronted Goose. The Latin name, [i]Anser albifrons[/i], is derived from [i]anser[/i] meaning "goose" and [i]albus[/i] meaning "white" and [i]frons[/i] meaning “forehead”. The Greater White-fronted Goose is 25 to 32 inches in length with a 51 to 65 inches wingspan and weighs 4.3 to 7.3 pounds. It is smaller than the Greylag Goose and, as well as being larger than the Lesser White-fronted Goose, it lacks the yellow eye-ring of that species and the white facial blaze does not extend upwards so far. The Greater White-fronted Goose is a greyish-brown goose with a light grey breast dappled with dark brown to black blotches and bar, a pinkish bill and orange legs and feet. The male is typically larger in size but both sexes are similar in appearance The Greater White-fronted Goose is divided into 5 subspecies. The nominate subspecies Eurasian or Russian White-fronted Goose, [i]A. a. albifrons[/i], breeds in the far north of Europe and Asia and winters further south and west in Europe, including England and Wales. The very distinct Greenland White-fronted Goose, [i]A. a. flavirostris[/i], breeds in west Greenland and is much darker overall with only a very narrow white tip to the tail (broader on the other races), more black barring on its belly and usually has an orange (not pink) bill. It winters in Ireland and west Scotland. Some ecological studies suggest that the Greenland White-fronted Goose should probably be considered a separate species. Weather conditions are a key factor in the annual breeding success of the Greater White-fronted Goose. In the Arctic, the window of opportunity for nesting, incubating eggs and raising a brood is open briefly for about 3 months. Arriving in late May or early June, Greater White-fronted Geese begin departing for their wintering areas in early September. This means that a delayed snowmelt or late spring storm can significantly reduce breeding success. Date: 10th December 2019 Location: De Putten and Pettemerpolder area near Camperduin, Noord-Holland, Netherlands http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833584.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_480935196559ceced274d4.jpgLittle Egret The Little Egret is a species of small heron. The genus name comes from the Provençal French [i]Aigrette[/i] (egret), a diminutive of [i]Aigron [/i] (heron). The adult Little Egret is 22 to 26 inches long with a 35 to 42 inches wingspan. Its plumage is normally entirely white although there are dark forms with largely bluish-grey plumage. In the breeding season, the adult has 2 long plumes on the nape that form a crest. These plumes are about 6 inches in length and are pointed and very narrow. There are similar feathers on the breast but the barbs are more widely spread. There are also several elongated scapular feathers that have long loose barbs around 8 inches long. During the winter the plumage is similar but the scapulars are shorter and more normal in appearance. The bill is long and slender and both it and the lores are black. There is an area of greenish-grey bare skin at the base of the lower mandible and around the eye which has a yellow iris. The legs are black and the feet yellow. Juveniles are similar to non-breeding adults but have greenish-black legs and duller yellow feet and may have a certain proportion of greyish or brownish feathers. The Little Egret is mostly silent but it does make various croaking and bubbling calls at its breeding colonies and it produces a harsh alarm call when disturbed. The breeding range of the western race of the Little Egret includes south Europe, the Middle East, much of Africa and south Asia. European populations are migratory and mostly travel to Africa although some remain in southern Europe. During the late 20th century, the range of the Little Egret expanded northwards in Europe and into the New World. The Little Egret's habitat varies widely and includes the shores of lakes, rivers, canals, ponds, lagoons, marshes and flooded land, the bird preferring open locations to dense cover. On the coast it inhabits mudflats, sandy beaches, mangrove areas, swamps and reefs. The Little Egret is a sociable bird and can be seen in small flocks. However, individual birds do not tolerate others coming too close to their chosen feeding site although this depends on the abundance of prey. The Little Egret uses a variety of methods to find its food. It stalks its prey in shallow water, often running with raised wings or shuffling its feet to disturb small fish, or it may stand still and wait to ambush prey. It also makes use of opportunities provided by Cormorants disturbing fish or humans attracting fish by throwing bread into water. On land, it walks or runs while chasing its prey, often feeding on creatures disturbed by grazing livestock. The diet is mainly fish but amphibians, small reptiles, mammals and birds are also eaten as well as crustaceans, molluscs, insects, spiders and worms. The Little Egret nests in colonies, often with other wading birds such as Cattle Egret, Black-crowned Night Heron, Squacco Heron and Glossy Ibis. The nests are usually platforms of sticks built in trees or shrubs or in reed beds or bamboo groves. Pairs defend a small breeding territory, usually extending around 10 to 13 feet from the nest. The 3 to 5 eggs are incubated by both adults for 21 to 25 days before hatching. The young birds are covered in white down feathers are cared for by both parents and fledge after 40 to 45 days. Globally, the Little Egret is not listed as a threatened species and has in fact expanded its range over the last few decades.[5] The IUCN states that their wide distribution and large total population means that they are a species that cause them "least concern". Historical research has shown that the Little Egret was once present, and probably common, in the UK but became extinct there through a combination of over-hunting in the late mediaeval period and climate change at the start of the Little Ice Age. Further declines occurred throughout Europe as the plumes of the Little Egret and other egrets were in demand for decorating hats. They had been used in the plume trade since at least the 17th century but in the 19th century it became a major craze and the number of egret skins passing through dealers reached into the millions. Hunting, which reduced the population of the species to dangerously low levels, stimulated the establishment of Britain's Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in 1889. By the 1950s, the Little Egret had become restricted to south Europe and conservation laws protecting the species were introduced. This allowed the population to rebound strongly and over the next few decades it became increasingly common in western France and later on the north coast. It bred in the Netherlands in 1979 with further breeding from the 1990s onward. Populations are now mostly stable or increasing in Europe. In the UK, the Little Egret was a rare vagrant from its 16th century extinction until the late 20th century. It has, however, recently become a regular breeding species and is commonly present, often in large numbers, at favoured coastal sites. The first recent breeding record in England was on Brownsea Island in Dorset in 1996 and it bred in Wales for the first time in 2002. The population increase has been rapid subsequently with over 750 pairs breeding in nearly 70 colonies in 2008 and a post-breeding total of 4,540 birds in September 2008. Severe winter weather proves only to be a temporary setback and the Little Egret continues to expand both its numbers and range in the UK. Date: 12th May 2015 Location: Lake Kerkini, Central Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14184430.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18990458264f421b23e4c6f.jpgCommon Blue Flight period: June to September. The Common Blue is the UK’s most widespread and common blue butterfly although it has suffered some local declines due to habitat loss. They can be found in sunny, sheltered areas including downland, roadside verges, woodland clearings and rural gardens. Date: 21st July 2007 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46534735.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_50585782362ca98b8f34d4.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 27th June 2022 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/december-2016-red-fox https://images.on-this.website/4752_72866665158f0ae7e138517.20191706.jpgDecember 2016 - Red Fox Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29951161.htmll]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28885370.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_74265453757cc305ce4611.jpgNigula Nature Reserve, Estonia Nigula Nature Reserve is located in south west Estonia near Häädemeeste and it was established in 1957 to protect the Nigula Bog and its surrounding untouched swamp forests and managed forests. It is also included in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance. Nigula Nature Reserve is an important area for both migratory wildfowl and breeding wetland and forest birds and it is also home to numerous species of large mammals including Brown Bear, Wolf, Lynx, Beaver, Elk and Wild Boar. Date: 16th May 2016 Location: Nigula Nature Reserve, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49797636.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_70267728764eca22996d45.jpgSilver-studded Blue Description to follow .... Date: 2nd July 2023 Location: Hartland Moor NNR, Purbeck Heaths NNR, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/january-2022-black-headed-gull https://images.on-this.website/4752_17100357106250075120a80.jpgJanuary 2022 - Black-headed Gull Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45456946.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12744838.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7018906224e706dcd45bc6.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 7th December 2007 Location: Donna Nook, Lincolnshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493292.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19815765515f326f8c45b3d.jpgCommon Guillemots The Common Guillemot, also known as the Common Murre or Thin-billed Murre, is a large species of auk. The auks are a family of seabirds which includes the Brunnich's Guillemot or Thick-billed Murre, Razorbill, Little Auk and the extinct Great Auk. The Common Guillemot is 15 to 18 inches in length with a 24 to 29 inches wingspan. In breeding plumage, it is black or dark brown on the head, back and wings with white underparts. It has a thin dark pointed bill and a small rounded dark tail. Legs are grey and the bill is dark grey. Males and females are identical. Some individuals in the North Atlantic, known as "Bridled Guillemots", have a white ring around the eye extending back as a white line. This is not a distinct subspecies but a polymorphism that becomes more common the farther north the birds breed. The Common Guillemot flies with fast wing beats and has a flight speed of around 50 mph. Groups of birds are often seen flying together in a line just above the surface of the sea. However, it is not a very agile bird and take-off is often difficult. The Common Guillemot becomes flightless for 45 to 60 days while moulting its primary feathers. The Common Guillemot is a pursuit diver that forages for food by swimming underwater using its wings for propulsion. Dives usually last less than one minute but the bird swims underwater for distances of over 100 feet on a regular basis. Diving depths up to 590 feet have been recorded. The Common Guillemot has a circumpolar distribution and it occurs in low Arctic and boreal waters in the north Atlantic and north Pacific. It spends most of its time at sea and only comes to land to breed on rocky cliffs, sea stacks and islands. Some birds are permanent residents but northern birds migrate south to open waters off New England, southern California, Japan, Korea and the western Mediterranean. The Common Guillemot breeds in colonies at high densities and nesting pairs may be in bodily contact with their neighbours. No nest is made and the single egg is laid and incubated on a bare rock ledge on a cliff face. The egg hatches after 30 days incubation and the chick is born downy and can regulate its body temperature after 10 days. Some 20 days after hatching the chick jumps off its nesting ledge and heads for the sea unable to fly but gliding for some distance with fluttering wings and accompanied by its male parent. The chicks are capable of diving as soon as they hit the water. The female stays at the nest site for some 14 days after the chick has left. The Common Guillemot can venture far from its breeding grounds to forage and distances of 60 miles or more are often observed although if sufficient food is available closer by, birds will only travel much shorter distances. It mainly eats small schooling fish 8 inches long or less such as Polar Cod, Capelin, Sand Lances, Sprats, Sandeels, Atlantic Cod and Atlantic Herring. It also eats some molluscs, marine worms, squid and crustaceans. It is often seen carrying fish in its bill with the tail hanging out. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405566.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20753747196586fc3894d6b.jpgRed Foxes The Red Fox is a member of the Canidae family and is a part of the order Carnivora within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 6th December 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/badger https://images.on-this.website/4752_422215361467e872a1b9b0.jpgBadger The European Badger is a species of badger in the mustelid family (which in the UK includes the Otter, Pine Marten, Stoat and Weasel) and it is native to almost all of Europe. The source of the word "badger" is uncertain. The Oxford English Dictionary states it probably dates from the 16th century and derives from "badge", referring to the white mark borne like a badge on the Badger’s forehead. The French word [i]bêcheur[/i] (digger) has also been suggested as a source. The far older name "brock" derives from the Gaelic [i]broc[/i] or Welsh [i]broch[/i] and appears in Old English as [i]brocc[/i]. The Badger is a powerfully built animal with a small head, a thick, short neck, a stocky, wedge-shaped body and a short tail. Its feet are short with 5 toes on each foot. The limbs are short and massive with naked lower surfaces on the feet. The claws are strong, elongated and have an obtuse end which assists in digging. The snout, which is used for digging and probing, is muscular and flexible. The eyes are small and the ears short and tipped with white. Whiskers are present on the snout and above the eyes. Boars (males) typically have broader heads, thicker necks and narrower tails than sows (females) which are sleeker and have narrower, less domed heads and fluffier tails. Adults measure 9.8 to 11.8 inches in shoulder height, 24 to 35 inches in body length and 4.7 to 9.4 inches in tail length. Boars slightly exceed sows in measurements but can weigh considerably more. Weight varies seasonally, growing from spring to autumn and reaching a peak just before the winter. During the summer, the Badger weighs 15 to 29 pounds but this increases to 33 to 37 pounds in the autumn. Sows can attain a top weight of around 38 pounds, while exceptionally large boars have been reported in the autumn with the heaviest verified at 60 pounds. The contrasting black, white, brown and grey markings of the Badger’s fur serve to warn off attackers rather than camouflage as they are conspicuous at night. The colour, coarseness and density of the fur varies seasonally. Although the Badger’s sense of smell is acute, eyesight is monochromatic as has been shown by their lack of reaction to red light. Only moving objects attract their attention. The European Badger is the most social of badgers, forming groups of 6 adults on average, although larger associations of over 20 individuals have been recorded. Group size may be related to habitat composition. Under optimal conditions, Badger territories can be as small as 30 hectares but may be as large as 150 hectares in marginal areas. Badger territories can be identified by the presence of communal latrines and well-worn paths. It is mainly male Badgers that are involved in territorial aggression. A hierarchical social system is thought to exist and large powerful boars seem to assert dominance over smaller males. Large boars sometimes intrude into neighbouring territories during the main mating season in early spring. Sparring and more vicious fights generally result from territorial defence in the breeding season. When fighting, Badgers bite each other on the neck and rump while running and chasing each other and injuries incurred in such fights can be severe and sometimes fatal. However, in general, animals within and outside a group show considerable tolerance of each other. The Badger is usually monogamous and boars typically mate with a single female for life, whereas sows have been known to mate with more than one male. The oestrus cycle in the Badger lasts 4 to 6 days and may occur throughout the year, although there is a peak in spring. Sexual maturity in boars is usually attained at the age of 12 to 15 months but this can range from 9 months to 2 years. Sows usually begin ovulating in their second year, although some exceptionally begin at 9 months. Badgers can mate at any time of the year, although the main peak occurs in February to May. Matings occurring outside this period typically occur in sows which either failed to mate earlier in the year or matured slowly. Delayed implantation following mating can last 2 to 9 months although matings in December can result in immediate implantation. Ordinarily, implantation happens in December with a gestation period lasting 7 weeks. Cubs are usually born in mid-January to mid-March within underground chambers containing bedding. In areas where the countryside is waterlogged, cubs may be born above ground in buildings. The average litter consists of 1 to 5 cubs. Cubs are born pink with greyish, silvery fur and fused eyelids. Newborn Badgers are 5 inches in body length on average and weigh 2.6 to 4.7 ounces, with cubs from large litters being smaller. By 3 to 5 days, claws become pigmented and individual dark hairs begin to appear. Eyes open at 4 to 5 weeks and milk teeth erupt about the same time. Cubs emerge from their setts at 8 weeks of age and begin to be weaned at 12 weeks, although they may still suckle until they are 4 to 5 months old. Subordinate females may assist the mother in guarding, feeding and grooming the cubs. Cubs fully develop their adult coats at 6 to 9 weeks. The Badger can live for up to about 15 years in the wild. The Badger is a burrowing animal. However, the dens it constructs (setts) are complex and are passed on from generation to generation. A sett is almost invariably located near a tree which is used by badgers for stretching or claw scraping. Badgers defecate in latrines which are located near the sett and at strategic locations on territorial boundaries or near places with abundant food supplies. The number of exits in a sett can vary from just a few to 50. Setts can be vast and can sometimes accommodate multiple families. When this happens, each family occupies its own passages and sleeping and nesting chambers. Badgers dig and collect bedding throughout the year, particularly in autumn and spring, and the chambers are frequently lined with bedding brought in on dry nights consisting of grass, bracken, straw, leaves and moss. The Badger is a fastidiously clean animal which regularly clears out and discards old bedding. Along with the Brown Bear, the Badger is among the least carnivorous members of the carnivorous mammals. It is a highly adaptable and opportunistic omnivore whose diet encompasses a wide range of animals and plants. Earthworms are their most important food source, followed by large insects, carrion, cereals, fruit and small mammals including rabbits, mice, shrews, moles and hedgehogs. In addition, a wide variety of insect prey, cereal food, windfall fruit and berries is eaten. Occasionally, the Badger feeds on medium to large birds, amphibians, small reptiles, snails, slugs, fungi, and green food such as clover and grass. The Badger typically eats prey on the spot and rarely transports it to the sett. The Badger has few natural enemies. Wolves, lynxes and dogs can pose a threat although deaths caused by them are rare. It may live alongside the Red Fox in isolated sections of large burrows and the 2 species possibly tolerate each other through the Red Fox providing food scraps to the Badger and the Badger maintaining the shared burrow’s cleanliness. The Badger is native to most of Europe and parts of western Asia west of the Volga river in Russia. The International Union for Conservation of Nature rates the Badger as being of “least concern”. It is abundant and increasing throughout its range, partly due to a reduction in rabies in central Europe. In the UK, the Badger experienced a 77% increase in numbers during the 1980s and 1990s and the population is estimated to be around 300,000. The Badger is found in deciduous and mixed woodlands, clearings, spinneys, pastureland and scrub, including Mediterranean maquis shrubland. It has also adapted to life in suburban areas and urban parks, although not to the extent of the Red Fox. Date: 18th May 2005 Location: Rothiemurchus, Inverness-shire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43629187.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2364057076118b58d72cd0.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 14th August 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43082697.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_132226161360dd84d255798.jpgEdible Frog The Edible Frog is a species of frog found across Europe that is also known as the Common Water Frog and the Green Frog. The Edible Frog is one of the few animals in the world that is a fertile hybrid of 2 different species, as although similar but genetically different species are known to mate, it is very rare that their offspring will be able to breed. The Edible Frog is a fertile hybrid of 2 other European frogs, namely the Pool Frog and the Marsh Frog, that inter-bred when populations where isolated close to one another during the Ice Age. It was first described in 1758 and is known as the Edible Frog due to the fact that it is now seen as a culinary delicacy across Europe but especially in France where frog’s legs are often served as a national dish. The reason for humans favouring this frog over others is not really known but it may have something to do with their abundance. The Edible Frog is a medium sized frog growing to around 3.5 to 4.5 inches in length. Adults are mainly green in colour with light patches of brown on their backs, yellow eyes and a white underside covered in a few dark spots. There are number of distinct differences between males and females including the fact that males become much lighter and greener during the mating season. Males also have vocal sacs on the outside of their cheeks and extra skin patches on their feet, both of which are primarily used for mating. The Edible Frog is endemic to Europe and it naturally occurs across central Europe as far north as Germany and Estonia. Southern populations are found from Croatia, through northern Italy and into the south of France. There are also isolated populations in Sweden and Bulgaria which are thought to have migrated from the countries nearby. It has also been introduced to the UK. The Edible Frog spends all of its time either in or very close to water and it is most commonly found in calmer parts of rivers and streams where there is a slow but constant flow of fresh water. It tends to prefer more open areas and can also be commonly found around lakes, ponds and marshes. Unlike many other species of frog, the Edible Frog is a diurnal animal and is therefore most active during the day. This is when it is most likely to move away from the water so that it can find a better supply of food or move to a different part of the water if it needs to. The Edible Frog is a relatively solitary animal so there is less competition for food but males are often seen sitting together in groups during the breeding season when they are trying to out-compete each other to find a mate. The breeding season for the Edible Frog begins during March and generally lasts for around 2 months. Males sing by drawing air in and out of their vocal sacs to produce the highest-pitched sound possible since females are most attracted to the loudest males. After courting her in a lake, pond or swamp, the male lets the female lay up to 10,000 eggs in a sticky mass into the water before he fertilises them. Tadpoles can be as small as 0.2 inches long when they hatch and are a grey/brown colour. They then grow up to 2 to 3 inches in length before metamorphoses occurs and they leave the water as 0.75 inches long young frogs. The Edible Frog reaches sexual maturity at the age of 2 years and can live until it is 15 years old. The Edible Frog is a carnivorous amphibian but the tadpoles mainly eat vegetation although they are known to occasionally supplement their diet with aquatic micro-organisms. Adults eat small invertebrates such as insects, spiders and flies, which make up the majority of their diet, along with larger aquatic animals like fish, newts and other frogs. The Edible Frog hunts for food during the day and can be seen catching food both in water and on land. The Edible Frog remains very still when it is sitting on the banks of its water habitat and this, along with its camouflage, makes it very difficult for predators to spot. Its eyes are positioned near the top of the head meaning that it can also see danger coming whilst the body is mainly hidden. Snakes, owls and water birds are the main predators of the Edible Frog. The Edible Frog will jump into the water and hide if it senses approaching danger and it will make a loud screeching sound if caught. Edible Frog populations are under threat from habitat destruction mainly caused by deforestation and water pollution. Date: 2nd June 2021 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43082690.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_103180279660dd84c89049c.jpgEdible Frog The Edible Frog is a species of frog found across Europe that is also known as the Common Water Frog and the Green Frog. The Edible Frog is one of the few animals in the world that is a fertile hybrid of 2 different species, as although similar but genetically different species are known to mate, it is very rare that their offspring will be able to breed. The Edible Frog is a fertile hybrid of 2 other European frogs, namely the Pool Frog and the Marsh Frog, that inter-bred when populations where isolated close to one another during the Ice Age. It was first described in 1758 and is known as the Edible Frog due to the fact that it is now seen as a culinary delicacy across Europe but especially in France where frog’s legs are often served as a national dish. The reason for humans favouring this frog over others is not really known but it may have something to do with their abundance. The Edible Frog is a medium sized frog growing to around 3.5 to 4.5 inches in length. Adults are mainly green in colour with light patches of brown on their backs, yellow eyes and a white underside covered in a few dark spots. There are number of distinct differences between males and females including the fact that males become much lighter and greener during the mating season. Males also have vocal sacs on the outside of their cheeks and extra skin patches on their feet, both of which are primarily used for mating. The Edible Frog is endemic to Europe and it naturally occurs across central Europe as far north as Germany and Estonia. Southern populations are found from Croatia, through northern Italy and into the south of France. There are also isolated populations in Sweden and Bulgaria which are thought to have migrated from the countries nearby. It has also been introduced to the UK. The Edible Frog spends all of its time either in or very close to water and it is most commonly found in calmer parts of rivers and streams where there is a slow but constant flow of fresh water. It tends to prefer more open areas and can also be commonly found around lakes, ponds and marshes. Unlike many other species of frog, the Edible Frog is a diurnal animal and is therefore most active during the day. This is when it is most likely to move away from the water so that it can find a better supply of food or move to a different part of the water if it needs to. The Edible Frog is a relatively solitary animal so there is less competition for food but males are often seen sitting together in groups during the breeding season when they are trying to out-compete each other to find a mate. The breeding season for the Edible Frog begins during March and generally lasts for around 2 months. Males sing by drawing air in and out of their vocal sacs to produce the highest-pitched sound possible since females are most attracted to the loudest males. After courting her in a lake, pond or swamp, the male lets the female lay up to 10,000 eggs in a sticky mass into the water before he fertilises them. Tadpoles can be as small as 0.2 inches long when they hatch and are a grey/brown colour. They then grow up to 2 to 3 inches in length before metamorphoses occurs and they leave the water as 0.75 inches long young frogs. The Edible Frog reaches sexual maturity at the age of 2 years and can live until it is 15 years old. The Edible Frog is a carnivorous amphibian but the tadpoles mainly eat vegetation although they are known to occasionally supplement their diet with aquatic micro-organisms. Adults eat small invertebrates such as insects, spiders and flies, which make up the majority of their diet, along with larger aquatic animals like fish, newts and other frogs. The Edible Frog hunts for food during the day and can be seen catching food both in water and on land. The Edible Frog remains very still when it is sitting on the banks of its water habitat and this, along with its camouflage, makes it very difficult for predators to spot. Its eyes are positioned near the top of the head meaning that it can also see danger coming whilst the body is mainly hidden. Snakes, owls and water birds are the main predators of the Edible Frog. The Edible Frog will jump into the water and hide if it senses approaching danger and it will make a loud screeching sound if caught. Edible Frog populations are under threat from habitat destruction mainly caused by deforestation and water pollution. Date: 2nd June 2021 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14160947.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6493406264f3e32c5c2fe2.jpgPainted Lady Flight period: April to October. The Painted Lady is a highly migratory butterfly which can be found almost throughout the UK although its numbers vary greatly from year to year. It is thought that the entire population dies each winter and re-colonisation through immigration occurs each spring. As a migrant, they can be found almost anywhere but do prefer dry, open areas. Date: 31st July 2006 Location: EWT Langdon Conservation Centre, Dunton, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26032846.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_212319676356378aa72660d.jpgEider The Eider is a large sea duck that is distributed over the northern coasts of Europe, north America and eastern Siberia. It breeds in the Arctic and some northern temperate regions but winters somewhat further south in temperate zones when it can form large flocks on coastal waters. The Eider is both the largest of the 4 eider species and the largest duck found in Europe and in north America (except for the Muscovy duck which only reaches north America in a wild state in southernmost Texas and south Florida). The Eider is characterized by its bulky shape and large, wedge-shaped bill. The male is unmistakable with its black and white plumage and green nape. The female is a brown bird but can still be readily distinguished from all ducks, except other eider species, on the basis of size and head shape. The drake's display call is a strange almost human-like "ah-ooo" while the duck utters hoarse quacks. The Eider dives for crustaceans and molluscs, with mussels being a favoured food. The Eider will eat mussels by swallowing them whole. The shells are then crushed in their gizzard and excreted. When eating a crab, the Eider will remove all of its claws and legs and then eat the body in a similar fashion. The Eider is abundant with populations of about 1.5 to 2 million birds in both Europe and north America and also large but unknown numbers in eastern Siberia. The Eider is a colonial breeder nesting on coastal islands in colonies ranging in size of less than 100 to upwards of 10,000 to 15,000 individuals. Female Eiders frequently exhibit a high degree of natal philopatry where they return to breed on the same island where they were hatched. This can lead to a high degree of relatedness between individuals nesting on the same island as well as the development of kin-based female social structures. This relatedness has likely played a role in the evolution of co-operative breeding behaviours amongst Eiders. Examples of these behaviours include laying eggs in the nests of related individuals and crèching where female Eiders team up and share the work of rearing ducklings. The Eider's nest is built close to the sea and is lined with the celebrated eiderdown plucked from the female's breast. This soft and warm lining has long been harvested for filling pillows and quilts but in more recent years has been largely replaced by down from domestic farm geese and synthetic alternatives. Although eiderdown pillows or quilts are now a rarity, eiderdown harvesting continues and is sustainable as it can be done after the ducklings leave the nest with no harm to the birds. Date: 1st June 2015 Location: Hvammstangi, Vatnsnes peninsula, north west Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230742.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_459115314649170bf29d4f.jpgCommon Redstart The Common Redstart, or often simply Redstart, is a small passerine bird. Like its relatives, it was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family but it is now known to be an Old World flycatcher. The Common Redstart shows some affinity to the Robin in many of its habits and actions. It has the same general carriage and chat-like behaviour and it is the same length but slightly slimmer and not quite as heavy. The orange-red tail, from which it and other redstarts get their names ("start" is an old word for "tail"), is frequently quivered. Among common European birds, only the Black Redstart has a similarly coloured tail. In summer, the male Common Redstart has a slate-grey head and upperparts, except the rump and tail, which, like the flanks, underwing coverts and axillaries, are orange-chestnut. The forehead is white and the sides of the face and throat are black. The wings and the two central tail feathers are brown and the other tail feathers are bright orange-red. The orange on the flanks shades to almost white on the belly. The bill and legs are black. In autumn, pale feather fringes on the body feathering obscures the colours of the male and gives it a washed-out appearance. The female is browner with paler underparts and it lacks the black and slate head. The Common Redstart is a summer visitor throughout most of Europe and west Asia (east to Lake Baikal) and also in north west Africa in Morocco. It can be found in open mature birch and oak woodland with low amounts of shrub and understorey especially where the trees are old enough to have holes suitable for its nest. It prefers to nest on the edge of woodland clearings in natural tree holes so dead trees or those with dead limbs are beneficial to it. It also nests in mature open conifer woodland, particularly in the north of the breeding range, and nestboxes are sometimes used. In the UK, the Common Redstart occurs primarily in broadleaf woodlands in upland areas in the north and west with the greatest concentrations in Wales. Further east in Europe it also commonly occurs in lowland areas including parks and old gardens in urban areas. The Common Redstart winters in central Africa and Arabia, south of the Sahara Desert but north of the Equator and from Senegal east to Yemen. It first arrives in its breeding areas in early to mid April, the males often a few days in advance of the females. Following breeding, return migration to Africa occurs between mid August and early October. The Common Redstart is insectivorous and eats a wide variety of small insects and spiders but additionally fruit and berries in the autumn. It often feeds like a flycatcher and makes aerial sallies after passing insects. Date: 14th May 2023 Location: RWT Gilfach, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081450.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_101214882563a84566f2332.jpgMute Swan The Mute Swan is a species of swan native to much of Eurasia. Despite its Eurasian origin, its closest relatives are the Black Swan of Australia and the Black-necked Swan of south America, not the other Northern Hemisphere swans such as the Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan. The name “mute” derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. The adult Mute Swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob at the top of the beak. All Mute Swans are white at maturity although the feathers (particularly on the head and neck) are often stained orange-brown by iron and tannins in the water. Young birds (cygnets) are not the bright white colour of mature adults and their bill is dull greyish-black for the first year. The plumage may range from pure white to grey to buff with grey/buff being the most common. Cygnets typically retain their grey/buff feathers until they are at least 1 year old. On average, the Mute Swan is the second largest waterfowl species after the Trumpeter Swan although the male Mute Swan can easily match or even exceed a male Trumpeter Swan in mass. The adult Mute Swan typically ranges from 55 to 63 inches in length (although it can range in extreme cases from 49 to 67 inches) with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. Males (cobs) are larger than females (pens) and have a larger knob on their bill. The Mute Swan is one of the heaviest flying birds. In several studies from the UK, males were found to average from about 23.4 to 26.2 pounds, with a weight range of 20 to 32 pounds, while the slightly smaller females were found to average about 18.7 to 21.3 pounds, with a weight range of 17 to 23 pounds. The Mute Swan is less vocal than the noisy Bewick's Swan and Whooper Swan although it does make a variety of grunting, hoarse whistling and snorting noises, especially in communicating with their cygnets and threatening competitors or intruders trying to enter their territory. The most familiar sound associated with the Mute Swan is the vibrant throbbing of the wings in flight which is unique to the species and this can be heard from a range of up to 1 mile. The Mute Swan is found naturally mainly in the temperate areas of Europe across west Asia and as far east as Primorsky Krai in the far east of Russia. It is partially migratory throughout the northern latitudes in Europe and Asia as far south as north Africa and the Mediterranean. It is also often kept in captivity outside its natural range as a decoration for parks and ponds and escapes have occurred. The descendants of such birds have become naturalised in east USA and the Great Lakes region across the USA and Canada border. The Mute Swan population in the UK has increased recently probably due to better protection of this species. Some birds are resident all year whilst others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into east England. Mute Swans nest on large mounds that they build with waterside vegetation in shallow water on islands in the middle or at the very edge of a lake. It is a monogamous species and often reuses the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Males and females share the care of the nest. The female lays from 4 to 10 eggs and broods for around 36 days. Cygnets are unable to fly before an age of 120 to 150 days and this limits the distribution of the species in the northern edge of its range since the cygnets must learn to fly before the water freezes. The Mute Swan is usually strongly territorial with just a single pair on smaller lakes although in a few locations where a large area of suitable feeding habitat is found they can be colonial. The largest colonies can hold over 100 pairs such as that at the colony at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset in the UK. Non-mated juveniles up to 3 to 4 years old commonly form larger flocks often at regular traditional sites and these can total several hundred birds. The Mute Swan can be very aggressive in defence of its nest and it is highly protective of its mate and offspring. Most defensive attacks from a Mute Swan begin with a loud hiss and, if this is not sufficient to drive off the predator, are followed by a physical attack. It attacks by smashing at its enemy with bony spurs in the wings accompanied by biting with its large bill. Smaller waterbirds such as ducks are normally grabbed with the bill and dragged or thrown clear. Large waterfowl, such as the Canada Goose, more likely out of competition than in response to potential predation, may be aggressively driven off. The wings of the Mute Swan are very powerful although not strong enough to break an adult man's leg as has been claimed anecdotally. The Mute Swan feeds on a wide range of vegetation, both submerged aquatic plants which they reach with their long necks and by grazing on land. The food commonly includes agricultural crop plants such as oilseed rape and wheat and feeding flocks in the winter may cause significant crop damage, often as much through trampling with their large webbed feet as through direct consumption. Date: 9th January 2022 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo44044946.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_855571696614f137f95352.jpgGoldfinch The European Goldfinch or simply the Goldfinch is a small passerine bird in the finch family. The Goldfinch is 4.7 to 5.1 inches in length with a wingspan of 8.3 to 9.8 inches. The sexes are broadly similar, with a red face, black and white head, warm brown upper parts, white underparts with buff flanks and breast patches and black and yellow wings. On closer inspection, males can often be distinguished by a larger, darker red mask that extends just behind the eye. The shoulder feathers are black, whereas they are brown on the female. In females, the red face does not extend past the eye. The ivory-coloured bill is long and pointed and the tail is forked. Juveniles have a plain head and a greyer back but are unmistakable due to the yellow wing stripe. The Goldfinch is native to Europe, north Africa and west and central Asia. It is found in open, partially wooded lowlands and it is a resident in the milder west of its range but migrates from colder regions. It will also make local movements, even in the west, to escape bad weather. It has been introduced to many areas of the world. In the UK, the Goldfinch can be seen anywhere there are scattered bushes and trees, rough ground with thistles and other seeding plants, including orchards, parks, gardens, heathland and commons. It is less common in upland areas and most numerous in the south of England. The nest is built entirely by the female Goldfinch and is generally completed within a week. It is neat and compact and constructed of mosses and lichens and lined with plant down such as that from thistles. It is generally located several feet above the ground, hidden by leaves in the twigs at the end of a branch. The female typically lays 4 to 6 eggs which are incubated for 11 to 13 days. The chicks are fed by both parents. Initially they receive a mixture of seeds and insects but as they grow the proportion of insect material decreases. For the first 7 to 9 days the young are brooded by the female. The nestlings fledge 13 to 18 days after hatching. The young birds are fed by both parents for a further 7 to 9 days. The parents typically raise 2 broods each year and occasionally 3. The Goldfinch's preferred food is small seeds such as those from thistles and teasels but insects are also taken when feeding young. It also regularly visits bird feeders in winter. The Goldfinch is commonly kept and bred in captivity around the world because of its distinctive appearance and pleasant song. In the UK during the 19th century, many thousands of Goldfinches were trapped each year to be sold as cage birds. One of the earliest campaigns of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was directed against this trade. Date: 6th September 2021 Location: RSPB Blacktoft Sands, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49797314.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_116130147364ec9d2f9dddc.jpgFour-spotted Chaser Flight period: mid May to end August. Four-spotted Chasers are a common and widespread species of dragonfly throughout most of the UK. They can be found around sheltered lowland lakes and ponds and around acidic moorland bogs and sheltered upland lakes. Date: 2nd July 2023 Location: Great Ovens NNR, Wareham Forest, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833237.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_391928027559ce96f842e5.jpgWhite Pelicans The White Pelican is a huge bird, with only the Dalmatian Pelican averaging larger amongst the pelicans. The wingspan of the White Pelican can range from 7.41 to 11.8 feet, with the latter measurement the largest recorded among flying animals outside of the great albatrosses. The total length can range from 55 to 71 inches with the enormous bill comprising 11.5 to 18.5 inches of that length. The immature White Pelican is grey with dark flight feathers. In breeding condition the male has pinkish skin on its face and the female has orangey skin. It differs from the Dalmatian pelican by its pure white, rather than greyish-white, plumage, a bare pink facial patch around the eye and pinkish legs. Males are larger than females, and have a long beak that grows in a downwards arc, as opposed to the shorter, straighter beak of the female. In flight, it is an elegant soaring bird, with the head held close to and aligned with the body by a downward bend in the neck. The White Pelican is well adapted for aquatic life. The short strong legs and webbed feet propel it in water and aid the rather awkward takeoff from the water surface. Once aloft, the long-winged pelicans are powerful fliers, however, and often travel in spectacular V-formation groups. The White Pelican is usually found in and around shallow warm fresh water. Well scattered groups of breeding pelicans occur through Eurasia from the eastern Mediterranean to Vietnam. In Eurasia, fresh or brackish waters may be inhabited and the White Pelican may be found in lakes, deltas, lagoons and marshes, usually with dense reed beds nearby for nesting purposes. Additionally, sedentary populations are found year-round in Africa, south of the Sahara Desert although these are patchy. Migratory populations are found from Eastern Europe to Kazakhstan during the breeding season. They arrive in late March or early April and depart after breeding from September to late November. Wintering locations for European White Pelicans are not exactly known but wintering birds may occur in north east Africa through Iraq to north India, with a particularly large number of breeders from Asia wintering around Pakistan. The diet of the White Pelican consists mainly of fish and they leave their roost to feed early in the mornings and may fly over 60 miles in search of food. The White Pelican's pouch serves simply as a scoop. As it pushes its bill underwater, the lower bill bows out creating a large pouch which fills with water and fish. As the bird lifts its head, the pouch contracts and forces out the water but retaining the fish. A group of 6 to 8 White Pelicans will gather in a horseshoe formation in the water to feed together. They dip their bills in unison, creating a circle of open pouches, ready to trap every fish in the area. Most feeding is co-operative and done in groups, especially in shallow waters where fish schools can be corralled easily. White Pelicans are not restricted to fish, however, and are often opportunistic foragers. In addition, they also eat crustaceans, tadpoles and even turtles and will readily accept handouts from humans. The White Pelican breeding season commences in April or May in temperate zones, essentially all year round in Africa and begins in February through April in India. Large numbers of White Pelicans breed together in colonies. Nest locations are variable with some populations making stick nests in trees but a majority nest in scrapes on the ground lined with grass, sticks, feathers and other material. Date: 13th May 2015 Location: Great Prespa Lake (Megali Prespa), West Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41187499.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9803837105ea6e01c4a738.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 26th April 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42670665.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_190855785160b2054b05b91.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 18th May 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623356.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8149517046117dc29e8d27.jpgJackdaw The Western Jackdaw, also known as the Eurasian Jackdaw, European Jackdaw or simply Jackdaw, is a passerine bird in the crow family. Measuring 13 to 15 inches in length, the Jackdaw is the second smallest member of the crow family. Most of the plumage is a shiny black with a purple or blue sheen on the crown, forehead and secondaries and a green-blue sheen on the throat, primaries and tail. The cheeks, nape and neck are light grey to greyish-silver and the underparts are slate-grey. The legs are black as is the short stout bill. The irises of adults are greyish or silvery white while those of juveniles are light blue, becoming brownish before whitening at around one year of age. The sexes look alike although the head and neck plumage of male birds fades more with age and wear, particularly just before moulting. Immature birds have duller and less demarcated plumage. The head is a sooty black, sometimes with a faint greenish sheen and brown feather bases visible, the back and side of the neck are dark grey and the underparts greyish or sooty black. The tail has narrower feathers and a greenish sheen. There are 4 recognised geographical subspecies of the Jackdaw, each with slight plumage variations. Within its range, the Jackdaw is generally unmistakable and its short bill and grey nape are distinguishing features. In flight, the Jackdaw is distinguishable from other crows by its smaller size, faster and deeper wingbeats and proportionately narrower and less fingered wing tips. It also has a shorter and thicker neck and a much shorter bill and it frequently flies in tighter flocks. The Jackdaw is a skilled flyer and can manoeuvre tightly as well as tumble and glide. It has characteristic jerky wing beats when flying. On the ground, the Jackdaw has an upright posture and struts briskly with its short legs giving it a rapid gait. The Jackdaw is found from north west Africa, throughout all of Europe, except for the extreme north, and east through central Asia to the east Himalayas and Lake Baikal. To the east, it occurs throughout Turkey, the Caucasus, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and north west India. A small number of Jackdaws reached the north east of North America in the 1980s and have been found from Atlantic Canada to Pennsylvania. The range is vast and there is a large global population. Most populations are resident but the north and east populations are more migratory and relocate to wintering areas between September and November and return between February and early May. The Jackdaw can be found in wooded steppes, pastures, cultivated land, coastal cliffs and towns. It thrives when forested areas are cleared and converted to fields and open areas. Habitats with a mix of large trees, buildings and open ground are preferred. Open fields are left to the Rook and more wooded areas to the Jay. The Jackdaw is highly gregarious and is generally seen in flocks of varying sizes. Flocks increase in size in autumn and birds congregate at dusk for communal roosting with up to several thousand individuals gathering at one site. Males and females pair bond for life and pairs stay together within flocks. Jackdaws will frequently congregate with other crows such as Carrion Crows, Hooded Crows or Rooks. Foraging takes place mostly on the ground in open areas and to some extent in trees. Landfill sites, bins, streets and gardens are also visited, more often early in the morning when there are fewer people about. Various feeding methods are employed, such as jumping, pecking, clod-turning and scattering, probing the soil and occasional digging. The Jackdaw will also ride on the backs of sheep and other mammals such as deer, seeking ticks as well as actively gathering wool or hair for nests. Compared with other crows, the Jackdaw spends more time exploring and turning over objects with its bill. It also has a straighter and less downturned bill and increased binocular vision which are advantageous for this foraging strategy. The Jackdaw is opportunistic and highly adaptable and varies its diet markedly depending on available food sources. It tends to feed on small invertebrates that are found above ground, including various species of beetle as well as snails and spiders. It will also eat small rodents, bats, the eggs and chicks of birds and carrion such as roadkill. Vegetable items consumed include farm grains, weed seeds, elderberries, acorns and various cultivated fruits. The Jackdaw practices active food sharing with a number of individuals regardless of sex or kinship. It also shares more of a preferred food than a less preferred food. The active giving of food by most birds is found mainly in the context of parental care and courtship although the Jackdaw shows much higher levels of active giving than has been documented for other species. The function of this behaviour is not fully understood and several theories have been advanced. Genetic analysis of Jackdaw pairs and offspring shows no evidence of extra-pair copulation and there is little evidence for couple separation even after multiple instances of reproductive failure. Some pairs do separate in the first few months but almost all pairings of over 6 months' duration are lifelong and end only when a partner dies. Widowed or separated birds fare badly and are often ousted from nests or territories and are unable to rear broods alone. The Jackdaw usually breeds in colonies with pairs collaborating to find a nest site which they then defend from other pairs and predators during most of the year. It will nest in cavities in trees or cliffs, in ruined or occupied buildings and in chimneys, the common feature being a sheltered site for the nest. A mated pair usually constructs a nest by improving a crevice by dropping sticks into it. The nest is then built on top of the platform formed. Nest platforms can attain a great size. Nests are lined with hair, wool, dead grass and many other materials. Clutches usually contain 4 or 5 eggs which are incubated by the female for 17 to 18 days until hatching as naked altricial chicks which are completely dependent on the adults for food. The chicks fledge after 28 to 35 days and the parents continue to feed them for another 4 weeks or so. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623242.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_246005866117d9a9c7c5f.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/barafundle-bay-and-stackpole-head https://images.on-this.website/4752_19035064464996cb5a9b32.jpgBarafundle Bay and Stackpole Head, Pembrokeshire Barafundle Bay and Beach is part of the National Trust Stackpole Estate and accessible only by a half mile walk from the nearest car park at Stackpole Quay. It is a stunning broad stretch of golden sand flanked by woodland, dunes and limestone headlands. After crossing Barafundle Beach, a path leads up through the woodland before emerging on the cliff-top path to Stackpole Head, a spectacular point where the sea has sculpted stacks, caves, arches, inlets and headlands and where Guillemots, Razorbills, Choughs, Ravens and Peregrines breed. Date: 9th June 2023 Location: view from Pembrokeshire Coast Path, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41187477.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5683687005ea6dfd239701.jpgGreylag Goose The Greylag Goose is the ancestor of most domestic geese but is also the largest and bulkiest of the wild geese native to the UK and Europe. In many parts of the UK it has been re-established by releasing birds in suitable areas but the resulting flocks found around gravel pits, lakes and reservoirs all year round in southern Britain tend to be semi-tame. The native birds and wintering flocks found on lochs in northern Scotland and on some Scottish islands retain the special appeal of truly wild geese. Date: 26th April 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072229.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12054462534bf6d4d971e33.jpgGreat Spotted Woodpecker The Great Spotted Woodpecker is a Blackbird-sized bird with striking black and white plumage. The male has a distinctive red patch on the back of the head and young birds have a red crown. Great Spotted Woodpeckers have a very distinctive bouncing flight and spend most of their time clinging to tree trunks and branches. Their presence is often announced by its loud call or by its distinctive spring “drumming” display. Great Spotted Woodpeckers are widely distributed throughout Europe and northern Asia and are usually resident all year round except in the colder parts of its range. Date: 10th April 2010 Location: Neljan Tuulen Tupa near Kaamanen, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45456932.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21201164646250015ac3afa.jpgTurnstone The Turnstone has a mottled appearance with brown or chestnut and black upperparts, brown and white or black and white head pattern, white underparts and orange legs. Turnstones can be found around most of the UK coastline including rocky, sandy and muddy shores and particularly like feeding on seaweed covered rocks, seawalls and jetties. They are present for most of the year. Birds from Northern Europe pass through in July and August and again in spring and birds from Canada and Greenland arrive in August and September and remain until April and May. Non-breeding birds may stay throughout the summer. Date: 9th November 2021 Location: Shoeburyness, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072252.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9861394714bf6d5846c14c.jpgSiberian Jay The Siberian Jay is noticeably smaller, slighter and proportionately longer-tailed than the Jay with a much shorter and more pointed bill. It is the smallest and most delicate of the Western Palearctic crows and is rather drab brown-grey with rufous-chestnut near the wing-bend and on under wing coverts, rump and sides of tail which set the bird “on fire” in flight. The Siberian Jay is a widespread and highly sedentary resident in Fennoscandia and Russia with Europe accounting for less than half of its global range. It breeds across the higher latitudes of the Western Palearctic and is predominantly at all seasons a bird of coniferous forest, mainly dense stands of forest unmodified by man rather than open growth. The Siberian Jay contrasts with the Jay in a lack of fear of man, readily attaching itself to human travellers and their living quarters, but this has little effect on choice of habitat since its normal range is largely uninhabited by people. Date: 10th April 2010 Location: Neljan Tuulen Tupa near Kaamanen, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/red-squirrel https://images.on-this.website/4752_8453995404e71b0d307732.jpgRed Squirrel The Red Squirrel or Eurasian Red Squirrel is a species of tree squirrel in the genus [i]Sciurus[/i]. It is an arboreal and primarily herbivorous rodent. The Red Squirrel has a typical head and body length of 7.5 to 9 inches, a tail length of 6 to 8 inches and a weight of 9 to 12 ounces. Males and females are the same size. The Red Squirrel is smaller and lighter in weight than the Grey Squirrel The coat of the Red Squirrel varies in colour with the time of year and its location and there are several different coat colour morphs ranging from black to red. Red coats are most common in the UK but in other parts of Europe and Asia different coat colours co-exist within populations. The underside of the Red Squirrel is always creamy-white in colour. The Red Squirrel sheds its coat twice a year, switching from a thinner summer coat to a thicker, darker winter coat with noticeably larger ear-tufts (a prominent distinguishing feature of this species) between August and November. A lighter, redder overall coat colour, along with the ear-tufts (in adults) and smaller size, distinguish the Red Squirrel from the Grey Squirrel. The long tail helps the Red Squirrel to balance and steer when jumping from tree to tree and running along branches and it may also keep it warm during sleep. The Red Squirrel, like most tree squirrels, has sharp and curved claws to enable it to climb and descend broad tree trunks, thin branches and even house walls and its strong hind legs enable it to leap gaps between trees. The Red Squirrel can be found in the boreal coniferous woods in north Europe and Siberia where it prefers Scots Pine, Norway Spruce and Siberian Pine. In west and south Europe it can be found in broad-leaved woods where the mixture of tree and shrub species provides a better year round source of food. In most of the UK and in Italy, broad-leaved woodlands are now less suitable for it due to the better competitive feeding strategy of the introduced Grey Squirrel. The Red Squirrel makes a drey (nest) out of twigs in a branch-fork, forming a domed structure about 9 to 12 inches in diameter. This is lined with moss, leaves, grass and bark. Tree hollows and woodpecker holes are also used. The Red Squirrel is generally a solitary animal and is shy and reluctant to share food with others. However, outside the breeding season and particularly in winter, several Red Squirrels may share a drey to keep warm. Social organisation is based on dominance hierarchies within and between sexes. Although males are not necessarily dominant towards females, the dominant animals tend to be larger and older than subordinate animals and dominant males tend to have larger home ranges than subordinate males or females. Mating can occur in late winter during February and March and in summer between June and July. During mating, males detect females that are in oestrus by an odour that they produce and, although there is no courtship, the male will chase the female for up to an hour prior to mating. Usually multiple males will chase a single female until the dominant male, usually the largest in the group, mates with the female. Males and females will mate multiple times with many partners. Females must reach a minimum body mass before they enter oestrus and heavy females on average produce more young. If food is scarce breeding may be delayed. Typically a female will produce her first litter in her second year. Up to 2 litters a year per female are possible. Each litter averages 3 young and these are known as kits. Gestation is about 38 to 39 days and the young are looked after by the mother alone and are born helpless, blind and deaf. Their body is covered by hair at 21 days, their eyes and ears open after 3 to 4 weeks and they develop all their teeth by 42 days. Juveniles can eat solids around 40 days following birth and from that point they can leave the nest on their own to find food. However, they still suckle from their mother until weaning occurs at 8 to 10 weeks. The Red Squirrel eats mostly the seeds of trees, fungi, nuts (especially hazelnuts but also beech and chestnuts), berries and young shoots. More rarely, it may also eat bird eggs or nestlings and may occasionally exhibit opportunistic omnivory similar to other rodents. Excess food is put into caches, either buried or in nooks or holes in trees, and eaten when food is scarce. Although the Red Squirrel remembers where it created caches at a better than chance level, its spatial memory is believed to be substantially less accurate and durable than that of the Grey Squirrel. Therefore it will often have to search for them when in need and many caches are never found again. Between 60% and 80% of the active time of a Red Squirrel may be spent foraging and feeding. The active period is generally in the morning and in the late afternoon and evening. It often rests in its nest in the middle of the day to avoid the heat and the high visibility to birds of prey that are dangers during these hours. During the winter, this midday rest is often much more brief or absent entirely although harsh weather may cause it to stay in its nest for days at a time. No territories are claimed between Red Squirrels and the feeding areas of individuals overlap considerably. A Red Squirrel that survives its first winter has a life expectancy of 3 years. Individuals may reach 7 years of age and 10 years in captivity. Survival is positively related to the availability of autumn and winter tree seeds. On average, 75 to 85% of juveniles die during their first winter and mortality is approximately 50% for winters following the first. Predators include small mammals such as the Pine Marten, the Wildcat and the Stoat which all prey on juveniles. Birds, including owls and raptors such as the Goshawk and Common Buzzard, may also prey on the Red Squirrel as will the Red Fox and domestic cats and dogs when it is on the ground. Humans influence the population size and mortality of the Red Squirrel by destroying or altering habitats, by causing road casualties and by introducing non-native populations of the Grey Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel and the Red Squirrel are not directly antagonistic and violent conflict between these species is not a factor in the decline in Red Squirrel populations. However, the Grey Squirrel appears to contribute to the decrease in the Red Squirrel population for several reasons: it carries a disease, the squirrel parapoxvirus, that does not appear to affect its own health but will often kill the Red Squirrel, it can better digest acorns whilst the Red Squirrel cannot access the proteins and fats in acorns as easily and it can put the Red Squirrel under pressure for food resources resulting in it not breeding as often. In the UK, due to the above circumstances, the population has today fallen to 160,000 Red Squirrels or fewer with the majority of these in Scotland. Outside the UK and Ireland, the impact of competition from the Grey Squirrel has also been observed in Italy where 2 pairs escaped from captivity in 1948. A significant drop in the Red Squirrel population has been observed since 1970 and it is feared that the Grey Squirrel may expand into the rest of Europe. The Red Squirrel is protected in most of Europe although in some areas it is abundant and is hunted for its fur. In the UK there are several active projects to protect the Red Squirrel and its native woodland habitat, introduce or re-introduce it in to areas where it is absent and eradicate and prevent the spread of the Grey Squirrel. Research undertaken in 2007 in the UK credits the Pine Marten with reducing the population of the invasive Grey Squirrel. Where the range of the expanding Pine Marten population meets that of the Grey Squirrel, the population of the latter retreats. It is theorised that, because the Grey Squirrel spends more time on the ground than the Red Squirrel, it is far more likely to come in contact with the Pine Marten. Date: 11th April 2009 Location: Loch of the Lowes SWT reserve, Dunkeld, Perthshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512533.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_83357392262c99a45b933d.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 9th May 2022 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49002798.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8155384606468f7ac21c27.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 25th April 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801273.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_139136166164edb328343ca.jpgComma Flight period: March to October. The Comma was a rarity 100 years ago but is now a common and widespread butterfly in England and Wales and is on the point of recolonising Scotland. They are one of the first butterflies to be seen in spring and can be found in open woodland, woodland edges and gardens. Date: 26th July 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41205440.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13036687585eb9703602795.jpgGoldfinch The European Goldfinch or simply the Goldfinch is a small passerine bird in the finch family. The Goldfinch is 4.7 to 5.1 inches in length with a wingspan of 8.3 to 9.8 inches. The sexes are broadly similar, with a red face, black and white head, warm brown upper parts, white underparts with buff flanks and breast patches and black and yellow wings. On closer inspection, males can often be distinguished by a larger, darker red mask that extends just behind the eye. The shoulder feathers are black, whereas they are brown on the female. In females, the red face does not extend past the eye. The ivory-coloured bill is long and pointed and the tail is forked. Juveniles have a plain head and a greyer back but are unmistakable due to the yellow wing stripe. The Goldfinch is native to Europe, north Africa and west and central Asia. It is found in open, partially wooded lowlands and it is a resident in the milder west of its range but migrates from colder regions. It will also make local movements, even in the west, to escape bad weather. It has been introduced to many areas of the world. In the UK, the Goldfinch can be seen anywhere there are scattered bushes and trees, rough ground with thistles and other seeding plants, including orchards, parks, gardens, heathland and commons. It is less common in upland areas and most numerous in the south of England. The nest is built entirely by the female Goldfinch and is generally completed within a week. It is neat and compact and constructed of mosses and lichens and lined with plant down such as that from thistles. It is generally located several feet above the ground, hidden by leaves in the twigs at the end of a branch. The female typically lays 4 to 6 eggs which are incubated for 11 to 13 days. The chicks are fed by both parents. Initially they receive a mixture of seeds and insects but as they grow the proportion of insect material decreases. For the first 7 to 9 days the young are brooded by the female. The nestlings fledge 13 to 18 days after hatching. The young birds are fed by both parents for a further 7 to 9 days. The parents typically raise 2 broods each year and occasionally 3. The Goldfinch's preferred food is small seeds such as those from thistles and teasels but insects are also taken when feeding young. It also regularly visits bird feeders in winter. The Goldfinch is commonly kept and bred in captivity around the world because of its distinctive appearance and pleasant song. In the UK during the 19th century, many thousands of Goldfinches were trapped each year to be sold as cage birds. One of the earliest campaigns of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was directed against this trade. Date: 2nd May 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45948419.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17391264736284aff8b5be8.jpgCommon Frog The Common Frog is a semi-aquatic amphibian. The adult Common Frog has a body length of 2.5 to 3.5 inches with females usually slightly larger than males. The back and flanks vary in colour from olive green to grey-brown, brown, olive brown, grey, yellowish and rufous. However, it can lighten and darken its skin to match its surroundings. The flanks, limbs and backs are covered with irregular dark blotches and they usually sport a chevron-shaped spot on the back of their neck and a dark spot behind the eye. Unlike other amphibians, the Common Frog generally lacks a mid-dorsal band but, when they have one, it is comparatively faint. The Common Frogs is often confused with the Common Toad but the former can easily be distinguished as it has longer legs, hops and has a moist skin, whereas the latter crawls and has a dry warty skin. The Common Frog can be found throughout much of Europe as far north as northern Scandinavia inside the Arctic Circle and as far east as the Urals, except for most of Iberia, southern Italy, and the southern Balkans. It is also found in Asia and east to Japan. Outside the breeding season, the Common Frog lives a solitary life in damp places near ponds or marshes or in long grass. It is normally active for much of the year and only hibernates in the coldest months. Hibernation occurs in running waters, muddy burrows or in layers of decaying leaves and mud at the bottom of ponds or lakes primarily with a current. The oxygen uptake through the skin suffices to sustain the needs of the cold and motionless frogs during hibernation. In the most northern extremities of their range the Common Frog may be trapped under ice for up to 9 months of the year. In the UK, the Common Frog typically hibernates from late October to January. It will re-emerge as early as February if conditions are favourable and migrate to bodies of water such as garden ponds to spawn. During the spring the Common Frog's pituitary gland is stimulated by changes in external factors, such as rainfall, day length and temperature, to produce hormones which, in turn, stimulate the production of sex cells: eggs in the females and sperm in the male. Breeding takes place in shallow, still, fresh water such as ponds. Spawning commences sometime between March and late June but usually in April over the main part of its range. The adults congregate in the ponds where the males compete for females. The courtship ritual involves noisy vocalisations (croaking) by large "choirs" of males. The females are attracted to the males that produce the loudest and longest calls and enter the water where the males mill around and try to grasp them with their front legs. The successful male climbs on the back of the female and grasps her under the forelegs with his nuptial pads, in a position known as amplexus, and kicks away any other males that try to grasp her. He then stays attached in this position until she lays her eggs which he fertilises by spraying sperm over them as they are released from the female's cloaca. The courtship rituals are performed throughout the day and night but spawning typically takes place at night. Females lay between 1,000 and 2,000 eggs which float in large clusters near the surface of the water. After mating the pairs separate, the females will leave the water and the males will try to find another mate. Within 3 or 4 days all the females will have laid their eggs and left the water and the males disperse. In common with other amphibia the rate of development of eggs and tadpoles is influenced by temperature, with those in ponds at higher temperatures developing faster than those at lower temperatures. Newly hatched tadpoles are mainly herbivorous and feed on algae, detritus, plants and some small invertebrates. They become fully carnivorous once their back legs develop and feed on small water animals or even other tadpoles when food is scarce. Juveniles feed on invertebrates both on land and in water but their feeding habits change significantly throughout their lives and older frogs will eat only on land. Adults will feed on any invertebrate of a suitable size and catch their prey on their long, sticky tongues, although they do not feed at all during the short breeding season. Preferred foods include insects (especially flies), snails, slugs and worms. The Common Frog is susceptible to a number of diseases and parasitic fungus infections which have been implicated in extinctions of amphibian species around the world. Loss of habitat and the effect of these diseases and infections have caused the decline of populations across Europe in recent years. In addition, tadpoles are eaten by fish, beetles, dragonfly larvae and birds. Adult frogs have many predators including a range of birds, mammals and reptiles. Some frogs are killed by domestic cats and large numbers are killed on the roads by motor vehicles. Date: 18th April 2022 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45174876.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_347883440623301e699629.jpgTurnstone The Turnstone has a mottled appearance with brown or chestnut and black upperparts, brown and white or black and white head pattern, white underparts and orange legs. Turnstones can be found around most of the UK coastline including rocky, sandy and muddy shores and particularly like feeding on seaweed covered rocks, seawalls and jetties. They are present for most of the year. Birds from Northern Europe pass through in July and August and again in spring and birds from Canada and Greenland arrive in August and September and remain until April and May. Non-breeding birds may stay throughout the summer. Date: 19th December 2021 Location: Lowestoft Ness, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41537272.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10658746275f3cfe3555a69.jpgVestre Jakobslev, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Vestre Jakobselv is a small village in Troms og Finnmark in north east Norway. It is located on the Varanger peninsula along the shore of the Varangerfjord and at the mouth of the River Jakobselva from which is where the village gets its name. The village lies along the European route E75 about 11 miles east of the town of Vadsø. Date: 4th July 2019 Location: Vestre Jakobslev harbour, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24302975.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_531919572555aebaf792c0.jpgMarsh Frogs The Marsh Frog is the largest European frog. It is very similar in appearance to the closely related Edible Frog and Pool Frog. These 3 species are often referred to as "green frogs" to distinguish them from the more terrestrial European species which are known as "brown frogs" (best exemplified by the Common Frog). Marsh Frogs show a large variation in colour and pattern, ranging from dark green to brown or grey. The Western European populations are generally dark green to black with dark spots on the back and sides and 3 clear green lines on the back. Females can reach a maximum length of around 6.5 inches but males are smaller at around 4.5 inches. The head is proportionally large and the hind legs are long which gives them excellent jumping abilities. The Marsh Frog is usually gregarious and diurnal and more tied to aquatic habitats than the Common Frog. It is tolerant of brackish conditions and typically it is found on or in the water of its favoured drainage channels and pools throughout the year. Marsh Frogs frequently sunbathe on the bank of the water body where they are often inconspicuous until disturbed when they will jump in to the water with a characteristic “plop”. They can often be seen on lily pads or floating at the surface amongst vegetation with only their heads exposed. During the breeding season (and sometimes beyond) the male Marsh Frog calls very loudly with a sound reminiscent of a loud chuckle which is often very raucous and can be heard all day and night. Dominant males establish territories from which they call. After mating a female may produce up to 16,000 eggs in a season, laying them in clumps of a few hundred in aquatic vegetation below the surface. They hatch in about a week, tadpoles being rather solitary and living in deep water with vegetation. Newly metamorphosed frogs are up to 1 inch in length and take 2 years to mature. The diet of the Marsh Frog consists of dragonflies and other insects, spiders, earthworms and slugs. Larger frogs also eat small rodents and sometimes smaller amphibians and fish. The Marsh Frog is not a native species of the UK. It was first introduced to Walland Marsh, Kent in 1935 and is now found in several areas of Kent and East Sussex. Other introductions exist, including colonies in London. Date: 9th April 2015 Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/loch-glencoul-highland https://images.on-this.website/4752_1761761739467f22b7e09c7.jpgLoch Glencoul, Highland Loch Glencoul stretches south east from the bridge at Kylesku At the head of the loch is the 650ft high Eas a Chual Aulinn waterfall, the UK's highest and 4 times the height of the Niagara Falls. Boat trips leave from Kylesku pier to view the waterfall, the Common Seal colony and other wildlife. Loch Glencoul is also an excellent place to view the effects of thrust faulting during the Caledonian mountain building. Older metamorphic rocks have been moved up on top of the Cambrian succession rocks on a major thrust fault (the Glencoul Thrust). Date: June 1999 Location: view from the A894 road just south of Kylesku http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4466105.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17946608594b8a257b48e48.jpg http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46534910.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_192747768362ca9bb8d07de.jpgRazorbill The Razorbill is a seabird and a member of the auk family which also includes the Common Guillemot, Brunnich's Guillemot and Little Auk. It is also the closest living relative to the Great Auk which is now extinct. The Razorbill has white underparts and a black head, neck, back and feet during the breeding season. A thin white line also extends from the eyes to the end of the bill. Its head is darker than that of the CommonGuillemot. Outside the breeding season, the throat and face behind the eye become white and the white line on the face becomes less prominent. The thick black bill has a blunt end. The adult male and female female are very much alike having only small differences such as wing length. The Razorbill has a horizontal stance and the tail feathers are slightly longer in the centre in comparison to other auks making it have a distinctly long tail which is not common for an auk. The Razorbill is distributed across the sub-arctic and boreal waters of the north Atlantic where water surface temperature are typically below 15°c. The world population is estimated to be less than 1 million breeding pairs, making it among the rarest auks in the world. Approximately 60 to 70% of the entire Razorbill population breeds in Iceland., including over 200,000 pairs at Látrabjarg. The breeding habitat is islands, rocky shores and cliffs on north Atlantic coasts, in eastern North America as far south as Maine and in western Europe from north west Russia to northern France. Eurasian birds winter at sea with some moving south as far as the western Mediterranean. North American birds migrate offshore and south. The Razorbill is a colonial breeder and only comes to land to breed. Individuals only breed at 3 to 5 years of age. Females select their mate and will often encourage competition between males before choosing a partner. Once a male is chosen, the pair will usually stay together for life. Nest site determination is very important to ensure protection of young from predators. Unlike Common Guillemots, nest sites are not immediately alongside the sea on open cliff ledges but at least 4 to 6 inches away in crevices on cliffs or among boulders. Generally a nest is not built although some pairs often use their bills to drag material upon which to lay their single egg. The mating pair will often reuse the same site every year. The Razorbill feeds mainly on schooling fish and crustaceans and it will dive deep into the sea using its wings and its streamlined body to propel itself toward their prey. Whilst diving, it rarely stays in groups but instead spreads out to feed. The majority of feeding occurs at a depth of about 80 feet but it has the ability to dive up to 400 feet below the surface. During a single dive the Razorbill can capture and swallow many schooling fish depending on their size. The Razorbill spends approximately 45% of its time foraging at sea and it may well fly more than 60 miles out to sea to feed. However, when feeding chicks it will forage much closer to the nesting grounds and often in shallower water. The Razorbill and its eggs and chicks have several predators which include Great Black-backed Gulls, Peregrines, Ravens and other crows, Arctic Foxes and Polar Bears. In the early 20th century, Razorbills were harvested for their eggs, meat and feathers and this greatly decreased their population. In 1917 they were finally protected which reduced hunting. Other current threats include oil pollution, unintentional bycatch arising from commercial fishing and overfishing which decreases the abundance of prey. Date: 27th June 2022 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41537271.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11002954395f3cfe3232bc8.jpgVestre Jakobslev, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Vestre Jakobselv is a small village in Troms og Finnmark in north east Norway. It is located on the Varanger peninsula along the shore of the Varangerfjord and at the mouth of the River Jakobselva from which is where the village gets its name. The village lies along the European route E75 about 11 miles east of the town of Vadsø. Date: 4th July 2019 Location: Vestre Jakobslev harbour, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14160700.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15137722044f3e1d9fedbc4.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the [i]Canidae[/i] family and is a part of the order [i]Carnivora[/i] within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 18th February 2006 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13683366.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5734387704ed733f524760.jpgTawny Owl The Tawny Owl is an owl about the size of a pigeon. It has a rounded body and head with a ring of dark feathers around its face surrounding the dark eyes. It is mainly reddish brown above and paler underneath. The Tawny Owl can be found all year round in the UK and it is a widespread breeding species. Birds are mainly residents with established pairs probably never leaving their territories. Young birds disperse from breeding grounds in autumn. The Tawny Owl is nocturnal so it is often heard calling at night but much less often seen. In the daytime, you may see one only if you disturb it inadvertently from its roost site in woodland. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/moorhen https://images.on-this.website/4752_13732230024e1d673c4fa29.jpgMoorhen The Moorhen is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird that is usually found near water. From a distance it looks black with a ragged white line along its body. However, closer up it is olive-brown on the back and the head and blue-grey underneath. It has a red bill with a yellow tip. The Moorhen can be found all year round almost anywhere where there is water. They breed in lowland areas particularly in central and eastern England but are scarce in northern Scotland and the uplands of Wales and northern England. UK breeding birds are residents and seldom travel far. Date: 17th February 2008 Location: Cromford Canal, Derbyshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo445694.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12248004854681c759acb16.jpgBeinn Alligin, Highland Height: Sgurr Mhor 3231 feet and Tom na Gruagaich 3018 feet. The Torridon area, consisting of Loch Torridon, Upper Loch Torridon and Loch Shieldaig, is situated on the west coast of Scotland in Wester Ross. The magnificent mountains here such as Liathach and Beinn Alligin are some of the highest in the UK, rising in places almost vertically to 3500 feet from the deep sea lochs. Date: 11th June 2006 Location: view from the A896 road between Torridon and Shieldaig http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15747136.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19719616035017a708d49d9.jpgMarsh Frog The Marsh Frog is the largest European frog. It is very similar in appearance to the closely related Edible Frog and Pool Frog. These 3 species are often referred to as "green frogs" to distinguish them from the more terrestrial European species which are known as "brown frogs" (best exemplified by the Common Frog). Marsh Frogs show a large variation in colour and pattern, ranging from dark green to brown or grey. The Western European populations are generally dark green to black with dark spots on the back and sides and 3 clear green lines on the back. Females can reach a maximum length of around 6.5 inches but males are smaller at around 4.5 inches. The head is proportionally large and the hind legs are long which gives them excellent jumping abilities. The Marsh Frog is usually gregarious and diurnal and more tied to aquatic habitats than the Common Frog. It is tolerant of brackish conditions and typically it is found on or in the water of its favoured drainage channels and pools throughout the year. Marsh Frogs frequently sunbathe on the bank of the water body where they are often inconspicuous until disturbed when they will jump in to the water with a characteristic “plop”. They can often be seen on lily pads or floating at the surface amongst vegetation with only their heads exposed. During the breeding season (and sometimes beyond) the male Marsh Frog calls very loudly with a sound reminiscent of a loud chuckle which is often very raucous and can be heard all day and night. Dominant males establish territories from which they call. After mating a female may produce up to 16,000 eggs in a season, laying them in clumps of a few hundred in aquatic vegetation below the surface. They hatch in about a week, tadpoles being rather solitary and living in deep water with vegetation. Newly metamorphosed frogs are up to 1 inch in length and take 2 years to mature. The diet of the Marsh Frog consists of dragonflies and other insects, spiders, earthworms and slugs. Larger frogs also eat small rodents and sometimes smaller amphibians and fish. The Marsh Frog is not a native species of the UK. It was first introduced to Walland Marsh, Kent in 1935 and is now found in several areas of Kent and East Sussex. Other introductions exist, including colonies in London. Date: 23rd July 2012 Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37159138.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5616344145c1e63464325b.jpgGreat White Egret The Great White Egret is a large bird with all white plumage. Apart from size, the Great White Egret can be distinguished from other white egrets by its yellow bill and black legs and feet although the bill may become darker and the lower legs lighter in the breeding season. In breeding plumage, delicate ornamental feathers are borne on the back. It has a slow flight with its neck retracted. The Great White Egret is distributed across most of the tropical and warmer temperate regions of the world favouring all kinds of wetland habitats and it is a familiar species in southern Europe. Expanding populations in Europe mean that the Great White Egret is now seen more frequently in the UK and it can turn up in almost any part of the country with the majority of records in south east England and East Anglia. Date: 7th May 2018 Location: Ham Wall RSPB reserve, Somerset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13439456.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_117373654eb264a9d8d7e.jpgGrey Phalarope The Grey Phalarope is an Arctic-breeding wader that spends a large proportion of its life out at sea and many miles from land. Grey Phalaropes do occur annually in the UK and are most often seen between October and January on the coast or at inland wetlands having been blown off-course by bad weather and strong winds in autumn. Like the other phalarope species, the female is the more colourful and leaves the male to incubate the eggs and bring up the young. In North America, these birds are known as Red Phalaropes, due to their orangey-red breeding plumage. In winter, the Grey Phalarope eats marine plankton picked from the sea's surface whilst on their breeding grounds they eat small insects and aquatic creatures. Date: 21st October 2011 Location: Cudmore Grove Country Park, East Mersea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18776281.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_103850732851f4cefbe8c49.jpgGreat Skua The Great Skua is an aggressive "pirate" of the seas, deliberately harrassing birds as large as Gannets to steal a free meal. It also readily kills and eats smaller birds such as Puffins. These birds migrate to the northernmost parts of the UK from their wintering grounds off the coasts of Spain and Africa. They breed on coastal rocky islands and moorland in northern Scotland, Orkney and Shetland, arriving in April and leaving in July. At other times they are seen around coasts often in vicinity of seabird colonies, scavenging from other birds or picking food from the surface of the sea. Date: 20th June 2013 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/dunlin https://images.on-this.website/4752_21414072014db02d0966b65.jpgDunlin The Dunlin is the commonest small wader found along the coast and can be seen on all UK estuaries with the largest numbers in winter. During winter they feed in large flocks on estuaries with mudflats, saltmarsh and coastal lagoons as well as inland lakes and sewage farms. Dunlin breed on the wet upland moors of Scotland, Wales and England and also the wet grassland machair of the Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland and the Flow Country of Caithness and Sutherland. Date: 07/09/05 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41205448.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20300303395eb971dbbf394.jpgCoot The Coot is an all black bird with a distinctive white beak and “shield” above the beak from which earns it the title “bald”. Its feet have distinctive lobed flaps of skin on the toes which act instead of webs when swimming. It patters noisily over the water before taking off and can be very aggressive towards other birds. Coot can be found all the year round mainly on freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers and town park lakes. Sometimes they can be seen offshore, especially in winter if freshwater areas are frozen. They breed in areas of fairly shallow standing freshwater with a muddy bottom and plenty of vegetation at the sides, usually in lowland areas. Date: 6th May 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40952876.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15021320975e5394963e9ad.jpgCliffs of Moher, Co. Clare, Ireland The Cliffs of Moher are located at the south western edge of the Burren region in Co. Clare and stretch for about 9 miles. At their southern end, they rise 390 feet above the Atlantic Ocean at Hag's Head and 5 miles to the north they reach their maximum height of 702 feet just north of O'Brien's Tower, a round stone tower near the midpoint of the cliffs built in 1835 by Sir Cornelius O'Brien, and then continue at lower heights. The closest villages are Liscannor, 4 miles to the south, and Doolin, 4 miles, to the north. From the Cliffs of Moher, visitors can see the Aran Islands in Galway Bay, the mountain ranges of the Maumturks and Twelve Pins in Connemara in Co. Galway to the north and Loop Head in Co. Clare to the south. The official Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk runs for about 11 miles from Hag's Head to Doolin. This passes the Visitor Centre and O'Brien's Tower with good viewing throughout subject to rain or sea fog. There are 2 paths near the Visitor Centre, the official one being set back a little for safety whilst an unofficial path runs closer to the edge. In July 2016 the so-called Cliff Walk, outside the official Cliffs of Moher amenities, was temporarily closed because of the risk of rock falls. People were warned to stay on the official path further away from the cliff edge instead of the unofficial path. Since 2011, the Cliffs of Moher have formed a part of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark, one of a family of geotourism destinations throughout Europe that are members of the European Geoparks Network and also recognized by UNESCO. The cliffs are also a "signature point" on the official Wild Atlantic Way tourist trail. The Cliffs of Moher rank among the most visited tourist sites in Ireland with around 1.5 million visits per year. In the 1990s the local authority, Clare County Council, initiated development plans to enable visitors to experience the cliffs without significant intrusive man-made amenities. In keeping with this approach, a modern visitor centre, the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience, was built into a hillside approaching the cliffs. The centre was planned to be environmentally sensitive in its use of renewable energy systems including geothermal heating and cooling, solar panels and grey water recycling. The €32 million facility was planned and built over a 17 year period and officially opened in February 2007. Exhibits include interactive media displays covering the geology, history, flora and fauna of the Cliffs of Moher. The Cliffs of Moher consist mainly of beds of Namurian shale and sandstone with the oldest rocks being found at the bottom of the cliffs. During the time of their formation between 313 and 326 million years ago, a river dumped sand, silt and clay in to an ancient marine basin. Over millions of years, the sediments collecting at the mouth of this ancient delta were compacted and lithified in to the sedimentary strata preserved in the now exposed cliffs. Today the Cliffs of Moher are subject to erosion by wave action which undermines the base of support causing the cliffs to collapse under their own weight. This process creates a variety of coastal landforms characteristic of eroded coasts such as sea caves, sea stacks and sea stumps. Branaunmore, a 220 feet high sea stack at the foot below O'Brien's Tower, was once part of the Cliffs of Moher but coastal erosion gradually removed the layers of rock that joined it with the mainland. A large sea arch can also be seen at Hag's Head below the Napoleonic signal tower and many smaller sea arches can be seen from sea level. During the peak summer breeding season, there are an estimated 30,000 pairs of birds of more than 20 species and the Cliffs of Moher are designated as an Important Bird Area. A wide range of sea life can also be seen from the Cliffs of Moher including Atlantic Grey Seals, various species of whales and dolphins and Basking Sharks. Date: 6th February 2020 Location: area around Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre, Co. Clare, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453909.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3423278884ff54514a9243.jpgCorn Bunting The Corn Bunting is a rather non-descript stout and dumpy brown bird which is the largest of the bunting family. The Corn Bunting breeds across southern and central Europe, north Africa and Asia across to Kazahkstan. It is mainly resident but some birds from the colder regions of central Europe and Asia migrate southwards in winter. The Corn Bunting is a bird of open country with trees such as farmland and weedy wasteland. It has declined greatly in north west Europe due to intensive agricultural practices depriving it of its food supply of weed seeds and insects, the latter especially when feeding young. Date: 26th April 2012 Location: steppes of Belén, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623350.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15751482736117dc1a9503a.jpgJackdaw The Western Jackdaw, also known as the Eurasian Jackdaw, European Jackdaw or simply Jackdaw, is a passerine bird in the crow family. Measuring 13 to 15 inches in length, the Jackdaw is the second smallest member of the crow family. Most of the plumage is a shiny black with a purple or blue sheen on the crown, forehead and secondaries and a green-blue sheen on the throat, primaries and tail. The cheeks, nape and neck are light grey to greyish-silver and the underparts are slate-grey. The legs are black as is the short stout bill. The irises of adults are greyish or silvery white while those of juveniles are light blue, becoming brownish before whitening at around one year of age. The sexes look alike although the head and neck plumage of male birds fades more with age and wear, particularly just before moulting. Immature birds have duller and less demarcated plumage. The head is a sooty black, sometimes with a faint greenish sheen and brown feather bases visible, the back and side of the neck are dark grey and the underparts greyish or sooty black. The tail has narrower feathers and a greenish sheen. There are 4 recognised geographical subspecies of the Jackdaw, each with slight plumage variations. Within its range, the Jackdaw is generally unmistakable and its short bill and grey nape are distinguishing features. In flight, the Jackdaw is distinguishable from other crows by its smaller size, faster and deeper wingbeats and proportionately narrower and less fingered wing tips. It also has a shorter and thicker neck and a much shorter bill and it frequently flies in tighter flocks. The Jackdaw is a skilled flyer and can manoeuvre tightly as well as tumble and glide. It has characteristic jerky wing beats when flying. On the ground, the Jackdaw has an upright posture and struts briskly with its short legs giving it a rapid gait. The Jackdaw is found from north west Africa, throughout all of Europe, except for the extreme north, and east through central Asia to the east Himalayas and Lake Baikal. To the east, it occurs throughout Turkey, the Caucasus, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and north west India. A small number of Jackdaws reached the north east of North America in the 1980s and have been found from Atlantic Canada to Pennsylvania. The range is vast and there is a large global population. Most populations are resident but the north and east populations are more migratory and relocate to wintering areas between September and November and return between February and early May. The Jackdaw can be found in wooded steppes, pastures, cultivated land, coastal cliffs and towns. It thrives when forested areas are cleared and converted to fields and open areas. Habitats with a mix of large trees, buildings and open ground are preferred. Open fields are left to the Rook and more wooded areas to the Jay. The Jackdaw is highly gregarious and is generally seen in flocks of varying sizes. Flocks increase in size in autumn and birds congregate at dusk for communal roosting with up to several thousand individuals gathering at one site. Males and females pair bond for life and pairs stay together within flocks. Jackdaws will frequently congregate with other crows such as Carrion Crows, Hooded Crows or Rooks. Foraging takes place mostly on the ground in open areas and to some extent in trees. Landfill sites, bins, streets and gardens are also visited, more often early in the morning when there are fewer people about. Various feeding methods are employed, such as jumping, pecking, clod-turning and scattering, probing the soil and occasional digging. The Jackdaw will also ride on the backs of sheep and other mammals such as deer, seeking ticks as well as actively gathering wool or hair for nests. Compared with other crows, the Jackdaw spends more time exploring and turning over objects with its bill. It also has a straighter and less downturned bill and increased binocular vision which are advantageous for this foraging strategy. The Jackdaw is opportunistic and highly adaptable and varies its diet markedly depending on available food sources. It tends to feed on small invertebrates that are found above ground, including various species of beetle as well as snails and spiders. It will also eat small rodents, bats, the eggs and chicks of birds and carrion such as roadkill. Vegetable items consumed include farm grains, weed seeds, elderberries, acorns and various cultivated fruits. The Jackdaw practices active food sharing with a number of individuals regardless of sex or kinship. It also shares more of a preferred food than a less preferred food. The active giving of food by most birds is found mainly in the context of parental care and courtship although the Jackdaw shows much higher levels of active giving than has been documented for other species. The function of this behaviour is not fully understood and several theories have been advanced. Genetic analysis of Jackdaw pairs and offspring shows no evidence of extra-pair copulation and there is little evidence for couple separation even after multiple instances of reproductive failure. Some pairs do separate in the first few months but almost all pairings of over 6 months' duration are lifelong and end only when a partner dies. Widowed or separated birds fare badly and are often ousted from nests or territories and are unable to rear broods alone. The Jackdaw usually breeds in colonies with pairs collaborating to find a nest site which they then defend from other pairs and predators during most of the year. It will nest in cavities in trees or cliffs, in ruined or occupied buildings and in chimneys, the common feature being a sheltered site for the nest. A mated pair usually constructs a nest by improving a crevice by dropping sticks into it. The nest is then built on top of the platform formed. Nest platforms can attain a great size. Nests are lined with hair, wool, dead grass and many other materials. Clutches usually contain 4 or 5 eggs which are incubated by the female for 17 to 18 days until hatching as naked altricial chicks which are completely dependent on the adults for food. The chicks fledge after 28 to 35 days and the parents continue to feed them for another 4 weeks or so. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871730.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21187686434eff214f91158.jpgBrown Bear The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, <i>Ursus arctos arctos</i>. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an overnight stay in a Brown Bear watching hide at [url=http://www.martinselkonen.fi/index.php?id=1&la=en]Martinselkosen Eräkeskus[/url] Date: 1st June 2009 Location: Martinselkosen Eräkeskus, Pirttivaara, Kainuu, Finland <iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/10143012?autoplay=1" width="600" height="450" frameborder="0"></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/10143012">Brown Bears of Martinselkonen</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user3372484">Richard Chew</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>. Music: Jean Sibelius - Andante festivo<br /> </p> http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512526.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_132293551662c99a3ae07de.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 9th May 2022 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41234286.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4578940145ee771a50b415.jpgWoodpigeon The Woodpigeon is the UK's largest and commonest pigeon and is largely grey with a white neck patch and white wing patches which are clearly visible in flight. Although shy in the countryside, it can be tame and approachable in towns and cities. Its cooing call is a familiar sound in woodlands as is the loud clatter of its wings when it flies away. Woodpigeons can be found across the UK. In the countryside they breed on farmland with hedges, trees and copses and in towns and cities they breed in parks and gardens. In winter, Woodpigeons form large flocks on farmland fields. Date: 9th June 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41187488.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8585350915ea6dffa11df7.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 26th April 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49276691.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1355736271649962833a6d7.jpgHouse Martin The Common House Martin, sometimes called the Northern House Martin or, particularly in Europe, just House Martin, is a passerine bird and member of the swallow family Hirundininae. There are two geographical sub-species, the western nominate sub-species and the eastern sub-species. The adult House Martin of the western nominate sub-species is 5.1 inches long with a wing span of 10 to 11 inches. It is steel-blue above with a white rump and white underparts including the underwings. Even its short legs have white downy feathering. It has brown eyes and a small black bill and its toes and exposed parts of the legs are pink. The sexes are similar but the juvenile bird is sooty black and some of its wing coverts and quills have white tips and edgings. The white rump and underparts of the House Martin are very noticeable in flight and prevent confusion with the other widespread Palearctic swallows such as the Barn Swallow, Sand Martin and Red-rumped Swallow. The eastern sub-species differs from the western nominate sub-species in that its white rump extends much further on to the tail and the fork of its tail is intermediate in depth between that of the western nominate sub-species and that of the Asian House Martin. The House Martin is a noisy species, especially at its breeding colonies. The male's song, given throughout the year, is a soft twitter of melodious chirps. The western nominate sub-species of the House Martin breeds across temperate Eurasia east to central Mongolia and the River Yenisei in Siberia and in north Africa in Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria. It migrates on a broad front (i.e. birds are not funnelled through the short sea crossings used by large soaring birds but cross the Mediterranean and the Sahara) to winter in sub-Saharan Africa. The eastern sub-species breeds east of the River Yenisei in Siberia to Kolyma in the Russian Far East and south to north Mongolia and north China. It winters in south China and south east Asia. As would be expected for a long distance migrant, the House Martin has occurred as a vagrant east to Alaska and west to Newfoundland, Bermuda and the Azores. The preferred habitat of the House Martin is open country with low vegetation, such as pasture, meadows and farmland, preferably near water. It is also found in mountains up to at least 7200 feet. It is much more urban than the Barn Swallow and it will nest even in towns and city centres if the air is clean enough. The House Martin does not normally use the reed-bed roosts favoured by the Barn Swallow on migration. The House Martin returns to its breeding areas in Europe between April and May and nest building starts between late March in north Africa and mid-June in north Scandinavia. It typically returns a few days after the first Barn Swallows. However, like that species, it seldom goes straight to its nesting sites but instead hunts for food over large fresh water bodies, particularly when the weather is poor. The House Martin was originally a cliff and cave nester and some cliff-nesting colonies still exist with the nests built below an overhanging rock. It now largely uses human structures such as bridges and houses. Unlike the Barn Swallow, it uses the outside of inhabited buildings rather than the inside of buildings such as barns or stables. The nests are built at the junction of a vertical surface and an overhang, such as on house eaves, so that they may be strengthened by attachment to both planes. The nest is a neat closed convex cup fixed below a suitable ledge with a narrow opening at the top. It is constructed by both sexes with mud pellets collected in their beaks and lined with grasses, hair or other soft materials. The mud, added in successive layers, is collected from ponds, streams or puddles. The House Martin tends to breed colonially and nests may be built in contact with each other. A colony size of less than 10 nests is typical but there are records of colonies with thousands of nests. The female lays 4 or 5 eggs and undertakes most of the incubation which normally lasts 14 to 16 days. The young chicks leave the nest after 22 to 32 days depending on the weather and the fledged young stay with and are fed by the parents for a further week. There are normally 2 broods each year and the same nest is reused for the second brood and repaired and used again in subsequent years. Hatching success is 90% and fledging survival 60 to 80%. The average annual mortality for adults is around 40 to 60% with most deaths outside the breeding season. Although individuals aged 10 and 14 years have been recorded, most survive less than 5 years. For weeks after leaving the nest, the young congregate in ever-increasing flocks and, as summer progresses to autumn, birds may be seen gathering in trees or on rooftops or on telephone wires with Barn Swallows. By the end of October, most House Martins have left their breeding areas in west and central Europe although late birds in November and December are not uncommon and further south migration finishes later anyway. The House Martin is similar in habits to other aerial insectivores, including other swallows and martins and the unrelated swifts, and it catches insects in flight. In the breeding areas, flies and aphids make up much of the diet and the House Martin takes a larger proportion of such insects than the Barn Swallow. During the winter, other insects such as sawflies, wasps, bees and ants are eaten. The House Martin typically hunts at an average height of around 70 feet during the breeding season but at lower heights in wet conditions. In winter, it tends to hunt at greater heights of over 160 feet. The hunting grounds are usually located within about 1500 feet of the nest with a preference for open ground or water, the latter especially in poor weather. However, the House Martin will also follow agricultural vehicles and large animals to catch disturbed insects. Date: 7th June 2023 Location: Rhosson campsite near St. David's, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42222539.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17959184526023b9047342f.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 21st January 2021 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49003258.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_917503243646901999d95b.jpgCommon Whitethroat The Common Whitethroat is a common and widespread Sylvia warbler. It is one of several Sylvia species that has distinct male and female plumages. Both sexes are mainly brown above and buff below with chestnut fringes to the wings. The adult male has a grey head and a white throat. The female lacks the grey head and the throat is duller. The song is fast and scratchy with a scolding tone. The Common Whitethroat breeds throughout Europe and across much of temperate west Asia where it can be found in areas of open countryside and cultivation with bushes for nesting. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, Arabia and Pakistan. In the UK, it is a summer visitor from April to October and a passage migrant. It breeds widely throughout the country although avoids urban and mountainous areas. Like most warblers, the Common Whitethroat is insectivorous but it will also eat berries and other soft fruit. Date: 5th May 2022 Location: Danbury Common, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28883720.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_105357265257cc0a7e746b6.jpgTaevaskoja, Estonia Taevaskoja is part of the Ahja River Landscape Reserve situated about 20 miles south east of Tartu and is an area of old pine and deciduous forest, fast flowing river, rapids and craggy outcrops. Date: 18th May 2016 Location: Taevaskoja, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25774110.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1474027854560fb6c92732a.jpgRiver Morar, Highland The River Morar, located between Arisaig and Mallaig, is an estuarial river that flows from the Morar Dam at the western end of Loch Morar to the sea at Morar Bay less than a half-mile to the west making it one of the shortest rivers in Scotland. The River Morar is crossed by 3 bridges: one carrying the A830 road from Fort William to Mallaig, an older bridge for the B8008 coastal road and one for the West Highland Line railway. Date: 24th September 2015 Location: view from the B8008 coastal road http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405542.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9120325646586f7c1cc393.jpgGreat Northern Diver The Great Northern Diver is the largest of the UK's divers with a bigger, heavier head and bill than its commoner relatives. The Great Northern Diver is largely a winter visitor to the UK coast although some non-breeding birds stay off northern coasts in the summer. They start to arrive offshore in August and birds move back to their largely Icelandic breeding grounds in April and May. The largest numbers can be found off the northern and western islands of Scotland. Date: 8th December 2023 Location: Great Notley Country Park, Braintree, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49002010.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13125100566468e624e779e.jpgWoodpigeon The Woodpigeon is the UK's largest and commonest pigeon and is largely grey with a white neck patch and white wing patches which are clearly visible in flight. Although shy in the countryside, it can be tame and approachable in towns and cities. Its cooing call is a familiar sound in woodlands as is the loud clatter of its wings when it flies away. Woodpigeons can be found across the UK. In the countryside they breed on farmland with hedges, trees and copses and in towns and cities they breed in parks and gardens. In winter, Woodpigeons form large flocks on farmland fields. Date: 7th April 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33568379.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16414343955a106ab386e97.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 4th November 2017 Location: Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/ala-kitka-pohjois-pohjanmaa-finland https://images.on-this.website/4752_11108206925ff44a008caef.jpgAla-Kitka, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland Ala-Kitka is a medium-sized lake located towards the north west of Ruka in the Pohjois-Pohjanmaa region of Finland. It is connected with a bigger lake Yli-Kitka by the Raappanansalmi strait. They are usually considered together to be part of Kitkajärvi, the 14th largest lake in Finland. Date: 8th July 2019 Location: view from Villa Iglu near Vallioniemi, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29487141.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_169452711758107dffec911.jpgVartius to Suomussalmi, Kainuu, Finland Kainuu region borders the regions of Pohjois-Pohjanmaa (Northern Ostrobothnia) to the north and Pohjois-Karjala (North Karelia) and Pohjois-Savo (Northern Savonia) to the south. In the east it also borders Russia. The landscape of Kainuu region consists of lakes, hills and vast uninhabited forest areas. Boreal forest makes up most of the region and consists of birches, pines and spruces. Date: 24th May 2016 Location: view from road 912 between Vartius and Suomussalmi, Kainuu, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21958897.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_174599109353da55cf7d374.jpgArctic Tern The Arctic Tern is a seabird of the tern family. The adult plumage is grey above with a black nape and crown and white cheeks. The upperwings are pale grey with the area near the wingtip being translucent. The tail is white and the underparts pale grey. The beak is dark red as are the short legs and webbed feet. Like most terns, the Arctic Tern has high aspect ratio wings and a tail with a deep fork and long tail streamers. Both sexes are similar in appearance. The winter plumage is similar but the crown is whiter and the bills are darker. Juveniles differ from adults having black bill and legs, "scaly" appearing wings and mantle with dark feather tips, dark carpal wing bar and short tail streamers. During their first summer, juveniles also have a whiter forecrown. Whilst the Arctic Tern is similar to the Common and the Roseate Tern, its colouring, profile and call are slightly different. Compared to the Common Tern, it has a longer tail and mono-coloured bill, whilst the main differences from the Roseate Tern are its slightly darker colour and longer wings. The Arctic Tern has a circumpolar breeding distribution covering the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of Europe, Asia and north America. It is strongly migratory and sees 2 summers each year and more daylight than any other creature on the planet. It migrates along a convoluted route from its northern summer breeding grounds to the northern edge of the Antarctic coast for the southern summer and back again about 6 months later. In the UK, breeding Arctic Terns can best be seen on islands such as the Farne Islands in Northumberland or Orkney and Shetland in northern Scotland where the greatest densities occur. Recent studies have shown average annual roundtrip lengths of 25000 to 50000 miles depending on the route taken and weather and wind conditions. The Arctic Tern is a long-lived bird with many reaching 30 years of age and based on this average it will travel some 1.5 million miles during its lifetime. This is by far the longest migration known in the animal kingdom. Breeding takes place in colonies on coasts, islands and occasionally inland on tundra near water. The Arctic Tern often forms mixed colonies with the Common Tern and Sandwich Tern. As it nests on the ground, the Arctic Tern is vulnerable to predation but it is one of the most aggressive terns and it is fiercely defensive of its nest and young. It will attack humans and large predators, usually striking the top or back of the head. Although it is too small to cause serious injury, it is still capable of drawing blood and repelling many raptorial birds and smaller mammalian predators such as foxes and cats. Other nesting birds, such as auks, often incidentally benefit from the protection provided by nesting in an area defended by Arctic Terns. The diet of the Arctic Tern varies depending on location and time but it usually eats small fish or marine crustaceans by dipping down to the surface of the water to catch prey. While feeding, skuas, gulls and other tern species will often harass the birds and steal their food. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Inner Farne, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23806388.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_977205595512985b94974.jpgTufted Duck The Tufted Duck is a medium-sized diving duck. Males are black on the head, neck, breast and back and white on the sides with a small crest and a yellow eye. Females are browner in colour. Tufted Ducks breed in the UK across the lowland areas of England, Scotland and Ireland but less commonly in Wales. Numbers increase in the UK in winter due to birds moving to the UK from Iceland and northern Europe. Tufted Ducks can be found all year round in suitable habitats such as a reservoirs, gravel pits or lakes. Date: 7th March 2015 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/black-guillemots https://images.on-this.website/4752_49582473954c20c59ba446.jpgBlack Guillemots The Black Guillemot has a striking black plumage with white wing patches and bright red legs and feet making it easy to identify in summer. In winter, the upperparts are pale grey and the underparts are white but the wings remain black. Unlike most other European auks the Black Guillemot is typically found in single or small numbers. The Black Guillemot can be found all year round and can typically be seen on the larger sea lochs of western Scotland and the northern and western isles of Scotland. It is also found in Ireland, the Isle of Man and in a handful of spots in England and Wales. Date: 4th January 2015 Location: Stranraer harbour, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9566388.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11484813764daed775f293b.jpgWaxwing The Waxwing is a plump bird which is slightly smaller than a starling. It is reddish-brown with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings, a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest. Waxwings breed in the dense forests of northern Europe but they occur in varying numbers in the UK from October to March. In some years they can occur in large numbers (known as irruptions) when the population in the breeding areas gets too big for the food available. The first UK arrivals each winter are usually seen on the east coast from Scotland to East Anglia but birds then move inland in search of food. They can be found in parks and gardens and even busy public places, typically where there are berry-bearing trees and bushes such as rowan, hawthorn, cotoneaster and rose. Waxwings make an easily recognisable high-pitched trilling sound like a bell. Date: 28th December 2008 Location: Folkestone, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847615.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14268293459bd54105dfce.jpgLatorica, Košice region, Slovakia The Latorica Protected Landscape Area (Chránená krajinná oblasť Latorica) is located in the Košice Region in south east Slovakia around the Slovakian part of the Latorica River (a river in the watershed of the Danube with its source in the mountains of the Ukrainian Carpathians) and around the lower parts of the Ondava River and Laborec River. The landscape consists of a system of riverbeds surrounded by alluvial riverine oak, ash, alder and birch forest, oxbow lakes, ponds, marshes, reedbeds, sandy banks, dyke-lined canals, pastures and hay meadows. Much of the surrounding floodplain is farmed. The Latorica Protected Landscape Area was designated in 1990 and covers an area of 90 square miles. Part of the area was added to the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance in 1993. Date: 2nd June 2017 Location: Leles to Boľ area, Latorica, Košice region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9589272.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18600901314db165a3741e3.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 17th February 2008 Location: Cromford Canal, Derbyshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50931116.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11684150026627de6ff3876.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the Canidae family and is a part of the order Carnivora within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 21st April 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493265.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18865168575f326f38e03a1.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43082684.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_152285704860dd84b56c8e0.jpgEdible Frog The Edible Frog is a species of frog found across Europe that is also known as the Common Water Frog and the Green Frog. The Edible Frog is one of the few animals in the world that is a fertile hybrid of 2 different species, as although similar but genetically different species are known to mate, it is very rare that their offspring will be able to breed. The Edible Frog is a fertile hybrid of 2 other European frogs, namely the Pool Frog and the Marsh Frog, that inter-bred when populations where isolated close to one another during the Ice Age. It was first described in 1758 and is known as the Edible Frog due to the fact that it is now seen as a culinary delicacy across Europe but especially in France where frog’s legs are often served as a national dish. The reason for humans favouring this frog over others is not really known but it may have something to do with their abundance. The Edible Frog is a medium sized frog growing to around 3.5 to 4.5 inches in length. Adults are mainly green in colour with light patches of brown on their backs, yellow eyes and a white underside covered in a few dark spots. There are number of distinct differences between males and females including the fact that males become much lighter and greener during the mating season. Males also have vocal sacs on the outside of their cheeks and extra skin patches on their feet, both of which are primarily used for mating. The Edible Frog is endemic to Europe and it naturally occurs across central Europe as far north as Germany and Estonia. Southern populations are found from Croatia, through northern Italy and into the south of France. There are also isolated populations in Sweden and Bulgaria which are thought to have migrated from the countries nearby. It has also been introduced to the UK. The Edible Frog spends all of its time either in or very close to water and it is most commonly found in calmer parts of rivers and streams where there is a slow but constant flow of fresh water. It tends to prefer more open areas and can also be commonly found around lakes, ponds and marshes. Unlike many other species of frog, the Edible Frog is a diurnal animal and is therefore most active during the day. This is when it is most likely to move away from the water so that it can find a better supply of food or move to a different part of the water if it needs to. The Edible Frog is a relatively solitary animal so there is less competition for food but males are often seen sitting together in groups during the breeding season when they are trying to out-compete each other to find a mate. The breeding season for the Edible Frog begins during March and generally lasts for around 2 months. Males sing by drawing air in and out of their vocal sacs to produce the highest-pitched sound possible since females are most attracted to the loudest males. After courting her in a lake, pond or swamp, the male lets the female lay up to 10,000 eggs in a sticky mass into the water before he fertilises them. Tadpoles can be as small as 0.2 inches long when they hatch and are a grey/brown colour. They then grow up to 2 to 3 inches in length before metamorphoses occurs and they leave the water as 0.75 inches long young frogs. The Edible Frog reaches sexual maturity at the age of 2 years and can live until it is 15 years old. The Edible Frog is a carnivorous amphibian but the tadpoles mainly eat vegetation although they are known to occasionally supplement their diet with aquatic micro-organisms. Adults eat small invertebrates such as insects, spiders and flies, which make up the majority of their diet, along with larger aquatic animals like fish, newts and other frogs. The Edible Frog hunts for food during the day and can be seen catching food both in water and on land. The Edible Frog remains very still when it is sitting on the banks of its water habitat and this, along with its camouflage, makes it very difficult for predators to spot. Its eyes are positioned near the top of the head meaning that it can also see danger coming whilst the body is mainly hidden. Snakes, owls and water birds are the main predators of the Edible Frog. The Edible Frog will jump into the water and hide if it senses approaching danger and it will make a loud screeching sound if caught. Edible Frog populations are under threat from habitat destruction mainly caused by deforestation and water pollution. Date: 2nd June 2021 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40952842.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7703695805e5393a8220ea.jpgRook The Rook is a passerine bird in the crow family [i]Corvidae[/i]. It is a fairly large bird at 18 to 19 inches in length with black plumage that often shows a blue or bluish-purple sheen in bright sunlight. The feathers on the head, neck and shoulders are particularly dense and silky. The legs and feet are generally black, the bill grey-black and the iris dark brown. In adults, a bare area of whitish skin in front of the eye and around the base of the bill is distinctive and enables the Rook to be distinguished from other members of the crow family. This bare patch gives the false impression that the bill is longer than it is and the head more domed. The feathering around the legs also appears shaggier than the similarly sized Carrion Crow, the only other member of its genus with which the Rook is likely to be confused. Additionally, when seen in flight, the wings of a Rook are proportionally longer and narrower than those of the Carrion Crow. The juvenile plumage is black with a slight greenish gloss except for the hind neck, back and underparts which are brownish-black. The juvenile is superficially similar to a young Carrion Crow because it lacks the bare patch at the base of the bill but it has a thinner beak and loses the facial feathers after about 6 months. The Rook is resident in the UK and much of north and central Europe but it is a vagrant to Iceland and parts of Scandinavia where they typically live south of latitude 66° north. In the north of its range the Rook has a tendency to move south during autumn and more southern populations are apt to range sporadically. The Rook is found in habitats such as open agricultural areas with pasture or arable land as long as there are suitable tall trees for breeding. It generally avoids forests, swamps, marshes, heaths and moorland. In general it is a lowland bird with most rookeries found below 400 feet but where suitable feeding habitat exists it may breed at 1000 feet or even higher. The Rook is often associated with human settlements, nesting near farms, villages and open towns but not in large, heavily built-up areas. The Rook is a very social and gregarious bird and is generally seen in flocks of various sizes. It is a monogamous species with the adults forming life-long pair bonds and pairs stay together within flocks. In the evening, birds often congregate at their rookery before moving off to their chosen communal roosting site. Flocks increase in size in autumn with different groups amalgamating and birds congregating at dusk before roosting, often in very large numbers and in the company of Jackdaws. Roosting usually takes place in woodland or plantations but a small minority of birds may continue to roost at their rookery all winter and adult males may roost collectively somewhere nearby. Birds move off promptly in the morning, dispersing for distances of up to 5 miles or more. The Rook mostly forages on the ground striding about or occasionally hopping and probing the soil with its powerful beak. Around 60% of the diet is vegetable matter and the rest is of animal origin. Vegetable foods include cereals, potatoes, roots, fruit, acorns, berries and seeds while the animal part is predominantly earthworms and insect larvae. It also eats beetles, spiders, millipedes, slugs, snails, small mammals, small birds and their eggs and young and occasionally carrion. In urban areas, human food scraps are taken from rubbish dumps and streets, usually in the early hours or at dusk when it is relatively quiet. Like other corvids, the Rook will sometimes favour sites with a high level of human interaction and can often be found scavenging for food in tourist areas or pecking open garbage sacks. The male Rook usually initiates courtship, on the ground or in a tree, by bowing several times to the female with drooping wings and at the same time cawing and fanning his tail. The female may respond by crouching down, arching her back and quivering her wings slightly or she may take the initiative by lowering her head and wings and erecting her partially spread tail over her back. Further similar displays are often followed by begging behaviour by the female and by the male presenting her with food before mating takes place on the nest. A mated pair of rooks will often fondle each other's bills and this behaviour is also sometimes seen in autumn. Nesting in a rookery is always colonial, usually in the very tops of large trees and often on the remnants of the previous year's nest. In hilly regions, the Rook may nest in smaller trees or bushes and exceptionally on chimneys or church spires. Both sexes participate in nest-building with the male finding most of the materials and the female putting them in place. The nest is cup-shaped and composed of sticks, consolidated with earth and lined with grasses, moss, roots, dead leaves and straw. The female lays 3 to 5 eggs (sometimes 6 and occasionally 7) by the end of March or early April in the UK and west Europe but in the harsher conditions of east Europe and Russia it may be early May before the clutch is completed. The eggs are incubated for 16 to 18 days, almost entirely by the female who is fed by the male. After hatching, the male brings food to the nest while the female broods the young. After 10 days, the female joins the male in bringing food which is carried in a throat pouch. The young fledge after 32 or 33 days but continue to be fed by the parents for some time thereafter. There is normally a single brood each year but there are records of birds attempting to breed again in the autumn. In autumn, the young birds collect in to large flocks together with unpaired birds of previous seasons and often in the company of Jackdaws. It is during this time of year that spectacular aerial displays are performed by the birds. Like other corvids, the Rook is an intelligent bird with complex behavioural traits and an ability to solve simple problems. The Rook has an extremely wide distribution and a very large total population. The main threats it faces are from changes in agricultural land use, the application of seed dressings and pesticides and persecution through shooting. Although the total number of birds may be declining slightly across its range, this is not at so rapid a rate as to cause concern and the IUCN has assessed the bird's conservation status as being of "least concern". Date: 1st February 2020 Location: Tramore, Co. Waterford, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457648.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_54961639466857752d0658.jpgRazorbill The Razorbill is a seabird and a member of the auk family which also includes the Common Guillemot, Brunnich's Guillemot and Little Auk. It is also the closest living relative to the Great Auk which is now extinct. The Razorbill has white underparts and a black head, neck, back and feet during the breeding season. A thin white line also extends from the eyes to the end of the bill. Its head is darker than that of the CommonGuillemot. Outside the breeding season, the throat and face behind the eye become white and the white line on the face becomes less prominent. The thick black bill has a blunt end. The adult male and female female are very much alike having only small differences such as wing length. The Razorbill has a horizontal stance and the tail feathers are slightly longer in the centre in comparison to other auks making it have a distinctly long tail which is not common for an auk. The Razorbill is distributed across the sub-arctic and boreal waters of the north Atlantic where water surface temperature are typically below 15°c. The world population is estimated to be less than 1 million breeding pairs, making it among the rarest auks in the world. Approximately 60 to 70% of the entire Razorbill population breeds in Iceland., including over 200,000 pairs at Látrabjarg. The breeding habitat is islands, rocky shores and cliffs on north Atlantic coasts, in eastern North America as far south as Maine and in western Europe from north west Russia to northern France. Eurasian birds winter at sea with some moving south as far as the western Mediterranean. North American birds migrate offshore and south. The Razorbill is a colonial breeder and only comes to land to breed. Individuals only breed at 3 to 5 years of age. Females select their mate and will often encourage competition between males before choosing a partner. Once a male is chosen, the pair will usually stay together for life. Nest site determination is very important to ensure protection of young from predators. Unlike Common Guillemots, nest sites are not immediately alongside the sea on open cliff ledges but at least 4 to 6 inches away in crevices on cliffs or among boulders. Generally a nest is not built although some pairs often use their bills to drag material upon which to lay their single egg. The mating pair will often reuse the same site every year. The Razorbill feeds mainly on schooling fish and crustaceans and it will dive deep into the sea using its wings and its streamlined body to propel itself toward their prey. Whilst diving, it rarely stays in groups but instead spreads out to feed. The majority of feeding occurs at a depth of about 80 feet but it has the ability to dive up to 400 feet below the surface. During a single dive the Razorbill can capture and swallow many schooling fish depending on their size. The Razorbill spends approximately 45% of its time foraging at sea and it may well fly more than 60 miles out to sea to feed. However, when feeding chicks it will forage much closer to the nesting grounds and often in shallower water. The Razorbill and its eggs and chicks have several predators which include Great Black-backed Gulls, Peregrines, Ravens and other crows, Arctic Foxes and Polar Bears. In the early 20th century, Razorbills were harvested for their eggs, meat and feathers and this greatly decreased their population. In 1917 they were finally protected which reduced hunting. Other current threats include oil pollution, unintentional bycatch arising from commercial fishing and overfishing which decreases the abundance of prey. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43082703.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_129297302460dd84daf0bc2.jpgEdible Frog The Edible Frog is a species of frog found across Europe that is also known as the Common Water Frog and the Green Frog. The Edible Frog is one of the few animals in the world that is a fertile hybrid of 2 different species, as although similar but genetically different species are known to mate, it is very rare that their offspring will be able to breed. The Edible Frog is a fertile hybrid of 2 other European frogs, namely the Pool Frog and the Marsh Frog, that inter-bred when populations where isolated close to one another during the Ice Age. It was first described in 1758 and is known as the Edible Frog due to the fact that it is now seen as a culinary delicacy across Europe but especially in France where frog’s legs are often served as a national dish. The reason for humans favouring this frog over others is not really known but it may have something to do with their abundance. The Edible Frog is a medium sized frog growing to around 3.5 to 4.5 inches in length. Adults are mainly green in colour with light patches of brown on their backs, yellow eyes and a white underside covered in a few dark spots. There are number of distinct differences between males and females including the fact that males become much lighter and greener during the mating season. Males also have vocal sacs on the outside of their cheeks and extra skin patches on their feet, both of which are primarily used for mating. The Edible Frog is endemic to Europe and it naturally occurs across central Europe as far north as Germany and Estonia. Southern populations are found from Croatia, through northern Italy and into the south of France. There are also isolated populations in Sweden and Bulgaria which are thought to have migrated from the countries nearby. It has also been introduced to the UK. The Edible Frog spends all of its time either in or very close to water and it is most commonly found in calmer parts of rivers and streams where there is a slow but constant flow of fresh water. It tends to prefer more open areas and can also be commonly found around lakes, ponds and marshes. Unlike many other species of frog, the Edible Frog is a diurnal animal and is therefore most active during the day. This is when it is most likely to move away from the water so that it can find a better supply of food or move to a different part of the water if it needs to. The Edible Frog is a relatively solitary animal so there is less competition for food but males are often seen sitting together in groups during the breeding season when they are trying to out-compete each other to find a mate. The breeding season for the Edible Frog begins during March and generally lasts for around 2 months. Males sing by drawing air in and out of their vocal sacs to produce the highest-pitched sound possible since females are most attracted to the loudest males. After courting her in a lake, pond or swamp, the male lets the female lay up to 10,000 eggs in a sticky mass into the water before he fertilises them. Tadpoles can be as small as 0.2 inches long when they hatch and are a grey/brown colour. They then grow up to 2 to 3 inches in length before metamorphoses occurs and they leave the water as 0.75 inches long young frogs. The Edible Frog reaches sexual maturity at the age of 2 years and can live until it is 15 years old. The Edible Frog is a carnivorous amphibian but the tadpoles mainly eat vegetation although they are known to occasionally supplement their diet with aquatic micro-organisms. Adults eat small invertebrates such as insects, spiders and flies, which make up the majority of their diet, along with larger aquatic animals like fish, newts and other frogs. The Edible Frog hunts for food during the day and can be seen catching food both in water and on land. The Edible Frog remains very still when it is sitting on the banks of its water habitat and this, along with its camouflage, makes it very difficult for predators to spot. Its eyes are positioned near the top of the head meaning that it can also see danger coming whilst the body is mainly hidden. Snakes, owls and water birds are the main predators of the Edible Frog. The Edible Frog will jump into the water and hide if it senses approaching danger and it will make a loud screeching sound if caught. Edible Frog populations are under threat from habitat destruction mainly caused by deforestation and water pollution. Date: 2nd June 2021 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo47806646.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_201681811363610c7225018.jpgCommon Buzzard The Common Buzzard is a member of the genus Buteo and the family Accipitridae, a group of medium-sized raptors with robust bodies and broad wings. The Buteo species of Eurasia and Africa are usually commonly referred to as buzzards whilst those in the Americas are called hawks. Under current classification, the genus Buteo includes approximately 28 species. The Common Buzzard includes between 7 to 16 sub-species and the western Buteo group includes Buteo buteo buteo which is found more or less continuously throughout Europe including the UK. The Common Buzzard is a medium-sized raptor that is highly variable in plumage. It is distinctly round headed with a somewhat slender bill and it has relatively long wings that either reach or fall slightly short of the tail tip when perched, a fairly short tail and somewhat short and mainly bare tarsi. It can appear fairly compact in overall appearance but may also appear large relative to other commoner raptors such as the Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. The Common Buzzard measures between 16 and 23 inches in length with a 3 feet 7 inches to 4 feet 7 inches wingspan. Females average about 2 to 7% larger than males in length and weigh about 15% more. Body mass can show considerable variation from 0.94 to 2.6 pounds in males and 1.07 to 3.02 pounds in females. In Europe, the Common Buzzard is typically dark brown above and on the upperside of the head and mantle but this can become paler and warmer brown with worn plumage. Usually the tail will be narrowly barred grey-brown and dark brown with a pale tip and a broad dark subterminal band but the tail in the palest birds can show a varying amount of white and a reduced sub-terminal band or even appear almost all white. The underside colouring can be variable but typically shows a brown-streaked white throat with a somewhat darker chest. A pale U across the breast is often present followed by a pale line running down the belly which separates the dark areas on the breast side and flanks. These pale areas tend to have highly variable markings that form irregular bars. Juveniles are quite similar to adults and are best told apart by having a paler eye, a narrower sub-terminal band on the tail and underside markings that appear as streaks rather than bars. Beyond the typical mid-range brownish Common Buzzard, birds in Europe can range from almost uniform black-brown above to mainly white. Extreme dark individuals may range from chocolate-brown to blackish with almost no pale colour showing but with a variable or faded U on the breast and with or without faint lighter brown throat streaks. Extreme pale individuals are largely whitish with variable widely spaced streaks or arrowheads of light brown about the mid-chest and flanks and may or may not show dark feather-centres on the head, wing-coverts and sometimes all but part of the mantle. Individuals can show nearly endless variation of colours and hues in between these extremes and the Common Buzzard is among the most variably plumaged diurnal raptors for this reason. The Common Buzzard is often confused with other raptors especially in flight or at a distance including other Buteo species such as Rough-legged Buzzard and Long-legged Buzzard and also Honey Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, Golden Eagle, Booted Eagle and Short-toed Eagle. The Common Buzzard is found throughout several islands in the eastern Atlantic islands, including the Canary Islands and the Azores, and almost throughout Europe. In the UK, it is found in Northern Ireland and in nearly every part of Scotland and England. In mainland Europe, there are no substantial gaps in the range from Portugal and Spain to Greece, Estonia, Belarus and the Ukraine, although it is present mainly only in the breeding season in much of the eastern half of the latter 3 countries. It is also present in all larger Mediterranean islands such as Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily and Crete. Further north in to Scandinavia, it is found mainly in south Norway, the southern half of Sweden and in the southern two-thirds of Finland. The Common Buzzard reaches its northern limit as a breeder in far eastern Finland and over the border in to European Russia and nearly to the Kola Peninsula. In these northern limits, the Common Buzzard is present typically only in summer. The Common Buzzard generally inhabits the interface of woodlands and open ground and typically lives in forest edge, small broad-leaved, coniferous or mixed woodlands with adjacent grassland, arable fields or other farmland and open moorland as long as there are some trees. It is absent from treeless tundra and sporadic or rare in treeless steppe. The Common Buzzard can be found from sea level to elevations of 6600 feet although it breeds mostly below 3300 feet. It can winter to an elevation of 8200 feet and migrates easily at 14,800 feet. The Common Buzzard is a partial migrant. Autumn and spring movements are subject to extensive variation, even down to the individual level, based on a region's food resources, competition (both from other Common Buzzards and other predators), the extent of human disturbance and weather conditions. Short distance movements are the norm for juveniles and some adults in autumn and winter but more adults in central and south Europe and the UK remain in their year-around areas than do not. The Common Buzzard is a typical Buteo in much of its behaviour. It is most often seen effortlessly soaring for extended periods at varying heights although it can appear laborious and heavy in level flight. It is also often seen perched prominently on tree tops, bare branches, telegraph poles, fence posts, rocks or ledges or alternatively well inside the tree canopy. It will also stand and forage on the ground. The Common Buzzard is a generalist predator which hunts a wide variety of prey given the opportunity. The prey extents to a wide variety of vertebrates including mammals, birds (from any age from eggs to adult birds), reptiles, amphibians and fish as well as to various invertebrates, mostly insects. In total, well over 300 prey species are known to be taken by the Common Buzzard. However, dietary studies have shown that it mostly preys upon small mammals, mainly small rodents. Furthermore, prey size can vary from tiny beetles, caterpillars and ants to large adult grouse and Rabbits up to nearly twice their body mass. At times, the Common Buzzard will also subsist partially on carrion, usually of dead mammals or fish. Hunting in relatively open areas has been found to increase hunting success whereas more complete shrub cover lowered success. A majority of prey is taken by dropping from a perch and is normally taken on the ground. Prey may also be hunted in a low flight, by random glides or soars or by foraging on the ground. The home range of the Common Buzzard is generally 0.19 to 0.77 square miles and the size of the breeding territory seems to be correlated with food supply. The territory is maintained through flight displays and in Europe territorial behaviour usually starts in February. However, displays are not uncommon throughout the year in resident pairs, especially by males, and can elicit similar displays by their neighbours. In the display, the Common Buzzard generally engages in high circling, spiraling upward on slightly raised wings. Mutual high circling by pairs sometimes goes on at length, especially during the period prior to or during breeding season. During the mutual displays, the male may engage in exaggerated deep flapping or zig-zag tumbling, apparently in response to the female being too distant. Several pairs may circle together at times and as many as 14 individual adults have been recorded over established display sites. Sky-dancing by the Common Buzzard has been recorded in spring and autumn, typically by the male but sometimes by the female, nearly always with much calling. Sky-dances are of the rollercoaster type, with an upward sweep of up to 100 feet until the bird starts start to stall but sometimes embellished with loops or rolls at the top. Next in the sky-dance, the bird will dive at least 200 feet on more or less closed wings before spreading them and shooting up again. These sky-dances may be repeated in series of 10 to 20. In the climax of the sky-dance, the undulations become progressively shallower, often slowing and terminating directly on to a perch. Various other aerial displays include low contour flight or weaving among trees, frequently with deep beats and exaggerated upstrokes which show underwing pattern to rivals perched below. Talon grappling and occasionally cartwheeling downward with feet interlocked has also been recorded. The Common Buzzard tends to build a bulky nest of sticks, twigs and often heather and lined with broad-leaved foliage. Nests are up to 3.3 to 3.9 feet across and 24 inches deep. With reuse over years, the diameter of a nest can reach or exceed 5 feet. Trees are generally used for a nesting location but crags or cliffs are used if trees are unavailable. Nests in trees are usually located by the main trunk at a height of around 10 to 82 feet. Pairs often have 2 to 4 nests in a territory but some pairs may use a single nest over several consecutive years. The breeding season of the Common Buzzard commences at differing times based on latitude. It may fall as early as January to April but typically it is March to July in most of Europe. In the northern limits of the range the breeding season may occur from May to August. Mating usually occurs on or near the nest and eggs are usually laid in 2 to 3 day intervals. The clutch size can range from to 2 to 6 and it appears that local factors such as habitat and food supply are relevant. Eggs are generally laid in late March to early April in the extreme south, sometime in April in most of Europe and in to May and possibly even early June in the extreme north. If eggs are lost to a predator or fail in some other way, replacement clutches are not usually laid although this has been recorded. Incubation lasts for 33 to 35 days and is mostly, but not solely, undertaken by the female. Hatching may take place over 3 to 7 days. Often the youngest nestling dies from starvation, especially in broods of 3 or more. The female remains at the nest brooding the young in the early stages with the male bringing all prey. At about 8 to 12 days, both the male and female will bring prey but the female continues to do all feeding until the young can tear up their own prey. The young are nearly fully feathered rather than downy at about a month of age and can start to feed themselves as well. The first attempts to leave the nest are often at about 40 to 50 days. Fledging occurs typically at 43 to 54 days but in extreme cases as late 62 days. After leaving the nest, the young generally stay close by until full independence 6 to 8 weeks after fledging. Numerous factors may influence the breeding success of the Common Buzzard including the availability of prey populations, habitat, disturbance and persecution levels and competition. The Common Buzzard is one of the most numerous birds of prey in its range and it is the most numerous diurnal bird of prey throughout much of Europe. Date: 22nd June 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7439588.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13429533954cd5720e1c13c.jpgFallow Deer Fallow Deer are native to the Mediterranean region of Europe and from Turkey to Iran but they have been introduced to nearly 40 countries including the UK by the Normans in the 11th century. Fallow Deer commonly gather in small herds of 4 to 5 but in good feeding areas groupings of up to 100 may gather. When competing for access to females, males display by groaning, thrashing their antlers and by walking alongside their opponent. Fighting occurs if both stags are evenly matched and involves wrestling and clashing of antlers. Fallow Deer have many colour varieties but they are typically fawn-coloured in the summer and reddish-brown in the winter. They have yellow-white undersides, white spots and a black line that runs along the back to the tip of the tail. The spots become less conspicuous or disappear in winter. Males have palmate (flattened) antlers. Date: 8th September 2010 Location: Sierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain - road to La Lancha and Embalse del Jándula http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49002377.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2267578226468edc773ffb.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 13th April 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512554.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_93770234562c99a693fde0.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 9th May 2022 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49003246.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13370134746469015d04fa5.jpgNightingale The Nightingale is a small passerine bird best known for its powerful and beautiful song. Slightly larger than the Robin, it is plain brown above except for the reddish tail and buff to white below. The sexes are similar. The Nightingale is a migratory insectivorous bird breeding in forest and scrub in Europe and south west Asia and wintering in west Africa. The distribution is more southerly than the very closely related Thrush Nightingale. In the UK the bird is at the northern limit of its range which has contracted in recent years placing it on the Amber List for conservation. Despite local efforts to safeguard its favoured coppice and scrub habitat, numbers fell by 53% between 1995 and 2008. A survey conducted by the British Trust for Ornithology in 2012 and 2013 recorded some 3,300 territories with most of these clustered in a few counties in the south east of England, notably Kent, Essex, Suffolk and East and West Sussex. By contrast, the European breeding population is estimated at between 3.2 and 7 million pairs, giving it green conservation status (least concern). The song of the Nightingale has been described as one of the most beautiful sounds in nature, inspiring songs, fairy tales, opera, books and a great deal of poetry. The Nightingales is so named because it frequently sings at night as well as during the day. The name has been used for more than 1,000 years, being highly recognisable even in its Old English form nihtgale which means "night songstress". Early writers assumed the female sang when it is in fact the male. The song is loud with an impressive range of whistles, trills and gurgles. Its song is particularly noticeable at night because few other birds are singing. This is why its name includes "night" in several languages. Only unpaired males sing regularly at night and nocturnal song is likely to serve to attract a mate. Singing at dawn, during the hour before sunrise, is assumed to be important in defending the bird's territory. Nightingales sing even more loudly in urban or near-urban environments in order to overcome the background noise. Date: 5th May 2022 Location: Danbury Common, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/kyle-of-tongue-sutherland https://images.on-this.website/4752_9210994044e09751c2f431.jpgKyle of Tongue, Sutherland The Kyle of Tongue is a large inlet on the north coast of Sutherland and extends 6 miles south west from Tongue Bay. The village of Tongue lies to the east. A passenger ferry across the Kyle of Tongue remained until 1971 when a bridge causeway finally replaced the narrow road that still makes its way around the southern end of the Kyle. Looking south from the causeway there are magnificent views of Ben Loyal and Ben Hope. Date: 11th June 2011 Location: view looking north east from the A836 road just outside Tongue http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405525.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15381738236586f4629d8d1.jpgShort-eared Owl The Short-eared Owl is a species of the typical owl family Strigidae. Owls belonging to the genus Asio, such as the Short-eared Owl, are known as the eared owls since they have tufts of feathers resembling mammalian ears. These "ear" tufts may or may not be visible. The Short-eared Owl will display its tufts when in a defensive pose although its very short tufts are usually not visible. The Short-eared Owl is a medium-sized owl 13 to 17 inches in length with a 33 to 43 inches wingspan. Females are slightly larger than males. It has large yellow eyes with black encircling rings, a big head, a short neck and broad wings. The bill is short, strong, hooked and black. The plumage is mottled tawny to brown with a barred tail and wings. The upper breast is significantly streaked. The flight is characteristically floppy due to the irregular wingbeats and the Short-eared Owl is often described as "moth-like” or bat-like" in flight. Through much of its range, the Short-eared Owl occurs with the similar looking Long-eared Owl. At rest, the ear-tufts of the Long-eared Owl serve to easily distinguish the 2 species although the Long-eared Owl can sometimes hold its ear-tufts flat. The iris colour also differs: yellow in the Short-eared Owl and orange in the Long-eared Owl plus the black surrounding the eyes is vertical on the Long-eared Owl and horizontal on the Short-eared Owl. Overall, the Short-eared Owl tends to be a paler, sandier coloured bird than the Long-eared Owl. There are 10 recognized sub-species of the Short-eared Owl and its range covers all continents except Antarctica and Australia. It therefore has one of the most widespread distributions of any bird. It is partially migratory and moves south in winter from the northern parts of its range. The Short-eared Owl is also known to relocate to areas of higher rodent populations and it will also wander nomadically in search of better food supplies during years when vole populations are low. In the UK, the Short-eared Owl breeds primarily in north England and Scotland but it is seen more widely in winter when there is an influx of continental birds from Scandinavia, Russia and Iceland to north, east and parts of central south England, especially around coastal marshes and wetlands. The breeding season of the Short-eared Owl in the northern hemisphere lasts from March to June but peaks in April. During the breeding season, the male makes a great spectacle of itself in flight to attract a female. The male swoops down over the potential nest site flapping its wings in a courtship display. The Short-eared Owl is generally monogamous and nests on the ground in prairie, tundra, savanna or meadow habitats. The nest is concealed by low vegetation and may be lightly lined by weeds, grass or feathers. The female lays 4 to 7 eggs but clutch size can reach up to 12 eggs in years when voles are abundant. There is a single brood per year. The eggs are incubated mostly by the female for 21 to 37 days and the young fledge at a little over 4 weeks. The Short-eared Owl hunts mostly at night but it is known as a diurnal and crepuscular hunter as well. Its daylight hunting seems to coincide with the high activity periods of voles, its preferred prey. It tends to fly only a few feet above the ground in open fields and grasslands until swooping down upon its prey feet first. Several owls may hunt over the same open area. The diet of the Short-eared Owl consists mainly of rodents, especially voles, but it will eat other small mammals such as mice, ground squirrels, shrews, rats, bats, muskrats and moles. It will also occasionally predate smaller birds especially when near sea coasts and adjacent wetlands at which time they may attack waders, terns and small gulls and seabirds. Avian prey is more infrequently preyed on inland and includes small passerines. Insects also supplement the diet. Date: 25th November 2023 Location: RSPB Wallasea Island, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/p5030587-edit https://images.on-this.website/4752_600085560664330a4d96ef.jpgRed Squirrel The Red Squirrel or Eurasian Red Squirrel is a species of tree squirrel in the genus Sciurus. It is an arboreal and primarily herbivorous rodent. The Red Squirrel has a typical head and body length of 7.5 to 9 inches, a tail length of 6 to 8 inches and a weight of 9 to 12 ounces. Males and females are the same size. The Red Squirrel is smaller and lighter in weight than the Grey Squirrel The coat of the Red Squirrel varies in colour with the time of year and its location and there are several different coat colour morphs ranging from black to red. Red coats are most common in the UK but in other parts of Europe and Asia different coat colours co-exist within populations. The underside of the Red Squirrel is always creamy-white in colour. The Red Squirrel sheds its coat twice a year, switching from a thinner summer coat to a thicker, darker winter coat with noticeably larger ear-tufts (a prominent distinguishing feature of this species) between August and November. A lighter, redder overall coat colour, along with the ear-tufts (in adults) and smaller size, distinguish the Red Squirrel from the Grey Squirrel. The long tail helps the Red Squirrel to balance and steer when jumping from tree to tree and running along branches and it may also keep it warm during sleep. The Red Squirrel, like most tree squirrels, has sharp and curved claws to enable it to climb and descend broad tree trunks, thin branches and even house walls and its strong hind legs enable it to leap gaps between trees. The Red Squirrel can be found in the boreal coniferous woods in north Europe and Siberia where it prefers Scots Pine, Norway Spruce and Siberian Pine. In west and south Europe it can be found in broad-leaved woods where the mixture of tree and shrub species provides a better year round source of food. In most of the UK and in Italy, broad-leaved woodlands are now less suitable for it due to the better competitive feeding strategy of the introduced Grey Squirrel. The Red Squirrel makes a drey (nest) out of twigs in a branch-fork, forming a domed structure about 9 to 12 inches in diameter. This is lined with moss, leaves, grass and bark. Tree hollows and woodpecker holes are also used. The Red Squirrel is generally a solitary animal and is shy and reluctant to share food with others. However, outside the breeding season and particularly in winter, several Red Squirrels may share a drey to keep warm. Social organisation is based on dominance hierarchies within and between sexes. Although males are not necessarily dominant towards females, the dominant animals tend to be larger and older than subordinate animals and dominant males tend to have larger home ranges than subordinate males or females. Mating can occur in late winter during February and March and in summer between June and July. During mating, males detect females that are in oestrus by an odour that they produce and, although there is no courtship, the male will chase the female for up to an hour prior to mating. Usually multiple males will chase a single female until the dominant male, usually the largest in the group, mates with the female. Males and females will mate multiple times with many partners. Females must reach a minimum body mass before they enter oestrus and heavy females on average produce more young. If food is scarce breeding may be delayed. Typically a female will produce her first litter in her second year. Up to 2 litters a year per female are possible. Each litter averages 3 young and these are known as kits. Gestation is about 38 to 39 days and the young are looked after by the mother alone and are born helpless, blind and deaf. Their body is covered by hair at 21 days, their eyes and ears open after 3 to 4 weeks and they develop all their teeth by 42 days. Juveniles can eat solids around 40 days following birth and from that point they can leave the nest on their own to find food. However, they still suckle from their mother until weaning occurs at 8 to 10 weeks. The Red Squirrel eats mostly the seeds of trees, fungi, nuts (especially hazelnuts but also beech and chestnuts), berries and young shoots. More rarely, it may also eat bird eggs or nestlings and may occasionally exhibit opportunistic omnivory similar to other rodents. Excess food is put into caches, either buried or in nooks or holes in trees, and eaten when food is scarce. Although the Red Squirrel remembers where it created caches at a better than chance level, its spatial memory is believed to be substantially less accurate and durable than that of the Grey Squirrel. Therefore it will often have to search for them when in need and many caches are never found again. Between 60% and 80% of the active time of a Red Squirrel may be spent foraging and feeding. The active period is generally in the morning and in the late afternoon and evening. It often rests in its nest in the middle of the day to avoid the heat and the high visibility to birds of prey that are dangers during these hours. During the winter, this midday rest is often much more brief or absent entirely although harsh weather may cause it to stay in its nest for days at a time. No territories are claimed between Red Squirrels and the feeding areas of individuals overlap considerably. A Red Squirrel that survives its first winter has a life expectancy of 3 years. Individuals may reach 7 years of age and 10 years in captivity. Survival is positively related to the availability of autumn and winter tree seeds. On average, 75 to 85% of juveniles die during their first winter and mortality is approximately 50% for winters following the first. Predators include small mammals such as the Pine Marten, the Wildcat and the Stoat which all prey on juveniles. Birds, including owls and raptors such as the Goshawk and Common Buzzard, may also prey on the Red Squirrel as will the Red Fox and domestic cats and dogs when it is on the ground. Humans influence the population size and mortality of the Red Squirrel by destroying or altering habitats, by causing road casualties and by introducing non-native populations of the Grey Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel and the Red Squirrel are not directly antagonistic and violent conflict between these species is not a factor in the decline in Red Squirrel populations. However, the Grey Squirrel appears to contribute to the decrease in the Red Squirrel population for several reasons: it carries a disease, the squirrel parapoxvirus, that does not appear to affect its own health but will often kill the Red Squirrel, it can better digest acorns whilst the Red Squirrel cannot access the proteins and fats in acorns as easily and it can put the Red Squirrel under pressure for food resources resulting in it not breeding as often. In the UK, due to the above circumstances, the population has today fallen to 160,000 Red Squirrels or fewer with the majority of these in Scotland. Outside the UK and Ireland, the impact of competition from the Grey Squirrel has also been observed in Italy where 2 pairs escaped from captivity in 1948. A significant drop in the Red Squirrel population has been observed since 1970 and it is feared that the Grey Squirrel may expand into the rest of Europe. The Red Squirrel is protected in most of Europe although in some areas it is abundant and is hunted for its fur. In the UK there are several active projects to protect the Red Squirrel and its native woodland habitat, introduce or re-introduce it in to areas where it is absent and eradicate and prevent the spread of the Grey Squirrel. Research undertaken in 2007 in the UK credits the Pine Marten with reducing the population of the invasive Grey Squirrel. Where the range of the expanding Pine Marten population meets that of the Grey Squirrel, the population of the latter retreats. It is theorised that, because the Grey Squirrel spends more time on the ground than the Red Squirrel, it is far more likely to come in contact with the Pine Marten. Date: 3rd May 2024 Location: Dingle Local Nature Reserve, Llangefni, Anglesey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457653.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_198999927066857778e4a51.jpgRazorbill The Razorbill is a seabird and a member of the auk family which also includes the Common Guillemot, Brunnich's Guillemot and Little Auk. It is also the closest living relative to the Great Auk which is now extinct. The Razorbill has white underparts and a black head, neck, back and feet during the breeding season. A thin white line also extends from the eyes to the end of the bill. Its head is darker than that of the CommonGuillemot. Outside the breeding season, the throat and face behind the eye become white and the white line on the face becomes less prominent. The thick black bill has a blunt end. The adult male and female female are very much alike having only small differences such as wing length. The Razorbill has a horizontal stance and the tail feathers are slightly longer in the centre in comparison to other auks making it have a distinctly long tail which is not common for an auk. The Razorbill is distributed across the sub-arctic and boreal waters of the north Atlantic where water surface temperature are typically below 15°c. The world population is estimated to be less than 1 million breeding pairs, making it among the rarest auks in the world. Approximately 60 to 70% of the entire Razorbill population breeds in Iceland., including over 200,000 pairs at Látrabjarg. The breeding habitat is islands, rocky shores and cliffs on north Atlantic coasts, in eastern North America as far south as Maine and in western Europe from north west Russia to northern France. Eurasian birds winter at sea with some moving south as far as the western Mediterranean. North American birds migrate offshore and south. The Razorbill is a colonial breeder and only comes to land to breed. Individuals only breed at 3 to 5 years of age. Females select their mate and will often encourage competition between males before choosing a partner. Once a male is chosen, the pair will usually stay together for life. Nest site determination is very important to ensure protection of young from predators. Unlike Common Guillemots, nest sites are not immediately alongside the sea on open cliff ledges but at least 4 to 6 inches away in crevices on cliffs or among boulders. Generally a nest is not built although some pairs often use their bills to drag material upon which to lay their single egg. The mating pair will often reuse the same site every year. The Razorbill feeds mainly on schooling fish and crustaceans and it will dive deep into the sea using its wings and its streamlined body to propel itself toward their prey. Whilst diving, it rarely stays in groups but instead spreads out to feed. The majority of feeding occurs at a depth of about 80 feet but it has the ability to dive up to 400 feet below the surface. During a single dive the Razorbill can capture and swallow many schooling fish depending on their size. The Razorbill spends approximately 45% of its time foraging at sea and it may well fly more than 60 miles out to sea to feed. However, when feeding chicks it will forage much closer to the nesting grounds and often in shallower water. The Razorbill and its eggs and chicks have several predators which include Great Black-backed Gulls, Peregrines, Ravens and other crows, Arctic Foxes and Polar Bears. In the early 20th century, Razorbills were harvested for their eggs, meat and feathers and this greatly decreased their population. In 1917 they were finally protected which reduced hunting. Other current threats include oil pollution, unintentional bycatch arising from commercial fishing and overfishing which decreases the abundance of prey. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071722.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5057820866433d17a3133.jpgHerring Gull The Herring Gull is one of the best known of all gulls along the shores of Europe. Adults in breeding plumage have a grey back and upperwings and white head and underparts. The wingtips are black with white spots known as "mirrors". The bill is yellow with a red spot and there is a ring of bare yellow skin around the pale eye. The legs are normally pink at all ages but can be yellowish. Non-breeding adults have brown streaks on the head and neck. Male and female plumage is identical at all stages of development although adult males are often larger. Juvenile and first-winter birds are mainly brown with darker streaks and have a dark bill and eyes. Second-winter birds have a whiter head and underparts with less streaking and the back is grey. Third-winter individuals are similar to adults but retain some of the features of immature birds such as brown feathers in the wings and dark markings on the bill. The Herring Gull attains adult plumage and reaches sexual maturity at an average age of 4 years. The loud laughing call of the Herring Gull is well known and is often seen as a symbol of the seaside in countries such as the UK. It also has a yelping alarm call and a low barking anxiety call. Chicks and fledglings emit a distinctive, repetitive high-pitched 'peep', accompanied by a head-flicking gesture when begging for food from or calling to their parents. Adult gulls in urban areas will also exhibit this behaviour when fed by humans. The Herring Gull breeds across northern Europe, western Europe, central Europe, eastern Europe, Scandinavia and the Baltic states. Some, especially those resident in colder areas, migrate further south in winter but many are permanent residents such as in the UK or on the North Sea shores. While Herring Gull numbers appear to have been decreased in recent years, possibly by fish population declines and competition, they have proved able to survive in human-adapted areas and can often be seen in towns acting as a scavenger. The Herring Gull, like most gulls, is an omnivore and opportunist and will scavenge from garbage dumps, landfill sites and sewage outflows with refuse comprising up to half of the bird's diet. In addition, it will eat fish, crustaceans and dead animals as well as some plants and it will steal the eggs and young of other birds (including those of other gulls). The Herring Gull may also dive from the surface of the water or engage in plunge diving in the pursuit of aquatic prey although they are typically unable to reach any great depth due to their natural buoyancy. Date: 6th May 2024 Location: St. Govan's Head, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12744810.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12741764914e706d7882ae7.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 7th December 2007 Location: Donna Nook, Lincolnshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405574.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16116767546586fc7e7aa10.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the Canidae family and is a part of the order Carnivora within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 6th December 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50569848.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_48840267465ccb7c72a717.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 1st January 2024 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/garganey https://images.on-this.website/4752_20324271774db7ec6303f45.jpgGarganey The Garganey is a scarce and very secretive breeding duck in the UK. It is smaller than a Mallard and slightly bigger than a Teal. The male is most easily recognised with a broad white stripe over the eye. The Garganey is mostly found in central and southern England where it favours shallow wetlands and flooded meadows and ditches with plenty of aquatic vegetation. Breeding birds are present from March and return from July and small numbers of non-breeding birds visit on passage migration in spring and autumn. Date: 25th April 2011 Location: Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49002381.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8684295856468edccefa57.jpgMagpie The Eurasian Magpie, often simply known as the Magpie, is one of several birds in the crow family Corvidae designated as a Magpie. In Europe, Magpie is generally used by English speakers to describe the Eurasian Magpie. The only other species in Europe is the Iberian Magpie or Azure-winged Magpie which is limited to the Iberian peninsula. The adult male Magpie is 17 to 18 inches in length, of which more than half is the tail. The wingspan is 20 to 24 inches. The head, neck and breast are glossy black with a metallic green and violet sheen, the belly and scapulars are pure white, the wings are black glossed with green or purple and the primaries have white inner webs, conspicuous when the wing is open. The graduated tail is black, glossed with green and reddish purple. The legs and bill are black and the iris is dark brown. The plumage of the sexes is similar but the female is slightly smaller. The young resemble the adults but are at first without much of the gloss on the sooty plumage and the tail is much shorter. The Magpie can be found across temperate Eurasia from Spain and Ireland in the west to the Kamchatka Peninsula in the east. It has also been introduced in Japan on the island of Kyushu. The preferred habitat of the Magpie is open countryside with scattered trees and it is normally absent from treeless areas and dense forests. It sometimes breeds at high densities in suburban settings such as parks and gardens and it can often be found close to the centre of cities. The Magpie is normally sedentary and spends winters close to its breeding areas but birds living near the northern limit of their range in Scandinavia and Russia can move south in harsh weather. Some Magpies breed after their first year whilst others remain in non-breeding flocks and first breed in their second year. The Magpie is monogamous and pairs often remain together from one breeding season to the next and generally occupy the same territory in successive years. Mating takes place in spring. In the courtship display, males rapidly raise and depress their head feathers, uplift, open and close their tails like fans and call in soft tones quite distinct from their usual chatter. The loose feathers of the flanks are brought over the primaries, and the shoulder patch is spread so the white is conspicuous, presumably to attract females. Short buoyant flights and chases follow. The Magpie prefers tall trees for their bulky nest, firmly attaching them to a central fork in the upper branches. A framework of sticks is cemented with earth and clay and a lining of the same is covered with fine roots. Above is a stout though loosely built dome of prickly branches with a single well concealed entrance. These huge nests are conspicuous when the leaves fall. Where trees are scarce, though even in well-wooded country, nests are at times built in bushes and hedgerows. In Europe, the eggs are typically laid in April and clutches usually contain 5 or 6 eggs. The eggs are incubated for 21 to 22 days by the female who is fed on the nest by the male. The chicks are brooded by the female for the first 5 to 10 days and fed by both parents. The nestlings open their eyes 7 to 8 days after hatching and their body feathers start to appear after around 8 days and the primary wing feathers after 10 days. Fledging takes place at around 27 days and the parents then continue to feed the young for several more weeks. The parents also protect the young from predators since their ability to fly is poor, making them vulnerable. On average, only 3 or 4 chicks survive to fledge successfully. Some nests are lost to predators but an important factor causing nestling mortality is starvation. Eggs hatch asynchronously and if the parents have difficulty finding sufficient food, the last chicks to hatch are unlikely to survive. The Magpie is omnivorous, eating young birds and eggs, small mammals, insects, scraps and carrion, acorns, grain and other vegetable substances. The Magpie is believed not only to be among the most intelligent of birds but among the most intelligent of all animals. Along with the Jackdaw, the Magpie's nidopallium area of the brain is approximately the same relative size as those in Chimpanzees and humans. Like other corvids, such as the Raven and Carrion crow, the total brain-to-body mass ratio is equal to most great apes and cetaceans. A 2004 review suggests that the intelligence of the corvid family to which the Magpie belongs is equivalent to that of great apes (Chimpanzees, Orangutans and Gorillas) in terms of social cognition, causal reasoning, flexibility, imagination and prospection. The Magpie has an extremely large range and a very large population. The population trend in Europe has been stable since 1980 and there is no evidence of any serious overall decline in numbers so the species is classified by the IUCN as being of “Least Concern”. In Europe, the Magpie has been historically demonized by humans, mainly as a result of folklore, superstition and myth and its reputation as an omen of ill fortune. The Magpie has also been attacked for their role as a predator which includes eating other birds' eggs and their young. However, different studies have reached different conclusions on their impact on the populations of other birds. Date: 13th April 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512546.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_47054783462c99a5be9bc3.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 9th May 2022 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512494.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_198431947362c999ed36c10.jpgRed Kites The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 9th May 2022 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871653.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2216454164eff2037be32c.jpgKittiwake he Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill <i>"kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake"</i>. The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 27th May 2009 Location: Store Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52698430.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_132909241667b0be5f86528.jpgKnot The Knot is a dumpy, short-legged, stocky wading bird. In winter, the Knot is grey above and white below but in summer the chest, belly and face are brick red, hence the name Red Knot in north America. The Knot breeds in the tundra areas of the far Arctic north of Europe, Russia and Canada. During migration periods, it can be seen on tidal flats, rocky shores and beaches. The Knot undertakes one of the longest migrations of any bird flying from their Arctic breeding grounds to the coasts and estuaries of Europe, Africa and Australia where they spend the winter. During winter, the Knot forms large, wheeling flocks that contain in excess of 100,000 birds. Date: 29th January 2025 Location: EWT Two Tree Island, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41389695.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9776150745f2695d4b83ec.jpgVardø, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Vardø is a town and municipality in Troms og Finnmark in the extreme north east of Norway. It is the eastern most town in Norway and the Nordic countries, located at 31°E, which is east of Saint Petersburg, Kiev and Istanbul. The town of Vardø is located on the island of Vardøya at the mouth of the Varangerfjord but the municipality includes significant area on the mainland of the Varanger peninsula including part of the Varangerhalvøya National Park in the south west. The mountain Domen lies overlooks Vardøya and Vardø. The island of Vardøya is surrounded by a few smaller islands including the bird reserve of Hornøya. The island of Vardøya is connected to the mainland via the undersea Vardø Tunnel (Norway's first such structure). Vardø Airport and the village and port of Svartnes are on the mainland opposite the tunnel entrance. Vardø is a port of call on Norway's Hurtigruten ferry service and it is the northern termination of European route E75 which starts in Sitia in Crete. Vardø has a long settlement history before it was granted status as a town in 1789. Several stone-age sites as well as sites dating from the Sami Iron Age are known on the island. In the Medieval period, Vardø's importance grew as a result of it being the easternmost stronghold of the then-expanding Norwegian royal power. A church was built in Vardø in 1307 and the first fortress was established at about the same time. Even if the presence of the fortress and King's bailiff gave Vardø a certain degree of permanence and stability not experienced by other fishing communities in Finnmark, the town's size and importance waxed and waned with the changing fortunes of the fisheries. After 1850, the town saw a marked expansion. The fisheries grew in importance as did trade with Russia's White Sea region. However, during World War 2, with Norway occupied by the Germans, Vardø was heavily bombed by Allied forces, principally Russian, and most of the town centre was destroyed and the population was evacuated. After the war, the town was completely reconstructed but older, traditional houses survived in the periphery. From 1995 to 2017, the population of Vardø shrank by 50 percent to just over 2000 people, primarily as a result of the collapse of the fisheries. Since 1998, Vardø has housed a radar installation called Globus II. Its official purpose is the tracking of space junk but, due to the site's proximity to Russia and an alleged connection between the Globus II system and US anti-missile systems, the site has been the basis for heated controversy in diplomatic and intelligence circles. In May 2017, work to lay a new electric cable from the Norwegian mainland to the island began. The additional electricity is needed to power an American-funded radar system about 40 miles from Russia's Kola Peninsula, a territory studded with high-security naval bases and restricted military zones. The secrecy surrounding the radar systems has spawned fears that officials are covering up health hazards and other possible dangers. The electromagnetic pulses the current radar system emits interfere with television and radio reception and some residents have blamed them for a rash of miscarriages and cancer cases in a civilian district next to the fenced-in security zone. Date: 1st July 2019 Location: view from near Svartnes, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33820941.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3618552825a3d07a2d4cd0.jpgRing-necked Parakeet The Ring-necked Parakeet is the UK's only naturalised parrot. It is large, long-tailed and green with a red beak and a pink and black ring around its face and neck. In flight it has pointed wings, a long tail and a steady, direct flight. Ring-necked Parakeets can be seen all year round at a number of locations in south east England, particularly Surrey, Kent and Sussex. They can often be found in flocks sometimes numbering hundreds of birds at roost sites. Parks, orchards and gardens with mature trees to provide nest holes are favoured habitats. In its native India it is found in jungle and around farms and gardens. Date: 12th December 2017 Location: Kensington Gardens, London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4267184.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19952812164b5222b43fc32.jpgLoch Garten, Highland Loch Garten lies between the River Spey and the Cairngorm Mountains just to the north east of Aviemore and became famous in 1954 when a pair of Ospreys returned to nest here, the first since 1910. Loch Garten is situated in the Abernethy Forest, part of the largest native Caledonian pine forest in the UK. It offers a unique mix of woodland and northern bog with a great variety of birds and other wildlife. The loch and surrounding areas are managed by the RSPB as a nature reserve. Date: 29th December 2009 Location: view from the north shore near the RSPB visitor centre http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4466059.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4360559024b8a24000e376.jpg http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo47645614.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5970031816347cf1259755.jpgEdible Frog The Edible Frog is a species of frog found across Europe that is also known as the Common Water Frog and the Green Frog. The Edible Frog is one of the few animals in the world that is a fertile hybrid of 2 different species, as although similar but genetically different species are known to mate, it is very rare that their offspring will be able to breed. The Edible Frog is a fertile hybrid of 2 other European frogs, namely the Pool Frog and the Marsh Frog, that inter-bred when populations where isolated close to one another during the Ice Age. It was first described in 1758 and is known as the Edible Frog due to the fact that it is now seen as a culinary delicacy across Europe but especially in France where frog’s legs are often served as a national dish. The reason for humans favouring this frog over others is not really known but it may have something to do with their abundance. The Edible Frog is a medium sized frog growing to around 3.5 to 4.5 inches in length. Adults are mainly green in colour with light patches of brown on their backs, yellow eyes and a white underside covered in a few dark spots. There are number of distinct differences between males and females including the fact that males become much lighter and greener during the mating season. Males also have vocal sacs on the outside of their cheeks and extra skin patches on their feet, both of which are primarily used for mating. The Edible Frog is endemic to Europe and it naturally occurs across central Europe as far north as Germany and Estonia. Southern populations are found from Croatia, through northern Italy and into the south of France. There are also isolated populations in Sweden and Bulgaria which are thought to have migrated from the countries nearby. It has also been introduced to the UK. The Edible Frog spends all of its time either in or very close to water and it is most commonly found in calmer parts of rivers and streams where there is a slow but constant flow of fresh water. It tends to prefer more open areas and can also be commonly found around lakes, ponds and marshes. Unlike many other species of frog, the Edible Frog is a diurnal animal and is therefore most active during the day. This is when it is most likely to move away from the water so that it can find a better supply of food or move to a different part of the water if it needs to. The Edible Frog is a relatively solitary animal so there is less competition for food but males are often seen sitting together in groups during the breeding season when they are trying to out-compete each other to find a mate. The breeding season for the Edible Frog begins during March and generally lasts for around 2 months. Males sing by drawing air in and out of their vocal sacs to produce the highest-pitched sound possible since females are most attracted to the loudest males. After courting her in a lake, pond or swamp, the male lets the female lay up to 10,000 eggs in a sticky mass into the water before he fertilises them. Tadpoles can be as small as 0.2 inches long when they hatch and are a grey/brown colour. They then grow up to 2 to 3 inches in length before metamorphoses occurs and they leave the water as 0.75 inches long young frogs. The Edible Frog reaches sexual maturity at the age of 2 years and can live until it is 15 years old. The Edible Frog is a carnivorous amphibian but the tadpoles mainly eat vegetation although they are known to occasionally supplement their diet with aquatic micro-organisms. Adults eat small invertebrates such as insects, spiders and flies, which make up the majority of their diet, along with larger aquatic animals like fish, newts and other frogs. The Edible Frog hunts for food during the day and can be seen catching food both in water and on land. The Edible Frog remains very still when it is sitting on the banks of its water habitat and this, along with its camouflage, makes it very difficult for predators to spot. Its eyes are positioned near the top of the head meaning that it can also see danger coming whilst the body is mainly hidden. Snakes, owls and water birds are the main predators of the Edible Frog. The Edible Frog will jump into the water and hide if it senses approaching danger and it will make a loud screeching sound if caught. Edible Frog populations are under threat from habitat destruction mainly caused by deforestation and water pollution. Date: 7th August 2022 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871760.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20027982604eff21ff40dce.jpgRed Squirrel The Red Squirrel is an arboreal, omnivorous rodent but unlike some other rodents it is not a direct threat to humans. The coat of the Red Squirrel varies in colour with the time of year and location and there are several different coat colour morphs ranging from black to red. Red coats are most common in the UK whilst in other parts of Europe and Asia different coat colours co-exist within populations. The underside of the Red Squirrel is always white-cream in colour. The Red Squirrel sheds its coat twice a year, switching from a thinner summer coat to a thicker, darker winter coat with noticeably larger ear-tufts (a prominent distinguishing feature of this species) between August and November. A lighter, redder overall coat colour, along with the ear-tufts (in adults) and smaller size, distinguish the Red Squirrel from the Grey Squirrel. The Red Squirrel has a typical head and body length of 7.5 to 9 inches, a tail length of 5.9 to 7.9 inches and a weight of 8.8 to 12 ounces. Males and females are the same size. In comparison the Grey Squirrel has a head and body length of 9.5 to 12 inches and a weight of 14 ounces to 1.8 pounds. The long tail helps the Red Squirrel to balance and steer when jumping from tree to tree and running along branches and may also keep it warm during sleep. Like most tree squirrels, it has sharp, curved claws to enable it to climb and descend broad tree trunks, thin branches and even house walls and its strong hind legs enable it to leap gaps between trees. The Red Squirrel occupies boreal, coniferous woods in northern Europe and Siberia, preferring Scots Pine, Norway Spruce and Siberian Pine. In western and southern Europe they are found in broad-leaved woods where the mixture of tree and shrub species provides a better year round source of food. In most of the UK and in Italy, broad-leaved woodlands are now less suitable due to the better competitive feeding strategy of introduced Grey Squirrels. The Red Squirrel makes a drey (nest) out of twigs in a branch-fork, forming a domed structure which is lined with moss, leaves, grass and bark. Tree hollows and woodpecker holes are also used. The Red Squirrel is generally a solitary animal and it is shy and reluctant to share food with others. However, outside the breeding season and particularly in winter, several Red Squirrels may share a drey to keep warm. Social organization is based on dominance hierarchies within and between sexes. Although males are not necessarily dominant to females, the dominant animals tend to be larger and older than subordinate animals and dominant males tend to have larger home ranges than subordinate males or females. Mating can occur in late winter during February and March and in summer between June and July. During mating, males detect females that are in œstrus by an odour that they produce and, although there is no courtship, the male will chase the female for up to an hour prior to mating. Usually multiple males will chase a single female until the dominant male, usually the largest in the group, mates with the female. Males and females will mate multiple times with many partners. Females must reach a minimum body mass before they enter œstrus and heavy females on average produce more young. If food is scarce breeding may be delayed. Gestation is about 38 to 39 days. Typically a female will produce her first litter in her second year. Up to 2 litters a year per female are possible. Each litter usually contains 3 or 4 young although as many as 6 may be born. The young are looked after by the mother alone and are born helpless, blind and deaf. Their body is covered by hair at 21 days, their eyes and ears open after 3 to 4 weeks and they develop all their teeth by 42 days. Juvenile Red Squirrels can eat solids around 40 days following birth and from that point they can leave the nest on their own to find food. However, they still suckle from their mother until weaning occurs at 8 to 10 weeks. The Red Squirrel eats mostly the seeds of trees, neatly stripping conifer cones to get at the seeds within, fungi, nuts (especially hazelnuts but also beech and chestnuts), berries and young shoots. More rarely, it may also eat bird eggs or nestlings. Excess food is put into caches and is either buried or left in nooks or holes in trees and then eaten when food is scarce. Between 60% and 80% of its active period may be spent foraging and feeding. The active period for the Red Squirrel is in the morning and in the late afternoon and evening. No territories are claimed between Red Squirrels and the feeding areas of individuals overlap considerably. Red Squirrels that survive their first winter have a life expectancy of 3 years. Individuals may reach 7 years of age and 10 years of age in captivity. Around 75 to 85% of juveniles die during their first winter and mortality is approximately 50% during winters following the first. Arboreal predators include small mammals such as the Pine Marten, Wild Cat and Stoat and birds including owls and raptors.The Red Fox, cats and dogs can also prey on the Red Squirrel when it is on the ground. Humans influence the population size and mortality of the Red Squirrel by destroying or altering habitats, by causing road casualties and by introducing non-native populations of the north American Grey Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel and the Red Squirrel are not directly antagonistic and violent conflict between these species is not a factor in the decline in Red Squirrel populations. However, the Grey Squirrel appears to be able to decrease the Red Squirrel population due to several reasons, in particular the transmission of a disease, the squirrel parapoxvirus, that does not appear to affect their health but will often kill Red Squirrels. The Red Squirrel is protected in most of Europe although it is listed as being of "Least Concern" on the IUCN Red List. Although not thought to be under in much of its range, the Red Squirrel has nevertheless drastically reduced in number in the UK, especially after the Grey Squirrel was introduced from north America in the 1870s. Fewer than 140,000 individuals are thought to be left, approximately 85% of which are in Scotland with other populations on the Isle of Wight and Brownsea Island, around Formby on Merseyside, in various other areas in northern England and on Anglesey in Wales. Date: 2nd June 2009 Location: Valtavaara area near Kuusamo, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45174848.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6064736286232f9fbd728a.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 31st December 2021 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45201954.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_53373960262372ebb84f55.jpgBlue Tit The Blue Tit is a small passerine bird in the tit family. It is easily recognisable by its generally blue and yellow plumage and its small size. The Blue Tit is about 4.7 inches long with a wingspan of 7.1 inches. It has an azure blue crown and a dark blue line passing through the eye and encircling the white cheeks to the chin, giving the bird a very distinctive appearance. The forehead and a bar on the wing are white. The nape, wings and tail are blue and the back is yellowish green. The underparts are mostly sulphur-yellow with a dark line down the abdomen. The bill is black and the legs bluish grey. The sexes are similar whilst young birds are noticeably more yellow. The Blue Tit is very agile and it can cling to the outermost branches and hang upside down when searching for food such as insects, caterpillars and seeds. The Blue Tit can be found throughout areas of the European continent with a mainly temperate or Mediterranean climate and in parts of the Middle East. In the UK it is common in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens and widespread across the whole of the country with the exception of some Scottish islands. The Blue Tit will nest in any suitable hole in a tree, wall or stump, often competing with other birds such as the House Sparrow or Great Tit for the site. In addition, it will readily accept an artificial nesting box. The same hole is returned to year after year and when one pair dies another takes possession. The nesting material is usually moss, wool, hair and feathers and the eggs are laid in April or May. The number in the clutch is often very large but 7 or 8 is normal. It is not unusual for a single bird to feed the chicks in the nest at a rate of one feed every 90 seconds during the height of the breeding season. Successful breeding is dependent on a sufficient supply of caterpillars as well as satisfactory weather. Breeding may be affected badly if the weather is cold and wet between May and July, particularly if this coincides with the emergence of the caterpillars on which the nestlings are fed. The small size of the Blue Tit makes it vulnerable to predation by larger birds and the typical lifespan is 3 years or less. The most significant predator is probably the Sparrowhawk, closely followed by the domestic cat. Nests may also be robbed by mammals such as the Weasel and Red and Grey Squirrels. Date: 3rd March 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41255237.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20433402065f06f54f70b20.jpgRed Squirrel The Red Squirrel or Eurasian Red Squirrel is a species of tree squirrel in the genus [i]Sciurus[/i]. It is an arboreal and primarily herbivorous rodent. The Red Squirrel has a typical head and body length of 7.5 to 9 inches, a tail length of 6 to 8 inches and a weight of 9 to 12 ounces. Males and females are the same size. The Red Squirrel is smaller and lighter in weight than the Grey Squirrel The coat of the Red Squirrel varies in colour with the time of year and its location and there are several different coat colour morphs ranging from black to red. Red coats are most common in the UK but in other parts of Europe and Asia different coat colours co-exist within populations. The underside of the Red Squirrel is always creamy-white in colour. The Red Squirrel sheds its coat twice a year, switching from a thinner summer coat to a thicker, darker winter coat with noticeably larger ear-tufts (a prominent distinguishing feature of this species) between August and November. A lighter, redder overall coat colour, along with the ear-tufts (in adults) and smaller size, distinguish the Red Squirrel from the Grey Squirrel. The long tail helps the Red Squirrel to balance and steer when jumping from tree to tree and running along branches and it may also keep it warm during sleep. The Red Squirrel, like most tree squirrels, has sharp and curved claws to enable it to climb and descend broad tree trunks, thin branches and even house walls and its strong hind legs enable it to leap gaps between trees. The Red Squirrel can be found in the boreal coniferous woods in north Europe and Siberia where it prefers Scots Pine, Norway Spruce and Siberian Pine. In west and south Europe it can be found in broad-leaved woods where the mixture of tree and shrub species provides a better year round source of food. In most of the UK and in Italy, broad-leaved woodlands are now less suitable for it due to the better competitive feeding strategy of the introduced Grey Squirrel. The Red Squirrel makes a drey (nest) out of twigs in a branch-fork, forming a domed structure about 9 to 12 inches in diameter. This is lined with moss, leaves, grass and bark. Tree hollows and woodpecker holes are also used. The Red Squirrel is generally a solitary animal and is shy and reluctant to share food with others. However, outside the breeding season and particularly in winter, several Red Squirrels may share a drey to keep warm. Social organisation is based on dominance hierarchies within and between sexes. Although males are not necessarily dominant towards females, the dominant animals tend to be larger and older than subordinate animals and dominant males tend to have larger home ranges than subordinate males or females. Mating can occur in late winter during February and March and in summer between June and July. During mating, males detect females that are in oestrus by an odour that they produce and, although there is no courtship, the male will chase the female for up to an hour prior to mating. Usually multiple males will chase a single female until the dominant male, usually the largest in the group, mates with the female. Males and females will mate multiple times with many partners. Females must reach a minimum body mass before they enter oestrus and heavy females on average produce more young. If food is scarce breeding may be delayed. Typically a female will produce her first litter in her second year. Up to 2 litters a year per female are possible. Each litter averages 3 young and these are known as kits. Gestation is about 38 to 39 days and the young are looked after by the mother alone and are born helpless, blind and deaf. Their body is covered by hair at 21 days, their eyes and ears open after 3 to 4 weeks and they develop all their teeth by 42 days. Juveniles can eat solids around 40 days following birth and from that point they can leave the nest on their own to find food. However, they still suckle from their mother until weaning occurs at 8 to 10 weeks. The Red Squirrel eats mostly the seeds of trees, fungi, nuts (especially hazelnuts but also beech and chestnuts), berries and young shoots. More rarely, it may also eat bird eggs or nestlings and may occasionally exhibit opportunistic omnivory similar to other rodents. Excess food is put into caches, either buried or in nooks or holes in trees, and eaten when food is scarce. Although the Red Squirrel remembers where it created caches at a better than chance level, its spatial memory is believed to be substantially less accurate and durable than that of the Grey Squirrel. Therefore it will often have to search for them when in need and many caches are never found again. Between 60% and 80% of the active time of a Red Squirrel may be spent foraging and feeding. The active period is generally in the morning and in the late afternoon and evening. It often rests in its nest in the middle of the day to avoid the heat and the high visibility to birds of prey that are dangers during these hours. During the winter, this midday rest is often much more brief or absent entirely although harsh weather may cause it to stay in its nest for days at a time. No territories are claimed between Red Squirrels and the feeding areas of individuals overlap considerably. A Red Squirrel that survives its first winter has a life expectancy of 3 years. Individuals may reach 7 years of age and 10 years in captivity. Survival is positively related to the availability of autumn and winter tree seeds. On average, 75 to 85% of juveniles die during their first winter and mortality is approximately 50% for winters following the first. Predators include small mammals such as the Pine Marten, the Wildcat and the Stoat which all prey on juveniles. Birds, including owls and raptors such as the Goshawk and Common Buzzard, may also prey on the Red Squirrel as will the Red Fox and domestic cats and dogs when it is on the ground. Humans influence the population size and mortality of the Red Squirrel by destroying or altering habitats, by causing road casualties and by introducing non-native populations of the Grey Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel and the Red Squirrel are not directly antagonistic and violent conflict between these species is not a factor in the decline in Red Squirrel populations. However, the Grey Squirrel appears to contribute to the decrease in the Red Squirrel population for several reasons: it carries a disease, the squirrel parapoxvirus, that does not appear to affect its own health but will often kill the Red Squirrel, it can better digest acorns whilst the Red Squirrel cannot access the proteins and fats in acorns as easily and it can put the Red Squirrel under pressure for food resources resulting in it not breeding as often. In the UK, due to the above circumstances, the population has today fallen to 160,000 Red Squirrels or fewer with the majority of these in Scotland. Outside the UK and Ireland, the impact of competition from the Grey Squirrel has also been observed in Italy where 2 pairs escaped from captivity in 1948. A significant drop in the Red Squirrel population has been observed since 1970 and it is feared that the Grey Squirrel may expand into the rest of Europe. The Red Squirrel is protected in most of Europe although in some areas it is abundant and is hunted for its fur. In the UK there are several active projects to protect the Red Squirrel and its native woodland habitat, introduce or re-introduce it in to areas where it is absent and eradicate and prevent the spread of the Grey Squirrel. Research undertaken in 2007 in the UK credits the Pine Marten with reducing the population of the invasive Grey Squirrel. Where the range of the expanding Pine Marten population meets that of the Grey Squirrel, the population of the latter retreats. It is theorised that, because the Grey Squirrel spends more time on the ground than the Red Squirrel, it is far more likely to come in contact with the Pine Marten. Date: 28th June 2019 Location: Neljan Tuulen Tupa near Kaamanen, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51334376.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10624070436676e3c08f58c.jpgHeath Fritillary Flight period: June to July. The Heath Fritillary is at the north west extreme of its range in the southern UK and its numbers have greatly reduced this century due to changes in woodland management. It is now one of our rarest and most localised butterflies and can only be found at a few sites in Essex and Kent and in south west England. In Essex and Kent, they can be found in coppiced woodland with acid soils where Common Cow Wheat, the preferred foodplant, is available. On Exmoor they favour sheltered combes (valleys) and in Devon and Cornwall abandoned hay meadows are preferred. Detailed study has determined the Heath Fritillary’s precise habitat requirements and its future in the UK depends on deliberate conservation and habitat management. Date: 20th June 2024 Location: EWT Pound Wood, Hadleigh, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41176063.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19072252705e931104dded4.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 8th April 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623045.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20529212196117d34c2c8d1.jpgCommon Guillemot The Common Guillemot, also known as the Common Murre or Thin-billed Murre, is a large species of auk. The auks are a family of seabirds which includes the Brunnich's Guillemot or Thick-billed Murre, Razorbill, Little Auk and the extinct Great Auk. The Common Guillemot is 15 to 18 inches in length with a 24 to 29 inches wingspan. In breeding plumage, it is black or dark brown on the head, back and wings with white underparts. It has a thin dark pointed bill and a small rounded dark tail. Legs are grey and the bill is dark grey. Males and females are identical. Some individuals in the North Atlantic, known as "Bridled Guillemots", have a white ring around the eye extending back as a white line. This is not a distinct subspecies but a polymorphism that becomes more common the farther north the birds breed. The Common Guillemot flies with fast wing beats and has a flight speed of around 50 mph. Groups of birds are often seen flying together in a line just above the surface of the sea. However, it is not a very agile bird and take-off is often difficult. The Common Guillemot becomes flightless for 45 to 60 days while moulting its primary feathers. The Common Guillemot is a pursuit diver that forages for food by swimming underwater using its wings for propulsion. Dives usually last less than one minute but the bird swims underwater for distances of over 100 feet on a regular basis. Diving depths up to 590 feet have been recorded. The Common Guillemot has a circumpolar distribution and it occurs in low Arctic and boreal waters in the north Atlantic and north Pacific. It spends most of its time at sea and only comes to land to breed on rocky cliffs, sea stacks and islands. Some birds are permanent residents but northern birds migrate south to open waters off New England, southern California, Japan, Korea and the western Mediterranean. The Common Guillemot breeds in colonies at high densities and nesting pairs may be in bodily contact with their neighbours. No nest is made and the single egg is laid and incubated on a bare rock ledge on a cliff face. The egg hatches after 30 days incubation and the chick is born downy and can regulate its body temperature after 10 days. Some 20 days after hatching the chick jumps off its nesting ledge and heads for the sea unable to fly but gliding for some distance with fluttering wings and accompanied by its male parent. The chicks are capable of diving as soon as they hit the water. The female stays at the nest site for some 14 days after the chick has left. The Common Guillemot can venture far from its breeding grounds to forage and distances of 60 miles or more are often observed although if sufficient food is available closer by, birds will only travel much shorter distances. It mainly eats small schooling fish 8 inches long or less such as Polar Cod, Capelin, Sand Lances, Sprats, Sandeels, Atlantic Cod and Atlantic Herring. It also eats some molluscs, marine worms, squid and crustaceans. It is often seen carrying fish in its bill with the tail hanging out. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41249264.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10766624175f00b6d1a36e9.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 22nd June 2020 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23526646.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_124447582654ddc41597f68.jpgDark-bellied Brent Geese The Brent Goose belongs to the [I]Branta[/I] genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the [I]Anser[/I] genus of grey geese. [I]Branta[/I] is a Latinised form of Old Norse [I]brandgás[/I], meaning "burnt (black) goose", and [i]bernicla[/i] is the medieval Latin name for the barnacle. The Brent Goose and the similar Barnacle Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be the same creature as the crustacean, a myth that can be dated back to at least the 12th century. The Brent Goose, [I]Branta bernicla[/I] is divided into 3 sub-species: Dark-bellied Brent Goose [I]B. b. bernicla[/I], Pale-bellied Brent Goose [i]B. b. hrota[/i] (sometimes also known as Light-bellied Brent Goose) and Black Brant [i]B. b. nigricans[/i]. Some DNA evidence suggests that these forms are genetically distinct and a split into 3 separate species has been proposed. However, other evidence upholds their maintenance as a single species. The Brent Goose is a small goose, 22 to 26 inches long with a wingspan of 42 to 48 inches. The under-tail is pure white and the tail black and very short (the shortest of any goose). The Dark-bellied Brent Goose is fairly uniformly dark grey-brown all over and the flanks and belly are not significantly paler than the back. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds on the Arctic coasts of central and west Siberia and winters in west Europe with over half the population in south England and the rest between north Germany and north west France. The Pale-bellied Brent Goose appears blackish-brown and light grey in colour and the flanks and belly are significantly paler than the back and present a marked contrast. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds in Franz Josef Land, Svalbard, Greenland and north east Canada and winters in Denmark, north east England, Ireland and the Atlantic coast of the USA from Maine to Georgia as well as in a small but significant area in north France. The Black Brant appears blackish-brown and white in colour. This sub-species is very contrastingly black and white with a uniformly dark sooty-brown back, similarly-coloured underparts (with the dark colour extending furthest back of the 3 sub-species) and a prominent white flank patch. It also has a larger white neck patch which forms an almost complete collar. It breeds in north west Canada, Alaska and east Siberia and winters mostly on the west coast of north America from south Alaska to California but also in east Asia, mainly Japan. It sometimes appears as a vagrant in Europe when it associates with the other Brent Goose species. The Brent Goose used to be a strictly coastal bird in winter, seldom leaving tidal estuaries where it feeds on eel-grass and seaweed. In recent decades, it has started using agricultural land a short distance inland, feeding extensively on grass and winter-sown cereals. This may be behaviour learned by following other species of geese. Food resource pressure may also be important in forcing this change since the world population increased over 10-fold by the mid-1980s, possibly reaching the carrying capacity of the estuaries. In the breeding season, the Brent Goose uses low-lying wet coastal tundra for both breeding and feeding. The nest is bowl-shaped, lined with grass and down and located in an elevated position often near a small pond. The Brent Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds applies. Date: 26th January 2015 Location: Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/varangerfjord-finnmark-norway https://images.on-this.website/4752_19556804254bf6d7acb034c.jpgVarangerfjord, Finnmark, Norway Varangerfjord is the easternmost fjord in Norway and is located in Finnmark county between the Varanger peninsula and the mainland of Norway. Varangerfjord flows through the municipalities of Vardø, Vadsø, Nesseby and Sør-Varanger. The fjord is approximately 62 miles long and empties in to the Barents Sea. The mouth is about 43 miles wide and is located between the town of Vardø in the north west and the village of Grense Jakobselv in the south east. The fjord stretches westwards inland past the town of Vadsø to the village of Varangerbotn in Nesseby municipality. Date: 11th April 2010 Location: view from route E6 between Varangerbotn and Bugøynes, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33857815.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5254609605a4dfea19d0f6.jpgPurple Sandpiper The Purple Sandpiper is a small wading shorebird. Adults have short yellow legs and a medium thin dark bill with a yellow base. The body is dark above with a slight purplish gloss and mainly white below. The breast is smeared with grey and the rump is black. The Purple Sandpiper breeds in the northern tundra and Arctic islands in Canada and coastal areas in Greenland and north west Europe and nests on the ground either elevated on rocks or in a lower damp location. The males makes several scrapes following which the female chooses one and lays 3 or 4 eggs. The male takes the major responsibility for incubation and tends the chicks. The Purple Sandpiper is migratory and moves to rocky ice-free Atlantic coasts in winter where it is fairly gregarious, forming small flocks and often associating with Turnstones. It is also relatively tame and approachable. In the UK, the Purple Sandpiper occurs in winter in good numbers, principally along the east and south coasts where it favours rocky shorelines adjacent to the sea. It is a very rare breeding bird and is found only in a localised area of the Cairngorms National Park where 1 to 3 pairs have bred since the 1970s. Date: 1st January 2018 Location: Aldeburgh, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19507365.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_192655560352528a8ad92f7.jpgBlack Vulture The Black Vulture is also known as the Cinereous Vulture, Monk Vulture or Eurasian Black Vulture. The Black Vulture is a huge bird, 39 to 47 inches long with a 99 to 119 inch wingspan, and is one of the largest birds of prey in the world. It has all dark blackish-brown plumage and even at a distance can be distinguished from the Griffon Vulture by its evenly broad "barn door" wings. It has the typical vulture unfeathered bald head (actually covered in fine down) and dark markings around the eye give it a menacing skull-like appearance. The beak is brown, with a blue-grey cere and the legs and feet are grey. The Black Vulture breeds across southern Europe and Asia from Spain to Korea but is endangered throughout its European range. It is resident except in those parts of its range where hard winters cause limited movement and breeds in high mountains and large forests, nesting in trees or occasionally on cliff ledges. The Black Vulture has declined over most of its range in the last 200 years due to eating poisoned and due to higher hygiene standards reducing the amount of available carrion. It is currently listed as near threatened. The decline has been the greatest in the western half of the range with extinction in many European countries (France, Italy, Austria, Poland, Slovakia, Romania) and north west Africa (Morocco, Algeria). More recently, protection and deliberate feeding schemes have allowed some local recoveries in numbers, particularly in Spain, where numbers increased to about 1,000 pairs by 1992 after an earlier decline to 200 pairs in 1970. This colony has now spread its breeding grounds to Portugal. Elsewhere in Europe, very small but increasing numbers breed in Bulgaria and Greece and a re-introduction scheme is under way in France. Trends in the small populations in Ukraine and European Russia and in Asian populations are not well recorded. Date: 5th September 2013 Location: road to La Lancha and Embalse del Jándula, Sierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/razorbills https://images.on-this.website/4752_6666221884e1eef6f9e613.jpgRazorbills The Razorbill is a medium-sized seabird and breeds around the coast of the UK with the largest colonies in northern Scotland. They breed on rocky cliffs and among boulder scree close to the sea. Birds only come to shore to breed from March to July and they winter in the northern Atlantic. Date: 16/04/07 Location: Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11948146.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19513668294e410f6fdde46.jpgFallow Deer Fallow Deer are native to the Mediterranean region of Europe and from Turkey to Iran but they have been introduced to nearly 40 countries including the UK by the Normans in the 11th century. They have since become the most widespread species of deer in the UK and typically can be found in deciduous woodland with open patches. Fallow Deer commonly gather in small herds of 4 to 5 but in good feeding areas groupings of up to 100 may gather. When competing for access to females, males display by groaning, thrashing their antlers and by walking alongside their opponent. Fighting occurs if both stags are evenly matched and involves wrestling and clashing of antlers. Fallow Deer have many colour varieties but they are typically fawn-coloured in the summer and reddish-brown in the winter. They have yellow-white undersides, white spots and a black line that runs along the back to the tip of the tail. The spots become less conspicuous or disappear in winter. Males have palmate (flattened) antlers. Date: 7th November 2008 Location: Gruline, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31192312.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1056725282591823cff07014.56379030.jpgDipper The White-throated Dipper, also known as the European Dipper or simply as the Dipper, is an aquatic passerine bird. It is divided into several sub-species based primarily on colour differences, particularly of the pectoral band. These include the Black-bellied Dipper found in Scandinavia, west France, north west Spain, Corsica and Sardinia and an infrequent migrant to the UK and the “British” Dipper found in England, Wales and Scotland excluding the west and north west and the islands. The Dipper is about 7.1 inches long, rotund and short tailed. The head of the adult is brown, the back slate-grey mottled with black (looking black from a distance) and the wings and tail are brown. The throat and upper breast are white followed by a band of warm chestnut (“British” Dipper) or black (Black-bellied Dipper ) which merges into black on the belly and flanks. The young are greyish brown and have no chestnut band. The Dipper can be found in Europe, the Middle East, central Asia and the Indian Subcontinent and it is closely associated with swiftly running rivers and streams or the lakes in to which these fall. It often perches and bobs spasmodically with its short tail uplifted on the rocks around which the water swirls and tumbles. It acquired its name from these sudden dips and not from its diving habit, although it dives as well as walks into the water. It flies rapidly and straight with its short wings whirring swiftly and without pauses or glides and will then either drop on the water and dive or plunge in with a small splash. In addition, it will walk into the water and deliberately submerge from a perch. In this way the Dipper finds its food which includes aquatic invertebrates, aquatic insect larvae, beetles, freshwater molluscs, fish and small amphibians. It will also walk and run on the banks and rocks seeking terrestrial invertebrates. The winter habits of the Dipper vary considerably and apparently individually. When the swift hill rivers and streams are frozen it is forced to descend to the lowlands and even visit the coasts but some will remain if there is any open water. The Dipper breeds close to water and the nest is large, globular or oval (similar to a large Wren's nest) built into a crack or hollow in the rock or in the masonry or on the supports of a bridge. It is composed of moss, dead grass and leaves. This ball, however, is just a shelter. Usually hidden beneath a lip is the entrance to the real nest inside which is a cup of grass or sedge lined with leaves of oak, beech or other trees. Eggs are laid (3 to 6) are laid between March and May and 1 or 2 broods are raised. Date: 8th May 2017 Location: Gilfach RWT reserve, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405425.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1119191886586dc1643b2c.jpgCommon Buzzard The Common Buzzard is a member of the genus Buteo and the family Accipitridae, a group of medium-sized raptors with robust bodies and broad wings. The Buteo species of Eurasia and Africa are usually commonly referred to as buzzards whilst those in the Americas are called hawks. Under current classification, the genus Buteo includes approximately 28 species. The Common Buzzard includes between 7 to 16 sub-species and the western Buteo group includes Buteo buteo buteo which is found more or less continuously throughout Europe including the UK. The Common Buzzard is a medium-sized raptor that is highly variable in plumage. It is distinctly round headed with a somewhat slender bill and it has relatively long wings that either reach or fall slightly short of the tail tip when perched, a fairly short tail and somewhat short and mainly bare tarsi. It can appear fairly compact in overall appearance but may also appear large relative to other commoner raptors such as the Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. The Common Buzzard measures between 16 and 23 inches in length with a 3 feet 7 inches to 4 feet 7 inches wingspan. Females average about 2 to 7% larger than males in length and weigh about 15% more. Body mass can show considerable variation from 0.94 to 2.6 pounds in males and 1.07 to 3.02 pounds in females. In Europe, the Common Buzzard is typically dark brown above and on the upperside of the head and mantle but this can become paler and warmer brown with worn plumage. Usually the tail will be narrowly barred grey-brown and dark brown with a pale tip and a broad dark subterminal band but the tail in the palest birds can show a varying amount of white and a reduced sub-terminal band or even appear almost all white. The underside colouring can be variable but typically shows a brown-streaked white throat with a somewhat darker chest. A pale U across the breast is often present followed by a pale line running down the belly which separates the dark areas on the breast side and flanks. These pale areas tend to have highly variable markings that form irregular bars. Juveniles are quite similar to adults and are best told apart by having a paler eye, a narrower sub-terminal band on the tail and underside markings that appear as streaks rather than bars. Beyond the typical mid-range brownish Common Buzzard, birds in Europe can range from almost uniform black-brown above to mainly white. Extreme dark individuals may range from chocolate-brown to blackish with almost no pale colour showing but with a variable or faded U on the breast and with or without faint lighter brown throat streaks. Extreme pale individuals are largely whitish with variable widely spaced streaks or arrowheads of light brown about the mid-chest and flanks and may or may not show dark feather-centres on the head, wing-coverts and sometimes all but part of the mantle. Individuals can show nearly endless variation of colours and hues in between these extremes and the Common Buzzard is among the most variably plumaged diurnal raptors for this reason. The Common Buzzard is often confused with other raptors especially in flight or at a distance including other Buteo species such as Rough-legged Buzzard and Long-legged Buzzard and also Honey Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, Golden Eagle, Booted Eagle and Short-toed Eagle. The Common Buzzard is found throughout several islands in the eastern Atlantic islands, including the Canary Islands and the Azores, and almost throughout Europe. In the UK, it is found in Northern Ireland and in nearly every part of Scotland and England. In mainland Europe, there are no substantial gaps in the range from Portugal and Spain to Greece, Estonia, Belarus and the Ukraine, although it is present mainly only in the breeding season in much of the eastern half of the latter 3 countries. It is also present in all larger Mediterranean islands such as Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily and Crete. Further north in to Scandinavia, it is found mainly in south Norway, the southern half of Sweden and in the southern two-thirds of Finland. The Common Buzzard reaches its northern limit as a breeder in far eastern Finland and over the border in to European Russia and nearly to the Kola Peninsula. In these northern limits, the Common Buzzard is present typically only in summer. The Common Buzzard generally inhabits the interface of woodlands and open ground and typically lives in forest edge, small broad-leaved, coniferous or mixed woodlands with adjacent grassland, arable fields or other farmland and open moorland as long as there are some trees. It is absent from treeless tundra and sporadic or rare in treeless steppe. The Common Buzzard can be found from sea level to elevations of 6600 feet although it breeds mostly below 3300 feet. It can winter to an elevation of 8200 feet and migrates easily at 14,800 feet. The Common Buzzard is a partial migrant. Autumn and spring movements are subject to extensive variation, even down to the individual level, based on a region's food resources, competition (both from other Common Buzzards and other predators), the extent of human disturbance and weather conditions. Short distance movements are the norm for juveniles and some adults in autumn and winter but more adults in central and south Europe and the UK remain in their year-around areas than do not. The Common Buzzard is a typical Buteo in much of its behaviour. It is most often seen effortlessly soaring for extended periods at varying heights although it can appear laborious and heavy in level flight. It is also often seen perched prominently on tree tops, bare branches, telegraph poles, fence posts, rocks or ledges or alternatively well inside the tree canopy. It will also stand and forage on the ground. The Common Buzzard is a generalist predator which hunts a wide variety of prey given the opportunity. The prey extents to a wide variety of vertebrates including mammals, birds (from any age from eggs to adult birds), reptiles, amphibians and fish as well as to various invertebrates, mostly insects. In total, well over 300 prey species are known to be taken by the Common Buzzard. However, dietary studies have shown that it mostly preys upon small mammals, mainly small rodents. Furthermore, prey size can vary from tiny beetles, caterpillars and ants to large adult grouse and Rabbits up to nearly twice their body mass. At times, the Common Buzzard will also subsist partially on carrion, usually of dead mammals or fish. Hunting in relatively open areas has been found to increase hunting success whereas more complete shrub cover lowered success. A majority of prey is taken by dropping from a perch and is normally taken on the ground. Prey may also be hunted in a low flight, by random glides or soars or by foraging on the ground. The home range of the Common Buzzard is generally 0.19 to 0.77 square miles and the size of the breeding territory seems to be correlated with food supply. The territory is maintained through flight displays and in Europe territorial behaviour usually starts in February. However, displays are not uncommon throughout the year in resident pairs, especially by males, and can elicit similar displays by their neighbours. In the display, the Common Buzzard generally engages in high circling, spiraling upward on slightly raised wings. Mutual high circling by pairs sometimes goes on at length, especially during the period prior to or during breeding season. During the mutual displays, the male may engage in exaggerated deep flapping or zig-zag tumbling, apparently in response to the female being too distant. Several pairs may circle together at times and as many as 14 individual adults have been recorded over established display sites. Sky-dancing by the Common Buzzard has been recorded in spring and autumn, typically by the male but sometimes by the female, nearly always with much calling. Sky-dances are of the rollercoaster type, with an upward sweep of up to 100 feet until the bird starts start to stall but sometimes embellished with loops or rolls at the top. Next in the sky-dance, the bird will dive at least 200 feet on more or less closed wings before spreading them and shooting up again. These sky-dances may be repeated in series of 10 to 20. In the climax of the sky-dance, the undulations become progressively shallower, often slowing and terminating directly on to a perch. Various other aerial displays include low contour flight or weaving among trees, frequently with deep beats and exaggerated upstrokes which show underwing pattern to rivals perched below. Talon grappling and occasionally cartwheeling downward with feet interlocked has also been recorded. The Common Buzzard tends to build a bulky nest of sticks, twigs and often heather and lined with broad-leaved foliage. Nests are up to 3.3 to 3.9 feet across and 24 inches deep. With reuse over years, the diameter of a nest can reach or exceed 5 feet. Trees are generally used for a nesting location but crags or cliffs are used if trees are unavailable. Nests in trees are usually located by the main trunk at a height of around 10 to 82 feet. Pairs often have 2 to 4 nests in a territory but some pairs may use a single nest over several consecutive years. The breeding season of the Common Buzzard commences at differing times based on latitude. It may fall as early as January to April but typically it is March to July in most of Europe. In the northern limits of the range the breeding season may occur from May to August. Mating usually occurs on or near the nest and eggs are usually laid in 2 to 3 day intervals. The clutch size can range from to 2 to 6 and it appears that local factors such as habitat and food supply are relevant. Eggs are generally laid in late March to early April in the extreme south, sometime in April in most of Europe and in to May and possibly even early June in the extreme north. If eggs are lost to a predator or fail in some other way, replacement clutches are not usually laid although this has been recorded. Incubation lasts for 33 to 35 days and is mostly, but not solely, undertaken by the female. Hatching may take place over 3 to 7 days. Often the youngest nestling dies from starvation, especially in broods of 3 or more. The female remains at the nest brooding the young in the early stages with the male bringing all prey. At about 8 to 12 days, both the male and female will bring prey but the female continues to do all feeding until the young can tear up their own prey. The young are nearly fully feathered rather than downy at about a month of age and can start to feed themselves as well. The first attempts to leave the nest are often at about 40 to 50 days. Fledging occurs typically at 43 to 54 days but in extreme cases as late 62 days. After leaving the nest, the young generally stay close by until full independence 6 to 8 weeks after fledging. Numerous factors may influence the breeding success of the Common Buzzard including the availability of prey populations, habitat, disturbance and persecution levels and competition. The Common Buzzard is one of the most numerous birds of prey in its range and it is the most numerous diurnal bird of prey throughout much of Europe. Date: 30th September 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46511788.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_214240147662c993a5778c3.jpgSwallow The Barn Swallow is the most widespread species of swallow in the world. In Europe it is just called the Swallow and in Northern Europe it is the only common species called a "swallow" rather than a "martin". The male Swallow has steel blue upperparts and a rufous forehead, chin and throat which are separated from the off-white underparts by a broad dark blue breast band. The outer tail feathers are elongated to give the distinctive deeply forked "swallow tail." There is a line of white spots across the outer end of the upper tail. The female is similar in appearance to the male but the tail streamers are shorter, the blue of the upperparts and breast band is less glossy and the underparts more pale. The juvenile is browner and has a paler rufous face and whiter underparts. It also lacks the long tail streamers of the adult. The Swallow has an enormous range with an estimated global extent of 20 million square miles and a population of 190 million individuals. It breeds in the Northern Hemisphere from sea level to typically 8,900 feet but up 9,800 feet in the Caucasus and North America and it is absent only from deserts and the cold northernmost parts of the continents. Over much of its range it avoids towns and in Europe is replaced in urban areas by the House Martin. There are 6 subspecies of the Swallow which breed across the Northern Hemisphere, of which 4 are strongly migratory with their wintering grounds covering much of the Southern Hemisphere as far south as central Argentina, the Cape Province of South Africa and northern Australia. The Swallow can be found in open country with low vegetation such as pasture, meadows and farmland, preferably with nearby water. It avoids heavily wooded or precipitous areas and densely built-up locations. The presence of accessible open structures such as barns, stables or culverts to provide nesting sites and exposed locations such as wires, roof ridges or bare branches for perching are also important in the bird's selection of its breeding range. This species lives in close association with humans and its insect-eating habits mean that it is tolerated by man. This acceptance was reinforced in the past by superstitions regarding the bird and its nest. There are frequent cultural references to the Swallow in literary and religious works due to both its living in close proximity to humans and its annual migration. The Swallow is the national bird of Austria and Estonia. In winter, the Swallow is cosmopolitan in its choice of habitat, avoiding only dense forests and deserts. It is most common in open, low vegetation habitats such as savanna and ranch land. Individual birds tend to return to the same wintering locality each year and congregate from a large area to roost in reed beds. These roosts can be extremely large with one in Nigeria holding an estimated 1.5 million birds. Date: 9th May 2022 Location: RWT Gilfach, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48309171.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_71574243363ee456d29e19.jpgMoorhen The Moorhen is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird that is usually found near water. From a distance it looks black with a ragged white line along its body. However, closer up it is olive-brown on the back and the head and blue-grey underneath. It has a red bill with a yellow tip. The Moorhen can be found all year round almost anywhere where there is water. They breed in lowland areas particularly in central and eastern England but are scarce in northern Scotland and the uplands of Wales and northern England. UK breeding birds are residents and seldom travel far. Date: 6th February 2022 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39081985.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21011970155d3078f0c4819.jpgEuropean Roller The European Roller is the only member of the Roller family to breed in Europe. It is a stocky bird, the size of a Jackdaw, and it is mainly blue with an orange-brown back. It is striking in its strong direct flight with the brilliant blue contrasting with black flight feathers. Sexes are similar but the juvenile is a drabber version of the adult. The European Roller often perches prominently on trees, posts or overhead wires whilst watching for the large insects, small reptiles, rodents and frogs that they eat. They have a Lapwing-like display with the twisting and turning display flight giving the bird its English name. The European Roller breeds in north Africa from Morocco east to Tunisia, in south west and south central Europe and in Asia Minor east through north west Iran to south west Siberia. It is a long-distance migrant, wintering in southern Africa in two distinct regions, from Senegal east to Cameroon and from Ethiopia west to Congo and south to South Africa. The European Roller can be found in warm, dry, open country with scattered trees, preferring lowland open countryside with patches of oak forest, mature pine woodland with heathery clearings, orchards, mixed farmland, river valleys and plains with scattered thorny or leafy trees. It winters primarily in dry wooded savanna and bushy plains. The European Roller has a large global population of an estimated 100,000 to 220,000 individuals in Europe. However, following a moderate decline during 1970 to 1990, the species has continued to decline especially in Europe with a decrease in the overall European population exceeding 30% in 15 years. Threats include persecution on migration in some Mediterranean countries, the use of pesticides which reduces food availability and sensitivity to changing farming and forestry practices. Date: 17th May 2018 Location: Srebarna to Vetren, Silistra Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081441.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_205968653963a845565cec0.jpgMute Swan The Mute Swan is a species of swan native to much of Eurasia. Despite its Eurasian origin, its closest relatives are the Black Swan of Australia and the Black-necked Swan of south America, not the other Northern Hemisphere swans such as the Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan. The name “mute” derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. The adult Mute Swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob at the top of the beak. All Mute Swans are white at maturity although the feathers (particularly on the head and neck) are often stained orange-brown by iron and tannins in the water. Young birds (cygnets) are not the bright white colour of mature adults and their bill is dull greyish-black for the first year. The plumage may range from pure white to grey to buff with grey/buff being the most common. Cygnets typically retain their grey/buff feathers until they are at least 1 year old. On average, the Mute Swan is the second largest waterfowl species after the Trumpeter Swan although the male Mute Swan can easily match or even exceed a male Trumpeter Swan in mass. The adult Mute Swan typically ranges from 55 to 63 inches in length (although it can range in extreme cases from 49 to 67 inches) with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. Males (cobs) are larger than females (pens) and have a larger knob on their bill. The Mute Swan is one of the heaviest flying birds. In several studies from the UK, males were found to average from about 23.4 to 26.2 pounds, with a weight range of 20 to 32 pounds, while the slightly smaller females were found to average about 18.7 to 21.3 pounds, with a weight range of 17 to 23 pounds. The Mute Swan is less vocal than the noisy Bewick's Swan and Whooper Swan although it does make a variety of grunting, hoarse whistling and snorting noises, especially in communicating with their cygnets and threatening competitors or intruders trying to enter their territory. The most familiar sound associated with the Mute Swan is the vibrant throbbing of the wings in flight which is unique to the species and this can be heard from a range of up to 1 mile. The Mute Swan is found naturally mainly in the temperate areas of Europe across west Asia and as far east as Primorsky Krai in the far east of Russia. It is partially migratory throughout the northern latitudes in Europe and Asia as far south as north Africa and the Mediterranean. It is also often kept in captivity outside its natural range as a decoration for parks and ponds and escapes have occurred. The descendants of such birds have become naturalised in east USA and the Great Lakes region across the USA and Canada border. The Mute Swan population in the UK has increased recently probably due to better protection of this species. Some birds are resident all year whilst others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into east England. Mute Swans nest on large mounds that they build with waterside vegetation in shallow water on islands in the middle or at the very edge of a lake. It is a monogamous species and often reuses the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Males and females share the care of the nest. The female lays from 4 to 10 eggs and broods for around 36 days. Cygnets are unable to fly before an age of 120 to 150 days and this limits the distribution of the species in the northern edge of its range since the cygnets must learn to fly before the water freezes. The Mute Swan is usually strongly territorial with just a single pair on smaller lakes although in a few locations where a large area of suitable feeding habitat is found they can be colonial. The largest colonies can hold over 100 pairs such as that at the colony at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset in the UK. Non-mated juveniles up to 3 to 4 years old commonly form larger flocks often at regular traditional sites and these can total several hundred birds. The Mute Swan can be very aggressive in defence of its nest and it is highly protective of its mate and offspring. Most defensive attacks from a Mute Swan begin with a loud hiss and, if this is not sufficient to drive off the predator, are followed by a physical attack. It attacks by smashing at its enemy with bony spurs in the wings accompanied by biting with its large bill. Smaller waterbirds such as ducks are normally grabbed with the bill and dragged or thrown clear. Large waterfowl, such as the Canada Goose, more likely out of competition than in response to potential predation, may be aggressively driven off. The wings of the Mute Swan are very powerful although not strong enough to break an adult man's leg as has been claimed anecdotally. The Mute Swan feeds on a wide range of vegetation, both submerged aquatic plants which they reach with their long necks and by grazing on land. The food commonly includes agricultural crop plants such as oilseed rape and wheat and feeding flocks in the winter may cause significant crop damage, often as much through trampling with their large webbed feet as through direct consumption. Date: 9th January 2022 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/turnstones https://images.on-this.website/4752_114332677963a448a38d947.jpgTurnstones The Turnstone has a mottled appearance with brown or chestnut and black upperparts, brown and white or black and white head pattern, white underparts and orange legs. Turnstones can be found around most of the UK coastline including rocky, sandy and muddy shores and particularly like feeding on seaweed covered rocks, seawalls and jetties. They are present for most of the year. Birds from Northern Europe pass through in July and August and again in spring and birds from Canada and Greenland arrive in August and September and remain until April and May. Non-breeding birds may stay throughout the summer. Date: 2nd December 2022 Location: Sheringham, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623470.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5230810396117e08c206fe.jpgLittle Egret The Little Egret is a species of small heron. The genus name comes from the Provençal French Aigrette (egret), a diminutive of Aigron (heron). The adult Little Egret is 22 to 26 inches long with a 35 to 42 inches wingspan. Its plumage is normally entirely white although there are dark forms with largely bluish-grey plumage. In the breeding season, the adult has 2 long plumes on the nape that form a crest. These plumes are about 6 inches in length and are pointed and very narrow. There are similar feathers on the breast but the barbs are more widely spread. There are also several elongated scapular feathers that have long loose barbs around 8 inches long. During the winter the plumage is similar but the scapulars are shorter and more normal in appearance. The bill is long and slender and both it and the lores are black. There is an area of greenish-grey bare skin at the base of the lower mandible and around the eye which has a yellow iris. The legs are black and the feet yellow. Juveniles are similar to non-breeding adults but have greenish-black legs and duller yellow feet and may have a certain proportion of greyish or brownish feathers. The Little Egret is mostly silent but it does make various croaking and bubbling calls at its breeding colonies and it produces a harsh alarm call when disturbed. The breeding range of the western race of the Little Egret includes south Europe, the Middle East, much of Africa and south Asia. European populations are migratory and mostly travel to Africa although some remain in southern Europe. During the late 20th century, the range of the Little Egret expanded northwards in Europe and into the New World. The Little Egret's habitat varies widely and includes the shores of lakes, rivers, canals, ponds, lagoons, marshes and flooded land, the bird preferring open locations to dense cover. On the coast it inhabits mudflats, sandy beaches, mangrove areas, swamps and reefs. The Little Egret is a sociable bird and can be seen in small flocks. However, individual birds do not tolerate others coming too close to their chosen feeding site although this depends on the abundance of prey. The Little Egret uses a variety of methods to find its food. It stalks its prey in shallow water, often running with raised wings or shuffling its feet to disturb small fish, or it may stand still and wait to ambush prey. It also makes use of opportunities provided by Cormorants disturbing fish or humans attracting fish by throwing bread into water. On land, it walks or runs while chasing its prey, often feeding on creatures disturbed by grazing livestock. The diet is mainly fish but amphibians, small reptiles, mammals and birds are also eaten as well as crustaceans, molluscs, insects, spiders and worms. The Little Egret nests in colonies, often with other wading birds such as Cattle Egret, Black-crowned Night Heron, Squacco Heron and Glossy Ibis. The nests are usually platforms of sticks built in trees or shrubs or in reed beds or bamboo groves. Pairs defend a small breeding territory, usually extending around 10 to 13 feet from the nest. The 3 to 5 eggs are incubated by both adults for 21 to 25 days before hatching. The young birds are covered in white down feathers are cared for by both parents and fledge after 40 to 45 days. Globally, the Little Egret is not listed as a threatened species and has in fact expanded its range over the last few decades.[5] The IUCN states that their wide distribution and large total population means that they are a species that cause them "least concern". Historical research has shown that the Little Egret was once present, and probably common, in the UK but became extinct there through a combination of over-hunting in the late mediaeval period and climate change at the start of the Little Ice Age. Further declines occurred throughout Europe as the plumes of the Little Egret and other egrets were in demand for decorating hats. They had been used in the plume trade since at least the 17th century but in the 19th century it became a major craze and the number of egret skins passing through dealers reached into the millions. Hunting, which reduced the population of the species to dangerously low levels, stimulated the establishment of Britain's Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in 1889. By the 1950s, the Little Egret had become restricted to south Europe and conservation laws protecting the species were introduced. This allowed the population to rebound strongly and over the next few decades it became increasingly common in western France and later on the north coast. It bred in the Netherlands in 1979 with further breeding from the 1990s onward. Populations are now mostly stable or increasing in Europe. In the UK, the Little Egret was a rare vagrant from its 16th century extinction until the late 20th century. It has, however, recently become a regular breeding species and is commonly present, often in large numbers, at favoured coastal sites. The first recent breeding record in England was on Brownsea Island in Dorset in 1996 and it bred in Wales for the first time in 2002. The population increase has been rapid subsequently with over 750 pairs breeding in nearly 70 colonies in 2008 and a post-breeding total of 4,540 birds in September 2008. Severe winter weather proves only to be a temporary setback and the Little Egret continues to expand both its numbers and range in the UK. Date: 5th July 2021 Location: RSPB Old Moor, Dearne Valley, South Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405503.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7340846386586eeae27c2f.jpgCoot The Coot is an all black bird with a distinctive white beak and “shield” above the beak from which earns it the title “bald”. Its feet have distinctive lobed flaps of skin on the toes which act instead of webs when swimming. It patters noisily over the water before taking off and can be very aggressive towards other birds. Coot can be found all the year round mainly on freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers and town park lakes. Sometimes they can be seen offshore, especially in winter if freshwater areas are frozen. They breed in areas of fairly shallow standing freshwater with a muddy bottom and plenty of vegetation at the sides, usually in lowland areas. Date: 7th November 2023 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405567.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1230659156586fc43751fd.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the Canidae family and is a part of the order Carnivora within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 6th December 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071684.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_130339360866433573c318d.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 4th May 2023 Location: Bwlch Nant yr Arian, Llywernog, Ceredigion http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41352918.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_382486935f21573d789a4.jpgRed Admiral Flight period: April to November. The Red Admiral is a familiar and widespread butterfly in the UK although numbers depend on immigration from Europe. It can be found in any flower-rich habitat. Date: 21st July 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405532.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3192114946586f484587ea.jpgShort-eared Owl The Short-eared Owl is a species of the typical owl family Strigidae. Owls belonging to the genus Asio, such as the Short-eared Owl, are known as the eared owls since they have tufts of feathers resembling mammalian ears. These "ear" tufts may or may not be visible. The Short-eared Owl will display its tufts when in a defensive pose although its very short tufts are usually not visible. The Short-eared Owl is a medium-sized owl 13 to 17 inches in length with a 33 to 43 inches wingspan. Females are slightly larger than males. It has large yellow eyes with black encircling rings, a big head, a short neck and broad wings. The bill is short, strong, hooked and black. The plumage is mottled tawny to brown with a barred tail and wings. The upper breast is significantly streaked. The flight is characteristically floppy due to the irregular wingbeats and the Short-eared Owl is often described as "moth-like” or bat-like" in flight. Through much of its range, the Short-eared Owl occurs with the similar looking Long-eared Owl. At rest, the ear-tufts of the Long-eared Owl serve to easily distinguish the 2 species although the Long-eared Owl can sometimes hold its ear-tufts flat. The iris colour also differs: yellow in the Short-eared Owl and orange in the Long-eared Owl plus the black surrounding the eyes is vertical on the Long-eared Owl and horizontal on the Short-eared Owl. Overall, the Short-eared Owl tends to be a paler, sandier coloured bird than the Long-eared Owl. There are 10 recognized sub-species of the Short-eared Owl and its range covers all continents except Antarctica and Australia. It therefore has one of the most widespread distributions of any bird. It is partially migratory and moves south in winter from the northern parts of its range. The Short-eared Owl is also known to relocate to areas of higher rodent populations and it will also wander nomadically in search of better food supplies during years when vole populations are low. In the UK, the Short-eared Owl breeds primarily in north England and Scotland but it is seen more widely in winter when there is an influx of continental birds from Scandinavia, Russia and Iceland to north, east and parts of central south England, especially around coastal marshes and wetlands. The breeding season of the Short-eared Owl in the northern hemisphere lasts from March to June but peaks in April. During the breeding season, the male makes a great spectacle of itself in flight to attract a female. The male swoops down over the potential nest site flapping its wings in a courtship display. The Short-eared Owl is generally monogamous and nests on the ground in prairie, tundra, savanna or meadow habitats. The nest is concealed by low vegetation and may be lightly lined by weeds, grass or feathers. The female lays 4 to 7 eggs but clutch size can reach up to 12 eggs in years when voles are abundant. There is a single brood per year. The eggs are incubated mostly by the female for 21 to 37 days and the young fledge at a little over 4 weeks. The Short-eared Owl hunts mostly at night but it is known as a diurnal and crepuscular hunter as well. Its daylight hunting seems to coincide with the high activity periods of voles, its preferred prey. It tends to fly only a few feet above the ground in open fields and grasslands until swooping down upon its prey feet first. Several owls may hunt over the same open area. The diet of the Short-eared Owl consists mainly of rodents, especially voles, but it will eat other small mammals such as mice, ground squirrels, shrews, rats, bats, muskrats and moles. It will also occasionally predate smaller birds especially when near sea coasts and adjacent wetlands at which time they may attack waders, terns and small gulls and seabirds. Avian prey is more infrequently preyed on inland and includes small passerines. Insects also supplement the diet. Date: 25th November 2023 Location: RSPB Wallasea Island, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50931100.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14931412156627d684c7e58.jpgCommon Lizard The Common Lizard ranges across central and northern Europe (but are absent from the Mediterranean area) and through to northern Asia. It is the most common lizard in northern regions and the only reptile found in Ireland. The Common Lizard has a long body and short legs. It has coarse scales which range from grey, brown, bronze or green on the back and males are generally darker than females. It has a series of white spots down the flanks, which fuse to form a line, and a black line along the back. The Common Lizard also has numerous black spots scattered over the body. Males have orange/yellow bellies with black spots and females have cream/white bellies. The Common Lizard is found in a range of habitats including woodland, marshes, heathland, moors, sand dunes, hedgerows, bogs and rubbish dumps and it hunts insects, spiders, snails and earthworms, stunning its prey by shaking it and then swallowing it whole. The Common Lizard is active during the day and spends the morning and afternoon (but not the intense heat of midday) basking in the sun either alone or in groups. It is a good swimmer and will dive underwater when threatened. At night, and when startled, it will shelter beneath logs, stones and metal sheets. After emerging from hibernation, males defend breeding territories from other males. The young develop over 3 months within egg membranes inside the female's body which they usually break out of as she gives birth. Litters of 3 to 12 young are born from June to September after which time the mother shows no parental care with the young feeding actively from birth and quickly dispersing. The Common Lizard hibernates from October to March. It will often hibernate in groups and sometimes emerge for a brief time during warm spells. Date: 14th April 2024 Location: RSPB Rainham Marshes, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405577.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10482925876586fc96a5557.jpgRed Foxes The Red Fox is a member of the Canidae family and is a part of the order Carnivora within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 6th December 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15747138.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18749141905017a717b7668.jpgGreylag Goose The Greylag Goose is the ancestor of most domestic geese but is also the largest and bulkiest of the wild geese native to the UK and Europe. In many parts of the UK it has been re-established by releasing birds in suitable areas but the resulting flocks found around gravel pits, lakes and reservoirs all year round in southern Britain tend to be semi-tame. The native birds and wintering flocks found on lochs in northern Scotland and on some Scottish islands retain the special appeal of truly wild geese. Date: 23rd July 2012 Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457535.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_162759587366857229cd141.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37190296.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14509925055c2a0cdf62490.jpgGruinard Bay, Wester Ross Gruinard Bay is situated along the rocky Wester Ross coastline and has 3 beautiful beaches with pink sand derived from the Torridonian sandstone rocks. It is surrounded by magnificent rocky scenery. Offshore lies Gruinard Island which in 1942 became the focus of the UK's secret effort to find a weapon capable of defeating the Nazis. To test the potency of their biological arsenal, War Office scientists took a flock of 60 sheep to Gruinard Island and exposed them to a bomb packed with anthrax spores. The island was so contaminated that it was deemed out of bounds for almost 50 years. Date: 24th June 2018 Location: view from Laide http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49797311.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_207860278964ec9d278c7ec.jpgGatekeeper Flight period: mid-July to early September. The Gatekeeper or Hedge Brown is common and widespread throughout the southern half of the UK. They can be found in areas with hedgerows or in scrubby woodland with wide and sunny rides. Date: 2nd July 2023 Location: Great Ovens NNR, Wareham Forest, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/siberian-tits https://images.on-this.website/4752_10969107405f06f54664e99.jpgSiberian Tits The Siberian Tit or Gray-headed Chickadee is a member of the tit family. The head is dark brown with white cheeks, the mantle brown, the wing feathers blackish with pale fringes, and the underparts whitish with pale brown flanks. The Siberian Tit is a widespread resident throughout subarctic Fennoscandia, northern Asia, Alaska and the far north west of Canada and can be found in conifer forests, mostly of old-growth spruce, especially in areas with dead trees. Date: 28th June 2019 Location: Neljan Tuulen Tupa near Kaamanen, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9589280.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2157340254db165b09d7c3.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 17th February 2008 Location: Cromford Canal, Derbyshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26541475.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_89482662156acecf190d73.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 17th January 2016 Location: Caerlaverock WWT reserve, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42626734.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_184674196160a926e3ce81a.jpgCoot The Coot is an all black bird with a distinctive white beak and “shield” above the beak from which earns it the title “bald”. Its feet have distinctive lobed flaps of skin on the toes which act instead of webs when swimming. It patters noisily over the water before taking off and can be very aggressive towards other birds. Coot can be found all the year round mainly on freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers and town park lakes. Sometimes they can be seen offshore, especially in winter if freshwater areas are frozen. They breed in areas of fairly shallow standing freshwater with a muddy bottom and plenty of vegetation at the sides, usually in lowland areas. Date: 15th April 2021 Location: Lake Meadows, Billericay, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457143.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_716148829668570db6a5f4.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42626664.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_194441602960a922c86121e.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 13th April 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071516.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15388240766643254717c00.jpgLittle Egret The Little Egret is a species of small heron. The genus name comes from the Provençal French Aigrette (egret), a diminutive of Aigron (heron). The adult Little Egret is 22 to 26 inches long with a 35 to 42 inches wingspan. Its plumage is normally entirely white although there are dark forms with largely bluish-grey plumage. In the breeding season, the adult has 2 long plumes on the nape that form a crest. These plumes are about 6 inches in length and are pointed and very narrow. There are similar feathers on the breast but the barbs are more widely spread. There are also several elongated scapular feathers that have long loose barbs around 8 inches long. During the winter the plumage is similar but the scapulars are shorter and more normal in appearance. The bill is long and slender and both it and the lores are black. There is an area of greenish-grey bare skin at the base of the lower mandible and around the eye which has a yellow iris. The legs are black and the feet yellow. Juveniles are similar to non-breeding adults but have greenish-black legs and duller yellow feet and may have a certain proportion of greyish or brownish feathers. The Little Egret is mostly silent but it does make various croaking and bubbling calls at its breeding colonies and it produces a harsh alarm call when disturbed. The breeding range of the western race of the Little Egret includes south Europe, the Middle East, much of Africa and south Asia. European populations are migratory and mostly travel to Africa although some remain in southern Europe. During the late 20th century, the range of the Little Egret expanded northwards in Europe and into the New World. The Little Egret's habitat varies widely and includes the shores of lakes, rivers, canals, ponds, lagoons, marshes and flooded land, the bird preferring open locations to dense cover. On the coast it inhabits mudflats, sandy beaches, mangrove areas, swamps and reefs. The Little Egret is a sociable bird and can be seen in small flocks. However, individual birds do not tolerate others coming too close to their chosen feeding site although this depends on the abundance of prey. The Little Egret uses a variety of methods to find its food. It stalks its prey in shallow water, often running with raised wings or shuffling its feet to disturb small fish, or it may stand still and wait to ambush prey. It also makes use of opportunities provided by Cormorants disturbing fish or humans attracting fish by throwing bread into water. On land, it walks or runs while chasing its prey, often feeding on creatures disturbed by grazing livestock. The diet is mainly fish but amphibians, small reptiles, mammals and birds are also eaten as well as crustaceans, molluscs, insects, spiders and worms. The Little Egret nests in colonies, often with other wading birds such as Cattle Egret, Black-crowned Night Heron, Squacco Heron and Glossy Ibis. The nests are usually platforms of sticks built in trees or shrubs or in reed beds or bamboo groves. Pairs defend a small breeding territory, usually extending around 10 to 13 feet from the nest. The 3 to 5 eggs are incubated by both adults for 21 to 25 days before hatching. The young birds are covered in white down feathers are cared for by both parents and fledge after 40 to 45 days. Globally, the Little Egret is not listed as a threatened species and has in fact expanded its range over the last few decades.[5] The IUCN states that their wide distribution and large total population means that they are a species that cause them "least concern". Historical research has shown that the Little Egret was once present, and probably common, in the UK but became extinct there through a combination of over-hunting in the late mediaeval period and climate change at the start of the Little Ice Age. Further declines occurred throughout Europe as the plumes of the Little Egret and other egrets were in demand for decorating hats. They had been used in the plume trade since at least the 17th century but in the 19th century it became a major craze and the number of egret skins passing through dealers reached into the millions. Hunting, which reduced the population of the species to dangerously low levels, stimulated the establishment of Britain's Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in 1889. By the 1950s, the Little Egret had become restricted to south Europe and conservation laws protecting the species were introduced. This allowed the population to rebound strongly and over the next few decades it became increasingly common in western France and later on the north coast. It bred in the Netherlands in 1979 with further breeding from the 1990s onward. Populations are now mostly stable or increasing in Europe. In the UK, the Little Egret was a rare vagrant from its 16th century extinction until the late 20th century. It has, however, recently become a regular breeding species and is commonly present, often in large numbers, at favoured coastal sites. The first recent breeding record in England was on Brownsea Island in Dorset in 1996 and it bred in Wales for the first time in 2002. The population increase has been rapid subsequently with over 750 pairs breeding in nearly 70 colonies in 2008 and a post-breeding total of 4,540 birds in September 2008. Severe winter weather proves only to be a temporary setback and the Little Egret continues to expand both its numbers and range in the UK. Date: 2nd May 2024 Location: RSPB Minsmere, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15747123.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1955699465017a6d5b9ee0.jpgMarsh Frog The Marsh Frog is the largest European frog. It is very similar in appearance to the closely related Edible Frog and Pool Frog. These 3 species are often referred to as "green frogs" to distinguish them from the more terrestrial European species which are known as "brown frogs" (best exemplified by the Common Frog). Marsh Frogs show a large variation in colour and pattern, ranging from dark green to brown or grey. The Western European populations are generally dark green to black with dark spots on the back and sides and 3 clear green lines on the back. Females can reach a maximum length of around 6.5 inches but males are smaller at around 4.5 inches. The head is proportionally large and the hind legs are long which gives them excellent jumping abilities. The Marsh Frog is usually gregarious and diurnal and more tied to aquatic habitats than the Common Frog. It is tolerant of brackish conditions and typically it is found on or in the water of its favoured drainage channels and pools throughout the year. Marsh Frogs frequently sunbathe on the bank of the water body where they are often inconspicuous until disturbed when they will jump in to the water with a characteristic “plop”. They can often be seen on lily pads or floating at the surface amongst vegetation with only their heads exposed. During the breeding season (and sometimes beyond) the male Marsh Frog calls very loudly with a sound reminiscent of a loud chuckle which is often very raucous and can be heard all day and night. Dominant males establish territories from which they call. After mating a female may produce up to 16,000 eggs in a season, laying them in clumps of a few hundred in aquatic vegetation below the surface. They hatch in about a week, tadpoles being rather solitary and living in deep water with vegetation. Newly metamorphosed frogs are up to 1 inch in length and take 2 years to mature. The diet of the Marsh Frog consists of dragonflies and other insects, spiders, earthworms and slugs. Larger frogs also eat small rodents and sometimes smaller amphibians and fish. The Marsh Frog is not a native species of the UK. It was first introduced to Walland Marsh, Kent in 1935 and is now found in several areas of Kent and East Sussex. Other introductions exist, including colonies in London. Date: 23rd July 2012 Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29487034.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_163420096558107d712f81f.jpgWild Brown Bear Centre, near Vartius, Kainuu, Finland The [url=http://www.wildbrownbear.fi/]Wild Brown Bear Centre[/url] is located in the wilderness taiga forest area near Vartius close to the Finland-Russia border. During May, June, July and August, 22 photography and observation hides can be occupied between 5 p.m. and 7 a.m. The hides are approached by about a half mile walk through the forest from the main lodge and they each accommodate 2 to 3 people. They are situated in a small open wetland area, near a small pond and inside a pine forest clearing. Please see my [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/trip-report-estonia-and-north]trip report[/url] for further information. Date: 24th May 2016 Location: Wild Brown Bear Centre, near Vartius, Kainuu, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo44044929.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1988341300614f10d52414b.jpgLittle Egret The Little Egret is a species of small heron. The genus name comes from the Provençal French Aigrette (egret), a diminutive of Aigron (heron). The adult Little Egret is 22 to 26 inches long with a 35 to 42 inches wingspan. Its plumage is normally entirely white although there are dark forms with largely bluish-grey plumage. In the breeding season, the adult has 2 long plumes on the nape that form a crest. These plumes are about 6 inches in length and are pointed and very narrow. There are similar feathers on the breast but the barbs are more widely spread. There are also several elongated scapular feathers that have long loose barbs around 8 inches long. During the winter the plumage is similar but the scapulars are shorter and more normal in appearance. The bill is long and slender and both it and the lores are black. There is an area of greenish-grey bare skin at the base of the lower mandible and around the eye which has a yellow iris. The legs are black and the feet yellow. Juveniles are similar to non-breeding adults but have greenish-black legs and duller yellow feet and may have a certain proportion of greyish or brownish feathers. The Little Egret is mostly silent but it does make various croaking and bubbling calls at its breeding colonies and it produces a harsh alarm call when disturbed. The breeding range of the western race of the Little Egret includes south Europe, the Middle East, much of Africa and south Asia. European populations are migratory and mostly travel to Africa although some remain in southern Europe. During the late 20th century, the range of the Little Egret expanded northwards in Europe and into the New World. The Little Egret's habitat varies widely and includes the shores of lakes, rivers, canals, ponds, lagoons, marshes and flooded land, the bird preferring open locations to dense cover. On the coast it inhabits mudflats, sandy beaches, mangrove areas, swamps and reefs. The Little Egret is a sociable bird and can be seen in small flocks. However, individual birds do not tolerate others coming too close to their chosen feeding site although this depends on the abundance of prey. The Little Egret uses a variety of methods to find its food. It stalks its prey in shallow water, often running with raised wings or shuffling its feet to disturb small fish, or it may stand still and wait to ambush prey. It also makes use of opportunities provided by Cormorants disturbing fish or humans attracting fish by throwing bread into water. On land, it walks or runs while chasing its prey, often feeding on creatures disturbed by grazing livestock. The diet is mainly fish but amphibians, small reptiles, mammals and birds are also eaten as well as crustaceans, molluscs, insects, spiders and worms. The Little Egret nests in colonies, often with other wading birds such as Cattle Egret, Black-crowned Night Heron, Squacco Heron and Glossy Ibis. The nests are usually platforms of sticks built in trees or shrubs or in reed beds or bamboo groves. Pairs defend a small breeding territory, usually extending around 10 to 13 feet from the nest. The 3 to 5 eggs are incubated by both adults for 21 to 25 days before hatching. The young birds are covered in white down feathers are cared for by both parents and fledge after 40 to 45 days. Globally, the Little Egret is not listed as a threatened species and has in fact expanded its range over the last few decades.[5] The IUCN states that their wide distribution and large total population means that they are a species that cause them "least concern". Historical research has shown that the Little Egret was once present, and probably common, in the UK but became extinct there through a combination of over-hunting in the late mediaeval period and climate change at the start of the Little Ice Age. Further declines occurred throughout Europe as the plumes of the Little Egret and other egrets were in demand for decorating hats. They had been used in the plume trade since at least the 17th century but in the 19th century it became a major craze and the number of egret skins passing through dealers reached into the millions. Hunting, which reduced the population of the species to dangerously low levels, stimulated the establishment of Britain's Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in 1889. By the 1950s, the Little Egret had become restricted to south Europe and conservation laws protecting the species were introduced. This allowed the population to rebound strongly and over the next few decades it became increasingly common in western France and later on the north coast. It bred in the Netherlands in 1979 with further breeding from the 1990s onward. Populations are now mostly stable or increasing in Europe. In the UK, the Little Egret was a rare vagrant from its 16th century extinction until the late 20th century. It has, however, recently become a regular breeding species and is commonly present, often in large numbers, at favoured coastal sites. The first recent breeding record in England was on Brownsea Island in Dorset in 1996 and it bred in Wales for the first time in 2002. The population increase has been rapid subsequently with over 750 pairs breeding in nearly 70 colonies in 2008 and a post-breeding total of 4,540 birds in September 2008. Severe winter weather proves only to be a temporary setback and the Little Egret continues to expand both its numbers and range in the UK. Date: 6th September 2021 Location: RSPB Blacktoft Sands, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29487380.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_24219066458107fbe6047d.jpgNuuksio National Park, Uusimaa, Finland Nuuksio National Park was established in 1994 and covers an area of 20 square miles of forests and lakes around Espoo, Kirkkonummi and Vihti. About 20 miles north west of Helsinki, it is the second closest National Park to the capital after Sipoonkorpi National Park. The [url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siberian_flying_squirrel]Siberian Flying Squirrel[/url] is the emblem of the Nuuksio National Park due to the density of its population. Date: 30th May 2016 Location: Hogbacka, Nuuksio National Park, Uusimaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11947742.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5349975854e40fdf6b7c89.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 21st October 2007 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49002643.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16528384026468f41e1d68b.jpgCommon Redshank The Common Redshank, or simply Redshank, is a Eurasian wader. In breeding plumage it is a marbled brown colour and slightly lighter below. In winter plumage it becomes somewhat lighter toned and less patterned and rather plain greyish-brown above and whitish below. It has red legs and a black-tipped red bill and it shows white up the back and on the wings in flight. The Common Redshank is widespread across temperate Eurasia and it breeds in any wetland from damp meadows to saltmarsh, often at high densities. It is migratory and it winters on coasts around the Mediterranean, on the Atlantic coast of Europe from the UK southwards and in south Asia. The Common Redshank is a wary and noisy bird which will alert everything else with their loud piping call. Date: 17th May 2023 Location: RSPB Minsmere, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50809817.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1477782093660bd817d79a8.jpgMale Blackcap The Eurasian Blackcap, usually known simply as the Blackcap, is a typical warbler in the Sylvia genus. It is a mainly grey warbler with distinct male and female plumages. It is about 5.1 inches long with a 2.8 to 3.1 inches wing span. The adult male has olive-grey upperparts, other than a paler grey nape, and a neat black cap on the head. The underparts are light grey, becoming silvery white on the chin, throat and upper breast. The tail is dark grey with an olive tint to the outer edge of each feather. The bill and long legs are grey and the iris is reddish brown. The female resembles the male but has a reddish-brown cap and a slightly browner tone to the grey of the upperparts. Juveniles are similar to the female but their upperparts have a slight rufous tinge and the breast and flanks have a more olive tone. Young males have a darker brown cap than their female counterparts. The Blackcap is unmistakable and other dark-headed Sylvia species, such as the Sardinian Warbler and the Orphean Warbler, have extensive black on the head instead of a small cap and they are also larger and have white edges on the tail. The male Blackcap's song is a rich musical warbling, often ending in a loud high-pitched crescendo, which is given in bursts of up to 30 seconds. The song is repeated for about 2 minutes with a short pause before each repetition. The main song can be confused with that of the Garden Warbler but it is slightly higher pitched than in that species, more broken into discrete song segments and less mellow. Both species have a quiet sub-song, a muted version of the full song, which is even harder to separate. The Blackcap also occasionally mimics the song of other birds, the most frequently copied including the Garden Warbler and the Nightingale. The Blackcap’s breeding range includes much of Europe, west Asia and north west Africa and its preferred habitat is mature deciduous woodland. Birds on the Mediterranean and Atlantic islands and in the milder west and south of the main Eurasian distribution often winter within the breeding range but populations elsewhere are migratory. The Blackcap is a “leap-frog migrant” meaning that birds from the north of the breeding range travel furthest south whereas Mediterranean breeders move much shorter distances. The wintering areas overlap with the breeding range but also include extensive areas in west Africa, east Africa south to Lake Malawi and further north in Ethiopia, South Sudan and Eritrea. There is a migratory divide in Europe at longitude 10 to 11°E. Birds to the west of this line migrate south west towards Iberia or west Africa whereas populations to the east migrate to the east Mediterranean and on to east Africa. Climate change appears to be affecting the migration pattern of the Blackcap. It is arriving in Europe earlier than previously and departing nearly 2 weeks later than in the 1980s. In recent decades, some central European birds have taken to wintering in gardens in the UK and, to a lesser extent, in Ireland, where the Blackcap was formerly just a summer visitor. Although the UK climate is sub-optimal, compensatory factors include the ready availability of food (particularly from bird tables), a shorter migration distance and the avoidance of the Alps and the Sahara Desert. The Blackcap's main breeding habitat is mature deciduous woodland with good scrub cover below the trees. Other habitats, such as parks, large gardens and overgrown hedges, are used as long as they meet the essential requirements of tall trees for song posts and an established under-story. Where other Sylvia warblers also breed, the Blackcap tends to use taller trees than its relatives, preferably those with a good canopy such as pedunculate oak. The preferred winter habitat around the Mediterranean is scrub and olive orchards. In Africa, habitats include cultivated land, acacia scrub, mangroves and forest. When the male Blackcap returns to its breeding range, it establishes a territory. Adults that have previously bred return to the site they have used in previous summers whereas inexperienced birds either wander until they find a suitable area or establish a very large initial territory which contracts under pressure from neighbours. Territorial boundaries are established initially by loud singing which is performed while the male displays with its crown raised, tail fanned and slow wingbeats. Sylvia warblers are unusual in that they vigorously defend their territories against other members of their genus. Blackcaps and Garden Warblers use almost identical habitats yet aggressive interactions mean that their territories rarely overlap. The Blackcap first breeds at 1 year old. It is mainly monogamous although both sexes may sometimes deviate from this. A male attracts a female to his territory through song and a display involving raising the black crown feathers, fluffing the tail, slow wingbeats and a short flapping flight. He also builds one or more simple nests (cock nests) usually near his song post. The final nest, which may be one of the cock nests or built from scratch, is a neat cup of roots, stems and grasses lined with fine material such as hair. The nest is built in the cover of bramble, scrub or trees and it is constructed mainly by the female and may be up to 15 feet above the ground although lower than 3 feet is more typical. The clutch is 2 to 7 eggs (typically 4 to 6) which are incubated by both adults for 10 to 16 days (average 11 days). The chicks are fed by both parents and fledge about 11 to 12 days after hatching, leaving the nest shortly before they are able to fly. They are assisted with feeding for a further 2 or 3 weeks. The Blackcap normally raises just 1 brood but second broods are sometimes recorded, particularly in the milder climate of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic islands. The Blackcap feeds mainly on insects during the breeding season and then switches to fruit in late summer, the change being triggered by an internal biological rhythm. When migrants arrive on their breeding territories they initially take berries, pollen and nectar if there are insufficient insects available but then soon switch to their preferred diet. The Blackcap mainly picks prey off foliage and twigs but it may occasionally hover, flycatch or feed on the ground. It eats a wide range of invertebrate prey, although aphids are particularly important early in the season, and flies, beetles and caterpillars are also taken in large numbers. In July, the diet switches increasingly to a wide range of small fruit. The protein needed for egg-laying and for the chicks to grow is replaced by fruit sugar which helps the birds to fatten for migration. Aphids are still taken while they are available since they often contain sugars from the plant sap on which they feed. The Blackcap has a very large range and a very large population. It is therefore classified by the IUCN as being of “Least Concern”. The Blackcap and other small birds are illegally trapped and hunted in large numbers in Mediterranean countries, particularly in Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, Malta, Libya, Egypt and Cyprus, where they are considered as a delicacy. Despite hunting and natural hazards, the European population of the Blackcap has been increasing for several decades as the range extends northwards. There are occasional nesting records from outside the main range such as in north Israel and the Faroe Islands and wandering birds may appear further afield in Iceland or on the islands of Arctic Russia. In the Baltic region, the spread of the Blackcap appears to have been helped by the availability of territories formerly occupied by the declining Barred Warbler. Date: 1st April 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405499.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3409139076586e8eb124b3.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 14th October 2023 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42524853.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12011864506098f5d7197f0.jpgCanada Geese The Canada Goose belongs to the Branta genus of geese which contains species with largely black plumage distinguishing it from the grey species of the genus Anser. The black head and neck with a white "chinstrap" distinguish the Canada Goose from all other goose species with the exception of the Cackling Goose from north America and the Barnacle Goose which has a black breast and grey rather than brownish body plumage. The 7 sub-species of the Canada Goose vary widely in size and plumage details but all are recognizable as Canada Geese. Of the "true geese" (i.e. the genera Anser, Branta or Chen), the Canada Goose is on average the largest living species. It ranges from 30 to 43 inches in length and with a 50 to 73 inches wingspan. The male usually weighs 5.7 to 14.3 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 8.6 pounds. The female looks virtually identical but is slightly lighter at 5.3 to 12.1 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 7.9 pounds. It is also generally 10% smaller in linear dimensions than the male. The Canada Goose is native to north America where it breeds in Canada and the north USA in a wide range of habitats. The Great Lakes region maintains a very large population. It occurs all year round in the southern part of its breeding range, including most of the eastern seaboard and the Pacific coast. Between California and South Carolina in the south USA and north Mexico, it is primarily present as a migrant from further north during the winter. Outside north America, the Canada Goose has reached north Europe naturally as has been proved by ringing recoveries. It has also been introduced in to Europe and had established populations in the UK in the middle of the 18th century, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany and Scandinavia. Most European populations are not migratory but those in more northerly parts of Sweden and Finland migrate to the North Sea and Baltic coasts. Semi-tame feral birds are common in parks and have become a pest in some areas. In the early 17th century, explorer Samuel de Champlain sent several pairs of Canada Geese to France as a present for King Louis XIII. Canada Geese were first introduced in to the UK in the late 17th century as an addition to King James II's waterfowl collection in St. James's Park. They were also introduced in to Germany and Scandinavia during the 20th century. During the second year of its life, the Canada Goose finds a mate. It is a monogamous species and most couples stay together all of their lives. If one dies, the other may find a new mate. The female lays from 2 to 9 eggs with an average of 5. Both parents protect the nest while the eggs incubate but the female spends more time at the nest than the male. The nest is usually located in an elevated area near water such as streams, lakes and ponds and the eggs are laid in a shallow depression lined with plant material and down. The incubation period, in which the female incubates the eggs while the male remains nearby, lasts for 24 to 28 days after laying. As soon as the goslings hatch, they are immediately capable of walking, swimming and finding their own food (a diet similar to the adults). Parents are often seen leading their goslings in a line, usually with one adult at the front and the other at the back. While protecting their goslings, parents often violently chase away anything from small birds to lone humans who approach, after warning them by giving off a hissing sound and then attacking with bites and slaps of the wings if the threat does not retreat. Although parents are hostile to unfamiliar geese, they may form groups (crèches) of a number of goslings and a few adults. The goslings enter the fledgling stage any time from 6 to 9 weeks of age. Once it reaches adulthood, due to its large size and often aggressive behaviour, the Canada Goose is rarely preyed on although prior injury may make it more vulnerable to natural predators. The lifespan in the wild of birds that survive to adulthood ranges from 10 to 24 years. The UK longevity record is held by a specimen tagged as a nestling which was observed alive at the age of 31. The Canada Goose is primarily a herbivore although it will sometimes eat small insects and fish. Their diet includes grasses, aquatic plants, beans and grains such as wheat, rice, and corn when they are available. In urban areas, it is also known to pick food out of rubbish bins and it will readily take a variety of food from humans in parks. Date: 27th March 2021 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/pheasants https://images.on-this.website/4752_61813551865ccb7c1defca.jpgPheasants The Common Pheasant is native to Asia but it has been widely introduced elsewhere as a game bird. In parts of its range, namely in places where none of its relatives occur such as in Europe (where it is naturalised), it is simply known as the Pheasant. Body weight of the Pheasant can range from 1.1 to 6.6 pounds, with males averaging 2.6 pounds and females averaging 2 pounds The adult male Pheasant is 24 to 35 inches in length with a long brown streaked black tail, accounting for almost 20 inches of the total length. The body plumage is barred bright gold or fiery copper-red and chestnut-brown with an iridescent sheen of green and purple. The wings are white or cream and black-barred markings are common on the tail. The head is bottle green with a small crest and distinctive red wattling. The female Pheasant is much less showy with a duller mottled brown plumage all over and measuring 20 to 25 inches long including a tail of around 8 inches. Juveniles have the appearance of the female with a shorter tail until young males begin to grow characteristic bright feathers on the breast, head and back at about 10 weeks after hatching. There are many colour forms of the male Pheasant, ranging in colour from nearly white to almost black in some melanistic examples. These are due to captive breeding and hybridisation between sub-species reinforced by continual releases of stock from varying sources to the wild. The Pheasant is native to Asia with its original range extending from between the Black and Caspian Seas to Manchuria, Siberia, Korea, mainland China and Taiwan. It can now be found across the globe due to its readiness to breed in captivity and the fact it can naturalise in many climates. At least since the Roman Empire, the Pheasant has been extensively introduced in many places and it has become a naturalised species in Europe, including throughout most of the UK where successive introductions have led to it becoming well adapted to the climate and able to breed naturally in the wild without human supervision on farmland and in copses, heaths, scrub, commons and wetlands. The Pheasant nests solely on the ground in scrapes lined with some grass and leaves, frequently under dense cover or a hedge. Occasionally it will nest in a haystack or in an old nest left by other birds. The male is polygynous and is often accompanied by a harem of several females. A clutch of around 8 to 15 eggs is laid during April to June, sometimes as many as 18 but usually 10 to 12. The incubation period is about 22 to 27 days. The chicks stay near the female for several weeks although they leave the nest when only a few hours old. After hatching they grow quickly, flying after 12 to 14 days and resembling adults by only 15 weeks of age. The Pheasant eats a wide variety of animal and vegetable food including fruit, seeds, grain, mast, berries and leaves as well as a wide range of invertebrates and insects. Small vertebrates like lizards, small mammals and small birds are occasionally taken. The Pheasant is a well-known gamebird and perhaps the most widespread and ancient one in the world. It is one of the world's most hunted birds. The Pheasant is bred to be hunted and it is shot in great numbers in Europe, especially in the UK where they are shot in the open season from 1st October to 1st February. Generally they are shot by hunters employing gun dogs to help find, flush and retrieve shot birds. Pheasant farming is also a common practice and it is sometimes done intensively. Birds are supplied both to hunting preserves/estates and to restaurants. Date: 1st January 2024 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/lake-peipus-estonia https://images.on-this.website/4752_26952502657cc15875fac2.jpgLake Peipus, Estonia Lake Peipus is the biggest trans-boundary lake in Europe on the border between Estonia and Russia. It is the 5th largest lake in Europe after Lake Ladoga and Lake Onega in Russia north of Saint Petersburg, Lake Vänern in Sweden and Lake Saimaa in Finland. Lake Peipus is a remnant of a body of water which existed in this area during the Ice Age. It covers an area of 1370 square miles and has an average depth of 23 feet, the deepest point being 50 feet. Some 30 rivers and streams discharge in to Lake Peipus, the largest being the Emajõgi and the Velikaya, and it is drained by the Narva river. The low shores of the lake mostly consist of peat and are bordered by vast lowland and marshes which are flooded in the spring with the flooding area reaching up to 85 square miles. There are also sand dunes and hills covered with pine forests. The lake is used for fishing and recreation but it has suffered from some environmental degradation. Date: 18th May 2016 Location: Lake Peipus at Mehikoorma, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23408455.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_92892519654c20ba82d689.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 3rd January 2015 Location: Mersehead RSPB reserve, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30825174.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_182486260058f342fd9d09f3.22109953.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 8th April 2017 Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30825689.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_128937905558f3496a16fbf4.60465565.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 9th April 2017 Location: EWT Blue House Farm, North Fambridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31192235.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18493775435918236931cbe5.17007565.jpgBlack Grouse The Black Grouse is a large game bird in the grouse family. The male has all black plumage with distinctive red wattles over the eyes and striking white stripes along each wing in flight. It has a lyre-shaped tail which is fanned out and raised to show white under-tail feathers when displaying. The female is smaller and grey-brown in colour. The Black Grouse is a sedentary species and breeds across northern Eurasia in moorland and bog areas near to mostly boreal woodland. Although it is declining, it is not considered to be vulnerable globally due to the large population and slow rate of decline. Its decline is due to loss of habitat, disturbance, predation by foxes, crows, etc., and small populations gradually dying out. In the UK, the Black Grouse are found in upland areas of Wales, the Pennines and most of Scotland, especially on farmland and moorland with nearby forestry or scattered trees. Habitat loss and overgrazing have resulted in severe population declines which make the Black Grouse a Red List species. Positive habitat management and re-introduction programmes are helping it to increase in some areas. The Black Grouse has a very distinctive and well-recorded courtship. At dawn in the spring, the males strut around in a traditional area (lek) and display whilst making a highly distinctive and bubbling mating call. This photo was taken at a well known roadside lekking site. If visiting, please remain in your car to avoid disturbance to these vulnerable breeding birds. Date: 6th May 2017 Location: World's End, Denbighshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13657298.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15882950094ed36cfa58f0f.jpgMarsh Frogs The Marsh Frog is the largest European frog. It is very similar in appearance to the closely related Edible Frog and Pool Frog. These 3 species are often referred to as "green frogs" to distinguish them from the more terrestrial European species which are known as "brown frogs" (best exemplified by the Common Frog). Marsh Frogs show a large variation in colour and pattern, ranging from dark green to brown or grey. The Western European populations are generally dark green to black with dark spots on the back and sides and 3 clear green lines on the back. Females can reach a maximum length of around 6.5 inches but males are smaller at around 4.5 inches. The head is proportionally large and the hind legs are long which gives them excellent jumping abilities. The Marsh Frog is usually gregarious and diurnal and more tied to aquatic habitats than the Common Frog. It is tolerant of brackish conditions and typically it is found on or in the water of its favoured drainage channels and pools throughout the year. Marsh Frogs frequently sunbathe on the bank of the water body where they are often inconspicuous until disturbed when they will jump in to the water with a characteristic “plop”. They can often be seen on lily pads or floating at the surface amongst vegetation with only their heads exposed. During the breeding season (and sometimes beyond) the male Marsh Frog calls very loudly with a sound reminiscent of a loud chuckle which is often very raucous and can be heard all day and night. Dominant males establish territories from which they call. After mating a female may produce up to 16,000 eggs in a season, laying them in clumps of a few hundred in aquatic vegetation below the surface. They hatch in about a week, tadpoles being rather solitary and living in deep water with vegetation. Newly metamorphosed frogs are up to 1 inch in length and take 2 years to mature. The diet of the Marsh Frog consists of dragonflies and other insects, spiders, earthworms and slugs. Larger frogs also eat small rodents and sometimes smaller amphibians and fish. The Marsh Frog is not a native species of the UK. It was first introduced to Walland Marsh, Kent in 1935 and is now found in several areas of Kent and East Sussex. Other introductions exist, including colonies in London. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37431190.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12774876095c6be81b1a69a.jpgTeal The Eurasian Teal or Common Teal is often called simply the Teal due to being the only one of these small [i]Anas[/i] dabbling ducks in much of its range. The Teal is the smallest dabbling duck at 7.9 to 11.8 inches in length and with a wingspan of 21 to 23 inches. From a distance, the male Teal in breeding plumage appears grey with a dark head, a yellowish behind and a white stripe running along the flanks. Their head and upper neck is chestnut with a wide and iridescent dark green patch of half-moon or teardrop-shape that starts immediately before the eye and arcs to the upper hindneck. This patch is bordered with thin yellowish-white lines and a single line of that colour extends from the patch's forward end and curving along the base of the bill. The breast is buff with small round brown spots. The centre of the belly is white and the rest of the body plumage is mostly white with thin and dense blackish vermiculations, appearing medium grey even at a short distance. The outer scapular feathers are white with a black border to the outer vanes and these form the white side-stripe when the bird is in resting position. The tail and tail coverts are black with a bright yellowish-buff triangular patch in the centre of the coverts at each side. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female. It is more uniform in colour with a dark head and vestigial facial markings. The female Teal is yellowish-brown but somewhat darker on the wings and back. It has a dark greyish-brown upper head, hindneck, eyestripe and feather pattern. The pattern is dense short streaks on the head and neck and scaly spots on the rest of the body. Overall it looks much like a tiny Mallard. Immatures are coloured much like the adult females but they have a stronger pattern. The downy young are coloured like other dabbling ducks, brown above and yellow below with a yellow supercilium. The male's bill is dark grey but in the eclipse plumage it often shows some light greenish or brownish hue at the base. The bill of the females and immatures is pinkish or yellowish at the base, becoming dark grey towards the tip. The feet are dark grey in the males and greyish olive or greyish-brown in females and immatures. The Teal breeds across north Eurasia where it occupies sheltered freshwater wetlands with some tall vegetation such as taiga bogs or small lakes and ponds with extensive reedbeds. It mostly winters well south of its breeding range in the Mediterranean region, south Asia and some parts of Africa where it is often seen in large flocks in brackish waters and even in sheltered inlets and lagoons along the seashore. It is also regularly recorded on the north American coasts south to California and South Carolina. In the milder climate of temperate Europe, such as in the UK, the summer and winter ranges overlap. In the UK, the Teal can be found all year round but it is thinly distributed as a breeding species. In winter, birds congregate in larger numbers on low-lying wetlands both on the coast and inland in the south and west of the UK. Of these, many are continental birds from around the Baltic and Siberia. At this time, the UK is home to a significant percentage of the north west European wintering population. The Teal is much less abundant than the very similar Green-winged Teal from north America although it is still common and widespread. It appears to be holding its own currently with perhaps a slow decline due to drainage and pollution of wetlands. The IUCN and BirdLife International classify the Teal as a species of “Least Concern”. However, it is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. The Teal nests on the ground near water. Pairs form in the winter range and arrive on the breeding range together from about March. Breeding starts some weeks thereafter and not until May in the most northerly locations. The nest is a deep hollow lined with dry leaves and down feathers which is built in dense vegetation near water. After the females have started laying their eggs, the males leave them and move away and assemble in flocks on particular lakes where they moult into their eclipse plumage. The female lays 5 to 16 eggs but usually 8 to 11. Incubation lasts for 21 to 23 days and the young leave the nest soon after hatching and are cared for by the female for about 25 to 30 days. The males and the females with young generally move to the winter range separately. After the first winter, the young moult in to their adult plumage. The Teal usually feeds by dabbling, upending or grazing. In the breeding season it eats mainly aquatic invertebrates, such as crustaceans, insects and their larvae, molluscs and worms. In winter, it shifts to a largely granivorous diet, feeding on seeds of aquatic plants and grasses including sedges and grains. Date: 10th January 2019 Location: RSPB Greylake, Somerset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4466118.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14304905254b8a265657694.jpgFløyfjellet, Bergen Fløyfjellet or Fløyen is the most visited of the 7 mountains that surround the city centre of Bergen, Norway. It has a funicular railway system (Fløibanen) that transports passengers from the centre of Bergen to a height of 1050 feet in roughly 8 minutes. The actual highest point on Fløifjellet at 1394 feet is approximately 1/2 mile to the north east. From Fløyfjellet there are stunning views of the city of Bergen and the surrounding area. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43082700.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_45430463860dd84d6f2814.jpgEdible Frog The Edible Frog is a species of frog found across Europe that is also known as the Common Water Frog and the Green Frog. The Edible Frog is one of the few animals in the world that is a fertile hybrid of 2 different species, as although similar but genetically different species are known to mate, it is very rare that their offspring will be able to breed. The Edible Frog is a fertile hybrid of 2 other European frogs, namely the Pool Frog and the Marsh Frog, that inter-bred when populations where isolated close to one another during the Ice Age. It was first described in 1758 and is known as the Edible Frog due to the fact that it is now seen as a culinary delicacy across Europe but especially in France where frog’s legs are often served as a national dish. The reason for humans favouring this frog over others is not really known but it may have something to do with their abundance. The Edible Frog is a medium sized frog growing to around 3.5 to 4.5 inches in length. Adults are mainly green in colour with light patches of brown on their backs, yellow eyes and a white underside covered in a few dark spots. There are number of distinct differences between males and females including the fact that males become much lighter and greener during the mating season. Males also have vocal sacs on the outside of their cheeks and extra skin patches on their feet, both of which are primarily used for mating. The Edible Frog is endemic to Europe and it naturally occurs across central Europe as far north as Germany and Estonia. Southern populations are found from Croatia, through northern Italy and into the south of France. There are also isolated populations in Sweden and Bulgaria which are thought to have migrated from the countries nearby. It has also been introduced to the UK. The Edible Frog spends all of its time either in or very close to water and it is most commonly found in calmer parts of rivers and streams where there is a slow but constant flow of fresh water. It tends to prefer more open areas and can also be commonly found around lakes, ponds and marshes. Unlike many other species of frog, the Edible Frog is a diurnal animal and is therefore most active during the day. This is when it is most likely to move away from the water so that it can find a better supply of food or move to a different part of the water if it needs to. The Edible Frog is a relatively solitary animal so there is less competition for food but males are often seen sitting together in groups during the breeding season when they are trying to out-compete each other to find a mate. The breeding season for the Edible Frog begins during March and generally lasts for around 2 months. Males sing by drawing air in and out of their vocal sacs to produce the highest-pitched sound possible since females are most attracted to the loudest males. After courting her in a lake, pond or swamp, the male lets the female lay up to 10,000 eggs in a sticky mass into the water before he fertilises them. Tadpoles can be as small as 0.2 inches long when they hatch and are a grey/brown colour. They then grow up to 2 to 3 inches in length before metamorphoses occurs and they leave the water as 0.75 inches long young frogs. The Edible Frog reaches sexual maturity at the age of 2 years and can live until it is 15 years old. The Edible Frog is a carnivorous amphibian but the tadpoles mainly eat vegetation although they are known to occasionally supplement their diet with aquatic micro-organisms. Adults eat small invertebrates such as insects, spiders and flies, which make up the majority of their diet, along with larger aquatic animals like fish, newts and other frogs. The Edible Frog hunts for food during the day and can be seen catching food both in water and on land. The Edible Frog remains very still when it is sitting on the banks of its water habitat and this, along with its camouflage, makes it very difficult for predators to spot. Its eyes are positioned near the top of the head meaning that it can also see danger coming whilst the body is mainly hidden. Snakes, owls and water birds are the main predators of the Edible Frog. The Edible Frog will jump into the water and hide if it senses approaching danger and it will make a loud screeching sound if caught. Edible Frog populations are under threat from habitat destruction mainly caused by deforestation and water pollution. Date: 2nd June 2021 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847516.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_175975030959bd521a685d7.jpgSlovak Paradise, Slovakia Slovak Paradise (Slovenský raj) is a mountain range in eastern Slovakia. It is a part of the Spiš-Gemer Karst, which in turn is a part of the Slovak Ore Mountains (Slovenské rudohorie), a major subdivision of the Western Carpathians. It is located between the towns of Spišská Nová Ves in the north and Dobšiná in the south. Slovak Paradise is a plain with high plateaus between 2625 feet and 3280 feet. The highest peak is Ondrejisko at 4167 feet. The area is mainly formed of karst limestone and dolomite. The karst plateaus show phenomena such as sinkholes and limestone pavements. Other typical features are canyons, gorges and ravines which form picturesque rocky scenes with waterfalls which were created mainly by the Hnilec and Hornád rivers and their tributaries. 80% of the area is covered with spruce forests. There are more than 200 caves and underground abysses. Among the caves, Dobšinská ľadová jaskyňa (Dobšinská Ice Cave) and Medvedia jaskyňa (Bear Cave) are the best known. Slovak Paradise is protected by Slovak Paradise National Park (Národný park Slovenský raj), one of the 9 national parks in Slovakia. It covers an area of 76.3 square miles with a surrounding buffer zone of 50 square miles. It is situated in the Banská Bystrica region, Prešov region and Košice Region. The highest peak is Predná hoľa at 5069 feet. Slovak Paradise National Park includes 11 National Nature Reserves and 8 Nature Reserves and around 185 miles of hiking trails, often equipped with ladders, chains and bridges. It also contains about 350 caves but only the Dobšinská ľadová jaskyňa (Dobšinská Ice Cave), a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000, is open to the public. The first protected reserve in the area of the Slovak Paradise was founded in 1890. The name Slovenský raj first appeared in 1921 in the "Krásy Slovenska" magazine and replaced many names used until that period. In August 1964 the first Protected Landscape Area in Slovakia was established in Slovak Paradise. The area was redesignated as Slovak Paradise National Park in January 1988. Since 2004, parts of the national park have been included in the Natura 2000 ecological network, the network of nature protection areas within the European Union. The best known tourist centres in Slovak Paradise National Park are Čingov, Podlesok, Dedinky and Kláštorisko. Date: 31st May 2017 Location: Podlesok, Slovak Paradise National Park, Košice region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847559.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_69926089759bd52cd12afd.jpgMorské oko, Vihorlat Mountains, Košice region, Slovakia Morské oko (literally Sea Eye) is the largest lake in the Vihorlat Mountains (Vihorlatské vrchy) in eastern Slovakia and the third largest natural lake in Slovakia after the Štrbské pleso lake and the Veľké Hincovo pleso lake in the High Tatras. It is situated at 2027 feet high with a maximum length of 0.47 miles and a maximum width of 0.19 miles. It covers an area of 0.05 square miles and has a maximum depth of 82 feet. Morské oko has been designated as a wider National Nature Reserve covering 0.42 square miles since 1984 and it is part of the Vihorlat Protected Landscape Area within the Vihorlat Mountains. There is a walking trail around the lake but recreational activities such as fishing, swimming and boating are prohibited. Morské oko contains many species of fish, of which the most numerous is the European Chub. The Vihorlat Mountains (Vihorlatské vrchy) are a volcanic mountain range in eastern Slovakia and western Ukraine. They form part of the Inner Eastern Carpathian Mountains. The Slovakian section is 34 miles long and up to 9 miles wide. The highest peak is Vihorlat at 3530 feet and the largest lake is Morské oko. It is a mountainous and mostly forested area with a predominance of beech and forests in addition to hornbeam, ash, maple and some conifers. Arable land and unused pastures and meadows can be found in the non-forested and foothill areas. The middle part of the Vihorlat Mountains in the Humenné, Sobrance and Snina districts was designated as the Vihorlat Protected Landscape Area in December 1973 and they were also designated a Special Protection Area in April 2010. Kyjovský prales, a primeval beech forest in the Vihorlat Mountains, was designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in June 2007. Date: 1st June 2017 Location: Morské oko, Vihorlat Mountains, Košice region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512503.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_121823743662c99a0d5ce86.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 9th May 2022 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/gotse-delchev-to-melnik-blagoevgrad https://images.on-this.website/4752_8051135495d3083712cb87.jpgGotse Delchev to Melnik, Blagoevgrad Province, Bulgaria Date: 29th May 2018 Location: Gotse Delchev to Melnik, Blagoevgrad Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51984177.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_169026582366d34b3b11812.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 30th July 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33751265.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19996937315a291a1fe4794.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 26th November 2017 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/juvenile-goldfinch https://images.on-this.website/4752_1632423846614f137e34c98.jpgJuvenile Goldfinch The European Goldfinch or simply the Goldfinch is a small passerine bird in the finch family. The Goldfinch is 4.7 to 5.1 inches in length with a wingspan of 8.3 to 9.8 inches. The sexes are broadly similar, with a red face, black and white head, warm brown upper parts, white underparts with buff flanks and breast patches and black and yellow wings. On closer inspection, males can often be distinguished by a larger, darker red mask that extends just behind the eye. The shoulder feathers are black, whereas they are brown on the female. In females, the red face does not extend past the eye. The ivory-coloured bill is long and pointed and the tail is forked. Juveniles have a plain head and a greyer back but are unmistakable due to the yellow wing stripe. The Goldfinch is native to Europe, north Africa and west and central Asia. It is found in open, partially wooded lowlands and it is a resident in the milder west of its range but migrates from colder regions. It will also make local movements, even in the west, to escape bad weather. It has been introduced to many areas of the world. In the UK, the Goldfinch can be seen anywhere there are scattered bushes and trees, rough ground with thistles and other seeding plants, including orchards, parks, gardens, heathland and commons. It is less common in upland areas and most numerous in the south of England. The nest is built entirely by the female Goldfinch and is generally completed within a week. It is neat and compact and constructed of mosses and lichens and lined with plant down such as that from thistles. It is generally located several feet above the ground, hidden by leaves in the twigs at the end of a branch. The female typically lays 4 to 6 eggs which are incubated for 11 to 13 days. The chicks are fed by both parents. Initially they receive a mixture of seeds and insects but as they grow the proportion of insect material decreases. For the first 7 to 9 days the young are brooded by the female. The nestlings fledge 13 to 18 days after hatching. The young birds are fed by both parents for a further 7 to 9 days. The parents typically raise 2 broods each year and occasionally 3. The Goldfinch's preferred food is small seeds such as those from thistles and teasels but insects are also taken when feeding young. It also regularly visits bird feeders in winter. The Goldfinch is commonly kept and bred in captivity around the world because of its distinctive appearance and pleasant song. In the UK during the 19th century, many thousands of Goldfinches were trapped each year to be sold as cage birds. One of the earliest campaigns of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was directed against this trade. Date: 6th September 2021 Location: RSPB Blacktoft Sands, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33820965.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9646208105a3d07f544cc4.jpgEgyptian Goose The Egyptian Goose is native to Africa south of the Sahara and the Nile Valley. It was considered sacred by the ancient Egyptians and appeared in much of their artwork. It has been raised for food and extensively bred in parts of Africa since it was domesticated by the ancient Egyptians. The Egyptian Goose is believed to be most closely related to the shelducks and their relatives. However, in flight it looks heavy and more like a goose than a duck, hence the English name. The sexes of the Egyptian Goose are identical in plumage but the males average slightly larger. There is a fair amount of variation in plumage with some birds greyer and others browner. It has distinctive dark brown eye patches and contrasting white wing patches in flight. The Egyptian Goose breeds widely in Africa except in deserts and dense forests and it is locally abundant. It is found mostly in the Nile Valley and south of the Sahara. While not breeding, it sometimes makes longer migrations northwards into the arid regions of the Sahel. The Egyptian Goose has also been introduced elsewhere: the UK, the Netherlands, France and Germany have self-sustaining populations which are mostly derived from escaped ornamental birds. The UK population dates back to the 18th century although it was only formally added to the British list in 1971. In the UK it can be seen on ornamental ponds as well as on gravel pits and lowland lakes and wetlands. The north Norfolk coast and Norfolk Broads hold the highest numbers. The Egyptian Goose will nest in a large variety of situations, especially in holes in mature trees in parkland. The female builds the nest from reeds, leaves and grass, and both parents take turns incubating eggs. Egyptian Geese usually pair for life and both the male and female care for the offspring until they are old enough to care for themselves. Date: 12th December 2017 Location: Kensington Gardens, London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/siemianwka-area-poland https://images.on-this.website/4752_71828558551e3d0a42f6da.jpgSiemianówka area, Poland The Siemianówka lake is a large reservoir on the upper Narew river with vast reedbeds surrounded by old woods and wet meadows. The lake extends from north west to south east, crossed at its eastern part by a railway track (reaching the most remote railway station in Poland) that divides the reservoir into two parts. To the south, the lake touches the northern edges of the Bialowieza Forest. Date: 26th May 2013 Location: Siemianówka area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40952841.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5309114405e5393a41c9de.jpgRook The Rook is a passerine bird in the crow family [i]Corvidae[/i]. It is a fairly large bird at 18 to 19 inches in length with black plumage that often shows a blue or bluish-purple sheen in bright sunlight. The feathers on the head, neck and shoulders are particularly dense and silky. The legs and feet are generally black, the bill grey-black and the iris dark brown. In adults, a bare area of whitish skin in front of the eye and around the base of the bill is distinctive and enables the Rook to be distinguished from other members of the crow family. This bare patch gives the false impression that the bill is longer than it is and the head more domed. The feathering around the legs also appears shaggier than the similarly sized Carrion Crow, the only other member of its genus with which the Rook is likely to be confused. Additionally, when seen in flight, the wings of a Rook are proportionally longer and narrower than those of the Carrion Crow. The juvenile plumage is black with a slight greenish gloss except for the hind neck, back and underparts which are brownish-black. The juvenile is superficially similar to a young Carrion Crow because it lacks the bare patch at the base of the bill but it has a thinner beak and loses the facial feathers after about 6 months. The Rook is resident in the UK and much of north and central Europe but it is a vagrant to Iceland and parts of Scandinavia where they typically live south of latitude 66° north. In the north of its range the Rook has a tendency to move south during autumn and more southern populations are apt to range sporadically. The Rook is found in habitats such as open agricultural areas with pasture or arable land as long as there are suitable tall trees for breeding. It generally avoids forests, swamps, marshes, heaths and moorland. In general it is a lowland bird with most rookeries found below 400 feet but where suitable feeding habitat exists it may breed at 1000 feet or even higher. The Rook is often associated with human settlements, nesting near farms, villages and open towns but not in large, heavily built-up areas. The Rook is a very social and gregarious bird and is generally seen in flocks of various sizes. It is a monogamous species with the adults forming life-long pair bonds and pairs stay together within flocks. In the evening, birds often congregate at their rookery before moving off to their chosen communal roosting site. Flocks increase in size in autumn with different groups amalgamating and birds congregating at dusk before roosting, often in very large numbers and in the company of Jackdaws. Roosting usually takes place in woodland or plantations but a small minority of birds may continue to roost at their rookery all winter and adult males may roost collectively somewhere nearby. Birds move off promptly in the morning, dispersing for distances of up to 5 miles or more. The Rook mostly forages on the ground striding about or occasionally hopping and probing the soil with its powerful beak. Around 60% of the diet is vegetable matter and the rest is of animal origin. Vegetable foods include cereals, potatoes, roots, fruit, acorns, berries and seeds while the animal part is predominantly earthworms and insect larvae. It also eats beetles, spiders, millipedes, slugs, snails, small mammals, small birds and their eggs and young and occasionally carrion. In urban areas, human food scraps are taken from rubbish dumps and streets, usually in the early hours or at dusk when it is relatively quiet. Like other corvids, the Rook will sometimes favour sites with a high level of human interaction and can often be found scavenging for food in tourist areas or pecking open garbage sacks. The male Rook usually initiates courtship, on the ground or in a tree, by bowing several times to the female with drooping wings and at the same time cawing and fanning his tail. The female may respond by crouching down, arching her back and quivering her wings slightly or she may take the initiative by lowering her head and wings and erecting her partially spread tail over her back. Further similar displays are often followed by begging behaviour by the female and by the male presenting her with food before mating takes place on the nest. A mated pair of rooks will often fondle each other's bills and this behaviour is also sometimes seen in autumn. Nesting in a rookery is always colonial, usually in the very tops of large trees and often on the remnants of the previous year's nest. In hilly regions, the Rook may nest in smaller trees or bushes and exceptionally on chimneys or church spires. Both sexes participate in nest-building with the male finding most of the materials and the female putting them in place. The nest is cup-shaped and composed of sticks, consolidated with earth and lined with grasses, moss, roots, dead leaves and straw. The female lays 3 to 5 eggs (sometimes 6 and occasionally 7) by the end of March or early April in the UK and west Europe but in the harsher conditions of east Europe and Russia it may be early May before the clutch is completed. The eggs are incubated for 16 to 18 days, almost entirely by the female who is fed by the male. After hatching, the male brings food to the nest while the female broods the young. After 10 days, the female joins the male in bringing food which is carried in a throat pouch. The young fledge after 32 or 33 days but continue to be fed by the parents for some time thereafter. There is normally a single brood each year but there are records of birds attempting to breed again in the autumn. In autumn, the young birds collect in to large flocks together with unpaired birds of previous seasons and often in the company of Jackdaws. It is during this time of year that spectacular aerial displays are performed by the birds. Like other corvids, the Rook is an intelligent bird with complex behavioural traits and an ability to solve simple problems. The Rook has an extremely wide distribution and a very large total population. The main threats it faces are from changes in agricultural land use, the application of seed dressings and pesticides and persecution through shooting. Although the total number of birds may be declining slightly across its range, this is not at so rapid a rate as to cause concern and the IUCN has assessed the bird's conservation status as being of "least concern". Date: 1st February 2020 Location: Tramore, Co. Waterford, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19905534.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_826751118529089d388508.jpgDunlin The Dunlin is the commonest small wader found along the coast and can be seen on all UK estuaries with the largest numbers in winter. During winter they feed in large flocks on estuaries with mudflats, saltmarsh and coastal lagoons as well as inland lakes and sewage farms. Dunlin breed on the wet upland moors of Scotland, Wales and England and also the wet grassland machair of the Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland and the Flow Country of Caithness and Sutherland. Date: 30th September 2013 Location: Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45182256.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8409899766235c3979a3f8.jpgMoorhen The Moorhen is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird that is usually found near water. From a distance it looks black with a ragged white line along its body. However, closer up it is olive-brown on the back and the head and blue-grey underneath. It has a red bill with a yellow tip. The Moorhen can be found all year round almost anywhere where there is water. They breed in lowland areas particularly in central and eastern England but are scarce in northern Scotland and the uplands of Wales and northern England. UK breeding birds are residents and seldom travel far. Date: 21st January 2022 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo445319.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18982903054681babac71d5.jpgThe stark rise of the jagged Black Cuillin ridge .... The Black Cuillin are a mountain range on the Isle of Skye off the North West coast of Scotland and contain the highest concentration of mountains over 3000 feet high in the UK (20 summits exceed this height). The mountains are a memorable sight whether the weather is bright and sunny or grey and misty as it often is on Skye. Either way they have a unique presence and can be seen from miles around both on Skye and on the mainland. The mountains themselves are the preserve of experienced mountaineers and hillwalkers but the rest of us can enjoy classic views from Elgol and Sligachan and along Glenbrittle. Date: June 2000 Location: view from Elgol jetty across Loch Scavaig http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42175416.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18653525465fdbc025c813d.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 15th December 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071701.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6885192306643362261c3a.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 4th May 2023 Location: Bwlch Nant yr Arian, Llywernog, Ceredigion http://www.richardchewphotography.com/p5030528-edit https://images.on-this.website/4752_205978848866433066ac367.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 3rd May 2024 Location: Dingle Local Nature Reserve, Llangefni, Anglesey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50571557.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_123702973465ce1980b6d1b.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 17th January 2024 Location: Lee Navigation Canal, Lee Valley Regional Park, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405443.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7079411726586e096c3267.jpgLittle Egret The Little Egret is a species of small heron. The genus name comes from the Provençal French Aigrette (egret), a diminutive of Aigron (heron). The adult Little Egret is 22 to 26 inches long with a 35 to 42 inches wingspan. Its plumage is normally entirely white although there are dark forms with largely bluish-grey plumage. In the breeding season, the adult has 2 long plumes on the nape that form a crest. These plumes are about 6 inches in length and are pointed and very narrow. There are similar feathers on the breast but the barbs are more widely spread. There are also several elongated scapular feathers that have long loose barbs around 8 inches long. During the winter the plumage is similar but the scapulars are shorter and more normal in appearance. The bill is long and slender and both it and the lores are black. There is an area of greenish-grey bare skin at the base of the lower mandible and around the eye which has a yellow iris. The legs are black and the feet yellow. Juveniles are similar to non-breeding adults but have greenish-black legs and duller yellow feet and may have a certain proportion of greyish or brownish feathers. The Little Egret is mostly silent but it does make various croaking and bubbling calls at its breeding colonies and it produces a harsh alarm call when disturbed. The breeding range of the western race of the Little Egret includes south Europe, the Middle East, much of Africa and south Asia. European populations are migratory and mostly travel to Africa although some remain in southern Europe. During the late 20th century, the range of the Little Egret expanded northwards in Europe and into the New World. The Little Egret's habitat varies widely and includes the shores of lakes, rivers, canals, ponds, lagoons, marshes and flooded land, the bird preferring open locations to dense cover. On the coast it inhabits mudflats, sandy beaches, mangrove areas, swamps and reefs. The Little Egret is a sociable bird and can be seen in small flocks. However, individual birds do not tolerate others coming too close to their chosen feeding site although this depends on the abundance of prey. The Little Egret uses a variety of methods to find its food. It stalks its prey in shallow water, often running with raised wings or shuffling its feet to disturb small fish, or it may stand still and wait to ambush prey. It also makes use of opportunities provided by Cormorants disturbing fish or humans attracting fish by throwing bread into water. On land, it walks or runs while chasing its prey, often feeding on creatures disturbed by grazing livestock. The diet is mainly fish but amphibians, small reptiles, mammals and birds are also eaten as well as crustaceans, molluscs, insects, spiders and worms. The Little Egret nests in colonies, often with other wading birds such as Cattle Egret, Black-crowned Night Heron, Squacco Heron and Glossy Ibis. The nests are usually platforms of sticks built in trees or shrubs or in reed beds or bamboo groves. Pairs defend a small breeding territory, usually extending around 10 to 13 feet from the nest. The 3 to 5 eggs are incubated by both adults for 21 to 25 days before hatching. The young birds are covered in white down feathers are cared for by both parents and fledge after 40 to 45 days. Globally, the Little Egret is not listed as a threatened species and has in fact expanded its range over the last few decades.[5] The IUCN states that their wide distribution and large total population means that they are a species that cause them "least concern". Historical research has shown that the Little Egret was once present, and probably common, in the UK but became extinct there through a combination of over-hunting in the late mediaeval period and climate change at the start of the Little Ice Age. Further declines occurred throughout Europe as the plumes of the Little Egret and other egrets were in demand for decorating hats. They had been used in the plume trade since at least the 17th century but in the 19th century it became a major craze and the number of egret skins passing through dealers reached into the millions. Hunting, which reduced the population of the species to dangerously low levels, stimulated the establishment of Britain's Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in 1889. By the 1950s, the Little Egret had become restricted to south Europe and conservation laws protecting the species were introduced. This allowed the population to rebound strongly and over the next few decades it became increasingly common in western France and later on the north coast. It bred in the Netherlands in 1979 with further breeding from the 1990s onward. Populations are now mostly stable or increasing in Europe. In the UK, the Little Egret was a rare vagrant from its 16th century extinction until the late 20th century. It has, however, recently become a regular breeding species and is commonly present, often in large numbers, at favoured coastal sites. The first recent breeding record in England was on Brownsea Island in Dorset in 1996 and it bred in Wales for the first time in 2002. The population increase has been rapid subsequently with over 750 pairs breeding in nearly 70 colonies in 2008 and a post-breeding total of 4,540 birds in September 2008. Severe winter weather proves only to be a temporary setback and the Little Egret continues to expand both its numbers and range in the UK. Date: 9th October 2023 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071690.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15205511516643358cbb2a3.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 4th May 2023 Location: Bwlch Nant yr Arian, Llywernog, Ceredigion http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405554.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7541554506586fbc52de0e.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the Canidae family and is a part of the order Carnivora within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 6th December 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50809804.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1220077414660bce8e181d9.jpgDark-edged Bee-fly Date: 30th March 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50570366.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_59276228865ccc82b28fe9.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the Canidae family and is a part of the order Carnivora within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 11th January 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo452097.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3973103534687c5d08c5c9.jpgBarn Owl With a heart shaped face, buff back and wings and pure white under-parts the Barn Owl is a distinctive and much-loved bird of the countryside. Barn Owls are widely distributed across the UK and can be seen all year round sometimes during the day but normally at dusk in open country and along field edges, riverbanks and roadside verges. Barn Owls have suffered population declines over the past 50 years as a result of habitat degradation following increasing intensive agricultural practices. However, that decline has stopped in many areas and their population may now be increasing. Date: 06/05/07 Location: Abberton Reservoir, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623363.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13876279166117dd53031f8.jpgTree Sparrow The Tree Sparrow is a member of the sparrow family Passer, a group of small passerine birds that is believed to have originated in Africa and which contains 15 to 25 species. The Tree Sparrow's name is derived from 2 Latin words: passer meaning "sparrow" and montanus meaning "of the mountains". The common name is given to suggest the preference for tree holes for nesting. However, this name and the scientific name montanus do not appropriately describe the Tree Sparrow’s habitat preferences: the German name Feldsperling meaning "field sparrow" comes closer to doing so. The Tree Sparrow is around 5 to 5.5 inches in length with a wingspan of about 8.3 inches, making it roughly 10% smaller than the House Sparrow. The adult's crown and nape are a rich chestnut and there is a kidney-shaped black ear patch on each pure white cheek. The chin, throat and the area between the bill and throat are black. The upperparts are light brown streaked with black and the brown wings have 2 distinct narrow white bars. The legs are pale brown and the bill is lead-blue in summer becoming almost black in winter. The Tree Sparrow is distinctive even within its own family in that there are no plumage differences between the sexes. The juvenile resembles the adult although the colours tend to be duller. The contrasting face pattern makes the Tree Sparrow easily identifiable in all plumages and the smaller size and chestnut (not grey) crown are additional differences from the male House Sparrow. The Tree Sparrow's breeding range comprises most of temperate Europe and Asia south of about latitude 68°N (north of this the summers are too cold) and through south east Asia to Java and Bali. It is sedentary over most of its extensive range but northernmost breeding populations migrate south for the winter and small numbers leave south Europe for north Africa and the Middle East. The Tree Sparrow has been introduced outside its native range but it has not always become successfully established, possibly due to competition with the House Sparrow. Ship-carried birds have colonised some areas and birds have also occurred as vagrants. Despite its scientific name, the Tree Sparrow is not typically a mountain species and reaches only 2300 feet in Switzerland although it has bred at 5600 feet in the northern Caucasus and as high as 14010 feet in Nepal. In Europe, the Tree Sparrow is frequently found in open countryside with small isolated patches of woodland but also on coasts with cliffs, in woodland along slow water courses and in empty buildings. It shows a strong preference for nest sites near wetland habitats and avoids breeding on intensively managed farmland. In Europe, where the Tree Sparrow and the House Sparrow occur in the same region, the House Sparrow generally nests in urban areas while the Tree Sparrow nests in rural areas. Where trees are in short supply, both species may utilise man-made structures as nest sites. Whilst the Tree Sparrow is mainly a rural bird in Europe, it tends to be an urban bird in Asia and Australia. In the UK, the Tree Sparrow is scarcer in upland areas and the far north and west of the and the main populations are now found across the Midlands and south and east England. The Tree Sparrow may breed in isolated pairs or in loose colonies. The male calls from near the nest site in spring to proclaim ownership and attract a mate and he may also carry nest material in to the nest hole. The Tree Sparrow typically builds its nest in a cavity in an old tree or rock face. Some nests are not in holes as such but are built among roots of overhanging bushes. Roof cavities in houses and nest boxes are also readily used. In addition, the Tree Sparrow will breed in the disused nest of a Magpie or other crow species or an active or unused nest of a large bird such as the White Stork or a heron or raptor species. It will sometimes attempt to take over the nest of other birds that breed in holes or enclosed spaces such as tit species, flycatcher species, Swallow, House Martin, Sand Martin or European Bee-eater. The untidy nest is composed of hay, grass, wool or other material and lined with feathers which improve thermal insulation. The female lays 5 or 6 eggs which are incubated by both parents for 12 to 13 days and the chicks fledge after a further 15 to 18 days. There are 2 or 3 broods each year. Hybridisation between the Tree Sparrow and the House Sparrow has been recorded in many parts of the world with male hybrids tending to resemble the Tree Sparrow while female hybrids are more similar to the House Sparrow. The Tree Sparrow is a predominantly seed and grain eating bird which feeds on the ground in flocks and often with House Sparrows, finches and buntings. It may also visit feeding stations. It additionally feeds on invertebrates including insects, woodlice, millipedes, centipedes, spiders, etc. especially during the breeding season when the young are fed mainly on animal food. Adults use a variety of wetlands when foraging for invertebrate prey to feed chicks and aquatic sites play a key role in providing adequate diversity and availability of suitable invertebrate prey to allow successful chick rearing. Large areas of formerly occupied farmland no longer provide these invertebrate resources due to the effects of intensive farming. The Tree Sparrow has a large range and a large population. Although the population is declining, the species is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List. For this reason, the Tree Sparrow is designated as being of “Least Concern”. Although the Tree Sparrow has been expanding its range in Fennoscandia and east Europe, its population has been declining in much of west Europe, a trend reflected in other farmland birds such as the Skylark and Corn Bunting. The collapse in population seems to have been particularly severe in the UK where there was a 93% decline between 1970 and 2008. However, recent Breeding Bird Survey data is encouraging and suggests that numbers may have started to increase albeit from a very low point. The decrease in population is probably the result of agricultural intensification and specialisation, particularly the increased use of herbicides and a trend towards autumn-sown crops at the expense of spring-sown crops that produce stubble fields in winter. The change from mixed to specialised farming and the increased use of insecticides has reduced the amount of insect food available for chicks. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17054602.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_145268066150dec305658ca.jpgGoldfinch The European Goldfinch or simply the Goldfinch is a small passerine bird in the finch family. The Goldfinch is 4.7 to 5.1 inches in length with a wingspan of 8.3 to 9.8 inches. The sexes are broadly similar, with a red face, black and white head, warm brown upper parts, white underparts with buff flanks and breast patches and black and yellow wings. On closer inspection, males can often be distinguished by a larger, darker red mask that extends just behind the eye. The shoulder feathers are black, whereas they are brown on the female. In females, the red face does not extend past the eye. The ivory-coloured bill is long and pointed and the tail is forked. Juveniles have a plain head and a greyer back but are unmistakable due to the yellow wing stripe. The Goldfinch is native to Europe, north Africa and west and central Asia. It is found in open, partially wooded lowlands and it is a resident in the milder west of its range but migrates from colder regions. It will also make local movements, even in the west, to escape bad weather. It has been introduced to many areas of the world. In the UK, the Goldfinch can be seen anywhere there are scattered bushes and trees, rough ground with thistles and other seeding plants, including orchards, parks, gardens, heathland and commons. It is less common in upland areas and most numerous in the south of England. The nest is built entirely by the female Goldfinch and is generally completed within a week. It is neat and compact and constructed of mosses and lichens and lined with plant down such as that from thistles. It is generally located several feet above the ground, hidden by leaves in the twigs at the end of a branch. The female typically lays 4 to 6 eggs which are incubated for 11 to 13 days. The chicks are fed by both parents. Initially they receive a mixture of seeds and insects but as they grow the proportion of insect material decreases. For the first 7 to 9 days the young are brooded by the female. The nestlings fledge 13 to 18 days after hatching. The young birds are fed by both parents for a further 7 to 9 days. The parents typically raise 2 broods each year and occasionally 3. The Goldfinch's preferred food is small seeds such as those from thistles and teasels but insects are also taken when feeding young. It also regularly visits bird feeders in winter. The Goldfinch is commonly kept and bred in captivity around the world because of its distinctive appearance and pleasant song. In the UK during the 19th century, many thousands of Goldfinches were trapped each year to be sold as cage birds. One of the earliest campaigns of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was directed against this trade. Date: 29th October 2012 Location: Strumpshaw Fen RSPB reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12759412.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2560802924e71b0b74c9a4.jpgRed Squirrel The Red Squirrel or Eurasian Red Squirrel is a species of tree squirrel in the genus [i]Sciurus[/i]. It is an arboreal and primarily herbivorous rodent. The Red Squirrel has a typical head and body length of 7.5 to 9 inches, a tail length of 6 to 8 inches and a weight of 9 to 12 ounces. Males and females are the same size. The Red Squirrel is smaller and lighter in weight than the Grey Squirrel The coat of the Red Squirrel varies in colour with the time of year and its location and there are several different coat colour morphs ranging from black to red. Red coats are most common in the UK but in other parts of Europe and Asia different coat colours co-exist within populations. The underside of the Red Squirrel is always creamy-white in colour. The Red Squirrel sheds its coat twice a year, switching from a thinner summer coat to a thicker, darker winter coat with noticeably larger ear-tufts (a prominent distinguishing feature of this species) between August and November. A lighter, redder overall coat colour, along with the ear-tufts (in adults) and smaller size, distinguish the Red Squirrel from the Grey Squirrel. The long tail helps the Red Squirrel to balance and steer when jumping from tree to tree and running along branches and it may also keep it warm during sleep. The Red Squirrel, like most tree squirrels, has sharp and curved claws to enable it to climb and descend broad tree trunks, thin branches and even house walls and its strong hind legs enable it to leap gaps between trees. The Red Squirrel can be found in the boreal coniferous woods in north Europe and Siberia where it prefers Scots Pine, Norway Spruce and Siberian Pine. In west and south Europe it can be found in broad-leaved woods where the mixture of tree and shrub species provides a better year round source of food. In most of the UK and in Italy, broad-leaved woodlands are now less suitable for it due to the better competitive feeding strategy of the introduced Grey Squirrel. The Red Squirrel makes a drey (nest) out of twigs in a branch-fork, forming a domed structure about 9 to 12 inches in diameter. This is lined with moss, leaves, grass and bark. Tree hollows and woodpecker holes are also used. The Red Squirrel is generally a solitary animal and is shy and reluctant to share food with others. However, outside the breeding season and particularly in winter, several Red Squirrels may share a drey to keep warm. Social organisation is based on dominance hierarchies within and between sexes. Although males are not necessarily dominant towards females, the dominant animals tend to be larger and older than subordinate animals and dominant males tend to have larger home ranges than subordinate males or females. Mating can occur in late winter during February and March and in summer between June and July. During mating, males detect females that are in oestrus by an odour that they produce and, although there is no courtship, the male will chase the female for up to an hour prior to mating. Usually multiple males will chase a single female until the dominant male, usually the largest in the group, mates with the female. Males and females will mate multiple times with many partners. Females must reach a minimum body mass before they enter oestrus and heavy females on average produce more young. If food is scarce breeding may be delayed. Typically a female will produce her first litter in her second year. Up to 2 litters a year per female are possible. Each litter averages 3 young and these are known as kits. Gestation is about 38 to 39 days and the young are looked after by the mother alone and are born helpless, blind and deaf. Their body is covered by hair at 21 days, their eyes and ears open after 3 to 4 weeks and they develop all their teeth by 42 days. Juveniles can eat solids around 40 days following birth and from that point they can leave the nest on their own to find food. However, they still suckle from their mother until weaning occurs at 8 to 10 weeks. The Red Squirrel eats mostly the seeds of trees, fungi, nuts (especially hazelnuts but also beech and chestnuts), berries and young shoots. More rarely, it may also eat bird eggs or nestlings and may occasionally exhibit opportunistic omnivory similar to other rodents. Excess food is put into caches, either buried or in nooks or holes in trees, and eaten when food is scarce. Although the Red Squirrel remembers where it created caches at a better than chance level, its spatial memory is believed to be substantially less accurate and durable than that of the Grey Squirrel. Therefore it will often have to search for them when in need and many caches are never found again. Between 60% and 80% of the active time of a Red Squirrel may be spent foraging and feeding. The active period is generally in the morning and in the late afternoon and evening. It often rests in its nest in the middle of the day to avoid the heat and the high visibility to birds of prey that are dangers during these hours. During the winter, this midday rest is often much more brief or absent entirely although harsh weather may cause it to stay in its nest for days at a time. No territories are claimed between Red Squirrels and the feeding areas of individuals overlap considerably. A Red Squirrel that survives its first winter has a life expectancy of 3 years. Individuals may reach 7 years of age and 10 years in captivity. Survival is positively related to the availability of autumn and winter tree seeds. On average, 75 to 85% of juveniles die during their first winter and mortality is approximately 50% for winters following the first. Predators include small mammals such as the Pine Marten, the Wildcat and the Stoat which all prey on juveniles. Birds, including owls and raptors such as the Goshawk and Common Buzzard, may also prey on the Red Squirrel as will the Red Fox and domestic cats and dogs when it is on the ground. Humans influence the population size and mortality of the Red Squirrel by destroying or altering habitats, by causing road casualties and by introducing non-native populations of the Grey Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel and the Red Squirrel are not directly antagonistic and violent conflict between these species is not a factor in the decline in Red Squirrel populations. However, the Grey Squirrel appears to contribute to the decrease in the Red Squirrel population for several reasons: it carries a disease, the squirrel parapoxvirus, that does not appear to affect its own health but will often kill the Red Squirrel, it can better digest acorns whilst the Red Squirrel cannot access the proteins and fats in acorns as easily and it can put the Red Squirrel under pressure for food resources resulting in it not breeding as often. In the UK, due to the above circumstances, the population has today fallen to 160,000 Red Squirrels or fewer with the majority of these in Scotland. Outside the UK and Ireland, the impact of competition from the Grey Squirrel has also been observed in Italy where 2 pairs escaped from captivity in 1948. A significant drop in the Red Squirrel population has been observed since 1970 and it is feared that the Grey Squirrel may expand into the rest of Europe. The Red Squirrel is protected in most of Europe although in some areas it is abundant and is hunted for its fur. In the UK there are several active projects to protect the Red Squirrel and its native woodland habitat, introduce or re-introduce it in to areas where it is absent and eradicate and prevent the spread of the Grey Squirrel. Research undertaken in 2007 in the UK credits the Pine Marten with reducing the population of the invasive Grey Squirrel. Where the range of the expanding Pine Marten population meets that of the Grey Squirrel, the population of the latter retreats. It is theorised that, because the Grey Squirrel spends more time on the ground than the Red Squirrel, it is far more likely to come in contact with the Pine Marten. Date: 10th May 2006 Location: Freshfield National Trust reserve, Formby Point, Merseyside http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39081951.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7831819725d30787521d42.jpgEuropean Bee-eaters The European Bee-eater is an incredibly colourful bird with an unmistakable appearance. In breeding plumage, it has a rich chestnut crown that blends into gold on its back. The forehead is white, the throat is yellow bordered by black and the underparts are blue. The male European Bee-eater has a chestnut-coloured patch in the middle of the wing while in females this patch is usually smaller or even absent. Occasionally, females may also be distinguished from the males by having a green back. The wings and backs of juvenile European Bee-eaters are entirely green and the eyes are brown in contrast to the bright red eyes of adults. The European Bee-eater breeds in southern Europe and in parts of north Africa and western Asia. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, India and Sri Lanka. European Bee-eaters are occasionally seen in northern Europe (including the UK) as a spring overshoot north of its range with occasional breeding occurring. Just as the name suggests, the European Bee-eater predominantly eats insects, especially bees, wasps and hornets which are caught in the air by sorties from an open perch. Before eating its meal, a European Bee-eater removes the sting by repeatedly hitting the insect on a hard surface. Lizards and frogs are also taken. European Bee-eaters are gregarious, nesting colonially in sandy banks preferably near river shores and also feeding and roosting communally. Date: 17th May 2018 Location: Vetren, Silistra Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38397334.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9052208395ce128154f62b.jpgPied Flycatcher The Pied Flycatcher is a small passerine bird in the Old World flycatcher family and is 1 of the 4 species of Western Palearctic black and white flycatchers. The breeding male Pied Flycatcher is mainly black above and white below with a large white wing patch, white tail sides and a small forehead patch. Non-breeding males, females and juveniles have the black replaced by a pale brown. The bill is black and it has the broad but pointed shape typical of aerial insectivores. The Pied Flycatcher has a very large range and population size and so it is of “least concern” according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It breeds in most of Europe and west Asia where it can be found in deciduous woodlands, parks and gardens, with a preference for oak trees. It will sometimes use mature open conifer woodland where natural tree holes occur. It builds an open nest in a tree hole and it will readily adapt to nest boxes. In the UK, the Pied Flycatcher is limited by geography and habitat to the north and west of the country where it prefers mature oak woodlands but also mature upland ash and birch woodlands. It has on average decreased in population by 25% within the last 25 years and it has ceased to breed in several parts of its former range. The Pied Flycatcher is migratory, wintering mainly in tropical west Africa from mid September to mid April. It first arrives in its breeding areas from mid April to the end of May. Following breeding, return migration to Africa occurs between August and mid September. The Pied Flycatcher is mainly insectivorous and its diet is composed nearly entirely of insects including flies, bees, wasps, ants, beetles, butterflies, moths, etc. but it will also eat fruit and seeds in late summer and autumn and on migration. Date: 11th May 2019 Location: Ynys-hir RSPB reserve, Ceredigion http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50570957.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_109322480165ccd3667dd65.jpgCarrion Crow The Carrion Crow is a passerine bird in the crow family Corvidae. The Hooded Crow was formerly regarded as a sub-species but it has now been split off as a separate species The plumage of the Carrion Crow is black with a green or purple sheen. The bill, legs and feet are also black. It can be distinguished from the Raven by its smaller size (19 to 20 inches in length as compared to an average of 25 inches for the Raven) and from the Hooded Crow by its all black plumage. There is frequent confusion between the Carrion Crow and the Rook, another black corvid species found within its range. The beak of the Carrion Crow is stouter and in consequence it looks shorter and whereas in the adult Rook the nostrils are bare, those of the Carrion Crow are covered at all ages with bristle-like feathers. As well as this, the wings of a Carrion Crow are proportionally shorter and broader than those of the Rook when seen in flight. Unlike the Rook which is generally gregarious, the Carrion Crow is usually solitary or seen in breeding pairs. The Carrion Crow is a noisy bird, perching on a vantage point such as a building or the top of a tree and calling 3 or 4 times in quick succession with a slight pause between each series of calls. During each series of calls, the bird may perform an accompanying gesture, bowing its head and neck downwards with each call. The Carrion Crow can become tame near humans and can often be found in or around areas of human activity or habitation where they compete with other social birds such as gulls and ducks for food. The Carrion Crow breeds in west and central Europe with an allied form or race occurring in east Asia with the closely allied Hooded Crow filling the gap between. Fertile hybrids occur along the boundary between these 2 forms indicating their close genetic relationship. Across its range, it can be seen all year round in a wide range of habitats such as urban areas, farmland, woodlands, mountains, moorlands and seashores. The Carrion Crow reaches sexual maturity around the age of 3 years for females and 5 years for males and birds often mate for life. The Carrion Crow builds a bulky stick nest which is usually placed in a tall tree although cliff ledges, old buildings and pylons may be used as well. Nests are also occasionally placed on or near the ground. The nest resembles that of the Raven but is less bulky. The female lays 3 to 4 eggs which are incubated for 18 to 20 days by the female alone who is fed by the male. The young fledge after 29 to 30 days. It is not uncommon for offspring from the previous year to stay around and help rear the new hatchlings. Instead of seeking out a mate, these birds look for food and assist the parents in feeding the young. Although an eater of carrion of all kinds, the Carrion Crow will eat insects, earthworms, grain, fruits, seeds, small mammals, amphibians and scraps and it will also steal eggs of other birds. It is a scavenger by nature which is why it tends to frequent sites inhabited by humans in order to feed on household waste. The Carrion Crow will also harass birds of prey or even Foxes for their kills. The Carrion Crow has few natural predators although powerful raptors such as the Northern Goshawk, the Peregrine, the Eurasian Eagle Owl and the Golden Eagle will readily hunt them and they can become an important prey item locally. Date: 11th January 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50931093.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15425438216627d1b877de1.jpgNightingale The Nightingale is a small passerine bird best known for its powerful and beautiful song. Slightly larger than the Robin, it is plain brown above except for the reddish tail and buff to white below. The sexes are similar. The Nightingale is a migratory insectivorous bird breeding in forest and scrub in Europe and south west Asia and wintering in west Africa. The distribution is more southerly than the very closely related Thrush Nightingale. In the UK the bird is at the northern limit of its range which has contracted in recent years placing it on the Amber List for conservation. Despite local efforts to safeguard its favoured coppice and scrub habitat, numbers fell by 53% between 1995 and 2008. A survey conducted by the British Trust for Ornithology in 2012 and 2013 recorded some 3,300 territories with most of these clustered in a few counties in the south east of England, notably Kent, Essex, Suffolk and East and West Sussex. By contrast, the European breeding population is estimated at between 3.2 and 7 million pairs, giving it green conservation status (least concern). The song of the Nightingale has been described as one of the most beautiful sounds in nature, inspiring songs, fairy tales, opera, books and a great deal of poetry. The Nightingales is so named because it frequently sings at night as well as during the day. The name has been used for more than 1,000 years, being highly recognisable even in its Old English form nihtgale which means "night songstress". Early writers assumed the female sang when it is in fact the male. The song is loud with an impressive range of whistles, trills and gurgles. Its song is particularly noticeable at night because few other birds are singing. This is why its name includes "night" in several languages. Only unpaired males sing regularly at night and nocturnal song is likely to serve to attract a mate. Singing at dawn, during the hour before sunrise, is assumed to be important in defending the bird's territory. Nightingales sing even more loudly in urban or near-urban environments in order to overcome the background noise. Date: 8th April 2024 Location: RSPB Canvey Wick, Canvey Island, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405520.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13578548356586f441b1cc4.jpgShort-eared Owl The Short-eared Owl is a species of the typical owl family Strigidae. Owls belonging to the genus Asio, such as the Short-eared Owl, are known as the eared owls since they have tufts of feathers resembling mammalian ears. These "ear" tufts may or may not be visible. The Short-eared Owl will display its tufts when in a defensive pose although its very short tufts are usually not visible. The Short-eared Owl is a medium-sized owl 13 to 17 inches in length with a 33 to 43 inches wingspan. Females are slightly larger than males. It has large yellow eyes with black encircling rings, a big head, a short neck and broad wings. The bill is short, strong, hooked and black. The plumage is mottled tawny to brown with a barred tail and wings. The upper breast is significantly streaked. The flight is characteristically floppy due to the irregular wingbeats and the Short-eared Owl is often described as "moth-like” or bat-like" in flight. Through much of its range, the Short-eared Owl occurs with the similar looking Long-eared Owl. At rest, the ear-tufts of the Long-eared Owl serve to easily distinguish the 2 species although the Long-eared Owl can sometimes hold its ear-tufts flat. The iris colour also differs: yellow in the Short-eared Owl and orange in the Long-eared Owl plus the black surrounding the eyes is vertical on the Long-eared Owl and horizontal on the Short-eared Owl. Overall, the Short-eared Owl tends to be a paler, sandier coloured bird than the Long-eared Owl. There are 10 recognized sub-species of the Short-eared Owl and its range covers all continents except Antarctica and Australia. It therefore has one of the most widespread distributions of any bird. It is partially migratory and moves south in winter from the northern parts of its range. The Short-eared Owl is also known to relocate to areas of higher rodent populations and it will also wander nomadically in search of better food supplies during years when vole populations are low. In the UK, the Short-eared Owl breeds primarily in north England and Scotland but it is seen more widely in winter when there is an influx of continental birds from Scandinavia, Russia and Iceland to north, east and parts of central south England, especially around coastal marshes and wetlands. The breeding season of the Short-eared Owl in the northern hemisphere lasts from March to June but peaks in April. During the breeding season, the male makes a great spectacle of itself in flight to attract a female. The male swoops down over the potential nest site flapping its wings in a courtship display. The Short-eared Owl is generally monogamous and nests on the ground in prairie, tundra, savanna or meadow habitats. The nest is concealed by low vegetation and may be lightly lined by weeds, grass or feathers. The female lays 4 to 7 eggs but clutch size can reach up to 12 eggs in years when voles are abundant. There is a single brood per year. The eggs are incubated mostly by the female for 21 to 37 days and the young fledge at a little over 4 weeks. The Short-eared Owl hunts mostly at night but it is known as a diurnal and crepuscular hunter as well. Its daylight hunting seems to coincide with the high activity periods of voles, its preferred prey. It tends to fly only a few feet above the ground in open fields and grasslands until swooping down upon its prey feet first. Several owls may hunt over the same open area. The diet of the Short-eared Owl consists mainly of rodents, especially voles, but it will eat other small mammals such as mice, ground squirrels, shrews, rats, bats, muskrats and moles. It will also occasionally predate smaller birds especially when near sea coasts and adjacent wetlands at which time they may attack waders, terns and small gulls and seabirds. Avian prey is more infrequently preyed on inland and includes small passerines. Insects also supplement the diet. Date: 25th November 2023 Location: RSPB Wallasea Island, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14247099.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17009337224f4e045dd8ff3.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the [i]Canidae[/i] family and is a part of the order [i]Carnivora[/i] within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 25th February 2012 Location: Rye Meads RSPB reserve, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41187425.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14681241015ea6d4edc1115.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 21st April 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25774081.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1347436359560fb4cfd7b72.jpgHerring Gull Herring Gulls are large, noisy gulls and can be found throughout the year around coasts. During winter they can also be found inland around rubbish tips, fields, large reservoirs and lakes. Herring Gulls usually breed in colonies at coastal sites around the UK including cliffs with grassy slopes, shingle beaches, small islands and rooftops in seaside towns. Date: 22nd September 2015 Location: Loch Spelve, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512534.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_140968119662c99a493e2a9.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 9th May 2022 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084708.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16314627165d3087e39f4c6.jpgBicaz Gorge, Neamţ and Harghita Counties, Romania The Bicaz Gorge, known locally as Cheile Bicazului, is a gorge located in north east Romania in the Eastern Carpathians group of the Carpathian Mountains. It is the deepest gorge in the country and connects the historical regions of Moldova and Transylvania. It was created by the River Bicaz and it is one of the most breathtaking natural attractions in Romania. The Bicaz Gorge is included within the Cheile Bicazului-Hășmaș National Park. The DN12C road runs through the Bicaz Gorge and is one of the most scenic drives in Romania. The gorge twists and turns steeply uphill for 5 miles with hairpin bends and deep drops and cuts through sheer 985 feet high limestone cliffs. At one point, the narrow mountain road runs uncomfortably beneath the overhanging rocks in a section known as Gâtul Iadului (“the neck of hell”). Beyond the cliffs there are spruce and beech forests and upland grazing pastures. Date: 4th June 2018 Location: Bicaz Gorge, Neamţ and Harghita Counties, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084858.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2040317775d3088619d49c.jpgBicaz Gorge, Neamţ and Harghita Counties, Romania The Bicaz Gorge, known locally as Cheile Bicazului, is a gorge located in north east Romania in the Eastern Carpathians group of the Carpathian Mountains. It is the deepest gorge in the country and connects the historical regions of Moldova and Transylvania. It was created by the River Bicaz and it is one of the most breathtaking natural attractions in Romania. The Bicaz Gorge is included within the Cheile Bicazului-Hășmaș National Park. The DN12C road runs through the Bicaz Gorge and is one of the most scenic drives in Romania. The gorge twists and turns steeply uphill for 5 miles with hairpin bends and deep drops and cuts through sheer 985 feet high limestone cliffs. At one point, the narrow mountain road runs uncomfortably beneath the overhanging rocks in a section known as Gâtul Iadului (“the neck of hell”). Beyond the cliffs there are spruce and beech forests and upland grazing pastures. Date: 5th June 2018 Location: Bicaz Gorge, Neamţ and Harghita Counties, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41424170.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16738985385f2a9bd7361bd.jpgHerring Gulls The Herring Gull is one of the best known of all gulls along the shores of Europe. Adults in breeding plumage have a grey back and upperwings and white head and underparts. The wingtips are black with white spots known as "mirrors". The bill is yellow with a red spot and there is a ring of bare yellow skin around the pale eye. The legs are normally pink at all ages but can be yellowish. Non-breeding adults have brown streaks on the head and neck. Male and female plumage is identical at all stages of development although adult males are often larger. Juvenile and first-winter birds are mainly brown with darker streaks and have a dark bill and eyes. Second-winter birds have a whiter head and underparts with less streaking and the back is grey. Third-winter individuals are similar to adults but retain some of the features of immature birds such as brown feathers in the wings and dark markings on the bill. The Herring Gull attains adult plumage and reaches sexual maturity at an average age of 4 years. The loud laughing call of the Herring Gull is well known and is often seen as a symbol of the seaside in countries such as the UK. It also has a yelping alarm call and a low barking anxiety call. Chicks and fledglings emit a distinctive, repetitive high-pitched 'peep', accompanied by a head-flicking gesture when begging for food from or calling to their parents. Adult gulls in urban areas will also exhibit this behaviour when fed by humans. The Herring Gull breeds across northern Europe, western Europe, central Europe, eastern Europe, Scandinavia and the Baltic states. Some, especially those resident in colder areas, migrate further south in winter but many are permanent residents such as in the UK or on the North Sea shores. While Herring Gull numbers appear to have been decreased in recent years, possibly by fish population declines and competition, they have proved able to survive in human-adapted areas and can often be seen in towns acting as a scavenger. The Herring Gull, like most gulls, is an omnivore and opportunist and will scavenge from garbage dumps, landfill sites and sewage outflows with refuse comprising up to half of the bird's diet. In addition, it will eat fish, crustaceans and dead animals as well as some plants and it will steal the eggs and young of other birds (including those of other gulls). The Herring Gull may also dive from the surface of the water or engage in plunge diving in the pursuit of aquatic prey although they are typically unable to reach any great depth due to their natural buoyancy. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Svartnes harbour, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50570255.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_189510234365ccc436effd2.jpgFieldfare The Fieldfare is a member of the thrush family which is very similar to a Mistle Thrush in general size, shape and behaviour. It has a slate grey crown, neck and rump, a plain brown back, dark wings, blackish tail and white underwings. The breast and flanks are heavily speckled. The breast has a reddish wash and the rest of the underparts are white. The sexes are similar in appearance but the females are slightly more brown. The male has a simple chattering song and the birds have various guttural flight and alarm calls. The Fieldfare is a migratory species with a Palearctic distribution. It breeds in north Norway, north Sweden, Finland, the Baltic states, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland and in to Asia. In the summer the Fieldfare frequents mixed woodland of birch, alder, pine, spruce and fir, often near marshes, moorland or other open ground. It does not avoid the vicinity of humans and can be seen in cultivated areas, orchards, parks and gardens. It also inhabits open tundra and the slopes of hills above the tree line. It often breeds in small colonies, possibly for protection from predators. The first known breeding of the Fieldfare in the UK was in 1967 when a pair nested in Orkney. Very small numbers have continued nesting fairly regularly in Scotland. The winter range extends through west Europe, including the UK, south Europe and north Africa although it is uncommon in the Mediterranean region. Eastern populations migrate to Anatolia, Israel, Iran and north west India. Migrating and wintering Fieldfares often form large flocks, often in the company of Redwings. In the winter, the Fieldfare can be found in open country, agricultural land, orchards, open woodland and gardens. It is nomadic, wandering wherever there is an abundance of berries and insects. Later in the year it moves on to pastureland and cultivated fields. The Fieldfare is omnivorous. Animal food in the diet includes snails and slugs, earthworms, spiders and insects such as beetles and their larvae, flies and grasshoppers. In the autumn ripened berries such as hawthorn, holly, rowan, yew, juniper, dog rose, cotoneaster, pyracantha and berberis are eaten. In addition, windfall apples, grain and seeds are eaten. When these are exhausted, or in particularly harsh weather, the birds may move to marshes or even the foreshore where molluscs can be found. Date: 3rd January 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/midnight-sun-at-petkula-bog https://images.on-this.website/4752_13177992224eff209d41e77.jpgMidnight sun at Petkula Bog, Lappi, Finland Date: 28th May 2009 Location: Petkula Bog, north of Sodankylä, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41249293.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7349208275f00b7ac5bada.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 22nd June 2020 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512515.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_164545675362c99a27af440.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 9th May 2022 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080617.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7456025963a459bed2ddc.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 1st December 2022 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42633055.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_191294298160aa6d592ef23.jpgCommon Buzzard The Common Buzzard is a member of the genus Buteo and the family Accipitridae, a group of medium-sized raptors with robust bodies and broad wings. The Buteo species of Eurasia and Africa are usually commonly referred to as buzzards whilst those in the Americas are called hawks. Under current classification, the genus Buteo includes approximately 28 species. The Common Buzzard includes between 7 to 16 sub-species and the western Buteo group includes Buteo buteo buteo which is found more or less continuously throughout Europe including the UK. The Common Buzzard is a medium-sized raptor that is highly variable in plumage. It is distinctly round headed with a somewhat slender bill and it has relatively long wings that either reach or fall slightly short of the tail tip when perched, a fairly short tail and somewhat short and mainly bare tarsi. It can appear fairly compact in overall appearance but may also appear large relative to other commoner raptors such as the Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. The Common Buzzard measures between 16 and 23 inches in length with a 3 feet 7 inches to 4 feet 7 inches wingspan. Females average about 2 to 7% larger than males in length and weigh about 15% more. Body mass can show considerable variation from 0.94 to 2.6 pounds in males and 1.07 to 3.02 pounds in females. In Europe, the Common Buzzard is typically dark brown above and on the upperside of the head and mantle but this can become paler and warmer brown with worn plumage. Usually the tail will be narrowly barred grey-brown and dark brown with a pale tip and a broad dark subterminal band but the tail in the palest birds can show a varying amount of white and a reduced sub-terminal band or even appear almost all white. The underside colouring can be variable but typically shows a brown-streaked white throat with a somewhat darker chest. A pale U across the breast is often present followed by a pale line running down the belly which separates the dark areas on the breast side and flanks. These pale areas tend to have highly variable markings that form irregular bars. Juveniles are quite similar to adults and are best told apart by having a paler eye, a narrower sub-terminal band on the tail and underside markings that appear as streaks rather than bars. Beyond the typical mid-range brownish Common Buzzard, birds in Europe can range from almost uniform black-brown above to mainly white. Extreme dark individuals may range from chocolate-brown to blackish with almost no pale colour showing but with a variable or faded U on the breast and with or without faint lighter brown throat streaks. Extreme pale individuals are largely whitish with variable widely spaced streaks or arrowheads of light brown about the mid-chest and flanks and may or may not show dark feather-centres on the head, wing-coverts and sometimes all but part of the mantle. Individuals can show nearly endless variation of colours and hues in between these extremes and the Common Buzzard is among the most variably plumaged diurnal raptors for this reason. The Common Buzzard is often confused with other raptors especially in flight or at a distance including other Buteo species such as Rough-legged Buzzard and Long-legged Buzzard and also Honey Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, Golden Eagle, Booted Eagle and Short-toed Eagle. The Common Buzzard is found throughout several islands in the eastern Atlantic islands, including the Canary Islands and the Azores, and almost throughout Europe. In the UK, it is found in Northern Ireland and in nearly every part of Scotland and England. In mainland Europe, there are no substantial gaps in the range from Portugal and Spain to Greece, Estonia, Belarus and the Ukraine, although it is present mainly only in the breeding season in much of the eastern half of the latter 3 countries. It is also present in all larger Mediterranean islands such as Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily and Crete. Further north in to Scandinavia, it is found mainly in south Norway, the southern half of Sweden and in the southern two-thirds of Finland. The Common Buzzard reaches its northern limit as a breeder in far eastern Finland and over the border in to European Russia and nearly to the Kola Peninsula. In these northern limits, the Common Buzzard is present typically only in summer. The Common Buzzard generally inhabits the interface of woodlands and open ground and typically lives in forest edge, small broad-leaved, coniferous or mixed woodlands with adjacent grassland, arable fields or other farmland and open moorland as long as there are some trees. It is absent from treeless tundra and sporadic or rare in treeless steppe. The Common Buzzard can be found from sea level to elevations of 6600 feet although it breeds mostly below 3300 feet. It can winter to an elevation of 8200 feet and migrates easily at 14,800 feet. The Common Buzzard is a partial migrant. Autumn and spring movements are subject to extensive variation, even down to the individual level, based on a region's food resources, competition (both from other Common Buzzards and other predators), the extent of human disturbance and weather conditions. Short distance movements are the norm for juveniles and some adults in autumn and winter but more adults in central and south Europe and the UK remain in their year-around areas than do not. The Common Buzzard is a typical Buteo in much of its behaviour. It is most often seen effortlessly soaring for extended periods at varying heights although it can appear laborious and heavy in level flight. It is also often seen perched prominently on tree tops, bare branches, telegraph poles, fence posts, rocks or ledges or alternatively well inside the tree canopy. It will also stand and forage on the ground. The Common Buzzard is a generalist predator which hunts a wide variety of prey given the opportunity. The prey extents to a wide variety of vertebrates including mammals, birds (from any age from eggs to adult birds), reptiles, amphibians and fish as well as to various invertebrates, mostly insects. In total, well over 300 prey species are known to be taken by the Common Buzzard. However, dietary studies have shown that it mostly preys upon small mammals, mainly small rodents. Furthermore, prey size can vary from tiny beetles, caterpillars and ants to large adult grouse and Rabbits up to nearly twice their body mass. At times, the Common Buzzard will also subsist partially on carrion, usually of dead mammals or fish. Hunting in relatively open areas has been found to increase hunting success whereas more complete shrub cover lowered success. A majority of prey is taken by dropping from a perch and is normally taken on the ground. Prey may also be hunted in a low flight, by random glides or soars or by foraging on the ground. The home range of the Common Buzzard is generally 0.19 to 0.77 square miles and the size of the breeding territory seems to be correlated with food supply. The territory is maintained through flight displays and in Europe territorial behaviour usually starts in February. However, displays are not uncommon throughout the year in resident pairs, especially by males, and can elicit similar displays by their neighbours. In the display, the Common Buzzard generally engages in high circling, spiraling upward on slightly raised wings. Mutual high circling by pairs sometimes goes on at length, especially during the period prior to or during breeding season. During the mutual displays, the male may engage in exaggerated deep flapping or zig-zag tumbling, apparently in response to the female being too distant. Several pairs may circle together at times and as many as 14 individual adults have been recorded over established display sites. Sky-dancing by the Common Buzzard has been recorded in spring and autumn, typically by the male but sometimes by the female, nearly always with much calling. Sky-dances are of the rollercoaster type, with an upward sweep of up to 100 feet until the bird starts start to stall but sometimes embellished with loops or rolls at the top. Next in the sky-dance, the bird will dive at least 200 feet on more or less closed wings before spreading them and shooting up again. These sky-dances may be repeated in series of 10 to 20. In the climax of the sky-dance, the undulations become progressively shallower, often slowing and terminating directly on to a perch. Various other aerial displays include low contour flight or weaving among trees, frequently with deep beats and exaggerated upstrokes which show underwing pattern to rivals perched below. Talon grappling and occasionally cartwheeling downward with feet interlocked has also been recorded. The Common Buzzard tends to build a bulky nest of sticks, twigs and often heather and lined with broad-leaved foliage. Nests are up to 3.3 to 3.9 feet across and 24 inches deep. With reuse over years, the diameter of a nest can reach or exceed 5 feet. Trees are generally used for a nesting location but crags or cliffs are used if trees are unavailable. Nests in trees are usually located by the main trunk at a height of around 10 to 82 feet. Pairs often have 2 to 4 nests in a territory but some pairs may use a single nest over several consecutive years. The breeding season of the Common Buzzard commences at differing times based on latitude. It may fall as early as January to April but typically it is March to July in most of Europe. In the northern limits of the range the breeding season may occur from May to August. Mating usually occurs on or near the nest and eggs are usually laid in 2 to 3 day intervals. The clutch size can range from to 2 to 6 and it appears that local factors such as habitat and food supply are relevant. Eggs are generally laid in late March to early April in the extreme south, sometime in April in most of Europe and in to May and possibly even early June in the extreme north. If eggs are lost to a predator or fail in some other way, replacement clutches are not usually laid although this has been recorded. Incubation lasts for 33 to 35 days and is mostly, but not solely, undertaken by the female. Hatching may take place over 3 to 7 days. Often the youngest nestling dies from starvation, especially in broods of 3 or more. The female remains at the nest brooding the young in the early stages with the male bringing all prey. At about 8 to 12 days, both the male and female will bring prey but the female continues to do all feeding until the young can tear up their own prey. The young are nearly fully feathered rather than downy at about a month of age and can start to feed themselves as well. The first attempts to leave the nest are often at about 40 to 50 days. Fledging occurs typically at 43 to 54 days but in extreme cases as late 62 days. After leaving the nest, the young generally stay close by until full independence 6 to 8 weeks after fledging. Numerous factors may influence the breeding success of the Common Buzzard including the availability of prey populations, habitat, disturbance and persecution levels and competition. The Common Buzzard is one of the most numerous birds of prey in its range and it is the most numerous diurnal bird of prey throughout much of Europe. Date: 29th April 2021 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29487315.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_118231891958107f2f1eca6.jpgNuuksio National Park, Uusimaa, Finland Nuuksio National Park was established in 1994 and covers an area of 20 square miles of forests and lakes around Espoo, Kirkkonummi and Vihti. About 20 miles north west of Helsinki, it is the second closest National Park to the capital after Sipoonkorpi National Park. The [url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siberian_flying_squirrel]Siberian Flying Squirrel[/url] is the emblem of the Nuuksio National Park due to the density of its population. Date: 30th May 2016 Location: Kattila, Nuuksio National Park, Uusimaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41255216.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18738891215f06f4f66a3ce.jpgSiberian Tit The Siberian Tit or Gray-headed Chickadee is a member of the tit family. The head is dark brown with white cheeks, the mantle brown, the wing feathers blackish with pale fringes, and the underparts whitish with pale brown flanks. The Siberian Tit is a widespread resident throughout subarctic Fennoscandia, northern Asia, Alaska and the far north west of Canada and can be found in conifer forests, mostly of old-growth spruce, especially in areas with dead trees. Date: 28th June 2019 Location: Neljan Tuulen Tupa near Kaamanen, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41255217.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12860001535f06f4fa0596d.jpgSiberian Tit The Siberian Tit or Gray-headed Chickadee is a member of the tit family. The head is dark brown with white cheeks, the mantle brown, the wing feathers blackish with pale fringes, and the underparts whitish with pale brown flanks. The Siberian Tit is a widespread resident throughout subarctic Fennoscandia, northern Asia, Alaska and the far north west of Canada and can be found in conifer forests, mostly of old-growth spruce, especially in areas with dead trees. Date: 28th June 2019 Location: Neljan Tuulen Tupa near Kaamanen, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41255221.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4627730485f06f50d979fb.jpgSiberian Jay The Siberian Jay is noticeably smaller, slighter and proportionately longer-tailed than the Jay with a much shorter and more pointed bill. It is the smallest and most delicate of the Western Palearctic crows and is rather drab brown-grey with rufous-chestnut near the wing-bend and on under wing coverts, rump and sides of tail which set the bird “on fire” in flight. The Siberian Jay is a widespread and highly sedentary resident in Fennoscandia and Russia with Europe accounting for less than half of its global range. It breeds across the higher latitudes of the Western Palearctic and is predominantly at all seasons a bird of coniferous forest, mainly dense stands of forest unmodified by man rather than open growth. The Siberian Jay contrasts with the Jay in a lack of fear of man, readily attaching itself to human travellers and their living quarters, but this has little effect on choice of habitat since its normal range is largely uninhabited by people. Date: 28th June 2019 Location: Neljan Tuulen Tupa near Kaamanen, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41225560.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5390836375ed9ff434fa3b.jpgDunnock The Dunnock is a small passerine bird and the most widespread member of the genus Prunella, the accentor family which otherwise consists of mountain species. Other common names for the Dunnock include the Hedge Sparrow or Hedge Accentor. The Dunnock is about the size of a Robin. It has a generally drab brown streaked appearance with a grey head and a fine pointed bill. Both sexes are similar. It is quiet and unobtrusive and is frequently seen on its own, creeping along and moving with a rather nervous, shuffling gait often flicking its wings. The Dunnock is native to large areas of Eurasia where it is the only commonly found accentor in lowland areas. It can be found throughout the UK all the year round in any well vegetated areas with scrub, brambles and hedges and also in deciduous woodland, farmland edges, parks and gardens. The Dunnock is territorial and may engage in conflict with other birds that encroach upon their nesting areas. The Dunnock possesses variable mating systems. Females are often polyandrous, breeding with 2 or more males at once which is quite rare among birds. This multiple mating system leads to the development of sperm competition amongst the male suitors. DNA fingerprinting has shown that chicks within a brood often have different fathers depending on the success of the males at monopolising the female. Males try to ensure their paternity by pecking at the cloaca of the female to stimulate ejection of rival males' sperm. Males provide parental care in proportion to their mating success so 2 males and a female can commonly be seen provisioning nestlings at one nest. Other mating systems also exist within Dunnock populations depending on the ratio of male to females and the overlap of territories. When only a single female and a single male territory overlap, monogamy is preferred. Sometimes, 2 or 3 adjacent female territories overlap a single male territory and so polygyny is favoured with the male monopolising several females. Polygynandry also exists in which 2 males jointly defend a territory containing several females. Polyandry, however, is the most common mating system of the Dunnock. Depending on the population, males generally have the best reproductive success in polygynous populations whilst females have the advantage during polyandry. Studies have illustrated the fluidity of Dunnock mating systems. When food is in abundance, female territory size is reduced drastically. Consequently, males can more easily monopolise the females. Thus, the mating system can be shifted from one that favours female success (polyandry) to one that favours male success (monogamy, polygynandry or polygyny). The Dunnock builds a neat nest predominantly from twigs and moss and lined with soft materials such as wool or feathers which is located low in a bush. The female typically lays 3 to 5 eggs. Broods, depending on the population, can be raised by a lone female, multiple females with the part-time help of a male, multiple females with full-time help by a male or by multiple females and multiple males. Parental care varies according to the type of relationship. Date: 17th May 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41349669.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8484481275f201138bb747.jpgRinglet Flight period: July to mid August. The Ringlet is a widespread and successful species which has been extending its range in in the UK in recent years. They can be found in in tall, lush grasslands particularly in woodland rides and glades and also around scrub and hedgerows. Date: 12th July 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41539304.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1911160325f3e4b6eb9570.jpgKongsfjordfjellet, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Kongsfjordfjellet is a sparsely vegetated high tundra mountain plateau situated in the north west of the Varanger peninsula in Troms og Finnmark in north east Norway. It is crossed by the Fv890 road to Berlevåg where traffic is escorted in convoy at specified times. This upland area includes many lakes, pools and bogs which hold a wide range of Arctic species. Kongsfjordfjellet is almost invariably cold and largely covered in snow well into mid-summer. Date: 5th July 2019 Location: Kongsfjordfjellet, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11328600.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10157693904e1d677c59532.jpgCoot The Coot is an all black bird with a distinctive white beak and “shield” above the beak from which earns it the title “bald”. Its feet have distinctive lobed flaps of skin on the toes which act instead of webs when swimming. It patters noisily over the water before taking off and can be very aggressive towards other birds. Coot can be found all the year round mainly on freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers and town park lakes. Sometimes they can be seen offshore, especially in winter if freshwater areas are frozen. They breed in areas of fairly shallow standing freshwater with a muddy bottom and plenty of vegetation at the sides, usually in lowland areas. Date: 24th December 2007 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/kjlnes-varanger-peninsula-finnmark-norway https://images.on-this.website/4752_24352424bf6e1c549d2a.jpgKjølnes, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway Kjølnes lighthouse is a coastal lighthouse located about 3 miles east of the village of Berlevåg in Berlevåg municipality in Finnmark county in north east Norway. The lighthouse was established in 1916, destroyed during World War 2, rebuilt in 1949 and automated in 1994. It was listed as a protected site in 1998. The white, square, concrete tower is 72 feet tall and it has a round red lantern on top that emits 3 white flashes every 40 seconds. The light can be seen for up to 17 miles and operates from 12 August until 24 April each year. The light is off during the summer due to the 24 hour daylight and the midnight sun. Date: 14th April 2010 Location: view from road 890 between Kongsfjord and Berlevåg, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42202637.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20037733495ff3103e1f77b.jpgBrown Bear The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, Ursus arctos arctos. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an evening visit with [url=https://www.karhujenkatselu.fi/en-gb]Karhu-Kuusamo[/url] Date: 7th July 2019 Location: Kuntilampi, near Kuusamo, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457091.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_566457625668570a5595a8.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4466098.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7241196044b8a25475ddbc.jpg http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42524861.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10551308236098f7337a15c.jpgMoorhen The Moorhen is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird that is usually found near water. From a distance it looks black with a ragged white line along its body. However, closer up it is olive-brown on the back and the head and blue-grey underneath. It has a red bill with a yellow tip. The Moorhen can be found all year round almost anywhere where there is water. They breed in lowland areas particularly in central and eastern England but are scarce in northern Scotland and the uplands of Wales and northern England. UK breeding birds are residents and seldom travel far. Date: 27th March 2021 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49276534.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_86867029064995d010d29c.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 5th June 2023 Location: NWT Weeting Heath, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38397336.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8502327515ce1281b5069c.jpgChaffinch The Chaffinch is a common UK resident bird and is a colourful member of the finch family. Chaffinches breed anywhere with trees and bushes, including coniferous and deciduous woodland, farmland hedgerows, parks and rural and suburban gardens. Date: 11th May 2019 Location: Ynys-hir RSPB reserve, Ceredigion http://www.richardchewphotography.com/south-stack-anglesey https://images.on-this.website/4752_10866153862c98fb6f3330.jpgSouth Stack, Anglesey South Stack is situated at the westernmost point of Anglesey 2 miles west of Holyhead. The cliffs contain some of the oldest rocks in Wales dating back nearly 600 million years to the Precambrian period. The extensive folds in the cliff face bear witness to some of the earth movements and forces that have shaped Wales. More than 4,000 seabirds breed on the cliffs at South Stack each year and live pictures are relayed by CCTV to the visitor centre in Ellins Tower. Date: 7th May 2022 Location: view from the cliff path at South Stack http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42222536.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_879251456023b7e1993b6.jpgLong-tailed Tit The Long-tailed Tit is easily recognisable with its distinctive colouring, a tail that is bigger than its body, and undulating flight. They are most usually noticed in small, excitable flocks of about 20 birds as they rove the woods, hedgerows and gardens often with other tit species. Long-tailed Tits can be seen all year round and throughout the UK except the far north and west of Scotland. Date: 17th January 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081438.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_208571106663a843103619b.jpgGreylag Goose The Greylag Goose is the ancestor of most domestic geese but is also the largest and bulkiest of the wild geese native to the UK and Europe. In many parts of the UK it has been re-established by releasing birds in suitable areas but the resulting flocks found around gravel pits, lakes and reservoirs all year round in southern Britain tend to be semi-tame. The native birds and wintering flocks found on lochs in northern Scotland and on some Scottish islands retain the special appeal of truly wild geese. Date: 9th January 2022 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43629096.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17977276296118aaabae1ea.jpgMarbled White Flight period: July to August The Marbled White is a very distinctive black and white butterfly that is widespread in southern England and expanding its range northwards and eastwards. They can be found in unimproved grassland, coastal grassland, roadside verges and railway embankments. Date: 17th July 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41225571.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6269867895ed9ffee906b2.jpgHolly Blue Flight period: late April to end of August. The Holly Blue is easily identified in early spring as it emerges well before other blue butterflies. It tends to fly high around bushes and trees whereas other grassland blues usually stay near ground level. It is the commonest blue butterfly found in parks and gardens where it congregates around Holly (in spring) and Ivy (in late summer). The Holly Blue is widespread but undergoes large fluctuations in numbers from year to year. It has expanded northwards in recent years and has now colonised parts of north England and the extreme south of Scotland. Date: 18th May 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871748.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3263319664eff21b7b5564.jpgBrown Bear The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, <i>Ursus arctos arctos</i>. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an overnight stay in a Brown Bear watching hide at [url=http://www.martinselkonen.fi/index.php?id=1&la=en]Martinselkosen Eräkeskus[/url] Date: 1st June 2009 Location: Martinselkosen Eräkeskus, Pirttivaara, Kainuu, Finland <iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/10143012?autoplay=1" width="600" height="450" frameborder="0"></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/10143012">Brown Bears of Martinselkonen</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user3372484">Richard Chew</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>. Music: Jean Sibelius - Andante festivo<br /> </p> http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46535410.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_178434211262caaa11854f2.jpgSmall Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Small Skipper has a rusty orange colour to the wings, upper body and the tips of the antennae. The body is silvery white below and it has a wingspan of 25 to 30 mm. It is very similar in appearance to the Essex Skipper but the undersides of the tips of the antennae are yellow orange in the Small Skipper whereas they are black in the Essex Skipper. The Small Skipper is a common and widespread butterfly in most parts of England and has been expanding its range northwards. It can be found in rough grassland, roadside verges, edges of fields and woodland clearings where it is often seen basking on vegetation or making short buzzing flights among tall grass stems. Date: 6th July 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/twite https://images.on-this.website/4752_2273895954daea4a4a09b6.jpgTwite The Twite is a small, brown bird which is similar in size to a Linnet but with a longer tail and stubbier bill. Twite can be found on the moorlands of the Scottish Highlands, northern England and north Wales from April to September. In winter some remain in north and west Scotland near the coast whilst others, including Continental birds, move to the coasts of eastern England where they can be found on saltmarshes and coastal fields. Date: 31st May 2008 Location: Sumburgh Head, South Mainland, Shetland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46535970.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15760096262caab42bb739.jpgEssex Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Essex Skipper is a small butterfly with a darting flight. It has bright orange-brown wings which are held with the forewings angled above the hind wings. The males have a thin black scent brand line running through the centre of the forewing and parallel to the leading edge. The Small Skipper appears very similar but it lacks the black tips to the antenna and it has a longer scent brand which is angled to the edge of the forewing. Since the Essex Skipper and the Small Skipper closely resemble each other and are often found in the same company, the Essex Skipper has been overlooked both in terms of recording and ecological study and it was the last UK resident species to be described (in 1889). The Essex Skipper can be found in tall, dry grasslands in open sunny situations, especially roadside verges, woodland rides and acid grasslands as well as coastal marshes. The distribution of the Essex Skipper in the UK has more than doubled in the last few decades. It is a widespread species in southern and central England but not in the far south-west Date: 6th July 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo47645613.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6274019566347cf1078284.jpgEdible Frog The Edible Frog is a species of frog found across Europe that is also known as the Common Water Frog and the Green Frog. The Edible Frog is one of the few animals in the world that is a fertile hybrid of 2 different species, as although similar but genetically different species are known to mate, it is very rare that their offspring will be able to breed. The Edible Frog is a fertile hybrid of 2 other European frogs, namely the Pool Frog and the Marsh Frog, that inter-bred when populations where isolated close to one another during the Ice Age. It was first described in 1758 and is known as the Edible Frog due to the fact that it is now seen as a culinary delicacy across Europe but especially in France where frog’s legs are often served as a national dish. The reason for humans favouring this frog over others is not really known but it may have something to do with their abundance. The Edible Frog is a medium sized frog growing to around 3.5 to 4.5 inches in length. Adults are mainly green in colour with light patches of brown on their backs, yellow eyes and a white underside covered in a few dark spots. There are number of distinct differences between males and females including the fact that males become much lighter and greener during the mating season. Males also have vocal sacs on the outside of their cheeks and extra skin patches on their feet, both of which are primarily used for mating. The Edible Frog is endemic to Europe and it naturally occurs across central Europe as far north as Germany and Estonia. Southern populations are found from Croatia, through northern Italy and into the south of France. There are also isolated populations in Sweden and Bulgaria which are thought to have migrated from the countries nearby. It has also been introduced to the UK. The Edible Frog spends all of its time either in or very close to water and it is most commonly found in calmer parts of rivers and streams where there is a slow but constant flow of fresh water. It tends to prefer more open areas and can also be commonly found around lakes, ponds and marshes. Unlike many other species of frog, the Edible Frog is a diurnal animal and is therefore most active during the day. This is when it is most likely to move away from the water so that it can find a better supply of food or move to a different part of the water if it needs to. The Edible Frog is a relatively solitary animal so there is less competition for food but males are often seen sitting together in groups during the breeding season when they are trying to out-compete each other to find a mate. The breeding season for the Edible Frog begins during March and generally lasts for around 2 months. Males sing by drawing air in and out of their vocal sacs to produce the highest-pitched sound possible since females are most attracted to the loudest males. After courting her in a lake, pond or swamp, the male lets the female lay up to 10,000 eggs in a sticky mass into the water before he fertilises them. Tadpoles can be as small as 0.2 inches long when they hatch and are a grey/brown colour. They then grow up to 2 to 3 inches in length before metamorphoses occurs and they leave the water as 0.75 inches long young frogs. The Edible Frog reaches sexual maturity at the age of 2 years and can live until it is 15 years old. The Edible Frog is a carnivorous amphibian but the tadpoles mainly eat vegetation although they are known to occasionally supplement their diet with aquatic micro-organisms. Adults eat small invertebrates such as insects, spiders and flies, which make up the majority of their diet, along with larger aquatic animals like fish, newts and other frogs. The Edible Frog hunts for food during the day and can be seen catching food both in water and on land. The Edible Frog remains very still when it is sitting on the banks of its water habitat and this, along with its camouflage, makes it very difficult for predators to spot. Its eyes are positioned near the top of the head meaning that it can also see danger coming whilst the body is mainly hidden. Snakes, owls and water birds are the main predators of the Edible Frog. The Edible Frog will jump into the water and hide if it senses approaching danger and it will make a loud screeching sound if caught. Edible Frog populations are under threat from habitat destruction mainly caused by deforestation and water pollution. Date: 7th August 2022 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo47900590.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1640633197637364af431af.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 4th November 2022 Location: Bushy Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17408506.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_253269841513327400cdc9.jpgLapwings The Northern Lapwing, also known as the peewit, pewit, tuit or tew-it (imitative of its cry), Green Plover (emphasising the colour of the plumage) or (in the UK) just Lapwing (which refers to its peculiar, erratic way of flying), is a bird in the lapwing family. The Lapwing has rounded wings and a crest. It is also the shortest-legged of the lapwing species. It is mainly black and white but the back is tinted green. The male has a long crest and a black crown, throat and breast contrasting with an otherwise white face. Females and young birds have shorter crests and have less strongly marked heads but plumages are otherwise quite similar. The Lapwing is a vocal bird in the breeding season with constant calling as the crazed tumbling display flight is performed by the male. The typical contact call is a loud, shrill "pee-wit" from which they get their other name of peewit. The Lapwing is common through temperate Eurasia and breeds on cultivated land and other short vegetation habitats. The ground scrape nest and young are defended noisily and aggressively against all intruders. It is highly migratory over most of its extensive range, wintering further south as far as north Africa, north India, Pakistan and parts of China. It migrates mainly by day, often in large flocks. Lowland breeders in the westernmost areas of Europe are resident. In winter, it forms huge flocks on open land, particularly arable land and mud-flats. In the UK, the Lapwing has suffered a significant decline in the last 25 years and is an Amber List species because of the importance of its UK wintering population. It breeds on farmland throughout the UK, particularly in lowland areas of north England, the Borders and east Scotland, and prefers fields of spring sown cereals and root crops, permanent unimproved pasture, meadows and fallow fields but also wet grassland and marshes. During the winter, the Lapwing can be seen on flooded grassland, estuaries, coastal wetlands, short grassy fields and ploughed fields. In addition to the UK population, large numbers of north European birds arrive in the autumn for the winter. The Lapwing feeds primarily on insects and other small invertebrates. It often feeds in mixed flocks with Golden Plovers and Black-headed Gulls, the latter often robbing the plovers, but providing a degree of protection against predators. Date: 12th January 2013 Location: Martin Mere WWT reserve, Lancashire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43082688.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_106516098260dd84c3788b0.jpgEdible Frog The Edible Frog is a species of frog found across Europe that is also known as the Common Water Frog and the Green Frog. The Edible Frog is one of the few animals in the world that is a fertile hybrid of 2 different species, as although similar but genetically different species are known to mate, it is very rare that their offspring will be able to breed. The Edible Frog is a fertile hybrid of 2 other European frogs, namely the Pool Frog and the Marsh Frog, that inter-bred when populations where isolated close to one another during the Ice Age. It was first described in 1758 and is known as the Edible Frog due to the fact that it is now seen as a culinary delicacy across Europe but especially in France where frog’s legs are often served as a national dish. The reason for humans favouring this frog over others is not really known but it may have something to do with their abundance. The Edible Frog is a medium sized frog growing to around 3.5 to 4.5 inches in length. Adults are mainly green in colour with light patches of brown on their backs, yellow eyes and a white underside covered in a few dark spots. There are number of distinct differences between males and females including the fact that males become much lighter and greener during the mating season. Males also have vocal sacs on the outside of their cheeks and extra skin patches on their feet, both of which are primarily used for mating. The Edible Frog is endemic to Europe and it naturally occurs across central Europe as far north as Germany and Estonia. Southern populations are found from Croatia, through northern Italy and into the south of France. There are also isolated populations in Sweden and Bulgaria which are thought to have migrated from the countries nearby. It has also been introduced to the UK. The Edible Frog spends all of its time either in or very close to water and it is most commonly found in calmer parts of rivers and streams where there is a slow but constant flow of fresh water. It tends to prefer more open areas and can also be commonly found around lakes, ponds and marshes. Unlike many other species of frog, the Edible Frog is a diurnal animal and is therefore most active during the day. This is when it is most likely to move away from the water so that it can find a better supply of food or move to a different part of the water if it needs to. The Edible Frog is a relatively solitary animal so there is less competition for food but males are often seen sitting together in groups during the breeding season when they are trying to out-compete each other to find a mate. The breeding season for the Edible Frog begins during March and generally lasts for around 2 months. Males sing by drawing air in and out of their vocal sacs to produce the highest-pitched sound possible since females are most attracted to the loudest males. After courting her in a lake, pond or swamp, the male lets the female lay up to 10,000 eggs in a sticky mass into the water before he fertilises them. Tadpoles can be as small as 0.2 inches long when they hatch and are a grey/brown colour. They then grow up to 2 to 3 inches in length before metamorphoses occurs and they leave the water as 0.75 inches long young frogs. The Edible Frog reaches sexual maturity at the age of 2 years and can live until it is 15 years old. The Edible Frog is a carnivorous amphibian but the tadpoles mainly eat vegetation although they are known to occasionally supplement their diet with aquatic micro-organisms. Adults eat small invertebrates such as insects, spiders and flies, which make up the majority of their diet, along with larger aquatic animals like fish, newts and other frogs. The Edible Frog hunts for food during the day and can be seen catching food both in water and on land. The Edible Frog remains very still when it is sitting on the banks of its water habitat and this, along with its camouflage, makes it very difficult for predators to spot. Its eyes are positioned near the top of the head meaning that it can also see danger coming whilst the body is mainly hidden. Snakes, owls and water birds are the main predators of the Edible Frog. The Edible Frog will jump into the water and hide if it senses approaching danger and it will make a loud screeching sound if caught. Edible Frog populations are under threat from habitat destruction mainly caused by deforestation and water pollution. Date: 2nd June 2021 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080596.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10154490363a459947ad14.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 1st December 2022 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26027067.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11662249856374c417c35e.jpgEider The Eider is a large sea duck that is distributed over the northern coasts of Europe, north America and eastern Siberia. It breeds in the Arctic and some northern temperate regions but winters somewhat further south in temperate zones when it can form large flocks on coastal waters. The Eider is both the largest of the 4 eider species and the largest duck found in Europe and in north America (except for the Muscovy duck which only reaches north America in a wild state in southernmost Texas and south Florida). The Eider is characterized by its bulky shape and large, wedge-shaped bill. The male is unmistakable with its black and white plumage and green nape. The female is a brown bird but can still be readily distinguished from all ducks, except other eider species, on the basis of size and head shape. The drake's display call is a strange almost human-like "ah-ooo" while the duck utters hoarse quacks. The Eider dives for crustaceans and molluscs, with mussels being a favoured food. The Eider will eat mussels by swallowing them whole. The shells are then crushed in their gizzard and excreted. When eating a crab, the Eider will remove all of its claws and legs and then eat the body in a similar fashion. The Eider is abundant with populations of about 1.5 to 2 million birds in both Europe and north America and also large but unknown numbers in eastern Siberia. The Eider is a colonial breeder nesting on coastal islands in colonies ranging in size of less than 100 to upwards of 10,000 to 15,000 individuals. Female Eiders frequently exhibit a high degree of natal philopatry where they return to breed on the same island where they were hatched. This can lead to a high degree of relatedness between individuals nesting on the same island as well as the development of kin-based female social structures. This relatedness has likely played a role in the evolution of co-operative breeding behaviours amongst Eiders. Examples of these behaviours include laying eggs in the nests of related individuals and crèching where female Eiders team up and share the work of rearing ducklings. The Eider's nest is built close to the sea and is lined with the celebrated eiderdown plucked from the female's breast. This soft and warm lining has long been harvested for filling pillows and quilts but in more recent years has been largely replaced by down from domestic farm geese and synthetic alternatives. Although eiderdown pillows or quilts are now a rarity, eiderdown harvesting continues and is sustainable as it can be done after the ducklings leave the nest with no harm to the birds. Date: 3rd June 2015 Location: Melrakkaslétta, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40952887.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3170186865e5394ecedd07.jpgCliffs of Moher, Co. Clare, Ireland The Cliffs of Moher are located at the south western edge of the Burren region in Co. Clare and stretch for about 9 miles. At their southern end, they rise 390 feet above the Atlantic Ocean at Hag's Head and 5 miles to the north they reach their maximum height of 702 feet just north of O'Brien's Tower, a round stone tower near the midpoint of the cliffs built in 1835 by Sir Cornelius O'Brien, and then continue at lower heights. The closest villages are Liscannor, 4 miles to the south, and Doolin, 4 miles, to the north. From the Cliffs of Moher, visitors can see the Aran Islands in Galway Bay, the mountain ranges of the Maumturks and Twelve Pins in Connemara in Co. Galway to the north and Loop Head in Co. Clare to the south. The official Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk runs for about 11 miles from Hag's Head to Doolin. This passes the Visitor Centre and O'Brien's Tower with good viewing throughout subject to rain or sea fog. There are 2 paths near the Visitor Centre, the official one being set back a little for safety whilst an unofficial path runs closer to the edge. In July 2016 the so-called Cliff Walk, outside the official Cliffs of Moher amenities, was temporarily closed because of the risk of rock falls. People were warned to stay on the official path further away from the cliff edge instead of the unofficial path. Since 2011, the Cliffs of Moher have formed a part of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark, one of a family of geotourism destinations throughout Europe that are members of the European Geoparks Network and also recognized by UNESCO. The cliffs are also a "signature point" on the official Wild Atlantic Way tourist trail. The Cliffs of Moher rank among the most visited tourist sites in Ireland with around 1.5 million visits per year. In the 1990s the local authority, Clare County Council, initiated development plans to enable visitors to experience the cliffs without significant intrusive man-made amenities. In keeping with this approach, a modern visitor centre, the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience, was built into a hillside approaching the cliffs. The centre was planned to be environmentally sensitive in its use of renewable energy systems including geothermal heating and cooling, solar panels and grey water recycling. The €32 million facility was planned and built over a 17 year period and officially opened in February 2007. Exhibits include interactive media displays covering the geology, history, flora and fauna of the Cliffs of Moher. The Cliffs of Moher consist mainly of beds of Namurian shale and sandstone with the oldest rocks being found at the bottom of the cliffs. During the time of their formation between 313 and 326 million years ago, a river dumped sand, silt and clay in to an ancient marine basin. Over millions of years, the sediments collecting at the mouth of this ancient delta were compacted and lithified in to the sedimentary strata preserved in the now exposed cliffs. Today the Cliffs of Moher are subject to erosion by wave action which undermines the base of support causing the cliffs to collapse under their own weight. This process creates a variety of coastal landforms characteristic of eroded coasts such as sea caves, sea stacks and sea stumps. Branaunmore, a 220 feet high sea stack at the foot below O'Brien's Tower, was once part of the Cliffs of Moher but coastal erosion gradually removed the layers of rock that joined it with the mainland. A large sea arch can also be seen at Hag's Head below the Napoleonic signal tower and many smaller sea arches can be seen from sea level. During the peak summer breeding season, there are an estimated 30,000 pairs of birds of more than 20 species and the Cliffs of Moher are designated as an Important Bird Area. A wide range of sea life can also be seen from the Cliffs of Moher including Atlantic Grey Seals, various species of whales and dolphins and Basking Sharks. Date: 6th February 2020 Location: view from Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk near Visitor Centre http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4466096.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15715662284b8a25355024d.jpg http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42626849.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_295171660a9318c1d74d.jpgBlackbird The Common Blackbird is a species of true thrush. It is also called Eurasian Blackbird (especially in North America in order to distinguish it from the unrelated New World blackbirds) or simply Blackbird where this does not lead to confusion with a similar-looking local species. The Blackbird’s name derives form 2 Latin words: turdus meaning “thrush” and merula meaning “blackbird”. It may not immediately be clear why the name "blackbird", first recorded in 1486, was applied to this species but not to one of the various other common black English birds, such as the Carrion Crow, Raven, Rook or Jackdaw. However, in Old English and in modern English up to about the 18th century, "bird" was used only for smaller or young birds and larger ones such as crows were called "fowl". At that time, the Blackbird was therefore the only widespread and conspicuous black bird in the UK. The Blackbird is around 9.25 to 11.5 inches in length including a long tail. The adult male has glossy black plumage, blackish-brown legs, a yellow eye-ring and an orange-yellow bill. The bill darkens somewhat in winter. The adult female is sooty-brown with a dull yellowish-brownish bill, a brownish-white throat and some weak mottling on the breast. The juvenile is similar to the female but has pale spots on the upperparts and the very young juvenile also has a speckled breast. Young birds vary in the shade of brown, with darker birds presumably males. The first year male resembles the adult male but has a dark bill and weaker eye ring and its folded wing is brown rather than black like the body plumage. The Blackbird breeds in temperate Eurasia, north Africa, the Canary Islands and south Asia. Populations are sedentary in the south and west of the range although northern birds migrate south as far as north Africa and tropical Asia in winter. Common over most of its range in woodland, the Blackbird has a preference for deciduous trees with dense undergrowth. However, gardens provide the most successful breeding habitat. It occurs up to around 3300 feet in Europe and is often replaced by the related Ring Ousel in areas of higher altitude. The Blackbird has an extensive range and a large population which is generally stable or increasing. However, there have been local declines, especially on farmland, which may be due to agricultural policies that encouraged farmers to remove hedgerows (which provide nesting places) and to drain damp grassland and increase the use of pesticides, both of which could have reduced the availability of invertebrate food. The Blackbird may commence breeding in March when the breeding pair prospect for a suitable nest site in a creeper or bush, favouring evergreen or thorny species such as ivy, holly, hawthorn, honeysuckle or pyracantha. Sometimes they will nest in sheds or outbuildings where a ledge or cavity is used. The cup-shaped nest is made with grasses, leaves and other vegetation and bound together with mud. It is built by the female alone. The nest is often ill-concealed compared with those of other species and many breeding attempts fail due to predation. The female lays 3 to 5 (average 4) bluish-green eggs marked with reddish-brown blotches which are incubated for 12 to 14 days before the chicks are hatched naked and blind. Fledging takes another 10 to 19 (average 13.6) days, with both parents feeding the young. The young are fed by the parents for up to 3 weeks after leaving the nest and they will follow the adults begging for food. If the female starts another nest, the male alone will feed the fledged young. Second broods are common with the female reusing the same nest if the brood was successful. The first-year male Blackbird may start singing as early as late January in fine weather in order to establish a territory, followed in late March by the adult male. The male's song is a varied and melodious low-pitched fluted warble which is given from trees, rooftops or other elevated perches mainly in the period from March to June and sometimes into the beginning of July. During the winter, the Blackbird can be heard quietly singing to itself, so much so that September and October are the only months which the song cannot be heard. The Blackbird is omnivorous, eating a wide range of insects, earthworms, seeds and berries. It feeds mainly on the ground, running and hopping with a start-stop-start progress. It pulls earthworms from the soil, usually finding them by sight but sometimes by hearing, and roots through leaf litter for other invertebrates. Small amphibians and lizards are occasionally hunted. The Blackbird will also perch in bushes to take berries and collect caterpillars and other active insects. Animal prey predominates and this is particularly important during the breeding season with windfall apples and berries taken more in the autumn and winter. Near human habitation the main predator of the Blackbird is the domestic cat, with newly fledged young especially vulnerable. Foxes and predatory birds, such as the Sparrowhawk, also predate the Blackbird when the opportunity arises. Eggs and chicks are also taken by corvids, such as the Magpie or Jay. Date: 18th April 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/small-blue https://images.on-this.website/4752_126551303364eca74467bc6.jpgSmall Blue Description to follow .... Date: 3rd July 2023 Location: Broadcroft Quarry, Isle of Portland, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29240074.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_38251403557eb95cdbb818.jpgRed Squirrel The Red Squirrel or Eurasian Red Squirrel is a species of tree squirrel in the genus [i]Sciurus[/i]. It is an arboreal and primarily herbivorous rodent. The Red Squirrel has a typical head and body length of 7.5 to 9 inches, a tail length of 6 to 8 inches and a weight of 9 to 12 ounces. Males and females are the same size. The Red Squirrel is smaller and lighter in weight than the Grey Squirrel The coat of the Red Squirrel varies in colour with the time of year and its location and there are several different coat colour morphs ranging from black to red. Red coats are most common in the UK but in other parts of Europe and Asia different coat colours co-exist within populations. The underside of the Red Squirrel is always creamy-white in colour. The Red Squirrel sheds its coat twice a year, switching from a thinner summer coat to a thicker, darker winter coat with noticeably larger ear-tufts (a prominent distinguishing feature of this species) between August and November. A lighter, redder overall coat colour, along with the ear-tufts (in adults) and smaller size, distinguish the Red Squirrel from the Grey Squirrel. The long tail helps the Red Squirrel to balance and steer when jumping from tree to tree and running along branches and it may also keep it warm during sleep. The Red Squirrel, like most tree squirrels, has sharp and curved claws to enable it to climb and descend broad tree trunks, thin branches and even house walls and its strong hind legs enable it to leap gaps between trees. The Red Squirrel can be found in the boreal coniferous woods in north Europe and Siberia where it prefers Scots Pine, Norway Spruce and Siberian Pine. In west and south Europe it can be found in broad-leaved woods where the mixture of tree and shrub species provides a better year round source of food. In most of the UK and in Italy, broad-leaved woodlands are now less suitable for it due to the better competitive feeding strategy of the introduced Grey Squirrel. The Red Squirrel makes a drey (nest) out of twigs in a branch-fork, forming a domed structure about 9 to 12 inches in diameter. This is lined with moss, leaves, grass and bark. Tree hollows and woodpecker holes are also used. The Red Squirrel is generally a solitary animal and is shy and reluctant to share food with others. However, outside the breeding season and particularly in winter, several Red Squirrels may share a drey to keep warm. Social organisation is based on dominance hierarchies within and between sexes. Although males are not necessarily dominant towards females, the dominant animals tend to be larger and older than subordinate animals and dominant males tend to have larger home ranges than subordinate males or females. Mating can occur in late winter during February and March and in summer between June and July. During mating, males detect females that are in oestrus by an odour that they produce and, although there is no courtship, the male will chase the female for up to an hour prior to mating. Usually multiple males will chase a single female until the dominant male, usually the largest in the group, mates with the female. Males and females will mate multiple times with many partners. Females must reach a minimum body mass before they enter oestrus and heavy females on average produce more young. If food is scarce breeding may be delayed. Typically a female will produce her first litter in her second year. Up to 2 litters a year per female are possible. Each litter averages 3 young and these are known as kits. Gestation is about 38 to 39 days and the young are looked after by the mother alone and are born helpless, blind and deaf. Their body is covered by hair at 21 days, their eyes and ears open after 3 to 4 weeks and they develop all their teeth by 42 days. Juveniles can eat solids around 40 days following birth and from that point they can leave the nest on their own to find food. However, they still suckle from their mother until weaning occurs at 8 to 10 weeks. The Red Squirrel eats mostly the seeds of trees, fungi, nuts (especially hazelnuts but also beech and chestnuts), berries and young shoots. More rarely, it may also eat bird eggs or nestlings and may occasionally exhibit opportunistic omnivory similar to other rodents. Excess food is put into caches, either buried or in nooks or holes in trees, and eaten when food is scarce. Although the Red Squirrel remembers where it created caches at a better than chance level, its spatial memory is believed to be substantially less accurate and durable than that of the Grey Squirrel. Therefore it will often have to search for them when in need and many caches are never found again. Between 60% and 80% of the active time of a Red Squirrel may be spent foraging and feeding. The active period is generally in the morning and in the late afternoon and evening. It often rests in its nest in the middle of the day to avoid the heat and the high visibility to birds of prey that are dangers during these hours. During the winter, this midday rest is often much more brief or absent entirely although harsh weather may cause it to stay in its nest for days at a time. No territories are claimed between Red Squirrels and the feeding areas of individuals overlap considerably. A Red Squirrel that survives its first winter has a life expectancy of 3 years. Individuals may reach 7 years of age and 10 years in captivity. Survival is positively related to the availability of autumn and winter tree seeds. On average, 75 to 85% of juveniles die during their first winter and mortality is approximately 50% for winters following the first. Predators include small mammals such as the Pine Marten, the Wildcat and the Stoat which all prey on juveniles. Birds, including owls and raptors such as the Goshawk and Common Buzzard, may also prey on the Red Squirrel as will the Red Fox and domestic cats and dogs when it is on the ground. Humans influence the population size and mortality of the Red Squirrel by destroying or altering habitats, by causing road casualties and by introducing non-native populations of the Grey Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel and the Red Squirrel are not directly antagonistic and violent conflict between these species is not a factor in the decline in Red Squirrel populations. However, the Grey Squirrel appears to contribute to the decrease in the Red Squirrel population for several reasons: it carries a disease, the squirrel parapoxvirus, that does not appear to affect its own health but will often kill the Red Squirrel, it can better digest acorns whilst the Red Squirrel cannot access the proteins and fats in acorns as easily and it can put the Red Squirrel under pressure for food resources resulting in it not breeding as often. In the UK, due to the above circumstances, the population has today fallen to 160,000 Red Squirrels or fewer with the majority of these in Scotland. Outside the UK and Ireland, the impact of competition from the Grey Squirrel has also been observed in Italy where 2 pairs escaped from captivity in 1948. A significant drop in the Red Squirrel population has been observed since 1970 and it is feared that the Grey Squirrel may expand into the rest of Europe. The Red Squirrel is protected in most of Europe although in some areas it is abundant and is hunted for its fur. In the UK there are several active projects to protect the Red Squirrel and its native woodland habitat, introduce or re-introduce it in to areas where it is absent and eradicate and prevent the spread of the Grey Squirrel. Research undertaken in 2007 in the UK credits the Pine Marten with reducing the population of the invasive Grey Squirrel. Where the range of the expanding Pine Marten population meets that of the Grey Squirrel, the population of the latter retreats. It is theorised that, because the Grey Squirrel spends more time on the ground than the Red Squirrel, it is far more likely to come in contact with the Pine Marten. Date: 22nd September 2016 Location: Mingarry Lodges, Mingarry, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080627.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_126321015763a459cd2e476.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 1st December 2022 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230670.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_74355394864916df4e6810.jpgBlack Grouse The Black Grouse is a large game bird in the grouse family. The male has all black plumage with distinctive red wattles over the eyes and striking white stripes along each wing in flight. It has a lyre-shaped tail which is fanned out and raised to show white under-tail feathers when displaying. The female is smaller and grey-brown in colour. The Black Grouse is a sedentary species and breeds across northern Eurasia in moorland and bog areas near to mostly boreal woodland. Although it is declining, it is not considered to be vulnerable globally due to the large population and slow rate of decline. Its decline is due to loss of habitat, disturbance, predation by foxes, crows, etc., and small populations gradually dying out. In the UK, the Black Grouse are found in upland areas of Wales, the Pennines and most of Scotland, especially on farmland and moorland with nearby forestry or scattered trees. Habitat loss and overgrazing have resulted in severe population declines which make the Black Grouse a Red List species. Positive habitat management and re-introduction programmes are helping it to increase in some areas. The Black Grouse has a very distinctive and well-recorded courtship. At dawn in the spring, the males strut around in a traditional area (lek) and display whilst making a highly distinctive and bubbling mating call. This photo was taken at a well known roadside lekking site. If visiting, please remain in your car to avoid disturbance to these vulnerable breeding birds. Date: 13th May 2023 Location: World's End, Denbighshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49276708.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_459149225649962bc8d562.jpgCommon Guillemots The Common Guillemot, also known as the Common Murre or Thin-billed Murre, is a large species of auk. The auks are a family of seabirds which includes the Brunnich's Guillemot or Thick-billed Murre, Razorbill, Little Auk and the extinct Great Auk. The Common Guillemot is 15 to 18 inches in length with a 24 to 29 inches wingspan. In breeding plumage, it is black or dark brown on the head, back and wings with white underparts. It has a thin dark pointed bill and a small rounded dark tail. Legs are grey and the bill is dark grey. Males and females are identical. Some individuals in the North Atlantic, known as "Bridled Guillemots", have a white ring around the eye extending back as a white line. This is not a distinct subspecies but a polymorphism that becomes more common the farther north the birds breed. The Common Guillemot flies with fast wing beats and has a flight speed of around 50 mph. Groups of birds are often seen flying together in a line just above the surface of the sea. However, it is not a very agile bird and take-off is often difficult. The Common Guillemot becomes flightless for 45 to 60 days while moulting its primary feathers. The Common Guillemot is a pursuit diver that forages for food by swimming underwater using its wings for propulsion. Dives usually last less than one minute but the bird swims underwater for distances of over 100 feet on a regular basis. Diving depths up to 590 feet have been recorded. The Common Guillemot has a circumpolar distribution and it occurs in low Arctic and boreal waters in the north Atlantic and north Pacific. It spends most of its time at sea and only comes to land to breed on rocky cliffs, sea stacks and islands. Some birds are permanent residents but northern birds migrate south to open waters off New England, southern California, Japan, Korea and the western Mediterranean. The Common Guillemot breeds in colonies at high densities and nesting pairs may be in bodily contact with their neighbours. No nest is made and the single egg is laid and incubated on a bare rock ledge on a cliff face. The egg hatches after 30 days incubation and the chick is born downy and can regulate its body temperature after 10 days. Some 20 days after hatching the chick jumps off its nesting ledge and heads for the sea unable to fly but gliding for some distance with fluttering wings and accompanied by its male parent. The chicks are capable of diving as soon as they hit the water. The female stays at the nest site for some 14 days after the chick has left. The Common Guillemot can venture far from its breeding grounds to forage and distances of 60 miles or more are often observed although if sufficient food is available closer by, birds will only travel much shorter distances. It mainly eats small schooling fish 8 inches long or less such as Polar Cod, Capelin, Sand Lances, Sprats, Sandeels, Atlantic Cod and Atlantic Herring. It also eats some molluscs, marine worms, squid and crustaceans. It is often seen carrying fish in its bill with the tail hanging out. Date: 7th June 2023 Location: Stack Rocks, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21958775.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_176687369553da4f4508f04.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Staple Island, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41225548.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19361154245ed9fec638ac6.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 15th May 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40399581.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1489443225dc6adfd5510a.jpgPine Marten The Pine Marten is a member of the mustelid family which also includes the Mink, the Otter, the Badger, the Stoat and the Weasel. It is the only mustelid with semi-retractable claws which enables it to lead a more arboreal lifestyle such as climbing or running in trees. The Pine Marten is about the size of a domestic cat and males are slightly larger than females. The fur is usually light to dark brown and grows longer and silkier during the winter months. It has a cream to yellow coloured "bib" marking on their throats and a long fluffy tail. The Pine Marten is usually found in deciduous and coniferous woodland with plenty of cover and it is mainly active at dusk and at night. It has small rounded, highly sensitive ears and sharp teeth adapted for eating small mammals, birds, insects, frogs and carrion although it also eats berries, nuts, fungi, birds' eggs and honey. Pine Marten dens are commonly found in hollow trees or the fallen root masses of Scots Pines, an association that probably earned them their name. Cairns and cliffs covered with scrub are frequently used as alternative den sites. Territories vary in size according to habitat and food availability. The Pine Marten is one of the rarest native mammals in the UK. Until the 19th century, it was found throughout much of mainland UK, the Isle of Wight and some of the Scottish islands although habitat fragmentation, persecution by gamekeepers and hunting for their fur drastically reduced this distribution. By the 1920s, the main Pine Marten population in the UK was restricted to a small area of north west Scotland. Until recently it remained only at all common in this region where some individuals have lost their fear of man and come to take food provided for them, particularly enjoying jam and peanut butter. A study in 2012 found that the Pine Marten has spread from its Scottish Highland stronghold, north into east Sutherland and Caithness and south east from the Great Glen into Moray, Aberdeenshire, Perthshire, Tayside and the Stirling area with some also occurring in the Central Belt and on the Kintyre and Cowal peninsulas. Expansion in south Scotland has been limited and despite reintroduction to the Glen Trool Forest there has only been a restricted spread from there. In England, the Pine Marten is extremely rare with scattered reports from Cumbria, Northumberland and mid Wales. In July 2015 the first confirmed sighting of a Pine Marten in England for over a century was recorded by an amateur photographer in woodland in Shropshire. In Wales, the Vincent Wildlife Trust is implementing a reintroduction project through translocations of Pine Martens from Scotland. The Pine Marten is still quite rare in Ireland but the population is recovering and spreading. The traditional strongholds are in the west and south, especially the Burren, but the population in the Midlands has significantly increased in recent years. A study published in 2015 showed that the Pine Marten was distributed across every county in Northern Ireland. Although they are preyed upon occasionally by Golden Eagles and Red Foxes, humans are the largest threat to the Pine Marten. It is vulnerable from conflict with humans, arising from predator control for other species and the use of inhabited buildings for denning. The Pine Marten is also affected by persecution (illegal poisoning and shooting) by gamekeepers and loss of habitat. This photo was taken in very low light and through a window and the Pine Marten was encouraged to visit every evening during a week long stay at Mingarry Lodges with a supply of jam, peanuts, suet pellets and grapes! Date: 1st October 2019 Location: Mingarry Lodges, Mingarry, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo44044539.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_237939414614f0f6ec6509.jpgRuff The Ruff is a medium-sized wading bird in the sandpiper family, Scolopacidae. The original English name for this bird, dating back to at least 1465, is the ree, perhaps derived from a dialectical term meaning "frenzied". A later name reeve, which is still used for the female, is of unknown origin but may be derived from the shire-reeve, a feudal officer, likening the male's flamboyant plumage to the official's robes. The current name was first recorded in 1634 and is derived from the ruff, an exaggerated collar fashionable from the mid-16th century to the mid-17th century, since the male bird's neck ornamental feathers resemble the neck wear. The Ruff has a distinctive appearance with a small head, medium-length bill, longish neck and pot-bellied body. It has long legs that are variable in colour but usually yellow or orange. In flight, it has a deeper, slower wing stroke than other waders of a similar size and it displays a thin, indistinct white bar on the wing and white ovals on the sides of the tail. The Ruff shows very distinctive sexual dimorphism. Although a small percentage of males resemble females, the typical male is much larger than the female and has an elaborate breeding plumage. The male is 11 to 13 inches in length with a 21 to 24 inches wingspan. During the May to June breeding season, the typical male's legs, bill and warty bare facial skin are orange and he has distinctive head tufts and a neck ruff. These ornaments vary on individual birds and are black, chestnut or white with the colouring solid, barred or irregular. The grey-brown back has a scale-like pattern, often with black or chestnut feathers, and the underparts are white with extensive black on the breast. The extreme variability of the main breeding plumage is thought to have developed to aid individual recognition in a species that has communal breeding displays but is usually mute. Outside the breeding season, the typical male's head and neck decorations and the bare facial skin are lost and the legs and bill become duller. The upperparts are grey-brown and the underparts are white with grey mottling on the breast and flanks. The female, or "reeve", is 9 to 10 inches in length with a 18 to 19 inches wingspan. In the breeding plumage, the female has grey-brown upperparts with white-fringed, dark-centred feathers. The breast and flanks are variably blotched with black. In winter, her plumage is similar to that of the male but the sexes are distinguishable on size. The plumage of the juvenile Ruff resembles the non-breeding adult but has upperparts with a neat, scale-like pattern with dark feather centres and a strong buff tinge to the underparts. The Ruff is a migratory species, breeding in wetlands in the colder regions of northern Eurasia and wintering in the tropics, mainly in Africa. There is a limited overlap of the summer and winter ranges in the UK and parts of coastal western Europe and birds may be present throughout the year. The Ruff breeds in Europe and Asia from Scandinavia and the UK almost to the Pacific. In Europe, it is found in cool temperate areas but over its Russian range it is an Arctic species and occurs mainly north of about 65°N. The largest numbers breed in Russia, Sweden, Finland and Norway. Although it also breeds from the UK east through the Low Countries to Poland, Germany and Denmark, the populations are much lower in these more southerly areas. The Ruff is highly gregarious on migration and it travels in large flocks that can contain hundreds or thousands of individuals. Huge dense groups form on the wintering grounds. The males, which play no part in nesting or chick care, leave the breeding grounds in late June or early July followed later in July by the females and juveniles. Males typically make shorter flights and winter further north than females. Many migratory species use this differential wintering strategy since it reduces feeding competition between the sexes and enables territorial males to reach the breeding grounds as early as possible thereby improving their chances of successful mating. Males may also be able to tolerate colder winter conditions because they are larger than females. The Ruff breeds in extensive lowland freshwater marshes and damp grasslands. It avoids barren tundra and areas badly affected by severe weather, preferring hummocky marshes and deltas with shallow water. The wetter areas provide a source of food, the mounds and slopes may be used for leks and dry areas with sedge or low scrub offer nesting sites. When it is not breeding, it can be found in a wider range of shallow wetlands. Dry grassland, tidal mudflats and the seashore are less frequently used. Male Ruffs display during the breeding season at a lek in a traditional open grassy arena. The Ruff is one of the few lekking species in which the display is primarily directed at other males rather than to the females and it is among a small percentage of birds in which the males have well-marked and inherited variations in plumage and mating behaviour. There are 3 male forms: the typical territorial males, satellite males which have a white neck ruff and a very rare variant with female-like plumage. The behaviour and appearance for an individual male remain constant through its adult life and are determined by its genes. The territorial males, about 84% of the total, have strongly coloured black or chestnut ruffs and stake out and occupy small mating territories in the lek. They actively court females and display a high degree of aggression towards other resident males. Between 5 and 20 territorial males each hold an area of the lek about 3 feet across and usually with bare soil in the centre. They perform an elaborate display that includes wing fluttering, jumping, standing upright, crouching with ruff erect or lunging at rivals. They are typically silent even when displaying. Territorial males are very site faithful and 90% return to the same lekking sites in subsequent seasons, the most dominant males being the most likely to reappear. Site faithful males can acquire accurate information about the competitive abilities of other males, leading to well-developed dominance relationships. Such stable relationships reduce conflict and the risk of injury and the consequent lower levels of male aggression are less likely to scare off females. Lower-ranked territorial males also benefit from site fidelity since they can remain on the leks while waiting for the top males eventually to drop out. Satellite males, about 16% of the total number, have white or mottled ruffs and do not occupy territories. Instead, they enter leks and attempt to mate with the females visiting the territories occupied by the resident territorial males. Resident territorial males tolerate the satellite birds because, although they are competitors for mating with the females, the presence of both types of male on a territory attracts additional females. A third type of male was first described in 2006. This is a permanent female mimic, the first such reported for a bird. About 1% of males are small, intermediate in size between males and females and do not grow the elaborate breeding plumage of the territorial and satellite males. This cryptic male obtains access to mating territories together with the females and "steals" matings when the females crouch to solicit copulation. It moults into the prenuptial male plumage with striped feathers but does not go on to develop the ornamental feathers of the normal male. Not all mating takes place at the lek since only a minority of the males attend an active lek. As alternative strategies, males can also directly pursue females or wait for them as they approach good feeding sites. The level of polyandry in the Ruff is the highest known for any avian lekking species and for any shorebird. More than half of females mate with and have clutches fertilised by more than one male. In lekking species, females can choose mates without risking the loss of support from males in nesting and rearing chicks since the males take no part in raising the brood anyway. The nest of the Ruff is a shallow ground scrape lined with grass leaves and stems and concealed in marsh plants or tall grass up to 450 yards from the lek. Nesting is solitary although several females may lay in the general vicinity of a lek. The female lays typically 4 eggs from mid-March to early June depending on latitude. Incubation is undertaken by the female alone and the time to hatching is 20 to 23 days with a further 25 to 28 days to fledging. The precocial chicks have buff and chestnut down, streaked and barred with black and frosted with white. They feed themselves on a variety of small invertebrates. The Ruff normally feeds using a steady walk and pecking action, selecting food items by sight, but it will also wade deeply and submerge its head. During the breeding season, the Ruff’s diet consists almost exclusively of the adults and larva of terrestrial and aquatic insects such as beetles and flies. On migration and during the winter, it eats insects, crustaceans, spiders, molluscs, worms, frogs, small fish and also the seeds of rice and other cereals, sedges, grasses and aquatic plants. The Ruff has a large range and a large population although there is some evidence of a decrease in the population in some regions and countries. However, the species as a whole is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List (i.e. declining more than 30 percent in 10 years or 3 generations). For these reasons, the Ruff is classified as "least concern". However, the range in much of Europe is contracting because of land drainage, increased fertiliser use, the loss of mown or grazed breeding sites and over-hunting. Therefore the Ruff is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 5th September 2021 Location: RSPB Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49798204.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_126607080964ecadabea012.jpgLulworth Skipper Description to follow .... Date: 3rd July 2023 Location: Durlston Country Park, Swanage, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405527.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_267275356586f46e788b7.jpgShort-eared Owl The Short-eared Owl is a species of the typical owl family Strigidae. Owls belonging to the genus Asio, such as the Short-eared Owl, are known as the eared owls since they have tufts of feathers resembling mammalian ears. These "ear" tufts may or may not be visible. The Short-eared Owl will display its tufts when in a defensive pose although its very short tufts are usually not visible. The Short-eared Owl is a medium-sized owl 13 to 17 inches in length with a 33 to 43 inches wingspan. Females are slightly larger than males. It has large yellow eyes with black encircling rings, a big head, a short neck and broad wings. The bill is short, strong, hooked and black. The plumage is mottled tawny to brown with a barred tail and wings. The upper breast is significantly streaked. The flight is characteristically floppy due to the irregular wingbeats and the Short-eared Owl is often described as "moth-like” or bat-like" in flight. Through much of its range, the Short-eared Owl occurs with the similar looking Long-eared Owl. At rest, the ear-tufts of the Long-eared Owl serve to easily distinguish the 2 species although the Long-eared Owl can sometimes hold its ear-tufts flat. The iris colour also differs: yellow in the Short-eared Owl and orange in the Long-eared Owl plus the black surrounding the eyes is vertical on the Long-eared Owl and horizontal on the Short-eared Owl. Overall, the Short-eared Owl tends to be a paler, sandier coloured bird than the Long-eared Owl. There are 10 recognized sub-species of the Short-eared Owl and its range covers all continents except Antarctica and Australia. It therefore has one of the most widespread distributions of any bird. It is partially migratory and moves south in winter from the northern parts of its range. The Short-eared Owl is also known to relocate to areas of higher rodent populations and it will also wander nomadically in search of better food supplies during years when vole populations are low. In the UK, the Short-eared Owl breeds primarily in north England and Scotland but it is seen more widely in winter when there is an influx of continental birds from Scandinavia, Russia and Iceland to north, east and parts of central south England, especially around coastal marshes and wetlands. The breeding season of the Short-eared Owl in the northern hemisphere lasts from March to June but peaks in April. During the breeding season, the male makes a great spectacle of itself in flight to attract a female. The male swoops down over the potential nest site flapping its wings in a courtship display. The Short-eared Owl is generally monogamous and nests on the ground in prairie, tundra, savanna or meadow habitats. The nest is concealed by low vegetation and may be lightly lined by weeds, grass or feathers. The female lays 4 to 7 eggs but clutch size can reach up to 12 eggs in years when voles are abundant. There is a single brood per year. The eggs are incubated mostly by the female for 21 to 37 days and the young fledge at a little over 4 weeks. The Short-eared Owl hunts mostly at night but it is known as a diurnal and crepuscular hunter as well. Its daylight hunting seems to coincide with the high activity periods of voles, its preferred prey. It tends to fly only a few feet above the ground in open fields and grasslands until swooping down upon its prey feet first. Several owls may hunt over the same open area. The diet of the Short-eared Owl consists mainly of rodents, especially voles, but it will eat other small mammals such as mice, ground squirrels, shrews, rats, bats, muskrats and moles. It will also occasionally predate smaller birds especially when near sea coasts and adjacent wetlands at which time they may attack waders, terns and small gulls and seabirds. Avian prey is more infrequently preyed on inland and includes small passerines. Insects also supplement the diet. Date: 25th November 2023 Location: RSPB Wallasea Island, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49797644.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_149891877564eca234d159f.jpgSilver-studded Blue Description to follow .... Date: 2nd July 2023 Location: Hartland Moor NNR, Purbeck Heaths NNR, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45948271.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13818857366284a2a438b24.jpgCarrion Crows The Carrion Crow is a passerine bird in the crow family Corvidae. The Hooded Crow was formerly regarded as a sub-species but it has now been split off as a separate species The plumage of the Carrion Crow is black with a green or purple sheen. The bill, legs and feet are also black. It can be distinguished from the Raven by its smaller size (19 to 20 inches in length as compared to an average of 25 inches for the Raven) and from the Hooded Crow by its all black plumage. There is frequent confusion between the Carrion Crow and the Rook, another black corvid species found within its range. The beak of the Carrion Crow is stouter and in consequence it looks shorter and whereas in the adult Rook the nostrils are bare, those of the Carrion Crow are covered at all ages with bristle-like feathers. As well as this, the wings of a Carrion Crow are proportionally shorter and broader than those of the Rook when seen in flight. Unlike the Rook which is generally gregarious, the Carrion Crow is usually solitary or seen in breeding pairs. The Carrion Crow is a noisy bird, perching on a vantage point such as a building or the top of a tree and calling 3 or 4 times in quick succession with a slight pause between each series of calls. During each series of calls, the bird may perform an accompanying gesture, bowing its head and neck downwards with each call. The Carrion Crow can become tame near humans and can often be found in or around areas of human activity or habitation where they compete with other social birds such as gulls and ducks for food. The Carrion Crow breeds in west and central Europe with an allied form or race occurring in east Asia with the closely allied Hooded Crow filling the gap between. Fertile hybrids occur along the boundary between these 2 forms indicating their close genetic relationship. Across its range, it can be seen all year round in a wide range of habitats such as urban areas, farmland, woodlands, mountains, moorlands and seashores. The Carrion Crow reaches sexual maturity around the age of 3 years for females and 5 years for males and birds often mate for life. The Carrion Crow builds a bulky stick nest which is usually placed in a tall tree although cliff ledges, old buildings and pylons may be used as well. Nests are also occasionally placed on or near the ground. The nest resembles that of the Raven but is less bulky. The female lays 3 to 4 eggs which are incubated for 18 to 20 days by the female alone who is fed by the male. The young fledge after 29 to 30 days. It is not uncommon for offspring from the previous year to stay around and help rear the new hatchlings. Instead of seeking out a mate, these birds look for food and assist the parents in feeding the young. Although an eater of carrion of all kinds, the Carrion Crow will eat insects, earthworms, grain, fruits, seeds, small mammals, amphibians and scraps and it will also steal eggs of other birds. It is a scavenger by nature which is why it tends to frequent sites inhabited by humans in order to feed on household waste. The Carrion Crow will also harass birds of prey or even Foxes for their kills. The Carrion Crow has few natural predators although powerful raptors such as the Northern Goshawk, the Peregrine, the Eurasian Eagle Owl and the Golden Eagle will readily hunt them and they can become an important prey item locally. Date: 3rd April 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42633062.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_28755236560aa6d6967a0e.jpgRed Fox cub The Red Fox is a member of the Canidae family and is a part of the order Carnivora within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 29th April 2021 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45948489.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8805280056284b1ac59246.jpgNightingale The Nightingale is a small passerine bird best known for its powerful and beautiful song. Slightly larger than the Robin, it is plain brown above except for the reddish tail and buff to white below. The sexes are similar. The Nightingale is a migratory insectivorous bird breeding in forest and scrub in Europe and south west Asia and wintering in west Africa. The distribution is more southerly than the very closely related Thrush Nightingale. In the UK the bird is at the northern limit of its range which has contracted in recent years placing it on the Amber List for conservation. Despite local efforts to safeguard its favoured coppice and scrub habitat, numbers fell by 53% between 1995 and 2008. A survey conducted by the British Trust for Ornithology in 2012 and 2013 recorded some 3,300 territories with most of these clustered in a few counties in the south east of England, notably Kent, Essex, Suffolk and East and West Sussex. By contrast, the European breeding population is estimated at between 3.2 and 7 million pairs, giving it green conservation status (least concern). The song of the Nightingale has been described as one of the most beautiful sounds in nature, inspiring songs, fairy tales, opera, books and a great deal of poetry. The Nightingales is so named because it frequently sings at night as well as during the day. The name has been used for more than 1,000 years, being highly recognisable even in its Old English form nihtgale which means "night songstress". Early writers assumed the female sang when it is in fact the male. The song is loud with an impressive range of whistles, trills and gurgles. Its song is particularly noticeable at night because few other birds are singing. This is why its name includes "night" in several languages. Only unpaired males sing regularly at night and nocturnal song is likely to serve to attract a mate. Singing at dawn, during the hour before sunrise, is assumed to be important in defending the bird's territory. Nightingales sing even more loudly in urban or near-urban environments in order to overcome the background noise. Date: 19th April 2022 Location: Danbury Common, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12744834.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9880430164e706dc72a31a.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 7th December 2007 Location: Donna Nook, Lincolnshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49797847.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_39085011164eca76042ebd.jpgSmall Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Small Skipper has a rusty orange colour to the wings, upper body and the tips of the antennae. The body is silvery white below and it has a wingspan of 25 to 30 mm. It is very similar in appearance to the Essex Skipper but the undersides of the tips of the antennae are yellow orange in the Small Skipper whereas they are black in the Essex Skipper. The Small Skipper is a common and widespread butterfly in most parts of England and has been expanding its range northwards. It can be found in rough grassland, roadside verges, edges of fields and woodland clearings where it is often seen basking on vegetation or making short buzzing flights among tall grass stems. Date: 3rd July 2023 Location: Broadcroft Quarry, Isle of Portland, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43082685.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5107754560dd84b74baa1.jpgEdible Frog The Edible Frog is a species of frog found across Europe that is also known as the Common Water Frog and the Green Frog. The Edible Frog is one of the few animals in the world that is a fertile hybrid of 2 different species, as although similar but genetically different species are known to mate, it is very rare that their offspring will be able to breed. The Edible Frog is a fertile hybrid of 2 other European frogs, namely the Pool Frog and the Marsh Frog, that inter-bred when populations where isolated close to one another during the Ice Age. It was first described in 1758 and is known as the Edible Frog due to the fact that it is now seen as a culinary delicacy across Europe but especially in France where frog’s legs are often served as a national dish. The reason for humans favouring this frog over others is not really known but it may have something to do with their abundance. The Edible Frog is a medium sized frog growing to around 3.5 to 4.5 inches in length. Adults are mainly green in colour with light patches of brown on their backs, yellow eyes and a white underside covered in a few dark spots. There are number of distinct differences between males and females including the fact that males become much lighter and greener during the mating season. Males also have vocal sacs on the outside of their cheeks and extra skin patches on their feet, both of which are primarily used for mating. The Edible Frog is endemic to Europe and it naturally occurs across central Europe as far north as Germany and Estonia. Southern populations are found from Croatia, through northern Italy and into the south of France. There are also isolated populations in Sweden and Bulgaria which are thought to have migrated from the countries nearby. It has also been introduced to the UK. The Edible Frog spends all of its time either in or very close to water and it is most commonly found in calmer parts of rivers and streams where there is a slow but constant flow of fresh water. It tends to prefer more open areas and can also be commonly found around lakes, ponds and marshes. Unlike many other species of frog, the Edible Frog is a diurnal animal and is therefore most active during the day. This is when it is most likely to move away from the water so that it can find a better supply of food or move to a different part of the water if it needs to. The Edible Frog is a relatively solitary animal so there is less competition for food but males are often seen sitting together in groups during the breeding season when they are trying to out-compete each other to find a mate. The breeding season for the Edible Frog begins during March and generally lasts for around 2 months. Males sing by drawing air in and out of their vocal sacs to produce the highest-pitched sound possible since females are most attracted to the loudest males. After courting her in a lake, pond or swamp, the male lets the female lay up to 10,000 eggs in a sticky mass into the water before he fertilises them. Tadpoles can be as small as 0.2 inches long when they hatch and are a grey/brown colour. They then grow up to 2 to 3 inches in length before metamorphoses occurs and they leave the water as 0.75 inches long young frogs. The Edible Frog reaches sexual maturity at the age of 2 years and can live until it is 15 years old. The Edible Frog is a carnivorous amphibian but the tadpoles mainly eat vegetation although they are known to occasionally supplement their diet with aquatic micro-organisms. Adults eat small invertebrates such as insects, spiders and flies, which make up the majority of their diet, along with larger aquatic animals like fish, newts and other frogs. The Edible Frog hunts for food during the day and can be seen catching food both in water and on land. The Edible Frog remains very still when it is sitting on the banks of its water habitat and this, along with its camouflage, makes it very difficult for predators to spot. Its eyes are positioned near the top of the head meaning that it can also see danger coming whilst the body is mainly hidden. Snakes, owls and water birds are the main predators of the Edible Frog. The Edible Frog will jump into the water and hide if it senses approaching danger and it will make a loud screeching sound if caught. Edible Frog populations are under threat from habitat destruction mainly caused by deforestation and water pollution. Date: 2nd June 2021 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801137.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_92218205864edad0331be5.jpgGreylag Geese The Greylag Goose is the ancestor of most domestic geese but is also the largest and bulkiest of the wild geese native to the UK and Europe. In many parts of the UK it has been re-established by releasing birds in suitable areas but the resulting flocks found around gravel pits, lakes and reservoirs all year round in southern Britain tend to be semi-tame. The native birds and wintering flocks found on lochs in northern Scotland and on some Scottish islands retain the special appeal of truly wild geese. Date: 17th July 2023 Location: RSPB Frampton Marsh, near Boston, Lincolnshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo44044931.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1463984254614f10d992323.jpgRuff The Ruff is a medium-sized wading bird in the sandpiper family, Scolopacidae. The original English name for this bird, dating back to at least 1465, is the ree, perhaps derived from a dialectical term meaning "frenzied". A later name reeve, which is still used for the female, is of unknown origin but may be derived from the shire-reeve, a feudal officer, likening the male's flamboyant plumage to the official's robes. The current name was first recorded in 1634 and is derived from the ruff, an exaggerated collar fashionable from the mid-16th century to the mid-17th century, since the male bird's neck ornamental feathers resemble the neck wear. The Ruff has a distinctive appearance with a small head, medium-length bill, longish neck and pot-bellied body. It has long legs that are variable in colour but usually yellow or orange. In flight, it has a deeper, slower wing stroke than other waders of a similar size and it displays a thin, indistinct white bar on the wing and white ovals on the sides of the tail. The Ruff shows very distinctive sexual dimorphism. Although a small percentage of males resemble females, the typical male is much larger than the female and has an elaborate breeding plumage. The male is 11 to 13 inches in length with a 21 to 24 inches wingspan. During the May to June breeding season, the typical male's legs, bill and warty bare facial skin are orange and he has distinctive head tufts and a neck ruff. These ornaments vary on individual birds and are black, chestnut or white with the colouring solid, barred or irregular. The grey-brown back has a scale-like pattern, often with black or chestnut feathers, and the underparts are white with extensive black on the breast. The extreme variability of the main breeding plumage is thought to have developed to aid individual recognition in a species that has communal breeding displays but is usually mute. Outside the breeding season, the typical male's head and neck decorations and the bare facial skin are lost and the legs and bill become duller. The upperparts are grey-brown and the underparts are white with grey mottling on the breast and flanks. The female, or "reeve", is 9 to 10 inches in length with a 18 to 19 inches wingspan. In the breeding plumage, the female has grey-brown upperparts with white-fringed, dark-centred feathers. The breast and flanks are variably blotched with black. In winter, her plumage is similar to that of the male but the sexes are distinguishable on size. The plumage of the juvenile Ruff resembles the non-breeding adult but has upperparts with a neat, scale-like pattern with dark feather centres and a strong buff tinge to the underparts. The Ruff is a migratory species, breeding in wetlands in the colder regions of northern Eurasia and wintering in the tropics, mainly in Africa. There is a limited overlap of the summer and winter ranges in the UK and parts of coastal western Europe and birds may be present throughout the year. The Ruff breeds in Europe and Asia from Scandinavia and the UK almost to the Pacific. In Europe, it is found in cool temperate areas but over its Russian range it is an Arctic species and occurs mainly north of about 65°N. The largest numbers breed in Russia, Sweden, Finland and Norway. Although it also breeds from the UK east through the Low Countries to Poland, Germany and Denmark, the populations are much lower in these more southerly areas. The Ruff is highly gregarious on migration and it travels in large flocks that can contain hundreds or thousands of individuals. Huge dense groups form on the wintering grounds. The males, which play no part in nesting or chick care, leave the breeding grounds in late June or early July followed later in July by the females and juveniles. Males typically make shorter flights and winter further north than females. Many migratory species use this differential wintering strategy since it reduces feeding competition between the sexes and enables territorial males to reach the breeding grounds as early as possible thereby improving their chances of successful mating. Males may also be able to tolerate colder winter conditions because they are larger than females. The Ruff breeds in extensive lowland freshwater marshes and damp grasslands. It avoids barren tundra and areas badly affected by severe weather, preferring hummocky marshes and deltas with shallow water. The wetter areas provide a source of food, the mounds and slopes may be used for leks and dry areas with sedge or low scrub offer nesting sites. When it is not breeding, it can be found in a wider range of shallow wetlands. Dry grassland, tidal mudflats and the seashore are less frequently used. Male Ruffs display during the breeding season at a lek in a traditional open grassy arena. The Ruff is one of the few lekking species in which the display is primarily directed at other males rather than to the females and it is among a small percentage of birds in which the males have well-marked and inherited variations in plumage and mating behaviour. There are 3 male forms: the typical territorial males, satellite males which have a white neck ruff and a very rare variant with female-like plumage. The behaviour and appearance for an individual male remain constant through its adult life and are determined by its genes. The territorial males, about 84% of the total, have strongly coloured black or chestnut ruffs and stake out and occupy small mating territories in the lek. They actively court females and display a high degree of aggression towards other resident males. Between 5 and 20 territorial males each hold an area of the lek about 3 feet across and usually with bare soil in the centre. They perform an elaborate display that includes wing fluttering, jumping, standing upright, crouching with ruff erect or lunging at rivals. They are typically silent even when displaying. Territorial males are very site faithful and 90% return to the same lekking sites in subsequent seasons, the most dominant males being the most likely to reappear. Site faithful males can acquire accurate information about the competitive abilities of other males, leading to well-developed dominance relationships. Such stable relationships reduce conflict and the risk of injury and the consequent lower levels of male aggression are less likely to scare off females. Lower-ranked territorial males also benefit from site fidelity since they can remain on the leks while waiting for the top males eventually to drop out. Satellite males, about 16% of the total number, have white or mottled ruffs and do not occupy territories. Instead, they enter leks and attempt to mate with the females visiting the territories occupied by the resident territorial males. Resident territorial males tolerate the satellite birds because, although they are competitors for mating with the females, the presence of both types of male on a territory attracts additional females. A third type of male was first described in 2006. This is a permanent female mimic, the first such reported for a bird. About 1% of males are small, intermediate in size between males and females and do not grow the elaborate breeding plumage of the territorial and satellite males. This cryptic male obtains access to mating territories together with the females and "steals" matings when the females crouch to solicit copulation. It moults into the prenuptial male plumage with striped feathers but does not go on to develop the ornamental feathers of the normal male. Not all mating takes place at the lek since only a minority of the males attend an active lek. As alternative strategies, males can also directly pursue females or wait for them as they approach good feeding sites. The level of polyandry in the Ruff is the highest known for any avian lekking species and for any shorebird. More than half of females mate with and have clutches fertilised by more than one male. In lekking species, females can choose mates without risking the loss of support from males in nesting and rearing chicks since the males take no part in raising the brood anyway. The nest of the Ruff is a shallow ground scrape lined with grass leaves and stems and concealed in marsh plants or tall grass up to 450 yards from the lek. Nesting is solitary although several females may lay in the general vicinity of a lek. The female lays typically 4 eggs from mid-March to early June depending on latitude. Incubation is undertaken by the female alone and the time to hatching is 20 to 23 days with a further 25 to 28 days to fledging. The precocial chicks have buff and chestnut down, streaked and barred with black and frosted with white. They feed themselves on a variety of small invertebrates. The Ruff normally feeds using a steady walk and pecking action, selecting food items by sight, but it will also wade deeply and submerge its head. During the breeding season, the Ruff’s diet consists almost exclusively of the adults and larva of terrestrial and aquatic insects such as beetles and flies. On migration and during the winter, it eats insects, crustaceans, spiders, molluscs, worms, frogs, small fish and also the seeds of rice and other cereals, sedges, grasses and aquatic plants. The Ruff has a large range and a large population although there is some evidence of a decrease in the population in some regions and countries. However, the species as a whole is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List (i.e. declining more than 30 percent in 10 years or 3 generations). For these reasons, the Ruff is classified as "least concern". However, the range in much of Europe is contracting because of land drainage, increased fertiliser use, the loss of mown or grazed breeding sites and over-hunting. Therefore the Ruff is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 6th September 2021 Location: RSPB Blacktoft Sands, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19507335.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_127708798852528a0159c6d.jpgOjen valley, Andalucia, Spain The Ojen valley is located in the Los Alcornocales Natural Park in the province of Cádiz in Andalucia. The minor road between Facinas in the west and Los Barrios in the east is an attractive route and halfway along is the Mirador Puerto de Ojén with superb views. The road winds through cork forests and past verdant river woodland in the bottom of the valley itself. Date: 11th September 2013 Location: minor road between Facinas and Los Barrios, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42626691.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6761529660a9242a1959c.jpgGoldfinch The European Goldfinch or simply the Goldfinch is a small passerine bird in the finch family. The Goldfinch is 4.7 to 5.1 inches in length with a wingspan of 8.3 to 9.8 inches. The sexes are broadly similar, with a red face, black and white head, warm brown upper parts, white underparts with buff flanks and breast patches and black and yellow wings. On closer inspection, males can often be distinguished by a larger, darker red mask that extends just behind the eye. The shoulder feathers are black, whereas they are brown on the female. In females, the red face does not extend past the eye. The ivory-coloured bill is long and pointed and the tail is forked. Juveniles have a plain head and a greyer back but are unmistakable due to the yellow wing stripe. The Goldfinch is native to Europe, north Africa and west and central Asia. It is found in open, partially wooded lowlands and it is a resident in the milder west of its range but migrates from colder regions. It will also make local movements, even in the west, to escape bad weather. It has been introduced to many areas of the world. In the UK, the Goldfinch can be seen anywhere there are scattered bushes and trees, rough ground with thistles and other seeding plants, including orchards, parks, gardens, heathland and commons. It is less common in upland areas and most numerous in the south of England. The nest is built entirely by the female Goldfinch and is generally completed within a week. It is neat and compact and constructed of mosses and lichens and lined with plant down such as that from thistles. It is generally located several feet above the ground, hidden by leaves in the twigs at the end of a branch. The female typically lays 4 to 6 eggs which are incubated for 11 to 13 days. The chicks are fed by both parents. Initially they receive a mixture of seeds and insects but as they grow the proportion of insect material decreases. For the first 7 to 9 days the young are brooded by the female. The nestlings fledge 13 to 18 days after hatching. The young birds are fed by both parents for a further 7 to 9 days. The parents typically raise 2 broods each year and occasionally 3. The Goldfinch's preferred food is small seeds such as those from thistles and teasels but insects are also taken when feeding young. It also regularly visits bird feeders in winter. The Goldfinch is commonly kept and bred in captivity around the world because of its distinctive appearance and pleasant song. In the UK during the 19th century, many thousands of Goldfinches were trapped each year to be sold as cage birds. One of the earliest campaigns of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was directed against this trade. Date: 14th April 2021 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42524851.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2666682276098f5d0cb948.jpgCanada Goose The Canada Goose belongs to the Branta genus of geese which contains species with largely black plumage distinguishing it from the grey species of the genus Anser. The black head and neck with a white "chinstrap" distinguish the Canada Goose from all other goose species with the exception of the Cackling Goose from north America and the Barnacle Goose which has a black breast and grey rather than brownish body plumage. The 7 sub-species of the Canada Goose vary widely in size and plumage details but all are recognizable as Canada Geese. Of the "true geese" (i.e. the genera Anser, Branta or Chen), the Canada Goose is on average the largest living species. It ranges from 30 to 43 inches in length and with a 50 to 73 inches wingspan. The male usually weighs 5.7 to 14.3 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 8.6 pounds. The female looks virtually identical but is slightly lighter at 5.3 to 12.1 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 7.9 pounds. It is also generally 10% smaller in linear dimensions than the male. The Canada Goose is native to north America where it breeds in Canada and the north USA in a wide range of habitats. The Great Lakes region maintains a very large population. It occurs all year round in the southern part of its breeding range, including most of the eastern seaboard and the Pacific coast. Between California and South Carolina in the south USA and north Mexico, it is primarily present as a migrant from further north during the winter. Outside north America, the Canada Goose has reached north Europe naturally as has been proved by ringing recoveries. It has also been introduced in to Europe and had established populations in the UK in the middle of the 18th century, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany and Scandinavia. Most European populations are not migratory but those in more northerly parts of Sweden and Finland migrate to the North Sea and Baltic coasts. Semi-tame feral birds are common in parks and have become a pest in some areas. In the early 17th century, explorer Samuel de Champlain sent several pairs of Canada Geese to France as a present for King Louis XIII. Canada Geese were first introduced in to the UK in the late 17th century as an addition to King James II's waterfowl collection in St. James's Park. They were also introduced in to Germany and Scandinavia during the 20th century. During the second year of its life, the Canada Goose finds a mate. It is a monogamous species and most couples stay together all of their lives. If one dies, the other may find a new mate. The female lays from 2 to 9 eggs with an average of 5. Both parents protect the nest while the eggs incubate but the female spends more time at the nest than the male. The nest is usually located in an elevated area near water such as streams, lakes and ponds and the eggs are laid in a shallow depression lined with plant material and down. The incubation period, in which the female incubates the eggs while the male remains nearby, lasts for 24 to 28 days after laying. As soon as the goslings hatch, they are immediately capable of walking, swimming and finding their own food (a diet similar to the adults). Parents are often seen leading their goslings in a line, usually with one adult at the front and the other at the back. While protecting their goslings, parents often violently chase away anything from small birds to lone humans who approach, after warning them by giving off a hissing sound and then attacking with bites and slaps of the wings if the threat does not retreat. Although parents are hostile to unfamiliar geese, they may form groups (crèches) of a number of goslings and a few adults. The goslings enter the fledgling stage any time from 6 to 9 weeks of age. Once it reaches adulthood, due to its large size and often aggressive behaviour, the Canada Goose is rarely preyed on although prior injury may make it more vulnerable to natural predators. The lifespan in the wild of birds that survive to adulthood ranges from 10 to 24 years. The UK longevity record is held by a specimen tagged as a nestling which was observed alive at the age of 31. The Canada Goose is primarily a herbivore although it will sometimes eat small insects and fish. Their diet includes grasses, aquatic plants, beans and grains such as wheat, rice, and corn when they are available. In urban areas, it is also known to pick food out of rubbish bins and it will readily take a variety of food from humans in parks. Date: 27th March 2021 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42202627.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15348117505ff3101982cae.jpgBrown Bear The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, Ursus arctos arctos. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an evening visit with [url=https://www.karhujenkatselu.fi/en-gb]Karhu-Kuusamo[/url] Date: 7th July 2019 Location: Kuntilampi, near Kuusamo, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49002245.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16748552366468eab94a8a2.jpgChiffchaff The (Common) Chiffchaff is a common and widespread leaf warbler which is named onomatopoeically for its simple and repetitive chiff-chaff song. The British naturalist Gilbert White was one of the first people to separate the similar looking Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler and Wood Warbler by their songs, as detailed in 1789 in “The Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne. The Chiffchaff is a small, dumpy, 4 inch long leaf warbler. The spring adult has brown-washed dull green upperparts, off-white underparts becoming yellowish on the flanks and a short whitish supercilium. It has dark legs, a fine dark bill and short primary projection (extension of the flight feathers beyond the folded wing). As the plumage wears, it gets duller and browner and the yellow on the flanks tends to be lost and after the breeding season there is a prolonged complete moult before migration. After moulting, both the adult and the juvenile have brighter and greener upperparts and a paler supercilium. When not singing, the Chiffchaff can be difficult to distinguish from other leaf warblers with greenish upperparts and whitish underparts, particularly the Willow Warbler. However, that species has a longer primary projection, a sleeker, brighter appearance and generally pale legs. The Chiffchaff breeds across Europe and Asia east to eastern Siberia and north to about 70°N, with isolated populations in north west Africa, north and west Turkey and north west Iran. It is a migratory species but one of the first passerine birds to return to its breeding areas in the spring and amongst the last to leave in late autumn. When breeding, the Chiffchaff is a bird of open woodlands with some taller trees and ground cover for nesting purposes. In winter, the Chiffchaff uses a wider range of habitats and is not so dependent on trees and is often found near water. There is an increasing tendency to winter in western Europe well north of the traditional areas, especially in coastal south England and the mild urban microclimate of London. The male Chiffchaff returns to its breeding territory 2 or 3 weeks before the female and immediately starts singing to establish ownership and attract a female. When a female is located, the male will use a slow butterfly-like flight as part of the courtship ritual but, once a pair-bond has been established, other females will be driven from the territory. The male has little involvement in the nesting process other than defending the territory. The female's nest is built on or near the ground in a concealed site in brambles, nettles or other dense low vegetation. The domed nest has a side entrance and is constructed from coarse plant material such as dead leaves and grass with finer material used on the interior before the addition of a lining of feathers. The clutch is 2 to 7 (normally 5 or 6) cream-coloured eggs which are incubated by the female for 13 to 14 days before hatching as naked, blind chicks. The female broods and feeds the chicks for another 14 to 15 days until they fledge. The male rarely participates in feeding although this sometimes occurs, especially when bad weather limits insect supplies or if the female disappears. After fledging, the young stay in the vicinity of the nest for 3 to 4 weeks where they are fed by and roost with the female. In the north of the range there is only time to raise one brood due to the short summer but a second brood is common in central and southern areas. Like most leaf warblers, the Chiffchaff is insectivorous and moves restlessly though foliage or briefly hovering. It has been recorded as taking insects, mainly flies, from more than 50 families, along with other small and medium-sized invertebrates. It will also take the eggs and larvae of butterflies and moths. The Chiffchaff has been estimated to require about one third of its weight in insects daily and it feeds almost continuously in the autumn to put on extra fat as fuel for its long migration flight. As with most small birds, mortality in the first year of life is high but adults aged 3 to 4 years are regularly recorded and the record is more than 7 years. Eggs, chicks and fledglings are taken by Stoats, Weasels and crows such as the Magpie and adults are hunted by birds of prey, particularly the Sparrowhawk. The Chiffchaff is also susceptible to poor weather, particularly when migrating, but also on the breeding and wintering grounds. The main effect of humans on the Chiffchaff is indirect through woodland clearance which affects the habitat, predation by cats and collisions with windows, buildings and cars. Date: 12th April 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493298.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5366735375f326fa41805d.jpgHerring Gull The (European) Herring Gull is a species of large gull. It is 22 to 26 inches in length with a wingspan of 49 to 61 inches. The male is slightly larger than the female. The adult Herring Gull in breeding plumage has a grey back and upper wings and white head and underparts. The wingtips are black with white spots known as "mirrors". The bill is yellow with a red spot and a ring of bare yellow skin is seen around the pale eye. The legs are normally pink at all ages but can be yellowish. Male and female plumage are identical at all stages of development. Non-breeding adults have brown streaks on their heads and necks. Juvenile and first-winter birds are mainly brown with darker streaks and have a dark bill and eyes. Second-winter birds have a whiter head and underparts with less streaking and the back is grey. Third-winter individuals are similar to adults but retain some of the features of immature birds such as brown feathers in the wings and dark markings on the bill. The Herring Gull attains adult plumage and reaches sexual maturity at an average age of 4 years. The adult Herring Gull is similar to the Ring-billed Gull but it is much larger, has pinkish legs and a much thicker yellow bill with more pronounced gonys. First-winter birds are much browner but second-winter and third-winter birds can be confusing since soft part colours are variable and third-winter birds often show a ring around the bill. Such birds are most easily distinguished by the larger size and larger bill of Herring Gull. The Herring Gull can be differentiated from the closely related and slightly smaller Lesser Black-backed Gull by the latter's dark grey (not actually black) back and upper wing plumage and its yellow legs and feet. The loud, laughing call of the Herring Gull is well known in Europe and it is often seen as a symbol of the seaside in countries such as the UK. It also has a yelping alarm call and a low, barking anxiety call. The most distinct and best known call produced by the Herring Gull is the raucous territorial “long call” used to signal boundaries to other birds. It is performed initially with the head bowed and then raised as the call continues. Chicks and fledglings emit a distinctive, repetitive, high-pitched “peep” accompanied by a head-flicking gesture when begging for food from or calling to their parents. Adults in urban areas also exhibit this behaviour when fed by humans. Herring Gull flocks have a loose pecking order based on size, aggressiveness and physical strength. Adult males are usually dominant over females and juveniles in feeding and boundary disputes whilst adult females are typically dominant when selecting their nesting sites. Communication between birds is complex and highly developed, employing both calls and body language. The Herring Gull is one of the best-known of all gulls and it breeds across north Europe, west Europe, central Europe, east Europe, Scandinavia and the Baltic states. Some birds, especially those breeding in colder areas, migrate further south in winter but many are permanent residents, e.g. in the UK or on the North Sea coast. The Herring Gull is almost exclusively sexually monogamous and may pair up for life provided the couple is successful in breeding. The female lays 2 to 4 eggs, but usually 3, on the ground or cliff ledges in colonies and the nest is defended vigorously. The eggs are incubated by both parents for 28 to 30 days. The chicks hatch with their eyes open, covered with fluffy down and they are able to walk around within hours. Juveniles use their beaks to peck at the red spot on the beaks of adults to indicate hunger and then the parents typically disgorge food. The young birds are able to fly 35 to 40 days after hatching and fledge at 5 or 6 weeks of age. Chicks are generally fed by their parents until they are 11 to 12 weeks old but feeding may continue for more than 6 months of age if the young gulls continue to beg. The Herring Gull has a varied diet, including fish (although despite their name, they have no special preference for herrings), crustaceans and dead animals. Vegetable matter such as roots, tubers, seeds, grains, nuts and fruit, is also taken. It is an opportunistic omnivore like most gulls and it will scavenge from rubbish dumps, landfill sites and sewage outflows with refuse comprising up to half of its diet. It will also take the eggs and young of other birds (including those of other gulls), steal food from other birds as well as seek suitable small prey in fields, on the coast or in urban areas. The Herring Gull may also dive from the surface of the water or engage in plunge diving in the pursuit of aquatic prey although they are typically unable to reach depths greater than 3 to 6 feet due to their natural buoyancy. It can frequently be seen dropping shelled prey from a height to break the shell and it has also been observed using pieces of bread as bait. It may also be observed rhythmically drumming its feet upon the ground for prolonged periods of time for the purpose of creating vibrations in the soil and driving earthworms to the surface which are then consumed. In the UK, the Herring Gull is declining significantly across the country despite an increase in urban areas. The UK population has decreased by 50% in 25 years and it is protected by law. Since January 2010, Natural England has allowed lethal control only with a specific individual licence that is available only in limited circumstances. Natural England made the change following a public consultation in response to the RSPB placing the Herring Gull on its “Red List” of threatened bird species in 2009, affording it the highest possible conservation status. Previously, killing the Herring Gull was allowed under a general licence obtainable by authorised persons (e.g. landowners or occupiers) under certain circumstances (e.g. to prevent serious damage to crops or livestock, to prevent disease or to preserve public health or safety) without requiring additional permission beyond the general licence. The Herring Gull is an increasingly common rooftop nesting bird in urban areas of the UK and many individual birds show little fear of humans. The Clean Air Act 1956 banned the burning of refuse at landfill sites and this provided the Herring Gull with a regular and plentiful source of food. As a direct result, the urban population in the UK increased. Faced with a lack of space at their traditional coastal colonies, the Herring Gull ventured inland in search of new breeding areas. Decreasing fish stocks in the seas around the UK may also have been a significant factor in the move inland. The Herring Gull is now found all year round in the streets and gardens of the UK due to the presence of street lighting (which allows foraging at night), discarded food in streets, food waste contained in easy to tear plastic bin bags, food intentionally left out for other birds, the relative lack of predators and readily available, convenient, warm and undisturbed rooftop nesting space in towns and cities. The survival rate for urban Herring Gulls is much higher than their counterparts in coastal areas, with an annual adult mortality rate of less than 5%. Also, each pair commonly rears 3 chicks per year. This, when combined with their long-lived nature, has resulted in a massive increase in numbers over a relatively short period of time and has brought urban Herring Gulls into conflict with humans. A range of non-lethal attempts to deter them from nesting in urban areas have been largely unsuccessful. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623262.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7584517246117d9cc5c3db.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623348.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14846045156117dc15ab312.jpgJackdaw The Western Jackdaw, also known as the Eurasian Jackdaw, European Jackdaw or simply Jackdaw, is a passerine bird in the crow family. Measuring 13 to 15 inches in length, the Jackdaw is the second smallest member of the crow family. Most of the plumage is a shiny black with a purple or blue sheen on the crown, forehead and secondaries and a green-blue sheen on the throat, primaries and tail. The cheeks, nape and neck are light grey to greyish-silver and the underparts are slate-grey. The legs are black as is the short stout bill. The irises of adults are greyish or silvery white while those of juveniles are light blue, becoming brownish before whitening at around one year of age. The sexes look alike although the head and neck plumage of male birds fades more with age and wear, particularly just before moulting. Immature birds have duller and less demarcated plumage. The head is a sooty black, sometimes with a faint greenish sheen and brown feather bases visible, the back and side of the neck are dark grey and the underparts greyish or sooty black. The tail has narrower feathers and a greenish sheen. There are 4 recognised geographical subspecies of the Jackdaw, each with slight plumage variations. Within its range, the Jackdaw is generally unmistakable and its short bill and grey nape are distinguishing features. In flight, the Jackdaw is distinguishable from other crows by its smaller size, faster and deeper wingbeats and proportionately narrower and less fingered wing tips. It also has a shorter and thicker neck and a much shorter bill and it frequently flies in tighter flocks. The Jackdaw is a skilled flyer and can manoeuvre tightly as well as tumble and glide. It has characteristic jerky wing beats when flying. On the ground, the Jackdaw has an upright posture and struts briskly with its short legs giving it a rapid gait. The Jackdaw is found from north west Africa, throughout all of Europe, except for the extreme north, and east through central Asia to the east Himalayas and Lake Baikal. To the east, it occurs throughout Turkey, the Caucasus, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and north west India. A small number of Jackdaws reached the north east of North America in the 1980s and have been found from Atlantic Canada to Pennsylvania. The range is vast and there is a large global population. Most populations are resident but the north and east populations are more migratory and relocate to wintering areas between September and November and return between February and early May. The Jackdaw can be found in wooded steppes, pastures, cultivated land, coastal cliffs and towns. It thrives when forested areas are cleared and converted to fields and open areas. Habitats with a mix of large trees, buildings and open ground are preferred. Open fields are left to the Rook and more wooded areas to the Jay. The Jackdaw is highly gregarious and is generally seen in flocks of varying sizes. Flocks increase in size in autumn and birds congregate at dusk for communal roosting with up to several thousand individuals gathering at one site. Males and females pair bond for life and pairs stay together within flocks. Jackdaws will frequently congregate with other crows such as Carrion Crows, Hooded Crows or Rooks. Foraging takes place mostly on the ground in open areas and to some extent in trees. Landfill sites, bins, streets and gardens are also visited, more often early in the morning when there are fewer people about. Various feeding methods are employed, such as jumping, pecking, clod-turning and scattering, probing the soil and occasional digging. The Jackdaw will also ride on the backs of sheep and other mammals such as deer, seeking ticks as well as actively gathering wool or hair for nests. Compared with other crows, the Jackdaw spends more time exploring and turning over objects with its bill. It also has a straighter and less downturned bill and increased binocular vision which are advantageous for this foraging strategy. The Jackdaw is opportunistic and highly adaptable and varies its diet markedly depending on available food sources. It tends to feed on small invertebrates that are found above ground, including various species of beetle as well as snails and spiders. It will also eat small rodents, bats, the eggs and chicks of birds and carrion such as roadkill. Vegetable items consumed include farm grains, weed seeds, elderberries, acorns and various cultivated fruits. The Jackdaw practices active food sharing with a number of individuals regardless of sex or kinship. It also shares more of a preferred food than a less preferred food. The active giving of food by most birds is found mainly in the context of parental care and courtship although the Jackdaw shows much higher levels of active giving than has been documented for other species. The function of this behaviour is not fully understood and several theories have been advanced. Genetic analysis of Jackdaw pairs and offspring shows no evidence of extra-pair copulation and there is little evidence for couple separation even after multiple instances of reproductive failure. Some pairs do separate in the first few months but almost all pairings of over 6 months' duration are lifelong and end only when a partner dies. Widowed or separated birds fare badly and are often ousted from nests or territories and are unable to rear broods alone. The Jackdaw usually breeds in colonies with pairs collaborating to find a nest site which they then defend from other pairs and predators during most of the year. It will nest in cavities in trees or cliffs, in ruined or occupied buildings and in chimneys, the common feature being a sheltered site for the nest. A mated pair usually constructs a nest by improving a crevice by dropping sticks into it. The nest is then built on top of the platform formed. Nest platforms can attain a great size. Nests are lined with hair, wool, dead grass and many other materials. Clutches usually contain 4 or 5 eggs which are incubated by the female for 17 to 18 days until hatching as naked altricial chicks which are completely dependent on the adults for food. The chicks fledge after 28 to 35 days and the parents continue to feed them for another 4 weeks or so. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/white-winged-black-tern https://images.on-this.website/4752_180212056751e3ce6b4c37c.jpgWhite-winged Black Tern The White-winged Black Tern is a small “marsh” tern. Adult birds in summer have short red legs and a short black bill, a black neck and belly, a very dark grey back, a white rump and light grey almost white tail. The wings, as the name implies, are mainly white. In non-breeding plumage, most of the black is replaced by white or pale grey although a few blackish feathers may be retained mixed with white underparts. The White-winged Black Tern breeds on freshwater marshes and lakes from central and eastern Europe to central Asia. Date: 20th May 2013 Location: Biebrza area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49002237.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9061229836468eab140926.jpgCommon Buzzard The Common Buzzard is a member of the genus Buteo and the family Accipitridae, a group of medium-sized raptors with robust bodies and broad wings. The Buteo species of Eurasia and Africa are usually commonly referred to as buzzards whilst those in the Americas are called hawks. Under current classification, the genus Buteo includes approximately 28 species. The Common Buzzard includes between 7 to 16 sub-species and the western Buteo group includes Buteo buteo buteo which is found more or less continuously throughout Europe including the UK. The Common Buzzard is a medium-sized raptor that is highly variable in plumage. It is distinctly round headed with a somewhat slender bill and it has relatively long wings that either reach or fall slightly short of the tail tip when perched, a fairly short tail and somewhat short and mainly bare tarsi. It can appear fairly compact in overall appearance but may also appear large relative to other commoner raptors such as the Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. The Common Buzzard measures between 16 and 23 inches in length with a 3 feet 7 inches to 4 feet 7 inches wingspan. Females average about 2 to 7% larger than males in length and weigh about 15% more. Body mass can show considerable variation from 0.94 to 2.6 pounds in males and 1.07 to 3.02 pounds in females. In Europe, the Common Buzzard is typically dark brown above and on the upperside of the head and mantle but this can become paler and warmer brown with worn plumage. Usually the tail will be narrowly barred grey-brown and dark brown with a pale tip and a broad dark subterminal band but the tail in the palest birds can show a varying amount of white and a reduced sub-terminal band or even appear almost all white. The underside colouring can be variable but typically shows a brown-streaked white throat with a somewhat darker chest. A pale U across the breast is often present followed by a pale line running down the belly which separates the dark areas on the breast side and flanks. These pale areas tend to have highly variable markings that form irregular bars. Juveniles are quite similar to adults and are best told apart by having a paler eye, a narrower sub-terminal band on the tail and underside markings that appear as streaks rather than bars. Beyond the typical mid-range brownish Common Buzzard, birds in Europe can range from almost uniform black-brown above to mainly white. Extreme dark individuals may range from chocolate-brown to blackish with almost no pale colour showing but with a variable or faded U on the breast and with or without faint lighter brown throat streaks. Extreme pale individuals are largely whitish with variable widely spaced streaks or arrowheads of light brown about the mid-chest and flanks and may or may not show dark feather-centres on the head, wing-coverts and sometimes all but part of the mantle. Individuals can show nearly endless variation of colours and hues in between these extremes and the Common Buzzard is among the most variably plumaged diurnal raptors for this reason. The Common Buzzard is often confused with other raptors especially in flight or at a distance including other Buteo species such as Rough-legged Buzzard and Long-legged Buzzard and also Honey Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, Golden Eagle, Booted Eagle and Short-toed Eagle. The Common Buzzard is found throughout several islands in the eastern Atlantic islands, including the Canary Islands and the Azores, and almost throughout Europe. In the UK, it is found in Northern Ireland and in nearly every part of Scotland and England. In mainland Europe, there are no substantial gaps in the range from Portugal and Spain to Greece, Estonia, Belarus and the Ukraine, although it is present mainly only in the breeding season in much of the eastern half of the latter 3 countries. It is also present in all larger Mediterranean islands such as Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily and Crete. Further north in to Scandinavia, it is found mainly in south Norway, the southern half of Sweden and in the southern two-thirds of Finland. The Common Buzzard reaches its northern limit as a breeder in far eastern Finland and over the border in to European Russia and nearly to the Kola Peninsula. In these northern limits, the Common Buzzard is present typically only in summer. The Common Buzzard generally inhabits the interface of woodlands and open ground and typically lives in forest edge, small broad-leaved, coniferous or mixed woodlands with adjacent grassland, arable fields or other farmland and open moorland as long as there are some trees. It is absent from treeless tundra and sporadic or rare in treeless steppe. The Common Buzzard can be found from sea level to elevations of 6600 feet although it breeds mostly below 3300 feet. It can winter to an elevation of 8200 feet and migrates easily at 14,800 feet. The Common Buzzard is a partial migrant. Autumn and spring movements are subject to extensive variation, even down to the individual level, based on a region's food resources, competition (both from other Common Buzzards and other predators), the extent of human disturbance and weather conditions. Short distance movements are the norm for juveniles and some adults in autumn and winter but more adults in central and south Europe and the UK remain in their year-around areas than do not. The Common Buzzard is a typical Buteo in much of its behaviour. It is most often seen effortlessly soaring for extended periods at varying heights although it can appear laborious and heavy in level flight. It is also often seen perched prominently on tree tops, bare branches, telegraph poles, fence posts, rocks or ledges or alternatively well inside the tree canopy. It will also stand and forage on the ground. The Common Buzzard is a generalist predator which hunts a wide variety of prey given the opportunity. The prey extents to a wide variety of vertebrates including mammals, birds (from any age from eggs to adult birds), reptiles, amphibians and fish as well as to various invertebrates, mostly insects. In total, well over 300 prey species are known to be taken by the Common Buzzard. However, dietary studies have shown that it mostly preys upon small mammals, mainly small rodents. Furthermore, prey size can vary from tiny beetles, caterpillars and ants to large adult grouse and Rabbits up to nearly twice their body mass. At times, the Common Buzzard will also subsist partially on carrion, usually of dead mammals or fish. Hunting in relatively open areas has been found to increase hunting success whereas more complete shrub cover lowered success. A majority of prey is taken by dropping from a perch and is normally taken on the ground. Prey may also be hunted in a low flight, by random glides or soars or by foraging on the ground. The home range of the Common Buzzard is generally 0.19 to 0.77 square miles and the size of the breeding territory seems to be correlated with food supply. The territory is maintained through flight displays and in Europe territorial behaviour usually starts in February. However, displays are not uncommon throughout the year in resident pairs, especially by males, and can elicit similar displays by their neighbours. In the display, the Common Buzzard generally engages in high circling, spiraling upward on slightly raised wings. Mutual high circling by pairs sometimes goes on at length, especially during the period prior to or during breeding season. During the mutual displays, the male may engage in exaggerated deep flapping or zig-zag tumbling, apparently in response to the female being too distant. Several pairs may circle together at times and as many as 14 individual adults have been recorded over established display sites. Sky-dancing by the Common Buzzard has been recorded in spring and autumn, typically by the male but sometimes by the female, nearly always with much calling. Sky-dances are of the rollercoaster type, with an upward sweep of up to 100 feet until the bird starts start to stall but sometimes embellished with loops or rolls at the top. Next in the sky-dance, the bird will dive at least 200 feet on more or less closed wings before spreading them and shooting up again. These sky-dances may be repeated in series of 10 to 20. In the climax of the sky-dance, the undulations become progressively shallower, often slowing and terminating directly on to a perch. Various other aerial displays include low contour flight or weaving among trees, frequently with deep beats and exaggerated upstrokes which show underwing pattern to rivals perched below. Talon grappling and occasionally cartwheeling downward with feet interlocked has also been recorded. The Common Buzzard tends to build a bulky nest of sticks, twigs and often heather and lined with broad-leaved foliage. Nests are up to 3.3 to 3.9 feet across and 24 inches deep. With reuse over years, the diameter of a nest can reach or exceed 5 feet. Trees are generally used for a nesting location but crags or cliffs are used if trees are unavailable. Nests in trees are usually located by the main trunk at a height of around 10 to 82 feet. Pairs often have 2 to 4 nests in a territory but some pairs may use a single nest over several consecutive years. The breeding season of the Common Buzzard commences at differing times based on latitude. It may fall as early as January to April but typically it is March to July in most of Europe. In the northern limits of the range the breeding season may occur from May to August. Mating usually occurs on or near the nest and eggs are usually laid in 2 to 3 day intervals. The clutch size can range from to 2 to 6 and it appears that local factors such as habitat and food supply are relevant. Eggs are generally laid in late March to early April in the extreme south, sometime in April in most of Europe and in to May and possibly even early June in the extreme north. If eggs are lost to a predator or fail in some other way, replacement clutches are not usually laid although this has been recorded. Incubation lasts for 33 to 35 days and is mostly, but not solely, undertaken by the female. Hatching may take place over 3 to 7 days. Often the youngest nestling dies from starvation, especially in broods of 3 or more. The female remains at the nest brooding the young in the early stages with the male bringing all prey. At about 8 to 12 days, both the male and female will bring prey but the female continues to do all feeding until the young can tear up their own prey. The young are nearly fully feathered rather than downy at about a month of age and can start to feed themselves as well. The first attempts to leave the nest are often at about 40 to 50 days. Fledging occurs typically at 43 to 54 days but in extreme cases as late 62 days. After leaving the nest, the young generally stay close by until full independence 6 to 8 weeks after fledging. Numerous factors may influence the breeding success of the Common Buzzard including the availability of prey populations, habitat, disturbance and persecution levels and competition. The Common Buzzard is one of the most numerous birds of prey in its range and it is the most numerous diurnal bird of prey throughout much of Europe. Date: 12th April 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26041747.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6073078525638b6a50d55c.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name <i>Fratercula</i> comes from the Medieval Latin <i>fratercula</i> meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name <i>arctica</i> refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek <i>άρκτος</i> ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name <i>puffin</i> (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Látrabjarg, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45948270.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1736383266284a2a104442.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 3rd April 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12653626.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15755708864e69cbffccd2f.jpgTufted Duck The Tufted Duck is a medium-sized diving duck. Males are black on the head, neck, breast and back and white on the sides with a small crest and a yellow eye. Females are browner in colour. Tufted Ducks breed in the UK across the lowland areas of England, Scotland and Ireland but less commonly in Wales. Numbers increase in the UK in winter due to birds moving to the UK from Iceland and northern Europe. Tufted Ducks can be found all year round in suitable habitats such as a reservoirs, gravel pits or lakes. Date: 4th September 2011 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo47900592.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_241734481637364b29daff.jpgJackdaw The Western Jackdaw, also known as the Eurasian Jackdaw, European Jackdaw or simply Jackdaw, is a passerine bird in the crow family. Measuring 13 to 15 inches in length, the Jackdaw is the second smallest member of the crow family. Most of the plumage is a shiny black with a purple or blue sheen on the crown, forehead and secondaries and a green-blue sheen on the throat, primaries and tail. The cheeks, nape and neck are light grey to greyish-silver and the underparts are slate-grey. The legs are black as is the short stout bill. The irises of adults are greyish or silvery white while those of juveniles are light blue, becoming brownish before whitening at around one year of age. The sexes look alike although the head and neck plumage of male birds fades more with age and wear, particularly just before moulting. Immature birds have duller and less demarcated plumage. The head is a sooty black, sometimes with a faint greenish sheen and brown feather bases visible, the back and side of the neck are dark grey and the underparts greyish or sooty black. The tail has narrower feathers and a greenish sheen. There are 4 recognised geographical subspecies of the Jackdaw, each with slight plumage variations. Within its range, the Jackdaw is generally unmistakable and its short bill and grey nape are distinguishing features. In flight, the Jackdaw is distinguishable from other crows by its smaller size, faster and deeper wingbeats and proportionately narrower and less fingered wing tips. It also has a shorter and thicker neck and a much shorter bill and it frequently flies in tighter flocks. The Jackdaw is a skilled flyer and can manoeuvre tightly as well as tumble and glide. It has characteristic jerky wing beats when flying. On the ground, the Jackdaw has an upright posture and struts briskly with its short legs giving it a rapid gait. The Jackdaw is found from north west Africa, throughout all of Europe, except for the extreme north, and east through central Asia to the east Himalayas and Lake Baikal. To the east, it occurs throughout Turkey, the Caucasus, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and north west India. A small number of Jackdaws reached the north east of North America in the 1980s and have been found from Atlantic Canada to Pennsylvania. The range is vast and there is a large global population. Most populations are resident but the north and east populations are more migratory and relocate to wintering areas between September and November and return between February and early May. The Jackdaw can be found in wooded steppes, pastures, cultivated land, coastal cliffs and towns. It thrives when forested areas are cleared and converted to fields and open areas. Habitats with a mix of large trees, buildings and open ground are preferred. Open fields are left to the Rook and more wooded areas to the Jay. The Jackdaw is highly gregarious and is generally seen in flocks of varying sizes. Flocks increase in size in autumn and birds congregate at dusk for communal roosting with up to several thousand individuals gathering at one site. Males and females pair bond for life and pairs stay together within flocks. Jackdaws will frequently congregate with other crows such as Carrion Crows, Hooded Crows or Rooks. Foraging takes place mostly on the ground in open areas and to some extent in trees. Landfill sites, bins, streets and gardens are also visited, more often early in the morning when there are fewer people about. Various feeding methods are employed, such as jumping, pecking, clod-turning and scattering, probing the soil and occasional digging. The Jackdaw will also ride on the backs of sheep and other mammals such as deer, seeking ticks as well as actively gathering wool or hair for nests. Compared with other crows, the Jackdaw spends more time exploring and turning over objects with its bill. It also has a straighter and less downturned bill and increased binocular vision which are advantageous for this foraging strategy. The Jackdaw is opportunistic and highly adaptable and varies its diet markedly depending on available food sources. It tends to feed on small invertebrates that are found above ground, including various species of beetle as well as snails and spiders. It will also eat small rodents, bats, the eggs and chicks of birds and carrion such as roadkill. Vegetable items consumed include farm grains, weed seeds, elderberries, acorns and various cultivated fruits. The Jackdaw practices active food sharing with a number of individuals regardless of sex or kinship. It also shares more of a preferred food than a less preferred food. The active giving of food by most birds is found mainly in the context of parental care and courtship although the Jackdaw shows much higher levels of active giving than has been documented for other species. The function of this behaviour is not fully understood and several theories have been advanced. Genetic analysis of Jackdaw pairs and offspring shows no evidence of extra-pair copulation and there is little evidence for couple separation even after multiple instances of reproductive failure. Some pairs do separate in the first few months but almost all pairings of over 6 months' duration are lifelong and end only when a partner dies. Widowed or separated birds fare badly and are often ousted from nests or territories and are unable to rear broods alone. The Jackdaw usually breeds in colonies with pairs collaborating to find a nest site which they then defend from other pairs and predators during most of the year. It will nest in cavities in trees or cliffs, in ruined or occupied buildings and in chimneys, the common feature being a sheltered site for the nest. A mated pair usually constructs a nest by improving a crevice by dropping sticks into it. The nest is then built on top of the platform formed. Nest platforms can attain a great size. Nests are lined with hair, wool, dead grass and many other materials. Clutches usually contain 4 or 5 eggs which are incubated by the female for 17 to 18 days until hatching as naked altricial chicks which are completely dependent on the adults for food. The chicks fledge after 28 to 35 days and the parents continue to feed them for another 4 weeks or so. Date: 4th November 2022 Location: Bushy Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45174871.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_397016167623301d230c8a.jpgHerring Gull The Herring Gull is one of the best known of all gulls along the shores of Europe. Adults in breeding plumage have a grey back and upperwings and white head and underparts. The wingtips are black with white spots known as "mirrors". The bill is yellow with a red spot and there is a ring of bare yellow skin around the pale eye. The legs are normally pink at all ages but can be yellowish. Non-breeding adults have brown streaks on the head and neck. Male and female plumage is identical at all stages of development although adult males are often larger. Juvenile and first-winter birds are mainly brown with darker streaks and have a dark bill and eyes. Second-winter birds have a whiter head and underparts with less streaking and the back is grey. Third-winter individuals are similar to adults but retain some of the features of immature birds such as brown feathers in the wings and dark markings on the bill. The Herring Gull attains adult plumage and reaches sexual maturity at an average age of 4 years. The loud laughing call of the Herring Gull is well known and is often seen as a symbol of the seaside in countries such as the UK. It also has a yelping alarm call and a low barking anxiety call. Chicks and fledglings emit a distinctive, repetitive high-pitched 'peep', accompanied by a head-flicking gesture when begging for food from or calling to their parents. Adult gulls in urban areas will also exhibit this behaviour when fed by humans. The Herring Gull breeds across northern Europe, western Europe, central Europe, eastern Europe, Scandinavia and the Baltic states. Some, especially those resident in colder areas, migrate further south in winter but many are permanent residents such as in the UK or on the North Sea shores. While Herring Gull numbers appear to have been decreased in recent years, possibly by fish population declines and competition, they have proved able to survive in human-adapted areas and can often be seen in towns acting as a scavenger. The Herring Gull, like most gulls, is an omnivore and opportunist and will scavenge from garbage dumps, landfill sites and sewage outflows with refuse comprising up to half of the bird's diet. In addition, it will eat fish, crustaceans and dead animals as well as some plants and it will steal the eggs and young of other birds (including those of other gulls). The Herring Gull may also dive from the surface of the water or engage in plunge diving in the pursuit of aquatic prey although they are typically unable to reach any great depth due to their natural buoyancy. Date: 19th December 2021 Location: Aldeburgh, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49001729.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12881711656468e140be041.jpgChiffchaff The (Common) Chiffchaff is a common and widespread leaf warbler which is named onomatopoeically for its simple and repetitive chiff-chaff song. The British naturalist Gilbert White was one of the first people to separate the similar looking Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler and Wood Warbler by their songs, as detailed in 1789 in “The Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne. The Chiffchaff is a small, dumpy, 4 inch long leaf warbler. The spring adult has brown-washed dull green upperparts, off-white underparts becoming yellowish on the flanks and a short whitish supercilium. It has dark legs, a fine dark bill and short primary projection (extension of the flight feathers beyond the folded wing). As the plumage wears, it gets duller and browner and the yellow on the flanks tends to be lost and after the breeding season there is a prolonged complete moult before migration. After moulting, both the adult and the juvenile have brighter and greener upperparts and a paler supercilium. When not singing, the Chiffchaff can be difficult to distinguish from other leaf warblers with greenish upperparts and whitish underparts, particularly the Willow Warbler. However, that species has a longer primary projection, a sleeker, brighter appearance and generally pale legs. The Chiffchaff breeds across Europe and Asia east to eastern Siberia and north to about 70°N, with isolated populations in north west Africa, north and west Turkey and north west Iran. It is a migratory species but one of the first passerine birds to return to its breeding areas in the spring and amongst the last to leave in late autumn. When breeding, the Chiffchaff is a bird of open woodlands with some taller trees and ground cover for nesting purposes. In winter, the Chiffchaff uses a wider range of habitats and is not so dependent on trees and is often found near water. There is an increasing tendency to winter in western Europe well north of the traditional areas, especially in coastal south England and the mild urban microclimate of London. The male Chiffchaff returns to its breeding territory 2 or 3 weeks before the female and immediately starts singing to establish ownership and attract a female. When a female is located, the male will use a slow butterfly-like flight as part of the courtship ritual but, once a pair-bond has been established, other females will be driven from the territory. The male has little involvement in the nesting process other than defending the territory. The female's nest is built on or near the ground in a concealed site in brambles, nettles or other dense low vegetation. The domed nest has a side entrance and is constructed from coarse plant material such as dead leaves and grass with finer material used on the interior before the addition of a lining of feathers. The clutch is 2 to 7 (normally 5 or 6) cream-coloured eggs which are incubated by the female for 13 to 14 days before hatching as naked, blind chicks. The female broods and feeds the chicks for another 14 to 15 days until they fledge. The male rarely participates in feeding although this sometimes occurs, especially when bad weather limits insect supplies or if the female disappears. After fledging, the young stay in the vicinity of the nest for 3 to 4 weeks where they are fed by and roost with the female. In the north of the range there is only time to raise one brood due to the short summer but a second brood is common in central and southern areas. Like most leaf warblers, the Chiffchaff is insectivorous and moves restlessly though foliage or briefly hovering. It has been recorded as taking insects, mainly flies, from more than 50 families, along with other small and medium-sized invertebrates. It will also take the eggs and larvae of butterflies and moths. The Chiffchaff has been estimated to require about one third of its weight in insects daily and it feeds almost continuously in the autumn to put on extra fat as fuel for its long migration flight. As with most small birds, mortality in the first year of life is high but adults aged 3 to 4 years are regularly recorded and the record is more than 7 years. Eggs, chicks and fledglings are taken by Stoats, Weasels and crows such as the Magpie and adults are hunted by birds of prey, particularly the Sparrowhawk. The Chiffchaff is also susceptible to poor weather, particularly when migrating, but also on the breeding and wintering grounds. The main effect of humans on the Chiffchaff is indirect through woodland clearance which affects the habitat, predation by cats and collisions with windows, buildings and cars. Date: 2nd April 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080599.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_108990191863a4599aa8de5.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 1st December 2022 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11806260.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19578136124e3a7888618be.jpgMarsh Frogs The Marsh Frog is the largest European frog. It is very similar in appearance to the closely related Edible Frog and Pool Frog. These 3 species are often referred to as "green frogs" to distinguish them from the more terrestrial European species which are known as "brown frogs" (best exemplified by the Common Frog). Marsh Frogs show a large variation in colour and pattern, ranging from dark green to brown or grey. The Western European populations are generally dark green to black with dark spots on the back and sides and 3 clear green lines on the back. Females can reach a maximum length of around 6.5 inches but males are smaller at around 4.5 inches. The head is proportionally large and the hind legs are long which gives them excellent jumping abilities. The Marsh Frog is usually gregarious and diurnal and more tied to aquatic habitats than the Common Frog. It is tolerant of brackish conditions and typically it is found on or in the water of its favoured drainage channels and pools throughout the year. Marsh Frogs frequently sunbathe on the bank of the water body where they are often inconspicuous until disturbed when they will jump in to the water with a characteristic “plop”. They can often be seen on lily pads or floating at the surface amongst vegetation with only their heads exposed. During the breeding season (and sometimes beyond) the male Marsh Frog calls very loudly with a sound reminiscent of a loud chuckle which is often very raucous and can be heard all day and night. Dominant males establish territories from which they call. After mating a female may produce up to 16,000 eggs in a season, laying them in clumps of a few hundred in aquatic vegetation below the surface. They hatch in about a week, tadpoles being rather solitary and living in deep water with vegetation. Newly metamorphosed frogs are up to 1 inch in length and take 2 years to mature. The diet of the Marsh Frog consists of dragonflies and other insects, spiders, earthworms and slugs. Larger frogs also eat small rodents and sometimes smaller amphibians and fish. The Marsh Frog is not a native species of the UK. It was first introduced to Walland Marsh, Kent in 1935 and is now found in several areas of Kent and East Sussex. Other introductions exist, including colonies in London. Date: 31st July 2011 Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42670591.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1698839660b203679c213.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 12th May 2021 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40952816.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5929538715e53932f0ccce.jpgHerring Gull The Herring Gull is one of the best known of all gulls along the shores of Europe. Adults in breeding plumage have a grey back and upperwings and white head and underparts. The wingtips are black with white spots known as "mirrors". The bill is yellow with a red spot and there is a ring of bare yellow skin around the pale eye. The legs are normally pink at all ages but can be yellowish. Non-breeding adults have brown streaks on the head and neck. Male and female plumage is identical at all stages of development although adult males are often larger. Juvenile and first-winter birds are mainly brown with darker streaks and have a dark bill and eyes. Second-winter birds have a whiter head and underparts with less streaking and the back is grey. Third-winter individuals are similar to adults but retain some of the features of immature birds such as brown feathers in the wings and dark markings on the bill. The Herring Gull attains adult plumage and reaches sexual maturity at an average age of 4 years. The loud laughing call of the Herring Gull is well known and is often seen as a symbol of the seaside in countries such as the UK. It also has a yelping alarm call and a low barking anxiety call. Chicks and fledglings emit a distinctive, repetitive high-pitched 'peep', accompanied by a head-flicking gesture when begging for food from or calling to their parents. Adult gulls in urban areas will also exhibit this behaviour when fed by humans. The Herring Gull breeds across northern Europe, western Europe, central Europe, eastern Europe, Scandinavia and the Baltic states. Some, especially those resident in colder areas, migrate further south in winter but many are permanent residents such as in the UK or on the North Sea shores. While Herring Gull numbers appear to have been decreased in recent years, possibly by fish population declines and competition, they have proved able to survive in human-adapted areas and can often be seen in towns acting as a scavenger. The Herring Gull, like most gulls, is an omnivore and opportunist and will scavenge from garbage dumps, landfill sites and sewage outflows with refuse comprising up to half of the bird's diet. In addition, it will eat fish, crustaceans and dead animals as well as some plants and it will steal the eggs and young of other birds (including those of other gulls). The Herring Gull may also dive from the surface of the water or engage in plunge diving in the pursuit of aquatic prey although they are typically unable to reach any great depth due to their natural buoyancy. Date: 31st January 2020 Location: Kilmore Quay, Co. Wexford, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42632857.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_74405811560aa69227f09d.jpgWren The Eurasian Wren is a very small passerine bird and the only member of the wren family, Troglodytidae, found in Eurasia and Africa. In Europe, it is commonly known simply as the Wren. The scientific name is taken from the Greek word troglodytes meaning "cave-dweller" and referring to its habit of disappearing into cavities or crevices whilst hunting invertebrates or to roost. The Wren is a tiny bird at just 3.5 to 4.1 inches long although it is heavier and not as slim as the even smaller Goldcrest. It is dumpy, almost rounded, with a fine bill, very short round wings and a short, narrow tail which is sometimes cocked up vertically. It is rufous brown above, greyer beneath and barred with darker brown and grey. The bill is dark brown and the legs are pale brown. Young birds are less distinctly barred. The plumage is subject to considerable variation and, where populations have been isolated, the variation has become fixed in one minor form or another. There are around 27 sub-species of this taxonomically complex bird e.g. in Scotland, in addition to the typical bird, there are 3 distinct sub-species confined to St. Kilda, Shetland and Fair Isle. The Wren occurs throughout Europe and across the Palearctic including a belt of Asia from north Iran and Afghanistan across to Japan. It is migratory in only the northern parts of its range. It is almost as familiar in Europe as the Robin. It can be found in a wide range of habitats including woodland, farmland, heathland, moorland, mountains, coastal areas and islands. It is also a regular visitor to gardens. The Wren is the most common UK breeding bird although it suffers declines during prolonged and severely cold winters. For such a small bird, the Wren has a remarkably loud voice. Its song is very loud, trilling, gushing and emphatic and may sometimes be confused with that of the Dunnock although that species has a warble that is shorter and weaker. The Wren's song also incorporates repeated trill sounds whilst the Dunnock's does not. Individuals vary in quality as well as the volume of their song. The song begins with a few preliminary notes, then runs into a slightly ascending trill and ends in full clear notes or another trill. The song may be heard during any season although it is most noticeable during the spring. Despite its generally mouse-like behaviour, the male Wren may sing from an exposed perch as its whole body quivers from the effort. The male Wren builds several nests called "cock nests" but they are never lined until the female chooses one to use. The normal round nest of grass, moss, lichens or leaves is tucked into a hole in a wall, tree trunk, crack in a rock or corner of a building but it is often built in bushes, overhanging boughs or the litter which accumulates in branches washed by floods. The female lays 5 to 8 eggs in April and second broods are generally reared. The Wren is a highly polygamous species meaning that a male can have, at any one time, more than a single female with an active nest on his territory. An active nest is one in which there are eggs or nestlings. A male has been recorded with 4 females breeding on his territory. Bigamy and trigamy are the most common forms of polygamy. The Wren is an insectivorous bird and mostly eats insects and spiders but in winter it will also take pupae and seeds. Date: 24th April 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49279107.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1591168896499c9f820410.jpgSmall Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Small Skipper has a rusty orange colour to the wings, upper body and the tips of the antennae. The body is silvery white below and it has a wingspan of 25 to 30 mm. It is very similar in appearance to the Essex Skipper but the undersides of the tips of the antennae are yellow orange in the Small Skipper whereas they are black in the Essex Skipper. The Small Skipper is a common and widespread butterfly in most parts of England and has been expanding its range northwards. It can be found in rough grassland, roadside verges, edges of fields and woodland clearings where it is often seen basking on vegetation or making short buzzing flights among tall grass stems. Date: 22nd June 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13657293.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14179510834ed36cdae57c1.jpgMarsh Frog The Marsh Frog is the largest European frog. It is very similar in appearance to the closely related Edible Frog and Pool Frog. These 3 species are often referred to as "green frogs" to distinguish them from the more terrestrial European species which are known as "brown frogs" (best exemplified by the Common Frog). Marsh Frogs show a large variation in colour and pattern, ranging from dark green to brown or grey. The Western European populations are generally dark green to black with dark spots on the back and sides and 3 clear green lines on the back. Females can reach a maximum length of around 6.5 inches but males are smaller at around 4.5 inches. The head is proportionally large and the hind legs are long which gives them excellent jumping abilities. The Marsh Frog is usually gregarious and diurnal and more tied to aquatic habitats than the Common Frog. It is tolerant of brackish conditions and typically it is found on or in the water of its favoured drainage channels and pools throughout the year. Marsh Frogs frequently sunbathe on the bank of the water body where they are often inconspicuous until disturbed when they will jump in to the water with a characteristic “plop”. They can often be seen on lily pads or floating at the surface amongst vegetation with only their heads exposed. During the breeding season (and sometimes beyond) the male Marsh Frog calls very loudly with a sound reminiscent of a loud chuckle which is often very raucous and can be heard all day and night. Dominant males establish territories from which they call. After mating a female may produce up to 16,000 eggs in a season, laying them in clumps of a few hundred in aquatic vegetation below the surface. They hatch in about a week, tadpoles being rather solitary and living in deep water with vegetation. Newly metamorphosed frogs are up to 1 inch in length and take 2 years to mature. The diet of the Marsh Frog consists of dragonflies and other insects, spiders, earthworms and slugs. Larger frogs also eat small rodents and sometimes smaller amphibians and fish. The Marsh Frog is not a native species of the UK. It was first introduced to Walland Marsh, Kent in 1935 and is now found in several areas of Kent and East Sussex. Other introductions exist, including colonies in London. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41505243.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16042250415f37b41644dff.jpgEiders The Eider is a large sea duck that is distributed over the northern coasts of Europe, north America and eastern Siberia. It breeds in the Arctic and some northern temperate regions but winters somewhat further south in temperate zones when it can form large flocks on coastal waters. The Eider is both the largest of the 4 eider species and the largest duck found in Europe and in north America (except for the Muscovy duck which only reaches north America in a wild state in southernmost Texas and south Florida). The Eider is characterized by its bulky shape and large, wedge-shaped bill. The male is unmistakable with its black and white plumage and green nape. The female is a brown bird but can still be readily distinguished from all ducks, except other eider species, on the basis of size and head shape. The drake's display call is a strange almost human-like "ah-ooo" while the duck utters hoarse quacks. The Eider dives for crustaceans and molluscs, with mussels being a favoured food. The Eider will eat mussels by swallowing them whole. The shells are then crushed in their gizzard and excreted. When eating a crab, the Eider will remove all of its claws and legs and then eat the body in a similar fashion. The Eider is abundant with populations of about 1.5 to 2 million birds in both Europe and north America and also large but unknown numbers in eastern Siberia. The Eider is a colonial breeder nesting on coastal islands in colonies ranging in size of less than 100 to upwards of 10,000 to 15,000 individuals. Female Eiders frequently exhibit a high degree of natal philopatry where they return to breed on the same island where they were hatched. This can lead to a high degree of relatedness between individuals nesting on the same island as well as the development of kin-based female social structures. This relatedness has likely played a role in the evolution of co-operative breeding behaviours amongst Eiders. Examples of these behaviours include laying eggs in the nests of related individuals and crèching where female Eiders team up and share the work of rearing ducklings. The Eider's nest is built close to the sea and is lined with the celebrated eiderdown plucked from the female's breast. This soft and warm lining has long been harvested for filling pillows and quilts but in more recent years has been largely replaced by down from domestic farm geese and synthetic alternatives. Although eiderdown pillows or quilts are now a rarity, eiderdown harvesting continues and is sustainable as it can be done after the ducklings leave the nest with no harm to the birds. Date: 3rd July 2019 Location: near Krampenes, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4466064.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21417477714b8a2430672ff.jpg http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46511802.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_41031099162c993ba905fd.jpgNuthatch The Nuthatches are a family of similar looking birds with short tails and wings, compact bodies, longish pointed bills, grey or bluish upperparts, a black eyestripe and strong feet. There are more than 20 subspecies in 3 main groups. The Eurasian Nuthatch is found throughout temperate Asia and in Europe where it is known simply as the Nuthatch. The adult male Nuthatch is 5.5 inches long. It has blue-grey upperparts, a black eye-stripe and whitish throat and underparts. The flanks and lower belly are orange-red and mottled with white on the undertail. The stout bill is dark grey with a paler area on the base of the lower mandible, the iris is dark brown and the legs and feet are pale brown or greyish. The female is similar in appearance to the male but may be identified by her slightly paler upperparts, a browner eyestripe and a more washed out tone to the flanks and lower belly. Young birds resemble the female although their plumage is duller and they have paler legs. The Nuthatch's breeding range extends across temperate Eurasia from the UK (but not Ireland) to Japan. It breeds south to the Mediterranean in Europe (although it is absent from the islands other than Sicily) and in most of Russia. In the east, the range includes most of China and Taiwan and much of Korea. Most populations are sedentary, apart from some post-breeding dispersal of young birds, and there is a reluctance to cross even short stretches of open water. The Nuthatch can be found in mature woodland with large, old trees which provide extensive growth for foraging and nesting holes. In Europe, deciduous or mixed forest is favoured, particularly when containing oak. Parks, old orchards and other wooded habitats may be occupied as long as they have at least a 2.5 acre block of suitable trees. Particularly in mountains, the Nuthatch can be found in old spruce and pine forests. The Nuthatch is primarily a lowland bird in the north of its range but reaches the tree-line in Switzerland at 3,900 feet or higher and it breeds occasionally at 5,900 to 6,900 feet in Austria. It breeds at similar levels in the mountains of Turkey, the Middle East, central Asia and Japan. The Nuthatch is common throughout much of its range although densities are lower in the far north and in coniferous forests. Fragmentation of woodland can lead to local losses of breeding birds but the range is still expanding. In recent decades, the Nuthatch has colonised Scotland and expanded its range in Wales and northern England. Across most of its European range, the most important predator of the Nuthatch is the Sparrowhawk. Other species known to prey on the Nuthatch include the Goshawk, Hobby and Tawny Owl. Pairs of Nuthatches hold permanent territories and nest in tree holes, usually old woodpecker nests but sometimes natural cavities. The nest site is typically 5 to 65 feet above the ground. If the entrance to the hole is too large, the female plasters it with mud to reduce its size and often coats the inside of the cavity too. The 6 to 9 red-speckled white eggs are laid on a deep base of pine or other wood chips. The female incubates the eggs for 13 to 18 days to hatching and broods the chicks until they fledge 20 to 26 days later. Both adults feed the chicks in the nest and continue to do so after they fledge until they become independent after about 8 to 14 days. Normally only a single brood is raised each year. The Nuthatch eats mainly insects, particularly caterpillars and beetles, although in autumn and winter its diet is supplemented with nuts and seeds. Food items are found mainly on tree trunks and large branches but smaller branches may also be investigated. Food may also be taken from the ground especially outside the breeding season. The Nuthatch can forage when descending trees head first as well as when climbing upwards. The Nuthatch readily visits bird tables and will eat fatty man-made food items as well as seeds. It is a hoarder and will store food all year round. Date: 9th May 2022 Location: RWT Gilfach, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49279113.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3040169196499ca0b06b8c.jpgSmall Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Small Skipper has a rusty orange colour to the wings, upper body and the tips of the antennae. The body is silvery white below and it has a wingspan of 25 to 30 mm. It is very similar in appearance to the Essex Skipper but the undersides of the tips of the antennae are yellow orange in the Small Skipper whereas they are black in the Essex Skipper. The Small Skipper is a common and widespread butterfly in most parts of England and has been expanding its range northwards. It can be found in rough grassland, roadside verges, edges of fields and woodland clearings where it is often seen basking on vegetation or making short buzzing flights among tall grass stems. Date: 22nd June 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31192371.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13312313165918241ed6b4c3.91489869.jpgYellowhammer The Yellowhammer is a passerine bird in the bunting family. The bird family [i]Emberizidae[/i] contains around 300 seed-eating species, the majority of which are found in the Americas, although the genus [i]Emberiza[/i], with more than 40 members, is confined to the Old World. Within its genus [i]Emberiza[/i], the Yellowhammer is most closely related to the Pine Bunting and at times they have been considered as one species. Where their ranges meet, the Yellowhammer and Pine Bunting interbreed and the hybrid zone is thought to be moving further east. The Yellowhammer is also closely related to the Cirl Bunting. The Yellowhammer’s scientific name [i]Emberiza citrinella[/i] is derived from the Old German [i]embritz[/i] meaning “bunting” and the Italian [i]citrinella[/i] meaning “small yellow bird”. The Yellowhammer is a large bunting around 6.3 to 6.5 inches long with a wingspan of 9.1 to 11.6 inches. The male has a bright yellow head, heavily streaked brown back, rufous rump, yellow underparts and white outer tail feathers. The female is less brightly coloured and more streaked on the crown, breast and flanks. Both sexes are less strongly marked outside the breeding season when the dark fringes on new feathers obscure the yellow plumage. The juvenile is much duller and less yellow than the adults and often has a paler rump. The Yellowhammer breeds across Eurasia and it is the commonest and most widespread European bunting although it is absent from high mountains, Arctic regions, most of Iberia and Greece and low-lying regions of other countries adjoining the Mediterranean Sea. It also breeds in Russia east to Irkutsk and in most of Ukraine and the Asian range extends into north west Turkey, the Caucasus and northern Kazakhstan. Populations have declined in recent decades in western Europe but in eastern Europe numbers appear to be stable. Changes to agricultural practices are thought to be responsible for reduced breeding densities. The Yellowhammer can be found throughout most of the UK but it is least abundant in the north and west and absent from some upland areas such as the Pennines and the Scottish Highlands as well as some lowland areas. Its recent sharp population decline make it a Red List species. Within its range, the Yellowhammer is a bird of dry open country, preferably with a range of vegetation types and some trees from which to sing. It is absent from urban areas, forests and wetlands. Probably originally found at forest edges and large clearings, it has benefited from traditional agriculture which created extensive open areas with hedges and clumps of trees. The Yellowhammer usually starts breeding in late April or early May. The males establish territories along hedges or woodland fringes and sing from a tree or bush, often continuing well into July or August. The nest is built by the female on or near the ground and is typically well hidden in tussocks against a bank or low in a bush. It is constructed from nearby plant material such as leaves, dry grass and stalks and lined with fine grasses and sometimes animal hair. The clutch is usually 3 to 5 eggs and the female incubates the eggs for 12 to 14 days to hatching and broods the chicks until they fledge 11 to 13 days later. Both adults feed the chicks in the nest and 2 or 3 broods are raised each year. The Yellowhammer forages mainly on the ground and its diet consists mainly of seeds. Grasses are also important, particularly cereals, and grain makes up a significant part of the food consumed in autumn and winter. Invertebrates are added to its diet during the breeding season, particularly as food for its growing chicks, and a wide range of species is taken including springtails, grasshoppers, flies, beetles, caterpillars, earthworms, spiders and snails. Outside of the breeding season, the Yellowhammer forages in flocks which can occasionally number hundreds of birds and often contain other buntings and finches. The Yellowhammer is a conspicuous, vocal and formerly common country bird and it has attracted human interest. Yellowham Wood and Yellowham Hill, near Dorchester in the UK, both derive their names from the bird. Robbie Burns' poem "The Yellow, Yellow Yorlin'" gets its title from a Scottish name for the Yellowhammer. Enid Blyton helped to popularise the bird's song as "a little bit of bread and no cheese" in some of her books and she wrote a poem called "The Yellow-hammer". Beethoven's student, Carl Czerny, and biographer Anton Schindler, both suggested that the composer got the idea for the first 4 notes of his 5th symphony from the song of the Yellowhammer although it is more likely that the opening of the 4th Piano Concerto was actually the work in question. Beethoven also used the Yellowhammer theme in 2 piano sonatas. Date: 9th May 2017 Location: Weeting Heath NWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo10926836.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13407578974e09755c2d9e8.jpgDate: 11th June 2011 Location: Achnahaird to Reiff, Wester Ross http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49277055.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_204474226964996ce51629b.jpgJackdaw The Western Jackdaw, also known as the Eurasian Jackdaw, European Jackdaw or simply Jackdaw, is a passerine bird in the crow family. Measuring 13 to 15 inches in length, the Jackdaw is the second smallest member of the crow family. Most of the plumage is a shiny black with a purple or blue sheen on the crown, forehead and secondaries and a green-blue sheen on the throat, primaries and tail. The cheeks, nape and neck are light grey to greyish-silver and the underparts are slate-grey. The legs are black as is the short stout bill. The irises of adults are greyish or silvery white while those of juveniles are light blue, becoming brownish before whitening at around one year of age. The sexes look alike although the head and neck plumage of male birds fades more with age and wear, particularly just before moulting. Immature birds have duller and less demarcated plumage. The head is a sooty black, sometimes with a faint greenish sheen and brown feather bases visible, the back and side of the neck are dark grey and the underparts greyish or sooty black. The tail has narrower feathers and a greenish sheen. There are 4 recognised geographical subspecies of the Jackdaw, each with slight plumage variations. Within its range, the Jackdaw is generally unmistakable and its short bill and grey nape are distinguishing features. In flight, the Jackdaw is distinguishable from other crows by its smaller size, faster and deeper wingbeats and proportionately narrower and less fingered wing tips. It also has a shorter and thicker neck and a much shorter bill and it frequently flies in tighter flocks. The Jackdaw is a skilled flyer and can manoeuvre tightly as well as tumble and glide. It has characteristic jerky wing beats when flying. On the ground, the Jackdaw has an upright posture and struts briskly with its short legs giving it a rapid gait. The Jackdaw is found from north west Africa, throughout all of Europe, except for the extreme north, and east through central Asia to the east Himalayas and Lake Baikal. To the east, it occurs throughout Turkey, the Caucasus, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and north west India. A small number of Jackdaws reached the north east of North America in the 1980s and have been found from Atlantic Canada to Pennsylvania. The range is vast and there is a large global population. Most populations are resident but the north and east populations are more migratory and relocate to wintering areas between September and November and return between February and early May. The Jackdaw can be found in wooded steppes, pastures, cultivated land, coastal cliffs and towns. It thrives when forested areas are cleared and converted to fields and open areas. Habitats with a mix of large trees, buildings and open ground are preferred. Open fields are left to the Rook and more wooded areas to the Jay. The Jackdaw is highly gregarious and is generally seen in flocks of varying sizes. Flocks increase in size in autumn and birds congregate at dusk for communal roosting with up to several thousand individuals gathering at one site. Males and females pair bond for life and pairs stay together within flocks. Jackdaws will frequently congregate with other crows such as Carrion Crows, Hooded Crows or Rooks. Foraging takes place mostly on the ground in open areas and to some extent in trees. Landfill sites, bins, streets and gardens are also visited, more often early in the morning when there are fewer people about. Various feeding methods are employed, such as jumping, pecking, clod-turning and scattering, probing the soil and occasional digging. The Jackdaw will also ride on the backs of sheep and other mammals such as deer, seeking ticks as well as actively gathering wool or hair for nests. Compared with other crows, the Jackdaw spends more time exploring and turning over objects with its bill. It also has a straighter and less downturned bill and increased binocular vision which are advantageous for this foraging strategy. The Jackdaw is opportunistic and highly adaptable and varies its diet markedly depending on available food sources. It tends to feed on small invertebrates that are found above ground, including various species of beetle as well as snails and spiders. It will also eat small rodents, bats, the eggs and chicks of birds and carrion such as roadkill. Vegetable items consumed include farm grains, weed seeds, elderberries, acorns and various cultivated fruits. The Jackdaw practices active food sharing with a number of individuals regardless of sex or kinship. It also shares more of a preferred food than a less preferred food. The active giving of food by most birds is found mainly in the context of parental care and courtship although the Jackdaw shows much higher levels of active giving than has been documented for other species. The function of this behaviour is not fully understood and several theories have been advanced. Genetic analysis of Jackdaw pairs and offspring shows no evidence of extra-pair copulation and there is little evidence for couple separation even after multiple instances of reproductive failure. Some pairs do separate in the first few months but almost all pairings of over 6 months' duration are lifelong and end only when a partner dies. Widowed or separated birds fare badly and are often ousted from nests or territories and are unable to rear broods alone. The Jackdaw usually breeds in colonies with pairs collaborating to find a nest site which they then defend from other pairs and predators during most of the year. It will nest in cavities in trees or cliffs, in ruined or occupied buildings and in chimneys, the common feature being a sheltered site for the nest. A mated pair usually constructs a nest by improving a crevice by dropping sticks into it. The nest is then built on top of the platform formed. Nest platforms can attain a great size. Nests are lined with hair, wool, dead grass and many other materials. Clutches usually contain 4 or 5 eggs which are incubated by the female for 17 to 18 days until hatching as naked altricial chicks which are completely dependent on the adults for food. The chicks fledge after 28 to 35 days and the parents continue to feed them for another 4 weeks or so. Date: 9th June 2023 Location: Stackpole Head, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo448358.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_60422142346843ecc09c1f.jpgNevis range, Highland 10 miles north of Fort William near Spean Bridge is the dramatic Commando Memorial, a bronze monument crafted by Scott Sutherland and placed here in 1952 to commemorate the commando units who trained in the area during World War 2. From the Commando Memorial there is a spectacular view of the “Nevis Range” of mountains. This range includes Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain at 4406 feet. [i]"Not for you a mock manouevre No blanks fired, no punches pulled. Some reached Le Havre or St Nazaire, Some never left these hills."[/i] Date: 24th December 2005 Location: view from the Commando Memorial, Spean Bridge http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15367555.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8454202904fec1cee1aaee.jpgRinged Plover The Ringed Plover is a small, dumpy, short-legged wading bird. Many UK birds live here all year round but birds from Europe winter in Britain and birds from Greenland and Canada pass through on migration. Ringed Plovers breed on sandy and shingle beaches and on inland gravel pits. They can be found in winter on sandy and shingle beaches, estuaries and coastal lagoons and marshes. Date: 9th June 2012 Location: Scourie Bay, Sutherland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49903674.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7453615566504387a5030a.jpgWillow Emerald Damselfly Description to follow .... Date: 21st August 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13656965.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14843940254ed368bddbc86.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the [i]Canidae[/i] family and is a part of the order [i]Carnivora[/i] within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405570.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15269420126586fc5c521ec.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the Canidae family and is a part of the order Carnivora within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 6th December 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847642.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_106774501859bd546d01f7c.jpgLatorica, Košice region, Slovakia The Latorica Protected Landscape Area (Chránená krajinná oblasť Latorica) is located in the Košice Region in south east Slovakia around the Slovakian part of the Latorica River (a river in the watershed of the Danube with its source in the mountains of the Ukrainian Carpathians) and around the lower parts of the Ondava River and Laborec River. The landscape consists of a system of riverbeds surrounded by alluvial riverine oak, ash, alder and birch forest, oxbow lakes, ponds, marshes, reedbeds, sandy banks, dyke-lined canals, pastures and hay meadows. Much of the surrounding floodplain is farmed. The Latorica Protected Landscape Area was designated in 1990 and covers an area of 90 square miles. Part of the area was added to the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance in 1993. Date: 2nd June 2017 Location: Leles to Boľ area, Latorica, Košice region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13657327.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11134326444ed36de81387f.jpgOtter The Eurasian Otter, also known as the European Otter, Eurasian River Otter, Common Otter and Old World Otter and commonly known as the Otter, is a semi-aquatic mammal and the most widely distributed member of the Otter sub-family of the Weasel family (Mustelidae). The Otter is a typical species of the Otter sub-family and is brown above and cream below. It is 22.5 to 37.5 inches long excluding a tail of 14 to 17.5 inches. The female is shorter than the male. The Otter's average body weight is 15 to 26 pounds, although occasionally a large old male may reach up to 37 pounds. The Otter differs from the North American River Otter by its shorter neck, broader face, the greater space between the ears and its longer tail. However, it is the only Otter species in much of its range so it is rarely confused for any other animal. The Otter is the most widely distributed Otter species and its range including parts of Asia and Africa as well as being widespread across Europe. The Otter can be found throughout most of the UK with the highest densities in Scotland, especially the islands and the north west coast, Wales, parts of East Anglia and the West Country. The Otter declined across its range in the second half of the 20th century primarily due to pollution, habitat loss and hunting. However, populations are now recovering in many parts of Europe. In the UK the number of sites with an Otter presence increased by 55% between 1994 and 2002. In August 2011, the Environment Agency announced that the Otter had returned to every county in England since vanishing from every county except the West Country and parts of Northern England. The recovery of the Otter population in Europe is due to a ban on the most harmful pesticides that has been in place since 1979, improvements in water quality leading to increases in prey populations and direct legal protection under the European Union Habitats Directive and national legislation in several European countries. In general, the Otter’s varied and adaptable diet means that it can be found on any unpolluted body of fresh water, including lakes, streams, rivers and ponds, as long as the food supply is adequate. It can also be found along the coast in salt water but it requires regular access to fresh water to clean its fur. When living in the sea it is sometimes referred to as a "Sea Otter" but it should not be confused with the true Sea Otter which is a North American species much more strongly adapted to a marine existence. The Otter's diet mainly consists of fish. However, during the winter and in colder environments, fish consumption is significantly lower and other sources of food are eaten including amphibians, crustaceans, insects, birds and small mammals. Hunting mainly takes place at night whilst the day is usually spent in the Otter's holt (den). The Otter is strongly territorial and is primarily solitary. An individual's territory may vary between 1 and 25 miles with the length of the territory depending on the density of food available and the width of the water suitable for hunting (it is shorter on coasts, where the available width is much wider and longer on narrower rivers). The Otter uses its spraints to mark its territory. Territories are only held against members of the same sex so those of males and females may overlap. The Otter is a non-seasonal breeder and males and females will breed at any time of the year. It has been found that their mating season is most likely determined simply by the Otters' reproductive maturity and physiological state. Female Otters are sexually mature between 18 and 24 months old and the average age of first breeding is found to be 2.5 years old. Gestation is 60 to 64 days and after the gestation period, 1 to 4 pups are born which remain dependent on the mother for about 13 months. The male plays no direct role in parental care although the territory of a female with her pups is usually entirely within that of the male. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26270213.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18966416325665513d7d7d9.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 4th December 2015 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23526650.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_194063881054ddc44275284.jpgDark-bellied Brent Geese The Brent Goose belongs to the [I]Branta[/I] genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the [I]Anser[/I] genus of grey geese. [I]Branta[/I] is a Latinised form of Old Norse [I]brandgás[/I], meaning "burnt (black) goose", and [i]bernicla[/i] is the medieval Latin name for the barnacle. The Brent Goose and the similar Barnacle Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be the same creature as the crustacean, a myth that can be dated back to at least the 12th century. The Brent Goose, [I]Branta bernicla[/I] is divided into 3 sub-species: Dark-bellied Brent Goose [I]B. b. bernicla[/I], Pale-bellied Brent Goose [i]B. b. hrota[/i] (sometimes also known as Light-bellied Brent Goose) and Black Brant [i]B. b. nigricans[/i]. Some DNA evidence suggests that these forms are genetically distinct and a split into 3 separate species has been proposed. However, other evidence upholds their maintenance as a single species. The Brent Goose is a small goose, 22 to 26 inches long with a wingspan of 42 to 48 inches. The under-tail is pure white and the tail black and very short (the shortest of any goose). The Dark-bellied Brent Goose is fairly uniformly dark grey-brown all over and the flanks and belly are not significantly paler than the back. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds on the Arctic coasts of central and west Siberia and winters in west Europe with over half the population in south England and the rest between north Germany and north west France. The Pale-bellied Brent Goose appears blackish-brown and light grey in colour and the flanks and belly are significantly paler than the back and present a marked contrast. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds in Franz Josef Land, Svalbard, Greenland and north east Canada and winters in Denmark, north east England, Ireland and the Atlantic coast of the USA from Maine to Georgia as well as in a small but significant area in north France. The Black Brant appears blackish-brown and white in colour. This sub-species is very contrastingly black and white with a uniformly dark sooty-brown back, similarly-coloured underparts (with the dark colour extending furthest back of the 3 sub-species) and a prominent white flank patch. It also has a larger white neck patch which forms an almost complete collar. It breeds in north west Canada, Alaska and east Siberia and winters mostly on the west coast of north America from south Alaska to California but also in east Asia, mainly Japan. It sometimes appears as a vagrant in Europe when it associates with the other Brent Goose species. The Brent Goose used to be a strictly coastal bird in winter, seldom leaving tidal estuaries where it feeds on eel-grass and seaweed. In recent decades, it has started using agricultural land a short distance inland, feeding extensively on grass and winter-sown cereals. This may be behaviour learned by following other species of geese. Food resource pressure may also be important in forcing this change since the world population increased over 10-fold by the mid-1980s, possibly reaching the carrying capacity of the estuaries. In the breeding season, the Brent Goose uses low-lying wet coastal tundra for both breeding and feeding. The nest is bowl-shaped, lined with grass and down and located in an elevated position often near a small pond. The Brent Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds applies. Date: 26th January 2015 Location: Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081444.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4418513363a8455b97dc6.jpgMute Swan The Mute Swan is a species of swan native to much of Eurasia. Despite its Eurasian origin, its closest relatives are the Black Swan of Australia and the Black-necked Swan of south America, not the other Northern Hemisphere swans such as the Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan. The name “mute” derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. The adult Mute Swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob at the top of the beak. All Mute Swans are white at maturity although the feathers (particularly on the head and neck) are often stained orange-brown by iron and tannins in the water. Young birds (cygnets) are not the bright white colour of mature adults and their bill is dull greyish-black for the first year. The plumage may range from pure white to grey to buff with grey/buff being the most common. Cygnets typically retain their grey/buff feathers until they are at least 1 year old. On average, the Mute Swan is the second largest waterfowl species after the Trumpeter Swan although the male Mute Swan can easily match or even exceed a male Trumpeter Swan in mass. The adult Mute Swan typically ranges from 55 to 63 inches in length (although it can range in extreme cases from 49 to 67 inches) with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. Males (cobs) are larger than females (pens) and have a larger knob on their bill. The Mute Swan is one of the heaviest flying birds. In several studies from the UK, males were found to average from about 23.4 to 26.2 pounds, with a weight range of 20 to 32 pounds, while the slightly smaller females were found to average about 18.7 to 21.3 pounds, with a weight range of 17 to 23 pounds. The Mute Swan is less vocal than the noisy Bewick's Swan and Whooper Swan although it does make a variety of grunting, hoarse whistling and snorting noises, especially in communicating with their cygnets and threatening competitors or intruders trying to enter their territory. The most familiar sound associated with the Mute Swan is the vibrant throbbing of the wings in flight which is unique to the species and this can be heard from a range of up to 1 mile. The Mute Swan is found naturally mainly in the temperate areas of Europe across west Asia and as far east as Primorsky Krai in the far east of Russia. It is partially migratory throughout the northern latitudes in Europe and Asia as far south as north Africa and the Mediterranean. It is also often kept in captivity outside its natural range as a decoration for parks and ponds and escapes have occurred. The descendants of such birds have become naturalised in east USA and the Great Lakes region across the USA and Canada border. The Mute Swan population in the UK has increased recently probably due to better protection of this species. Some birds are resident all year whilst others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into east England. Mute Swans nest on large mounds that they build with waterside vegetation in shallow water on islands in the middle or at the very edge of a lake. It is a monogamous species and often reuses the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Males and females share the care of the nest. The female lays from 4 to 10 eggs and broods for around 36 days. Cygnets are unable to fly before an age of 120 to 150 days and this limits the distribution of the species in the northern edge of its range since the cygnets must learn to fly before the water freezes. The Mute Swan is usually strongly territorial with just a single pair on smaller lakes although in a few locations where a large area of suitable feeding habitat is found they can be colonial. The largest colonies can hold over 100 pairs such as that at the colony at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset in the UK. Non-mated juveniles up to 3 to 4 years old commonly form larger flocks often at regular traditional sites and these can total several hundred birds. The Mute Swan can be very aggressive in defence of its nest and it is highly protective of its mate and offspring. Most defensive attacks from a Mute Swan begin with a loud hiss and, if this is not sufficient to drive off the predator, are followed by a physical attack. It attacks by smashing at its enemy with bony spurs in the wings accompanied by biting with its large bill. Smaller waterbirds such as ducks are normally grabbed with the bill and dragged or thrown clear. Large waterfowl, such as the Canada Goose, more likely out of competition than in response to potential predation, may be aggressively driven off. The wings of the Mute Swan are very powerful although not strong enough to break an adult man's leg as has been claimed anecdotally. The Mute Swan feeds on a wide range of vegetation, both submerged aquatic plants which they reach with their long necks and by grazing on land. The food commonly includes agricultural crop plants such as oilseed rape and wheat and feeding flocks in the winter may cause significant crop damage, often as much through trampling with their large webbed feet as through direct consumption. Date: 9th January 2022 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405551.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4272104986586fbab0353d.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the Canidae family and is a part of the order Carnivora within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 6th December 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081445.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_205416718863a8455e25bc6.jpgMute Swan The Mute Swan is a species of swan native to much of Eurasia. Despite its Eurasian origin, its closest relatives are the Black Swan of Australia and the Black-necked Swan of south America, not the other Northern Hemisphere swans such as the Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan. The name “mute” derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. The adult Mute Swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob at the top of the beak. All Mute Swans are white at maturity although the feathers (particularly on the head and neck) are often stained orange-brown by iron and tannins in the water. Young birds (cygnets) are not the bright white colour of mature adults and their bill is dull greyish-black for the first year. The plumage may range from pure white to grey to buff with grey/buff being the most common. Cygnets typically retain their grey/buff feathers until they are at least 1 year old. On average, the Mute Swan is the second largest waterfowl species after the Trumpeter Swan although the male Mute Swan can easily match or even exceed a male Trumpeter Swan in mass. The adult Mute Swan typically ranges from 55 to 63 inches in length (although it can range in extreme cases from 49 to 67 inches) with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. Males (cobs) are larger than females (pens) and have a larger knob on their bill. The Mute Swan is one of the heaviest flying birds. In several studies from the UK, males were found to average from about 23.4 to 26.2 pounds, with a weight range of 20 to 32 pounds, while the slightly smaller females were found to average about 18.7 to 21.3 pounds, with a weight range of 17 to 23 pounds. The Mute Swan is less vocal than the noisy Bewick's Swan and Whooper Swan although it does make a variety of grunting, hoarse whistling and snorting noises, especially in communicating with their cygnets and threatening competitors or intruders trying to enter their territory. The most familiar sound associated with the Mute Swan is the vibrant throbbing of the wings in flight which is unique to the species and this can be heard from a range of up to 1 mile. The Mute Swan is found naturally mainly in the temperate areas of Europe across west Asia and as far east as Primorsky Krai in the far east of Russia. It is partially migratory throughout the northern latitudes in Europe and Asia as far south as north Africa and the Mediterranean. It is also often kept in captivity outside its natural range as a decoration for parks and ponds and escapes have occurred. The descendants of such birds have become naturalised in east USA and the Great Lakes region across the USA and Canada border. The Mute Swan population in the UK has increased recently probably due to better protection of this species. Some birds are resident all year whilst others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into east England. Mute Swans nest on large mounds that they build with waterside vegetation in shallow water on islands in the middle or at the very edge of a lake. It is a monogamous species and often reuses the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Males and females share the care of the nest. The female lays from 4 to 10 eggs and broods for around 36 days. Cygnets are unable to fly before an age of 120 to 150 days and this limits the distribution of the species in the northern edge of its range since the cygnets must learn to fly before the water freezes. The Mute Swan is usually strongly territorial with just a single pair on smaller lakes although in a few locations where a large area of suitable feeding habitat is found they can be colonial. The largest colonies can hold over 100 pairs such as that at the colony at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset in the UK. Non-mated juveniles up to 3 to 4 years old commonly form larger flocks often at regular traditional sites and these can total several hundred birds. The Mute Swan can be very aggressive in defence of its nest and it is highly protective of its mate and offspring. Most defensive attacks from a Mute Swan begin with a loud hiss and, if this is not sufficient to drive off the predator, are followed by a physical attack. It attacks by smashing at its enemy with bony spurs in the wings accompanied by biting with its large bill. Smaller waterbirds such as ducks are normally grabbed with the bill and dragged or thrown clear. Large waterfowl, such as the Canada Goose, more likely out of competition than in response to potential predation, may be aggressively driven off. The wings of the Mute Swan are very powerful although not strong enough to break an adult man's leg as has been claimed anecdotally. The Mute Swan feeds on a wide range of vegetation, both submerged aquatic plants which they reach with their long necks and by grazing on land. The food commonly includes agricultural crop plants such as oilseed rape and wheat and feeding flocks in the winter may cause significant crop damage, often as much through trampling with their large webbed feet as through direct consumption. Date: 9th January 2022 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/brown-bear-cub https://images.on-this.website/4752_3252600835ff3103b7024b.jpgBrown Bear cub The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, Ursus arctos arctos. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an evening visit with [url=https://www.karhujenkatselu.fi/en-gb]Karhu-Kuusamo[/url] Date: 7th July 2019 Location: Kuntilampi, near Kuusamo, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45456902.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_713886523624ffb384ffea.jpgDark-bellied Brent Geese The Brent Goose belongs to the [I]Branta[/I] genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the [I]Anser[/I] genus of grey geese. [I]Branta[/I] is a Latinised form of Old Norse [I]brandgás[/I], meaning "burnt (black) goose", and [i]bernicla[/i] is the medieval Latin name for the barnacle. The Brent Goose and the similar Barnacle Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be the same creature as the crustacean, a myth that can be dated back to at least the 12th century. The Brent Goose, [I]Branta bernicla[/I] is divided into 3 sub-species: Dark-bellied Brent Goose [I]B. b. bernicla[/I], Pale-bellied Brent Goose [i]B. b. hrota[/i] (sometimes also known as Light-bellied Brent Goose) and Black Brant [i]B. b. nigricans[/i]. Some DNA evidence suggests that these forms are genetically distinct and a split into 3 separate species has been proposed. However, other evidence upholds their maintenance as a single species. The Brent Goose is a small goose, 22 to 26 inches long with a wingspan of 42 to 48 inches. The under-tail is pure white and the tail black and very short (the shortest of any goose). The Dark-bellied Brent Goose is fairly uniformly dark grey-brown all over and the flanks and belly are not significantly paler than the back. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds on the Arctic coasts of central and west Siberia and winters in west Europe with over half the population in south England and the rest between north Germany and north west France. The Pale-bellied Brent Goose appears blackish-brown and light grey in colour and the flanks and belly are significantly paler than the back and present a marked contrast. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds in Franz Josef Land, Svalbard, Greenland and north east Canada and winters in Denmark, north east England, Ireland and the Atlantic coast of the USA from Maine to Georgia as well as in a small but significant area in north France. The Black Brant appears blackish-brown and white in colour. This sub-species is very contrastingly black and white with a uniformly dark sooty-brown back, similarly-coloured underparts (with the dark colour extending furthest back of the 3 sub-species) and a prominent white flank patch. It also has a larger white neck patch which forms an almost complete collar. It breeds in north west Canada, Alaska and east Siberia and winters mostly on the west coast of north America from south Alaska to California but also in east Asia, mainly Japan. It sometimes appears as a vagrant in Europe when it associates with the other Brent Goose species. The Brent Goose used to be a strictly coastal bird in winter, seldom leaving tidal estuaries where it feeds on eel-grass and seaweed. In recent decades, it has started using agricultural land a short distance inland, feeding extensively on grass and winter-sown cereals. This may be behaviour learned by following other species of geese. Food resource pressure may also be important in forcing this change since the world population increased over 10-fold by the mid-1980s, possibly reaching the carrying capacity of the estuaries. In the breeding season, the Brent Goose uses low-lying wet coastal tundra for both breeding and feeding. The nest is bowl-shaped, lined with grass and down and located in an elevated position often near a small pond. The Brent Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds applies. Date: 9th November 2021 Location: Shoeburyness, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45456899.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_848439518624ffb33bf112.jpgDark-bellied Brent Geese The Brent Goose belongs to the [I]Branta[/I] genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the [I]Anser[/I] genus of grey geese. [I]Branta[/I] is a Latinised form of Old Norse [I]brandgás[/I], meaning "burnt (black) goose", and [i]bernicla[/i] is the medieval Latin name for the barnacle. The Brent Goose and the similar Barnacle Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be the same creature as the crustacean, a myth that can be dated back to at least the 12th century. The Brent Goose, [I]Branta bernicla[/I] is divided into 3 sub-species: Dark-bellied Brent Goose [I]B. b. bernicla[/I], Pale-bellied Brent Goose [i]B. b. hrota[/i] (sometimes also known as Light-bellied Brent Goose) and Black Brant [i]B. b. nigricans[/i]. Some DNA evidence suggests that these forms are genetically distinct and a split into 3 separate species has been proposed. However, other evidence upholds their maintenance as a single species. The Brent Goose is a small goose, 22 to 26 inches long with a wingspan of 42 to 48 inches. The under-tail is pure white and the tail black and very short (the shortest of any goose). The Dark-bellied Brent Goose is fairly uniformly dark grey-brown all over and the flanks and belly are not significantly paler than the back. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds on the Arctic coasts of central and west Siberia and winters in west Europe with over half the population in south England and the rest between north Germany and north west France. The Pale-bellied Brent Goose appears blackish-brown and light grey in colour and the flanks and belly are significantly paler than the back and present a marked contrast. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds in Franz Josef Land, Svalbard, Greenland and north east Canada and winters in Denmark, north east England, Ireland and the Atlantic coast of the USA from Maine to Georgia as well as in a small but significant area in north France. The Black Brant appears blackish-brown and white in colour. This sub-species is very contrastingly black and white with a uniformly dark sooty-brown back, similarly-coloured underparts (with the dark colour extending furthest back of the 3 sub-species) and a prominent white flank patch. It also has a larger white neck patch which forms an almost complete collar. It breeds in north west Canada, Alaska and east Siberia and winters mostly on the west coast of north America from south Alaska to California but also in east Asia, mainly Japan. It sometimes appears as a vagrant in Europe when it associates with the other Brent Goose species. The Brent Goose used to be a strictly coastal bird in winter, seldom leaving tidal estuaries where it feeds on eel-grass and seaweed. In recent decades, it has started using agricultural land a short distance inland, feeding extensively on grass and winter-sown cereals. This may be behaviour learned by following other species of geese. Food resource pressure may also be important in forcing this change since the world population increased over 10-fold by the mid-1980s, possibly reaching the carrying capacity of the estuaries. In the breeding season, the Brent Goose uses low-lying wet coastal tundra for both breeding and feeding. The nest is bowl-shaped, lined with grass and down and located in an elevated position often near a small pond. The Brent Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds applies. Date: 9th November 2021 Location: Shoeburyness, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071710.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5840438676643398eb35f5.jpgCommon Redstart The Common Redstart, or often simply Redstart, is a small passerine bird. Like its relatives, it was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family but it is now known to be an Old World flycatcher. The Common Redstart shows some affinity to the Robin in many of its habits and actions. It has the same general carriage and chat-like behaviour and it is the same length but slightly slimmer and not quite as heavy. The orange-red tail, from which it and other redstarts get their names ("start" is an old word for "tail"), is frequently quivered. Among common European birds, only the Black Redstart has a similarly coloured tail. In summer, the male Common Redstart has a slate-grey head and upperparts, except the rump and tail, which, like the flanks, underwing coverts and axillaries, are orange-chestnut. The forehead is white and the sides of the face and throat are black. The wings and the two central tail feathers are brown and the other tail feathers are bright orange-red. The orange on the flanks shades to almost white on the belly. The bill and legs are black. In autumn, pale feather fringes on the body feathering obscures the colours of the male and gives it a washed-out appearance. The female is browner with paler underparts and it lacks the black and slate head. The Common Redstart is a summer visitor throughout most of Europe and west Asia (east to Lake Baikal) and also in north west Africa in Morocco. It can be found in open mature birch and oak woodland with low amounts of shrub and understorey especially where the trees are old enough to have holes suitable for its nest. It prefers to nest on the edge of woodland clearings in natural tree holes so dead trees or those with dead limbs are beneficial to it. It also nests in mature open conifer woodland, particularly in the north of the breeding range, and nestboxes are sometimes used. In the UK, the Common Redstart occurs primarily in broadleaf woodlands in upland areas in the north and west with the greatest concentrations in Wales. Further east in Europe it also commonly occurs in lowland areas including parks and old gardens in urban areas. The Common Redstart winters in central Africa and Arabia, south of the Sahara Desert but north of the Equator and from Senegal east to Yemen. It first arrives in its breeding areas in early to mid April, the males often a few days in advance of the females. Following breeding, return migration to Africa occurs between mid August and early October. The Common Redstart is insectivorous and eats a wide variety of small insects and spiders but additionally fruit and berries in the autumn. It often feeds like a flycatcher and makes aerial sallies after passing insects. Date: 5th May 2024 Location: RWT Gilfach, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42229291.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_299798262603e5efa3006b.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 26th February 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28886126.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14221641057cc38b3ca89b.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 11th May 2016 Location: Puise, Matsalu National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081420.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_32483271563a82aae452ff.jpgBewick's Swan The Tundra Swan is a small Holarctic swan. The 2 taxa within it are usually regarded as conspecific but are also sometimes split into 2 species: the Bewick's Swan of the Palaearctic and the Whistling Swan of the Nearctic. The Bewick's Swan was named in 1830 by William Yarrell after the engraver Thomas Bewick who specialised in illustrations of birds and animals. The Bewick's Swan measures 45 to 55 inches in length with a wing span of 18.5 to 21.5 inches. Males are slightly larger and heavier than females. It is similar in appearance to the Whooper Swan but is smaller, shorter-necked and has a more rounded head shape. It has a variable bill pattern but always shows more black than yellow and having a blunt forward edge of the yellow base patch. The Whooper Swan has a bill that has more yellow than black and the forward edge of the yellow patch is usually pointed. The bill pattern for every individual Bewick's Swan is unique and scientists often make detailed drawings of each bill and assign names to the swans to assist with studying these birds. As their common name implies, the Tundra Swan breeds in the Arctic and sub-Arctic tundra where they inhabit shallow pools, lakes and rivers. Unlike the Mute Swan, but like the other Arctic swans, it is a migratory bird. The winter habitat is mainly grassland and marshland, often near the coast. The breeding range of the Bewick’s Swan extends across the coastal lowlands of Siberia from the Kola Peninsula east to the Pacific. It starts to arrive in its breeding range around mid-May and leaves for its winter range around the end of September. The populations west of the Taimyr Peninsula migrate via the White Sea, Baltic Sea and the Elbe estuary to winter in Denmark, the Netherlands and the UK where it is common in winter on a few RSPB and WWT reserves. Some birds also winter elsewhere on the southern shores of the North Sea. The Bewick’s Swans that breed in eastern Russia migrate via Mongolia and north China to winter in the coastal regions of Korea, Japan and south China, south to Guangdong and occasionally as far as Taiwan. A few birds from the central Siberian range also winter in Iran at the south of the Caspian Sea. Arrival in the winter range starts about mid-October although most birds spend weeks or even months at favourite resting locations and will only arrive in the winter range in November or even as late as January. Departure from the winter range starts in mid-February. Bewick’s Swans mate in the late spring, usually after they have returned to the breeding range. As is usual for swans, they pair monogamously until one partner dies. Should one partner die long before the other, the surviving bird often will not mate again for several years or even for the rest of its life. The nesting season starts at the end of May. The pair build the large mound-shaped nest from plant material at an elevated site near open water and they defend a large territory around it. The pen (female) lays and incubates a clutch of 2 to 7 (usually 3 to 5) eggs whilst the cob (male) keeps a steady lookout for potential predators heading towards his mate and offspring. The time from egg laying to hatching is 29 to 30 days. Since they nest in cold regions, Bewick’s Swan cygnets grow faster than those of swans breeding in warmer climates and they may fledge in 40 to 45 days. Cygnets stay with their parents for the first winter migration and the family is sometimes even joined by their offspring from previous breeding seasons while on the wintering grounds. Bewick’s Swans do not reach sexual maturity until 3 or 4 years of age. In summer, the diet of the Bewick’s Swan consists mainly of aquatic vegetation which it finds by sticking its head underwater or upending while swimming. It will also eat some grass growing on dry land. At other times of the year, leftover grains and other crops such as potatoes, picked up in open fields after harvest, make up much of the diet. Healthy adult Bewick’s Swans have few natural predators. The Arctic Fox may threaten breeding females and particular the eggs and hatchlings. Adults typically can stand their ground and displace foxes but occasionally the foxes are successful. Other potential nest predators include the Red Fox, the Brown Bear, the Golden Eagle, the Arctic Skua and the Glaucous Gull. The Brown Bear, the Golden Eagle and the Wolf may occasionally succeed at capturing and killing an adult. About 15% adults die each year from various causes and the average lifespan in the wild is about 10 years. The status of the Bewick's Swan is not well known although its population is in decline in north west Europe for largely unexplained reasons. It is increasingly dependent on agricultural crops to supplement its winter diet as aquatic vegetation in its winter habitat declines due to habitat destruction and water pollution. However, the main cause of adult mortality is hunting and, whilst the Bewick's Swan can not be hunted legally, almost half the birds studied contain lead shot in their bodies, indicating that they were shot at by poachers. Lead poisoning by ingestion of lead shot is also a very significant cause of mortality. The Bewick's Swan is one of the birds to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 9th January 2022 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457109.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_949328030668570c2a7b7f.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/atlantic-grey-seal-pup https://images.on-this.website/4752_758127109640a3e06cfcf1.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 31st January 2023 Location: Cley-next-the-Sea, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/juvenile-coot https://images.on-this.website/4752_18266992736117e06c48191.jpgJuvenile Coot The Coot is an all black bird with a distinctive white beak and “shield” above the beak from which earns it the title “bald”. Its feet have distinctive lobed flaps of skin on the toes which act instead of webs when swimming. It patters noisily over the water before taking off and can be very aggressive towards other birds. Coot can be found all the year round mainly on freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers and town park lakes. Sometimes they can be seen offshore, especially in winter if freshwater areas are frozen. They breed in areas of fairly shallow standing freshwater with a muddy bottom and plenty of vegetation at the sides, usually in lowland areas. Date: 5th July 2021 Location: RSPB Old Moor, Dearne Valley, South Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21958931.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_156528632153da5a2421d54.jpgArctic Tern The Arctic Tern is a seabird of the tern family. The adult plumage is grey above with a black nape and crown and white cheeks. The upperwings are pale grey with the area near the wingtip being translucent. The tail is white and the underparts pale grey. The beak is dark red as are the short legs and webbed feet. Like most terns, the Arctic Tern has high aspect ratio wings and a tail with a deep fork and long tail streamers. Both sexes are similar in appearance. The winter plumage is similar but the crown is whiter and the bills are darker. Juveniles differ from adults having black bill and legs, "scaly" appearing wings and mantle with dark feather tips, dark carpal wing bar and short tail streamers. During their first summer, juveniles also have a whiter forecrown. Whilst the Arctic Tern is similar to the Common and the Roseate Tern, its colouring, profile and call are slightly different. Compared to the Common Tern, it has a longer tail and mono-coloured bill, whilst the main differences from the Roseate Tern are its slightly darker colour and longer wings. The Arctic Tern has a circumpolar breeding distribution covering the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of Europe, Asia and north America. It is strongly migratory and sees 2 summers each year and more daylight than any other creature on the planet. It migrates along a convoluted route from its northern summer breeding grounds to the northern edge of the Antarctic coast for the southern summer and back again about 6 months later. In the UK, breeding Arctic Terns can best be seen on islands such as the Farne Islands in Northumberland or Orkney and Shetland in northern Scotland where the greatest densities occur. Recent studies have shown average annual roundtrip lengths of 25000 to 50000 miles depending on the route taken and weather and wind conditions. The Arctic Tern is a long-lived bird with many reaching 30 years of age and based on this average it will travel some 1.5 million miles during its lifetime. This is by far the longest migration known in the animal kingdom. Breeding takes place in colonies on coasts, islands and occasionally inland on tundra near water. The Arctic Tern often forms mixed colonies with the Common Tern and Sandwich Tern. As it nests on the ground, the Arctic Tern is vulnerable to predation but it is one of the most aggressive terns and it is fiercely defensive of its nest and young. It will attack humans and large predators, usually striking the top or back of the head. Although it is too small to cause serious injury, it is still capable of drawing blood and repelling many raptorial birds and smaller mammalian predators such as foxes and cats. Other nesting birds, such as auks, often incidentally benefit from the protection provided by nesting in an area defended by Arctic Terns. The diet of the Arctic Tern varies depending on location and time but it usually eats small fish or marine crustaceans by dipping down to the surface of the water to catch prey. While feeding, skuas, gulls and other tern species will often harass the birds and steal their food. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Inner Farne, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo44183395.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11752325106161c92f5c108.jpgBlack-necked Grebe The Black-necked Grebe is a member of the grebe family of water birds. It usually measures between 11 and 13 inches in length with a wingspan of 20.5 to 21.5 inches. The common name for this species refers to features visible when the bird is in its breeding plumage. In breeding plumage, the Black-necked Grebe has a black or blackish-brown coloured head, neck, breast and upper parts with the exception of the golden or ochre-coloured fan or spray of feathers extending behind the eye over the ear coverts and the sides of the nape. The flanks are tawny-rufous to maroon-chestnut and the abdomen is white. The eye is mostly red with a narrow and paler yellow ring on the inner parts of the eye and an orange-yellow to pinkish-red orbital ring. The thin and slightly upturned bill is black and is connected to the eye by a blackish line starting at the gape. The upperwing is blackish to drab brown in colour and has a white patch formed by the secondaries and part of the inner primaries. The underwing is white except the dark tertials and the mostly pale grey-brown outer primaries. The legs are a dark greenish grey. The sexes are similar. In non-breeding plumage, the Black-necked Grebe has greyish-black upper parts, cap, nape and hindneck. The dark colour of the cap reaches below the eye and can be seen diffused to the ear-coverts. The rest of the neck is grey to brownish-grey in colour and has some white that varies in amount. The breast is white and the abdomen is whitish. The flanks are coloured in a mix of blackish-grey with white flecks. The juvenile Black-necked Grebe is very similar to the non-breeding adult. The Black-necked Grebe breeds in vegetated areas of freshwater lakes across Europe, Asia, Africa, northern South America and the south west and west USA. After breeding, it migrates to saline lakes and coastal estuaries to moult and over-winter. In the UK, the Black-necked Grebe can be found all year round although here are only a small number of breeding locations. It is best looked for in winter on reservoirs, gravel pits, estuaries and off the coast. In the Northern Hemisphere, the Black-necked Grebe breeds from April to August. The male and female build a floating nest of plant matter in the usually shallow water of open lakes and the nest itself is also anchored to the lake by plants. Most of the nest is submerged with the bottom of the shallow cup usually being level with the water. The Black-necked Grebe nests both in colonies and by itself. When it does not nest by itself, it will often nest in mixed-species colonies made up of Black-headed Gulls, ducks and various other waterbirds. Pair formation in the Black-necked Grebe usually starts during pauses in the migration to the breeding grounds although it occasionally occurs before in wintering pairs. This pair formation continues after arrival on the breeding grounds. Courtship occurs when the bird arrives at the breeding lake and elaborate displays are performed in the middle of the lake. There is no territory involved in courting and birds use the whole area of the lake. The Black-necked Grebe is socially monogamous but conspecific or intraspecific brood parasitism, where the female lays eggs in the nest of others of their own species, is common with nearly 40% of nests being parasitized on average. However, in terms of territory, breeding pairs will only defend their own nest site. The female lays a clutch, although sometimes 2 clutches, of 3 to 4 eggs but nests that have been parasitised will have 2 more eggs on average even though the number the host lays is about the same no matter if it has been parasitized or not. The eggs are incubated by both parents for about 21 days. After the chicks hatch, the birds will desert their nest. Even though the young can swim and dive during this time, they rarely do, instead staying on the parents' backs for 4 days after hatching. This behaviour is present in all grebes and is likely to have evolved because it reduces travel, specifically back to the nest to brood the chicks and give them food. After about 10 days, the parents split the chicks up with each parent taking care of about half of the brood. After this split, the chicks are independent in about 10 days and fledge in about 3 weeks. The Black-necked Grebe forages mainly by diving from the water with dives usually lasting less than 30 seconds. These dives are usually shorter in time when in more shallow water. In between dives, it rests for an average of 15 seconds. The Black-necked Grebe also forages by gleaning foliage, plucking objects off of the surface of water, having its head submerged while swimming and sometimes by capturing flying insects. It eats mostly insects, of both adult and larval stages, as well as crustaceans, molluscs, tadpoles and small frogs and fish. The Black-necked Grebe is classified as “least concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, the population trend is uncertain since some populations are decreasing whereas others are stable, have an uncertain trend or are increasing. The justification for the current classification of the Black-necked Grebe is its very large population (estimated around 3.9 to 4.2 million individuals) combined with a large estimated extent of occurrence (about 60 million square miles). It is probably the most numerous grebe in the world. Date: 18th September 2021 Location: Alexandra Lake, Wanstead Flats, London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13593625.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3266784904ec8da35946fc.jpgOtter The Eurasian Otter, also known as the European Otter, Eurasian River Otter, Common Otter and Old World Otter and commonly known as the Otter, is a semi-aquatic mammal and the most widely distributed member of the Otter sub-family of the Weasel family (Mustelidae). The Otter is a typical species of the Otter sub-family and is brown above and cream below. It is 22.5 to 37.5 inches long excluding a tail of 14 to 17.5 inches. The female is shorter than the male. The Otter's average body weight is 15 to 26 pounds, although occasionally a large old male may reach up to 37 pounds. The Otter differs from the North American River Otter by its shorter neck, broader face, the greater space between the ears and its longer tail. However, it is the only Otter species in much of its range so it is rarely confused for any other animal. The Otter is the most widely distributed Otter species and its range including parts of Asia and Africa as well as being widespread across Europe. The Otter can be found throughout most of the UK with the highest densities in Scotland, especially the islands and the north west coast, Wales, parts of East Anglia and the West Country. The Otter declined across its range in the second half of the 20th century primarily due to pollution, habitat loss and hunting. However, populations are now recovering in many parts of Europe. In the UK the number of sites with an Otter presence increased by 55% between 1994 and 2002. In August 2011, the Environment Agency announced that the Otter had returned to every county in England since vanishing from every county except the West Country and parts of Northern England. The recovery of the Otter population in Europe is due to a ban on the most harmful pesticides that has been in place since 1979, improvements in water quality leading to increases in prey populations and direct legal protection under the European Union Habitats Directive and national legislation in several European countries. In general, the Otter’s varied and adaptable diet means that it can be found on any unpolluted body of fresh water, including lakes, streams, rivers and ponds, as long as the food supply is adequate. It can also be found along the coast in salt water but it requires regular access to fresh water to clean its fur. When living in the sea it is sometimes referred to as a "Sea Otter" but it should not be confused with the true Sea Otter which is a North American species much more strongly adapted to a marine existence. The Otter's diet mainly consists of fish. However, during the winter and in colder environments, fish consumption is significantly lower and other sources of food are eaten including amphibians, crustaceans, insects, birds and small mammals. Hunting mainly takes place at night whilst the day is usually spent in the Otter's holt (den). The Otter is strongly territorial and is primarily solitary. An individual's territory may vary between 1 and 25 miles with the length of the territory depending on the density of food available and the width of the water suitable for hunting (it is shorter on coasts, where the available width is much wider and longer on narrower rivers). The Otter uses its spraints to mark its territory. Territories are only held against members of the same sex so those of males and females may overlap. The Otter is a non-seasonal breeder and males and females will breed at any time of the year. It has been found that their mating season is most likely determined simply by the Otters' reproductive maturity and physiological state. Female Otters are sexually mature between 18 and 24 months old and the average age of first breeding is found to be 2.5 years old. Gestation is 60 to 64 days and after the gestation period, 1 to 4 pups are born which remain dependent on the mother for about 13 months. The male plays no direct role in parental care although the territory of a female with her pups is usually entirely within that of the male. Date: 9th November 2011 Location: Loch Scridain, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26027142.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_120020928756374cbf0e127.jpgEider The Eider is a large sea duck that is distributed over the northern coasts of Europe, north America and eastern Siberia. It breeds in the Arctic and some northern temperate regions but winters somewhat further south in temperate zones when it can form large flocks on coastal waters. The Eider is both the largest of the 4 eider species and the largest duck found in Europe and in north America (except for the Muscovy duck which only reaches north America in a wild state in southernmost Texas and south Florida). The Eider is characterized by its bulky shape and large, wedge-shaped bill. The male is unmistakable with its black and white plumage and green nape. The female is a brown bird but can still be readily distinguished from all ducks, except other eider species, on the basis of size and head shape. The drake's display call is a strange almost human-like "ah-ooo" while the duck utters hoarse quacks. The Eider dives for crustaceans and molluscs, with mussels being a favoured food. The Eider will eat mussels by swallowing them whole. The shells are then crushed in their gizzard and excreted. When eating a crab, the Eider will remove all of its claws and legs and then eat the body in a similar fashion. The Eider is abundant with populations of about 1.5 to 2 million birds in both Europe and north America and also large but unknown numbers in eastern Siberia. The Eider is a colonial breeder nesting on coastal islands in colonies ranging in size of less than 100 to upwards of 10,000 to 15,000 individuals. Female Eiders frequently exhibit a high degree of natal philopatry where they return to breed on the same island where they were hatched. This can lead to a high degree of relatedness between individuals nesting on the same island as well as the development of kin-based female social structures. This relatedness has likely played a role in the evolution of co-operative breeding behaviours amongst Eiders. Examples of these behaviours include laying eggs in the nests of related individuals and crèching where female Eiders team up and share the work of rearing ducklings. The Eider's nest is built close to the sea and is lined with the celebrated eiderdown plucked from the female's breast. This soft and warm lining has long been harvested for filling pillows and quilts but in more recent years has been largely replaced by down from domestic farm geese and synthetic alternatives. Although eiderdown pillows or quilts are now a rarity, eiderdown harvesting continues and is sustainable as it can be done after the ducklings leave the nest with no harm to the birds. Date: 3rd June 2015 Location: Melrakkaslétta, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42229315.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_916239343603e66c802ee7.jpgDunnock The Dunnock is a small passerine bird and the most widespread member of the genus Prunella, the accentor family which otherwise consists of mountain species. Other common names for the Dunnock include the Hedge Sparrow or Hedge Accentor. The Dunnock is about the size of a Robin. It has a generally drab brown streaked appearance with a grey head and a fine pointed bill. Both sexes are similar. It is quiet and unobtrusive and is frequently seen on its own, creeping along and moving with a rather nervous, shuffling gait often flicking its wings. The Dunnock is native to large areas of Eurasia where it is the only commonly found accentor in lowland areas. It can be found throughout the UK all the year round in any well vegetated areas with scrub, brambles and hedges and also in deciduous woodland, farmland edges, parks and gardens. The Dunnock is territorial and may engage in conflict with other birds that encroach upon their nesting areas. The Dunnock possesses variable mating systems. Females are often polyandrous, breeding with 2 or more males at once which is quite rare among birds. This multiple mating system leads to the development of sperm competition amongst the male suitors. DNA fingerprinting has shown that chicks within a brood often have different fathers depending on the success of the males at monopolising the female. Males try to ensure their paternity by pecking at the cloaca of the female to stimulate ejection of rival males' sperm. Males provide parental care in proportion to their mating success so 2 males and a female can commonly be seen provisioning nestlings at one nest. Other mating systems also exist within Dunnock populations depending on the ratio of male to females and the overlap of territories. When only a single female and a single male territory overlap, monogamy is preferred. Sometimes, 2 or 3 adjacent female territories overlap a single male territory and so polygyny is favoured with the male monopolising several females. Polygynandry also exists in which 2 males jointly defend a territory containing several females. Polyandry, however, is the most common mating system of the Dunnock. Depending on the population, males generally have the best reproductive success in polygynous populations whilst females have the advantage during polyandry. Studies have illustrated the fluidity of Dunnock mating systems. When food is in abundance, female territory size is reduced drastically. Consequently, males can more easily monopolise the females. Thus, the mating system can be shifted from one that favours female success (polyandry) to one that favours male success (monogamy, polygynandry or polygyny). The Dunnock builds a neat nest predominantly from twigs and moss and lined with soft materials such as wool or feathers which is located low in a bush. The female typically lays 3 to 5 eggs. Broods, depending on the population, can be raised by a lone female, multiple females with the part-time help of a male, multiple females with full-time help by a male or by multiple females and multiple males. Parental care varies according to the type of relationship. Date: 5th February 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39081937.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16335113565d3077bdc5867.jpgLake Srebarna, Silistra Province, Bulgaria Lake Srebarna is a freshwater lake periodically flooded by the River Danube just over 1 mile to the north. It is located in north east Bulgaria near the village of the same name and 11 miles west of Silistra. Lake Srebarna is a remnant of the once numerous lakes that lined the River Danube’s route to the Black Sea. The lake has large reedbeds and there is adjacent steppe, vineyards and agricultural land. A belt of woodland separates it from the River Danube. Lake Srebarna was the first wetland in Bulgaria to receive legal protection status and also the first to achieve international recognition. The lake was designated as a nature reserve in 1948 to protect the biodiversity that it hosts. In 1985 it was included on the UNESCO World Heritage List of Natural Properties. Lake Srebarna is also protected as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention and as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. In 1989 the lake was designated as an lmportant Bird Area by BirdLife International. It is also recognised and protected at the European level and included in 2 Natura 2000 sites: the Srebarna Special Protection Area and Ludogorie-Srebarna Special Area of Conservation. The nature reserve includes 3.7 square miles of protected area and a buffer zone of 3.4 square miles. It comprises Lake Srebarna itself, which has a fluctuating water level dependent on the River Danube, plus the former agricultural lands north of the lake, a belt of woodland along the River Danube, the island of Komluka and the aquatic area locked between the island and the riverbank. The reserve is an important wetland on the Via Pontica bird migration flyway. The basis for the nature reserve’s international significance is that it is an important breeding, migration and wintering site for a large number of birds. Floating reedbed islands and flooded willow woodlands provide important bird breeding areas. At the northern end, the reedbeds gradually give way to wet meadows. At the north west end of Lake Srebarna and along the River Danube, there are belts of riverine forest. The nature reserve holds populations of birds that are considered critical to species survival. It hosts the only colony of Dalmatian Pelican in Bulgaria as well as the largest breeding populations of 4 more globally threatened species: Pygmy Cormorant, Ferruginous Duck, White-tailed Eagle and Corncrake. The nature reserve is also of European value and importance in supporting Little Bittern, Night Heron, Squacco Heron, Purple Heron, Little Egret, Great White Egret, Glossy lbis, Spoonbill and Ruddy Shelduck. Globally threatened Pygmy Cormorant and Red-breasted Goose also winter on the nature reserve. In total, the nature reserve supports over 200 bird species, 41 mammal species, 21 reptile and amphibian species and 10 fish species. Date: 16th May 2018 Location: view from the visitor centre, Srebarna, Silistra Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42202660.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3959058545ff310faa4303.jpgBrown Bear cubs The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, Ursus arctos arctos. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an evening visit with [url=https://www.karhujenkatselu.fi/en-gb]Karhu-Kuusamo[/url] Date: 7th July 2019 Location: Kuntilampi, near Kuusamo, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41187476.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4869968745ea6dfcfbf54b.jpgGoldfinch The European Goldfinch or simply the Goldfinch is a small passerine bird in the finch family. The Goldfinch is 4.7 to 5.1 inches in length with a wingspan of 8.3 to 9.8 inches. The sexes are broadly similar, with a red face, black and white head, warm brown upper parts, white underparts with buff flanks and breast patches and black and yellow wings. On closer inspection, males can often be distinguished by a larger, darker red mask that extends just behind the eye. The shoulder feathers are black, whereas they are brown on the female. In females, the red face does not extend past the eye. The ivory-coloured bill is long and pointed and the tail is forked. Juveniles have a plain head and a greyer back but are unmistakable due to the yellow wing stripe. The Goldfinch is native to Europe, north Africa and west and central Asia. It is found in open, partially wooded lowlands and it is a resident in the milder west of its range but migrates from colder regions. It will also make local movements, even in the west, to escape bad weather. It has been introduced to many areas of the world. In the UK, the Goldfinch can be seen anywhere there are scattered bushes and trees, rough ground with thistles and other seeding plants, including orchards, parks, gardens, heathland and commons. It is less common in upland areas and most numerous in the south of England. The nest is built entirely by the female Goldfinch and is generally completed within a week. It is neat and compact and constructed of mosses and lichens and lined with plant down such as that from thistles. It is generally located several feet above the ground, hidden by leaves in the twigs at the end of a branch. The female typically lays 4 to 6 eggs which are incubated for 11 to 13 days. The chicks are fed by both parents. Initially they receive a mixture of seeds and insects but as they grow the proportion of insect material decreases. For the first 7 to 9 days the young are brooded by the female. The nestlings fledge 13 to 18 days after hatching. The young birds are fed by both parents for a further 7 to 9 days. The parents typically raise 2 broods each year and occasionally 3. The Goldfinch's preferred food is small seeds such as those from thistles and teasels but insects are also taken when feeding young. It also regularly visits bird feeders in winter. The Goldfinch is commonly kept and bred in captivity around the world because of its distinctive appearance and pleasant song. In the UK during the 19th century, many thousands of Goldfinches were trapped each year to be sold as cage birds. One of the earliest campaigns of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was directed against this trade. Date: 26th April 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512869.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_167442892462c9a87387773.jpgEurasian Beaver The Eurasian Beaver or European Beaver is one of the largest living species of rodents and it is the largest rodent native to Eurasia. It weighs around 24 to 66 pounds with an average of 40 pounds. Typically the head and body length is 31 to 39 inches and the tail length is 9.8 to 19.7 inches. The fur colour of the Beaver varies geographically from light chestnut-rust to blackish-brown. The Beaver was once widespread in Eurasia. It was hunted to near-extinction for both its fur and castoreum (a secretion of its scent gland believed to have medicinal properties) and by 1900 only 1200 beavers survived in 8 relict populations in Europe and Asia. In many European nations, the Beaver became extinct but reintroduction and protection has led to gradual recovery to about 639,000 individuals by 2003 and it now occurs from the UK to China and Mongolia although it is absent from Italy, Portugal, the southern Balkans and the Middle East. About 83% can be found in the former Soviet Union. In the UK, the Beaver became extinct in the 16th century but, as a former native species, interest in reintroducing it to the wild across the UK has been shown. It has been suggested that Beaver dams could retain water in upland areas, reducing flood volumes and creating new habitats for wildlife. Currently, Beaver populations are found in a number of large enclosures in wildlife parks, as well as free-living populations around the River Tay and Knapdale areas in Scotland and the River Otter in Devon. The Knapdale population was deliberately released whilst the other populations are of unknown origin. The Beaver is a keystone species helping support the ecosystem of which they are a part. It creates wetlands which increase biodiversity and provide habitat for many rare species such as Water Voles, Otters, and Water Shrews. It coppices waterside trees and shrubs so that they regrow as dense shrubs which provide cover for birds and other animals. Beaver dams trap sediment and improve water quality and recharge groundwater tables and increase cover for trout and salmon. The Beaver has a single litter of young per year, coming into oestrus for only 12 to 24 hours between late December and May and peaking in January. Unlike most other rodents, Beaver pairs are monogamous and stay together for multiple breeding seasons. Gestation averages 107 days and litters average 3 kits with a range of 2 to 6 kits. Most Beavers do not reproduce until they are 3 years of age. Date: 12th June 2022 Location: River Otter near Otterton, Devon http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26023851.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_981197198563733661b46f.jpgCommon Snipe The Common Snipe is a medium sized, skulking wading bird with short legs and a long straight bill. Both sexes are mottled brown above with paler buff stripes on the back, dark streaks on the chest and pale underparts. The Common Snipe breeds in marshes, bogs, tundra and wet meadows throughout northern Europe and northern Asia. It is a migratory bird, with European birds wintering in southern and western Europe and Africa. Date: 3rd June 2015 Location: Kaldbakur near Húsavík, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405518.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17844082646586f2b71e5d3.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 15th November 2023 Location: Fishers Green, Lee Valley Regional Park, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40713573.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13307246715e16f7ca976da.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 24th December 2019 Location: Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623028.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13682997696117d2dc58503.jpgHerring Gull The Herring Gull is one of the best known of all gulls along the shores of Europe. Adults in breeding plumage have a grey back and upperwings and white head and underparts. The wingtips are black with white spots known as "mirrors". The bill is yellow with a red spot and there is a ring of bare yellow skin around the pale eye. The legs are normally pink at all ages but can be yellowish. Non-breeding adults have brown streaks on the head and neck. Male and female plumage is identical at all stages of development although adult males are often larger. Juvenile and first-winter birds are mainly brown with darker streaks and have a dark bill and eyes. Second-winter birds have a whiter head and underparts with less streaking and the back is grey. Third-winter individuals are similar to adults but retain some of the features of immature birds such as brown feathers in the wings and dark markings on the bill. The Herring Gull attains adult plumage and reaches sexual maturity at an average age of 4 years. The loud laughing call of the Herring Gull is well known and is often seen as a symbol of the seaside in countries such as the UK. It also has a yelping alarm call and a low barking anxiety call. Chicks and fledglings emit a distinctive, repetitive high-pitched 'peep', accompanied by a head-flicking gesture when begging for food from or calling to their parents. Adult gulls in urban areas will also exhibit this behaviour when fed by humans. The Herring Gull breeds across northern Europe, western Europe, central Europe, eastern Europe, Scandinavia and the Baltic states. Some, especially those resident in colder areas, migrate further south in winter but many are permanent residents such as in the UK or on the North Sea shores. While Herring Gull numbers appear to have been decreased in recent years, possibly by fish population declines and competition, they have proved able to survive in human-adapted areas and can often be seen in towns acting as a scavenger. The Herring Gull, like most gulls, is an omnivore and opportunist and will scavenge from garbage dumps, landfill sites and sewage outflows with refuse comprising up to half of the bird's diet. In addition, it will eat fish, crustaceans and dead animals as well as some plants and it will steal the eggs and young of other birds (including those of other gulls). The Herring Gull may also dive from the surface of the water or engage in plunge diving in the pursuit of aquatic prey although they are typically unable to reach any great depth due to their natural buoyancy. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230788.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_159772122564917f7d4944f.jpgEdible Frog The Edible Frog is a species of frog found across Europe that is also known as the Common Water Frog and the Green Frog. The Edible Frog is one of the few animals in the world that is a fertile hybrid of 2 different species, as although similar but genetically different species are known to mate, it is very rare that their offspring will be able to breed. The Edible Frog is a fertile hybrid of 2 other European frogs, namely the Pool Frog and the Marsh Frog, that inter-bred when populations where isolated close to one another during the Ice Age. It was first described in 1758 and is known as the Edible Frog due to the fact that it is now seen as a culinary delicacy across Europe but especially in France where frog’s legs are often served as a national dish. The reason for humans favouring this frog over others is not really known but it may have something to do with their abundance. The Edible Frog is a medium sized frog growing to around 3.5 to 4.5 inches in length. Adults are mainly green in colour with light patches of brown on their backs, yellow eyes and a white underside covered in a few dark spots. There are number of distinct differences between males and females including the fact that males become much lighter and greener during the mating season. Males also have vocal sacs on the outside of their cheeks and extra skin patches on their feet, both of which are primarily used for mating. The Edible Frog is endemic to Europe and it naturally occurs across central Europe as far north as Germany and Estonia. Southern populations are found from Croatia, through northern Italy and into the south of France. There are also isolated populations in Sweden and Bulgaria which are thought to have migrated from the countries nearby. It has also been introduced to the UK. The Edible Frog spends all of its time either in or very close to water and it is most commonly found in calmer parts of rivers and streams where there is a slow but constant flow of fresh water. It tends to prefer more open areas and can also be commonly found around lakes, ponds and marshes. Unlike many other species of frog, the Edible Frog is a diurnal animal and is therefore most active during the day. This is when it is most likely to move away from the water so that it can find a better supply of food or move to a different part of the water if it needs to. The Edible Frog is a relatively solitary animal so there is less competition for food but males are often seen sitting together in groups during the breeding season when they are trying to out-compete each other to find a mate. The breeding season for the Edible Frog begins during March and generally lasts for around 2 months. Males sing by drawing air in and out of their vocal sacs to produce the highest-pitched sound possible since females are most attracted to the loudest males. After courting her in a lake, pond or swamp, the male lets the female lay up to 10,000 eggs in a sticky mass into the water before he fertilises them. Tadpoles can be as small as 0.2 inches long when they hatch and are a grey/brown colour. They then grow up to 2 to 3 inches in length before metamorphoses occurs and they leave the water as 0.75 inches long young frogs. The Edible Frog reaches sexual maturity at the age of 2 years and can live until it is 15 years old. The Edible Frog is a carnivorous amphibian but the tadpoles mainly eat vegetation although they are known to occasionally supplement their diet with aquatic micro-organisms. Adults eat small invertebrates such as insects, spiders and flies, which make up the majority of their diet, along with larger aquatic animals like fish, newts and other frogs. The Edible Frog hunts for food during the day and can be seen catching food both in water and on land. The Edible Frog remains very still when it is sitting on the banks of its water habitat and this, along with its camouflage, makes it very difficult for predators to spot. Its eyes are positioned near the top of the head meaning that it can also see danger coming whilst the body is mainly hidden. Snakes, owls and water birds are the main predators of the Edible Frog. The Edible Frog will jump into the water and hide if it senses approaching danger and it will make a loud screeching sound if caught. Edible Frog populations are under threat from habitat destruction mainly caused by deforestation and water pollution. Date: 24th May 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071685.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_131074884366433574b620d.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 4th May 2023 Location: Bwlch Nant yr Arian, Llywernog, Ceredigion http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42524874.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16928199446098f9ca63f20.jpgGreylag Goose The Greylag Goose is the ancestor of most domestic geese but is also the largest and bulkiest of the wild geese native to the UK and Europe. In many parts of the UK it has been re-established by releasing birds in suitable areas but the resulting flocks found around gravel pits, lakes and reservoirs all year round in southern Britain tend to be semi-tame. The native birds and wintering flocks found on lochs in northern Scotland and on some Scottish islands retain the special appeal of truly wild geese. Date: 7th April 2021 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13657295.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15023701144ed36cea4ec98.jpgMarsh Frog The Marsh Frog is the largest European frog. It is very similar in appearance to the closely related Edible Frog and Pool Frog. These 3 species are often referred to as "green frogs" to distinguish them from the more terrestrial European species which are known as "brown frogs" (best exemplified by the Common Frog). Marsh Frogs show a large variation in colour and pattern, ranging from dark green to brown or grey. The Western European populations are generally dark green to black with dark spots on the back and sides and 3 clear green lines on the back. Females can reach a maximum length of around 6.5 inches but males are smaller at around 4.5 inches. The head is proportionally large and the hind legs are long which gives them excellent jumping abilities. The Marsh Frog is usually gregarious and diurnal and more tied to aquatic habitats than the Common Frog. It is tolerant of brackish conditions and typically it is found on or in the water of its favoured drainage channels and pools throughout the year. Marsh Frogs frequently sunbathe on the bank of the water body where they are often inconspicuous until disturbed when they will jump in to the water with a characteristic “plop”. They can often be seen on lily pads or floating at the surface amongst vegetation with only their heads exposed. During the breeding season (and sometimes beyond) the male Marsh Frog calls very loudly with a sound reminiscent of a loud chuckle which is often very raucous and can be heard all day and night. Dominant males establish territories from which they call. After mating a female may produce up to 16,000 eggs in a season, laying them in clumps of a few hundred in aquatic vegetation below the surface. They hatch in about a week, tadpoles being rather solitary and living in deep water with vegetation. Newly metamorphosed frogs are up to 1 inch in length and take 2 years to mature. The diet of the Marsh Frog consists of dragonflies and other insects, spiders, earthworms and slugs. Larger frogs also eat small rodents and sometimes smaller amphibians and fish. The Marsh Frog is not a native species of the UK. It was first introduced to Walland Marsh, Kent in 1935 and is now found in several areas of Kent and East Sussex. Other introductions exist, including colonies in London. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49002083.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11931474176468e78c2a9e6.jpgCarrion Crow The Carrion Crow is a passerine bird in the crow family Corvidae. The Hooded Crow was formerly regarded as a sub-species but it has now been split off as a separate species The plumage of the Carrion Crow is black with a green or purple sheen. The bill, legs and feet are also black. It can be distinguished from the Raven by its smaller size (19 to 20 inches in length as compared to an average of 25 inches for the Raven) and from the Hooded Crow by its all black plumage. There is frequent confusion between the Carrion Crow and the Rook, another black corvid species found within its range. The beak of the Carrion Crow is stouter and in consequence it looks shorter and whereas in the adult Rook the nostrils are bare, those of the Carrion Crow are covered at all ages with bristle-like feathers. As well as this, the wings of a Carrion Crow are proportionally shorter and broader than those of the Rook when seen in flight. Unlike the Rook which is generally gregarious, the Carrion Crow is usually solitary or seen in breeding pairs. The Carrion Crow is a noisy bird, perching on a vantage point such as a building or the top of a tree and calling 3 or 4 times in quick succession with a slight pause between each series of calls. During each series of calls, the bird may perform an accompanying gesture, bowing its head and neck downwards with each call. The Carrion Crow can become tame near humans and can often be found in or around areas of human activity or habitation where they compete with other social birds such as gulls and ducks for food. The Carrion Crow breeds in west and central Europe with an allied form or race occurring in east Asia with the closely allied Hooded Crow filling the gap between. Fertile hybrids occur along the boundary between these 2 forms indicating their close genetic relationship. Across its range, it can be seen all year round in a wide range of habitats such as urban areas, farmland, woodlands, mountains, moorlands and seashores. The Carrion Crow reaches sexual maturity around the age of 3 years for females and 5 years for males and birds often mate for life. The Carrion Crow builds a bulky stick nest which is usually placed in a tall tree although cliff ledges, old buildings and pylons may be used as well. Nests are also occasionally placed on or near the ground. The nest resembles that of the Raven but is less bulky. The female lays 3 to 4 eggs which are incubated for 18 to 20 days by the female alone who is fed by the male. The young fledge after 29 to 30 days. It is not uncommon for offspring from the previous year to stay around and help rear the new hatchlings. Instead of seeking out a mate, these birds look for food and assist the parents in feeding the young. Although an eater of carrion of all kinds, the Carrion Crow will eat insects, earthworms, grain, fruits, seeds, small mammals, amphibians and scraps and it will also steal eggs of other birds. It is a scavenger by nature which is why it tends to frequent sites inhabited by humans in order to feed on household waste. The Carrion Crow will also harass birds of prey or even Foxes for their kills. The Carrion Crow has few natural predators although powerful raptors such as the Northern Goshawk, the Peregrine, the Eurasian Eagle Owl and the Golden Eagle will readily hunt them and they can become an important prey item locally. Date: 8th April 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42202641.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17983614415ff3104cf0578.jpgBrown Bear The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, Ursus arctos arctos. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an evening visit with [url=https://www.karhujenkatselu.fi/en-gb]Karhu-Kuusamo[/url] Date: 7th July 2019 Location: Kuntilampi, near Kuusamo, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49276709.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1761750416649962c673db0.jpgCommon Guillemots The Common Guillemot, also known as the Common Murre or Thin-billed Murre, is a large species of auk. The auks are a family of seabirds which includes the Brunnich's Guillemot or Thick-billed Murre, Razorbill, Little Auk and the extinct Great Auk. The Common Guillemot is 15 to 18 inches in length with a 24 to 29 inches wingspan. In breeding plumage, it is black or dark brown on the head, back and wings with white underparts. It has a thin dark pointed bill and a small rounded dark tail. Legs are grey and the bill is dark grey. Males and females are identical. Some individuals in the North Atlantic, known as "Bridled Guillemots", have a white ring around the eye extending back as a white line. This is not a distinct subspecies but a polymorphism that becomes more common the farther north the birds breed. The Common Guillemot flies with fast wing beats and has a flight speed of around 50 mph. Groups of birds are often seen flying together in a line just above the surface of the sea. However, it is not a very agile bird and take-off is often difficult. The Common Guillemot becomes flightless for 45 to 60 days while moulting its primary feathers. The Common Guillemot is a pursuit diver that forages for food by swimming underwater using its wings for propulsion. Dives usually last less than one minute but the bird swims underwater for distances of over 100 feet on a regular basis. Diving depths up to 590 feet have been recorded. The Common Guillemot has a circumpolar distribution and it occurs in low Arctic and boreal waters in the north Atlantic and north Pacific. It spends most of its time at sea and only comes to land to breed on rocky cliffs, sea stacks and islands. Some birds are permanent residents but northern birds migrate south to open waters off New England, southern California, Japan, Korea and the western Mediterranean. The Common Guillemot breeds in colonies at high densities and nesting pairs may be in bodily contact with their neighbours. No nest is made and the single egg is laid and incubated on a bare rock ledge on a cliff face. The egg hatches after 30 days incubation and the chick is born downy and can regulate its body temperature after 10 days. Some 20 days after hatching the chick jumps off its nesting ledge and heads for the sea unable to fly but gliding for some distance with fluttering wings and accompanied by its male parent. The chicks are capable of diving as soon as they hit the water. The female stays at the nest site for some 14 days after the chick has left. The Common Guillemot can venture far from its breeding grounds to forage and distances of 60 miles or more are often observed although if sufficient food is available closer by, birds will only travel much shorter distances. It mainly eats small schooling fish 8 inches long or less such as Polar Cod, Capelin, Sand Lances, Sprats, Sandeels, Atlantic Cod and Atlantic Herring. It also eats some molluscs, marine worms, squid and crustaceans. It is often seen carrying fish in its bill with the tail hanging out. Date: 7th June 2023 Location: Stack Rocks, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080618.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_188620506263a459c129f62.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 1st December 2022 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26025272.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_205888765637405f0505f.jpgFulmar The (Northern) Fulmar is a highly abundant seabird found primarily in subarctic regions of the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans. Though similar in appearance to gulls, the 2 species of fulmars (Northern and Southern) are in fact members of a different seabird family which include petrels and shearwaters. The Fulmar’s latin name, <i>Fulmarus glacialis</i> can be broken down to the Old Norse word <i>full</i> meaning "foul" and <i>mar</i> meaning "gull". "Foul-gull" is in reference to its stomach oil and also its superficial similarity to gulls. Finally, <i>glacialis</i> is Latin for "glacial" reflecting its extreme northern range. The Fulmar is generally grey and white with a pale yellow and thick bill and bluish legs. However there is both a light morph and a dark morph. Like other petrels, their walking ability is limited but they are strong fliers with a stiff wing action quite unlike the gulls. The Fulmar also looks bull-necked compared to gulls and it has a short stubby bill. The Fulmar is estimated to have between 15 to 30 million mature individuals that occupy a range of around 11 million square miles. Its range increased greatly last century due to the availability of fish offal from commercial fleets but may contract because of less food from this source and climate change. The population increase has been especially notable in the UK. The Fulmar starts breeding at between 6 and 12 years old. It is monogamous, forms long term pair bonds, returns to the same nest site year after year and nests in large colonies. The nest is a scrape on a grassy cliff ledge or a saucer of vegetation on the ground lined with softer material and recently they have started nesting on rooftops and buildings. The Fulmar feeds on shrimp, fish, squid, plankton, jellyfish and carrion as well as refuse. When eating fish, it will dive up to several feet deep to retrieve its prey. Date: 3rd June 2015 Location: Tjörnes peninsula/Öxarfjörður, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49001647.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7900650526468dd5bb4255.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 12th March 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308846.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_124002682463ee342af14a3.jpgDark-bellied Brent Geese The Brent Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. Branta is a Latinised form of Old Norse brandgás, meaning "burnt (black) goose", and bernicla is the medieval Latin name for the barnacle. The Brent Goose and the similar Barnacle Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be the same creature as the crustacean, a myth that can be dated back to at least the 12th century. The Brent Goose, Branta bernicla is divided into 3 sub-species: Dark-bellied Brent Goose B. b. bernicla, Pale-bellied Brent Goose B. b. hrota (sometimes also known as Light-bellied Brent Goose) and Black Brant B. b. nigricans. Some DNA evidence suggests that these forms are genetically distinct and a split into 3 separate species has been proposed. However, other evidence upholds their maintenance as a single species. The Brent Goose is a small goose, 22 to 26 inches long with a wingspan of 42 to 48 inches. The under-tail is pure white and the tail black and very short (the shortest of any goose). The Dark-bellied Brent Goose is fairly uniformly dark grey-brown all over and the flanks and belly are not significantly paler than the back. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds on the Arctic coasts of central and west Siberia and winters in west Europe with over half the population in south England and the rest between north Germany and north west France. The Pale-bellied Brent Goose appears blackish-brown and light grey in colour and the flanks and belly are significantly paler than the back and present a marked contrast. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds in Franz Josef Land, Svalbard, Greenland and north east Canada and winters in Denmark, north east England, Ireland and the Atlantic coast of the USA from Maine to Georgia as well as in a small but significant area in north France. The Black Brant appears blackish-brown and white in colour. This sub-species is very contrastingly black and white with a uniformly dark sooty-brown back, similarly-coloured underparts (with the dark colour extending furthest back of the 3 sub-species) and a prominent white flank patch. It also has a larger white neck patch which forms an almost complete collar. It breeds in north west Canada, Alaska and east Siberia and winters mostly on the west coast of north America from south Alaska to California but also in east Asia, mainly Japan. It sometimes appears as a vagrant in Europe when it associates with the other Brent Goose species. The Brent Goose used to be a strictly coastal bird in winter, seldom leaving tidal estuaries where it feeds on eel-grass and seaweed. In recent decades, it has started using agricultural land a short distance inland, feeding extensively on grass and winter-sown cereals. This may be behaviour learned by following other species of geese. Food resource pressure may also be important in forcing this change since the world population increased over 10-fold by the mid-1980s, possibly reaching the carrying capacity of the estuaries. In the breeding season, the Brent Goose uses low-lying wet coastal tundra for both breeding and feeding. The nest is bowl-shaped, lined with grass and down and located in an elevated position often near a small pond. The Brent Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds applies. Date: 20th January 2023 Location: EWT Blue House Farm, North Fambridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080603.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15848604163a459a2c48db.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 1st December 2022 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308904.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_42492830163ee419a06190.jpgBittern The Bittern, Eurasian Bittern or Great Bittern is a bird in the bittern sub-family of the heron family. Its folk names, often local, include many variations on the themes of "barrel-maker", "bog-bull", "bog hen", "bog-trotter", "bog-bumper", "mire drum(ble)", "butter bump", "bitter bum", "bog blutter", "bog drum", "boom bird", "bottle-bump", "bull of the bog", "bull of the mire", "bumpy cors" and "heather blutter". Most of these were onomatopoeic colloquial names for the bird. The call was described as "bumping" or "booming" and mire and bog denoted the bird's habitat. As its alternative name of Great Bittern suggests, the Bittern is the largest of the bitterns with males being slightly larger than females. It is 27 to 32 inches in length with a 39 to 51 inches wingspan. The crown and nape are black with the individual feathers rather long and loosely arranged and tipped with buff narrowly barred with black. The sides of the head and neck are a more uniform tawny-buff and irregularly barred with black. The mantle, scapulars and back are of a similar colour but are more heavily barred, the individual feathers having black centres and barring. The head has a yellowish-buff superciliary stripe and a brownish-black moustachial stripe. The sides of the neck are a rusty-brown with faint barring. The chin and throat are buff, the central feathers on the throat having longitudinal stripes of rusty-brown. The breast and belly are yellowish-buff with broad stripes of brown at the side and narrow stripes in the centre. The tail is rusty-buff with black streaks in the centre and black mottling near the edge. The wings are pale rusty-brown and irregularly barred, streaked and mottled with black. The plumage has a loose texture and elongated feathers on the crown, neck and breast can be erected. The powerful bill is greenish-yellow with a darker tip to the upper mandible. The eye has a yellow iris and is surrounded by a ring of greenish or bluish bare skin. The legs and feet are greenish, with some yellow on the tarsal joint and yellow soles to the feet. Juveniles have similar plumage to adults but are somewhat paler with less distinct markings. The mating call or contact call of the male Bittern is a deep, fog-horn or bull-like boom with a quick rise and an only slightly longer fall, easily audible from a distance of 3 miles on a calm night. The call is mainly given between January and April during the mating season. Surveys of Bitterns are carried out by noting the number of distinct male booms in a given area. Prior to modern science, it was unknown how such a small bird produced a call so low-pitched. Common explanations suggested that the bird made its call into a straw or that it blew directly into the water. It is now known that the sound is produced by expelling air from the oesophagus with the aid of powerful muscles surrounding it. Usually solitary, the Bittern forages in reed beds by walking stealthily or remaining still above a body of water where prey may occur. It is a shy bird and if it is disturbed it will often point its bill directly upwards and freezes in that position, causing its cryptic plumage to blend into the surrounding reeds. The Bittern has a secretive nature and keeps largely hidden in reeds and coarse vegetation. Occasionally, especially in hard winter weather, it will stand in the open beside the water's edge, although usually close to cover to facilitate a hasty retreat. In flight, the Bittern’s wings can be seen to be broad and rounded and its legs trail behind it in typical heron fashion. Its neck is extended when it takes off but is retracted when it has picked up speed. It seldom flies however and prefers to move through the vegetation stealthily on foot. Its gait is slow and deliberate and it can clamber over reeds by gripping several at a time with its toes. It is most active at dawn and dusk but also sometimes forages by day. The breeding range of the Bittern extends across temperate parts of Europe and Asia from the UK, Sweden and Finland eastwards to Sakhalin Island in eastern Siberia and Hokkaido Island in Japan. The northern limit of its range is in the Ural Mountains and eastern Siberia whilst the southern limit is the Mediterranean Sea, the Black Sea, Iran, Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia and northern China. Small resident populations also breed in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. Some populations are sedentary and stay in the same areas throughout the year. More northerly populations usually migrate to warmer regions but some birds often remain. Birds in northern Europe tend to move south and west to southern Europe, north and central Africa and northern Asian birds migrate to parts of the Arabian peninsula, the Indian sub-continent and eastern China. In the UK, the Bittern can be found all year round at suitable wetlands, particularly in East Anglia, south east England and south west England. It is most visible in winter. In recent years, the Bittern has become a regular winter visitor to the London Wetland Centre, enabling city residents to view this scare bird. The Bittern is typically found in reed beds and swamps as well as lakes, lagoons and sluggish rivers fringed by rank vegetation. It sometimes nests by ponds in agricultural areas and even quite near habitations where suitable habitat exists but it prefers large reed beds of at least 50 acres in which to breed. Outside the breeding season it has less restrictive habitat requirements and, in addition to reed beds, it can also be found in rice fields, watercress beds, fish farms, gravel pits, sewage works, ditches, flooded areas and marshes. Males are polygamous and mate with up to 5 females. The nest is built in the previous year's standing reeds and consists of an untidy platform some 12 inches across. It may be on a tussock surrounded by water or on matted roots close to water and it is built by the female using bits of reed, sedges and grass stalks with a lining of finer fragments. The clutch of 4 to 6 eggs is laid in late March and April and incubated by the female for about 26 days. After hatching, the chicks spend about 2 weeks in the nest before leaving to swim amongst the reeds. The female rears them without help from the male, regurgitating food from her crop. The chicks become fully fledged at about 8 weeks. The Bittern feeds on fish, small mammals, amphibians and invertebrates, hunting along the reed margins in shallow water. Some vegetable matter such as aquatic plants is also consumed. The Bittern has a very wide range and a large total population and therefore the IUCN has assessed its overall conservation status as being of "Least Concern” because although the population trend is downward, the rate of decline is insufficient to justify rating it in a more threatened category. The chief threat that the Bittern faces is the drainage and disturbance of its wetland habitats. Date: 27th January 2023 Location: Fishers Green, Lee Valley Regional Park, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49276687.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_191421215364996275ed38b.jpgDate: 7th June 2023 Location: view over Jack Sound from Wooltack Point near Martins Haven, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308908.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_170340082563ee43486c181.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 5th February 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48483029.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1038588612640a41e6aa7dd.jpgDark-bellied Brent Geese The Brent Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. Branta is a Latinised form of Old Norse brandgás, meaning "burnt (black) goose", and bernicla is the medieval Latin name for the barnacle. The Brent Goose and the similar Barnacle Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be the same creature as the crustacean, a myth that can be dated back to at least the 12th century. The Brent Goose, Branta bernicla is divided into 3 sub-species: Dark-bellied Brent Goose B. b. bernicla, Pale-bellied Brent Goose B. b. hrota (sometimes also known as Light-bellied Brent Goose) and Black Brant B. b. nigricans. Some DNA evidence suggests that these forms are genetically distinct and a split into 3 separate species has been proposed. However, other evidence upholds their maintenance as a single species. The Brent Goose is a small goose, 22 to 26 inches long with a wingspan of 42 to 48 inches. The under-tail is pure white and the tail black and very short (the shortest of any goose). The Dark-bellied Brent Goose is fairly uniformly dark grey-brown all over and the flanks and belly are not significantly paler than the back. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds on the Arctic coasts of central and west Siberia and winters in west Europe with over half the population in south England and the rest between north Germany and north west France. The Pale-bellied Brent Goose appears blackish-brown and light grey in colour and the flanks and belly are significantly paler than the back and present a marked contrast. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds in Franz Josef Land, Svalbard, Greenland and north east Canada and winters in Denmark, north east England, Ireland and the Atlantic coast of the USA from Maine to Georgia as well as in a small but significant area in north France. The Black Brant appears blackish-brown and white in colour. This sub-species is very contrastingly black and white with a uniformly dark sooty-brown back, similarly-coloured underparts (with the dark colour extending furthest back of the 3 sub-species) and a prominent white flank patch. It also has a larger white neck patch which forms an almost complete collar. It breeds in north west Canada, Alaska and east Siberia and winters mostly on the west coast of north America from south Alaska to California but also in east Asia, mainly Japan. It sometimes appears as a vagrant in Europe when it associates with the other Brent Goose species. The Brent Goose used to be a strictly coastal bird in winter, seldom leaving tidal estuaries where it feeds on eel-grass and seaweed. In recent decades, it has started using agricultural land a short distance inland, feeding extensively on grass and winter-sown cereals. This may be behaviour learned by following other species of geese. Food resource pressure may also be important in forcing this change since the world population increased over 10-fold by the mid-1980s, possibly reaching the carrying capacity of the estuaries. In the breeding season, the Brent Goose uses low-lying wet coastal tundra for both breeding and feeding. The nest is bowl-shaped, lined with grass and down and located in an elevated position often near a small pond. The Brent Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds applies. Date: 1st February 2023 Location: RSPB Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080598.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_198982403463a45999b948e.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 1st December 2022 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080604.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_47950458763a459a3cffb4.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 1st December 2022 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080592.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_143140172863a4598db2427.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 1st December 2022 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41249187.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13791148685f00b438f3931.jpgRazorbill The Razorbill is a seabird and a member of the auk family which also includes the Common Guillemot, Brunnich's Guillemot and Little Auk. It is also the closest living relative to the Great Auk which is now extinct. The Razorbill has white underparts and a black head, neck, back and feet during the breeding season. A thin white line also extends from the eyes to the end of the bill. Its head is darker than that of the CommonGuillemot. Outside the breeding season, the throat and face behind the eye become white and the white line on the face becomes less prominent. The thick black bill has a blunt end. The adult male and female female are very much alike having only small differences such as wing length. The Razorbill has a horizontal stance and the tail feathers are slightly longer in the centre in comparison to other auks making it have a distinctly long tail which is not common for an auk. The Razorbill is distributed across the sub-arctic and boreal waters of the north Atlantic where water surface temperature are typically below 15°c. The world population is estimated to be less than 1 million breeding pairs, making it among the rarest auks in the world. Approximately 60 to 70% of the entire Razorbill population breeds in Iceland., including over 200,000 pairs at Látrabjarg. The breeding habitat is islands, rocky shores and cliffs on north Atlantic coasts, in eastern North America as far south as Maine and in western Europe from north west Russia to northern France. Eurasian birds winter at sea with some moving south as far as the western Mediterranean. North American birds migrate offshore and south. The Razorbill is a colonial breeder and only comes to land to breed. Individuals only breed at 3 to 5 years of age. Females select their mate and will often encourage competition between males before choosing a partner. Once a male is chosen, the pair will usually stay together for life. Nest site determination is very important to ensure protection of young from predators. Unlike Common Guillemots, nest sites are not immediately alongside the sea on open cliff ledges but at least 4 to 6 inches away in crevices on cliffs or among boulders. Generally a nest is not built although some pairs often use their bills to drag material upon which to lay their single egg. The mating pair will often reuse the same site every year. The Razorbill feeds mainly on schooling fish and crustaceans and it will dive deep into the sea using its wings and its streamlined body to propel itself toward their prey. Whilst diving, it rarely stays in groups but instead spreads out to feed. The majority of feeding occurs at a depth of about 80 feet but it has the ability to dive up to 400 feet below the surface. During a single dive the Razorbill can capture and swallow many schooling fish depending on their size. The Razorbill spends approximately 45% of its time foraging at sea and it may well fly more than 60 miles out to sea to feed. However, when feeding chicks it will forage much closer to the nesting grounds and often in shallower water. The Razorbill and its eggs and chicks have several predators which include Great Black-backed Gulls, Peregrines, Ravens and other crows, Arctic Foxes and Polar Bears. In the early 20th century, Razorbills were harvested for their eggs, meat and feathers and this greatly decreased their population. In 1917 they were finally protected which reduced hunting. Other current threats include oil pollution, unintentional bycatch arising from commercial fishing and overfishing which decreases the abundance of prey. Date: 22nd June 2020 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080613.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_57456837763a459b82d1ce.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 1st December 2022 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080588.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_78458609563a45982d0c57.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 1st December 2022 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49276690.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1269353140649962802dc0a.jpgHouse Martin The Common House Martin, sometimes called the Northern House Martin or, particularly in Europe, just House Martin, is a passerine bird and member of the swallow family Hirundininae. There are two geographical sub-species, the western nominate sub-species and the eastern sub-species. The adult House Martin of the western nominate sub-species is 5.1 inches long with a wing span of 10 to 11 inches. It is steel-blue above with a white rump and white underparts including the underwings. Even its short legs have white downy feathering. It has brown eyes and a small black bill and its toes and exposed parts of the legs are pink. The sexes are similar but the juvenile bird is sooty black and some of its wing coverts and quills have white tips and edgings. The white rump and underparts of the House Martin are very noticeable in flight and prevent confusion with the other widespread Palearctic swallows such as the Barn Swallow, Sand Martin and Red-rumped Swallow. The eastern sub-species differs from the western nominate sub-species in that its white rump extends much further on to the tail and the fork of its tail is intermediate in depth between that of the western nominate sub-species and that of the Asian House Martin. The House Martin is a noisy species, especially at its breeding colonies. The male's song, given throughout the year, is a soft twitter of melodious chirps. The western nominate sub-species of the House Martin breeds across temperate Eurasia east to central Mongolia and the River Yenisei in Siberia and in north Africa in Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria. It migrates on a broad front (i.e. birds are not funnelled through the short sea crossings used by large soaring birds but cross the Mediterranean and the Sahara) to winter in sub-Saharan Africa. The eastern sub-species breeds east of the River Yenisei in Siberia to Kolyma in the Russian Far East and south to north Mongolia and north China. It winters in south China and south east Asia. As would be expected for a long distance migrant, the House Martin has occurred as a vagrant east to Alaska and west to Newfoundland, Bermuda and the Azores. The preferred habitat of the House Martin is open country with low vegetation, such as pasture, meadows and farmland, preferably near water. It is also found in mountains up to at least 7200 feet. It is much more urban than the Barn Swallow and it will nest even in towns and city centres if the air is clean enough. The House Martin does not normally use the reed-bed roosts favoured by the Barn Swallow on migration. The House Martin returns to its breeding areas in Europe between April and May and nest building starts between late March in north Africa and mid-June in north Scandinavia. It typically returns a few days after the first Barn Swallows. However, like that species, it seldom goes straight to its nesting sites but instead hunts for food over large fresh water bodies, particularly when the weather is poor. The House Martin was originally a cliff and cave nester and some cliff-nesting colonies still exist with the nests built below an overhanging rock. It now largely uses human structures such as bridges and houses. Unlike the Barn Swallow, it uses the outside of inhabited buildings rather than the inside of buildings such as barns or stables. The nests are built at the junction of a vertical surface and an overhang, such as on house eaves, so that they may be strengthened by attachment to both planes. The nest is a neat closed convex cup fixed below a suitable ledge with a narrow opening at the top. It is constructed by both sexes with mud pellets collected in their beaks and lined with grasses, hair or other soft materials. The mud, added in successive layers, is collected from ponds, streams or puddles. The House Martin tends to breed colonially and nests may be built in contact with each other. A colony size of less than 10 nests is typical but there are records of colonies with thousands of nests. The female lays 4 or 5 eggs and undertakes most of the incubation which normally lasts 14 to 16 days. The young chicks leave the nest after 22 to 32 days depending on the weather and the fledged young stay with and are fed by the parents for a further week. There are normally 2 broods each year and the same nest is reused for the second brood and repaired and used again in subsequent years. Hatching success is 90% and fledging survival 60 to 80%. The average annual mortality for adults is around 40 to 60% with most deaths outside the breeding season. Although individuals aged 10 and 14 years have been recorded, most survive less than 5 years. For weeks after leaving the nest, the young congregate in ever-increasing flocks and, as summer progresses to autumn, birds may be seen gathering in trees or on rooftops or on telephone wires with Barn Swallows. By the end of October, most House Martins have left their breeding areas in west and central Europe although late birds in November and December are not uncommon and further south migration finishes later anyway. The House Martin is similar in habits to other aerial insectivores, including other swallows and martins and the unrelated swifts, and it catches insects in flight. In the breeding areas, flies and aphids make up much of the diet and the House Martin takes a larger proportion of such insects than the Barn Swallow. During the winter, other insects such as sawflies, wasps, bees and ants are eaten. The House Martin typically hunts at an average height of around 70 feet during the breeding season but at lower heights in wet conditions. In winter, it tends to hunt at greater heights of over 160 feet. The hunting grounds are usually located within about 1500 feet of the nest with a preference for open ground or water, the latter especially in poor weather. However, the House Martin will also follow agricultural vehicles and large animals to catch disturbed insects. Date: 7th June 2023 Location: Rhosson campsite near St. David's, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40399576.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19699290115dc6ade66e065.jpgThe Storr, Skye, Highland The Storr is a rocky hill on the Trotternish peninsula of Skye. The hill presents a steep rocky eastern face overlooking the Sound of Raasay, contrasting with gentler grassy slopes to the west. The Storr is a prime example of the Trotternish landslip, the longest such feature in the UK. The area in front of the cliffs of the Storr is known as the Sanctuary. This has a number of weirdly shaped rock pinnacles, the remnants of ancient landslips. Date: 30th September 2019 Location: view from the A855 north of Portree http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080585.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_166409812863a45975e0c29.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 1st December 2022 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49276699.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_27113090564996297cfcc9.jpgFulmar The (Northern) Fulmar is a highly abundant seabird found primarily in subarctic regions of the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans. Though similar in appearance to gulls, the 2 species of fulmars (Northern and Southern) are in fact members of a different seabird family which include petrels and shearwaters. The Fulmar’s latin name, Fulmarus glacialis can be broken down to the Old Norse word full meaning "foul" and mar meaning "gull". "Foul-gull" is in reference to its stomach oil and also its superficial similarity to gulls. Finally, glacialis is Latin for "glacial" reflecting its extreme northern range. The Fulmar is generally grey and white with a pale yellow and thick bill and bluish legs. However there is both a light morph and a dark morph. Like other petrels, their walking ability is limited but they are strong fliers with a stiff wing action quite unlike the gulls. The Fulmar also looks bull-necked compared to gulls and it has a short stubby bill. The Fulmar is estimated to have between 15 to 30 million mature individuals that occupy a range of around 11 million square miles. Its range increased greatly last century due to the availability of fish offal from commercial fleets but may contract because of less food from this source and climate change. The population increase has been especially notable in the UK. The Fulmar starts breeding at between 6 and 12 years old. It is monogamous, forms long term pair bonds, returns to the same nest site year after year and nests in large colonies. The nest is a scrape on a grassy cliff ledge or a saucer of vegetation on the ground lined with softer material and recently they have started nesting on rooftops and buildings. The Fulmar feeds on shrimp, fish, squid, plankton, jellyfish and carrion as well as refuse. When eating fish, it will dive up to several feet deep to retrieve its prey. Date: 7th June 2023 Location: RSPB Ramsey Island, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49002077.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9500317396468e7838f693.jpgChiffchaff The (Common) Chiffchaff is a common and widespread leaf warbler which is named onomatopoeically for its simple and repetitive chiff-chaff song. The British naturalist Gilbert White was one of the first people to separate the similar looking Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler and Wood Warbler by their songs, as detailed in 1789 in “The Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne. The Chiffchaff is a small, dumpy, 4 inch long leaf warbler. The spring adult has brown-washed dull green upperparts, off-white underparts becoming yellowish on the flanks and a short whitish supercilium. It has dark legs, a fine dark bill and short primary projection (extension of the flight feathers beyond the folded wing). As the plumage wears, it gets duller and browner and the yellow on the flanks tends to be lost and after the breeding season there is a prolonged complete moult before migration. After moulting, both the adult and the juvenile have brighter and greener upperparts and a paler supercilium. When not singing, the Chiffchaff can be difficult to distinguish from other leaf warblers with greenish upperparts and whitish underparts, particularly the Willow Warbler. However, that species has a longer primary projection, a sleeker, brighter appearance and generally pale legs. The Chiffchaff breeds across Europe and Asia east to eastern Siberia and north to about 70°N, with isolated populations in north west Africa, north and west Turkey and north west Iran. It is a migratory species but one of the first passerine birds to return to its breeding areas in the spring and amongst the last to leave in late autumn. When breeding, the Chiffchaff is a bird of open woodlands with some taller trees and ground cover for nesting purposes. In winter, the Chiffchaff uses a wider range of habitats and is not so dependent on trees and is often found near water. There is an increasing tendency to winter in western Europe well north of the traditional areas, especially in coastal south England and the mild urban microclimate of London. The male Chiffchaff returns to its breeding territory 2 or 3 weeks before the female and immediately starts singing to establish ownership and attract a female. When a female is located, the male will use a slow butterfly-like flight as part of the courtship ritual but, once a pair-bond has been established, other females will be driven from the territory. The male has little involvement in the nesting process other than defending the territory. The female's nest is built on or near the ground in a concealed site in brambles, nettles or other dense low vegetation. The domed nest has a side entrance and is constructed from coarse plant material such as dead leaves and grass with finer material used on the interior before the addition of a lining of feathers. The clutch is 2 to 7 (normally 5 or 6) cream-coloured eggs which are incubated by the female for 13 to 14 days before hatching as naked, blind chicks. The female broods and feeds the chicks for another 14 to 15 days until they fledge. The male rarely participates in feeding although this sometimes occurs, especially when bad weather limits insect supplies or if the female disappears. After fledging, the young stay in the vicinity of the nest for 3 to 4 weeks where they are fed by and roost with the female. In the north of the range there is only time to raise one brood due to the short summer but a second brood is common in central and southern areas. Like most leaf warblers, the Chiffchaff is insectivorous and moves restlessly though foliage or briefly hovering. It has been recorded as taking insects, mainly flies, from more than 50 families, along with other small and medium-sized invertebrates. It will also take the eggs and larvae of butterflies and moths. The Chiffchaff has been estimated to require about one third of its weight in insects daily and it feeds almost continuously in the autumn to put on extra fat as fuel for its long migration flight. As with most small birds, mortality in the first year of life is high but adults aged 3 to 4 years are regularly recorded and the record is more than 7 years. Eggs, chicks and fledglings are taken by Stoats, Weasels and crows such as the Magpie and adults are hunted by birds of prey, particularly the Sparrowhawk. The Chiffchaff is also susceptible to poor weather, particularly when migrating, but also on the breeding and wintering grounds. The main effect of humans on the Chiffchaff is indirect through woodland clearance which affects the habitat, predation by cats and collisions with windows, buildings and cars. Date: 8th April 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49797308.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_115174018664ec9d17d7a03.jpgYellowhammer The Yellowhammer is a passerine bird in the bunting family. The bird family Emberizidae contains around 300 seed-eating species, the majority of which are found in the Americas, although the genus Emberiza, with more than 40 members, is confined to the Old World. Within its genus Emberiza, the Yellowhammer is most closely related to the Pine Bunting and at times they have been considered as one species. Where their ranges meet, the Yellowhammer and Pine Bunting interbreed and the hybrid zone is thought to be moving further east. The Yellowhammer is also closely related to the Cirl Bunting. The Yellowhammer’s scientific name Emberiza citronella is derived from the Old German embritz meaning “bunting” and the Italian citronella meaning “small yellow bird”. The Yellowhammer is a large bunting around 6.3 to 6.5 inches long with a wingspan of 9.1 to 11.6 inches. The male has a bright yellow head, heavily streaked brown back, rufous rump, yellow underparts and white outer tail feathers. The female is less brightly coloured and more streaked on the crown, breast and flanks. Both sexes are less strongly marked outside the breeding season when the dark fringes on new feathers obscure the yellow plumage. The juvenile is much duller and less yellow than the adults and often has a paler rump. The Yellowhammer breeds across Eurasia and it is the commonest and most widespread European bunting although it is absent from high mountains, Arctic regions, most of Iberia and Greece and low-lying regions of other countries adjoining the Mediterranean Sea. It also breeds in Russia east to Irkutsk and in most of Ukraine and the Asian range extends into north west Turkey, the Caucasus and northern Kazakhstan. Populations have declined in recent decades in western Europe but in eastern Europe numbers appear to be stable. Changes to agricultural practices are thought to be responsible for reduced breeding densities. The Yellowhammer can be found throughout most of the UK but it is least abundant in the north and west and absent from some upland areas such as the Pennines and the Scottish Highlands as well as some lowland areas. Its recent sharp population decline make it a Red List species. Within its range, the Yellowhammer is a bird of dry open country, preferably with a range of vegetation types and some trees from which to sing. It is absent from urban areas, forests and wetlands. Probably originally found at forest edges and large clearings, it has benefited from traditional agriculture which created extensive open areas with hedges and clumps of trees. The Yellowhammer usually starts breeding in late April or early May. The males establish territories along hedges or woodland fringes and sing from a tree or bush, often continuing well into July or August. The nest is built by the female on or near the ground and is typically well hidden in tussocks against a bank or low in a bush. It is constructed from nearby plant material such as leaves, dry grass and stalks and lined with fine grasses and sometimes animal hair. The clutch is usually 3 to 5 eggs and the female incubates the eggs for 12 to 14 days to hatching and broods the chicks until they fledge 11 to 13 days later. Both adults feed the chicks in the nest and 2 or 3 broods are raised each year. The Yellowhammer forages mainly on the ground and its diet consists mainly of seeds. Grasses are also important, particularly cereals, and grain makes up a significant part of the food consumed in autumn and winter. Invertebrates are added to its diet during the breeding season, particularly as food for its growing chicks, and a wide range of species is taken including springtails, grasshoppers, flies, beetles, caterpillars, earthworms, spiders and snails. Outside of the breeding season, the Yellowhammer forages in flocks which can occasionally number hundreds of birds and often contain other buntings and finches. The Yellowhammer is a conspicuous, vocal and formerly common country bird and it has attracted human interest. Yellowham Wood and Yellowham Hill, near Dorchester in the UK, both derive their names from the bird. Robbie Burns' poem "The Yellow, Yellow Yorlin'" gets its title from a Scottish name for the Yellowhammer. Enid Blyton helped to popularise the bird's song as "a little bit of bread and no cheese" in some of her books and she wrote a poem called "The Yellow-hammer". Beethoven's student, Carl Czerny, and biographer Anton Schindler, both suggested that the composer got the idea for the first 4 notes of his 5th symphony from the song of the Yellowhammer although it is more likely that the opening of the 4th Piano Concerto was actually the work in question. Beethoven also used the Yellowhammer theme in 2 piano sonatas. Date: 2nd July 2023 Location: Great Ovens NNR, Wareham Forest, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308880.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_62851678163ee3813c6816.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 21st January 2022 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230763.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4015209036491735d3e539.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 14th May 2023 Location: Llanddeusant Red Kite feeding station, Carmarthenshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308843.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_128080970763ee3422c84a9.jpgDark-bellied Brent Geese The Brent Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. Branta is a Latinised form of Old Norse brandgás, meaning "burnt (black) goose", and bernicla is the medieval Latin name for the barnacle. The Brent Goose and the similar Barnacle Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be the same creature as the crustacean, a myth that can be dated back to at least the 12th century. The Brent Goose, Branta bernicla is divided into 3 sub-species: Dark-bellied Brent Goose B. b. bernicla, Pale-bellied Brent Goose B. b. hrota (sometimes also known as Light-bellied Brent Goose) and Black Brant B. b. nigricans. Some DNA evidence suggests that these forms are genetically distinct and a split into 3 separate species has been proposed. However, other evidence upholds their maintenance as a single species. The Brent Goose is a small goose, 22 to 26 inches long with a wingspan of 42 to 48 inches. The under-tail is pure white and the tail black and very short (the shortest of any goose). The Dark-bellied Brent Goose is fairly uniformly dark grey-brown all over and the flanks and belly are not significantly paler than the back. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds on the Arctic coasts of central and west Siberia and winters in west Europe with over half the population in south England and the rest between north Germany and north west France. The Pale-bellied Brent Goose appears blackish-brown and light grey in colour and the flanks and belly are significantly paler than the back and present a marked contrast. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds in Franz Josef Land, Svalbard, Greenland and north east Canada and winters in Denmark, north east England, Ireland and the Atlantic coast of the USA from Maine to Georgia as well as in a small but significant area in north France. The Black Brant appears blackish-brown and white in colour. This sub-species is very contrastingly black and white with a uniformly dark sooty-brown back, similarly-coloured underparts (with the dark colour extending furthest back of the 3 sub-species) and a prominent white flank patch. It also has a larger white neck patch which forms an almost complete collar. It breeds in north west Canada, Alaska and east Siberia and winters mostly on the west coast of north America from south Alaska to California but also in east Asia, mainly Japan. It sometimes appears as a vagrant in Europe when it associates with the other Brent Goose species. The Brent Goose used to be a strictly coastal bird in winter, seldom leaving tidal estuaries where it feeds on eel-grass and seaweed. In recent decades, it has started using agricultural land a short distance inland, feeding extensively on grass and winter-sown cereals. This may be behaviour learned by following other species of geese. Food resource pressure may also be important in forcing this change since the world population increased over 10-fold by the mid-1980s, possibly reaching the carrying capacity of the estuaries. In the breeding season, the Brent Goose uses low-lying wet coastal tundra for both breeding and feeding. The nest is bowl-shaped, lined with grass and down and located in an elevated position often near a small pond. The Brent Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds applies. Date: 20th January 2023 Location: EWT Blue House Farm, North Fambridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49797647.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_55525471964eca2378d53d.jpgSilver-studded Blue Description to follow .... Date: 2nd July 2023 Location: Hartland Moor NNR, Purbeck Heaths NNR, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/long-eared-owl https://images.on-this.website/4752_665062934640a3edb750f8.jpgLong-eared Owl The Long-eared Owl is a medium-sized species of owl measuring between 12 and 16 inches in length with a wingspan, relatively large for their size, measuring around 3 feet. However, compared to other widespread owls considered of medium size and to which they can appear broadly similar in size, the Long-eared Owl is quite a bit lighter and slender bodied. As expected in owls and birds of prey in general, the Long-eared Owl displays reverse sexual dimorphism where females are usually slightly larger than males. In general colouration, the Long-eared Owl is a hue of ochraceous-tawny with a variable greyish or brownish wash. The base colour is commonly overlaid with variable blackish vertical streaks and occasionally spots which are usually more apparent on the wings and back. The scapulars are usually marked whitish which provide further contrast when seen against the base colour and blackish markings. The wing's dark carpal patches can also display broad panels of buff or almost orange on the wings across the base of primaries. The underparts tend to be a somewhat paler ochraceous-tawny compared to the upperparts. The Long-eared Owl tends to have dusky streaks on the upper breast, below which they may be heavily marked with a herring bone pattern which is created by dusky shaft-streaks and crossbars on these feathers. The facial disc is visibly well developed and variably coloured, rimmed dusky often with white running down along the centre through the bill. The ear tufts are usually dusky in front and paler tawny on the back, the bill is black and the eyes vary from yellowish-orange to orange-red. The Long-eared Owl is one of the most widely distributed and most numerous owl species in the world and breeds in many areas throughout Europe and the Palearctic as well as in north America. In the UK, the Long-eared Owl breeds thinly across the country with fewer birds in south west England and Wales. Northern birds, including birds from Europe, migrate southwards coming to spend the winter in the UK whilst southern birds are residents and only move short distances to find food. The Long-eared Owl is usually found in open landscapes with groups of trees, hedges or small woods as well as pastures with trees and bushes plus any type of forest with clearings, forest edges, semi-open taiga forest, swampy areas and bogs, orchards with old fruit trees, parks, cemeteries with trees and bushes and even gardens and timbered areas in villages, towns or cities. The Long-eared Owl is more or less strictly nocturnal and usually activity commences at dusk. When flying by day, it is often mobbed by diurnal birds such as corvids and other birds of prey. During daytime, the Long-eared Owl tends to roost in an upright position on a branch, often close to a trunk and hidden within dense foliage. In winter, it often stays close to the same tree or group of trees. Unlike most owls, which show a tendency towards territorial behaviour all year round, outside of the breeding season the Long-eared Owl may form aggregations of up to 50 birds while roosting, with a European record of about 150 owls at a single roost. The Long-eared Owl tends to be a monogamous breeder with the pair bond being renewed annually. Males claim their territory with singing and display flights with wing clapping. Singing normally starts at dusk on calm evenings and may continue through the night with clear windless moonlit nights being preferred. The song is usually delivered from a perch, most often at medium height in trees or from the upper half near the canopy. Pairs tend to occupy the same territory all year around but most prefer to use a different nest each year even if the same nest as last year is still in a good state of repair. Females typically take on the duty of inspecting potential nesting sites and duet to attract the males. Nests are typically those of other species such as corvids, other raptors and herons. Breeding occurs later in the year than most owl species with mating usually taking place in March or April and egg laying between late March and early May in most of the range. Generally, the female lays 3 to 5 eggs (sometimes more if food is unusually abundant) and larger clutches are typical further north in the range. In Europe up to 2 broods have been successfully raised at times of food abundance. Incubation begins with the first egg and continues for about 27 to 28 days. The female alone incubates while the male provides food which is brought direct to nest. The young hatch at 2 day intervals at any point between late April and June. The female alone feeds the chicks. The young leave the nest at 20 to 27 days of age but are initially flightless, often climbing about in surrounding branches. At about 35 to 37 days, the young are fully fledged and can fly well but they often follow their parents and are fed by them for up to about 2 months. The Long-eared Owl appears to have a widely varying diet. One study accrued information from 312 studies from around the species’ range. In total 478 prey species were found to be described, of which 180 were mammal species, 191 were bird species, 83 were assorted invertebrate species, 15 were reptiles, 7 were amphibians and 2 were fish species. However, on closer inspection, the Long-eared Owl generally appears to be something of a dietary specialist. It usually takes primarily, often nearly entirely, small mammals as food in almost every part of its range. The Long-eared Owl is rather common and widespread in many regions and it is easily one of the most widely found owl species globally. Densities of populations depend on the availability of food. Local threats are typically pesticides and persecution as well as collisions with road traffic. Date: 31st January 2023 Location: "Cley Spy", Glandford, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48483011.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2117059584640a400ce8ad8.jpgPheasant The Common Pheasant is native to Asia but it has been widely introduced elsewhere as a game bird. In parts of its range, namely in places where none of its relatives occur such as in Europe (where it is naturalised), it is simply known as the Pheasant. Body weight of the Pheasant can range from 1.1 to 6.6 pounds, with males averaging 2.6 pounds and females averaging 2 pounds The adult male Pheasant is 24 to 35 inches in length with a long brown streaked black tail, accounting for almost 20 inches of the total length. The body plumage is barred bright gold or fiery copper-red and chestnut-brown with an iridescent sheen of green and purple. The wings are white or cream and black-barred markings are common on the tail. The head is bottle green with a small crest and distinctive red wattling. The female Pheasant is much less showy with a duller mottled brown plumage all over and measuring 20 to 25 inches long including a tail of around 8 inches. Juveniles have the appearance of the female with a shorter tail until young males begin to grow characteristic bright feathers on the breast, head and back at about 10 weeks after hatching. There are many colour forms of the male Pheasant, ranging in colour from nearly white to almost black in some melanistic examples. These are due to captive breeding and hybridisation between sub-species reinforced by continual releases of stock from varying sources to the wild. The Pheasant is native to Asia with its original range extending from between the Black and Caspian Seas to Manchuria, Siberia, Korea, mainland China and Taiwan. It can now be found across the globe due to its readiness to breed in captivity and the fact it can naturalise in many climates. At least since the Roman Empire, the Pheasant has been extensively introduced in many places and it has become a naturalised species in Europe, including throughout most of the UK where successive introductions have led to it becoming well adapted to the climate and able to breed naturally in the wild without human supervision on farmland and in copses, heaths, scrub, commons and wetlands. The Pheasant nests solely on the ground in scrapes lined with some grass and leaves, frequently under dense cover or a hedge. Occasionally it will nest in a haystack or in an old nest left by other birds. The male is polygynous and is often accompanied by a harem of several females. A clutch of around 8 to 15 eggs is laid during April to June, sometimes as many as 18 but usually 10 to 12. The incubation period is about 22 to 27 days. The chicks stay near the female for several weeks although they leave the nest when only a few hours old. After hatching they grow quickly, flying after 12 to 14 days and resembling adults by only 15 weeks of age. The Pheasant eats a wide variety of animal and vegetable food including fruit, seeds, grain, mast, berries and leaves as well as a wide range of invertebrates and insects. Small vertebrates like lizards, small mammals and small birds are occasionally taken. The Pheasant is a well-known gamebird and perhaps the most widespread and ancient one in the world. It is one of the world's most hunted birds. The Pheasant is bred to be hunted and it is shot in great numbers in Europe, especially in the UK where they are shot in the open season from 1st October to 1st February. Generally they are shot by hunters employing gun dogs to help find, flush and retrieve shot birds. Pheasant farming is also a common practice and it is sometimes done intensively. Birds are supplied both to hunting preserves/estates and to restaurants. Date: 1st February 2023 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230768.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1503478769649173680f340.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 14th May 2023 Location: Llanddeusant Red Kite feeding station, Carmarthenshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080570.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_198824573263a45934cbbf7.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 1st December 2022 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308833.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_108667460163ee2f5832704.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 17th January 2023 Location: EWT Langdon Conservation Centre, Dunton, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49278569.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17524877726499b4a185c01.jpgEdible Frog The Edible Frog is a species of frog found across Europe that is also known as the Common Water Frog and the Green Frog. The Edible Frog is one of the few animals in the world that is a fertile hybrid of 2 different species, as although similar but genetically different species are known to mate, it is very rare that their offspring will be able to breed. The Edible Frog is a fertile hybrid of 2 other European frogs, namely the Pool Frog and the Marsh Frog, that inter-bred when populations where isolated close to one another during the Ice Age. It was first described in 1758 and is known as the Edible Frog due to the fact that it is now seen as a culinary delicacy across Europe but especially in France where frog’s legs are often served as a national dish. The reason for humans favouring this frog over others is not really known but it may have something to do with their abundance. The Edible Frog is a medium sized frog growing to around 3.5 to 4.5 inches in length. Adults are mainly green in colour with light patches of brown on their backs, yellow eyes and a white underside covered in a few dark spots. There are number of distinct differences between males and females including the fact that males become much lighter and greener during the mating season. Males also have vocal sacs on the outside of their cheeks and extra skin patches on their feet, both of which are primarily used for mating. The Edible Frog is endemic to Europe and it naturally occurs across central Europe as far north as Germany and Estonia. Southern populations are found from Croatia, through northern Italy and into the south of France. There are also isolated populations in Sweden and Bulgaria which are thought to have migrated from the countries nearby. It has also been introduced to the UK. The Edible Frog spends all of its time either in or very close to water and it is most commonly found in calmer parts of rivers and streams where there is a slow but constant flow of fresh water. It tends to prefer more open areas and can also be commonly found around lakes, ponds and marshes. Unlike many other species of frog, the Edible Frog is a diurnal animal and is therefore most active during the day. This is when it is most likely to move away from the water so that it can find a better supply of food or move to a different part of the water if it needs to. The Edible Frog is a relatively solitary animal so there is less competition for food but males are often seen sitting together in groups during the breeding season when they are trying to out-compete each other to find a mate. The breeding season for the Edible Frog begins during March and generally lasts for around 2 months. Males sing by drawing air in and out of their vocal sacs to produce the highest-pitched sound possible since females are most attracted to the loudest males. After courting her in a lake, pond or swamp, the male lets the female lay up to 10,000 eggs in a sticky mass into the water before he fertilises them. Tadpoles can be as small as 0.2 inches long when they hatch and are a grey/brown colour. They then grow up to 2 to 3 inches in length before metamorphoses occurs and they leave the water as 0.75 inches long young frogs. The Edible Frog reaches sexual maturity at the age of 2 years and can live until it is 15 years old. The Edible Frog is a carnivorous amphibian but the tadpoles mainly eat vegetation although they are known to occasionally supplement their diet with aquatic micro-organisms. Adults eat small invertebrates such as insects, spiders and flies, which make up the majority of their diet, along with larger aquatic animals like fish, newts and other frogs. The Edible Frog hunts for food during the day and can be seen catching food both in water and on land. The Edible Frog remains very still when it is sitting on the banks of its water habitat and this, along with its camouflage, makes it very difficult for predators to spot. Its eyes are positioned near the top of the head meaning that it can also see danger coming whilst the body is mainly hidden. Snakes, owls and water birds are the main predators of the Edible Frog. The Edible Frog will jump into the water and hide if it senses approaching danger and it will make a loud screeching sound if caught. Edible Frog populations are under threat from habitat destruction mainly caused by deforestation and water pollution. Date: 13th June 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080597.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_67856299863a459970fdbb.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 1st December 2022 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230791.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_200937024464917f802b6a6.jpgEdible Frog The Edible Frog is a species of frog found across Europe that is also known as the Common Water Frog and the Green Frog. The Edible Frog is one of the few animals in the world that is a fertile hybrid of 2 different species, as although similar but genetically different species are known to mate, it is very rare that their offspring will be able to breed. The Edible Frog is a fertile hybrid of 2 other European frogs, namely the Pool Frog and the Marsh Frog, that inter-bred when populations where isolated close to one another during the Ice Age. It was first described in 1758 and is known as the Edible Frog due to the fact that it is now seen as a culinary delicacy across Europe but especially in France where frog’s legs are often served as a national dish. The reason for humans favouring this frog over others is not really known but it may have something to do with their abundance. The Edible Frog is a medium sized frog growing to around 3.5 to 4.5 inches in length. Adults are mainly green in colour with light patches of brown on their backs, yellow eyes and a white underside covered in a few dark spots. There are number of distinct differences between males and females including the fact that males become much lighter and greener during the mating season. Males also have vocal sacs on the outside of their cheeks and extra skin patches on their feet, both of which are primarily used for mating. The Edible Frog is endemic to Europe and it naturally occurs across central Europe as far north as Germany and Estonia. Southern populations are found from Croatia, through northern Italy and into the south of France. There are also isolated populations in Sweden and Bulgaria which are thought to have migrated from the countries nearby. It has also been introduced to the UK. The Edible Frog spends all of its time either in or very close to water and it is most commonly found in calmer parts of rivers and streams where there is a slow but constant flow of fresh water. It tends to prefer more open areas and can also be commonly found around lakes, ponds and marshes. Unlike many other species of frog, the Edible Frog is a diurnal animal and is therefore most active during the day. This is when it is most likely to move away from the water so that it can find a better supply of food or move to a different part of the water if it needs to. The Edible Frog is a relatively solitary animal so there is less competition for food but males are often seen sitting together in groups during the breeding season when they are trying to out-compete each other to find a mate. The breeding season for the Edible Frog begins during March and generally lasts for around 2 months. Males sing by drawing air in and out of their vocal sacs to produce the highest-pitched sound possible since females are most attracted to the loudest males. After courting her in a lake, pond or swamp, the male lets the female lay up to 10,000 eggs in a sticky mass into the water before he fertilises them. Tadpoles can be as small as 0.2 inches long when they hatch and are a grey/brown colour. They then grow up to 2 to 3 inches in length before metamorphoses occurs and they leave the water as 0.75 inches long young frogs. The Edible Frog reaches sexual maturity at the age of 2 years and can live until it is 15 years old. The Edible Frog is a carnivorous amphibian but the tadpoles mainly eat vegetation although they are known to occasionally supplement their diet with aquatic micro-organisms. Adults eat small invertebrates such as insects, spiders and flies, which make up the majority of their diet, along with larger aquatic animals like fish, newts and other frogs. The Edible Frog hunts for food during the day and can be seen catching food both in water and on land. The Edible Frog remains very still when it is sitting on the banks of its water habitat and this, along with its camouflage, makes it very difficult for predators to spot. Its eyes are positioned near the top of the head meaning that it can also see danger coming whilst the body is mainly hidden. Snakes, owls and water birds are the main predators of the Edible Frog. The Edible Frog will jump into the water and hide if it senses approaching danger and it will make a loud screeching sound if caught. Edible Frog populations are under threat from habitat destruction mainly caused by deforestation and water pollution. Date: 24th May 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15747126.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_973568195017a6db6cb03.jpgMarsh Frog The Marsh Frog is the largest European frog. It is very similar in appearance to the closely related Edible Frog and Pool Frog. These 3 species are often referred to as "green frogs" to distinguish them from the more terrestrial European species which are known as "brown frogs" (best exemplified by the Common Frog). Marsh Frogs show a large variation in colour and pattern, ranging from dark green to brown or grey. The Western European populations are generally dark green to black with dark spots on the back and sides and 3 clear green lines on the back. Females can reach a maximum length of around 6.5 inches but males are smaller at around 4.5 inches. The head is proportionally large and the hind legs are long which gives them excellent jumping abilities. The Marsh Frog is usually gregarious and diurnal and more tied to aquatic habitats than the Common Frog. It is tolerant of brackish conditions and typically it is found on or in the water of its favoured drainage channels and pools throughout the year. Marsh Frogs frequently sunbathe on the bank of the water body where they are often inconspicuous until disturbed when they will jump in to the water with a characteristic “plop”. They can often be seen on lily pads or floating at the surface amongst vegetation with only their heads exposed. During the breeding season (and sometimes beyond) the male Marsh Frog calls very loudly with a sound reminiscent of a loud chuckle which is often very raucous and can be heard all day and night. Dominant males establish territories from which they call. After mating a female may produce up to 16,000 eggs in a season, laying them in clumps of a few hundred in aquatic vegetation below the surface. They hatch in about a week, tadpoles being rather solitary and living in deep water with vegetation. Newly metamorphosed frogs are up to 1 inch in length and take 2 years to mature. The diet of the Marsh Frog consists of dragonflies and other insects, spiders, earthworms and slugs. Larger frogs also eat small rodents and sometimes smaller amphibians and fish. The Marsh Frog is not a native species of the UK. It was first introduced to Walland Marsh, Kent in 1935 and is now found in several areas of Kent and East Sussex. Other introductions exist, including colonies in London. Date: 23rd July 2012 Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230770.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10673002996491736be2c64.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 14th May 2023 Location: Llanddeusant Red Kite feeding station, Carmarthenshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080619.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_173413968163a459c1bdde6.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 1st December 2022 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48483001.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_577019220640a4004814b1.jpgDunnock The Dunnock is a small passerine bird and the most widespread member of the genus Prunella, the accentor family which otherwise consists of mountain species. Other common names for the Dunnock include the Hedge Sparrow or Hedge Accentor. The Dunnock is about the size of a Robin. It has a generally drab brown streaked appearance with a grey head and a fine pointed bill. Both sexes are similar. It is quiet and unobtrusive and is frequently seen on its own, creeping along and moving with a rather nervous, shuffling gait often flicking its wings. The Dunnock is native to large areas of Eurasia where it is the only commonly found accentor in lowland areas. It can be found throughout the UK all the year round in any well vegetated areas with scrub, brambles and hedges and also in deciduous woodland, farmland edges, parks and gardens. The Dunnock is territorial and may engage in conflict with other birds that encroach upon their nesting areas. The Dunnock possesses variable mating systems. Females are often polyandrous, breeding with 2 or more males at once which is quite rare among birds. This multiple mating system leads to the development of sperm competition amongst the male suitors. DNA fingerprinting has shown that chicks within a brood often have different fathers depending on the success of the males at monopolising the female. Males try to ensure their paternity by pecking at the cloaca of the female to stimulate ejection of rival males' sperm. Males provide parental care in proportion to their mating success so 2 males and a female can commonly be seen provisioning nestlings at one nest. Other mating systems also exist within Dunnock populations depending on the ratio of male to females and the overlap of territories. When only a single female and a single male territory overlap, monogamy is preferred. Sometimes, 2 or 3 adjacent female territories overlap a single male territory and so polygyny is favoured with the male monopolising several females. Polygynandry also exists in which 2 males jointly defend a territory containing several females. Polyandry, however, is the most common mating system of the Dunnock. Depending on the population, males generally have the best reproductive success in polygynous populations whilst females have the advantage during polyandry. Studies have illustrated the fluidity of Dunnock mating systems. When food is in abundance, female territory size is reduced drastically. Consequently, males can more easily monopolise the females. Thus, the mating system can be shifted from one that favours female success (polyandry) to one that favours male success (monogamy, polygynandry or polygyny). The Dunnock builds a neat nest predominantly from twigs and moss and lined with soft materials such as wool or feathers which is located low in a bush. The female typically lays 3 to 5 eggs. Broods, depending on the population, can be raised by a lone female, multiple females with the part-time help of a male, multiple females with full-time help by a male or by multiple females and multiple males. Parental care varies according to the type of relationship. Date: 1st February 2023 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49001826.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_760075126468e2fdad53f.jpgChiffchaff The (Common) Chiffchaff is a common and widespread leaf warbler which is named onomatopoeically for its simple and repetitive chiff-chaff song. The British naturalist Gilbert White was one of the first people to separate the similar looking Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler and Wood Warbler by their songs, as detailed in 1789 in “The Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne. The Chiffchaff is a small, dumpy, 4 inch long leaf warbler. The spring adult has brown-washed dull green upperparts, off-white underparts becoming yellowish on the flanks and a short whitish supercilium. It has dark legs, a fine dark bill and short primary projection (extension of the flight feathers beyond the folded wing). As the plumage wears, it gets duller and browner and the yellow on the flanks tends to be lost and after the breeding season there is a prolonged complete moult before migration. After moulting, both the adult and the juvenile have brighter and greener upperparts and a paler supercilium. When not singing, the Chiffchaff can be difficult to distinguish from other leaf warblers with greenish upperparts and whitish underparts, particularly the Willow Warbler. However, that species has a longer primary projection, a sleeker, brighter appearance and generally pale legs. The Chiffchaff breeds across Europe and Asia east to eastern Siberia and north to about 70°N, with isolated populations in north west Africa, north and west Turkey and north west Iran. It is a migratory species but one of the first passerine birds to return to its breeding areas in the spring and amongst the last to leave in late autumn. When breeding, the Chiffchaff is a bird of open woodlands with some taller trees and ground cover for nesting purposes. In winter, the Chiffchaff uses a wider range of habitats and is not so dependent on trees and is often found near water. There is an increasing tendency to winter in western Europe well north of the traditional areas, especially in coastal south England and the mild urban microclimate of London. The male Chiffchaff returns to its breeding territory 2 or 3 weeks before the female and immediately starts singing to establish ownership and attract a female. When a female is located, the male will use a slow butterfly-like flight as part of the courtship ritual but, once a pair-bond has been established, other females will be driven from the territory. The male has little involvement in the nesting process other than defending the territory. The female's nest is built on or near the ground in a concealed site in brambles, nettles or other dense low vegetation. The domed nest has a side entrance and is constructed from coarse plant material such as dead leaves and grass with finer material used on the interior before the addition of a lining of feathers. The clutch is 2 to 7 (normally 5 or 6) cream-coloured eggs which are incubated by the female for 13 to 14 days before hatching as naked, blind chicks. The female broods and feeds the chicks for another 14 to 15 days until they fledge. The male rarely participates in feeding although this sometimes occurs, especially when bad weather limits insect supplies or if the female disappears. After fledging, the young stay in the vicinity of the nest for 3 to 4 weeks where they are fed by and roost with the female. In the north of the range there is only time to raise one brood due to the short summer but a second brood is common in central and southern areas. Like most leaf warblers, the Chiffchaff is insectivorous and moves restlessly though foliage or briefly hovering. It has been recorded as taking insects, mainly flies, from more than 50 families, along with other small and medium-sized invertebrates. It will also take the eggs and larvae of butterflies and moths. The Chiffchaff has been estimated to require about one third of its weight in insects daily and it feeds almost continuously in the autumn to put on extra fat as fuel for its long migration flight. As with most small birds, mortality in the first year of life is high but adults aged 3 to 4 years are regularly recorded and the record is more than 7 years. Eggs, chicks and fledglings are taken by Stoats, Weasels and crows such as the Magpie and adults are hunted by birds of prey, particularly the Sparrowhawk. The Chiffchaff is also susceptible to poor weather, particularly when migrating, but also on the breeding and wintering grounds. The main effect of humans on the Chiffchaff is indirect through woodland clearance which affects the habitat, predation by cats and collisions with windows, buildings and cars. Date: 3rd April 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405582.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_376182076586fcbea6f6f.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the Canidae family and is a part of the order Carnivora within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 6th December 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308873.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8714369763ee3804ca8d8.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 21st January 2022 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308853.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_107696895863ee37da862a4.jpgCarrion Crow The Carrion Crow is a passerine bird in the crow family Corvidae. The Hooded Crow was formerly regarded as a sub-species but it has now been split off as a separate species The plumage of the Carrion Crow is black with a green or purple sheen. The bill, legs and feet are also black. It can be distinguished from the Raven by its smaller size (19 to 20 inches in length as compared to an average of 25 inches for the Raven) and from the Hooded Crow by its all black plumage. There is frequent confusion between the Carrion Crow and the Rook, another black corvid species found within its range. The beak of the Carrion Crow is stouter and in consequence it looks shorter and whereas in the adult Rook the nostrils are bare, those of the Carrion Crow are covered at all ages with bristle-like feathers. As well as this, the wings of a Carrion Crow are proportionally shorter and broader than those of the Rook when seen in flight. Unlike the Rook which is generally gregarious, the Carrion Crow is usually solitary or seen in breeding pairs. The Carrion Crow is a noisy bird, perching on a vantage point such as a building or the top of a tree and calling 3 or 4 times in quick succession with a slight pause between each series of calls. During each series of calls, the bird may perform an accompanying gesture, bowing its head and neck downwards with each call. The Carrion Crow can become tame near humans and can often be found in or around areas of human activity or habitation where they compete with other social birds such as gulls and ducks for food. The Carrion Crow breeds in west and central Europe with an allied form or race occurring in east Asia with the closely allied Hooded Crow filling the gap between. Fertile hybrids occur along the boundary between these 2 forms indicating their close genetic relationship. Across its range, it can be seen all year round in a wide range of habitats such as urban areas, farmland, woodlands, mountains, moorlands and seashores. The Carrion Crow reaches sexual maturity around the age of 3 years for females and 5 years for males and birds often mate for life. The Carrion Crow builds a bulky stick nest which is usually placed in a tall tree although cliff ledges, old buildings and pylons may be used as well. Nests are also occasionally placed on or near the ground. The nest resembles that of the Raven but is less bulky. The female lays 3 to 4 eggs which are incubated for 18 to 20 days by the female alone who is fed by the male. The young fledge after 29 to 30 days. It is not uncommon for offspring from the previous year to stay around and help rear the new hatchlings. Instead of seeking out a mate, these birds look for food and assist the parents in feeding the young. Although an eater of carrion of all kinds, the Carrion Crow will eat insects, earthworms, grain, fruits, seeds, small mammals, amphibians and scraps and it will also steal eggs of other birds. It is a scavenger by nature which is why it tends to frequent sites inhabited by humans in order to feed on household waste. The Carrion Crow will also harass birds of prey or even Foxes for their kills. The Carrion Crow has few natural predators although powerful raptors such as the Northern Goshawk, the Peregrine, the Eurasian Eagle Owl and the Golden Eagle will readily hunt them and they can become an important prey item locally. Date: 21st January 2022 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49003240.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4462596656469014d9d11f.jpgNightingale The Nightingale is a small passerine bird best known for its powerful and beautiful song. Slightly larger than the Robin, it is plain brown above except for the reddish tail and buff to white below. The sexes are similar. The Nightingale is a migratory insectivorous bird breeding in forest and scrub in Europe and south west Asia and wintering in west Africa. The distribution is more southerly than the very closely related Thrush Nightingale. In the UK the bird is at the northern limit of its range which has contracted in recent years placing it on the Amber List for conservation. Despite local efforts to safeguard its favoured coppice and scrub habitat, numbers fell by 53% between 1995 and 2008. A survey conducted by the British Trust for Ornithology in 2012 and 2013 recorded some 3,300 territories with most of these clustered in a few counties in the south east of England, notably Kent, Essex, Suffolk and East and West Sussex. By contrast, the European breeding population is estimated at between 3.2 and 7 million pairs, giving it green conservation status (least concern). The song of the Nightingale has been described as one of the most beautiful sounds in nature, inspiring songs, fairy tales, opera, books and a great deal of poetry. The Nightingales is so named because it frequently sings at night as well as during the day. The name has been used for more than 1,000 years, being highly recognisable even in its Old English form nihtgale which means "night songstress". Early writers assumed the female sang when it is in fact the male. The song is loud with an impressive range of whistles, trills and gurgles. Its song is particularly noticeable at night because few other birds are singing. This is why its name includes "night" in several languages. Only unpaired males sing regularly at night and nocturnal song is likely to serve to attract a mate. Singing at dawn, during the hour before sunrise, is assumed to be important in defending the bird's territory. Nightingales sing even more loudly in urban or near-urban environments in order to overcome the background noise. Date: 5th May 2022 Location: Danbury Common, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48483033.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1022979424640a41e9c1cf8.jpgDark-bellied Brent Geese The Brent Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. Branta is a Latinised form of Old Norse brandgás, meaning "burnt (black) goose", and bernicla is the medieval Latin name for the barnacle. The Brent Goose and the similar Barnacle Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be the same creature as the crustacean, a myth that can be dated back to at least the 12th century. The Brent Goose, Branta bernicla is divided into 3 sub-species: Dark-bellied Brent Goose B. b. bernicla, Pale-bellied Brent Goose B. b. hrota (sometimes also known as Light-bellied Brent Goose) and Black Brant B. b. nigricans. Some DNA evidence suggests that these forms are genetically distinct and a split into 3 separate species has been proposed. However, other evidence upholds their maintenance as a single species. The Brent Goose is a small goose, 22 to 26 inches long with a wingspan of 42 to 48 inches. The under-tail is pure white and the tail black and very short (the shortest of any goose). The Dark-bellied Brent Goose is fairly uniformly dark grey-brown all over and the flanks and belly are not significantly paler than the back. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds on the Arctic coasts of central and west Siberia and winters in west Europe with over half the population in south England and the rest between north Germany and north west France. The Pale-bellied Brent Goose appears blackish-brown and light grey in colour and the flanks and belly are significantly paler than the back and present a marked contrast. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds in Franz Josef Land, Svalbard, Greenland and north east Canada and winters in Denmark, north east England, Ireland and the Atlantic coast of the USA from Maine to Georgia as well as in a small but significant area in north France. The Black Brant appears blackish-brown and white in colour. This sub-species is very contrastingly black and white with a uniformly dark sooty-brown back, similarly-coloured underparts (with the dark colour extending furthest back of the 3 sub-species) and a prominent white flank patch. It also has a larger white neck patch which forms an almost complete collar. It breeds in north west Canada, Alaska and east Siberia and winters mostly on the west coast of north America from south Alaska to California but also in east Asia, mainly Japan. It sometimes appears as a vagrant in Europe when it associates with the other Brent Goose species. The Brent Goose used to be a strictly coastal bird in winter, seldom leaving tidal estuaries where it feeds on eel-grass and seaweed. In recent decades, it has started using agricultural land a short distance inland, feeding extensively on grass and winter-sown cereals. This may be behaviour learned by following other species of geese. Food resource pressure may also be important in forcing this change since the world population increased over 10-fold by the mid-1980s, possibly reaching the carrying capacity of the estuaries. In the breeding season, the Brent Goose uses low-lying wet coastal tundra for both breeding and feeding. The nest is bowl-shaped, lined with grass and down and located in an elevated position often near a small pond. The Brent Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds applies. Date: 1st February 2023 Location: RSPB Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080594.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18040591663a45990c0c9d.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 1st December 2022 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49001957.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8660718086468e526af391.jpgBlackcap The Eurasian Blackcap, usually known simply as the Blackcap, is a typical warbler in the Sylvia genus. It is a mainly grey warbler with distinct male and female plumages. It is about 5.1 inches long with a 2.8 to 3.1 inches wing span. The adult male has olive-grey upperparts, other than a paler grey nape, and a neat black cap on the head. The underparts are light grey, becoming silvery white on the chin, throat and upper breast. The tail is dark grey with an olive tint to the outer edge of each feather. The bill and long legs are grey and the iris is reddish brown. The female resembles the male but has a reddish-brown cap and a slightly browner tone to the grey of the upperparts. Juveniles are similar to the female but their upperparts have a slight rufous tinge and the breast and flanks have a more olive tone. Young males have a darker brown cap than their female counterparts. The Blackcap is unmistakable and other dark-headed Sylvia species, such as the Sardinian Warbler and the Orphean Warbler, have extensive black on the head instead of a small cap and they are also larger and have white edges on the tail. The male Blackcap's song is a rich musical warbling, often ending in a loud high-pitched crescendo, which is given in bursts of up to 30 seconds. The song is repeated for about 2 minutes with a short pause before each repetition. The main song can be confused with that of the Garden Warbler but it is slightly higher pitched than in that species, more broken into discrete song segments and less mellow. Both species have a quiet sub-song, a muted version of the full song, which is even harder to separate. The Blackcap also occasionally mimics the song of other birds, the most frequently copied including the Garden Warbler and the Nightingale. The Blackcap’s breeding range includes much of Europe, west Asia and north west Africa and its preferred habitat is mature deciduous woodland. Birds on the Mediterranean and Atlantic islands and in the milder west and south of the main Eurasian distribution often winter within the breeding range but populations elsewhere are migratory. The Blackcap is a “leap-frog migrant” meaning that birds from the north of the breeding range travel furthest south whereas Mediterranean breeders move much shorter distances. The wintering areas overlap with the breeding range but also include extensive areas in west Africa, east Africa south to Lake Malawi and further north in Ethiopia, South Sudan and Eritrea. There is a migratory divide in Europe at longitude 10 to 11°E. Birds to the west of this line migrate south west towards Iberia or west Africa whereas populations to the east migrate to the east Mediterranean and on to east Africa. Climate change appears to be affecting the migration pattern of the Blackcap. It is arriving in Europe earlier than previously and departing nearly 2 weeks later than in the 1980s. In recent decades, some central European birds have taken to wintering in gardens in the UK and, to a lesser extent, in Ireland, where the Blackcap was formerly just a summer visitor. Although the UK climate is sub-optimal, compensatory factors include the ready availability of food (particularly from bird tables), a shorter migration distance and the avoidance of the Alps and the Sahara Desert. The Blackcap's main breeding habitat is mature deciduous woodland with good scrub cover below the trees. Other habitats, such as parks, large gardens and overgrown hedges, are used as long as they meet the essential requirements of tall trees for song posts and an established under-story. Where other Sylvia warblers also breed, the Blackcap tends to use taller trees than its relatives, preferably those with a good canopy such as pedunculate oak. The preferred winter habitat around the Mediterranean is scrub and olive orchards. In Africa, habitats include cultivated land, acacia scrub, mangroves and forest. When the male Blackcap returns to its breeding range, it establishes a territory. Adults that have previously bred return to the site they have used in previous summers whereas inexperienced birds either wander until they find a suitable area or establish a very large initial territory which contracts under pressure from neighbours. Territorial boundaries are established initially by loud singing which is performed while the male displays with its crown raised, tail fanned and slow wingbeats. Sylvia warblers are unusual in that they vigorously defend their territories against other members of their genus. Blackcaps and Garden Warblers use almost identical habitats yet aggressive interactions mean that their territories rarely overlap. The Blackcap first breeds at 1 year old. It is mainly monogamous although both sexes may sometimes deviate from this. A male attracts a female to his territory through song and a display involving raising the black crown feathers, fluffing the tail, slow wingbeats and a short flapping flight. He also builds one or more simple nests (cock nests) usually near his song post. The final nest, which may be one of the cock nests or built from scratch, is a neat cup of roots, stems and grasses lined with fine material such as hair. The nest is built in the cover of bramble, scrub or trees and it is constructed mainly by the female and may be up to 15 feet above the ground although lower than 3 feet is more typical. The clutch is 2 to 7 eggs (typically 4 to 6) which are incubated by both adults for 10 to 16 days (average 11 days). The chicks are fed by both parents and fledge about 11 to 12 days after hatching, leaving the nest shortly before they are able to fly. They are assisted with feeding for a further 2 or 3 weeks. The Blackcap normally raises just 1 brood but second broods are sometimes recorded, particularly in the milder climate of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic islands. The Blackcap feeds mainly on insects during the breeding season and then switches to fruit in late summer, the change being triggered by an internal biological rhythm. When migrants arrive on their breeding territories they initially take berries, pollen and nectar if there are insufficient insects available but then soon switch to their preferred diet. The Blackcap mainly picks prey off foliage and twigs but it may occasionally hover, flycatch or feed on the ground. It eats a wide range of invertebrate prey, although aphids are particularly important early in the season, and flies, beetles and caterpillars are also taken in large numbers. In July, the diet switches increasingly to a wide range of small fruit. The protein needed for egg-laying and for the chicks to grow is replaced by fruit sugar which helps the birds to fatten for migration. Aphids are still taken while they are available since they often contain sugars from the plant sap on which they feed. The Blackcap has a very large range and a very large population. It is therefore classified by the IUCN as being of “Least Concern”. The Blackcap and other small birds are illegally trapped and hunted in large numbers in Mediterranean countries, particularly in Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, Malta, Libya, Egypt and Cyprus, where they are considered as a delicacy. Despite hunting and natural hazards, the European population of the Blackcap has been increasing for several decades as the range extends northwards. There are occasional nesting records from outside the main range such as in north Israel and the Faroe Islands and wandering birds may appear further afield in Iceland or on the islands of Arctic Russia. In the Baltic region, the spread of the Blackcap appears to have been helped by the availability of territories formerly occupied by the declining Barred Warbler. Date: 6th May 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49001642.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19380810996468dbb3d3ea5.jpgWren The Eurasian Wren is a very small passerine bird and the only member of the wren family, Troglodytidae, found in Eurasia and Africa. In Europe, it is commonly known simply as the Wren. The scientific name is taken from the Greek word troglodytes meaning "cave-dweller" and referring to its habit of disappearing into cavities or crevices whilst hunting invertebrates or to roost. The Wren is a tiny bird at just 3.5 to 4.1 inches long although it is heavier and not as slim as the even smaller Goldcrest. It is dumpy, almost rounded, with a fine bill, very short round wings and a short, narrow tail which is sometimes cocked up vertically. It is rufous brown above, greyer beneath and barred with darker brown and grey. The bill is dark brown and the legs are pale brown. Young birds are less distinctly barred. The plumage is subject to considerable variation and, where populations have been isolated, the variation has become fixed in one minor form or another. There are around 27 sub-species of this taxonomically complex bird e.g. in Scotland, in addition to the typical bird, there are 3 distinct sub-species confined to St. Kilda, Shetland and Fair Isle. The Wren occurs throughout Europe and across the Palearctic including a belt of Asia from north Iran and Afghanistan across to Japan. It is migratory in only the northern parts of its range. It is almost as familiar in Europe as the Robin. It can be found in a wide range of habitats including woodland, farmland, heathland, moorland, mountains, coastal areas and islands. It is also a regular visitor to gardens. The Wren is the most common UK breeding bird although it suffers declines during prolonged and severely cold winters. For such a small bird, the Wren has a remarkably loud voice. Its song is very loud, trilling, gushing and emphatic and may sometimes be confused with that of the Dunnock although that species has a warble that is shorter and weaker. The Wren's song also incorporates repeated trill sounds whilst the Dunnock's does not. Individuals vary in quality as well as the volume of their song. The song begins with a few preliminary notes, then runs into a slightly ascending trill and ends in full clear notes or another trill. The song may be heard during any season although it is most noticeable during the spring. Despite its generally mouse-like behaviour, the male Wren may sing from an exposed perch as its whole body quivers from the effort. The male Wren builds several nests called "cock nests" but they are never lined until the female chooses one to use. The normal round nest of grass, moss, lichens or leaves is tucked into a hole in a wall, tree trunk, crack in a rock or corner of a building but it is often built in bushes, overhanging boughs or the litter which accumulates in branches washed by floods. The female lays 5 to 8 eggs in April and second broods are generally reared. The Wren is a highly polygamous species meaning that a male can have, at any one time, more than a single female with an active nest on his territory. An active nest is one in which there are eggs or nestlings. A male has been recorded with 4 females breeding on his territory. Bigamy and trigamy are the most common forms of polygamy. The Wren is an insectivorous bird and mostly eats insects and spiders but in winter it will also take pupae and seeds. Date: 11th March 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48482993.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_114532810640a3ffd9c805.jpgGreat Tit The Great Tit is a passerine bird in the tit family. It is large for a tit species at 4.9 to 5.5 inches in length and it has a distinctive appearance that makes it easy to recognise. The nominate race, which is found throughout much of Europe, Asia Minor, north and east Kazakhstan, south Siberia and north Mongolia, has a bluish-black crown, black neck, throat, bib and head and white cheeks and ear coverts. The breast is bright lemon-yellow and there is a broad black mid-line stripe running from the bib to the vent. There is a dull white spot on the neck turning to greenish yellow on the upper nape. The rest of the nape and back are green tinged with olive. The wing-coverts are green and the rest of the wing is bluish-grey with a white-wing-bar. The tail is bluish grey with white outer tips. The plumage of the female is similar to that of the male except that the colours are generally duller and the bib is less intensely black, as is the line running down the belly which is also narrower and sometimes broken. There is some variation in the UK sub-species. It is broadly similar to the nominate race but has a slightly longer bill, the mantle is slightly deeper green, there is less white on the tail tips and the ventral mid-line stripe is broader on the belly. The Great Tit has a wide distribution across much of Eurasia. It is found across all of Europe except for Iceland and northern Scandinavia. In North Africa it is found in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. It also occurs across the Middle East and parts of central Asia from north Iran and Afghanistan to Mongolia, as well as across north Asia from the Urals as far east as north China and the Amur Valley. The Great Tit can be found in a range of habitats but most commonly in open deciduous woodland, mixed forests, forest edges and gardens. In dense forests, including conifer forests, it is usually found in forest clearings. In north Siberia it is found in the boreal taiga. In north Africa it prefers oak forests as well as stands of Atlas cedar and even palm groves. In the east of its range, it favours riverine willow and birch forest. At higher altitudes it occupies habitats ranging from dense deciduous and coniferous forests to open areas with scattered trees. The Great Tit is generally not migratory. Pairs will usually remain near or in their territory all year round even in the northern parts of their range. Young birds will disperse from their parents' territory but usually not far. Populations may become irruptive in poor or harsh winters and very large groups may unpredictably move from north Europe to the Baltic, the Netherlands, the UK and even as far as the south Balkans. The Great Tit is monogamous and establish breeding territories in late January. Territories are usually reoccupied in successive years even if one of the pair dies so long as the brood is raised successfully. Females are likely to disperse to new territories if their nest is predated the previous year. The Great Tit is a seasonal breeder but the exact timing of breeding varies due to a number of factors, most importantly location. Most breeding occurs between January and September. In Europe the breeding season usually begins after March The amount of sunlight and daytime temperatures also affects the timing of breeding as does the peak abundance of caterpillar prey which itself is correlated to temperature. The Great Tit is a cavity nester and occupies a hole that is usually inside a tree, although occasionally in a wall or rock face. It also readily takes to nest boxes. The nest inside the cavity is built by the female and is made of plant fibres, grasses, moss, hair, wool and feathers. The female often lays a very large clutch of eggs, as many as 18 although 5 to 12 is more common. Clutch size is smaller when females start laying later and it is also lower when the density of competitors is higher. Second broods also tend to have smaller clutches. The female undertakes all incubation duties and is fed by the male during this time. The timing of hatching, which is synchronised with peak availability of food, can be manipulated when environmental conditions change after the laying of the first egg by delaying the beginning of incubation, laying more eggs or pausing during incubation. The incubation period is between 12 and 15 days. The chicks are fed by both parents and the nestling period is between 16 and 22 days. The chicks become independent of the parents 8 days after fledging although feeding may continue after independence and last up to a further 25 days. The Great Tit is primarily insectivorous in the summer and feeds on a wide range of insects and spiders. During the breeding season, protein-rich caterpillars are fed to the young. In autumn and winter, when insect prey becomes scarcer, berries and seeds are added to the diet. Where it is available, it will also readily take table scraps, peanuts and sunflower seeds from bird tables. The Great Tit, along with other tits, joins winter mixed-species foraging flocks. The Great Tit has generally adjusted to human modifications of the environment. Whilst it is more common and has better breeding success in areas with undisturbed forest cover, it has adapted well to human modified habitats and can be very common in urban and suburban areas. While there have been some localised declines in population in areas with poorer quality habitats, its large range and high numbers mean that the Great Tit is not considered to be threatened and it is classed as “Least Concern” by the IUCN. Date: 1st February 2023 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43082689.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_29823585560dd84c4c9d9b.jpgEdible Frog The Edible Frog is a species of frog found across Europe that is also known as the Common Water Frog and the Green Frog. The Edible Frog is one of the few animals in the world that is a fertile hybrid of 2 different species, as although similar but genetically different species are known to mate, it is very rare that their offspring will be able to breed. The Edible Frog is a fertile hybrid of 2 other European frogs, namely the Pool Frog and the Marsh Frog, that inter-bred when populations where isolated close to one another during the Ice Age. It was first described in 1758 and is known as the Edible Frog due to the fact that it is now seen as a culinary delicacy across Europe but especially in France where frog’s legs are often served as a national dish. The reason for humans favouring this frog over others is not really known but it may have something to do with their abundance. The Edible Frog is a medium sized frog growing to around 3.5 to 4.5 inches in length. Adults are mainly green in colour with light patches of brown on their backs, yellow eyes and a white underside covered in a few dark spots. There are number of distinct differences between males and females including the fact that males become much lighter and greener during the mating season. Males also have vocal sacs on the outside of their cheeks and extra skin patches on their feet, both of which are primarily used for mating. The Edible Frog is endemic to Europe and it naturally occurs across central Europe as far north as Germany and Estonia. Southern populations are found from Croatia, through northern Italy and into the south of France. There are also isolated populations in Sweden and Bulgaria which are thought to have migrated from the countries nearby. It has also been introduced to the UK. The Edible Frog spends all of its time either in or very close to water and it is most commonly found in calmer parts of rivers and streams where there is a slow but constant flow of fresh water. It tends to prefer more open areas and can also be commonly found around lakes, ponds and marshes. Unlike many other species of frog, the Edible Frog is a diurnal animal and is therefore most active during the day. This is when it is most likely to move away from the water so that it can find a better supply of food or move to a different part of the water if it needs to. The Edible Frog is a relatively solitary animal so there is less competition for food but males are often seen sitting together in groups during the breeding season when they are trying to out-compete each other to find a mate. The breeding season for the Edible Frog begins during March and generally lasts for around 2 months. Males sing by drawing air in and out of their vocal sacs to produce the highest-pitched sound possible since females are most attracted to the loudest males. After courting her in a lake, pond or swamp, the male lets the female lay up to 10,000 eggs in a sticky mass into the water before he fertilises them. Tadpoles can be as small as 0.2 inches long when they hatch and are a grey/brown colour. They then grow up to 2 to 3 inches in length before metamorphoses occurs and they leave the water as 0.75 inches long young frogs. The Edible Frog reaches sexual maturity at the age of 2 years and can live until it is 15 years old. The Edible Frog is a carnivorous amphibian but the tadpoles mainly eat vegetation although they are known to occasionally supplement their diet with aquatic micro-organisms. Adults eat small invertebrates such as insects, spiders and flies, which make up the majority of their diet, along with larger aquatic animals like fish, newts and other frogs. The Edible Frog hunts for food during the day and can be seen catching food both in water and on land. The Edible Frog remains very still when it is sitting on the banks of its water habitat and this, along with its camouflage, makes it very difficult for predators to spot. Its eyes are positioned near the top of the head meaning that it can also see danger coming whilst the body is mainly hidden. Snakes, owls and water birds are the main predators of the Edible Frog. The Edible Frog will jump into the water and hide if it senses approaching danger and it will make a loud screeching sound if caught. Edible Frog populations are under threat from habitat destruction mainly caused by deforestation and water pollution. Date: 2nd June 2021 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48483005.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1762815681640a4007dc2af.jpgBlackbird The Common Blackbird is a species of true thrush. It is also called Eurasian Blackbird (especially in North America in order to distinguish it from the unrelated New World blackbirds) or simply Blackbird where this does not lead to confusion with a similar-looking local species. The Blackbird’s name derives form 2 Latin words: turdus meaning “thrush” and merula meaning “blackbird”. It may not immediately be clear why the name "blackbird", first recorded in 1486, was applied to this species but not to one of the various other common black English birds, such as the Carrion Crow, Raven, Rook or Jackdaw. However, in Old English and in modern English up to about the 18th century, "bird" was used only for smaller or young birds and larger ones such as crows were called "fowl". At that time, the Blackbird was therefore the only widespread and conspicuous black bird in the UK. The Blackbird is around 9.25 to 11.5 inches in length including a long tail. The adult male has glossy black plumage, blackish-brown legs, a yellow eye-ring and an orange-yellow bill. The bill darkens somewhat in winter. The adult female is sooty-brown with a dull yellowish-brownish bill, a brownish-white throat and some weak mottling on the breast. The juvenile is similar to the female but has pale spots on the upperparts and the very young juvenile also has a speckled breast. Young birds vary in the shade of brown, with darker birds presumably males. The first year male resembles the adult male but has a dark bill and weaker eye ring and its folded wing is brown rather than black like the body plumage. The Blackbird breeds in temperate Eurasia, north Africa, the Canary Islands and south Asia. Populations are sedentary in the south and west of the range although northern birds migrate south as far as north Africa and tropical Asia in winter. Common over most of its range in woodland, the Blackbird has a preference for deciduous trees with dense undergrowth. However, gardens provide the most successful breeding habitat. It occurs up to around 3300 feet in Europe and is often replaced by the related Ring Ousel in areas of higher altitude. The Blackbird has an extensive range and a large population which is generally stable or increasing. However, there have been local declines, especially on farmland, which may be due to agricultural policies that encouraged farmers to remove hedgerows (which provide nesting places) and to drain damp grassland and increase the use of pesticides, both of which could have reduced the availability of invertebrate food. The Blackbird may commence breeding in March when the breeding pair prospect for a suitable nest site in a creeper or bush, favouring evergreen or thorny species such as ivy, holly, hawthorn, honeysuckle or pyracantha. Sometimes they will nest in sheds or outbuildings where a ledge or cavity is used. The cup-shaped nest is made with grasses, leaves and other vegetation and bound together with mud. It is built by the female alone. The nest is often ill-concealed compared with those of other species and many breeding attempts fail due to predation. The female lays 3 to 5 (average 4) bluish-green eggs marked with reddish-brown blotches which are incubated for 12 to 14 days before the chicks are hatched naked and blind. Fledging takes another 10 to 19 (average 13.6) days, with both parents feeding the young. The young are fed by the parents for up to 3 weeks after leaving the nest and they will follow the adults begging for food. If the female starts another nest, the male alone will feed the fledged young. Second broods are common with the female reusing the same nest if the brood was successful. The first-year male Blackbird may start singing as early as late January in fine weather in order to establish a territory, followed in late March by the adult male. The male's song is a varied and melodious low-pitched fluted warble which is given from trees, rooftops or other elevated perches mainly in the period from March to June and sometimes into the beginning of July. During the winter, the Blackbird can be heard quietly singing to itself, so much so that September and October are the only months which the song cannot be heard. The Blackbird is omnivorous, eating a wide range of insects, earthworms, seeds and berries. It feeds mainly on the ground, running and hopping with a start-stop-start progress. It pulls earthworms from the soil, usually finding them by sight but sometimes by hearing, and roots through leaf litter for other invertebrates. Small amphibians and lizards are occasionally hunted. The Blackbird will also perch in bushes to take berries and collect caterpillars and other active insects. Animal prey predominates and this is particularly important during the breeding season with windfall apples and berries taken more in the autumn and winter. Near human habitation the main predator of the Blackbird is the domestic cat, with newly fledged young especially vulnerable. Foxes and predatory birds, such as the Sparrowhawk, also predate the Blackbird when the opportunity arises. Eggs and chicks are also taken by corvids, such as the Magpie or Jay. Date: 1st February 2023 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081289.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_167182107663a5af5799ed9.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 15th December 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080620.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_125890774263a459c3065b3.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 1st December 2022 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49002235.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21393950546468eaae2dc65.jpgGreat Tit The Great Tit is a passerine bird in the tit family. It is large for a tit species at 4.9 to 5.5 inches in length and it has a distinctive appearance that makes it easy to recognise. The nominate race, which is found throughout much of Europe, Asia Minor, north and east Kazakhstan, south Siberia and north Mongolia, has a bluish-black crown, black neck, throat, bib and head and white cheeks and ear coverts. The breast is bright lemon-yellow and there is a broad black mid-line stripe running from the bib to the vent. There is a dull white spot on the neck turning to greenish yellow on the upper nape. The rest of the nape and back are green tinged with olive. The wing-coverts are green and the rest of the wing is bluish-grey with a white-wing-bar. The tail is bluish grey with white outer tips. The plumage of the female is similar to that of the male except that the colours are generally duller and the bib is less intensely black, as is the line running down the belly which is also narrower and sometimes broken. There is some variation in the UK sub-species. It is broadly similar to the nominate race but has a slightly longer bill, the mantle is slightly deeper green, there is less white on the tail tips and the ventral mid-line stripe is broader on the belly. The Great Tit has a wide distribution across much of Eurasia. It is found across all of Europe except for Iceland and northern Scandinavia. In North Africa it is found in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. It also occurs across the Middle East and parts of central Asia from north Iran and Afghanistan to Mongolia, as well as across north Asia from the Urals as far east as north China and the Amur Valley. The Great Tit can be found in a range of habitats but most commonly in open deciduous woodland, mixed forests, forest edges and gardens. In dense forests, including conifer forests, it is usually found in forest clearings. In north Siberia it is found in the boreal taiga. In north Africa it prefers oak forests as well as stands of Atlas cedar and even palm groves. In the east of its range, it favours riverine willow and birch forest. At higher altitudes it occupies habitats ranging from dense deciduous and coniferous forests to open areas with scattered trees. The Great Tit is generally not migratory. Pairs will usually remain near or in their territory all year round even in the northern parts of their range. Young birds will disperse from their parents' territory but usually not far. Populations may become irruptive in poor or harsh winters and very large groups may unpredictably move from north Europe to the Baltic, the Netherlands, the UK and even as far as the south Balkans. The Great Tit is monogamous and establish breeding territories in late January. Territories are usually reoccupied in successive years even if one of the pair dies so long as the brood is raised successfully. Females are likely to disperse to new territories if their nest is predated the previous year. The Great Tit is a seasonal breeder but the exact timing of breeding varies due to a number of factors, most importantly location. Most breeding occurs between January and September. In Europe the breeding season usually begins after March The amount of sunlight and daytime temperatures also affects the timing of breeding as does the peak abundance of caterpillar prey which itself is correlated to temperature. The Great Tit is a cavity nester and occupies a hole that is usually inside a tree, although occasionally in a wall or rock face. It also readily takes to nest boxes. The nest inside the cavity is built by the female and is made of plant fibres, grasses, moss, hair, wool and feathers. The female often lays a very large clutch of eggs, as many as 18 although 5 to 12 is more common. Clutch size is smaller when females start laying later and it is also lower when the density of competitors is higher. Second broods also tend to have smaller clutches. The female undertakes all incubation duties and is fed by the male during this time. The timing of hatching, which is synchronised with peak availability of food, can be manipulated when environmental conditions change after the laying of the first egg by delaying the beginning of incubation, laying more eggs or pausing during incubation. The incubation period is between 12 and 15 days. The chicks are fed by both parents and the nestling period is between 16 and 22 days. The chicks become independent of the parents 8 days after fledging although feeding may continue after independence and last up to a further 25 days. The Great Tit is primarily insectivorous in the summer and feeds on a wide range of insects and spiders. During the breeding season, protein-rich caterpillars are fed to the young. In autumn and winter, when insect prey becomes scarcer, berries and seeds are added to the diet. Where it is available, it will also readily take table scraps, peanuts and sunflower seeds from bird tables. The Great Tit, along with other tits, joins winter mixed-species foraging flocks. The Great Tit has generally adjusted to human modifications of the environment. Whilst it is more common and has better breeding success in areas with undisturbed forest cover, it has adapted well to human modified habitats and can be very common in urban and suburban areas. While there have been some localised declines in population in areas with poorer quality habitats, its large range and high numbers mean that the Great Tit is not considered to be threatened and it is classed as “Least Concern” by the IUCN. Date: 12th April 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081304.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_169723989163a5af85cd7a8.jpgBlackbird The Common Blackbird is a species of true thrush. It is also called Eurasian Blackbird (especially in North America in order to distinguish it from the unrelated New World blackbirds) or simply Blackbird where this does not lead to confusion with a similar-looking local species. The Blackbird’s name derives form 2 Latin words: turdus meaning “thrush” and merula meaning “blackbird”. It may not immediately be clear why the name "blackbird", first recorded in 1486, was applied to this species but not to one of the various other common black English birds, such as the Carrion Crow, Raven, Rook or Jackdaw. However, in Old English and in modern English up to about the 18th century, "bird" was used only for smaller or young birds and larger ones such as crows were called "fowl". At that time, the Blackbird was therefore the only widespread and conspicuous black bird in the UK. The Blackbird is around 9.25 to 11.5 inches in length including a long tail. The adult male has glossy black plumage, blackish-brown legs, a yellow eye-ring and an orange-yellow bill. The bill darkens somewhat in winter. The adult female is sooty-brown with a dull yellowish-brownish bill, a brownish-white throat and some weak mottling on the breast. The juvenile is similar to the female but has pale spots on the upperparts and the very young juvenile also has a speckled breast. Young birds vary in the shade of brown, with darker birds presumably males. The first year male resembles the adult male but has a dark bill and weaker eye ring and its folded wing is brown rather than black like the body plumage. The Blackbird breeds in temperate Eurasia, north Africa, the Canary Islands and south Asia. Populations are sedentary in the south and west of the range although northern birds migrate south as far as north Africa and tropical Asia in winter. Common over most of its range in woodland, the Blackbird has a preference for deciduous trees with dense undergrowth. However, gardens provide the most successful breeding habitat. It occurs up to around 3300 feet in Europe and is often replaced by the related Ring Ousel in areas of higher altitude. The Blackbird has an extensive range and a large population which is generally stable or increasing. However, there have been local declines, especially on farmland, which may be due to agricultural policies that encouraged farmers to remove hedgerows (which provide nesting places) and to drain damp grassland and increase the use of pesticides, both of which could have reduced the availability of invertebrate food. The Blackbird may commence breeding in March when the breeding pair prospect for a suitable nest site in a creeper or bush, favouring evergreen or thorny species such as ivy, holly, hawthorn, honeysuckle or pyracantha. Sometimes they will nest in sheds or outbuildings where a ledge or cavity is used. The cup-shaped nest is made with grasses, leaves and other vegetation and bound together with mud. It is built by the female alone. The nest is often ill-concealed compared with those of other species and many breeding attempts fail due to predation. The female lays 3 to 5 (average 4) bluish-green eggs marked with reddish-brown blotches which are incubated for 12 to 14 days before the chicks are hatched naked and blind. Fledging takes another 10 to 19 (average 13.6) days, with both parents feeding the young. The young are fed by the parents for up to 3 weeks after leaving the nest and they will follow the adults begging for food. If the female starts another nest, the male alone will feed the fledged young. Second broods are common with the female reusing the same nest if the brood was successful. The first-year male Blackbird may start singing as early as late January in fine weather in order to establish a territory, followed in late March by the adult male. The male's song is a varied and melodious low-pitched fluted warble which is given from trees, rooftops or other elevated perches mainly in the period from March to June and sometimes into the beginning of July. During the winter, the Blackbird can be heard quietly singing to itself, so much so that September and October are the only months which the song cannot be heard. The Blackbird is omnivorous, eating a wide range of insects, earthworms, seeds and berries. It feeds mainly on the ground, running and hopping with a start-stop-start progress. It pulls earthworms from the soil, usually finding them by sight but sometimes by hearing, and roots through leaf litter for other invertebrates. Small amphibians and lizards are occasionally hunted. The Blackbird will also perch in bushes to take berries and collect caterpillars and other active insects. Animal prey predominates and this is particularly important during the breeding season with windfall apples and berries taken more in the autumn and winter. Near human habitation the main predator of the Blackbird is the domestic cat, with newly fledged young especially vulnerable. Foxes and predatory birds, such as the Sparrowhawk, also predate the Blackbird when the opportunity arises. Eggs and chicks are also taken by corvids, such as the Magpie or Jay. Date: 15th December 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080574.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_136944801063a4594394f12.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 1st December 2022 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080612.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_107478712263a459b63e36d.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 1st December 2022 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230755.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_160590951764917351999d0.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 14th May 2023 Location: Llanddeusant Red Kite feeding station, Carmarthenshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48482996.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1585111638640a3fffdab27.jpgHouse Sparrow The House Sparrow is a member of the sparrow family Passeridae. The House Sparrow is typically about 6.3 inches long, ranging from 5.5 to 7.1 inches, and it is a compact bird with a full chest and a large, rounded head. Its bill is stout and conical. The plumage is mostly different shades of grey and brown and the sexes exhibit strong dimorphism. The female is mostly buffish above and below whilst the male has boldly coloured head markings, a reddish back and grey underparts. The male has a dark grey crown from the top of its bill to its back and chestnut brown flanking its crown on the sides of its head. It has black around its bill, on its throat and on the lores between the bill and the eyes. It has a small white stripe between the lores and crown and small white spots immediately behind the eyes with black patches below and above them. The underparts are pale grey or white, as are the cheeks, ear coverts and stripes at the base of the head. The upper back and mantle are a warm brown, with broad black streaks whilst the lower back, rump and upper tail coverts are greyish brown. The male's bill is black in the breeding season and dark grey during the rest of the year. The female has no black markings or grey crown. Its upperparts and head are brown with darker streaks around the mantle and a distinct pale supercilium. Its underparts are pale grey-brown. The female's bill is brownish-grey and becomes darker in breeding plumage approaching the black of the male's bill. Juveniles are similar to the adult female but deeper brown below and paler above and with paler and less defined supercilia. Juveniles have broader buff feather edges and tend to have looser, scruffier plumage similar to moulting adults. The House Sparrow can be confused with a number of other seed-eating birds, especially its relatives in the sparrow family Passeridae. The dull coloured female House Sparrow can often not be distinguished from other female sparrows and is nearly identical to those of the Spanish and Italian Sparrows. The Tree Sparrow is smaller and more slender with a chestnut crown and a black patch on each cheek. The male Spanish Sparrow and Italian Sparrow are distinguished by their chestnut crowns. The House Sparrow's flight is direct rather than undulating. On the ground, it typically hops rather than walks. The House Sparrow originated in the Middle East and spread, along with agriculture, to most of Eurasia and parts of north Africa. Since the mid-19th century, it has reached most of the world, mainly due to deliberate introductions but also through natural and shipborne dispersal. Its introduced range encompasses most of north America, central America, south America, south Africa, parts of West Africa, Australia, New Zealand and islands throughout the world. It has become highly successful in most parts of the world where it has been introduced. This is mostly due to its early adaptation to living with humans and its adaptability to a wide range of conditions. It has also greatly extended its range in northern Eurasia since the 1850s and continues to do so. The extent of its range makes the House Sparrow the most widely distributed wild bird on the planet. The House Sparrow is closely associated with human habitation and cultivation. It is believed to have become associated with humans around 10,000 years ago. The only terrestrial habitats that the House Sparrow does not inhabit are dense forest and tundra. Well adapted to living around humans, it frequently lives and even breeds indoors, especially in factories, warehouses and zoos. It reaches its greatest densities in urban centres but its reproductive success is greater in suburbs where insects are more abundant. In most of its range, the House Sparrow is extremely common despite some declines but in more marginal habitats its distribution can be patchy. Most House Sparrows do not move more than a few miles during their lifetimes. However, limited migration occurs in all regions. Some young birds disperse long distances and mountain birds move to lower elevations in winter. The House Sparrow is a very social bird and it is gregarious during all seasons when feeding, often forming flocks with other species of birds. It roosts communally in trees or shrubs, its nests are usually grouped together in clumps and it engages in social activities such as dust or water bathing and "social singing" in which birds call together in bushes. The House Sparrow can breed in the breeding season immediately following its hatching and sometimes it will attempt to do so. However, birds breeding for the first time are rarely successful in raising young and reproductive success increases with age as older birds breed earlier in the breeding season and fledge more young. The timing of mating and egg-laying varies geographically and between specific locations and years because a sufficient supply of insects is needed for egg formation and feeding nestlings. Males take up nesting sites before the breeding season by frequently calling beside them. Unmated males start nest construction and call particularly frequently to attract females. The House Sparrow is monogamous and typically mates for life but birds from pairs often engage in extra-pair copulations. Many birds do not find a nest and a mate and instead may serve as helpers around the nest for mated pairs, a role which increases the chances of being chosen to replace a lost mate. Lost mates of both sexes can be replaced quickly during the breeding season. The formation of a pair and the bond between the 2 birds is tied to the holding of a nest site. Nest sites are varied although cavities are preferred. Nests are most frequently built in the eaves and other crevices of houses. Holes in cliffs and banks or tree hollows are also used and sometimes a nest will be excavated in sandy banks or rotten branches. Especially in warmer areas, the House Sparrow may build its nest in the open, such as on the branches of trees or in the nests of large birds such as storks, although breeding success tends to be lower. The nest is usually domed although it may lack a roof in enclosed sites. It has an outer layer of stems and roots, a middle layer of dead grass and leaves and a lining of feathers as well as of paper and other soft materials. The building of the nest is initiated by the unmated male while displaying to females. The female assists in building but is less active than the male. The female House Sparrow usually lays 4 or 5 eggs although numbers from 1 to 10 have been recorded. At least 2 clutches are usually laid and up to 7 a year may be laid in the tropics or 4 a year in temperate latitudes. When fewer clutches are laid in a year, especially at higher latitudes, the number of eggs per clutch is greater. The female plays the main role in incubating the eggs. The male helps but can only cover the eggs rather than truly incubate them. The female spends the night incubating while the male roosts near the nest. Eggs hatch at the same time, after a short incubation period lasting 11 to 14 days. Young House Sparrows remain in the nest for 11 to 23 days but normally 14 to 16 days. During this time, they are fed by both parents. All the young leave the nest during the same period of a few hours. At this stage, they are normally able to fly. They start feeding themselves partly after 1 or 2 days and sustain themselves completely after 7 to 10 days. In adult House Sparrows, annual survival is 45% to 65%. After fledging and leaving the care of their parents, young House Sparrows have a high mortality rate which lessens as they grow older and more experienced. Only about 20 to 25% of birds hatched survive to their first breeding season. The oldest known wild House Sparrow lived for nearly 20 years and the oldest recorded captive House Sparrow lived for 23 years. The House Sparrow's main predators are cats and birds of prey but many other animals prey on them, including corvids, squirrels and even humans (it has been consumed in the past by people in many parts of the world and it still is in parts of the Mediterranean). As an adult, the House Sparrow mostly feeds on the seeds of grains and weeds but it is opportunistic and adaptable and eats whatever foods are available. In urban areas, it scavenges and feeds largely on food provided directly or indirectly by humans such as bread and leftover food. It will also eat some plant matter including buds, berries and fruits such as grapes and cherries. Animals form another important part of the diet, including beetles, caterpillars, flies, aphids, molluscs, crustaceans earthworms and even vertebrates such as lizards and frogs. Young House Sparrows are fed mostly on insects until about 15 days after hatching. They are also given small quantities of seeds and spiders. The House Sparrow has an extremely large range and population and is not seriously threatened by human activities so it is assessed as “Least Concern” by the IUCN. However, populations have been declining in many parts of the world. These declines were first noticed in north America but have been most severe in west Europe. In the UK, populations peaked in the early 1970s but have since declined by 70% overall and about 90% in some regions. Substantial declines have been noted in both rural and urban populations and the House Sparrow is designated as a “Red List” species. While the decline in England continues, Breeding Bird Survey data indicate recent population increases in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Various causes for the dramatic decreases in population have been suggested. A shortage of nesting sites caused by changes in urban building design is probably a factor together with an insufficient supply of insect food for nestlings arising from an increase of monoculture crops, the heavy use of pesticides and the replacement of native plants in cities with introduced plants and parking areas. Date: 1st February 2023 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081476.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_171951874763a857aa6b2d7.jpgTeal The Eurasian Teal or Common Teal is often called simply the Teal due to being the only one of these small [i]Anas[/i] dabbling ducks in much of its range. The Teal is the smallest dabbling duck at 7.9 to 11.8 inches in length and with a wingspan of 21 to 23 inches. From a distance, the male Teal in breeding plumage appears grey with a dark head, a yellowish behind and a white stripe running along the flanks. Their head and upper neck is chestnut with a wide and iridescent dark green patch of half-moon or teardrop-shape that starts immediately before the eye and arcs to the upper hindneck. This patch is bordered with thin yellowish-white lines and a single line of that colour extends from the patch's forward end and curving along the base of the bill. The breast is buff with small round brown spots. The centre of the belly is white and the rest of the body plumage is mostly white with thin and dense blackish vermiculations, appearing medium grey even at a short distance. The outer scapular feathers are white with a black border to the outer vanes and these form the white side-stripe when the bird is in resting position. The tail and tail coverts are black with a bright yellowish-buff triangular patch in the centre of the coverts at each side. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female. It is more uniform in colour with a dark head and vestigial facial markings. The female Teal is yellowish-brown but somewhat darker on the wings and back. It has a dark greyish-brown upper head, hindneck, eyestripe and feather pattern. The pattern is dense short streaks on the head and neck and scaly spots on the rest of the body. Overall it looks much like a tiny Mallard. Immatures are coloured much like the adult females but they have a stronger pattern. The downy young are coloured like other dabbling ducks, brown above and yellow below with a yellow supercilium. The male's bill is dark grey but in the eclipse plumage it often shows some light greenish or brownish hue at the base. The bill of the females and immatures is pinkish or yellowish at the base, becoming dark grey towards the tip. The feet are dark grey in the males and greyish olive or greyish-brown in females and immatures. The Teal breeds across north Eurasia where it occupies sheltered freshwater wetlands with some tall vegetation such as taiga bogs or small lakes and ponds with extensive reedbeds. It mostly winters well south of its breeding range in the Mediterranean region, south Asia and some parts of Africa where it is often seen in large flocks in brackish waters and even in sheltered inlets and lagoons along the seashore. It is also regularly recorded on the north American coasts south to California and South Carolina. In the milder climate of temperate Europe, such as in the UK, the summer and winter ranges overlap. In the UK, the Teal can be found all year round but it is thinly distributed as a breeding species. In winter, birds congregate in larger numbers on low-lying wetlands both on the coast and inland in the south and west of the UK. Of these, many are continental birds from around the Baltic and Siberia. At this time, the UK is home to a significant percentage of the north west European wintering population. The Teal is much less abundant than the very similar Green-winged Teal from north America although it is still common and widespread. It appears to be holding its own currently with perhaps a slow decline due to drainage and pollution of wetlands. The IUCN and BirdLife International classify the Teal as a species of “Least Concern”. However, it is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. The Teal nests on the ground near water. Pairs form in the winter range and arrive on the breeding range together from about March. Breeding starts some weeks thereafter and not until May in the most northerly locations. The nest is a deep hollow lined with dry leaves and down feathers which is built in dense vegetation near water. After the females have started laying their eggs, the males leave them and move away and assemble in flocks on particular lakes where they moult into their eclipse plumage. The female lays 5 to 16 eggs but usually 8 to 11. Incubation lasts for 21 to 23 days and the young leave the nest soon after hatching and are cared for by the female for about 25 to 30 days. The males and the females with young generally move to the winter range separately. After the first winter, the young moult in to their adult plumage. The Teal usually feeds by dabbling, upending or grazing. In the breeding season it eats mainly aquatic invertebrates, such as crustaceans, insects and their larvae, molluscs and worms. In winter, it shifts to a largely granivorous diet, feeding on seeds of aquatic plants and grasses including sedges and grains. Date: 9th January 2022 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080582.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_141969523063a45969a324a.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 1st December 2022 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833497.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_183951238559ceb48b58fc.jpgWhite Pelicans The White Pelican is a huge bird, with only the Dalmatian Pelican averaging larger amongst the pelicans. The wingspan of the White Pelican can range from 7.41 to 11.8 feet, with the latter measurement the largest recorded among flying animals outside of the great albatrosses. The total length can range from 55 to 71 inches with the enormous bill comprising 11.5 to 18.5 inches of that length. The immature White Pelican is grey with dark flight feathers. In breeding condition the male has pinkish skin on its face and the female has orangey skin. It differs from the Dalmatian pelican by its pure white, rather than greyish-white, plumage, a bare pink facial patch around the eye and pinkish legs. Males are larger than females, and have a long beak that grows in a downwards arc, as opposed to the shorter, straighter beak of the female. In flight, it is an elegant soaring bird, with the head held close to and aligned with the body by a downward bend in the neck. The White Pelican is well adapted for aquatic life. The short strong legs and webbed feet propel it in water and aid the rather awkward takeoff from the water surface. Once aloft, the long-winged pelicans are powerful fliers, however, and often travel in spectacular V-formation groups. The White Pelican is usually found in and around shallow warm fresh water. Well scattered groups of breeding pelicans occur through Eurasia from the eastern Mediterranean to Vietnam. In Eurasia, fresh or brackish waters may be inhabited and the White Pelican may be found in lakes, deltas, lagoons and marshes, usually with dense reed beds nearby for nesting purposes. Additionally, sedentary populations are found year-round in Africa, south of the Sahara Desert although these are patchy. Migratory populations are found from Eastern Europe to Kazakhstan during the breeding season. They arrive in late March or early April and depart after breeding from September to late November. Wintering locations for European White Pelicans are not exactly known but wintering birds may occur in north east Africa through Iraq to north India, with a particularly large number of breeders from Asia wintering around Pakistan. The diet of the White Pelican consists mainly of fish and they leave their roost to feed early in the mornings and may fly over 60 miles in search of food. The White Pelican's pouch serves simply as a scoop. As it pushes its bill underwater, the lower bill bows out creating a large pouch which fills with water and fish. As the bird lifts its head, the pouch contracts and forces out the water but retaining the fish. A group of 6 to 8 White Pelicans will gather in a horseshoe formation in the water to feed together. They dip their bills in unison, creating a circle of open pouches, ready to trap every fish in the area. Most feeding is co-operative and done in groups, especially in shallow waters where fish schools can be corralled easily. White Pelicans are not restricted to fish, however, and are often opportunistic foragers. In addition, they also eat crustaceans, tadpoles and even turtles and will readily accept handouts from humans. The White Pelican breeding season commences in April or May in temperate zones, essentially all year round in Africa and begins in February through April in India. Large numbers of White Pelicans breed together in colonies. Nest locations are variable with some populations making stick nests in trees but a majority nest in scrapes on the ground lined with grass, sticks, feathers and other material. Date: 13th May 2015 Location: Great Prespa Lake (Megali Prespa), West Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080587.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_142365469063a4597f1373b.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 1st December 2022 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26033422.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_135515331456378df8f2397.jpgEider The Eider is a large sea duck that is distributed over the northern coasts of Europe, north America and eastern Siberia. It breeds in the Arctic and some northern temperate regions but winters somewhat further south in temperate zones when it can form large flocks on coastal waters. The Eider is both the largest of the 4 eider species and the largest duck found in Europe and in north America (except for the Muscovy duck which only reaches north America in a wild state in southernmost Texas and south Florida). The Eider is characterized by its bulky shape and large, wedge-shaped bill. The male is unmistakable with its black and white plumage and green nape. The female is a brown bird but can still be readily distinguished from all ducks, except other eider species, on the basis of size and head shape. The drake's display call is a strange almost human-like "ah-ooo" while the duck utters hoarse quacks. The Eider dives for crustaceans and molluscs, with mussels being a favoured food. The Eider will eat mussels by swallowing them whole. The shells are then crushed in their gizzard and excreted. When eating a crab, the Eider will remove all of its claws and legs and then eat the body in a similar fashion. The Eider is abundant with populations of about 1.5 to 2 million birds in both Europe and north America and also large but unknown numbers in eastern Siberia. The Eider is a colonial breeder nesting on coastal islands in colonies ranging in size of less than 100 to upwards of 10,000 to 15,000 individuals. Female Eiders frequently exhibit a high degree of natal philopatry where they return to breed on the same island where they were hatched. This can lead to a high degree of relatedness between individuals nesting on the same island as well as the development of kin-based female social structures. This relatedness has likely played a role in the evolution of co-operative breeding behaviours amongst Eiders. Examples of these behaviours include laying eggs in the nests of related individuals and crèching where female Eiders team up and share the work of rearing ducklings. The Eider's nest is built close to the sea and is lined with the celebrated eiderdown plucked from the female's breast. This soft and warm lining has long been harvested for filling pillows and quilts but in more recent years has been largely replaced by down from domestic farm geese and synthetic alternatives. Although eiderdown pillows or quilts are now a rarity, eiderdown harvesting continues and is sustainable as it can be done after the ducklings leave the nest with no harm to the birds. Date: 1st June 2015 Location: Sauðárkrókur, north west Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48483002.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1145424936640a4005535fe.jpgDunnock The Dunnock is a small passerine bird and the most widespread member of the genus Prunella, the accentor family which otherwise consists of mountain species. Other common names for the Dunnock include the Hedge Sparrow or Hedge Accentor. The Dunnock is about the size of a Robin. It has a generally drab brown streaked appearance with a grey head and a fine pointed bill. Both sexes are similar. It is quiet and unobtrusive and is frequently seen on its own, creeping along and moving with a rather nervous, shuffling gait often flicking its wings. The Dunnock is native to large areas of Eurasia where it is the only commonly found accentor in lowland areas. It can be found throughout the UK all the year round in any well vegetated areas with scrub, brambles and hedges and also in deciduous woodland, farmland edges, parks and gardens. The Dunnock is territorial and may engage in conflict with other birds that encroach upon their nesting areas. The Dunnock possesses variable mating systems. Females are often polyandrous, breeding with 2 or more males at once which is quite rare among birds. This multiple mating system leads to the development of sperm competition amongst the male suitors. DNA fingerprinting has shown that chicks within a brood often have different fathers depending on the success of the males at monopolising the female. Males try to ensure their paternity by pecking at the cloaca of the female to stimulate ejection of rival males' sperm. Males provide parental care in proportion to their mating success so 2 males and a female can commonly be seen provisioning nestlings at one nest. Other mating systems also exist within Dunnock populations depending on the ratio of male to females and the overlap of territories. When only a single female and a single male territory overlap, monogamy is preferred. Sometimes, 2 or 3 adjacent female territories overlap a single male territory and so polygyny is favoured with the male monopolising several females. Polygynandry also exists in which 2 males jointly defend a territory containing several females. Polyandry, however, is the most common mating system of the Dunnock. Depending on the population, males generally have the best reproductive success in polygynous populations whilst females have the advantage during polyandry. Studies have illustrated the fluidity of Dunnock mating systems. When food is in abundance, female territory size is reduced drastically. Consequently, males can more easily monopolise the females. Thus, the mating system can be shifted from one that favours female success (polyandry) to one that favours male success (monogamy, polygynandry or polygyny). The Dunnock builds a neat nest predominantly from twigs and moss and lined with soft materials such as wool or feathers which is located low in a bush. The female typically lays 3 to 5 eggs. Broods, depending on the population, can be raised by a lone female, multiple females with the part-time help of a male, multiple females with full-time help by a male or by multiple females and multiple males. Parental care varies according to the type of relationship. Date: 1st February 2023 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49002964.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15760020656468fafcd942e.jpgChiffchaff The (Common) Chiffchaff is a common and widespread leaf warbler which is named onomatopoeically for its simple and repetitive chiff-chaff song. The British naturalist Gilbert White was one of the first people to separate the similar looking Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler and Wood Warbler by their songs, as detailed in 1789 in “The Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne. The Chiffchaff is a small, dumpy, 4 inch long leaf warbler. The spring adult has brown-washed dull green upperparts, off-white underparts becoming yellowish on the flanks and a short whitish supercilium. It has dark legs, a fine dark bill and short primary projection (extension of the flight feathers beyond the folded wing). As the plumage wears, it gets duller and browner and the yellow on the flanks tends to be lost and after the breeding season there is a prolonged complete moult before migration. After moulting, both the adult and the juvenile have brighter and greener upperparts and a paler supercilium. When not singing, the Chiffchaff can be difficult to distinguish from other leaf warblers with greenish upperparts and whitish underparts, particularly the Willow Warbler. However, that species has a longer primary projection, a sleeker, brighter appearance and generally pale legs. The Chiffchaff breeds across Europe and Asia east to eastern Siberia and north to about 70°N, with isolated populations in north west Africa, north and west Turkey and north west Iran. It is a migratory species but one of the first passerine birds to return to its breeding areas in the spring and amongst the last to leave in late autumn. When breeding, the Chiffchaff is a bird of open woodlands with some taller trees and ground cover for nesting purposes. In winter, the Chiffchaff uses a wider range of habitats and is not so dependent on trees and is often found near water. There is an increasing tendency to winter in western Europe well north of the traditional areas, especially in coastal south England and the mild urban microclimate of London. The male Chiffchaff returns to its breeding territory 2 or 3 weeks before the female and immediately starts singing to establish ownership and attract a female. When a female is located, the male will use a slow butterfly-like flight as part of the courtship ritual but, once a pair-bond has been established, other females will be driven from the territory. The male has little involvement in the nesting process other than defending the territory. The female's nest is built on or near the ground in a concealed site in brambles, nettles or other dense low vegetation. The domed nest has a side entrance and is constructed from coarse plant material such as dead leaves and grass with finer material used on the interior before the addition of a lining of feathers. The clutch is 2 to 7 (normally 5 or 6) cream-coloured eggs which are incubated by the female for 13 to 14 days before hatching as naked, blind chicks. The female broods and feeds the chicks for another 14 to 15 days until they fledge. The male rarely participates in feeding although this sometimes occurs, especially when bad weather limits insect supplies or if the female disappears. After fledging, the young stay in the vicinity of the nest for 3 to 4 weeks where they are fed by and roost with the female. In the north of the range there is only time to raise one brood due to the short summer but a second brood is common in central and southern areas. Like most leaf warblers, the Chiffchaff is insectivorous and moves restlessly though foliage or briefly hovering. It has been recorded as taking insects, mainly flies, from more than 50 families, along with other small and medium-sized invertebrates. It will also take the eggs and larvae of butterflies and moths. The Chiffchaff has been estimated to require about one third of its weight in insects daily and it feeds almost continuously in the autumn to put on extra fat as fuel for its long migration flight. As with most small birds, mortality in the first year of life is high but adults aged 3 to 4 years are regularly recorded and the record is more than 7 years. Eggs, chicks and fledglings are taken by Stoats, Weasels and crows such as the Magpie and adults are hunted by birds of prey, particularly the Sparrowhawk. The Chiffchaff is also susceptible to poor weather, particularly when migrating, but also on the breeding and wintering grounds. The main effect of humans on the Chiffchaff is indirect through woodland clearance which affects the habitat, predation by cats and collisions with windows, buildings and cars. Date: 30th April 2023 Location: Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50570367.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_207685059965ccc82c51723.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the Canidae family and is a part of the order Carnivora within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 11th January 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23526653.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_132221978354ddc474ce96d.jpgDark-bellied Brent Geese The Brent Goose belongs to the [I]Branta[/I] genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the [I]Anser[/I] genus of grey geese. [I]Branta[/I] is a Latinised form of Old Norse [I]brandgás[/I], meaning "burnt (black) goose", and [i]bernicla[/i] is the medieval Latin name for the barnacle. The Brent Goose and the similar Barnacle Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be the same creature as the crustacean, a myth that can be dated back to at least the 12th century. The Brent Goose, [I]Branta bernicla[/I] is divided into 3 sub-species: Dark-bellied Brent Goose [I]B. b. bernicla[/I], Pale-bellied Brent Goose [i]B. b. hrota[/i] (sometimes also known as Light-bellied Brent Goose) and Black Brant [i]B. b. nigricans[/i]. Some DNA evidence suggests that these forms are genetically distinct and a split into 3 separate species has been proposed. However, other evidence upholds their maintenance as a single species. The Brent Goose is a small goose, 22 to 26 inches long with a wingspan of 42 to 48 inches. The under-tail is pure white and the tail black and very short (the shortest of any goose). The Dark-bellied Brent Goose is fairly uniformly dark grey-brown all over and the flanks and belly are not significantly paler than the back. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds on the Arctic coasts of central and west Siberia and winters in west Europe with over half the population in south England and the rest between north Germany and north west France. The Pale-bellied Brent Goose appears blackish-brown and light grey in colour and the flanks and belly are significantly paler than the back and present a marked contrast. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds in Franz Josef Land, Svalbard, Greenland and north east Canada and winters in Denmark, north east England, Ireland and the Atlantic coast of the USA from Maine to Georgia as well as in a small but significant area in north France. The Black Brant appears blackish-brown and white in colour. This sub-species is very contrastingly black and white with a uniformly dark sooty-brown back, similarly-coloured underparts (with the dark colour extending furthest back of the 3 sub-species) and a prominent white flank patch. It also has a larger white neck patch which forms an almost complete collar. It breeds in north west Canada, Alaska and east Siberia and winters mostly on the west coast of north America from south Alaska to California but also in east Asia, mainly Japan. It sometimes appears as a vagrant in Europe when it associates with the other Brent Goose species. The Brent Goose used to be a strictly coastal bird in winter, seldom leaving tidal estuaries where it feeds on eel-grass and seaweed. In recent decades, it has started using agricultural land a short distance inland, feeding extensively on grass and winter-sown cereals. This may be behaviour learned by following other species of geese. Food resource pressure may also be important in forcing this change since the world population increased over 10-fold by the mid-1980s, possibly reaching the carrying capacity of the estuaries. In the breeding season, the Brent Goose uses low-lying wet coastal tundra for both breeding and feeding. The nest is bowl-shaped, lined with grass and down and located in an elevated position often near a small pond. The Brent Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds applies. Date: 26th January 2015 Location: Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/october-2021-red-admiral https://images.on-this.website/4752_7651374116230dfef21c73.jpgOctober 2021 - Red Admiral Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo44605448.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230740.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_372752451649170bdc6ea5.jpgSwallow The Barn Swallow is the most widespread species of swallow in the world. In Europe it is just called the Swallow and in Northern Europe it is the only common species called a "swallow" rather than a "martin". The male Swallow has steel blue upperparts and a rufous forehead, chin and throat which are separated from the off-white underparts by a broad dark blue breast band. The outer tail feathers are elongated to give the distinctive deeply forked "swallow tail." There is a line of white spots across the outer end of the upper tail. The female is similar in appearance to the male but the tail streamers are shorter, the blue of the upperparts and breast band is less glossy and the underparts more pale. The juvenile is browner and has a paler rufous face and whiter underparts. It also lacks the long tail streamers of the adult. The Swallow has an enormous range with an estimated global extent of 20 million square miles and a population of 190 million individuals. It breeds in the Northern Hemisphere from sea level to typically 8,900 feet but up 9,800 feet in the Caucasus and North America and it is absent only from deserts and the cold northernmost parts of the continents. Over much of its range it avoids towns and in Europe is replaced in urban areas by the House Martin. There are 6 subspecies of the Swallow which breed across the Northern Hemisphere, of which 4 are strongly migratory with their wintering grounds covering much of the Southern Hemisphere as far south as central Argentina, the Cape Province of South Africa and northern Australia. The Swallow can be found in open country with low vegetation such as pasture, meadows and farmland, preferably with nearby water. It avoids heavily wooded or precipitous areas and densely built-up locations. The presence of accessible open structures such as barns, stables or culverts to provide nesting sites and exposed locations such as wires, roof ridges or bare branches for perching are also important in the bird's selection of its breeding range. This species lives in close association with humans and its insect-eating habits mean that it is tolerated by man. This acceptance was reinforced in the past by superstitions regarding the bird and its nest. There are frequent cultural references to the Swallow in literary and religious works due to both its living in close proximity to humans and its annual migration. The Swallow is the national bird of Austria and Estonia. In winter, the Swallow is cosmopolitan in its choice of habitat, avoiding only dense forests and deserts. It is most common in open, low vegetation habitats such as savanna and ranch land. Individual birds tend to return to the same wintering locality each year and congregate from a large area to roost in reed beds. These roosts can be extremely large with one in Nigeria holding an estimated 1.5 million birds. Date: 14th May 2023 Location: RWT Gilfach, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo47971316.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1063232262638333e093ac2.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 24th November 2022 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41292162.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_162999265f10b21201026.jpgElk (Moose) The Elk (Eurasia) or Moose (north America) is the largest living deer species and the second largest land animal. The Elk is easily recognised by its humped shoulders, broad and overhanging muzzle and the pendulous flap of skin and hair beneath the throat. The body is heavy and deep, with long, rather gangly legs and wide hooves which aid in walking over mud or soft snow. The coat ranges from blackish to reddish brown in colour and lighter on the underparts and lower legs. It provides excellent insulation, consisting of a fine wool undercoat interspersed with long guard hairs. On average, an adult Elk stands 4.6 to 6.9 feet high at the shoulder, which is more than a foot higher than the next largest deer. The head and body length is 7.9 to 10.2 feet with a small tail adding only a further 2 to 5 inches. Males ("bulls") normally weigh from 838 to 1,543 pounds and females ("cows") typically weigh 441 to 1,080 pounds. The male Elk, as other deer, bears bony, hornlike antlers which are shed each winter and re-grown through the summer. The antlers are massive and palmate (broad and flattened at the base with short projecting branches), measuring up to 6.5 feet across and over 65 pounds in weight, making them the largest of any deer. In Europe, the Elk is currently found in large numbers throughout Norway, Sweden, Finland, Latvia, Estonia and Poland with more modest numbers in the Czech Republic, Belarus and north Ukraine. They are also widespread through Russia on up through the borders with Finland, south towards the border with Estonia, Belarus and Ukraine and east towards Siberia. The Elk was native to most temperate areas with suitable habitat on the continent and even Scotland from the end of the last Ice Age since Europe had a mix of temperate boreal and deciduous forest. However, from medieval times, it slowly disappeared. By the early 20th century, the very last strongholds of the Elk appeared to be in Scandinavian countries and patchy tracts of Russia with a few migrants found in what is now Estonia and Lithuania. The former Soviet Union and Poland managed to restore parts of the range within its borders in the 1950s but political complications obviously limited the ability to reintroduce it to other parts of its range. Attempts in 1930 and again in 1967 in marshland north of Berlin in Germany were unsuccessful. At present in Poland, populations are recorded in the Biebrza river valley, Kampinos National Park and in the Białowieża Forest. It has migrated in to other parts of eastern Europe and has been recorded in east and south Germany. The Elk is fairly adaptable in its habitat requirements but it prefers a mosaic of boreal or broad-leaved forest, lakes, swamps and wetlands, requiring forest for cover and water bodies for foraging. The Elk is often associated with spruce, fir and pine forest and it may also occupy tundra and mountains, often in areas characterised by seasonal snow cover. The Elk may be active by both day and night but activity usually peaks at dawn and dusk. It is a herbivore and is capable of consuming many types of plant or fruit. The diet includes various tree, shrub, grass and herb species as well as twigs and bark in winter. The Elk may markedly alter the structure and dynamics of forest ecosystems through their foraging behaviour. Aquatic vegetation is also taken, the Elk often wading into lakes and streams and sometimes submerging entirely to feed. Some populations migrate in search of food, moving between distinct seasonal home ranges. In winter, Elk are often drawn to roadways, to lick salt that is used as a snow and ice melter. The Elk is essentially solitary although small, loose groups may form during the mating season and during winter. Mating occurs in September and October. The males are polygamous and will seek several females to breed with. During this time both sexes will call to each other. Males produce heavy grunting sounds whilst females produce wail-like sounds. Males will fight for access to females. They either assess which is larger with the smaller bull retreating or they may engage in battles usually only involving the antlers. The female Elk has an 8 month gestation period, usually bearing a single calf, or twins if food is plentiful, in May or June. The young will stay with the mother until just before the next young are born. The life span of an average moose is about 15 to 25 years. A full grown Elk has few enemies except Siberian Tigers which regularly prey on adults but a pack of Wolves can still pose a threat especially to females with calves. The Brown Bear is also known to prey on Elk of various sizes and are the only predator besides the Wolf to attack them although they are more likely to take over a Wolf kill or to take young moose than to hunt an adult Elk on their own. The Wolverine is most likely to eat Elk as carrion but it has been known to kill them when they are weakened by harsh winter conditions. The Killer Whale is the Elk's only known marine predator. The Elk is hunted as a game species in many of the countries where it is found and in addition it is a regular casualty of road traffic and train collisions. Date: 29th June 2019 Location: near Storskog, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405483.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7803584426586e83e450c1.jpgLittle Egret The Little Egret is a species of small heron. The genus name comes from the Provençal French Aigrette (egret), a diminutive of Aigron (heron). The adult Little Egret is 22 to 26 inches long with a 35 to 42 inches wingspan. Its plumage is normally entirely white although there are dark forms with largely bluish-grey plumage. In the breeding season, the adult has 2 long plumes on the nape that form a crest. These plumes are about 6 inches in length and are pointed and very narrow. There are similar feathers on the breast but the barbs are more widely spread. There are also several elongated scapular feathers that have long loose barbs around 8 inches long. During the winter the plumage is similar but the scapulars are shorter and more normal in appearance. The bill is long and slender and both it and the lores are black. There is an area of greenish-grey bare skin at the base of the lower mandible and around the eye which has a yellow iris. The legs are black and the feet yellow. Juveniles are similar to non-breeding adults but have greenish-black legs and duller yellow feet and may have a certain proportion of greyish or brownish feathers. The Little Egret is mostly silent but it does make various croaking and bubbling calls at its breeding colonies and it produces a harsh alarm call when disturbed. The breeding range of the western race of the Little Egret includes south Europe, the Middle East, much of Africa and south Asia. European populations are migratory and mostly travel to Africa although some remain in southern Europe. During the late 20th century, the range of the Little Egret expanded northwards in Europe and into the New World. The Little Egret's habitat varies widely and includes the shores of lakes, rivers, canals, ponds, lagoons, marshes and flooded land, the bird preferring open locations to dense cover. On the coast it inhabits mudflats, sandy beaches, mangrove areas, swamps and reefs. The Little Egret is a sociable bird and can be seen in small flocks. However, individual birds do not tolerate others coming too close to their chosen feeding site although this depends on the abundance of prey. The Little Egret uses a variety of methods to find its food. It stalks its prey in shallow water, often running with raised wings or shuffling its feet to disturb small fish, or it may stand still and wait to ambush prey. It also makes use of opportunities provided by Cormorants disturbing fish or humans attracting fish by throwing bread into water. On land, it walks or runs while chasing its prey, often feeding on creatures disturbed by grazing livestock. The diet is mainly fish but amphibians, small reptiles, mammals and birds are also eaten as well as crustaceans, molluscs, insects, spiders and worms. The Little Egret nests in colonies, often with other wading birds such as Cattle Egret, Black-crowned Night Heron, Squacco Heron and Glossy Ibis. The nests are usually platforms of sticks built in trees or shrubs or in reed beds or bamboo groves. Pairs defend a small breeding territory, usually extending around 10 to 13 feet from the nest. The 3 to 5 eggs are incubated by both adults for 21 to 25 days before hatching. The young birds are covered in white down feathers are cared for by both parents and fledge after 40 to 45 days. Globally, the Little Egret is not listed as a threatened species and has in fact expanded its range over the last few decades.[5] The IUCN states that their wide distribution and large total population means that they are a species that cause them "least concern". Historical research has shown that the Little Egret was once present, and probably common, in the UK but became extinct there through a combination of over-hunting in the late mediaeval period and climate change at the start of the Little Ice Age. Further declines occurred throughout Europe as the plumes of the Little Egret and other egrets were in demand for decorating hats. They had been used in the plume trade since at least the 17th century but in the 19th century it became a major craze and the number of egret skins passing through dealers reached into the millions. Hunting, which reduced the population of the species to dangerously low levels, stimulated the establishment of Britain's Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in 1889. By the 1950s, the Little Egret had become restricted to south Europe and conservation laws protecting the species were introduced. This allowed the population to rebound strongly and over the next few decades it became increasingly common in western France and later on the north coast. It bred in the Netherlands in 1979 with further breeding from the 1990s onward. Populations are now mostly stable or increasing in Europe. In the UK, the Little Egret was a rare vagrant from its 16th century extinction until the late 20th century. It has, however, recently become a regular breeding species and is commonly present, often in large numbers, at favoured coastal sites. The first recent breeding record in England was on Brownsea Island in Dorset in 1996 and it bred in Wales for the first time in 2002. The population increase has been rapid subsequently with over 750 pairs breeding in nearly 70 colonies in 2008 and a post-breeding total of 4,540 birds in September 2008. Severe winter weather proves only to be a temporary setback and the Little Egret continues to expand both its numbers and range in the UK. Date: 14th October 2023 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080615.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2262884363a459bc34e32.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 1st December 2022 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493287.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2219300815f326f7c590e4.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801045.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_103133482364eda26e48295.jpgPurple Hairstreak Description to follow .... Date: 8th July 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623026.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20037110446117d2d9d029d.jpgHerring Gull The Herring Gull is one of the best known of all gulls along the shores of Europe. Adults in breeding plumage have a grey back and upperwings and white head and underparts. The wingtips are black with white spots known as "mirrors". The bill is yellow with a red spot and there is a ring of bare yellow skin around the pale eye. The legs are normally pink at all ages but can be yellowish. Non-breeding adults have brown streaks on the head and neck. Male and female plumage is identical at all stages of development although adult males are often larger. Juvenile and first-winter birds are mainly brown with darker streaks and have a dark bill and eyes. Second-winter birds have a whiter head and underparts with less streaking and the back is grey. Third-winter individuals are similar to adults but retain some of the features of immature birds such as brown feathers in the wings and dark markings on the bill. The Herring Gull attains adult plumage and reaches sexual maturity at an average age of 4 years. The loud laughing call of the Herring Gull is well known and is often seen as a symbol of the seaside in countries such as the UK. It also has a yelping alarm call and a low barking anxiety call. Chicks and fledglings emit a distinctive, repetitive high-pitched 'peep', accompanied by a head-flicking gesture when begging for food from or calling to their parents. Adult gulls in urban areas will also exhibit this behaviour when fed by humans. The Herring Gull breeds across northern Europe, western Europe, central Europe, eastern Europe, Scandinavia and the Baltic states. Some, especially those resident in colder areas, migrate further south in winter but many are permanent residents such as in the UK or on the North Sea shores. While Herring Gull numbers appear to have been decreased in recent years, possibly by fish population declines and competition, they have proved able to survive in human-adapted areas and can often be seen in towns acting as a scavenger. The Herring Gull, like most gulls, is an omnivore and opportunist and will scavenge from garbage dumps, landfill sites and sewage outflows with refuse comprising up to half of the bird's diet. In addition, it will eat fish, crustaceans and dead animals as well as some plants and it will steal the eggs and young of other birds (including those of other gulls). The Herring Gull may also dive from the surface of the water or engage in plunge diving in the pursuit of aquatic prey although they are typically unable to reach any great depth due to their natural buoyancy. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/male-blackcap https://images.on-this.website/4752_1863299209660bce94bc9fd.jpgMale Blackcap The Eurasian Blackcap, usually known simply as the Blackcap, is a typical warbler in the Sylvia genus. It is a mainly grey warbler with distinct male and female plumages. It is about 5.1 inches long with a 2.8 to 3.1 inches wing span. The adult male has olive-grey upperparts, other than a paler grey nape, and a neat black cap on the head. The underparts are light grey, becoming silvery white on the chin, throat and upper breast. The tail is dark grey with an olive tint to the outer edge of each feather. The bill and long legs are grey and the iris is reddish brown. The female resembles the male but has a reddish-brown cap and a slightly browner tone to the grey of the upperparts. Juveniles are similar to the female but their upperparts have a slight rufous tinge and the breast and flanks have a more olive tone. Young males have a darker brown cap than their female counterparts. The Blackcap is unmistakable and other dark-headed Sylvia species, such as the Sardinian Warbler and the Orphean Warbler, have extensive black on the head instead of a small cap and they are also larger and have white edges on the tail. The male Blackcap's song is a rich musical warbling, often ending in a loud high-pitched crescendo, which is given in bursts of up to 30 seconds. The song is repeated for about 2 minutes with a short pause before each repetition. The main song can be confused with that of the Garden Warbler but it is slightly higher pitched than in that species, more broken into discrete song segments and less mellow. Both species have a quiet sub-song, a muted version of the full song, which is even harder to separate. The Blackcap also occasionally mimics the song of other birds, the most frequently copied including the Garden Warbler and the Nightingale. The Blackcap’s breeding range includes much of Europe, west Asia and north west Africa and its preferred habitat is mature deciduous woodland. Birds on the Mediterranean and Atlantic islands and in the milder west and south of the main Eurasian distribution often winter within the breeding range but populations elsewhere are migratory. The Blackcap is a “leap-frog migrant” meaning that birds from the north of the breeding range travel furthest south whereas Mediterranean breeders move much shorter distances. The wintering areas overlap with the breeding range but also include extensive areas in west Africa, east Africa south to Lake Malawi and further north in Ethiopia, South Sudan and Eritrea. There is a migratory divide in Europe at longitude 10 to 11°E. Birds to the west of this line migrate south west towards Iberia or west Africa whereas populations to the east migrate to the east Mediterranean and on to east Africa. Climate change appears to be affecting the migration pattern of the Blackcap. It is arriving in Europe earlier than previously and departing nearly 2 weeks later than in the 1980s. In recent decades, some central European birds have taken to wintering in gardens in the UK and, to a lesser extent, in Ireland, where the Blackcap was formerly just a summer visitor. Although the UK climate is sub-optimal, compensatory factors include the ready availability of food (particularly from bird tables), a shorter migration distance and the avoidance of the Alps and the Sahara Desert. The Blackcap's main breeding habitat is mature deciduous woodland with good scrub cover below the trees. Other habitats, such as parks, large gardens and overgrown hedges, are used as long as they meet the essential requirements of tall trees for song posts and an established under-story. Where other Sylvia warblers also breed, the Blackcap tends to use taller trees than its relatives, preferably those with a good canopy such as pedunculate oak. The preferred winter habitat around the Mediterranean is scrub and olive orchards. In Africa, habitats include cultivated land, acacia scrub, mangroves and forest. When the male Blackcap returns to its breeding range, it establishes a territory. Adults that have previously bred return to the site they have used in previous summers whereas inexperienced birds either wander until they find a suitable area or establish a very large initial territory which contracts under pressure from neighbours. Territorial boundaries are established initially by loud singing which is performed while the male displays with its crown raised, tail fanned and slow wingbeats. Sylvia warblers are unusual in that they vigorously defend their territories against other members of their genus. Blackcaps and Garden Warblers use almost identical habitats yet aggressive interactions mean that their territories rarely overlap. The Blackcap first breeds at 1 year old. It is mainly monogamous although both sexes may sometimes deviate from this. A male attracts a female to his territory through song and a display involving raising the black crown feathers, fluffing the tail, slow wingbeats and a short flapping flight. He also builds one or more simple nests (cock nests) usually near his song post. The final nest, which may be one of the cock nests or built from scratch, is a neat cup of roots, stems and grasses lined with fine material such as hair. The nest is built in the cover of bramble, scrub or trees and it is constructed mainly by the female and may be up to 15 feet above the ground although lower than 3 feet is more typical. The clutch is 2 to 7 eggs (typically 4 to 6) which are incubated by both adults for 10 to 16 days (average 11 days). The chicks are fed by both parents and fledge about 11 to 12 days after hatching, leaving the nest shortly before they are able to fly. They are assisted with feeding for a further 2 or 3 weeks. The Blackcap normally raises just 1 brood but second broods are sometimes recorded, particularly in the milder climate of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic islands. The Blackcap feeds mainly on insects during the breeding season and then switches to fruit in late summer, the change being triggered by an internal biological rhythm. When migrants arrive on their breeding territories they initially take berries, pollen and nectar if there are insufficient insects available but then soon switch to their preferred diet. The Blackcap mainly picks prey off foliage and twigs but it may occasionally hover, flycatch or feed on the ground. It eats a wide range of invertebrate prey, although aphids are particularly important early in the season, and flies, beetles and caterpillars are also taken in large numbers. In July, the diet switches increasingly to a wide range of small fruit. The protein needed for egg-laying and for the chicks to grow is replaced by fruit sugar which helps the birds to fatten for migration. Aphids are still taken while they are available since they often contain sugars from the plant sap on which they feed. The Blackcap has a very large range and a very large population. It is therefore classified by the IUCN as being of “Least Concern”. The Blackcap and other small birds are illegally trapped and hunted in large numbers in Mediterranean countries, particularly in Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, Malta, Libya, Egypt and Cyprus, where they are considered as a delicacy. Despite hunting and natural hazards, the European population of the Blackcap has been increasing for several decades as the range extends northwards. There are occasional nesting records from outside the main range such as in north Israel and the Faroe Islands and wandering birds may appear further afield in Iceland or on the islands of Arctic Russia. In the Baltic region, the spread of the Blackcap appears to have been helped by the availability of territories formerly occupied by the declining Barred Warbler. Date: 30th March 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48482995.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1637091640a3fff16613.jpgDunnock The Dunnock is a small passerine bird and the most widespread member of the genus Prunella, the accentor family which otherwise consists of mountain species. Other common names for the Dunnock include the Hedge Sparrow or Hedge Accentor. The Dunnock is about the size of a Robin. It has a generally drab brown streaked appearance with a grey head and a fine pointed bill. Both sexes are similar. It is quiet and unobtrusive and is frequently seen on its own, creeping along and moving with a rather nervous, shuffling gait often flicking its wings. The Dunnock is native to large areas of Eurasia where it is the only commonly found accentor in lowland areas. It can be found throughout the UK all the year round in any well vegetated areas with scrub, brambles and hedges and also in deciduous woodland, farmland edges, parks and gardens. The Dunnock is territorial and may engage in conflict with other birds that encroach upon their nesting areas. The Dunnock possesses variable mating systems. Females are often polyandrous, breeding with 2 or more males at once which is quite rare among birds. This multiple mating system leads to the development of sperm competition amongst the male suitors. DNA fingerprinting has shown that chicks within a brood often have different fathers depending on the success of the males at monopolising the female. Males try to ensure their paternity by pecking at the cloaca of the female to stimulate ejection of rival males' sperm. Males provide parental care in proportion to their mating success so 2 males and a female can commonly be seen provisioning nestlings at one nest. Other mating systems also exist within Dunnock populations depending on the ratio of male to females and the overlap of territories. When only a single female and a single male territory overlap, monogamy is preferred. Sometimes, 2 or 3 adjacent female territories overlap a single male territory and so polygyny is favoured with the male monopolising several females. Polygynandry also exists in which 2 males jointly defend a territory containing several females. Polyandry, however, is the most common mating system of the Dunnock. Depending on the population, males generally have the best reproductive success in polygynous populations whilst females have the advantage during polyandry. Studies have illustrated the fluidity of Dunnock mating systems. When food is in abundance, female territory size is reduced drastically. Consequently, males can more easily monopolise the females. Thus, the mating system can be shifted from one that favours female success (polyandry) to one that favours male success (monogamy, polygynandry or polygyny). The Dunnock builds a neat nest predominantly from twigs and moss and lined with soft materials such as wool or feathers which is located low in a bush. The female typically lays 3 to 5 eggs. Broods, depending on the population, can be raised by a lone female, multiple females with the part-time help of a male, multiple females with full-time help by a male or by multiple females and multiple males. Parental care varies according to the type of relationship. Date: 1st February 2023 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801125.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_62579308864edace977102.jpgSedge Warbler The Sedge Warbler is a medium-sized Old World warbler in the genus Acrocephalus. It has a streaked brown back and wings and pale underparts. The rump is warm brown and unstreaked, contrasting with the duller wings. The forehead is flattened, there is a prominent whitish supercilium, the crown is streaked with black and the bill is strong and pointed. The plumage of the sexes is identical. Juvenile birds have dark spots on the breast. The Sedge Warbler’s song is varied, rushed and chattering with sweeter phrases and some mimicry, all typical of the Acrocephalus warblers. It is composed of phrases in random order so that it is never the same. Male Sedge Warblers which have the widest repertoire mate with the largest number of females. Male Sedge Warblers commence singing only a few hours after arriving on their breeding territory. The song is given from a bare perch such as a reed stem or bush or from cover and during routine flights within their territory. Song flights are also performed. Whilst singing, the bird takes off, rises to a height of up to 10 feet and then after a short circling flight, it makes a slow, parachuting descent, often with the wings held up in a “v” shape. The song has the function of attracting a mate rather than keeping other males away and it is stopped as soon as a mate is found. The Sedge Warbler has a large range and it breeds across Europe and western and central Asia. Unlike other members of the Acrocephalus genus, the Sedge Warbler's range stretches from the Arctic to mid-latitudes since it is adapted to live in cool, cloudy and moist conditions. It is a migratory species and winters in sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal in the west to Ethiopia in the east and as far south as the eastern Cape Province of South Africa and north Namibia. Birds begin leaving Africa in late February, fatten up at wetlands before and probably after crossing the Sahara and arrive in Europe from March onwards. During the breeding season, the Sedge Warbler can be found in reedbeds, often with scrub, ditches and habitats away from water including hedgerows, patches of stinging nettles and arable crops. On the African wintering grounds, habitats such as reeds in wetlands, papyrus, grass, sedge and reedmace and tall elephant grass are used. Loss of wetland areas for feeding on migration and the expansion of the Sahara desert pose threats to the Sedge Warbler's breeding population. The Sedge Warbler is mostly insectivorous and the diet includes mayflies, dragonflies and damselflies, grasshoppers, bugs, lacewings, moths, beetles and flies. Vegetable material includes elderberries and blackberries. On their wintering grounds food includes non-biting midges and flowers and berries. It feeds in low, thick vegetation, especially reeds and rushes, but also in arable fields and around bushes. Feeding techniques include picking insects from vegetation while perched or sometimes hovering and “leap-catching” where the bird grabs flying insects as it flies between perches. The Sedge Warbler tends to hop between plant stems and pick insects from underneath leaves and it takes advantage of the low temperatures around dusk and dawn which make their prey less mobile. Date: 17th July 2023 Location: RSPB Frampton Marsh, near Boston, Lincolnshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308903.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17457829163ee4198ea2df.jpgBittern The Bittern, Eurasian Bittern or Great Bittern is a bird in the bittern sub-family of the heron family. Its folk names, often local, include many variations on the themes of "barrel-maker", "bog-bull", "bog hen", "bog-trotter", "bog-bumper", "mire drum(ble)", "butter bump", "bitter bum", "bog blutter", "bog drum", "boom bird", "bottle-bump", "bull of the bog", "bull of the mire", "bumpy cors" and "heather blutter". Most of these were onomatopoeic colloquial names for the bird. The call was described as "bumping" or "booming" and mire and bog denoted the bird's habitat. As its alternative name of Great Bittern suggests, the Bittern is the largest of the bitterns with males being slightly larger than females. It is 27 to 32 inches in length with a 39 to 51 inches wingspan. The crown and nape are black with the individual feathers rather long and loosely arranged and tipped with buff narrowly barred with black. The sides of the head and neck are a more uniform tawny-buff and irregularly barred with black. The mantle, scapulars and back are of a similar colour but are more heavily barred, the individual feathers having black centres and barring. The head has a yellowish-buff superciliary stripe and a brownish-black moustachial stripe. The sides of the neck are a rusty-brown with faint barring. The chin and throat are buff, the central feathers on the throat having longitudinal stripes of rusty-brown. The breast and belly are yellowish-buff with broad stripes of brown at the side and narrow stripes in the centre. The tail is rusty-buff with black streaks in the centre and black mottling near the edge. The wings are pale rusty-brown and irregularly barred, streaked and mottled with black. The plumage has a loose texture and elongated feathers on the crown, neck and breast can be erected. The powerful bill is greenish-yellow with a darker tip to the upper mandible. The eye has a yellow iris and is surrounded by a ring of greenish or bluish bare skin. The legs and feet are greenish, with some yellow on the tarsal joint and yellow soles to the feet. Juveniles have similar plumage to adults but are somewhat paler with less distinct markings. The mating call or contact call of the male Bittern is a deep, fog-horn or bull-like boom with a quick rise and an only slightly longer fall, easily audible from a distance of 3 miles on a calm night. The call is mainly given between January and April during the mating season. Surveys of Bitterns are carried out by noting the number of distinct male booms in a given area. Prior to modern science, it was unknown how such a small bird produced a call so low-pitched. Common explanations suggested that the bird made its call into a straw or that it blew directly into the water. It is now known that the sound is produced by expelling air from the oesophagus with the aid of powerful muscles surrounding it. Usually solitary, the Bittern forages in reed beds by walking stealthily or remaining still above a body of water where prey may occur. It is a shy bird and if it is disturbed it will often point its bill directly upwards and freezes in that position, causing its cryptic plumage to blend into the surrounding reeds. The Bittern has a secretive nature and keeps largely hidden in reeds and coarse vegetation. Occasionally, especially in hard winter weather, it will stand in the open beside the water's edge, although usually close to cover to facilitate a hasty retreat. In flight, the Bittern’s wings can be seen to be broad and rounded and its legs trail behind it in typical heron fashion. Its neck is extended when it takes off but is retracted when it has picked up speed. It seldom flies however and prefers to move through the vegetation stealthily on foot. Its gait is slow and deliberate and it can clamber over reeds by gripping several at a time with its toes. It is most active at dawn and dusk but also sometimes forages by day. The breeding range of the Bittern extends across temperate parts of Europe and Asia from the UK, Sweden and Finland eastwards to Sakhalin Island in eastern Siberia and Hokkaido Island in Japan. The northern limit of its range is in the Ural Mountains and eastern Siberia whilst the southern limit is the Mediterranean Sea, the Black Sea, Iran, Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia and northern China. Small resident populations also breed in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. Some populations are sedentary and stay in the same areas throughout the year. More northerly populations usually migrate to warmer regions but some birds often remain. Birds in northern Europe tend to move south and west to southern Europe, north and central Africa and northern Asian birds migrate to parts of the Arabian peninsula, the Indian sub-continent and eastern China. In the UK, the Bittern can be found all year round at suitable wetlands, particularly in East Anglia, south east England and south west England. It is most visible in winter. In recent years, the Bittern has become a regular winter visitor to the London Wetland Centre, enabling city residents to view this scare bird. The Bittern is typically found in reed beds and swamps as well as lakes, lagoons and sluggish rivers fringed by rank vegetation. It sometimes nests by ponds in agricultural areas and even quite near habitations where suitable habitat exists but it prefers large reed beds of at least 50 acres in which to breed. Outside the breeding season it has less restrictive habitat requirements and, in addition to reed beds, it can also be found in rice fields, watercress beds, fish farms, gravel pits, sewage works, ditches, flooded areas and marshes. Males are polygamous and mate with up to 5 females. The nest is built in the previous year's standing reeds and consists of an untidy platform some 12 inches across. It may be on a tussock surrounded by water or on matted roots close to water and it is built by the female using bits of reed, sedges and grass stalks with a lining of finer fragments. The clutch of 4 to 6 eggs is laid in late March and April and incubated by the female for about 26 days. After hatching, the chicks spend about 2 weeks in the nest before leaving to swim amongst the reeds. The female rears them without help from the male, regurgitating food from her crop. The chicks become fully fledged at about 8 weeks. The Bittern feeds on fish, small mammals, amphibians and invertebrates, hunting along the reed margins in shallow water. Some vegetable matter such as aquatic plants is also consumed. The Bittern has a very wide range and a large total population and therefore the IUCN has assessed its overall conservation status as being of "Least Concern” because although the population trend is downward, the rate of decline is insufficient to justify rating it in a more threatened category. The chief threat that the Bittern faces is the drainage and disturbance of its wetland habitats. Date: 27th January 2023 Location: Fishers Green, Lee Valley Regional Park, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623352.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14745616706117dc2030e28.jpgJackdaw The Western Jackdaw, also known as the Eurasian Jackdaw, European Jackdaw or simply Jackdaw, is a passerine bird in the crow family. Measuring 13 to 15 inches in length, the Jackdaw is the second smallest member of the crow family. Most of the plumage is a shiny black with a purple or blue sheen on the crown, forehead and secondaries and a green-blue sheen on the throat, primaries and tail. The cheeks, nape and neck are light grey to greyish-silver and the underparts are slate-grey. The legs are black as is the short stout bill. The irises of adults are greyish or silvery white while those of juveniles are light blue, becoming brownish before whitening at around one year of age. The sexes look alike although the head and neck plumage of male birds fades more with age and wear, particularly just before moulting. Immature birds have duller and less demarcated plumage. The head is a sooty black, sometimes with a faint greenish sheen and brown feather bases visible, the back and side of the neck are dark grey and the underparts greyish or sooty black. The tail has narrower feathers and a greenish sheen. There are 4 recognised geographical subspecies of the Jackdaw, each with slight plumage variations. Within its range, the Jackdaw is generally unmistakable and its short bill and grey nape are distinguishing features. In flight, the Jackdaw is distinguishable from other crows by its smaller size, faster and deeper wingbeats and proportionately narrower and less fingered wing tips. It also has a shorter and thicker neck and a much shorter bill and it frequently flies in tighter flocks. The Jackdaw is a skilled flyer and can manoeuvre tightly as well as tumble and glide. It has characteristic jerky wing beats when flying. On the ground, the Jackdaw has an upright posture and struts briskly with its short legs giving it a rapid gait. The Jackdaw is found from north west Africa, throughout all of Europe, except for the extreme north, and east through central Asia to the east Himalayas and Lake Baikal. To the east, it occurs throughout Turkey, the Caucasus, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and north west India. A small number of Jackdaws reached the north east of North America in the 1980s and have been found from Atlantic Canada to Pennsylvania. The range is vast and there is a large global population. Most populations are resident but the north and east populations are more migratory and relocate to wintering areas between September and November and return between February and early May. The Jackdaw can be found in wooded steppes, pastures, cultivated land, coastal cliffs and towns. It thrives when forested areas are cleared and converted to fields and open areas. Habitats with a mix of large trees, buildings and open ground are preferred. Open fields are left to the Rook and more wooded areas to the Jay. The Jackdaw is highly gregarious and is generally seen in flocks of varying sizes. Flocks increase in size in autumn and birds congregate at dusk for communal roosting with up to several thousand individuals gathering at one site. Males and females pair bond for life and pairs stay together within flocks. Jackdaws will frequently congregate with other crows such as Carrion Crows, Hooded Crows or Rooks. Foraging takes place mostly on the ground in open areas and to some extent in trees. Landfill sites, bins, streets and gardens are also visited, more often early in the morning when there are fewer people about. Various feeding methods are employed, such as jumping, pecking, clod-turning and scattering, probing the soil and occasional digging. The Jackdaw will also ride on the backs of sheep and other mammals such as deer, seeking ticks as well as actively gathering wool or hair for nests. Compared with other crows, the Jackdaw spends more time exploring and turning over objects with its bill. It also has a straighter and less downturned bill and increased binocular vision which are advantageous for this foraging strategy. The Jackdaw is opportunistic and highly adaptable and varies its diet markedly depending on available food sources. It tends to feed on small invertebrates that are found above ground, including various species of beetle as well as snails and spiders. It will also eat small rodents, bats, the eggs and chicks of birds and carrion such as roadkill. Vegetable items consumed include farm grains, weed seeds, elderberries, acorns and various cultivated fruits. The Jackdaw practices active food sharing with a number of individuals regardless of sex or kinship. It also shares more of a preferred food than a less preferred food. The active giving of food by most birds is found mainly in the context of parental care and courtship although the Jackdaw shows much higher levels of active giving than has been documented for other species. The function of this behaviour is not fully understood and several theories have been advanced. Genetic analysis of Jackdaw pairs and offspring shows no evidence of extra-pair copulation and there is little evidence for couple separation even after multiple instances of reproductive failure. Some pairs do separate in the first few months but almost all pairings of over 6 months' duration are lifelong and end only when a partner dies. Widowed or separated birds fare badly and are often ousted from nests or territories and are unable to rear broods alone. The Jackdaw usually breeds in colonies with pairs collaborating to find a nest site which they then defend from other pairs and predators during most of the year. It will nest in cavities in trees or cliffs, in ruined or occupied buildings and in chimneys, the common feature being a sheltered site for the nest. A mated pair usually constructs a nest by improving a crevice by dropping sticks into it. The nest is then built on top of the platform formed. Nest platforms can attain a great size. Nests are lined with hair, wool, dead grass and many other materials. Clutches usually contain 4 or 5 eggs which are incubated by the female for 17 to 18 days until hatching as naked altricial chicks which are completely dependent on the adults for food. The chicks fledge after 28 to 35 days and the parents continue to feed them for another 4 weeks or so. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo3119935.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7624411364a6c3c4f9f418.jpgCommon Seal Common Seals feed at sea but regularly haul out on to rocky shores or inter-tidal sandbanks to rest, to give birth and to suckle their pups. The most important haul-out areas are around the coast of Scotland, particularly in the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland, and on the east coast of England in the Wash. Date: 13th July 2009 Location: Blakeney Point, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42670512.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_130937160460b2019697609.jpgChiffchaff The (Common) Chiffchaff is a common and widespread leaf warbler which is named onomatopoeically for its simple and repetitive chiff-chaff song. The British naturalist Gilbert White was one of the first people to separate the similar looking Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler and Wood Warbler by their songs, as detailed in 1789 in “The Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne. The Chiffchaff is a small, dumpy, 4 inch long leaf warbler. The spring adult has brown-washed dull green upperparts, off-white underparts becoming yellowish on the flanks and a short whitish supercilium. It has dark legs, a fine dark bill and short primary projection (extension of the flight feathers beyond the folded wing). As the plumage wears, it gets duller and browner and the yellow on the flanks tends to be lost and after the breeding season there is a prolonged complete moult before migration. After moulting, both the adult and the juvenile have brighter and greener upperparts and a paler supercilium. When not singing, the Chiffchaff can be difficult to distinguish from other leaf warblers with greenish upperparts and whitish underparts, particularly the Willow Warbler. However, that species has a longer primary projection, a sleeker, brighter appearance and generally pale legs. The Chiffchaff breeds across Europe and Asia east to eastern Siberia and north to about 70°N, with isolated populations in north west Africa, north and west Turkey and north west Iran. It is a migratory species but one of the first passerine birds to return to its breeding areas in the spring and amongst the last to leave in late autumn. When breeding, the Chiffchaff is a bird of open woodlands with some taller trees and ground cover for nesting purposes. In winter, the Chiffchaff uses a wider range of habitats and is not so dependent on trees and is often found near water. There is an increasing tendency to winter in western Europe well north of the traditional areas, especially in coastal south England and the mild urban microclimate of London. The male Chiffchaff returns to its breeding territory 2 or 3 weeks before the female and immediately starts singing to establish ownership and attract a female. When a female is located, the male will use a slow butterfly-like flight as part of the courtship ritual but, once a pair-bond has been established, other females will be driven from the territory. The male has little involvement in the nesting process other than defending the territory. The female's nest is built on or near the ground in a concealed site in brambles, nettles or other dense low vegetation. The domed nest has a side entrance and is constructed from coarse plant material such as dead leaves and grass with finer material used on the interior before the addition of a lining of feathers. The clutch is 2 to 7 (normally 5 or 6) cream-coloured eggs which are incubated by the female for 13 to 14 days before hatching as naked, blind chicks. The female broods and feeds the chicks for another 14 to 15 days until they fledge. The male rarely participates in feeding although this sometimes occurs, especially when bad weather limits insect supplies or if the female disappears. After fledging, the young stay in the vicinity of the nest for 3 to 4 weeks where they are fed by and roost with the female. In the north of the range there is only time to raise one brood due to the short summer but a second brood is common in central and southern areas. Like most leaf warblers, the Chiffchaff is insectivorous and moves restlessly though foliage or briefly hovering. It has been recorded as taking insects, mainly flies, from more than 50 families, along with other small and medium-sized invertebrates. It will also take the eggs and larvae of butterflies and moths. The Chiffchaff has been estimated to require about one third of its weight in insects daily and it feeds almost continuously in the autumn to put on extra fat as fuel for its long migration flight. As with most small birds, mortality in the first year of life is high but adults aged 3 to 4 years are regularly recorded and the record is more than 7 years. Eggs, chicks and fledglings are taken by Stoats, Weasels and crows such as the Magpie and adults are hunted by birds of prey, particularly the Sparrowhawk. The Chiifchaff is also susceptible to poor weather, particularly when migrating, but also on the breeding and wintering grounds. The main effect of humans on the Chiffchaff is indirect through woodland clearance which affects the habitat, predation by cats and collisions with windows, buildings and cars. Date: 3rd May 2021 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080580.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_25505462463a45962aab17.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 1st December 2022 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801268.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_195529038864edb31cceae0.jpgCommon Darter Flight period: end May to early October. Common Darters are the most widespread of the dragonflies over lowland UK but they are absent from upland areas. They can be found in a wide range of habitats including ponds, lakes, ditches, canals, slow flowing rivers and brackish water. They can also be frequently seen some way from water. Date: 26th July 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/carrion-crow https://images.on-this.website/4752_16460896476499629000f33.jpgCarrion Crow The Carrion Crow is a passerine bird in the crow family Corvidae. The Hooded Crow was formerly regarded as a sub-species but it has now been split off as a separate species The plumage of the Carrion Crow is black with a green or purple sheen. The bill, legs and feet are also black. It can be distinguished from the Raven by its smaller size (19 to 20 inches in length as compared to an average of 25 inches for the Raven) and from the Hooded Crow by its all black plumage. There is frequent confusion between the Carrion Crow and the Rook, another black corvid species found within its range. The beak of the Carrion Crow is stouter and in consequence it looks shorter and whereas in the adult Rook the nostrils are bare, those of the Carrion Crow are covered at all ages with bristle-like feathers. As well as this, the wings of a Carrion Crow are proportionally shorter and broader than those of the Rook when seen in flight. Unlike the Rook which is generally gregarious, the Carrion Crow is usually solitary or seen in breeding pairs. The Carrion Crow is a noisy bird, perching on a vantage point such as a building or the top of a tree and calling 3 or 4 times in quick succession with a slight pause between each series of calls. During each series of calls, the bird may perform an accompanying gesture, bowing its head and neck downwards with each call. The Carrion Crow can become tame near humans and can often be found in or around areas of human activity or habitation where they compete with other social birds such as gulls and ducks for food. The Carrion Crow breeds in west and central Europe with an allied form or race occurring in east Asia with the closely allied Hooded Crow filling the gap between. Fertile hybrids occur along the boundary between these 2 forms indicating their close genetic relationship. Across its range, it can be seen all year round in a wide range of habitats such as urban areas, farmland, woodlands, mountains, moorlands and seashores. The Carrion Crow reaches sexual maturity around the age of 3 years for females and 5 years for males and birds often mate for life. The Carrion Crow builds a bulky stick nest which is usually placed in a tall tree although cliff ledges, old buildings and pylons may be used as well. Nests are also occasionally placed on or near the ground. The nest resembles that of the Raven but is less bulky. The female lays 3 to 4 eggs which are incubated for 18 to 20 days by the female alone who is fed by the male. The young fledge after 29 to 30 days. It is not uncommon for offspring from the previous year to stay around and help rear the new hatchlings. Instead of seeking out a mate, these birds look for food and assist the parents in feeding the young. Although an eater of carrion of all kinds, the Carrion Crow will eat insects, earthworms, grain, fruits, seeds, small mammals, amphibians and scraps and it will also steal eggs of other birds. It is a scavenger by nature which is why it tends to frequent sites inhabited by humans in order to feed on household waste. The Carrion Crow will also harass birds of prey or even Foxes for their kills. The Carrion Crow has few natural predators although powerful raptors such as the Northern Goshawk, the Peregrine, the Eurasian Eagle Owl and the Golden Eagle will readily hunt them and they can become an important prey item locally. Date: 7th June 2023 Location: Rhosson campsite near St. David's, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49002089.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4934621926468e79228564.jpgMagpie The Eurasian Magpie, often simply known as the Magpie, is one of several birds in the crow family Corvidae designated as a Magpie. In Europe, Magpie is generally used by English speakers to describe the Eurasian Magpie. The only other species in Europe is the Iberian Magpie or Azure-winged Magpie which is limited to the Iberian peninsula. The adult male Magpie is 17 to 18 inches in length, of which more than half is the tail. The wingspan is 20 to 24 inches. The head, neck and breast are glossy black with a metallic green and violet sheen, the belly and scapulars are pure white, the wings are black glossed with green or purple and the primaries have white inner webs, conspicuous when the wing is open. The graduated tail is black, glossed with green and reddish purple. The legs and bill are black and the iris is dark brown. The plumage of the sexes is similar but the female is slightly smaller. The young resemble the adults but are at first without much of the gloss on the sooty plumage and the tail is much shorter. The Magpie can be found across temperate Eurasia from Spain and Ireland in the west to the Kamchatka Peninsula in the east. It has also been introduced in Japan on the island of Kyushu. The preferred habitat of the Magpie is open countryside with scattered trees and it is normally absent from treeless areas and dense forests. It sometimes breeds at high densities in suburban settings such as parks and gardens and it can often be found close to the centre of cities. The Magpie is normally sedentary and spends winters close to its breeding areas but birds living near the northern limit of their range in Scandinavia and Russia can move south in harsh weather. Some Magpies breed after their first year whilst others remain in non-breeding flocks and first breed in their second year. The Magpie is monogamous and pairs often remain together from one breeding season to the next and generally occupy the same territory in successive years. Mating takes place in spring. In the courtship display, males rapidly raise and depress their head feathers, uplift, open and close their tails like fans and call in soft tones quite distinct from their usual chatter. The loose feathers of the flanks are brought over the primaries, and the shoulder patch is spread so the white is conspicuous, presumably to attract females. Short buoyant flights and chases follow. The Magpie prefers tall trees for their bulky nest, firmly attaching them to a central fork in the upper branches. A framework of sticks is cemented with earth and clay and a lining of the same is covered with fine roots. Above is a stout though loosely built dome of prickly branches with a single well concealed entrance. These huge nests are conspicuous when the leaves fall. Where trees are scarce, though even in well-wooded country, nests are at times built in bushes and hedgerows. In Europe, the eggs are typically laid in April and clutches usually contain 5 or 6 eggs. The eggs are incubated for 21 to 22 days by the female who is fed on the nest by the male. The chicks are brooded by the female for the first 5 to 10 days and fed by both parents. The nestlings open their eyes 7 to 8 days after hatching and their body feathers start to appear after around 8 days and the primary wing feathers after 10 days. Fledging takes place at around 27 days and the parents then continue to feed the young for several more weeks. The parents also protect the young from predators since their ability to fly is poor, making them vulnerable. On average, only 3 or 4 chicks survive to fledge successfully. Some nests are lost to predators but an important factor causing nestling mortality is starvation. Eggs hatch asynchronously and if the parents have difficulty finding sufficient food, the last chicks to hatch are unlikely to survive. The Magpie is omnivorous, eating young birds and eggs, small mammals, insects, scraps and carrion, acorns, grain and other vegetable substances. The Magpie is believed not only to be among the most intelligent of birds but among the most intelligent of all animals. Along with the Jackdaw, the Magpie's nidopallium area of the brain is approximately the same relative size as those in Chimpanzees and humans. Like other corvids, such as the Raven and Carrion crow, the total brain-to-body mass ratio is equal to most great apes and cetaceans. A 2004 review suggests that the intelligence of the corvid family to which the Magpie belongs is equivalent to that of great apes (Chimpanzees, Orangutans and Gorillas) in terms of social cognition, causal reasoning, flexibility, imagination and prospection. The Magpie has an extremely large range and a very large population. The population trend in Europe has been stable since 1980 and there is no evidence of any serious overall decline in numbers so the species is classified by the IUCN as being of “Least Concern”. In Europe, the Magpie has been historically demonized by humans, mainly as a result of folklore, superstition and myth and its reputation as an omen of ill fortune. The Magpie has also been attacked for their role as a predator which includes eating other birds' eggs and their young. However, different studies have reached different conclusions on their impact on the populations of other birds. Date: 8th April 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080609.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_195017845163a459ae04546.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 1st December 2022 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49002085.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20673841586468e78ddcf5d.jpgCarrion Crow The Carrion Crow is a passerine bird in the crow family Corvidae. The Hooded Crow was formerly regarded as a sub-species but it has now been split off as a separate species The plumage of the Carrion Crow is black with a green or purple sheen. The bill, legs and feet are also black. It can be distinguished from the Raven by its smaller size (19 to 20 inches in length as compared to an average of 25 inches for the Raven) and from the Hooded Crow by its all black plumage. There is frequent confusion between the Carrion Crow and the Rook, another black corvid species found within its range. The beak of the Carrion Crow is stouter and in consequence it looks shorter and whereas in the adult Rook the nostrils are bare, those of the Carrion Crow are covered at all ages with bristle-like feathers. As well as this, the wings of a Carrion Crow are proportionally shorter and broader than those of the Rook when seen in flight. Unlike the Rook which is generally gregarious, the Carrion Crow is usually solitary or seen in breeding pairs. The Carrion Crow is a noisy bird, perching on a vantage point such as a building or the top of a tree and calling 3 or 4 times in quick succession with a slight pause between each series of calls. During each series of calls, the bird may perform an accompanying gesture, bowing its head and neck downwards with each call. The Carrion Crow can become tame near humans and can often be found in or around areas of human activity or habitation where they compete with other social birds such as gulls and ducks for food. The Carrion Crow breeds in west and central Europe with an allied form or race occurring in east Asia with the closely allied Hooded Crow filling the gap between. Fertile hybrids occur along the boundary between these 2 forms indicating their close genetic relationship. Across its range, it can be seen all year round in a wide range of habitats such as urban areas, farmland, woodlands, mountains, moorlands and seashores. The Carrion Crow reaches sexual maturity around the age of 3 years for females and 5 years for males and birds often mate for life. The Carrion Crow builds a bulky stick nest which is usually placed in a tall tree although cliff ledges, old buildings and pylons may be used as well. Nests are also occasionally placed on or near the ground. The nest resembles that of the Raven but is less bulky. The female lays 3 to 4 eggs which are incubated for 18 to 20 days by the female alone who is fed by the male. The young fledge after 29 to 30 days. It is not uncommon for offspring from the previous year to stay around and help rear the new hatchlings. Instead of seeking out a mate, these birds look for food and assist the parents in feeding the young. Although an eater of carrion of all kinds, the Carrion Crow will eat insects, earthworms, grain, fruits, seeds, small mammals, amphibians and scraps and it will also steal eggs of other birds. It is a scavenger by nature which is why it tends to frequent sites inhabited by humans in order to feed on household waste. The Carrion Crow will also harass birds of prey or even Foxes for their kills. The Carrion Crow has few natural predators although powerful raptors such as the Northern Goshawk, the Peregrine, the Eurasian Eagle Owl and the Golden Eagle will readily hunt them and they can become an important prey item locally. Date: 8th April 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080606.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_167813071863a459a767c97.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 1st December 2022 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080569.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_81647560863a4592d93f3c.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 1st December 2022 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230760.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_131808513649173598eb71.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 14th May 2023 Location: Llanddeusant Red Kite feeding station, Carmarthenshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50809815.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_495746132660bd815aa812.jpgDunnock The Dunnock is a small passerine bird and the most widespread member of the genus Prunella, the accentor family which otherwise consists of mountain species. Other common names for the Dunnock include the Hedge Sparrow or Hedge Accentor. The Dunnock is about the size of a Robin. It has a generally drab brown streaked appearance with a grey head and a fine pointed bill. Both sexes are similar. It is quiet and unobtrusive and is frequently seen on its own, creeping along and moving with a rather nervous, shuffling gait often flicking its wings. The Dunnock is native to large areas of Eurasia where it is the only commonly found accentor in lowland areas. It can be found throughout the UK all the year round in any well vegetated areas with scrub, brambles and hedges and also in deciduous woodland, farmland edges, parks and gardens. The Dunnock is territorial and may engage in conflict with other birds that encroach upon their nesting areas. The Dunnock possesses variable mating systems. Females are often polyandrous, breeding with 2 or more males at once which is quite rare among birds. This multiple mating system leads to the development of sperm competition amongst the male suitors. DNA fingerprinting has shown that chicks within a brood often have different fathers depending on the success of the males at monopolising the female. Males try to ensure their paternity by pecking at the cloaca of the female to stimulate ejection of rival males' sperm. Males provide parental care in proportion to their mating success so 2 males and a female can commonly be seen provisioning nestlings at one nest. Other mating systems also exist within Dunnock populations depending on the ratio of male to females and the overlap of territories. When only a single female and a single male territory overlap, monogamy is preferred. Sometimes, 2 or 3 adjacent female territories overlap a single male territory and so polygyny is favoured with the male monopolising several females. Polygynandry also exists in which 2 males jointly defend a territory containing several females. Polyandry, however, is the most common mating system of the Dunnock. Depending on the population, males generally have the best reproductive success in polygynous populations whilst females have the advantage during polyandry. Studies have illustrated the fluidity of Dunnock mating systems. When food is in abundance, female territory size is reduced drastically. Consequently, males can more easily monopolise the females. Thus, the mating system can be shifted from one that favours female success (polyandry) to one that favours male success (monogamy, polygynandry or polygyny). The Dunnock builds a neat nest predominantly from twigs and moss and lined with soft materials such as wool or feathers which is located low in a bush. The female typically lays 3 to 5 eggs. Broods, depending on the population, can be raised by a lone female, multiple females with the part-time help of a male, multiple females with full-time help by a male or by multiple females and multiple males. Parental care varies according to the type of relationship. Date: 1st April 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48483012.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_195410164640a400d8f0b9.jpgPheasant The Common Pheasant is native to Asia but it has been widely introduced elsewhere as a game bird. In parts of its range, namely in places where none of its relatives occur such as in Europe (where it is naturalised), it is simply known as the Pheasant. Body weight of the Pheasant can range from 1.1 to 6.6 pounds, with males averaging 2.6 pounds and females averaging 2 pounds The adult male Pheasant is 24 to 35 inches in length with a long brown streaked black tail, accounting for almost 20 inches of the total length. The body plumage is barred bright gold or fiery copper-red and chestnut-brown with an iridescent sheen of green and purple. The wings are white or cream and black-barred markings are common on the tail. The head is bottle green with a small crest and distinctive red wattling. The female Pheasant is much less showy with a duller mottled brown plumage all over and measuring 20 to 25 inches long including a tail of around 8 inches. Juveniles have the appearance of the female with a shorter tail until young males begin to grow characteristic bright feathers on the breast, head and back at about 10 weeks after hatching. There are many colour forms of the male Pheasant, ranging in colour from nearly white to almost black in some melanistic examples. These are due to captive breeding and hybridisation between sub-species reinforced by continual releases of stock from varying sources to the wild. The Pheasant is native to Asia with its original range extending from between the Black and Caspian Seas to Manchuria, Siberia, Korea, mainland China and Taiwan. It can now be found across the globe due to its readiness to breed in captivity and the fact it can naturalise in many climates. At least since the Roman Empire, the Pheasant has been extensively introduced in many places and it has become a naturalised species in Europe, including throughout most of the UK where successive introductions have led to it becoming well adapted to the climate and able to breed naturally in the wild without human supervision on farmland and in copses, heaths, scrub, commons and wetlands. The Pheasant nests solely on the ground in scrapes lined with some grass and leaves, frequently under dense cover or a hedge. Occasionally it will nest in a haystack or in an old nest left by other birds. The male is polygynous and is often accompanied by a harem of several females. A clutch of around 8 to 15 eggs is laid during April to June, sometimes as many as 18 but usually 10 to 12. The incubation period is about 22 to 27 days. The chicks stay near the female for several weeks although they leave the nest when only a few hours old. After hatching they grow quickly, flying after 12 to 14 days and resembling adults by only 15 weeks of age. The Pheasant eats a wide variety of animal and vegetable food including fruit, seeds, grain, mast, berries and leaves as well as a wide range of invertebrates and insects. Small vertebrates like lizards, small mammals and small birds are occasionally taken. The Pheasant is a well-known gamebird and perhaps the most widespread and ancient one in the world. It is one of the world's most hunted birds. The Pheasant is bred to be hunted and it is shot in great numbers in Europe, especially in the UK where they are shot in the open season from 1st October to 1st February. Generally they are shot by hunters employing gun dogs to help find, flush and retrieve shot birds. Pheasant farming is also a common practice and it is sometimes done intensively. Birds are supplied both to hunting preserves/estates and to restaurants. Date: 1st February 2023 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080563.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_121011479163a459161831c.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 1st December 2022 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080591.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_168367917563a4598b68e70.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 1st December 2022 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/bar-tailed-godwit https://images.on-this.website/4752_18298428324eff1f6abf0a6.jpgBar-tailed Godwit The Bar-tailed Godwit is a long-billed, long-legged wading bird. In winter, the Bar-tailed Godwit is grey-brown in colour but in summer they have a chestnut breeding plumage. Bar-tailed Godwits breed on the coastal tundra of Arctic northern Scandinavia, northern Asia and Alaska and winter further south in Europe, south Asia, Africa and Australia. Date: 26th May 2009 Location: Store Ekkerøy, Varangerfjord, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41249183.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9749474335f00b42fa892f.jpgRazorbills The Razorbill is a seabird and a member of the auk family which also includes the Common Guillemot, Brunnich's Guillemot and Little Auk. It is also the closest living relative to the Great Auk which is now extinct. The Razorbill has white underparts and a black head, neck, back and feet during the breeding season. A thin white line also extends from the eyes to the end of the bill. Its head is darker than that of the CommonGuillemot. Outside the breeding season, the throat and face behind the eye become white and the white line on the face becomes less prominent. The thick black bill has a blunt end. The adult male and female female are very much alike having only small differences such as wing length. The Razorbill has a horizontal stance and the tail feathers are slightly longer in the centre in comparison to other auks making it have a distinctly long tail which is not common for an auk. The Razorbill is distributed across the sub-arctic and boreal waters of the north Atlantic where water surface temperature are typically below 15°c. The world population is estimated to be less than 1 million breeding pairs, making it among the rarest auks in the world. Approximately 60 to 70% of the entire Razorbill population breeds in Iceland., including over 200,000 pairs at Látrabjarg. The breeding habitat is islands, rocky shores and cliffs on north Atlantic coasts, in eastern North America as far south as Maine and in western Europe from north west Russia to northern France. Eurasian birds winter at sea with some moving south as far as the western Mediterranean. North American birds migrate offshore and south. The Razorbill is a colonial breeder and only comes to land to breed. Individuals only breed at 3 to 5 years of age. Females select their mate and will often encourage competition between males before choosing a partner. Once a male is chosen, the pair will usually stay together for life. Nest site determination is very important to ensure protection of young from predators. Unlike Common Guillemots, nest sites are not immediately alongside the sea on open cliff ledges but at least 4 to 6 inches away in crevices on cliffs or among boulders. Generally a nest is not built although some pairs often use their bills to drag material upon which to lay their single egg. The mating pair will often reuse the same site every year. The Razorbill feeds mainly on schooling fish and crustaceans and it will dive deep into the sea using its wings and its streamlined body to propel itself toward their prey. Whilst diving, it rarely stays in groups but instead spreads out to feed. The majority of feeding occurs at a depth of about 80 feet but it has the ability to dive up to 400 feet below the surface. During a single dive the Razorbill can capture and swallow many schooling fish depending on their size. The Razorbill spends approximately 45% of its time foraging at sea and it may well fly more than 60 miles out to sea to feed. However, when feeding chicks it will forage much closer to the nesting grounds and often in shallower water. The Razorbill and its eggs and chicks have several predators which include Great Black-backed Gulls, Peregrines, Ravens and other crows, Arctic Foxes and Polar Bears. In the early 20th century, Razorbills were harvested for their eggs, meat and feathers and this greatly decreased their population. In 1917 they were finally protected which reduced hunting. Other current threats include oil pollution, unintentional bycatch arising from commercial fishing and overfishing which decreases the abundance of prey. Date: 22nd June 2020 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41249193.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14068580425f00b44fd0a9c.jpgRazorbill The Razorbill is a seabird and a member of the auk family which also includes the Common Guillemot, Brunnich's Guillemot and Little Auk. It is also the closest living relative to the Great Auk which is now extinct. The Razorbill has white underparts and a black head, neck, back and feet during the breeding season. A thin white line also extends from the eyes to the end of the bill. Its head is darker than that of the CommonGuillemot. Outside the breeding season, the throat and face behind the eye become white and the white line on the face becomes less prominent. The thick black bill has a blunt end. The adult male and female female are very much alike having only small differences such as wing length. The Razorbill has a horizontal stance and the tail feathers are slightly longer in the centre in comparison to other auks making it have a distinctly long tail which is not common for an auk. The Razorbill is distributed across the sub-arctic and boreal waters of the north Atlantic where water surface temperature are typically below 15°c. The world population is estimated to be less than 1 million breeding pairs, making it among the rarest auks in the world. Approximately 60 to 70% of the entire Razorbill population breeds in Iceland., including over 200,000 pairs at Látrabjarg. The breeding habitat is islands, rocky shores and cliffs on north Atlantic coasts, in eastern North America as far south as Maine and in western Europe from north west Russia to northern France. Eurasian birds winter at sea with some moving south as far as the western Mediterranean. North American birds migrate offshore and south. The Razorbill is a colonial breeder and only comes to land to breed. Individuals only breed at 3 to 5 years of age. Females select their mate and will often encourage competition between males before choosing a partner. Once a male is chosen, the pair will usually stay together for life. Nest site determination is very important to ensure protection of young from predators. Unlike Common Guillemots, nest sites are not immediately alongside the sea on open cliff ledges but at least 4 to 6 inches away in crevices on cliffs or among boulders. Generally a nest is not built although some pairs often use their bills to drag material upon which to lay their single egg. The mating pair will often reuse the same site every year. The Razorbill feeds mainly on schooling fish and crustaceans and it will dive deep into the sea using its wings and its streamlined body to propel itself toward their prey. Whilst diving, it rarely stays in groups but instead spreads out to feed. The majority of feeding occurs at a depth of about 80 feet but it has the ability to dive up to 400 feet below the surface. During a single dive the Razorbill can capture and swallow many schooling fish depending on their size. The Razorbill spends approximately 45% of its time foraging at sea and it may well fly more than 60 miles out to sea to feed. However, when feeding chicks it will forage much closer to the nesting grounds and often in shallower water. The Razorbill and its eggs and chicks have several predators which include Great Black-backed Gulls, Peregrines, Ravens and other crows, Arctic Foxes and Polar Bears. In the early 20th century, Razorbills were harvested for their eggs, meat and feathers and this greatly decreased their population. In 1917 they were finally protected which reduced hunting. Other current threats include oil pollution, unintentional bycatch arising from commercial fishing and overfishing which decreases the abundance of prey. Date: 22nd June 2020 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071719.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_94803171566433d0e1f8ad.jpgHerring Gull The Herring Gull is one of the best known of all gulls along the shores of Europe. Adults in breeding plumage have a grey back and upperwings and white head and underparts. The wingtips are black with white spots known as "mirrors". The bill is yellow with a red spot and there is a ring of bare yellow skin around the pale eye. The legs are normally pink at all ages but can be yellowish. Non-breeding adults have brown streaks on the head and neck. Male and female plumage is identical at all stages of development although adult males are often larger. Juvenile and first-winter birds are mainly brown with darker streaks and have a dark bill and eyes. Second-winter birds have a whiter head and underparts with less streaking and the back is grey. Third-winter individuals are similar to adults but retain some of the features of immature birds such as brown feathers in the wings and dark markings on the bill. The Herring Gull attains adult plumage and reaches sexual maturity at an average age of 4 years. The loud laughing call of the Herring Gull is well known and is often seen as a symbol of the seaside in countries such as the UK. It also has a yelping alarm call and a low barking anxiety call. Chicks and fledglings emit a distinctive, repetitive high-pitched 'peep', accompanied by a head-flicking gesture when begging for food from or calling to their parents. Adult gulls in urban areas will also exhibit this behaviour when fed by humans. The Herring Gull breeds across northern Europe, western Europe, central Europe, eastern Europe, Scandinavia and the Baltic states. Some, especially those resident in colder areas, migrate further south in winter but many are permanent residents such as in the UK or on the North Sea shores. While Herring Gull numbers appear to have been decreased in recent years, possibly by fish population declines and competition, they have proved able to survive in human-adapted areas and can often be seen in towns acting as a scavenger. The Herring Gull, like most gulls, is an omnivore and opportunist and will scavenge from garbage dumps, landfill sites and sewage outflows with refuse comprising up to half of the bird's diet. In addition, it will eat fish, crustaceans and dead animals as well as some plants and it will steal the eggs and young of other birds (including those of other gulls). The Herring Gull may also dive from the surface of the water or engage in plunge diving in the pursuit of aquatic prey although they are typically unable to reach any great depth due to their natural buoyancy. Date: 6th May 2024 Location: St. Govan's Head, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43082699.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_64413317960dd84d4b16ef.jpgEdible Frog The Edible Frog is a species of frog found across Europe that is also known as the Common Water Frog and the Green Frog. The Edible Frog is one of the few animals in the world that is a fertile hybrid of 2 different species, as although similar but genetically different species are known to mate, it is very rare that their offspring will be able to breed. The Edible Frog is a fertile hybrid of 2 other European frogs, namely the Pool Frog and the Marsh Frog, that inter-bred when populations where isolated close to one another during the Ice Age. It was first described in 1758 and is known as the Edible Frog due to the fact that it is now seen as a culinary delicacy across Europe but especially in France where frog’s legs are often served as a national dish. The reason for humans favouring this frog over others is not really known but it may have something to do with their abundance. The Edible Frog is a medium sized frog growing to around 3.5 to 4.5 inches in length. Adults are mainly green in colour with light patches of brown on their backs, yellow eyes and a white underside covered in a few dark spots. There are number of distinct differences between males and females including the fact that males become much lighter and greener during the mating season. Males also have vocal sacs on the outside of their cheeks and extra skin patches on their feet, both of which are primarily used for mating. The Edible Frog is endemic to Europe and it naturally occurs across central Europe as far north as Germany and Estonia. Southern populations are found from Croatia, through northern Italy and into the south of France. There are also isolated populations in Sweden and Bulgaria which are thought to have migrated from the countries nearby. It has also been introduced to the UK. The Edible Frog spends all of its time either in or very close to water and it is most commonly found in calmer parts of rivers and streams where there is a slow but constant flow of fresh water. It tends to prefer more open areas and can also be commonly found around lakes, ponds and marshes. Unlike many other species of frog, the Edible Frog is a diurnal animal and is therefore most active during the day. This is when it is most likely to move away from the water so that it can find a better supply of food or move to a different part of the water if it needs to. The Edible Frog is a relatively solitary animal so there is less competition for food but males are often seen sitting together in groups during the breeding season when they are trying to out-compete each other to find a mate. The breeding season for the Edible Frog begins during March and generally lasts for around 2 months. Males sing by drawing air in and out of their vocal sacs to produce the highest-pitched sound possible since females are most attracted to the loudest males. After courting her in a lake, pond or swamp, the male lets the female lay up to 10,000 eggs in a sticky mass into the water before he fertilises them. Tadpoles can be as small as 0.2 inches long when they hatch and are a grey/brown colour. They then grow up to 2 to 3 inches in length before metamorphoses occurs and they leave the water as 0.75 inches long young frogs. The Edible Frog reaches sexual maturity at the age of 2 years and can live until it is 15 years old. The Edible Frog is a carnivorous amphibian but the tadpoles mainly eat vegetation although they are known to occasionally supplement their diet with aquatic micro-organisms. Adults eat small invertebrates such as insects, spiders and flies, which make up the majority of their diet, along with larger aquatic animals like fish, newts and other frogs. The Edible Frog hunts for food during the day and can be seen catching food both in water and on land. The Edible Frog remains very still when it is sitting on the banks of its water habitat and this, along with its camouflage, makes it very difficult for predators to spot. Its eyes are positioned near the top of the head meaning that it can also see danger coming whilst the body is mainly hidden. Snakes, owls and water birds are the main predators of the Edible Frog. The Edible Frog will jump into the water and hide if it senses approaching danger and it will make a loud screeching sound if caught. Edible Frog populations are under threat from habitat destruction mainly caused by deforestation and water pollution. Date: 2nd June 2021 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51335113.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20151285296676e606d561a.jpgEdible Frog The Edible Frog is a species of frog found across Europe that is also known as the Common Water Frog and the Green Frog. The Edible Frog is one of the few animals in the world that is a fertile hybrid of 2 different species, as although similar but genetically different species are known to mate, it is very rare that their offspring will be able to breed. The Edible Frog is a fertile hybrid of 2 other European frogs, namely the Pool Frog and the Marsh Frog, that inter-bred when populations where isolated close to one another during the Ice Age. It was first described in 1758 and is known as the Edible Frog due to the fact that it is now seen as a culinary delicacy across Europe but especially in France where frog’s legs are often served as a national dish. The reason for humans favouring this frog over others is not really known but it may have something to do with their abundance. The Edible Frog is a medium sized frog growing to around 3.5 to 4.5 inches in length. Adults are mainly green in colour with light patches of brown on their backs, yellow eyes and a white underside covered in a few dark spots. There are number of distinct differences between males and females including the fact that males become much lighter and greener during the mating season. Males also have vocal sacs on the outside of their cheeks and extra skin patches on their feet, both of which are primarily used for mating. The Edible Frog is endemic to Europe and it naturally occurs across central Europe as far north as Germany and Estonia. Southern populations are found from Croatia, through northern Italy and into the south of France. There are also isolated populations in Sweden and Bulgaria which are thought to have migrated from the countries nearby. It has also been introduced to the UK. The Edible Frog spends all of its time either in or very close to water and it is most commonly found in calmer parts of rivers and streams where there is a slow but constant flow of fresh water. It tends to prefer more open areas and can also be commonly found around lakes, ponds and marshes. Unlike many other species of frog, the Edible Frog is a diurnal animal and is therefore most active during the day. This is when it is most likely to move away from the water so that it can find a better supply of food or move to a different part of the water if it needs to. The Edible Frog is a relatively solitary animal so there is less competition for food but males are often seen sitting together in groups during the breeding season when they are trying to out-compete each other to find a mate. The breeding season for the Edible Frog begins during March and generally lasts for around 2 months. Males sing by drawing air in and out of their vocal sacs to produce the highest-pitched sound possible since females are most attracted to the loudest males. After courting her in a lake, pond or swamp, the male lets the female lay up to 10,000 eggs in a sticky mass into the water before he fertilises them. Tadpoles can be as small as 0.2 inches long when they hatch and are a grey/brown colour. They then grow up to 2 to 3 inches in length before metamorphoses occurs and they leave the water as 0.75 inches long young frogs. The Edible Frog reaches sexual maturity at the age of 2 years and can live until it is 15 years old. The Edible Frog is a carnivorous amphibian but the tadpoles mainly eat vegetation although they are known to occasionally supplement their diet with aquatic micro-organisms. Adults eat small invertebrates such as insects, spiders and flies, which make up the majority of their diet, along with larger aquatic animals like fish, newts and other frogs. The Edible Frog hunts for food during the day and can be seen catching food both in water and on land. The Edible Frog remains very still when it is sitting on the banks of its water habitat and this, along with its camouflage, makes it very difficult for predators to spot. Its eyes are positioned near the top of the head meaning that it can also see danger coming whilst the body is mainly hidden. Snakes, owls and water birds are the main predators of the Edible Frog. The Edible Frog will jump into the water and hide if it senses approaching danger and it will make a loud screeching sound if caught. Edible Frog populations are under threat from habitat destruction mainly caused by deforestation and water pollution. Date: 21st June 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo22527616.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_130843586354227f6d8a038.jpgSanna Bay, Ardnamurchan, Highland The small settlement of Sanna lies 6 miles north west of Kilchoan, close to the tip of the Ardnamurchan Peninsula. Sanna Bay lies between Sanna Point to the north and Ardnamurchan Point to the south and is dominated by impressive sand dunes, beautiful white shell sand bays and a stunning turquoise sea. It is one of the most beautiful beaches in Scotland. From Sanna Point there are superb views, extending from the islands of Eigg and Rhum to the north with Skye beyond, round to Ardnamurchan Point and its lighthouse to the south west and the island of Coll beyond that. The Western Isles can be seen to the north west but due west there is nothing but sea until the continent of North America is reached. Date: 9th September 2014 Location: view from Sanna Bay http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4466071.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7779630964b8a246c4ac6c.jpg http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12759420.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15684429304e71b0ca3a731.jpgRed Squirrel The Red Squirrel or Eurasian Red Squirrel is a species of tree squirrel in the genus [i]Sciurus[/i]. It is an arboreal and primarily herbivorous rodent. The Red Squirrel has a typical head and body length of 7.5 to 9 inches, a tail length of 6 to 8 inches and a weight of 9 to 12 ounces. Males and females are the same size. The Red Squirrel is smaller and lighter in weight than the Grey Squirrel The coat of the Red Squirrel varies in colour with the time of year and its location and there are several different coat colour morphs ranging from black to red. Red coats are most common in the UK but in other parts of Europe and Asia different coat colours co-exist within populations. The underside of the Red Squirrel is always creamy-white in colour. The Red Squirrel sheds its coat twice a year, switching from a thinner summer coat to a thicker, darker winter coat with noticeably larger ear-tufts (a prominent distinguishing feature of this species) between August and November. A lighter, redder overall coat colour, along with the ear-tufts (in adults) and smaller size, distinguish the Red Squirrel from the Grey Squirrel. The long tail helps the Red Squirrel to balance and steer when jumping from tree to tree and running along branches and it may also keep it warm during sleep. The Red Squirrel, like most tree squirrels, has sharp and curved claws to enable it to climb and descend broad tree trunks, thin branches and even house walls and its strong hind legs enable it to leap gaps between trees. The Red Squirrel can be found in the boreal coniferous woods in north Europe and Siberia where it prefers Scots Pine, Norway Spruce and Siberian Pine. In west and south Europe it can be found in broad-leaved woods where the mixture of tree and shrub species provides a better year round source of food. In most of the UK and in Italy, broad-leaved woodlands are now less suitable for it due to the better competitive feeding strategy of the introduced Grey Squirrel. The Red Squirrel makes a drey (nest) out of twigs in a branch-fork, forming a domed structure about 9 to 12 inches in diameter. This is lined with moss, leaves, grass and bark. Tree hollows and woodpecker holes are also used. The Red Squirrel is generally a solitary animal and is shy and reluctant to share food with others. However, outside the breeding season and particularly in winter, several Red Squirrels may share a drey to keep warm. Social organisation is based on dominance hierarchies within and between sexes. Although males are not necessarily dominant towards females, the dominant animals tend to be larger and older than subordinate animals and dominant males tend to have larger home ranges than subordinate males or females. Mating can occur in late winter during February and March and in summer between June and July. During mating, males detect females that are in oestrus by an odour that they produce and, although there is no courtship, the male will chase the female for up to an hour prior to mating. Usually multiple males will chase a single female until the dominant male, usually the largest in the group, mates with the female. Males and females will mate multiple times with many partners. Females must reach a minimum body mass before they enter oestrus and heavy females on average produce more young. If food is scarce breeding may be delayed. Typically a female will produce her first litter in her second year. Up to 2 litters a year per female are possible. Each litter averages 3 young and these are known as kits. Gestation is about 38 to 39 days and the young are looked after by the mother alone and are born helpless, blind and deaf. Their body is covered by hair at 21 days, their eyes and ears open after 3 to 4 weeks and they develop all their teeth by 42 days. Juveniles can eat solids around 40 days following birth and from that point they can leave the nest on their own to find food. However, they still suckle from their mother until weaning occurs at 8 to 10 weeks. The Red Squirrel eats mostly the seeds of trees, fungi, nuts (especially hazelnuts but also beech and chestnuts), berries and young shoots. More rarely, it may also eat bird eggs or nestlings and may occasionally exhibit opportunistic omnivory similar to other rodents. Excess food is put into caches, either buried or in nooks or holes in trees, and eaten when food is scarce. Although the Red Squirrel remembers where it created caches at a better than chance level, its spatial memory is believed to be substantially less accurate and durable than that of the Grey Squirrel. Therefore it will often have to search for them when in need and many caches are never found again. Between 60% and 80% of the active time of a Red Squirrel may be spent foraging and feeding. The active period is generally in the morning and in the late afternoon and evening. It often rests in its nest in the middle of the day to avoid the heat and the high visibility to birds of prey that are dangers during these hours. During the winter, this midday rest is often much more brief or absent entirely although harsh weather may cause it to stay in its nest for days at a time. No territories are claimed between Red Squirrels and the feeding areas of individuals overlap considerably. A Red Squirrel that survives its first winter has a life expectancy of 3 years. Individuals may reach 7 years of age and 10 years in captivity. Survival is positively related to the availability of autumn and winter tree seeds. On average, 75 to 85% of juveniles die during their first winter and mortality is approximately 50% for winters following the first. Predators include small mammals such as the Pine Marten, the Wildcat and the Stoat which all prey on juveniles. Birds, including owls and raptors such as the Goshawk and Common Buzzard, may also prey on the Red Squirrel as will the Red Fox and domestic cats and dogs when it is on the ground. Humans influence the population size and mortality of the Red Squirrel by destroying or altering habitats, by causing road casualties and by introducing non-native populations of the Grey Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel and the Red Squirrel are not directly antagonistic and violent conflict between these species is not a factor in the decline in Red Squirrel populations. However, the Grey Squirrel appears to contribute to the decrease in the Red Squirrel population for several reasons: it carries a disease, the squirrel parapoxvirus, that does not appear to affect its own health but will often kill the Red Squirrel, it can better digest acorns whilst the Red Squirrel cannot access the proteins and fats in acorns as easily and it can put the Red Squirrel under pressure for food resources resulting in it not breeding as often. In the UK, due to the above circumstances, the population has today fallen to 160,000 Red Squirrels or fewer with the majority of these in Scotland. Outside the UK and Ireland, the impact of competition from the Grey Squirrel has also been observed in Italy where 2 pairs escaped from captivity in 1948. A significant drop in the Red Squirrel population has been observed since 1970 and it is feared that the Grey Squirrel may expand into the rest of Europe. The Red Squirrel is protected in most of Europe although in some areas it is abundant and is hunted for its fur. In the UK there are several active projects to protect the Red Squirrel and its native woodland habitat, introduce or re-introduce it in to areas where it is absent and eradicate and prevent the spread of the Grey Squirrel. Research undertaken in 2007 in the UK credits the Pine Marten with reducing the population of the invasive Grey Squirrel. Where the range of the expanding Pine Marten population meets that of the Grey Squirrel, the population of the latter retreats. It is theorised that, because the Grey Squirrel spends more time on the ground than the Red Squirrel, it is far more likely to come in contact with the Pine Marten. Date: 10th May 2006 Location: Freshfield National Trust reserve, Formby Point, Merseyside http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4466097.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9541371534b8a253eca411.jpg http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512865.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21591861962c9a858dfbb0.jpgEurasian Beaver The Eurasian Beaver or European Beaver is one of the largest living species of rodents and it is the largest rodent native to Eurasia. It weighs around 24 to 66 pounds with an average of 40 pounds. Typically the head and body length is 31 to 39 inches and the tail length is 9.8 to 19.7 inches. The fur colour of the Beaver varies geographically from light chestnut-rust to blackish-brown. The Beaver was once widespread in Eurasia. It was hunted to near-extinction for both its fur and castoreum (a secretion of its scent gland believed to have medicinal properties) and by 1900 only 1200 beavers survived in 8 relict populations in Europe and Asia. In many European nations, the Beaver became extinct but reintroduction and protection has led to gradual recovery to about 639,000 individuals by 2003 and it now occurs from the UK to China and Mongolia although it is absent from Italy, Portugal, the southern Balkans and the Middle East. About 83% can be found in the former Soviet Union. In the UK, the Beaver became extinct in the 16th century but, as a former native species, interest in reintroducing it to the wild across the UK has been shown. It has been suggested that Beaver dams could retain water in upland areas, reducing flood volumes and creating new habitats for wildlife. Currently, Beaver populations are found in a number of large enclosures in wildlife parks, as well as free-living populations around the River Tay and Knapdale areas in Scotland and the River Otter in Devon. The Knapdale population was deliberately released whilst the other populations are of unknown origin. The Beaver is a keystone species helping support the ecosystem of which they are a part. It creates wetlands which increase biodiversity and provide habitat for many rare species such as Water Voles, Otters, and Water Shrews. It coppices waterside trees and shrubs so that they regrow as dense shrubs which provide cover for birds and other animals. Beaver dams trap sediment and improve water quality and recharge groundwater tables and increase cover for trout and salmon. The Beaver has a single litter of young per year, coming into oestrus for only 12 to 24 hours between late December and May and peaking in January. Unlike most other rodents, Beaver pairs are monogamous and stay together for multiple breeding seasons. Gestation averages 107 days and litters average 3 kits with a range of 2 to 6 kits. Most Beavers do not reproduce until they are 3 years of age. Date: 12th June 2022 Location: River Otter near Otterton, Devon http://www.richardchewphotography.com/eiders https://images.on-this.website/4752_37303487456378805bdcb6.jpgEiders The Eider is a large sea duck that is distributed over the northern coasts of Europe, north America and eastern Siberia. It breeds in the Arctic and some northern temperate regions but winters somewhat further south in temperate zones when it can form large flocks on coastal waters. The Eider is both the largest of the 4 eider species and the largest duck found in Europe and in north America (except for the Muscovy duck which only reaches north America in a wild state in southernmost Texas and south Florida). The Eider is characterized by its bulky shape and large, wedge-shaped bill. The male is unmistakable with its black and white plumage and green nape. The female is a brown bird but can still be readily distinguished from all ducks, except other eider species, on the basis of size and head shape. The drake's display call is a strange almost human-like "ah-ooo" while the duck utters hoarse quacks. The Eider dives for crustaceans and molluscs, with mussels being a favoured food. The Eider will eat mussels by swallowing them whole. The shells are then crushed in their gizzard and excreted. When eating a crab, the Eider will remove all of its claws and legs and then eat the body in a similar fashion. The Eider is abundant with populations of about 1.5 to 2 million birds in both Europe and north America and also large but unknown numbers in eastern Siberia. The Eider is a colonial breeder nesting on coastal islands in colonies ranging in size of less than 100 to upwards of 10,000 to 15,000 individuals. Female Eiders frequently exhibit a high degree of natal philopatry where they return to breed on the same island where they were hatched. This can lead to a high degree of relatedness between individuals nesting on the same island as well as the development of kin-based female social structures. This relatedness has likely played a role in the evolution of co-operative breeding behaviours amongst Eiders. Examples of these behaviours include laying eggs in the nests of related individuals and crèching where female Eiders team up and share the work of rearing ducklings. The Eider's nest is built close to the sea and is lined with the celebrated eiderdown plucked from the female's breast. This soft and warm lining has long been harvested for filling pillows and quilts but in more recent years has been largely replaced by down from domestic farm geese and synthetic alternatives. Although eiderdown pillows or quilts are now a rarity, eiderdown harvesting continues and is sustainable as it can be done after the ducklings leave the nest with no harm to the birds. Date: 1st June 2015 Location: Hvammstangi, Vatnsnes peninsula, north west Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49001831.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15252682486468e30078254.jpgBlackcap The Eurasian Blackcap, usually known simply as the Blackcap, is a typical warbler in the Sylvia genus. It is a mainly grey warbler with distinct male and female plumages. It is about 5.1 inches long with a 2.8 to 3.1 inches wing span. The adult male has olive-grey upperparts, other than a paler grey nape, and a neat black cap on the head. The underparts are light grey, becoming silvery white on the chin, throat and upper breast. The tail is dark grey with an olive tint to the outer edge of each feather. The bill and long legs are grey and the iris is reddish brown. The female resembles the male but has a reddish-brown cap and a slightly browner tone to the grey of the upperparts. Juveniles are similar to the female but their upperparts have a slight rufous tinge and the breast and flanks have a more olive tone. Young males have a darker brown cap than their female counterparts. The Blackcap is unmistakable and other dark-headed Sylvia species, such as the Sardinian Warbler and the Orphean Warbler, have extensive black on the head instead of a small cap and they are also larger and have white edges on the tail. The male Blackcap's song is a rich musical warbling, often ending in a loud high-pitched crescendo, which is given in bursts of up to 30 seconds. The song is repeated for about 2 minutes with a short pause before each repetition. The main song can be confused with that of the Garden Warbler but it is slightly higher pitched than in that species, more broken into discrete song segments and less mellow. Both species have a quiet sub-song, a muted version of the full song, which is even harder to separate. The Blackcap also occasionally mimics the song of other birds, the most frequently copied including the Garden Warbler and the Nightingale. The Blackcap’s breeding range includes much of Europe, west Asia and north west Africa and its preferred habitat is mature deciduous woodland. Birds on the Mediterranean and Atlantic islands and in the milder west and south of the main Eurasian distribution often winter within the breeding range but populations elsewhere are migratory. The Blackcap is a “leap-frog migrant” meaning that birds from the north of the breeding range travel furthest south whereas Mediterranean breeders move much shorter distances. The wintering areas overlap with the breeding range but also include extensive areas in west Africa, east Africa south to Lake Malawi and further north in Ethiopia, South Sudan and Eritrea. There is a migratory divide in Europe at longitude 10 to 11°E. Birds to the west of this line migrate south west towards Iberia or west Africa whereas populations to the east migrate to the east Mediterranean and on to east Africa. Climate change appears to be affecting the migration pattern of the Blackcap. It is arriving in Europe earlier than previously and departing nearly 2 weeks later than in the 1980s. In recent decades, some central European birds have taken to wintering in gardens in the UK and, to a lesser extent, in Ireland, where the Blackcap was formerly just a summer visitor. Although the UK climate is sub-optimal, compensatory factors include the ready availability of food (particularly from bird tables), a shorter migration distance and the avoidance of the Alps and the Sahara Desert. The Blackcap's main breeding habitat is mature deciduous woodland with good scrub cover below the trees. Other habitats, such as parks, large gardens and overgrown hedges, are used as long as they meet the essential requirements of tall trees for song posts and an established under-story. Where other Sylvia warblers also breed, the Blackcap tends to use taller trees than its relatives, preferably those with a good canopy such as pedunculate oak. The preferred winter habitat around the Mediterranean is scrub and olive orchards. In Africa, habitats include cultivated land, acacia scrub, mangroves and forest. When the male Blackcap returns to its breeding range, it establishes a territory. Adults that have previously bred return to the site they have used in previous summers whereas inexperienced birds either wander until they find a suitable area or establish a very large initial territory which contracts under pressure from neighbours. Territorial boundaries are established initially by loud singing which is performed while the male displays with its crown raised, tail fanned and slow wingbeats. Sylvia warblers are unusual in that they vigorously defend their territories against other members of their genus. Blackcaps and Garden Warblers use almost identical habitats yet aggressive interactions mean that their territories rarely overlap. The Blackcap first breeds at 1 year old. It is mainly monogamous although both sexes may sometimes deviate from this. A male attracts a female to his territory through song and a display involving raising the black crown feathers, fluffing the tail, slow wingbeats and a short flapping flight. He also builds one or more simple nests (cock nests) usually near his song post. The final nest, which may be one of the cock nests or built from scratch, is a neat cup of roots, stems and grasses lined with fine material such as hair. The nest is built in the cover of bramble, scrub or trees and it is constructed mainly by the female and may be up to 15 feet above the ground although lower than 3 feet is more typical. The clutch is 2 to 7 eggs (typically 4 to 6) which are incubated by both adults for 10 to 16 days (average 11 days). The chicks are fed by both parents and fledge about 11 to 12 days after hatching, leaving the nest shortly before they are able to fly. They are assisted with feeding for a further 2 or 3 weeks. The Blackcap normally raises just 1 brood but second broods are sometimes recorded, particularly in the milder climate of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic islands. The Blackcap feeds mainly on insects during the breeding season and then switches to fruit in late summer, the change being triggered by an internal biological rhythm. When migrants arrive on their breeding territories they initially take berries, pollen and nectar if there are insufficient insects available but then soon switch to their preferred diet. The Blackcap mainly picks prey off foliage and twigs but it may occasionally hover, flycatch or feed on the ground. It eats a wide range of invertebrate prey, although aphids are particularly important early in the season, and flies, beetles and caterpillars are also taken in large numbers. In July, the diet switches increasingly to a wide range of small fruit. The protein needed for egg-laying and for the chicks to grow is replaced by fruit sugar which helps the birds to fatten for migration. Aphids are still taken while they are available since they often contain sugars from the plant sap on which they feed. The Blackcap has a very large range and a very large population. It is therefore classified by the IUCN as being of “Least Concern”. The Blackcap and other small birds are illegally trapped and hunted in large numbers in Mediterranean countries, particularly in Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, Malta, Libya, Egypt and Cyprus, where they are considered as a delicacy. Despite hunting and natural hazards, the European population of the Blackcap has been increasing for several decades as the range extends northwards. There are occasional nesting records from outside the main range such as in north Israel and the Faroe Islands and wandering birds may appear further afield in Iceland or on the islands of Arctic Russia. In the Baltic region, the spread of the Blackcap appears to have been helped by the availability of territories formerly occupied by the declining Barred Warbler. Date: 3rd April 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/guillemots https://images.on-this.website/4752_164260312964916f204a7c3.jpgCommon Guillemots The Common Guillemot, also known as the Common Murre or Thin-billed Murre, is a large species of auk. The auks are a family of seabirds which includes the Brunnich's Guillemot or Thick-billed Murre, Razorbill, Little Auk and the extinct Great Auk. The Common Guillemot is 15 to 18 inches in length with a 24 to 29 inches wingspan. In breeding plumage, it is black or dark brown on the head, back and wings with white underparts. It has a thin dark pointed bill and a small rounded dark tail. Legs are grey and the bill is dark grey. Males and females are identical. Some individuals in the North Atlantic, known as "Bridled Guillemots", have a white ring around the eye extending back as a white line. This is not a distinct subspecies but a polymorphism that becomes more common the farther north the birds breed. The Common Guillemot flies with fast wing beats and has a flight speed of around 50 mph. Groups of birds are often seen flying together in a line just above the surface of the sea. However, it is not a very agile bird and take-off is often difficult. The Common Guillemot becomes flightless for 45 to 60 days while moulting its primary feathers. The Common Guillemot is a pursuit diver that forages for food by swimming underwater using its wings for propulsion. Dives usually last less than one minute but the bird swims underwater for distances of over 100 feet on a regular basis. Diving depths up to 590 feet have been recorded. The Common Guillemot has a circumpolar distribution and it occurs in low Arctic and boreal waters in the north Atlantic and north Pacific. It spends most of its time at sea and only comes to land to breed on rocky cliffs, sea stacks and islands. Some birds are permanent residents but northern birds migrate south to open waters off New England, southern California, Japan, Korea and the western Mediterranean. The Common Guillemot breeds in colonies at high densities and nesting pairs may be in bodily contact with their neighbours. No nest is made and the single egg is laid and incubated on a bare rock ledge on a cliff face. The egg hatches after 30 days incubation and the chick is born downy and can regulate its body temperature after 10 days. Some 20 days after hatching the chick jumps off its nesting ledge and heads for the sea unable to fly but gliding for some distance with fluttering wings and accompanied by its male parent. The chicks are capable of diving as soon as they hit the water. The female stays at the nest site for some 14 days after the chick has left. The Common Guillemot can venture far from its breeding grounds to forage and distances of 60 miles or more are often observed although if sufficient food is available closer by, birds will only travel much shorter distances. It mainly eats small schooling fish 8 inches long or less such as Polar Cod, Capelin, Sand Lances, Sprats, Sandeels, Atlantic Cod and Atlantic Herring. It also eats some molluscs, marine worms, squid and crustaceans. It is often seen carrying fish in its bill with the tail hanging out. Date: 13th May 2023 Location: RSPB South Stack, Anglesey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13656941.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5164300554ed36881b54e4.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the [i]Canidae[/i] family and is a part of the order [i]Carnivora[/i] within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49278717.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4993850246499ba9c3258b.jpgSedge Warbler The Sedge Warbler is a medium-sized Old World warbler in the genus Acrocephalus. It has a streaked brown back and wings and pale underparts. The rump is warm brown and unstreaked, contrasting with the duller wings. The forehead is flattened, there is a prominent whitish supercilium, the crown is streaked with black and the bill is strong and pointed. The plumage of the sexes is identical. Juvenile birds have dark spots on the breast. The Sedge Warbler’s song is varied, rushed and chattering with sweeter phrases and some mimicry, all typical of the Acrocephalus warblers. It is composed of phrases in random order so that it is never the same. Male Sedge Warblers which have the widest repertoire mate with the largest number of females. Male Sedge Warblers commence singing only a few hours after arriving on their breeding territory. The song is given from a bare perch such as a reed stem or bush or from cover and during routine flights within their territory. Song flights are also performed. Whilst singing, the bird takes off, rises to a height of up to 10 feet and then after a short circling flight, it makes a slow, parachuting descent, often with the wings held up in a “v” shape. The song has the function of attracting a mate rather than keeping other males away and it is stopped as soon as a mate is found. The Sedge Warbler has a large range and it breeds across Europe and western and central Asia. Unlike other members of the Acrocephalus genus, the Sedge Warbler's range stretches from the Arctic to mid-latitudes since it is adapted to live in cool, cloudy and moist conditions. It is a migratory species and winters in sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal in the west to Ethiopia in the east and as far south as the eastern Cape Province of South Africa and north Namibia. Birds begin leaving Africa in late February, fatten up at wetlands before and probably after crossing the Sahara and arrive in Europe from March onwards. During the breeding season, the Sedge Warbler can be found in reedbeds, often with scrub, ditches and habitats away from water including hedgerows, patches of stinging nettles and arable crops. On the African wintering grounds, habitats such as reeds in wetlands, papyrus, grass, sedge and reedmace and tall elephant grass are used. Loss of wetland areas for feeding on migration and the expansion of the Sahara desert pose threats to the Sedge Warbler's breeding population. The Sedge Warbler is mostly insectivorous and the diet includes mayflies, dragonflies and damselflies, grasshoppers, bugs, lacewings, moths, beetles and flies. Vegetable material includes elderberries and blackberries. On their wintering grounds food includes non-biting midges and flowers and berries. It feeds in low, thick vegetation, especially reeds and rushes, but also in arable fields and around bushes. Feeding techniques include picking insects from vegetation while perched or sometimes hovering and “leap-catching” where the bird grabs flying insects as it flies between perches. The Sedge Warbler tends to hop between plant stems and pick insects from underneath leaves and it takes advantage of the low temperatures around dusk and dawn which make their prey less mobile. Date: 16th June 2023 Location: RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49001727.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8594026816468e13f0f141.jpgChiffchaff The (Common) Chiffchaff is a common and widespread leaf warbler which is named onomatopoeically for its simple and repetitive chiff-chaff song. The British naturalist Gilbert White was one of the first people to separate the similar looking Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler and Wood Warbler by their songs, as detailed in 1789 in “The Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne. The Chiffchaff is a small, dumpy, 4 inch long leaf warbler. The spring adult has brown-washed dull green upperparts, off-white underparts becoming yellowish on the flanks and a short whitish supercilium. It has dark legs, a fine dark bill and short primary projection (extension of the flight feathers beyond the folded wing). As the plumage wears, it gets duller and browner and the yellow on the flanks tends to be lost and after the breeding season there is a prolonged complete moult before migration. After moulting, both the adult and the juvenile have brighter and greener upperparts and a paler supercilium. When not singing, the Chiffchaff can be difficult to distinguish from other leaf warblers with greenish upperparts and whitish underparts, particularly the Willow Warbler. However, that species has a longer primary projection, a sleeker, brighter appearance and generally pale legs. The Chiffchaff breeds across Europe and Asia east to eastern Siberia and north to about 70°N, with isolated populations in north west Africa, north and west Turkey and north west Iran. It is a migratory species but one of the first passerine birds to return to its breeding areas in the spring and amongst the last to leave in late autumn. When breeding, the Chiffchaff is a bird of open woodlands with some taller trees and ground cover for nesting purposes. In winter, the Chiffchaff uses a wider range of habitats and is not so dependent on trees and is often found near water. There is an increasing tendency to winter in western Europe well north of the traditional areas, especially in coastal south England and the mild urban microclimate of London. The male Chiffchaff returns to its breeding territory 2 or 3 weeks before the female and immediately starts singing to establish ownership and attract a female. When a female is located, the male will use a slow butterfly-like flight as part of the courtship ritual but, once a pair-bond has been established, other females will be driven from the territory. The male has little involvement in the nesting process other than defending the territory. The female's nest is built on or near the ground in a concealed site in brambles, nettles or other dense low vegetation. The domed nest has a side entrance and is constructed from coarse plant material such as dead leaves and grass with finer material used on the interior before the addition of a lining of feathers. The clutch is 2 to 7 (normally 5 or 6) cream-coloured eggs which are incubated by the female for 13 to 14 days before hatching as naked, blind chicks. The female broods and feeds the chicks for another 14 to 15 days until they fledge. The male rarely participates in feeding although this sometimes occurs, especially when bad weather limits insect supplies or if the female disappears. After fledging, the young stay in the vicinity of the nest for 3 to 4 weeks where they are fed by and roost with the female. In the north of the range there is only time to raise one brood due to the short summer but a second brood is common in central and southern areas. Like most leaf warblers, the Chiffchaff is insectivorous and moves restlessly though foliage or briefly hovering. It has been recorded as taking insects, mainly flies, from more than 50 families, along with other small and medium-sized invertebrates. It will also take the eggs and larvae of butterflies and moths. The Chiffchaff has been estimated to require about one third of its weight in insects daily and it feeds almost continuously in the autumn to put on extra fat as fuel for its long migration flight. As with most small birds, mortality in the first year of life is high but adults aged 3 to 4 years are regularly recorded and the record is more than 7 years. Eggs, chicks and fledglings are taken by Stoats, Weasels and crows such as the Magpie and adults are hunted by birds of prey, particularly the Sparrowhawk. The Chiffchaff is also susceptible to poor weather, particularly when migrating, but also on the breeding and wintering grounds. The main effect of humans on the Chiffchaff is indirect through woodland clearance which affects the habitat, predation by cats and collisions with windows, buildings and cars. Date: 2nd April 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48482987.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1019775502640a3ebaca23e.jpgLong-eared Owl The Long-eared Owl is a medium-sized species of owl measuring between 12 and 16 inches in length with a wingspan, relatively large for their size, measuring around 3 feet. However, compared to other widespread owls considered of medium size and to which they can appear broadly similar in size, the Long-eared Owl is quite a bit lighter and slender bodied. As expected in owls and birds of prey in general, the Long-eared Owl displays reverse sexual dimorphism where females are usually slightly larger than males. In general colouration, the Long-eared Owl is a hue of ochraceous-tawny with a variable greyish or brownish wash. The base colour is commonly overlaid with variable blackish vertical streaks and occasionally spots which are usually more apparent on the wings and back. The scapulars are usually marked whitish which provide further contrast when seen against the base colour and blackish markings. The wing's dark carpal patches can also display broad panels of buff or almost orange on the wings across the base of primaries. The underparts tend to be a somewhat paler ochraceous-tawny compared to the upperparts. The Long-eared Owl tends to have dusky streaks on the upper breast, below which they may be heavily marked with a herring bone pattern which is created by dusky shaft-streaks and crossbars on these feathers. The facial disc is visibly well developed and variably coloured, rimmed dusky often with white running down along the centre through the bill. The ear tufts are usually dusky in front and paler tawny on the back, the bill is black and the eyes vary from yellowish-orange to orange-red. The Long-eared Owl is one of the most widely distributed and most numerous owl species in the world and breeds in many areas throughout Europe and the Palearctic as well as in north America. In the UK, the Long-eared Owl breeds thinly across the country with fewer birds in south west England and Wales. Northern birds, including birds from Europe, migrate southwards coming to spend the winter in the UK whilst southern birds are residents and only move short distances to find food. The Long-eared Owl is usually found in open landscapes with groups of trees, hedges or small woods as well as pastures with trees and bushes plus any type of forest with clearings, forest edges, semi-open taiga forest, swampy areas and bogs, orchards with old fruit trees, parks, cemeteries with trees and bushes and even gardens and timbered areas in villages, towns or cities. The Long-eared Owl is more or less strictly nocturnal and usually activity commences at dusk. When flying by day, it is often mobbed by diurnal birds such as corvids and other birds of prey. During daytime, the Long-eared Owl tends to roost in an upright position on a branch, often close to a trunk and hidden within dense foliage. In winter, it often stays close to the same tree or group of trees. Unlike most owls, which show a tendency towards territorial behaviour all year round, outside of the breeding season the Long-eared Owl may form aggregations of up to 50 birds while roosting, with a European record of about 150 owls at a single roost. The Long-eared Owl tends to be a monogamous breeder with the pair bond being renewed annually. Males claim their territory with singing and display flights with wing clapping. Singing normally starts at dusk on calm evenings and may continue through the night with clear windless moonlit nights being preferred. The song is usually delivered from a perch, most often at medium height in trees or from the upper half near the canopy. Pairs tend to occupy the same territory all year around but most prefer to use a different nest each year even if the same nest as last year is still in a good state of repair. Females typically take on the duty of inspecting potential nesting sites and duet to attract the males. Nests are typically those of other species such as corvids, other raptors and herons. Breeding occurs later in the year than most owl species with mating usually taking place in March or April and egg laying between late March and early May in most of the range. Generally, the female lays 3 to 5 eggs (sometimes more if food is unusually abundant) and larger clutches are typical further north in the range. In Europe up to 2 broods have been successfully raised at times of food abundance. Incubation begins with the first egg and continues for about 27 to 28 days. The female alone incubates while the male provides food which is brought direct to nest. The young hatch at 2 day intervals at any point between late April and June. The female alone feeds the chicks. The young leave the nest at 20 to 27 days of age but are initially flightless, often climbing about in surrounding branches. At about 35 to 37 days, the young are fully fledged and can fly well but they often follow their parents and are fed by them for up to about 2 months. The Long-eared Owl appears to have a widely varying diet. One study accrued information from 312 studies from around the species’ range. In total 478 prey species were found to be described, of which 180 were mammal species, 191 were bird species, 83 were assorted invertebrate species, 15 were reptiles, 7 were amphibians and 2 were fish species. However, on closer inspection, the Long-eared Owl generally appears to be something of a dietary specialist. It usually takes primarily, often nearly entirely, small mammals as food in almost every part of its range. The Long-eared Owl is rather common and widespread in many regions and it is easily one of the most widely found owl species globally. Densities of populations depend on the availability of food. Local threats are typically pesticides and persecution as well as collisions with road traffic. Date: 31st January 2023 Location: "Cley Spy", Glandford, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49003244.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15311475676469015b17838.jpgNightingale The Nightingale is a small passerine bird best known for its powerful and beautiful song. Slightly larger than the Robin, it is plain brown above except for the reddish tail and buff to white below. The sexes are similar. The Nightingale is a migratory insectivorous bird breeding in forest and scrub in Europe and south west Asia and wintering in west Africa. The distribution is more southerly than the very closely related Thrush Nightingale. In the UK the bird is at the northern limit of its range which has contracted in recent years placing it on the Amber List for conservation. Despite local efforts to safeguard its favoured coppice and scrub habitat, numbers fell by 53% between 1995 and 2008. A survey conducted by the British Trust for Ornithology in 2012 and 2013 recorded some 3,300 territories with most of these clustered in a few counties in the south east of England, notably Kent, Essex, Suffolk and East and West Sussex. By contrast, the European breeding population is estimated at between 3.2 and 7 million pairs, giving it green conservation status (least concern). The song of the Nightingale has been described as one of the most beautiful sounds in nature, inspiring songs, fairy tales, opera, books and a great deal of poetry. The Nightingales is so named because it frequently sings at night as well as during the day. The name has been used for more than 1,000 years, being highly recognisable even in its Old English form nihtgale which means "night songstress". Early writers assumed the female sang when it is in fact the male. The song is loud with an impressive range of whistles, trills and gurgles. Its song is particularly noticeable at night because few other birds are singing. This is why its name includes "night" in several languages. Only unpaired males sing regularly at night and nocturnal song is likely to serve to attract a mate. Singing at dawn, during the hour before sunrise, is assumed to be important in defending the bird's territory. Nightingales sing even more loudly in urban or near-urban environments in order to overcome the background noise. Date: 5th May 2022 Location: Danbury Common, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833593.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_927384638559ced499ad32.jpgGreat Crested Grebes The Great Crested Grebe is an elegant water bird which has ornate head plumes during the breeding season and an elaborate courtship display. The Great Crested Grebe can be found across Europe and Asia and it breeds on shallow, reed-fringed freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs and slow rivers. It is resident in the milder west of its range but migrates from the colder regions of its range to sheltered coastal areas in winter. Date: 12th May 2015 Location: Lake Kerkini, Central Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080614.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9131156763a459ba1e8d5.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 1st December 2022 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4466067.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14878740274b8a244a9f34d.jpg http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40952855.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16610680105e5393ed7320d.jpgPale-bellied Brent Goose The Brent Goose belongs to the [I]Branta[/I] genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the [I]Anser[/I] genus of grey geese. [I]Branta[/I] is a Latinised form of Old Norse [I]brandgás[/I], meaning "burnt (black) goose", and [i]bernicla[/i] is the medieval Latin name for the barnacle. The Brent Goose and the similar Barnacle Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be the same creature as the crustacean, a myth that can be dated back to at least the 12th century. The Brent Goose, [I]Branta bernicla[/I] is divided into 3 sub-species: Dark-bellied Brent Goose [I]B. b. bernicla[/I], Pale-bellied Brent Goose [i]B. b. hrota[/i] (sometimes also known as Light-bellied Brent Goose) and Black Brant [i]B. b. nigricans[/i]. Some DNA evidence suggests that these forms are genetically distinct and a split into 3 separate species has been proposed. However, other evidence upholds their maintenance as a single species. The Brent Goose is a small goose, 22 to 26 inches long with a wingspan of 42 to 48 inches. The under-tail is pure white and the tail black and very short (the shortest of any goose). The Dark-bellied Brent Goose is fairly uniformly dark grey-brown all over and the flanks and belly are not significantly paler than the back. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds on the Arctic coasts of central and west Siberia and winters in west Europe with over half the population in south England and the rest between north Germany and north west France. The Pale-bellied Brent Goose appears blackish-brown and light grey in colour and the flanks and belly are significantly paler than the back and present a marked contrast. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds in Franz Josef Land, Svalbard, Greenland and north east Canada and winters in Denmark, north east England, Ireland and the Atlantic coast of the USA from Maine to Georgia as well as in a small but significant area in north France. The Black Brant appears blackish-brown and white in colour. This sub-species is very contrastingly black and white with a uniformly dark sooty-brown back, similarly-coloured underparts (with the dark colour extending furthest back of the 3 sub-species) and a prominent white flank patch. It also has a larger white neck patch which forms an almost complete collar. It breeds in north west Canada, Alaska and east Siberia and winters mostly on the west coast of north America from south Alaska to California but also in east Asia, mainly Japan. It sometimes appears as a vagrant in Europe when it associates with the other Brent Goose species. The Brent Goose used to be a strictly coastal bird in winter, seldom leaving tidal estuaries where it feeds on eel-grass and seaweed. In recent decades, it has started using agricultural land a short distance inland, feeding extensively on grass and winter-sown cereals. This may be behaviour learned by following other species of geese. Food resource pressure may also be important in forcing this change since the world population increased over 10-fold by the mid-1980s, possibly reaching the carrying capacity of the estuaries. In the breeding season, the Brent Goose uses low-lying wet coastal tundra for both breeding and feeding. The nest is bowl-shaped, lined with grass and down and located in an elevated position often near a small pond. The Brent Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds applies. Date: 2nd February 2020 Location: Barnawee Bridge, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/lesser-redpoll https://images.on-this.website/4752_639545040649170bc8e1b3.jpgLesser Redpoll Description to follow .... Date: 14th May 2023 Location: RWT Gilfach, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308819.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_30442726463ee2f491fdb6.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 17th January 2023 Location: EWT Langdon Conservation Centre, Dunton, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230757.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2259814786491735511f14.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 14th May 2023 Location: Llanddeusant Red Kite feeding station, Carmarthenshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46534623.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_73657120562ca988a06a69.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 27th June 2022 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49797637.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_43999843264eca22b84fda.jpgSilver-studded Blue Description to follow .... Date: 2nd July 2023 Location: Hartland Moor NNR, Purbeck Heaths NNR, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49797645.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_27857988264eca236bc2bf.jpgSilver-studded Blue Description to follow .... Date: 2nd July 2023 Location: Hartland Moor NNR, Purbeck Heaths NNR, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49797785.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_74092179264eca59ff3b37.jpgSilver-studded Blue Description to follow .... Date: 2nd July 2023 Location: Creech Heath NR, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/lapwings https://images.on-this.website/4752_17786664234b2913ec62ab6.jpgLapwings The Northern Lapwing, also known as the peewit, pewit, tuit or tew-it (imitative of its cry), Green Plover (emphasising the colour of the plumage) or (in the UK) just Lapwing (which refers to its peculiar, erratic way of flying), is a bird in the lapwing family. The Lapwing has rounded wings and a crest. It is also the shortest-legged of the lapwing species. It is mainly black and white but the back is tinted green. The male has a long crest and a black crown, throat and breast contrasting with an otherwise white face. Females and young birds have shorter crests and have less strongly marked heads but plumages are otherwise quite similar. The Lapwing is a vocal bird in the breeding season with constant calling as the crazed tumbling display flight is performed by the male. The typical contact call is a loud, shrill "pee-wit" from which they get their other name of peewit. The Lapwing is common through temperate Eurasia and breeds on cultivated land and other short vegetation habitats. The ground scrape nest and young are defended noisily and aggressively against all intruders. It is highly migratory over most of its extensive range, wintering further south as far as north Africa, north India, Pakistan and parts of China. It migrates mainly by day, often in large flocks. Lowland breeders in the westernmost areas of Europe are resident. In winter, it forms huge flocks on open land, particularly arable land and mud-flats. In the UK, the Lapwing has suffered a significant decline in the last 25 years and is an Amber List species because of the importance of its UK wintering population. It breeds on farmland throughout the UK, particularly in lowland areas of north England, the Borders and east Scotland, and prefers fields of spring sown cereals and root crops, permanent unimproved pasture, meadows and fallow fields but also wet grassland and marshes. During the winter, the Lapwing can be seen on flooded grassland, estuaries, coastal wetlands, short grassy fields and ploughed fields. In addition to the UK population, large numbers of north European birds arrive in the autumn for the winter. The Lapwing feeds primarily on insects and other small invertebrates. It often feeds in mixed flocks with Golden Plovers and Black-headed Gulls, the latter often robbing the plovers, but providing a degree of protection against predators. Date: 6th December 2009 Location: Elmley, Isle of Sheppey, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071725.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_88450466266433eb5bb6d2.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 7th May 2024 Location: RSPB Ham Wall, Somerset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46511112.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_42876426262c990861b9a8.jpgOspreys The Osprey is a large diurnal fish-eating bird of prey. The upperparts are a deep, glossy brown whilst the breast is white and sometimes streaked with brown and the underparts are pure white. The head is white with a dark mask across the eyes reaching to the sides of the neck. A short tail and long, narrow wings with 4 long, finger-like feathers and a shorter 5th give it a very distinctive appearance. The sexes appear fairly similar but the adult male can be distinguished from the female by its slimmer body and narrower wings. Fish make up 99% of the Osprey's diet and it typically takes fish weighing 5 to 10 ounces and about 10 to 14 inches in length. Virtually any type of fish in that weight and size range are taken. The Osprey possesses specialised physical characteristics and exhibits unique behaviour to assist in hunting and catching prey. Ospreys have vision that is well adapted to detecting underwater objects from the air. Prey is first sighted when the Osprey is 30 to 130 feet above the water, after which the bird hovers momentarily then plunges feet first into the water. Occasionally the Osprey may prey on rodents, rabbits, hares, amphibians, other birds and small reptiles. The Osprey is a summer visitor to the UK and birds arrive back from Africa in late March and April and leave again in August and September. They can also be seen at almost any large body of freshwater during spring and autumn migration. The Osprey’s main UK stronghold is in Scotland where you can visit many nest sites with public viewing facilities, including the RSPB reserve at Loch Garten (Highland) and the SWT reserve at Loch of the Lowes (Perthshire). In addition, Ospreys have begun breeding at a small number of locations in England and Wales. In 2012 an Osprey thought to be the UK's oldest breeding female returned to its nest at the Loch of the Lowes in Perthshire.The bird, known affectionately as “Lady” has nested at this site near Dunkeld for 22 consecutive years. Ospreys live on average for 10-15 years in the wild. In 2010 “Lady” fell ill and experts feared the bird would die after she stopped eating. However, thousands of people watching via webcam witnessed the Osprey's sudden recovery days later. In 2011 “Lady” returned to her nest but her eggs failed to hatch. Ospreys would once have been widespread throughout most of the UK. During the middle ages almost every big house and monastic establishment had a fishpond. These fishponds, as they do now, attracted this magnificent fish-eating bird of prey leading to many of them being hunted and killed. Later on in the 18th and 19th centuries, the remaining pairs of UK Ospreys were severely persecuted by gamekeepers, egg collectors and trophy hunters. With the additional pressures of habitat loss during this time, by 1916 they had become totally extinct as a breeding species in the UK. The last known pair of Ospreys nested in 1916 on an island on Loch Loyne. In 1954 an Osprey pair was reported to have nested at Loch Garten in the Scottish Highlands. They are believed to have successfully raised 2 chicks that year. They returned to their eyrie in 1955 but persecution by egg collectors proved to be a big problem still. A small group of RSPB staff and volunteers attempted to protect the nest but despite their valiant efforts it was not until 1959 that young Ospreys were raised in the area once more. Since those early days, numbers have slowly increased and there are now over 200 breeding pairs of Osprey in Scotland. During the 1980's and 1990's migrating Ospreys were regularly seen stopping off at Rutland Water in the East Midlands. In an aim to encourage the spread of Ospreys throughout the UK, the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust in collaboration with Anglian Water began a translocation project at Rutland Water Nature Reserve in 1996. During each year between 1996 and 2001 up to 12 Scottish Osprey chicks were taken from nests containing 3 young. These youngsters were then released from pens to fledge at Rutland Water. Out of 64 birds released in the original programme, at least 13 are known to have returned to the UK, 10 of these to Rutland Water. The translocation project has subsequently proved critical to the establishment of the Welsh Osprey breeding population. Date: 8th May 2022 Location: MWT Cors Dyfi, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49277081.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1786666287649971bc7deb4.jpgMute Swans The Mute Swan is a species of swan native to much of Eurasia. Despite its Eurasian origin, its closest relatives are the Black Swan of Australia and the Black-necked Swan of south America, not the other Northern Hemisphere swans such as the Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan. The name “mute” derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. The adult Mute Swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob at the top of the beak. All Mute Swans are white at maturity although the feathers (particularly on the head and neck) are often stained orange-brown by iron and tannins in the water. Young birds (cygnets) are not the bright white colour of mature adults and their bill is dull greyish-black for the first year. The plumage may range from pure white to grey to buff with grey/buff being the most common. Cygnets typically retain their grey/buff feathers until they are at least 1 year old. On average, the Mute Swan is the second largest waterfowl species after the Trumpeter Swan although the male Mute Swan can easily match or even exceed a male Trumpeter Swan in mass. The adult Mute Swan typically ranges from 55 to 63 inches in length (although it can range in extreme cases from 49 to 67 inches) with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. Males (cobs) are larger than females (pens) and have a larger knob on their bill. The Mute Swan is one of the heaviest flying birds. In several studies from the UK, males were found to average from about 23.4 to 26.2 pounds, with a weight range of 20 to 32 pounds, while the slightly smaller females were found to average about 18.7 to 21.3 pounds, with a weight range of 17 to 23 pounds. The Mute Swan is less vocal than the noisy Bewick's Swan and Whooper Swan although it does make a variety of grunting, hoarse whistling and snorting noises, especially in communicating with their cygnets and threatening competitors or intruders trying to enter their territory. The most familiar sound associated with the Mute Swan is the vibrant throbbing of the wings in flight which is unique to the species and this can be heard from a range of up to 1 mile. The Mute Swan is found naturally mainly in the temperate areas of Europe across west Asia and as far east as Primorsky Krai in the far east of Russia. It is partially migratory throughout the northern latitudes in Europe and Asia as far south as north Africa and the Mediterranean. It is also often kept in captivity outside its natural range as a decoration for parks and ponds and escapes have occurred. The descendants of such birds have become naturalised in east USA and the Great Lakes region across the USA and Canada border. The Mute Swan population in the UK has increased recently probably due to better protection of this species. Some birds are resident all year whilst others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into east England. Mute Swans nest on large mounds that they build with waterside vegetation in shallow water on islands in the middle or at the very edge of a lake. It is a monogamous species and often reuses the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Males and females share the care of the nest. The female lays from 4 to 10 eggs and broods for around 36 days. Cygnets are unable to fly before an age of 120 to 150 days and this limits the distribution of the species in the northern edge of its range since the cygnets must learn to fly before the water freezes. The Mute Swan is usually strongly territorial with just a single pair on smaller lakes although in a few locations where a large area of suitable feeding habitat is found they can be colonial. The largest colonies can hold over 100 pairs such as that at the colony at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset in the UK. Non-mated juveniles up to 3 to 4 years old commonly form larger flocks often at regular traditional sites and these can total several hundred birds. The Mute Swan can be very aggressive in defence of its nest and it is highly protective of its mate and offspring. Most defensive attacks from a Mute Swan begin with a loud hiss and, if this is not sufficient to drive off the predator, are followed by a physical attack. It attacks by smashing at its enemy with bony spurs in the wings accompanied by biting with its large bill. Smaller waterbirds such as ducks are normally grabbed with the bill and dragged or thrown clear. Large waterfowl, such as the Canada Goose, more likely out of competition than in response to potential predation, may be aggressively driven off. The wings of the Mute Swan are very powerful although not strong enough to break an adult man's leg as has been claimed anecdotally. The Mute Swan feeds on a wide range of vegetation, both submerged aquatic plants which they reach with their long necks and by grazing on land. The food commonly includes agricultural crop plants such as oilseed rape and wheat and feeding flocks in the winter may cause significant crop damage, often as much through trampling with their large webbed feet as through direct consumption. Date: 9th June 2023 Location: Bosherston Lily Ponds, Bosherton, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49277060.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_70199988064996cf110238.jpgSkylark The Skylark is a passerine bird in the lark family. Like most other larks, the Skylark is a rather dull-looking species, being streaked greyish-brown above and on the breast and buff-white below. It has a short blunt crest on the head which can be raised and lowered. In flight it shows a short tail and short broad wings. The tail and the rear edge of the wings are edged with white which are visible when the bird is flying away. The male has broader wings than the female. This adaptation for more efficient hovering flight may have evolved because of the female's preference for males that sing and hover for longer periods and so demonstrate that they are likely to have good overall fitness. The Skylark is known for the song of the male which is delivered in hovering flight from heights of 160 to 330 feet when the singing bird may appear as just a dot in the sky from the ground. The long, unbroken song is a clear, bubbling warble delivered high in the air while the bird is rising, circling or hovering. The song generally lasts 2 to 3 minutes but it tends to last longer later in the mating season when songs can last for 20 minutes or more. The Skylark can be found across most of Europe and Asia and in the mountains of north Africa. It is mainly resident in the west of its range but eastern populations are more migratory and move further south in winter. Even in the milder west of its range, many birds move to the lowlands and the coast in winter. In the 19th century, the Skylark was introduced to New Zealand, Australia and the Hawaiian Islands. The Skylark breeds on open farmland, moorland and heathland and starts nesting in late March or early April. The nest is usually built by the female alone and is a shallow depression in the ground lined with grasses. The female lays and incubates a clutch 3 to 5 eggs which hatch after 11 days. The young are cared for by both parents and for the first week are fed almost exclusively on insects. The nestlings fledge after 18 to 20 days but they usually leave the nest after 8 to 10 days. They are independent of their parents after around 25 days. The parents can have up to 4 broods in a season. The Skylark can be found throughout the UK but numbers have declined over the last 30 years as determined by the Common Bird Census started in the early 1960s by the British Trust for Ornithology. There are now only 10% of the numbers that were present 30 years ago. The RSPB have shown that this large decline is mainly due to changes in farming practices and only partly due to pesticides. In the past cereals were planted in the spring, grown through the summer and harvested in the early autumn. Cereals are now planted in the autumn, grown through the winter and are harvested in the early summer. The winter grown fields are much too dense in summer for the Skylark to be able to walk and run between the cereal stems to find its food. The Skylark walks over the ground searching for food on the soil surface. Its diet consists of insects and plant material such as seeds and young leaves. When the word "lark" is used without specification, it usually refers to the Skylark. The collective noun for the Skylark is an "exaltation". The Skylark is the subject of poems by Percy Bysshe Shelley, George Meredith, Ted Hughes and numerous others, a play by Henrik Ibsen and pieces of music including The Lark Ascending by Ralph Vaughan Williams. Date: 9th June 2023 Location: Stackpole Head, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49797855.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_101348579864eca76e16bfe.jpgGatekeeper Flight period: mid-July to early September. The Gatekeeper or Hedge Brown is common and widespread throughout the southern half of the UK. They can be found in areas with hedgerows or in scrubby woodland with wide and sunny rides. Date: 3rd July 2023 Location: Broadcroft Quarry, Isle of Portland, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49797648.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_84946246164eca2390bfda.jpgSilver-studded Blue Description to follow .... Date: 2nd July 2023 Location: Hartland Moor NNR, Purbeck Heaths NNR, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080600.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_155522710063a4599c9446d.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 1st December 2022 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308851.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_43795572963ee37d68a955.jpgCarrion Crow The Carrion Crow is a passerine bird in the crow family Corvidae. The Hooded Crow was formerly regarded as a sub-species but it has now been split off as a separate species The plumage of the Carrion Crow is black with a green or purple sheen. The bill, legs and feet are also black. It can be distinguished from the Raven by its smaller size (19 to 20 inches in length as compared to an average of 25 inches for the Raven) and from the Hooded Crow by its all black plumage. There is frequent confusion between the Carrion Crow and the Rook, another black corvid species found within its range. The beak of the Carrion Crow is stouter and in consequence it looks shorter and whereas in the adult Rook the nostrils are bare, those of the Carrion Crow are covered at all ages with bristle-like feathers. As well as this, the wings of a Carrion Crow are proportionally shorter and broader than those of the Rook when seen in flight. Unlike the Rook which is generally gregarious, the Carrion Crow is usually solitary or seen in breeding pairs. The Carrion Crow is a noisy bird, perching on a vantage point such as a building or the top of a tree and calling 3 or 4 times in quick succession with a slight pause between each series of calls. During each series of calls, the bird may perform an accompanying gesture, bowing its head and neck downwards with each call. The Carrion Crow can become tame near humans and can often be found in or around areas of human activity or habitation where they compete with other social birds such as gulls and ducks for food. The Carrion Crow breeds in west and central Europe with an allied form or race occurring in east Asia with the closely allied Hooded Crow filling the gap between. Fertile hybrids occur along the boundary between these 2 forms indicating their close genetic relationship. Across its range, it can be seen all year round in a wide range of habitats such as urban areas, farmland, woodlands, mountains, moorlands and seashores. The Carrion Crow reaches sexual maturity around the age of 3 years for females and 5 years for males and birds often mate for life. The Carrion Crow builds a bulky stick nest which is usually placed in a tall tree although cliff ledges, old buildings and pylons may be used as well. Nests are also occasionally placed on or near the ground. The nest resembles that of the Raven but is less bulky. The female lays 3 to 4 eggs which are incubated for 18 to 20 days by the female alone who is fed by the male. The young fledge after 29 to 30 days. It is not uncommon for offspring from the previous year to stay around and help rear the new hatchlings. Instead of seeking out a mate, these birds look for food and assist the parents in feeding the young. Although an eater of carrion of all kinds, the Carrion Crow will eat insects, earthworms, grain, fruits, seeds, small mammals, amphibians and scraps and it will also steal eggs of other birds. It is a scavenger by nature which is why it tends to frequent sites inhabited by humans in order to feed on household waste. The Carrion Crow will also harass birds of prey or even Foxes for their kills. The Carrion Crow has few natural predators although powerful raptors such as the Northern Goshawk, the Peregrine, the Eurasian Eagle Owl and the Golden Eagle will readily hunt them and they can become an important prey item locally. Date: 21st January 2022 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512548.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_126569732062c99a5f88496.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 9th May 2022 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512542.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_88902097862c99a57361f8.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 9th May 2022 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42632717.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_141559737160aa64554cbb9.jpgSedge Warbler The Sedge Warbler is a medium-sized Old World warbler in the genus Acrocephalus. It has a streaked brown back and wings and pale underparts. The rump is warm brown and unstreaked, contrasting with the duller wings. The forehead is flattened, there is a prominent whitish supercilium, the crown is streaked with black and the bill is strong and pointed. The plumage of the sexes is identical. Juvenile birds have dark spots on the breast. The Sedge Warbler’s song is varied, rushed and chattering with sweeter phrases and some mimicry, all typical of the Acrocephalus warblers. It is composed of phrases in random order so that it is never the same. Male Sedge Warblers which have the widest repertoire mate with the largest number of females. Male Sedge Warblers commence singing only a few hours after arriving on their breeding territory. The song is given from a bare perch such as a reed stem or bush or from cover and during routine flights within their territory. Song flights are also performed. Whilst singing, the bird takes off, rises to a height of up to 10 feet and then after a short circling flight, it makes a slow, parachuting descent, often with the wings held up in a “v” shape. The song has the function of attracting a mate rather than keeping other males away and it is stopped as soon as a mate is found. The Sedge Warbler has a large range and it breeds across Europe and western and central Asia. Unlike other members of the Acrocephalus genus, the Sedge Warbler's range stretches from the Arctic to mid-latitudes since it is adapted to live in cool, cloudy and moist conditions. It is a migratory species and winters in sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal in the west to Ethiopia in the east and as far south as the eastern Cape Province of South Africa and north Namibia. Birds begin leaving Africa in late February, fatten up at wetlands before and probably after crossing the Sahara and arrive in Europe from March onwards. During the breeding season, the Sedge Warbler can be found in reedbeds, often with scrub, ditches and habitats away from water including hedgerows, patches of stinging nettles and arable crops. On the African wintering grounds, habitats such as reeds in wetlands, papyrus, grass, sedge and reedmace and tall elephant grass are used. Loss of wetland areas for feeding on migration and the expansion of the Sahara desert pose threats to the Sedge Warbler's breeding population. The Sedge Warbler is mostly insectivorous and the diet includes mayflies, dragonflies and damselflies, grasshoppers, bugs, lacewings, moths, beetles and flies. Vegetable material includes elderberries and blackberries. On their wintering grounds food includes non-biting midges and flowers and berries. It feeds in low, thick vegetation, especially reeds and rushes, but also in arable fields and around bushes. Feeding techniques include picking insects from vegetation while perched or sometimes hovering and “leap-catching” where the bird grabs flying insects as it flies between perches. The Sedge Warbler tends to hop between plant stems and pick insects from underneath leaves and it takes advantage of the low temperatures around dusk and dawn which make their prey less mobile. Date: 21st April 2021 Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49797653.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_194918365164eca23cd6014.jpgSilver-studded Blue Description to follow .... Date: 2nd July 2023 Location: Hartland Moor NNR, Purbeck Heaths NNR, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49003257.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_737861752646901920eeb6.jpgNightingale The Nightingale is a small passerine bird best known for its powerful and beautiful song. Slightly larger than the Robin, it is plain brown above except for the reddish tail and buff to white below. The sexes are similar. The Nightingale is a migratory insectivorous bird breeding in forest and scrub in Europe and south west Asia and wintering in west Africa. The distribution is more southerly than the very closely related Thrush Nightingale. In the UK the bird is at the northern limit of its range which has contracted in recent years placing it on the Amber List for conservation. Despite local efforts to safeguard its favoured coppice and scrub habitat, numbers fell by 53% between 1995 and 2008. A survey conducted by the British Trust for Ornithology in 2012 and 2013 recorded some 3,300 territories with most of these clustered in a few counties in the south east of England, notably Kent, Essex, Suffolk and East and West Sussex. By contrast, the European breeding population is estimated at between 3.2 and 7 million pairs, giving it green conservation status (least concern). The song of the Nightingale has been described as one of the most beautiful sounds in nature, inspiring songs, fairy tales, opera, books and a great deal of poetry. The Nightingales is so named because it frequently sings at night as well as during the day. The name has been used for more than 1,000 years, being highly recognisable even in its Old English form nihtgale which means "night songstress". Early writers assumed the female sang when it is in fact the male. The song is loud with an impressive range of whistles, trills and gurgles. Its song is particularly noticeable at night because few other birds are singing. This is why its name includes "night" in several languages. Only unpaired males sing regularly at night and nocturnal song is likely to serve to attract a mate. Singing at dawn, during the hour before sunrise, is assumed to be important in defending the bird's territory. Nightingales sing even more loudly in urban or near-urban environments in order to overcome the background noise. Date: 5th May 2022 Location: Danbury Common, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230758.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_131850161764917356e8767.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 14th May 2023 Location: Llanddeusant Red Kite feeding station, Carmarthenshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49798208.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_113265198464ecadc6f23f0.jpgLulworth Skipper Description to follow .... Date: 3rd July 2023 Location: Durlston Country Park, Swanage, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801259.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_103480853864edb30553560.jpgGatekeeper Flight period: mid-July to early September. The Gatekeeper or Hedge Brown is common and widespread throughout the southern half of the UK. They can be found in areas with hedgerows or in scrubby woodland with wide and sunny rides. Date: 26th July 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405561.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11680565796586fc05df61c.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the Canidae family and is a part of the order Carnivora within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 6th December 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623052.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4423199016117d37d75a43.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49002090.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15377162046468e792e6c2b.jpgBlackbird The Common Blackbird is a species of true thrush. It is also called Eurasian Blackbird (especially in North America in order to distinguish it from the unrelated New World blackbirds) or simply Blackbird where this does not lead to confusion with a similar-looking local species. The Blackbird’s name derives form 2 Latin words: turdus meaning “thrush” and merula meaning “blackbird”. It may not immediately be clear why the name "blackbird", first recorded in 1486, was applied to this species but not to one of the various other common black English birds, such as the Carrion Crow, Raven, Rook or Jackdaw. However, in Old English and in modern English up to about the 18th century, "bird" was used only for smaller or young birds and larger ones such as crows were called "fowl". At that time, the Blackbird was therefore the only widespread and conspicuous black bird in the UK. The Blackbird is around 9.25 to 11.5 inches in length including a long tail. The adult male has glossy black plumage, blackish-brown legs, a yellow eye-ring and an orange-yellow bill. The bill darkens somewhat in winter. The adult female is sooty-brown with a dull yellowish-brownish bill, a brownish-white throat and some weak mottling on the breast. The juvenile is similar to the female but has pale spots on the upperparts and the very young juvenile also has a speckled breast. Young birds vary in the shade of brown, with darker birds presumably males. The first year male resembles the adult male but has a dark bill and weaker eye ring and its folded wing is brown rather than black like the body plumage. The Blackbird breeds in temperate Eurasia, north Africa, the Canary Islands and south Asia. Populations are sedentary in the south and west of the range although northern birds migrate south as far as north Africa and tropical Asia in winter. Common over most of its range in woodland, the Blackbird has a preference for deciduous trees with dense undergrowth. However, gardens provide the most successful breeding habitat. It occurs up to around 3300 feet in Europe and is often replaced by the related Ring Ousel in areas of higher altitude. The Blackbird has an extensive range and a large population which is generally stable or increasing. However, there have been local declines, especially on farmland, which may be due to agricultural policies that encouraged farmers to remove hedgerows (which provide nesting places) and to drain damp grassland and increase the use of pesticides, both of which could have reduced the availability of invertebrate food. The Blackbird may commence breeding in March when the breeding pair prospect for a suitable nest site in a creeper or bush, favouring evergreen or thorny species such as ivy, holly, hawthorn, honeysuckle or pyracantha. Sometimes they will nest in sheds or outbuildings where a ledge or cavity is used. The cup-shaped nest is made with grasses, leaves and other vegetation and bound together with mud. It is built by the female alone. The nest is often ill-concealed compared with those of other species and many breeding attempts fail due to predation. The female lays 3 to 5 (average 4) bluish-green eggs marked with reddish-brown blotches which are incubated for 12 to 14 days before the chicks are hatched naked and blind. Fledging takes another 10 to 19 (average 13.6) days, with both parents feeding the young. The young are fed by the parents for up to 3 weeks after leaving the nest and they will follow the adults begging for food. If the female starts another nest, the male alone will feed the fledged young. Second broods are common with the female reusing the same nest if the brood was successful. The first-year male Blackbird may start singing as early as late January in fine weather in order to establish a territory, followed in late March by the adult male. The male's song is a varied and melodious low-pitched fluted warble which is given from trees, rooftops or other elevated perches mainly in the period from March to June and sometimes into the beginning of July. During the winter, the Blackbird can be heard quietly singing to itself, so much so that September and October are the only months which the song cannot be heard. The Blackbird is omnivorous, eating a wide range of insects, earthworms, seeds and berries. It feeds mainly on the ground, running and hopping with a start-stop-start progress. It pulls earthworms from the soil, usually finding them by sight but sometimes by hearing, and roots through leaf litter for other invertebrates. Small amphibians and lizards are occasionally hunted. The Blackbird will also perch in bushes to take berries and collect caterpillars and other active insects. Animal prey predominates and this is particularly important during the breeding season with windfall apples and berries taken more in the autumn and winter. Near human habitation the main predator of the Blackbird is the domestic cat, with newly fledged young especially vulnerable. Foxes and predatory birds, such as the Sparrowhawk, also predate the Blackbird when the opportunity arises. Eggs and chicks are also taken by corvids, such as the Magpie or Jay. Date: 8th April 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49276533.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_168762130264995d00c62b4.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 5th June 2023 Location: NWT Weeting Heath, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308876.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_80293787463ee380ca5e3b.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 21st January 2022 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30017267.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10920768455875522858252.jpgScaup The Greater Scaup, or just Scaup in Europe, is a medium sized diving duck in the genus [i]Aythya[/i]. The adult Scaup is 15 to 22 inches in length with a 28 to 33 inches wingspan and it is 20% heavier and 10% longer than the closely related Lesser Scaup. The adult male has a dark head with a green sheen, blue bill and yellow eyes, a glossy black neck, breast and tail, a light back, vermiculated grey lower flanks and a bright white belly. The upper wing has a white stripe starting as the speculum and extending along the flight feathers to the wingtip. The male is larger and has a more rounded head than the female. The adult female has a brown body and head, with white wing markings similar to those of the male but slightly duller. It has a white band and brown oval shaped patches at the base of the bill which is a slightly duller shade of blue than the male's. Juveniles look similar to adult females. The Scaup has a circumpolar distribution and it breeds within the Arctic Circle both in the Old World (the Palearctic) and in north America (the Nearctic). In the summer months it can be found in Alaska, Siberia and the northern parts of Europe. It is also found in Asia and is present in the Aleutian Islands all year round. The Scaup breeds in marshy lowland tundra and islands in fresh water lakes. Males have a soft, quick whistle which they use to attract the attention of females during courtship which takes place from late winter to early spring on the way back to their northern breeding grounds. The courtship is complex and results in the formation of monogamous pairs. Pairs nest in close proximity to each other in large colonies, usually near water, on an island or shoreline or on a raft of floating vegetation. The nest consists of a shallow depression made by the female and lined with her down. After the female lays the eggs, the male abandons the female and moves with other males to a large, isolated lake to moult. These lakes can be close to the breeding grounds or miles away. The female lays 6 to 9 eggs which she incubates for 24 to 28 days. Newly hatched chicks are covered with down and are soon able to walk, swim and feed themselves. However, they are not able to fly until 40 to 45 days after hatching and they follow their mother who protects them from predators. In the autumn, Scaup start their migration south for the winter. During the winter months it can be found in large flocks in coastal bays and estuaries along the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of north America, the coasts of north west Europe, the Caspian Sea, the Black Sea, the coast of Japan, the Yellow Sea and the East China Sea. In Europe, the Scaup breeds in Iceland, along the northern coasts of Scandinavia, in the Baltic Sea and in areas close to the Arctic Ocean in Russia. These birds spend the winter in the UK (primarily on estuaries in north England and central Scotland but also occasionally on lakes and reservoirs elsewhere), west Norway, south Sweden, the coast from Brittany in France to Poland, the eastern Adriatic Sea, the north and west Black Sea and the south west Caspian Sea. The Scaup dives up to 20 feet to obtain food which it then eats on the surface. It mainly eats molluscs, aquatic plants and aquatic insects. Although the Scaup faces numerous threats, the most significant challenge to their survival is habitat degradation caused by a mix of human development, run-off of organochloride contaminants and oil and sewage pollution. Since the 1980s, the population has been steadily decreasing although it still rated as a species of “least concern” by the IUCN. This bird was part of the captive collection at WWT Slimbridge. Date: 2nd January 2017 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26032306.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3507415865637876e1cba6.jpgEider The Eider is a large sea duck that is distributed over the northern coasts of Europe, north America and eastern Siberia. It breeds in the Arctic and some northern temperate regions but winters somewhat further south in temperate zones when it can form large flocks on coastal waters. The Eider is both the largest of the 4 eider species and the largest duck found in Europe and in north America (except for the Muscovy duck which only reaches north America in a wild state in southernmost Texas and south Florida). The Eider is characterized by its bulky shape and large, wedge-shaped bill. The male is unmistakable with its black and white plumage and green nape. The female is a brown bird but can still be readily distinguished from all ducks, except other eider species, on the basis of size and head shape. The drake's display call is a strange almost human-like "ah-ooo" while the duck utters hoarse quacks. The Eider dives for crustaceans and molluscs, with mussels being a favoured food. The Eider will eat mussels by swallowing them whole. The shells are then crushed in their gizzard and excreted. When eating a crab, the Eider will remove all of its claws and legs and then eat the body in a similar fashion. The Eider is abundant with populations of about 1.5 to 2 million birds in both Europe and north America and also large but unknown numbers in eastern Siberia. The Eider is a colonial breeder nesting on coastal islands in colonies ranging in size of less than 100 to upwards of 10,000 to 15,000 individuals. Female Eiders frequently exhibit a high degree of natal philopatry where they return to breed on the same island where they were hatched. This can lead to a high degree of relatedness between individuals nesting on the same island as well as the development of kin-based female social structures. This relatedness has likely played a role in the evolution of co-operative breeding behaviours amongst Eiders. Examples of these behaviours include laying eggs in the nests of related individuals and crèching where female Eiders team up and share the work of rearing ducklings. The Eider's nest is built close to the sea and is lined with the celebrated eiderdown plucked from the female's breast. This soft and warm lining has long been harvested for filling pillows and quilts but in more recent years has been largely replaced by down from domestic farm geese and synthetic alternatives. Although eiderdown pillows or quilts are now a rarity, eiderdown harvesting continues and is sustainable as it can be done after the ducklings leave the nest with no harm to the birds. Date: 1st June 2015 Location: Hvammstangi, Vatnsnes peninsula, north west Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40952882.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10121219215e5394ca27826.jpgCliffs of Moher, Co. Clare, Ireland The Cliffs of Moher are located at the south western edge of the Burren region in Co. Clare and stretch for about 9 miles. At their southern end, they rise 390 feet above the Atlantic Ocean at Hag's Head and 5 miles to the north they reach their maximum height of 702 feet just north of O'Brien's Tower, a round stone tower near the midpoint of the cliffs built in 1835 by Sir Cornelius O'Brien, and then continue at lower heights. The closest villages are Liscannor, 4 miles to the south, and Doolin, 4 miles, to the north. From the Cliffs of Moher, visitors can see the Aran Islands in Galway Bay, the mountain ranges of the Maumturks and Twelve Pins in Connemara in Co. Galway to the north and Loop Head in Co. Clare to the south. The official Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk runs for about 11 miles from Hag's Head to Doolin. This passes the Visitor Centre and O'Brien's Tower with good viewing throughout subject to rain or sea fog. There are 2 paths near the Visitor Centre, the official one being set back a little for safety whilst an unofficial path runs closer to the edge. In July 2016 the so-called Cliff Walk, outside the official Cliffs of Moher amenities, was temporarily closed because of the risk of rock falls. People were warned to stay on the official path further away from the cliff edge instead of the unofficial path. Since 2011, the Cliffs of Moher have formed a part of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark, one of a family of geotourism destinations throughout Europe that are members of the European Geoparks Network and also recognized by UNESCO. The cliffs are also a "signature point" on the official Wild Atlantic Way tourist trail. The Cliffs of Moher rank among the most visited tourist sites in Ireland with around 1.5 million visits per year. In the 1990s the local authority, Clare County Council, initiated development plans to enable visitors to experience the cliffs without significant intrusive man-made amenities. In keeping with this approach, a modern visitor centre, the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience, was built into a hillside approaching the cliffs. The centre was planned to be environmentally sensitive in its use of renewable energy systems including geothermal heating and cooling, solar panels and grey water recycling. The €32 million facility was planned and built over a 17 year period and officially opened in February 2007. Exhibits include interactive media displays covering the geology, history, flora and fauna of the Cliffs of Moher. The Cliffs of Moher consist mainly of beds of Namurian shale and sandstone with the oldest rocks being found at the bottom of the cliffs. During the time of their formation between 313 and 326 million years ago, a river dumped sand, silt and clay in to an ancient marine basin. Over millions of years, the sediments collecting at the mouth of this ancient delta were compacted and lithified in to the sedimentary strata preserved in the now exposed cliffs. Today the Cliffs of Moher are subject to erosion by wave action which undermines the base of support causing the cliffs to collapse under their own weight. This process creates a variety of coastal landforms characteristic of eroded coasts such as sea caves, sea stacks and sea stumps. Branaunmore, a 220 feet high sea stack at the foot below O'Brien's Tower, was once part of the Cliffs of Moher but coastal erosion gradually removed the layers of rock that joined it with the mainland. A large sea arch can also be seen at Hag's Head below the Napoleonic signal tower and many smaller sea arches can be seen from sea level. During the peak summer breeding season, there are an estimated 30,000 pairs of birds of more than 20 species and the Cliffs of Moher are designated as an Important Bird Area. A wide range of sea life can also be seen from the Cliffs of Moher including Atlantic Grey Seals, various species of whales and dolphins and Basking Sharks. Date: 6th February 2020 Location: view from Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk near Visitor Centre http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49001724.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12468108576468e13cbfc76.jpgCommon Buzzard The Common Buzzard is a member of the genus Buteo and the family Accipitridae, a group of medium-sized raptors with robust bodies and broad wings. The Buteo species of Eurasia and Africa are usually commonly referred to as buzzards whilst those in the Americas are called hawks. Under current classification, the genus Buteo includes approximately 28 species. The Common Buzzard includes between 7 to 16 sub-species and the western Buteo group includes Buteo buteo buteo which is found more or less continuously throughout Europe including the UK. The Common Buzzard is a medium-sized raptor that is highly variable in plumage. It is distinctly round headed with a somewhat slender bill and it has relatively long wings that either reach or fall slightly short of the tail tip when perched, a fairly short tail and somewhat short and mainly bare tarsi. It can appear fairly compact in overall appearance but may also appear large relative to other commoner raptors such as the Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. The Common Buzzard measures between 16 and 23 inches in length with a 3 feet 7 inches to 4 feet 7 inches wingspan. Females average about 2 to 7% larger than males in length and weigh about 15% more. Body mass can show considerable variation from 0.94 to 2.6 pounds in males and 1.07 to 3.02 pounds in females. In Europe, the Common Buzzard is typically dark brown above and on the upperside of the head and mantle but this can become paler and warmer brown with worn plumage. Usually the tail will be narrowly barred grey-brown and dark brown with a pale tip and a broad dark subterminal band but the tail in the palest birds can show a varying amount of white and a reduced sub-terminal band or even appear almost all white. The underside colouring can be variable but typically shows a brown-streaked white throat with a somewhat darker chest. A pale U across the breast is often present followed by a pale line running down the belly which separates the dark areas on the breast side and flanks. These pale areas tend to have highly variable markings that form irregular bars. Juveniles are quite similar to adults and are best told apart by having a paler eye, a narrower sub-terminal band on the tail and underside markings that appear as streaks rather than bars. Beyond the typical mid-range brownish Common Buzzard, birds in Europe can range from almost uniform black-brown above to mainly white. Extreme dark individuals may range from chocolate-brown to blackish with almost no pale colour showing but with a variable or faded U on the breast and with or without faint lighter brown throat streaks. Extreme pale individuals are largely whitish with variable widely spaced streaks or arrowheads of light brown about the mid-chest and flanks and may or may not show dark feather-centres on the head, wing-coverts and sometimes all but part of the mantle. Individuals can show nearly endless variation of colours and hues in between these extremes and the Common Buzzard is among the most variably plumaged diurnal raptors for this reason. The Common Buzzard is often confused with other raptors especially in flight or at a distance including other Buteo species such as Rough-legged Buzzard and Long-legged Buzzard and also Honey Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, Golden Eagle, Booted Eagle and Short-toed Eagle. The Common Buzzard is found throughout several islands in the eastern Atlantic islands, including the Canary Islands and the Azores, and almost throughout Europe. In the UK, it is found in Northern Ireland and in nearly every part of Scotland and England. In mainland Europe, there are no substantial gaps in the range from Portugal and Spain to Greece, Estonia, Belarus and the Ukraine, although it is present mainly only in the breeding season in much of the eastern half of the latter 3 countries. It is also present in all larger Mediterranean islands such as Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily and Crete. Further north in to Scandinavia, it is found mainly in south Norway, the southern half of Sweden and in the southern two-thirds of Finland. The Common Buzzard reaches its northern limit as a breeder in far eastern Finland and over the border in to European Russia and nearly to the Kola Peninsula. In these northern limits, the Common Buzzard is present typically only in summer. The Common Buzzard generally inhabits the interface of woodlands and open ground and typically lives in forest edge, small broad-leaved, coniferous or mixed woodlands with adjacent grassland, arable fields or other farmland and open moorland as long as there are some trees. It is absent from treeless tundra and sporadic or rare in treeless steppe. The Common Buzzard can be found from sea level to elevations of 6600 feet although it breeds mostly below 3300 feet. It can winter to an elevation of 8200 feet and migrates easily at 14,800 feet. The Common Buzzard is a partial migrant. Autumn and spring movements are subject to extensive variation, even down to the individual level, based on a region's food resources, competition (both from other Common Buzzards and other predators), the extent of human disturbance and weather conditions. Short distance movements are the norm for juveniles and some adults in autumn and winter but more adults in central and south Europe and the UK remain in their year-around areas than do not. The Common Buzzard is a typical Buteo in much of its behaviour. It is most often seen effortlessly soaring for extended periods at varying heights although it can appear laborious and heavy in level flight. It is also often seen perched prominently on tree tops, bare branches, telegraph poles, fence posts, rocks or ledges or alternatively well inside the tree canopy. It will also stand and forage on the ground. The Common Buzzard is a generalist predator which hunts a wide variety of prey given the opportunity. The prey extents to a wide variety of vertebrates including mammals, birds (from any age from eggs to adult birds), reptiles, amphibians and fish as well as to various invertebrates, mostly insects. In total, well over 300 prey species are known to be taken by the Common Buzzard. However, dietary studies have shown that it mostly preys upon small mammals, mainly small rodents. Furthermore, prey size can vary from tiny beetles, caterpillars and ants to large adult grouse and Rabbits up to nearly twice their body mass. At times, the Common Buzzard will also subsist partially on carrion, usually of dead mammals or fish. Hunting in relatively open areas has been found to increase hunting success whereas more complete shrub cover lowered success. A majority of prey is taken by dropping from a perch and is normally taken on the ground. Prey may also be hunted in a low flight, by random glides or soars or by foraging on the ground. The home range of the Common Buzzard is generally 0.19 to 0.77 square miles and the size of the breeding territory seems to be correlated with food supply. The territory is maintained through flight displays and in Europe territorial behaviour usually starts in February. However, displays are not uncommon throughout the year in resident pairs, especially by males, and can elicit similar displays by their neighbours. In the display, the Common Buzzard generally engages in high circling, spiraling upward on slightly raised wings. Mutual high circling by pairs sometimes goes on at length, especially during the period prior to or during breeding season. During the mutual displays, the male may engage in exaggerated deep flapping or zig-zag tumbling, apparently in response to the female being too distant. Several pairs may circle together at times and as many as 14 individual adults have been recorded over established display sites. Sky-dancing by the Common Buzzard has been recorded in spring and autumn, typically by the male but sometimes by the female, nearly always with much calling. Sky-dances are of the rollercoaster type, with an upward sweep of up to 100 feet until the bird starts start to stall but sometimes embellished with loops or rolls at the top. Next in the sky-dance, the bird will dive at least 200 feet on more or less closed wings before spreading them and shooting up again. These sky-dances may be repeated in series of 10 to 20. In the climax of the sky-dance, the undulations become progressively shallower, often slowing and terminating directly on to a perch. Various other aerial displays include low contour flight or weaving among trees, frequently with deep beats and exaggerated upstrokes which show underwing pattern to rivals perched below. Talon grappling and occasionally cartwheeling downward with feet interlocked has also been recorded. The Common Buzzard tends to build a bulky nest of sticks, twigs and often heather and lined with broad-leaved foliage. Nests are up to 3.3 to 3.9 feet across and 24 inches deep. With reuse over years, the diameter of a nest can reach or exceed 5 feet. Trees are generally used for a nesting location but crags or cliffs are used if trees are unavailable. Nests in trees are usually located by the main trunk at a height of around 10 to 82 feet. Pairs often have 2 to 4 nests in a territory but some pairs may use a single nest over several consecutive years. The breeding season of the Common Buzzard commences at differing times based on latitude. It may fall as early as January to April but typically it is March to July in most of Europe. In the northern limits of the range the breeding season may occur from May to August. Mating usually occurs on or near the nest and eggs are usually laid in 2 to 3 day intervals. The clutch size can range from to 2 to 6 and it appears that local factors such as habitat and food supply are relevant. Eggs are generally laid in late March to early April in the extreme south, sometime in April in most of Europe and in to May and possibly even early June in the extreme north. If eggs are lost to a predator or fail in some other way, replacement clutches are not usually laid although this has been recorded. Incubation lasts for 33 to 35 days and is mostly, but not solely, undertaken by the female. Hatching may take place over 3 to 7 days. Often the youngest nestling dies from starvation, especially in broods of 3 or more. The female remains at the nest brooding the young in the early stages with the male bringing all prey. At about 8 to 12 days, both the male and female will bring prey but the female continues to do all feeding until the young can tear up their own prey. The young are nearly fully feathered rather than downy at about a month of age and can start to feed themselves as well. The first attempts to leave the nest are often at about 40 to 50 days. Fledging occurs typically at 43 to 54 days but in extreme cases as late 62 days. After leaving the nest, the young generally stay close by until full independence 6 to 8 weeks after fledging. Numerous factors may influence the breeding success of the Common Buzzard including the availability of prey populations, habitat, disturbance and persecution levels and competition. The Common Buzzard is one of the most numerous birds of prey in its range and it is the most numerous diurnal bird of prey throughout much of Europe. Date: 2nd April 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49276710.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1646814285649962cb2078f.jpgCommon Guillemots The Common Guillemot, also known as the Common Murre or Thin-billed Murre, is a large species of auk. The auks are a family of seabirds which includes the Brunnich's Guillemot or Thick-billed Murre, Razorbill, Little Auk and the extinct Great Auk. The Common Guillemot is 15 to 18 inches in length with a 24 to 29 inches wingspan. In breeding plumage, it is black or dark brown on the head, back and wings with white underparts. It has a thin dark pointed bill and a small rounded dark tail. Legs are grey and the bill is dark grey. Males and females are identical. Some individuals in the North Atlantic, known as "Bridled Guillemots", have a white ring around the eye extending back as a white line. This is not a distinct subspecies but a polymorphism that becomes more common the farther north the birds breed. The Common Guillemot flies with fast wing beats and has a flight speed of around 50 mph. Groups of birds are often seen flying together in a line just above the surface of the sea. However, it is not a very agile bird and take-off is often difficult. The Common Guillemot becomes flightless for 45 to 60 days while moulting its primary feathers. The Common Guillemot is a pursuit diver that forages for food by swimming underwater using its wings for propulsion. Dives usually last less than one minute but the bird swims underwater for distances of over 100 feet on a regular basis. Diving depths up to 590 feet have been recorded. The Common Guillemot has a circumpolar distribution and it occurs in low Arctic and boreal waters in the north Atlantic and north Pacific. It spends most of its time at sea and only comes to land to breed on rocky cliffs, sea stacks and islands. Some birds are permanent residents but northern birds migrate south to open waters off New England, southern California, Japan, Korea and the western Mediterranean. The Common Guillemot breeds in colonies at high densities and nesting pairs may be in bodily contact with their neighbours. No nest is made and the single egg is laid and incubated on a bare rock ledge on a cliff face. The egg hatches after 30 days incubation and the chick is born downy and can regulate its body temperature after 10 days. Some 20 days after hatching the chick jumps off its nesting ledge and heads for the sea unable to fly but gliding for some distance with fluttering wings and accompanied by its male parent. The chicks are capable of diving as soon as they hit the water. The female stays at the nest site for some 14 days after the chick has left. The Common Guillemot can venture far from its breeding grounds to forage and distances of 60 miles or more are often observed although if sufficient food is available closer by, birds will only travel much shorter distances. It mainly eats small schooling fish 8 inches long or less such as Polar Cod, Capelin, Sand Lances, Sprats, Sandeels, Atlantic Cod and Atlantic Herring. It also eats some molluscs, marine worms, squid and crustaceans. It is often seen carrying fish in its bill with the tail hanging out. Date: 7th June 2023 Location: Stack Rocks, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405427.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16248788706586ddec16871.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 8th October 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29951160.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2758985575866426e17630.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the [i]Canidae[/i] family and is a part of the order [i]Carnivora[/i] within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 29th December 2016 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4088275.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11439730234b19412ca86fd.jpgLittle Egret The Little Egret is a species of small heron. The genus name comes from the Provençal French [i]Aigrette[/i] (egret), a diminutive of [i]Aigron [/i] (heron). The adult Little Egret is 22 to 26 inches long with a 35 to 42 inches wingspan. Its plumage is normally entirely white although there are dark forms with largely bluish-grey plumage. In the breeding season, the adult has 2 long plumes on the nape that form a crest. These plumes are about 6 inches in length and are pointed and very narrow. There are similar feathers on the breast but the barbs are more widely spread. There are also several elongated scapular feathers that have long loose barbs around 8 inches long. During the winter the plumage is similar but the scapulars are shorter and more normal in appearance. The bill is long and slender and both it and the lores are black. There is an area of greenish-grey bare skin at the base of the lower mandible and around the eye which has a yellow iris. The legs are black and the feet yellow. Juveniles are similar to non-breeding adults but have greenish-black legs and duller yellow feet and may have a certain proportion of greyish or brownish feathers. The Little Egret is mostly silent but it does make various croaking and bubbling calls at its breeding colonies and it produces a harsh alarm call when disturbed. The breeding range of the western race of the Little Egret includes south Europe, the Middle East, much of Africa and south Asia. European populations are migratory and mostly travel to Africa although some remain in southern Europe. During the late 20th century, the range of the Little Egret expanded northwards in Europe and into the New World. The Little Egret's habitat varies widely and includes the shores of lakes, rivers, canals, ponds, lagoons, marshes and flooded land, the bird preferring open locations to dense cover. On the coast it inhabits mudflats, sandy beaches, mangrove areas, swamps and reefs. The Little Egret is a sociable bird and can be seen in small flocks. However, individual birds do not tolerate others coming too close to their chosen feeding site although this depends on the abundance of prey. The Little Egret uses a variety of methods to find its food. It stalks its prey in shallow water, often running with raised wings or shuffling its feet to disturb small fish, or it may stand still and wait to ambush prey. It also makes use of opportunities provided by Cormorants disturbing fish or humans attracting fish by throwing bread into water. On land, it walks or runs while chasing its prey, often feeding on creatures disturbed by grazing livestock. The diet is mainly fish but amphibians, small reptiles, mammals and birds are also eaten as well as crustaceans, molluscs, insects, spiders and worms. The Little Egret nests in colonies, often with other wading birds such as Cattle Egret, Black-crowned Night Heron, Squacco Heron and Glossy Ibis. The nests are usually platforms of sticks built in trees or shrubs or in reed beds or bamboo groves. Pairs defend a small breeding territory, usually extending around 10 to 13 feet from the nest. The 3 to 5 eggs are incubated by both adults for 21 to 25 days before hatching. The young birds are covered in white down feathers are cared for by both parents and fledge after 40 to 45 days. Globally, the Little Egret is not listed as a threatened species and has in fact expanded its range over the last few decades.[5] The IUCN states that their wide distribution and large total population means that they are a species that cause them "least concern". Historical research has shown that the Little Egret was once present, and probably common, in the UK but became extinct there through a combination of over-hunting in the late mediaeval period and climate change at the start of the Little Ice Age. Further declines occurred throughout Europe as the plumes of the Little Egret and other egrets were in demand for decorating hats. They had been used in the plume trade since at least the 17th century but in the 19th century it became a major craze and the number of egret skins passing through dealers reached into the millions. Hunting, which reduced the population of the species to dangerously low levels, stimulated the establishment of Britain's Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in 1889. By the 1950s, the Little Egret had become restricted to south Europe and conservation laws protecting the species were introduced. This allowed the population to rebound strongly and over the next few decades it became increasingly common in western France and later on the north coast. It bred in the Netherlands in 1979 with further breeding from the 1990s onward. Populations are now mostly stable or increasing in Europe. In the UK, the Little Egret was a rare vagrant from its 16th century extinction until the late 20th century. It has, however, recently become a regular breeding species and is commonly present, often in large numbers, at favoured coastal sites. The first recent breeding record in England was on Brownsea Island in Dorset in 1996 and it bred in Wales for the first time in 2002. The population increase has been rapid subsequently with over 750 pairs breeding in nearly 70 colonies in 2008 and a post-breeding total of 4,540 birds in September 2008. Severe winter weather proves only to be a temporary setback and the Little Egret continues to expand both its numbers and range in the UK. Date: 9th November 2009 Location: Delta de l’Ebre, Catalunya, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308905.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_77658571963ee419be7125.jpgBittern The Bittern, Eurasian Bittern or Great Bittern is a bird in the bittern sub-family of the heron family. Its folk names, often local, include many variations on the themes of "barrel-maker", "bog-bull", "bog hen", "bog-trotter", "bog-bumper", "mire drum(ble)", "butter bump", "bitter bum", "bog blutter", "bog drum", "boom bird", "bottle-bump", "bull of the bog", "bull of the mire", "bumpy cors" and "heather blutter". Most of these were onomatopoeic colloquial names for the bird. The call was described as "bumping" or "booming" and mire and bog denoted the bird's habitat. As its alternative name of Great Bittern suggests, the Bittern is the largest of the bitterns with males being slightly larger than females. It is 27 to 32 inches in length with a 39 to 51 inches wingspan. The crown and nape are black with the individual feathers rather long and loosely arranged and tipped with buff narrowly barred with black. The sides of the head and neck are a more uniform tawny-buff and irregularly barred with black. The mantle, scapulars and back are of a similar colour but are more heavily barred, the individual feathers having black centres and barring. The head has a yellowish-buff superciliary stripe and a brownish-black moustachial stripe. The sides of the neck are a rusty-brown with faint barring. The chin and throat are buff, the central feathers on the throat having longitudinal stripes of rusty-brown. The breast and belly are yellowish-buff with broad stripes of brown at the side and narrow stripes in the centre. The tail is rusty-buff with black streaks in the centre and black mottling near the edge. The wings are pale rusty-brown and irregularly barred, streaked and mottled with black. The plumage has a loose texture and elongated feathers on the crown, neck and breast can be erected. The powerful bill is greenish-yellow with a darker tip to the upper mandible. The eye has a yellow iris and is surrounded by a ring of greenish or bluish bare skin. The legs and feet are greenish, with some yellow on the tarsal joint and yellow soles to the feet. Juveniles have similar plumage to adults but are somewhat paler with less distinct markings. The mating call or contact call of the male Bittern is a deep, fog-horn or bull-like boom with a quick rise and an only slightly longer fall, easily audible from a distance of 3 miles on a calm night. The call is mainly given between January and April during the mating season. Surveys of Bitterns are carried out by noting the number of distinct male booms in a given area. Prior to modern science, it was unknown how such a small bird produced a call so low-pitched. Common explanations suggested that the bird made its call into a straw or that it blew directly into the water. It is now known that the sound is produced by expelling air from the oesophagus with the aid of powerful muscles surrounding it. Usually solitary, the Bittern forages in reed beds by walking stealthily or remaining still above a body of water where prey may occur. It is a shy bird and if it is disturbed it will often point its bill directly upwards and freezes in that position, causing its cryptic plumage to blend into the surrounding reeds. The Bittern has a secretive nature and keeps largely hidden in reeds and coarse vegetation. Occasionally, especially in hard winter weather, it will stand in the open beside the water's edge, although usually close to cover to facilitate a hasty retreat. In flight, the Bittern’s wings can be seen to be broad and rounded and its legs trail behind it in typical heron fashion. Its neck is extended when it takes off but is retracted when it has picked up speed. It seldom flies however and prefers to move through the vegetation stealthily on foot. Its gait is slow and deliberate and it can clamber over reeds by gripping several at a time with its toes. It is most active at dawn and dusk but also sometimes forages by day. The breeding range of the Bittern extends across temperate parts of Europe and Asia from the UK, Sweden and Finland eastwards to Sakhalin Island in eastern Siberia and Hokkaido Island in Japan. The northern limit of its range is in the Ural Mountains and eastern Siberia whilst the southern limit is the Mediterranean Sea, the Black Sea, Iran, Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia and northern China. Small resident populations also breed in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. Some populations are sedentary and stay in the same areas throughout the year. More northerly populations usually migrate to warmer regions but some birds often remain. Birds in northern Europe tend to move south and west to southern Europe, north and central Africa and northern Asian birds migrate to parts of the Arabian peninsula, the Indian sub-continent and eastern China. In the UK, the Bittern can be found all year round at suitable wetlands, particularly in East Anglia, south east England and south west England. It is most visible in winter. In recent years, the Bittern has become a regular winter visitor to the London Wetland Centre, enabling city residents to view this scare bird. The Bittern is typically found in reed beds and swamps as well as lakes, lagoons and sluggish rivers fringed by rank vegetation. It sometimes nests by ponds in agricultural areas and even quite near habitations where suitable habitat exists but it prefers large reed beds of at least 50 acres in which to breed. Outside the breeding season it has less restrictive habitat requirements and, in addition to reed beds, it can also be found in rice fields, watercress beds, fish farms, gravel pits, sewage works, ditches, flooded areas and marshes. Males are polygamous and mate with up to 5 females. The nest is built in the previous year's standing reeds and consists of an untidy platform some 12 inches across. It may be on a tussock surrounded by water or on matted roots close to water and it is built by the female using bits of reed, sedges and grass stalks with a lining of finer fragments. The clutch of 4 to 6 eggs is laid in late March and April and incubated by the female for about 26 days. After hatching, the chicks spend about 2 weeks in the nest before leaving to swim amongst the reeds. The female rears them without help from the male, regurgitating food from her crop. The chicks become fully fledged at about 8 weeks. The Bittern feeds on fish, small mammals, amphibians and invertebrates, hunting along the reed margins in shallow water. Some vegetable matter such as aquatic plants is also consumed. The Bittern has a very wide range and a large total population and therefore the IUCN has assessed its overall conservation status as being of "Least Concern” because although the population trend is downward, the rate of decline is insufficient to justify rating it in a more threatened category. The chief threat that the Bittern faces is the drainage and disturbance of its wetland habitats. Date: 27th January 2023 Location: Fishers Green, Lee Valley Regional Park, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623465.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16077135596117e0870aa83.jpgLittle Egret The Little Egret is a species of small heron. The genus name comes from the Provençal French Aigrette (egret), a diminutive of Aigron (heron). The adult Little Egret is 22 to 26 inches long with a 35 to 42 inches wingspan. Its plumage is normally entirely white although there are dark forms with largely bluish-grey plumage. In the breeding season, the adult has 2 long plumes on the nape that form a crest. These plumes are about 6 inches in length and are pointed and very narrow. There are similar feathers on the breast but the barbs are more widely spread. There are also several elongated scapular feathers that have long loose barbs around 8 inches long. During the winter the plumage is similar but the scapulars are shorter and more normal in appearance. The bill is long and slender and both it and the lores are black. There is an area of greenish-grey bare skin at the base of the lower mandible and around the eye which has a yellow iris. The legs are black and the feet yellow. Juveniles are similar to non-breeding adults but have greenish-black legs and duller yellow feet and may have a certain proportion of greyish or brownish feathers. The Little Egret is mostly silent but it does make various croaking and bubbling calls at its breeding colonies and it produces a harsh alarm call when disturbed. The breeding range of the western race of the Little Egret includes south Europe, the Middle East, much of Africa and south Asia. European populations are migratory and mostly travel to Africa although some remain in southern Europe. During the late 20th century, the range of the Little Egret expanded northwards in Europe and into the New World. The Little Egret's habitat varies widely and includes the shores of lakes, rivers, canals, ponds, lagoons, marshes and flooded land, the bird preferring open locations to dense cover. On the coast it inhabits mudflats, sandy beaches, mangrove areas, swamps and reefs. The Little Egret is a sociable bird and can be seen in small flocks. However, individual birds do not tolerate others coming too close to their chosen feeding site although this depends on the abundance of prey. The Little Egret uses a variety of methods to find its food. It stalks its prey in shallow water, often running with raised wings or shuffling its feet to disturb small fish, or it may stand still and wait to ambush prey. It also makes use of opportunities provided by Cormorants disturbing fish or humans attracting fish by throwing bread into water. On land, it walks or runs while chasing its prey, often feeding on creatures disturbed by grazing livestock. The diet is mainly fish but amphibians, small reptiles, mammals and birds are also eaten as well as crustaceans, molluscs, insects, spiders and worms. The Little Egret nests in colonies, often with other wading birds such as Cattle Egret, Black-crowned Night Heron, Squacco Heron and Glossy Ibis. The nests are usually platforms of sticks built in trees or shrubs or in reed beds or bamboo groves. Pairs defend a small breeding territory, usually extending around 10 to 13 feet from the nest. The 3 to 5 eggs are incubated by both adults for 21 to 25 days before hatching. The young birds are covered in white down feathers are cared for by both parents and fledge after 40 to 45 days. Globally, the Little Egret is not listed as a threatened species and has in fact expanded its range over the last few decades.[5] The IUCN states that their wide distribution and large total population means that they are a species that cause them "least concern". Historical research has shown that the Little Egret was once present, and probably common, in the UK but became extinct there through a combination of over-hunting in the late mediaeval period and climate change at the start of the Little Ice Age. Further declines occurred throughout Europe as the plumes of the Little Egret and other egrets were in demand for decorating hats. They had been used in the plume trade since at least the 17th century but in the 19th century it became a major craze and the number of egret skins passing through dealers reached into the millions. Hunting, which reduced the population of the species to dangerously low levels, stimulated the establishment of Britain's Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in 1889. By the 1950s, the Little Egret had become restricted to south Europe and conservation laws protecting the species were introduced. This allowed the population to rebound strongly and over the next few decades it became increasingly common in western France and later on the north coast. It bred in the Netherlands in 1979 with further breeding from the 1990s onward. Populations are now mostly stable or increasing in Europe. In the UK, the Little Egret was a rare vagrant from its 16th century extinction until the late 20th century. It has, however, recently become a regular breeding species and is commonly present, often in large numbers, at favoured coastal sites. The first recent breeding record in England was on Brownsea Island in Dorset in 1996 and it bred in Wales for the first time in 2002. The population increase has been rapid subsequently with over 750 pairs breeding in nearly 70 colonies in 2008 and a post-breeding total of 4,540 birds in September 2008. Severe winter weather proves only to be a temporary setback and the Little Egret continues to expand both its numbers and range in the UK. Date: 5th July 2021 Location: RSPB Old Moor, Dearne Valley, South Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405454.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17461478676586e0d4c60bb.jpgWillow Emerald Damselfly Description to follow .... Date: 9th October 2023 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071691.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10691493616643358d0043e.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 4th May 2023 Location: Bwlch Nant yr Arian, Llywernog, Ceredigion http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081443.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_80213683363a84559f0ac4.jpgMute Swan The Mute Swan is a species of swan native to much of Eurasia. Despite its Eurasian origin, its closest relatives are the Black Swan of Australia and the Black-necked Swan of south America, not the other Northern Hemisphere swans such as the Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan. The name “mute” derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. The adult Mute Swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob at the top of the beak. All Mute Swans are white at maturity although the feathers (particularly on the head and neck) are often stained orange-brown by iron and tannins in the water. Young birds (cygnets) are not the bright white colour of mature adults and their bill is dull greyish-black for the first year. The plumage may range from pure white to grey to buff with grey/buff being the most common. Cygnets typically retain their grey/buff feathers until they are at least 1 year old. On average, the Mute Swan is the second largest waterfowl species after the Trumpeter Swan although the male Mute Swan can easily match or even exceed a male Trumpeter Swan in mass. The adult Mute Swan typically ranges from 55 to 63 inches in length (although it can range in extreme cases from 49 to 67 inches) with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. Males (cobs) are larger than females (pens) and have a larger knob on their bill. The Mute Swan is one of the heaviest flying birds. In several studies from the UK, males were found to average from about 23.4 to 26.2 pounds, with a weight range of 20 to 32 pounds, while the slightly smaller females were found to average about 18.7 to 21.3 pounds, with a weight range of 17 to 23 pounds. The Mute Swan is less vocal than the noisy Bewick's Swan and Whooper Swan although it does make a variety of grunting, hoarse whistling and snorting noises, especially in communicating with their cygnets and threatening competitors or intruders trying to enter their territory. The most familiar sound associated with the Mute Swan is the vibrant throbbing of the wings in flight which is unique to the species and this can be heard from a range of up to 1 mile. The Mute Swan is found naturally mainly in the temperate areas of Europe across west Asia and as far east as Primorsky Krai in the far east of Russia. It is partially migratory throughout the northern latitudes in Europe and Asia as far south as north Africa and the Mediterranean. It is also often kept in captivity outside its natural range as a decoration for parks and ponds and escapes have occurred. The descendants of such birds have become naturalised in east USA and the Great Lakes region across the USA and Canada border. The Mute Swan population in the UK has increased recently probably due to better protection of this species. Some birds are resident all year whilst others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into east England. Mute Swans nest on large mounds that they build with waterside vegetation in shallow water on islands in the middle or at the very edge of a lake. It is a monogamous species and often reuses the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Males and females share the care of the nest. The female lays from 4 to 10 eggs and broods for around 36 days. Cygnets are unable to fly before an age of 120 to 150 days and this limits the distribution of the species in the northern edge of its range since the cygnets must learn to fly before the water freezes. The Mute Swan is usually strongly territorial with just a single pair on smaller lakes although in a few locations where a large area of suitable feeding habitat is found they can be colonial. The largest colonies can hold over 100 pairs such as that at the colony at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset in the UK. Non-mated juveniles up to 3 to 4 years old commonly form larger flocks often at regular traditional sites and these can total several hundred birds. The Mute Swan can be very aggressive in defence of its nest and it is highly protective of its mate and offspring. Most defensive attacks from a Mute Swan begin with a loud hiss and, if this is not sufficient to drive off the predator, are followed by a physical attack. It attacks by smashing at its enemy with bony spurs in the wings accompanied by biting with its large bill. Smaller waterbirds such as ducks are normally grabbed with the bill and dragged or thrown clear. Large waterfowl, such as the Canada Goose, more likely out of competition than in response to potential predation, may be aggressively driven off. The wings of the Mute Swan are very powerful although not strong enough to break an adult man's leg as has been claimed anecdotally. The Mute Swan feeds on a wide range of vegetation, both submerged aquatic plants which they reach with their long necks and by grazing on land. The food commonly includes agricultural crop plants such as oilseed rape and wheat and feeding flocks in the winter may cause significant crop damage, often as much through trampling with their large webbed feet as through direct consumption. Date: 9th January 2022 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49798202.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_52759319964ecada87601c.jpgLulworth Skipper Description to follow .... Date: 3rd July 2023 Location: Durlston Country Park, Swanage, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405517.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11754604336586f2b0e9f26.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 15th November 2023 Location: Fishers Green, Lee Valley Regional Park, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405524.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9009645886586f45dc71d6.jpgShort-eared Owl The Short-eared Owl is a species of the typical owl family Strigidae. Owls belonging to the genus Asio, such as the Short-eared Owl, are known as the eared owls since they have tufts of feathers resembling mammalian ears. These "ear" tufts may or may not be visible. The Short-eared Owl will display its tufts when in a defensive pose although its very short tufts are usually not visible. The Short-eared Owl is a medium-sized owl 13 to 17 inches in length with a 33 to 43 inches wingspan. Females are slightly larger than males. It has large yellow eyes with black encircling rings, a big head, a short neck and broad wings. The bill is short, strong, hooked and black. The plumage is mottled tawny to brown with a barred tail and wings. The upper breast is significantly streaked. The flight is characteristically floppy due to the irregular wingbeats and the Short-eared Owl is often described as "moth-like” or bat-like" in flight. Through much of its range, the Short-eared Owl occurs with the similar looking Long-eared Owl. At rest, the ear-tufts of the Long-eared Owl serve to easily distinguish the 2 species although the Long-eared Owl can sometimes hold its ear-tufts flat. The iris colour also differs: yellow in the Short-eared Owl and orange in the Long-eared Owl plus the black surrounding the eyes is vertical on the Long-eared Owl and horizontal on the Short-eared Owl. Overall, the Short-eared Owl tends to be a paler, sandier coloured bird than the Long-eared Owl. There are 10 recognized sub-species of the Short-eared Owl and its range covers all continents except Antarctica and Australia. It therefore has one of the most widespread distributions of any bird. It is partially migratory and moves south in winter from the northern parts of its range. The Short-eared Owl is also known to relocate to areas of higher rodent populations and it will also wander nomadically in search of better food supplies during years when vole populations are low. In the UK, the Short-eared Owl breeds primarily in north England and Scotland but it is seen more widely in winter when there is an influx of continental birds from Scandinavia, Russia and Iceland to north, east and parts of central south England, especially around coastal marshes and wetlands. The breeding season of the Short-eared Owl in the northern hemisphere lasts from March to June but peaks in April. During the breeding season, the male makes a great spectacle of itself in flight to attract a female. The male swoops down over the potential nest site flapping its wings in a courtship display. The Short-eared Owl is generally monogamous and nests on the ground in prairie, tundra, savanna or meadow habitats. The nest is concealed by low vegetation and may be lightly lined by weeds, grass or feathers. The female lays 4 to 7 eggs but clutch size can reach up to 12 eggs in years when voles are abundant. There is a single brood per year. The eggs are incubated mostly by the female for 21 to 37 days and the young fledge at a little over 4 weeks. The Short-eared Owl hunts mostly at night but it is known as a diurnal and crepuscular hunter as well. Its daylight hunting seems to coincide with the high activity periods of voles, its preferred prey. It tends to fly only a few feet above the ground in open fields and grasslands until swooping down upon its prey feet first. Several owls may hunt over the same open area. The diet of the Short-eared Owl consists mainly of rodents, especially voles, but it will eat other small mammals such as mice, ground squirrels, shrews, rats, bats, muskrats and moles. It will also occasionally predate smaller birds especially when near sea coasts and adjacent wetlands at which time they may attack waders, terns and small gulls and seabirds. Avian prey is more infrequently preyed on inland and includes small passerines. Insects also supplement the diet. Date: 25th November 2023 Location: RSPB Wallasea Island, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41176050.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6272395605e9306cd8b04b.jpgGreylag Goose The Greylag Goose is the ancestor of most domestic geese but is also the largest and bulkiest of the wild geese native to the UK and Europe. In many parts of the UK it has been re-established by releasing birds in suitable areas but the resulting flocks found around gravel pits, lakes and reservoirs all year round in southern Britain tend to be semi-tame. The native birds and wintering flocks found on lochs in northern Scotland and on some Scottish islands retain the special appeal of truly wild geese. Date: 5th April 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405540.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2193166426586f7b6c8aa3.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 8th December 2023 Location: Great Notley Country Park, Braintree, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/tromsysundet-troms https://images.on-this.website/4752_5371574114b8a23c892047.jpgTromsøysundet, Tromsø http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405559.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3567755936586fbf2cc8d8.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the Canidae family and is a part of the order Carnivora within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 6th December 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405564.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9112856096586fc25e6656.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the Canidae family and is a part of the order Carnivora within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 6th December 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28884652.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_79929471357cc28c697ca9.jpgGrasshopper Warbler The Grasshopper Warbler is a medium-sized Old World warbler in the genus Locustella. The genus name Locustella is Latin and it is a diminutive of locusta, meaning "grasshopper". Like the English name, this refers to the characteristic insect-like song of the Grasshopper Warbler and some other birds in this genus. The Grasshopper Warbler is a very secretive bird which skulks in the undergrowth, creeping through bushes and low foliage, and it is seldom seen although its presence is easily detected because of its characteristic song. The upper-parts are pale olive-brown, each feather having a central darker brown streak. The cheeks are greyish, the irises are brown and there is a faint eye streak behind the eye. The underparts are cream-coloured or yellowish-buff with a few dark brown spots and streaks on the breast and flanks. The wings are brown with the outer edge of the feathers rimmed with paler brown. The tail feathers are reddish-brown with faint transverse bars being visible in some individuals and the under-tail coverts are streaked. The slender legs and the feet are pale yellowish-brown. The Grasshopper Warbler’s song is an unmusical, monotonous, high-pitched, reeling trill performed with beak held wide open and the whole body vibrating. It lasts for a few seconds to 2 or 3 minutes with hardly a pause for breath. It varies in volume from a faint hum to a sound resembling a distant mowing machine. It is performed at any time of day from early morning until after the sun has set and is constantly to be heard from the arrival of the bird in its breeding areas in spring until late July. The Grasshopper Warbler breeds in north and west Europe and parts of west Asia. The range includes Spain, France, central Italy, Romania, Yugoslavia, the UK, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Denmark, southern Sweden, southern Finland, the Baltic States and western parts of Russia. In late summer, it migrates to north and west Africa where it overwinters. In the breeding season, it is found in damp or dry places with rough grass and bushes such as the edges of fens, clearings, neglected hedgerows, heaths, upland moors, gorse-covered areas, young plantations and felled woodland. In the winter, it is usually found in similar locations but information is scarce on its behaviour and habitat at this time. The Grasshopper Warbler is insectivorous and feeds on a wide range of invertebrates. Its diet includes flies, moths, beetles, aphids, dragonflies and mayflies and their larvae. Spiders and woodlice are also eaten. Date: 17th May 2016 Location: Aardla polder, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46830565.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_194412153362e8fabf91f6d.jpgGatekeeper Flight period: mid-July to early September. The Gatekeeper or Hedge Brown is common and widespread throughout the southern half of the UK. They can be found in areas with hedgerows or in scrubby woodland with wide and sunny rides. Date: 30th July 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50571555.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_150321746165ce195e6d73f.jpgCommon Buzzard The Common Buzzard is a member of the genus Buteo and the family Accipitridae, a group of medium-sized raptors with robust bodies and broad wings. The Buteo species of Eurasia and Africa are usually commonly referred to as buzzards whilst those in the Americas are called hawks. Under current classification, the genus Buteo includes approximately 28 species. The Common Buzzard includes between 7 to 16 sub-species and the western Buteo group includes Buteo buteo buteo which is found more or less continuously throughout Europe including the UK. The Common Buzzard is a medium-sized raptor that is highly variable in plumage. It is distinctly round headed with a somewhat slender bill and it has relatively long wings that either reach or fall slightly short of the tail tip when perched, a fairly short tail and somewhat short and mainly bare tarsi. It can appear fairly compact in overall appearance but may also appear large relative to other commoner raptors such as the Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. The Common Buzzard measures between 16 and 23 inches in length with a 3 feet 7 inches to 4 feet 7 inches wingspan. Females average about 2 to 7% larger than males in length and weigh about 15% more. Body mass can show considerable variation from 0.94 to 2.6 pounds in males and 1.07 to 3.02 pounds in females. In Europe, the Common Buzzard is typically dark brown above and on the upperside of the head and mantle but this can become paler and warmer brown with worn plumage. Usually the tail will be narrowly barred grey-brown and dark brown with a pale tip and a broad dark subterminal band but the tail in the palest birds can show a varying amount of white and a reduced sub-terminal band or even appear almost all white. The underside colouring can be variable but typically shows a brown-streaked white throat with a somewhat darker chest. A pale U across the breast is often present followed by a pale line running down the belly which separates the dark areas on the breast side and flanks. These pale areas tend to have highly variable markings that form irregular bars. Juveniles are quite similar to adults and are best told apart by having a paler eye, a narrower sub-terminal band on the tail and underside markings that appear as streaks rather than bars. Beyond the typical mid-range brownish Common Buzzard, birds in Europe can range from almost uniform black-brown above to mainly white. Extreme dark individuals may range from chocolate-brown to blackish with almost no pale colour showing but with a variable or faded U on the breast and with or without faint lighter brown throat streaks. Extreme pale individuals are largely whitish with variable widely spaced streaks or arrowheads of light brown about the mid-chest and flanks and may or may not show dark feather-centres on the head, wing-coverts and sometimes all but part of the mantle. Individuals can show nearly endless variation of colours and hues in between these extremes and the Common Buzzard is among the most variably plumaged diurnal raptors for this reason. The Common Buzzard is often confused with other raptors especially in flight or at a distance including other Buteo species such as Rough-legged Buzzard and Long-legged Buzzard and also Honey Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, Golden Eagle, Booted Eagle and Short-toed Eagle. The Common Buzzard is found throughout several islands in the eastern Atlantic islands, including the Canary Islands and the Azores, and almost throughout Europe. In the UK, it is found in Northern Ireland and in nearly every part of Scotland and England. In mainland Europe, there are no substantial gaps in the range from Portugal and Spain to Greece, Estonia, Belarus and the Ukraine, although it is present mainly only in the breeding season in much of the eastern half of the latter 3 countries. It is also present in all larger Mediterranean islands such as Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily and Crete. Further north in to Scandinavia, it is found mainly in south Norway, the southern half of Sweden and in the southern two-thirds of Finland. The Common Buzzard reaches its northern limit as a breeder in far eastern Finland and over the border in to European Russia and nearly to the Kola Peninsula. In these northern limits, the Common Buzzard is present typically only in summer. The Common Buzzard generally inhabits the interface of woodlands and open ground and typically lives in forest edge, small broad-leaved, coniferous or mixed woodlands with adjacent grassland, arable fields or other farmland and open moorland as long as there are some trees. It is absent from treeless tundra and sporadic or rare in treeless steppe. The Common Buzzard can be found from sea level to elevations of 6600 feet although it breeds mostly below 3300 feet. It can winter to an elevation of 8200 feet and migrates easily at 14,800 feet. The Common Buzzard is a partial migrant. Autumn and spring movements are subject to extensive variation, even down to the individual level, based on a region's food resources, competition (both from other Common Buzzards and other predators), the extent of human disturbance and weather conditions. Short distance movements are the norm for juveniles and some adults in autumn and winter but more adults in central and south Europe and the UK remain in their year-around areas than do not. The Common Buzzard is a typical Buteo in much of its behaviour. It is most often seen effortlessly soaring for extended periods at varying heights although it can appear laborious and heavy in level flight. It is also often seen perched prominently on tree tops, bare branches, telegraph poles, fence posts, rocks or ledges or alternatively well inside the tree canopy. It will also stand and forage on the ground. The Common Buzzard is a generalist predator which hunts a wide variety of prey given the opportunity. The prey extents to a wide variety of vertebrates including mammals, birds (from any age from eggs to adult birds), reptiles, amphibians and fish as well as to various invertebrates, mostly insects. In total, well over 300 prey species are known to be taken by the Common Buzzard. However, dietary studies have shown that it mostly preys upon small mammals, mainly small rodents. Furthermore, prey size can vary from tiny beetles, caterpillars and ants to large adult grouse and Rabbits up to nearly twice their body mass. At times, the Common Buzzard will also subsist partially on carrion, usually of dead mammals or fish. Hunting in relatively open areas has been found to increase hunting success whereas more complete shrub cover lowered success. A majority of prey is taken by dropping from a perch and is normally taken on the ground. Prey may also be hunted in a low flight, by random glides or soars or by foraging on the ground. The home range of the Common Buzzard is generally 0.19 to 0.77 square miles and the size of the breeding territory seems to be correlated with food supply. The territory is maintained through flight displays and in Europe territorial behaviour usually starts in February. However, displays are not uncommon throughout the year in resident pairs, especially by males, and can elicit similar displays by their neighbours. In the display, the Common Buzzard generally engages in high circling, spiraling upward on slightly raised wings. Mutual high circling by pairs sometimes goes on at length, especially during the period prior to or during breeding season. During the mutual displays, the male may engage in exaggerated deep flapping or zig-zag tumbling, apparently in response to the female being too distant. Several pairs may circle together at times and as many as 14 individual adults have been recorded over established display sites. Sky-dancing by the Common Buzzard has been recorded in spring and autumn, typically by the male but sometimes by the female, nearly always with much calling. Sky-dances are of the rollercoaster type, with an upward sweep of up to 100 feet until the bird starts start to stall but sometimes embellished with loops or rolls at the top. Next in the sky-dance, the bird will dive at least 200 feet on more or less closed wings before spreading them and shooting up again. These sky-dances may be repeated in series of 10 to 20. In the climax of the sky-dance, the undulations become progressively shallower, often slowing and terminating directly on to a perch. Various other aerial displays include low contour flight or weaving among trees, frequently with deep beats and exaggerated upstrokes which show underwing pattern to rivals perched below. Talon grappling and occasionally cartwheeling downward with feet interlocked has also been recorded. The Common Buzzard tends to build a bulky nest of sticks, twigs and often heather and lined with broad-leaved foliage. Nests are up to 3.3 to 3.9 feet across and 24 inches deep. With reuse over years, the diameter of a nest can reach or exceed 5 feet. Trees are generally used for a nesting location but crags or cliffs are used if trees are unavailable. Nests in trees are usually located by the main trunk at a height of around 10 to 82 feet. Pairs often have 2 to 4 nests in a territory but some pairs may use a single nest over several consecutive years. The breeding season of the Common Buzzard commences at differing times based on latitude. It may fall as early as January to April but typically it is March to July in most of Europe. In the northern limits of the range the breeding season may occur from May to August. Mating usually occurs on or near the nest and eggs are usually laid in 2 to 3 day intervals. The clutch size can range from to 2 to 6 and it appears that local factors such as habitat and food supply are relevant. Eggs are generally laid in late March to early April in the extreme south, sometime in April in most of Europe and in to May and possibly even early June in the extreme north. If eggs are lost to a predator or fail in some other way, replacement clutches are not usually laid although this has been recorded. Incubation lasts for 33 to 35 days and is mostly, but not solely, undertaken by the female. Hatching may take place over 3 to 7 days. Often the youngest nestling dies from starvation, especially in broods of 3 or more. The female remains at the nest brooding the young in the early stages with the male bringing all prey. At about 8 to 12 days, both the male and female will bring prey but the female continues to do all feeding until the young can tear up their own prey. The young are nearly fully feathered rather than downy at about a month of age and can start to feed themselves as well. The first attempts to leave the nest are often at about 40 to 50 days. Fledging occurs typically at 43 to 54 days but in extreme cases as late 62 days. After leaving the nest, the young generally stay close by until full independence 6 to 8 weeks after fledging. Numerous factors may influence the breeding success of the Common Buzzard including the availability of prey populations, habitat, disturbance and persecution levels and competition. The Common Buzzard is one of the most numerous birds of prey in its range and it is the most numerous diurnal bird of prey throughout much of Europe. Date: 19th January 2024 Location: Heybridge, Maldon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405442.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1993714746586e08fd0eca.jpgLittle Egret The Little Egret is a species of small heron. The genus name comes from the Provençal French Aigrette (egret), a diminutive of Aigron (heron). The adult Little Egret is 22 to 26 inches long with a 35 to 42 inches wingspan. Its plumage is normally entirely white although there are dark forms with largely bluish-grey plumage. In the breeding season, the adult has 2 long plumes on the nape that form a crest. These plumes are about 6 inches in length and are pointed and very narrow. There are similar feathers on the breast but the barbs are more widely spread. There are also several elongated scapular feathers that have long loose barbs around 8 inches long. During the winter the plumage is similar but the scapulars are shorter and more normal in appearance. The bill is long and slender and both it and the lores are black. There is an area of greenish-grey bare skin at the base of the lower mandible and around the eye which has a yellow iris. The legs are black and the feet yellow. Juveniles are similar to non-breeding adults but have greenish-black legs and duller yellow feet and may have a certain proportion of greyish or brownish feathers. The Little Egret is mostly silent but it does make various croaking and bubbling calls at its breeding colonies and it produces a harsh alarm call when disturbed. The breeding range of the western race of the Little Egret includes south Europe, the Middle East, much of Africa and south Asia. European populations are migratory and mostly travel to Africa although some remain in southern Europe. During the late 20th century, the range of the Little Egret expanded northwards in Europe and into the New World. The Little Egret's habitat varies widely and includes the shores of lakes, rivers, canals, ponds, lagoons, marshes and flooded land, the bird preferring open locations to dense cover. On the coast it inhabits mudflats, sandy beaches, mangrove areas, swamps and reefs. The Little Egret is a sociable bird and can be seen in small flocks. However, individual birds do not tolerate others coming too close to their chosen feeding site although this depends on the abundance of prey. The Little Egret uses a variety of methods to find its food. It stalks its prey in shallow water, often running with raised wings or shuffling its feet to disturb small fish, or it may stand still and wait to ambush prey. It also makes use of opportunities provided by Cormorants disturbing fish or humans attracting fish by throwing bread into water. On land, it walks or runs while chasing its prey, often feeding on creatures disturbed by grazing livestock. The diet is mainly fish but amphibians, small reptiles, mammals and birds are also eaten as well as crustaceans, molluscs, insects, spiders and worms. The Little Egret nests in colonies, often with other wading birds such as Cattle Egret, Black-crowned Night Heron, Squacco Heron and Glossy Ibis. The nests are usually platforms of sticks built in trees or shrubs or in reed beds or bamboo groves. Pairs defend a small breeding territory, usually extending around 10 to 13 feet from the nest. The 3 to 5 eggs are incubated by both adults for 21 to 25 days before hatching. The young birds are covered in white down feathers are cared for by both parents and fledge after 40 to 45 days. Globally, the Little Egret is not listed as a threatened species and has in fact expanded its range over the last few decades.[5] The IUCN states that their wide distribution and large total population means that they are a species that cause them "least concern". Historical research has shown that the Little Egret was once present, and probably common, in the UK but became extinct there through a combination of over-hunting in the late mediaeval period and climate change at the start of the Little Ice Age. Further declines occurred throughout Europe as the plumes of the Little Egret and other egrets were in demand for decorating hats. They had been used in the plume trade since at least the 17th century but in the 19th century it became a major craze and the number of egret skins passing through dealers reached into the millions. Hunting, which reduced the population of the species to dangerously low levels, stimulated the establishment of Britain's Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in 1889. By the 1950s, the Little Egret had become restricted to south Europe and conservation laws protecting the species were introduced. This allowed the population to rebound strongly and over the next few decades it became increasingly common in western France and later on the north coast. It bred in the Netherlands in 1979 with further breeding from the 1990s onward. Populations are now mostly stable or increasing in Europe. In the UK, the Little Egret was a rare vagrant from its 16th century extinction until the late 20th century. It has, however, recently become a regular breeding species and is commonly present, often in large numbers, at favoured coastal sites. The first recent breeding record in England was on Brownsea Island in Dorset in 1996 and it bred in Wales for the first time in 2002. The population increase has been rapid subsequently with over 750 pairs breeding in nearly 70 colonies in 2008 and a post-breeding total of 4,540 birds in September 2008. Severe winter weather proves only to be a temporary setback and the Little Egret continues to expand both its numbers and range in the UK. Date: 9th October 2023 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4466061.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5659645434b8a2414d4d53.jpg http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25774291.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2133255343560fe2954db00.jpgRed Squirrel The Red Squirrel or Eurasian Red Squirrel is a species of tree squirrel in the genus [i]Sciurus[/i]. It is an arboreal and primarily herbivorous rodent. The Red Squirrel has a typical head and body length of 7.5 to 9 inches, a tail length of 6 to 8 inches and a weight of 9 to 12 ounces. Males and females are the same size. The Red Squirrel is smaller and lighter in weight than the Grey Squirrel The coat of the Red Squirrel varies in colour with the time of year and its location and there are several different coat colour morphs ranging from black to red. Red coats are most common in the UK but in other parts of Europe and Asia different coat colours co-exist within populations. The underside of the Red Squirrel is always creamy-white in colour. The Red Squirrel sheds its coat twice a year, switching from a thinner summer coat to a thicker, darker winter coat with noticeably larger ear-tufts (a prominent distinguishing feature of this species) between August and November. A lighter, redder overall coat colour, along with the ear-tufts (in adults) and smaller size, distinguish the Red Squirrel from the Grey Squirrel. The long tail helps the Red Squirrel to balance and steer when jumping from tree to tree and running along branches and it may also keep it warm during sleep. The Red Squirrel, like most tree squirrels, has sharp and curved claws to enable it to climb and descend broad tree trunks, thin branches and even house walls and its strong hind legs enable it to leap gaps between trees. The Red Squirrel can be found in the boreal coniferous woods in north Europe and Siberia where it prefers Scots Pine, Norway Spruce and Siberian Pine. In west and south Europe it can be found in broad-leaved woods where the mixture of tree and shrub species provides a better year round source of food. In most of the UK and in Italy, broad-leaved woodlands are now less suitable for it due to the better competitive feeding strategy of the introduced Grey Squirrel. The Red Squirrel makes a drey (nest) out of twigs in a branch-fork, forming a domed structure about 9 to 12 inches in diameter. This is lined with moss, leaves, grass and bark. Tree hollows and woodpecker holes are also used. The Red Squirrel is generally a solitary animal and is shy and reluctant to share food with others. However, outside the breeding season and particularly in winter, several Red Squirrels may share a drey to keep warm. Social organisation is based on dominance hierarchies within and between sexes. Although males are not necessarily dominant towards females, the dominant animals tend to be larger and older than subordinate animals and dominant males tend to have larger home ranges than subordinate males or females. Mating can occur in late winter during February and March and in summer between June and July. During mating, males detect females that are in oestrus by an odour that they produce and, although there is no courtship, the male will chase the female for up to an hour prior to mating. Usually multiple males will chase a single female until the dominant male, usually the largest in the group, mates with the female. Males and females will mate multiple times with many partners. Females must reach a minimum body mass before they enter oestrus and heavy females on average produce more young. If food is scarce breeding may be delayed. Typically a female will produce her first litter in her second year. Up to 2 litters a year per female are possible. Each litter averages 3 young and these are known as kits. Gestation is about 38 to 39 days and the young are looked after by the mother alone and are born helpless, blind and deaf. Their body is covered by hair at 21 days, their eyes and ears open after 3 to 4 weeks and they develop all their teeth by 42 days. Juveniles can eat solids around 40 days following birth and from that point they can leave the nest on their own to find food. However, they still suckle from their mother until weaning occurs at 8 to 10 weeks. The Red Squirrel eats mostly the seeds of trees, fungi, nuts (especially hazelnuts but also beech and chestnuts), berries and young shoots. More rarely, it may also eat bird eggs or nestlings and may occasionally exhibit opportunistic omnivory similar to other rodents. Excess food is put into caches, either buried or in nooks or holes in trees, and eaten when food is scarce. Although the Red Squirrel remembers where it created caches at a better than chance level, its spatial memory is believed to be substantially less accurate and durable than that of the Grey Squirrel. Therefore it will often have to search for them when in need and many caches are never found again. Between 60% and 80% of the active time of a Red Squirrel may be spent foraging and feeding. The active period is generally in the morning and in the late afternoon and evening. It often rests in its nest in the middle of the day to avoid the heat and the high visibility to birds of prey that are dangers during these hours. During the winter, this midday rest is often much more brief or absent entirely although harsh weather may cause it to stay in its nest for days at a time. No territories are claimed between Red Squirrels and the feeding areas of individuals overlap considerably. A Red Squirrel that survives its first winter has a life expectancy of 3 years. Individuals may reach 7 years of age and 10 years in captivity. Survival is positively related to the availability of autumn and winter tree seeds. On average, 75 to 85% of juveniles die during their first winter and mortality is approximately 50% for winters following the first. Predators include small mammals such as the Pine Marten, the Wildcat and the Stoat which all prey on juveniles. Birds, including owls and raptors such as the Goshawk and Common Buzzard, may also prey on the Red Squirrel as will the Red Fox and domestic cats and dogs when it is on the ground. Humans influence the population size and mortality of the Red Squirrel by destroying or altering habitats, by causing road casualties and by introducing non-native populations of the Grey Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel and the Red Squirrel are not directly antagonistic and violent conflict between these species is not a factor in the decline in Red Squirrel populations. However, the Grey Squirrel appears to contribute to the decrease in the Red Squirrel population for several reasons: it carries a disease, the squirrel parapoxvirus, that does not appear to affect its own health but will often kill the Red Squirrel, it can better digest acorns whilst the Red Squirrel cannot access the proteins and fats in acorns as easily and it can put the Red Squirrel under pressure for food resources resulting in it not breeding as often. In the UK, due to the above circumstances, the population has today fallen to 160,000 Red Squirrels or fewer with the majority of these in Scotland. Outside the UK and Ireland, the impact of competition from the Grey Squirrel has also been observed in Italy where 2 pairs escaped from captivity in 1948. A significant drop in the Red Squirrel population has been observed since 1970 and it is feared that the Grey Squirrel may expand into the rest of Europe. The Red Squirrel is protected in most of Europe although in some areas it is abundant and is hunted for its fur. In the UK there are several active projects to protect the Red Squirrel and its native woodland habitat, introduce or re-introduce it in to areas where it is absent and eradicate and prevent the spread of the Grey Squirrel. Research undertaken in 2007 in the UK credits the Pine Marten with reducing the population of the invasive Grey Squirrel. Where the range of the expanding Pine Marten population meets that of the Grey Squirrel, the population of the latter retreats. It is theorised that, because the Grey Squirrel spends more time on the ground than the Red Squirrel, it is far more likely to come in contact with the Pine Marten. Date: 21st September 2015 Location: Mingarry Lodges, Mingarry, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43082680.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_64985194860dd82a7d1a18.jpgSpeckled Wood Flight period: April to September. The Speckled Wood is widespread in the southern half of England and in Wales and is expanding its range northwards. They can be found in woodland rides and glades and also along hedgerows and in gardens. Date: 31st May 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50931103.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8939271206627d6883b178.jpgWren The Eurasian Wren is a very small passerine bird and the only member of the wren family, Troglodytidae, found in Eurasia and Africa. In Europe, it is commonly known simply as the Wren. The scientific name is taken from the Greek word troglodytes meaning "cave-dweller" and referring to its habit of disappearing into cavities or crevices whilst hunting invertebrates or to roost. The Wren is a tiny bird at just 3.5 to 4.1 inches long although it is heavier and not as slim as the even smaller Goldcrest. It is dumpy, almost rounded, with a fine bill, very short round wings and a short, narrow tail which is sometimes cocked up vertically. It is rufous brown above, greyer beneath and barred with darker brown and grey. The bill is dark brown and the legs are pale brown. Young birds are less distinctly barred. The plumage is subject to considerable variation and, where populations have been isolated, the variation has become fixed in one minor form or another. There are around 27 sub-species of this taxonomically complex bird e.g. in Scotland, in addition to the typical bird, there are 3 distinct sub-species confined to St. Kilda, Shetland and Fair Isle. The Wren occurs throughout Europe and across the Palearctic including a belt of Asia from north Iran and Afghanistan across to Japan. It is migratory in only the northern parts of its range. It is almost as familiar in Europe as the Robin. It can be found in a wide range of habitats including woodland, farmland, heathland, moorland, mountains, coastal areas and islands. It is also a regular visitor to gardens. The Wren is the most common UK breeding bird although it suffers declines during prolonged and severely cold winters. For such a small bird, the Wren has a remarkably loud voice. Its song is very loud, trilling, gushing and emphatic and may sometimes be confused with that of the Dunnock although that species has a warble that is shorter and weaker. The Wren's song also incorporates repeated trill sounds whilst the Dunnock's does not. Individuals vary in quality as well as the volume of their song. The song begins with a few preliminary notes, then runs into a slightly ascending trill and ends in full clear notes or another trill. The song may be heard during any season although it is most noticeable during the spring. Despite its generally mouse-like behaviour, the male Wren may sing from an exposed perch as its whole body quivers from the effort. The male Wren builds several nests called "cock nests" but they are never lined until the female chooses one to use. The normal round nest of grass, moss, lichens or leaves is tucked into a hole in a wall, tree trunk, crack in a rock or corner of a building but it is often built in bushes, overhanging boughs or the litter which accumulates in branches washed by floods. The female lays 5 to 8 eggs in April and second broods are generally reared. The Wren is a highly polygamous species meaning that a male can have, at any one time, more than a single female with an active nest on his territory. An active nest is one in which there are eggs or nestlings. A male has been recorded with 4 females breeding on his territory. Bigamy and trigamy are the most common forms of polygamy. The Wren is an insectivorous bird and mostly eats insects and spiders but in winter it will also take pupae and seeds. Date: 14th April 2024 Location: RSPB Rainham Marshes, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo441564.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_554622856467eead640ecf.jpgDate: June 2000 Location: Eddrachillis Bay, Assynt, Sutherland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41389650.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16095941315f26943444dc0.jpgSkrøytnes, Pasvikdalen, Troms og Finnmark, Norway The Skrøytnes area is located between Melkefoss and Svanvik in the Pasvik valley. It includes Skrøytnesmyra, a large and inaccessible bog, and Svanvannet and Lille Skogøy, a large lake and island overlooked by a bird tower. The whole area is excellent for breeding birds including divers, grebes, ducks, geese, waders and raptors. Date: 1st July 2019 Location: Svanvannet, Skrøytnes area, Pasvikdalen, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405565.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3310343416586fc2e3c277.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the Canidae family and is a part of the order Carnivora within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 6th December 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/ribblehead-cumbria https://images.on-this.website/4752_11544963564681c78fa21e4.jpgRibblehead, Cumbria Ribblehead is a bleak moorland area at the very head of Ribblesdale where the River Ribble has its source. Here the skyline is dominated by the famous "Three Peaks" of Whernside, Ingleborough and Pen-y-Ghent. The area also includes the 24 arched Ribblehead Viaduct which carries the world famous Settle to Carlisle railway line across the valley of Chapel le Dale. The viaduct represents a short stretch of the beautiful 72 mile long railway line and was built between 1870 and 1875. This is probably one of the most famous railway bridges in the UK. Date: 10th May 2005 Location: view from B6255 road near Ribblehead station http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40399574.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13102424905dc6ade05a436.jpgPied Wagtail The White Wagtail, [I]Motacilla alba[/I], is a small passerine bird in the wagtail family. A number of sub-species are recognised including [I]Motacilla alba alba[/I] found in Europe from the Iberian Peninsula to the Ural Mountains, Turkey, the Levant, Iceland, the Faroe Islands and Greenland's east coast and [I]Motacilla alba yarrellii[/I] (Pied Wagtail) found in the UK and Ireland and which has a much blacker back than the nominate race. The nominate sub-species [I]Motacilla alba alba[/I] is basically grey above and white below with a white face, black cap and black throat. It is a slender bird with a characteristic long tail. The most conspicuous habit of the White Wagtail is a near-constant tail wagging, a trait that has given the bird its common name. In spite of the ubiquity of this behaviour, the reasons for it are poorly understood. It has been suggested that it may flush prey or signal submissiveness to other wagtails. A recent study has suggested instead that it is a signal of vigilance to potential predators. The White Wagtail breeds throughout Eurasia up to latitudes 75°N, only being absent in the Arctic from areas where summer temperatures are less than 4 °C. It also breeds in the mountains of Morocco and western Alaska. It is resident in the milder parts of its range such as western Europe and the Mediterranean but migratory in much of the rest of its range. Northern European breeders winter around the Mediterranean and in tropical and subtropical Africa, Asiatic birds move to the Middle East, India and south east Asia and birds from the north American population also winter in tropical Asia. The White Wagtail has a wide range and whilst the population size is unknown it is believed to be large since the species is described as "common" in at least parts of its range. Population trends have not been quantified but the population in Europe appears to be stable and it has adapted well to human changes to the environment and has exploited human changes such as man-made structures that are used for nesting sites and increased open areas that are used for foraging. The White Wagtail is an insectivorous bird of open country, often near habitation and water. It prefers bare areas for feeding where it can see and pursue its prey. In urban areas it has adapted to foraging on paved areas such as car parks. It nests in crevices and holes in stone walls and similar natural and man-made structures such as bridges and buildings. The diet of the White Wagtail varies by location but terrestrial and aquatic insects and other small invertebrates form the major part of the diet. These range from beetles, dragonflies, small snails, spiders, worms and crustaceans to maggots found in carcasses and flies. It is somewhat unusual in the parts of its range where it is non-migratory as it is an insectivorous bird that continues to feed on insects during the winter when most other insectivorous birds in temperate climates migrate or switch to more vegetable matter. Though it is known to be a host species for the Cuckoo, the White Wagtail typically deserts its nest if it has been parasitised. Date: 30th September 2019 Location: Ord, Skye, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51335115.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20868320136676e60ee9741.jpgEdible Frog The Edible Frog is a species of frog found across Europe that is also known as the Common Water Frog and the Green Frog. The Edible Frog is one of the few animals in the world that is a fertile hybrid of 2 different species, as although similar but genetically different species are known to mate, it is very rare that their offspring will be able to breed. The Edible Frog is a fertile hybrid of 2 other European frogs, namely the Pool Frog and the Marsh Frog, that inter-bred when populations where isolated close to one another during the Ice Age. It was first described in 1758 and is known as the Edible Frog due to the fact that it is now seen as a culinary delicacy across Europe but especially in France where frog’s legs are often served as a national dish. The reason for humans favouring this frog over others is not really known but it may have something to do with their abundance. The Edible Frog is a medium sized frog growing to around 3.5 to 4.5 inches in length. Adults are mainly green in colour with light patches of brown on their backs, yellow eyes and a white underside covered in a few dark spots. There are number of distinct differences between males and females including the fact that males become much lighter and greener during the mating season. Males also have vocal sacs on the outside of their cheeks and extra skin patches on their feet, both of which are primarily used for mating. The Edible Frog is endemic to Europe and it naturally occurs across central Europe as far north as Germany and Estonia. Southern populations are found from Croatia, through northern Italy and into the south of France. There are also isolated populations in Sweden and Bulgaria which are thought to have migrated from the countries nearby. It has also been introduced to the UK. The Edible Frog spends all of its time either in or very close to water and it is most commonly found in calmer parts of rivers and streams where there is a slow but constant flow of fresh water. It tends to prefer more open areas and can also be commonly found around lakes, ponds and marshes. Unlike many other species of frog, the Edible Frog is a diurnal animal and is therefore most active during the day. This is when it is most likely to move away from the water so that it can find a better supply of food or move to a different part of the water if it needs to. The Edible Frog is a relatively solitary animal so there is less competition for food but males are often seen sitting together in groups during the breeding season when they are trying to out-compete each other to find a mate. The breeding season for the Edible Frog begins during March and generally lasts for around 2 months. Males sing by drawing air in and out of their vocal sacs to produce the highest-pitched sound possible since females are most attracted to the loudest males. After courting her in a lake, pond or swamp, the male lets the female lay up to 10,000 eggs in a sticky mass into the water before he fertilises them. Tadpoles can be as small as 0.2 inches long when they hatch and are a grey/brown colour. They then grow up to 2 to 3 inches in length before metamorphoses occurs and they leave the water as 0.75 inches long young frogs. The Edible Frog reaches sexual maturity at the age of 2 years and can live until it is 15 years old. The Edible Frog is a carnivorous amphibian but the tadpoles mainly eat vegetation although they are known to occasionally supplement their diet with aquatic micro-organisms. Adults eat small invertebrates such as insects, spiders and flies, which make up the majority of their diet, along with larger aquatic animals like fish, newts and other frogs. The Edible Frog hunts for food during the day and can be seen catching food both in water and on land. The Edible Frog remains very still when it is sitting on the banks of its water habitat and this, along with its camouflage, makes it very difficult for predators to spot. Its eyes are positioned near the top of the head meaning that it can also see danger coming whilst the body is mainly hidden. Snakes, owls and water birds are the main predators of the Edible Frog. The Edible Frog will jump into the water and hide if it senses approaching danger and it will make a loud screeching sound if caught. Edible Frog populations are under threat from habitat destruction mainly caused by deforestation and water pollution. Date: 21st June 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41539272.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1391316285f3e4aa0d98a5.jpgShort-eared Owl The Short-eared Owl is a species of the typical owl family [i]Strigidae[/i]. Owls belonging to the genus [i]Asio[/i], such as the Short-eared Owl, are known as the eared owls since they have tufts of feathers resembling mammalian ears. These "ear" tufts may or may not be visible. The Short-eared Owl will display its tufts when in a defensive pose although its very short tufts are usually not visible. The Short-eared Owl is a medium-sized owl 13 to 17 inches in length with a 33 to 43 inches wingspan. Females are slightly larger than males. It has large yellow eyes with black encircling rings, a big head, a short neck and broad wings. The bill is short, strong, hooked and black. The plumage is mottled tawny to brown with a barred tail and wings. The upper breast is significantly streaked. The flight is characteristically floppy due to the irregular wingbeats and the Short-eared Owl is often described as "moth-like” or bat-like" in flight. Through much of its range, the Short-eared Owl occurs with the similar looking Long-eared Owl. At rest, the ear-tufts of the Long-eared Owl serve to easily distinguish the 2 species although the Long-eared Owl can sometimes hold its ear-tufts flat. The iris colour also differs: yellow in the Short-eared Owl and orange in the Long-eared Owl plus the black surrounding the eyes is vertical on the Long-eared Owl and horizontal on the Short-eared Owl. Overall, the Short-eared Owl tends to be a paler, sandier coloured bird than the Long-eared Owl. There are 10 recognized sub-species of the Short-eared Owl and its range covers all continents except Antarctica and Australia. It therefore has one of the most widespread distributions of any bird. It is partially migratory and moves south in winter from the northern parts of its range. The Short-eared Owl is also known to relocate to areas of higher rodent populations and it will also wander nomadically in search of better food supplies during years when vole populations are low. In the UK, the Short-eared Owl breeds primarily in north England and Scotland but it is seen more widely in winter when there is an influx of continental birds from Scandinavia, Russia and Iceland to north, east and parts of central south England, especially around coastal marshes and wetlands. The breeding season of the Short-eared Owl in the northern hemisphere lasts from March to June but peaks in April. During the breeding season, the male makes a great spectacle of itself in flight to attract a female. The male swoops down over the potential nest site flapping its wings in a courtship display. The Short-eared Owl is generally monogamous and nests on the ground in prairie, tundra, savanna or meadow habitats. The nest is concealed by low vegetation and may be lightly lined by weeds, grass or feathers. The female lays 4 to 7 eggs but clutch size can reach up to 12 eggs in years when voles are abundant. There is a single brood per year. The eggs are incubated mostly by the female for 21 to 37 days and the young fledge at a little over 4 weeks. The Short-eared Owl hunts mostly at night but it is known as a diurnal and crepuscular hunter as well. Its daylight hunting seems to coincide with the high activity periods of voles, its preferred prey. It tends to fly only a few feet above the ground in open fields and grasslands until swooping down upon its prey feet first. Several owls may hunt over the same open area. The diet of the Short-eared Owl consists mainly of rodents, especially voles, but it will eat other small mammals such as mice, ground squirrels, shrews, rats, bats, muskrats and moles. It will also occasionally predate smaller birds especially when near sea coasts and adjacent wetlands at which time they may attack waders, terns and small gulls and seabirds. Avian prey is more infrequently preyed on inland and includes small passerines. Insects also supplement the diet. Date: 5th July 2019 Location: Vestre Jakobslev, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623366.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4720749266117dd5cd15b6.jpgTree Sparrow The Tree Sparrow is a member of the sparrow family Passer, a group of small passerine birds that is believed to have originated in Africa and which contains 15 to 25 species. The Tree Sparrow's name is derived from 2 Latin words: passer meaning "sparrow" and montanus meaning "of the mountains". The common name is given to suggest the preference for tree holes for nesting. However, this name and the scientific name montanus do not appropriately describe the Tree Sparrow’s habitat preferences: the German name Feldsperling meaning "field sparrow" comes closer to doing so. The Tree Sparrow is around 5 to 5.5 inches in length with a wingspan of about 8.3 inches, making it roughly 10% smaller than the House Sparrow. The adult's crown and nape are a rich chestnut and there is a kidney-shaped black ear patch on each pure white cheek. The chin, throat and the area between the bill and throat are black. The upperparts are light brown streaked with black and the brown wings have 2 distinct narrow white bars. The legs are pale brown and the bill is lead-blue in summer becoming almost black in winter. The Tree Sparrow is distinctive even within its own family in that there are no plumage differences between the sexes. The juvenile resembles the adult although the colours tend to be duller. The contrasting face pattern makes the Tree Sparrow easily identifiable in all plumages and the smaller size and chestnut (not grey) crown are additional differences from the male House Sparrow. The Tree Sparrow's breeding range comprises most of temperate Europe and Asia south of about latitude 68°N (north of this the summers are too cold) and through south east Asia to Java and Bali. It is sedentary over most of its extensive range but northernmost breeding populations migrate south for the winter and small numbers leave south Europe for north Africa and the Middle East. The Tree Sparrow has been introduced outside its native range but it has not always become successfully established, possibly due to competition with the House Sparrow. Ship-carried birds have colonised some areas and birds have also occurred as vagrants. Despite its scientific name, the Tree Sparrow is not typically a mountain species and reaches only 2300 feet in Switzerland although it has bred at 5600 feet in the northern Caucasus and as high as 14010 feet in Nepal. In Europe, the Tree Sparrow is frequently found in open countryside with small isolated patches of woodland but also on coasts with cliffs, in woodland along slow water courses and in empty buildings. It shows a strong preference for nest sites near wetland habitats and avoids breeding on intensively managed farmland. In Europe, where the Tree Sparrow and the House Sparrow occur in the same region, the House Sparrow generally nests in urban areas while the Tree Sparrow nests in rural areas. Where trees are in short supply, both species may utilise man-made structures as nest sites. Whilst the Tree Sparrow is mainly a rural bird in Europe, it tends to be an urban bird in Asia and Australia. In the UK, the Tree Sparrow is scarcer in upland areas and the far north and west of the and the main populations are now found across the Midlands and south and east England. The Tree Sparrow may breed in isolated pairs or in loose colonies. The male calls from near the nest site in spring to proclaim ownership and attract a mate and he may also carry nest material in to the nest hole. The Tree Sparrow typically builds its nest in a cavity in an old tree or rock face. Some nests are not in holes as such but are built among roots of overhanging bushes. Roof cavities in houses and nest boxes are also readily used. In addition, the Tree Sparrow will breed in the disused nest of a Magpie or other crow species or an active or unused nest of a large bird such as the White Stork or a heron or raptor species. It will sometimes attempt to take over the nest of other birds that breed in holes or enclosed spaces such as tit species, flycatcher species, Swallow, House Martin, Sand Martin or European Bee-eater. The untidy nest is composed of hay, grass, wool or other material and lined with feathers which improve thermal insulation. The female lays 5 or 6 eggs which are incubated by both parents for 12 to 13 days and the chicks fledge after a further 15 to 18 days. There are 2 or 3 broods each year. Hybridisation between the Tree Sparrow and the House Sparrow has been recorded in many parts of the world with male hybrids tending to resemble the Tree Sparrow while female hybrids are more similar to the House Sparrow. The Tree Sparrow is a predominantly seed and grain eating bird which feeds on the ground in flocks and often with House Sparrows, finches and buntings. It may also visit feeding stations. It additionally feeds on invertebrates including insects, woodlice, millipedes, centipedes, spiders, etc. especially during the breeding season when the young are fed mainly on animal food. Adults use a variety of wetlands when foraging for invertebrate prey to feed chicks and aquatic sites play a key role in providing adequate diversity and availability of suitable invertebrate prey to allow successful chick rearing. Large areas of formerly occupied farmland no longer provide these invertebrate resources due to the effects of intensive farming. The Tree Sparrow has a large range and a large population. Although the population is declining, the species is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List. For this reason, the Tree Sparrow is designated as being of “Least Concern”. Although the Tree Sparrow has been expanding its range in Fennoscandia and east Europe, its population has been declining in much of west Europe, a trend reflected in other farmland birds such as the Skylark and Corn Bunting. The collapse in population seems to have been particularly severe in the UK where there was a 93% decline between 1970 and 2008. However, recent Breeding Bird Survey data is encouraging and suggests that numbers may have started to increase albeit from a very low point. The decrease in population is probably the result of agricultural intensification and specialisation, particularly the increased use of herbicides and a trend towards autumn-sown crops at the expense of spring-sown crops that produce stubble fields in winter. The change from mixed to specialised farming and the increased use of insecticides has reduced the amount of insect food available for chicks. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48483024.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2050271022640a4019e76d0.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 1st February 2023 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/p5030554-edit https://images.on-this.website/4752_445148879664330843d162.jpgBlackbird The Common Blackbird is a species of true thrush. It is also called Eurasian Blackbird (especially in North America in order to distinguish it from the unrelated New World blackbirds) or simply Blackbird where this does not lead to confusion with a similar-looking local species. The Blackbird’s name derives form 2 Latin words: turdus meaning “thrush” and merula meaning “blackbird”. It may not immediately be clear why the name "blackbird", first recorded in 1486, was applied to this species but not to one of the various other common black English birds, such as the Carrion Crow, Raven, Rook or Jackdaw. However, in Old English and in modern English up to about the 18th century, "bird" was used only for smaller or young birds and larger ones such as crows were called "fowl". At that time, the Blackbird was therefore the only widespread and conspicuous black bird in the UK. The Blackbird is around 9.25 to 11.5 inches in length including a long tail. The adult male has glossy black plumage, blackish-brown legs, a yellow eye-ring and an orange-yellow bill. The bill darkens somewhat in winter. The adult female is sooty-brown with a dull yellowish-brownish bill, a brownish-white throat and some weak mottling on the breast. The juvenile is similar to the female but has pale spots on the upperparts and the very young juvenile also has a speckled breast. Young birds vary in the shade of brown, with darker birds presumably males. The first year male resembles the adult male but has a dark bill and weaker eye ring and its folded wing is brown rather than black like the body plumage. The Blackbird breeds in temperate Eurasia, north Africa, the Canary Islands and south Asia. Populations are sedentary in the south and west of the range although northern birds migrate south as far as north Africa and tropical Asia in winter. Common over most of its range in woodland, the Blackbird has a preference for deciduous trees with dense undergrowth. However, gardens provide the most successful breeding habitat. It occurs up to around 3300 feet in Europe and is often replaced by the related Ring Ousel in areas of higher altitude. The Blackbird has an extensive range and a large population which is generally stable or increasing. However, there have been local declines, especially on farmland, which may be due to agricultural policies that encouraged farmers to remove hedgerows (which provide nesting places) and to drain damp grassland and increase the use of pesticides, both of which could have reduced the availability of invertebrate food. The Blackbird may commence breeding in March when the breeding pair prospect for a suitable nest site in a creeper or bush, favouring evergreen or thorny species such as ivy, holly, hawthorn, honeysuckle or pyracantha. Sometimes they will nest in sheds or outbuildings where a ledge or cavity is used. The cup-shaped nest is made with grasses, leaves and other vegetation and bound together with mud. It is built by the female alone. The nest is often ill-concealed compared with those of other species and many breeding attempts fail due to predation. The female lays 3 to 5 (average 4) bluish-green eggs marked with reddish-brown blotches which are incubated for 12 to 14 days before the chicks are hatched naked and blind. Fledging takes another 10 to 19 (average 13.6) days, with both parents feeding the young. The young are fed by the parents for up to 3 weeks after leaving the nest and they will follow the adults begging for food. If the female starts another nest, the male alone will feed the fledged young. Second broods are common with the female reusing the same nest if the brood was successful. The first-year male Blackbird may start singing as early as late January in fine weather in order to establish a territory, followed in late March by the adult male. The male's song is a varied and melodious low-pitched fluted warble which is given from trees, rooftops or other elevated perches mainly in the period from March to June and sometimes into the beginning of July. During the winter, the Blackbird can be heard quietly singing to itself, so much so that September and October are the only months which the song cannot be heard. The Blackbird is omnivorous, eating a wide range of insects, earthworms, seeds and berries. It feeds mainly on the ground, running and hopping with a start-stop-start progress. It pulls earthworms from the soil, usually finding them by sight but sometimes by hearing, and roots through leaf litter for other invertebrates. Small amphibians and lizards are occasionally hunted. The Blackbird will also perch in bushes to take berries and collect caterpillars and other active insects. Animal prey predominates and this is particularly important during the breeding season with windfall apples and berries taken more in the autumn and winter. Near human habitation the main predator of the Blackbird is the domestic cat, with newly fledged young especially vulnerable. Foxes and predatory birds, such as the Sparrowhawk, also predate the Blackbird when the opportunity arises. Eggs and chicks are also taken by corvids, such as the Magpie or Jay. Date: 3rd May 2024 Location: Dingle Local Nature Reserve, Llangefni, Anglesey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071504.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_618614697664323b67be8b.jpgGoldfinch The European Goldfinch or simply the Goldfinch is a small passerine bird in the finch family. The Goldfinch is 4.7 to 5.1 inches in length with a wingspan of 8.3 to 9.8 inches. The sexes are broadly similar, with a red face, black and white head, warm brown upper parts, white underparts with buff flanks and breast patches and black and yellow wings. On closer inspection, males can often be distinguished by a larger, darker red mask that extends just behind the eye. The shoulder feathers are black, whereas they are brown on the female. In females, the red face does not extend past the eye. The ivory-coloured bill is long and pointed and the tail is forked. Juveniles have a plain head and a greyer back but are unmistakable due to the yellow wing stripe. The Goldfinch is native to Europe, north Africa and west and central Asia. It is found in open, partially wooded lowlands and it is a resident in the milder west of its range but migrates from colder regions. It will also make local movements, even in the west, to escape bad weather. It has been introduced to many areas of the world. In the UK, the Goldfinch can be seen anywhere there are scattered bushes and trees, rough ground with thistles and other seeding plants, including orchards, parks, gardens, heathland and commons. It is less common in upland areas and most numerous in the south of England. The nest is built entirely by the female Goldfinch and is generally completed within a week. It is neat and compact and constructed of mosses and lichens and lined with plant down such as that from thistles. It is generally located several feet above the ground, hidden by leaves in the twigs at the end of a branch. The female typically lays 4 to 6 eggs which are incubated for 11 to 13 days. The chicks are fed by both parents. Initially they receive a mixture of seeds and insects but as they grow the proportion of insect material decreases. For the first 7 to 9 days the young are brooded by the female. The nestlings fledge 13 to 18 days after hatching. The young birds are fed by both parents for a further 7 to 9 days. The parents typically raise 2 broods each year and occasionally 3. The Goldfinch's preferred food is small seeds such as those from thistles and teasels but insects are also taken when feeding young. It also regularly visits bird feeders in winter. The Goldfinch is commonly kept and bred in captivity around the world because of its distinctive appearance and pleasant song. In the UK during the 19th century, many thousands of Goldfinches were trapped each year to be sold as cage birds. One of the earliest campaigns of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was directed against this trade. Date: 2nd May 2024 Location: Westleton Heath, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405526.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5606855096586f469b07d1.jpgShort-eared Owl The Short-eared Owl is a species of the typical owl family Strigidae. Owls belonging to the genus Asio, such as the Short-eared Owl, are known as the eared owls since they have tufts of feathers resembling mammalian ears. These "ear" tufts may or may not be visible. The Short-eared Owl will display its tufts when in a defensive pose although its very short tufts are usually not visible. The Short-eared Owl is a medium-sized owl 13 to 17 inches in length with a 33 to 43 inches wingspan. Females are slightly larger than males. It has large yellow eyes with black encircling rings, a big head, a short neck and broad wings. The bill is short, strong, hooked and black. The plumage is mottled tawny to brown with a barred tail and wings. The upper breast is significantly streaked. The flight is characteristically floppy due to the irregular wingbeats and the Short-eared Owl is often described as "moth-like” or bat-like" in flight. Through much of its range, the Short-eared Owl occurs with the similar looking Long-eared Owl. At rest, the ear-tufts of the Long-eared Owl serve to easily distinguish the 2 species although the Long-eared Owl can sometimes hold its ear-tufts flat. The iris colour also differs: yellow in the Short-eared Owl and orange in the Long-eared Owl plus the black surrounding the eyes is vertical on the Long-eared Owl and horizontal on the Short-eared Owl. Overall, the Short-eared Owl tends to be a paler, sandier coloured bird than the Long-eared Owl. There are 10 recognized sub-species of the Short-eared Owl and its range covers all continents except Antarctica and Australia. It therefore has one of the most widespread distributions of any bird. It is partially migratory and moves south in winter from the northern parts of its range. The Short-eared Owl is also known to relocate to areas of higher rodent populations and it will also wander nomadically in search of better food supplies during years when vole populations are low. In the UK, the Short-eared Owl breeds primarily in north England and Scotland but it is seen more widely in winter when there is an influx of continental birds from Scandinavia, Russia and Iceland to north, east and parts of central south England, especially around coastal marshes and wetlands. The breeding season of the Short-eared Owl in the northern hemisphere lasts from March to June but peaks in April. During the breeding season, the male makes a great spectacle of itself in flight to attract a female. The male swoops down over the potential nest site flapping its wings in a courtship display. The Short-eared Owl is generally monogamous and nests on the ground in prairie, tundra, savanna or meadow habitats. The nest is concealed by low vegetation and may be lightly lined by weeds, grass or feathers. The female lays 4 to 7 eggs but clutch size can reach up to 12 eggs in years when voles are abundant. There is a single brood per year. The eggs are incubated mostly by the female for 21 to 37 days and the young fledge at a little over 4 weeks. The Short-eared Owl hunts mostly at night but it is known as a diurnal and crepuscular hunter as well. Its daylight hunting seems to coincide with the high activity periods of voles, its preferred prey. It tends to fly only a few feet above the ground in open fields and grasslands until swooping down upon its prey feet first. Several owls may hunt over the same open area. The diet of the Short-eared Owl consists mainly of rodents, especially voles, but it will eat other small mammals such as mice, ground squirrels, shrews, rats, bats, muskrats and moles. It will also occasionally predate smaller birds especially when near sea coasts and adjacent wetlands at which time they may attack waders, terns and small gulls and seabirds. Avian prey is more infrequently preyed on inland and includes small passerines. Insects also supplement the diet. Date: 25th November 2023 Location: RSPB Wallasea Island, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/bosherston-lily-ponds-bosherton-pembrokeshire https://images.on-this.website/4752_4550829156499713d6d0bb.jpgBosherston Lily Ponds, Bosherton, Pembrokeshire Bosherston Lily Ponds are part of the National Trust Stackpole Estate. The renowned water lilies are best seen in June. The marshy edges and reedbeds provide a good habitat for common breeding water birds. Date: 9th June 2023 Location: Bosherston Lily Ponds, Bosherton, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071687.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8065495126643357c79703.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 4th May 2023 Location: Bwlch Nant yr Arian, Llywernog, Ceredigion http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405445.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10434417676586e0a366846.jpgLittle Egret The Little Egret is a species of small heron. The genus name comes from the Provençal French Aigrette (egret), a diminutive of Aigron (heron). The adult Little Egret is 22 to 26 inches long with a 35 to 42 inches wingspan. Its plumage is normally entirely white although there are dark forms with largely bluish-grey plumage. In the breeding season, the adult has 2 long plumes on the nape that form a crest. These plumes are about 6 inches in length and are pointed and very narrow. There are similar feathers on the breast but the barbs are more widely spread. There are also several elongated scapular feathers that have long loose barbs around 8 inches long. During the winter the plumage is similar but the scapulars are shorter and more normal in appearance. The bill is long and slender and both it and the lores are black. There is an area of greenish-grey bare skin at the base of the lower mandible and around the eye which has a yellow iris. The legs are black and the feet yellow. Juveniles are similar to non-breeding adults but have greenish-black legs and duller yellow feet and may have a certain proportion of greyish or brownish feathers. The Little Egret is mostly silent but it does make various croaking and bubbling calls at its breeding colonies and it produces a harsh alarm call when disturbed. The breeding range of the western race of the Little Egret includes south Europe, the Middle East, much of Africa and south Asia. European populations are migratory and mostly travel to Africa although some remain in southern Europe. During the late 20th century, the range of the Little Egret expanded northwards in Europe and into the New World. The Little Egret's habitat varies widely and includes the shores of lakes, rivers, canals, ponds, lagoons, marshes and flooded land, the bird preferring open locations to dense cover. On the coast it inhabits mudflats, sandy beaches, mangrove areas, swamps and reefs. The Little Egret is a sociable bird and can be seen in small flocks. However, individual birds do not tolerate others coming too close to their chosen feeding site although this depends on the abundance of prey. The Little Egret uses a variety of methods to find its food. It stalks its prey in shallow water, often running with raised wings or shuffling its feet to disturb small fish, or it may stand still and wait to ambush prey. It also makes use of opportunities provided by Cormorants disturbing fish or humans attracting fish by throwing bread into water. On land, it walks or runs while chasing its prey, often feeding on creatures disturbed by grazing livestock. The diet is mainly fish but amphibians, small reptiles, mammals and birds are also eaten as well as crustaceans, molluscs, insects, spiders and worms. The Little Egret nests in colonies, often with other wading birds such as Cattle Egret, Black-crowned Night Heron, Squacco Heron and Glossy Ibis. The nests are usually platforms of sticks built in trees or shrubs or in reed beds or bamboo groves. Pairs defend a small breeding territory, usually extending around 10 to 13 feet from the nest. The 3 to 5 eggs are incubated by both adults for 21 to 25 days before hatching. The young birds are covered in white down feathers are cared for by both parents and fledge after 40 to 45 days. Globally, the Little Egret is not listed as a threatened species and has in fact expanded its range over the last few decades.[5] The IUCN states that their wide distribution and large total population means that they are a species that cause them "least concern". Historical research has shown that the Little Egret was once present, and probably common, in the UK but became extinct there through a combination of over-hunting in the late mediaeval period and climate change at the start of the Little Ice Age. Further declines occurred throughout Europe as the plumes of the Little Egret and other egrets were in demand for decorating hats. They had been used in the plume trade since at least the 17th century but in the 19th century it became a major craze and the number of egret skins passing through dealers reached into the millions. Hunting, which reduced the population of the species to dangerously low levels, stimulated the establishment of Britain's Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in 1889. By the 1950s, the Little Egret had become restricted to south Europe and conservation laws protecting the species were introduced. This allowed the population to rebound strongly and over the next few decades it became increasingly common in western France and later on the north coast. It bred in the Netherlands in 1979 with further breeding from the 1990s onward. Populations are now mostly stable or increasing in Europe. In the UK, the Little Egret was a rare vagrant from its 16th century extinction until the late 20th century. It has, however, recently become a regular breeding species and is commonly present, often in large numbers, at favoured coastal sites. The first recent breeding record in England was on Brownsea Island in Dorset in 1996 and it bred in Wales for the first time in 2002. The population increase has been rapid subsequently with over 750 pairs breeding in nearly 70 colonies in 2008 and a post-breeding total of 4,540 birds in September 2008. Severe winter weather proves only to be a temporary setback and the Little Egret continues to expand both its numbers and range in the UK. Date: 9th October 2023 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42202652.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18086092095ff310754821a.jpgBrown Bear cub The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, Ursus arctos arctos. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an evening visit with [url=https://www.karhujenkatselu.fi/en-gb]Karhu-Kuusamo[/url] Date: 7th July 2019 Location: Kuntilampi, near Kuusamo, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43082701.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17140562260dd84d7ac63d.jpgEdible Frog The Edible Frog is a species of frog found across Europe that is also known as the Common Water Frog and the Green Frog. The Edible Frog is one of the few animals in the world that is a fertile hybrid of 2 different species, as although similar but genetically different species are known to mate, it is very rare that their offspring will be able to breed. The Edible Frog is a fertile hybrid of 2 other European frogs, namely the Pool Frog and the Marsh Frog, that inter-bred when populations where isolated close to one another during the Ice Age. It was first described in 1758 and is known as the Edible Frog due to the fact that it is now seen as a culinary delicacy across Europe but especially in France where frog’s legs are often served as a national dish. The reason for humans favouring this frog over others is not really known but it may have something to do with their abundance. The Edible Frog is a medium sized frog growing to around 3.5 to 4.5 inches in length. Adults are mainly green in colour with light patches of brown on their backs, yellow eyes and a white underside covered in a few dark spots. There are number of distinct differences between males and females including the fact that males become much lighter and greener during the mating season. Males also have vocal sacs on the outside of their cheeks and extra skin patches on their feet, both of which are primarily used for mating. The Edible Frog is endemic to Europe and it naturally occurs across central Europe as far north as Germany and Estonia. Southern populations are found from Croatia, through northern Italy and into the south of France. There are also isolated populations in Sweden and Bulgaria which are thought to have migrated from the countries nearby. It has also been introduced to the UK. The Edible Frog spends all of its time either in or very close to water and it is most commonly found in calmer parts of rivers and streams where there is a slow but constant flow of fresh water. It tends to prefer more open areas and can also be commonly found around lakes, ponds and marshes. Unlike many other species of frog, the Edible Frog is a diurnal animal and is therefore most active during the day. This is when it is most likely to move away from the water so that it can find a better supply of food or move to a different part of the water if it needs to. The Edible Frog is a relatively solitary animal so there is less competition for food but males are often seen sitting together in groups during the breeding season when they are trying to out-compete each other to find a mate. The breeding season for the Edible Frog begins during March and generally lasts for around 2 months. Males sing by drawing air in and out of their vocal sacs to produce the highest-pitched sound possible since females are most attracted to the loudest males. After courting her in a lake, pond or swamp, the male lets the female lay up to 10,000 eggs in a sticky mass into the water before he fertilises them. Tadpoles can be as small as 0.2 inches long when they hatch and are a grey/brown colour. They then grow up to 2 to 3 inches in length before metamorphoses occurs and they leave the water as 0.75 inches long young frogs. The Edible Frog reaches sexual maturity at the age of 2 years and can live until it is 15 years old. The Edible Frog is a carnivorous amphibian but the tadpoles mainly eat vegetation although they are known to occasionally supplement their diet with aquatic micro-organisms. Adults eat small invertebrates such as insects, spiders and flies, which make up the majority of their diet, along with larger aquatic animals like fish, newts and other frogs. The Edible Frog hunts for food during the day and can be seen catching food both in water and on land. The Edible Frog remains very still when it is sitting on the banks of its water habitat and this, along with its camouflage, makes it very difficult for predators to spot. Its eyes are positioned near the top of the head meaning that it can also see danger coming whilst the body is mainly hidden. Snakes, owls and water birds are the main predators of the Edible Frog. The Edible Frog will jump into the water and hide if it senses approaching danger and it will make a loud screeching sound if caught. Edible Frog populations are under threat from habitat destruction mainly caused by deforestation and water pollution. Date: 2nd June 2021 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21829374.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_51612512253cba07cb3e92.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 11th June 2014 Location: Bempton Cliifs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33568403.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4448030975a106afa92efd.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 4th November 2017 Location: Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405553.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6158010846586fbbbcd6b4.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the Canidae family and is a part of the order Carnivora within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 6th December 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12759426.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5478939584e71b0d7c636d.jpgRed Squirrel The Red Squirrel or Eurasian Red Squirrel is a species of tree squirrel in the genus [i]Sciurus[/i]. It is an arboreal and primarily herbivorous rodent. The Red Squirrel has a typical head and body length of 7.5 to 9 inches, a tail length of 6 to 8 inches and a weight of 9 to 12 ounces. Males and females are the same size. The Red Squirrel is smaller and lighter in weight than the Grey Squirrel The coat of the Red Squirrel varies in colour with the time of year and its location and there are several different coat colour morphs ranging from black to red. Red coats are most common in the UK but in other parts of Europe and Asia different coat colours co-exist within populations. The underside of the Red Squirrel is always creamy-white in colour. The Red Squirrel sheds its coat twice a year, switching from a thinner summer coat to a thicker, darker winter coat with noticeably larger ear-tufts (a prominent distinguishing feature of this species) between August and November. A lighter, redder overall coat colour, along with the ear-tufts (in adults) and smaller size, distinguish the Red Squirrel from the Grey Squirrel. The long tail helps the Red Squirrel to balance and steer when jumping from tree to tree and running along branches and it may also keep it warm during sleep. The Red Squirrel, like most tree squirrels, has sharp and curved claws to enable it to climb and descend broad tree trunks, thin branches and even house walls and its strong hind legs enable it to leap gaps between trees. The Red Squirrel can be found in the boreal coniferous woods in north Europe and Siberia where it prefers Scots Pine, Norway Spruce and Siberian Pine. In west and south Europe it can be found in broad-leaved woods where the mixture of tree and shrub species provides a better year round source of food. In most of the UK and in Italy, broad-leaved woodlands are now less suitable for it due to the better competitive feeding strategy of the introduced Grey Squirrel. The Red Squirrel makes a drey (nest) out of twigs in a branch-fork, forming a domed structure about 9 to 12 inches in diameter. This is lined with moss, leaves, grass and bark. Tree hollows and woodpecker holes are also used. The Red Squirrel is generally a solitary animal and is shy and reluctant to share food with others. However, outside the breeding season and particularly in winter, several Red Squirrels may share a drey to keep warm. Social organisation is based on dominance hierarchies within and between sexes. Although males are not necessarily dominant towards females, the dominant animals tend to be larger and older than subordinate animals and dominant males tend to have larger home ranges than subordinate males or females. Mating can occur in late winter during February and March and in summer between June and July. During mating, males detect females that are in oestrus by an odour that they produce and, although there is no courtship, the male will chase the female for up to an hour prior to mating. Usually multiple males will chase a single female until the dominant male, usually the largest in the group, mates with the female. Males and females will mate multiple times with many partners. Females must reach a minimum body mass before they enter oestrus and heavy females on average produce more young. If food is scarce breeding may be delayed. Typically a female will produce her first litter in her second year. Up to 2 litters a year per female are possible. Each litter averages 3 young and these are known as kits. Gestation is about 38 to 39 days and the young are looked after by the mother alone and are born helpless, blind and deaf. Their body is covered by hair at 21 days, their eyes and ears open after 3 to 4 weeks and they develop all their teeth by 42 days. Juveniles can eat solids around 40 days following birth and from that point they can leave the nest on their own to find food. However, they still suckle from their mother until weaning occurs at 8 to 10 weeks. The Red Squirrel eats mostly the seeds of trees, fungi, nuts (especially hazelnuts but also beech and chestnuts), berries and young shoots. More rarely, it may also eat bird eggs or nestlings and may occasionally exhibit opportunistic omnivory similar to other rodents. Excess food is put into caches, either buried or in nooks or holes in trees, and eaten when food is scarce. Although the Red Squirrel remembers where it created caches at a better than chance level, its spatial memory is believed to be substantially less accurate and durable than that of the Grey Squirrel. Therefore it will often have to search for them when in need and many caches are never found again. Between 60% and 80% of the active time of a Red Squirrel may be spent foraging and feeding. The active period is generally in the morning and in the late afternoon and evening. It often rests in its nest in the middle of the day to avoid the heat and the high visibility to birds of prey that are dangers during these hours. During the winter, this midday rest is often much more brief or absent entirely although harsh weather may cause it to stay in its nest for days at a time. No territories are claimed between Red Squirrels and the feeding areas of individuals overlap considerably. A Red Squirrel that survives its first winter has a life expectancy of 3 years. Individuals may reach 7 years of age and 10 years in captivity. Survival is positively related to the availability of autumn and winter tree seeds. On average, 75 to 85% of juveniles die during their first winter and mortality is approximately 50% for winters following the first. Predators include small mammals such as the Pine Marten, the Wildcat and the Stoat which all prey on juveniles. Birds, including owls and raptors such as the Goshawk and Common Buzzard, may also prey on the Red Squirrel as will the Red Fox and domestic cats and dogs when it is on the ground. Humans influence the population size and mortality of the Red Squirrel by destroying or altering habitats, by causing road casualties and by introducing non-native populations of the Grey Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel and the Red Squirrel are not directly antagonistic and violent conflict between these species is not a factor in the decline in Red Squirrel populations. However, the Grey Squirrel appears to contribute to the decrease in the Red Squirrel population for several reasons: it carries a disease, the squirrel parapoxvirus, that does not appear to affect its own health but will often kill the Red Squirrel, it can better digest acorns whilst the Red Squirrel cannot access the proteins and fats in acorns as easily and it can put the Red Squirrel under pressure for food resources resulting in it not breeding as often. In the UK, due to the above circumstances, the population has today fallen to 160,000 Red Squirrels or fewer with the majority of these in Scotland. Outside the UK and Ireland, the impact of competition from the Grey Squirrel has also been observed in Italy where 2 pairs escaped from captivity in 1948. A significant drop in the Red Squirrel population has been observed since 1970 and it is feared that the Grey Squirrel may expand into the rest of Europe. The Red Squirrel is protected in most of Europe although in some areas it is abundant and is hunted for its fur. In the UK there are several active projects to protect the Red Squirrel and its native woodland habitat, introduce or re-introduce it in to areas where it is absent and eradicate and prevent the spread of the Grey Squirrel. Research undertaken in 2007 in the UK credits the Pine Marten with reducing the population of the invasive Grey Squirrel. Where the range of the expanding Pine Marten population meets that of the Grey Squirrel, the population of the latter retreats. It is theorised that, because the Grey Squirrel spends more time on the ground than the Red Squirrel, it is far more likely to come in contact with the Pine Marten. Date: 11th April 2009 Location: Loch of the Lowes SWT reserve, Dunkeld, Perthshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405530.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_846430356586f4782cf19.jpgShort-eared Owl The Short-eared Owl is a species of the typical owl family Strigidae. Owls belonging to the genus Asio, such as the Short-eared Owl, are known as the eared owls since they have tufts of feathers resembling mammalian ears. These "ear" tufts may or may not be visible. The Short-eared Owl will display its tufts when in a defensive pose although its very short tufts are usually not visible. The Short-eared Owl is a medium-sized owl 13 to 17 inches in length with a 33 to 43 inches wingspan. Females are slightly larger than males. It has large yellow eyes with black encircling rings, a big head, a short neck and broad wings. The bill is short, strong, hooked and black. The plumage is mottled tawny to brown with a barred tail and wings. The upper breast is significantly streaked. The flight is characteristically floppy due to the irregular wingbeats and the Short-eared Owl is often described as "moth-like” or bat-like" in flight. Through much of its range, the Short-eared Owl occurs with the similar looking Long-eared Owl. At rest, the ear-tufts of the Long-eared Owl serve to easily distinguish the 2 species although the Long-eared Owl can sometimes hold its ear-tufts flat. The iris colour also differs: yellow in the Short-eared Owl and orange in the Long-eared Owl plus the black surrounding the eyes is vertical on the Long-eared Owl and horizontal on the Short-eared Owl. Overall, the Short-eared Owl tends to be a paler, sandier coloured bird than the Long-eared Owl. There are 10 recognized sub-species of the Short-eared Owl and its range covers all continents except Antarctica and Australia. It therefore has one of the most widespread distributions of any bird. It is partially migratory and moves south in winter from the northern parts of its range. The Short-eared Owl is also known to relocate to areas of higher rodent populations and it will also wander nomadically in search of better food supplies during years when vole populations are low. In the UK, the Short-eared Owl breeds primarily in north England and Scotland but it is seen more widely in winter when there is an influx of continental birds from Scandinavia, Russia and Iceland to north, east and parts of central south England, especially around coastal marshes and wetlands. The breeding season of the Short-eared Owl in the northern hemisphere lasts from March to June but peaks in April. During the breeding season, the male makes a great spectacle of itself in flight to attract a female. The male swoops down over the potential nest site flapping its wings in a courtship display. The Short-eared Owl is generally monogamous and nests on the ground in prairie, tundra, savanna or meadow habitats. The nest is concealed by low vegetation and may be lightly lined by weeds, grass or feathers. The female lays 4 to 7 eggs but clutch size can reach up to 12 eggs in years when voles are abundant. There is a single brood per year. The eggs are incubated mostly by the female for 21 to 37 days and the young fledge at a little over 4 weeks. The Short-eared Owl hunts mostly at night but it is known as a diurnal and crepuscular hunter as well. Its daylight hunting seems to coincide with the high activity periods of voles, its preferred prey. It tends to fly only a few feet above the ground in open fields and grasslands until swooping down upon its prey feet first. Several owls may hunt over the same open area. The diet of the Short-eared Owl consists mainly of rodents, especially voles, but it will eat other small mammals such as mice, ground squirrels, shrews, rats, bats, muskrats and moles. It will also occasionally predate smaller birds especially when near sea coasts and adjacent wetlands at which time they may attack waders, terns and small gulls and seabirds. Avian prey is more infrequently preyed on inland and includes small passerines. Insects also supplement the diet. Date: 25th November 2023 Location: RSPB Wallasea Island, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40952852.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8441045845e5393df652b0.jpgPale-bellied Brent Goose The Brent Goose belongs to the [I]Branta[/I] genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the [I]Anser[/I] genus of grey geese. [I]Branta[/I] is a Latinised form of Old Norse [I]brandgás[/I], meaning "burnt (black) goose", and [i]bernicla[/i] is the medieval Latin name for the barnacle. The Brent Goose and the similar Barnacle Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be the same creature as the crustacean, a myth that can be dated back to at least the 12th century. The Brent Goose, [I]Branta bernicla[/I] is divided into 3 sub-species: Dark-bellied Brent Goose [I]B. b. bernicla[/I], Pale-bellied Brent Goose [i]B. b. hrota[/i] (sometimes also known as Light-bellied Brent Goose) and Black Brant [i]B. b. nigricans[/i]. Some DNA evidence suggests that these forms are genetically distinct and a split into 3 separate species has been proposed. However, other evidence upholds their maintenance as a single species. The Brent Goose is a small goose, 22 to 26 inches long with a wingspan of 42 to 48 inches. The under-tail is pure white and the tail black and very short (the shortest of any goose). The Dark-bellied Brent Goose is fairly uniformly dark grey-brown all over and the flanks and belly are not significantly paler than the back. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds on the Arctic coasts of central and west Siberia and winters in west Europe with over half the population in south England and the rest between north Germany and north west France. The Pale-bellied Brent Goose appears blackish-brown and light grey in colour and the flanks and belly are significantly paler than the back and present a marked contrast. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds in Franz Josef Land, Svalbard, Greenland and north east Canada and winters in Denmark, north east England, Ireland and the Atlantic coast of the USA from Maine to Georgia as well as in a small but significant area in north France. The Black Brant appears blackish-brown and white in colour. This sub-species is very contrastingly black and white with a uniformly dark sooty-brown back, similarly-coloured underparts (with the dark colour extending furthest back of the 3 sub-species) and a prominent white flank patch. It also has a larger white neck patch which forms an almost complete collar. It breeds in north west Canada, Alaska and east Siberia and winters mostly on the west coast of north America from south Alaska to California but also in east Asia, mainly Japan. It sometimes appears as a vagrant in Europe when it associates with the other Brent Goose species. The Brent Goose used to be a strictly coastal bird in winter, seldom leaving tidal estuaries where it feeds on eel-grass and seaweed. In recent decades, it has started using agricultural land a short distance inland, feeding extensively on grass and winter-sown cereals. This may be behaviour learned by following other species of geese. Food resource pressure may also be important in forcing this change since the world population increased over 10-fold by the mid-1980s, possibly reaching the carrying capacity of the estuaries. In the breeding season, the Brent Goose uses low-lying wet coastal tundra for both breeding and feeding. The nest is bowl-shaped, lined with grass and down and located in an elevated position often near a small pond. The Brent Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds applies. Date: 2nd February 2020 Location: Barnawee Bridge, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49002383.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15988876236468edd1b96c2.jpgHerring Gull The Herring Gull is one of the best known of all gulls along the shores of Europe. Adults in breeding plumage have a grey back and upperwings and white head and underparts. The wingtips are black with white spots known as "mirrors". The bill is yellow with a red spot and there is a ring of bare yellow skin around the pale eye. The legs are normally pink at all ages but can be yellowish. Non-breeding adults have brown streaks on the head and neck. Male and female plumage is identical at all stages of development although adult males are often larger. Juvenile and first-winter birds are mainly brown with darker streaks and have a dark bill and eyes. Second-winter birds have a whiter head and underparts with less streaking and the back is grey. Third-winter individuals are similar to adults but retain some of the features of immature birds such as brown feathers in the wings and dark markings on the bill. The Herring Gull attains adult plumage and reaches sexual maturity at an average age of 4 years. The loud laughing call of the Herring Gull is well known and is often seen as a symbol of the seaside in countries such as the UK. It also has a yelping alarm call and a low barking anxiety call. Chicks and fledglings emit a distinctive, repetitive high-pitched 'peep', accompanied by a head-flicking gesture when begging for food from or calling to their parents. Adult gulls in urban areas will also exhibit this behaviour when fed by humans. The Herring Gull breeds across northern Europe, western Europe, central Europe, eastern Europe, Scandinavia and the Baltic states. Some, especially those resident in colder areas, migrate further south in winter but many are permanent residents such as in the UK or on the North Sea shores. While Herring Gull numbers appear to have been decreased in recent years, possibly by fish population declines and competition, they have proved able to survive in human-adapted areas and can often be seen in towns acting as a scavenger. The Herring Gull, like most gulls, is an omnivore and opportunist and will scavenge from garbage dumps, landfill sites and sewage outflows with refuse comprising up to half of the bird's diet. In addition, it will eat fish, crustaceans and dead animals as well as some plants and it will steal the eggs and young of other birds (including those of other gulls). The Herring Gull may also dive from the surface of the water or engage in plunge diving in the pursuit of aquatic prey although they are typically unable to reach any great depth due to their natural buoyancy. Date: 13th April 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42222311.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12988338686023a2d5f0665.jpgKuusamo to Iivaara, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland Date: 9th July 2019 Location: view from road 866 between Kuusamo and Iivaara, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49278570.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20549177876499b4a1edb19.jpgEdible Frog The Edible Frog is a species of frog found across Europe that is also known as the Common Water Frog and the Green Frog. The Edible Frog is one of the few animals in the world that is a fertile hybrid of 2 different species, as although similar but genetically different species are known to mate, it is very rare that their offspring will be able to breed. The Edible Frog is a fertile hybrid of 2 other European frogs, namely the Pool Frog and the Marsh Frog, that inter-bred when populations where isolated close to one another during the Ice Age. It was first described in 1758 and is known as the Edible Frog due to the fact that it is now seen as a culinary delicacy across Europe but especially in France where frog’s legs are often served as a national dish. The reason for humans favouring this frog over others is not really known but it may have something to do with their abundance. The Edible Frog is a medium sized frog growing to around 3.5 to 4.5 inches in length. Adults are mainly green in colour with light patches of brown on their backs, yellow eyes and a white underside covered in a few dark spots. There are number of distinct differences between males and females including the fact that males become much lighter and greener during the mating season. Males also have vocal sacs on the outside of their cheeks and extra skin patches on their feet, both of which are primarily used for mating. The Edible Frog is endemic to Europe and it naturally occurs across central Europe as far north as Germany and Estonia. Southern populations are found from Croatia, through northern Italy and into the south of France. There are also isolated populations in Sweden and Bulgaria which are thought to have migrated from the countries nearby. It has also been introduced to the UK. The Edible Frog spends all of its time either in or very close to water and it is most commonly found in calmer parts of rivers and streams where there is a slow but constant flow of fresh water. It tends to prefer more open areas and can also be commonly found around lakes, ponds and marshes. Unlike many other species of frog, the Edible Frog is a diurnal animal and is therefore most active during the day. This is when it is most likely to move away from the water so that it can find a better supply of food or move to a different part of the water if it needs to. The Edible Frog is a relatively solitary animal so there is less competition for food but males are often seen sitting together in groups during the breeding season when they are trying to out-compete each other to find a mate. The breeding season for the Edible Frog begins during March and generally lasts for around 2 months. Males sing by drawing air in and out of their vocal sacs to produce the highest-pitched sound possible since females are most attracted to the loudest males. After courting her in a lake, pond or swamp, the male lets the female lay up to 10,000 eggs in a sticky mass into the water before he fertilises them. Tadpoles can be as small as 0.2 inches long when they hatch and are a grey/brown colour. They then grow up to 2 to 3 inches in length before metamorphoses occurs and they leave the water as 0.75 inches long young frogs. The Edible Frog reaches sexual maturity at the age of 2 years and can live until it is 15 years old. The Edible Frog is a carnivorous amphibian but the tadpoles mainly eat vegetation although they are known to occasionally supplement their diet with aquatic micro-organisms. Adults eat small invertebrates such as insects, spiders and flies, which make up the majority of their diet, along with larger aquatic animals like fish, newts and other frogs. The Edible Frog hunts for food during the day and can be seen catching food both in water and on land. The Edible Frog remains very still when it is sitting on the banks of its water habitat and this, along with its camouflage, makes it very difficult for predators to spot. Its eyes are positioned near the top of the head meaning that it can also see danger coming whilst the body is mainly hidden. Snakes, owls and water birds are the main predators of the Edible Frog. The Edible Frog will jump into the water and hide if it senses approaching danger and it will make a loud screeching sound if caught. Edible Frog populations are under threat from habitat destruction mainly caused by deforestation and water pollution. Date: 13th June 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42229285.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_156515275603e5d7329987.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 27th February 2021 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45174850.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19743814546232f9ff59f2a.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 31st December 2021 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/large-skipper https://images.on-this.website/4752_17726854474f422994bc2ab.jpgLarge Skipper Flight period: June to July. The Large Skipper is a small golden butterfly which is widespread throughout England and Wales and it is also extending its range northwards in to southern Scotland. They can be found in areas of tall, uncut grassland, woodland rides, roadside verges and hedgerows. Date: 22nd July 2007 Location: Stow Maries Halt EWT reserve, Stow Maries, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833217.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1494590283559ce88f43397.jpgHoopoe The Hoopoe is a colourful and exotic looking bird about the size of a Mistle Thrush with a pinkish-brown body, striking black and white wings, a long black down-curved bill and a long pinkish-brown crest which it raises when excited. It has broad and rounded wings and a characteristic undulating flight which is like that of a giant butterfly and is caused by the wings half closing at the end of each beat or short sequence of beats. The Hoopoe’s call is typically a trisyllabic and onomatopoetic"oop-oop-oop" which gives rise to its English and scientific names although two and four syllables are also common. The Hoopoe is widespread in Europe, Asia, and North Africa, sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar. Most European and north Asian birds migrate to the tropics in winter whilst the African populations are sedentary all year round. Hoopoes have been known to breed north of their European range, including southern England during warm and dry summers that provide plenty of grasshoppers and similar insects. The Hoopoe has two basic requirements in its habitat: bare or lightly vegetated ground on which to forage and vertical surfaces with cavities (such as trees, cliffs or even walls, nestboxes, haystacks and abandoned burrows) in which to nest. These requirements can be provided in a wide range of ecosystems and as a consequence they inhabit a wide range of habitats from heathland, wooded steppes, savannas and grasslands as well as glades inside forests. The modification of natural habitats by humans for various agricultural purposes has led to them becoming common in olive groves, orchards, vineyards, parkland and farmland, although they are less common and declining in intensively farmed areas. Date: 14th May 2015 Location: Great Prespa Lake (Megali Prespa), West Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49002007.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3324962626468e620b1e25.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 7th April 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405531.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11443852406586f47dba69b.jpgShort-eared Owl The Short-eared Owl is a species of the typical owl family Strigidae. Owls belonging to the genus Asio, such as the Short-eared Owl, are known as the eared owls since they have tufts of feathers resembling mammalian ears. These "ear" tufts may or may not be visible. The Short-eared Owl will display its tufts when in a defensive pose although its very short tufts are usually not visible. The Short-eared Owl is a medium-sized owl 13 to 17 inches in length with a 33 to 43 inches wingspan. Females are slightly larger than males. It has large yellow eyes with black encircling rings, a big head, a short neck and broad wings. The bill is short, strong, hooked and black. The plumage is mottled tawny to brown with a barred tail and wings. The upper breast is significantly streaked. The flight is characteristically floppy due to the irregular wingbeats and the Short-eared Owl is often described as "moth-like” or bat-like" in flight. Through much of its range, the Short-eared Owl occurs with the similar looking Long-eared Owl. At rest, the ear-tufts of the Long-eared Owl serve to easily distinguish the 2 species although the Long-eared Owl can sometimes hold its ear-tufts flat. The iris colour also differs: yellow in the Short-eared Owl and orange in the Long-eared Owl plus the black surrounding the eyes is vertical on the Long-eared Owl and horizontal on the Short-eared Owl. Overall, the Short-eared Owl tends to be a paler, sandier coloured bird than the Long-eared Owl. There are 10 recognized sub-species of the Short-eared Owl and its range covers all continents except Antarctica and Australia. It therefore has one of the most widespread distributions of any bird. It is partially migratory and moves south in winter from the northern parts of its range. The Short-eared Owl is also known to relocate to areas of higher rodent populations and it will also wander nomadically in search of better food supplies during years when vole populations are low. In the UK, the Short-eared Owl breeds primarily in north England and Scotland but it is seen more widely in winter when there is an influx of continental birds from Scandinavia, Russia and Iceland to north, east and parts of central south England, especially around coastal marshes and wetlands. The breeding season of the Short-eared Owl in the northern hemisphere lasts from March to June but peaks in April. During the breeding season, the male makes a great spectacle of itself in flight to attract a female. The male swoops down over the potential nest site flapping its wings in a courtship display. The Short-eared Owl is generally monogamous and nests on the ground in prairie, tundra, savanna or meadow habitats. The nest is concealed by low vegetation and may be lightly lined by weeds, grass or feathers. The female lays 4 to 7 eggs but clutch size can reach up to 12 eggs in years when voles are abundant. There is a single brood per year. The eggs are incubated mostly by the female for 21 to 37 days and the young fledge at a little over 4 weeks. The Short-eared Owl hunts mostly at night but it is known as a diurnal and crepuscular hunter as well. Its daylight hunting seems to coincide with the high activity periods of voles, its preferred prey. It tends to fly only a few feet above the ground in open fields and grasslands until swooping down upon its prey feet first. Several owls may hunt over the same open area. The diet of the Short-eared Owl consists mainly of rodents, especially voles, but it will eat other small mammals such as mice, ground squirrels, shrews, rats, bats, muskrats and moles. It will also occasionally predate smaller birds especially when near sea coasts and adjacent wetlands at which time they may attack waders, terns and small gulls and seabirds. Avian prey is more infrequently preyed on inland and includes small passerines. Insects also supplement the diet. Date: 25th November 2023 Location: RSPB Wallasea Island, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308864.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_203045319163ee37f2f0084.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 21st January 2022 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493297.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6684127035f326f9edd75b.jpgHerring Gull The (European) Herring Gull is a species of large gull. It is 22 to 26 inches in length with a wingspan of 49 to 61 inches. The male is slightly larger than the female. The adult Herring Gull in breeding plumage has a grey back and upper wings and white head and underparts. The wingtips are black with white spots known as "mirrors". The bill is yellow with a red spot and a ring of bare yellow skin is seen around the pale eye. The legs are normally pink at all ages but can be yellowish. Male and female plumage are identical at all stages of development. Non-breeding adults have brown streaks on their heads and necks. Juvenile and first-winter birds are mainly brown with darker streaks and have a dark bill and eyes. Second-winter birds have a whiter head and underparts with less streaking and the back is grey. Third-winter individuals are similar to adults but retain some of the features of immature birds such as brown feathers in the wings and dark markings on the bill. The Herring Gull attains adult plumage and reaches sexual maturity at an average age of 4 years. The adult Herring Gull is similar to the Ring-billed Gull but it is much larger, has pinkish legs and a much thicker yellow bill with more pronounced gonys. First-winter birds are much browner but second-winter and third-winter birds can be confusing since soft part colours are variable and third-winter birds often show a ring around the bill. Such birds are most easily distinguished by the larger size and larger bill of Herring Gull. The Herring Gull can be differentiated from the closely related and slightly smaller Lesser Black-backed Gull by the latter's dark grey (not actually black) back and upper wing plumage and its yellow legs and feet. The loud, laughing call of the Herring Gull is well known in Europe and it is often seen as a symbol of the seaside in countries such as the UK. It also has a yelping alarm call and a low, barking anxiety call. The most distinct and best known call produced by the Herring Gull is the raucous territorial “long call” used to signal boundaries to other birds. It is performed initially with the head bowed and then raised as the call continues. Chicks and fledglings emit a distinctive, repetitive, high-pitched “peep” accompanied by a head-flicking gesture when begging for food from or calling to their parents. Adults in urban areas also exhibit this behaviour when fed by humans. Herring Gull flocks have a loose pecking order based on size, aggressiveness and physical strength. Adult males are usually dominant over females and juveniles in feeding and boundary disputes whilst adult females are typically dominant when selecting their nesting sites. Communication between birds is complex and highly developed, employing both calls and body language. The Herring Gull is one of the best-known of all gulls and it breeds across north Europe, west Europe, central Europe, east Europe, Scandinavia and the Baltic states. Some birds, especially those breeding in colder areas, migrate further south in winter but many are permanent residents, e.g. in the UK or on the North Sea coast. The Herring Gull is almost exclusively sexually monogamous and may pair up for life provided the couple is successful in breeding. The female lays 2 to 4 eggs, but usually 3, on the ground or cliff ledges in colonies and the nest is defended vigorously. The eggs are incubated by both parents for 28 to 30 days. The chicks hatch with their eyes open, covered with fluffy down and they are able to walk around within hours. Juveniles use their beaks to peck at the red spot on the beaks of adults to indicate hunger and then the parents typically disgorge food. The young birds are able to fly 35 to 40 days after hatching and fledge at 5 or 6 weeks of age. Chicks are generally fed by their parents until they are 11 to 12 weeks old but feeding may continue for more than 6 months of age if the young gulls continue to beg. The Herring Gull has a varied diet, including fish (although despite their name, they have no special preference for herrings), crustaceans and dead animals. Vegetable matter such as roots, tubers, seeds, grains, nuts and fruit, is also taken. It is an opportunistic omnivore like most gulls and it will scavenge from rubbish dumps, landfill sites and sewage outflows with refuse comprising up to half of its diet. It will also take the eggs and young of other birds (including those of other gulls), steal food from other birds as well as seek suitable small prey in fields, on the coast or in urban areas. The Herring Gull may also dive from the surface of the water or engage in plunge diving in the pursuit of aquatic prey although they are typically unable to reach depths greater than 3 to 6 feet due to their natural buoyancy. It can frequently be seen dropping shelled prey from a height to break the shell and it has also been observed using pieces of bread as bait. It may also be observed rhythmically drumming its feet upon the ground for prolonged periods of time for the purpose of creating vibrations in the soil and driving earthworms to the surface which are then consumed. In the UK, the Herring Gull is declining significantly across the country despite an increase in urban areas. The UK population has decreased by 50% in 25 years and it is protected by law. Since January 2010, Natural England has allowed lethal control only with a specific individual licence that is available only in limited circumstances. Natural England made the change following a public consultation in response to the RSPB placing the Herring Gull on its “Red List” of threatened bird species in 2009, affording it the highest possible conservation status. Previously, killing the Herring Gull was allowed under a general licence obtainable by authorised persons (e.g. landowners or occupiers) under certain circumstances (e.g. to prevent serious damage to crops or livestock, to prevent disease or to preserve public health or safety) without requiring additional permission beyond the general licence. The Herring Gull is an increasingly common rooftop nesting bird in urban areas of the UK and many individual birds show little fear of humans. The Clean Air Act 1956 banned the burning of refuse at landfill sites and this provided the Herring Gull with a regular and plentiful source of food. As a direct result, the urban population in the UK increased. Faced with a lack of space at their traditional coastal colonies, the Herring Gull ventured inland in search of new breeding areas. Decreasing fish stocks in the seas around the UK may also have been a significant factor in the move inland. The Herring Gull is now found all year round in the streets and gardens of the UK due to the presence of street lighting (which allows foraging at night), discarded food in streets, food waste contained in easy to tear plastic bin bags, food intentionally left out for other birds, the relative lack of predators and readily available, convenient, warm and undisturbed rooftop nesting space in towns and cities. The survival rate for urban Herring Gulls is much higher than their counterparts in coastal areas, with an annual adult mortality rate of less than 5%. Also, each pair commonly rears 3 chicks per year. This, when combined with their long-lived nature, has resulted in a massive increase in numbers over a relatively short period of time and has brought urban Herring Gulls into conflict with humans. A range of non-lethal attempts to deter them from nesting in urban areas have been largely unsuccessful. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5325692.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20333826294c1dd3b246e28.jpgCommon Guillemots The Common Guillemot, also known as the Common Murre or Thin-billed Murre, is a large species of auk. The auks are a family of seabirds which includes the Brunnich's Guillemot or Thick-billed Murre, Razorbill, Little Auk and the extinct Great Auk. The Common Guillemot is 15 to 18 inches in length with a 24 to 29 inches wingspan. In breeding plumage, it is black or dark brown on the head, back and wings with white underparts. It has a thin dark pointed bill and a small rounded dark tail. Legs are grey and the bill is dark grey. Males and females are identical. Some individuals in the North Atlantic, known as "Bridled Guillemots", have a white ring around the eye extending back as a white line. This is not a distinct subspecies but a polymorphism that becomes more common the farther north the birds breed. The Common Guillemot flies with fast wing beats and has a flight speed of around 50 mph. Groups of birds are often seen flying together in a line just above the surface of the sea. However, it is not a very agile bird and take-off is often difficult. The Common Guillemot becomes flightless for 45 to 60 days while moulting its primary feathers. The Common Guillemot is a pursuit diver that forages for food by swimming underwater using its wings for propulsion. Dives usually last less than one minute but the bird swims underwater for distances of over 100 feet on a regular basis. Diving depths up to 590 feet have been recorded. The Common Guillemot has a circumpolar distribution and it occurs in low Arctic and boreal waters in the north Atlantic and north Pacific. It spends most of its time at sea and only comes to land to breed on rocky cliffs, sea stacks and islands. Some birds are permanent residents but northern birds migrate south to open waters off New England, southern California, Japan, Korea and the western Mediterranean. The Common Guillemot breeds in colonies at high densities and nesting pairs may be in bodily contact with their neighbours. No nest is made and the single egg is laid and incubated on a bare rock ledge on a cliff face. The egg hatches after 30 days incubation and the chick is born downy and can regulate its body temperature after 10 days. Some 20 days after hatching the chick jumps off its nesting ledge and heads for the sea unable to fly but gliding for some distance with fluttering wings and accompanied by its male parent. The chicks are capable of diving as soon as they hit the water. The female stays at the nest site for some 14 days after the chick has left. The Common Guillemot can venture far from its breeding grounds to forage and distances of 60 miles or more are often observed although if sufficient food is available closer by, birds will only travel much shorter distances. It mainly eats small schooling fish 8 inches long or less such as Polar Cod, Capelin, Sand Lances, Sprats, Sandeels, Atlantic Cod and Atlantic Herring. It also eats some molluscs, marine worms, squid and crustaceans. It is often seen carrying fish in its bill with the tail hanging out. Date: 3rd June 2010 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4466087.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12884421324b8a24ed13fb4.jpg http://www.richardchewphotography.com/february-2023-bullfinch https://images.on-this.website/4752_15057898526505c5274d6e6.jpgFebruary 2023 - Bullfinch Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48483000.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405522.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17909769486586f44d4f15a.jpgShort-eared Owl The Short-eared Owl is a species of the typical owl family Strigidae. Owls belonging to the genus Asio, such as the Short-eared Owl, are known as the eared owls since they have tufts of feathers resembling mammalian ears. These "ear" tufts may or may not be visible. The Short-eared Owl will display its tufts when in a defensive pose although its very short tufts are usually not visible. The Short-eared Owl is a medium-sized owl 13 to 17 inches in length with a 33 to 43 inches wingspan. Females are slightly larger than males. It has large yellow eyes with black encircling rings, a big head, a short neck and broad wings. The bill is short, strong, hooked and black. The plumage is mottled tawny to brown with a barred tail and wings. The upper breast is significantly streaked. The flight is characteristically floppy due to the irregular wingbeats and the Short-eared Owl is often described as "moth-like” or bat-like" in flight. Through much of its range, the Short-eared Owl occurs with the similar looking Long-eared Owl. At rest, the ear-tufts of the Long-eared Owl serve to easily distinguish the 2 species although the Long-eared Owl can sometimes hold its ear-tufts flat. The iris colour also differs: yellow in the Short-eared Owl and orange in the Long-eared Owl plus the black surrounding the eyes is vertical on the Long-eared Owl and horizontal on the Short-eared Owl. Overall, the Short-eared Owl tends to be a paler, sandier coloured bird than the Long-eared Owl. There are 10 recognized sub-species of the Short-eared Owl and its range covers all continents except Antarctica and Australia. It therefore has one of the most widespread distributions of any bird. It is partially migratory and moves south in winter from the northern parts of its range. The Short-eared Owl is also known to relocate to areas of higher rodent populations and it will also wander nomadically in search of better food supplies during years when vole populations are low. In the UK, the Short-eared Owl breeds primarily in north England and Scotland but it is seen more widely in winter when there is an influx of continental birds from Scandinavia, Russia and Iceland to north, east and parts of central south England, especially around coastal marshes and wetlands. The breeding season of the Short-eared Owl in the northern hemisphere lasts from March to June but peaks in April. During the breeding season, the male makes a great spectacle of itself in flight to attract a female. The male swoops down over the potential nest site flapping its wings in a courtship display. The Short-eared Owl is generally monogamous and nests on the ground in prairie, tundra, savanna or meadow habitats. The nest is concealed by low vegetation and may be lightly lined by weeds, grass or feathers. The female lays 4 to 7 eggs but clutch size can reach up to 12 eggs in years when voles are abundant. There is a single brood per year. The eggs are incubated mostly by the female for 21 to 37 days and the young fledge at a little over 4 weeks. The Short-eared Owl hunts mostly at night but it is known as a diurnal and crepuscular hunter as well. Its daylight hunting seems to coincide with the high activity periods of voles, its preferred prey. It tends to fly only a few feet above the ground in open fields and grasslands until swooping down upon its prey feet first. Several owls may hunt over the same open area. The diet of the Short-eared Owl consists mainly of rodents, especially voles, but it will eat other small mammals such as mice, ground squirrels, shrews, rats, bats, muskrats and moles. It will also occasionally predate smaller birds especially when near sea coasts and adjacent wetlands at which time they may attack waders, terns and small gulls and seabirds. Avian prey is more infrequently preyed on inland and includes small passerines. Insects also supplement the diet. Date: 25th November 2023 Location: RSPB Wallasea Island, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42202644.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5208480025ff3105702d00.jpgBrown Bear The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, Ursus arctos arctos. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an evening visit with [url=https://www.karhujenkatselu.fi/en-gb]Karhu-Kuusamo[/url] Date: 7th July 2019 Location: Kuntilampi, near Kuusamo, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072243.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14723082224bf6d53fbec59.jpgGreat Spotted Woodpecker The Great Spotted Woodpecker is a Blackbird-sized bird with striking black and white plumage. The male has a distinctive red patch on the back of the head and young birds have a red crown. Great Spotted Woodpeckers have a very distinctive bouncing flight and spend most of their time clinging to tree trunks and branches. Their presence is often announced by its loud call or by its distinctive spring “drumming” display. Great Spotted Woodpeckers are widely distributed throughout Europe and northern Asia and are usually resident all year round except in the colder parts of its range. Date: 10th April 2010 Location: Neljan Tuulen Tupa near Kaamanen, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50570901.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_126465284765ccce51c5c22.jpgMute Swan The Mute Swan is a species of swan native to much of Eurasia. Despite its Eurasian origin, its closest relatives are the Black Swan of Australia and the Black-necked Swan of south America, not the other Northern Hemisphere swans such as the Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan. The name “mute” derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. The adult Mute Swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob at the top of the beak. All Mute Swans are white at maturity although the feathers (particularly on the head and neck) are often stained orange-brown by iron and tannins in the water. Young birds (cygnets) are not the bright white colour of mature adults and their bill is dull greyish-black for the first year. The plumage may range from pure white to grey to buff with grey/buff being the most common. Cygnets typically retain their grey/buff feathers until they are at least 1 year old. On average, the Mute Swan is the second largest waterfowl species after the Trumpeter Swan although the male Mute Swan can easily match or even exceed a male Trumpeter Swan in mass. The adult Mute Swan typically ranges from 55 to 63 inches in length (although it can range in extreme cases from 49 to 67 inches) with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. Males (cobs) are larger than females (pens) and have a larger knob on their bill. The Mute Swan is one of the heaviest flying birds. In several studies from the UK, males were found to average from about 23.4 to 26.2 pounds, with a weight range of 20 to 32 pounds, while the slightly smaller females were found to average about 18.7 to 21.3 pounds, with a weight range of 17 to 23 pounds. The Mute Swan is less vocal than the noisy Bewick's Swan and Whooper Swan although it does make a variety of grunting, hoarse whistling and snorting noises, especially in communicating with their cygnets and threatening competitors or intruders trying to enter their territory. The most familiar sound associated with the Mute Swan is the vibrant throbbing of the wings in flight which is unique to the species and this can be heard from a range of up to 1 mile. The Mute Swan is found naturally mainly in the temperate areas of Europe across west Asia and as far east as Primorsky Krai in the far east of Russia. It is partially migratory throughout the northern latitudes in Europe and Asia as far south as north Africa and the Mediterranean. It is also often kept in captivity outside its natural range as a decoration for parks and ponds and escapes have occurred. The descendants of such birds have become naturalised in east USA and the Great Lakes region across the USA and Canada border. The Mute Swan population in the UK has increased recently probably due to better protection of this species. Some birds are resident all year whilst others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into east England. Mute Swans nest on large mounds that they build with waterside vegetation in shallow water on islands in the middle or at the very edge of a lake. It is a monogamous species and often reuses the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Males and females share the care of the nest. The female lays from 4 to 10 eggs and broods for around 36 days. Cygnets are unable to fly before an age of 120 to 150 days and this limits the distribution of the species in the northern edge of its range since the cygnets must learn to fly before the water freezes. The Mute Swan is usually strongly territorial with just a single pair on smaller lakes although in a few locations where a large area of suitable feeding habitat is found they can be colonial. The largest colonies can hold over 100 pairs such as that at the colony at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset in the UK. Non-mated juveniles up to 3 to 4 years old commonly form larger flocks often at regular traditional sites and these can total several hundred birds. The Mute Swan can be very aggressive in defence of its nest and it is highly protective of its mate and offspring. Most defensive attacks from a Mute Swan begin with a loud hiss and, if this is not sufficient to drive off the predator, are followed by a physical attack. It attacks by smashing at its enemy with bony spurs in the wings accompanied by biting with its large bill. Smaller waterbirds such as ducks are normally grabbed with the bill and dragged or thrown clear. Large waterfowl, such as the Canada Goose, more likely out of competition than in response to potential predation, may be aggressively driven off. The wings of the Mute Swan are very powerful although not strong enough to break an adult man's leg as has been claimed anecdotally. The Mute Swan feeds on a wide range of vegetation, both submerged aquatic plants which they reach with their long necks and by grazing on land. The food commonly includes agricultural crop plants such as oilseed rape and wheat and feeding flocks in the winter may cause significant crop damage, often as much through trampling with their large webbed feet as through direct consumption. Date: 17th January 2024 Location: Lee Navigation Canal, Lee Valley Regional Park, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080595.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_138269904663a45992e5957.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 1st December 2022 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo44044944.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1591188197614f1379e6af4.jpgJuvenile Goldfinch The European Goldfinch or simply the Goldfinch is a small passerine bird in the finch family. The Goldfinch is 4.7 to 5.1 inches in length with a wingspan of 8.3 to 9.8 inches. The sexes are broadly similar, with a red face, black and white head, warm brown upper parts, white underparts with buff flanks and breast patches and black and yellow wings. On closer inspection, males can often be distinguished by a larger, darker red mask that extends just behind the eye. The shoulder feathers are black, whereas they are brown on the female. In females, the red face does not extend past the eye. The ivory-coloured bill is long and pointed and the tail is forked. Juveniles have a plain head and a greyer back but are unmistakable due to the yellow wing stripe. The Goldfinch is native to Europe, north Africa and west and central Asia. It is found in open, partially wooded lowlands and it is a resident in the milder west of its range but migrates from colder regions. It will also make local movements, even in the west, to escape bad weather. It has been introduced to many areas of the world. In the UK, the Goldfinch can be seen anywhere there are scattered bushes and trees, rough ground with thistles and other seeding plants, including orchards, parks, gardens, heathland and commons. It is less common in upland areas and most numerous in the south of England. The nest is built entirely by the female Goldfinch and is generally completed within a week. It is neat and compact and constructed of mosses and lichens and lined with plant down such as that from thistles. It is generally located several feet above the ground, hidden by leaves in the twigs at the end of a branch. The female typically lays 4 to 6 eggs which are incubated for 11 to 13 days. The chicks are fed by both parents. Initially they receive a mixture of seeds and insects but as they grow the proportion of insect material decreases. For the first 7 to 9 days the young are brooded by the female. The nestlings fledge 13 to 18 days after hatching. The young birds are fed by both parents for a further 7 to 9 days. The parents typically raise 2 broods each year and occasionally 3. The Goldfinch's preferred food is small seeds such as those from thistles and teasels but insects are also taken when feeding young. It also regularly visits bird feeders in winter. The Goldfinch is commonly kept and bred in captivity around the world because of its distinctive appearance and pleasant song. In the UK during the 19th century, many thousands of Goldfinches were trapped each year to be sold as cage birds. One of the earliest campaigns of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was directed against this trade. Date: 6th September 2021 Location: RSPB Blacktoft Sands, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071707.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4532866946643398503fcf.jpgNuthatch The Nuthatches are a family of similar looking birds with short tails and wings, compact bodies, longish pointed bills, grey or bluish upperparts, a black eyestripe and strong feet. There are more than 20 subspecies in 3 main groups. The Eurasian Nuthatch is found throughout temperate Asia and in Europe where it is known simply as the Nuthatch. The adult male Nuthatch is 5.5 inches long. It has blue-grey upperparts, a black eye-stripe and whitish throat and underparts. The flanks and lower belly are orange-red and mottled with white on the undertail. The stout bill is dark grey with a paler area on the base of the lower mandible, the iris is dark brown and the legs and feet are pale brown or greyish. The female is similar in appearance to the male but may be identified by her slightly paler upperparts, a browner eyestripe and a more washed out tone to the flanks and lower belly. Young birds resemble the female although their plumage is duller and they have paler legs. The Nuthatch's breeding range extends across temperate Eurasia from the UK (but not Ireland) to Japan. It breeds south to the Mediterranean in Europe (although it is absent from the islands other than Sicily) and in most of Russia. In the east, the range includes most of China and Taiwan and much of Korea. Most populations are sedentary, apart from some post-breeding dispersal of young birds, and there is a reluctance to cross even short stretches of open water. The Nuthatch can be found in mature woodland with large, old trees which provide extensive growth for foraging and nesting holes. In Europe, deciduous or mixed forest is favoured, particularly when containing oak. Parks, old orchards and other wooded habitats may be occupied as long as they have at least a 2.5 acre block of suitable trees. Particularly in mountains, the Nuthatch can be found in old spruce and pine forests. The Nuthatch is primarily a lowland bird in the north of its range but reaches the tree-line in Switzerland at 3,900 feet or higher and it breeds occasionally at 5,900 to 6,900 feet in Austria. It breeds at similar levels in the mountains of Turkey, the Middle East, central Asia and Japan. The Nuthatch is common throughout much of its range although densities are lower in the far north and in coniferous forests. Fragmentation of woodland can lead to local losses of breeding birds but the range is still expanding. In recent decades, the Nuthatch has colonised Scotland and expanded its range in Wales and northern England. Across most of its European range, the most important predator of the Nuthatch is the Sparrowhawk. Other species known to prey on the Nuthatch include the Goshawk, Hobby and Tawny Owl. Pairs of Nuthatches hold permanent territories and nest in tree holes, usually old woodpecker nests but sometimes natural cavities. The nest site is typically 5 to 65 feet above the ground. If the entrance to the hole is too large, the female plasters it with mud to reduce its size and often coats the inside of the cavity too. The 6 to 9 red-speckled white eggs are laid on a deep base of pine or other wood chips. The female incubates the eggs for 13 to 18 days to hatching and broods the chicks until they fledge 20 to 26 days later. Both adults feed the chicks in the nest and continue to do so after they fledge until they become independent after about 8 to 14 days. Normally only a single brood is raised each year. The Nuthatch eats mainly insects, particularly caterpillars and beetles, although in autumn and winter its diet is supplemented with nuts and seeds. Food items are found mainly on tree trunks and large branches but smaller branches may also be investigated. Food may also be taken from the ground especially outside the breeding season. The Nuthatch can forage when descending trees head first as well as when climbing upwards. The Nuthatch readily visits bird tables and will eat fatty man-made food items as well as seeds. It is a hoarder and will store food all year round. Date: 5th May 2024 Location: RWT Gilfach, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080584.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_104287318163a45970c7fa2.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 1st December 2022 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17408566.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2142387392513328be6fed9.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 15th January 2013 Location: Mersehead RSPB reserve, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49277080.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_221098062649971b754fdc.jpgMute Swan The Mute Swan is a species of swan native to much of Eurasia. Despite its Eurasian origin, its closest relatives are the Black Swan of Australia and the Black-necked Swan of south America, not the other Northern Hemisphere swans such as the Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan. The name “mute” derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. The adult Mute Swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob at the top of the beak. All Mute Swans are white at maturity although the feathers (particularly on the head and neck) are often stained orange-brown by iron and tannins in the water. Young birds (cygnets) are not the bright white colour of mature adults and their bill is dull greyish-black for the first year. The plumage may range from pure white to grey to buff with grey/buff being the most common. Cygnets typically retain their grey/buff feathers until they are at least 1 year old. On average, the Mute Swan is the second largest waterfowl species after the Trumpeter Swan although the male Mute Swan can easily match or even exceed a male Trumpeter Swan in mass. The adult Mute Swan typically ranges from 55 to 63 inches in length (although it can range in extreme cases from 49 to 67 inches) with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. Males (cobs) are larger than females (pens) and have a larger knob on their bill. The Mute Swan is one of the heaviest flying birds. In several studies from the UK, males were found to average from about 23.4 to 26.2 pounds, with a weight range of 20 to 32 pounds, while the slightly smaller females were found to average about 18.7 to 21.3 pounds, with a weight range of 17 to 23 pounds. The Mute Swan is less vocal than the noisy Bewick's Swan and Whooper Swan although it does make a variety of grunting, hoarse whistling and snorting noises, especially in communicating with their cygnets and threatening competitors or intruders trying to enter their territory. The most familiar sound associated with the Mute Swan is the vibrant throbbing of the wings in flight which is unique to the species and this can be heard from a range of up to 1 mile. The Mute Swan is found naturally mainly in the temperate areas of Europe across west Asia and as far east as Primorsky Krai in the far east of Russia. It is partially migratory throughout the northern latitudes in Europe and Asia as far south as north Africa and the Mediterranean. It is also often kept in captivity outside its natural range as a decoration for parks and ponds and escapes have occurred. The descendants of such birds have become naturalised in east USA and the Great Lakes region across the USA and Canada border. The Mute Swan population in the UK has increased recently probably due to better protection of this species. Some birds are resident all year whilst others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into east England. Mute Swans nest on large mounds that they build with waterside vegetation in shallow water on islands in the middle or at the very edge of a lake. It is a monogamous species and often reuses the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Males and females share the care of the nest. The female lays from 4 to 10 eggs and broods for around 36 days. Cygnets are unable to fly before an age of 120 to 150 days and this limits the distribution of the species in the northern edge of its range since the cygnets must learn to fly before the water freezes. The Mute Swan is usually strongly territorial with just a single pair on smaller lakes although in a few locations where a large area of suitable feeding habitat is found they can be colonial. The largest colonies can hold over 100 pairs such as that at the colony at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset in the UK. Non-mated juveniles up to 3 to 4 years old commonly form larger flocks often at regular traditional sites and these can total several hundred birds. The Mute Swan can be very aggressive in defence of its nest and it is highly protective of its mate and offspring. Most defensive attacks from a Mute Swan begin with a loud hiss and, if this is not sufficient to drive off the predator, are followed by a physical attack. It attacks by smashing at its enemy with bony spurs in the wings accompanied by biting with its large bill. Smaller waterbirds such as ducks are normally grabbed with the bill and dragged or thrown clear. Large waterfowl, such as the Canada Goose, more likely out of competition than in response to potential predation, may be aggressively driven off. The wings of the Mute Swan are very powerful although not strong enough to break an adult man's leg as has been claimed anecdotally. The Mute Swan feeds on a wide range of vegetation, both submerged aquatic plants which they reach with their long necks and by grazing on land. The food commonly includes agricultural crop plants such as oilseed rape and wheat and feeding flocks in the winter may cause significant crop damage, often as much through trampling with their large webbed feet as through direct consumption. Date: 9th June 2023 Location: Bosherston Lily Ponds, Bosherton, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49276701.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17343335216499629e1bbe6.jpgFulmar The (Northern) Fulmar is a highly abundant seabird found primarily in subarctic regions of the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans. Though similar in appearance to gulls, the 2 species of fulmars (Northern and Southern) are in fact members of a different seabird family which include petrels and shearwaters. The Fulmar’s latin name, Fulmarus glacialis can be broken down to the Old Norse word full meaning "foul" and mar meaning "gull". "Foul-gull" is in reference to its stomach oil and also its superficial similarity to gulls. Finally, glacialis is Latin for "glacial" reflecting its extreme northern range. The Fulmar is generally grey and white with a pale yellow and thick bill and bluish legs. However there is both a light morph and a dark morph. Like other petrels, their walking ability is limited but they are strong fliers with a stiff wing action quite unlike the gulls. The Fulmar also looks bull-necked compared to gulls and it has a short stubby bill. The Fulmar is estimated to have between 15 to 30 million mature individuals that occupy a range of around 11 million square miles. Its range increased greatly last century due to the availability of fish offal from commercial fleets but may contract because of less food from this source and climate change. The population increase has been especially notable in the UK. The Fulmar starts breeding at between 6 and 12 years old. It is monogamous, forms long term pair bonds, returns to the same nest site year after year and nests in large colonies. The nest is a scrape on a grassy cliff ledge or a saucer of vegetation on the ground lined with softer material and recently they have started nesting on rooftops and buildings. The Fulmar feeds on shrimp, fish, squid, plankton, jellyfish and carrion as well as refuse. When eating fish, it will dive up to several feet deep to retrieve its prey. Date: 7th June 2023 Location: RSPB Ramsey Island, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080626.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_169915186963a459cbeacc6.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 1st December 2022 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31192376.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_83817106159182425055ea3.73514167.jpgYellowhammer The Yellowhammer is a passerine bird in the bunting family. The bird family [i]Emberizidae[/i] contains around 300 seed-eating species, the majority of which are found in the Americas, although the genus [i]Emberiza[/i], with more than 40 members, is confined to the Old World. Within its genus [i]Emberiza[/i], the Yellowhammer is most closely related to the Pine Bunting and at times they have been considered as one species. Where their ranges meet, the Yellowhammer and Pine Bunting interbreed and the hybrid zone is thought to be moving further east. The Yellowhammer is also closely related to the Cirl Bunting. The Yellowhammer’s scientific name [i]Emberiza citrinella[/i] is derived from the Old German [i]embritz[/i] meaning “bunting” and the Italian [i]citrinella[/i] meaning “small yellow bird”. The Yellowhammer is a large bunting around 6.3 to 6.5 inches long with a wingspan of 9.1 to 11.6 inches. The male has a bright yellow head, heavily streaked brown back, rufous rump, yellow underparts and white outer tail feathers. The female is less brightly coloured and more streaked on the crown, breast and flanks. Both sexes are less strongly marked outside the breeding season when the dark fringes on new feathers obscure the yellow plumage. The juvenile is much duller and less yellow than the adults and often has a paler rump. The Yellowhammer breeds across Eurasia and it is the commonest and most widespread European bunting although it is absent from high mountains, Arctic regions, most of Iberia and Greece and low-lying regions of other countries adjoining the Mediterranean Sea. It also breeds in Russia east to Irkutsk and in most of Ukraine and the Asian range extends into north west Turkey, the Caucasus and northern Kazakhstan. Populations have declined in recent decades in western Europe but in eastern Europe numbers appear to be stable. Changes to agricultural practices are thought to be responsible for reduced breeding densities. The Yellowhammer can be found throughout most of the UK but it is least abundant in the north and west and absent from some upland areas such as the Pennines and the Scottish Highlands as well as some lowland areas. Its recent sharp population decline make it a Red List species. Within its range, the Yellowhammer is a bird of dry open country, preferably with a range of vegetation types and some trees from which to sing. It is absent from urban areas, forests and wetlands. Probably originally found at forest edges and large clearings, it has benefited from traditional agriculture which created extensive open areas with hedges and clumps of trees. The Yellowhammer usually starts breeding in late April or early May. The males establish territories along hedges or woodland fringes and sing from a tree or bush, often continuing well into July or August. The nest is built by the female on or near the ground and is typically well hidden in tussocks against a bank or low in a bush. It is constructed from nearby plant material such as leaves, dry grass and stalks and lined with fine grasses and sometimes animal hair. The clutch is usually 3 to 5 eggs and the female incubates the eggs for 12 to 14 days to hatching and broods the chicks until they fledge 11 to 13 days later. Both adults feed the chicks in the nest and 2 or 3 broods are raised each year. The Yellowhammer forages mainly on the ground and its diet consists mainly of seeds. Grasses are also important, particularly cereals, and grain makes up a significant part of the food consumed in autumn and winter. Invertebrates are added to its diet during the breeding season, particularly as food for its growing chicks, and a wide range of species is taken including springtails, grasshoppers, flies, beetles, caterpillars, earthworms, spiders and snails. Outside of the breeding season, the Yellowhammer forages in flocks which can occasionally number hundreds of birds and often contain other buntings and finches. The Yellowhammer is a conspicuous, vocal and formerly common country bird and it has attracted human interest. Yellowham Wood and Yellowham Hill, near Dorchester in the UK, both derive their names from the bird. Robbie Burns' poem "The Yellow, Yellow Yorlin'" gets its title from a Scottish name for the Yellowhammer. Enid Blyton helped to popularise the bird's song as "a little bit of bread and no cheese" in some of her books and she wrote a poem called "The Yellow-hammer". Beethoven's student, Carl Czerny, and biographer Anton Schindler, both suggested that the composer got the idea for the first 4 notes of his 5th symphony from the song of the Yellowhammer although it is more likely that the opening of the 4th Piano Concerto was actually the work in question. Beethoven also used the Yellowhammer theme in 2 piano sonatas. Date: 9th May 2017 Location: Weeting Heath NWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080623.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_159271127163a459c717e01.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 1st December 2022 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11654800.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8292048554e3133fb0a004.jpgKittiwakes The Kittiwake is a gentle looking, medium sized gull with a small yellow bill and a dark eye. It has a grey back and is white underneath. Its legs are short and black. In flight the black wing-tips show no white, unlike other gulls, and look as if they have been “dipped in ink”. The population is declining in some areas, perhaps due to a shortage of sand eels. Kittiwakes are strictly coastal gulls. In the breeding season, they can be found on rocky, steep sea-cliffs at the major seabird colonies around the UK from February until August. From August to October they can be seen flying past offshore and they spend the winter months out at sea. Date: 08/05/06 Location: Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230766.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1565281048649173630ba14.jpgRed Kites The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 14th May 2023 Location: Llanddeusant Red Kite feeding station, Carmarthenshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28141004.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1051247993577a3c4656c08.jpgLoch an Eilean, Highland Loch an Eilean is a small loch in the Rothiemurchus Forest located 3 miles south of Aviemore on Speyside. On a small island in the loch stand the remains of a 15th century castle which is believed to have been a property of Alexander Stewart, the Wolf of Badenoch. A nature trail circuits the loch and passes through the typical Caledonian pine forest of this part of Scotland. Date: 22nd June 2016 Location: view from the south side of the loch http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41225532.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7497306365ed9fd1e0be6c.jpgMagpie The Eurasian Magpie, often simply known as the Magpie, is one of several birds in the crow family Corvidae designated as a Magpie. In Europe, Magpie is generally used by English speakers to describe the Eurasian Magpie. The only other species in Europe is the Iberian Magpie or Azure-winged Magpie which is limited to the Iberian peninsula. The adult male Magpie is 17 to 18 inches in length, of which more than half is the tail. The wingspan is 20 to 24 inches. The head, neck and breast are glossy black with a metallic green and violet sheen, the belly and scapulars are pure white, the wings are black glossed with green or purple and the primaries have white inner webs, conspicuous when the wing is open. The graduated tail is black, glossed with green and reddish purple. The legs and bill are black and the iris is dark brown. The plumage of the sexes is similar but the female is slightly smaller. The young resemble the adults but are at first without much of the gloss on the sooty plumage and the tail is much shorter. The Magpie can be found across temperate Eurasia from Spain and Ireland in the west to the Kamchatka Peninsula in the east. It has also been introduced in Japan on the island of Kyushu. The preferred habitat of the Magpie is open countryside with scattered trees and it is normally absent from treeless areas and dense forests. It sometimes breeds at high densities in suburban settings such as parks and gardens and it can often be found close to the centre of cities. The Magpie is normally sedentary and spends winters close to its breeding areas but birds living near the northern limit of their range in Scandinavia and Russia can move south in harsh weather. Some Magpies breed after their first year whilst others remain in non-breeding flocks and first breed in their second year. The Magpie is monogamous and pairs often remain together from one breeding season to the next and generally occupy the same territory in successive years. Mating takes place in spring. In the courtship display, males rapidly raise and depress their head feathers, uplift, open and close their tails like fans and call in soft tones quite distinct from their usual chatter. The loose feathers of the flanks are brought over the primaries, and the shoulder patch is spread so the white is conspicuous, presumably to attract females. Short buoyant flights and chases follow. The Magpie prefers tall trees for their bulky nest, firmly attaching them to a central fork in the upper branches. A framework of sticks is cemented with earth and clay and a lining of the same is covered with fine roots. Above is a stout though loosely built dome of prickly branches with a single well concealed entrance. These huge nests are conspicuous when the leaves fall. Where trees are scarce, though even in well-wooded country, nests are at times built in bushes and hedgerows. In Europe, the eggs are typically laid in April and clutches usually contain 5 or 6 eggs. The eggs are incubated for 21 to 22 days by the female who is fed on the nest by the male. The chicks are brooded by the female for the first 5 to 10 days and fed by both parents. The nestlings open their eyes 7 to 8 days after hatching and their body feathers start to appear after around 8 days and the primary wing feathers after 10 days. Fledging takes place at around 27 days and the parents then continue to feed the young for several more weeks. The parents also protect the young from predators since their ability to fly is poor, making them vulnerable. On average, only 3 or 4 chicks survive to fledge successfully. Some nests are lost to predators but an important factor causing nestling mortality is starvation. Eggs hatch asynchronously and if the parents have difficulty finding sufficient food, the last chicks to hatch are unlikely to survive. The Magpie is omnivorous, eating young birds and eggs, small mammals, insects, scraps and carrion, acorns, grain and other vegetable substances. The Magpie is believed not only to be among the most intelligent of birds but among the most intelligent of all animals. Along with the Jackdaw, the Magpie's nidopallium area of the brain is approximately the same relative size as those in Chimpanzees and humans. Like other corvids, such as the Raven and Carrion crow, the total brain-to-body mass ratio is equal to most great apes and cetaceans. A 2004 review suggests that the intelligence of the corvid family to which the Magpie belongs is equivalent to that of great apes (Chimpanzees, Orangutans and Gorillas) in terms of social cognition, causal reasoning, flexibility, imagination and prospection. The Magpie has an extremely large range and a very large population. The population trend in Europe has been stable since 1980 and there is no evidence of any serious overall decline in numbers so the species is classified by the IUCN as being of “Least Concern”. In Europe, the Magpie has been historically demonized by humans, mainly as a result of folklore, superstition and myth and its reputation as an omen of ill fortune. The Magpie has also been attacked for their role as a predator which includes eating other birds' eggs and their young. However, different studies have reached different conclusions on their impact on the populations of other birds. Date: 12th May 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801025.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_26169992664ed9bd6102ee.jpgEmerald Damselfly Flight period: June to September The Emerald Damselfly is widely distributed in uplands and lowlands throughout the UK. They can be found around small, shallow standing water with luxuriant vegetation such as rushes and sedges. Date: 7th July 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7950476.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6621845384d03d02f0e5ac.jpgMoorhen The Moorhen is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird that is usually found near water. From a distance it looks black with a ragged white line along its body. However, closer up it is olive-brown on the back and the head and blue-grey underneath. It has a red bill with a yellow tip. The Moorhen can be found all year round almost anywhere where there is water. They breed in lowland areas particularly in central and eastern England but are scarce in northern Scotland and the uplands of Wales and northern England. UK breeding birds are residents and seldom travel far. Date: 15th November 2010 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42632868.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_138782120160aa6b6147779.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 27th April 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41205430.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11266803525eb96e3811913.jpgGoldfinch The European Goldfinch or simply the Goldfinch is a small passerine bird in the finch family. The Goldfinch is 4.7 to 5.1 inches in length with a wingspan of 8.3 to 9.8 inches. The sexes are broadly similar, with a red face, black and white head, warm brown upper parts, white underparts with buff flanks and breast patches and black and yellow wings. On closer inspection, males can often be distinguished by a larger, darker red mask that extends just behind the eye. The shoulder feathers are black, whereas they are brown on the female. In females, the red face does not extend past the eye. The ivory-coloured bill is long and pointed and the tail is forked. Juveniles have a plain head and a greyer back but are unmistakable due to the yellow wing stripe. The Goldfinch is native to Europe, north Africa and west and central Asia. It is found in open, partially wooded lowlands and it is a resident in the milder west of its range but migrates from colder regions. It will also make local movements, even in the west, to escape bad weather. It has been introduced to many areas of the world. In the UK, the Goldfinch can be seen anywhere there are scattered bushes and trees, rough ground with thistles and other seeding plants, including orchards, parks, gardens, heathland and commons. It is less common in upland areas and most numerous in the south of England. The nest is built entirely by the female Goldfinch and is generally completed within a week. It is neat and compact and constructed of mosses and lichens and lined with plant down such as that from thistles. It is generally located several feet above the ground, hidden by leaves in the twigs at the end of a branch. The female typically lays 4 to 6 eggs which are incubated for 11 to 13 days. The chicks are fed by both parents. Initially they receive a mixture of seeds and insects but as they grow the proportion of insect material decreases. For the first 7 to 9 days the young are brooded by the female. The nestlings fledge 13 to 18 days after hatching. The young birds are fed by both parents for a further 7 to 9 days. The parents typically raise 2 broods each year and occasionally 3. The Goldfinch's preferred food is small seeds such as those from thistles and teasels but insects are also taken when feeding young. It also regularly visits bird feeders in winter. The Goldfinch is commonly kept and bred in captivity around the world because of its distinctive appearance and pleasant song. In the UK during the 19th century, many thousands of Goldfinches were trapped each year to be sold as cage birds. One of the earliest campaigns of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was directed against this trade. Date: 30th April 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42524858.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14822737256098f5e1cf01a.jpgCanada Goose The Canada Goose belongs to the Branta genus of geese which contains species with largely black plumage distinguishing it from the grey species of the genus Anser. The black head and neck with a white "chinstrap" distinguish the Canada Goose from all other goose species with the exception of the Cackling Goose from north America and the Barnacle Goose which has a black breast and grey rather than brownish body plumage. The 7 sub-species of the Canada Goose vary widely in size and plumage details but all are recognizable as Canada Geese. Of the "true geese" (i.e. the genera Anser, Branta or Chen), the Canada Goose is on average the largest living species. It ranges from 30 to 43 inches in length and with a 50 to 73 inches wingspan. The male usually weighs 5.7 to 14.3 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 8.6 pounds. The female looks virtually identical but is slightly lighter at 5.3 to 12.1 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 7.9 pounds. It is also generally 10% smaller in linear dimensions than the male. The Canada Goose is native to north America where it breeds in Canada and the north USA in a wide range of habitats. The Great Lakes region maintains a very large population. It occurs all year round in the southern part of its breeding range, including most of the eastern seaboard and the Pacific coast. Between California and South Carolina in the south USA and north Mexico, it is primarily present as a migrant from further north during the winter. Outside north America, the Canada Goose has reached north Europe naturally as has been proved by ringing recoveries. It has also been introduced in to Europe and had established populations in the UK in the middle of the 18th century, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany and Scandinavia. Most European populations are not migratory but those in more northerly parts of Sweden and Finland migrate to the North Sea and Baltic coasts. Semi-tame feral birds are common in parks and have become a pest in some areas. In the early 17th century, explorer Samuel de Champlain sent several pairs of Canada Geese to France as a present for King Louis XIII. Canada Geese were first introduced in to the UK in the late 17th century as an addition to King James II's waterfowl collection in St. James's Park. They were also introduced in to Germany and Scandinavia during the 20th century. During the second year of its life, the Canada Goose finds a mate. It is a monogamous species and most couples stay together all of their lives. If one dies, the other may find a new mate. The female lays from 2 to 9 eggs with an average of 5. Both parents protect the nest while the eggs incubate but the female spends more time at the nest than the male. The nest is usually located in an elevated area near water such as streams, lakes and ponds and the eggs are laid in a shallow depression lined with plant material and down. The incubation period, in which the female incubates the eggs while the male remains nearby, lasts for 24 to 28 days after laying. As soon as the goslings hatch, they are immediately capable of walking, swimming and finding their own food (a diet similar to the adults). Parents are often seen leading their goslings in a line, usually with one adult at the front and the other at the back. While protecting their goslings, parents often violently chase away anything from small birds to lone humans who approach, after warning them by giving off a hissing sound and then attacking with bites and slaps of the wings if the threat does not retreat. Although parents are hostile to unfamiliar geese, they may form groups (crèches) of a number of goslings and a few adults. The goslings enter the fledgling stage any time from 6 to 9 weeks of age. Once it reaches adulthood, due to its large size and often aggressive behaviour, the Canada Goose is rarely preyed on although prior injury may make it more vulnerable to natural predators. The lifespan in the wild of birds that survive to adulthood ranges from 10 to 24 years. The UK longevity record is held by a specimen tagged as a nestling which was observed alive at the age of 31. The Canada Goose is primarily a herbivore although it will sometimes eat small insects and fish. Their diet includes grasses, aquatic plants, beans and grains such as wheat, rice, and corn when they are available. In urban areas, it is also known to pick food out of rubbish bins and it will readily take a variety of food from humans in parks. Date: 27th March 2021 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080621.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_174809566563a459c44f7e7.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 1st December 2022 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49278723.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20104725246499baa440d00.jpgNorfolk Hawker Flight period: mid May to mid August The Norfolk Hawker is one of two brown hawker dragonflies found in the UK. It is just over 5 inches long with a brown body, green eyes and a yellow triangular mark near the top of the abdomen. The Norfolk Hawker is a rare dragonfly in the UK and its range is almost completely restricted to the fens, grazing marshes and ditches of the Broads National Park in Norfolk and north east Suffolk although new colonies are becoming established in other areas of south east England. Since 2011 it has been recorded in the River Stour valley in east Kent where egg laying has been observed and it appears to be spreading. The optimum conditions for breeding appear to be unspoilt grazing marsh and ditch systems with clean, non-saline water and rushy margins, preferably with an abundance of water soldier as well as other aquatic plants. The main threats to the Norfolk Hawker are the conversion of grazing marsh to arable farming, inappropriate ditch and dyke management, nutrients enrichment, pollution and the impact of global climate change and fluctuations in water levels. Date: 16th June 2023 Location: RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/river-torridon-wester-ross https://images.on-this.website/4752_2007734277467dcdb89305a.jpgRiver Torridon, Wester Ross The Torridon area, consisting of Loch Torridon, Upper Loch Torridon and Loch Shieldaig, is situated on the west coast of Scotland in Wester Ross. The River Torridon flows alongside the A896 and in the shadow of Liathach and Beinn Eighe and flows out in to Upper Loch Torridon near Torridon village. Date: 11th June 2006 Location: view from the bridge on the A896 road between Annat and Torridon http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080542.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_31663554163a445c013bb3.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 27th November 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308863.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_62471410063ee37f0247bc.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 21st January 2022 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/small-copper https://images.on-this.website/4752_17536088894f3e2ab9b052a.jpgSmall Copper Flight period: April to October. The Small Copper is a common and widespread butterfly in the UK but has suffered a population decline due to change in land use and habitat loss. They are fond of warm and dry locations and can be found in a variety of habitats including heathland, unimproved grassland, woodland clearings, waste ground and gardens. Date: 26th August 2007 Location: Stow Maries Halt EWT reserve, Stow Maries, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo47764312.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1799458758635e5490e615b.jpgKingfisher The Kingfisher is a small unmistakable bright blue and orange bird of slow moving or still water. They fly rapidly and low over water and hunt fish from riverside perches, occasionally hovering above the water's surface. Kingfishers are vulnerable to hard winters and habitat degradation through pollution or unsympathetic management of watercourses and are an “Amber List” species due to their unfavourable conservation status in Europe. Kingfishers are widespread especially in central and southern England but become less common further north. Following some declines last century, they are currently increasing in their range in Scotland. Kingfishers can be found all year round by still or slow flowing water such as lakes, canals and rivers in lowland areas. In winter, some individuals move to estuaries and the coast. Occasionally they may also visit garden ponds if they are of a suitable size. Date: 27th October 2022 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4466076.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20668528924b8a249a72d37.jpg http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071700.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13201122166643362196a6a.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 4th May 2023 Location: Bwlch Nant yr Arian, Llywernog, Ceredigion http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457642.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1266193028668576743dbf0.jpgFulmar The (Northern) Fulmar is a highly abundant seabird found primarily in subarctic regions of the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans. Though similar in appearance to gulls, the 2 species of fulmars (Northern and Southern) are in fact members of a different seabird family which include petrels and shearwaters. The Fulmar’s latin name, Fulmarus glacialis can be broken down to the Old Norse word full meaning "foul" and mar meaning "gull". "Foul-gull" is in reference to its stomach oil and also its superficial similarity to gulls. Finally, glacialis is Latin for "glacial" reflecting its extreme northern range. The Fulmar is generally grey and white with a pale yellow and thick bill and bluish legs. However there is both a light morph and a dark morph. Like other petrels, their walking ability is limited but they are strong fliers with a stiff wing action quite unlike the gulls. The Fulmar also looks bull-necked compared to gulls and it has a short stubby bill. The Fulmar is estimated to have between 15 to 30 million mature individuals that occupy a range of around 11 million square miles. Its range increased greatly last century due to the availability of fish offal from commercial fleets but may contract because of less food from this source and climate change. The population increase has been especially notable in the UK. The Fulmar starts breeding at between 6 and 12 years old. It is monogamous, forms long term pair bonds, returns to the same nest site year after year and nests in large colonies. The nest is a scrape on a grassy cliff ledge or a saucer of vegetation on the ground lined with softer material and recently they have started nesting on rooftops and buildings. The Fulmar feeds on shrimp, fish, squid, plankton, jellyfish and carrion as well as refuse. When eating fish, it will dive up to several feet deep to retrieve its prey. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493251.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15504757685f326f0c0c7e4.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49001645.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20628762236468dbb7c4b8f.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 11th March 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/innishnorwegian-border-at-polmark-finland https://images.on-this.website/4752_4472782284eff1f1d57cb5.jpgFinland-Norway border at Polmark, Finland The border between Norway and Finland is 457 miles long. The Finland–Norway border is open as both countries are part of the Schengen Area. It is legal to cross the border anywhere if no customs declaration or passport check is needed. There is an 26 feet wide clear-cut zone along the land border. Almost half of the border follows the rivers Anarjohka and Teno/Tana. At Polmark, the border road crossing marks the northernmost point in the European Union. Date: 26th May 2009 Location: Finland-Norway border at Polmark, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48482964.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_474621074640a3cd4833b2.jpgMistle Thrush The Mistle Thrush is the largest European thrush species, measuring 11 inches in length with a 18 inches wingspan and being slightly larger than a Blackbird and noticeably larger than the Song Thrush. The Mistle Thrush has a stocky upright posture when on the ground. It has pale grey-brown upperparts, the chin and throat are greyish-white and the yellowish-buff breast and off-white belly are marked with round black spots. The spotting becomes denser on the lower chest, giving the appearance of a breast-band. The long tail has white tips on the outer feathers and the underwing coverts are white. The eyes are dark brown and the bill is blackish with a yellowish base to the lower mandible. The legs and feet are yellowish-brown. There are no plumage differences between the sexes. Juveniles are similar to adults but they have paler upperparts with creamy centres to many of the feathers and smaller spots on the yellowish underparts. By their first winter they are very similar to adults but the underparts are usually more buff-toned. The male Mistle Thrush has a loud melodious song with fluted whistles, repeated 3 to 6 times and used to advertise his territory, attract a mate and maintain the pair bond. The tone resembles that of the Song Thrush or Blackbird but compared to its relatives the Mistle Thrush's repertoire is less varied and the delivery is slower. However, the song is much louder and often audible up to 2000 yards away. The song is given from a treetop or other elevated position mainly from November to early June. The male is most vocal in the early morning and its tendency to sing after, and sometimes during, wet and windy weather led to the old name "stormcock". The Mistle Thrush is quite a terrestrial bird, hopping with its head held up and body erect. When excited, it will flick its wings and tail. The flight consists of undulating bounds interspersed with glides. The Mistle Thrush breeds in much of Europe and temperate Asia, although it is absent from the treeless far north and its range becomes discontinuous in south east Europe, Turkey and the Middle East. In these warmer southern areas, it tends to be found in the milder uplands and coastal regions. It is a partial migrant with birds from the north and east of the range wintering in the milder areas of Europe and North Africa. Scandinavian and Russian birds start moving south from mid-September onwards, most birds wintering in Europe, west Turkey and the Middle East. Between mid-October and November, large numbers cross the Strait of Gibraltar and others pass through Cyprus but there is hardly any migration across the North Sea. Return migration starts mainly from late March, although it can be a month earlier in the Middle East and northern breeders may not arrive back on their territories until late April or early May. Migration may be by day or night and typically involves individuals or small groups. The Mistle Thrush is a widespread bird in the UK and can be found almost everywhere except the highest upland areas and the northern and western isles of Scotland. Breeding birds in the UK are resident or move only short distances. The Mistle Thrush can be found in a wide range of habitats containing trees, including forests, plantations, hedges and town parks. In the south and east of its range, it inhabits upland coniferous woodland and the range extends above the main tree line where dwarf juniper is present. Breeding occurs at up to 2000 feet in the mountains of north Africa and occasionally much higher up to 5600 feet. In the uplands of Europe, its preferred altitude is from 2600 to 5900 feet. More open habitats, such as agricultural land, moors and grassy hills are extensively used in winter or on migration. The Mistle Thrush is usually found as an individuals or in a pair for much of the year although families forage together in late summer and groups may merge to form large flocks when food sources are plentiful. It is not uncommon for up to 50 birds to feed together at that time of year. They roost at night in trees or bushes, again typically as individuals or pairs, except in late summer or autumn when families may roost together. The Mistle Thrush forms monogamous pairs and stay as a pair throughout the year in areas where they are not migratory. Their territories are much larger than those of Blackbirds or Song Thrushes and larger in woodland than in farmland. The male will attack intruders into its breeding territory, including much larger birds such as birds of prey and corvids. Breeding typically commences in mid-March in the south and west of Europe, late February in the UK but not till early May in Scandinavia. The nest is usually built in a tree in the fork of a branch or against the trunk although hedges, ledges on buildings and cliff faces may also be used. The nest site may be up to 60 feet above the ground although 6 to 30 feet is more typical. The nest is a large cup of sticks, dry grass, roots and moss, coated on the inside with a layer of mud and lined with fine grass and leaves. The nest is built by the female although the male may help. The female Mistle Thrush typically lays 3 to 5 eggs which are incubated for 12 to 15 days, mainly by the female. The chicks are fed by both parents and fledge about 14 to 16 days after hatching. There are normally 2 broods, the male feeding the fledglings from the first brood while the female sits on the second clutch of eggs. The fledglings are dependent on their parents for 15 to 20 days after leaving the nest. The Mistle Thrush feeds mainly on invertebrates, fruit and berries. Animal prey include earthworms, insects and other arthropods, slugs and snails. Snails are sometimes smashed on a stone "anvil", a technique also used by the Song Thrush. Plant food includes the fruits and seeds of bushes and trees, mainly holly, yew, ivy and mistletoe but also blackberry, cherry, elder, hawthorn, olive and rose. It may eat the flowers and shoots of grasses and other plants and it will take fallen apples and plums. It forages within its breeding habitat and in open fields, sometimes sharing these feeding areas with other thrush species. Individuals or pairs will often defend one or more fruit-bearing trees throughout the winter, with preference shown for trees which host mistletoe, the parasitic plant from which the Mistle Thrush derives its name. Where mistletoe is not present, holly is the most common tree chosen. The Mistle Thrush has an extensive distribution in Europe and western Asia and although the population now appears to be declining, the decrease is not rapid or large enough to trigger conservation vulnerability criteria. Given its high numbers and very large range, the Mistle Thrush is therefore classified by the IUCN as being of Least Concern. The perceived population decline may be due to the loss of invertebrate-rich pastures and mixed farms through conversion to arable agriculture or more intensively managed grassland. Adult survival, clutch size and fledging success are all lower in arable landscapes than in areas with extensive pasture. Date: 31st January 2023 Location: Holkham, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19507374.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_38886661052528ab3da4e2.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is one of the largest deer species. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer can be found in most of Europe, the Caucasus Mountains region, Asia Minor and parts of western and central Asia. It also inhabits the Atlas Mountains region between Morocco and Tunisia in northwestern Africa, being the only species of deer to inhabit Africa. Red Deer have been introduced to other areas including Australia, New Zealand and Argentina. Date: 5th September 2013 Location: road to La Lancha and Embalse del Jándula, Sierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41205462.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7627806695eb97540c8168.jpgWoodpigeon The Woodpigeon is the UK's largest and commonest pigeon and is largely grey with a white neck patch and white wing patches which are clearly visible in flight. Although shy in the countryside, it can be tame and approachable in towns and cities. Its cooing call is a familiar sound in woodlands as is the loud clatter of its wings when it flies away. Woodpigeons can be found across the UK. In the countryside they breed on farmland with hedges, trees and copses and in towns and cities they breed in parks and gardens. In winter, Woodpigeons form large flocks on farmland fields. Date: 8th May 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081382.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_26834243863a715335641d.jpgSnow Buntings Snow Buntings are large buntings with striking “snowy” plumages. Males in summer have all white heads and underparts contrasting with a black mantle and wing tips. Females are a more mottled above. In autumn and winter birds develop a sandy/buff wash to their plumage and males have more mottled upperparts. Snow Buntings breed in far northern Europe and migrate south in winter. They are a very scarce breeding species in the UK and can be found on the highest mountain peaks in Scotland where they nest in rocky crevices. Snow Buntings are best looked for in winter (from late September to early March) where they can sometimes be seen in large flocks on the seashore or on adjacent short rough grassland at coastal sites in Scotland and eastern England. Date: 12th January 2022 Location: Holkham Bay, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11349628.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17317394444e1ef8c28670f.jpgThe Fulmar is almost gull-like but is a grey and white seabird that is related to the albatrosses. It flies low over the sea on stiff wings with shallow wing beats, gliding and banking to show its white under-parts and then grey upper-parts. At its breeding sites it will fly high up the cliff face riding the updraughts. Fulmars feed in flocks out at sea and defend their nests from intruders by spitting out a foul-smelling oil. Fulmars breed on coastal cliffs with suitable ledges and grassy slopes but will occasionally breed on buildings. Fulmars are best looked for at seabird colonies and are most abundant along the Scottish coastline especially in the Northern Isles. They are least common along the east, south and north-west coasts of England. Adults are present at the breeding colonies nearly all year although young birds leave in late summer. Away from the breeding colonies, Fulmars spend their whole time offshore at sea. Date: 31st May 2008 Location: Sumburgh Head, South Mainland, Shetland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43629112.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9234830976118acf43a524.jpgMeadow Grasshopper The Meadow Grasshopper is a typically predominantly green species which is widespread and common in the UK. Adults can be seen from June to October in short and long grassland which are both dry and sunny. Date: 18th July 2021 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42202628.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8238855385ff3101ccb5cf.jpgBrown Bear The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, Ursus arctos arctos. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an evening visit with [url=https://www.karhujenkatselu.fi/en-gb]Karhu-Kuusamo[/url] Date: 7th July 2019 Location: Kuntilampi, near Kuusamo, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23225865.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_476260688548d53829472a.jpgCattle Egret The Cattle Egret is a stocky white bird adorned with buff plumes in the breeding season. The easiest way to separate them from Little Egrets is by their short, yellow rather than long, black bills but Cattle Egrets are also smaller, stockier and more squat in shape with shorter, thicker necks and less elegant heads. The Cattle Egret is a cosmopolitan species of heron found in the tropics, subtropics and warm temperate zones. Originally native to parts of Asia, Africa and Europe, it has undergone a rapid expansion in its distribution and successfully colonised much of the rest of the world. Cattle Egrets breed and roost in trees usually close to fresh water and feed in shallow wetlands, especially rice-paddies, but also dry grasslands. They can often be seen feeding around cattle waiting to pick off disturbed insects, including riding on the backs of animals. Cattle Egrets are visiting the UK in increasing numbers and are most likely to be seen in the south of England and Wales. In winter 2007/08, a large influx of Cattle Egrets occurred in the UK, with the largest numbers in south-west England although birds did get as far north as Scotland. This influx led to the first ever pair breeding successfully in Somerset. Date: 8th December 2014 Location: Denge Marsh, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51980674.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_211489448266d33431c1a55.jpgComma Flight period: March to October. The Comma was a rarity 100 years ago but is now a common and widespread butterfly in England and Wales and is on the point of recolonising Scotland. They are one of the first butterflies to be seen in spring and can be found in open woodland, woodland edges and gardens. Date: 29th June 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51387302.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1033050357667e7d359164e.jpgEmperor Dragonfly Flight period: June to August. The Emperor Dragonfly is the largest UK dragonfly species and apart from its size it can easily be recognized by its bright colouration and highly territorial behaviour as it flies endlessly well above the water’s surface. The Emperor Dragonfly has expanded its range in to northern England in recent years and has now been recorded in Scotland. They can be found around well-vegetated ponds, lakes, large ditches, canals and slow-moving rivers. Date: 23rd June 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29240099.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_71299562757eb96dac796c.jpgPine Marten The Pine Marten is a member of the mustelid family which also includes the Mink, the Otter, the Badger, the Stoat and the Weasel. It is the only mustelid with semi-retractable claws which enables it to lead a more arboreal lifestyle such as climbing or running in trees. The Pine Marten is about the size of a domestic cat and males are slightly larger than females. The fur is usually light to dark brown and grows longer and silkier during the winter months. It has a cream to yellow coloured "bib" marking on their throats and a long fluffy tail. The Pine Marten is usually found in deciduous and coniferous woodland with plenty of cover and it is mainly active at dusk and at night. It has small rounded, highly sensitive ears and sharp teeth adapted for eating small mammals, birds, insects, frogs and carrion although it also eats berries, nuts, fungi, birds' eggs and honey. Pine Marten dens are commonly found in hollow trees or the fallen root masses of Scots Pines, an association that probably earned them their name. Cairns and cliffs covered with scrub are frequently used as alternative den sites. Territories vary in size according to habitat and food availability. The Pine Marten is one of the rarest native mammals in the UK. Until the 19th century, it was found throughout much of mainland UK, the Isle of Wight and some of the Scottish islands although habitat fragmentation, persecution by gamekeepers and hunting for their fur drastically reduced this distribution. By the 1920s, the main Pine Marten population in the UK was restricted to a small area of north west Scotland. Until recently it remained only at all common in this region where some individuals have lost their fear of man and come to take food provided for them, particularly enjoying jam and peanut butter. A study in 2012 found that the Pine Marten has spread from its Scottish Highland stronghold, north into east Sutherland and Caithness and south east from the Great Glen into Moray, Aberdeenshire, Perthshire, Tayside and the Stirling area with some also occurring in the Central Belt and on the Kintyre and Cowal peninsulas. Expansion in south Scotland has been limited and despite reintroduction to the Glen Trool Forest there has only been a restricted spread from there. In England, the Pine Marten is extremely rare with scattered reports from Cumbria, Northumberland and mid Wales. In July 2015 the [url=http://www.shropshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/pine-marten-appeal] first confirmed sighting of a Pine Marten in England for over a century[/url] was recorded by an amateur photographer in woodland in Shropshire. In Wales, the Vincent Wildlife Trust is implementing a [url=http://www.pine-marten-recovery-project.org.uk/news/pine-martens-arrive-in-wales]reintroduction project[/url] through translocations of Pine Martens from Scotland. The Pine Marten is still quite rare in Ireland but the population is recovering and spreading. The traditional strongholds are in the west and south, especially the Burren, but the population in the Midlands has significantly increased in recent years. A study published in 2015 showed that the Pine Marten was distributed across every county in Northern Ireland. Although they are preyed upon occasionally by Golden Eagles and Red Foxes, humans are the largest threat to the Pine Marten. It is vulnerable from conflict with humans, arising from predator control for other species and the use of inhabited buildings for denning. The Pine Marten is also affected by persecution (illegal poisoning and shooting) by gamekeepers and loss of habitat. This photo was taken in very low light and through a window and the Pine Marten was encouraged to visit every evening during a week long stay at Mingarry Lodges with a supply of jam, peanuts, suet pellets and grapes! Date: 23rd September 2016 Location: Mingarry Lodges, Mingarry, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13656951.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5075993334ed36898571b5.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the [i]Canidae[/i] family and is a part of the order [i]Carnivora[/i] within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40952861.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_579299525e53940dd872d.jpgNewgrange, Brú na Bóinne, Co.Meath, Ireland Newgrange is a prehistoric monument in the Brú na Bóinne area of Co. Meath located about 5 miles west of Drogheda on the north side of the River Boyne. It is an exceptionally grand passage tomb built during the Neolithic period around 3200 BC, making it older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids. Newgrange is the most famous monument within the Neolithic Brú na Bóinne area along with the similar passage tomb mounds of Knowth and Dowth and as such is a part of the Brú na Bóinne UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site consists of a large circular mound with an inner stone passageway and chambers. Human bones and possible grave goods or votive offerings were found in these chambers. The mound has a retaining wall at the front made mostly of white quartz cobblestones and it is ringed by engraved kerbstones. Many of the larger stones of Newgrange are covered in megalithic art. The mound is also ringed by a stone circle. Some of the material that makes up the monument came from as far away as the Mourne Mountains in Co. Down in the south east of Northern Ireland and the Wicklow Mountains principally in Co. Wicklow in the east of Ireland. There is not complete agreement about what the site was used for but it is believed that it had religious significance. Its entrance is aligned with the rising sun on the winter solstice when sunlight shines through a “roofbox” and floods the inner chamber for a few minutes. In this respect, Newgrange also shares many similarities with other Neolithic constructions in Europe, especially Gavrinis in Brittany, Maeshowe in Orkney in Scotland and Bryn Celli Ddu in Wales. After its initial use, Newgrange was sealed for several millennia. It continued to feature in Irish mythology and folklore in which it is said to be a dwelling of the deities, particularly The Dagda and his son Aengus. Antiquarians first began studying the site in the 17th century and archaeological excavations took place in the years that followed. Archaeologist Michael J. O'Kelly led the most extensive of these and also reconstructed the frontage of the site in the 1970s. Newgrange is a popular tourist site and is regarded as one of the most important megalithic structures in Europe. According to the archaeologist Colin Renfrew, it is [i]"unhesitatingly regarded by the prehistorian as the great national monument of Ireland"[/i]. Date: 3rd February 2020 Location: Newgrange, Brú na Bóinne, Co.Meath, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14247098.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16115200004f4e04550844a.jpgMallards The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 25th February 2012 Location: Rye Meads RSPB reserve, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38397328.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2880405765ce1280316c87.jpgNant Gwynant, Gwynedd Nant Gwynant is a valley in Snowdonia and is one of Wales’ most spectacular valleys. It is encircled by high mountains with Snowdon rising up to the north. The A498 road descends 600 feet in to the valley in about 2 miles from Pen-y-Gwryd close to the foot of Snowdon. It follows the Nant y Cynnyd, the Afon Glaslyn and alongside Llyn Gwynant and then beside the Nant Gwynant river to Llyn Dinas and down to Beddgelert. Date: 11th May 2019 Location: view from A498 road south of Pen-y-Gwryd http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50571561.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_55262525865ce1a54da98b.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 1st January 2024 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45456927.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1724897080624fff071cfd4.jpgSanderling The Sanderling is a small, plump, energetic wading bird. It has a short straight black bill and medium length black legs and is pale grey above and white underneath. Sanderlings breed in the high Arctic but can be seen in the UK during the winter months and as a passage migrant in spring and autumn. They can be found where there are long, sandy beaches around most of the coast other than in south west England and the rocky coasts of mainland Scotland. Date: 9th November 2021 Location: Shoeburyness, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50569842.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_134883192865ccb7bbad2c4.jpgDunnock The Dunnock is a small passerine bird and the most widespread member of the genus Prunella, the accentor family which otherwise consists of mountain species. Other common names for the Dunnock include the Hedge Sparrow or Hedge Accentor. The Dunnock is about the size of a Robin. It has a generally drab brown streaked appearance with a grey head and a fine pointed bill. Both sexes are similar. It is quiet and unobtrusive and is frequently seen on its own, creeping along and moving with a rather nervous, shuffling gait often flicking its wings. The Dunnock is native to large areas of Eurasia where it is the only commonly found accentor in lowland areas. It can be found throughout the UK all the year round in any well vegetated areas with scrub, brambles and hedges and also in deciduous woodland, farmland edges, parks and gardens. The Dunnock is territorial and may engage in conflict with other birds that encroach upon their nesting areas. The Dunnock possesses variable mating systems. Females are often polyandrous, breeding with 2 or more males at once which is quite rare among birds. This multiple mating system leads to the development of sperm competition amongst the male suitors. DNA fingerprinting has shown that chicks within a brood often have different fathers depending on the success of the males at monopolising the female. Males try to ensure their paternity by pecking at the cloaca of the female to stimulate ejection of rival males' sperm. Males provide parental care in proportion to their mating success so 2 males and a female can commonly be seen provisioning nestlings at one nest. Other mating systems also exist within Dunnock populations depending on the ratio of male to females and the overlap of territories. When only a single female and a single male territory overlap, monogamy is preferred. Sometimes, 2 or 3 adjacent female territories overlap a single male territory and so polygyny is favoured with the male monopolising several females. Polygynandry also exists in which 2 males jointly defend a territory containing several females. Polyandry, however, is the most common mating system of the Dunnock. Depending on the population, males generally have the best reproductive success in polygynous populations whilst females have the advantage during polyandry. Studies have illustrated the fluidity of Dunnock mating systems. When food is in abundance, female territory size is reduced drastically. Consequently, males can more easily monopolise the females. Thus, the mating system can be shifted from one that favours female success (polyandry) to one that favours male success (monogamy, polygynandry or polygyny). The Dunnock builds a neat nest predominantly from twigs and moss and lined with soft materials such as wool or feathers which is located low in a bush. The female typically lays 3 to 5 eggs. Broods, depending on the population, can be raised by a lone female, multiple females with the part-time help of a male, multiple females with full-time help by a male or by multiple females and multiple males. Parental care varies according to the type of relationship. Date: 1st January 2024 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48483016.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1585554703640a40123b0d1.jpgWater Rail The Water Rail is a member of the rail family. The adult is about 9 to 11 inches long with a 15 to 18 inches wingspan. The upper parts from the forehead to tail are olive-brown with black streaks, especially on the shoulders. The sides of the head and the underparts down to the upper belly are dark slate-blue, except for a blackish area between bill and eye and brownish sides to the upper breast. The flanks are barred black and white and the undertail is white with some darker streaks. The long bill and the iris are red and the legs are flesh-brown. The sexes are similar although the female averages slightly smaller than the male with a more slender bill. Individual adults can be identified by the markings on the undertail which are unique to each bird. Adult males have the strongest black undertail streaks. It has been suggested that the dark barring on the undertail of this species is a compromise between the signalling function of a pure white undertail, as found in open water or gregarious species like the Moorhen, and the need to avoid being too conspicuous. The Water Rail can readily be distinguished from most other reed bed rails by the white undertail and the red bill which is a little longer than the rest of the head and slightly down-curved. The Water Rail is a vocal species which gives its main call, known as "sharming", throughout the year. This is a series of grunts followed by a high-pitched piglet-like squeal and ending in more grunts. It is used as a territorial call, alarm and announcement. Members of a pair may call alternately, the male giving lower and slower notes than the female. Birds are most vocal when setting up a territory and early in the breeding season when calling may continue at night. The Water Rail is a skulking species, its streaked plumage making it difficult to see in its wetland habitat. Its laterally compressed body allows it to slip though the densest vegetation and it will "freeze" if surprised in the open. It walks with a high-stepping gait although it adopts a crouch when it runs for cover. It swims, when necessary, with the jerky motion typical of rails and it flies short distances low with its long legs dangling. Although its flight looks weak, the Water Rail is capable of long sustained flights during its nocturnal migration. The Water Rail breeds across temperate Eurasia from Iceland and the UK discontinuously to north Africa, Saudi Arabia and western China. Its distribution in Asia is poorly studied. It is resident in the milder south and west of its range but migrates south from areas that are subject to harsh winters. It winters within its breeding range and also further south in north Africa, the Middle East and the Caspian Sea area. The peak migration period is September to October with most birds returning to the breeding grounds from March to mid-April. The Water Rail is widely but thinly distributed as a breeding bird across the UK but it is absent from upland areas. It is most abundant in eastern England and suitable habitat along the south coast. Numbers are higher in winter when many birds arrive from Europe. The breeding habitat of the Water Rail is permanent wetland with still or slow-moving fresh or brackish water and dense, tall vegetation. On migration and in winter, a wider range of wet habitats may be used such as flooded thickets or bracken. Freezing condition may force birds into more open locations such as ditches, rubbish dumps and gardens or even out on to exposed ice. The Water Rail is monogamous and highly territorial when breeding. The birds pair off after arriving at their nesting areas or possibly even before spring migration. The pair give courting and contact calls throughout the breeding season. The nest is well hidden and made from whatever wetland vegetation is available. It is built mostly by the male and usually in a single day. It is raised 6 inches or more above water level and is generally constructed on clumps of roots, tree stumps or similar support. It may be built up higher if water levels start to rise. The typical clutch is 6 to 11 eggs across most of the range and the clutch size may be smaller early or late in the breeding season. The breeding season can be extended by replacement and second clutches. Both parents incubate the eggs although the female takes the larger share of this duty. The eggs are incubated for 19 to 22 days to hatching. The downy chicks leave the nest within 2 days of hatching but continue to be fed by their parents, although the chicks also find some of their own food after about 5 days. The chicks are independent of their parents after 20 to 30 days and can fly when aged 7 to 9 weeks. Average survival after fledging has been estimated as between 17 and 20 months with an annual survival rate slightly less than 50% per year for the first 3 years and somewhat higher thereafter. The maximum recorded age is 8 years 10 months. The Water Rail is a versatile and opportunistic forager although it follows definite routes when feeding, frequently returning to good hunting areas. It is omnivorous although it mainly feeds on animals such as leeches, worms, gastropods, small crustaceans, spiders and a wide range of both terrestrial and aquatic insects and their larvae. Small vertebrates such as amphibians, fish, birds and mammals may be killed or eaten as carrion. Plant food, which is consumed more in autumn and winter, includes the buds, flowers, shoots and seeds of water plants, berries and fruit. The Water Rail's numbers are declining but it has a large population and a huge breeding range. In most European countries, the population is either stable or decreasing slightly due to loss of habitat arising from the drainage of marshes, canalisation of water courses, urban encroachment and pollution. Introduced predators such as American Mink are a threat to vulnerable island populations. Date: 1st February 2023 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071727.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_63258054766433ebe1af73.jpgBlue Tit The Blue Tit is a small passerine bird in the tit family. It is easily recognisable by its generally blue and yellow plumage and its small size. The Blue Tit is about 4.7 inches long with a wingspan of 7.1 inches. It has an azure blue crown and a dark blue line passing through the eye and encircling the white cheeks to the chin, giving the bird a very distinctive appearance. The forehead and a bar on the wing are white. The nape, wings and tail are blue and the back is yellowish green. The underparts are mostly sulphur-yellow with a dark line down the abdomen. The bill is black and the legs bluish grey. The sexes are similar whilst young birds are noticeably more yellow. The Blue Tit is very agile and it can cling to the outermost branches and hang upside down when searching for food such as insects, caterpillars and seeds. The Blue Tit can be found throughout areas of the European continent with a mainly temperate or Mediterranean climate and in parts of the Middle East. In the UK it is common in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens and widespread across the whole of the country with the exception of some Scottish islands. The Blue Tit will nest in any suitable hole in a tree, wall or stump, often competing with other birds such as the House Sparrow or Great Tit for the site. In addition, it will readily accept an artificial nesting box. The same hole is returned to year after year and when one pair dies another takes possession. The nesting material is usually moss, wool, hair and feathers and the eggs are laid in April or May. The number in the clutch is often very large but 7 or 8 is normal. It is not unusual for a single bird to feed the chicks in the nest at a rate of one feed every 90 seconds during the height of the breeding season. Successful breeding is dependent on a sufficient supply of caterpillars as well as satisfactory weather. Breeding may be affected badly if the weather is cold and wet between May and July, particularly if this coincides with the emergence of the caterpillars on which the nestlings are fed. The small size of the Blue Tit makes it vulnerable to predation by larger birds and the typical lifespan is 3 years or less. The most significant predator is probably the Sparrowhawk, closely followed by the domestic cat. Nests may also be robbed by mammals such as the Weasel and Red and Grey Squirrels. Date: 7th May 2024 Location: RSPB Ham Wall, Somerset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493273.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15474858465f326f51594b4.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072374.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11551175474bf6e14fa3734.jpgKongsfjordfjellet, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway Kongsfjordfjellet is a bare mountain tundra area in the north west of the Varanger peninsula in Finnmark county in north east Norway. Date: 14th April 2010 Location: view from road 890 over Kongsfjordfjellet, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13657367.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6611430454ed36f8f77b20.jpgBadger The European Badger is a species of badger in the mustelid family (which in the UK includes the Otter, Pine Marten, Stoat and Weasel) and it is native to almost all of Europe. The source of the word "badger" is uncertain. The Oxford English Dictionary states it probably dates from the 16th century and derives from "badge", referring to the white mark borne like a badge on the Badger’s forehead. The French word [i]bêcheur[/i] (digger) has also been suggested as a source. The far older name "brock" derives from the Gaelic [i]broc[/i] or Welsh [i]broch[/i] and appears in Old English as [i]brocc[/i]. The Badger is a powerfully built animal with a small head, a thick, short neck, a stocky, wedge-shaped body and a short tail. Its feet are short with 5 toes on each foot. The limbs are short and massive with naked lower surfaces on the feet. The claws are strong, elongated and have an obtuse end which assists in digging. The snout, which is used for digging and probing, is muscular and flexible. The eyes are small and the ears short and tipped with white. Whiskers are present on the snout and above the eyes. Boars (males) typically have broader heads, thicker necks and narrower tails than sows (females) which are sleeker and have narrower, less domed heads and fluffier tails. Adults measure 9.8 to 11.8 inches in shoulder height, 24 to 35 inches in body length and 4.7 to 9.4 inches in tail length. Boars slightly exceed sows in measurements but can weigh considerably more. Weight varies seasonally, growing from spring to autumn and reaching a peak just before the winter. During the summer, the Badger weighs 15 to 29 pounds but this increases to 33 to 37 pounds in the autumn. Sows can attain a top weight of around 38 pounds, while exceptionally large boars have been reported in the autumn with the heaviest verified at 60 pounds. The contrasting black, white, brown and grey markings of the Badger’s fur serve to warn off attackers rather than camouflage as they are conspicuous at night. The colour, coarseness and density of the fur varies seasonally. Although the Badger’s sense of smell is acute, eyesight is monochromatic as has been shown by their lack of reaction to red light. Only moving objects attract their attention. The European Badger is the most social of badgers, forming groups of 6 adults on average, although larger associations of over 20 individuals have been recorded. Group size may be related to habitat composition. Under optimal conditions, Badger territories can be as small as 30 hectares but may be as large as 150 hectares in marginal areas. Badger territories can be identified by the presence of communal latrines and well-worn paths. It is mainly male Badgers that are involved in territorial aggression. A hierarchical social system is thought to exist and large powerful boars seem to assert dominance over smaller males. Large boars sometimes intrude into neighbouring territories during the main mating season in early spring. Sparring and more vicious fights generally result from territorial defence in the breeding season. When fighting, Badgers bite each other on the neck and rump while running and chasing each other and injuries incurred in such fights can be severe and sometimes fatal. However, in general, animals within and outside a group show considerable tolerance of each other. The Badger is usually monogamous and boars typically mate with a single female for life, whereas sows have been known to mate with more than one male. The oestrus cycle in the Badger lasts 4 to 6 days and may occur throughout the year, although there is a peak in spring. Sexual maturity in boars is usually attained at the age of 12 to 15 months but this can range from 9 months to 2 years. Sows usually begin ovulating in their second year, although some exceptionally begin at 9 months. Badgers can mate at any time of the year, although the main peak occurs in February to May. Matings occurring outside this period typically occur in sows which either failed to mate earlier in the year or matured slowly. Delayed implantation following mating can last 2 to 9 months although matings in December can result in immediate implantation. Ordinarily, implantation happens in December with a gestation period lasting 7 weeks. Cubs are usually born in mid-January to mid-March within underground chambers containing bedding. In areas where the countryside is waterlogged, cubs may be born above ground in buildings. The average litter consists of 1 to 5 cubs. Cubs are born pink with greyish, silvery fur and fused eyelids. Newborn Badgers are 5 inches in body length on average and weigh 2.6 to 4.7 ounces, with cubs from large litters being smaller. By 3 to 5 days, claws become pigmented and individual dark hairs begin to appear. Eyes open at 4 to 5 weeks and milk teeth erupt about the same time. Cubs emerge from their setts at 8 weeks of age and begin to be weaned at 12 weeks, although they may still suckle until they are 4 to 5 months old. Subordinate females may assist the mother in guarding, feeding and grooming the cubs. Cubs fully develop their adult coats at 6 to 9 weeks. The Badger can live for up to about 15 years in the wild. The Badger is a burrowing animal. However, the dens it constructs (setts) are complex and are passed on from generation to generation. A sett is almost invariably located near a tree which is used by badgers for stretching or claw scraping. Badgers defecate in latrines which are located near the sett and at strategic locations on territorial boundaries or near places with abundant food supplies. The number of exits in a sett can vary from just a few to 50. Setts can be vast and can sometimes accommodate multiple families. When this happens, each family occupies its own passages and sleeping and nesting chambers. Badgers dig and collect bedding throughout the year, particularly in autumn and spring, and the chambers are frequently lined with bedding brought in on dry nights consisting of grass, bracken, straw, leaves and moss. The Badger is a fastidiously clean animal which regularly clears out and discards old bedding. Along with the Brown Bear, the Badger is among the least carnivorous members of the carnivorous mammals. It is a highly adaptable and opportunistic omnivore whose diet encompasses a wide range of animals and plants. Earthworms are their most important food source, followed by large insects, carrion, cereals, fruit and small mammals including rabbits, mice, shrews, moles and hedgehogs. In addition, a wide variety of insect prey, cereal food, windfall fruit and berries is eaten. Occasionally, the Badger feeds on medium to large birds, amphibians, small reptiles, snails, slugs, fungi, and green food such as clover and grass. The Badger typically eats prey on the spot and rarely transports it to the sett. The Badger has few natural enemies. Wolves, lynxes and dogs can pose a threat although deaths caused by them are rare. It may live alongside the Red Fox in isolated sections of large burrows and the 2 species possibly tolerate each other through the Red Fox providing food scraps to the Badger and the Badger maintaining the shared burrow’s cleanliness. The Badger is native to most of Europe and parts of western Asia west of the Volga river in Russia. The International Union for Conservation of Nature rates the Badger as being of “least concern”. It is abundant and increasing throughout its range, partly due to a reduction in rabies in central Europe. In the UK, the Badger experienced a 77% increase in numbers during the 1980s and 1990s and the population is estimated to be around 300,000. The Badger is found in deciduous and mixed woodlands, clearings, spinneys, pastureland and scrub, including Mediterranean maquis shrubland. It has also adapted to life in suburban areas and urban parks, although not to the extent of the Red Fox. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife, Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14155786.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13919275364f3cd279c90ee.jpgBlackbird The Common Blackbird is a species of true thrush. It is also called Eurasian Blackbird (especially in North America in order to distinguish it from the unrelated New World blackbirds) or simply Blackbird where this does not lead to confusion with a similar-looking local species. The Blackbird’s name derives form 2 Latin words: <i>turdus</i> meaning “thrush” and <i>merula</i> meaning “blackbird”. It may not immediately be clear why the name "blackbird", first recorded in 1486, was applied to this species but not to one of the various other common black English birds, such as the Carrion Crow, Raven, Rook or Jackdaw. However, in Old English and in modern English up to about the 18th century, "bird" was used only for smaller or young birds and larger ones such as crows were called "fowl". At that time, the Blackbird was therefore the only widespread and conspicuous black bird in the UK. The Blackbird is around 9.25 to 11.5 inches in length including a long tail. The adult male has glossy black plumage, blackish-brown legs, a yellow eye-ring and an orange-yellow bill. The bill darkens somewhat in winter. The adult female is sooty-brown with a dull yellowish-brownish bill, a brownish-white throat and some weak mottling on the breast. The juvenile is similar to the female but has pale spots on the upperparts and the very young juvenile also has a speckled breast. Young birds vary in the shade of brown, with darker birds presumably males. The first year male resembles the adult male but has a dark bill and weaker eye ring and its folded wing is brown rather than black like the body plumage. The Blackbird breeds in temperate Eurasia, north Africa, the Canary Islands and south Asia. Populations are sedentary in the south and west of the range although northern birds migrate south as far as north Africa and tropical Asia in winter. Common over most of its range in woodland, the Blackbird has a preference for deciduous trees with dense undergrowth. However, gardens provide the most successful breeding habitat. It occurs up to around 3300 feet in Europe and is often replaced by the related Ring Ousel in areas of higher altitude. The Blackbird has an extensive range and a large population which is generally stable or increasing. However, there have been local declines, especially on farmland, which may be due to agricultural policies that encouraged farmers to remove hedgerows (which provide nesting places) and to drain damp grassland and increase the use of pesticides, both of which could have reduced the availability of invertebrate food. The Blackbird may commence breeding in March when the breeding pair prospect for a suitable nest site in a creeper or bush, favouring evergreen or thorny species such as ivy, holly, hawthorn, honeysuckle or pyracantha. Sometimes they will nest in sheds or outbuildings where a ledge or cavity is used. The cup-shaped nest is made with grasses, leaves and other vegetation and bound together with mud. It is built by the female alone. The nest is often ill-concealed compared with those of other species and many breeding attempts fail due to predation. The female lays 3 to 5 (average 4) bluish-green eggs marked with reddish-brown blotches which are incubated for 12 to 14 days before the chicks are hatched naked and blind. Fledging takes another 10 to 19 (average 13.6) days, with both parents feeding the young. The young are fed by the parents for up to 3 weeks after leaving the nest and they will follow the adults begging for food. If the female starts another nest, the male alone will feed the fledged young. Second broods are common with the female reusing the same nest if the brood was successful. The first-year male Blackbird may start singing as early as late January in fine weather in order to establish a territory, followed in late March by the adult male. The male's song is a varied and melodious low-pitched fluted warble which is given from trees, rooftops or other elevated perches mainly in the period from March to June and sometimes into the beginning of July. During the winter, the Blackbird can be heard quietly singing to itself, so much so that September and October are the only months which the song cannot be heard. The Blackbird is omnivorous, eating a wide range of insects, earthworms, seeds and berries. It feeds mainly on the ground, running and hopping with a start-stop-start progress. It pulls earthworms from the soil, usually finding them by sight but sometimes by hearing, and roots through leaf litter for other invertebrates. Small amphibians and lizards are occasionally hunted. The Blackbird will also perch in bushes to take berries and collect caterpillars and other active insects. Animal prey predominates and this is particularly important during the breeding season with windfall apples and berries taken more in the autumn and winter. Near human habitation the main predator of the Blackbird is the domestic cat, with newly fledged young especially vulnerable. Foxes and predatory birds, such as the Sparrowhawk, also predate the Blackbird when the opportunity arises. Eggs and chicks are also taken by corvids, such as the Magpie or Jay. Date: 12th February 2012 Location: Pennington Flash, Greater Manchester http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41205452.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9649930915eb971e4b9885.jpgWoodpigeons The Woodpigeon is the UK's largest and commonest pigeon and is largely grey with a white neck patch and white wing patches which are clearly visible in flight. Although shy in the countryside, it can be tame and approachable in towns and cities. Its cooing call is a familiar sound in woodlands as is the loud clatter of its wings when it flies away. Woodpigeons can be found across the UK. In the countryside they breed on farmland with hedges, trees and copses and in towns and cities they breed in parks and gardens. In winter, Woodpigeons form large flocks on farmland fields. Date: 6th May 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21828873.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11218244853cb9b74baba2.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 11th June 2014 Location: Bempton Cliifs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11481026.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6335646154e26997889c55.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 17th May 2009 Location: Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51980699.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_187848765766d3349210958.jpgCommon Blue Damselfly Flight period: early May to end September. As the name suggests, the Common Blue Damselfly is one of the commonest species in the UK. They can be confused with other blue damselflies, particularly since the markings on this species are rather variable. Common Blue Damselflies are found across most of the UK and are probably the most widespread member of the "blue" damselflies. They can be found around open lakes and ponds, along river and canal banks and streams, provided there is plenty of bankside vegetation. Date: 29th June 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14247110.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_626329864f4e06f60558e.jpgTufted Duck The Tufted Duck is a medium-sized diving duck. Males are black on the head, neck, breast and back and white on the sides with a small crest and a yellow eye. Females are browner in colour. Tufted Ducks breed in the UK across the lowland areas of England, Scotland and Ireland but less commonly in Wales. Numbers increase in the UK in winter due to birds moving to the UK from Iceland and northern Europe. Tufted Ducks can be found all year round in suitable habitats such as a reservoirs, gravel pits or lakes. Date: 25th February 2012 Location: Rye Meads RSPB reserve, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308844.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_70381713663ee3425b473e.jpgDark-bellied Brent Geese The Brent Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. Branta is a Latinised form of Old Norse brandgás, meaning "burnt (black) goose", and bernicla is the medieval Latin name for the barnacle. The Brent Goose and the similar Barnacle Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be the same creature as the crustacean, a myth that can be dated back to at least the 12th century. The Brent Goose, Branta bernicla is divided into 3 sub-species: Dark-bellied Brent Goose B. b. bernicla, Pale-bellied Brent Goose B. b. hrota (sometimes also known as Light-bellied Brent Goose) and Black Brant B. b. nigricans. Some DNA evidence suggests that these forms are genetically distinct and a split into 3 separate species has been proposed. However, other evidence upholds their maintenance as a single species. The Brent Goose is a small goose, 22 to 26 inches long with a wingspan of 42 to 48 inches. The under-tail is pure white and the tail black and very short (the shortest of any goose). The Dark-bellied Brent Goose is fairly uniformly dark grey-brown all over and the flanks and belly are not significantly paler than the back. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds on the Arctic coasts of central and west Siberia and winters in west Europe with over half the population in south England and the rest between north Germany and north west France. The Pale-bellied Brent Goose appears blackish-brown and light grey in colour and the flanks and belly are significantly paler than the back and present a marked contrast. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds in Franz Josef Land, Svalbard, Greenland and north east Canada and winters in Denmark, north east England, Ireland and the Atlantic coast of the USA from Maine to Georgia as well as in a small but significant area in north France. The Black Brant appears blackish-brown and white in colour. This sub-species is very contrastingly black and white with a uniformly dark sooty-brown back, similarly-coloured underparts (with the dark colour extending furthest back of the 3 sub-species) and a prominent white flank patch. It also has a larger white neck patch which forms an almost complete collar. It breeds in north west Canada, Alaska and east Siberia and winters mostly on the west coast of north America from south Alaska to California but also in east Asia, mainly Japan. It sometimes appears as a vagrant in Europe when it associates with the other Brent Goose species. The Brent Goose used to be a strictly coastal bird in winter, seldom leaving tidal estuaries where it feeds on eel-grass and seaweed. In recent decades, it has started using agricultural land a short distance inland, feeding extensively on grass and winter-sown cereals. This may be behaviour learned by following other species of geese. Food resource pressure may also be important in forcing this change since the world population increased over 10-fold by the mid-1980s, possibly reaching the carrying capacity of the estuaries. In the breeding season, the Brent Goose uses low-lying wet coastal tundra for both breeding and feeding. The nest is bowl-shaped, lined with grass and down and located in an elevated position often near a small pond. The Brent Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds applies. Date: 20th January 2023 Location: EWT Blue House Farm, North Fambridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/ullsfjorden-and-lyngenalpen-troms-north https://images.on-this.website/4752_14162252264f743c87d5a6b.jpgUllsfjorden and Lyngenalpen, Troms, north Norway The Lyngen Alps are a mountain range in north east Troms, North Norway. They are located east of Tromsø, mostly in the municipalities of Lyngen and Balsfjord. The mountains dominate the Lyngen Peninsula which is bordered by the Lyngen Fjord to the east and Ullsfjorden to the west. The mountains are of alpine character and the highest summit is Jiekkevarre at just over 6000 feet, the highest in Troms. Store Lenangstind is also a prominent mountain and there are several glaciers in the mountains. Ullsfjorden is a sea fjord located east of Tromsø and west of the Lyngenalpen which can be crossed by the Breivikeidet to Svensby ferry. Location: view from Breivikeidet Date: 18th March 2012 http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41254048.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17757926065f059ddcb82b1.jpgPorvoo Cathedral, Porvoo, Uusimaa, Finland Porvoo Cathedral (Finnish: [I]Porvoon tuomiokirkko[/I]; Swedish: [I]Borgå domkyrka[/I]) is located in the centre of the city of Porvoo. It is a cathedral of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland and the seat of the Diocese of Borgå, Finland's Swedish-speaking diocese (Borgå is the Swedish language form of Porvoo). It is also used for services by the Porvoo Finnish-speaking community which is administratively part of the Diocese of Helsinki. The church first became a cathedral in 1723 when the diocese of Viipuri (Viborg) (now the Diocese of Tampere) moved to Porvoo after Vyborg was ceded to Russia in the Treaty of Nystad. Porvoo Cathedral was originally built of wood in the 13th century but the first stone walls were built between 1410 and 1420. In about 1450, it was expanded 13 feet towards the east and 20 feet towards the south. It has been destroyed by fire numerous times: in 1508 by Danish forces and in 1571, 1590 and 1708 by Russian forces. In May 29 2006, the outer roof collapsed in a fire (deliberate arson) but with the inner ceiling undamaged and the interior intact. It was reopened in July 2008. Date: 26th June 2019 Location: Porvoo Cathedral, Porvoo, Uusimaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28887128.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_42583765157cc3e0f6a79c.jpgSwallow The Barn Swallow is the most widespread species of swallow in the world. In Europe it is just called the Swallow and in northern Europe it is the only common species called a "swallow" rather than a "martin". The male Swallow has steel blue upperparts and a rufous forehead, chin and throat which are separated from the off-white underparts by a broad dark blue breast band. The outer tail feathers are elongated to give the distinctive deeply forked "swallow tail." There is a line of white spots across the outer end of the upper tail. The female is similar in appearance to the male but the tail streamers are shorter, the blue of the upperparts and breast band is less glossy and the underparts more pale. The juvenile is browner and has a paler rufous face and whiter underparts. It also lacks the long tail streamers of the adult. The Swallow has an enormous range with an estimated global extent of 20 million square miles and a population of 190 million individuals. It breeds in the Northern Hemisphere from sea level to typically 8,900 feet but up 9,800 feet in the Caucasus and North America and it is absent only from deserts and the cold northernmost parts of the continents. Over much of its range it avoids towns and in Europe is replaced in urban areas by the House Martin. There are 6 subspecies of the Swallow which breed across the Northern Hemisphere, of which 4 are strongly migratory with their wintering grounds covering much of the Southern Hemisphere as far south as central Argentina, the Cape Province of South Africa and northern Australia. The Swallow can be found in open country with low vegetation such as pasture, meadows and farmland, preferably with nearby water. It avoids heavily wooded or precipitous areas and densely built-up locations. The presence of accessible open structures such as barns, stables or culverts to provide nesting sites and exposed locations such as wires, roof ridges or bare branches for perching are also important in the bird's selection of its breeding range. This species lives in close association with humans and its insect-eating habits mean that it is tolerated by man. This acceptance was reinforced in the past by superstitions regarding the bird and its nest. There are frequent cultural references to the Swallow in literary and religious works due to both its living in close proximity to humans and its annual migration. The Swallow is the national bird of Austria and Estonia. In winter, the Swallow is cosmopolitan in its choice of habitat, avoiding only dense forests and deserts. It is most common in open, low vegetation habitats such as savanna and ranch land. Individual birds tend to return to the same wintering locality each year and congregate from a large area to roost in reed beds. These roosts can be extremely large with one in Nigeria holding an estimated 1.5 million birds. Date: 10th May 2016 Location: Paldiski, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26041573.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8600907815638ab2cc6e1b.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name <i>Fratercula</i> comes from the Medieval Latin <i>fratercula</i> meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name <i>arctica</i> refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek <i>άρκτος</i> ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name <i>puffin</i> (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Látrabjarg, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/view-from-the-ms-jl https://images.on-this.website/4752_841802395f059e38c6105.jpgView from the m/s J.L. Runeberg between Porvoo and Helsinki, Finland Date: 26th June 2019 Location: view from the m/s J.L. Runeberg between Porvoo and Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308823.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11335117463ee2f4d1e6df.jpgMute Swan The Mute Swan is a species of swan native to much of Eurasia. Despite its Eurasian origin, its closest relatives are the Black Swan of Australia and the Black-necked Swan of south America, not the other Northern Hemisphere swans such as the Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan. The name “mute” derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. The adult Mute Swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob at the top of the beak. All Mute Swans are white at maturity although the feathers (particularly on the head and neck) are often stained orange-brown by iron and tannins in the water. Young birds (cygnets) are not the bright white colour of mature adults and their bill is dull greyish-black for the first year. The plumage may range from pure white to grey to buff with grey/buff being the most common. Cygnets typically retain their grey/buff feathers until they are at least 1 year old. On average, the Mute Swan is the second largest waterfowl species after the Trumpeter Swan although the male Mute Swan can easily match or even exceed a male Trumpeter Swan in mass. The adult Mute Swan typically ranges from 55 to 63 inches in length (although it can range in extreme cases from 49 to 67 inches) with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. Males (cobs) are larger than females (pens) and have a larger knob on their bill. The Mute Swan is one of the heaviest flying birds. In several studies from the UK, males were found to average from about 23.4 to 26.2 pounds, with a weight range of 20 to 32 pounds, while the slightly smaller females were found to average about 18.7 to 21.3 pounds, with a weight range of 17 to 23 pounds. The Mute Swan is less vocal than the noisy Bewick's Swan and Whooper Swan although it does make a variety of grunting, hoarse whistling and snorting noises, especially in communicating with their cygnets and threatening competitors or intruders trying to enter their territory. The most familiar sound associated with the Mute Swan is the vibrant throbbing of the wings in flight which is unique to the species and this can be heard from a range of up to 1 mile. The Mute Swan is found naturally mainly in the temperate areas of Europe across west Asia and as far east as Primorsky Krai in the far east of Russia. It is partially migratory throughout the northern latitudes in Europe and Asia as far south as north Africa and the Mediterranean. It is also often kept in captivity outside its natural range as a decoration for parks and ponds and escapes have occurred. The descendants of such birds have become naturalised in east USA and the Great Lakes region across the USA and Canada border. The Mute Swan population in the UK has increased recently probably due to better protection of this species. Some birds are resident all year whilst others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into east England. Mute Swans nest on large mounds that they build with waterside vegetation in shallow water on islands in the middle or at the very edge of a lake. It is a monogamous species and often reuses the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Males and females share the care of the nest. The female lays from 4 to 10 eggs and broods for around 36 days. Cygnets are unable to fly before an age of 120 to 150 days and this limits the distribution of the species in the northern edge of its range since the cygnets must learn to fly before the water freezes. The Mute Swan is usually strongly territorial with just a single pair on smaller lakes although in a few locations where a large area of suitable feeding habitat is found they can be colonial. The largest colonies can hold over 100 pairs such as that at the colony at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset in the UK. Non-mated juveniles up to 3 to 4 years old commonly form larger flocks often at regular traditional sites and these can total several hundred birds. The Mute Swan can be very aggressive in defence of its nest and it is highly protective of its mate and offspring. Most defensive attacks from a Mute Swan begin with a loud hiss and, if this is not sufficient to drive off the predator, are followed by a physical attack. It attacks by smashing at its enemy with bony spurs in the wings accompanied by biting with its large bill. Smaller waterbirds such as ducks are normally grabbed with the bill and dragged or thrown clear. Large waterfowl, such as the Canada Goose, more likely out of competition than in response to potential predation, may be aggressively driven off. The wings of the Mute Swan are very powerful although not strong enough to break an adult man's leg as has been claimed anecdotally. The Mute Swan feeds on a wide range of vegetation, both submerged aquatic plants which they reach with their long necks and by grazing on land. The food commonly includes agricultural crop plants such as oilseed rape and wheat and feeding flocks in the winter may cause significant crop damage, often as much through trampling with their large webbed feet as through direct consumption. Date: 17th January 2023 Location: EWT Langdon Conservation Centre, Dunton, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9594222.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4757491034db18c8e37a62.jpgWoodpigeon The Woodpigeon is the UK's largest and commonest pigeon and is largely grey with a white neck patch and white wing patches which are clearly visible in flight. Although shy in the countryside, it can be tame and approachable in towns and cities. Its cooing call is a familiar sound in woodlands as is the loud clatter of its wings when it flies away. Woodpigeons can be found across the UK. In the countryside they breed on farmland with hedges, trees and copses and in towns and cities they breed in parks and gardens. In winter, Woodpigeons form large flocks on farmland fields. Date: 24th December 2007 Location: Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512884.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_142330800362c9a8b4945f9.jpgEurasian Beaver The Eurasian Beaver or European Beaver is one of the largest living species of rodents and it is the largest rodent native to Eurasia. It weighs around 24 to 66 pounds with an average of 40 pounds. Typically the head and body length is 31 to 39 inches and the tail length is 9.8 to 19.7 inches. The fur colour of the Beaver varies geographically from light chestnut-rust to blackish-brown. The Beaver was once widespread in Eurasia. It was hunted to near-extinction for both its fur and castoreum (a secretion of its scent gland believed to have medicinal properties) and by 1900 only 1200 beavers survived in 8 relict populations in Europe and Asia. In many European nations, the Beaver became extinct but reintroduction and protection has led to gradual recovery to about 639,000 individuals by 2003 and it now occurs from the UK to China and Mongolia although it is absent from Italy, Portugal, the southern Balkans and the Middle East. About 83% can be found in the former Soviet Union. In the UK, the Beaver became extinct in the 16th century but, as a former native species, interest in reintroducing it to the wild across the UK has been shown. It has been suggested that Beaver dams could retain water in upland areas, reducing flood volumes and creating new habitats for wildlife. Currently, Beaver populations are found in a number of large enclosures in wildlife parks, as well as free-living populations around the River Tay and Knapdale areas in Scotland and the River Otter in Devon. The Knapdale population was deliberately released whilst the other populations are of unknown origin. The Beaver is a keystone species helping support the ecosystem of which they are a part. It creates wetlands which increase biodiversity and provide habitat for many rare species such as Water Voles, Otters, and Water Shrews. It coppices waterside trees and shrubs so that they regrow as dense shrubs which provide cover for birds and other animals. Beaver dams trap sediment and improve water quality and recharge groundwater tables and increase cover for trout and salmon. The Beaver has a single litter of young per year, coming into oestrus for only 12 to 24 hours between late December and May and peaking in January. Unlike most other rodents, Beaver pairs are monogamous and stay together for multiple breeding seasons. Gestation averages 107 days and litters average 3 kits with a range of 2 to 6 kits. Most Beavers do not reproduce until they are 3 years of age. Date: 12th June 2022 Location: River Otter near Otterton, Devon http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41187498.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7600698735ea6e019d032e.jpgCanada Goose gosling The Canada Goose belongs to the Branta genus of geese which contains species with largely black plumage distinguishing it from the grey species of the genus Anser. The black head and neck with a white "chinstrap" distinguish the Canada Goose from all other goose species with the exception of the Cackling Goose from north America and the Barnacle Goose which has a black breast and grey rather than brownish body plumage. The 7 sub-species of the Canada Goose vary widely in size and plumage details but all are recognizable as Canada Geese. Of the "true geese" (i.e. the genera Anser, Branta or Chen), the Canada Goose is on average the largest living species. It ranges from 30 to 43 inches in length and with a 50 to 73 inches wingspan. The male usually weighs 5.7 to 14.3 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 8.6 pounds. The female looks virtually identical but is slightly lighter at 5.3 to 12.1 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 7.9 pounds. It is also generally 10% smaller in linear dimensions than the male. The Canada Goose is native to north America where it breeds in Canada and the north USA in a wide range of habitats. The Great Lakes region maintains a very large population. It occurs all year round in the southern part of its breeding range, including most of the eastern seaboard and the Pacific coast. Between California and South Carolina in the south USA and north Mexico, it is primarily present as a migrant from further north during the winter. Outside north America, the Canada Goose has reached north Europe naturally as has been proved by ringing recoveries. It has also been introduced in to Europe and had established populations in the UK in the middle of the 18th century, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany and Scandinavia. Most European populations are not migratory but those in more northerly parts of Sweden and Finland migrate to the North Sea and Baltic coasts. Semi-tame feral birds are common in parks and have become a pest in some areas. In the early 17th century, explorer Samuel de Champlain sent several pairs of Canada Geese to France as a present for King Louis XIII. Canada Geese were first introduced in to the UK in the late 17th century as an addition to King James II's waterfowl collection in St. James's Park. They were also introduced in to Germany and Scandinavia during the 20th century. During the second year of its life, the Canada Goose finds a mate. It is a monogamous species and most couples stay together all of their lives. If one dies, the other may find a new mate. The female lays from 2 to 9 eggs with an average of 5. Both parents protect the nest while the eggs incubate but the female spends more time at the nest than the male. The nest is usually located in an elevated area near water such as streams, lakes and ponds and the eggs are laid in a shallow depression lined with plant material and down. The incubation period, in which the female incubates the eggs while the male remains nearby, lasts for 24 to 28 days after laying. As soon as the goslings hatch, they are immediately capable of walking, swimming and finding their own food (a diet similar to the adults). Parents are often seen leading their goslings in a line, usually with one adult at the front and the other at the back. While protecting their goslings, parents often violently chase away anything from small birds to lone humans who approach, after warning them by giving off a hissing sound and then attacking with bites and slaps of the wings if the threat does not retreat. Although parents are hostile to unfamiliar geese, they may form groups (crèches) of a number of goslings and a few adults. The goslings enter the fledgling stage any time from 6 to 9 weeks of age. Once it reaches adulthood, due to its large size and often aggressive behaviour, the Canada Goose is rarely preyed on although prior injury may make it more vulnerable to natural predators. The lifespan in the wild of birds that survive to adulthood ranges from 10 to 24 years. The UK longevity record is held by a specimen tagged as a nestling which was observed alive at the age of 31. The Canada Goose is primarily a herbivore although it will sometimes eat small insects and fish. Their diet includes grasses, aquatic plants, beans and grains such as wheat, rice, and corn when they are available. In urban areas, it is also known to pick food out of rubbish bins and it will readily take a variety of food from humans in parks. Date: 26th April 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4466102.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17241713004b8a256509a9c.jpg http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo3119797.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_959900534a6c3a8e11bbf.jpgCommon Seals Common Seals feed at sea but regularly haul out on to rocky shores or inter-tidal sandbanks to rest, to give birth and to suckle their pups. The most important haul-out areas are around the coast of Scotland, particularly in the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland, and on the east coast of England in the Wash. Date: 13th July 2009 Location: Blakeney Point, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512882.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_116213924662c9a8ac88e8a.jpgEurasian Beaver The Eurasian Beaver or European Beaver is one of the largest living species of rodents and it is the largest rodent native to Eurasia. It weighs around 24 to 66 pounds with an average of 40 pounds. Typically the head and body length is 31 to 39 inches and the tail length is 9.8 to 19.7 inches. The fur colour of the Beaver varies geographically from light chestnut-rust to blackish-brown. The Beaver was once widespread in Eurasia. It was hunted to near-extinction for both its fur and castoreum (a secretion of its scent gland believed to have medicinal properties) and by 1900 only 1200 beavers survived in 8 relict populations in Europe and Asia. In many European nations, the Beaver became extinct but reintroduction and protection has led to gradual recovery to about 639,000 individuals by 2003 and it now occurs from the UK to China and Mongolia although it is absent from Italy, Portugal, the southern Balkans and the Middle East. About 83% can be found in the former Soviet Union. In the UK, the Beaver became extinct in the 16th century but, as a former native species, interest in reintroducing it to the wild across the UK has been shown. It has been suggested that Beaver dams could retain water in upland areas, reducing flood volumes and creating new habitats for wildlife. Currently, Beaver populations are found in a number of large enclosures in wildlife parks, as well as free-living populations around the River Tay and Knapdale areas in Scotland and the River Otter in Devon. The Knapdale population was deliberately released whilst the other populations are of unknown origin. The Beaver is a keystone species helping support the ecosystem of which they are a part. It creates wetlands which increase biodiversity and provide habitat for many rare species such as Water Voles, Otters, and Water Shrews. It coppices waterside trees and shrubs so that they regrow as dense shrubs which provide cover for birds and other animals. Beaver dams trap sediment and improve water quality and recharge groundwater tables and increase cover for trout and salmon. The Beaver has a single litter of young per year, coming into oestrus for only 12 to 24 hours between late December and May and peaking in January. Unlike most other rodents, Beaver pairs are monogamous and stay together for multiple breeding seasons. Gestation averages 107 days and litters average 3 kits with a range of 2 to 6 kits. Most Beavers do not reproduce until they are 3 years of age. Date: 12th June 2022 Location: River Otter near Otterton, Devon http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49276525.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_109535615164995cf28b7b7.jpgYellowhammer The Yellowhammer is a passerine bird in the bunting family. The bird family Emberizidae contains around 300 seed-eating species, the majority of which are found in the Americas, although the genus Emberiza, with more than 40 members, is confined to the Old World. Within its genus Emberiza, the Yellowhammer is most closely related to the Pine Bunting and at times they have been considered as one species. Where their ranges meet, the Yellowhammer and Pine Bunting interbreed and the hybrid zone is thought to be moving further east. The Yellowhammer is also closely related to the Cirl Bunting. The Yellowhammer’s scientific name Emberiza citronella is derived from the Old German embritz meaning “bunting” and the Italian citronella meaning “small yellow bird”. The Yellowhammer is a large bunting around 6.3 to 6.5 inches long with a wingspan of 9.1 to 11.6 inches. The male has a bright yellow head, heavily streaked brown back, rufous rump, yellow underparts and white outer tail feathers. The female is less brightly coloured and more streaked on the crown, breast and flanks. Both sexes are less strongly marked outside the breeding season when the dark fringes on new feathers obscure the yellow plumage. The juvenile is much duller and less yellow than the adults and often has a paler rump. The Yellowhammer breeds across Eurasia and it is the commonest and most widespread European bunting although it is absent from high mountains, Arctic regions, most of Iberia and Greece and low-lying regions of other countries adjoining the Mediterranean Sea. It also breeds in Russia east to Irkutsk and in most of Ukraine and the Asian range extends into north west Turkey, the Caucasus and northern Kazakhstan. Populations have declined in recent decades in western Europe but in eastern Europe numbers appear to be stable. Changes to agricultural practices are thought to be responsible for reduced breeding densities. The Yellowhammer can be found throughout most of the UK but it is least abundant in the north and west and absent from some upland areas such as the Pennines and the Scottish Highlands as well as some lowland areas. Its recent sharp population decline make it a Red List species. Within its range, the Yellowhammer is a bird of dry open country, preferably with a range of vegetation types and some trees from which to sing. It is absent from urban areas, forests and wetlands. Probably originally found at forest edges and large clearings, it has benefited from traditional agriculture which created extensive open areas with hedges and clumps of trees. The Yellowhammer usually starts breeding in late April or early May. The males establish territories along hedges or woodland fringes and sing from a tree or bush, often continuing well into July or August. The nest is built by the female on or near the ground and is typically well hidden in tussocks against a bank or low in a bush. It is constructed from nearby plant material such as leaves, dry grass and stalks and lined with fine grasses and sometimes animal hair. The clutch is usually 3 to 5 eggs and the female incubates the eggs for 12 to 14 days to hatching and broods the chicks until they fledge 11 to 13 days later. Both adults feed the chicks in the nest and 2 or 3 broods are raised each year. The Yellowhammer forages mainly on the ground and its diet consists mainly of seeds. Grasses are also important, particularly cereals, and grain makes up a significant part of the food consumed in autumn and winter. Invertebrates are added to its diet during the breeding season, particularly as food for its growing chicks, and a wide range of species is taken including springtails, grasshoppers, flies, beetles, caterpillars, earthworms, spiders and snails. Outside of the breeding season, the Yellowhammer forages in flocks which can occasionally number hundreds of birds and often contain other buntings and finches. The Yellowhammer is a conspicuous, vocal and formerly common country bird and it has attracted human interest. Yellowham Wood and Yellowham Hill, near Dorchester in the UK, both derive their names from the bird. Robbie Burns' poem "The Yellow, Yellow Yorlin'" gets its title from a Scottish name for the Yellowhammer. Enid Blyton helped to popularise the bird's song as "a little bit of bread and no cheese" in some of her books and she wrote a poem called "The Yellow-hammer". Beethoven's student, Carl Czerny, and biographer Anton Schindler, both suggested that the composer got the idea for the first 4 notes of his 5th symphony from the song of the Yellowhammer although it is more likely that the opening of the 4th Piano Concerto was actually the work in question. Beethoven also used the Yellowhammer theme in 2 piano sonatas. Date: 5th June 2023 Location: EWT Wrabness, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41389673.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12219331765f2694eac0839.jpgNesseby, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Nesseby is a small village located on the southern coast of the Varanger peninsula near the inner part of the Varangerfjord in Troms og Finnmark in north east Norway. The European route E75 highway runs through the village on its way from Varangerbotn to Vadsø. Nesseby Church lies on a small peninsula on the coast of the village. It was designed by Christian Heinrich Grosch and built of wood in 1858 and fully restored in 1983. The prayer books in the church are in the Northern Sami language since that is the predominant language for the people of the area. The village and the municipality of the same name are bilingual and have 2 official names: Nesseby (Norwegian) and Unjárga (Northern Sami). Date: 1st July 2019 Location: view from Nesseby, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21808720.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_117628113653c78e7e71061.jpgCommon Seal Common Seals feed at sea but regularly haul out on to rocky shores or inter-tidal sandbanks to rest, to give birth and to suckle their pups. The most important haul-out areas are around the coast of Scotland, particularly in the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland, and on the east coast of England in the Wash. Date: 14th July 2014 Location: Blakeney Point, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42222530.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16575240836023b75e9ff61.jpgRedwing The Redwing is most commonly encountered as a winter visitor and is the UK's smallest true thrush. The creamy stripe above the eye and the orange-red flank patches make it distinctive. Redwings arrive in the UK from September but most arrive in October and November. They leave again in March and April, although occasionally birds stay later including a few pairs to nest in northern Scotland. Redwings can be found across the UK's countryside feeding in fields and hedgerows and also in parks and gardens in the coldest weather when snow covers the fields. They often associate with flocks of Fieldfares, the other wintering thrush. Date: 9th January 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080590.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_175671196963a459887d596.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 1st December 2022 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45182247.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_638662276235c37d0ab6d.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 21st January 2022 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4466093.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18846234344b8a251d433f2.jpg http://www.richardchewphotography.com/p5030546-edit https://images.on-this.website/4752_1046436514664330845076f.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 3rd May 2024 Location: Dingle Local Nature Reserve, Llangefni, Anglesey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49002578.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15101789146468f29caacd0.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 17th April 2023 Location: Dunwich Heath, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308821.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_150226155563ee2f4b6c19f.jpgMute Swans The Mute Swan is a species of swan native to much of Eurasia. Despite its Eurasian origin, its closest relatives are the Black Swan of Australia and the Black-necked Swan of south America, not the other Northern Hemisphere swans such as the Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan. The name “mute” derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. The adult Mute Swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob at the top of the beak. All Mute Swans are white at maturity although the feathers (particularly on the head and neck) are often stained orange-brown by iron and tannins in the water. Young birds (cygnets) are not the bright white colour of mature adults and their bill is dull greyish-black for the first year. The plumage may range from pure white to grey to buff with grey/buff being the most common. Cygnets typically retain their grey/buff feathers until they are at least 1 year old. On average, the Mute Swan is the second largest waterfowl species after the Trumpeter Swan although the male Mute Swan can easily match or even exceed a male Trumpeter Swan in mass. The adult Mute Swan typically ranges from 55 to 63 inches in length (although it can range in extreme cases from 49 to 67 inches) with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. Males (cobs) are larger than females (pens) and have a larger knob on their bill. The Mute Swan is one of the heaviest flying birds. In several studies from the UK, males were found to average from about 23.4 to 26.2 pounds, with a weight range of 20 to 32 pounds, while the slightly smaller females were found to average about 18.7 to 21.3 pounds, with a weight range of 17 to 23 pounds. The Mute Swan is less vocal than the noisy Bewick's Swan and Whooper Swan although it does make a variety of grunting, hoarse whistling and snorting noises, especially in communicating with their cygnets and threatening competitors or intruders trying to enter their territory. The most familiar sound associated with the Mute Swan is the vibrant throbbing of the wings in flight which is unique to the species and this can be heard from a range of up to 1 mile. The Mute Swan is found naturally mainly in the temperate areas of Europe across west Asia and as far east as Primorsky Krai in the far east of Russia. It is partially migratory throughout the northern latitudes in Europe and Asia as far south as north Africa and the Mediterranean. It is also often kept in captivity outside its natural range as a decoration for parks and ponds and escapes have occurred. The descendants of such birds have become naturalised in east USA and the Great Lakes region across the USA and Canada border. The Mute Swan population in the UK has increased recently probably due to better protection of this species. Some birds are resident all year whilst others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into east England. Mute Swans nest on large mounds that they build with waterside vegetation in shallow water on islands in the middle or at the very edge of a lake. It is a monogamous species and often reuses the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Males and females share the care of the nest. The female lays from 4 to 10 eggs and broods for around 36 days. Cygnets are unable to fly before an age of 120 to 150 days and this limits the distribution of the species in the northern edge of its range since the cygnets must learn to fly before the water freezes. The Mute Swan is usually strongly territorial with just a single pair on smaller lakes although in a few locations where a large area of suitable feeding habitat is found they can be colonial. The largest colonies can hold over 100 pairs such as that at the colony at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset in the UK. Non-mated juveniles up to 3 to 4 years old commonly form larger flocks often at regular traditional sites and these can total several hundred birds. The Mute Swan can be very aggressive in defence of its nest and it is highly protective of its mate and offspring. Most defensive attacks from a Mute Swan begin with a loud hiss and, if this is not sufficient to drive off the predator, are followed by a physical attack. It attacks by smashing at its enemy with bony spurs in the wings accompanied by biting with its large bill. Smaller waterbirds such as ducks are normally grabbed with the bill and dragged or thrown clear. Large waterfowl, such as the Canada Goose, more likely out of competition than in response to potential predation, may be aggressively driven off. The wings of the Mute Swan are very powerful although not strong enough to break an adult man's leg as has been claimed anecdotally. The Mute Swan feeds on a wide range of vegetation, both submerged aquatic plants which they reach with their long necks and by grazing on land. The food commonly includes agricultural crop plants such as oilseed rape and wheat and feeding flocks in the winter may cause significant crop damage, often as much through trampling with their large webbed feet as through direct consumption. Date: 17th January 2023 Location: EWT Langdon Conservation Centre, Dunton, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/februarymarch-2024-chiffchaff https://images.on-this.website/4752_1071260281668915af455df.jpgFebruary/March 2024 - Chiffchaff Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50776413.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/mallard-and-ducklings https://images.on-this.website/4752_17839225126627e0e481bc0.jpgMallard and ducklings The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 22nd April 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11481806.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6928438584e26a319b94e7.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 1st June 2008 Location: Noss, Shetland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/woodpigeons https://images.on-this.website/4752_99954409160b204a503be5.jpgWoodpigeon The Woodpigeon is the UK's largest and commonest pigeon and is largely grey with a white neck patch and white wing patches which are clearly visible in flight. Although shy in the countryside, it can be tame and approachable in towns and cities. Its cooing call is a familiar sound in woodlands as is the loud clatter of its wings when it flies away. Woodpigeons can be found across the UK. In the countryside they breed on farmland with hedges, trees and copses and in towns and cities they breed in parks and gardens. In winter, Woodpigeons form large flocks on farmland fields. Date: 18th May 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230761.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8146002426491735ac7a16.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 14th May 2023 Location: Llanddeusant Red Kite feeding station, Carmarthenshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4466062.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19990191664b8a241fa63cf.jpg http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49797634.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_118866624364eca2266dcec.jpgSilver-studded Blue Description to follow .... Date: 2nd July 2023 Location: Hartland Moor NNR, Purbeck Heaths NNR, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11654880.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8171768464e313acc9c53d.jpgHerring Gull Herring Gulls are large, noisy gulls and can be found throughout the year around coasts. During winter they can also be found inland around rubbish tips, fields, large reservoirs and lakes. Herring Gulls usually breed in colonies at coastal sites around the UK including cliffs with grassy slopes, shingle beaches, small islands and rooftops in seaside towns. Date: 11th May 2008 Location: Skomer, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457559.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_180630826566857239d34b9.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39083901.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17170211955d3082ac69db2.jpgWestern Rhodopes Mountains, Smolyan Province, Bulgaria The Rhodopes Mountains are a mountain range in south east Europe. They are spread over 5689 square miles of which 4723 square miles are located in south Bulgaria and the remainder in north Greece. The Rhodopes Mountains are about 149 miles long and about 62 to 75 miles wide with an average altitude of 2575 feet. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 7188 feet and is situated 12 miles to the west of Smolyan. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rhodopes Mountains gives its name to the terrestrial eco-region Rodope montane mixed forests that belong in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The area is particularly notable for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans plus its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms such as the Trigrad Gorge. The Rhodopes Mountains can be sub-divided in to 3 sections: The Western Rhodopes are spread over 66% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and they are higher, the most infrastructurally developed and the most visited part of the mountains. The highest and best known peaks are located in this section with more than 10 over 6562 feet high including the highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7188 feet). Some of the deepest river gorges in the Rhodopes Mountains are located in the west as well as several large lakes. The Eastern Rhodopes are spread over a territory of about 34% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and are much lower in height. The large artificial dams of Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets are located in this part of the mountains. Almost every species of European bird of prey nests in the Eastern Rhodopes including the rare Black Vulture and Egyptian Vulture. The Southern Rhodopes are the part of the mountain range that is located in Greece and they are characterized by numerous peaks of relatively low altitude. The Trigrad Gorge is a canyon of vertical marble rock cliffs in the western Rhodope Mountains. It is the third longest gorge in Bulgaria. The gorge encloses the course of the River Trigrad which plunges into the Devil's Throat Cave and 1740 feet further emerges as a large karst spring. It later flows into the River Buynovska. The west wall of the Trigrad Gorge reaches 980 feet in height whilst the east wall reaches 980 to 1150 feet in height. Initially, the 2 walls are about 985 feet apart but the gorge narrows to about 330 feet in the northern section. The gorge is situated just north of the village of Trigrad at 4760 feet above sea level. It has a total length of 4.3 miles, of which the gorge proper comprises 1.2 to 1.9 miles. It can be visited on the narrow single track road from Teshel to Trigrad which follows the River Trigrad for about 7.5 miles. The Trigrad area was a restricted border zone in the past (it is less than 4 miles from the border with Greece) so access was very limited during the Communist era but it is now a popular tourist destination. The area is considered as one of the most beautiful in the Rhodopes Mountains with numerous designated routes for hiking, mountain biking and horse riding routes. Date: 28th May 2018 Location: Teshel to Trigrad via Trigrad Gorge, Western Rhodopes Mountains, Smolyan Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623044.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4048053916117d34b866fa.jpgCommon Guillemot The Common Guillemot, also known as the Common Murre or Thin-billed Murre, is a large species of auk. The auks are a family of seabirds which includes the Brunnich's Guillemot or Thick-billed Murre, Razorbill, Little Auk and the extinct Great Auk. The Common Guillemot is 15 to 18 inches in length with a 24 to 29 inches wingspan. In breeding plumage, it is black or dark brown on the head, back and wings with white underparts. It has a thin dark pointed bill and a small rounded dark tail. Legs are grey and the bill is dark grey. Males and females are identical. Some individuals in the North Atlantic, known as "Bridled Guillemots", have a white ring around the eye extending back as a white line. This is not a distinct subspecies but a polymorphism that becomes more common the farther north the birds breed. The Common Guillemot flies with fast wing beats and has a flight speed of around 50 mph. Groups of birds are often seen flying together in a line just above the surface of the sea. However, it is not a very agile bird and take-off is often difficult. The Common Guillemot becomes flightless for 45 to 60 days while moulting its primary feathers. The Common Guillemot is a pursuit diver that forages for food by swimming underwater using its wings for propulsion. Dives usually last less than one minute but the bird swims underwater for distances of over 100 feet on a regular basis. Diving depths up to 590 feet have been recorded. The Common Guillemot has a circumpolar distribution and it occurs in low Arctic and boreal waters in the north Atlantic and north Pacific. It spends most of its time at sea and only comes to land to breed on rocky cliffs, sea stacks and islands. Some birds are permanent residents but northern birds migrate south to open waters off New England, southern California, Japan, Korea and the western Mediterranean. The Common Guillemot breeds in colonies at high densities and nesting pairs may be in bodily contact with their neighbours. No nest is made and the single egg is laid and incubated on a bare rock ledge on a cliff face. The egg hatches after 30 days incubation and the chick is born downy and can regulate its body temperature after 10 days. Some 20 days after hatching the chick jumps off its nesting ledge and heads for the sea unable to fly but gliding for some distance with fluttering wings and accompanied by its male parent. The chicks are capable of diving as soon as they hit the water. The female stays at the nest site for some 14 days after the chick has left. The Common Guillemot can venture far from its breeding grounds to forage and distances of 60 miles or more are often observed although if sufficient food is available closer by, birds will only travel much shorter distances. It mainly eats small schooling fish 8 inches long or less such as Polar Cod, Capelin, Sand Lances, Sprats, Sandeels, Atlantic Cod and Atlantic Herring. It also eats some molluscs, marine worms, squid and crustaceans. It is often seen carrying fish in its bill with the tail hanging out. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405556.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12134714736586fbdba5787.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the Canidae family and is a part of the order Carnivora within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 6th December 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45456913.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_32224692624ffc594a8c3.jpgDunlin The Dunlin is the commonest small wader found along the coast and can be seen on all UK estuaries with the largest numbers in winter. During winter they feed in large flocks on estuaries with mudflats, saltmarsh and coastal lagoons as well as inland lakes and sewage farms. Dunlin breed on the wet upland moors of Scotland, Wales and England and also the wet grassland machair of the Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland and the Flow Country of Caithness and Sutherland. Date: 9th November 2021 Location: Shoeburyness, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081446.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_119052014563a8455fb95bb.jpgMute Swan The Mute Swan is a species of swan native to much of Eurasia. Despite its Eurasian origin, its closest relatives are the Black Swan of Australia and the Black-necked Swan of south America, not the other Northern Hemisphere swans such as the Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan. The name “mute” derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. The adult Mute Swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob at the top of the beak. All Mute Swans are white at maturity although the feathers (particularly on the head and neck) are often stained orange-brown by iron and tannins in the water. Young birds (cygnets) are not the bright white colour of mature adults and their bill is dull greyish-black for the first year. The plumage may range from pure white to grey to buff with grey/buff being the most common. Cygnets typically retain their grey/buff feathers until they are at least 1 year old. On average, the Mute Swan is the second largest waterfowl species after the Trumpeter Swan although the male Mute Swan can easily match or even exceed a male Trumpeter Swan in mass. The adult Mute Swan typically ranges from 55 to 63 inches in length (although it can range in extreme cases from 49 to 67 inches) with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. Males (cobs) are larger than females (pens) and have a larger knob on their bill. The Mute Swan is one of the heaviest flying birds. In several studies from the UK, males were found to average from about 23.4 to 26.2 pounds, with a weight range of 20 to 32 pounds, while the slightly smaller females were found to average about 18.7 to 21.3 pounds, with a weight range of 17 to 23 pounds. The Mute Swan is less vocal than the noisy Bewick's Swan and Whooper Swan although it does make a variety of grunting, hoarse whistling and snorting noises, especially in communicating with their cygnets and threatening competitors or intruders trying to enter their territory. The most familiar sound associated with the Mute Swan is the vibrant throbbing of the wings in flight which is unique to the species and this can be heard from a range of up to 1 mile. The Mute Swan is found naturally mainly in the temperate areas of Europe across west Asia and as far east as Primorsky Krai in the far east of Russia. It is partially migratory throughout the northern latitudes in Europe and Asia as far south as north Africa and the Mediterranean. It is also often kept in captivity outside its natural range as a decoration for parks and ponds and escapes have occurred. The descendants of such birds have become naturalised in east USA and the Great Lakes region across the USA and Canada border. The Mute Swan population in the UK has increased recently probably due to better protection of this species. Some birds are resident all year whilst others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into east England. Mute Swans nest on large mounds that they build with waterside vegetation in shallow water on islands in the middle or at the very edge of a lake. It is a monogamous species and often reuses the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Males and females share the care of the nest. The female lays from 4 to 10 eggs and broods for around 36 days. Cygnets are unable to fly before an age of 120 to 150 days and this limits the distribution of the species in the northern edge of its range since the cygnets must learn to fly before the water freezes. The Mute Swan is usually strongly territorial with just a single pair on smaller lakes although in a few locations where a large area of suitable feeding habitat is found they can be colonial. The largest colonies can hold over 100 pairs such as that at the colony at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset in the UK. Non-mated juveniles up to 3 to 4 years old commonly form larger flocks often at regular traditional sites and these can total several hundred birds. The Mute Swan can be very aggressive in defence of its nest and it is highly protective of its mate and offspring. Most defensive attacks from a Mute Swan begin with a loud hiss and, if this is not sufficient to drive off the predator, are followed by a physical attack. It attacks by smashing at its enemy with bony spurs in the wings accompanied by biting with its large bill. Smaller waterbirds such as ducks are normally grabbed with the bill and dragged or thrown clear. Large waterfowl, such as the Canada Goose, more likely out of competition than in response to potential predation, may be aggressively driven off. The wings of the Mute Swan are very powerful although not strong enough to break an adult man's leg as has been claimed anecdotally. The Mute Swan feeds on a wide range of vegetation, both submerged aquatic plants which they reach with their long necks and by grazing on land. The food commonly includes agricultural crop plants such as oilseed rape and wheat and feeding flocks in the winter may cause significant crop damage, often as much through trampling with their large webbed feet as through direct consumption. Date: 9th January 2022 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801131.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_82038282864edacf1d09d8.jpgSedge Warbler The Sedge Warbler is a medium-sized Old World warbler in the genus Acrocephalus. It has a streaked brown back and wings and pale underparts. The rump is warm brown and unstreaked, contrasting with the duller wings. The forehead is flattened, there is a prominent whitish supercilium, the crown is streaked with black and the bill is strong and pointed. The plumage of the sexes is identical. Juvenile birds have dark spots on the breast. The Sedge Warbler’s song is varied, rushed and chattering with sweeter phrases and some mimicry, all typical of the Acrocephalus warblers. It is composed of phrases in random order so that it is never the same. Male Sedge Warblers which have the widest repertoire mate with the largest number of females. Male Sedge Warblers commence singing only a few hours after arriving on their breeding territory. The song is given from a bare perch such as a reed stem or bush or from cover and during routine flights within their territory. Song flights are also performed. Whilst singing, the bird takes off, rises to a height of up to 10 feet and then after a short circling flight, it makes a slow, parachuting descent, often with the wings held up in a “v” shape. The song has the function of attracting a mate rather than keeping other males away and it is stopped as soon as a mate is found. The Sedge Warbler has a large range and it breeds across Europe and western and central Asia. Unlike other members of the Acrocephalus genus, the Sedge Warbler's range stretches from the Arctic to mid-latitudes since it is adapted to live in cool, cloudy and moist conditions. It is a migratory species and winters in sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal in the west to Ethiopia in the east and as far south as the eastern Cape Province of South Africa and north Namibia. Birds begin leaving Africa in late February, fatten up at wetlands before and probably after crossing the Sahara and arrive in Europe from March onwards. During the breeding season, the Sedge Warbler can be found in reedbeds, often with scrub, ditches and habitats away from water including hedgerows, patches of stinging nettles and arable crops. On the African wintering grounds, habitats such as reeds in wetlands, papyrus, grass, sedge and reedmace and tall elephant grass are used. Loss of wetland areas for feeding on migration and the expansion of the Sahara desert pose threats to the Sedge Warbler's breeding population. The Sedge Warbler is mostly insectivorous and the diet includes mayflies, dragonflies and damselflies, grasshoppers, bugs, lacewings, moths, beetles and flies. Vegetable material includes elderberries and blackberries. On their wintering grounds food includes non-biting midges and flowers and berries. It feeds in low, thick vegetation, especially reeds and rushes, but also in arable fields and around bushes. Feeding techniques include picking insects from vegetation while perched or sometimes hovering and “leap-catching” where the bird grabs flying insects as it flies between perches. The Sedge Warbler tends to hop between plant stems and pick insects from underneath leaves and it takes advantage of the low temperatures around dusk and dawn which make their prey less mobile. Date: 17th July 2023 Location: RSPB Frampton Marsh, near Boston, Lincolnshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo453657.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14283590614688411e5fb5d.jpgLoch Duartmore, Highland Loch Duartmore is a freshwater loch situated between Kylesku and Scourie but it is connected to the sea by a small river that runs out of the western end. In an area of few trees, Loch Duartmore is bordered by the Duartmore Forest along its southern shore. The A894 road now passes over the loch via a new bridge but to the east can be seen the remains of the old single track road and the arch of the old Duartmore Bridge. Date: 10th June 2007 Location: view from the A894 road http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41352927.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14352271435f21574dce352.jpgSmall Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Small Skipper has a rusty orange colour to the wings, upper body and the tips of the antennae. The body is silvery white below and it has a wingspan of 25 to 30 mm. It is very similar in appearance to the Essex Skipper but the undersides of the tips of the antennae are yellow orange in the Small Skipper whereas they are black in the Essex Skipper. The Small Skipper is a common and widespread butterfly in most parts of England and has been expanding its range northwards. It can be found in rough grassland, roadside verges, edges of fields and woodland clearings where it is often seen basking on vegetation or making short buzzing flights among tall grass stems. Date: 21st July 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080579.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6861550663a4595f45750.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 1st December 2022 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo2918215.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12002856034a4a635f6f69d.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a gentle looking, medium sized gull with a small yellow bill and a dark eye. It has a grey back and is white underneath. Its legs are short and black. In flight the black wing-tips show no white, unlike other gulls, and look as if they have been “dipped in ink”. The population is declining in some areas, perhaps due to a shortage of sand eels. Kittiwakes are strictly coastal gulls. In the breeding season, they can be found on rocky, steep sea-cliffs at the major seabird colonies around the UK from February until August. From August to October they can be seen flying past offshore and they spend the winter months out at sea. Date: 17th May 2009 Location: Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453949.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21129592664ff5464715f66.jpgSwallow The Barn Swallow is the most widespread species of swallow in the world. In Europe it is just called the Swallow and in Northern Europe it is the only common species called a "swallow" rather than a "martin". The male Swallow has steel blue upperparts and a rufous forehead, chin and throat which are separated from the off-white underparts by a broad dark blue breast band. The outer tail feathers are elongated to give the distinctive deeply forked "swallow tail." There is a line of white spots across the outer end of the upper tail. The female is similar in appearance to the male but the tail streamers are shorter, the blue of the upperparts and breast band is less glossy and the underparts more pale. The juvenile is browner and has a paler rufous face and whiter underparts. It also lacks the long tail streamers of the adult. The Swallow has an enormous range with an estimated global extent of 20 million square miles and a population of 190 million individuals. It breeds in the Northern Hemisphere from sea level to typically 8,900 feet but up 9,800 feet in the Caucasus and North America and it is absent only from deserts and the cold northernmost parts of the continents. Over much of its range it avoids towns and in Europe is replaced in urban areas by the House Martin. There are 6 subspecies of the Swallow which breed across the Northern Hemisphere, of which 4 are strongly migratory with their wintering grounds covering much of the Southern Hemisphere as far south as central Argentina, the Cape Province of South Africa and northern Australia. The Swallow can be found in open country with low vegetation such as pasture, meadows and farmland, preferably with nearby water. It avoids heavily wooded or precipitous areas and densely built-up locations. The presence of accessible open structures such as barns, stables or culverts to provide nesting sites and exposed locations such as wires, roof ridges or bare branches for perching are also important in the bird's selection of its breeding range. This species lives in close association with humans and its insect-eating habits mean that it is tolerated by man. This acceptance was reinforced in the past by superstitions regarding the bird and its nest. There are frequent cultural references to the Swallow in literary and religious works due to both its living in close proximity to humans and its annual migration. The Swallow is the national bird of Austria and Estonia. In winter, the Swallow is cosmopolitan in its choice of habitat, avoiding only dense forests and deserts. It is most common in open, low vegetation habitats such as savanna and ranch land. Individual birds tend to return to the same wintering locality each year and congregate from a large area to roost in reed beds. These roosts can be extremely large with one in Nigeria holding an estimated 1.5 million birds. Date: 28th April 2012 Location: Rio Almonte bridge to Monroy, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493261.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14756087545f326f2ce5a98.jpgPuffins The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49798206.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_84639148664ecadba72c95.jpgLulworth Skipper Description to follow .... Date: 3rd July 2023 Location: Durlston Country Park, Swanage, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405523.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3685094966586f45656e66.jpgShort-eared Owl The Short-eared Owl is a species of the typical owl family Strigidae. Owls belonging to the genus Asio, such as the Short-eared Owl, are known as the eared owls since they have tufts of feathers resembling mammalian ears. These "ear" tufts may or may not be visible. The Short-eared Owl will display its tufts when in a defensive pose although its very short tufts are usually not visible. The Short-eared Owl is a medium-sized owl 13 to 17 inches in length with a 33 to 43 inches wingspan. Females are slightly larger than males. It has large yellow eyes with black encircling rings, a big head, a short neck and broad wings. The bill is short, strong, hooked and black. The plumage is mottled tawny to brown with a barred tail and wings. The upper breast is significantly streaked. The flight is characteristically floppy due to the irregular wingbeats and the Short-eared Owl is often described as "moth-like” or bat-like" in flight. Through much of its range, the Short-eared Owl occurs with the similar looking Long-eared Owl. At rest, the ear-tufts of the Long-eared Owl serve to easily distinguish the 2 species although the Long-eared Owl can sometimes hold its ear-tufts flat. The iris colour also differs: yellow in the Short-eared Owl and orange in the Long-eared Owl plus the black surrounding the eyes is vertical on the Long-eared Owl and horizontal on the Short-eared Owl. Overall, the Short-eared Owl tends to be a paler, sandier coloured bird than the Long-eared Owl. There are 10 recognized sub-species of the Short-eared Owl and its range covers all continents except Antarctica and Australia. It therefore has one of the most widespread distributions of any bird. It is partially migratory and moves south in winter from the northern parts of its range. The Short-eared Owl is also known to relocate to areas of higher rodent populations and it will also wander nomadically in search of better food supplies during years when vole populations are low. In the UK, the Short-eared Owl breeds primarily in north England and Scotland but it is seen more widely in winter when there is an influx of continental birds from Scandinavia, Russia and Iceland to north, east and parts of central south England, especially around coastal marshes and wetlands. The breeding season of the Short-eared Owl in the northern hemisphere lasts from March to June but peaks in April. During the breeding season, the male makes a great spectacle of itself in flight to attract a female. The male swoops down over the potential nest site flapping its wings in a courtship display. The Short-eared Owl is generally monogamous and nests on the ground in prairie, tundra, savanna or meadow habitats. The nest is concealed by low vegetation and may be lightly lined by weeds, grass or feathers. The female lays 4 to 7 eggs but clutch size can reach up to 12 eggs in years when voles are abundant. There is a single brood per year. The eggs are incubated mostly by the female for 21 to 37 days and the young fledge at a little over 4 weeks. The Short-eared Owl hunts mostly at night but it is known as a diurnal and crepuscular hunter as well. Its daylight hunting seems to coincide with the high activity periods of voles, its preferred prey. It tends to fly only a few feet above the ground in open fields and grasslands until swooping down upon its prey feet first. Several owls may hunt over the same open area. The diet of the Short-eared Owl consists mainly of rodents, especially voles, but it will eat other small mammals such as mice, ground squirrels, shrews, rats, bats, muskrats and moles. It will also occasionally predate smaller birds especially when near sea coasts and adjacent wetlands at which time they may attack waders, terns and small gulls and seabirds. Avian prey is more infrequently preyed on inland and includes small passerines. Insects also supplement the diet. Date: 25th November 2023 Location: RSPB Wallasea Island, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071721.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_81764159666433d13d0cba.jpgHerring Gull The Herring Gull is one of the best known of all gulls along the shores of Europe. Adults in breeding plumage have a grey back and upperwings and white head and underparts. The wingtips are black with white spots known as "mirrors". The bill is yellow with a red spot and there is a ring of bare yellow skin around the pale eye. The legs are normally pink at all ages but can be yellowish. Non-breeding adults have brown streaks on the head and neck. Male and female plumage is identical at all stages of development although adult males are often larger. Juvenile and first-winter birds are mainly brown with darker streaks and have a dark bill and eyes. Second-winter birds have a whiter head and underparts with less streaking and the back is grey. Third-winter individuals are similar to adults but retain some of the features of immature birds such as brown feathers in the wings and dark markings on the bill. The Herring Gull attains adult plumage and reaches sexual maturity at an average age of 4 years. The loud laughing call of the Herring Gull is well known and is often seen as a symbol of the seaside in countries such as the UK. It also has a yelping alarm call and a low barking anxiety call. Chicks and fledglings emit a distinctive, repetitive high-pitched 'peep', accompanied by a head-flicking gesture when begging for food from or calling to their parents. Adult gulls in urban areas will also exhibit this behaviour when fed by humans. The Herring Gull breeds across northern Europe, western Europe, central Europe, eastern Europe, Scandinavia and the Baltic states. Some, especially those resident in colder areas, migrate further south in winter but many are permanent residents such as in the UK or on the North Sea shores. While Herring Gull numbers appear to have been decreased in recent years, possibly by fish population declines and competition, they have proved able to survive in human-adapted areas and can often be seen in towns acting as a scavenger. The Herring Gull, like most gulls, is an omnivore and opportunist and will scavenge from garbage dumps, landfill sites and sewage outflows with refuse comprising up to half of the bird's diet. In addition, it will eat fish, crustaceans and dead animals as well as some plants and it will steal the eggs and young of other birds (including those of other gulls). The Herring Gull may also dive from the surface of the water or engage in plunge diving in the pursuit of aquatic prey although they are typically unable to reach any great depth due to their natural buoyancy. Date: 6th May 2024 Location: St. Govan's Head, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42202633.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1094150465ff3102d082ef.jpgBrown Bear and cub The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, Ursus arctos arctos. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an evening visit with [url=https://www.karhujenkatselu.fi/en-gb]Karhu-Kuusamo[/url] Date: 7th July 2019 Location: Kuntilampi, near Kuusamo, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871603.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18397633944eff1f2810e66.jpgRinged Plover The Ringed Plover is a small plover with a grey-brown back and wings, a white belly and a white breast with a single black neck band. It has a brown cap, a white forehead, a black mask around the eyes and a short orange and black bill. The legs are orange and only the outer two toes are slightly webbed. The juvenile Ringed Plover is duller than the adult in colour with an often incomplete grey-brown breast band, a dark bill and dull yellowish-grey legs. The Ringed Plover breeds on open ground on beaches or sandflats across northern Eurasia and in Arctic north east Canada. Some birds breed inland and in western Europe they nest as far south as northern France. It is migratory and winters in coastal areas south to Africa. Date: 26th May 2009 Location: Nesseby, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11639800.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5286937434e2fdc48b9e9a.jpgRed Grouse The Red Grouse is a medium-sized bird of the grouse family which is found in heather moorland in the UK and Ireland. It is endemic to the UK and has developed in isolation. It is usually classified as a sub-species of the Willow Ptarmigan or Willow Grouse which is found in birch and other forests and moorlands in north Europe, the tundra of Scandinavia, Siberia, Alaska and north Canada. The Red Grouse is differentiated from the Willow Ptarmigan and Rock Ptarmigan by its plumage being reddish brown and not having a white winter plumage. The tail is black and the legs are white. There are white stripes on the underwing and red combs over the eye. Females are less reddish than the males and have less conspicuous combs. Young birds are duller and lack the red combs. The Red Grouse is found across most parts of Scotland, including Orkney, Shetland and most of the Outer Hebrides. It is only absent from urban areas such as in the Central Belt. In Wales there are strong populations of Red Grouse in some places but the range has retracted. It is now largely absent from the far south and the main strongholds are Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons and the Cambrian Mountains. In England the Red Grouse is mainly found in the north in areas such as the Lake District, Northumberland, County Durham, much of Yorkshire, the Pennines and the Peak District as far south as the Staffordshire Moorlands. There is an isolated introduced population on Dartmoor and overspill Welsh birds visit the Shropshire Hills.The typical habitat is upland heather moors away from trees. It can also be found in some low-lying bogs and birds may visit farmland during hard weather. The UK population of the Red Grouse is estimated at about 250,000 pairs. Numbers have declined in recent years and it is now absent in areas where it was once common. Reasons for the decline include disease, loss of heather due to overgrazing, creation of new conifer plantations and a decline in the number of upland gamekeepers. Some predators feed on Red Grouse and there is ongoing controversy as to what effect these have on numbers. The Red Grouse is herbivorous and feeds mainly on the shoots, seeds and flowers of heather. It will also feed on berries, cereal crops and sometimes insects. The Red Grouse is considered a game bird and is shot in large numbers during the shooting season which traditionally starts on August 12th (known as the Glorious Twelfth). Shooting can take the form of “walked up” (where shooters walk across the moor to flush grouse and take a shot) or “driven” (where grouse are driven, often in large numbers, by “beaters” towards the shooters who are hiding behind a line of “butts”). Many moors are managed to increase the density of Red Grouse. Areas of heather are subjected to controlled burning since this allows fresh young shoots to regenerate which are favoured by Red Grouse. In addition, extensive predator control is a feature of grouse moor management and the extent and legality to which it occurs is hotly contested between conservation groups and shooting interests and the subject generates a lot of media attention. The Red Grouse is widely known as the logo of The Famous Grouse whisky and an animated bird is a character in a series of its adverts. It is also the emblem of the magazine “British Birds”. Date: 17th April 2007 Location: Grinton Moor, Yorkshire Dales National Park, North Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28883606.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2819817857cc06a098474.jpgEndla Nature Reserve, Estonia The Endla Nature Reserve is located in central Estonia about 40 miles north west of Tartu and it was established in 1981 to protect a complex of bogs, fens, pools, lakes, rivers, reedbeds, meadows and wet and dry forests. It is also included in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance. The Endla Nature Reserve is a large wilderness area of over 31 square miles and much of it is very difficult to access but it can mainly be explored from the visitor centre at Tooma which is about 20 miles north west of Jõgeva. Date: 19th May 2016 Location: Tooma, Endla Nature Reserve, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080571.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_208893671063a45936e8662.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 1st December 2022 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17408521.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_273932315133279700829.jpgRuff The Ruff is a medium-sized wading bird in the sandpiper family, [i]Scolopacidae[/i]. The original English name for this bird, dating back to at least 1465, is the [i]ree[/i], perhaps derived from a dialectical term meaning "frenzied". A later name [I]reeve[/I], which is still used for the female, is of unknown origin but may be derived from the shire-reeve, a feudal officer, likening the male's flamboyant plumage to the official's robes. The current name was first recorded in 1634 and is derived from the ruff, an exaggerated collar fashionable from the mid-16th century to the mid-17th century, since the male bird's neck ornamental feathers resemble the neck wear. The Ruff has a distinctive appearance with a small head, medium-length bill, longish neck and pot-bellied body. It has long legs that are variable in colour but usually yellow or orange. In flight, it has a deeper, slower wing stroke than other waders of a similar size and it displays a thin, indistinct white bar on the wing and white ovals on the sides of the tail. The Ruff shows very distinctive sexual dimorphism. Although a small percentage of males resemble females, the typical male is much larger than the female and has an elaborate breeding plumage. The male is 11 to 13 inches in length with a 21 to 24 inches wingspan. During the May to June breeding season, the typical male's legs, bill and warty bare facial skin are orange and he has distinctive head tufts and a neck ruff. These ornaments vary on individual birds and are black, chestnut or white with the colouring solid, barred or irregular. The grey-brown back has a scale-like pattern, often with black or chestnut feathers, and the underparts are white with extensive black on the breast. The extreme variability of the main breeding plumage is thought to have developed to aid individual recognition in a species that has communal breeding displays but is usually mute. Outside the breeding season, the typical male's head and neck decorations and the bare facial skin are lost and the legs and bill become duller. The upperparts are grey-brown and the underparts are white with grey mottling on the breast and flanks. The female, or "reeve", is 9 to 10 inches in length with a 18 to 19 inches wingspan. In the breeding plumage, the female has grey-brown upperparts with white-fringed, dark-centred feathers. The breast and flanks are variably blotched with black. In winter, her plumage is similar to that of the male but the sexes are distinguishable on size. The plumage of the juvenile Ruff resembles the non-breeding adult but has upperparts with a neat, scale-like pattern with dark feather centres and a strong buff tinge to the underparts. The Ruff is a migratory species, breeding in wetlands in the colder regions of northern Eurasia and wintering in the tropics, mainly in Africa. There is a limited overlap of the summer and winter ranges in the UK and parts of coastal western Europe and birds may be present throughout the year. The Ruff breeds in Europe and Asia from Scandinavia and the UK almost to the Pacific. In Europe, it is found in cool temperate areas but over its Russian range it is an Arctic species and occurs mainly north of about 65°N. The largest numbers breed in Russia, Sweden, Finland and Norway. Although it also breeds from the UK east through the Low Countries to Poland, Germany and Denmark, the populations are much lower in these more southerly areas. The Ruff is highly gregarious on migration and it travels in large flocks that can contain hundreds or thousands of individuals. Huge dense groups form on the wintering grounds. The males, which play no part in nesting or chick care, leave the breeding grounds in late June or early July followed later in July by the females and juveniles. Males typically make shorter flights and winter further north than females. Many migratory species use this differential wintering strategy since it reduces feeding competition between the sexes and enables territorial males to reach the breeding grounds as early as possible thereby improving their chances of successful mating. Males may also be able to tolerate colder winter conditions because they are larger than females. The Ruff breeds in extensive lowland freshwater marshes and damp grasslands. It avoids barren tundra and areas badly affected by severe weather, preferring hummocky marshes and deltas with shallow water. The wetter areas provide a source of food, the mounds and slopes may be used for leks and dry areas with sedge or low scrub offer nesting sites. When it is not breeding, it can be found in a wider range of shallow wetlands. Dry grassland, tidal mudflats and the seashore are less frequently used. Male Ruffs display during the breeding season at a lek in a traditional open grassy arena. The Ruff is one of the few lekking species in which the display is primarily directed at other males rather than to the females and it is among a small percentage of birds in which the males have well-marked and inherited variations in plumage and mating behaviour. There are 3 male forms: the typical territorial males, satellite males which have a white neck ruff and a very rare variant with female-like plumage. The behaviour and appearance for an individual male remain constant through its adult life and are determined by its genes. The territorial males, about 84% of the total, have strongly coloured black or chestnut ruffs and stake out and occupy small mating territories in the lek. They actively court females and display a high degree of aggression towards other resident males. Between 5 and 20 territorial males each hold an area of the lek about 3 feet across and usually with bare soil in the centre. They perform an elaborate display that includes wing fluttering, jumping, standing upright, crouching with ruff erect or lunging at rivals. They are typically silent even when displaying. Territorial males are very site faithful and 90% return to the same lekking sites in subsequent seasons, the most dominant males being the most likely to reappear. Site faithful males can acquire accurate information about the competitive abilities of other males, leading to well-developed dominance relationships. Such stable relationships reduce conflict and the risk of injury and the consequent lower levels of male aggression are less likely to scare off females. Lower-ranked territorial males also benefit from site fidelity since they can remain on the leks while waiting for the top males eventually to drop out. Satellite males, about 16% of the total number, have white or mottled ruffs and do not occupy territories. Instead, they enter leks and attempt to mate with the females visiting the territories occupied by the resident territorial males. Resident territorial males tolerate the satellite birds because, although they are competitors for mating with the females, the presence of both types of male on a territory attracts additional females. A third type of male was first described in 2006. This is a permanent female mimic, the first such reported for a bird. About 1% of males are small, intermediate in size between males and females and do not grow the elaborate breeding plumage of the territorial and satellite males. This cryptic male obtains access to mating territories together with the females and "steals" matings when the females crouch to solicit copulation. It moults into the prenuptial male plumage with striped feathers but does not go on to develop the ornamental feathers of the normal male. Not all mating takes place at the lek since only a minority of the males attend an active lek. As alternative strategies, males can also directly pursue females or wait for them as they approach good feeding sites. The level of polyandry in the Ruff is the highest known for any avian lekking species and for any shorebird. More than half of females mate with and have clutches fertilised by more than one male. In lekking species, females can choose mates without risking the loss of support from males in nesting and rearing chicks since the males take no part in raising the brood anyway. The nest of the Ruff is a shallow ground scrape lined with grass leaves and stems and concealed in marsh plants or tall grass up to 450 yards from the lek. Nesting is solitary although several females may lay in the general vicinity of a lek. The female lays typically 4 eggs from mid-March to early June depending on latitude. Incubation is undertaken by the female alone and the time to hatching is 20 to 23 days with a further 25 to 28 days to fledging. The precocial chicks have buff and chestnut down, streaked and barred with black and frosted with white. They feed themselves on a variety of small invertebrates. The Ruff normally feeds using a steady walk and pecking action, selecting food items by sight, but it will also wade deeply and submerge its head. During the breeding season, the Ruff’s diet consists almost exclusively of the adults and larva of terrestrial and aquatic insects such as beetles and flies. On migration and during the winter, it eats insects, crustaceans, spiders, molluscs, worms, frogs, small fish and also the seeds of rice and other cereals, sedges, grasses and aquatic plants. The Ruff has a large range and a large population although there is some evidence of a decrease in the population in some regions and countries. However, the species as a whole is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List (i.e. declining more than 30 percent in 10 years or 3 generations). For these reasons, the Ruff is classified as "least concern". However, the range in much of Europe is contracting because of land drainage, increased fertiliser use, the loss of mown or grazed breeding sites and over-hunting. Therefore the Ruff is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 12th January 2013 Location: Martin Mere WWT reserve, Lancashire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49797784.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_86954593664eca59ddc9ac.jpgSilver-studded Blue Description to follow .... Date: 2nd July 2023 Location: Creech Heath NR, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080572.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_139247271363a4593cde711.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 1st December 2022 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48482994.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_686654076640a3ffe7935a.jpgDunnock The Dunnock is a small passerine bird and the most widespread member of the genus Prunella, the accentor family which otherwise consists of mountain species. Other common names for the Dunnock include the Hedge Sparrow or Hedge Accentor. The Dunnock is about the size of a Robin. It has a generally drab brown streaked appearance with a grey head and a fine pointed bill. Both sexes are similar. It is quiet and unobtrusive and is frequently seen on its own, creeping along and moving with a rather nervous, shuffling gait often flicking its wings. The Dunnock is native to large areas of Eurasia where it is the only commonly found accentor in lowland areas. It can be found throughout the UK all the year round in any well vegetated areas with scrub, brambles and hedges and also in deciduous woodland, farmland edges, parks and gardens. The Dunnock is territorial and may engage in conflict with other birds that encroach upon their nesting areas. The Dunnock possesses variable mating systems. Females are often polyandrous, breeding with 2 or more males at once which is quite rare among birds. This multiple mating system leads to the development of sperm competition amongst the male suitors. DNA fingerprinting has shown that chicks within a brood often have different fathers depending on the success of the males at monopolising the female. Males try to ensure their paternity by pecking at the cloaca of the female to stimulate ejection of rival males' sperm. Males provide parental care in proportion to their mating success so 2 males and a female can commonly be seen provisioning nestlings at one nest. Other mating systems also exist within Dunnock populations depending on the ratio of male to females and the overlap of territories. When only a single female and a single male territory overlap, monogamy is preferred. Sometimes, 2 or 3 adjacent female territories overlap a single male territory and so polygyny is favoured with the male monopolising several females. Polygynandry also exists in which 2 males jointly defend a territory containing several females. Polyandry, however, is the most common mating system of the Dunnock. Depending on the population, males generally have the best reproductive success in polygynous populations whilst females have the advantage during polyandry. Studies have illustrated the fluidity of Dunnock mating systems. When food is in abundance, female territory size is reduced drastically. Consequently, males can more easily monopolise the females. Thus, the mating system can be shifted from one that favours female success (polyandry) to one that favours male success (monogamy, polygynandry or polygyny). The Dunnock builds a neat nest predominantly from twigs and moss and lined with soft materials such as wool or feathers which is located low in a bush. The female typically lays 3 to 5 eggs. Broods, depending on the population, can be raised by a lone female, multiple females with the part-time help of a male, multiple females with full-time help by a male or by multiple females and multiple males. Parental care varies according to the type of relationship. Date: 1st February 2023 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/hermanns-tortoise https://images.on-this.website/4752_1521667965559cf4ba3eb8a.jpgHermann's Tortoise The Hermann's Tortoise, one of five species, is a small to medium-sized tortoise in the family [I]Testudinidae[/I] . Young animals, and some adults, have attractive black and yellow-patterned carapaces, although the brightness may fade with age to a less distinct grey, straw, or yellow coloration. They have slightly hooked upper jaws and, like other tortoises, possess no teeth just strong, horny beaks. The scaly limbs are greyish to brown with some yellow markings and their tails bear a spur (a horny spike) at the tip. Adult males have particularly long and thick tails and well-developed spurs, distinguishing them from females. The Hermann's Tortoise can be found throughout southern Europe. The western sub-species is found in eastern Spain, southern France, the Balearic islands, Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily, south and central Italy and the eastern sub-species is found Serbia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Romania, Bulgaria, Albania and Greece. The eastern sub-species is generally much larger than the western sub-species, reaching sizes up to 11 inches in length. The Hermann's Tortoise is restricted to areas with hot summers and can be found in a variety of habitats including lush meadows, scrub-covered hillsides, light woodland, dune areas and even rubbish dumps. Males may have home ranges of about 2 hectares and females half this. Early in the morning, the Hermann's Tortoise will leave its nightly shelter, which are usually hollows protected by thick bushes or hedges, to bask in the sun and warm their bodies. They then roam about their habitat in search of food and determine which plants to eat by the sense of smell. In addition to leaves and flowers, the Hermann's Tortoise eats small amounts fruits as supplementary nutrition. When the sun becomes too hot the Hermann's Tortoise returns to its shelter, before emerging again in the late afternoon and evening to feed. In late February, the Hermann's Tortoise emerges from under bushes or old rotting wood, where it spends the winter months hibernating, buried in a bed of dead leaves. Immediately after surfacing from their winter resting place, the Hermann’s Tortoise commences courtship and mating. Courtship is a rough affair for the female, which is pursued, rammed and bitten by the male before being mounted. Aggression is also seen between rival males during the breeding season which can result in ramming contests. Between May and July, a female Hermann’s Tortoise will deposit between 2 and 12 eggs into flask-shaped nests dug into the soil up to 4 inches deep. Most females lay more than one clutch each season. The pinkish-white eggs are incubated for around 90 days. Young Hermann’s Tortoises emerge just after the start of the heavy autumn rains in early September and spend the first 4 or 5 years of their lives close to their nests. If the rains do not come, or if nesting took place late in the year, the eggs will still hatch but the young will remain underground and not emerge until the following spring. Until the age of 6 or 8 years, when the hard shell becomes fully developed, the young tortoises are very vulnerable to predators but if they survive these threats, the longevity of Hermann’s Tortoises is around 30 years. The longevity might be underestimated and many sources are reporting they might live 90 years or more. Date: 7th May 2015 Location: Evros Delta (west), East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42082972.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13614852505faa5d45ee042.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 4th November 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/herring-gull https://images.on-this.website/4752_11815305934b8a26d1d6551.jpgHerring Gull The Herring Gull is one of the best known of all gulls along the shores of Europe. Adults in breeding plumage have a grey back and upperwings and white head and underparts. The wingtips are black with white spots known as "mirrors". The bill is yellow with a red spot and there is a ring of bare yellow skin around the pale eye. The legs are normally pink at all ages but can be yellowish. Non-breeding adults have brown streaks on the head and neck. Male and female plumage is identical at all stages of development although adult males are often larger. Juvenile and first-winter birds are mainly brown with darker streaks and have a dark bill and eyes. Second-winter birds have a whiter head and underparts with less streaking and the back is grey. Third-winter individuals are similar to adults but retain some of the features of immature birds such as brown feathers in the wings and dark markings on the bill. The Herring Gull attains adult plumage and reaches sexual maturity at an average age of 4 years. The loud laughing call of the Herring Gull is well known and is often seen as a symbol of the seaside in countries such as the UK. It also has a yelping alarm call and a low barking anxiety call. Chicks and fledglings emit a distinctive, repetitive high-pitched 'peep', accompanied by a head-flicking gesture when begging for food from or calling to their parents. Adult gulls in urban areas will also exhibit this behaviour when fed by humans. The Herring Gull breeds across northern Europe, western Europe, central Europe, eastern Europe, Scandinavia and the Baltic states. Some, especially those resident in colder areas, migrate further south in winter but many are permanent residents such as in the UK or on the North Sea shores. While Herring Gull numbers appear to have been decreased in recent years, possibly by fish population declines and competition, they have proved able to survive in human-adapted areas and can often be seen in towns acting as a scavenger. The Herring Gull, like most gulls, is an omnivore and opportunist and will scavenge from garbage dumps, landfill sites and sewage outflows with refuse comprising up to half of the bird's diet. In addition, it will eat fish, crustaceans and dead animals as well as some plants and it will steal the eggs and young of other birds (including those of other gulls). The Herring Gull may also dive from the surface of the water or engage in plunge diving in the pursuit of aquatic prey although they are typically unable to reach any great depth due to their natural buoyancy. Date: February 2009 Location: Oslo harbour, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13656963.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_220309614ed368b6e2b9f.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the [i]Canidae[/i] family and is a part of the order [i]Carnivora[/i] within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4267552.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19330672074b522b3454243.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 3rd January 2010 Location: Southerness, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/brent-goose https://images.on-this.website/4752_16778154594e158299c6b67.jpgDark-bellied Brent Goose The Brent Goose belongs to the [I]Branta[/I] genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the [I]Anser[/I] genus of grey geese. [I]Branta[/I] is a Latinised form of Old Norse [I]brandgás[/I], meaning "burnt (black) goose", and [i]bernicla[/i] is the medieval Latin name for the barnacle. The Brent Goose and the similar Barnacle Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be the same creature as the crustacean, a myth that can be dated back to at least the 12th century. The Brent Goose, [I]Branta bernicla[/I] is divided into 3 sub-species: Dark-bellied Brent Goose [I]B. b. bernicla[/I], Pale-bellied Brent Goose [i]B. b. hrota[/i] (sometimes also known as Light-bellied Brent Goose) and Black Brant [i]B. b. nigricans[/i]. Some DNA evidence suggests that these forms are genetically distinct and a split into 3 separate species has been proposed. However, other evidence upholds their maintenance as a single species. The Brent Goose is a small goose, 22 to 26 inches long with a wingspan of 42 to 48 inches. The under-tail is pure white and the tail black and very short (the shortest of any goose). The Dark-bellied Brent Goose is fairly uniformly dark grey-brown all over and the flanks and belly are not significantly paler than the back. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds on the Arctic coasts of central and west Siberia and winters in west Europe with over half the population in south England and the rest between north Germany and north west France. The Pale-bellied Brent Goose appears blackish-brown and light grey in colour and the flanks and belly are significantly paler than the back and present a marked contrast. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds in Franz Josef Land, Svalbard, Greenland and north east Canada and winters in Denmark, north east England, Ireland and the Atlantic coast of the USA from Maine to Georgia as well as in a small but significant area in north France. The Black Brant appears blackish-brown and white in colour. This sub-species is very contrastingly black and white with a uniformly dark sooty-brown back, similarly-coloured underparts (with the dark colour extending furthest back of the 3 sub-species) and a prominent white flank patch. It also has a larger white neck patch which forms an almost complete collar. It breeds in north west Canada, Alaska and east Siberia and winters mostly on the west coast of north America from south Alaska to California but also in east Asia, mainly Japan. It sometimes appears as a vagrant in Europe when it associates with the other Brent Goose species. The Brent Goose used to be a strictly coastal bird in winter, seldom leaving tidal estuaries where it feeds on eel-grass and seaweed. In recent decades, it has started using agricultural land a short distance inland, feeding extensively on grass and winter-sown cereals. This may be behaviour learned by following other species of geese. Food resource pressure may also be important in forcing this change since the world population increased over 10-fold by the mid-1980s, possibly reaching the carrying capacity of the estuaries. In the breeding season, the Brent Goose uses low-lying wet coastal tundra for both breeding and feeding. The nest is bowl-shaped, lined with grass and down and located in an elevated position often near a small pond. The Brent Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds applies. Date: 05/03/06 Location: Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14247097.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15085318624f4e044c9718c.jpgMallards The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 25th February 2012 Location: Rye Meads RSPB reserve, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/greylag-goose https://images.on-this.website/4752_1906162194d03cfcc0385d.jpgGreylag Goose The Greylag Goose is the ancestor of most domestic geese but is also the largest and bulkiest of the wild geese native to the UK and Europe. In many parts of the UK it has been re-established by releasing birds in suitable areas but the resulting flocks found around gravel pits, lakes and reservoirs all year round in southern Britain tend to be semi-tame. The native birds and wintering flocks found on lochs in northern Scotland and on some Scottish islands retain the special appeal of truly wild geese. Date: 15th November 2010 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo442202.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1774419803467f22f4ce4a5.jpgLoch Garten, Highland Loch Garten lies between the River Spey and the Cairngorm Mountains just to the north east of Aviemore and became famous in 1954 when a pair of Ospreys returned to nest here, the first since 1910. Loch Garten is situated in the Abernethy Forest, part of the largest native Caledonian pine forest in the UK. It offers a unique mix of woodland and northern bog with a great variety of birds and other wildlife. The loch and surrounding areas are managed by the RSPB as a nature reserve. Date: 4th June 2006 Location: view from the western shore along the track to Loch Mallachie http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18198894.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_45238417551ac5d512b503.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 13th May 2013 Location: Spinnies NR, Aberogwen, Gwynedd http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21958602.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_101972025353da4ad4d7a90.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Staple Island, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080565.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_93721213363a45919314c3.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 1st December 2022 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49903162.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_187887311065042a6a31fb6.jpgWillow Emerald Damselfly Description to follow .... Date: 9th September 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49276697.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13053621896499629173f1d.jpgSwallow The Barn Swallow is the most widespread species of swallow in the world. In Europe it is just called the Swallow and in Northern Europe it is the only common species called a "swallow" rather than a "martin". The male Swallow has steel blue upperparts and a rufous forehead, chin and throat which are separated from the off-white underparts by a broad dark blue breast band. The outer tail feathers are elongated to give the distinctive deeply forked "swallow tail." There is a line of white spots across the outer end of the upper tail. The female is similar in appearance to the male but the tail streamers are shorter, the blue of the upperparts and breast band is less glossy and the underparts more pale. The juvenile is browner and has a paler rufous face and whiter underparts. It also lacks the long tail streamers of the adult. The Swallow has an enormous range with an estimated global extent of 20 million square miles and a population of 190 million individuals. It breeds in the Northern Hemisphere from sea level to typically 8,900 feet but up 9,800 feet in the Caucasus and North America and it is absent only from deserts and the cold northernmost parts of the continents. Over much of its range it avoids towns and in Europe is replaced in urban areas by the House Martin. There are 6 subspecies of the Swallow which breed across the Northern Hemisphere, of which 4 are strongly migratory with their wintering grounds covering much of the Southern Hemisphere as far south as central Argentina, the Cape Province of South Africa and northern Australia. The Swallow can be found in open country with low vegetation such as pasture, meadows and farmland, preferably with nearby water. It avoids heavily wooded or precipitous areas and densely built-up locations. The presence of accessible open structures such as barns, stables or culverts to provide nesting sites and exposed locations such as wires, roof ridges or bare branches for perching are also important in the bird's selection of its breeding range. This species lives in close association with humans and its insect-eating habits mean that it is tolerated by man. This acceptance was reinforced in the past by superstitions regarding the bird and its nest. There are frequent cultural references to the Swallow in literary and religious works due to both its living in close proximity to humans and its annual migration. The Swallow is the national bird of Austria and Estonia. In winter, the Swallow is cosmopolitan in its choice of habitat, avoiding only dense forests and deserts. It is most common in open, low vegetation habitats such as savanna and ranch land. Individual birds tend to return to the same wintering locality each year and congregate from a large area to roost in reed beds. These roosts can be extremely large with one in Nigeria holding an estimated 1.5 million birds. Date: 7th June 2023 Location: Rhosson campsite near St. David's, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42626733.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_180699636060a926e26da65.jpgCoot The Coot is an all black bird with a distinctive white beak and “shield” above the beak from which earns it the title “bald”. Its feet have distinctive lobed flaps of skin on the toes which act instead of webs when swimming. It patters noisily over the water before taking off and can be very aggressive towards other birds. Coot can be found all the year round mainly on freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers and town park lakes. Sometimes they can be seen offshore, especially in winter if freshwater areas are frozen. They breed in areas of fairly shallow standing freshwater with a muddy bottom and plenty of vegetation at the sides, usually in lowland areas. Date: 15th April 2021 Location: Lake Meadows, Billericay, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45174867.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11654078016232fe41efb51.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 1st January 2022 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071695.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1038549694664335f088162.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 4th May 2023 Location: Bwlch Nant yr Arian, Llywernog, Ceredigion http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623263.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1119833126117d9ceaa92e.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo441574.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1071309642467eeae81a022.jpgDate: 24th December 2006 Location: Loch Sunart, Ardnamurchan, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29487564.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1566839031581080f96abe3.jpgNuuksio National Park, Uusimaa, Finland Nuuksio National Park was established in 1994 and covers an area of 20 square miles of forests and lakes around Espoo, Kirkkonummi and Vihti. About 20 miles north west of Helsinki, it is the second closest National Park to the capital after Sipoonkorpi National Park. The [url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siberian_flying_squirrel]Siberian Flying Squirrel[/url] is the emblem of the Nuuksio National Park due to the density of its population. Date: 30th May 2016 Location: Haukkalampi, Nuuksio National Park, Uusimaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41255212.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20837871775f06f4e221046.jpgRed Squirrel The Red Squirrel or Eurasian Red Squirrel is a species of tree squirrel in the genus [i]Sciurus[/i]. It is an arboreal and primarily herbivorous rodent. The Red Squirrel has a typical head and body length of 7.5 to 9 inches, a tail length of 6 to 8 inches and a weight of 9 to 12 ounces. Males and females are the same size. The Red Squirrel is smaller and lighter in weight than the Grey Squirrel The coat of the Red Squirrel varies in colour with the time of year and its location and there are several different coat colour morphs ranging from black to red. Red coats are most common in the UK but in other parts of Europe and Asia different coat colours co-exist within populations. The underside of the Red Squirrel is always creamy-white in colour. The Red Squirrel sheds its coat twice a year, switching from a thinner summer coat to a thicker, darker winter coat with noticeably larger ear-tufts (a prominent distinguishing feature of this species) between August and November. A lighter, redder overall coat colour, along with the ear-tufts (in adults) and smaller size, distinguish the Red Squirrel from the Grey Squirrel. The long tail helps the Red Squirrel to balance and steer when jumping from tree to tree and running along branches and it may also keep it warm during sleep. The Red Squirrel, like most tree squirrels, has sharp and curved claws to enable it to climb and descend broad tree trunks, thin branches and even house walls and its strong hind legs enable it to leap gaps between trees. The Red Squirrel can be found in the boreal coniferous woods in north Europe and Siberia where it prefers Scots Pine, Norway Spruce and Siberian Pine. In west and south Europe it can be found in broad-leaved woods where the mixture of tree and shrub species provides a better year round source of food. In most of the UK and in Italy, broad-leaved woodlands are now less suitable for it due to the better competitive feeding strategy of the introduced Grey Squirrel. The Red Squirrel makes a drey (nest) out of twigs in a branch-fork, forming a domed structure about 9 to 12 inches in diameter. This is lined with moss, leaves, grass and bark. Tree hollows and woodpecker holes are also used. The Red Squirrel is generally a solitary animal and is shy and reluctant to share food with others. However, outside the breeding season and particularly in winter, several Red Squirrels may share a drey to keep warm. Social organisation is based on dominance hierarchies within and between sexes. Although males are not necessarily dominant towards females, the dominant animals tend to be larger and older than subordinate animals and dominant males tend to have larger home ranges than subordinate males or females. Mating can occur in late winter during February and March and in summer between June and July. During mating, males detect females that are in oestrus by an odour that they produce and, although there is no courtship, the male will chase the female for up to an hour prior to mating. Usually multiple males will chase a single female until the dominant male, usually the largest in the group, mates with the female. Males and females will mate multiple times with many partners. Females must reach a minimum body mass before they enter oestrus and heavy females on average produce more young. If food is scarce breeding may be delayed. Typically a female will produce her first litter in her second year. Up to 2 litters a year per female are possible. Each litter averages 3 young and these are known as kits. Gestation is about 38 to 39 days and the young are looked after by the mother alone and are born helpless, blind and deaf. Their body is covered by hair at 21 days, their eyes and ears open after 3 to 4 weeks and they develop all their teeth by 42 days. Juveniles can eat solids around 40 days following birth and from that point they can leave the nest on their own to find food. However, they still suckle from their mother until weaning occurs at 8 to 10 weeks. The Red Squirrel eats mostly the seeds of trees, fungi, nuts (especially hazelnuts but also beech and chestnuts), berries and young shoots. More rarely, it may also eat bird eggs or nestlings and may occasionally exhibit opportunistic omnivory similar to other rodents. Excess food is put into caches, either buried or in nooks or holes in trees, and eaten when food is scarce. Although the Red Squirrel remembers where it created caches at a better than chance level, its spatial memory is believed to be substantially less accurate and durable than that of the Grey Squirrel. Therefore it will often have to search for them when in need and many caches are never found again. Between 60% and 80% of the active time of a Red Squirrel may be spent foraging and feeding. The active period is generally in the morning and in the late afternoon and evening. It often rests in its nest in the middle of the day to avoid the heat and the high visibility to birds of prey that are dangers during these hours. During the winter, this midday rest is often much more brief or absent entirely although harsh weather may cause it to stay in its nest for days at a time. No territories are claimed between Red Squirrels and the feeding areas of individuals overlap considerably. A Red Squirrel that survives its first winter has a life expectancy of 3 years. Individuals may reach 7 years of age and 10 years in captivity. Survival is positively related to the availability of autumn and winter tree seeds. On average, 75 to 85% of juveniles die during their first winter and mortality is approximately 50% for winters following the first. Predators include small mammals such as the Pine Marten, the Wildcat and the Stoat which all prey on juveniles. Birds, including owls and raptors such as the Goshawk and Common Buzzard, may also prey on the Red Squirrel as will the Red Fox and domestic cats and dogs when it is on the ground. Humans influence the population size and mortality of the Red Squirrel by destroying or altering habitats, by causing road casualties and by introducing non-native populations of the Grey Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel and the Red Squirrel are not directly antagonistic and violent conflict between these species is not a factor in the decline in Red Squirrel populations. However, the Grey Squirrel appears to contribute to the decrease in the Red Squirrel population for several reasons: it carries a disease, the squirrel parapoxvirus, that does not appear to affect its own health but will often kill the Red Squirrel, it can better digest acorns whilst the Red Squirrel cannot access the proteins and fats in acorns as easily and it can put the Red Squirrel under pressure for food resources resulting in it not breeding as often. In the UK, due to the above circumstances, the population has today fallen to 160,000 Red Squirrels or fewer with the majority of these in Scotland. Outside the UK and Ireland, the impact of competition from the Grey Squirrel has also been observed in Italy where 2 pairs escaped from captivity in 1948. A significant drop in the Red Squirrel population has been observed since 1970 and it is feared that the Grey Squirrel may expand into the rest of Europe. The Red Squirrel is protected in most of Europe although in some areas it is abundant and is hunted for its fur. In the UK there are several active projects to protect the Red Squirrel and its native woodland habitat, introduce or re-introduce it in to areas where it is absent and eradicate and prevent the spread of the Grey Squirrel. Research undertaken in 2007 in the UK credits the Pine Marten with reducing the population of the invasive Grey Squirrel. Where the range of the expanding Pine Marten population meets that of the Grey Squirrel, the population of the latter retreats. It is theorised that, because the Grey Squirrel spends more time on the ground than the Red Squirrel, it is far more likely to come in contact with the Pine Marten. Date: 28th June 2019 Location: Neljan Tuulen Tupa near Kaamanen, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405550.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1150003726586fba46e3b7.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the Canidae family and is a part of the order Carnivora within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 6th December 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453965.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10873421784ff546b493920.jpgRoller The European Roller is the only member of the Roller family to breed in Europe. It is a stocky bird, the size of a Jackdaw, and it is mainly blue with an orange-brown back. It is striking in its strong direct flight with the brilliant blue contrasting with black flight feathers. Sexes are similar but the juvenile is a drabber version of the adult. The European Roller often perches prominently on trees, posts or overhead wires whilst watching for the large insects, small reptiles, rodents and frogs that they eat. They have a Lapwing-like display with the twisting and turning display flight giving the bird its English name. The European Roller breeds in north Africa from Morocco east to Tunisia, in south west and south central Europe and in Asia Minor east through north west Iran to south west Siberia. It is a long-distance migrant, wintering in southern Africa in two distinct regions, from Senegal east to Cameroon and from Ethiopia west to Congo and south to South Africa. The European Roller can be found in warm, dry, open country with scattered trees, preferring lowland open countryside with patches of oak forest, mature pine woodland with heathery clearings, orchards, mixed farmland, river valleys and plains with scattered thorny or leafy trees. It winters primarily in dry wooded savanna and bushy plains. The European Roller has a large global population of an estimated 100,000 to 220,000 individuals in Europe. However, following a moderate decline during 1970 to 1990, the species has continued to decline especially in Europe with a decrease in the overall European population exceeding 30% in 15 years. Threats include persecution on migration in some Mediterranean countries, the use of pesticides which reduces food availability and sensitivity to changing farming and forestry practices. Date: 28th April 2012 Location: Santa Marta de Magasca to Cáceres, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48482983.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_389001418640a3e027884d.jpgSnow Bunting Snow Buntings are large buntings with striking “snowy” plumages. Males in summer have all white heads and underparts contrasting with a black mantle and wing tips. Females are a more mottled above. In autumn and winter birds develop a sandy/buff wash to their plumage and males have more mottled upperparts. Snow Buntings breed in far northern Europe and migrate south in winter. They are a very scarce breeding species in the UK and can be found on the highest mountain peaks in Scotland where they nest in rocky crevices. Snow Buntings are best looked for in winter (from late September to early March) where they can sometimes be seen in large flocks on the seashore or on adjacent short rough grassland at coastal sites in Scotland and eastern England. Date: 31st January 2023 Location: Cley-next-the-Sea, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12759416.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17631401084e71b0c183bed.jpgRed Squirrel The Red Squirrel or Eurasian Red Squirrel is a species of tree squirrel in the genus [i]Sciurus[/i]. It is an arboreal and primarily herbivorous rodent. The Red Squirrel has a typical head and body length of 7.5 to 9 inches, a tail length of 6 to 8 inches and a weight of 9 to 12 ounces. Males and females are the same size. The Red Squirrel is smaller and lighter in weight than the Grey Squirrel The coat of the Red Squirrel varies in colour with the time of year and its location and there are several different coat colour morphs ranging from black to red. Red coats are most common in the UK but in other parts of Europe and Asia different coat colours co-exist within populations. The underside of the Red Squirrel is always creamy-white in colour. The Red Squirrel sheds its coat twice a year, switching from a thinner summer coat to a thicker, darker winter coat with noticeably larger ear-tufts (a prominent distinguishing feature of this species) between August and November. A lighter, redder overall coat colour, along with the ear-tufts (in adults) and smaller size, distinguish the Red Squirrel from the Grey Squirrel. The long tail helps the Red Squirrel to balance and steer when jumping from tree to tree and running along branches and it may also keep it warm during sleep. The Red Squirrel, like most tree squirrels, has sharp and curved claws to enable it to climb and descend broad tree trunks, thin branches and even house walls and its strong hind legs enable it to leap gaps between trees. The Red Squirrel can be found in the boreal coniferous woods in north Europe and Siberia where it prefers Scots Pine, Norway Spruce and Siberian Pine. In west and south Europe it can be found in broad-leaved woods where the mixture of tree and shrub species provides a better year round source of food. In most of the UK and in Italy, broad-leaved woodlands are now less suitable for it due to the better competitive feeding strategy of the introduced Grey Squirrel. The Red Squirrel makes a drey (nest) out of twigs in a branch-fork, forming a domed structure about 9 to 12 inches in diameter. This is lined with moss, leaves, grass and bark. Tree hollows and woodpecker holes are also used. The Red Squirrel is generally a solitary animal and is shy and reluctant to share food with others. However, outside the breeding season and particularly in winter, several Red Squirrels may share a drey to keep warm. Social organisation is based on dominance hierarchies within and between sexes. Although males are not necessarily dominant towards females, the dominant animals tend to be larger and older than subordinate animals and dominant males tend to have larger home ranges than subordinate males or females. Mating can occur in late winter during February and March and in summer between June and July. During mating, males detect females that are in oestrus by an odour that they produce and, although there is no courtship, the male will chase the female for up to an hour prior to mating. Usually multiple males will chase a single female until the dominant male, usually the largest in the group, mates with the female. Males and females will mate multiple times with many partners. Females must reach a minimum body mass before they enter oestrus and heavy females on average produce more young. If food is scarce breeding may be delayed. Typically a female will produce her first litter in her second year. Up to 2 litters a year per female are possible. Each litter averages 3 young and these are known as kits. Gestation is about 38 to 39 days and the young are looked after by the mother alone and are born helpless, blind and deaf. Their body is covered by hair at 21 days, their eyes and ears open after 3 to 4 weeks and they develop all their teeth by 42 days. Juveniles can eat solids around 40 days following birth and from that point they can leave the nest on their own to find food. However, they still suckle from their mother until weaning occurs at 8 to 10 weeks. The Red Squirrel eats mostly the seeds of trees, fungi, nuts (especially hazelnuts but also beech and chestnuts), berries and young shoots. More rarely, it may also eat bird eggs or nestlings and may occasionally exhibit opportunistic omnivory similar to other rodents. Excess food is put into caches, either buried or in nooks or holes in trees, and eaten when food is scarce. Although the Red Squirrel remembers where it created caches at a better than chance level, its spatial memory is believed to be substantially less accurate and durable than that of the Grey Squirrel. Therefore it will often have to search for them when in need and many caches are never found again. Between 60% and 80% of the active time of a Red Squirrel may be spent foraging and feeding. The active period is generally in the morning and in the late afternoon and evening. It often rests in its nest in the middle of the day to avoid the heat and the high visibility to birds of prey that are dangers during these hours. During the winter, this midday rest is often much more brief or absent entirely although harsh weather may cause it to stay in its nest for days at a time. No territories are claimed between Red Squirrels and the feeding areas of individuals overlap considerably. A Red Squirrel that survives its first winter has a life expectancy of 3 years. Individuals may reach 7 years of age and 10 years in captivity. Survival is positively related to the availability of autumn and winter tree seeds. On average, 75 to 85% of juveniles die during their first winter and mortality is approximately 50% for winters following the first. Predators include small mammals such as the Pine Marten, the Wildcat and the Stoat which all prey on juveniles. Birds, including owls and raptors such as the Goshawk and Common Buzzard, may also prey on the Red Squirrel as will the Red Fox and domestic cats and dogs when it is on the ground. Humans influence the population size and mortality of the Red Squirrel by destroying or altering habitats, by causing road casualties and by introducing non-native populations of the Grey Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel and the Red Squirrel are not directly antagonistic and violent conflict between these species is not a factor in the decline in Red Squirrel populations. However, the Grey Squirrel appears to contribute to the decrease in the Red Squirrel population for several reasons: it carries a disease, the squirrel parapoxvirus, that does not appear to affect its own health but will often kill the Red Squirrel, it can better digest acorns whilst the Red Squirrel cannot access the proteins and fats in acorns as easily and it can put the Red Squirrel under pressure for food resources resulting in it not breeding as often. In the UK, due to the above circumstances, the population has today fallen to 160,000 Red Squirrels or fewer with the majority of these in Scotland. Outside the UK and Ireland, the impact of competition from the Grey Squirrel has also been observed in Italy where 2 pairs escaped from captivity in 1948. A significant drop in the Red Squirrel population has been observed since 1970 and it is feared that the Grey Squirrel may expand into the rest of Europe. The Red Squirrel is protected in most of Europe although in some areas it is abundant and is hunted for its fur. In the UK there are several active projects to protect the Red Squirrel and its native woodland habitat, introduce or re-introduce it in to areas where it is absent and eradicate and prevent the spread of the Grey Squirrel. Research undertaken in 2007 in the UK credits the Pine Marten with reducing the population of the invasive Grey Squirrel. Where the range of the expanding Pine Marten population meets that of the Grey Squirrel, the population of the latter retreats. It is theorised that, because the Grey Squirrel spends more time on the ground than the Red Squirrel, it is far more likely to come in contact with the Pine Marten. Date: 10th May 2006 Location: Freshfield National Trust reserve, Formby Point, Merseyside http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26270089.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_42335322956655036a5eab.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 4th December 2015 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071716.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6205371566433d06368a8.jpgHerring Gull The Herring Gull is one of the best known of all gulls along the shores of Europe. Adults in breeding plumage have a grey back and upperwings and white head and underparts. The wingtips are black with white spots known as "mirrors". The bill is yellow with a red spot and there is a ring of bare yellow skin around the pale eye. The legs are normally pink at all ages but can be yellowish. Non-breeding adults have brown streaks on the head and neck. Male and female plumage is identical at all stages of development although adult males are often larger. Juvenile and first-winter birds are mainly brown with darker streaks and have a dark bill and eyes. Second-winter birds have a whiter head and underparts with less streaking and the back is grey. Third-winter individuals are similar to adults but retain some of the features of immature birds such as brown feathers in the wings and dark markings on the bill. The Herring Gull attains adult plumage and reaches sexual maturity at an average age of 4 years. The loud laughing call of the Herring Gull is well known and is often seen as a symbol of the seaside in countries such as the UK. It also has a yelping alarm call and a low barking anxiety call. Chicks and fledglings emit a distinctive, repetitive high-pitched 'peep', accompanied by a head-flicking gesture when begging for food from or calling to their parents. Adult gulls in urban areas will also exhibit this behaviour when fed by humans. The Herring Gull breeds across northern Europe, western Europe, central Europe, eastern Europe, Scandinavia and the Baltic states. Some, especially those resident in colder areas, migrate further south in winter but many are permanent residents such as in the UK or on the North Sea shores. While Herring Gull numbers appear to have been decreased in recent years, possibly by fish population declines and competition, they have proved able to survive in human-adapted areas and can often be seen in towns acting as a scavenger. The Herring Gull, like most gulls, is an omnivore and opportunist and will scavenge from garbage dumps, landfill sites and sewage outflows with refuse comprising up to half of the bird's diet. In addition, it will eat fish, crustaceans and dead animals as well as some plants and it will steal the eggs and young of other birds (including those of other gulls). The Herring Gull may also dive from the surface of the water or engage in plunge diving in the pursuit of aquatic prey although they are typically unable to reach any great depth due to their natural buoyancy. Date: 6th May 2024 Location: St. Govan's Head, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071692.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1120920222664335e06bb48.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 4th May 2023 Location: Bwlch Nant yr Arian, Llywernog, Ceredigion http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50809810.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1270981493660bce9741e08.jpgChiffchaff The (Common) Chiffchaff is a common and widespread leaf warbler which is named onomatopoeically for its simple and repetitive chiff-chaff song. The British naturalist Gilbert White was one of the first people to separate the similar looking Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler and Wood Warbler by their songs, as detailed in 1789 in “The Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne. The Chiffchaff is a small, dumpy, 4 inch long leaf warbler. The spring adult has brown-washed dull green upperparts, off-white underparts becoming yellowish on the flanks and a short whitish supercilium. It has dark legs, a fine dark bill and short primary projection (extension of the flight feathers beyond the folded wing). As the plumage wears, it gets duller and browner and the yellow on the flanks tends to be lost and after the breeding season there is a prolonged complete moult before migration. After moulting, both the adult and the juvenile have brighter and greener upperparts and a paler supercilium. When not singing, the Chiffchaff can be difficult to distinguish from other leaf warblers with greenish upperparts and whitish underparts, particularly the Willow Warbler. However, that species has a longer primary projection, a sleeker, brighter appearance and generally pale legs. The Chiffchaff breeds across Europe and Asia east to eastern Siberia and north to about 70°N, with isolated populations in north west Africa, north and west Turkey and north west Iran. It is a migratory species but one of the first passerine birds to return to its breeding areas in the spring and amongst the last to leave in late autumn. When breeding, the Chiffchaff is a bird of open woodlands with some taller trees and ground cover for nesting purposes. In winter, the Chiffchaff uses a wider range of habitats and is not so dependent on trees and is often found near water. There is an increasing tendency to winter in western Europe well north of the traditional areas, especially in coastal south England and the mild urban microclimate of London. The male Chiffchaff returns to its breeding territory 2 or 3 weeks before the female and immediately starts singing to establish ownership and attract a female. When a female is located, the male will use a slow butterfly-like flight as part of the courtship ritual but, once a pair-bond has been established, other females will be driven from the territory. The male has little involvement in the nesting process other than defending the territory. The female's nest is built on or near the ground in a concealed site in brambles, nettles or other dense low vegetation. The domed nest has a side entrance and is constructed from coarse plant material such as dead leaves and grass with finer material used on the interior before the addition of a lining of feathers. The clutch is 2 to 7 (normally 5 or 6) cream-coloured eggs which are incubated by the female for 13 to 14 days before hatching as naked, blind chicks. The female broods and feeds the chicks for another 14 to 15 days until they fledge. The male rarely participates in feeding although this sometimes occurs, especially when bad weather limits insect supplies or if the female disappears. After fledging, the young stay in the vicinity of the nest for 3 to 4 weeks where they are fed by and roost with the female. In the north of the range there is only time to raise one brood due to the short summer but a second brood is common in central and southern areas. Like most leaf warblers, the Chiffchaff is insectivorous and moves restlessly though foliage or briefly hovering. It has been recorded as taking insects, mainly flies, from more than 50 families, along with other small and medium-sized invertebrates. It will also take the eggs and larvae of butterflies and moths. The Chiffchaff has been estimated to require about one third of its weight in insects daily and it feeds almost continuously in the autumn to put on extra fat as fuel for its long migration flight. As with most small birds, mortality in the first year of life is high but adults aged 3 to 4 years are regularly recorded and the record is more than 7 years. Eggs, chicks and fledglings are taken by Stoats, Weasels and crows such as the Magpie and adults are hunted by birds of prey, particularly the Sparrowhawk. The Chiffchaff is also susceptible to poor weather, particularly when migrating, but also on the breeding and wintering grounds. The main effect of humans on the Chiffchaff is indirect through woodland clearance which affects the habitat, predation by cats and collisions with windows, buildings and cars. Date: 30th March 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21829425.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_61958769053cba4e60ee8f.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 11th June 2014 Location: Bempton Cliifs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45174883.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_355541677623304d47adb4.jpgShoveler The Northern Shoveler, known simply as the Shoveler in the UK, is a common and widespread dabbling duck. The Shoveler is unmistakable due to its large spatulate bill. The breeding male has an iridescent dark green head, white breast and chestnut belly and flanks. In flight, pale blue forewing feathers are revealed which are separated from the green speculum by a white border. In early autumn the male has a white crescent on each side of the face. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male resembles the female. The female is a drab mottled brown with plumage much like a female Mallard but easily distinguished by the long broad bill which is grey tinged with orange on the cutting edge and lower mandible. The female's forewing is grey. The Shoveler can be found in open wetlands, such as wet grassland or marshes with some emergent vegetation, in northern areas of Europe and Asia and across most of north America. It winters in south Europe, Africa, the Indian sub-continent, south east Asia and central and northern south America. In the UK, the Shoveler breeds primarily in south and east England and in much smaller numbers in Scotland and west England. In winter, breeding birds move south and there is additionally an influx of continental birds from further north. The UK is home to more than 20% of the north west European population. The Shoveler prefers to nest in grassy areas away from open water. The nest is a shallow depression on the ground lined with plant material and down. Females typically lay about 9 eggs. The males are very territorial during the breeding season and will defend their territory and partners from competing males. Males also engage in elaborate courtship behaviours both on the water and in the air. The Shoveler feeds by dabbling for plant food, often by swinging its bill from side to side and using the bill to strain food from the water. It uses its highly specialized bill (from which their name is derived) to forage for aquatic invertebrates. Date: 19th January 2022 Location: RSPB Rainham Marshes, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308826.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_197096772863ee2f4f7d9cd.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 17th January 2023 Location: EWT Langdon Conservation Centre, Dunton, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308824.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_444284663ee2f4e2c9ee.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 17th January 2023 Location: EWT Langdon Conservation Centre, Dunton, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42626853.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_89101355260a931d428780.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 18th April 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14155773.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6677116664f3ccd4540de3.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 10th February 2012 Location: EWT Langdon Conservation Centre, Dunton, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42202609.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_438185305ff30d9a6206a.jpgWhite-tailed Eagle The White-tailed Eagle is a very large bird with a 72 to 96 inch wingspan and is the fourth largest eagle in the world. It has broad "barn door" wings, a large head and a thick "meat-cleaver" beak. The adult is mainly brown except for the paler head and neck, blackish flight feathers, distinctive white tail, and yellow bill and legs. In juvenile birds the tail and bill are darker, with the tail becoming white with a dark terminal band in sub-adults. The White-tailed Eagle breeds in northern Europe and northern Asia. The largest population in Europe is found along the coast of Norway. In the UK it became extinct during the early 20th century and the present population in Scotland has arisen from a reintroduction programme which commenced on the island of Rhum in 1975. It is still a rare breeding bird which was previously confined to the west coast of Scotland, although a reintroduction programme is now taking place in east Scotland. Date: 7th July 2019 Location: Kuntilampi, near Kuusamo, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51983654.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4364884566d3437917696.jpgRuddy Darter Flight period: mid June to mid September. The Ruddy Darter takes its name from its colour and its swift flight behaviour. The male has a deep russet colour over the entire body and the abdomen has a pinched section close to where it joins the thorax. Females are slightly smaller, golden yellow in colour and being less obviously marked are more difficult to identify than the males. There is more than one red coloured darter species in the UK and they can be easily confused with each other. The commonest red species, the Common Darter, can be distinguished as having red veins at the base of the wings and a less ruddy colouration across the body. However, the Ruddy Darter has entirely black legs, distinguishing it from all other red darters which have longitudinal yellow stripes on their legs. The UK range of the Ruddy Darter has undergone something of an expansion in recent years. Although still relatively uncommon in the west and north of Britain, it is increasing in numbers in the Midlands and eastern England. The population is augmented by continental migrants. It is also found over most of Europe except for northern Scandinavia, as far east as western Siberia and south to north Africa. The Ruddy Darter prefers water bodies with tall emergent vegetation, such as reeds and club rush, and it is known to breed in ponds, lakes, canals, ditches and sluggish rivers. They can also be found near coasts and can breed in fairly brackish water. Date: 26th July 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4466063.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6731824204b8a24278deab.jpg http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813397.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10679607745d0ddebee09b2.jpgArctic Skua The Arctic Skua is a seabird in the skua family. Identification is complicated by similarities to the Long-tailed Skua and the Pomarine Skua and the existence of three colour morphs. Light-morph adults have a brown back, mainly white underparts and dark primary wing feathers with a white flash. The head and neck are yellowish-white with a black cap and there is a pointed central tail projection. Dark-morph adults are dark brown and intermediate-phase birds are dark with somewhat paler underparts, head and neck. All morphs have the white wing flash. The Arctic Skua breeds on dry tundra, higher fells and islands in the north of Eurasia and north America with significant populations as far south as northern Scotland. In the UK, it breeds in Shetland and Orkney, the Outer Hebrides, Sutherland, Caithness and some islands in Argyll. The Arctic Skua is a migrant, wintering at sea in the tropics and southern oceans. The Arctic Skua feeds on rodents, small birds and insects but also robs gulls and terns of their catches. Like the larger skua species, it continues this piratical behaviour throughout the year and shows great agility as it harasses its victims. Date: 10th June 2019 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405578.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4488191136586fc9fcb7ef.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the Canidae family and is a part of the order Carnivora within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 6th December 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40952886.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2965192375e5394e33d514.jpgCliffs of Moher, Co. Clare, Ireland The Cliffs of Moher are located at the south western edge of the Burren region in Co. Clare and stretch for about 9 miles. At their southern end, they rise 390 feet above the Atlantic Ocean at Hag's Head and 5 miles to the north they reach their maximum height of 702 feet just north of O'Brien's Tower, a round stone tower near the midpoint of the cliffs built in 1835 by Sir Cornelius O'Brien, and then continue at lower heights. The closest villages are Liscannor, 4 miles to the south, and Doolin, 4 miles, to the north. From the Cliffs of Moher, visitors can see the Aran Islands in Galway Bay, the mountain ranges of the Maumturks and Twelve Pins in Connemara in Co. Galway to the north and Loop Head in Co. Clare to the south. The official Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk runs for about 11 miles from Hag's Head to Doolin. This passes the Visitor Centre and O'Brien's Tower with good viewing throughout subject to rain or sea fog. There are 2 paths near the Visitor Centre, the official one being set back a little for safety whilst an unofficial path runs closer to the edge. In July 2016 the so-called Cliff Walk, outside the official Cliffs of Moher amenities, was temporarily closed because of the risk of rock falls. People were warned to stay on the official path further away from the cliff edge instead of the unofficial path. Since 2011, the Cliffs of Moher have formed a part of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark, one of a family of geotourism destinations throughout Europe that are members of the European Geoparks Network and also recognized by UNESCO. The cliffs are also a "signature point" on the official Wild Atlantic Way tourist trail. The Cliffs of Moher rank among the most visited tourist sites in Ireland with around 1.5 million visits per year. In the 1990s the local authority, Clare County Council, initiated development plans to enable visitors to experience the cliffs without significant intrusive man-made amenities. In keeping with this approach, a modern visitor centre, the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience, was built into a hillside approaching the cliffs. The centre was planned to be environmentally sensitive in its use of renewable energy systems including geothermal heating and cooling, solar panels and grey water recycling. The €32 million facility was planned and built over a 17 year period and officially opened in February 2007. Exhibits include interactive media displays covering the geology, history, flora and fauna of the Cliffs of Moher. The Cliffs of Moher consist mainly of beds of Namurian shale and sandstone with the oldest rocks being found at the bottom of the cliffs. During the time of their formation between 313 and 326 million years ago, a river dumped sand, silt and clay in to an ancient marine basin. Over millions of years, the sediments collecting at the mouth of this ancient delta were compacted and lithified in to the sedimentary strata preserved in the now exposed cliffs. Today the Cliffs of Moher are subject to erosion by wave action which undermines the base of support causing the cliffs to collapse under their own weight. This process creates a variety of coastal landforms characteristic of eroded coasts such as sea caves, sea stacks and sea stumps. Branaunmore, a 220 feet high sea stack at the foot below O'Brien's Tower, was once part of the Cliffs of Moher but coastal erosion gradually removed the layers of rock that joined it with the mainland. A large sea arch can also be seen at Hag's Head below the Napoleonic signal tower and many smaller sea arches can be seen from sea level. During the peak summer breeding season, there are an estimated 30,000 pairs of birds of more than 20 species and the Cliffs of Moher are designated as an Important Bird Area. A wide range of sea life can also be seen from the Cliffs of Moher including Atlantic Grey Seals, various species of whales and dolphins and Basking Sharks. Date: 6th February 2020 Location: view from Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk near Visitor Centre http://www.richardchewphotography.com/july-2021-gannets https://images.on-this.website/4752_91510589616010d8f3334.jpgJuly 2021 - Gannets Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623242.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081303.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_120813716663a5af80ccdd1.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 15th December 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13657007.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15358599854ed369249ad5e.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the [i]Canidae[/i] family and is a part of the order [i]Carnivora[/i] within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4267282.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_899487624b5223ec294f1.jpgDate: 31st December 2009 Location: Loch Scridain, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9564076.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5151933494daead20f2ebc.jpgBlue Tit The Blue Tit is a small passerine bird in the tit family. It is easily recognisable by its generally blue and yellow plumage and its small size. The Blue Tit is about 4.7 inches long with a wingspan of 7.1 inches. It has an azure blue crown and a dark blue line passing through the eye and encircling the white cheeks to the chin, giving the bird a very distinctive appearance. The forehead and a bar on the wing are white. The nape, wings and tail are blue and the back is yellowish green. The underparts are mostly sulphur-yellow with a dark line down the abdomen. The bill is black and the legs bluish grey. The sexes are similar whilst young birds are noticeably more yellow. The Blue Tit is very agile and it can cling to the outermost branches and hang upside down when searching for food such as insects, caterpillars and seeds. The Blue Tit can be found throughout areas of the European continent with a mainly temperate or Mediterranean climate and in parts of the Middle East. In the UK it is common in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens and widespread across the whole of the country with the exception of some Scottish islands. The Blue Tit will nest in any suitable hole in a tree, wall or stump, often competing with other birds such as the House Sparrow or Great Tit for the site. In addition, it will readily accept an artificial nesting box. The same hole is returned to year after year and when one pair dies another takes possession. The nesting material is usually moss, wool, hair and feathers and the eggs are laid in April or May. The number in the clutch is often very large but 7 or 8 is normal. It is not unusual for a single bird to feed the chicks in the nest at a rate of one feed every 90 seconds during the height of the breeding season. Successful breeding is dependent on a sufficient supply of caterpillars as well as satisfactory weather. Breeding may be affected badly if the weather is cold and wet between May and July, particularly if this coincides with the emergence of the caterpillars on which the nestlings are fed. The small size of the Blue Tit makes it vulnerable to predation by larger birds and the typical lifespan is 3 years or less. The most significant predator is probably the Sparrowhawk, closely followed by the domestic cat. Nests may also be robbed by mammals such as the Weasel and Red and Grey Squirrels. This photo received a BBC Wildlife magazine photo masterclass commended award in the “Urban and Garden Wildlife” category for April 2007. Please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/news3552.html]here[/url] for further information. Date: 16/03/07 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9566390.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16349831284daed7884f805.jpgWaxwing The Waxwing is a plump bird which is slightly smaller than a starling. It is reddish-brown with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings, a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest. Waxwings breed in the dense forests of northern Europe but they occur in varying numbers in the UK from October to March. In some years they can occur in large numbers (known as irruptions) when the population in the breeding areas gets too big for the food available. The first UK arrivals each winter are usually seen on the east coast from Scotland to East Anglia but birds then move inland in search of food. They can be found in parks and gardens and even busy public places, typically where there are berry-bearing trees and bushes such as rowan, hawthorn, cotoneaster and rose. Waxwings make an easily recognisable high-pitched trilling sound like a bell. Date: 28th December 2008 Location: Folkestone, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/snowdon-gwynedd https://images.on-this.website/4752_1809979897591823ba2ad948.55459316.jpgSnowdon, Gwynedd Height: Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) 3560 feet, Crib y Ddysgl 3494 feet, Crib Coch 3028 feet and Y Lliwedd 2946 feet. Snowdonia, or "Eagles nesting place" in Welsh, offers some of the most impressive scenery in the UK. The highest peak, Snowdon, at 3560 feet is the highest mountain in England and Wales. Snowdonia is one of the 11 National Parks of England and Wales and is the second largest after the Lake District. The National Park covers 823 square miles of the most beautiful and unspoilt countryside in north west Wales. Date: 7th May 2017 Location: view from the A4086 road near Capel Curig http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41424168.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4629856735f2a9bca313cf.jpgHerring Gulls The Herring Gull is one of the best known of all gulls along the shores of Europe. Adults in breeding plumage have a grey back and upperwings and white head and underparts. The wingtips are black with white spots known as "mirrors". The bill is yellow with a red spot and there is a ring of bare yellow skin around the pale eye. The legs are normally pink at all ages but can be yellowish. Non-breeding adults have brown streaks on the head and neck. Male and female plumage is identical at all stages of development although adult males are often larger. Juvenile and first-winter birds are mainly brown with darker streaks and have a dark bill and eyes. Second-winter birds have a whiter head and underparts with less streaking and the back is grey. Third-winter individuals are similar to adults but retain some of the features of immature birds such as brown feathers in the wings and dark markings on the bill. The Herring Gull attains adult plumage and reaches sexual maturity at an average age of 4 years. The loud laughing call of the Herring Gull is well known and is often seen as a symbol of the seaside in countries such as the UK. It also has a yelping alarm call and a low barking anxiety call. Chicks and fledglings emit a distinctive, repetitive high-pitched 'peep', accompanied by a head-flicking gesture when begging for food from or calling to their parents. Adult gulls in urban areas will also exhibit this behaviour when fed by humans. The Herring Gull breeds across northern Europe, western Europe, central Europe, eastern Europe, Scandinavia and the Baltic states. Some, especially those resident in colder areas, migrate further south in winter but many are permanent residents such as in the UK or on the North Sea shores. While Herring Gull numbers appear to have been decreased in recent years, possibly by fish population declines and competition, they have proved able to survive in human-adapted areas and can often be seen in towns acting as a scavenger. The Herring Gull, like most gulls, is an omnivore and opportunist and will scavenge from garbage dumps, landfill sites and sewage outflows with refuse comprising up to half of the bird's diet. In addition, it will eat fish, crustaceans and dead animals as well as some plants and it will steal the eggs and young of other birds (including those of other gulls). The Herring Gull may also dive from the surface of the water or engage in plunge diving in the pursuit of aquatic prey although they are typically unable to reach any great depth due to their natural buoyancy. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Svartnes harbour, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/backstrand-tramore-bay-co-waterford https://images.on-this.website/4752_11025599735e53939b9af7d.jpg"Backstrand", Co. Waterford, Ireland Tramore, meaning "great strand", is a seaside village in Co. Waterford. With humble origins as a small fishing village, the area saw rapid development upon the arrival of the railway from Waterford in 1853. Initially the town flourished as a tourist destination, attracting visitors from as far away as Dublin in summer and from closer to home all year round. As the population grew steadily in the latter part of the 20th century, Tramore became a satellite and dormitory town of Waterford, situated 8 miles to the north. Today the town is a popular destination for surfing and other water sports due to its large, sheltered bay and provision of accommodation and amenities. Tramore is situated at the north west corner of the 3 mile long Tramore Bay on a hill that slopes down to the strand or sand spit that divides the bay. Behind the spit lies the tidal lagoon known as the "Backstrand". Date: 1st February 2020 Location: view from Saleen, Co. Wexford, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15367553.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7324707494fec1ce1166d9.jpgRinged Plover The Ringed Plover is a small, dumpy, short-legged wading bird. Many UK birds live here all year round but birds from Europe winter in Britain and birds from Greenland and Canada pass through on migration. Ringed Plovers breed on sandy and shingle beaches and on inland gravel pits. They can be found in winter on sandy and shingle beaches, estuaries and coastal lagoons and marshes. Date: 9th June 2012 Location: Scourie Bay, Sutherland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/puerto-de-la-morcuera-sierra https://images.on-this.website/4752_622019344cd5744ce7393.jpgPuerto de la Morcuera, Sierra de Guadarrama, Madrid, Spain The Sierra de Guadarrama is a mountain range forming the eastern half of the Sistema Central in the centre of the Iberian Peninsula running south west to north east and extending into the province of Madrid to the south. Puerto de la Morcuera is a mountain pass situated at 5890 feet located in the Sierra de Guadarrama. The area comprises mountains, lakes, forests and montane grassland, pasture and scrub. Date: 12th September 2010 Location: view from Puerto de la Morcuera, Sierra de Guadarrama, Madrid, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14094015.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8054104624f2eb6104cef4.jpgRedwing The Redwing is most commonly encountered as a winter visitor and is the UK's smallest true thrush. The creamy stripe above the eye and the orange-red flank patches make it distinctive. Redwings arrive in the UK from September but most arrive in October and November. They leave again in March and April, although occasionally birds stay later including a few pairs to nest in northern Scotland. Redwings can be found across the UK's countryside feeding in fields and hedgerows and also in parks and gardens in the coldest weather when snow covers the fields. They often associate with flocks of Fieldfares, the other wintering thrush. Date: 5th February 2012 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084866.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7848248425d3088b4f0071.jpgEastern Carpathian Mountains, Harghita County, Romania The Carpathian Mountains or Carpathians are a mountain range forming an arc throughout central and east Europe. Approximately 932 miles long, it is the third longest European mountain range after the Ural Mountains at 1553 miles and the Scandinavian Mountains at 1056 miles. The range stretches from the far east of the Czech Republic in the north west through Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, Ukraine and Serbia to Romania in the south east. Around 50% of the Carpathian Mountains are contained within Romania. The highest range within the Carpathian Mountains is the Tatra Mountains in Slovakia where the highest peaks exceed 8530 feet. The second highest range is the Southern Carpathians in Romania where the highest peaks range between 8202 feet and 8366 feet. The Carpathian Mountains are usually described in 3 major sections: Western Carpathians: Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia and Hungary Eastern Carpathians: south east Poland, east Slovakia, Ukraine and Romania Southern Carpathians: Romania and Serbia The term Outer Carpathians is frequently used to describe the northern rim of the Western and Eastern Carpathians. Romania is home to the second largest surface area of virgin forests in Europe after Russia. Most of this occurs in the Carpathian Mountains with the Southern Carpathians constituting Europe's largest unfragmented forest area. The Carpathian Mountains provide habitat for the largest European populations of Brown Bear, Wolf, Lynx and Chamois with the highest concentrations in Romania. Date: 5th June 2018 Location: Lacu Roșu to Georgheni, Harghita County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/gatekeeper-and-meadow-brown https://images.on-this.website/4752_171386147566d353e86c6f5.jpgGatekeeper and Meadow Brown Gatekeeper Flight period: mid-July to early September. The Gatekeeper or Hedge Brown is common and widespread throughout the southern half of the UK. They can be found in areas with hedgerows or in scrubby woodland with wide and sunny rides. Meadow Brown Flight period: June to August. The Meadow Brown is one of the most widespread and abundant of the UK's butterflies. It can be found typically in open grasslands but also other habitats such as roadside verges, woodland rides and urban parks and cemeteries. Date: 8th August 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18776573.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14531278451f4df679c0ba.jpgHeath Fritillary Flight period: June to July. The Heath Fritillary is at the north west extreme of its range in the southern UK and its numbers have greatly reduced this century due to changes in woodland management. It is now one of our rarest and most localised butterflies and can only be found at a few sites in Essex and Kent and in south west England. In Essex and Kent, they can be found in coppiced woodland with acid soils where Common Cow Wheat, the preferred foodplant, is available. On Exmoor they favour sheltered combes (valleys) and in Devon and Cornwall abandoned hay meadows are preferred. Detailed study has determined the Heath Fritillary’s precise habitat requirements and its future in the UK depends on deliberate conservation and habitat management. Date: 1st July 2013 Location: Thrift Wood EWT reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42202657.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16004291115ff310e5b7a48.jpgBrown Bear cub The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, Ursus arctos arctos. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an evening visit with [url=https://www.karhujenkatselu.fi/en-gb]Karhu-Kuusamo[/url] Date: 7th July 2019 Location: Kuntilampi, near Kuusamo, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41205494.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5584686185eb97993db0ed.jpgGreylag Geese and goslings The Greylag Goose is the ancestor of most domestic geese but is also the largest and bulkiest of the wild geese native to the UK and Europe. In many parts of the UK it has been re-established by releasing birds in suitable areas but the resulting flocks found around gravel pits, lakes and reservoirs all year round in southern Britain tend to be semi-tame. The native birds and wintering flocks found on lochs in northern Scotland and on some Scottish islands retain the special appeal of truly wild geese. Date: 10th May 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14247102.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_147068094f4e047354822.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the [i]Canidae[/i] family and is a part of the order [i]Carnivora[/i] within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 25th February 2012 Location: Rye Meads RSPB reserve, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/osprey https://images.on-this.website/4752_948537152577a30b9a3617.jpgOsprey The Osprey is a large diurnal fish-eating bird of prey. The upperparts are a deep, glossy brown whilst the breast is white and sometimes streaked with brown and the underparts are pure white. The head is white with a dark mask across the eyes reaching to the sides of the neck. A short tail and long, narrow wings with 4 long, finger-like feathers and a shorter 5th give it a very distinctive appearance. The sexes appear fairly similar but the adult male can be distinguished from the female by its slimmer body and narrower wings. Fish make up 99% of the Osprey's diet and it typically takes fish weighing 5 to 10 ounces and about 10 to 14 inches in length. Virtually any type of fish in that weight and size range are taken. The Osprey possesses specialised physical characteristics and exhibits unique behaviour to assist in hunting and catching prey. Ospreys have vision that is well adapted to detecting underwater objects from the air. Prey is first sighted when the Osprey is 30 to 130 feet above the water, after which the bird hovers momentarily then plunges feet first into the water. Occasionally the Osprey may prey on rodents, rabbits, hares, amphibians, other birds and small reptiles. The Osprey is a summer visitor to the UK and birds arrive back from Africa in late March and April and leave again in August and September. They can also be seen at almost any large body of freshwater during spring and autumn migration. The Osprey’s main UK stronghold is in Scotland where you can visit many nest sites with public viewing facilities, including the RSPB reserve at Loch Garten (Highland) and the SWT reserve at Loch of the Lowes (Perthshire). In addition, Ospreys have begun breeding at a small number of locations in England and Wales. In 2012 an Osprey thought to be the UK's oldest breeding female returned to its nest at the Loch of the Lowes in Perthshire.The bird, known affectionately as “Lady” has nested at this site near Dunkeld for 22 consecutive years. Ospreys live on average for 10-15 years in the wild. In 2010 “Lady” fell ill and experts feared the bird would die after she stopped eating. However, thousands of people watching via webcam witnessed the Osprey's sudden recovery days later. In 2011 “Lady” returned to her nest but her eggs failed to hatch. Ospreys would once have been widespread throughout most of the UK. During the middle ages almost every big house and monastic establishment had a fishpond. These fishponds, as they do now, attracted this magnificent fish-eating bird of prey leading to many of them being hunted and killed. Later on in the 18th and 19th centuries, the remaining pairs of UK Ospreys were severely persecuted by gamekeepers, egg collectors and trophy hunters. With the additional pressures of habitat loss during this time, by 1916 they had become totally extinct as a breeding species in the UK. The last known pair of Ospreys nested in 1916 on an island on Loch Loyne. In 1954 an Osprey pair was reported to have nested at Loch Garten in the Scottish Highlands. They are believed to have successfully raised 2 chicks that year. They returned to their eyrie in 1955 but persecution by egg collectors proved to be a big problem still. A small group of RSPB staff and volunteers attempted to protect the nest but despite their valiant efforts it was not until 1959 that young Ospreys were raised in the area once more. Since those early days, numbers have slowly increased and there are now over 200 breeding pairs of Osprey in Scotland. During the 1980's and 1990's migrating Ospreys were regularly seen stopping off at Rutland Water in the East Midlands. In an aim to encourage the spread of Ospreys throughout the UK, the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust in collaboration with Anglian Water began a translocation project at Rutland Water Nature Reserve in 1996. During each year between 1996 and 2001 up to 12 Scottish Osprey chicks were taken from nests containing 3 young. These youngsters were then released from pens to fledge at Rutland Water. Out of 64 birds released in the original programme, at least 13 are known to have returned to the UK, 10 of these to Rutland Water. The translocation project has subsequently proved critical to the establishment of the Welsh Osprey breeding population. Date: 18th June 2016 Location: Loch of the Lowes SWT reserve, Perthshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/january-2024-northern-waterthrush https://images.on-this.website/4752_26809612465ce2fbcee624.jpgJanuary 2024 - Northern Waterthrush Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/northern-waterthrush]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45949034.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15906943316284b3e186278.jpgCollared Dove Collared Doves are distinctive birds with their buffy-pink plumage and black neck collar. They are usually seen singly or in pairs, although flocks may form where food is plentiful. They feed on the ground but readily perch on roofs and wires and in trees. The Collared Dove is not migratory but it is strongly dispersive. Over the last century, it has been one of the great colonisers of the bird world. Its original range at the end of the 19th century was warm temperate and subtropical Asia from Turkey east to south China and south through India to Sri Lanka. In 1838 it was reported in Bulgaria but not until the 20th century did it expand across Europe, appearing in parts of the Balkans between 1900 and 1920 and then spreading rapidly north west, reaching Germany in 1945, the UK in 1953, Ireland in 1959 and the Faroe Islands in the early 1970s. Subsequent spread was “sideways” from this fast north west spread reaching north east to north of the Arctic Circle in Norway, east to the Ural Mountains in Russia and south west to the Canary Islands and north Africa from Morocco to Egypt by the end of the 20th century. In the east of its range it has also spread north east to most of central and north China and locally (probably introduced) in Japan. It has also reached Iceland as a vagrant but has not colonised successfully there. Date: 25th April 2022 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50570906.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_23597322865ccce605bbe7.jpgMute Swan The Mute Swan is a species of swan native to much of Eurasia. Despite its Eurasian origin, its closest relatives are the Black Swan of Australia and the Black-necked Swan of south America, not the other Northern Hemisphere swans such as the Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan. The name “mute” derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. The adult Mute Swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob at the top of the beak. All Mute Swans are white at maturity although the feathers (particularly on the head and neck) are often stained orange-brown by iron and tannins in the water. Young birds (cygnets) are not the bright white colour of mature adults and their bill is dull greyish-black for the first year. The plumage may range from pure white to grey to buff with grey/buff being the most common. Cygnets typically retain their grey/buff feathers until they are at least 1 year old. On average, the Mute Swan is the second largest waterfowl species after the Trumpeter Swan although the male Mute Swan can easily match or even exceed a male Trumpeter Swan in mass. The adult Mute Swan typically ranges from 55 to 63 inches in length (although it can range in extreme cases from 49 to 67 inches) with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. Males (cobs) are larger than females (pens) and have a larger knob on their bill. The Mute Swan is one of the heaviest flying birds. In several studies from the UK, males were found to average from about 23.4 to 26.2 pounds, with a weight range of 20 to 32 pounds, while the slightly smaller females were found to average about 18.7 to 21.3 pounds, with a weight range of 17 to 23 pounds. The Mute Swan is less vocal than the noisy Bewick's Swan and Whooper Swan although it does make a variety of grunting, hoarse whistling and snorting noises, especially in communicating with their cygnets and threatening competitors or intruders trying to enter their territory. The most familiar sound associated with the Mute Swan is the vibrant throbbing of the wings in flight which is unique to the species and this can be heard from a range of up to 1 mile. The Mute Swan is found naturally mainly in the temperate areas of Europe across west Asia and as far east as Primorsky Krai in the far east of Russia. It is partially migratory throughout the northern latitudes in Europe and Asia as far south as north Africa and the Mediterranean. It is also often kept in captivity outside its natural range as a decoration for parks and ponds and escapes have occurred. The descendants of such birds have become naturalised in east USA and the Great Lakes region across the USA and Canada border. The Mute Swan population in the UK has increased recently probably due to better protection of this species. Some birds are resident all year whilst others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into east England. Mute Swans nest on large mounds that they build with waterside vegetation in shallow water on islands in the middle or at the very edge of a lake. It is a monogamous species and often reuses the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Males and females share the care of the nest. The female lays from 4 to 10 eggs and broods for around 36 days. Cygnets are unable to fly before an age of 120 to 150 days and this limits the distribution of the species in the northern edge of its range since the cygnets must learn to fly before the water freezes. The Mute Swan is usually strongly territorial with just a single pair on smaller lakes although in a few locations where a large area of suitable feeding habitat is found they can be colonial. The largest colonies can hold over 100 pairs such as that at the colony at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset in the UK. Non-mated juveniles up to 3 to 4 years old commonly form larger flocks often at regular traditional sites and these can total several hundred birds. The Mute Swan can be very aggressive in defence of its nest and it is highly protective of its mate and offspring. Most defensive attacks from a Mute Swan begin with a loud hiss and, if this is not sufficient to drive off the predator, are followed by a physical attack. It attacks by smashing at its enemy with bony spurs in the wings accompanied by biting with its large bill. Smaller waterbirds such as ducks are normally grabbed with the bill and dragged or thrown clear. Large waterfowl, such as the Canada Goose, more likely out of competition than in response to potential predation, may be aggressively driven off. The wings of the Mute Swan are very powerful although not strong enough to break an adult man's leg as has been claimed anecdotally. The Mute Swan feeds on a wide range of vegetation, both submerged aquatic plants which they reach with their long necks and by grazing on land. The food commonly includes agricultural crop plants such as oilseed rape and wheat and feeding flocks in the winter may cause significant crop damage, often as much through trampling with their large webbed feet as through direct consumption. Date: 17th January 2024 Location: Lee Navigation Canal, Lee Valley Regional Park, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33568386.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12549228425a106acd893fb.jpgLoch Gruinart, Islay, Argyll Loch Gruinart is a shallow sea loch on the northern coast of the island of Islay in Argyll. It is 4 miles in length and there are a few houses but no significant settlements around its shores. There are extensive sand dune systems around Ardnave Point and Killinallan Point at the mouth of the loch. Date: 4th November 2017 Location: view from the east side from the minor road to Killinallan http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19507456.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_739307552528ba66673e.jpgBlack-winged Stilt The Black-winged Stilt is a widely distributed very long-legged wader. They have long pink-red legs, a long thin black bill and are blackish above and white below with a white head and neck with a varying amount of black. Both in flight and at rest the long pink-red legs are characteristic and even if these are hidden in water of unknown depth, the pure white underparts and jet black upperparts are distinctive. The amount of dark feathering on the otherwise white head doesn't necessarily indicate the sex of a stilt although young birds always have smoky patterning on the head. The Black-winged Stilt can be found in central and southern Europe, central and southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Many birds migrate to south of the Sahara from August to November and return in March and April. However, many of those which breed in Iberia are now increasingly remaining throughout the year. The Black-winged Stilt breeds around shallow wetlands, especially coastal lagoons, saltpans and estuaries. The nest site is a bare spot on the ground near water and birds often nest in small groups, sometimes with Avocets. In Europe, the Black-winged Stilt is a regular spring overshoot vagrant north of its normal range, occasionally remaining to breed in northern European countries including the UK. Date: 8th September 2013 Location: Embalse de Los Barrios, Los Barrios, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13656989.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19850793524ed368f89a22b.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the [i]Canidae[/i] family and is a part of the order [i]Carnivora[/i] within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847612.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_117911885659bd54050e476.jpgLatorica, Košice region, Slovakia The Latorica Protected Landscape Area (Chránená krajinná oblasť Latorica) is located in the Košice Region in south east Slovakia around the Slovakian part of the Latorica River (a river in the watershed of the Danube with its source in the mountains of the Ukrainian Carpathians) and around the lower parts of the Ondava River and Laborec River. The landscape consists of a system of riverbeds surrounded by alluvial riverine oak, ash, alder and birch forest, oxbow lakes, ponds, marshes, reedbeds, sandy banks, dyke-lined canals, pastures and hay meadows. Much of the surrounding floodplain is farmed. The Latorica Protected Landscape Area was designated in 1990 and covers an area of 90 square miles. Part of the area was added to the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance in 1993. Date: 2nd June 2017 Location: Leles to Boľ area, Latorica, Košice region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/drafjrur-and-ingeyri-westfjords-iceland https://images.on-this.website/4752_1620618852563897df9a02e.jpgDýrafjörður and Þingeyri, Westfjords, Iceland Dýrafjörður is a 20 mile long fjord on the west coast of the Westfjords. Þingeyri is a small settlement located on a spit of land on the southern shore of Dýrafjörður. Continually inhabited since 1787, Þingeyri is one of the oldest settlements in the Westfjords and the first trading post established in the region. Due to its sheltered location, Þingeyri developed into a significant fishing centre. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: view from road 60 south of Þingeyri http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29240076.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_93961227857eb95e6233dd.jpgRed Squirrel The Red Squirrel or Eurasian Red Squirrel is a species of tree squirrel in the genus [i]Sciurus[/i]. It is an arboreal and primarily herbivorous rodent. The Red Squirrel has a typical head and body length of 7.5 to 9 inches, a tail length of 6 to 8 inches and a weight of 9 to 12 ounces. Males and females are the same size. The Red Squirrel is smaller and lighter in weight than the Grey Squirrel The coat of the Red Squirrel varies in colour with the time of year and its location and there are several different coat colour morphs ranging from black to red. Red coats are most common in the UK but in other parts of Europe and Asia different coat colours co-exist within populations. The underside of the Red Squirrel is always creamy-white in colour. The Red Squirrel sheds its coat twice a year, switching from a thinner summer coat to a thicker, darker winter coat with noticeably larger ear-tufts (a prominent distinguishing feature of this species) between August and November. A lighter, redder overall coat colour, along with the ear-tufts (in adults) and smaller size, distinguish the Red Squirrel from the Grey Squirrel. The long tail helps the Red Squirrel to balance and steer when jumping from tree to tree and running along branches and it may also keep it warm during sleep. The Red Squirrel, like most tree squirrels, has sharp and curved claws to enable it to climb and descend broad tree trunks, thin branches and even house walls and its strong hind legs enable it to leap gaps between trees. The Red Squirrel can be found in the boreal coniferous woods in north Europe and Siberia where it prefers Scots Pine, Norway Spruce and Siberian Pine. In west and south Europe it can be found in broad-leaved woods where the mixture of tree and shrub species provides a better year round source of food. In most of the UK and in Italy, broad-leaved woodlands are now less suitable for it due to the better competitive feeding strategy of the introduced Grey Squirrel. The Red Squirrel makes a drey (nest) out of twigs in a branch-fork, forming a domed structure about 9 to 12 inches in diameter. This is lined with moss, leaves, grass and bark. Tree hollows and woodpecker holes are also used. The Red Squirrel is generally a solitary animal and is shy and reluctant to share food with others. However, outside the breeding season and particularly in winter, several Red Squirrels may share a drey to keep warm. Social organisation is based on dominance hierarchies within and between sexes. Although males are not necessarily dominant towards females, the dominant animals tend to be larger and older than subordinate animals and dominant males tend to have larger home ranges than subordinate males or females. Mating can occur in late winter during February and March and in summer between June and July. During mating, males detect females that are in oestrus by an odour that they produce and, although there is no courtship, the male will chase the female for up to an hour prior to mating. Usually multiple males will chase a single female until the dominant male, usually the largest in the group, mates with the female. Males and females will mate multiple times with many partners. Females must reach a minimum body mass before they enter oestrus and heavy females on average produce more young. If food is scarce breeding may be delayed. Typically a female will produce her first litter in her second year. Up to 2 litters a year per female are possible. Each litter averages 3 young and these are known as kits. Gestation is about 38 to 39 days and the young are looked after by the mother alone and are born helpless, blind and deaf. Their body is covered by hair at 21 days, their eyes and ears open after 3 to 4 weeks and they develop all their teeth by 42 days. Juveniles can eat solids around 40 days following birth and from that point they can leave the nest on their own to find food. However, they still suckle from their mother until weaning occurs at 8 to 10 weeks. The Red Squirrel eats mostly the seeds of trees, fungi, nuts (especially hazelnuts but also beech and chestnuts), berries and young shoots. More rarely, it may also eat bird eggs or nestlings and may occasionally exhibit opportunistic omnivory similar to other rodents. Excess food is put into caches, either buried or in nooks or holes in trees, and eaten when food is scarce. Although the Red Squirrel remembers where it created caches at a better than chance level, its spatial memory is believed to be substantially less accurate and durable than that of the Grey Squirrel. Therefore it will often have to search for them when in need and many caches are never found again. Between 60% and 80% of the active time of a Red Squirrel may be spent foraging and feeding. The active period is generally in the morning and in the late afternoon and evening. It often rests in its nest in the middle of the day to avoid the heat and the high visibility to birds of prey that are dangers during these hours. During the winter, this midday rest is often much more brief or absent entirely although harsh weather may cause it to stay in its nest for days at a time. No territories are claimed between Red Squirrels and the feeding areas of individuals overlap considerably. A Red Squirrel that survives its first winter has a life expectancy of 3 years. Individuals may reach 7 years of age and 10 years in captivity. Survival is positively related to the availability of autumn and winter tree seeds. On average, 75 to 85% of juveniles die during their first winter and mortality is approximately 50% for winters following the first. Predators include small mammals such as the Pine Marten, the Wildcat and the Stoat which all prey on juveniles. Birds, including owls and raptors such as the Goshawk and Common Buzzard, may also prey on the Red Squirrel as will the Red Fox and domestic cats and dogs when it is on the ground. Humans influence the population size and mortality of the Red Squirrel by destroying or altering habitats, by causing road casualties and by introducing non-native populations of the Grey Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel and the Red Squirrel are not directly antagonistic and violent conflict between these species is not a factor in the decline in Red Squirrel populations. However, the Grey Squirrel appears to contribute to the decrease in the Red Squirrel population for several reasons: it carries a disease, the squirrel parapoxvirus, that does not appear to affect its own health but will often kill the Red Squirrel, it can better digest acorns whilst the Red Squirrel cannot access the proteins and fats in acorns as easily and it can put the Red Squirrel under pressure for food resources resulting in it not breeding as often. In the UK, due to the above circumstances, the population has today fallen to 160,000 Red Squirrels or fewer with the majority of these in Scotland. Outside the UK and Ireland, the impact of competition from the Grey Squirrel has also been observed in Italy where 2 pairs escaped from captivity in 1948. A significant drop in the Red Squirrel population has been observed since 1970 and it is feared that the Grey Squirrel may expand into the rest of Europe. The Red Squirrel is protected in most of Europe although in some areas it is abundant and is hunted for its fur. In the UK there are several active projects to protect the Red Squirrel and its native woodland habitat, introduce or re-introduce it in to areas where it is absent and eradicate and prevent the spread of the Grey Squirrel. Research undertaken in 2007 in the UK credits the Pine Marten with reducing the population of the invasive Grey Squirrel. Where the range of the expanding Pine Marten population meets that of the Grey Squirrel, the population of the latter retreats. It is theorised that, because the Grey Squirrel spends more time on the ground than the Red Squirrel, it is far more likely to come in contact with the Pine Marten. Date: 22nd September 2016 Location: Mingarry Lodges, Mingarry, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405382.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3195888466586d0625fe6b.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 30th September 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7439616.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12386921014cd572799921f.jpgNorthern Wheatear The Northern Wheatear is a small passerine bird and is the most widespread member of the wheatear genus in Europe and Asia. The plumage of the summer male has grey upperparts, buff throat and black wings and face mask. In autumn it resembles the female apart from the black wings. The female is pale brown above and buff below with darker brown wings. Both sexes have a white rump and tail with a black inverted T-pattern at the end of the tail. The Northern Wheatear is a migratory insectivorous species breeding in open stony country in Europe and Asia with footholds in north east Canada and Greenland as well as in north west Canada and Alaska. All birds winter in Africa. Date: 10th September 2010 Location: Laguna de los Pecos, Lago de Sanabria, Castille y Leon, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17408543.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_640306490513328281b282.jpgBullfinch The male Bullfinch is unmistakable with a bright pinkish-red breast and cheeks, grey back, black cap and tail and bright white rump. The flash of the rump in flight and the sad call note are usually the first signs of Bullfinches being present. Bullfinches can be found throughout most of the UK but their localised and declining populations make it a Red List species. Bullfinches can be seen all the year round and breed in broad-leaved woodland, thickets, hedgerows, orchards and mature gardens. Date: 13th January 2013 Location: Pennington Flash, Greater Manchester http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512556.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3424721462c99a6ae6ec4.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 9th May 2022 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32708961.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_44471385359ad26b8b1dbd0.21307681.jpgLittle Owl The Little Owl is a small owl, white-speckled brown above and brown-streaked white below. It has a large head, long legs and yellow eyes and its white “eyebrows” give it a stern expression. The Little Owl can be seen during daylight, usually perching on a tree branch, telegraph pole, rock or building. It will bob its head up and down when alarmed. In flight it has long, rounded wings, rapid wingbeats and flies with a slight undulation. The Little Owl is a bird which is resident in much of the temperate and warmer parts of Europe, Asia east to Korea and north Africa. It is not native to the UK but was first introduced in 1842 and is now naturalised there. Date: 19th May 2017 Location: south of Hortobágy towards Szásztelek, Hortobágy National Park, Hajdú-Bihar county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo440566.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1751412539467e872cb928f.jpgBadger The European Badger is a species of badger in the mustelid family (which in the UK includes the Otter, Pine Marten, Stoat and Weasel) and it is native to almost all of Europe. The source of the word "badger" is uncertain. The Oxford English Dictionary states it probably dates from the 16th century and derives from "badge", referring to the white mark borne like a badge on the Badger’s forehead. The French word [i]bêcheur[/i] (digger) has also been suggested as a source. The far older name "brock" derives from the Gaelic [i]broc[/i] or Welsh [i]broch[/i] and appears in Old English as [i]brocc[/i]. The Badger is a powerfully built animal with a small head, a thick, short neck, a stocky, wedge-shaped body and a short tail. Its feet are short with 5 toes on each foot. The limbs are short and massive with naked lower surfaces on the feet. The claws are strong, elongated and have an obtuse end which assists in digging. The snout, which is used for digging and probing, is muscular and flexible. The eyes are small and the ears short and tipped with white. Whiskers are present on the snout and above the eyes. Boars (males) typically have broader heads, thicker necks and narrower tails than sows (females) which are sleeker and have narrower, less domed heads and fluffier tails. Adults measure 9.8 to 11.8 inches in shoulder height, 24 to 35 inches in body length and 4.7 to 9.4 inches in tail length. Boars slightly exceed sows in measurements but can weigh considerably more. Weight varies seasonally, growing from spring to autumn and reaching a peak just before the winter. During the summer, the Badger weighs 15 to 29 pounds but this increases to 33 to 37 pounds in the autumn. Sows can attain a top weight of around 38 pounds, while exceptionally large boars have been reported in the autumn with the heaviest verified at 60 pounds. The contrasting black, white, brown and grey markings of the Badger’s fur serve to warn off attackers rather than camouflage as they are conspicuous at night. The colour, coarseness and density of the fur varies seasonally. Although the Badger’s sense of smell is acute, eyesight is monochromatic as has been shown by their lack of reaction to red light. Only moving objects attract their attention. The European Badger is the most social of badgers, forming groups of 6 adults on average, although larger associations of over 20 individuals have been recorded. Group size may be related to habitat composition. Under optimal conditions, Badger territories can be as small as 30 hectares but may be as large as 150 hectares in marginal areas. Badger territories can be identified by the presence of communal latrines and well-worn paths. It is mainly male Badgers that are involved in territorial aggression. A hierarchical social system is thought to exist and large powerful boars seem to assert dominance over smaller males. Large boars sometimes intrude into neighbouring territories during the main mating season in early spring. Sparring and more vicious fights generally result from territorial defence in the breeding season. When fighting, Badgers bite each other on the neck and rump while running and chasing each other and injuries incurred in such fights can be severe and sometimes fatal. However, in general, animals within and outside a group show considerable tolerance of each other. The Badger is usually monogamous and boars typically mate with a single female for life, whereas sows have been known to mate with more than one male. The oestrus cycle in the Badger lasts 4 to 6 days and may occur throughout the year, although there is a peak in spring. Sexual maturity in boars is usually attained at the age of 12 to 15 months but this can range from 9 months to 2 years. Sows usually begin ovulating in their second year, although some exceptionally begin at 9 months. Badgers can mate at any time of the year, although the main peak occurs in February to May. Matings occurring outside this period typically occur in sows which either failed to mate earlier in the year or matured slowly. Delayed implantation following mating can last 2 to 9 months although matings in December can result in immediate implantation. Ordinarily, implantation happens in December with a gestation period lasting 7 weeks. Cubs are usually born in mid-January to mid-March within underground chambers containing bedding. In areas where the countryside is waterlogged, cubs may be born above ground in buildings. The average litter consists of 1 to 5 cubs. Cubs are born pink with greyish, silvery fur and fused eyelids. Newborn Badgers are 5 inches in body length on average and weigh 2.6 to 4.7 ounces, with cubs from large litters being smaller. By 3 to 5 days, claws become pigmented and individual dark hairs begin to appear. Eyes open at 4 to 5 weeks and milk teeth erupt about the same time. Cubs emerge from their setts at 8 weeks of age and begin to be weaned at 12 weeks, although they may still suckle until they are 4 to 5 months old. Subordinate females may assist the mother in guarding, feeding and grooming the cubs. Cubs fully develop their adult coats at 6 to 9 weeks. The Badger can live for up to about 15 years in the wild. The Badger is a burrowing animal. However, the dens it constructs (setts) are complex and are passed on from generation to generation. A sett is almost invariably located near a tree which is used by badgers for stretching or claw scraping. Badgers defecate in latrines which are located near the sett and at strategic locations on territorial boundaries or near places with abundant food supplies. The number of exits in a sett can vary from just a few to 50. Setts can be vast and can sometimes accommodate multiple families. When this happens, each family occupies its own passages and sleeping and nesting chambers. Badgers dig and collect bedding throughout the year, particularly in autumn and spring, and the chambers are frequently lined with bedding brought in on dry nights consisting of grass, bracken, straw, leaves and moss. The Badger is a fastidiously clean animal which regularly clears out and discards old bedding. Along with the Brown Bear, the Badger is among the least carnivorous members of the carnivorous mammals. It is a highly adaptable and opportunistic omnivore whose diet encompasses a wide range of animals and plants. Earthworms are their most important food source, followed by large insects, carrion, cereals, fruit and small mammals including rabbits, mice, shrews, moles and hedgehogs. In addition, a wide variety of insect prey, cereal food, windfall fruit and berries is eaten. Occasionally, the Badger feeds on medium to large birds, amphibians, small reptiles, snails, slugs, fungi, and green food such as clover and grass. The Badger typically eats prey on the spot and rarely transports it to the sett. The Badger has few natural enemies. Wolves, lynxes and dogs can pose a threat although deaths caused by them are rare. It may live alongside the Red Fox in isolated sections of large burrows and the 2 species possibly tolerate each other through the Red Fox providing food scraps to the Badger and the Badger maintaining the shared burrow’s cleanliness. The Badger is native to most of Europe and parts of western Asia west of the Volga river in Russia. The International Union for Conservation of Nature rates the Badger as being of “least concern”. It is abundant and increasing throughout its range, partly due to a reduction in rabies in central Europe. In the UK, the Badger experienced a 77% increase in numbers during the 1980s and 1990s and the population is estimated to be around 300,000. The Badger is found in deciduous and mixed woodlands, clearings, spinneys, pastureland and scrub, including Mediterranean maquis shrubland. It has also adapted to life in suburban areas and urban parks, although not to the extent of the Red Fox. Date: 18th May 2005 Location: Rothiemurchus, Inverness-shire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645394.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_109714230251e3cd8ccbfdc.jpgSiemianówka area, Poland The Siemianówka lake is a large reservoir on the upper Narew river with vast reedbeds surrounded by old woods and wet meadows. The lake extends from north west to south east, crossed at its eastern part by a railway track (reaching the most remote railway station in Poland) that divides the reservoir into two parts. To the south, the lake touches the northern edges of the Bialowieza Forest. Date: 26th May 2013 Location: Siemianówka area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52518224.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9110508696754596d2afb2.jpgGadwall The Gadwall is one of the most common and widespread dabbling ducks. The breeding male is patterned grey with a black rear end, light chestnut wings and a brilliant white speculum which is obvious in flight or at rest. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female but retains the male wing pattern and is usually greyer above and has less orange on the bill. The female is light brown with plumage much like a female Mallard. It can be distinguished from that species by the dark orange-edged bill, smaller size, the white speculum and white belly. The Gadwall breeds in north Europe and Asia and central north America and appears to be expanding into eastern north America. It is a bird of open wetlands and lakes, wet grassland or marshes with dense fringing vegetation and it nests on the ground, often some distance from water. In the UK, the Gadwall is a scarce breeding bird on some lakes and gravel pits in the Midlands, south east England, eastern central Scotland, eastern Northern Ireland and south east Wales. In winter, numbers increase as birds migrate to spend the winter in the UK on gravel pits, lakes, reservoirs and coastal wetlands. Date: 9th October 2024 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14247096.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15017811884f4e044444194.jpgTufted Duck The Tufted Duck is a medium-sized diving duck. Males are black on the head, neck, breast and back and white on the sides with a small crest and a yellow eye. Females are browner in colour. Tufted Ducks breed in the UK across the lowland areas of England, Scotland and Ireland but less commonly in Wales. Numbers increase in the UK in winter due to birds moving to the UK from Iceland and northern Europe. Tufted Ducks can be found all year round in suitable habitats such as a reservoirs, gravel pits or lakes. Date: 25th February 2012 Location: Rye Meads RSPB reserve, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40952840.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_47620705e5393a16d041.jpgRook The Rook is a passerine bird in the crow family [i]Corvidae[/i]. It is a fairly large bird at 18 to 19 inches in length with black plumage that often shows a blue or bluish-purple sheen in bright sunlight. The feathers on the head, neck and shoulders are particularly dense and silky. The legs and feet are generally black, the bill grey-black and the iris dark brown. In adults, a bare area of whitish skin in front of the eye and around the base of the bill is distinctive and enables the Rook to be distinguished from other members of the crow family. This bare patch gives the false impression that the bill is longer than it is and the head more domed. The feathering around the legs also appears shaggier than the similarly sized Carrion Crow, the only other member of its genus with which the Rook is likely to be confused. Additionally, when seen in flight, the wings of a Rook are proportionally longer and narrower than those of the Carrion Crow. The juvenile plumage is black with a slight greenish gloss except for the hind neck, back and underparts which are brownish-black. The juvenile is superficially similar to a young Carrion Crow because it lacks the bare patch at the base of the bill but it has a thinner beak and loses the facial feathers after about 6 months. The Rook is resident in the UK and much of north and central Europe but it is a vagrant to Iceland and parts of Scandinavia where they typically live south of latitude 66° north. In the north of its range the Rook has a tendency to move south during autumn and more southern populations are apt to range sporadically. The Rook is found in habitats such as open agricultural areas with pasture or arable land as long as there are suitable tall trees for breeding. It generally avoids forests, swamps, marshes, heaths and moorland. In general it is a lowland bird with most rookeries found below 400 feet but where suitable feeding habitat exists it may breed at 1000 feet or even higher. The Rook is often associated with human settlements, nesting near farms, villages and open towns but not in large, heavily built-up areas. The Rook is a very social and gregarious bird and is generally seen in flocks of various sizes. It is a monogamous species with the adults forming life-long pair bonds and pairs stay together within flocks. In the evening, birds often congregate at their rookery before moving off to their chosen communal roosting site. Flocks increase in size in autumn with different groups amalgamating and birds congregating at dusk before roosting, often in very large numbers and in the company of Jackdaws. Roosting usually takes place in woodland or plantations but a small minority of birds may continue to roost at their rookery all winter and adult males may roost collectively somewhere nearby. Birds move off promptly in the morning, dispersing for distances of up to 5 miles or more. The Rook mostly forages on the ground striding about or occasionally hopping and probing the soil with its powerful beak. Around 60% of the diet is vegetable matter and the rest is of animal origin. Vegetable foods include cereals, potatoes, roots, fruit, acorns, berries and seeds while the animal part is predominantly earthworms and insect larvae. It also eats beetles, spiders, millipedes, slugs, snails, small mammals, small birds and their eggs and young and occasionally carrion. In urban areas, human food scraps are taken from rubbish dumps and streets, usually in the early hours or at dusk when it is relatively quiet. Like other corvids, the Rook will sometimes favour sites with a high level of human interaction and can often be found scavenging for food in tourist areas or pecking open garbage sacks. The male Rook usually initiates courtship, on the ground or in a tree, by bowing several times to the female with drooping wings and at the same time cawing and fanning his tail. The female may respond by crouching down, arching her back and quivering her wings slightly or she may take the initiative by lowering her head and wings and erecting her partially spread tail over her back. Further similar displays are often followed by begging behaviour by the female and by the male presenting her with food before mating takes place on the nest. A mated pair of rooks will often fondle each other's bills and this behaviour is also sometimes seen in autumn. Nesting in a rookery is always colonial, usually in the very tops of large trees and often on the remnants of the previous year's nest. In hilly regions, the Rook may nest in smaller trees or bushes and exceptionally on chimneys or church spires. Both sexes participate in nest-building with the male finding most of the materials and the female putting them in place. The nest is cup-shaped and composed of sticks, consolidated with earth and lined with grasses, moss, roots, dead leaves and straw. The female lays 3 to 5 eggs (sometimes 6 and occasionally 7) by the end of March or early April in the UK and west Europe but in the harsher conditions of east Europe and Russia it may be early May before the clutch is completed. The eggs are incubated for 16 to 18 days, almost entirely by the female who is fed by the male. After hatching, the male brings food to the nest while the female broods the young. After 10 days, the female joins the male in bringing food which is carried in a throat pouch. The young fledge after 32 or 33 days but continue to be fed by the parents for some time thereafter. There is normally a single brood each year but there are records of birds attempting to breed again in the autumn. In autumn, the young birds collect in to large flocks together with unpaired birds of previous seasons and often in the company of Jackdaws. It is during this time of year that spectacular aerial displays are performed by the birds. Like other corvids, the Rook is an intelligent bird with complex behavioural traits and an ability to solve simple problems. The Rook has an extremely wide distribution and a very large total population. The main threats it faces are from changes in agricultural land use, the application of seed dressings and pesticides and persecution through shooting. Although the total number of birds may be declining slightly across its range, this is not at so rapid a rate as to cause concern and the IUCN has assessed the bird's conservation status as being of "least concern". Date: 1st February 2020 Location: Tramore, Co. Waterford, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230765.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18376067156491736012506.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 14th May 2023 Location: Llanddeusant Red Kite feeding station, Carmarthenshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080568.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_133159165763a4592a702a1.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 1st December 2022 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40952874.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_299865995e539481af5b0.jpgHerring Gull The Herring Gull is one of the best known of all gulls along the shores of Europe. Adults in breeding plumage have a grey back and upperwings and white head and underparts. The wingtips are black with white spots known as "mirrors". The bill is yellow with a red spot and there is a ring of bare yellow skin around the pale eye. The legs are normally pink at all ages but can be yellowish. Non-breeding adults have brown streaks on the head and neck. Male and female plumage is identical at all stages of development although adult males are often larger. Juvenile and first-winter birds are mainly brown with darker streaks and have a dark bill and eyes. Second-winter birds have a whiter head and underparts with less streaking and the back is grey. Third-winter individuals are similar to adults but retain some of the features of immature birds such as brown feathers in the wings and dark markings on the bill. The Herring Gull attains adult plumage and reaches sexual maturity at an average age of 4 years. The loud laughing call of the Herring Gull is well known and is often seen as a symbol of the seaside in countries such as the UK. It also has a yelping alarm call and a low barking anxiety call. Chicks and fledglings emit a distinctive, repetitive high-pitched 'peep', accompanied by a head-flicking gesture when begging for food from or calling to their parents. Adult gulls in urban areas will also exhibit this behaviour when fed by humans. The Herring Gull breeds across northern Europe, western Europe, central Europe, eastern Europe, Scandinavia and the Baltic states. Some, especially those resident in colder areas, migrate further south in winter but many are permanent residents such as in the UK or on the North Sea shores. While Herring Gull numbers appear to have been decreased in recent years, possibly by fish population declines and competition, they have proved able to survive in human-adapted areas and can often be seen in towns acting as a scavenger. The Herring Gull, like most gulls, is an omnivore and opportunist and will scavenge from garbage dumps, landfill sites and sewage outflows with refuse comprising up to half of the bird's diet. In addition, it will eat fish, crustaceans and dead animals as well as some plants and it will steal the eggs and young of other birds (including those of other gulls). The Herring Gull may also dive from the surface of the water or engage in plunge diving in the pursuit of aquatic prey although they are typically unable to reach any great depth due to their natural buoyancy. Date: 4th February 2020 Location: Dublin, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084864.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17779511815d30888168acc.jpgLacu Roșu, Harghita County, Romania Lacu Roșu or Red Lake (also known as Lake Ghilcoş) is a natural dam lake formed following the collapse of a slope at the foot of Hasmasul Mare Mountain following an earthquake in January 1838. Lacu Roșu is located 3 miles south of the Bicaz Gorge and covers an area of around 1240 square feet. It is included within the Cheile Bicazului-Hășmaș National Park and it is an important tourist destination including for recreational spa tourism. Date: 5th June 2018 Location: Lacu Roșu, Harghita County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084867.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_317166535d3088bdba075.jpgEastern Carpathian Mountains, Harghita County, Romania The Carpathian Mountains or Carpathians are a mountain range forming an arc throughout central and east Europe. Approximately 932 miles long, it is the third longest European mountain range after the Ural Mountains at 1553 miles and the Scandinavian Mountains at 1056 miles. The range stretches from the far east of the Czech Republic in the north west through Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, Ukraine and Serbia to Romania in the south east. Around 50% of the Carpathian Mountains are contained within Romania. The highest range within the Carpathian Mountains is the Tatra Mountains in Slovakia where the highest peaks exceed 8530 feet. The second highest range is the Southern Carpathians in Romania where the highest peaks range between 8202 feet and 8366 feet. The Carpathian Mountains are usually described in 3 major sections: Western Carpathians: Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia and Hungary Eastern Carpathians: south east Poland, east Slovakia, Ukraine and Romania Southern Carpathians: Romania and Serbia The term Outer Carpathians is frequently used to describe the northern rim of the Western and Eastern Carpathians. Romania is home to the second largest surface area of virgin forests in Europe after Russia. Most of this occurs in the Carpathian Mountains with the Southern Carpathians constituting Europe's largest unfragmented forest area. The Carpathian Mountains provide habitat for the largest European populations of Brown Bear, Wolf, Lynx and Chamois with the highest concentrations in Romania. Date: 5th June 2018 Location: Lacu Roșu to Georgheni, Harghita County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12759400.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3923654684e71b09a9ab26.jpgRed Squirrel The Red Squirrel or Eurasian Red Squirrel is a species of tree squirrel in the genus [i]Sciurus[/i]. It is an arboreal and primarily herbivorous rodent. The Red Squirrel has a typical head and body length of 7.5 to 9 inches, a tail length of 6 to 8 inches and a weight of 9 to 12 ounces. Males and females are the same size. The Red Squirrel is smaller and lighter in weight than the Grey Squirrel The coat of the Red Squirrel varies in colour with the time of year and its location and there are several different coat colour morphs ranging from black to red. Red coats are most common in the UK but in other parts of Europe and Asia different coat colours co-exist within populations. The underside of the Red Squirrel is always creamy-white in colour. The Red Squirrel sheds its coat twice a year, switching from a thinner summer coat to a thicker, darker winter coat with noticeably larger ear-tufts (a prominent distinguishing feature of this species) between August and November. A lighter, redder overall coat colour, along with the ear-tufts (in adults) and smaller size, distinguish the Red Squirrel from the Grey Squirrel. The long tail helps the Red Squirrel to balance and steer when jumping from tree to tree and running along branches and it may also keep it warm during sleep. The Red Squirrel, like most tree squirrels, has sharp and curved claws to enable it to climb and descend broad tree trunks, thin branches and even house walls and its strong hind legs enable it to leap gaps between trees. The Red Squirrel can be found in the boreal coniferous woods in north Europe and Siberia where it prefers Scots Pine, Norway Spruce and Siberian Pine. In west and south Europe it can be found in broad-leaved woods where the mixture of tree and shrub species provides a better year round source of food. In most of the UK and in Italy, broad-leaved woodlands are now less suitable for it due to the better competitive feeding strategy of the introduced Grey Squirrel. The Red Squirrel makes a drey (nest) out of twigs in a branch-fork, forming a domed structure about 9 to 12 inches in diameter. This is lined with moss, leaves, grass and bark. Tree hollows and woodpecker holes are also used. The Red Squirrel is generally a solitary animal and is shy and reluctant to share food with others. However, outside the breeding season and particularly in winter, several Red Squirrels may share a drey to keep warm. Social organisation is based on dominance hierarchies within and between sexes. Although males are not necessarily dominant towards females, the dominant animals tend to be larger and older than subordinate animals and dominant males tend to have larger home ranges than subordinate males or females. Mating can occur in late winter during February and March and in summer between June and July. During mating, males detect females that are in oestrus by an odour that they produce and, although there is no courtship, the male will chase the female for up to an hour prior to mating. Usually multiple males will chase a single female until the dominant male, usually the largest in the group, mates with the female. Males and females will mate multiple times with many partners. Females must reach a minimum body mass before they enter oestrus and heavy females on average produce more young. If food is scarce breeding may be delayed. Typically a female will produce her first litter in her second year. Up to 2 litters a year per female are possible. Each litter averages 3 young and these are known as kits. Gestation is about 38 to 39 days and the young are looked after by the mother alone and are born helpless, blind and deaf. Their body is covered by hair at 21 days, their eyes and ears open after 3 to 4 weeks and they develop all their teeth by 42 days. Juveniles can eat solids around 40 days following birth and from that point they can leave the nest on their own to find food. However, they still suckle from their mother until weaning occurs at 8 to 10 weeks. The Red Squirrel eats mostly the seeds of trees, fungi, nuts (especially hazelnuts but also beech and chestnuts), berries and young shoots. More rarely, it may also eat bird eggs or nestlings and may occasionally exhibit opportunistic omnivory similar to other rodents. Excess food is put into caches, either buried or in nooks or holes in trees, and eaten when food is scarce. Although the Red Squirrel remembers where it created caches at a better than chance level, its spatial memory is believed to be substantially less accurate and durable than that of the Grey Squirrel. Therefore it will often have to search for them when in need and many caches are never found again. Between 60% and 80% of the active time of a Red Squirrel may be spent foraging and feeding. The active period is generally in the morning and in the late afternoon and evening. It often rests in its nest in the middle of the day to avoid the heat and the high visibility to birds of prey that are dangers during these hours. During the winter, this midday rest is often much more brief or absent entirely although harsh weather may cause it to stay in its nest for days at a time. No territories are claimed between Red Squirrels and the feeding areas of individuals overlap considerably. A Red Squirrel that survives its first winter has a life expectancy of 3 years. Individuals may reach 7 years of age and 10 years in captivity. Survival is positively related to the availability of autumn and winter tree seeds. On average, 75 to 85% of juveniles die during their first winter and mortality is approximately 50% for winters following the first. Predators include small mammals such as the Pine Marten, the Wildcat and the Stoat which all prey on juveniles. Birds, including owls and raptors such as the Goshawk and Common Buzzard, may also prey on the Red Squirrel as will the Red Fox and domestic cats and dogs when it is on the ground. Humans influence the population size and mortality of the Red Squirrel by destroying or altering habitats, by causing road casualties and by introducing non-native populations of the Grey Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel and the Red Squirrel are not directly antagonistic and violent conflict between these species is not a factor in the decline in Red Squirrel populations. However, the Grey Squirrel appears to contribute to the decrease in the Red Squirrel population for several reasons: it carries a disease, the squirrel parapoxvirus, that does not appear to affect its own health but will often kill the Red Squirrel, it can better digest acorns whilst the Red Squirrel cannot access the proteins and fats in acorns as easily and it can put the Red Squirrel under pressure for food resources resulting in it not breeding as often. In the UK, due to the above circumstances, the population has today fallen to 160,000 Red Squirrels or fewer with the majority of these in Scotland. Outside the UK and Ireland, the impact of competition from the Grey Squirrel has also been observed in Italy where 2 pairs escaped from captivity in 1948. A significant drop in the Red Squirrel population has been observed since 1970 and it is feared that the Grey Squirrel may expand into the rest of Europe. The Red Squirrel is protected in most of Europe although in some areas it is abundant and is hunted for its fur. In the UK there are several active projects to protect the Red Squirrel and its native woodland habitat, introduce or re-introduce it in to areas where it is absent and eradicate and prevent the spread of the Grey Squirrel. Research undertaken in 2007 in the UK credits the Pine Marten with reducing the population of the invasive Grey Squirrel. Where the range of the expanding Pine Marten population meets that of the Grey Squirrel, the population of the latter retreats. It is theorised that, because the Grey Squirrel spends more time on the ground than the Red Squirrel, it is far more likely to come in contact with the Pine Marten. Date: 10th May 2006 Location: Freshfield National Trust reserve, Formby Point, Merseyside http://www.richardchewphotography.com/dadia-lefkimi-soufli-forest-east https://images.on-this.website/4752_1939642803559cf2bb398b4.jpgDadia-Lefkimi-Soufli Forest, East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece The Dadia-Lefkimi-Soufli Forest constitutes one of the most important protected areas in Europe, since it hosts a variety of habitats such as pine and oak forests, shrublands, networks of streams, pastures and cultivated fields. Due to these characteristics, the forest presents an ideal habitat for birds of prey: Dadia Forest hosts 36 out of the 39 diurnal raptor species of Europe and 3 out of the 4 European vulture species. Among the latter, the Black Vulture, whose only reproductive colony in the Balkans is to be found in Dadia, constitutes the area’s flagship species. Date: 9th May 2015 Location: view from the road from Lefkimi to Kapsalo, East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084876.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10638558905d3088e83d712.jpgPiatra Craiului Mountains, Brașov County, Romania The Piatra Craiului Mountains are a mountain range in the Southern Carpathians in central Romania. It forms a narrow and saw-like ridge which is about 16 miles long. Vârful La Om is the highest peak at 7343 feet. The ridge is regarded as one of the most impressive and beautiful sites in the Carpathian Mountians and the views both towards and from the mountains are superb. The whole range is included in the Piatra Craiului National Park. The first protection of this area started in 1938 when 2 square miles were declared as a nature reserve. This has been progressively extended and in 1990 it became a national park covering an area of 38 square miles. In 2003 the external limits and internal zoning were created. Since 1999 a park administration has existed with a visitor centre located on the minor road 0.6 miles west of Zărnești and since 2005 a management plan has been in place. Piatra Craiului National Park supports and protects an abundance and diversity of mammals (including Brown Bear, Wolf and Lynx), birds and plants. Zărneşti is the most important town for visiting the Piatra Craiului Mountains and the Piatra Craiului National Park. The town is located 17 miles south west of the city of Brașov. From Zărnești, a 7 mile long minor road runs west and ends at Cabana Plaiul Foii which is a good starting point for climbing the ridge. In addition, a forest road starts from the south west of Zărneşti which leads to the Zărneştilor Gorge and continues up to the ridge. The traditional villages of Măgura, Peştera, Ciocanu and Şirnea are starting points for routes up to the eastern slopes. Măgura, situated at 3281 feet, is one of Romania’s most picturesque villages and it provides stunning views towards the Bucegi Mountains and the Piatra Craiului Mountains. Date: 5th June 2018 Location: Piatra Craiului Mountains from Măgura, Brașov County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51983672.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_73526044766d34396f1b69.jpgGatekeeper Flight period: mid-July to early September. The Gatekeeper or Hedge Brown is common and widespread throughout the southern half of the UK. They can be found in areas with hedgerows or in scrubby woodland with wide and sunny rides. Date: 26th July 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29951155.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_187648531258664216d34ba.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the [i]Canidae[/i] family and is a part of the order [i]Carnivora[/i] within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 29th December 2016 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/p5030479-edit https://images.on-this.website/4752_14358558456643302aa8fd8.jpgRed Squirrel The Red Squirrel or Eurasian Red Squirrel is a species of tree squirrel in the genus Sciurus. It is an arboreal and primarily herbivorous rodent. The Red Squirrel has a typical head and body length of 7.5 to 9 inches, a tail length of 6 to 8 inches and a weight of 9 to 12 ounces. Males and females are the same size. The Red Squirrel is smaller and lighter in weight than the Grey Squirrel The coat of the Red Squirrel varies in colour with the time of year and its location and there are several different coat colour morphs ranging from black to red. Red coats are most common in the UK but in other parts of Europe and Asia different coat colours co-exist within populations. The underside of the Red Squirrel is always creamy-white in colour. The Red Squirrel sheds its coat twice a year, switching from a thinner summer coat to a thicker, darker winter coat with noticeably larger ear-tufts (a prominent distinguishing feature of this species) between August and November. A lighter, redder overall coat colour, along with the ear-tufts (in adults) and smaller size, distinguish the Red Squirrel from the Grey Squirrel. The long tail helps the Red Squirrel to balance and steer when jumping from tree to tree and running along branches and it may also keep it warm during sleep. The Red Squirrel, like most tree squirrels, has sharp and curved claws to enable it to climb and descend broad tree trunks, thin branches and even house walls and its strong hind legs enable it to leap gaps between trees. The Red Squirrel can be found in the boreal coniferous woods in north Europe and Siberia where it prefers Scots Pine, Norway Spruce and Siberian Pine. In west and south Europe it can be found in broad-leaved woods where the mixture of tree and shrub species provides a better year round source of food. In most of the UK and in Italy, broad-leaved woodlands are now less suitable for it due to the better competitive feeding strategy of the introduced Grey Squirrel. The Red Squirrel makes a drey (nest) out of twigs in a branch-fork, forming a domed structure about 9 to 12 inches in diameter. This is lined with moss, leaves, grass and bark. Tree hollows and woodpecker holes are also used. The Red Squirrel is generally a solitary animal and is shy and reluctant to share food with others. However, outside the breeding season and particularly in winter, several Red Squirrels may share a drey to keep warm. Social organisation is based on dominance hierarchies within and between sexes. Although males are not necessarily dominant towards females, the dominant animals tend to be larger and older than subordinate animals and dominant males tend to have larger home ranges than subordinate males or females. Mating can occur in late winter during February and March and in summer between June and July. During mating, males detect females that are in oestrus by an odour that they produce and, although there is no courtship, the male will chase the female for up to an hour prior to mating. Usually multiple males will chase a single female until the dominant male, usually the largest in the group, mates with the female. Males and females will mate multiple times with many partners. Females must reach a minimum body mass before they enter oestrus and heavy females on average produce more young. If food is scarce breeding may be delayed. Typically a female will produce her first litter in her second year. Up to 2 litters a year per female are possible. Each litter averages 3 young and these are known as kits. Gestation is about 38 to 39 days and the young are looked after by the mother alone and are born helpless, blind and deaf. Their body is covered by hair at 21 days, their eyes and ears open after 3 to 4 weeks and they develop all their teeth by 42 days. Juveniles can eat solids around 40 days following birth and from that point they can leave the nest on their own to find food. However, they still suckle from their mother until weaning occurs at 8 to 10 weeks. The Red Squirrel eats mostly the seeds of trees, fungi, nuts (especially hazelnuts but also beech and chestnuts), berries and young shoots. More rarely, it may also eat bird eggs or nestlings and may occasionally exhibit opportunistic omnivory similar to other rodents. Excess food is put into caches, either buried or in nooks or holes in trees, and eaten when food is scarce. Although the Red Squirrel remembers where it created caches at a better than chance level, its spatial memory is believed to be substantially less accurate and durable than that of the Grey Squirrel. Therefore it will often have to search for them when in need and many caches are never found again. Between 60% and 80% of the active time of a Red Squirrel may be spent foraging and feeding. The active period is generally in the morning and in the late afternoon and evening. It often rests in its nest in the middle of the day to avoid the heat and the high visibility to birds of prey that are dangers during these hours. During the winter, this midday rest is often much more brief or absent entirely although harsh weather may cause it to stay in its nest for days at a time. No territories are claimed between Red Squirrels and the feeding areas of individuals overlap considerably. A Red Squirrel that survives its first winter has a life expectancy of 3 years. Individuals may reach 7 years of age and 10 years in captivity. Survival is positively related to the availability of autumn and winter tree seeds. On average, 75 to 85% of juveniles die during their first winter and mortality is approximately 50% for winters following the first. Predators include small mammals such as the Pine Marten, the Wildcat and the Stoat which all prey on juveniles. Birds, including owls and raptors such as the Goshawk and Common Buzzard, may also prey on the Red Squirrel as will the Red Fox and domestic cats and dogs when it is on the ground. Humans influence the population size and mortality of the Red Squirrel by destroying or altering habitats, by causing road casualties and by introducing non-native populations of the Grey Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel and the Red Squirrel are not directly antagonistic and violent conflict between these species is not a factor in the decline in Red Squirrel populations. However, the Grey Squirrel appears to contribute to the decrease in the Red Squirrel population for several reasons: it carries a disease, the squirrel parapoxvirus, that does not appear to affect its own health but will often kill the Red Squirrel, it can better digest acorns whilst the Red Squirrel cannot access the proteins and fats in acorns as easily and it can put the Red Squirrel under pressure for food resources resulting in it not breeding as often. In the UK, due to the above circumstances, the population has today fallen to 160,000 Red Squirrels or fewer with the majority of these in Scotland. Outside the UK and Ireland, the impact of competition from the Grey Squirrel has also been observed in Italy where 2 pairs escaped from captivity in 1948. A significant drop in the Red Squirrel population has been observed since 1970 and it is feared that the Grey Squirrel may expand into the rest of Europe. The Red Squirrel is protected in most of Europe although in some areas it is abundant and is hunted for its fur. In the UK there are several active projects to protect the Red Squirrel and its native woodland habitat, introduce or re-introduce it in to areas where it is absent and eradicate and prevent the spread of the Grey Squirrel. Research undertaken in 2007 in the UK credits the Pine Marten with reducing the population of the invasive Grey Squirrel. Where the range of the expanding Pine Marten population meets that of the Grey Squirrel, the population of the latter retreats. It is theorised that, because the Grey Squirrel spends more time on the ground than the Red Squirrel, it is far more likely to come in contact with the Pine Marten. Date: 3rd May 2024 Location: Dingle Local Nature Reserve, Llangefni, Anglesey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512254.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_153899346962c99657ee862.jpgDartford Warbler The Dartford Warbler is a small warbler distinguished by its long tail compared with that of other warblers. Its plumage comprises unobtrusive and muted tones which blend in with its preferred habitats. Like many warblers, the Dartford Warbler has distinct male and female plumages. The male has a grey back and head, reddish underparts and a red eye. The female is paler below, especially on the throat, and a browner grey above. The song of the Dartford Warbler is a distinctive rattling warble. The largest populations of Dartford Warbler are found in Iberia with smaller populations in France, Italy and the south of the UK. In Africa, they are found in small areas in northern Morocco and northern Algeria. The Dartford Warbler breeds on heathlands amongst gorse, heather and other scrub bushes, sometimes near coasts. Dartford Warblers are named after Dartford Heath in north west Kent in the UK where the population became extinct in the early 20th century. They almost died out in the UK in the severe winter of 1962/63 when the national population dropped to just 10 pairs. However, this species can recover well in good quality habitat, thanks to repeated nesting and a high survival rate for the young. In the UK, Dartford Warblers can now be found at various heathland locations in south and east England. Date: 11th May 2022 Location: Morden Bog, Wareham Forest, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo1907505.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_113248154049230ed102ebb.jpgLoch Lomond, Argyll Loch Lomond is the largest inland water body in the UK with an area of 27.4 square miles and a shoreline length of 96 miles. The total length is 24 miles extending from Ardlui in the north to Balloch in the south. In the north the loch is relatively narrow but it widens in the south where many of its 38 islands can be found. Loch Lomond is a major tourist attraction due to its closeness to the major population centres of central Scotland and it is now part of Scotland's first National Park, the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, which covers an area of 720 square miles. Date: 2nd November 2008 Location: view from the A82 road near Luss http://www.richardchewphotography.com/black-headed-bunting https://images.on-this.website/4752_758106701559cf60b2c718.jpgBlack-headed Bunting The Black-headed Bunting is a member of the bunting family but larger and longer tailed than the Reed Bunting. The breeding male has bright yellow underparts, chestnut upperparts and a black hood. The female is a washed-out version of the male with paler underparts, a grey-brown back and a greyish head. The Black-headed Bunting breeds in open scrubby areas including agricultural land from south east Europe to central Asia. The wintering grounds are mainly in India although vagrants have been found wintering as far east as Japan, China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Laos, South Korea and Malaysia. Summer vagrants may occur as far north in Europe as Norway. Date: 7th May 2015 Location: Traianoupolis, East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084514.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1320745285d3087642ca0a.jpgWhite Stork The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 3rd June 2018 Location: Ocland, Harghita County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645539.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_156384605951e3cf3e06adb.jpgBiebrza, Poland The Biebrza marshes are a complex series of habitats located in the Biebrza river valley. The area encompasses river channels, lakes, extensive marshes, fenland, reed beds, peat bogs and fields and meadows with woods and forests on higher ground. The Biebrza National Park, which covers much of the area, is the largest of Poland’s 23 National Parks and was created in 1993. Covering a total area of 228 square miles, it protects the vast and relatively untouched habitats with their unique variety of several communities of plants and species of wetland birds and mammals. Date: 21st May 2013 Location: view from near Grady Wonieko, Biebrza area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42632869.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_169843186060aa6b619f423.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 27th April 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41389667.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10721376255f26948e23ed3.jpgBugøynes, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Bugøynes is a fishing village in Sør-Varanger municipality in Troms og Finnmark in north east Norway. The village is situated along the south side of the Varangerfjord about 310 miles north of the Arctic Circle. The name Bugøynes means "bay island headland", from [i]bug[/i] (bay or inlet), [i]øy[/i] (island) and [i]nes[/i] (headland). Bugøynes has a population of around 300, many of whom are Finnish-speaking residents, leading to the village being referred to "Little Finland". Bugøynes was settled by Norwegians in the 17th century but later deserted. It was repopulated by people from Finland in the 18th century. Bugøynes was one of very few places that was not burnt and destroyed under Operation Nordlicht in 1944 and 1945, the German “scorched earth” retreat from Finnmark. Before the road was built to Bugøynes in 1962, the main link between Bugøynes and the rest of the world was by sea. The most visited town in those days was Vadsø on the north side of Varangerfjord. Although the town of Kirkenes, on the south side of Varangerfjord, was the local administrative centre for Bugøynes, it did not become the centre for shopping, etc. until people could reach it by car. Employment in Bugøynes includes fishing, salmon and other fish processing, the processing of reindeer meat and game as well as boat and machine workshops. Date: 1st July 2019 Location: view from road Fv355 to Bugøynes, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26540672.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_83722273556ace617a1fce.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 31st December 2015 Location: Winterton-Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645431.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_153741594551e3ce18e07a5.jpgSwallow The Barn Swallow is the most widespread species of swallow in the world. In Europe it is just called the Swallow and in Northern Europe it is the only common species called a "swallow" rather than a "martin". The male Swallow has steel blue upperparts and a rufous forehead, chin and throat which are separated from the off-white underparts by a broad dark blue breast band. The outer tail feathers are elongated to give the distinctive deeply forked "swallow tail." There is a line of white spots across the outer end of the upper tail. The female is similar in appearance to the male but the tail streamers are shorter, the blue of the upperparts and breast band is less glossy and the underparts more pale. The juvenile is browner and has a paler rufous face and whiter underparts. It also lacks the long tail streamers of the adult. The Swallow has an enormous range with an estimated global extent of 20 million square miles and a population of 190 million individuals. It breeds in the Northern Hemisphere from sea level to typically 8,900 feet but up 9,800 feet in the Caucasus and North America and it is absent only from deserts and the cold northernmost parts of the continents. Over much of its range it avoids towns and in Europe is replaced in urban areas by the House Martin. There are 6 subspecies of the Swallow which breed across the Northern Hemisphere, of which 4 are strongly migratory with their wintering grounds covering much of the Southern Hemisphere as far south as central Argentina, the Cape Province of South Africa and northern Australia. The Swallow can be found in open country with low vegetation such as pasture, meadows and farmland, preferably with nearby water. It avoids heavily wooded or precipitous areas and densely built-up locations. The presence of accessible open structures such as barns, stables or culverts to provide nesting sites and exposed locations such as wires, roof ridges or bare branches for perching are also important in the bird's selection of its breeding range. This species lives in close association with humans and its insect-eating habits mean that it is tolerated by man. This acceptance was reinforced in the past by superstitions regarding the bird and its nest. There are frequent cultural references to the Swallow in literary and religious works due to both its living in close proximity to humans and its annual migration. The Swallow is the national bird of Austria and Estonia. In winter, the Swallow is cosmopolitan in its choice of habitat, avoiding only dense forests and deserts. It is most common in open, low vegetation habitats such as savanna and ranch land. Individual birds tend to return to the same wintering locality each year and congregate from a large area to roost in reed beds. These roosts can be extremely large with one in Nigeria holding an estimated 1.5 million birds. Date: 20th May 2013 Location: Biebrza area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49797850.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_160082664964eca7674373c.jpgMarbled White Flight period: July to August The Marbled White is a very distinctive black and white butterfly that is widespread in southern England and expanding its range northwards and eastwards. They can be found in unimproved grassland, coastal grassland, roadside verges and railway embankments. Date: 3rd July 2023 Location: Broadcroft Quarry, Isle of Portland, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24901262.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_81021777155a4c8210dd25.jpgRed Squirrel The Red Squirrel or Eurasian Red Squirrel is a species of tree squirrel in the genus [i]Sciurus[/i]. It is an arboreal and primarily herbivorous rodent. The Red Squirrel has a typical head and body length of 7.5 to 9 inches, a tail length of 6 to 8 inches and a weight of 9 to 12 ounces. Males and females are the same size. The Red Squirrel is smaller and lighter in weight than the Grey Squirrel The coat of the Red Squirrel varies in colour with the time of year and its location and there are several different coat colour morphs ranging from black to red. Red coats are most common in the UK but in other parts of Europe and Asia different coat colours co-exist within populations. The underside of the Red Squirrel is always creamy-white in colour. The Red Squirrel sheds its coat twice a year, switching from a thinner summer coat to a thicker, darker winter coat with noticeably larger ear-tufts (a prominent distinguishing feature of this species) between August and November. A lighter, redder overall coat colour, along with the ear-tufts (in adults) and smaller size, distinguish the Red Squirrel from the Grey Squirrel. The long tail helps the Red Squirrel to balance and steer when jumping from tree to tree and running along branches and it may also keep it warm during sleep. The Red Squirrel, like most tree squirrels, has sharp and curved claws to enable it to climb and descend broad tree trunks, thin branches and even house walls and its strong hind legs enable it to leap gaps between trees. The Red Squirrel can be found in the boreal coniferous woods in north Europe and Siberia where it prefers Scots Pine, Norway Spruce and Siberian Pine. In west and south Europe it can be found in broad-leaved woods where the mixture of tree and shrub species provides a better year round source of food. In most of the UK and in Italy, broad-leaved woodlands are now less suitable for it due to the better competitive feeding strategy of the introduced Grey Squirrel. The Red Squirrel makes a drey (nest) out of twigs in a branch-fork, forming a domed structure about 9 to 12 inches in diameter. This is lined with moss, leaves, grass and bark. Tree hollows and woodpecker holes are also used. The Red Squirrel is generally a solitary animal and is shy and reluctant to share food with others. However, outside the breeding season and particularly in winter, several Red Squirrels may share a drey to keep warm. Social organisation is based on dominance hierarchies within and between sexes. Although males are not necessarily dominant towards females, the dominant animals tend to be larger and older than subordinate animals and dominant males tend to have larger home ranges than subordinate males or females. Mating can occur in late winter during February and March and in summer between June and July. During mating, males detect females that are in oestrus by an odour that they produce and, although there is no courtship, the male will chase the female for up to an hour prior to mating. Usually multiple males will chase a single female until the dominant male, usually the largest in the group, mates with the female. Males and females will mate multiple times with many partners. Females must reach a minimum body mass before they enter oestrus and heavy females on average produce more young. If food is scarce breeding may be delayed. Typically a female will produce her first litter in her second year. Up to 2 litters a year per female are possible. Each litter averages 3 young and these are known as kits. Gestation is about 38 to 39 days and the young are looked after by the mother alone and are born helpless, blind and deaf. Their body is covered by hair at 21 days, their eyes and ears open after 3 to 4 weeks and they develop all their teeth by 42 days. Juveniles can eat solids around 40 days following birth and from that point they can leave the nest on their own to find food. However, they still suckle from their mother until weaning occurs at 8 to 10 weeks. The Red Squirrel eats mostly the seeds of trees, fungi, nuts (especially hazelnuts but also beech and chestnuts), berries and young shoots. More rarely, it may also eat bird eggs or nestlings and may occasionally exhibit opportunistic omnivory similar to other rodents. Excess food is put into caches, either buried or in nooks or holes in trees, and eaten when food is scarce. Although the Red Squirrel remembers where it created caches at a better than chance level, its spatial memory is believed to be substantially less accurate and durable than that of the Grey Squirrel. Therefore it will often have to search for them when in need and many caches are never found again. Between 60% and 80% of the active time of a Red Squirrel may be spent foraging and feeding. The active period is generally in the morning and in the late afternoon and evening. It often rests in its nest in the middle of the day to avoid the heat and the high visibility to birds of prey that are dangers during these hours. During the winter, this midday rest is often much more brief or absent entirely although harsh weather may cause it to stay in its nest for days at a time. No territories are claimed between Red Squirrels and the feeding areas of individuals overlap considerably. A Red Squirrel that survives its first winter has a life expectancy of 3 years. Individuals may reach 7 years of age and 10 years in captivity. Survival is positively related to the availability of autumn and winter tree seeds. On average, 75 to 85% of juveniles die during their first winter and mortality is approximately 50% for winters following the first. Predators include small mammals such as the Pine Marten, the Wildcat and the Stoat which all prey on juveniles. Birds, including owls and raptors such as the Goshawk and Common Buzzard, may also prey on the Red Squirrel as will the Red Fox and domestic cats and dogs when it is on the ground. Humans influence the population size and mortality of the Red Squirrel by destroying or altering habitats, by causing road casualties and by introducing non-native populations of the Grey Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel and the Red Squirrel are not directly antagonistic and violent conflict between these species is not a factor in the decline in Red Squirrel populations. However, the Grey Squirrel appears to contribute to the decrease in the Red Squirrel population for several reasons: it carries a disease, the squirrel parapoxvirus, that does not appear to affect its own health but will often kill the Red Squirrel, it can better digest acorns whilst the Red Squirrel cannot access the proteins and fats in acorns as easily and it can put the Red Squirrel under pressure for food resources resulting in it not breeding as often. In the UK, due to the above circumstances, the population has today fallen to 160,000 Red Squirrels or fewer with the majority of these in Scotland. Outside the UK and Ireland, the impact of competition from the Grey Squirrel has also been observed in Italy where 2 pairs escaped from captivity in 1948. A significant drop in the Red Squirrel population has been observed since 1970 and it is feared that the Grey Squirrel may expand into the rest of Europe. The Red Squirrel is protected in most of Europe although in some areas it is abundant and is hunted for its fur. In the UK there are several active projects to protect the Red Squirrel and its native woodland habitat, introduce or re-introduce it in to areas where it is absent and eradicate and prevent the spread of the Grey Squirrel. Research undertaken in 2007 in the UK credits the Pine Marten with reducing the population of the invasive Grey Squirrel. Where the range of the expanding Pine Marten population meets that of the Grey Squirrel, the population of the latter retreats. It is theorised that, because the Grey Squirrel spends more time on the ground than the Red Squirrel, it is far more likely to come in contact with the Pine Marten. Date: 21st June 2015 Location: Loch of the Lowes SWT reserve, Dunkeld, Perthshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9566382.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_37838314daed738270d1.jpgWaxwing The Waxwing is a plump bird which is slightly smaller than a starling. It is reddish-brown with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings, a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest. Waxwings breed in the dense forests of northern Europe but they occur in varying numbers in the UK from October to March. In some years they can occur in large numbers (known as irruptions) when the population in the breeding areas gets too big for the food available. The first UK arrivals each winter are usually seen on the east coast from Scotland to East Anglia but birds then move inland in search of food. They can be found in parks and gardens and even busy public places, typically where there are berry-bearing trees and bushes such as rowan, hawthorn, cotoneaster and rose. Waxwings make an easily recognisable high-pitched trilling sound like a bell. Date: 28th December 2008 Location: Folkestone, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084871.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_396467675d3088cdb54af.jpgPiatra Craiului Mountains, Brașov County, Romania The Piatra Craiului Mountains are a mountain range in the Southern Carpathians in central Romania. It forms a narrow and saw-like ridge which is about 16 miles long. Vârful La Om is the highest peak at 7343 feet. The ridge is regarded as one of the most impressive and beautiful sites in the Carpathian Mountians and the views both towards and from the mountains are superb. The whole range is included in the Piatra Craiului National Park. The first protection of this area started in 1938 when 2 square miles were declared as a nature reserve. This has been progressively extended and in 1990 it became a national park covering an area of 38 square miles. In 2003 the external limits and internal zoning were created. Since 1999 a park administration has existed with a visitor centre located on the minor road 0.6 miles west of Zărnești and since 2005 a management plan has been in place. Piatra Craiului National Park supports and protects an abundance and diversity of mammals (including Brown Bear, Wolf and Lynx), birds and plants. Zărneşti is the most important town for visiting the Piatra Craiului Mountains and the Piatra Craiului National Park. The town is located 17 miles south west of the city of Brașov. From Zărnești, a 7 mile long minor road runs west and ends at Cabana Plaiul Foii which is a good starting point for climbing the ridge. In addition, a forest road starts from the south west of Zărneşti which leads to the Zărneştilor Gorge and continues up to the ridge. The traditional villages of Măgura, Peştera, Ciocanu and Şirnea are starting points for routes up to the eastern slopes. Măgura, situated at 3281 feet, is one of Romania’s most picturesque villages and it provides stunning views towards the Bucegi Mountains and the Piatra Craiului Mountains. Date: 5th June 2018 Location: Piatra Craiului Mountains from the Zărnești to Cabana Plaiul Foii road, Brașov County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308839.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18513444463ee32a8e916c.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 18th January 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41176053.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2197316985e9306d9159a1.jpgWoodpigeon The Woodpigeon is the UK's largest and commonest pigeon and is largely grey with a white neck patch and white wing patches which are clearly visible in flight. Although shy in the countryside, it can be tame and approachable in towns and cities. Its cooing call is a familiar sound in woodlands as is the loud clatter of its wings when it flies away. Woodpigeons can be found across the UK. In the countryside they breed on farmland with hedges, trees and copses and in towns and cities they breed in parks and gardens. In winter, Woodpigeons form large flocks on farmland fields. Date: 5th April 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14093929.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10915647244f2eaf6dcf91a.jpgSnow Bunting Snow Buntings are large buntings with striking “snowy” plumages. Males in summer have all white heads and underparts contrasting with a black mantle and wing tips. Females are a more mottled above. In autumn and winter birds develop a sandy/buff wash to their plumage and males have more mottled upperparts. Snow Buntings breed in far northern Europe and migrate south in winter. They are a very scarce breeding species in the UK and can be found on the highest mountain peaks in Scotland where they nest in rocky crevices. Snow Buntings are best looked for in winter (from late September to early March) where they can sometimes be seen in large flocks on the seashore or on adjacent short rough grassland at coastal sites in Scotland and eastern England. Date: 29th January 2012 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo1133830.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_941900564483967d363a4c.jpgDate: 10th May 2008 Location: St Brides Bay, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9593612.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17982976344db181dea018d.jpgGreat Northern Diver The Great Northern Diver is the largest of the UK's divers with a bigger, heavier head and bill than its commoner relatives. The Great Northern Diver is largely a winter visitor to the UK coast although some non-breeding birds stay off northern coasts in the summer. They start to arrive offshore in August and birds move back to their largely Icelandic breeding grounds in April and May. The largest numbers can be found off the northern and western islands of Scotland. Date: 28th March 2008 Location: Loch Scridain, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50637282.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_86455829165e05e53ad201.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the Canidae family and is a part of the order Carnivora within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 24th February 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/p5030573-edit https://images.on-this.website/4752_8067475576643309641820.jpgRed Squirrel The Red Squirrel or Eurasian Red Squirrel is a species of tree squirrel in the genus Sciurus. It is an arboreal and primarily herbivorous rodent. The Red Squirrel has a typical head and body length of 7.5 to 9 inches, a tail length of 6 to 8 inches and a weight of 9 to 12 ounces. Males and females are the same size. The Red Squirrel is smaller and lighter in weight than the Grey Squirrel The coat of the Red Squirrel varies in colour with the time of year and its location and there are several different coat colour morphs ranging from black to red. Red coats are most common in the UK but in other parts of Europe and Asia different coat colours co-exist within populations. The underside of the Red Squirrel is always creamy-white in colour. The Red Squirrel sheds its coat twice a year, switching from a thinner summer coat to a thicker, darker winter coat with noticeably larger ear-tufts (a prominent distinguishing feature of this species) between August and November. A lighter, redder overall coat colour, along with the ear-tufts (in adults) and smaller size, distinguish the Red Squirrel from the Grey Squirrel. The long tail helps the Red Squirrel to balance and steer when jumping from tree to tree and running along branches and it may also keep it warm during sleep. The Red Squirrel, like most tree squirrels, has sharp and curved claws to enable it to climb and descend broad tree trunks, thin branches and even house walls and its strong hind legs enable it to leap gaps between trees. The Red Squirrel can be found in the boreal coniferous woods in north Europe and Siberia where it prefers Scots Pine, Norway Spruce and Siberian Pine. In west and south Europe it can be found in broad-leaved woods where the mixture of tree and shrub species provides a better year round source of food. In most of the UK and in Italy, broad-leaved woodlands are now less suitable for it due to the better competitive feeding strategy of the introduced Grey Squirrel. The Red Squirrel makes a drey (nest) out of twigs in a branch-fork, forming a domed structure about 9 to 12 inches in diameter. This is lined with moss, leaves, grass and bark. Tree hollows and woodpecker holes are also used. The Red Squirrel is generally a solitary animal and is shy and reluctant to share food with others. However, outside the breeding season and particularly in winter, several Red Squirrels may share a drey to keep warm. Social organisation is based on dominance hierarchies within and between sexes. Although males are not necessarily dominant towards females, the dominant animals tend to be larger and older than subordinate animals and dominant males tend to have larger home ranges than subordinate males or females. Mating can occur in late winter during February and March and in summer between June and July. During mating, males detect females that are in oestrus by an odour that they produce and, although there is no courtship, the male will chase the female for up to an hour prior to mating. Usually multiple males will chase a single female until the dominant male, usually the largest in the group, mates with the female. Males and females will mate multiple times with many partners. Females must reach a minimum body mass before they enter oestrus and heavy females on average produce more young. If food is scarce breeding may be delayed. Typically a female will produce her first litter in her second year. Up to 2 litters a year per female are possible. Each litter averages 3 young and these are known as kits. Gestation is about 38 to 39 days and the young are looked after by the mother alone and are born helpless, blind and deaf. Their body is covered by hair at 21 days, their eyes and ears open after 3 to 4 weeks and they develop all their teeth by 42 days. Juveniles can eat solids around 40 days following birth and from that point they can leave the nest on their own to find food. However, they still suckle from their mother until weaning occurs at 8 to 10 weeks. The Red Squirrel eats mostly the seeds of trees, fungi, nuts (especially hazelnuts but also beech and chestnuts), berries and young shoots. More rarely, it may also eat bird eggs or nestlings and may occasionally exhibit opportunistic omnivory similar to other rodents. Excess food is put into caches, either buried or in nooks or holes in trees, and eaten when food is scarce. Although the Red Squirrel remembers where it created caches at a better than chance level, its spatial memory is believed to be substantially less accurate and durable than that of the Grey Squirrel. Therefore it will often have to search for them when in need and many caches are never found again. Between 60% and 80% of the active time of a Red Squirrel may be spent foraging and feeding. The active period is generally in the morning and in the late afternoon and evening. It often rests in its nest in the middle of the day to avoid the heat and the high visibility to birds of prey that are dangers during these hours. During the winter, this midday rest is often much more brief or absent entirely although harsh weather may cause it to stay in its nest for days at a time. No territories are claimed between Red Squirrels and the feeding areas of individuals overlap considerably. A Red Squirrel that survives its first winter has a life expectancy of 3 years. Individuals may reach 7 years of age and 10 years in captivity. Survival is positively related to the availability of autumn and winter tree seeds. On average, 75 to 85% of juveniles die during their first winter and mortality is approximately 50% for winters following the first. Predators include small mammals such as the Pine Marten, the Wildcat and the Stoat which all prey on juveniles. Birds, including owls and raptors such as the Goshawk and Common Buzzard, may also prey on the Red Squirrel as will the Red Fox and domestic cats and dogs when it is on the ground. Humans influence the population size and mortality of the Red Squirrel by destroying or altering habitats, by causing road casualties and by introducing non-native populations of the Grey Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel and the Red Squirrel are not directly antagonistic and violent conflict between these species is not a factor in the decline in Red Squirrel populations. However, the Grey Squirrel appears to contribute to the decrease in the Red Squirrel population for several reasons: it carries a disease, the squirrel parapoxvirus, that does not appear to affect its own health but will often kill the Red Squirrel, it can better digest acorns whilst the Red Squirrel cannot access the proteins and fats in acorns as easily and it can put the Red Squirrel under pressure for food resources resulting in it not breeding as often. In the UK, due to the above circumstances, the population has today fallen to 160,000 Red Squirrels or fewer with the majority of these in Scotland. Outside the UK and Ireland, the impact of competition from the Grey Squirrel has also been observed in Italy where 2 pairs escaped from captivity in 1948. A significant drop in the Red Squirrel population has been observed since 1970 and it is feared that the Grey Squirrel may expand into the rest of Europe. The Red Squirrel is protected in most of Europe although in some areas it is abundant and is hunted for its fur. In the UK there are several active projects to protect the Red Squirrel and its native woodland habitat, introduce or re-introduce it in to areas where it is absent and eradicate and prevent the spread of the Grey Squirrel. Research undertaken in 2007 in the UK credits the Pine Marten with reducing the population of the invasive Grey Squirrel. Where the range of the expanding Pine Marten population meets that of the Grey Squirrel, the population of the latter retreats. It is theorised that, because the Grey Squirrel spends more time on the ground than the Red Squirrel, it is far more likely to come in contact with the Pine Marten. Date: 3rd May 2024 Location: Dingle Local Nature Reserve, Llangefni, Anglesey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49003250.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_131688174364690173833fb.jpgNightingale The Nightingale is a small passerine bird best known for its powerful and beautiful song. Slightly larger than the Robin, it is plain brown above except for the reddish tail and buff to white below. The sexes are similar. The Nightingale is a migratory insectivorous bird breeding in forest and scrub in Europe and south west Asia and wintering in west Africa. The distribution is more southerly than the very closely related Thrush Nightingale. In the UK the bird is at the northern limit of its range which has contracted in recent years placing it on the Amber List for conservation. Despite local efforts to safeguard its favoured coppice and scrub habitat, numbers fell by 53% between 1995 and 2008. A survey conducted by the British Trust for Ornithology in 2012 and 2013 recorded some 3,300 territories with most of these clustered in a few counties in the south east of England, notably Kent, Essex, Suffolk and East and West Sussex. By contrast, the European breeding population is estimated at between 3.2 and 7 million pairs, giving it green conservation status (least concern). The song of the Nightingale has been described as one of the most beautiful sounds in nature, inspiring songs, fairy tales, opera, books and a great deal of poetry. The Nightingales is so named because it frequently sings at night as well as during the day. The name has been used for more than 1,000 years, being highly recognisable even in its Old English form nihtgale which means "night songstress". Early writers assumed the female sang when it is in fact the male. The song is loud with an impressive range of whistles, trills and gurgles. Its song is particularly noticeable at night because few other birds are singing. This is why its name includes "night" in several languages. Only unpaired males sing regularly at night and nocturnal song is likely to serve to attract a mate. Singing at dawn, during the hour before sunrise, is assumed to be important in defending the bird's territory. Nightingales sing even more loudly in urban or near-urban environments in order to overcome the background noise. Date: 5th May 2022 Location: Danbury Common, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405502.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18277992616586eea2cf456.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 7th November 2023 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51332360.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14374666976676daed4f624.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 10th May 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623004.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_660156616117ce32e8229.jpgChough Whilst its black plumage identifies it as a crow, the Chough has a red bill and legs unlike any other member of the crow family. It readily displays its mastery of flight with wonderful aerial displays of diving and swooping and can be found in flocks in autumn and winter. The Chough has a restricted westerly distribution in the UK and because of its small population size and historically declining populations it is an Amber List species. The best places to see Chough are north and west Wales, Islay in west Scotland and the Isle of Man, although they have also recently recolonised Cornwall. Date: 23rd June 2021 Location: Rhossili, Gower peninsula, Swansea http://www.richardchewphotography.com/p5030604-edit https://images.on-this.website/4752_1229154114664330b304ffb.jpgBlackbird The Common Blackbird is a species of true thrush. It is also called Eurasian Blackbird (especially in North America in order to distinguish it from the unrelated New World blackbirds) or simply Blackbird where this does not lead to confusion with a similar-looking local species. The Blackbird’s name derives form 2 Latin words: turdus meaning “thrush” and merula meaning “blackbird”. It may not immediately be clear why the name "blackbird", first recorded in 1486, was applied to this species but not to one of the various other common black English birds, such as the Carrion Crow, Raven, Rook or Jackdaw. However, in Old English and in modern English up to about the 18th century, "bird" was used only for smaller or young birds and larger ones such as crows were called "fowl". At that time, the Blackbird was therefore the only widespread and conspicuous black bird in the UK. The Blackbird is around 9.25 to 11.5 inches in length including a long tail. The adult male has glossy black plumage, blackish-brown legs, a yellow eye-ring and an orange-yellow bill. The bill darkens somewhat in winter. The adult female is sooty-brown with a dull yellowish-brownish bill, a brownish-white throat and some weak mottling on the breast. The juvenile is similar to the female but has pale spots on the upperparts and the very young juvenile also has a speckled breast. Young birds vary in the shade of brown, with darker birds presumably males. The first year male resembles the adult male but has a dark bill and weaker eye ring and its folded wing is brown rather than black like the body plumage. The Blackbird breeds in temperate Eurasia, north Africa, the Canary Islands and south Asia. Populations are sedentary in the south and west of the range although northern birds migrate south as far as north Africa and tropical Asia in winter. Common over most of its range in woodland, the Blackbird has a preference for deciduous trees with dense undergrowth. However, gardens provide the most successful breeding habitat. It occurs up to around 3300 feet in Europe and is often replaced by the related Ring Ousel in areas of higher altitude. The Blackbird has an extensive range and a large population which is generally stable or increasing. However, there have been local declines, especially on farmland, which may be due to agricultural policies that encouraged farmers to remove hedgerows (which provide nesting places) and to drain damp grassland and increase the use of pesticides, both of which could have reduced the availability of invertebrate food. The Blackbird may commence breeding in March when the breeding pair prospect for a suitable nest site in a creeper or bush, favouring evergreen or thorny species such as ivy, holly, hawthorn, honeysuckle or pyracantha. Sometimes they will nest in sheds or outbuildings where a ledge or cavity is used. The cup-shaped nest is made with grasses, leaves and other vegetation and bound together with mud. It is built by the female alone. The nest is often ill-concealed compared with those of other species and many breeding attempts fail due to predation. The female lays 3 to 5 (average 4) bluish-green eggs marked with reddish-brown blotches which are incubated for 12 to 14 days before the chicks are hatched naked and blind. Fledging takes another 10 to 19 (average 13.6) days, with both parents feeding the young. The young are fed by the parents for up to 3 weeks after leaving the nest and they will follow the adults begging for food. If the female starts another nest, the male alone will feed the fledged young. Second broods are common with the female reusing the same nest if the brood was successful. The first-year male Blackbird may start singing as early as late January in fine weather in order to establish a territory, followed in late March by the adult male. The male's song is a varied and melodious low-pitched fluted warble which is given from trees, rooftops or other elevated perches mainly in the period from March to June and sometimes into the beginning of July. During the winter, the Blackbird can be heard quietly singing to itself, so much so that September and October are the only months which the song cannot be heard. The Blackbird is omnivorous, eating a wide range of insects, earthworms, seeds and berries. It feeds mainly on the ground, running and hopping with a start-stop-start progress. It pulls earthworms from the soil, usually finding them by sight but sometimes by hearing, and roots through leaf litter for other invertebrates. Small amphibians and lizards are occasionally hunted. The Blackbird will also perch in bushes to take berries and collect caterpillars and other active insects. Animal prey predominates and this is particularly important during the breeding season with windfall apples and berries taken more in the autumn and winter. Near human habitation the main predator of the Blackbird is the domestic cat, with newly fledged young especially vulnerable. Foxes and predatory birds, such as the Sparrowhawk, also predate the Blackbird when the opportunity arises. Eggs and chicks are also taken by corvids, such as the Magpie or Jay. Date: 3rd May 2024 Location: Dingle Local Nature Reserve, Llangefni, Anglesey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071680.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13879414706643356483d94.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 4th May 2023 Location: Bwlch Nant yr Arian, Llywernog, Ceredigion http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405450.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12890292766586e0bc75538.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 9th October 2023 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512547.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_164185819362c99a5dc3797.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 9th May 2022 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46511792.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_111927295362c993a9512d3.jpgSwallow The Barn Swallow is the most widespread species of swallow in the world. In Europe it is just called the Swallow and in Northern Europe it is the only common species called a "swallow" rather than a "martin". The male Swallow has steel blue upperparts and a rufous forehead, chin and throat which are separated from the off-white underparts by a broad dark blue breast band. The outer tail feathers are elongated to give the distinctive deeply forked "swallow tail." There is a line of white spots across the outer end of the upper tail. The female is similar in appearance to the male but the tail streamers are shorter, the blue of the upperparts and breast band is less glossy and the underparts more pale. The juvenile is browner and has a paler rufous face and whiter underparts. It also lacks the long tail streamers of the adult. The Swallow has an enormous range with an estimated global extent of 20 million square miles and a population of 190 million individuals. It breeds in the Northern Hemisphere from sea level to typically 8,900 feet but up 9,800 feet in the Caucasus and North America and it is absent only from deserts and the cold northernmost parts of the continents. Over much of its range it avoids towns and in Europe is replaced in urban areas by the House Martin. There are 6 subspecies of the Swallow which breed across the Northern Hemisphere, of which 4 are strongly migratory with their wintering grounds covering much of the Southern Hemisphere as far south as central Argentina, the Cape Province of South Africa and northern Australia. The Swallow can be found in open country with low vegetation such as pasture, meadows and farmland, preferably with nearby water. It avoids heavily wooded or precipitous areas and densely built-up locations. The presence of accessible open structures such as barns, stables or culverts to provide nesting sites and exposed locations such as wires, roof ridges or bare branches for perching are also important in the bird's selection of its breeding range. This species lives in close association with humans and its insect-eating habits mean that it is tolerated by man. This acceptance was reinforced in the past by superstitions regarding the bird and its nest. There are frequent cultural references to the Swallow in literary and religious works due to both its living in close proximity to humans and its annual migration. The Swallow is the national bird of Austria and Estonia. In winter, the Swallow is cosmopolitan in its choice of habitat, avoiding only dense forests and deserts. It is most common in open, low vegetation habitats such as savanna and ranch land. Individual birds tend to return to the same wintering locality each year and congregate from a large area to roost in reed beds. These roosts can be extremely large with one in Nigeria holding an estimated 1.5 million birds. Date: 9th May 2022 Location: RWT Gilfach, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41254077.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13367042795f059e7764717.jpgView from the m/s J.L. Runeberg between Porvoo and Helsinki, Finland Date: 26th June 2019 Location: view from the m/s J.L. Runeberg between Porvoo and Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23806394.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1363844577551298d759d7d.jpgMoorhen The Moorhen is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird that is usually found near water. From a distance it looks black with a ragged white line along its body. However, closer up it is olive-brown on the back and the head and blue-grey underneath. It has a red bill with a yellow tip. The Moorhen can be found all year round almost anywhere where there is water. They breed in lowland areas particularly in central and eastern England but are scarce in northern Scotland and the uplands of Wales and northern England. UK breeding birds are residents and seldom travel far. Date: 7th March 2015 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15454030.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19310352214ff548982e661.jpgGreater Flamingos The Greater Flamingo is a largely pinkish-white bird but the wing coverts are red and the primary and secondary flight feathers are black. The bill is pink with a black tip and the legs are entirely pink. The Greater Flamingo is the most widespread species of the flamingo family and can be found in parts of Africa, southern Asia and southern Europe (including Spain, Sardinia, Albania, Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Portugal and the Camargue region of France). Some populations are short distance migrants, and records north of the breeding range are relatively frequent. However, given the species' popularity in captivity, whether these are truly wild individuals is a matter of some debate. Date: 1st May 2012 Location: La Madre de las Marismas, El Rocío, Coto Doñana, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14184861.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9894580874f421f89c4e74.jpgSilver-spotted Skipper Flight period: August to September The Silver-spotted Skipper is a rare and localised skipper species at the northern edge of its European range. They can be found on south-facing slopes on open chalk or limestone grassland but their range is highly restricted to a very small number of sites in southern England. Date: 11th August 2007 Location: Denbies Hillside, near Dorking, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457063.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_114894156466856fea6e803.jpgTree Sparrow The Tree Sparrow is a member of the sparrow family Passer, a group of small passerine birds that is believed to have originated in Africa and which contains 15 to 25 species. The Tree Sparrow's name is derived from 2 Latin words: passer meaning "sparrow" and montanus meaning "of the mountains". The common name is given to suggest the preference for tree holes for nesting. However, this name and the scientific name montanus do not appropriately describe the Tree Sparrow’s habitat preferences: the German name Feldsperling meaning "field sparrow" comes closer to doing so. The Tree Sparrow is around 5 to 5.5 inches in length with a wingspan of about 8.3 inches, making it roughly 10% smaller than the House Sparrow. The adult's crown and nape are a rich chestnut and there is a kidney-shaped black ear patch on each pure white cheek. The chin, throat and the area between the bill and throat are black. The upperparts are light brown streaked with black and the brown wings have 2 distinct narrow white bars. The legs are pale brown and the bill is lead-blue in summer becoming almost black in winter. The Tree Sparrow is distinctive even within its own family in that there are no plumage differences between the sexes. The juvenile resembles the adult although the colours tend to be duller. The contrasting face pattern makes the Tree Sparrow easily identifiable in all plumages and the smaller size and chestnut (not grey) crown are additional differences from the male House Sparrow. The Tree Sparrow's breeding range comprises most of temperate Europe and Asia south of about latitude 68°N (north of this the summers are too cold) and through south east Asia to Java and Bali. It is sedentary over most of its extensive range but northernmost breeding populations migrate south for the winter and small numbers leave south Europe for north Africa and the Middle East. The Tree Sparrow has been introduced outside its native range but it has not always become successfully established, possibly due to competition with the House Sparrow. Ship-carried birds have colonised some areas and birds have also occurred as vagrants. Despite its scientific name, the Tree Sparrow is not typically a mountain species and reaches only 2300 feet in Switzerland although it has bred at 5600 feet in the northern Caucasus and as high as 14010 feet in Nepal. In Europe, the Tree Sparrow is frequently found in open countryside with small isolated patches of woodland but also on coasts with cliffs, in woodland along slow water courses and in empty buildings. It shows a strong preference for nest sites near wetland habitats and avoids breeding on intensively managed farmland. In Europe, where the Tree Sparrow and the House Sparrow occur in the same region, the House Sparrow generally nests in urban areas while the Tree Sparrow nests in rural areas. Where trees are in short supply, both species may utilise man-made structures as nest sites. Whilst the Tree Sparrow is mainly a rural bird in Europe, it tends to be an urban bird in Asia and Australia. In the UK, the Tree Sparrow is scarcer in upland areas and the far north and west of the and the main populations are now found across the Midlands and south and east England. The Tree Sparrow may breed in isolated pairs or in loose colonies. The male calls from near the nest site in spring to proclaim ownership and attract a mate and he may also carry nest material in to the nest hole. The Tree Sparrow typically builds its nest in a cavity in an old tree or rock face. Some nests are not in holes as such but are built among roots of overhanging bushes. Roof cavities in houses and nest boxes are also readily used. In addition, the Tree Sparrow will breed in the disused nest of a Magpie or other crow species or an active or unused nest of a large bird such as the White Stork or a heron or raptor species. It will sometimes attempt to take over the nest of other birds that breed in holes or enclosed spaces such as tit species, flycatcher species, Swallow, House Martin, Sand Martin or European Bee-eater. The untidy nest is composed of hay, grass, wool or other material and lined with feathers which improve thermal insulation. The female lays 5 or 6 eggs which are incubated by both parents for 12 to 13 days and the chicks fledge after a further 15 to 18 days. There are 2 or 3 broods each year. Hybridisation between the Tree Sparrow and the House Sparrow has been recorded in many parts of the world with male hybrids tending to resemble the Tree Sparrow while female hybrids are more similar to the House Sparrow. The Tree Sparrow is a predominantly seed and grain eating bird which feeds on the ground in flocks and often with House Sparrows, finches and buntings. It may also visit feeding stations. It additionally feeds on invertebrates including insects, woodlice, millipedes, centipedes, spiders, etc. especially during the breeding season when the young are fed mainly on animal food. Adults use a variety of wetlands when foraging for invertebrate prey to feed chicks and aquatic sites play a key role in providing adequate diversity and availability of suitable invertebrate prey to allow successful chick rearing. Large areas of formerly occupied farmland no longer provide these invertebrate resources due to the effects of intensive farming. The Tree Sparrow has a large range and a large population. Although the population is declining, the species is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List. For this reason, the Tree Sparrow is designated as being of “Least Concern”. Although the Tree Sparrow has been expanding its range in Fennoscandia and east Europe, its population has been declining in much of west Europe, a trend reflected in other farmland birds such as the Skylark and Corn Bunting. The collapse in population seems to have been particularly severe in the UK where there was a 93% decline between 1970 and 2008. However, recent Breeding Bird Survey data is encouraging and suggests that numbers may have started to increase albeit from a very low point. The decrease in population is probably the result of agricultural intensification and specialisation, particularly the increased use of herbicides and a trend towards autumn-sown crops at the expense of spring-sown crops that produce stubble fields in winter. The change from mixed to specialised farming and the increased use of insecticides has reduced the amount of insect food available for chicks. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071699.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4325919446643361c768a4.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 4th May 2023 Location: Bwlch Nant yr Arian, Llywernog, Ceredigion http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50931115.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10161588716627dcfc41290.jpgChiffchaff The (Common) Chiffchaff is a common and widespread leaf warbler which is named onomatopoeically for its simple and repetitive chiff-chaff song. The British naturalist Gilbert White was one of the first people to separate the similar looking Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler and Wood Warbler by their songs, as detailed in 1789 in “The Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne. The Chiffchaff is a small, dumpy, 4 inch long leaf warbler. The spring adult has brown-washed dull green upperparts, off-white underparts becoming yellowish on the flanks and a short whitish supercilium. It has dark legs, a fine dark bill and short primary projection (extension of the flight feathers beyond the folded wing). As the plumage wears, it gets duller and browner and the yellow on the flanks tends to be lost and after the breeding season there is a prolonged complete moult before migration. After moulting, both the adult and the juvenile have brighter and greener upperparts and a paler supercilium. When not singing, the Chiffchaff can be difficult to distinguish from other leaf warblers with greenish upperparts and whitish underparts, particularly the Willow Warbler. However, that species has a longer primary projection, a sleeker, brighter appearance and generally pale legs. The Chiffchaff breeds across Europe and Asia east to eastern Siberia and north to about 70°N, with isolated populations in north west Africa, north and west Turkey and north west Iran. It is a migratory species but one of the first passerine birds to return to its breeding areas in the spring and amongst the last to leave in late autumn. When breeding, the Chiffchaff is a bird of open woodlands with some taller trees and ground cover for nesting purposes. In winter, the Chiffchaff uses a wider range of habitats and is not so dependent on trees and is often found near water. There is an increasing tendency to winter in western Europe well north of the traditional areas, especially in coastal south England and the mild urban microclimate of London. The male Chiffchaff returns to its breeding territory 2 or 3 weeks before the female and immediately starts singing to establish ownership and attract a female. When a female is located, the male will use a slow butterfly-like flight as part of the courtship ritual but, once a pair-bond has been established, other females will be driven from the territory. The male has little involvement in the nesting process other than defending the territory. The female's nest is built on or near the ground in a concealed site in brambles, nettles or other dense low vegetation. The domed nest has a side entrance and is constructed from coarse plant material such as dead leaves and grass with finer material used on the interior before the addition of a lining of feathers. The clutch is 2 to 7 (normally 5 or 6) cream-coloured eggs which are incubated by the female for 13 to 14 days before hatching as naked, blind chicks. The female broods and feeds the chicks for another 14 to 15 days until they fledge. The male rarely participates in feeding although this sometimes occurs, especially when bad weather limits insect supplies or if the female disappears. After fledging, the young stay in the vicinity of the nest for 3 to 4 weeks where they are fed by and roost with the female. In the north of the range there is only time to raise one brood due to the short summer but a second brood is common in central and southern areas. Like most leaf warblers, the Chiffchaff is insectivorous and moves restlessly though foliage or briefly hovering. It has been recorded as taking insects, mainly flies, from more than 50 families, along with other small and medium-sized invertebrates. It will also take the eggs and larvae of butterflies and moths. The Chiffchaff has been estimated to require about one third of its weight in insects daily and it feeds almost continuously in the autumn to put on extra fat as fuel for its long migration flight. As with most small birds, mortality in the first year of life is high but adults aged 3 to 4 years are regularly recorded and the record is more than 7 years. Eggs, chicks and fledglings are taken by Stoats, Weasels and crows such as the Magpie and adults are hunted by birds of prey, particularly the Sparrowhawk. The Chiffchaff is also susceptible to poor weather, particularly when migrating, but also on the breeding and wintering grounds. The main effect of humans on the Chiffchaff is indirect through woodland clearance which affects the habitat, predation by cats and collisions with windows, buildings and cars. Date: 17th April 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871605.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2957496864eff1f3369a8c.jpgCommon Gull The Common Gull (European and Asian subspecies) or Mew Gull (North American subspecies) is a medium-sized gull. The body is grey above and white below. The legs are greenish-yellow. In winter, the head is streaked grey and the bill often has a poorly defined blackish band near the tip (sometimes sufficiently obvious to cause confusion with Ring-billed Gull). They have black wingtips with large white "mirrors". Young birds have scaly black-brown upperparts and a neat wing pattern, and grey legs. They take two to three years to reach maturity. The call is a high-pitched "laughing" cry. The Common Gull can be found in northern Asia, northern Europe and north west USA but it migrates further south in winter. The global population is estimated to be about one million pairs and it is most numerous in Europe with over 50% (possibly as much as 80-90%) of the world population. The Common Gull breeds colonially near water or in marshes, making a lined nest on the ground or in a small tree. Colony size varies from 2 to 320 or even more pairs. Date: 26th May 2009 Location: Salltjern, Varangerford, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26040278.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_155958516556388c79cfcd0.jpgPuffins The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name <i>Fratercula</i> comes from the Medieval Latin <i>fratercula</i> meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name <i>arctica</i> refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek <i>άρκτος</i> ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name <i>puffin</i> (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Látrabjarg, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071517.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5766685936643254862033.jpgGoldfinch The European Goldfinch or simply the Goldfinch is a small passerine bird in the finch family. The Goldfinch is 4.7 to 5.1 inches in length with a wingspan of 8.3 to 9.8 inches. The sexes are broadly similar, with a red face, black and white head, warm brown upper parts, white underparts with buff flanks and breast patches and black and yellow wings. On closer inspection, males can often be distinguished by a larger, darker red mask that extends just behind the eye. The shoulder feathers are black, whereas they are brown on the female. In females, the red face does not extend past the eye. The ivory-coloured bill is long and pointed and the tail is forked. Juveniles have a plain head and a greyer back but are unmistakable due to the yellow wing stripe. The Goldfinch is native to Europe, north Africa and west and central Asia. It is found in open, partially wooded lowlands and it is a resident in the milder west of its range but migrates from colder regions. It will also make local movements, even in the west, to escape bad weather. It has been introduced to many areas of the world. In the UK, the Goldfinch can be seen anywhere there are scattered bushes and trees, rough ground with thistles and other seeding plants, including orchards, parks, gardens, heathland and commons. It is less common in upland areas and most numerous in the south of England. The nest is built entirely by the female Goldfinch and is generally completed within a week. It is neat and compact and constructed of mosses and lichens and lined with plant down such as that from thistles. It is generally located several feet above the ground, hidden by leaves in the twigs at the end of a branch. The female typically lays 4 to 6 eggs which are incubated for 11 to 13 days. The chicks are fed by both parents. Initially they receive a mixture of seeds and insects but as they grow the proportion of insect material decreases. For the first 7 to 9 days the young are brooded by the female. The nestlings fledge 13 to 18 days after hatching. The young birds are fed by both parents for a further 7 to 9 days. The parents typically raise 2 broods each year and occasionally 3. The Goldfinch's preferred food is small seeds such as those from thistles and teasels but insects are also taken when feeding young. It also regularly visits bird feeders in winter. The Goldfinch is commonly kept and bred in captivity around the world because of its distinctive appearance and pleasant song. In the UK during the 19th century, many thousands of Goldfinches were trapped each year to be sold as cage birds. One of the earliest campaigns of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was directed against this trade. Date: 2nd May 2024 Location: RSPB Minsmere, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30024908.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2788930587a09980a8aa.jpgTufted Duck The Tufted Duck is a small diving duck. The adult male is all black except for white flanks and a blue-grey bill. It has an obvious head tuft that gives the species its name. The adult female is brown with paler flanks and is more easily confused with other diving ducks. In particular, some have white around the bill base which resembles the Scaup although the white is never as extensive as in that species. The Tufted Duck breeds widely throughout temperate and northern Eurasia. It occasionally can be found as a winter visitor along both coasts of the United States and Canada. It is migratory in most of its range and winters in the milder south and west of Europe and southern Asia where large flocks form on open water. The Tufted Duck breeds close to marshes and lakes with plenty of vegetation to conceal the nest. It is also found on coastal lagoons and sheltered ponds. The Tufted Duck feeds mainly by diving for molluscs, aquatic insects and aquatic plants. Date: 5th January 2017 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23225857.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1123358786548d535107655.jpgCattle Egret The Cattle Egret is a stocky white bird adorned with buff plumes in the breeding season. The easiest way to separate them from Little Egrets is by their short, yellow rather than long, black bills but Cattle Egrets are also smaller, stockier and more squat in shape with shorter, thicker necks and less elegant heads. The Cattle Egret is a cosmopolitan species of heron found in the tropics, subtropics and warm temperate zones. Originally native to parts of Asia, Africa and Europe, it has undergone a rapid expansion in its distribution and successfully colonised much of the rest of the world. Cattle Egrets breed and roost in trees usually close to fresh water and feed in shallow wetlands, especially rice-paddies, but also dry grasslands. They can often be seen feeding around cattle waiting to pick off disturbed insects, including riding on the backs of animals. Cattle Egrets are visiting the UK in increasing numbers and are most likely to be seen in the south of England and Wales. In winter 2007/08, a large influx of Cattle Egrets occurred in the UK, with the largest numbers in south-west England although birds did get as far north as Scotland. This influx led to the first ever pair breeding successfully in Somerset. Date: 8th December 2014 Location: Denge Marsh, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7439566.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3134375904cd571a74e1dd.jpgSierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain This Natural Park (Parque Natural) includes a large sector of the central Sierra Morena, the east-west line of mountains which divides Andalucia from the rest of Spain. This Natural Park (Parque Natural) includes a large sector of the central Sierra Morena, the east-west line of mountains which divides Andalucia from the rest of Spain. The Sierra de Andújar stretches for 45 miles with a highest point of 4230 feet and it is densely wooded boasting one of Andalucia's best preserved expanses of Mediterranean woodland and scrubland. The Sierra de Andújar is one of two of Spain's last refuges for the elusive and highly endangered Iberian Lynx. Date: 8th September 2010 Location: view from road to Embalse del Jándula http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50931120.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18917293036627e0e5bbb36.jpgMallard duckling The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 22nd April 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/p5030474-edit https://images.on-this.website/4752_11527495096643301fc96ca.jpgRed Squirrel The Red Squirrel or Eurasian Red Squirrel is a species of tree squirrel in the genus Sciurus. It is an arboreal and primarily herbivorous rodent. The Red Squirrel has a typical head and body length of 7.5 to 9 inches, a tail length of 6 to 8 inches and a weight of 9 to 12 ounces. Males and females are the same size. The Red Squirrel is smaller and lighter in weight than the Grey Squirrel The coat of the Red Squirrel varies in colour with the time of year and its location and there are several different coat colour morphs ranging from black to red. Red coats are most common in the UK but in other parts of Europe and Asia different coat colours co-exist within populations. The underside of the Red Squirrel is always creamy-white in colour. The Red Squirrel sheds its coat twice a year, switching from a thinner summer coat to a thicker, darker winter coat with noticeably larger ear-tufts (a prominent distinguishing feature of this species) between August and November. A lighter, redder overall coat colour, along with the ear-tufts (in adults) and smaller size, distinguish the Red Squirrel from the Grey Squirrel. The long tail helps the Red Squirrel to balance and steer when jumping from tree to tree and running along branches and it may also keep it warm during sleep. The Red Squirrel, like most tree squirrels, has sharp and curved claws to enable it to climb and descend broad tree trunks, thin branches and even house walls and its strong hind legs enable it to leap gaps between trees. The Red Squirrel can be found in the boreal coniferous woods in north Europe and Siberia where it prefers Scots Pine, Norway Spruce and Siberian Pine. In west and south Europe it can be found in broad-leaved woods where the mixture of tree and shrub species provides a better year round source of food. In most of the UK and in Italy, broad-leaved woodlands are now less suitable for it due to the better competitive feeding strategy of the introduced Grey Squirrel. The Red Squirrel makes a drey (nest) out of twigs in a branch-fork, forming a domed structure about 9 to 12 inches in diameter. This is lined with moss, leaves, grass and bark. Tree hollows and woodpecker holes are also used. The Red Squirrel is generally a solitary animal and is shy and reluctant to share food with others. However, outside the breeding season and particularly in winter, several Red Squirrels may share a drey to keep warm. Social organisation is based on dominance hierarchies within and between sexes. Although males are not necessarily dominant towards females, the dominant animals tend to be larger and older than subordinate animals and dominant males tend to have larger home ranges than subordinate males or females. Mating can occur in late winter during February and March and in summer between June and July. During mating, males detect females that are in oestrus by an odour that they produce and, although there is no courtship, the male will chase the female for up to an hour prior to mating. Usually multiple males will chase a single female until the dominant male, usually the largest in the group, mates with the female. Males and females will mate multiple times with many partners. Females must reach a minimum body mass before they enter oestrus and heavy females on average produce more young. If food is scarce breeding may be delayed. Typically a female will produce her first litter in her second year. Up to 2 litters a year per female are possible. Each litter averages 3 young and these are known as kits. Gestation is about 38 to 39 days and the young are looked after by the mother alone and are born helpless, blind and deaf. Their body is covered by hair at 21 days, their eyes and ears open after 3 to 4 weeks and they develop all their teeth by 42 days. Juveniles can eat solids around 40 days following birth and from that point they can leave the nest on their own to find food. However, they still suckle from their mother until weaning occurs at 8 to 10 weeks. The Red Squirrel eats mostly the seeds of trees, fungi, nuts (especially hazelnuts but also beech and chestnuts), berries and young shoots. More rarely, it may also eat bird eggs or nestlings and may occasionally exhibit opportunistic omnivory similar to other rodents. Excess food is put into caches, either buried or in nooks or holes in trees, and eaten when food is scarce. Although the Red Squirrel remembers where it created caches at a better than chance level, its spatial memory is believed to be substantially less accurate and durable than that of the Grey Squirrel. Therefore it will often have to search for them when in need and many caches are never found again. Between 60% and 80% of the active time of a Red Squirrel may be spent foraging and feeding. The active period is generally in the morning and in the late afternoon and evening. It often rests in its nest in the middle of the day to avoid the heat and the high visibility to birds of prey that are dangers during these hours. During the winter, this midday rest is often much more brief or absent entirely although harsh weather may cause it to stay in its nest for days at a time. No territories are claimed between Red Squirrels and the feeding areas of individuals overlap considerably. A Red Squirrel that survives its first winter has a life expectancy of 3 years. Individuals may reach 7 years of age and 10 years in captivity. Survival is positively related to the availability of autumn and winter tree seeds. On average, 75 to 85% of juveniles die during their first winter and mortality is approximately 50% for winters following the first. Predators include small mammals such as the Pine Marten, the Wildcat and the Stoat which all prey on juveniles. Birds, including owls and raptors such as the Goshawk and Common Buzzard, may also prey on the Red Squirrel as will the Red Fox and domestic cats and dogs when it is on the ground. Humans influence the population size and mortality of the Red Squirrel by destroying or altering habitats, by causing road casualties and by introducing non-native populations of the Grey Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel and the Red Squirrel are not directly antagonistic and violent conflict between these species is not a factor in the decline in Red Squirrel populations. However, the Grey Squirrel appears to contribute to the decrease in the Red Squirrel population for several reasons: it carries a disease, the squirrel parapoxvirus, that does not appear to affect its own health but will often kill the Red Squirrel, it can better digest acorns whilst the Red Squirrel cannot access the proteins and fats in acorns as easily and it can put the Red Squirrel under pressure for food resources resulting in it not breeding as often. In the UK, due to the above circumstances, the population has today fallen to 160,000 Red Squirrels or fewer with the majority of these in Scotland. Outside the UK and Ireland, the impact of competition from the Grey Squirrel has also been observed in Italy where 2 pairs escaped from captivity in 1948. A significant drop in the Red Squirrel population has been observed since 1970 and it is feared that the Grey Squirrel may expand into the rest of Europe. The Red Squirrel is protected in most of Europe although in some areas it is abundant and is hunted for its fur. In the UK there are several active projects to protect the Red Squirrel and its native woodland habitat, introduce or re-introduce it in to areas where it is absent and eradicate and prevent the spread of the Grey Squirrel. Research undertaken in 2007 in the UK credits the Pine Marten with reducing the population of the invasive Grey Squirrel. Where the range of the expanding Pine Marten population meets that of the Grey Squirrel, the population of the latter retreats. It is theorised that, because the Grey Squirrel spends more time on the ground than the Red Squirrel, it is far more likely to come in contact with the Pine Marten. Date: 3rd May 2024 Location: Dingle Local Nature Reserve, Llangefni, Anglesey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453904.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5953490544ff544f9ec1fa.jpgCorn Bunting The Corn Bunting is a rather non-descript stout and dumpy brown bird which is the largest of the bunting family. The Corn Bunting breeds across southern and central Europe, north Africa and Asia across to Kazahkstan. It is mainly resident but some birds from the colder regions of central Europe and Asia migrate southwards in winter. The Corn Bunting is a bird of open country with trees such as farmland and weedy wasteland. It has declined greatly in north west Europe due to intensive agricultural practices depriving it of its food supply of weed seeds and insects, the latter especially when feeding young. Date: 26th April 2012 Location: steppes of Belén, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41205435.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18011641965eb96e4b0c4cc.jpgGrey Squirrels The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 30th April 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080576.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18011344763a4594f11cf4.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 1st December 2022 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645398.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_208020640251e3cd9a65c87.jpgSwallow The Barn Swallow is the most widespread species of swallow in the world. In Europe it is just called the Swallow and in Northern Europe it is the only common species called a "swallow" rather than a "martin". The male Swallow has steel blue upperparts and a rufous forehead, chin and throat which are separated from the off-white underparts by a broad dark blue breast band. The outer tail feathers are elongated to give the distinctive deeply forked "swallow tail." There is a line of white spots across the outer end of the upper tail. The female is similar in appearance to the male but the tail streamers are shorter, the blue of the upperparts and breast band is less glossy and the underparts more pale. The juvenile is browner and has a paler rufous face and whiter underparts. It also lacks the long tail streamers of the adult. The Swallow has an enormous range with an estimated global extent of 20 million square miles and a population of 190 million individuals. It breeds in the Northern Hemisphere from sea level to typically 8,900 feet but up 9,800 feet in the Caucasus and North America and it is absent only from deserts and the cold northernmost parts of the continents. Over much of its range it avoids towns and in Europe is replaced in urban areas by the House Martin. There are 6 subspecies of the Swallow which breed across the Northern Hemisphere, of which 4 are strongly migratory with their wintering grounds covering much of the Southern Hemisphere as far south as central Argentina, the Cape Province of South Africa and northern Australia. The Swallow can be found in open country with low vegetation such as pasture, meadows and farmland, preferably with nearby water. It avoids heavily wooded or precipitous areas and densely built-up locations. The presence of accessible open structures such as barns, stables or culverts to provide nesting sites and exposed locations such as wires, roof ridges or bare branches for perching are also important in the bird's selection of its breeding range. This species lives in close association with humans and its insect-eating habits mean that it is tolerated by man. This acceptance was reinforced in the past by superstitions regarding the bird and its nest. There are frequent cultural references to the Swallow in literary and religious works due to both its living in close proximity to humans and its annual migration. The Swallow is the national bird of Austria and Estonia. In winter, the Swallow is cosmopolitan in its choice of habitat, avoiding only dense forests and deserts. It is most common in open, low vegetation habitats such as savanna and ranch land. Individual birds tend to return to the same wintering locality each year and congregate from a large area to roost in reed beds. These roosts can be extremely large with one in Nigeria holding an estimated 1.5 million birds. Date: 26th May 2013 Location: Siemianówka area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405580.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_63938096586fcb268a26.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the Canidae family and is a part of the order Carnivora within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 6th December 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801062.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16793690064eda292e9f1a.jpgEmerald Damselfly Flight period: June to September The Emerald Damselfly is widely distributed in uplands and lowlands throughout the UK. They can be found around small, shallow standing water with luxuriant vegetation such as rushes and sedges. Date: 8th July 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308837.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_190832862663ee32a7388af.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 18th January 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/rila-mountains-sofia-province-bulgaria https://images.on-this.website/4752_19064110135d308606b6e78.jpgRila Mountains, Sofia Province, Bulgaria The Rila Mountains are a mountain range in south west Bulgaria and constitute the highest mountain range in the country and the Balkans. It is the sixth highest mountain range in Europe after the Caucasus, the Alps, the Sierra Nevada, the Pyrenees and Mount Etna and the highest one between the Alps and the Caucasus. The Rila Mountains are spread over an area of 1015 square miles with an average altitude of 4879 feet. Musala is its highest peak at 9596 feet. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rila-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rila Mountains have abundant water resources and some of the Balkans' longest and deepest rivers originate here including the longest river entirely in the Balkans, the River Maritsa, and the longest river entirely in Bulgaria, the River Iskar. Bulgaria's main water divide separating the Black Sea and the Aegean Sea drainage systems follows the main ridge of the Rila Mountains. The mountain range is dotted with almost 200 glacial lakes such as the renowned Seven Rila Lakes. It is also rich in hot springs in the fault areas at the foothills including the hottest spring in south east Europe in Sapareva Banya. The Rila Mountains have typical layers of montane habitat ranging from river and stream valleys at lower altitudes to mixed deciduous woodland, coniferous forests and Alpine meadows and lakes at higher altitudes and finally to rocky ridges and bare rugged peaks. The biodiversity and the pristine landscapes are protected by the Rila National Park which is among the largest and most valuable protected areas in Europe. It is the largest national park in Bulgaria covering an area of 313 square miles and it was established in February 1992 to protect several ecosystems of national importance. Its altitude varies from 2600 feet near Blagoevgrad to 9596 feet at the peak of Musala. It occupies territory from 4 of the 28 provinces of the country (Sofia, Kyustendil, Blagoevgrad and Pazardzhik) and it includes 4 nature reserves (Parangalitsa, Central Rila Reserve, Ibar and Skakavitsa). The Rila National Park falls within the Rodope montane mixed forests terrestrial eco-region of the Palearctic temperate broadleaf and mixed forest. Forests occupy 206.5 square miles or 66% of the total area. The Rila Mountains also contain the Rila Monastery Nature Park which is among the largest nature parks in Bulgaria covering an area of 97.5 square miles at an altitude between 2460 and 8901 feet. It was established in 1992 as part of the newly founded Rila National Park. In 2000 some territory of the Rila National Park was re-assigned to the Rila Monastery Nature Park and was recategorized as a nature park because by law all lands in national parks are exclusively state owned. Today most of the Rila Monastery Nature Park is owned by the Rila Monastery. The Rila Monastery Nature Park includes one nature reserve, namely the Rila Monastery Forest with an area of 14 square miles or 14% of its total area. The most recognisable landmark in the Rila Mountains is the Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila, better known as the Rila Monastery. This is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria and is situated in the deep valley of the River Rilska River within the Rila Monastery Nature Park at a height of 3763 feet. The monastery is named after its founder, the hermit Ivan of Rila (876 to 946 AD) and houses around 60 monks. Founded in the 10th century, the Rila Monastery is regarded as one of Bulgaria's most important cultural, historical and architectural monuments and is a key tourist attraction for both Bulgaria and south Europe. Due to its outstanding cultural and spiritual value it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. The Rila Mountains are also a popular destination for hiking, winter sports and spa tourism, hosting the nation's oldest ski resort at Borovets as well as numerous hiking trails. Date: 30th May 2018 Location: near Govedartsi, Sofia Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801059.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_93955404764eda28e18a57.jpgMeadow Brown Flight period: June to August. The Meadow Brown is one of the most widespread and abundant of the UK's butterflies. It can be found typically in open grasslands but also other habitats such as roadside verges, woodland rides and urban parks and cemeteries. Date: 8th July 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41505227.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6256301735f37b2992194a.jpgRuff The Ruff is a medium-sized wading bird in the sandpiper family, [i]Scolopacidae[/i]. The original English name for this bird, dating back to at least 1465, is the [i]ree[/i], perhaps derived from a dialectical term meaning "frenzied". A later name [I]reeve[/I], which is still used for the female, is of unknown origin but may be derived from the shire-reeve, a feudal officer, likening the male's flamboyant plumage to the official's robes. The current name was first recorded in 1634 and is derived from the ruff, an exaggerated collar fashionable from the mid-16th century to the mid-17th century, since the male bird's neck ornamental feathers resemble the neck wear. The Ruff has a distinctive appearance with a small head, medium-length bill, longish neck and pot-bellied body. It has long legs that are variable in colour but usually yellow or orange. In flight, it has a deeper, slower wing stroke than other waders of a similar size and it displays a thin, indistinct white bar on the wing and white ovals on the sides of the tail. The Ruff shows very distinctive sexual dimorphism. Although a small percentage of males resemble females, the typical male is much larger than the female and has an elaborate breeding plumage. The male is 11 to 13 inches in length with a 21 to 24 inches wingspan. During the May to June breeding season, the typical male's legs, bill and warty bare facial skin are orange and he has distinctive head tufts and a neck ruff. These ornaments vary on individual birds and are black, chestnut or white with the colouring solid, barred or irregular. The grey-brown back has a scale-like pattern, often with black or chestnut feathers, and the underparts are white with extensive black on the breast. The extreme variability of the main breeding plumage is thought to have developed to aid individual recognition in a species that has communal breeding displays but is usually mute. Outside the breeding season, the typical male's head and neck decorations and the bare facial skin are lost and the legs and bill become duller. The upperparts are grey-brown and the underparts are white with grey mottling on the breast and flanks. The female, or "reeve", is 9 to 10 inches in length with a 18 to 19 inches wingspan. In the breeding plumage, the female has grey-brown upperparts with white-fringed, dark-centred feathers. The breast and flanks are variably blotched with black. In winter, her plumage is similar to that of the male but the sexes are distinguishable on size. The plumage of the juvenile Ruff resembles the non-breeding adult but has upperparts with a neat, scale-like pattern with dark feather centres and a strong buff tinge to the underparts. The Ruff is a migratory species, breeding in wetlands in the colder regions of northern Eurasia and wintering in the tropics, mainly in Africa. There is a limited overlap of the summer and winter ranges in the UK and parts of coastal western Europe and birds may be present throughout the year. The Ruff breeds in Europe and Asia from Scandinavia and the UK almost to the Pacific. In Europe, it is found in cool temperate areas but over its Russian range it is an Arctic species and occurs mainly north of about 65°N. The largest numbers breed in Russia, Sweden, Finland and Norway. Although it also breeds from the UK east through the Low Countries to Poland, Germany and Denmark, the populations are much lower in these more southerly areas. The Ruff is highly gregarious on migration and it travels in large flocks that can contain hundreds or thousands of individuals. Huge dense groups form on the wintering grounds. The males, which play no part in nesting or chick care, leave the breeding grounds in late June or early July followed later in July by the females and juveniles. Males typically make shorter flights and winter further north than females. Many migratory species use this differential wintering strategy since it reduces feeding competition between the sexes and enables territorial males to reach the breeding grounds as early as possible thereby improving their chances of successful mating. Males may also be able to tolerate colder winter conditions because they are larger than females. The Ruff breeds in extensive lowland freshwater marshes and damp grasslands. It avoids barren tundra and areas badly affected by severe weather, preferring hummocky marshes and deltas with shallow water. The wetter areas provide a source of food, the mounds and slopes may be used for leks and dry areas with sedge or low scrub offer nesting sites. When it is not breeding, it can be found in a wider range of shallow wetlands. Dry grassland, tidal mudflats and the seashore are less frequently used. Male Ruffs display during the breeding season at a lek in a traditional open grassy arena. The Ruff is one of the few lekking species in which the display is primarily directed at other males rather than to the females and it is among a small percentage of birds in which the males have well-marked and inherited variations in plumage and mating behaviour. There are 3 male forms: the typical territorial males, satellite males which have a white neck ruff and a very rare variant with female-like plumage. The behaviour and appearance for an individual male remain constant through its adult life and are determined by its genes. The territorial males, about 84% of the total, have strongly coloured black or chestnut ruffs and stake out and occupy small mating territories in the lek. They actively court females and display a high degree of aggression towards other resident males. Between 5 and 20 territorial males each hold an area of the lek about 3 feet across and usually with bare soil in the centre. They perform an elaborate display that includes wing fluttering, jumping, standing upright, crouching with ruff erect or lunging at rivals. They are typically silent even when displaying. Territorial males are very site faithful and 90% return to the same lekking sites in subsequent seasons, the most dominant males being the most likely to reappear. Site faithful males can acquire accurate information about the competitive abilities of other males, leading to well-developed dominance relationships. Such stable relationships reduce conflict and the risk of injury and the consequent lower levels of male aggression are less likely to scare off females. Lower-ranked territorial males also benefit from site fidelity since they can remain on the leks while waiting for the top males eventually to drop out. Satellite males, about 16% of the total number, have white or mottled ruffs and do not occupy territories. Instead, they enter leks and attempt to mate with the females visiting the territories occupied by the resident territorial males. Resident territorial males tolerate the satellite birds because, although they are competitors for mating with the females, the presence of both types of male on a territory attracts additional females. A third type of male was first described in 2006. This is a permanent female mimic, the first such reported for a bird. About 1% of males are small, intermediate in size between males and females and do not grow the elaborate breeding plumage of the territorial and satellite males. This cryptic male obtains access to mating territories together with the females and "steals" matings when the females crouch to solicit copulation. It moults into the prenuptial male plumage with striped feathers but does not go on to develop the ornamental feathers of the normal male. Not all mating takes place at the lek since only a minority of the males attend an active lek. As alternative strategies, males can also directly pursue females or wait for them as they approach good feeding sites. The level of polyandry in the Ruff is the highest known for any avian lekking species and for any shorebird. More than half of females mate with and have clutches fertilised by more than one male. In lekking species, females can choose mates without risking the loss of support from males in nesting and rearing chicks since the males take no part in raising the brood anyway. The nest of the Ruff is a shallow ground scrape lined with grass leaves and stems and concealed in marsh plants or tall grass up to 450 yards from the lek. Nesting is solitary although several females may lay in the general vicinity of a lek. The female lays typically 4 eggs from mid-March to early June depending on latitude. Incubation is undertaken by the female alone and the time to hatching is 20 to 23 days with a further 25 to 28 days to fledging. The precocial chicks have buff and chestnut down, streaked and barred with black and frosted with white. They feed themselves on a variety of small invertebrates. The Ruff normally feeds using a steady walk and pecking action, selecting food items by sight, but it will also wade deeply and submerge its head. During the breeding season, the Ruff’s diet consists almost exclusively of the adults and larva of terrestrial and aquatic insects such as beetles and flies. On migration and during the winter, it eats insects, crustaceans, spiders, molluscs, worms, frogs, small fish and also the seeds of rice and other cereals, sedges, grasses and aquatic plants. The Ruff has a large range and a large population although there is some evidence of a decrease in the population in some regions and countries. However, the species as a whole is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List (i.e. declining more than 30 percent in 10 years or 3 generations). For these reasons, the Ruff is classified as "least concern". However, the range in much of Europe is contracting because of land drainage, increased fertiliser use, the loss of mown or grazed breeding sites and over-hunting. Therefore the Ruff is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 3rd July 2019 Location: Komagdalen, Varangerhalvøya National Park, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33568377.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5411202365a106aac85e9f.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 4th November 2017 Location: Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo47764305.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_802057904635e54881928d.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 27th October 2022 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26006861.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18511869185634be41d7d90.jpgEider The Eider is a large sea duck that is distributed over the northern coasts of Europe, north America and eastern Siberia. It breeds in the Arctic and some northern temperate regions but winters somewhat further south in temperate zones when it can form large flocks on coastal waters. The Eider is both the largest of the 4 eider species and the largest duck found in Europe and in north America (except for the Muscovy duck which only reaches north America in a wild state in southernmost Texas and south Florida). The Eider is characterized by its bulky shape and large, wedge-shaped bill. The male is unmistakable with its black and white plumage and green nape. The female is a brown bird but can still be readily distinguished from all ducks, except other eider species, on the basis of size and head shape. The drake's display call is a strange almost human-like "ah-ooo" while the duck utters hoarse quacks. The Eider dives for crustaceans and molluscs, with mussels being a favoured food. The Eider will eat mussels by swallowing them whole. The shells are then crushed in their gizzard and excreted. When eating a crab, the Eider will remove all of its claws and legs and then eat the body in a similar fashion. The Eider is abundant with populations of about 1.5 to 2 million birds in both Europe and north America and also large but unknown numbers in eastern Siberia. The Eider is a colonial breeder nesting on coastal islands in colonies ranging in size of less than 100 to upwards of 10,000 to 15,000 individuals. Female Eiders frequently exhibit a high degree of natal philopatry where they return to breed on the same island where they were hatched. This can lead to a high degree of relatedness between individuals nesting on the same island as well as the development of kin-based female social structures. This relatedness has likely played a role in the evolution of co-operative breeding behaviours amongst Eiders. Examples of these behaviours include laying eggs in the nests of related individuals and crèching where female Eiders team up and share the work of rearing ducklings. The Eider's nest is built close to the sea and is lined with the celebrated eiderdown plucked from the female's breast. This soft and warm lining has long been harvested for filling pillows and quilts but in more recent years has been largely replaced by down from domestic farm geese and synthetic alternatives. Although eiderdown pillows or quilts are now a rarity, eiderdown harvesting continues and is sustainable as it can be done after the ducklings leave the nest with no harm to the birds. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Steingrímsfjarðarheiði to Ísafjörður, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071702.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12491070686643363b3d851.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 4th May 2023 Location: Bwlch Nant yr Arian, Llywernog, Ceredigion http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405529.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3454521606586f47505963.jpgShort-eared Owl The Short-eared Owl is a species of the typical owl family Strigidae. Owls belonging to the genus Asio, such as the Short-eared Owl, are known as the eared owls since they have tufts of feathers resembling mammalian ears. These "ear" tufts may or may not be visible. The Short-eared Owl will display its tufts when in a defensive pose although its very short tufts are usually not visible. The Short-eared Owl is a medium-sized owl 13 to 17 inches in length with a 33 to 43 inches wingspan. Females are slightly larger than males. It has large yellow eyes with black encircling rings, a big head, a short neck and broad wings. The bill is short, strong, hooked and black. The plumage is mottled tawny to brown with a barred tail and wings. The upper breast is significantly streaked. The flight is characteristically floppy due to the irregular wingbeats and the Short-eared Owl is often described as "moth-like” or bat-like" in flight. Through much of its range, the Short-eared Owl occurs with the similar looking Long-eared Owl. At rest, the ear-tufts of the Long-eared Owl serve to easily distinguish the 2 species although the Long-eared Owl can sometimes hold its ear-tufts flat. The iris colour also differs: yellow in the Short-eared Owl and orange in the Long-eared Owl plus the black surrounding the eyes is vertical on the Long-eared Owl and horizontal on the Short-eared Owl. Overall, the Short-eared Owl tends to be a paler, sandier coloured bird than the Long-eared Owl. There are 10 recognized sub-species of the Short-eared Owl and its range covers all continents except Antarctica and Australia. It therefore has one of the most widespread distributions of any bird. It is partially migratory and moves south in winter from the northern parts of its range. The Short-eared Owl is also known to relocate to areas of higher rodent populations and it will also wander nomadically in search of better food supplies during years when vole populations are low. In the UK, the Short-eared Owl breeds primarily in north England and Scotland but it is seen more widely in winter when there is an influx of continental birds from Scandinavia, Russia and Iceland to north, east and parts of central south England, especially around coastal marshes and wetlands. The breeding season of the Short-eared Owl in the northern hemisphere lasts from March to June but peaks in April. During the breeding season, the male makes a great spectacle of itself in flight to attract a female. The male swoops down over the potential nest site flapping its wings in a courtship display. The Short-eared Owl is generally monogamous and nests on the ground in prairie, tundra, savanna or meadow habitats. The nest is concealed by low vegetation and may be lightly lined by weeds, grass or feathers. The female lays 4 to 7 eggs but clutch size can reach up to 12 eggs in years when voles are abundant. There is a single brood per year. The eggs are incubated mostly by the female for 21 to 37 days and the young fledge at a little over 4 weeks. The Short-eared Owl hunts mostly at night but it is known as a diurnal and crepuscular hunter as well. Its daylight hunting seems to coincide with the high activity periods of voles, its preferred prey. It tends to fly only a few feet above the ground in open fields and grasslands until swooping down upon its prey feet first. Several owls may hunt over the same open area. The diet of the Short-eared Owl consists mainly of rodents, especially voles, but it will eat other small mammals such as mice, ground squirrels, shrews, rats, bats, muskrats and moles. It will also occasionally predate smaller birds especially when near sea coasts and adjacent wetlands at which time they may attack waders, terns and small gulls and seabirds. Avian prey is more infrequently preyed on inland and includes small passerines. Insects also supplement the diet. Date: 25th November 2023 Location: RSPB Wallasea Island, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50776414.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2985208196606e8d6b1590.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 27th March 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26024283.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_120007780056373636ec517.jpgArctic Tern The Arctic Tern is a seabird of the tern family. The adult plumage is grey above with a black nape and crown and white cheeks. The upperwings are pale grey with the area near the wingtip being translucent. The tail is white and the underparts pale grey. The beak is dark red as are the short legs and webbed feet. Like most terns, the Arctic Tern has high aspect ratio wings and a tail with a deep fork and long tail streamers. Both sexes are similar in appearance. The winter plumage is similar but the crown is whiter and the bills are darker. Juveniles differ from adults having black bill and legs, "scaly" appearing wings and mantle with dark feather tips, dark carpal wing bar and short tail streamers. During their first summer, juveniles also have a whiter forecrown. Whilst the Arctic Tern is similar to the Common and the Roseate Tern, its colouring, profile and call are slightly different. Compared to the Common Tern, it has a longer tail and mono-coloured bill, whilst the main differences from the Roseate Tern are its slightly darker colour and longer wings. The Arctic Tern has a circumpolar breeding distribution covering the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of Europe, Asia and north America. It is strongly migratory and sees 2 summers each year and more daylight than any other creature on the planet. It migrates along a convoluted route from its northern summer breeding grounds to the northern edge of the Antarctic coast for the southern summer and back again about 6 months later. Recent studies have shown average annual roundtrip lengths of 25000 to 50000 miles depending on the route taken and weather and wind conditions. The Arctic Tern is a long-lived bird with many reaching 30 years of age and based on this average it will travel some 1.5 million miles during its lifetime. This is by far the longest migration known in the animal kingdom. Breeding takes place in colonies on coasts, islands and occasionally inland on tundra near water. The Arctic Tern often forms mixed colonies with the Common Tern and Sandwich Tern. As it nests on the ground, the Arctic Tern is vulnerable to predation but it is one of the most aggressive terns and it is fiercely defensive of its nest and young. It will attack humans and large predators, usually striking the top or back of the head. Although it is too small to cause serious injury, it is still capable of drawing blood and repelling many raptorial birds and smaller mammalian predators such as foxes and cats. Other nesting birds, such as auks, often incidentally benefit from the protection provided by nesting in an area defended by Arctic Terns. The diet of the Arctic Tern varies depending on location and time but it usually eats small fish or marine crustaceans by dipping down to the surface of the water to catch prey. While feeding, skuas, gulls and other tern species will often harass the birds and steal their food. Date: 3rd June 2015 Location: Húsavík, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50776412.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19248704876606e8d4ee345.jpgChiffchaff The (Common) Chiffchaff is a common and widespread leaf warbler which is named onomatopoeically for its simple and repetitive chiff-chaff song. The British naturalist Gilbert White was one of the first people to separate the similar looking Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler and Wood Warbler by their songs, as detailed in 1789 in “The Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne. The Chiffchaff is a small, dumpy, 4 inch long leaf warbler. The spring adult has brown-washed dull green upperparts, off-white underparts becoming yellowish on the flanks and a short whitish supercilium. It has dark legs, a fine dark bill and short primary projection (extension of the flight feathers beyond the folded wing). As the plumage wears, it gets duller and browner and the yellow on the flanks tends to be lost and after the breeding season there is a prolonged complete moult before migration. After moulting, both the adult and the juvenile have brighter and greener upperparts and a paler supercilium. When not singing, the Chiffchaff can be difficult to distinguish from other leaf warblers with greenish upperparts and whitish underparts, particularly the Willow Warbler. However, that species has a longer primary projection, a sleeker, brighter appearance and generally pale legs. The Chiffchaff breeds across Europe and Asia east to eastern Siberia and north to about 70°N, with isolated populations in north west Africa, north and west Turkey and north west Iran. It is a migratory species but one of the first passerine birds to return to its breeding areas in the spring and amongst the last to leave in late autumn. When breeding, the Chiffchaff is a bird of open woodlands with some taller trees and ground cover for nesting purposes. In winter, the Chiffchaff uses a wider range of habitats and is not so dependent on trees and is often found near water. There is an increasing tendency to winter in western Europe well north of the traditional areas, especially in coastal south England and the mild urban microclimate of London. The male Chiffchaff returns to its breeding territory 2 or 3 weeks before the female and immediately starts singing to establish ownership and attract a female. When a female is located, the male will use a slow butterfly-like flight as part of the courtship ritual but, once a pair-bond has been established, other females will be driven from the territory. The male has little involvement in the nesting process other than defending the territory. The female's nest is built on or near the ground in a concealed site in brambles, nettles or other dense low vegetation. The domed nest has a side entrance and is constructed from coarse plant material such as dead leaves and grass with finer material used on the interior before the addition of a lining of feathers. The clutch is 2 to 7 (normally 5 or 6) cream-coloured eggs which are incubated by the female for 13 to 14 days before hatching as naked, blind chicks. The female broods and feeds the chicks for another 14 to 15 days until they fledge. The male rarely participates in feeding although this sometimes occurs, especially when bad weather limits insect supplies or if the female disappears. After fledging, the young stay in the vicinity of the nest for 3 to 4 weeks where they are fed by and roost with the female. In the north of the range there is only time to raise one brood due to the short summer but a second brood is common in central and southern areas. Like most leaf warblers, the Chiffchaff is insectivorous and moves restlessly though foliage or briefly hovering. It has been recorded as taking insects, mainly flies, from more than 50 families, along with other small and medium-sized invertebrates. It will also take the eggs and larvae of butterflies and moths. The Chiffchaff has been estimated to require about one third of its weight in insects daily and it feeds almost continuously in the autumn to put on extra fat as fuel for its long migration flight. As with most small birds, mortality in the first year of life is high but adults aged 3 to 4 years are regularly recorded and the record is more than 7 years. Eggs, chicks and fledglings are taken by Stoats, Weasels and crows such as the Magpie and adults are hunted by birds of prey, particularly the Sparrowhawk. The Chiffchaff is also susceptible to poor weather, particularly when migrating, but also on the breeding and wintering grounds. The main effect of humans on the Chiffchaff is indirect through woodland clearance which affects the habitat, predation by cats and collisions with windows, buildings and cars. Date: 27th March 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071500.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11359977476643222949a94.jpgGoldcrest The Goldcrest is a very small passerine bird in the kinglet family. Its colourful golden crest feathers, as well as being called the "king of the birds" in European folklore, gives rise to its English and scientific names. The scientific name, Regulus regulus, means king or knight. Several subspecies of the Goldcrest have been described. In continental Eurasia, there are 9 generally accepted and very similar sub-species, differing only in details such as plumage shade. The nominate sub-species R. r. regulus breeds in most of Europe. The Goldcrest is one of the smallest European birds, measuring 3.3 to 3.7 inches in length with a 5.3 to 6.1 inches wingspan and a weight of 0.16 to 0.25 ounces. It is similar in appearance to many warblers, with olive-green upperparts, buff-white underparts, 2 white wing bars and a plain face with conspicuous black irises. The crown of the head has black sides and a narrow black front and a bright crest, yellow with an orange centre in the male and entirely yellow in the female. The crest is erected in display, making the distinctive orange stripe of the male much more conspicuous. The small, thin bill is black and the legs are dark flesh-brown. Apart from the crest colour, the sexes are alike although in fresh plumage, the female may have very slightly paler upperparts and greyer underparts than the adult male. The juvenile is similar to the adult but it has duller upperparts and lacks the coloured crown. The Goldcrest is usually easily distinguished from other small birds in its range but poor views could possibly lead to confusion with the Firecrest or the Yellow-browed Warbler. The adult Firecrest has a distinguishing face pattern showing a bright white supercilium and black eye-stripe and the juvenile usually shows enough of this face pattern to be readily distinguished from the plain-faced Goldcrest. The Yellow-browed Warbler has a yellowish supercilium and a pale crown stripe so it also shows a different head pattern to the Goldcrest. The flight of the Goldcrest is distinctive and consists of whirring wing-beats with occasional sudden changes of direction. Shorter flights while feeding are a mix of dashing and fluttering with frequent hovering. It moves restlessly among foliage and regularly creeps on branches and up and down tree trunks. The typical contact call of the Goldcrest is thin and high-pitched and given at intervals of 1 to 4 seconds with all the notes at the same pitch. The song of the male Goldcrest is a very high, thin double repeated note ending in a flourish. The entire song lasts 3 to 4 seconds and is repeated 5 to 7 times a minute. This song, often uttered while the male is foraging, can be heard in most months of the year. The Goldcrest has a huge range in Eurasia, breeding from Macaronesia to Japan. It is common in middle and northern temperate and boreal latitudes of Europe between the 13 to 24 °C July isotherms and thus predominantly in cooler climates than the Firecrest. Further east it occurs discontinuously through southern Siberia to Sakhalin and Japan, in the Tian Shan mountains, northern Iran and from the Himalayas east to central China. The Goldcrest has bred in Iceland since about 1999 and was widespread by 2004 although numbers are affected by hard winters. Breeding occurs intermittently in the Faroe Islands. The Goldcrest is partly migratory with northernmost populations deserting their breeding areas in winter. Birds winter in Europe and Asia south of the breeding range. The Goldcrest breeds at considerable densities in mature lowland and mountain coniferous woodlands, mainly up to 9,800 feet, and occasionally to 15,700 feet. It uses Spruce, Larch, Scots Pine, Silver Fir and Mountain Pine and in man-made landscapes it also uses introduced conifers such as Douglas Fir. Broad-leaved woods are used only when some coniferous trees are also present and sites such as gardens, parks and cemeteries are used only when they offer suitable conifers that are not otherwise locally available. Unlike more specialised birds such as the Nuthatch and the Treecreeper, both of which forage on tree trunks, the Goldcrest does not need large woodlands and population density is not related to woodland size. Once the breeding season is over, the Goldcrest will readily move into deciduous trees and shrubs, heathland and similar more open habitats. The Goldcrest is a monogamous species. The male sings during the breeding season, usually while foraging rather than from a perch. It has a display involving bowing its head towards another bird and raising the coloured crest. The nest, constructed by both sexes, is a well-insulated cup-shaped structure built in 3 layers and often suspended from a hanging branch. The outer layer is made from moss, small twigs, cobwebs and lichen, the cobwebs also being used to attach the nest to the thin branches that support it. The middle layer is moss which is lined by an inner layer of feathers and hair. Egg laying starts at the end of April into early May with 9 to 11 eggs laid but ranging from 6 to 13. Second clutches, which are common, are laid usually while the first nest still has young. The male generally builds the second nest, then feeds the young in the first nest while the female is incubating in the second. When the first brood has fledged, the male joins the female in feeding the second brood. The female incubates the eggs for 16 to 19 days to hatching and she also broods the chicks which fledge in a further 17 to 22 days later. Both parents feed the chicks and fledged young. The Goldcrest becomes sexually mature after 1 year and it has an annual adult mortality of over 80% giving a life expectancy of around 8 months which is one of the shortest for any bird. There are nonetheless records of an individual surviving to 4 years 10 months and even a report of a bird ringed in Winchester in 1989 and found dead in Morocco 7 years and 7 months later. The Goldcrest feeds in trees, frequently foraging on the undersides of branches and leaves. It is almost exclusively insectivorous and takes a wide variety of prey, especially spiders, caterpillars, bugs, springtails and flies. Flying insects are taken in hovering flight but are not normally pursued. Non-animal food is rare although the Goldcrest has been seen drinking sap from broken birch twigs together with other birds. Outside the breeding season, small groups of Goldcrests maintain exclusive winter feeding territories which they defend against neighbouring groups. As they roam around their territory, they frequently join loose flocks of other wanderers such as tits and warblers. In some areas, wintering birds have developed the habit of coming to feeding stations and bird tables to take fat, sometimes with warblers such as the Chiffchaff and the Blackcap. The Goldcrest has a very large range and a very large population and it is therefore classed as “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List. There was some northward range expansion in Scotland, Belgium, Norway, and Finland during the 20th century, assisted by the spread of conifer plantations. The population is currently stable although there may be temporary marked and heavy declines in harsh winters. However, populations can recover and expand rapidly after a series of mild winters. Date: 1st May 2024 Location: Old Lodge SWT reserve, High Weald, East Sussex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4267056.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10381374654b52213356d73.jpgOtters The Eurasian Otter, also known as the European Otter, Eurasian River Otter, Common Otter and Old World Otter and commonly known as the Otter, is a semi-aquatic mammal and the most widely distributed member of the Otter sub-family of the Weasel family (Mustelidae). The Otter is a typical species of the Otter sub-family and is brown above and cream below. It is 22.5 to 37.5 inches long excluding a tail of 14 to 17.5 inches. The female is shorter than the male. The Otter's average body weight is 15 to 26 pounds, although occasionally a large old male may reach up to 37 pounds. The Otter differs from the North American River Otter by its shorter neck, broader face, the greater space between the ears and its longer tail. However, it is the only Otter species in much of its range so it is rarely confused for any other animal. The Otter is the most widely distributed Otter species and its range including parts of Asia and Africa as well as being widespread across Europe. The Otter can be found throughout most of the UK with the highest densities in Scotland, especially the islands and the north west coast, Wales, parts of East Anglia and the West Country. The Otter declined across its range in the second half of the 20th century primarily due to pollution, habitat loss and hunting. However, populations are now recovering in many parts of Europe. In the UK the number of sites with an Otter presence increased by 55% between 1994 and 2002. In August 2011, the Environment Agency announced that the Otter had returned to every county in England since vanishing from every county except the West Country and parts of Northern England. The recovery of the Otter population in Europe is due to a ban on the most harmful pesticides that has been in place since 1979, improvements in water quality leading to increases in prey populations and direct legal protection under the European Union Habitats Directive and national legislation in several European countries. In general, the Otter’s varied and adaptable diet means that it can be found on any unpolluted body of fresh water, including lakes, streams, rivers and ponds, as long as the food supply is adequate. It can also be found along the coast in salt water but it requires regular access to fresh water to clean its fur. When living in the sea it is sometimes referred to as a "Sea Otter" but it should not be confused with the true Sea Otter which is a North American species much more strongly adapted to a marine existence. The Otter's diet mainly consists of fish. However, during the winter and in colder environments, fish consumption is significantly lower and other sources of food are eaten including amphibians, crustaceans, insects, birds and small mammals. Hunting mainly takes place at night whilst the day is usually spent in the Otter's holt (den). The Otter is strongly territorial and is primarily solitary. An individual's territory may vary between 1 and 25 miles with the length of the territory depending on the density of food available and the width of the water suitable for hunting (it is shorter on coasts, where the available width is much wider and longer on narrower rivers). The Otter uses its spraints to mark its territory. Territories are only held against members of the same sex so those of males and females may overlap. The Otter is a non-seasonal breeder and males and females will breed at any time of the year. It has been found that their mating season is most likely determined simply by the Otters' reproductive maturity and physiological state. Female Otters are sexually mature between 18 and 24 months old and the average age of first breeding is found to be 2.5 years old. Gestation is 60 to 64 days and after the gestation period, 1 to 4 pups are born which remain dependent on the mother for about 13 months. The male plays no direct role in parental care although the territory of a female with her pups is usually entirely within that of the male. Date: 2nd January 2010 Location: Loch Scridain, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080602.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_158784423363a459a0aa4bf.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 1st December 2022 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308835.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_104834864563ee2f5a0e2af.jpgMute Swans The Mute Swan is a species of swan native to much of Eurasia. Despite its Eurasian origin, its closest relatives are the Black Swan of Australia and the Black-necked Swan of south America, not the other Northern Hemisphere swans such as the Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan. The name “mute” derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. The adult Mute Swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob at the top of the beak. All Mute Swans are white at maturity although the feathers (particularly on the head and neck) are often stained orange-brown by iron and tannins in the water. Young birds (cygnets) are not the bright white colour of mature adults and their bill is dull greyish-black for the first year. The plumage may range from pure white to grey to buff with grey/buff being the most common. Cygnets typically retain their grey/buff feathers until they are at least 1 year old. On average, the Mute Swan is the second largest waterfowl species after the Trumpeter Swan although the male Mute Swan can easily match or even exceed a male Trumpeter Swan in mass. The adult Mute Swan typically ranges from 55 to 63 inches in length (although it can range in extreme cases from 49 to 67 inches) with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. Males (cobs) are larger than females (pens) and have a larger knob on their bill. The Mute Swan is one of the heaviest flying birds. In several studies from the UK, males were found to average from about 23.4 to 26.2 pounds, with a weight range of 20 to 32 pounds, while the slightly smaller females were found to average about 18.7 to 21.3 pounds, with a weight range of 17 to 23 pounds. The Mute Swan is less vocal than the noisy Bewick's Swan and Whooper Swan although it does make a variety of grunting, hoarse whistling and snorting noises, especially in communicating with their cygnets and threatening competitors or intruders trying to enter their territory. The most familiar sound associated with the Mute Swan is the vibrant throbbing of the wings in flight which is unique to the species and this can be heard from a range of up to 1 mile. The Mute Swan is found naturally mainly in the temperate areas of Europe across west Asia and as far east as Primorsky Krai in the far east of Russia. It is partially migratory throughout the northern latitudes in Europe and Asia as far south as north Africa and the Mediterranean. It is also often kept in captivity outside its natural range as a decoration for parks and ponds and escapes have occurred. The descendants of such birds have become naturalised in east USA and the Great Lakes region across the USA and Canada border. The Mute Swan population in the UK has increased recently probably due to better protection of this species. Some birds are resident all year whilst others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into east England. Mute Swans nest on large mounds that they build with waterside vegetation in shallow water on islands in the middle or at the very edge of a lake. It is a monogamous species and often reuses the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Males and females share the care of the nest. The female lays from 4 to 10 eggs and broods for around 36 days. Cygnets are unable to fly before an age of 120 to 150 days and this limits the distribution of the species in the northern edge of its range since the cygnets must learn to fly before the water freezes. The Mute Swan is usually strongly territorial with just a single pair on smaller lakes although in a few locations where a large area of suitable feeding habitat is found they can be colonial. The largest colonies can hold over 100 pairs such as that at the colony at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset in the UK. Non-mated juveniles up to 3 to 4 years old commonly form larger flocks often at regular traditional sites and these can total several hundred birds. The Mute Swan can be very aggressive in defence of its nest and it is highly protective of its mate and offspring. Most defensive attacks from a Mute Swan begin with a loud hiss and, if this is not sufficient to drive off the predator, are followed by a physical attack. It attacks by smashing at its enemy with bony spurs in the wings accompanied by biting with its large bill. Smaller waterbirds such as ducks are normally grabbed with the bill and dragged or thrown clear. Large waterfowl, such as the Canada Goose, more likely out of competition than in response to potential predation, may be aggressively driven off. The wings of the Mute Swan are very powerful although not strong enough to break an adult man's leg as has been claimed anecdotally. The Mute Swan feeds on a wide range of vegetation, both submerged aquatic plants which they reach with their long necks and by grazing on land. The food commonly includes agricultural crop plants such as oilseed rape and wheat and feeding flocks in the winter may cause significant crop damage, often as much through trampling with their large webbed feet as through direct consumption. Date: 17th January 2023 Location: EWT Langdon Conservation Centre, Dunton, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4466060.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4823344374b8a240bb6a34.jpg http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42202634.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17821889385ff310308992b.jpgBrown Bear and cub The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, Ursus arctos arctos. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an evening visit with [url=https://www.karhujenkatselu.fi/en-gb]Karhu-Kuusamo[/url] Date: 7th July 2019 Location: Kuntilampi, near Kuusamo, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41254074.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18363162525f059e6b6379a.jpgView from the m/s J.L. Runeberg between Porvoo and Helsinki, Finland Date: 26th June 2019 Location: view from the m/s J.L. Runeberg between Porvoo and Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871621.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3557397754eff1f863d772.jpgOystercatcher The Oystercatcher is a wader in the oystercatcher family. It is an obvious and noisy bird with black and white plumage, red legs and a strong broad red bill which is used for smashing or prising open molluscs such as mussels or for finding earthworms. Despite its name, oysters do not form a large part of its diet. The Oystercatcher is unmistakable in flight with white patches on the wings and tail with otherwise black upperparts and white underparts. Young birds are more brown, have a white neck collar and a duller bill. The call is a distinctive loud piping. The bill shape varies: Oystercatchers with broad bill tips open molluscs by prising them apart or hammering through the shell whereas birds with pointed bills dig up worms. Much of this is due to the wear resulting from feeding on their prey. Individual Oystercatchers specialise in one technique or the other which they learn from their parents. The Oystercatcher is the most widespread of the oystercatchers with 3 races breeding in western Europe, central Eurasia, Kamchatka, China, and the western coast of Korea. It is a migratory species over most of its range. The European population breeds mainly in northern Europe but in winter the birds can be found in north Africa and southern parts of Europe. Although the species is present all year in Ireland, the UK and the adjacent European coasts, there is still migratory movement within these populations. The Oystercatcher breeds on shingle and rocky beaches, sand dunes, salt marshes and on the grassy tops of small islands and also inland on shingle banks of rivers, lakes and gravel pits. Date: 26th May 2009 Location: Store Ekkerøy, Varangerfjord, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080577.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_155021063363a459563c60f.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 1st December 2022 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo2917985.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11847879034a4a5e044c920.jpgRing Ousel The Ring Ousel is slightly smaller and slimmer than a Blackbird. The male is particularly distinctive with black plumage and a pale wing panel and striking white breast band. They tend to be shyer than other thrushes although they will often associate with them after the breeding season. Ring Ousels arrive in March and April and leave again in September and breed in upland areas of Scotland, northern England, north west Wales and Dartmoor. On spring and autumn migration they may be seen away from their breeding areas often on the east and south coasts of the UK. Their recent population decline make them a Red List species. Date: 9th May 2009 Location: Nant Ffrancon valley, Snowdonia, Gwynedd http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4267188.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4238907334b5222bd11010.jpgCairngorms, Highland Height: Beinn Macdui 4295 feet and Braeriach 4252 feet. Although Ben Nevis, Scotland's highest mountain, lies on the west coast near Fort William, most of the rest of Scotland's highest mountains form a cluster of summits lying to the east of the A9 Perth to Inverness road near Aviemore. The Cairngorms form a massive plateau of granite about 19 miles long by 12 miles wide. Five of Scotland's nine 4000 feet summits lie within the range, plus a further nine mountains higher than 3500 feet and four more exceeding 3000 feet. The mountains of the Cairngorm plateau are predominantly vast, rounded, dome-like structures. The Cairngorms National Park has the largest area of arctic mountain landscape in the UK at its heart. It is home to 17,000 people and 25% of Britain's threatened birds, animals, and plants. It includes moorlands, forests, rivers, lochs and glens. Date: 29th December 2009 Location: view from the road to the Cairn Gorm mountain car park near the Reindeer Centre http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo8048532.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4426104974d0d0397342fe.jpgWaxwing The Waxwing is a plump bird which is slightly smaller than a Starling. It is buff or pinkish-brown in colour with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings, a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest. The bird’s name is derived from the red tips to some of the wing feathers which are said to look like they have been dipped in sealing wax. Waxwings breed in the dense forests of northern Europe but they occur in varying numbers in the UK from October to March. In some years they can occur in large numbers (known as irruptions) when the population in the breeding areas gets too big for the food available. The first UK arrivals each winter are usually seen on the east coast from Scotland to East Anglia but birds then move inland in search of food. They can be found in parks and gardens and even busy public places such as supermarket car parks, typically where there are berry-bearing trees and bushes such as rowan, hawthorn, cotoneaster and rose. Waxwings seem fearless of humans so it is relatively easy to get very close views of these stunning birds. Waxwings make an easily recognisable high-pitched trilling sound like a bell. Date: 11th December 2010 Location: Folkestone, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/llynnau-mymbyr-gwynedd https://images.on-this.website/4752_18034234254beed139f05db.jpgLlynnau Mymbyr, Gwynedd Llynnau Mymbyr are two lakes located in Dyffryn Mymbyr, a valley running from the village of Capel Curig to the Pen-y-Gwryd in Snowdonia. Strictly speaking this is one lake, originally called Llyn Mymbyr, with a maximum depth of 30 feet. About 3/4 mile long in total, a delta has built up midway along the north shore and this has to all purposes cut the lake in two, hence the plural name. Date: 9th May 2010 Location: view from the A4086 road looking south west towards Snowdon http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080605.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_60910821063a459a550500.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 1st December 2022 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080616.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_99541519663a459bcc844b.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 1st December 2022 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7439552.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2948114854cd5715662d5d.jpgSierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain This Natural Park (Parque Natural) includes a large sector of the central Sierra Morena, the east-west line of mountains which divides Andalucia from the rest of Spain. The Sierra de Andújar stretches for 45 miles with a highest point of 4230 feet and it is densely wooded boasting one of Andalucia's best preserved expanses of Mediterranean woodland and scrubland. The Sierra de Andújar is one of two of Spain's last refuges for the elusive and highly endangered Iberian Lynx. Date: 7th September 2010 Location: view from road along River Andújar to Jándula Dam http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9680334.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5889826904db7e1203c978.jpgYellow Wagtail The Yellow Wagtail is a small graceful yellow and green bird with a medium-length tail and slender black legs. Yellow Wagtails can be found from late March to September in lowland grassland and marshland habitat in central and eastern England, eastern Wales and southern Scotland. The Yellow Wagtail has been in decline since at least the 1980s, most likely due to loss of habitat for breeding and feeding, and it is therefore a Red List species. Date: 23rd April 2011 Location: Wallasea Island, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230773.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_104901220064917f6823fe0.jpgGrass Snake The Grass Snake is the UK’s largest terrestrial reptile reaching up to 6 feet in length although such large specimens are rare. Females are considerably larger than males and typically reach a size of 2 feet 11 inches to 3 feet 7 inches when fully grown whilst males are approximately 8 inches shorter. The Grass Snake is typically olive-green, brown or greyish in colour with a variable row of black bars along the sides, occasionally with smaller round markings along the back in double rows. The underside of the Grass Snake is off-white or yellowish with dark triangular or rectangular markings. A characteristic black and yellow collar is present behind the head. The Grass Snake is one of only 3 snakes to occur in the UK and it is distributed throughout lowland areas of England and Wales. It is almost absent from Scotland and is not found in Ireland at all which has no native snakes. The Grass Snake is an aquatic species that is usually closely associated with water where it preys almost entirely on amphibians, especially the Common Toad and the Common Frog, although they may also occasionally eat mammals and fish. It is a strong swimmer and is found in habitats featuring ponds, lakes, streams, marshes and ditches which provide access to sunshine for basking and plenty of shelter. The Grass Snake may also be found in open woodland, rough grassland, wet heathlands, gardens, parks and hedgerows. The Grass Snake, as with most reptiles, is at the mercy of the thermal environment and it needs to overwinter in areas which are not subject to freezing. Therefore it will typically spend the winter underground where the temperature is relatively stable. Date: 24th May 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11946570.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19418666734e40f22bce49c.jpgRoe Deer The Roe Deer is a small deer which has a white to buff patch on their rump, a black nose and “moustache” and a white chin. Its coat varies from sandy to reddish-brown in the summer to grey-brown or even black in winter. The antlers, which have no more than 3 points and are less than 10 inches in length, grow in winter and are shed in the autumn. The Roe Deer is found throughout Europe but it is absent from Ireland, much of Portugal, Greece and large parts of England and Wales. Roe Deer became extinct in most of England during the 18th century but they were reintroduced in the 19th century. The Roe Deer lives mainly in woodland where there are open patches of ground and access to the edges of fields and it feeds on grasses and the leaves of young broad-leaved trees and bushes. Both male and female Roe Deer are usually solitary and highly territorial with clearly defined boundaries which they scent mark. The Roe Deer has very good senses of smell, hearing and vision. When alarmed, it makes a characteristic barking noise. Roe Deer mate in July and August and fawns are born in the following spring. Many fawns die during their first year due to heavy predation by foxes. Date: 6th November 2007 Location: Saligo to Gruinart, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080581.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_150211487263a459682528f.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 1st December 2022 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42229316.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1122912241603e66cae5fbd.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 5th February 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15747133.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8360474915017a6f56d154.jpgMarsh Frog The Marsh Frog is the largest European frog. It is very similar in appearance to the closely related Edible Frog and Pool Frog. These 3 species are often referred to as "green frogs" to distinguish them from the more terrestrial European species which are known as "brown frogs" (best exemplified by the Common Frog). Marsh Frogs show a large variation in colour and pattern, ranging from dark green to brown or grey. The Western European populations are generally dark green to black with dark spots on the back and sides and 3 clear green lines on the back. Females can reach a maximum length of around 6.5 inches but males are smaller at around 4.5 inches. The head is proportionally large and the hind legs are long which gives them excellent jumping abilities. The Marsh Frog is usually gregarious and diurnal and more tied to aquatic habitats than the Common Frog. It is tolerant of brackish conditions and typically it is found on or in the water of its favoured drainage channels and pools throughout the year. Marsh Frogs frequently sunbathe on the bank of the water body where they are often inconspicuous until disturbed when they will jump in to the water with a characteristic “plop”. They can often be seen on lily pads or floating at the surface amongst vegetation with only their heads exposed. During the breeding season (and sometimes beyond) the male Marsh Frog calls very loudly with a sound reminiscent of a loud chuckle which is often very raucous and can be heard all day and night. Dominant males establish territories from which they call. After mating a female may produce up to 16,000 eggs in a season, laying them in clumps of a few hundred in aquatic vegetation below the surface. They hatch in about a week, tadpoles being rather solitary and living in deep water with vegetation. Newly metamorphosed frogs are up to 1 inch in length and take 2 years to mature. The diet of the Marsh Frog consists of dragonflies and other insects, spiders, earthworms and slugs. Larger frogs also eat small rodents and sometimes smaller amphibians and fish. The Marsh Frog is not a native species of the UK. It was first introduced to Walland Marsh, Kent in 1935 and is now found in several areas of Kent and East Sussex. Other introductions exist, including colonies in London. Date: 23rd July 2012 Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42626752.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_68904038160a9273d08de1.jpgEgyptian Goose The Egyptian Goose is native to Africa south of the Sahara and the Nile Valley. It was considered sacred by the ancient Egyptians and appeared in much of their artwork. It has been raised for food and extensively bred in parts of Africa since it was domesticated by the ancient Egyptians. The Egyptian Goose is believed to be most closely related to the shelducks and their relatives. However, in flight it looks heavy and more like a goose than a duck, hence the English name. The sexes of the Egyptian Goose are identical in plumage but the males average slightly larger. There is a fair amount of variation in plumage with some birds greyer and others browner. It has distinctive dark brown eye patches and contrasting white wing patches in flight. The Egyptian Goose breeds widely in Africa except in deserts and dense forests and it is locally abundant. It is found mostly in the Nile Valley and south of the Sahara. While not breeding, it sometimes makes longer migrations northwards into the arid regions of the Sahel. The Egyptian Goose has also been introduced elsewhere: the UK, the Netherlands, France and Germany have self-sustaining populations which are mostly derived from escaped ornamental birds. The UK population dates back to the 18th century although it was only formally added to the British list in 1971. In the UK it can be seen on ornamental ponds as well as on gravel pits and lowland lakes and wetlands. The north Norfolk coast and Norfolk Broads hold the highest numbers. The Egyptian Goose will nest in a large variety of situations, especially in holes in mature trees in parkland. The female builds the nest from reeds, leaves and grass, and both parents take turns incubating eggs. Egyptian Geese usually pair for life and both the male and female care for the offspring until they are old enough to care for themselves. Date: 15th April 2021 Location: Lake Meadows, Billericay, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801051.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_64582218364eda27d534cb.jpgEssex Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Essex Skipper is a small butterfly with a darting flight. It has bright orange-brown wings which are held with the forewings angled above the hind wings. The males have a thin black scent brand line running through the centre of the forewing and parallel to the leading edge. The Small Skipper appears very similar but it lacks the black tips to the antenna and it has a longer scent brand which is angled to the edge of the forewing. Since the Essex Skipper and the Small Skipper closely resemble each other and are often found in the same company, the Essex Skipper has been overlooked both in terms of recording and ecological study and it was the last UK resident species to be described (in 1889). The Essex Skipper can be found in tall, dry grasslands in open sunny situations, especially roadside verges, woodland rides and acid grasslands as well as coastal marshes. The distribution of the Essex Skipper in the UK has more than doubled in the last few decades. It is a widespread species in southern and central England but not in the far south-west. Date: 8th July 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40713555.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21372929845e16f74eaad94.jpgGoosander The Goosander (or Common Merganser in north America) is a large “sawbill” duck, so called because of its long, serrated bill which is used for catching fish. The Goosander is 23 to 28 inches long with a 31 to 38 inches wingspan and the male is generally slightly larger than the female. The adult male in breeding plumage has a white body with a variable salmon-pink tinge, a black head with an iridescent green gloss, a grey rump and tail and wings which are largely white on the inner half and black on the outer half. Females, and males in "eclipse" non-breeding plumage, are largely grey with a reddish-brown head, white chin and white secondary feathers on the wing. Juveniles are similar to adult females but also show a short black-edged white stripe between the eye and the bill. The bill and legs are red to brownish-red which are brightest on adult males and dullest on juveniles. The Goosander can be found on rivers and lakes in forested areas of Europe, north and central Asia and north America. It is a partial migrant and moves away from areas where rivers and major lakes freeze in the winter but it is a resident where waters remain open. Within Europe, a marked southward spread has occurred from Scandinavia in the breeding range since about 1850, colonising Scotland in 1871 and England in 1941. Since 1970 it has spread across northern England and in to Wales and south west England. In the UK, it can be found all year round in the breeding range but only in winter on lakes, gravel pits and reservoirs across England south of the Humber. Nesting normally occurs in a tree cavity so the Goosander requires mature forest as its breeding habitat. It will also readily use large nest boxes where provided. In places where trees are absent, it will use holes in cliffs and steep, high banks, sometimes at considerable distances from water. The female lays 6 to 17 eggs, but normally 8 to 12, and raises a single brood in a season. The ducklings are taken by the female in her bill to rivers or lakes immediately after hatching where they feed on freshwater invertebrates and small fish fry, fledging when 60 to 70 days old. The Goosander primarily feeds on fish with the serrated edge to its bill helping it to grip its prey. In addition to fish, it will take a wide range of other aquatic prey such as molluscs, crustaceans, worms, insect larvae and amphibians and, more rarely, small mammals and birds. The salmon-pink tinge shown variably by males is probably diet-related and obtained from the carotenoid pigments present in some crustaceans and fish. When feeding, the Goosander will float down a stream or river for a few miles and either fly back again or more commonly fish their way back, diving incessantly the whole way. It will often fish in a group, forming a semicircle and driving the fish into shallow water where they are captured easily. When floating leisurely, it will position itself in the water similar to ducks but it will also swim deep in the water like a Cormorant. When not diving for food, it is usually seen swimming on the water surface, resting on rocks in midstream or hidden among riverbank vegetation or (in winter) resting on the edge of floating ice. Date: 23rd December 2019 Location: Abberton Reservoir, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23806435.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2873902275512ae8d8059b.jpgTufted Duck The Tufted Duck is a medium-sized diving duck. Males are black on the head, neck, breast and back and white on the sides with a small crest and a yellow eye. Females are browner in colour. Tufted Ducks breed in the UK across the lowland areas of England, Scotland and Ireland but less commonly in Wales. Numbers increase in the UK in winter due to birds moving to the UK from Iceland and northern Europe. Tufted Ducks can be found all year round in suitable habitats such as a reservoirs, gravel pits or lakes. Date: 7th March 2015 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4088260.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11404700884b193e41cc1d5.jpgWhite Stork The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 8th November 2009 Location: Aiguamolls de l'Emporda, Catalunya, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40713558.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7365973395e16f75868d7a.jpgGoosander The Goosander (or Common Merganser in north America) is a large “sawbill” duck, so called because of its long, serrated bill which is used for catching fish. The Goosander is 23 to 28 inches long with a 31 to 38 inches wingspan and the male is generally slightly larger than the female. The adult male in breeding plumage has a white body with a variable salmon-pink tinge, a black head with an iridescent green gloss, a grey rump and tail and wings which are largely white on the inner half and black on the outer half. Females, and males in "eclipse" non-breeding plumage, are largely grey with a reddish-brown head, white chin and white secondary feathers on the wing. Juveniles are similar to adult females but also show a short black-edged white stripe between the eye and the bill. The bill and legs are red to brownish-red which are brightest on adult males and dullest on juveniles. The Goosander can be found on rivers and lakes in forested areas of Europe, north and central Asia and north America. It is a partial migrant and moves away from areas where rivers and major lakes freeze in the winter but it is a resident where waters remain open. Within Europe, a marked southward spread has occurred from Scandinavia in the breeding range since about 1850, colonising Scotland in 1871 and England in 1941. Since 1970 it has spread across northern England and in to Wales and south west England. In the UK, it can be found all year round in the breeding range but only in winter on lakes, gravel pits and reservoirs across England south of the Humber. Nesting normally occurs in a tree cavity so the Goosander requires mature forest as its breeding habitat. It will also readily use large nest boxes where provided. In places where trees are absent, it will use holes in cliffs and steep, high banks, sometimes at considerable distances from water. The female lays 6 to 17 eggs, but normally 8 to 12, and raises a single brood in a season. The ducklings are taken by the female in her bill to rivers or lakes immediately after hatching where they feed on freshwater invertebrates and small fish fry, fledging when 60 to 70 days old. The Goosander primarily feeds on fish with the serrated edge to its bill helping it to grip its prey. In addition to fish, it will take a wide range of other aquatic prey such as molluscs, crustaceans, worms, insect larvae and amphibians and, more rarely, small mammals and birds. The salmon-pink tinge shown variably by males is probably diet-related and obtained from the carotenoid pigments present in some crustaceans and fish. When feeding, the Goosander will float down a stream or river for a few miles and either fly back again or more commonly fish their way back, diving incessantly the whole way. It will often fish in a group, forming a semicircle and driving the fish into shallow water where they are captured easily. When floating leisurely, it will position itself in the water similar to ducks but it will also swim deep in the water like a Cormorant. When not diving for food, it is usually seen swimming on the water surface, resting on rocks in midstream or hidden among riverbank vegetation or (in winter) resting on the edge of floating ice. Date: 23rd December 2019 Location: Abberton Reservoir, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40952875.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7878947705e539489840b6.jpgCliffs of Moher, Co. Clare, Ireland The Cliffs of Moher are located at the south western edge of the Burren region in Co. Clare and stretch for about 9 miles. At their southern end, they rise 390 feet above the Atlantic Ocean at Hag's Head and 5 miles to the north they reach their maximum height of 702 feet just north of O'Brien's Tower, a round stone tower near the midpoint of the cliffs built in 1835 by Sir Cornelius O'Brien, and then continue at lower heights. The closest villages are Liscannor, 4 miles to the south, and Doolin, 4 miles, to the north. From the Cliffs of Moher, visitors can see the Aran Islands in Galway Bay, the mountain ranges of the Maumturks and Twelve Pins in Connemara in Co. Galway to the north and Loop Head in Co. Clare to the south. The official Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk runs for about 11 miles from Hag's Head to Doolin. This passes the Visitor Centre and O'Brien's Tower with good viewing throughout subject to rain or sea fog. There are 2 paths near the Visitor Centre, the official one being set back a little for safety whilst an unofficial path runs closer to the edge. In July 2016 the so-called Cliff Walk, outside the official Cliffs of Moher amenities, was temporarily closed because of the risk of rock falls. People were warned to stay on the official path further away from the cliff edge instead of the unofficial path. Since 2011, the Cliffs of Moher have formed a part of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark, one of a family of geotourism destinations throughout Europe that are members of the European Geoparks Network and also recognized by UNESCO. The cliffs are also a "signature point" on the official Wild Atlantic Way tourist trail. The Cliffs of Moher rank among the most visited tourist sites in Ireland with around 1.5 million visits per year. In the 1990s the local authority, Clare County Council, initiated development plans to enable visitors to experience the cliffs without significant intrusive man-made amenities. In keeping with this approach, a modern visitor centre, the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience, was built into a hillside approaching the cliffs. The centre was planned to be environmentally sensitive in its use of renewable energy systems including geothermal heating and cooling, solar panels and grey water recycling. The €32 million facility was planned and built over a 17 year period and officially opened in February 2007. Exhibits include interactive media displays covering the geology, history, flora and fauna of the Cliffs of Moher. The Cliffs of Moher consist mainly of beds of Namurian shale and sandstone with the oldest rocks being found at the bottom of the cliffs. During the time of their formation between 313 and 326 million years ago, a river dumped sand, silt and clay in to an ancient marine basin. Over millions of years, the sediments collecting at the mouth of this ancient delta were compacted and lithified in to the sedimentary strata preserved in the now exposed cliffs. Today the Cliffs of Moher are subject to erosion by wave action which undermines the base of support causing the cliffs to collapse under their own weight. This process creates a variety of coastal landforms characteristic of eroded coasts such as sea caves, sea stacks and sea stumps. Branaunmore, a 220 feet high sea stack at the foot below O'Brien's Tower, was once part of the Cliffs of Moher but coastal erosion gradually removed the layers of rock that joined it with the mainland. A large sea arch can also be seen at Hag's Head below the Napoleonic signal tower and many smaller sea arches can be seen from sea level. During the peak summer breeding season, there are an estimated 30,000 pairs of birds of more than 20 species and the Cliffs of Moher are designated as an Important Bird Area. A wide range of sea life can also be seen from the Cliffs of Moher including Atlantic Grey Seals, various species of whales and dolphins and Basking Sharks. Date: 6th February 2020 Location: area around Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre, Co. Clare, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645473.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_141522075451e3ceb11b4cf.jpgWhinchat The Whinchat is similar in size to its relative the Robin. Both sexes have brownish upperparts mottled darker, a buff throat and breast, a pale buff to whitish belly and a blackish tail with white bases to the outer tail feathers. The male in breeding plumage has blackish face mask almost encircled by a strong white supercilium and malar stripe, a bright orange-buff throat and breast and small white wing patches. The female is duller overall, in particular having browner face mask, pale buffy-brown breast, and a buff supercilium and malar stripe and smaller or no white wing patches. Males in immature and winter plumage and are similar to females. The Whinchat is a fairly common migratory species in Europe and western Asia with birds arriving at their breeding grounds between the end of April and mid May and departing between mid August and mid September. They winter primarily in tropical sub-Saharan Africa with small numbers also in north west Africa. Date: 21st May 2013 Location: Biebrza area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14467411.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18192847894f743c348c970.jpgUllsfjorden at Svensby, Troms, north Norway Ullsfjorden is a sea fjord located east of Tromsø and west of the Lyngenalpen which can be crossed by the Breivikeidet to Svensby ferry. Location: view from east shore at Svensby Date: 17th March 2012 http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405572.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17493030806586fc6c0adb6.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 6th December 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/reed-bunting https://images.on-this.website/4752_112208017558f3431216d986.97225276.jpgReed Bunting The Reed Bunting is a sparrow-sized bird but slimmer and with a long, deeply notched tail. The male has a black head, white collar and a drooping “moustache”. Females and winter males are browner and have a streaked head. In flight the tail looks black with broad, white edges. When singing, the male can usually be seen perched on top of a bush or reed. Reed Buntings can be found all year round in the UK, typically in areas of wet vegetation but also farmland and gardens in winter. Date: 8th April 2017 Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457644.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_340307142668576b90d598.jpgCommon Guillemot The Common Guillemot, also known as the Common Murre or Thin-billed Murre, is a large species of auk. The auks are a family of seabirds which includes the Brunnich's Guillemot or Thick-billed Murre, Razorbill, Little Auk and the extinct Great Auk. The Common Guillemot is 15 to 18 inches in length with a 24 to 29 inches wingspan. In breeding plumage, it is black or dark brown on the head, back and wings with white underparts. It has a thin dark pointed bill and a small rounded dark tail. Legs are grey and the bill is dark grey. Males and females are identical. Some individuals in the North Atlantic, known as "Bridled Guillemots", have a white ring around the eye extending back as a white line. This is not a distinct subspecies but a polymorphism that becomes more common the farther north the birds breed. The Common Guillemot flies with fast wing beats and has a flight speed of around 50 mph. Groups of birds are often seen flying together in a line just above the surface of the sea. However, it is not a very agile bird and take-off is often difficult. The Common Guillemot becomes flightless for 45 to 60 days while moulting its primary feathers. The Common Guillemot is a pursuit diver that forages for food by swimming underwater using its wings for propulsion. Dives usually last less than one minute but the bird swims underwater for distances of over 100 feet on a regular basis. Diving depths up to 590 feet have been recorded. The Common Guillemot has a circumpolar distribution and it occurs in low Arctic and boreal waters in the north Atlantic and north Pacific. It spends most of its time at sea and only comes to land to breed on rocky cliffs, sea stacks and islands. Some birds are permanent residents but northern birds migrate south to open waters off New England, southern California, Japan, Korea and the western Mediterranean. The Common Guillemot breeds in colonies at high densities and nesting pairs may be in bodily contact with their neighbours. No nest is made and the single egg is laid and incubated on a bare rock ledge on a cliff face. The egg hatches after 30 days incubation and the chick is born downy and can regulate its body temperature after 10 days. Some 20 days after hatching the chick jumps off its nesting ledge and heads for the sea unable to fly but gliding for some distance with fluttering wings and accompanied by its male parent. The chicks are capable of diving as soon as they hit the water. The female stays at the nest site for some 14 days after the chick has left. The Common Guillemot can venture far from its breeding grounds to forage and distances of 60 miles or more are often observed although if sufficient food is available closer by, birds will only travel much shorter distances. It mainly eats small schooling fish 8 inches long or less such as Polar Cod, Capelin, Sand Lances, Sprats, Sandeels, Atlantic Cod and Atlantic Herring. It also eats some molluscs, marine worms, squid and crustaceans. It is often seen carrying fish in its bill with the tail hanging out. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41539332.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15303503995f3e4ba51834c.jpgRed-throated Diver The Red-throated Diver is the smallest and lightest of the world's diver or loon species. Like all divers, it is long-bodied and short-necked and with its legs set far back on its body. The sexes are similar in appearance although males tend to be slightly larger and heavier than females. In breeding plumage, the adult has a dark grey head and neck with narrow black and white stripes on the back of the neck, a triangular red throat patch, white underparts and a dark grey-brown mantle. The non-breeding plumage is drabber with the chin, foreneck and much of the face white, the top of the head and back of the neck grey and considerable white speckling on the dark mantle. The bill is thin, straight and sharp and the bird often holds it at an uptilted angle. In flight, the Red-throated Diver has a distinctive profile. Its small feet do not project far past the end of its body, its head and neck droop below the horizontal (giving the flying bird a distinctly hunchbacked shape) and its thin wings are angled back. It has a quicker, deeper wing beat than other divers. The Red-throated Diver has a large global population and a significant global range but some populations are declining. Oil spills, habitat degradation, pollution and fishing nets are among the major threats and natural predators, such as various gull species and both red and Arctic foxes, will take eggs and young. The Red-throated Diver breeds primarily in the Arctic regions of northern Eurasia and north America and it winters in northern coastal waters, sometimes in groups of considerable size. Unlike other divers, it regularly uses very small freshwater lakes as breeding sites. In Europe, it breeds in Iceland, northern Scotland, Scandinavia and northern Russia and it winters along the coast as far south as parts of Spain. Date: 5th July 2019 Location: near Gednje, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11328472.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12370993594e1d66f0e7b63.jpgCoot The Coot is an all black bird with a distinctive white beak and “shield” above the beak from which earns it the title “bald”. Its feet have distinctive lobed flaps of skin on the toes which act instead of webs when swimming. It patters noisily over the water before taking off and can be very aggressive towards other birds. Coot can be found all the year round mainly on freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers and town park lakes. Sometimes they can be seen offshore, especially in winter if freshwater areas are frozen. They breed in areas of fairly shallow standing freshwater with a muddy bottom and plenty of vegetation at the sides, usually in lowland areas. Date: 3rd February 2009 Location: Northlands Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405383.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19402324316586d063443be.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 30th September 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40713563.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6025575925e16f76e3b1e7.jpgGoosander The Goosander (or Common Merganser in north America) is a large “sawbill” duck, so called because of its long, serrated bill which is used for catching fish. The Goosander is 23 to 28 inches long with a 31 to 38 inches wingspan and the male is generally slightly larger than the female. The adult male in breeding plumage has a white body with a variable salmon-pink tinge, a black head with an iridescent green gloss, a grey rump and tail and wings which are largely white on the inner half and black on the outer half. Females, and males in "eclipse" non-breeding plumage, are largely grey with a reddish-brown head, white chin and white secondary feathers on the wing. Juveniles are similar to adult females but also show a short black-edged white stripe between the eye and the bill. The bill and legs are red to brownish-red which are brightest on adult males and dullest on juveniles. The Goosander can be found on rivers and lakes in forested areas of Europe, north and central Asia and north America. It is a partial migrant and moves away from areas where rivers and major lakes freeze in the winter but it is a resident where waters remain open. Within Europe, a marked southward spread has occurred from Scandinavia in the breeding range since about 1850, colonising Scotland in 1871 and England in 1941. Since 1970 it has spread across northern England and in to Wales and south west England. In the UK, it can be found all year round in the breeding range but only in winter on lakes, gravel pits and reservoirs across England south of the Humber. Nesting normally occurs in a tree cavity so the Goosander requires mature forest as its breeding habitat. It will also readily use large nest boxes where provided. In places where trees are absent, it will use holes in cliffs and steep, high banks, sometimes at considerable distances from water. The female lays 6 to 17 eggs, but normally 8 to 12, and raises a single brood in a season. The ducklings are taken by the female in her bill to rivers or lakes immediately after hatching where they feed on freshwater invertebrates and small fish fry, fledging when 60 to 70 days old. The Goosander primarily feeds on fish with the serrated edge to its bill helping it to grip its prey. In addition to fish, it will take a wide range of other aquatic prey such as molluscs, crustaceans, worms, insect larvae and amphibians and, more rarely, small mammals and birds. The salmon-pink tinge shown variably by males is probably diet-related and obtained from the carotenoid pigments present in some crustaceans and fish. When feeding, the Goosander will float down a stream or river for a few miles and either fly back again or more commonly fish their way back, diving incessantly the whole way. It will often fish in a group, forming a semicircle and driving the fish into shallow water where they are captured easily. When floating leisurely, it will position itself in the water similar to ducks but it will also swim deep in the water like a Cormorant. When not diving for food, it is usually seen swimming on the water surface, resting on rocks in midstream or hidden among riverbank vegetation or (in winter) resting on the edge of floating ice. Date: 23rd December 2019 Location: Abberton Reservoir, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13657322.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14764103484ed36dd15c607.jpgOtter The Eurasian Otter, also known as the European Otter, Eurasian River Otter, Common Otter and Old World Otter and commonly known as the Otter, is a semi-aquatic mammal and the most widely distributed member of the Otter sub-family of the Weasel family (Mustelidae). The Otter is a typical species of the Otter sub-family and is brown above and cream below. It is 22.5 to 37.5 inches long excluding a tail of 14 to 17.5 inches. The female is shorter than the male. The Otter's average body weight is 15 to 26 pounds, although occasionally a large old male may reach up to 37 pounds. The Otter differs from the North American River Otter by its shorter neck, broader face, the greater space between the ears and its longer tail. However, it is the only Otter species in much of its range so it is rarely confused for any other animal. The Otter is the most widely distributed Otter species and its range including parts of Asia and Africa as well as being widespread across Europe. The Otter can be found throughout most of the UK with the highest densities in Scotland, especially the islands and the north west coast, Wales, parts of East Anglia and the West Country. The Otter declined across its range in the second half of the 20th century primarily due to pollution, habitat loss and hunting. However, populations are now recovering in many parts of Europe. In the UK the number of sites with an Otter presence increased by 55% between 1994 and 2002. In August 2011, the Environment Agency announced that the Otter had returned to every county in England since vanishing from every county except the West Country and parts of Northern England. The recovery of the Otter population in Europe is due to a ban on the most harmful pesticides that has been in place since 1979, improvements in water quality leading to increases in prey populations and direct legal protection under the European Union Habitats Directive and national legislation in several European countries. In general, the Otter’s varied and adaptable diet means that it can be found on any unpolluted body of fresh water, including lakes, streams, rivers and ponds, as long as the food supply is adequate. It can also be found along the coast in salt water but it requires regular access to fresh water to clean its fur. When living in the sea it is sometimes referred to as a "Sea Otter" but it should not be confused with the true Sea Otter which is a North American species much more strongly adapted to a marine existence. The Otter's diet mainly consists of fish. However, during the winter and in colder environments, fish consumption is significantly lower and other sources of food are eaten including amphibians, crustaceans, insects, birds and small mammals. Hunting mainly takes place at night whilst the day is usually spent in the Otter's holt (den). The Otter is strongly territorial and is primarily solitary. An individual's territory may vary between 1 and 25 miles with the length of the territory depending on the density of food available and the width of the water suitable for hunting (it is shorter on coasts, where the available width is much wider and longer on narrower rivers). The Otter uses its spraints to mark its territory. Territories are only held against members of the same sex so those of males and females may overlap. The Otter is a non-seasonal breeder and males and females will breed at any time of the year. It has been found that their mating season is most likely determined simply by the Otters' reproductive maturity and physiological state. Female Otters are sexually mature between 18 and 24 months old and the average age of first breeding is found to be 2.5 years old. Gestation is 60 to 64 days and after the gestation period, 1 to 4 pups are born which remain dependent on the mother for about 13 months. The male plays no direct role in parental care although the territory of a female with her pups is usually entirely within that of the male. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453921.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1033131264ff54573c03a7.jpgGriffon Vultures The Griffon Vulture is a typical Old World vulture in appearance with a white bald head, very broad wings and short tail feathers. It has a white neck ruff and yellow bill. The buff body and wing coverts contrast with the dark flight feathers. They are very large birds around 37 to 43 inches long with a 91 to 106 inches wingspan. Like other vultures, the Griffon Vulture is a scavenger, feeding mostly from carcasses of dead animals which it finds by soaring over open areas, often moving in flocks. The population is mostly resident in its breeding range in the mountains of southern Europe, north Africa, and Asia. In Spain, there are tens of thousands of birds from a low of a few thousand around 1980 although the Pyrenees population has apparently been affected by an EU ruling that due to danger of BSE transmission, no carcasses must be left on the fields for the time being. Although the Griffon Vulture does not normally attack larger living prey, there are reports of Spanish Griffon Vultures killing weak, young or unhealthy living animals as they do not find enough carrion to eat. Date: 27th April 2012 Location: Location: Portilla del Tiétar, Parque Nacional de Monfragüe, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26041364.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7793610855638a23ab22b3.jpgDynjandi, Westfjords, Iceland Dynjandi (also known as Fjallfoss and meaning “thunderous”) is located at the end of Arnarfjörður and it is the most powerful waterfall in the Westfjords and breathtaking in its beauty. Dynjandi is actually a series of 7 waterfalls with a cumulative height of 330 feet. The main uppermost tier is particularly notable with its trapezoidal shape (100 feet wide at the top and 200 feet wide at the bottom). The other waterfalls below Dynjandifoss are Hæstahjallafoss, Strompgljúfrafoss, Göngumannafoss, Hrísvaðsfoss, Hundafoss and Bæjarfoss. It is said that a supernatural being lives in every waterfall. The waterfalls have their source in Lake Eyjavatn from which the Dynjandisá river flows. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: view from road 60 at the eastern end of Arnarfjörður http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4158161.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1885949284b292017ae4f2.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 15th December 2009 Location: Connaught Water, Epping Forest, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25774111.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1073133056560fb6df51f5d.jpgDate: 24th September 2015 Location: Loch Sunart, Ardnamurchan, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405490.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14336067786586e886cd851.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 14th October 2023 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13683384.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18166829864ed73809e4f72.jpgBarn Owl With a heart shaped face, buff back and wings and pure white under-parts the Barn Owl is a distinctive and much-loved bird of the countryside. Barn Owls are widely distributed across the UK and can be seen all year round sometimes during the day but normally at dusk in open country and along field edges, riverbanks and roadside verges. Barn owls have suffered population declines over the past 50 years as a result of habitat degradation following increasing intensive agricultural practices. However, that decline has stopped in many areas and their population may now be increasing. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46534693.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7907672862ca98a5098f3.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 27th June 2022 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493303.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11263496545f326fb6c41df.jpgRazorbill The Razorbill is a seabird and a member of the auk family which also includes the Common Guillemot, Brunnich's Guillemot and Little Auk. It is also the closest living relative to the Great Auk which is now extinct. The Razorbill has white underparts and a black head, neck, back and feet during the breeding season. A thin white line also extends from the eyes to the end of the bill. Its head is darker than that of the CommonGuillemot. Outside the breeding season, the throat and face behind the eye become white and the white line on the face becomes less prominent. The thick black bill has a blunt end. The adult male and female female are very much alike having only small differences such as wing length. The Razorbill has a horizontal stance and the tail feathers are slightly longer in the centre in comparison to other auks making it have a distinctly long tail which is not common for an auk. The Razorbill is distributed across the sub-arctic and boreal waters of the north Atlantic where water surface temperature are typically below 15°c. The world population is estimated to be less than 1 million breeding pairs, making it among the rarest auks in the world. Approximately 60 to 70% of the entire Razorbill population breeds in Iceland., including over 200,000 pairs at Látrabjarg. The breeding habitat is islands, rocky shores and cliffs on north Atlantic coasts, in eastern North America as far south as Maine and in western Europe from north west Russia to northern France. Eurasian birds winter at sea with some moving south as far as the western Mediterranean. North American birds migrate offshore and south. The Razorbill is a colonial breeder and only comes to land to breed. Individuals only breed at 3 to 5 years of age. Females select their mate and will often encourage competition between males before choosing a partner. Once a male is chosen, the pair will usually stay together for life. Nest site determination is very important to ensure protection of young from predators. Unlike Common Guillemots, nest sites are not immediately alongside the sea on open cliff ledges but at least 4 to 6 inches away in crevices on cliffs or among boulders. Generally a nest is not built although some pairs often use their bills to drag material upon which to lay their single egg. The mating pair will often reuse the same site every year. The Razorbill feeds mainly on schooling fish and crustaceans and it will dive deep into the sea using its wings and its streamlined body to propel itself toward their prey. Whilst diving, it rarely stays in groups but instead spreads out to feed. The majority of feeding occurs at a depth of about 80 feet but it has the ability to dive up to 400 feet below the surface. During a single dive the Razorbill can capture and swallow many schooling fish depending on their size. The Razorbill spends approximately 45% of its time foraging at sea and it may well fly more than 60 miles out to sea to feed. However, when feeding chicks it will forage much closer to the nesting grounds and often in shallower water. The Razorbill and its eggs and chicks have several predators which include Great Black-backed Gulls, Peregrines, Ravens and other crows, Arctic Foxes and Polar Bears. In the early 20th century, Razorbills were harvested for their eggs, meat and feathers and this greatly decreased their population. In 1917 they were finally protected which reduced hunting. Other current threats include oil pollution, unintentional bycatch arising from commercial fishing and overfishing which decreases the abundance of prey. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26040466.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_143093566556388f78da2ab.jpgCommon Seals The Common or Harbour Seal is the most widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. The Common Seal possesses a unique pattern of spots, either dark on a light background or light on a dark background. It varies in colour from brownish black to tan or grey although underparts are generally lighter. The body and flippers are short, the head is rounded and the nostrils appear distinctively V-shaped. Blubber under the skin helps to maintain body temperature. Including the head and flippers, the Common Seal may reach an adult length of 6.1 feet and a weight of 120 to 370 pounds. Females are generally smaller than males. There are an estimated 350,000 to 500,000 Common Seals worldwide. While the population is not threatened as a whole, the Greenland, Hokkaidō and Baltic Sea populations are exceptions. Local populations have been reduced or eliminated through disease and unintentional and intentional conflict with humans. It is legal to kill seals perceived to threaten fisheries in the UK, Norway and Canada but commercial hunting is illegal. Seals are also taken in subsistence hunting and accidentally as bycatch. The Common Seal sticks to familiar resting spots or haul out sites, generally rocky areas (although ice, sand and mud may also be used), where it is protected from adverse weather conditions and predation, near a foraging area. It may spend several days at sea and travel up to 30 miles in search of feeding grounds although it will also congregate in harbours, sandy intertidal zones and estuaries and swim some distance upstream into fresh water in large rivers. The Common Seal feeds primarily on fish and occasionally shrimps, crabs, molluscs and squid. The Common Seal is often solitary but it is gregarious when hauled out and during the breeding season although it does not form groups as large as some other seals. Both courtship and mating occur underwater and females give birth annually with a gestation period of approximately 9 months. The timing of the pupping season varies with location, occurring in February for populations in lower latitudes and as late as July in the sub Arctic zone. The mothers are the sole providers of care and the single pups are born well developed, capable of swimming and diving within hours. Suckling for 3 to 4 weeks, pups feed on the mother's rich, fatty milk and grow rapidly and doubling their weight by the time of weaning. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Hvítanes, Skötufjörður, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871550.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4198359194eff1990e2377.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 25th December 2011 Location: Walcott, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/biebrza-poland https://images.on-this.website/4752_90996556851e3cdbe8bcf7.jpgBiebrza area, Poland The Biebrza marshes are a complex series of habitats located in the Biebrza river valley. The area encompasses river channels, lakes, extensive marshes, fenland, reed beds, peat bogs and fields and meadows with woods and forests on higher ground. The Biebrza National Park, which covers much of the area, is the largest of Poland’s 23 National Parks and was created in 1993. Covering a total area of 228 square miles, it protects the vast and relatively untouched habitats with their unique variety of several communities of plants and species of wetland birds and mammals. Date: 19th May 2013 Location: view from Carska Droga ("Czars Road"), Biebrza area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26541500.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_129334874356aced4ca6d2b.jpgChaffinch The Chaffinch is a common UK resident bird and is a colorful member of the finch family. Chaffinches breed anywhere with trees and bushes, including coniferous and deciduous woodland, farmland hedgerows, parks and rural and suburban gardens. Date: 17th January 2016 Location: Caerlaverock WWT reserve, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13439459.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21474719154eb264bf00cc8.jpgDark-bellied Brent Geese The Brent Goose belongs to the [I]Branta[/I] genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the [I]Anser[/I] genus of grey geese. [I]Branta[/I] is a Latinised form of Old Norse [I]brandgás[/I], meaning "burnt (black) goose", and [i]bernicla[/i] is the medieval Latin name for the barnacle. The Brent Goose and the similar Barnacle Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be the same creature as the crustacean, a myth that can be dated back to at least the 12th century. The Brent Goose, [I]Branta bernicla[/I] is divided into 3 sub-species: Dark-bellied Brent Goose [I]B. b. bernicla[/I], Pale-bellied Brent Goose [i]B. b. hrota[/i] (sometimes also known as Light-bellied Brent Goose) and Black Brant [i]B. b. nigricans[/i]. Some DNA evidence suggests that these forms are genetically distinct and a split into 3 separate species has been proposed. However, other evidence upholds their maintenance as a single species. The Brent Goose is a small goose, 22 to 26 inches long with a wingspan of 42 to 48 inches. The under-tail is pure white and the tail black and very short (the shortest of any goose). The Dark-bellied Brent Goose is fairly uniformly dark grey-brown all over and the flanks and belly are not significantly paler than the back. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds on the Arctic coasts of central and west Siberia and winters in west Europe with over half the population in south England and the rest between north Germany and north west France. The Pale-bellied Brent Goose appears blackish-brown and light grey in colour and the flanks and belly are significantly paler than the back and present a marked contrast. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds in Franz Josef Land, Svalbard, Greenland and north east Canada and winters in Denmark, north east England, Ireland and the Atlantic coast of the USA from Maine to Georgia as well as in a small but significant area in north France. The Black Brant appears blackish-brown and white in colour. This sub-species is very contrastingly black and white with a uniformly dark sooty-brown back, similarly-coloured underparts (with the dark colour extending furthest back of the 3 sub-species) and a prominent white flank patch. It also has a larger white neck patch which forms an almost complete collar. It breeds in north west Canada, Alaska and east Siberia and winters mostly on the west coast of north America from south Alaska to California but also in east Asia, mainly Japan. It sometimes appears as a vagrant in Europe when it associates with the other Brent Goose species. The Brent Goose used to be a strictly coastal bird in winter, seldom leaving tidal estuaries where it feeds on eel-grass and seaweed. In recent decades, it has started using agricultural land a short distance inland, feeding extensively on grass and winter-sown cereals. This may be behaviour learned by following other species of geese. Food resource pressure may also be important in forcing this change since the world population increased over 10-fold by the mid-1980s, possibly reaching the carrying capacity of the estuaries. In the breeding season, the Brent Goose uses low-lying wet coastal tundra for both breeding and feeding. The nest is bowl-shaped, lined with grass and down and located in an elevated position often near a small pond. The Brent Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds applies. Date: 21st October 2011 Location: Cudmore Grove Country Park, East Mersea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13656968.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8062807144ed368c527a42.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the [i]Canidae[/i] family and is a part of the order [i]Carnivora[/i] within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11947752.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2446310444e40fe077ec75.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 21st October 2007 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo3228279.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15846279674a7e8f647ce1e.jpgCommon Blue Flight period: June to September. The Common Blue is the UK’s most widespread and common blue butterfly although it has suffered some local declines due to habitat loss. They can be found in sunny, sheltered areas including downland, roadside verges, woodland clearings and rural gardens. Date: 2nd August 2009 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871753.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11333285094eff21d65185f.jpgBrown Bear The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, <i>Ursus arctos arctos</i>. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an overnight stay in a Brown Bear watching hide at [url=http://www.martinselkonen.fi/index.php?id=1&la=en]Martinselkosen Eräkeskus[/url] Date: 1st June 2009 Location: Martinselkosen Eräkeskus, Pirttivaara, Kainuu, Finland <iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/10143012?autoplay=1" width="600" height="450" frameborder="0"></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/10143012">Brown Bears of Martinselkonen</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user3372484">Richard Chew</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>. Music: Jean Sibelius - Andante festivo<br /> </p> http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49797836.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_78604184864eca7506141f.jpgHornet Mimic Hoverfly At almost 2 cm long, the Hornet Mimic Hoverfly is the largest hoverfly species in the UK. As its name suggests, it is an excellent mimic of the Hornet, but is harmless to humans. The Hornet Mimic Hoverfly is mainly orange-yellow on the abdomen with dark bands and a dark brown thorax. It can be distinguished from the Hornet by its much larger eyes, broader body and the lack of a sting. Only a very rare visitor to the UK up to the 1940s, the Hornet Mimic Hoverfly has become more common in southern England in recent years and is still spreading northwards, perhaps as a result of climate change. It is particularly prevalent in urban areas. Date: 3rd July 2023 Location: Broadcroft Quarry, Isle of Portland, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/hamningberg-norway https://images.on-this.website/4752_4537372784eff1fcd22d62.jpgHamningberg, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway Hamningberg is an abandoned fishing village in Båtsfjord municipality in Finnmark county, Norway. The village lies along the northern coast of the large Varanger peninsula on the shores of the Barents Sea. Its only road connection is through Vardø municipality and it is located about 55 miles north along the coast from Vardø. Traditionally a fishing village, Hamningberg is one of very few places in Finnmark county that was not burned down by the retreating Germans in the latter part of WW2. It was depopulated and abandoned in 1964 although some of the houses are still in use as summer cottages. Date: 26th May 2009 Location: view from coastal road between Sandfjord and Hamningberg, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11480986.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10601856724e26994d6b587.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 17th May 2009 Location: Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9563044.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1752809064dae995f38424.jpgSnow Bunting Snow Buntings are large buntings with striking “snowy” plumages. Males in summer have all white heads and underparts contrasting with a black mantle and wing tips. Females are a more mottled above. In autumn and winter birds develop a sandy/buff wash to their plumage and males have more mottled upperparts. Snow Buntings breed in far northern Europe and migrate south in winter. They are a very scarce breeding species in the UK and can be found on the highest mountain peaks in Scotland where they nest in rocky crevices. Snow Buntings are best looked for in winter (from late September to early March) where they can sometimes be seen in large flocks on the seashore or on adjacent short rough grassland at coastal sites in Scotland and eastern England. Date: 12/11/06 Location: Snettisham, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493293.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12414365535f326f8ed3942.jpgHerring Gull The (European) Herring Gull is a species of large gull. It is 22 to 26 inches in length with a wingspan of 49 to 61 inches. The male is slightly larger than the female. The adult Herring Gull in breeding plumage has a grey back and upper wings and white head and underparts. The wingtips are black with white spots known as "mirrors". The bill is yellow with a red spot and a ring of bare yellow skin is seen around the pale eye. The legs are normally pink at all ages but can be yellowish. Male and female plumage are identical at all stages of development. Non-breeding adults have brown streaks on their heads and necks. Juvenile and first-winter birds are mainly brown with darker streaks and have a dark bill and eyes. Second-winter birds have a whiter head and underparts with less streaking and the back is grey. Third-winter individuals are similar to adults but retain some of the features of immature birds such as brown feathers in the wings and dark markings on the bill. The Herring Gull attains adult plumage and reaches sexual maturity at an average age of 4 years. The adult Herring Gull is similar to the Ring-billed Gull but it is much larger, has pinkish legs and a much thicker yellow bill with more pronounced gonys. First-winter birds are much browner but second-winter and third-winter birds can be confusing since soft part colours are variable and third-winter birds often show a ring around the bill. Such birds are most easily distinguished by the larger size and larger bill of Herring Gull. The Herring Gull can be differentiated from the closely related and slightly smaller Lesser Black-backed Gull by the latter's dark grey (not actually black) back and upper wing plumage and its yellow legs and feet. The loud, laughing call of the Herring Gull is well known in Europe and it is often seen as a symbol of the seaside in countries such as the UK. It also has a yelping alarm call and a low, barking anxiety call. The most distinct and best known call produced by the Herring Gull is the raucous territorial “long call” used to signal boundaries to other birds. It is performed initially with the head bowed and then raised as the call continues. Chicks and fledglings emit a distinctive, repetitive, high-pitched “peep” accompanied by a head-flicking gesture when begging for food from or calling to their parents. Adults in urban areas also exhibit this behaviour when fed by humans. Herring Gull flocks have a loose pecking order based on size, aggressiveness and physical strength. Adult males are usually dominant over females and juveniles in feeding and boundary disputes whilst adult females are typically dominant when selecting their nesting sites. Communication between birds is complex and highly developed, employing both calls and body language. The Herring Gull is one of the best-known of all gulls and it breeds across north Europe, west Europe, central Europe, east Europe, Scandinavia and the Baltic states. Some birds, especially those breeding in colder areas, migrate further south in winter but many are permanent residents, e.g. in the UK or on the North Sea coast. The Herring Gull is almost exclusively sexually monogamous and may pair up for life provided the couple is successful in breeding. The female lays 2 to 4 eggs, but usually 3, on the ground or cliff ledges in colonies and the nest is defended vigorously. The eggs are incubated by both parents for 28 to 30 days. The chicks hatch with their eyes open, covered with fluffy down and they are able to walk around within hours. Juveniles use their beaks to peck at the red spot on the beaks of adults to indicate hunger and then the parents typically disgorge food. The young birds are able to fly 35 to 40 days after hatching and fledge at 5 or 6 weeks of age. Chicks are generally fed by their parents until they are 11 to 12 weeks old but feeding may continue for more than 6 months of age if the young gulls continue to beg. The Herring Gull has a varied diet, including fish (although despite their name, they have no special preference for herrings), crustaceans and dead animals. Vegetable matter such as roots, tubers, seeds, grains, nuts and fruit, is also taken. It is an opportunistic omnivore like most gulls and it will scavenge from rubbish dumps, landfill sites and sewage outflows with refuse comprising up to half of its diet. It will also take the eggs and young of other birds (including those of other gulls), steal food from other birds as well as seek suitable small prey in fields, on the coast or in urban areas. The Herring Gull may also dive from the surface of the water or engage in plunge diving in the pursuit of aquatic prey although they are typically unable to reach depths greater than 3 to 6 feet due to their natural buoyancy. It can frequently be seen dropping shelled prey from a height to break the shell and it has also been observed using pieces of bread as bait. It may also be observed rhythmically drumming its feet upon the ground for prolonged periods of time for the purpose of creating vibrations in the soil and driving earthworms to the surface which are then consumed. In the UK, the Herring Gull is declining significantly across the country despite an increase in urban areas. The UK population has decreased by 50% in 25 years and it is protected by law. Since January 2010, Natural England has allowed lethal control only with a specific individual licence that is available only in limited circumstances. Natural England made the change following a public consultation in response to the RSPB placing the Herring Gull on its “Red List” of threatened bird species in 2009, affording it the highest possible conservation status. Previously, killing the Herring Gull was allowed under a general licence obtainable by authorised persons (e.g. landowners or occupiers) under certain circumstances (e.g. to prevent serious damage to crops or livestock, to prevent disease or to preserve public health or safety) without requiring additional permission beyond the general licence. The Herring Gull is an increasingly common rooftop nesting bird in urban areas of the UK and many individual birds show little fear of humans. The Clean Air Act 1956 banned the burning of refuse at landfill sites and this provided the Herring Gull with a regular and plentiful source of food. As a direct result, the urban population in the UK increased. Faced with a lack of space at their traditional coastal colonies, the Herring Gull ventured inland in search of new breeding areas. Decreasing fish stocks in the seas around the UK may also have been a significant factor in the move inland. The Herring Gull is now found all year round in the streets and gardens of the UK due to the presence of street lighting (which allows foraging at night), discarded food in streets, food waste contained in easy to tear plastic bin bags, food intentionally left out for other birds, the relative lack of predators and readily available, convenient, warm and undisturbed rooftop nesting space in towns and cities. The survival rate for urban Herring Gulls is much higher than their counterparts in coastal areas, with an annual adult mortality rate of less than 5%. Also, each pair commonly rears 3 chicks per year. This, when combined with their long-lived nature, has resulted in a massive increase in numbers over a relatively short period of time and has brought urban Herring Gulls into conflict with humans. A range of non-lethal attempts to deter them from nesting in urban areas have been largely unsuccessful. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801066.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8427341964eda29888584.jpgEmerald Damselfly Flight period: June to September The Emerald Damselfly is widely distributed in uplands and lowlands throughout the UK. They can be found around small, shallow standing water with luxuriant vegetation such as rushes and sedges. Date: 8th July 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071518.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_724071263664325499b26d.jpgCommon Whitethroat The Common Whitethroat is a common and widespread Sylvia warbler. It is one of several Sylvia species that has distinct male and female plumages. Both sexes are mainly brown above and buff below with chestnut fringes to the wings. The adult male has a grey head and a white throat. The female lacks the grey head and the throat is duller. The song is fast and scratchy with a scolding tone. The Common Whitethroat breeds throughout Europe and across much of temperate west Asia where it can be found in areas of open countryside and cultivation with bushes for nesting. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, Arabia and Pakistan. In the UK, it is a summer visitor from April to October and a passage migrant. It breeds widely throughout the country although avoids urban and mountainous areas. Like most warblers, the Common Whitethroat is insectivorous but it will also eat berries and other soft fruit. Date: 2nd May 2024 Location: RSPB Minsmere, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12653624.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8020261864e69cbf82deac.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 4th September 2011 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533191.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_38784655962ca7f26d6fa7.jpgSmall Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Small Skipper has a rusty orange colour to the wings, upper body and the tips of the antennae. The body is silvery white below and it has a wingspan of 25 to 30 mm. It is very similar in appearance to the Essex Skipper but the undersides of the tips of the antennae are yellow orange in the Small Skipper whereas they are black in the Essex Skipper. The Small Skipper is a common and widespread butterfly in most parts of England and has been expanding its range northwards. It can be found in rough grassland, roadside verges, edges of fields and woodland clearings where it is often seen basking on vegetation or making short buzzing flights among tall grass stems. Date: 22nd June 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/clouded-yellow https://images.on-this.website/4752_5272533454f421ccc97b7e.jpgClouded Yellow Flight period: mid May to mid October. The Clouded Yellow is a highly migratory species and an annual migrant to the UK. Numbers vary enormously from year to year but they are only common and widespread in "Clouded Yellow summers" every 10 years or so. As they are migrants, they can be found anywhere but they do favour chalk downlands. Date: 25th July 2006 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072258.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20438415604bf6d74d03fa0.jpgKaamanen to Utsjoki, Lappi, Finland Date: 11th April 2010 Location: view from road E75 between Kaamanen and Utsjoki, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14467416.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6348062644f743c568cfc0.jpgReindeer The Reindeer, also known as the Caribou in North America, is a deer from the Arctic and sub Arctic, including both resident and migratory populations. Whilst it is overall widespread and numerous, some of its subspecies are rare or already extinct. The Reindeer is a widespread and numerous species in the northern Holarctic, being present in tundra (frozen arctic plain with lichens, mosses and dwarfed vegetation) and taiga (marshy pine forest) regions. Originally, the Reindeer was found in Scandinavia, eastern Europe, Russia, Mongolia, and northern China. In North America, it was found in Canada, Alaska and the northern USA from Washington to Maine. It also occurred naturally on Sakhalin, Greenland, and probably even in historical times in Ireland. Today, wild Reindeer have disappeared from many areas within this large historical range, especially from the southern parts where it has vanished almost everywhere. Large populations of wild Reindeer are still found in Norway, Finland, Siberia, Greenland, Alaska, and Canada. Wild Reindeer hunting and herding of semi-domesticated Reindeer (for meat, hides, antlers, milk and transportation) are important to several Arctic and Subarctic people. Domesticated Reindeer are mostly found in northern Fennoscandia and Russia with a herd of approximately 150-170 Reindeer also living around the Cairngorms region in Scotland. Reindeer vary considerably in colour and size. Both sexes grow antlers, though they are typically larger in males. Even far outside its range, the Reindeer is well known due to the myth, probably originating in early 19th century America, in which Santa Claus's sleigh is pulled by flying Reindeer, a popular element of Christmas. Date: 17th March 2012 Location: near Tisnes, Kvaløya, Troms, north Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9580584.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2318693644db02cfde1571.jpgDunlin The Dunlin is the commonest small wader found along the coast and can be seen on all UK estuaries with the largest numbers in winter. During winter they feed in large flocks on estuaries with mudflats, saltmarsh and coastal lagoons as well as inland lakes and sewage farms. Dunlin breed on the wet upland moors of Scotland, Wales and England and also the wet grassland machair of the Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland and the Flow Country of Caithness and Sutherland. Date: 26th December 2008 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457647.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2628542216685774c013a5.jpgRazorbill The Razorbill is a seabird and a member of the auk family which also includes the Common Guillemot, Brunnich's Guillemot and Little Auk. It is also the closest living relative to the Great Auk which is now extinct. The Razorbill has white underparts and a black head, neck, back and feet during the breeding season. A thin white line also extends from the eyes to the end of the bill. Its head is darker than that of the CommonGuillemot. Outside the breeding season, the throat and face behind the eye become white and the white line on the face becomes less prominent. The thick black bill has a blunt end. The adult male and female female are very much alike having only small differences such as wing length. The Razorbill has a horizontal stance and the tail feathers are slightly longer in the centre in comparison to other auks making it have a distinctly long tail which is not common for an auk. The Razorbill is distributed across the sub-arctic and boreal waters of the north Atlantic where water surface temperature are typically below 15°c. The world population is estimated to be less than 1 million breeding pairs, making it among the rarest auks in the world. Approximately 60 to 70% of the entire Razorbill population breeds in Iceland., including over 200,000 pairs at Látrabjarg. The breeding habitat is islands, rocky shores and cliffs on north Atlantic coasts, in eastern North America as far south as Maine and in western Europe from north west Russia to northern France. Eurasian birds winter at sea with some moving south as far as the western Mediterranean. North American birds migrate offshore and south. The Razorbill is a colonial breeder and only comes to land to breed. Individuals only breed at 3 to 5 years of age. Females select their mate and will often encourage competition between males before choosing a partner. Once a male is chosen, the pair will usually stay together for life. Nest site determination is very important to ensure protection of young from predators. Unlike Common Guillemots, nest sites are not immediately alongside the sea on open cliff ledges but at least 4 to 6 inches away in crevices on cliffs or among boulders. Generally a nest is not built although some pairs often use their bills to drag material upon which to lay their single egg. The mating pair will often reuse the same site every year. The Razorbill feeds mainly on schooling fish and crustaceans and it will dive deep into the sea using its wings and its streamlined body to propel itself toward their prey. Whilst diving, it rarely stays in groups but instead spreads out to feed. The majority of feeding occurs at a depth of about 80 feet but it has the ability to dive up to 400 feet below the surface. During a single dive the Razorbill can capture and swallow many schooling fish depending on their size. The Razorbill spends approximately 45% of its time foraging at sea and it may well fly more than 60 miles out to sea to feed. However, when feeding chicks it will forage much closer to the nesting grounds and often in shallower water. The Razorbill and its eggs and chicks have several predators which include Great Black-backed Gulls, Peregrines, Ravens and other crows, Arctic Foxes and Polar Bears. In the early 20th century, Razorbills were harvested for their eggs, meat and feathers and this greatly decreased their population. In 1917 they were finally protected which reduced hunting. Other current threats include oil pollution, unintentional bycatch arising from commercial fishing and overfishing which decreases the abundance of prey. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871641.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11548027594eff1ff4e7cf5.jpgRed-throated Diver The Red-throated Diver is the smallest and lightest of the world's diver or loon species. Like all divers, it is long-bodied and short-necked and with its legs set far back on its body. The sexes are similar in appearance although males tend to be slightly larger and heavier than females. In breeding plumage, the adult has a dark grey head and neck with narrow black and white stripes on the back of the neck, a triangular red throat patch, white underparts and a dark grey-brown mantle. The non-breeding plumage is drabber with the chin, foreneck and much of the face white, the top of the head and back of the neck grey and considerable white speckling on the dark mantle. The bill is thin, straight and sharp and the bird often holds it at an uptilted angle. In flight, the Red-throated Diver has a distinctive profile. Its small feet do not project far past the end of its body, its head and neck droop below the horizontal (giving the flying bird a distinctly hunchbacked shape) and its thin wings are angled back. It has a quicker, deeper wing beat than other divers. The Red-throated Diver has a large global population and a significant global range but some populations are declining. Oil spills, habitat degradation, pollution and fishing nets are among the major threats and natural predators, such as various gull species and both red and Arctic foxes, will take eggs and young. The Red-throated Diver breeds primarily in the Arctic regions of northern Eurasia and north America and it winters in northern coastal waters, sometimes in groups of considerable size. Unlike other divers, it regularly uses very small freshwater lakes as breeding sites. In Europe, it breeds in Iceland, northern Scotland, Scandinavia and northern Russia and it winters along the coast as far south as parts of Spain. Date: 27th May 2009 Location: Vardø to Sandfjord, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21829381.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_120139252753cba1ad3d8f2.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 11th June 2014 Location: Bempton Cliifs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46535138.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_177798849962caa2c3a59c6.jpgLarge Skipper Flight period: June to July. The Large Skipper is a small golden butterfly which is widespread throughout England and Wales and it is also extending its range northwards in to southern Scotland. They can be found in areas of tall, uncut grassland, woodland rides, roadside verges and hedgerows. Date: 3rd July 2022 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7950418.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9722203914d03ce81379af.jpgGoldfinch The European Goldfinch or simply the Goldfinch is a small passerine bird in the finch family. The Goldfinch is 4.7 to 5.1 inches in length with a wingspan of 8.3 to 9.8 inches. The sexes are broadly similar, with a red face, black and white head, warm brown upper parts, white underparts with buff flanks and breast patches and black and yellow wings. On closer inspection, males can often be distinguished by a larger, darker red mask that extends just behind the eye. The shoulder feathers are black, whereas they are brown on the female. In females, the red face does not extend past the eye. The ivory-coloured bill is long and pointed and the tail is forked. Juveniles have a plain head and a greyer back but are unmistakable due to the yellow wing stripe. The Goldfinch is native to Europe, north Africa and west and central Asia. It is found in open, partially wooded lowlands and it is a resident in the milder west of its range but migrates from colder regions. It will also make local movements, even in the west, to escape bad weather. It has been introduced to many areas of the world. In the UK, the Goldfinch can be seen anywhere there are scattered bushes and trees, rough ground with thistles and other seeding plants, including orchards, parks, gardens, heathland and commons. It is less common in upland areas and most numerous in the south of England. The nest is built entirely by the female Goldfinch and is generally completed within a week. It is neat and compact and constructed of mosses and lichens and lined with plant down such as that from thistles. It is generally located several feet above the ground, hidden by leaves in the twigs at the end of a branch. The female typically lays 4 to 6 eggs which are incubated for 11 to 13 days. The chicks are fed by both parents. Initially they receive a mixture of seeds and insects but as they grow the proportion of insect material decreases. For the first 7 to 9 days the young are brooded by the female. The nestlings fledge 13 to 18 days after hatching. The young birds are fed by both parents for a further 7 to 9 days. The parents typically raise 2 broods each year and occasionally 3. The Goldfinch's preferred food is small seeds such as those from thistles and teasels but insects are also taken when feeding young. It also regularly visits bird feeders in winter. The Goldfinch is commonly kept and bred in captivity around the world because of its distinctive appearance and pleasant song. In the UK during the 19th century, many thousands of Goldfinches were trapped each year to be sold as cage birds. One of the earliest campaigns of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was directed against this trade. Date: 1st November 2010 Location: Fairburn Ings RSPB reserve, South Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17061289.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_145926377450e02e00b19d6.jpgSnow Bunting Snow Buntings are large buntings with striking “snowy” plumages. Males in summer have all white heads and underparts contrasting with a black mantle and wing tips. Females are a more mottled above. In autumn and winter birds develop a sandy/buff wash to their plumage and males have more mottled upperparts. Snow Buntings breed in far northern Europe and migrate south in winter. They are a very scarce breeding species in the UK and can be found on the highest mountain peaks in Scotland where they nest in rocky crevices. Snow Buntings are best looked for in winter (from late September to early March) where they can sometimes be seen in large flocks on the seashore or on adjacent short rough grassland at coastal sites in Scotland and eastern England. Date: 26th December 2012 Location: Caister-on-Sea, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/las-estepas-de-belchite-aragon https://images.on-this.website/4752_20895460244b157de295cab.jpgLas Estepas de Belchite, Aragon, Spain Las Estepas de Belchite are located to the south and south east of Zaragoza in Aragon and form one of the most important steppe landscapes in the Rio Ebre valley. Large areas have been destroyed through irrigation and cultivation and the low hills and plains are now a mix of steppe, cereal fields and irrigated areas with small wooded hills, gullies and cliffs formed by local rivers. Las Estepas de Bechite is an area of great importance for steppe birds and La Reserva Ornitológica El Planerón is one of the few protected areas. Date: 12th November 2009 Location: La Reserva Ornitológica El Planerón http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871764.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21211428054eff22141dca8.jpgCommon Tern The Common Tern is a seabird of the tern family. Breeding adults have pale grey upperparts, very pale grey underparts, a black cap, orange-red legs and a narrow pointed bill that can be mostly red with a black tip. The upperwings are pale grey but as the summer wears on the dark feather shafts of the outer flight feathers become exposed and a grey wedge appears on the wings. The rump and tail are white and on a standing bird the long tail extends no further than the folded wingtips unlike the Arctic and Roseate Terns in which the tail protrudes beyond the wings. There are no significant differences between the sexes. In non-breeding adults the forehead and underparts become white, the bill is all black or black with a red base and the legs are dark red or black. The upperwings have an obvious dark area at the front edge of the wing. Terns that have not bred successfully may start moulting into non-breeding adult plumage from June but late July is more typical with the moult suspended during migration. Juveniles have pale grey upperwings with a dark carpal bar. The crown and nape are brown and the forehead is ginger wearing to white by autumn. The upperparts are ginger with brown and white scaling and the tail lacks the adult's long outer feathers. Birds in their first post-juvenile plumage resemble non-breeding adults but have a duskier crown, dark carpal bar and often very worn plumage. By their second year, most young terns are either indistinguishable from adults or show only minor differences such as a darker bill or white forehead. There are several terns of a similar size and general appearance to the Common Tern. A traditionally difficult species to separate is the Arctic Tern and, until the key characteristics were clarified, distant or flying birds of the 2 species were often jointly recorded as "commic terns". Although similar in size, the two terns differ in structure and flight. The Common Tern has a larger head, thicker neck, longer legs and more triangular and stiffer wings than the Arctic Tern and has a more powerful and direct flight. The Arctic Tern has greyer underparts than the Common Tern which make its white cheeks more obvious whereas the rump of the Common Tern can be greyish in non-breeding plumage compared to the white of the Arctic Tern. The Common Tern develops a dark wedge on the wings as the breeding season progresses but the wings of the Arctic Tern stay white throughout the northern summer. All the flight feathers of the Arctic Tern are translucent against a bright sky but only the 4 innermost wing feathers of the Common Tern share this characteristic. The trailing edge of the outer flight feathers is a thin black line in the Arctic Tern but it is thicker and less defined in the Common Tern. The bill of an adult Common Tern is orange-red with a black tip and its legs are bright red while both are a darker red colour in the Arctic Tern which also lacks the black bill tip. The Common Tern is an agile flyer, capable of rapid turns and swoops, hovering and vertical take-off. When commuting with fish, it flies close to the surface in a strong head wind but up to 100 feet above the water in a following wind. The Common Tern has a circumpolar distribution and breeds in temperate and sub-arctic regions of Europe, Asia and north America. It is strongly migratory and winters in coastal tropical and subtropical regions. Breeding in a wider range of habitats than any of its relatives, the Common Tern nests on any flat, poorly vegetated surface close to water including beaches and islands. It also readily adapts to artificial floating rafts. The nest may be a bare scrape in sand or gravel but it is often lined or edged with whatever debris is available. Eggs and young are vulnerable to predation by mammals such as rats and American Mink and large birds including gulls, owls and herons. Like most terns, the Common Tern feeds by plunge-diving for fish, either in the sea or in freshwater, but molluscs, crustaceans and other invertebrate prey may form a significant part of the diet in some areas. Date: 7th June 2009 Location: Siikalahti near Parikkala, Etelä-Karjala, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512860.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_31095245062c9a4bcb60f3.jpgRabbit The (European) Rabbit ranges from 13 to 20 inches in length, not counting a tail of 1.6 to 3.1 inches. It has grey/brown fur, white underparts, long ears, large hind legs and a short, white fluffy tail. As a lagomorph, it has four sharp incisors (two on top, two on bottom) that grow continuously throughout its life. The Rabbit moves move by hopping, using its long and powerful hind legs. To facilitate quick movement, the hind feet have a thick padding of fur to dampen the shock of rapid hopping. The toes are long and are webbed to keep from spreading apart as the animal jumps. The Rabbit is native to south west Europe (Spain and Portugal) and north west Africa (Morocco and Algeria). It is known as an invasive species because it has been introduced to countries on all continents, with the exception of Antarctica and sub-Saharan Africa, where it has often caused many problems within the environment and ecosystems. The Rabbit was brought to England in the 12th century by the Normans and kept in captivity in warrens as a source of meat and fur. Many escaped into the wild and eventually become so common that farming them was no longer economic. Helped by fast breeding, a diet of virtually any vegetable matter and human persecution of their predators, the Rabbit slowly established itself in the wild in the UK despite originally favouring a warmer, drier climate. It is now widespread throughout the UK but absent from the Isles of Scilly and a few smaller islands and can be found almost anywhere that it can burrow. The most suitable areas are those where the burrow area and food supply are side-by-side, such as woodland edge and hedgerows. Open warrens are maintained where good burrowing conditions exist on areas of short grass, sand dunes, railway verges and even in urban areas. It is rarely found above the tree-line and it avoids damp conditions and areas deep in conifer woodland. The Rabbit is a social animal and lives in medium-sized colonies comprising of a network of burrows known as warrens. It is largely crepuscular, being most active around dawn and dusk, although it is not infrequently seen and active during the day. During the day, it prefers to reside in vegetated patches which are used for protection from predators. The Rabbit is essentially a mixed feeder, both grazing and browsing, but grass is the primary food source. However, it has a diverse diet of grasses, leaves, buds, tree bark and roots and will also eat lettuce, cabbage, root vegetables and grains. The Rabbit is famed for its reproductive capabilities and the inspiration for the phrase "breeding like rabbits". The breeding season is mainly from January to August when 4 to 8 litters of 2 to 12 kittens are produced. The gestation period averages 31 days. The doe constructs a nest inside a burrow from grass bedding and lines it with soft fur from her chest and belly. The young kittens are born blind, deaf and almost hairless. Their eyes open at 10 days, they begin to appear at the burrow entrance at 18 days and are weaned at 21 to 25 days. They are self-supporting in one month but 90% die in the first year. Bucks are able to mate at 4 months, does at 3.5 months. Birds of prey and carnivores such as the Fox, Stoat and Weasel are the primary predators of the Rabbit. Date: 13th May 2022 Location: Knepp, West Sussex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11349500.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19736866204e1eef80e49cd.jpgRazorbill The Razorbill is a medium-sized seabird and breeds around the coast of the UK with the largest colonies in northern Scotland. They breed on rocky cliffs and among boulder scree close to the sea. Birds only come to shore to breed from March to July and they winter in the northern Atlantic. Date: 08/05/06 Location: Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21959288.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_179578166353da72aba4548.jpgBlack-headed Gulls The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Inner Farne, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/loch-mhuilinn-applecross-highland https://images.on-this.website/4752_37481241553d1162139060.jpgLoch Mhuilinn, Applecross, Highland Loch a Mhuilinn (Milton Loch) lies at the heart of the settled area around Applecross Bay and is a particularly good example of a freshwater loch influenced by higher levels of nutrients due to the local presence of limestone. It provides a habitat for various insects, butterflies, birds and various interesting plants including orchids. Date: 20th June 2014 Location: view from the unclassified road south of Applecross http://www.richardchewphotography.com/p5030489-edit https://images.on-this.website/4752_19027622676643303f62a3b.jpgRed Squirrel The Red Squirrel or Eurasian Red Squirrel is a species of tree squirrel in the genus Sciurus. It is an arboreal and primarily herbivorous rodent. The Red Squirrel has a typical head and body length of 7.5 to 9 inches, a tail length of 6 to 8 inches and a weight of 9 to 12 ounces. Males and females are the same size. The Red Squirrel is smaller and lighter in weight than the Grey Squirrel The coat of the Red Squirrel varies in colour with the time of year and its location and there are several different coat colour morphs ranging from black to red. Red coats are most common in the UK but in other parts of Europe and Asia different coat colours co-exist within populations. The underside of the Red Squirrel is always creamy-white in colour. The Red Squirrel sheds its coat twice a year, switching from a thinner summer coat to a thicker, darker winter coat with noticeably larger ear-tufts (a prominent distinguishing feature of this species) between August and November. A lighter, redder overall coat colour, along with the ear-tufts (in adults) and smaller size, distinguish the Red Squirrel from the Grey Squirrel. The long tail helps the Red Squirrel to balance and steer when jumping from tree to tree and running along branches and it may also keep it warm during sleep. The Red Squirrel, like most tree squirrels, has sharp and curved claws to enable it to climb and descend broad tree trunks, thin branches and even house walls and its strong hind legs enable it to leap gaps between trees. The Red Squirrel can be found in the boreal coniferous woods in north Europe and Siberia where it prefers Scots Pine, Norway Spruce and Siberian Pine. In west and south Europe it can be found in broad-leaved woods where the mixture of tree and shrub species provides a better year round source of food. In most of the UK and in Italy, broad-leaved woodlands are now less suitable for it due to the better competitive feeding strategy of the introduced Grey Squirrel. The Red Squirrel makes a drey (nest) out of twigs in a branch-fork, forming a domed structure about 9 to 12 inches in diameter. This is lined with moss, leaves, grass and bark. Tree hollows and woodpecker holes are also used. The Red Squirrel is generally a solitary animal and is shy and reluctant to share food with others. However, outside the breeding season and particularly in winter, several Red Squirrels may share a drey to keep warm. Social organisation is based on dominance hierarchies within and between sexes. Although males are not necessarily dominant towards females, the dominant animals tend to be larger and older than subordinate animals and dominant males tend to have larger home ranges than subordinate males or females. Mating can occur in late winter during February and March and in summer between June and July. During mating, males detect females that are in oestrus by an odour that they produce and, although there is no courtship, the male will chase the female for up to an hour prior to mating. Usually multiple males will chase a single female until the dominant male, usually the largest in the group, mates with the female. Males and females will mate multiple times with many partners. Females must reach a minimum body mass before they enter oestrus and heavy females on average produce more young. If food is scarce breeding may be delayed. Typically a female will produce her first litter in her second year. Up to 2 litters a year per female are possible. Each litter averages 3 young and these are known as kits. Gestation is about 38 to 39 days and the young are looked after by the mother alone and are born helpless, blind and deaf. Their body is covered by hair at 21 days, their eyes and ears open after 3 to 4 weeks and they develop all their teeth by 42 days. Juveniles can eat solids around 40 days following birth and from that point they can leave the nest on their own to find food. However, they still suckle from their mother until weaning occurs at 8 to 10 weeks. The Red Squirrel eats mostly the seeds of trees, fungi, nuts (especially hazelnuts but also beech and chestnuts), berries and young shoots. More rarely, it may also eat bird eggs or nestlings and may occasionally exhibit opportunistic omnivory similar to other rodents. Excess food is put into caches, either buried or in nooks or holes in trees, and eaten when food is scarce. Although the Red Squirrel remembers where it created caches at a better than chance level, its spatial memory is believed to be substantially less accurate and durable than that of the Grey Squirrel. Therefore it will often have to search for them when in need and many caches are never found again. Between 60% and 80% of the active time of a Red Squirrel may be spent foraging and feeding. The active period is generally in the morning and in the late afternoon and evening. It often rests in its nest in the middle of the day to avoid the heat and the high visibility to birds of prey that are dangers during these hours. During the winter, this midday rest is often much more brief or absent entirely although harsh weather may cause it to stay in its nest for days at a time. No territories are claimed between Red Squirrels and the feeding areas of individuals overlap considerably. A Red Squirrel that survives its first winter has a life expectancy of 3 years. Individuals may reach 7 years of age and 10 years in captivity. Survival is positively related to the availability of autumn and winter tree seeds. On average, 75 to 85% of juveniles die during their first winter and mortality is approximately 50% for winters following the first. Predators include small mammals such as the Pine Marten, the Wildcat and the Stoat which all prey on juveniles. Birds, including owls and raptors such as the Goshawk and Common Buzzard, may also prey on the Red Squirrel as will the Red Fox and domestic cats and dogs when it is on the ground. Humans influence the population size and mortality of the Red Squirrel by destroying or altering habitats, by causing road casualties and by introducing non-native populations of the Grey Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel and the Red Squirrel are not directly antagonistic and violent conflict between these species is not a factor in the decline in Red Squirrel populations. However, the Grey Squirrel appears to contribute to the decrease in the Red Squirrel population for several reasons: it carries a disease, the squirrel parapoxvirus, that does not appear to affect its own health but will often kill the Red Squirrel, it can better digest acorns whilst the Red Squirrel cannot access the proteins and fats in acorns as easily and it can put the Red Squirrel under pressure for food resources resulting in it not breeding as often. In the UK, due to the above circumstances, the population has today fallen to 160,000 Red Squirrels or fewer with the majority of these in Scotland. Outside the UK and Ireland, the impact of competition from the Grey Squirrel has also been observed in Italy where 2 pairs escaped from captivity in 1948. A significant drop in the Red Squirrel population has been observed since 1970 and it is feared that the Grey Squirrel may expand into the rest of Europe. The Red Squirrel is protected in most of Europe although in some areas it is abundant and is hunted for its fur. In the UK there are several active projects to protect the Red Squirrel and its native woodland habitat, introduce or re-introduce it in to areas where it is absent and eradicate and prevent the spread of the Grey Squirrel. Research undertaken in 2007 in the UK credits the Pine Marten with reducing the population of the invasive Grey Squirrel. Where the range of the expanding Pine Marten population meets that of the Grey Squirrel, the population of the latter retreats. It is theorised that, because the Grey Squirrel spends more time on the ground than the Red Squirrel, it is far more likely to come in contact with the Pine Marten. Date: 3rd May 2024 Location: Dingle Local Nature Reserve, Llangefni, Anglesey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13796948.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2292636064ee9b898ac00b.jpgFin Whale The Fin Whale is a marine mammal belonging to the sub-order of baleen whales. It is the second largest whale and the second largest living animal after the Blue Whale growing to nearly 88 feet long. The Fin Whale has a long and slender body and is brownish-grey with a paler underside. There are at least two distinct subspecies: the Northern Fin Whale of the North Atlantic and the larger Antarctic Fin Whale of the Southern Ocean. The Fin Whale is found in all the world's major oceans from polar to tropical waters. It is absent only from waters close to the ice pack at both the north and south poles and relatively small areas of water away from the open ocean. The highest population density occurs in temperate and cool waters. Like all other large whales, the Fin Whale was heavily hunted during the twentieth century and it is an endangered species. The International Whaling Commission (IWC) has issued a moratorium on commercial hunting of this whale. Date: 12th September 2008 Location: photo taken from Portsmouth to Bilbao P&O ferry http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405549.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20589202436586fb9c2df86.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the Canidae family and is a part of the order Carnivora within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 6th December 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871747.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16668005324eff21b1156c6.jpgBrown Bear The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, <i>Ursus arctos arctos</i>. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an overnight stay in a Brown Bear watching hide at [url=http://www.martinselkonen.fi/index.php?id=1&la=en]Martinselkosen Eräkeskus[/url] Date: 1st June 2009 Location: Martinselkosen Eräkeskus, Pirttivaara, Kainuu, Finland <iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/10143012?autoplay=1" width="600" height="450" frameborder="0"></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/10143012">Brown Bears of Martinselkonen</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user3372484">Richard Chew</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>. Music: Jean Sibelius - Andante festivo<br /> </p> http://www.richardchewphotography.com/spanish-sparrow https://images.on-this.website/4752_12228653814ff5451b1fb74.jpgSpanish Sparrow The Spanish Sparrow is a rather large sparrow and it is slightly larger and heavier than the House Sparrow and also has a slightly longer and stouter bill. The male is similar to the House Sparrow in plumage but it differs in that its underparts are heavily streaked with black, it has a chestnut rather than grey crown and it has white rather than grey cheeks. The female is effectively inseparable from the House Sparrow in its plumage which is grey-brown overall but more boldly marked. The Spanish Sparrow is a close relative of the House Sparrow but its taxonomy is greatly complicated by the "biological mix-up" of hybridisation it forms with the House Sparrow in the Mediterranean region. In most of its range, the Spanish Sparrow occurs alongside the House Sparrow. In such areas, both species breed in farmland and open woodland with the Spanish Sparrow preferring moister habitats. Date: 26th April 2012 Location: steppes of Belén, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/rabbit https://images.on-this.website/4752_19741441254f3e197ccc78a.jpgRabbit The (European) Rabbit ranges from 13 to 20 inches in length, not counting a tail of 1.6 to 3.1 inches. It has grey/brown fur, white underparts, long ears, large hind legs and a short, white fluffy tail. As a lagomorph, it has four sharp incisors (two on top, two on bottom) that grow continuously throughout its life. The Rabbit moves move by hopping, using its long and powerful hind legs. To facilitate quick movement, the hind feet have a thick padding of fur to dampen the shock of rapid hopping. The toes are long and are webbed to keep from spreading apart as the animal jumps. The Rabbit is native to south west Europe (Spain and Portugal) and north west Africa (Morocco and Algeria). It is known as an invasive species because it has been introduced to countries on all continents, with the exception of Antarctica and sub-Saharan Africa, where it has often caused many problems within the environment and ecosystems. The Rabbit was brought to England in the 12th century by the Normans and kept in captivity in warrens as a source of meat and fur. Many escaped into the wild and eventually become so common that farming them was no longer economic. Helped by fast breeding, a diet of virtually any vegetable matter and human persecution of their predators, the Rabbit slowly established itself in the wild in the UK despite originally favouring a warmer, drier climate. It is now widespread throughout the UK but absent from the Isles of Scilly and a few smaller islands and can be found almost anywhere that it can burrow. The most suitable areas are those where the burrow area and food supply are side-by-side, such as woodland edge and hedgerows. Open warrens are maintained where good burrowing conditions exist on areas of short grass, sand dunes, railway verges and even in urban areas. It is rarely found above the tree-line and it avoids damp conditions and areas deep in conifer woodland. The Rabbit is a social animal and lives in medium-sized colonies comprising of a network of burrows known as warrens. It is largely crepuscular, being most active around dawn and dusk, although it is not infrequently seen and active during the day. During the day, it prefers to reside in vegetated patches which are used for protection from predators. The Rabbit is essentially a mixed feeder, both grazing and browsing, but grass is the primary food source. However, it has a diverse diet of grasses, leaves, buds, tree bark and roots and will also eat lettuce, cabbage, root vegetables and grains. The Rabbit is famed for its reproductive capabilities and the inspiration for the phrase "breeding like rabbits". The breeding season is mainly from January to August when 4 to 8 litters of 2 to 12 kittens are produced. The gestation period averages 31 days. The doe constructs a nest inside a burrow from grass bedding and lines it with soft fur from her chest and belly. The young kittens are born blind, deaf and almost hairless. Their eyes open at 10 days, they begin to appear at the burrow entrance at 18 days and are weaned at 21 to 25 days. They are self-supporting in one month but 90% die in the first year. Bucks are able to mate at 4 months, does at 3.5 months. Birds of prey and carnivores such as the Fox, Stoat and Weasel are the primary predators of the Rabbit. Date: 31st May 2008 Location: Quendale, South Mainland, Shetland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4352170.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2727529024b687b6d45b22.jpgSnow Bunting Snow Buntings are large buntings with striking “snowy” plumages. Males in summer have all white heads and underparts contrasting with a black mantle and wing tips. Females are a more mottled above. In autumn and winter birds develop a sandy/buff wash to their plumage and males have more mottled upperparts. Snow Buntings breed in far northern Europe and migrate south in winter. They are a very scarce breeding species in the UK and can be found on the highest mountain peaks in Scotland where they nest in rocky crevices. Snow Buntings are best looked for in winter (from late September to early March) where they can sometimes be seen in large flocks on the seashore or on adjacent short rough grassland at coastal sites in Scotland and eastern England. Date: 1st February 2010 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/little-tern https://images.on-this.website/4752_15712404734e3129b594e2d.jpgLittle Tern The Little Tern is the UK's smallest tern. Its vulnerable nesting sites and its decline in Europe make it an "Amber List" species. Little Terns breed in colonies on coastal sand or shingle beaches and also along rivers and inland lakes. In the UK it is almost entirely a coastal bird and the largest colonies are found along the east and south coast of England at sites such as Blakeney Point and Great Yarmouth in Norfolk, Minsmere in Suffolk and Langstone Harbour in Hampshire. This bird was photographed at the fenced off and protected breeding colony at North Beach, Great Yarmouth. Little terns have nested here with the help of an RSPB/English Nature protection scheme since 1986. There are usually around 200 pairs, about 1 in 10 of the UK population of Britain's second rarest tern. Date: 10/07/05 Location: North Beach, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13797119.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6640759064ee9bc085c538.jpgBottlenose Dolphin The Bottlenose Dolphin is one of the most well-known species of dolphin. They have a stocky, torpedo-shaped body, a short beak and pointed flippers and are usually dark grey on the back with paler grey flanks and a white or pinkish belly. The sickle-shaped dorsal fin is tall and positioned centrally on the back. Variations in the shape of the dorsal fin along with scars and other markings on the skin can help researchers to identify individuals. The Bottlenose Dolphin is found in coastal waters of most temperate, tropical and subtropical areas. Around the UK, it occurs in the English Channel, in the Moray Firth in north-east Scotland and in Cardigan Bay in Wales. Although lone individuals do occur, Bottle-nosed Dolphins are very sociable animals which usually live in groups numbering between 10 and 100 individuals. They engage in much energetic behaviour, including breaching (clearing the water), lobtailing (slapping the tail flukes down onto the surface of the water) and bow-riding (riding the swell created in front of boats and even large whales). The Bottlenose Dolphin faces a number of threats including human disturbance, entanglement in fishing nets and hunting. Like all cetaceans, they are also vulnerable to chemical and noise pollution. The captivity industry that supplies the world aquarium trade is also a problem. The Bottlenose Dolphin is a UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority species and it is protected in UK waters by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Orders 1985. It is illegal to intentionally kill, injure, or harass any cetacean (whale or dolphin) species in UK waters. The Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans in the Baltic and North Seas (ASCOBANS), has been signed by 7 European Countries including the UK. Provision is made under this agreement to set up protected areas, promote research and monitoring, pollution control and increase public awareness. Under Annex II of the EC Habitats Directive, candidate marine Special Areas of Conservation (SACS) are being set up for this species in Cardigan Bay (Wales) and the Moray Firth (north-east Scotland). Date: 13th April 2009 Location: Moray Firth (from Chanonry Point), Inverness-shire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18198891.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5789081651ac5d482cc24.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 13th May 2013 Location: Spinnies NR, Aberogwen, Gwynedd http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42524883.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11869491646098fd081f871.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 7th April 2021 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26541466.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_60950079956acecd14f43c.jpgRoe Deer The Roe Deer is a small deer which has a white to buff patch on their rump, a black nose and “moustache” and a white chin. Its coat varies from sandy to reddish-brown in the summer to grey-brown or even black in winter. The antlers, which have no more than 3 points and are less than 10 inches in length, grow in winter and are shed in the autumn. The Roe Deer is found throughout Europe but it is absent from Ireland, much of Portugal, Greece and large parts of England and Wales. Roe Deer became extinct in most of England during the 18th century but they were reintroduced in the 19th century. The Roe Deer lives mainly in woodland where there are open patches of ground and access to the edges of fields and it feeds on grasses and the leaves of young broad-leaved trees and bushes. Both male and female Roe Deer are usually solitary and highly territorial with clearly defined boundaries which they scent mark. The Roe Deer has very good senses of smell, hearing and vision. When alarmed, it makes a characteristic barking noise. Roe Deer mate in July and August and fawns are born in the following spring. Many fawns die during their first year due to heavy predation by foxes. Date: 17th January 2016 Location: Mersehead RSPB reserve, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo8135900.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10783183734d1d992bbc8a0.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 20th December 2010 Location: EWT Langdon Conservation Centre, Dunton, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871744.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4869687004eff219e7ac54.jpgBrown Bear The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, <i>Ursus arctos arctos</i>. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an overnight stay in a Brown Bear watching hide at [url=http://www.martinselkonen.fi/index.php?id=1&la=en]Martinselkosen Eräkeskus[/url] Date: 1st June 2009 Location: Martinselkosen Eräkeskus, Pirttivaara, Kainuu, Finland <iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/10143012?autoplay=1" width="600" height="450" frameborder="0"></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/10143012">Brown Bears of Martinselkonen</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user3372484">Richard Chew</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>. Music: Jean Sibelius - Andante festivo<br /> </p> http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871765.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9871561974eff221961d0c.jpgWhite Wagtail The White Wagtail, <i>Motacilla alba</i>, is a small passerine bird in the wagtail family. A number of sub-species are recognised including <i>Motacilla alba alba</i> found in Europe from the Iberian Peninsula to the Ural Mountains, Turkey, the Levant, Iceland, the Faroe Islands and Greenland's east coast and <i>Motacilla alba yarrellii</i> (Pied Wagtail) found in the UK and Ireland and which has a much blacker back than the nominate race. The nominate sub-species <i>Motacilla alba alba</i> is basically grey above and white below with a white face, black cap and black throat. It is a slender bird with a characteristic long tail. The most conspicuous habit of the White Wagtail is a near-constant tail wagging, a trait that has given the bird its common name. In spite of the ubiquity of this behaviour, the reasons for it are poorly understood. It has been suggested that it may flush prey or signal submissiveness to other wagtails. A recent study has suggested instead that it is a signal of vigilance to potential predators. The White Wagtail breeds throughout Eurasia up to latitudes 75°N, only being absent in the Arctic from areas where summer temperatures are less than 4 °C. It also breeds in the mountains of Morocco and western Alaska. It is resident in the milder parts of its range such as western Europe and the Mediterranean but migratory in much of the rest of its range. Northern European breeders winter around the Mediterranean and in tropical and subtropical Africa, Asiatic birds move to the Middle East, India and south east Asia and birds from the north American population also winter in tropical Asia. The White Wagtail has a wide range and whilst the population size is unknown it is believed to be large since the species is described as "common" in at least parts of its range. Population trends have not been quantified but the population in Europe appears to be stable and it has adapted well to human changes to the environment and has exploited human changes such as man-made structures that are used for nesting sites and increased open areas that are used for foraging. The White Wagtail is an insectivorous bird of open country, often near habitation and water. It prefers bare areas for feeding where it can see and pursue its prey. In urban areas it has adapted to foraging on paved areas such as car parks. It nests in crevices and holes in stone walls and similar natural and man-made structures such as bridges and buildings. The diet of the White Wagtail varies by location but terrestrial and aquatic insects and other small invertebrates form the major part of the diet. These range from beetles, dragonflies, small snails, spiders, worms and crustaceans to maggots found in carcasses and flies. It is somewhat unusual in the parts of its range where it is non-migratory as it is an insectivorous bird that continues to feed on insects during the winter when most other insectivorous birds in temperate climates migrate or switch to more vegetable matter. Though it is known to be a host species for the Cuckoo, the White Wagtail typically deserts its nest if it has been parasitised. Date: 7th June 2009 Location: Siikalahti near Parikkala, Etelä-Karjala, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871739.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9100118224eff2180d25aa.jpgBrown Bear The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, <i>Ursus arctos arctos</i>. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an overnight stay in a Brown Bear watching hide at [url=http://www.martinselkonen.fi/index.php?id=1&la=en]Martinselkosen Eräkeskus[/url] Date: 1st June 2009 Location: Martinselkosen Eräkeskus, Pirttivaara, Kainuu, Finland <iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/10143012?autoplay=1" width="600" height="450" frameborder="0"></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/10143012">Brown Bears of Martinselkonen</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user3372484">Richard Chew</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>. Music: Jean Sibelius - Andante festivo<br /> </p> http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871752.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8548890234eff21d059425.jpgBrown Bear The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, <i>Ursus arctos arctos</i>. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an overnight stay in a Brown Bear watching hide at [url=http://www.martinselkonen.fi/index.php?id=1&la=en]Martinselkosen Eräkeskus[/url] Date: 1st June 2009 Location: Martinselkosen Eräkeskus, Pirttivaara, Kainuu, Finland <iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/10143012?autoplay=1" width="600" height="450" frameborder="0"></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/10143012">Brown Bears of Martinselkonen</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user3372484">Richard Chew</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>. Music: Jean Sibelius - Andante festivo<br /> </p> http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49797831.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_130602322864eca742a88dd.jpgSmall Blue Description to follow .... Date: 3rd July 2023 Location: Broadcroft Quarry, Isle of Portland, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24834075.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1150546390559cf5c963a78.jpgSwallow The Barn Swallow is the most widespread species of swallow in the world. In Europe it is just called the Swallow and in northern Europe it is the only common species called a "swallow" rather than a "martin". The male Swallow has steel blue upperparts and a rufous forehead, chin and throat which are separated from the off-white underparts by a broad dark blue breast band. The outer tail feathers are elongated to give the distinctive deeply forked "swallow tail." There is a line of white spots across the outer end of the upper tail. The female is similar in appearance to the male but the tail streamers are shorter, the blue of the upperparts and breast band is less glossy and the underparts more pale. The juvenile is browner and has a paler rufous face and whiter underparts. It also lacks the long tail streamers of the adult. The Swallow has an enormous range with an estimated global extent of 20 million square miles and a population of 190 million individuals. It breeds in the Northern Hemisphere from sea level to typically 8,900 feet but up 9,800 feet in the Caucasus and North America and it is absent only from deserts and the cold northernmost parts of the continents. Over much of its range it avoids towns and in Europe is replaced in urban areas by the House Martin. There are 6 subspecies of the Swallow which breed across the Northern Hemisphere, of which 4 are strongly migratory with their wintering grounds covering much of the Southern Hemisphere as far south as central Argentina, the Cape Province of South Africa and northern Australia. The Swallow can be found in open country with low vegetation such as pasture, meadows and farmland, preferably with nearby water. It avoids heavily wooded or precipitous areas and densely built-up locations. The presence of accessible open structures such as barns, stables or culverts to provide nesting sites and exposed locations such as wires, roof ridges or bare branches for perching are also important in the bird's selection of its breeding range. This species lives in close association with humans and its insect-eating habits mean that it is tolerated by man. This acceptance was reinforced in the past by superstitions regarding the bird and its nest. There are frequent cultural references to the Swallow in literary and religious works due to both its living in close proximity to humans and its annual migration. The Swallow is the national bird of Austria and Estonia. In winter, the Swallow is cosmopolitan in its choice of habitat, avoiding only dense forests and deserts. It is most common in open, low vegetation habitats such as savanna and ranch land. Individual birds tend to return to the same wintering locality each year and congregate from a large area to roost in reed beds. These roosts can be extremely large with one in Nigeria holding an estimated 1.5 million birds. Date: 7th May 2015 Location: Evros Delta (west), East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084511.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18170769795d30875faf7dd.jpgWhite Stork The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 3rd June 2018 Location: Sânpaul Fishponds, Harghita County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51984203.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_62377458166d34b86507ab.jpgEdible Frogs The Edible Frog is a species of frog found across Europe that is also known as the Common Water Frog and the Green Frog. The Edible Frog is one of the few animals in the world that is a fertile hybrid of 2 different species, as although similar but genetically different species are known to mate, it is very rare that their offspring will be able to breed. The Edible Frog is a fertile hybrid of 2 other European frogs, namely the Pool Frog and the Marsh Frog, that inter-bred when populations where isolated close to one another during the Ice Age. It was first described in 1758 and is known as the Edible Frog due to the fact that it is now seen as a culinary delicacy across Europe but especially in France where frog’s legs are often served as a national dish. The reason for humans favouring this frog over others is not really known but it may have something to do with their abundance. The Edible Frog is a medium sized frog growing to around 3.5 to 4.5 inches in length. Adults are mainly green in colour with light patches of brown on their backs, yellow eyes and a white underside covered in a few dark spots. There are number of distinct differences between males and females including the fact that males become much lighter and greener during the mating season. Males also have vocal sacs on the outside of their cheeks and extra skin patches on their feet, both of which are primarily used for mating. The Edible Frog is endemic to Europe and it naturally occurs across central Europe as far north as Germany and Estonia. Southern populations are found from Croatia, through northern Italy and into the south of France. There are also isolated populations in Sweden and Bulgaria which are thought to have migrated from the countries nearby. It has also been introduced to the UK. The Edible Frog spends all of its time either in or very close to water and it is most commonly found in calmer parts of rivers and streams where there is a slow but constant flow of fresh water. It tends to prefer more open areas and can also be commonly found around lakes, ponds and marshes. Unlike many other species of frog, the Edible Frog is a diurnal animal and is therefore most active during the day. This is when it is most likely to move away from the water so that it can find a better supply of food or move to a different part of the water if it needs to. The Edible Frog is a relatively solitary animal so there is less competition for food but males are often seen sitting together in groups during the breeding season when they are trying to out-compete each other to find a mate. The breeding season for the Edible Frog begins during March and generally lasts for around 2 months. Males sing by drawing air in and out of their vocal sacs to produce the highest-pitched sound possible since females are most attracted to the loudest males. After courting her in a lake, pond or swamp, the male lets the female lay up to 10,000 eggs in a sticky mass into the water before he fertilises them. Tadpoles can be as small as 0.2 inches long when they hatch and are a grey/brown colour. They then grow up to 2 to 3 inches in length before metamorphoses occurs and they leave the water as 0.75 inches long young frogs. The Edible Frog reaches sexual maturity at the age of 2 years and can live until it is 15 years old. The Edible Frog is a carnivorous amphibian but the tadpoles mainly eat vegetation although they are known to occasionally supplement their diet with aquatic micro-organisms. Adults eat small invertebrates such as insects, spiders and flies, which make up the majority of their diet, along with larger aquatic animals like fish, newts and other frogs. The Edible Frog hunts for food during the day and can be seen catching food both in water and on land. The Edible Frog remains very still when it is sitting on the banks of its water habitat and this, along with its camouflage, makes it very difficult for predators to spot. Its eyes are positioned near the top of the head meaning that it can also see danger coming whilst the body is mainly hidden. Snakes, owls and water birds are the main predators of the Edible Frog. The Edible Frog will jump into the water and hide if it senses approaching danger and it will make a loud screeching sound if caught. Edible Frog populations are under threat from habitat destruction mainly caused by deforestation and water pollution. Date: 30th July 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21829750.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_200026131553cba9f2edcfa.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 11th June 2014 Location: Bempton Cliifs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo10073268.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12805066244dd220360916d.jpgGrass Snake The Grass Snake is the UK’s largest terrestrial reptile reaching up to 6 feet in length although such large specimens are rare. Females are considerably larger than males and typically reach a size of 2 feet 11 inches to 3 feet 7 inches when fully grown whilst males are approximately 8 inches shorter. The Grass Snake is typically olive-green, brown or greyish in colour with a variable row of black bars along the sides, occasionally with smaller round markings along the back in double rows. The underside of the Grass Snake is off-white or yellowish with dark triangular or rectangular markings. A characteristic black and yellow collar is present behind the head. The Grass Snake is one of only 3 snakes to occur in the UK and it is distributed throughout lowland areas of England and Wales. It is almost absent from Scotland and is not found in Ireland at all which has no native snakes. The Grass Snake is an aquatic species that is usually closely associated with water where it preys almost entirely on amphibians, especially the Common Toad and the Common Frog, although they may also occasionally eat mammals and fish. It is a strong swimmer and is found in habitats featuring ponds, lakes, streams, marshes and ditches which provide access to sunshine for basking and plenty of shelter. The Grass Snake may also be found in open woodland, rough grassland, wet heathlands, gardens, parks and hedgerows. The Grass Snake, as with most reptiles, is at the mercy of the thermal environment and it needs to overwinter in areas which are not subject to freezing. Therefore it will typically spend the winter underground where the temperature is relatively stable. Date: 13th May 2011 Location: Stodmarsh, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42202645.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17745446675ff3105ae5b2f.jpgBrown Bear The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, Ursus arctos arctos. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an evening visit with [url=https://www.karhujenkatselu.fi/en-gb]Karhu-Kuusamo[/url] Date: 7th July 2019 Location: Kuntilampi, near Kuusamo, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo445634.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_672483004681c4c6b0bfc.jpgBay of Clachtoll, Sutherland [i]"An elegant confusion pours A whole Atlantic on these shores. Where seapods crack and pebbles cry And sand grains whisper trundling by."[/i] [b]Norman McCaig[/b] – “Clachtoll” The name Clachtoll comes from the Gaelic words "Clach" (a rock or stone) and "toll" (a hole) and probably refers to the famous "Split Rock" at the entrance to the bay. The Bay of Clachtoll is an oasis of white sand and turquoise sea set in the rugged and rocky terrain of Assynt. Date: June 2003 Location: view from Clachtoll on the B869 road between Lochinver and Drumbeg http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26040261.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_22261854856388b2324da7.jpgFulmars The (Northern) Fulmar is a highly abundant seabird found primarily in subarctic regions of the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans. Though similar in appearance to gulls, the 2 species of fulmars (Northern and Southern) are in fact members of a different seabird family which include petrels and shearwaters. The Fulmar’s latin name, <i>Fulmarus glacialis</i> can be broken down to the Old Norse word <i>full</i> meaning "foul" and <i>mar</i> meaning "gull". "Foul-gull" is in reference to its stomach oil and also its superficial similarity to gulls. Finally, <i>glacialis</i> is Latin for "glacial" reflecting its extreme northern range. The Fulmar is generally grey and white with a pale yellow and thick bill and bluish legs. However there is both a light morph and a dark morph. Like other petrels, their walking ability is limited but they are strong fliers with a stiff wing action quite unlike the gulls. The Fulmar also looks bull-necked compared to gulls and it has a short stubby bill. The Fulmar is estimated to have between 15 to 30 million mature individuals that occupy a range of around 11 million square miles. Its range increased greatly last century due to the availability of fish offal from commercial fleets but may contract because of less food from this source and climate change. The population increase has been especially notable in the UK. The Fulmar starts breeding at between 6 and 12 years old. It is monogamous, forms long term pair bonds, returns to the same nest site year after year and nests in large colonies. The nest is a scrape on a grassy cliff ledge or a saucer of vegetation on the ground lined with softer material and recently they have started nesting on rooftops and buildings. The Fulmar feeds on shrimp, fish, squid, plankton, jellyfish and carrion as well as refuse. When eating fish, it will dive up to several feet deep to retrieve its prey. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Látrabjarg, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo16548204.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12220391955083a3308b491.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 7th October 2012 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081460.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_163689452163a84c8f8678c.jpgCommon Pochards The Common Pochard is a medium-sized and stocky diving duck. The adult male has a long dark bill with a grey band, a red head and neck, a black breast, red eyes and a grey back. The adult female has a brown head and body and a narrower grey bill band. The triangular head shape is distinctive. The Common Pochard is superficially similar to the closely related Redhead and Canvasback found in north America. The Common Pochard breeds in marshes and on lakes in much of temperate and north Europe and in to Asia. It is migratory and spends the winter in the south and west of Europe. In the UK, the Common Pochard breeds in east England and lowland Scotland plus in small numbers in Northern Ireland. Large numbers from Russia and Scandinavia winter in the UK on lakes, reservoirs and gravel pits, often mixing with other diving ducks such as the Tufted Duck. In a number of countries, the Common Pochard is decreasing mainly due to habitat loss and hunting. It is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. The Common Pochard feeds mainly by diving or dabbling for aquatic plants, molluscs, aquatic insects and small fish. Date: 9th January 2022 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40399550.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18954598025dc6ad081c0c5.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 18th October 2019 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/stellers-eider https://images.on-this.website/4752_16365101154bf6df7e10432.jpgSteller's Eider The Steller's Eider is a medium sized sea duck and the smallest of the 4 species of eider. In it’s breeding plumage, the male is unmistakable with a black back, white shoulders, chestnut breast and belly, a white head with a greenish tuft and small black eye patches. During the late summer and autumn, males are entirely mottled dark brown. Females and juveniles are mottled dark brown all year round. Adults of both sexes have a blue patch with a white border on the upper wing similar to a mallard. The bird is named after the German naturalist Georg Steller. Steller's Eiders breed along the Arctic coasts of northern Russia and northern and western Alaska. It is estimated that the world population of Steller's Eiders is around 220,000 birds, the majority of which nest in Russia. Most Steller's Eiders breeding in Alaska and Russia migrate south after breeding. An estimated 40,000 winter in north eastern Europe along the coasts of Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Finland, Norway and Sweden. It is very scarce south of its wintering range. Date: 13th April 2010 Location: Svartnes, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833617.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1172058049559cee6c18a04.jpgBlack Kite The Black Kite is a medium-sized bird of prey which can be distinguished from the Red Kite by its slightly smaller size, less forked tail and generally dark plumage without any rufous colouring. The upper plumage is brown but the head and neck tend to be paler and the patch behind the eye appears darker. The outer flight feathers are black and the feathers have dark cross bars and are mottled at the base. The lower parts of the body are pale brown, becoming lighter towards the chin. They have a distinctive shrill whistle followed by a rapid whinnying call. Black Kites are opportunistic hunters and are more likely to scavenge. They spend a lot of time soaring and gliding in thermals in search of food. The Black Kite is widely distributed through the temperate and tropical parts of Eurasia and parts of Australasia and Oceania with the temperate region populations tending to be migratory. The European populations are small but the south Asian population is very large. Date: 12th May 2015 Location: Lake Kerkini, Central Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26006620.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8793937555634909ae0fe3.jpgSteingrímsfjarðarheiði, Westfjords, Iceland Steingrímsfjarðarheiði is a high mountain pass on road 61 which connects Ísafjörður and the northern part of the Westfjords with the rest of Iceland. From the most eastern fjord of Ísafjarðardjúp, Steingrímsfjarðarheiði is the long mountain pass that eventually descends east towards Steingrímsfjörður and the village of Hólmavík. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: view from road 61 http://www.richardchewphotography.com/rio-duero-castille-y-leon https://images.on-this.website/4752_16766465414cd572a02cf7a.jpgRio Duero, Castille y Leon, Spain The Duero (Spanish) or Douro (Portuguese) is the third largest river of the Iberian Peninsula. It is approximately 475 miles long and rises in the Sierra de Urbión in north central Spain. The river flows west across northern Spain, then south west to form part of the Spanish-Portuguese border before flowing west across northern Portugal to the Atlantic Ocean at Pôrto. Silting, rapids and deep gorges combine to make the Duero unnavigable along most of its course. The middle Duero is extensively used for irrigation. Several hydroelectric power plants are located along the river and through an international agreement the power is used for irrigation and development. Grapes are the chief crop of the Duero valley. In its Spanish section, the Duero crosses the great Castilian meseta and meanders through 5 significant provinces of Castile y Leon: Soria, Burgos, Valladolid, Zamora and Salamanca. Date: 11th September 2010 Location: view from near Saucelle, Castille y Leon, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4352179.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15319116324b687b96822e5.jpgSnow Bunting Snow Buntings are large buntings with striking “snowy” plumages. Males in summer have all white heads and underparts contrasting with a black mantle and wing tips. Females are a more mottled above. In autumn and winter birds develop a sandy/buff wash to their plumage and males have more mottled upperparts. Snow Buntings breed in far northern Europe and migrate south in winter. They are a very scarce breeding species in the UK and can be found on the highest mountain peaks in Scotland where they nest in rocky crevices. Snow Buntings are best looked for in winter (from late September to early March) where they can sometimes be seen in large flocks on the seashore or on adjacent short rough grassland at coastal sites in Scotland and eastern England. Date: 1st February 2010 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/march-2023-kingfisher https://images.on-this.website/4752_3445362996505ca0c20489.jpgMarch 2023 - Kingfisher Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49001687.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo451090.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10102000984686a7b61bf89.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. These birds were photographed at Noss NNR in Shetland which has 7000 to 8000 pairs of breeding Gannets. Date: 01/06/03 Location: Noss NNR, Shetland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14160977.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10389173244f3e397ba5c30.jpgCommon Blue Flight period: June to September. The Common Blue is the UK’s most widespread and common blue butterfly although it has suffered some local declines due to habitat loss. They can be found in sunny, sheltered areas including downland, roadside verges, woodland clearings and rural gardens. This photo won second prize in the Essex Wildlife Trust photography competition for 2007. This photo also received a BBC Wildlife magazine photo masterclass award in the “Extreme close up” category for August 2007. Please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/news4693.html]here[/url] for further information. Date: 22nd July 2007 Location: Stow Maries Halt EWT reserve, Stow Maries, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623367.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17564935816117dd62b5f14.jpgTree Sparrow The Tree Sparrow is a member of the sparrow family Passer, a group of small passerine birds that is believed to have originated in Africa and which contains 15 to 25 species. The Tree Sparrow's name is derived from 2 Latin words: passer meaning "sparrow" and montanus meaning "of the mountains". The common name is given to suggest the preference for tree holes for nesting. However, this name and the scientific name montanus do not appropriately describe the Tree Sparrow’s habitat preferences: the German name Feldsperling meaning "field sparrow" comes closer to doing so. The Tree Sparrow is around 5 to 5.5 inches in length with a wingspan of about 8.3 inches, making it roughly 10% smaller than the House Sparrow. The adult's crown and nape are a rich chestnut and there is a kidney-shaped black ear patch on each pure white cheek. The chin, throat and the area between the bill and throat are black. The upperparts are light brown streaked with black and the brown wings have 2 distinct narrow white bars. The legs are pale brown and the bill is lead-blue in summer becoming almost black in winter. The Tree Sparrow is distinctive even within its own family in that there are no plumage differences between the sexes. The juvenile resembles the adult although the colours tend to be duller. The contrasting face pattern makes the Tree Sparrow easily identifiable in all plumages and the smaller size and chestnut (not grey) crown are additional differences from the male House Sparrow. The Tree Sparrow's breeding range comprises most of temperate Europe and Asia south of about latitude 68°N (north of this the summers are too cold) and through south east Asia to Java and Bali. It is sedentary over most of its extensive range but northernmost breeding populations migrate south for the winter and small numbers leave south Europe for north Africa and the Middle East. The Tree Sparrow has been introduced outside its native range but it has not always become successfully established, possibly due to competition with the House Sparrow. Ship-carried birds have colonised some areas and birds have also occurred as vagrants. Despite its scientific name, the Tree Sparrow is not typically a mountain species and reaches only 2300 feet in Switzerland although it has bred at 5600 feet in the northern Caucasus and as high as 14010 feet in Nepal. In Europe, the Tree Sparrow is frequently found in open countryside with small isolated patches of woodland but also on coasts with cliffs, in woodland along slow water courses and in empty buildings. It shows a strong preference for nest sites near wetland habitats and avoids breeding on intensively managed farmland. In Europe, where the Tree Sparrow and the House Sparrow occur in the same region, the House Sparrow generally nests in urban areas while the Tree Sparrow nests in rural areas. Where trees are in short supply, both species may utilise man-made structures as nest sites. Whilst the Tree Sparrow is mainly a rural bird in Europe, it tends to be an urban bird in Asia and Australia. In the UK, the Tree Sparrow is scarcer in upland areas and the far north and west of the and the main populations are now found across the Midlands and south and east England. The Tree Sparrow may breed in isolated pairs or in loose colonies. The male calls from near the nest site in spring to proclaim ownership and attract a mate and he may also carry nest material in to the nest hole. The Tree Sparrow typically builds its nest in a cavity in an old tree or rock face. Some nests are not in holes as such but are built among roots of overhanging bushes. Roof cavities in houses and nest boxes are also readily used. In addition, the Tree Sparrow will breed in the disused nest of a Magpie or other crow species or an active or unused nest of a large bird such as the White Stork or a heron or raptor species. It will sometimes attempt to take over the nest of other birds that breed in holes or enclosed spaces such as tit species, flycatcher species, Swallow, House Martin, Sand Martin or European Bee-eater. The untidy nest is composed of hay, grass, wool or other material and lined with feathers which improve thermal insulation. The female lays 5 or 6 eggs which are incubated by both parents for 12 to 13 days and the chicks fledge after a further 15 to 18 days. There are 2 or 3 broods each year. Hybridisation between the Tree Sparrow and the House Sparrow has been recorded in many parts of the world with male hybrids tending to resemble the Tree Sparrow while female hybrids are more similar to the House Sparrow. The Tree Sparrow is a predominantly seed and grain eating bird which feeds on the ground in flocks and often with House Sparrows, finches and buntings. It may also visit feeding stations. It additionally feeds on invertebrates including insects, woodlice, millipedes, centipedes, spiders, etc. especially during the breeding season when the young are fed mainly on animal food. Adults use a variety of wetlands when foraging for invertebrate prey to feed chicks and aquatic sites play a key role in providing adequate diversity and availability of suitable invertebrate prey to allow successful chick rearing. Large areas of formerly occupied farmland no longer provide these invertebrate resources due to the effects of intensive farming. The Tree Sparrow has a large range and a large population. Although the population is declining, the species is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List. For this reason, the Tree Sparrow is designated as being of “Least Concern”. Although the Tree Sparrow has been expanding its range in Fennoscandia and east Europe, its population has been declining in much of west Europe, a trend reflected in other farmland birds such as the Skylark and Corn Bunting. The collapse in population seems to have been particularly severe in the UK where there was a 93% decline between 1970 and 2008. However, recent Breeding Bird Survey data is encouraging and suggests that numbers may have started to increase albeit from a very low point. The decrease in population is probably the result of agricultural intensification and specialisation, particularly the increased use of herbicides and a trend towards autumn-sown crops at the expense of spring-sown crops that produce stubble fields in winter. The change from mixed to specialised farming and the increased use of insecticides has reduced the amount of insect food available for chicks. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19905517.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1737966606529089778ddfd.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 30th September 2013 Location: Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42632716.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19742970160aa645075ec5.jpgSedge Warbler The Sedge Warbler is a medium-sized Old World warbler in the genus Acrocephalus. It has a streaked brown back and wings and pale underparts. The rump is warm brown and unstreaked, contrasting with the duller wings. The forehead is flattened, there is a prominent whitish supercilium, the crown is streaked with black and the bill is strong and pointed. The plumage of the sexes is identical. Juvenile birds have dark spots on the breast. The Sedge Warbler’s song is varied, rushed and chattering with sweeter phrases and some mimicry, all typical of the Acrocephalus warblers. It is composed of phrases in random order so that it is never the same. Male Sedge Warblers which have the widest repertoire mate with the largest number of females. Male Sedge Warblers commence singing only a few hours after arriving on their breeding territory. The song is given from a bare perch such as a reed stem or bush or from cover and during routine flights within their territory. Song flights are also performed. Whilst singing, the bird takes off, rises to a height of up to 10 feet and then after a short circling flight, it makes a slow, parachuting descent, often with the wings held up in a “v” shape. The song has the function of attracting a mate rather than keeping other males away and it is stopped as soon as a mate is found. The Sedge Warbler has a large range and it breeds across Europe and western and central Asia. Unlike other members of the Acrocephalus genus, the Sedge Warbler's range stretches from the Arctic to mid-latitudes since it is adapted to live in cool, cloudy and moist conditions. It is a migratory species and winters in sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal in the west to Ethiopia in the east and as far south as the eastern Cape Province of South Africa and north Namibia. Birds begin leaving Africa in late February, fatten up at wetlands before and probably after crossing the Sahara and arrive in Europe from March onwards. During the breeding season, the Sedge Warbler can be found in reedbeds, often with scrub, ditches and habitats away from water including hedgerows, patches of stinging nettles and arable crops. On the African wintering grounds, habitats such as reeds in wetlands, papyrus, grass, sedge and reedmace and tall elephant grass are used. Loss of wetland areas for feeding on migration and the expansion of the Sahara desert pose threats to the Sedge Warbler's breeding population. The Sedge Warbler is mostly insectivorous and the diet includes mayflies, dragonflies and damselflies, grasshoppers, bugs, lacewings, moths, beetles and flies. Vegetable material includes elderberries and blackberries. On their wintering grounds food includes non-biting midges and flowers and berries. It feeds in low, thick vegetation, especially reeds and rushes, but also in arable fields and around bushes. Feeding techniques include picking insects from vegetation while perched or sometimes hovering and “leap-catching” where the bird grabs flying insects as it flies between perches. The Sedge Warbler tends to hop between plant stems and pick insects from underneath leaves and it takes advantage of the low temperatures around dusk and dawn which make their prey less mobile. Date: 21st April 2021 Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080593.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_32467094463a4598f60365.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 1st December 2022 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41234290.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12564349095ee771ac7c4bf.jpgHolly Blue Flight period: late April to end of August. The Holly Blue is easily identified in early spring as it emerges well before other blue butterflies. It tends to fly high around bushes and trees whereas other grassland blues usually stay near ground level. It is the commonest blue butterfly found in parks and gardens where it congregates around Holly (in spring) and Ivy (in late summer). The Holly Blue is widespread but undergoes large fluctuations in numbers from year to year. It has expanded northwards in recent years and has now colonised parts of north England and the extreme south of Scotland. Date: 9th June 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230737.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1663976236649170b914c2e.jpgGrey Squirrels The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 14th May 2023 Location: RWT Gilfach, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50931113.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8666080826627dcfa9fb29.jpgChiffchaff The (Common) Chiffchaff is a common and widespread leaf warbler which is named onomatopoeically for its simple and repetitive chiff-chaff song. The British naturalist Gilbert White was one of the first people to separate the similar looking Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler and Wood Warbler by their songs, as detailed in 1789 in “The Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne. The Chiffchaff is a small, dumpy, 4 inch long leaf warbler. The spring adult has brown-washed dull green upperparts, off-white underparts becoming yellowish on the flanks and a short whitish supercilium. It has dark legs, a fine dark bill and short primary projection (extension of the flight feathers beyond the folded wing). As the plumage wears, it gets duller and browner and the yellow on the flanks tends to be lost and after the breeding season there is a prolonged complete moult before migration. After moulting, both the adult and the juvenile have brighter and greener upperparts and a paler supercilium. When not singing, the Chiffchaff can be difficult to distinguish from other leaf warblers with greenish upperparts and whitish underparts, particularly the Willow Warbler. However, that species has a longer primary projection, a sleeker, brighter appearance and generally pale legs. The Chiffchaff breeds across Europe and Asia east to eastern Siberia and north to about 70°N, with isolated populations in north west Africa, north and west Turkey and north west Iran. It is a migratory species but one of the first passerine birds to return to its breeding areas in the spring and amongst the last to leave in late autumn. When breeding, the Chiffchaff is a bird of open woodlands with some taller trees and ground cover for nesting purposes. In winter, the Chiffchaff uses a wider range of habitats and is not so dependent on trees and is often found near water. There is an increasing tendency to winter in western Europe well north of the traditional areas, especially in coastal south England and the mild urban microclimate of London. The male Chiffchaff returns to its breeding territory 2 or 3 weeks before the female and immediately starts singing to establish ownership and attract a female. When a female is located, the male will use a slow butterfly-like flight as part of the courtship ritual but, once a pair-bond has been established, other females will be driven from the territory. The male has little involvement in the nesting process other than defending the territory. The female's nest is built on or near the ground in a concealed site in brambles, nettles or other dense low vegetation. The domed nest has a side entrance and is constructed from coarse plant material such as dead leaves and grass with finer material used on the interior before the addition of a lining of feathers. The clutch is 2 to 7 (normally 5 or 6) cream-coloured eggs which are incubated by the female for 13 to 14 days before hatching as naked, blind chicks. The female broods and feeds the chicks for another 14 to 15 days until they fledge. The male rarely participates in feeding although this sometimes occurs, especially when bad weather limits insect supplies or if the female disappears. After fledging, the young stay in the vicinity of the nest for 3 to 4 weeks where they are fed by and roost with the female. In the north of the range there is only time to raise one brood due to the short summer but a second brood is common in central and southern areas. Like most leaf warblers, the Chiffchaff is insectivorous and moves restlessly though foliage or briefly hovering. It has been recorded as taking insects, mainly flies, from more than 50 families, along with other small and medium-sized invertebrates. It will also take the eggs and larvae of butterflies and moths. The Chiffchaff has been estimated to require about one third of its weight in insects daily and it feeds almost continuously in the autumn to put on extra fat as fuel for its long migration flight. As with most small birds, mortality in the first year of life is high but adults aged 3 to 4 years are regularly recorded and the record is more than 7 years. Eggs, chicks and fledglings are taken by Stoats, Weasels and crows such as the Magpie and adults are hunted by birds of prey, particularly the Sparrowhawk. The Chiffchaff is also susceptible to poor weather, particularly when migrating, but also on the breeding and wintering grounds. The main effect of humans on the Chiffchaff is indirect through woodland clearance which affects the habitat, predation by cats and collisions with windows, buildings and cars. Date: 17th April 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7190780.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10447498724cc304d2dfce8.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 17th October 2010 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/calandra-lark https://images.on-this.website/4752_21368376624ff5472d96813.jpgCalandra Lark The Calandra Lark is a large, robust lark which is mainly streaked greyish-brown above and white below and with large black patches on the breast sides and a white supercilium. In flight it shows short broad wings, which are dark below, and a short white-edged tail. The Calandra Lark breeds in warm temperate countries around the Mediterranean and eastwards through Turkey into northern Iran and southern Russia. It is mainly resident in the west of its range but Russian populations are more migratory and move further south in winter as far as the Arabian peninsula and Egypt. It is a very rare vagrant to western Europe. The Calandra Lark is a bird of open cultivation and steppe and nests on the ground. It is gregarious outside the breeding season. Date: 30th April 2012 Location: south of Brozas, western Cáceres, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51982694.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_168522708766d33d3372db1.jpgSmall Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Small Skipper has a rusty orange colour to the wings, upper body and the tips of the antennae. The body is silvery white below and it has a wingspan of 25 to 30 mm. It is very similar in appearance to the Essex Skipper but the undersides of the tips of the antennae are yellow orange in the Small Skipper whereas they are black in the Essex Skipper. The Small Skipper is a common and widespread butterfly in most parts of England and has been expanding its range northwards. It can be found in rough grassland, roadside verges, edges of fields and woodland clearings where it is often seen basking on vegetation or making short buzzing flights among tall grass stems. Date: 19th July 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405519.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15774275296586f43c3d4d4.jpgShort-eared Owl The Short-eared Owl is a species of the typical owl family Strigidae. Owls belonging to the genus Asio, such as the Short-eared Owl, are known as the eared owls since they have tufts of feathers resembling mammalian ears. These "ear" tufts may or may not be visible. The Short-eared Owl will display its tufts when in a defensive pose although its very short tufts are usually not visible. The Short-eared Owl is a medium-sized owl 13 to 17 inches in length with a 33 to 43 inches wingspan. Females are slightly larger than males. It has large yellow eyes with black encircling rings, a big head, a short neck and broad wings. The bill is short, strong, hooked and black. The plumage is mottled tawny to brown with a barred tail and wings. The upper breast is significantly streaked. The flight is characteristically floppy due to the irregular wingbeats and the Short-eared Owl is often described as "moth-like” or bat-like" in flight. Through much of its range, the Short-eared Owl occurs with the similar looking Long-eared Owl. At rest, the ear-tufts of the Long-eared Owl serve to easily distinguish the 2 species although the Long-eared Owl can sometimes hold its ear-tufts flat. The iris colour also differs: yellow in the Short-eared Owl and orange in the Long-eared Owl plus the black surrounding the eyes is vertical on the Long-eared Owl and horizontal on the Short-eared Owl. Overall, the Short-eared Owl tends to be a paler, sandier coloured bird than the Long-eared Owl. There are 10 recognized sub-species of the Short-eared Owl and its range covers all continents except Antarctica and Australia. It therefore has one of the most widespread distributions of any bird. It is partially migratory and moves south in winter from the northern parts of its range. The Short-eared Owl is also known to relocate to areas of higher rodent populations and it will also wander nomadically in search of better food supplies during years when vole populations are low. In the UK, the Short-eared Owl breeds primarily in north England and Scotland but it is seen more widely in winter when there is an influx of continental birds from Scandinavia, Russia and Iceland to north, east and parts of central south England, especially around coastal marshes and wetlands. The breeding season of the Short-eared Owl in the northern hemisphere lasts from March to June but peaks in April. During the breeding season, the male makes a great spectacle of itself in flight to attract a female. The male swoops down over the potential nest site flapping its wings in a courtship display. The Short-eared Owl is generally monogamous and nests on the ground in prairie, tundra, savanna or meadow habitats. The nest is concealed by low vegetation and may be lightly lined by weeds, grass or feathers. The female lays 4 to 7 eggs but clutch size can reach up to 12 eggs in years when voles are abundant. There is a single brood per year. The eggs are incubated mostly by the female for 21 to 37 days and the young fledge at a little over 4 weeks. The Short-eared Owl hunts mostly at night but it is known as a diurnal and crepuscular hunter as well. Its daylight hunting seems to coincide with the high activity periods of voles, its preferred prey. It tends to fly only a few feet above the ground in open fields and grasslands until swooping down upon its prey feet first. Several owls may hunt over the same open area. The diet of the Short-eared Owl consists mainly of rodents, especially voles, but it will eat other small mammals such as mice, ground squirrels, shrews, rats, bats, muskrats and moles. It will also occasionally predate smaller birds especially when near sea coasts and adjacent wetlands at which time they may attack waders, terns and small gulls and seabirds. Avian prey is more infrequently preyed on inland and includes small passerines. Insects also supplement the diet. Date: 25th November 2023 Location: RSPB Wallasea Island, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31837517.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1723053451595624660798f8.93811054.jpgLoch Insh, Highland Loch Insh is a freshwater loch in the Scottish Highlands located 7 miles south of Aviemore and 7 miles north of Kingussie. The nearest village to the loch is Kincraig. The River Spey rises in the Monadhliath Mountains and to the north east of Kingussie it flows in to Loch Insh and this and the adjacent Insh Marshes to the west are an important wildlife habitat. The eastern side of Loch Insh hosts watersports and other outdoor activities. Date: 20th June 2017 Location: view from the unclassified road running out of Kincraig along the eastern shore http://www.richardchewphotography.com/moorhen-chick https://images.on-this.website/4752_13717023934a4a5ddcd087e.jpgMoorhen chick The Moorhen is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird that is usually found near water. From a distance it looks black with a ragged white line along its body. However, closer up it is olive-brown on the back and the head and blue-grey underneath. It has a red bill with a yellow tip. The Moorhen can be found all year round almost anywhere where there is water. They breed in lowland areas particularly in central and eastern England but are scarce in northern Scotland and the uplands of Wales and northern England. UK breeding birds are residents and seldom travel far. Date: 9th May 2009 Location: Conwy RSPB reserve, Conwy http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15367546.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19376894884fec1cb0c0000.jpgRed Grouse The Red Grouse is a medium-sized bird of the grouse family which is found in heather moorland in the UK and Ireland. It is endemic to the UK and has developed in isolation. It is usually classified as a sub-species of the Willow Ptarmigan or Willow Grouse which is found in birch and other forests and moorlands in north Europe, the tundra of Scandinavia, Siberia, Alaska and north Canada. The Red Grouse is differentiated from the Willow Ptarmigan and Rock Ptarmigan by its plumage being reddish brown and not having a white winter plumage. The tail is black and the legs are white. There are white stripes on the underwing and red combs over the eye. Females are less reddish than the males and have less conspicuous combs. Young birds are duller and lack the red combs. The Red Grouse is found across most parts of Scotland, including Orkney, Shetland and most of the Outer Hebrides. It is only absent from urban areas such as in the Central Belt. In Wales there are strong populations of Red Grouse in some places but the range has retracted. It is now largely absent from the far south and the main strongholds are Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons and the Cambrian Mountains. In England the Red Grouse is mainly found in the north in areas such as the Lake District, Northumberland, County Durham, much of Yorkshire, the Pennines and the Peak District as far south as the Staffordshire Moorlands. There is an isolated introduced population on Dartmoor and overspill Welsh birds visit the Shropshire Hills.The typical habitat is upland heather moors away from trees. It can also be found in some low-lying bogs and birds may visit farmland during hard weather. The UK population of the Red Grouse is estimated at about 250,000 pairs. Numbers have declined in recent years and it is now absent in areas where it was once common. Reasons for the decline include disease, loss of heather due to overgrazing, creation of new conifer plantations and a decline in the number of upland gamekeepers. Some predators feed on Red Grouse and there is ongoing controversy as to what effect these have on numbers. The Red Grouse is herbivorous and feeds mainly on the shoots, seeds and flowers of heather. It will also feed on berries, cereal crops and sometimes insects. The Red Grouse is considered a game bird and is shot in large numbers during the shooting season which traditionally starts on August 12th (known as the Glorious Twelfth). Shooting can take the form of “walked up” (where shooters walk across the moor to flush grouse and take a shot) or “driven” (where grouse are driven, often in large numbers, by “beaters” towards the shooters who are hiding behind a line of “butts”). Many moors are managed to increase the density of Red Grouse. Areas of heather are subjected to controlled burning since this allows fresh young shoots to regenerate which are favoured by Red Grouse. In addition, extensive predator control is a feature of grouse moor management and the extent and legality to which it occurs is hotly contested between conservation groups and shooting interests and the subject generates a lot of media attention. The Red Grouse is widely known as the logo of The Famous Grouse whisky and an animated bird is a character in a series of its adverts. It is also the emblem of the magazine “British Birds”. Date: 8th June 2012 Location: Lochindorb, Inverness-shire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42175425.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15575621195fdbc0492f5ab.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 18th November 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26270134.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1875030197566550a5cad5d.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 4th December 2015 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25774090.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1298389179560fb57e02b92.jpgHerring Gull Herring Gulls are large, noisy gulls and can be found throughout the year around coasts. During winter they can also be found inland around rubbish tips, fields, large reservoirs and lakes. Herring Gulls usually breed in colonies at coastal sites around the UK including cliffs with grassy slopes, shingle beaches, small islands and rooftops in seaside towns. Date: 23rd September 2015 Location: Chanonry Point, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23408461.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_72272311154c20bf44f074.jpgBarnacle Goose The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 3rd January 2015 Location: Mersehead RSPB reserve, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19905539.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1362409525529089ec6250c.jpgTeal The Eurasian Teal or Common Teal is often called simply the Teal due to being the only one of these small [i]Anas[/i] dabbling ducks in much of its range. The Teal is the smallest dabbling duck at 7.9 to 11.8 inches in length and with a wingspan of 21 to 23 inches. From a distance, the male Teal in breeding plumage appears grey with a dark head, a yellowish behind and a white stripe running along the flanks. Their head and upper neck is chestnut with a wide and iridescent dark green patch of half-moon or teardrop-shape that starts immediately before the eye and arcs to the upper hindneck. This patch is bordered with thin yellowish-white lines and a single line of that colour extends from the patch's forward end and curving along the base of the bill. The breast is buff with small round brown spots. The centre of the belly is white and the rest of the body plumage is mostly white with thin and dense blackish vermiculations, appearing medium grey even at a short distance. The outer scapular feathers are white with a black border to the outer vanes and these form the white side-stripe when the bird is in resting position. The tail and tail coverts are black with a bright yellowish-buff triangular patch in the centre of the coverts at each side. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female. It is more uniform in colour with a dark head and vestigial facial markings. The female Teal is yellowish-brown but somewhat darker on the wings and back. It has a dark greyish-brown upper head, hindneck, eyestripe and feather pattern. The pattern is dense short streaks on the head and neck and scaly spots on the rest of the body. Overall it looks much like a tiny Mallard. Immatures are coloured much like the adult females but they have a stronger pattern. The downy young are coloured like other dabbling ducks, brown above and yellow below with a yellow supercilium. The male's bill is dark grey but in the eclipse plumage it often shows some light greenish or brownish hue at the base. The bill of the females and immatures is pinkish or yellowish at the base, becoming dark grey towards the tip. The feet are dark grey in the males and greyish olive or greyish-brown in females and immatures. The Teal breeds across north Eurasia where it occupies sheltered freshwater wetlands with some tall vegetation such as taiga bogs or small lakes and ponds with extensive reedbeds. It mostly winters well south of its breeding range in the Mediterranean region, south Asia and some parts of Africa where it is often seen in large flocks in brackish waters and even in sheltered inlets and lagoons along the seashore. It is also regularly recorded on the north American coasts south to California and South Carolina. In the milder climate of temperate Europe, such as in the UK, the summer and winter ranges overlap. In the UK, the Teal can be found all year round but it is thinly distributed as a breeding species. In winter, birds congregate in larger numbers on low-lying wetlands both on the coast and inland in the south and west of the UK. Of these, many are continental birds from around the Baltic and Siberia. At this time, the UK is home to a significant percentage of the north west European wintering population. The Teal is much less abundant than the very similar Green-winged Teal from north America although it is still common and widespread. It appears to be holding its own currently with perhaps a slow decline due to drainage and pollution of wetlands. The IUCN and BirdLife International classify the Teal as a species of “Least Concern”. However, it is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. The Teal nests on the ground near water. Pairs form in the winter range and arrive on the breeding range together from about March. Breeding starts some weeks thereafter and not until May in the most northerly locations. The nest is a deep hollow lined with dry leaves and down feathers which is built in dense vegetation near water. After the females have started laying their eggs, the males leave them and move away and assemble in flocks on particular lakes where they moult into their eclipse plumage. The female lays 5 to 16 eggs but usually 8 to 11. Incubation lasts for 21 to 23 days and the young leave the nest soon after hatching and are cared for by the female for about 25 to 30 days. The males and the females with young generally move to the winter range separately. After the first winter, the young moult in to their adult plumage. The Teal usually feeds by dabbling, upending or grazing. In the breeding season it eats mainly aquatic invertebrates, such as crustaceans, insects and their larvae, molluscs and worms. In winter, it shifts to a largely granivorous diet, feeding on seeds of aquatic plants and grasses including sedges and grains. Date: 30th September 2013 Location: Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50931096.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14835389466627d1bb71bd4.jpgSpeckled Wood Flight period: April to September. The Speckled Wood is widespread in the southern half of England and in Wales and is expanding its range northwards. They can be found in woodland rides and glades and also along hedgerows and in gardens. Date: 8th April 2024 Location: RSPB Canvey Wick, Canvey Island, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41249267.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6381926215f00b6d704e84.jpgPuffins The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 22nd June 2020 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13657376.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15966035634ed3703276d59.jpgBadger The European Badger is a species of badger in the mustelid family (which in the UK includes the Otter, Pine Marten, Stoat and Weasel) and it is native to almost all of Europe. The source of the word "badger" is uncertain. The Oxford English Dictionary states it probably dates from the 16th century and derives from "badge", referring to the white mark borne like a badge on the Badger’s forehead. The French word [i]bêcheur[/i] (digger) has also been suggested as a source. The far older name "brock" derives from the Gaelic [i]broc[/i] or Welsh [i]broch[/i] and appears in Old English as [i]brocc[/i]. The Badger is a powerfully built animal with a small head, a thick, short neck, a stocky, wedge-shaped body and a short tail. Its feet are short with 5 toes on each foot. The limbs are short and massive with naked lower surfaces on the feet. The claws are strong, elongated and have an obtuse end which assists in digging. The snout, which is used for digging and probing, is muscular and flexible. The eyes are small and the ears short and tipped with white. Whiskers are present on the snout and above the eyes. Boars (males) typically have broader heads, thicker necks and narrower tails than sows (females) which are sleeker and have narrower, less domed heads and fluffier tails. Adults measure 9.8 to 11.8 inches in shoulder height, 24 to 35 inches in body length and 4.7 to 9.4 inches in tail length. Boars slightly exceed sows in measurements but can weigh considerably more. Weight varies seasonally, growing from spring to autumn and reaching a peak just before the winter. During the summer, the Badger weighs 15 to 29 pounds but this increases to 33 to 37 pounds in the autumn. Sows can attain a top weight of around 38 pounds, while exceptionally large boars have been reported in the autumn with the heaviest verified at 60 pounds. The contrasting black, white, brown and grey markings of the Badger’s fur serve to warn off attackers rather than camouflage as they are conspicuous at night. The colour, coarseness and density of the fur varies seasonally. Although the Badger’s sense of smell is acute, eyesight is monochromatic as has been shown by their lack of reaction to red light. Only moving objects attract their attention. The European Badger is the most social of badgers, forming groups of 6 adults on average, although larger associations of over 20 individuals have been recorded. Group size may be related to habitat composition. Under optimal conditions, Badger territories can be as small as 30 hectares but may be as large as 150 hectares in marginal areas. Badger territories can be identified by the presence of communal latrines and well-worn paths. It is mainly male Badgers that are involved in territorial aggression. A hierarchical social system is thought to exist and large powerful boars seem to assert dominance over smaller males. Large boars sometimes intrude into neighbouring territories during the main mating season in early spring. Sparring and more vicious fights generally result from territorial defence in the breeding season. When fighting, Badgers bite each other on the neck and rump while running and chasing each other and injuries incurred in such fights can be severe and sometimes fatal. However, in general, animals within and outside a group show considerable tolerance of each other. The Badger is usually monogamous and boars typically mate with a single female for life, whereas sows have been known to mate with more than one male. The oestrus cycle in the Badger lasts 4 to 6 days and may occur throughout the year, although there is a peak in spring. Sexual maturity in boars is usually attained at the age of 12 to 15 months but this can range from 9 months to 2 years. Sows usually begin ovulating in their second year, although some exceptionally begin at 9 months. Badgers can mate at any time of the year, although the main peak occurs in February to May. Matings occurring outside this period typically occur in sows which either failed to mate earlier in the year or matured slowly. Delayed implantation following mating can last 2 to 9 months although matings in December can result in immediate implantation. Ordinarily, implantation happens in December with a gestation period lasting 7 weeks. Cubs are usually born in mid-January to mid-March within underground chambers containing bedding. In areas where the countryside is waterlogged, cubs may be born above ground in buildings. The average litter consists of 1 to 5 cubs. Cubs are born pink with greyish, silvery fur and fused eyelids. Newborn Badgers are 5 inches in body length on average and weigh 2.6 to 4.7 ounces, with cubs from large litters being smaller. By 3 to 5 days, claws become pigmented and individual dark hairs begin to appear. Eyes open at 4 to 5 weeks and milk teeth erupt about the same time. Cubs emerge from their setts at 8 weeks of age and begin to be weaned at 12 weeks, although they may still suckle until they are 4 to 5 months old. Subordinate females may assist the mother in guarding, feeding and grooming the cubs. Cubs fully develop their adult coats at 6 to 9 weeks. The Badger can live for up to about 15 years in the wild. The Badger is a burrowing animal. However, the dens it constructs (setts) are complex and are passed on from generation to generation. A sett is almost invariably located near a tree which is used by badgers for stretching or claw scraping. Badgers defecate in latrines which are located near the sett and at strategic locations on territorial boundaries or near places with abundant food supplies. The number of exits in a sett can vary from just a few to 50. Setts can be vast and can sometimes accommodate multiple families. When this happens, each family occupies its own passages and sleeping and nesting chambers. Badgers dig and collect bedding throughout the year, particularly in autumn and spring, and the chambers are frequently lined with bedding brought in on dry nights consisting of grass, bracken, straw, leaves and moss. The Badger is a fastidiously clean animal which regularly clears out and discards old bedding. Along with the Brown Bear, the Badger is among the least carnivorous members of the carnivorous mammals. It is a highly adaptable and opportunistic omnivore whose diet encompasses a wide range of animals and plants. Earthworms are their most important food source, followed by large insects, carrion, cereals, fruit and small mammals including rabbits, mice, shrews, moles and hedgehogs. In addition, a wide variety of insect prey, cereal food, windfall fruit and berries is eaten. Occasionally, the Badger feeds on medium to large birds, amphibians, small reptiles, snails, slugs, fungi, and green food such as clover and grass. The Badger typically eats prey on the spot and rarely transports it to the sett. The Badger has few natural enemies. Wolves, lynxes and dogs can pose a threat although deaths caused by them are rare. It may live alongside the Red Fox in isolated sections of large burrows and the 2 species possibly tolerate each other through the Red Fox providing food scraps to the Badger and the Badger maintaining the shared burrow’s cleanliness. The Badger is native to most of Europe and parts of western Asia west of the Volga river in Russia. The International Union for Conservation of Nature rates the Badger as being of “least concern”. It is abundant and increasing throughout its range, partly due to a reduction in rabies in central Europe. In the UK, the Badger experienced a 77% increase in numbers during the 1980s and 1990s and the population is estimated to be around 300,000. The Badger is found in deciduous and mixed woodlands, clearings, spinneys, pastureland and scrub, including Mediterranean maquis shrubland. It has also adapted to life in suburban areas and urban parks, although not to the extent of the Red Fox. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife, Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7950450.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13788322184d03cff6ac069.jpgTurnstone The Turnstone has a mottled appearance with brown or chestnut and black upperparts, brown and white or black and white head pattern, white underparts and orange legs. Turnstones can be found around most of the UK coastline including rocky, sandy and muddy shores and particularly like feeding on seaweed covered rocks, seawalls and jetties. They are present for most of the year. Birds from Northern Europe pass through in July and August and again in spring and birds from Canada and Greenland arrive in August and September and remain until April and May. Non-breeding birds may stay throughout the summer. Date: 15th November 2010 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40713574.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18997015155e16f8d440e15.jpgGoosander The Goosander (or Common Merganser in north America) is a large “sawbill” duck, so called because of its long, serrated bill which is used for catching fish. The Goosander is 23 to 28 inches long with a 31 to 38 inches wingspan and the male is generally slightly larger than the female. The adult male in breeding plumage has a white body with a variable salmon-pink tinge, a black head with an iridescent green gloss, a grey rump and tail and wings which are largely white on the inner half and black on the outer half. Females, and males in "eclipse" non-breeding plumage, are largely grey with a reddish-brown head, white chin and white secondary feathers on the wing. Juveniles are similar to adult females but also show a short black-edged white stripe between the eye and the bill. The bill and legs are red to brownish-red which are brightest on adult males and dullest on juveniles. The Goosander can be found on rivers and lakes in forested areas of Europe, north and central Asia and north America. It is a partial migrant and moves away from areas where rivers and major lakes freeze in the winter but it is a resident where waters remain open. Within Europe, a marked southward spread has occurred from Scandinavia in the breeding range since about 1850, colonising Scotland in 1871 and England in 1941. Since 1970 it has spread across northern England and in to Wales and south west England. In the UK, it can be found all year round in the breeding range but only in winter on lakes, gravel pits and reservoirs across England south of the Humber. Nesting normally occurs in a tree cavity so the Goosander requires mature forest as its breeding habitat. It will also readily use large nest boxes where provided. In places where trees are absent, it will use holes in cliffs and steep, high banks, sometimes at considerable distances from water. The female lays 6 to 17 eggs, but normally 8 to 12, and raises a single brood in a season. The ducklings are taken by the female in her bill to rivers or lakes immediately after hatching where they feed on freshwater invertebrates and small fish fry, fledging when 60 to 70 days old. The Goosander primarily feeds on fish with the serrated edge to its bill helping it to grip its prey. In addition to fish, it will take a wide range of other aquatic prey such as molluscs, crustaceans, worms, insect larvae and amphibians and, more rarely, small mammals and birds. The salmon-pink tinge shown variably by males is probably diet-related and obtained from the carotenoid pigments present in some crustaceans and fish. When feeding, the Goosander will float down a stream or river for a few miles and either fly back again or more commonly fish their way back, diving incessantly the whole way. It will often fish in a group, forming a semicircle and driving the fish into shallow water where they are captured easily. When floating leisurely, it will position itself in the water similar to ducks but it will also swim deep in the water like a Cormorant. When not diving for food, it is usually seen swimming on the water surface, resting on rocks in midstream or hidden among riverbank vegetation or (in winter) resting on the edge of floating ice. Date: 23rd December 2019 Location: Abberton Reservoir, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43629177.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3499164656118b23c8451a.jpgGatekeeper Flight period: mid-July to early September. The Gatekeeper or Hedge Brown is common and widespread throughout the southern half of the UK. They can be found in areas with hedgerows or in scrubby woodland with wide and sunny rides. Date: 4th August 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457640.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7438084976685766c8c501.jpgFulmar The (Northern) Fulmar is a highly abundant seabird found primarily in subarctic regions of the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans. Though similar in appearance to gulls, the 2 species of fulmars (Northern and Southern) are in fact members of a different seabird family which include petrels and shearwaters. The Fulmar’s latin name, Fulmarus glacialis can be broken down to the Old Norse word full meaning "foul" and mar meaning "gull". "Foul-gull" is in reference to its stomach oil and also its superficial similarity to gulls. Finally, glacialis is Latin for "glacial" reflecting its extreme northern range. The Fulmar is generally grey and white with a pale yellow and thick bill and bluish legs. However there is both a light morph and a dark morph. Like other petrels, their walking ability is limited but they are strong fliers with a stiff wing action quite unlike the gulls. The Fulmar also looks bull-necked compared to gulls and it has a short stubby bill. The Fulmar is estimated to have between 15 to 30 million mature individuals that occupy a range of around 11 million square miles. Its range increased greatly last century due to the availability of fish offal from commercial fleets but may contract because of less food from this source and climate change. The population increase has been especially notable in the UK. The Fulmar starts breeding at between 6 and 12 years old. It is monogamous, forms long term pair bonds, returns to the same nest site year after year and nests in large colonies. The nest is a scrape on a grassy cliff ledge or a saucer of vegetation on the ground lined with softer material and recently they have started nesting on rooftops and buildings. The Fulmar feeds on shrimp, fish, squid, plankton, jellyfish and carrion as well as refuse. When eating fish, it will dive up to several feet deep to retrieve its prey. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801036.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_53073294464ed9bed946cf.jpgPurple Hairstreak Description to follow .... Date: 7th July 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50776408.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8253929446606e8cf80bca.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the Canidae family and is a part of the order Carnivora within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 27th March 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28885376.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_177300957557cc306aefcb2.jpgNigula Nature Reserve, Estonia Nigula Nature Reserve is located in south west Estonia near Häädemeeste and it was established in 1957 to protect the Nigula Bog and its surrounding untouched swamp forests and managed forests. It is also included in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance. Nigula Nature Reserve is an important area for both migratory wildfowl and breeding wetland and forest birds and it is also home to numerous species of large mammals including Brown Bear, Wolf, Lynx, Beaver, Elk and Wild Boar. Date: 16th May 2016 Location: Nigula Nature Reserve, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4158160.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16467544984b29200e5d363.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 15th December 2009 Location: Connaught Water, Epping Forest, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/willow-emerald-damselfly https://images.on-this.website/4752_8162197386504387d2fbea.jpgWillow Emerald Damselfly Description to follow .... Date: 21st August 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41187491.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4491914315ea6e00038bac.jpgCoot The Coot is an all black bird with a distinctive white beak and “shield” above the beak from which earns it the title “bald”. Its feet have distinctive lobed flaps of skin on the toes which act instead of webs when swimming. It patters noisily over the water before taking off and can be very aggressive towards other birds. Coot can be found all the year round mainly on freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers and town park lakes. Sometimes they can be seen offshore, especially in winter if freshwater areas are frozen. They breed in areas of fairly shallow standing freshwater with a muddy bottom and plenty of vegetation at the sides, usually in lowland areas. Date: 26th April 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12744818.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1680907114e706d92034cc.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 7th December 2007 Location: Donna Nook, Lincolnshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42626744.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_66417734760a92720a8609.jpgMoorhen The Moorhen is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird that is usually found near water. From a distance it looks black with a ragged white line along its body. However, closer up it is olive-brown on the back and the head and blue-grey underneath. It has a red bill with a yellow tip. The Moorhen can be found all year round almost anywhere where there is water. They breed in lowland areas particularly in central and eastern England but are scarce in northern Scotland and the uplands of Wales and northern England. UK breeding birds are residents and seldom travel far. Date: 15th April 2021 Location: Lake Meadows, Billericay, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084859.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1464759315d3088659f0a6.jpgBicaz Gorge, Neamţ and Harghita Counties, Romania The Bicaz Gorge, known locally as Cheile Bicazului, is a gorge located in north east Romania in the Eastern Carpathians group of the Carpathian Mountains. It is the deepest gorge in the country and connects the historical regions of Moldova and Transylvania. It was created by the River Bicaz and it is one of the most breathtaking natural attractions in Romania. The Bicaz Gorge is included within the Cheile Bicazului-Hășmaș National Park. The DN12C road runs through the Bicaz Gorge and is one of the most scenic drives in Romania. The gorge twists and turns steeply uphill for 5 miles with hairpin bends and deep drops and cuts through sheer 985 feet high limestone cliffs. At one point, the narrow mountain road runs uncomfortably beneath the overhanging rocks in a section known as Gâtul Iadului (“the neck of hell”). Beyond the cliffs there are spruce and beech forests and upland grazing pastures. Date: 5th June 2018 Location: Bicaz Gorge, Neamţ and Harghita Counties, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080608.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_151980236363a459ac32551.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 1st December 2022 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38397322.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11404215225ce127f132180.jpgSandwich Terns The Sandwich Tern is a medium-large tern, gull-like in appearance but usually with a more delicate, lighter build and shorter, weaker legs. It is very closely related to the Lesser Crested Tern, Chinese Crested Tern, Cabot's Tern and Elegant Tern and it has been known to inter-breed with the Lesser Crested Tern. It is 15 to 17 inches in length with a 33 to 38 inches wingspan. It has long, pointed wings, which gives it a fast buoyant flight, and a deeply forked tail. The upperwings are pale grey and the underparts are white. It has a shaggy black crest. The thin sharp bill is black with a yellow tip and the short legs are black. It looks very pale in flight although the primary flight feathers darken during the summer. In winter, the adult's forehead becomes white. Juveniles have dark tips to their tails and a scaly appearance on their back and wings. The Sandwich Tern has an extensive global range and, whilst population trends have not been quantified, it is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List. For these reasons, it is evaluated as “least concern”. The Sandwich Tern breeds in very dense colonies on coasts and islands and exceptionally inland on suitable large freshwater lakes close to the coast. It nests in a ground scrape and lays 1 to 3 eggs. Unlike some of the smaller white terns, it is not very aggressive toward potential predators, relying on the sheer density of the nests and nesting close to other more aggressive species such as the Arctic Tern and the Black-headed Gull. In the UK, the Sandwich Tern can be seen from late March to September and there are breeding colonies scattered around the UK coasts including the north Norfolk coast and at Minsmere in Suffolk and Dungeness in Kent. The Sandwich tern feeds by plunge-diving for fish, almost invariably from the sea. It usually dives directly and not from a hover favoured by other terns. The offering of fish by the male to the female is part of the courtship display. Date: 10th May 2019 Location: Beaumaris to Penmon, Anglesey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49278633.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15654444956499b8a79f15a.jpgEmerald Damselfly Flight period: June to September The Emerald Damselfly is widely distributed in uplands and lowlands throughout the UK. They can be found around small, shallow standing water with luxuriant vegetation such as rushes and sedges. Date: 13th June 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31192302.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1298927354591823c2829da0.62581116.jpgPied Flycatcher The Pied Flycatcher is a small passerine bird in the Old World flycatcher family and is 1 of the 4 species of Western Palearctic black and white flycatchers. The breeding male Pied Flycatcher is mainly black above and white below with a large white wing patch, white tail sides and a small forehead patch. Non-breeding males, females and juveniles have the black replaced by a pale brown. The bill is black and it has the broad but pointed shape typical of aerial insectivores. The Pied Flycatcher has a very large range and population size and so it is of “least concern” according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It breeds in most of Europe and west Asia where it can be found in deciduous woodlands, parks and gardens, with a preference for oak trees. It will sometimes use mature open conifer woodland where natural tree holes occur. It builds an open nest in a tree hole and it will readily adapt to nest boxes. In the UK, the Pied Flycatcher is limited by geography and habitat to the north and west of the country where it prefers mature oak woodlands but also mature upland ash and birch woodlands. It has on average decreased in population by 25% within the last 25 years and it has ceased to breed in several parts of its former range. The Pied Flycatcher is migratory, wintering mainly in tropical west Africa from mid September to mid April. It first arrives in its breeding areas from mid April to the end of May. Following breeding, return migration to Africa occurs between August and mid September. The Pied Flycatcher is mainly insectivorous and its diet is composed nearly entirely of insects including flies, bees, wasps, ants, beetles, butterflies, moths, etc. but it will also eat fruit and seeds in late summer and autumn and on migration. Date: 7th May 2017 Location: RSPB Ynys-hir, Ceredigion http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30017246.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1542686982587550dcd55e3.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 2nd January 2017 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28885561.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_61518421457cc33e35f329.jpgSedge Warbler The Sedge Warbler is a medium-sized Old World warbler in the genus Acrocephalus. It has a streaked brown back and wings and pale underparts. The rump is warm brown and unstreaked, contrasting with the duller wings. The forehead is flattened, there is a prominent whitish supercilium, the crown is streaked with black and the bill is strong and pointed. The plumage of the sexes is identical. Juvenile birds have dark spots on the breast. The Sedge Warbler’s song is varied, rushed and chattering with sweeter phrases and some mimicry, all typical of the Acrocephalus warblers. It is composed of phrases in random order so that it is never the same. Male Sedge Warblers which have the widest repertoire mate with the largest number of females. Male Sedge Warblers commence singing only a few hours after arriving on their breeding territory. The song is given from a bare perch such as a reed stem or bush or from cover and during routine flights within their territory. Song flights are also performed. Whilst singing, the bird takes off, rises to a height of up to 10 feet and then after a short circling flight, it makes a slow, parachuting descent, often with the wings held up in a “v” shape. The song has the function of attracting a mate rather than keeping other males away and it is stopped as soon as a mate is found. The Sedge Warbler has a large range and it breeds across Europe and western and central Asia. Unlike other members of the Acrocephalus genus, the Sedge Warbler's range stretches from the Arctic to mid-latitudes since it is adapted to live in cool, cloudy and moist conditions. It is a migratory species and winters in sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal in the west to Ethiopia in the east and as far south as the eastern Cape Province of South Africa and north Namibia. Birds begin leaving Africa in late February, fatten up at wetlands before and probably after crossing the Sahara and arrive in Europe from March onwards. During the breeding season, the Sedge Warbler can be found in reedbeds, often with scrub, ditches and habitats away from water including hedgerows, patches of stinging nettles and arable crops. On the African wintering grounds, habitats such as reeds in wetlands, papyrus, grass, sedge and reedmace and tall elephant grass are used. Loss of wetland areas for feeding on migration and the expansion of the Sahara desert pose threats to the Sedge Warbler's breeding population. The Sedge Warbler is mostly insectivorous and the diet includes mayflies, dragonflies and damselflies, grasshoppers, bugs, lacewings, moths, beetles and flies. Vegetable material includes elderberries and blackberries. On their wintering grounds food includes non-biting midges and flowers and berries. It feeds in low, thick vegetation, especially reeds and rushes, but also in arable fields and around bushes. Feeding techniques include picking insects from vegetation while perched or sometimes hovering and “leap-catching” where the bird grabs flying insects as it flies between perches. The Sedge Warbler tends to hop between plant stems and pick insects from underneath leaves and it takes advantage of the low temperatures around dusk and dawn which make their prey less mobile. Date: 14th May 2016 Location: Audru polder, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19507521.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_42013168152528c3d71d05.jpgBlack-winged Stilt The Black-winged Stilt is a widely distributed very long-legged wader. They have long pink-red legs, a long thin black bill and are blackish above and white below with a white head and neck with a varying amount of black. Both in flight and at rest the long pink-red legs are characteristic and even if these are hidden in water of unknown depth, the pure white underparts and jet black upperparts are distinctive. The amount of dark feathering on the otherwise white head doesn't necessarily indicate the sex of a stilt although young birds always have smoky patterning on the head. The Black-winged Stilt can be found in central and southern Europe, central and southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Many birds migrate to south of the Sahara from August to November and return in March and April. However, many of those which breed in Iberia are now increasingly remaining throughout the year. The Black-winged Stilt breeds around shallow wetlands, especially coastal lagoons, saltpans and estuaries. The nest site is a bare spot on the ground near water and birds often nest in small groups, sometimes with Avocets. In Europe, the Black-winged Stilt is a regular spring overshoot vagrant north of its normal range, occasionally remaining to breed in northern European countries including the UK. Date: 9th September 2013 Location: La Janda, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21830222.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_102412617653cbb6ebb9514.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a gentle looking, medium sized gull with a small yellow bill and a dark eye. It has a grey back and is white underneath. Its legs are short and black. In flight the black wing-tips show no white, unlike other gulls, and look as if they have been “dipped in ink”. The population is declining in some areas, perhaps due to a shortage of sand eels. Kittiwakes are strictly coastal gulls. In the breeding season, they can be found on rocky, steep sea-cliffs at the major seabird colonies around the UK from February until August. From August to October they can be seen flying past offshore and they spend the winter months out at sea. Date: 11th June 2014 Location: Bempton Cliifs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40399565.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19172609055dc6ad5120df1.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 18th October 2019 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28102101.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15655042195777a6c1f3955.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include [url=http://www.gigrin.co.uk/]Gigrin Farm feeding centre[/url] near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 12th June 2016 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11654878.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_235184554e313ac61b8db.jpgHerring Gull Herring Gulls are large, noisy gulls and can be found throughout the year around coasts. During winter they can also be found inland around rubbish tips, fields, large reservoirs and lakes. Herring Gulls usually breed in colonies at coastal sites around the UK including cliffs with grassy slopes, shingle beaches, small islands and rooftops in seaside towns. Date: 11th May 2008 Location: Skomer, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37431192.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17153987415c6be8200026d.jpgCommon Snipe The Common Snipe is a small, stocky wader native to the Old World. It is the most widespread of several similar snipe species. It most closely resembles the Wilson's Snipe of north America which was previously considered to be a sub-species of the Common Snipe. It is also very similar to the Pin-tailed Snipe and Swinhoe's Snipe of east Asia. A sub-species of Common Snipe can be found in Iceland, the Faroe Islands, Shetland and Orkney. This sub-species winters in the UK and Ireland. The Common Snipe is 9.8 to 10.6 inches in length with a 17 to 19 inches wingspan. The body is mottled brown with straw-yellow stripes on top and pale underneath. It has a dark stripe through the eye with light stripes above and below it. The wings are pointed. It has short greenish-grey legs and a very long (2.2 to 2.8 inches) straight dark bill. The Common Snipe can be found in the marshes, bogs, tundra and wet meadows throughout north Europe and north Asia. It is migratory with European birds wintering in south and west Europe and Africa (south to the Equator) and Asian birds wintering in tropical south Asia. The male Common Snipe performs a "winnowing" display during courtship, flying high in circles and then taking shallow dives to produce a "drumming" sound by vibrating its tail feathers. The nest is located in a well hidden location on the ground. The female lays 4 eggs which are incubated for 18 to 21 days. The young are covered in dark maroon down, variegated with black, white and buff and are cared for by both parents with fledging occurring in 10 to 20 days. The Common Snipe is a well camouflaged bird and it is usually shy and conceals itself close to ground vegetation and flushes only when approached closely. When flushed, it utters a sharp call and flies off in a series of aerial zig-zags to confuse predators. The Common Snipe forages in soft mud, probing or picking up food by sight. It mainly eats insects and earthworms but also some plant material. Overall, the Common Snipe is not a threatened species although populations on the southern fringes of the breeding range in Europe are declining with local extinction in some areas (including in the UK) mainly due to field drainage and agricultural intensification. The Common Snipe is a species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 10th January 2019 Location: RSPB Greylake, Somerset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7950500.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9885119134d03d087538f6.jpgChinese Water Deer The Chinese Water Deer is a small, compact deer. It stands slightly taller and is paler in colour than the hump-backed looking Muntjac Deer and looks more like a diminutive Roe Deer. The coat is an overall golden brown colour and may be interspersed with black hairs while the undersides are white. The strongly tapered face is reddish brown or grey in color and the chin and upper throat are cream coloured. Both sexes lack antlers but instead the males have long downward pointing canines or tusks. The powerful hind legs are longer than the front legs so that the haunches are carried higher than the shoulders. They run with rabbit-like jumps. Chinese Water Deer feed mostly at dawn and dusk around rivers, streams and marshy areas with plenty of shrubs and small trees and sometimes on farmland. The Water Deer is superficially more similar to a musk deer than a true deer but it is classified as a cervid despite having tusks instead of antlers and other anatomical anomalies. These unique characteristics have caused it to be classified in its own genus and its own subfamily. They are native to China and Korea and there are 2 subspecies: the Chinese Water Deer and the Korean Water Deer. Water deer are indigenous to the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, coastal Jiangsu province and the islands of Zhejiang of east-central China and Korea where the demilitarized zone has provided a protected habitat for a large number. The UK population of Chinese Water Deer is thought to account for 10% of the world's population. Chinese Water Deer were first introduced in to the UK in the 1870s where they were kept at London Zoo. In 1896 they were transferred to Woburn Abbey in Bedfordshire with further additions being imported and added to the stock. In 1929 and 1930, 32 deer were transferred from Woburn to Whipsnade, also in Bedfordshire, and released in to the park. It is thought that the current Chinese Water Deer population at Whipsnade is over 600 whilst at Woburn it is probably in the region of 250 plus. The present introduced population derives from a number of deliberate releases but the majority is descended from escapees. The majority of the wild Chinese Water Deer population still resides close to Woburn Abbey. It appears that the Chinese Water Deer’s strong preference for a particular habitat has restricted its potential to colonize further afield. The main area of distribution is from Woburn, east into Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk and south towards Whipsnade. There have been small colonies reported in other areas. Date: 15th November 2010 Location: Strumpshaw Fen RSPB reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/february-2022-great-spotted-woodpecker https://images.on-this.website/4752_45481461062500a394b918.jpgFebruary 2022 - Great Spotted Woodpecker Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45182495.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645438.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_44817013251e3ce2f7e236.jpgSwallow The Barn Swallow is the most widespread species of swallow in the world. In Europe it is just called the Swallow and in Northern Europe it is the only common species called a "swallow" rather than a "martin". The male Swallow has steel blue upperparts and a rufous forehead, chin and throat which are separated from the off-white underparts by a broad dark blue breast band. The outer tail feathers are elongated to give the distinctive deeply forked "swallow tail." There is a line of white spots across the outer end of the upper tail. The female is similar in appearance to the male but the tail streamers are shorter, the blue of the upperparts and breast band is less glossy and the underparts more pale. The juvenile is browner and has a paler rufous face and whiter underparts. It also lacks the long tail streamers of the adult. The Swallow has an enormous range with an estimated global extent of 20 million square miles and a population of 190 million individuals. It breeds in the Northern Hemisphere from sea level to typically 8,900 feet but up 9,800 feet in the Caucasus and North America and it is absent only from deserts and the cold northernmost parts of the continents. Over much of its range it avoids towns and in Europe is replaced in urban areas by the House Martin. There are 6 subspecies of the Swallow which breed across the Northern Hemisphere, of which 4 are strongly migratory with their wintering grounds covering much of the Southern Hemisphere as far south as central Argentina, the Cape Province of South Africa and northern Australia. The Swallow can be found in open country with low vegetation such as pasture, meadows and farmland, preferably with nearby water. It avoids heavily wooded or precipitous areas and densely built-up locations. The presence of accessible open structures such as barns, stables or culverts to provide nesting sites and exposed locations such as wires, roof ridges or bare branches for perching are also important in the bird's selection of its breeding range. This species lives in close association with humans and its insect-eating habits mean that it is tolerated by man. This acceptance was reinforced in the past by superstitions regarding the bird and its nest. There are frequent cultural references to the Swallow in literary and religious works due to both its living in close proximity to humans and its annual migration. The Swallow is the national bird of Austria and Estonia. In winter, the Swallow is cosmopolitan in its choice of habitat, avoiding only dense forests and deserts. It is most common in open, low vegetation habitats such as savanna and ranch land. Individual birds tend to return to the same wintering locality each year and congregate from a large area to roost in reed beds. These roosts can be extremely large with one in Nigeria holding an estimated 1.5 million birds. Date: 20th May 2013 Location: Biebrza area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4267271.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8166692664b5223d28db49.jpgLoch na Keal, Mull, Argyll Loch na Keal, meaning Loch of the Kyle or Loch of the Narrows, is the principal sea loch on the western coastline of the island of Mull. It extends for over 13 miles inland and almost cuts the island in half as it reaches a point only 3 miles from the east coast. Loch na Keal consists of a wide triangular shaped outer loch, separated from Loch Tuath to the north by the islands of Gometra and Ulva, leading into a narrow inner loch. The island of Staffa is at the mouth of the outer loch, the island of Inch Kenneth is in the outer loch and the island of Eorsa is in the inner loch. The outer loch northern coastline is made up of basaltic ridges and many rocks and islets with many different types of vegetation. The southern coastline, bounded by the Ardmeanach peninsula, has cliffs, land slips and substantial slopes that are covered in scree. The northern shore of the inner loch is steeply sloped with Killiechronan Wood to the east. The southern shore of the inner loch consists of cliffs and slopes leading to the Munro and extinct volcano of Ben More (3169 feet high) with Scarisdale Wood to the south east. Loch na Keal has no significant villages. Most of the small settlements are at the head (east end) of the loch where there is a small area of flat land where the River Bà flows into Loch na Keal from Loch Bà. These include Gruline, a small scattered settlement, primarily consisting of crofting and tourist homes. The closest larger village is Salen, located 2.5 miles north east across the isthmus from the head of the loch. Date: 31st December 2009 Location: view from southern shore http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493239.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15270954425f326da27180f.jpgRazorbill The Razorbill is a seabird and a member of the auk family which also includes the Common Guillemot, Brunnich's Guillemot and Little Auk. It is also the closest living relative to the Great Auk which is now extinct. The Razorbill has white underparts and a black head, neck, back and feet during the breeding season. A thin white line also extends from the eyes to the end of the bill. Its head is darker than that of the CommonGuillemot. Outside the breeding season, the throat and face behind the eye become white and the white line on the face becomes less prominent. The thick black bill has a blunt end. The adult male and female female are very much alike having only small differences such as wing length. The Razorbill has a horizontal stance and the tail feathers are slightly longer in the centre in comparison to other auks making it have a distinctly long tail which is not common for an auk. The Razorbill is distributed across the sub-arctic and boreal waters of the north Atlantic where water surface temperature are typically below 15°c. The world population is estimated to be less than 1 million breeding pairs, making it among the rarest auks in the world. Approximately 60 to 70% of the entire Razorbill population breeds in Iceland., including over 200,000 pairs at Látrabjarg. The breeding habitat is islands, rocky shores and cliffs on north Atlantic coasts, in eastern North America as far south as Maine and in western Europe from north west Russia to northern France. Eurasian birds winter at sea with some moving south as far as the western Mediterranean. North American birds migrate offshore and south. The Razorbill is a colonial breeder and only comes to land to breed. Individuals only breed at 3 to 5 years of age. Females select their mate and will often encourage competition between males before choosing a partner. Once a male is chosen, the pair will usually stay together for life. Nest site determination is very important to ensure protection of young from predators. Unlike Common Guillemots, nest sites are not immediately alongside the sea on open cliff ledges but at least 4 to 6 inches away in crevices on cliffs or among boulders. Generally a nest is not built although some pairs often use their bills to drag material upon which to lay their single egg. The mating pair will often reuse the same site every year. The Razorbill feeds mainly on schooling fish and crustaceans and it will dive deep into the sea using its wings and its streamlined body to propel itself toward their prey. Whilst diving, it rarely stays in groups but instead spreads out to feed. The majority of feeding occurs at a depth of about 80 feet but it has the ability to dive up to 400 feet below the surface. During a single dive the Razorbill can capture and swallow many schooling fish depending on their size. The Razorbill spends approximately 45% of its time foraging at sea and it may well fly more than 60 miles out to sea to feed. However, when feeding chicks it will forage much closer to the nesting grounds and often in shallower water. The Razorbill and its eggs and chicks have several predators which include Great Black-backed Gulls, Peregrines, Ravens and other crows, Arctic Foxes and Polar Bears. In the early 20th century, Razorbills were harvested for their eggs, meat and feathers and this greatly decreased their population. In 1917 they were finally protected which reduced hunting. Other current threats include oil pollution, unintentional bycatch arising from commercial fishing and overfishing which decreases the abundance of prey. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49279115.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20878373236499ca0f61bf2.jpgMeadow Brown Flight period: June to August. The Meadow Brown is one of the most widespread and abundant of the UK's butterflies. It can be found typically in open grasslands but also other habitats such as roadside verges, woodland rides and urban parks and cemeteries. Date: 22nd June 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51335112.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5170976496676e604d8709.jpgEdible Frog The Edible Frog is a species of frog found across Europe that is also known as the Common Water Frog and the Green Frog. The Edible Frog is one of the few animals in the world that is a fertile hybrid of 2 different species, as although similar but genetically different species are known to mate, it is very rare that their offspring will be able to breed. The Edible Frog is a fertile hybrid of 2 other European frogs, namely the Pool Frog and the Marsh Frog, that inter-bred when populations where isolated close to one another during the Ice Age. It was first described in 1758 and is known as the Edible Frog due to the fact that it is now seen as a culinary delicacy across Europe but especially in France where frog’s legs are often served as a national dish. The reason for humans favouring this frog over others is not really known but it may have something to do with their abundance. The Edible Frog is a medium sized frog growing to around 3.5 to 4.5 inches in length. Adults are mainly green in colour with light patches of brown on their backs, yellow eyes and a white underside covered in a few dark spots. There are number of distinct differences between males and females including the fact that males become much lighter and greener during the mating season. Males also have vocal sacs on the outside of their cheeks and extra skin patches on their feet, both of which are primarily used for mating. The Edible Frog is endemic to Europe and it naturally occurs across central Europe as far north as Germany and Estonia. Southern populations are found from Croatia, through northern Italy and into the south of France. There are also isolated populations in Sweden and Bulgaria which are thought to have migrated from the countries nearby. It has also been introduced to the UK. The Edible Frog spends all of its time either in or very close to water and it is most commonly found in calmer parts of rivers and streams where there is a slow but constant flow of fresh water. It tends to prefer more open areas and can also be commonly found around lakes, ponds and marshes. Unlike many other species of frog, the Edible Frog is a diurnal animal and is therefore most active during the day. This is when it is most likely to move away from the water so that it can find a better supply of food or move to a different part of the water if it needs to. The Edible Frog is a relatively solitary animal so there is less competition for food but males are often seen sitting together in groups during the breeding season when they are trying to out-compete each other to find a mate. The breeding season for the Edible Frog begins during March and generally lasts for around 2 months. Males sing by drawing air in and out of their vocal sacs to produce the highest-pitched sound possible since females are most attracted to the loudest males. After courting her in a lake, pond or swamp, the male lets the female lay up to 10,000 eggs in a sticky mass into the water before he fertilises them. Tadpoles can be as small as 0.2 inches long when they hatch and are a grey/brown colour. They then grow up to 2 to 3 inches in length before metamorphoses occurs and they leave the water as 0.75 inches long young frogs. The Edible Frog reaches sexual maturity at the age of 2 years and can live until it is 15 years old. The Edible Frog is a carnivorous amphibian but the tadpoles mainly eat vegetation although they are known to occasionally supplement their diet with aquatic micro-organisms. Adults eat small invertebrates such as insects, spiders and flies, which make up the majority of their diet, along with larger aquatic animals like fish, newts and other frogs. The Edible Frog hunts for food during the day and can be seen catching food both in water and on land. The Edible Frog remains very still when it is sitting on the banks of its water habitat and this, along with its camouflage, makes it very difficult for predators to spot. Its eyes are positioned near the top of the head meaning that it can also see danger coming whilst the body is mainly hidden. Snakes, owls and water birds are the main predators of the Edible Frog. The Edible Frog will jump into the water and hide if it senses approaching danger and it will make a loud screeching sound if caught. Edible Frog populations are under threat from habitat destruction mainly caused by deforestation and water pollution. Date: 21st June 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo8048526.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17541594904d0d038ff007f.jpgWaxwing The Waxwing is a plump bird which is slightly smaller than a Starling. It is buff or pinkish-brown in colour with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings, a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest. The bird’s name is derived from the red tips to some of the wing feathers which are said to look like they have been dipped in sealing wax. Waxwings breed in the dense forests of northern Europe but they occur in varying numbers in the UK from October to March. In some years they can occur in large numbers (known as irruptions) when the population in the breeding areas gets too big for the food available. The first UK arrivals each winter are usually seen on the east coast from Scotland to East Anglia but birds then move inland in search of food. They can be found in parks and gardens and even busy public places such as supermarket car parks, typically where there are berry-bearing trees and bushes such as rowan, hawthorn, cotoneaster and rose. Waxwings seem fearless of humans so it is relatively easy to get very close views of these stunning birds. Waxwings make an easily recognisable high-pitched trilling sound like a bell. Date: 11th December 2010 Location: Folkestone, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833402.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_59987594559ceaa390857.jpgDalmatian Pelican The somewhat similar-looking White Pelican broadly overlaps in size but has greater size sexual dimorphism. Female White Pelicans can be noticeably smaller than female Dalmatian Pelicans but male individuals of the two species are essentially the same size and weight. The Dalmatian Pelican differs from the White Pelican in that it has curly nape feathers, grey legs and silvery-white (rather than pure white) plumage. In winter, the adult Dalmatian Pelican goes from silvery-grey to a dingier brownish-grey cream colour. Immature birds are grey and lack the pink facial patch of immature White Pelicans. The bare skin around the eye can vary from yellow to purplish in colour. In the breeding season the Dalmatian Pelican has an orange-red lower mandible and pouch against a yellow upper mandible but in winter the whole bill is a somewhat dull yellow. The bill, at 14 to 18 inches long, is the second largest of any bird after the Australian Pelican. In flight, the Dalmatian Pelican is an elegant soaring bird, with the head held close to and aligned with the body by a downward bend in the neck. Unlike other pelicans, its wings are solid greyish-white with black tips. The Dalmatian Pelican can be found in lakes, rivers, deltas and estuaries from south east Europe to India and China. Compared to the White Pelican, the Dalmatian Pelican is not as tied to lowland areas and will nest in suitable wetlands at many elevations. It is less opportunistic in breeding habitat selection than the White Pelican, usually returning to a traditional breeding site year after year unless it becomes completely unsuitable. The Dalmatian Pelican usually migrates short distances. It is dispersive in Europe, based on feeding opportunities, with most western birds staying through the winter in the Mediterranean region. It is more actively migratory in Asia, where most of the birds that breed in Russia fly down for the winter to the central Middle East, largely around Iran through to the Indian Subcontinent from Nepal to central India. The Dalmatian Pelican has declined greatly throughout its range, more so than the White Pelican. During the 20th century, the species' numbers underwent a dramatic decline for reasons that are not entirely understood. The most likely reason was habitat loss due to human activities such as the drainage of wetlands and land development. Colonies are regularly disturbed by human activity, and, like all pelicans, the parents may temporarily leave their nest if threatened which then exposes the chicks to the risk of predation. Occasionally, Dalmatian Pelicans may be shot by fishermen who believe the birds are dangerously depleting the fish population and hence threatening their livelihood. Dalmatian Pelicans also regularly fly into power-lines and are killed by electrocution. The largest single remaining colony of Dalmatian Pelicans in Europe is at the Prespa lakes shared between Albania and Greece with around 1400 pairs. Approximately 450 pairs breed in the Danube Delta in Romania. The country with the largest breeding population today, including about 70% of pairs or possibly over 3,000 pairs, is Russia. Conservation efforts have been undertaken on behalf of the Dalmatian Pelican especially in Europe. Although they normally nest on the ground, Dalmatian Pelicans have nested on platforms put out in Turkey, Greece, Bulgaria and Romania in order to encourage them to breed. Rafts over water have also been set up for the species to use in Greece and Bulgaria. Power-lines have also been marked or dismantled in areas adjacent to colonies in these countries. Additionally, water-level management and educational programs may be aiding them at a local level. The Dalmatian Pelican feeds almost entirely on fish. It usually forages alone or in groups of only 2 or 3 birds. It normally swims along, placidly and slowly, until it quickly dunks its head underwater and scoops the fish out along with great masses of water. The water is dumped out of the sides of the pouch and the fish is swallowed. Occasionally it may feed cooperatively with other pelicans by corralling fish into shallow waters and may even co-operate similarly while fishing alongside Cormorants. Among a highly social family in general, the Dalmatian Pelican may have the least social inclinations. It naturally nests in relatively small groups compared to most other pelican species and sometimes may even nest alone. However, small colonies are usually formed, which regularly include upwards of 250 pairs. Occasionally, Dalmatian Pelicans may mix in with colonies of White Pelicans. Nesting sites selected are usually either islands in large bodies of water (typically lagoons or river deltas) or dense mats of aquatic vegetation. The nest is a moderately-sized pile of grass, reeds, sticks and feathers and is usually located on or near the ground, often being placed on dense floating vegetation. Breeding commences in March or April, about a month before the White Pelican breeds. Date: 13th May 2015 Location: Great Prespa Lake (Megali Prespa), West Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45456935.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_84308605662500163a6146.jpgTurnstones The Turnstone has a mottled appearance with brown or chestnut and black upperparts, brown and white or black and white head pattern, white underparts and orange legs. Turnstones can be found around most of the UK coastline including rocky, sandy and muddy shores and particularly like feeding on seaweed covered rocks, seawalls and jetties. They are present for most of the year. Birds from Northern Europe pass through in July and August and again in spring and birds from Canada and Greenland arrive in August and September and remain until April and May. Non-breeding birds may stay throughout the summer. Date: 9th November 2021 Location: Shoeburyness, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453939.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1076547554ff545eaf2f61.jpgAzure-winged Magpie The Azure-winged Magpie is a member of the crow family, similar in overall shape to the European Magpie but is more slender with proportionately smaller legs and bill. It has a glossy black top to the head and a white throat. The underparts and the back are a light grey-fawn in colour with the wings and the feathers of the long tail are an azure blue. Azure-winged Magpies occurs in two population groups separated by a huge geographical region between. One population lives in western Europe, specifically the south western part of the Iberian Peninsula in Spain and Portugal. The other population occurs over a much larger region of eastern Asia in most of China, Korea, Japan and north into Mongolia. Azure-winged Magpies inhabit various types of coniferous (mainly pine) and broadleaf forest. They usually nest in loose, open colonies with a single nest in each tree and often find food as a family group or several groups making flocks of up to 70 birds. The largest groups congregate after the breeding season and throughout the winter months. Date: 27th April 2012 Location: La Tajadilla, Parque Nacional de Monfragüe, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11806180.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14516706834e3a784802e66.jpgMarsh Frog The Marsh Frog is the largest European frog. It is very similar in appearance to the closely related Edible Frog and Pool Frog. These 3 species are often referred to as "green frogs" to distinguish them from the more terrestrial European species which are known as "brown frogs" (best exemplified by the Common Frog). Marsh Frogs show a large variation in colour and pattern, ranging from dark green to brown or grey. The Western European populations are generally dark green to black with dark spots on the back and sides and 3 clear green lines on the back. Females can reach a maximum length of around 6.5 inches but males are smaller at around 4.5 inches. The head is proportionally large and the hind legs are long which gives them excellent jumping abilities. The Marsh Frog is usually gregarious and diurnal and more tied to aquatic habitats than the Common Frog. It is tolerant of brackish conditions and typically it is found on or in the water of its favoured drainage channels and pools throughout the year. Marsh Frogs frequently sunbathe on the bank of the water body where they are often inconspicuous until disturbed when they will jump in to the water with a characteristic “plop”. They can often be seen on lily pads or floating at the surface amongst vegetation with only their heads exposed. During the breeding season (and sometimes beyond) the male Marsh Frog calls very loudly with a sound reminiscent of a loud chuckle which is often very raucous and can be heard all day and night. Dominant males establish territories from which they call. After mating a female may produce up to 16,000 eggs in a season, laying them in clumps of a few hundred in aquatic vegetation below the surface. They hatch in about a week, tadpoles being rather solitary and living in deep water with vegetation. Newly metamorphosed frogs are up to 1 inch in length and take 2 years to mature. The diet of the Marsh Frog consists of dragonflies and other insects, spiders, earthworms and slugs. Larger frogs also eat small rodents and sometimes smaller amphibians and fish. The Marsh Frog is not a native species of the UK. It was first introduced to Walland Marsh, Kent in 1935 and is now found in several areas of Kent and East Sussex. Other introductions exist, including colonies in London. Date: 31st July 2011 Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17054606.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_78369065050dec30c38773.jpgGoldfinch The European Goldfinch or simply the Goldfinch is a small passerine bird in the finch family. The Goldfinch is 4.7 to 5.1 inches in length with a wingspan of 8.3 to 9.8 inches. The sexes are broadly similar, with a red face, black and white head, warm brown upper parts, white underparts with buff flanks and breast patches and black and yellow wings. On closer inspection, males can often be distinguished by a larger, darker red mask that extends just behind the eye. The shoulder feathers are black, whereas they are brown on the female. In females, the red face does not extend past the eye. The ivory-coloured bill is long and pointed and the tail is forked. Juveniles have a plain head and a greyer back but are unmistakable due to the yellow wing stripe. The Goldfinch is native to Europe, north Africa and west and central Asia. It is found in open, partially wooded lowlands and it is a resident in the milder west of its range but migrates from colder regions. It will also make local movements, even in the west, to escape bad weather. It has been introduced to many areas of the world. In the UK, the Goldfinch can be seen anywhere there are scattered bushes and trees, rough ground with thistles and other seeding plants, including orchards, parks, gardens, heathland and commons. It is less common in upland areas and most numerous in the south of England. The nest is built entirely by the female Goldfinch and is generally completed within a week. It is neat and compact and constructed of mosses and lichens and lined with plant down such as that from thistles. It is generally located several feet above the ground, hidden by leaves in the twigs at the end of a branch. The female typically lays 4 to 6 eggs which are incubated for 11 to 13 days. The chicks are fed by both parents. Initially they receive a mixture of seeds and insects but as they grow the proportion of insect material decreases. For the first 7 to 9 days the young are brooded by the female. The nestlings fledge 13 to 18 days after hatching. The young birds are fed by both parents for a further 7 to 9 days. The parents typically raise 2 broods each year and occasionally 3. The Goldfinch's preferred food is small seeds such as those from thistles and teasels but insects are also taken when feeding young. It also regularly visits bird feeders in winter. The Goldfinch is commonly kept and bred in captivity around the world because of its distinctive appearance and pleasant song. In the UK during the 19th century, many thousands of Goldfinches were trapped each year to be sold as cage birds. One of the earliest campaigns of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was directed against this trade. Date: 29th October 2012 Location: Strumpshaw Fen RSPB reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15747137.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1978078485017a71017f33.jpgMarsh Frog The Marsh Frog is the largest European frog. It is very similar in appearance to the closely related Edible Frog and Pool Frog. These 3 species are often referred to as "green frogs" to distinguish them from the more terrestrial European species which are known as "brown frogs" (best exemplified by the Common Frog). Marsh Frogs show a large variation in colour and pattern, ranging from dark green to brown or grey. The Western European populations are generally dark green to black with dark spots on the back and sides and 3 clear green lines on the back. Females can reach a maximum length of around 6.5 inches but males are smaller at around 4.5 inches. The head is proportionally large and the hind legs are long which gives them excellent jumping abilities. The Marsh Frog is usually gregarious and diurnal and more tied to aquatic habitats than the Common Frog. It is tolerant of brackish conditions and typically it is found on or in the water of its favoured drainage channels and pools throughout the year. Marsh Frogs frequently sunbathe on the bank of the water body where they are often inconspicuous until disturbed when they will jump in to the water with a characteristic “plop”. They can often be seen on lily pads or floating at the surface amongst vegetation with only their heads exposed. During the breeding season (and sometimes beyond) the male Marsh Frog calls very loudly with a sound reminiscent of a loud chuckle which is often very raucous and can be heard all day and night. Dominant males establish territories from which they call. After mating a female may produce up to 16,000 eggs in a season, laying them in clumps of a few hundred in aquatic vegetation below the surface. They hatch in about a week, tadpoles being rather solitary and living in deep water with vegetation. Newly metamorphosed frogs are up to 1 inch in length and take 2 years to mature. The diet of the Marsh Frog consists of dragonflies and other insects, spiders, earthworms and slugs. Larger frogs also eat small rodents and sometimes smaller amphibians and fish. The Marsh Frog is not a native species of the UK. It was first introduced to Walland Marsh, Kent in 1935 and is now found in several areas of Kent and East Sussex. Other introductions exist, including colonies in London. Date: 23rd July 2012 Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41187459.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20736868345ea6d553106f2.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 21st April 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11806174.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19227252034e3a783146bad.jpgMarsh Frog The Marsh Frog is the largest European frog. It is very similar in appearance to the closely related Edible Frog and Pool Frog. These 3 species are often referred to as "green frogs" to distinguish them from the more terrestrial European species which are known as "brown frogs" (best exemplified by the Common Frog). Marsh Frogs show a large variation in colour and pattern, ranging from dark green to brown or grey. The Western European populations are generally dark green to black with dark spots on the back and sides and 3 clear green lines on the back. Females can reach a maximum length of around 6.5 inches but males are smaller at around 4.5 inches. The head is proportionally large and the hind legs are long which gives them excellent jumping abilities. The Marsh Frog is usually gregarious and diurnal and more tied to aquatic habitats than the Common Frog. It is tolerant of brackish conditions and typically it is found on or in the water of its favoured drainage channels and pools throughout the year. Marsh Frogs frequently sunbathe on the bank of the water body where they are often inconspicuous until disturbed when they will jump in to the water with a characteristic “plop”. They can often be seen on lily pads or floating at the surface amongst vegetation with only their heads exposed. During the breeding season (and sometimes beyond) the male Marsh Frog calls very loudly with a sound reminiscent of a loud chuckle which is often very raucous and can be heard all day and night. Dominant males establish territories from which they call. After mating a female may produce up to 16,000 eggs in a season, laying them in clumps of a few hundred in aquatic vegetation below the surface. They hatch in about a week, tadpoles being rather solitary and living in deep water with vegetation. Newly metamorphosed frogs are up to 1 inch in length and take 2 years to mature. The diet of the Marsh Frog consists of dragonflies and other insects, spiders, earthworms and slugs. Larger frogs also eat small rodents and sometimes smaller amphibians and fish. The Marsh Frog is not a native species of the UK. It was first introduced to Walland Marsh, Kent in 1935 and is now found in several areas of Kent and East Sussex. Other introductions exist, including colonies in London. Date: 31st July 2011 Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51334184.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12850299326676e35dd4c48.jpgHeath Fritillary Flight period: June to July. The Heath Fritillary is at the north west extreme of its range in the southern UK and its numbers have greatly reduced this century due to changes in woodland management. It is now one of our rarest and most localised butterflies and can only be found at a few sites in Essex and Kent and in south west England. In Essex and Kent, they can be found in coppiced woodland with acid soils where Common Cow Wheat, the preferred foodplant, is available. On Exmoor they favour sheltered combes (valleys) and in Devon and Cornwall abandoned hay meadows are preferred. Detailed study has determined the Heath Fritillary’s precise habitat requirements and its future in the UK depends on deliberate conservation and habitat management. Date: 20th June 2024 Location: EWT Pound Wood, Hadleigh, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4466108.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18046171784b8a2592e23be.jpg http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42202668.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8433340915ff31118a78da.jpgBrown Bear The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, Ursus arctos arctos. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an evening visit with [url=https://www.karhujenkatselu.fi/en-gb]Karhu-Kuusamo[/url] Date: 7th July 2019 Location: Kuntilampi, near Kuusamo, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/p5030598-edit https://images.on-this.website/4752_25485347664330b0e6af7.jpgRed Squirrel The Red Squirrel or Eurasian Red Squirrel is a species of tree squirrel in the genus Sciurus. It is an arboreal and primarily herbivorous rodent. The Red Squirrel has a typical head and body length of 7.5 to 9 inches, a tail length of 6 to 8 inches and a weight of 9 to 12 ounces. Males and females are the same size. The Red Squirrel is smaller and lighter in weight than the Grey Squirrel The coat of the Red Squirrel varies in colour with the time of year and its location and there are several different coat colour morphs ranging from black to red. Red coats are most common in the UK but in other parts of Europe and Asia different coat colours co-exist within populations. The underside of the Red Squirrel is always creamy-white in colour. The Red Squirrel sheds its coat twice a year, switching from a thinner summer coat to a thicker, darker winter coat with noticeably larger ear-tufts (a prominent distinguishing feature of this species) between August and November. A lighter, redder overall coat colour, along with the ear-tufts (in adults) and smaller size, distinguish the Red Squirrel from the Grey Squirrel. The long tail helps the Red Squirrel to balance and steer when jumping from tree to tree and running along branches and it may also keep it warm during sleep. The Red Squirrel, like most tree squirrels, has sharp and curved claws to enable it to climb and descend broad tree trunks, thin branches and even house walls and its strong hind legs enable it to leap gaps between trees. The Red Squirrel can be found in the boreal coniferous woods in north Europe and Siberia where it prefers Scots Pine, Norway Spruce and Siberian Pine. In west and south Europe it can be found in broad-leaved woods where the mixture of tree and shrub species provides a better year round source of food. In most of the UK and in Italy, broad-leaved woodlands are now less suitable for it due to the better competitive feeding strategy of the introduced Grey Squirrel. The Red Squirrel makes a drey (nest) out of twigs in a branch-fork, forming a domed structure about 9 to 12 inches in diameter. This is lined with moss, leaves, grass and bark. Tree hollows and woodpecker holes are also used. The Red Squirrel is generally a solitary animal and is shy and reluctant to share food with others. However, outside the breeding season and particularly in winter, several Red Squirrels may share a drey to keep warm. Social organisation is based on dominance hierarchies within and between sexes. Although males are not necessarily dominant towards females, the dominant animals tend to be larger and older than subordinate animals and dominant males tend to have larger home ranges than subordinate males or females. Mating can occur in late winter during February and March and in summer between June and July. During mating, males detect females that are in oestrus by an odour that they produce and, although there is no courtship, the male will chase the female for up to an hour prior to mating. Usually multiple males will chase a single female until the dominant male, usually the largest in the group, mates with the female. Males and females will mate multiple times with many partners. Females must reach a minimum body mass before they enter oestrus and heavy females on average produce more young. If food is scarce breeding may be delayed. Typically a female will produce her first litter in her second year. Up to 2 litters a year per female are possible. Each litter averages 3 young and these are known as kits. Gestation is about 38 to 39 days and the young are looked after by the mother alone and are born helpless, blind and deaf. Their body is covered by hair at 21 days, their eyes and ears open after 3 to 4 weeks and they develop all their teeth by 42 days. Juveniles can eat solids around 40 days following birth and from that point they can leave the nest on their own to find food. However, they still suckle from their mother until weaning occurs at 8 to 10 weeks. The Red Squirrel eats mostly the seeds of trees, fungi, nuts (especially hazelnuts but also beech and chestnuts), berries and young shoots. More rarely, it may also eat bird eggs or nestlings and may occasionally exhibit opportunistic omnivory similar to other rodents. Excess food is put into caches, either buried or in nooks or holes in trees, and eaten when food is scarce. Although the Red Squirrel remembers where it created caches at a better than chance level, its spatial memory is believed to be substantially less accurate and durable than that of the Grey Squirrel. Therefore it will often have to search for them when in need and many caches are never found again. Between 60% and 80% of the active time of a Red Squirrel may be spent foraging and feeding. The active period is generally in the morning and in the late afternoon and evening. It often rests in its nest in the middle of the day to avoid the heat and the high visibility to birds of prey that are dangers during these hours. During the winter, this midday rest is often much more brief or absent entirely although harsh weather may cause it to stay in its nest for days at a time. No territories are claimed between Red Squirrels and the feeding areas of individuals overlap considerably. A Red Squirrel that survives its first winter has a life expectancy of 3 years. Individuals may reach 7 years of age and 10 years in captivity. Survival is positively related to the availability of autumn and winter tree seeds. On average, 75 to 85% of juveniles die during their first winter and mortality is approximately 50% for winters following the first. Predators include small mammals such as the Pine Marten, the Wildcat and the Stoat which all prey on juveniles. Birds, including owls and raptors such as the Goshawk and Common Buzzard, may also prey on the Red Squirrel as will the Red Fox and domestic cats and dogs when it is on the ground. Humans influence the population size and mortality of the Red Squirrel by destroying or altering habitats, by causing road casualties and by introducing non-native populations of the Grey Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel and the Red Squirrel are not directly antagonistic and violent conflict between these species is not a factor in the decline in Red Squirrel populations. However, the Grey Squirrel appears to contribute to the decrease in the Red Squirrel population for several reasons: it carries a disease, the squirrel parapoxvirus, that does not appear to affect its own health but will often kill the Red Squirrel, it can better digest acorns whilst the Red Squirrel cannot access the proteins and fats in acorns as easily and it can put the Red Squirrel under pressure for food resources resulting in it not breeding as often. In the UK, due to the above circumstances, the population has today fallen to 160,000 Red Squirrels or fewer with the majority of these in Scotland. Outside the UK and Ireland, the impact of competition from the Grey Squirrel has also been observed in Italy where 2 pairs escaped from captivity in 1948. A significant drop in the Red Squirrel population has been observed since 1970 and it is feared that the Grey Squirrel may expand into the rest of Europe. The Red Squirrel is protected in most of Europe although in some areas it is abundant and is hunted for its fur. In the UK there are several active projects to protect the Red Squirrel and its native woodland habitat, introduce or re-introduce it in to areas where it is absent and eradicate and prevent the spread of the Grey Squirrel. Research undertaken in 2007 in the UK credits the Pine Marten with reducing the population of the invasive Grey Squirrel. Where the range of the expanding Pine Marten population meets that of the Grey Squirrel, the population of the latter retreats. It is theorised that, because the Grey Squirrel spends more time on the ground than the Red Squirrel, it is far more likely to come in contact with the Pine Marten. Date: 3rd May 2024 Location: Dingle Local Nature Reserve, Llangefni, Anglesey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42202639.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3427129165ff3104534b3d.jpgBrown Bear The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, Ursus arctos arctos. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an evening visit with [url=https://www.karhujenkatselu.fi/en-gb]Karhu-Kuusamo[/url] Date: 7th July 2019 Location: Kuntilampi, near Kuusamo, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40713559.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18189786085e16f75b13889.jpgGoosander The Goosander (or Common Merganser in north America) is a large “sawbill” duck, so called because of its long, serrated bill which is used for catching fish. The Goosander is 23 to 28 inches long with a 31 to 38 inches wingspan and the male is generally slightly larger than the female. The adult male in breeding plumage has a white body with a variable salmon-pink tinge, a black head with an iridescent green gloss, a grey rump and tail and wings which are largely white on the inner half and black on the outer half. Females, and males in "eclipse" non-breeding plumage, are largely grey with a reddish-brown head, white chin and white secondary feathers on the wing. Juveniles are similar to adult females but also show a short black-edged white stripe between the eye and the bill. The bill and legs are red to brownish-red which are brightest on adult males and dullest on juveniles. The Goosander can be found on rivers and lakes in forested areas of Europe, north and central Asia and north America. It is a partial migrant and moves away from areas where rivers and major lakes freeze in the winter but it is a resident where waters remain open. Within Europe, a marked southward spread has occurred from Scandinavia in the breeding range since about 1850, colonising Scotland in 1871 and England in 1941. Since 1970 it has spread across northern England and in to Wales and south west England. In the UK, it can be found all year round in the breeding range but only in winter on lakes, gravel pits and reservoirs across England south of the Humber. Nesting normally occurs in a tree cavity so the Goosander requires mature forest as its breeding habitat. It will also readily use large nest boxes where provided. In places where trees are absent, it will use holes in cliffs and steep, high banks, sometimes at considerable distances from water. The female lays 6 to 17 eggs, but normally 8 to 12, and raises a single brood in a season. The ducklings are taken by the female in her bill to rivers or lakes immediately after hatching where they feed on freshwater invertebrates and small fish fry, fledging when 60 to 70 days old. The Goosander primarily feeds on fish with the serrated edge to its bill helping it to grip its prey. In addition to fish, it will take a wide range of other aquatic prey such as molluscs, crustaceans, worms, insect larvae and amphibians and, more rarely, small mammals and birds. The salmon-pink tinge shown variably by males is probably diet-related and obtained from the carotenoid pigments present in some crustaceans and fish. When feeding, the Goosander will float down a stream or river for a few miles and either fly back again or more commonly fish their way back, diving incessantly the whole way. It will often fish in a group, forming a semicircle and driving the fish into shallow water where they are captured easily. When floating leisurely, it will position itself in the water similar to ducks but it will also swim deep in the water like a Cormorant. When not diving for food, it is usually seen swimming on the water surface, resting on rocks in midstream or hidden among riverbank vegetation or (in winter) resting on the edge of floating ice. Date: 23rd December 2019 Location: Abberton Reservoir, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405501.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10501739806586ee995bec2.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 7th November 2023 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50776416.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7363739376606e8d9c859b.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 27th March 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49277051.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2809815664996cce9d42a.jpgBarafundle Bay and Beach and Stackpole Head, Pembrokeshire Barafundle Bay and Beach is part of the National Trust Stackpole Estate and accessible only by a half mile walk from the nearest car park at Stackpole Quay. It is a stunning broad stretch of golden sand flanked by woodland, dunes and limestone headlands. After crossing Barafundle Beach, a path leads up through the woodland before emerging on the cliff-top path to Stackpole Head, a spectacular point where the sea has sculpted stacks, caves, arches, inlets and headlands and where Guillemots, Razorbills, Choughs, Ravens and Peregrines breed. Date: 9th June 2023 Location: view from Pembrokeshire Coast Path, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/slavonian-grebe https://images.on-this.website/4752_44305928656376ace64b56.jpgSlavonian Grebe The Slavonian Grebe is a member of the grebe family of water birds. It is also known as the Horned Grebe in north America. Unmistakable in summer, the plumage of both the male and female Slavonian Grebe shows a black head with golden puffy earlike tufts along the sides of its face. It shows a deep rusty red neck, scarlet eyes and a small, straight black bill tipped with white. During the winter, the Slavonian Grebe is mainly white with a sharply defined black cap. The Slavonian Grebe breeds in vegetated areas of freshwater lakes across Europe and Asia. It also breeds in remote inland parts of the United States and much of Canada. Like all grebes, it builds a nest on the water's edge, since its legs are set very far back and it can not walk well. Most birds migrate in winter to the coast. Date: 2nd June 2015 Location: Lake Mývatn, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874873.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_857314823561cd114472c5.jpgArctic Fox The Arctic Fox, also known as the White Fox, Polar Fox or Snow Fox, is a true fox belonging to the genus Vulpes. A number of subspecies are recognised including the Iceland Arctic Fox. The Arctic Fox is a small fox. The average body length of the male is 22 inches with a range of 18 to 27 inches. The average body length of the female is 20 inches with a range of 16 to 22 inches. In some regions, no difference in size is seen between males and females. The tail is about 12 inches long in both sexes and the height at the shoulder is 10 to 12 inches. On average males weigh 7.7 pounds while females average 6.4 pounds. The Arctic Fox has a deep thick fur which is white in winter and generally brown-grey in summer. It has a beautiful white (sometimes blue-grey) coat that acts as very effective winter camouflage allowing it to blend into the tundra's ubiquitous snow and ice. When the seasons change, the coat adopts a brown-grey appearance that provides cover among the summer tundra's rocks and plants. The Arctic Fox lives in some of the coldest extremes on the planet and amongst its adaptations for survival in the cold is its dense, multilayered pelage providing excellent insulation and a good supply of body fat. The fur is considered to provide the best insulation of any mammal. It also has a low surface area to volume ratio, as evidenced by its generally compact body shape, short muzzle and legs and short, thick ears. Since less of its surface area is exposed to the cold, less heat escapes from its body. Its paws have fur on the soles for additional insulation and to help it walk on ice. The Arctic Fox has a circumpolar distribution and occurs in Arctic tundra habitats in northern Europe, northern Asia and north America. Its range includes Greenland, Iceland, Fennoscandia, Svalbard, Jan Mayen and other islands in the Barents Sea, northern Russia, islands in the Bering Sea, Alaska and Canada as far south as Hudson Bay. It mostly inhabits tundra and pack ice but it is also present in boreal forests in Canada and Alaska. It is found at elevations up to 9,800 feet above sea level and it has been seen on sea ice close to the North Pole. The range of the Arctic Fox during the last Ice Age was much more extensive than it is now and fossil remains have been found over much of northern Europe and Siberia. The Arctic Fox is the only land mammal native to Iceland when it arrived on the isolated north Atlantic island at the end of the last Ice Age walking over the frozen sea. The excellent [url=http://www.arcticfoxcenter.com/]Arctic Fox Centre[/url] in Súðavík in the Westfjords region of Iceland contains an exhibition on the ecology and conservation of the Arctic Fox. The Arctic Fox does not hibernate and it is active all year round. It builds up its fat reserves in the autumn and sometimes increases its body weight by more than 50%. This provides greater insulation during the winter and a source of energy when food is scarce. It lives in large dens in frost-free and slightly raised ground. These are complex systems of tunnels which have multiple entrances and may have been in existence for many decades and used by many generations of foxes. The Arctic Fox generally eats any small animal that it can find, including lemmings, voles, other rodents, hares, birds, eggs, fish and carrion. It also scavenges on carcasses left by larger predators such as Wolves and Polar Bears. In areas where they are present, lemmings are the most common prey. On the coast of Iceland and other islands, the diet consists predominantly of birds and their eggs. The Arctic Fox also consumes berries and seaweed so it may be considered an omnivore. When food is over-abundant, the Arctic Fox buries the surplus as a reserve. The abundance of the Arctic Fox itself tends to fluctuate in a cycle along with the population of lemmings and voles (a 3 to 4 year cycle). The populations are especially vulnerable during the years when the prey population crashes. Arctic Foxes tend to form monogamous pairs in the breeding season and maintain a territory around the den. Breeding usually takes place in April and May and the gestation period is about 52 days. Litters tend to average 5 to 8 cubs but very exceptionally they contain as many as 25. Both the mother and father help to raise the cubs which emerge from the den when 3 to 4 weeks old and are weaned by 9 weeks of age. The conservation status of the Arctic Fox is generally good and the IUCN has assessed it as being of "least concern". The world population is thus not endangered but 2 Arctic Fox subpopulations are. One is on Medny Island (Commander Islands, Russia) and the other is in Fennoscandia (Norway, Sweden, Finland and the Kola Peninsula). The latter is acutely endangered despite being legally protected from hunting and persecution for several decades. The estimate of the adult population in all of Norway, Sweden, and Finland is fewer than 200 individuals. The Arctic Fox is losing ground to the larger Red Fox. This has been attributed to climate change since the camouflage value of the Arctic Fox's lighter coat decreases with less snow cover. The Red Fox dominates where their ranges begin to overlap and it is known to kill Arctic Foxes and their cubs. An alternate explanation of the Red Fox's gains involves the Wolf. Historically, the Wolf has kept Red Fox numbers down but as the Wolf has been hunted to near extinction in much of its former range, the Red Fox population has grown larger and it has taken over the niche of top predator. Date: 6th June 2015 Location: Kjálkafjörður area, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42222313.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17589820576023a2e023f13.jpgKuusamo to Iivaara, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland Date: 9th July 2019 Location: view from road 866 between Kuusamo and Iivaara, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42202623.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19342971265ff3100ad6d01.jpgBrown Bear The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, Ursus arctos arctos. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an evening visit with [url=https://www.karhujenkatselu.fi/en-gb]Karhu-Kuusamo[/url] Date: 7th July 2019 Location: Kuntilampi, near Kuusamo, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49798213.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_178732614564ecadd2adc74.jpgLulworth Skipper Description to follow .... Date: 3rd July 2023 Location: Durlston Country Park, Swanage, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45948259.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_173693752862849e1c0b889.jpgBrimstone Flight period: March to October. The Brimstone is a butter-coloured butterfly which is widespread throughout most of England and parts of Wales. They are one of the first butterflies to be seen in spring and can be found in scrubby woodland and hedgerows. Date: 26th March 2022 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813329.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18392137865d0dddb59121b.jpgRabbit The (European) Rabbit ranges from 13 to 20 inches in length, not counting a tail of 1.6 to 3.1 inches. It has grey/brown fur, white underparts, long ears, large hind legs and a short, white fluffy tail. As a lagomorph, it has four sharp incisors (two on top, two on bottom) that grow continuously throughout its life. The Rabbit moves move by hopping, using its long and powerful hind legs. To facilitate quick movement, the hind feet have a thick padding of fur to dampen the shock of rapid hopping. The toes are long and are webbed to keep from spreading apart as the animal jumps. The Rabbit is native to south west Europe (Spain and Portugal) and north west Africa (Morocco and Algeria). It is known as an invasive species because it has been introduced to countries on all continents, with the exception of Antarctica and sub-Saharan Africa, where it has often caused many problems within the environment and ecosystems. The Rabbit was brought to England in the 12th century by the Normans and kept in captivity in warrens as a source of meat and fur. Many escaped into the wild and eventually become so common that farming them was no longer economic. Helped by fast breeding, a diet of virtually any vegetable matter and human persecution of their predators, the Rabbit slowly established itself in the wild in the UK despite originally favouring a warmer, drier climate. It is now widespread throughout the UK but absent from the Isles of Scilly and a few smaller islands and can be found almost anywhere that it can burrow. The most suitable areas are those where the burrow area and food supply are side-by-side, such as woodland edge and hedgerows. Open warrens are maintained where good burrowing conditions exist on areas of short grass, sand dunes, railway verges and even in urban areas. It is rarely found above the tree-line and it avoids damp conditions and areas deep in conifer woodland. The Rabbit is a social animal and lives in medium-sized colonies comprising of a network of burrows known as warrens. It is largely crepuscular, being most active around dawn and dusk, although it is not infrequently seen and active during the day. During the day, it prefers to reside in vegetated patches which are used for protection from predators. The Rabbit is essentially a mixed feeder, both grazing and browsing, but grass is the primary food source. However, it has a diverse diet of grasses, leaves, buds, tree bark and roots and will also eat lettuce, cabbage, root vegetables and grains. The Rabbit is famed for its reproductive capabilities and the inspiration for the phrase "breeding like rabbits". The breeding season is mainly from January to August when 4 to 8 litters of 2 to 12 kittens are produced. The gestation period averages 31 days. The doe constructs a nest inside a burrow from grass bedding and lines it with soft fur from her chest and belly. The young kittens are born blind, deaf and almost hairless. Their eyes open at 10 days, they begin to appear at the burrow entrance at 18 days and are weaned at 21 to 25 days. They are self-supporting in one month but 90% die in the first year. Bucks are able to mate at 4 months, does at 3.5 months. Birds of prey and carnivores such as the Fox, Stoat and Weasel are the primary predators of the Rabbit. Date: 6th June 2019 Location: Glen Quaich, Perthshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46511144.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_114968378762c9909131e1e.jpgOspreys The Osprey is a large diurnal fish-eating bird of prey. The upperparts are a deep, glossy brown whilst the breast is white and sometimes streaked with brown and the underparts are pure white. The head is white with a dark mask across the eyes reaching to the sides of the neck. A short tail and long, narrow wings with 4 long, finger-like feathers and a shorter 5th give it a very distinctive appearance. The sexes appear fairly similar but the adult male can be distinguished from the female by its slimmer body and narrower wings. Fish make up 99% of the Osprey's diet and it typically takes fish weighing 5 to 10 ounces and about 10 to 14 inches in length. Virtually any type of fish in that weight and size range are taken. The Osprey possesses specialised physical characteristics and exhibits unique behaviour to assist in hunting and catching prey. Ospreys have vision that is well adapted to detecting underwater objects from the air. Prey is first sighted when the Osprey is 30 to 130 feet above the water, after which the bird hovers momentarily then plunges feet first into the water. Occasionally the Osprey may prey on rodents, rabbits, hares, amphibians, other birds and small reptiles. The Osprey is a summer visitor to the UK and birds arrive back from Africa in late March and April and leave again in August and September. They can also be seen at almost any large body of freshwater during spring and autumn migration. The Osprey’s main UK stronghold is in Scotland where you can visit many nest sites with public viewing facilities, including the RSPB reserve at Loch Garten (Highland) and the SWT reserve at Loch of the Lowes (Perthshire). In addition, Ospreys have begun breeding at a small number of locations in England and Wales. In 2012 an Osprey thought to be the UK's oldest breeding female returned to its nest at the Loch of the Lowes in Perthshire.The bird, known affectionately as “Lady” has nested at this site near Dunkeld for 22 consecutive years. Ospreys live on average for 10-15 years in the wild. In 2010 “Lady” fell ill and experts feared the bird would die after she stopped eating. However, thousands of people watching via webcam witnessed the Osprey's sudden recovery days later. In 2011 “Lady” returned to her nest but her eggs failed to hatch. Ospreys would once have been widespread throughout most of the UK. During the middle ages almost every big house and monastic establishment had a fishpond. These fishponds, as they do now, attracted this magnificent fish-eating bird of prey leading to many of them being hunted and killed. Later on in the 18th and 19th centuries, the remaining pairs of UK Ospreys were severely persecuted by gamekeepers, egg collectors and trophy hunters. With the additional pressures of habitat loss during this time, by 1916 they had become totally extinct as a breeding species in the UK. The last known pair of Ospreys nested in 1916 on an island on Loch Loyne. In 1954 an Osprey pair was reported to have nested at Loch Garten in the Scottish Highlands. They are believed to have successfully raised 2 chicks that year. They returned to their eyrie in 1955 but persecution by egg collectors proved to be a big problem still. A small group of RSPB staff and volunteers attempted to protect the nest but despite their valiant efforts it was not until 1959 that young Ospreys were raised in the area once more. Since those early days, numbers have slowly increased and there are now over 200 breeding pairs of Osprey in Scotland. During the 1980's and 1990's migrating Ospreys were regularly seen stopping off at Rutland Water in the East Midlands. In an aim to encourage the spread of Ospreys throughout the UK, the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust in collaboration with Anglian Water began a translocation project at Rutland Water Nature Reserve in 1996. During each year between 1996 and 2001 up to 12 Scottish Osprey chicks were taken from nests containing 3 young. These youngsters were then released from pens to fledge at Rutland Water. Out of 64 birds released in the original programme, at least 13 are known to have returned to the UK, 10 of these to Rutland Water. The translocation project has subsequently proved critical to the establishment of the Welsh Osprey breeding population. Date: 8th May 2022 Location: MWT Cors Dyfi, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405484.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20901693706586e847778dd.jpgLittle Egret The Little Egret is a species of small heron. The genus name comes from the Provençal French Aigrette (egret), a diminutive of Aigron (heron). The adult Little Egret is 22 to 26 inches long with a 35 to 42 inches wingspan. Its plumage is normally entirely white although there are dark forms with largely bluish-grey plumage. In the breeding season, the adult has 2 long plumes on the nape that form a crest. These plumes are about 6 inches in length and are pointed and very narrow. There are similar feathers on the breast but the barbs are more widely spread. There are also several elongated scapular feathers that have long loose barbs around 8 inches long. During the winter the plumage is similar but the scapulars are shorter and more normal in appearance. The bill is long and slender and both it and the lores are black. There is an area of greenish-grey bare skin at the base of the lower mandible and around the eye which has a yellow iris. The legs are black and the feet yellow. Juveniles are similar to non-breeding adults but have greenish-black legs and duller yellow feet and may have a certain proportion of greyish or brownish feathers. The Little Egret is mostly silent but it does make various croaking and bubbling calls at its breeding colonies and it produces a harsh alarm call when disturbed. The breeding range of the western race of the Little Egret includes south Europe, the Middle East, much of Africa and south Asia. European populations are migratory and mostly travel to Africa although some remain in southern Europe. During the late 20th century, the range of the Little Egret expanded northwards in Europe and into the New World. The Little Egret's habitat varies widely and includes the shores of lakes, rivers, canals, ponds, lagoons, marshes and flooded land, the bird preferring open locations to dense cover. On the coast it inhabits mudflats, sandy beaches, mangrove areas, swamps and reefs. The Little Egret is a sociable bird and can be seen in small flocks. However, individual birds do not tolerate others coming too close to their chosen feeding site although this depends on the abundance of prey. The Little Egret uses a variety of methods to find its food. It stalks its prey in shallow water, often running with raised wings or shuffling its feet to disturb small fish, or it may stand still and wait to ambush prey. It also makes use of opportunities provided by Cormorants disturbing fish or humans attracting fish by throwing bread into water. On land, it walks or runs while chasing its prey, often feeding on creatures disturbed by grazing livestock. The diet is mainly fish but amphibians, small reptiles, mammals and birds are also eaten as well as crustaceans, molluscs, insects, spiders and worms. The Little Egret nests in colonies, often with other wading birds such as Cattle Egret, Black-crowned Night Heron, Squacco Heron and Glossy Ibis. The nests are usually platforms of sticks built in trees or shrubs or in reed beds or bamboo groves. Pairs defend a small breeding territory, usually extending around 10 to 13 feet from the nest. The 3 to 5 eggs are incubated by both adults for 21 to 25 days before hatching. The young birds are covered in white down feathers are cared for by both parents and fledge after 40 to 45 days. Globally, the Little Egret is not listed as a threatened species and has in fact expanded its range over the last few decades.[5] The IUCN states that their wide distribution and large total population means that they are a species that cause them "least concern". Historical research has shown that the Little Egret was once present, and probably common, in the UK but became extinct there through a combination of over-hunting in the late mediaeval period and climate change at the start of the Little Ice Age. Further declines occurred throughout Europe as the plumes of the Little Egret and other egrets were in demand for decorating hats. They had been used in the plume trade since at least the 17th century but in the 19th century it became a major craze and the number of egret skins passing through dealers reached into the millions. Hunting, which reduced the population of the species to dangerously low levels, stimulated the establishment of Britain's Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in 1889. By the 1950s, the Little Egret had become restricted to south Europe and conservation laws protecting the species were introduced. This allowed the population to rebound strongly and over the next few decades it became increasingly common in western France and later on the north coast. It bred in the Netherlands in 1979 with further breeding from the 1990s onward. Populations are now mostly stable or increasing in Europe. In the UK, the Little Egret was a rare vagrant from its 16th century extinction until the late 20th century. It has, however, recently become a regular breeding species and is commonly present, often in large numbers, at favoured coastal sites. The first recent breeding record in England was on Brownsea Island in Dorset in 1996 and it bred in Wales for the first time in 2002. The population increase has been rapid subsequently with over 750 pairs breeding in nearly 70 colonies in 2008 and a post-breeding total of 4,540 birds in September 2008. Severe winter weather proves only to be a temporary setback and the Little Egret continues to expand both its numbers and range in the UK. Date: 14th October 2023 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29487505.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8095267855810808e02510.jpgNuuksio National Park, Uusimaa, Finland Nuuksio National Park was established in 1994 and covers an area of 20 square miles of forests and lakes around Espoo, Kirkkonummi and Vihti. About 20 miles north west of Helsinki, it is the second closest National Park to the capital after Sipoonkorpi National Park. The [url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siberian_flying_squirrel]Siberian Flying Squirrel[/url] is the emblem of the Nuuksio National Park due to the density of its population. Date: 30th May 2016 Location: Haukkalampi, Nuuksio National Park, Uusimaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12744802.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19920500274e706d5cdf520.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 7th December 2007 Location: Donna Nook, Lincolnshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871652.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7017753694eff2031867ae.jpgKittiwake he Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill <i>"kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake"</i>. The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 27th May 2009 Location: Store Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493288.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3597982635f326f8002e54.jpgCommon Guillemots The Common Guillemot, also known as the Common Murre or Thin-billed Murre, is a large species of auk. The auks are a family of seabirds which includes the Brunnich's Guillemot or Thick-billed Murre, Razorbill, Little Auk and the extinct Great Auk. The Common Guillemot is 15 to 18 inches in length with a 24 to 29 inches wingspan. In breeding plumage, it is black or dark brown on the head, back and wings with white underparts. It has a thin dark pointed bill and a small rounded dark tail. Legs are grey and the bill is dark grey. Males and females are identical. Some individuals in the North Atlantic, known as "Bridled Guillemots", have a white ring around the eye extending back as a white line. This is not a distinct subspecies but a polymorphism that becomes more common the farther north the birds breed. The Common Guillemot flies with fast wing beats and has a flight speed of around 50 mph. Groups of birds are often seen flying together in a line just above the surface of the sea. However, it is not a very agile bird and take-off is often difficult. The Common Guillemot becomes flightless for 45 to 60 days while moulting its primary feathers. The Common Guillemot is a pursuit diver that forages for food by swimming underwater using its wings for propulsion. Dives usually last less than one minute but the bird swims underwater for distances of over 100 feet on a regular basis. Diving depths up to 590 feet have been recorded. The Common Guillemot has a circumpolar distribution and it occurs in low Arctic and boreal waters in the north Atlantic and north Pacific. It spends most of its time at sea and only comes to land to breed on rocky cliffs, sea stacks and islands. Some birds are permanent residents but northern birds migrate south to open waters off New England, southern California, Japan, Korea and the western Mediterranean. The Common Guillemot breeds in colonies at high densities and nesting pairs may be in bodily contact with their neighbours. No nest is made and the single egg is laid and incubated on a bare rock ledge on a cliff face. The egg hatches after 30 days incubation and the chick is born downy and can regulate its body temperature after 10 days. Some 20 days after hatching the chick jumps off its nesting ledge and heads for the sea unable to fly but gliding for some distance with fluttering wings and accompanied by its male parent. The chicks are capable of diving as soon as they hit the water. The female stays at the nest site for some 14 days after the chick has left. The Common Guillemot can venture far from its breeding grounds to forage and distances of 60 miles or more are often observed although if sufficient food is available closer by, birds will only travel much shorter distances. It mainly eats small schooling fish 8 inches long or less such as Polar Cod, Capelin, Sand Lances, Sprats, Sandeels, Atlantic Cod and Atlantic Herring. It also eats some molluscs, marine worms, squid and crustaceans. It is often seen carrying fish in its bill with the tail hanging out. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871618.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8407692414eff1f761ab52.jpgBar-tailed Godwit The Bar-tailed Godwit is a long-billed, long-legged wading bird. In winter, the Bar-tailed Godwit is grey-brown in colour but in summer they have a chestnut breeding plumage. Bar-tailed Godwits breed on the coastal tundra of Arctic northern Scandinavia, northern Asia and Alaska and winter further south in Europe, south Asia, Africa and Australia. Date: 26th May 2009 Location: Store Ekkerøy, Varangerfjord, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13656930.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6024237134ed3686a5a883.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the [i]Canidae[/i] family and is a part of the order [i]Carnivora[/i] within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46510781.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_184616887162c98cef3c013.jpgBlack Grouse The Black Grouse is a large game bird in the grouse family. The male has all black plumage with distinctive red wattles over the eyes and striking white stripes along each wing in flight. It has a lyre-shaped tail which is fanned out and raised to show white under-tail feathers when displaying. The female is smaller and grey-brown in colour. The Black Grouse is a sedentary species and breeds across northern Eurasia in moorland and bog areas near to mostly boreal woodland. Although it is declining, it is not considered to be vulnerable globally due to the large population and slow rate of decline. Its decline is due to loss of habitat, disturbance, predation by foxes, crows, etc., and small populations gradually dying out. In the UK, the Black Grouse are found in upland areas of Wales, the Pennines and most of Scotland, especially on farmland and moorland with nearby forestry or scattered trees. Habitat loss and overgrazing have resulted in severe population declines which make the Black Grouse a Red List species. Positive habitat management and re-introduction programmes are helping it to increase in some areas. The Black Grouse has a very distinctive and well-recorded courtship. At dawn in the spring, the males strut around in a traditional area (lek) and display whilst making a highly distinctive and bubbling mating call. This photo was taken at a well known roadside lekking site. If visiting, please remain in your car to avoid disturbance to these vulnerable breeding birds. Date: 7th May 2022 Location: World's End, Denbighshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51984200.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_200424255966d34b7d8da73.jpgEdible Frog The Edible Frog is a species of frog found across Europe that is also known as the Common Water Frog and the Green Frog. The Edible Frog is one of the few animals in the world that is a fertile hybrid of 2 different species, as although similar but genetically different species are known to mate, it is very rare that their offspring will be able to breed. The Edible Frog is a fertile hybrid of 2 other European frogs, namely the Pool Frog and the Marsh Frog, that inter-bred when populations where isolated close to one another during the Ice Age. It was first described in 1758 and is known as the Edible Frog due to the fact that it is now seen as a culinary delicacy across Europe but especially in France where frog’s legs are often served as a national dish. The reason for humans favouring this frog over others is not really known but it may have something to do with their abundance. The Edible Frog is a medium sized frog growing to around 3.5 to 4.5 inches in length. Adults are mainly green in colour with light patches of brown on their backs, yellow eyes and a white underside covered in a few dark spots. There are number of distinct differences between males and females including the fact that males become much lighter and greener during the mating season. Males also have vocal sacs on the outside of their cheeks and extra skin patches on their feet, both of which are primarily used for mating. The Edible Frog is endemic to Europe and it naturally occurs across central Europe as far north as Germany and Estonia. Southern populations are found from Croatia, through northern Italy and into the south of France. There are also isolated populations in Sweden and Bulgaria which are thought to have migrated from the countries nearby. It has also been introduced to the UK. The Edible Frog spends all of its time either in or very close to water and it is most commonly found in calmer parts of rivers and streams where there is a slow but constant flow of fresh water. It tends to prefer more open areas and can also be commonly found around lakes, ponds and marshes. Unlike many other species of frog, the Edible Frog is a diurnal animal and is therefore most active during the day. This is when it is most likely to move away from the water so that it can find a better supply of food or move to a different part of the water if it needs to. The Edible Frog is a relatively solitary animal so there is less competition for food but males are often seen sitting together in groups during the breeding season when they are trying to out-compete each other to find a mate. The breeding season for the Edible Frog begins during March and generally lasts for around 2 months. Males sing by drawing air in and out of their vocal sacs to produce the highest-pitched sound possible since females are most attracted to the loudest males. After courting her in a lake, pond or swamp, the male lets the female lay up to 10,000 eggs in a sticky mass into the water before he fertilises them. Tadpoles can be as small as 0.2 inches long when they hatch and are a grey/brown colour. They then grow up to 2 to 3 inches in length before metamorphoses occurs and they leave the water as 0.75 inches long young frogs. The Edible Frog reaches sexual maturity at the age of 2 years and can live until it is 15 years old. The Edible Frog is a carnivorous amphibian but the tadpoles mainly eat vegetation although they are known to occasionally supplement their diet with aquatic micro-organisms. Adults eat small invertebrates such as insects, spiders and flies, which make up the majority of their diet, along with larger aquatic animals like fish, newts and other frogs. The Edible Frog hunts for food during the day and can be seen catching food both in water and on land. The Edible Frog remains very still when it is sitting on the banks of its water habitat and this, along with its camouflage, makes it very difficult for predators to spot. Its eyes are positioned near the top of the head meaning that it can also see danger coming whilst the body is mainly hidden. Snakes, owls and water birds are the main predators of the Edible Frog. The Edible Frog will jump into the water and hide if it senses approaching danger and it will make a loud screeching sound if caught. Edible Frog populations are under threat from habitat destruction mainly caused by deforestation and water pollution. Date: 30th July 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42626746.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_165499111960a927239292e.jpgMoorhen The Moorhen is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird that is usually found near water. From a distance it looks black with a ragged white line along its body. However, closer up it is olive-brown on the back and the head and blue-grey underneath. It has a red bill with a yellow tip. The Moorhen can be found all year round almost anywhere where there is water. They breed in lowland areas particularly in central and eastern England but are scarce in northern Scotland and the uplands of Wales and northern England. UK breeding birds are residents and seldom travel far. Date: 15th April 2021 Location: Lake Meadows, Billericay, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9580574.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2634922494db02ce890468.jpgDunlin The Dunlin is the commonest small wader found along the coast and can be seen on all UK estuaries with the largest numbers in winter. During winter they feed in large flocks on estuaries with mudflats, saltmarsh and coastal lagoons as well as inland lakes and sewage farms. Dunlin breed on the wet upland moors of Scotland, Wales and England and also the wet grassland machair of the Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland and the Flow Country of Caithness and Sutherland. Date: 26th December 2008 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13683333.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_500855264ed73035b7d38.jpgPolecat The Polecat is a member of the Mustelid group of mammals which also includes the Weasel, Stoat, Otter and Pine Marten. It has blackish guard hairs and yellow underfur on the body giving a “black and tan” appearance, a “bandit” face with a pale muzzle, ear tips and eyebrows and a broad dark band around the eyes, darker legs and belly and a short fluffy tail. The Polecat is found throughout Wales, the Midlands and parts of central southern England and is spreading steadily from these areas. There are isolated populations in Cumbria and Caithness which probably result from unofficial releases. At one time the Polecat was widespread throughout the UK but it was nearly exterminated by 1915. They have never occurred in Ireland or on the outer islands of Scotland. Although it occurs in a wide range of habitats, the Polecat prefers lowland areas. When it was confined to Wales, valleys and farms were favoured, but as it has spread out into England, farmland with hedgerows and small woods are preferred. Polecat dens are commonly in rabbit burrows, especially in summer, but they frequently move into farmyards in winter when they may den in hay bales, under sheds and in rubbish tips. This change of habitat reflects their changing diet through the year. In summer, Rabbits are a major food and the Polecat is slender enough to hunt them within their burrows. In winter, Brown Rats become a favoured food and sites like farmyards and rubbish tips that have good populations become more usual habitats. The Polecat does however kill a wide range of prey. Frogs may be important in spring, when they have gathered to spawn, and birds may also be taken. Polecats have lived up to 14 years in captivity but in the wild most probably die before they are 5 years old. In addition to its protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, the Polecat was added to the list of UK BAP (Biodiveristy Action Plan) mammals in 2007and protected as a species of principal importance for the conservation of biological diversity in England. Until the 19th Century, the Polecat was found throughout much of mainland UK and the Isle of Wight. Habitat fragmentation, persecution by gamekeepers and being killed for their fur drastically reduced this distribution. The Polecat population was reduced to about 5,000 but is now more than 46,000. One worrying problem is the extent to which they might suffer from secondary poisoning from rodenticides. Brown Rats are commonly killed by anticoagulant poisons when they infest homes and farms but there is an evident risk to Polecats from eating sick, dying rats. It is not known how serious this might be at the level of the Polecat population. As they spread further into England, the increasing density of roads and road traffic is also a threat and seems to be slowing the Polecat’s spread into both northern and south east England. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41392944.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10689838765f26c079e3e29.jpgSmall Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Small Skipper has a rusty orange colour to the wings, upper body and the tips of the antennae. The body is silvery white below and it has a wingspan of 25 to 30 mm. It is very similar in appearance to the Essex Skipper but the undersides of the tips of the antennae are yellow orange in the Small Skipper whereas they are black in the Essex Skipper. The Small Skipper is a common and widespread butterfly in most parts of England and has been expanding its range northwards. It can be found in rough grassland, roadside verges, edges of fields and woodland clearings where it is often seen basking on vegetation or making short buzzing flights among tall grass stems. Date: 30th July 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13657296.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1113359504ed36cf28e423.jpgMarsh Frog The Marsh Frog is the largest European frog. It is very similar in appearance to the closely related Edible Frog and Pool Frog. These 3 species are often referred to as "green frogs" to distinguish them from the more terrestrial European species which are known as "brown frogs" (best exemplified by the Common Frog). Marsh Frogs show a large variation in colour and pattern, ranging from dark green to brown or grey. The Western European populations are generally dark green to black with dark spots on the back and sides and 3 clear green lines on the back. Females can reach a maximum length of around 6.5 inches but males are smaller at around 4.5 inches. The head is proportionally large and the hind legs are long which gives them excellent jumping abilities. The Marsh Frog is usually gregarious and diurnal and more tied to aquatic habitats than the Common Frog. It is tolerant of brackish conditions and typically it is found on or in the water of its favoured drainage channels and pools throughout the year. Marsh Frogs frequently sunbathe on the bank of the water body where they are often inconspicuous until disturbed when they will jump in to the water with a characteristic “plop”. They can often be seen on lily pads or floating at the surface amongst vegetation with only their heads exposed. During the breeding season (and sometimes beyond) the male Marsh Frog calls very loudly with a sound reminiscent of a loud chuckle which is often very raucous and can be heard all day and night. Dominant males establish territories from which they call. After mating a female may produce up to 16,000 eggs in a season, laying them in clumps of a few hundred in aquatic vegetation below the surface. They hatch in about a week, tadpoles being rather solitary and living in deep water with vegetation. Newly metamorphosed frogs are up to 1 inch in length and take 2 years to mature. The diet of the Marsh Frog consists of dragonflies and other insects, spiders, earthworms and slugs. Larger frogs also eat small rodents and sometimes smaller amphibians and fish. The Marsh Frog is not a native species of the UK. It was first introduced to Walland Marsh, Kent in 1935 and is now found in several areas of Kent and East Sussex. Other introductions exist, including colonies in London. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo10926798.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5604108934e0974d24c497.jpgRed Squirrel The Red Squirrel or Eurasian Red Squirrel is a species of tree squirrel in the genus [i]Sciurus[/i]. It is an arboreal and primarily herbivorous rodent. The Red Squirrel has a typical head and body length of 7.5 to 9 inches, a tail length of 6 to 8 inches and a weight of 9 to 12 ounces. Males and females are the same size. The Red Squirrel is smaller and lighter in weight than the Grey Squirrel The coat of the Red Squirrel varies in colour with the time of year and its location and there are several different coat colour morphs ranging from black to red. Red coats are most common in the UK but in other parts of Europe and Asia different coat colours co-exist within populations. The underside of the Red Squirrel is always creamy-white in colour. The Red Squirrel sheds its coat twice a year, switching from a thinner summer coat to a thicker, darker winter coat with noticeably larger ear-tufts (a prominent distinguishing feature of this species) between August and November. A lighter, redder overall coat colour, along with the ear-tufts (in adults) and smaller size, distinguish the Red Squirrel from the Grey Squirrel. The long tail helps the Red Squirrel to balance and steer when jumping from tree to tree and running along branches and it may also keep it warm during sleep. The Red Squirrel, like most tree squirrels, has sharp and curved claws to enable it to climb and descend broad tree trunks, thin branches and even house walls and its strong hind legs enable it to leap gaps between trees. The Red Squirrel can be found in the boreal coniferous woods in north Europe and Siberia where it prefers Scots Pine, Norway Spruce and Siberian Pine. In west and south Europe it can be found in broad-leaved woods where the mixture of tree and shrub species provides a better year round source of food. In most of the UK and in Italy, broad-leaved woodlands are now less suitable for it due to the better competitive feeding strategy of the introduced Grey Squirrel. The Red Squirrel makes a drey (nest) out of twigs in a branch-fork, forming a domed structure about 9 to 12 inches in diameter. This is lined with moss, leaves, grass and bark. Tree hollows and woodpecker holes are also used. The Red Squirrel is generally a solitary animal and is shy and reluctant to share food with others. However, outside the breeding season and particularly in winter, several Red Squirrels may share a drey to keep warm. Social organisation is based on dominance hierarchies within and between sexes. Although males are not necessarily dominant towards females, the dominant animals tend to be larger and older than subordinate animals and dominant males tend to have larger home ranges than subordinate males or females. Mating can occur in late winter during February and March and in summer between June and July. During mating, males detect females that are in oestrus by an odour that they produce and, although there is no courtship, the male will chase the female for up to an hour prior to mating. Usually multiple males will chase a single female until the dominant male, usually the largest in the group, mates with the female. Males and females will mate multiple times with many partners. Females must reach a minimum body mass before they enter oestrus and heavy females on average produce more young. If food is scarce breeding may be delayed. Typically a female will produce her first litter in her second year. Up to 2 litters a year per female are possible. Each litter averages 3 young and these are known as kits. Gestation is about 38 to 39 days and the young are looked after by the mother alone and are born helpless, blind and deaf. Their body is covered by hair at 21 days, their eyes and ears open after 3 to 4 weeks and they develop all their teeth by 42 days. Juveniles can eat solids around 40 days following birth and from that point they can leave the nest on their own to find food. However, they still suckle from their mother until weaning occurs at 8 to 10 weeks. The Red Squirrel eats mostly the seeds of trees, fungi, nuts (especially hazelnuts but also beech and chestnuts), berries and young shoots. More rarely, it may also eat bird eggs or nestlings and may occasionally exhibit opportunistic omnivory similar to other rodents. Excess food is put into caches, either buried or in nooks or holes in trees, and eaten when food is scarce. Although the Red Squirrel remembers where it created caches at a better than chance level, its spatial memory is believed to be substantially less accurate and durable than that of the Grey Squirrel. Therefore it will often have to search for them when in need and many caches are never found again. Between 60% and 80% of the active time of a Red Squirrel may be spent foraging and feeding. The active period is generally in the morning and in the late afternoon and evening. It often rests in its nest in the middle of the day to avoid the heat and the high visibility to birds of prey that are dangers during these hours. During the winter, this midday rest is often much more brief or absent entirely although harsh weather may cause it to stay in its nest for days at a time. No territories are claimed between Red Squirrels and the feeding areas of individuals overlap considerably. A Red Squirrel that survives its first winter has a life expectancy of 3 years. Individuals may reach 7 years of age and 10 years in captivity. Survival is positively related to the availability of autumn and winter tree seeds. On average, 75 to 85% of juveniles die during their first winter and mortality is approximately 50% for winters following the first. Predators include small mammals such as the Pine Marten, the Wildcat and the Stoat which all prey on juveniles. Birds, including owls and raptors such as the Goshawk and Common Buzzard, may also prey on the Red Squirrel as will the Red Fox and domestic cats and dogs when it is on the ground. Humans influence the population size and mortality of the Red Squirrel by destroying or altering habitats, by causing road casualties and by introducing non-native populations of the Grey Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel and the Red Squirrel are not directly antagonistic and violent conflict between these species is not a factor in the decline in Red Squirrel populations. However, the Grey Squirrel appears to contribute to the decrease in the Red Squirrel population for several reasons: it carries a disease, the squirrel parapoxvirus, that does not appear to affect its own health but will often kill the Red Squirrel, it can better digest acorns whilst the Red Squirrel cannot access the proteins and fats in acorns as easily and it can put the Red Squirrel under pressure for food resources resulting in it not breeding as often. In the UK, due to the above circumstances, the population has today fallen to 160,000 Red Squirrels or fewer with the majority of these in Scotland. Outside the UK and Ireland, the impact of competition from the Grey Squirrel has also been observed in Italy where 2 pairs escaped from captivity in 1948. A significant drop in the Red Squirrel population has been observed since 1970 and it is feared that the Grey Squirrel may expand into the rest of Europe. The Red Squirrel is protected in most of Europe although in some areas it is abundant and is hunted for its fur. In the UK there are several active projects to protect the Red Squirrel and its native woodland habitat, introduce or re-introduce it in to areas where it is absent and eradicate and prevent the spread of the Grey Squirrel. Research undertaken in 2007 in the UK credits the Pine Marten with reducing the population of the invasive Grey Squirrel. Where the range of the expanding Pine Marten population meets that of the Grey Squirrel, the population of the latter retreats. It is theorised that, because the Grey Squirrel spends more time on the ground than the Red Squirrel, it is far more likely to come in contact with the Pine Marten. Date: 10th June 2011 Location: Abernethy Forest, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26028538.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6714426563754055f922.jpgGolden Plover The Golden Plover is a medium sized plover with a distinctive gold and black summer plumage. In winter the black is replaced by buff and white. It typically stands upright and runs in short bursts. The Golden Plover breeds on the ground in a dry open area on moorland, mountains and fells, tundra and marshland in northern Europe and western Asia. It is migratory and winters in western and southern Europe and in north Africa. Date: 2nd June 2015 Location: Svarfaðardalur, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11328482.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1332905084e1d67101830b.jpgCoot The Coot is an all black bird with a distinctive white beak and “shield” above the beak from which earns it the title “bald”. Its feet have distinctive lobed flaps of skin on the toes which act instead of webs when swimming. It patters noisily over the water before taking off and can be very aggressive towards other birds. Coot can be found all the year round mainly on freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers and town park lakes. Sometimes they can be seen offshore, especially in winter if freshwater areas are frozen. They breed in areas of fairly shallow standing freshwater with a muddy bottom and plenty of vegetation at the sides, usually in lowland areas. Date: 04/03/06 Location: Northlands Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37188788.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9453619045c2a0827a8a13.jpgGreylag Geese The Greylag Goose is the ancestor of most domestic geese but is also the largest and bulkiest of the wild geese native to the UK and Europe. In many parts of the UK it has been re-established by releasing birds in suitable areas but the resulting flocks found around gravel pits, lakes and reservoirs all year round in southern Britain tend to be semi-tame. The native birds and wintering flocks found on lochs in northern Scotland and on some Scottish islands retain the special appeal of truly wild geese. Date: 23rd June 2018 Location: Lochindorb, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26541064.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12860858156acea3566c04.jpgBarn Owl With a heart shaped face, buff back and wings and pure white under-parts the Barn Owl is a distinctive and much-loved bird of the countryside. Barn Owls are widely distributed across the UK and can be seen all year round sometimes during the day but normally at dusk in open country and along field edges, riverbanks and roadside verges. Barn Owls have suffered population declines over the past 50 years as a result of habitat degradation following increasing intensive agricultural practices. However, that decline has stopped in many areas and their population may now be increasing. Date: 13th January 2016 Location: Welney area, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/common-seal https://images.on-this.website/4752_12134169684e48e98a0c843.jpgCommon Seal Common Seals feed at sea but regularly haul out on to rocky shores or inter-tidal sandbanks to rest, to give birth and to suckle their pups. The most important haul-out areas are around the coast of Scotland, particularly in the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland, and on the east coast of England in the Wash. This photo received a BBC Wildlife magazine photo masterclass "highly commended" award in the “Mammal Portraits” category for April 2006. Please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/news3552.html]here[/url] for further information. Date: 7th September 2005 Location: Blakeney Point, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871615.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_585812144eff1f64d16c9.jpgOystercatcher The Oystercatcher is a wader in the oystercatcher family. It is an obvious and noisy bird with black and white plumage, red legs and a strong broad red bill which is used for smashing or prising open molluscs such as mussels or for finding earthworms. Despite its name, oysters do not form a large part of its diet. The Oystercatcher is unmistakable in flight with white patches on the wings and tail with otherwise black upperparts and white underparts. Young birds are more brown, have a white neck collar and a duller bill. The call is a distinctive loud piping. The bill shape varies: Oystercatchers with broad bill tips open molluscs by prising them apart or hammering through the shell whereas birds with pointed bills dig up worms. Much of this is due to the wear resulting from feeding on their prey. Individual Oystercatchers specialise in one technique or the other which they learn from their parents. The Oystercatcher is the most widespread of the oystercatchers with 3 races breeding in western Europe, central Eurasia, Kamchatka, China, and the western coast of Korea. It is a migratory species over most of its range. The European population breeds mainly in northern Europe but in winter the birds can be found in north Africa and southern parts of Europe. Although the species is present all year in Ireland, the UK and the adjacent European coasts, there is still migratory movement within these populations. The Oystercatcher breeds on shingle and rocky beaches, sand dunes, salt marshes and on the grassy tops of small islands and also inland on shingle banks of rivers, lakes and gravel pits. Date: 26th May 2009 Location: Store Ekkerøy, Varangerfjord, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21230077.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_40768629453804a29438b0.jpgMarsh Frog The Marsh Frog is the largest European frog. It is very similar in appearance to the closely related Edible Frog and Pool Frog. These 3 species are often referred to as "green frogs" to distinguish them from the more terrestrial European species which are known as "brown frogs" (best exemplified by the Common Frog). Marsh Frogs show a large variation in colour and pattern, ranging from dark green to brown or grey. The Western European populations are generally dark green to black with dark spots on the back and sides and 3 clear green lines on the back. Females can reach a maximum length of around 6.5 inches but males are smaller at around 4.5 inches. The head is proportionally large and the hind legs are long which gives them excellent jumping abilities. The Marsh Frog is usually gregarious and diurnal and more tied to aquatic habitats than the Common Frog. It is tolerant of brackish conditions and typically it is found on or in the water of its favoured drainage channels and pools throughout the year. Marsh Frogs frequently sunbathe on the bank of the water body where they are often inconspicuous until disturbed when they will jump in to the water with a characteristic “plop”. They can often be seen on lily pads or floating at the surface amongst vegetation with only their heads exposed. During the breeding season (and sometimes beyond) the male Marsh Frog calls very loudly with a sound reminiscent of a loud chuckle which is often very raucous and can be heard all day and night. Dominant males establish territories from which they call. After mating a female may produce up to 16,000 eggs in a season, laying them in clumps of a few hundred in aquatic vegetation below the surface. They hatch in about a week, tadpoles being rather solitary and living in deep water with vegetation. Newly metamorphosed frogs are up to 1 inch in length and take 2 years to mature. The diet of the Marsh Frog consists of dragonflies and other insects, spiders, earthworms and slugs. Larger frogs also eat small rodents and sometimes smaller amphibians and fish. The Marsh Frog is not a native species of the UK. It was first introduced to Walland Marsh, Kent in 1935 and is now found in several areas of Kent and East Sussex. Other introductions exist, including colonies in London. Date: 18th May 2014 Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645390.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_213207391251e3cd7be4e7e.jpgWhite Wagtail The White Wagtail, <i>Motacilla alba</i>, is a small passerine bird in the wagtail family. A number of sub-species are recognised including <i>Motacilla alba alba</i> found in Europe from the Iberian Peninsula to the Ural Mountains, Turkey, the Levant, Iceland, the Faroe Islands and Greenland's east coast and <i>Motacilla alba yarrellii</i> (Pied Wagtail) found in the UK and Ireland and which has a much blacker back than the nominate race. The nominate sub-species <i>Motacilla alba alba</i> is basically grey above and white below with a white face, black cap and black throat. It is a slender bird with a characteristic long tail. The most conspicuous habit of the White Wagtail is a near-constant tail wagging, a trait that has given the bird its common name. In spite of the ubiquity of this behaviour, the reasons for it are poorly understood. It has been suggested that it may flush prey or signal submissiveness to other wagtails. A recent study has suggested instead that it is a signal of vigilance to potential predators. The White Wagtail breeds throughout Eurasia up to latitudes 75°N, only being absent in the Arctic from areas where summer temperatures are less than 4 °C. It also breeds in the mountains of Morocco and western Alaska. It is resident in the milder parts of its range such as western Europe and the Mediterranean but migratory in much of the rest of its range. Northern European breeders winter around the Mediterranean and in tropical and subtropical Africa, Asiatic birds move to the Middle East, India and south east Asia and birds from the north American population also winter in tropical Asia. The White Wagtail has a wide range and whilst the population size is unknown it is believed to be large since the species is described as "common" in at least parts of its range. Population trends have not been quantified but the population in Europe appears to be stable and it has adapted well to human changes to the environment and has exploited human changes such as man-made structures that are used for nesting sites and increased open areas that are used for foraging. The White Wagtail is an insectivorous bird of open country, often near habitation and water. It prefers bare areas for feeding where it can see and pursue its prey. In urban areas it has adapted to foraging on paved areas such as car parks. It nests in crevices and holes in stone walls and similar natural and man-made structures such as bridges and buildings. The diet of the White Wagtail varies by location but terrestrial and aquatic insects and other small invertebrates form the major part of the diet. These range from beetles, dragonflies, small snails, spiders, worms and crustaceans to maggots found in carcasses and flies. It is somewhat unusual in the parts of its range where it is non-migratory as it is an insectivorous bird that continues to feed on insects during the winter when most other insectivorous birds in temperate climates migrate or switch to more vegetable matter. Though it is known to be a host species for the Cuckoo, the White Wagtail typically deserts its nest if it has been parasitised. Date: 26th May 2013 Location: Siemianówka area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19507387.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_82758927752528ae8a9cc6.jpgGreater Flamingo The Greater Flamingo is a largely pinkish-white bird but the wing coverts are red and the primary and secondary flight feathers are black. The bill is pink with a black tip and the legs are entirely pink. The Greater Flamingo is the most widespread species of the flamingo family and can be found in parts of Africa, southern Asia and southern Europe (including Spain, Sardinia, Albania, Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Portugal and the Camargue region of France). Some populations are short distance migrants, and records north of the breeding range are relatively frequent. However, given the species' popularity in captivity, whether these are truly wild individuals is a matter of some debate. Date: 7th September 2013 Location: Laguna Dulce, Campillos, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41187496.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19386540035ea6e01366e91.jpgCanada Goose gosling The Canada Goose belongs to the Branta genus of geese which contains species with largely black plumage distinguishing it from the grey species of the genus Anser. The black head and neck with a white "chinstrap" distinguish the Canada Goose from all other goose species with the exception of the Cackling Goose from north America and the Barnacle Goose which has a black breast and grey rather than brownish body plumage. The 7 sub-species of the Canada Goose vary widely in size and plumage details but all are recognizable as Canada Geese. Of the "true geese" (i.e. the genera Anser, Branta or Chen), the Canada Goose is on average the largest living species. It ranges from 30 to 43 inches in length and with a 50 to 73 inches wingspan. The male usually weighs 5.7 to 14.3 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 8.6 pounds. The female looks virtually identical but is slightly lighter at 5.3 to 12.1 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 7.9 pounds. It is also generally 10% smaller in linear dimensions than the male. The Canada Goose is native to north America where it breeds in Canada and the north USA in a wide range of habitats. The Great Lakes region maintains a very large population. It occurs all year round in the southern part of its breeding range, including most of the eastern seaboard and the Pacific coast. Between California and South Carolina in the south USA and north Mexico, it is primarily present as a migrant from further north during the winter. Outside north America, the Canada Goose has reached north Europe naturally as has been proved by ringing recoveries. It has also been introduced in to Europe and had established populations in the UK in the middle of the 18th century, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany and Scandinavia. Most European populations are not migratory but those in more northerly parts of Sweden and Finland migrate to the North Sea and Baltic coasts. Semi-tame feral birds are common in parks and have become a pest in some areas. In the early 17th century, explorer Samuel de Champlain sent several pairs of Canada Geese to France as a present for King Louis XIII. Canada Geese were first introduced in to the UK in the late 17th century as an addition to King James II's waterfowl collection in St. James's Park. They were also introduced in to Germany and Scandinavia during the 20th century. During the second year of its life, the Canada Goose finds a mate. It is a monogamous species and most couples stay together all of their lives. If one dies, the other may find a new mate. The female lays from 2 to 9 eggs with an average of 5. Both parents protect the nest while the eggs incubate but the female spends more time at the nest than the male. The nest is usually located in an elevated area near water such as streams, lakes and ponds and the eggs are laid in a shallow depression lined with plant material and down. The incubation period, in which the female incubates the eggs while the male remains nearby, lasts for 24 to 28 days after laying. As soon as the goslings hatch, they are immediately capable of walking, swimming and finding their own food (a diet similar to the adults). Parents are often seen leading their goslings in a line, usually with one adult at the front and the other at the back. While protecting their goslings, parents often violently chase away anything from small birds to lone humans who approach, after warning them by giving off a hissing sound and then attacking with bites and slaps of the wings if the threat does not retreat. Although parents are hostile to unfamiliar geese, they may form groups (crèches) of a number of goslings and a few adults. The goslings enter the fledgling stage any time from 6 to 9 weeks of age. Once it reaches adulthood, due to its large size and often aggressive behaviour, the Canada Goose is rarely preyed on although prior injury may make it more vulnerable to natural predators. The lifespan in the wild of birds that survive to adulthood ranges from 10 to 24 years. The UK longevity record is held by a specimen tagged as a nestling which was observed alive at the age of 31. The Canada Goose is primarily a herbivore although it will sometimes eat small insects and fish. Their diet includes grasses, aquatic plants, beans and grains such as wheat, rice, and corn when they are available. In urban areas, it is also known to pick food out of rubbish bins and it will readily take a variety of food from humans in parks. Date: 26th April 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5325786.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20572902694c1dd599aa070.jpgGreat Skua The Great Skua is an aggressive "pirate" of the seas, deliberately harrassing birds as large as Gannets to steal a free meal. It also readily kills and eats smaller birds such as Puffins. These birds migrate to the northernmost parts of the UK from their wintering grounds off the coasts of Spain and Africa. They breed on coastal rocky islands and moorland in northern Scotland, Orkney and Shetland, arriving in April and leaving in July. At other times they are seen around coasts often in vicinity of seabird colonies, scavenging from other birds or picking food from the surface of the sea. Date: 3rd June 2010 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42222549.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1405572026023b93ca10eb.jpgCanada Goose The Canada Goose belongs to the Branta genus of geese which contains species with largely black plumage distinguishing it from the grey species of the genus Anser. The black head and neck with a white "chinstrap" distinguish the Canada Goose from all other goose species with the exception of the Cackling Goose from north America and the Barnacle Goose which has a black breast and grey rather than brownish body plumage. The 7 sub-species of the Canada Goose vary widely in size and plumage details but all are recognizable as Canada Geese. Of the "true geese" (i.e. the genera Anser, Branta or Chen), the Canada Goose is on average the largest living species. It ranges from 30 to 43 inches in length and with a 50 to 73 inches wingspan. The male usually weighs 5.7 to 14.3 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 8.6 pounds. The female looks virtually identical but is slightly lighter at 5.3 to 12.1 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 7.9 pounds. It is also generally 10% smaller in linear dimensions than the male. The Canada Goose is native to north America where it breeds in Canada and the north USA in a wide range of habitats. The Great Lakes region maintains a very large population. It occurs all year round in the southern part of its breeding range, including most of the eastern seaboard and the Pacific coast. Between California and South Carolina in the south USA and north Mexico, it is primarily present as a migrant from further north during the winter. Outside north America, the Canada Goose has reached north Europe naturally as has been proved by ringing recoveries. It has also been introduced in to Europe and had established populations in the UK in the middle of the 18th century, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany and Scandinavia. Most European populations are not migratory but those in more northerly parts of Sweden and Finland migrate to the North Sea and Baltic coasts. Semi-tame feral birds are common in parks and have become a pest in some areas. In the early 17th century, explorer Samuel de Champlain sent several pairs of Canada Geese to France as a present for King Louis XIII. Canada Geese were first introduced in to the UK in the late 17th century as an addition to King James II's waterfowl collection in St. James's Park. They were also introduced in to Germany and Scandinavia during the 20th century. During the second year of its life, the Canada Goose finds a mate. It is a monogamous species and most couples stay together all of their lives. If one dies, the other may find a new mate. The female lays from 2 to 9 eggs with an average of 5. Both parents protect the nest while the eggs incubate but the female spends more time at the nest than the male. The nest is usually located in an elevated area near water such as streams, lakes and ponds and the eggs are laid in a shallow depression lined with plant material and down. The incubation period, in which the female incubates the eggs while the male remains nearby, lasts for 24 to 28 days after laying. As soon as the goslings hatch, they are immediately capable of walking, swimming and finding their own food (a diet similar to the adults). Parents are often seen leading their goslings in a line, usually with one adult at the front and the other at the back. While protecting their goslings, parents often violently chase away anything from small birds to lone humans who approach, after warning them by giving off a hissing sound and then attacking with bites and slaps of the wings if the threat does not retreat. Although parents are hostile to unfamiliar geese, they may form groups (crèches) of a number of goslings and a few adults. The goslings enter the fledgling stage any time from 6 to 9 weeks of age. Once it reaches adulthood, due to its large size and often aggressive behaviour, the Canada Goose is rarely preyed on although prior injury may make it more vulnerable to natural predators. The lifespan in the wild of birds that survive to adulthood ranges from 10 to 24 years. The UK longevity record is held by a specimen tagged as a nestling which was observed alive at the age of 31. The Canada Goose is primarily a herbivore although it will sometimes eat small insects and fish. Their diet includes grasses, aquatic plants, beans and grains such as wheat, rice, and corn when they are available. In urban areas, it is also known to pick food out of rubbish bins and it will readily take a variety of food from humans in parks. Date: 21st January 2021 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19905518.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16695832935290897ec7252.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 30th September 2013 Location: Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457645.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2036631441668576c1c4ee2.jpgCommon Guillemots The Common Guillemot, also known as the Common Murre or Thin-billed Murre, is a large species of auk. The auks are a family of seabirds which includes the Brunnich's Guillemot or Thick-billed Murre, Razorbill, Little Auk and the extinct Great Auk. The Common Guillemot is 15 to 18 inches in length with a 24 to 29 inches wingspan. In breeding plumage, it is black or dark brown on the head, back and wings with white underparts. It has a thin dark pointed bill and a small rounded dark tail. Legs are grey and the bill is dark grey. Males and females are identical. Some individuals in the North Atlantic, known as "Bridled Guillemots", have a white ring around the eye extending back as a white line. This is not a distinct subspecies but a polymorphism that becomes more common the farther north the birds breed. The Common Guillemot flies with fast wing beats and has a flight speed of around 50 mph. Groups of birds are often seen flying together in a line just above the surface of the sea. However, it is not a very agile bird and take-off is often difficult. The Common Guillemot becomes flightless for 45 to 60 days while moulting its primary feathers. The Common Guillemot is a pursuit diver that forages for food by swimming underwater using its wings for propulsion. Dives usually last less than one minute but the bird swims underwater for distances of over 100 feet on a regular basis. Diving depths up to 590 feet have been recorded. The Common Guillemot has a circumpolar distribution and it occurs in low Arctic and boreal waters in the north Atlantic and north Pacific. It spends most of its time at sea and only comes to land to breed on rocky cliffs, sea stacks and islands. Some birds are permanent residents but northern birds migrate south to open waters off New England, southern California, Japan, Korea and the western Mediterranean. The Common Guillemot breeds in colonies at high densities and nesting pairs may be in bodily contact with their neighbours. No nest is made and the single egg is laid and incubated on a bare rock ledge on a cliff face. The egg hatches after 30 days incubation and the chick is born downy and can regulate its body temperature after 10 days. Some 20 days after hatching the chick jumps off its nesting ledge and heads for the sea unable to fly but gliding for some distance with fluttering wings and accompanied by its male parent. The chicks are capable of diving as soon as they hit the water. The female stays at the nest site for some 14 days after the chick has left. The Common Guillemot can venture far from its breeding grounds to forage and distances of 60 miles or more are often observed although if sufficient food is available closer by, birds will only travel much shorter distances. It mainly eats small schooling fish 8 inches long or less such as Polar Cod, Capelin, Sand Lances, Sprats, Sandeels, Atlantic Cod and Atlantic Herring. It also eats some molluscs, marine worms, squid and crustaceans. It is often seen carrying fish in its bill with the tail hanging out. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51980686.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_177509086766d3345819cfb.jpgSmall White Flight period: April to September. The Small White is a highly successful species which is common and widespread in the UK. They can be found almost anywhere including in towns and gardens. Date: 29th June 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457651.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16260657006685776f346a0.jpgRazorbill The Razorbill is a seabird and a member of the auk family which also includes the Common Guillemot, Brunnich's Guillemot and Little Auk. It is also the closest living relative to the Great Auk which is now extinct. The Razorbill has white underparts and a black head, neck, back and feet during the breeding season. A thin white line also extends from the eyes to the end of the bill. Its head is darker than that of the CommonGuillemot. Outside the breeding season, the throat and face behind the eye become white and the white line on the face becomes less prominent. The thick black bill has a blunt end. The adult male and female female are very much alike having only small differences such as wing length. The Razorbill has a horizontal stance and the tail feathers are slightly longer in the centre in comparison to other auks making it have a distinctly long tail which is not common for an auk. The Razorbill is distributed across the sub-arctic and boreal waters of the north Atlantic where water surface temperature are typically below 15°c. The world population is estimated to be less than 1 million breeding pairs, making it among the rarest auks in the world. Approximately 60 to 70% of the entire Razorbill population breeds in Iceland., including over 200,000 pairs at Látrabjarg. The breeding habitat is islands, rocky shores and cliffs on north Atlantic coasts, in eastern North America as far south as Maine and in western Europe from north west Russia to northern France. Eurasian birds winter at sea with some moving south as far as the western Mediterranean. North American birds migrate offshore and south. The Razorbill is a colonial breeder and only comes to land to breed. Individuals only breed at 3 to 5 years of age. Females select their mate and will often encourage competition between males before choosing a partner. Once a male is chosen, the pair will usually stay together for life. Nest site determination is very important to ensure protection of young from predators. Unlike Common Guillemots, nest sites are not immediately alongside the sea on open cliff ledges but at least 4 to 6 inches away in crevices on cliffs or among boulders. Generally a nest is not built although some pairs often use their bills to drag material upon which to lay their single egg. The mating pair will often reuse the same site every year. The Razorbill feeds mainly on schooling fish and crustaceans and it will dive deep into the sea using its wings and its streamlined body to propel itself toward their prey. Whilst diving, it rarely stays in groups but instead spreads out to feed. The majority of feeding occurs at a depth of about 80 feet but it has the ability to dive up to 400 feet below the surface. During a single dive the Razorbill can capture and swallow many schooling fish depending on their size. The Razorbill spends approximately 45% of its time foraging at sea and it may well fly more than 60 miles out to sea to feed. However, when feeding chicks it will forage much closer to the nesting grounds and often in shallower water. The Razorbill and its eggs and chicks have several predators which include Great Black-backed Gulls, Peregrines, Ravens and other crows, Arctic Foxes and Polar Bears. In the early 20th century, Razorbills were harvested for their eggs, meat and feathers and this greatly decreased their population. In 1917 they were finally protected which reduced hunting. Other current threats include oil pollution, unintentional bycatch arising from commercial fishing and overfishing which decreases the abundance of prey. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42524850.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16631932786098f5697c28e.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 27th March 2021 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51334418.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12280432936676e3d9535b1.jpgHeath Fritillary Flight period: June to July. The Heath Fritillary is at the north west extreme of its range in the southern UK and its numbers have greatly reduced this century due to changes in woodland management. It is now one of our rarest and most localised butterflies and can only be found at a few sites in Essex and Kent and in south west England. In Essex and Kent, they can be found in coppiced woodland with acid soils where Common Cow Wheat, the preferred foodplant, is available. On Exmoor they favour sheltered combes (valleys) and in Devon and Cornwall abandoned hay meadows are preferred. Detailed study has determined the Heath Fritillary’s precise habitat requirements and its future in the UK depends on deliberate conservation and habitat management. Date: 20th June 2024 Location: EWT Pound Wood, Hadleigh, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/loch-an-eilean-highland https://images.on-this.website/4752_69322751249f205a4bf639.jpgLoch an Eilean, Highland Loch an Eilean is a small loch in the Rothiemurchus Forest located 3 miles south of Aviemore on Speyside. On a small island in the loch stand the remains of a 15th century castle which is believed to have been a property of Alexander Stewart, the Wolf of Badenoch. A nature trail circuits the loch and passes through the typical Caledonian pine forest of this part of Scotland. Date: 12th April 2009 Location: view from the south side of the loch http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7439644.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17852620384cd572f353254.jpgSierra de la Culebra, Castille y Leon, Spain The Sierra de la Culebra is a 40 miles long mountain range in north west Spain forming a natural border with north east Portugal. The highest point is Pena Maria at 4119 feet. The Sierra de la Culebra takes its name from its snake-like (culebra = snake) zigzag shape formation. The landscape is best described as a mixture of heather moorland with broad leaved and coniferous woodlands forming a transitional zone between Atlantic and Mediterranean habitats. It is probably the mosaic of habitats along with a combination of abundant prey and low human population which makes the area one of the few remaining strongholds of the Iberian Wolf. Date: 11th September 2010 Location: view from near San Pedro de las Herrerias, Castille y Leon, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453925.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18753584864ff5458d8e819.jpgGriffon Vulture The Griffon Vulture is a typical Old World vulture in appearance with a white bald head, very broad wings and short tail feathers. It has a white neck ruff and yellow bill. The buff body and wing coverts contrast with the dark flight feathers. They are very large birds around 37 to 43 inches long with a 91 to 106 inches wingspan. Like other vultures, the Griffon Vulture is a scavenger, feeding mostly from carcasses of dead animals which it finds by soaring over open areas, often moving in flocks. The population is mostly resident in its breeding range in the mountains of southern Europe, north Africa, and Asia. In Spain, there are tens of thousands of birds from a low of a few thousand around 1980 although the Pyrenees population has apparently been affected by an EU ruling that due to danger of BSE transmission, no carcasses must be left on the fields for the time being. Although the Griffon Vulture does not normally attack larger living prey, there are reports of Spanish Griffon Vultures killing weak, young or unhealthy living animals as they do not find enough carrion to eat. Date: 27th April 2012 Location: Location: Portilla del Tiétar, Parque Nacional de Monfragüe, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5325785.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7804834004c1dd58e8be28.jpgGreat Skua The Great Skua is an aggressive "pirate" of the seas, deliberately harrassing birds as large as Gannets to steal a free meal. It also readily kills and eats smaller birds such as Puffins. These birds migrate to the northernmost parts of the UK from their wintering grounds off the coasts of Spain and Africa. They breed on coastal rocky islands and moorland in northern Scotland, Orkney and Shetland, arriving in April and leaving in July. At other times they are seen around coasts often in vicinity of seabird colonies, scavenging from other birds or picking food from the surface of the sea. Date: 3rd June 2010 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533127.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_131656147362ca752e55726.jpgFour-spotted Chaser Flight period: mid May to end August. Four-spotted Chasers are a common and widespread species of dragonfly throughout most of the UK. They can be found around sheltered lowland lakes and ponds and around acidic moorland bogs and sheltered upland lakes. Date: 12th June 2022 Location: RSPB Ham Wall, Somerset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41623412.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14669331285f4d267a3fa80.jpgScaup The Greater Scaup, or just Scaup in Europe, is a medium sized diving duck in the genus [i]Aythya[/i]. The adult Scaup is 15 to 22 inches in length with a 28 to 33 inches wingspan and it is 20% heavier and 10% longer than the closely related Lesser Scaup. The adult male has a dark head with a green sheen, blue bill and yellow eyes, a glossy black neck, breast and tail, a light back, vermiculated grey lower flanks and a bright white belly. The upper wing has a white stripe starting as the speculum and extending along the flight feathers to the wingtip. The male is larger and has a more rounded head than the female. The adult female has a brown body and head, with white wing markings similar to those of the male but slightly duller. It has a white band and brown oval shaped patches at the base of the bill which is a slightly duller shade of blue than the male's. Juveniles look similar to adult females. The Scaup has a circumpolar distribution and it breeds within the Arctic Circle both in the Old World (the Palearctic) and in north America (the Nearctic). In the summer months it can be found in Alaska, Siberia and the northern parts of Europe. It is also found in Asia and is present in the Aleutian Islands all year round. The Scaup breeds in marshy lowland tundra and islands in fresh water lakes. Males have a soft, quick whistle which they use to attract the attention of females during courtship which takes place from late winter to early spring on the way back to their northern breeding grounds. The courtship is complex and results in the formation of monogamous pairs. Pairs nest in close proximity to each other in large colonies, usually near water, on an island or shoreline or on a raft of floating vegetation. The nest consists of a shallow depression made by the female and lined with her down. After the female lays the eggs, the male abandons the female and moves with other males to a large, isolated lake to moult. These lakes can be close to the breeding grounds or miles away. The female lays 6 to 9 eggs which she incubates for 24 to 28 days. Newly hatched chicks are covered with down and are soon able to walk, swim and feed themselves. However, they are not able to fly until 40 to 45 days after hatching and they follow their mother who protects them from predators. In the autumn, Scaup start their migration south for the winter. During the winter months it can be found in large flocks in coastal bays and estuaries along the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of north America, the coasts of north west Europe, the Caspian Sea, the Black Sea, the coast of Japan, the Yellow Sea and the East China Sea. In Europe, the Scaup breeds in Iceland, along the northern coasts of Scandinavia, in the Baltic Sea and in areas close to the Arctic Ocean in Russia. These birds spend the winter in the UK (primarily on estuaries in north England and central Scotland but also occasionally on lakes and reservoirs elsewhere), west Norway, south Sweden, the coast from Brittany in France to Poland, the eastern Adriatic Sea, the north and west Black Sea and the south west Caspian Sea. The Scaup dives up to 20 feet to obtain food which it then eats on the surface. It mainly eats molluscs, aquatic plants and aquatic insects. Although the Scaup faces numerous threats, the most significant challenge to their survival is habitat degradation caused by a mix of human development, run-off of organochloride contaminants and oil and sewage pollution. Since the 1980s, the population has been steadily decreasing although it still rated as a species of “least concern” by the IUCN. Date: 6th July 2019 Location: near Gednje, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40952859.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9732457955e5394046e000.jpgNewgrange, Co.Meath, Ireland Newgrange is a prehistoric monument in the Brú na Bóinne area of Co. Meath located about 5 miles west of Drogheda on the north side of the River Boyne. It is an exceptionally grand passage tomb built during the Neolithic period around 3200 BC, making it older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids. Newgrange is the most famous monument within the Neolithic Brú na Bóinne area along with the similar passage tomb mounds of Knowth and Dowth and as such is a part of the Brú na Bóinne UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site consists of a large circular mound with an inner stone passageway and chambers. Human bones and possible grave goods or votive offerings were found in these chambers. The mound has a retaining wall at the front made mostly of white quartz cobblestones and it is ringed by engraved kerbstones. Many of the larger stones of Newgrange are covered in megalithic art. The mound is also ringed by a stone circle. Some of the material that makes up the monument came from as far away as the Mourne Mountains in Co. Down in the south east of Northern Ireland and the Wicklow Mountains principally in Co. Wicklow in the east of Ireland. There is not complete agreement about what the site was used for but it is believed that it had religious significance. Its entrance is aligned with the rising sun on the winter solstice when sunlight shines through a “roofbox” and floods the inner chamber for a few minutes. In this respect, Newgrange also shares many similarities with other Neolithic constructions in Europe, especially Gavrinis in Brittany, Maeshowe in Orkney in Scotland and Bryn Celli Ddu in Wales. After its initial use, Newgrange was sealed for several millennia. It continued to feature in Irish mythology and folklore in which it is said to be a dwelling of the deities, particularly The Dagda and his son Aengus. Antiquarians first began studying the site in the 17th century and archaeological excavations took place in the years that followed. Archaeologist Michael J. O'Kelly led the most extensive of these and also reconstructed the frontage of the site in the 1970s. Newgrange is a popular tourist site and is regarded as one of the most important megalithic structures in Europe. According to the archaeologist Colin Renfrew, it is [i]"unhesitatingly regarded by the prehistorian as the great national monument of Ireland"[/i]. Date: 3rd February 2020 Location: Newgrange, Brú na Bóinne, Co.Meath, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080552.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_144477408963a448a873b82.jpgTurnstone The Turnstone has a mottled appearance with brown or chestnut and black upperparts, brown and white or black and white head pattern, white underparts and orange legs. Turnstones can be found around most of the UK coastline including rocky, sandy and muddy shores and particularly like feeding on seaweed covered rocks, seawalls and jetties. They are present for most of the year. Birds from Northern Europe pass through in July and August and again in spring and birds from Canada and Greenland arrive in August and September and remain until April and May. Non-breeding birds may stay throughout the summer. Date: 2nd December 2022 Location: Sheringham, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512889.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_116999384962c9a8c4edcf7.jpgDipper The White-throated Dipper, also known as the European Dipper or simply as the Dipper, is an aquatic passerine bird. It is divided into several sub-species based primarily on colour differences, particularly of the pectoral band. These include the Black-bellied Dipper found in Scandinavia, west France, north west Spain, Corsica and Sardinia and an infrequent migrant to the UK and the “British” Dipper found in England, Wales and Scotland excluding the west and north west and the islands. The Dipper is about 7.1 inches long, rotund and short tailed. The head of the adult is brown, the back slate-grey mottled with black (looking black from a distance) and the wings and tail are brown. The throat and upper breast are white followed by a band of warm chestnut (“British” Dipper) or black (Black-bellied Dipper ) which merges into black on the belly and flanks. The young are greyish brown and have no chestnut band. The Dipper can be found in Europe, the Middle East, central Asia and the Indian Subcontinent and it is closely associated with swiftly running rivers and streams or the lakes in to which these fall. It often perches and bobs spasmodically with its short tail uplifted on the rocks around which the water swirls and tumbles. It acquired its name from these sudden dips and not from its diving habit, although it dives as well as walks into the water. It flies rapidly and straight with its short wings whirring swiftly and without pauses or glides and will then either drop on the water and dive or plunge in with a small splash. In addition, it will walk into the water and deliberately submerge from a perch. In this way the Dipper finds its food which includes aquatic invertebrates, aquatic insect larvae, beetles, freshwater molluscs, fish and small amphibians. It will also walk and run on the banks and rocks seeking terrestrial invertebrates. The winter habits of the Dipper vary considerably and apparently individually. When the swift hill rivers and streams are frozen it is forced to descend to the lowlands and even visit the coasts but some will remain if there is any open water. The Dipper breeds close to water and the nest is large, globular or oval (similar to a large Wren's nest) built into a crack or hollow in the rock or in the masonry or on the supports of a bridge. It is composed of moss, dead grass and leaves. This ball, however, is just a shelter. Usually hidden beneath a lip is the entrance to the real nest inside which is a cup of grass or sedge lined with leaves of oak, beech or other trees. Eggs are laid (3 to 6) are laid between March and May and 1 or 2 broods are raised. Date: 12th June 2022 Location: River Otter near Otterton, Devon http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080601.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_104315559363a4599f2e692.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 1st December 2022 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43082698.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_165698938460dd84d37ffc0.jpgEdible Frog The Edible Frog is a species of frog found across Europe that is also known as the Common Water Frog and the Green Frog. The Edible Frog is one of the few animals in the world that is a fertile hybrid of 2 different species, as although similar but genetically different species are known to mate, it is very rare that their offspring will be able to breed. The Edible Frog is a fertile hybrid of 2 other European frogs, namely the Pool Frog and the Marsh Frog, that inter-bred when populations where isolated close to one another during the Ice Age. It was first described in 1758 and is known as the Edible Frog due to the fact that it is now seen as a culinary delicacy across Europe but especially in France where frog’s legs are often served as a national dish. The reason for humans favouring this frog over others is not really known but it may have something to do with their abundance. The Edible Frog is a medium sized frog growing to around 3.5 to 4.5 inches in length. Adults are mainly green in colour with light patches of brown on their backs, yellow eyes and a white underside covered in a few dark spots. There are number of distinct differences between males and females including the fact that males become much lighter and greener during the mating season. Males also have vocal sacs on the outside of their cheeks and extra skin patches on their feet, both of which are primarily used for mating. The Edible Frog is endemic to Europe and it naturally occurs across central Europe as far north as Germany and Estonia. Southern populations are found from Croatia, through northern Italy and into the south of France. There are also isolated populations in Sweden and Bulgaria which are thought to have migrated from the countries nearby. It has also been introduced to the UK. The Edible Frog spends all of its time either in or very close to water and it is most commonly found in calmer parts of rivers and streams where there is a slow but constant flow of fresh water. It tends to prefer more open areas and can also be commonly found around lakes, ponds and marshes. Unlike many other species of frog, the Edible Frog is a diurnal animal and is therefore most active during the day. This is when it is most likely to move away from the water so that it can find a better supply of food or move to a different part of the water if it needs to. The Edible Frog is a relatively solitary animal so there is less competition for food but males are often seen sitting together in groups during the breeding season when they are trying to out-compete each other to find a mate. The breeding season for the Edible Frog begins during March and generally lasts for around 2 months. Males sing by drawing air in and out of their vocal sacs to produce the highest-pitched sound possible since females are most attracted to the loudest males. After courting her in a lake, pond or swamp, the male lets the female lay up to 10,000 eggs in a sticky mass into the water before he fertilises them. Tadpoles can be as small as 0.2 inches long when they hatch and are a grey/brown colour. They then grow up to 2 to 3 inches in length before metamorphoses occurs and they leave the water as 0.75 inches long young frogs. The Edible Frog reaches sexual maturity at the age of 2 years and can live until it is 15 years old. The Edible Frog is a carnivorous amphibian but the tadpoles mainly eat vegetation although they are known to occasionally supplement their diet with aquatic micro-organisms. Adults eat small invertebrates such as insects, spiders and flies, which make up the majority of their diet, along with larger aquatic animals like fish, newts and other frogs. The Edible Frog hunts for food during the day and can be seen catching food both in water and on land. The Edible Frog remains very still when it is sitting on the banks of its water habitat and this, along with its camouflage, makes it very difficult for predators to spot. Its eyes are positioned near the top of the head meaning that it can also see danger coming whilst the body is mainly hidden. Snakes, owls and water birds are the main predators of the Edible Frog. The Edible Frog will jump into the water and hide if it senses approaching danger and it will make a loud screeching sound if caught. Edible Frog populations are under threat from habitat destruction mainly caused by deforestation and water pollution. Date: 2nd June 2021 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9566422.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8594274164daedd18091a7.jpgWaxwing The Waxwing is a plump bird which is slightly smaller than a starling. It is reddish-brown with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings, a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest. Waxwings breed in the dense forests of northern Europe but they occur in varying numbers in the UK from October to March. In some years they can occur in large numbers (known as irruptions) when the population in the breeding areas gets too big for the food available. The first UK arrivals each winter are usually seen on the east coast from Scotland to East Anglia but birds then move inland in search of food. They can be found in parks and gardens and even busy public places, typically where there are berry-bearing trees and bushes such as rowan, hawthorn, cotoneaster and rose. Waxwings make an easily recognisable high-pitched trilling sound like a bell. Date: 16th February 2008 Location: Allerstree, Derby, Derbyshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42524868.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21097839476098f83fa4b20.jpgCarrion Crow The Carrion Crow is a passerine bird in the crow family Corvidae. The Hooded Crow was formerly regarded as a sub-species but it has now been split off as a separate species The plumage of the Carrion Crow is black with a green or purple sheen. The bill, legs and feet are also black. It can be distinguished from the Raven by its smaller size (19 to 20 inches in length as compared to an average of 25 inches for the Raven) and from the Hooded Crow by its all black plumage. There is frequent confusion between the Carrion Crow and the Rook, another black corvid species found within its range. The beak of the Carrion Crow is stouter and in consequence it looks shorter and whereas in the adult Rook the nostrils are bare, those of the Carrion Crow are covered at all ages with bristle-like feathers. As well as this, the wings of a Carrion Crow are proportionally shorter and broader than those of the Rook when seen in flight. Unlike the Rook which is generally gregarious, the Carrion Crow is usually solitary or seen in breeding pairs. The Carrion Crow is a noisy bird, perching on a vantage point such as a building or the top of a tree and calling 3 or 4 times in quick succession with a slight pause between each series of calls. During each series of calls, the bird may perform an accompanying gesture, bowing its head and neck downwards with each call. The Carrion Crow can become tame near humans and can often be found in or around areas of human activity or habitation where they compete with other social birds such as gulls and ducks for food. The Carrion Crow breeds in west and central Europe with an allied form or race occurring in east Asia with the closely allied Hooded Crow filling the gap between. Fertile hybrids occur along the boundary between these 2 forms indicating their close genetic relationship. Across its range, it can be seen all year round in a wide range of habitats such as urban areas, farmland, woodlands, mountains, moorlands and seashores. The Carrion Crow reaches sexual maturity around the age of 3 years for females and 5 years for males and birds often mate for life. The Carrion Crow builds a bulky stick nest which is usually placed in a tall tree although cliff ledges, old buildings and pylons may be used as well. Nests are also occasionally placed on or near the ground. The nest resembles that of the Raven but is less bulky. The female lays 3 to 4 eggs which are incubated for 18 to 20 days by the female alone who is fed by the male. The young fledge after 29 to 30 days. It is not uncommon for offspring from the previous year to stay around and help rear the new hatchlings. Instead of seeking out a mate, these birds look for food and assist the parents in feeding the young. Although an eater of carrion of all kinds, the Carrion Crow will eat insects, earthworms, grain, fruits, seeds, small mammals, amphibians and scraps and it will also steal eggs of other birds. It is a scavenger by nature which is why it tends to frequent sites inhabited by humans in order to feed on household waste. The Carrion Crow will also harass birds of prey or even Foxes for their kills. The Carrion Crow has few natural predators although powerful raptors such as the Northern Goshawk, the Peregrine, the Eurasian Eagle Owl and the Golden Eagle will readily hunt them and they can become an important prey item locally. Date: 31st March 2021 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14185424.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18359571654f42333cce84b.jpgGatekeeper Flight period: mid-July to early September. The Gatekeeper or Hedge Brown is common and widespread throughout the southern half of the UK. They can be found in areas with hedgerows or in scrubby woodland with wide and sunny rides. Date: 21st July 2007 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28102059.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_181114193757779b67a4167.jpgRed Kites The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include [url=http://www.gigrin.co.uk/]Gigrin Farm feeding centre[/url] near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 12th June 2016 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50809819.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1517576575660bd81a50f29.jpgPeacock Flight period: March to September. The Peacock is a familiar and widespread butterfly which is continuing to expand its range in the UK. It is a highly adaptable species that can be found almost anywhere but the best sites are where favoured nectar plants are available. Date: 1st April 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49798212.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_95873207264ecadd167d76.jpgMarbled White Flight period: July to August The Marbled White is a very distinctive black and white butterfly that is widespread in southern England and expanding its range northwards and eastwards. They can be found in unimproved grassland, coastal grassland, roadside verges and railway embankments. Date: 3rd July 2023 Location: Durlston Country Park, Swanage, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28102064.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_101454913857779d9261aab.jpgRed Kites The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include [url=http://www.gigrin.co.uk/]Gigrin Farm feeding centre[/url] near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 12th June 2016 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493285.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4373037335f326f76bd8de.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21828868.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_205986083153cb9a2b1ef01.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 11th June 2014 Location: Bempton Cliifs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11946574.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10263611404e40f232b2360.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 22nd October 2008 Location: Bradgate Park, Newton Linford , Leicestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46028414.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7460444376291f5b715b1a.jpgSpeckled Wood Flight period: April to September. The Speckled Wood is widespread in the southern half of England and in Wales and is expanding its range northwards. They can be found in woodland rides and glades and also along hedgerows and in gardens. Date: 26th May 2022 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42202662.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4101471665ff311013f0c6.jpgBrown Bear The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, Ursus arctos arctos. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an evening visit with [url=https://www.karhujenkatselu.fi/en-gb]Karhu-Kuusamo[/url] Date: 7th July 2019 Location: Kuntilampi, near Kuusamo, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41537233.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7339966245f3cfdaf0ba96.jpgHerring Gull The Herring Gull is one of the best known of all gulls along the shores of Europe. Adults in breeding plumage have a grey back and upperwings and white head and underparts. The wingtips are black with white spots known as "mirrors". The bill is yellow with a red spot and there is a ring of bare yellow skin around the pale eye. The legs are normally pink at all ages but can be yellowish. Non-breeding adults have brown streaks on the head and neck. Male and female plumage is identical at all stages of development although adult males are often larger. Juvenile and first-winter birds are mainly brown with darker streaks and have a dark bill and eyes. Second-winter birds have a whiter head and underparts with less streaking and the back is grey. Third-winter individuals are similar to adults but retain some of the features of immature birds such as brown feathers in the wings and dark markings on the bill. The Herring Gull attains adult plumage and reaches sexual maturity at an average age of 4 years. The loud laughing call of the Herring Gull is well known and is often seen as a symbol of the seaside in countries such as the UK. It also has a yelping alarm call and a low barking anxiety call. Chicks and fledglings emit a distinctive, repetitive high-pitched 'peep', accompanied by a head-flicking gesture when begging for food from or calling to their parents. Adult gulls in urban areas will also exhibit this behaviour when fed by humans. The Herring Gull breeds across northern Europe, western Europe, central Europe, eastern Europe, Scandinavia and the Baltic states. Some, especially those resident in colder areas, migrate further south in winter but many are permanent residents such as in the UK or on the North Sea shores. While Herring Gull numbers appear to have been decreased in recent years, possibly by fish population declines and competition, they have proved able to survive in human-adapted areas and can often be seen in towns acting as a scavenger. The Herring Gull, like most gulls, is an omnivore and opportunist and will scavenge from garbage dumps, landfill sites and sewage outflows with refuse comprising up to half of the bird's diet. In addition, it will eat fish, crustaceans and dead animals as well as some plants and it will steal the eggs and young of other birds (including those of other gulls). The Herring Gull may also dive from the surface of the water or engage in plunge diving in the pursuit of aquatic prey although they are typically unable to reach any great depth due to their natural buoyancy. Date: 4th July 2019 Location: Flåget, Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11481816.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16618286944e26a33615e3e.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 16/04/07 Location: Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9588758.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15548191614db159ec88e34.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 10th February 2008 Location: Verulanium Park, St Albans, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46534595.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_168747046262ca987f9c83c.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 27th June 2022 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4466070.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16445639104b8a24636fde7.jpg http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457112.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_550307949668570c5a1647.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11806182.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4515890074e3a7851f3371.jpgMarsh Frog The Marsh Frog is the largest European frog. It is very similar in appearance to the closely related Edible Frog and Pool Frog. These 3 species are often referred to as "green frogs" to distinguish them from the more terrestrial European species which are known as "brown frogs" (best exemplified by the Common Frog). Marsh Frogs show a large variation in colour and pattern, ranging from dark green to brown or grey. The Western European populations are generally dark green to black with dark spots on the back and sides and 3 clear green lines on the back. Females can reach a maximum length of around 6.5 inches but males are smaller at around 4.5 inches. The head is proportionally large and the hind legs are long which gives them excellent jumping abilities. The Marsh Frog is usually gregarious and diurnal and more tied to aquatic habitats than the Common Frog. It is tolerant of brackish conditions and typically it is found on or in the water of its favoured drainage channels and pools throughout the year. Marsh Frogs frequently sunbathe on the bank of the water body where they are often inconspicuous until disturbed when they will jump in to the water with a characteristic “plop”. They can often be seen on lily pads or floating at the surface amongst vegetation with only their heads exposed. During the breeding season (and sometimes beyond) the male Marsh Frog calls very loudly with a sound reminiscent of a loud chuckle which is often very raucous and can be heard all day and night. Dominant males establish territories from which they call. After mating a female may produce up to 16,000 eggs in a season, laying them in clumps of a few hundred in aquatic vegetation below the surface. They hatch in about a week, tadpoles being rather solitary and living in deep water with vegetation. Newly metamorphosed frogs are up to 1 inch in length and take 2 years to mature. The diet of the Marsh Frog consists of dragonflies and other insects, spiders, earthworms and slugs. Larger frogs also eat small rodents and sometimes smaller amphibians and fish. The Marsh Frog is not a native species of the UK. It was first introduced to Walland Marsh, Kent in 1935 and is now found in several areas of Kent and East Sussex. Other introductions exist, including colonies in London. Date: 31st July 2011 Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26540622.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_68044197756ace595aa6d5.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 31st December 2015 Location: Winterton-Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21955321.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_96408140553da122dbfdba.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: view from the Farne Islands boat trip from Seahouses Harbour, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493252.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3230515445f326f10f3d74.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4157476.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12820776464b2913e4bcc3c.jpgLapwing The Northern Lapwing, also known as the peewit, pewit, tuit or tew-it (imitative of its cry), Green Plover (emphasising the colour of the plumage) or (in the UK) just Lapwing (which refers to its peculiar, erratic way of flying), is a bird in the lapwing family. The Lapwing has rounded wings and a crest. It is also the shortest-legged of the lapwing species. It is mainly black and white but the back is tinted green. The male has a long crest and a black crown, throat and breast contrasting with an otherwise white face. Females and young birds have shorter crests and have less strongly marked heads but plumages are otherwise quite similar. The Lapwing is a vocal bird in the breeding season with constant calling as the crazed tumbling display flight is performed by the male. The typical contact call is a loud, shrill "pee-wit" from which they get their other name of peewit. The Lapwing is common through temperate Eurasia and breeds on cultivated land and other short vegetation habitats. The ground scrape nest and young are defended noisily and aggressively against all intruders. It is highly migratory over most of its extensive range, wintering further south as far as north Africa, north India, Pakistan and parts of China. It migrates mainly by day, often in large flocks. Lowland breeders in the westernmost areas of Europe are resident. In winter, it forms huge flocks on open land, particularly arable land and mud-flats. In the UK, the Lapwing has suffered a significant decline in the last 25 years and is an Amber List species because of the importance of its UK wintering population. It breeds on farmland throughout the UK, particularly in lowland areas of north England, the Borders and east Scotland, and prefers fields of spring sown cereals and root crops, permanent unimproved pasture, meadows and fallow fields but also wet grassland and marshes. During the winter, the Lapwing can be seen on flooded grassland, estuaries, coastal wetlands, short grassy fields and ploughed fields. In addition to the UK population, large numbers of north European birds arrive in the autumn for the winter. The Lapwing feeds primarily on insects and other small invertebrates. It often feeds in mixed flocks with Golden Plovers and Black-headed Gulls, the latter often robbing the plovers, but providing a degree of protection against predators. Date: 6th December 2009 Location: Elmley, Isle of Sheppey, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21955703.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_78238311053da1fdb8b8ed.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Staple Island, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071509.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_990142796643254140302.jpgMoorhen The Moorhen is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird that is usually found near water. From a distance it looks black with a ragged white line along its body. However, closer up it is olive-brown on the back and the head and blue-grey underneath. It has a red bill with a yellow tip. The Moorhen can be found all year round almost anywhere where there is water. They breed in lowland areas particularly in central and eastern England but are scarce in northern Scotland and the uplands of Wales and northern England. UK breeding birds are residents and seldom travel far. Date: 2nd May 2024 Location: RSPB Minsmere, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071689.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16406779726643358429de9.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 4th May 2023 Location: Bwlch Nant yr Arian, Llywernog, Ceredigion http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080610.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_40953132663a459afdddeb.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 1st December 2022 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26540636.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_163560915556ace5e28a175.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 31st December 2015 Location: Winterton-Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12744902.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13826205504e706e26ea8d3.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 7th December 2007 Location: Donna Nook, Lincolnshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41389652.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17345246445f269442340a4.jpgEiders The Eider is a large sea duck that is distributed over the northern coasts of Europe, north America and eastern Siberia. It breeds in the Arctic and some northern temperate regions but winters somewhat further south in temperate zones when it can form large flocks on coastal waters. The Eider is both the largest of the 4 eider species and the largest duck found in Europe and in north America (except for the Muscovy duck which only reaches north America in a wild state in southernmost Texas and south Florida). The Eider is characterized by its bulky shape and large, wedge-shaped bill. The male is unmistakable with its black and white plumage and green nape. The female is a brown bird but can still be readily distinguished from all ducks, except other eider species, on the basis of size and head shape. The drake's display call is a strange almost human-like "ah-ooo" while the duck utters hoarse quacks. The Eider dives for crustaceans and molluscs, with mussels being a favoured food. The Eider will eat mussels by swallowing them whole. The shells are then crushed in their gizzard and excreted. When eating a crab, the Eider will remove all of its claws and legs and then eat the body in a similar fashion. The Eider is abundant with populations of about 1.5 to 2 million birds in both Europe and north America and also large but unknown numbers in eastern Siberia. The Eider is a colonial breeder nesting on coastal islands in colonies ranging in size of less than 100 to upwards of 10,000 to 15,000 individuals. Female Eiders frequently exhibit a high degree of natal philopatry where they return to breed on the same island where they were hatched. This can lead to a high degree of relatedness between individuals nesting on the same island as well as the development of kin-based female social structures. This relatedness has likely played a role in the evolution of co-operative breeding behaviours amongst Eiders. Examples of these behaviours include laying eggs in the nests of related individuals and crèching where female Eiders team up and share the work of rearing ducklings. The Eider's nest is built close to the sea and is lined with the celebrated eiderdown plucked from the female's breast. This soft and warm lining has long been harvested for filling pillows and quilts but in more recent years has been largely replaced by down from domestic farm geese and synthetic alternatives. Although eiderdown pillows or quilts are now a rarity, eiderdown harvesting continues and is sustainable as it can be done after the ducklings leave the nest with no harm to the birds. Date: 1st July 2019 Location: Munkefjord, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45174866.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8442608216232fe3e8936e.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 1st January 2022 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40713548.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6990042295e16f7344ec44.jpgGoosander The Goosander (or Common Merganser in north America) is a large “sawbill” duck, so called because of its long, serrated bill which is used for catching fish. The Goosander is 23 to 28 inches long with a 31 to 38 inches wingspan and the male is generally slightly larger than the female. The adult male in breeding plumage has a white body with a variable salmon-pink tinge, a black head with an iridescent green gloss, a grey rump and tail and wings which are largely white on the inner half and black on the outer half. Females, and males in "eclipse" non-breeding plumage, are largely grey with a reddish-brown head, white chin and white secondary feathers on the wing. Juveniles are similar to adult females but also show a short black-edged white stripe between the eye and the bill. The bill and legs are red to brownish-red which are brightest on adult males and dullest on juveniles. The Goosander can be found on rivers and lakes in forested areas of Europe, north and central Asia and north America. It is a partial migrant and moves away from areas where rivers and major lakes freeze in the winter but it is a resident where waters remain open. Within Europe, a marked southward spread has occurred from Scandinavia in the breeding range since about 1850, colonising Scotland in 1871 and England in 1941. Since 1970 it has spread across northern England and in to Wales and south west England. In the UK, it can be found all year round in the breeding range but only in winter on lakes, gravel pits and reservoirs across England south of the Humber. Nesting normally occurs in a tree cavity so the Goosander requires mature forest as its breeding habitat. It will also readily use large nest boxes where provided. In places where trees are absent, it will use holes in cliffs and steep, high banks, sometimes at considerable distances from water. The female lays 6 to 17 eggs, but normally 8 to 12, and raises a single brood in a season. The ducklings are taken by the female in her bill to rivers or lakes immediately after hatching where they feed on freshwater invertebrates and small fish fry, fledging when 60 to 70 days old. The Goosander primarily feeds on fish with the serrated edge to its bill helping it to grip its prey. In addition to fish, it will take a wide range of other aquatic prey such as molluscs, crustaceans, worms, insect larvae and amphibians and, more rarely, small mammals and birds. The salmon-pink tinge shown variably by males is probably diet-related and obtained from the carotenoid pigments present in some crustaceans and fish. When feeding, the Goosander will float down a stream or river for a few miles and either fly back again or more commonly fish their way back, diving incessantly the whole way. It will often fish in a group, forming a semicircle and driving the fish into shallow water where they are captured easily. When floating leisurely, it will position itself in the water similar to ducks but it will also swim deep in the water like a Cormorant. When not diving for food, it is usually seen swimming on the water surface, resting on rocks in midstream or hidden among riverbank vegetation or (in winter) resting on the edge of floating ice. Date: 23rd December 2019 Location: Abberton Reservoir, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42524869.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9296227606098f8447c69a.jpgChiffchaff The (Common) Chiffchaff is a common and widespread leaf warbler which is named onomatopoeically for its simple and repetitive chiff-chaff song. The British naturalist Gilbert White was one of the first people to separate the similar looking Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler and Wood Warbler by their songs, as detailed in 1789 in “The Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne. The Chiffchaff is a small, dumpy, 4 inch long leaf warbler. The spring adult has brown-washed dull green upperparts, off-white underparts becoming yellowish on the flanks and a short whitish supercilium. It has dark legs, a fine dark bill and short primary projection (extension of the flight feathers beyond the folded wing). As the plumage wears, it gets duller and browner and the yellow on the flanks tends to be lost and after the breeding season there is a prolonged complete moult before migration. After moulting, both the adult and the juvenile have brighter and greener upperparts and a paler supercilium. When not singing, the Chiffchaff can be difficult to distinguish from other leaf warblers with greenish upperparts and whitish underparts, particularly the Willow Warbler. However, that species has a longer primary projection, a sleeker, brighter appearance and generally pale legs. The Chiffchaff breeds across Europe and Asia east to eastern Siberia and north to about 70°N, with isolated populations in north west Africa, north and west Turkey and north west Iran. It is a migratory species but one of the first passerine birds to return to its breeding areas in the spring and amongst the last to leave in late autumn. When breeding, the Chiffchaff is a bird of open woodlands with some taller trees and ground cover for nesting purposes. In winter, the Chiffchaff uses a wider range of habitats and is not so dependent on trees and is often found near water. There is an increasing tendency to winter in western Europe well north of the traditional areas, especially in coastal south England and the mild urban microclimate of London. The male Chiffchaff returns to its breeding territory 2 or 3 weeks before the female and immediately starts singing to establish ownership and attract a female. When a female is located, the male will use a slow butterfly-like flight as part of the courtship ritual but, once a pair-bond has been established, other females will be driven from the territory. The male has little involvement in the nesting process other than defending the territory. The female's nest is built on or near the ground in a concealed site in brambles, nettles or other dense low vegetation. The domed nest has a side entrance and is constructed from coarse plant material such as dead leaves and grass with finer material used on the interior before the addition of a lining of feathers. The clutch is 2 to 7 (normally 5 or 6) cream-coloured eggs which are incubated by the female for 13 to 14 days before hatching as naked, blind chicks. The female broods and feeds the chicks for another 14 to 15 days until they fledge. The male rarely participates in feeding although this sometimes occurs, especially when bad weather limits insect supplies or if the female disappears. After fledging, the young stay in the vicinity of the nest for 3 to 4 weeks where they are fed by and roost with the female. In the north of the range there is only time to raise one brood due to the short summer but a second brood is common in central and southern areas. Like most leaf warblers, the Chiffchaff is insectivorous and moves restlessly though foliage or briefly hovering. It has been recorded as taking insects, mainly flies, from more than 50 families, along with other small and medium-sized invertebrates. It will also take the eggs and larvae of butterflies and moths. The Chiffchaff has been estimated to require about one third of its weight in insects daily and it feeds almost continuously in the autumn to put on extra fat as fuel for its long migration flight. As with most small birds, mortality in the first year of life is high but adults aged 3 to 4 years are regularly recorded and the record is more than 7 years. Eggs, chicks and fledglings are taken by Stoats, Weasels and crows such as the Magpie and adults are hunted by birds of prey, particularly the Sparrowhawk. The Chiifchaff is also susceptible to poor weather, particularly when migrating, but also on the breeding and wintering grounds. The main effect of humans on the Chiffchaff is indirect through woodland clearance which affects the habitat, predation by cats and collisions with windows, buildings and cars. Date: 31st March 2021 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42082963.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12312639555faa5bf3801b2.jpgCarrion Crow The Carrion Crow is a passerine bird in the crow family [i]Corvidae[/i]. The Hooded Crow was formerly regarded as a sub-species but it has now been split off as a separate species The plumage of the Carrion Crow is black with a green or purple sheen. The bill, legs and feet are also black. It can be distinguished from the Raven by its smaller size (19 to 20 inches in length as compared to an average of 25 inches for the Raven) and from the Hooded Crow by its all black plumage. There is frequent confusion between the Carrion Crow and the Rook, another black corvid species found within its range. The beak of the Carrion Crow is stouter and in consequence it looks shorter and whereas in the adult Rook the nostrils are bare, those of the Carrion Crow are covered at all ages with bristle-like feathers. As well as this, the wings of a Carrion Crow are proportionally shorter and broader than those of the Rook when seen in flight. Unlike the Rook which is generally gregarious, the Carrion Crow is usually solitary or seen in breeding pairs. The Carrion Crow is a noisy bird, perching on a vantage point such as a building or the top of a tree and calling 3 or 4 times in quick succession with a slight pause between each series of calls. During each series of calls, the bird may perform an accompanying gesture, bowing its head and neck downwards with each call. The Carrion Crow can become tame near humans and can often be found in or around areas of human activity or habitation where they compete with other social birds such as gulls and ducks for food. The Carrion Crow breeds in west and central Europe with an allied form or race occurring in east Asia with the closely allied Hooded Crow filling the gap between. Fertile hybrids occur along the boundary between these 2 forms indicating their close genetic relationship. Across its range, it can be seen all year round in a wide range of habitats such as urban areas, farmland, woodlands, mountains, moorlands and seashores. The Carrion Crow reaches sexual maturity around the age of 3 years for females and 5 years for males and birds often mate for life. The Carrion Crow builds a bulky stick nest which is usually placed in a tall tree although cliff ledges, old buildings and pylons may be used as well. Nests are also occasionally placed on or near the ground. The nest resembles that of the Raven but is less bulky. The female lays 3 to 4 eggs which are incubated for 18 to 20 days by the female alone who is fed by the male. The young fledge after 29 to 30 days. It is not uncommon for offspring from the previous year to stay around and help rear the new hatchlings. Instead of seeking out a mate, these birds look for food and assist the parents in feeding the young. Although an eater of carrion of all kinds, the Carrion Crow will eat insects, earthworms, grain, fruits, seeds, small mammals, amphibians and scraps and it will also steal eggs of other birds. It is a scavenger by nature which is why it tends to frequent sites inhabited by humans in order to feed on household waste. The Carrion Crow will also harass birds of prey or even Foxes for their kills. The Carrion Crow has few natural predators although powerful raptors such as the Northern Goshawk, the Peregrine, the Eurasian Eagle Owl and the Golden Eagle will readily hunt them and they can become an important prey item locally. Date: 22nd October 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21959325.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_187745552453da78f5db75e.jpgArctic Tern The Arctic Tern is a seabird of the tern family. The adult plumage is grey above with a black nape and crown and white cheeks. The upperwings are pale grey with the area near the wingtip being translucent. The tail is white and the underparts pale grey. The beak is dark red as are the short legs and webbed feet. Like most terns, the Arctic Tern has high aspect ratio wings and a tail with a deep fork and long tail streamers. Both sexes are similar in appearance. The winter plumage is similar but the crown is whiter and the bills are darker. Juveniles differ from adults having black bill and legs, "scaly" appearing wings and mantle with dark feather tips, dark carpal wing bar and short tail streamers. During their first summer, juveniles also have a whiter forecrown. Whilst the Arctic Tern is similar to the Common and the Roseate Tern, its colouring, profile and call are slightly different. Compared to the Common Tern, it has a longer tail and mono-coloured bill, whilst the main differences from the Roseate Tern are its slightly darker colour and longer wings. The Arctic Tern has a circumpolar breeding distribution covering the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of Europe, Asia and north America. It is strongly migratory and sees 2 summers each year and more daylight than any other creature on the planet. It migrates along a convoluted route from its northern summer breeding grounds to the northern edge of the Antarctic coast for the southern summer and back again about 6 months later. In the UK, breeding Arctic Terns can best be seen on islands such as the Farne Islands in Northumberland or Orkney and Shetland in northern Scotland where the greatest densities occur. Recent studies have shown average annual roundtrip lengths of 25000 to 50000 miles depending on the route taken and weather and wind conditions. The Arctic Tern is a long-lived bird with many reaching 30 years of age and based on this average it will travel some 1.5 million miles during its lifetime. This is by far the longest migration known in the animal kingdom. Breeding takes place in colonies on coasts, islands and occasionally inland on tundra near water. The Arctic Tern often forms mixed colonies with the Common Tern and Sandwich Tern. As it nests on the ground, the Arctic Tern is vulnerable to predation but it is one of the most aggressive terns and it is fiercely defensive of its nest and young. It will attack humans and large predators, usually striking the top or back of the head. Although it is too small to cause serious injury, it is still capable of drawing blood and repelling many raptorial birds and smaller mammalian predators such as foxes and cats. Other nesting birds, such as auks, often incidentally benefit from the protection provided by nesting in an area defended by Arctic Terns. The diet of the Arctic Tern varies depending on location and time but it usually eats small fish or marine crustaceans by dipping down to the surface of the water to catch prey. While feeding, skuas, gulls and other tern species will often harass the birds and steal their food. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Inner Farne, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41249263.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19047151145f00b6d044f3f.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 22nd June 2020 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21956304.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_183197018753da277643dec.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Staple Island, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo47645712.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14803092756347d9be84288.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 3rd October 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28887430.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_182686945257cc3ffcae4b0.jpgWhite Wagtail The White Wagtail, [i]Motacilla alba[/i], is a small passerine bird in the wagtail family. A number of sub-species are recognised including [i]Motacilla alba alba[/I] found in Europe from the Iberian Peninsula to the Ural Mountains, Turkey, the Levant, Iceland, the Faroe Islands and Greenland's east coast and [I]Motacilla alba yarrellii[/I] (Pied Wagtail) found in the UK and Ireland and which has a much blacker back than the nominate race. The nominate sub-species [I]Motacilla alba alba[/I] is basically grey above and white below with a white face, black cap and black throat. It is a slender bird with a characteristic long tail. The most conspicuous habit of the White Wagtail is a near-constant tail wagging, a trait that has given the bird its common name. In spite of the ubiquity of this behaviour, the reasons for it are poorly understood. It has been suggested that it may flush prey or signal submissiveness to other wagtails. A recent study has suggested instead that it is a signal of vigilance to potential predators. The White Wagtail breeds throughout Eurasia up to latitudes 75°N, only being absent in the Arctic from areas where summer temperatures are less than 4 °C. It also breeds in the mountains of Morocco and western Alaska. It is resident in the milder parts of its range such as western Europe and the Mediterranean but migratory in much of the rest of its range. Northern European breeders winter around the Mediterranean and in tropical and subtropical Africa, Asiatic birds move to the Middle East, India and south east Asia and birds from the north American population also winter in tropical Asia. The White Wagtail has a wide range and whilst the population size is unknown it is believed to be large since the species is described as "common" in at least parts of its range. Population trends have not been quantified but the population in Europe appears to be stable and it has adapted well to human changes to the environment and has exploited human changes such as man-made structures that are used for nesting sites and increased open areas that are used for foraging. The White Wagtail is an insectivorous bird of open country, often near habitation and water. It prefers bare areas for feeding where it can see and pursue its prey. In urban areas it has adapted to foraging on paved areas such as car parks. It nests in crevices and holes in stone walls and similar natural and man-made structures such as bridges and buildings. The diet of the White Wagtail varies by location but terrestrial and aquatic insects and other small invertebrates form the major part of the diet. These range from beetles, dragonflies, small snails, spiders, worms and crustaceans to maggots found in carcasses and flies. It is somewhat unusual in the parts of its range where it is non-migratory as it is an insectivorous bird that continues to feed on insects during the winter when most other insectivorous birds in temperate climates migrate or switch to more vegetable matter. Though it is known to be a host species for the Cuckoo, the White Wagtail typically deserts its nest if it has been parasitised. Date: 10th May 2016 Location: Haapsalu, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847422.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_198815738459bd4fe72916b.jpgLow Tatras, Slovakia The Low Tatras (Nízke Tatry) are a mountain range of the Inner Western Carpathians situated in central Slovakia. They are located south of the High Tatras (Vysoké Tatry) from which they are separated by the valleys of the Váh River and Poprad River. The ridge runs west to east and is about 50 miles long. The Čertovica pass divides the range into 2 parts. The highest peaks of the Low Tatras are located in its western part. Ďumbier is the highest mountain at 6703 feet. Its neighbour Chopok at 6640 feet is accessible by a chairlift and it is the most visited place in the Low Tatras. Other peaks in the western part include Dereše at 6575 feet and Chabenec at 6414 feet. The highest peak in the eastern part is Kráľova hoľa at 6385 feet. The lower elevations are mostly blanketed in dense forest with prevailing coniferous forests in the northern part and mixed forests in the south. At higher elevations there are tarns, deep valleys, limestone cliffs and impressive granite formations. Most of the Low Tatras are protected by the Low Tatras National Park (Národný park Nízke Tatry). This comprises an area of 281 square miles and a buffer zone covering an area of 425 square miles. This makes it the largest National Park in Slovakia. The protection of the Low Tatras started with the first attempts during the period 1918 to 1921 and continuing after World War 2. In 1963, a proposal was made for the establishment of a National Park under the name Central Slovakia National Park. During the period between 1965 and 1966 and right before the completion of the last proposal, a draft for a National Park Ďumbier was proposed. The aim of this draft was to include the north and south part of the central territory of the Low Tatras. From 1967 until 1968 the draft was reformulated with the goal to establish the National Park on the 25th anniversary of the Slovak National Uprising. However, it took another 10 years to overcome various obstacles that prevented the establishment of the National Park. In 1978 the National Park was finally created with the Regulation 119/1978 of the Slovak Socialistic Republic. The area of the national park was set at 313 square miles and its protection zone at 479 square miles. The status of the National Park was published in the same year by the Ministry of Culture of the Slovak Socialistic Republic in Regulation 120/1978. This regulation set out the conditions for the protection of particular areas. The borders of the National Park and the protection zones were revised in June 1997 by Regulation 182/1997 of the government of the Slovak Republic. The revised area of the National Park was adjusted to 281 square miles which is 32 square miles less than the original area. The revised area of the protection zones was adjusted to 425 square miles which is 53 square miles less than the original area. Currently, the following protected areas are established in the Low Tatras National Park or its buffer zone: 10 National Nature Reserves, 10 Nature Reserves, 5 National Nature Monuments, 6 Nature Monuments and 1 Protected Site. The Low Tatras are the second most visited mountains in Slovakia after the High Tatras. Tourism is very popular and during the winter there are several ski resorts such as Jasná and Tále. There are also a range of summer activities such as hiking, trekking, rafting, kayaking, fishing and other outdoor pursuits. Date: 28th May 2017 Location: Low Tatras, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42626833.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_69056418760a92c79610ff.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 16th April 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645650.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_205157883751e3cfd11973b.jpgRed-backed Shrike The Red-backed Shrike is a carnivorous passerine bird and member of the shrike family. The general colour of the male’s upper parts is reddish. It has a grey head and a typical shrike black stripe through the eye. Underparts are tinged pink and the tail has a black and white pattern similar to that of a Wheatear. In the female and young birds the upperparts are brown and vermiculated and the underparts are buff and also vermiculated. The Red-backed Shrike eats large insects, small birds, frogs, rodents and lizards. Like other shrikes it hunts from prominent perches and impales corpses on thorns or barbed wire as a "larder." This practice has earned it the nickname of "butcher bird." The Red-backed Shrike breeds in most of Europe and western Asia and winters in tropical Africa. Once a common migratory visitor to the UK, numbers declined sharply during the 20th century. The bird's last stronghold was in Breckland but by 1988 just a single pair remained, successfully raising young at Santon Downham. The following year for the first time no nests were recorded in the UK but since then sporadic breeding has taken place, mostly in Scotland and Wales, and in September 2010 the RSPB announced that a pair had raised chicks at a secret location on Dartmoor where the bird last bred in 1970. This return to south west England has been an unexpected development and has raised speculation that a warming climate could assist the bird in re-colonising some of its traditional sites, if only in small numbers. Date: 25th May 2013 Location: Białowieża area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo47764307.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_518003474635e548b30c1c.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 27th October 2022 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49277057.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_97006543864996ced62556.jpgCommon Guillemots The Common Guillemot, also known as the Common Murre or Thin-billed Murre, is a large species of auk. The auks are a family of seabirds which includes the Brunnich's Guillemot or Thick-billed Murre, Razorbill, Little Auk and the extinct Great Auk. The Common Guillemot is 15 to 18 inches in length with a 24 to 29 inches wingspan. In breeding plumage, it is black or dark brown on the head, back and wings with white underparts. It has a thin dark pointed bill and a small rounded dark tail. Legs are grey and the bill is dark grey. Males and females are identical. Some individuals in the North Atlantic, known as "Bridled Guillemots", have a white ring around the eye extending back as a white line. This is not a distinct subspecies but a polymorphism that becomes more common the farther north the birds breed. The Common Guillemot flies with fast wing beats and has a flight speed of around 50 mph. Groups of birds are often seen flying together in a line just above the surface of the sea. However, it is not a very agile bird and take-off is often difficult. The Common Guillemot becomes flightless for 45 to 60 days while moulting its primary feathers. The Common Guillemot is a pursuit diver that forages for food by swimming underwater using its wings for propulsion. Dives usually last less than one minute but the bird swims underwater for distances of over 100 feet on a regular basis. Diving depths up to 590 feet have been recorded. The Common Guillemot has a circumpolar distribution and it occurs in low Arctic and boreal waters in the north Atlantic and north Pacific. It spends most of its time at sea and only comes to land to breed on rocky cliffs, sea stacks and islands. Some birds are permanent residents but northern birds migrate south to open waters off New England, southern California, Japan, Korea and the western Mediterranean. The Common Guillemot breeds in colonies at high densities and nesting pairs may be in bodily contact with their neighbours. No nest is made and the single egg is laid and incubated on a bare rock ledge on a cliff face. The egg hatches after 30 days incubation and the chick is born downy and can regulate its body temperature after 10 days. Some 20 days after hatching the chick jumps off its nesting ledge and heads for the sea unable to fly but gliding for some distance with fluttering wings and accompanied by its male parent. The chicks are capable of diving as soon as they hit the water. The female stays at the nest site for some 14 days after the chick has left. The Common Guillemot can venture far from its breeding grounds to forage and distances of 60 miles or more are often observed although if sufficient food is available closer by, birds will only travel much shorter distances. It mainly eats small schooling fish 8 inches long or less such as Polar Cod, Capelin, Sand Lances, Sprats, Sandeels, Atlantic Cod and Atlantic Herring. It also eats some molluscs, marine worms, squid and crustaceans. It is often seen carrying fish in its bill with the tail hanging out. Date: 9th June 2023 Location: Stackpole Head, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49278746.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14537763286499bad02f308.jpgAzure Damselfly Flight period: May to August The Azure Damselfly is one of the two commonest blue damselflies and is a common and widespread species of lowland UK. They can be found around most standing water, preferring small, sheltered sites including ditches and garden ponds. Date: 16th June 2023 Location: RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41524257.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13866092245f3a6f4a3a681.jpgHolly Blue Flight period: late April to end of August. The Holly Blue is easily identified in early spring as it emerges well before other blue butterflies. It tends to fly high around bushes and trees whereas other grassland blues usually stay near ground level. It is the commonest blue butterfly found in parks and gardens where it congregates around Holly (in spring) and Ivy (in late summer). The Holly Blue is widespread but undergoes large fluctuations in numbers from year to year. It has expanded northwards in recent years and has now colonised parts of north England and the extreme south of Scotland. Date: 13th August 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24902766.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14587508755a4e4f801b67.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 4th July 2015 Location: Bempton Cliifs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41249115.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1704684175f00b2182efd0.jpgJackdaw The Western Jackdaw, also known as the Eurasian Jackdaw, European Jackdaw or simply Jackdaw, is a passerine bird in the crow family. Measuring 13 to 15 inches in length, the Jackdaw is the second smallest member of the crow family. Most of the plumage is a shiny black with a purple or blue sheen on the crown, forehead and secondaries and a green-blue sheen on the throat, primaries and tail. The cheeks, nape and neck are light grey to greyish-silver and the underparts are slate-grey. The legs are black as is the short stout bill. The irises of adults are greyish or silvery white while those of juveniles are light blue, becoming brownish before whitening at around one year of age. The sexes look alike although the head and neck plumage of male birds fades more with age and wear, particularly just before moulting. Immature birds have duller and less demarcated plumage. The head is a sooty black, sometimes with a faint greenish sheen and brown feather bases visible, the back and side of the neck are dark grey and the underparts greyish or sooty black. The tail has narrower feathers and a greenish sheen. There are 4 recognised geographical subspecies of the Jackdaw, each with slight plumage variations. Within its range, the Jackdaw is generally unmistakable and its short bill and grey nape are distinguishing features. In flight, the Jackdaw is distinguishable from other crows by its smaller size, faster and deeper wingbeats and proportionately narrower and less fingered wing tips. It also has a shorter and thicker neck and a much shorter bill and it frequently flies in tighter flocks. The Jackdaw is a skilled flyer and can manoeuvre tightly as well as tumble and glide. It has characteristic jerky wing beats when flying. On the ground, the Jackdaw has an upright posture and struts briskly with its short legs giving it a rapid gait. The Jackdaw is found from north west Africa, throughout all of Europe, except for the extreme north, and east through central Asia to the east Himalayas and Lake Baikal. To the east, it occurs throughout Turkey, the Caucasus, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and north west India. A small number of Jackdaws reached the north east of North America in the 1980s and have been found from Atlantic Canada to Pennsylvania. The range is vast and there is a large global population. Most populations are resident but the north and east populations are more migratory and relocate to wintering areas between September and November and return between February and early May. The Jackdaw can be found in wooded steppes, pastures, cultivated land, coastal cliffs and towns. It thrives when forested areas are cleared and converted to fields and open areas. Habitats with a mix of large trees, buildings and open ground are preferred. Open fields are left to the Rook and more wooded areas to the Jay. The Jackdaw is highly gregarious and is generally seen in flocks of varying sizes. Flocks increase in size in autumn and birds congregate at dusk for communal roosting with up to several thousand individuals gathering at one site. Males and females pair bond for life and pairs stay together within flocks. Jackdaws will frequently congregate with other crows such as Carrion Crows, Hooded Crows or Rooks. Foraging takes place mostly on the ground in open areas and to some extent in trees. Landfill sites, bins, streets and gardens are also visited, more often early in the morning when there are fewer people about. Various feeding methods are employed, such as jumping, pecking, clod-turning and scattering, probing the soil and occasional digging. The Jackdaw will also ride on the backs of sheep and other mammals such as deer, seeking ticks as well as actively gathering wool or hair for nests. Compared with other crows, the Jackdaw spends more time exploring and turning over objects with its bill. It also has a straighter and less downturned bill and increased binocular vision which are advantageous for this foraging strategy. The Jackdaw is opportunistic and highly adaptable and varies its diet markedly depending on available food sources. It tends to feed on small invertebrates that are found above ground, including various species of beetle as well as snails and spiders. It will also eat small rodents, bats, the eggs and chicks of birds and carrion such as roadkill. Vegetable items consumed include farm grains, weed seeds, elderberries, acorns and various cultivated fruits. The Jackdaw practices active food sharing with a number of individuals regardless of sex or kinship. It also shares more of a preferred food than a less preferred food. The active giving of food by most birds is found mainly in the context of parental care and courtship although the Jackdaw shows much higher levels of active giving than has been documented for other species. The function of this behaviour is not fully understood and several theories have been advanced. Genetic analysis of Jackdaw pairs and offspring shows no evidence of extra-pair copulation and there is little evidence for couple separation even after multiple instances of reproductive failure. Some pairs do separate in the first few months but almost all pairings of over 6 months' duration are lifelong and end only when a partner dies. Widowed or separated birds fare badly and are often ousted from nests or territories and are unable to rear broods alone. The Jackdaw usually breeds in colonies with pairs collaborating to find a nest site which they then defend from other pairs and predators during most of the year. It will nest in cavities in trees or cliffs, in ruined or occupied buildings and in chimneys, the common feature being a sheltered site for the nest. A mated pair usually constructs a nest by improving a crevice by dropping sticks into it. The nest is then built on top of the platform formed. Nest platforms can attain a great size. Nests are lined with hair, wool, dead grass and many other materials. Clutches usually contain 4 or 5 eggs which are incubated by the female for 17 to 18 days until hatching as naked altricial chicks which are completely dependent on the adults for food. The chicks fledge after 28 to 35 days and the parents continue to feed them for another 4 weeks or so. Date: 22nd June 2020 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51984011.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_24763179266d3474daa0e7.jpgSpeckled Wood Flight period: April to September. The Speckled Wood is widespread in the southern half of England and in Wales and is expanding its range northwards. They can be found in woodland rides and glades and also along hedgerows and in gardens. Date: 28th July 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11328536.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11911957384e1d6742483ef.jpgGreat Crested Grebe The Great Crested Grebe is the largest member of the grebe family measuring 18 to 20 inches in length with a wing span of 23 to 29 inches. It is a graceful bird with its long neck, long bill and slender outline. In summer, the adults of both sexes are unmistakable being adorned with beautiful head-plumes which are reddish-orange in colour with black tips. There is also an erectile black crown. Non-breeding adults lack the full crest and have a dark crown bordered by a white face, the white extending down the fore-neck and chest. The sexes are similar in appearance but juveniles can be distinguished from adults by having a striped black and white head and neck. The Great Crested Grebe can be found across Europe and Asia and it breeds on shallow, reed-fringed freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs and slow rivers. It is resident in the milder west of its range but it migrates from the colder regions of its range to freshwater lakes, reservoirs and sheltered coastal areas in winter. The Great Crested Grebe has an elaborate mating display. Like all grebes, it nests on the water's edge since its legs are set relatively far back and it is thus unable to walk very well. Usually 2 eggs are laid and the fluffy, striped young grebes are often carried on the adult's back. In a clutch of 2 or more hatchlings, male and female grebes will each identify their “favourites” which they alone will care for and teach. Unusually, young Great Crested Grebes are capable of swimming and diving almost at hatching. The adults teach these skills to their young by carrying them on their backs and diving, leaving the chicks to float on the surface. They then re-emerge a few feet away so that the chicks may swim back on to them. The Great Crested Grebe feeds mainly on fish but it will also eat small crustaceans, insects and small frogs and newts. The Great Crested Grebe was hunted almost to extinction in the UK in the 19th century due to being hunted for its head plumes which were used to decorate hats and ladies' undergarments. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was set up to help protect the Great Crested Grebe which is now again a common sight. Date: 9th February 2008 Location: Northlands Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14467414.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8987569384f743c499f8ca.jpgReindeer The Reindeer, also known as the Caribou in North America, is a deer from the Arctic and sub Arctic, including both resident and migratory populations. Whilst it is overall widespread and numerous, some of its subspecies are rare or already extinct. The Reindeer is a widespread and numerous species in the northern Holarctic, being present in tundra (frozen arctic plain with lichens, mosses and dwarfed vegetation) and taiga (marshy pine forest) regions. Originally, the Reindeer was found in Scandinavia, eastern Europe, Russia, Mongolia, and northern China. In North America, it was found in Canada, Alaska and the northern USA from Washington to Maine. It also occurred naturally on Sakhalin, Greenland, and probably even in historical times in Ireland. Today, wild Reindeer have disappeared from many areas within this large historical range, especially from the southern parts where it has vanished almost everywhere. Large populations of wild Reindeer are still found in Norway, Finland, Siberia, Greenland, Alaska, and Canada. Wild Reindeer hunting and herding of semi-domesticated Reindeer (for meat, hides, antlers, milk and transportation) are important to several Arctic and Subarctic people. Domesticated Reindeer are mostly found in northern Fennoscandia and Russia with a herd of approximately 150-170 Reindeer also living around the Cairngorms region in Scotland. Reindeer vary considerably in colour and size. Both sexes grow antlers, though they are typically larger in males. Even far outside its range, the Reindeer is well known due to the myth, probably originating in early 19th century America, in which Santa Claus's sleigh is pulled by flying Reindeer, a popular element of Christmas. Date: 17th March 2012 Location: near Tisnes, Kvaløya, Troms, north Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7190902.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17213644024cc3056d3b765.jpgRing-necked Parakeet The Ring-necked Parakeet is the UK's only naturalised parrot. It is large, long-tailed and green with a red beak and a pink and black ring around its face and neck. In flight it has pointed wings, a long tail and a steady, direct flight. Ring-necked Parakeets can be seen all year round at a number of locations in south east England, particularly Surrey, Kent and Sussex. They can often be found in flocks sometimes numbering hundreds of birds at roost sites. Parks, orchards and gardens with mature trees to provide nest holes are favoured habitats. In its native India it is found in jungle and around farms and gardens. Date: 17th October 2010 Location: WWT Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/tal-y-llyn-lake-gwynedd https://images.on-this.website/4752_14385831494dca3d71846a6.jpgTal-y-llyn Lake, Gwynedd Tal-y-llyn Lake is a large glacial ribbon lake formed by a post-glacial massive landslip damming up the lake within the glaciated valley. It is situated at the foot of Cadair Idris, the second highest mountain in Wales, at the southern end of the Snowdonia mountain range.The River Dysynni flows from the lake, through the village of Abergynolwyn, and discharges into the sea north of Tywyn. Tal-y-llyn Lake is a much admired, photographed and painted lake. The original name of the lake was Llyn Mwyngil – in Welsh meaning “fertile narrow lake” but in English it was dubbed “the lake of quiet retreat”. Date: 6th May 2011 Location: view from south west end of the lake looking towards Cadair Idris http://www.richardchewphotography.com/rnov-citadel-rnov-braov-county https://images.on-this.website/4752_4586198165d3089e2aff07.jpgRâșnov Citadel, Râşnov, Brașov County, Romania Râșnov Citadel (Cetatea Râșnov) is a historic monument and landmark situated in central Romania. It is located on a rocky hilltop in the Carpathian Mountains, 650 feet above the town of Râşnov. First mentioned in an official document in 1331, the fortress was built by Teutonic Knights as protection against invading Tartars and was later enlarged by the local Saxon population. Strategically located on the commercial route linking the historical provinces of Transylvania and Walachia, Râşnov Citadel differs from other Saxon fortresses in that it was designed as a place of refuge over extended periods of time. As such, it had at least 30 houses, a school, a chapel and other buildings more commonly associated with a village. The defensive system included 9 towers, 2 bastions and a drawbridge. Surrounded by 500 foot slopes on the north, south and west sides, the fortress surrendered only once in 1612 when invaders managed to find the secret route that supplied the people inside the fortress with water. The last siege of Râşnov Citadel took place in 1690 during the final Ottoman invasion of Transylvania. Damaged by fire in 1718, it was rebuilt the following year. The next major damage occurred as the result of an earthquake in 1802. The fortress was last used as a place of refuge during the revolution of 1848 and it was abandoned after that. The old fortress has now been restored to its former glory and the impressive remains and a museum can be visited. Date: 6th June 2018 Location: Râșnov Citadel, Râşnov, Brașov County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4466109.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17138608894b8a25ea81f73.jpgBergen to Oslo railway The Bergensbanen is a 231 mile long railway line between Bergen and Hønefoss in Norway. The name is often applied for the entire route from Bergen via Drammen to Oslo, a distance of 308 miles. It is the highest mainline railway line in northern Europe, crossing the Hardangervidda plateau at 4,060 feet (1222 metres) above sea level. [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bergen_Line]Bergen to Oslo railway[/url] http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41249123.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13856941255f00b2468b009.jpgJackdaw The Western Jackdaw, also known as the Eurasian Jackdaw, European Jackdaw or simply Jackdaw, is a passerine bird in the crow family. Measuring 13 to 15 inches in length, the Jackdaw is the second smallest member of the crow family. Most of the plumage is a shiny black with a purple or blue sheen on the crown, forehead and secondaries and a green-blue sheen on the throat, primaries and tail. The cheeks, nape and neck are light grey to greyish-silver and the underparts are slate-grey. The legs are black as is the short stout bill. The irises of adults are greyish or silvery white while those of juveniles are light blue, becoming brownish before whitening at around one year of age. The sexes look alike although the head and neck plumage of male birds fades more with age and wear, particularly just before moulting. Immature birds have duller and less demarcated plumage. The head is a sooty black, sometimes with a faint greenish sheen and brown feather bases visible, the back and side of the neck are dark grey and the underparts greyish or sooty black. The tail has narrower feathers and a greenish sheen. There are 4 recognised geographical subspecies of the Jackdaw, each with slight plumage variations. Within its range, the Jackdaw is generally unmistakable and its short bill and grey nape are distinguishing features. In flight, the Jackdaw is distinguishable from other crows by its smaller size, faster and deeper wingbeats and proportionately narrower and less fingered wing tips. It also has a shorter and thicker neck and a much shorter bill and it frequently flies in tighter flocks. The Jackdaw is a skilled flyer and can manoeuvre tightly as well as tumble and glide. It has characteristic jerky wing beats when flying. On the ground, the Jackdaw has an upright posture and struts briskly with its short legs giving it a rapid gait. The Jackdaw is found from north west Africa, throughout all of Europe, except for the extreme north, and east through central Asia to the east Himalayas and Lake Baikal. To the east, it occurs throughout Turkey, the Caucasus, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and north west India. A small number of Jackdaws reached the north east of North America in the 1980s and have been found from Atlantic Canada to Pennsylvania. The range is vast and there is a large global population. Most populations are resident but the north and east populations are more migratory and relocate to wintering areas between September and November and return between February and early May. The Jackdaw can be found in wooded steppes, pastures, cultivated land, coastal cliffs and towns. It thrives when forested areas are cleared and converted to fields and open areas. Habitats with a mix of large trees, buildings and open ground are preferred. Open fields are left to the Rook and more wooded areas to the Jay. The Jackdaw is highly gregarious and is generally seen in flocks of varying sizes. Flocks increase in size in autumn and birds congregate at dusk for communal roosting with up to several thousand individuals gathering at one site. Males and females pair bond for life and pairs stay together within flocks. Jackdaws will frequently congregate with other crows such as Carrion Crows, Hooded Crows or Rooks. Foraging takes place mostly on the ground in open areas and to some extent in trees. Landfill sites, bins, streets and gardens are also visited, more often early in the morning when there are fewer people about. Various feeding methods are employed, such as jumping, pecking, clod-turning and scattering, probing the soil and occasional digging. The Jackdaw will also ride on the backs of sheep and other mammals such as deer, seeking ticks as well as actively gathering wool or hair for nests. Compared with other crows, the Jackdaw spends more time exploring and turning over objects with its bill. It also has a straighter and less downturned bill and increased binocular vision which are advantageous for this foraging strategy. The Jackdaw is opportunistic and highly adaptable and varies its diet markedly depending on available food sources. It tends to feed on small invertebrates that are found above ground, including various species of beetle as well as snails and spiders. It will also eat small rodents, bats, the eggs and chicks of birds and carrion such as roadkill. Vegetable items consumed include farm grains, weed seeds, elderberries, acorns and various cultivated fruits. The Jackdaw practices active food sharing with a number of individuals regardless of sex or kinship. It also shares more of a preferred food than a less preferred food. The active giving of food by most birds is found mainly in the context of parental care and courtship although the Jackdaw shows much higher levels of active giving than has been documented for other species. The function of this behaviour is not fully understood and several theories have been advanced. Genetic analysis of Jackdaw pairs and offspring shows no evidence of extra-pair copulation and there is little evidence for couple separation even after multiple instances of reproductive failure. Some pairs do separate in the first few months but almost all pairings of over 6 months' duration are lifelong and end only when a partner dies. Widowed or separated birds fare badly and are often ousted from nests or territories and are unable to rear broods alone. The Jackdaw usually breeds in colonies with pairs collaborating to find a nest site which they then defend from other pairs and predators during most of the year. It will nest in cavities in trees or cliffs, in ruined or occupied buildings and in chimneys, the common feature being a sheltered site for the nest. A mated pair usually constructs a nest by improving a crevice by dropping sticks into it. The nest is then built on top of the platform formed. Nest platforms can attain a great size. Nests are lined with hair, wool, dead grass and many other materials. Clutches usually contain 4 or 5 eggs which are incubated by the female for 17 to 18 days until hatching as naked altricial chicks which are completely dependent on the adults for food. The chicks fledge after 28 to 35 days and the parents continue to feed them for another 4 weeks or so. Date: 22nd June 2020 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28570081.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_84329472657a86fd1af3f8.jpgBlack-tailed Godwit The Black-tailed Godwit is a large, long-legged, long-billed shorebird with an orange head, neck and chest in its breeding plumage and a uniform brown-grey breast and upperparts in winter. During the breeding season, the bill has a yellowish or orange-pink base and dark tip but the base is pink in winter. The legs are dark grey, brown or black. The sexes are similar but in breeding plumage they can be separated by the male's brighter, more extensive orange breast, neck and head. In flight, the bold black and white wingbar and white rump can be seen readily. When on the ground the Black-tailed Godwit can be difficult to separate from the similar Bar-tailed Godwit but the Black-tailed Godwit's longer, straighter bill and longer legs are diagnostic. The Black-tailed Godwit’s breeding range stretches from Iceland through northern Europe and areas of central Asia where it can be found in fens, lake edges, damp meadows, moorlands and bogs. It winters in areas as diverse as the Indian Subcontinent, Australia, western Europe and west Africa where it can be found on estuaries and floods. It is also more likely to be found inland and on freshwater than the Bar-tailed Godwit. Date: 1st August 2016 Location: Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871761.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10519434654eff2204ea541.jpgRed Squirrel The Red Squirrel is an arboreal, omnivorous rodent but unlike some other rodents it is not a direct threat to humans. The coat of the Red Squirrel varies in colour with the time of year and location and there are several different coat colour morphs ranging from black to red. Red coats are most common in the UK whilst in other parts of Europe and Asia different coat colours co-exist within populations. The underside of the Red Squirrel is always white-cream in colour. The Red Squirrel sheds its coat twice a year, switching from a thinner summer coat to a thicker, darker winter coat with noticeably larger ear-tufts (a prominent distinguishing feature of this species) between August and November. A lighter, redder overall coat colour, along with the ear-tufts (in adults) and smaller size, distinguish the Red Squirrel from the Grey Squirrel. The Red Squirrel has a typical head and body length of 7.5 to 9 inches, a tail length of 5.9 to 7.9 inches and a weight of 8.8 to 12 ounces. Males and females are the same size. In comparison the Grey Squirrel has a head and body length of 9.5 to 12 inches and a weight of 14 ounces to 1.8 pounds. The long tail helps the Red Squirrel to balance and steer when jumping from tree to tree and running along branches and may also keep it warm during sleep. Like most tree squirrels, it has sharp, curved claws to enable it to climb and descend broad tree trunks, thin branches and even house walls and its strong hind legs enable it to leap gaps between trees. The Red Squirrel occupies boreal, coniferous woods in northern Europe and Siberia, preferring Scots Pine, Norway Spruce and Siberian Pine. In western and southern Europe they are found in broad-leaved woods where the mixture of tree and shrub species provides a better year round source of food. In most of the UK and in Italy, broad-leaved woodlands are now less suitable due to the better competitive feeding strategy of introduced Grey Squirrels. The Red Squirrel makes a drey (nest) out of twigs in a branch-fork, forming a domed structure which is lined with moss, leaves, grass and bark. Tree hollows and woodpecker holes are also used. The Red Squirrel is generally a solitary animal and it is shy and reluctant to share food with others. However, outside the breeding season and particularly in winter, several Red Squirrels may share a drey to keep warm. Social organization is based on dominance hierarchies within and between sexes. Although males are not necessarily dominant to females, the dominant animals tend to be larger and older than subordinate animals and dominant males tend to have larger home ranges than subordinate males or females. Mating can occur in late winter during February and March and in summer between June and July. During mating, males detect females that are in œstrus by an odour that they produce and, although there is no courtship, the male will chase the female for up to an hour prior to mating. Usually multiple males will chase a single female until the dominant male, usually the largest in the group, mates with the female. Males and females will mate multiple times with many partners. Females must reach a minimum body mass before they enter œstrus and heavy females on average produce more young. If food is scarce breeding may be delayed. Gestation is about 38 to 39 days. Typically a female will produce her first litter in her second year. Up to 2 litters a year per female are possible. Each litter usually contains 3 or 4 young although as many as 6 may be born. The young are looked after by the mother alone and are born helpless, blind and deaf. Their body is covered by hair at 21 days, their eyes and ears open after 3 to 4 weeks and they develop all their teeth by 42 days. Juvenile Red Squirrels can eat solids around 40 days following birth and from that point they can leave the nest on their own to find food. However, they still suckle from their mother until weaning occurs at 8 to 10 weeks. The Red Squirrel eats mostly the seeds of trees, neatly stripping conifer cones to get at the seeds within, fungi, nuts (especially hazelnuts but also beech and chestnuts), berries and young shoots. More rarely, it may also eat bird eggs or nestlings. Excess food is put into caches and is either buried or left in nooks or holes in trees and then eaten when food is scarce. Between 60% and 80% of its active period may be spent foraging and feeding. The active period for the Red Squirrel is in the morning and in the late afternoon and evening. No territories are claimed between Red Squirrels and the feeding areas of individuals overlap considerably. Red Squirrels that survive their first winter have a life expectancy of 3 years. Individuals may reach 7 years of age and 10 years of age in captivity. Around 75 to 85% of juveniles die during their first winter and mortality is approximately 50% during winters following the first. Arboreal predators include small mammals such as the Pine Marten, Wild Cat and Stoat and birds including owls and raptors.The Red Fox, cats and dogs can also prey on the Red Squirrel when it is on the ground. Humans influence the population size and mortality of the Red Squirrel by destroying or altering habitats, by causing road casualties and by introducing non-native populations of the north American Grey Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel and the Red Squirrel are not directly antagonistic and violent conflict between these species is not a factor in the decline in Red Squirrel populations. However, the Grey Squirrel appears to be able to decrease the Red Squirrel population due to several reasons, in particular the transmission of a disease, the squirrel parapoxvirus, that does not appear to affect their health but will often kill Red Squirrels. The Red Squirrel is protected in most of Europe although it is listed as being of "Least Concern" on the IUCN Red List. Although not thought to be under in much of its range, the Red Squirrel has nevertheless drastically reduced in number in the UK, especially after the Grey Squirrel was introduced from north America in the 1870s. Fewer than 140,000 individuals are thought to be left, approximately 85% of which are in Scotland with other populations on the Isle of Wight and Brownsea Island, around Formby on Merseyside, in various other areas in northern England and on Anglesey in Wales. Date: 2nd June 2009 Location: Valtavaara area near Kuusamo, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37190294.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3955158185c2a0c289f636.jpgGruinard Bay, Wester Ross Gruinard Bay is situated along the rocky Wester Ross coastline and has 3 beautiful beaches with pink sand derived from the Torridonian sandstone rocks. It is surrounded by magnificent rocky scenery. Offshore lies Gruinard Island which in 1942 became the focus of the UK's secret effort to find a weapon capable of defeating the Nazis. To test the potency of their biological arsenal, War Office scientists took a flock of 60 sheep to Gruinard Island and exposed them to a bomb packed with anthrax spores. The island was so contaminated that it was deemed out of bounds for almost 50 years. Date: 24th June 2018 Location: view from Laide http://www.richardchewphotography.com/lake-srebarna-silistra-province-bulgaria https://images.on-this.website/4752_20720942005d3077a573ce8.jpgLake Srebarna, Silistra Province, Bulgaria Lake Srebarna is a freshwater lake periodically flooded by the River Danube just over 1 mile to the north. It is located in north east Bulgaria near the village of the same name and 11 miles west of Silistra. Lake Srebarna is a remnant of the once numerous lakes that lined the River Danube’s route to the Black Sea. The lake has large reedbeds and there is adjacent steppe, vineyards and agricultural land. A belt of woodland separates it from the River Danube. Lake Srebarna was the first wetland in Bulgaria to receive legal protection status and also the first to achieve international recognition. The lake was designated as a nature reserve in 1948 to protect the biodiversity that it hosts. In 1985 it was included on the UNESCO World Heritage List of Natural Properties. Lake Srebarna is also protected as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention and as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. In 1989 the lake was designated as an lmportant Bird Area by BirdLife International. It is also recognised and protected at the European level and included in 2 Natura 2000 sites: the Srebarna Special Protection Area and Ludogorie-Srebarna Special Area of Conservation. The nature reserve includes 3.7 square miles of protected area and a buffer zone of 3.4 square miles. It comprises Lake Srebarna itself, which has a fluctuating water level dependent on the River Danube, plus the former agricultural lands north of the lake, a belt of woodland along the River Danube, the island of Komluka and the aquatic area locked between the island and the riverbank. The reserve is an important wetland on the Via Pontica bird migration flyway. The basis for the nature reserve’s international significance is that it is an important breeding, migration and wintering site for a large number of birds. Floating reedbed islands and flooded willow woodlands provide important bird breeding areas. At the northern end, the reedbeds gradually give way to wet meadows. At the north west end of Lake Srebarna and along the River Danube, there are belts of riverine forest. The nature reserve holds populations of birds that are considered critical to species survival. It hosts the only colony of Dalmatian Pelican in Bulgaria as well as the largest breeding populations of 4 more globally threatened species: Pygmy Cormorant, Ferruginous Duck, White-tailed Eagle and Corncrake. The nature reserve is also of European value and importance in supporting Little Bittern, Night Heron, Squacco Heron, Purple Heron, Little Egret, Great White Egret, Glossy lbis, Spoonbill and Ruddy Shelduck. Globally threatened Pygmy Cormorant and Red-breasted Goose also winter on the nature reserve. In total, the nature reserve supports over 200 bird species, 41 mammal species, 21 reptile and amphibian species and 10 fish species. Date: 16th May 2018 Location: view from the visitor centre, Srebarna, Silistra Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo47645631.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12860016146347d725c904f.jpgTurnstone The Turnstone has a mottled appearance with brown or chestnut and black upperparts, brown and white or black and white head pattern, white underparts and orange legs. Turnstones can be found around most of the UK coastline including rocky, sandy and muddy shores and particularly like feeding on seaweed covered rocks, seawalls and jetties. They are present for most of the year. Birds from Northern Europe pass through in July and August and again in spring and birds from Canada and Greenland arrive in August and September and remain until April and May. Non-breeding birds may stay throughout the summer. Date: 19th September 2022 Location: Walcott, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11349504.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20565909504e1eef8f59bd9.jpgRazorbill The Razorbill is a medium-sized seabird and breeds around the coast of the UK with the largest colonies in northern Scotland. They breed on rocky cliffs and among boulder scree close to the sea. Birds only come to shore to breed from March to July and they winter in the northern Atlantic. Date: 14/06/06 Location: Handa Island, Sutherland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28883590.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_212088737457cc04b47d626.jpgLahemaa National Park, Estonia Lahemaa National Park was established in 1971 and was the first area to be designated as a National Park of the former Soviet Union. It is located about 40 miles east of Tallinn with the Gulf of Finland to the north and the Tallinn to Narva road to the south. It covers an area of 280 square miles including almost 100 square miles of sea and it is the largest National Park in Estonia. Forest covers around 70% of the Lahemaa National Park and much of the remainder includes raised bogs. The area is rich in flora and fauna including a population of Wolves, Brown Bears and Lynx. Date: 19th May 2016 Location: near Altja, Lahemaa National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512553.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_43250479662c99a66e54fd.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 9th May 2022 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46028396.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9092798066291f576b0291.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 26th May 2022 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512491.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14719802462c999da55c2a.jpgRed Kites The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 9th May 2022 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230752.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1826684382649171add0282.jpgWood Warbler The Wood Warbler is a typical leaf warbler in appearance, green above and white below with a lemon-yellow breast. It can be distinguished from similar species, like the Chiffchaff and the Willow Warbler by its yellow supercilium, throat and upper breast, pale tertial edges, longer primary projection and by its shorter but broader tail. The Wood Warbler is common and widespread and breeds throughout north and temperate Europe and just into the extreme west of Asia in the south Ural Mountains. It is strongly migratory and the entire population winters in tropical Africa. The Wood Warbler can be found in open but shady mature woodlands, such as beech and sessile oak, with some sparse ground cover for nesting. The dome-shaped nest is built near the ground in low shrub. The Wood Warbler is a declining summer visitor to the UK and can be seen from April to August. Unlike much of the population in Europe which is found in forested lowlands, the UK population is predominantly found in upland oak woods in the west with the highest densities in the oak woods Wales. The Wood Warbler has 2 song types which are often given alternatively: a high-pitched fluid metallic trill of increasing tempo (often described as a spinning coin on a marble slab) and a series of 3 to 5 descending piping notes of lower pitch. During the former, the bird’s body shudders and shivers as it delivers the song and there are frequent song flights between different branches. Date: 14th May 2023 Location: RSPB Carngafallt, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/kasari-river-matsalu-national-park https://images.on-this.website/4752_40851620057cc3a982dd0f.jpgMatsalu National Park, Estonia Matsalu National Park is the most famous coastal wetland in Estonia. It was established in 1957 mainly to protect nesting, moulting and migratory birds and in 1976 it was included in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance. Matsalu National Park covers a total area of 188 square miles and comprises Matsalu Bay, the Kasari river delta and surrounding areas. 87 square miles of the protected area is terrestrial and 101 square miles is aquatic. The varied habitats include open sea, grassy and rocky islets, sandy and stony shores, saltmarsh, reedbeds, flooded meadows, pastures, arable land, mixed woodland and birch copses. Matsalu Bay is shallow, brackish and rich in nutrients. It is 11.2 miles long and 3.7 miles wide but has an average depth of only 5 feet and a maximum depth of 11 feet. Shoreline length of the bay is about 102.5 miles. The bay's shoreline lacks high banks and is populated mostly with shingle shores with reedbeds in the innermost sheltered parts. Nearly 300 species of birds have been recorded, around 175 species have nested and around 35 are migratory wildfowl. Matsalu Bay is one of the most important wetland bird areas in Europe due to its prime position on the East Atlantic Flyway. Huge numbers of migratory ducks, geese and waders use Matsalu Bay as a staging area in spring and autumn. The Kasari river is the biggest of several rivers that run into Matsalu Bay and the alluvial meadow of the delta (15 square miles) is one of the biggest open wet meadows in Europe. Date: 11th May 2016 Location: Kasari river, Matsalu National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/mount-devas-western-macedonia-greece https://images.on-this.website/4752_1974849642559cea52261d2.jpgMount Devas, West Macedonia, Greece Mount Devas is situated between Great Prespa Lake (Megali Prespa) and Small Prespa Lake (Mikri Prespa) and is characterised by juniper and oak woodland and an extremely rich shrub and flowering plant community. The route to the summit provides excellent views of the Prespa lakes and surrounding mountains. Date: 14th May 2015 Location: view from the track running south from Agios Georgios between Psarades and Laimos, West Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49278716.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20317117536499ba9b8e417.jpgSedge Warbler The Sedge Warbler is a medium-sized Old World warbler in the genus Acrocephalus. It has a streaked brown back and wings and pale underparts. The rump is warm brown and unstreaked, contrasting with the duller wings. The forehead is flattened, there is a prominent whitish supercilium, the crown is streaked with black and the bill is strong and pointed. The plumage of the sexes is identical. Juvenile birds have dark spots on the breast. The Sedge Warbler’s song is varied, rushed and chattering with sweeter phrases and some mimicry, all typical of the Acrocephalus warblers. It is composed of phrases in random order so that it is never the same. Male Sedge Warblers which have the widest repertoire mate with the largest number of females. Male Sedge Warblers commence singing only a few hours after arriving on their breeding territory. The song is given from a bare perch such as a reed stem or bush or from cover and during routine flights within their territory. Song flights are also performed. Whilst singing, the bird takes off, rises to a height of up to 10 feet and then after a short circling flight, it makes a slow, parachuting descent, often with the wings held up in a “v” shape. The song has the function of attracting a mate rather than keeping other males away and it is stopped as soon as a mate is found. The Sedge Warbler has a large range and it breeds across Europe and western and central Asia. Unlike other members of the Acrocephalus genus, the Sedge Warbler's range stretches from the Arctic to mid-latitudes since it is adapted to live in cool, cloudy and moist conditions. It is a migratory species and winters in sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal in the west to Ethiopia in the east and as far south as the eastern Cape Province of South Africa and north Namibia. Birds begin leaving Africa in late February, fatten up at wetlands before and probably after crossing the Sahara and arrive in Europe from March onwards. During the breeding season, the Sedge Warbler can be found in reedbeds, often with scrub, ditches and habitats away from water including hedgerows, patches of stinging nettles and arable crops. On the African wintering grounds, habitats such as reeds in wetlands, papyrus, grass, sedge and reedmace and tall elephant grass are used. Loss of wetland areas for feeding on migration and the expansion of the Sahara desert pose threats to the Sedge Warbler's breeding population. The Sedge Warbler is mostly insectivorous and the diet includes mayflies, dragonflies and damselflies, grasshoppers, bugs, lacewings, moths, beetles and flies. Vegetable material includes elderberries and blackberries. On their wintering grounds food includes non-biting midges and flowers and berries. It feeds in low, thick vegetation, especially reeds and rushes, but also in arable fields and around bushes. Feeding techniques include picking insects from vegetation while perched or sometimes hovering and “leap-catching” where the bird grabs flying insects as it flies between perches. The Sedge Warbler tends to hop between plant stems and pick insects from underneath leaves and it takes advantage of the low temperatures around dusk and dawn which make their prey less mobile. Date: 16th June 2023 Location: RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/vestre-jakobselv-varanger-peninsula-finnmark https://images.on-this.website/4752_16393906034bf6d83c4195d.jpgVestre Jakobselv, Varanger Peninsula, Finnmark, Norway Vestre Jakobselv is a small village located on the southern coast of the Varanger peninsula at the mouth of the river Jakobselva in Vadsø municipality in Finnmark county in north east Norway. The village lies along the European route E75 about 11 miles west of Vadsø and the same distance east of the village of Nesseby in neighboring Nesseby municipality. Date: 11th April 2010 Location: Vestre Jakobselv harbour, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28887407.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_123501650057cc3fcf749c5.jpgSlavonian Grebe The Slavonian Grebe is a member of the grebe family of water birds. It is also known as the Horned Grebe in north America. Unmistakable in summer, the plumage of both the male and female Slavonian Grebe shows a black head with golden puffy earlike tufts along the sides of its face. It shows a deep rusty red neck, scarlet eyes and a small, straight black bill tipped with white. During the winter, the Slavonian Grebe is mainly white with a sharply defined black cap. The Slavonian Grebe breeds in vegetated areas of freshwater lakes across Europe and Asia. It also breeds in remote inland parts of the United States and much of Canada. Like all grebes, it builds a nest on the water's edge, since its legs are set very far back and it can not walk well. Most birds migrate in winter to the coast. Date: 10th May 2016 Location: Haapsalu, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40952848.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2378456985e5393ccbc72f.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 1st February 2020 Location: Ballynacourty Point, County Waterford, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49279121.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16040980266499ca1ab1051.jpgHolly Blue Flight period: late April to end of August. The Holly Blue is easily identified in early spring as it emerges well before other blue butterflies. It tends to fly high around bushes and trees whereas other grassland blues usually stay near ground level. It is the commonest blue butterfly found in parks and gardens where it congregates around Holly (in spring) and Ivy (in late summer). The Holly Blue is widespread but undergoes large fluctuations in numbers from year to year. It has expanded northwards in recent years and has now colonised parts of north England and the extreme south of Scotland. Date: 22nd June 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26541468.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_149229406756acecd883567.jpgRoe Deer The Roe Deer is a small deer which has a white to buff patch on their rump, a black nose and “moustache” and a white chin. Its coat varies from sandy to reddish-brown in the summer to grey-brown or even black in winter. The antlers, which have no more than 3 points and are less than 10 inches in length, grow in winter and are shed in the autumn. The Roe Deer is found throughout Europe but it is absent from Ireland, much of Portugal, Greece and large parts of England and Wales. Roe Deer became extinct in most of England during the 18th century but they were reintroduced in the 19th century. The Roe Deer lives mainly in woodland where there are open patches of ground and access to the edges of fields and it feeds on grasses and the leaves of young broad-leaved trees and bushes. Both male and female Roe Deer are usually solitary and highly territorial with clearly defined boundaries which they scent mark. The Roe Deer has very good senses of smell, hearing and vision. When alarmed, it makes a characteristic barking noise. Roe Deer mate in July and August and fawns are born in the following spring. Many fawns die during their first year due to heavy predation by foxes. Date: 17th January 2016 Location: Mersehead RSPB reserve, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512885.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4500100262c9a8b93d890.jpgEurasian Beaver The Eurasian Beaver or European Beaver is one of the largest living species of rodents and it is the largest rodent native to Eurasia. It weighs around 24 to 66 pounds with an average of 40 pounds. Typically the head and body length is 31 to 39 inches and the tail length is 9.8 to 19.7 inches. The fur colour of the Beaver varies geographically from light chestnut-rust to blackish-brown. The Beaver was once widespread in Eurasia. It was hunted to near-extinction for both its fur and castoreum (a secretion of its scent gland believed to have medicinal properties) and by 1900 only 1200 beavers survived in 8 relict populations in Europe and Asia. In many European nations, the Beaver became extinct but reintroduction and protection has led to gradual recovery to about 639,000 individuals by 2003 and it now occurs from the UK to China and Mongolia although it is absent from Italy, Portugal, the southern Balkans and the Middle East. About 83% can be found in the former Soviet Union. In the UK, the Beaver became extinct in the 16th century but, as a former native species, interest in reintroducing it to the wild across the UK has been shown. It has been suggested that Beaver dams could retain water in upland areas, reducing flood volumes and creating new habitats for wildlife. Currently, Beaver populations are found in a number of large enclosures in wildlife parks, as well as free-living populations around the River Tay and Knapdale areas in Scotland and the River Otter in Devon. The Knapdale population was deliberately released whilst the other populations are of unknown origin. The Beaver is a keystone species helping support the ecosystem of which they are a part. It creates wetlands which increase biodiversity and provide habitat for many rare species such as Water Voles, Otters, and Water Shrews. It coppices waterside trees and shrubs so that they regrow as dense shrubs which provide cover for birds and other animals. Beaver dams trap sediment and improve water quality and recharge groundwater tables and increase cover for trout and salmon. The Beaver has a single litter of young per year, coming into oestrus for only 12 to 24 hours between late December and May and peaking in January. Unlike most other rodents, Beaver pairs are monogamous and stay together for multiple breeding seasons. Gestation averages 107 days and litters average 3 kits with a range of 2 to 6 kits. Most Beavers do not reproduce until they are 3 years of age. Date: 12th June 2022 Location: River Otter near Otterton, Devon http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7439592.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8462652984cd5722629590.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is one of the largest deer species. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer can be found in most of Europe, the Caucasus Mountains region, Asia Minor and parts of western and central Asia. It also inhabits the Atlas Mountains region between Morocco and Tunisia in northwestern Africa, being the only species of deer to inhabit Africa. Red Deer have been introduced to other areas including Australia, New Zealand and Argentina. Date: 8th September 2010 Location: Sierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain - road to La Lancha and Embalse del Jándula http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7439664.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10387742134cd57430e7c3c.jpgSierra de la Culebra, Castille y Leon, Spain The Sierra de la Culebra is a 40 miles long mountain range in north west Spain forming a natural border with north east Portugal. The highest point is Pena Maria at 4119 feet. The Sierra de la Culebra takes its name from its snake-like (culebra = snake) zigzag shape formation. The landscape is best described as a mixture of heather moorland with broad leaved and coniferous woodlands forming a transitional zone between Atlantic and Mediterranean habitats. It is probably the mosaic of habitats along with a combination of abundant prey and low human population which makes the area one of the few remaining strongholds of the Iberian Wolf. Date: 11th September 2010 Location: view from near San Pedro de las Herrerias, Castille y Leon, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071510.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_58125870866432542291b3.jpgCommon Lizard The Common Lizard ranges across central and northern Europe (but are absent from the Mediterranean area) and through to northern Asia. It is the most common lizard in northern regions and the only reptile found in Ireland. The Common Lizard has a long body and short legs. It has coarse scales which range from grey, brown, bronze or green on the back and males are generally darker than females. It has a series of white spots down the flanks, which fuse to form a line, and a black line along the back. The Common Lizard also has numerous black spots scattered over the body. Males have orange/yellow bellies with black spots and females have cream/white bellies. The Common Lizard is found in a range of habitats including woodland, marshes, heathland, moors, sand dunes, hedgerows, bogs and rubbish dumps and it hunts insects, spiders, snails and earthworms, stunning its prey by shaking it and then swallowing it whole. The Common Lizard is active during the day and spends the morning and afternoon (but not the intense heat of midday) basking in the sun either alone or in groups. It is a good swimmer and will dive underwater when threatened. At night, and when startled, it will shelter beneath logs, stones and metal sheets. After emerging from hibernation, males defend breeding territories from other males. The young develop over 3 months within egg membranes inside the female's body which they usually break out of as she gives birth. Litters of 3 to 12 young are born from June to September after which time the mother shows no parental care with the young feeding actively from birth and quickly dispersing. The Common Lizard hibernates from October to March. It will often hibernate in groups and sometimes emerge for a brief time during warm spells. Date: 2nd May 2024 Location: RSPB Minsmere, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42626736.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_196379205460a926e7c82a4.jpgCoot The Coot is an all black bird with a distinctive white beak and “shield” above the beak from which earns it the title “bald”. Its feet have distinctive lobed flaps of skin on the toes which act instead of webs when swimming. It patters noisily over the water before taking off and can be very aggressive towards other birds. Coot can be found all the year round mainly on freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers and town park lakes. Sometimes they can be seen offshore, especially in winter if freshwater areas are frozen. They breed in areas of fairly shallow standing freshwater with a muddy bottom and plenty of vegetation at the sides, usually in lowland areas. Date: 15th April 2021 Location: Lake Meadows, Billericay, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43629109.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_376978606118aca19120a.jpgFour-spotted Chaser Flight period: mid May to end August. Four-spotted Chasers are a common and widespread species of dragonfly throughout most of the UK. They can be found around sheltered lowland lakes and ponds and around acidic moorland bogs and sheltered upland lakes. Date: 18th July 2021 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084749.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20115620215d3087f80d9d7.jpgBicaz Gorge, Neamţ and Harghita Counties, Romania The Bicaz Gorge, known locally as Cheile Bicazului, is a gorge located in north east Romania in the Eastern Carpathians group of the Carpathian Mountains. It is the deepest gorge in the country and connects the historical regions of Moldova and Transylvania. It was created by the River Bicaz and it is one of the most breathtaking natural attractions in Romania. The Bicaz Gorge is included within the Cheile Bicazului-Hășmaș National Park. The DN12C road runs through the Bicaz Gorge and is one of the most scenic drives in Romania. The gorge twists and turns steeply uphill for 5 miles with hairpin bends and deep drops and cuts through sheer 985 feet high limestone cliffs. At one point, the narrow mountain road runs uncomfortably beneath the overhanging rocks in a section known as Gâtul Iadului (“the neck of hell”). Beyond the cliffs there are spruce and beech forests and upland grazing pastures. Date: 4th June 2018 Location: Bicaz Gorge, Neamţ and Harghita Counties, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49003256.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7856600266469019077f14.jpgNightingale The Nightingale is a small passerine bird best known for its powerful and beautiful song. Slightly larger than the Robin, it is plain brown above except for the reddish tail and buff to white below. The sexes are similar. The Nightingale is a migratory insectivorous bird breeding in forest and scrub in Europe and south west Asia and wintering in west Africa. The distribution is more southerly than the very closely related Thrush Nightingale. In the UK the bird is at the northern limit of its range which has contracted in recent years placing it on the Amber List for conservation. Despite local efforts to safeguard its favoured coppice and scrub habitat, numbers fell by 53% between 1995 and 2008. A survey conducted by the British Trust for Ornithology in 2012 and 2013 recorded some 3,300 territories with most of these clustered in a few counties in the south east of England, notably Kent, Essex, Suffolk and East and West Sussex. By contrast, the European breeding population is estimated at between 3.2 and 7 million pairs, giving it green conservation status (least concern). The song of the Nightingale has been described as one of the most beautiful sounds in nature, inspiring songs, fairy tales, opera, books and a great deal of poetry. The Nightingales is so named because it frequently sings at night as well as during the day. The name has been used for more than 1,000 years, being highly recognisable even in its Old English form nihtgale which means "night songstress". Early writers assumed the female sang when it is in fact the male. The song is loud with an impressive range of whistles, trills and gurgles. Its song is particularly noticeable at night because few other birds are singing. This is why its name includes "night" in several languages. Only unpaired males sing regularly at night and nocturnal song is likely to serve to attract a mate. Singing at dawn, during the hour before sunrise, is assumed to be important in defending the bird's territory. Nightingales sing even more loudly in urban or near-urban environments in order to overcome the background noise. Date: 5th May 2022 Location: Danbury Common, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7439574.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3430427304cd571d03e86e.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is one of the largest deer species. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer can be found in most of Europe, the Caucasus Mountains region, Asia Minor and parts of western and central Asia. It also inhabits the Atlas Mountains region between Morocco and Tunisia in northwestern Africa, being the only species of deer to inhabit Africa. Red Deer have been introduced to other areas including Australia, New Zealand and Argentina. Date: 8th September 2010 Location: Sierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain - road to La Lancha and Embalse del Jándula http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4088429.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21347111394b194f9618bd6.jpgGriffon Vulture The Griffon Vulture is a typical Old World vulture in appearance with a white bald head, very broad wings and short tail feathers. It has a white neck ruff and yellow bill. The buff body and wing coverts contrast with the dark flight feathers. They are very large birds around 37 to 43 inches long with a 91 to 106 inches wingspan. Like other vultures, the Griffon Vulture is a scavenger, feeding mostly from carcasses of dead animals which it finds by soaring over open areas, often moving in flocks. The population is mostly resident in its breeding range in the mountains of southern Europe, north Africa, and Asia. In Spain, there are tens of thousands of birds from a low of a few thousand around 1980 although the Pyrenees population has apparently been affected by an EU ruling that due to danger of BSE transmission, no carcasses must be left on the fields for the time being. Although the Griffon Vulture does not normally attack larger living prey, there are reports of Spanish Griffon Vultures killing weak, young or unhealthy living animals as they do not find enough carrion to eat. Date: 12th November 2009 Location: Villanueva de Huerva, Aragon, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874746.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1036825546561cca9f61758.jpgFaxaflói, Reykjavík, Iceland Faxaflói, formerly known in English as Faxa Bay or Faxe Bay, is a large bay located in south west Iceland between the Snæfellsnes peninsula and the Reykjanes peninsula. The capital of Iceland, Reykjavík, is situated on the southern shore of Faxaflói. Faxaflói has always been a source of nourishment of the people living on its shore. Historically, fishermen went out in small boats to fish near the shore but today the ships are much bigger but have to go farther out to sea if they wish to catch anything. Faxaflói is a popular destination for whale watching trips from Reykjavík which set off in search of Minke Whales, Humpback Whales, White-beaked Dolphins and Harbour Porpoises. Date: 10th June 2015 Location: Elding whale watching boat leaving Reykjavík harbour for Faxaflói http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40755796.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3972873665e2043fec44c9.jpgGreater (Russian) White-fronted Goose The Greater White-fronted Goose is a species of goose which is closely related to the smaller Lesser White-fronted Goose. The Latin name, [i]Anser albifrons[/i], is derived from [i]anser[/i] meaning "goose" and [i]albus[/i] meaning "white" and [i]frons[/i] meaning “forehead”. The Greater White-fronted Goose is 25 to 32 inches in length with a 51 to 65 inches wingspan and weighs 4.3 to 7.3 pounds. It is smaller than the Greylag Goose and, as well as being larger than the Lesser White-fronted Goose, it lacks the yellow eye-ring of that species and the white facial blaze does not extend upwards so far. The Greater White-fronted Goose is a greyish-brown goose with a light grey breast dappled with dark brown to black blotches and bar, a pinkish bill and orange legs and feet. The male is typically larger in size but both sexes are similar in appearance The Greater White-fronted Goose is divided into 5 subspecies. The nominate subspecies Eurasian or Russian White-fronted Goose, [i]A. a. albifrons[/i], breeds in the far north of Europe and Asia and winters further south and west in Europe, including England and Wales. The very distinct Greenland White-fronted Goose, [i]A. a. flavirostris[/i], breeds in west Greenland and is much darker overall with only a very narrow white tip to the tail (broader on the other races), more black barring on its belly and usually has an orange (not pink) bill. It winters in Ireland and west Scotland. Some ecological studies suggest that the Greenland White-fronted Goose should probably be considered a separate species. Weather conditions are a key factor in the annual breeding success of the Greater White-fronted Goose. In the Arctic, the window of opportunity for nesting, incubating eggs and raising a brood is open briefly for about 3 months. Arriving in late May or early June, Greater White-fronted Geese begin departing for their wintering areas in early September. This means that a delayed snowmelt or late spring storm can significantly reduce breeding success. Date: 8th December 2019 Location: Joure to Terherne area, Friesland, Netherlands http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12744830.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6745450274e706db6d445c.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 7th December 2007 Location: Donna Nook, Lincolnshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45949043.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17454832066284b3ed76988.jpgCollared Dove Collared Doves are distinctive birds with their buffy-pink plumage and black neck collar. They are usually seen singly or in pairs, although flocks may form where food is plentiful. They feed on the ground but readily perch on roofs and wires and in trees. The Collared Dove is not migratory but it is strongly dispersive. Over the last century, it has been one of the great colonisers of the bird world. Its original range at the end of the 19th century was warm temperate and subtropical Asia from Turkey east to south China and south through India to Sri Lanka. In 1838 it was reported in Bulgaria but not until the 20th century did it expand across Europe, appearing in parts of the Balkans between 1900 and 1920 and then spreading rapidly north west, reaching Germany in 1945, the UK in 1953, Ireland in 1959 and the Faroe Islands in the early 1970s. Subsequent spread was “sideways” from this fast north west spread reaching north east to north of the Arctic Circle in Norway, east to the Ural Mountains in Russia and south west to the Canary Islands and north Africa from Morocco to Egypt by the end of the 20th century. In the east of its range it has also spread north east to most of central and north China and locally (probably introduced) in Japan. It has also reached Iceland as a vagrant but has not colonised successfully there. Date: 25th April 2022 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071497.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_73655144066431ffecfb6a.jpgMoorhen The Moorhen is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird that is usually found near water. From a distance it looks black with a ragged white line along its body. However, closer up it is olive-brown on the back and the head and blue-grey underneath. It has a red bill with a yellow tip. The Moorhen can be found all year round almost anywhere where there is water. They breed in lowland areas particularly in central and eastern England but are scarce in northern Scotland and the uplands of Wales and northern England. UK breeding birds are residents and seldom travel far. Date: 29th April 2024 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28887567.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_85720858457cc4116eefe9.jpgArctic Terns The Arctic Tern is a seabird of the tern family. The adult plumage is grey above with a black nape and crown and white cheeks. The upperwings are pale grey with the area near the wingtip being translucent. The tail is white and the underparts pale grey. The beak is dark red as are the short legs and webbed feet. Like most terns, the Arctic Tern has high aspect ratio wings and a tail with a deep fork and long tail streamers. Both sexes are similar in appearance. The winter plumage is similar but the crown is whiter and the bills are darker. Juveniles differ from adults having black bill and legs, "scaly" appearing wings and mantle with dark feather tips, dark carpal wing bar and short tail streamers. During their first summer, juveniles also have a whiter forecrown. Whilst the Arctic Tern is similar to the Common and the Roseate Tern, its colouring, profile and call are slightly different. Compared to the Common Tern, it has a longer tail and mono-coloured bill, whilst the main differences from the Roseate Tern are its slightly darker colour and longer wings. The Arctic Tern has a circumpolar breeding distribution covering the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of Europe, Asia and north America. It is strongly migratory and sees 2 summers each year and more daylight than any other creature on the planet. It migrates along a convoluted route from its northern summer breeding grounds to the northern edge of the Antarctic coast for the southern summer and back again about 6 months later. Recent studies have shown average annual roundtrip lengths of 25000 to 50000 miles depending on the route taken and weather and wind conditions. The Arctic Tern is a long-lived bird with many reaching 30 years of age and based on this average it will travel some 1.5 million miles during its lifetime. This is by far the longest migration known in the animal kingdom. Breeding takes place in colonies on coasts, islands and occasionally inland on tundra near water. The Arctic Tern often forms mixed colonies with the Common Tern and Sandwich Tern. As it nests on the ground, the Arctic Tern is vulnerable to predation but it is one of the most aggressive terns and it is fiercely defensive of its nest and young. It will attack humans and large predators, usually striking the top or back of the head. Although it is too small to cause serious injury, it is still capable of drawing blood and repelling many raptorial birds and smaller mammalian predators such as foxes and cats. Other nesting birds, such as auks, often incidentally benefit from the protection provided by nesting in an area defended by Arctic Terns. The diet of the Arctic Tern varies depending on location and time but it usually eats small fish or marine crustaceans by dipping down to the surface of the water to catch prey. While feeding, skuas, gulls and other tern species will often harass the birds and steal their food. Date: 10th May 2016 Location: Puise, Matsalu National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29486982.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17439145458107d21c9aff.jpgWild Brown Bear Centre, near Vartius, Kainuu, Finland The [url=http://www.wildbrownbear.fi/]Wild Brown Bear Centre[/url] is located in the wilderness taiga forest area near Vartius close to the Finland-Russia border. During May, June, July and August, 22 photography and observation hides can be occupied between 5 p.m. and 7 a.m. The hides are approached by about a half mile walk through the forest from the main lodge and they each accommodate 2 to 3 people. They are situated in a small open wetland area, near a small pond and inside a pine forest clearing. Please see my [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/trip-report-estonia-and-north]trip report[/url] for further information. Date: 23rd May 2016 Location: Wild Brown Bear Centre, near Vartius, Kainuu, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11947744.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_107902464e40fdfbe2ad1.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 21st October 2007 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41292169.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4975045425f10b22a24988.jpgWood Sandpiper The Wood Sandpiper is a medium sized wader which resembles a longer-legged and more delicate Green Sandpiper. It has a fine straight bill, brown back, yellowish legs and a conspicuous long white stripe from the bill over the eye to the back of the neck. The Wood Sandpiper breeds in sub-Arctic wetlands across Europe and Asia. It migrates to Africa, southern Asia, particularly India, and Australia. It is usually found in freshwater habitats during migration and on its wintering grounds. It forages by probing in shallow water or in wet mud and it mainly eats insects and similar small prey. A slight westward expansion saw the establishment of a small but permanent breeding population in Scotland from the 1950s. In addition, passage migrants most commonly appear in south and east England in April and September. Date: 29th June 2019 Location: Pasvikdalen, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457083.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19627557876685708630971.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512868.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_85748312562c9a86882236.jpgEurasian Beaver The Eurasian Beaver or European Beaver is one of the largest living species of rodents and it is the largest rodent native to Eurasia. It weighs around 24 to 66 pounds with an average of 40 pounds. Typically the head and body length is 31 to 39 inches and the tail length is 9.8 to 19.7 inches. The fur colour of the Beaver varies geographically from light chestnut-rust to blackish-brown. The Beaver was once widespread in Eurasia. It was hunted to near-extinction for both its fur and castoreum (a secretion of its scent gland believed to have medicinal properties) and by 1900 only 1200 beavers survived in 8 relict populations in Europe and Asia. In many European nations, the Beaver became extinct but reintroduction and protection has led to gradual recovery to about 639,000 individuals by 2003 and it now occurs from the UK to China and Mongolia although it is absent from Italy, Portugal, the southern Balkans and the Middle East. About 83% can be found in the former Soviet Union. In the UK, the Beaver became extinct in the 16th century but, as a former native species, interest in reintroducing it to the wild across the UK has been shown. It has been suggested that Beaver dams could retain water in upland areas, reducing flood volumes and creating new habitats for wildlife. Currently, Beaver populations are found in a number of large enclosures in wildlife parks, as well as free-living populations around the River Tay and Knapdale areas in Scotland and the River Otter in Devon. The Knapdale population was deliberately released whilst the other populations are of unknown origin. The Beaver is a keystone species helping support the ecosystem of which they are a part. It creates wetlands which increase biodiversity and provide habitat for many rare species such as Water Voles, Otters, and Water Shrews. It coppices waterside trees and shrubs so that they regrow as dense shrubs which provide cover for birds and other animals. Beaver dams trap sediment and improve water quality and recharge groundwater tables and increase cover for trout and salmon. The Beaver has a single litter of young per year, coming into oestrus for only 12 to 24 hours between late December and May and peaking in January. Unlike most other rodents, Beaver pairs are monogamous and stay together for multiple breeding seasons. Gestation averages 107 days and litters average 3 kits with a range of 2 to 6 kits. Most Beavers do not reproduce until they are 3 years of age. Date: 12th June 2022 Location: River Otter near Otterton, Devon http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19507441.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_32524279552528b81c64bf.jpgGriffon Vulture The Griffon Vulture is a typical Old World vulture in appearance with a white bald head, very broad wings and short tail feathers. It has a white neck ruff and yellow bill. The buff body and wing coverts contrast with the dark flight feathers. They are very large birds around 37 to 43 inches long with a 91 to 106 inches wingspan. Like other vultures, the Griffon Vulture is a scavenger, feeding mostly from carcasses of dead animals which it finds by soaring over open areas, often moving in flocks. The population is mostly resident in its breeding range in the mountains of southern Europe, north Africa, and Asia. In Spain, there are tens of thousands of birds from a low of a few thousand around 1980 although the Pyrenees population has apparently been affected by an EU ruling that due to danger of BSE transmission, no carcasses must be left on the fields for the time being. Although the Griffon Vulture does not normally attack larger living prey, there are reports of Spanish Griffon Vultures killing weak, young or unhealthy living animals as they do not find enough carrion to eat. Date: 8th September 2013 Location: Los Llanos de Libar, Sierra de Grazalema, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457095.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2135080733668570a9ada94.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457077.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13429828536685707a15e6e.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457200.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5473086446685710dc4ce5.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405507.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14963028696586eec98cbb9.jpgCoot The Coot is an all black bird with a distinctive white beak and “shield” above the beak from which earns it the title “bald”. Its feet have distinctive lobed flaps of skin on the toes which act instead of webs when swimming. It patters noisily over the water before taking off and can be very aggressive towards other birds. Coot can be found all the year round mainly on freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers and town park lakes. Sometimes they can be seen offshore, especially in winter if freshwater areas are frozen. They breed in areas of fairly shallow standing freshwater with a muddy bottom and plenty of vegetation at the sides, usually in lowland areas. Date: 7th November 2023 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29487553.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1813343072581080de6306f.jpgNuuksio National Park, Uusimaa, Finland Nuuksio National Park was established in 1994 and covers an area of 20 square miles of forests and lakes around Espoo, Kirkkonummi and Vihti. About 20 miles north west of Helsinki, it is the second closest National Park to the capital after Sipoonkorpi National Park. The [url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siberian_flying_squirrel]Siberian Flying Squirrel[/url] is the emblem of the Nuuksio National Park due to the density of its population. Date: 30th May 2016 Location: Haukkalampi, Nuuksio National Park, Uusimaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457084.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2040064466668570919d7ee.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21230074.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_63988790653804a13ead0f.jpgMarsh Frog The Marsh Frog is the largest European frog. It is very similar in appearance to the closely related Edible Frog and Pool Frog. These 3 species are often referred to as "green frogs" to distinguish them from the more terrestrial European species which are known as "brown frogs" (best exemplified by the Common Frog). Marsh Frogs show a large variation in colour and pattern, ranging from dark green to brown or grey. The Western European populations are generally dark green to black with dark spots on the back and sides and 3 clear green lines on the back. Females can reach a maximum length of around 6.5 inches but males are smaller at around 4.5 inches. The head is proportionally large and the hind legs are long which gives them excellent jumping abilities. The Marsh Frog is usually gregarious and diurnal and more tied to aquatic habitats than the Common Frog. It is tolerant of brackish conditions and typically it is found on or in the water of its favoured drainage channels and pools throughout the year. Marsh Frogs frequently sunbathe on the bank of the water body where they are often inconspicuous until disturbed when they will jump in to the water with a characteristic “plop”. They can often be seen on lily pads or floating at the surface amongst vegetation with only their heads exposed. During the breeding season (and sometimes beyond) the male Marsh Frog calls very loudly with a sound reminiscent of a loud chuckle which is often very raucous and can be heard all day and night. Dominant males establish territories from which they call. After mating a female may produce up to 16,000 eggs in a season, laying them in clumps of a few hundred in aquatic vegetation below the surface. They hatch in about a week, tadpoles being rather solitary and living in deep water with vegetation. Newly metamorphosed frogs are up to 1 inch in length and take 2 years to mature. The diet of the Marsh Frog consists of dragonflies and other insects, spiders, earthworms and slugs. Larger frogs also eat small rodents and sometimes smaller amphibians and fish. The Marsh Frog is not a native species of the UK. It was first introduced to Walland Marsh, Kent in 1935 and is now found in several areas of Kent and East Sussex. Other introductions exist, including colonies in London. Date: 18th May 2014 Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/corn-bunting https://images.on-this.website/4752_15763591764db7e67122e4c.jpgCorn Bunting The Corn Bunting is a rather non-descript stout and dumpy brown bird which is the largest of the bunting family. Corn Buntings an often be seen perched prominently on a hedge, post or wire singing their jangling song. In the summer corn buntings prefer open farmland but in winter they may be found in stubbles and weedy fields and in cattle yards or stockyards. The Corn Bunting has experienced a dramatic population decline in the UK and therefore it is a Red List species. Date: 23rd April 2011 Location: Wallasea Island, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9563226.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7867319034dae9e9786e30.jpgSnow Bunting Snow Buntings breed in far northern Europe and migrate south in winter. They are a very scarce breeding species in the UK and can be found on the highest mountain peaks in Scotland where they nest in rocky crevices. Snow Buntings are best looked for in winter (from late September to early March) where they can sometimes be seen in large flocks on the seashore or on adjacent short rough grassland at coastal sites in Scotland and eastern England. Date: 12/11/06 Location: Snettisham, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45948307.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1354468056284a9d92c56b.jpgKingfisher The Kingfisher is a small unmistakable bright blue and orange bird of slow moving or still water. They fly rapidly and low over water and hunt fish from riverside perches, occasionally hovering above the water's surface. Kingfishers are vulnerable to hard winters and habitat degradation through pollution or unsympathetic management of watercourses and are an “Amber List” species due to their unfavourable conservation status in Europe. Kingfishers are widespread especially in central and southern England but become less common further north. Following some declines last century, they are currently increasing in their range in Scotland. Kingfishers can be found all year round by still or slow flowing water such as lakes, canals and rivers in lowland areas. In winter, some individuals move to estuaries and the coast. Occasionally they may also visit garden ponds if they are of a suitable size. Date: 14th April 2022 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/grey-heron https://images.on-this.website/4752_9872485684b19463724d4e.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 10th November 2009 Location: Delta de l’Ebre, Catalunya, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457260.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_81426002466857142c5a15.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52518226.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_782024435675459719af7d.jpgMoorhen The Moorhen is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird that is usually found near water. From a distance it looks black with a ragged white line along its body. However, closer up it is olive-brown on the back and the head and blue-grey underneath. It has a red bill with a yellow tip. The Moorhen can be found all year round almost anywhere where there is water. They breed in lowland areas particularly in central and eastern England but are scarce in northern Scotland and the uplands of Wales and northern England. UK breeding birds are residents and seldom travel far. Date: 9th October 2024 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512539.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7860066162c99a5124472.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 9th May 2022 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512481.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_110095482762c999a8b2a87.jpgRed Kites The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 9th May 2022 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25774092.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_247279357560fb59a9ff54.jpgBottlenose Dolphin The Bottlenose Dolphin is one of the most well-known species of dolphin. They have a stocky, torpedo-shaped body, a short beak and pointed flippers and are usually dark grey on the back with paler grey flanks and a white or pinkish belly. The sickle-shaped dorsal fin is tall and positioned centrally on the back. Variations in the shape of the dorsal fin along with scars and other markings on the skin can help researchers to identify individuals. The Bottlenose Dolphin is found in coastal waters of most temperate, tropical and subtropical areas. Around the UK, it occurs in the English Channel, in the Moray Firth in north-east Scotland and in Cardigan Bay in Wales. Although lone individuals do occur, Bottlenose Dolphins are very sociable animals which usually live in groups numbering between 10 and 100 individuals. They engage in much energetic behaviour, including breaching (clearing the water), lobtailing (slapping the tail flukes down onto the surface of the water) and bow-riding (riding the swell created in front of boats and even large whales). The Bottlenose Dolphin faces a number of threats including human disturbance, entanglement in fishing nets and hunting. Like all cetaceans, they are also vulnerable to chemical and noise pollution. The captivity industry that supplies the world aquarium trade is also a problem. The Bottlenose Dolphin is a UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority species and it is protected in UK waters by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Orders 1985. It is illegal to intentionally kill, injure, or harass any cetacean (whale or dolphin) species in UK waters. The Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans in the Baltic and North Seas (ASCOBANS), has been signed by 7 European Countries including the UK. Provision is made under this agreement to set up protected areas, promote research and monitoring, pollution control and increase public awareness. Under Annex II of the EC Habitats Directive, candidate marine Special Areas of Conservation (SACS) are being set up for this species in Cardigan Bay (Wales) and the Moray Firth (north-east Scotland). Date: 23rd September 2015 Location: Moray Firth (from Chanonry Point), Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11202940.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17767416154e18609f044cf.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 6th January 2008 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29486439.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8262355655810779377a6d.jpgKajaani to Kuhmo, Kainuu, Finland Kainuu region borders the regions of Pohjois-Pohjanmaa (Northern Ostrobothnia) to the north and Pohjois-Karjala (North Karelia) and Pohjois-Savo (Northern Savonia) to the south. In the east it also borders Russia. The landscape of Kainuu region consists of lakes, hills and vast uninhabited forest areas. Boreal forest makes up most of the region and consists of birches, pines and spruces. Date: 23rd May 2016 Location: view from road 76 between Kajaani and Kuhmo, Kainuu, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457064.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_145918522666856ff07d8b5.jpgTree Sparrow The Tree Sparrow is a member of the sparrow family Passer, a group of small passerine birds that is believed to have originated in Africa and which contains 15 to 25 species. The Tree Sparrow's name is derived from 2 Latin words: passer meaning "sparrow" and montanus meaning "of the mountains". The common name is given to suggest the preference for tree holes for nesting. However, this name and the scientific name montanus do not appropriately describe the Tree Sparrow’s habitat preferences: the German name Feldsperling meaning "field sparrow" comes closer to doing so. The Tree Sparrow is around 5 to 5.5 inches in length with a wingspan of about 8.3 inches, making it roughly 10% smaller than the House Sparrow. The adult's crown and nape are a rich chestnut and there is a kidney-shaped black ear patch on each pure white cheek. The chin, throat and the area between the bill and throat are black. The upperparts are light brown streaked with black and the brown wings have 2 distinct narrow white bars. The legs are pale brown and the bill is lead-blue in summer becoming almost black in winter. The Tree Sparrow is distinctive even within its own family in that there are no plumage differences between the sexes. The juvenile resembles the adult although the colours tend to be duller. The contrasting face pattern makes the Tree Sparrow easily identifiable in all plumages and the smaller size and chestnut (not grey) crown are additional differences from the male House Sparrow. The Tree Sparrow's breeding range comprises most of temperate Europe and Asia south of about latitude 68°N (north of this the summers are too cold) and through south east Asia to Java and Bali. It is sedentary over most of its extensive range but northernmost breeding populations migrate south for the winter and small numbers leave south Europe for north Africa and the Middle East. The Tree Sparrow has been introduced outside its native range but it has not always become successfully established, possibly due to competition with the House Sparrow. Ship-carried birds have colonised some areas and birds have also occurred as vagrants. Despite its scientific name, the Tree Sparrow is not typically a mountain species and reaches only 2300 feet in Switzerland although it has bred at 5600 feet in the northern Caucasus and as high as 14010 feet in Nepal. In Europe, the Tree Sparrow is frequently found in open countryside with small isolated patches of woodland but also on coasts with cliffs, in woodland along slow water courses and in empty buildings. It shows a strong preference for nest sites near wetland habitats and avoids breeding on intensively managed farmland. In Europe, where the Tree Sparrow and the House Sparrow occur in the same region, the House Sparrow generally nests in urban areas while the Tree Sparrow nests in rural areas. Where trees are in short supply, both species may utilise man-made structures as nest sites. Whilst the Tree Sparrow is mainly a rural bird in Europe, it tends to be an urban bird in Asia and Australia. In the UK, the Tree Sparrow is scarcer in upland areas and the far north and west of the and the main populations are now found across the Midlands and south and east England. The Tree Sparrow may breed in isolated pairs or in loose colonies. The male calls from near the nest site in spring to proclaim ownership and attract a mate and he may also carry nest material in to the nest hole. The Tree Sparrow typically builds its nest in a cavity in an old tree or rock face. Some nests are not in holes as such but are built among roots of overhanging bushes. Roof cavities in houses and nest boxes are also readily used. In addition, the Tree Sparrow will breed in the disused nest of a Magpie or other crow species or an active or unused nest of a large bird such as the White Stork or a heron or raptor species. It will sometimes attempt to take over the nest of other birds that breed in holes or enclosed spaces such as tit species, flycatcher species, Swallow, House Martin, Sand Martin or European Bee-eater. The untidy nest is composed of hay, grass, wool or other material and lined with feathers which improve thermal insulation. The female lays 5 or 6 eggs which are incubated by both parents for 12 to 13 days and the chicks fledge after a further 15 to 18 days. There are 2 or 3 broods each year. Hybridisation between the Tree Sparrow and the House Sparrow has been recorded in many parts of the world with male hybrids tending to resemble the Tree Sparrow while female hybrids are more similar to the House Sparrow. The Tree Sparrow is a predominantly seed and grain eating bird which feeds on the ground in flocks and often with House Sparrows, finches and buntings. It may also visit feeding stations. It additionally feeds on invertebrates including insects, woodlice, millipedes, centipedes, spiders, etc. especially during the breeding season when the young are fed mainly on animal food. Adults use a variety of wetlands when foraging for invertebrate prey to feed chicks and aquatic sites play a key role in providing adequate diversity and availability of suitable invertebrate prey to allow successful chick rearing. Large areas of formerly occupied farmland no longer provide these invertebrate resources due to the effects of intensive farming. The Tree Sparrow has a large range and a large population. Although the population is declining, the species is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List. For this reason, the Tree Sparrow is designated as being of “Least Concern”. Although the Tree Sparrow has been expanding its range in Fennoscandia and east Europe, its population has been declining in much of west Europe, a trend reflected in other farmland birds such as the Skylark and Corn Bunting. The collapse in population seems to have been particularly severe in the UK where there was a 93% decline between 1970 and 2008. However, recent Breeding Bird Survey data is encouraging and suggests that numbers may have started to increase albeit from a very low point. The decrease in population is probably the result of agricultural intensification and specialisation, particularly the increased use of herbicides and a trend towards autumn-sown crops at the expense of spring-sown crops that produce stubble fields in winter. The change from mixed to specialised farming and the increased use of insecticides has reduced the amount of insect food available for chicks. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo10926812.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11668298434e0975048b16f.jpgRed-throated Diver The Red-throated Diver is the smallest of the UK's divers and its grey-brown plumage and up-tilted bill readily distinguish it from the other species. In summer it has a distinctive red throat. Shetland is the UK breeding stronghold for the Red-throated Diver with other key populations on Orkney, the Outer Hebrides and the northern Scottish mainland. They are also found along the whole of west Scotland south to the Mull of Kintyre. They arrive on their breeding grounds in April and depart in September and October. Outside the breeding season from August and September, the Red-throated Diver can be seen around the east coast of the UK and also along the west coast with concentrations off western Scotland and around north-west Wales. Date: 11th June 2011 Location: Loch Burifa near Dunnet Head, Caithness http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51984201.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_208364490866d34b8269d3e.jpgEdible Frogs The Edible Frog is a species of frog found across Europe that is also known as the Common Water Frog and the Green Frog. The Edible Frog is one of the few animals in the world that is a fertile hybrid of 2 different species, as although similar but genetically different species are known to mate, it is very rare that their offspring will be able to breed. The Edible Frog is a fertile hybrid of 2 other European frogs, namely the Pool Frog and the Marsh Frog, that inter-bred when populations where isolated close to one another during the Ice Age. It was first described in 1758 and is known as the Edible Frog due to the fact that it is now seen as a culinary delicacy across Europe but especially in France where frog’s legs are often served as a national dish. The reason for humans favouring this frog over others is not really known but it may have something to do with their abundance. The Edible Frog is a medium sized frog growing to around 3.5 to 4.5 inches in length. Adults are mainly green in colour with light patches of brown on their backs, yellow eyes and a white underside covered in a few dark spots. There are number of distinct differences between males and females including the fact that males become much lighter and greener during the mating season. Males also have vocal sacs on the outside of their cheeks and extra skin patches on their feet, both of which are primarily used for mating. The Edible Frog is endemic to Europe and it naturally occurs across central Europe as far north as Germany and Estonia. Southern populations are found from Croatia, through northern Italy and into the south of France. There are also isolated populations in Sweden and Bulgaria which are thought to have migrated from the countries nearby. It has also been introduced to the UK. The Edible Frog spends all of its time either in or very close to water and it is most commonly found in calmer parts of rivers and streams where there is a slow but constant flow of fresh water. It tends to prefer more open areas and can also be commonly found around lakes, ponds and marshes. Unlike many other species of frog, the Edible Frog is a diurnal animal and is therefore most active during the day. This is when it is most likely to move away from the water so that it can find a better supply of food or move to a different part of the water if it needs to. The Edible Frog is a relatively solitary animal so there is less competition for food but males are often seen sitting together in groups during the breeding season when they are trying to out-compete each other to find a mate. The breeding season for the Edible Frog begins during March and generally lasts for around 2 months. Males sing by drawing air in and out of their vocal sacs to produce the highest-pitched sound possible since females are most attracted to the loudest males. After courting her in a lake, pond or swamp, the male lets the female lay up to 10,000 eggs in a sticky mass into the water before he fertilises them. Tadpoles can be as small as 0.2 inches long when they hatch and are a grey/brown colour. They then grow up to 2 to 3 inches in length before metamorphoses occurs and they leave the water as 0.75 inches long young frogs. The Edible Frog reaches sexual maturity at the age of 2 years and can live until it is 15 years old. The Edible Frog is a carnivorous amphibian but the tadpoles mainly eat vegetation although they are known to occasionally supplement their diet with aquatic micro-organisms. Adults eat small invertebrates such as insects, spiders and flies, which make up the majority of their diet, along with larger aquatic animals like fish, newts and other frogs. The Edible Frog hunts for food during the day and can be seen catching food both in water and on land. The Edible Frog remains very still when it is sitting on the banks of its water habitat and this, along with its camouflage, makes it very difficult for predators to spot. Its eyes are positioned near the top of the head meaning that it can also see danger coming whilst the body is mainly hidden. Snakes, owls and water birds are the main predators of the Edible Frog. The Edible Frog will jump into the water and hide if it senses approaching danger and it will make a loud screeching sound if caught. Edible Frog populations are under threat from habitat destruction mainly caused by deforestation and water pollution. Date: 30th July 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo445710.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20382812084681c780a3057.jpgSuilven, Assynt, Highland Height: 2389 feet. Suilven is one of the most instantly recognisable mountains in the Scottish Highlands and is an iconic symbol of the Assynt region. Its name is said to come from the Norse "Pillar Mountain" which shows, not surprisingly, that the Vikings saw its seaward profile first. Suilven has an appearance which changes dramatically depending on which direction it is viewed from and its impressive profile viewed from Elphin or Lochinver dominates any view of Assynt despite it being lower than its neighbours. Date: June 1996 Location: view from the "wee mad road" south of Lochinver http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874898.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_226754529561cd24505da4.jpgGolden Plover The Golden Plover is a medium sized plover with a distinctive gold and black summer plumage. In winter the black is replaced by buff and white. It typically stands upright and runs in short bursts. The Golden Plover breeds on the ground in a dry open area on moorland, mountains and fells, tundra and marshland in northern Europe and western Asia. It is migratory and winters in western and southern Europe and in north Africa. Date: 6th June 2015 Location: gravel road to Snæfellsjökull, Snæfellsnes peninsula, west Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40713546.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5350250955e16f729ae511.jpgGoosander The Goosander (or Common Merganser in north America) is a large “sawbill” duck, so called because of its long, serrated bill which is used for catching fish. The Goosander is 23 to 28 inches long with a 31 to 38 inches wingspan and the male is generally slightly larger than the female. The adult male in breeding plumage has a white body with a variable salmon-pink tinge, a black head with an iridescent green gloss, a grey rump and tail and wings which are largely white on the inner half and black on the outer half. Females, and males in "eclipse" non-breeding plumage, are largely grey with a reddish-brown head, white chin and white secondary feathers on the wing. Juveniles are similar to adult females but also show a short black-edged white stripe between the eye and the bill. The bill and legs are red to brownish-red which are brightest on adult males and dullest on juveniles. The Goosander can be found on rivers and lakes in forested areas of Europe, north and central Asia and north America. It is a partial migrant and moves away from areas where rivers and major lakes freeze in the winter but it is a resident where waters remain open. Within Europe, a marked southward spread has occurred from Scandinavia in the breeding range since about 1850, colonising Scotland in 1871 and England in 1941. Since 1970 it has spread across northern England and in to Wales and south west England. In the UK, it can be found all year round in the breeding range but only in winter on lakes, gravel pits and reservoirs across England south of the Humber. Nesting normally occurs in a tree cavity so the Goosander requires mature forest as its breeding habitat. It will also readily use large nest boxes where provided. In places where trees are absent, it will use holes in cliffs and steep, high banks, sometimes at considerable distances from water. The female lays 6 to 17 eggs, but normally 8 to 12, and raises a single brood in a season. The ducklings are taken by the female in her bill to rivers or lakes immediately after hatching where they feed on freshwater invertebrates and small fish fry, fledging when 60 to 70 days old. The Goosander primarily feeds on fish with the serrated edge to its bill helping it to grip its prey. In addition to fish, it will take a wide range of other aquatic prey such as molluscs, crustaceans, worms, insect larvae and amphibians and, more rarely, small mammals and birds. The salmon-pink tinge shown variably by males is probably diet-related and obtained from the carotenoid pigments present in some crustaceans and fish. When feeding, the Goosander will float down a stream or river for a few miles and either fly back again or more commonly fish their way back, diving incessantly the whole way. It will often fish in a group, forming a semicircle and driving the fish into shallow water where they are captured easily. When floating leisurely, it will position itself in the water similar to ducks but it will also swim deep in the water like a Cormorant. When not diving for food, it is usually seen swimming on the water surface, resting on rocks in midstream or hidden among riverbank vegetation or (in winter) resting on the edge of floating ice. Date: 23rd December 2019 Location: Abberton Reservoir, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21895444.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_45948291753d11adf90442.jpgThe Storr, Skye The Storr is a rocky hill on the Trotternish peninsula of Skye. The hill presents a steep rocky eastern face overlooking the Sound of Raasay, contrasting with gentler grassy slopes to the west. The Storr is a prime example of the Trotternish landslip, the longest such feature in the UK. The area in front of the cliffs of the Storr is known as the Sanctuary. This has a number of weirdly shaped rock pinnacles, the remnants of ancient landslips. Date: 21st June 2014 Location: view from the A855 north of Portree http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46511801.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_201147895662c993b83d4cf.jpgDipper The White-throated Dipper, also known as the European Dipper or simply as the Dipper, is an aquatic passerine bird. It is divided into several sub-species based primarily on colour differences, particularly of the pectoral band. These include the Black-bellied Dipper found in Scandinavia, west France, north west Spain, Corsica and Sardinia and an infrequent migrant to the UK and the “British” Dipper found in England, Wales and Scotland excluding the west and north west and the islands. The Dipper is about 7.1 inches long, rotund and short tailed. The head of the adult is brown, the back slate-grey mottled with black (looking black from a distance) and the wings and tail are brown. The throat and upper breast are white followed by a band of warm chestnut (“British” Dipper) or black (Black-bellied Dipper ) which merges into black on the belly and flanks. The young are greyish brown and have no chestnut band. The Dipper can be found in Europe, the Middle East, central Asia and the Indian Subcontinent and it is closely associated with swiftly running rivers and streams or the lakes in to which these fall. It often perches and bobs spasmodically with its short tail uplifted on the rocks around which the water swirls and tumbles. It acquired its name from these sudden dips and not from its diving habit, although it dives as well as walks into the water. It flies rapidly and straight with its short wings whirring swiftly and without pauses or glides and will then either drop on the water and dive or plunge in with a small splash. In addition, it will walk into the water and deliberately submerge from a perch. In this way the Dipper finds its food which includes aquatic invertebrates, aquatic insect larvae, beetles, freshwater molluscs, fish and small amphibians. It will also walk and run on the banks and rocks seeking terrestrial invertebrates. The winter habits of the Dipper vary considerably and apparently individually. When the swift hill rivers and streams are frozen it is forced to descend to the lowlands and even visit the coasts but some will remain if there is any open water. The Dipper breeds close to water and the nest is large, globular or oval (similar to a large Wren's nest) built into a crack or hollow in the rock or in the masonry or on the supports of a bridge. It is composed of moss, dead grass and leaves. This ball, however, is just a shelter. Usually hidden beneath a lip is the entrance to the real nest inside which is a cup of grass or sedge lined with leaves of oak, beech or other trees. Eggs are laid (3 to 6) are laid between March and May and 1 or 2 broods are raised. Date: 9th May 2022 Location: RWT Gilfach, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41225594.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20663165085eda02ea72f9a.jpgBlackcap The Eurasian Blackcap, usually known simply as the Blackcap, is a typical warbler in the Sylvia genus. It is a mainly grey warbler with distinct male and female plumages. It is about 5.1 inches long with a 2.8 to 3.1 inches wing span. The adult male has olive-grey upperparts, other than a paler grey nape, and a neat black cap on the head. The underparts are light grey, becoming silvery white on the chin, throat and upper breast. The tail is dark grey with an olive tint to the outer edge of each feather. The bill and long legs are grey and the iris is reddish brown. The female resembles the male but has a reddish-brown cap and a slightly browner tone to the grey of the upperparts. Juveniles are similar to the female but their upperparts have a slight rufous tinge and the breast and flanks have a more olive tone. Young males have a darker brown cap than their female counterparts. The Blackcap is unmistakable and other dark-headed Sylvia species, such as the Sardinian Warbler and the Orphean Warbler, have extensive black on the head instead of a small cap and they are also larger and have white edges on the tail. The male Blackcap's song is a rich musical warbling, often ending in a loud high-pitched crescendo, which is given in bursts of up to 30 seconds. The song is repeated for about 2 minutes with a short pause before each repetition. The main song can be confused with that of the Garden Warbler but it is slightly higher pitched than in that species, more broken into discrete song segments and less mellow. Both species have a quiet sub-song, a muted version of the full song, which is even harder to separate. The Blackcap also occasionally mimics the song of other birds, the most frequently copied including the Garden Warbler and the Nightingale. The Blackcap’s breeding range includes much of Europe, west Asia and north west Africa and its preferred habitat is mature deciduous woodland. Birds on the Mediterranean and Atlantic islands and in the milder west and south of the main Eurasian distribution often winter within the breeding range but populations elsewhere are migratory. The Blackcap is a “leap-frog migrant” meaning that birds from the north of the breeding range travel furthest south whereas Mediterranean breeders move much shorter distances. The wintering areas overlap with the breeding range but also include extensive areas in west Africa, east Africa south to Lake Malawi and further north in Ethiopia, South Sudan and Eritrea. There is a migratory divide in Europe at longitude 10 to 11°E. Birds to the west of this line migrate south west towards Iberia or west Africa whereas populations to the east migrate to the east Mediterranean and on to east Africa. Climate change appears to be affecting the migration pattern of the Blackcap. It is arriving in Europe earlier than previously and departing nearly 2 weeks later than in the 1980s. In recent decades, some central European birds have taken to wintering in gardens in the UK and, to a lesser extent, in Ireland, where the Blackcap was formerly just a summer visitor. Although the UK climate is sub-optimal, compensatory factors include the ready availability of food (particularly from bird tables), a shorter migration distance and the avoidance of the Alps and the Sahara Desert. The Blackcap's main breeding habitat is mature deciduous woodland with good scrub cover below the trees. Other habitats, such as parks, large gardens and overgrown hedges, are used as long as they meet the essential requirements of tall trees for song posts and an established under-story. Where other Sylvia warblers also breed, the Blackcap tends to use taller trees than its relatives, preferably those with a good canopy such as pedunculate oak. The preferred winter habitat around the Mediterranean is scrub and olive orchards. In Africa, habitats include cultivated land, acacia scrub, mangroves and forest. When the male Blackcap returns to its breeding range, it establishes a territory. Adults that have previously bred return to the site they have used in previous summers whereas inexperienced birds either wander until they find a suitable area or establish a very large initial territory which contracts under pressure from neighbours. Territorial boundaries are established initially by loud singing which is performed while the male displays with its crown raised, tail fanned and slow wingbeats. Sylvia warblers are unusual in that they vigorously defend their territories against other members of their genus. Blackcaps and Garden Warblers use almost identical habitats yet aggressive interactions mean that their territories rarely overlap. The Blackcap first breeds at 1 year old. It is mainly monogamous although both sexes may sometimes deviate from this. A male attracts a female to his territory through song and a display involving raising the black crown feathers, fluffing the tail, slow wingbeats and a short flapping flight. He also builds one or more simple nests (cock nests) usually near his song post. The final nest, which may be one of the cock nests or built from scratch, is a neat cup of roots, stems and grasses lined with fine material such as hair. The nest is built in the cover of bramble, scrub or trees and it is constructed mainly by the female and may be up to 15 feet above the ground although lower than 3 feet is more typical. The clutch is 2 to 7 eggs (typically 4 to 6) which are incubated by both adults for 10 to 16 days (average 11 days). The chicks are fed by both parents and fledge about 11 to 12 days after hatching, leaving the nest shortly before they are able to fly. They are assisted with feeding for a further 2 or 3 weeks. The Blackcap normally raises just 1 brood but second broods are sometimes recorded, particularly in the milder climate of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic islands. The Blackcap feeds mainly on insects during the breeding season and then switches to fruit in late summer, the change being triggered by an internal biological rhythm. When migrants arrive on their breeding territories they initially take berries, pollen and nectar if there are insufficient insects available but then soon switch to their preferred diet. The Blackcap mainly picks prey off foliage and twigs but it may occasionally hover, flycatch or feed on the ground. It eats a wide range of invertebrate prey, although aphids are particularly important early in the season, and flies, beetles and caterpillars are also taken in large numbers. In July, the diet switches increasingly to a wide range of small fruit. The protein needed for egg-laying and for the chicks to grow is replaced by fruit sugar which helps the birds to fatten for migration. Aphids are still taken while they are available since they often contain sugars from the plant sap on which they feed. The Blackcap has a very large range and a very large population. It is therefore classified by the IUCN as being of “Least Concern”. The Blackcap and other small birds are illegally trapped and hunted in large numbers in Mediterranean countries, particularly in Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, Malta, Libya, Egypt and Cyprus, where they are considered as a delicacy. Despite hunting and natural hazards, the European population of the Blackcap has been increasing for several decades as the range extends northwards. There are occasional nesting records from outside the main range such as in north Israel and the Faroe Islands and wandering birds may appear further afield in Iceland or on the islands of Arctic Russia. In the Baltic region, the spread of the Blackcap appears to have been helped by the availability of territories formerly occupied by the declining Barred Warbler. Date: 29th May 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/black-kite https://images.on-this.website/4752_14699475724ff544f19c3e2.jpgBlack Kite The Black Kite is a medium-sized bird of prey which can be distinguished from the Red Kite by its slightly smaller size, less forked tail and generally dark plumage without any rufous colouring. The upper plumage is brown but the head and neck tend to be paler and the patch behind the eye appears darker. The outer flight feathers are black and the feathers have dark cross bars and are mottled at the base. The lower parts of the body are pale brown, becoming lighter towards the chin. They have a distinctive shrill whistle followed by a rapid whinnying call. Black Kites are opportunistic hunters and are more likely to scavenge. They spend a lot of time soaring and gliding in thermals in search of food. The Black Kite is widely distributed through the temperate and tropical parts of Eurasia and parts of Australasia and Oceania with the temperate region populations tending to be migratory. The European populations are small but the south Asian population is very large. Date: 26th April 2012 Location: La Serena, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15747118.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1316441145017a6c788ddf.jpgMarsh Frog The Marsh Frog is the largest European frog. It is very similar in appearance to the closely related Edible Frog and Pool Frog. These 3 species are often referred to as "green frogs" to distinguish them from the more terrestrial European species which are known as "brown frogs" (best exemplified by the Common Frog). Marsh Frogs show a large variation in colour and pattern, ranging from dark green to brown or grey. The Western European populations are generally dark green to black with dark spots on the back and sides and 3 clear green lines on the back. Females can reach a maximum length of around 6.5 inches but males are smaller at around 4.5 inches. The head is proportionally large and the hind legs are long which gives them excellent jumping abilities. The Marsh Frog is usually gregarious and diurnal and more tied to aquatic habitats than the Common Frog. It is tolerant of brackish conditions and typically it is found on or in the water of its favoured drainage channels and pools throughout the year. Marsh Frogs frequently sunbathe on the bank of the water body where they are often inconspicuous until disturbed when they will jump in to the water with a characteristic “plop”. They can often be seen on lily pads or floating at the surface amongst vegetation with only their heads exposed. During the breeding season (and sometimes beyond) the male Marsh Frog calls very loudly with a sound reminiscent of a loud chuckle which is often very raucous and can be heard all day and night. Dominant males establish territories from which they call. After mating a female may produce up to 16,000 eggs in a season, laying them in clumps of a few hundred in aquatic vegetation below the surface. They hatch in about a week, tadpoles being rather solitary and living in deep water with vegetation. Newly metamorphosed frogs are up to 1 inch in length and take 2 years to mature. The diet of the Marsh Frog consists of dragonflies and other insects, spiders, earthworms and slugs. Larger frogs also eat small rodents and sometimes smaller amphibians and fish. The Marsh Frog is not a native species of the UK. It was first introduced to Walland Marsh, Kent in 1935 and is now found in several areas of Kent and East Sussex. Other introductions exist, including colonies in London. Date: 23rd July 2012 Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457650.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_123159665266857762576be.jpgRazorbill The Razorbill is a seabird and a member of the auk family which also includes the Common Guillemot, Brunnich's Guillemot and Little Auk. It is also the closest living relative to the Great Auk which is now extinct. The Razorbill has white underparts and a black head, neck, back and feet during the breeding season. A thin white line also extends from the eyes to the end of the bill. Its head is darker than that of the CommonGuillemot. Outside the breeding season, the throat and face behind the eye become white and the white line on the face becomes less prominent. The thick black bill has a blunt end. The adult male and female female are very much alike having only small differences such as wing length. The Razorbill has a horizontal stance and the tail feathers are slightly longer in the centre in comparison to other auks making it have a distinctly long tail which is not common for an auk. The Razorbill is distributed across the sub-arctic and boreal waters of the north Atlantic where water surface temperature are typically below 15°c. The world population is estimated to be less than 1 million breeding pairs, making it among the rarest auks in the world. Approximately 60 to 70% of the entire Razorbill population breeds in Iceland., including over 200,000 pairs at Látrabjarg. The breeding habitat is islands, rocky shores and cliffs on north Atlantic coasts, in eastern North America as far south as Maine and in western Europe from north west Russia to northern France. Eurasian birds winter at sea with some moving south as far as the western Mediterranean. North American birds migrate offshore and south. The Razorbill is a colonial breeder and only comes to land to breed. Individuals only breed at 3 to 5 years of age. Females select their mate and will often encourage competition between males before choosing a partner. Once a male is chosen, the pair will usually stay together for life. Nest site determination is very important to ensure protection of young from predators. Unlike Common Guillemots, nest sites are not immediately alongside the sea on open cliff ledges but at least 4 to 6 inches away in crevices on cliffs or among boulders. Generally a nest is not built although some pairs often use their bills to drag material upon which to lay their single egg. The mating pair will often reuse the same site every year. The Razorbill feeds mainly on schooling fish and crustaceans and it will dive deep into the sea using its wings and its streamlined body to propel itself toward their prey. Whilst diving, it rarely stays in groups but instead spreads out to feed. The majority of feeding occurs at a depth of about 80 feet but it has the ability to dive up to 400 feet below the surface. During a single dive the Razorbill can capture and swallow many schooling fish depending on their size. The Razorbill spends approximately 45% of its time foraging at sea and it may well fly more than 60 miles out to sea to feed. However, when feeding chicks it will forage much closer to the nesting grounds and often in shallower water. The Razorbill and its eggs and chicks have several predators which include Great Black-backed Gulls, Peregrines, Ravens and other crows, Arctic Foxes and Polar Bears. In the early 20th century, Razorbills were harvested for their eggs, meat and feathers and this greatly decreased their population. In 1917 they were finally protected which reduced hunting. Other current threats include oil pollution, unintentional bycatch arising from commercial fishing and overfishing which decreases the abundance of prey. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40755818.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16582388885e2044736dff7.jpgCormorants The (Great) Cormorant is a widespread member of the cormorant and shag family Phalacrocoracidae. There is a wide variation in size in the species' wide range and males are typically larger and heavier than females. It has a predominantly black plumage but the adult has white patches on the thighs and throat and a yellow throat during the breeding season. In Europe it can be distinguished from the Shag by its larger size, heavier build, thicker bill, lack of a crest and plumage without any green tinge. The (Great) Cormorant is a very common and widespread bird and it breeds in much of the Old World and the Atlantic coast of north America. It feeds on the sea, in estuaries and on freshwater lakes and rivers. Northern birds migrate south and winter along any coast that is well-supplied with fish. The (Great) Cormorant is found around the UK coastline on rocky shores, coastal lagoons and estuaries and it is increasingly seen inland at reservoirs, lakes and gravel pits. The UK holds internationally important wintering numbers. The (Great) Cormorant mainly nests in colonies near wetlands, rivers and sheltered inshore waters. Pairs will use the same nest site to breed year after year. It builds its nest, which is made mainly from sticks, in trees, on the ledges of cliffs and on the ground on rocky islands that are free of predators. The female lays 3 to 5 eggs which are incubated for a period of about 28 to 31 days. The (Great) Cormorant feeds on fish caught through diving and it will consume all fish of appropriate size that they are able to catch. Many fishermen see the (Great) Cormorant a competitor for fish. Because of this, it was nearly hunted to extinction in the past. Due to conservation efforts, its numbers increased although this has once again brought it in to conflict with fisheries. In the UK, where inland breeding was once uncommon, there are now increasing numbers of birds and many inland fish farms and fisheries now claim to be suffering high losses. In the UK each year, some licences are issued to cull specified numbers in order to help reduce predation although it is still illegal to kill a bird without such a licence. Date: 10th December 2019 Location: Balgzandpolder near Den Helder, Noord-Holland, Netherlands http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084860.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12416070135d30886a5b116.jpgBicaz Gorge, Neamţ and Harghita Counties, Romania The Bicaz Gorge, known locally as Cheile Bicazului, is a gorge located in north east Romania in the Eastern Carpathians group of the Carpathian Mountains. It is the deepest gorge in the country and connects the historical regions of Moldova and Transylvania. It was created by the River Bicaz and it is one of the most breathtaking natural attractions in Romania. The Bicaz Gorge is included within the Cheile Bicazului-Hășmaș National Park. The DN12C road runs through the Bicaz Gorge and is one of the most scenic drives in Romania. The gorge twists and turns steeply uphill for 5 miles with hairpin bends and deep drops and cuts through sheer 985 feet high limestone cliffs. At one point, the narrow mountain road runs uncomfortably beneath the overhanging rocks in a section known as Gâtul Iadului (“the neck of hell”). Beyond the cliffs there are spruce and beech forests and upland grazing pastures. Date: 5th June 2018 Location: Bicaz Gorge, Neamţ and Harghita Counties, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453903.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18980839884ff544f5b0db0.jpgHoopoe The Hoopoe is a colourful and exotic looking bird about the size of a Mistle Thrush with a pinkish-brown body, striking black and white wings, a long black down-curved bill and a long pinkish-brown crest which it raises when excited. It has broad and rounded wings and a characteristic undulating flight which is like that of a giant butterfly and is caused by the wings half closing at the end of each beat or short sequence of beats. The Hoopoe’s call is typically a trisyllabic and onomatopoetic"oop-oop-oop" which gives rise to its English and scientific names although two and four syllables are also common. The Hoopoe is widespread in Europe, Asia, and North Africa, sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar. Most European and north Asian birds migrate to the tropics in winter whilst the African populations are sedentary all year round. Hoopoes have been known to breed north of their European range, including southern England during warm and dry summers that provide plenty of grasshoppers and similar insects. The Hoopoe has two basic requirements in its habitat: bare or lightly vegetated ground on which to forage and vertical surfaces with cavities (such as trees, cliffs or even walls, nestboxes, haystacks and abandoned burrows) in which to nest. These requirements can be provided in a wide range of ecosystems and as a consequence they inhabit a wide range of habitats from heathland, wooded steppes, savannas and grasslands as well as glades inside forests. The modification of natural habitats by humans for various agricultural purposes has led to them becoming common in olive groves, orchards, vineyards, parkland and farmland, although they are less common and declining in intensively farmed areas. Date: 26th April 2012 Location: Campo Lugar, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29487604.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_256949556581081681f43e.jpgViikki-Vanhankaupunginlahti Nature Reserve, Helsinki, Finland Viikki-Vanhankaupunginlahti Nature Reserve is the most important nature reserve in Helsinki and among the most valuable conservation areas on the coastal Gulf of Finland. It is included on the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance and lies around Vanhankaupunginlahti Bay, a reed-fringed sea inlet. It consists of the mouth of the Vantaa river with its accompanying floodplain forests, alder marshes and coastal meadows and can be accessed and viewed by a network of trails and birdwatching towers. Date: 30th May 2016 Location: Viikki-Vanhankaupunginlahti Nature Reserve, Helsinki, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28883733.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_157399936057cc0df1694f0.jpgTaevaskoja, Estonia Taevaskoja is part of the Ahja River Landscape Reserve situated about 20 miles south east of Tartu and is an area of old pine and deciduous forest, fast flowing river, rapids and craggy outcrops. Date: 18th May 2016 Location: Taevaskoja, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9563024.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3230867824dae952b40292.jpgSnow Bunting Snow Buntings are large buntings with striking “snowy” plumages. Males in summer have all white heads and underparts contrasting with a black mantle and wing tips. Females are a more mottled above. In autumn and winter birds develop a sandy/buff wash to their plumage and males have more mottled upperparts. Snow Buntings breed in far northern Europe and migrate south in winter. They are a very scarce breeding species in the UK and can be found on the highest mountain peaks in Scotland where they nest in rocky crevices. Snow Buntings are best looked for in winter (from late September to early March) where they can sometimes be seen in large flocks on the seashore or on adjacent short rough grassland at coastal sites in Scotland and eastern England. Date: 26th March 2008 Location: Cairngorm, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41225595.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7875434975eda02ef814ff.jpgCarrion Crow The Carrion Crow is a passerine bird in the crow family [i]Corvidae[/i]. The Hooded Crow was formerly regarded as a sub-species but it has now been split off as a separate species The plumage of the Carrion Crow is black with a green or purple sheen. The bill, legs and feet are also black. It can be distinguished from the Raven by its smaller size (19 to 20 inches in length as compared to an average of 25 inches for the Raven) and from the Hooded Crow by its all black plumage. There is frequent confusion between the Carrion Crow and the Rook, another black corvid species found within its range. The beak of the Carrion Crow is stouter and in consequence it looks shorter and whereas in the adult Rook the nostrils are bare, those of the Carrion Crow are covered at all ages with bristle-like feathers. As well as this, the wings of a Carrion Crow are proportionally shorter and broader than those of the Rook when seen in flight. Unlike the Rook which is generally gregarious, the Carrion Crow is usually solitary or seen in breeding pairs. The Carrion Crow is a noisy bird, perching on a vantage point such as a building or the top of a tree and calling 3 or 4 times in quick succession with a slight pause between each series of calls. During each series of calls, the bird may perform an accompanying gesture, bowing its head and neck downwards with each call. The Carrion Crow can become tame near humans and can often be found in or around areas of human activity or habitation where they compete with other social birds such as gulls and ducks for food. The Carrion Crow breeds in west and central Europe with an allied form or race occurring in east Asia with the closely allied Hooded Crow filling the gap between. Fertile hybrids occur along the boundary between these 2 forms indicating their close genetic relationship. Across its range, it can be seen all year round in a wide range of habitats such as urban areas, farmland, woodlands, mountains, moorlands and seashores. The Carrion Crow reaches sexual maturity around the age of 3 years for females and 5 years for males and birds often mate for life. The Carrion Crow builds a bulky stick nest which is usually placed in a tall tree although cliff ledges, old buildings and pylons may be used as well. Nests are also occasionally placed on or near the ground. The nest resembles that of the Raven but is less bulky. The female lays 3 to 4 eggs which are incubated for 18 to 20 days by the female alone who is fed by the male. The young fledge after 29 to 30 days. It is not uncommon for offspring from the previous year to stay around and help rear the new hatchlings. Instead of seeking out a mate, these birds look for food and assist the parents in feeding the young. Although an eater of carrion of all kinds, the Carrion Crow will eat insects, earthworms, grain, fruits, seeds, small mammals, amphibians and scraps and it will also steal eggs of other birds. It is a scavenger by nature which is why it tends to frequent sites inhabited by humans in order to feed on household waste. The Carrion Crow will also harass birds of prey or even Foxes for their kills. The Carrion Crow has few natural predators although powerful raptors such as the Northern Goshawk, the Peregrine, the Eurasian Eagle Owl and the Golden Eagle will readily hunt them and they can become an important prey item locally. Date: 29th May 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533180.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_174172822062ca7afe288f4.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 13th June 2022 Location: NWT Weeting Heath, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51982679.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_58647055166d33d176dcd4.jpgAzure Damselfly Flight period: May to August The Azure Damselfly is one of the two commonest blue damselflies and is a common and widespread species of lowland UK. They can be found around most standing water, preferring small, sheltered sites including ditches and garden ponds. Date: 19th July 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28886373.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7442472357cc3aa286ffe.jpgMatsalu National Park, Estonia Matsalu National Park is the most famous coastal wetland in Estonia. It was established in 1957 mainly to protect nesting, moulting and migratory birds and in 1976 it was included in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance. Matsalu National Park covers a total area of 188 square miles and comprises Matsalu Bay, the Kasari river delta and surrounding areas. 87 square miles of the protected area is terrestrial and 101 square miles is aquatic. The varied habitats include open sea, grassy and rocky islets, sandy and stony shores, saltmarsh, reedbeds, flooded meadows, pastures, arable land, mixed woodland and birch copses. Matsalu Bay is shallow, brackish and rich in nutrients. It is 11.2 miles long and 3.7 miles wide but has an average depth of only 5 feet and a maximum depth of 11 feet. Shoreline length of the bay is about 102.5 miles. The bay's shoreline lacks high banks and is populated mostly with shingle shores with reedbeds in the innermost sheltered parts. Nearly 300 species of birds have been recorded, around 175 species have nested and around 35 are migratory wildfowl. Matsalu Bay is one of the most important wetland bird areas in Europe due to its prime position on the East Atlantic Flyway. Huge numbers of migratory ducks, geese and waders use Matsalu Bay as a staging area in spring and autumn. The Kasari river is the biggest of several rivers that run into Matsalu Bay and the alluvial meadow of the delta (15 square miles) is one of the biggest open wet meadows in Europe. Date: 11th May 2016 Location: Kasari river, Matsalu National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/adders https://images.on-this.website/4752_99991322960a92e53196ef.jpgAdders Adders are widespread throughout mainland UK but they are absent from Ireland. They occur throughout Europe, with the exception of the Mediterranean islands, and across Russia and Asia through to northern China. They are the UK's only venomous reptile. Adders are relatively short and robust snakes with large heads and a rounded snout. Males are usually a grey or buff colour with vivid black markings although they can also vary from silver to yellow or green in colour. Females are brown with dark red-brown markings that are less prominent than in the males. Both sexes have a zigzag pattern running along the back with a / or X-shaped marking at the rear of the head. Adders can be found in a variety of habitats, including open woodland, hedgerows, moorland, sand dunes, riverbanks, bogs, heathland and mountains. They are active during the day and spend time basking until their body temperature is high enough to hunt for food. Adders use venom to immobilise prey such as lizards, amphibians, nestlings and small mammals. After striking their prey, they will leave the venom to take effect before following the victim’s scent to find the body. Mating takes place between April and May with males often fighting for females. Females have a 3 to 4 month gestation period and Adders are one of the few snakes that are viviparous (give birth to live young). In late August females give birth to between 5 and 20 live young and the young remain close to their mother for a few days before going off in search of food. Adders hibernate from September to March often using deserted rabbit or rodent burrows or settling under logs. They sometimes hibernate communally. Males emerge 2 to 5 weeks before the females and shed their skin before setting off in search of females. Adders are not aggressive snakes and they will only attack if harassed or threatened. Although an Adder’s venom poses little danger to a healthy adult, the bite is very painful and requires urgent medical attention. Date: 17th April 2021 Location: Benfleet and Hadleigh Downs, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41187467.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15705245195ea6db5c3ec6e.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 19th April 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081414.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_115148997863a82a943ff2e.jpgBewick's Swan The Tundra Swan is a small Holarctic swan. The 2 taxa within it are usually regarded as conspecific but are also sometimes split into 2 species: the Bewick's Swan of the Palaearctic and the Whistling Swan of the Nearctic. The Bewick's Swan was named in 1830 by William Yarrell after the engraver Thomas Bewick who specialised in illustrations of birds and animals. The Bewick's Swan measures 45 to 55 inches in length with a wing span of 18.5 to 21.5 inches. Males are slightly larger and heavier than females. It is similar in appearance to the Whooper Swan but is smaller, shorter-necked and has a more rounded head shape. It has a variable bill pattern but always shows more black than yellow and having a blunt forward edge of the yellow base patch. The Whooper Swan has a bill that has more yellow than black and the forward edge of the yellow patch is usually pointed. The bill pattern for every individual Bewick's Swan is unique and scientists often make detailed drawings of each bill and assign names to the swans to assist with studying these birds. As their common name implies, the Tundra Swan breeds in the Arctic and sub-Arctic tundra where they inhabit shallow pools, lakes and rivers. Unlike the Mute Swan, but like the other Arctic swans, it is a migratory bird. The winter habitat is mainly grassland and marshland, often near the coast. The breeding range of the Bewick’s Swan extends across the coastal lowlands of Siberia from the Kola Peninsula east to the Pacific. It starts to arrive in its breeding range around mid-May and leaves for its winter range around the end of September. The populations west of the Taimyr Peninsula migrate via the White Sea, Baltic Sea and the Elbe estuary to winter in Denmark, the Netherlands and the UK where it is common in winter on a few RSPB and WWT reserves. Some birds also winter elsewhere on the southern shores of the North Sea. The Bewick’s Swans that breed in eastern Russia migrate via Mongolia and north China to winter in the coastal regions of Korea, Japan and south China, south to Guangdong and occasionally as far as Taiwan. A few birds from the central Siberian range also winter in Iran at the south of the Caspian Sea. Arrival in the winter range starts about mid-October although most birds spend weeks or even months at favourite resting locations and will only arrive in the winter range in November or even as late as January. Departure from the winter range starts in mid-February. Bewick’s Swans mate in the late spring, usually after they have returned to the breeding range. As is usual for swans, they pair monogamously until one partner dies. Should one partner die long before the other, the surviving bird often will not mate again for several years or even for the rest of its life. The nesting season starts at the end of May. The pair build the large mound-shaped nest from plant material at an elevated site near open water and they defend a large territory around it. The pen (female) lays and incubates a clutch of 2 to 7 (usually 3 to 5) eggs whilst the cob (male) keeps a steady lookout for potential predators heading towards his mate and offspring. The time from egg laying to hatching is 29 to 30 days. Since they nest in cold regions, Bewick’s Swan cygnets grow faster than those of swans breeding in warmer climates and they may fledge in 40 to 45 days. Cygnets stay with their parents for the first winter migration and the family is sometimes even joined by their offspring from previous breeding seasons while on the wintering grounds. Bewick’s Swans do not reach sexual maturity until 3 or 4 years of age. In summer, the diet of the Bewick’s Swan consists mainly of aquatic vegetation which it finds by sticking its head underwater or upending while swimming. It will also eat some grass growing on dry land. At other times of the year, leftover grains and other crops such as potatoes, picked up in open fields after harvest, make up much of the diet. Healthy adult Bewick’s Swans have few natural predators. The Arctic Fox may threaten breeding females and particular the eggs and hatchlings. Adults typically can stand their ground and displace foxes but occasionally the foxes are successful. Other potential nest predators include the Red Fox, the Brown Bear, the Golden Eagle, the Arctic Skua and the Glaucous Gull. The Brown Bear, the Golden Eagle and the Wolf may occasionally succeed at capturing and killing an adult. About 15% adults die each year from various causes and the average lifespan in the wild is about 10 years. The status of the Bewick's Swan is not well known although its population is in decline in north west Europe for largely unexplained reasons. It is increasingly dependent on agricultural crops to supplement its winter diet as aquatic vegetation in its winter habitat declines due to habitat destruction and water pollution. However, the main cause of adult mortality is hunting and, whilst the Bewick's Swan can not be hunted legally, almost half the birds studied contain lead shot in their bodies, indicating that they were shot at by poachers. Lead poisoning by ingestion of lead shot is also a very significant cause of mortality. The Bewick's Swan is one of the birds to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 9th January 2022 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46534904.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17276587262ca9ba8b9ec9.jpgRazorbill The Razorbill is a seabird and a member of the auk family which also includes the Common Guillemot, Brunnich's Guillemot and Little Auk. It is also the closest living relative to the Great Auk which is now extinct. The Razorbill has white underparts and a black head, neck, back and feet during the breeding season. A thin white line also extends from the eyes to the end of the bill. Its head is darker than that of the CommonGuillemot. Outside the breeding season, the throat and face behind the eye become white and the white line on the face becomes less prominent. The thick black bill has a blunt end. The adult male and female female are very much alike having only small differences such as wing length. The Razorbill has a horizontal stance and the tail feathers are slightly longer in the centre in comparison to other auks making it have a distinctly long tail which is not common for an auk. The Razorbill is distributed across the sub-arctic and boreal waters of the north Atlantic where water surface temperature are typically below 15°c. The world population is estimated to be less than 1 million breeding pairs, making it among the rarest auks in the world. Approximately 60 to 70% of the entire Razorbill population breeds in Iceland., including over 200,000 pairs at Látrabjarg. The breeding habitat is islands, rocky shores and cliffs on north Atlantic coasts, in eastern North America as far south as Maine and in western Europe from north west Russia to northern France. Eurasian birds winter at sea with some moving south as far as the western Mediterranean. North American birds migrate offshore and south. The Razorbill is a colonial breeder and only comes to land to breed. Individuals only breed at 3 to 5 years of age. Females select their mate and will often encourage competition between males before choosing a partner. Once a male is chosen, the pair will usually stay together for life. Nest site determination is very important to ensure protection of young from predators. Unlike Common Guillemots, nest sites are not immediately alongside the sea on open cliff ledges but at least 4 to 6 inches away in crevices on cliffs or among boulders. Generally a nest is not built although some pairs often use their bills to drag material upon which to lay their single egg. The mating pair will often reuse the same site every year. The Razorbill feeds mainly on schooling fish and crustaceans and it will dive deep into the sea using its wings and its streamlined body to propel itself toward their prey. Whilst diving, it rarely stays in groups but instead spreads out to feed. The majority of feeding occurs at a depth of about 80 feet but it has the ability to dive up to 400 feet below the surface. During a single dive the Razorbill can capture and swallow many schooling fish depending on their size. The Razorbill spends approximately 45% of its time foraging at sea and it may well fly more than 60 miles out to sea to feed. However, when feeding chicks it will forage much closer to the nesting grounds and often in shallower water. The Razorbill and its eggs and chicks have several predators which include Great Black-backed Gulls, Peregrines, Ravens and other crows, Arctic Foxes and Polar Bears. In the early 20th century, Razorbills were harvested for their eggs, meat and feathers and this greatly decreased their population. In 1917 they were finally protected which reduced hunting. Other current threats include oil pollution, unintentional bycatch arising from commercial fishing and overfishing which decreases the abundance of prey. Date: 27th June 2022 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41249265.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2976143445f00b6d4452f4.jpgPuffins The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 22nd June 2020 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37159135.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_824464105c1e620ab6625.jpgMoorhen The Moorhen is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird that is usually found near water. From a distance it looks black with a ragged white line along its body. However, closer up it is olive-brown on the back and the head and blue-grey underneath. It has a red bill with a yellow tip. The Moorhen can be found all year round almost anywhere where there is water. They breed in lowland areas particularly in central and eastern England but are scarce in northern Scotland and the uplands of Wales and northern England. UK breeding birds are residents and seldom travel far. Date: 7th May 2018 Location: Ham Wall RSPB reserve, Somerset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46534908.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2743936462ca9bb27f6f4.jpgRazorbills The Razorbill is a seabird and a member of the auk family which also includes the Common Guillemot, Brunnich's Guillemot and Little Auk. It is also the closest living relative to the Great Auk which is now extinct. The Razorbill has white underparts and a black head, neck, back and feet during the breeding season. A thin white line also extends from the eyes to the end of the bill. Its head is darker than that of the CommonGuillemot. Outside the breeding season, the throat and face behind the eye become white and the white line on the face becomes less prominent. The thick black bill has a blunt end. The adult male and female female are very much alike having only small differences such as wing length. The Razorbill has a horizontal stance and the tail feathers are slightly longer in the centre in comparison to other auks making it have a distinctly long tail which is not common for an auk. The Razorbill is distributed across the sub-arctic and boreal waters of the north Atlantic where water surface temperature are typically below 15°c. The world population is estimated to be less than 1 million breeding pairs, making it among the rarest auks in the world. Approximately 60 to 70% of the entire Razorbill population breeds in Iceland., including over 200,000 pairs at Látrabjarg. The breeding habitat is islands, rocky shores and cliffs on north Atlantic coasts, in eastern North America as far south as Maine and in western Europe from north west Russia to northern France. Eurasian birds winter at sea with some moving south as far as the western Mediterranean. North American birds migrate offshore and south. The Razorbill is a colonial breeder and only comes to land to breed. Individuals only breed at 3 to 5 years of age. Females select their mate and will often encourage competition between males before choosing a partner. Once a male is chosen, the pair will usually stay together for life. Nest site determination is very important to ensure protection of young from predators. Unlike Common Guillemots, nest sites are not immediately alongside the sea on open cliff ledges but at least 4 to 6 inches away in crevices on cliffs or among boulders. Generally a nest is not built although some pairs often use their bills to drag material upon which to lay their single egg. The mating pair will often reuse the same site every year. The Razorbill feeds mainly on schooling fish and crustaceans and it will dive deep into the sea using its wings and its streamlined body to propel itself toward their prey. Whilst diving, it rarely stays in groups but instead spreads out to feed. The majority of feeding occurs at a depth of about 80 feet but it has the ability to dive up to 400 feet below the surface. During a single dive the Razorbill can capture and swallow many schooling fish depending on their size. The Razorbill spends approximately 45% of its time foraging at sea and it may well fly more than 60 miles out to sea to feed. However, when feeding chicks it will forage much closer to the nesting grounds and often in shallower water. The Razorbill and its eggs and chicks have several predators which include Great Black-backed Gulls, Peregrines, Ravens and other crows, Arctic Foxes and Polar Bears. In the early 20th century, Razorbills were harvested for their eggs, meat and feathers and this greatly decreased their population. In 1917 they were finally protected which reduced hunting. Other current threats include oil pollution, unintentional bycatch arising from commercial fishing and overfishing which decreases the abundance of prey. Date: 27th June 2022 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/little-owl https://images.on-this.website/4752_4782722014cd5725692164.jpgLittle Owl The Little Owl is a small owl, white-speckled brown above and brown-streaked white below. It has a large head, long legs and yellow eyes and its white “eyebrows” give it a stern expression. The Little Owl can be seen during daylight, usually perching on a tree branch, telegraph pole, rock or building. It will bob its head up and down when alarmed. In flight it has long, rounded wings, rapid wingbeats and flies with a slight undulation. The Little Owl is a bird which is resident in much of the temperate and warmer parts of Europe, Asia east to Korea and north Africa. It is not native to the UK but was first introduced in 1842 and is now naturalised there. Date: 10th September 2010 Location: Villafáfila, Castille y Leon, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19507473.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_196741013252528bcd983bf.jpgCattle Egret The Cattle Egret is a stocky white bird adorned with buff plumes in the breeding season. The easiest way to separate them from Little Egrets is by their short, yellow rather than long, black bills but Cattle Egrets are also smaller, stockier and more squat in shape with shorter, thicker necks and less elegant heads. The Cattle Egret is a cosmopolitan species of heron found in the tropics, subtropics and warm temperate zones. Originally native to parts of Asia, Africa and Europe, it has undergone a rapid expansion in its distribution and successfully colonised much of the rest of the world. Cattle Egrets breed and roost in trees usually close to fresh water and feed in shallow wetlands, especially rice-paddies, but also dry grasslands. They can often be seen feeding around cattle waiting to pick off disturbed insects, including riding on the backs of animals. Cattle Egrets are visiting the UK in increasing numbers and are most likely to be seen in the south of England and Wales. In winter 2007/08, a large influx of Cattle Egrets occurred in the UK, with the largest numbers in south-west England although birds did get as far north as Scotland. This influx led to the first ever pair breeding successfully in Somerset. Date: 8th September 2013 Location: Corredor Verde Dos Bahias near Benalup, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801257.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_47317010964edb2fa4fb38.jpgMeadow Brown Flight period: June to August. The Meadow Brown is one of the most widespread and abundant of the UK's butterflies. It can be found typically in open grasslands but also other habitats such as roadside verges, woodland rides and urban parks and cemeteries. Date: 26th July 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21828864.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_121310741053cb98d5ab83f.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 11th June 2014 Location: Bempton Cliifs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46534915.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_72610880962ca9bc18a8e5.jpgCommon Guillemots The Common Guillemot, also known as the Common Murre or Thin-billed Murre, is a large species of auk. The auks are a family of seabirds which includes the Brunnich's Guillemot or Thick-billed Murre, Razorbill, Little Auk and the extinct Great Auk. The Common Guillemot is 15 to 18 inches in length with a 24 to 29 inches wingspan. In breeding plumage, it is black or dark brown on the head, back and wings with white underparts. It has a thin dark pointed bill and a small rounded dark tail. Legs are grey and the bill is dark grey. Males and females are identical. Some individuals in the North Atlantic, known as "Bridled Guillemots", have a white ring around the eye extending back as a white line. This is not a distinct subspecies but a polymorphism that becomes more common the farther north the birds breed. The Common Guillemot flies with fast wing beats and has a flight speed of around 50 mph. Groups of birds are often seen flying together in a line just above the surface of the sea. However, it is not a very agile bird and take-off is often difficult. The Common Guillemot becomes flightless for 45 to 60 days while moulting its primary feathers. The Common Guillemot is a pursuit diver that forages for food by swimming underwater using its wings for propulsion. Dives usually last less than one minute but the bird swims underwater for distances of over 100 feet on a regular basis. Diving depths up to 590 feet have been recorded. The Common Guillemot has a circumpolar distribution and it occurs in low Arctic and boreal waters in the north Atlantic and north Pacific. It spends most of its time at sea and only comes to land to breed on rocky cliffs, sea stacks and islands. Some birds are permanent residents but northern birds migrate south to open waters off New England, southern California, Japan, Korea and the western Mediterranean. The Common Guillemot breeds in colonies at high densities and nesting pairs may be in bodily contact with their neighbours. No nest is made and the single egg is laid and incubated on a bare rock ledge on a cliff face. The egg hatches after 30 days incubation and the chick is born downy and can regulate its body temperature after 10 days. Some 20 days after hatching the chick jumps off its nesting ledge and heads for the sea unable to fly but gliding for some distance with fluttering wings and accompanied by its male parent. The chicks are capable of diving as soon as they hit the water. The female stays at the nest site for some 14 days after the chick has left. The Common Guillemot can venture far from its breeding grounds to forage and distances of 60 miles or more are often observed although if sufficient food is available closer by, birds will only travel much shorter distances. It mainly eats small schooling fish 8 inches long or less such as Polar Cod, Capelin, Sand Lances, Sprats, Sandeels, Atlantic Cod and Atlantic Herring. It also eats some molluscs, marine worms, squid and crustaceans. It is often seen carrying fish in its bill with the tail hanging out. Date: 27th June 2022 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42229310.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_792037855603e65155872d.jpgCoot The Coot is an all black bird with a distinctive white beak and “shield” above the beak from which earns it the title “bald”. Its feet have distinctive lobed flaps of skin on the toes which act instead of webs when swimming. It patters noisily over the water before taking off and can be very aggressive towards other birds. Coot can be found all the year round mainly on freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers and town park lakes. Sometimes they can be seen offshore, especially in winter if freshwater areas are frozen. They breed in areas of fairly shallow standing freshwater with a muddy bottom and plenty of vegetation at the sides, usually in lowland areas. Date: 13th February 2021 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7950306.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10682961264d03cd5095ec0.jpgBearded Tit The Bearded Tit is a brown, long-tailed bird, usually seen flying rapidly across the top of a reedbed. Males have black “moustaches” rather than “beards”. They are sociable and noisy with their “pinging” calls often being the first clue to their presence. Bearded Tits can be found all year round in areas with reedbeds although they may move away from their breeding areas in winter.They are particularly vulnerable to severe winters and their population has declined in recent years making them an Amber List species. Date: 31st October 2010 Location: Leighton Moss RSPB reserve, Lancashire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41249194.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19177815555f00b45651017.jpgRazorbill The Razorbill is a seabird and a member of the auk family which also includes the Common Guillemot, Brunnich's Guillemot and Little Auk. It is also the closest living relative to the Great Auk which is now extinct. The Razorbill has white underparts and a black head, neck, back and feet during the breeding season. A thin white line also extends from the eyes to the end of the bill. Its head is darker than that of the CommonGuillemot. Outside the breeding season, the throat and face behind the eye become white and the white line on the face becomes less prominent. The thick black bill has a blunt end. The adult male and female female are very much alike having only small differences such as wing length. The Razorbill has a horizontal stance and the tail feathers are slightly longer in the centre in comparison to other auks making it have a distinctly long tail which is not common for an auk. The Razorbill is distributed across the sub-arctic and boreal waters of the north Atlantic where water surface temperature are typically below 15°c. The world population is estimated to be less than 1 million breeding pairs, making it among the rarest auks in the world. Approximately 60 to 70% of the entire Razorbill population breeds in Iceland., including over 200,000 pairs at Látrabjarg. The breeding habitat is islands, rocky shores and cliffs on north Atlantic coasts, in eastern North America as far south as Maine and in western Europe from north west Russia to northern France. Eurasian birds winter at sea with some moving south as far as the western Mediterranean. North American birds migrate offshore and south. The Razorbill is a colonial breeder and only comes to land to breed. Individuals only breed at 3 to 5 years of age. Females select their mate and will often encourage competition between males before choosing a partner. Once a male is chosen, the pair will usually stay together for life. Nest site determination is very important to ensure protection of young from predators. Unlike Common Guillemots, nest sites are not immediately alongside the sea on open cliff ledges but at least 4 to 6 inches away in crevices on cliffs or among boulders. Generally a nest is not built although some pairs often use their bills to drag material upon which to lay their single egg. The mating pair will often reuse the same site every year. The Razorbill feeds mainly on schooling fish and crustaceans and it will dive deep into the sea using its wings and its streamlined body to propel itself toward their prey. Whilst diving, it rarely stays in groups but instead spreads out to feed. The majority of feeding occurs at a depth of about 80 feet but it has the ability to dive up to 400 feet below the surface. During a single dive the Razorbill can capture and swallow many schooling fish depending on their size. The Razorbill spends approximately 45% of its time foraging at sea and it may well fly more than 60 miles out to sea to feed. However, when feeding chicks it will forage much closer to the nesting grounds and often in shallower water. The Razorbill and its eggs and chicks have several predators which include Great Black-backed Gulls, Peregrines, Ravens and other crows, Arctic Foxes and Polar Bears. In the early 20th century, Razorbills were harvested for their eggs, meat and feathers and this greatly decreased their population. In 1917 they were finally protected which reduced hunting. Other current threats include oil pollution, unintentional bycatch arising from commercial fishing and overfishing which decreases the abundance of prey. Date: 22nd June 2020 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/lake-izvorul-muntelui-neam-county https://images.on-this.website/4752_9058984215d3087fa5cdde.jpgLake Izvorul Muntelui, Neamț County, Romania Lake Izvorul Muntelui, also known as Lake Bicaz, is the largest artificial lake in Romania. It was created after the completion of a dam built between 1950 and 1960 on the River Bistrița. The dam is located just north of the town of Bicaz and is used to generate hydroelectricity at the Bicaz-Stejaru hydro-plant. Lake Izvorul Muntelui has a length of 25 miles an area of 12 square miles and it is an important tourist destination in the area, especially during the summer when boat trips operate. Date: 4th June 2018 Location: view from the dam of Lake Izvorul Muntelui, Neamț County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42222542.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15278172766023b9121bf24.jpgMute Swan The Mute Swan is a species of swan native to much of Eurasia. Despite its Eurasian origin, its closest relatives are the Black Swan of Australia and the Black-necked Swan of south America, not the other Northern Hemisphere swans such as the Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan. The name “mute” derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. The adult Mute Swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob at the top of the beak. All Mute Swans are white at maturity although the feathers (particularly on the head and neck) are often stained orange-brown by iron and tannins in the water. Young birds (cygnets) are not the bright white colour of mature adults and their bill is dull greyish-black for the first year. The plumage may range from pure white to grey to buff with grey/buff being the most common. Cygnets typically retain their grey/buff feathers until they are at least 1 year old. On average, the Mute Swan is the second largest waterfowl species after the Trumpeter Swan although the male Mute Swan can easily match or even exceed a male Trumpeter Swan in mass. The adult Mute Swan typically ranges from 55 to 63 inches in length (although it can range in extreme cases from 49 to 67 inches) with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. Males (cobs) are larger than females (pens) and have a larger knob on their bill. The Mute Swan is one of the heaviest flying birds. In several studies from the UK, males were found to average from about 23.4 to 26.2 pounds, with a weight range of 20 to 32 pounds, while the slightly smaller females were found to average about 18.7 to 21.3 pounds, with a weight range of 17 to 23 pounds. The Mute Swan is less vocal than the noisy Bewick's Swan and Whooper Swan although it does make a variety of grunting, hoarse whistling and snorting noises, especially in communicating with their cygnets and threatening competitors or intruders trying to enter their territory. The most familiar sound associated with the Mute Swan is the vibrant throbbing of the wings in flight which is unique to the species and this can be heard from a range of up to 1 mile. The Mute Swan is found naturally mainly in the temperate areas of Europe across west Asia and as far east as Primorsky Krai in the far east of Russia. It is partially migratory throughout the northern latitudes in Europe and Asia as far south as north Africa and the Mediterranean. It is also often kept in captivity outside its natural range as a decoration for parks and ponds and escapes have occurred. The descendants of such birds have become naturalised in east USA and the Great Lakes region across the USA and Canada border. The Mute Swan population in the UK has increased recently probably due to better protection of this species. Some birds are resident all year whilst others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into east England. Mute Swans nest on large mounds that they build with waterside vegetation in shallow water on islands in the middle or at the very edge of a lake. It is a monogamous species and often reuses the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Males and females share the care of the nest. The female lays from 4 to 10 eggs and broods for around 36 days. Cygnets are unable to fly before an age of 120 to 150 days and this limits the distribution of the species in the northern edge of its range since the cygnets must learn to fly before the water freezes. The Mute Swan is usually strongly territorial with just a single pair on smaller lakes although in a few locations where a large area of suitable feeding habitat is found they can be colonial. The largest colonies can hold over 100 pairs such as that at the colony at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset in the UK. Non-mated juveniles up to 3 to 4 years old commonly form larger flocks often at regular traditional sites and these can total several hundred birds. The Mute Swan can be very aggressive in defence of its nest and it is highly protective of its mate and offspring. Most defensive attacks from a Mute Swan begin with a loud hiss and, if this is not sufficient to drive off the predator, are followed by a physical attack. It attacks by smashing at its enemy with bony spurs in the wings accompanied by biting with its large bill. Smaller waterbirds such as ducks are normally grabbed with the bill and dragged or thrown clear. Large waterfowl, such as the Canada Goose, more likely out of competition than in response to potential predation, may be aggressively driven off. The wings of the Mute Swan are very powerful although not strong enough to break an adult man's leg as has been claimed anecdotally. The Mute Swan feeds on a wide range of vegetation, both submerged aquatic plants which they reach with their long necks and by grazing on land. The food commonly includes agricultural crop plants such as oilseed rape and wheat and feeding flocks in the winter may cause significant crop damage, often as much through trampling with their large webbed feet as through direct consumption. Date: 21st January 2021 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/turtle-dove https://images.on-this.website/4752_45805267852528c122b1a9.jpgTurtle Dove The Turtle Dove is smaller and slighter in build than many other doves and can be recognised by its distinctively mottled chestnut/cinnamon and black upperparts and the black-and-white-striped patch on the side of its neck. The tail is notable as the bird flies, being wedge shaped with a dark centre and white borders and tips. The Turtle Dove is a bird of open country rather than dense woodlands and frequently feeds on the ground. It is usually extremely timid, probably due to the heavy hunting pressure it faces during migration. The Turtle Dove is one of the latest migrants and rarely appears in northern Europe before the end of April, returning south again to south Africa in September. The arrival in spring is heralded by its purring song, a rather deep, vibrating “turrr, turrr”, from which the bird's name is derived. The Turtle Dove has suffered a substantial population decline in recent years. This is partly because changed farming practices mean that the weed seeds and shoots on which it feeds are more scarce and partly due to the shooting of birds in Mediterranean countries during their migration. Date: 9th September 2013 Location: La Janda, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4158147.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18002693384b291fbb7d9e3.jpgCoot The Coot is an all black bird with a distinctive white beak and “shield” above the beak from which earns it the title “bald”. Its feet have distinctive lobed flaps of skin on the toes which act instead of webs when swimming. It patters noisily over the water before taking off and can be very aggressive towards other birds. Coot can be found all the year round mainly on freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers and town park lakes. Sometimes they can be seen offshore, especially in winter if freshwater areas are frozen. They breed in areas of fairly shallow standing freshwater with a muddy bottom and plenty of vegetation at the sides, usually in lowland areas. Date: 15th December 2009 Location: Connaught Water, Epping Forest, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42222531.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11780550066023b760f3c21.jpgRedwing The Redwing is most commonly encountered as a winter visitor and is the UK's smallest true thrush. The creamy stripe above the eye and the orange-red flank patches make it distinctive. Redwings arrive in the UK from September but most arrive in October and November. They leave again in March and April, although occasionally birds stay later including a few pairs to nest in northern Scotland. Redwings can be found across the UK's countryside feeding in fields and hedgerows and also in parks and gardens in the coldest weather when snow covers the fields. They often associate with flocks of Fieldfares, the other wintering thrush. Date: 9th January 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082105.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19634228375d307a6931776.jpgPaddyfield Warbler The Paddyfield Warbler is a species of marsh warbler in the genus[i] Acrocephalus[/i]. It is 5.1 inches long and is close in size to the Reed Warbler but with a shorter bill and longer tail. The adult has an unstreaked pale brown back and buff underparts with a warm brown rump. There is a whitish supercilium and the bill is short and pointed. The male and female are identical as with most warblers but young birds are a richer buff colour below. The Paddyfield Warbler breeds in temperate central Asia where it can be found in low vegetation such as long grass, reeds and rice paddy fields. It is migratory and winters in Bangladesh, India and Pakistan. It is a rare vagrant to west Europe although there is a small breeding population along the shores of the Black Sea around the border between Bulgaria and Romania. The song is fast and similar to the Marsh Warbler with much mimicry and whistles typical of the [i] Acrocephalus[/i] warblers. Like most warblers, the Paddyfield Warbler is insectivorous. Date: 19th May 2018 Location: Lake Durankulak, Dobrich Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4088348.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14029334834b19461c218c0.jpgGreater Flamingos The Greater Flamingo is a largely pinkish-white bird but the wing coverts are red and the primary and secondary flight feathers are black. The bill is pink with a black tip and the legs are entirely pink. The Greater Flamingo is the most widespread species of the flamingo family and can be found in parts of Africa, southern Asia and southern Europe (including Spain, Sardinia, Albania, Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Portugal, and the Camargue region of France). Some populations are short distance migrants, and records north of the breeding range are relatively frequent. However, given the species' popularity in captivity, whether these are truly wild individuals is a matter of some debate. Date: 10th November 2009 Location: Delta de l’Ebre, Catalunya, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40713566.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10869499975e16f7adc6170.jpgWaxwing The Waxwing is a plump bird which is slightly smaller than a Starling. It is buff or pinkish-brown in colour with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings, a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest. The bird’s name is derived from the red tips to some of the wing feathers which are said to look like they have been dipped in sealing wax. Waxwings breed in the dense forests of northern Europe but they occur in varying numbers in the UK from October to March. In some years they can occur in large numbers (known as irruptions) when the population in the breeding areas gets too big for the food available. The first UK arrivals each winter are usually seen on the east coast from Scotland to East Anglia but birds then move inland in search of food. They can be found in parks and gardens and even busy public places such as supermarket car parks, typically where there are berry-bearing trees and bushes such as rowan, hawthorn, cotoneaster and rose. Waxwings seem fearless of humans so it is relatively easy to get very close views of these stunning birds. Waxwings make an easily recognisable high-pitched trilling sound like a bell. Date: 24th December 2019 Location: Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo445691.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5773026404681c75394668.jpgBen Nevis, Highland Height: 4409 feet. Ben Nevis is a granite mountain rising to a height of 4409 feet to the east of Fort William and is the highest peak in the UK. The first recorded ascent of Ben Nevis was undertaken in 1771 by the botanist James Robertson. The ruins of a weather observatory which was manned between 1883 and 1904 can be found on the north east ridge of Ben Nevis Ben Nevis became popular with tourists following the opening of the West Highland Railway to Fort William in 1894 and in the following year the first Ben Nevis Hill Race was run. This event now takes place each year in September. A Peace Cairn was erected on Ben Nevis by Bert Bissell who made his 104th ascent of the mountain on his 90th birthday in 1992. In 2000 Ben Nevis was acquired by the John Muir Trust. Date: 7th June 2006 Location: view from the A82 road between Fort William and Spean Bridge http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo453607.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_993267601468840b58f0a8.jpgDate: 8th June 2007 Location: Craignure Bay, Mull http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41389658.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_302261355f26945f631a9.jpgSpotted Flycatcher The Spotted Flycatcher is a small passerine bird in the Old World flycatcher family. It is an undistinguished looking bird with long wings and tail. The adults have dull grey-brown upperparts and off-white underparts and a streaked crown, throat and breast. The legs are short and black and the bill is black and has the broad but pointed shape typical of aerial insectivores. The sexes are similar. Juveniles have ochre-buff spots above and scaly brown spots below. The Spotted Flycatcher breeds in most of Europe and west Asia where it can be found in deciduous woodlands, parks and gardens, with a preference for open areas amongst trees. It builds an open nest in a suitable recess, often against a wall, and it will readily adapt to an open-fronted nest box. The Spotted Flycatcher is migratory and winters in Africa and south west Asia. It is declining in parts of its range. The Spotted Flycatcher is a declining summer visitor to the UK and can be seen from late April or early May to September. It can be found throughout the UK but it is now very scarce in many areas. Recent dramatic population declines make the Spotted Flycatcher a Red List species. The Spotted Flycatcher hunts from conspicuous perches, making sallies after passing flying insects and often returning to the same perch. The upright posture is characteristic. Date: 1st July 2019 Location: Neiden Chapel, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11481018.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19748745204e26997165f9b.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 17th May 2009 Location: Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46535118.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_129178436162caa2913aeb9.jpgAzure Damselfly Flight period: May to August The Azure Damselfly is one of the two commonest blue damselflies and is a common and widespread species of lowland UK. They can be found around most standing water, preferring small, sheltered sites including ditches and garden ponds. Date: 3rd July 2022 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo445444.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20961523984681bdcd9cd72.jpgThe stark rise of the jagged Black Cuillin ridge .... The Black Cuillin are a mountain range on the Isle of Skye off the North West coast of Scotland and contain the highest concentration of mountains over 3000 feet high in the UK (20 summits exceed this height). The mountains are a memorable sight whether the weather is bright and sunny or grey and misty as it often is on Skye. Either way they have a unique presence and can be seen from miles around both on Skye and on the mainland. The mountains themselves are the preserve of experienced mountaineers and hillwalkers but the rest of us can enjoy classic views from Elgol and Sligachan and along Glenbrittle. Date: June 2002 Location: view from the unclassifed road between Carbost and Glenbrittle http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801132.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_44676789864edacf4743ef.jpgCommon Tern The Common Tern is a silvery-grey and white sea bird with a black cap, a black tipped red bill, red legs and long tail streamers. It has a buoyant, graceful flight and frequently hovers over water before plunging down for fish. The Common Tern breeds in colonies along coasts with shingle beaches and rocky islands, on rivers with shingle bars and at inland gravel pits and reservoirs. The Common Tern occurs throughout the summer, arriving in April and leaving in August and September. Date: 17th July 2023 Location: RSPB Frampton Marsh, near Boston, Lincolnshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46535125.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_89878935462caa2a3d1dd7.jpgEdible Frog The Edible Frog is a species of frog found across Europe that is also known as the Common Water Frog and the Green Frog. The Edible Frog is one of the few animals in the world that is a fertile hybrid of 2 different species, as although similar but genetically different species are known to mate, it is very rare that their offspring will be able to breed. The Edible Frog is a fertile hybrid of 2 other European frogs, namely the Pool Frog and the Marsh Frog, that inter-bred when populations where isolated close to one another during the Ice Age. It was first described in 1758 and is known as the Edible Frog due to the fact that it is now seen as a culinary delicacy across Europe but especially in France where frog’s legs are often served as a national dish. The reason for humans favouring this frog over others is not really known but it may have something to do with their abundance. The Edible Frog is a medium sized frog growing to around 3.5 to 4.5 inches in length. Adults are mainly green in colour with light patches of brown on their backs, yellow eyes and a white underside covered in a few dark spots. There are number of distinct differences between males and females including the fact that males become much lighter and greener during the mating season. Males also have vocal sacs on the outside of their cheeks and extra skin patches on their feet, both of which are primarily used for mating. The Edible Frog is endemic to Europe and it naturally occurs across central Europe as far north as Germany and Estonia. Southern populations are found from Croatia, through northern Italy and into the south of France. There are also isolated populations in Sweden and Bulgaria which are thought to have migrated from the countries nearby. It has also been introduced to the UK. The Edible Frog spends all of its time either in or very close to water and it is most commonly found in calmer parts of rivers and streams where there is a slow but constant flow of fresh water. It tends to prefer more open areas and can also be commonly found around lakes, ponds and marshes. Unlike many other species of frog, the Edible Frog is a diurnal animal and is therefore most active during the day. This is when it is most likely to move away from the water so that it can find a better supply of food or move to a different part of the water if it needs to. The Edible Frog is a relatively solitary animal so there is less competition for food but males are often seen sitting together in groups during the breeding season when they are trying to out-compete each other to find a mate. The breeding season for the Edible Frog begins during March and generally lasts for around 2 months. Males sing by drawing air in and out of their vocal sacs to produce the highest-pitched sound possible since females are most attracted to the loudest males. After courting her in a lake, pond or swamp, the male lets the female lay up to 10,000 eggs in a sticky mass into the water before he fertilises them. Tadpoles can be as small as 0.2 inches long when they hatch and are a grey/brown colour. They then grow up to 2 to 3 inches in length before metamorphoses occurs and they leave the water as 0.75 inches long young frogs. The Edible Frog reaches sexual maturity at the age of 2 years and can live until it is 15 years old. The Edible Frog is a carnivorous amphibian but the tadpoles mainly eat vegetation although they are known to occasionally supplement their diet with aquatic micro-organisms. Adults eat small invertebrates such as insects, spiders and flies, which make up the majority of their diet, along with larger aquatic animals like fish, newts and other frogs. The Edible Frog hunts for food during the day and can be seen catching food both in water and on land. The Edible Frog remains very still when it is sitting on the banks of its water habitat and this, along with its camouflage, makes it very difficult for predators to spot. Its eyes are positioned near the top of the head meaning that it can also see danger coming whilst the body is mainly hidden. Snakes, owls and water birds are the main predators of the Edible Frog. The Edible Frog will jump into the water and hide if it senses approaching danger and it will make a loud screeching sound if caught. Edible Frog populations are under threat from habitat destruction mainly caused by deforestation and water pollution. Date: 3rd July 2022 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46535137.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_144752950962caa2c0ce717.jpgEdible Frog The Edible Frog is a species of frog found across Europe that is also known as the Common Water Frog and the Green Frog. The Edible Frog is one of the few animals in the world that is a fertile hybrid of 2 different species, as although similar but genetically different species are known to mate, it is very rare that their offspring will be able to breed. The Edible Frog is a fertile hybrid of 2 other European frogs, namely the Pool Frog and the Marsh Frog, that inter-bred when populations where isolated close to one another during the Ice Age. It was first described in 1758 and is known as the Edible Frog due to the fact that it is now seen as a culinary delicacy across Europe but especially in France where frog’s legs are often served as a national dish. The reason for humans favouring this frog over others is not really known but it may have something to do with their abundance. The Edible Frog is a medium sized frog growing to around 3.5 to 4.5 inches in length. Adults are mainly green in colour with light patches of brown on their backs, yellow eyes and a white underside covered in a few dark spots. There are number of distinct differences between males and females including the fact that males become much lighter and greener during the mating season. Males also have vocal sacs on the outside of their cheeks and extra skin patches on their feet, both of which are primarily used for mating. The Edible Frog is endemic to Europe and it naturally occurs across central Europe as far north as Germany and Estonia. Southern populations are found from Croatia, through northern Italy and into the south of France. There are also isolated populations in Sweden and Bulgaria which are thought to have migrated from the countries nearby. It has also been introduced to the UK. The Edible Frog spends all of its time either in or very close to water and it is most commonly found in calmer parts of rivers and streams where there is a slow but constant flow of fresh water. It tends to prefer more open areas and can also be commonly found around lakes, ponds and marshes. Unlike many other species of frog, the Edible Frog is a diurnal animal and is therefore most active during the day. This is when it is most likely to move away from the water so that it can find a better supply of food or move to a different part of the water if it needs to. The Edible Frog is a relatively solitary animal so there is less competition for food but males are often seen sitting together in groups during the breeding season when they are trying to out-compete each other to find a mate. The breeding season for the Edible Frog begins during March and generally lasts for around 2 months. Males sing by drawing air in and out of their vocal sacs to produce the highest-pitched sound possible since females are most attracted to the loudest males. After courting her in a lake, pond or swamp, the male lets the female lay up to 10,000 eggs in a sticky mass into the water before he fertilises them. Tadpoles can be as small as 0.2 inches long when they hatch and are a grey/brown colour. They then grow up to 2 to 3 inches in length before metamorphoses occurs and they leave the water as 0.75 inches long young frogs. The Edible Frog reaches sexual maturity at the age of 2 years and can live until it is 15 years old. The Edible Frog is a carnivorous amphibian but the tadpoles mainly eat vegetation although they are known to occasionally supplement their diet with aquatic micro-organisms. Adults eat small invertebrates such as insects, spiders and flies, which make up the majority of their diet, along with larger aquatic animals like fish, newts and other frogs. The Edible Frog hunts for food during the day and can be seen catching food both in water and on land. The Edible Frog remains very still when it is sitting on the banks of its water habitat and this, along with its camouflage, makes it very difficult for predators to spot. Its eyes are positioned near the top of the head meaning that it can also see danger coming whilst the body is mainly hidden. Snakes, owls and water birds are the main predators of the Edible Frog. The Edible Frog will jump into the water and hide if it senses approaching danger and it will make a loud screeching sound if caught. Edible Frog populations are under threat from habitat destruction mainly caused by deforestation and water pollution. Date: 3rd July 2022 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7439670.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10090642024cd57436d500f.jpgSierra de la Culebra, Castille y Leon, Spain The Sierra de la Culebra is a 40 miles long mountain range in north west Spain forming a natural border with north east Portugal. The highest point is Pena Maria at 4119 feet. The Sierra de la Culebra takes its name from its snake-like (culebra = snake) zigzag shape formation. The landscape is best described as a mixture of heather moorland with broad leaved and coniferous woodlands forming a transitional zone between Atlantic and Mediterranean habitats. It is probably the mosaic of habitats along with a combination of abundant prey and low human population which makes the area one of the few remaining strongholds of the Iberian Wolf. Date: 11th September 2010 Location: view from near San Pedro de las Herrerias, Castille y Leon, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46534267.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_175327722862ca944c775db.jpgBlack-browed Albatross The Black-browed Albatross, also known as the Black-browed Mollymawk, is a large seabird in the albatross family [i]Diomedeidae[/i] and it is the most widespread and common member of its family. The albatrosses are classified in the order [i]Procellariiformes[/i] which also includes shearwaters, fulmars, storm petrels and diving petrels. All these birds share certain identifying features. They have nasal passages that attach to the upper bill called naricorns although the nostrils on the albatross are on the sides of the bill. The bills of [i]Procellariiformes[/i] are also unique in that they are split into between 7 and 9 horny plates and they have a salt gland above the nasal passage which helps to remove salt from the ocean water that they imbibe. The gland excretes a high saline solution through the bird's nose. The Black-browed Albatross is a medium-sized albatross at 31 to 37 inches in length with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. It has a dark grey saddle and upperwings that contrast with the white rump and underparts. The underwing is predominantly white with broad and irregular black margins. It has a dark eyebrow and a yellow-orange bill with a darker reddish-orange tip. Juveniles have dark horn-coloured bills with dark tips and a grey head and collar. They also have dark underwings. The features that distinguish it from other albatrosses are the dark eyestripe which gives it its name, a broad black edging to the white underside of its wings, white head and orange bill tipped darker orange. The Black-browed Albatross is circumpolar in the southern oceans and it breeds on 12 islands throughout that range. In the Atlantic Ocean, it breeds on the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, and the Cape Horn Islands. In the Pacific Ocean it breeds on Islas Ildefonso, Diego de Almagro, Islas Evangelistas, Campbell Island, Antipodes Islands, Snares Islands and Macquarie Island. In the Indian Ocean it breeds on the Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island and McDonald Island. There are an estimated 1,220,000 birds alive with 600,853 breeding pairs as estimated by a 2005 count. Of these birds, 402,571 breed in the Falklands, 72,102 breed on South Georgia Island and 120,171 breed on the Chilean islands of Islas Ildefonso, Diego de Almagro, Islas Evangelistas and Islas Diego Ramírez. Birds from the Falkland Islands winter near the Patagonian Shelf and birds from South Georgia forage in South African waters. It is the most likely albatross to be found in the North Atlantic due to this northerly migratory tendency. The Black-browed Albatross normally nests on steep slopes covered with tussock grass and sometimes on cliffs although on the Falkland Islands it nests on flat grassland on the coast. It is an annual breeder with the female laying a single egg from between 20th September and 1st November although the Falkland Islands breeders lay about 3 weeks earlier. Incubation of the egg is undertaken by both sexes and lasts 68 to 71 days. After hatching, the chicks take 120 to 130 days to fledge. Juveniles will return to the colony after 2 to 3 years but only to practice courtship rituals as they will only start breeding around their 10th year. The Black-browed Albatross can have a natural lifespan of over 70 years. The Black-browed Albatross feeds on fish, squid, crustaceans, carrion, and fishery discards but it has also been observed stealing food from other species. Until 2013, the IUCN classified the Black-browed Albatross as endangered due to a drastic reduction in its population. There has been a 67% decline in the population over 64 years. Increased longline fishing in the southern oceans, especially around the Patagonian Shelf and around South Georgia, has been attributed as a major cause of the decline of this bird and the Black-browed Albatross has been found to be the most common bird killed by fisheries. Trawl fishing, especially around the Patagonian Shelf and off South Africa, is also a large cause of deaths. Conservation efforts underway start with this species being placed on the Convention on Migratory Species and the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels. It is being monitored on half of the islands and most of the breeding sites are reserves and some are World Heritage Sites. Although a very rare occurrence, vagrancy into the North Atlantic has occurred including a bird which returned to the Gannet colony on Shetland for several decades from 1967. From 2014, another bird has been seen around the Heligoland archipelago off the Germany and Denmark coast and what is believed to be the same bird has summered at or around RSPB Bempton Cliffs in east Yorkshire since 2019. Date: 27th June 2022 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo2918227.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18593609944a4a637bf2ebb.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a gentle looking, medium sized gull with a small yellow bill and a dark eye. It has a grey back and is white underneath. Its legs are short and black. In flight the black wing-tips show no white, unlike other gulls, and look as if they have been “dipped in ink”. The population is declining in some areas, perhaps due to a shortage of sand eels. Kittiwakes are strictly coastal gulls. In the breeding season, they can be found on rocky, steep sea-cliffs at the major seabird colonies around the UK from February until August. From August to October they can be seen flying past offshore and they spend the winter months out at sea. Date: 17th May 2009 Location: Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512519.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_106422989962c99a2f51429.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 9th May 2022 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28886355.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_179747871157cc3a8ec3761.jpgWhinchat The Whinchat is similar in size to its relative the Robin. Both sexes have brownish upperparts mottled darker, a buff throat and breast, a pale buff to whitish belly and a blackish tail with white bases to the outer tail feathers. The male in breeding plumage has blackish face mask almost encircled by a strong white supercilium and malar stripe, a bright orange-buff throat and breast and small white wing patches. The female is duller overall, in particular having browner face mask, pale buffy-brown breast, and a buff supercilium and malar stripe and smaller or no white wing patches. Males in immature and winter plumage and are similar to females. The Whinchat is a fairly common migratory species in Europe and western Asia with birds arriving at their breeding grounds between the end of April and mid May and departing between mid August and mid September. They winter primarily in tropical sub-Saharan Africa with small numbers also in north west Africa. Date: 11th May 2016 Location: near Kloostri, Matsalu National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4466112.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6170546034b8a260b3b241.jpgFløyfjellet, Bergen Fløyfjellet or Fløyen is the most visited of the 7 mountains that surround the city centre of Bergen, Norway. It has a funicular railway system (Fløibanen) that transports passengers from the centre of Bergen to a height of 1050 feet in roughly 8 minutes. The actual highest point on Fløifjellet at 1394 feet is approximately 1/2 mile to the north east. From Fløyfjellet there are stunning views of the city of Bergen and the surrounding area. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072360.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14549577554bf6e0d647305.jpgNesseby, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway Nesseby is a small village located on the southern coast of the Varanger peninsula near the inner part of the Varangerfjord in Nesseby municipality in Finnmark county in north east Norway. The European route E75 highway runs through the village on its way from Varangerbotn to Vadsø. Nesseby church lies on a small peninsula on the coast of the village. The village and municipality are bilingual and have 2 official names: Nesseby (Norwegian) and Unjárga (Northern Sami). Date: 14th April 2010 Location: view looking towards Nesseby church, Nesseby, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43629179.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21381013096118b2485ed08.jpgHornet Mimic Hoverfly At almost 2 cm long, the Hornet Mimic Hoverfly is the largest hoverfly species in the UK. As its name suggests, it is an excellent mimic of the Hornet, but is harmless to humans. The Hornet Mimic Hoverfly is mainly orange-yellow on the abdomen with dark bands and a dark brown thorax. It can be distinguished from the Hornet by its much larger eyes, broader body and the lack of a sting. Only a very rare visitor to the UK up to the 1940s, the Hornet Mimic Hoverfly has become more common in southern England in recent years and is still spreading northwards, perhaps as a result of climate change. It is particularly prevalent in urban areas. Date: 4th August 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49798205.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_96115495864ecadb6aa8ef.jpgLulworth Skipper Description to follow .... Date: 3rd July 2023 Location: Durlston Country Park, Swanage, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453968.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1900265894ff546d59912b.jpgCáceres-Trujillo steppes, Extremadura, Spain The Cáceres-Trujillo steppes, located north and south of the main Cáceres to Trujillo road, consist of a steppe-like habitat of mainly gently undulating country given over to sheep grazing on rough pastures with areas of wheat cultivation. Many of the pastures have a varied and colourful flora in spring. The Cáceres-Trujillo steppes are one of the prime regions for steppe birds in Extremadura with high breeding densities of many species. Date: 29th April 2012 Location: Trujillo to Santa Marta de Magasca to Cáceres, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4158158.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18004314064b291fff4977a.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 15th December 2009 Location: Connaught Water, Epping Forest, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833469.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2042681912559ceb1c0d218.jpgWhite Pelicans The White Pelican is a huge bird, with only the Dalmatian Pelican averaging larger amongst the pelicans. The wingspan of the White Pelican can range from 7.41 to 11.8 feet, with the latter measurement the largest recorded among flying animals outside of the great albatrosses. The total length can range from 55 to 71 inches with the enormous bill comprising 11.5 to 18.5 inches of that length. The immature White Pelican is grey with dark flight feathers. In breeding condition the male has pinkish skin on its face and the female has orangey skin. It differs from the Dalmatian pelican by its pure white, rather than greyish-white, plumage, a bare pink facial patch around the eye and pinkish legs. Males are larger than females, and have a long beak that grows in a downwards arc, as opposed to the shorter, straighter beak of the female. In flight, it is an elegant soaring bird, with the head held close to and aligned with the body by a downward bend in the neck. The White Pelican is well adapted for aquatic life. The short strong legs and webbed feet propel it in water and aid the rather awkward takeoff from the water surface. Once aloft, the long-winged pelicans are powerful fliers, however, and often travel in spectacular V-formation groups. The White Pelican is usually found in and around shallow warm fresh water. Well scattered groups of breeding pelicans occur through Eurasia from the eastern Mediterranean to Vietnam. In Eurasia, fresh or brackish waters may be inhabited and the White Pelican may be found in lakes, deltas, lagoons and marshes, usually with dense reed beds nearby for nesting purposes. Additionally, sedentary populations are found year-round in Africa, south of the Sahara Desert although these are patchy. Migratory populations are found from Eastern Europe to Kazakhstan during the breeding season. They arrive in late March or early April and depart after breeding from September to late November. Wintering locations for European White Pelicans are not exactly known but wintering birds may occur in north east Africa through Iraq to north India, with a particularly large number of breeders from Asia wintering around Pakistan. The diet of the White Pelican consists mainly of fish and they leave their roost to feed early in the mornings and may fly over 60 miles in search of food. The White Pelican's pouch serves simply as a scoop. As it pushes its bill underwater, the lower bill bows out creating a large pouch which fills with water and fish. As the bird lifts its head, the pouch contracts and forces out the water but retaining the fish. A group of 6 to 8 White Pelicans will gather in a horseshoe formation in the water to feed together. They dip their bills in unison, creating a circle of open pouches, ready to trap every fish in the area. Most feeding is co-operative and done in groups, especially in shallow waters where fish schools can be corralled easily. White Pelicans are not restricted to fish, however, and are often opportunistic foragers. In addition, they also eat crustaceans, tadpoles and even turtles and will readily accept handouts from humans. The White Pelican breeding season commences in April or May in temperate zones, essentially all year round in Africa and begins in February through April in India. Large numbers of White Pelicans breed together in colonies. Nest locations are variable with some populations making stick nests in trees but a majority nest in scrapes on the ground lined with grass, sticks, feathers and other material. Date: 13th May 2015 Location: Great Prespa Lake (Megali Prespa), West Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9589156.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4081596684db1637770cdf.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 3rd February 2009 Location: Northlands Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50569757.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14866425365ccb539ed047.jpgGreat Northern Diver The Great Northern Diver is the largest of the UK's divers with a bigger, heavier head and bill than its commoner relatives. The Great Northern Diver is largely a winter visitor to the UK coast although some non-breeding birds stay off northern coasts in the summer. They start to arrive offshore in August and birds move back to their largely Icelandic breeding grounds in April and May. The largest numbers can be found off the northern and western islands of Scotland. Date: 8th December 2023 Location: Great Notley Country Park, Braintree, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623353.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20213956726117dc229858d.jpgJackdaw The Western Jackdaw, also known as the Eurasian Jackdaw, European Jackdaw or simply Jackdaw, is a passerine bird in the crow family. Measuring 13 to 15 inches in length, the Jackdaw is the second smallest member of the crow family. Most of the plumage is a shiny black with a purple or blue sheen on the crown, forehead and secondaries and a green-blue sheen on the throat, primaries and tail. The cheeks, nape and neck are light grey to greyish-silver and the underparts are slate-grey. The legs are black as is the short stout bill. The irises of adults are greyish or silvery white while those of juveniles are light blue, becoming brownish before whitening at around one year of age. The sexes look alike although the head and neck plumage of male birds fades more with age and wear, particularly just before moulting. Immature birds have duller and less demarcated plumage. The head is a sooty black, sometimes with a faint greenish sheen and brown feather bases visible, the back and side of the neck are dark grey and the underparts greyish or sooty black. The tail has narrower feathers and a greenish sheen. There are 4 recognised geographical subspecies of the Jackdaw, each with slight plumage variations. Within its range, the Jackdaw is generally unmistakable and its short bill and grey nape are distinguishing features. In flight, the Jackdaw is distinguishable from other crows by its smaller size, faster and deeper wingbeats and proportionately narrower and less fingered wing tips. It also has a shorter and thicker neck and a much shorter bill and it frequently flies in tighter flocks. The Jackdaw is a skilled flyer and can manoeuvre tightly as well as tumble and glide. It has characteristic jerky wing beats when flying. On the ground, the Jackdaw has an upright posture and struts briskly with its short legs giving it a rapid gait. The Jackdaw is found from north west Africa, throughout all of Europe, except for the extreme north, and east through central Asia to the east Himalayas and Lake Baikal. To the east, it occurs throughout Turkey, the Caucasus, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and north west India. A small number of Jackdaws reached the north east of North America in the 1980s and have been found from Atlantic Canada to Pennsylvania. The range is vast and there is a large global population. Most populations are resident but the north and east populations are more migratory and relocate to wintering areas between September and November and return between February and early May. The Jackdaw can be found in wooded steppes, pastures, cultivated land, coastal cliffs and towns. It thrives when forested areas are cleared and converted to fields and open areas. Habitats with a mix of large trees, buildings and open ground are preferred. Open fields are left to the Rook and more wooded areas to the Jay. The Jackdaw is highly gregarious and is generally seen in flocks of varying sizes. Flocks increase in size in autumn and birds congregate at dusk for communal roosting with up to several thousand individuals gathering at one site. Males and females pair bond for life and pairs stay together within flocks. Jackdaws will frequently congregate with other crows such as Carrion Crows, Hooded Crows or Rooks. Foraging takes place mostly on the ground in open areas and to some extent in trees. Landfill sites, bins, streets and gardens are also visited, more often early in the morning when there are fewer people about. Various feeding methods are employed, such as jumping, pecking, clod-turning and scattering, probing the soil and occasional digging. The Jackdaw will also ride on the backs of sheep and other mammals such as deer, seeking ticks as well as actively gathering wool or hair for nests. Compared with other crows, the Jackdaw spends more time exploring and turning over objects with its bill. It also has a straighter and less downturned bill and increased binocular vision which are advantageous for this foraging strategy. The Jackdaw is opportunistic and highly adaptable and varies its diet markedly depending on available food sources. It tends to feed on small invertebrates that are found above ground, including various species of beetle as well as snails and spiders. It will also eat small rodents, bats, the eggs and chicks of birds and carrion such as roadkill. Vegetable items consumed include farm grains, weed seeds, elderberries, acorns and various cultivated fruits. The Jackdaw practices active food sharing with a number of individuals regardless of sex or kinship. It also shares more of a preferred food than a less preferred food. The active giving of food by most birds is found mainly in the context of parental care and courtship although the Jackdaw shows much higher levels of active giving than has been documented for other species. The function of this behaviour is not fully understood and several theories have been advanced. Genetic analysis of Jackdaw pairs and offspring shows no evidence of extra-pair copulation and there is little evidence for couple separation even after multiple instances of reproductive failure. Some pairs do separate in the first few months but almost all pairings of over 6 months' duration are lifelong and end only when a partner dies. Widowed or separated birds fare badly and are often ousted from nests or territories and are unable to rear broods alone. The Jackdaw usually breeds in colonies with pairs collaborating to find a nest site which they then defend from other pairs and predators during most of the year. It will nest in cavities in trees or cliffs, in ruined or occupied buildings and in chimneys, the common feature being a sheltered site for the nest. A mated pair usually constructs a nest by improving a crevice by dropping sticks into it. The nest is then built on top of the platform formed. Nest platforms can attain a great size. Nests are lined with hair, wool, dead grass and many other materials. Clutches usually contain 4 or 5 eggs which are incubated by the female for 17 to 18 days until hatching as naked altricial chicks which are completely dependent on the adults for food. The chicks fledge after 28 to 35 days and the parents continue to feed them for another 4 weeks or so. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080564.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_175880797063a459179e1c5.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 1st December 2022 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39081973.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11306590345d3078d082f0a.jpgEuropean Bee-eater The European Bee-eater is an incredibly colourful bird with an unmistakable appearance. In breeding plumage, it has a rich chestnut crown that blends into gold on its back. The forehead is white, the throat is yellow bordered by black and the underparts are blue. The male European Bee-eater has a chestnut-coloured patch in the middle of the wing while in females this patch is usually smaller or even absent. Occasionally, females may also be distinguished from the males by having a green back. The wings and backs of juvenile European Bee-eaters are entirely green and the eyes are brown in contrast to the bright red eyes of adults. The European Bee-eater breeds in southern Europe and in parts of north Africa and western Asia. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, India and Sri Lanka. European Bee-eaters are occasionally seen in northern Europe (including the UK) as a spring overshoot north of its range with occasional breeding occurring. Just as the name suggests, the European Bee-eater predominantly eats insects, especially bees, wasps and hornets which are caught in the air by sorties from an open perch. Before eating its meal, a European Bee-eater removes the sting by repeatedly hitting the insect on a hard surface. Lizards and frogs are also taken. European Bee-eaters are gregarious, nesting colonially in sandy banks preferably near river shores and also feeding and roosting communally. Date: 17th May 2018 Location: Vetren, Silistra Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512881.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_130964578962c9a8a6daf28.jpgEurasian Beaver The Eurasian Beaver or European Beaver is one of the largest living species of rodents and it is the largest rodent native to Eurasia. It weighs around 24 to 66 pounds with an average of 40 pounds. Typically the head and body length is 31 to 39 inches and the tail length is 9.8 to 19.7 inches. The fur colour of the Beaver varies geographically from light chestnut-rust to blackish-brown. The Beaver was once widespread in Eurasia. It was hunted to near-extinction for both its fur and castoreum (a secretion of its scent gland believed to have medicinal properties) and by 1900 only 1200 beavers survived in 8 relict populations in Europe and Asia. In many European nations, the Beaver became extinct but reintroduction and protection has led to gradual recovery to about 639,000 individuals by 2003 and it now occurs from the UK to China and Mongolia although it is absent from Italy, Portugal, the southern Balkans and the Middle East. About 83% can be found in the former Soviet Union. In the UK, the Beaver became extinct in the 16th century but, as a former native species, interest in reintroducing it to the wild across the UK has been shown. It has been suggested that Beaver dams could retain water in upland areas, reducing flood volumes and creating new habitats for wildlife. Currently, Beaver populations are found in a number of large enclosures in wildlife parks, as well as free-living populations around the River Tay and Knapdale areas in Scotland and the River Otter in Devon. The Knapdale population was deliberately released whilst the other populations are of unknown origin. The Beaver is a keystone species helping support the ecosystem of which they are a part. It creates wetlands which increase biodiversity and provide habitat for many rare species such as Water Voles, Otters, and Water Shrews. It coppices waterside trees and shrubs so that they regrow as dense shrubs which provide cover for birds and other animals. Beaver dams trap sediment and improve water quality and recharge groundwater tables and increase cover for trout and salmon. The Beaver has a single litter of young per year, coming into oestrus for only 12 to 24 hours between late December and May and peaking in January. Unlike most other rodents, Beaver pairs are monogamous and stay together for multiple breeding seasons. Gestation averages 107 days and litters average 3 kits with a range of 2 to 6 kits. Most Beavers do not reproduce until they are 3 years of age. Date: 12th June 2022 Location: River Otter near Otterton, Devon http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512541.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9440975762c99a5528419.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 9th May 2022 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17408563.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1250787170513328ab3544f.jpgShort-eared Owl The Short-eared Owl is a species of the typical owl family [i]Strigidae[/i]. Owls belonging to the genus [i]Asio[/i], such as the Short-eared Owl, are known as the eared owls since they have tufts of feathers resembling mammalian ears. These "ear" tufts may or may not be visible. The Short-eared Owl will display its tufts when in a defensive pose although its very short tufts are usually not visible. The Short-eared Owl is a medium-sized owl 13 to 17 inches in length with a 33 to 43 inches wingspan. Females are slightly larger than males. It has large yellow eyes with black encircling rings, a big head, a short neck and broad wings. The bill is short, strong, hooked and black. The plumage is mottled tawny to brown with a barred tail and wings. The upper breast is significantly streaked. The flight is characteristically floppy due to the irregular wingbeats and the Short-eared Owl is often described as "moth-like” or bat-like" in flight. Through much of its range, the Short-eared Owl occurs with the similar looking Long-eared Owl. At rest, the ear-tufts of the Long-eared Owl serve to easily distinguish the 2 species although the Long-eared Owl can sometimes hold its ear-tufts flat. The iris colour also differs: yellow in the Short-eared Owl and orange in the Long-eared Owl plus the black surrounding the eyes is vertical on the Long-eared Owl and horizontal on the Short-eared Owl. Overall, the Short-eared Owl tends to be a paler, sandier coloured bird than the Long-eared Owl. There are 10 recognized sub-species of the Short-eared Owl and its range covers all continents except Antarctica and Australia. It therefore has one of the most widespread distributions of any bird. It is partially migratory and moves south in winter from the northern parts of its range. The Short-eared Owl is also known to relocate to areas of higher rodent populations and it will also wander nomadically in search of better food supplies during years when vole populations are low. In the UK, the Short-eared Owl breeds primarily in north England and Scotland but it is seen more widely in winter when there is an influx of continental birds from Scandinavia, Russia and Iceland to north, east and parts of central south England, especially around coastal marshes and wetlands. The breeding season of the Short-eared Owl in the northern hemisphere lasts from March to June but peaks in April. During the breeding season, the male makes a great spectacle of itself in flight to attract a female. The male swoops down over the potential nest site flapping its wings in a courtship display. The Short-eared Owl is generally monogamous and nests on the ground in prairie, tundra, savanna or meadow habitats. The nest is concealed by low vegetation and may be lightly lined by weeds, grass or feathers. The female lays 4 to 7 eggs but clutch size can reach up to 12 eggs in years when voles are abundant. There is a single brood per year. The eggs are incubated mostly by the female for 21 to 37 days and the young fledge at a little over 4 weeks. The Short-eared Owl hunts mostly at night but it is known as a diurnal and crepuscular hunter as well. Its daylight hunting seems to coincide with the high activity periods of voles, its preferred prey. It tends to fly only a few feet above the ground in open fields and grasslands until swooping down upon its prey feet first. Several owls may hunt over the same open area. The diet of the Short-eared Owl consists mainly of rodents, especially voles, but it will eat other small mammals such as mice, ground squirrels, shrews, rats, bats, muskrats and moles. It will also occasionally predate smaller birds especially when near sea coasts and adjacent wetlands at which time they may attack waders, terns and small gulls and seabirds. Avian prey is more infrequently preyed on inland and includes small passerines. Insects also supplement the diet. Date: 14th January 2013 Location: Cummertrees, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533129.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_170869315062ca753685982.jpgFour-spotted Chaser Flight period: mid May to end August. Four-spotted Chasers are a common and widespread species of dragonfly throughout most of the UK. They can be found around sheltered lowland lakes and ponds and around acidic moorland bogs and sheltered upland lakes. Date: 12th June 2022 Location: RSPB Ham Wall, Somerset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11806264.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9731060584e3a78964d796.jpgMarsh Frog The Marsh Frog is the largest European frog. It is very similar in appearance to the closely related Edible Frog and Pool Frog. These 3 species are often referred to as "green frogs" to distinguish them from the more terrestrial European species which are known as "brown frogs" (best exemplified by the Common Frog). Marsh Frogs show a large variation in colour and pattern, ranging from dark green to brown or grey. The Western European populations are generally dark green to black with dark spots on the back and sides and 3 clear green lines on the back. Females can reach a maximum length of around 6.5 inches but males are smaller at around 4.5 inches. The head is proportionally large and the hind legs are long which gives them excellent jumping abilities. The Marsh Frog is usually gregarious and diurnal and more tied to aquatic habitats than the Common Frog. It is tolerant of brackish conditions and typically it is found on or in the water of its favoured drainage channels and pools throughout the year. Marsh Frogs frequently sunbathe on the bank of the water body where they are often inconspicuous until disturbed when they will jump in to the water with a characteristic “plop”. They can often be seen on lily pads or floating at the surface amongst vegetation with only their heads exposed. During the breeding season (and sometimes beyond) the male Marsh Frog calls very loudly with a sound reminiscent of a loud chuckle which is often very raucous and can be heard all day and night. Dominant males establish territories from which they call. After mating a female may produce up to 16,000 eggs in a season, laying them in clumps of a few hundred in aquatic vegetation below the surface. They hatch in about a week, tadpoles being rather solitary and living in deep water with vegetation. Newly metamorphosed frogs are up to 1 inch in length and take 2 years to mature. The diet of the Marsh Frog consists of dragonflies and other insects, spiders, earthworms and slugs. Larger frogs also eat small rodents and sometimes smaller amphibians and fish. The Marsh Frog is not a native species of the UK. It was first introduced to Walland Marsh, Kent in 1935 and is now found in several areas of Kent and East Sussex. Other introductions exist, including colonies in London. Date: 31st July 2011 Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533657.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_153668050762ca8f8c3ee90.jpgBlack-tailed Skimmer Flight period: May to August. The Black-tailed Skimmer is a common dragonfly in south east England and it is expanding its range northwards. They can be found around lowland lakes, ponds, sand and gravel workings, slow flowing rivers and brackish water. Date: 26th June 2022 Location: RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533663.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8019667662ca8f99d870c.jpgBittern The Bittern, Eurasian Bittern or Great Bittern is a bird in the bittern sub-family of the heron family. Its folk names, often local, include many variations on the themes of "barrel-maker", "bog-bull", "bog hen", "bog-trotter", "bog-bumper", "mire drum(ble)", "butter bump", "bitter bum", "bog blutter", "bog drum", "boom bird", "bottle-bump", "bull of the bog", "bull of the mire", "bumpy cors" and "heather blutter". Most of these were onomatopoeic colloquial names for the bird. The call was described as "bumping" or "booming" and mire and bog denoted the bird's habitat. As its alternative name of Great Bittern suggests, the Bittern is the largest of the bitterns with males being slightly larger than females. It is 27 to 32 inches in length with a 39 to 51 inches wingspan. The crown and nape are black with the individual feathers rather long and loosely arranged and tipped with buff narrowly barred with black. The sides of the head and neck are a more uniform tawny-buff and irregularly barred with black. The mantle, scapulars and back are of a similar colour but are more heavily barred, the individual feathers having black centres and barring. The head has a yellowish-buff superciliary stripe and a brownish-black moustachial stripe. The sides of the neck are a rusty-brown with faint barring. The chin and throat are buff, the central feathers on the throat having longitudinal stripes of rusty-brown. The breast and belly are yellowish-buff with broad stripes of brown at the side and narrow stripes in the centre. The tail is rusty-buff with black streaks in the centre and black mottling near the edge. The wings are pale rusty-brown and irregularly barred, streaked and mottled with black. The plumage has a loose texture and elongated feathers on the crown, neck and breast can be erected. The powerful bill is greenish-yellow with a darker tip to the upper mandible. The eye has a yellow iris and is surrounded by a ring of greenish or bluish bare skin. The legs and feet are greenish, with some yellow on the tarsal joint and yellow soles to the feet. Juveniles have similar plumage to adults but are somewhat paler with less distinct markings. The mating call or contact call of the male Bittern is a deep, fog-horn or bull-like boom with a quick rise and an only slightly longer fall, easily audible from a distance of 3 miles on a calm night. The call is mainly given between January and April during the mating season. Surveys of Bitterns are carried out by noting the number of distinct male booms in a given area. Prior to modern science, it was unknown how such a small bird produced a call so low-pitched. Common explanations suggested that the bird made its call into a straw or that it blew directly into the water. It is now known that the sound is produced by expelling air from the oesophagus with the aid of powerful muscles surrounding it. Usually solitary, the Bittern forages in reed beds by walking stealthily or remaining still above a body of water where prey may occur. It is a shy bird and if it is disturbed it will often point its bill directly upwards and freezes in that position, causing its cryptic plumage to blend into the surrounding reeds. The Bittern has a secretive nature and keeps largely hidden in reeds and coarse vegetation. Occasionally, especially in hard winter weather, it will stand in the open beside the water's edge, although usually close to cover to facilitate a hasty retreat. In flight, the Bittern’s wings can be seen to be broad and rounded and its legs trail behind it in typical heron fashion. Its neck is extended when it takes off but is retracted when it has picked up speed. It seldom flies however and prefers to move through the vegetation stealthily on foot. Its gait is slow and deliberate and it can clamber over reeds by gripping several at a time with its toes. It is most active at dawn and dusk but also sometimes forages by day. The breeding range of the Bittern extends across temperate parts of Europe and Asia from the UK, Sweden and Finland eastwards to Sakhalin Island in eastern Siberia and Hokkaido Island in Japan. The northern limit of its range is in the Ural Mountains and eastern Siberia whilst the southern limit is the Mediterranean Sea, the Black Sea, Iran, Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia and northern China. Small resident populations also breed in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. Some populations are sedentary and stay in the same areas throughout the year. More northerly populations usually migrate to warmer regions but some birds often remain. Birds in northern Europe tend to move south and west to southern Europe, north and central Africa and northern Asian birds migrate to parts of the Arabian peninsula, the Indian sub-continent and eastern China. In the UK, the Bittern can be found all year round at suitable wetlands, particularly in East Anglia, south east England and south west England. It is most visible in winter. In recent years, the Bittern has become a regular winter visitor to the London Wetland Centre, enabling city residents to view this scare bird. The Bittern is typically found in reed beds and swamps as well as lakes, lagoons and sluggish rivers fringed by rank vegetation. It sometimes nests by ponds in agricultural areas and even quite near habitations where suitable habitat exists but it prefers large reed beds of at least 50 acres in which to breed. Outside the breeding season it has less restrictive habitat requirements and, in addition to reed beds, it can also be found in rice fields, watercress beds, fish farms, gravel pits, sewage works, ditches, flooded areas and marshes. Males are polygamous and mate with up to 5 females. The nest is built in the previous year's standing reeds and consists of an untidy platform some 12 inches across. It may be on a tussock surrounded by water or on matted roots close to water and it is built by the female using bits of reed, sedges and grass stalks with a lining of finer fragments. The clutch of 4 to 6 eggs is laid in late March and April and incubated by the female for about 26 days. After hatching, the chicks spend about 2 weeks in the nest before leaving to swim amongst the reeds. The female rears them without help from the male, regurgitating food from her crop. The chicks become fully fledged at about 8 weeks. The Bittern feeds on fish, small mammals, amphibians and invertebrates, hunting along the reed margins in shallow water. Some vegetable matter such as aquatic plants is also consumed. The Bittern has a very wide range and a large total population and therefore the IUCN has assessed its overall conservation status as being of "Least Concern” because although the population trend is downward, the rate of decline is insufficient to justify rating it in a more threatened category. The chief threat that the Bittern faces is the drainage and disturbance of its wetland habitats. Date: 26th June 2022 Location: RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533664.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_125519255462ca8f9a22382.jpgBittern The Bittern, Eurasian Bittern or Great Bittern is a bird in the bittern sub-family of the heron family. Its folk names, often local, include many variations on the themes of "barrel-maker", "bog-bull", "bog hen", "bog-trotter", "bog-bumper", "mire drum(ble)", "butter bump", "bitter bum", "bog blutter", "bog drum", "boom bird", "bottle-bump", "bull of the bog", "bull of the mire", "bumpy cors" and "heather blutter". Most of these were onomatopoeic colloquial names for the bird. The call was described as "bumping" or "booming" and mire and bog denoted the bird's habitat. As its alternative name of Great Bittern suggests, the Bittern is the largest of the bitterns with males being slightly larger than females. It is 27 to 32 inches in length with a 39 to 51 inches wingspan. The crown and nape are black with the individual feathers rather long and loosely arranged and tipped with buff narrowly barred with black. The sides of the head and neck are a more uniform tawny-buff and irregularly barred with black. The mantle, scapulars and back are of a similar colour but are more heavily barred, the individual feathers having black centres and barring. The head has a yellowish-buff superciliary stripe and a brownish-black moustachial stripe. The sides of the neck are a rusty-brown with faint barring. The chin and throat are buff, the central feathers on the throat having longitudinal stripes of rusty-brown. The breast and belly are yellowish-buff with broad stripes of brown at the side and narrow stripes in the centre. The tail is rusty-buff with black streaks in the centre and black mottling near the edge. The wings are pale rusty-brown and irregularly barred, streaked and mottled with black. The plumage has a loose texture and elongated feathers on the crown, neck and breast can be erected. The powerful bill is greenish-yellow with a darker tip to the upper mandible. The eye has a yellow iris and is surrounded by a ring of greenish or bluish bare skin. The legs and feet are greenish, with some yellow on the tarsal joint and yellow soles to the feet. Juveniles have similar plumage to adults but are somewhat paler with less distinct markings. The mating call or contact call of the male Bittern is a deep, fog-horn or bull-like boom with a quick rise and an only slightly longer fall, easily audible from a distance of 3 miles on a calm night. The call is mainly given between January and April during the mating season. Surveys of Bitterns are carried out by noting the number of distinct male booms in a given area. Prior to modern science, it was unknown how such a small bird produced a call so low-pitched. Common explanations suggested that the bird made its call into a straw or that it blew directly into the water. It is now known that the sound is produced by expelling air from the oesophagus with the aid of powerful muscles surrounding it. Usually solitary, the Bittern forages in reed beds by walking stealthily or remaining still above a body of water where prey may occur. It is a shy bird and if it is disturbed it will often point its bill directly upwards and freezes in that position, causing its cryptic plumage to blend into the surrounding reeds. The Bittern has a secretive nature and keeps largely hidden in reeds and coarse vegetation. Occasionally, especially in hard winter weather, it will stand in the open beside the water's edge, although usually close to cover to facilitate a hasty retreat. In flight, the Bittern’s wings can be seen to be broad and rounded and its legs trail behind it in typical heron fashion. Its neck is extended when it takes off but is retracted when it has picked up speed. It seldom flies however and prefers to move through the vegetation stealthily on foot. Its gait is slow and deliberate and it can clamber over reeds by gripping several at a time with its toes. It is most active at dawn and dusk but also sometimes forages by day. The breeding range of the Bittern extends across temperate parts of Europe and Asia from the UK, Sweden and Finland eastwards to Sakhalin Island in eastern Siberia and Hokkaido Island in Japan. The northern limit of its range is in the Ural Mountains and eastern Siberia whilst the southern limit is the Mediterranean Sea, the Black Sea, Iran, Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia and northern China. Small resident populations also breed in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. Some populations are sedentary and stay in the same areas throughout the year. More northerly populations usually migrate to warmer regions but some birds often remain. Birds in northern Europe tend to move south and west to southern Europe, north and central Africa and northern Asian birds migrate to parts of the Arabian peninsula, the Indian sub-continent and eastern China. In the UK, the Bittern can be found all year round at suitable wetlands, particularly in East Anglia, south east England and south west England. It is most visible in winter. In recent years, the Bittern has become a regular winter visitor to the London Wetland Centre, enabling city residents to view this scare bird. The Bittern is typically found in reed beds and swamps as well as lakes, lagoons and sluggish rivers fringed by rank vegetation. It sometimes nests by ponds in agricultural areas and even quite near habitations where suitable habitat exists but it prefers large reed beds of at least 50 acres in which to breed. Outside the breeding season it has less restrictive habitat requirements and, in addition to reed beds, it can also be found in rice fields, watercress beds, fish farms, gravel pits, sewage works, ditches, flooded areas and marshes. Males are polygamous and mate with up to 5 females. The nest is built in the previous year's standing reeds and consists of an untidy platform some 12 inches across. It may be on a tussock surrounded by water or on matted roots close to water and it is built by the female using bits of reed, sedges and grass stalks with a lining of finer fragments. The clutch of 4 to 6 eggs is laid in late March and April and incubated by the female for about 26 days. After hatching, the chicks spend about 2 weeks in the nest before leaving to swim amongst the reeds. The female rears them without help from the male, regurgitating food from her crop. The chicks become fully fledged at about 8 weeks. The Bittern feeds on fish, small mammals, amphibians and invertebrates, hunting along the reed margins in shallow water. Some vegetable matter such as aquatic plants is also consumed. The Bittern has a very wide range and a large total population and therefore the IUCN has assessed its overall conservation status as being of "Least Concern” because although the population trend is downward, the rate of decline is insufficient to justify rating it in a more threatened category. The chief threat that the Bittern faces is the drainage and disturbance of its wetland habitats. Date: 26th June 2022 Location: RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo441533.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1406628718467ee6cadb958.jpgAdder Adders are widespread throughout mainland UK but they are absent from Ireland. They occur throughout Europe, with the exception of the Mediterranean islands, and across Russia and Asia through to northern China. They are the UK's only venomous reptile. Adders are relatively short and robust snakes with large heads and a rounded snout. Males are usually a grey or buff colour with vivid black markings although they can also vary from silver to yellow or green in colour. Females are brown with dark red-brown markings that are less prominent than in the males. Both sexes have a zigzag pattern running along the back with a / or X-shaped marking at the rear of the head. Adders can be found in a variety of habitats, including open woodland, hedgerows, moorland, sand dunes, riverbanks, bogs, heathland and mountains. They are active during the day and spend time basking until their body temperature is high enough to hunt for food. Adders use venom to immobilise prey such as lizards, amphibians, nestlings and small mammals. After striking their prey, they will leave the venom to take effect before following the victim’s scent to find the body. Mating takes place between April and May with males often fighting for females. Females have a 3 to 4 month gestation period and Adders are one of the few snakes that are viviparous (give birth to live young). In late August females give birth to between 5 and 20 live young and the young remain close to their mother for a few days before going off in search of food. Adders hibernate from September to March often using deserted rabbit or rodent burrows or settling under logs. They sometimes hibernate communally. Males emerge 2 to 5 weeks before the females and shed their skin before setting off in search of females. Adders are not aggressive snakes and they will only attack if harassed or threatened. Although an Adder’s venom poses little danger to a healthy adult, the bite is very painful and requires urgent medical attention. Date: 31st March 2007 Location: Langdon Conservation Centre, Dunton, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49797638.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_42460233664eca22d4a554.jpgSilver-studded Blue Description to follow .... Date: 2nd July 2023 Location: Hartland Moor NNR, Purbeck Heaths NNR, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533666.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_79029077262ca8fa0ad48d.jpgBittern The Bittern, Eurasian Bittern or Great Bittern is a bird in the bittern sub-family of the heron family. Its folk names, often local, include many variations on the themes of "barrel-maker", "bog-bull", "bog hen", "bog-trotter", "bog-bumper", "mire drum(ble)", "butter bump", "bitter bum", "bog blutter", "bog drum", "boom bird", "bottle-bump", "bull of the bog", "bull of the mire", "bumpy cors" and "heather blutter". Most of these were onomatopoeic colloquial names for the bird. The call was described as "bumping" or "booming" and mire and bog denoted the bird's habitat. As its alternative name of Great Bittern suggests, the Bittern is the largest of the bitterns with males being slightly larger than females. It is 27 to 32 inches in length with a 39 to 51 inches wingspan. The crown and nape are black with the individual feathers rather long and loosely arranged and tipped with buff narrowly barred with black. The sides of the head and neck are a more uniform tawny-buff and irregularly barred with black. The mantle, scapulars and back are of a similar colour but are more heavily barred, the individual feathers having black centres and barring. The head has a yellowish-buff superciliary stripe and a brownish-black moustachial stripe. The sides of the neck are a rusty-brown with faint barring. The chin and throat are buff, the central feathers on the throat having longitudinal stripes of rusty-brown. The breast and belly are yellowish-buff with broad stripes of brown at the side and narrow stripes in the centre. The tail is rusty-buff with black streaks in the centre and black mottling near the edge. The wings are pale rusty-brown and irregularly barred, streaked and mottled with black. The plumage has a loose texture and elongated feathers on the crown, neck and breast can be erected. The powerful bill is greenish-yellow with a darker tip to the upper mandible. The eye has a yellow iris and is surrounded by a ring of greenish or bluish bare skin. The legs and feet are greenish, with some yellow on the tarsal joint and yellow soles to the feet. Juveniles have similar plumage to adults but are somewhat paler with less distinct markings. The mating call or contact call of the male Bittern is a deep, fog-horn or bull-like boom with a quick rise and an only slightly longer fall, easily audible from a distance of 3 miles on a calm night. The call is mainly given between January and April during the mating season. Surveys of Bitterns are carried out by noting the number of distinct male booms in a given area. Prior to modern science, it was unknown how such a small bird produced a call so low-pitched. Common explanations suggested that the bird made its call into a straw or that it blew directly into the water. It is now known that the sound is produced by expelling air from the oesophagus with the aid of powerful muscles surrounding it. Usually solitary, the Bittern forages in reed beds by walking stealthily or remaining still above a body of water where prey may occur. It is a shy bird and if it is disturbed it will often point its bill directly upwards and freezes in that position, causing its cryptic plumage to blend into the surrounding reeds. The Bittern has a secretive nature and keeps largely hidden in reeds and coarse vegetation. Occasionally, especially in hard winter weather, it will stand in the open beside the water's edge, although usually close to cover to facilitate a hasty retreat. In flight, the Bittern’s wings can be seen to be broad and rounded and its legs trail behind it in typical heron fashion. Its neck is extended when it takes off but is retracted when it has picked up speed. It seldom flies however and prefers to move through the vegetation stealthily on foot. Its gait is slow and deliberate and it can clamber over reeds by gripping several at a time with its toes. It is most active at dawn and dusk but also sometimes forages by day. The breeding range of the Bittern extends across temperate parts of Europe and Asia from the UK, Sweden and Finland eastwards to Sakhalin Island in eastern Siberia and Hokkaido Island in Japan. The northern limit of its range is in the Ural Mountains and eastern Siberia whilst the southern limit is the Mediterranean Sea, the Black Sea, Iran, Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia and northern China. Small resident populations also breed in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. Some populations are sedentary and stay in the same areas throughout the year. More northerly populations usually migrate to warmer regions but some birds often remain. Birds in northern Europe tend to move south and west to southern Europe, north and central Africa and northern Asian birds migrate to parts of the Arabian peninsula, the Indian sub-continent and eastern China. In the UK, the Bittern can be found all year round at suitable wetlands, particularly in East Anglia, south east England and south west England. It is most visible in winter. In recent years, the Bittern has become a regular winter visitor to the London Wetland Centre, enabling city residents to view this scare bird. The Bittern is typically found in reed beds and swamps as well as lakes, lagoons and sluggish rivers fringed by rank vegetation. It sometimes nests by ponds in agricultural areas and even quite near habitations where suitable habitat exists but it prefers large reed beds of at least 50 acres in which to breed. Outside the breeding season it has less restrictive habitat requirements and, in addition to reed beds, it can also be found in rice fields, watercress beds, fish farms, gravel pits, sewage works, ditches, flooded areas and marshes. Males are polygamous and mate with up to 5 females. The nest is built in the previous year's standing reeds and consists of an untidy platform some 12 inches across. It may be on a tussock surrounded by water or on matted roots close to water and it is built by the female using bits of reed, sedges and grass stalks with a lining of finer fragments. The clutch of 4 to 6 eggs is laid in late March and April and incubated by the female for about 26 days. After hatching, the chicks spend about 2 weeks in the nest before leaving to swim amongst the reeds. The female rears them without help from the male, regurgitating food from her crop. The chicks become fully fledged at about 8 weeks. The Bittern feeds on fish, small mammals, amphibians and invertebrates, hunting along the reed margins in shallow water. Some vegetable matter such as aquatic plants is also consumed. The Bittern has a very wide range and a large total population and therefore the IUCN has assessed its overall conservation status as being of "Least Concern” because although the population trend is downward, the rate of decline is insufficient to justify rating it in a more threatened category. The chief threat that the Bittern faces is the drainage and disturbance of its wetland habitats. Date: 26th June 2022 Location: RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49278575.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4018347236499b4c543e89.jpgAzure Damselfly Flight period: May to August The Azure Damselfly is one of the two commonest blue damselflies and is a common and widespread species of lowland UK. They can be found around most standing water, preferring small, sheltered sites including ditches and garden ponds. Date: 13th June 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9588998.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18091662194db160baf196b.jpgWigeon The Eurasian Wigeon, or simply Wigeon, is one of 3 species of Wigeon in the dabbling duck genus [i]Mareca[/i]. The Wigeon is 17 to 20 inches in length with a 28 to 31 inches wingspan. The breeding male has grey flanks and back with a black rear end, a dark green speculum and a brilliant white patch on the upper wings which obvious in flight or at rest. It has a pink breast, white belly and a chestnut head with a creamy crown. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female. The female is generally light brown but it can be distinguished from most other ducks, apart from the American Wigeon, on shape. The Wigeon breeds in the northernmost areas of Europe and Asia where it is the Old World counterpart of north America's American Wigeon. It is a bird of open wetlands, such as wet grassland or marshes with some taller vegetation, and nests on the ground near water and under cover. The Wigeon is strongly migratory and winters further south than its breeding range. It is highly gregarious outside of the breeding season and will form large flocks. In the UK, the Wigeon can be found all year round. It is a scarce breeding bird in central and northern Scotland and in northern England. In winter, many birds arrive in the UK from Iceland, Scandinavia and Russia and very large numbers can be seen on the coasts and at some inland sites. The Wigeon is categorised by the IUCN as a species of “Least Concern” but it is a species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 26th December 2007 Location: Buckenham Marshes, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49278546.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19425181286499b19b2611d.jpgBlue-tailed Damselfly Flight period: mid May to early September. Blue-tailed Damselflies are a widespread and common species of damselfly in much of England, Wales and southern Scotland. They can be found around lakes, ponds, canals and ditches, being less common on flowing water and in exposed and upland sites. They can also tolerate some saline and polluted waters. Date: 12th June 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/eshaness-north-mainland-shetland https://images.on-this.website/4752_7148852314866c2afdaa7c.jpgEshaness, North Mainland, Shetland Eshaness is sometimes referred to by central mainland Shetlanders as “the back of beyond”. It is the western most point of mainland Shetland on the north side of St Magnus Bay and its culmination is marked by a magnificently situated lighthouse. Eshaness has perhaps more natural scenic beauty than any other part of Shetland. Date: 1st June 2008 Location: view from Eshaness lighthouse http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41292183.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18652100555f10b8f8b880c.jpgPasvikdalen, Troms og Finnmark, Norway The Pasvik valley (Norwegian: [i]Pasvikdalen[/i]) is a river valley located in Norway and Russia. The Norwegian side of the valley is situated in Sør-Varanger municipality in Troms og Finnmark and the Russian side is located in the Pechengsky district in Murmansk Oblast. Øvre Pasvik National Park (Norwegian: [i]Øvre Pasvik Nasjonalpark[/i]) is located in the south eastern part of the valley and covers an area of 46 square miles. It is dominated by Siberian-like taiga consisting of old-growth forests of Scots pine, shallow lakes and bogs. Proposals for a national park in Øvre Pasvik were first launched in 1936 but it was not created until February 1970. It originally covered 25 square miles but was expanded in August 2003. Øvre Pasvik National Park is part of the larger Pasvik–Inari Trilateral Park along with the adjacent Øvre Pasvik Landscape Protection Area, the joint Norwegian and Russian Pasvik Nature Reserve and Finland's Vätsäri Wilderness Area. The fauna and flora of the Øvre Pasvik National Park is typical of the Siberian taiga. This includes Brown Bear, Wolverine, Wolf, Lynx and Elk and a very interesting diversity of northern and eastern species of birds which breed on the lakes and rivers and in the forests. The River Pasvikelva runs through the valley (giving it the name) and the river defines part of the border between Norway and Russia. It is the outlet from the large Lake Inari in Finland and flows through Norway and Russia to discharge into the Bøkfjorden (which later flows into the Varangerfjorden and then the Barents Sea) not far from the town of Kirkenes. The river has a watershed of 7106 square miles and is 90 miles long. A series of hydroelectric power stations are situated along its course. Since 1826, the River Pasvikelva has marked parts of the border between Norway and Russia, except from 1920 to 1944 when it was along the border between Norway and Finland. The southern part of the valley is also the location of the Treriksrøysa (Three-Country Cairn), a cairn which marks the tripoint where the borders between Norway, Finland and Russia meet. The site is on a hill called Muotkavaara situated west of the River Pasvikelva. It is the only place where 3 time zones meet: Central European Time, Eastern European Time and Further-Eastern European Time. The tripoint can only be approached by the public from the Norwegian side since both Finland and Russia maintain extensive border zones where public access is prohibited. Date: 30th June 2019 Location: Øvre Pasvik National Park, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4352172.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16218451074b687b74bdff5.jpgSnow Bunting Snow Buntings are large buntings with striking “snowy” plumages. Males in summer have all white heads and underparts contrasting with a black mantle and wing tips. Females are a more mottled above. In autumn and winter birds develop a sandy/buff wash to their plumage and males have more mottled upperparts. Snow Buntings breed in far northern Europe and migrate south in winter. They are a very scarce breeding species in the UK and can be found on the highest mountain peaks in Scotland where they nest in rocky crevices. Snow Buntings are best looked for in winter (from late September to early March) where they can sometimes be seen in large flocks on the seashore or on adjacent short rough grassland at coastal sites in Scotland and eastern England. Date: 1st February 2010 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41254073.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17046215985f059e63e383e.jpgView from the m/s J.L. Runeberg between Porvoo and Helsinki, Finland Date: 26th June 2019 Location: view from the m/s J.L. Runeberg between Porvoo and Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12653628.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14668143044e69cc07d405d.jpgCoot The Coot is an all black bird with a distinctive white beak and “shield” above the beak from which earns it the title “bald”. Its feet have distinctive lobed flaps of skin on the toes which act instead of webs when swimming. It patters noisily over the water before taking off and can be very aggressive towards other birds. Coot can be found all the year round mainly on freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers and town park lakes. Sometimes they can be seen offshore, especially in winter if freshwater areas are frozen. They breed in areas of fairly shallow standing freshwater with a muddy bottom and plenty of vegetation at the sides, usually in lowland areas. Date: 4th September 2011 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46535115.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_194133567762caa2894c124.jpgEdible Frog The Edible Frog is a species of frog found across Europe that is also known as the Common Water Frog and the Green Frog. The Edible Frog is one of the few animals in the world that is a fertile hybrid of 2 different species, as although similar but genetically different species are known to mate, it is very rare that their offspring will be able to breed. The Edible Frog is a fertile hybrid of 2 other European frogs, namely the Pool Frog and the Marsh Frog, that inter-bred when populations where isolated close to one another during the Ice Age. It was first described in 1758 and is known as the Edible Frog due to the fact that it is now seen as a culinary delicacy across Europe but especially in France where frog’s legs are often served as a national dish. The reason for humans favouring this frog over others is not really known but it may have something to do with their abundance. The Edible Frog is a medium sized frog growing to around 3.5 to 4.5 inches in length. Adults are mainly green in colour with light patches of brown on their backs, yellow eyes and a white underside covered in a few dark spots. There are number of distinct differences between males and females including the fact that males become much lighter and greener during the mating season. Males also have vocal sacs on the outside of their cheeks and extra skin patches on their feet, both of which are primarily used for mating. The Edible Frog is endemic to Europe and it naturally occurs across central Europe as far north as Germany and Estonia. Southern populations are found from Croatia, through northern Italy and into the south of France. There are also isolated populations in Sweden and Bulgaria which are thought to have migrated from the countries nearby. It has also been introduced to the UK. The Edible Frog spends all of its time either in or very close to water and it is most commonly found in calmer parts of rivers and streams where there is a slow but constant flow of fresh water. It tends to prefer more open areas and can also be commonly found around lakes, ponds and marshes. Unlike many other species of frog, the Edible Frog is a diurnal animal and is therefore most active during the day. This is when it is most likely to move away from the water so that it can find a better supply of food or move to a different part of the water if it needs to. The Edible Frog is a relatively solitary animal so there is less competition for food but males are often seen sitting together in groups during the breeding season when they are trying to out-compete each other to find a mate. The breeding season for the Edible Frog begins during March and generally lasts for around 2 months. Males sing by drawing air in and out of their vocal sacs to produce the highest-pitched sound possible since females are most attracted to the loudest males. After courting her in a lake, pond or swamp, the male lets the female lay up to 10,000 eggs in a sticky mass into the water before he fertilises them. Tadpoles can be as small as 0.2 inches long when they hatch and are a grey/brown colour. They then grow up to 2 to 3 inches in length before metamorphoses occurs and they leave the water as 0.75 inches long young frogs. The Edible Frog reaches sexual maturity at the age of 2 years and can live until it is 15 years old. The Edible Frog is a carnivorous amphibian but the tadpoles mainly eat vegetation although they are known to occasionally supplement their diet with aquatic micro-organisms. Adults eat small invertebrates such as insects, spiders and flies, which make up the majority of their diet, along with larger aquatic animals like fish, newts and other frogs. The Edible Frog hunts for food during the day and can be seen catching food both in water and on land. The Edible Frog remains very still when it is sitting on the banks of its water habitat and this, along with its camouflage, makes it very difficult for predators to spot. Its eyes are positioned near the top of the head meaning that it can also see danger coming whilst the body is mainly hidden. Snakes, owls and water birds are the main predators of the Edible Frog. The Edible Frog will jump into the water and hide if it senses approaching danger and it will make a loud screeching sound if caught. Edible Frog populations are under threat from habitat destruction mainly caused by deforestation and water pollution. Date: 3rd July 2022 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39081958.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8449046505d30789714a29.jpgEuropean Bee-eater The European Bee-eater is an incredibly colourful bird with an unmistakable appearance. In breeding plumage, it has a rich chestnut crown that blends into gold on its back. The forehead is white, the throat is yellow bordered by black and the underparts are blue. The male European Bee-eater has a chestnut-coloured patch in the middle of the wing while in females this patch is usually smaller or even absent. Occasionally, females may also be distinguished from the males by having a green back. The wings and backs of juvenile European Bee-eaters are entirely green and the eyes are brown in contrast to the bright red eyes of adults. The European Bee-eater breeds in southern Europe and in parts of north Africa and western Asia. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, India and Sri Lanka. European Bee-eaters are occasionally seen in northern Europe (including the UK) as a spring overshoot north of its range with occasional breeding occurring. Just as the name suggests, the European Bee-eater predominantly eats insects, especially bees, wasps and hornets which are caught in the air by sorties from an open perch. Before eating its meal, a European Bee-eater removes the sting by repeatedly hitting the insect on a hard surface. Lizards and frogs are also taken. European Bee-eaters are gregarious, nesting colonially in sandy banks preferably near river shores and also feeding and roosting communally. Date: 17th May 2018 Location: Vetren, Silistra Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13656977.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_750104374ed368db3fe8d.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the [i]Canidae[/i] family and is a part of the order [i]Carnivora[/i] within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30017227.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_861551690587550041bad0.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 2nd January 2017 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31192230.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_38060274959182361d895d3.03313637.jpgBlack Grouse The Black Grouse is a large game bird in the grouse family. The male has all black plumage with distinctive red wattles over the eyes and striking white stripes along each wing in flight. It has a lyre-shaped tail which is fanned out and raised to show white under-tail feathers when displaying. The female is smaller and grey-brown in colour. The Black Grouse is a sedentary species and breeds across northern Eurasia in moorland and bog areas near to mostly boreal woodland. Although it is declining, it is not considered to be vulnerable globally due to the large population and slow rate of decline. Its decline is due to loss of habitat, disturbance, predation by foxes, crows, etc., and small populations gradually dying out. In the UK, the Black Grouse are found in upland areas of Wales, the Pennines and most of Scotland, especially on farmland and moorland with nearby forestry or scattered trees. Habitat loss and overgrazing have resulted in severe population declines which make the Black Grouse a Red List species. Positive habitat management and re-introduction programmes are helping it to increase in some areas. The Black Grouse has a very distinctive and well-recorded courtship. At dawn in the spring, the males strut around in a traditional area (lek) and display whilst making a highly distinctive and bubbling mating call. This photo was taken at a well known roadside lekking site. If visiting, please remain in your car to avoid disturbance to these vulnerable breeding birds. Date: 6th May 2017 Location: World's End, Denbighshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo10073266.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15998149534dd2202d1d9bb.jpgGrass Snake The Grass Snake is the UK’s largest terrestrial reptile reaching up to 6 feet in length although such large specimens are rare. Females are considerably larger than males and typically reach a size of 2 feet 11 inches to 3 feet 7 inches when fully grown whilst males are approximately 8 inches shorter. The Grass Snake is typically olive-green, brown or greyish in colour with a variable row of black bars along the sides, occasionally with smaller round markings along the back in double rows. The underside of the Grass Snake is off-white or yellowish with dark triangular or rectangular markings. A characteristic black and yellow collar is present behind the head. The Grass Snake is one of only 3 snakes to occur in the UK and it is distributed throughout lowland areas of England and Wales. It is almost absent from Scotland and is not found in Ireland at all which has no native snakes. The Grass Snake is an aquatic species that is usually closely associated with water where it preys almost entirely on amphibians, especially the Common Toad and the Common Frog, although they may also occasionally eat mammals and fish. It is a strong swimmer and is found in habitats featuring ponds, lakes, streams, marshes and ditches which provide access to sunshine for basking and plenty of shelter. The Grass Snake may also be found in open woodland, rough grassland, wet heathlands, gardens, parks and hedgerows. The Grass Snake, as with most reptiles, is at the mercy of the thermal environment and it needs to overwinter in areas which are not subject to freezing. Therefore it will typically spend the winter underground where the temperature is relatively stable. Date: 13th May 2011 Location: Stodmarsh, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084679.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15871786245d3087cbedd95.jpgBicaz Gorge, Neamţ and Harghita Counties, Romania The Bicaz Gorge, known locally as Cheile Bicazului, is a gorge located in north east Romania in the Eastern Carpathians group of the Carpathian Mountains. It is the deepest gorge in the country and connects the historical regions of Moldova and Transylvania. It was created by the River Bicaz and it is one of the most breathtaking natural attractions in Romania. The Bicaz Gorge is included within the Cheile Bicazului-Hășmaș National Park. The DN12C road runs through the Bicaz Gorge and is one of the most scenic drives in Romania. The gorge twists and turns steeply uphill for 5 miles with hairpin bends and deep drops and cuts through sheer 985 feet high limestone cliffs. At one point, the narrow mountain road runs uncomfortably beneath the overhanging rocks in a section known as Gâtul Iadului (“the neck of hell”). Beyond the cliffs there are spruce and beech forests and upland grazing pastures. Date: 4th June 2018 Location: Bicaz Gorge, Neamţ and Harghita Counties, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/white-tailed-eagles https://images.on-this.website/4752_8752951454bf6d979a68fe.jpgWhite-tailed Eagles The White-tailed Eagle is the fourth largest eagle in the World, 27 to 36 inches long with a 72 to 96 inches wingspan. Females are slightly larger than males. It has broad "barn door" wings, a large head and a thick "meat-cleaver" beak. The adult is mainly brown except for the paler head and neck, blackish flight feathers, distinctive white tail, and yellow bill and legs. In juvenile birds the tail and bill are darker, with the tail becoming white with a dark terminal band in sub-adults Some individuals have been found to live over 25 years although 21 years is the average. The White-tailed Eagle breeds in northern Europe and northern Asia with the largest population in Europe along the coast of Norway. The World population in 2008 was estimated at only 9,000 to 11,000 pairs. They are mostly resident with only the northernmost birds such as the eastern Scandinavian and Siberian population migrating south in winter. Date: 12th April 2010 Location: between Nesseby and Varangerbotn, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29486897.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_81853144858107c56ed7c6.jpgGoldeneye The Goldeneye is a medium-sized diving duck, named for its golden-yellow eye. Adult males have a dark head with a greenish gloss and a circular white patch below the eye, a dark back and a white neck and belly. Adult females have a brown head and a mostly grey body. The Goldeneye breeds on the lakes and in the rivers of boreal forests in Scandinavia, Canada, north USA and north Russia. Naturally it will nest in cavities in large trees but it will also readily use nestboxes put up on trees close to water. This has enabled a healthy breeding population to establish in the Scottish Highlands from 1970 where it is increasing and slowly spreading. The Goldeneye is migratory and most winter in protected coastal waters or open inland waters at more temperate latitudes. The Goldeneye forages by diving underwater for crustaceans, aquatic insects and molluscs. Insects are the predominant prey while nesting and crustaceans are the predominant prey during migration and winter. Date: 23rd May 2016 Location: Wild Brown Bear Centre, near Vartius, Kainuu, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/october-2022-kingfisher https://images.on-this.website/4752_1430324661635e631867092.jpgOctober 2022 - Kingfisher Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo47764312.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30040579.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_361533978587cb41c698e2.jpgWaxwings The Waxwing is a plump bird which is slightly smaller than a Starling. It is buff or pinkish-brown in colour with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings, a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest. The bird’s name is derived from the red tips to some of the wing feathers which are said to look like they have been dipped in sealing wax. Waxwings breed in the dense forests of northern Europe but they occur in varying numbers in the UK from October to March. In some years they can occur in large numbers (known as irruptions) when the population in the breeding areas gets too big for the food available. The first UK arrivals each winter are usually seen on the east coast from Scotland to East Anglia but birds then move inland in search of food. They can be found in parks and gardens and even busy public places such as supermarket car parks, typically where there are berry-bearing trees and bushes such as rowan, hawthorn, cotoneaster and rose. Waxwings seem fearless of humans so it is relatively easy to get very close views of these stunning birds. Waxwings make an easily recognisable high-pitched trilling sound like a bell. Date: 10th January 2017 Location: Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45456939.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_73427290662500171e2476.jpgTurnstone The Turnstone has a mottled appearance with brown or chestnut and black upperparts, brown and white or black and white head pattern, white underparts and orange legs. Turnstones can be found around most of the UK coastline including rocky, sandy and muddy shores and particularly like feeding on seaweed covered rocks, seawalls and jetties. They are present for most of the year. Birds from Northern Europe pass through in July and August and again in spring and birds from Canada and Greenland arrive in August and September and remain until April and May. Non-breeding birds may stay throughout the summer. Date: 9th November 2021 Location: Shoeburyness, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623090.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19175017986117d765bbb28.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871646.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16614581304eff201316a5d.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill <i>"kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake"</i>. The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 27th May 2009 Location: Store Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52699004.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_169370284767b0c482a2ce2.jpgCormorant The (Great) Cormorant is a widespread member of the cormorant and shag family Phalacrocoracidae. There is a wide variation in size in the species' wide range and males are typically larger and heavier than females. It has a predominantly black plumage but the adult has white patches on the thighs and throat and a yellow throat during the breeding season. In Europe it can be distinguished from the Shag by its larger size, heavier build, thicker bill, lack of a crest and plumage without any green tinge. The (Great) Cormorant is a very common and widespread bird and it breeds in much of the Old World and the Atlantic coast of north America. It feeds on the sea, in estuaries and on freshwater lakes and rivers. Northern birds migrate south and winter along any coast that is well-supplied with fish. The (Great) Cormorant is found around the UK coastline on rocky shores, coastal lagoons and estuaries and it is increasingly seen inland at reservoirs, lakes and gravel pits. The UK holds internationally important wintering numbers. The (Great) Cormorant mainly nests in colonies near wetlands, rivers and sheltered inshore waters. Pairs will use the same nest site to breed year after year. It builds its nest, which is made mainly from sticks, in trees, on the ledges of cliffs and on the ground on rocky islands that are free of predators. The female lays 3 to 5 eggs which are incubated for a period of about 28 to 31 days. The (Great) Cormorant feeds on fish caught through diving and it will consume all fish of appropriate size that they are able to catch. Many fishermen see the (Great) Cormorant a competitor for fish. Because of this, it was nearly hunted to extinction in the past. Due to conservation efforts, its numbers increased although this has once again brought it in to conflict with fisheries. In the UK, where inland breeding was once uncommon, there are now increasing numbers of birds and many inland fish farms and fisheries now claim to be suffering high losses. In the UK each year, some licences are issued to cull specified numbers in order to help reduce predation although it is still illegal to kill a bird without such a licence. Date: 2nd February 2025 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46534274.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_191606238562ca94624cb09.jpgBlack-browed Albatross The Black-browed Albatross, also known as the Black-browed Mollymawk, is a large seabird in the albatross family [i]Diomedeidae[/i] and it is the most widespread and common member of its family. The albatrosses are classified in the order [i]Procellariiformes[/i] which also includes shearwaters, fulmars, storm petrels and diving petrels. All these birds share certain identifying features. They have nasal passages that attach to the upper bill called naricorns although the nostrils on the albatross are on the sides of the bill. The bills of [i]Procellariiformes[/i] are also unique in that they are split into between 7 and 9 horny plates and they have a salt gland above the nasal passage which helps to remove salt from the ocean water that they imbibe. The gland excretes a high saline solution through the bird's nose. The Black-browed Albatross is a medium-sized albatross at 31 to 37 inches in length with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. It has a dark grey saddle and upperwings that contrast with the white rump and underparts. The underwing is predominantly white with broad and irregular black margins. It has a dark eyebrow and a yellow-orange bill with a darker reddish-orange tip. Juveniles have dark horn-coloured bills with dark tips and a grey head and collar. They also have dark underwings. The features that distinguish it from other albatrosses are the dark eyestripe which gives it its name, a broad black edging to the white underside of its wings, white head and orange bill tipped darker orange. The Black-browed Albatross is circumpolar in the southern oceans and it breeds on 12 islands throughout that range. In the Atlantic Ocean, it breeds on the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, and the Cape Horn Islands. In the Pacific Ocean it breeds on Islas Ildefonso, Diego de Almagro, Islas Evangelistas, Campbell Island, Antipodes Islands, Snares Islands and Macquarie Island. In the Indian Ocean it breeds on the Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island and McDonald Island. There are an estimated 1,220,000 birds alive with 600,853 breeding pairs as estimated by a 2005 count. Of these birds, 402,571 breed in the Falklands, 72,102 breed on South Georgia Island and 120,171 breed on the Chilean islands of Islas Ildefonso, Diego de Almagro, Islas Evangelistas and Islas Diego Ramírez. Birds from the Falkland Islands winter near the Patagonian Shelf and birds from South Georgia forage in South African waters. It is the most likely albatross to be found in the North Atlantic due to this northerly migratory tendency. The Black-browed Albatross normally nests on steep slopes covered with tussock grass and sometimes on cliffs although on the Falkland Islands it nests on flat grassland on the coast. It is an annual breeder with the female laying a single egg from between 20th September and 1st November although the Falkland Islands breeders lay about 3 weeks earlier. Incubation of the egg is undertaken by both sexes and lasts 68 to 71 days. After hatching, the chicks take 120 to 130 days to fledge. Juveniles will return to the colony after 2 to 3 years but only to practice courtship rituals as they will only start breeding around their 10th year. The Black-browed Albatross can have a natural lifespan of over 70 years. The Black-browed Albatross feeds on fish, squid, crustaceans, carrion, and fishery discards but it has also been observed stealing food from other species. Until 2013, the IUCN classified the Black-browed Albatross as endangered due to a drastic reduction in its population. There has been a 67% decline in the population over 64 years. Increased longline fishing in the southern oceans, especially around the Patagonian Shelf and around South Georgia, has been attributed as a major cause of the decline of this bird and the Black-browed Albatross has been found to be the most common bird killed by fisheries. Trawl fishing, especially around the Patagonian Shelf and off South Africa, is also a large cause of deaths. Conservation efforts underway start with this species being placed on the Convention on Migratory Species and the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels. It is being monitored on half of the islands and most of the breeding sites are reserves and some are World Heritage Sites. Although a very rare occurrence, vagrancy into the North Atlantic has occurred including a bird which returned to the Gannet colony on Shetland for several decades from 1967. From 2014, another bird has been seen around the Heligoland archipelago off the Germany and Denmark coast and what is believed to be the same bird has summered at or around RSPB Bempton Cliffs in east Yorkshire since 2019. Date: 27th June 2022 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43082716.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_132061467760dd8926b7382.jpgBroad-bodied Chaser Flight period: May to August The broad, flattened body of the Broad-bodied Chaser is distinctive and makes this dragonfly appear “fat”. The male has a powder-blue body with yellow spots along the sides and a dark thorax whilst the female is green-brown with paler spots. There are several medium-sized, pale blue dragonflies that can be confused with one another. The Broad-bodied Chaser can be distinguished by the combination of its broad, blue body and chocolate-brown eyes. The Broad-bodied Chaser is a common dragonfly of ponds and small lakes and it may be the first to colonise such habitats. It regularly returns to the same low perch after swift flights out across the water looking for insects. The Broad-bodied Chaser is widespread and common throughout southern and central England and south Wales. Date: 15th June 2021 Location: Broadwater Warren RSPB reserve, High Weald, East Sussex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40952873.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18254498565e539472d9110.jpgHerring Gull The Herring Gull is one of the best known of all gulls along the shores of Europe. Adults in breeding plumage have a grey back and upperwings and white head and underparts. The wingtips are black with white spots known as "mirrors". The bill is yellow with a red spot and there is a ring of bare yellow skin around the pale eye. The legs are normally pink at all ages but can be yellowish. Non-breeding adults have brown streaks on the head and neck. Male and female plumage is identical at all stages of development although adult males are often larger. Juvenile and first-winter birds are mainly brown with darker streaks and have a dark bill and eyes. Second-winter birds have a whiter head and underparts with less streaking and the back is grey. Third-winter individuals are similar to adults but retain some of the features of immature birds such as brown feathers in the wings and dark markings on the bill. The Herring Gull attains adult plumage and reaches sexual maturity at an average age of 4 years. The loud laughing call of the Herring Gull is well known and is often seen as a symbol of the seaside in countries such as the UK. It also has a yelping alarm call and a low barking anxiety call. Chicks and fledglings emit a distinctive, repetitive high-pitched 'peep', accompanied by a head-flicking gesture when begging for food from or calling to their parents. Adult gulls in urban areas will also exhibit this behaviour when fed by humans. The Herring Gull breeds across northern Europe, western Europe, central Europe, eastern Europe, Scandinavia and the Baltic states. Some, especially those resident in colder areas, migrate further south in winter but many are permanent residents such as in the UK or on the North Sea shores. While Herring Gull numbers appear to have been decreased in recent years, possibly by fish population declines and competition, they have proved able to survive in human-adapted areas and can often be seen in towns acting as a scavenger. The Herring Gull, like most gulls, is an omnivore and opportunist and will scavenge from garbage dumps, landfill sites and sewage outflows with refuse comprising up to half of the bird's diet. In addition, it will eat fish, crustaceans and dead animals as well as some plants and it will steal the eggs and young of other birds (including those of other gulls). The Herring Gull may also dive from the surface of the water or engage in plunge diving in the pursuit of aquatic prey although they are typically unable to reach any great depth due to their natural buoyancy. Date: 4th February 2020 Location: Dublin, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26041361.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19261093665638a154de4c0.jpgDynjandi, Westfjords, Iceland Dynjandi (also known as Fjallfoss and meaning “thunderous”) is located at the end of Arnarfjörður and it is the most powerful waterfall in the Westfjords and breathtaking in its beauty. Dynjandi is actually a series of 7 waterfalls with a cumulative height of 330 feet. The main uppermost tier is particularly notable with its trapezoidal shape (100 feet wide at the top and 200 feet wide at the bottom). The other waterfalls below Dynjandifoss are Hæstahjallafoss, Strompgljúfrafoss, Göngumannafoss, Hrísvaðsfoss, Hundafoss and Bæjarfoss. It is said that a supernatural being lives in every waterfall. The waterfalls have their source in Lake Eyjavatn from which the Dynjandisá river flows. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: view from road 60 at the eastern end of Arnarfjörður http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512239.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_76520352762c9963a7d992.jpgLinnet The Linnet is a small passerine bird in the finch family, Fringillidae. It derives its common name and scientific name, Linaria cannabina, from its fondness for hemp seeds and flax seeds. The genus name linaria is the Latin for a linen weaver derived from linum or flax. The species name cannabina comes from the Latin for hemp. There are 7 recognised sub-species including the Eurasian Linnet found in west, central and north Europe and the Scottish Linnet. The Linnet is a slim bird with a long tail. The upper parts are brown, the throat is white and the bill is grey. The summer male has a grey nape, crimson head patch and crimson breast. Females and juveniles lack the crimson colour and have white underparts and a buff streaked breast. The Linnet breeds in Europe and north Africa. It is partially resident but many eastern and northern birds migrate farther south in the breeding range or move to the coasts. During the breeding season, it can be found on open land with thick bushes including farmland, commons, heathland and parks. It can form large flocks outside the breeding season on coasts and salt marshes, sometimes mixing with other finches such as Twite. The Linnet feeds on the ground and low down in bushes and its food mainly consists of a wide variety of seeds but also a small number of invertebrates. Date: 11th May 2022 Location: Morden Bog, Wareham Forest, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49027082.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_737449453646b44e3e000b.jpgCommon Whitethroat The Common Whitethroat is a common and widespread Sylvia warbler. It is one of several Sylvia species that has distinct male and female plumages. Both sexes are mainly brown above and buff below with chestnut fringes to the wings. The adult male has a grey head and a white throat. The female lacks the grey head and the throat is duller. The song is fast and scratchy with a scolding tone. The Common Whitethroat breeds throughout Europe and across much of temperate west Asia where it can be found in areas of open countryside and cultivation with bushes for nesting. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, Arabia and Pakistan. In the UK, it is a summer visitor from April to October and a passage migrant. It breeds widely throughout the country although avoids urban and mountainous areas. Like most warblers, the Common Whitethroat is insectivorous but it will also eat berries and other soft fruit. Date: 11th May 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46534357.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_201385149762ca961ed299b.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 27th June 2022 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/azure-damselfies https://images.on-this.website/4752_15074863956499bad2020b2.jpgAzure Damselflies Flight period: May to August The Azure Damselfly is one of the two commonest blue damselflies and is a common and widespread species of lowland UK. They can be found around most standing water, preferring small, sheltered sites including ditches and garden ponds. Date: 16th June 2023 Location: RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19905532.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5182099529089ca36df8.jpgDunlin The Dunlin is the commonest small wader found along the coast and can be seen on all UK estuaries with the largest numbers in winter. During winter they feed in large flocks on estuaries with mudflats, saltmarsh and coastal lagoons as well as inland lakes and sewage farms. Dunlin breed on the wet upland moors of Scotland, Wales and England and also the wet grassland machair of the Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland and the Flow Country of Caithness and Sutherland. Date: 30th September 2013 Location: Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo8135914.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10818695964d1d9961d5657.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 20th December 2010 Location: Hanningfield Reservoir, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453923.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3144392214ff5458207d05.jpgGriffon Vulture The Griffon Vulture is a typical Old World vulture in appearance with a white bald head, very broad wings and short tail feathers. It has a white neck ruff and yellow bill. The buff body and wing coverts contrast with the dark flight feathers. They are very large birds around 37 to 43 inches long with a 91 to 106 inches wingspan. Like other vultures, the Griffon Vulture is a scavenger, feeding mostly from carcasses of dead animals which it finds by soaring over open areas, often moving in flocks. The population is mostly resident in its breeding range in the mountains of southern Europe, north Africa, and Asia. In Spain, there are tens of thousands of birds from a low of a few thousand around 1980 although the Pyrenees population has apparently been affected by an EU ruling that due to danger of BSE transmission, no carcasses must be left on the fields for the time being. Although the Griffon Vulture does not normally attack larger living prey, there are reports of Spanish Griffon Vultures killing weak, young or unhealthy living animals as they do not find enough carrion to eat. Date: 27th April 2012 Location: Location: Portilla del Tiétar, Parque Nacional de Monfragüe, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512887.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_499887362c9a8c039186.jpgEurasian Beaver The Eurasian Beaver or European Beaver is one of the largest living species of rodents and it is the largest rodent native to Eurasia. It weighs around 24 to 66 pounds with an average of 40 pounds. Typically the head and body length is 31 to 39 inches and the tail length is 9.8 to 19.7 inches. The fur colour of the Beaver varies geographically from light chestnut-rust to blackish-brown. The Beaver was once widespread in Eurasia. It was hunted to near-extinction for both its fur and castoreum (a secretion of its scent gland believed to have medicinal properties) and by 1900 only 1200 beavers survived in 8 relict populations in Europe and Asia. In many European nations, the Beaver became extinct but reintroduction and protection has led to gradual recovery to about 639,000 individuals by 2003 and it now occurs from the UK to China and Mongolia although it is absent from Italy, Portugal, the southern Balkans and the Middle East. About 83% can be found in the former Soviet Union. In the UK, the Beaver became extinct in the 16th century but, as a former native species, interest in reintroducing it to the wild across the UK has been shown. It has been suggested that Beaver dams could retain water in upland areas, reducing flood volumes and creating new habitats for wildlife. Currently, Beaver populations are found in a number of large enclosures in wildlife parks, as well as free-living populations around the River Tay and Knapdale areas in Scotland and the River Otter in Devon. The Knapdale population was deliberately released whilst the other populations are of unknown origin. The Beaver is a keystone species helping support the ecosystem of which they are a part. It creates wetlands which increase biodiversity and provide habitat for many rare species such as Water Voles, Otters, and Water Shrews. It coppices waterside trees and shrubs so that they regrow as dense shrubs which provide cover for birds and other animals. Beaver dams trap sediment and improve water quality and recharge groundwater tables and increase cover for trout and salmon. The Beaver has a single litter of young per year, coming into oestrus for only 12 to 24 hours between late December and May and peaking in January. Unlike most other rodents, Beaver pairs are monogamous and stay together for multiple breeding seasons. Gestation averages 107 days and litters average 3 kits with a range of 2 to 6 kits. Most Beavers do not reproduce until they are 3 years of age. Date: 12th June 2022 Location: River Otter near Otterton, Devon http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo34006647.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21408986375a72f9f375c47.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 22nd January 2018 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41349630.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4729354295f2008df80a25.jpgEmperor Dragonfly Flight period: June to August. The Emperor Dragonfly is the largest UK dragonfly species and apart from its size it can easily be recognized by its bright colouration and highly territorial behaviour as it flies endlessly well above the water’s surface. The Emperor Dragonfly has expanded its range in to northern England in recent years and has now been recorded in Scotland. They can be found around well-vegetated ponds, lakes, large ditches, canals and slow-moving rivers. Date: 25th June 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18776304.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_199271853551f4cf89bc7d8.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 20th June 2013 Location: Balnakeil Bay, Sutherland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41349685.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_387384825f2017b31ba2c.jpgGatekeeper Flight period: mid-July to early September. The Gatekeeper or Hedge Brown is common and widespread throughout the southern half of the UK. They can be found in areas with hedgerows or in scrubby woodland with wide and sunny rides. Date: 12th July 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512883.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_122836200962c9a8afee581.jpgEurasian Beaver The Eurasian Beaver or European Beaver is one of the largest living species of rodents and it is the largest rodent native to Eurasia. It weighs around 24 to 66 pounds with an average of 40 pounds. Typically the head and body length is 31 to 39 inches and the tail length is 9.8 to 19.7 inches. The fur colour of the Beaver varies geographically from light chestnut-rust to blackish-brown. The Beaver was once widespread in Eurasia. It was hunted to near-extinction for both its fur and castoreum (a secretion of its scent gland believed to have medicinal properties) and by 1900 only 1200 beavers survived in 8 relict populations in Europe and Asia. In many European nations, the Beaver became extinct but reintroduction and protection has led to gradual recovery to about 639,000 individuals by 2003 and it now occurs from the UK to China and Mongolia although it is absent from Italy, Portugal, the southern Balkans and the Middle East. About 83% can be found in the former Soviet Union. In the UK, the Beaver became extinct in the 16th century but, as a former native species, interest in reintroducing it to the wild across the UK has been shown. It has been suggested that Beaver dams could retain water in upland areas, reducing flood volumes and creating new habitats for wildlife. Currently, Beaver populations are found in a number of large enclosures in wildlife parks, as well as free-living populations around the River Tay and Knapdale areas in Scotland and the River Otter in Devon. The Knapdale population was deliberately released whilst the other populations are of unknown origin. The Beaver is a keystone species helping support the ecosystem of which they are a part. It creates wetlands which increase biodiversity and provide habitat for many rare species such as Water Voles, Otters, and Water Shrews. It coppices waterside trees and shrubs so that they regrow as dense shrubs which provide cover for birds and other animals. Beaver dams trap sediment and improve water quality and recharge groundwater tables and increase cover for trout and salmon. The Beaver has a single litter of young per year, coming into oestrus for only 12 to 24 hours between late December and May and peaking in January. Unlike most other rodents, Beaver pairs are monogamous and stay together for multiple breeding seasons. Gestation averages 107 days and litters average 3 kits with a range of 2 to 6 kits. Most Beavers do not reproduce until they are 3 years of age. Date: 12th June 2022 Location: River Otter near Otterton, Devon http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46534273.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_209061424762ca946078486.jpgBlack-browed Albatross The Black-browed Albatross, also known as the Black-browed Mollymawk, is a large seabird in the albatross family [i]Diomedeidae[/i] and it is the most widespread and common member of its family. The albatrosses are classified in the order [i]Procellariiformes[/i] which also includes shearwaters, fulmars, storm petrels and diving petrels. All these birds share certain identifying features. They have nasal passages that attach to the upper bill called naricorns although the nostrils on the albatross are on the sides of the bill. The bills of [i]Procellariiformes[/i] are also unique in that they are split into between 7 and 9 horny plates and they have a salt gland above the nasal passage which helps to remove salt from the ocean water that they imbibe. The gland excretes a high saline solution through the bird's nose. The Black-browed Albatross is a medium-sized albatross at 31 to 37 inches in length with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. It has a dark grey saddle and upperwings that contrast with the white rump and underparts. The underwing is predominantly white with broad and irregular black margins. It has a dark eyebrow and a yellow-orange bill with a darker reddish-orange tip. Juveniles have dark horn-coloured bills with dark tips and a grey head and collar. They also have dark underwings. The features that distinguish it from other albatrosses are the dark eyestripe which gives it its name, a broad black edging to the white underside of its wings, white head and orange bill tipped darker orange. The Black-browed Albatross is circumpolar in the southern oceans and it breeds on 12 islands throughout that range. In the Atlantic Ocean, it breeds on the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, and the Cape Horn Islands. In the Pacific Ocean it breeds on Islas Ildefonso, Diego de Almagro, Islas Evangelistas, Campbell Island, Antipodes Islands, Snares Islands and Macquarie Island. In the Indian Ocean it breeds on the Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island and McDonald Island. There are an estimated 1,220,000 birds alive with 600,853 breeding pairs as estimated by a 2005 count. Of these birds, 402,571 breed in the Falklands, 72,102 breed on South Georgia Island and 120,171 breed on the Chilean islands of Islas Ildefonso, Diego de Almagro, Islas Evangelistas and Islas Diego Ramírez. Birds from the Falkland Islands winter near the Patagonian Shelf and birds from South Georgia forage in South African waters. It is the most likely albatross to be found in the North Atlantic due to this northerly migratory tendency. The Black-browed Albatross normally nests on steep slopes covered with tussock grass and sometimes on cliffs although on the Falkland Islands it nests on flat grassland on the coast. It is an annual breeder with the female laying a single egg from between 20th September and 1st November although the Falkland Islands breeders lay about 3 weeks earlier. Incubation of the egg is undertaken by both sexes and lasts 68 to 71 days. After hatching, the chicks take 120 to 130 days to fledge. Juveniles will return to the colony after 2 to 3 years but only to practice courtship rituals as they will only start breeding around their 10th year. The Black-browed Albatross can have a natural lifespan of over 70 years. The Black-browed Albatross feeds on fish, squid, crustaceans, carrion, and fishery discards but it has also been observed stealing food from other species. Until 2013, the IUCN classified the Black-browed Albatross as endangered due to a drastic reduction in its population. There has been a 67% decline in the population over 64 years. Increased longline fishing in the southern oceans, especially around the Patagonian Shelf and around South Georgia, has been attributed as a major cause of the decline of this bird and the Black-browed Albatross has been found to be the most common bird killed by fisheries. Trawl fishing, especially around the Patagonian Shelf and off South Africa, is also a large cause of deaths. Conservation efforts underway start with this species being placed on the Convention on Migratory Species and the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels. It is being monitored on half of the islands and most of the breeding sites are reserves and some are World Heritage Sites. Although a very rare occurrence, vagrancy into the North Atlantic has occurred including a bird which returned to the Gannet colony on Shetland for several decades from 1967. From 2014, another bird has been seen around the Heligoland archipelago off the Germany and Denmark coast and what is believed to be the same bird has summered at or around RSPB Bempton Cliffs in east Yorkshire since 2019. Date: 27th June 2022 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26041738.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11925599615638b32e469df.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name <i>Fratercula</i> comes from the Medieval Latin <i>fratercula</i> meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name <i>arctica</i> refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek <i>άρκτος</i> ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name <i>puffin</i> (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Látrabjarg, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26024230.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_979020533563735dadea92.jpgArctic Tern The Arctic Tern is a seabird of the tern family. The adult plumage is grey above with a black nape and crown and white cheeks. The upperwings are pale grey with the area near the wingtip being translucent. The tail is white and the underparts pale grey. The beak is dark red as are the short legs and webbed feet. Like most terns, the Arctic Tern has high aspect ratio wings and a tail with a deep fork and long tail streamers. Both sexes are similar in appearance. The winter plumage is similar but the crown is whiter and the bills are darker. Juveniles differ from adults having black bill and legs, "scaly" appearing wings and mantle with dark feather tips, dark carpal wing bar and short tail streamers. During their first summer, juveniles also have a whiter forecrown. Whilst the Arctic Tern is similar to the Common and the Roseate Tern, its colouring, profile and call are slightly different. Compared to the Common Tern, it has a longer tail and mono-coloured bill, whilst the main differences from the Roseate Tern are its slightly darker colour and longer wings. The Arctic Tern has a circumpolar breeding distribution covering the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of Europe, Asia and north America. It is strongly migratory and sees 2 summers each year and more daylight than any other creature on the planet. It migrates along a convoluted route from its northern summer breeding grounds to the northern edge of the Antarctic coast for the southern summer and back again about 6 months later. Recent studies have shown average annual roundtrip lengths of 25000 to 50000 miles depending on the route taken and weather and wind conditions. The Arctic Tern is a long-lived bird with many reaching 30 years of age and based on this average it will travel some 1.5 million miles during its lifetime. This is by far the longest migration known in the animal kingdom. Breeding takes place in colonies on coasts, islands and occasionally inland on tundra near water. The Arctic Tern often forms mixed colonies with the Common Tern and Sandwich Tern. As it nests on the ground, the Arctic Tern is vulnerable to predation but it is one of the most aggressive terns and it is fiercely defensive of its nest and young. It will attack humans and large predators, usually striking the top or back of the head. Although it is too small to cause serious injury, it is still capable of drawing blood and repelling many raptorial birds and smaller mammalian predators such as foxes and cats. Other nesting birds, such as auks, often incidentally benefit from the protection provided by nesting in an area defended by Arctic Terns. The diet of the Arctic Tern varies depending on location and time but it usually eats small fish or marine crustaceans by dipping down to the surface of the water to catch prey. While feeding, skuas, gulls and other tern species will often harass the birds and steal their food. Date: 3rd June 2015 Location: Húsavík, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15367554.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11467647054fec1ce78c876.jpgRinged Plover The Ringed Plover is a small, dumpy, short-legged wading bird. Many UK birds live here all year round but birds from Europe winter in Britain and birds from Greenland and Canada pass through on migration. Ringed Plovers breed on sandy and shingle beaches and on inland gravel pits. They can be found in winter on sandy and shingle beaches, estuaries and coastal lagoons and marshes. Date: 9th June 2012 Location: Scourie Bay, Sutherland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41292198.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12801475545f10b931dd61b.jpgPasvikdalen, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Height 96 (Norwegian: [i] “Høyde 96”[/i]) is a former military border observation tower dating from the Cold War era. Located close to Svanhovd in Pavikdalen, the tower is open from June to August and offers extensive views of the Pasvik valley and Nikel, the closest town on the Russian side of the River Pasvikelva. Nikel is the administrative centre of Pechengsky District of Murmansk Oblast in Russia. It is located on the shores of Lake Kuets-Yarvi 122 miles north west of Murmansk and 4 miles from the Norwegian border. Nickel is linked to the Norilsk Nickel plant Kola MMC nearby where many of its citizens are employed and which causes environmental and health concerns for the population. The nickel smelter which has been an eyesore in Norway–Russia relations for decades due to its extreme pollution levels usually deposits its sulphur dioxide fumes to the south of the town where the countryside is a brown moonscape of bald hills and barren of plant life. Over the last 15 years, however, emissions have lowered significantly and by 2025, Norilsk Nickel plans to reduce its overall emissions by 90% as part of its long-term development programme announced in 2019. Date: 30th June 2019 Location: view from Height 96 watchtower, Svanhovd, Pasvikdalen, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51984205.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_156930026566d34b8ddaa0d.jpgEdible Frog The Edible Frog is a species of frog found across Europe that is also known as the Common Water Frog and the Green Frog. The Edible Frog is one of the few animals in the world that is a fertile hybrid of 2 different species, as although similar but genetically different species are known to mate, it is very rare that their offspring will be able to breed. The Edible Frog is a fertile hybrid of 2 other European frogs, namely the Pool Frog and the Marsh Frog, that inter-bred when populations where isolated close to one another during the Ice Age. It was first described in 1758 and is known as the Edible Frog due to the fact that it is now seen as a culinary delicacy across Europe but especially in France where frog’s legs are often served as a national dish. The reason for humans favouring this frog over others is not really known but it may have something to do with their abundance. The Edible Frog is a medium sized frog growing to around 3.5 to 4.5 inches in length. Adults are mainly green in colour with light patches of brown on their backs, yellow eyes and a white underside covered in a few dark spots. There are number of distinct differences between males and females including the fact that males become much lighter and greener during the mating season. Males also have vocal sacs on the outside of their cheeks and extra skin patches on their feet, both of which are primarily used for mating. The Edible Frog is endemic to Europe and it naturally occurs across central Europe as far north as Germany and Estonia. Southern populations are found from Croatia, through northern Italy and into the south of France. There are also isolated populations in Sweden and Bulgaria which are thought to have migrated from the countries nearby. It has also been introduced to the UK. The Edible Frog spends all of its time either in or very close to water and it is most commonly found in calmer parts of rivers and streams where there is a slow but constant flow of fresh water. It tends to prefer more open areas and can also be commonly found around lakes, ponds and marshes. Unlike many other species of frog, the Edible Frog is a diurnal animal and is therefore most active during the day. This is when it is most likely to move away from the water so that it can find a better supply of food or move to a different part of the water if it needs to. The Edible Frog is a relatively solitary animal so there is less competition for food but males are often seen sitting together in groups during the breeding season when they are trying to out-compete each other to find a mate. The breeding season for the Edible Frog begins during March and generally lasts for around 2 months. Males sing by drawing air in and out of their vocal sacs to produce the highest-pitched sound possible since females are most attracted to the loudest males. After courting her in a lake, pond or swamp, the male lets the female lay up to 10,000 eggs in a sticky mass into the water before he fertilises them. Tadpoles can be as small as 0.2 inches long when they hatch and are a grey/brown colour. They then grow up to 2 to 3 inches in length before metamorphoses occurs and they leave the water as 0.75 inches long young frogs. The Edible Frog reaches sexual maturity at the age of 2 years and can live until it is 15 years old. The Edible Frog is a carnivorous amphibian but the tadpoles mainly eat vegetation although they are known to occasionally supplement their diet with aquatic micro-organisms. Adults eat small invertebrates such as insects, spiders and flies, which make up the majority of their diet, along with larger aquatic animals like fish, newts and other frogs. The Edible Frog hunts for food during the day and can be seen catching food both in water and on land. The Edible Frog remains very still when it is sitting on the banks of its water habitat and this, along with its camouflage, makes it very difficult for predators to spot. Its eyes are positioned near the top of the head meaning that it can also see danger coming whilst the body is mainly hidden. Snakes, owls and water birds are the main predators of the Edible Frog. The Edible Frog will jump into the water and hide if it senses approaching danger and it will make a loud screeching sound if caught. Edible Frog populations are under threat from habitat destruction mainly caused by deforestation and water pollution. Date: 30th July 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21830151.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_93080074053cbb112066a3.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a gentle looking, medium sized gull with a small yellow bill and a dark eye. It has a grey back and is white underneath. Its legs are short and black. In flight the black wing-tips show no white, unlike other gulls, and look as if they have been “dipped in ink”. The population is declining in some areas, perhaps due to a shortage of sand eels. Kittiwakes are strictly coastal gulls. In the breeding season, they can be found on rocky, steep sea-cliffs at the major seabird colonies around the UK from February until August. From August to October they can be seen flying past offshore and they spend the winter months out at sea. Date: 11th June 2014 Location: Bempton Cliifs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308878.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4557964263ee380fce88d.jpgTufted Duck The Tufted Duck is a small diving duck. The adult male is all black except for white flanks and a blue-grey bill. It has an obvious head tuft that gives the species its name. The adult female is brown with paler flanks and is more easily confused with other diving ducks. In particular, some have white around the bill base which resembles the Scaup although the white is never as extensive as in that species. The Tufted Duck breeds widely throughout temperate and northern Eurasia. It occasionally can be found as a winter visitor along both coasts of the United States and Canada. It is migratory in most of its range and winters in the milder south and west of Europe and southern Asia where large flocks form on open water. The Tufted Duck breeds close to marshes and lakes with plenty of vegetation to conceal the nest. It is also found on coastal lagoons and sheltered ponds. The Tufted Duck feeds mainly by diving for molluscs, aquatic insects and aquatic plants. Date: 21st January 2022 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41187449.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13231556155ea6d52ec5125.jpgCollared Dove Collared Doves are distinctive birds with their buffy-pink plumage and black neck collar. They are usually seen singly or in pairs, although flocks may form where food is plentiful. They feed on the ground but readily perch on roofs and wires and in trees. The Collared Dove is not migratory but it is strongly dispersive. Over the last century, it has been one of the great colonisers of the bird world. Its original range at the end of the 19th century was warm temperate and subtropical Asia from Turkey east to south China and south through India to Sri Lanka. In 1838 it was reported in Bulgaria but not until the 20th century did it expand across Europe, appearing in parts of the Balkans between 1900 and 1920 and then spreading rapidly north west, reaching Germany in 1945, the UK in 1953, Ireland in 1959 and the Faroe Islands in the early 1970s. Subsequent spread was “sideways” from this fast north west spread reaching north east to north of the Arctic Circle in Norway, east to the Ural Mountains in Russia and south west to the Canary Islands and north Africa from Morocco to Egypt by the end of the 20th century. In the east of its range it has also spread north east to most of central and north China and locally (probably introduced) in Japan. It has also reached Iceland as a vagrant but has not colonised successfully there. Date: 21st April 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49278547.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14666105266499b19c00bf1.jpgBlue-tailed Damselfly Flight period: mid May to early September. Blue-tailed Damselflies are a widespread and common species of damselfly in much of England, Wales and southern Scotland. They can be found around lakes, ponds, canals and ditches, being less common on flowing water and in exposed and upland sites. They can also tolerate some saline and polluted waters. Date: 12th June 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37190243.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16844440465c2a0b36b745b.jpgRinged Plover The Ringed Plover is a small plover with a grey-brown back and wings, a white belly and a white breast with a single black neck band. It has a brown cap, a white forehead, a black mask around the eyes and a short orange and black bill. The legs are orange and only the outer two toes are slightly webbed. The juvenile Ringed Plover is duller than the adult in colour with an often incomplete grey-brown breast band, a dark bill and dull yellowish-grey legs. The Ringed Plover breeds on open ground on beaches or sandflats across northern Eurasia and in Arctic north east Canada. Some birds breed inland and in western Europe they nest as far south as northern France. It is migratory and winters in coastal areas south to Africa. Date: 24th June 2018 Location: Laide pier, Wester Ross http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40404970.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15881810435dc7be5e7a5ef.jpgRed Admiral Flight period: April to November. The Red Admiral is a familiar and widespread butterfly in the UK although numbers depend on immigration from Europe. They can be found in any flower-rich habitat. Date: 26th August 2019 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51980669.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_135218676966d3342d1c96c.jpgRuddy Darter Flight period: mid June to mid September. The Ruddy Darter takes its name from its colour and its swift flight behaviour. The male has a deep russet colour over the entire body and the abdomen has a pinched section close to where it joins the thorax. Females are slightly smaller, golden yellow in colour and being less obviously marked are more difficult to identify than the males. There is more than one red coloured darter species in the UK and they can be easily confused with each other. The commonest red species, the Common Darter, can be distinguished as having red veins at the base of the wings and a less ruddy colouration across the body. However, the Ruddy Darter has entirely black legs, distinguishing it from all other red darters which have longitudinal yellow stripes on their legs. The UK range of the Ruddy Darter has undergone something of an expansion in recent years. Although still relatively uncommon in the west and north of Britain, it is increasing in numbers in the Midlands and eastern England. The population is augmented by continental migrants. It is also found over most of Europe except for northern Scandinavia, as far east as western Siberia and south to north Africa. The Ruddy Darter prefers water bodies with tall emergent vegetation, such as reeds and club rush, and it is known to breed in ponds, lakes, canals, ditches and sluggish rivers. They can also be found near coasts and can breed in fairly brackish water. Date: 29th June 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo20950854.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_373554492535e0e7a54aac.jpgKingfisher The Kingfisher is a small unmistakable bright blue and orange bird of slow moving or still water. They fly rapidly and low over water and hunt fish from riverside perches, occasionally hovering above the water's surface. Kingfishers are vulnerable to hard winters and habitat degradation through pollution or unsympathetic management of watercourses and are an “Amber List” species due to their unfavourable conservation status in Europe. Kingfishers are widespread especially in central and southern England but become less common further north. Following some declines last century, they are currently increasing in their range in Scotland. Kingfishers can be found all year round by still or slow flowing water such as lakes, canals and rivers in lowland areas. In winter, some individuals move to estuaries and the coast. Occasionally they may also visit garden ponds if they are of a suitable size. Date: 12th April 2014 Location: Rye Meads RSPB reserve, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084285.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17121048895d3086ce48698.jpgBucegi Mountains, Prahova County, Romania The Bucegi Mountains are a mountain range located in central Romania south of the city of Brașov. They are part of the Southern Carpathians group of the Carpathian Mountains. Omu is the highest peak at 8219 feet. To the east, the Bucegi Mountains have a very steep slope and are bordered by the Prahova Valley. This area holds the most ski resorts in Romania including the small mountain towns of Sinaia and Bușteni. The area of the Bucegi Mountains was proposed for protection in 1936 due to its landscapes and great diversity of plant and animal species. Bucegi Natural Park was eventually established in March 1990 and this covers an area of over 125 square miles representing a mountainous area with caves, pit caves, canyons, ridges, sinkholes, valleys and waterfalls. Habitats include beech forests, bushes, alpine limestone grasslands, alpine rivers and herbaceous vegetation, mountain hay meadows, springs, limestone rocky slopes and semi-natural dry grasslands. There are several nature reserves in Bucegi Natural Park. The TransBucegi (designated as route DJ 713) is one of Romania’s most scenic drives. It starts 10 miles west of Sinaia at Cabana Dichiu and runs for 24 miles to Cabana Piatra Arsa on the Bucegi Mountains Plateau in Bucegi National Park. The TransBucegi ranges in height from 2495 feet at Sinaia to 6316 feet at the route end at Cabana Piatra Arsa. The route encompasses miles of stunning views through twisty hair pin corners, steep gradients and high elevations. The route was officially inaugurated in August 2013 and it is the third high altitude road in Romania after the Transfăgărăşan and Transalpina. Date: 2nd June 2018 Location: Bucegi Mountain Plateau from the TransBucegi route, Prahova County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871623.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9079850834eff1f931e35a.jpgWhite-tailed Eagle The White-tailed Eagle is a very large bird with a 72 to 96 inch wingspan and is the fourth largest eagle in the world. It has broad "barn door" wings, a large head and a thick "meat-cleaver" beak. The adult is mainly brown except for the paler head and neck, blackish flight feathers, distinctive white tail, and yellow bill and legs. In juvenile birds the tail and bill are darker, with the tail becoming white with a dark terminal band in sub-adults. The White-tailed Eagle breeds in northern Europe and northern Asia. The largest population in Europe is found along the coast of Norway. They are mostly resident with only the northernmost birds such as the eastern Scandinavian and Siberian population migrating south in winter. Date: 26th May 2009 Location: Salttjern to Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41255229.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11615348065f06f52e2370e.jpgPine Grosbeak The Pine Grosbeak is a large member of the finch family. Adults have a long forked black tail, black wings with white wing bars and a large bill. Adult males have a rose-red head, back and rump. Adult females are olive-yellow on the head and rump and grey on the back and underparts. Young birds have a less contrasting plumage overall, appearing shaggy when they moult their colored head plumage. The Pine Grosbeak is a permanent resident through most of its range and can be found in coniferous woods in subarctic Fennoscandia and Siberia and across Alaska, the western mountains of the United States and Canada. In the extreme north or when food sources are scarce, they may migrate further south. It is a very rare vagrant to temperate Europe. The Pine Grosbeak forages in trees and bushes. It mainly eats seeds, buds, berries and insects. Outside of the nesting season, it often feeds in flocks. Date: 28th June 2019 Location: Neljan Tuulen Tupa near Kaamanen, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo445326.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1671162104681bacc3d19a.jpgThe stark rise of the jagged Black Cuillin ridge .... The Black Cuillin are a mountain range on the Isle of Skye off the North West coast of Scotland and contain the highest concentration of mountains over 3000 feet high in the UK (20 summits exceed this height). The mountains are a memorable sight whether the weather is bright and sunny or grey and misty as it often is on Skye. Either way they have a unique presence and can be seen from miles around both on Skye and on the mainland. The mountains themselves are the preserve of experienced mountaineers and hillwalkers but the rest of us can enjoy classic views from Elgol and Sligachan and along Glenbrittle. Date: February 2003 Location: view from the unclassifed road between Carbost and Glenbrittle http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072224.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11588656394bf6d4b19aa89.jpgPine Grosbeak The Pine Grosbeak is a large member of the finch family. Adults have a long forked black tail, black wings with white wing bars and a large bill. Adult males have a rose-red head, back and rump. Adult females are olive-yellow on the head and rump and grey on the back and underparts. Young birds have a less contrasting plumage overall, appearing shaggy when they moult their colored head plumage. The Pine Grosbeak is a permanent resident through most of its range and can be found in coniferous woods in subarctic Fennoscandia and Siberia and across Alaska, the western mountains of the United States and Canada. In the extreme north or when food sources are scarce, they may migrate further south. It is a very rare vagrant to temperate Europe. The Pine Grosbeak forages in trees and bushes. It mainly eats seeds, buds, berries and insects. Outside of the nesting season, it often feeds in flocks. Date: 10th April 2010 Location: Neljan Tuulen Tupa near Kaamanen, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45949090.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1226443856284b43fe63f0.jpgCollared Dove Collared Doves are distinctive birds with their buffy-pink plumage and black neck collar. They are usually seen singly or in pairs, although flocks may form where food is plentiful. They feed on the ground but readily perch on roofs and wires and in trees. The Collared Dove is not migratory but it is strongly dispersive. Over the last century, it has been one of the great colonisers of the bird world. Its original range at the end of the 19th century was warm temperate and subtropical Asia from Turkey east to south China and south through India to Sri Lanka. In 1838 it was reported in Bulgaria but not until the 20th century did it expand across Europe, appearing in parts of the Balkans between 1900 and 1920 and then spreading rapidly north west, reaching Germany in 1945, the UK in 1953, Ireland in 1959 and the Faroe Islands in the early 1970s. Subsequent spread was “sideways” from this fast north west spread reaching north east to north of the Arctic Circle in Norway, east to the Ural Mountains in Russia and south west to the Canary Islands and north Africa from Morocco to Egypt by the end of the 20th century. In the east of its range it has also spread north east to most of central and north China and locally (probably introduced) in Japan. It has also reached Iceland as a vagrant but has not colonised successfully there. Date: 25th April 2022 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/chequered-skipper https://images.on-this.website/4752_11762791574f421f9b5ee86.jpgChequered Skipper Flight period: May to June. The last known colony of the Chequered Skipper in England died out in 1976 but small colonies still survive in a few locations in western Scotland. They can be found in open grassland on the edges of broad-leaved woodland and close to a loch or river. Date: 8th June 2006 Location: Undisclosed site, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23806443.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12587898805512b4be6fb5d.jpgLittle Grebe The Little Grebe, also known as the Dabchick, is the smallest member of the grebe family measuring 9 to 11.5 inches in length. The adult is unmistakable in summer, predominantly dark above with its rich, rufous colour neck, cheeks and flanks and bright yellow gape. The rufous is replaced by a dirty brownish grey in non-breeding and juvenile birds. Juveniles have a yellow bill with a small black tip and black and white streaks on the cheeks and sides of the neck. This yellow bill darkens as the juveniles age, eventually turning black as an adult. The Little Grebe can be noisy with a distinctive whinnying trill. The Little Grebe can be found across Europe, much of Asia down to New Guinea and in most of Africa. It breeds in small colonies in freshwater wetlands with muddy bottoms and edges and still or slow-moving water with plenty of emergent vegetation such as lakes, gravel pits, canals and rivers. Most birds move to more open or coastal waters in winter but it is only migratory in those parts of its range where the waters freeze. Like all grebes, the Little Grebe nests at the water's edge since its legs are set very far back and it can not walk well. Usually 4 to 7 eggs are laid. The young leave the nest and can swim soon after hatching but are often carried on the backs of the swimming adults. The Little Grebe is an excellent swimmer and diver and pursues its fish and aquatic invertebrate prey underwater. It uses the vegetation skilfully as a hiding place. Date: 7th March 2015 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21215570.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_373203615537dc00c99066.jpgBlackbird The Common Blackbird is a species of true thrush. It is also called Eurasian Blackbird (especially in North America in order to distinguish it from the unrelated New World blackbirds) or simply Blackbird where this does not lead to confusion with a similar-looking local species. The Blackbird’s name derives form 2 Latin words: <i>turdus</i> meaning “thrush” and <i>merula</i> meaning “blackbird”. It may not immediately be clear why the name "blackbird", first recorded in 1486, was applied to this species but not to one of the various other common black English birds, such as the Carrion Crow, Raven, Rook or Jackdaw. However, in Old English and in modern English up to about the 18th century, "bird" was used only for smaller or young birds and larger ones such as crows were called "fowl". At that time, the Blackbird was therefore the only widespread and conspicuous black bird in the UK. The Blackbird is around 9.25 to 11.5 inches in length including a long tail. The adult male has glossy black plumage, blackish-brown legs, a yellow eye-ring and an orange-yellow bill. The bill darkens somewhat in winter. The adult female is sooty-brown with a dull yellowish-brownish bill, a brownish-white throat and some weak mottling on the breast. The juvenile is similar to the female but has pale spots on the upperparts and the very young juvenile also has a speckled breast. Young birds vary in the shade of brown, with darker birds presumably males. The first year male resembles the adult male but has a dark bill and weaker eye ring and its folded wing is brown rather than black like the body plumage. The Blackbird breeds in temperate Eurasia, north Africa, the Canary Islands and south Asia. Populations are sedentary in the south and west of the range although northern birds migrate south as far as north Africa and tropical Asia in winter. Common over most of its range in woodland, the Blackbird has a preference for deciduous trees with dense undergrowth. However, gardens provide the most successful breeding habitat. It occurs up to around 3300 feet in Europe and is often replaced by the related Ring Ousel in areas of higher altitude. The Blackbird has an extensive range and a large population which is generally stable or increasing. However, there have been local declines, especially on farmland, which may be due to agricultural policies that encouraged farmers to remove hedgerows (which provide nesting places) and to drain damp grassland and increase the use of pesticides, both of which could have reduced the availability of invertebrate food. The Blackbird may commence breeding in March when the breeding pair prospect for a suitable nest site in a creeper or bush, favouring evergreen or thorny species such as ivy, holly, hawthorn, honeysuckle or pyracantha. Sometimes they will nest in sheds or outbuildings where a ledge or cavity is used. The cup-shaped nest is made with grasses, leaves and other vegetation and bound together with mud. It is built by the female alone. The nest is often ill-concealed compared with those of other species and many breeding attempts fail due to predation. The female lays 3 to 5 (average 4) bluish-green eggs marked with reddish-brown blotches which are incubated for 12 to 14 days before the chicks are hatched naked and blind. Fledging takes another 10 to 19 (average 13.6) days, with both parents feeding the young. The young are fed by the parents for up to 3 weeks after leaving the nest and they will follow the adults begging for food. If the female starts another nest, the male alone will feed the fledged young. Second broods are common with the female reusing the same nest if the brood was successful. The first-year male Blackbird may start singing as early as late January in fine weather in order to establish a territory, followed in late March by the adult male. The male's song is a varied and melodious low-pitched fluted warble which is given from trees, rooftops or other elevated perches mainly in the period from March to June and sometimes into the beginning of July. During the winter, the Blackbird can be heard quietly singing to itself, so much so that September and October are the only months which the song cannot be heard. The Blackbird is omnivorous, eating a wide range of insects, earthworms, seeds and berries. It feeds mainly on the ground, running and hopping with a start-stop-start progress. It pulls earthworms from the soil, usually finding them by sight but sometimes by hearing, and roots through leaf litter for other invertebrates. Small amphibians and lizards are occasionally hunted. The Blackbird will also perch in bushes to take berries and collect caterpillars and other active insects. Animal prey predominates and this is particularly important during the breeding season with windfall apples and berries taken more in the autumn and winter. Near human habitation the main predator of the Blackbird is the domestic cat, with newly fledged young especially vulnerable. Foxes and predatory birds, such as the Sparrowhawk, also predate the Blackbird when the opportunity arises. Eggs and chicks are also taken by corvids, such as the Magpie or Jay. Date: 7th May 2014 Location: Conwy RSPB reserve, Conwy http://www.richardchewphotography.com/glaucous-gull https://images.on-this.website/4752_120949047556389afe3bfde.jpgGlaucous Gull The Glaucous Gull is a large and powerful gull which is very pale in all plumages with no black on either the wings or the tail. The term “glaucous” describes its colouration. Adults are pale grey above with a thick yellow bill. Immatures are very pale grey with a pink and black bill. The Glaucous Gull is considerably larger, bulkier and thicker-billed than the similar Iceland Gull and it can sometimes equal the size of the Great Black-backed Gull. The Glaucous Gull breeds colonially or singly on coasts and cliffs in the Arctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere and the Atlantic coasts of Europe. It is migratory and winters in the north Atlantic and north Pacific as far south as the UK and the northernmost states of the USA and the Great Lakes. Like most gulls, the Glaucous Gull is an omnivore and it eats fish, molluscs, offal, scraps, eggs, small birds, small mammals and carrion. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Arnarfjörður, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41292174.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21252301405f10b23bcf8c9.jpgPasvikdalen, Troms og Finnmark, Norway The Pasvik valley (Norwegian: [i]Pasvikdalen[/i]) is a river valley located in Norway and Russia. The Norwegian side of the valley is situated in Sør-Varanger municipality in Troms og Finnmark and the Russian side is located in the Pechengsky district in Murmansk Oblast. Øvre Pasvik National Park (Norwegian: [i]Øvre Pasvik Nasjonalpark[/i]) is located in the south eastern part of the valley and covers an area of 46 square miles. It is dominated by Siberian-like taiga consisting of old-growth forests of Scots pine, shallow lakes and bogs. Proposals for a national park in Øvre Pasvik were first launched in 1936 but it was not created until February 1970. It originally covered 25 square miles but was expanded in August 2003. Øvre Pasvik National Park is part of the larger Pasvik–Inari Trilateral Park along with the adjacent Øvre Pasvik Landscape Protection Area, the joint Norwegian and Russian Pasvik Nature Reserve and Finland's Vätsäri Wilderness Area. The fauna and flora of the Øvre Pasvik National Park is typical of the Siberian taiga. This includes Brown Bear, Wolverine, Wolf, Lynx and Elk and a very interesting diversity of northern and eastern species of birds which breed on the lakes and rivers and in the forests. The River Pasvikelva runs through the valley (giving it the name) and the river defines part of the border between Norway and Russia. It is the outlet from the large Lake Inari in Finland and flows through Norway and Russia to discharge into the Bøkfjorden (which later flows into the Varangerfjorden and then the Barents Sea) not far from the town of Kirkenes. The river has a watershed of 7106 square miles and is 90 miles long. A series of hydroelectric power stations are situated along its course. Since 1826, the River Pasvikelva has marked parts of the border between Norway and Russia, except from 1920 to 1944 when it was along the border between Norway and Finland. The southern part of the valley is also the location of the Treriksrøysa (Three-Country Cairn), a cairn which marks the tripoint where the borders between Norway, Finland and Russia meet. The site is on a hill called Muotkavaara situated west of the River Pasvikelva. It is the only place where 3 time zones meet: Central European Time, Eastern European Time and Further-Eastern European Time. The tripoint can only be approached by the public from the Norwegian side since both Finland and Russia maintain extensive border zones where public access is prohibited. Date: 29th June 2019 Location: view between Melkefoss and Nyrud, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51984209.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_103303559166d34b9306351.jpgBrimstone Flight period: March to October. The Brimstone is a butter-coloured butterfly which is widespread throughout most of England and parts of Wales. They are one of the first butterflies to be seen in spring and can be found in scrubby woodland and hedgerows. Date: 30th July 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26008422.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8522762575634f7804d05d.jpgDettifoss, Vatnajökull National Park, north east Iceland Dettifoss is a waterfall in Vatnajökull National Park in north east Iceland and it is reputed to be the most powerful waterfall in Europe. Dettifoss is situated on the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river which flows from the Vatnajökull glacier and collects water from a large area in north east Iceland. The falls are 330 feet wide and have a drop of 150 feet down to the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon. It is the largest waterfall in Iceland in terms of volume discharge. Since the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river can not be crossed in the vicinity of Dettifoss, it is reached by 2 separate roads: a new tarmac road for the west bank (road 862 finished in 2011) and an older gravel road for the east bank (road 864). On the west bank there are no facilities and the view of the waterfall is somewhat hindered by the waterfall's spray. On the east bank there is an information panel maintained by the staff of Vatnajökull National Park and a maintained track to the best viewpoints. Dettifoss is located on the “Diamond Circle”, a popular tourist route around Húsavík including Lake Mývatn and the Ásbyrgi canyon. Date: 4th June 2015 Location: view from the west bank of the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo2917997.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19380065084a4a5e1d1ba85.jpgPied Flycatcher The Pied Flycatcher is a small passerine bird in the Old World flycatcher family and is 1 of the 4 species of Western Palearctic black and white flycatchers. The breeding male Pied Flycatcher is mainly black above and white below with a large white wing patch, white tail sides and a small forehead patch. Non-breeding males, females and juveniles have the black replaced by a pale brown. The bill is black and it has the broad but pointed shape typical of aerial insectivores. The Pied Flycatcher has a very large range and population size and so it is of “least concern” according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It breeds in most of Europe and west Asia where it can be found in deciduous woodlands, parks and gardens, with a preference for oak trees. It will sometimes use mature open conifer woodland where natural tree holes occur. It builds an open nest in a tree hole and it will readily adapt to nest boxes. In the UK, the Pied Flycatcher is limited by geography and habitat to the north and west of the country where it prefers mature oak woodlands but also mature upland ash and birch woodlands. It has on average decreased in population by 25% within the last 25 years and it has ceased to breed in several parts of its former range. The Pied Flycatcher is migratory, wintering mainly in tropical west Africa from mid September to mid April. It first arrives in its breeding areas from mid April to the end of May. Following breeding, return migration to Africa occurs between August and mid September. The Pied Flycatcher is mainly insectivorous and its diet is composed nearly entirely of insects including flies, bees, wasps, ants, beetles, butterflies, moths, etc. but it will also eat fruit and seeds in late summer and autumn and on migration. Date: 8th May 2009 Location: Ynys-hir RSPB reserve, Ceredigion http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46534905.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_187498546462ca9bac434b4.jpgRazorbill The Razorbill is a seabird and a member of the auk family which also includes the Common Guillemot, Brunnich's Guillemot and Little Auk. It is also the closest living relative to the Great Auk which is now extinct. The Razorbill has white underparts and a black head, neck, back and feet during the breeding season. A thin white line also extends from the eyes to the end of the bill. Its head is darker than that of the CommonGuillemot. Outside the breeding season, the throat and face behind the eye become white and the white line on the face becomes less prominent. The thick black bill has a blunt end. The adult male and female female are very much alike having only small differences such as wing length. The Razorbill has a horizontal stance and the tail feathers are slightly longer in the centre in comparison to other auks making it have a distinctly long tail which is not common for an auk. The Razorbill is distributed across the sub-arctic and boreal waters of the north Atlantic where water surface temperature are typically below 15°c. The world population is estimated to be less than 1 million breeding pairs, making it among the rarest auks in the world. Approximately 60 to 70% of the entire Razorbill population breeds in Iceland., including over 200,000 pairs at Látrabjarg. The breeding habitat is islands, rocky shores and cliffs on north Atlantic coasts, in eastern North America as far south as Maine and in western Europe from north west Russia to northern France. Eurasian birds winter at sea with some moving south as far as the western Mediterranean. North American birds migrate offshore and south. The Razorbill is a colonial breeder and only comes to land to breed. Individuals only breed at 3 to 5 years of age. Females select their mate and will often encourage competition between males before choosing a partner. Once a male is chosen, the pair will usually stay together for life. Nest site determination is very important to ensure protection of young from predators. Unlike Common Guillemots, nest sites are not immediately alongside the sea on open cliff ledges but at least 4 to 6 inches away in crevices on cliffs or among boulders. Generally a nest is not built although some pairs often use their bills to drag material upon which to lay their single egg. The mating pair will often reuse the same site every year. The Razorbill feeds mainly on schooling fish and crustaceans and it will dive deep into the sea using its wings and its streamlined body to propel itself toward their prey. Whilst diving, it rarely stays in groups but instead spreads out to feed. The majority of feeding occurs at a depth of about 80 feet but it has the ability to dive up to 400 feet below the surface. During a single dive the Razorbill can capture and swallow many schooling fish depending on their size. The Razorbill spends approximately 45% of its time foraging at sea and it may well fly more than 60 miles out to sea to feed. However, when feeding chicks it will forage much closer to the nesting grounds and often in shallower water. The Razorbill and its eggs and chicks have several predators which include Great Black-backed Gulls, Peregrines, Ravens and other crows, Arctic Foxes and Polar Bears. In the early 20th century, Razorbills were harvested for their eggs, meat and feathers and this greatly decreased their population. In 1917 they were finally protected which reduced hunting. Other current threats include oil pollution, unintentional bycatch arising from commercial fishing and overfishing which decreases the abundance of prey. Date: 27th June 2022 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/wild-brown-bear-centre-near https://images.on-this.website/4752_783168629581077f62d02f.jpgWild Brown Bear Centre, near Vartius, Kainuu, Finland The [url=http://www.wildbrownbear.fi/]Wild Brown Bear Centre[/url] is located in the wilderness taiga forest area near Vartius close to the Finland-Russia border. During May, June, July and August, 22 photography and observation hides can be occupied between 5 p.m. and 7 a.m. The hides are approached by about a half mile walk through the forest from the main lodge and they each accommodate 2 to 3 people. They are situated in a small open wetland area, near a small pond and inside a pine forest clearing. Please see my [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/trip-report-estonia-and-north]trip report[/url] for further information. Date: 23rd May 2016 Location: Wild Brown Bear Centre, near Vartius, Kainuu, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874739.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1589941400561cca3ee3251.jpgMinke Whale The Minke Whale is a rorqual, the largest group of the baleen whales which includes the Blue Whale, the Fin Whale, the Bryde's Whale, the Sei Whale and the Humpback Whale. The name Minke is possibly derived from a Norwegian whaler named Meincke who mistook a Minke Whale for a Blue Whale. Most modern classifications split the Minke Whale in to 2 species: Common Minke Whale or Northern Minke Whale and Antarctic Minke Whale or Southern Minke Whale. Taxonomists further categorize the Common Minke Whale in to 2 or 3 subspecies: the North Atlantic Minke Whale, the North Pacific Minke Whale and the Dwarf Minke Whale. The Common Minke Whale is the smallest of the rorquals and one of the smallest baleen whales (second smallest only to the Pygmy Right Whale). In the north Atlantic, Norwegian whaling vessels in 1940 allegedly caught individuals of up to 35 feet in length but they were likely only measured visually in comparison to objects of known dimensions aboard the ships themselves. The longest caught in subsequent years were only up to 30 to 33 feet in length. At sexual maturity, the Common Minke Whale in the north Atlantic averages between 20 to 23 feet in length whilst at physical maturity it averages between 26 to 28 feet long. At birth, the calf is estimated to be 8 to 9 feet in length. The Common Minke Whale is dark grey dorsally and clean white ventrally. It is among the most robust members of the rorqual group, the greatest height of its body being one fifth its total length. It has a narrow, pointed and triangular rostrum (beak) and its prominent, upright, falcate dorsal fin averages about 12 inches in height and is set about two-thirds the way along the back. The pectoral fins are relatively small, averaging about 2.4 feet in length, and they have a transverse, white band on their outer margins which is the most distinguishing feature of the species. The smooth-sided tail flukes average about 6.6 feet in width but can be over 9 feet wide and they are light grey or white ventrally and bordered by dark grey. The Common Minke Whales has a disjointed distribution. In the north Atlantic it occurs as far north as Baffin Bay, Svalbard, Franz Josef Land and Novaya Zemlya and as far south as 40°N (New Jersey, USA), the Hebrides and central North Sea during the summer. It has been recorded off Madeira and it occurs all year off the Canary Islands. There are occasional sightings and strandings off Spain and Portugal, the western Sahara, Mauritania and Senegal. It is rare off the Azores and a vagrant in the Gulf of Mexico and the Mediterranean. During the winter it has been recorded off Bermuda, the Bahamas, the Antilles, the east coast of the USA south of 40°N and in the south eastern north Atlantic. There are estimated to be over 180,000 Common Minke Whales in the North Atlantic. The Common Minke Whale is sexually mature at about 6 to 8 years old for females and about 6 to 7 years old for males. Peak conception is February in the north Atlantic and peak calving is December after a gestation period of 10 months. A single calf is normally born and is weaned after a period of 6 months. It is thought that growth ceases for both sexes when they have reached 15 to 20 years old and both sexes can live to about 50 years of age. In the North Atlantic, the Common Minke Whale primarily eats small schooling fish, pelagic crustaceans and molluscs and krill but its diet varies by region and season. The Common Minke Whale is normally seen as a single individual. It also exhibits a great degree of spatial and temporal segregation by sex, age and reproductive condition. When a Common Minke Whale first comes to the surface to breathe its pointed rostrum (beak) is the first to break the surface when a narrow or low, diffuse blow is visible. It then arches its back in a quick motion, exaggerating this arch during its terminal deep dive. Although first ignored by whalers due to its small size and low oil yield, the Common Minke Whale began to be exploited by various countries beginning in the early 20th century. As other species declined, larger numbers of Common Minke Whales were caught largely for their meat. It is now one of the primary targets of the north Atlantic whaling industry in Norway and Iceland. In spite of the whaling industry, the Common Minke Whale is still considered "Least Concern" from a conservation standpoint and due to its relative abundance it is often the focus of whale watching trips in locations such as Iceland, Norway, north west Scotland. Date: 10th June 2015 Location: Faxaflói, Reykjavík, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/temmincks-stint https://images.on-this.website/4752_6008417424eff1fade20bf.jpgTemminck’s Stint The Temminck’s Stint is a tiny wading bird similar in size to the Little Stint with a rather drab and plain brown plumage.The legs are yellow and the outer tail feathers white. The Temminck’s Stint breeds in the bogs and marshes of the taiga and tundra regions of Arctic northern Europe and Asia and performs a delightful breeding display in which it hovers like a large moth whilst trilling constantly. When singing, either in the air or on the top of a bush, it spreads its tail to display the prominent white outer tail feathers. This bird was named after Coenraad Jacob Temminck, a Dutch naturalist Date: 26th May 2009 Location: Skallelv, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871610.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9291911014eff1f4f8e952.jpgKnot The Knot is a dumpy, short-legged, stocky wading bird. In winter, the Knot is grey above and white below but in summer the chest, belly and face are brick red, hence the name Red Knot in north America. The Knot breeds in the tundra areas of the far Arctic north of Europe, Russia and Canada. During migration periods, it can be seen on tidal flats, rocky shores and beaches. The Knot undertakes one of the longest migrations of any bird flying from their Arctic breeding grounds to the coasts and estuaries of Europe, Africa and Australia where they spend the winter. During winter, the Knot forms large, wheeling flocks that contain in excess of 100,000 birds. Date: 26th May 2009 Location: Salltjern, Varangerfjord, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/scarlet-tiger https://images.on-this.website/4752_135992630164eca74da81c2.jpgScarlet Tiger Description to follow .... Date: 3rd July 2023 Location: Broadcroft Quarry, Isle of Portland, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/bergen-from-flifjellet https://images.on-this.website/4752_4839726624b8a266f5a075.jpgBergen from Fløifjellet Fløyfjellet or Fløyen is the most visited of the 7 mountains that surround the city centre of Bergen, Norway. It has a funicular railway system (Fløibanen) that transports passengers from the centre of Bergen to a height of 1050 feet in roughly 8 minutes. The actual highest point on Fløifjellet at 1394 feet is approximately 1/2 mile to the north east. From Fløyfjellet there are stunning views of the city of Bergen and the surrounding area. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21895436.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_208540795853d117abf2f6b.jpgLoch Mhuilinn, Applecross, Highland Loch a Mhuilinn (Milton Loch) lies at the heart of the settled area around Applecross Bay and is a particularly good example of a freshwater loch influenced by higher levels of nutrients due to the local presence of limestone. It provides a habitat for various insects, butterflies, birds and various interesting plants including orchids. Date: 20th June 2014 Location: view from the unclassified road south of Applecross http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493260.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13409812425f326f291faa0.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51984184.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_140636387066d34b4ad5054.jpgLarge White Flight period: April to September. The Large White is a highly successful species which is common and widespread in the UK. They can be found almost anywhere including in towns and gardens. Date: 30th July 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40952866.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20269463135e5394306ff70.jpgNewgrange, Brú na Bóinne, Co.Meath, Ireland Newgrange is a prehistoric monument in the Brú na Bóinne area of Co. Meath located about 5 miles west of Drogheda on the north side of the River Boyne. It is an exceptionally grand passage tomb built during the Neolithic period around 3200 BC, making it older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids. Newgrange is the most famous monument within the Neolithic Brú na Bóinne area along with the similar passage tomb mounds of Knowth and Dowth and as such is a part of the Brú na Bóinne UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site consists of a large circular mound with an inner stone passageway and chambers. Human bones and possible grave goods or votive offerings were found in these chambers. The mound has a retaining wall at the front made mostly of white quartz cobblestones and it is ringed by engraved kerbstones. Many of the larger stones of Newgrange are covered in megalithic art. The mound is also ringed by a stone circle. Some of the material that makes up the monument came from as far away as the Mourne Mountains in Co. Down in the south east of Northern Ireland and the Wicklow Mountains principally in Co. Wicklow in the east of Ireland. There is not complete agreement about what the site was used for but it is believed that it had religious significance. Its entrance is aligned with the rising sun on the winter solstice when sunlight shines through a “roofbox” and floods the inner chamber for a few minutes. In this respect, Newgrange also shares many similarities with other Neolithic constructions in Europe, especially Gavrinis in Brittany, Maeshowe in Orkney in Scotland and Bryn Celli Ddu in Wales. After its initial use, Newgrange was sealed for several millennia. It continued to feature in Irish mythology and folklore in which it is said to be a dwelling of the deities, particularly The Dagda and his son Aengus. Antiquarians first began studying the site in the 17th century and archaeological excavations took place in the years that followed. Archaeologist Michael J. O'Kelly led the most extensive of these and also reconstructed the frontage of the site in the 1970s. Newgrange is a popular tourist site and is regarded as one of the most important megalithic structures in Europe. According to the archaeologist Colin Renfrew, it is [i]"unhesitatingly regarded by the prehistorian as the great national monument of Ireland"[/i]. Date: 3rd February 2020 Location: Newgrange, Brú na Bóinne, Co.Meath, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080622.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_128567977463a459c53c6bd.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 1st December 2022 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/borsodi-mezoseg-little-hortobagy-hungary https://images.on-this.website/4752_55302718859ae6ee5605127.65659280.jpg"Little Hortobágy", Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén county, Hungary The “Little Hortobágy“ (Borsod Mezőség) covers an area of 115 square miles and is located north west of the Tisza River. It is a protected area managed by the Bükk National Park which lies further to the north. The “Little Hortobágy“ is very similar to the larger Hortobágy area to the south east but it has much less strict visitor regulations and access can be more problematic unless the rough tracks crossing it are dry. The main habitats are alkaline grasslands (puszta) and arable fields with some small areas of woodland. The best area for birding is the rough track between the villages of Tiszabábolna and Szentistvan. Date: 21st May 2017 Location: Borsodi-Mezoseg ("Little Hortobagy"), Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52635524.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19984113126798c1c57eded.jpgGoldeneye The Goldeneye is a medium-sized diving duck, named for its golden-yellow eye. Adult males have a dark head with a greenish gloss and a circular white patch below the eye, a dark back and a white neck and belly. Adult females have a brown head and a mostly grey body. The Goldeneye breeds on the lakes and in the rivers of boreal forests in Scandinavia, Canada, north USA and north Russia. Naturally it will nest in cavities in large trees but it will also readily use nestboxes put up on trees close to water. This has enabled a healthy breeding population to establish in the Scottish Highlands from 1970 where it is increasing and slowly spreading. The Goldeneye is migratory and most winter in protected coastal waters or open inland waters at more temperate latitudes. The Goldeneye forages by diving underwater for crustaceans, aquatic insects and molluscs. Insects are the predominant prey while nesting and crustaceans are the predominant prey during migration and winter. Date: 3rd January 2025 Location: EWT Abberton Reservoir, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41254072.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12863419415f059e617ee8e.jpgView from the m/s J.L. Runeberg between Porvoo and Helsinki, Finland Date: 26th June 2019 Location: view from the m/s J.L. Runeberg between Porvoo and Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40713556.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16276730845e16f751bb4f7.jpgGoosander The Goosander (or Common Merganser in north America) is a large “sawbill” duck, so called because of its long, serrated bill which is used for catching fish. The Goosander is 23 to 28 inches long with a 31 to 38 inches wingspan and the male is generally slightly larger than the female. The adult male in breeding plumage has a white body with a variable salmon-pink tinge, a black head with an iridescent green gloss, a grey rump and tail and wings which are largely white on the inner half and black on the outer half. Females, and males in "eclipse" non-breeding plumage, are largely grey with a reddish-brown head, white chin and white secondary feathers on the wing. Juveniles are similar to adult females but also show a short black-edged white stripe between the eye and the bill. The bill and legs are red to brownish-red which are brightest on adult males and dullest on juveniles. The Goosander can be found on rivers and lakes in forested areas of Europe, north and central Asia and north America. It is a partial migrant and moves away from areas where rivers and major lakes freeze in the winter but it is a resident where waters remain open. Within Europe, a marked southward spread has occurred from Scandinavia in the breeding range since about 1850, colonising Scotland in 1871 and England in 1941. Since 1970 it has spread across northern England and in to Wales and south west England. In the UK, it can be found all year round in the breeding range but only in winter on lakes, gravel pits and reservoirs across England south of the Humber. Nesting normally occurs in a tree cavity so the Goosander requires mature forest as its breeding habitat. It will also readily use large nest boxes where provided. In places where trees are absent, it will use holes in cliffs and steep, high banks, sometimes at considerable distances from water. The female lays 6 to 17 eggs, but normally 8 to 12, and raises a single brood in a season. The ducklings are taken by the female in her bill to rivers or lakes immediately after hatching where they feed on freshwater invertebrates and small fish fry, fledging when 60 to 70 days old. The Goosander primarily feeds on fish with the serrated edge to its bill helping it to grip its prey. In addition to fish, it will take a wide range of other aquatic prey such as molluscs, crustaceans, worms, insect larvae and amphibians and, more rarely, small mammals and birds. The salmon-pink tinge shown variably by males is probably diet-related and obtained from the carotenoid pigments present in some crustaceans and fish. When feeding, the Goosander will float down a stream or river for a few miles and either fly back again or more commonly fish their way back, diving incessantly the whole way. It will often fish in a group, forming a semicircle and driving the fish into shallow water where they are captured easily. When floating leisurely, it will position itself in the water similar to ducks but it will also swim deep in the water like a Cormorant. When not diving for food, it is usually seen swimming on the water surface, resting on rocks in midstream or hidden among riverbank vegetation or (in winter) resting on the edge of floating ice. Date: 23rd December 2019 Location: Abberton Reservoir, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/september-2021-black-necked-grebe https://images.on-this.website/4752_9023218896161cbf5f1854.jpgSeptember 2021 - Black-necked Grebe Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo44183397.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29487583.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12756845435810812f1de13.jpgViikki-Vanhankaupunginlahti Nature Reserve, Helsinki, Finland Viikki-Vanhankaupunginlahti Nature Reserve is the most important nature reserve in Helsinki and among the most valuable conservation areas on the coastal Gulf of Finland. It is included on the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance and lies around Vanhankaupunginlahti Bay, a reed-fringed sea inlet. It consists of the mouth of the Vantaa river with its accompanying floodplain forests, alder marshes and coastal meadows and can be accessed and viewed by a network of trails and birdwatching towers. Date: 30th May 2016 Location: Viikki-Vanhankaupunginlahti Nature Reserve, Helsinki, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39083663.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10674468725d3081b8a5f5a.jpgEastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria The Rhodopes Mountains are a mountain range in south east Europe. They are spread over 5689 square miles of which 4723 square miles are located in south Bulgaria and the remainder in north Greece. The Rhodopes Mountains are about 149 miles long and about 62 to 75 miles wide with an average altitude of 2575 feet. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 7188 feet and is situated 12 miles to the west of Smolyan. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rhodopes Mountains gives its name to the terrestrial eco-region Rodope montane mixed forests that belong in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The area is particularly notable for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans plus its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms such as the Trigrad Gorge. The Rhodopes Mountains can be sub-divided in to 3 sections: The Western Rhodopes are spread over 66% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and they are higher, the most infrastructurally developed and the most visited part of the mountains. The highest and best known peaks are located in this section with more than 10 over 6562 feet high including the highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7188 feet). Some of the deepest river gorges in the Rhodopes Mountains are located in the west as well as several large lakes. The Eastern Rhodopes are spread over a territory of about 34% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and are much lower in height. The large artificial dams of Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets are located in this part of the mountains. Almost every species of European bird of prey nests in the Eastern Rhodopes including the rare Black Vulture and Egyptian Vulture. The Southern Rhodopes are the part of the mountain range that is located in Greece and they are characterized by numerous peaks of relatively low altitude. The River Borovitsa is a tributary of the River Arda and is located in the eastern Rhodopes Mountains. The river valley is stony and surrounded by rough grassland, scrub and forested hillsides. There are many tiny hamlets along the valley, many of them abandoned or semi-abandoned. This little visited area and its wild environment with only the tiny hamlets and patches of traditional agriculture form a great contrast with the town of Kardzhali. Nenkovo, 17.5 miles north west of Kardzhali, is one of the hamlets in the river valley with no electricity or car access. The access to the village is via a rope bridge over the River Borovitsa. The lack of cars has preserved the narrow village streets which wind between the houses built about 100 to 150 years ago. According to the census of 2011, the village has 129 inhabitants which is down from its peak of 883 people shortly after the Second World War. The village is almost exclusively inhabited by ethnic Bulgarian Turks. Near the village of Nenkovo there is a medieval bridge over the River Borovitsa. It is a large asymmetric bridge with 5 arches each of a different size. The road over the bridge is about 65 yards long. The bridge has been partly destroyed on a number of occasions by the rough waters of the river. It has been rebuilt in the past but after repeated damage it is no longer used. The area around Nenkovo village and the bridge is an excellent one for a wide range of bird species. Date: 28th May 2018 Location: River Borovitsa valley near Nenkovo, Eastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871631.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10665971384eff1fbe8a4d2.jpgWhite-tailed Eagle The White-tailed Eagle is a very large bird with a 72 to 96 inch wingspan and is the fourth largest eagle in the world. It has broad "barn door" wings, a large head and a thick "meat-cleaver" beak. The adult is mainly brown except for the paler head and neck, blackish flight feathers, distinctive white tail, and yellow bill and legs. In juvenile birds the tail and bill are darker, with the tail becoming white with a dark terminal band in sub-adults. The White-tailed Eagle breeds in northern Europe and northern Asia. The largest population in Europe is found along the coast of Norway. They are mostly resident with only the northernmost birds such as the eastern Scandinavian and Siberian population migrating south in winter. Date: 26th May 2009 Location: Ekkerøy to Vardø, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512871.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_106298126562c9a87dea608.jpgEurasian Beaver The Eurasian Beaver or European Beaver is one of the largest living species of rodents and it is the largest rodent native to Eurasia. It weighs around 24 to 66 pounds with an average of 40 pounds. Typically the head and body length is 31 to 39 inches and the tail length is 9.8 to 19.7 inches. The fur colour of the Beaver varies geographically from light chestnut-rust to blackish-brown. The Beaver was once widespread in Eurasia. It was hunted to near-extinction for both its fur and castoreum (a secretion of its scent gland believed to have medicinal properties) and by 1900 only 1200 beavers survived in 8 relict populations in Europe and Asia. In many European nations, the Beaver became extinct but reintroduction and protection has led to gradual recovery to about 639,000 individuals by 2003 and it now occurs from the UK to China and Mongolia although it is absent from Italy, Portugal, the southern Balkans and the Middle East. About 83% can be found in the former Soviet Union. In the UK, the Beaver became extinct in the 16th century but, as a former native species, interest in reintroducing it to the wild across the UK has been shown. It has been suggested that Beaver dams could retain water in upland areas, reducing flood volumes and creating new habitats for wildlife. Currently, Beaver populations are found in a number of large enclosures in wildlife parks, as well as free-living populations around the River Tay and Knapdale areas in Scotland and the River Otter in Devon. The Knapdale population was deliberately released whilst the other populations are of unknown origin. The Beaver is a keystone species helping support the ecosystem of which they are a part. It creates wetlands which increase biodiversity and provide habitat for many rare species such as Water Voles, Otters, and Water Shrews. It coppices waterside trees and shrubs so that they regrow as dense shrubs which provide cover for birds and other animals. Beaver dams trap sediment and improve water quality and recharge groundwater tables and increase cover for trout and salmon. The Beaver has a single litter of young per year, coming into oestrus for only 12 to 24 hours between late December and May and peaking in January. Unlike most other rodents, Beaver pairs are monogamous and stay together for multiple breeding seasons. Gestation averages 107 days and litters average 3 kits with a range of 2 to 6 kits. Most Beavers do not reproduce until they are 3 years of age. Date: 12th June 2022 Location: River Otter near Otterton, Devon http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645482.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_183265682351e3cecdc26d7.jpgSwallow The Barn Swallow is the most widespread species of swallow in the world. In Europe it is just called the Swallow and in Northern Europe it is the only common species called a "swallow" rather than a "martin". The male Swallow has steel blue upperparts and a rufous forehead, chin and throat which are separated from the off-white underparts by a broad dark blue breast band. The outer tail feathers are elongated to give the distinctive deeply forked "swallow tail." There is a line of white spots across the outer end of the upper tail. The female is similar in appearance to the male but the tail streamers are shorter, the blue of the upperparts and breast band is less glossy and the underparts more pale. The juvenile is browner and has a paler rufous face and whiter underparts. It also lacks the long tail streamers of the adult. The Swallow has an enormous range with an estimated global extent of 20 million square miles and a population of 190 million individuals. It breeds in the Northern Hemisphere from sea level to typically 8,900 feet but up 9,800 feet in the Caucasus and North America and it is absent only from deserts and the cold northernmost parts of the continents. Over much of its range it avoids towns and in Europe is replaced in urban areas by the House Martin. There are 6 subspecies of the Swallow which breed across the Northern Hemisphere, of which 4 are strongly migratory with their wintering grounds covering much of the Southern Hemisphere as far south as central Argentina, the Cape Province of South Africa and northern Australia. The Swallow can be found in open country with low vegetation such as pasture, meadows and farmland, preferably with nearby water. It avoids heavily wooded or precipitous areas and densely built-up locations. The presence of accessible open structures such as barns, stables or culverts to provide nesting sites and exposed locations such as wires, roof ridges or bare branches for perching are also important in the bird's selection of its breeding range. This species lives in close association with humans and its insect-eating habits mean that it is tolerated by man. This acceptance was reinforced in the past by superstitions regarding the bird and its nest. There are frequent cultural references to the Swallow in literary and religious works due to both its living in close proximity to humans and its annual migration. The Swallow is the national bird of Austria and Estonia. In winter, the Swallow is cosmopolitan in its choice of habitat, avoiding only dense forests and deserts. It is most common in open, low vegetation habitats such as savanna and ranch land. Individual birds tend to return to the same wintering locality each year and congregate from a large area to roost in reed beds. These roosts can be extremely large with one in Nigeria holding an estimated 1.5 million birds. Date: 21st May 2013 Location: Biebrza area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19507510.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_185208834452528c2396d9c.jpgCattle Egret The Cattle Egret is a stocky white bird adorned with buff plumes in the breeding season. The easiest way to separate them from Little Egrets is by their short, yellow rather than long, black bills but Cattle Egrets are also smaller, stockier and more squat in shape with shorter, thicker necks and less elegant heads. The Cattle Egret is a cosmopolitan species of heron found in the tropics, subtropics and warm temperate zones. Originally native to parts of Asia, Africa and Europe, it has undergone a rapid expansion in its distribution and successfully colonised much of the rest of the world. Cattle Egrets breed and roost in trees usually close to fresh water and feed in shallow wetlands, especially rice-paddies, but also dry grasslands. They can often be seen feeding around cattle waiting to pick off disturbed insects, including riding on the backs of animals. Cattle Egrets are visiting the UK in increasing numbers and are most likely to be seen in the south of England and Wales. In winter 2007/08, a large influx of Cattle Egrets occurred in the UK, with the largest numbers in south-west England although birds did get as far north as Scotland. This influx led to the first ever pair breeding successfully in Somerset. Date: 9th September 2013 Location: La Janda, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081434.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_182739459863a83b6ff27f7.jpgCommon Buzzard The Common Buzzard is a member of the genus Buteo and the family Accipitridae, a group of medium-sized raptors with robust bodies and broad wings. The Buteo species of Eurasia and Africa are usually commonly referred to as buzzards whilst those in the Americas are called hawks. Under current classification, the genus Buteo includes approximately 28 species. The Common Buzzard includes between 7 to 16 sub-species and the western Buteo group includes Buteo buteo buteo which is found more or less continuously throughout Europe including the UK. The Common Buzzard is a medium-sized raptor that is highly variable in plumage. It is distinctly round headed with a somewhat slender bill and it has relatively long wings that either reach or fall slightly short of the tail tip when perched, a fairly short tail and somewhat short and mainly bare tarsi. It can appear fairly compact in overall appearance but may also appear large relative to other commoner raptors such as the Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. The Common Buzzard measures between 16 and 23 inches in length with a 3 feet 7 inches to 4 feet 7 inches wingspan. Females average about 2 to 7% larger than males in length and weigh about 15% more. Body mass can show considerable variation from 0.94 to 2.6 pounds in males and 1.07 to 3.02 pounds in females. In Europe, the Common Buzzard is typically dark brown above and on the upperside of the head and mantle but this can become paler and warmer brown with worn plumage. Usually the tail will be narrowly barred grey-brown and dark brown with a pale tip and a broad dark subterminal band but the tail in the palest birds can show a varying amount of white and a reduced sub-terminal band or even appear almost all white. The underside colouring can be variable but typically shows a brown-streaked white throat with a somewhat darker chest. A pale U across the breast is often present followed by a pale line running down the belly which separates the dark areas on the breast side and flanks. These pale areas tend to have highly variable markings that form irregular bars. Juveniles are quite similar to adults and are best told apart by having a paler eye, a narrower sub-terminal band on the tail and underside markings that appear as streaks rather than bars. Beyond the typical mid-range brownish Common Buzzard, birds in Europe can range from almost uniform black-brown above to mainly white. Extreme dark individuals may range from chocolate-brown to blackish with almost no pale colour showing but with a variable or faded U on the breast and with or without faint lighter brown throat streaks. Extreme pale individuals are largely whitish with variable widely spaced streaks or arrowheads of light brown about the mid-chest and flanks and may or may not show dark feather-centres on the head, wing-coverts and sometimes all but part of the mantle. Individuals can show nearly endless variation of colours and hues in between these extremes and the Common Buzzard is among the most variably plumaged diurnal raptors for this reason. The Common Buzzard is often confused with other raptors especially in flight or at a distance including other Buteo species such as Rough-legged Buzzard and Long-legged Buzzard and also Honey Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, Golden Eagle, Booted Eagle and Short-toed Eagle. The Common Buzzard is found throughout several islands in the eastern Atlantic islands, including the Canary Islands and the Azores, and almost throughout Europe. In the UK, it is found in Northern Ireland and in nearly every part of Scotland and England. In mainland Europe, there are no substantial gaps in the range from Portugal and Spain to Greece, Estonia, Belarus and the Ukraine, although it is present mainly only in the breeding season in much of the eastern half of the latter 3 countries. It is also present in all larger Mediterranean islands such as Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily and Crete. Further north in to Scandinavia, it is found mainly in south Norway, the southern half of Sweden and in the southern two-thirds of Finland. The Common Buzzard reaches its northern limit as a breeder in far eastern Finland and over the border in to European Russia and nearly to the Kola Peninsula. In these northern limits, the Common Buzzard is present typically only in summer. The Common Buzzard generally inhabits the interface of woodlands and open ground and typically lives in forest edge, small broad-leaved, coniferous or mixed woodlands with adjacent grassland, arable fields or other farmland and open moorland as long as there are some trees. It is absent from treeless tundra and sporadic or rare in treeless steppe. The Common Buzzard can be found from sea level to elevations of 6600 feet although it breeds mostly below 3300 feet. It can winter to an elevation of 8200 feet and migrates easily at 14,800 feet. The Common Buzzard is a partial migrant. Autumn and spring movements are subject to extensive variation, even down to the individual level, based on a region's food resources, competition (both from other Common Buzzards and other predators), the extent of human disturbance and weather conditions. Short distance movements are the norm for juveniles and some adults in autumn and winter but more adults in central and south Europe and the UK remain in their year-around areas than do not. The Common Buzzard is a typical Buteo in much of its behaviour. It is most often seen effortlessly soaring for extended periods at varying heights although it can appear laborious and heavy in level flight. It is also often seen perched prominently on tree tops, bare branches, telegraph poles, fence posts, rocks or ledges or alternatively well inside the tree canopy. It will also stand and forage on the ground. The Common Buzzard is a generalist predator which hunts a wide variety of prey given the opportunity. The prey extents to a wide variety of vertebrates including mammals, birds (from any age from eggs to adult birds), reptiles, amphibians and fish as well as to various invertebrates, mostly insects. In total, well over 300 prey species are known to be taken by the Common Buzzard. However, dietary studies have shown that it mostly preys upon small mammals, mainly small rodents. Furthermore, prey size can vary from tiny beetles, caterpillars and ants to large adult grouse and Rabbits up to nearly twice their body mass. At times, the Common Buzzard will also subsist partially on carrion, usually of dead mammals or fish. Hunting in relatively open areas has been found to increase hunting success whereas more complete shrub cover lowered success. A majority of prey is taken by dropping from a perch and is normally taken on the ground. Prey may also be hunted in a low flight, by random glides or soars or by foraging on the ground. The home range of the Common Buzzard is generally 0.19 to 0.77 square miles and the size of the breeding territory seems to be correlated with food supply. The territory is maintained through flight displays and in Europe territorial behaviour usually starts in February. However, displays are not uncommon throughout the year in resident pairs, especially by males, and can elicit similar displays by their neighbours. In the display, the Common Buzzard generally engages in high circling, spiraling upward on slightly raised wings. Mutual high circling by pairs sometimes goes on at length, especially during the period prior to or during breeding season. During the mutual displays, the male may engage in exaggerated deep flapping or zig-zag tumbling, apparently in response to the female being too distant. Several pairs may circle together at times and as many as 14 individual adults have been recorded over established display sites. Sky-dancing by the Common Buzzard has been recorded in spring and autumn, typically by the male but sometimes by the female, nearly always with much calling. Sky-dances are of the rollercoaster type, with an upward sweep of up to 100 feet until the bird starts start to stall but sometimes embellished with loops or rolls at the top. Next in the sky-dance, the bird will dive at least 200 feet on more or less closed wings before spreading them and shooting up again. These sky-dances may be repeated in series of 10 to 20. In the climax of the sky-dance, the undulations become progressively shallower, often slowing and terminating directly on to a perch. Various other aerial displays include low contour flight or weaving among trees, frequently with deep beats and exaggerated upstrokes which show underwing pattern to rivals perched below. Talon grappling and occasionally cartwheeling downward with feet interlocked has also been recorded. The Common Buzzard tends to build a bulky nest of sticks, twigs and often heather and lined with broad-leaved foliage. Nests are up to 3.3 to 3.9 feet across and 24 inches deep. With reuse over years, the diameter of a nest can reach or exceed 5 feet. Trees are generally used for a nesting location but crags or cliffs are used if trees are unavailable. Nests in trees are usually located by the main trunk at a height of around 10 to 82 feet. Pairs often have 2 to 4 nests in a territory but some pairs may use a single nest over several consecutive years. The breeding season of the Common Buzzard commences at differing times based on latitude. It may fall as early as January to April but typically it is March to July in most of Europe. In the northern limits of the range the breeding season may occur from May to August. Mating usually occurs on or near the nest and eggs are usually laid in 2 to 3 day intervals. The clutch size can range from to 2 to 6 and it appears that local factors such as habitat and food supply are relevant. Eggs are generally laid in late March to early April in the extreme south, sometime in April in most of Europe and in to May and possibly even early June in the extreme north. If eggs are lost to a predator or fail in some other way, replacement clutches are not usually laid although this has been recorded. Incubation lasts for 33 to 35 days and is mostly, but not solely, undertaken by the female. Hatching may take place over 3 to 7 days. Often the youngest nestling dies from starvation, especially in broods of 3 or more. The female remains at the nest brooding the young in the early stages with the male bringing all prey. At about 8 to 12 days, both the male and female will bring prey but the female continues to do all feeding until the young can tear up their own prey. The young are nearly fully feathered rather than downy at about a month of age and can start to feed themselves as well. The first attempts to leave the nest are often at about 40 to 50 days. Fledging occurs typically at 43 to 54 days but in extreme cases as late 62 days. After leaving the nest, the young generally stay close by until full independence 6 to 8 weeks after fledging. Numerous factors may influence the breeding success of the Common Buzzard including the availability of prey populations, habitat, disturbance and persecution levels and competition. The Common Buzzard is one of the most numerous birds of prey in its range and it is the most numerous diurnal bird of prey throughout much of Europe. Date: 9th January 2022 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084888.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2991188045d30898a73b6d.jpgPiatra Craiului Mountains, Brașov County, Romania The Piatra Craiului Mountains are a mountain range in the Southern Carpathians in central Romania. It forms a narrow and saw-like ridge which is about 16 miles long. Vârful La Om is the highest peak at 7343 feet. The ridge is regarded as one of the most impressive and beautiful sites in the Carpathian Mountians and the views both towards and from the mountains are superb. The whole range is included in the Piatra Craiului National Park. The first protection of this area started in 1938 when 2 square miles were declared as a nature reserve. This has been progressively extended and in 1990 it became a national park covering an area of 38 square miles. In 2003 the external limits and internal zoning were created. Since 1999 a park administration has existed with a visitor centre located on the minor road 0.6 miles west of Zărnești and since 2005 a management plan has been in place. Piatra Craiului National Park supports and protects an abundance and diversity of mammals (including Brown Bear, Wolf and Lynx), birds and plants. Zărneşti is the most important town for visiting the Piatra Craiului Mountains and the Piatra Craiului National Park. The town is located 17 miles south west of the city of Brașov. From Zărnești, a 7 mile long minor road runs west and ends at Cabana Plaiul Foii which is a good starting point for climbing the ridge. In addition, a forest road starts from the south west of Zărneşti which leads to the Zărneştilor Gorge and continues up to the ridge. The traditional villages of Măgura, Peştera, Ciocanu and Şirnea are starting points for routes up to the eastern slopes. Măgura, situated at 3281 feet, is one of Romania’s most picturesque villages and it provides stunning views towards the Bucegi Mountains and the Piatra Craiului Mountains. Date: 6th June 2018 Location: Piatra Craiului Mountains from the Zărnești to Cabana Plaiul Foii road, Brașov County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51980704.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_127026211666d334a14837a.jpgRuddy Darter Flight period: mid June to mid September. The Ruddy Darter takes its name from its colour and its swift flight behaviour. The male has a deep russet colour over the entire body and the abdomen has a pinched section close to where it joins the thorax. Females are slightly smaller, golden yellow in colour and being less obviously marked are more difficult to identify than the males. There is more than one red coloured darter species in the UK and they can be easily confused with each other. The commonest red species, the Common Darter, can be distinguished as having red veins at the base of the wings and a less ruddy colouration across the body. However, the Ruddy Darter has entirely black legs, distinguishing it from all other red darters which have longitudinal yellow stripes on their legs. The UK range of the Ruddy Darter has undergone something of an expansion in recent years. Although still relatively uncommon in the west and north of Britain, it is increasing in numbers in the Midlands and eastern England. The population is augmented by continental migrants. It is also found over most of Europe except for northern Scandinavia, as far east as western Siberia and south to north Africa. The Ruddy Darter prefers water bodies with tall emergent vegetation, such as reeds and club rush, and it is known to breed in ponds, lakes, canals, ditches and sluggish rivers. They can also be found near coasts and can breed in fairly brackish water. Date: 29th June 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42082956.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18100446385faa5b8e05e78.jpgDunnock The Dunnock is a small passerine bird and the most widespread member of the genus Prunella, the accentor family which otherwise consists of mountain species. Other common names for the Dunnock include the Hedge Sparrow or Hedge Accentor. The Dunnock is about the size of a Robin. It has a generally drab brown streaked appearance with a grey head and a fine pointed bill. Both sexes are similar. It is quiet and unobtrusive and is frequently seen on its own, creeping along and moving with a rather nervous, shuffling gait often flicking its wings. The Dunnock is native to large areas of Eurasia where it is the only commonly found accentor in lowland areas. It can be found throughout the UK all the year round in any well vegetated areas with scrub, brambles and hedges and also in deciduous woodland, farmland edges, parks and gardens. The Dunnock is territorial and may engage in conflict with other birds that encroach upon their nesting areas. The Dunnock possesses variable mating systems. Females are often polyandrous, breeding with 2 or more males at once which is quite rare among birds. This multiple mating system leads to the development of sperm competition amongst the male suitors. DNA fingerprinting has shown that chicks within a brood often have different fathers depending on the success of the males at monopolising the female. Males try to ensure their paternity by pecking at the cloaca of the female to stimulate ejection of rival males' sperm. Males provide parental care in proportion to their mating success so 2 males and a female can commonly be seen provisioning nestlings at one nest. Other mating systems also exist within Dunnock populations depending on the ratio of male to females and the overlap of territories. When only a single female and a single male territory overlap, monogamy is preferred. Sometimes, 2 or 3 adjacent female territories overlap a single male territory and so polygyny is favoured with the male monopolising several females. Polygynandry also exists in which 2 males jointly defend a territory containing several females. Polyandry, however, is the most common mating system of the Dunnock. Depending on the population, males generally have the best reproductive success in polygynous populations whilst females have the advantage during polyandry. Studies have illustrated the fluidity of Dunnock mating systems. When food is in abundance, female territory size is reduced drastically. Consequently, males can more easily monopolise the females. Thus, the mating system can be shifted from one that favours female success (polyandry) to one that favours male success (monogamy, polygynandry or polygyny). The Dunnock builds a neat nest predominantly from twigs and moss and lined with soft materials such as wool or feathers which is located low in a bush. The female typically lays 3 to 5 eggs. Broods, depending on the population, can be raised by a lone female, multiple females with the part-time help of a male, multiple females with full-time help by a male or by multiple females and multiple males. Parental care varies according to the type of relationship. Date: 9th October 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493320.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5348029365f326ff7c4fe9.jpgRazorbills The Razorbill is a seabird and a member of the auk family which also includes the Common Guillemot, Brunnich's Guillemot and Little Auk. It is also the closest living relative to the Great Auk which is now extinct. The Razorbill has white underparts and a black head, neck, back and feet during the breeding season. A thin white line also extends from the eyes to the end of the bill. Its head is darker than that of the CommonGuillemot. Outside the breeding season, the throat and face behind the eye become white and the white line on the face becomes less prominent. The thick black bill has a blunt end. The adult male and female female are very much alike having only small differences such as wing length. The Razorbill has a horizontal stance and the tail feathers are slightly longer in the centre in comparison to other auks making it have a distinctly long tail which is not common for an auk. The Razorbill is distributed across the sub-arctic and boreal waters of the north Atlantic where water surface temperature are typically below 15°c. The world population is estimated to be less than 1 million breeding pairs, making it among the rarest auks in the world. Approximately 60 to 70% of the entire Razorbill population breeds in Iceland., including over 200,000 pairs at Látrabjarg. The breeding habitat is islands, rocky shores and cliffs on north Atlantic coasts, in eastern North America as far south as Maine and in western Europe from north west Russia to northern France. Eurasian birds winter at sea with some moving south as far as the western Mediterranean. North American birds migrate offshore and south. The Razorbill is a colonial breeder and only comes to land to breed. Individuals only breed at 3 to 5 years of age. Females select their mate and will often encourage competition between males before choosing a partner. Once a male is chosen, the pair will usually stay together for life. Nest site determination is very important to ensure protection of young from predators. Unlike Common Guillemots, nest sites are not immediately alongside the sea on open cliff ledges but at least 4 to 6 inches away in crevices on cliffs or among boulders. Generally a nest is not built although some pairs often use their bills to drag material upon which to lay their single egg. The mating pair will often reuse the same site every year. The Razorbill feeds mainly on schooling fish and crustaceans and it will dive deep into the sea using its wings and its streamlined body to propel itself toward their prey. Whilst diving, it rarely stays in groups but instead spreads out to feed. The majority of feeding occurs at a depth of about 80 feet but it has the ability to dive up to 400 feet below the surface. During a single dive the Razorbill can capture and swallow many schooling fish depending on their size. The Razorbill spends approximately 45% of its time foraging at sea and it may well fly more than 60 miles out to sea to feed. However, when feeding chicks it will forage much closer to the nesting grounds and often in shallower water. The Razorbill and its eggs and chicks have several predators which include Great Black-backed Gulls, Peregrines, Ravens and other crows, Arctic Foxes and Polar Bears. In the early 20th century, Razorbills were harvested for their eggs, meat and feathers and this greatly decreased their population. In 1917 they were finally protected which reduced hunting. Other current threats include oil pollution, unintentional bycatch arising from commercial fishing and overfishing which decreases the abundance of prey. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41539343.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15564603935f3e4bb3b56e1.jpgSandfjord, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Date: 5th July 2019 Location: view from road Fv890 between Kongsfjord and Berlevåg, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11481814.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11343393564e26a33080c1a.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 16/04/07 Location: Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12744412.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9850502674e705b2d3feff.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 4th November 2008 Location: Portnahaven, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/dynjandifoss-westfjords-iceland https://images.on-this.website/4752_44815969556389e82b3b84.jpgDynjandi, Westfjords, Iceland Dynjandi (also known as Fjallfoss and meaning “thunderous”) is located at the end of Arnarfjörður and it is the most powerful waterfall in the Westfjords and breathtaking in its beauty. Dynjandi is actually a series of 7 waterfalls with a cumulative height of 330 feet. The main uppermost tier is particularly notable with its trapezoidal shape (100 feet wide at the top and 200 feet wide at the bottom). The other waterfalls below Dynjandifoss are Hæstahjallafoss, Strompgljúfrafoss, Göngumannafoss, Hrísvaðsfoss, Hundafoss and Bæjarfoss. It is said that a supernatural being lives in every waterfall. The waterfalls have their source in Lake Eyjavatn from which the Dynjandisá river flows. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: view from road 60 at the eastern end of Arnarfjörður http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42222547.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6536271446023b931e0c43.jpgCanada Goose The Canada Goose belongs to the Branta genus of geese which contains species with largely black plumage distinguishing it from the grey species of the genus Anser. The black head and neck with a white "chinstrap" distinguish the Canada Goose from all other goose species with the exception of the Cackling Goose from north America and the Barnacle Goose which has a black breast and grey rather than brownish body plumage. The 7 sub-species of the Canada Goose vary widely in size and plumage details but all are recognizable as Canada Geese. Of the "true geese" (i.e. the genera Anser, Branta or Chen), the Canada Goose is on average the largest living species. It ranges from 30 to 43 inches in length and with a 50 to 73 inches wingspan. The male usually weighs 5.7 to 14.3 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 8.6 pounds. The female looks virtually identical but is slightly lighter at 5.3 to 12.1 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 7.9 pounds. It is also generally 10% smaller in linear dimensions than the male. The Canada Goose is native to north America where it breeds in Canada and the north USA in a wide range of habitats. The Great Lakes region maintains a very large population. It occurs all year round in the southern part of its breeding range, including most of the eastern seaboard and the Pacific coast. Between California and South Carolina in the south USA and north Mexico, it is primarily present as a migrant from further north during the winter. Outside north America, the Canada Goose has reached north Europe naturally as has been proved by ringing recoveries. It has also been introduced in to Europe and had established populations in the UK in the middle of the 18th century, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany and Scandinavia. Most European populations are not migratory but those in more northerly parts of Sweden and Finland migrate to the North Sea and Baltic coasts. Semi-tame feral birds are common in parks and have become a pest in some areas. In the early 17th century, explorer Samuel de Champlain sent several pairs of Canada Geese to France as a present for King Louis XIII. Canada Geese were first introduced in to the UK in the late 17th century as an addition to King James II's waterfowl collection in St. James's Park. They were also introduced in to Germany and Scandinavia during the 20th century. During the second year of its life, the Canada Goose finds a mate. It is a monogamous species and most couples stay together all of their lives. If one dies, the other may find a new mate. The female lays from 2 to 9 eggs with an average of 5. Both parents protect the nest while the eggs incubate but the female spends more time at the nest than the male. The nest is usually located in an elevated area near water such as streams, lakes and ponds and the eggs are laid in a shallow depression lined with plant material and down. The incubation period, in which the female incubates the eggs while the male remains nearby, lasts for 24 to 28 days after laying. As soon as the goslings hatch, they are immediately capable of walking, swimming and finding their own food (a diet similar to the adults). Parents are often seen leading their goslings in a line, usually with one adult at the front and the other at the back. While protecting their goslings, parents often violently chase away anything from small birds to lone humans who approach, after warning them by giving off a hissing sound and then attacking with bites and slaps of the wings if the threat does not retreat. Although parents are hostile to unfamiliar geese, they may form groups (crèches) of a number of goslings and a few adults. The goslings enter the fledgling stage any time from 6 to 9 weeks of age. Once it reaches adulthood, due to its large size and often aggressive behaviour, the Canada Goose is rarely preyed on although prior injury may make it more vulnerable to natural predators. The lifespan in the wild of birds that survive to adulthood ranges from 10 to 24 years. The UK longevity record is held by a specimen tagged as a nestling which was observed alive at the age of 31. The Canada Goose is primarily a herbivore although it will sometimes eat small insects and fish. Their diet includes grasses, aquatic plants, beans and grains such as wheat, rice, and corn when they are available. In urban areas, it is also known to pick food out of rubbish bins and it will readily take a variety of food from humans in parks. Date: 21st January 2021 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19905592.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_60104174252908d5dd3d91.jpgDate: 27th October 2013 Location: Loch Sunart, Ardnamurchan, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14160946.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4206430114f3e32c24bc6d.jpgPainted Lady Flight period: April to October. The Painted Lady is a highly migratory butterfly which can be found almost throughout the UK although its numbers vary greatly from year to year. It is thought that the entire population dies each winter and re-colonisation through immigration occurs each spring. As a migrant, they can be found almost anywhere but do prefer dry, open areas. Date: 31st July 2006 Location: EWT Langdon Conservation Centre, Dunton, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31192247.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_98985883359182376754e48.99849231.jpgBlack Grouse The Black Grouse is a large game bird in the grouse family. The male has all black plumage with distinctive red wattles over the eyes and striking white stripes along each wing in flight. It has a lyre-shaped tail which is fanned out and raised to show white under-tail feathers when displaying. The female is smaller and grey-brown in colour. The Black Grouse is a sedentary species and breeds across northern Eurasia in moorland and bog areas near to mostly boreal woodland. Although it is declining, it is not considered to be vulnerable globally due to the large population and slow rate of decline. Its decline is due to loss of habitat, disturbance, predation by foxes, crows, etc., and small populations gradually dying out. In the UK, the Black Grouse are found in upland areas of Wales, the Pennines and most of Scotland, especially on farmland and moorland with nearby forestry or scattered trees. Habitat loss and overgrazing have resulted in severe population declines which make the Black Grouse a Red List species. Positive habitat management and re-introduction programmes are helping it to increase in some areas. The Black Grouse has a very distinctive and well-recorded courtship. At dawn in the spring, the males strut around in a traditional area (lek) and display whilst making a highly distinctive and bubbling mating call. This photo was taken at a well known roadside lekking site. If visiting, please remain in your car to avoid disturbance to these vulnerable breeding birds. Date: 6th May 2017 Location: World's End, Denbighshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533676.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_107177524162ca8fbac6dcb.jpgFour-spotted Chaser Flight period: mid May to end August. Four-spotted Chasers are a common and widespread species of dragonfly throughout most of the UK. They can be found around sheltered lowland lakes and ponds and around acidic moorland bogs and sheltered upland lakes. Date: 26th June 2022 Location: RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32708792.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_180332442159ad2521ef3bc9.63687424.jpgLittle Egret The Little Egret is a species of small heron. The genus name comes from the Provençal French [i]Aigrette[/i] (egret), a diminutive of [i]Aigron [/i] (heron). The adult Little Egret is 22 to 26 inches long with a 35 to 42 inches wingspan. Its plumage is normally entirely white although there are dark forms with largely bluish-grey plumage. In the breeding season, the adult has 2 long plumes on the nape that form a crest. These plumes are about 6 inches in length and are pointed and very narrow. There are similar feathers on the breast but the barbs are more widely spread. There are also several elongated scapular feathers that have long loose barbs around 8 inches long. During the winter the plumage is similar but the scapulars are shorter and more normal in appearance. The bill is long and slender and both it and the lores are black. There is an area of greenish-grey bare skin at the base of the lower mandible and around the eye which has a yellow iris. The legs are black and the feet yellow. Juveniles are similar to non-breeding adults but have greenish-black legs and duller yellow feet and may have a certain proportion of greyish or brownish feathers. The Little Egret is mostly silent but it does make various croaking and bubbling calls at its breeding colonies and it produces a harsh alarm call when disturbed. The breeding range of the western race of the Little Egret includes south Europe, the Middle East, much of Africa and south Asia. European populations are migratory and mostly travel to Africa although some remain in southern Europe. During the late 20th century, the range of the Little Egret expanded northwards in Europe and into the New World. The Little Egret's habitat varies widely and includes the shores of lakes, rivers, canals, ponds, lagoons, marshes and flooded land, the bird preferring open locations to dense cover. On the coast it inhabits mudflats, sandy beaches, mangrove areas, swamps and reefs. The Little Egret is a sociable bird and can be seen in small flocks. However, individual birds do not tolerate others coming too close to their chosen feeding site although this depends on the abundance of prey. The Little Egret uses a variety of methods to find its food. It stalks its prey in shallow water, often running with raised wings or shuffling its feet to disturb small fish, or it may stand still and wait to ambush prey. It also makes use of opportunities provided by Cormorants disturbing fish or humans attracting fish by throwing bread into water. On land, it walks or runs while chasing its prey, often feeding on creatures disturbed by grazing livestock. The diet is mainly fish but amphibians, small reptiles, mammals and birds are also eaten as well as crustaceans, molluscs, insects, spiders and worms. The Little Egret nests in colonies, often with other wading birds such as Cattle Egret, Black-crowned Night Heron, Squacco Heron and Glossy Ibis. The nests are usually platforms of sticks built in trees or shrubs or in reed beds or bamboo groves. Pairs defend a small breeding territory, usually extending around 10 to 13 feet from the nest. The 3 to 5 eggs are incubated by both adults for 21 to 25 days before hatching. The young birds are covered in white down feathers are cared for by both parents and fledge after 40 to 45 days. Globally, the Little Egret is not listed as a threatened species and has in fact expanded its range over the last few decades.[5] The IUCN states that their wide distribution and large total population means that they are a species that cause them "least concern". Historical research has shown that the Little Egret was once present, and probably common, in the UK but became extinct there through a combination of over-hunting in the late mediaeval period and climate change at the start of the Little Ice Age. Further declines occurred throughout Europe as the plumes of the Little Egret and other egrets were in demand for decorating hats. They had been used in the plume trade since at least the 17th century but in the 19th century it became a major craze and the number of egret skins passing through dealers reached into the millions. Hunting, which reduced the population of the species to dangerously low levels, stimulated the establishment of Britain's Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in 1889. By the 1950s, the Little Egret had become restricted to south Europe and conservation laws protecting the species were introduced. This allowed the population to rebound strongly and over the next few decades it became increasingly common in western France and later on the north coast. It bred in the Netherlands in 1979 with further breeding from the 1990s onward. Populations are now mostly stable or increasing in Europe. In the UK, the Little Egret was a rare vagrant from its 16th century extinction until the late 20th century. It has, however, recently become a regular breeding species and is commonly present, often in large numbers, at favoured coastal sites. The first recent breeding record in England was on Brownsea Island in Dorset in 1996 and it bred in Wales for the first time in 2002. The population increase has been rapid subsequently with over 750 pairs breeding in nearly 70 colonies in 2008 and a post-breeding total of 4,540 birds in September 2008. Severe winter weather proves only to be a temporary setback and the Little Egret continues to expand both its numbers and range in the UK. Date: 18th May 2017 Location: Csaj-tó, Csanytelek, Csongrád county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21829214.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_57822032753cb9cb06116e.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 11th June 2014 Location: Bempton Cliifs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4466122.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18300941354b8a26838e595.jpgFløyfjellet, Bergen Fløyfjellet or Fløyen is the most visited of the 7 mountains that surround the city centre of Bergen, Norway. It has a funicular railway system (Fløibanen) that transports passengers from the centre of Bergen to a height of 1050 feet in roughly 8 minutes. The actual highest point on Fløifjellet at 1394 feet is approximately 1/2 mile to the north east. From Fløyfjellet there are stunning views of the city of Bergen and the surrounding area. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874878.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1038045909561cd14ccf127.jpgEider The Eider is a large sea duck that is distributed over the northern coasts of Europe, north America and eastern Siberia. It breeds in the Arctic and some northern temperate regions but winters somewhat further south in temperate zones when it can form large flocks on coastal waters. The Eider is both the largest of the 4 eider species and the largest duck found in Europe and in north America (except for the Muscovy duck which only reaches north America in a wild state in southernmost Texas and south Florida). The Eider is characterized by its bulky shape and large, wedge-shaped bill. The male is unmistakable with its black and white plumage and green nape. The female is a brown bird but can still be readily distinguished from all ducks, except other eider species, on the basis of size and head shape. The drake's display call is a strange almost human-like "ah-ooo" while the duck utters hoarse quacks. The Eider dives for crustaceans and molluscs, with mussels being a favoured food. The Eider will eat mussels by swallowing them whole. The shells are then crushed in their gizzard and excreted. When eating a crab, the Eider will remove all of its claws and legs and then eat the body in a similar fashion. The Eider is abundant with populations of about 1.5 to 2 million birds in both Europe and north America and also large but unknown numbers in eastern Siberia. The Eider is a colonial breeder nesting on coastal islands in colonies ranging in size of less than 100 to upwards of 10,000 to 15,000 individuals. Female Eiders frequently exhibit a high degree of natal philopatry where they return to breed on the same island where they were hatched. This can lead to a high degree of relatedness between individuals nesting on the same island as well as the development of kin-based female social structures. This relatedness has likely played a role in the evolution of co-operative breeding behaviours amongst Eiders. Examples of these behaviours include laying eggs in the nests of related individuals and crèching where female Eiders team up and share the work of rearing ducklings. The Eider's nest is built close to the sea and is lined with the celebrated eiderdown plucked from the female's breast. This soft and warm lining has long been harvested for filling pillows and quilts but in more recent years has been largely replaced by down from domestic farm geese and synthetic alternatives. Although eiderdown pillows or quilts are now a rarity, eiderdown harvesting continues and is sustainable as it can be done after the ducklings leave the nest with no harm to the birds. Date: 6th June 2015 Location: Reykhólar area, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32708914.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_119967138459ad266578f928.84417814.jpgGreat Reed Warbler The Great Reed Warbler is a species of warbler in the genus [i]Acrocephalus[/i]. It is a thrush-sized warbler and one of the largest species of Old World warbler, measuring 6.3 to 8.3 inches in length with a 9.8 to 11.8 inches wingspan. The adult Great Reed Warbler has unstreaked brown upperparts and dull buffish-white chin and underparts. The forehead is flattened and the bill is strong and pointed. It looks very much like a giant Reed Warbler but with a stronger supercilium. The sexes are identical but young birds are a richer buff colour below. The Great Reed Warbler breeds in Europe and westernmost temperate Asia. It does not breed in the UK but is a regular visitor. In recent decades, its population has increased around the eastern Baltic Sea whilst it has become rarer at the western end of its range. It is a migratory bird and winters in tropical Africa. The Great Reed Warbler undergoes marked long-term population fluctuations and it is able to expand its range quickly when new habitat becomes available. The Great Reed Warbler can be found in large reed beds often with some bushes. On its breeding grounds it is territorial but in its winter range it is frequently found in large groups and may occupy a reed bed to the exclusion of other birds. During the breeding season, the male Great Reed Warbler performs a loud and elaborate song to attract a female. The song's main phrase is a chattering and creaking sound, to which the whistles and vocal mimicry typical of the Marsh Warbler is added. Lasting from just 20 seconds up to 20 minutes without a pause, this song can be heard up to 500 yards away. Having attracted a mate, the male will only sing to defend his territory against rival intruders. This song is much shorter and noticeably different to the song used in courtship and therefore the type of song produced is a good indicator of whether the male is paired or not. However, some males may move away from their territories and use the elaborate courtship song to search for multiple females. Although generally monogamous, this means that some males may pair with 2 to 3 females at one time. The female Great Reed Warbler lays 3 to 6 eggs in a nest which is suspended from reed stems above the water. The female weaves damp material around the reed stems which, when dry, keeps the nest stable. Incubation is carried out by the female alone and lasts for 14 to 15 days. The chicks become independent and leave the nest 12 to 14 days after fledging. Like most warblers, the Great Reed Warbler is insectivorous and it will eat insect larvae, moths, dragonflies, damselflies, beetles, spiders, etc. It will also take other prey including small fish, frogs and tadpoles. Date: 19th May 2017 Location: south of Hortobágy towards Szásztelek, Hortobágy National Park, Hajdú-Bihar county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/skjlfandi-fli-and-hsavk-north https://images.on-this.website/4752_1241128787563517051dd7c.jpgSkjálfandi Flói, north east Iceland Skjálfandi Flói (“Shaky Bay”) is a large bay on the north east coast of Iceland situated between the unnamed peninsula between Eyjafjörður in the west and the Tjörnes peninsula in the east. The original name of “Shaky Bay” is thought to derive from local seismic activity but there hasn’t been a real earthquake here for over 100 years. Two large rivers flow in to Skjálfandi Flói: the Laxá and the Skjálfandafljót. Skjálfandi Flói is well known for its wildlife and especially its whales. A hive of cetacean activity, Skjálfandi Flói, together with its harbour town of Húsavík, is often regarded as one of the best whale-watching places in Europe with the local boat companies offering practically guaranteed sightings over the summer months. Date: 4th June 2015 Location: view from road 85 south of Húsavík http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7950310.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17240246554d03cd5b06264.jpgBearded Tit The Bearded Tit is a brown, long-tailed bird, usually seen flying rapidly across the top of a reedbed. Males have black “moustaches” rather than “beards”. They are sociable and noisy with their “pinging” calls often being the first clue to their presence. Bearded Tits can be found all year round in areas with reedbeds although they may move away from their breeding areas in winter.They are particularly vulnerable to severe winters and their population has declined in recent years making them an Amber List species. Date: 31st October 2010 Location: Leighton Moss RSPB reserve, Lancashire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25774135.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1899628878560fb8816e3e2.jpgOtter The Eurasian Otter, also known as the European Otter, Eurasian River Otter, Common Otter and Old World Otter and commonly known as the Otter, is a semi-aquatic mammal and the most widely distributed member of the Otter sub-family of the Weasel family (Mustelidae). The Otter is a typical species of the Otter sub-family and is brown above and cream below. It is 22.5 to 37.5 inches long excluding a tail of 14 to 17.5 inches. The female is shorter than the male. The Otter's average body weight is 15 to 26 pounds, although occasionally a large old male may reach up to 37 pounds. The Otter differs from the North American River Otter by its shorter neck, broader face, the greater space between the ears and its longer tail. However, it is the only Otter species in much of its range so it is rarely confused for any other animal. The Otter is the most widely distributed Otter species and its range including parts of Asia and Africa as well as being widespread across Europe. The Otter can be found throughout most of the UK with the highest densities in Scotland, especially the islands and the north west coast, Wales, parts of East Anglia and the West Country. The Otter declined across its range in the second half of the 20th century primarily due to pollution, habitat loss and hunting. However, populations are now recovering in many parts of Europe. In the UK the number of sites with an Otter presence increased by 55% between 1994 and 2002. In August 2011, the Environment Agency announced that the Otter had returned to every county in England since vanishing from every county except the West Country and parts of Northern England. The recovery of the Otter population in Europe is due to a ban on the most harmful pesticides that has been in place since 1979, improvements in water quality leading to increases in prey populations and direct legal protection under the European Union Habitats Directive and national legislation in several European countries. In general, the Otter’s varied and adaptable diet means that it can be found on any unpolluted body of fresh water, including lakes, streams, rivers and ponds, as long as the food supply is adequate. It can also be found along the coast in salt water but it requires regular access to fresh water to clean its fur. When living in the sea it is sometimes referred to as a "Sea Otter" but it should not be confused with the true Sea Otter which is a North American species much more strongly adapted to a marine existence. The Otter's diet mainly consists of fish. However, during the winter and in colder environments, fish consumption is significantly lower and other sources of food are eaten including amphibians, crustaceans, insects, birds and small mammals. Hunting mainly takes place at night whilst the day is usually spent in the Otter's holt (den). The Otter is strongly territorial and is primarily solitary. An individual's territory may vary between 1 and 25 miles with the length of the territory depending on the density of food available and the width of the water suitable for hunting (it is shorter on coasts, where the available width is much wider and longer on narrower rivers). The Otter uses its spraints to mark its territory. Territories are only held against members of the same sex so those of males and females may overlap. The Otter is a non-seasonal breeder and males and females will breed at any time of the year. It has been found that their mating season is most likely determined simply by the Otters' reproductive maturity and physiological state. Female Otters are sexually mature between 18 and 24 months old and the average age of first breeding is found to be 2.5 years old. Gestation is 60 to 64 days and after the gestation period, 1 to 4 pups are born which remain dependent on the mother for about 13 months. The male plays no direct role in parental care although the territory of a female with her pups is usually entirely within that of the male. Date: 25th September 2015 Location: Broadford Bay, Skye, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21808752.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_138001453153c78f81254ee.jpgSandwich Terns The Sandwich Tern is a medium-large tern, gull-like in appearance but usually with a more delicate, lighter build and shorter, weaker legs. It is very closely related to the Lesser Crested Tern, Chinese Crested Tern, Cabot's Tern and Elegant Tern and it has been known to inter-breed with the Lesser Crested Tern. It is 15 to 17 inches in length with a 33 to 38 inches wingspan. It has long, pointed wings, which gives it a fast buoyant flight, and a deeply forked tail. The upperwings are pale grey and the underparts are white. It has a shaggy black crest. The thin sharp bill is black with a yellow tip and the short legs are black. It looks very pale in flight although the primary flight feathers darken during the summer. In winter, the adult's forehead becomes white. Juveniles have dark tips to their tails and a scaly appearance on their back and wings. The Sandwich Tern has an extensive global range and, whilst population trends have not been quantified, it is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List. For these reasons, it is evaluated as “least concern”. The Sandwich Tern breeds in very dense colonies on coasts and islands and exceptionally inland on suitable large freshwater lakes close to the coast. It nests in a ground scrape and lays 1 to 3 eggs. Unlike some of the smaller white terns, it is not very aggressive toward potential predators, relying on the sheer density of the nests and nesting close to other more aggressive species such as the Arctic Tern and the Black-headed Gull. In the UK, the Sandwich Tern can be seen from late March to September and there are breeding colonies scattered around the UK coasts including the north Norfolk coast and at Minsmere in Suffolk and Dungeness in Kent. The Sandwich tern feeds by plunge-diving for fish, almost invariably from the sea. It usually dives directly and not from a hover favoured by other terns. The offering of fish by the male to the female is part of the courtship display. Date: 14th July 2014 Location: Blakeney Point, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533683.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_193632062162ca8fcbd9792.jpgAzure Damselfly Flight period: May to August The Azure Damselfly is one of the two commonest blue damselflies and is a common and widespread species of lowland UK. They can be found around most standing water, preferring small, sheltered sites including ditches and garden ponds. Date: 26th June 2022 Location: RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533680.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_95495501362ca8fc42b663.jpgAzure Damselfly Flight period: May to August The Azure Damselfly is one of the two commonest blue damselflies and is a common and widespread species of lowland UK. They can be found around most standing water, preferring small, sheltered sites including ditches and garden ponds. Date: 26th June 2022 Location: RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50569844.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_116524419765ccb7be9551c.jpgNuthatch The Nuthatches are a family of similar looking birds with short tails and wings, compact bodies, longish pointed bills, grey or bluish upperparts, a black eyestripe and strong feet. There are more than 20 subspecies in 3 main groups. The Eurasian Nuthatch is found throughout temperate Asia and in Europe where it is known simply as the Nuthatch. The adult male Nuthatch is 5.5 inches long. It has blue-grey upperparts, a black eye-stripe and whitish throat and underparts. The flanks and lower belly are orange-red and mottled with white on the undertail. The stout bill is dark grey with a paler area on the base of the lower mandible, the iris is dark brown and the legs and feet are pale brown or greyish. The female is similar in appearance to the male but may be identified by her slightly paler upperparts, a browner eyestripe and a more washed out tone to the flanks and lower belly. Young birds resemble the female although their plumage is duller and they have paler legs. The Nuthatch's breeding range extends across temperate Eurasia from the UK (but not Ireland) to Japan. It breeds south to the Mediterranean in Europe (although it is absent from the islands other than Sicily) and in most of Russia. In the east, the range includes most of China and Taiwan and much of Korea. Most populations are sedentary, apart from some post-breeding dispersal of young birds, and there is a reluctance to cross even short stretches of open water. The Nuthatch can be found in mature woodland with large, old trees which provide extensive growth for foraging and nesting holes. In Europe, deciduous or mixed forest is favoured, particularly when containing oak. Parks, old orchards and other wooded habitats may be occupied as long as they have at least a 2.5 acre block of suitable trees. Particularly in mountains, the Nuthatch can be found in old spruce and pine forests. The Nuthatch is primarily a lowland bird in the north of its range but reaches the tree-line in Switzerland at 3,900 feet or higher and it breeds occasionally at 5,900 to 6,900 feet in Austria. It breeds at similar levels in the mountains of Turkey, the Middle East, central Asia and Japan. The Nuthatch is common throughout much of its range although densities are lower in the far north and in coniferous forests. Fragmentation of woodland can lead to local losses of breeding birds but the range is still expanding. In recent decades, the Nuthatch has colonised Scotland and expanded its range in Wales and northern England. Across most of its European range, the most important predator of the Nuthatch is the Sparrowhawk. Other species known to prey on the Nuthatch include the Goshawk, Hobby and Tawny Owl. Pairs of Nuthatches hold permanent territories and nest in tree holes, usually old woodpecker nests but sometimes natural cavities. The nest site is typically 5 to 65 feet above the ground. If the entrance to the hole is too large, the female plasters it with mud to reduce its size and often coats the inside of the cavity too. The 6 to 9 red-speckled white eggs are laid on a deep base of pine or other wood chips. The female incubates the eggs for 13 to 18 days to hatching and broods the chicks until they fledge 20 to 26 days later. Both adults feed the chicks in the nest and continue to do so after they fledge until they become independent after about 8 to 14 days. Normally only a single brood is raised each year. The Nuthatch eats mainly insects, particularly caterpillars and beetles, although in autumn and winter its diet is supplemented with nuts and seeds. Food items are found mainly on tree trunks and large branches but smaller branches may also be investigated. Food may also be taken from the ground especially outside the breeding season. The Nuthatch can forage when descending trees head first as well as when climbing upwards. The Nuthatch readily visits bird tables and will eat fatty man-made food items as well as seeds. It is a hoarder and will store food all year round. Date: 1st January 2024 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081431.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_63038788863a8336b11d90.jpgBrown Rat Brown Rats have coarse brown or occasionally black fur with a pale underside. They have a long tail which is sparsely haired. Although originally native to eastern Asia and Japan, Brown Rats are now distributed world-wide. They spread across the UK via the shipping traffic from foreign countries in the 18th century and largely replaced the Black Rat. They are highly adaptable and can be found all over the UK, except for exposed mountain regions and some small offshore islands, and live in loose colonies and home ranges of around 50 metres in diameter. Along with the House Mouse, the Brown Rat is considered to be the most widespread terrestrial mammal in the UK and they are subject to persistent pest control due to the damage they cause and the numerous diseases they spread. Brown Rats are omnivorous and have a very varied diet. They are typically nocturnal although they will sometimes forage for food during the day. They also swim well and are sometimes mistaken for Water Voles. Brown Rats live for around 18 months and breed throughout the year producing 5 litters of 8 young a year. Date: 9th January 2022 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32708939.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14877306659ad2695be9058.51696590.jpgCorn Bunting The Corn Bunting is a rather non-descript stout and dumpy brown bird which is the largest of the bunting family. The Corn Bunting breeds across southern and central Europe, north Africa and Asia across to Kazahkstan. It is mainly resident but some birds from the colder regions of central Europe and Asia migrate southwards in winter. The Corn Bunting is a bird of open country with trees such as farmland and weedy wasteland. It has declined greatly in north west Europe due to intensive agricultural practices depriving it of its food supply of weed seeds and insects, the latter especially when feeding young. Date: 19th May 2017 Location: south of Hortobágy towards Szásztelek, Hortobágy National Park, Hajdú-Bihar county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493317.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17572296505f326fe85bed5.jpgCommon Guillemots The Common Guillemot, also known as the Common Murre or Thin-billed Murre, is a large species of auk. The auks are a family of seabirds which includes the Brunnich's Guillemot or Thick-billed Murre, Razorbill, Little Auk and the extinct Great Auk. The Common Guillemot is 15 to 18 inches in length with a 24 to 29 inches wingspan. In breeding plumage, it is black or dark brown on the head, back and wings with white underparts. It has a thin dark pointed bill and a small rounded dark tail. Legs are grey and the bill is dark grey. Males and females are identical. Some individuals in the North Atlantic, known as "Bridled Guillemots", have a white ring around the eye extending back as a white line. This is not a distinct subspecies but a polymorphism that becomes more common the farther north the birds breed. The Common Guillemot flies with fast wing beats and has a flight speed of around 50 mph. Groups of birds are often seen flying together in a line just above the surface of the sea. However, it is not a very agile bird and take-off is often difficult. The Common Guillemot becomes flightless for 45 to 60 days while moulting its primary feathers. The Common Guillemot is a pursuit diver that forages for food by swimming underwater using its wings for propulsion. Dives usually last less than one minute but the bird swims underwater for distances of over 100 feet on a regular basis. Diving depths up to 590 feet have been recorded. The Common Guillemot has a circumpolar distribution and it occurs in low Arctic and boreal waters in the north Atlantic and north Pacific. It spends most of its time at sea and only comes to land to breed on rocky cliffs, sea stacks and islands. Some birds are permanent residents but northern birds migrate south to open waters off New England, southern California, Japan, Korea and the western Mediterranean. The Common Guillemot breeds in colonies at high densities and nesting pairs may be in bodily contact with their neighbours. No nest is made and the single egg is laid and incubated on a bare rock ledge on a cliff face. The egg hatches after 30 days incubation and the chick is born downy and can regulate its body temperature after 10 days. Some 20 days after hatching the chick jumps off its nesting ledge and heads for the sea unable to fly but gliding for some distance with fluttering wings and accompanied by its male parent. The chicks are capable of diving as soon as they hit the water. The female stays at the nest site for some 14 days after the chick has left. The Common Guillemot can venture far from its breeding grounds to forage and distances of 60 miles or more are often observed although if sufficient food is available closer by, birds will only travel much shorter distances. It mainly eats small schooling fish 8 inches long or less such as Polar Cod, Capelin, Sand Lances, Sprats, Sandeels, Atlantic Cod and Atlantic Herring. It also eats some molluscs, marine worms, squid and crustaceans. It is often seen carrying fish in its bill with the tail hanging out. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo10926788.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7901105324e0974b05fc72.jpgGoldeneye The Goldeneye is a medium-sized diving duck, named for its golden-yellow eye. Adult males have a dark head with a greenish gloss and a circular white patch below the eye, a dark back and a white neck and belly. Adult females have a brown head and a mostly grey body. The Goldeneye breeds on the lakes and in the rivers of boreal forests of Scandinavia, Canada, north USA and north Russia. Naturally it will nest in cavities in large trees but it will also readily use nestboxes put up on trees close to water. This has enabled a healthy breeding population to establish in the Scottish Highlands from 1970 where it is increasing and slowly spreading. The Goldeneye is migratory and most winter in protected coastal waters or open inland waters at more temperate latitudes. The Goldeneye forages by diving underwater for crustaceans, aquatic insects and molluscs. Insects are the predominant prey while nesting and crustaceans are the predominant prey during migration and winter. Date: 10th June 2011 Location: Loch Morlich, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11481006.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15105303434e269963a57ed.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 17th May 2009 Location: Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645656.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_191936277951e3cfdab0337.jpgRed-backed Shrike The Red-backed Shrike is a carnivorous passerine bird and member of the shrike family. The general colour of the male’s upper parts is reddish. It has a grey head and a typical shrike black stripe through the eye. Underparts are tinged pink and the tail has a black and white pattern similar to that of a Wheatear. In the female and young birds the upperparts are brown and vermiculated and the underparts are buff and also vermiculated. The Red-backed Shrike eats large insects, small birds, frogs, rodents and lizards. Like other shrikes it hunts from prominent perches and impales corpses on thorns or barbed wire as a "larder." This practice has earned it the nickname of "butcher bird." The Red-backed Shrike breeds in most of Europe and western Asia and winters in tropical Africa. Once a common migratory visitor to the UK, numbers declined sharply during the 20th century. The bird's last stronghold was in Breckland but by 1988 just a single pair remained, successfully raising young at Santon Downham. The following year for the first time no nests were recorded in the UK but since then sporadic breeding has taken place, mostly in Scotland and Wales, and in September 2010 the RSPB announced that a pair had raised chicks at a secret location on Dartmoor where the bird last bred in 1970. This return to south west England has been an unexpected development and has raised speculation that a warming climate could assist the bird in re-colonising some of its traditional sites, if only in small numbers. Date: 25th May 2013 Location: Białowieża area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493279.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1690591835f326f629e61f.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512500.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_146133067662c99a0781cbb.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 9th May 2022 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/cinnabar-caterpillar https://images.on-this.website/4752_777788730467ea644d1c74.jpgCinnabar caterpillar The Cinnabar moth is a widespread moth throughout the UK and can often be seen during daylight hours. The moth is brightly coloured with crimson hindwings bordered with dusky black. The caterpillar is even more striking with a bright orange body and black transverse bands. Both the moth and caterpillar can be found in meadows, wasteland, road verges and downland where the foodplants ragwort occur. Moths are present from May to July and during June, females lay large batches of eggs on the undersides of ragwort leaves. The caterpillars hatch out in July and are active until August. Date: 1st July 2006 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21893067.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_27350665553d0ff9a1a44c.jpgCommon Seals Common Seals feed at sea but regularly haul out on to rocky shores or inter-tidal sandbanks to rest, to give birth and to suckle their pups. The most important haul-out areas are around the coast of Scotland, particularly in the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland, and on the east coast of England in the Wash. Date: 18th June 2014 Location: Loch Fleet, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12744826.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17703005794e706da93184e.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 7th December 2007 Location: Donna Nook, Lincolnshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45948487.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19923813696284b1aa3d757.jpgCommon Whitethroat The Common Whitethroat is a common and widespread Sylvia warbler. It is one of several Sylvia species that has distinct male and female plumages. Both sexes are mainly brown above and buff below with chestnut fringes to the wings. The adult male has a grey head and a white throat. The female lacks the grey head and the throat is duller. The song is fast and scratchy with a scolding tone. The Common Whitethroat breeds throughout Europe and across much of temperate west Asia where it can be found in areas of open countryside and cultivation with bushes for nesting. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, Arabia and Pakistan. In the UK, it is a summer visitor from April to October and a passage migrant. It breeds widely throughout the country although avoids urban and mountainous areas. Like most warblers, the Common Whitethroat is insectivorous but it will also eat berries and other soft fruit. Date: 19th April 2022 Location: Danbury Common, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512521.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_41313361462c99a3178564.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 9th May 2022 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871649.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2455374eff20252d907.jpgKittiwake he Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill <i>"kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake"</i>. The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 27th May 2009 Location: Store Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12744808.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15481348034e706d727f6c1.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 7th December 2007 Location: Donna Nook, Lincolnshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51984569.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_99056293966d353d333167.jpgSpeckled Wood Flight period: April to September. The Speckled Wood is widespread in the southern half of England and in Wales and is expanding its range northwards. They can be found in woodland rides and glades and also along hedgerows and in gardens. Date: 8th August 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46830578.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_111068421262e8fade06702.jpgGatekeeper Flight period: mid-July to early September. The Gatekeeper or Hedge Brown is common and widespread throughout the southern half of the UK. They can be found in areas with hedgerows or in scrubby woodland with wide and sunny rides. Date: 30th July 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31837502.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_275950582595624288d3c60.30913194.jpgMeadow Pipit The Meadow Pipit is a widespread and often abundant small pipit. It is an undistinguished looking species, mainly brown above and buff below with darker streaking on most of its plumage. The tail is brown with narrow white outer side edges. It has a thin bill and pale pinkish-yellow legs. A simple repetitive song is given in a short song and parachute display flight. The Meadow Pipit breeds in much of north west Eurasia from south east Greenland and Iceland east to just east of the Ural Mountains in Russia and south to central France and Romania. It is migratory over most of its range, wintering in south Europe, north Africa and south west Asia, but it is resident all year round in west Europe although many birds move to the coast or lowlands in winter. The Meadow Pipit is primarily a species of open habitats, either uncultivated or low-intensity agriculture, such as pasture, bogs and moorland. It also occurs in low numbers in arable croplands and in winter it occurs on saltmarshes where it can be quite gregarious and gather in small flocks. The Meadow Pipit is an abundant species in the north of its range but it is less common further south. It can be found all year round across the UK but it is commonest in the upland areas of the west and north during the breeding season. In winter it moves south to more lowland areas and becomes much commoner in the southern half of the UK. The Meadow Pipit nests on the ground in dense vegetation and it is one of the most important nest hosts of the Cuckoo. The Meadow Pipit is a fairly terrestrial pipit usually feeding on the ground although it will use elevated perches such as shrubs, fence lines or electricity wires as vantage points to watch for predators. It feeds mainly on insects and other invertebrates but it also eats the seeds of grasses, sedges, rushes and heather and crowberry berries. Date: 20th June 2017 Location: Glen Quaich, Perthshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51980681.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_64739242066d33444b9141.jpgMeadow Brown Flight period: June to August. The Meadow Brown is one of the most widespread and abundant of the UK's butterflies. It can be found typically in open grasslands but also other habitats such as roadside verges, woodland rides and urban parks and cemeteries. Date: 29th June 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080611.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_76193688763a459b38cf89.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 1st December 2022 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084725.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2259503895d3087e92a49f.jpgBicaz Gorge, Neamţ and Harghita Counties, Romania The Bicaz Gorge, known locally as Cheile Bicazului, is a gorge located in north east Romania in the Eastern Carpathians group of the Carpathian Mountains. It is the deepest gorge in the country and connects the historical regions of Moldova and Transylvania. It was created by the River Bicaz and it is one of the most breathtaking natural attractions in Romania. The Bicaz Gorge is included within the Cheile Bicazului-Hășmaș National Park. The DN12C road runs through the Bicaz Gorge and is one of the most scenic drives in Romania. The gorge twists and turns steeply uphill for 5 miles with hairpin bends and deep drops and cuts through sheer 985 feet high limestone cliffs. At one point, the narrow mountain road runs uncomfortably beneath the overhanging rocks in a section known as Gâtul Iadului (“the neck of hell”). Beyond the cliffs there are spruce and beech forests and upland grazing pastures. Date: 4th June 2018 Location: Bicaz Gorge, Neamţ and Harghita Counties, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51984181.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_103038670466d34b405ff67.jpgRuddy Darter Flight period: mid June to mid September. The Ruddy Darter takes its name from its colour and its swift flight behaviour. The male has a deep russet colour over the entire body and the abdomen has a pinched section close to where it joins the thorax. Females are slightly smaller, golden yellow in colour and being less obviously marked are more difficult to identify than the males. There is more than one red coloured darter species in the UK and they can be easily confused with each other. The commonest red species, the Common Darter, can be distinguished as having red veins at the base of the wings and a less ruddy colouration across the body. However, the Ruddy Darter has entirely black legs, distinguishing it from all other red darters which have longitudinal yellow stripes on their legs. The UK range of the Ruddy Darter has undergone something of an expansion in recent years. Although still relatively uncommon in the west and north of Britain, it is increasing in numbers in the Midlands and eastern England. The population is augmented by continental migrants. It is also found over most of Europe except for northern Scandinavia, as far east as western Siberia and south to north Africa. The Ruddy Darter prefers water bodies with tall emergent vegetation, such as reeds and club rush, and it is known to breed in ponds, lakes, canals, ditches and sluggish rivers. They can also be found near coasts and can breed in fairly brackish water. Date: 30th July 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41539358.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4580464095f3e4bc598f4a.jpgSandfjord, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Date: 5th July 2019 Location: view from road Fv890 between Kongsfjord and Berlevåg, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11350176.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9635851444e1efcf943d75.jpgGreat Skua The Great Skua is an aggressive "pirate" of the seas, deliberately harrassing birds as large as Gannets to steal a free meal. It also readily kills and eats smaller birds such as Puffins. These birds migrate to the northernmost parts of the UK from their wintering grounds off the coasts of Spain and Africa. They breed on coastal rocky islands and moorland in northern Scotland, Orkney and Shetland, arriving in April and leaving in July. At other times they are seen around coasts often in vicinity of seabird colonies, scavenging from other birds or picking food from the surface of the sea. Date: 31st May 2008 Location: Cunningsburgh, South Mainland, Shetland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo16548214.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7560987055083a38144bc7.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 7th October 2012 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512499.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_155897491662c99a04a6269.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 9th May 2022 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533665.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_140535060162ca8f9e8d0a6.jpgBittern The Bittern, Eurasian Bittern or Great Bittern is a bird in the bittern sub-family of the heron family. Its folk names, often local, include many variations on the themes of "barrel-maker", "bog-bull", "bog hen", "bog-trotter", "bog-bumper", "mire drum(ble)", "butter bump", "bitter bum", "bog blutter", "bog drum", "boom bird", "bottle-bump", "bull of the bog", "bull of the mire", "bumpy cors" and "heather blutter". Most of these were onomatopoeic colloquial names for the bird. The call was described as "bumping" or "booming" and mire and bog denoted the bird's habitat. As its alternative name of Great Bittern suggests, the Bittern is the largest of the bitterns with males being slightly larger than females. It is 27 to 32 inches in length with a 39 to 51 inches wingspan. The crown and nape are black with the individual feathers rather long and loosely arranged and tipped with buff narrowly barred with black. The sides of the head and neck are a more uniform tawny-buff and irregularly barred with black. The mantle, scapulars and back are of a similar colour but are more heavily barred, the individual feathers having black centres and barring. The head has a yellowish-buff superciliary stripe and a brownish-black moustachial stripe. The sides of the neck are a rusty-brown with faint barring. The chin and throat are buff, the central feathers on the throat having longitudinal stripes of rusty-brown. The breast and belly are yellowish-buff with broad stripes of brown at the side and narrow stripes in the centre. The tail is rusty-buff with black streaks in the centre and black mottling near the edge. The wings are pale rusty-brown and irregularly barred, streaked and mottled with black. The plumage has a loose texture and elongated feathers on the crown, neck and breast can be erected. The powerful bill is greenish-yellow with a darker tip to the upper mandible. The eye has a yellow iris and is surrounded by a ring of greenish or bluish bare skin. The legs and feet are greenish, with some yellow on the tarsal joint and yellow soles to the feet. Juveniles have similar plumage to adults but are somewhat paler with less distinct markings. The mating call or contact call of the male Bittern is a deep, fog-horn or bull-like boom with a quick rise and an only slightly longer fall, easily audible from a distance of 3 miles on a calm night. The call is mainly given between January and April during the mating season. Surveys of Bitterns are carried out by noting the number of distinct male booms in a given area. Prior to modern science, it was unknown how such a small bird produced a call so low-pitched. Common explanations suggested that the bird made its call into a straw or that it blew directly into the water. It is now known that the sound is produced by expelling air from the oesophagus with the aid of powerful muscles surrounding it. Usually solitary, the Bittern forages in reed beds by walking stealthily or remaining still above a body of water where prey may occur. It is a shy bird and if it is disturbed it will often point its bill directly upwards and freezes in that position, causing its cryptic plumage to blend into the surrounding reeds. The Bittern has a secretive nature and keeps largely hidden in reeds and coarse vegetation. Occasionally, especially in hard winter weather, it will stand in the open beside the water's edge, although usually close to cover to facilitate a hasty retreat. In flight, the Bittern’s wings can be seen to be broad and rounded and its legs trail behind it in typical heron fashion. Its neck is extended when it takes off but is retracted when it has picked up speed. It seldom flies however and prefers to move through the vegetation stealthily on foot. Its gait is slow and deliberate and it can clamber over reeds by gripping several at a time with its toes. It is most active at dawn and dusk but also sometimes forages by day. The breeding range of the Bittern extends across temperate parts of Europe and Asia from the UK, Sweden and Finland eastwards to Sakhalin Island in eastern Siberia and Hokkaido Island in Japan. The northern limit of its range is in the Ural Mountains and eastern Siberia whilst the southern limit is the Mediterranean Sea, the Black Sea, Iran, Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia and northern China. Small resident populations also breed in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. Some populations are sedentary and stay in the same areas throughout the year. More northerly populations usually migrate to warmer regions but some birds often remain. Birds in northern Europe tend to move south and west to southern Europe, north and central Africa and northern Asian birds migrate to parts of the Arabian peninsula, the Indian sub-continent and eastern China. In the UK, the Bittern can be found all year round at suitable wetlands, particularly in East Anglia, south east England and south west England. It is most visible in winter. In recent years, the Bittern has become a regular winter visitor to the London Wetland Centre, enabling city residents to view this scare bird. The Bittern is typically found in reed beds and swamps as well as lakes, lagoons and sluggish rivers fringed by rank vegetation. It sometimes nests by ponds in agricultural areas and even quite near habitations where suitable habitat exists but it prefers large reed beds of at least 50 acres in which to breed. Outside the breeding season it has less restrictive habitat requirements and, in addition to reed beds, it can also be found in rice fields, watercress beds, fish farms, gravel pits, sewage works, ditches, flooded areas and marshes. Males are polygamous and mate with up to 5 females. The nest is built in the previous year's standing reeds and consists of an untidy platform some 12 inches across. It may be on a tussock surrounded by water or on matted roots close to water and it is built by the female using bits of reed, sedges and grass stalks with a lining of finer fragments. The clutch of 4 to 6 eggs is laid in late March and April and incubated by the female for about 26 days. After hatching, the chicks spend about 2 weeks in the nest before leaving to swim amongst the reeds. The female rears them without help from the male, regurgitating food from her crop. The chicks become fully fledged at about 8 weeks. The Bittern feeds on fish, small mammals, amphibians and invertebrates, hunting along the reed margins in shallow water. Some vegetable matter such as aquatic plants is also consumed. The Bittern has a very wide range and a large total population and therefore the IUCN has assessed its overall conservation status as being of "Least Concern” because although the population trend is downward, the rate of decline is insufficient to justify rating it in a more threatened category. The chief threat that the Bittern faces is the drainage and disturbance of its wetland habitats. Date: 26th June 2022 Location: RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo1025495.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4937729314813be750f44f.jpgDate: 28th March 2008 Location: Loch na Keal, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813331.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9056840995d0dddbc21873.jpgLoch Garten, Highland Loch Garten lies between the River Spey and the Cairngorm Mountains just to the north east of Aviemore and became famous in 1954 when a pair of Ospreys returned to nest here, the first since 1910. Loch Garten is situated in the Abernethy Forest, part of the largest native Caledonian pine forest in the UK. It offers a unique mix of woodland and northern bog with a great variety of birds and other wildlife. The loch and surrounding areas are managed by the RSPB as a nature reserve. Date: 6th June 2019 Location: view from the north shore near the RSPB visitor centre http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4466079.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19198468554b8a24b240b10.jpg http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41254070.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5402643085f059e54b44ea.jpgView from the m/s J.L. Runeberg between Porvoo and Helsinki, Finland Date: 26th June 2019 Location: view from the m/s J.L. Runeberg between Porvoo and Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871742.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18967171644eff219266ad4.jpgBrown Bear The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, <i>Ursus arctos arctos</i>. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an overnight stay in a Brown Bear watching hide at [url=http://www.martinselkonen.fi/index.php?id=1&la=en]Martinselkosen Eräkeskus[/url] Date: 1st June 2009 Location: Martinselkosen Eräkeskus, Pirttivaara, Kainuu, Finland <iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/10143012?autoplay=1" width="600" height="450" frameborder="0"></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/10143012">Brown Bears of Martinselkonen</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user3372484">Richard Chew</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>. Music: Jean Sibelius - Andante festivo<br /> </p> http://www.richardchewphotography.com/silver-studded-blue https://images.on-this.website/4752_137319997464ec9d3b16c75.jpgSilver-studded Blue Description to follow .... Date: 2nd July 2023 Location: Great Ovens NNR, Wareham Forest, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12082050.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2512102554e48e9f3521a1.jpgCommon Seal Common Seals feed at sea but regularly haul out on to rocky shores or inter-tidal sandbanks to rest, to give birth and to suckle their pups. The most important haul-out areas are around the coast of Scotland, particularly in the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland, and on the east coast of England in the Wash. Date: 7th September 2005 Location: Blakeney Point, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21959343.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_154044333953da7a68738c2.jpgArctic Tern The Arctic Tern is a seabird of the tern family. The adult plumage is grey above with a black nape and crown and white cheeks. The upperwings are pale grey with the area near the wingtip being translucent. The tail is white and the underparts pale grey. The beak is dark red as are the short legs and webbed feet. Like most terns, the Arctic Tern has high aspect ratio wings and a tail with a deep fork and long tail streamers. Both sexes are similar in appearance. The winter plumage is similar but the crown is whiter and the bills are darker. Juveniles differ from adults having black bill and legs, "scaly" appearing wings and mantle with dark feather tips, dark carpal wing bar and short tail streamers. During their first summer, juveniles also have a whiter forecrown. Whilst the Arctic Tern is similar to the Common and the Roseate Tern, its colouring, profile and call are slightly different. Compared to the Common Tern, it has a longer tail and mono-coloured bill, whilst the main differences from the Roseate Tern are its slightly darker colour and longer wings. The Arctic Tern has a circumpolar breeding distribution covering the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of Europe, Asia and north America. It is strongly migratory and sees 2 summers each year and more daylight than any other creature on the planet. It migrates along a convoluted route from its northern summer breeding grounds to the northern edge of the Antarctic coast for the southern summer and back again about 6 months later. In the UK, breeding Arctic Terns can best be seen on islands such as the Farne Islands in Northumberland or Orkney and Shetland in northern Scotland where the greatest densities occur. Recent studies have shown average annual roundtrip lengths of 25000 to 50000 miles depending on the route taken and weather and wind conditions. The Arctic Tern is a long-lived bird with many reaching 30 years of age and based on this average it will travel some 1.5 million miles during its lifetime. This is by far the longest migration known in the animal kingdom. Breeding takes place in colonies on coasts, islands and occasionally inland on tundra near water. The Arctic Tern often forms mixed colonies with the Common Tern and Sandwich Tern. As it nests on the ground, the Arctic Tern is vulnerable to predation but it is one of the most aggressive terns and it is fiercely defensive of its nest and young. It will attack humans and large predators, usually striking the top or back of the head. Although it is too small to cause serious injury, it is still capable of drawing blood and repelling many raptorial birds and smaller mammalian predators such as foxes and cats. Other nesting birds, such as auks, often incidentally benefit from the protection provided by nesting in an area defended by Arctic Terns. The diet of the Arctic Tern varies depending on location and time but it usually eats small fish or marine crustaceans by dipping down to the surface of the water to catch prey. While feeding, skuas, gulls and other tern species will often harass the birds and steal their food. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Inner Farne, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4466094.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7358834394b8a2524ab7be.jpg http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41352876.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14107007055f2151ed7770d.jpgCinnabar caterpillar The Cinnabar moth is a widespread moth throughout the UK and can often be seen during daylight hours. The moth is brightly coloured with crimson hindwings bordered with dusky black. The caterpillar is even more striking with a bright orange body and black transverse bands. Both the moth and caterpillar can be found in meadows, wasteland, road verges and downland where the foodplants ragwort occur. Moths are present from May to July and during June, females lay large batches of eggs on the undersides of ragwort leaves. The caterpillars hatch out in July and are active until August. Date: 20th July 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/novemberdecember-2013-mute-swans https://images.on-this.website/4752_101006093535f61bda50a6.jpgNovember to December 2013 - Mute Swans Please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/photo20140140.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/lacu-rou-harghita-county-romania https://images.on-this.website/4752_12539603375d30887642481.jpgLacu Roșu, Harghita County, Romania Lacu Roșu or Red Lake (also known as Lake Ghilcoş) is a natural dam lake formed following the collapse of a slope at the foot of Hasmasul Mare Mountain following an earthquake in January 1838. Lacu Roșu is located 3 miles south of the Bicaz Gorge and covers an area of around 1240 square feet. It is included within the Cheile Bicazului-Hășmaș National Park and it is an important tourist destination including for recreational spa tourism. Date: 5th June 2018 Location: Lacu Roșu, Harghita County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37190113.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5569316655c2a0ad4e89c2.jpgRinged Plover The Ringed Plover is a small plover with a grey-brown back and wings, a white belly and a white breast with a single black neck band. It has a brown cap, a white forehead, a black mask around the eyes and a short orange and black bill. The legs are orange and only the outer two toes are slightly webbed. The juvenile Ringed Plover is duller than the adult in colour with an often incomplete grey-brown breast band, a dark bill and dull yellowish-grey legs. The Ringed Plover breeds on open ground on beaches or sandflats across northern Eurasia and in Arctic north east Canada. Some birds breed inland and in western Europe they nest as far south as northern France. It is migratory and winters in coastal areas south to Africa. Date: 24th June 2018 Location: Laide pier, Wester Ross http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7439646.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21469824244cd572fc98371.jpgSierra de la Culebra, Castille y Leon, Spain The Sierra de la Culebra is a 40 miles long mountain range in north west Spain forming a natural border with north east Portugal. The highest point is Pena Maria at 4119 feet. The Sierra de la Culebra takes its name from its snake-like (culebra = snake) zigzag shape formation. The landscape is best described as a mixture of heather moorland with broad leaved and coniferous woodlands forming a transitional zone between Atlantic and Mediterranean habitats. It is probably the mosaic of habitats along with a combination of abundant prey and low human population which makes the area one of the few remaining strongholds of the Iberian Wolf. Date: 11th September 2010 Location: view from near San Pedro de las Herrerias, Castille y Leon, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40952894.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18676255635e53999a40057.jpgCliffs of Moher, Co. Clare, Ireland The Cliffs of Moher are located at the south western edge of the Burren region in Co. Clare and stretch for about 9 miles. At their southern end, they rise 390 feet above the Atlantic Ocean at Hag's Head and 5 miles to the north they reach their maximum height of 702 feet just north of O'Brien's Tower, a round stone tower near the midpoint of the cliffs built in 1835 by Sir Cornelius O'Brien, and then continue at lower heights. The closest villages are Liscannor, 4 miles to the south, and Doolin, 4 miles, to the north. From the Cliffs of Moher, visitors can see the Aran Islands in Galway Bay, the mountain ranges of the Maumturks and Twelve Pins in Connemara in Co. Galway to the north and Loop Head in Co. Clare to the south. The official Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk runs for about 11 miles from Hag's Head to Doolin. This passes the Visitor Centre and O'Brien's Tower with good viewing throughout subject to rain or sea fog. There are 2 paths near the Visitor Centre, the official one being set back a little for safety whilst an unofficial path runs closer to the edge. In July 2016 the so-called Cliff Walk, outside the official Cliffs of Moher amenities, was temporarily closed because of the risk of rock falls. People were warned to stay on the official path further away from the cliff edge instead of the unofficial path. Since 2011, the Cliffs of Moher have formed a part of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark, one of a family of geotourism destinations throughout Europe that are members of the European Geoparks Network and also recognized by UNESCO. The cliffs are also a "signature point" on the official Wild Atlantic Way tourist trail. The Cliffs of Moher rank among the most visited tourist sites in Ireland with around 1.5 million visits per year. In the 1990s the local authority, Clare County Council, initiated development plans to enable visitors to experience the cliffs without significant intrusive man-made amenities. In keeping with this approach, a modern visitor centre, the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience, was built into a hillside approaching the cliffs. The centre was planned to be environmentally sensitive in its use of renewable energy systems including geothermal heating and cooling, solar panels and grey water recycling. The €32 million facility was planned and built over a 17 year period and officially opened in February 2007. Exhibits include interactive media displays covering the geology, history, flora and fauna of the Cliffs of Moher. The Cliffs of Moher consist mainly of beds of Namurian shale and sandstone with the oldest rocks being found at the bottom of the cliffs. During the time of their formation between 313 and 326 million years ago, a river dumped sand, silt and clay in to an ancient marine basin. Over millions of years, the sediments collecting at the mouth of this ancient delta were compacted and lithified in to the sedimentary strata preserved in the now exposed cliffs. Today the Cliffs of Moher are subject to erosion by wave action which undermines the base of support causing the cliffs to collapse under their own weight. This process creates a variety of coastal landforms characteristic of eroded coasts such as sea caves, sea stacks and sea stumps. Branaunmore, a 220 feet high sea stack at the foot below O'Brien's Tower, was once part of the Cliffs of Moher but coastal erosion gradually removed the layers of rock that joined it with the mainland. A large sea arch can also be seen at Hag's Head below the Napoleonic signal tower and many smaller sea arches can be seen from sea level. During the peak summer breeding season, there are an estimated 30,000 pairs of birds of more than 20 species and the Cliffs of Moher are designated as an Important Bird Area. A wide range of sea life can also be seen from the Cliffs of Moher including Atlantic Grey Seals, various species of whales and dolphins and Basking Sharks. Date: 6th February 2020 Location: view from Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk near Visitor Centre http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo445325.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4805572594681baca64849.jpgThe stark rise of the jagged Black Cuillin ridge .... The Black Cuillin are a mountain range on the Isle of Skye off the North West coast of Scotland and contain the highest concentration of mountains over 3000 feet high in the UK (20 summits exceed this height). The mountains are a memorable sight whether the weather is bright and sunny or grey and misty as it often is on Skye. Either way they have a unique presence and can be seen from miles around both on Skye and on the mainland. The mountains themselves are the preserve of experienced mountaineers and hillwalkers but the rest of us can enjoy classic views from Elgol and Sligachan and along Glenbrittle. Date: June 2002 Location: view from the end of the unclassified road through Glenbrittle http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40952868.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12306423925e53943d1262f.jpgNewgrange, Brú na Bóinne, Co.Meath, Ireland Newgrange is a prehistoric monument in the Brú na Bóinne area of Co. Meath located about 5 miles west of Drogheda on the north side of the River Boyne. It is an exceptionally grand passage tomb built during the Neolithic period around 3200 BC, making it older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids. Newgrange is the most famous monument within the Neolithic Brú na Bóinne area along with the similar passage tomb mounds of Knowth and Dowth and as such is a part of the Brú na Bóinne UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site consists of a large circular mound with an inner stone passageway and chambers. Human bones and possible grave goods or votive offerings were found in these chambers. The mound has a retaining wall at the front made mostly of white quartz cobblestones and it is ringed by engraved kerbstones. Many of the larger stones of Newgrange are covered in megalithic art. The mound is also ringed by a stone circle. Some of the material that makes up the monument came from as far away as the Mourne Mountains in Co. Down in the south east of Northern Ireland and the Wicklow Mountains principally in Co. Wicklow in the east of Ireland. There is not complete agreement about what the site was used for but it is believed that it had religious significance. Its entrance is aligned with the rising sun on the winter solstice when sunlight shines through a “roofbox” and floods the inner chamber for a few minutes. In this respect, Newgrange also shares many similarities with other Neolithic constructions in Europe, especially Gavrinis in Brittany, Maeshowe in Orkney in Scotland and Bryn Celli Ddu in Wales. After its initial use, Newgrange was sealed for several millennia. It continued to feature in Irish mythology and folklore in which it is said to be a dwelling of the deities, particularly The Dagda and his son Aengus. Antiquarians first began studying the site in the 17th century and archaeological excavations took place in the years that followed. Archaeologist Michael J. O'Kelly led the most extensive of these and also reconstructed the frontage of the site in the 1970s. Newgrange is a popular tourist site and is regarded as one of the most important megalithic structures in Europe. According to the archaeologist Colin Renfrew, it is [i]"unhesitatingly regarded by the prehistorian as the great national monument of Ireland"[/i]. Date: 3rd February 2020 Location: Newgrange, Brú na Bóinne, Co.Meath, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11350188.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15729686824e1efd08a7e27.jpgGreat Skua The Great Skua is an aggressive "pirate" of the seas, deliberately harrassing birds as large as Gannets to steal a free meal. It also readily kills and eats smaller birds such as Puffins. These birds migrate to the northernmost parts of the UK from their wintering grounds off the coasts of Spain and Africa. They breed on coastal rocky islands and moorland in northern Scotland, Orkney and Shetland, arriving in April and leaving in July. At other times they are seen around coasts often in vicinity of seabird colonies, scavenging from other birds or picking food from the surface of the sea. Date: 1st June 2008 Location: Noss, Shetland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13683326.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9481612274ed72ed2b0598.jpgScottish Wildcat The Wildcat is the UK’s only native cat. It looks very similar to a domestic tabby cat but it is larger with a stockier build and a thick bushy tail which has 3 to 5 broad black bands of fur and a rounded and blunt black tip. The colour of the coat varies from greyish to yellowish-brown. The Wildcat is confined to Scotland north of Glasgow and Edinburgh but it is absent from the Scottish Islands. It prefers areas with varied habitats on the edge of moorland with pasture, scrub and forests. High mountains where prey is scarce and intensively farmed lowland regions are avoided. In winter, bad weather drives the Wildcat from mountains and moorlands into more sheltered wooded valleys. The Wildcat is a shy and wary animal which is active at night, mainly around dawn and dusk. The diet consists of Rabbits, Hares and small mammals but quite large birds and animals freshly killed on roads may also be taken. It sometimes stores or caches uneaten prey by hiding it under vegetation. During the day, and in periods of heavy rain and snow, the Wildcat lies up in dens located amongst boulders and rocky cairns or in old Fox earths, Badgers setts, peat hags or tree roots. The Wildcat is also a solitary and territorial animal living at a low population density. There may be one cat to three square kilometres in good habitats but only one cat to 10 square kilometres in less favourable areas. Urine sprayed on boulders and tree trunks and droppings deposited in prominent places, are used by the Wildcat to mark its territory. Although the Wildcat may live for 10 to 12 years in the wild, most seem to die at an early age. The Wildcat used to be found throughout mainland UK but due to persecution and clearance of wooded land it declined over several centuries. It disappeared from southern England in the 16th century and the last one recorded from northern England was shot in 1849. The Wildcat almost became extinct in the UK in the early years of last century but, following reduced persecution at the time of the First World War and helped by more forestry plantations, it recolonised parts of Scotland. However, this recovery now seems to have slowed down. The urbanised habitat of the central lowlands of Scotland seems to be a barrier to further dispersal. A recent survey failed to find any evidence of Wildcats south of the industrial belt of Scotland. Although increasing afforestation helped the spread of the Wildcat, as forest plantations mature they become less suitable for the small mammals on which the Wildcat preys. Forestry management to encourage Wildcats should therefore aim to diversify the age of plantations. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and 1988 now gives strict legal protection to Wildcats and their dens and it is an offence to take or kill one except under licence. Despite this protection, illegal trapping and shooting are still major causes of death of Wildcats whilst others die in road traffic accidents and there is still a risk from illegal poisoning. Inter-breeding with domestic cats gone wild (known as feral cats) could pose an insidious threat to the Wildcat’s survival in the UK by changing the species' genetic identity. The Wildcat is also at risk from diseases of domestic cats such as feline leukaemia. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813381.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2212647365d0dde7d4ccd6.jpgGreat Skua The Great Skua is an aggressive "pirate" of the seas, deliberately harrassing birds as large as Gannets to steal a free meal. It also readily kills and eats smaller birds such as Puffins. These birds migrate to the northernmost parts of the UK from their wintering grounds off the coasts of Spain and Africa. They breed on coastal rocky islands and moorland in northern Scotland, Orkney and Shetland, arriving in April and leaving in July. At other times they are seen around coasts often in vicinity of seabird colonies, scavenging from other birds or picking food from the surface of the sea. Date: 10th June 2019 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51983662.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_22720328866d34387084b8.jpgRuddy Darter Flight period: mid June to mid September. The Ruddy Darter takes its name from its colour and its swift flight behaviour. The male has a deep russet colour over the entire body and the abdomen has a pinched section close to where it joins the thorax. Females are slightly smaller, golden yellow in colour and being less obviously marked are more difficult to identify than the males. There is more than one red coloured darter species in the UK and they can be easily confused with each other. The commonest red species, the Common Darter, can be distinguished as having red veins at the base of the wings and a less ruddy colouration across the body. However, the Ruddy Darter has entirely black legs, distinguishing it from all other red darters which have longitudinal yellow stripes on their legs. The UK range of the Ruddy Darter has undergone something of an expansion in recent years. Although still relatively uncommon in the west and north of Britain, it is increasing in numbers in the Midlands and eastern England. The population is augmented by continental migrants. It is also found over most of Europe except for northern Scandinavia, as far east as western Siberia and south to north Africa. The Ruddy Darter prefers water bodies with tall emergent vegetation, such as reeds and club rush, and it is known to breed in ponds, lakes, canals, ditches and sluggish rivers. They can also be found near coasts and can breed in fairly brackish water. Date: 26th July 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801064.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_118045704364eda29614885.jpgEmerald Damselfly Flight period: June to September The Emerald Damselfly is widely distributed in uplands and lowlands throughout the UK. They can be found around small, shallow standing water with luxuriant vegetation such as rushes and sedges. Date: 8th July 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/may-2023-nightingale https://images.on-this.website/4752_98235835064ea1beb4e564.jpgMay 2023 - Nightingale Please see [url=https://rlchew1.photium.com/photo49003257.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21955704.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_85825498353da20b1a1076.jpgPuffins The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Staple Island, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/rio-salor-western-cceres-extremadura https://images.on-this.website/4752_1840292364ff54708c7612.jpgRio Salor, western Cáceres, Extremadura, Spain The Rio Salor is a tributary of the Rio Tajo (Tagus) in western Extremadura. Date: 30th April 2012 Location: view from the bridge over the Rio Salor between Aliseda and Brozas, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/may-2024-red-squirrel https://images.on-this.website/4752_159168515366891a8b3af27.jpgMay 2024 - Red Squirrel Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/p5030483-edit]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49001650.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21015251726468de5be852c.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 15th March 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9590630.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20716794374db16caea3572.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 07/02/07 Location: Northlands Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50776401.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12155854656606e2efc62e0.jpgMallards The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 4th March 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo16220763.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_175361564250559460c1ea0.jpgLapwing The Northern Lapwing, also known as the peewit, pewit, tuit or tew-it (imitative of its cry), Green Plover (emphasising the colour of the plumage) or (in the UK) just Lapwing (which refers to its peculiar, erratic way of flying), is a bird in the lapwing family. The Lapwing has rounded wings and a crest. It is also the shortest-legged of the lapwing species. It is mainly black and white but the back is tinted green. The male has a long crest and a black crown, throat and breast contrasting with an otherwise white face. Females and young birds have shorter crests and have less strongly marked heads but plumages are otherwise quite similar. The Lapwing is a vocal bird in the breeding season with constant calling as the crazed tumbling display flight is performed by the male. The typical contact call is a loud, shrill "pee-wit" from which they get their other name of peewit. The Lapwing is common through temperate Eurasia and breeds on cultivated land and other short vegetation habitats. The ground scrape nest and young are defended noisily and aggressively against all intruders. It is highly migratory over most of its extensive range, wintering further south as far as north Africa, north India, Pakistan and parts of China. It migrates mainly by day, often in large flocks. Lowland breeders in the westernmost areas of Europe are resident. In winter, it forms huge flocks on open land, particularly arable land and mud-flats. In the UK, the Lapwing has suffered a significant decline in the last 25 years and is an Amber List species because of the importance of its UK wintering population. It breeds on farmland throughout the UK, particularly in lowland areas of north England, the Borders and east Scotland, and prefers fields of spring sown cereals and root crops, permanent unimproved pasture, meadows and fallow fields but also wet grassland and marshes. During the winter, the Lapwing can be seen on flooded grassland, estuaries, coastal wetlands, short grassy fields and ploughed fields. In addition to the UK population, large numbers of north European birds arrive in the autumn for the winter. The Lapwing feeds primarily on insects and other small invertebrates. It often feeds in mixed flocks with Golden Plovers and Black-headed Gulls, the latter often robbing the plovers, but providing a degree of protection against predators. Date: 9th September 2012 Location: Elmley, Isle of Sheppey, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/bergen-to-oslo-railway https://images.on-this.website/4752_10863319284b8a25f2e1937.jpgBergen to Oslo railway The Bergensbanen is a 231 mile long railway line between Bergen and Hønefoss in Norway. The name is often applied for the entire route from Bergen via Drammen to Oslo, a distance of 308 miles. It is the highest mainline railway line in northern Europe, crossing the Hardangervidda plateau at 4,060 feet (1222 metres) above sea level. [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bergen_Line]Bergen to Oslo railway[/url] http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45948998.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17378524526284b3ab1bf77.jpgGarganeys The Garganey is a scarce and very secretive breeding duck in the UK. It is smaller than a Mallard and slightly bigger than a Teal. The male is most easily recognised with a broad white stripe over the eye. The Garganey is mostly found in central and southern England where it favours shallow wetlands and flooded meadows and ditches with plenty of aquatic vegetation. Breeding birds are present from March and return from July and small numbers of non-breeding birds visit on passage migration in spring and autumn. Date: 25th April 2022 Location: RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/molinos-andalucia-spain https://images.on-this.website/4752_494004074525289be2cd00.jpgMolinos valley, Andalucia, Spain The Molinos valley is located east of Alcalá de los Gazules in the Los Alcornocales Natural Park in the province of Cádiz in Andalucia. Date: 10th September 2013 Location: view from the minor road east of Alcalá de los Gazules towards Patrite, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46535278.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_40766879062caa76716c5c.jpgMarbled White Flight period: July to August The Marbled White is a very distinctive black and white butterfly that is widespread in southern England and expanding its range northwards and eastwards. They can be found in unimproved grassland, coastal grassland, roadside verges and railway embankments. Date: 6th July 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52518232.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10486210667545c59dea83.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the Canidae family and is a part of the order Carnivora within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 17th October 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26006627.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_760892989563491506ff23.jpgSteingrímsfjarðarheiði, Westfjords, Iceland Steingrímsfjarðarheiði is a high mountain pass on road 61 which connects Ísafjörður and the northern part of the Westfjords with the rest of Iceland. From the most eastern fjord of Ísafjarðardjúp, Steingrímsfjarðarheiði is the long mountain pass that eventually descends east towards Steingrímsfjörður and the village of Hólmavík. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: view from road 61 http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42632850.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_85079284160aa6690bda91.jpgJay The Jay is a colourful member of the crow family that is about the same size as a Jackdaw. The Jay is mostly a pinkish brown colour with the underparts being slightly paler. The head has a black and white flecked crown, black moustache and white throat. The white rump contrasts starkly with the black tail. The iris of the eye is a pale blue, the bill is black and the legs are pink-brown. The wings are mostly black with white patches but also have striking blue patches, but close to these wing patches are actually bands of graduated shades of blue. Although it is the most strikingly colourful member of the crow family, the Jay can be quite difficult to see since it is a shy woodland bird and rarely moves far from cover. It can often be seen flying across a woodland clearing or glade giving its raucous screeching call. The Jay can be found across most of the UK, except northern Scotland, and occurs in both deciduous and coniferous woodland, parks and mature gardens. It particularly likes oak trees in the autumn when there are plenty of acorns which it seeks out and buries for retrieving later. The majority of the UK population is sedentary but European birds are irruptive when there is a poor acorn harvest and may arrive in large numbers along the east coast of the UK in the autumn. Date: 22nd April 2021 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11806202.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12761467814e3a786d12d6a.jpgMarsh Frog The Marsh Frog is the largest European frog. It is very similar in appearance to the closely related Edible Frog and Pool Frog. These 3 species are often referred to as "green frogs" to distinguish them from the more terrestrial European species which are known as "brown frogs" (best exemplified by the Common Frog). Marsh Frogs show a large variation in colour and pattern, ranging from dark green to brown or grey. The Western European populations are generally dark green to black with dark spots on the back and sides and 3 clear green lines on the back. Females can reach a maximum length of around 6.5 inches but males are smaller at around 4.5 inches. The head is proportionally large and the hind legs are long which gives them excellent jumping abilities. The Marsh Frog is usually gregarious and diurnal and more tied to aquatic habitats than the Common Frog. It is tolerant of brackish conditions and typically it is found on or in the water of its favoured drainage channels and pools throughout the year. Marsh Frogs frequently sunbathe on the bank of the water body where they are often inconspicuous until disturbed when they will jump in to the water with a characteristic “plop”. They can often be seen on lily pads or floating at the surface amongst vegetation with only their heads exposed. During the breeding season (and sometimes beyond) the male Marsh Frog calls very loudly with a sound reminiscent of a loud chuckle which is often very raucous and can be heard all day and night. Dominant males establish territories from which they call. After mating a female may produce up to 16,000 eggs in a season, laying them in clumps of a few hundred in aquatic vegetation below the surface. They hatch in about a week, tadpoles being rather solitary and living in deep water with vegetation. Newly metamorphosed frogs are up to 1 inch in length and take 2 years to mature. The diet of the Marsh Frog consists of dragonflies and other insects, spiders, earthworms and slugs. Larger frogs also eat small rodents and sometimes smaller amphibians and fish. The Marsh Frog is not a native species of the UK. It was first introduced to Walland Marsh, Kent in 1935 and is now found in several areas of Kent and East Sussex. Other introductions exist, including colonies in London. Date: 31st July 2011 Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26033806.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21923286256379322284c2.jpgSkagafjörður, north west Iceland Skagafjörður is a deep fjord in north west Iceland located between the Tröllaskagi peninsula to the east and the Skagi peninsula to the west. It is about 25 miles long and 9 miles wide. Skagafjörður is situated in a submerged glacial valley which continues southwards by a plain in which lies the delta of the Héraðsvötn river. This is one of Iceland's most prosperous agricultural regions with widespread dairy and sheep farming in addition to the horse breeding for which the district is famed. Skagafjörður is the only county in Iceland where horses outnumber people. The main settlement in the Skagafjörður area is Sauðárkrókur. Date: 1st June 2015 Location: view from road 75 east of Sauðárkrókur http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo34006640.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5297520135a72f9d5ddbd9.jpgTurnstone The Turnstone has a mottled appearance with brown or chestnut and black upperparts, brown and white or black and white head pattern, white underparts and orange legs. Turnstones can be found around most of the UK coastline including rocky, sandy and muddy shores and particularly like feeding on seaweed covered rocks, seawalls and jetties. They are present for most of the year. Birds from Northern Europe pass through in July and August and again in spring and birds from Canada and Greenland arrive in August and September and remain until April and May. Non-breeding birds may stay throughout the summer. Date: 22nd January 2018 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32723054.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_53438981259ae6ed9e23a91.64762514.jpgRed-backed Shrike The Red-backed Shrike is a carnivorous passerine bird and member of the shrike family. The general colour of the male’s upper parts is reddish. It has a grey head and a typical shrike black stripe through the eye. Underparts are tinged pink and the tail has a black and white pattern similar to that of a Wheatear. In the female and young birds the upperparts are brown and vermiculated and the underparts are buff and also vermiculated. The Red-backed Shrike eats large insects, small birds, frogs, rodents and lizards. Like other shrikes it hunts from prominent perches and impales corpses on thorns or barbed wire as a "larder." This practice has earned it the nickname of "butcher bird." The Red-backed Shrike breeds in most of Europe and western Asia and winters in tropical Africa. Once a common migratory visitor to the UK, numbers declined sharply during the 20th century. The bird's last stronghold was in Breckland but by 1988 just a single pair remained, successfully raising young at Santon Downham. The following year for the first time no nests were recorded in the UK but since then sporadic breeding has taken place, mostly in Scotland and Wales, and in September 2010 the RSPB announced that a pair had raised chicks at a secret location on Dartmoor where the bird last bred in 1970. This return to south west England has been an unexpected development and has raised speculation that a warming climate could assist the bird in re-colonising some of its traditional sites, if only in small numbers. Date: 21st May 2017 Location: Borsodi-Mezoseg ("Little Hortobagy"), Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51983651.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_178021661266d3437715208.jpgRuddy Darter Flight period: mid June to mid September. The Ruddy Darter takes its name from its colour and its swift flight behaviour. The male has a deep russet colour over the entire body and the abdomen has a pinched section close to where it joins the thorax. Females are slightly smaller, golden yellow in colour and being less obviously marked are more difficult to identify than the males. There is more than one red coloured darter species in the UK and they can be easily confused with each other. The commonest red species, the Common Darter, can be distinguished as having red veins at the base of the wings and a less ruddy colouration across the body. However, the Ruddy Darter has entirely black legs, distinguishing it from all other red darters which have longitudinal yellow stripes on their legs. The UK range of the Ruddy Darter has undergone something of an expansion in recent years. Although still relatively uncommon in the west and north of Britain, it is increasing in numbers in the Midlands and eastern England. The population is augmented by continental migrants. It is also found over most of Europe except for northern Scandinavia, as far east as western Siberia and south to north Africa. The Ruddy Darter prefers water bodies with tall emergent vegetation, such as reeds and club rush, and it is known to breed in ponds, lakes, canals, ditches and sluggish rivers. They can also be found near coasts and can breed in fairly brackish water. Date: 26th July 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41292196.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5964776155f10b92b6ad4d.jpgPasvikdalen, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Height 96 (Norwegian: [i] “Høyde 96”[/i]) is a former military border observation tower dating from the Cold War era. Located close to Svanhovd in Pavikdalen, the tower is open from June to August and offers extensive views of the Pasvik valley and Nikel, the closest town on the Russian side of the River Pasvikelva. Nikel is the administrative centre of Pechengsky District of Murmansk Oblast in Russia. It is located on the shores of Lake Kuets-Yarvi 122 miles north west of Murmansk and 4 miles from the Norwegian border. Nickel is linked to the Norilsk Nickel plant Kola MMC nearby where many of its citizens are employed and which causes environmental and health concerns for the population. The nickel smelter which has been an eyesore in Norway–Russia relations for decades due to its extreme pollution levels usually deposits its sulphur dioxide fumes to the south of the town where the countryside is a brown moonscape of bald hills and barren of plant life. Over the last 15 years, however, emissions have lowered significantly and by 2025, Norilsk Nickel plans to reduce its overall emissions by 90% as part of its long-term development programme announced in 2019. Date: 30th June 2019 Location: view from Height 96 watchtower, Svanhovd, Pasvikdalen, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40952881.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3048908865e5394b5e52f3.jpgCliffs of Moher, Co. Clare, Ireland The Cliffs of Moher are located at the south western edge of the Burren region in Co. Clare and stretch for about 9 miles. At their southern end, they rise 390 feet above the Atlantic Ocean at Hag's Head and 5 miles to the north they reach their maximum height of 702 feet just north of O'Brien's Tower, a round stone tower near the midpoint of the cliffs built in 1835 by Sir Cornelius O'Brien, and then continue at lower heights. The closest villages are Liscannor, 4 miles to the south, and Doolin, 4 miles, to the north. From the Cliffs of Moher, visitors can see the Aran Islands in Galway Bay, the mountain ranges of the Maumturks and Twelve Pins in Connemara in Co. Galway to the north and Loop Head in Co. Clare to the south. The official Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk runs for about 11 miles from Hag's Head to Doolin. This passes the Visitor Centre and O'Brien's Tower with good viewing throughout subject to rain or sea fog. There are 2 paths near the Visitor Centre, the official one being set back a little for safety whilst an unofficial path runs closer to the edge. In July 2016 the so-called Cliff Walk, outside the official Cliffs of Moher amenities, was temporarily closed because of the risk of rock falls. People were warned to stay on the official path further away from the cliff edge instead of the unofficial path. Since 2011, the Cliffs of Moher have formed a part of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark, one of a family of geotourism destinations throughout Europe that are members of the European Geoparks Network and also recognized by UNESCO. The cliffs are also a "signature point" on the official Wild Atlantic Way tourist trail. The Cliffs of Moher rank among the most visited tourist sites in Ireland with around 1.5 million visits per year. In the 1990s the local authority, Clare County Council, initiated development plans to enable visitors to experience the cliffs without significant intrusive man-made amenities. In keeping with this approach, a modern visitor centre, the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience, was built into a hillside approaching the cliffs. The centre was planned to be environmentally sensitive in its use of renewable energy systems including geothermal heating and cooling, solar panels and grey water recycling. The €32 million facility was planned and built over a 17 year period and officially opened in February 2007. Exhibits include interactive media displays covering the geology, history, flora and fauna of the Cliffs of Moher. The Cliffs of Moher consist mainly of beds of Namurian shale and sandstone with the oldest rocks being found at the bottom of the cliffs. During the time of their formation between 313 and 326 million years ago, a river dumped sand, silt and clay in to an ancient marine basin. Over millions of years, the sediments collecting at the mouth of this ancient delta were compacted and lithified in to the sedimentary strata preserved in the now exposed cliffs. Today the Cliffs of Moher are subject to erosion by wave action which undermines the base of support causing the cliffs to collapse under their own weight. This process creates a variety of coastal landforms characteristic of eroded coasts such as sea caves, sea stacks and sea stumps. Branaunmore, a 220 feet high sea stack at the foot below O'Brien's Tower, was once part of the Cliffs of Moher but coastal erosion gradually removed the layers of rock that joined it with the mainland. A large sea arch can also be seen at Hag's Head below the Napoleonic signal tower and many smaller sea arches can be seen from sea level. During the peak summer breeding season, there are an estimated 30,000 pairs of birds of more than 20 species and the Cliffs of Moher are designated as an Important Bird Area. A wide range of sea life can also be seen from the Cliffs of Moher including Atlantic Grey Seals, various species of whales and dolphins and Basking Sharks. Date: 6th February 2020 Location: view from Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk near Visitor Centre http://www.richardchewphotography.com/chinese-water-deer https://images.on-this.website/4752_10343164934d03d0763f714.jpgChinese Water Deer The Chinese Water Deer is a small, compact deer. It stands slightly taller and is paler in colour than the hump-backed looking Muntjac Deer and looks more like a diminutive Roe Deer. The coat is an overall golden brown colour and may be interspersed with black hairs while the undersides are white. The strongly tapered face is reddish brown or grey in color and the chin and upper throat are cream coloured. Both sexes lack antlers but instead the males have long downward pointing canines or tusks. The powerful hind legs are longer than the front legs so that the haunches are carried higher than the shoulders. They run with rabbit-like jumps. Chinese Water Deer feed mostly at dawn and dusk around rivers, streams and marshy areas with plenty of shrubs and small trees and sometimes on farmland. The Water Deer is superficially more similar to a musk deer than a true deer but it is classified as a cervid despite having tusks instead of antlers and other anatomical anomalies. These unique characteristics have caused it to be classified in its own genus and its own subfamily. They are native to China and Korea and there are 2 subspecies: the Chinese Water Deer and the Korean Water Deer. Water deer are indigenous to the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, coastal Jiangsu province and the islands of Zhejiang of east-central China and Korea where the demilitarized zone has provided a protected habitat for a large number. The UK population of Chinese Water Deer is thought to account for 10% of the world's population. Chinese Water Deer were first introduced in to the UK in the 1870s where they were kept at London Zoo. In 1896 they were transferred to Woburn Abbey in Bedfordshire with further additions being imported and added to the stock. In 1929 and 1930, 32 deer were transferred from Woburn to Whipsnade, also in Bedfordshire, and released in to the park. It is thought that the current Chinese Water Deer population at Whipsnade is over 600 whilst at Woburn it is probably in the region of 250 plus. The present introduced population derives from a number of deliberate releases but the majority is descended from escapees. The majority of the wild Chinese Water Deer population still resides close to Woburn Abbey. It appears that the Chinese Water Deer’s strong preference for a particular habitat has restricted its potential to colonize further afield. The main area of distribution is from Woburn, east into Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk and south towards Whipsnade. There have been small colonies reported in other areas. This photo was taken at Strumpshaw Fen in Norfolk at dawn and also shows a Bittern in the background behind the Chinese Water Deer! Date: 15th November 2010 Location: Strumpshaw Fen RSPB reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813350.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18685566955d0dde03283d3.jpgSuilven, Assynt, Highland Height: 2389 feet. Suilven is one of the most instantly recognisable mountains in the Scottish Highlands and is an iconic symbol of the Assynt region. Its name is said to come from the Norse "Pillar Mountain" which shows, not surprisingly, that the Vikings saw its seaward profile first. Suilven has an appearance which changes dramatically depending on which direction it is viewed from and its impressive profile viewed from Elphin or Lochinver dominates any view of Assynt despite it being lower than its neighbours. Date: 9th June 2019 Location: view from the B869 road near Achmelvich http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26024445.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1675119089563737b57586f.jpgFulmar The (Northern) Fulmar is a highly abundant seabird found primarily in subarctic regions of the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans. Though similar in appearance to gulls, the 2 species of fulmars (Northern and Southern) are in fact members of a different seabird family which include petrels and shearwaters. The Fulmar’s latin name, <i>Fulmarus glacialis</i> can be broken down to the Old Norse word <i>full</i> meaning "foul" and <i>mar</i> meaning "gull". "Foul-gull" is in reference to its stomach oil and also its superficial similarity to gulls. Finally, <i>glacialis</i> is Latin for "glacial" reflecting its extreme northern range. The Fulmar is generally grey and white with a pale yellow and thick bill and bluish legs. However there is both a light morph and a dark morph. Like other petrels, their walking ability is limited but they are strong fliers with a stiff wing action quite unlike the gulls. The Fulmar also looks bull-necked compared to gulls and it has a short stubby bill. The Fulmar is estimated to have between 15 to 30 million mature individuals that occupy a range of around 11 million square miles. Its range increased greatly last century due to the availability of fish offal from commercial fleets but may contract because of less food from this source and climate change. The population increase has been especially notable in the UK. The Fulmar starts breeding at between 6 and 12 years old. It is monogamous, forms long term pair bonds, returns to the same nest site year after year and nests in large colonies. The nest is a scrape on a grassy cliff ledge or a saucer of vegetation on the ground lined with softer material and recently they have started nesting on rooftops and buildings. The Fulmar feeds on shrimp, fish, squid, plankton, jellyfish and carrion as well as refuse. When eating fish, it will dive up to several feet deep to retrieve its prey. Date: 3rd June 2015 Location: Húsavík, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46076964.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13652456866294db05cd576.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 26th February 2022 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11639900.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7598722194e2fe23dd42e6.jpgBlack Grouse The Black Grouse is a large game bird in the grouse family. The male has all black plumage with distinctive red wattles over the eyes and striking white stripes along each wing in flight. It has a lyre-shaped tail which is fanned out and raised to show white under-tail feathers when displaying. The female is smaller and grey-brown in colour. The Black Grouse is a sedentary species and breeds across northern Eurasia in moorland and bog areas near to mostly boreal woodland. Although it is declining, it is not considered to be vulnerable globally due to the large population and slow rate of decline. Its decline is due to loss of habitat, disturbance, predation by foxes, crows, etc., and small populations gradually dying out. In the UK, the Black Grouse are found in upland areas of Wales, the Pennines and most of Scotland, especially on farmland and moorland with nearby forestry or scattered trees. Habitat loss and overgrazing have resulted in severe population declines which make the Black Grouse a Red List species. Positive habitat management and re-introduction programmes are helping it to increase in some areas. The Black Grouse has a very distinctive and well-recorded courtship. At dawn in the spring, the males strut around in a traditional area (lek) and display whilst making a highly distinctive and bubbling mating call. This photo was taken at a "lek" which included 8 males and 3 females. Date: 11th April 2009 Location: undisclosed site, Perthshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15367564.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20339043114fec1d224add0.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 9th June 2012 Location: Traigh Allt Chailgeag, Sutherland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49003049.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3017781996468fccaa7a36.jpgAdder Adders are widespread throughout mainland UK but they are absent from Ireland. They occur throughout Europe, with the exception of the Mediterranean islands, and across Russia and Asia through to northern China. They are the UK's only venomous reptile. Adders are relatively short and robust snakes with large heads and a rounded snout. Males are usually a grey or buff colour with vivid black markings although they can also vary from silver to yellow or green in colour. Females are brown with dark red-brown markings that are less prominent than in the males. Both sexes have a zigzag pattern running along the back with a / or X-shaped marking at the rear of the head. Adders can be found in a variety of habitats, including open woodland, hedgerows, moorland, sand dunes, riverbanks, bogs, heathland and mountains. They are active during the day and spend time basking until their body temperature is high enough to hunt for food. Adders use venom to immobilise prey such as lizards, amphibians, nestlings and small mammals. After striking their prey, they will leave the venom to take effect before following the victim’s scent to find the body. Mating takes place between April and May with males often fighting for females. Females have a 3 to 4 month gestation period and Adders are one of the few snakes that are viviparous (give birth to live young). In late August females give birth to between 5 and 20 live young and the young remain close to their mother for a few days before going off in search of food. Adders hibernate from September to March often using deserted rabbit or rodent burrows or settling under logs. They sometimes hibernate communally. Males emerge 2 to 5 weeks before the females and shed their skin before setting off in search of females. Adders are not aggressive snakes and they will only attack if harassed or threatened. Although an Adder’s venom poses little danger to a healthy adult, the bite is very painful and requires urgent medical attention. Date: 3rd May 2023 Location: Benfleet and Hadleigh Downs, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45174859.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6645602716232fa198072d.jpgRing-necked Parakeet The Ring-necked Parakeet is the UK's only naturalised parrot. It is large, long-tailed and green with a red beak and a pink and black ring around its face and neck. In flight it has pointed wings, a long tail and a steady, direct flight. Ring-necked Parakeets can be seen all year round at a number of locations in south east England, particularly Surrey, Kent and Sussex. They can often be found in flocks sometimes numbering hundreds of birds at roost sites. Parks, orchards and gardens with mature trees to provide nest holes are favoured habitats. In its native India it is found in jungle and around farms and gardens. Date: 31st December 2021 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo445700.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12148452654681c767a5038.jpgIngleborough, North Yorkshire Height: 2371 feet The “Three Peaks” in the Yorkshire Dales National Park boast some of the most spectacular upland scenery in Yorkshire comprising the peaks of Ingleborough, Whernside and Pen-y-Ghent. The distinctive shape of Ingleborough, with its famous flat topped profile, is due to the local geology i.e. a broad cap of millstone grit atop a broader plateau of carboniferous limestone. Streams running off the millstone grit meet limestone rock further down the slopes where they disappear underground, falling into deep potholes and caverns. Date: 10th April 2006 Location: view from B6255 road near Ribblehead station http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37431114.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9064325815c6be39441108.jpgLesser Yellowlegs The Lesser Yellowlegs is a large sandpiper with brown-streaked upperparts, white underparts and streaked upper breast and sides. A white lower rump and dark-barred tail are visible in flight. The bill is straight and uniformly dark grey and the legs are long and yellow. The Lesser Yellowlegs breeds from western Alaska and Canada east to western Quebec. They spend winters on coasts from southern California and Virginia southward and along the Gulf coast. The preferred habitats include coastal mudflats and lagoons, inland lakes, ponds, rivers, sewage works and flooded grasslands. In the UK, the Lesser Yellowlegs is a very scarce visitor with typically 5 records per year. This photo is of a first winter bird that took up residence at RSPB Lodmoor for several months from mid-September 2018. Date: 13th January 2019 Location: RSPB Lodmoor, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230804.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1285943451649184a11548d.jpgPainted Lady Flight period: April to October. The Painted Lady is a highly migratory butterfly which can be found almost throughout the UK although its numbers vary greatly from year to year. It is thought that the entire population dies each winter and re-colonisation through immigration occurs each spring. As a migrant, they can be found almost anywhere but do prefer dry, open areas. Date: 28th May 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26041528.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11286950295638a99e36d62.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name <i>Fratercula</i> comes from the Medieval Latin <i>fratercula</i> meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name <i>arctica</i> refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek <i>άρκτος</i> ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name <i>puffin</i> (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Látrabjarg, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52518235.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_50344224867545c63cfd3e.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the Canidae family and is a part of the order Carnivora within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 17th October 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533179.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_58501081362ca7afa1773a.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 13th June 2022 Location: NWT Weeting Heath, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41187461.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17833177225ea6d554a065f.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 21st April 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46535259.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_141064003362caa73928655.jpgRinglet Flight period: July to mid August. The Ringlet is a widespread and successful species which has been extending its range in in the UK in recent years. They can be found in in tall, lush grasslands particularly in woodland rides and glades and also around scrub and hedgerows. Date: 6th July 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45291001.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1211742262623acb6c09bb0.jpgLong-tailed Tit The Long-tailed Tit is easily recognisable with its distinctive colouring, a tail that is bigger than its body, and undulating flight. They are most usually noticed in small, excitable flocks of about 20 birds as they rove the woods, hedgerows and gardens often with other tit species. Long-tailed Tits can be seen all year round and throughout the UK except the far north and west of Scotland. Date: 10th March 2022 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26270231.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21356157045665516111a8b.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 4th December 2015 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12759408.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21183452774e71b0aeaaf00.jpgRed Squirrel The Red Squirrel or Eurasian Red Squirrel is a species of tree squirrel in the genus [i]Sciurus[/i]. It is an arboreal and primarily herbivorous rodent. The Red Squirrel has a typical head and body length of 7.5 to 9 inches, a tail length of 6 to 8 inches and a weight of 9 to 12 ounces. Males and females are the same size. The Red Squirrel is smaller and lighter in weight than the Grey Squirrel The coat of the Red Squirrel varies in colour with the time of year and its location and there are several different coat colour morphs ranging from black to red. Red coats are most common in the UK but in other parts of Europe and Asia different coat colours co-exist within populations. The underside of the Red Squirrel is always creamy-white in colour. The Red Squirrel sheds its coat twice a year, switching from a thinner summer coat to a thicker, darker winter coat with noticeably larger ear-tufts (a prominent distinguishing feature of this species) between August and November. A lighter, redder overall coat colour, along with the ear-tufts (in adults) and smaller size, distinguish the Red Squirrel from the Grey Squirrel. The long tail helps the Red Squirrel to balance and steer when jumping from tree to tree and running along branches and it may also keep it warm during sleep. The Red Squirrel, like most tree squirrels, has sharp and curved claws to enable it to climb and descend broad tree trunks, thin branches and even house walls and its strong hind legs enable it to leap gaps between trees. The Red Squirrel can be found in the boreal coniferous woods in north Europe and Siberia where it prefers Scots Pine, Norway Spruce and Siberian Pine. In west and south Europe it can be found in broad-leaved woods where the mixture of tree and shrub species provides a better year round source of food. In most of the UK and in Italy, broad-leaved woodlands are now less suitable for it due to the better competitive feeding strategy of the introduced Grey Squirrel. The Red Squirrel makes a drey (nest) out of twigs in a branch-fork, forming a domed structure about 9 to 12 inches in diameter. This is lined with moss, leaves, grass and bark. Tree hollows and woodpecker holes are also used. The Red Squirrel is generally a solitary animal and is shy and reluctant to share food with others. However, outside the breeding season and particularly in winter, several Red Squirrels may share a drey to keep warm. Social organisation is based on dominance hierarchies within and between sexes. Although males are not necessarily dominant towards females, the dominant animals tend to be larger and older than subordinate animals and dominant males tend to have larger home ranges than subordinate males or females. Mating can occur in late winter during February and March and in summer between June and July. During mating, males detect females that are in oestrus by an odour that they produce and, although there is no courtship, the male will chase the female for up to an hour prior to mating. Usually multiple males will chase a single female until the dominant male, usually the largest in the group, mates with the female. Males and females will mate multiple times with many partners. Females must reach a minimum body mass before they enter oestrus and heavy females on average produce more young. If food is scarce breeding may be delayed. Typically a female will produce her first litter in her second year. Up to 2 litters a year per female are possible. Each litter averages 3 young and these are known as kits. Gestation is about 38 to 39 days and the young are looked after by the mother alone and are born helpless, blind and deaf. Their body is covered by hair at 21 days, their eyes and ears open after 3 to 4 weeks and they develop all their teeth by 42 days. Juveniles can eat solids around 40 days following birth and from that point they can leave the nest on their own to find food. However, they still suckle from their mother until weaning occurs at 8 to 10 weeks. The Red Squirrel eats mostly the seeds of trees, fungi, nuts (especially hazelnuts but also beech and chestnuts), berries and young shoots. More rarely, it may also eat bird eggs or nestlings and may occasionally exhibit opportunistic omnivory similar to other rodents. Excess food is put into caches, either buried or in nooks or holes in trees, and eaten when food is scarce. Although the Red Squirrel remembers where it created caches at a better than chance level, its spatial memory is believed to be substantially less accurate and durable than that of the Grey Squirrel. Therefore it will often have to search for them when in need and many caches are never found again. Between 60% and 80% of the active time of a Red Squirrel may be spent foraging and feeding. The active period is generally in the morning and in the late afternoon and evening. It often rests in its nest in the middle of the day to avoid the heat and the high visibility to birds of prey that are dangers during these hours. During the winter, this midday rest is often much more brief or absent entirely although harsh weather may cause it to stay in its nest for days at a time. No territories are claimed between Red Squirrels and the feeding areas of individuals overlap considerably. A Red Squirrel that survives its first winter has a life expectancy of 3 years. Individuals may reach 7 years of age and 10 years in captivity. Survival is positively related to the availability of autumn and winter tree seeds. On average, 75 to 85% of juveniles die during their first winter and mortality is approximately 50% for winters following the first. Predators include small mammals such as the Pine Marten, the Wildcat and the Stoat which all prey on juveniles. Birds, including owls and raptors such as the Goshawk and Common Buzzard, may also prey on the Red Squirrel as will the Red Fox and domestic cats and dogs when it is on the ground. Humans influence the population size and mortality of the Red Squirrel by destroying or altering habitats, by causing road casualties and by introducing non-native populations of the Grey Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel and the Red Squirrel are not directly antagonistic and violent conflict between these species is not a factor in the decline in Red Squirrel populations. However, the Grey Squirrel appears to contribute to the decrease in the Red Squirrel population for several reasons: it carries a disease, the squirrel parapoxvirus, that does not appear to affect its own health but will often kill the Red Squirrel, it can better digest acorns whilst the Red Squirrel cannot access the proteins and fats in acorns as easily and it can put the Red Squirrel under pressure for food resources resulting in it not breeding as often. In the UK, due to the above circumstances, the population has today fallen to 160,000 Red Squirrels or fewer with the majority of these in Scotland. Outside the UK and Ireland, the impact of competition from the Grey Squirrel has also been observed in Italy where 2 pairs escaped from captivity in 1948. A significant drop in the Red Squirrel population has been observed since 1970 and it is feared that the Grey Squirrel may expand into the rest of Europe. The Red Squirrel is protected in most of Europe although in some areas it is abundant and is hunted for its fur. In the UK there are several active projects to protect the Red Squirrel and its native woodland habitat, introduce or re-introduce it in to areas where it is absent and eradicate and prevent the spread of the Grey Squirrel. Research undertaken in 2007 in the UK credits the Pine Marten with reducing the population of the invasive Grey Squirrel. Where the range of the expanding Pine Marten population meets that of the Grey Squirrel, the population of the latter retreats. It is theorised that, because the Grey Squirrel spends more time on the ground than the Red Squirrel, it is far more likely to come in contact with the Pine Marten. Date: 10th May 2006 Location: Freshfield National Trust reserve, Formby Point, Merseyside http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49002532.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1638519496468f18a11f05.jpgWoodlark The Woodlark is a streaky brown bird with a buffy-white eye-stripe which meets across the nape. It has a well developed crest on its crown which is not always conspicuous. In flight the peculiarly short tail and broad, rounded wings are noticeable and the deeply undulating flight with closed wing glides is characteristic. The Woodlark can be found all year round and breeds mainly in eastern and southern England on the heathlands of Hampshire, Surrey, Berkshire, Norfolk and Suffolk. Date: 17th April 2023 Location: Westleton Heath, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/september-2024-common-buzzard https://images.on-this.website/4752_135824375367545dd0852c7.jpgSeptember 2024 - Common Buzzard Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52518210.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405428.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_372262036586dded22f74.jpgCommon Darter Flight period: end May to early October. Common Darters are the most widespread of the dragonflies over lowland UK but they are absent from upland areas. They can be found in a wide range of habitats including ponds, lakes, ditches, canals, slow flowing rivers and brackish water. They can also be frequently seen some way from water. Date: 8th October 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49001830.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_81921546468e2ffe4641.jpgBlackcap The Eurasian Blackcap, usually known simply as the Blackcap, is a typical warbler in the Sylvia genus. It is a mainly grey warbler with distinct male and female plumages. It is about 5.1 inches long with a 2.8 to 3.1 inches wing span. The adult male has olive-grey upperparts, other than a paler grey nape, and a neat black cap on the head. The underparts are light grey, becoming silvery white on the chin, throat and upper breast. The tail is dark grey with an olive tint to the outer edge of each feather. The bill and long legs are grey and the iris is reddish brown. The female resembles the male but has a reddish-brown cap and a slightly browner tone to the grey of the upperparts. Juveniles are similar to the female but their upperparts have a slight rufous tinge and the breast and flanks have a more olive tone. Young males have a darker brown cap than their female counterparts. The Blackcap is unmistakable and other dark-headed Sylvia species, such as the Sardinian Warbler and the Orphean Warbler, have extensive black on the head instead of a small cap and they are also larger and have white edges on the tail. The male Blackcap's song is a rich musical warbling, often ending in a loud high-pitched crescendo, which is given in bursts of up to 30 seconds. The song is repeated for about 2 minutes with a short pause before each repetition. The main song can be confused with that of the Garden Warbler but it is slightly higher pitched than in that species, more broken into discrete song segments and less mellow. Both species have a quiet sub-song, a muted version of the full song, which is even harder to separate. The Blackcap also occasionally mimics the song of other birds, the most frequently copied including the Garden Warbler and the Nightingale. The Blackcap’s breeding range includes much of Europe, west Asia and north west Africa and its preferred habitat is mature deciduous woodland. Birds on the Mediterranean and Atlantic islands and in the milder west and south of the main Eurasian distribution often winter within the breeding range but populations elsewhere are migratory. The Blackcap is a “leap-frog migrant” meaning that birds from the north of the breeding range travel furthest south whereas Mediterranean breeders move much shorter distances. The wintering areas overlap with the breeding range but also include extensive areas in west Africa, east Africa south to Lake Malawi and further north in Ethiopia, South Sudan and Eritrea. There is a migratory divide in Europe at longitude 10 to 11°E. Birds to the west of this line migrate south west towards Iberia or west Africa whereas populations to the east migrate to the east Mediterranean and on to east Africa. Climate change appears to be affecting the migration pattern of the Blackcap. It is arriving in Europe earlier than previously and departing nearly 2 weeks later than in the 1980s. In recent decades, some central European birds have taken to wintering in gardens in the UK and, to a lesser extent, in Ireland, where the Blackcap was formerly just a summer visitor. Although the UK climate is sub-optimal, compensatory factors include the ready availability of food (particularly from bird tables), a shorter migration distance and the avoidance of the Alps and the Sahara Desert. The Blackcap's main breeding habitat is mature deciduous woodland with good scrub cover below the trees. Other habitats, such as parks, large gardens and overgrown hedges, are used as long as they meet the essential requirements of tall trees for song posts and an established under-story. Where other Sylvia warblers also breed, the Blackcap tends to use taller trees than its relatives, preferably those with a good canopy such as pedunculate oak. The preferred winter habitat around the Mediterranean is scrub and olive orchards. In Africa, habitats include cultivated land, acacia scrub, mangroves and forest. When the male Blackcap returns to its breeding range, it establishes a territory. Adults that have previously bred return to the site they have used in previous summers whereas inexperienced birds either wander until they find a suitable area or establish a very large initial territory which contracts under pressure from neighbours. Territorial boundaries are established initially by loud singing which is performed while the male displays with its crown raised, tail fanned and slow wingbeats. Sylvia warblers are unusual in that they vigorously defend their territories against other members of their genus. Blackcaps and Garden Warblers use almost identical habitats yet aggressive interactions mean that their territories rarely overlap. The Blackcap first breeds at 1 year old. It is mainly monogamous although both sexes may sometimes deviate from this. A male attracts a female to his territory through song and a display involving raising the black crown feathers, fluffing the tail, slow wingbeats and a short flapping flight. He also builds one or more simple nests (cock nests) usually near his song post. The final nest, which may be one of the cock nests or built from scratch, is a neat cup of roots, stems and grasses lined with fine material such as hair. The nest is built in the cover of bramble, scrub or trees and it is constructed mainly by the female and may be up to 15 feet above the ground although lower than 3 feet is more typical. The clutch is 2 to 7 eggs (typically 4 to 6) which are incubated by both adults for 10 to 16 days (average 11 days). The chicks are fed by both parents and fledge about 11 to 12 days after hatching, leaving the nest shortly before they are able to fly. They are assisted with feeding for a further 2 or 3 weeks. The Blackcap normally raises just 1 brood but second broods are sometimes recorded, particularly in the milder climate of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic islands. The Blackcap feeds mainly on insects during the breeding season and then switches to fruit in late summer, the change being triggered by an internal biological rhythm. When migrants arrive on their breeding territories they initially take berries, pollen and nectar if there are insufficient insects available but then soon switch to their preferred diet. The Blackcap mainly picks prey off foliage and twigs but it may occasionally hover, flycatch or feed on the ground. It eats a wide range of invertebrate prey, although aphids are particularly important early in the season, and flies, beetles and caterpillars are also taken in large numbers. In July, the diet switches increasingly to a wide range of small fruit. The protein needed for egg-laying and for the chicks to grow is replaced by fruit sugar which helps the birds to fatten for migration. Aphids are still taken while they are available since they often contain sugars from the plant sap on which they feed. The Blackcap has a very large range and a very large population. It is therefore classified by the IUCN as being of “Least Concern”. The Blackcap and other small birds are illegally trapped and hunted in large numbers in Mediterranean countries, particularly in Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, Malta, Libya, Egypt and Cyprus, where they are considered as a delicacy. Despite hunting and natural hazards, the European population of the Blackcap has been increasing for several decades as the range extends northwards. There are occasional nesting records from outside the main range such as in north Israel and the Faroe Islands and wandering birds may appear further afield in Iceland or on the islands of Arctic Russia. In the Baltic region, the spread of the Blackcap appears to have been helped by the availability of territories formerly occupied by the declining Barred Warbler. Date: 3rd April 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33568401.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1306631285a106af4a4776.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 4th November 2017 Location: Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19507383.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_122858582752528ada83430.jpgGreater Flamingo The Greater Flamingo is a largely pinkish-white bird but the wing coverts are red and the primary and secondary flight feathers are black. The bill is pink with a black tip and the legs are entirely pink. The Greater Flamingo is the most widespread species of the flamingo family and can be found in parts of Africa, southern Asia and southern Europe (including Spain, Sardinia, Albania, Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Portugal and the Camargue region of France). Some populations are short distance migrants, and records north of the breeding range are relatively frequent. However, given the species' popularity in captivity, whether these are truly wild individuals is a matter of some debate. Date: 7th September 2013 Location: Laguna Dulce, Campillos, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533656.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_146376753562ca8f8ae98bf.jpgBlack-tailed Skimmer Flight period: May to August. The Black-tailed Skimmer is a common dragonfly in south east England and it is expanding its range northwards. They can be found around lowland lakes, ponds, sand and gravel workings, slow flowing rivers and brackish water. Date: 26th June 2022 Location: RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623030.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10545423806117d2e0d3de9.jpgHerring Gull The Herring Gull is one of the best known of all gulls along the shores of Europe. Adults in breeding plumage have a grey back and upperwings and white head and underparts. The wingtips are black with white spots known as "mirrors". The bill is yellow with a red spot and there is a ring of bare yellow skin around the pale eye. The legs are normally pink at all ages but can be yellowish. Non-breeding adults have brown streaks on the head and neck. Male and female plumage is identical at all stages of development although adult males are often larger. Juvenile and first-winter birds are mainly brown with darker streaks and have a dark bill and eyes. Second-winter birds have a whiter head and underparts with less streaking and the back is grey. Third-winter individuals are similar to adults but retain some of the features of immature birds such as brown feathers in the wings and dark markings on the bill. The Herring Gull attains adult plumage and reaches sexual maturity at an average age of 4 years. The loud laughing call of the Herring Gull is well known and is often seen as a symbol of the seaside in countries such as the UK. It also has a yelping alarm call and a low barking anxiety call. Chicks and fledglings emit a distinctive, repetitive high-pitched 'peep', accompanied by a head-flicking gesture when begging for food from or calling to their parents. Adult gulls in urban areas will also exhibit this behaviour when fed by humans. The Herring Gull breeds across northern Europe, western Europe, central Europe, eastern Europe, Scandinavia and the Baltic states. Some, especially those resident in colder areas, migrate further south in winter but many are permanent residents such as in the UK or on the North Sea shores. While Herring Gull numbers appear to have been decreased in recent years, possibly by fish population declines and competition, they have proved able to survive in human-adapted areas and can often be seen in towns acting as a scavenger. The Herring Gull, like most gulls, is an omnivore and opportunist and will scavenge from garbage dumps, landfill sites and sewage outflows with refuse comprising up to half of the bird's diet. In addition, it will eat fish, crustaceans and dead animals as well as some plants and it will steal the eggs and young of other birds (including those of other gulls). The Herring Gull may also dive from the surface of the water or engage in plunge diving in the pursuit of aquatic prey although they are typically unable to reach any great depth due to their natural buoyancy. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081432.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_208773501163a8336c9ac5b.jpgBrown Rat Brown Rats have coarse brown or occasionally black fur with a pale underside. They have a long tail which is sparsely haired. Although originally native to eastern Asia and Japan, Brown Rats are now distributed world-wide. They spread across the UK via the shipping traffic from foreign countries in the 18th century and largely replaced the Black Rat. They are highly adaptable and can be found all over the UK, except for exposed mountain regions and some small offshore islands, and live in loose colonies and home ranges of around 50 metres in diameter. Along with the House Mouse, the Brown Rat is considered to be the most widespread terrestrial mammal in the UK and they are subject to persistent pest control due to the damage they cause and the numerous diseases they spread. Brown Rats are omnivorous and have a very varied diet. They are typically nocturnal although they will sometimes forage for food during the day. They also swim well and are sometimes mistaken for Water Voles. Brown Rats live for around 18 months and breed throughout the year producing 5 litters of 8 young a year. Date: 9th January 2022 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871734.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10321947894eff21657c614.jpgBrown Bear The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, <i>Ursus arctos arctos</i>. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an overnight stay in a Brown Bear watching hide at [url=http://www.martinselkonen.fi/index.php?id=1&la=en]Martinselkosen Eräkeskus[/url] Date: 1st June 2009 Location: Martinselkosen Eräkeskus, Pirttivaara, Kainuu, Finland <iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/10143012?autoplay=1" width="600" height="450" frameborder="0"></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/10143012">Brown Bears of Martinselkonen</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user3372484">Richard Chew</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>. Music: Jean Sibelius - Andante festivo<br /> </p> http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52518250.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_114013396675460e87fbe8.jpgGreen Woodpecker The (European) Green Woodpecker is a large green woodpecker species. There are 3 sub-species with subtle differences between them whilst the Iberian Green Woodpecker found in Spain and Portugal and the Levaillant's Woodpecker found in north west Africa were formerly considered as sub-species but are now treated as separate species based on the results of studies published in 2011 The Green Woodpecker measures 12 to 14 inches in length with a 18 to 20 inches wingspan. Both sexes are green above and pale yellowish green below with a yellow rump and red crown and nape. The moustachial stripe has a red centre in the male but is solid black in the female. The lores and around the white eye are black in both male and female. Juveniles are spotty and streaked all over with a dark moustachial stripe initially although juvenile males can show some red feathers by early June or usually by July or August. Although the Green Woodpecker is shy and wary, it is usually its loud calls known as “yaffling” which first draw attention. Unlike many other woodpecker species, it rarely “drums” but often gives noisy calls while flying. The flight is undulating with 3 to 4 wingbeats followed by a short glide when the wings are held by the body. More than 75% of the range of the Green Woodpecker is in Europe although it is absent from the extreme north and east and also from Ireland, Greenland and the Macaronesian islands. Otherwise it is distributed widely with over 50% of the European population thought to be in France and Germany with substantial numbers also in the UK. It also occurs in west Asia. The Green Woodpecker is highly sedentary and individuals rarely move far from where they were born. The Green Woodpecker is generally found in semi-open landscapes with small woodlands, hedges, scattered old trees, edges of forests and floodplain forests. Suitable habitats for feeding include grassland, heaths, plantations, orchards and lawns. The Green Woodpecker is the largest of the 3 woodpecker species that breed in the UK. It can be found all year round and it is mainly a lowland species that breeds in open deciduous woodland, parks, orchards and farmland in England, Wales and Scotland although it is absent from the far north and west of the UK. The nest hole of the Green Woodpecker is larger but similar to those of other woodpecker species. It may be a few feet above the ground or at the top of a tall tree. Oaks, beeches, willows, aspens and fruit trees are the preferred nest trees. The hole may be excavated in sound or rotten wood with an entrance hole of 2.5 to 3 inches. The cavity inside may be up to 16 inches deep and excavation work is performed mostly by the male over 15 to 30 days. Some tree holes are used for breeding for more than 10 years but not necessarily by the same pair. The female lays 4 to 6 eggs and, after the last egg is laid, they are incubated for 19 to 20 days by both parents. The chicks fledge 21 to 24 days after hatching. The Green Woodpecker's diet consists primarily of various ant species and it spends much of its time foraging on the ground in grassland areas where the availability of ant nests is high. At ant nests, it probes into the ground and licks up adult ants and their larvae with its long tongue that wraps up and around the back of its head. Other insects and small reptiles are also taken occasionally. Date: 20th November 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/july-2024-ruddy-darter https://images.on-this.website/4752_93123269467544eaf3a326.jpgJuly 2024 - Ruddy Darter Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51984179.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32723055.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_149059109959ae6ee27f0154.39932001.jpgRed-backed Shrike The Red-backed Shrike is a carnivorous passerine bird and member of the shrike family. The general colour of the male’s upper parts is reddish. It has a grey head and a typical shrike black stripe through the eye. Underparts are tinged pink and the tail has a black and white pattern similar to that of a Wheatear. In the female and young birds the upperparts are brown and vermiculated and the underparts are buff and also vermiculated. The Red-backed Shrike eats large insects, small birds, frogs, rodents and lizards. Like other shrikes it hunts from prominent perches and impales corpses on thorns or barbed wire as a "larder." This practice has earned it the nickname of "butcher bird." The Red-backed Shrike breeds in most of Europe and western Asia and winters in tropical Africa. Once a common migratory visitor to the UK, numbers declined sharply during the 20th century. The bird's last stronghold was in Breckland but by 1988 just a single pair remained, successfully raising young at Santon Downham. The following year for the first time no nests were recorded in the UK but since then sporadic breeding has taken place, mostly in Scotland and Wales, and in September 2010 the RSPB announced that a pair had raised chicks at a secret location on Dartmoor where the bird last bred in 1970. This return to south west England has been an unexpected development and has raised speculation that a warming climate could assist the bird in re-colonising some of its traditional sites, if only in small numbers. Date: 21st May 2017 Location: Borsodi-Mezoseg ("Little Hortobagy"), Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51984570.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_108495054966d353d46080c.jpgGatekeeper Flight period: mid-July to early September. The Gatekeeper or Hedge Brown is common and widespread throughout the southern half of the UK. They can be found in areas with hedgerows or in scrubby woodland with wide and sunny rides. Date: 8th August 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645717.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_112372537051e3d03367d5f.jpgSwallow The Barn Swallow is the most widespread species of swallow in the world. In Europe it is just called the Swallow and in Northern Europe it is the only common species called a "swallow" rather than a "martin". The male Swallow has steel blue upperparts and a rufous forehead, chin and throat which are separated from the off-white underparts by a broad dark blue breast band. The outer tail feathers are elongated to give the distinctive deeply forked "swallow tail." There is a line of white spots across the outer end of the upper tail. The female is similar in appearance to the male but the tail streamers are shorter, the blue of the upperparts and breast band is less glossy and the underparts more pale. The juvenile is browner and has a paler rufous face and whiter underparts. It also lacks the long tail streamers of the adult. The Swallow has an enormous range with an estimated global extent of 20 million square miles and a population of 190 million individuals. It breeds in the Northern Hemisphere from sea level to typically 8,900 feet but up 9,800 feet in the Caucasus and North America and it is absent only from deserts and the cold northernmost parts of the continents. Over much of its range it avoids towns and in Europe is replaced in urban areas by the House Martin. There are 6 subspecies of the Swallow which breed across the Northern Hemisphere, of which 4 are strongly migratory with their wintering grounds covering much of the Southern Hemisphere as far south as central Argentina, the Cape Province of South Africa and northern Australia. The Swallow can be found in open country with low vegetation such as pasture, meadows and farmland, preferably with nearby water. It avoids heavily wooded or precipitous areas and densely built-up locations. The presence of accessible open structures such as barns, stables or culverts to provide nesting sites and exposed locations such as wires, roof ridges or bare branches for perching are also important in the bird's selection of its breeding range. This species lives in close association with humans and its insect-eating habits mean that it is tolerated by man. This acceptance was reinforced in the past by superstitions regarding the bird and its nest. There are frequent cultural references to the Swallow in literary and religious works due to both its living in close proximity to humans and its annual migration. The Swallow is the national bird of Austria and Estonia. In winter, the Swallow is cosmopolitan in its choice of habitat, avoiding only dense forests and deserts. It is most common in open, low vegetation habitats such as savanna and ranch land. Individual birds tend to return to the same wintering locality each year and congregate from a large area to roost in reed beds. These roosts can be extremely large with one in Nigeria holding an estimated 1.5 million birds. Date: 25th May 2013 Location: Białowieża area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49027091.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1141864324646b44fcd64d0.jpgPainted Lady Flight period: April to October. The Painted Lady is a highly migratory butterfly which can be found almost throughout the UK although its numbers vary greatly from year to year. It is thought that the entire population dies each winter and re-colonisation through immigration occurs each spring. As a migrant, they can be found almost anywhere but do prefer dry, open areas. Date: 11th May 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4267549.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15864120494b522b2997e4e.jpgBarnacle Geese 10 The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 3rd January 2010 Location: Southerness, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51333219.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17679914026676e08e02190.jpgAzure Damselfly Flight period: May to August The Azure Damselfly is one of the two commonest blue damselflies and is a common and widespread species of lowland UK. They can be found around most standing water, preferring small, sheltered sites including ditches and garden ponds. Date: 14th June 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/barnacle-goose-07 https://images.on-this.website/4752_29518674e1582f299b9e.jpgBarnacle Goose The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 5th November 2007 Location: Loch Gruinart, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52518184.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1408089600675450d88e844.jpgCommon Darter Flight period: end May to early October. Common Darters are the most widespread of the dragonflies over lowland UK but they are absent from upland areas. They can be found in a wide range of habitats including ponds, lakes, ditches, canals, slow flowing rivers and brackish water. They can also be frequently seen some way from water. Date: 13th September 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essexx http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071681.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1402700160664335648e84e.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 4th May 2023 Location: Bwlch Nant yr Arian, Llywernog, Ceredigion http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405511.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19554358386586eeeace36a.jpgGreen Woodpecker The (European) Green Woodpecker is a large green woodpecker species. There are 3 sub-species with subtle differences between them whilst the Iberian Green Woodpecker found in Spain and Portugal and the Levaillant's Woodpecker found in north west Africa were formerly considered as sub-species but are now treated as separate species based on the results of studies published in 2011 The Green Woodpecker measures 12 to 14 inches in length with a 18 to 20 inches wingspan. Both sexes are green above and pale yellowish green below with a yellow rump and red crown and nape. The moustachial stripe has a red centre in the male but is solid black in the female. The lores and around the white eye are black in both male and female. Juveniles are spotty and streaked all over with a dark moustachial stripe initially although juvenile males can show some red feathers by early June or usually by July or August. Although the Green Woodpecker is shy and wary, it is usually its loud calls known as “yaffling” which first draw attention. Unlike many other woodpecker species, it rarely “drums” but often gives noisy calls while flying. The flight is undulating with 3 to 4 wingbeats followed by a short glide when the wings are held by the body. More than 75% of the range of the Green Woodpecker is in Europe although it is absent from the extreme north and east and also from Ireland, Greenland and the Macaronesian islands. Otherwise it is distributed widely with over 50% of the European population thought to be in France and Germany with substantial numbers also in the UK. It also occurs in west Asia. The Green Woodpecker is highly sedentary and individuals rarely move far from where they were born. The Green Woodpecker is generally found in semi-open landscapes with small woodlands, hedges, scattered old trees, edges of forests and floodplain forests. Suitable habitats for feeding include grassland, heaths, plantations, orchards and lawns. The Green Woodpecker is the largest of the 3 woodpecker species that breed in the UK. It can be found all year round and it is mainly a lowland species that breeds in open deciduous woodland, parks, orchards and farmland in England, Wales and Scotland although it is absent from the far north and west of the UK. The nest hole of the Green Woodpecker is larger but similar to those of other woodpecker species. It may be a few feet above the ground or at the top of a tall tree. Oaks, beeches, willows, aspens and fruit trees are the preferred nest trees. The hole may be excavated in sound or rotten wood with an entrance hole of 2.5 to 3 inches. The cavity inside may be up to 16 inches deep and excavation work is performed mostly by the male over 15 to 30 days. Some tree holes are used for breeding for more than 10 years but not necessarily by the same pair. The female lays 4 to 6 eggs and, after the last egg is laid, they are incubated for 19 to 20 days by both parents. The chicks fledge 21 to 24 days after hatching. The Green Woodpecker's diet consists primarily of various ant species and it spends much of its time foraging on the ground in grassland areas where the availability of ant nests is high. At ant nests, it probes into the ground and licks up adult ants and their larvae with its long tongue that wraps up and around the back of its head. Other insects and small reptiles are also taken occasionally. Date: 7th November 2023 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51332416.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17233428296676dd4c5b7fb.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 9th June 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11948152.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19467351734e410f840039d.jpgFallow Deer Fallow Deer are native to the Mediterranean region of Europe and from Turkey to Iran but they have been introduced to nearly 40 countries including the UK by the Normans in the 11th century. They have since become the most widespread species of deer in the UK and typically can be found in deciduous woodland with open patches. Fallow Deer commonly gather in small herds of 4 to 5 but in good feeding areas groupings of up to 100 may gather. When competing for access to females, males display by groaning, thrashing their antlers and by walking alongside their opponent. Fighting occurs if both stags are evenly matched and involves wrestling and clashing of antlers. Fallow Deer have many colour varieties but they are typically fawn-coloured in the summer and reddish-brown in the winter. They have yellow-white undersides, white spots and a black line that runs along the back to the tip of the tail. The spots become less conspicuous or disappear in winter. Males have palmate (flattened) antlers. Date: 22nd October 2008 Location: Bradgate Park, Newton Linford , Leicestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405453.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11849370536586e0cf2d533.jpgWillow Emerald Damselfly Description to follow .... Date: 9th October 2023 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51984023.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_71301299866d34777a87b9.jpgCommon Blue Flight period: June to September. The Common Blue is the UK’s most widespread and common blue butterfly although it has suffered some local declines due to habitat loss. They can be found in sunny, sheltered areas including downland, roadside verges, woodland clearings and rural gardens. Date: 28th July 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51984014.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_125052870466d3475a239ea.jpgRuddy Darter Flight period: mid June to mid September. The Ruddy Darter takes its name from its colour and its swift flight behaviour. The male has a deep russet colour over the entire body and the abdomen has a pinched section close to where it joins the thorax. Females are slightly smaller, golden yellow in colour and being less obviously marked are more difficult to identify than the males. There is more than one red coloured darter species in the UK and they can be easily confused with each other. The commonest red species, the Common Darter, can be distinguished as having red veins at the base of the wings and a less ruddy colouration across the body. However, the Ruddy Darter has entirely black legs, distinguishing it from all other red darters which have longitudinal yellow stripes on their legs. The UK range of the Ruddy Darter has undergone something of an expansion in recent years. Although still relatively uncommon in the west and north of Britain, it is increasing in numbers in the Midlands and eastern England. The population is augmented by continental migrants. It is also found over most of Europe except for northern Scandinavia, as far east as western Siberia and south to north Africa. The Ruddy Darter prefers water bodies with tall emergent vegetation, such as reeds and club rush, and it is known to breed in ponds, lakes, canals, ditches and sluggish rivers. They can also be found near coasts and can breed in fairly brackish water. Date: 28th July 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13683396.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9306447504ed738478e4fd.jpgBarn Owl With a heart shaped face, buff back and wings and pure white under-parts the Barn Owl is a distinctive and much-loved bird of the countryside. Barn Owls are widely distributed across the UK and can be seen all year round sometimes during the day but normally at dusk in open country and along field edges, riverbanks and roadside verges. Barn owls have suffered population declines over the past 50 years as a result of habitat degradation following increasing intensive agricultural practices. However, that decline has stopped in many areas and their population may now be increasing. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52518208.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13254562046754531061ebf.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the Canidae family and is a part of the order Carnivora within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 26th September 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4466099.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16069028284b8a254f003ac.jpg http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41234295.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5938117515ee771ba953c8.jpgLarge Skipper Flight period: June to July. The Large Skipper is a small golden butterfly which is widespread throughout England and Wales and it is also extending its range northwards in to southern Scotland. They can be found in areas of tall, uncut grassland, woodland rides, roadside verges and hedgerows. Date: 9th June 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51984185.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_87488784866d34b4b9d4b5.jpgLarge White Flight period: April to September. The Large White is a highly successful species which is common and widespread in the UK. They can be found almost anywhere including in towns and gardens. Date: 30th July 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51332415.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9840401236676dd42cc9b1.jpgSpeckled Wood Flight period: April to September. The Speckled Wood is widespread in the southern half of England and in Wales and is expanding its range northwards. They can be found in woodland rides and glades and also along hedgerows and in gardens. Date: 9th June 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26270098.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5750182895665504c8aaae.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 4th December 2015 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52518212.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_132973373167545315c72dd.jpgCommon Buzzard The Common Buzzard is a member of the genus Buteo and the family Accipitridae, a group of medium-sized raptors with robust bodies and broad wings. The Buteo species of Eurasia and Africa are usually commonly referred to as buzzards whilst those in the Americas are called hawks. Under current classification, the genus Buteo includes approximately 28 species. The Common Buzzard includes between 7 to 16 sub-species and the western Buteo group includes Buteo buteo buteo which is found more or less continuously throughout Europe including the UK. The Common Buzzard is a medium-sized raptor that is highly variable in plumage. It is distinctly round headed with a somewhat slender bill and it has relatively long wings that either reach or fall slightly short of the tail tip when perched, a fairly short tail and somewhat short and mainly bare tarsi. It can appear fairly compact in overall appearance but may also appear large relative to other commoner raptors such as the Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. The Common Buzzard measures between 16 and 23 inches in length with a 3 feet 7 inches to 4 feet 7 inches wingspan. Females average about 2 to 7% larger than males in length and weigh about 15% more. Body mass can show considerable variation from 0.94 to 2.6 pounds in males and 1.07 to 3.02 pounds in females. In Europe, the Common Buzzard is typically dark brown above and on the upperside of the head and mantle but this can become paler and warmer brown with worn plumage. Usually the tail will be narrowly barred grey-brown and dark brown with a pale tip and a broad dark subterminal band but the tail in the palest birds can show a varying amount of white and a reduced sub-terminal band or even appear almost all white. The underside colouring can be variable but typically shows a brown-streaked white throat with a somewhat darker chest. A pale U across the breast is often present followed by a pale line running down the belly which separates the dark areas on the breast side and flanks. These pale areas tend to have highly variable markings that form irregular bars. Juveniles are quite similar to adults and are best told apart by having a paler eye, a narrower sub-terminal band on the tail and underside markings that appear as streaks rather than bars. Beyond the typical mid-range brownish Common Buzzard, birds in Europe can range from almost uniform black-brown above to mainly white. Extreme dark individuals may range from chocolate-brown to blackish with almost no pale colour showing but with a variable or faded U on the breast and with or without faint lighter brown throat streaks. Extreme pale individuals are largely whitish with variable widely spaced streaks or arrowheads of light brown about the mid-chest and flanks and may or may not show dark feather-centres on the head, wing-coverts and sometimes all but part of the mantle. Individuals can show nearly endless variation of colours and hues in between these extremes and the Common Buzzard is among the most variably plumaged diurnal raptors for this reason. The Common Buzzard is often confused with other raptors especially in flight or at a distance including other Buteo species such as Rough-legged Buzzard and Long-legged Buzzard and also Honey Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, Golden Eagle, Booted Eagle and Short-toed Eagle. The Common Buzzard is found throughout several islands in the eastern Atlantic islands, including the Canary Islands and the Azores, and almost throughout Europe. In the UK, it is found in Northern Ireland and in nearly every part of Scotland and England. In mainland Europe, there are no substantial gaps in the range from Portugal and Spain to Greece, Estonia, Belarus and the Ukraine, although it is present mainly only in the breeding season in much of the eastern half of the latter 3 countries. It is also present in all larger Mediterranean islands such as Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily and Crete. Further north in to Scandinavia, it is found mainly in south Norway, the southern half of Sweden and in the southern two-thirds of Finland. The Common Buzzard reaches its northern limit as a breeder in far eastern Finland and over the border in to European Russia and nearly to the Kola Peninsula. In these northern limits, the Common Buzzard is present typically only in summer. The Common Buzzard generally inhabits the interface of woodlands and open ground and typically lives in forest edge, small broad-leaved, coniferous or mixed woodlands with adjacent grassland, arable fields or other farmland and open moorland as long as there are some trees. It is absent from treeless tundra and sporadic or rare in treeless steppe. The Common Buzzard can be found from sea level to elevations of 6600 feet although it breeds mostly below 3300 feet. It can winter to an elevation of 8200 feet and migrates easily at 14,800 feet. The Common Buzzard is a partial migrant. Autumn and spring movements are subject to extensive variation, even down to the individual level, based on a region's food resources, competition (both from other Common Buzzards and other predators), the extent of human disturbance and weather conditions. Short distance movements are the norm for juveniles and some adults in autumn and winter but more adults in central and south Europe and the UK remain in their year-around areas than do not. The Common Buzzard is a typical Buteo in much of its behaviour. It is most often seen effortlessly soaring for extended periods at varying heights although it can appear laborious and heavy in level flight. It is also often seen perched prominently on tree tops, bare branches, telegraph poles, fence posts, rocks or ledges or alternatively well inside the tree canopy. It will also stand and forage on the ground. The Common Buzzard is a generalist predator which hunts a wide variety of prey given the opportunity. The prey extents to a wide variety of vertebrates including mammals, birds (from any age from eggs to adult birds), reptiles, amphibians and fish as well as to various invertebrates, mostly insects. In total, well over 300 prey species are known to be taken by the Common Buzzard. However, dietary studies have shown that it mostly preys upon small mammals, mainly small rodents. Furthermore, prey size can vary from tiny beetles, caterpillars and ants to large adult grouse and Rabbits up to nearly twice their body mass. At times, the Common Buzzard will also subsist partially on carrion, usually of dead mammals or fish. Hunting in relatively open areas has been found to increase hunting success whereas more complete shrub cover lowered success. A majority of prey is taken by dropping from a perch and is normally taken on the ground. Prey may also be hunted in a low flight, by random glides or soars or by foraging on the ground. The home range of the Common Buzzard is generally 0.19 to 0.77 square miles and the size of the breeding territory seems to be correlated with food supply. The territory is maintained through flight displays and in Europe territorial behaviour usually starts in February. However, displays are not uncommon throughout the year in resident pairs, especially by males, and can elicit similar displays by their neighbours. In the display, the Common Buzzard generally engages in high circling, spiraling upward on slightly raised wings. Mutual high circling by pairs sometimes goes on at length, especially during the period prior to or during breeding season. During the mutual displays, the male may engage in exaggerated deep flapping or zig-zag tumbling, apparently in response to the female being too distant. Several pairs may circle together at times and as many as 14 individual adults have been recorded over established display sites. Sky-dancing by the Common Buzzard has been recorded in spring and autumn, typically by the male but sometimes by the female, nearly always with much calling. Sky-dances are of the rollercoaster type, with an upward sweep of up to 100 feet until the bird starts start to stall but sometimes embellished with loops or rolls at the top. Next in the sky-dance, the bird will dive at least 200 feet on more or less closed wings before spreading them and shooting up again. These sky-dances may be repeated in series of 10 to 20. In the climax of the sky-dance, the undulations become progressively shallower, often slowing and terminating directly on to a perch. Various other aerial displays include low contour flight or weaving among trees, frequently with deep beats and exaggerated upstrokes which show underwing pattern to rivals perched below. Talon grappling and occasionally cartwheeling downward with feet interlocked has also been recorded. The Common Buzzard tends to build a bulky nest of sticks, twigs and often heather and lined with broad-leaved foliage. Nests are up to 3.3 to 3.9 feet across and 24 inches deep. With reuse over years, the diameter of a nest can reach or exceed 5 feet. Trees are generally used for a nesting location but crags or cliffs are used if trees are unavailable. Nests in trees are usually located by the main trunk at a height of around 10 to 82 feet. Pairs often have 2 to 4 nests in a territory but some pairs may use a single nest over several consecutive years. The breeding season of the Common Buzzard commences at differing times based on latitude. It may fall as early as January to April but typically it is March to July in most of Europe. In the northern limits of the range the breeding season may occur from May to August. Mating usually occurs on or near the nest and eggs are usually laid in 2 to 3 day intervals. The clutch size can range from to 2 to 6 and it appears that local factors such as habitat and food supply are relevant. Eggs are generally laid in late March to early April in the extreme south, sometime in April in most of Europe and in to May and possibly even early June in the extreme north. If eggs are lost to a predator or fail in some other way, replacement clutches are not usually laid although this has been recorded. Incubation lasts for 33 to 35 days and is mostly, but not solely, undertaken by the female. Hatching may take place over 3 to 7 days. Often the youngest nestling dies from starvation, especially in broods of 3 or more. The female remains at the nest brooding the young in the early stages with the male bringing all prey. At about 8 to 12 days, both the male and female will bring prey but the female continues to do all feeding until the young can tear up their own prey. The young are nearly fully feathered rather than downy at about a month of age and can start to feed themselves as well. The first attempts to leave the nest are often at about 40 to 50 days. Fledging occurs typically at 43 to 54 days but in extreme cases as late 62 days. After leaving the nest, the young generally stay close by until full independence 6 to 8 weeks after fledging. Numerous factors may influence the breeding success of the Common Buzzard including the availability of prey populations, habitat, disturbance and persecution levels and competition. The Common Buzzard is one of the most numerous birds of prey in its range and it is the most numerous diurnal bird of prey throughout much of Europe. Date: 26th September 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405509.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21246530326586eed90844a.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 7th November 2023 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52518214.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12057762526754569c3a3ef.jpgSpeckled Wood Flight period: April to September. The Speckled Wood is widespread in the southern half of England and in Wales and is expanding its range northwards. They can be found in woodland rides and glades and also along hedgerows and in gardens. Date: 4th October 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52518215.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13365726396754569d86906.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the Canidae family and is a part of the order Carnivora within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 4th October 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51983681.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_191712985466d343ab4ab82.jpgGatekeeper Flight period: mid-July to early September. The Gatekeeper or Hedge Brown is common and widespread throughout the southern half of the UK. They can be found in areas with hedgerows or in scrubby woodland with wide and sunny rides. Date: 26th July 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5325800.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16772297414c1dd616bd158.jpgSango Bay, Sutherland Sango Bay is a beautiful sandy bay on the north coast of Sutherland and located by the village of Durness 4 miles west of Loch Eriboll. The bay is approximately half a mile in width and surrounded by low cliffs. Date: 3rd June 2010 Location: view from the A838 road east of Durness http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623265.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9774670486117d9d10bc0a.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52518218.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1373803085675457f1b715c.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 7th October 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45456931.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1772313758624fff11d0acb.jpgSanderling The Sanderling is a small, plump, energetic wading bird. It has a short straight black bill and medium length black legs and is pale grey above and white underneath. Sanderlings breed in the high Arctic but can be seen in the UK during the winter months and as a passage migrant in spring and autumn. They can be found where there are long, sandy beaches around most of the coast other than in south west England and the rocky coasts of mainland Scotland. Date: 9th November 2021 Location: Shoeburyness, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/common-buzzard-and-carrion-crow https://images.on-this.website/4752_34403789667545ab1beb9f.jpgCommon Buzzard and Carrion Crow The Common Buzzard is a member of the genus Buteo and the family Accipitridae, a group of medium-sized raptors with robust bodies and broad wings. The Buteo species of Eurasia and Africa are usually commonly referred to as buzzards whilst those in the Americas are called hawks. Under current classification, the genus Buteo includes approximately 28 species. The Common Buzzard includes between 7 to 16 sub-species and the western Buteo group includes Buteo buteo buteo which is found more or less continuously throughout Europe including the UK. The Common Buzzard is a medium-sized raptor that is highly variable in plumage. It is distinctly round headed with a somewhat slender bill and it has relatively long wings that either reach or fall slightly short of the tail tip when perched, a fairly short tail and somewhat short and mainly bare tarsi. It can appear fairly compact in overall appearance but may also appear large relative to other commoner raptors such as the Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. The Common Buzzard measures between 16 and 23 inches in length with a 3 feet 7 inches to 4 feet 7 inches wingspan. Females average about 2 to 7% larger than males in length and weigh about 15% more. Body mass can show considerable variation from 0.94 to 2.6 pounds in males and 1.07 to 3.02 pounds in females. In Europe, the Common Buzzard is typically dark brown above and on the upperside of the head and mantle but this can become paler and warmer brown with worn plumage. Usually the tail will be narrowly barred grey-brown and dark brown with a pale tip and a broad dark subterminal band but the tail in the palest birds can show a varying amount of white and a reduced sub-terminal band or even appear almost all white. The underside colouring can be variable but typically shows a brown-streaked white throat with a somewhat darker chest. A pale U across the breast is often present followed by a pale line running down the belly which separates the dark areas on the breast side and flanks. These pale areas tend to have highly variable markings that form irregular bars. Juveniles are quite similar to adults and are best told apart by having a paler eye, a narrower sub-terminal band on the tail and underside markings that appear as streaks rather than bars. Beyond the typical mid-range brownish Common Buzzard, birds in Europe can range from almost uniform black-brown above to mainly white. Extreme dark individuals may range from chocolate-brown to blackish with almost no pale colour showing but with a variable or faded U on the breast and with or without faint lighter brown throat streaks. Extreme pale individuals are largely whitish with variable widely spaced streaks or arrowheads of light brown about the mid-chest and flanks and may or may not show dark feather-centres on the head, wing-coverts and sometimes all but part of the mantle. Individuals can show nearly endless variation of colours and hues in between these extremes and the Common Buzzard is among the most variably plumaged diurnal raptors for this reason. The Common Buzzard is often confused with other raptors especially in flight or at a distance including other Buteo species such as Rough-legged Buzzard and Long-legged Buzzard and also Honey Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, Golden Eagle, Booted Eagle and Short-toed Eagle. The Common Buzzard is found throughout several islands in the eastern Atlantic islands, including the Canary Islands and the Azores, and almost throughout Europe. In the UK, it is found in Northern Ireland and in nearly every part of Scotland and England. In mainland Europe, there are no substantial gaps in the range from Portugal and Spain to Greece, Estonia, Belarus and the Ukraine, although it is present mainly only in the breeding season in much of the eastern half of the latter 3 countries. It is also present in all larger Mediterranean islands such as Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily and Crete. Further north in to Scandinavia, it is found mainly in south Norway, the southern half of Sweden and in the southern two-thirds of Finland. The Common Buzzard reaches its northern limit as a breeder in far eastern Finland and over the border in to European Russia and nearly to the Kola Peninsula. In these northern limits, the Common Buzzard is present typically only in summer. The Common Buzzard generally inhabits the interface of woodlands and open ground and typically lives in forest edge, small broad-leaved, coniferous or mixed woodlands with adjacent grassland, arable fields or other farmland and open moorland as long as there are some trees. It is absent from treeless tundra and sporadic or rare in treeless steppe. The Common Buzzard can be found from sea level to elevations of 6600 feet although it breeds mostly below 3300 feet. It can winter to an elevation of 8200 feet and migrates easily at 14,800 feet. The Common Buzzard is a partial migrant. Autumn and spring movements are subject to extensive variation, even down to the individual level, based on a region's food resources, competition (both from other Common Buzzards and other predators), the extent of human disturbance and weather conditions. Short distance movements are the norm for juveniles and some adults in autumn and winter but more adults in central and south Europe and the UK remain in their year-around areas than do not. The Common Buzzard is a typical Buteo in much of its behaviour. It is most often seen effortlessly soaring for extended periods at varying heights although it can appear laborious and heavy in level flight. It is also often seen perched prominently on tree tops, bare branches, telegraph poles, fence posts, rocks or ledges or alternatively well inside the tree canopy. It will also stand and forage on the ground. The Common Buzzard is a generalist predator which hunts a wide variety of prey given the opportunity. The prey extents to a wide variety of vertebrates including mammals, birds (from any age from eggs to adult birds), reptiles, amphibians and fish as well as to various invertebrates, mostly insects. In total, well over 300 prey species are known to be taken by the Common Buzzard. However, dietary studies have shown that it mostly preys upon small mammals, mainly small rodents. Furthermore, prey size can vary from tiny beetles, caterpillars and ants to large adult grouse and Rabbits up to nearly twice their body mass. At times, the Common Buzzard will also subsist partially on carrion, usually of dead mammals or fish. Hunting in relatively open areas has been found to increase hunting success whereas more complete shrub cover lowered success. A majority of prey is taken by dropping from a perch and is normally taken on the ground. Prey may also be hunted in a low flight, by random glides or soars or by foraging on the ground. The home range of the Common Buzzard is generally 0.19 to 0.77 square miles and the size of the breeding territory seems to be correlated with food supply. The territory is maintained through flight displays and in Europe territorial behaviour usually starts in February. However, displays are not uncommon throughout the year in resident pairs, especially by males, and can elicit similar displays by their neighbours. In the display, the Common Buzzard generally engages in high circling, spiraling upward on slightly raised wings. Mutual high circling by pairs sometimes goes on at length, especially during the period prior to or during breeding season. During the mutual displays, the male may engage in exaggerated deep flapping or zig-zag tumbling, apparently in response to the female being too distant. Several pairs may circle together at times and as many as 14 individual adults have been recorded over established display sites. Sky-dancing by the Common Buzzard has been recorded in spring and autumn, typically by the male but sometimes by the female, nearly always with much calling. Sky-dances are of the rollercoaster type, with an upward sweep of up to 100 feet until the bird starts start to stall but sometimes embellished with loops or rolls at the top. Next in the sky-dance, the bird will dive at least 200 feet on more or less closed wings before spreading them and shooting up again. These sky-dances may be repeated in series of 10 to 20. In the climax of the sky-dance, the undulations become progressively shallower, often slowing and terminating directly on to a perch. Various other aerial displays include low contour flight or weaving among trees, frequently with deep beats and exaggerated upstrokes which show underwing pattern to rivals perched below. Talon grappling and occasionally cartwheeling downward with feet interlocked has also been recorded. The Common Buzzard tends to build a bulky nest of sticks, twigs and often heather and lined with broad-leaved foliage. Nests are up to 3.3 to 3.9 feet across and 24 inches deep. With reuse over years, the diameter of a nest can reach or exceed 5 feet. Trees are generally used for a nesting location but crags or cliffs are used if trees are unavailable. Nests in trees are usually located by the main trunk at a height of around 10 to 82 feet. Pairs often have 2 to 4 nests in a territory but some pairs may use a single nest over several consecutive years. The breeding season of the Common Buzzard commences at differing times based on latitude. It may fall as early as January to April but typically it is March to July in most of Europe. In the northern limits of the range the breeding season may occur from May to August. Mating usually occurs on or near the nest and eggs are usually laid in 2 to 3 day intervals. The clutch size can range from to 2 to 6 and it appears that local factors such as habitat and food supply are relevant. Eggs are generally laid in late March to early April in the extreme south, sometime in April in most of Europe and in to May and possibly even early June in the extreme north. If eggs are lost to a predator or fail in some other way, replacement clutches are not usually laid although this has been recorded. Incubation lasts for 33 to 35 days and is mostly, but not solely, undertaken by the female. Hatching may take place over 3 to 7 days. Often the youngest nestling dies from starvation, especially in broods of 3 or more. The female remains at the nest brooding the young in the early stages with the male bringing all prey. At about 8 to 12 days, both the male and female will bring prey but the female continues to do all feeding until the young can tear up their own prey. The young are nearly fully feathered rather than downy at about a month of age and can start to feed themselves as well. The first attempts to leave the nest are often at about 40 to 50 days. Fledging occurs typically at 43 to 54 days but in extreme cases as late 62 days. After leaving the nest, the young generally stay close by until full independence 6 to 8 weeks after fledging. Numerous factors may influence the breeding success of the Common Buzzard including the availability of prey populations, habitat, disturbance and persecution levels and competition. The Common Buzzard is one of the most numerous birds of prey in its range and it is the most numerous diurnal bird of prey throughout much of Europe. Date: 11th October 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453964.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15376814724ff546b07dbc7.jpgRoller The European Roller is the only member of the Roller family to breed in Europe. It is a stocky bird, the size of a Jackdaw, and it is mainly blue with an orange-brown back. It is striking in its strong direct flight with the brilliant blue contrasting with black flight feathers. Sexes are similar but the juvenile is a drabber version of the adult. The European Roller often perches prominently on trees, posts or overhead wires whilst watching for the large insects, small reptiles, rodents and frogs that they eat. They have a Lapwing-like display with the twisting and turning display flight giving the bird its English name. The European Roller breeds in north Africa from Morocco east to Tunisia, in south west and south central Europe and in Asia Minor east through north west Iran to south west Siberia. It is a long-distance migrant, wintering in southern Africa in two distinct regions, from Senegal east to Cameroon and from Ethiopia west to Congo and south to South Africa. The European Roller can be found in warm, dry, open country with scattered trees, preferring lowland open countryside with patches of oak forest, mature pine woodland with heathery clearings, orchards, mixed farmland, river valleys and plains with scattered thorny or leafy trees. It winters primarily in dry wooded savanna and bushy plains. The European Roller has a large global population of an estimated 100,000 to 220,000 individuals in Europe. However, following a moderate decline during 1970 to 1990, the species has continued to decline especially in Europe with a decrease in the overall European population exceeding 30% in 15 years. Threats include persecution on migration in some Mediterranean countries, the use of pesticides which reduces food availability and sensitivity to changing farming and forestry practices. Date: 28th April 2012 Location: Santa Marta de Magasca to Cáceres, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13683324.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15765505464ed72ec2351a4.jpgScottish Wildcat The Wildcat is the UK’s only native cat. It looks very similar to a domestic tabby cat but it is larger with a stockier build and a thick bushy tail which has 3 to 5 broad black bands of fur and a rounded and blunt black tip. The colour of the coat varies from greyish to yellowish-brown. The Wildcat is confined to Scotland north of Glasgow and Edinburgh but it is absent from the Scottish Islands. It prefers areas with varied habitats on the edge of moorland with pasture, scrub and forests. High mountains where prey is scarce and intensively farmed lowland regions are avoided. In winter, bad weather drives the Wildcat from mountains and moorlands into more sheltered wooded valleys. The Wildcat is a shy and wary animal which is active at night, mainly around dawn and dusk. The diet consists of Rabbits, Hares and small mammals but quite large birds and animals freshly killed on roads may also be taken. It sometimes stores or caches uneaten prey by hiding it under vegetation. During the day, and in periods of heavy rain and snow, the Wildcat lies up in dens located amongst boulders and rocky cairns or in old Fox earths, Badgers setts, peat hags or tree roots. The Wildcat is also a solitary and territorial animal living at a low population density. There may be one cat to three square kilometres in good habitats but only one cat to 10 square kilometres in less favourable areas. Urine sprayed on boulders and tree trunks and droppings deposited in prominent places, are used by the Wildcat to mark its territory. Although the Wildcat may live for 10 to 12 years in the wild, most seem to die at an early age. The Wildcat used to be found throughout mainland UK but due to persecution and clearance of wooded land it declined over several centuries. It disappeared from southern England in the 16th century and the last one recorded from northern England was shot in 1849. The Wildcat almost became extinct in the UK in the early years of last century but, following reduced persecution at the time of the First World War and helped by more forestry plantations, it recolonised parts of Scotland. However, this recovery now seems to have slowed down. The urbanised habitat of the central lowlands of Scotland seems to be a barrier to further dispersal. A recent survey failed to find any evidence of Wildcats south of the industrial belt of Scotland. Although increasing afforestation helped the spread of the Wildcat, as forest plantations mature they become less suitable for the small mammals on which the Wildcat preys. Forestry management to encourage Wildcats should therefore aim to diversify the age of plantations. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and 1988 now gives strict legal protection to Wildcats and their dens and it is an offence to take or kill one except under licence. Despite this protection, illegal trapping and shooting are still major causes of death of Wildcats whilst others die in road traffic accidents and there is still a risk from illegal poisoning. Inter-breeding with domestic cats gone wild (known as feral cats) could pose an insidious threat to the Wildcat’s survival in the UK by changing the species' genetic identity. The Wildcat is also at risk from diseases of domestic cats such as feline leukaemia. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/skallelv-varanger-peninsula-finnmark-norway https://images.on-this.website/4752_20423993524bf6d9b0728bf.jpgSkallelv, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway Skallelv is a small village located on the southern coast of the Varanger peninsula in Finnmark county in north east Norway. The village lies along the European route E75 about halfway between the villages of Komagvær and Krampenes. Skallelv is one of very few places in Finnmark that was not burnt and destroyed under Operation Nordlicht, a German operation during the Lapland War at the end of World War 2. Date: 12th April 2010 Location: view from route E75 looking towards Skallelv, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo441577.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1269956310467eeaecbf7f7.jpgDate: June 1996 Location: Beauly Firth, Inverness-shire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23806437.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11451200805512b15060daf.jpgScaup The Greater Scaup, or just Scaup in Europe, is a medium sized diving duck in the genus [i]Aythya[/i]. The adult Scaup is 15 to 22 inches in length with a 28 to 33 inches wingspan and it is 20% heavier and 10% longer than the closely related Lesser Scaup. The adult male has a dark head with a green sheen, blue bill and yellow eyes, a glossy black neck, breast and tail, a light back, vermiculated grey lower flanks and a bright white belly. The upper wing has a white stripe starting as the speculum and extending along the flight feathers to the wingtip. The male is larger and has a more rounded head than the female. The adult female has a brown body and head, with white wing markings similar to those of the male but slightly duller. It has a white band and brown oval shaped patches at the base of the bill which is a slightly duller shade of blue than the male's. Juveniles look similar to adult females. The Scaup has a circumpolar distribution and it breeds within the Arctic Circle both in the Old World (the Palearctic) and in north America (the Nearctic). In the summer months it can be found in Alaska, Siberia and the northern parts of Europe. It is also found in Asia and is present in the Aleutian Islands all year round. The Scaup breeds in marshy lowland tundra and islands in fresh water lakes. Males have a soft, quick whistle which they use to attract the attention of females during courtship which takes place from late winter to early spring on the way back to their northern breeding grounds. The courtship is complex and results in the formation of monogamous pairs. Pairs nest in close proximity to each other in large colonies, usually near water, on an island or shoreline or on a raft of floating vegetation. The nest consists of a shallow depression made by the female and lined with her down. After the female lays the eggs, the male abandons the female and moves with other males to a large, isolated lake to moult. These lakes can be close to the breeding grounds or miles away. The female lays 6 to 9 eggs which she incubates for 24 to 28 days. Newly hatched chicks are covered with down and are soon able to walk, swim and feed themselves. However, they are not able to fly until 40 to 45 days after hatching and they follow their mother who protects them from predators. In the autumn, Scaup start their migration south for the winter. During the winter months it can be found in large flocks in coastal bays and estuaries along the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of north America, the coasts of north west Europe, the Caspian Sea, the Black Sea, the coast of Japan, the Yellow Sea and the East China Sea. In Europe, the Scaup breeds in Iceland, along the northern coasts of Scandinavia, in the Baltic Sea and in areas close to the Arctic Ocean in Russia. These birds spend the winter in the UK (primarily on estuaries in north England and central Scotland but also occasionally on lakes and reservoirs elsewhere), west Norway, south Sweden, the coast from Brittany in France to Poland, the eastern Adriatic Sea, the north and west Black Sea and the south west Caspian Sea. The Scaup dives up to 20 feet to obtain food which it then eats on the surface. It mainly eats molluscs, aquatic plants and aquatic insects. Although the Scaup faces numerous threats, the most significant challenge to their survival is habitat degradation caused by a mix of human development, run-off of organochloride contaminants and oil and sewage pollution. Since the 1980s, the population has been steadily decreasing although it still rated as a species of “least concern” by the IUCN. This bird was part of the captive collection at the WWT Wetland Centre. Date: 7th March 2015 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21959213.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_112060403953da67e031fbb.jpgArctic Tern The Arctic Tern is a seabird of the tern family. The adult plumage is grey above with a black nape and crown and white cheeks. The upperwings are pale grey with the area near the wingtip being translucent. The tail is white and the underparts pale grey. The beak is dark red as are the short legs and webbed feet. Like most terns, the Arctic Tern has high aspect ratio wings and a tail with a deep fork and long tail streamers. Both sexes are similar in appearance. The winter plumage is similar but the crown is whiter and the bills are darker. Juveniles differ from adults having black bill and legs, "scaly" appearing wings and mantle with dark feather tips, dark carpal wing bar and short tail streamers. During their first summer, juveniles also have a whiter forecrown. Whilst the Arctic Tern is similar to the Common and the Roseate Tern, its colouring, profile and call are slightly different. Compared to the Common Tern, it has a longer tail and mono-coloured bill, whilst the main differences from the Roseate Tern are its slightly darker colour and longer wings. The Arctic Tern has a circumpolar breeding distribution covering the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of Europe, Asia and north America. It is strongly migratory and sees 2 summers each year and more daylight than any other creature on the planet. It migrates along a convoluted route from its northern summer breeding grounds to the northern edge of the Antarctic coast for the southern summer and back again about 6 months later. In the UK, breeding Arctic Terns can best be seen on islands such as the Farne Islands in Northumberland or Orkney and Shetland in northern Scotland where the greatest densities occur. Recent studies have shown average annual roundtrip lengths of 25000 to 50000 miles depending on the route taken and weather and wind conditions. The Arctic Tern is a long-lived bird with many reaching 30 years of age and based on this average it will travel some 1.5 million miles during its lifetime. This is by far the longest migration known in the animal kingdom. Breeding takes place in colonies on coasts, islands and occasionally inland on tundra near water. The Arctic Tern often forms mixed colonies with the Common Tern and Sandwich Tern. As it nests on the ground, the Arctic Tern is vulnerable to predation but it is one of the most aggressive terns and it is fiercely defensive of its nest and young. It will attack humans and large predators, usually striking the top or back of the head. Although it is too small to cause serious injury, it is still capable of drawing blood and repelling many raptorial birds and smaller mammalian predators such as foxes and cats. Other nesting birds, such as auks, often incidentally benefit from the protection provided by nesting in an area defended by Arctic Terns. The diet of the Arctic Tern varies depending on location and time but it usually eats small fish or marine crustaceans by dipping down to the surface of the water to catch prey. While feeding, skuas, gulls and other tern species will often harass the birds and steal their food. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Inner Farne, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26041743.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5492262805638b533e73f5.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name <i>Fratercula</i> comes from the Medieval Latin <i>fratercula</i> meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name <i>arctica</i> refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek <i>άρκτος</i> ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name <i>puffin</i> (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Látrabjarg, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7190800.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2503499014cc304eec8d46.jpgFallow Deer Fallow Deer are native to the Mediterranean region of Europe and from Turkey to Iran but they have been introduced to nearly 40 countries including the UK by the Normans in the 11th century. They have since become the most widespread species of deer in the UK and typically can be found in deciduous woodland with open patches. Fallow Deer commonly gather in small herds of 4 to 5 but in good feeding areas groupings of up to 100 may gather. When competing for access to females, males display by groaning, thrashing their antlers and by walking alongside their opponent. Fighting occurs if both stags are evenly matched and involves wrestling and clashing of antlers. Fallow Deer have many colour varieties but they are typically fawn-coloured in the summer and reddish-brown in the winter. They have yellow-white undersides, white spots and a black line that runs along the back to the tip of the tail. The spots become less conspicuous or disappear in winter. Males have palmate (flattened) antlers. Date: 17th October 2010 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9591286.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6385488364db17540a2a96.jpgCommon Pochard The Common Pochard is a medium-sized and stocky diving duck. The adult male has a long dark bill with a grey band, a red head and neck, a black breast, red eyes and a grey back. The adult female has a brown head and body and a narrower grey bill band. The triangular head shape is distinctive. The Common Pochard is superficially similar to the closely related Redhead and Canvasback found in north America. The Common Pochard breeds in marshes and on lakes in much of temperate and north Europe and in to Asia. It is migratory and spends the winter in the south and west of Europe. In the UK, the Common Pochard breeds in east England and lowland Scotland plus in small numbers in Northern Ireland. Large numbers from Russia and Scandinavia winter in the UK on lakes, reservoirs and gravel pits, often mixing with other diving ducks such as the Tufted Duck. In a number of countries, the Common Pochard is decreasing mainly due to habitat loss and hunting. It is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. The Common Pochard feeds mainly by diving or dabbling for aquatic plants, molluscs, aquatic insects and small fish. Date: 6th January 2008 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/whinchat https://images.on-this.website/4752_1317209494cd574437af36.jpgWhinchat The Whinchat is similar in size to its relative the Robin. Both sexes have brownish upperparts mottled darker, a buff throat and breast, a pale buff to whitish belly and a blackish tail with white bases to the outer tail feathers. The male in breeding plumage has blackish face mask almost encircled by a strong white supercilium and malar stripe, a bright orange-buff throat and breast and small white wing patches. The female is duller overall, in particular having browner face mask, pale buffy-brown breast, and a buff supercilium and malar stripe and smaller or no white wing patches. Males in immature and winter plumage and are similar to females. The Whinchat is a fairly common migratory species in Europe and western Asia with birds arriving at their breeding grounds between the end of April and mid May and departing between mid August and mid September. They winter primarily in tropical sub-Saharan Africa with small numbers also in north west Africa. Date: 12th September 2010 Location: Laguna del Oso, Castille y Leon, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/jackdaws https://images.on-this.website/4752_4469991884d03d0433465a.jpgJackdaws The Western Jackdaw, also known as the Eurasian Jackdaw, European Jackdaw or simply Jackdaw, is a passerine bird in the crow family. Measuring 13 to 15 inches in length, the Jackdaw is the second smallest member of the crow family. Most of the plumage is a shiny black with a purple or blue sheen on the crown, forehead and secondaries and a green-blue sheen on the throat, primaries and tail. The cheeks, nape and neck are light grey to greyish-silver and the underparts are slate-grey. The legs are black as is the short stout bill. The irises of adults are greyish or silvery white while those of juveniles are light blue, becoming brownish before whitening at around one year of age. The sexes look alike although the head and neck plumage of male birds fades more with age and wear, particularly just before moulting. Immature birds have duller and less demarcated plumage. The head is a sooty black, sometimes with a faint greenish sheen and brown feather bases visible, the back and side of the neck are dark grey and the underparts greyish or sooty black. The tail has narrower feathers and a greenish sheen. There are 4 recognised geographical subspecies of the Jackdaw, each with slight plumage variations. Within its range, the Jackdaw is generally unmistakable and its short bill and grey nape are distinguishing features. In flight, the Jackdaw is distinguishable from other crows by its smaller size, faster and deeper wingbeats and proportionately narrower and less fingered wing tips. It also has a shorter and thicker neck and a much shorter bill and it frequently flies in tighter flocks. The Jackdaw is a skilled flyer and can manoeuvre tightly as well as tumble and glide. It has characteristic jerky wing beats when flying. On the ground, the Jackdaw has an upright posture and struts briskly with its short legs giving it a rapid gait. The Jackdaw is found from north west Africa, throughout all of Europe, except for the extreme north, and east through central Asia to the east Himalayas and Lake Baikal. To the east, it occurs throughout Turkey, the Caucasus, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and north west India. A small number of Jackdaws reached the north east of North America in the 1980s and have been found from Atlantic Canada to Pennsylvania. The range is vast and there is a large global population. Most populations are resident but the north and east populations are more migratory and relocate to wintering areas between September and November and return between February and early May. The Jackdaw can be found in wooded steppes, pastures, cultivated land, coastal cliffs and towns. It thrives when forested areas are cleared and converted to fields and open areas. Habitats with a mix of large trees, buildings and open ground are preferred. Open fields are left to the Rook and more wooded areas to the Jay. The Jackdaw is highly gregarious and is generally seen in flocks of varying sizes. Flocks increase in size in autumn and birds congregate at dusk for communal roosting with up to several thousand individuals gathering at one site. Males and females pair bond for life and pairs stay together within flocks. Jackdaws will frequently congregate with other crows such as Carrion Crows, Hooded Crows or Rooks. Foraging takes place mostly on the ground in open areas and to some extent in trees. Landfill sites, bins, streets and gardens are also visited, more often early in the morning when there are fewer people about. Various feeding methods are employed, such as jumping, pecking, clod-turning and scattering, probing the soil and occasional digging. The Jackdaw will also ride on the backs of sheep and other mammals such as deer, seeking ticks as well as actively gathering wool or hair for nests. Compared with other crows, the Jackdaw spends more time exploring and turning over objects with its bill. It also has a straighter and less downturned bill and increased binocular vision which are advantageous for this foraging strategy. The Jackdaw is opportunistic and highly adaptable and varies its diet markedly depending on available food sources. It tends to feed on small invertebrates that are found above ground, including various species of beetle as well as snails and spiders. It will also eat small rodents, bats, the eggs and chicks of birds and carrion such as roadkill. Vegetable items consumed include farm grains, weed seeds, elderberries, acorns and various cultivated fruits. The Jackdaw practices active food sharing with a number of individuals regardless of sex or kinship. It also shares more of a preferred food than a less preferred food. The active giving of food by most birds is found mainly in the context of parental care and courtship although the Jackdaw shows much higher levels of active giving than has been documented for other species. The function of this behaviour is not fully understood and several theories have been advanced. Genetic analysis of Jackdaw pairs and offspring shows no evidence of extra-pair copulation and there is little evidence for couple separation even after multiple instances of reproductive failure. Some pairs do separate in the first few months but almost all pairings of over 6 months' duration are lifelong and end only when a partner dies. Widowed or separated birds fare badly and are often ousted from nests or territories and are unable to rear broods alone. The Jackdaw usually breeds in colonies with pairs collaborating to find a nest site which they then defend from other pairs and predators during most of the year. It will nest in cavities in trees or cliffs, in ruined or occupied buildings and in chimneys, the common feature being a sheltered site for the nest. A mated pair usually constructs a nest by improving a crevice by dropping sticks into it. The nest is then built on top of the platform formed. Nest platforms can attain a great size. Nests are lined with hair, wool, dead grass and many other materials. Clutches usually contain 4 or 5 eggs which are incubated by the female for 17 to 18 days until hatching as naked altricial chicks which are completely dependent on the adults for food. The chicks fledge after 28 to 35 days and the parents continue to feed them for another 4 weeks or so. Date: 15th November 2010 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813396.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12484636215d0ddebdedb70.jpgArctic Skua The Arctic Skua is a seabird in the skua family. Identification is complicated by similarities to the Long-tailed Skua and the Pomarine Skua and the existence of three colour morphs. Light-morph adults have a brown back, mainly white underparts and dark primary wing feathers with a white flash. The head and neck are yellowish-white with a black cap and there is a pointed central tail projection. Dark-morph adults are dark brown and intermediate-phase birds are dark with somewhat paler underparts, head and neck. All morphs have the white wing flash. The Arctic Skua breeds on dry tundra, higher fells and islands in the north of Eurasia and north America with significant populations as far south as northern Scotland. In the UK, it breeds in Shetland and Orkney, the Outer Hebrides, Sutherland, Caithness and some islands in Argyll. The Arctic Skua is a migrant, wintering at sea in the tropics and southern oceans. The Arctic Skua feeds on rodents, small birds and insects but also robs gulls and terns of their catches. Like the larger skua species, it continues this piratical behaviour throughout the year and shows great agility as it harasses its victims. Date: 10th June 2019 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42229303.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1969044764603e62c4a76dc.jpgCanada Goose The Canada Goose belongs to the Branta genus of geese which contains species with largely black plumage distinguishing it from the grey species of the genus Anser. The black head and neck with a white "chinstrap" distinguish the Canada Goose from all other goose species with the exception of the Cackling Goose from north America and the Barnacle Goose which has a black breast and grey rather than brownish body plumage. The 7 sub-species of the Canada Goose vary widely in size and plumage details but all are recognizable as Canada Geese. Of the "true geese" (i.e. the genera Anser, Branta or Chen), the Canada Goose is on average the largest living species. It ranges from 30 to 43 inches in length and with a 50 to 73 inches wingspan. The male usually weighs 5.7 to 14.3 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 8.6 pounds. The female looks virtually identical but is slightly lighter at 5.3 to 12.1 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 7.9 pounds. It is also generally 10% smaller in linear dimensions than the male. The Canada Goose is native to north America where it breeds in Canada and the north USA in a wide range of habitats. The Great Lakes region maintains a very large population. It occurs all year round in the southern part of its breeding range, including most of the eastern seaboard and the Pacific coast. Between California and South Carolina in the south USA and north Mexico, it is primarily present as a migrant from further north during the winter. Outside north America, the Canada Goose has reached north Europe naturally as has been proved by ringing recoveries. It has also been introduced in to Europe and had established populations in the UK in the middle of the 18th century, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany and Scandinavia. Most European populations are not migratory but those in more northerly parts of Sweden and Finland migrate to the North Sea and Baltic coasts. Semi-tame feral birds are common in parks and have become a pest in some areas. In the early 17th century, explorer Samuel de Champlain sent several pairs of Canada Geese to France as a present for King Louis XIII. Canada Geese were first introduced in to the UK in the late 17th century as an addition to King James II's waterfowl collection in St. James's Park. They were also introduced in to Germany and Scandinavia during the 20th century. During the second year of its life, the Canada Goose finds a mate. It is a monogamous species and most couples stay together all of their lives. If one dies, the other may find a new mate. The female lays from 2 to 9 eggs with an average of 5. Both parents protect the nest while the eggs incubate but the female spends more time at the nest than the male. The nest is usually located in an elevated area near water such as streams, lakes and ponds and the eggs are laid in a shallow depression lined with plant material and down. The incubation period, in which the female incubates the eggs while the male remains nearby, lasts for 24 to 28 days after laying. As soon as the goslings hatch, they are immediately capable of walking, swimming and finding their own food (a diet similar to the adults). Parents are often seen leading their goslings in a line, usually with one adult at the front and the other at the back. While protecting their goslings, parents often violently chase away anything from small birds to lone humans who approach, after warning them by giving off a hissing sound and then attacking with bites and slaps of the wings if the threat does not retreat. Although parents are hostile to unfamiliar geese, they may form groups (crèches) of a number of goslings and a few adults. The goslings enter the fledgling stage any time from 6 to 9 weeks of age. Once it reaches adulthood, due to its large size and often aggressive behaviour, the Canada Goose is rarely preyed on although prior injury may make it more vulnerable to natural predators. The lifespan in the wild of birds that survive to adulthood ranges from 10 to 24 years. The UK longevity record is held by a specimen tagged as a nestling which was observed alive at the age of 31. The Canada Goose is primarily a herbivore although it will sometimes eat small insects and fish. Their diet includes grasses, aquatic plants, beans and grains such as wheat, rice, and corn when they are available. In urban areas, it is also known to pick food out of rubbish bins and it will readily take a variety of food from humans in parks. Date: 13th February 2021 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42229302.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1084042830603e62c0cc1f9.jpgCanada Goose The Canada Goose belongs to the Branta genus of geese which contains species with largely black plumage distinguishing it from the grey species of the genus Anser. The black head and neck with a white "chinstrap" distinguish the Canada Goose from all other goose species with the exception of the Cackling Goose from north America and the Barnacle Goose which has a black breast and grey rather than brownish body plumage. The 7 sub-species of the Canada Goose vary widely in size and plumage details but all are recognizable as Canada Geese. Of the "true geese" (i.e. the genera Anser, Branta or Chen), the Canada Goose is on average the largest living species. It ranges from 30 to 43 inches in length and with a 50 to 73 inches wingspan. The male usually weighs 5.7 to 14.3 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 8.6 pounds. The female looks virtually identical but is slightly lighter at 5.3 to 12.1 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 7.9 pounds. It is also generally 10% smaller in linear dimensions than the male. The Canada Goose is native to north America where it breeds in Canada and the north USA in a wide range of habitats. The Great Lakes region maintains a very large population. It occurs all year round in the southern part of its breeding range, including most of the eastern seaboard and the Pacific coast. Between California and South Carolina in the south USA and north Mexico, it is primarily present as a migrant from further north during the winter. Outside north America, the Canada Goose has reached north Europe naturally as has been proved by ringing recoveries. It has also been introduced in to Europe and had established populations in the UK in the middle of the 18th century, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany and Scandinavia. Most European populations are not migratory but those in more northerly parts of Sweden and Finland migrate to the North Sea and Baltic coasts. Semi-tame feral birds are common in parks and have become a pest in some areas. In the early 17th century, explorer Samuel de Champlain sent several pairs of Canada Geese to France as a present for King Louis XIII. Canada Geese were first introduced in to the UK in the late 17th century as an addition to King James II's waterfowl collection in St. James's Park. They were also introduced in to Germany and Scandinavia during the 20th century. During the second year of its life, the Canada Goose finds a mate. It is a monogamous species and most couples stay together all of their lives. If one dies, the other may find a new mate. The female lays from 2 to 9 eggs with an average of 5. Both parents protect the nest while the eggs incubate but the female spends more time at the nest than the male. The nest is usually located in an elevated area near water such as streams, lakes and ponds and the eggs are laid in a shallow depression lined with plant material and down. The incubation period, in which the female incubates the eggs while the male remains nearby, lasts for 24 to 28 days after laying. As soon as the goslings hatch, they are immediately capable of walking, swimming and finding their own food (a diet similar to the adults). Parents are often seen leading their goslings in a line, usually with one adult at the front and the other at the back. While protecting their goslings, parents often violently chase away anything from small birds to lone humans who approach, after warning them by giving off a hissing sound and then attacking with bites and slaps of the wings if the threat does not retreat. Although parents are hostile to unfamiliar geese, they may form groups (crèches) of a number of goslings and a few adults. The goslings enter the fledgling stage any time from 6 to 9 weeks of age. Once it reaches adulthood, due to its large size and often aggressive behaviour, the Canada Goose is rarely preyed on although prior injury may make it more vulnerable to natural predators. The lifespan in the wild of birds that survive to adulthood ranges from 10 to 24 years. The UK longevity record is held by a specimen tagged as a nestling which was observed alive at the age of 31. The Canada Goose is primarily a herbivore although it will sometimes eat small insects and fish. Their diet includes grasses, aquatic plants, beans and grains such as wheat, rice, and corn when they are available. In urban areas, it is also known to pick food out of rubbish bins and it will readily take a variety of food from humans in parks. Date: 13th February 2021 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12869416.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14139651604e786b402e2a8.jpgLittle Grebe The Little Grebe, also known as the Dabchick, is the smallest member of the grebe family measuring 9 to 11.5 inches in length. The adult is unmistakable in summer, predominantly dark above with its rich, rufous colour neck, cheeks and flanks and bright yellow gape. The rufous is replaced by a dirty brownish grey in non-breeding and juvenile birds. Juveniles have a yellow bill with a small black tip and black and white streaks on the cheeks and sides of the neck. This yellow bill darkens as the juveniles age, eventually turning black as an adult. The Little Grebe can be noisy with a distinctive whinnying trill. The Little Grebe can be found across Europe, much of Asia down to New Guinea and in most of Africa. It breeds in small colonies in freshwater wetlands with muddy bottoms and edges and still or slow-moving water with plenty of emergent vegetation such as lakes, gravel pits, canals and rivers. Most birds move to more open or coastal waters in winter but it is only migratory in those parts of its range where the waters freeze. Like all grebes, the Little Grebe nests at the water's edge since its legs are set very far back and it can not walk well. Usually 4 to 7 eggs are laid. The young leave the nest and can swim soon after hatching but are often carried on the backs of the swimming adults. The Little Grebe is an excellent swimmer and diver and pursues its fish and aquatic invertebrate prey underwater. It uses the vegetation skilfully as a hiding place. Date: 18th September 2011 Location: Cromford Canal, Derbyshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/february-2010-red-grouse https://images.on-this.website/4752_10292385774beed4f998585.jpgFebruary 2010 - Red Grouse Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4639672.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52518234.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_149383045767545c60a0abf.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the Canidae family and is a part of the order Carnivora within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 17th October 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4267531.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12547566244b522aea0caf4.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 3rd January 2010 Location: Southerness, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41349679.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16642974825f2011476564f.jpgGatekeeper Flight period: mid-July to early September. The Gatekeeper or Hedge Brown is common and widespread throughout the southern half of the UK. They can be found in areas with hedgerows or in scrubby woodland with wide and sunny rides. Date: 12th July 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230734.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_89426408464916fe671a5f.jpgRWT Gilfach, Powys RWT Gilfach is located just 4 miles north of Rhayader. For centuries, it was a working hill farm but now it is a spectacular nature reserve tucked away in the Marteg valley in the heart of rural mid-Wales. The old farm buildings are used as visitor facilities and a series of way-marked trails provide access to the woodlands, rough grazing areas and heather moorland. A hide close to the reserve entrance overlooks the River Marteg. Date: 14th May 2023 Location: RWT Gilfach, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39081948.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6182511155d30786ce1c9b.jpgEuropean Bee-eaters The European Bee-eater is an incredibly colourful bird with an unmistakable appearance. In breeding plumage, it has a rich chestnut crown that blends into gold on its back. The forehead is white, the throat is yellow bordered by black and the underparts are blue. The male European Bee-eater has a chestnut-coloured patch in the middle of the wing while in females this patch is usually smaller or even absent. Occasionally, females may also be distinguished from the males by having a green back. The wings and backs of juvenile European Bee-eaters are entirely green and the eyes are brown in contrast to the bright red eyes of adults. The European Bee-eater breeds in southern Europe and in parts of north Africa and western Asia. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, India and Sri Lanka. European Bee-eaters are occasionally seen in northern Europe (including the UK) as a spring overshoot north of its range with occasional breeding occurring. Just as the name suggests, the European Bee-eater predominantly eats insects, especially bees, wasps and hornets which are caught in the air by sorties from an open perch. Before eating its meal, a European Bee-eater removes the sting by repeatedly hitting the insect on a hard surface. Lizards and frogs are also taken. European Bee-eaters are gregarious, nesting colonially in sandy banks preferably near river shores and also feeding and roosting communally. Date: 17th May 2018 Location: Vetren, Silistra Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52518209.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9373951476754531075b18.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 26th September 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4466107.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19459564244b8a258b6d65c.jpg http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512509.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_100181011262c99a1d083da.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 9th May 2022 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23526655.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_106397614054ddc485784ad.jpgDark-bellied Brent Geese The Brent Goose belongs to the [I]Branta[/I] genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the [I]Anser[/I] genus of grey geese. [I]Branta[/I] is a Latinised form of Old Norse [I]brandgás[/I], meaning "burnt (black) goose", and [i]bernicla[/i] is the medieval Latin name for the barnacle. The Brent Goose and the similar Barnacle Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be the same creature as the crustacean, a myth that can be dated back to at least the 12th century. The Brent Goose, [I]Branta bernicla[/I] is divided into 3 sub-species: Dark-bellied Brent Goose [I]B. b. bernicla[/I], Pale-bellied Brent Goose [i]B. b. hrota[/i] (sometimes also known as Light-bellied Brent Goose) and Black Brant [i]B. b. nigricans[/i]. Some DNA evidence suggests that these forms are genetically distinct and a split into 3 separate species has been proposed. However, other evidence upholds their maintenance as a single species. The Brent Goose is a small goose, 22 to 26 inches long with a wingspan of 42 to 48 inches. The under-tail is pure white and the tail black and very short (the shortest of any goose). The Dark-bellied Brent Goose is fairly uniformly dark grey-brown all over and the flanks and belly are not significantly paler than the back. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds on the Arctic coasts of central and west Siberia and winters in west Europe with over half the population in south England and the rest between north Germany and north west France. The Pale-bellied Brent Goose appears blackish-brown and light grey in colour and the flanks and belly are significantly paler than the back and present a marked contrast. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds in Franz Josef Land, Svalbard, Greenland and north east Canada and winters in Denmark, north east England, Ireland and the Atlantic coast of the USA from Maine to Georgia as well as in a small but significant area in north France. The Black Brant appears blackish-brown and white in colour. This sub-species is very contrastingly black and white with a uniformly dark sooty-brown back, similarly-coloured underparts (with the dark colour extending furthest back of the 3 sub-species) and a prominent white flank patch. It also has a larger white neck patch which forms an almost complete collar. It breeds in north west Canada, Alaska and east Siberia and winters mostly on the west coast of north America from south Alaska to California but also in east Asia, mainly Japan. It sometimes appears as a vagrant in Europe when it associates with the other Brent Goose species. The Brent Goose used to be a strictly coastal bird in winter, seldom leaving tidal estuaries where it feeds on eel-grass and seaweed. In recent decades, it has started using agricultural land a short distance inland, feeding extensively on grass and winter-sown cereals. This may be behaviour learned by following other species of geese. Food resource pressure may also be important in forcing this change since the world population increased over 10-fold by the mid-1980s, possibly reaching the carrying capacity of the estuaries. In the breeding season, the Brent Goose uses low-lying wet coastal tundra for both breeding and feeding. The nest is bowl-shaped, lined with grass and down and located in an elevated position often near a small pond. The Brent Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds applies. Date: 26th January 2015 Location: Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46027958.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19397533356291efa73afe0.jpgReed Warbler The Eurasian Reed warbler, or just Reed Warbler, is a warbler in the genus [i]Acrocephalus[/i]. It is a medium-sized warbler, 5 to 5.5 inches in length. The adult has an unstreaked brown back and buff underparts. The forehead is flattened and the bill is strong and pointed. The sexes are identical, as with most warblers, but young birds are a richer buff colour below. The Reed Warbler’s song is a slow chatter, with typically whistles and mimicry added, and it usually sings from within a reedbed rather than from a perch so it is often heard rather than seen. The Reed Warbler is found almost exclusively in reedbeds where it breeds across Europe into the temperate western Palaearctic. It is migratory and winters in sub-Saharan Africa. It is a summer visitor to the UK with the largest concentrations in the reedbeds in lowland central and southern England and Wales. The Reed Warbler is one of the species that is brood parasitised by the Cuckoo. Like most warblers, the Reed Warbler is insectivorous but it will take other small food items including berries. Date: 21st May 2022 Location: EWT Two Tree Island, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46510592.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_129521217762c98cc37f36e.jpgBlack Grouse The Black Grouse is a large game bird in the grouse family. The male has all black plumage with distinctive red wattles over the eyes and striking white stripes along each wing in flight. It has a lyre-shaped tail which is fanned out and raised to show white under-tail feathers when displaying. The female is smaller and grey-brown in colour. The Black Grouse is a sedentary species and breeds across northern Eurasia in moorland and bog areas near to mostly boreal woodland. Although it is declining, it is not considered to be vulnerable globally due to the large population and slow rate of decline. Its decline is due to loss of habitat, disturbance, predation by foxes, crows, etc., and small populations gradually dying out. In the UK, the Black Grouse are found in upland areas of Wales, the Pennines and most of Scotland, especially on farmland and moorland with nearby forestry or scattered trees. Habitat loss and overgrazing have resulted in severe population declines which make the Black Grouse a Red List species. Positive habitat management and re-introduction programmes are helping it to increase in some areas. The Black Grouse has a very distinctive and well-recorded courtship. At dawn in the spring, the males strut around in a traditional area (lek) and display whilst making a highly distinctive and bubbling mating call. This photo was taken at a well known roadside lekking site. If visiting, please remain in your car to avoid disturbance to these vulnerable breeding birds. Date: 7th May 2022 Location: World's End, Denbighshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19507372.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_60019834952528aab88e28.jpgSpanish Terrapin The Spanish Terrapin is a semi-aquatic terrapin with an orange-brown to olive coloured and slightly flattened shell and their head and neck shows a light patterning. The Spanish Terrapin can be found in Spain, Portugal , southern France , Morocco , Algeria and Tunisia where it inhabits freshwater bodies like rivers or swamps. It is almost entirely aquatic but they enjoy sunbathing since they are cold-blooded and need the sun’s warmth. However, they are very secretive and are always alert and dive back in to the water if alarmed. The Spanish Terrapin is an excellent swimmer and feeds on small fish, amphibians, tadpoles and insects. They sometimes feed on reeds and other plants. During the winter months, the Spanish Terrapin hibernates at the bottom of ponds or shallow lakes. Date: 5th September 2013 Location: River Andújar near Jándula Dam, Sierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11654490.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1026075794e3129bba56e5.jpgLittle Tern The Little Tern is the UK's smallest tern. Its vulnerable nesting sites and its decline in Europe make it an "Amber List" species. Little Terns breed in colonies on coastal sand or shingle beaches and also along rivers and inland lakes. In the UK it is almost entirely a coastal bird and the largest colonies are found along the east and south coast of England at sites such as Blakeney Point and Great Yarmouth in Norfolk, Minsmere in Suffolk and Langstone Harbour in Hampshire. This bird was photographed at the fenced off and protected breeding colony at North Beach, Great Yarmouth. Little terns have nested here with the help of an RSPB/English Nature protection scheme since 1986. There are usually around 200 pairs, about 1 in 10 of the UK population of Britain's second rarest tern. Date: 10/07/05 Location: North Beach, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833709.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_916434636559cf0a760140.jpgLake Kerkini, Central Macedonia, Greece Lake Kerkini is one of the most important wetlands in Europe and is considered to be one of the top European birding destinations due to the wealth of resident, breeding and migratory birds. It is situated along the migratory flyway for birds en route to the Aegean Sea, the Balkan region, the Black Sea, the Hungarian steppes and beyond. Lake Kerkini is located close to the border with Bulgaria 25 miles from Serres and 60 miles from Thessaloniki, and it is surrounded by Mounts Belles and Mavrovouni. It is approximately 9 miles long and its maximum width, when full, reaches 5.5 miles. Lake Kerkini is an artificial irrigation reservoir fed by the Strymon River that was created in 1932, and then redeveloped in 1980, on the site of what was previously an extremely extensive and uninhabitable marshland. More than 300 species of birds have been recorded in the area, including 140 resident species and 170 species that migrate through every year on their way to the Aegean Sea, the Black Sea, and the Balkan region. Date: 12th May 2015 Location: view from Mandraki, Central Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/loch-assynt-highland https://images.on-this.website/4752_982475823468840ed80ed2.jpgLoch Assynt, Highland The area east of Lochinver is a remote wilderness of mountains and moorland dotted with lochs and lochans. Loch Assynt extends for 6 miles north west from Inchnadamph with the River Inver flowing out of its western end and down to the sea at Lochinver. To the north lies Quinag, to the south Suilven and Cansip and to the east Ben More Assynt. The A837 Lochinver to Lairg road meets the A894 to Durness 10 miles east of Lochinver at Skiag Bridge by Loch Assynt. Nearby are the ruins of Ardvreck Castle. The castle dates from 1597 and was the stronghold of the Macleods of Assynt until a siege of the castle in 1691, when it was taken by the Seaforth Mackenzies. Date: 9th June 2007 Location: view from the A837 road between Skiag Bridge and Inchnadamph http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533197.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_180778454562ca7f3b97dfb.jpgEssex Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Essex Skipper is a small butterfly with a darting flight. It has bright orange-brown wings which are held with the forewings angled above the hind wings. The males have a thin black scent brand line running through the centre of the forewing and parallel to the leading edge. The Small Skipper appears very similar but it lacks the black tips to the antenna and it has a longer scent brand which is angled to the edge of the forewing. Since the Essex Skipper and the Small Skipper closely resemble each other and are often found in the same company, the Essex Skipper has been overlooked both in terms of recording and ecological study and it was the last UK resident species to be described (in 1889). The Essex Skipper can be found in tall, dry grasslands in open sunny situations, especially roadside verges, woodland rides and acid grasslands as well as coastal marshes. The distribution of the Essex Skipper in the UK has more than doubled in the last few decades. It is a widespread species in southern and central England but not in the far south-west Date: 22nd June 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/red-throated-divers https://images.on-this.website/4752_7007021674eff1ffaefe8c.jpgRed-throated Divers The Red-throated Diver is the smallest and lightest of the world's diver or loon species. Like all divers, it is long-bodied and short-necked and with its legs set far back on its body. The sexes are similar in appearance although males tend to be slightly larger and heavier than females. In breeding plumage, the adult has a dark grey head and neck with narrow black and white stripes on the back of the neck, a triangular red throat patch, white underparts and a dark grey-brown mantle. The non-breeding plumage is drabber with the chin, foreneck and much of the face white, the top of the head and back of the neck grey and considerable white speckling on the dark mantle. The bill is thin, straight and sharp and the bird often holds it at an uptilted angle. In flight, the Red-throated Diver has a distinctive profile. Its small feet do not project far past the end of its body, its head and neck droop below the horizontal (giving the flying bird a distinctly hunchbacked shape) and its thin wings are angled back. It has a quicker, deeper wing beat than other divers. The Red-throated Diver has a large global population and a significant global range but some populations are declining. Oil spills, habitat degradation, pollution and fishing nets are among the major threats and natural predators, such as various gull species and both red and Arctic foxes, will take eggs and young. The Red-throated Diver breeds primarily in the Arctic regions of northern Eurasia and north America and it winters in northern coastal waters, sometimes in groups of considerable size. Unlike other divers, it regularly uses very small freshwater lakes as breeding sites. In Europe, it breeds in Iceland, northern Scotland, Scandinavia and northern Russia and it winters along the coast as far south as parts of Spain. Date: 27th May 2009 Location: Vardø to Sandfjord, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17408565.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_351537121513328b7502a1.jpgTeal The Eurasian Teal or Common Teal is often called simply the Teal due to being the only one of these small [i]Anas[/i] dabbling ducks in much of its range. The Teal is the smallest dabbling duck at 7.9 to 11.8 inches in length and with a wingspan of 21 to 23 inches. From a distance, the male Teal in breeding plumage appears grey with a dark head, a yellowish behind and a white stripe running along the flanks. Their head and upper neck is chestnut with a wide and iridescent dark green patch of half-moon or teardrop-shape that starts immediately before the eye and arcs to the upper hindneck. This patch is bordered with thin yellowish-white lines and a single line of that colour extends from the patch's forward end and curving along the base of the bill. The breast is buff with small round brown spots. The centre of the belly is white and the rest of the body plumage is mostly white with thin and dense blackish vermiculations, appearing medium grey even at a short distance. The outer scapular feathers are white with a black border to the outer vanes and these form the white side-stripe when the bird is in resting position. The tail and tail coverts are black with a bright yellowish-buff triangular patch in the centre of the coverts at each side. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female. It is more uniform in colour with a dark head and vestigial facial markings. The female Teal is yellowish-brown but somewhat darker on the wings and back. It has a dark greyish-brown upper head, hindneck, eyestripe and feather pattern. The pattern is dense short streaks on the head and neck and scaly spots on the rest of the body. Overall it looks much like a tiny Mallard. Immatures are coloured much like the adult females but they have a stronger pattern. The downy young are coloured like other dabbling ducks, brown above and yellow below with a yellow supercilium. The male's bill is dark grey but in the eclipse plumage it often shows some light greenish or brownish hue at the base. The bill of the females and immatures is pinkish or yellowish at the base, becoming dark grey towards the tip. The feet are dark grey in the males and greyish olive or greyish-brown in females and immatures. The Teal breeds across north Eurasia where it occupies sheltered freshwater wetlands with some tall vegetation such as taiga bogs or small lakes and ponds with extensive reedbeds. It mostly winters well south of its breeding range in the Mediterranean region, south Asia and some parts of Africa where it is often seen in large flocks in brackish waters and even in sheltered inlets and lagoons along the seashore. It is also regularly recorded on the north American coasts south to California and South Carolina. In the milder climate of temperate Europe, such as in the UK, the summer and winter ranges overlap. In the UK, the Teal can be found all year round but it is thinly distributed as a breeding species. In winter, birds congregate in larger numbers on low-lying wetlands both on the coast and inland in the south and west of the UK. Of these, many are continental birds from around the Baltic and Siberia. At this time, the UK is home to a significant percentage of the north west European wintering population. The Teal is much less abundant than the very similar Green-winged Teal from north America although it is still common and widespread. It appears to be holding its own currently with perhaps a slow decline due to drainage and pollution of wetlands. The IUCN and BirdLife International classify the Teal as a species of “Least Concern”. However, it is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. The Teal nests on the ground near water. Pairs form in the winter range and arrive on the breeding range together from about March. Breeding starts some weeks thereafter and not until May in the most northerly locations. The nest is a deep hollow lined with dry leaves and down feathers which is built in dense vegetation near water. After the females have started laying their eggs, the males leave them and move away and assemble in flocks on particular lakes where they moult into their eclipse plumage. The female lays 5 to 16 eggs but usually 8 to 11. Incubation lasts for 21 to 23 days and the young leave the nest soon after hatching and are cared for by the female for about 25 to 30 days. The males and the females with young generally move to the winter range separately. After the first winter, the young moult in to their adult plumage. The Teal usually feeds by dabbling, upending or grazing. In the breeding season it eats mainly aquatic invertebrates, such as crustaceans, insects and their larvae, molluscs and worms. In winter, it shifts to a largely granivorous diet, feeding on seeds of aquatic plants and grasses including sedges and grains. Date: 15th January 2013 Location: Mersehead RSPB reserve, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645455.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_34959335451e3ce7000b5d.jpgWhite-winged Black Tern The White-winged Black Tern is a small “marsh” tern. Adult birds in summer have short red legs and a short black bill, a black neck and belly, a very dark grey back, a white rump and light grey almost white tail. The wings, as the name implies, are mainly white. In non-breeding plumage, most of the black is replaced by white or pale grey although a few blackish feathers may be retained mixed with white underparts. The White-winged Black Tern breeds on freshwater marshes and lakes from central and eastern Europe to central Asia. Date: 20th May 2013 Location: Biebrza area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46535268.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_53101521562caa756160b9.jpgComma Flight period: March to October. The Comma was a rarity 100 years ago but is now a common and widespread butterfly in England and Wales and is on the point of recolonising Scotland. They are one of the first butterflies to be seen in spring and can be found in open woodland, woodland edges and gardens. Date: 6th July 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14467397.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2682562814f743badec092.jpg"Northern Lights" The aurora is a natural light display in the sky, particularly in the high latitude Arctic and Antarctic regions, caused by the collision of energetic charged particles with atoms in the high altitude atmosphere. The charged particles originate in the magnetosphere and solar wind and on Earth they are directed by the Earth's magnetic field into the atmosphere. Most aurora occur in a band known as the auroral zone which is typically 3° to 6° in latitudinal extent and 10° to 20° from the magnetic pole. During a geomagnetic storm, the auroral zone will expand to lower latitudes. The diffuse aurora is a featureless glow in the sky which may not be visible to the naked eye even on a dark night and defines the extent of the auroral zone. The discrete aurora are sharply defined features within the diffuse aurora which vary in brightness from just barely visible to the naked eye to bright enough to read a newspaper at night. In northern latitudes, the effect is known as the aurora borealis (or the “Northern Lights), named after the Roman goddess of dawn, Aurora, and the Greek name for the north wind, Boreas, by Pierre Gassendi in 1621. Auroras seen near the magnetic pole may be high overhead but from farther away they illuminate the northern horizon as a greenish glow or sometimes a faint red. Auroras often display magnetic field lines or curtain-like structures and can change within seconds or glow unchanging for hours, most often in fluorescent green. In Scandinavia, you can see the aurora all over Norway, Sweden and Finland. However, the best places are above the Arctic Circle in the auroral zone. The aurora is most frequent in late autumn and in winter and early spring. In the time span between the autumn equinox and the spring equinox (21st September to 21st March), it is dark the whole time between 6 p.m. and 1 a.m. and this provides the maximum chance of seeing the aurora in suitable weather conditions and with increased solar activity. Date: 16th March 2012 Location: Skibotndalen, Troms, north Norway close to Norway/Finland border http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21958970.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_176765716953da5b4fd9b3a.jpgArctic Tern The Arctic Tern is a seabird of the tern family. The adult plumage is grey above with a black nape and crown and white cheeks. The upperwings are pale grey with the area near the wingtip being translucent. The tail is white and the underparts pale grey. The beak is dark red as are the short legs and webbed feet. Like most terns, the Arctic Tern has high aspect ratio wings and a tail with a deep fork and long tail streamers. Both sexes are similar in appearance. The winter plumage is similar but the crown is whiter and the bills are darker. Juveniles differ from adults having black bill and legs, "scaly" appearing wings and mantle with dark feather tips, dark carpal wing bar and short tail streamers. During their first summer, juveniles also have a whiter forecrown. Whilst the Arctic Tern is similar to the Common and the Roseate Tern, its colouring, profile and call are slightly different. Compared to the Common Tern, it has a longer tail and mono-coloured bill, whilst the main differences from the Roseate Tern are its slightly darker colour and longer wings. The Arctic Tern has a circumpolar breeding distribution covering the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of Europe, Asia and north America. It is strongly migratory and sees 2 summers each year and more daylight than any other creature on the planet. It migrates along a convoluted route from its northern summer breeding grounds to the northern edge of the Antarctic coast for the southern summer and back again about 6 months later. In the UK, breeding Arctic Terns can best be seen on islands such as the Farne Islands in Northumberland or Orkney and Shetland in northern Scotland where the greatest densities occur. Recent studies have shown average annual roundtrip lengths of 25000 to 50000 miles depending on the route taken and weather and wind conditions. The Arctic Tern is a long-lived bird with many reaching 30 years of age and based on this average it will travel some 1.5 million miles during its lifetime. This is by far the longest migration known in the animal kingdom. Breeding takes place in colonies on coasts, islands and occasionally inland on tundra near water. The Arctic Tern often forms mixed colonies with the Common Tern and Sandwich Tern. As it nests on the ground, the Arctic Tern is vulnerable to predation but it is one of the most aggressive terns and it is fiercely defensive of its nest and young. It will attack humans and large predators, usually striking the top or back of the head. Although it is too small to cause serious injury, it is still capable of drawing blood and repelling many raptorial birds and smaller mammalian predators such as foxes and cats. Other nesting birds, such as auks, often incidentally benefit from the protection provided by nesting in an area defended by Arctic Terns. The diet of the Arctic Tern varies depending on location and time but it usually eats small fish or marine crustaceans by dipping down to the surface of the water to catch prey. While feeding, skuas, gulls and other tern species will often harass the birds and steal their food. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Inner Farne, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11159428.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17367857234e1583227d210.jpgBarnacle Goose The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 3rd November 2008 Location: Loch Gruinart, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17408567.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_669793252513328c5b7cb5.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 15th January 2013 Location: Mersehead RSPB reserve, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084857.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13460723935d30885cbf987.jpgBicaz Gorge, Neamţ and Harghita Counties, Romania The Bicaz Gorge, known locally as Cheile Bicazului, is a gorge located in north east Romania in the Eastern Carpathians group of the Carpathian Mountains. It is the deepest gorge in the country and connects the historical regions of Moldova and Transylvania. It was created by the River Bicaz and it is one of the most breathtaking natural attractions in Romania. The Bicaz Gorge is included within the Cheile Bicazului-Hășmaș National Park. The DN12C road runs through the Bicaz Gorge and is one of the most scenic drives in Romania. The gorge twists and turns steeply uphill for 5 miles with hairpin bends and deep drops and cuts through sheer 985 feet high limestone cliffs. At one point, the narrow mountain road runs uncomfortably beneath the overhanging rocks in a section known as Gâtul Iadului (“the neck of hell”). Beyond the cliffs there are spruce and beech forests and upland grazing pastures. Date: 5th June 2018 Location: Bicaz Gorge, Neamţ and Harghita Counties, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48483018.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2032156584640a4013ebd55.jpgGreat White Egret The Great White Egret is a large bird with all white plumage. Apart from size, the Great White Egret can be distinguished from other white egrets by its yellow bill and black legs and feet although the bill may become darker and the lower legs lighter in the breeding season. In breeding plumage, delicate ornamental feathers are borne on the back. It has a slow flight with its neck retracted. The Great White Egret is distributed across most of the tropical and warmer temperate regions of the world favouring all kinds of wetland habitats and it is a familiar species in southern Europe. Expanding populations in Europe mean that the Great White Egret is now seen more frequently in the UK and it can turn up in almost any part of the country with the majority of records in south east England and East Anglia. Date: 1st February 2023 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21957947.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_116411828253da413d960fe.jpgKittiwakes The Kittiwake is a gentle looking, medium sized gull with a small yellow bill and a dark eye. It has a grey back and is white underneath. Its legs are short and black. In flight the black wing-tips show no white, unlike other gulls, and look as if they have been “dipped in ink”. The population is declining in some areas, perhaps due to a shortage of sand eels. Kittiwakes are strictly coastal gulls. In the breeding season, they can be found on rocky, steep sea-cliffs at the major seabird colonies around the UK from February until August. From August to October they can be seen flying past offshore and they spend the winter months out at sea. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Staple Island, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084687.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2976198505d3087d60137a.jpgBicaz Gorge, Neamţ and Harghita Counties, Romania The Bicaz Gorge, known locally as Cheile Bicazului, is a gorge located in north east Romania in the Eastern Carpathians group of the Carpathian Mountains. It is the deepest gorge in the country and connects the historical regions of Moldova and Transylvania. It was created by the River Bicaz and it is one of the most breathtaking natural attractions in Romania. The Bicaz Gorge is included within the Cheile Bicazului-Hășmaș National Park. The DN12C road runs through the Bicaz Gorge and is one of the most scenic drives in Romania. The gorge twists and turns steeply uphill for 5 miles with hairpin bends and deep drops and cuts through sheer 985 feet high limestone cliffs. At one point, the narrow mountain road runs uncomfortably beneath the overhanging rocks in a section known as Gâtul Iadului (“the neck of hell”). Beyond the cliffs there are spruce and beech forests and upland grazing pastures. Date: 4th June 2018 Location: Bicaz Gorge, Neamţ and Harghita Counties, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46535136.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_213377917662caa2be75a2d.jpgEdible Frog The Edible Frog is a species of frog found across Europe that is also known as the Common Water Frog and the Green Frog. The Edible Frog is one of the few animals in the world that is a fertile hybrid of 2 different species, as although similar but genetically different species are known to mate, it is very rare that their offspring will be able to breed. The Edible Frog is a fertile hybrid of 2 other European frogs, namely the Pool Frog and the Marsh Frog, that inter-bred when populations where isolated close to one another during the Ice Age. It was first described in 1758 and is known as the Edible Frog due to the fact that it is now seen as a culinary delicacy across Europe but especially in France where frog’s legs are often served as a national dish. The reason for humans favouring this frog over others is not really known but it may have something to do with their abundance. The Edible Frog is a medium sized frog growing to around 3.5 to 4.5 inches in length. Adults are mainly green in colour with light patches of brown on their backs, yellow eyes and a white underside covered in a few dark spots. There are number of distinct differences between males and females including the fact that males become much lighter and greener during the mating season. Males also have vocal sacs on the outside of their cheeks and extra skin patches on their feet, both of which are primarily used for mating. The Edible Frog is endemic to Europe and it naturally occurs across central Europe as far north as Germany and Estonia. Southern populations are found from Croatia, through northern Italy and into the south of France. There are also isolated populations in Sweden and Bulgaria which are thought to have migrated from the countries nearby. It has also been introduced to the UK. The Edible Frog spends all of its time either in or very close to water and it is most commonly found in calmer parts of rivers and streams where there is a slow but constant flow of fresh water. It tends to prefer more open areas and can also be commonly found around lakes, ponds and marshes. Unlike many other species of frog, the Edible Frog is a diurnal animal and is therefore most active during the day. This is when it is most likely to move away from the water so that it can find a better supply of food or move to a different part of the water if it needs to. The Edible Frog is a relatively solitary animal so there is less competition for food but males are often seen sitting together in groups during the breeding season when they are trying to out-compete each other to find a mate. The breeding season for the Edible Frog begins during March and generally lasts for around 2 months. Males sing by drawing air in and out of their vocal sacs to produce the highest-pitched sound possible since females are most attracted to the loudest males. After courting her in a lake, pond or swamp, the male lets the female lay up to 10,000 eggs in a sticky mass into the water before he fertilises them. Tadpoles can be as small as 0.2 inches long when they hatch and are a grey/brown colour. They then grow up to 2 to 3 inches in length before metamorphoses occurs and they leave the water as 0.75 inches long young frogs. The Edible Frog reaches sexual maturity at the age of 2 years and can live until it is 15 years old. The Edible Frog is a carnivorous amphibian but the tadpoles mainly eat vegetation although they are known to occasionally supplement their diet with aquatic micro-organisms. Adults eat small invertebrates such as insects, spiders and flies, which make up the majority of their diet, along with larger aquatic animals like fish, newts and other frogs. The Edible Frog hunts for food during the day and can be seen catching food both in water and on land. The Edible Frog remains very still when it is sitting on the banks of its water habitat and this, along with its camouflage, makes it very difficult for predators to spot. Its eyes are positioned near the top of the head meaning that it can also see danger coming whilst the body is mainly hidden. Snakes, owls and water birds are the main predators of the Edible Frog. The Edible Frog will jump into the water and hide if it senses approaching danger and it will make a loud screeching sound if caught. Edible Frog populations are under threat from habitat destruction mainly caused by deforestation and water pollution. Date: 3rd July 2022 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813326.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6788272905d0ddda8a59d8.jpgRed Squirrel The Red Squirrel or Eurasian Red Squirrel is a species of tree squirrel in the genus [i]Sciurus[/i]. It is an arboreal and primarily herbivorous rodent. The Red Squirrel has a typical head and body length of 7.5 to 9 inches, a tail length of 6 to 8 inches and a weight of 9 to 12 ounces. Males and females are the same size. The Red Squirrel is smaller and lighter in weight than the Grey Squirrel The coat of the Red Squirrel varies in colour with the time of year and its location and there are several different coat colour morphs ranging from black to red. Red coats are most common in the UK but in other parts of Europe and Asia different coat colours co-exist within populations. The underside of the Red Squirrel is always creamy-white in colour. The Red Squirrel sheds its coat twice a year, switching from a thinner summer coat to a thicker, darker winter coat with noticeably larger ear-tufts (a prominent distinguishing feature of this species) between August and November. A lighter, redder overall coat colour, along with the ear-tufts (in adults) and smaller size, distinguish the Red Squirrel from the Grey Squirrel. The long tail helps the Red Squirrel to balance and steer when jumping from tree to tree and running along branches and it may also keep it warm during sleep. The Red Squirrel, like most tree squirrels, has sharp and curved claws to enable it to climb and descend broad tree trunks, thin branches and even house walls and its strong hind legs enable it to leap gaps between trees. The Red Squirrel can be found in the boreal coniferous woods in north Europe and Siberia where it prefers Scots Pine, Norway Spruce and Siberian Pine. In west and south Europe it can be found in broad-leaved woods where the mixture of tree and shrub species provides a better year round source of food. In most of the UK and in Italy, broad-leaved woodlands are now less suitable for it due to the better competitive feeding strategy of the introduced Grey Squirrel. The Red Squirrel makes a drey (nest) out of twigs in a branch-fork, forming a domed structure about 9 to 12 inches in diameter. This is lined with moss, leaves, grass and bark. Tree hollows and woodpecker holes are also used. The Red Squirrel is generally a solitary animal and is shy and reluctant to share food with others. However, outside the breeding season and particularly in winter, several Red Squirrels may share a drey to keep warm. Social organisation is based on dominance hierarchies within and between sexes. Although males are not necessarily dominant towards females, the dominant animals tend to be larger and older than subordinate animals and dominant males tend to have larger home ranges than subordinate males or females. Mating can occur in late winter during February and March and in summer between June and July. During mating, males detect females that are in oestrus by an odour that they produce and, although there is no courtship, the male will chase the female for up to an hour prior to mating. Usually multiple males will chase a single female until the dominant male, usually the largest in the group, mates with the female. Males and females will mate multiple times with many partners. Females must reach a minimum body mass before they enter oestrus and heavy females on average produce more young. If food is scarce breeding may be delayed. Typically a female will produce her first litter in her second year. Up to 2 litters a year per female are possible. Each litter averages 3 young and these are known as kits. Gestation is about 38 to 39 days and the young are looked after by the mother alone and are born helpless, blind and deaf. Their body is covered by hair at 21 days, their eyes and ears open after 3 to 4 weeks and they develop all their teeth by 42 days. Juveniles can eat solids around 40 days following birth and from that point they can leave the nest on their own to find food. However, they still suckle from their mother until weaning occurs at 8 to 10 weeks. The Red Squirrel eats mostly the seeds of trees, fungi, nuts (especially hazelnuts but also beech and chestnuts), berries and young shoots. More rarely, it may also eat bird eggs or nestlings and may occasionally exhibit opportunistic omnivory similar to other rodents. Excess food is put into caches, either buried or in nooks or holes in trees, and eaten when food is scarce. Although the Red Squirrel remembers where it created caches at a better than chance level, its spatial memory is believed to be substantially less accurate and durable than that of the Grey Squirrel. Therefore it will often have to search for them when in need and many caches are never found again. Between 60% and 80% of the active time of a Red Squirrel may be spent foraging and feeding. The active period is generally in the morning and in the late afternoon and evening. It often rests in its nest in the middle of the day to avoid the heat and the high visibility to birds of prey that are dangers during these hours. During the winter, this midday rest is often much more brief or absent entirely although harsh weather may cause it to stay in its nest for days at a time. No territories are claimed between Red Squirrels and the feeding areas of individuals overlap considerably. A Red Squirrel that survives its first winter has a life expectancy of 3 years. Individuals may reach 7 years of age and 10 years in captivity. Survival is positively related to the availability of autumn and winter tree seeds. On average, 75 to 85% of juveniles die during their first winter and mortality is approximately 50% for winters following the first. Predators include small mammals such as the Pine Marten, the Wildcat and the Stoat which all prey on juveniles. Birds, including owls and raptors such as the Goshawk and Common Buzzard, may also prey on the Red Squirrel as will the Red Fox and domestic cats and dogs when it is on the ground. Humans influence the population size and mortality of the Red Squirrel by destroying or altering habitats, by causing road casualties and by introducing non-native populations of the Grey Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel and the Red Squirrel are not directly antagonistic and violent conflict between these species is not a factor in the decline in Red Squirrel populations. However, the Grey Squirrel appears to contribute to the decrease in the Red Squirrel population for several reasons: it carries a disease, the squirrel parapoxvirus, that does not appear to affect its own health but will often kill the Red Squirrel, it can better digest acorns whilst the Red Squirrel cannot access the proteins and fats in acorns as easily and it can put the Red Squirrel under pressure for food resources resulting in it not breeding as often. In the UK, due to the above circumstances, the population has today fallen to 160,000 Red Squirrels or fewer with the majority of these in Scotland. Outside the UK and Ireland, the impact of competition from the Grey Squirrel has also been observed in Italy where 2 pairs escaped from captivity in 1948. A significant drop in the Red Squirrel population has been observed since 1970 and it is feared that the Grey Squirrel may expand into the rest of Europe. The Red Squirrel is protected in most of Europe although in some areas it is abundant and is hunted for its fur. In the UK there are several active projects to protect the Red Squirrel and its native woodland habitat, introduce or re-introduce it in to areas where it is absent and eradicate and prevent the spread of the Grey Squirrel. Research undertaken in 2007 in the UK credits the Pine Marten with reducing the population of the invasive Grey Squirrel. Where the range of the expanding Pine Marten population meets that of the Grey Squirrel, the population of the latter retreats. It is theorised that, because the Grey Squirrel spends more time on the ground than the Red Squirrel, it is far more likely to come in contact with the Pine Marten. Date: 6th June 2019 Location: SWT reserve, Loch of the Lowes, Perthshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51984189.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_113501357766d34b56740cd.jpgGatekeeper Flight period: mid-July to early September. The Gatekeeper or Hedge Brown is common and widespread throughout the southern half of the UK. They can be found in areas with hedgerows or in scrubby woodland with wide and sunny rides. Date: 30th July 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30825170.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21674041458f342f5a1c784.87258604.jpgBrown Rat Brown Rats have coarse brown or occasionally black fur with a pale underside. They have a long tail which is sparsely haired. Although originally native to eastern Asia and Japan, Brown Rats are now distributed world-wide. They spread across the UK via the shipping traffic from foreign countries in the 18th century and largely replaced the Black Rat. They are highly adaptable and can be found all over the UK, except for exposed mountain regions and some small offshore islands, and live in loose colonies and home ranges of around 50 metres in diameter. Along with the House Mouse, the Brown Rat is considered to be the most widespread terrestrial mammal in the UK and they are subject to persistent pest control due to the damage they cause and the numerous diseases they spread. Brown Rats are omnivorous and have a very varied diet. They are typically nocturnal although they will sometimes forage for food during the day. They also swim well and are sometimes mistaken for Water Voles. Brown Rats live for around 18 months and breed throughout the year producing 5 litters of 8 young a year. Date: 8th April 2017 Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/stac-pollaidh https://images.on-this.website/4752_3615081684e09755745c5e.jpgStac Pollaidh Height: 2009 feet. Stac Pollaidh is a mountain located north of Ullapool, rising up immediately to the north of the single track road from the A835 to Achiltibuie. The peak displays a rocky crest of Torridonian sandstone with many pinnacles and steep gullies. Stac Pollaidh means "peak of the peat moss" and its name is often anglicised to Stack Polly. Due to its relatively low height, fine views and ease of access from a road it has become a very popular peak to climb. Consequently it has suffered from a great deal of erosion. Date: 11th June 2011 Location: sunset view from the minor road from Lochinver through Inverpolly http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28102070.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_213861330957779f83c2fa9.jpgCommon Buzzard The Common Buzzard is a member of the genus [I]Buteo[/I] and the family [i]Accipitridae[/i], a group of medium-sized raptors with robust bodies and broad wings. The [I]Buteo[/I] species of Eurasia and Africa are usually commonly referred to as buzzards whilst those in the Americas are called hawks. Under current classification, the genus [I]Buteo[/I] includes approximately 28 species. The Common Buzzard includes between 7 to 16 sub-species and the western [i]Buteo[/i] group includes [i]Buteo buteo buteo[/i] which is found more or less continuously throughout Europe including the UK. The Common Buzzard is a medium-sized raptor that is highly variable in plumage. It is distinctly round headed with a somewhat slender bill and it has relatively long wings that either reach or fall slightly short of the tail tip when perched, a fairly short tail and somewhat short and mainly bare tarsi. It can appear fairly compact in overall appearance but may also appear large relative to other commoner raptors such as the Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. The Common Buzzard measures between 16 and 23 inches in length with a 3 feet 7 inches to 4 feet 7 inches wingspan. Females average about 2 to 7% larger than males in length and weigh about 15% more. Body mass can show considerable variation from 0.94 to 2.6 pounds in males and 1.07 to 3.02 pounds in females. In Europe, the Common Buzzard is typically dark brown above and on the upperside of the head and mantle but this can become paler and warmer brown with worn plumage. Usually the tail will be narrowly barred grey-brown and dark brown with a pale tip and a broad dark subterminal band but the tail in the palest birds can show a varying amount of white and a reduced sub-terminal band or even appear almost all white. The underside colouring can be variable but typically shows a brown-streaked white throat with a somewhat darker chest. A pale U across the breast is often present followed by a pale line running down the belly which separates the dark areas on the breast side and flanks. These pale areas tend to have highly variable markings that form irregular bars. Juveniles are quite similar to adults and are best told apart by having a paler eye, a narrower sub-terminal band on the tail and underside markings that appear as streaks rather than bars. Beyond the typical mid-range brownish Common Buzzard, birds in Europe can range from almost uniform black-brown above to mainly white. Extreme dark individuals may range from chocolate-brown to blackish with almost no pale colour showing but with a variable or faded U on the breast and with or without faint lighter brown throat streaks. Extreme pale individuals are largely whitish with variable widely spaced streaks or arrowheads of light brown about the mid-chest and flanks and may or may not show dark feather-centres on the head, wing-coverts and sometimes all but part of the mantle. Individuals can show nearly endless variation of colours and hues in between these extremes and the Common Buzzard is among the most variably plumaged diurnal raptors for this reason. The Common Buzzard is often confused with other raptors especially in flight or at a distance including other [i]Buteo[/i] species such as Rough-legged Buzzard and Long-legged Buzzard and also Honey Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, Golden Eagle, Booted Eagle and Short-toed Eagle. The Common Buzzard is found throughout several islands in the eastern Atlantic islands, including the Canary Islands and the Azores, and almost throughout Europe. In the UK, it is found in Northern Ireland and in nearly every part of Scotland and England. In mainland Europe, there are no substantial gaps in the range from Portugal and Spain to Greece, Estonia, Belarus and the Ukraine, although it is present mainly only in the breeding season in much of the eastern half of the latter 3 countries. It is also present in all larger Mediterranean islands such as Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily and Crete. Further north in to Scandinavia, it is found mainly in south Norway, the southern half of Sweden and in the southern two-thirds of Finland. The Common Buzzard reaches its northern limit as a breeder in far eastern Finland and over the border in to European Russia and nearly to the Kola Peninsula. In these northern limits, the Common Buzzard is present typically only in summer. The Common Buzzard generally inhabits the interface of woodlands and open ground and typically lives in forest edge, small broad-leaved, coniferous or mixed woodlands with adjacent grassland, arable fields or other farmland and open moorland as long as there are some trees. It is absent from treeless tundra and sporadic or rare in treeless steppe. The Common Buzzard can be found from sea level to elevations of 6600 feet although it breeds mostly below 3300 feet. It can winter to an elevation of 8200 feet and migrates easily at 14,800 feet. The Common Buzzard is a partial migrant. Autumn and spring movements are subject to extensive variation, even down to the individual level, based on a region's food resources, competition (both from other Common Buzzards and other predators), the extent of human disturbance and weather conditions. Short distance movements are the norm for juveniles and some adults in autumn and winter but more adults in central and south Europe and the UK remain in their year-around areas than do not. The Common Buzzard is a typical [I]Buteo[/I] in much of its behaviour. It is most often seen effortlessly soaring for extended periods at varying heights although it can appear laborious and heavy in level flight. It is also often seen perched prominently on tree tops, bare branches, telegraph poles, fence posts, rocks or ledges or alternatively well inside the tree canopy. It will also stand and forage on the ground. The Common Buzzard is a generalist predator which hunts a wide variety of prey given the opportunity. The prey extents to a wide variety of vertebrates including mammals, birds (from any age from eggs to adult birds), reptiles, amphibians and fish as well as to various invertebrates, mostly insects. In total, well over 300 prey species are known to be taken by the Common Buzzard. However, dietary studies have shown that it mostly preys upon small mammals, mainly small rodents. Furthermore, prey size can vary from tiny beetles, caterpillars and ants to large adult grouse and Rabbits up to nearly twice their body mass. At times, the Common Buzzard will also subsist partially on carrion, usually of dead mammals or fish. Hunting in relatively open areas has been found to increase hunting success whereas more complete shrub cover lowered success. A majority of prey is taken by dropping from a perch and is normally taken on the ground. Prey may also be hunted in a low flight, by random glides or soars or by foraging on the ground. The home range of the Common Buzzard is generally 0.19 to 0.77 square miles and the size of the breeding territory seems to be correlated with food supply. The territory is maintained through flight displays and in Europe territorial behaviour usually starts in February. However, displays are not uncommon throughout the year in resident pairs, especially by males, and can elicit similar displays by their neighbours. In the display, the Common Buzzard generally engages in high circling, spiraling upward on slightly raised wings. Mutual high circling by pairs sometimes goes on at length, especially during the period prior to or during breeding season. During the mutual displays, the male may engage in exaggerated deep flapping or zig-zag tumbling, apparently in response to the female being too distant. Several pairs may circle together at times and as many as 14 individual adults have been recorded over established display sites. Sky-dancing by the Common Buzzard has been recorded in spring and autumn, typically by the male but sometimes by the female, nearly always with much calling. Sky-dances are of the rollercoaster type, with an upward sweep of up to 100 feet until the bird starts start to stall but sometimes embellished with loops or rolls at the top. Next in the sky-dance, the bird will dive at least 200 feet on more or less closed wings before spreading them and shooting up again. These sky-dances may be repeated in series of 10 to 20. In the climax of the sky-dance, the undulations become progressively shallower, often slowing and terminating directly on to a perch. Various other aerial displays include low contour flight or weaving among trees, frequently with deep beats and exaggerated upstrokes which show underwing pattern to rivals perched below. Talon grappling and occasionally cartwheeling downward with feet interlocked has also been recorded. The Common Buzzard tends to build a bulky nest of sticks, twigs and often heather and lined with broad-leaved foliage. Nests are up to 3.3 to 3.9 feet across and 24 inches deep. With reuse over years, the diameter of a nest can reach or exceed 5 feet. Trees are generally used for a nesting location but crags or cliffs are used if trees are unavailable. Nests in trees are usually located by the main trunk at a height of around 10 to 82 feet. Pairs often have 2 to 4 nests in a territory but some pairs may use a single nest over several consecutive years. The breeding season of the Common Buzzard commences at differing times based on latitude. It may fall as early as January to April but typically it is March to July in most of Europe. In the northern limits of the range the breeding season may occur from May to August. Mating usually occurs on or near the nest and eggs are usually laid in 2 to 3 day intervals. The clutch size can range from to 2 to 6 and it appears that local factors such as habitat and food supply are relevant. Eggs are generally laid in late March to early April in the extreme south, sometime in April in most of Europe and in to May and possibly even early June in the extreme north. If eggs are lost to a predator or fail in some other way, replacement clutches are not usually laid although this has been recorded. Incubation lasts for 33 to 35 days and is mostly, but not solely, undertaken by the female. Hatching may take place over 3 to 7 days. Often the youngest nestling dies from starvation, especially in broods of 3 or more. The female remains at the nest brooding the young in the early stages with the male bringing all prey. At about 8 to 12 days, both the male and female will bring prey but the female continues to do all feeding until the young can tear up their own prey. The young are nearly fully feathered rather than downy at about a month of age and can start to feed themselves as well. The first attempts to leave the nest are often at about 40 to 50 days. Fledging occurs typically at 43 to 54 days but in extreme cases as late 62 days. After leaving the nest, the young generally stay close by until full independence 6 to 8 weeks after fledging. Numerous factors may influence the breeding success of the Common Buzzard including the availability of prey populations, habitat, disturbance and persecution levels and competition. The Common Buzzard is one of the most numerous birds of prey in its range and it is the most numerous diurnal bird of prey throughout much of Europe. Date: 12th June 2016 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24834021.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_529298288559cf38b17f37.jpgSpur-winged Plover The Spur-winged Plover or Spur-winged Lapwing is a lapwing species and is a conspicuous and unmistakable bird. It is a medium-large wader with a black crown, chest, fore-neck stripe and tail. The face, the rest of the neck and the belly are white and the wings and back are light brown. The bill and legs are black. The bird's common name refers to a small claw or spur hidden in each of its wings. The Spur-winged Plover breeds in marshes and similar freshwater wetland habitats around the eastern Mediterranean and in a wide band from sub-Saharan west Africa to Arabia. The Greek and Turkish breeders are migratory but other populations are resident. The species is declining in its northern range but is abundant in much of tropical Africa where it can be seen at almost any wetland habitat in its range. Date: 8th May 2015 Location: Evros Delta (east), East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28102079.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21258205405777a1eee0f4b.jpgCommon Buzzard The Common Buzzard is a member of the genus [I]Buteo[/I] and the family [i]Accipitridae[/i], a group of medium-sized raptors with robust bodies and broad wings. The [I]Buteo[/I] species of Eurasia and Africa are usually commonly referred to as buzzards whilst those in the Americas are called hawks. Under current classification, the genus [I]Buteo[/I] includes approximately 28 species. The Common Buzzard includes between 7 to 16 sub-species and the western [i]Buteo[/i] group includes [i]Buteo buteo buteo[/i] which is found more or less continuously throughout Europe including the UK. The Common Buzzard is a medium-sized raptor that is highly variable in plumage. It is distinctly round headed with a somewhat slender bill and it has relatively long wings that either reach or fall slightly short of the tail tip when perched, a fairly short tail and somewhat short and mainly bare tarsi. It can appear fairly compact in overall appearance but may also appear large relative to other commoner raptors such as the Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. The Common Buzzard measures between 16 and 23 inches in length with a 3 feet 7 inches to 4 feet 7 inches wingspan. Females average about 2 to 7% larger than males in length and weigh about 15% more. Body mass can show considerable variation from 0.94 to 2.6 pounds in males and 1.07 to 3.02 pounds in females. In Europe, the Common Buzzard is typically dark brown above and on the upperside of the head and mantle but this can become paler and warmer brown with worn plumage. Usually the tail will be narrowly barred grey-brown and dark brown with a pale tip and a broad dark subterminal band but the tail in the palest birds can show a varying amount of white and a reduced sub-terminal band or even appear almost all white. The underside colouring can be variable but typically shows a brown-streaked white throat with a somewhat darker chest. A pale U across the breast is often present followed by a pale line running down the belly which separates the dark areas on the breast side and flanks. These pale areas tend to have highly variable markings that form irregular bars. Juveniles are quite similar to adults and are best told apart by having a paler eye, a narrower sub-terminal band on the tail and underside markings that appear as streaks rather than bars. Beyond the typical mid-range brownish Common Buzzard, birds in Europe can range from almost uniform black-brown above to mainly white. Extreme dark individuals may range from chocolate-brown to blackish with almost no pale colour showing but with a variable or faded U on the breast and with or without faint lighter brown throat streaks. Extreme pale individuals are largely whitish with variable widely spaced streaks or arrowheads of light brown about the mid-chest and flanks and may or may not show dark feather-centres on the head, wing-coverts and sometimes all but part of the mantle. Individuals can show nearly endless variation of colours and hues in between these extremes and the Common Buzzard is among the most variably plumaged diurnal raptors for this reason. The Common Buzzard is often confused with other raptors especially in flight or at a distance including other [i]Buteo[/i] species such as Rough-legged Buzzard and Long-legged Buzzard and also Honey Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, Golden Eagle, Booted Eagle and Short-toed Eagle. The Common Buzzard is found throughout several islands in the eastern Atlantic islands, including the Canary Islands and the Azores, and almost throughout Europe. In the UK, it is found in Northern Ireland and in nearly every part of Scotland and England. In mainland Europe, there are no substantial gaps in the range from Portugal and Spain to Greece, Estonia, Belarus and the Ukraine, although it is present mainly only in the breeding season in much of the eastern half of the latter 3 countries. It is also present in all larger Mediterranean islands such as Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily and Crete. Further north in to Scandinavia, it is found mainly in south Norway, the southern half of Sweden and in the southern two-thirds of Finland. The Common Buzzard reaches its northern limit as a breeder in far eastern Finland and over the border in to European Russia and nearly to the Kola Peninsula. In these northern limits, the Common Buzzard is present typically only in summer. The Common Buzzard generally inhabits the interface of woodlands and open ground and typically lives in forest edge, small broad-leaved, coniferous or mixed woodlands with adjacent grassland, arable fields or other farmland and open moorland as long as there are some trees. It is absent from treeless tundra and sporadic or rare in treeless steppe. The Common Buzzard can be found from sea level to elevations of 6600 feet although it breeds mostly below 3300 feet. It can winter to an elevation of 8200 feet and migrates easily at 14,800 feet. The Common Buzzard is a partial migrant. Autumn and spring movements are subject to extensive variation, even down to the individual level, based on a region's food resources, competition (both from other Common Buzzards and other predators), the extent of human disturbance and weather conditions. Short distance movements are the norm for juveniles and some adults in autumn and winter but more adults in central and south Europe and the UK remain in their year-around areas than do not. The Common Buzzard is a typical [I]Buteo[/I] in much of its behaviour. It is most often seen effortlessly soaring for extended periods at varying heights although it can appear laborious and heavy in level flight. It is also often seen perched prominently on tree tops, bare branches, telegraph poles, fence posts, rocks or ledges or alternatively well inside the tree canopy. It will also stand and forage on the ground. The Common Buzzard is a generalist predator which hunts a wide variety of prey given the opportunity. The prey extents to a wide variety of vertebrates including mammals, birds (from any age from eggs to adult birds), reptiles, amphibians and fish as well as to various invertebrates, mostly insects. In total, well over 300 prey species are known to be taken by the Common Buzzard. However, dietary studies have shown that it mostly preys upon small mammals, mainly small rodents. Furthermore, prey size can vary from tiny beetles, caterpillars and ants to large adult grouse and Rabbits up to nearly twice their body mass. At times, the Common Buzzard will also subsist partially on carrion, usually of dead mammals or fish. Hunting in relatively open areas has been found to increase hunting success whereas more complete shrub cover lowered success. A majority of prey is taken by dropping from a perch and is normally taken on the ground. Prey may also be hunted in a low flight, by random glides or soars or by foraging on the ground. The home range of the Common Buzzard is generally 0.19 to 0.77 square miles and the size of the breeding territory seems to be correlated with food supply. The territory is maintained through flight displays and in Europe territorial behaviour usually starts in February. However, displays are not uncommon throughout the year in resident pairs, especially by males, and can elicit similar displays by their neighbours. In the display, the Common Buzzard generally engages in high circling, spiraling upward on slightly raised wings. Mutual high circling by pairs sometimes goes on at length, especially during the period prior to or during breeding season. During the mutual displays, the male may engage in exaggerated deep flapping or zig-zag tumbling, apparently in response to the female being too distant. Several pairs may circle together at times and as many as 14 individual adults have been recorded over established display sites. Sky-dancing by the Common Buzzard has been recorded in spring and autumn, typically by the male but sometimes by the female, nearly always with much calling. Sky-dances are of the rollercoaster type, with an upward sweep of up to 100 feet until the bird starts start to stall but sometimes embellished with loops or rolls at the top. Next in the sky-dance, the bird will dive at least 200 feet on more or less closed wings before spreading them and shooting up again. These sky-dances may be repeated in series of 10 to 20. In the climax of the sky-dance, the undulations become progressively shallower, often slowing and terminating directly on to a perch. Various other aerial displays include low contour flight or weaving among trees, frequently with deep beats and exaggerated upstrokes which show underwing pattern to rivals perched below. Talon grappling and occasionally cartwheeling downward with feet interlocked has also been recorded. The Common Buzzard tends to build a bulky nest of sticks, twigs and often heather and lined with broad-leaved foliage. Nests are up to 3.3 to 3.9 feet across and 24 inches deep. With reuse over years, the diameter of a nest can reach or exceed 5 feet. Trees are generally used for a nesting location but crags or cliffs are used if trees are unavailable. Nests in trees are usually located by the main trunk at a height of around 10 to 82 feet. Pairs often have 2 to 4 nests in a territory but some pairs may use a single nest over several consecutive years. The breeding season of the Common Buzzard commences at differing times based on latitude. It may fall as early as January to April but typically it is March to July in most of Europe. In the northern limits of the range the breeding season may occur from May to August. Mating usually occurs on or near the nest and eggs are usually laid in 2 to 3 day intervals. The clutch size can range from to 2 to 6 and it appears that local factors such as habitat and food supply are relevant. Eggs are generally laid in late March to early April in the extreme south, sometime in April in most of Europe and in to May and possibly even early June in the extreme north. If eggs are lost to a predator or fail in some other way, replacement clutches are not usually laid although this has been recorded. Incubation lasts for 33 to 35 days and is mostly, but not solely, undertaken by the female. Hatching may take place over 3 to 7 days. Often the youngest nestling dies from starvation, especially in broods of 3 or more. The female remains at the nest brooding the young in the early stages with the male bringing all prey. At about 8 to 12 days, both the male and female will bring prey but the female continues to do all feeding until the young can tear up their own prey. The young are nearly fully feathered rather than downy at about a month of age and can start to feed themselves as well. The first attempts to leave the nest are often at about 40 to 50 days. Fledging occurs typically at 43 to 54 days but in extreme cases as late 62 days. After leaving the nest, the young generally stay close by until full independence 6 to 8 weeks after fledging. Numerous factors may influence the breeding success of the Common Buzzard including the availability of prey populations, habitat, disturbance and persecution levels and competition. The Common Buzzard is one of the most numerous birds of prey in its range and it is the most numerous diurnal bird of prey throughout much of Europe. Date: 12th June 2016 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42626845.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_186030664860a92e5a43e45.jpgAdder Adders are widespread throughout mainland UK but they are absent from Ireland. They occur throughout Europe, with the exception of the Mediterranean islands, and across Russia and Asia through to northern China. They are the UK's only venomous reptile. Adders are relatively short and robust snakes with large heads and a rounded snout. Males are usually a grey or buff colour with vivid black markings although they can also vary from silver to yellow or green in colour. Females are brown with dark red-brown markings that are less prominent than in the males. Both sexes have a zigzag pattern running along the back with a / or X-shaped marking at the rear of the head. Adders can be found in a variety of habitats, including open woodland, hedgerows, moorland, sand dunes, riverbanks, bogs, heathland and mountains. They are active during the day and spend time basking until their body temperature is high enough to hunt for food. Adders use venom to immobilise prey such as lizards, amphibians, nestlings and small mammals. After striking their prey, they will leave the venom to take effect before following the victim’s scent to find the body. Mating takes place between April and May with males often fighting for females. Females have a 3 to 4 month gestation period and Adders are one of the few snakes that are viviparous (give birth to live young). In late August females give birth to between 5 and 20 live young and the young remain close to their mother for a few days before going off in search of food. Adders hibernate from September to March often using deserted rabbit or rodent burrows or settling under logs. They sometimes hibernate communally. Males emerge 2 to 5 weeks before the females and shed their skin before setting off in search of females. Adders are not aggressive snakes and they will only attack if harassed or threatened. Although an Adder’s venom poses little danger to a healthy adult, the bite is very painful and requires urgent medical attention. Date: 17th April 2021 Location: Benfleet and Hadleigh Downs, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084703.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17646356465d3087de6c982.jpgBicaz Gorge, Neamţ and Harghita Counties, Romania The Bicaz Gorge, known locally as Cheile Bicazului, is a gorge located in north east Romania in the Eastern Carpathians group of the Carpathian Mountains. It is the deepest gorge in the country and connects the historical regions of Moldova and Transylvania. It was created by the River Bicaz and it is one of the most breathtaking natural attractions in Romania. The Bicaz Gorge is included within the Cheile Bicazului-Hășmaș National Park. The DN12C road runs through the Bicaz Gorge and is one of the most scenic drives in Romania. The gorge twists and turns steeply uphill for 5 miles with hairpin bends and deep drops and cuts through sheer 985 feet high limestone cliffs. At one point, the narrow mountain road runs uncomfortably beneath the overhanging rocks in a section known as Gâtul Iadului (“the neck of hell”). Beyond the cliffs there are spruce and beech forests and upland grazing pastures. Date: 4th June 2018 Location: Bicaz Gorge, Neamţ and Harghita Counties, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo441580.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1745803610467eeaf100150.jpgDate: August 1994 Location: Callander, Perthshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21959170.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_40217629453da6254f307b.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a gentle looking, medium sized gull with a small yellow bill and a dark eye. It has a grey back and is white underneath. Its legs are short and black. In flight the black wing-tips show no white, unlike other gulls, and look as if they have been “dipped in ink”. The population is declining in some areas, perhaps due to a shortage of sand eels. Kittiwakes are strictly coastal gulls. In the breeding season, they can be found on rocky, steep sea-cliffs at the major seabird colonies around the UK from February until August. From August to October they can be seen flying past offshore and they spend the winter months out at sea. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Staple Island, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13656995.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13753113734ed369079db9d.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the [i]Canidae[/i] family and is a part of the order [i]Carnivora[/i] within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4466078.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6001299824b8a24a97c2a9.jpg http://www.richardchewphotography.com/tufted-duck https://images.on-this.website/4752_16955789134baf0861cba5a.jpgTufted Duck The Tufted Duck is a medium-sized diving duck. The male is black on the head, neck, breast and back and white on the flanks and it has a small crest and a yellow eye. The female is browner with a less obvious crest. The Tufted Duck breeds on reservoirs, lakes and gravel pits and can be found in the UK across lowland areas of England, Scotland and Ireland but less commonly in Wales. Numbers increase in the UK in winter due to birds arriving from Iceland and northern Europe. Date: 10th March 2010 Location: Cromford Canal, Derbyshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42222553.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_845158266023b94edc1cd.jpgMoorhen The Moorhen is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird that is usually found near water. From a distance it looks black with a ragged white line along its body. However, closer up it is olive-brown on the back and the head and blue-grey underneath. It has a red bill with a yellow tip. The Moorhen can be found all year round almost anywhere where there is water. They breed in lowland areas particularly in central and eastern England but are scarce in northern Scotland and the uplands of Wales and northern England. UK breeding birds are residents and seldom travel far. Date: 21st January 2021 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4173949.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10528740734b2d31d33bdc5.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 19th December 2009 Location: EWT Langdon Conservation Centre, Dunton, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13796944.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19316280004ee9b880050d6.jpgCommon Dolphin The Common Dolphin is a medium sized dolphin, smaller than the Bottle-nosed Dolphin. The colour pattern on the body is unusual. The back is dark and the belly is white, while on each side is an hourglass pattern colored light grey, yellow or gold in front and dirty grey in back. The Common Dolphin is widely distributed in temperate, sub-tropical and tropical waters throughout the world in a band roughly spanning 40 degrees south to 50 degrees north. Deep off-shore waters and to a lesser extent over continental shelves are preferred to shallow waters. Some populations may be present all year round whilst others appear to move in a migratory pattern. The total world population is unknown but numbers in the hundreds of thousands. Common Dolphins travel in groups of around 10 to 50 in number and frequently gather into schools numbering 100 to 2000 individuals. These schools are generally very active with groups often surfacing, jumping and splashing together. Typical behaviour includes breaching, tail-slapping, chin-slapping, bow-riding and porpoising. Common Dolphins are among the fastest swimming cetaceans, Date: 12th September 2008 Location: photo taken from Portsmouth to Bilbao P&O ferry http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847430.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_47736771859bd500281a4c.jpgLow Tatras, Slovakia The Low Tatras (Nízke Tatry) are a mountain range of the Inner Western Carpathians situated in central Slovakia. They are located south of the High Tatras (Vysoké Tatry) from which they are separated by the valleys of the Váh River and Poprad River. The ridge runs west to east and is about 50 miles long. The Čertovica pass divides the range into 2 parts. The highest peaks of the Low Tatras are located in its western part. Ďumbier is the highest mountain at 6703 feet. Its neighbour Chopok at 6640 feet is accessible by a chairlift and it is the most visited place in the Low Tatras. Other peaks in the western part include Dereše at 6575 feet and Chabenec at 6414 feet. The highest peak in the eastern part is Kráľova hoľa at 6385 feet. The lower elevations are mostly blanketed in dense forest with prevailing coniferous forests in the northern part and mixed forests in the south. At higher elevations there are tarns, deep valleys, limestone cliffs and impressive granite formations. Most of the Low Tatras are protected by the Low Tatras National Park (Národný park Nízke Tatry). This comprises an area of 281 square miles and a buffer zone covering an area of 425 square miles. This makes it the largest National Park in Slovakia. The protection of the Low Tatras started with the first attempts during the period 1918 to 1921 and continuing after World War 2. In 1963, a proposal was made for the establishment of a National Park under the name Central Slovakia National Park. During the period between 1965 and 1966 and right before the completion of the last proposal, a draft for a National Park Ďumbier was proposed. The aim of this draft was to include the north and south part of the central territory of the Low Tatras. From 1967 until 1968 the draft was reformulated with the goal to establish the National Park on the 25th anniversary of the Slovak National Uprising. However, it took another 10 years to overcome various obstacles that prevented the establishment of the National Park. In 1978 the National Park was finally created with the Regulation 119/1978 of the Slovak Socialistic Republic. The area of the national park was set at 313 square miles and its protection zone at 479 square miles. The status of the National Park was published in the same year by the Ministry of Culture of the Slovak Socialistic Republic in Regulation 120/1978. This regulation set out the conditions for the protection of particular areas. The borders of the National Park and the protection zones were revised in June 1997 by Regulation 182/1997 of the government of the Slovak Republic. The revised area of the National Park was adjusted to 281 square miles which is 32 square miles less than the original area. The revised area of the protection zones was adjusted to 425 square miles which is 53 square miles less than the original area. Currently, the following protected areas are established in the Low Tatras National Park or its buffer zone: 10 National Nature Reserves, 10 Nature Reserves, 5 National Nature Monuments, 6 Nature Monuments and 1 Protected Site. The Low Tatras are the second most visited mountains in Slovakia after the High Tatras. Tourism is very popular and during the winter there are several ski resorts such as Jasná and Tále. There are also a range of summer activities such as hiking, trekking, rafting, kayaking, fishing and other outdoor pursuits. Date: 28th May 2017 Location: Low Tatras, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080586.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_34265406063a459782a6f6.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 1st December 2022 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo441568.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1503202709467eeadd9d02a.jpgDate: 11th June 2006 Location: Applecross-Fearnmore, Wester Ross http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12744832.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4876847694e706dbd88fb6.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 7th December 2007 Location: Donna Nook, Lincolnshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9681516.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9816555964db7ec52b01b4.jpgRuff The Ruff is a medium-sized wading bird in the sandpiper family, [i]Scolopacidae[/i]. The original English name for this bird, dating back to at least 1465, is the [i]ree[/i], perhaps derived from a dialectical term meaning "frenzied". A later name [I]reeve[/I], which is still used for the female, is of unknown origin but may be derived from the shire-reeve, a feudal officer, likening the male's flamboyant plumage to the official's robes. The current name was first recorded in 1634 and is derived from the ruff, an exaggerated collar fashionable from the mid-16th century to the mid-17th century, since the male bird's neck ornamental feathers resemble the neck wear. The Ruff has a distinctive appearance with a small head, medium-length bill, longish neck and pot-bellied body. It has long legs that are variable in colour but usually yellow or orange. In flight, it has a deeper, slower wing stroke than other waders of a similar size and it displays a thin, indistinct white bar on the wing and white ovals on the sides of the tail. The Ruff shows very distinctive sexual dimorphism. Although a small percentage of males resemble females, the typical male is much larger than the female and has an elaborate breeding plumage. The male is 11 to 13 inches in length with a 21 to 24 inches wingspan. During the May to June breeding season, the typical male's legs, bill and warty bare facial skin are orange and he has distinctive head tufts and a neck ruff. These ornaments vary on individual birds and are black, chestnut or white with the colouring solid, barred or irregular. The grey-brown back has a scale-like pattern, often with black or chestnut feathers, and the underparts are white with extensive black on the breast. The extreme variability of the main breeding plumage is thought to have developed to aid individual recognition in a species that has communal breeding displays but is usually mute. Outside the breeding season, the typical male's head and neck decorations and the bare facial skin are lost and the legs and bill become duller. The upperparts are grey-brown and the underparts are white with grey mottling on the breast and flanks. The female, or "reeve", is 9 to 10 inches in length with a 18 to 19 inches wingspan. In the breeding plumage, the female has grey-brown upperparts with white-fringed, dark-centred feathers. The breast and flanks are variably blotched with black. In winter, her plumage is similar to that of the male but the sexes are distinguishable on size. The plumage of the juvenile Ruff resembles the non-breeding adult but has upperparts with a neat, scale-like pattern with dark feather centres and a strong buff tinge to the underparts. The Ruff is a migratory species, breeding in wetlands in the colder regions of northern Eurasia and wintering in the tropics, mainly in Africa. There is a limited overlap of the summer and winter ranges in the UK and parts of coastal western Europe and birds may be present throughout the year. The Ruff breeds in Europe and Asia from Scandinavia and the UK almost to the Pacific. In Europe, it is found in cool temperate areas but over its Russian range it is an Arctic species and occurs mainly north of about 65°N. The largest numbers breed in Russia, Sweden, Finland and Norway. Although it also breeds from the UK east through the Low Countries to Poland, Germany and Denmark, the populations are much lower in these more southerly areas. The Ruff is highly gregarious on migration and it travels in large flocks that can contain hundreds or thousands of individuals. Huge dense groups form on the wintering grounds. The males, which play no part in nesting or chick care, leave the breeding grounds in late June or early July followed later in July by the females and juveniles. Males typically make shorter flights and winter further north than females. Many migratory species use this differential wintering strategy since it reduces feeding competition between the sexes and enables territorial males to reach the breeding grounds as early as possible thereby improving their chances of successful mating. Males may also be able to tolerate colder winter conditions because they are larger than females. The Ruff breeds in extensive lowland freshwater marshes and damp grasslands. It avoids barren tundra and areas badly affected by severe weather, preferring hummocky marshes and deltas with shallow water. The wetter areas provide a source of food, the mounds and slopes may be used for leks and dry areas with sedge or low scrub offer nesting sites. When it is not breeding, it can be found in a wider range of shallow wetlands. Dry grassland, tidal mudflats and the seashore are less frequently used. Male Ruffs display during the breeding season at a lek in a traditional open grassy arena. The Ruff is one of the few lekking species in which the display is primarily directed at other males rather than to the females and it is among a small percentage of birds in which the males have well-marked and inherited variations in plumage and mating behaviour. There are 3 male forms: the typical territorial males, satellite males which have a white neck ruff and a very rare variant with female-like plumage. The behaviour and appearance for an individual male remain constant through its adult life and are determined by its genes. The territorial males, about 84% of the total, have strongly coloured black or chestnut ruffs and stake out and occupy small mating territories in the lek. They actively court females and display a high degree of aggression towards other resident males. Between 5 and 20 territorial males each hold an area of the lek about 3 feet across and usually with bare soil in the centre. They perform an elaborate display that includes wing fluttering, jumping, standing upright, crouching with ruff erect or lunging at rivals. They are typically silent even when displaying. Territorial males are very site faithful and 90% return to the same lekking sites in subsequent seasons, the most dominant males being the most likely to reappear. Site faithful males can acquire accurate information about the competitive abilities of other males, leading to well-developed dominance relationships. Such stable relationships reduce conflict and the risk of injury and the consequent lower levels of male aggression are less likely to scare off females. Lower-ranked territorial males also benefit from site fidelity since they can remain on the leks while waiting for the top males eventually to drop out. Satellite males, about 16% of the total number, have white or mottled ruffs and do not occupy territories. Instead, they enter leks and attempt to mate with the females visiting the territories occupied by the resident territorial males. Resident territorial males tolerate the satellite birds because, although they are competitors for mating with the females, the presence of both types of male on a territory attracts additional females. A third type of male was first described in 2006. This is a permanent female mimic, the first such reported for a bird. About 1% of males are small, intermediate in size between males and females and do not grow the elaborate breeding plumage of the territorial and satellite males. This cryptic male obtains access to mating territories together with the females and "steals" matings when the females crouch to solicit copulation. It moults into the prenuptial male plumage with striped feathers but does not go on to develop the ornamental feathers of the normal male. Not all mating takes place at the lek since only a minority of the males attend an active lek. As alternative strategies, males can also directly pursue females or wait for them as they approach good feeding sites. The level of polyandry in the Ruff is the highest known for any avian lekking species and for any shorebird. More than half of females mate with and have clutches fertilised by more than one male. In lekking species, females can choose mates without risking the loss of support from males in nesting and rearing chicks since the males take no part in raising the brood anyway. The nest of the Ruff is a shallow ground scrape lined with grass leaves and stems and concealed in marsh plants or tall grass up to 450 yards from the lek. Nesting is solitary although several females may lay in the general vicinity of a lek. The female lays typically 4 eggs from mid-March to early June depending on latitude. Incubation is undertaken by the female alone and the time to hatching is 20 to 23 days with a further 25 to 28 days to fledging. The precocial chicks have buff and chestnut down, streaked and barred with black and frosted with white. They feed themselves on a variety of small invertebrates. The Ruff normally feeds using a steady walk and pecking action, selecting food items by sight, but it will also wade deeply and submerge its head. During the breeding season, the Ruff’s diet consists almost exclusively of the adults and larva of terrestrial and aquatic insects such as beetles and flies. On migration and during the winter, it eats insects, crustaceans, spiders, molluscs, worms, frogs, small fish and also the seeds of rice and other cereals, sedges, grasses and aquatic plants. The Ruff has a large range and a large population although there is some evidence of a decrease in the population in some regions and countries. However, the species as a whole is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List (i.e. declining more than 30 percent in 10 years or 3 generations). For these reasons, the Ruff is classified as "least concern". However, the range in much of Europe is contracting because of land drainage, increased fertiliser use, the loss of mown or grazed breeding sites and over-hunting. Therefore the Ruff is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 25th April 2011 Location: Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30017262.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_796511030587551d37607e.jpgEider The Eider is a large sea duck that is distributed over the northern coasts of Europe, north America and eastern Siberia. It breeds in the Arctic and some northern temperate regions but winters somewhat further south in temperate zones when it can form large flocks on coastal waters. The Eider is both the largest of the 4 eider species and the largest duck found in Europe and in north America (except for the Muscovy duck which only reaches north America in a wild state in southernmost Texas and south Florida). The Eider is characterized by its bulky shape and large, wedge-shaped bill. The male is unmistakable with its black and white plumage and green nape. The female is a brown bird but can still be readily distinguished from all ducks, except other eider species, on the basis of size and head shape. The drake's display call is a strange almost human-like "ah-ooo" while the duck utters hoarse quacks. The Eider dives for crustaceans and molluscs, with mussels being a favoured food. The Eider will eat mussels by swallowing them whole. The shells are then crushed in their gizzard and excreted. When eating a crab, the Eider will remove all of its claws and legs and then eat the body in a similar fashion. The Eider is abundant with populations of about 1.5 to 2 million birds in both Europe and north America and also large but unknown numbers in eastern Siberia. The Eider is a colonial breeder nesting on coastal islands in colonies ranging in size of less than 100 to upwards of 10,000 to 15,000 individuals. Female Eiders frequently exhibit a high degree of natal philopatry where they return to breed on the same island where they were hatched. This can lead to a high degree of relatedness between individuals nesting on the same island as well as the development of kin-based female social structures. This relatedness has likely played a role in the evolution of co-operative breeding behaviours amongst Eiders. Examples of these behaviours include laying eggs in the nests of related individuals and crèching where female Eiders team up and share the work of rearing ducklings. The Eider's nest is built close to the sea and is lined with the celebrated eiderdown plucked from the female's breast. This soft and warm lining has long been harvested for filling pillows and quilts but in more recent years has been largely replaced by down from domestic farm geese and synthetic alternatives. Although eiderdown pillows or quilts are now a rarity, eiderdown harvesting continues and is sustainable as it can be done after the ducklings leave the nest with no harm to the birds. This bird was part of the captive collection at WWT Slimbridge. Date: 2nd January 2017 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24834078.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_499497275559cf5dd1c39b.jpgSwallow The Barn Swallow is the most widespread species of swallow in the world. In Europe it is just called the Swallow and in northern Europe it is the only common species called a "swallow" rather than a "martin". The male Swallow has steel blue upperparts and a rufous forehead, chin and throat which are separated from the off-white underparts by a broad dark blue breast band. The outer tail feathers are elongated to give the distinctive deeply forked "swallow tail." There is a line of white spots across the outer end of the upper tail. The female is similar in appearance to the male but the tail streamers are shorter, the blue of the upperparts and breast band is less glossy and the underparts more pale. The juvenile is browner and has a paler rufous face and whiter underparts. It also lacks the long tail streamers of the adult. The Swallow has an enormous range with an estimated global extent of 20 million square miles and a population of 190 million individuals. It breeds in the Northern Hemisphere from sea level to typically 8,900 feet but up 9,800 feet in the Caucasus and North America and it is absent only from deserts and the cold northernmost parts of the continents. Over much of its range it avoids towns and in Europe is replaced in urban areas by the House Martin. There are 6 subspecies of the Swallow which breed across the Northern Hemisphere, of which 4 are strongly migratory with their wintering grounds covering much of the Southern Hemisphere as far south as central Argentina, the Cape Province of South Africa and northern Australia. The Swallow can be found in open country with low vegetation such as pasture, meadows and farmland, preferably with nearby water. It avoids heavily wooded or precipitous areas and densely built-up locations. The presence of accessible open structures such as barns, stables or culverts to provide nesting sites and exposed locations such as wires, roof ridges or bare branches for perching are also important in the bird's selection of its breeding range. This species lives in close association with humans and its insect-eating habits mean that it is tolerated by man. This acceptance was reinforced in the past by superstitions regarding the bird and its nest. There are frequent cultural references to the Swallow in literary and religious works due to both its living in close proximity to humans and its annual migration. The Swallow is the national bird of Austria and Estonia. In winter, the Swallow is cosmopolitan in its choice of habitat, avoiding only dense forests and deserts. It is most common in open, low vegetation habitats such as savanna and ranch land. Individual birds tend to return to the same wintering locality each year and congregate from a large area to roost in reed beds. These roosts can be extremely large with one in Nigeria holding an estimated 1.5 million birds. Date: 7th May 2015 Location: Evros Delta (west), East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51332412.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20598547036676dd363f120.jpgAzure Damselfly Flight period: May to August The Azure Damselfly is one of the two commonest blue damselflies and is a common and widespread species of lowland UK. They can be found around most standing water, preferring small, sheltered sites including ditches and garden ponds. Date: 9th June 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4466080.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1754525544b8a24ba8e418.jpgReindeer Reindeer are the northernmost species of deer being found throughout the tundra (frozen arctic plain with lichens, mosses and dwarfed vegetation) and taiga (marshy pine forest) zones of the Northern Hemisphere. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26541164.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_169993407756aceab548eec.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 16th January 2016 Location: Caerlaverock WWT reserve, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23408457.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_98023152954c20bc0d5a90.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 3rd January 2015 Location: Mersehead RSPB reserve, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23408466.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4098754254c20c2010c21.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 3rd January 2015 Location: Mersehead RSPB reserve, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/may-2014-herring-gull https://images.on-this.website/4752_209544439453c796ec6bd9d.jpgMay 2014 - Herring Gull Please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/photo21215557.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15747121.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16912583825017a6ce52661.jpgMarsh Frog The Marsh Frog is the largest European frog. It is very similar in appearance to the closely related Edible Frog and Pool Frog. These 3 species are often referred to as "green frogs" to distinguish them from the more terrestrial European species which are known as "brown frogs" (best exemplified by the Common Frog). Marsh Frogs show a large variation in colour and pattern, ranging from dark green to brown or grey. The Western European populations are generally dark green to black with dark spots on the back and sides and 3 clear green lines on the back. Females can reach a maximum length of around 6.5 inches but males are smaller at around 4.5 inches. The head is proportionally large and the hind legs are long which gives them excellent jumping abilities. The Marsh Frog is usually gregarious and diurnal and more tied to aquatic habitats than the Common Frog. It is tolerant of brackish conditions and typically it is found on or in the water of its favoured drainage channels and pools throughout the year. Marsh Frogs frequently sunbathe on the bank of the water body where they are often inconspicuous until disturbed when they will jump in to the water with a characteristic “plop”. They can often be seen on lily pads or floating at the surface amongst vegetation with only their heads exposed. During the breeding season (and sometimes beyond) the male Marsh Frog calls very loudly with a sound reminiscent of a loud chuckle which is often very raucous and can be heard all day and night. Dominant males establish territories from which they call. After mating a female may produce up to 16,000 eggs in a season, laying them in clumps of a few hundred in aquatic vegetation below the surface. They hatch in about a week, tadpoles being rather solitary and living in deep water with vegetation. Newly metamorphosed frogs are up to 1 inch in length and take 2 years to mature. The diet of the Marsh Frog consists of dragonflies and other insects, spiders, earthworms and slugs. Larger frogs also eat small rodents and sometimes smaller amphibians and fish. The Marsh Frog is not a native species of the UK. It was first introduced to Walland Marsh, Kent in 1935 and is now found in several areas of Kent and East Sussex. Other introductions exist, including colonies in London. Date: 23rd July 2012 Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30017268.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18675788055875523aa2601.jpgEider The Eider is a large sea duck that is distributed over the northern coasts of Europe, north America and eastern Siberia. It breeds in the Arctic and some northern temperate regions but winters somewhat further south in temperate zones when it can form large flocks on coastal waters. The Eider is both the largest of the 4 eider species and the largest duck found in Europe and in north America (except for the Muscovy duck which only reaches north America in a wild state in southernmost Texas and south Florida). The Eider is characterized by its bulky shape and large, wedge-shaped bill. The male is unmistakable with its black and white plumage and green nape. The female is a brown bird but can still be readily distinguished from all ducks, except other eider species, on the basis of size and head shape. The drake's display call is a strange almost human-like "ah-ooo" while the duck utters hoarse quacks. The Eider dives for crustaceans and molluscs, with mussels being a favoured food. The Eider will eat mussels by swallowing them whole. The shells are then crushed in their gizzard and excreted. When eating a crab, the Eider will remove all of its claws and legs and then eat the body in a similar fashion. The Eider is abundant with populations of about 1.5 to 2 million birds in both Europe and north America and also large but unknown numbers in eastern Siberia. The Eider is a colonial breeder nesting on coastal islands in colonies ranging in size of less than 100 to upwards of 10,000 to 15,000 individuals. Female Eiders frequently exhibit a high degree of natal philopatry where they return to breed on the same island where they were hatched. This can lead to a high degree of relatedness between individuals nesting on the same island as well as the development of kin-based female social structures. This relatedness has likely played a role in the evolution of co-operative breeding behaviours amongst Eiders. Examples of these behaviours include laying eggs in the nests of related individuals and crèching where female Eiders team up and share the work of rearing ducklings. The Eider's nest is built close to the sea and is lined with the celebrated eiderdown plucked from the female's breast. This soft and warm lining has long been harvested for filling pillows and quilts but in more recent years has been largely replaced by down from domestic farm geese and synthetic alternatives. Although eiderdown pillows or quilts are now a rarity, eiderdown harvesting continues and is sustainable as it can be done after the ducklings leave the nest with no harm to the birds. This bird was part of the captive collection at WWT Slimbridge. Date: 2nd January 2017 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29240063.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_167624618857eb9553168d2.jpgPine Marten The Pine Marten is a member of the mustelid family which also includes the Mink, the Otter, the Badger, the Stoat and the Weasel. It is the only mustelid with semi-retractable claws which enables it to lead a more arboreal lifestyle such as climbing or running in trees. The Pine Marten is about the size of a domestic cat and males are slightly larger than females. The fur is usually light to dark brown and grows longer and silkier during the winter months. It has a cream to yellow coloured "bib" marking on their throats and a long fluffy tail. The Pine Marten is usually found in deciduous and coniferous woodland with plenty of cover and it is mainly active at dusk and at night. It has small rounded, highly sensitive ears and sharp teeth adapted for eating small mammals, birds, insects, frogs and carrion although it also eats berries, nuts, fungi, birds' eggs and honey. Pine Marten dens are commonly found in hollow trees or the fallen root masses of Scots Pines, an association that probably earned them their name. Cairns and cliffs covered with scrub are frequently used as alternative den sites. Territories vary in size according to habitat and food availability. The Pine Marten is one of the rarest native mammals in the UK. Until the 19th century, it was found throughout much of mainland UK, the Isle of Wight and some of the Scottish islands although habitat fragmentation, persecution by gamekeepers and hunting for their fur drastically reduced this distribution. By the 1920s, the main Pine Marten population in the UK was restricted to a small area of north west Scotland. Until recently it remained only at all common in this region where some individuals have lost their fear of man and come to take food provided for them, particularly enjoying jam and peanut butter. A study in 2012 found that the Pine Marten has spread from its Scottish Highland stronghold, north into east Sutherland and Caithness and south east from the Great Glen into Moray, Aberdeenshire, Perthshire, Tayside and the Stirling area with some also occurring in the Central Belt and on the Kintyre and Cowal peninsulas. Expansion in south Scotland has been limited and despite reintroduction to the Glen Trool Forest there has only been a restricted spread from there. In England, the Pine Marten is extremely rare with scattered reports from Cumbria, Northumberland and mid Wales. In July 2015 the [url=http://www.shropshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/pine-marten-appeal] first confirmed sighting of a Pine Marten in England for over a century[/url] was recorded by an amateur photographer in woodland in Shropshire. In Wales, the Vincent Wildlife Trust is implementing a [url=http://www.pine-marten-recovery-project.org.uk/news/pine-martens-arrive-in-wales]reintroduction project[/url] through translocations of Pine Martens from Scotland. The Pine Marten is still quite rare in Ireland but the population is recovering and spreading. The traditional strongholds are in the west and south, especially the Burren, but the population in the Midlands has significantly increased in recent years. A study published in 2015 showed that the Pine Marten was distributed across every county in Northern Ireland. Although they are preyed upon occasionally by Golden Eagles and Red Foxes, humans are the largest threat to the Pine Marten. It is vulnerable from conflict with humans, arising from predator control for other species and the use of inhabited buildings for denning. The Pine Marten is also affected by persecution (illegal poisoning and shooting) by gamekeepers and loss of habitat. This photo was taken in very low light and through a window and the Pine Marten was encouraged to visit every evening during a week long stay at Mingarry Lodges with a supply of jam, peanuts, suet pellets and grapes! Date: 23rd September 2016 Location: Mingarry Lodges, Mingarry, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30017258.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_44148586958755174c1646.jpgEider The Eider is a large sea duck that is distributed over the northern coasts of Europe, north America and eastern Siberia. It breeds in the Arctic and some northern temperate regions but winters somewhat further south in temperate zones when it can form large flocks on coastal waters. The Eider is both the largest of the 4 eider species and the largest duck found in Europe and in north America (except for the Muscovy duck which only reaches north America in a wild state in southernmost Texas and south Florida). The Eider is characterized by its bulky shape and large, wedge-shaped bill. The male is unmistakable with its black and white plumage and green nape. The female is a brown bird but can still be readily distinguished from all ducks, except other eider species, on the basis of size and head shape. The drake's display call is a strange almost human-like "ah-ooo" while the duck utters hoarse quacks. The Eider dives for crustaceans and molluscs, with mussels being a favoured food. The Eider will eat mussels by swallowing them whole. The shells are then crushed in their gizzard and excreted. When eating a crab, the Eider will remove all of its claws and legs and then eat the body in a similar fashion. The Eider is abundant with populations of about 1.5 to 2 million birds in both Europe and north America and also large but unknown numbers in eastern Siberia. The Eider is a colonial breeder nesting on coastal islands in colonies ranging in size of less than 100 to upwards of 10,000 to 15,000 individuals. Female Eiders frequently exhibit a high degree of natal philopatry where they return to breed on the same island where they were hatched. This can lead to a high degree of relatedness between individuals nesting on the same island as well as the development of kin-based female social structures. This relatedness has likely played a role in the evolution of co-operative breeding behaviours amongst Eiders. Examples of these behaviours include laying eggs in the nests of related individuals and crèching where female Eiders team up and share the work of rearing ducklings. The Eider's nest is built close to the sea and is lined with the celebrated eiderdown plucked from the female's breast. This soft and warm lining has long been harvested for filling pillows and quilts but in more recent years has been largely replaced by down from domestic farm geese and synthetic alternatives. Although eiderdown pillows or quilts are now a rarity, eiderdown harvesting continues and is sustainable as it can be done after the ducklings leave the nest with no harm to the birds. This bird was part of the captive collection at WWT Slimbridge. Date: 2nd January 2017 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26006814.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8314135065634aad50a6e1.jpgArctic Terns The Arctic Tern is a seabird of the tern family. The adult plumage is grey above with a black nape and crown and white cheeks. The upperwings are pale grey with the area near the wingtip being translucent. The tail is white and the underparts pale grey. The beak is dark red as are the short legs and webbed feet. Like most terns, the Arctic Tern has high aspect ratio wings and a tail with a deep fork and long tail streamers. Both sexes are similar in appearance. The winter plumage is similar but the crown is whiter and the bills are darker. Juveniles differ from adults having black bill and legs, "scaly" appearing wings and mantle with dark feather tips, dark carpal wing bar and short tail streamers. During their first summer, juveniles also have a whiter forecrown. Whilst the Arctic Tern is similar to the Common and the Roseate Tern, its colouring, profile and call are slightly different. Compared to the Common Tern, it has a longer tail and mono-coloured bill, whilst the main differences from the Roseate Tern are its slightly darker colour and longer wings. The Arctic Tern has a circumpolar breeding distribution covering the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of Europe, Asia and north America. It is strongly migratory and sees 2 summers each year and more daylight than any other creature on the planet. It migrates along a convoluted route from its northern summer breeding grounds to the northern edge of the Antarctic coast for the southern summer and back again about 6 months later. Recent studies have shown average annual roundtrip lengths of 25000 to 50000 miles depending on the route taken and weather and wind conditions. The Arctic Tern is a long-lived bird with many reaching 30 years of age and based on this average it will travel some 1.5 million miles during its lifetime. This is by far the longest migration known in the animal kingdom. Breeding takes place in colonies on coasts, islands and occasionally inland on tundra near water. The Arctic Tern often forms mixed colonies with the Common Tern and Sandwich Tern. As it nests on the ground, the Arctic Tern is vulnerable to predation but it is one of the most aggressive terns and it is fiercely defensive of its nest and young. It will attack humans and large predators, usually striking the top or back of the head. Although it is too small to cause serious injury, it is still capable of drawing blood and repelling many raptorial birds and smaller mammalian predators such as foxes and cats. Other nesting birds, such as auks, often incidentally benefit from the protection provided by nesting in an area defended by Arctic Terns. The diet of the Arctic Tern varies depending on location and time but it usually eats small fish or marine crustaceans by dipping down to the surface of the water to catch prey. While feeding, skuas, gulls and other tern species will often harass the birds and steal their food. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Steingrímsfjarðarheiði to Ísafjörður, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30017250.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4696207875875510b344aa.jpgEider The Eider is a large sea duck that is distributed over the northern coasts of Europe, north America and eastern Siberia. It breeds in the Arctic and some northern temperate regions but winters somewhat further south in temperate zones when it can form large flocks on coastal waters. The Eider is both the largest of the 4 eider species and the largest duck found in Europe and in north America (except for the Muscovy duck which only reaches north America in a wild state in southernmost Texas and south Florida). The Eider is characterized by its bulky shape and large, wedge-shaped bill. The male is unmistakable with its black and white plumage and green nape. The female is a brown bird but can still be readily distinguished from all ducks, except other eider species, on the basis of size and head shape. The drake's display call is a strange almost human-like "ah-ooo" while the duck utters hoarse quacks. The Eider dives for crustaceans and molluscs, with mussels being a favoured food. The Eider will eat mussels by swallowing them whole. The shells are then crushed in their gizzard and excreted. When eating a crab, the Eider will remove all of its claws and legs and then eat the body in a similar fashion. The Eider is abundant with populations of about 1.5 to 2 million birds in both Europe and north America and also large but unknown numbers in eastern Siberia. The Eider is a colonial breeder nesting on coastal islands in colonies ranging in size of less than 100 to upwards of 10,000 to 15,000 individuals. Female Eiders frequently exhibit a high degree of natal philopatry where they return to breed on the same island where they were hatched. This can lead to a high degree of relatedness between individuals nesting on the same island as well as the development of kin-based female social structures. This relatedness has likely played a role in the evolution of co-operative breeding behaviours amongst Eiders. Examples of these behaviours include laying eggs in the nests of related individuals and crèching where female Eiders team up and share the work of rearing ducklings. The Eider's nest is built close to the sea and is lined with the celebrated eiderdown plucked from the female's breast. This soft and warm lining has long been harvested for filling pillows and quilts but in more recent years has been largely replaced by down from domestic farm geese and synthetic alternatives. Although eiderdown pillows or quilts are now a rarity, eiderdown harvesting continues and is sustainable as it can be done after the ducklings leave the nest with no harm to the birds. This bird was part of the captive collection at WWT Slimbridge. Date: 2nd January 2017 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12744846.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8677455954e706dd82f1a5.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 7th December 2007 Location: Donna Nook, Lincolnshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31192315.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_549922211591823d3651965.65851772.jpgNuthtach The Nuthatches are a family of similar looking birds with short tails and wings, compact bodies, longish pointed bills, grey or bluish upperparts, a black eyestripe and strong feet. There are more than 20 subspecies in 3 main groups. The Eurasian Nuthatch is found throughout temperate Asia and in Europe where it is known simply as the Nuthatch. The adult male Nuthatch is 5.5 inches long. It has blue-grey upperparts, a black eye-stripe and whitish throat and underparts. The flanks and lower belly are orange-red and mottled with white on the undertail. The stout bill is dark grey with a paler area on the base of the lower mandible, the iris is dark brown and the legs and feet are pale brown or greyish. The female is similar in appearance to the male but may be identified by her slightly paler upperparts, a browner eyestripe and a more washed out tone to the flanks and lower belly. Young birds resemble the female although their plumage is duller and they have paler legs. The Nuthatch's breeding range extends across temperate Eurasia from the UK (but not Ireland) to Japan. It breeds south to the Mediterranean in Europe (although it is absent from the islands other than Sicily) and in most of Russia. In the east, the range includes most of China and Taiwan and much of Korea. Most populations are sedentary, apart from some post-breeding dispersal of young birds, and there is a reluctance to cross even short stretches of open water. The Nuthatch can be found in mature woodland with large, old trees which provide extensive growth for foraging and nesting holes. In Europe, deciduous or mixed forest is favoured, particularly when containing oak. Parks, old orchards and other wooded habitats may be occupied as long as they have at least a 2.5 acre block of suitable trees. Particularly in mountains, the Nuthatch can be found in old spruce and pine forests. The Nuthatch is primarily a lowland bird in the north of its range but reaches the tree-line in Switzerland at 3,900 feet or higher and it breeds occasionally at 5,900 to 6,900 feet in Austria. It breeds at similar levels in the mountains of Turkey, the Middle East, central Asia and Japan. The Nuthatch is common throughout much of its range although densities are lower in the far north and in coniferous forests. Fragmentation of woodland can lead to local losses of breeding birds but the range is still expanding. In recent decades, the Nuthatch has colonised Scotland and expanded its range in Wales and northern England. Across most of its European range, the most important predator of the Nuthatch is the Sparrowhawk. Other species known to prey on the Nuthatch include the Goshawk, Hobby and Tawny Owl. Pairs of Nuthatches hold permanent territories and nest in tree holes, usually old woodpecker nests but sometimes natural cavities. The nest site is typically 5 to 65 feet above the ground. If the entrance to the hole is too large, the female plasters it with mud to reduce its size and often coats the inside of the cavity too. The 6 to 9 red-speckled white eggs are laid on a deep base of pine or other wood chips. The female incubates the eggs for 13 to 18 days to hatching and broods the chicks until they fledge 20 to 26 days later. Both adults feed the chicks in the nest and continue to do so after they fledge until they become independent after about 8 to 14 days. Normally only a single brood is raised each year. The Nuthatch eats mainly insects, particularly caterpillars and beetles, although in autumn and winter its diet is supplemented with nuts and seeds. Food items are found mainly on tree trunks and large branches but smaller branches may also be investigated. Food may also be taken from the ground especially outside the breeding season. The Nuthatch can forage when descending trees head first as well as when climbing upwards. The Nuthatch readily visits bird tables and will eat fatty man-made food items as well as seeds. It is a hoarder and will store food all year round. Date: 8th May 2017 Location: Gilfach RWT reserve, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30017263.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2133474140587551e99b7ac.jpgEider The Eider is a large sea duck that is distributed over the northern coasts of Europe, north America and eastern Siberia. It breeds in the Arctic and some northern temperate regions but winters somewhat further south in temperate zones when it can form large flocks on coastal waters. The Eider is both the largest of the 4 eider species and the largest duck found in Europe and in north America (except for the Muscovy duck which only reaches north America in a wild state in southernmost Texas and south Florida). The Eider is characterized by its bulky shape and large, wedge-shaped bill. The male is unmistakable with its black and white plumage and green nape. The female is a brown bird but can still be readily distinguished from all ducks, except other eider species, on the basis of size and head shape. The drake's display call is a strange almost human-like "ah-ooo" while the duck utters hoarse quacks. The Eider dives for crustaceans and molluscs, with mussels being a favoured food. The Eider will eat mussels by swallowing them whole. The shells are then crushed in their gizzard and excreted. When eating a crab, the Eider will remove all of its claws and legs and then eat the body in a similar fashion. The Eider is abundant with populations of about 1.5 to 2 million birds in both Europe and north America and also large but unknown numbers in eastern Siberia. The Eider is a colonial breeder nesting on coastal islands in colonies ranging in size of less than 100 to upwards of 10,000 to 15,000 individuals. Female Eiders frequently exhibit a high degree of natal philopatry where they return to breed on the same island where they were hatched. This can lead to a high degree of relatedness between individuals nesting on the same island as well as the development of kin-based female social structures. This relatedness has likely played a role in the evolution of co-operative breeding behaviours amongst Eiders. Examples of these behaviours include laying eggs in the nests of related individuals and crèching where female Eiders team up and share the work of rearing ducklings. The Eider's nest is built close to the sea and is lined with the celebrated eiderdown plucked from the female's breast. This soft and warm lining has long been harvested for filling pillows and quilts but in more recent years has been largely replaced by down from domestic farm geese and synthetic alternatives. Although eiderdown pillows or quilts are now a rarity, eiderdown harvesting continues and is sustainable as it can be done after the ducklings leave the nest with no harm to the birds. This bird was part of the captive collection at WWT Slimbridge. Date: 2nd January 2017 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49278558.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5718715576499b1a63a3ac.jpgFour-spotted Chaser Flight period: mid May to end August. Four-spotted Chasers are a common and widespread species of dragonfly throughout most of the UK. They can be found around sheltered lowland lakes and ponds and around acidic moorland bogs and sheltered upland lakes. Date: 12th June 2023 Location: Laindon http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41225588.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10506042035eda01771db43.jpgChiffchaff The (Common) Chiffchaff is a common and widespread leaf warbler which is named onomatopoeically for its simple and repetitive chiff-chaff song. The British naturalist Gilbert White was one of the first people to separate the similar looking Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler and Wood Warbler by their songs, as detailed in 1789 in “The Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne. The Chiffchaff is a small, dumpy, 4 inch long leaf warbler. The spring adult has brown-washed dull green upperparts, off-white underparts becoming yellowish on the flanks and a short whitish supercilium. It has dark legs, a fine dark bill and short primary projection (extension of the flight feathers beyond the folded wing). As the plumage wears, it gets duller and browner and the yellow on the flanks tends to be lost and after the breeding season there is a prolonged complete moult before migration. After moulting, both the adult and the juvenile have brighter and greener upperparts and a paler supercilium. When not singing, the Chiffchaff can be difficult to distinguish from other leaf warblers with greenish upperparts and whitish underparts, particularly the Willow Warbler. However, that species has a longer primary projection, a sleeker, brighter appearance and generally pale legs. The Chiffchaff breeds across Europe and Asia east to eastern Siberia and north to about 70°N, with isolated populations in north west Africa, north and west Turkey and north west Iran. It is a migratory species but one of the first passerine birds to return to its breeding areas in the spring and amongst the last to leave in late autumn. When breeding, the Chiffchaff is a bird of open woodlands with some taller trees and ground cover for nesting purposes. In winter, the Chiffchaff uses a wider range of habitats and is not so dependent on trees and is often found near water. There is an increasing tendency to winter in western Europe well north of the traditional areas, especially in coastal south England and the mild urban microclimate of London. The male Chiffchaff returns to its breeding territory 2 or 3 weeks before the female and immediately starts singing to establish ownership and attract a female. When a female is located, the male will use a slow butterfly-like flight as part of the courtship ritual but, once a pair-bond has been established, other females will be driven from the territory. The male has little involvement in the nesting process other than defending the territory. The female's nest is built on or near the ground in a concealed site in brambles, nettles or other dense low vegetation. The domed nest has a side entrance and is constructed from coarse plant material such as dead leaves and grass with finer material used on the interior before the addition of a lining of feathers. The clutch is 2 to 7 (normally 5 or 6) cream-coloured eggs which are incubated by the female for 13 to 14 days before hatching as naked, blind chicks. The female broods and feeds the chicks for another 14 to 15 days until they fledge. The male rarely participates in feeding although this sometimes occurs, especially when bad weather limits insect supplies or if the female disappears. After fledging, the young stay in the vicinity of the nest for 3 to 4 weeks where they are fed by and roost with the female. In the north of the range there is only time to raise one brood due to the short summer but a second brood is common in central and southern areas. Like most leaf warblers, the Chiffchaff is insectivorous and moves restlessly though foliage or briefly hovering. It has been recorded as taking insects, mainly flies, from more than 50 families, along with other small and medium-sized invertebrates. It will also take the eggs and larvae of butterflies and moths. The Chiffchaff has been estimated to require about one third of its weight in insects daily and it feeds almost continuously in the autumn to put on extra fat as fuel for its long migration flight. As with most small birds, mortality in the first year of life is high but adults aged 3 to 4 years are regularly recorded and the record is more than 7 years. Eggs, chicks and fledglings are taken by Stoats, Weasels and crows such as the Magpie and adults are hunted by birds of prey, particularly the Sparrowhawk. The Chiifchaff is also susceptible to poor weather, particularly when migrating, but also on the breeding and wintering grounds. The main effect of humans on the Chiffchaff is indirect through woodland clearance which affects the habitat, predation by cats and collisions with windows, buildings and cars. Date: 27th May 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31192318.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1306113991591823d853da43.56293991.jpgDipper The White-throated Dipper, also known as the European Dipper or simply as the Dipper, is an aquatic passerine bird. It is divided into several sub-species based primarily on colour differences, particularly of the pectoral band. These include the Black-bellied Dipper found in Scandinavia, west France, north west Spain, Corsica and Sardinia and an infrequent migrant to the UK and the “British” Dipper found in England, Wales and Scotland excluding the west and north west and the islands. The Dipper is about 7.1 inches long, rotund and short tailed. The head of the adult is brown, the back slate-grey mottled with black (looking black from a distance) and the wings and tail are brown. The throat and upper breast are white followed by a band of warm chestnut (“British” Dipper) or black (Black-bellied Dipper ) which merges into black on the belly and flanks. The young are greyish brown and have no chestnut band. The Dipper can be found in Europe, the Middle East, central Asia and the Indian Subcontinent and it is closely associated with swiftly running rivers and streams or the lakes in to which these fall. It often perches and bobs spasmodically with its short tail uplifted on the rocks around which the water swirls and tumbles. It acquired its name from these sudden dips and not from its diving habit, although it dives as well as walks into the water. It flies rapidly and straight with its short wings whirring swiftly and without pauses or glides and will then either drop on the water and dive or plunge in with a small splash. In addition, it will walk into the water and deliberately submerge from a perch. In this way the Dipper finds its food which includes aquatic invertebrates, aquatic insect larvae, beetles, freshwater molluscs, fish and small amphibians. It will also walk and run on the banks and rocks seeking terrestrial invertebrates. The winter habits of the Dipper vary considerably and apparently individually. When the swift hill rivers and streams are frozen it is forced to descend to the lowlands and even visit the coasts but some will remain if there is any open water. The Dipper breeds close to water and the nest is large, globular or oval (similar to a large Wren's nest) built into a crack or hollow in the rock or in the masonry or on the supports of a bridge. It is composed of moss, dead grass and leaves. This ball, however, is just a shelter. Usually hidden beneath a lip is the entrance to the real nest inside which is a cup of grass or sedge lined with leaves of oak, beech or other trees. Eggs are laid (3 to 6) are laid between March and May and 1 or 2 broods are raised. Date: 8th May 2017 Location: Gilfach RWT reserve, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4466095.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7144976214b8a252cf2226.jpg http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52635528.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3492357986798c1cfd6ed5.jpgSpoonbill The Spoonbill is an unmistakable wading bird. Breeding adults are all white except for dark legs, a black spoon-shaped bill with a yellow tip, a yellow breast patch and a crest. Non-breeders lack the crest and breast patch and immature birds have a pale bill and black tips to the primary flight feathers. Unlike herons, Spoonbills fly with their necks outstretched. Feeding birds swing their heads and sweep their bills from side to side through the water. The Spoonbill breeds from the UK and Spain in the west through to Japan and also in North Africa. In Europe, only the Netherlands, Spain, Austria, Hungary and Greece have sizeable populations. Birds from north west and south west Europe winter mainly in west Africa whilst those from south east Europe winter in the Mediterranean and north Africa. Eastern European and Turkish birds appear to move to north east Africa, the Middle East and India. The Spoonbill became extinct in the UK but sporadic breeding attempts in the early 21st century finally culminated with the formation of a colony at Holkham in Norfolk in 2010. The Spoonbill can be found in extensive shallow, wetlands with muddy, clay or fine sandy beds. They may inhabit any type of marsh, river, lake, flooded area and mangrove swamp, whether fresh, brackish or saline but especially those with islands for nesting or dense emergent vegetation such as reedbeds and scattered trees or shrubs. The Spoonbill may also frequent sheltered marine habitats during the winter such as deltas, estuaries, tidal creeks and coastal lagoons. Threats to the Eurasian Spoonbill include habitat destruction through drainage of wetlands and habitat degradation by pollution. Date: 3rd January 2025 Location: EWT Abberton Reservoir, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12744872.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2615927234e706df55e64a.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 7th December 2007 Location: Donna Nook, Lincolnshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46535260.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_81682340162caa73f15de6.jpgRinglet Flight period: July to mid August. The Ringlet is a widespread and successful species which has been extending its range in in the UK in recent years. They can be found in in tall, lush grasslands particularly in woodland rides and glades and also around scrub and hedgerows. Date: 6th July 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/february-2012 https://images.on-this.website/4752_513382034facdec980bc8.jpgFebruary 2012 - Kingfisher http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071703.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18995277556643363b3b95b.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 4th May 2023 Location: Bwlch Nant yr Arian, Llywernog, Ceredigion http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405479.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15137847746586e80f1ab45.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 14th October 2023 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41524256.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8896375425f3a6f49577c6.jpgRoesel's Bush-cricket The Roesel's Bush-cricket is dark brown with orangey legs, a green face, a creamy border to the thorax and 2 or 3 cream spots on its sides. It is best recognised by its long, monotonous and mechanical song which can be heard from June to October in rough grassland, scrub and damp meadows. Until the early 20th century, the Roesel's Bush-cricket was only found on the south east coast of the UK but in recent years there has been a rapid expansion in its range further north and west. Date: 13th August 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12076200.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_297602484e48d074f120b.jpgOtter The Eurasian Otter, also known as the European Otter, Eurasian River Otter, Common Otter and Old World Otter and commonly known as the Otter, is a semi-aquatic mammal and the most widely distributed member of the Otter sub-family of the Weasel family (Mustelidae). The Otter is a typical species of the Otter sub-family and is brown above and cream below. It is 22.5 to 37.5 inches long excluding a tail of 14 to 17.5 inches. The female is shorter than the male. The Otter's average body weight is 15 to 26 pounds, although occasionally a large old male may reach up to 37 pounds. The Otter differs from the North American River Otter by its shorter neck, broader face, the greater space between the ears and its longer tail. However, it is the only Otter species in much of its range so it is rarely confused for any other animal. The Otter is the most widely distributed Otter species and its range including parts of Asia and Africa as well as being widespread across Europe. The Otter can be found throughout most of the UK with the highest densities in Scotland, especially the islands and the north west coast, Wales, parts of East Anglia and the West Country. The Otter declined across its range in the second half of the 20th century primarily due to pollution, habitat loss and hunting. However, populations are now recovering in many parts of Europe. In the UK the number of sites with an Otter presence increased by 55% between 1994 and 2002. In August 2011, the Environment Agency announced that the Otter had returned to every county in England since vanishing from every county except the West Country and parts of Northern England. The recovery of the Otter population in Europe is due to a ban on the most harmful pesticides that has been in place since 1979, improvements in water quality leading to increases in prey populations and direct legal protection under the European Union Habitats Directive and national legislation in several European countries. In general, the Otter’s varied and adaptable diet means that it can be found on any unpolluted body of fresh water, including lakes, streams, rivers and ponds, as long as the food supply is adequate. It can also be found along the coast in salt water but it requires regular access to fresh water to clean its fur. When living in the sea it is sometimes referred to as a "Sea Otter" but it should not be confused with the true Sea Otter which is a North American species much more strongly adapted to a marine existence. The Otter's diet mainly consists of fish. However, during the winter and in colder environments, fish consumption is significantly lower and other sources of food are eaten including amphibians, crustaceans, insects, birds and small mammals. Hunting mainly takes place at night whilst the day is usually spent in the Otter's holt (den). The Otter is strongly territorial and is primarily solitary. An individual's territory may vary between 1 and 25 miles with the length of the territory depending on the density of food available and the width of the water suitable for hunting (it is shorter on coasts, where the available width is much wider and longer on narrower rivers). The Otter uses its spraints to mark its territory. Territories are only held against members of the same sex so those of males and females may overlap. The Otter is a non-seasonal breeder and males and females will breed at any time of the year. It has been found that their mating season is most likely determined simply by the Otters' reproductive maturity and physiological state. Female Otters are sexually mature between 18 and 24 months old and the average age of first breeding is found to be 2.5 years old. Gestation is 60 to 64 days and after the gestation period, 1 to 4 pups are born which remain dependent on the mother for about 13 months. The male plays no direct role in parental care although the territory of a female with her pups is usually entirely within that of the male. Date: 6th November 2007 Location: Bunnahabhain, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19905536.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1570058249529089de8ebef.jpgRuff The Ruff is a medium-sized wading bird in the sandpiper family, [i]Scolopacidae[/i]. The original English name for this bird, dating back to at least 1465, is the [i]ree[/i], perhaps derived from a dialectical term meaning "frenzied". A later name [I]reeve[/I], which is still used for the female, is of unknown origin but may be derived from the shire-reeve, a feudal officer, likening the male's flamboyant plumage to the official's robes. The current name was first recorded in 1634 and is derived from the ruff, an exaggerated collar fashionable from the mid-16th century to the mid-17th century, since the male bird's neck ornamental feathers resemble the neck wear. The Ruff has a distinctive appearance with a small head, medium-length bill, longish neck and pot-bellied body. It has long legs that are variable in colour but usually yellow or orange. In flight, it has a deeper, slower wing stroke than other waders of a similar size and it displays a thin, indistinct white bar on the wing and white ovals on the sides of the tail. The Ruff shows very distinctive sexual dimorphism. Although a small percentage of males resemble females, the typical male is much larger than the female and has an elaborate breeding plumage. The male is 11 to 13 inches in length with a 21 to 24 inches wingspan. During the May to June breeding season, the typical male's legs, bill and warty bare facial skin are orange and he has distinctive head tufts and a neck ruff. These ornaments vary on individual birds and are black, chestnut or white with the colouring solid, barred or irregular. The grey-brown back has a scale-like pattern, often with black or chestnut feathers, and the underparts are white with extensive black on the breast. The extreme variability of the main breeding plumage is thought to have developed to aid individual recognition in a species that has communal breeding displays but is usually mute. Outside the breeding season, the typical male's head and neck decorations and the bare facial skin are lost and the legs and bill become duller. The upperparts are grey-brown and the underparts are white with grey mottling on the breast and flanks. The female, or "reeve", is 9 to 10 inches in length with a 18 to 19 inches wingspan. In the breeding plumage, the female has grey-brown upperparts with white-fringed, dark-centred feathers. The breast and flanks are variably blotched with black. In winter, her plumage is similar to that of the male but the sexes are distinguishable on size. The plumage of the juvenile Ruff resembles the non-breeding adult but has upperparts with a neat, scale-like pattern with dark feather centres and a strong buff tinge to the underparts. The Ruff is a migratory species, breeding in wetlands in the colder regions of northern Eurasia and wintering in the tropics, mainly in Africa. There is a limited overlap of the summer and winter ranges in the UK and parts of coastal western Europe and birds may be present throughout the year. The Ruff breeds in Europe and Asia from Scandinavia and the UK almost to the Pacific. In Europe, it is found in cool temperate areas but over its Russian range it is an Arctic species and occurs mainly north of about 65°N. The largest numbers breed in Russia, Sweden, Finland and Norway. Although it also breeds from the UK east through the Low Countries to Poland, Germany and Denmark, the populations are much lower in these more southerly areas. The Ruff is highly gregarious on migration and it travels in large flocks that can contain hundreds or thousands of individuals. Huge dense groups form on the wintering grounds. The males, which play no part in nesting or chick care, leave the breeding grounds in late June or early July followed later in July by the females and juveniles. Males typically make shorter flights and winter further north than females. Many migratory species use this differential wintering strategy since it reduces feeding competition between the sexes and enables territorial males to reach the breeding grounds as early as possible thereby improving their chances of successful mating. Males may also be able to tolerate colder winter conditions because they are larger than females. The Ruff breeds in extensive lowland freshwater marshes and damp grasslands. It avoids barren tundra and areas badly affected by severe weather, preferring hummocky marshes and deltas with shallow water. The wetter areas provide a source of food, the mounds and slopes may be used for leks and dry areas with sedge or low scrub offer nesting sites. When it is not breeding, it can be found in a wider range of shallow wetlands. Dry grassland, tidal mudflats and the seashore are less frequently used. Male Ruffs display during the breeding season at a lek in a traditional open grassy arena. The Ruff is one of the few lekking species in which the display is primarily directed at other males rather than to the females and it is among a small percentage of birds in which the males have well-marked and inherited variations in plumage and mating behaviour. There are 3 male forms: the typical territorial males, satellite males which have a white neck ruff and a very rare variant with female-like plumage. The behaviour and appearance for an individual male remain constant through its adult life and are determined by its genes. The territorial males, about 84% of the total, have strongly coloured black or chestnut ruffs and stake out and occupy small mating territories in the lek. They actively court females and display a high degree of aggression towards other resident males. Between 5 and 20 territorial males each hold an area of the lek about 3 feet across and usually with bare soil in the centre. They perform an elaborate display that includes wing fluttering, jumping, standing upright, crouching with ruff erect or lunging at rivals. They are typically silent even when displaying. Territorial males are very site faithful and 90% return to the same lekking sites in subsequent seasons, the most dominant males being the most likely to reappear. Site faithful males can acquire accurate information about the competitive abilities of other males, leading to well-developed dominance relationships. Such stable relationships reduce conflict and the risk of injury and the consequent lower levels of male aggression are less likely to scare off females. Lower-ranked territorial males also benefit from site fidelity since they can remain on the leks while waiting for the top males eventually to drop out. Satellite males, about 16% of the total number, have white or mottled ruffs and do not occupy territories. Instead, they enter leks and attempt to mate with the females visiting the territories occupied by the resident territorial males. Resident territorial males tolerate the satellite birds because, although they are competitors for mating with the females, the presence of both types of male on a territory attracts additional females. A third type of male was first described in 2006. This is a permanent female mimic, the first such reported for a bird. About 1% of males are small, intermediate in size between males and females and do not grow the elaborate breeding plumage of the territorial and satellite males. This cryptic male obtains access to mating territories together with the females and "steals" matings when the females crouch to solicit copulation. It moults into the prenuptial male plumage with striped feathers but does not go on to develop the ornamental feathers of the normal male. Not all mating takes place at the lek since only a minority of the males attend an active lek. As alternative strategies, males can also directly pursue females or wait for them as they approach good feeding sites. The level of polyandry in the Ruff is the highest known for any avian lekking species and for any shorebird. More than half of females mate with and have clutches fertilised by more than one male. In lekking species, females can choose mates without risking the loss of support from males in nesting and rearing chicks since the males take no part in raising the brood anyway. The nest of the Ruff is a shallow ground scrape lined with grass leaves and stems and concealed in marsh plants or tall grass up to 450 yards from the lek. Nesting is solitary although several females may lay in the general vicinity of a lek. The female lays typically 4 eggs from mid-March to early June depending on latitude. Incubation is undertaken by the female alone and the time to hatching is 20 to 23 days with a further 25 to 28 days to fledging. The precocial chicks have buff and chestnut down, streaked and barred with black and frosted with white. They feed themselves on a variety of small invertebrates. The Ruff normally feeds using a steady walk and pecking action, selecting food items by sight, but it will also wade deeply and submerge its head. During the breeding season, the Ruff’s diet consists almost exclusively of the adults and larva of terrestrial and aquatic insects such as beetles and flies. On migration and during the winter, it eats insects, crustaceans, spiders, molluscs, worms, frogs, small fish and also the seeds of rice and other cereals, sedges, grasses and aquatic plants. The Ruff has a large range and a large population although there is some evidence of a decrease in the population in some regions and countries. However, the species as a whole is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List (i.e. declining more than 30 percent in 10 years or 3 generations). For these reasons, the Ruff is classified as "least concern". However, the range in much of Europe is contracting because of land drainage, increased fertiliser use, the loss of mown or grazed breeding sites and over-hunting. Therefore the Ruff is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 30th September 2013 Location: Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41205456.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15767554375eb973d9169cc.jpgSeven-spot Ladybird The Seven-spot Ladybird is a very familiar and widespread in the UK. They are small round beetles with three and a half spots on each of their two elytra (wing cases). The thorax is black with two white marks at the side and the head is small and black. The Ladybird's bright colours are a warning to predators of its foul taste. When disturbed the Ladybird will secrete small amounts of its oily foul-smelling yellow blood from its legs as a further warning to predators such as ants or birds. They inhabit gardens, woodland, hedgerows and meadows and have a varied diet of small insects but favour plant-lice and aphids. They are known as the gardener's friend as they eat garden pests. The average Seven-spot Ladybird will eat more than 5,000 aphids in its year-long life. Ladybirds will hibernate in large groups in sites which are used year after year. In the main breeding season during May and June, mating Seven-spot Ladybirds are a common sight in hedgerows and gardens. In her short life, a female may lay more than 2,000 small yellow eggs. The name Ladybird comes from the Middle Ages when the colourful insects were known as the "beetle of Our Lady". They were named after the Virgin Mary because in early religious paintings she was often shown wearing a red cloak. The 7 spots symbolise 7 joys and 7 sorrows. Date: 7th May 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30017252.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5180980335875511d8191b.jpgEider The Eider is a large sea duck that is distributed over the northern coasts of Europe, north America and eastern Siberia. It breeds in the Arctic and some northern temperate regions but winters somewhat further south in temperate zones when it can form large flocks on coastal waters. The Eider is both the largest of the 4 eider species and the largest duck found in Europe and in north America (except for the Muscovy duck which only reaches north America in a wild state in southernmost Texas and south Florida). The Eider is characterized by its bulky shape and large, wedge-shaped bill. The male is unmistakable with its black and white plumage and green nape. The female is a brown bird but can still be readily distinguished from all ducks, except other eider species, on the basis of size and head shape. The drake's display call is a strange almost human-like "ah-ooo" while the duck utters hoarse quacks. The Eider dives for crustaceans and molluscs, with mussels being a favoured food. The Eider will eat mussels by swallowing them whole. The shells are then crushed in their gizzard and excreted. When eating a crab, the Eider will remove all of its claws and legs and then eat the body in a similar fashion. The Eider is abundant with populations of about 1.5 to 2 million birds in both Europe and north America and also large but unknown numbers in eastern Siberia. The Eider is a colonial breeder nesting on coastal islands in colonies ranging in size of less than 100 to upwards of 10,000 to 15,000 individuals. Female Eiders frequently exhibit a high degree of natal philopatry where they return to breed on the same island where they were hatched. This can lead to a high degree of relatedness between individuals nesting on the same island as well as the development of kin-based female social structures. This relatedness has likely played a role in the evolution of co-operative breeding behaviours amongst Eiders. Examples of these behaviours include laying eggs in the nests of related individuals and crèching where female Eiders team up and share the work of rearing ducklings. The Eider's nest is built close to the sea and is lined with the celebrated eiderdown plucked from the female's breast. This soft and warm lining has long been harvested for filling pillows and quilts but in more recent years has been largely replaced by down from domestic farm geese and synthetic alternatives. Although eiderdown pillows or quilts are now a rarity, eiderdown harvesting continues and is sustainable as it can be done after the ducklings leave the nest with no harm to the birds. This bird was part of the captive collection at WWT Slimbridge. Date: 2nd January 2017 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41349702.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14618945075f2018274c598.jpgPeacock Flight period: March to September. The Peacock is a familiar and widespread butterfly which is continuing to expand its range in the UK. It is a highly adaptable species that can be found almost anywhere but the best sites are where favoured nectar plants are available. Date: 13th July 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28141475.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_467105943577a3dfaa9337.jpgRabbit The (European) Rabbit ranges from 13 to 20 inches in length, not counting a tail of 1.6 to 3.1 inches. It has grey/brown fur, white underparts, long ears, large hind legs and a short, white fluffy tail. As a lagomorph, it has four sharp incisors (two on top, two on bottom) that grow continuously throughout its life. The Rabbit moves move by hopping, using its long and powerful hind legs. To facilitate quick movement, the hind feet have a thick padding of fur to dampen the shock of rapid hopping. The toes are long and are webbed to keep from spreading apart as the animal jumps. The Rabbit is native to south west Europe (Spain and Portugal) and north west Africa (Morocco and Algeria). It is known as an invasive species because it has been introduced to countries on all continents, with the exception of Antarctica and sub-Saharan Africa, where it has often caused many problems within the environment and ecosystems. The Rabbit was brought to England in the 12th century by the Normans and kept in captivity in warrens as a source of meat and fur. Many escaped into the wild and eventually become so common that farming them was no longer economic. Helped by fast breeding, a diet of virtually any vegetable matter and human persecution of their predators, the Rabbit slowly established itself in the wild in the UK despite originally favouring a warmer, drier climate. It is now widespread throughout the UK but absent from the Isles of Scilly and a few smaller islands and can be found almost anywhere that it can burrow. The most suitable areas are those where the burrow area and food supply are side-by-side, such as woodland edge and hedgerows. Open warrens are maintained where good burrowing conditions exist on areas of short grass, sand dunes, railway verges and even in urban areas. It is rarely found above the tree-line and it avoids damp conditions and areas deep in conifer woodland. The Rabbit is a social animal and lives in medium-sized colonies comprising of a network of burrows known as warrens. It is largely crepuscular, being most active around dawn and dusk, although it is not infrequently seen and active during the day. During the day, it prefers to reside in vegetated patches which are used for protection from predators. The Rabbit is essentially a mixed feeder, both grazing and browsing, but grass is the primary food source. However, it has a diverse diet of grasses, leaves, buds, tree bark and roots and will also eat lettuce, cabbage, root vegetables and grains. The Rabbit is famed for its reproductive capabilities and the inspiration for the phrase "breeding like rabbits". The breeding season is mainly from January to August when 4 to 8 litters of 2 to 12 kittens are produced. The gestation period averages 31 days. The doe constructs a nest inside a burrow from grass bedding and lines it with soft fur from her chest and belly. The young kittens are born blind, deaf and almost hairless. Their eyes open at 10 days, they begin to appear at the burrow entrance at 18 days and are weaned at 21 to 25 days. They are self-supporting in one month but 90% die in the first year. Bucks are able to mate at 4 months, does at 3.5 months. Birds of prey and carnivores such as the Fox, Stoat and Weasel are the primary predators of the Rabbit. Date: 27th June 2016 Location: Cowle's Drove, Hockwold cum Wilton, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14155770.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12854425334f3ccd316e8d3.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 10th February 2012 Location: EWT Langdon Conservation Centre, Dunton, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26024344.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_676641430563736ae640ae.jpgArctic Tern The Arctic Tern is a seabird of the tern family. The adult plumage is grey above with a black nape and crown and white cheeks. The upperwings are pale grey with the area near the wingtip being translucent. The tail is white and the underparts pale grey. The beak is dark red as are the short legs and webbed feet. Like most terns, the Arctic Tern has high aspect ratio wings and a tail with a deep fork and long tail streamers. Both sexes are similar in appearance. The winter plumage is similar but the crown is whiter and the bills are darker. Juveniles differ from adults having black bill and legs, "scaly" appearing wings and mantle with dark feather tips, dark carpal wing bar and short tail streamers. During their first summer, juveniles also have a whiter forecrown. Whilst the Arctic Tern is similar to the Common and the Roseate Tern, its colouring, profile and call are slightly different. Compared to the Common Tern, it has a longer tail and mono-coloured bill, whilst the main differences from the Roseate Tern are its slightly darker colour and longer wings. The Arctic Tern has a circumpolar breeding distribution covering the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of Europe, Asia and north America. It is strongly migratory and sees 2 summers each year and more daylight than any other creature on the planet. It migrates along a convoluted route from its northern summer breeding grounds to the northern edge of the Antarctic coast for the southern summer and back again about 6 months later. Recent studies have shown average annual roundtrip lengths of 25000 to 50000 miles depending on the route taken and weather and wind conditions. The Arctic Tern is a long-lived bird with many reaching 30 years of age and based on this average it will travel some 1.5 million miles during its lifetime. This is by far the longest migration known in the animal kingdom. Breeding takes place in colonies on coasts, islands and occasionally inland on tundra near water. The Arctic Tern often forms mixed colonies with the Common Tern and Sandwich Tern. As it nests on the ground, the Arctic Tern is vulnerable to predation but it is one of the most aggressive terns and it is fiercely defensive of its nest and young. It will attack humans and large predators, usually striking the top or back of the head. Although it is too small to cause serious injury, it is still capable of drawing blood and repelling many raptorial birds and smaller mammalian predators such as foxes and cats. Other nesting birds, such as auks, often incidentally benefit from the protection provided by nesting in an area defended by Arctic Terns. The diet of the Arctic Tern varies depending on location and time but it usually eats small fish or marine crustaceans by dipping down to the surface of the water to catch prey. While feeding, skuas, gulls and other tern species will often harass the birds and steal their food. Date: 3rd June 2015 Location: Húsavík, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26891954.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_212050896756e7d58caf1ca.jpgBlue Tit The Blue Tit is a small passerine bird in the tit family. It is easily recognisable by its generally blue and yellow plumage and its small size. The Blue Tit is about 4.7 inches long with a wingspan of 7.1 inches. It has an azure blue crown and a dark blue line passing through the eye and encircling the white cheeks to the chin, giving the bird a very distinctive appearance. The forehead and a bar on the wing are white. The nape, wings and tail are blue and the back is yellowish green. The underparts are mostly sulphur-yellow with a dark line down the abdomen. The bill is black and the legs bluish grey. The sexes are similar whilst young birds are noticeably more yellow. The Blue Tit is very agile and it can cling to the outermost branches and hang upside down when searching for food such as insects, caterpillars and seeds. The Blue Tit can be found throughout areas of the European continent with a mainly temperate or Mediterranean climate and in parts of the Middle East. In the UK it is common in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens and widespread across the whole of the country with the exception of some Scottish islands. The Blue Tit will nest in any suitable hole in a tree, wall or stump, often competing with other birds such as the House Sparrow or Great Tit for the site. In addition, it will readily accept an artificial nesting box. The same hole is returned to year after year and when one pair dies another takes possession. The nesting material is usually moss, wool, hair and feathers and the eggs are laid in April or May. The number in the clutch is often very large but 7 or 8 is normal. It is not unusual for a single bird to feed the chicks in the nest at a rate of one feed every 90 seconds during the height of the breeding season. Successful breeding is dependent on a sufficient supply of caterpillars as well as satisfactory weather. Breeding may be affected badly if the weather is cold and wet between May and July, particularly if this coincides with the emergence of the caterpillars on which the nestlings are fed. The small size of the Blue Tit makes it vulnerable to predation by larger birds and the typical lifespan is 3 years or less. The most significant predator is probably the Sparrowhawk, closely followed by the domestic cat. Nests may also be robbed by mammals such as the Weasel and Red and Grey Squirrels. Date: 28th February 2016 Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49278577.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_781807276499b4c7e5c60.jpgAzure Damselfly Flight period: May to August The Azure Damselfly is one of the two commonest blue damselflies and is a common and widespread species of lowland UK. They can be found around most standing water, preferring small, sheltered sites including ditches and garden ponds. Date: 13th June 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52518248.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_78178320267545fe5ee1a1.jpgCommon Buzzard The Common Buzzard is a member of the genus Buteo and the family Accipitridae, a group of medium-sized raptors with robust bodies and broad wings. The Buteo species of Eurasia and Africa are usually commonly referred to as buzzards whilst those in the Americas are called hawks. Under current classification, the genus Buteo includes approximately 28 species. The Common Buzzard includes between 7 to 16 sub-species and the western Buteo group includes Buteo buteo buteo which is found more or less continuously throughout Europe including the UK. The Common Buzzard is a medium-sized raptor that is highly variable in plumage. It is distinctly round headed with a somewhat slender bill and it has relatively long wings that either reach or fall slightly short of the tail tip when perched, a fairly short tail and somewhat short and mainly bare tarsi. It can appear fairly compact in overall appearance but may also appear large relative to other commoner raptors such as the Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. The Common Buzzard measures between 16 and 23 inches in length with a 3 feet 7 inches to 4 feet 7 inches wingspan. Females average about 2 to 7% larger than males in length and weigh about 15% more. Body mass can show considerable variation from 0.94 to 2.6 pounds in males and 1.07 to 3.02 pounds in females. In Europe, the Common Buzzard is typically dark brown above and on the upperside of the head and mantle but this can become paler and warmer brown with worn plumage. Usually the tail will be narrowly barred grey-brown and dark brown with a pale tip and a broad dark subterminal band but the tail in the palest birds can show a varying amount of white and a reduced sub-terminal band or even appear almost all white. The underside colouring can be variable but typically shows a brown-streaked white throat with a somewhat darker chest. A pale U across the breast is often present followed by a pale line running down the belly which separates the dark areas on the breast side and flanks. These pale areas tend to have highly variable markings that form irregular bars. Juveniles are quite similar to adults and are best told apart by having a paler eye, a narrower sub-terminal band on the tail and underside markings that appear as streaks rather than bars. Beyond the typical mid-range brownish Common Buzzard, birds in Europe can range from almost uniform black-brown above to mainly white. Extreme dark individuals may range from chocolate-brown to blackish with almost no pale colour showing but with a variable or faded U on the breast and with or without faint lighter brown throat streaks. Extreme pale individuals are largely whitish with variable widely spaced streaks or arrowheads of light brown about the mid-chest and flanks and may or may not show dark feather-centres on the head, wing-coverts and sometimes all but part of the mantle. Individuals can show nearly endless variation of colours and hues in between these extremes and the Common Buzzard is among the most variably plumaged diurnal raptors for this reason. The Common Buzzard is often confused with other raptors especially in flight or at a distance including other Buteo species such as Rough-legged Buzzard and Long-legged Buzzard and also Honey Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, Golden Eagle, Booted Eagle and Short-toed Eagle. The Common Buzzard is found throughout several islands in the eastern Atlantic islands, including the Canary Islands and the Azores, and almost throughout Europe. In the UK, it is found in Northern Ireland and in nearly every part of Scotland and England. In mainland Europe, there are no substantial gaps in the range from Portugal and Spain to Greece, Estonia, Belarus and the Ukraine, although it is present mainly only in the breeding season in much of the eastern half of the latter 3 countries. It is also present in all larger Mediterranean islands such as Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily and Crete. Further north in to Scandinavia, it is found mainly in south Norway, the southern half of Sweden and in the southern two-thirds of Finland. The Common Buzzard reaches its northern limit as a breeder in far eastern Finland and over the border in to European Russia and nearly to the Kola Peninsula. In these northern limits, the Common Buzzard is present typically only in summer. The Common Buzzard generally inhabits the interface of woodlands and open ground and typically lives in forest edge, small broad-leaved, coniferous or mixed woodlands with adjacent grassland, arable fields or other farmland and open moorland as long as there are some trees. It is absent from treeless tundra and sporadic or rare in treeless steppe. The Common Buzzard can be found from sea level to elevations of 6600 feet although it breeds mostly below 3300 feet. It can winter to an elevation of 8200 feet and migrates easily at 14,800 feet. The Common Buzzard is a partial migrant. Autumn and spring movements are subject to extensive variation, even down to the individual level, based on a region's food resources, competition (both from other Common Buzzards and other predators), the extent of human disturbance and weather conditions. Short distance movements are the norm for juveniles and some adults in autumn and winter but more adults in central and south Europe and the UK remain in their year-around areas than do not. The Common Buzzard is a typical Buteo in much of its behaviour. It is most often seen effortlessly soaring for extended periods at varying heights although it can appear laborious and heavy in level flight. It is also often seen perched prominently on tree tops, bare branches, telegraph poles, fence posts, rocks or ledges or alternatively well inside the tree canopy. It will also stand and forage on the ground. The Common Buzzard is a generalist predator which hunts a wide variety of prey given the opportunity. The prey extents to a wide variety of vertebrates including mammals, birds (from any age from eggs to adult birds), reptiles, amphibians and fish as well as to various invertebrates, mostly insects. In total, well over 300 prey species are known to be taken by the Common Buzzard. However, dietary studies have shown that it mostly preys upon small mammals, mainly small rodents. Furthermore, prey size can vary from tiny beetles, caterpillars and ants to large adult grouse and Rabbits up to nearly twice their body mass. At times, the Common Buzzard will also subsist partially on carrion, usually of dead mammals or fish. Hunting in relatively open areas has been found to increase hunting success whereas more complete shrub cover lowered success. A majority of prey is taken by dropping from a perch and is normally taken on the ground. Prey may also be hunted in a low flight, by random glides or soars or by foraging on the ground. The home range of the Common Buzzard is generally 0.19 to 0.77 square miles and the size of the breeding territory seems to be correlated with food supply. The territory is maintained through flight displays and in Europe territorial behaviour usually starts in February. However, displays are not uncommon throughout the year in resident pairs, especially by males, and can elicit similar displays by their neighbours. In the display, the Common Buzzard generally engages in high circling, spiraling upward on slightly raised wings. Mutual high circling by pairs sometimes goes on at length, especially during the period prior to or during breeding season. During the mutual displays, the male may engage in exaggerated deep flapping or zig-zag tumbling, apparently in response to the female being too distant. Several pairs may circle together at times and as many as 14 individual adults have been recorded over established display sites. Sky-dancing by the Common Buzzard has been recorded in spring and autumn, typically by the male but sometimes by the female, nearly always with much calling. Sky-dances are of the rollercoaster type, with an upward sweep of up to 100 feet until the bird starts start to stall but sometimes embellished with loops or rolls at the top. Next in the sky-dance, the bird will dive at least 200 feet on more or less closed wings before spreading them and shooting up again. These sky-dances may be repeated in series of 10 to 20. In the climax of the sky-dance, the undulations become progressively shallower, often slowing and terminating directly on to a perch. Various other aerial displays include low contour flight or weaving among trees, frequently with deep beats and exaggerated upstrokes which show underwing pattern to rivals perched below. Talon grappling and occasionally cartwheeling downward with feet interlocked has also been recorded. The Common Buzzard tends to build a bulky nest of sticks, twigs and often heather and lined with broad-leaved foliage. Nests are up to 3.3 to 3.9 feet across and 24 inches deep. With reuse over years, the diameter of a nest can reach or exceed 5 feet. Trees are generally used for a nesting location but crags or cliffs are used if trees are unavailable. Nests in trees are usually located by the main trunk at a height of around 10 to 82 feet. Pairs often have 2 to 4 nests in a territory but some pairs may use a single nest over several consecutive years. The breeding season of the Common Buzzard commences at differing times based on latitude. It may fall as early as January to April but typically it is March to July in most of Europe. In the northern limits of the range the breeding season may occur from May to August. Mating usually occurs on or near the nest and eggs are usually laid in 2 to 3 day intervals. The clutch size can range from to 2 to 6 and it appears that local factors such as habitat and food supply are relevant. Eggs are generally laid in late March to early April in the extreme south, sometime in April in most of Europe and in to May and possibly even early June in the extreme north. If eggs are lost to a predator or fail in some other way, replacement clutches are not usually laid although this has been recorded. Incubation lasts for 33 to 35 days and is mostly, but not solely, undertaken by the female. Hatching may take place over 3 to 7 days. Often the youngest nestling dies from starvation, especially in broods of 3 or more. The female remains at the nest brooding the young in the early stages with the male bringing all prey. At about 8 to 12 days, both the male and female will bring prey but the female continues to do all feeding until the young can tear up their own prey. The young are nearly fully feathered rather than downy at about a month of age and can start to feed themselves as well. The first attempts to leave the nest are often at about 40 to 50 days. Fledging occurs typically at 43 to 54 days but in extreme cases as late 62 days. After leaving the nest, the young generally stay close by until full independence 6 to 8 weeks after fledging. Numerous factors may influence the breeding success of the Common Buzzard including the availability of prey populations, habitat, disturbance and persecution levels and competition. The Common Buzzard is one of the most numerous birds of prey in its range and it is the most numerous diurnal bird of prey throughout much of Europe. Date: 17th November 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41187485.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8255432255ea6dfef26c8d.jpgCoot The Coot is an all black bird with a distinctive white beak and “shield” above the beak from which earns it the title “bald”. Its feet have distinctive lobed flaps of skin on the toes which act instead of webs when swimming. It patters noisily over the water before taking off and can be very aggressive towards other birds. Coot can be found all the year round mainly on freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers and town park lakes. Sometimes they can be seen offshore, especially in winter if freshwater areas are frozen. They breed in areas of fairly shallow standing freshwater with a muddy bottom and plenty of vegetation at the sides, usually in lowland areas. Date: 26th April 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/fallow-deer https://images.on-this.website/4752_15477380704e410f899926a.jpgFallow Deer Fallow Deer are native to the Mediterranean region of Europe and from Turkey to Iran but they have been introduced to nearly 40 countries including the UK by the Normans in the 11th century. They have since become the most widespread species of deer in the UK and typically can be found in deciduous woodland with open patches. Fallow Deer commonly gather in small herds of 4 to 5 but in good feeding areas groupings of up to 100 may gather. When competing for access to females, males display by groaning, thrashing their antlers and by walking alongside their opponent. Fighting occurs if both stags are evenly matched and involves wrestling and clashing of antlers. Fallow Deer have many colour varieties but they are typically fawn-coloured in the summer and reddish-brown in the winter. They have yellow-white undersides, white spots and a black line that runs along the back to the tip of the tail. The spots become less conspicuous or disappear in winter. Males have palmate (flattened) antlers. Date: 22nd October 2008 Location: Bradgate Park, Newton Linford , Leicestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871740.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20613758724eff2186e56f1.jpgBrown Bear The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, <i>Ursus arctos arctos</i>. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an overnight stay in a Brown Bear watching hide at [url=http://www.martinselkonen.fi/index.php?id=1&la=en]Martinselkosen Eräkeskus[/url] Date: 1st June 2009 Location: Martinselkosen Eräkeskus, Pirttivaara, Kainuu, Finland <iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/10143012?autoplay=1" width="600" height="450" frameborder="0"></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/10143012">Brown Bears of Martinselkonen</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user3372484">Richard Chew</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>. Music: Jean Sibelius - Andante festivo<br /> </p> http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14160981.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2080498464f3e398c0b428.jpgCommon Blue Flight period: June to September. The Common Blue is the UK’s most widespread and common blue butterfly although it has suffered some local declines due to habitat loss. They can be found in sunny, sheltered areas including downland, roadside verges, woodland clearings and rural gardens. This photo won second prize in the Essex Wildlife Trust photography competition for 2007. This photo also received a BBC Wildlife magazine photo masterclass award in the “Extreme close up” category for August 2007. Please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/news4693.html]here[/url] for further information. Date: 22nd July 2007 Location: Stow Maries Halt EWT reserve, Stow Maries, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12744424.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6854312804e705f75c7ec6.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 14th November 2005 Location: Donna Nook, Lincolnshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/may-2019-yellowhammer https://images.on-this.website/4752_4073989635db99b6c7ade7.jpgMay 2019 - Yellowhammer Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38397304.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13657349.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10416191544ed36e454366e.jpgOtter The Eurasian Otter, also known as the European Otter, Eurasian River Otter, Common Otter and Old World Otter and commonly known as the Otter, is a semi-aquatic mammal and the most widely distributed member of the Otter sub-family of the Weasel family (Mustelidae). The Otter is a typical species of the Otter sub-family and is brown above and cream below. It is 22.5 to 37.5 inches long excluding a tail of 14 to 17.5 inches. The female is shorter than the male. The Otter's average body weight is 15 to 26 pounds, although occasionally a large old male may reach up to 37 pounds. The Otter differs from the North American River Otter by its shorter neck, broader face, the greater space between the ears and its longer tail. However, it is the only Otter species in much of its range so it is rarely confused for any other animal. The Otter is the most widely distributed Otter species and its range including parts of Asia and Africa as well as being widespread across Europe. The Otter can be found throughout most of the UK with the highest densities in Scotland, especially the islands and the north west coast, Wales, parts of East Anglia and the West Country. The Otter declined across its range in the second half of the 20th century primarily due to pollution, habitat loss and hunting. However, populations are now recovering in many parts of Europe. In the UK the number of sites with an Otter presence increased by 55% between 1994 and 2002. In August 2011, the Environment Agency announced that the Otter had returned to every county in England since vanishing from every county except the West Country and parts of Northern England. The recovery of the Otter population in Europe is due to a ban on the most harmful pesticides that has been in place since 1979, improvements in water quality leading to increases in prey populations and direct legal protection under the European Union Habitats Directive and national legislation in several European countries. In general, the Otter’s varied and adaptable diet means that it can be found on any unpolluted body of fresh water, including lakes, streams, rivers and ponds, as long as the food supply is adequate. It can also be found along the coast in salt water but it requires regular access to fresh water to clean its fur. When living in the sea it is sometimes referred to as a "Sea Otter" but it should not be confused with the true Sea Otter which is a North American species much more strongly adapted to a marine existence. The Otter's diet mainly consists of fish. However, during the winter and in colder environments, fish consumption is significantly lower and other sources of food are eaten including amphibians, crustaceans, insects, birds and small mammals. Hunting mainly takes place at night whilst the day is usually spent in the Otter's holt (den). The Otter is strongly territorial and is primarily solitary. An individual's territory may vary between 1 and 25 miles with the length of the territory depending on the density of food available and the width of the water suitable for hunting (it is shorter on coasts, where the available width is much wider and longer on narrower rivers). The Otter uses its spraints to mark its territory. Territories are only held against members of the same sex so those of males and females may overlap. The Otter is a non-seasonal breeder and males and females will breed at any time of the year. It has been found that their mating season is most likely determined simply by the Otters' reproductive maturity and physiological state. Female Otters are sexually mature between 18 and 24 months old and the average age of first breeding is found to be 2.5 years old. Gestation is 60 to 64 days and after the gestation period, 1 to 4 pups are born which remain dependent on the mother for about 13 months. The male plays no direct role in parental care although the territory of a female with her pups is usually entirely within that of the male. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11159414.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10858171324e15830a49f56.jpgBarnacle Goose The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 3rd November 2008 Location: Loch Gruinart, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13657004.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20590112394ed3691d9adef.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the [i]Canidae[/i] family and is a part of the order [i]Carnivora[/i] within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21958913.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_178848077253da573b92150.jpgArctic Tern The Arctic Tern is a seabird of the tern family. The adult plumage is grey above with a black nape and crown and white cheeks. The upperwings are pale grey with the area near the wingtip being translucent. The tail is white and the underparts pale grey. The beak is dark red as are the short legs and webbed feet. Like most terns, the Arctic Tern has high aspect ratio wings and a tail with a deep fork and long tail streamers. Both sexes are similar in appearance. The winter plumage is similar but the crown is whiter and the bills are darker. Juveniles differ from adults having black bill and legs, "scaly" appearing wings and mantle with dark feather tips, dark carpal wing bar and short tail streamers. During their first summer, juveniles also have a whiter forecrown. Whilst the Arctic Tern is similar to the Common and the Roseate Tern, its colouring, profile and call are slightly different. Compared to the Common Tern, it has a longer tail and mono-coloured bill, whilst the main differences from the Roseate Tern are its slightly darker colour and longer wings. The Arctic Tern has a circumpolar breeding distribution covering the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of Europe, Asia and north America. It is strongly migratory and sees 2 summers each year and more daylight than any other creature on the planet. It migrates along a convoluted route from its northern summer breeding grounds to the northern edge of the Antarctic coast for the southern summer and back again about 6 months later. In the UK, breeding Arctic Terns can best be seen on islands such as the Farne Islands in Northumberland or Orkney and Shetland in northern Scotland where the greatest densities occur. Recent studies have shown average annual roundtrip lengths of 25000 to 50000 miles depending on the route taken and weather and wind conditions. The Arctic Tern is a long-lived bird with many reaching 30 years of age and based on this average it will travel some 1.5 million miles during its lifetime. This is by far the longest migration known in the animal kingdom. Breeding takes place in colonies on coasts, islands and occasionally inland on tundra near water. The Arctic Tern often forms mixed colonies with the Common Tern and Sandwich Tern. As it nests on the ground, the Arctic Tern is vulnerable to predation but it is one of the most aggressive terns and it is fiercely defensive of its nest and young. It will attack humans and large predators, usually striking the top or back of the head. Although it is too small to cause serious injury, it is still capable of drawing blood and repelling many raptorial birds and smaller mammalian predators such as foxes and cats. Other nesting birds, such as auks, often incidentally benefit from the protection provided by nesting in an area defended by Arctic Terns. The diet of the Arctic Tern varies depending on location and time but it usually eats small fish or marine crustaceans by dipping down to the surface of the water to catch prey. While feeding, skuas, gulls and other tern species will often harass the birds and steal their food. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Inner Farne, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21959349.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_200668140353da7c1e473ae.jpgRed Grouse The Red Grouse is a medium-sized bird of the grouse family which is found in heather moorland in the UK and Ireland. It is endemic to the UK and has developed in isolation. It is usually classified as a sub-species of the Willow Ptarmigan or Willow Grouse which is found in birch and other forests and moorlands in north Europe, the tundra of Scandinavia, Siberia, Alaska and north Canada. The Red Grouse is differentiated from the Willow Ptarmigan and Rock Ptarmigan by its plumage being reddish brown and not having a white winter plumage. The tail is black and the legs are white. There are white stripes on the underwing and red combs over the eye. Females are less reddish than the males and have less conspicuous combs. Young birds are duller and lack the red combs. The Red Grouse is found across most parts of Scotland, including Orkney, Shetland and most of the Outer Hebrides. It is only absent from urban areas such as in the Central Belt. In Wales there are strong populations of Red Grouse in some places but the range has retracted. It is now largely absent from the far south and the main strongholds are Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons and the Cambrian Mountains. In England the Red Grouse is mainly found in the north in areas such as the Lake District, Northumberland, County Durham, much of Yorkshire, the Pennines and the Peak District as far south as the Staffordshire Moorlands. There is an isolated introduced population on Dartmoor and overspill Welsh birds visit the Shropshire Hills.The typical habitat is upland heather moors away from trees. It can also be found in some low-lying bogs and birds may visit farmland during hard weather. The UK population of the Red Grouse is estimated at about 250,000 pairs. Numbers have declined in recent years and it is now absent in areas where it was once common. Reasons for the decline include disease, loss of heather due to overgrazing, creation of new conifer plantations and a decline in the number of upland gamekeepers. Some predators feed on Red Grouse and there is ongoing controversy as to what effect these have on numbers. The Red Grouse is herbivorous and feeds mainly on the shoots, seeds and flowers of heather. It will also feed on berries, cereal crops and sometimes insects. The Red Grouse is considered a game bird and is shot in large numbers during the shooting season which traditionally starts on August 12th (known as the Glorious Twelfth). Shooting can take the form of “walked up” (where shooters walk across the moor to flush grouse and take a shot) or “driven” (where grouse are driven, often in large numbers, by “beaters” towards the shooters who are hiding behind a line of “butts”). Many moors are managed to increase the density of Red Grouse. Areas of heather are subjected to controlled burning since this allows fresh young shoots to regenerate which are favoured by Red Grouse. In addition, extensive predator control is a feature of grouse moor management and the extent and legality to which it occurs is hotly contested between conservation groups and shooting interests and the subject generates a lot of media attention. The Red Grouse is widely known as the logo of The Famous Grouse whisky and an animated bird is a character in a series of its adverts. It is also the emblem of the magazine “British Birds”. Date: 13th June 2014 Location: Grinton Moor, Yorkshire Dales National Park, North Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9564276.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1862868274daeb4a3790e2.jpgBlackbird The Common Blackbird is a species of true thrush. It is also called Eurasian Blackbird (especially in North America in order to distinguish it from the unrelated New World blackbirds) or simply Blackbird where this does not lead to confusion with a similar-looking local species. The Blackbird’s name derives form 2 Latin words: <i>turdus</i> meaning “thrush” and <i>merula</i> meaning “blackbird”. It may not immediately be clear why the name "blackbird", first recorded in 1486, was applied to this species but not to one of the various other common black English birds, such as the Carrion Crow, Raven, Rook or Jackdaw. However, in Old English and in modern English up to about the 18th century, "bird" was used only for smaller or young birds and larger ones such as crows were called "fowl". At that time, the Blackbird was therefore the only widespread and conspicuous black bird in the UK. The Blackbird is around 9.25 to 11.5 inches in length including a long tail. The adult male has glossy black plumage, blackish-brown legs, a yellow eye-ring and an orange-yellow bill. The bill darkens somewhat in winter. The adult female is sooty-brown with a dull yellowish-brownish bill, a brownish-white throat and some weak mottling on the breast. The juvenile is similar to the female but has pale spots on the upperparts and the very young juvenile also has a speckled breast. Young birds vary in the shade of brown, with darker birds presumably males. The first year male resembles the adult male but has a dark bill and weaker eye ring and its folded wing is brown rather than black like the body plumage. The Blackbird breeds in temperate Eurasia, north Africa, the Canary Islands and south Asia. Populations are sedentary in the south and west of the range although northern birds migrate south as far as north Africa and tropical Asia in winter. Common over most of its range in woodland, the Blackbird has a preference for deciduous trees with dense undergrowth. However, gardens provide the most successful breeding habitat. It occurs up to around 3300 feet in Europe and is often replaced by the related Ring Ousel in areas of higher altitude. The Blackbird has an extensive range and a large population which is generally stable or increasing. However, there have been local declines, especially on farmland, which may be due to agricultural policies that encouraged farmers to remove hedgerows (which provide nesting places) and to drain damp grassland and increase the use of pesticides, both of which could have reduced the availability of invertebrate food. The Blackbird may commence breeding in March when the breeding pair prospect for a suitable nest site in a creeper or bush, favouring evergreen or thorny species such as ivy, holly, hawthorn, honeysuckle or pyracantha. Sometimes they will nest in sheds or outbuildings where a ledge or cavity is used. The cup-shaped nest is made with grasses, leaves and other vegetation and bound together with mud. It is built by the female alone. The nest is often ill-concealed compared with those of other species and many breeding attempts fail due to predation. The female lays 3 to 5 (average 4) bluish-green eggs marked with reddish-brown blotches which are incubated for 12 to 14 days before the chicks are hatched naked and blind. Fledging takes another 10 to 19 (average 13.6) days, with both parents feeding the young. The young are fed by the parents for up to 3 weeks after leaving the nest and they will follow the adults begging for food. If the female starts another nest, the male alone will feed the fledged young. Second broods are common with the female reusing the same nest if the brood was successful. The first-year male Blackbird may start singing as early as late January in fine weather in order to establish a territory, followed in late March by the adult male. The male's song is a varied and melodious low-pitched fluted warble which is given from trees, rooftops or other elevated perches mainly in the period from March to June and sometimes into the beginning of July. During the winter, the Blackbird can be heard quietly singing to itself, so much so that September and October are the only months which the song cannot be heard. The Blackbird is omnivorous, eating a wide range of insects, earthworms, seeds and berries. It feeds mainly on the ground, running and hopping with a start-stop-start progress. It pulls earthworms from the soil, usually finding them by sight but sometimes by hearing, and roots through leaf litter for other invertebrates. Small amphibians and lizards are occasionally hunted. The Blackbird will also perch in bushes to take berries and collect caterpillars and other active insects. Animal prey predominates and this is particularly important during the breeding season with windfall apples and berries taken more in the autumn and winter. Near human habitation the main predator of the Blackbird is the domestic cat, with newly fledged young especially vulnerable. Foxes and predatory birds, such as the Sparrowhawk, also predate the Blackbird when the opportunity arises. Eggs and chicks are also taken by corvids, such as the Magpie or Jay. Date: 28th December 2008 Location: Folkestone, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833393.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1459049584559cea984e0ab.jpgDalmatian Pelican The somewhat similar-looking White Pelican broadly overlaps in size but has greater size sexual dimorphism. Female White Pelicans can be noticeably smaller than female Dalmatian Pelicans but male individuals of the two species are essentially the same size and weight. The Dalmatian Pelican differs from the White Pelican in that it has curly nape feathers, grey legs and silvery-white (rather than pure white) plumage. In winter, the adult Dalmatian Pelican goes from silvery-grey to a dingier brownish-grey cream colour. Immature birds are grey and lack the pink facial patch of immature White Pelicans. The bare skin around the eye can vary from yellow to purplish in colour. In the breeding season the Dalmatian Pelican has an orange-red lower mandible and pouch against a yellow upper mandible but in winter the whole bill is a somewhat dull yellow. The bill, at 14 to 18 inches long, is the second largest of any bird after the Australian Pelican. In flight, the Dalmatian Pelican is an elegant soaring bird, with the head held close to and aligned with the body by a downward bend in the neck. Unlike other pelicans, its wings are solid greyish-white with black tips. The Dalmatian Pelican can be found in lakes, rivers, deltas and estuaries from south east Europe to India and China. Compared to the White Pelican, the Dalmatian Pelican is not as tied to lowland areas and will nest in suitable wetlands at many elevations. It is less opportunistic in breeding habitat selection than the White Pelican, usually returning to a traditional breeding site year after year unless it becomes completely unsuitable. The Dalmatian Pelican usually migrates short distances. It is dispersive in Europe, based on feeding opportunities, with most western birds staying through the winter in the Mediterranean region. It is more actively migratory in Asia, where most of the birds that breed in Russia fly down for the winter to the central Middle East, largely around Iran through to the Indian Subcontinent from Nepal to central India. The Dalmatian Pelican has declined greatly throughout its range, more so than the White Pelican. During the 20th century, the species' numbers underwent a dramatic decline for reasons that are not entirely understood. The most likely reason was habitat loss due to human activities such as the drainage of wetlands and land development. Colonies are regularly disturbed by human activity, and, like all pelicans, the parents may temporarily leave their nest if threatened which then exposes the chicks to the risk of predation. Occasionally, Dalmatian Pelicans may be shot by fishermen who believe the birds are dangerously depleting the fish population and hence threatening their livelihood. Dalmatian Pelicans also regularly fly into power-lines and are killed by electrocution. The largest single remaining colony of Dalmatian Pelicans in Europe is at the Prespa lakes shared between Albania and Greece with around 1400 pairs. Approximately 450 pairs breed in the Danube Delta in Romania. The country with the largest breeding population today, including about 70% of pairs or possibly over 3,000 pairs, is Russia. Conservation efforts have been undertaken on behalf of the Dalmatian Pelican especially in Europe. Although they normally nest on the ground, Dalmatian Pelicans have nested on platforms put out in Turkey, Greece, Bulgaria and Romania in order to encourage them to breed. Rafts over water have also been set up for the species to use in Greece and Bulgaria. Power-lines have also been marked or dismantled in areas adjacent to colonies in these countries. Additionally, water-level management and educational programs may be aiding them at a local level. The Dalmatian Pelican feeds almost entirely on fish. It usually forages alone or in groups of only 2 or 3 birds. It normally swims along, placidly and slowly, until it quickly dunks its head underwater and scoops the fish out along with great masses of water. The water is dumped out of the sides of the pouch and the fish is swallowed. Occasionally it may feed cooperatively with other pelicans by corralling fish into shallow waters and may even co-operate similarly while fishing alongside Cormorants. Among a highly social family in general, the Dalmatian Pelican may have the least social inclinations. It naturally nests in relatively small groups compared to most other pelican species and sometimes may even nest alone. However, small colonies are usually formed, which regularly include upwards of 250 pairs. Occasionally, Dalmatian Pelicans may mix in with colonies of White Pelicans. Nesting sites selected are usually either islands in large bodies of water (typically lagoons or river deltas) or dense mats of aquatic vegetation. The nest is a moderately-sized pile of grass, reeds, sticks and feathers and is usually located on or near the ground, often being placed on dense floating vegetation. Breeding commences in March or April, about a month before the White Pelican breeds. Date: 13th May 2015 Location: Great Prespa Lake (Megali Prespa), West Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46534444.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_157822318762ca98255a32f.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 27th June 2022 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7190772.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10425349954cc304c9e41e7.jpgFallow Deer Fallow Deer are native to the Mediterranean region of Europe and from Turkey to Iran but they have been introduced to nearly 40 countries including the UK by the Normans in the 11th century. They have since become the most widespread species of deer in the UK and typically can be found in deciduous woodland with open patches. Fallow Deer commonly gather in small herds of 4 to 5 but in good feeding areas groupings of up to 100 may gather. When competing for access to females, males display by groaning, thrashing their antlers and by walking alongside their opponent. Fighting occurs if both stags are evenly matched and involves wrestling and clashing of antlers. Fallow Deer have many colour varieties but they are typically fawn-coloured in the summer and reddish-brown in the winter. They have yellow-white undersides, white spots and a black line that runs along the back to the tip of the tail. The spots become less conspicuous or disappear in winter. Males have palmate (flattened) antlers. Date: 17th October 2010 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/kirkjufell-west-iceland https://images.on-this.website/4752_1067365857561cd1ef76a78.jpgKirkjufell, Snæfellsnes peninsula, west Iceland Kirkjufell (Icelandic: "Church mountain") at 1519 feet high is a beautifully shaped, symmetric, free standing mountain situated to the west of Grundarfjörður on the Snæfellsnes peninsula in west Iceland. It is a prominent rhyolite mountain and its top is flat and crowned with a precipitous layer of black pitch stone and obsidian. The screes below are greyish blue in colour and almost barren. The creation of Kirkjufell can be traced back to the last Ice Age when the glaciers and their rivers were carving out the landscape. Kirkjufell's isolated position jutting out into the sea makes it a focal point for tourists and seamen alike and it is probably Iceland's most iconic and photographed mountain. Date: 6th June 2015 Location: view from road 54 west of Grundarfjörður http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5015783.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15230142064beed13237007.jpgHerring Gull Herring Gulls are large, noisy gulls and can be found throughout the year around coasts. During winter they can also be found inland around rubbish tips, fields, large reservoirs and lakes. Herring Gulls usually breed in colonies at coastal sites around the UK including cliffs with grassy slopes, shingle beaches, small islands and rooftops in seaside towns. Date: 9th May 2010 Location: South Stack, Anglesey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30017257.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_126449798758755162d32c1.jpgEider The Eider is a large sea duck that is distributed over the northern coasts of Europe, north America and eastern Siberia. It breeds in the Arctic and some northern temperate regions but winters somewhat further south in temperate zones when it can form large flocks on coastal waters. The Eider is both the largest of the 4 eider species and the largest duck found in Europe and in north America (except for the Muscovy duck which only reaches north America in a wild state in southernmost Texas and south Florida). The Eider is characterized by its bulky shape and large, wedge-shaped bill. The male is unmistakable with its black and white plumage and green nape. The female is a brown bird but can still be readily distinguished from all ducks, except other eider species, on the basis of size and head shape. The drake's display call is a strange almost human-like "ah-ooo" while the duck utters hoarse quacks. The Eider dives for crustaceans and molluscs, with mussels being a favoured food. The Eider will eat mussels by swallowing them whole. The shells are then crushed in their gizzard and excreted. When eating a crab, the Eider will remove all of its claws and legs and then eat the body in a similar fashion. The Eider is abundant with populations of about 1.5 to 2 million birds in both Europe and north America and also large but unknown numbers in eastern Siberia. The Eider is a colonial breeder nesting on coastal islands in colonies ranging in size of less than 100 to upwards of 10,000 to 15,000 individuals. Female Eiders frequently exhibit a high degree of natal philopatry where they return to breed on the same island where they were hatched. This can lead to a high degree of relatedness between individuals nesting on the same island as well as the development of kin-based female social structures. This relatedness has likely played a role in the evolution of co-operative breeding behaviours amongst Eiders. Examples of these behaviours include laying eggs in the nests of related individuals and crèching where female Eiders team up and share the work of rearing ducklings. The Eider's nest is built close to the sea and is lined with the celebrated eiderdown plucked from the female's breast. This soft and warm lining has long been harvested for filling pillows and quilts but in more recent years has been largely replaced by down from domestic farm geese and synthetic alternatives. Although eiderdown pillows or quilts are now a rarity, eiderdown harvesting continues and is sustainable as it can be done after the ducklings leave the nest with no harm to the birds. This bird was part of the captive collection at WWT Slimbridge. Date: 2nd January 2017 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33568399.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11734096125a106aed763e0.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 4th November 2017 Location: Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/ard-beag-and-ardmore-bay https://images.on-this.website/4752_171195249653d11ccb98f68.jpgArd Beag and Ardmore Bay, Trumpan, Skye Waternish is the central of the three most prominent peninsulas to project north west into the Minch from Skye. The ruin of Trumpan Church stands on a site overlooking the sea at Trumpan. This is as far as the public road goes along the west side of the Waternish Peninsula, though it is still nearly 4 miles short of the peninsula's tip at Waternish Point. Trumpan was once a thriving medieval township and the church served as its focal point. The meadows around Trumpan Church are a site for the Corncrake, an extremely rare bird in the UK, albeit calling birds are impossible to see in the dense vegetation. Date: 21st June 2014 Location: view from Trumpan church http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25774132.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_430209384560fb85f3fa82.jpgOtter The Eurasian Otter, also known as the European Otter, Eurasian River Otter, Common Otter and Old World Otter and commonly known as the Otter, is a semi-aquatic mammal and the most widely distributed member of the Otter sub-family of the Weasel family (Mustelidae). The Otter is a typical species of the Otter sub-family and is brown above and cream below. It is 22.5 to 37.5 inches long excluding a tail of 14 to 17.5 inches. The female is shorter than the male. The Otter's average body weight is 15 to 26 pounds, although occasionally a large old male may reach up to 37 pounds. The Otter differs from the North American River Otter by its shorter neck, broader face, the greater space between the ears and its longer tail. However, it is the only Otter species in much of its range so it is rarely confused for any other animal. The Otter is the most widely distributed Otter species and its range including parts of Asia and Africa as well as being widespread across Europe. The Otter can be found throughout most of the UK with the highest densities in Scotland, especially the islands and the north west coast, Wales, parts of East Anglia and the West Country. The Otter declined across its range in the second half of the 20th century primarily due to pollution, habitat loss and hunting. However, populations are now recovering in many parts of Europe. In the UK the number of sites with an Otter presence increased by 55% between 1994 and 2002. In August 2011, the Environment Agency announced that the Otter had returned to every county in England since vanishing from every county except the West Country and parts of Northern England. The recovery of the Otter population in Europe is due to a ban on the most harmful pesticides that has been in place since 1979, improvements in water quality leading to increases in prey populations and direct legal protection under the European Union Habitats Directive and national legislation in several European countries. In general, the Otter’s varied and adaptable diet means that it can be found on any unpolluted body of fresh water, including lakes, streams, rivers and ponds, as long as the food supply is adequate. It can also be found along the coast in salt water but it requires regular access to fresh water to clean its fur. When living in the sea it is sometimes referred to as a "Sea Otter" but it should not be confused with the true Sea Otter which is a North American species much more strongly adapted to a marine existence. The Otter's diet mainly consists of fish. However, during the winter and in colder environments, fish consumption is significantly lower and other sources of food are eaten including amphibians, crustaceans, insects, birds and small mammals. Hunting mainly takes place at night whilst the day is usually spent in the Otter's holt (den). The Otter is strongly territorial and is primarily solitary. An individual's territory may vary between 1 and 25 miles with the length of the territory depending on the density of food available and the width of the water suitable for hunting (it is shorter on coasts, where the available width is much wider and longer on narrower rivers). The Otter uses its spraints to mark its territory. Territories are only held against members of the same sex so those of males and females may overlap. The Otter is a non-seasonal breeder and males and females will breed at any time of the year. It has been found that their mating season is most likely determined simply by the Otters' reproductive maturity and physiological state. Female Otters are sexually mature between 18 and 24 months old and the average age of first breeding is found to be 2.5 years old. Gestation is 60 to 64 days and after the gestation period, 1 to 4 pups are born which remain dependent on the mother for about 13 months. The male plays no direct role in parental care although the territory of a female with her pups is usually entirely within that of the male. Date: 25th September 2015 Location: Broadford Bay, Skye, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13439462.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1934074204eb264d656645.jpgDark-bellied Brent Geese The Brent Goose belongs to the [I]Branta[/I] genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the [I]Anser[/I] genus of grey geese. [I]Branta[/I] is a Latinised form of Old Norse [I]brandgás[/I], meaning "burnt (black) goose", and [i]bernicla[/i] is the medieval Latin name for the barnacle. The Brent Goose and the similar Barnacle Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be the same creature as the crustacean, a myth that can be dated back to at least the 12th century. The Brent Goose, [I]Branta bernicla[/I] is divided into 3 sub-species: Dark-bellied Brent Goose [I]B. b. bernicla[/I], Pale-bellied Brent Goose [i]B. b. hrota[/i] (sometimes also known as Light-bellied Brent Goose) and Black Brant [i]B. b. nigricans[/i]. Some DNA evidence suggests that these forms are genetically distinct and a split into 3 separate species has been proposed. However, other evidence upholds their maintenance as a single species. The Brent Goose is a small goose, 22 to 26 inches long with a wingspan of 42 to 48 inches. The under-tail is pure white and the tail black and very short (the shortest of any goose). The Dark-bellied Brent Goose is fairly uniformly dark grey-brown all over and the flanks and belly are not significantly paler than the back. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds on the Arctic coasts of central and west Siberia and winters in west Europe with over half the population in south England and the rest between north Germany and north west France. The Pale-bellied Brent Goose appears blackish-brown and light grey in colour and the flanks and belly are significantly paler than the back and present a marked contrast. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds in Franz Josef Land, Svalbard, Greenland and north east Canada and winters in Denmark, north east England, Ireland and the Atlantic coast of the USA from Maine to Georgia as well as in a small but significant area in north France. The Black Brant appears blackish-brown and white in colour. This sub-species is very contrastingly black and white with a uniformly dark sooty-brown back, similarly-coloured underparts (with the dark colour extending furthest back of the 3 sub-species) and a prominent white flank patch. It also has a larger white neck patch which forms an almost complete collar. It breeds in north west Canada, Alaska and east Siberia and winters mostly on the west coast of north America from south Alaska to California but also in east Asia, mainly Japan. It sometimes appears as a vagrant in Europe when it associates with the other Brent Goose species. The Brent Goose used to be a strictly coastal bird in winter, seldom leaving tidal estuaries where it feeds on eel-grass and seaweed. In recent decades, it has started using agricultural land a short distance inland, feeding extensively on grass and winter-sown cereals. This may be behaviour learned by following other species of geese. Food resource pressure may also be important in forcing this change since the world population increased over 10-fold by the mid-1980s, possibly reaching the carrying capacity of the estuaries. In the breeding season, the Brent Goose uses low-lying wet coastal tundra for both breeding and feeding. The nest is bowl-shaped, lined with grass and down and located in an elevated position often near a small pond. The Brent Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds applies. Date: 21st October 2011 Location: Cudmore Grove Country Park, East Mersea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51387307.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_184118487667e7d519b579.jpgBlue-tailed Damselfly Flight period: mid May to early September. Blue-tailed Damselflies are a widespread and common species of damselfly in much of England, Wales and southern Scotland. They can be found around lakes, ponds, canals and ditches, being less common on flowing water and in exposed and upland sites. They can also tolerate some saline and polluted waters. Date: 23rd June 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32709149.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_531359859ad282adc5889.05150577.jpgHortobágy National Park, Hajdú-Bihar county, Hungary Hortobágy National Park (Hortobágy Nemzeti Park) is a national park in eastern Hungary. It is part of the vast Great Hungarian Plain which occupies southern and eastern Hungary, some parts of the eastern Slovakian lowlands, south west Ukraine, western Romania, northern Serbia and eastern Croatia. Hortobágy National Park was designated as a national park in 1972 (the first in Hungary), and as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. It is Hungary's largest protected area. At the time of designation, the area of the National Park was 289 square miles but since then it has been extended to almost 315 square miles. Around 25% of its area has international protection under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance. The entire Hortobágy National Park is part of the Natura 2000 network of the European Union in which Special Protected Areas and Special Areas of Conservation have been designated in a way that they contain and encompass the area of the National Park including organically connected or separate grassland mosaic areas that are outside the National Park. The protection thus ensured by the Natura 2000 areas provides an appropriate basis for the establishment of a buffer zone. A conservation management plan for the Hortobágy National Park was prepared in 1997. Hortobágy National Park contains the largest continuous natural grassland in Europe and the second largest steppe area west of the Ural Mountains. It has outstanding natural features and maintains great biological diversity in respect of species and habitats. It is a unique example of the harmonious coexistence of people and nature based on the considerate use of the land. A major part of the area of the Hortobágy National Park is formed by natural habitats, principally alkaline grasslands (puszta), meadows and the marshes lying between them. From the point of view of nature conservation, the artificial wetlands, which cover a much smaller area, are of considerable importance. These are the fish ponds created during the last century on the worst quality grazing lands and marshes. The Hortobágy National Park is one of Europe’s greatest lowland birding areas containing nesting habitats and migration sites of European significance. The Hortobágyi-Halastó complex just to the west of Hortobágy village is arguably the best site to explore and contains waterbodies of various sizes from small fish ponds to huge lakes. Over 340 bird species have been recorded in the Hortobágy National Park, of which over 150 species breed. For UK birders, it is particularly exciting since several “eastern” species can be found which are at the westernmost extent of their range. These are joined by a large number of temperate European and Mediterranean species. The symbol of the Hortobágy National Park is the Crane. One of the most spectacular sights is the autumn migration when tens of thousands of Cranes can be seen every October as they fly above the grasslands to their overnight roosting places. For thousands of years the wild animals grazing on the grasslands of the Hortobágy National Park, the Aurochs and wild horses, were gradually replaced by domesticated animals. A large number of Long-haired Sheep and Hungarian Grey Cattle can now be found here. Less ancient species are the Mangalica Pig and the Nonius Horse. In the Visitor Centre in Hortobágy village, visitors and tourists can get information and advice on what to see and what to do in the Hortobágy National Park and can also learn about its natural and cultural assets: its flora and fauna, the different natural phenomena, herdsmen’s traditions, craftsmen’s skills and local rare breeds. The Visitor Centre also sells the mandatory permits that are required to visit most of the protected areas. The Hortobágy-halastavi Kisvasút is a narrow gauge railway which runs through Hortobágyi-Halastó. It was built and commissioned in 1915 for the purpose of transporting fish food from the silo in Hortobágyi-Halastó to the fish ponds and transporting freshly caught fish in the opposite direction. The track formerly had a length of 22 miles and was temporarily decommissioned in 1960. Since 2007, the railway has been used as a tourist train. The track now runs for just 3 miles and provides access to the northern end of Hortobágyi-Halastó. A one-way trip lasts 23 minutes. Date: 20th May 2017 Location: northern end of Hortobágy-Halastó, Hortobágy National Park, Hajdú-Bihar county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32709021.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_132747879859ad2732ecf326.91755150.jpgHortobágy National Park, Hajdú-Bihar county, Hungary Hortobágy National Park (Hortobágy Nemzeti Park) is a national park in eastern Hungary. It is part of the vast Great Hungarian Plain which occupies southern and eastern Hungary, some parts of the eastern Slovakian lowlands, south west Ukraine, western Romania, northern Serbia and eastern Croatia. Hortobágy National Park was designated as a national park in 1972 (the first in Hungary), and as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. It is Hungary's largest protected area. At the time of designation, the area of the National Park was 289 square miles but since then it has been extended to almost 315 square miles. Around 25% of its area has international protection under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance. The entire Hortobágy National Park is part of the Natura 2000 network of the European Union in which Special Protected Areas and Special Areas of Conservation have been designated in a way that they contain and encompass the area of the National Park including organically connected or separate grassland mosaic areas that are outside the National Park. The protection thus ensured by the Natura 2000 areas provides an appropriate basis for the establishment of a buffer zone. A conservation management plan for the Hortobágy National Park was prepared in 1997. Hortobágy National Park contains the largest continuous natural grassland in Europe and the second largest steppe area west of the Ural Mountains. It has outstanding natural features and maintains great biological diversity in respect of species and habitats. It is a unique example of the harmonious coexistence of people and nature based on the considerate use of the land. A major part of the area of the Hortobágy National Park is formed by natural habitats, principally alkaline grasslands (puszta), meadows and the marshes lying between them. From the point of view of nature conservation, the artificial wetlands, which cover a much smaller area, are of considerable importance. These are the fish ponds created during the last century on the worst quality grazing lands and marshes. The Hortobágy National Park is one of Europe’s greatest lowland birding areas containing nesting habitats and migration sites of European significance. The Hortobágyi-Halastó complex just to the west of Hortobágy village is arguably the best site to explore and contains waterbodies of various sizes from small fish ponds to huge lakes. Over 340 bird species have been recorded in the Hortobágy National Park, of which over 150 species breed. For UK birders, it is particularly exciting since several “eastern” species can be found which are at the westernmost extent of their range. These are joined by a large number of temperate European and Mediterranean species. The symbol of the Hortobágy National Park is the Crane. One of the most spectacular sights is the autumn migration when tens of thousands of Cranes can be seen every October as they fly above the grasslands to their overnight roosting places. For thousands of years the wild animals grazing on the grasslands of the Hortobágy National Park, the Aurochs and wild horses, were gradually replaced by domesticated animals. A large number of Long-haired Sheep and Hungarian Grey Cattle can now be found here. Less ancient species are the Mangalica Pig and the Nonius Horse. In the Visitor Centre in Hortobágy village, visitors and tourists can get information and advice on what to see and what to do in the Hortobágy National Park and can also learn about its natural and cultural assets: its flora and fauna, the different natural phenomena, herdsmen’s traditions, craftsmen’s skills and local rare breeds. The Visitor Centre also sells the mandatory permits that are required to visit most of the protected areas. The Hortobágy-halastavi Kisvasút is a narrow gauge railway which runs through Hortobágyi-Halastó. It was built and commissioned in 1915 for the purpose of transporting fish food from the silo in Hortobágyi-Halastó to the fish ponds and transporting freshly caught fish in the opposite direction. The track formerly had a length of 22 miles and was temporarily decommissioned in 1960. Since 2007, the railway has been used as a tourist train. The track now runs for just 3 miles and provides access to the northern end of Hortobágyi-Halastó. A one-way trip lasts 23 minutes. Date: 19th May 2017 Location: Hortobágy to Balmazújváros, Hortobágy National Park, Hajdú-Bihar county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13657336.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16574018504ed36e0e28b5c.jpgOtter The Eurasian Otter, also known as the European Otter, Eurasian River Otter, Common Otter and Old World Otter and commonly known as the Otter, is a semi-aquatic mammal and the most widely distributed member of the Otter sub-family of the Weasel family (Mustelidae). The Otter is a typical species of the Otter sub-family and is brown above and cream below. It is 22.5 to 37.5 inches long excluding a tail of 14 to 17.5 inches. The female is shorter than the male. The Otter's average body weight is 15 to 26 pounds, although occasionally a large old male may reach up to 37 pounds. The Otter differs from the North American River Otter by its shorter neck, broader face, the greater space between the ears and its longer tail. However, it is the only Otter species in much of its range so it is rarely confused for any other animal. The Otter is the most widely distributed Otter species and its range including parts of Asia and Africa as well as being widespread across Europe. The Otter can be found throughout most of the UK with the highest densities in Scotland, especially the islands and the north west coast, Wales, parts of East Anglia and the West Country. The Otter declined across its range in the second half of the 20th century primarily due to pollution, habitat loss and hunting. However, populations are now recovering in many parts of Europe. In the UK the number of sites with an Otter presence increased by 55% between 1994 and 2002. In August 2011, the Environment Agency announced that the Otter had returned to every county in England since vanishing from every county except the West Country and parts of Northern England. The recovery of the Otter population in Europe is due to a ban on the most harmful pesticides that has been in place since 1979, improvements in water quality leading to increases in prey populations and direct legal protection under the European Union Habitats Directive and national legislation in several European countries. In general, the Otter’s varied and adaptable diet means that it can be found on any unpolluted body of fresh water, including lakes, streams, rivers and ponds, as long as the food supply is adequate. It can also be found along the coast in salt water but it requires regular access to fresh water to clean its fur. When living in the sea it is sometimes referred to as a "Sea Otter" but it should not be confused with the true Sea Otter which is a North American species much more strongly adapted to a marine existence. The Otter's diet mainly consists of fish. However, during the winter and in colder environments, fish consumption is significantly lower and other sources of food are eaten including amphibians, crustaceans, insects, birds and small mammals. Hunting mainly takes place at night whilst the day is usually spent in the Otter's holt (den). The Otter is strongly territorial and is primarily solitary. An individual's territory may vary between 1 and 25 miles with the length of the territory depending on the density of food available and the width of the water suitable for hunting (it is shorter on coasts, where the available width is much wider and longer on narrower rivers). The Otter uses its spraints to mark its territory. Territories are only held against members of the same sex so those of males and females may overlap. The Otter is a non-seasonal breeder and males and females will breed at any time of the year. It has been found that their mating season is most likely determined simply by the Otters' reproductive maturity and physiological state. Female Otters are sexually mature between 18 and 24 months old and the average age of first breeding is found to be 2.5 years old. Gestation is 60 to 64 days and after the gestation period, 1 to 4 pups are born which remain dependent on the mother for about 13 months. The male plays no direct role in parental care although the territory of a female with her pups is usually entirely within that of the male. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080607.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_46194820863a459a99e380.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 1st December 2022 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11328594.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2409792704e1d6775872fc.jpgCoot The Coot is an all black bird with a distinctive white beak and “shield” above the beak from which earns it the title “bald”. Its feet have distinctive lobed flaps of skin on the toes which act instead of webs when swimming. It patters noisily over the water before taking off and can be very aggressive towards other birds. Coot can be found all the year round mainly on freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers and town park lakes. Sometimes they can be seen offshore, especially in winter if freshwater areas are frozen. They breed in areas of fairly shallow standing freshwater with a muddy bottom and plenty of vegetation at the sides, usually in lowland areas. Date: 2nd February 2008 Location: Northlands Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082038.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1221520895d3079e9c61f7.jpgPied Wheatear The Pied Wheatear is a wheatear, a small insectivorous passerine bird that was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family [I]Turdidae[/I] but it is now more generally considered to be an Old World flycatcher in the family [I]Muscicapidae[/I]. The crown, nape and neck of the adult male are pale brown, the feathers having pale tips and white bases. The mantle and scapulars are black with buff tips to the feathers. The back, rump and upper tail coverts are creamy-white. The central pair of tail feathers are black with white bases but the rest are white with black tips, the outer pair having rather more black than the rest. There is a narrow buff-coloured line extending from the base of the beak to over the eye and the lores, ear coverts, chin, throat and upper breast are black. The rest of the breast is buff, the belly creamy-buff and the underwing coverts and axillaries are black tipped with white. The wing feathers are black with tips and edgings of creamy-buff. The adult female is similar to the male but the mantle and scapulars are brown with buff tips rather than black, the tail feathers are brown and white and the wing feathers brown with buff tips. The juvenile is similar to the female but the feathers of the brown upperparts have pale centres near the tips giving the bird a speckled appearance. The Pied Wheatear breeds across much of Asia but it also breeds in Bulgaria and Romania at the western extreme of its range. It winters in north east Africa. It is a very rare vagrant to western Europe. In the breeding season, it is found in rough open country, steppes with scant vegetation, stony slopes, hilly country and mountains up to around 9800 feet. In its winter range, it is found in similar locations with rock, scree and on plains with thorny scrub. The Pied Wheatear is a rather shy bird but it is conspicuous when spotted. It is not gregarious and single birds or pairs can be seen perched on a bush or rock, alert and looking around for prey. When it spots a prey item it swoops down to the ground briefly to pick it up before returning to its perch. Its diet consists of small invertebrates such as ants, grasshoppers, beetles, flies and moths, spiders and mites. Seeds are also eaten. The Pied Wheatear nests in holes in a riverbank, under stones and rocks and in crevices. The nest is made from dried grass stems and lined with slender roots and a few downy feathers. The female lays 4 to 6 eggs and there is normally a single brood. The Pied Wheatear has a wide range across east Europe and Asia and it is common across that range. The population is believed to be stable with no particular threats and the IUCN in their Red List has evaluated it as being of "Least Concern". Date: 18th May 2018 Location: Nos Kaliakra, Dobrich Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33568381.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16626948395a106aba9eeba.jpgRoe Deer The Roe Deer is a small deer which has a white to buff patch on their rump, a black nose and “moustache” and a white chin. Its coat varies from sandy to reddish-brown in the summer to grey-brown or even black in winter. The antlers, which have no more than 3 points and are less than 10 inches in length, grow in winter and are shed in the autumn. The Roe Deer is found throughout Europe but it is absent from Ireland, much of Portugal, Greece and large parts of England and Wales. Roe Deer became extinct in most of England during the 18th century but they were reintroduced in the 19th century. The Roe Deer lives mainly in woodland where there are open patches of ground and access to the edges of fields and it feeds on grasses and the leaves of young broad-leaved trees and bushes. Both male and female Roe Deer are usually solitary and highly territorial with clearly defined boundaries which they scent mark. The Roe Deer has very good senses of smell, hearing and vision. When alarmed, it makes a characteristic barking noise. Roe Deer mate in July and August and fawns are born in the following spring. Many fawns die during their first year due to heavy predation by foxes. Date: 4th November 2017 Location: Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12744898.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3563837294e706e19cb642.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 7th December 2007 Location: Donna Nook, Lincolnshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847456.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_144968733759bd50a2e5caf.jpgHigh Tatras, Slovakia The High Tatras (Vysoké Tatry in Slovakia and Tatry Wysokie in Poland) are a mountain range along the border of northern Slovakia in the Prešov region and southern Poland in the Małopolska province. The High Tatras should not be confused with the Low Tatras which are located south of the High Tatras in Slovakia. The High Tatras occupy an area of 303 square miles, of which about 236 square miles (77.7%) lie within Slovakia and about 68 square miles (22.3%) within Poland. The High Tatras' length, measured in a straight line from the eastern foothills of the Kobylí vrch at 3638 feet to the south western foot of Ostrý vrch at 3700 feet, is 35 miles and strictly along the main ridge, 50 miles. The range is only 12 miles wide. The main ridge of the High Tatras runs from the Slovakian villages of Huty at the western end to the village of Ždiar at the eastern end. The High Tatras, having 29 peaks over 8,200 feet are, with the Southern Carpathians, the only mountain range with an alpine character and habitats in the entire 750 mile length of the Carpathian Mountains system. The 15 highest peaks of the High Tatras are all located in Slovakia with the highest peaks being Gerlachovský štít at 8711 feet, Gerlachovská veža at 8668 feet and Lomnický štít at 8638 feet. Other notable peaks include Kriváň and Rysy. Multiple surveys have ranked Kriváň (8168 feet) as Slovakia's most beautiful peak and it has also been a major symbol in Slovakian ethnic and national activism for the past 2 centuries. A country-wide vote in 2005 selected it to be one of the images on Slovakia's euro coins. Rysy lies on the border between Poland and Slovakia. It has 3 summits: the middle at 8,212 feet, the north western at 8,199 feet and the south eastern at 8,114 feet. The north western summit is the highest point in Poland whilst the other 2 summits are in Slovakia. Since the accession of Poland and Slovakia to the Schengen Agreement in 2007, the border between the countries may be easily crossed at this point. Two thirds of the High Tatras are covered with coniferous and deciduous forests. Alpine meadows, rocky terrain and habitats and extensively used pastures in the foothills occur in the non-forested areas. The High Tatras are one of the most popular places in Slovakia with over 5 million people visiting each year to walk, climb, cycle, ski or snowboard. There are around 375 miles of hiking trails, chairlifts and cable cars, offering breathtaking views of alpine scenery. The High Tatras are protected by law by the establishment of the Tatra National Park, Slovakia (Tatranský národný park) and the Tatra National Park, Poland (Tatrzański Park Narodowy), the first European cross-border national park. In 1992 the Polish and Slovakian national parks were jointly designated a trans-boundary Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. Tatra National Park, Slovakia (Tatranský národný park) is one of the 9 national parks in Slovakia. It protects the Slovakian areas of the High Tatras mountain range in the Eastern Tatras (Východné Tatry) and areas of the Western Tatras (Západné Tatry). The western part of Tatra National Park is situated in the Žilina region and the eastern part in the Prešov region. Tatra National Park covers an area of 284.9 square miles and the surrounding buffer zone covers an area of 118.5 square miles. The highest peak in Slovakia, Gerlachovský štít at 8711 feet, is located within Tatra National Park. Tatra National Park was established in January 1949 and it is the oldest national park in Slovakia. In 1987, a section of the Western Tatras was added to the national park. Since 2004, the national park has been included in the Natura 2000 ecological network, the network of nature protection areas within the European Union. Date: 29th May 2017 Location: High Tatras, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9588746.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3007592334db159aa3ee7e.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 7th December 2008 Location: Elmley, Isle of Sheppey, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31837526.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_100788957759562492583398.28607095.jpgBalnakeil Bay, Sutherland Balnakeil Bay is situated at the north west point of Scotland at the end of the minor road running west out of Durness. To the north of Durness lies the rocky headland of Faraid Head which projects 2 miles out in to the Pentland Firth and is the home of military installations .... and Puffins! On the west side of the narrow stretch of land leading to Faraid Head is the wide sweeping curve and marram grass dunes of Balnakeil Bay. The name Balnakeil is derived from the Gaelic "Baille ne Cille" (Village of the Church). The ruined chapel here was built in the 17th century but a church has stood at the location for at least 1200 years. Date: 22nd June 2017 Location: view from the south side of the bay at the end of the unclassified road from Durness http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32723057.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_57999165959ae6ee780b302.13867630.jpgGreat White Egret The Great White Egret is a large bird with all white plumage. Apart from size, the Great White Egret can be distinguished from other white egrets by its yellow bill and black legs and feet although the bill may become darker and the lower legs lighter in the breeding season. In breeding plumage, delicate ornamental feathers are borne on the back. It has a slow flight with its neck retracted. The Great White Egret is distributed across most of the tropical and warmer temperate regions of the world favouring all kinds of wetland habitats and it is a familiar species in southern Europe. Expanding populations in Europe mean that the Great White Egret is now seen more frequently in the UK and it can turn up in almost any part of the country with the majority of records in south east England and East Anglia. Date: 21st May 2017 Location: Borsodi-Mezoseg ("Little Hortobagy"), Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33568415.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8634237865a106b238adb1.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 4th November 2017 Location: Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41349688.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8456682435f2017b785371.jpgGatekeeper Flight period: mid-July to early September. The Gatekeeper or Hedge Brown is common and widespread throughout the southern half of the UK. They can be found in areas with hedgerows or in scrubby woodland with wide and sunny rides. Date: 12th July 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37399590.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12271204785c6697404a213.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 9th December 2018 Location: Winterton-Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082044.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8945021195d3079f05cd94.jpgPied Wheatear The Pied Wheatear is a wheatear, a small insectivorous passerine bird that was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family [I]Turdidae[/I] but it is now more generally considered to be an Old World flycatcher in the family [I]Muscicapidae[/I]. The crown, nape and neck of the adult male are pale brown, the feathers having pale tips and white bases. The mantle and scapulars are black with buff tips to the feathers. The back, rump and upper tail coverts are creamy-white. The central pair of tail feathers are black with white bases but the rest are white with black tips, the outer pair having rather more black than the rest. There is a narrow buff-coloured line extending from the base of the beak to over the eye and the lores, ear coverts, chin, throat and upper breast are black. The rest of the breast is buff, the belly creamy-buff and the underwing coverts and axillaries are black tipped with white. The wing feathers are black with tips and edgings of creamy-buff. The adult female is similar to the male but the mantle and scapulars are brown with buff tips rather than black, the tail feathers are brown and white and the wing feathers brown with buff tips. The juvenile is similar to the female but the feathers of the brown upperparts have pale centres near the tips giving the bird a speckled appearance. The Pied Wheatear breeds across much of Asia but it also breeds in Bulgaria and Romania at the western extreme of its range. It winters in north east Africa. It is a very rare vagrant to western Europe. In the breeding season, it is found in rough open country, steppes with scant vegetation, stony slopes, hilly country and mountains up to around 9800 feet. In its winter range, it is found in similar locations with rock, scree and on plains with thorny scrub. The Pied Wheatear is a rather shy bird but it is conspicuous when spotted. It is not gregarious and single birds or pairs can be seen perched on a bush or rock, alert and looking around for prey. When it spots a prey item it swoops down to the ground briefly to pick it up before returning to its perch. Its diet consists of small invertebrates such as ants, grasshoppers, beetles, flies and moths, spiders and mites. Seeds are also eaten. The Pied Wheatear nests in holes in a riverbank, under stones and rocks and in crevices. The nest is made from dried grass stems and lined with slender roots and a few downy feathers. The female lays 4 to 6 eggs and there is normally a single brood. The Pied Wheatear has a wide range across east Europe and Asia and it is common across that range. The population is believed to be stable with no particular threats and the IUCN in their Red List has evaluated it as being of "Least Concern". Date: 18th May 2018 Location: Nos Kaliakra, Dobrich Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41349627.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10623474615f2008a81497b.jpgLarge White Flight period: April to September. The Large White is a highly successful species which is common and widespread in the UK. They can be found almost anywhere including in towns and gardens. Date: 25th June 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/november-2023-short-eared-owl https://images.on-this.website/4752_134446785265ce2cfaae55b.jpgNovember 2023 - Short-eared Owl Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405524.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/black-headed-gull https://images.on-this.website/4752_6947209454d03cfc5d82be.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 15th November 2010 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45182498.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18497714646235c91f7fa16.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 11th February 2022 Location: EWT Warley Place, Brentwood, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453957.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1182345334ff54686717e0.jpgExtremadura dehesa, Spain Dehesa is a multifunctional agropastoral system and cultural landscape of southern and central Spain and southern Portugal where it covers around 12500 square miles. Dehesas may be private or communal property (usually belonging to the municipality). The dehesa is derived from the Mediterranean forest ecosystem consisting of pastureland featuring herbaceous species for grazing and tree species such as holm and cork oak. Dehesas are used primarily for grazing by cattle, sheep and goats and they also produce a variety of products including non-timber forest products such as wild game, mushrooms, honey, cork, and firewood. Oaks are protected and pruned to produce acorns which the famous black Iberian pigs feed on in the autumn. Ham produced from Iberian pigs fattened with acorns and then air dried at high elevations is known as jamon which sells for premium prices. Dehesa is an agropastoral system that not only provides a variety of foods and other products but it also a very important wildlife habitat supporting many rare species. Date: 28th April 2012 Location: Rio Almonte bridge to Monroy, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/varangerfjord-varanger-peninsula-troms-og https://images.on-this.website/4752_8394937675f26947350d04.jpgVarangerfjord, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway The Varanger peninsula is situated in Troms og Finnmark in the extreme north east of Norway. With an area of 800 square miles, it is the largest area within the Arctic climate zone in mainland Norway and is bordered by Tanafjord to the west, Varangerfjord to the south and the Barents Sea to the north and east. The area has a rugged mountain terrain with altitudes up to 2077 feet and it has an Arctic tundra climate. The coast of the Varanger peninsula is an important area for breeding, migrating and wintering birds, especially some notable Arctic species. The Norwegian Directorate for Nature Management has a project on the Varanger peninsula to reintroduce and protect the Arctic Fox which is critically endangered on the Norwegian mainland. The Varangerhalvøya National Park (Norwegian: [I]Varangerhalvøya Nasjonalpark[/I]) lies to the west of road Fv341 and protects a majority of the land on the Varanger peninsula. Varangerfjord is the easternmost fjord in Norway and is located between the Varanger peninsula and the mainland of Norway. Varangerfjord flows through the municipalities of Vardø, Vadsø, Nesseby and Sør-Varanger. The fjord is approximately 62 miles long and empties in to the Barents Sea. The mouth is about 43 miles wide and is located between the town of Vardø in the north west and the village of Grense Jakobselv in the south east. The fjord stretches westwards inland past the town of Vadsø to the village of Varangerbotn in Nesseby municipality. Date: 1st July 2019 Location: view from road Fv355 to Bugøynes, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645443.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_110586791951e3ce3e66468.jpgWhite Stork The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 20th May 2013 Location: Biebrza area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/june-2009-brown-bear https://images.on-this.website/4752_10818985204a6c2f7ad6195.jpgJune 2009 - Brown Bear <iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/10143012?autoplay=1" width="600" height="450" frameborder="0"></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/10143012">Brown Bears of Martinselkonen</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user3372484">Richard Chew</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p><p>Eurasian Brown Bear (Ursus arctos arctos)<br /> Location: Martinselkonen wilderness in north east Finland close to the Russian border<br /> Date: 1st June 2009<br /> Music: Jean Sibelius - Andante festivo<br /> </p> http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46535111.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_28214162562caa27f56343.jpgEssex Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Essex Skipper is a small butterfly with a darting flight. It has bright orange-brown wings which are held with the forewings angled above the hind wings. The males have a thin black scent brand line running through the centre of the forewing and parallel to the leading edge. The Small Skipper appears very similar but it lacks the black tips to the antenna and it has a longer scent brand which is angled to the edge of the forewing. Since the Essex Skipper and the Small Skipper closely resemble each other and are often found in the same company, the Essex Skipper has been overlooked both in terms of recording and ecological study and it was the last UK resident species to be described (in 1889). The Essex Skipper can be found in tall, dry grasslands in open sunny situations, especially roadside verges, woodland rides and acid grasslands as well as coastal marshes. The distribution of the Essex Skipper in the UK has more than doubled in the last few decades. It is a widespread species in southern and central England but not in the far south-west Date: 3rd July 2022 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30825166.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_106924502558f342ec8799b5.59954590.jpgGreenfinch The European Greenfinch, or simply the Greenfinch, is a small passerine bird in the finch. There are 10 recognised sub-species reflecting its widespread range, including the British Greenfinch found in the UK (except north Scotland) and Ireland and the Northern European Greenfinch found in north Scotland, north and central France and Scandinavia to west Siberia. The Greenfinch is similar in size and shape to a House Sparrow but it is mainly green with yellow in the wings and tail. The female and young birds are duller and have brown tones on the back. The bill is thick and conical. The song contains a lot of trilling twitters interspersed with wheezes and the male has a "butterfly" display flight. The Greenfinch is widespread throughout Europe, north Africa and south west Asia where it is mainly resident although some of the most northern populations migrate further south in autumn and winter. It has also been introduced into Australia, New Zealand, Uruguay and Argentina. The Greenfinch can be found around woodland edges, in farmland hedges and in gardens with relatively thick vegetation favoured for breeding. It can form large flocks outside the breeding season, sometimes mixing with other groups of finches and buntings. In the UK, the Greenfinch is widespread and relatively common (although a sharp decline in the population in recent years has been noted due to an outbreak of trichomonosis, a parasite-induced disease which prevents the birds from feeding properly) and it is only absent from upland areas without trees and bushes. The breeding season occurs in spring and early summer, commencing in the second half of March with the young fledging in early July. Incubation of the eggs is undertaken by the female and lasts about 13 to 14 days with the male feeding her at the nest during this period. The chicks are fed on insect larvae by both adults during the first few days and thereafter by a frequently regurgitated yellowish paste made of seeds. The chicks leave the nest about 13 days later but they are unable to fly. The Greenfinch usually produces 2 or 3 broods per year. The Greenfinch predominantly feeds on seeds but it will also take berries and nuts. Date: 8th April 2017 Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46534484.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5213932062ca9852a89fe.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 27th June 2022 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51334251.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2084213166676e37815cc2.jpgHeath Fritillary Flight period: June to July. The Heath Fritillary is at the north west extreme of its range in the southern UK and its numbers have greatly reduced this century due to changes in woodland management. It is now one of our rarest and most localised butterflies and can only be found at a few sites in Essex and Kent and in south west England. In Essex and Kent, they can be found in coppiced woodland with acid soils where Common Cow Wheat, the preferred foodplant, is available. On Exmoor they favour sheltered combes (valleys) and in Devon and Cornwall abandoned hay meadows are preferred. Detailed study has determined the Heath Fritillary’s precise habitat requirements and its future in the UK depends on deliberate conservation and habitat management. Date: 20th June 2024 Location: EWT Pound Wood, Hadleigh, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24834033.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1815179066559cf4140623f.jpgBlack-headed Wagtail The Western Yellow Wagtail is a small passerine in the wagtail family. The breeding adult male is basically olive above and yellow below. In other plumages, the yellow may be diluted by white. The heads of breeding males come in a variety of colours and patterns depending on the subspecies. The male Black-headed Wagtail has a black cap, white throat and dirty yellowish underparts. The female is similar but duller in colour. The Black-headed Wagtail breeds in the Balkans east to the Caspian Sea, south to Turkey, Iran and Afghanistan and winters in central Africa from Nigeria to Uganda and south Sudan. The Black-headed Wagtail is an insectivorous bird and can be found in open country near water such as wet meadows. Date: 8th May 2015 Location: Evros Delta (west), East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801056.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_200660346564eda2875a309.jpgSmall Tortoiseshell Flight period: March to October. The Small Tortoiseshell is a familiar widespread butterfly throughout the UK. It is a highly adaptable species that can be found in any flowery areas where nettles occur including in gardens and urban areas. Date: 8th July 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49002794.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20875981816468f7a496757.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 25th April 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9564622.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19691239684daec427a79ad.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 4th January 2009 Location: Dungeness RSPB reserve, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29951149.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1351180863586641b39d7e7.jpgBlue Tit The Blue Tit is a small passerine bird in the tit family. It is easily recognisable by its generally blue and yellow plumage and its small size. The Blue Tit is about 4.7 inches long with a wingspan of 7.1 inches. It has an azure blue crown and a dark blue line passing through the eye and encircling the white cheeks to the chin, giving the bird a very distinctive appearance. The forehead and a bar on the wing are white. The nape, wings and tail are blue and the back is yellowish green. The underparts are mostly sulphur-yellow with a dark line down the abdomen. The bill is black and the legs bluish grey. The sexes are similar whilst young birds are noticeably more yellow. The Blue Tit is very agile and it can cling to the outermost branches and hang upside down when searching for food such as insects, caterpillars and seeds. The Blue Tit can be found throughout areas of the European continent with a mainly temperate or Mediterranean climate and in parts of the Middle East. In the UK it is common in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens and widespread across the whole of the country with the exception of some Scottish islands. The Blue Tit will nest in any suitable hole in a tree, wall or stump, often competing with other birds such as the House Sparrow or Great Tit for the site. In addition, it will readily accept an artificial nesting box. The same hole is returned to year after year and when one pair dies another takes possession. The nesting material is usually moss, wool, hair and feathers and the eggs are laid in April or May. The number in the clutch is often very large but 7 or 8 is normal. It is not unusual for a single bird to feed the chicks in the nest at a rate of one feed every 90 seconds during the height of the breeding season. Successful breeding is dependent on a sufficient supply of caterpillars as well as satisfactory weather. Breeding may be affected badly if the weather is cold and wet between May and July, particularly if this coincides with the emergence of the caterpillars on which the nestlings are fed. The small size of the Blue Tit makes it vulnerable to predation by larger birds and the typical lifespan is 3 years or less. The most significant predator is probably the Sparrowhawk, closely followed by the domestic cat. Nests may also be robbed by mammals such as the Weasel and Red and Grey Squirrels. Date: 29th December 2016 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4466090.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10934743554b8a250301b91.jpgReindeer Reindeer are the northernmost species of deer being found throughout the tundra (frozen arctic plain with lichens, mosses and dwarfed vegetation) and taiga (marshy pine forest) zones of the Northern Hemisphere. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32708963.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_42256352059ad26bb6f0952.50935593.jpgLittle Owl The Little Owl is a small owl, white-speckled brown above and brown-streaked white below. It has a large head, long legs and yellow eyes and its white “eyebrows” give it a stern expression. The Little Owl can be seen during daylight, usually perching on a tree branch, telegraph pole, rock or building. It will bob its head up and down when alarmed. In flight it has long, rounded wings, rapid wingbeats and flies with a slight undulation. The Little Owl is a bird which is resident in much of the temperate and warmer parts of Europe, Asia east to Korea and north Africa. It is not native to the UK but was first introduced in 1842 and is now naturalised there. Date: 19th May 2017 Location: south of Hortobágy towards Szásztelek, Hortobágy National Park, Hajdú-Bihar county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30017259.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1764465036587551841ad91.jpgEider The Eider is a large sea duck that is distributed over the northern coasts of Europe, north America and eastern Siberia. It breeds in the Arctic and some northern temperate regions but winters somewhat further south in temperate zones when it can form large flocks on coastal waters. The Eider is both the largest of the 4 eider species and the largest duck found in Europe and in north America (except for the Muscovy duck which only reaches north America in a wild state in southernmost Texas and south Florida). The Eider is characterized by its bulky shape and large, wedge-shaped bill. The male is unmistakable with its black and white plumage and green nape. The female is a brown bird but can still be readily distinguished from all ducks, except other eider species, on the basis of size and head shape. The drake's display call is a strange almost human-like "ah-ooo" while the duck utters hoarse quacks. The Eider dives for crustaceans and molluscs, with mussels being a favoured food. The Eider will eat mussels by swallowing them whole. The shells are then crushed in their gizzard and excreted. When eating a crab, the Eider will remove all of its claws and legs and then eat the body in a similar fashion. The Eider is abundant with populations of about 1.5 to 2 million birds in both Europe and north America and also large but unknown numbers in eastern Siberia. The Eider is a colonial breeder nesting on coastal islands in colonies ranging in size of less than 100 to upwards of 10,000 to 15,000 individuals. Female Eiders frequently exhibit a high degree of natal philopatry where they return to breed on the same island where they were hatched. This can lead to a high degree of relatedness between individuals nesting on the same island as well as the development of kin-based female social structures. This relatedness has likely played a role in the evolution of co-operative breeding behaviours amongst Eiders. Examples of these behaviours include laying eggs in the nests of related individuals and crèching where female Eiders team up and share the work of rearing ducklings. The Eider's nest is built close to the sea and is lined with the celebrated eiderdown plucked from the female's breast. This soft and warm lining has long been harvested for filling pillows and quilts but in more recent years has been largely replaced by down from domestic farm geese and synthetic alternatives. Although eiderdown pillows or quilts are now a rarity, eiderdown harvesting continues and is sustainable as it can be done after the ducklings leave the nest with no harm to the birds. This bird was part of the captive collection at WWT Slimbridge. Date: 2nd January 2017 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26041368.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14654030965638a4b188e07.jpgDynjandisheiði, Westfjords, Iceland Dynjandisheiði is the mountain area south of the Dynjandi waterfalls. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: view from road 60 south of the Dynjandi waterfalls http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40399570.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15029545095dc6ad66a9d13.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 18th October 2019 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14155782.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20812585154f3cd25e08d98.jpgBlackbird The Common Blackbird is a species of true thrush. It is also called Eurasian Blackbird (especially in North America in order to distinguish it from the unrelated New World blackbirds) or simply Blackbird where this does not lead to confusion with a similar-looking local species. The Blackbird’s name derives form 2 Latin words: <i>turdus</i> meaning “thrush” and <i>merula</i> meaning “blackbird”. It may not immediately be clear why the name "blackbird", first recorded in 1486, was applied to this species but not to one of the various other common black English birds, such as the Carrion Crow, Raven, Rook or Jackdaw. However, in Old English and in modern English up to about the 18th century, "bird" was used only for smaller or young birds and larger ones such as crows were called "fowl". At that time, the Blackbird was therefore the only widespread and conspicuous black bird in the UK. The Blackbird is around 9.25 to 11.5 inches in length including a long tail. The adult male has glossy black plumage, blackish-brown legs, a yellow eye-ring and an orange-yellow bill. The bill darkens somewhat in winter. The adult female is sooty-brown with a dull yellowish-brownish bill, a brownish-white throat and some weak mottling on the breast. The juvenile is similar to the female but has pale spots on the upperparts and the very young juvenile also has a speckled breast. Young birds vary in the shade of brown, with darker birds presumably males. The first year male resembles the adult male but has a dark bill and weaker eye ring and its folded wing is brown rather than black like the body plumage. The Blackbird breeds in temperate Eurasia, north Africa, the Canary Islands and south Asia. Populations are sedentary in the south and west of the range although northern birds migrate south as far as north Africa and tropical Asia in winter. Common over most of its range in woodland, the Blackbird has a preference for deciduous trees with dense undergrowth. However, gardens provide the most successful breeding habitat. It occurs up to around 3300 feet in Europe and is often replaced by the related Ring Ousel in areas of higher altitude. The Blackbird has an extensive range and a large population which is generally stable or increasing. However, there have been local declines, especially on farmland, which may be due to agricultural policies that encouraged farmers to remove hedgerows (which provide nesting places) and to drain damp grassland and increase the use of pesticides, both of which could have reduced the availability of invertebrate food. The Blackbird may commence breeding in March when the breeding pair prospect for a suitable nest site in a creeper or bush, favouring evergreen or thorny species such as ivy, holly, hawthorn, honeysuckle or pyracantha. Sometimes they will nest in sheds or outbuildings where a ledge or cavity is used. The cup-shaped nest is made with grasses, leaves and other vegetation and bound together with mud. It is built by the female alone. The nest is often ill-concealed compared with those of other species and many breeding attempts fail due to predation. The female lays 3 to 5 (average 4) bluish-green eggs marked with reddish-brown blotches which are incubated for 12 to 14 days before the chicks are hatched naked and blind. Fledging takes another 10 to 19 (average 13.6) days, with both parents feeding the young. The young are fed by the parents for up to 3 weeks after leaving the nest and they will follow the adults begging for food. If the female starts another nest, the male alone will feed the fledged young. Second broods are common with the female reusing the same nest if the brood was successful. The first-year male Blackbird may start singing as early as late January in fine weather in order to establish a territory, followed in late March by the adult male. The male's song is a varied and melodious low-pitched fluted warble which is given from trees, rooftops or other elevated perches mainly in the period from March to June and sometimes into the beginning of July. During the winter, the Blackbird can be heard quietly singing to itself, so much so that September and October are the only months which the song cannot be heard. The Blackbird is omnivorous, eating a wide range of insects, earthworms, seeds and berries. It feeds mainly on the ground, running and hopping with a start-stop-start progress. It pulls earthworms from the soil, usually finding them by sight but sometimes by hearing, and roots through leaf litter for other invertebrates. Small amphibians and lizards are occasionally hunted. The Blackbird will also perch in bushes to take berries and collect caterpillars and other active insects. Animal prey predominates and this is particularly important during the breeding season with windfall apples and berries taken more in the autumn and winter. Near human habitation the main predator of the Blackbird is the domestic cat, with newly fledged young especially vulnerable. Foxes and predatory birds, such as the Sparrowhawk, also predate the Blackbird when the opportunity arises. Eggs and chicks are also taken by corvids, such as the Magpie or Jay. Date: 12th February 2012 Location: Pennington Flash, Greater Manchester http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4466084.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17327619394b8a24d394d96.jpgReindeer Reindeer are the northernmost species of deer being found throughout the tundra (frozen arctic plain with lichens, mosses and dwarfed vegetation) and taiga (marshy pine forest) zones of the Northern Hemisphere. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26270107.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_41757417056655061b8b28.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 4th December 2015 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41352937.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1646434175f215c56507fc.jpgGatekeeper Flight period: mid-July to early September. The Gatekeeper or Hedge Brown is common and widespread throughout the southern half of the UK. They can be found in areas with hedgerows or in scrubby woodland with wide and sunny rides. Date: 28th July 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41352936.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7379845305f215c554bcf8.jpgGatekeeper Flight period: mid-July to early September. The Gatekeeper or Hedge Brown is common and widespread throughout the southern half of the UK. They can be found in areas with hedgerows or in scrubby woodland with wide and sunny rides. Date: 28th July 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31192358.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3389299465918240c2557d2.49426111.jpgDipper The White-throated Dipper, also known as the European Dipper or simply as the Dipper, is an aquatic passerine bird. It is divided into several sub-species based primarily on colour differences, particularly of the pectoral band. These include the Black-bellied Dipper found in Scandinavia, west France, north west Spain, Corsica and Sardinia and an infrequent migrant to the UK and the “British” Dipper found in England, Wales and Scotland excluding the west and north west and the islands. The Dipper is about 7.1 inches long, rotund and short tailed. The head of the adult is brown, the back slate-grey mottled with black (looking black from a distance) and the wings and tail are brown. The throat and upper breast are white followed by a band of warm chestnut (“British” Dipper) or black (Black-bellied Dipper ) which merges into black on the belly and flanks. The young are greyish brown and have no chestnut band. The Dipper can be found in Europe, the Middle East, central Asia and the Indian Subcontinent and it is closely associated with swiftly running rivers and streams or the lakes in to which these fall. It often perches and bobs spasmodically with its short tail uplifted on the rocks around which the water swirls and tumbles. It acquired its name from these sudden dips and not from its diving habit, although it dives as well as walks into the water. It flies rapidly and straight with its short wings whirring swiftly and without pauses or glides and will then either drop on the water and dive or plunge in with a small splash. In addition, it will walk into the water and deliberately submerge from a perch. In this way the Dipper finds its food which includes aquatic invertebrates, aquatic insect larvae, beetles, freshwater molluscs, fish and small amphibians. It will also walk and run on the banks and rocks seeking terrestrial invertebrates. The winter habits of the Dipper vary considerably and apparently individually. When the swift hill rivers and streams are frozen it is forced to descend to the lowlands and even visit the coasts but some will remain if there is any open water. The Dipper breeds close to water and the nest is large, globular or oval (similar to a large Wren's nest) built into a crack or hollow in the rock or in the masonry or on the supports of a bridge. It is composed of moss, dead grass and leaves. This ball, however, is just a shelter. Usually hidden beneath a lip is the entrance to the real nest inside which is a cup of grass or sedge lined with leaves of oak, beech or other trees. Eggs are laid (3 to 6) are laid between March and May and 1 or 2 broods are raised. Date: 8th May 2017 Location: Gilfach RWT reserve, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4158157.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10583525284b291ff654db7.jpgKingfisher The Kingfisher is a small unmistakable bright blue and orange bird of slow moving or still water. They fly rapidly and low over water and hunt fish from riverside perches, occasionally hovering above the water's surface. Kingfishers are vulnerable to hard winters and habitat degradation through pollution or unsympathetic management of watercourses and are an “Amber List” species due to their unfavourable conservation status in Europe. Kingfishers are widespread especially in central and southern England but become less common further north. Following some declines last century, they are currently increasing in their range in Scotland. Kingfishers can be found all year round by still or slow flowing water such as lakes, canals and rivers in lowland areas. In winter, some individuals move to estuaries and the coast. Occasionally they may also visit garden ponds if they are of a suitable size. Date: 15th December 2009 Location: Connaught Water, Epping Forest, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50809806.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1182906762660bce913c66b.jpgPeacock Flight period: March to September. The Peacock is a familiar and widespread butterfly which is continuing to expand its range in the UK. It is a highly adaptable species that can be found almost anywhere but the best sites are where favoured nectar plants are available. Date: 30th March 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45948292.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18520444136284a933228f6.jpgGadwall The Gadwall is one of the most common and widespread dabbling ducks. The breeding male is patterned grey with a black rear end, light chestnut wings and a brilliant white speculum which is obvious in flight or at rest. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female but retains the male wing pattern and is usually greyer above and has less orange on the bill. The female is light brown with plumage much like a female Mallard. It can be distinguished from that species by the dark orange-edged bill, smaller size, the white speculum and white belly. The Gadwall breeds in north Europe and Asia and central north America and appears to be expanding into eastern north America. It is a bird of open wetlands and lakes, wet grassland or marshes with dense fringing vegetation and it nests on the ground, often some distance from water. In the UK, the Gadwall is a scarce breeding bird on some lakes and gravel pits in the Midlands, south east England, eastern central Scotland, eastern Northern Ireland and south east Wales. In winter, numbers increase as birds migrate to spend the winter in the UK on gravel pits, lakes, reservoirs and coastal wetlands. Date: 14th April 2022 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26540667.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_104767529856ace61183a19.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 31st December 2015 Location: Winterton-Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo441579.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_329982196467eeaef8e41e.jpgDate: August 1994 Location: Cannich-Beauly, Inverness-shire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30024913.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_778886957587a09f3446fb.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 5th January 2017 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082458.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6712572175d307ca840c1d.jpgBlack Sea, Bulgaria The Bulgarian Black Sea Coast covers the entire eastern boundary of Bulgaria stretching 235 miles from the Romanian Black Sea resorts in the north to European Turkey in the south. White and golden sandy beaches occupy approximately 81 miles of the 235 miles long coast. The region is an important centre of tourism during the summer season and draws millions of foreign and local tourists. Prior to 1989 the Bulgarian Black Sea coast was internationally known as the "Red Riviera". However, since the fall of Communism in Bulgaria, it has been known as the "Bulgarian Riviera". The Bulgarian Black Sea Coast has a humid sub-tropical climate with considerable maritime and continental influences. The area's average air temperature in the summer is around 28°C with an average water temperature of 26°C. There are more than 240 hours of sunshine in May and September and more than 300 hours in July and August. The Balkan Mountains cross Bulgaria reaching to the edge of the Black Sea at Cape Emine and they divide the coastline in to southern and northern sections. Parts of the northern coast feature rocky headlands where the sea abuts cliffs up to 230 feet in height. The southern coast is known for its wide sandy beaches. The most southern section is included in Strandzha Nature Park, the largest protected area in Bulgaria covering 721 square miles and stretching to the border with Turkey. The 2 largest cities and main seaports on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast are Varna (the third largest in the country) and Burgas (the fourth largest in the country). Varna is located on the northern coast and Burgas is located on the southern coast. Varna Airport and Burgas Airport are the main hubs servicing the region. In addition, the Trakia motorway (A1) was completed in 2013 providing fast access between Burgas and Sofia (the capital of Bulgaria) and Plovdiv (the second largest city). The Hemus motorway (A2), scheduled to be completed after 2020, would make the trip from Sofia to Varna substantially easier and faster while the Cherno More motorway (A5) is planned to connect Varna and Burgas. Major road I-9 runs along the length of the Black Sea coast between the border with Romania at the village of Durankulak and the border with Turkey at Malko Tarnovo. Sozopol is an ancient town located 22 miles south of Burgas on the southern coast of the Black Sea. Today it is one of the major seaside resorts in Bulgaria and it is known for the Apollonia art and film festival which takes place in early September and which is named after one of the town's ancient names. The busiest times of the year in Sozopol are the summer months from May to September as tourists visit from around the world. Date: 23rd May 2018 Location: view at sunrise from Sozopol, Burgas Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39083231.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9086941505d3080691222e.jpgEastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria The Rhodopes Mountains are a mountain range in south east Europe. They are spread over 5689 square miles of which 4723 square miles are located in south Bulgaria and the remainder in north Greece. The Rhodopes Mountains are about 149 miles long and about 62 to 75 miles wide with an average altitude of 2575 feet. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 7188 feet and is situated 12 miles to the west of Smolyan. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rhodopes Mountains gives its name to the terrestrial eco-region Rodope montane mixed forests that belong in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The area is particularly notable for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans plus its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms such as the Trigrad Gorge. The Rhodopes Mountains can be sub-divided in to 3 sections: The Western Rhodopes are spread over 66% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and they are higher, the most infrastructurally developed and the most visited part of the mountains. The highest and best known peaks are located in this section with more than 10 over 6562 feet high including the highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7188 feet). Some of the deepest river gorges in the Rhodopes Mountains are located in the west as well as several large lakes. The Eastern Rhodopes are spread over a territory of about 34% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and are much lower in height. The large artificial dams of Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets are located in this part of the mountains. Almost every species of European bird of prey nests in the Eastern Rhodopes including the rare Black Vulture and Egyptian Vulture. The Southern Rhodopes are the part of the mountain range that is located in Greece and they are characterized by numerous peaks of relatively low altitude. The River Krumovitsa is located in the eastern Rhodopes Mountains and flows through deep canyons and open valleys. It has a strongly fluctuating water level, typically very high in February to March and almost none in July to August except in isolated pools. In the middle section of the River Krumovitsa around Gorna Kula and Dolna Kula, the river valley in this region is between 330 and 1095 yards wide and in places it is occupied entirely by the sandy riverbed itself. Vegetation along the riverbank is dominated by alder, willow, poplar, dog rose and tamarisk. Dry grassland, scrub and broad-leaved forests cover the neighbouring hills and ridges. The forests are dominated by oak, hornbeam and various Mediterranean tree species whilst juniper is predominant in the scrub areas. Land use includes extensive rearing of sheep and cattle, hunting and forestry but the area is becoming progressively depopulated due to local emigration. In 1997 the area was designated as Important Bird Area by BirdLife International. It supports around 135 bird species of which 64 are species of European conservation concern and 2 of them are globally threatened. However, in spite of this, the area is not protected by any national nature conservation legislation. The area is of conservation concern for a number of reasons. Rural depopulation has led to a decrease in available food resources (livestock carrion) for vultures. Poaching and use of poison against wolves directly affects raptors and especially vultures. Uncontrolled hunting and fishing are further threats. Forest habitats are threatened by burning and natural fires, afforestation with non-indigenous species as well as illegal cutting of trees especially along the rivers. Reduction in grazing and conversion of pastures to arable lands cause loss of grassland habitats for birds. Direct threats to birds are also caused by intensive tourism and recreation activities such as rock climbing, gliding and hang-gliding and by the taking of chicks and eggs from nests. Existing electrical power lines are dangerous for raptors, especially for young birds, and one of the potential threats both to the habitats and to the birds is the development of wind turbine farms. Date: 27th May 2018 Location: River Krumovitsa valley between Gorna Kula and Dolna Kula, Eastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084038.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14501246695d30839ba7227.jpgPirin Mountains, Blagoevgrad Province, Bulgaria The Pirin Mountains are a mountain range in south west Bulgaria spreading over 1000 square miles. They extend about 50 miles from the north west to the south east and they are about 25 miles wide. Vihren at 9560 feet is the highest peak in the Pirin Mountains, the second highest in Bulgaria and the third highest in the Balkans. To the north, the Pirin Mountains are separated from Bulgaria's highest mountain range, the Rila Mountains, by the Paril Saddle whilst to the south they extend towards the mountain of Slavyanka Mountain located on the border of south west Bulgaria and north Greece. To the west is the valley of the River Struma and to the east the valley of the River Mesta which separates the Pirin Mountains from the Rhodopes Mountains. The Pirin Mountains are dotted with 118 glacial lakes, the largest and the deepest of them being Popovo Lake. They also contain Europe's most southern glaciers, Snezhnika and Banski Suhodol. The Snezhnika glacier is a remnant of the former Vihren glacier. It lies at a height of between 7956 feet and 8140 feet in the deep Golemiya Kazan cirque at the steep northern foot of Vihren. The Banski Suhodol glacier is a small glacier which lies below the peak of Kutelo peak (9540 feet) in the upper Banski Suhodol valley. The northern part of the Pirin Mountains is protected by the Pirin National Park (originally named Vihren National Park). It encompasses the larger part of the Pirin Mountains and covers an area of around 155 square miles. It is one of the 3 national parks in Bulgaria, the others being Rila National Park and Central Balkan National Park. Pirin National Park was established in 1962 and its territory has expanded several times since then. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and it is also part of Natura 2000, the network of nature protection areas of the European Union. Pirin National Park falls within the Rodope montane mixed forests terrestrial eco-region of the Palearctic temperate broadleaf and mixed forest. Forests cover 57.3% of the area of Pirin National Park and almost 95% of them are coniferous forests. The average age of the forests is 85 years. Bulgaria's oldest tree, Baikushev's pine, is located in Pirin National Park and it has an approximate age of about 1,300 years. Pirin National Park is noted for its rich and diverse flora and fauna which includes 45 species of mammals, 159 species of birds, 11 species of reptiles, 8 species of amphibia and 6 species of fish. The Pirin Mountains are an important tourist destination. The town of Bansko, situated on the north east slopes of the mountain range, has grown to be the primary ski and winter sports centre in the Balkans. A number of settlements in the foothills have mineral springs and are spa resorts e.g. Banya, Dobrinishte, Gotse Delchev, Sandanski, etc. Melnik is situated in the south west foothills of the mountain. With a population of around 385, it is Bulgaria's smallest town and retains its town status today for historical reasons. The town is an architectural reserve and 96 of its buildings are designated as cultural monuments. It is among the “100 Tourist Sites of Bulgaria” programme which promotes tourism among Bulgaria's most significant cultural, historic and natural landmarks. The town is also a centre of red wine production with numerous vineyards and cellars dug in to the local sandstone rock. The area around Melnik is strikingly eroded, particularly the enormous area of sandstone cliff that serves as a backdrop to the town. This area, covering some 6.5 square miles around Melnik, Kurlanovo and Rozhen has been called the Melnik Earth Pyramids. The hills in this area can rise up to 330 feet high and the unique formations, which can resemble giant mushrooms, ancient towers and obelisks, were formed when heavy rain eroded the sandstone and clay which the hills are composed of. The Melnik Earth Pyramids are a geological phenomenon of global importance and they were declared a natural landmark in 1960 with a total protected area of 5 square miles. Date: 29th May 2018 Location: view from near Melnik, Blagoevgrad Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/rollers https://images.on-this.website/4752_19226367585d3078e53e6ad.jpgEuropean Rollers The European Roller is the only member of the Roller family to breed in Europe. It is a stocky bird, the size of a Jackdaw, and it is mainly blue with an orange-brown back. It is striking in its strong direct flight with the brilliant blue contrasting with black flight feathers. Sexes are similar but the juvenile is a drabber version of the adult. The European Roller often perches prominently on trees, posts or overhead wires whilst watching for the large insects, small reptiles, rodents and frogs that they eat. They have a Lapwing-like display with the twisting and turning display flight giving the bird its English name. The European Roller breeds in north Africa from Morocco east to Tunisia, in south west and south central Europe and in Asia Minor east through north west Iran to south west Siberia. It is a long-distance migrant, wintering in southern Africa in two distinct regions, from Senegal east to Cameroon and from Ethiopia west to Congo and south to South Africa. The European Roller can be found in warm, dry, open country with scattered trees, preferring lowland open countryside with patches of oak forest, mature pine woodland with heathery clearings, orchards, mixed farmland, river valleys and plains with scattered thorny or leafy trees. It winters primarily in dry wooded savanna and bushy plains. The European Roller has a large global population of an estimated 100,000 to 220,000 individuals in Europe. However, following a moderate decline during 1970 to 1990, the species has continued to decline especially in Europe with a decrease in the overall European population exceeding 30% in 15 years. Threats include persecution on migration in some Mediterranean countries, the use of pesticides which reduces food availability and sensitivity to changing farming and forestry practices. Date: 17th May 2018 Location: Srebarna to Vetren, Silistra Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39083246.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16923873325d30808744e7b.jpgEastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria The Rhodopes Mountains are a mountain range in south east Europe. They are spread over 5689 square miles of which 4723 square miles are located in south Bulgaria and the remainder in north Greece. The Rhodopes Mountains are about 149 miles long and about 62 to 75 miles wide with an average altitude of 2575 feet. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 7188 feet and is situated 12 miles to the west of Smolyan. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rhodopes Mountains gives its name to the terrestrial eco-region Rodope montane mixed forests that belong in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The area is particularly notable for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans plus its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms such as the Trigrad Gorge. The Rhodopes Mountains can be sub-divided in to 3 sections: The Western Rhodopes are spread over 66% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and they are higher, the most infrastructurally developed and the most visited part of the mountains. The highest and best known peaks are located in this section with more than 10 over 6562 feet high including the highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7188 feet). Some of the deepest river gorges in the Rhodopes Mountains are located in the west as well as several large lakes. The Eastern Rhodopes are spread over a territory of about 34% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and are much lower in height. The large artificial dams of Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets are located in this part of the mountains. Almost every species of European bird of prey nests in the Eastern Rhodopes including the rare Black Vulture and Egyptian Vulture. The Southern Rhodopes are the part of the mountain range that is located in Greece and they are characterized by numerous peaks of relatively low altitude. The River Krumovitsa is located in the eastern Rhodopes Mountains and flows through deep canyons and open valleys. It has a strongly fluctuating water level, typically very high in February to March and almost none in July to August except in isolated pools. In the middle section of the River Krumovitsa around Gorna Kula and Dolna Kula, the river valley in this region is between 330 and 1095 yards wide and in places it is occupied entirely by the sandy riverbed itself. Vegetation along the riverbank is dominated by alder, willow, poplar, dog rose and tamarisk. Dry grassland, scrub and broad-leaved forests cover the neighbouring hills and ridges. The forests are dominated by oak, hornbeam and various Mediterranean tree species whilst juniper is predominant in the scrub areas. Land use includes extensive rearing of sheep and cattle, hunting and forestry but the area is becoming progressively depopulated due to local emigration. In 1997 the area was designated as Important Bird Area by BirdLife International. It supports around 135 bird species of which 64 are species of European conservation concern and 2 of them are globally threatened. However, in spite of this, the area is not protected by any national nature conservation legislation. The area is of conservation concern for a number of reasons. Rural depopulation has led to a decrease in available food resources (livestock carrion) for vultures. Poaching and use of poison against wolves directly affects raptors and especially vultures. Uncontrolled hunting and fishing are further threats. Forest habitats are threatened by burning and natural fires, afforestation with non-indigenous species as well as illegal cutting of trees especially along the rivers. Reduction in grazing and conversion of pastures to arable lands cause loss of grassland habitats for birds. Direct threats to birds are also caused by intensive tourism and recreation activities such as rock climbing, gliding and hang-gliding and by the taking of chicks and eggs from nests. Existing electrical power lines are dangerous for raptors, especially for young birds, and one of the potential threats both to the habitats and to the birds is the development of wind turbine farms. Date: 27th May 2018 Location: River Krumovitsa near Gorna Kula, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39083829.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3456431855d308234dfad0.jpgWestern Rhodopes Mountains, Smolyan Province, Bulgaria The Rhodopes Mountains are a mountain range in south east Europe. They are spread over 5689 square miles of which 4723 square miles are located in south Bulgaria and the remainder in north Greece. The Rhodopes Mountains are about 149 miles long and about 62 to 75 miles wide with an average altitude of 2575 feet. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 7188 feet and is situated 12 miles to the west of Smolyan. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rhodopes Mountains gives its name to the terrestrial eco-region Rodope montane mixed forests that belong in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The area is particularly notable for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans plus its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms such as the Trigrad Gorge. The Rhodopes Mountains can be sub-divided in to 3 sections: The Western Rhodopes are spread over 66% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and they are higher, the most infrastructurally developed and the most visited part of the mountains. The highest and best known peaks are located in this section with more than 10 over 6562 feet high including the highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7188 feet). Some of the deepest river gorges in the Rhodopes Mountains are located in the west as well as several large lakes. The Eastern Rhodopes are spread over a territory of about 34% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and are much lower in height. The large artificial dams of Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets are located in this part of the mountains. Almost every species of European bird of prey nests in the Eastern Rhodopes including the rare Black Vulture and Egyptian Vulture. The Southern Rhodopes are the part of the mountain range that is located in Greece and they are characterized by numerous peaks of relatively low altitude. The River Buynovska is situated in the western Rhodopes Mountains and it is one of the source rivers of the River Vacha, the second largest river that has its source in the Rhodopes Mountains after the River Arda. The river has formed the Buynovo Gorge, the longest gorge in Bulgaria, located between the villages of Yagodina and Teshel. Formed by erosion as the River Buynovo flows through layers of marble rock, the gorge has developed in to an impressive natural phenomenon. The cliffs on both sides of the gorge rise hundreds of feet and can be visited on foot or by car on an extremely narrow single track road which winds along the base of the cliffs with sheer drops and hairpin turns. The narrowest point of the gorge is called Vuclhi Skok (“The Wolf’s Leap”). Folklore says that during winter wolves would leap the chasm to attack the sheepfolds. While this is only a legend, it is plain to see that the gorge is so narrow at this point that the cliffs practically touch each other at height of just 10 to 13 feet above the road. The beauty of the Buynovo Gorge can be appreciated from “a bird’s-eye view” from “The Eagle’s Eye”, a metal platform built on the precipitous cliff face of the Saint Iliya Peak at a height of 5128 feet. This provides impressive views of the entire surrounding area and, during good weather, the entire Rhodopes Mountains and even parts of north Greece are visible. Several hiking trails have been created in the area and the Buynovo Gorge was designated as a nature reserve in 1971. It is now one of Bulgaria’s top 100 tourist destinations. The limestone sediment has been eroded throughout the entire area and in the vicinity of the village Yagodina alone there are 36 caves, the most famous of which is the Yagodina Cave itself, a multi-level complex of primarily marble. This is the 4th longest cave in Bulgaria and the longest cave in the Rhodopes Mountains at around 5 miles, of which just under 1 mile is open to tourists. Date: 28th May 2018 Location: River Buynovska and Buynovo Gorge, Teshel to Yagodina, Western Rhodopes Mountains, Smolyan Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31192342.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2022336292591823f67dd160.96183562.jpgCommon Redstart The Common Redstart, or often simply Redstart, is a small passerine bird. Like its relatives, it was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family but it is now known to be an Old World flycatcher. The Common Redstart shows some affinity to the Robin in many of its habits and actions. It has the same general carriage and chat-like behaviour and it is the same length but slightly slimmer and not quite as heavy. The orange-red tail, from which it and other redstarts get their names ("start" is an old word for "tail"), is frequently quivered. Among common European birds, only the Black Redstart has a similarly coloured tail. In summer, the male Common Redstart has a slate-grey head and upperparts, except the rump and tail, which, like the flanks, underwing coverts and axillaries, are orange-chestnut. The forehead is white and the sides of the face and throat are black. The wings and the two central tail feathers are brown and the other tail feathers are bright orange-red. The orange on the flanks shades to almost white on the belly. The bill and legs are black. In autumn, pale feather fringes on the body feathering obscures the colours of the male and gives it a washed-out appearance. The female is browner with paler underparts and it lacks the black and slate head. The Common Redstart is a summer visitor throughout most of Europe and west Asia (east to Lake Baikal) and also in north west Africa in Morocco. It can be found in open mature birch and oak woodland with low amounts of shrub and understorey especially where the trees are old enough to have holes suitable for its nest. It prefers to nest on the edge of woodland clearings in natural tree holes so dead trees or those with dead limbs are beneficial to it. It also nests in mature open conifer woodland, particularly in the north of the breeding range, and nestboxes are sometimes used. In the UK, the Common Redstart occurs primarily in broadleaf woodlands in upland areas in the north and west with the greatest concentrations in Wales. Further east in Europe it also commonly occurs in lowland areas including parks and old gardens in urban areas. The Common Redstart winters in central Africa and Arabia, south of the Sahara Desert but north of the Equator and from Senegal east to Yemen. It first arrives in its breeding areas in early to mid April, the males often a few days in advance of the females. Following breeding, return migration to Africa occurs between mid August and early October. The Common Redstart is insectivorous and eats a wide variety of small insects and spiders but additionally fruit and berries in the autumn. It often feeds like a flycatcher and makes aerial sallies after passing insects. Date: 8th May 2017 Location: Gilfach RWT reserve, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31192392.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11038912985918243e24a1f5.85048915.jpgYellowhammer The Yellowhammer is a passerine bird in the bunting family. The bird family [i]Emberizidae[/i] contains around 300 seed-eating species, the majority of which are found in the Americas, although the genus [i]Emberiza[/i], with more than 40 members, is confined to the Old World. Within its genus [i]Emberiza[/i], the Yellowhammer is most closely related to the Pine Bunting and at times they have been considered as one species. Where their ranges meet, the Yellowhammer and Pine Bunting interbreed and the hybrid zone is thought to be moving further east. The Yellowhammer is also closely related to the Cirl Bunting. The Yellowhammer’s scientific name [i]Emberiza citrinella[/i] is derived from the Old German [i]embritz[/i] meaning “bunting” and the Italian [i]citrinella[/i] meaning “small yellow bird”. The Yellowhammer is a large bunting around 6.3 to 6.5 inches long with a wingspan of 9.1 to 11.6 inches. The male has a bright yellow head, heavily streaked brown back, rufous rump, yellow underparts and white outer tail feathers. The female is less brightly coloured and more streaked on the crown, breast and flanks. Both sexes are less strongly marked outside the breeding season when the dark fringes on new feathers obscure the yellow plumage. The juvenile is much duller and less yellow than the adults and often has a paler rump. The Yellowhammer breeds across Eurasia and it is the commonest and most widespread European bunting although it is absent from high mountains, Arctic regions, most of Iberia and Greece and low-lying regions of other countries adjoining the Mediterranean Sea. It also breeds in Russia east to Irkutsk and in most of Ukraine and the Asian range extends into north west Turkey, the Caucasus and northern Kazakhstan. Populations have declined in recent decades in western Europe but in eastern Europe numbers appear to be stable. Changes to agricultural practices are thought to be responsible for reduced breeding densities. The Yellowhammer can be found throughout most of the UK but it is least abundant in the north and west and absent from some upland areas such as the Pennines and the Scottish Highlands as well as some lowland areas. Its recent sharp population decline make it a Red List species. Within its range, the Yellowhammer is a bird of dry open country, preferably with a range of vegetation types and some trees from which to sing. It is absent from urban areas, forests and wetlands. Probably originally found at forest edges and large clearings, it has benefited from traditional agriculture which created extensive open areas with hedges and clumps of trees. The Yellowhammer usually starts breeding in late April or early May. The males establish territories along hedges or woodland fringes and sing from a tree or bush, often continuing well into July or August. The nest is built by the female on or near the ground and is typically well hidden in tussocks against a bank or low in a bush. It is constructed from nearby plant material such as leaves, dry grass and stalks and lined with fine grasses and sometimes animal hair. The clutch is usually 3 to 5 eggs and the female incubates the eggs for 12 to 14 days to hatching and broods the chicks until they fledge 11 to 13 days later. Both adults feed the chicks in the nest and 2 or 3 broods are raised each year. The Yellowhammer forages mainly on the ground and its diet consists mainly of seeds. Grasses are also important, particularly cereals, and grain makes up a significant part of the food consumed in autumn and winter. Invertebrates are added to its diet during the breeding season, particularly as food for its growing chicks, and a wide range of species is taken including springtails, grasshoppers, flies, beetles, caterpillars, earthworms, spiders and snails. Outside of the breeding season, the Yellowhammer forages in flocks which can occasionally number hundreds of birds and often contain other buntings and finches. The Yellowhammer is a conspicuous, vocal and formerly common country bird and it has attracted human interest. Yellowham Wood and Yellowham Hill, near Dorchester in the UK, both derive their names from the bird. Robbie Burns' poem "The Yellow, Yellow Yorlin'" gets its title from a Scottish name for the Yellowhammer. Enid Blyton helped to popularise the bird's song as "a little bit of bread and no cheese" in some of her books and she wrote a poem called "The Yellow-hammer". Beethoven's student, Carl Czerny, and biographer Anton Schindler, both suggested that the composer got the idea for the first 4 notes of his 5th symphony from the song of the Yellowhammer although it is more likely that the opening of the 4th Piano Concerto was actually the work in question. Beethoven also used the Yellowhammer theme in 2 piano sonatas. Date: 9th May 2017 Location: Weeting Heath NWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26056697.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1305167041563dc2c0ed868.jpgHumpback Whale The Humpback Whale is a rorqual, the largest group of the baleen whales which includes the Blue Whale, the Fin Whale, the Bryde's Whale, the Sei Whale and the Minke Whale. The common name of Humpback Whale is derived from the curving of the back when diving. The generic name <i>Megaptera</i> from the Greek <i>mega</i> means "giant" and <i>ptera</i> means “wing" and refers to the large front flippers. The specific name <i>novaeangliae</i> means "New Englander" and was probably given due to the regular sightings of Humpback Whales off the coast of New England. One of the larger rorqual species, an adult Humpback Whale ranges in length from 39 to 52 feet and weighs approximately 79,000 pounds. It has a distinctive body shape with unusually long pectoral fins and a knobbly head. An acrobatic animal known for breaching and slapping the water with its tail and pectoral fins, it is popular with whale watchers The Humpback Whale can easily be identified by its stocky body with an obvious hump and black dorsal colouring. The head and lower jaw are covered with knobs called tubercles which are hair follicles and are characteristic of the species. The fluked tail, which it lifts above the surface in some dive sequences, has wavy trailing edges. The long black and white tail fin, which can be up to a third of the body length, and the pectoral fins have unique patterns which make individual whales identifiable. Several hypotheses attempt to explain the pectoral fins which are proportionally the longest fins of any cetacean. The two most enduring mention the higher manoeuverability afforded by long fins and the usefulness of the increased surface area for temperature control when migrating between warm and cold climates. The stubby dorsal fin is visible soon after the blow when the whale surfaces but disappears by the time the flukes emerge. The Humpback Whale has a 9.8 feet, heart-shaped to bushy blow or exhalation of water through the blowholes. The Humpback Whale is found in oceans and seas around the world in a wide band running from the Antarctic ice edge to 77° N latitude. It is migratory and spends summers in cooler, high-latitude waters and mates and calves in tropical and subtropical waters. Annual migrations of up to 16,000 miles are typical. The Humpback Whale social structure is loose-knit and it is not excessively social. Individuals normally live alone or in small, transient groups that disband after a few hours. Groups may stay together a little longer in summer to forage and feed cooperatively. Longer-term relationships between pairs or small groups, lasting months or even years, have rarely been observed. The Humpback Whale's range overlaps considerably with other whale and dolphin species although they rarely interact socially with them. Courtship rituals take place during the winter months following migration towards the equator from the summer feeding grounds closer to the poles. Competition is usually fierce and unrelated males frequently trail females as well as mothers with calves. Males gather into competitive groups and fight for females. Group size ebbs and flows as unsuccessful males retreat and others arrive to try their luck. Behaviours include breaching, spyhopping, lob-tailing, tail-slapping, fin-slapping, peduncle throws, charging and parrying. Whale songs are assumed to have an important role in mate selection although they may also be used between males to establish dominance. Females reach sexual maturity at the age of 5 years whilst males reach sexual maturity at approximately 7 years of age. Females typically breed every 2 or 3 years. The gestation period is 11.5 months and the peak months for birth are January, February, July, and August. Newborn calves are roughly the length of their mother's head and measure around 20 feet. They nurse for approximately 6 months and then mix nursing and independent feeding for possibly 6 months more. The Humpback Whale feeds primarily in the summer and lives off fat reserves during the winter. It feeds only rarely and opportunistically in its wintering waters. The Humpback Whale is an energetic hunter and takes krill and small schooling fish such as herring, salmon, mackerel, pollock, and haddock . It hunts by direct attack or by stunning its prey by hitting the water with its pectoral fins or tail flukes. The Humpback Whale has the most diverse feeding repertoire of all baleen whales. Its most inventive technique is known as bubble net feeding. A group of whales swims in a shrinking circle blowing bubbles below a school of prey. The shrinking ring of bubbles encircles the school and confines it in an ever-smaller cylinder. This ring can begin at up to 100 feet in diameter and involve the cooperation of a dozen animals. The whales then suddenly swim upward through the "net", mouths agape, swallowing thousands of fish in one gulp. Pleated grooves in the whale's mouth allow the creature to easily drain all the water initially taken in. Both male and female Humpback Whales vocalize but only males produce the long, loud, complex "songs" for which the species is famous. Each “song” consists of several sounds in a low register, varying in amplitude and frequency and typically lasting from 10 to 20 minutes. Cetaceans have no vocal cords so whales generate their “songs” by forcing air through their massive nasal cavities. Humpback Whales within a large area sing the same “song”. All north Atlantic Humpback Whales sing the same “song” and those of the north Pacific sing a different “song”. Each population's “song” changes slowly over a period of years. Scientists are unsure of the purpose of whale “songs”. Only males “sing”, suggesting one purpose is to attract females. However, many of the whales observed to approach a “singer” are other males, often resulting in conflict, and “singing” may therefore be a challenge to other males. Some scientists have hypothesized the song may serve an echo location function. Like other large whales, the Humpback Whale was and is a target for the whaling industry. Once hunted to the brink of extinction, its population fell by an estimated 90% before a moratorium was introduced in 1966. While stocks have since partially recovered, entanglement in fishing gear, collisions with ships and noise pollution continue to have an impact worldwide. The worldwide population is at least 80,000 with 18,000 to 20,000 in the north Pacific, about 12,000 in the north Atlantic and over 50,000 in the Southern Hemisphere, down from a pre-whaling population of 125,000. The Humpback Whale is considered "least concern" from a conservation standpoint as of 2008. This is an improvement from “vulnerable” in 1996 and “endangered” as recently as 1988. Most monitored stocks of Humpback Whales have rebounded well since the end of commercial whaling, such as the north Atlantic population where stocks are now believed to be approaching levels similar to those before hunting began. However, the species is still considered “endangered” in some countries. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Ísafjarðardjúp from Ogur, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15367551.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16206039074fec1cd3f34a5.jpgRed Grouse chick The Red Grouse is a medium-sized bird of the grouse family which is found in heather moorland in the UK and Ireland. It is endemic to the UK and has developed in isolation. It is usually classified as a sub-species of the Willow Ptarmigan or Willow Grouse which is found in birch and other forests and moorlands in north Europe, the tundra of Scandinavia, Siberia, Alaska and north Canada. The Red Grouse is differentiated from the Willow Ptarmigan and Rock Ptarmigan by its plumage being reddish brown and not having a white winter plumage. The tail is black and the legs are white. There are white stripes on the underwing and red combs over the eye. Females are less reddish than the males and have less conspicuous combs. Young birds are duller and lack the red combs. The Red Grouse is found across most parts of Scotland, including Orkney, Shetland and most of the Outer Hebrides. It is only absent from urban areas such as in the Central Belt. In Wales there are strong populations of Red Grouse in some places but the range has retracted. It is now largely absent from the far south and the main strongholds are Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons and the Cambrian Mountains. In England the Red Grouse is mainly found in the north in areas such as the Lake District, Northumberland, County Durham, much of Yorkshire, the Pennines and the Peak District as far south as the Staffordshire Moorlands. There is an isolated introduced population on Dartmoor and overspill Welsh birds visit the Shropshire Hills.The typical habitat is upland heather moors away from trees. It can also be found in some low-lying bogs and birds may visit farmland during hard weather. The UK population of the Red Grouse is estimated at about 250,000 pairs. Numbers have declined in recent years and it is now absent in areas where it was once common. Reasons for the decline include disease, loss of heather due to overgrazing, creation of new conifer plantations and a decline in the number of upland gamekeepers. Some predators feed on Red Grouse and there is ongoing controversy as to what effect these have on numbers. The Red Grouse is herbivorous and feeds mainly on the shoots, seeds and flowers of heather. It will also feed on berries, cereal crops and sometimes insects. The Red Grouse is considered a game bird and is shot in large numbers during the shooting season which traditionally starts on August 12th (known as the Glorious Twelfth). Shooting can take the form of “walked up” (where shooters walk across the moor to flush grouse and take a shot) or “driven” (where grouse are driven, often in large numbers, by “beaters” towards the shooters who are hiding behind a line of “butts”). Many moors are managed to increase the density of Red Grouse. Areas of heather are subjected to controlled burning since this allows fresh young shoots to regenerate which are favoured by Red Grouse. In addition, extensive predator control is a feature of grouse moor management and the extent and legality to which it occurs is hotly contested between conservation groups and shooting interests and the subject generates a lot of media attention. The Red Grouse is widely known as the logo of The Famous Grouse whisky and an animated bird is a character in a series of its adverts. It is also the emblem of the magazine “British Birds”. Date: 8th June 2012 Location: Lochindorb, Inverness-shire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39081976.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16128213915d3078d488e47.jpgDalmatian Pelican The Dalmatian Pelican is by a slight margin the largest of the pelican species and one of the largest living bird species. It measures 5 feet 3 inches to 6 feet in length with a wingspan of 9 feet 6 inches to 11 feet 4 inches. Its median weight is around 25 pounds which makes it perhaps the world's heaviest flying bird species, although the largest individuals among some male bustard and swan species may be heavier than the largest individual Dalmatian Pelican. The somewhat similar-looking White Pelican broadly overlaps in size but has greater size sexual dimorphism. Female White Pelicans can be noticeably smaller than female Dalmatian Pelicans but male individuals of the two species are essentially the same size and weight. The Dalmatian Pelican differs from the White Pelican in that it has curly nape feathers, grey legs and silvery-white (rather than pure white) plumage. In winter, the adult Dalmatian Pelican goes from silvery-grey to a dingier brownish-grey cream colour. Immature birds are grey and lack the pink facial patch of immature White Pelicans. The bare skin around the eye can vary from yellow to purplish in colour. In the breeding season the Dalmatian Pelican has an orange-red lower mandible and pouch against a yellow upper mandible but in winter the whole bill is a somewhat dull yellow. The bill, at 14 to 18 inches long, is the second largest of any bird after the Australian Pelican. In flight, the Dalmatian Pelican is an elegant soaring bird, with the head held close to and aligned with the body by a downward bend in the neck. Unlike other pelicans, its wings are solid greyish-white with black tips. The Dalmatian Pelican can be found in lakes, rivers, deltas and estuaries from south east Europe to India and China. Compared to the White Pelican, the Dalmatian Pelican is not as tied to lowland areas and will nest in suitable wetlands at many elevations. It is less opportunistic in breeding habitat selection than the White Pelican, usually returning to a traditional breeding site year after year unless it becomes completely unsuitable. The Dalmatian Pelican usually migrates short distances. It is dispersive in Europe, based on feeding opportunities, with most western birds staying through the winter in the Mediterranean region. It is more actively migratory in Asia, where most of the birds that breed in Russia fly down for the winter to the central Middle East, largely around Iran through to the Indian Subcontinent from Nepal to central India. The Dalmatian Pelican has declined greatly throughout its range, more so than the White Pelican. During the 20th century, the species' numbers underwent a dramatic decline for reasons that are not entirely understood. The most likely reason was habitat loss due to human activities such as the drainage of wetlands and land development. Colonies are regularly disturbed by human activity, and, like all pelicans, the parents may temporarily leave their nest if threatened which then exposes the chicks to the risk of predation. Occasionally, Dalmatian Pelicans may be shot by fishermen who believe the birds are dangerously depleting the fish population and hence threatening their livelihood. Dalmatian Pelicans also regularly fly into power-lines and are killed by electrocution. The largest single remaining colony of Dalmatian Pelicans in Europe is at the Prespa lakes shared between Albania and Greece with around 1400 pairs. Approximately 450 pairs breed in the Danube Delta in Romania. The country with the largest breeding population today, including about 70% of pairs or possibly over 3,000 pairs, is Russia. Conservation efforts have been undertaken on behalf of the Dalmatian Pelican especially in Europe. Although they normally nest on the ground, Dalmatian Pelicans have nested on platforms put out in Turkey, Greece, Bulgaria and Romania in order to encourage them to breed. Rafts over water have also been set up for the species to use in Greece and Bulgaria. Power-lines have also been marked or dismantled in areas adjacent to colonies in these countries. Additionally, water-level management and educational programs may be aiding them at a local level. The Dalmatian Pelican feeds almost entirely on fish. It usually forages alone or in groups of only 2 or 3 birds. It normally swims along, placidly and slowly, until it quickly dunks its head underwater and scoops the fish out along with great masses of water. The water is dumped out of the sides of the pouch and the fish is swallowed. Occasionally it may feed cooperatively with other pelicans by corralling fish into shallow waters and may even co-operate similarly while fishing alongside Cormorants. Among a highly social family in general, the Dalmatian Pelican may have the least social inclinations. It naturally nests in relatively small groups compared to most other pelican species and sometimes may even nest alone. However, small colonies are usually formed, which regularly include upwards of 250 pairs. Occasionally, Dalmatian Pelicans may mix in with colonies of White Pelicans. Nesting sites selected are usually either islands in large bodies of water (typically lagoons or river deltas) or dense mats of aquatic vegetation. The nest is a moderately-sized pile of grass, reeds, sticks and feathers and is usually located on or near the ground, often being placed on dense floating vegetation. Breeding commences in March or April, about a month before the White Pelican breeds. Date: 17th May 2018 Location: Lake Srebarna, Silistra Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31192324.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1865920117591823e194e419.66053245.jpgCommon Redstart The Common Redstart, or often simply Redstart, is a small passerine bird. Like its relatives, it was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family but it is now known to be an Old World flycatcher. The Common Redstart shows some affinity to the Robin in many of its habits and actions. It has the same general carriage and chat-like behaviour and it is the same length but slightly slimmer and not quite as heavy. The orange-red tail, from which it and other redstarts get their names ("start" is an old word for "tail"), is frequently quivered. Among common European birds, only the Black Redstart has a similarly coloured tail. In summer, the male Common Redstart has a slate-grey head and upperparts, except the rump and tail, which, like the flanks, underwing coverts and axillaries, are orange-chestnut. The forehead is white and the sides of the face and throat are black. The wings and the two central tail feathers are brown and the other tail feathers are bright orange-red. The orange on the flanks shades to almost white on the belly. The bill and legs are black. In autumn, pale feather fringes on the body feathering obscures the colours of the male and gives it a washed-out appearance. The female is browner with paler underparts and it lacks the black and slate head. The Common Redstart is a summer visitor throughout most of Europe and west Asia (east to Lake Baikal) and also in north west Africa in Morocco. It can be found in open mature birch and oak woodland with low amounts of shrub and understorey especially where the trees are old enough to have holes suitable for its nest. It prefers to nest on the edge of woodland clearings in natural tree holes so dead trees or those with dead limbs are beneficial to it. It also nests in mature open conifer woodland, particularly in the north of the breeding range, and nestboxes are sometimes used. In the UK, the Common Redstart occurs primarily in broadleaf woodlands in upland areas in the north and west with the greatest concentrations in Wales. Further east in Europe it also commonly occurs in lowland areas including parks and old gardens in urban areas. The Common Redstart winters in central Africa and Arabia, south of the Sahara Desert but north of the Equator and from Senegal east to Yemen. It first arrives in its breeding areas in early to mid April, the males often a few days in advance of the females. Following breeding, return migration to Africa occurs between mid August and early October. The Common Redstart is insectivorous and eats a wide variety of small insects and spiders but additionally fruit and berries in the autumn. It often feeds like a flycatcher and makes aerial sallies after passing insects. Date: 8th May 2017 Location: Gilfach RWT reserve, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50931114.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1602824256627dcfb521a5.jpgChiffchaff The (Common) Chiffchaff is a common and widespread leaf warbler which is named onomatopoeically for its simple and repetitive chiff-chaff song. The British naturalist Gilbert White was one of the first people to separate the similar looking Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler and Wood Warbler by their songs, as detailed in 1789 in “The Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne. The Chiffchaff is a small, dumpy, 4 inch long leaf warbler. The spring adult has brown-washed dull green upperparts, off-white underparts becoming yellowish on the flanks and a short whitish supercilium. It has dark legs, a fine dark bill and short primary projection (extension of the flight feathers beyond the folded wing). As the plumage wears, it gets duller and browner and the yellow on the flanks tends to be lost and after the breeding season there is a prolonged complete moult before migration. After moulting, both the adult and the juvenile have brighter and greener upperparts and a paler supercilium. When not singing, the Chiffchaff can be difficult to distinguish from other leaf warblers with greenish upperparts and whitish underparts, particularly the Willow Warbler. However, that species has a longer primary projection, a sleeker, brighter appearance and generally pale legs. The Chiffchaff breeds across Europe and Asia east to eastern Siberia and north to about 70°N, with isolated populations in north west Africa, north and west Turkey and north west Iran. It is a migratory species but one of the first passerine birds to return to its breeding areas in the spring and amongst the last to leave in late autumn. When breeding, the Chiffchaff is a bird of open woodlands with some taller trees and ground cover for nesting purposes. In winter, the Chiffchaff uses a wider range of habitats and is not so dependent on trees and is often found near water. There is an increasing tendency to winter in western Europe well north of the traditional areas, especially in coastal south England and the mild urban microclimate of London. The male Chiffchaff returns to its breeding territory 2 or 3 weeks before the female and immediately starts singing to establish ownership and attract a female. When a female is located, the male will use a slow butterfly-like flight as part of the courtship ritual but, once a pair-bond has been established, other females will be driven from the territory. The male has little involvement in the nesting process other than defending the territory. The female's nest is built on or near the ground in a concealed site in brambles, nettles or other dense low vegetation. The domed nest has a side entrance and is constructed from coarse plant material such as dead leaves and grass with finer material used on the interior before the addition of a lining of feathers. The clutch is 2 to 7 (normally 5 or 6) cream-coloured eggs which are incubated by the female for 13 to 14 days before hatching as naked, blind chicks. The female broods and feeds the chicks for another 14 to 15 days until they fledge. The male rarely participates in feeding although this sometimes occurs, especially when bad weather limits insect supplies or if the female disappears. After fledging, the young stay in the vicinity of the nest for 3 to 4 weeks where they are fed by and roost with the female. In the north of the range there is only time to raise one brood due to the short summer but a second brood is common in central and southern areas. Like most leaf warblers, the Chiffchaff is insectivorous and moves restlessly though foliage or briefly hovering. It has been recorded as taking insects, mainly flies, from more than 50 families, along with other small and medium-sized invertebrates. It will also take the eggs and larvae of butterflies and moths. The Chiffchaff has been estimated to require about one third of its weight in insects daily and it feeds almost continuously in the autumn to put on extra fat as fuel for its long migration flight. As with most small birds, mortality in the first year of life is high but adults aged 3 to 4 years are regularly recorded and the record is more than 7 years. Eggs, chicks and fledglings are taken by Stoats, Weasels and crows such as the Magpie and adults are hunted by birds of prey, particularly the Sparrowhawk. The Chiffchaff is also susceptible to poor weather, particularly when migrating, but also on the breeding and wintering grounds. The main effect of humans on the Chiffchaff is indirect through woodland clearance which affects the habitat, predation by cats and collisions with windows, buildings and cars. Date: 17th April 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32708950.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_49810202359ad26a5a46380.09984110.jpgBrown Hare The Brown Hare resembles the Rabbit but obvious differences include the Brown Hare's longer, larger body, much longer hind legs and longer ears with black tips. Generally, they are a brown-russet colour with a white underside. The tail is black on the upper surface and white underneath. In contrast to Rabbits, which have a brown iris, the Brown Hare has a golden iris and a black pupil. Brown Hares are the fastest land animals in the UK and can run at speeds of up to 45 mph to evade predators. Brown Hares are widespread in central and western Europe including the UK but they are absent in southern Europe. It is thought that they were introduced in to the UK during Roman times, probably from Asia. They have little legal protection, partly because they are game animals and can be managed by farmers and landowners and partly because they are also a minor pest and can damage crops and young tree plantations. Numbers have substantially declined in the UK and most of Europe since the 1960s mainly due to the intensification of agricultural practices as well as shooting, poaching and coursing and an increase in the number of Foxes. Brown Hares prefer temperate open habitats and can be found in most flat country among open grassland and arable farms. Unlike Rabbits, they do not burrow but rest in a shallow depression in fields or long grass known as a form where only their back and head are visible. An adult occupies a range of 300 hectares which it may share with other hares as they are not territorially aggressive. Courtship involves boxing …. the traditional “mad March hare” behaviour. This is actually unreceptive females fending off males rather than fighting between males. Date: 19th May 2017 Location: south of Hortobágy towards Szásztelek, Hortobágy National Park, Hajdú-Bihar county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12759402.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9881750704e71b0a01b5b0.jpgRed Squirrel The Red Squirrel or Eurasian Red Squirrel is a species of tree squirrel in the genus [i]Sciurus[/i]. It is an arboreal and primarily herbivorous rodent. The Red Squirrel has a typical head and body length of 7.5 to 9 inches, a tail length of 6 to 8 inches and a weight of 9 to 12 ounces. Males and females are the same size. The Red Squirrel is smaller and lighter in weight than the Grey Squirrel The coat of the Red Squirrel varies in colour with the time of year and its location and there are several different coat colour morphs ranging from black to red. Red coats are most common in the UK but in other parts of Europe and Asia different coat colours co-exist within populations. The underside of the Red Squirrel is always creamy-white in colour. The Red Squirrel sheds its coat twice a year, switching from a thinner summer coat to a thicker, darker winter coat with noticeably larger ear-tufts (a prominent distinguishing feature of this species) between August and November. A lighter, redder overall coat colour, along with the ear-tufts (in adults) and smaller size, distinguish the Red Squirrel from the Grey Squirrel. The long tail helps the Red Squirrel to balance and steer when jumping from tree to tree and running along branches and it may also keep it warm during sleep. The Red Squirrel, like most tree squirrels, has sharp and curved claws to enable it to climb and descend broad tree trunks, thin branches and even house walls and its strong hind legs enable it to leap gaps between trees. The Red Squirrel can be found in the boreal coniferous woods in north Europe and Siberia where it prefers Scots Pine, Norway Spruce and Siberian Pine. In west and south Europe it can be found in broad-leaved woods where the mixture of tree and shrub species provides a better year round source of food. In most of the UK and in Italy, broad-leaved woodlands are now less suitable for it due to the better competitive feeding strategy of the introduced Grey Squirrel. The Red Squirrel makes a drey (nest) out of twigs in a branch-fork, forming a domed structure about 9 to 12 inches in diameter. This is lined with moss, leaves, grass and bark. Tree hollows and woodpecker holes are also used. The Red Squirrel is generally a solitary animal and is shy and reluctant to share food with others. However, outside the breeding season and particularly in winter, several Red Squirrels may share a drey to keep warm. Social organisation is based on dominance hierarchies within and between sexes. Although males are not necessarily dominant towards females, the dominant animals tend to be larger and older than subordinate animals and dominant males tend to have larger home ranges than subordinate males or females. Mating can occur in late winter during February and March and in summer between June and July. During mating, males detect females that are in oestrus by an odour that they produce and, although there is no courtship, the male will chase the female for up to an hour prior to mating. Usually multiple males will chase a single female until the dominant male, usually the largest in the group, mates with the female. Males and females will mate multiple times with many partners. Females must reach a minimum body mass before they enter oestrus and heavy females on average produce more young. If food is scarce breeding may be delayed. Typically a female will produce her first litter in her second year. Up to 2 litters a year per female are possible. Each litter averages 3 young and these are known as kits. Gestation is about 38 to 39 days and the young are looked after by the mother alone and are born helpless, blind and deaf. Their body is covered by hair at 21 days, their eyes and ears open after 3 to 4 weeks and they develop all their teeth by 42 days. Juveniles can eat solids around 40 days following birth and from that point they can leave the nest on their own to find food. However, they still suckle from their mother until weaning occurs at 8 to 10 weeks. The Red Squirrel eats mostly the seeds of trees, fungi, nuts (especially hazelnuts but also beech and chestnuts), berries and young shoots. More rarely, it may also eat bird eggs or nestlings and may occasionally exhibit opportunistic omnivory similar to other rodents. Excess food is put into caches, either buried or in nooks or holes in trees, and eaten when food is scarce. Although the Red Squirrel remembers where it created caches at a better than chance level, its spatial memory is believed to be substantially less accurate and durable than that of the Grey Squirrel. Therefore it will often have to search for them when in need and many caches are never found again. Between 60% and 80% of the active time of a Red Squirrel may be spent foraging and feeding. The active period is generally in the morning and in the late afternoon and evening. It often rests in its nest in the middle of the day to avoid the heat and the high visibility to birds of prey that are dangers during these hours. During the winter, this midday rest is often much more brief or absent entirely although harsh weather may cause it to stay in its nest for days at a time. No territories are claimed between Red Squirrels and the feeding areas of individuals overlap considerably. A Red Squirrel that survives its first winter has a life expectancy of 3 years. Individuals may reach 7 years of age and 10 years in captivity. Survival is positively related to the availability of autumn and winter tree seeds. On average, 75 to 85% of juveniles die during their first winter and mortality is approximately 50% for winters following the first. Predators include small mammals such as the Pine Marten, the Wildcat and the Stoat which all prey on juveniles. Birds, including owls and raptors such as the Goshawk and Common Buzzard, may also prey on the Red Squirrel as will the Red Fox and domestic cats and dogs when it is on the ground. Humans influence the population size and mortality of the Red Squirrel by destroying or altering habitats, by causing road casualties and by introducing non-native populations of the Grey Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel and the Red Squirrel are not directly antagonistic and violent conflict between these species is not a factor in the decline in Red Squirrel populations. However, the Grey Squirrel appears to contribute to the decrease in the Red Squirrel population for several reasons: it carries a disease, the squirrel parapoxvirus, that does not appear to affect its own health but will often kill the Red Squirrel, it can better digest acorns whilst the Red Squirrel cannot access the proteins and fats in acorns as easily and it can put the Red Squirrel under pressure for food resources resulting in it not breeding as often. In the UK, due to the above circumstances, the population has today fallen to 160,000 Red Squirrels or fewer with the majority of these in Scotland. Outside the UK and Ireland, the impact of competition from the Grey Squirrel has also been observed in Italy where 2 pairs escaped from captivity in 1948. A significant drop in the Red Squirrel population has been observed since 1970 and it is feared that the Grey Squirrel may expand into the rest of Europe. The Red Squirrel is protected in most of Europe although in some areas it is abundant and is hunted for its fur. In the UK there are several active projects to protect the Red Squirrel and its native woodland habitat, introduce or re-introduce it in to areas where it is absent and eradicate and prevent the spread of the Grey Squirrel. Research undertaken in 2007 in the UK credits the Pine Marten with reducing the population of the invasive Grey Squirrel. Where the range of the expanding Pine Marten population meets that of the Grey Squirrel, the population of the latter retreats. It is theorised that, because the Grey Squirrel spends more time on the ground than the Red Squirrel, it is far more likely to come in contact with the Pine Marten. Date: 10th May 2006 Location: Freshfield National Trust reserve, Formby Point, Merseyside http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813364.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5670748785d0dde30903b4.jpgCommon Guillemots The Common Guillemot, also known as the Common Murre or Thin-billed Murre, is a large species of auk. The auks are a family of seabirds which includes the Brunnich's Guillemot or Thick-billed Murre, Razorbill, Little Auk and the extinct Great Auk. The Common Guillemot is 15 to 18 inches in length with a 24 to 29 inches wingspan. In breeding plumage, it is black or dark brown on the head, back and wings with white underparts. It has a thin dark pointed bill and a small rounded dark tail. Legs are grey and the bill is dark grey. Males and females are identical. Some individuals in the North Atlantic, known as "Bridled Guillemots", have a white ring around the eye extending back as a white line. This is not a distinct subspecies but a polymorphism that becomes more common the farther north the birds breed. The Common Guillemot flies with fast wing beats and has a flight speed of around 50 mph. Groups of birds are often seen flying together in a line just above the surface of the sea. However, it is not a very agile bird and take-off is often difficult. The Common Guillemot becomes flightless for 45 to 60 days while moulting its primary feathers. The Common Guillemot is a pursuit diver that forages for food by swimming underwater using its wings for propulsion. Dives usually last less than one minute but the bird swims underwater for distances of over 100 feet on a regular basis. Diving depths up to 590 feet have been recorded. The Common Guillemot has a circumpolar distribution and it occurs in low Arctic and boreal waters in the north Atlantic and north Pacific. It spends most of its time at sea and only comes to land to breed on rocky cliffs, sea stacks and islands. Some birds are permanent residents but northern birds migrate south to open waters off New England, southern California, Japan, Korea and the western Mediterranean. The Common Guillemot breeds in colonies at high densities and nesting pairs may be in bodily contact with their neighbours. No nest is made and the single egg is laid and incubated on a bare rock ledge on a cliff face. The egg hatches after 30 days incubation and the chick is born downy and can regulate its body temperature after 10 days. Some 20 days after hatching the chick jumps off its nesting ledge and heads for the sea unable to fly but gliding for some distance with fluttering wings and accompanied by its male parent. The chicks are capable of diving as soon as they hit the water. The female stays at the nest site for some 14 days after the chick has left. The Common Guillemot can venture far from its breeding grounds to forage and distances of 60 miles or more are often observed although if sufficient food is available closer by, birds will only travel much shorter distances. It mainly eats small schooling fish 8 inches long or less such as Polar Cod, Capelin, Sand Lances, Sprats, Sandeels, Atlantic Cod and Atlantic Herring. It also eats some molluscs, marine worms, squid and crustaceans. It is often seen carrying fish in its bill with the tail hanging out. Date: 10th June 2019 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26025666.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_41946126456374344d2abe.jpgEiders The Eider is a large sea duck that is distributed over the northern coasts of Europe, north America and eastern Siberia. It breeds in the Arctic and some northern temperate regions but winters somewhat further south in temperate zones when it can form large flocks on coastal waters. The Eider is both the largest of the 4 eider species and the largest duck found in Europe and in north America (except for the Muscovy duck which only reaches north America in a wild state in southernmost Texas and south Florida). The Eider is characterized by its bulky shape and large, wedge-shaped bill. The male is unmistakable with its black and white plumage and green nape. The female is a brown bird but can still be readily distinguished from all ducks, except other eider species, on the basis of size and head shape. The drake's display call is a strange almost human-like "ah-ooo" while the duck utters hoarse quacks. The Eider dives for crustaceans and molluscs, with mussels being a favoured food. The Eider will eat mussels by swallowing them whole. The shells are then crushed in their gizzard and excreted. When eating a crab, the Eider will remove all of its claws and legs and then eat the body in a similar fashion. The Eider is abundant with populations of about 1.5 to 2 million birds in both Europe and north America and also large but unknown numbers in eastern Siberia. The Eider is a colonial breeder nesting on coastal islands in colonies ranging in size of less than 100 to upwards of 10,000 to 15,000 individuals. Female Eiders frequently exhibit a high degree of natal philopatry where they return to breed on the same island where they were hatched. This can lead to a high degree of relatedness between individuals nesting on the same island as well as the development of kin-based female social structures. This relatedness has likely played a role in the evolution of co-operative breeding behaviours amongst Eiders. Examples of these behaviours include laying eggs in the nests of related individuals and crèching where female Eiders team up and share the work of rearing ducklings. The Eider's nest is built close to the sea and is lined with the celebrated eiderdown plucked from the female's breast. This soft and warm lining has long been harvested for filling pillows and quilts but in more recent years has been largely replaced by down from domestic farm geese and synthetic alternatives. Although eiderdown pillows or quilts are now a rarity, eiderdown harvesting continues and is sustainable as it can be done after the ducklings leave the nest with no harm to the birds. Date: 3rd June 2015 Location: Öxarfjörður, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42670663.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_179932299060b205216953c.jpgCommon Whitethroat The Common Whitethroat is a common and widespread Sylvia warbler. It is one of several Sylvia species that has distinct male and female plumages. Both sexes are mainly brown above and buff below with chestnut fringes to the wings. The adult male has a grey head and a white throat. The female lacks the grey head and the throat is duller. The song is fast and scratchy with a scolding tone. The Common Whitethroat breeds throughout Europe and across much of temperate west Asia where it can be found in areas of open countryside and cultivation with bushes for nesting. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, Arabia and Pakistan. In the UK, it is a summer visitor from April to October and a passage migrant. It breeds widely throughout the country although avoids urban and mountainous areas. Like most warblers, the Common Whitethroat is insectivorous but it will also eat berries and other soft fruit. Date: 18th May 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42202621.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12868475385ff31003ec74b.jpgBrown Bear The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, Ursus arctos arctos. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an evening visit with [url=https://www.karhujenkatselu.fi/en-gb]Karhu-Kuusamo[/url] Date: 7th July 2019 Location: Kuntilampi, near Kuusamo, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/roller https://images.on-this.website/4752_14363944094ff546abba7eb.jpgRoller The European Roller is the only member of the Roller family to breed in Europe. It is a stocky bird, the size of a Jackdaw, and it is mainly blue with an orange-brown back. It is striking in its strong direct flight with the brilliant blue contrasting with black flight feathers. Sexes are similar but the juvenile is a drabber version of the adult. The European Roller often perches prominently on trees, posts or overhead wires whilst watching for the large insects, small reptiles, rodents and frogs that they eat. They have a Lapwing-like display with the twisting and turning display flight giving the bird its English name. The European Roller breeds in north Africa from Morocco east to Tunisia, in south west and south central Europe and in Asia Minor east through north west Iran to south west Siberia. It is a long-distance migrant, wintering in southern Africa in two distinct regions, from Senegal east to Cameroon and from Ethiopia west to Congo and south to South Africa. The European Roller can be found in warm, dry, open country with scattered trees, preferring lowland open countryside with patches of oak forest, mature pine woodland with heathery clearings, orchards, mixed farmland, river valleys and plains with scattered thorny or leafy trees. It winters primarily in dry wooded savanna and bushy plains. The European Roller has a large global population of an estimated 100,000 to 220,000 individuals in Europe. However, following a moderate decline during 1970 to 1990, the species has continued to decline especially in Europe with a decrease in the overall European population exceeding 30% in 15 years. Threats include persecution on migration in some Mediterranean countries, the use of pesticides which reduces food availability and sensitivity to changing farming and forestry practices. Date: 28th April 2012 Location: Santa Marta de Magasca to Cáceres, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4466132.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_827358254b8a26c487cf6.jpgHerring Gull The Herring Gull is one of the best known of all gulls along the shores of Europe. Adults in breeding plumage have a grey back and upperwings and white head and underparts. The wingtips are black with white spots known as "mirrors". The bill is yellow with a red spot and there is a ring of bare yellow skin around the pale eye. The legs are normally pink at all ages but can be yellowish. Non-breeding adults have brown streaks on the head and neck. Male and female plumage is identical at all stages of development although adult males are often larger. Juvenile and first-winter birds are mainly brown with darker streaks and have a dark bill and eyes. Second-winter birds have a whiter head and underparts with less streaking and the back is grey. Third-winter individuals are similar to adults but retain some of the features of immature birds such as brown feathers in the wings and dark markings on the bill. The Herring Gull attains adult plumage and reaches sexual maturity at an average age of 4 years. The loud laughing call of the Herring Gull is well known and is often seen as a symbol of the seaside in countries such as the UK. It also has a yelping alarm call and a low barking anxiety call. Chicks and fledglings emit a distinctive, repetitive high-pitched 'peep', accompanied by a head-flicking gesture when begging for food from or calling to their parents. Adult gulls in urban areas will also exhibit this behaviour when fed by humans. The Herring Gull breeds across northern Europe, western Europe, central Europe, eastern Europe, Scandinavia and the Baltic states. Some, especially those resident in colder areas, migrate further south in winter but many are permanent residents such as in the UK or on the North Sea shores. While Herring Gull numbers appear to have been decreased in recent years, possibly by fish population declines and competition, they have proved able to survive in human-adapted areas and can often be seen in towns acting as a scavenger. The Herring Gull, like most gulls, is an omnivore and opportunist and will scavenge from garbage dumps, landfill sites and sewage outflows with refuse comprising up to half of the bird's diet. In addition, it will eat fish, crustaceans and dead animals as well as some plants and it will steal the eggs and young of other birds (including those of other gulls). The Herring Gull may also dive from the surface of the water or engage in plunge diving in the pursuit of aquatic prey although they are typically unable to reach any great depth due to their natural buoyancy. Date: February 2009 Location: Oslo harbour, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21829874.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_113229554553cbab18263e5.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 11th June 2014 Location: Bempton Cliifs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32708841.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_62720782859ad25b6b1f573.76327314.jpgJackdaw The Western Jackdaw, also known as the Eurasian Jackdaw, European Jackdaw or simply Jackdaw, is a passerine bird in the crow family. Measuring 13 to 15 inches in length, the Jackdaw is the second smallest member of the crow family. Most of the plumage is a shiny black with a purple or blue sheen on the crown, forehead and secondaries and a green-blue sheen on the throat, primaries and tail. The cheeks, nape and neck are light grey to greyish-silver and the underparts are slate-grey. The legs are black as is the short stout bill. The irises of adults are greyish or silvery white while those of juveniles are light blue, becoming brownish before whitening at around one year of age. The sexes look alike although the head and neck plumage of male birds fades more with age and wear, particularly just before moulting. Immature birds have duller and less demarcated plumage. The head is a sooty black, sometimes with a faint greenish sheen and brown feather bases visible, the back and side of the neck are dark grey and the underparts greyish or sooty black. The tail has narrower feathers and a greenish sheen. There are 4 recognised geographical subspecies of the Jackdaw, each with slight plumage variations. Within its range, the Jackdaw is generally unmistakable and its short bill and grey nape are distinguishing features. In flight, the Jackdaw is distinguishable from other crows by its smaller size, faster and deeper wingbeats and proportionately narrower and less fingered wing tips. It also has a shorter and thicker neck and a much shorter bill and it frequently flies in tighter flocks. The Jackdaw is a skilled flyer and can manoeuvre tightly as well as tumble and glide. It has characteristic jerky wing beats when flying. On the ground, the Jackdaw has an upright posture and struts briskly with its short legs giving it a rapid gait. The Jackdaw is found from north west Africa, throughout all of Europe, except for the extreme north, and east through central Asia to the east Himalayas and Lake Baikal. To the east, it occurs throughout Turkey, the Caucasus, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and north west India. A small number of Jackdaws reached the north east of North America in the 1980s and have been found from Atlantic Canada to Pennsylvania. The range is vast and there is a large global population. Most populations are resident but the north and east populations are more migratory and relocate to wintering areas between September and November and return between February and early May. The Jackdaw can be found in wooded steppes, pastures, cultivated land, coastal cliffs and towns. It thrives when forested areas are cleared and converted to fields and open areas. Habitats with a mix of large trees, buildings and open ground are preferred. Open fields are left to the Rook and more wooded areas to the Jay. The Jackdaw is highly gregarious and is generally seen in flocks of varying sizes. Flocks increase in size in autumn and birds congregate at dusk for communal roosting with up to several thousand individuals gathering at one site. Males and females pair bond for life and pairs stay together within flocks. Jackdaws will frequently congregate with other crows such as Carrion Crows, Hooded Crows or Rooks. Foraging takes place mostly on the ground in open areas and to some extent in trees. Landfill sites, bins, streets and gardens are also visited, more often early in the morning when there are fewer people about. Various feeding methods are employed, such as jumping, pecking, clod-turning and scattering, probing the soil and occasional digging. The Jackdaw will also ride on the backs of sheep and other mammals such as deer, seeking ticks as well as actively gathering wool or hair for nests. Compared with other crows, the Jackdaw spends more time exploring and turning over objects with its bill. It also has a straighter and less downturned bill and increased binocular vision which are advantageous for this foraging strategy. The Jackdaw is opportunistic and highly adaptable and varies its diet markedly depending on available food sources. It tends to feed on small invertebrates that are found above ground, including various species of beetle as well as snails and spiders. It will also eat small rodents, bats, the eggs and chicks of birds and carrion such as roadkill. Vegetable items consumed include farm grains, weed seeds, elderberries, acorns and various cultivated fruits. The Jackdaw practices active food sharing with a number of individuals regardless of sex or kinship. It also shares more of a preferred food than a less preferred food. The active giving of food by most birds is found mainly in the context of parental care and courtship although the Jackdaw shows much higher levels of active giving than has been documented for other species. The function of this behaviour is not fully understood and several theories have been advanced. Genetic analysis of Jackdaw pairs and offspring shows no evidence of extra-pair copulation and there is little evidence for couple separation even after multiple instances of reproductive failure. Some pairs do separate in the first few months but almost all pairings of over 6 months' duration are lifelong and end only when a partner dies. Widowed or separated birds fare badly and are often ousted from nests or territories and are unable to rear broods alone. The Jackdaw usually breeds in colonies with pairs collaborating to find a nest site which they then defend from other pairs and predators during most of the year. It will nest in cavities in trees or cliffs, in ruined or occupied buildings and in chimneys, the common feature being a sheltered site for the nest. A mated pair usually constructs a nest by improving a crevice by dropping sticks into it. The nest is then built on top of the platform formed. Nest platforms can attain a great size. Nests are lined with hair, wool, dead grass and many other materials. Clutches usually contain 4 or 5 eggs which are incubated by the female for 17 to 18 days until hatching as naked altricial chicks which are completely dependent on the adults for food. The chicks fledge after 28 to 35 days and the parents continue to feed them for another 4 weeks or so. Date: 18th May 2017 Location: east of Hortobágy, Hortobágy National Park, Hajdú-Bihar county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9589850.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1565353714db1690f7c216.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 6th January 2008 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082290.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16371321465d307bb5b93c1.jpgMiddle Spotted Woodpeckers The Middle Spotted Woodpecker is a member of the woodpecker family [i]Picidae[/i]. It is around 8 inches in length with a wingspan of around 13 inches and it has a plumage similar to the Great Spotted Woodpecker. As with that species, the upperparts are predominantly black with white oval wing patches, there is white barring on the wings and the underparts are white. The main differences are that the Middle Spotted Woodpecker has a red crown, no black moustachial stripe, a pink vent and dark streaks on the flanks. The Middle Spotted Woodpecker differs from all its European relatives in being almost totally monomorphic, i.e. males and females are almost identical in appearance. Despite its name, the Middle Spotted Woodpecker is not mid-way in size between its relatives, the smaller Lesser Spotted Woodpecker and the larger Great Spotted Woodpecker and Syrian Woodpecker. The Middle Spotted Woodpecker is much closer to the 2 larger species in all measurements being just 15% smaller but it is around 40% larger than Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. The Middle Spotted Woodpecker can be found in much of west and east Europe and south west Asia and is locally common in the right habitat but with varying and often quite low population densities. Its range extends from France east to European Russia, mainly in the temperate continental zone, but also north to the Baltic states. It is absent from Finland and Norway and extinct in Sweden and Denmark. Due to its sedentary nature it has never been recorded in the UK and Ireland. The range extends south and east in to the Mediterranean Basin, the Balkan peninsula, Turkey, the Caucasus, Iraq and Iran. The Middle Spotted Woodpecker prefers deciduous forest, especially areas with old oak, hornbeam and elm, and a patchwork of clearings, pasture and dense woodland. In the breeding season the Middle Spotted Woodpecker excavates a nest hole about 2 inches wide in a decaying tree trunk or thick branch. The female lays 4 to 7 eggs which are incubated for 11 to 14 days. The Middle Spotted Woodpecker likes to feed high in the trees on a diet of insects and their larvae which it finds by picking them from branches and twigs rather than hacking them from beneath the bark. It will also feed on tree sap. Unlike most of its European relatives, the Middle Spotted Woodpecker does not regularly drum and females probably do not drum at all. Any drumming is rather mild and limited to early spring and it is usually made in response to competition from another male. Both adults do however tap loudly at the nest hole in spring. This tapping is a communicative signal and not part of hole excavation and it is not drumming. The Middle Spotted Woodpecker seems to rely more on its “song” when announcing its territory rather than drumming. Date: 22nd May 2018 Location: Ropotamo, Burgas Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50569843.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_179169223065ccb7bc3d67d.jpgBullfinch The male Bullfinch is unmistakable with a bright pinkish-red breast and cheeks, grey back, black cap and tail and bright white rump. The flash of the rump in flight and the sad call note are usually the first signs of Bullfinches being present. Bullfinches can be found throughout most of the UK but their localised and declining populations make it a Red List species. Bullfinches can be seen all the year round and breed in broad-leaved woodland, thickets, hedgerows, orchards and mature gardens. Date: 1st January 2024 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33568391.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11484015815a106adf61b9e.jpgBarnacle Goose The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 4th November 2017 Location: Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847421.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_104626230659bd4fe2b1e40.jpgLow Tatras, Slovakia The Low Tatras (Nízke Tatry) are a mountain range of the Inner Western Carpathians situated in central Slovakia. They are located south of the High Tatras (Vysoké Tatry) from which they are separated by the valleys of the Váh River and Poprad River. The ridge runs west to east and is about 50 miles long. The Čertovica pass divides the range into 2 parts. The highest peaks of the Low Tatras are located in its western part. Ďumbier is the highest mountain at 6703 feet. Its neighbour Chopok at 6640 feet is accessible by a chairlift and it is the most visited place in the Low Tatras. Other peaks in the western part include Dereše at 6575 feet and Chabenec at 6414 feet. The highest peak in the eastern part is Kráľova hoľa at 6385 feet. The lower elevations are mostly blanketed in dense forest with prevailing coniferous forests in the northern part and mixed forests in the south. At higher elevations there are tarns, deep valleys, limestone cliffs and impressive granite formations. Most of the Low Tatras are protected by the Low Tatras National Park (Národný park Nízke Tatry). This comprises an area of 281 square miles and a buffer zone covering an area of 425 square miles. This makes it the largest National Park in Slovakia. The protection of the Low Tatras started with the first attempts during the period 1918 to 1921 and continuing after World War 2. In 1963, a proposal was made for the establishment of a National Park under the name Central Slovakia National Park. During the period between 1965 and 1966 and right before the completion of the last proposal, a draft for a National Park Ďumbier was proposed. The aim of this draft was to include the north and south part of the central territory of the Low Tatras. From 1967 until 1968 the draft was reformulated with the goal to establish the National Park on the 25th anniversary of the Slovak National Uprising. However, it took another 10 years to overcome various obstacles that prevented the establishment of the National Park. In 1978 the National Park was finally created with the Regulation 119/1978 of the Slovak Socialistic Republic. The area of the national park was set at 313 square miles and its protection zone at 479 square miles. The status of the National Park was published in the same year by the Ministry of Culture of the Slovak Socialistic Republic in Regulation 120/1978. This regulation set out the conditions for the protection of particular areas. The borders of the National Park and the protection zones were revised in June 1997 by Regulation 182/1997 of the government of the Slovak Republic. The revised area of the National Park was adjusted to 281 square miles which is 32 square miles less than the original area. The revised area of the protection zones was adjusted to 425 square miles which is 53 square miles less than the original area. Currently, the following protected areas are established in the Low Tatras National Park or its buffer zone: 10 National Nature Reserves, 10 Nature Reserves, 5 National Nature Monuments, 6 Nature Monuments and 1 Protected Site. The Low Tatras are the second most visited mountains in Slovakia after the High Tatras. Tourism is very popular and during the winter there are several ski resorts such as Jasná and Tále. There are also a range of summer activities such as hiking, trekking, rafting, kayaking, fishing and other outdoor pursuits. Date: 28th May 2017 Location: Low Tatras, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847432.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_171839166759bd500c7232f.jpgLow Tatras, Slovakia The Low Tatras (Nízke Tatry) are a mountain range of the Inner Western Carpathians situated in central Slovakia. They are located south of the High Tatras (Vysoké Tatry) from which they are separated by the valleys of the Váh River and Poprad River. The ridge runs west to east and is about 50 miles long. The Čertovica pass divides the range into 2 parts. The highest peaks of the Low Tatras are located in its western part. Ďumbier is the highest mountain at 6703 feet. Its neighbour Chopok at 6640 feet is accessible by a chairlift and it is the most visited place in the Low Tatras. Other peaks in the western part include Dereše at 6575 feet and Chabenec at 6414 feet. The highest peak in the eastern part is Kráľova hoľa at 6385 feet. The lower elevations are mostly blanketed in dense forest with prevailing coniferous forests in the northern part and mixed forests in the south. At higher elevations there are tarns, deep valleys, limestone cliffs and impressive granite formations. Most of the Low Tatras are protected by the Low Tatras National Park (Národný park Nízke Tatry). This comprises an area of 281 square miles and a buffer zone covering an area of 425 square miles. This makes it the largest National Park in Slovakia. The protection of the Low Tatras started with the first attempts during the period 1918 to 1921 and continuing after World War 2. In 1963, a proposal was made for the establishment of a National Park under the name Central Slovakia National Park. During the period between 1965 and 1966 and right before the completion of the last proposal, a draft for a National Park Ďumbier was proposed. The aim of this draft was to include the north and south part of the central territory of the Low Tatras. From 1967 until 1968 the draft was reformulated with the goal to establish the National Park on the 25th anniversary of the Slovak National Uprising. However, it took another 10 years to overcome various obstacles that prevented the establishment of the National Park. In 1978 the National Park was finally created with the Regulation 119/1978 of the Slovak Socialistic Republic. The area of the national park was set at 313 square miles and its protection zone at 479 square miles. The status of the National Park was published in the same year by the Ministry of Culture of the Slovak Socialistic Republic in Regulation 120/1978. This regulation set out the conditions for the protection of particular areas. The borders of the National Park and the protection zones were revised in June 1997 by Regulation 182/1997 of the government of the Slovak Republic. The revised area of the National Park was adjusted to 281 square miles which is 32 square miles less than the original area. The revised area of the protection zones was adjusted to 425 square miles which is 53 square miles less than the original area. Currently, the following protected areas are established in the Low Tatras National Park or its buffer zone: 10 National Nature Reserves, 10 Nature Reserves, 5 National Nature Monuments, 6 Nature Monuments and 1 Protected Site. The Low Tatras are the second most visited mountains in Slovakia after the High Tatras. Tourism is very popular and during the winter there are several ski resorts such as Jasná and Tále. There are also a range of summer activities such as hiking, trekking, rafting, kayaking, fishing and other outdoor pursuits. Date: 28th May 2017 Location: Low Tatras, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847455.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_123172212159bd509a7a55e.jpgLow Tatras, Slovakia The Low Tatras (Nízke Tatry) are a mountain range of the Inner Western Carpathians situated in central Slovakia. They are located south of the High Tatras (Vysoké Tatry) from which they are separated by the valleys of the Váh River and Poprad River. The ridge runs west to east and is about 50 miles long. The Čertovica pass divides the range into 2 parts. The highest peaks of the Low Tatras are located in its western part. Ďumbier is the highest mountain at 6703 feet. Its neighbour Chopok at 6640 feet is accessible by a chairlift and it is the most visited place in the Low Tatras. Other peaks in the western part include Dereše at 6575 feet and Chabenec at 6414 feet. The highest peak in the eastern part is Kráľova hoľa at 6385 feet. The lower elevations are mostly blanketed in dense forest with prevailing coniferous forests in the northern part and mixed forests in the south. At higher elevations there are tarns, deep valleys, limestone cliffs and impressive granite formations. Most of the Low Tatras are protected by the Low Tatras National Park (Národný park Nízke Tatry). This comprises an area of 281 square miles and a buffer zone covering an area of 425 square miles. This makes it the largest National Park in Slovakia. The protection of the Low Tatras started with the first attempts during the period 1918 to 1921 and continuing after World War 2. In 1963, a proposal was made for the establishment of a National Park under the name Central Slovakia National Park. During the period between 1965 and 1966 and right before the completion of the last proposal, a draft for a National Park Ďumbier was proposed. The aim of this draft was to include the north and south part of the central territory of the Low Tatras. From 1967 until 1968 the draft was reformulated with the goal to establish the National Park on the 25th anniversary of the Slovak National Uprising. However, it took another 10 years to overcome various obstacles that prevented the establishment of the National Park. In 1978 the National Park was finally created with the Regulation 119/1978 of the Slovak Socialistic Republic. The area of the national park was set at 313 square miles and its protection zone at 479 square miles. The status of the National Park was published in the same year by the Ministry of Culture of the Slovak Socialistic Republic in Regulation 120/1978. This regulation set out the conditions for the protection of particular areas. The borders of the National Park and the protection zones were revised in June 1997 by Regulation 182/1997 of the government of the Slovak Republic. The revised area of the National Park was adjusted to 281 square miles which is 32 square miles less than the original area. The revised area of the protection zones was adjusted to 425 square miles which is 53 square miles less than the original area. Currently, the following protected areas are established in the Low Tatras National Park or its buffer zone: 10 National Nature Reserves, 10 Nature Reserves, 5 National Nature Monuments, 6 Nature Monuments and 1 Protected Site. The Low Tatras are the second most visited mountains in Slovakia after the High Tatras. Tourism is very popular and during the winter there are several ski resorts such as Jasná and Tále. There are also a range of summer activities such as hiking, trekking, rafting, kayaking, fishing and other outdoor pursuits. Date: 29th May 2017 Location: Low Tatras, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847460.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_129123524959bd50b037f59.jpgHigh Tatras, Slovakia The High Tatras (Vysoké Tatry in Slovakia and Tatry Wysokie in Poland) are a mountain range along the border of northern Slovakia in the Prešov region and southern Poland in the Małopolska province. The High Tatras should not be confused with the Low Tatras which are located south of the High Tatras in Slovakia. The High Tatras occupy an area of 303 square miles, of which about 236 square miles (77.7%) lie within Slovakia and about 68 square miles (22.3%) within Poland. The High Tatras' length, measured in a straight line from the eastern foothills of the Kobylí vrch at 3638 feet to the south western foot of Ostrý vrch at 3700 feet, is 35 miles and strictly along the main ridge, 50 miles. The range is only 12 miles wide. The main ridge of the High Tatras runs from the Slovakian villages of Huty at the western end to the village of Ždiar at the eastern end. The High Tatras, having 29 peaks over 8,200 feet are, with the Southern Carpathians, the only mountain range with an alpine character and habitats in the entire 750 mile length of the Carpathian Mountains system. The 15 highest peaks of the High Tatras are all located in Slovakia with the highest peaks being Gerlachovský štít at 8711 feet, Gerlachovská veža at 8668 feet and Lomnický štít at 8638 feet. Other notable peaks include Kriváň and Rysy. Multiple surveys have ranked Kriváň (8168 feet) as Slovakia's most beautiful peak and it has also been a major symbol in Slovakian ethnic and national activism for the past 2 centuries. A country-wide vote in 2005 selected it to be one of the images on Slovakia's euro coins. Rysy lies on the border between Poland and Slovakia. It has 3 summits: the middle at 8,212 feet, the north western at 8,199 feet and the south eastern at 8,114 feet. The north western summit is the highest point in Poland whilst the other 2 summits are in Slovakia. Since the accession of Poland and Slovakia to the Schengen Agreement in 2007, the border between the countries may be easily crossed at this point. Two thirds of the High Tatras are covered with coniferous and deciduous forests. Alpine meadows, rocky terrain and habitats and extensively used pastures in the foothills occur in the non-forested areas. The High Tatras are one of the most popular places in Slovakia with over 5 million people visiting each year to walk, climb, cycle, ski or snowboard. There are around 375 miles of hiking trails, chairlifts and cable cars, offering breathtaking views of alpine scenery. The High Tatras are protected by law by the establishment of the Tatra National Park, Slovakia (Tatranský národný park) and the Tatra National Park, Poland (Tatrzański Park Narodowy), the first European cross-border national park. In 1992 the Polish and Slovakian national parks were jointly designated a trans-boundary Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. Tatra National Park, Slovakia (Tatranský národný park) is one of the 9 national parks in Slovakia. It protects the Slovakian areas of the High Tatras mountain range in the Eastern Tatras (Východné Tatry) and areas of the Western Tatras (Západné Tatry). The western part of Tatra National Park is situated in the Žilina region and the eastern part in the Prešov region. Tatra National Park covers an area of 284.9 square miles and the surrounding buffer zone covers an area of 118.5 square miles. The highest peak in Slovakia, Gerlachovský štít at 8711 feet, is located within Tatra National Park. Tatra National Park was established in January 1949 and it is the oldest national park in Slovakia. In 1987, a section of the Western Tatras was added to the national park. Since 2004, the national park has been included in the Natura 2000 ecological network, the network of nature protection areas within the European Union. Date: 29th May 2017 Location: High Tatras, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847424.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_45917851559bd4fef5bbfe.jpgLow Tatras, Slovakia The Low Tatras (Nízke Tatry) are a mountain range of the Inner Western Carpathians situated in central Slovakia. They are located south of the High Tatras (Vysoké Tatry) from which they are separated by the valleys of the Váh River and Poprad River. The ridge runs west to east and is about 50 miles long. The Čertovica pass divides the range into 2 parts. The highest peaks of the Low Tatras are located in its western part. Ďumbier is the highest mountain at 6703 feet. Its neighbour Chopok at 6640 feet is accessible by a chairlift and it is the most visited place in the Low Tatras. Other peaks in the western part include Dereše at 6575 feet and Chabenec at 6414 feet. The highest peak in the eastern part is Kráľova hoľa at 6385 feet. The lower elevations are mostly blanketed in dense forest with prevailing coniferous forests in the northern part and mixed forests in the south. At higher elevations there are tarns, deep valleys, limestone cliffs and impressive granite formations. Most of the Low Tatras are protected by the Low Tatras National Park (Národný park Nízke Tatry). This comprises an area of 281 square miles and a buffer zone covering an area of 425 square miles. This makes it the largest National Park in Slovakia. The protection of the Low Tatras started with the first attempts during the period 1918 to 1921 and continuing after World War 2. In 1963, a proposal was made for the establishment of a National Park under the name Central Slovakia National Park. During the period between 1965 and 1966 and right before the completion of the last proposal, a draft for a National Park Ďumbier was proposed. The aim of this draft was to include the north and south part of the central territory of the Low Tatras. From 1967 until 1968 the draft was reformulated with the goal to establish the National Park on the 25th anniversary of the Slovak National Uprising. However, it took another 10 years to overcome various obstacles that prevented the establishment of the National Park. In 1978 the National Park was finally created with the Regulation 119/1978 of the Slovak Socialistic Republic. The area of the national park was set at 313 square miles and its protection zone at 479 square miles. The status of the National Park was published in the same year by the Ministry of Culture of the Slovak Socialistic Republic in Regulation 120/1978. This regulation set out the conditions for the protection of particular areas. The borders of the National Park and the protection zones were revised in June 1997 by Regulation 182/1997 of the government of the Slovak Republic. The revised area of the National Park was adjusted to 281 square miles which is 32 square miles less than the original area. The revised area of the protection zones was adjusted to 425 square miles which is 53 square miles less than the original area. Currently, the following protected areas are established in the Low Tatras National Park or its buffer zone: 10 National Nature Reserves, 10 Nature Reserves, 5 National Nature Monuments, 6 Nature Monuments and 1 Protected Site. The Low Tatras are the second most visited mountains in Slovakia after the High Tatras. Tourism is very popular and during the winter there are several ski resorts such as Jasná and Tále. There are also a range of summer activities such as hiking, trekking, rafting, kayaking, fishing and other outdoor pursuits. Date: 28th May 2017 Location: Low Tatras, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847448.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_121086220559bd50780e31b.jpgHigh Tatras, Slovakia The High Tatras (Vysoké Tatry in Slovakia and Tatry Wysokie in Poland) are a mountain range along the border of northern Slovakia in the Prešov region and southern Poland in the Małopolska province. The High Tatras should not be confused with the Low Tatras which are located south of the High Tatras in Slovakia. The High Tatras occupy an area of 303 square miles, of which about 236 square miles (77.7%) lie within Slovakia and about 68 square miles (22.3%) within Poland. The High Tatras' length, measured in a straight line from the eastern foothills of the Kobylí vrch at 3638 feet to the south western foot of Ostrý vrch at 3700 feet, is 35 miles and strictly along the main ridge, 50 miles. The range is only 12 miles wide. The main ridge of the High Tatras runs from the Slovakian villages of Huty at the western end to the village of Ždiar at the eastern end. The High Tatras, having 29 peaks over 8,200 feet are, with the Southern Carpathians, the only mountain range with an alpine character and habitats in the entire 750 mile length of the Carpathian Mountains system. The 15 highest peaks of the High Tatras are all located in Slovakia with the highest peaks being Gerlachovský štít at 8711 feet, Gerlachovská veža at 8668 feet and Lomnický štít at 8638 feet. Other notable peaks include Kriváň and Rysy. Multiple surveys have ranked Kriváň (8168 feet) as Slovakia's most beautiful peak and it has also been a major symbol in Slovakian ethnic and national activism for the past 2 centuries. A country-wide vote in 2005 selected it to be one of the images on Slovakia's euro coins. Rysy lies on the border between Poland and Slovakia. It has 3 summits: the middle at 8,212 feet, the north western at 8,199 feet and the south eastern at 8,114 feet. The north western summit is the highest point in Poland whilst the other 2 summits are in Slovakia. Since the accession of Poland and Slovakia to the Schengen Agreement in 2007, the border between the countries may be easily crossed at this point. Two thirds of the High Tatras are covered with coniferous and deciduous forests. Alpine meadows, rocky terrain and habitats and extensively used pastures in the foothills occur in the non-forested areas. The High Tatras are one of the most popular places in Slovakia with over 5 million people visiting each year to walk, climb, cycle, ski or snowboard. There are around 375 miles of hiking trails, chairlifts and cable cars, offering breathtaking views of alpine scenery. The High Tatras are protected by law by the establishment of the Tatra National Park, Slovakia (Tatranský národný park) and the Tatra National Park, Poland (Tatrzański Park Narodowy), the first European cross-border national park. In 1992 the Polish and Slovakian national parks were jointly designated a trans-boundary Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. Tatra National Park, Slovakia (Tatranský národný park) is one of the 9 national parks in Slovakia. It protects the Slovakian areas of the High Tatras mountain range in the Eastern Tatras (Východné Tatry) and areas of the Western Tatras (Západné Tatry). The western part of Tatra National Park is situated in the Žilina region and the eastern part in the Prešov region. Tatra National Park covers an area of 284.9 square miles and the surrounding buffer zone covers an area of 118.5 square miles. The highest peak in Slovakia, Gerlachovský štít at 8711 feet, is located within Tatra National Park. Tatra National Park was established in January 1949 and it is the oldest national park in Slovakia. In 1987, a section of the Western Tatras was added to the national park. Since 2004, the national park has been included in the Natura 2000 ecological network, the network of nature protection areas within the European Union. Date: 29th May 2017 Location: High Tatras, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847458.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_170256438659bd50a67f97e.jpgHigh Tatras, Slovakia The High Tatras (Vysoké Tatry in Slovakia and Tatry Wysokie in Poland) are a mountain range along the border of northern Slovakia in the Prešov region and southern Poland in the Małopolska province. The High Tatras should not be confused with the Low Tatras which are located south of the High Tatras in Slovakia. The High Tatras occupy an area of 303 square miles, of which about 236 square miles (77.7%) lie within Slovakia and about 68 square miles (22.3%) within Poland. The High Tatras' length, measured in a straight line from the eastern foothills of the Kobylí vrch at 3638 feet to the south western foot of Ostrý vrch at 3700 feet, is 35 miles and strictly along the main ridge, 50 miles. The range is only 12 miles wide. The main ridge of the High Tatras runs from the Slovakian villages of Huty at the western end to the village of Ždiar at the eastern end. The High Tatras, having 29 peaks over 8,200 feet are, with the Southern Carpathians, the only mountain range with an alpine character and habitats in the entire 750 mile length of the Carpathian Mountains system. The 15 highest peaks of the High Tatras are all located in Slovakia with the highest peaks being Gerlachovský štít at 8711 feet, Gerlachovská veža at 8668 feet and Lomnický štít at 8638 feet. Other notable peaks include Kriváň and Rysy. Multiple surveys have ranked Kriváň (8168 feet) as Slovakia's most beautiful peak and it has also been a major symbol in Slovakian ethnic and national activism for the past 2 centuries. A country-wide vote in 2005 selected it to be one of the images on Slovakia's euro coins. Rysy lies on the border between Poland and Slovakia. It has 3 summits: the middle at 8,212 feet, the north western at 8,199 feet and the south eastern at 8,114 feet. The north western summit is the highest point in Poland whilst the other 2 summits are in Slovakia. Since the accession of Poland and Slovakia to the Schengen Agreement in 2007, the border between the countries may be easily crossed at this point. Two thirds of the High Tatras are covered with coniferous and deciduous forests. Alpine meadows, rocky terrain and habitats and extensively used pastures in the foothills occur in the non-forested areas. The High Tatras are one of the most popular places in Slovakia with over 5 million people visiting each year to walk, climb, cycle, ski or snowboard. There are around 375 miles of hiking trails, chairlifts and cable cars, offering breathtaking views of alpine scenery. The High Tatras are protected by law by the establishment of the Tatra National Park, Slovakia (Tatranský národný park) and the Tatra National Park, Poland (Tatrzański Park Narodowy), the first European cross-border national park. In 1992 the Polish and Slovakian national parks were jointly designated a trans-boundary Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. Tatra National Park, Slovakia (Tatranský národný park) is one of the 9 national parks in Slovakia. It protects the Slovakian areas of the High Tatras mountain range in the Eastern Tatras (Východné Tatry) and areas of the Western Tatras (Západné Tatry). The western part of Tatra National Park is situated in the Žilina region and the eastern part in the Prešov region. Tatra National Park covers an area of 284.9 square miles and the surrounding buffer zone covers an area of 118.5 square miles. The highest peak in Slovakia, Gerlachovský štít at 8711 feet, is located within Tatra National Park. Tatra National Park was established in January 1949 and it is the oldest national park in Slovakia. In 1987, a section of the Western Tatras was added to the national park. Since 2004, the national park has been included in the Natura 2000 ecological network, the network of nature protection areas within the European Union. Date: 29th May 2017 Location: High Tatras, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847468.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_101093544159bd50cf954ee.jpgHigh Tatras, Slovakia The High Tatras (Vysoké Tatry in Slovakia and Tatry Wysokie in Poland) are a mountain range along the border of northern Slovakia in the Prešov region and southern Poland in the Małopolska province. The High Tatras should not be confused with the Low Tatras which are located south of the High Tatras in Slovakia. The High Tatras occupy an area of 303 square miles, of which about 236 square miles (77.7%) lie within Slovakia and about 68 square miles (22.3%) within Poland. The High Tatras' length, measured in a straight line from the eastern foothills of the Kobylí vrch at 3638 feet to the south western foot of Ostrý vrch at 3700 feet, is 35 miles and strictly along the main ridge, 50 miles. The range is only 12 miles wide. The main ridge of the High Tatras runs from the Slovakian villages of Huty at the western end to the village of Ždiar at the eastern end. The High Tatras, having 29 peaks over 8,200 feet are, with the Southern Carpathians, the only mountain range with an alpine character and habitats in the entire 750 mile length of the Carpathian Mountains system. The 15 highest peaks of the High Tatras are all located in Slovakia with the highest peaks being Gerlachovský štít at 8711 feet, Gerlachovská veža at 8668 feet and Lomnický štít at 8638 feet. Other notable peaks include Kriváň and Rysy. Multiple surveys have ranked Kriváň (8168 feet) as Slovakia's most beautiful peak and it has also been a major symbol in Slovakian ethnic and national activism for the past 2 centuries. A country-wide vote in 2005 selected it to be one of the images on Slovakia's euro coins. Rysy lies on the border between Poland and Slovakia. It has 3 summits: the middle at 8,212 feet, the north western at 8,199 feet and the south eastern at 8,114 feet. The north western summit is the highest point in Poland whilst the other 2 summits are in Slovakia. Since the accession of Poland and Slovakia to the Schengen Agreement in 2007, the border between the countries may be easily crossed at this point. Two thirds of the High Tatras are covered with coniferous and deciduous forests. Alpine meadows, rocky terrain and habitats and extensively used pastures in the foothills occur in the non-forested areas. The High Tatras are one of the most popular places in Slovakia with over 5 million people visiting each year to walk, climb, cycle, ski or snowboard. There are around 375 miles of hiking trails, chairlifts and cable cars, offering breathtaking views of alpine scenery. The High Tatras are protected by law by the establishment of the Tatra National Park, Slovakia (Tatranský národný park) and the Tatra National Park, Poland (Tatrzański Park Narodowy), the first European cross-border national park. In 1992 the Polish and Slovakian national parks were jointly designated a trans-boundary Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. Tatra National Park, Slovakia (Tatranský národný park) is one of the 9 national parks in Slovakia. It protects the Slovakian areas of the High Tatras mountain range in the Eastern Tatras (Východné Tatry) and areas of the Western Tatras (Západné Tatry). The western part of Tatra National Park is situated in the Žilina region and the eastern part in the Prešov region. Tatra National Park covers an area of 284.9 square miles and the surrounding buffer zone covers an area of 118.5 square miles. The highest peak in Slovakia, Gerlachovský štít at 8711 feet, is located within Tatra National Park. Tatra National Park was established in January 1949 and it is the oldest national park in Slovakia. In 1987, a section of the Western Tatras was added to the national park. Since 2004, the national park has been included in the Natura 2000 ecological network, the network of nature protection areas within the European Union. Date: 29th May 2017 Location: High Tatras, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847655.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_146562214759bd54c4a045f.jpgSlovak Karst, Košice region, Slovakia The Slovak Karst (Slovenský kras) is one of the mountain ranges of the Slovenské Rudohorie Mountains which are part of the Inner Western Carpathians. It is located in the Košice Region of southern Slovakia and forms a single limestone karst region with the Aggtelek National Park across the border in Hungary. It is the largest karstic area in central Europe, covering an area of almost 160 square miles. The highest peak is Jelení vrch at 3107 feet. The Slovak Karst is composed of several layers of Mesozoic limestone and dolomite, beneath which there is non-permeable sandstone, limestone and slate. The huge plains and plateaus have many karst formations, such as karst pits with diameters of up to 820 feet and depths of about 150 feet, conical hills and blind valleys, and subterranean features such as deep vertical abysses and a large number of caves. The area also includes karst lakes, the largest of which is Jašteričie jazero (literally Lizard Lake). The area is characterised by rolling hills, limestone gorges, rocky plateaus, oak, hornbeam and beech forests, wet meadows, scrubby grasslands and stream valleys. The activities that dominate the Slovak Karst region are mountain climbing, hiking, cycling, horse riding, winter cross-country skiing and other outdoor activities. Very well signed walking and cycling trails cover the area. One of the most visited places is the Zádiel gorge (Zádielska tiesňava), a National Nautre Resreve in the Slovak Karst National Park (Národný park Slovenský kras) where the Zádielska stream has gouged the mighty karst gorge. The Zadielska gorge is almost 2 miles long, between 985 and 1315 feet deep and the narrowest places in its bottom are only around 30 feet wide. A walking trail (Zádielska dolina) begins near the village of Zadiel and leads up the gorge surrounded by high rock cliffs, caves and waterfalls. The Slovak Karst National Park (Národný park Slovenský kras) was established in March 2002, after being a Protected Landscape Area since 1973. The National Park covers an area of 134 square miles and its buffer zone covers 45 square miles. The Slovak Karst was also the first Slovakian UNESCO Biosphere Reserve when it was included in the UNESCO's Programme on Man and the Biosphere in March 1997. In addition, in 1995, 12 out of 700 caves in the Slovak Karst National Park were recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst). Date: 3rd June 2017 Location: Zádielska dolina, Zádiel gorge (Zádielska tiesňava), Slovak Karst, Košice region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/european-rollers https://images.on-this.website/4752_10048465455d3078f809a7e.jpgEuropean Rollers The European Roller is the only member of the Roller family to breed in Europe. It is a stocky bird, the size of a Jackdaw, and it is mainly blue with an orange-brown back. It is striking in its strong direct flight with the brilliant blue contrasting with black flight feathers. Sexes are similar but the juvenile is a drabber version of the adult. The European Roller often perches prominently on trees, posts or overhead wires whilst watching for the large insects, small reptiles, rodents and frogs that they eat. They have a Lapwing-like display with the twisting and turning display flight giving the bird its English name. The European Roller breeds in north Africa from Morocco east to Tunisia, in south west and south central Europe and in Asia Minor east through north west Iran to south west Siberia. It is a long-distance migrant, wintering in southern Africa in two distinct regions, from Senegal east to Cameroon and from Ethiopia west to Congo and south to South Africa. The European Roller can be found in warm, dry, open country with scattered trees, preferring lowland open countryside with patches of oak forest, mature pine woodland with heathery clearings, orchards, mixed farmland, river valleys and plains with scattered thorny or leafy trees. It winters primarily in dry wooded savanna and bushy plains. The European Roller has a large global population of an estimated 100,000 to 220,000 individuals in Europe. However, following a moderate decline during 1970 to 1990, the species has continued to decline especially in Europe with a decrease in the overall European population exceeding 30% in 15 years. Threats include persecution on migration in some Mediterranean countries, the use of pesticides which reduces food availability and sensitivity to changing farming and forestry practices. Date: 17th May 2018 Location: Srebarna to Vetren, Silistra Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/june-2007-rhum-and-eigg https://images.on-this.website/4752_1153093564a4a58998a931.jpgJune 2007 - Rhum and Eigg Please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/photo453463.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51984190.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_177846633666d34b56e24d7.jpgGatekeeper Flight period: mid-July to early September. The Gatekeeper or Hedge Brown is common and widespread throughout the southern half of the UK. They can be found in areas with hedgerows or in scrubby woodland with wide and sunny rides. Date: 30th July 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847478.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_150796965559bd511939b05.jpgHigh Tatras, Poland The High Tatras (Vysoké Tatry in Slovakia and Tatry Wysokie in Poland) are a mountain range along the border of northern Slovakia in the Prešov region and southern Poland in the Małopolska province. The High Tatras should not be confused with the Low Tatras which are located south of the High Tatras in Slovakia. The High Tatras occupy an area of 303 square miles, of which about 236 square miles (77.7%) lie within Slovakia and about 68 square miles (22.3%) within Poland. The High Tatras' length, measured in a straight line from the eastern foothills of the Kobylí vrch at 3638 feet to the south western foot of Ostrý vrch at 3700 feet, is 35 miles and strictly along the main ridge, 50 miles. The range is only 12 miles wide. The main ridge of the High Tatras runs from the Slovakian villages of Huty at the western end to the village of Ždiar at the eastern end. The High Tatras, having 29 peaks over 8,200 feet are, with the Southern Carpathians, the only mountain range with an alpine character and habitats in the entire 750 mile length of the Carpathian Mountains system. The 15 highest peaks of the High Tatras are all located in Slovakia with the highest peaks being Gerlachovský štít at 8711 feet, Gerlachovská veža at 8668 feet and Lomnický štít at 8638 feet. Other notable peaks include Kriváň and Rysy. Multiple surveys have ranked Kriváň (8168 feet) as Slovakia's most beautiful peak and it has also been a major symbol in Slovakian ethnic and national activism for the past 2 centuries. A country-wide vote in 2005 selected it to be one of the images on Slovakia's euro coins. Rysy lies on the border between Poland and Slovakia. It has 3 summits: the middle at 8,212 feet, the north western at 8,199 feet and the south eastern at 8,114 feet. The north western summit is the highest point in Poland whilst the other 2 summits are in Slovakia. Since the accession of Poland and Slovakia to the Schengen Agreement in 2007, the border between the countries may be easily crossed at this point. Two thirds of the High Tatras are covered with coniferous and deciduous forests. Alpine meadows, rocky terrain and habitats and extensively used pastures in the foothills occur in the non-forested areas. The High Tatras are protected by law by the establishment of the Tatra National Park, Slovakia (Tatranský národný park) and the Tatra National Park, Poland (Tatrzański Park Narodowy), the first European cross-border national park. In 1992 the Polish and Slovakian national parks were jointly designated a trans-boundary Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. Tatra National Park, Poland (Tatrzański Park Narodowy) protects the Polish areas of the High Tatras mountain range and it is situated in the Małopolska province. Tatra National Park covers an area of 81.7 square miles, of which 58.6 square miles is forest and the remainder mainly meadows. Strictly protected zones account for 44.5 square miles, of which 23.7 square miles are forests. The first calls for protection of the Tatras came at the end of the 19th century and in 1925 the first efforts to create a national park, in co-operation with Slovakia, took place. Tatra National Park was created in 1954. Date: 29th May 2017 Location: view from road 960 from Lysá Poľana, Prešov region, Slovakia to Bukowina Tatrzańska, Małopolska province, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42524859.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4378203736098f6c4c7e94.jpgGreylag Geese The Greylag Goose is the ancestor of most domestic geese but is also the largest and bulkiest of the wild geese native to the UK and Europe. In many parts of the UK it has been re-established by releasing birds in suitable areas but the resulting flocks found around gravel pits, lakes and reservoirs all year round in southern Britain tend to be semi-tame. The native birds and wintering flocks found on lochs in northern Scotland and on some Scottish islands retain the special appeal of truly wild geese. Date: 27th March 2021 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847461.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_121226582459bd50b15ae97.jpgHigh Tatras, Slovakia The High Tatras (Vysoké Tatry in Slovakia and Tatry Wysokie in Poland) are a mountain range along the border of northern Slovakia in the Prešov region and southern Poland in the Małopolska province. The High Tatras should not be confused with the Low Tatras which are located south of the High Tatras in Slovakia. The High Tatras occupy an area of 303 square miles, of which about 236 square miles (77.7%) lie within Slovakia and about 68 square miles (22.3%) within Poland. The High Tatras' length, measured in a straight line from the eastern foothills of the Kobylí vrch at 3638 feet to the south western foot of Ostrý vrch at 3700 feet, is 35 miles and strictly along the main ridge, 50 miles. The range is only 12 miles wide. The main ridge of the High Tatras runs from the Slovakian villages of Huty at the western end to the village of Ždiar at the eastern end. The High Tatras, having 29 peaks over 8,200 feet are, with the Southern Carpathians, the only mountain range with an alpine character and habitats in the entire 750 mile length of the Carpathian Mountains system. The 15 highest peaks of the High Tatras are all located in Slovakia with the highest peaks being Gerlachovský štít at 8711 feet, Gerlachovská veža at 8668 feet and Lomnický štít at 8638 feet. Other notable peaks include Kriváň and Rysy. Multiple surveys have ranked Kriváň (8168 feet) as Slovakia's most beautiful peak and it has also been a major symbol in Slovakian ethnic and national activism for the past 2 centuries. A country-wide vote in 2005 selected it to be one of the images on Slovakia's euro coins. Rysy lies on the border between Poland and Slovakia. It has 3 summits: the middle at 8,212 feet, the north western at 8,199 feet and the south eastern at 8,114 feet. The north western summit is the highest point in Poland whilst the other 2 summits are in Slovakia. Since the accession of Poland and Slovakia to the Schengen Agreement in 2007, the border between the countries may be easily crossed at this point. Two thirds of the High Tatras are covered with coniferous and deciduous forests. Alpine meadows, rocky terrain and habitats and extensively used pastures in the foothills occur in the non-forested areas. The High Tatras are one of the most popular places in Slovakia with over 5 million people visiting each year to walk, climb, cycle, ski or snowboard. There are around 375 miles of hiking trails, chairlifts and cable cars, offering breathtaking views of alpine scenery. The High Tatras are protected by law by the establishment of the Tatra National Park, Slovakia (Tatranský národný park) and the Tatra National Park, Poland (Tatrzański Park Narodowy), the first European cross-border national park. In 1992 the Polish and Slovakian national parks were jointly designated a trans-boundary Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. Tatra National Park, Slovakia (Tatranský národný park) is one of the 9 national parks in Slovakia. It protects the Slovakian areas of the High Tatras mountain range in the Eastern Tatras (Východné Tatry) and areas of the Western Tatras (Západné Tatry). The western part of Tatra National Park is situated in the Žilina region and the eastern part in the Prešov region. Tatra National Park covers an area of 284.9 square miles and the surrounding buffer zone covers an area of 118.5 square miles. The highest peak in Slovakia, Gerlachovský štít at 8711 feet, is located within Tatra National Park. Tatra National Park was established in January 1949 and it is the oldest national park in Slovakia. In 1987, a section of the Western Tatras was added to the national park. Since 2004, the national park has been included in the Natura 2000 ecological network, the network of nature protection areas within the European Union. Date: 29th May 2017 Location: High Tatras, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49277053.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_66028332764996cdadd15f.jpgBarafundle Bay and Beach, Pembrokeshire Barafundle Bay and Beach is part of the National Trust Stackpole Estate and accessible only by a half mile walk from the nearest car park at Stackpole Quay. It is a stunning broad stretch of golden sand flanked by woodland, dunes and limestone headlands. After crossing Barafundle Beach, a path leads up through the woodland before emerging on the cliff-top path to Stackpole Head, a spectacular point where the sea has sculpted stacks, caves, arches, inlets and headlands and where Guillemots, Razorbills, Choughs, Ravens and Peregrines breed. Date: 9th June 2023 Location: view from Pembrokeshire Coast Path, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26270453.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4512862695665534fbbf31.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 4th December 2015 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41187458.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1182781625ea6d54ead518.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 21st April 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623507.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_753117736117e135a99c0.jpgLittle Grebe The Little Grebe, also known as the Dabchick, is the smallest member of the grebe family measuring 9 to 11.5 inches in length. The adult is unmistakable in summer, predominantly dark above with its rich, rufous colour neck, cheeks and flanks and bright yellow gape. The rufous is replaced by a dirty brownish grey in non-breeding and juvenile birds. Juveniles have a yellow bill with a small black tip and black and white streaks on the cheeks and sides of the neck. This yellow bill darkens as the juveniles age, eventually turning black as an adult. The Little Grebe can be noisy with a distinctive whinnying trill. The Little Grebe can be found across Europe, much of Asia down to New Guinea and in most of Africa. It breeds in small colonies in freshwater wetlands with muddy bottoms and edges and still or slow-moving water with plenty of emergent vegetation such as lakes, gravel pits, canals and rivers. Most birds move to more open or coastal waters in winter but it is only migratory in those parts of its range where the waters freeze. Like all grebes, the Little Grebe nests at the water's edge since its legs are set very far back and it can not walk well. Usually 4 to 7 eggs are laid. The young leave the nest and can swim soon after hatching but are often carried on the backs of the swimming adults. The Little Grebe is an excellent swimmer and diver and pursues its fish and aquatic invertebrate prey underwater. It uses the vegetation skillfully as a hiding place. Date: 5th July 2021 Location: RSPB Old Moor, Dearne Valley, South Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15367540.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14144863364fec1c8bcdbfc.jpgBrown Hare The Brown Hare resembles the Rabbit but obvious differences include the Brown Hare's longer, larger body, much longer hind legs and longer ears with black tips. Generally, they are a brown-russet colour with a white underside. The tail is black on the upper surface and white underneath. In contrast to Rabbits, which have a brown iris, the Brown Hare has a golden iris and a black pupil. Brown Hares are the fastest land animals in the UK and can run at speeds of up to 45 mph to evade predators. Brown Hares are widespread in central and western Europe including the UK but they are absent in southern Europe. It is thought that they were introduced in to the UK during Roman times, probably from Asia. They have little legal protection, partly because they are game animals and can be managed by farmers and landowners and partly because they are also a minor pest and can damage crops and young tree plantations. Numbers have substantially declined in the UK and most of Europe since the 1960s mainly due to the intensification of agricultural practices as well as shooting, poaching and coursing and an increase in the number of Foxes. Brown Hares prefer temperate open habitats and can be found in most flat country among open grassland and arable farms. Unlike Rabbits, they do not burrow but rest in a shallow depression in fields or long grass known as a form where only their back and head are visible. An adult occupies a range of 300 hectares which it may share with other hares as they are not territorially aggressive. Courtship involves boxing …. the traditional “mad March hare” behaviour. This is actually unreceptive females fending off males rather than fighting between males. Date: 8th June 2012 Location: Glen Quaich, Perthsire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28102054.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_95502650757779a628b69d.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include [url=http://www.gigrin.co.uk/]Gigrin Farm feeding centre[/url] near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 12th June 2016 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41234270.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5494291585ee76c820d9b5.jpgCommon Tern The Common Tern is a silvery-grey and white sea bird with a black cap, a black tipped red bill, red legs and long tail streamers. It has a buoyant, graceful flight and frequently hovers over water before plunging down for fish. The Common Tern breeds in colonies along coasts with shingle beaches and rocky islands, on rivers with shingle bars and at inland gravel pits and reservoirs. The Common Tern occurs throughout the summer, arriving in April and leaving in August and September. Date: 31st May 2020 Location: Abberton Reservoir, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo445316.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17929452474681bab4b4ae3.jpgThe stark rise of the jagged Black Cuillin ridge .... The Black Cuillin are a mountain range on the Isle of Skye off the North West coast of Scotland and contain the highest concentration of mountains over 3000 feet high in the UK (20 summits exceed this height). The mountains are a memorable sight whether the weather is bright and sunny or grey and misty as it often is on Skye. Either way they have a unique presence and can be seen from miles around both on Skye and on the mainland. The mountains themselves are the preserve of experienced mountaineers and hillwalkers but the rest of us can enjoy classic views from Elgol and Sligachan and along Glenbrittle. Date: February 2003 Location: view from Sligachan http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21829504.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_164181171453cba768cc5b8.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 11th June 2014 Location: Bempton Cliifs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4074524.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16403303064b157dd9cea60.jpgLas Estepas de Belchite, Aragon, Spain Las Estepas de Belchite are located to the south and south east of Zaragoza in Aragon and form one of the most important steppe landscapes in the Rio Ebre valley. Large areas have been destroyed through irrigation and cultivation and the low hills and plains are now a mix of steppe, cereal fields and irrigated areas with small wooded hills, gullies and cliffs formed by local rivers. Las Estepas de Bechite is an area of great importance for steppe birds and La Reserva Ornitológica El Planerón is one of the few protected areas. Date: 12th November 2009 Location: La Reserva Ornitológica El Planerón http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080566.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_207528381263a4591c012c7.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 1st December 2022 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4466065.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16289381344b8a2438b8f0f.jpg http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15747132.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20141661305017a6ee9e85f.jpgMarsh Frog The Marsh Frog is the largest European frog. It is very similar in appearance to the closely related Edible Frog and Pool Frog. These 3 species are often referred to as "green frogs" to distinguish them from the more terrestrial European species which are known as "brown frogs" (best exemplified by the Common Frog). Marsh Frogs show a large variation in colour and pattern, ranging from dark green to brown or grey. The Western European populations are generally dark green to black with dark spots on the back and sides and 3 clear green lines on the back. Females can reach a maximum length of around 6.5 inches but males are smaller at around 4.5 inches. The head is proportionally large and the hind legs are long which gives them excellent jumping abilities. The Marsh Frog is usually gregarious and diurnal and more tied to aquatic habitats than the Common Frog. It is tolerant of brackish conditions and typically it is found on or in the water of its favoured drainage channels and pools throughout the year. Marsh Frogs frequently sunbathe on the bank of the water body where they are often inconspicuous until disturbed when they will jump in to the water with a characteristic “plop”. They can often be seen on lily pads or floating at the surface amongst vegetation with only their heads exposed. During the breeding season (and sometimes beyond) the male Marsh Frog calls very loudly with a sound reminiscent of a loud chuckle which is often very raucous and can be heard all day and night. Dominant males establish territories from which they call. After mating a female may produce up to 16,000 eggs in a season, laying them in clumps of a few hundred in aquatic vegetation below the surface. They hatch in about a week, tadpoles being rather solitary and living in deep water with vegetation. Newly metamorphosed frogs are up to 1 inch in length and take 2 years to mature. The diet of the Marsh Frog consists of dragonflies and other insects, spiders, earthworms and slugs. Larger frogs also eat small rodents and sometimes smaller amphibians and fish. The Marsh Frog is not a native species of the UK. It was first introduced to Walland Marsh, Kent in 1935 and is now found in several areas of Kent and East Sussex. Other introductions exist, including colonies in London. Date: 23rd July 2012 Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4466057.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19025261844b8a23edc8ead.jpg http://www.richardchewphotography.com/goldcrest https://images.on-this.website/4752_10344904555f6b4adc8773f.jpgGoldcrest The Goldcrest is a very small passerine bird in the kinglet family. Its colourful golden crest feathers, as well as being called the "king of the birds" in European folklore, gives rise to its English and scientific names. The scientific name, [I]Regulus regulus[/I], means king or knight. Several subspecies of the Goldcrest have been described. In continental Eurasia, there are 9 generally accepted and very similar sub-species, differing only in details such as plumage shade. The nominate sub-species [i]R. r. regulus[/i] breeds in most of Europe. The Goldcrest is one of the smallest European birds, measuring 3.3 to 3.7 inches in length with a 5.3 to 6.1 inches wingspan and a weight of 0.16 to 0.25 ounces. It is similar in appearance to many warblers, with olive-green upperparts, buff-white underparts, 2 white wing bars and a plain face with conspicuous black irises. The crown of the head has black sides and a narrow black front and a bright crest, yellow with an orange centre in the male and entirely yellow in the female. The crest is erected in display, making the distinctive orange stripe of the male much more conspicuous. The small, thin bill is black and the legs are dark flesh-brown. Apart from the crest colour, the sexes are alike although in fresh plumage, the female may have very slightly paler upperparts and greyer underparts than the adult male. The juvenile is similar to the adult but it has duller upperparts and lacks the coloured crown. The Goldcrest is usually easily distinguished from other small birds in its range but poor views could possibly lead to confusion with the Firecrest or the Yellow-browed Warbler. The adult Firecrest has a distinguishing face pattern showing a bright white supercilium and black eye-stripe and the juvenile usually shows enough of this face pattern to be readily distinguished from the plain-faced Goldcrest. The Yellow-browed Warbler has a yellowish supercilium and a pale crown stripe so it also shows a different head pattern to the Goldcrest. The flight of the Goldcrest is distinctive and consists of whirring wing-beats with occasional sudden changes of direction. Shorter flights while feeding are a mix of dashing and fluttering with frequent hovering. It moves restlessly among foliage and regularly creeps on branches and up and down tree trunks. The typical contact call of the Goldcrest is thin and high-pitched and given at intervals of 1 to 4 seconds with all the notes at the same pitch. The song of the male Goldcrest is a very high, thin double repeated note ending in a flourish. The entire song lasts 3 to 4 seconds and is repeated 5 to 7 times a minute. This song, often uttered while the male is foraging, can be heard in most months of the year. The Goldcrest has a huge range in Eurasia, breeding from Macaronesia to Japan. It is common in middle and northern temperate and boreal latitudes of Europe between the 13 to 24 °C July isotherms and thus predominantly in cooler climates than the Firecrest. Further east it occurs discontinuously through southern Siberia to Sakhalin and Japan, in the Tian Shan mountains, northern Iran and from the Himalayas east to central China. The Goldcrest has bred in Iceland since about 1999 and was widespread by 2004 although numbers are affected by hard winters. Breeding occurs intermittently in the Faroe Islands. The Goldcrest is partly migratory with northernmost populations deserting their breeding areas in winter. Birds winter in Europe and Asia south of the breeding range. The Goldcrest breeds at considerable densities in mature lowland and mountain coniferous woodlands, mainly up to 9,800 feet, and occasionally to 15,700 feet. It uses Spruce, Larch, Scots Pine, Silver Fir and Mountain Pine and in man-made landscapes it also uses introduced conifers such as Douglas Fir. Broad-leaved woods are used only when some coniferous trees are also present and sites such as gardens, parks and cemeteries are used only when they offer suitable conifers that are not otherwise locally available. Unlike more specialised birds such as the Nuthatch and the Treecreeper, both of which forage on tree trunks, the Goldcrest does not need large woodlands and population density is not related to woodland size. Once the breeding season is over, the Goldcrest will readily move into deciduous trees and shrubs, heathland and similar more open habitats. The Goldcrest is a monogamous species. The male sings during the breeding season, usually while foraging rather than from a perch. It has a display involving bowing its head towards another bird and raising the coloured crest. The nest, constructed by both sexes, is a well-insulated cup-shaped structure built in 3 layers and often suspended from a hanging branch. The outer layer is made from moss, small twigs, cobwebs and lichen, the cobwebs also being used to attach the nest to the thin branches that support it. The middle layer is moss which is lined by an inner layer of feathers and hair. Egg laying starts at the end of April into early May with 9 to 11 eggs laid but ranging from 6 to 13. Second clutches, which are common, are laid usually while the first nest still has young. The male generally builds the second nest, then feeds the young in the first nest while the female is incubating in the second. When the first brood has fledged, the male joins the female in feeding the second brood. The female incubates the eggs for 16 to 19 days to hatching and she also broods the chicks which fledge in a further 17 to 22 days later. Both parents feed the chicks and fledged young. The Goldcrest becomes sexually mature after 1 year and it has an annual adult mortality of over 80% giving a life expectancy of around 8 months which is one of the shortest for any bird. There are nonetheless records of an individual surviving to 4 years 10 months and even a report of a bird ringed in Winchester in 1989 and found dead in Morocco 7 years and 7 months later. The Goldcrest feeds in trees, frequently foraging on the undersides of branches and leaves. It is almost exclusively insectivorous and takes a wide variety of prey, especially spiders, caterpillars, bugs, springtails and flies. Flying insects are taken in hovering flight but are not normally pursued. Non-animal food is rare although the Goldcrest has been seen drinking sap from broken birch twigs together with other birds. Outside the breeding season, small groups of Goldcrests maintain exclusive winter feeding territories which they defend against neighbouring groups. As they roam around their territory, they frequently join loose flocks of other wanderers such as tits and warblers. In some areas, wintering birds have developed the habit of coming to feeding stations and bird tables to take fat, sometimes with warblers such as the Chiffchaff and the Blackcap. The Goldcrest has a very large range and a very large population and it is therefore classed as “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List. There was some northward range expansion in Scotland, Belgium, Norway, and Finland during the 20th century, assisted by the spread of conifer plantations. The population is currently stable although there may be temporary marked and heavy declines in harsh winters. However, populations can recover and expand rapidly after a series of mild winters. Date: 15th September 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo8135908.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20374161284d1d994929da7.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 20th December 2010 Location: EWT Langdon Conservation Centre, Dunton, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32723071.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_214187154359ae6f6d0339a6.79259476.jpgRoller The European Roller is the only member of the Roller family to breed in Europe. It is a stocky bird, the size of a Jackdaw, and it is mainly blue with an orange-brown back. It is striking in its strong direct flight with the brilliant blue contrasting with black flight feathers. Sexes are similar but the juvenile is a drabber version of the adult. The European Roller often perches prominently on trees, posts or overhead wires whilst watching for the large insects, small reptiles, rodents and frogs that they eat. They have a Lapwing-like display with the twisting and turning display flight giving the bird its English name. The European Roller breeds in north Africa from Morocco east to Tunisia, in south west and south central Europe and in Asia Minor east through north west Iran to south west Siberia. It is a long-distance migrant, wintering in southern Africa in two distinct regions, from Senegal east to Cameroon and from Ethiopia west to Congo and south to South Africa. The European Roller can be found in warm, dry, open country with scattered trees, preferring lowland open countryside with patches of oak forest, mature pine woodland with heathery clearings, orchards, mixed farmland, river valleys and plains with scattered thorny or leafy trees. It winters primarily in dry wooded savanna and bushy plains. The European Roller has a large global population of an estimated 100,000 to 220,000 individuals in Europe. However, following a moderate decline during 1970 to 1990, the species has continued to decline especially in Europe with a decrease in the overall European population exceeding 30% in 15 years. Threats include persecution on migration in some Mediterranean countries, the use of pesticides which reduces food availability and sensitivity to changing farming and forestry practices. Date: 22nd May 2017 Location: Borsodi-Mezoseg ("Little Hortobagy"), Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23408448.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13012224854c20b54b0ba6.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 3rd January 2015 Location: Mersehead RSPB reserve, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/varangerfjord-varanger-peninsula-finnmark-norway https://images.on-this.website/4752_20158022034bf6d9a1c6798.jpgVarangerfjord, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway Varangerfjord is the easternmost fjord in Norway and is located in Finnmark county between the Varanger peninsula and the mainland of Norway. Varangerfjord flows through the municipalities of Vardø, Vadsø, Nesseby and Sør-Varanger. The fjord is approximately 62 miles long and empties in to the Barents Sea. The mouth is about 43 miles wide and is located between the town of Vardø in the north west and the village of Grense Jakobselv in the south east. The fjord stretches westwards inland past the town of Vadsø to the village of Varangerbotn in Nesseby municipality. Date: 12th April 2010 Location: view from route E75 between Vardø and Ekkerøy, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084155.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6372003015d30861f78bd4.jpgRila Mountains, Sofia Province, Bulgaria The Rila Mountains are a mountain range in south west Bulgaria and constitute the highest mountain range in the country and the Balkans. It is the sixth highest mountain range in Europe after the Caucasus, the Alps, the Sierra Nevada, the Pyrenees and Mount Etna and the highest one between the Alps and the Caucasus. The Rila Mountains are spread over an area of 1015 square miles with an average altitude of 4879 feet. Musala is its highest peak at 9596 feet. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rila-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rila Mountains have abundant water resources and some of the Balkans' longest and deepest rivers originate here including the longest river entirely in the Balkans, the River Maritsa, and the longest river entirely in Bulgaria, the River Iskar. Bulgaria's main water divide separating the Black Sea and the Aegean Sea drainage systems follows the main ridge of the Rila Mountains. The mountain range is dotted with almost 200 glacial lakes such as the renowned Seven Rila Lakes. It is also rich in hot springs in the fault areas at the foothills including the hottest spring in south east Europe in Sapareva Banya. The Rila Mountains have typical layers of montane habitat ranging from river and stream valleys at lower altitudes to mixed deciduous woodland, coniferous forests and Alpine meadows and lakes at higher altitudes and finally to rocky ridges and bare rugged peaks. The biodiversity and the pristine landscapes are protected by the Rila National Park which is among the largest and most valuable protected areas in Europe. It is the largest national park in Bulgaria covering an area of 313 square miles and it was established in February 1992 to protect several ecosystems of national importance. Its altitude varies from 2600 feet near Blagoevgrad to 9596 feet at the peak of Musala. It occupies territory from 4 of the 28 provinces of the country (Sofia, Kyustendil, Blagoevgrad and Pazardzhik) and it includes 4 nature reserves (Parangalitsa, Central Rila Reserve, Ibar and Skakavitsa). The Rila National Park falls within the Rodope montane mixed forests terrestrial eco-region of the Palearctic temperate broadleaf and mixed forest. Forests occupy 206.5 square miles or 66% of the total area. The Rila Mountains also contain the Rila Monastery Nature Park which is among the largest nature parks in Bulgaria covering an area of 97.5 square miles at an altitude between 2460 and 8901 feet. It was established in 1992 as part of the newly founded Rila National Park. In 2000 some territory of the Rila National Park was re-assigned to the Rila Monastery Nature Park and was recategorized as a nature park because by law all lands in national parks are exclusively state owned. Today most of the Rila Monastery Nature Park is owned by the Rila Monastery. The Rila Monastery Nature Park includes one nature reserve, namely the Rila Monastery Forest with an area of 14 square miles or 14% of its total area. The most recognisable landmark in the Rila Mountains is the Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila, better known as the Rila Monastery. This is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria and is situated in the deep valley of the River Rilska River within the Rila Monastery Nature Park at a height of 3763 feet. The monastery is named after its founder, the hermit Ivan of Rila (876 to 946 AD) and houses around 60 monks. Founded in the 10th century, the Rila Monastery is regarded as one of Bulgaria's most important cultural, historical and architectural monuments and is a key tourist attraction for both Bulgaria and south Europe. Due to its outstanding cultural and spiritual value it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. The Rila Mountains are also a popular destination for hiking, winter sports and spa tourism, hosting the nation's oldest ski resort at Borovets as well as numerous hiking trails. Date: 30th May 2018 Location: Malyovitsa, Sofia Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41349622.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5443057005f2002762b86e.jpgLarge Skipper Flight period: June to July. The Large Skipper is a small golden butterfly which is widespread throughout England and Wales and it is also extending its range northwards in to southern Scotland. They can be found in areas of tall, uncut grassland, woodland rides, roadside verges and hedgerows. Date: 16th June 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39083178.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11890289825d307ffb744e8.jpgEastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria The Rhodopes Mountains are a mountain range in south east Europe. They are spread over 5689 square miles of which 4723 square miles are located in south Bulgaria and the remainder in north Greece. The Rhodopes Mountains are about 149 miles long and about 62 to 75 miles wide with an average altitude of 2575 feet. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 7188 feet and is situated 12 miles to the west of Smolyan. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rhodopes Mountains gives its name to the terrestrial eco-region Rodope montane mixed forests that belong in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The area is particularly notable for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans plus its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms such as the Trigrad Gorge. The Rhodopes Mountains can be sub-divided in to 3 sections: The Western Rhodopes are spread over 66% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and they are higher, the most infrastructurally developed and the most visited part of the mountains. The highest and best known peaks are located in this section with more than 10 over 6562 feet high including the highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7188 feet). Some of the deepest river gorges in the Rhodopes Mountains are located in the west as well as several large lakes. The Eastern Rhodopes are spread over a territory of about 34% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and are much lower in height. The large artificial dams of Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets are located in this part of the mountains. Almost every species of European bird of prey nests in the Eastern Rhodopes including the rare Black Vulture and Egyptian Vulture. The Southern Rhodopes are the part of the mountain range that is located in Greece and they are characterized by numerous peaks of relatively low altitude. The River Borovitsa is a tributary of the River Arda and is located in the eastern Rhodopes Mountains. The river valley is stony and surrounded by rough grassland, scrub and forested hillsides. There are many tiny hamlets along the valley, many of them abandoned or semi-abandoned. This little visited area and its wild environment with only the tiny hamlets and patches of traditional agriculture form a great contrast with the town of Kardzhali. Nenkovo, 17.5 miles north west of Kardzhali, is one of the hamlets in the river valley with no electricity or car access. The access to the village is via a rope bridge over the River Borovitsa. The lack of cars has preserved the narrow village streets which wind between the houses built about 100 to 150 years ago. According to the census of 2011, the village has 129 inhabitants which is down from its peak of 883 people shortly after the Second World War. The village is almost exclusively inhabited by ethnic Bulgarian Turks. Near the village of Nenkovo there is a medieval bridge over the River Borovitsa. It is a large asymmetric bridge with 5 arches each of a different size. The road over the bridge is about 65 yards long. The bridge has been partly destroyed on a number of occasions by the rough waters of the river. It has been rebuilt in the past but after repeated damage it is no longer used. The area around Nenkovo village and the bridge is an excellent one for a wide range of bird species. Date: 26th May 2018 Location: River Borovitsa valley near Nenkovo, Eastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39083764.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6498891365d308206b6d45.jpgWestern Rhodopes Mountains, Smolyan Province, Bulgaria The Rhodopes Mountains are a mountain range in south east Europe. They are spread over 5689 square miles of which 4723 square miles are located in south Bulgaria and the remainder in north Greece. The Rhodopes Mountains are about 149 miles long and about 62 to 75 miles wide with an average altitude of 2575 feet. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 7188 feet and is situated 12 miles to the west of Smolyan. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rhodopes Mountains gives its name to the terrestrial eco-region Rodope montane mixed forests that belong in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The area is particularly notable for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans plus its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms such as the Trigrad Gorge. The Rhodopes Mountains can be sub-divided in to 3 sections: The Western Rhodopes are spread over 66% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and they are higher, the most infrastructurally developed and the most visited part of the mountains. The highest and best known peaks are located in this section with more than 10 over 6562 feet high including the highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7188 feet). Some of the deepest river gorges in the Rhodopes Mountains are located in the west as well as several large lakes. The Eastern Rhodopes are spread over a territory of about 34% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and are much lower in height. The large artificial dams of Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets are located in this part of the mountains. Almost every species of European bird of prey nests in the Eastern Rhodopes including the rare Black Vulture and Egyptian Vulture. The Southern Rhodopes are the part of the mountain range that is located in Greece and they are characterized by numerous peaks of relatively low altitude. The River Buynovska is situated in the western Rhodopes Mountains and it is one of the source rivers of the River Vacha, the second largest river that has its source in the Rhodopes Mountains after the River Arda. The river has formed the Buynovo Gorge, the longest gorge in Bulgaria, located between the villages of Yagodina and Teshel. Formed by erosion as the River Buynovo flows through layers of marble rock, the gorge has developed in to an impressive natural phenomenon. The cliffs on both sides of the gorge rise hundreds of feet and can be visited on foot or by car on an extremely narrow single track road which winds along the base of the cliffs with sheer drops and hairpin turns. The narrowest point of the gorge is called Vuclhi Skok (“The Wolf’s Leap”). Folklore says that during winter wolves would leap the chasm to attack the sheepfolds. While this is only a legend, it is plain to see that the gorge is so narrow at this point that the cliffs practically touch each other at height of just 10 to 13 feet above the road. The beauty of the Buynovo Gorge can be appreciated from “a bird’s-eye view” from “The Eagle’s Eye”, a metal platform built on the precipitous cliff face of the Saint Iliya Peak at a height of 5128 feet. This provides impressive views of the entire surrounding area and, during good weather, the entire Rhodopes Mountains and even parts of north Greece are visible. Several hiking trails have been created in the area and the Buynovo Gorge was designated as a nature reserve in 1971. It is now one of Bulgaria’s top 100 tourist destinations. The limestone sediment has been eroded throughout the entire area and in the vicinity of the village Yagodina alone there are 36 caves, the most famous of which is the Yagodina Cave itself, a multi-level complex of primarily marble. This is the 4th longest cave in Bulgaria and the longest cave in the Rhodopes Mountains at around 5 miles, of which just under 1 mile is open to tourists. Date: 28th May 2018 Location: Teshel to Yagodina, Western Rhodopes Mountains, Smolyan Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24901258.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_208544865855a4c5e67134e.jpgLapwing The Northern Lapwing, also known as the peewit, pewit, tuit or tew-it (imitative of its cry), Green Plover (emphasising the colour of the plumage) or (in the UK) just Lapwing (which refers to its peculiar, erratic way of flying), is a bird in the lapwing family. The Lapwing has rounded wings and a crest. It is also the shortest-legged of the lapwing species. It is mainly black and white but the back is tinted green. The male has a long crest and a black crown, throat and breast contrasting with an otherwise white face. Females and young birds have shorter crests and have less strongly marked heads but plumages are otherwise quite similar. The Lapwing is a vocal bird in the breeding season with constant calling as the crazed tumbling display flight is performed by the male. The typical contact call is a loud, shrill "pee-wit" from which they get their other name of peewit. The Lapwing is common through temperate Eurasia and breeds on cultivated land and other short vegetation habitats. The ground scrape nest and young are defended noisily and aggressively against all intruders. It is highly migratory over most of its extensive range, wintering further south as far as north Africa, north India, Pakistan and parts of China. It migrates mainly by day, often in large flocks. Lowland breeders in the westernmost areas of Europe are resident. In winter, it forms huge flocks on open land, particularly arable land and mud-flats. In the UK, the Lapwing has suffered a significant decline in the last 25 years and is an Amber List species because of the importance of its UK wintering population. It breeds on farmland throughout the UK, particularly in lowland areas of north England, the Borders and east Scotland, and prefers fields of spring sown cereals and root crops, permanent unimproved pasture, meadows and fallow fields but also wet grassland and marshes. During the winter, the Lapwing can be seen on flooded grassland, estuaries, coastal wetlands, short grassy fields and ploughed fields. In addition to the UK population, large numbers of north European birds arrive in the autumn for the winter. The Lapwing feeds primarily on insects and other small invertebrates. It often feeds in mixed flocks with Golden Plovers and Black-headed Gulls, the latter often robbing the plovers, but providing a degree of protection against predators. Date: 21st June 2015 Location: Glen Quaich, Perthshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871758.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19696406214eff21f44c54b.jpgBrown Bear The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, <i>Ursus arctos arctos</i>. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an overnight stay in a Brown Bear watching hide at [url=http://www.martinselkonen.fi/index.php?id=1&la=en]Martinselkosen Eräkeskus[/url] Date: 1st June 2009 Location: Martinselkosen Eräkeskus, Pirttivaara, Kainuu, Finland <iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/10143012?autoplay=1" width="600" height="450" frameborder="0"></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/10143012">Brown Bears of Martinselkonen</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user3372484">Richard Chew</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>. Music: Jean Sibelius - Andante festivo<br /> </p> http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26025521.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2166738615637422dd3f50.jpgHerring Gull The Herring Gull is one of the best known of all gulls along the shores of Europe. Adults in breeding plumage have a grey back and upperwings and white head and underparts. The wingtips are black with white spots known as "mirrors". The bill is yellow with a red spot and there is a ring of bare yellow skin around the pale eye. The legs are normally pink at all ages but can be yellowish. Non-breeding adults have brown streaks on the head and neck. Male and female plumage is identical at all stages of development although adult males are often larger. Juvenile and first-winter birds are mainly brown with darker streaks and have a dark bill and eyes. Second-winter birds have a whiter head and underparts with less streaking and the back is grey. Third-winter individuals are similar to adults but retain some of the features of immature birds such as brown feathers in the wings and dark markings on the bill. The Herring Gull attains adult plumage and reaches sexual maturity at an average age of 4 years. The loud laughing call of the Herring Gull is well known and is often seen as a symbol of the seaside in countries such as the UK. It also has a yelping alarm call and a low barking anxiety call. Chicks and fledglings emit a distinctive, repetitive high-pitched 'peep', accompanied by a head-flicking gesture when begging for food from or calling to their parents. Adult gulls in urban areas will also exhibit this behaviour when fed by humans. The Herring Gull breeds across northern Europe, western Europe, central Europe, eastern Europe, Scandinavia and the Baltic states. Some, especially those resident in colder areas, migrate further south in winter but many are permanent residents such as in the UK or on the North Sea shores. While Herring Gull numbers appear to have been decreased in recent years, possibly by fish population declines and competition, they have proved able to survive in human-adapted areas and can often be seen in towns acting as a scavenger. The Herring Gull, like most gulls, is an omnivore and opportunist and will scavenge from garbage dumps, landfill sites and sewage outflows with refuse comprising up to half of the bird's diet. In addition, it will eat fish, crustaceans and dead animals as well as some plants and it will steal the eggs and young of other birds (including those of other gulls). The Herring Gull may also dive from the surface of the water or engage in plunge diving in the pursuit of aquatic prey although they are typically unable to reach any great depth due to their natural buoyancy. Date: 3rd June 2015 Location: Tjörnes peninsula/Öxarfjörður, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41349603.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16809168715f200217ba6eb.jpgCommon Blue Damselfly Flight period: early May to end September. As the name suggests, the Common Blue Damselfly is one of the commonest species in the UK. They can be confused with other blue damselflies, particularly since the markings on this species are rather variable. Common Blue Damselflies are found across most of the UK and are probably the most widespread member of the "blue" damselflies. They can be found around open lakes and ponds, along river and canal banks and streams, provided there is plenty of bankside vegetation. Date: 16th June 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457085.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_179072847966857092bb84a.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45290997.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1394643851623acb31cc880.jpgBrown Rat Brown Rats have coarse brown or occasionally black fur with a pale underside. They have a long tail which is sparsely haired. Although originally native to eastern Asia and Japan, Brown Rats are now distributed world-wide. They spread across the UK via the shipping traffic from foreign countries in the 18th century and largely replaced the Black Rat. They are highly adaptable and can be found all over the UK, except for exposed mountain regions and some small offshore islands, and live in loose colonies and home ranges of around 50 metres in diameter. Along with the House Mouse, the Brown Rat is considered to be the most widespread terrestrial mammal in the UK and they are subject to persistent pest control due to the damage they cause and the numerous diseases they spread. Brown Rats are omnivorous and have a very varied diet. They are typically nocturnal although they will sometimes forage for food during the day. They also swim well and are sometimes mistaken for Water Voles. Brown Rats live for around 18 months and breed throughout the year producing 5 litters of 8 young a year. Date: 10th March 2022 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21829410.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_151654292353cba48aa99e9.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 11th June 2014 Location: Bempton Cliifs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo445652.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10001308914681c4ecabc57.jpgOldshoremore, Sutherland Beyond Kinlochbervie is Oldshoremore and one of the most beautiful sandy beaches in Sutherland. Formed from eroded sandstone and seashells, the white sandy beach is surrounded by marram grass dunes (machair). The water is beautifully clear and often a stunning turquoise colour. Oldshoremore is a remote crofting township in the far north west of Scotland and the bay has always been a personal favourite. Date: June 1995 Location: view from Oldshoremore at the end of the unclassified road leading from the B801 at Kinlochbervie http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23806476.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14660180405512bafda299b.jpgBarnacle Goose The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. This bird was part of the captive collection at the WWT Wetland Centre. Date: 7th March 2015 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41623243.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20909791355f4d1fa792b84.jpgSandfjord, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Date: 6th July 2019 Location: view from road Fv890 between Kongsfjord and Berlevåg, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28887514.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_126787538357cc40c455d6f.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 10th May 2016 Location: Puise, Matsalu National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/great-skuas https://images.on-this.website/4752_13239376004c1dd588ba534.jpgGreat Skuas The Great Skua is an aggressive "pirate" of the seas, deliberately harrassing birds as large as Gannets to steal a free meal. It also readily kills and eats smaller birds such as Puffins. These birds migrate to the northernmost parts of the UK from their wintering grounds off the coasts of Spain and Africa. They breed on coastal rocky islands and moorland in northern Scotland, Orkney and Shetland, arriving in April and leaving in July. At other times they are seen around coasts often in vicinity of seabird colonies, scavenging from other birds or picking food from the surface of the sea. Date: 3rd June 2010 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21959296.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_142538498453da759d3f45c.jpgArctic Tern The Arctic Tern is a seabird of the tern family. The adult plumage is grey above with a black nape and crown and white cheeks. The upperwings are pale grey with the area near the wingtip being translucent. The tail is white and the underparts pale grey. The beak is dark red as are the short legs and webbed feet. Like most terns, the Arctic Tern has high aspect ratio wings and a tail with a deep fork and long tail streamers. Both sexes are similar in appearance. The winter plumage is similar but the crown is whiter and the bills are darker. Juveniles differ from adults having black bill and legs, "scaly" appearing wings and mantle with dark feather tips, dark carpal wing bar and short tail streamers. During their first summer, juveniles also have a whiter forecrown. Whilst the Arctic Tern is similar to the Common and the Roseate Tern, its colouring, profile and call are slightly different. Compared to the Common Tern, it has a longer tail and mono-coloured bill, whilst the main differences from the Roseate Tern are its slightly darker colour and longer wings. The Arctic Tern has a circumpolar breeding distribution covering the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of Europe, Asia and north America. It is strongly migratory and sees 2 summers each year and more daylight than any other creature on the planet. It migrates along a convoluted route from its northern summer breeding grounds to the northern edge of the Antarctic coast for the southern summer and back again about 6 months later. In the UK, breeding Arctic Terns can best be seen on islands such as the Farne Islands in Northumberland or Orkney and Shetland in northern Scotland where the greatest densities occur. Recent studies have shown average annual roundtrip lengths of 25000 to 50000 miles depending on the route taken and weather and wind conditions. The Arctic Tern is a long-lived bird with many reaching 30 years of age and based on this average it will travel some 1.5 million miles during its lifetime. This is by far the longest migration known in the animal kingdom. Breeding takes place in colonies on coasts, islands and occasionally inland on tundra near water. The Arctic Tern often forms mixed colonies with the Common Tern and Sandwich Tern. As it nests on the ground, the Arctic Tern is vulnerable to predation but it is one of the most aggressive terns and it is fiercely defensive of its nest and young. It will attack humans and large predators, usually striking the top or back of the head. Although it is too small to cause serious injury, it is still capable of drawing blood and repelling many raptorial birds and smaller mammalian predators such as foxes and cats. Other nesting birds, such as auks, often incidentally benefit from the protection provided by nesting in an area defended by Arctic Terns. The diet of the Arctic Tern varies depending on location and time but it usually eats small fish or marine crustaceans by dipping down to the surface of the water to catch prey. While feeding, skuas, gulls and other tern species will often harass the birds and steal their food. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Inner Farne, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26540662.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_102299208256ace60a06b79.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 31st December 2015 Location: Winterton-Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871741.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20456366694eff218c2bd74.jpgBrown Bear The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, <i>Ursus arctos arctos</i>. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an overnight stay in a Brown Bear watching hide at [url=http://www.martinselkonen.fi/index.php?id=1&la=en]Martinselkosen Eräkeskus[/url] Date: 1st June 2009 Location: Martinselkosen Eräkeskus, Pirttivaara, Kainuu, Finland <iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/10143012?autoplay=1" width="600" height="450" frameborder="0"></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/10143012">Brown Bears of Martinselkonen</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user3372484">Richard Chew</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>. Music: Jean Sibelius - Andante festivo<br /> </p> http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072350.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13331825984bf6dfb1b4d90.jpgSnow Bunting Snow Buntings are large buntings with striking “snowy” plumages. Males in summer have all white heads and underparts contrasting with a black mantle and wing tips. Females are a more mottled above. In autumn and winter birds develop a sandy/buff wash to their plumage and males have more mottled upperparts. The Snow Bunting is an Arctic specialist with a circumpolar Arctic breeding range throughout the northern hemisphere. The breeding habitat is on tundra, treeless moors, and bare mountains. It is migratory, wintering a short distance further south in open habitats in northern temperate areas, typically on either sandy coasts, steppes, prairies, or low mountains, more rarely on farmland stubble. In winter, it forms mobile flocks. The Snow Bunting is a very scarce breeding species in the UK and can be found on the highest mountain peaks in Scotland where they nest in rocky crevices. Date: 13th April 2010 Location: Vardø, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31045333.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18770212895909a1805e86f5.20778113.jpgMoorhen The Moorhen is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird that is usually found near water. From a distance it looks black with a ragged white line along its body. However, closer up it is olive-brown on the back and the head and blue-grey underneath. It has a red bill with a yellow tip. The Moorhen can be found all year round almost anywhere where there is water. They breed in lowland areas particularly in central and eastern England but are scarce in northern Scotland and the uplands of Wales and northern England. UK breeding birds are residents and seldom travel far. Date: 19th April 2017 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11159448.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11699438354e158367afd8f.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 3rd November 2008 Location: Loch Gruinart, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17408582.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_23780889951332905022c4.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 15th January 2013 Location: Mersehead RSPB reserve, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11351012.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7183353904e1f0575a03da.jpgCommon Buzzard The Common Buzzard is a member of the genus [I]Buteo[/I] and the family [i]Accipitridae[/i], a group of medium-sized raptors with robust bodies and broad wings. The [I]Buteo[/I] species of Eurasia and Africa are usually commonly referred to as buzzards whilst those in the Americas are called hawks. Under current classification, the genus [I]Buteo[/I] includes approximately 28 species. The Common Buzzard includes between 7 to 16 sub-species and the western [i]Buteo[/i] group includes [i]Buteo buteo buteo[/i] which is found more or less continuously throughout Europe including the UK. The Common Buzzard is a medium-sized raptor that is highly variable in plumage. It is distinctly round headed with a somewhat slender bill and it has relatively long wings that either reach or fall slightly short of the tail tip when perched, a fairly short tail and somewhat short and mainly bare tarsi. It can appear fairly compact in overall appearance but may also appear large relative to other commoner raptors such as the Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. The Common Buzzard measures between 16 and 23 inches in length with a 3 feet 7 inches to 4 feet 7 inches wingspan. Females average about 2 to 7% larger than males in length and weigh about 15% more. Body mass can show considerable variation from 0.94 to 2.6 pounds in males and 1.07 to 3.02 pounds in females. In Europe, the Common Buzzard is typically dark brown above and on the upperside of the head and mantle but this can become paler and warmer brown with worn plumage. Usually the tail will be narrowly barred grey-brown and dark brown with a pale tip and a broad dark subterminal band but the tail in the palest birds can show a varying amount of white and a reduced sub-terminal band or even appear almost all white. The underside colouring can be variable but typically shows a brown-streaked white throat with a somewhat darker chest. A pale U across the breast is often present followed by a pale line running down the belly which separates the dark areas on the breast side and flanks. These pale areas tend to have highly variable markings that form irregular bars. Juveniles are quite similar to adults and are best told apart by having a paler eye, a narrower sub-terminal band on the tail and underside markings that appear as streaks rather than bars. Beyond the typical mid-range brownish Common Buzzard, birds in Europe can range from almost uniform black-brown above to mainly white. Extreme dark individuals may range from chocolate-brown to blackish with almost no pale colour showing but with a variable or faded U on the breast and with or without faint lighter brown throat streaks. Extreme pale individuals are largely whitish with variable widely spaced streaks or arrowheads of light brown about the mid-chest and flanks and may or may not show dark feather-centres on the head, wing-coverts and sometimes all but part of the mantle. Individuals can show nearly endless variation of colours and hues in between these extremes and the Common Buzzard is among the most variably plumaged diurnal raptors for this reason. The Common Buzzard is often confused with other raptors especially in flight or at a distance including other [i]Buteo[/i] species such as Rough-legged Buzzard and Long-legged Buzzard and also Honey Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, Golden Eagle, Booted Eagle and Short-toed Eagle. The Common Buzzard is found throughout several islands in the eastern Atlantic islands, including the Canary Islands and the Azores, and almost throughout Europe. In the UK, it is found in Northern Ireland and in nearly every part of Scotland and England. In mainland Europe, there are no substantial gaps in the range from Portugal and Spain to Greece, Estonia, Belarus and the Ukraine, although it is present mainly only in the breeding season in much of the eastern half of the latter 3 countries. It is also present in all larger Mediterranean islands such as Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily and Crete. Further north in to Scandinavia, it is found mainly in south Norway, the southern half of Sweden and in the southern two-thirds of Finland. The Common Buzzard reaches its northern limit as a breeder in far eastern Finland and over the border in to European Russia and nearly to the Kola Peninsula. In these northern limits, the Common Buzzard is present typically only in summer. The Common Buzzard generally inhabits the interface of woodlands and open ground and typically lives in forest edge, small broad-leaved, coniferous or mixed woodlands with adjacent grassland, arable fields or other farmland and open moorland as long as there are some trees. It is absent from treeless tundra and sporadic or rare in treeless steppe. The Common Buzzard can be found from sea level to elevations of 6600 feet although it breeds mostly below 3300 feet. It can winter to an elevation of 8200 feet and migrates easily at 14,800 feet. The Common Buzzard is a partial migrant. Autumn and spring movements are subject to extensive variation, even down to the individual level, based on a region's food resources, competition (both from other Common Buzzards and other predators), the extent of human disturbance and weather conditions. Short distance movements are the norm for juveniles and some adults in autumn and winter but more adults in central and south Europe and the UK remain in their year-around areas than do not. The Common Buzzard is a typical [I]Buteo[/I] in much of its behaviour. It is most often seen effortlessly soaring for extended periods at varying heights although it can appear laborious and heavy in level flight. It is also often seen perched prominently on tree tops, bare branches, telegraph poles, fence posts, rocks or ledges or alternatively well inside the tree canopy. It will also stand and forage on the ground. The Common Buzzard is a generalist predator which hunts a wide variety of prey given the opportunity. The prey extents to a wide variety of vertebrates including mammals, birds (from any age from eggs to adult birds), reptiles, amphibians and fish as well as to various invertebrates, mostly insects. In total, well over 300 prey species are known to be taken by the Common Buzzard. However, dietary studies have shown that it mostly preys upon small mammals, mainly small rodents. Furthermore, prey size can vary from tiny beetles, caterpillars and ants to large adult grouse and Rabbits up to nearly twice their body mass. At times, the Common Buzzard will also subsist partially on carrion, usually of dead mammals or fish. Hunting in relatively open areas has been found to increase hunting success whereas more complete shrub cover lowered success. A majority of prey is taken by dropping from a perch and is normally taken on the ground. Prey may also be hunted in a low flight, by random glides or soars or by foraging on the ground. The home range of the Common Buzzard is generally 0.19 to 0.77 square miles and the size of the breeding territory seems to be correlated with food supply. The territory is maintained through flight displays and in Europe territorial behaviour usually starts in February. However, displays are not uncommon throughout the year in resident pairs, especially by males, and can elicit similar displays by their neighbours. In the display, the Common Buzzard generally engages in high circling, spiraling upward on slightly raised wings. Mutual high circling by pairs sometimes goes on at length, especially during the period prior to or during breeding season. During the mutual displays, the male may engage in exaggerated deep flapping or zig-zag tumbling, apparently in response to the female being too distant. Several pairs may circle together at times and as many as 14 individual adults have been recorded over established display sites. Sky-dancing by the Common Buzzard has been recorded in spring and autumn, typically by the male but sometimes by the female, nearly always with much calling. Sky-dances are of the rollercoaster type, with an upward sweep of up to 100 feet until the bird starts start to stall but sometimes embellished with loops or rolls at the top. Next in the sky-dance, the bird will dive at least 200 feet on more or less closed wings before spreading them and shooting up again. These sky-dances may be repeated in series of 10 to 20. In the climax of the sky-dance, the undulations become progressively shallower, often slowing and terminating directly on to a perch. Various other aerial displays include low contour flight or weaving among trees, frequently with deep beats and exaggerated upstrokes which show underwing pattern to rivals perched below. Talon grappling and occasionally cartwheeling downward with feet interlocked has also been recorded. The Common Buzzard tends to build a bulky nest of sticks, twigs and often heather and lined with broad-leaved foliage. Nests are up to 3.3 to 3.9 feet across and 24 inches deep. With reuse over years, the diameter of a nest can reach or exceed 5 feet. Trees are generally used for a nesting location but crags or cliffs are used if trees are unavailable. Nests in trees are usually located by the main trunk at a height of around 10 to 82 feet. Pairs often have 2 to 4 nests in a territory but some pairs may use a single nest over several consecutive years. The breeding season of the Common Buzzard commences at differing times based on latitude. It may fall as early as January to April but typically it is March to July in most of Europe. In the northern limits of the range the breeding season may occur from May to August. Mating usually occurs on or near the nest and eggs are usually laid in 2 to 3 day intervals. The clutch size can range from to 2 to 6 and it appears that local factors such as habitat and food supply are relevant. Eggs are generally laid in late March to early April in the extreme south, sometime in April in most of Europe and in to May and possibly even early June in the extreme north. If eggs are lost to a predator or fail in some other way, replacement clutches are not usually laid although this has been recorded. Incubation lasts for 33 to 35 days and is mostly, but not solely, undertaken by the female. Hatching may take place over 3 to 7 days. Often the youngest nestling dies from starvation, especially in broods of 3 or more. The female remains at the nest brooding the young in the early stages with the male bringing all prey. At about 8 to 12 days, both the male and female will bring prey but the female continues to do all feeding until the young can tear up their own prey. The young are nearly fully feathered rather than downy at about a month of age and can start to feed themselves as well. The first attempts to leave the nest are often at about 40 to 50 days. Fledging occurs typically at 43 to 54 days but in extreme cases as late 62 days. After leaving the nest, the young generally stay close by until full independence 6 to 8 weeks after fledging. Numerous factors may influence the breeding success of the Common Buzzard including the availability of prey populations, habitat, disturbance and persecution levels and competition. The Common Buzzard is one of the most numerous birds of prey in its range and it is the most numerous diurnal bird of prey throughout much of Europe. Date: 02/10/06 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayder, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17055195.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_53801885750ded0d36fa2a.jpgCommon Buzzard The Common Buzzard is a member of the genus [I]Buteo[/I] and the family [i]Accipitridae[/i], a group of medium-sized raptors with robust bodies and broad wings. The [I]Buteo[/I] species of Eurasia and Africa are usually commonly referred to as buzzards whilst those in the Americas are called hawks. Under current classification, the genus [I]Buteo[/I] includes approximately 28 species. The Common Buzzard includes between 7 to 16 sub-species and the western [i]Buteo[/i] group includes [i]Buteo buteo buteo[/i] which is found more or less continuously throughout Europe including the UK. The Common Buzzard is a medium-sized raptor that is highly variable in plumage. It is distinctly round headed with a somewhat slender bill and it has relatively long wings that either reach or fall slightly short of the tail tip when perched, a fairly short tail and somewhat short and mainly bare tarsi. It can appear fairly compact in overall appearance but may also appear large relative to other commoner raptors such as the Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. The Common Buzzard measures between 16 and 23 inches in length with a 3 feet 7 inches to 4 feet 7 inches wingspan. Females average about 2 to 7% larger than males in length and weigh about 15% more. Body mass can show considerable variation from 0.94 to 2.6 pounds in males and 1.07 to 3.02 pounds in females. In Europe, the Common Buzzard is typically dark brown above and on the upperside of the head and mantle but this can become paler and warmer brown with worn plumage. Usually the tail will be narrowly barred grey-brown and dark brown with a pale tip and a broad dark subterminal band but the tail in the palest birds can show a varying amount of white and a reduced sub-terminal band or even appear almost all white. The underside colouring can be variable but typically shows a brown-streaked white throat with a somewhat darker chest. A pale U across the breast is often present followed by a pale line running down the belly which separates the dark areas on the breast side and flanks. These pale areas tend to have highly variable markings that form irregular bars. Juveniles are quite similar to adults and are best told apart by having a paler eye, a narrower sub-terminal band on the tail and underside markings that appear as streaks rather than bars. Beyond the typical mid-range brownish Common Buzzard, birds in Europe can range from almost uniform black-brown above to mainly white. Extreme dark individuals may range from chocolate-brown to blackish with almost no pale colour showing but with a variable or faded U on the breast and with or without faint lighter brown throat streaks. Extreme pale individuals are largely whitish with variable widely spaced streaks or arrowheads of light brown about the mid-chest and flanks and may or may not show dark feather-centres on the head, wing-coverts and sometimes all but part of the mantle. Individuals can show nearly endless variation of colours and hues in between these extremes and the Common Buzzard is among the most variably plumaged diurnal raptors for this reason. The Common Buzzard is often confused with other raptors especially in flight or at a distance including other [i]Buteo[/i] species such as Rough-legged Buzzard and Long-legged Buzzard and also Honey Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, Golden Eagle, Booted Eagle and Short-toed Eagle. The Common Buzzard is found throughout several islands in the eastern Atlantic islands, including the Canary Islands and the Azores, and almost throughout Europe. In the UK, it is found in Northern Ireland and in nearly every part of Scotland and England. In mainland Europe, there are no substantial gaps in the range from Portugal and Spain to Greece, Estonia, Belarus and the Ukraine, although it is present mainly only in the breeding season in much of the eastern half of the latter 3 countries. It is also present in all larger Mediterranean islands such as Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily and Crete. Further north in to Scandinavia, it is found mainly in south Norway, the southern half of Sweden and in the southern two-thirds of Finland. The Common Buzzard reaches its northern limit as a breeder in far eastern Finland and over the border in to European Russia and nearly to the Kola Peninsula. In these northern limits, the Common Buzzard is present typically only in summer. The Common Buzzard generally inhabits the interface of woodlands and open ground and typically lives in forest edge, small broad-leaved, coniferous or mixed woodlands with adjacent grassland, arable fields or other farmland and open moorland as long as there are some trees. It is absent from treeless tundra and sporadic or rare in treeless steppe. The Common Buzzard can be found from sea level to elevations of 6600 feet although it breeds mostly below 3300 feet. It can winter to an elevation of 8200 feet and migrates easily at 14,800 feet. The Common Buzzard is a partial migrant. Autumn and spring movements are subject to extensive variation, even down to the individual level, based on a region's food resources, competition (both from other Common Buzzards and other predators), the extent of human disturbance and weather conditions. Short distance movements are the norm for juveniles and some adults in autumn and winter but more adults in central and south Europe and the UK remain in their year-around areas than do not. The Common Buzzard is a typical [I]Buteo[/I] in much of its behaviour. It is most often seen effortlessly soaring for extended periods at varying heights although it can appear laborious and heavy in level flight. It is also often seen perched prominently on tree tops, bare branches, telegraph poles, fence posts, rocks or ledges or alternatively well inside the tree canopy. It will also stand and forage on the ground. The Common Buzzard is a generalist predator which hunts a wide variety of prey given the opportunity. The prey extents to a wide variety of vertebrates including mammals, birds (from any age from eggs to adult birds), reptiles, amphibians and fish as well as to various invertebrates, mostly insects. In total, well over 300 prey species are known to be taken by the Common Buzzard. However, dietary studies have shown that it mostly preys upon small mammals, mainly small rodents. Furthermore, prey size can vary from tiny beetles, caterpillars and ants to large adult grouse and Rabbits up to nearly twice their body mass. At times, the Common Buzzard will also subsist partially on carrion, usually of dead mammals or fish. Hunting in relatively open areas has been found to increase hunting success whereas more complete shrub cover lowered success. A majority of prey is taken by dropping from a perch and is normally taken on the ground. Prey may also be hunted in a low flight, by random glides or soars or by foraging on the ground. The home range of the Common Buzzard is generally 0.19 to 0.77 square miles and the size of the breeding territory seems to be correlated with food supply. The territory is maintained through flight displays and in Europe territorial behaviour usually starts in February. However, displays are not uncommon throughout the year in resident pairs, especially by males, and can elicit similar displays by their neighbours. In the display, the Common Buzzard generally engages in high circling, spiraling upward on slightly raised wings. Mutual high circling by pairs sometimes goes on at length, especially during the period prior to or during breeding season. During the mutual displays, the male may engage in exaggerated deep flapping or zig-zag tumbling, apparently in response to the female being too distant. Several pairs may circle together at times and as many as 14 individual adults have been recorded over established display sites. Sky-dancing by the Common Buzzard has been recorded in spring and autumn, typically by the male but sometimes by the female, nearly always with much calling. Sky-dances are of the rollercoaster type, with an upward sweep of up to 100 feet until the bird starts start to stall but sometimes embellished with loops or rolls at the top. Next in the sky-dance, the bird will dive at least 200 feet on more or less closed wings before spreading them and shooting up again. These sky-dances may be repeated in series of 10 to 20. In the climax of the sky-dance, the undulations become progressively shallower, often slowing and terminating directly on to a perch. Various other aerial displays include low contour flight or weaving among trees, frequently with deep beats and exaggerated upstrokes which show underwing pattern to rivals perched below. Talon grappling and occasionally cartwheeling downward with feet interlocked has also been recorded. The Common Buzzard tends to build a bulky nest of sticks, twigs and often heather and lined with broad-leaved foliage. Nests are up to 3.3 to 3.9 feet across and 24 inches deep. With reuse over years, the diameter of a nest can reach or exceed 5 feet. Trees are generally used for a nesting location but crags or cliffs are used if trees are unavailable. Nests in trees are usually located by the main trunk at a height of around 10 to 82 feet. Pairs often have 2 to 4 nests in a territory but some pairs may use a single nest over several consecutive years. The breeding season of the Common Buzzard commences at differing times based on latitude. It may fall as early as January to April but typically it is March to July in most of Europe. In the northern limits of the range the breeding season may occur from May to August. Mating usually occurs on or near the nest and eggs are usually laid in 2 to 3 day intervals. The clutch size can range from to 2 to 6 and it appears that local factors such as habitat and food supply are relevant. Eggs are generally laid in late March to early April in the extreme south, sometime in April in most of Europe and in to May and possibly even early June in the extreme north. If eggs are lost to a predator or fail in some other way, replacement clutches are not usually laid although this has been recorded. Incubation lasts for 33 to 35 days and is mostly, but not solely, undertaken by the female. Hatching may take place over 3 to 7 days. Often the youngest nestling dies from starvation, especially in broods of 3 or more. The female remains at the nest brooding the young in the early stages with the male bringing all prey. At about 8 to 12 days, both the male and female will bring prey but the female continues to do all feeding until the young can tear up their own prey. The young are nearly fully feathered rather than downy at about a month of age and can start to feed themselves as well. The first attempts to leave the nest are often at about 40 to 50 days. Fledging occurs typically at 43 to 54 days but in extreme cases as late 62 days. After leaving the nest, the young generally stay close by until full independence 6 to 8 weeks after fledging. Numerous factors may influence the breeding success of the Common Buzzard including the availability of prey populations, habitat, disturbance and persecution levels and competition. The Common Buzzard is one of the most numerous birds of prey in its range and it is the most numerous diurnal bird of prey throughout much of Europe. Date: 18th November 2012 Location: Loch Scridain, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46510626.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_192091067062c98ccc32c47.jpgBlack Grouse The Black Grouse is a large game bird in the grouse family. The male has all black plumage with distinctive red wattles over the eyes and striking white stripes along each wing in flight. It has a lyre-shaped tail which is fanned out and raised to show white under-tail feathers when displaying. The female is smaller and grey-brown in colour. The Black Grouse is a sedentary species and breeds across northern Eurasia in moorland and bog areas near to mostly boreal woodland. Although it is declining, it is not considered to be vulnerable globally due to the large population and slow rate of decline. Its decline is due to loss of habitat, disturbance, predation by foxes, crows, etc., and small populations gradually dying out. In the UK, the Black Grouse are found in upland areas of Wales, the Pennines and most of Scotland, especially on farmland and moorland with nearby forestry or scattered trees. Habitat loss and overgrazing have resulted in severe population declines which make the Black Grouse a Red List species. Positive habitat management and re-introduction programmes are helping it to increase in some areas. The Black Grouse has a very distinctive and well-recorded courtship. At dawn in the spring, the males strut around in a traditional area (lek) and display whilst making a highly distinctive and bubbling mating call. This photo was taken at a well known roadside lekking site. If visiting, please remain in your car to avoid disturbance to these vulnerable breeding birds. Date: 7th May 2022 Location: World's End, Denbighshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072363.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10957069114bf6e0f073e7c.jpgHoyholmen, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway Date: 14th April 2010 Location: view from road 890 at Hoyholmen, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11265406.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3894528164e1ad4636aec6.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 11th May 2008 Location: Skomer, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41234300.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17775531945ee7751260f3a.jpgMeadow Browns Flight period: June to August. The Meadow Brown is one of the most widespread and abundant of the UK's butterflies. It can be found typically in open grasslands but also other habitats such as roadside verges, woodland rides and urban parks and cemeteries. Date: 12th June 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/emperor-moth-caterpillar https://images.on-this.website/4752_84941633062ca8a5562791.jpgEmperor Moth caterpillar The Emperor Moth is a large fluffy moth that is grey-brown with big Peacock-like eyespots on all 4 wings and pinky-red markings at the wingtips. It is the only large moth with eyespots on all 4 wings. During the day, males can be seen flying swiftly about and can be mistaken for butterflies. The females rest in low vegetation during the day, releasing a special scent to attract males. The fully grown caterpillar is green with black hoops containing yellow wart-like spots. It feeds on woody plants, such as heather, bramble and blackthorn, and overwinters as chrysalides, sometimes for 2 winters, before emerging as an adult moth. The Emperor Moth is a widespread but never very common moth of heathland, moorland, woodland rides, sand dunes and grassland scrub. Date: 25th June 2022 Location: RSPB Minsmere, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/coal-tit https://images.on-this.website/4752_14431816564d03ce7b21606.jpgCoal Tit Not as colourful as some of its relatives, the Coal Tit has a distinctive grey back, black cap and white patch at the back of its neck. Its smaller, more slender bill than Blue or Great Tits means it can feed more successfully in conifers. Coal Tits can be seen all year round especially in coniferous woods, parks and gardens. They are a regular visitor to most peanut feeders where they will take and store food for eating later. In winter they join with other tits to form flocks which roam through woodlands and gardens in search of food. Date: 1st November 2010 Location: Fairburn Ings RSPB reserve, South Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25774282.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1523841462560fe21472d54.jpgRed Squirrel The Red Squirrel or Eurasian Red Squirrel is a species of tree squirrel in the genus [i]Sciurus[/i]. It is an arboreal and primarily herbivorous rodent. The Red Squirrel has a typical head and body length of 7.5 to 9 inches, a tail length of 6 to 8 inches and a weight of 9 to 12 ounces. Males and females are the same size. The Red Squirrel is smaller and lighter in weight than the Grey Squirrel The coat of the Red Squirrel varies in colour with the time of year and its location and there are several different coat colour morphs ranging from black to red. Red coats are most common in the UK but in other parts of Europe and Asia different coat colours co-exist within populations. The underside of the Red Squirrel is always creamy-white in colour. The Red Squirrel sheds its coat twice a year, switching from a thinner summer coat to a thicker, darker winter coat with noticeably larger ear-tufts (a prominent distinguishing feature of this species) between August and November. A lighter, redder overall coat colour, along with the ear-tufts (in adults) and smaller size, distinguish the Red Squirrel from the Grey Squirrel. The long tail helps the Red Squirrel to balance and steer when jumping from tree to tree and running along branches and it may also keep it warm during sleep. The Red Squirrel, like most tree squirrels, has sharp and curved claws to enable it to climb and descend broad tree trunks, thin branches and even house walls and its strong hind legs enable it to leap gaps between trees. The Red Squirrel can be found in the boreal coniferous woods in north Europe and Siberia where it prefers Scots Pine, Norway Spruce and Siberian Pine. In west and south Europe it can be found in broad-leaved woods where the mixture of tree and shrub species provides a better year round source of food. In most of the UK and in Italy, broad-leaved woodlands are now less suitable for it due to the better competitive feeding strategy of the introduced Grey Squirrel. The Red Squirrel makes a drey (nest) out of twigs in a branch-fork, forming a domed structure about 9 to 12 inches in diameter. This is lined with moss, leaves, grass and bark. Tree hollows and woodpecker holes are also used. The Red Squirrel is generally a solitary animal and is shy and reluctant to share food with others. However, outside the breeding season and particularly in winter, several Red Squirrels may share a drey to keep warm. Social organisation is based on dominance hierarchies within and between sexes. Although males are not necessarily dominant towards females, the dominant animals tend to be larger and older than subordinate animals and dominant males tend to have larger home ranges than subordinate males or females. Mating can occur in late winter during February and March and in summer between June and July. During mating, males detect females that are in oestrus by an odour that they produce and, although there is no courtship, the male will chase the female for up to an hour prior to mating. Usually multiple males will chase a single female until the dominant male, usually the largest in the group, mates with the female. Males and females will mate multiple times with many partners. Females must reach a minimum body mass before they enter oestrus and heavy females on average produce more young. If food is scarce breeding may be delayed. Typically a female will produce her first litter in her second year. Up to 2 litters a year per female are possible. Each litter averages 3 young and these are known as kits. Gestation is about 38 to 39 days and the young are looked after by the mother alone and are born helpless, blind and deaf. Their body is covered by hair at 21 days, their eyes and ears open after 3 to 4 weeks and they develop all their teeth by 42 days. Juveniles can eat solids around 40 days following birth and from that point they can leave the nest on their own to find food. However, they still suckle from their mother until weaning occurs at 8 to 10 weeks. The Red Squirrel eats mostly the seeds of trees, fungi, nuts (especially hazelnuts but also beech and chestnuts), berries and young shoots. More rarely, it may also eat bird eggs or nestlings and may occasionally exhibit opportunistic omnivory similar to other rodents. Excess food is put into caches, either buried or in nooks or holes in trees, and eaten when food is scarce. Although the Red Squirrel remembers where it created caches at a better than chance level, its spatial memory is believed to be substantially less accurate and durable than that of the Grey Squirrel. Therefore it will often have to search for them when in need and many caches are never found again. Between 60% and 80% of the active time of a Red Squirrel may be spent foraging and feeding. The active period is generally in the morning and in the late afternoon and evening. It often rests in its nest in the middle of the day to avoid the heat and the high visibility to birds of prey that are dangers during these hours. During the winter, this midday rest is often much more brief or absent entirely although harsh weather may cause it to stay in its nest for days at a time. No territories are claimed between Red Squirrels and the feeding areas of individuals overlap considerably. A Red Squirrel that survives its first winter has a life expectancy of 3 years. Individuals may reach 7 years of age and 10 years in captivity. Survival is positively related to the availability of autumn and winter tree seeds. On average, 75 to 85% of juveniles die during their first winter and mortality is approximately 50% for winters following the first. Predators include small mammals such as the Pine Marten, the Wildcat and the Stoat which all prey on juveniles. Birds, including owls and raptors such as the Goshawk and Common Buzzard, may also prey on the Red Squirrel as will the Red Fox and domestic cats and dogs when it is on the ground. Humans influence the population size and mortality of the Red Squirrel by destroying or altering habitats, by causing road casualties and by introducing non-native populations of the Grey Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel and the Red Squirrel are not directly antagonistic and violent conflict between these species is not a factor in the decline in Red Squirrel populations. However, the Grey Squirrel appears to contribute to the decrease in the Red Squirrel population for several reasons: it carries a disease, the squirrel parapoxvirus, that does not appear to affect its own health but will often kill the Red Squirrel, it can better digest acorns whilst the Red Squirrel cannot access the proteins and fats in acorns as easily and it can put the Red Squirrel under pressure for food resources resulting in it not breeding as often. In the UK, due to the above circumstances, the population has today fallen to 160,000 Red Squirrels or fewer with the majority of these in Scotland. Outside the UK and Ireland, the impact of competition from the Grey Squirrel has also been observed in Italy where 2 pairs escaped from captivity in 1948. A significant drop in the Red Squirrel population has been observed since 1970 and it is feared that the Grey Squirrel may expand into the rest of Europe. The Red Squirrel is protected in most of Europe although in some areas it is abundant and is hunted for its fur. In the UK there are several active projects to protect the Red Squirrel and its native woodland habitat, introduce or re-introduce it in to areas where it is absent and eradicate and prevent the spread of the Grey Squirrel. Research undertaken in 2007 in the UK credits the Pine Marten with reducing the population of the invasive Grey Squirrel. Where the range of the expanding Pine Marten population meets that of the Grey Squirrel, the population of the latter retreats. It is theorised that, because the Grey Squirrel spends more time on the ground than the Red Squirrel, it is far more likely to come in contact with the Pine Marten. Date: 20th September 2015 Location: Mingarry Lodges, Mingarry, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071729.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_50241756066433ec569211.jpgGreat White Egret The Great White Egret is a large bird with all white plumage. Apart from size, the Great White Egret can be distinguished from other white egrets by its yellow bill and black legs and feet although the bill may become darker and the lower legs lighter in the breeding season. In breeding plumage, delicate ornamental feathers are borne on the back. It has a slow flight with its neck retracted. The Great White Egret is distributed across most of the tropical and warmer temperate regions of the world favouring all kinds of wetland habitats and it is a familiar species in southern Europe. Expanding populations in Europe mean that the Great White Egret is now seen more frequently in the UK and it can turn up in almost any part of the country with the majority of records in south east England and East Anglia. Date: 7th May 2024 Location: RSPB Ham Wall, Somerset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26270244.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_65039952456655177404f4.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 4th December 2015 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082518.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10455940975d307ce1152fd.jpgEastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria The Rhodopes Mountains are a mountain range in south east Europe. They are spread over 5689 square miles of which 4723 square miles are located in south Bulgaria and the remainder in north Greece. The Rhodopes Mountains are about 149 miles long and about 62 to 75 miles wide with an average altitude of 2575 feet. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 7188 feet and is situated 12 miles to the west of Smolyan. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rhodopes Mountains gives its name to the terrestrial eco-region Rodope montane mixed forests that belong in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The area is particularly notable for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans plus its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms such as the Trigrad Gorge. The Rhodopes Mountains can be sub-divided in to 3 sections: The Western Rhodopes are spread over 66% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and they are higher, the most infrastructurally developed and the most visited part of the mountains. The highest and best known peaks are located in this section with more than 10 over 6562 feet high including the highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7188 feet). Some of the deepest river gorges in the Rhodopes Mountains are located in the west as well as several large lakes. The Eastern Rhodopes are spread over a territory of about 34% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and are much lower in height. The large artificial dams of Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets are located in this part of the mountains. Almost every species of European bird of prey nests in the Eastern Rhodopes including 3 species of vulture. The Southern Rhodopes are the part of the mountain range that is located in Greece and they are characterized by numerous peaks of relatively low altitude. In the Eastern Rhodopes, the Madzharovo Special Protection Area located between village of Borislavtsi and the town of Madzharovo is one of the most popular destinations for birding in Bulgaria. The area covers a part of the narrow valley of the River Arda and is surrounded by rugged mountain slopes, rock massifs, rocky pinnacles, dry scrub and wooded hillsides. The unique micro-climate and the diverse relief are the reason for the wealth of bird species which can be found here. Around 175 bird species have been recorded of which 40 have been included in the Red Book of Bulgaria (a list of endangered species in the country), 78 are of European environmental protection significance and 6 are globally endangered. The Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB) has established a Nature Conservation Centre in Madzharovo which provides an exhibition, conducts educational programs and provides information for various routes and landmarks. It particularly focuses on the many birds of prey which can be found in the area, especially the 3 species of vulture (Griffon, Black and Egyptian). Date: 23rd May 2018 Location: River Arda valley and Kovan Kaya near Madzharovo, eastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41292181.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20963243945f10b8d21206e.jpgPasvikdalen, Troms og Finnmark, Norway The Pasvik valley (Norwegian: [i]Pasvikdalen[/i]) is a river valley located in Norway and Russia. The Norwegian side of the valley is situated in Sør-Varanger municipality in Troms og Finnmark and the Russian side is located in the Pechengsky district in Murmansk Oblast. Øvre Pasvik National Park (Norwegian: [i]Øvre Pasvik Nasjonalpark[/i]) is located in the south eastern part of the valley and covers an area of 46 square miles. It is dominated by Siberian-like taiga consisting of old-growth forests of Scots pine, shallow lakes and bogs. Proposals for a national park in Øvre Pasvik were first launched in 1936 but it was not created until February 1970. It originally covered 25 square miles but was expanded in August 2003. Øvre Pasvik National Park is part of the larger Pasvik–Inari Trilateral Park along with the adjacent Øvre Pasvik Landscape Protection Area, the joint Norwegian and Russian Pasvik Nature Reserve and Finland's Vätsäri Wilderness Area. The fauna and flora of the Øvre Pasvik National Park is typical of the Siberian taiga. This includes Brown Bear, Wolverine, Wolf, Lynx and Elk and a very interesting diversity of northern and eastern species of birds which breed on the lakes and rivers and in the forests. The River Pasvikelva runs through the valley (giving it the name) and the river defines part of the border between Norway and Russia. It is the outlet from the large Lake Inari in Finland and flows through Norway and Russia to discharge into the Bøkfjorden (which later flows into the Varangerfjorden and then the Barents Sea) not far from the town of Kirkenes. The river has a watershed of 7106 square miles and is 90 miles long. A series of hydroelectric power stations are situated along its course. Since 1826, the River Pasvikelva has marked parts of the border between Norway and Russia, except from 1920 to 1944 when it was along the border between Norway and Finland. The southern part of the valley is also the location of the Treriksrøysa (Three-Country Cairn), a cairn which marks the tripoint where the borders between Norway, Finland and Russia meet. The site is on a hill called Muotkavaara situated west of the River Pasvikelva. It is the only place where 3 time zones meet: Central European Time, Eastern European Time and Further-Eastern European Time. The tripoint can only be approached by the public from the Norwegian side since both Finland and Russia maintain extensive border zones where public access is prohibited. Date: 30th June 2019 Location: Øvre Pasvik National Park, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17408573.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1479332891513328de88b9e.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 15th January 2013 Location: Mersehead RSPB reserve, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308874.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_164073598263ee380824c23.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 21st January 2022 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081302.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_181830197763a5af7f6860e.jpgBlackbird The Common Blackbird is a species of true thrush. It is also called Eurasian Blackbird (especially in North America in order to distinguish it from the unrelated New World blackbirds) or simply Blackbird where this does not lead to confusion with a similar-looking local species. The Blackbird’s name derives form 2 Latin words: turdus meaning “thrush” and merula meaning “blackbird”. It may not immediately be clear why the name "blackbird", first recorded in 1486, was applied to this species but not to one of the various other common black English birds, such as the Carrion Crow, Raven, Rook or Jackdaw. However, in Old English and in modern English up to about the 18th century, "bird" was used only for smaller or young birds and larger ones such as crows were called "fowl". At that time, the Blackbird was therefore the only widespread and conspicuous black bird in the UK. The Blackbird is around 9.25 to 11.5 inches in length including a long tail. The adult male has glossy black plumage, blackish-brown legs, a yellow eye-ring and an orange-yellow bill. The bill darkens somewhat in winter. The adult female is sooty-brown with a dull yellowish-brownish bill, a brownish-white throat and some weak mottling on the breast. The juvenile is similar to the female but has pale spots on the upperparts and the very young juvenile also has a speckled breast. Young birds vary in the shade of brown, with darker birds presumably males. The first year male resembles the adult male but has a dark bill and weaker eye ring and its folded wing is brown rather than black like the body plumage. The Blackbird breeds in temperate Eurasia, north Africa, the Canary Islands and south Asia. Populations are sedentary in the south and west of the range although northern birds migrate south as far as north Africa and tropical Asia in winter. Common over most of its range in woodland, the Blackbird has a preference for deciduous trees with dense undergrowth. However, gardens provide the most successful breeding habitat. It occurs up to around 3300 feet in Europe and is often replaced by the related Ring Ousel in areas of higher altitude. The Blackbird has an extensive range and a large population which is generally stable or increasing. However, there have been local declines, especially on farmland, which may be due to agricultural policies that encouraged farmers to remove hedgerows (which provide nesting places) and to drain damp grassland and increase the use of pesticides, both of which could have reduced the availability of invertebrate food. The Blackbird may commence breeding in March when the breeding pair prospect for a suitable nest site in a creeper or bush, favouring evergreen or thorny species such as ivy, holly, hawthorn, honeysuckle or pyracantha. Sometimes they will nest in sheds or outbuildings where a ledge or cavity is used. The cup-shaped nest is made with grasses, leaves and other vegetation and bound together with mud. It is built by the female alone. The nest is often ill-concealed compared with those of other species and many breeding attempts fail due to predation. The female lays 3 to 5 (average 4) bluish-green eggs marked with reddish-brown blotches which are incubated for 12 to 14 days before the chicks are hatched naked and blind. Fledging takes another 10 to 19 (average 13.6) days, with both parents feeding the young. The young are fed by the parents for up to 3 weeks after leaving the nest and they will follow the adults begging for food. If the female starts another nest, the male alone will feed the fledged young. Second broods are common with the female reusing the same nest if the brood was successful. The first-year male Blackbird may start singing as early as late January in fine weather in order to establish a territory, followed in late March by the adult male. The male's song is a varied and melodious low-pitched fluted warble which is given from trees, rooftops or other elevated perches mainly in the period from March to June and sometimes into the beginning of July. During the winter, the Blackbird can be heard quietly singing to itself, so much so that September and October are the only months which the song cannot be heard. The Blackbird is omnivorous, eating a wide range of insects, earthworms, seeds and berries. It feeds mainly on the ground, running and hopping with a start-stop-start progress. It pulls earthworms from the soil, usually finding them by sight but sometimes by hearing, and roots through leaf litter for other invertebrates. Small amphibians and lizards are occasionally hunted. The Blackbird will also perch in bushes to take berries and collect caterpillars and other active insects. Animal prey predominates and this is particularly important during the breeding season with windfall apples and berries taken more in the autumn and winter. Near human habitation the main predator of the Blackbird is the domestic cat, with newly fledged young especially vulnerable. Foxes and predatory birds, such as the Sparrowhawk, also predate the Blackbird when the opportunity arises. Eggs and chicks are also taken by corvids, such as the Magpie or Jay. Date: 15th December 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49027081.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_620551739646b44e311d8e.jpgCommon Whitethroat The Common Whitethroat is a common and widespread Sylvia warbler. It is one of several Sylvia species that has distinct male and female plumages. Both sexes are mainly brown above and buff below with chestnut fringes to the wings. The adult male has a grey head and a white throat. The female lacks the grey head and the throat is duller. The song is fast and scratchy with a scolding tone. The Common Whitethroat breeds throughout Europe and across much of temperate west Asia where it can be found in areas of open countryside and cultivation with bushes for nesting. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, Arabia and Pakistan. In the UK, it is a summer visitor from April to October and a passage migrant. It breeds widely throughout the country although avoids urban and mountainous areas. Like most warblers, the Common Whitethroat is insectivorous but it will also eat berries and other soft fruit. Date: 11th May 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847616.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_42308749459bd5415c4658.jpgLatorica, Košice region, Slovakia The Latorica Protected Landscape Area (Chránená krajinná oblasť Latorica) is located in the Košice Region in south east Slovakia around the Slovakian part of the Latorica River (a river in the watershed of the Danube with its source in the mountains of the Ukrainian Carpathians) and around the lower parts of the Ondava River and Laborec River. The landscape consists of a system of riverbeds surrounded by alluvial riverine oak, ash, alder and birch forest, oxbow lakes, ponds, marshes, reedbeds, sandy banks, dyke-lined canals, pastures and hay meadows. Much of the surrounding floodplain is farmed. The Latorica Protected Landscape Area was designated in 1990 and covers an area of 90 square miles. Part of the area was added to the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance in 1993. Date: 2nd June 2017 Location: Leles to Boľ area, Latorica, Košice region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623268.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10946339736117d9d4486a9.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49797649.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_29011720764eca23a304a2.jpgLarge Skipper Flight period: June to July. The Large Skipper is a small golden butterfly which is widespread throughout England and Wales and it is also extending its range northwards in to southern Scotland. They can be found in areas of tall, uncut grassland, woodland rides, roadside verges and hedgerows. Date: 2nd July 2023 Location: Hartland Moor NNR, Purbeck Heaths NNR, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41352935.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19284366775f215c5369811.jpgGatekeeper Flight period: mid-July to early September. The Gatekeeper or Hedge Brown is common and widespread throughout the southern half of the UK. They can be found in areas with hedgerows or in scrubby woodland with wide and sunny rides. Date: 28th July 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23806548.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17732062245512be5d688ca.jpgRing-necked Parakeet The Ring-necked Parakeet is the UK's only naturalised parrot. It is large, long-tailed and green with a red beak and a pink and black ring around its face and neck. In flight it has pointed wings, a long tail and a steady, direct flight. Ring-necked Parakeets can be seen all year round at a number of locations in south east England, particularly Surrey, Kent and Sussex. They can often be found in flocks sometimes numbering hundreds of birds at roost sites. Parks, orchards and gardens with mature trees to provide nest holes are favoured habitats. In its native India it is found in jungle and around farms and gardens. Date: 7th March 2015 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12759446.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7039852034e71b9ac34cea.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 28th September 2008 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847466.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16303341559bd50ca26328.jpgHigh Tatras, Slovakia The High Tatras (Vysoké Tatry in Slovakia and Tatry Wysokie in Poland) are a mountain range along the border of northern Slovakia in the Prešov region and southern Poland in the Małopolska province. The High Tatras should not be confused with the Low Tatras which are located south of the High Tatras in Slovakia. The High Tatras occupy an area of 303 square miles, of which about 236 square miles (77.7%) lie within Slovakia and about 68 square miles (22.3%) within Poland. The High Tatras' length, measured in a straight line from the eastern foothills of the Kobylí vrch at 3638 feet to the south western foot of Ostrý vrch at 3700 feet, is 35 miles and strictly along the main ridge, 50 miles. The range is only 12 miles wide. The main ridge of the High Tatras runs from the Slovakian villages of Huty at the western end to the village of Ždiar at the eastern end. The High Tatras, having 29 peaks over 8,200 feet are, with the Southern Carpathians, the only mountain range with an alpine character and habitats in the entire 750 mile length of the Carpathian Mountains system. The 15 highest peaks of the High Tatras are all located in Slovakia with the highest peaks being Gerlachovský štít at 8711 feet, Gerlachovská veža at 8668 feet and Lomnický štít at 8638 feet. Other notable peaks include Kriváň and Rysy. Multiple surveys have ranked Kriváň (8168 feet) as Slovakia's most beautiful peak and it has also been a major symbol in Slovakian ethnic and national activism for the past 2 centuries. A country-wide vote in 2005 selected it to be one of the images on Slovakia's euro coins. Rysy lies on the border between Poland and Slovakia. It has 3 summits: the middle at 8,212 feet, the north western at 8,199 feet and the south eastern at 8,114 feet. The north western summit is the highest point in Poland whilst the other 2 summits are in Slovakia. Since the accession of Poland and Slovakia to the Schengen Agreement in 2007, the border between the countries may be easily crossed at this point. Two thirds of the High Tatras are covered with coniferous and deciduous forests. Alpine meadows, rocky terrain and habitats and extensively used pastures in the foothills occur in the non-forested areas. The High Tatras are one of the most popular places in Slovakia with over 5 million people visiting each year to walk, climb, cycle, ski or snowboard. There are around 375 miles of hiking trails, chairlifts and cable cars, offering breathtaking views of alpine scenery. The High Tatras are protected by law by the establishment of the Tatra National Park, Slovakia (Tatranský národný park) and the Tatra National Park, Poland (Tatrzański Park Narodowy), the first European cross-border national park. In 1992 the Polish and Slovakian national parks were jointly designated a trans-boundary Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. Tatra National Park, Slovakia (Tatranský národný park) is one of the 9 national parks in Slovakia. It protects the Slovakian areas of the High Tatras mountain range in the Eastern Tatras (Východné Tatry) and areas of the Western Tatras (Západné Tatry). The western part of Tatra National Park is situated in the Žilina region and the eastern part in the Prešov region. Tatra National Park covers an area of 284.9 square miles and the surrounding buffer zone covers an area of 118.5 square miles. The highest peak in Slovakia, Gerlachovský štít at 8711 feet, is located within Tatra National Park. Tatra National Park was established in January 1949 and it is the oldest national park in Slovakia. In 1987, a section of the Western Tatras was added to the national park. Since 2004, the national park has been included in the Natura 2000 ecological network, the network of nature protection areas within the European Union. Date: 29th May 2017 Location: High Tatras, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39081914.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16441851275d30769148304.jpgEuropean Souslik The European Souslik or European Ground Squirrel is a rodent and a member of the squirrel family. It and the Spotted Souslik or Speckled Ground Squirrel are the only European representatives of the ground squirrels. The European Souslik is about the size of a Brown Rat with an adult measuring 8 to 9 inches with a weight of 8.5 to 12 ounces. It has a slender build with a short bushy tail. The short dense fur is yellowish-grey tinged with red and with a few indistinct pale and dark spots on the back. The underside is pale with a sandy-coloured abdomen. The large dark eyes are placed high on the head and the small, rounded ears are hidden in the fur. The legs are powerful with sharp claws which are well adapted for digging. Males are slightly larger than females but otherwise they look alike. The European Souslik could be confused with the Spotted Souslik which is found in Poland, Romania, Russia, Belarus and Ukraine but the Spotted Souslik has dark brown fur spotted with white and a thin tail and lives in areas with coarser vegetation. The European Souslik can be found in central and south east Europe where its range is divided by the Carpathian Mountains. Its range includes land at altitudes of up to 2,600 feet in south Ukraine, Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Greece, Romania, Bulgaria, Macedonia and north as far as Poland. It has become locally extinct in Germany and Poland but was reintroduced successfully into the wild in Poland in 2005. The European Souslik has very specific habitat requirements. It needs short turf in order to dig its tunnel system. It finds this on the steppe grasslands and in pasture and on sports fields, parks and lawns. These conditions are lost when changes in agricultural practice convert grassland into arable land and forest or grazing ceases and the grass grows coarse and scrubland develops. Other places with short vegetation that sometimes provides suitable habitat are railway embankments and road cuttings and verges. The European Souslik is listed as being "Vulnerable" by the IUCN in its Red List since the population trend is downward. It is believed that over the last 10 years the population has decreased by more than 30%. The main threats to the European Souslik are the conversion of grassland and pasture to cultivated fields or to forestry and the abandonment of grassland and its reversion to unsuitable tall grass meadows and bushy habitats. Urbanization and road building have sometimes fragmented communities and prevented recolonisation of empty sites. The European Souslik is a colonial animal and it is mainly diurnal. It excavates a branching system of tunnels up to 7 feet deep with several entrances. During the winter it stops up the entrances to its burrow and hibernates in a nest of dry vegetation. Each individual occupies a separate chamber and during this period the body temperature drops to 2°C and the heart rate slows to a few beats per minute. During hibernation, it may wake up briefly for a few days and uses up the fat reserves accumulated during the summer. Hibernation generally lasts from September to March. After emerging from hibernation in the spring, mating takes place during April or May. The gestation period is about 26 days and 5 to 8 young are born in a chamber deep in the burrow. They are naked and blind and their eyes open at about 4 weeks old. The female feeds them for 6 weeks and soon after that they are ready to leave the burrow. They reach maturity the following spring and may live for 8 to 10 years. The European Souslik has a shrill alarm call that will cause all other individuals in the vicinity to dive for cover and when it is out in the open it often sits upright and looks around for predators. These include the Weasel, Fox, domestic cat and some species of birds of prey. The European Souslik feeds on grasses, other plants, flowers, seeds, cultivated crops, insects and occasionally the eggs of ground nesting birds or their chicks. Date: 13th May 2018 Location: Tsenovo, Ruse Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39081929.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15926383145d30779c72aa2.jpgGolden Jackal The Golden Jackal is a canid within the family [i]Canidae[/i] which includes the South American canids, the fox-like canids and the wolf-like canids. Within the wolf-like canids is the jackal group which includes the 3 jackals: the Golden Jackal, the Black-backed Jackal and the Side-striped Jackal. These 3 species are approximately the same size, possess similar dental and skeletal morphology and are identified from each other primarily by their coat colour. The Golden Jackal is similar to the Grey Wolf but it is distinguished by its smaller size, lighter weight, more elongated torso, less prominent forehead, shorter legs and tail and a muzzle that is narrower and more pointed. The legs are long in relation to its body and the feet are slender with small pads. Males measure 28 to 33 inches in body length and females 27 to 29 inches. Males weigh 13 to 31 pounds and females 15 to 24 pounds. The shoulder height is 18 to 20 inches for both. In comparison, the smallest wolf is the Arabian Wolf which weighs on average 44 pounds. The fur of the Golden Jackal is coarse and relatively short with the base colour golden but varying seasonally from a pale creamy yellow to a dark tawny. The fur on the back is composed of a mixture of black, brown and white hairs, sometimes giving the appearance of the dark saddle like that seen on the Black-backed Jackal. The underparts are a light pale ginger to cream colour. Individuals can be distinguished by their unique light markings on the throat and chest. The coats of Golden Jackals from high elevations tend to be more buff-coloured than those of their lowland counterparts while those of Golden Jackals in rocky and mountainous areas may exhibit a greyer shade. The bushy tail has a tan to black tip. Melanism can cause a dark-coloured coat in some Golden Jackals. The Golden Jackal moults twice a year in spring and in autumn. The spring moult starts in the middle of February to as late as the middle of March and lasts for around 60 days. The spring moult commences with the head and limbs, extends to the flanks, chest, belly and rump, and ends at the tail. Fur on the underparts is absent. The autumn moult occurs from mid-September with the shedding of the summer fur and the growth of the winter fur. The development of the autumn coat starts with the rump and tail and spreads to the back, flanks, belly, chest, limbs and head with full winter fur being attained at the end of November. The Golden Jackal is native to south east Europe, south west Asia, south Asia and parts of south east Asia. The current European range mostly encompasses the Balkan region where habitat loss and mass poisoning caused it to become extinct in many areas during the 1960s with core populations only occurring in scattered regions such as Strandja in south east Bulgaria, the Dalmatian coast of Croatia, the Macedonian region of north Greece and the Peloponnese peninsula in south Greece. It recolonised its former territories in Bulgaria during the early 1960s when a large increase arose from the replacement of natural forests with dense scrub, an increase in animal carcasses from state game farms, reductions in wolf populations and the abandonment of poisoning campaigns. Bulgaria now has the largest population in Europe. It subsequently expanded its range into Romania and Serbia and thereafter in to Italy, Slovenia, Austria, Hungary and Slovakia during the 1980s. The Golden Jackal is continuing to expand beyond south east Europe in to central Europe by occupying areas where there are few or no wolves. Recently, an isolated Golden Jackal population was confirmed in west Estonia, much further north than the principal range. Whether this is an introduced population or a natural migration is unknown. To the east, the Golden Jackal’s range extends through Turkey, Syria, Iraq, Iran, central Asia and the entire Indian sub-continent and then east and south to Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand and parts of Indochina. The Golden Jackal is listed as “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List due to its widespread distribution and with it being common throughout its range and with high densities in those areas where food and shelter are abundant. In Europe, the Golden Jackal is not listed under the 1973 Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora nor the 1979 Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals. It does fall under various international legal instruments. These include the 1979 Berne Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats, the 1992 Convention on Biological Diversity and the 1992 European Union Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora. The Council Directive provides both guidance and limits on what participating governments can do when responding to the arrival of expanding Golden Jackals. These legislative instruments aim to contribute to conserving native wildlife although some governments argue that the Golden Jackal is not native wildlife but an invading species. The Golden Jackal's omnivorous diet allows it to eat a large range of foods and this diet, together with its tolerance of dry conditions, enables it to live in different habitats. It is both a predator and a scavenger and an omnivorous and opportunistic forager with a diet that varies according to its habitat and the season. The Golden Jackal often hunts or forages alone, sometimes in pairs but rarely in a pack. When hunting alone, it trots around an area and occasionally stops to sniff and listen. Once prey is located, it conceals itself, quickly approaches its prey and then pounces on it. When hunting in pairs or packs, Golden Jackals run parallel to their prey and overtake it in unison. The peak times for hunting and foraging are the early morning and the late evening. The Golden Jackal exhibits flexible social organization depending on the availability of food. The breeding pair is the basic social unit and they are sometimes accompanied by their current litter of pups. Family groups of up to 4 to 5 individuals have been recorded. The hunting ranges of several Golden Jackals can overlap. Individuals can travel up to around 10 miles during a single night in search of either food or more suitable habitat. Non-breeding members of a pack may stay near a distant food source, such as a carcass, for up to several days before returning to their home range. Home range sizes can vary between 0.4 to 7.75 square miles depending on the available food supply. Social interactions such as greetings, grooming and group howling are common in the Golden Jackal. Howling is more frequent between December and April when pair bonds are being formed and breeding occurs suggesting that howling has a role in the delineation of territory and for defence. Adults howl standing and the young or subordinates howl sitting. The Golden Jackal is easily induced to howl and a single howl may solicit replies from several others in the vicinity. Howling begins with 2 to 3 low-pitched calls that rise to high-pitched calls. The howl consists of a wail repeated 3 to 4 times on an ascending scale followed by 3 short yelps. The Golden Jackal typically howls at dawn and in the evening. Social canids such as jackals, wolves and coyotes readily respond to human imitations of their howls. The Golden Jackal is monogamous and it will remain with the one partner until death. Females have only one breeding cycle each year with the mating period lasting up to 26 to 28 days. Females are often pursued by several males that may quarrel among themselves. Mating results in a copulatory tie that lasts for several minutes as it does with all other canids. Gestation lasts 63 days and the timing of the births coincides with the annual abundance of food. In Europe, pups are generally born from late March to late April. The number of pups born in a single litter varies geographically but usually ranges from 3 to 8. The pups are born with closed eyes that open after 8 to 11 days with the ears erecting after 10 to 13 days. Their teeth erupt at 11 days after birth and the eruption of adult dentition is completed after 5 months. Pups are born with soft fur that ranges in colour from light grey to dark brown. At the age of 1 month, the fur is shed and replaced with a new reddish-coloured pelt with black speckles. Females possess 4 pairs of teats and lactation lasts for up to 8 to 10 weeks. The pups begin to eat meat at the age of 15 to 20 days. Once the lactation period concludes, the female drives off the pups. Pups born late remain with their mother until early autumn at which time they leave either singly or in groups of 2 to 4 individuals. Females reach sexual maturity after 10 to 11 months and males at 21 to 22 months. Date: 16th May 2018 Location: Vetren, Silistra Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39081934.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9175650985d3077ae225d9.jpgLake Srebarna, Silistra Province, Bulgaria Lake Srebarna is a freshwater lake periodically flooded by the River Danube just over 1 mile to the north. It is located in north east Bulgaria near the village of the same name and 11 miles west of Silistra. Lake Srebarna is a remnant of the once numerous lakes that lined the River Danube’s route to the Black Sea. The lake has large reedbeds and there is adjacent steppe, vineyards and agricultural land. A belt of woodland separates it from the River Danube. Lake Srebarna was the first wetland in Bulgaria to receive legal protection status and also the first to achieve international recognition. The lake was designated as a nature reserve in 1948 to protect the biodiversity that it hosts. In 1985 it was included on the UNESCO World Heritage List of Natural Properties. Lake Srebarna is also protected as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention and as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. In 1989 the lake was designated as an lmportant Bird Area by BirdLife International. It is also recognised and protected at the European level and included in 2 Natura 2000 sites: the Srebarna Special Protection Area and Ludogorie-Srebarna Special Area of Conservation. The nature reserve includes 3.7 square miles of protected area and a buffer zone of 3.4 square miles. It comprises Lake Srebarna itself, which has a fluctuating water level dependent on the River Danube, plus the former agricultural lands north of the lake, a belt of woodland along the River Danube, the island of Komluka and the aquatic area locked between the island and the riverbank. The reserve is an important wetland on the Via Pontica bird migration flyway. The basis for the nature reserve’s international significance is that it is an important breeding, migration and wintering site for a large number of birds. Floating reedbed islands and flooded willow woodlands provide important bird breeding areas. At the northern end, the reedbeds gradually give way to wet meadows. At the north west end of Lake Srebarna and along the River Danube, there are belts of riverine forest. The nature reserve holds populations of birds that are considered critical to species survival. It hosts the only colony of Dalmatian Pelican in Bulgaria as well as the largest breeding populations of 4 more globally threatened species: Pygmy Cormorant, Ferruginous Duck, White-tailed Eagle and Corncrake. The nature reserve is also of European value and importance in supporting Little Bittern, Night Heron, Squacco Heron, Purple Heron, Little Egret, Great White Egret, Glossy lbis, Spoonbill and Ruddy Shelduck. Globally threatened Pygmy Cormorant and Red-breasted Goose also winter on the nature reserve. In total, the nature reserve supports over 200 bird species, 41 mammal species, 21 reptile and amphibian species and 10 fish species. Date: 16th May 2018 Location: view from the visitor centre, Srebarna, Silistra Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39083673.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18653741915d3081c791336.jpgEastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria The Rhodopes Mountains are a mountain range in south east Europe. They are spread over 5689 square miles of which 4723 square miles are located in south Bulgaria and the remainder in north Greece. The Rhodopes Mountains are about 149 miles long and about 62 to 75 miles wide with an average altitude of 2575 feet. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 7188 feet and is situated 12 miles to the west of Smolyan. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rhodopes Mountains gives its name to the terrestrial eco-region Rodope montane mixed forests that belong in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The area is particularly notable for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans plus its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms such as the Trigrad Gorge. The Rhodopes Mountains can be sub-divided in to 3 sections: The Western Rhodopes are spread over 66% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and they are higher, the most infrastructurally developed and the most visited part of the mountains. The highest and best known peaks are located in this section with more than 10 over 6562 feet high including the highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7188 feet). Some of the deepest river gorges in the Rhodopes Mountains are located in the west as well as several large lakes. The Eastern Rhodopes are spread over a territory of about 34% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and are much lower in height. The large artificial dams of Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets are located in this part of the mountains. Almost every species of European bird of prey nests in the Eastern Rhodopes including the rare Black Vulture and Egyptian Vulture. The Southern Rhodopes are the part of the mountain range that is located in Greece and they are characterized by numerous peaks of relatively low altitude. The River Borovitsa is a tributary of the River Arda and is located in the eastern Rhodopes Mountains. The river valley is stony and surrounded by rough grassland, scrub and forested hillsides. There are many tiny hamlets along the valley, many of them abandoned or semi-abandoned. This little visited area and its wild environment with only the tiny hamlets and patches of traditional agriculture form a great contrast with the town of Kardzhali. Nenkovo, 17.5 miles north west of Kardzhali, is one of the hamlets in the river valley with no electricity or car access. The access to the village is via a rope bridge over the River Borovitsa. The lack of cars has preserved the narrow village streets which wind between the houses built about 100 to 150 years ago. According to the census of 2011, the village has 129 inhabitants which is down from its peak of 883 people shortly after the Second World War. The village is almost exclusively inhabited by ethnic Bulgarian Turks. Near the village of Nenkovo there is a medieval bridge over the River Borovitsa. It is a large asymmetric bridge with 5 arches each of a different size. The road over the bridge is about 65 yards long. The bridge has been partly destroyed on a number of occasions by the rough waters of the river. It has been rebuilt in the past but after repeated damage it is no longer used. The area around Nenkovo village and the bridge is an excellent one for a wide range of bird species. Date: 28th May 2018 Location: River Borovitsa valley near Nenkovo, Eastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39083968.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16032967415d3083307102f.jpgWestern Rhodopes Mountains, Smolyan Province, Bulgaria The Rhodopes Mountains are a mountain range in south east Europe. They are spread over 5689 square miles of which 4723 square miles are located in south Bulgaria and the remainder in north Greece. The Rhodopes Mountains are about 149 miles long and about 62 to 75 miles wide with an average altitude of 2575 feet. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 7188 feet and is situated 12 miles to the west of Smolyan. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rhodopes Mountains gives its name to the terrestrial eco-region Rodope montane mixed forests that belong in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The area is particularly notable for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans plus its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms such as the Trigrad Gorge. The Rhodopes Mountains can be sub-divided in to 3 sections: The Western Rhodopes are spread over 66% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and they are higher, the most infrastructurally developed and the most visited part of the mountains. The highest and best known peaks are located in this section with more than 10 over 6562 feet high including the highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7188 feet). Some of the deepest river gorges in the Rhodopes Mountains are located in the west as well as several large lakes. The Eastern Rhodopes are spread over a territory of about 34% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and are much lower in height. The large artificial dams of Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets are located in this part of the mountains. Almost every species of European bird of prey nests in the Eastern Rhodopes including the rare Black Vulture and Egyptian Vulture. The Southern Rhodopes are the part of the mountain range that is located in Greece and they are characterized by numerous peaks of relatively low altitude. The Trigrad Gorge is a canyon of vertical marble rock cliffs in the western Rhodope Mountains. It is the third longest gorge in Bulgaria. The gorge encloses the course of the River Trigrad which plunges into the Devil's Throat Cave and 1740 feet further emerges as a large karst spring. It later flows into the River Buynovska. The west wall of the Trigrad Gorge reaches 980 feet in height whilst the east wall reaches 980 to 1150 feet in height. Initially, the 2 walls are about 985 feet apart but the gorge narrows to about 330 feet in the northern section. The gorge is situated just north of the village of Trigrad at 4760 feet above sea level. It has a total length of 4.3 miles, of which the gorge proper comprises 1.2 to 1.9 miles. It can be visited on the narrow single track road from Teshel to Trigrad which follows the River Trigrad for about 7.5 miles. The Trigrad area was a restricted border zone in the past (it is less than 4 miles from the border with Greece) so access was very limited during the Communist era but it is now a popular tourist destination. The area is considered as one of the most beautiful in the Rhodopes Mountains with numerous designated routes for hiking, mountain biking and horse riding routes. Date: 29th May 2018 Location: Trigrad to Teshel via Trigrad Gorge, Western Rhodopes Mountains, Smolyan Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084063.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9839124745d3085549c8f0.jpgRila Mountains, Kyustendil Province, Bulgaria The Rila Mountains are a mountain range in south west Bulgaria and constitute the highest mountain range in the country and the Balkans. It is the sixth highest mountain range in Europe after the Caucasus, the Alps, the Sierra Nevada, the Pyrenees and Mount Etna and the highest one between the Alps and the Caucasus. The Rila Mountains are spread over an area of 1015 square miles with an average altitude of 4879 feet. Musala is its highest peak at 9596 feet. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rila-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rila Mountains have abundant water resources and some of the Balkans' longest and deepest rivers originate here including the longest river entirely in the Balkans, the River Maritsa, and the longest river entirely in Bulgaria, the River Iskar. Bulgaria's main water divide separating the Black Sea and the Aegean Sea drainage systems follows the main ridge of the Rila Mountains. The mountain range is dotted with almost 200 glacial lakes such as the renowned Seven Rila Lakes. It is also rich in hot springs in the fault areas at the foothills including the hottest spring in south east Europe in Sapareva Banya. The Rila Mountains have typical layers of montane habitat ranging from river and stream valleys at lower altitudes to mixed deciduous woodland, coniferous forests and Alpine meadows and lakes at higher altitudes and finally to rocky ridges and bare rugged peaks. The biodiversity and the pristine landscapes are protected by the Rila National Park which is among the largest and most valuable protected areas in Europe. It is the largest national park in Bulgaria covering an area of 313 square miles and it was established in February 1992 to protect several ecosystems of national importance. Its altitude varies from 2600 feet near Blagoevgrad to 9596 feet at the peak of Musala. It occupies territory from 4 of the 28 provinces of the country (Sofia, Kyustendil, Blagoevgrad and Pazardzhik) and it includes 4 nature reserves (Parangalitsa, Central Rila Reserve, Ibar and Skakavitsa). The Rila National Park falls within the Rodope montane mixed forests terrestrial eco-region of the Palearctic temperate broadleaf and mixed forest. Forests occupy 206.5 square miles or 66% of the total area. The Rila Mountains also contain the Rila Monastery Nature Park which is among the largest nature parks in Bulgaria covering an area of 97.5 square miles at an altitude between 2460 and 8901 feet. It was established in 1992 as part of the newly founded Rila National Park. In 2000 some territory of the Rila National Park was re-assigned to the Rila Monastery Nature Park and was recategorized as a nature park because by law all lands in national parks are exclusively state owned. Today most of the Rila Monastery Nature Park is owned by the Rila Monastery. The Rila Monastery Nature Park includes one nature reserve, namely the Rila Monastery Forest with an area of 14 square miles or 14% of its total area. The most recognisable landmark in the Rila Mountains is the Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila, better known as the Rila Monastery. This is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria and is situated in the deep valley of the River Rilska River within the Rila Monastery Nature Park at a height of 3763 feet. The monastery is named after its founder, the hermit Ivan of Rila (876 to 946 AD) and houses around 60 monks. Founded in the 10th century, the Rila Monastery is regarded as one of Bulgaria's most important cultural, historical and architectural monuments and is a key tourist attraction for both Bulgaria and south Europe. Due to its outstanding cultural and spiritual value it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. The Rila Mountains are also a popular destination for hiking, winter sports and spa tourism, hosting the nation's oldest ski resort at Borovets as well as numerous hiking trails. Date: 30th May 2018 Location: Kocherinovo-Stob area, Kyustendil Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14160681.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11026013074f3e18dc0a562.jpgRabbit The (European) Rabbit ranges from 13 to 20 inches in length, not counting a tail of 1.6 to 3.1 inches. It has grey/brown fur, white underparts, long ears, large hind legs and a short, white fluffy tail. As a lagomorph, it has four sharp incisors (two on top, two on bottom) that grow continuously throughout its life. The Rabbit moves move by hopping, using its long and powerful hind legs. To facilitate quick movement, the hind feet have a thick padding of fur to dampen the shock of rapid hopping. The toes are long and are webbed to keep from spreading apart as the animal jumps. The Rabbit is native to south west Europe (Spain and Portugal) and north west Africa (Morocco and Algeria). It is known as an invasive species because it has been introduced to countries on all continents, with the exception of Antarctica and sub-Saharan Africa, where it has often caused many problems within the environment and ecosystems. The Rabbit was brought to England in the 12th century by the Normans and kept in captivity in warrens as a source of meat and fur. Many escaped into the wild and eventually become so common that farming them was no longer economic. Helped by fast breeding, a diet of virtually any vegetable matter and human persecution of their predators, the Rabbit slowly established itself in the wild in the UK despite originally favouring a warmer, drier climate. It is now widespread throughout the UK but absent from the Isles of Scilly and a few smaller islands and can be found almost anywhere that it can burrow. The most suitable areas are those where the burrow area and food supply are side-by-side, such as woodland edge and hedgerows. Open warrens are maintained where good burrowing conditions exist on areas of short grass, sand dunes, railway verges and even in urban areas. It is rarely found above the tree-line and it avoids damp conditions and areas deep in conifer woodland. The Rabbit is a social animal and lives in medium-sized colonies comprising of a network of burrows known as warrens. It is largely crepuscular, being most active around dawn and dusk, although it is not infrequently seen and active during the day. During the day, it prefers to reside in vegetated patches which are used for protection from predators. The Rabbit is essentially a mixed feeder, both grazing and browsing, but grass is the primary food source. However, it has a diverse diet of grasses, leaves, buds, tree bark and roots and will also eat lettuce, cabbage, root vegetables and grains. The Rabbit is famed for its reproductive capabilities and the inspiration for the phrase "breeding like rabbits". The breeding season is mainly from January to August when 4 to 8 litters of 2 to 12 kittens are produced. The gestation period averages 31 days. The doe constructs a nest inside a burrow from grass bedding and lines it with soft fur from her chest and belly. The young kittens are born blind, deaf and almost hairless. Their eyes open at 10 days, they begin to appear at the burrow entrance at 18 days and are weaned at 21 to 25 days. They are self-supporting in one month but 90% die in the first year. Bucks are able to mate at 4 months, does at 3.5 months. Birds of prey and carnivores such as the Fox, Stoat and Weasel are the primary predators of the Rabbit. Date: 17th April 2007 Location: Grinton Moor, Yorkshire Dales National Park, North Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12759474.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13255891904e71b9db4d667.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 21st October 2007 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo441562.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_32840212467eead2c6ec1.jpgDate: 22nd May 2005 Location: Bay of Ireland, Mainland, Orkney http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41254091.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9135105295f059eb6739ec.jpgm/s J.L. Runeberg at Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland The city of Porvoo can be easily reached by a main road from Helsinki in about 50 minutes but also by a much more leisurely 3.5 hour trip on the steamship m/s J. L. Runeberg along the Porvoonjoki river, the coast and through the Helsinki Archipelago. The m/s J.L. Runeberg was built in Helsinki in 1912. Originally she sailed under the name s/s Helsingfors Skärgård (”Helsinki Archipelago”). In the beginning this steamer cruised west from Helsinki to Porkkala but in the 1930’s the name was changed to s/s J.L. Runeberg and the ship cruised to Porvoo for the first time. Date: 26th June 2019 Location: m/s J.L. Runeberg at Katajanokka harbour, Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo453604.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1532364810468840b028d38.jpgDate: 8th June 2007 Location: Craignure Bay, Mull http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13657333.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20366444864ed36dfe123ca.jpgOtter The Eurasian Otter, also known as the European Otter, Eurasian River Otter, Common Otter and Old World Otter and commonly known as the Otter, is a semi-aquatic mammal and the most widely distributed member of the Otter sub-family of the Weasel family (Mustelidae). The Otter is a typical species of the Otter sub-family and is brown above and cream below. It is 22.5 to 37.5 inches long excluding a tail of 14 to 17.5 inches. The female is shorter than the male. The Otter's average body weight is 15 to 26 pounds, although occasionally a large old male may reach up to 37 pounds. The Otter differs from the North American River Otter by its shorter neck, broader face, the greater space between the ears and its longer tail. However, it is the only Otter species in much of its range so it is rarely confused for any other animal. The Otter is the most widely distributed Otter species and its range including parts of Asia and Africa as well as being widespread across Europe. The Otter can be found throughout most of the UK with the highest densities in Scotland, especially the islands and the north west coast, Wales, parts of East Anglia and the West Country. The Otter declined across its range in the second half of the 20th century primarily due to pollution, habitat loss and hunting. However, populations are now recovering in many parts of Europe. In the UK the number of sites with an Otter presence increased by 55% between 1994 and 2002. In August 2011, the Environment Agency announced that the Otter had returned to every county in England since vanishing from every county except the West Country and parts of Northern England. The recovery of the Otter population in Europe is due to a ban on the most harmful pesticides that has been in place since 1979, improvements in water quality leading to increases in prey populations and direct legal protection under the European Union Habitats Directive and national legislation in several European countries. In general, the Otter’s varied and adaptable diet means that it can be found on any unpolluted body of fresh water, including lakes, streams, rivers and ponds, as long as the food supply is adequate. It can also be found along the coast in salt water but it requires regular access to fresh water to clean its fur. When living in the sea it is sometimes referred to as a "Sea Otter" but it should not be confused with the true Sea Otter which is a North American species much more strongly adapted to a marine existence. The Otter's diet mainly consists of fish. However, during the winter and in colder environments, fish consumption is significantly lower and other sources of food are eaten including amphibians, crustaceans, insects, birds and small mammals. Hunting mainly takes place at night whilst the day is usually spent in the Otter's holt (den). The Otter is strongly territorial and is primarily solitary. An individual's territory may vary between 1 and 25 miles with the length of the territory depending on the density of food available and the width of the water suitable for hunting (it is shorter on coasts, where the available width is much wider and longer on narrower rivers). The Otter uses its spraints to mark its territory. Territories are only held against members of the same sex so those of males and females may overlap. The Otter is a non-seasonal breeder and males and females will breed at any time of the year. It has been found that their mating season is most likely determined simply by the Otters' reproductive maturity and physiological state. Female Otters are sexually mature between 18 and 24 months old and the average age of first breeding is found to be 2.5 years old. Gestation is 60 to 64 days and after the gestation period, 1 to 4 pups are born which remain dependent on the mother for about 13 months. The male plays no direct role in parental care although the territory of a female with her pups is usually entirely within that of the male. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847446.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_203226868459bd507462888.jpgHigh Tatras, Slovakia The High Tatras (Vysoké Tatry in Slovakia and Tatry Wysokie in Poland) are a mountain range along the border of northern Slovakia in the Prešov region and southern Poland in the Małopolska province. The High Tatras should not be confused with the Low Tatras which are located south of the High Tatras in Slovakia. The High Tatras occupy an area of 303 square miles, of which about 236 square miles (77.7%) lie within Slovakia and about 68 square miles (22.3%) within Poland. The High Tatras' length, measured in a straight line from the eastern foothills of the Kobylí vrch at 3638 feet to the south western foot of Ostrý vrch at 3700 feet, is 35 miles and strictly along the main ridge, 50 miles. The range is only 12 miles wide. The main ridge of the High Tatras runs from the Slovakian villages of Huty at the western end to the village of Ždiar at the eastern end. The High Tatras, having 29 peaks over 8,200 feet are, with the Southern Carpathians, the only mountain range with an alpine character and habitats in the entire 750 mile length of the Carpathian Mountains system. The 15 highest peaks of the High Tatras are all located in Slovakia with the highest peaks being Gerlachovský štít at 8711 feet, Gerlachovská veža at 8668 feet and Lomnický štít at 8638 feet. Other notable peaks include Kriváň and Rysy. Multiple surveys have ranked Kriváň (8168 feet) as Slovakia's most beautiful peak and it has also been a major symbol in Slovakian ethnic and national activism for the past 2 centuries. A country-wide vote in 2005 selected it to be one of the images on Slovakia's euro coins. Rysy lies on the border between Poland and Slovakia. It has 3 summits: the middle at 8,212 feet, the north western at 8,199 feet and the south eastern at 8,114 feet. The north western summit is the highest point in Poland whilst the other 2 summits are in Slovakia. Since the accession of Poland and Slovakia to the Schengen Agreement in 2007, the border between the countries may be easily crossed at this point. Two thirds of the High Tatras are covered with coniferous and deciduous forests. Alpine meadows, rocky terrain and habitats and extensively used pastures in the foothills occur in the non-forested areas. The High Tatras are one of the most popular places in Slovakia with over 5 million people visiting each year to walk, climb, cycle, ski or snowboard. There are around 375 miles of hiking trails, chairlifts and cable cars, offering breathtaking views of alpine scenery. The High Tatras are protected by law by the establishment of the Tatra National Park, Slovakia (Tatranský národný park) and the Tatra National Park, Poland (Tatrzański Park Narodowy), the first European cross-border national park. In 1992 the Polish and Slovakian national parks were jointly designated a trans-boundary Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. Tatra National Park, Slovakia (Tatranský národný park) is one of the 9 national parks in Slovakia. It protects the Slovakian areas of the High Tatras mountain range in the Eastern Tatras (Východné Tatry) and areas of the Western Tatras (Západné Tatry). The western part of Tatra National Park is situated in the Žilina region and the eastern part in the Prešov region. Tatra National Park covers an area of 284.9 square miles and the surrounding buffer zone covers an area of 118.5 square miles. The highest peak in Slovakia, Gerlachovský štít at 8711 feet, is located within Tatra National Park. Tatra National Park was established in January 1949 and it is the oldest national park in Slovakia. In 1987, a section of the Western Tatras was added to the national park. Since 2004, the national park has been included in the Natura 2000 ecological network, the network of nature protection areas within the European Union. Date: 29th May 2017 Location: High Tatras, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo8135934.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2671757484d1d9d0ec8a2a.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 26th December 2010 Location: Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871732.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2595925924eff215ab66cd.jpgBrown Bear The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, <i>Ursus arctos arctos</i>. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an overnight stay in a Brown Bear watching hide at [url=http://www.martinselkonen.fi/index.php?id=1&la=en]Martinselkosen Eräkeskus[/url] Date: 1st June 2009 Location: Martinselkosen Eräkeskus, Pirttivaara, Kainuu, Finland <iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/10143012?autoplay=1" width="600" height="450" frameborder="0"></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/10143012">Brown Bears of Martinselkonen</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user3372484">Richard Chew</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>. Music: Jean Sibelius - Andante festivo<br /> </p> http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo441547.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_345075485467ee8adbb525.jpgDate: June 2004 Location: Sleat, Skye http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo10926924.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7934265024e097919427c3.jpgBrown Hare The Brown Hare resembles the Rabbit but obvious differences include the Brown Hare's longer, larger body, much longer hind legs and longer ears with black tips. Generally, they are a brown-russet colour with a white underside. The tail is black on the upper surface and white underneath. In contrast to Rabbits, which have a brown iris, the Brown Hare has a golden iris and a black pupil. Brown Hares are the fastest land animals in the UK and can run at speeds of up to 45 mph to evade predators. Brown Hares are widespread in central and western Europe including the UK but they are absent in southern Europe. It is thought that they were introduced in to the UK during Roman times, probably from Asia. They have little legal protection, partly because they are game animals and can be managed by farmers and landowners and partly because they are also a minor pest and can damage crops and young tree plantations. Numbers have substantially declined in the UK and most of Europe since the 1960s mainly due to the intensification of agricultural practices as well as shooting, poaching and coursing and an increase in the number of Foxes. Brown Hares prefer temperate open habitats and can be found in most flat country among open grassland and arable farms. Unlike Rabbits, they do not burrow but rest in a shallow depression in fields or long grass known as a form where only their back and head are visible. An adult occupies a range of 300 hectares which it may share with other hares as they are not territorially aggressive. Courtship involves boxing …. the traditional “mad March hare” behaviour. This is actually unreceptive females fending off males rather than fighting between males. Date: 13th June 2011 Location: Findhorn valley, Inverness-shire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13593636.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2140736194ec8da715e198.jpgOtter The Eurasian Otter, also known as the European Otter, Eurasian River Otter, Common Otter and Old World Otter and commonly known as the Otter, is a semi-aquatic mammal and the most widely distributed member of the Otter sub-family of the Weasel family (Mustelidae). The Otter is a typical species of the Otter sub-family and is brown above and cream below. It is 22.5 to 37.5 inches long excluding a tail of 14 to 17.5 inches. The female is shorter than the male. The Otter's average body weight is 15 to 26 pounds, although occasionally a large old male may reach up to 37 pounds. The Otter differs from the North American River Otter by its shorter neck, broader face, the greater space between the ears and its longer tail. However, it is the only Otter species in much of its range so it is rarely confused for any other animal. The Otter is the most widely distributed Otter species and its range including parts of Asia and Africa as well as being widespread across Europe. The Otter can be found throughout most of the UK with the highest densities in Scotland, especially the islands and the north west coast, Wales, parts of East Anglia and the West Country. The Otter declined across its range in the second half of the 20th century primarily due to pollution, habitat loss and hunting. However, populations are now recovering in many parts of Europe. In the UK the number of sites with an Otter presence increased by 55% between 1994 and 2002. In August 2011, the Environment Agency announced that the Otter had returned to every county in England since vanishing from every county except the West Country and parts of Northern England. The recovery of the Otter population in Europe is due to a ban on the most harmful pesticides that has been in place since 1979, improvements in water quality leading to increases in prey populations and direct legal protection under the European Union Habitats Directive and national legislation in several European countries. In general, the Otter’s varied and adaptable diet means that it can be found on any unpolluted body of fresh water, including lakes, streams, rivers and ponds, as long as the food supply is adequate. It can also be found along the coast in salt water but it requires regular access to fresh water to clean its fur. When living in the sea it is sometimes referred to as a "Sea Otter" but it should not be confused with the true Sea Otter which is a North American species much more strongly adapted to a marine existence. The Otter's diet mainly consists of fish. However, during the winter and in colder environments, fish consumption is significantly lower and other sources of food are eaten including amphibians, crustaceans, insects, birds and small mammals. Hunting mainly takes place at night whilst the day is usually spent in the Otter's holt (den). The Otter is strongly territorial and is primarily solitary. An individual's territory may vary between 1 and 25 miles with the length of the territory depending on the density of food available and the width of the water suitable for hunting (it is shorter on coasts, where the available width is much wider and longer on narrower rivers). The Otter uses its spraints to mark its territory. Territories are only held against members of the same sex so those of males and females may overlap. The Otter is a non-seasonal breeder and males and females will breed at any time of the year. It has been found that their mating season is most likely determined simply by the Otters' reproductive maturity and physiological state. Female Otters are sexually mature between 18 and 24 months old and the average age of first breeding is found to be 2.5 years old. Gestation is 60 to 64 days and after the gestation period, 1 to 4 pups are born which remain dependent on the mother for about 13 months. The male plays no direct role in parental care although the territory of a female with her pups is usually entirely within that of the male. Date: 10th November 2011 Location: Loch Scridain, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308825.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_34096156963ee2f4eb0647.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 17th January 2023 Location: EWT Langdon Conservation Centre, Dunton, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/arctic-fox https://images.on-this.website/4752_277485846561cd12025659.jpgArctic Fox The Arctic Fox, also known as the White Fox, Polar Fox or Snow Fox, is a true fox belonging to the genus Vulpes. A number of subspecies are recognised including the Iceland Arctic Fox. The Arctic Fox is a small fox. The average body length of the male is 22 inches with a range of 18 to 27 inches. The average body length of the female is 20 inches with a range of 16 to 22 inches. In some regions, no difference in size is seen between males and females. The tail is about 12 inches long in both sexes and the height at the shoulder is 10 to 12 inches. On average males weigh 7.7 pounds while females average 6.4 pounds. The Arctic Fox has a deep thick fur which is white in winter and generally brown-grey in summer. It has a beautiful white (sometimes blue-grey) coat that acts as very effective winter camouflage allowing it to blend into the tundra's ubiquitous snow and ice. When the seasons change, the coat adopts a brown-grey appearance that provides cover among the summer tundra's rocks and plants. The Arctic Fox lives in some of the coldest extremes on the planet and amongst its adaptations for survival in the cold is its dense, multilayered pelage providing excellent insulation and a good supply of body fat. The fur is considered to provide the best insulation of any mammal. It also has a low surface area to volume ratio, as evidenced by its generally compact body shape, short muzzle and legs and short, thick ears. Since less of its surface area is exposed to the cold, less heat escapes from its body. Its paws have fur on the soles for additional insulation and to help it walk on ice. The Arctic Fox has a circumpolar distribution and occurs in Arctic tundra habitats in northern Europe, northern Asia and north America. Its range includes Greenland, Iceland, Fennoscandia, Svalbard, Jan Mayen and other islands in the Barents Sea, northern Russia, islands in the Bering Sea, Alaska and Canada as far south as Hudson Bay. It mostly inhabits tundra and pack ice but it is also present in boreal forests in Canada and Alaska. It is found at elevations up to 9,800 feet above sea level and it has been seen on sea ice close to the North Pole. The range of the Arctic Fox during the last Ice Age was much more extensive than it is now and fossil remains have been found over much of northern Europe and Siberia. The Arctic Fox is the only land mammal native to Iceland when it arrived on the isolated north Atlantic island at the end of the last Ice Age walking over the frozen sea. The excellent [url=http://www.arcticfoxcenter.com/]Arctic Fox Centre[/url] in Súðavík in the Westfjords region of Iceland contains an exhibition on the ecology and conservation of the Arctic Fox. The Arctic Fox does not hibernate and it is active all year round. It builds up its fat reserves in the autumn and sometimes increases its body weight by more than 50%. This provides greater insulation during the winter and a source of energy when food is scarce. It lives in large dens in frost-free and slightly raised ground. These are complex systems of tunnels which have multiple entrances and may have been in existence for many decades and used by many generations of foxes. The Arctic Fox generally eats any small animal that it can find, including lemmings, voles, other rodents, hares, birds, eggs, fish and carrion. It also scavenges on carcasses left by larger predators such as Wolves and Polar Bears. In areas where they are present, lemmings are the most common prey. On the coast of Iceland and other islands, the diet consists predominantly of birds and their eggs. The Arctic Fox also consumes berries and seaweed so it may be considered an omnivore. When food is over-abundant, the Arctic Fox buries the surplus as a reserve. The abundance of the Arctic Fox itself tends to fluctuate in a cycle along with the population of lemmings and voles (a 3 to 4 year cycle). The populations are especially vulnerable during the years when the prey population crashes. Arctic Foxes tend to form monogamous pairs in the breeding season and maintain a territory around the den. Breeding usually takes place in April and May and the gestation period is about 52 days. Litters tend to average 5 to 8 cubs but very exceptionally they contain as many as 25. Both the mother and father help to raise the cubs which emerge from the den when 3 to 4 weeks old and are weaned by 9 weeks of age. The conservation status of the Arctic Fox is generally good and the IUCN has assessed it as being of "least concern". The world population is thus not endangered but 2 Arctic Fox subpopulations are. One is on Medny Island (Commander Islands, Russia) and the other is in Fennoscandia (Norway, Sweden, Finland and the Kola Peninsula). The latter is acutely endangered despite being legally protected from hunting and persecution for several decades. The estimate of the adult population in all of Norway, Sweden, and Finland is fewer than 200 individuals. The Arctic Fox is losing ground to the larger Red Fox. This has been attributed to climate change since the camouflage value of the Arctic Fox's lighter coat decreases with less snow cover. The Red Fox dominates where their ranges begin to overlap and it is known to kill Arctic Foxes and their cubs. An alternate explanation of the Red Fox's gains involves the Wolf. Historically, the Wolf has kept Red Fox numbers down but as the Wolf has been hunted to near extinction in much of its former range, the Red Fox population has grown larger and it has taken over the niche of top predator. Date: 6th June 2015 Location: Kjálkafjörður area, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29240078.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_31809868757eb95f9d5f3c.jpgRed Squirrel The Red Squirrel or Eurasian Red Squirrel is a species of tree squirrel in the genus [i]Sciurus[/i]. It is an arboreal and primarily herbivorous rodent. The Red Squirrel has a typical head and body length of 7.5 to 9 inches, a tail length of 6 to 8 inches and a weight of 9 to 12 ounces. Males and females are the same size. The Red Squirrel is smaller and lighter in weight than the Grey Squirrel The coat of the Red Squirrel varies in colour with the time of year and its location and there are several different coat colour morphs ranging from black to red. Red coats are most common in the UK but in other parts of Europe and Asia different coat colours co-exist within populations. The underside of the Red Squirrel is always creamy-white in colour. The Red Squirrel sheds its coat twice a year, switching from a thinner summer coat to a thicker, darker winter coat with noticeably larger ear-tufts (a prominent distinguishing feature of this species) between August and November. A lighter, redder overall coat colour, along with the ear-tufts (in adults) and smaller size, distinguish the Red Squirrel from the Grey Squirrel. The long tail helps the Red Squirrel to balance and steer when jumping from tree to tree and running along branches and it may also keep it warm during sleep. The Red Squirrel, like most tree squirrels, has sharp and curved claws to enable it to climb and descend broad tree trunks, thin branches and even house walls and its strong hind legs enable it to leap gaps between trees. The Red Squirrel can be found in the boreal coniferous woods in north Europe and Siberia where it prefers Scots Pine, Norway Spruce and Siberian Pine. In west and south Europe it can be found in broad-leaved woods where the mixture of tree and shrub species provides a better year round source of food. In most of the UK and in Italy, broad-leaved woodlands are now less suitable for it due to the better competitive feeding strategy of the introduced Grey Squirrel. The Red Squirrel makes a drey (nest) out of twigs in a branch-fork, forming a domed structure about 9 to 12 inches in diameter. This is lined with moss, leaves, grass and bark. Tree hollows and woodpecker holes are also used. The Red Squirrel is generally a solitary animal and is shy and reluctant to share food with others. However, outside the breeding season and particularly in winter, several Red Squirrels may share a drey to keep warm. Social organisation is based on dominance hierarchies within and between sexes. Although males are not necessarily dominant towards females, the dominant animals tend to be larger and older than subordinate animals and dominant males tend to have larger home ranges than subordinate males or females. Mating can occur in late winter during February and March and in summer between June and July. During mating, males detect females that are in oestrus by an odour that they produce and, although there is no courtship, the male will chase the female for up to an hour prior to mating. Usually multiple males will chase a single female until the dominant male, usually the largest in the group, mates with the female. Males and females will mate multiple times with many partners. Females must reach a minimum body mass before they enter oestrus and heavy females on average produce more young. If food is scarce breeding may be delayed. Typically a female will produce her first litter in her second year. Up to 2 litters a year per female are possible. Each litter averages 3 young and these are known as kits. Gestation is about 38 to 39 days and the young are looked after by the mother alone and are born helpless, blind and deaf. Their body is covered by hair at 21 days, their eyes and ears open after 3 to 4 weeks and they develop all their teeth by 42 days. Juveniles can eat solids around 40 days following birth and from that point they can leave the nest on their own to find food. However, they still suckle from their mother until weaning occurs at 8 to 10 weeks. The Red Squirrel eats mostly the seeds of trees, fungi, nuts (especially hazelnuts but also beech and chestnuts), berries and young shoots. More rarely, it may also eat bird eggs or nestlings and may occasionally exhibit opportunistic omnivory similar to other rodents. Excess food is put into caches, either buried or in nooks or holes in trees, and eaten when food is scarce. Although the Red Squirrel remembers where it created caches at a better than chance level, its spatial memory is believed to be substantially less accurate and durable than that of the Grey Squirrel. Therefore it will often have to search for them when in need and many caches are never found again. Between 60% and 80% of the active time of a Red Squirrel may be spent foraging and feeding. The active period is generally in the morning and in the late afternoon and evening. It often rests in its nest in the middle of the day to avoid the heat and the high visibility to birds of prey that are dangers during these hours. During the winter, this midday rest is often much more brief or absent entirely although harsh weather may cause it to stay in its nest for days at a time. No territories are claimed between Red Squirrels and the feeding areas of individuals overlap considerably. A Red Squirrel that survives its first winter has a life expectancy of 3 years. Individuals may reach 7 years of age and 10 years in captivity. Survival is positively related to the availability of autumn and winter tree seeds. On average, 75 to 85% of juveniles die during their first winter and mortality is approximately 50% for winters following the first. Predators include small mammals such as the Pine Marten, the Wildcat and the Stoat which all prey on juveniles. Birds, including owls and raptors such as the Goshawk and Common Buzzard, may also prey on the Red Squirrel as will the Red Fox and domestic cats and dogs when it is on the ground. Humans influence the population size and mortality of the Red Squirrel by destroying or altering habitats, by causing road casualties and by introducing non-native populations of the Grey Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel and the Red Squirrel are not directly antagonistic and violent conflict between these species is not a factor in the decline in Red Squirrel populations. However, the Grey Squirrel appears to contribute to the decrease in the Red Squirrel population for several reasons: it carries a disease, the squirrel parapoxvirus, that does not appear to affect its own health but will often kill the Red Squirrel, it can better digest acorns whilst the Red Squirrel cannot access the proteins and fats in acorns as easily and it can put the Red Squirrel under pressure for food resources resulting in it not breeding as often. In the UK, due to the above circumstances, the population has today fallen to 160,000 Red Squirrels or fewer with the majority of these in Scotland. Outside the UK and Ireland, the impact of competition from the Grey Squirrel has also been observed in Italy where 2 pairs escaped from captivity in 1948. A significant drop in the Red Squirrel population has been observed since 1970 and it is feared that the Grey Squirrel may expand into the rest of Europe. The Red Squirrel is protected in most of Europe although in some areas it is abundant and is hunted for its fur. In the UK there are several active projects to protect the Red Squirrel and its native woodland habitat, introduce or re-introduce it in to areas where it is absent and eradicate and prevent the spread of the Grey Squirrel. Research undertaken in 2007 in the UK credits the Pine Marten with reducing the population of the invasive Grey Squirrel. Where the range of the expanding Pine Marten population meets that of the Grey Squirrel, the population of the latter retreats. It is theorised that, because the Grey Squirrel spends more time on the ground than the Red Squirrel, it is far more likely to come in contact with the Pine Marten. Date: 22nd September 2016 Location: Mingarry Lodges, Mingarry, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48482984.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_248731162640a3e0365588.jpgSnow Bunting Snow Buntings are large buntings with striking “snowy” plumages. Males in summer have all white heads and underparts contrasting with a black mantle and wing tips. Females are a more mottled above. In autumn and winter birds develop a sandy/buff wash to their plumage and males have more mottled upperparts. Snow Buntings breed in far northern Europe and migrate south in winter. They are a very scarce breeding species in the UK and can be found on the highest mountain peaks in Scotland where they nest in rocky crevices. Snow Buntings are best looked for in winter (from late September to early March) where they can sometimes be seen in large flocks on the seashore or on adjacent short rough grassland at coastal sites in Scotland and eastern England. Date: 31st January 2023 Location: Cley-next-the-Sea, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31837546.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1981474403595624f9e26fc3.10323992.jpgOtter The Eurasian Otter, also known as the European Otter, Eurasian River Otter, Common Otter and Old World Otter and commonly known as the Otter, is a semi-aquatic mammal and the most widely distributed member of the Otter sub-family of the Weasel family (Mustelidae). The Otter is a typical species of the Otter sub-family and is brown above and cream below. It is 22.5 to 37.5 inches long excluding a tail of 14 to 17.5 inches. The female is shorter than the male. The Otter's average body weight is 15 to 26 pounds, although occasionally a large old male may reach up to 37 pounds. The Otter differs from the North American River Otter by its shorter neck, broader face, the greater space between the ears and its longer tail. However, it is the only Otter species in much of its range so it is rarely confused for any other animal. The Otter is the most widely distributed Otter species and its range including parts of Asia and Africa as well as being widespread across Europe. The Otter can be found throughout most of the UK with the highest densities in Scotland, especially the islands and the north west coast, Wales, parts of East Anglia and the West Country. The Otter declined across its range in the second half of the 20th century primarily due to pollution, habitat loss and hunting. However, populations are now recovering in many parts of Europe. In the UK the number of sites with an Otter presence increased by 55% between 1994 and 2002. In August 2011, the Environment Agency announced that the Otter had returned to every county in England since vanishing from every county except the West Country and parts of Northern England. The recovery of the Otter population in Europe is due to a ban on the most harmful pesticides that has been in place since 1979, improvements in water quality leading to increases in prey populations and direct legal protection under the European Union Habitats Directive and national legislation in several European countries. In general, the Otter’s varied and adaptable diet means that it can be found on any unpolluted body of fresh water, including lakes, streams, rivers and ponds, as long as the food supply is adequate. It can also be found along the coast in salt water but it requires regular access to fresh water to clean its fur. When living in the sea it is sometimes referred to as a "Sea Otter" but it should not be confused with the true Sea Otter which is a North American species much more strongly adapted to a marine existence. The Otter's diet mainly consists of fish. However, during the winter and in colder environments, fish consumption is significantly lower and other sources of food are eaten including amphibians, crustaceans, insects, birds and small mammals. Hunting mainly takes place at night whilst the day is usually spent in the Otter's holt (den). The Otter is strongly territorial and is primarily solitary. An individual's territory may vary between 1 and 25 miles with the length of the territory depending on the density of food available and the width of the water suitable for hunting (it is shorter on coasts, where the available width is much wider and longer on narrower rivers). The Otter uses its spraints to mark its territory. Territories are only held against members of the same sex so those of males and females may overlap. The Otter is a non-seasonal breeder and males and females will breed at any time of the year. It has been found that their mating season is most likely determined simply by the Otters' reproductive maturity and physiological state. Female Otters are sexually mature between 18 and 24 months old and the average age of first breeding is found to be 2.5 years old. Gestation is 60 to 64 days and after the gestation period, 1 to 4 pups are born which remain dependent on the mother for about 13 months. The male plays no direct role in parental care although the territory of a female with her pups is usually entirely within that of the male. Date: 25th June 2017 Location: Loch na Keal, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31045362.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1793170955909a1a0c12ec3.94415152.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 19th April 2017 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17408575.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1105751233513328e92d90a.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 15th January 2013 Location: Mersehead RSPB reserve, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49903305.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_59561821265042f61b441a.jpgCommon Blue Flight period: June to September. The Common Blue is the UK’s most widespread and common blue butterfly although it has suffered some local declines due to habitat loss. They can be found in sunny, sheltered areas including downland, roadside verges, woodland clearings and rural gardens. Date: 15th August 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28102076.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10656439985777a149275db.jpgCommon Buzzard The Common Buzzard is a member of the genus [I]Buteo[/I] and the family [i]Accipitridae[/i], a group of medium-sized raptors with robust bodies and broad wings. The [I]Buteo[/I] species of Eurasia and Africa are usually commonly referred to as buzzards whilst those in the Americas are called hawks. Under current classification, the genus [I]Buteo[/I] includes approximately 28 species. The Common Buzzard includes between 7 to 16 sub-species and the western [i]Buteo[/i] group includes [i]Buteo buteo buteo[/i] which is found more or less continuously throughout Europe including the UK. The Common Buzzard is a medium-sized raptor that is highly variable in plumage. It is distinctly round headed with a somewhat slender bill and it has relatively long wings that either reach or fall slightly short of the tail tip when perched, a fairly short tail and somewhat short and mainly bare tarsi. It can appear fairly compact in overall appearance but may also appear large relative to other commoner raptors such as the Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. The Common Buzzard measures between 16 and 23 inches in length with a 3 feet 7 inches to 4 feet 7 inches wingspan. Females average about 2 to 7% larger than males in length and weigh about 15% more. Body mass can show considerable variation from 0.94 to 2.6 pounds in males and 1.07 to 3.02 pounds in females. In Europe, the Common Buzzard is typically dark brown above and on the upperside of the head and mantle but this can become paler and warmer brown with worn plumage. Usually the tail will be narrowly barred grey-brown and dark brown with a pale tip and a broad dark subterminal band but the tail in the palest birds can show a varying amount of white and a reduced sub-terminal band or even appear almost all white. The underside colouring can be variable but typically shows a brown-streaked white throat with a somewhat darker chest. A pale U across the breast is often present followed by a pale line running down the belly which separates the dark areas on the breast side and flanks. These pale areas tend to have highly variable markings that form irregular bars. Juveniles are quite similar to adults and are best told apart by having a paler eye, a narrower sub-terminal band on the tail and underside markings that appear as streaks rather than bars. Beyond the typical mid-range brownish Common Buzzard, birds in Europe can range from almost uniform black-brown above to mainly white. Extreme dark individuals may range from chocolate-brown to blackish with almost no pale colour showing but with a variable or faded U on the breast and with or without faint lighter brown throat streaks. Extreme pale individuals are largely whitish with variable widely spaced streaks or arrowheads of light brown about the mid-chest and flanks and may or may not show dark feather-centres on the head, wing-coverts and sometimes all but part of the mantle. Individuals can show nearly endless variation of colours and hues in between these extremes and the Common Buzzard is among the most variably plumaged diurnal raptors for this reason. The Common Buzzard is often confused with other raptors especially in flight or at a distance including other [i]Buteo[/i] species such as Rough-legged Buzzard and Long-legged Buzzard and also Honey Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, Golden Eagle, Booted Eagle and Short-toed Eagle. The Common Buzzard is found throughout several islands in the eastern Atlantic islands, including the Canary Islands and the Azores, and almost throughout Europe. In the UK, it is found in Northern Ireland and in nearly every part of Scotland and England. In mainland Europe, there are no substantial gaps in the range from Portugal and Spain to Greece, Estonia, Belarus and the Ukraine, although it is present mainly only in the breeding season in much of the eastern half of the latter 3 countries. It is also present in all larger Mediterranean islands such as Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily and Crete. Further north in to Scandinavia, it is found mainly in south Norway, the southern half of Sweden and in the southern two-thirds of Finland. The Common Buzzard reaches its northern limit as a breeder in far eastern Finland and over the border in to European Russia and nearly to the Kola Peninsula. In these northern limits, the Common Buzzard is present typically only in summer. The Common Buzzard generally inhabits the interface of woodlands and open ground and typically lives in forest edge, small broad-leaved, coniferous or mixed woodlands with adjacent grassland, arable fields or other farmland and open moorland as long as there are some trees. It is absent from treeless tundra and sporadic or rare in treeless steppe. The Common Buzzard can be found from sea level to elevations of 6600 feet although it breeds mostly below 3300 feet. It can winter to an elevation of 8200 feet and migrates easily at 14,800 feet. The Common Buzzard is a partial migrant. Autumn and spring movements are subject to extensive variation, even down to the individual level, based on a region's food resources, competition (both from other Common Buzzards and other predators), the extent of human disturbance and weather conditions. Short distance movements are the norm for juveniles and some adults in autumn and winter but more adults in central and south Europe and the UK remain in their year-around areas than do not. The Common Buzzard is a typical [I]Buteo[/I] in much of its behaviour. It is most often seen effortlessly soaring for extended periods at varying heights although it can appear laborious and heavy in level flight. It is also often seen perched prominently on tree tops, bare branches, telegraph poles, fence posts, rocks or ledges or alternatively well inside the tree canopy. It will also stand and forage on the ground. The Common Buzzard is a generalist predator which hunts a wide variety of prey given the opportunity. The prey extents to a wide variety of vertebrates including mammals, birds (from any age from eggs to adult birds), reptiles, amphibians and fish as well as to various invertebrates, mostly insects. In total, well over 300 prey species are known to be taken by the Common Buzzard. However, dietary studies have shown that it mostly preys upon small mammals, mainly small rodents. Furthermore, prey size can vary from tiny beetles, caterpillars and ants to large adult grouse and Rabbits up to nearly twice their body mass. At times, the Common Buzzard will also subsist partially on carrion, usually of dead mammals or fish. Hunting in relatively open areas has been found to increase hunting success whereas more complete shrub cover lowered success. A majority of prey is taken by dropping from a perch and is normally taken on the ground. Prey may also be hunted in a low flight, by random glides or soars or by foraging on the ground. The home range of the Common Buzzard is generally 0.19 to 0.77 square miles and the size of the breeding territory seems to be correlated with food supply. The territory is maintained through flight displays and in Europe territorial behaviour usually starts in February. However, displays are not uncommon throughout the year in resident pairs, especially by males, and can elicit similar displays by their neighbours. In the display, the Common Buzzard generally engages in high circling, spiraling upward on slightly raised wings. Mutual high circling by pairs sometimes goes on at length, especially during the period prior to or during breeding season. During the mutual displays, the male may engage in exaggerated deep flapping or zig-zag tumbling, apparently in response to the female being too distant. Several pairs may circle together at times and as many as 14 individual adults have been recorded over established display sites. Sky-dancing by the Common Buzzard has been recorded in spring and autumn, typically by the male but sometimes by the female, nearly always with much calling. Sky-dances are of the rollercoaster type, with an upward sweep of up to 100 feet until the bird starts start to stall but sometimes embellished with loops or rolls at the top. Next in the sky-dance, the bird will dive at least 200 feet on more or less closed wings before spreading them and shooting up again. These sky-dances may be repeated in series of 10 to 20. In the climax of the sky-dance, the undulations become progressively shallower, often slowing and terminating directly on to a perch. Various other aerial displays include low contour flight or weaving among trees, frequently with deep beats and exaggerated upstrokes which show underwing pattern to rivals perched below. Talon grappling and occasionally cartwheeling downward with feet interlocked has also been recorded. The Common Buzzard tends to build a bulky nest of sticks, twigs and often heather and lined with broad-leaved foliage. Nests are up to 3.3 to 3.9 feet across and 24 inches deep. With reuse over years, the diameter of a nest can reach or exceed 5 feet. Trees are generally used for a nesting location but crags or cliffs are used if trees are unavailable. Nests in trees are usually located by the main trunk at a height of around 10 to 82 feet. Pairs often have 2 to 4 nests in a territory but some pairs may use a single nest over several consecutive years. The breeding season of the Common Buzzard commences at differing times based on latitude. It may fall as early as January to April but typically it is March to July in most of Europe. In the northern limits of the range the breeding season may occur from May to August. Mating usually occurs on or near the nest and eggs are usually laid in 2 to 3 day intervals. The clutch size can range from to 2 to 6 and it appears that local factors such as habitat and food supply are relevant. Eggs are generally laid in late March to early April in the extreme south, sometime in April in most of Europe and in to May and possibly even early June in the extreme north. If eggs are lost to a predator or fail in some other way, replacement clutches are not usually laid although this has been recorded. Incubation lasts for 33 to 35 days and is mostly, but not solely, undertaken by the female. Hatching may take place over 3 to 7 days. Often the youngest nestling dies from starvation, especially in broods of 3 or more. The female remains at the nest brooding the young in the early stages with the male bringing all prey. At about 8 to 12 days, both the male and female will bring prey but the female continues to do all feeding until the young can tear up their own prey. The young are nearly fully feathered rather than downy at about a month of age and can start to feed themselves as well. The first attempts to leave the nest are often at about 40 to 50 days. Fledging occurs typically at 43 to 54 days but in extreme cases as late 62 days. After leaving the nest, the young generally stay close by until full independence 6 to 8 weeks after fledging. Numerous factors may influence the breeding success of the Common Buzzard including the availability of prey populations, habitat, disturbance and persecution levels and competition. The Common Buzzard is one of the most numerous birds of prey in its range and it is the most numerous diurnal bird of prey throughout much of Europe. Date: 12th June 2016 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26270566.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1673001145566554463d750.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 4th December 2015 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17054595.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_198168532750dec2ed30cb9.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 29th October 2012 Location: Strumpshaw Fen RSPB reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623513.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18975591136117e13c722cc.jpgLittle Grebe The Little Grebe, also known as the Dabchick, is the smallest member of the grebe family measuring 9 to 11.5 inches in length. The adult is unmistakable in summer, predominantly dark above with its rich, rufous colour neck, cheeks and flanks and bright yellow gape. The rufous is replaced by a dirty brownish grey in non-breeding and juvenile birds. Juveniles have a yellow bill with a small black tip and black and white streaks on the cheeks and sides of the neck. This yellow bill darkens as the juveniles age, eventually turning black as an adult. The Little Grebe can be noisy with a distinctive whinnying trill. The Little Grebe can be found across Europe, much of Asia down to New Guinea and in most of Africa. It breeds in small colonies in freshwater wetlands with muddy bottoms and edges and still or slow-moving water with plenty of emergent vegetation such as lakes, gravel pits, canals and rivers. Most birds move to more open or coastal waters in winter but it is only migratory in those parts of its range where the waters freeze. Like all grebes, the Little Grebe nests at the water's edge since its legs are set very far back and it can not walk well. Usually 4 to 7 eggs are laid. The young leave the nest and can swim soon after hatching but are often carried on the backs of the swimming adults. The Little Grebe is an excellent swimmer and diver and pursues its fish and aquatic invertebrate prey underwater. It uses the vegetation skillfully as a hiding place. Date: 5th July 2021 Location: RSPB Old Moor, Dearne Valley, South Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084193.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19024155355d308659c73a9.jpgRila Mountains, Sofia Province, Bulgaria The Rila Mountains are a mountain range in south west Bulgaria and constitute the highest mountain range in the country and the Balkans. It is the sixth highest mountain range in Europe after the Caucasus, the Alps, the Sierra Nevada, the Pyrenees and Mount Etna and the highest one between the Alps and the Caucasus. The Rila Mountains are spread over an area of 1015 square miles with an average altitude of 4879 feet. Musala is its highest peak at 9596 feet. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rila-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rila Mountains have abundant water resources and some of the Balkans' longest and deepest rivers originate here including the longest river entirely in the Balkans, the River Maritsa, and the longest river entirely in Bulgaria, the River Iskar. Bulgaria's main water divide separating the Black Sea and the Aegean Sea drainage systems follows the main ridge of the Rila Mountains. The mountain range is dotted with almost 200 glacial lakes such as the renowned Seven Rila Lakes. It is also rich in hot springs in the fault areas at the foothills including the hottest spring in south east Europe in Sapareva Banya. The Rila Mountains have typical layers of montane habitat ranging from river and stream valleys at lower altitudes to mixed deciduous woodland, coniferous forests and Alpine meadows and lakes at higher altitudes and finally to rocky ridges and bare rugged peaks. The biodiversity and the pristine landscapes are protected by the Rila National Park which is among the largest and most valuable protected areas in Europe. It is the largest national park in Bulgaria covering an area of 313 square miles and it was established in February 1992 to protect several ecosystems of national importance. Its altitude varies from 2600 feet near Blagoevgrad to 9596 feet at the peak of Musala. It occupies territory from 4 of the 28 provinces of the country (Sofia, Kyustendil, Blagoevgrad and Pazardzhik) and it includes 4 nature reserves (Parangalitsa, Central Rila Reserve, Ibar and Skakavitsa). The Rila National Park falls within the Rodope montane mixed forests terrestrial eco-region of the Palearctic temperate broadleaf and mixed forest. Forests occupy 206.5 square miles or 66% of the total area. The Rila Mountains also contain the Rila Monastery Nature Park which is among the largest nature parks in Bulgaria covering an area of 97.5 square miles at an altitude between 2460 and 8901 feet. It was established in 1992 as part of the newly founded Rila National Park. In 2000 some territory of the Rila National Park was re-assigned to the Rila Monastery Nature Park and was recategorized as a nature park because by law all lands in national parks are exclusively state owned. Today most of the Rila Monastery Nature Park is owned by the Rila Monastery. The Rila Monastery Nature Park includes one nature reserve, namely the Rila Monastery Forest with an area of 14 square miles or 14% of its total area. The most recognisable landmark in the Rila Mountains is the Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila, better known as the Rila Monastery. This is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria and is situated in the deep valley of the River Rilska River within the Rila Monastery Nature Park at a height of 3763 feet. The monastery is named after its founder, the hermit Ivan of Rila (876 to 946 AD) and houses around 60 monks. Founded in the 10th century, the Rila Monastery is regarded as one of Bulgaria's most important cultural, historical and architectural monuments and is a key tourist attraction for both Bulgaria and south Europe. Due to its outstanding cultural and spiritual value it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. The Rila Mountains are also a popular destination for hiking, winter sports and spa tourism, hosting the nation's oldest ski resort at Borovets as well as numerous hiking trails. Date: 30th May 2018 Location: Malyovitsa, Sofia Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49278548.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19225847426499b19cdffaa.jpgBlue-tailed Damselfly Flight period: mid May to early September. Blue-tailed Damselflies are a widespread and common species of damselfly in much of England, Wales and southern Scotland. They can be found around lakes, ponds, canals and ditches, being less common on flowing water and in exposed and upland sites. They can also tolerate some saline and polluted waters. Date: 12th June 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21955339.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_57535090853da183941331.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28102065.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_60142603157779e49543d4.jpgRed Kites The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include [url=http://www.gigrin.co.uk/]Gigrin Farm feeding centre[/url] near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 12th June 2016 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847487.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_29352890359bd5161ae5ec.jpgDunajec River, Pieniny Mountains, Poland The Pieniny Mountains are a mountain range in the Małopolska province in the south of Poland and the Prešov region in the north of Slovakia. The range is divided in to 3 parts: Pieniny Spiskie and Pieniny Właściwe in Poland and Małe Pieniny in Poland and Slovakia. The Pieniny mountains consist mainly of limestone and dolomite. The highest peak is Wysoka at 3445 feet but the most famous peak is Trzy Korony (Three Crowns), the summit of the Three Crowns Massif at 3222 feet. The massif is an independent but central portion of the Pieniny Mountains consisting of 5 sharp peaks. The summit of Trzy Korony is separated from the surrounding peaks by the Wyżni Łazek Pass which descends in to deep valleys with streams surrounded by forested slopes. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Pieniny Mountains and an observation deck hangs over a 1600 foot precipice with extensive views of the Dunajec River Gorge (Przełom Dunajca) and the vast area of the Pieniny National Park (Pieniński Park Narodowy) and the Tatra National Park (Tatrzański Park Narodowy). Caves are few and rather small in the Pieniny Mountains but rivers and streams are often deeply indented in the rock, creating approximately 15 ravines and gorges. The most famous gorges of the Pieniny mountains are the Dunajec River Gorge (Przełom Dunajca) and the Homole Ravine (Wąwóz Homole). The Dunajec River Gorge (Przełom Dunajca) forms the border between Poland and Slovakia. It is another popular tourist destination in the Pieniny Mountains and wooden raft trips have been organized daily by the Pieniny Gorals ethnic group since the early 19th century when their customers consisted mostly of guests of the nearby Czorsztyn Castle and Niedzica Castle. The trip begins in Sromowce Wyżne-Kąty and ends in Szczawnica, 5 miles downstream and taking 2 to 3 hours. The second leg of the trip is only 3 miles long. It begins in Szczawnica and ends in Krościenko nad Dunajcem. The Dunajec River Gorge makes 7 loops in its length and the surrounding rock cliffs reach 985 feet in height throughout most of its length. The Dunajec River includes a chain of 13 medieval castles dating back to the early 12th century. Most of the castles are in ruin now and some no longer exist at all. The most well known are Czorsztyn Castle and Niedzica Castle, both located on Lake Czorsztyn (Jezioro Czorsztyńskie), a man-made reservoir in the Dunajec river valley. Pieniny National Park (Pieniński Park Narodowy) is a protected area located in the heart of the Pieniny Mountains. It covers an area of 9.06 square miles, of which around 70% is forested. On the Slovakian side of the mountains there is a parallel national park (Pieninský národný park). The idea for the creation of Pieniny National Park arose in 1921 and in the same year a private preserve was created around the ruins of Czorsztyn Castle. In 1928 the Polish government made its first land purchases and in May 1932 a “National Park in the Pieniny” was created covering an area of 2.8 square miles. In 1954, Pieniny National Park was created. Date: 30th May 2017 Location: Dunajec River, Pieniny Mountains, Małopolska province, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41352920.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19730873105f21574290404.jpgRed Admiral Flight period: April to November. The Red Admiral is a familiar and widespread butterfly in the UK although numbers depend on immigration from Europe. It can be found in any flower-rich habitat. Date: 21st July 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084844.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9640513005d30884da68f4.jpgLake Izvorul Muntelui, Neamț County, Romania Lake Izvorul Muntelui, also known as Lake Bicaz, is the largest artificial lake in Romania. It was created after the completion of a dam built between 1950 and 1960 on the River Bistrița. The dam is located just north of the town of Bicaz and is used to generate hydroelectricity at the Bicaz-Stejaru hydro-plant. Lake Izvorul Muntelui has a length of 25 miles an area of 12 square miles and it is an important tourist destination in the area, especially during the summer when boat trips operate. Date: 5th June 2018 Location: view from near Ruginești, Neamț County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26540716.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_131811753156ace65338720.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 31st December 2015 Location: Winterton-Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo440212.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1072103845467dcb627a431.jpgDate: 24th December 2005 Location: Loch Linnhe, Inverness-shire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26541493.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_132604142956aced3167208.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 17th January 2016 Location: Caerlaverock WWT reserve, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26270491.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_764826201566553a6146a8.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 4th December 2015 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49278744.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12224206096499bac7a9301.jpgScarce Chaser Flight period: end May to early August Male Scarce Chasers are dark grey with a light blue abdomen which has a dark grey tip. Females have an orange-brown abdomen with a line of elongated black triangles along the top. The Scarce Chaser can be found in lowland slow-flowing and meandering rivers, large dykes, ponds, lakes and gravel pits with plenty of aquatic vegetation The Scarce Chaser is very localised species in the south and east of the UK and is considered a species of special concern in the UK due to THE loss of its specific ideal habitat. Date: 16th June 2023 Location: RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533196.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_192827147262ca7f39879d3.jpgSmall Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Small Skipper has a rusty orange colour to the wings, upper body and the tips of the antennae. The body is silvery white below and it has a wingspan of 25 to 30 mm. It is very similar in appearance to the Essex Skipper but the undersides of the tips of the antennae are yellow orange in the Small Skipper whereas they are black in the Essex Skipper. The Small Skipper is a common and widespread butterfly in most parts of England and has been expanding its range northwards. It can be found in rough grassland, roadside verges, edges of fields and woodland clearings where it is often seen basking on vegetation or making short buzzing flights among tall grass stems. Date: 22nd June 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26270551.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_399983025665542622aef.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 4th December 2015 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17408571.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1652800385513328d704568.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 15th January 2013 Location: Mersehead RSPB reserve, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37190314.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15097745775c2a15f5233a7.jpgBen More Coigach, Highland Height: Ben More Coigach 2493 feet The Coigach mountains are located at the eastern end of the peninsula north of Ullapool and Loch Broom. Date: 24th June 2018 Location: sunset view from the minor road between Drumrunie and Achiltibuie http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11638728.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_130077754e2fd4c9ab510.jpgJackdaw The Western Jackdaw, also known as the Eurasian Jackdaw, European Jackdaw or simply Jackdaw, is a passerine bird in the crow family. Measuring 13 to 15 inches in length, the Jackdaw is the second smallest member of the crow family. Most of the plumage is a shiny black with a purple or blue sheen on the crown, forehead and secondaries and a green-blue sheen on the throat, primaries and tail. The cheeks, nape and neck are light grey to greyish-silver and the underparts are slate-grey. The legs are black as is the short stout bill. The irises of adults are greyish or silvery white while those of juveniles are light blue, becoming brownish before whitening at around one year of age. The sexes look alike although the head and neck plumage of male birds fades more with age and wear, particularly just before moulting. Immature birds have duller and less demarcated plumage. The head is a sooty black, sometimes with a faint greenish sheen and brown feather bases visible, the back and side of the neck are dark grey and the underparts greyish or sooty black. The tail has narrower feathers and a greenish sheen. There are 4 recognised geographical subspecies of the Jackdaw, each with slight plumage variations. Within its range, the Jackdaw is generally unmistakable and its short bill and grey nape are distinguishing features. In flight, the Jackdaw is distinguishable from other crows by its smaller size, faster and deeper wingbeats and proportionately narrower and less fingered wing tips. It also has a shorter and thicker neck and a much shorter bill and it frequently flies in tighter flocks. The Jackdaw is a skilled flyer and can manoeuvre tightly as well as tumble and glide. It has characteristic jerky wing beats when flying. On the ground, the Jackdaw has an upright posture and struts briskly with its short legs giving it a rapid gait. The Jackdaw is found from north west Africa, throughout all of Europe, except for the extreme north, and east through central Asia to the east Himalayas and Lake Baikal. To the east, it occurs throughout Turkey, the Caucasus, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and north west India. A small number of Jackdaws reached the north east of North America in the 1980s and have been found from Atlantic Canada to Pennsylvania. The range is vast and there is a large global population. Most populations are resident but the north and east populations are more migratory and relocate to wintering areas between September and November and return between February and early May. The Jackdaw can be found in wooded steppes, pastures, cultivated land, coastal cliffs and towns. It thrives when forested areas are cleared and converted to fields and open areas. Habitats with a mix of large trees, buildings and open ground are preferred. Open fields are left to the Rook and more wooded areas to the Jay. The Jackdaw is highly gregarious and is generally seen in flocks of varying sizes. Flocks increase in size in autumn and birds congregate at dusk for communal roosting with up to several thousand individuals gathering at one site. Males and females pair bond for life and pairs stay together within flocks. Jackdaws will frequently congregate with other crows such as Carrion Crows, Hooded Crows or Rooks. Foraging takes place mostly on the ground in open areas and to some extent in trees. Landfill sites, bins, streets and gardens are also visited, more often early in the morning when there are fewer people about. Various feeding methods are employed, such as jumping, pecking, clod-turning and scattering, probing the soil and occasional digging. The Jackdaw will also ride on the backs of sheep and other mammals such as deer, seeking ticks as well as actively gathering wool or hair for nests. Compared with other crows, the Jackdaw spends more time exploring and turning over objects with its bill. It also has a straighter and less downturned bill and increased binocular vision which are advantageous for this foraging strategy. The Jackdaw is opportunistic and highly adaptable and varies its diet markedly depending on available food sources. It tends to feed on small invertebrates that are found above ground, including various species of beetle as well as snails and spiders. It will also eat small rodents, bats, the eggs and chicks of birds and carrion such as roadkill. Vegetable items consumed include farm grains, weed seeds, elderberries, acorns and various cultivated fruits. The Jackdaw practices active food sharing with a number of individuals regardless of sex or kinship. It also shares more of a preferred food than a less preferred food. The active giving of food by most birds is found mainly in the context of parental care and courtship although the Jackdaw shows much higher levels of active giving than has been documented for other species. The function of this behaviour is not fully understood and several theories have been advanced. Genetic analysis of Jackdaw pairs and offspring shows no evidence of extra-pair copulation and there is little evidence for couple separation even after multiple instances of reproductive failure. Some pairs do separate in the first few months but almost all pairings of over 6 months' duration are lifelong and end only when a partner dies. Widowed or separated birds fare badly and are often ousted from nests or territories and are unable to rear broods alone. The Jackdaw usually breeds in colonies with pairs collaborating to find a nest site which they then defend from other pairs and predators during most of the year. It will nest in cavities in trees or cliffs, in ruined or occupied buildings and in chimneys, the common feature being a sheltered site for the nest. A mated pair usually constructs a nest by improving a crevice by dropping sticks into it. The nest is then built on top of the platform formed. Nest platforms can attain a great size. Nests are lined with hair, wool, dead grass and many other materials. Clutches usually contain 4 or 5 eggs which are incubated by the female for 17 to 18 days until hatching as naked altricial chicks which are completely dependent on the adults for food. The chicks fledge after 28 to 35 days and the parents continue to feed them for another 4 weeks or so. Date: 9th May 2009 Location: Conwy RSPB reserve, Conwy http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308848.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_45504464263ee37d01570c.jpgMoorhen The Moorhen is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird that is usually found near water. From a distance it looks black with a ragged white line along its body. However, closer up it is olive-brown on the back and the head and blue-grey underneath. It has a red bill with a yellow tip. The Moorhen can be found all year round almost anywhere where there is water. They breed in lowland areas particularly in central and eastern England but are scarce in northern Scotland and the uplands of Wales and northern England. UK breeding birds are residents and seldom travel far. Date: 21st January 2022 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21215564.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1334024302537dbfe636317.jpgLittle Egret The Little Egret is a species of small heron. The genus name comes from the Provençal French [i]Aigrette[/i] (egret), a diminutive of [i]Aigron [/i] (heron). The adult Little Egret is 22 to 26 inches long with a 35 to 42 inches wingspan. Its plumage is normally entirely white although there are dark forms with largely bluish-grey plumage. In the breeding season, the adult has 2 long plumes on the nape that form a crest. These plumes are about 6 inches in length and are pointed and very narrow. There are similar feathers on the breast but the barbs are more widely spread. There are also several elongated scapular feathers that have long loose barbs around 8 inches long. During the winter the plumage is similar but the scapulars are shorter and more normal in appearance. The bill is long and slender and both it and the lores are black. There is an area of greenish-grey bare skin at the base of the lower mandible and around the eye which has a yellow iris. The legs are black and the feet yellow. Juveniles are similar to non-breeding adults but have greenish-black legs and duller yellow feet and may have a certain proportion of greyish or brownish feathers. The Little Egret is mostly silent but it does make various croaking and bubbling calls at its breeding colonies and it produces a harsh alarm call when disturbed. The breeding range of the western race of the Little Egret includes south Europe, the Middle East, much of Africa and south Asia. European populations are migratory and mostly travel to Africa although some remain in south Europe. During the late 20th century, the range of the Little Egret expanded northwards in Europe and into the New World. The Little Egret's habitat varies widely and includes the shores of lakes, rivers, canals, ponds, lagoons, marshes and flooded land, the bird preferring open locations to dense cover. On the coast it inhabits mudflats, sandy beaches, mangrove areas, swamps and reefs. The Little Egret is a sociable bird and can be seen in small flocks. However, individual birds do not tolerate others coming too close to their chosen feeding site although this depends on the abundance of prey. The Little Egret uses a variety of methods to find its food. It stalks its prey in shallow water, often running with raised wings or shuffling its feet to disturb small fish, or it may stand still and wait to ambush prey. It also makes use of opportunities provided by Cormorants disturbing fish or humans attracting fish by throwing bread into water. On land, it walks or runs while chasing its prey, often feeding on creatures disturbed by grazing livestock. The diet is mainly fish but amphibians, small reptiles, mammals and birds are also eaten as well as crustaceans, molluscs, insects, spiders and worms. The Little Egret nests in colonies, often with other wading birds such as Cattle Egret, Black-crowned Night Heron, Squacco Heron and Glossy Ibis. The nests are usually platforms of sticks built in trees or shrubs or in reed beds or bamboo groves. Pairs defend a small breeding territory, usually extending around 10 to 13 feet from the nest. The 3 to 5 eggs are incubated by both adults for 21 to 25 days before hatching. The young birds are covered in white down feathers and are cared for by both parents fledging after 40 to 45 days. Globally, the Little Egret is not listed as a threatened species and has in fact expanded its range over the last few decades. The IUCN states that their wide distribution and large total population means that they are a species that cause them "least concern". Historical research has shown that the Little Egret was once present and probably common in the UK but became extinct through a combination of over-hunting in the late mediaeval period and climate change at the start of the Little Ice Age. Further declines occurred throughout Europe as the plumes of the Little Egret and other egrets were in demand for decorating hats. They had been used in the plume trade since at least the 17th century but in the 19th century it became a major craze and the number of egret skins passing through dealers reached into the millions. Hunting, which reduced the population of the species to dangerously low levels, stimulated the establishment of Britain's Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in 1889. By the 1950s, the Little Egret had become restricted to south Europe and conservation laws protecting the species were introduced. This allowed the population to rebound strongly and over the next few decades it became increasingly common in western France and later on the north coast. It bred in the Netherlands in 1979 with further breeding from the 1990s onward. Populations are now mostly stable or increasing in Europe. In the UK, the Little Egret was a rare vagrant from its 16th century extinction until the late 20th century. It has, however, recently become a regular breeding species and is commonly present, often in large numbers, at favoured coastal sites. The first recent breeding record in England was on Brownsea Island in Dorset in 1996 and it bred in Wales for the first time in 2002. The population increase has been rapid subsequently with over 750 pairs breeding in nearly 70 colonies in 2008 and a post-breeding total of 4540 birds in September 2008. Severe winter weather proves only to be a temporary setback and the Little Egret continues to expand both its numbers and range in the UK. Date: 7th May 2014 Location: Conwy RSPB reserve, Conwy http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26270062.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_78404369856654ff1e8962.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 4th December 2015 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo441572.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1758671701467eeae3f1971.jpgDate: 11th June 2006 Location: Ardheslaig near Shieldaig, Wester Ross http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25774136.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1205226141560fb88d64de5.jpgOtter The Eurasian Otter, also known as the European Otter, Eurasian River Otter, Common Otter and Old World Otter and commonly known as the Otter, is a semi-aquatic mammal and the most widely distributed member of the Otter sub-family of the Weasel family (Mustelidae). The Otter is a typical species of the Otter sub-family and is brown above and cream below. It is 22.5 to 37.5 inches long excluding a tail of 14 to 17.5 inches. The female is shorter than the male. The Otter's average body weight is 15 to 26 pounds, although occasionally a large old male may reach up to 37 pounds. The Otter differs from the North American River Otter by its shorter neck, broader face, the greater space between the ears and its longer tail. However, it is the only Otter species in much of its range so it is rarely confused for any other animal. The Otter is the most widely distributed Otter species and its range including parts of Asia and Africa as well as being widespread across Europe. The Otter can be found throughout most of the UK with the highest densities in Scotland, especially the islands and the north west coast, Wales, parts of East Anglia and the West Country. The Otter declined across its range in the second half of the 20th century primarily due to pollution, habitat loss and hunting. However, populations are now recovering in many parts of Europe. In the UK the number of sites with an Otter presence increased by 55% between 1994 and 2002. In August 2011, the Environment Agency announced that the Otter had returned to every county in England since vanishing from every county except the West Country and parts of Northern England. The recovery of the Otter population in Europe is due to a ban on the most harmful pesticides that has been in place since 1979, improvements in water quality leading to increases in prey populations and direct legal protection under the European Union Habitats Directive and national legislation in several European countries. In general, the Otter’s varied and adaptable diet means that it can be found on any unpolluted body of fresh water, including lakes, streams, rivers and ponds, as long as the food supply is adequate. It can also be found along the coast in salt water but it requires regular access to fresh water to clean its fur. When living in the sea it is sometimes referred to as a "Sea Otter" but it should not be confused with the true Sea Otter which is a North American species much more strongly adapted to a marine existence. The Otter's diet mainly consists of fish. However, during the winter and in colder environments, fish consumption is significantly lower and other sources of food are eaten including amphibians, crustaceans, insects, birds and small mammals. Hunting mainly takes place at night whilst the day is usually spent in the Otter's holt (den). The Otter is strongly territorial and is primarily solitary. An individual's territory may vary between 1 and 25 miles with the length of the territory depending on the density of food available and the width of the water suitable for hunting (it is shorter on coasts, where the available width is much wider and longer on narrower rivers). The Otter uses its spraints to mark its territory. Territories are only held against members of the same sex so those of males and females may overlap. The Otter is a non-seasonal breeder and males and females will breed at any time of the year. It has been found that their mating season is most likely determined simply by the Otters' reproductive maturity and physiological state. Female Otters are sexually mature between 18 and 24 months old and the average age of first breeding is found to be 2.5 years old. Gestation is 60 to 64 days and after the gestation period, 1 to 4 pups are born which remain dependent on the mother for about 13 months. The male plays no direct role in parental care although the territory of a female with her pups is usually entirely within that of the male. Date: 25th September 2015 Location: Broadford Bay, Skye, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/european-souslik https://images.on-this.website/4752_11703549335d30768d9deb7.jpgEuropean Souslik The European Souslik or European Ground Squirrel is a rodent and a member of the squirrel family. It and the Spotted Souslik or Speckled Ground Squirrel are the only European representatives of the ground squirrels. The European Souslik is about the size of a Brown Rat with an adult measuring 8 to 9 inches with a weight of 8.5 to 12 ounces. It has a slender build with a short bushy tail. The short dense fur is yellowish-grey tinged with red and with a few indistinct pale and dark spots on the back. The underside is pale with a sandy-coloured abdomen. The large dark eyes are placed high on the head and the small, rounded ears are hidden in the fur. The legs are powerful with sharp claws which are well adapted for digging. Males are slightly larger than females but otherwise they look alike. The European Souslik could be confused with the Spotted Souslik which is found in Poland, Romania, Russia, Belarus and Ukraine but the Spotted Souslik has dark brown fur spotted with white and a thin tail and lives in areas with coarser vegetation. The European Souslik can be found in central and south east Europe where its range is divided by the Carpathian Mountains. Its range includes land at altitudes of up to 2,600 feet in south Ukraine, Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Greece, Romania, Bulgaria, Macedonia and north as far as Poland. It has become locally extinct in Germany and Poland but was reintroduced successfully into the wild in Poland in 2005. The European Souslik has very specific habitat requirements. It needs short turf in order to dig its tunnel system. It finds this on the steppe grasslands and in pasture and on sports fields, parks and lawns. These conditions are lost when changes in agricultural practice convert grassland into arable land and forest or grazing ceases and the grass grows coarse and scrubland develops. Other places with short vegetation that sometimes provides suitable habitat are railway embankments and road cuttings and verges. The European Souslik is listed as being "Vulnerable" by the IUCN in its Red List since the population trend is downward. It is believed that over the last 10 years the population has decreased by more than 30%. The main threats to the European Souslik are the conversion of grassland and pasture to cultivated fields or to forestry and the abandonment of grassland and its reversion to unsuitable tall grass meadows and bushy habitats. Urbanization and road building have sometimes fragmented communities and prevented recolonisation of empty sites. The European Souslik is a colonial animal and it is mainly diurnal. It excavates a branching system of tunnels up to 7 feet deep with several entrances. During the winter it stops up the entrances to its burrow and hibernates in a nest of dry vegetation. Each individual occupies a separate chamber and during this period the body temperature drops to 2°C and the heart rate slows to a few beats per minute. During hibernation, it may wake up briefly for a few days and uses up the fat reserves accumulated during the summer. Hibernation generally lasts from September to March. After emerging from hibernation in the spring, mating takes place during April or May. The gestation period is about 26 days and 5 to 8 young are born in a chamber deep in the burrow. They are naked and blind and their eyes open at about 4 weeks old. The female feeds them for 6 weeks and soon after that they are ready to leave the burrow. They reach maturity the following spring and may live for 8 to 10 years. The European Souslik has a shrill alarm call that will cause all other individuals in the vicinity to dive for cover and when it is out in the open it often sits upright and looks around for predators. These include the Weasel, Fox, domestic cat and some species of birds of prey. The European Souslik feeds on grasses, other plants, flowers, seeds, cultivated crops, insects and occasionally the eggs of ground nesting birds or their chicks. Date: 13th May 2018 Location: Tsenovo, Ruse Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28102058.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_199887839157779b05e7597.jpgRed Kites The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include [url=http://www.gigrin.co.uk/]Gigrin Farm feeding centre[/url] near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 12th June 2016 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/small-prespa-lake-mikri-prespa https://images.on-this.website/4752_1260838060559ce8e62896d.jpgSmall Prespa Lake (Mikri Prespa), West Macedonia, Greece The Prespa lakes constitute 2 freshwater lakes located in the north west corner of Greece and shared by Greece, Albania and Macedonia. Of the total surface area, 68.07 square miles belongs to Macedonia, 17.88 square miles to Albania and 14.05 square miles to Greece. They are the highest tectonic lakes in the Balkans, standing at a height of 2,798 feet. The Prespa lakes are separated by a narrow causeway. The Great Prespa Lake (Megali Prespa) is divided between Albania, Greece and Macedonia. The Small Prespa Lake (Mikri Prespa) is shared only between Greece and Albania. The lakes and the area surrounding them are well known for their natural beauty and they offer a wonderfully rich diversity of habitats, from deep water, shallows, reedbeds, wet meadows, farmland, forests, hills and mountains. The area hosts 40 species of mammals, 260 species of birds, 32 species of reptiles and amphibians and 17 species of fish including a number of endemic species. Date: 14th May 2015 Location: view from near Pyli, West Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13657369.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18360315884ed36f976c702.jpgBadger The European Badger is a species of badger in the mustelid family (which in the UK includes the Otter, Pine Marten, Stoat and Weasel) and it is native to almost all of Europe. The source of the word "badger" is uncertain. The Oxford English Dictionary states it probably dates from the 16th century and derives from "badge", referring to the white mark borne like a badge on the Badger’s forehead. The French word [i]bêcheur[/i] (digger) has also been suggested as a source. The far older name "brock" derives from the Gaelic [i]broc[/i] or Welsh [i]broch[/i] and appears in Old English as [i]brocc[/i]. The Badger is a powerfully built animal with a small head, a thick, short neck, a stocky, wedge-shaped body and a short tail. Its feet are short with 5 toes on each foot. The limbs are short and massive with naked lower surfaces on the feet. The claws are strong, elongated and have an obtuse end which assists in digging. The snout, which is used for digging and probing, is muscular and flexible. The eyes are small and the ears short and tipped with white. Whiskers are present on the snout and above the eyes. Boars (males) typically have broader heads, thicker necks and narrower tails than sows (females) which are sleeker and have narrower, less domed heads and fluffier tails. Adults measure 9.8 to 11.8 inches in shoulder height, 24 to 35 inches in body length and 4.7 to 9.4 inches in tail length. Boars slightly exceed sows in measurements but can weigh considerably more. Weight varies seasonally, growing from spring to autumn and reaching a peak just before the winter. During the summer, the Badger weighs 15 to 29 pounds but this increases to 33 to 37 pounds in the autumn. Sows can attain a top weight of around 38 pounds, while exceptionally large boars have been reported in the autumn with the heaviest verified at 60 pounds. The contrasting black, white, brown and grey markings of the Badger’s fur serve to warn off attackers rather than camouflage as they are conspicuous at night. The colour, coarseness and density of the fur varies seasonally. Although the Badger’s sense of smell is acute, eyesight is monochromatic as has been shown by their lack of reaction to red light. Only moving objects attract their attention. The European Badger is the most social of badgers, forming groups of 6 adults on average, although larger associations of over 20 individuals have been recorded. Group size may be related to habitat composition. Under optimal conditions, Badger territories can be as small as 30 hectares but may be as large as 150 hectares in marginal areas. Badger territories can be identified by the presence of communal latrines and well-worn paths. It is mainly male Badgers that are involved in territorial aggression. A hierarchical social system is thought to exist and large powerful boars seem to assert dominance over smaller males. Large boars sometimes intrude into neighbouring territories during the main mating season in early spring. Sparring and more vicious fights generally result from territorial defence in the breeding season. When fighting, Badgers bite each other on the neck and rump while running and chasing each other and injuries incurred in such fights can be severe and sometimes fatal. However, in general, animals within and outside a group show considerable tolerance of each other. The Badger is usually monogamous and boars typically mate with a single female for life, whereas sows have been known to mate with more than one male. The oestrus cycle in the Badger lasts 4 to 6 days and may occur throughout the year, although there is a peak in spring. Sexual maturity in boars is usually attained at the age of 12 to 15 months but this can range from 9 months to 2 years. Sows usually begin ovulating in their second year, although some exceptionally begin at 9 months. Badgers can mate at any time of the year, although the main peak occurs in February to May. Matings occurring outside this period typically occur in sows which either failed to mate earlier in the year or matured slowly. Delayed implantation following mating can last 2 to 9 months although matings in December can result in immediate implantation. Ordinarily, implantation happens in December with a gestation period lasting 7 weeks. Cubs are usually born in mid-January to mid-March within underground chambers containing bedding. In areas where the countryside is waterlogged, cubs may be born above ground in buildings. The average litter consists of 1 to 5 cubs. Cubs are born pink with greyish, silvery fur and fused eyelids. Newborn Badgers are 5 inches in body length on average and weigh 2.6 to 4.7 ounces, with cubs from large litters being smaller. By 3 to 5 days, claws become pigmented and individual dark hairs begin to appear. Eyes open at 4 to 5 weeks and milk teeth erupt about the same time. Cubs emerge from their setts at 8 weeks of age and begin to be weaned at 12 weeks, although they may still suckle until they are 4 to 5 months old. Subordinate females may assist the mother in guarding, feeding and grooming the cubs. Cubs fully develop their adult coats at 6 to 9 weeks. The Badger can live for up to about 15 years in the wild. The Badger is a burrowing animal. However, the dens it constructs (setts) are complex and are passed on from generation to generation. A sett is almost invariably located near a tree which is used by badgers for stretching or claw scraping. Badgers defecate in latrines which are located near the sett and at strategic locations on territorial boundaries or near places with abundant food supplies. The number of exits in a sett can vary from just a few to 50. Setts can be vast and can sometimes accommodate multiple families. When this happens, each family occupies its own passages and sleeping and nesting chambers. Badgers dig and collect bedding throughout the year, particularly in autumn and spring, and the chambers are frequently lined with bedding brought in on dry nights consisting of grass, bracken, straw, leaves and moss. The Badger is a fastidiously clean animal which regularly clears out and discards old bedding. Along with the Brown Bear, the Badger is among the least carnivorous members of the carnivorous mammals. It is a highly adaptable and opportunistic omnivore whose diet encompasses a wide range of animals and plants. Earthworms are their most important food source, followed by large insects, carrion, cereals, fruit and small mammals including rabbits, mice, shrews, moles and hedgehogs. In addition, a wide variety of insect prey, cereal food, windfall fruit and berries is eaten. Occasionally, the Badger feeds on medium to large birds, amphibians, small reptiles, snails, slugs, fungi, and green food such as clover and grass. The Badger typically eats prey on the spot and rarely transports it to the sett. The Badger has few natural enemies. Wolves, lynxes and dogs can pose a threat although deaths caused by them are rare. It may live alongside the Red Fox in isolated sections of large burrows and the 2 species possibly tolerate each other through the Red Fox providing food scraps to the Badger and the Badger maintaining the shared burrow’s cleanliness. The Badger is native to most of Europe and parts of western Asia west of the Volga river in Russia. The International Union for Conservation of Nature rates the Badger as being of “least concern”. It is abundant and increasing throughout its range, partly due to a reduction in rabies in central Europe. In the UK, the Badger experienced a 77% increase in numbers during the 1980s and 1990s and the population is estimated to be around 300,000. The Badger is found in deciduous and mixed woodlands, clearings, spinneys, pastureland and scrub, including Mediterranean maquis shrubland. It has also adapted to life in suburban areas and urban parks, although not to the extent of the Red Fox. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife, Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13657324.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5044110484ed36dd83e28b.jpgOtter The Eurasian Otter, also known as the European Otter, Eurasian River Otter, Common Otter and Old World Otter and commonly known as the Otter, is a semi-aquatic mammal and the most widely distributed member of the Otter sub-family of the Weasel family (Mustelidae). The Otter is a typical species of the Otter sub-family and is brown above and cream below. It is 22.5 to 37.5 inches long excluding a tail of 14 to 17.5 inches. The female is shorter than the male. The Otter's average body weight is 15 to 26 pounds, although occasionally a large old male may reach up to 37 pounds. The Otter differs from the North American River Otter by its shorter neck, broader face, the greater space between the ears and its longer tail. However, it is the only Otter species in much of its range so it is rarely confused for any other animal. The Otter is the most widely distributed Otter species and its range including parts of Asia and Africa as well as being widespread across Europe. The Otter can be found throughout most of the UK with the highest densities in Scotland, especially the islands and the north west coast, Wales, parts of East Anglia and the West Country. The Otter declined across its range in the second half of the 20th century primarily due to pollution, habitat loss and hunting. However, populations are now recovering in many parts of Europe. In the UK the number of sites with an Otter presence increased by 55% between 1994 and 2002. In August 2011, the Environment Agency announced that the Otter had returned to every county in England since vanishing from every county except the West Country and parts of Northern England. The recovery of the Otter population in Europe is due to a ban on the most harmful pesticides that has been in place since 1979, improvements in water quality leading to increases in prey populations and direct legal protection under the European Union Habitats Directive and national legislation in several European countries. In general, the Otter’s varied and adaptable diet means that it can be found on any unpolluted body of fresh water, including lakes, streams, rivers and ponds, as long as the food supply is adequate. It can also be found along the coast in salt water but it requires regular access to fresh water to clean its fur. When living in the sea it is sometimes referred to as a "Sea Otter" but it should not be confused with the true Sea Otter which is a North American species much more strongly adapted to a marine existence. The Otter's diet mainly consists of fish. However, during the winter and in colder environments, fish consumption is significantly lower and other sources of food are eaten including amphibians, crustaceans, insects, birds and small mammals. Hunting mainly takes place at night whilst the day is usually spent in the Otter's holt (den). The Otter is strongly territorial and is primarily solitary. An individual's territory may vary between 1 and 25 miles with the length of the territory depending on the density of food available and the width of the water suitable for hunting (it is shorter on coasts, where the available width is much wider and longer on narrower rivers). The Otter uses its spraints to mark its territory. Territories are only held against members of the same sex so those of males and females may overlap. The Otter is a non-seasonal breeder and males and females will breed at any time of the year. It has been found that their mating season is most likely determined simply by the Otters' reproductive maturity and physiological state. Female Otters are sexually mature between 18 and 24 months old and the average age of first breeding is found to be 2.5 years old. Gestation is 60 to 64 days and after the gestation period, 1 to 4 pups are born which remain dependent on the mother for about 13 months. The male plays no direct role in parental care although the territory of a female with her pups is usually entirely within that of the male. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13656971.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8325194384ed368cc79278.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the [i]Canidae[/i] family and is a part of the order [i]Carnivora[/i] within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13656934.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5144626964ed3687197182.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the [i]Canidae[/i] family and is a part of the order [i]Carnivora[/i] within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13656917.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10133657594ed3684a4377d.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the [i]Canidae[/i] family and is a part of the order [i]Carnivora[/i] within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13656854.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9763482664ed367bec9c07.jpgRed Squirrel The Red Squirrel or Eurasian Red Squirrel is a species of tree squirrel in the genus [i]Sciurus[/i]. It is an arboreal and primarily herbivorous rodent. The Red Squirrel has a typical head and body length of 7.5 to 9 inches, a tail length of 6 to 8 inches and a weight of 9 to 12 ounces. Males and females are the same size. The Red Squirrel is smaller and lighter in weight than the Grey Squirrel The coat of the Red Squirrel varies in colour with the time of year and its location and there are several different coat colour morphs ranging from black to red. Red coats are most common in the UK but in other parts of Europe and Asia different coat colours co-exist within populations. The underside of the Red Squirrel is always creamy-white in colour. The Red Squirrel sheds its coat twice a year, switching from a thinner summer coat to a thicker, darker winter coat with noticeably larger ear-tufts (a prominent distinguishing feature of this species) between August and November. A lighter, redder overall coat colour, along with the ear-tufts (in adults) and smaller size, distinguish the Red Squirrel from the Grey Squirrel. The long tail helps the Red Squirrel to balance and steer when jumping from tree to tree and running along branches and it may also keep it warm during sleep. The Red Squirrel, like most tree squirrels, has sharp and curved claws to enable it to climb and descend broad tree trunks, thin branches and even house walls and its strong hind legs enable it to leap gaps between trees. The Red Squirrel can be found in the boreal coniferous woods in north Europe and Siberia where it prefers Scots Pine, Norway Spruce and Siberian Pine. In west and south Europe it can be found in broad-leaved woods where the mixture of tree and shrub species provides a better year round source of food. In most of the UK and in Italy, broad-leaved woodlands are now less suitable for it due to the better competitive feeding strategy of the introduced Grey Squirrel. The Red Squirrel makes a drey (nest) out of twigs in a branch-fork, forming a domed structure about 9 to 12 inches in diameter. This is lined with moss, leaves, grass and bark. Tree hollows and woodpecker holes are also used. The Red Squirrel is generally a solitary animal and is shy and reluctant to share food with others. However, outside the breeding season and particularly in winter, several Red Squirrels may share a drey to keep warm. Social organisation is based on dominance hierarchies within and between sexes. Although males are not necessarily dominant towards females, the dominant animals tend to be larger and older than subordinate animals and dominant males tend to have larger home ranges than subordinate males or females. Mating can occur in late winter during February and March and in summer between June and July. During mating, males detect females that are in oestrus by an odour that they produce and, although there is no courtship, the male will chase the female for up to an hour prior to mating. Usually multiple males will chase a single female until the dominant male, usually the largest in the group, mates with the female. Males and females will mate multiple times with many partners. Females must reach a minimum body mass before they enter oestrus and heavy females on average produce more young. If food is scarce breeding may be delayed. Typically a female will produce her first litter in her second year. Up to 2 litters a year per female are possible. Each litter averages 3 young and these are known as kits. Gestation is about 38 to 39 days and the young are looked after by the mother alone and are born helpless, blind and deaf. Their body is covered by hair at 21 days, their eyes and ears open after 3 to 4 weeks and they develop all their teeth by 42 days. Juveniles can eat solids around 40 days following birth and from that point they can leave the nest on their own to find food. However, they still suckle from their mother until weaning occurs at 8 to 10 weeks. The Red Squirrel eats mostly the seeds of trees, fungi, nuts (especially hazelnuts but also beech and chestnuts), berries and young shoots. More rarely, it may also eat bird eggs or nestlings and may occasionally exhibit opportunistic omnivory similar to other rodents. Excess food is put into caches, either buried or in nooks or holes in trees, and eaten when food is scarce. Although the Red Squirrel remembers where it created caches at a better than chance level, its spatial memory is believed to be substantially less accurate and durable than that of the Grey Squirrel. Therefore it will often have to search for them when in need and many caches are never found again. Between 60% and 80% of the active time of a Red Squirrel may be spent foraging and feeding. The active period is generally in the morning and in the late afternoon and evening. It often rests in its nest in the middle of the day to avoid the heat and the high visibility to birds of prey that are dangers during these hours. During the winter, this midday rest is often much more brief or absent entirely although harsh weather may cause it to stay in its nest for days at a time. No territories are claimed between Red Squirrels and the feeding areas of individuals overlap considerably. A Red Squirrel that survives its first winter has a life expectancy of 3 years. Individuals may reach 7 years of age and 10 years in captivity. Survival is positively related to the availability of autumn and winter tree seeds. On average, 75 to 85% of juveniles die during their first winter and mortality is approximately 50% for winters following the first. Predators include small mammals such as the Pine Marten, the Wildcat and the Stoat which all prey on juveniles. Birds, including owls and raptors such as the Goshawk and Common Buzzard, may also prey on the Red Squirrel as will the Red Fox and domestic cats and dogs when it is on the ground. Humans influence the population size and mortality of the Red Squirrel by destroying or altering habitats, by causing road casualties and by introducing non-native populations of the Grey Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel and the Red Squirrel are not directly antagonistic and violent conflict between these species is not a factor in the decline in Red Squirrel populations. However, the Grey Squirrel appears to contribute to the decrease in the Red Squirrel population for several reasons: it carries a disease, the squirrel parapoxvirus, that does not appear to affect its own health but will often kill the Red Squirrel, it can better digest acorns whilst the Red Squirrel cannot access the proteins and fats in acorns as easily and it can put the Red Squirrel under pressure for food resources resulting in it not breeding as often. In the UK, due to the above circumstances, the population has today fallen to 160,000 Red Squirrels or fewer with the majority of these in Scotland. Outside the UK and Ireland, the impact of competition from the Grey Squirrel has also been observed in Italy where 2 pairs escaped from captivity in 1948. A significant drop in the Red Squirrel population has been observed since 1970 and it is feared that the Grey Squirrel may expand into the rest of Europe. The Red Squirrel is protected in most of Europe although in some areas it is abundant and is hunted for its fur. In the UK there are several active projects to protect the Red Squirrel and its native woodland habitat, introduce or re-introduce it in to areas where it is absent and eradicate and prevent the spread of the Grey Squirrel. Research undertaken in 2007 in the UK credits the Pine Marten with reducing the population of the invasive Grey Squirrel. Where the range of the expanding Pine Marten population meets that of the Grey Squirrel, the population of the latter retreats. It is theorised that, because the Grey Squirrel spends more time on the ground than the Red Squirrel, it is far more likely to come in contact with the Pine Marten. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11639916.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13501883914e2fe5378aea3.jpgPheasant The Common Pheasant is native to Asia but it has been widely introduced elsewhere as a game bird. In parts of its range, namely in places where none of its relatives occur such as in Europe (where it is naturalised), it is simply known as the Pheasant. Body weight of the Pheasant can range from 1.1 to 6.6 pounds, with males averaging 2.6 pounds and females averaging 2 pounds The adult male Pheasant is 24 to 35 inches in length with a long brown streaked black tail, accounting for almost 20 inches of the total length. The body plumage is barred bright gold or fiery copper-red and chestnut-brown with an iridescent sheen of green and purple. The wings are white or cream and black-barred markings are common on the tail. The head is bottle green with a small crest and distinctive red wattling. The female Pheasant is much less showy with a duller mottled brown plumage all over and measuring 20 to 25 inches long including a tail of around 8 inches. Juveniles have the appearance of the female with a shorter tail until young males begin to grow characteristic bright feathers on the breast, head and back at about 10 weeks after hatching. There are many colour forms of the male Pheasant, ranging in colour from nearly white to almost black in some melanistic examples. These are due to captive breeding and hybridisation between sub-species reinforced by continual releases of stock from varying sources to the wild. The Pheasant is native to Asia with its original range extending from between the Black and Caspian Seas to Manchuria, Siberia, Korea, mainland China and Taiwan. It can now be found across the globe due to its readiness to breed in captivity and the fact it can naturalise in many climates. At least since the Roman Empire, the Pheasant has been extensively introduced in many places and it has become a naturalised species in Europe, including throughout most of the UK where successive introductions have led to it becoming well adapted to the climate and able to breed naturally in the wild without human supervision on farmland and in copses, heaths, scrub, commons and wetlands. The Pheasant nests solely on the ground in scrapes lined with some grass and leaves, frequently under dense cover or a hedge. Occasionally it will nest in a haystack or in an old nest left by other birds. The male is polygynous and is often accompanied by a harem of several females. A clutch of around 8 to 15 eggs is laid during April to June, sometimes as many as 18 but usually 10 to 12. The incubation period is about 22 to 27 days. The chicks stay near the female for several weeks although they leave the nest when only a few hours old. After hatching they grow quickly, flying after 12 to 14 days and resembling adults by only 15 weeks of age. The Pheasant eats a wide variety of animal and vegetable food including fruit, seeds, grain, mast, berries and leaves as well as a wide range of invertebrates and insects. Small vertebrates like lizards, small mammals and small birds are occasionally taken. The Pheasant is a well-known gamebird and perhaps the most widespread and ancient one in the world. It is one of the world's most hunted birds. The Pheasant is bred to be hunted and it is shot in great numbers in Europe, especially in the UK where they are shot in the open season from 1st October to 1st February. Generally they are shot by hunters employing gun dogs to help find, flush and retrieve shot birds. Pheasant farming is also a common practice and it is sometimes done intensively. Birds are supplied both to hunting preserves/estates and to restaurants. Date: 3rd November 2008 Location: Kildalton, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833586.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1117169452559cecfde1262.jpgLittle Egret The Little Egret is a species of small heron. The genus name comes from the Provençal French [i]Aigrette[/i] (egret), a diminutive of [i]Aigron [/i] (heron). The adult Little Egret is 22 to 26 inches long with a 35 to 42 inches wingspan. Its plumage is normally entirely white although there are dark forms with largely bluish-grey plumage. In the breeding season, the adult has 2 long plumes on the nape that form a crest. These plumes are about 6 inches in length and are pointed and very narrow. There are similar feathers on the breast but the barbs are more widely spread. There are also several elongated scapular feathers that have long loose barbs around 8 inches long. During the winter the plumage is similar but the scapulars are shorter and more normal in appearance. The bill is long and slender and both it and the lores are black. There is an area of greenish-grey bare skin at the base of the lower mandible and around the eye which has a yellow iris. The legs are black and the feet yellow. Juveniles are similar to non-breeding adults but have greenish-black legs and duller yellow feet and may have a certain proportion of greyish or brownish feathers. The Little Egret is mostly silent but it does make various croaking and bubbling calls at its breeding colonies and it produces a harsh alarm call when disturbed. The breeding range of the western race of the Little Egret includes south Europe, the Middle East, much of Africa and south Asia. European populations are migratory and mostly travel to Africa although some remain in southern Europe. During the late 20th century, the range of the Little Egret expanded northwards in Europe and into the New World. The Little Egret's habitat varies widely and includes the shores of lakes, rivers, canals, ponds, lagoons, marshes and flooded land, the bird preferring open locations to dense cover. On the coast it inhabits mudflats, sandy beaches, mangrove areas, swamps and reefs. The Little Egret is a sociable bird and can be seen in small flocks. However, individual birds do not tolerate others coming too close to their chosen feeding site although this depends on the abundance of prey. The Little Egret uses a variety of methods to find its food. It stalks its prey in shallow water, often running with raised wings or shuffling its feet to disturb small fish, or it may stand still and wait to ambush prey. It also makes use of opportunities provided by Cormorants disturbing fish or humans attracting fish by throwing bread into water. On land, it walks or runs while chasing its prey, often feeding on creatures disturbed by grazing livestock. The diet is mainly fish but amphibians, small reptiles, mammals and birds are also eaten as well as crustaceans, molluscs, insects, spiders and worms. The Little Egret nests in colonies, often with other wading birds such as Cattle Egret, Black-crowned Night Heron, Squacco Heron and Glossy Ibis. The nests are usually platforms of sticks built in trees or shrubs or in reed beds or bamboo groves. Pairs defend a small breeding territory, usually extending around 10 to 13 feet from the nest. The 3 to 5 eggs are incubated by both adults for 21 to 25 days before hatching. The young birds are covered in white down feathers are cared for by both parents and fledge after 40 to 45 days. Globally, the Little Egret is not listed as a threatened species and has in fact expanded its range over the last few decades.[5] The IUCN states that their wide distribution and large total population means that they are a species that cause them "least concern". Historical research has shown that the Little Egret was once present, and probably common, in the UK but became extinct there through a combination of over-hunting in the late mediaeval period and climate change at the start of the Little Ice Age. Further declines occurred throughout Europe as the plumes of the Little Egret and other egrets were in demand for decorating hats. They had been used in the plume trade since at least the 17th century but in the 19th century it became a major craze and the number of egret skins passing through dealers reached into the millions. Hunting, which reduced the population of the species to dangerously low levels, stimulated the establishment of Britain's Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in 1889. By the 1950s, the Little Egret had become restricted to south Europe and conservation laws protecting the species were introduced. This allowed the population to rebound strongly and over the next few decades it became increasingly common in western France and later on the north coast. It bred in the Netherlands in 1979 with further breeding from the 1990s onward. Populations are now mostly stable or increasing in Europe. In the UK, the Little Egret was a rare vagrant from its 16th century extinction until the late 20th century. It has, however, recently become a regular breeding species and is commonly present, often in large numbers, at favoured coastal sites. The first recent breeding record in England was on Brownsea Island in Dorset in 1996 and it bred in Wales for the first time in 2002. The population increase has been rapid subsequently with over 750 pairs breeding in nearly 70 colonies in 2008 and a post-breeding total of 4,540 birds in September 2008. Severe winter weather proves only to be a temporary setback and the Little Egret continues to expand both its numbers and range in the UK. Date: 12th May 2015 Location: Lake Kerkini, Central Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26025717.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1450740653563743a680ee4.jpgArctic Tern The Arctic Tern is a seabird of the tern family. The adult plumage is grey above with a black nape and crown and white cheeks. The upperwings are pale grey with the area near the wingtip being translucent. The tail is white and the underparts pale grey. The beak is dark red as are the short legs and webbed feet. Like most terns, the Arctic Tern has high aspect ratio wings and a tail with a deep fork and long tail streamers. Both sexes are similar in appearance. The winter plumage is similar but the crown is whiter and the bills are darker. Juveniles differ from adults having black bill and legs, "scaly" appearing wings and mantle with dark feather tips, dark carpal wing bar and short tail streamers. During their first summer, juveniles also have a whiter forecrown. Whilst the Arctic Tern is similar to the Common and the Roseate Tern, its colouring, profile and call are slightly different. Compared to the Common Tern, it has a longer tail and mono-coloured bill, whilst the main differences from the Roseate Tern are its slightly darker colour and longer wings. The Arctic Tern has a circumpolar breeding distribution covering the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of Europe, Asia and north America. It is strongly migratory and sees 2 summers each year and more daylight than any other creature on the planet. It migrates along a convoluted route from its northern summer breeding grounds to the northern edge of the Antarctic coast for the southern summer and back again about 6 months later. Recent studies have shown average annual roundtrip lengths of 25000 to 50000 miles depending on the route taken and weather and wind conditions. The Arctic Tern is a long-lived bird with many reaching 30 years of age and based on this average it will travel some 1.5 million miles during its lifetime. This is by far the longest migration known in the animal kingdom. Breeding takes place in colonies on coasts, islands and occasionally inland on tundra near water. The Arctic Tern often forms mixed colonies with the Common Tern and Sandwich Tern. As it nests on the ground, the Arctic Tern is vulnerable to predation but it is one of the most aggressive terns and it is fiercely defensive of its nest and young. It will attack humans and large predators, usually striking the top or back of the head. Although it is too small to cause serious injury, it is still capable of drawing blood and repelling many raptorial birds and smaller mammalian predators such as foxes and cats. Other nesting birds, such as auks, often incidentally benefit from the protection provided by nesting in an area defended by Arctic Terns. The diet of the Arctic Tern varies depending on location and time but it usually eats small fish or marine crustaceans by dipping down to the surface of the water to catch prey. While feeding, skuas, gulls and other tern species will often harass the birds and steal their food. Date: 3rd June 2015 Location: Öxarfjörður, north Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/high-tatras-slovakia https://images.on-this.website/4752_59670670259bd506e014c0.jpgHigh Tatras, Slovakia The High Tatras (Vysoké Tatry in Slovakia and Tatry Wysokie in Poland) are a mountain range along the border of northern Slovakia in the Prešov region and southern Poland in the Małopolska province. The High Tatras should not be confused with the Low Tatras which are located south of the High Tatras in Slovakia. The High Tatras occupy an area of 303 square miles, of which about 236 square miles (77.7%) lie within Slovakia and about 68 square miles (22.3%) within Poland. The High Tatras' length, measured in a straight line from the eastern foothills of the Kobylí vrch at 3638 feet to the south western foot of Ostrý vrch at 3700 feet, is 35 miles and strictly along the main ridge, 50 miles. The range is only 12 miles wide. The main ridge of the High Tatras runs from the Slovakian villages of Huty at the western end to the village of Ždiar at the eastern end. The High Tatras, having 29 peaks over 8,200 feet are, with the Southern Carpathians, the only mountain range with an alpine character and habitats in the entire 750 mile length of the Carpathian Mountains system. The 15 highest peaks of the High Tatras are all located in Slovakia with the highest peaks being Gerlachovský štít at 8711 feet, Gerlachovská veža at 8668 feet and Lomnický štít at 8638 feet. Other notable peaks include Kriváň and Rysy. Multiple surveys have ranked Kriváň (8168 feet) as Slovakia's most beautiful peak and it has also been a major symbol in Slovakian ethnic and national activism for the past 2 centuries. A country-wide vote in 2005 selected it to be one of the images on Slovakia's euro coins. Rysy lies on the border between Poland and Slovakia. It has 3 summits: the middle at 8,212 feet, the north western at 8,199 feet and the south eastern at 8,114 feet. The north western summit is the highest point in Poland whilst the other 2 summits are in Slovakia. Since the accession of Poland and Slovakia to the Schengen Agreement in 2007, the border between the countries may be easily crossed at this point. Two thirds of the High Tatras are covered with coniferous and deciduous forests. Alpine meadows, rocky terrain and habitats and extensively used pastures in the foothills occur in the non-forested areas. The High Tatras are one of the most popular places in Slovakia with over 5 million people visiting each year to walk, climb, cycle, ski or snowboard. There are around 375 miles of hiking trails, chairlifts and cable cars, offering breathtaking views of alpine scenery. The High Tatras are protected by law by the establishment of the Tatra National Park, Slovakia (Tatranský národný park) and the Tatra National Park, Poland (Tatrzański Park Narodowy), the first European cross-border national park. In 1992 the Polish and Slovakian national parks were jointly designated a trans-boundary Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. Tatra National Park, Slovakia (Tatranský národný park) is one of the 9 national parks in Slovakia. It protects the Slovakian areas of the High Tatras mountain range in the Eastern Tatras (Východné Tatry) and areas of the Western Tatras (Západné Tatry). The western part of Tatra National Park is situated in the Žilina region and the eastern part in the Prešov region. Tatra National Park covers an area of 284.9 square miles and the surrounding buffer zone covers an area of 118.5 square miles. The highest peak in Slovakia, Gerlachovský štít at 8711 feet, is located within Tatra National Park. Tatra National Park was established in January 1949 and it is the oldest national park in Slovakia. In 1987, a section of the Western Tatras was added to the national park. Since 2004, the national park has been included in the Natura 2000 ecological network, the network of nature protection areas within the European Union. Date: 29th May 2017 Location: High Tatras, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31837541.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_255865075595624d6a14145.15621782.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 24th June 2017 Location: Garbh Eilean wildlife hide near Strontian, Ardnamurchan, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/slovak-karst-national-park-koice https://images.on-this.website/4752_108290464959bd54c72218f.jpgSlovak Karst, Košice region, Slovakia The Slovak Karst (Slovenský kras) is one of the mountain ranges of the Slovenské Rudohorie Mountains which are part of the Inner Western Carpathians. It is located in the Košice Region of southern Slovakia and forms a single limestone karst region with the Aggtelek National Park across the border in Hungary. It is the largest karstic area in central Europe, covering an area of almost 160 square miles. The highest peak is Jelení vrch at 3107 feet. The Slovak Karst is composed of several layers of Mesozoic limestone and dolomite, beneath which there is non-permeable sandstone, limestone and slate. The huge plains and plateaus have many karst formations, such as karst pits with diameters of up to 820 feet and depths of about 150 feet, conical hills and blind valleys, and subterranean features such as deep vertical abysses and a large number of caves. The area also includes karst lakes, the largest of which is Jašteričie jazero (literally Lizard Lake). The area is characterised by rolling hills, limestone gorges, rocky plateaus, oak, hornbeam and beech forests, wet meadows, scrubby grasslands and stream valleys. The activities that dominate the Slovak Karst region are mountain climbing, hiking, cycling, horse riding, winter cross-country skiing and other outdoor activities. Very well signed walking and cycling trails cover the area. One of the most visited places is the Zádiel gorge (Zádielska tiesňava), a National Nautre Resreve in the Slovak Karst National Park (Národný park Slovenský kras) where the Zádielska stream has gouged the mighty karst gorge. The Zadielska gorge is almost 2 miles long, between 985 and 1315 feet deep and the narrowest places in its bottom are only around 30 feet wide. A walking trail (Zádielska dolina) begins near the village of Zadiel and leads up the gorge surrounded by high rock cliffs, caves and waterfalls. The Slovak Karst National Park (Národný park Slovenský kras) was established in March 2002, after being a Protected Landscape Area since 1973. The National Park covers an area of 134 square miles and its buffer zone covers 45 square miles. The Slovak Karst was also the first Slovakian UNESCO Biosphere Reserve when it was included in the UNESCO's Programme on Man and the Biosphere in March 1997. In addition, in 1995, 12 out of 700 caves in the Slovak Karst National Park were recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst). Date: 3rd June 2017 Location: Zádiel gorge (Zádielska tiesňava), Slovak Karst, Košice region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30825176.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_161853163358f34301299080.21960312.jpgMute Swan The Mute Swan is a species of swan native to much of Eurasia. Despite its Eurasian origin, its closest relatives are the Black Swan of Australia and the Black-necked Swan of south America, not the other Northern Hemisphere swans such as the Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan. The name “mute” derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. The adult Mute Swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob at the top of the beak. All Mute Swans are white at maturity although the feathers (particularly on the head and neck) are often stained orange-brown by iron and tannins in the water. Young birds (cygnets) are not the bright white colour of mature adults and their bill is dull greyish-black for the first year. The plumage may range from pure white to grey to buff with grey/buff being the most common. Cygnets typically retain their grey/buff feathers until they are at least 1 year old. On average, the Mute Swan is the second largest waterfowl species after the Trumpeter Swan although the male Mute Swan can easily match or even exceed a male Trumpeter Swan in mass. The adult Mute Swan typically ranges from 55 to 63 inches in length (although it can range in extreme cases from 49 to 67 inches) with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. Males (cobs) are larger than females (pens) and have a larger knob on their bill. The Mute Swan is one of the heaviest flying birds. In several studies from the UK, males were found to average from about 23.4 to 26.2 pounds, with a weight range of 20 to 32 pounds, while the slightly smaller females were found to average about 18.7 to 21.3 pounds, with a weight range of 17 to 23 pounds. The Mute Swan is less vocal than the noisy Bewick's Swan and Whooper Swan although it does make a variety of grunting, hoarse whistling and snorting noises, especially in communicating with their cygnets and threatening competitors or intruders trying to enter their territory. The most familiar sound associated with the Mute Swan is the vibrant throbbing of the wings in flight which is unique to the species and this can be heard from a range of up to 1 mile. The Mute Swan is found naturally mainly in the temperate areas of Europe across west Asia and as far east as Primorsky Krai in the far east of Russia. It is partially migratory throughout the northern latitudes in Europe and Asia as far south as north Africa and the Mediterranean. It is also often kept in captivity outside its natural range as a decoration for parks and ponds and escapes have occurred. The descendants of such birds have become naturalised in east USA and the Great Lakes region across the USA and Canada border. The Mute Swan population in the UK has increased recently probably due to better protection of this species. Some birds are resident all year whilst others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into east England. Mute Swans nest on large mounds that they build with waterside vegetation in shallow water on islands in the middle or at the very edge of a lake. It is a monogamous species and often reuses the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Males and females share the care of the nest. The female lays from 4 to 10 eggs and broods for around 36 days. Cygnets are unable to fly before an age of 120 to 150 days and this limits the distribution of the species in the northern edge of its range since the cygnets must learn to fly before the water freezes. The Mute Swan is usually strongly territorial with just a single pair on smaller lakes although in a few locations where a large area of suitable feeding habitat is found they can be colonial. The largest colonies can hold over 100 pairs such as that at the colony at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset in the UK. Non-mated juveniles up to 3 to 4 years old commonly form larger flocks often at regular traditional sites and these can total several hundred birds. The Mute Swan can be very aggressive in defence of its nest and it is highly protective of its mate and offspring. Most defensive attacks from a Mute Swan begin with a loud hiss and, if this is not sufficient to drive off the predator, are followed by a physical attack. It attacks by smashing at its enemy with bony spurs in the wings accompanied by biting with its large bill. Smaller waterbirds such as ducks are normally grabbed with the bill and dragged or thrown clear. Large waterfowl, such as the Canada Goose, more likely out of competition than in response to potential predation, may be aggressively driven off. The wings of the Mute Swan are very powerful although not strong enough to break an adult man's leg as has been claimed anecdotally. The Mute Swan feeds on a wide range of vegetation, both submerged aquatic plants which they reach with their long necks and by grazing on land. The food commonly includes agricultural crop plants such as oilseed rape and wheat and feeding flocks in the winter may cause significant crop damage, often as much through trampling with their large webbed feet as through direct consumption. Date: 8th April 2017 Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26270315.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10048282905665521224b6a.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 4th December 2015 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9588770.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1669321334db15a17ecdee.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 6th November 2008 Location: Loch Spelve, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17408547.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_295407493513328452f7ff.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 13th January 2013 Location: Pennington Flash, Greater Manchester http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28571443.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_120610860857a8742f1aef4.jpg(Western) Purple Swamphen The Western Purple Swamphen is a chicken-sized bird and a member of the rail family which includes the Coot and Moorhen. With its large feet, bright plumage and red bill and frontal shield it is easily recognisable in its native range of Spain, Portugal, southern France, Sardinia and north Africa to Tunisia. It used to be considered the nominate subspecies of the Purple Swamphen which has now been split in to 6 separate species since 2015. The Western Purple Swamphen makes loud, quick, bleating and hooting calls, which are hardly bird-like in tone, and it is particularly noisy during the breeding season. Despite being clumsy in flight it can fly long distances and it is also a good swimmer, especially for a bird without webbed feet. The Western Purple Swamphen can be found in wet areas such as reedbeds, swamps, lake edges and damp pastures. It often lives in pairs and larger communities. It clambers through the reeds, eating the tender shoots and vegetable-like matter, although it has been known to eat eggs, ducklings, small fish and invertebrates such as snails. It will often use one foot to bring food to their mouth rather than eat it on the ground. The Western Purple Swamphen in the Mediterranean region has declined due to habitat loss, hunting and pesticide use, and requires strict protection. This bird at the RSPB reserve at Minsmere in Suffolk has been claimed as a first record for the UK .... please see [url=http://www.birdguides.com/webzine/article.asp?a=5831]here[/url] and [url=http://www.rspb.org.uk/community/placestovisit/minsmere/b/minsmere-blog/archive/2016/08/02/a-blue-chicken-arrives.aspx]here[/url]. My photos are of poor quality due to the distance of the bird plus tight cropping but they are acceptable as record shots of this remarkable and exceptionally rare bird. My best photo of a Western Purple Swamphen was that taken at Delta de l’Ebre in Catalunya in north east Spain in 2009 .... please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/photo4088350.html]here[/url]. Date: 5th August 2016 Location: Minsmere, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41205432.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19499226435eb96e3ed831c.jpgCanada Goose The Canada Goose belongs to the Branta genus of geese which contains species with largely black plumage distinguishing it from the grey species of the genus Anser. The black head and neck with a white "chinstrap" distinguish the Canada Goose from all other goose species with the exception of the Cackling Goose from north America and the Barnacle Goose which has a black breast and grey rather than brownish body plumage. The 7 sub-species of the Canada Goose vary widely in size and plumage details but all are recognizable as Canada Geese. Of the "true geese" (i.e. the genera Anser, Branta or Chen), the Canada Goose is on average the largest living species. It ranges from 30 to 43 inches in length and with a 50 to 73 inches wingspan. The male usually weighs 5.7 to 14.3 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 8.6 pounds. The female looks virtually identical but is slightly lighter at 5.3 to 12.1 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 7.9 pounds. It is also generally 10% smaller in linear dimensions than the male. The Canada Goose is native to north America where it breeds in Canada and the north USA in a wide range of habitats. The Great Lakes region maintains a very large population. It occurs all year round in the southern part of its breeding range, including most of the eastern seaboard and the Pacific coast. Between California and South Carolina in the south USA and north Mexico, it is primarily present as a migrant from further north during the winter. Outside north America, the Canada Goose has reached north Europe naturally as has been proved by ringing recoveries. It has also been introduced in to Europe and had established populations in the UK in the middle of the 18th century, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany and Scandinavia. Most European populations are not migratory but those in more northerly parts of Sweden and Finland migrate to the North Sea and Baltic coasts. Semi-tame feral birds are common in parks and have become a pest in some areas. In the early 17th century, explorer Samuel de Champlain sent several pairs of Canada Geese to France as a present for King Louis XIII. Canada Geese were first introduced in to the UK in the late 17th century as an addition to King James II's waterfowl collection in St. James's Park. They were also introduced in to Germany and Scandinavia during the 20th century. During the second year of its life, the Canada Goose finds a mate. It is a monogamous species and most couples stay together all of their lives. If one dies, the other may find a new mate. The female lays from 2 to 9 eggs with an average of 5. Both parents protect the nest while the eggs incubate but the female spends more time at the nest than the male. The nest is usually located in an elevated area near water such as streams, lakes and ponds and the eggs are laid in a shallow depression lined with plant material and down. The incubation period, in which the female incubates the eggs while the male remains nearby, lasts for 24 to 28 days after laying. As soon as the goslings hatch, they are immediately capable of walking, swimming and finding their own food (a diet similar to the adults). Parents are often seen leading their goslings in a line, usually with one adult at the front and the other at the back. While protecting their goslings, parents often violently chase away anything from small birds to lone humans who approach, after warning them by giving off a hissing sound and then attacking with bites and slaps of the wings if the threat does not retreat. Although parents are hostile to unfamiliar geese, they may form groups (crèches) of a number of goslings and a few adults. The goslings enter the fledgling stage any time from 6 to 9 weeks of age. Once it reaches adulthood, due to its large size and often aggressive behaviour, the Canada Goose is rarely preyed on although prior injury may make it more vulnerable to natural predators. The lifespan in the wild of birds that survive to adulthood ranges from 10 to 24 years. The UK longevity record is held by a specimen tagged as a nestling which was observed alive at the age of 31. The Canada Goose is primarily a herbivore although it will sometimes eat small insects and fish. Their diet includes grasses, aquatic plants, beans and grains such as wheat, rice, and corn when they are available. In urban areas, it is also known to pick food out of rubbish bins and it will readily take a variety of food from humans in parks. Date: 30th April 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38397321.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20545093635ce127ec97073.jpgSandwich Terns The Sandwich Tern is a medium-large tern, gull-like in appearance but usually with a more delicate, lighter build and shorter, weaker legs. It is very closely related to the Lesser Crested Tern, Chinese Crested Tern, Cabot's Tern and Elegant Tern and it has been known to inter-breed with the Lesser Crested Tern. It is 15 to 17 inches in length with a 33 to 38 inches wingspan. It has long, pointed wings, which gives it a fast buoyant flight, and a deeply forked tail. The upperwings are pale grey and the underparts are white. It has a shaggy black crest. The thin sharp bill is black with a yellow tip and the short legs are black. It looks very pale in flight although the primary flight feathers darken during the summer. In winter, the adult's forehead becomes white. Juveniles have dark tips to their tails and a scaly appearance on their back and wings. The Sandwich Tern has an extensive global range and, whilst population trends have not been quantified, it is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List. For these reasons, it is evaluated as “least concern”. The Sandwich Tern breeds in very dense colonies on coasts and islands and exceptionally inland on suitable large freshwater lakes close to the coast. It nests in a ground scrape and lays 1 to 3 eggs. Unlike some of the smaller white terns, it is not very aggressive toward potential predators, relying on the sheer density of the nests and nesting close to other more aggressive species such as the Arctic Tern and the Black-headed Gull. In the UK, the Sandwich Tern can be seen from late March to September and there are breeding colonies scattered around the UK coasts including the north Norfolk coast and at Minsmere in Suffolk and Dungeness in Kent. The Sandwich tern feeds by plunge-diving for fish, almost invariably from the sea. It usually dives directly and not from a hover favoured by other terns. The offering of fish by the male to the female is part of the courtship display. Date: 10th May 2019 Location: Beaumaris to Penmon, Anglesey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12076182.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11851287784e48d0660d7cb.jpgOtter The Eurasian Otter, also known as the European Otter, Eurasian River Otter, Common Otter and Old World Otter and commonly known as the Otter, is a semi-aquatic mammal and the most widely distributed member of the Otter sub-family of the Weasel family (Mustelidae). The Otter is a typical species of the Otter sub-family and is brown above and cream below. It is 22.5 to 37.5 inches long excluding a tail of 14 to 17.5 inches. The female is shorter than the male. The Otter's average body weight is 15 to 26 pounds, although occasionally a large old male may reach up to 37 pounds. The Otter differs from the North American River Otter by its shorter neck, broader face, the greater space between the ears and its longer tail. However, it is the only Otter species in much of its range so it is rarely confused for any other animal. The Otter is the most widely distributed Otter species and its range including parts of Asia and Africa as well as being widespread across Europe. The Otter can be found throughout most of the UK with the highest densities in Scotland, especially the islands and the north west coast, Wales, parts of East Anglia and the West Country. The Otter declined across its range in the second half of the 20th century primarily due to pollution, habitat loss and hunting. However, populations are now recovering in many parts of Europe. In the UK the number of sites with an Otter presence increased by 55% between 1994 and 2002. In August 2011, the Environment Agency announced that the Otter had returned to every county in England since vanishing from every county except the West Country and parts of Northern England. The recovery of the Otter population in Europe is due to a ban on the most harmful pesticides that has been in place since 1979, improvements in water quality leading to increases in prey populations and direct legal protection under the European Union Habitats Directive and national legislation in several European countries. In general, the Otter’s varied and adaptable diet means that it can be found on any unpolluted body of fresh water, including lakes, streams, rivers and ponds, as long as the food supply is adequate. It can also be found along the coast in salt water but it requires regular access to fresh water to clean its fur. When living in the sea it is sometimes referred to as a "Sea Otter" but it should not be confused with the true Sea Otter which is a North American species much more strongly adapted to a marine existence. The Otter's diet mainly consists of fish. However, during the winter and in colder environments, fish consumption is significantly lower and other sources of food are eaten including amphibians, crustaceans, insects, birds and small mammals. Hunting mainly takes place at night whilst the day is usually spent in the Otter's holt (den). The Otter is strongly territorial and is primarily solitary. An individual's territory may vary between 1 and 25 miles with the length of the territory depending on the density of food available and the width of the water suitable for hunting (it is shorter on coasts, where the available width is much wider and longer on narrower rivers). The Otter uses its spraints to mark its territory. Territories are only held against members of the same sex so those of males and females may overlap. The Otter is a non-seasonal breeder and males and females will breed at any time of the year. It has been found that their mating season is most likely determined simply by the Otters' reproductive maturity and physiological state. Female Otters are sexually mature between 18 and 24 months old and the average age of first breeding is found to be 2.5 years old. Gestation is 60 to 64 days and after the gestation period, 1 to 4 pups are born which remain dependent on the mother for about 13 months. The male plays no direct role in parental care although the territory of a female with her pups is usually entirely within that of the male. Date: 6th November 2007 Location: Bunnahabhain, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13657342.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19574249614ed36e25c6dd6.jpgOtter The Eurasian Otter, also known as the European Otter, Eurasian River Otter, Common Otter and Old World Otter and commonly known as the Otter, is a semi-aquatic mammal and the most widely distributed member of the Otter sub-family of the Weasel family (Mustelidae). The Otter is a typical species of the Otter sub-family and is brown above and cream below. It is 22.5 to 37.5 inches long excluding a tail of 14 to 17.5 inches. The female is shorter than the male. The Otter's average body weight is 15 to 26 pounds, although occasionally a large old male may reach up to 37 pounds. The Otter differs from the North American River Otter by its shorter neck, broader face, the greater space between the ears and its longer tail. However, it is the only Otter species in much of its range so it is rarely confused for any other animal. The Otter is the most widely distributed Otter species and its range including parts of Asia and Africa as well as being widespread across Europe. The Otter can be found throughout most of the UK with the highest densities in Scotland, especially the islands and the north west coast, Wales, parts of East Anglia and the West Country. The Otter declined across its range in the second half of the 20th century primarily due to pollution, habitat loss and hunting. However, populations are now recovering in many parts of Europe. In the UK the number of sites with an Otter presence increased by 55% between 1994 and 2002. In August 2011, the Environment Agency announced that the Otter had returned to every county in England since vanishing from every county except the West Country and parts of Northern England. The recovery of the Otter population in Europe is due to a ban on the most harmful pesticides that has been in place since 1979, improvements in water quality leading to increases in prey populations and direct legal protection under the European Union Habitats Directive and national legislation in several European countries. In general, the Otter’s varied and adaptable diet means that it can be found on any unpolluted body of fresh water, including lakes, streams, rivers and ponds, as long as the food supply is adequate. It can also be found along the coast in salt water but it requires regular access to fresh water to clean its fur. When living in the sea it is sometimes referred to as a "Sea Otter" but it should not be confused with the true Sea Otter which is a North American species much more strongly adapted to a marine existence. The Otter's diet mainly consists of fish. However, during the winter and in colder environments, fish consumption is significantly lower and other sources of food are eaten including amphibians, crustaceans, insects, birds and small mammals. Hunting mainly takes place at night whilst the day is usually spent in the Otter's holt (den). The Otter is strongly territorial and is primarily solitary. An individual's territory may vary between 1 and 25 miles with the length of the territory depending on the density of food available and the width of the water suitable for hunting (it is shorter on coasts, where the available width is much wider and longer on narrower rivers). The Otter uses its spraints to mark its territory. Territories are only held against members of the same sex so those of males and females may overlap. The Otter is a non-seasonal breeder and males and females will breed at any time of the year. It has been found that their mating season is most likely determined simply by the Otters' reproductive maturity and physiological state. Female Otters are sexually mature between 18 and 24 months old and the average age of first breeding is found to be 2.5 years old. Gestation is 60 to 64 days and after the gestation period, 1 to 4 pups are born which remain dependent on the mother for about 13 months. The male plays no direct role in parental care although the territory of a female with her pups is usually entirely within that of the male. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40713553.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16964492805e16f741ca6d7.jpgGoosander The Goosander (or Common Merganser in north America) is a large “sawbill” duck, so called because of its long, serrated bill which is used for catching fish. The Goosander is 23 to 28 inches long with a 31 to 38 inches wingspan and the male is generally slightly larger than the female. The adult male in breeding plumage has a white body with a variable salmon-pink tinge, a black head with an iridescent green gloss, a grey rump and tail and wings which are largely white on the inner half and black on the outer half. Females, and males in "eclipse" non-breeding plumage, are largely grey with a reddish-brown head, white chin and white secondary feathers on the wing. Juveniles are similar to adult females but also show a short black-edged white stripe between the eye and the bill. The bill and legs are red to brownish-red which are brightest on adult males and dullest on juveniles. The Goosander can be found on rivers and lakes in forested areas of Europe, north and central Asia and north America. It is a partial migrant and moves away from areas where rivers and major lakes freeze in the winter but it is a resident where waters remain open. Within Europe, a marked southward spread has occurred from Scandinavia in the breeding range since about 1850, colonising Scotland in 1871 and England in 1941. Since 1970 it has spread across northern England and in to Wales and south west England. In the UK, it can be found all year round in the breeding range but only in winter on lakes, gravel pits and reservoirs across England south of the Humber. Nesting normally occurs in a tree cavity so the Goosander requires mature forest as its breeding habitat. It will also readily use large nest boxes where provided. In places where trees are absent, it will use holes in cliffs and steep, high banks, sometimes at considerable distances from water. The female lays 6 to 17 eggs, but normally 8 to 12, and raises a single brood in a season. The ducklings are taken by the female in her bill to rivers or lakes immediately after hatching where they feed on freshwater invertebrates and small fish fry, fledging when 60 to 70 days old. The Goosander primarily feeds on fish with the serrated edge to its bill helping it to grip its prey. In addition to fish, it will take a wide range of other aquatic prey such as molluscs, crustaceans, worms, insect larvae and amphibians and, more rarely, small mammals and birds. The salmon-pink tinge shown variably by males is probably diet-related and obtained from the carotenoid pigments present in some crustaceans and fish. When feeding, the Goosander will float down a stream or river for a few miles and either fly back again or more commonly fish their way back, diving incessantly the whole way. It will often fish in a group, forming a semicircle and driving the fish into shallow water where they are captured easily. When floating leisurely, it will position itself in the water similar to ducks but it will also swim deep in the water like a Cormorant. When not diving for food, it is usually seen swimming on the water surface, resting on rocks in midstream or hidden among riverbank vegetation or (in winter) resting on the edge of floating ice. Date: 23rd December 2019 Location: Abberton Reservoir, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4267536.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12845519604b522b066b9d8.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 3rd January 2010 Location: Southerness, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42082960.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18906078345faa5bdc845e0.jpgMagpie The Eurasian Magpie, often simply known as the Magpie, is one of several birds in the crow family Corvidae designated as a Magpie. In Europe, Magpie is generally used by English speakers to describe the Eurasian Magpie. The only other species in Europe is the Iberian Magpie or Azure-winged Magpie which is limited to the Iberian peninsula. The adult male Magpie is 17 to 18 inches in length, of which more than half is the tail. The wingspan is 20 to 24 inches. The head, neck and breast are glossy black with a metallic green and violet sheen, the belly and scapulars are pure white, the wings are black glossed with green or purple and the primaries have white inner webs, conspicuous when the wing is open. The graduated tail is black, glossed with green and reddish purple. The legs and bill are black and the iris is dark brown. The plumage of the sexes is similar but the female is slightly smaller. The young resemble the adults but are at first without much of the gloss on the sooty plumage and the tail is much shorter. The Magpie can be found across temperate Eurasia from Spain and Ireland in the west to the Kamchatka Peninsula in the east. It has also been introduced in Japan on the island of Kyushu. The preferred habitat of the Magpie is open countryside with scattered trees and it is normally absent from treeless areas and dense forests. It sometimes breeds at high densities in suburban settings such as parks and gardens and it can often be found close to the centre of cities. The Magpie is normally sedentary and spends winters close to its breeding areas but birds living near the northern limit of their range in Scandinavia and Russia can move south in harsh weather. Some Magpies breed after their first year whilst others remain in non-breeding flocks and first breed in their second year. The Magpie is monogamous and pairs often remain together from one breeding season to the next and generally occupy the same territory in successive years. Mating takes place in spring. In the courtship display, males rapidly raise and depress their head feathers, uplift, open and close their tails like fans and call in soft tones quite distinct from their usual chatter. The loose feathers of the flanks are brought over the primaries, and the shoulder patch is spread so the white is conspicuous, presumably to attract females. Short buoyant flights and chases follow. The Magpie prefers tall trees for their bulky nest, firmly attaching them to a central fork in the upper branches. A framework of sticks is cemented with earth and clay and a lining of the same is covered with fine roots. Above is a stout though loosely built dome of prickly branches with a single well concealed entrance. These huge nests are conspicuous when the leaves fall. Where trees are scarce, though even in well-wooded country, nests are at times built in bushes and hedgerows. In Europe, the eggs are typically laid in April and clutches usually contain 5 or 6 eggs. The eggs are incubated for 21 to 22 days by the female who is fed on the nest by the male. The chicks are brooded by the female for the first 5 to 10 days and fed by both parents. The nestlings open their eyes 7 to 8 days after hatching and their body feathers start to appear after around 8 days and the primary wing feathers after 10 days. Fledging takes place at around 27 days and the parents then continue to feed the young for several more weeks. The parents also protect the young from predators since their ability to fly is poor, making them vulnerable. On average, only 3 or 4 chicks survive to fledge successfully. Some nests are lost to predators but an important factor causing nestling mortality is starvation. Eggs hatch asynchronously and if the parents have difficulty finding sufficient food, the last chicks to hatch are unlikely to survive. The Magpie is omnivorous, eating young birds and eggs, small mammals, insects, scraps and carrion, acorns, grain and other vegetable substances. The Magpie is believed not only to be among the most intelligent of birds but among the most intelligent of all animals. Along with the Jackdaw, the Magpie's nidopallium area of the brain is approximately the same relative size as those in Chimpanzees and humans. Like other corvids, such as the Raven and Carrion crow, the total brain-to-body mass ratio is equal to most great apes and cetaceans. A 2004 review suggests that the intelligence of the corvid family to which the Magpie belongs is equivalent to that of great apes (Chimpanzees, Orangutans and Gorillas) in terms of social cognition, causal reasoning, flexibility, imagination and prospection. The Magpie has an extremely large range and a very large population. The population trend in Europe has been stable since 1980 and there is no evidence of any serious overall decline in numbers so the species is classified by the IUCN as being of “Least Concern”. In Europe, the Magpie has been historically demonized by humans, mainly as a result of folklore, superstition and myth and its reputation as an omen of ill fortune. The Magpie has also been attacked for their role as a predator which includes eating other birds' eggs and their young. However, different studies have reached different conclusions on their impact on the populations of other birds. Date: 15th October 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26041750.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3886617085638b7f4b4fe5.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name <i>Fratercula</i> comes from the Medieval Latin <i>fratercula</i> meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name <i>arctica</i> refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek <i>άρκτος</i> ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name <i>puffin</i> (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Látrabjarg, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/trzy-korony-pieniny-mountains-poland https://images.on-this.website/4752_47940121059bd5167df11c.jpgTrzy Korony, Pieniny Mountains, Poland The Pieniny Mountains are a mountain range in the Małopolska province in the south of Poland and the Prešov region in the north of Slovakia. The range is divided in to 3 parts: Pieniny Spiskie and Pieniny Właściwe in Poland and Małe Pieniny in Poland and Slovakia. The Pieniny mountains consist mainly of limestone and dolomite. The highest peak is Wysoka at 3445 feet but the most famous peak is Trzy Korony (Three Crowns), the summit of the Three Crowns Massif at 3222 feet. The massif is an independent but central portion of the Pieniny Mountains consisting of 5 sharp peaks. The summit of Trzy Korony is separated from the surrounding peaks by the Wyżni Łazek Pass which descends in to deep valleys with streams surrounded by forested slopes. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Pieniny Mountains and an observation deck hangs over a 1600 foot precipice with extensive views of the Dunajec River Gorge (Przełom Dunajca) and the vast area of the Pieniny National Park (Pieniński Park Narodowy) and the Tatra National Park (Tatrzański Park Narodowy). Caves are few and rather small in the Pieniny Mountains but rivers and streams are often deeply indented in the rock, creating approximately 15 ravines and gorges. The most famous gorges of the Pieniny mountains are the Dunajec River Gorge (Przełom Dunajca) and the Homole Ravine (Wąwóz Homole). The Dunajec River Gorge (Przełom Dunajca) forms the border between Poland and Slovakia. It is another popular tourist destination in the Pieniny Mountains and wooden raft trips have been organized daily by the Pieniny Gorals ethnic group since the early 19th century when their customers consisted mostly of guests of the nearby Czorsztyn Castle and Niedzica Castle. The trip begins in Sromowce Wyżne-Kąty and ends in Szczawnica, 5 miles downstream and taking 2 to 3 hours. The second leg of the trip is only 3 miles long. It begins in Szczawnica and ends in Krościenko nad Dunajcem. The Dunajec River Gorge makes 7 loops in its length and the surrounding rock cliffs reach 985 feet in height throughout most of its length. The Dunajec River includes a chain of 13 medieval castles dating back to the early 12th century. Most of the castles are in ruin now and some no longer exist at all. The most well known are Czorsztyn Castle and Niedzica Castle, both located on Lake Czorsztyn (Jezioro Czorsztyńskie), a man-made reservoir in the Dunajec river valley. Pieniny National Park (Pieniński Park Narodowy) is a protected area located in the heart of the Pieniny Mountains. It covers an area of 9.06 square miles, of which around 70% is forested. On the Slovakian side of the mountains there is a parallel national park (Pieninský národný park). The idea for the creation of Pieniny National Park arose in 1921 and in the same year a private preserve was created around the ruins of Czorsztyn Castle. In 1928 the Polish government made its first land purchases and in May 1932 a “National Park in the Pieniny” was created covering an area of 2.8 square miles. In 1954, Pieniny National Park was created. Date: 30th May 2017 Location: Trzy Korony, Pieniny Mountains, Małopolska province, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41187421.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10117519275ea6d3dd11881.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 23rd April 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084066.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9047390365d308562e5a5d.jpgRila Mountains, Kyustendil Province, Bulgaria The Rila Mountains are a mountain range in south west Bulgaria and constitute the highest mountain range in the country and the Balkans. It is the sixth highest mountain range in Europe after the Caucasus, the Alps, the Sierra Nevada, the Pyrenees and Mount Etna and the highest one between the Alps and the Caucasus. The Rila Mountains are spread over an area of 1015 square miles with an average altitude of 4879 feet. Musala is its highest peak at 9596 feet. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rila-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rila Mountains have abundant water resources and some of the Balkans' longest and deepest rivers originate here including the longest river entirely in the Balkans, the River Maritsa, and the longest river entirely in Bulgaria, the River Iskar. Bulgaria's main water divide separating the Black Sea and the Aegean Sea drainage systems follows the main ridge of the Rila Mountains. The mountain range is dotted with almost 200 glacial lakes such as the renowned Seven Rila Lakes. It is also rich in hot springs in the fault areas at the foothills including the hottest spring in south east Europe in Sapareva Banya. The Rila Mountains have typical layers of montane habitat ranging from river and stream valleys at lower altitudes to mixed deciduous woodland, coniferous forests and Alpine meadows and lakes at higher altitudes and finally to rocky ridges and bare rugged peaks. The biodiversity and the pristine landscapes are protected by the Rila National Park which is among the largest and most valuable protected areas in Europe. It is the largest national park in Bulgaria covering an area of 313 square miles and it was established in February 1992 to protect several ecosystems of national importance. Its altitude varies from 2600 feet near Blagoevgrad to 9596 feet at the peak of Musala. It occupies territory from 4 of the 28 provinces of the country (Sofia, Kyustendil, Blagoevgrad and Pazardzhik) and it includes 4 nature reserves (Parangalitsa, Central Rila Reserve, Ibar and Skakavitsa). The Rila National Park falls within the Rodope montane mixed forests terrestrial eco-region of the Palearctic temperate broadleaf and mixed forest. Forests occupy 206.5 square miles or 66% of the total area. The Rila Mountains also contain the Rila Monastery Nature Park which is among the largest nature parks in Bulgaria covering an area of 97.5 square miles at an altitude between 2460 and 8901 feet. It was established in 1992 as part of the newly founded Rila National Park. In 2000 some territory of the Rila National Park was re-assigned to the Rila Monastery Nature Park and was recategorized as a nature park because by law all lands in national parks are exclusively state owned. Today most of the Rila Monastery Nature Park is owned by the Rila Monastery. The Rila Monastery Nature Park includes one nature reserve, namely the Rila Monastery Forest with an area of 14 square miles or 14% of its total area. The most recognisable landmark in the Rila Mountains is the Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila, better known as the Rila Monastery. This is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria and is situated in the deep valley of the River Rilska River within the Rila Monastery Nature Park at a height of 3763 feet. The monastery is named after its founder, the hermit Ivan of Rila (876 to 946 AD) and houses around 60 monks. Founded in the 10th century, the Rila Monastery is regarded as one of Bulgaria's most important cultural, historical and architectural monuments and is a key tourist attraction for both Bulgaria and south Europe. Due to its outstanding cultural and spiritual value it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. The Rila Mountains are also a popular destination for hiking, winter sports and spa tourism, hosting the nation's oldest ski resort at Borovets as well as numerous hiking trails. Date: 30th May 2018 Location: Kocherinovo-Stob area, Kyustendil Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41249288.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11582535965f00b7a4da43e.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 22nd June 2020 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41537249.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10955617775f3cfdfabdf10.jpgKittiwakes The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 4th July 2019 Location: Flåget, Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4267517.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12443204884b522aa37373f.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 3rd January 2010 Location: Southerness, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41187428.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15032668185ea6d4f91db44.jpgCanada Goose The Canada Goose belongs to the Branta genus of geese which contains species with largely black plumage distinguishing it from the grey species of the genus Anser. The black head and neck with a white "chinstrap" distinguish the Canada Goose from all other goose species with the exception of the Cackling Goose from north America and the Barnacle Goose which has a black breast and grey rather than brownish body plumage. The 7 sub-species of the Canada Goose vary widely in size and plumage details but all are recognizable as Canada Geese. Of the "true geese" (i.e. the genera Anser, Branta or Chen), the Canada Goose is on average the largest living species. It ranges from 30 to 43 inches in length and with a 50 to 73 inches wingspan. The male usually weighs 5.7 to 14.3 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 8.6 pounds. The female looks virtually identical but is slightly lighter at 5.3 to 12.1 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 7.9 pounds. It is also generally 10% smaller in linear dimensions than the male. The Canada Goose is native to north America where it breeds in Canada and the north USA in a wide range of habitats. The Great Lakes region maintains a very large population. It occurs all year round in the southern part of its breeding range, including most of the eastern seaboard and the Pacific coast. Between California and South Carolina in the south USA and north Mexico, it is primarily present as a migrant from further north during the winter. Outside north America, the Canada Goose has reached north Europe naturally as has been proved by ringing recoveries. It has also been introduced in to Europe and had established populations in the UK in the middle of the 18th century, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany and Scandinavia. Most European populations are not migratory but those in more northerly parts of Sweden and Finland migrate to the North Sea and Baltic coasts. Semi-tame feral birds are common in parks and have become a pest in some areas. In the early 17th century, explorer Samuel de Champlain sent several pairs of Canada Geese to France as a present for King Louis XIII. Canada Geese were first introduced in to the UK in the late 17th century as an addition to King James II's waterfowl collection in St. James's Park. They were also introduced in to Germany and Scandinavia during the 20th century. During the second year of its life, the Canada Goose finds a mate. It is a monogamous species and most couples stay together all of their lives. If one dies, the other may find a new mate. The female lays from 2 to 9 eggs with an average of 5. Both parents protect the nest while the eggs incubate but the female spends more time at the nest than the male. The nest is usually located in an elevated area near water such as streams, lakes and ponds and the eggs are laid in a shallow depression lined with plant material and down. The incubation period, in which the female incubates the eggs while the male remains nearby, lasts for 24 to 28 days after laying. As soon as the goslings hatch, they are immediately capable of walking, swimming and finding their own food (a diet similar to the adults). Parents are often seen leading their goslings in a line, usually with one adult at the front and the other at the back. While protecting their goslings, parents often violently chase away anything from small birds to lone humans who approach, after warning them by giving off a hissing sound and then attacking with bites and slaps of the wings if the threat does not retreat. Although parents are hostile to unfamiliar geese, they may form groups (crèches) of a number of goslings and a few adults. The goslings enter the fledgling stage any time from 6 to 9 weeks of age. Once it reaches adulthood, due to its large size and often aggressive behaviour, the Canada Goose is rarely preyed on although prior injury may make it more vulnerable to natural predators. The lifespan in the wild of birds that survive to adulthood ranges from 10 to 24 years. The UK longevity record is held by a specimen tagged as a nestling which was observed alive at the age of 31. The Canada Goose is primarily a herbivore although it will sometimes eat small insects and fish. Their diet includes grasses, aquatic plants, beans and grains such as wheat, rice, and corn when they are available. In urban areas, it is also known to pick food out of rubbish bins and it will readily take a variety of food from humans in parks. Date: 21st April 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41187475.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15882701155ea6dfcd7fb39.jpgCanada Goose The Canada Goose belongs to the Branta genus of geese which contains species with largely black plumage distinguishing it from the grey species of the genus Anser. The black head and neck with a white "chinstrap" distinguish the Canada Goose from all other goose species with the exception of the Cackling Goose from north America and the Barnacle Goose which has a black breast and grey rather than brownish body plumage. The 7 sub-species of the Canada Goose vary widely in size and plumage details but all are recognizable as Canada Geese. Of the "true geese" (i.e. the genera Anser, Branta or Chen), the Canada Goose is on average the largest living species. It ranges from 30 to 43 inches in length and with a 50 to 73 inches wingspan. The male usually weighs 5.7 to 14.3 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 8.6 pounds. The female looks virtually identical but is slightly lighter at 5.3 to 12.1 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 7.9 pounds. It is also generally 10% smaller in linear dimensions than the male. The Canada Goose is native to north America where it breeds in Canada and the north USA in a wide range of habitats. The Great Lakes region maintains a very large population. It occurs all year round in the southern part of its breeding range, including most of the eastern seaboard and the Pacific coast. Between California and South Carolina in the south USA and north Mexico, it is primarily present as a migrant from further north during the winter. Outside north America, the Canada Goose has reached north Europe naturally as has been proved by ringing recoveries. It has also been introduced in to Europe and had established populations in the UK in the middle of the 18th century, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany and Scandinavia. Most European populations are not migratory but those in more northerly parts of Sweden and Finland migrate to the North Sea and Baltic coasts. Semi-tame feral birds are common in parks and have become a pest in some areas. In the early 17th century, explorer Samuel de Champlain sent several pairs of Canada Geese to France as a present for King Louis XIII. Canada Geese were first introduced in to the UK in the late 17th century as an addition to King James II's waterfowl collection in St. James's Park. They were also introduced in to Germany and Scandinavia during the 20th century. During the second year of its life, the Canada Goose finds a mate. It is a monogamous species and most couples stay together all of their lives. If one dies, the other may find a new mate. The female lays from 2 to 9 eggs with an average of 5. Both parents protect the nest while the eggs incubate but the female spends more time at the nest than the male. The nest is usually located in an elevated area near water such as streams, lakes and ponds and the eggs are laid in a shallow depression lined with plant material and down. The incubation period, in which the female incubates the eggs while the male remains nearby, lasts for 24 to 28 days after laying. As soon as the goslings hatch, they are immediately capable of walking, swimming and finding their own food (a diet similar to the adults). Parents are often seen leading their goslings in a line, usually with one adult at the front and the other at the back. While protecting their goslings, parents often violently chase away anything from small birds to lone humans who approach, after warning them by giving off a hissing sound and then attacking with bites and slaps of the wings if the threat does not retreat. Although parents are hostile to unfamiliar geese, they may form groups (crèches) of a number of goslings and a few adults. The goslings enter the fledgling stage any time from 6 to 9 weeks of age. Once it reaches adulthood, due to its large size and often aggressive behaviour, the Canada Goose is rarely preyed on although prior injury may make it more vulnerable to natural predators. The lifespan in the wild of birds that survive to adulthood ranges from 10 to 24 years. The UK longevity record is held by a specimen tagged as a nestling which was observed alive at the age of 31. The Canada Goose is primarily a herbivore although it will sometimes eat small insects and fish. Their diet includes grasses, aquatic plants, beans and grains such as wheat, rice, and corn when they are available. In urban areas, it is also known to pick food out of rubbish bins and it will readily take a variety of food from humans in parks. Date: 26th April 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41187419.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18878613075ea6d3bdb01a9.jpgChiffchaff The (Common) Chiffchaff is a common and widespread leaf warbler which is named onomatopoeically for its simple and repetitive chiff-chaff song. The British naturalist Gilbert White was one of the first people to separate the similar looking Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler and Wood Warbler by their songs, as detailed in 1789 in “The Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne. The Chiffchaff is a small, dumpy, 4 inch long leaf warbler. The spring adult has brown-washed dull green upperparts, off-white underparts becoming yellowish on the flanks and a short whitish supercilium. It has dark legs, a fine dark bill and short primary projection (extension of the flight feathers beyond the folded wing). As the plumage wears, it gets duller and browner and the yellow on the flanks tends to be lost and after the breeding season there is a prolonged complete moult before migration. After moulting, both the adult and the juvenile have brighter and greener upperparts and a paler supercilium. When not singing, the Chiffchaff can be difficult to distinguish from other leaf warblers with greenish upperparts and whitish underparts, particularly the Willow Warbler. However, that species has a longer primary projection, a sleeker, brighter appearance and generally pale legs. The Chiffchaff breeds across Europe and Asia east to eastern Siberia and north to about 70°N, with isolated populations in north west Africa, north and west Turkey and north west Iran. It is a migratory species but one of the first passerine birds to return to its breeding areas in the spring and amongst the last to leave in late autumn. When breeding, the Chiffchaff is a bird of open woodlands with some taller trees and ground cover for nesting purposes. In winter, the Chiffchaff uses a wider range of habitats and is not so dependent on trees and is often found near water. There is an increasing tendency to winter in western Europe well north of the traditional areas, especially in coastal south England and the mild urban microclimate of London. The male Chiffchaff returns to its breeding territory 2 or 3 weeks before the female and immediately starts singing to establish ownership and attract a female. When a female is located, the male will use a slow butterfly-like flight as part of the courtship ritual but, once a pair-bond has been established, other females will be driven from the territory. The male has little involvement in the nesting process other than defending the territory. The female's nest is built on or near the ground in a concealed site in brambles, nettles or other dense low vegetation. The domed nest has a side entrance and is constructed from coarse plant material such as dead leaves and grass with finer material used on the interior before the addition of a lining of feathers. The clutch is 2 to 7 (normally 5 or 6) cream-coloured eggs which are incubated by the female for 13 to 14 days before hatching as naked, blind chicks. The female broods and feeds the chicks for another 14 to 15 days until they fledge. The male rarely participates in feeding although this sometimes occurs, especially when bad weather limits insect supplies or if the female disappears. After fledging, the young stay in the vicinity of the nest for 3 to 4 weeks where they are fed by and roost with the female. In the north of the range there is only time to raise one brood due to the short summer but a second brood is common in central and southern areas. Like most leaf warblers, the Chiffchaff is insectivorous and moves restlessly though foliage or briefly hovering. It has been recorded as taking insects, mainly flies, from more than 50 families, along with other small and medium-sized invertebrates. It will also take the eggs and larvae of butterflies and moths. The Chiffchaff has been estimated to require about one third of its weight in insects daily and it feeds almost continuously in the autumn to put on extra fat as fuel for its long migration flight. As with most small birds, mortality in the first year of life is high but adults aged 3 to 4 years are regularly recorded and the record is more than 7 years. Eggs, chicks and fledglings are taken by Stoats, Weasels and crows such as the Magpie and adults are hunted by birds of prey, particularly the Sparrowhawk. The Chiifchaff is also susceptible to poor weather, particularly when migrating, but also on the breeding and wintering grounds. The main effect of humans on the Chiffchaff is indirect through woodland clearance which affects the habitat, predation by cats and collisions with windows, buildings and cars. Date: 23rd April 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41187486.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14548055695ea6dff5600ac.jpgCanada Goose The Canada Goose belongs to the Branta genus of geese which contains species with largely black plumage distinguishing it from the grey species of the genus Anser. The black head and neck with a white "chinstrap" distinguish the Canada Goose from all other goose species with the exception of the Cackling Goose from north America and the Barnacle Goose which has a black breast and grey rather than brownish body plumage. The 7 sub-species of the Canada Goose vary widely in size and plumage details but all are recognizable as Canada Geese. Of the "true geese" (i.e. the genera Anser, Branta or Chen), the Canada Goose is on average the largest living species. It ranges from 30 to 43 inches in length and with a 50 to 73 inches wingspan. The male usually weighs 5.7 to 14.3 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 8.6 pounds. The female looks virtually identical but is slightly lighter at 5.3 to 12.1 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 7.9 pounds. It is also generally 10% smaller in linear dimensions than the male. The Canada Goose is native to north America where it breeds in Canada and the north USA in a wide range of habitats. The Great Lakes region maintains a very large population. It occurs all year round in the southern part of its breeding range, including most of the eastern seaboard and the Pacific coast. Between California and South Carolina in the south USA and north Mexico, it is primarily present as a migrant from further north during the winter. Outside north America, the Canada Goose has reached north Europe naturally as has been proved by ringing recoveries. It has also been introduced in to Europe and had established populations in the UK in the middle of the 18th century, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany and Scandinavia. Most European populations are not migratory but those in more northerly parts of Sweden and Finland migrate to the North Sea and Baltic coasts. Semi-tame feral birds are common in parks and have become a pest in some areas. In the early 17th century, explorer Samuel de Champlain sent several pairs of Canada Geese to France as a present for King Louis XIII. Canada Geese were first introduced in to the UK in the late 17th century as an addition to King James II's waterfowl collection in St. James's Park. They were also introduced in to Germany and Scandinavia during the 20th century. During the second year of its life, the Canada Goose finds a mate. It is a monogamous species and most couples stay together all of their lives. If one dies, the other may find a new mate. The female lays from 2 to 9 eggs with an average of 5. Both parents protect the nest while the eggs incubate but the female spends more time at the nest than the male. The nest is usually located in an elevated area near water such as streams, lakes and ponds and the eggs are laid in a shallow depression lined with plant material and down. The incubation period, in which the female incubates the eggs while the male remains nearby, lasts for 24 to 28 days after laying. As soon as the goslings hatch, they are immediately capable of walking, swimming and finding their own food (a diet similar to the adults). Parents are often seen leading their goslings in a line, usually with one adult at the front and the other at the back. While protecting their goslings, parents often violently chase away anything from small birds to lone humans who approach, after warning them by giving off a hissing sound and then attacking with bites and slaps of the wings if the threat does not retreat. Although parents are hostile to unfamiliar geese, they may form groups (crèches) of a number of goslings and a few adults. The goslings enter the fledgling stage any time from 6 to 9 weeks of age. Once it reaches adulthood, due to its large size and often aggressive behaviour, the Canada Goose is rarely preyed on although prior injury may make it more vulnerable to natural predators. The lifespan in the wild of birds that survive to adulthood ranges from 10 to 24 years. The UK longevity record is held by a specimen tagged as a nestling which was observed alive at the age of 31. The Canada Goose is primarily a herbivore although it will sometimes eat small insects and fish. Their diet includes grasses, aquatic plants, beans and grains such as wheat, rice, and corn when they are available. In urban areas, it is also known to pick food out of rubbish bins and it will readily take a variety of food from humans in parks. Date: 26th April 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12869420.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17459834164e786b47ba80f.jpgLittle Grebe The Little Grebe, also known as the Dabchick, is the smallest member of the grebe family measuring 9 to 11.5 inches in length. The adult is unmistakable in summer, predominantly dark above with its rich, rufous colour neck, cheeks and flanks and bright yellow gape. The rufous is replaced by a dirty brownish grey in non-breeding and juvenile birds. Juveniles have a yellow bill with a small black tip and black and white streaks on the cheeks and sides of the neck. This yellow bill darkens as the juveniles age, eventually turning black as an adult. The Little Grebe can be noisy with a distinctive whinnying trill. The Little Grebe can be found across Europe, much of Asia down to New Guinea and in most of Africa. It breeds in small colonies in freshwater wetlands with muddy bottoms and edges and still or slow-moving water with plenty of emergent vegetation such as lakes, gravel pits, canals and rivers. Most birds move to more open or coastal waters in winter but it is only migratory in those parts of its range where the waters freeze. Like all grebes, the Little Grebe nests at the water's edge since its legs are set very far back and it can not walk well. Usually 4 to 7 eggs are laid. The young leave the nest and can swim soon after hatching but are often carried on the backs of the swimming adults. The Little Grebe is an excellent swimmer and diver and pursues its fish and aquatic invertebrate prey underwater. It uses the vegetation skilfully as a hiding place. Date: 18th September 2011 Location: Cromford Canal, Derbyshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41524252.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12689520365f3a6eba983b2.jpgGatekeeper Flight period: mid-July to early September. The Gatekeeper or Hedge Brown is common and widespread throughout the southern half of the UK. They can be found in areas with hedgerows or in scrubby woodland with wide and sunny rides. Date: 12th August 2020 Location, Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813371.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3498178115d0dde4e4158a.jpgFulmars The (Northern) Fulmar is a highly abundant seabird found primarily in subarctic regions of the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans. Though similar in appearance to gulls, the 2 species of fulmars (Northern and Southern) are in fact members of a different seabird family which include petrels and shearwaters. The Fulmar’s latin name, Fulmarus glacialis can be broken down to the Old Norse word full meaning "foul" and mar meaning "gull". "Foul-gull" is in reference to its stomach oil and also its superficial similarity to gulls. Finally, glacialis is Latin for "glacial" reflecting its extreme northern range. The Fulmar is generally grey and white with a pale yellow and thick bill and bluish legs. However there is both a light morph and a dark morph. Like other petrels, their walking ability is limited but they are strong fliers with a stiff wing action quite unlike the gulls. The Fulmar also looks bull-necked compared to gulls and it has a short stubby bill. The Fulmar is estimated to have between 15 to 30 million mature individuals that occupy a range of around 11 million square miles. Its range increased greatly last century due to the availability of fish offal from commercial fleets but may contract because of less food from this source and climate change. The population increase has been especially notable in the UK. The Fulmar starts breeding at between 6 and 12 years old. It is monogamous, forms long term pair bonds, returns to the same nest site year after year and nests in large colonies. The nest is a scrape on a grassy cliff ledge or a saucer of vegetation on the ground lined with softer material and recently they have started nesting on rooftops and buildings. The Fulmar feeds on shrimp, fish, squid, plankton, jellyfish and carrion as well as refuse. When eating fish, it will dive up to several feet deep to retrieve its prey. Date: 10th June 2019 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26025238.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13101327956373f25dd051.jpgPuffins The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name <i>Fratercula</i> comes from the Medieval Latin <i>fratercula</i> meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name <i>arctica</i> refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek <i>άρκτος</i> ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name <i>puffin</i> (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 3rd June 2015 Location: Tjörnes peninsula/Öxarfjörður, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4267165.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5985050004b52228b9507f.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 29th December 2009 Location: Cairngorm Reindeer Centre, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12759454.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16442875694e71b9bcd9073.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 21st October 2007 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo10926838.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4664198374e0975628d4f9.jpgDate: 11th June 2011 Location: Reiff, Wester Ross http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41205498.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16990380725eb97c0a134bf.jpgMagpie The Eurasian Magpie, often simply known as the Magpie, is one of several birds in the crow family Corvidae designated as a Magpie. In Europe, Magpie is generally used by English speakers to describe the Eurasian Magpie. The only other species in Europe is the Iberian Magpie or Azure-winged Magpie which is limited to the Iberian peninsula. The adult male Magpie is 17 to 18 inches in length, of which more than half is the tail. The wingspan is 20 to 24 inches. The head, neck and breast are glossy black with a metallic green and violet sheen, the belly and scapulars are pure white, the wings are black glossed with green or purple and the primaries have white inner webs, conspicuous when the wing is open. The graduated tail is black, glossed with green and reddish purple. The legs and bill are black and the iris is dark brown. The plumage of the sexes is similar but the female is slightly smaller. The young resemble the adults but are at first without much of the gloss on the sooty plumage and the tail is much shorter. The Magpie can be found across temperate Eurasia from Spain and Ireland in the west to the Kamchatka Peninsula in the east. It has also been introduced in Japan on the island of Kyushu. The preferred habitat of the Magpie is open countryside with scattered trees and it is normally absent from treeless areas and dense forests. It sometimes breeds at high densities in suburban settings such as parks and gardens and it can often be found close to the centre of cities. The Magpie is normally sedentary and spends winters close to its breeding areas but birds living near the northern limit of their range in Scandinavia and Russia can move south in harsh weather. Some Magpies breed after their first year whilst others remain in non-breeding flocks and first breed in their second year. The Magpie is monogamous and pairs often remain together from one breeding season to the next and generally occupy the same territory in successive years. Mating takes place in spring. In the courtship display, males rapidly raise and depress their head feathers, uplift, open and close their tails like fans and call in soft tones quite distinct from their usual chatter. The loose feathers of the flanks are brought over the primaries, and the shoulder patch is spread so the white is conspicuous, presumably to attract females. Short buoyant flights and chases follow. The Magpie prefers tall trees for their bulky nest, firmly attaching them to a central fork in the upper branches. A framework of sticks is cemented with earth and clay and a lining of the same is covered with fine roots. Above is a stout though loosely built dome of prickly branches with a single well concealed entrance. These huge nests are conspicuous when the leaves fall. Where trees are scarce, though even in well-wooded country, nests are at times built in bushes and hedgerows. In Europe, the eggs are typically laid in April and clutches usually contain 5 or 6 eggs. The eggs are incubated for 21 to 22 days by the female who is fed on the nest by the male. The chicks are brooded by the female for the first 5 to 10 days and fed by both parents. The nestlings open their eyes 7 to 8 days after hatching and their body feathers start to appear after around 8 days and the primary wing feathers after 10 days. Fledging takes place at around 27 days and the parents then continue to feed the young for several more weeks. The parents also protect the young from predators since their ability to fly is poor, making them vulnerable. On average, only 3 or 4 chicks survive to fledge successfully. Some nests are lost to predators but an important factor causing nestling mortality is starvation. Eggs hatch asynchronously and if the parents have difficulty finding sufficient food, the last chicks to hatch are unlikely to survive. The Magpie is omnivorous, eating young birds and eggs, small mammals, insects, scraps and carrion, acorns, grain and other vegetable substances. The Magpie is believed not only to be among the most intelligent of birds but among the most intelligent of all animals. Along with the Jackdaw, the Magpie's nidopallium area of the brain is approximately the same relative size as those in Chimpanzees and humans. Like other corvids, such as the Raven and Carrion crow, the total brain-to-body mass ratio is equal to most great apes and cetaceans. A 2004 review suggests that the intelligence of the corvid family to which the Magpie belongs is equivalent to that of great apes (Chimpanzees, Orangutans and Gorillas) in terms of social cognition, causal reasoning, flexibility, imagination and prospection. The Magpie has an extremely large range and a very large population. The population trend in Europe has been stable since 1980 and there is no evidence of any serious overall decline in numbers so the species is classified by the IUCN as being of “Least Concern”. In Europe, the Magpie has been historically demonized by humans, mainly as a result of folklore, superstition and myth and its reputation as an omen of ill fortune. The Magpie has also been attacked for their role as a predator which includes eating other birds' eggs and their young. However, different studies have reached different conclusions on their impact on the populations of other birds. Date: 30th April 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33568406.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12399330645a106b026f631.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 4th November 2017 Location: Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31837499.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14379758605956241c693d41.67479370.jpgRed Grouse The Red Grouse is a medium-sized bird of the grouse family which is found in heather moorland in the UK and Ireland. It is endemic to the UK and has developed in isolation. It is usually classified as a sub-species of the Willow Ptarmigan or Willow Grouse which is found in birch and other forests and moorlands in north Europe, the tundra of Scandinavia, Siberia, Alaska and north Canada. The Red Grouse is differentiated from the Willow Ptarmigan and Rock Ptarmigan by its plumage being reddish brown and not having a white winter plumage. The tail is black and the legs are white. There are white stripes on the underwing and red combs over the eye. Females are less reddish than the males and have less conspicuous combs. Young birds are duller and lack the red combs. The Red Grouse is found across most parts of Scotland, including Orkney, Shetland and most of the Outer Hebrides. It is only absent from urban areas such as in the Central Belt. In Wales there are strong populations of Red Grouse in some places but the range has retracted. It is now largely absent from the far south and the main strongholds are Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons and the Cambrian Mountains. In England the Red Grouse is mainly found in the north in areas such as the Lake District, Northumberland, County Durham, much of Yorkshire, the Pennines and the Peak District as far south as the Staffordshire Moorlands. There is an isolated introduced population on Dartmoor and overspill Welsh birds visit the Shropshire Hills.The typical habitat is upland heather moors away from trees. It can also be found in some low-lying bogs and birds may visit farmland during hard weather. The UK population of the Red Grouse is estimated at about 250,000 pairs. Numbers have declined in recent years and it is now absent in areas where it was once common. Reasons for the decline include disease, loss of heather due to overgrazing, creation of new conifer plantations and a decline in the number of upland gamekeepers. Some predators feed on Red Grouse and there is ongoing controversy as to what effect these have on numbers. The Red Grouse is herbivorous and feeds mainly on the shoots, seeds and flowers of heather. It will also feed on berries, cereal crops and sometimes insects. The Red Grouse is considered a game bird and is shot in large numbers during the shooting season which traditionally starts on August 12th (known as the Glorious Twelfth). Shooting can take the form of “walked up” (where shooters walk across the moor to flush grouse and take a shot) or “driven” (where grouse are driven, often in large numbers, by “beaters” towards the shooters who are hiding behind a line of “butts”). Many moors are managed to increase the density of Red Grouse. Areas of heather are subjected to controlled burning since this allows fresh young shoots to regenerate which are favoured by Red Grouse. In addition, extensive predator control is a feature of grouse moor management and the extent and legality to which it occurs is hotly contested between conservation groups and shooting interests and the subject generates a lot of media attention. The Red Grouse is widely known as the logo of The Famous Grouse whisky and an animated bird is a character in a series of its adverts. It is also the emblem of the magazine “British Birds”. Date: 20th June 2017 Location: Glen Quaich, Perthshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871762.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13475809564eff220a7c731.jpgRed Squirrel The Red Squirrel is an arboreal, omnivorous rodent but unlike some other rodents it is not a direct threat to humans. The coat of the Red Squirrel varies in colour with the time of year and location and there are several different coat colour morphs ranging from black to red. Red coats are most common in the UK whilst in other parts of Europe and Asia different coat colours co-exist within populations. The underside of the Red Squirrel is always white-cream in colour. The Red Squirrel sheds its coat twice a year, switching from a thinner summer coat to a thicker, darker winter coat with noticeably larger ear-tufts (a prominent distinguishing feature of this species) between August and November. A lighter, redder overall coat colour, along with the ear-tufts (in adults) and smaller size, distinguish the Red Squirrel from the Grey Squirrel. The Red Squirrel has a typical head and body length of 7.5 to 9 inches, a tail length of 5.9 to 7.9 inches and a weight of 8.8 to 12 ounces. Males and females are the same size. In comparison the Grey Squirrel has a head and body length of 9.5 to 12 inches and a weight of 14 ounces to 1.8 pounds. The long tail helps the Red Squirrel to balance and steer when jumping from tree to tree and running along branches and may also keep it warm during sleep. Like most tree squirrels, it has sharp, curved claws to enable it to climb and descend broad tree trunks, thin branches and even house walls and its strong hind legs enable it to leap gaps between trees. The Red Squirrel occupies boreal, coniferous woods in northern Europe and Siberia, preferring Scots Pine, Norway Spruce and Siberian Pine. In western and southern Europe they are found in broad-leaved woods where the mixture of tree and shrub species provides a better year round source of food. In most of the UK and in Italy, broad-leaved woodlands are now less suitable due to the better competitive feeding strategy of introduced Grey Squirrels. The Red Squirrel makes a drey (nest) out of twigs in a branch-fork, forming a domed structure which is lined with moss, leaves, grass and bark. Tree hollows and woodpecker holes are also used. The Red Squirrel is generally a solitary animal and it is shy and reluctant to share food with others. However, outside the breeding season and particularly in winter, several Red Squirrels may share a drey to keep warm. Social organization is based on dominance hierarchies within and between sexes. Although males are not necessarily dominant to females, the dominant animals tend to be larger and older than subordinate animals and dominant males tend to have larger home ranges than subordinate males or females. Mating can occur in late winter during February and March and in summer between June and July. During mating, males detect females that are in œstrus by an odour that they produce and, although there is no courtship, the male will chase the female for up to an hour prior to mating. Usually multiple males will chase a single female until the dominant male, usually the largest in the group, mates with the female. Males and females will mate multiple times with many partners. Females must reach a minimum body mass before they enter œstrus and heavy females on average produce more young. If food is scarce breeding may be delayed. Gestation is about 38 to 39 days. Typically a female will produce her first litter in her second year. Up to 2 litters a year per female are possible. Each litter usually contains 3 or 4 young although as many as 6 may be born. The young are looked after by the mother alone and are born helpless, blind and deaf. Their body is covered by hair at 21 days, their eyes and ears open after 3 to 4 weeks and they develop all their teeth by 42 days. Juvenile Red Squirrels can eat solids around 40 days following birth and from that point they can leave the nest on their own to find food. However, they still suckle from their mother until weaning occurs at 8 to 10 weeks. The Red Squirrel eats mostly the seeds of trees, neatly stripping conifer cones to get at the seeds within, fungi, nuts (especially hazelnuts but also beech and chestnuts), berries and young shoots. More rarely, it may also eat bird eggs or nestlings. Excess food is put into caches and is either buried or left in nooks or holes in trees and then eaten when food is scarce. Between 60% and 80% of its active period may be spent foraging and feeding. The active period for the Red Squirrel is in the morning and in the late afternoon and evening. No territories are claimed between Red Squirrels and the feeding areas of individuals overlap considerably. Red Squirrels that survive their first winter have a life expectancy of 3 years. Individuals may reach 7 years of age and 10 years of age in captivity. Around 75 to 85% of juveniles die during their first winter and mortality is approximately 50% during winters following the first. Arboreal predators include small mammals such as the Pine Marten, Wild Cat and Stoat and birds including owls and raptors.The Red Fox, cats and dogs can also prey on the Red Squirrel when it is on the ground. Humans influence the population size and mortality of the Red Squirrel by destroying or altering habitats, by causing road casualties and by introducing non-native populations of the north American Grey Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel and the Red Squirrel are not directly antagonistic and violent conflict between these species is not a factor in the decline in Red Squirrel populations. However, the Grey Squirrel appears to be able to decrease the Red Squirrel population due to several reasons, in particular the transmission of a disease, the squirrel parapoxvirus, that does not appear to affect their health but will often kill Red Squirrels. The Red Squirrel is protected in most of Europe although it is listed as being of "Least Concern" on the IUCN Red List. Although not thought to be under in much of its range, the Red Squirrel has nevertheless drastically reduced in number in the UK, especially after the Grey Squirrel was introduced from north America in the 1870s. Fewer than 140,000 individuals are thought to be left, approximately 85% of which are in Scotland with other populations on the Isle of Wight and Brownsea Island, around Formby on Merseyside, in various other areas in northern England and on Anglesey in Wales. Date: 2nd June 2009 Location: Valtavaara area near Kuusamo, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37431263.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17107277985c6bebeb1f202.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 8th January 2019 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071697.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1949017809664336025f46d.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 4th May 2023 Location: Bwlch Nant yr Arian, Llywernog, Ceredigion http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39081975.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17269519945d3078d3bafcd.jpgGolden Oriole The Golden Oriole is the only member of the oriole family breeding in Northern Hemisphere temperate regions. The male is striking with its bright yellow body and black wings but the female is a drabber green-yellow colour. In flight it looks somewhat like a thrush, strong and direct with some shallow undulating dips over longer distances. The Golden Oriole is a secretive bird which keeps to the high tree canopy and even the male is remarkably difficult to see in the dappled yellow and green leaves of the canopy. It can be heard, most often at dawn, giving its distinctive fluting whistle, [i] or-iii-ole[/i], which is unmistakable once heard. It also gives a screeching call similar to the Jay. The summer breeding range of the Golden Oriole spans from west Europe and Scandinavia east to China and it winters in central and south Africa. It can be found in a range of habitats. In west Europe it prefers open broadleaf forests and plantations, copses, riverine forest, orchards and large gardens. In east Europe it may prefer more continuous forest as well as mixed or coniferous forests. It generally avoids treeless habitats but it may forage there. In its wintering habitat it can be found in semi-arid to humid woodland, tall forests, riverine forest, woodland/savannah mosaic and savannah. In the UK, the Golden Oriole is most often seen as a passage migrant in May and June in a suitable breeding area, particularly large poplar plantations near water. It previously bred in the poplar plantations at Lakenheath RSPB reserve in Suffolk. The Golden Oriole may delay breeding until it is 2 or 3 years old. Males usually arrive at the breeding area several days before the females. The fidelity to a territory or even to a specific nest site suggests that the pair bond may continue from one breeding season to the next. The nest is placed high in a tree towards the edge of the crown. The deep cup-shaped nest is suspended below a horizontal fork of thin branches. It is built by the female but the male will sometimes gather some of the material. The female lays and incubates between 3 and 5 eggs but the male will also incubate for short periods to allow the female to feed. The eggs hatch after 16 to 17 days and the young are fed by both parents but are mostly brooded by the female. The young fledge after 16 to 17 days. The Golden Oriole feeds on insects and fruit. Date: 17th May 2018 Location: Vetren, Silistra Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457652.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_344907747668577741cb4d.jpgRazorbills The Razorbill is a seabird and a member of the auk family which also includes the Common Guillemot, Brunnich's Guillemot and Little Auk. It is also the closest living relative to the Great Auk which is now extinct. The Razorbill has white underparts and a black head, neck, back and feet during the breeding season. A thin white line also extends from the eyes to the end of the bill. Its head is darker than that of the CommonGuillemot. Outside the breeding season, the throat and face behind the eye become white and the white line on the face becomes less prominent. The thick black bill has a blunt end. The adult male and female female are very much alike having only small differences such as wing length. The Razorbill has a horizontal stance and the tail feathers are slightly longer in the centre in comparison to other auks making it have a distinctly long tail which is not common for an auk. The Razorbill is distributed across the sub-arctic and boreal waters of the north Atlantic where water surface temperature are typically below 15°c. The world population is estimated to be less than 1 million breeding pairs, making it among the rarest auks in the world. Approximately 60 to 70% of the entire Razorbill population breeds in Iceland., including over 200,000 pairs at Látrabjarg. The breeding habitat is islands, rocky shores and cliffs on north Atlantic coasts, in eastern North America as far south as Maine and in western Europe from north west Russia to northern France. Eurasian birds winter at sea with some moving south as far as the western Mediterranean. North American birds migrate offshore and south. The Razorbill is a colonial breeder and only comes to land to breed. Individuals only breed at 3 to 5 years of age. Females select their mate and will often encourage competition between males before choosing a partner. Once a male is chosen, the pair will usually stay together for life. Nest site determination is very important to ensure protection of young from predators. Unlike Common Guillemots, nest sites are not immediately alongside the sea on open cliff ledges but at least 4 to 6 inches away in crevices on cliffs or among boulders. Generally a nest is not built although some pairs often use their bills to drag material upon which to lay their single egg. The mating pair will often reuse the same site every year. The Razorbill feeds mainly on schooling fish and crustaceans and it will dive deep into the sea using its wings and its streamlined body to propel itself toward their prey. Whilst diving, it rarely stays in groups but instead spreads out to feed. The majority of feeding occurs at a depth of about 80 feet but it has the ability to dive up to 400 feet below the surface. During a single dive the Razorbill can capture and swallow many schooling fish depending on their size. The Razorbill spends approximately 45% of its time foraging at sea and it may well fly more than 60 miles out to sea to feed. However, when feeding chicks it will forage much closer to the nesting grounds and often in shallower water. The Razorbill and its eggs and chicks have several predators which include Great Black-backed Gulls, Peregrines, Ravens and other crows, Arctic Foxes and Polar Bears. In the early 20th century, Razorbills were harvested for their eggs, meat and feathers and this greatly decreased their population. In 1917 they were finally protected which reduced hunting. Other current threats include oil pollution, unintentional bycatch arising from commercial fishing and overfishing which decreases the abundance of prey. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/scorpion-fly https://images.on-this.website/4752_2025560155f2001f8df521.jpgScorpion Fly The Scorpion Fly is an insect with a black and yellow body, a reddish head with a long beak, dark patches on the wings and a scorpion-like tail which does not sting (the male has two claspers at the end for mating). There are 3 species of Scorpion Fly that occur in the UK which are difficult to tell apart. The Scorpion Fly is widespread and can be found in gardens and hedgerows, along woodland edges particularly among stinging nettles and bramble and on farmland, moorland and heathland. Date: 16th June 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26541485.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_94775617456aced1505556.jpgWater Rail The Water Rail is a member of the rail family. The adult is about 9 to 11 inches long with a 15 to 18 inches wingspan. The upper parts from the forehead to tail are olive-brown with black streaks, especially on the shoulders. The sides of the head and the underparts down to the upper belly are dark slate-blue, except for a blackish area between bill and eye and brownish sides to the upper breast. The flanks are barred black and white and the undertail is white with some darker streaks. The long bill and the iris are red and the legs are flesh-brown. The sexes are similar although the female averages slightly smaller than the male with a more slender bill. Individual adults can be identified by the markings on the undertail which are unique to each bird. Adult males have the strongest black undertail streaks. It has been suggested that the dark barring on the undertail of this species is a compromise between the signalling function of a pure white undertail, as found in open water or gregarious species like the Moorhen, and the need to avoid being too conspicuous. The Water Rail can readily be distinguished from most other reed bed rails by the white undertail and the red bill which is a little longer than the rest of the head and slightly down-curved. The Water Rail is a vocal species which gives its main call, known as "sharming", throughout the year. This is a series of grunts followed by a high-pitched piglet-like squeal and ending in more grunts. It is used as a territorial call, alarm and announcement. Members of a pair may call alternately, the male giving lower and slower notes than the female. Birds are most vocal when setting up a territory and early in the breeding season when calling may continue at night. The Water Rail is a skulking species, its streaked plumage making it difficult to see in its wetland habitat. Its laterally compressed body allows it to slip though the densest vegetation and it will "freeze" if surprised in the open. It walks with a high-stepping gait although it adopts a crouch when it runs for cover. It swims, when necessary, with the jerky motion typical of rails and it flies short distances low with its long legs dangling. Although its flight looks weak, the Water Rail is capable of long sustained flights during its nocturnal migration. The Water Rail breeds across temperate Eurasia from Iceland and the UK discontinuously to north Africa, Saudi Arabia and western China. Its distribution in Asia is poorly studied. It is resident in the milder south and west of its range but migrates south from areas that are subject to harsh winters. It winters within its breeding range and also further south in north Africa, the Middle East and the Caspian Sea area. The peak migration period is September to October with most birds returning to the breeding grounds from March to mid-April. The Water Rail is widely but thinly distributed as a breeding bird across the UK but it is absent from upland areas. It is most abundant in eastern England and suitable habitat along the south coast. Numbers are higher in winter when many birds arrive from Europe. The breeding habitat of the Water Rail is permanent wetland with still or slow-moving fresh or brackish water and dense, tall vegetation. On migration and in winter, a wider range of wet habitats may be used such as flooded thickets or bracken. Freezing condition may force birds into more open locations such as ditches, rubbish dumps and gardens or even out on to exposed ice. The Water Rail is monogamous and highly territorial when breeding. The birds pair off after arriving at their nesting areas or possibly even before spring migration. The pair give courting and contact calls throughout the breeding season. The nest is well hidden and made from whatever wetland vegetation is available. It is built mostly by the male and usually in a single day. It is raised 6 inches or more above water level and is generally constructed on clumps of roots, tree stumps or similar support. It may be built up higher if water levels start to rise. The typical clutch is 6 to 11 eggs across most of the range and the clutch size may be smaller early or late in the breeding season. The breeding season can be extended by replacement and second clutches. Both parents incubate the eggs although the female takes the larger share of this duty. The eggs are incubated for 19 to 22 days to hatching. The downy chicks leave the nest within 2 days of hatching but continue to be fed by their parents, although the chicks also find some of their own food after about 5 days. The chicks are independent of their parents after 20 to 30 days and can fly when aged 7 to 9 weeks. Average survival after fledging has been estimated as between 17 and 20 months with an annual survival rate slightly less than 50% per year for the first 3 years and somewhat higher thereafter. The maximum recorded age is 8 years 10 months. The Water Rail is a versatile and opportunistic forager although it follows definite routes when feeding, frequently returning to good hunting areas. It is omnivorous although it mainly feeds on animals such as leeches, worms, gastropods, small crustaceans, spiders and a wide range of both terrestrial and aquatic insects and their larvae. Small vertebrates such as amphibians, fish, birds and mammals may be killed or eaten as carrion. Plant food, which is consumed more in autumn and winter, includes the buds, flowers, shoots and seeds of water plants, berries and fruit. The Water Rail's numbers are declining but it has a large population and a huge breeding range. In most European countries, the population is either stable or decreasing slightly due to loss of habitat arising from the drainage of marshes, canalisation of water courses, urban encroachment and pollution. Introduced predators such as American Mink are a threat to vulnerable island populations. Date: 17th January 2016 Location: Caerlaverock WWT reserve, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13683347.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14124678174ed73163183c9.jpgHarvest Mouse The Harvest Mouse is the UK’s smallest rodent at around 2 inches long and weighing less than a 2p coin. It has yellow-brown furry upper parts and a whiter underbelly, small ears and a blunt nose, with a long prehensile tail. The Harvest Mouse is mainly found from central Yorkshire southwards. Isolated records from Scotland and Wales probably result from the release of captive animals. Breeding nests are the most obvious sign indicating the presence of the Harvest Mouse. The Harvest Mouse is the only UK mammal to build nests of woven grass well above ground. Nests tend to be found in dense vegetation such as grasses, rushes, cereals, grassy hedgerows, ditches and brambles. They are generally located on the stalk zone of grasses, at least 12 inches above ground in short grasses and up to 3 feet above ground in tall reeds. The size of the nest can vary from only 2 inches in diameter for non-breeding nests to 4 inches in diameter for breeding nests. The Harvest Mouse is an extremely active climber and it feeds in the stalk zone of long grasses and reeds, particularly around dusk and dawn. Their diet contains a mixture of seeds, berries and insects, although moss, roots and fungi may also be taken. They also sometimes take grain from cereal heads, leaving characteristic sickle-shaped remains. Based on tooth wear analysis, the maximum lifespan of a Harvest Mouse in the wild is around 18 months. The Harvest Mouse is listed as a BAP (Biodiversity Action Plan) Species because it is thought to have become much scarcer in recent years. Changes in habitat management and agricultural methods are thought to have caused this although there have been no studies to quantify this change. The Harvest Mouse has many predators including Weasel, Stoat, Fox, birds of prey and domestic cats. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084043.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19465507445d3083a6ddf39.jpgPirin Mountains, Blagoevgrad Province, Bulgaria The Pirin Mountains are a mountain range in south west Bulgaria spreading over 1000 square miles. They extend about 50 miles from the north west to the south east and they are about 25 miles wide. Vihren at 9560 feet is the highest peak in the Pirin Mountains, the second highest in Bulgaria and the third highest in the Balkans. To the north, the Pirin Mountains are separated from Bulgaria's highest mountain range, the Rila Mountains, by the Paril Saddle whilst to the south they extend towards the mountain of Slavyanka Mountain located on the border of south west Bulgaria and north Greece. To the west is the valley of the River Struma and to the east the valley of the River Mesta which separates the Pirin Mountains from the Rhodopes Mountains. The Pirin Mountains are dotted with 118 glacial lakes, the largest and the deepest of them being Popovo Lake. They also contain Europe's most southern glaciers, Snezhnika and Banski Suhodol. The Snezhnika glacier is a remnant of the former Vihren glacier. It lies at a height of between 7956 feet and 8140 feet in the deep Golemiya Kazan cirque at the steep northern foot of Vihren. The Banski Suhodol glacier is a small glacier which lies below the peak of Kutelo peak (9540 feet) in the upper Banski Suhodol valley. The northern part of the Pirin Mountains is protected by the Pirin National Park (originally named Vihren National Park). It encompasses the larger part of the Pirin Mountains and covers an area of around 155 square miles. It is one of the 3 national parks in Bulgaria, the others being Rila National Park and Central Balkan National Park. Pirin National Park was established in 1962 and its territory has expanded several times since then. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and it is also part of Natura 2000, the network of nature protection areas of the European Union. Pirin National Park falls within the Rodope montane mixed forests terrestrial eco-region of the Palearctic temperate broadleaf and mixed forest. Forests cover 57.3% of the area of Pirin National Park and almost 95% of them are coniferous forests. The average age of the forests is 85 years. Bulgaria's oldest tree, Baikushev's pine, is located in Pirin National Park and it has an approximate age of about 1,300 years. Pirin National Park is noted for its rich and diverse flora and fauna which includes 45 species of mammals, 159 species of birds, 11 species of reptiles, 8 species of amphibia and 6 species of fish. The Pirin Mountains are an important tourist destination. The town of Bansko, situated on the north east slopes of the mountain range, has grown to be the primary ski and winter sports centre in the Balkans. A number of settlements in the foothills have mineral springs and are spa resorts e.g. Banya, Dobrinishte, Gotse Delchev, Sandanski, etc. Melnik is situated in the south west foothills of the mountain. With a population of around 385, it is Bulgaria's smallest town and retains its town status today for historical reasons. The town is an architectural reserve and 96 of its buildings are designated as cultural monuments. It is among the “100 Tourist Sites of Bulgaria” programme which promotes tourism among Bulgaria's most significant cultural, historic and natural landmarks. The town is also a centre of red wine production with numerous vineyards and cellars dug in to the local sandstone rock. The area around Melnik is strikingly eroded, particularly the enormous area of sandstone cliff that serves as a backdrop to the town. This area, covering some 6.5 square miles around Melnik, Kurlanovo and Rozhen has been called the Melnik Earth Pyramids. The hills in this area can rise up to 330 feet high and the unique formations, which can resemble giant mushrooms, ancient towers and obelisks, were formed when heavy rain eroded the sandstone and clay which the hills are composed of. The Melnik Earth Pyramids are a geological phenomenon of global importance and they were declared a natural landmark in 1960 with a total protected area of 5 square miles. Date: 29th May 2018 Location: view from near Melnik, Blagoevgrad Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/dipper https://images.on-this.website/4752_11267819065918240934cde5.33121313.jpgDipper The White-throated Dipper, also known as the European Dipper or simply as the Dipper, is an aquatic passerine bird. It is divided into several sub-species based primarily on colour differences, particularly of the pectoral band. These include the Black-bellied Dipper found in Scandinavia, west France, north west Spain, Corsica and Sardinia and an infrequent migrant to the UK and the “British” Dipper found in England, Wales and Scotland excluding the west and north west and the islands. The Dipper is about 7.1 inches long, rotund and short tailed. The head of the adult is brown, the back slate-grey mottled with black (looking black from a distance) and the wings and tail are brown. The throat and upper breast are white followed by a band of warm chestnut (“British” Dipper) or black (Black-bellied Dipper ) which merges into black on the belly and flanks. The young are greyish brown and have no chestnut band. The Dipper can be found in Europe, the Middle East, central Asia and the Indian Subcontinent and it is closely associated with swiftly running rivers and streams or the lakes in to which these fall. It often perches and bobs spasmodically with its short tail uplifted on the rocks around which the water swirls and tumbles. It acquired its name from these sudden dips and not from its diving habit, although it dives as well as walks into the water. It flies rapidly and straight with its short wings whirring swiftly and without pauses or glides and will then either drop on the water and dive or plunge in with a small splash. In addition, it will walk into the water and deliberately submerge from a perch. In this way the Dipper finds its food which includes aquatic invertebrates, aquatic insect larvae, beetles, freshwater molluscs, fish and small amphibians. It will also walk and run on the banks and rocks seeking terrestrial invertebrates. The winter habits of the Dipper vary considerably and apparently individually. When the swift hill rivers and streams are frozen it is forced to descend to the lowlands and even visit the coasts but some will remain if there is any open water. The Dipper breeds close to water and the nest is large, globular or oval (similar to a large Wren's nest) built into a crack or hollow in the rock or in the masonry or on the supports of a bridge. It is composed of moss, dead grass and leaves. This ball, however, is just a shelter. Usually hidden beneath a lip is the entrance to the real nest inside which is a cup of grass or sedge lined with leaves of oak, beech or other trees. Eggs are laid (3 to 6) are laid between March and May and 1 or 2 broods are raised. Date: 8th May 2017 Location: Gilfach RWT reserve, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833253.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_107060294559ce9ace087d.jpgWhite Pelicans The White Pelican is a huge bird, with only the Dalmatian Pelican averaging larger amongst the pelicans. The wingspan of the White Pelican can range from 7.41 to 11.8 feet, with the latter measurement the largest recorded among flying animals outside of the great albatrosses. The total length can range from 55 to 71 inches with the enormous bill comprising 11.5 to 18.5 inches of that length. The immature White Pelican is grey with dark flight feathers. In breeding condition the male has pinkish skin on its face and the female has orangey skin. It differs from the Dalmatian pelican by its pure white, rather than greyish-white, plumage, a bare pink facial patch around the eye and pinkish legs. Males are larger than females, and have a long beak that grows in a downwards arc, as opposed to the shorter, straighter beak of the female. In flight, it is an elegant soaring bird, with the head held close to and aligned with the body by a downward bend in the neck. The White Pelican is well adapted for aquatic life. The short strong legs and webbed feet propel it in water and aid the rather awkward takeoff from the water surface. Once aloft, the long-winged pelicans are powerful fliers, however, and often travel in spectacular V-formation groups. The White Pelican is usually found in and around shallow warm fresh water. Well scattered groups of breeding pelicans occur through Eurasia from the eastern Mediterranean to Vietnam. In Eurasia, fresh or brackish waters may be inhabited and the White Pelican may be found in lakes, deltas, lagoons and marshes, usually with dense reed beds nearby for nesting purposes. Additionally, sedentary populations are found year-round in Africa, south of the Sahara Desert although these are patchy. Migratory populations are found from Eastern Europe to Kazakhstan during the breeding season. They arrive in late March or early April and depart after breeding from September to late November. Wintering locations for European White Pelicans are not exactly known but wintering birds may occur in north east Africa through Iraq to north India, with a particularly large number of breeders from Asia wintering around Pakistan. The diet of the White Pelican consists mainly of fish and they leave their roost to feed early in the mornings and may fly over 60 miles in search of food. The White Pelican's pouch serves simply as a scoop. As it pushes its bill underwater, the lower bill bows out creating a large pouch which fills with water and fish. As the bird lifts its head, the pouch contracts and forces out the water but retaining the fish. A group of 6 to 8 White Pelicans will gather in a horseshoe formation in the water to feed together. They dip their bills in unison, creating a circle of open pouches, ready to trap every fish in the area. Most feeding is co-operative and done in groups, especially in shallow waters where fish schools can be corralled easily. White Pelicans are not restricted to fish, however, and are often opportunistic foragers. In addition, they also eat crustaceans, tadpoles and even turtles and will readily accept handouts from humans. The White Pelican breeding season commences in April or May in temperate zones, essentially all year round in Africa and begins in February through April in India. Large numbers of White Pelicans breed together in colonies. Nest locations are variable with some populations making stick nests in trees but a majority nest in scrapes on the ground lined with grass, sticks, feathers and other material. Date: 13th May 2015 Location: Great Prespa Lake (Megali Prespa), West Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4466133.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3577056624b8a26cadfca4.jpgHerring Gull The Herring Gull is one of the best known of all gulls along the shores of Europe. Adults in breeding plumage have a grey back and upperwings and white head and underparts. The wingtips are black with white spots known as "mirrors". The bill is yellow with a red spot and there is a ring of bare yellow skin around the pale eye. The legs are normally pink at all ages but can be yellowish. Non-breeding adults have brown streaks on the head and neck. Male and female plumage is identical at all stages of development although adult males are often larger. Juvenile and first-winter birds are mainly brown with darker streaks and have a dark bill and eyes. Second-winter birds have a whiter head and underparts with less streaking and the back is grey. Third-winter individuals are similar to adults but retain some of the features of immature birds such as brown feathers in the wings and dark markings on the bill. The Herring Gull attains adult plumage and reaches sexual maturity at an average age of 4 years. The loud laughing call of the Herring Gull is well known and is often seen as a symbol of the seaside in countries such as the UK. It also has a yelping alarm call and a low barking anxiety call. Chicks and fledglings emit a distinctive, repetitive high-pitched 'peep', accompanied by a head-flicking gesture when begging for food from or calling to their parents. Adult gulls in urban areas will also exhibit this behaviour when fed by humans. The Herring Gull breeds across northern Europe, western Europe, central Europe, eastern Europe, Scandinavia and the Baltic states. Some, especially those resident in colder areas, migrate further south in winter but many are permanent residents such as in the UK or on the North Sea shores. While Herring Gull numbers appear to have been decreased in recent years, possibly by fish population declines and competition, they have proved able to survive in human-adapted areas and can often be seen in towns acting as a scavenger. The Herring Gull, like most gulls, is an omnivore and opportunist and will scavenge from garbage dumps, landfill sites and sewage outflows with refuse comprising up to half of the bird's diet. In addition, it will eat fish, crustaceans and dead animals as well as some plants and it will steal the eggs and young of other birds (including those of other gulls). The Herring Gull may also dive from the surface of the water or engage in plunge diving in the pursuit of aquatic prey although they are typically unable to reach any great depth due to their natural buoyancy. Date: February 2009 Location: Oslo harbour, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/common-redstart https://images.on-this.website/4752_261428844dca3dc1f3bbe.jpgCommon Redstart The Common Redstart, or often simply Redstart, is a small passerine bird. Like its relatives, it was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family but it is now known to be an Old World flycatcher. The Common Redstart shows some affinity to the Robin in many of its habits and actions. It has the same general carriage and chat-like behaviour and it is the same length but slightly slimmer and not quite as heavy. The orange-red tail, from which it and other redstarts get their names ("start" is an old word for "tail"), is frequently quivered. Among common European birds, only the Black Redstart has a similarly coloured tail. In summer, the male Common Redstart has a slate-grey head and upperparts, except the rump and tail, which, like the flanks, underwing coverts and axillaries, are orange-chestnut. The forehead is white and the sides of the face and throat are black. The wings and the two central tail feathers are brown and the other tail feathers are bright orange-red. The orange on the flanks shades to almost white on the belly. The bill and legs are black. In autumn, pale feather fringes on the body feathering obscures the colours of the male and gives it a washed-out appearance. The female is browner with paler underparts and it lacks the black and slate head. The Common Redstart is a summer visitor throughout most of Europe and west Asia (east to Lake Baikal) and also in north west Africa in Morocco. It can be found in open mature birch and oak woodland with low amounts of shrub and understorey especially where the trees are old enough to have holes suitable for its nest. It prefers to nest on the edge of woodland clearings in natural tree holes so dead trees or those with dead limbs are beneficial to it. It also nests in mature open conifer woodland, particularly in the north of the breeding range, and nestboxes are sometimes used. In the UK, the Common Redstart occurs primarily in broadleaf woodlands in upland areas in the north and west with the greatest concentrations in Wales. Further east in Europe it also commonly occurs in lowland areas including parks and old gardens in urban areas. The Common Redstart winters in central Africa and Arabia, south of the Sahara Desert but north of the Equator and from Senegal east to Yemen. It first arrives in its breeding areas in early to mid April, the males often a few days in advance of the females. Following breeding, return migration to Africa occurs between mid August and early October. The Common Redstart is insectivorous and eats a wide variety of small insects and spiders but additionally fruit and berries in the autumn. It often feeds like a flycatcher and makes aerial sallies after passing insects. Date: 7th May 2011 Location: Ynys-hir RSPB reserve, Ceredigion http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29951156.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_59788712958664226ed5bb.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the [i]Canidae[/i] family and is a part of the order [i]Carnivora[/i] within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 29th December 2016 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42222520.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10429680996023b5a8516d7.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 25th December 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39081992.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9942471235d30798d32b54.jpgPied Wheatear The Pied Wheatear is a wheatear, a small insectivorous passerine bird that was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family [I]Turdidae[/I] but it is now more generally considered to be an Old World flycatcher in the family [I]Muscicapidae[/I]. The crown, nape and neck of the adult male are pale brown, the feathers having pale tips and white bases. The mantle and scapulars are black with buff tips to the feathers. The back, rump and upper tail coverts are creamy-white. The central pair of tail feathers are black with white bases but the rest are white with black tips, the outer pair having rather more black than the rest. There is a narrow buff-coloured line extending from the base of the beak to over the eye and the lores, ear coverts, chin, throat and upper breast are black. The rest of the breast is buff, the belly creamy-buff and the underwing coverts and axillaries are black tipped with white. The wing feathers are black with tips and edgings of creamy-buff. The adult female is similar to the male but the mantle and scapulars are brown with buff tips rather than black, the tail feathers are brown and white and the wing feathers brown with buff tips. The juvenile is similar to the female but the feathers of the brown upperparts have pale centres near the tips giving the bird a speckled appearance. The Pied Wheatear breeds across much of Asia but it also breeds in Bulgaria and Romania at the western extreme of its range. It winters in north east Africa. It is a very rare vagrant to western Europe. In the breeding season, it is found in rough open country, steppes with scant vegetation, stony slopes, hilly country and mountains up to around 9800 feet. In its winter range, it is found in similar locations with rock, scree and on plains with thorny scrub. The Pied Wheatear is a rather shy bird but it is conspicuous when spotted. It is not gregarious and single birds or pairs can be seen perched on a bush or rock, alert and looking around for prey. When it spots a prey item it swoops down to the ground briefly to pick it up before returning to its perch. Its diet consists of small invertebrates such as ants, grasshoppers, beetles, flies and moths, spiders and mites. Seeds are also eaten. The Pied Wheatear nests in holes in a riverbank, under stones and rocks and in crevices. The nest is made from dried grass stems and lined with slender roots and a few downy feathers. The female lays 4 to 6 eggs and there is normally a single brood. The Pied Wheatear has a wide range across east Europe and Asia and it is common across that range. The population is believed to be stable with no particular threats and the IUCN in their Red List has evaluated it as being of "Least Concern". Date: 18th May 2018 Location: Nos Kaliakra, Dobrich Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082495.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17962451875d307cc548a21.jpgLesser Grey Shrike The Lesser Grey Shrike is a member of the shrike family. It is around 7.9 inches in length with a wing span of 5.1 inches. It is similar in appearance to the Great Grey Shrike and the Iberian Grey Shrike being predominantly black, white and grey, with the males having pink-flushed underparts. However, it is slightly smaller and has a black forehead and relatively longer wings The adult male has a black nape, cheeks, ear and eye coverts and front part of the crown. The hind part of the crown and the back is a pale bluish-grey and the rump is a similar but rather paler colour. The underparts are white with the lower breast and belly suffused with pink. The axillaries are greyish-white and the underwing coverts are brownish-black. The 2 central tail feathers are black with a white tip and base and the other pairs have increasing areas of white and less black. The primaries are black with a buff tip and white base. The secondaries are black with broader, paler tips but no white bases. The wing coverts are black with the lesser coverts being fringed with grey. The female has similar plumage but the head is dark grey rather than black, the ear coverts brownish-black, the upperparts a brownish-grey and the underparts less pink than the male. The juvenile is similar to the adults but is generally more brown. It lacks the grey back and rump which are instead pale brown and faintly barred and the underparts are white and cream without any pink. All birds have a brownish-black beak with a paler base to the lower mandible, brown irises and black legs and feet. The flight of the Lesser Grey Shrike is low and somewhat undulating and it occasionally glides with extended wings. At the end of the flight it swoops upward to land on a new hunting perch. It then turns its head from side to side searching for prey. When on the ground it hops but it normally only stays there for long enough to pick up an item of food. Like other shrikes, when excited it fans its tail and moves it up and down or from side to side. The Lesser Grey Shrike summers in south and central Europe and west Asia where it can be found in open countryside, the edges of cultivated areas, heathland with scattered bushes and trees, gardens, coppices, woodland and roadside trees. It breeds in south France, Switzerland, Austria, Czech Republic, Italy, the former Yugoslavia, Albania, Greece, Romania, Bulgaria and south Russia. In Asia it breeds in the Middle East, its range extending as far as east Turkey and Iran. The nest is often built in a roadside tree with good all-round visibility. It is built by both birds out of the stems of various flowering plants and lined with wool, hairs, roots and feathers. The female lays 5 to 7 eggs and incubation, which is undertaken mainly by the female, lasts about 15 days. Both the male and the female feed the young which are ready to leave the nest after about 14 days. There is usually a single brood. The Lesser Grey Shrike is a migratory species and it winters in a broad belt across tropical south Africa where it can be found in scrubland and among thorn trees. It is also a vagrant to more northerly parts of Europe including the UK and it is usually recorded in spring or autumn. The Lesser Grey Shrike hunts from a strategic post, wire or branch and primarily feeds on insects which it catches in the air or on the ground. The diet includes beetles, moths and butterflies, large flies, grasshoppers, crickets and millipedes. Some fruits such as cherries and figs are eaten to a limited extent. The Lesser Grey Shrike occasionally impales freshly caught prey on thorns for use later but this is done to a much lesser extent than by some other shrike species. Date: 23rd May 2018 Location: Topolovgrad to Svilengrad, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39083884.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19608563835d3082902a135.jpgWestern Rhodopes Mountains, Smolyan Province, Bulgaria The Rhodopes Mountains are a mountain range in south east Europe. They are spread over 5689 square miles of which 4723 square miles are located in south Bulgaria and the remainder in north Greece. The Rhodopes Mountains are about 149 miles long and about 62 to 75 miles wide with an average altitude of 2575 feet. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 7188 feet and is situated 12 miles to the west of Smolyan. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rhodopes Mountains gives its name to the terrestrial eco-region Rodope montane mixed forests that belong in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The area is particularly notable for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans plus its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms such as the Trigrad Gorge. The Rhodopes Mountains can be sub-divided in to 3 sections: The Western Rhodopes are spread over 66% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and they are higher, the most infrastructurally developed and the most visited part of the mountains. The highest and best known peaks are located in this section with more than 10 over 6562 feet high including the highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7188 feet). Some of the deepest river gorges in the Rhodopes Mountains are located in the west as well as several large lakes. The Eastern Rhodopes are spread over a territory of about 34% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and are much lower in height. The large artificial dams of Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets are located in this part of the mountains. Almost every species of European bird of prey nests in the Eastern Rhodopes including the rare Black Vulture and Egyptian Vulture. The Southern Rhodopes are the part of the mountain range that is located in Greece and they are characterized by numerous peaks of relatively low altitude. The Trigrad Gorge is a canyon of vertical marble rock cliffs in the western Rhodope Mountains. It is the third longest gorge in Bulgaria. The gorge encloses the course of the River Trigrad which plunges into the Devil's Throat Cave and 1740 feet further emerges as a large karst spring. It later flows into the River Buynovska. The west wall of the Trigrad Gorge reaches 980 feet in height whilst the east wall reaches 980 to 1150 feet in height. Initially, the 2 walls are about 985 feet apart but the gorge narrows to about 330 feet in the northern section. The gorge is situated just north of the village of Trigrad at 4760 feet above sea level. It has a total length of 4.3 miles, of which the gorge proper comprises 1.2 to 1.9 miles. It can be visited on the narrow single track road from Teshel to Trigrad which follows the River Trigrad for about 7.5 miles. The Trigrad area was a restricted border zone in the past (it is less than 4 miles from the border with Greece) so access was very limited during the Communist era but it is now a popular tourist destination. The area is considered as one of the most beautiful in the Rhodopes Mountains with numerous designated routes for hiking, mountain biking and horse riding routes. Date: 28th May 2018 Location: Teshel to Trigrad via Trigrad Gorge, Western Rhodopes Mountains, Smolyan Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31192390.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17327258375918243ace1666.88333684.jpgYellowhammer The Yellowhammer is a passerine bird in the bunting family. The bird family [i]Emberizidae[/i] contains around 300 seed-eating species, the majority of which are found in the Americas, although the genus [i]Emberiza[/i], with more than 40 members, is confined to the Old World. Within its genus [i]Emberiza[/i], the Yellowhammer is most closely related to the Pine Bunting and at times they have been considered as one species. Where their ranges meet, the Yellowhammer and Pine Bunting interbreed and the hybrid zone is thought to be moving further east. The Yellowhammer is also closely related to the Cirl Bunting. The Yellowhammer’s scientific name [i]Emberiza citrinella[/i] is derived from the Old German [i]embritz[/i] meaning “bunting” and the Italian [i]citrinella[/i] meaning “small yellow bird”. The Yellowhammer is a large bunting around 6.3 to 6.5 inches long with a wingspan of 9.1 to 11.6 inches. The male has a bright yellow head, heavily streaked brown back, rufous rump, yellow underparts and white outer tail feathers. The female is less brightly coloured and more streaked on the crown, breast and flanks. Both sexes are less strongly marked outside the breeding season when the dark fringes on new feathers obscure the yellow plumage. The juvenile is much duller and less yellow than the adults and often has a paler rump. The Yellowhammer breeds across Eurasia and it is the commonest and most widespread European bunting although it is absent from high mountains, Arctic regions, most of Iberia and Greece and low-lying regions of other countries adjoining the Mediterranean Sea. It also breeds in Russia east to Irkutsk and in most of Ukraine and the Asian range extends into north west Turkey, the Caucasus and northern Kazakhstan. Populations have declined in recent decades in western Europe but in eastern Europe numbers appear to be stable. Changes to agricultural practices are thought to be responsible for reduced breeding densities. The Yellowhammer can be found throughout most of the UK but it is least abundant in the north and west and absent from some upland areas such as the Pennines and the Scottish Highlands as well as some lowland areas. Its recent sharp population decline make it a Red List species. Within its range, the Yellowhammer is a bird of dry open country, preferably with a range of vegetation types and some trees from which to sing. It is absent from urban areas, forests and wetlands. Probably originally found at forest edges and large clearings, it has benefited from traditional agriculture which created extensive open areas with hedges and clumps of trees. The Yellowhammer usually starts breeding in late April or early May. The males establish territories along hedges or woodland fringes and sing from a tree or bush, often continuing well into July or August. The nest is built by the female on or near the ground and is typically well hidden in tussocks against a bank or low in a bush. It is constructed from nearby plant material such as leaves, dry grass and stalks and lined with fine grasses and sometimes animal hair. The clutch is usually 3 to 5 eggs and the female incubates the eggs for 12 to 14 days to hatching and broods the chicks until they fledge 11 to 13 days later. Both adults feed the chicks in the nest and 2 or 3 broods are raised each year. The Yellowhammer forages mainly on the ground and its diet consists mainly of seeds. Grasses are also important, particularly cereals, and grain makes up a significant part of the food consumed in autumn and winter. Invertebrates are added to its diet during the breeding season, particularly as food for its growing chicks, and a wide range of species is taken including springtails, grasshoppers, flies, beetles, caterpillars, earthworms, spiders and snails. Outside of the breeding season, the Yellowhammer forages in flocks which can occasionally number hundreds of birds and often contain other buntings and finches. The Yellowhammer is a conspicuous, vocal and formerly common country bird and it has attracted human interest. Yellowham Wood and Yellowham Hill, near Dorchester in the UK, both derive their names from the bird. Robbie Burns' poem "The Yellow, Yellow Yorlin'" gets its title from a Scottish name for the Yellowhammer. Enid Blyton helped to popularise the bird's song as "a little bit of bread and no cheese" in some of her books and she wrote a poem called "The Yellow-hammer". Beethoven's student, Carl Czerny, and biographer Anton Schindler, both suggested that the composer got the idea for the first 4 notes of his 5th symphony from the song of the Yellowhammer although it is more likely that the opening of the 4th Piano Concerto was actually the work in question. Beethoven also used the Yellowhammer theme in 2 piano sonatas. Date: 9th May 2017 Location: Weeting Heath NWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11159460.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19275641054e15839c05be3.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 5th November 2007 Location: Loch Gruinart, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4267559.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2534423264b522b4a2242c.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 3rd January 2010 Location: Southerness, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21830014.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_148209068153cbae643e2cc.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a gentle looking, medium sized gull with a small yellow bill and a dark eye. It has a grey back and is white underneath. Its legs are short and black. In flight the black wing-tips show no white, unlike other gulls, and look as if they have been “dipped in ink”. The population is declining in some areas, perhaps due to a shortage of sand eels. Kittiwakes are strictly coastal gulls. In the breeding season, they can be found on rocky, steep sea-cliffs at the major seabird colonies around the UK from February until August. From August to October they can be seen flying past offshore and they spend the winter months out at sea. Date: 11th June 2014 Location: Bempton Cliifs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874877.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_535773080561cd13f3e856.jpgBlack-tailed Godwit The Black-tailed Godwit is a large, long-legged, long-billed shorebird with an orange head, neck and chest in its breeding plumage and a uniform brown-grey breast and upperparts in winter. During the breeding season, the bill has a yellowish or orange-pink base and dark tip but the base is pink in winter. The legs are dark grey, brown or black. The sexes are similar but in breeding plumage they can be separated by the male's brighter, more extensive orange breast, neck and head. In flight, the bold black and white wingbar and white rump can be seen readily. When on the ground the Black-tailed Godwit can be difficult to separate from the similar Bar-tailed Godwit but the Black-tailed Godwit's longer, straighter bill and longer legs are diagnostic. The Black-tailed Godwit’s breeding range stretches from Iceland through northern Europe and areas of central Asia where it can be found in fens, lake edges, damp meadows, moorlands and bogs. It winters in areas as diverse as the Indian Subcontinent, Australia, western Europe and west Africa where it can be found on estuaries and floods. It is also more likely to be found inland and on freshwater than the Bar-tailed Godwit. Date: 6th June 2015 Location: Reykhólar area, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/fulmar https://images.on-this.website/4752_12396151474a4a62f66cdf3.jpgFulmar The Fulmar is almost gull-like but is a grey and white seabird that is related to the albatrosses. It flies low over the sea on stiff wings with shallow wing beats, gliding and banking to show its white under-parts and then grey upper-parts. At its breeding sites it will fly high up the cliff face riding the updraughts. Fulmars feed in flocks out at sea and defend their nests from intruders by spitting out a foul-smelling oil. Fulmars breed on coastal cliffs with suitable ledges and grassy slopes but will occasionally breed on buildings. Fulmars are best looked for at seabird colonies and are most abundant along the Scottish coastline especially in the Northern Isles. They are least common along the east, south and north-west coasts of England. Adults are present at the breeding colonies nearly all year although young birds leave in late summer. Away from the breeding colonies, Fulmars spend their whole time offshore at sea. Date: 17th May 2009 Location: Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26041599.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_475140325638ac92c7267.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name <i>Fratercula</i> comes from the Medieval Latin <i>fratercula</i> meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name <i>arctica</i> refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek <i>άρκτος</i> ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name <i>puffin</i> (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Látrabjarg, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26008635.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4675801695635128913d02.jpgRed-necked Phalarope The Red-necked Phalarope is a small wader with lobed toes to assist swimming and a straight, fine bill. The breeding female is predominantly dark grey above with a chestnut neck and upper breast, black face and white throat. The breeding male is a duller version of the female. In winter, the plumage is essentially grey above and white below but the black eyepatch is always present. When feeding, a Red-necked Phalarope will often swim in a small, rapid circle, forming a small whirlpool. This behaviour is thought to aid feeding by raising food from the bottom of shallow water. The bird will reach into the centre of the vortex with its bill, plucking small insects or crustaceans caught up therein. On the open ocean, they are often found where converging currents produce upwellings. The Red-necked Phalarope breeds in the Arctic regions of north America and Eurasia. It is migratory and, unusually for a wader, it winters at sea on tropical oceans. Date: 4th June 2015 Location: Siglufjörður, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39081977.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18399781585d3078d9c730d.jpgDalmatian Pelican The Dalmatian Pelican is by a slight margin the largest of the pelican species and one of the largest living bird species. It measures 5 feet 3 inches to 6 feet in length with a wingspan of 9 feet 6 inches to 11 feet 4 inches. Its median weight is around 25 pounds which makes it perhaps the world's heaviest flying bird species, although the largest individuals among some male bustard and swan species may be heavier than the largest individual Dalmatian Pelican. The somewhat similar-looking White Pelican broadly overlaps in size but has greater size sexual dimorphism. Female White Pelicans can be noticeably smaller than female Dalmatian Pelicans but male individuals of the two species are essentially the same size and weight. The Dalmatian Pelican differs from the White Pelican in that it has curly nape feathers, grey legs and silvery-white (rather than pure white) plumage. In winter, the adult Dalmatian Pelican goes from silvery-grey to a dingier brownish-grey cream colour. Immature birds are grey and lack the pink facial patch of immature White Pelicans. The bare skin around the eye can vary from yellow to purplish in colour. In the breeding season the Dalmatian Pelican has an orange-red lower mandible and pouch against a yellow upper mandible but in winter the whole bill is a somewhat dull yellow. The bill, at 14 to 18 inches long, is the second largest of any bird after the Australian Pelican. In flight, the Dalmatian Pelican is an elegant soaring bird, with the head held close to and aligned with the body by a downward bend in the neck. Unlike other pelicans, its wings are solid greyish-white with black tips. The Dalmatian Pelican can be found in lakes, rivers, deltas and estuaries from south east Europe to India and China. Compared to the White Pelican, the Dalmatian Pelican is not as tied to lowland areas and will nest in suitable wetlands at many elevations. It is less opportunistic in breeding habitat selection than the White Pelican, usually returning to a traditional breeding site year after year unless it becomes completely unsuitable. The Dalmatian Pelican usually migrates short distances. It is dispersive in Europe, based on feeding opportunities, with most western birds staying through the winter in the Mediterranean region. It is more actively migratory in Asia, where most of the birds that breed in Russia fly down for the winter to the central Middle East, largely around Iran through to the Indian Subcontinent from Nepal to central India. The Dalmatian Pelican has declined greatly throughout its range, more so than the White Pelican. During the 20th century, the species' numbers underwent a dramatic decline for reasons that are not entirely understood. The most likely reason was habitat loss due to human activities such as the drainage of wetlands and land development. Colonies are regularly disturbed by human activity, and, like all pelicans, the parents may temporarily leave their nest if threatened which then exposes the chicks to the risk of predation. Occasionally, Dalmatian Pelicans may be shot by fishermen who believe the birds are dangerously depleting the fish population and hence threatening their livelihood. Dalmatian Pelicans also regularly fly into power-lines and are killed by electrocution. The largest single remaining colony of Dalmatian Pelicans in Europe is at the Prespa lakes shared between Albania and Greece with around 1400 pairs. Approximately 450 pairs breed in the Danube Delta in Romania. The country with the largest breeding population today, including about 70% of pairs or possibly over 3,000 pairs, is Russia. Conservation efforts have been undertaken on behalf of the Dalmatian Pelican especially in Europe. Although they normally nest on the ground, Dalmatian Pelicans have nested on platforms put out in Turkey, Greece, Bulgaria and Romania in order to encourage them to breed. Rafts over water have also been set up for the species to use in Greece and Bulgaria. Power-lines have also been marked or dismantled in areas adjacent to colonies in these countries. Additionally, water-level management and educational programs may be aiding them at a local level. The Dalmatian Pelican feeds almost entirely on fish. It usually forages alone or in groups of only 2 or 3 birds. It normally swims along, placidly and slowly, until it quickly dunks its head underwater and scoops the fish out along with great masses of water. The water is dumped out of the sides of the pouch and the fish is swallowed. Occasionally it may feed cooperatively with other pelicans by corralling fish into shallow waters and may even co-operate similarly while fishing alongside Cormorants. Among a highly social family in general, the Dalmatian Pelican may have the least social inclinations. It naturally nests in relatively small groups compared to most other pelican species and sometimes may even nest alone. However, small colonies are usually formed, which regularly include upwards of 250 pairs. Occasionally, Dalmatian Pelicans may mix in with colonies of White Pelicans. Nesting sites selected are usually either islands in large bodies of water (typically lagoons or river deltas) or dense mats of aquatic vegetation. The nest is a moderately-sized pile of grass, reeds, sticks and feathers and is usually located on or near the ground, often being placed on dense floating vegetation. Breeding commences in March or April, about a month before the White Pelican breeds. Date: 17th May 2018 Location: Lake Srebarna, Silistra Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082307.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8416207795d307bcfabc4e.jpgBlack-crowned Night Heron The Black-crowned Night Heron, commonly shortened to just Night Heron in Eurasia, is a medium-sized heron. The adult is around 25 inches in length and has a black crown and back, pale grey wings and white underparts, red eyes and short yellow legs. Long white plumes which are erected in greeting and courtship displays extend from the back of the head. The sexes are similar in appearance although males are slightly larger than females. Immature birds have dull grey-brown plumage on their heads, wings and backs with numerous pale spots and the underparts are paler and streaked with brown. The eyes are orange and the legs dull yellowish-green. The Black-crowned Night Heron does not fit the typical body form of the heron family. It is relatively stocky with a shorter bill, shorter legs and a shorter neck than other herons. Its resting posture is normally somewhat hunched but when hunting it extends its neck and looks more like other wading birds. The Black-crowned Night Heron breeds in fresh and salt water wetlands throughout much of the world where it nests in colonies on platforms of sticks in a group of trees or on the ground in protected locations such as islands or reedbeds. It is migratory in the most northern part of its range but otherwise resident. The north American population winters in Mexico, south USA, central America and the West Indies whilst the Old World population winters in tropical Africa and south Asia. There are 2 archaeological specimens of the Black-crowned Night Heron in the UK. The oldest is from the Roman London Wall and the more recent from the Royal Navy's late medieval yards in Greenwich. It may have bred in the far wetter and wilder landscape of pre-modern Britain. In modern times the Black-crowned Night Heron is a rare but increasing vagrant. Feral breeding colonies were established at Edinburgh Zoo from 1950 into the 21st century and at Great Witchingham in Norfolk where there were 8 pairs in 2003 although breeding was not repeated in 2004 or 2005. A pair of adults were seen with 2 recently fledged juveniles on the Somerset Levels in 2017 and this was the first proven breeding record of wild birds in the UK. The Black-crowned Night Heron hunts by standing still at the water’s edge, especially at night or early morning. It primarily eats small fish, crustaceans, frogs, aquatic insects, small mammals and small birds. It is among the very few heron species observed to engage in bait fishing by luring or distracting fish by tossing edible or inedible buoyant objects in to the water within their striking range, a rare example of tool use among birds. During the day the Black-crowned Night Heron mainly rests in waterside trees or bushes. Date: 22nd May 2018 Location: BSPB Poda Protected Area, Burgas Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/middle-spotted-woodpeckers https://images.on-this.website/4752_19497161235d307bb2f08a5.jpgMiddle Spotted Woodpeckers The Middle Spotted Woodpecker is a member of the woodpecker family [i]Picidae[/i]. It is around 8 inches in length with a wingspan of around 13 inches and it has a plumage similar to the Great Spotted Woodpecker. As with that species, the upperparts are predominantly black with white oval wing patches, there is white barring on the wings and the underparts are white. The main differences are that the Middle Spotted Woodpecker has a red crown, no black moustachial stripe, a pink vent and dark streaks on the flanks. The Middle Spotted Woodpecker differs from all its European relatives in being almost totally monomorphic, i.e. males and females are almost identical in appearance. Despite its name, the Middle Spotted Woodpecker is not mid-way in size between its relatives, the smaller Lesser Spotted Woodpecker and the larger Great Spotted Woodpecker and Syrian Woodpecker. The Middle Spotted Woodpecker is much closer to the 2 larger species in all measurements being just 15% smaller but it is around 40% larger than Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. The Middle Spotted Woodpecker can be found in much of west and east Europe and south west Asia and is locally common in the right habitat but with varying and often quite low population densities. Its range extends from France east to European Russia, mainly in the temperate continental zone, but also north to the Baltic states. It is absent from Finland and Norway and extinct in Sweden and Denmark. Due to its sedentary nature it has never been recorded in the UK and Ireland. The range extends south and east in to the Mediterranean Basin, the Balkan peninsula, Turkey, the Caucasus, Iraq and Iran. The Middle Spotted Woodpecker prefers deciduous forest, especially areas with old oak, hornbeam and elm, and a patchwork of clearings, pasture and dense woodland. In the breeding season the Middle Spotted Woodpecker excavates a nest hole about 2 inches wide in a decaying tree trunk or thick branch. The female lays 4 to 7 eggs which are incubated for 11 to 14 days. The Middle Spotted Woodpecker likes to feed high in the trees on a diet of insects and their larvae which it finds by picking them from branches and twigs rather than hacking them from beneath the bark. It will also feed on tree sap. Unlike most of its European relatives, the Middle Spotted Woodpecker does not regularly drum and females probably do not drum at all. Any drumming is rather mild and limited to early spring and it is usually made in response to competition from another male. Both adults do however tap loudly at the nest hole in spring. This tapping is a communicative signal and not part of hole excavation and it is not drumming. The Middle Spotted Woodpecker seems to rely more on its “song” when announcing its territory rather than drumming. Date: 22nd May 2018 Location: Ropotamo, Burgas Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19507416.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_111245974652528b4211289.jpgSierra de Grazalema, Andalucia, Spain The Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park is a Natural Park in the north east part of the province of Cádiz in Andalucia. The Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park contains within its 127,740 acres a complex of mountain ranges known collectively as the Sierra de Grazalema, which in turn are part of the Cordillera Subbética. Other ranges comprising the Sierra de Grazalema include the Sierra de Zafalgar, the Sierra del Pinar, and the Sierra de Endrinal. El Torreón at 5425 feet is the tallest peak. Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1977, the Sierra de Grazalema was declared the first Natural Park in Andalucia in 1984 and is one of Spain's most ecologically outstanding areas. The Natural Park is famous for its spectacularly rugged limestone landscape of cliffs, gullies, caves and gorges. By far the most impressive gorge is Garganta Verde rocky walls that tower vertically for 1300 feet. Andalucia's largest cave system is also here, the Hundidero-Gato with its biggest cavern measuring 2.5 miles long and an entrance of 200 feet tall. The region is well known for being the rainiest place in Spain, with an annual rainfall of over 85 inches This means that the 1,300 Mediterranean plant species that have been registered here, many of them endemic and some of them unique to the Sierra de Grazalema, flourish. There is a magnificent and well preserved forest of the rare Spanish Fir, a relic from the Tertiary period, in the Sierra del Pinar on the slopes of El Torreón. Dotted around the Sierra de Grazalema are attractive “pueblos blancos” or “white villages” including Grazalema and Zahara de la Sierra. A stunning mountain road rises north west from Grazalema to Puerto de las Palomas at 4450 feet before descending to Zahara de la Sierra. Date: 7th September 2013 Location: view from the road between Grazalema and Zahara de la Sierra, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33568370.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12432032465a106a91c2f39.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 4th November 2017 Location: Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39081933.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1778777065d3077a938923.jpgLake Srebarna, Silistra Province, Bulgaria Lake Srebarna is a freshwater lake periodically flooded by the River Danube just over 1 mile to the north. It is located in north east Bulgaria near the village of the same name and 11 miles west of Silistra. Lake Srebarna is a remnant of the once numerous lakes that lined the River Danube’s route to the Black Sea. The lake has large reedbeds and there is adjacent steppe, vineyards and agricultural land. A belt of woodland separates it from the River Danube. Lake Srebarna was the first wetland in Bulgaria to receive legal protection status and also the first to achieve international recognition. The lake was designated as a nature reserve in 1948 to protect the biodiversity that it hosts. In 1985 it was included on the UNESCO World Heritage List of Natural Properties. Lake Srebarna is also protected as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention and as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. In 1989 the lake was designated as an lmportant Bird Area by BirdLife International. It is also recognised and protected at the European level and included in 2 Natura 2000 sites: the Srebarna Special Protection Area and Ludogorie-Srebarna Special Area of Conservation. The nature reserve includes 3.7 square miles of protected area and a buffer zone of 3.4 square miles. It comprises Lake Srebarna itself, which has a fluctuating water level dependent on the River Danube, plus the former agricultural lands north of the lake, a belt of woodland along the River Danube, the island of Komluka and the aquatic area locked between the island and the riverbank. The reserve is an important wetland on the Via Pontica bird migration flyway. The basis for the nature reserve’s international significance is that it is an important breeding, migration and wintering site for a large number of birds. Floating reedbed islands and flooded willow woodlands provide important bird breeding areas. At the northern end, the reedbeds gradually give way to wet meadows. At the north west end of Lake Srebarna and along the River Danube, there are belts of riverine forest. The nature reserve holds populations of birds that are considered critical to species survival. It hosts the only colony of Dalmatian Pelican in Bulgaria as well as the largest breeding populations of 4 more globally threatened species: Pygmy Cormorant, Ferruginous Duck, White-tailed Eagle and Corncrake. The nature reserve is also of European value and importance in supporting Little Bittern, Night Heron, Squacco Heron, Purple Heron, Little Egret, Great White Egret, Glossy lbis, Spoonbill and Ruddy Shelduck. Globally threatened Pygmy Cormorant and Red-breasted Goose also winter on the nature reserve. In total, the nature reserve supports over 200 bird species, 41 mammal species, 21 reptile and amphibian species and 10 fish species. Date: 16th May 2018 Location: view from the visitor centre, Srebarna, Silistra Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871766.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3559991884eff221e48b22.jpgCommon Tern The Common Tern is a seabird of the tern family. Breeding adults have pale grey upperparts, very pale grey underparts, a black cap, orange-red legs and a narrow pointed bill that can be mostly red with a black tip. The upperwings are pale grey but as the summer wears on the dark feather shafts of the outer flight feathers become exposed and a grey wedge appears on the wings. The rump and tail are white and on a standing bird the long tail extends no further than the folded wingtips unlike the Arctic and Roseate Terns in which the tail protrudes beyond the wings. There are no significant differences between the sexes. In non-breeding adults the forehead and underparts become white, the bill is all black or black with a red base and the legs are dark red or black. The upperwings have an obvious dark area at the front edge of the wing. Terns that have not bred successfully may start moulting into non-breeding adult plumage from June but late July is more typical with the moult suspended during migration. Juveniles have pale grey upperwings with a dark carpal bar. The crown and nape are brown and the forehead is ginger wearing to white by autumn. The upperparts are ginger with brown and white scaling and the tail lacks the adult's long outer feathers. Birds in their first post-juvenile plumage resemble non-breeding adults but have a duskier crown, dark carpal bar and often very worn plumage. By their second year, most young terns are either indistinguishable from adults or show only minor differences such as a darker bill or white forehead. There are several terns of a similar size and general appearance to the Common Tern. A traditionally difficult species to separate is the Arctic Tern and, until the key characteristics were clarified, distant or flying birds of the 2 species were often jointly recorded as "commic terns". Although similar in size, the two terns differ in structure and flight. The Common Tern has a larger head, thicker neck, longer legs and more triangular and stiffer wings than the Arctic Tern and has a more powerful and direct flight. The Arctic Tern has greyer underparts than the Common Tern which make its white cheeks more obvious whereas the rump of the Common Tern can be greyish in non-breeding plumage compared to the white of the Arctic Tern. The Common Tern develops a dark wedge on the wings as the breeding season progresses but the wings of the Arctic Tern stay white throughout the northern summer. All the flight feathers of the Arctic Tern are translucent against a bright sky but only the 4 innermost wing feathers of the Common Tern share this characteristic. The trailing edge of the outer flight feathers is a thin black line in the Arctic Tern but it is thicker and less defined in the Common Tern. The bill of an adult Common Tern is orange-red with a black tip and its legs are bright red while both are a darker red colour in the Arctic Tern which also lacks the black bill tip. The Common Tern is an agile flyer, capable of rapid turns and swoops, hovering and vertical take-off. When commuting with fish, it flies close to the surface in a strong head wind but up to 100 feet above the water in a following wind. The Common Tern has a circumpolar distribution and breeds in temperate and sub-arctic regions of Europe, Asia and north America. It is strongly migratory and winters in coastal tropical and subtropical regions. Breeding in a wider range of habitats than any of its relatives, the Common Tern nests on any flat, poorly vegetated surface close to water including beaches and islands. It also readily adapts to artificial floating rafts. The nest may be a bare scrape in sand or gravel but it is often lined or edged with whatever debris is available. Eggs and young are vulnerable to predation by mammals such as rats and American Mink and large birds including gulls, owls and herons. Like most terns, the Common Tern feeds by plunge-diving for fish, either in the sea or in freshwater, but molluscs, crustaceans and other invertebrate prey may form a significant part of the diet in some areas. Date: 7th June 2009 Location: Siikalahti near Parikkala, Etelä-Karjala, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4466066.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9783295914b8a24413f190.jpg http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30017226.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_175921241358754fefb9c8e.jpgDate: 2nd January 2017 Location: Ham Wall RSPB reserve, Somerset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40755771.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12304195875e2043824c0a7.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle Goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 6th December 2019 Location: Oudeland van Strijen, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40755775.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_450367395e20439650b2e.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle Goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 6th December 2019 Location: Oudeland van Strijen, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40755777.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20337113065e20439fef013.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle Goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 6th December 2019 Location: Oudeland van Strijen, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40755791.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_900798525e2043daaa44f.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle Goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 8th December 2019 Location: Workum area, Friesland, Netherlands http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40755782.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9487135365e2043b006059.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 6th December 2019 Location: Brouwersdam, Zeeland, Netherlands http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40755770.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14371036645e204380a9042.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle Goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 6th December 2019 Location: Oudeland van Strijen, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40755768.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1785129865e204371c7174.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle Goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 6th December 2019 Location: Oudeland van Strijen, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40755785.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19642968695e2043c1e4fbc.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle Goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 8th December 2019 Location: Workum area, Friesland, Netherlands http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40755789.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4097730025e2043d245c98.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle Goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 8th December 2019 Location: Workum area, Friesland, Netherlands http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40755798.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3217628265e204408aa306.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 8th December 2019 Location: Joure to Terherne area, Friesland, Netherlands http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40755807.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14362507185e2044389fdb3.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle Goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 9th December 2019 Location: Dokkum area, Friesland, Netherlands http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40755787.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10887707655e2043cae0600.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle Goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 8th December 2019 Location: Workum area, Friesland, Netherlands http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40755794.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3627791915e2043f300a7c.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle Goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 8th December 2019 Location: Workum area, Friesland, Netherlands http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40755809.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16202664155e2044431f095.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle Goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 9th December 2019 Location: Dokkum area, Friesland, Netherlands http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40755784.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2497492955e2043b8b0b45.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle Goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 8th December 2019 Location: Workum area, Friesland, Netherlands http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40755810.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8182197385e20444bab123.jpgBewick's Swans The Tundra Swan is a small Holarctic swan. The 2 taxa within it are usually regarded as conspecific but are also sometimes split into 2 species: the Bewick's Swan of the Palaearctic and the Whistling Swan of the Nearctic. The Bewick's Swan was named in 1830 by William Yarrell after the engraver Thomas Bewick who specialised in illustrations of birds and animals. The Bewick's Swan measures 45 to 55 inches in length with a wing span of 18.5 to 21.5 inches. Males are slightly larger and heavier than females. It is similar in appearance to the Whooper Swan but is smaller, shorter-necked and has a more rounded head shape. It has a variable bill pattern but always shows more black than yellow and having a blunt forward edge of the yellow base patch. The Whooper Swan has a bill that has more yellow than black and the forward edge of the yellow patch is usually pointed. The bill pattern for every individual Bewick's Swan is unique and scientists often make detailed drawings of each bill and assign names to the swans to assist with studying these birds. As their common name implies, the Tundra Swan breeds in the Arctic and sub-Arctic tundra where they inhabit shallow pools, lakes and rivers. Unlike the Mute Swan, but like the other Arctic swans, it is a migratory bird. The winter habitat is mainly grassland and marshland, often near the coast. The breeding range of the Bewick’s Swan extends across the coastal lowlands of Siberia from the Kola Peninsula east to the Pacific. It starts to arrive in its breeding range around mid-May and leaves for its winter range around the end of September. The populations west of the Taimyr Peninsula migrate via the White Sea, Baltic Sea and the Elbe estuary to winter in Denmark, the Netherlands and the UK where it is common in winter on a few RSPB and WWT reserves. Some birds also winter elsewhere on the southern shores of the North Sea. The Bewick’s Swans that breed in eastern Russia migrate via Mongolia and north China to winter in the coastal regions of Korea, Japan and south China, south to Guangdong and occasionally as far as Taiwan. A few birds from the central Siberian range also winter in Iran at the south of the Caspian Sea. Arrival in the winter range starts about mid-October although most birds spend weeks or even months at favourite resting locations and will only arrive in the winter range in November or even as late as January. Departure from the winter range starts in mid-February. Bewick’s Swans mate in the late spring, usually after they have returned to the breeding range. As is usual for swans, they pair monogamously until one partner dies. Should one partner die long before the other, the surviving bird often will not mate again for several years or even for the rest of its life. The nesting season starts at the end of May. The pair build the large mound-shaped nest from plant material at an elevated site near open water and they defend a large territory around it. The pen (female) lays and incubates a clutch of 2 to 7 (usually 3 to 5) eggs whilst the cob (male) keeps a steady lookout for potential predators heading towards his mate and offspring. The time from egg laying to hatching is 29 to 30 days. Since they nest in cold regions, Bewick’s Swan cygnets grow faster than those of swans breeding in warmer climates and they may fledge in 40 to 45 days. Cygnets stay with their parents for the first winter migration and the family is sometimes even joined by their offspring from previous breeding seasons while on the wintering grounds. Bewick’s Swans do not reach sexual maturity until 3 or 4 years of age. In summer, the diet of the Bewick’s Swan consists mainly of aquatic vegetation which it finds by sticking its head underwater or upending while swimming. It will also eat some grass growing on dry land. At other times of the year, leftover grains and other crops such as potatoes, picked up in open fields after harvest, make up much of the diet. Healthy adult Bewick’s Swans have few natural predators. The Arctic Fox may threaten breeding females and particular the eggs and hatchlings. Adults typically can stand their ground and displace foxes but occasionally the foxes are successful. Other potential nest predators include the Red Fox, the Brown Bear, the Golden Eagle, the Arctic Skua and the Glaucous Gull. The Brown Bear, the Golden Eagle and the Wolf may occasionally succeed at capturing and killing an adult. About 15% adults die each year from various causes and the average lifespan in the wild is about 10 years. The status of the Bewick's Swan is not well known although its population is in decline in north west Europe for largely unexplained reasons. It is increasingly dependent on agricultural crops to supplement its winter diet as aquatic vegetation in its winter habitat declines due to habitat destruction and water pollution. However, the main cause of adult mortality is hunting and, whilst the Bewick's Swan can not be hunted legally, almost half the birds studied contain lead shot in their bodies, indicating that they were shot at by poachers. Lead poisoning by ingestion of lead shot is also a very significant cause of mortality. The Bewick's Swan is one of the birds to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 9th December 2019 Location: Dokkum area, Friesland, Netherlands http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40755811.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8310302215e20444fdc337.jpgBewick's Swans The Tundra Swan is a small Holarctic swan. The 2 taxa within it are usually regarded as conspecific but are also sometimes split into 2 species: the Bewick's Swan of the Palaearctic and the Whistling Swan of the Nearctic. The Bewick's Swan was named in 1830 by William Yarrell after the engraver Thomas Bewick who specialised in illustrations of birds and animals. The Bewick's Swan measures 45 to 55 inches in length with a wing span of 18.5 to 21.5 inches. Males are slightly larger and heavier than females. It is similar in appearance to the Whooper Swan but is smaller, shorter-necked and has a more rounded head shape. It has a variable bill pattern but always shows more black than yellow and having a blunt forward edge of the yellow base patch. The Whooper Swan has a bill that has more yellow than black and the forward edge of the yellow patch is usually pointed. The bill pattern for every individual Bewick's Swan is unique and scientists often make detailed drawings of each bill and assign names to the swans to assist with studying these birds. As their common name implies, the Tundra Swan breeds in the Arctic and sub-Arctic tundra where they inhabit shallow pools, lakes and rivers. Unlike the Mute Swan, but like the other Arctic swans, it is a migratory bird. The winter habitat is mainly grassland and marshland, often near the coast. The breeding range of the Bewick’s Swan extends across the coastal lowlands of Siberia from the Kola Peninsula east to the Pacific. It starts to arrive in its breeding range around mid-May and leaves for its winter range around the end of September. The populations west of the Taimyr Peninsula migrate via the White Sea, Baltic Sea and the Elbe estuary to winter in Denmark, the Netherlands and the UK where it is common in winter on a few RSPB and WWT reserves. Some birds also winter elsewhere on the southern shores of the North Sea. The Bewick’s Swans that breed in eastern Russia migrate via Mongolia and north China to winter in the coastal regions of Korea, Japan and south China, south to Guangdong and occasionally as far as Taiwan. A few birds from the central Siberian range also winter in Iran at the south of the Caspian Sea. Arrival in the winter range starts about mid-October although most birds spend weeks or even months at favourite resting locations and will only arrive in the winter range in November or even as late as January. Departure from the winter range starts in mid-February. Bewick’s Swans mate in the late spring, usually after they have returned to the breeding range. As is usual for swans, they pair monogamously until one partner dies. Should one partner die long before the other, the surviving bird often will not mate again for several years or even for the rest of its life. The nesting season starts at the end of May. The pair build the large mound-shaped nest from plant material at an elevated site near open water and they defend a large territory around it. The pen (female) lays and incubates a clutch of 2 to 7 (usually 3 to 5) eggs whilst the cob (male) keeps a steady lookout for potential predators heading towards his mate and offspring. The time from egg laying to hatching is 29 to 30 days. Since they nest in cold regions, Bewick’s Swan cygnets grow faster than those of swans breeding in warmer climates and they may fledge in 40 to 45 days. Cygnets stay with their parents for the first winter migration and the family is sometimes even joined by their offspring from previous breeding seasons while on the wintering grounds. Bewick’s Swans do not reach sexual maturity until 3 or 4 years of age. In summer, the diet of the Bewick’s Swan consists mainly of aquatic vegetation which it finds by sticking its head underwater or upending while swimming. It will also eat some grass growing on dry land. At other times of the year, leftover grains and other crops such as potatoes, picked up in open fields after harvest, make up much of the diet. Healthy adult Bewick’s Swans have few natural predators. The Arctic Fox may threaten breeding females and particular the eggs and hatchlings. Adults typically can stand their ground and displace foxes but occasionally the foxes are successful. Other potential nest predators include the Red Fox, the Brown Bear, the Golden Eagle, the Arctic Skua and the Glaucous Gull. The Brown Bear, the Golden Eagle and the Wolf may occasionally succeed at capturing and killing an adult. About 15% adults die each year from various causes and the average lifespan in the wild is about 10 years. The status of the Bewick's Swan is not well known although its population is in decline in north west Europe for largely unexplained reasons. It is increasingly dependent on agricultural crops to supplement its winter diet as aquatic vegetation in its winter habitat declines due to habitat destruction and water pollution. However, the main cause of adult mortality is hunting and, whilst the Bewick's Swan can not be hunted legally, almost half the birds studied contain lead shot in their bodies, indicating that they were shot at by poachers. Lead poisoning by ingestion of lead shot is also a very significant cause of mortality. The Bewick's Swan is one of the birds to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 9th December 2019 Location: Dokkum area, Friesland, Netherlands http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40755793.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12266300255e2043e7955e4.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle Goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 8th December 2019 Location: Workum area, Friesland, Netherlands http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40755808.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18504875385e20443d5bdef.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle Goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 9th December 2019 Location: Dokkum area, Friesland, Netherlands http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40755779.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18290378685e2043a66dc67.jpgMagpie The Eurasian Magpie, often simply known as the Magpie, is one of several birds in the crow family [i] Corvidae[/i] designated as a Magpie. In Europe, Magpie is generally used by English speakers to describe the Eurasian Magpie. The only other species in Europe is the Iberian Magpie or Azure-winged Magpie which is limited to the Iberian peninsula. The adult male Magpie is 17 to 18 inches in length, of which more than half is the tail. The wingspan is 20 to 24 inches. The head, neck and breast are glossy black with a metallic green and violet sheen, the belly and scapulars are pure white, the wings are black glossed with green or purple and the primaries have white inner webs, conspicuous when the wing is open. The graduated tail is black, glossed with green and reddish purple. The legs and bill are black and the iris is dark brown. The plumage of the sexes is similar but the female is slightly smaller. The young resemble the adults but are at first without much of the gloss on the sooty plumage and the tail is much shorter. The Magpie can be found across temperate Eurasia from Spain and Ireland in the west to the Kamchatka Peninsula in the east. It has also been introduced in Japan on the island of Kyushu. The preferred habitat of the Magpie is open countryside with scattered trees and it is normally absent from treeless areas and dense forests. It sometimes breeds at high densities in suburban settings such as parks and gardens and it can often be found close to the centre of cities. The Magpie is normally sedentary and spends winters close to its breeding areas but birds living near the northern limit of their range in Scandinavia and Russia can move south in harsh weather. Some Magpies breed after their first year whilst others remain in non-breeding flocks and first breed in their second year. The Magpie is monogamous and pairs often remain together from one breeding season to the next and generally occupy the same territory in successive years. Mating takes place in spring. In the courtship display, males rapidly raise and depress their head feathers, uplift, open and close their tails like fans and call in soft tones quite distinct from their usual chatter. The loose feathers of the flanks are brought over the primaries, and the shoulder patch is spread so the white is conspicuous, presumably to attract females. Short buoyant flights and chases follow. The Magpie prefers tall trees for their bulky nest, firmly attaching them to a central fork in the upper branches. A framework of sticks is cemented with earth and clay and a lining of the same is covered with fine roots. Above is a stout though loosely built dome of prickly branches with a single well concealed entrance. These huge nests are conspicuous when the leaves fall. Where trees are scarce, though even in well-wooded country, nests are at times built in bushes and hedgerows. In Europe, the eggs are typically laid in April and clutches usually contain 5 or 6 eggs. The eggs are incubated for 21 to 22 days by the female who is fed on the nest by the male. The chicks are brooded by the female for the first 5 to 10 days and fed by both parents. The nestlings open their eyes 7 to 8 days after hatching and their body feathers start to appear after around 8 days and the primary wing feathers after 10 days. Fledging takes place at around 27 days and the parents then continue to feed the young for several more weeks. The parents also protect the young from predators since their ability to fly is poor, making them vulnerable. On average, only 3 or 4 chicks survive to fledge successfully. Some nests are lost to predators but an important factor causing nestling mortality is starvation. Eggs hatch asynchronously and if the parents have difficulty finding sufficient food, the last chicks to hatch are unlikely to survive. The Magpie is omnivorous, eating young birds and eggs, small mammals, insects, scraps and carrion, acorns, grain and other vegetable substances. The Magpie is believed not only to be among the most intelligent of birds but among the most intelligent of all animals. Along with the Jackdaw, the Magpie's nidopallium area of the brain is approximately the same relative size as those in Chimpanzees and humans. Like other corvids, such as the Raven and Carrion crow, the total brain-to-body mass ratio is equal to most great apes and cetaceans. A 2004 review suggests that the intelligence of the corvid family to which the Magpie belongs is equivalent to that of great apes (Chimpanzees, Orangutans and Gorillas) in terms of social cognition, causal reasoning, flexibility, imagination and prospection. The Magpie has an extremely large range and a very large population. The population trend in Europe has been stable since 1980 and there is no evidence of any serious overall decline in numbers so the species is classified by the IUCN as being of “Least Concern”. In Europe, the Magpie has been historically demonized by humans, mainly as a result of folklore, superstition and myth and its reputation as an omen of ill fortune. The Magpie has also been attacked for their role as a predator which includes eating other birds' eggs and their young. However, different studies have reached different conclusions on their impact on the populations of other birds. Date: 6th December 2019 Location: Brouwersdam, Zeeland, Netherlands http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40755786.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_28068445e2043c3e5f41.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle Goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 8th December 2019 Location: Workum area, Friesland, Netherlands http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40755788.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2752386055e2043cd2229d.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle Goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 8th December 2019 Location: Workum area, Friesland, Netherlands http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51982663.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_124845373666d33cff3e084.jpgAzure Damselfly Flight period: May to August The Azure Damselfly is one of the two commonest blue damselflies and is a common and widespread species of lowland UK. They can be found around most standing water, preferring small, sheltered sites including ditches and garden ponds. Date: 19th July 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41249268.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5121770975f00b6da3309c.jpgPuffins The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 22nd June 2020 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405581.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4209005536586fcb84821b.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the Canidae family and is a part of the order Carnivora within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 6th December 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13683337.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15242617794ed7305521f60.jpgPolecat The Polecat is a member of the Mustelid group of mammals which also includes the Weasel, Stoat, Otter and Pine Marten. It has blackish guard hairs and yellow underfur on the body giving a “black and tan” appearance, a “bandit” face with a pale muzzle, ear tips and eyebrows and a broad dark band around the eyes, darker legs and belly and a short fluffy tail. The Polecat is found throughout Wales, the Midlands and parts of central southern England and is spreading steadily from these areas. There are isolated populations in Cumbria and Caithness which probably result from unofficial releases. At one time the Polecat was widespread throughout the UK but it was nearly exterminated by 1915. They have never occurred in Ireland or on the outer islands of Scotland. Although it occurs in a wide range of habitats, the Polecat prefers lowland areas. When it was confined to Wales, valleys and farms were favoured, but as it has spread out into England, farmland with hedgerows and small woods are preferred. Polecat dens are commonly in rabbit burrows, especially in summer, but they frequently move into farmyards in winter when they may den in hay bales, under sheds and in rubbish tips. This change of habitat reflects their changing diet through the year. In summer, Rabbits are a major food and the Polecat is slender enough to hunt them within their burrows. In winter, Brown Rats become a favoured food and sites like farmyards and rubbish tips that have good populations become more usual habitats. The Polecat does however kill a wide range of prey. Frogs may be important in spring, when they have gathered to spawn, and birds may also be taken. Polecats have lived up to 14 years in captivity but in the wild most probably die before they are 5 years old. In addition to its protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, the Polecat was added to the list of UK BAP (Biodiveristy Action Plan) mammals in 2007and protected as a species of principal importance for the conservation of biological diversity in England. Until the 19th Century, the Polecat was found throughout much of mainland UK and the Isle of Wight. Habitat fragmentation, persecution by gamekeepers and being killed for their fur drastically reduced this distribution. The Polecat population was reduced to about 5,000 but is now more than 46,000. One worrying problem is the extent to which they might suffer from secondary poisoning from rodenticides. Brown Rats are commonly killed by anticoagulant poisons when they infest homes and farms but there is an evident risk to Polecats from eating sick, dying rats. It is not known how serious this might be at the level of the Polecat population. As they spread further into England, the increasing density of roads and road traffic is also a threat and seems to be slowing the Polecat’s spread into both northern and south east England. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14155704.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_388254744f3cc5c539c8f.jpgFieldfares The Fieldfare is a member of the thrush family which is very similar to a Mistle Thrush in general size, shape and behaviour. It has a slate grey crown, neck and rump, a plain brown back, dark wings, blackish tail and white underwings. The breast and flanks are heavily speckled. The breast has a reddish wash and the rest of the underparts are white. The sexes are similar in appearance but the females are slightly more brown. The male has a simple chattering song and the birds have various guttural flight and alarm calls. The Fieldfare is a migratory species with a Palearctic distribution. It breeds in north Norway, north Sweden, Finland, the Baltic states, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland and in to Asia. In the summer the Fieldfare frequents mixed woodland of birch, alder, pine, spruce and fir, often near marshes, moorland or other open ground. It does not avoid the vicinity of humans and can be seen in cultivated areas, orchards, parks and gardens. It also inhabits open tundra and the slopes of hills above the tree line. It often breeds in small colonies, possibly for protection from predators. The first known breeding of the Fieldfare in the UK was in 1967 when a pair nested in Orkney. Very small numbers have continued nesting fairly regularly in Scotland. The winter range extends through west Europe, including the UK, south Europe and north Africa although it is uncommon in the Mediterranean region. Eastern populations migrate to Anatolia, Israel, Iran and north west India. Migrating and wintering Fieldfares often form large flocks, often in the company of Redwings. In the winter, the Fieldfare can be found in open country, agricultural land, orchards, open woodland and gardens. It is nomadic, wandering wherever there is an abundance of berries and insects. Later in the year it moves on to pastureland and cultivated fields. The Fieldfare is omnivorous. Animal food in the diet includes snails and slugs, earthworms, spiders and insects such as beetles and their larvae, flies and grasshoppers. In the autumn ripened berries such as hawthorn, holly, rowan, yew, juniper, dog rose, cotoneaster, pyracantha and berberis are eaten. In addition, windfall apples, grain and seeds are eaten. When these are exhausted, or in particularly harsh weather, the birds may move to marshes or even the foreshore where molluscs can be found. Date: 7th February 2012 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50931098.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3712079116627d3af1f075.jpgPeacock Flight period: March to September. The Peacock is a familiar and widespread butterfly which is continuing to expand its range in the UK. It is a highly adaptable species that can be found almost anywhere but the best sites are where favoured nectar plants are available. Date: 10th April 2024 Location: Benfleet and Hadleigh Downs, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26041556.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15918854685638aaaaaa2a5.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name <i>Fratercula</i> comes from the Medieval Latin <i>fratercula</i> meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name <i>arctica</i> refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek <i>άρκτος</i> ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name <i>puffin</i> (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Látrabjarg, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7950482.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20678940814d03d03711226.jpgPied Wagtail The White Wagtail, [i]Motacilla alba[/i], is a small passerine bird in the wagtail family. A number of sub-species are recognised including [i]Motacilla alba alba[/I] found in Europe from the Iberian Peninsula to the Ural Mountains, Turkey, the Levant, Iceland, the Faroe Islands and Greenland's east coast and [I]Motacilla alba yarrellii[/I] (Pied Wagtail) found in the UK and Ireland and which has a much blacker back than the nominate race. The nominate sub-species [I]Motacilla alba alba[/I] is basically grey above and white below with a white face, black cap and black throat. It is a slender bird with a characteristic long tail. The most conspicuous habit of the White Wagtail is a near-constant tail wagging, a trait that has given the bird its common name. In spite of the ubiquity of this behaviour, the reasons for it are poorly understood. It has been suggested that it may flush prey or signal submissiveness to other wagtails. A recent study has suggested instead that it is a signal of vigilance to potential predators. The White Wagtail breeds throughout Eurasia up to latitudes 75°N, only being absent in the Arctic from areas where summer temperatures are less than 4 °C. It also breeds in the mountains of Morocco and western Alaska. It is resident in the milder parts of its range such as western Europe and the Mediterranean but migratory in much of the rest of its range. Northern European breeders winter around the Mediterranean and in tropical and subtropical Africa, Asiatic birds move to the Middle East, India and south east Asia and birds from the north American population also winter in tropical Asia. The White Wagtail has a wide range and whilst the population size is unknown it is believed to be large since the species is described as "common" in at least parts of its range. Population trends have not been quantified but the population in Europe appears to be stable and it has adapted well to human changes to the environment and has exploited human changes such as man-made structures that are used for nesting sites and increased open areas that are used for foraging. The White Wagtail is an insectivorous bird of open country, often near habitation and water. It prefers bare areas for feeding where it can see and pursue its prey. In urban areas it has adapted to foraging on paved areas such as car parks. It nests in crevices and holes in stone walls and similar natural and man-made structures such as bridges and buildings. The diet of the White Wagtail varies by location but terrestrial and aquatic insects and other small invertebrates form the major part of the diet. These range from beetles, dragonflies, small snails, spiders, worms and crustaceans to maggots found in carcasses and flies. It is somewhat unusual in the parts of its range where it is non-migratory as it is an insectivorous bird that continues to feed on insects during the winter when most other insectivorous birds in temperate climates migrate or switch to more vegetable matter. Though it is known to be a host species for the Cuckoo, the White Wagtail typically deserts its nest if it has been parasitised. Date: 15th November 2010 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21959344.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_137961365053da7b0acda11.jpgArctic Tern The Arctic Tern is a seabird of the tern family. The adult plumage is grey above with a black nape and crown and white cheeks. The upperwings are pale grey with the area near the wingtip being translucent. The tail is white and the underparts pale grey. The beak is dark red as are the short legs and webbed feet. Like most terns, the Arctic Tern has high aspect ratio wings and a tail with a deep fork and long tail streamers. Both sexes are similar in appearance. The winter plumage is similar but the crown is whiter and the bills are darker. Juveniles differ from adults having black bill and legs, "scaly" appearing wings and mantle with dark feather tips, dark carpal wing bar and short tail streamers. During their first summer, juveniles also have a whiter forecrown. Whilst the Arctic Tern is similar to the Common and the Roseate Tern, its colouring, profile and call are slightly different. Compared to the Common Tern, it has a longer tail and mono-coloured bill, whilst the main differences from the Roseate Tern are its slightly darker colour and longer wings. The Arctic Tern has a circumpolar breeding distribution covering the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of Europe, Asia and north America. It is strongly migratory and sees 2 summers each year and more daylight than any other creature on the planet. It migrates along a convoluted route from its northern summer breeding grounds to the northern edge of the Antarctic coast for the southern summer and back again about 6 months later. In the UK, breeding Arctic Terns can best be seen on islands such as the Farne Islands in Northumberland or Orkney and Shetland in northern Scotland where the greatest densities occur. Recent studies have shown average annual roundtrip lengths of 25000 to 50000 miles depending on the route taken and weather and wind conditions. The Arctic Tern is a long-lived bird with many reaching 30 years of age and based on this average it will travel some 1.5 million miles during its lifetime. This is by far the longest migration known in the animal kingdom. Breeding takes place in colonies on coasts, islands and occasionally inland on tundra near water. The Arctic Tern often forms mixed colonies with the Common Tern and Sandwich Tern. As it nests on the ground, the Arctic Tern is vulnerable to predation but it is one of the most aggressive terns and it is fiercely defensive of its nest and young. It will attack humans and large predators, usually striking the top or back of the head. Although it is too small to cause serious injury, it is still capable of drawing blood and repelling many raptorial birds and smaller mammalian predators such as foxes and cats. Other nesting birds, such as auks, often incidentally benefit from the protection provided by nesting in an area defended by Arctic Terns. The diet of the Arctic Tern varies depending on location and time but it usually eats small fish or marine crustaceans by dipping down to the surface of the water to catch prey. While feeding, skuas, gulls and other tern species will often harass the birds and steal their food. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Inner Farne, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41205486.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4814265525eb979787712c.jpgCanada Goose and goslings The Canada Goose belongs to the Branta genus of geese which contains species with largely black plumage distinguishing it from the grey species of the genus Anser. The black head and neck with a white "chinstrap" distinguish the Canada Goose from all other goose species with the exception of the Cackling Goose from north America and the Barnacle Goose which has a black breast and grey rather than brownish body plumage. The 7 sub-species of the Canada Goose vary widely in size and plumage details but all are recognizable as Canada Geese. Of the "true geese" (i.e. the genera Anser, Branta or Chen), the Canada Goose is on average the largest living species. It ranges from 30 to 43 inches in length and with a 50 to 73 inches wingspan. The male usually weighs 5.7 to 14.3 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 8.6 pounds. The female looks virtually identical but is slightly lighter at 5.3 to 12.1 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 7.9 pounds. It is also generally 10% smaller in linear dimensions than the male. The Canada Goose is native to north America where it breeds in Canada and the north USA in a wide range of habitats. The Great Lakes region maintains a very large population. It occurs all year round in the southern part of its breeding range, including most of the eastern seaboard and the Pacific coast. Between California and South Carolina in the south USA and north Mexico, it is primarily present as a migrant from further north during the winter. Outside north America, the Canada Goose has reached north Europe naturally as has been proved by ringing recoveries. It has also been introduced in to Europe and had established populations in the UK in the middle of the 18th century, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany and Scandinavia. Most European populations are not migratory but those in more northerly parts of Sweden and Finland migrate to the North Sea and Baltic coasts. Semi-tame feral birds are common in parks and have become a pest in some areas. In the early 17th century, explorer Samuel de Champlain sent several pairs of Canada Geese to France as a present for King Louis XIII. Canada Geese were first introduced in to the UK in the late 17th century as an addition to King James II's waterfowl collection in St. James's Park. They were also introduced in to Germany and Scandinavia during the 20th century. During the second year of its life, the Canada Goose finds a mate. It is a monogamous species and most couples stay together all of their lives. If one dies, the other may find a new mate. The female lays from 2 to 9 eggs with an average of 5. Both parents protect the nest while the eggs incubate but the female spends more time at the nest than the male. The nest is usually located in an elevated area near water such as streams, lakes and ponds and the eggs are laid in a shallow depression lined with plant material and down. The incubation period, in which the female incubates the eggs while the male remains nearby, lasts for 24 to 28 days after laying. As soon as the goslings hatch, they are immediately capable of walking, swimming and finding their own food (a diet similar to the adults). Parents are often seen leading their goslings in a line, usually with one adult at the front and the other at the back. While protecting their goslings, parents often violently chase away anything from small birds to lone humans who approach, after warning them by giving off a hissing sound and then attacking with bites and slaps of the wings if the threat does not retreat. Although parents are hostile to unfamiliar geese, they may form groups (crèches) of a number of goslings and a few adults. The goslings enter the fledgling stage any time from 6 to 9 weeks of age. Once it reaches adulthood, due to its large size and often aggressive behaviour, the Canada Goose is rarely preyed on although prior injury may make it more vulnerable to natural predators. The lifespan in the wild of birds that survive to adulthood ranges from 10 to 24 years. The UK longevity record is held by a specimen tagged as a nestling which was observed alive at the age of 31. The Canada Goose is primarily a herbivore although it will sometimes eat small insects and fish. Their diet includes grasses, aquatic plants, beans and grains such as wheat, rice, and corn when they are available. In urban areas, it is also known to pick food out of rubbish bins and it will readily take a variety of food from humans in parks. Date: 10th May 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512864.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7520848662c9a8527f40f.jpgEurasian Beaver The Eurasian Beaver or European Beaver is one of the largest living species of rodents and it is the largest rodent native to Eurasia. It weighs around 24 to 66 pounds with an average of 40 pounds. Typically the head and body length is 31 to 39 inches and the tail length is 9.8 to 19.7 inches. The fur colour of the Beaver varies geographically from light chestnut-rust to blackish-brown. The Beaver was once widespread in Eurasia. It was hunted to near-extinction for both its fur and castoreum (a secretion of its scent gland believed to have medicinal properties) and by 1900 only 1200 beavers survived in 8 relict populations in Europe and Asia. In many European nations, the Beaver became extinct but reintroduction and protection has led to gradual recovery to about 639,000 individuals by 2003 and it now occurs from the UK to China and Mongolia although it is absent from Italy, Portugal, the southern Balkans and the Middle East. About 83% can be found in the former Soviet Union. In the UK, the Beaver became extinct in the 16th century but, as a former native species, interest in reintroducing it to the wild across the UK has been shown. It has been suggested that Beaver dams could retain water in upland areas, reducing flood volumes and creating new habitats for wildlife. Currently, Beaver populations are found in a number of large enclosures in wildlife parks, as well as free-living populations around the River Tay and Knapdale areas in Scotland and the River Otter in Devon. The Knapdale population was deliberately released whilst the other populations are of unknown origin. The Beaver is a keystone species helping support the ecosystem of which they are a part. It creates wetlands which increase biodiversity and provide habitat for many rare species such as Water Voles, Otters, and Water Shrews. It coppices waterside trees and shrubs so that they regrow as dense shrubs which provide cover for birds and other animals. Beaver dams trap sediment and improve water quality and recharge groundwater tables and increase cover for trout and salmon. The Beaver has a single litter of young per year, coming into oestrus for only 12 to 24 hours between late December and May and peaking in January. Unlike most other rodents, Beaver pairs are monogamous and stay together for multiple breeding seasons. Gestation averages 107 days and litters average 3 kits with a range of 2 to 6 kits. Most Beavers do not reproduce until they are 3 years of age. Date: 12th June 2022 Location: River Otter near Otterton, Devon http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14160679.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_222988704f3e1867ce65a.jpgRabbit The (European) Rabbit ranges from 13 to 20 inches in length, not counting a tail of 1.6 to 3.1 inches. It has grey/brown fur, white underparts, long ears, large hind legs and a short, white fluffy tail. As a lagomorph, it has four sharp incisors (two on top, two on bottom) that grow continuously throughout its life. The Rabbit moves move by hopping, using its long and powerful hind legs. To facilitate quick movement, the hind feet have a thick padding of fur to dampen the shock of rapid hopping. The toes are long and are webbed to keep from spreading apart as the animal jumps. The Rabbit is native to south west Europe (Spain and Portugal) and north west Africa (Morocco and Algeria). It is known as an invasive species because it has been introduced to countries on all continents, with the exception of Antarctica and sub-Saharan Africa, where it has often caused many problems within the environment and ecosystems. The Rabbit was brought to England in the 12th century by the Normans and kept in captivity in warrens as a source of meat and fur. Many escaped into the wild and eventually become so common that farming them was no longer economic. Helped by fast breeding, a diet of virtually any vegetable matter and human persecution of their predators, the Rabbit slowly established itself in the wild in the UK despite originally favouring a warmer, drier climate. It is now widespread throughout the UK but absent from the Isles of Scilly and a few smaller islands and can be found almost anywhere that it can burrow. The most suitable areas are those where the burrow area and food supply are side-by-side, such as woodland edge and hedgerows. Open warrens are maintained where good burrowing conditions exist on areas of short grass, sand dunes, railway verges and even in urban areas. It is rarely found above the tree-line and it avoids damp conditions and areas deep in conifer woodland. The Rabbit is a social animal and lives in medium-sized colonies comprising of a network of burrows known as warrens. It is largely crepuscular, being most active around dawn and dusk, although it is not infrequently seen and active during the day. During the day, it prefers to reside in vegetated patches which are used for protection from predators. The Rabbit is essentially a mixed feeder, both grazing and browsing, but grass is the primary food source. However, it has a diverse diet of grasses, leaves, buds, tree bark and roots and will also eat lettuce, cabbage, root vegetables and grains. The Rabbit is famed for its reproductive capabilities and the inspiration for the phrase "breeding like rabbits". The breeding season is mainly from January to August when 4 to 8 litters of 2 to 12 kittens are produced. The gestation period averages 31 days. The doe constructs a nest inside a burrow from grass bedding and lines it with soft fur from her chest and belly. The young kittens are born blind, deaf and almost hairless. Their eyes open at 10 days, they begin to appear at the burrow entrance at 18 days and are weaned at 21 to 25 days. They are self-supporting in one month but 90% die in the first year. Bucks are able to mate at 4 months, does at 3.5 months. Birds of prey and carnivores such as the Fox, Stoat and Weasel are the primary predators of the Rabbit. Date: 9th May 2009 Location: Conwy RSPB reserve, Conwy http://www.richardchewphotography.com/brent-geese https://images.on-this.website/4752_20379808394d03cf6572f82.jpgDark-bellied Brent Geese The Brent Goose belongs to the [I]Branta[/I] genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the [I]Anser[/I] genus of grey geese. [I]Branta[/I] is a Latinised form of Old Norse [I]brandgás[/I], meaning "burnt (black) goose", and [i]bernicla[/i] is the medieval Latin name for the barnacle. The Brent Goose and the similar Barnacle Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be the same creature as the crustacean, a myth that can be dated back to at least the 12th century. The Brent Goose, [I]Branta bernicla[/I] is divided into 3 sub-species: Dark-bellied Brent Goose [I]B. b. bernicla[/I], Pale-bellied Brent Goose [i]B. b. hrota[/i] (sometimes also known as Light-bellied Brent Goose) and Black Brant [i]B. b. nigricans[/i]. Some DNA evidence suggests that these forms are genetically distinct and a split into 3 separate species has been proposed. However, other evidence upholds their maintenance as a single species. The Brent Goose is a small goose, 22 to 26 inches long with a wingspan of 42 to 48 inches. The under-tail is pure white and the tail black and very short (the shortest of any goose). The Dark-bellied Brent Goose is fairly uniformly dark grey-brown all over and the flanks and belly are not significantly paler than the back. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds on the Arctic coasts of central and west Siberia and winters in west Europe with over half the population in south England and the rest between north Germany and north west France. The Pale-bellied Brent Goose appears blackish-brown and light grey in colour and the flanks and belly are significantly paler than the back and present a marked contrast. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds in Franz Josef Land, Svalbard, Greenland and north east Canada and winters in Denmark, north east England, Ireland and the Atlantic coast of the USA from Maine to Georgia as well as in a small but significant area in north France. The Black Brant appears blackish-brown and white in colour. This sub-species is very contrastingly black and white with a uniformly dark sooty-brown back, similarly-coloured underparts (with the dark colour extending furthest back of the 3 sub-species) and a prominent white flank patch. It also has a larger white neck patch which forms an almost complete collar. It breeds in north west Canada, Alaska and east Siberia and winters mostly on the west coast of north America from south Alaska to California but also in east Asia, mainly Japan. It sometimes appears as a vagrant in Europe when it associates with the other Brent Goose species. The Brent Goose used to be a strictly coastal bird in winter, seldom leaving tidal estuaries where it feeds on eel-grass and seaweed. In recent decades, it has started using agricultural land a short distance inland, feeding extensively on grass and winter-sown cereals. This may be behaviour learned by following other species of geese. Food resource pressure may also be important in forcing this change since the world population increased over 10-fold by the mid-1980s, possibly reaching the carrying capacity of the estuaries. In the breeding season, the Brent Goose uses low-lying wet coastal tundra for both breeding and feeding. The nest is bowl-shaped, lined with grass and down and located in an elevated position often near a small pond. The Brent Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds applies. Date: 15th November 2010 Location: Cley, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/canada-goose-and-goslings https://images.on-this.website/4752_10219325405ea6e0053ec8c.jpgCanada Goose and goslings The Canada Goose belongs to the Branta genus of geese which contains species with largely black plumage distinguishing it from the grey species of the genus Anser. The black head and neck with a white "chinstrap" distinguish the Canada Goose from all other goose species with the exception of the Cackling Goose from north America and the Barnacle Goose which has a black breast and grey rather than brownish body plumage. The 7 sub-species of the Canada Goose vary widely in size and plumage details but all are recognizable as Canada Geese. Of the "true geese" (i.e. the genera Anser, Branta or Chen), the Canada Goose is on average the largest living species. It ranges from 30 to 43 inches in length and with a 50 to 73 inches wingspan. The male usually weighs 5.7 to 14.3 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 8.6 pounds. The female looks virtually identical but is slightly lighter at 5.3 to 12.1 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 7.9 pounds. It is also generally 10% smaller in linear dimensions than the male. The Canada Goose is native to north America where it breeds in Canada and the north USA in a wide range of habitats. The Great Lakes region maintains a very large population. It occurs all year round in the southern part of its breeding range, including most of the eastern seaboard and the Pacific coast. Between California and South Carolina in the south USA and north Mexico, it is primarily present as a migrant from further north during the winter. Outside north America, the Canada Goose has reached north Europe naturally as has been proved by ringing recoveries. It has also been introduced in to Europe and had established populations in the UK in the middle of the 18th century, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany and Scandinavia. Most European populations are not migratory but those in more northerly parts of Sweden and Finland migrate to the North Sea and Baltic coasts. Semi-tame feral birds are common in parks and have become a pest in some areas. In the early 17th century, explorer Samuel de Champlain sent several pairs of Canada Geese to France as a present for King Louis XIII. Canada Geese were first introduced in to the UK in the late 17th century as an addition to King James II's waterfowl collection in St. James's Park. They were also introduced in to Germany and Scandinavia during the 20th century. During the second year of its life, the Canada Goose finds a mate. It is a monogamous species and most couples stay together all of their lives. If one dies, the other may find a new mate. The female lays from 2 to 9 eggs with an average of 5. Both parents protect the nest while the eggs incubate but the female spends more time at the nest than the male. The nest is usually located in an elevated area near water such as streams, lakes and ponds and the eggs are laid in a shallow depression lined with plant material and down. The incubation period, in which the female incubates the eggs while the male remains nearby, lasts for 24 to 28 days after laying. As soon as the goslings hatch, they are immediately capable of walking, swimming and finding their own food (a diet similar to the adults). Parents are often seen leading their goslings in a line, usually with one adult at the front and the other at the back. While protecting their goslings, parents often violently chase away anything from small birds to lone humans who approach, after warning them by giving off a hissing sound and then attacking with bites and slaps of the wings if the threat does not retreat. Although parents are hostile to unfamiliar geese, they may form groups (crèches) of a number of goslings and a few adults. The goslings enter the fledgling stage any time from 6 to 9 weeks of age. Once it reaches adulthood, due to its large size and often aggressive behaviour, the Canada Goose is rarely preyed on although prior injury may make it more vulnerable to natural predators. The lifespan in the wild of birds that survive to adulthood ranges from 10 to 24 years. The UK longevity record is held by a specimen tagged as a nestling which was observed alive at the age of 31. The Canada Goose is primarily a herbivore although it will sometimes eat small insects and fish. Their diet includes grasses, aquatic plants, beans and grains such as wheat, rice, and corn when they are available. In urban areas, it is also known to pick food out of rubbish bins and it will readily take a variety of food from humans in parks. Date: 26th April 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/four-spotted-chase https://images.on-this.website/4752_162316253460dd83e696dbc.jpgFour-spotted Chase Flight period: mid May to end August. Four-spotted Chasers are a common and widespread species of dragonfly throughout most of the UK. They can be found around sheltered lowland lakes and ponds and around acidic moorland bogs and sheltered upland lakes. Date: 2nd June 2021 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13656920.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10954175754ed36851cebbf.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the [i]Canidae[/i] family and is a part of the order [i]Carnivora[/i] within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5325672.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13880397864c1dd384c36ea.jpgGreat Skua The Great Skua is an aggressive "pirate" of the seas, deliberately harrassing birds as large as Gannets to steal a free meal. It also readily kills and eats smaller birds such as Puffins. These birds migrate to the northernmost parts of the UK from their wintering grounds off the coasts of Spain and Africa. They breed on coastal rocky islands and moorland in northern Scotland, Orkney and Shetland, arriving in April and leaving in July. At other times they are seen around coasts often in vicinity of seabird colonies, scavenging from other birds or picking food from the surface of the sea. Date: 3rd June 2010 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21955335.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_188439741053da16ccd25a2.jpgAtlantic Grey Seals The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41624034.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14951008845f4d2725a16a1.jpgSami Bridge, Utsjoki, Lappi, Finland The Sami Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge that carries the European route E75 across the Teno/Tana River between Utsjoki in Finland and Finnmark county in Norway. The bridge was opened in 1993 and it is 1,037 feet long with the main span 509 feet high. Date: 6th July 2019 Location: view from Utsjoki, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26270588.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8175236035665547933152.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 4th December 2015 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/ilmatsalu-estonia https://images.on-this.website/4752_122982586857cc1de656cb0.jpgIlmatsalu, Estonia Ilmatsalu is an area of fishponds, meadows and woods along the Ilmatsalu river just north west of Tartu. Date: 18th May 2016 Location: Ilmatsalu, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40952862.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9251247585e53941280bf5.jpgNewgrange, Brú na Bóinne, Co.Meath, Ireland Newgrange is a prehistoric monument in the Brú na Bóinne area of Co. Meath located about 5 miles west of Drogheda on the north side of the River Boyne. It is an exceptionally grand passage tomb built during the Neolithic period around 3200 BC, making it older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids. Newgrange is the most famous monument within the Neolithic Brú na Bóinne area along with the similar passage tomb mounds of Knowth and Dowth and as such is a part of the Brú na Bóinne UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site consists of a large circular mound with an inner stone passageway and chambers. Human bones and possible grave goods or votive offerings were found in these chambers. The mound has a retaining wall at the front made mostly of white quartz cobblestones and it is ringed by engraved kerbstones. Many of the larger stones of Newgrange are covered in megalithic art. The mound is also ringed by a stone circle. Some of the material that makes up the monument came from as far away as the Mourne Mountains in Co. Down in the south east of Northern Ireland and the Wicklow Mountains principally in Co. Wicklow in the east of Ireland. There is not complete agreement about what the site was used for but it is believed that it had religious significance. Its entrance is aligned with the rising sun on the winter solstice when sunlight shines through a “roofbox” and floods the inner chamber for a few minutes. In this respect, Newgrange also shares many similarities with other Neolithic constructions in Europe, especially Gavrinis in Brittany, Maeshowe in Orkney in Scotland and Bryn Celli Ddu in Wales. After its initial use, Newgrange was sealed for several millennia. It continued to feature in Irish mythology and folklore in which it is said to be a dwelling of the deities, particularly The Dagda and his son Aengus. Antiquarians first began studying the site in the 17th century and archaeological excavations took place in the years that followed. Archaeologist Michael J. O'Kelly led the most extensive of these and also reconstructed the frontage of the site in the 1970s. Newgrange is a popular tourist site and is regarded as one of the most important megalithic structures in Europe. According to the archaeologist Colin Renfrew, it is [i]"unhesitatingly regarded by the prehistorian as the great national monument of Ireland"[/i]. Date: 3rd February 2020 Location: Newgrange, Brú na Bóinne, Co.Meath, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082682.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6310245435d307d8dd8257.jpgEastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria The Rhodopes Mountains are a mountain range in south east Europe. They are spread over 5689 square miles of which 4723 square miles are located in south Bulgaria and the remainder in north Greece. The Rhodopes Mountains are about 149 miles long and about 62 to 75 miles wide with an average altitude of 2575 feet. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 7188 feet and is situated 12 miles to the west of Smolyan. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rhodopes Mountains give their name to the terrestrial eco-region Rodope montane mixed forests that belong in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The area is particularly notable for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans plus its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms such as the Trigrad Gorge. The Rhodopes Mountains can be sub-divided in to 3 sections: The Western Rhodopes are spread over 66% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and they are higher, the most infrastructurally developed and the most visited part of the mountains. The highest and best known peaks are located in this section with more than 10 over 6562 feet high including the highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7188 feet). Some of the deepest river gorges in the Rhodopes Mountains are located in the west as well as several large lakes. The Eastern Rhodopes are spread over a territory of about 34% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and are much lower in height. The large artificial dams of Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets are located in this part of the mountains. Almost every species of European bird of prey nests in the Eastern Rhodopes including 3 species of vulture. The Southern Rhodopes are the part of the mountain range that is located in Greece and they are characterized by numerous peaks of relatively low altitude. In the Eastern Rhodopes, the Madzharovo Special Protection Area located between village of Borislavtsi and the town of Madzharovo is one of the most popular destinations for birding in Bulgaria. The area covers a part of the narrow valley of the River Arda and is surrounded by rugged mountain slopes, rock massifs, rocky pinnacles, dry scrub and wooded hillsides. The unique micro-climate and the diverse relief are the reason for the wealth of bird species which can be found here. Around 175 bird species have been recorded of which 40 have been included in the Red Book of Bulgaria (a list of endangered species in the country), 78 are of European environmental protection significance and 6 are globally endangered. The Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB) has established a Nature Conservation Centre in Madzharovo which provides an exhibition, conducts educational programs and provides information for various routes and landmarks. It particularly focuses on the many birds of prey which can be found in the area, especially the 3 species of vulture (Griffon, Black and Egyptian). Date: 24th May 2018 Location: River Arda valley and Kovan Kaya near Madzharovo, eastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4173956.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19509561794b2d31f85e76a.jpgDunnock The Dunnock is a small passerine bird and the most widespread member of the genus [i]Prunella[/i], the accentor family which otherwise consists of mountain species. Other common names for the Dunnock include the Hedge Sparrow or Hedge Accentor. The Dunnock is about the size of a Robin. It has a generally drab brown streaked appearance with a grey head and a fine pointed bill. Both sexes are similar. It is quiet and unobtrusive and is frequently seen on its own, creeping along and moving with a rather nervous, shuffling gait often flicking its wings. The Dunnock is native to large areas of Eurasia where it is the only commonly found accentor in lowland areas. It can be found throughout the UK all the year round in any well vegetated areas with scrub, brambles and hedges and also in deciduous woodland, farmland edges, parks and gardens. The Dunnock is territorial and may engage in conflict with other birds that encroach upon their nesting areas. The Dunnock possesses variable mating systems. Females are often polyandrous, breeding with 2 or more males at once which is quite rare among birds. This multiple mating system leads to the development of sperm competition amongst the male suitors. DNA fingerprinting has shown that chicks within a brood often have different fathers depending on the success of the males at monopolising the female. Males try to ensure their paternity by pecking at the cloaca of the female to stimulate ejection of rival males' sperm. Males provide parental care in proportion to their mating success so 2 males and a female can commonly be seen provisioning nestlings at one nest. Other mating systems also exist within Dunnock populations depending on the ratio of male to females and the overlap of territories. When only a single female and a single male territory overlap, monogamy is preferred. Sometimes, 2 or 3 adjacent female territories overlap a single male territory and so polygyny is favoured with the male monopolising several females. Polygynandry also exists in which 2 males jointly defend a territory containing several females. Polyandry, however, is the most common mating system of the Dunnock. Depending on the population, males generally have the best reproductive success in polygynous populations whilst females have the advantage during polyandry. Studies have illustrated the fluidity of Dunnock mating systems. When food is in abundance, female territory size is reduced drastically. Consequently, males can more easily monopolise the females. Thus, the mating system can be shifted from one that favours female success (polyandry) to one that favours male success (monogamy, polygynandry or polygyny). The Dunnock builds a neat nest predominantly from twigs and moss and lined with soft materials such as wool or feathers which is located low in a bush. The female typically lays 3 to 5 eggs. Broods, depending on the population, can be raised by a lone female, multiple females with the part-time help of a male, multiple females with full-time help by a male or by multiple females and multiple males. Parental care varies according to the type of relationship. Date: 19th December 2009 Location: EWT Langdon Conservation Centre, Dunton, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30024917.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1798899195587a0a26b39fa.jpgMallards The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 5th January 2017 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/auk-raft-hornya-barents-sea https://images.on-this.website/4752_6211719125f326fc700c1f.jpgAuk "raft", Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Hornøya is a small uninhabited island lying in the Barents Sea in Troms og Finnmark in the extreme north east of Norway. It lies just east of the larger island of Vardøya where the town of Vardø is located. The island is the easternmost point of Norway. Vardø Lighthouse is situated at the highest point of the island, at an elevation of 213 feet above sea level, and it protects the shipping lanes around the town of Vardø. Daily boat trips run to Hornøya between 1st March and 1st September from Vardø harbour offering the chance to spend several hours on the island. The seabird colony at Hornøya hosts approximately 100,000 seabirds of up to 11 breeding species. The cliffs are dominated by Common Guillemot, Razorbill, Puffin and Kittiwake. Around 500 pairs of Brünnich´s Guillemots, an auk distributed across the polar and sub-polar regions of the Northern Hemisphere, breed between the Common Guillemots. During the seabird breeding season, visitors to Hornøya have a good chance of seeing White-tailed Eagle and Gyrfalcon hunting along the cliffs. In addition to the huge number of birds, Hornøya is also a good location to see Atlantic Grey Seals, Orcas and occasionally Belugas. Hornøya is open to the public but, due to its status as a nature reserve, visitors must stay within the designated areas during the breeding season and it is forbidden to pick plants or disturb the wildlife of the island. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: view from Hornøya looking towards Vardø, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25774130.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_488192251560fb84bd0aa7.jpgOtter The Eurasian Otter, also known as the European Otter, Eurasian River Otter, Common Otter and Old World Otter and commonly known as the Otter, is a semi-aquatic mammal and the most widely distributed member of the Otter sub-family of the Weasel family (Mustelidae). The Otter is a typical species of the Otter sub-family and is brown above and cream below. It is 22.5 to 37.5 inches long excluding a tail of 14 to 17.5 inches. The female is shorter than the male. The Otter's average body weight is 15 to 26 pounds, although occasionally a large old male may reach up to 37 pounds. The Otter differs from the North American River Otter by its shorter neck, broader face, the greater space between the ears and its longer tail. However, it is the only Otter species in much of its range so it is rarely confused for any other animal. The Otter is the most widely distributed Otter species and its range including parts of Asia and Africa as well as being widespread across Europe. The Otter can be found throughout most of the UK with the highest densities in Scotland, especially the islands and the north west coast, Wales, parts of East Anglia and the West Country. The Otter declined across its range in the second half of the 20th century primarily due to pollution, habitat loss and hunting. However, populations are now recovering in many parts of Europe. In the UK the number of sites with an Otter presence increased by 55% between 1994 and 2002. In August 2011, the Environment Agency announced that the Otter had returned to every county in England since vanishing from every county except the West Country and parts of Northern England. The recovery of the Otter population in Europe is due to a ban on the most harmful pesticides that has been in place since 1979, improvements in water quality leading to increases in prey populations and direct legal protection under the European Union Habitats Directive and national legislation in several European countries. In general, the Otter’s varied and adaptable diet means that it can be found on any unpolluted body of fresh water, including lakes, streams, rivers and ponds, as long as the food supply is adequate. It can also be found along the coast in salt water but it requires regular access to fresh water to clean its fur. When living in the sea it is sometimes referred to as a "Sea Otter" but it should not be confused with the true Sea Otter which is a North American species much more strongly adapted to a marine existence. The Otter's diet mainly consists of fish. However, during the winter and in colder environments, fish consumption is significantly lower and other sources of food are eaten including amphibians, crustaceans, insects, birds and small mammals. Hunting mainly takes place at night whilst the day is usually spent in the Otter's holt (den). The Otter is strongly territorial and is primarily solitary. An individual's territory may vary between 1 and 25 miles with the length of the territory depending on the density of food available and the width of the water suitable for hunting (it is shorter on coasts, where the available width is much wider and longer on narrower rivers). The Otter uses its spraints to mark its territory. Territories are only held against members of the same sex so those of males and females may overlap. The Otter is a non-seasonal breeder and males and females will breed at any time of the year. It has been found that their mating season is most likely determined simply by the Otters' reproductive maturity and physiological state. Female Otters are sexually mature between 18 and 24 months old and the average age of first breeding is found to be 2.5 years old. Gestation is 60 to 64 days and after the gestation period, 1 to 4 pups are born which remain dependent on the mother for about 13 months. The male plays no direct role in parental care although the territory of a female with her pups is usually entirely within that of the male. Date: 25th September 2015 Location: Broadford Bay, Skye, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21958927.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_191959116753da59fd95a4b.jpgArctic Tern The Arctic Tern is a seabird of the tern family. The adult plumage is grey above with a black nape and crown and white cheeks. The upperwings are pale grey with the area near the wingtip being translucent. The tail is white and the underparts pale grey. The beak is dark red as are the short legs and webbed feet. Like most terns, the Arctic Tern has high aspect ratio wings and a tail with a deep fork and long tail streamers. Both sexes are similar in appearance. The winter plumage is similar but the crown is whiter and the bills are darker. Juveniles differ from adults having black bill and legs, "scaly" appearing wings and mantle with dark feather tips, dark carpal wing bar and short tail streamers. During their first summer, juveniles also have a whiter forecrown. Whilst the Arctic Tern is similar to the Common and the Roseate Tern, its colouring, profile and call are slightly different. Compared to the Common Tern, it has a longer tail and mono-coloured bill, whilst the main differences from the Roseate Tern are its slightly darker colour and longer wings. The Arctic Tern has a circumpolar breeding distribution covering the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of Europe, Asia and north America. It is strongly migratory and sees 2 summers each year and more daylight than any other creature on the planet. It migrates along a convoluted route from its northern summer breeding grounds to the northern edge of the Antarctic coast for the southern summer and back again about 6 months later. In the UK, breeding Arctic Terns can best be seen on islands such as the Farne Islands in Northumberland or Orkney and Shetland in northern Scotland where the greatest densities occur. Recent studies have shown average annual roundtrip lengths of 25000 to 50000 miles depending on the route taken and weather and wind conditions. The Arctic Tern is a long-lived bird with many reaching 30 years of age and based on this average it will travel some 1.5 million miles during its lifetime. This is by far the longest migration known in the animal kingdom. Breeding takes place in colonies on coasts, islands and occasionally inland on tundra near water. The Arctic Tern often forms mixed colonies with the Common Tern and Sandwich Tern. As it nests on the ground, the Arctic Tern is vulnerable to predation but it is one of the most aggressive terns and it is fiercely defensive of its nest and young. It will attack humans and large predators, usually striking the top or back of the head. Although it is too small to cause serious injury, it is still capable of drawing blood and repelling many raptorial birds and smaller mammalian predators such as foxes and cats. Other nesting birds, such as auks, often incidentally benefit from the protection provided by nesting in an area defended by Arctic Terns. The diet of the Arctic Tern varies depending on location and time but it usually eats small fish or marine crustaceans by dipping down to the surface of the water to catch prey. While feeding, skuas, gulls and other tern species will often harass the birds and steal their food. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Inner Farne, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11204070.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14533717544e186e527a7ec.jpgPuffins The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 31st May 2008 Location: Sumburgh Head, South Mainland, Shetland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41824228.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11174937845f6b4add4e178.jpgGoldcrest The Goldcrest is a very small passerine bird in the kinglet family. Its colourful golden crest feathers, as well as being called the "king of the birds" in European folklore, gives rise to its English and scientific names. The scientific name, [I]Regulus regulus[/I], means king or knight. Several subspecies of the Goldcrest have been described. In continental Eurasia, there are 9 generally accepted and very similar sub-species, differing only in details such as plumage shade. The nominate sub-species [i]R. r. regulus[/i] breeds in most of Europe. The Goldcrest is one of the smallest European birds, measuring 3.3 to 3.7 inches in length with a 5.3 to 6.1 inches wingspan and a weight of 0.16 to 0.25 ounces. It is similar in appearance to many warblers, with olive-green upperparts, buff-white underparts, 2 white wing bars and a plain face with conspicuous black irises. The crown of the head has black sides and a narrow black front and a bright crest, yellow with an orange centre in the male and entirely yellow in the female. The crest is erected in display, making the distinctive orange stripe of the male much more conspicuous. The small, thin bill is black and the legs are dark flesh-brown. Apart from the crest colour, the sexes are alike although in fresh plumage, the female may have very slightly paler upperparts and greyer underparts than the adult male. The juvenile is similar to the adult but it has duller upperparts and lacks the coloured crown. The Goldcrest is usually easily distinguished from other small birds in its range but poor views could possibly lead to confusion with the Firecrest or the Yellow-browed Warbler. The adult Firecrest has a distinguishing face pattern showing a bright white supercilium and black eye-stripe and the juvenile usually shows enough of this face pattern to be readily distinguished from the plain-faced Goldcrest. The Yellow-browed Warbler has a yellowish supercilium and a pale crown stripe so it also shows a different head pattern to the Goldcrest. The flight of the Goldcrest is distinctive and consists of whirring wing-beats with occasional sudden changes of direction. Shorter flights while feeding are a mix of dashing and fluttering with frequent hovering. It moves restlessly among foliage and regularly creeps on branches and up and down tree trunks. The typical contact call of the Goldcrest is thin and high-pitched and given at intervals of 1 to 4 seconds with all the notes at the same pitch. The song of the male Goldcrest is a very high, thin double repeated note ending in a flourish. The entire song lasts 3 to 4 seconds and is repeated 5 to 7 times a minute. This song, often uttered while the male is foraging, can be heard in most months of the year. The Goldcrest has a huge range in Eurasia, breeding from Macaronesia to Japan. It is common in middle and northern temperate and boreal latitudes of Europe between the 13 to 24 °C July isotherms and thus predominantly in cooler climates than the Firecrest. Further east it occurs discontinuously through southern Siberia to Sakhalin and Japan, in the Tian Shan mountains, northern Iran and from the Himalayas east to central China. The Goldcrest has bred in Iceland since about 1999 and was widespread by 2004 although numbers are affected by hard winters. Breeding occurs intermittently in the Faroe Islands. The Goldcrest is partly migratory with northernmost populations deserting their breeding areas in winter. Birds winter in Europe and Asia south of the breeding range. The Goldcrest breeds at considerable densities in mature lowland and mountain coniferous woodlands, mainly up to 9,800 feet, and occasionally to 15,700 feet. It uses Spruce, Larch, Scots Pine, Silver Fir and Mountain Pine and in man-made landscapes it also uses introduced conifers such as Douglas Fir. Broad-leaved woods are used only when some coniferous trees are also present and sites such as gardens, parks and cemeteries are used only when they offer suitable conifers that are not otherwise locally available. Unlike more specialised birds such as the Nuthatch and the Treecreeper, both of which forage on tree trunks, the Goldcrest does not need large woodlands and population density is not related to woodland size. Once the breeding season is over, the Goldcrest will readily move into deciduous trees and shrubs, heathland and similar more open habitats. The Goldcrest is a monogamous species. The male sings during the breeding season, usually while foraging rather than from a perch. It has a display involving bowing its head towards another bird and raising the coloured crest. The nest, constructed by both sexes, is a well-insulated cup-shaped structure built in 3 layers and often suspended from a hanging branch. The outer layer is made from moss, small twigs, cobwebs and lichen, the cobwebs also being used to attach the nest to the thin branches that support it. The middle layer is moss which is lined by an inner layer of feathers and hair. Egg laying starts at the end of April into early May with 9 to 11 eggs laid but ranging from 6 to 13. Second clutches, which are common, are laid usually while the first nest still has young. The male generally builds the second nest, then feeds the young in the first nest while the female is incubating in the second. When the first brood has fledged, the male joins the female in feeding the second brood. The female incubates the eggs for 16 to 19 days to hatching and she also broods the chicks which fledge in a further 17 to 22 days later. Both parents feed the chicks and fledged young. The Goldcrest becomes sexually mature after 1 year and it has an annual adult mortality of over 80% giving a life expectancy of around 8 months which is one of the shortest for any bird. There are nonetheless records of an individual surviving to 4 years 10 months and even a report of a bird ringed in Winchester in 1989 and found dead in Morocco 7 years and 7 months later. The Goldcrest feeds in trees, frequently foraging on the undersides of branches and leaves. It is almost exclusively insectivorous and takes a wide variety of prey, especially spiders, caterpillars, bugs, springtails and flies. Flying insects are taken in hovering flight but are not normally pursued. Non-animal food is rare although the Goldcrest has been seen drinking sap from broken birch twigs together with other birds. Outside the breeding season, small groups of Goldcrests maintain exclusive winter feeding territories which they defend against neighbouring groups. As they roam around their territory, they frequently join loose flocks of other wanderers such as tits and warblers. In some areas, wintering birds have developed the habit of coming to feeding stations and bird tables to take fat, sometimes with warblers such as the Chiffchaff and the Blackcap. The Goldcrest has a very large range and a very large population and it is therefore classed as “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List. There was some northward range expansion in Scotland, Belgium, Norway, and Finland during the 20th century, assisted by the spread of conifer plantations. The population is currently stable although there may be temporary marked and heavy declines in harsh winters. However, populations can recover and expand rapidly after a series of mild winters. Date: 15th September 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072386.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1261242164bf6e1bc4e43b.jpgSandfjord, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway Date: 14th April 2010 Location: view from road 890 between Kongsfjord and Berlevåg, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9588738.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20229722764db154fab0e1f.jpgLittle Egret The Little Egret is a species of small heron. The genus name comes from the Provençal French [i]Aigrette[/i] (egret), a diminutive of [i]Aigron [/i] (heron). The adult Little Egret is 22 to 26 inches long with a 35 to 42 inches wingspan. Its plumage is normally entirely white although there are dark forms with largely bluish-grey plumage. In the breeding season, the adult has 2 long plumes on the nape that form a crest. These plumes are about 6 inches in length and are pointed and very narrow. There are similar feathers on the breast but the barbs are more widely spread. There are also several elongated scapular feathers that have long loose barbs around 8 inches long. During the winter the plumage is similar but the scapulars are shorter and more normal in appearance. The bill is long and slender and both it and the lores are black. There is an area of greenish-grey bare skin at the base of the lower mandible and around the eye which has a yellow iris. The legs are black and the feet yellow. Juveniles are similar to non-breeding adults but have greenish-black legs and duller yellow feet and may have a certain proportion of greyish or brownish feathers. The Little Egret is mostly silent but it does make various croaking and bubbling calls at its breeding colonies and it produces a harsh alarm call when disturbed. The breeding range of the western race of the Little Egret includes south Europe, the Middle East, much of Africa and south Asia. European populations are migratory and mostly travel to Africa although some remain in south Europe. During the late 20th century, the range of the Little Egret expanded northwards in Europe and into the New World. The Little Egret's habitat varies widely and includes the shores of lakes, rivers, canals, ponds, lagoons, marshes and flooded land, the bird preferring open locations to dense cover. On the coast it inhabits mudflats, sandy beaches, mangrove areas, swamps and reefs. The Little Egret is a sociable bird and can be seen in small flocks. However, individual birds do not tolerate others coming too close to their chosen feeding site although this depends on the abundance of prey. The Little Egret uses a variety of methods to find its food. It stalks its prey in shallow water, often running with raised wings or shuffling its feet to disturb small fish, or it may stand still and wait to ambush prey. It also makes use of opportunities provided by Cormorants disturbing fish or humans attracting fish by throwing bread into water. On land, it walks or runs while chasing its prey, often feeding on creatures disturbed by grazing livestock. The diet is mainly fish but amphibians, small reptiles, mammals and birds are also eaten as well as crustaceans, molluscs, insects, spiders and worms. The Little Egret nests in colonies, often with other wading birds such as Cattle Egret, Black-crowned Night Heron, Squacco Heron and Glossy Ibis. The nests are usually platforms of sticks built in trees or shrubs or in reed beds or bamboo groves. Pairs defend a small breeding territory, usually extending around 10 to 13 feet from the nest. The 3 to 5 eggs are incubated by both adults for 21 to 25 days before hatching. The young birds are covered in white down feathers and are cared for by both parents fledging after 40 to 45 days. Globally, the Little Egret is not listed as a threatened species and has in fact expanded its range over the last few decades. The IUCN states that their wide distribution and large total population means that they are a species that cause them "least concern". Historical research has shown that the Little Egret was once present and probably common in the UK but became extinct through a combination of over-hunting in the late mediaeval period and climate change at the start of the Little Ice Age. Further declines occurred throughout Europe as the plumes of the Little Egret and other egrets were in demand for decorating hats. They had been used in the plume trade since at least the 17th century but in the 19th century it became a major craze and the number of egret skins passing through dealers reached into the millions. Hunting, which reduced the population of the species to dangerously low levels, stimulated the establishment of Britain's Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in 1889. By the 1950s, the Little Egret had become restricted to south Europe and conservation laws protecting the species were introduced. This allowed the population to rebound strongly and over the next few decades it became increasingly common in western France and later on the north coast. It bred in the Netherlands in 1979 with further breeding from the 1990s onward. Populations are now mostly stable or increasing in Europe. In the UK, the Little Egret was a rare vagrant from its 16th century extinction until the late 20th century. It has, however, recently become a regular breeding species and is commonly present, often in large numbers, at favoured coastal sites. The first recent breeding record in England was on Brownsea Island in Dorset in 1996 and it bred in Wales for the first time in 2002. The population increase has been rapid subsequently with over 750 pairs breeding in nearly 70 colonies in 2008 and a post-breeding total of 4540 birds in September 2008. Severe winter weather proves only to be a temporary setback and the Little Egret continues to expand both its numbers and range in the UK. Date: 28th December 2008 Location: Elmley, Isle of Sheppey, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39081978.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17431729835d3078dbaa697.jpgDalmatian Pelican The Dalmatian Pelican is by a slight margin the largest of the pelican species and one of the largest living bird species. It measures 5 feet 3 inches to 6 feet in length with a wingspan of 9 feet 6 inches to 11 feet 4 inches. Its median weight is around 25 pounds which makes it perhaps the world's heaviest flying bird species, although the largest individuals among some male bustard and swan species may be heavier than the largest individual Dalmatian Pelican. The somewhat similar-looking White Pelican broadly overlaps in size but has greater size sexual dimorphism. Female White Pelicans can be noticeably smaller than female Dalmatian Pelicans but male individuals of the two species are essentially the same size and weight. The Dalmatian Pelican differs from the White Pelican in that it has curly nape feathers, grey legs and silvery-white (rather than pure white) plumage. In winter, the adult Dalmatian Pelican goes from silvery-grey to a dingier brownish-grey cream colour. Immature birds are grey and lack the pink facial patch of immature White Pelicans. The bare skin around the eye can vary from yellow to purplish in colour. In the breeding season the Dalmatian Pelican has an orange-red lower mandible and pouch against a yellow upper mandible but in winter the whole bill is a somewhat dull yellow. The bill, at 14 to 18 inches long, is the second largest of any bird after the Australian Pelican. In flight, the Dalmatian Pelican is an elegant soaring bird, with the head held close to and aligned with the body by a downward bend in the neck. Unlike other pelicans, its wings are solid greyish-white with black tips. The Dalmatian Pelican can be found in lakes, rivers, deltas and estuaries from south east Europe to India and China. Compared to the White Pelican, the Dalmatian Pelican is not as tied to lowland areas and will nest in suitable wetlands at many elevations. It is less opportunistic in breeding habitat selection than the White Pelican, usually returning to a traditional breeding site year after year unless it becomes completely unsuitable. The Dalmatian Pelican usually migrates short distances. It is dispersive in Europe, based on feeding opportunities, with most western birds staying through the winter in the Mediterranean region. It is more actively migratory in Asia, where most of the birds that breed in Russia fly down for the winter to the central Middle East, largely around Iran through to the Indian Subcontinent from Nepal to central India. The Dalmatian Pelican has declined greatly throughout its range, more so than the White Pelican. During the 20th century, the species' numbers underwent a dramatic decline for reasons that are not entirely understood. The most likely reason was habitat loss due to human activities such as the drainage of wetlands and land development. Colonies are regularly disturbed by human activity, and, like all pelicans, the parents may temporarily leave their nest if threatened which then exposes the chicks to the risk of predation. Occasionally, Dalmatian Pelicans may be shot by fishermen who believe the birds are dangerously depleting the fish population and hence threatening their livelihood. Dalmatian Pelicans also regularly fly into power-lines and are killed by electrocution. The largest single remaining colony of Dalmatian Pelicans in Europe is at the Prespa lakes shared between Albania and Greece with around 1400 pairs. Approximately 450 pairs breed in the Danube Delta in Romania. The country with the largest breeding population today, including about 70% of pairs or possibly over 3,000 pairs, is Russia. Conservation efforts have been undertaken on behalf of the Dalmatian Pelican especially in Europe. Although they normally nest on the ground, Dalmatian Pelicans have nested on platforms put out in Turkey, Greece, Bulgaria and Romania in order to encourage them to breed. Rafts over water have also been set up for the species to use in Greece and Bulgaria. Power-lines have also been marked or dismantled in areas adjacent to colonies in these countries. Additionally, water-level management and educational programs may be aiding them at a local level. The Dalmatian Pelican feeds almost entirely on fish. It usually forages alone or in groups of only 2 or 3 birds. It normally swims along, placidly and slowly, until it quickly dunks its head underwater and scoops the fish out along with great masses of water. The water is dumped out of the sides of the pouch and the fish is swallowed. Occasionally it may feed cooperatively with other pelicans by corralling fish into shallow waters and may even co-operate similarly while fishing alongside Cormorants. Among a highly social family in general, the Dalmatian Pelican may have the least social inclinations. It naturally nests in relatively small groups compared to most other pelican species and sometimes may even nest alone. However, small colonies are usually formed, which regularly include upwards of 250 pairs. Occasionally, Dalmatian Pelicans may mix in with colonies of White Pelicans. Nesting sites selected are usually either islands in large bodies of water (typically lagoons or river deltas) or dense mats of aquatic vegetation. The nest is a moderately-sized pile of grass, reeds, sticks and feathers and is usually located on or near the ground, often being placed on dense floating vegetation. Breeding commences in March or April, about a month before the White Pelican breeds. Date: 17th May 2018 Location: Lake Srebarna, Silistra Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39083186.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12013809725d30800639f25.jpgEastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria The Rhodopes Mountains are a mountain range in south east Europe. They are spread over 5689 square miles of which 4723 square miles are located in south Bulgaria and the remainder in north Greece. The Rhodopes Mountains are about 149 miles long and about 62 to 75 miles wide with an average altitude of 2575 feet. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 7188 feet and is situated 12 miles to the west of Smolyan. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rhodopes Mountains gives its name to the terrestrial eco-region Rodope montane mixed forests that belong in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The area is particularly notable for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans plus its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms such as the Trigrad Gorge. The Rhodopes Mountains can be sub-divided in to 3 sections: The Western Rhodopes are spread over 66% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and they are higher, the most infrastructurally developed and the most visited part of the mountains. The highest and best known peaks are located in this section with more than 10 over 6562 feet high including the highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7188 feet). Some of the deepest river gorges in the Rhodopes Mountains are located in the west as well as several large lakes. The Eastern Rhodopes are spread over a territory of about 34% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and are much lower in height. The large artificial dams of Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets are located in this part of the mountains. Almost every species of European bird of prey nests in the Eastern Rhodopes including the rare Black Vulture and Egyptian Vulture. The Southern Rhodopes are the part of the mountain range that is located in Greece and they are characterized by numerous peaks of relatively low altitude. The River Borovitsa is a tributary of the River Arda and is located in the eastern Rhodopes Mountains. The river valley is stony and surrounded by rough grassland, scrub and forested hillsides. There are many tiny hamlets along the valley, many of them abandoned or semi-abandoned. This little visited area and its wild environment with only the tiny hamlets and patches of traditional agriculture form a great contrast with the town of Kardzhali. Nenkovo, 17.5 miles north west of Kardzhali, is one of the hamlets in the river valley with no electricity or car access. The access to the village is via a rope bridge over the River Borovitsa. The lack of cars has preserved the narrow village streets which wind between the houses built about 100 to 150 years ago. According to the census of 2011, the village has 129 inhabitants which is down from its peak of 883 people shortly after the Second World War. The village is almost exclusively inhabited by ethnic Bulgarian Turks. Near the village of Nenkovo there is a medieval bridge over the River Borovitsa. It is a large asymmetric bridge with 5 arches each of a different size. The road over the bridge is about 65 yards long. The bridge has been partly destroyed on a number of occasions by the rough waters of the river. It has been rebuilt in the past but after repeated damage it is no longer used. The area around Nenkovo village and the bridge is an excellent one for a wide range of bird species. Date: 26th May 2018 Location: River Borovitsa valley near Nenkovo, Eastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41349617.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2963503315f20026362d25.jpgLarge Skipper Flight period: June to July. The Large Skipper is a small golden butterfly which is widespread throughout England and Wales and it is also extending its range northwards in to southern Scotland. They can be found in areas of tall, uncut grassland, woodland rides, roadside verges and hedgerows. Date: 16th June 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082113.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9637084625d307a6f5dc6a.jpgEuropean Roller The European Roller is the only member of the Roller family to breed in Europe. It is a stocky bird, the size of a Jackdaw, and it is mainly blue with an orange-brown back. It is striking in its strong direct flight with the brilliant blue contrasting with black flight feathers. Sexes are similar but the juvenile is a drabber version of the adult. The European Roller often perches prominently on trees, posts or overhead wires whilst watching for the large insects, small reptiles, rodents and frogs that they eat. They have a Lapwing-like display with the twisting and turning display flight giving the bird its English name. The European Roller breeds in north Africa from Morocco east to Tunisia, in south west and south central Europe and in Asia Minor east through north west Iran to south west Siberia. It is a long-distance migrant, wintering in southern Africa in two distinct regions, from Senegal east to Cameroon and from Ethiopia west to Congo and south to South Africa. The European Roller can be found in warm, dry, open country with scattered trees, preferring lowland open countryside with patches of oak forest, mature pine woodland with heathery clearings, orchards, mixed farmland, river valleys and plains with scattered thorny or leafy trees. It winters primarily in dry wooded savanna and bushy plains. The European Roller has a large global population of an estimated 100,000 to 220,000 individuals in Europe. However, following a moderate decline during 1970 to 1990, the species has continued to decline especially in Europe with a decrease in the overall European population exceeding 30% in 15 years. Threats include persecution on migration in some Mediterranean countries, the use of pesticides which reduces food availability and sensitivity to changing farming and forestry practices. Date: 19th May 2018 Location: Durankulak, Dobrich Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41255234.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8627229645f06f542a1390.jpgSiberian Tit The Siberian Tit or Gray-headed Chickadee is a member of the tit family. The head is dark brown with white cheeks, the mantle brown, the wing feathers blackish with pale fringes, and the underparts whitish with pale brown flanks. The Siberian Tit is a widespread resident throughout subarctic Fennoscandia, northern Asia, Alaska and the far north west of Canada and can be found in conifer forests, mostly of old-growth spruce, especially in areas with dead trees. Date: 28th June 2019 Location: Neljan Tuulen Tupa near Kaamanen, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30024933.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1560825489587a0acb03c96.jpgBittern The Bittern, Eurasian Bittern or Great Bittern is a bird in the bittern sub-family of the heron family. Its folk names, often local, include many variations on the themes of "barrel-maker", "bog-bull", "bog hen", "bog-trotter", "bog-bumper", "mire drum(ble)", "butter bump", "bitter bum", "bog blutter", "bog drum", "boom bird", "bottle-bump", "bull of the bog", "bull of the mire", "bumpy cors" and "heather blutter". Most of these were onomatopoeic colloquial names for the bird. The call was described as "bumping" or "booming" and mire and bog denoted the bird's habitat. As its alternative name of Great Bittern suggests, the Bittern is the largest of the bitterns with males being slightly larger than females. It is 27 to 32 inches in length with a 39 to 51 inches wingspan. The crown and nape are black with the individual feathers rather long and loosely arranged and tipped with buff narrowly barred with black. The sides of the head and neck are a more uniform tawny-buff and irregularly barred with black. The mantle, scapulars and back are of a similar colour but are more heavily barred, the individual feathers having black centres and barring. The head has a yellowish-buff superciliary stripe and a brownish-black moustachial stripe. The sides of the neck are a rusty-brown with faint barring. The chin and throat are buff, the central feathers on the throat having longitudinal stripes of rusty-brown. The breast and belly are yellowish-buff with broad stripes of brown at the side and narrow stripes in the centre. The tail is rusty-buff with black streaks in the centre and black mottling near the edge. The wings are pale rusty-brown and irregularly barred, streaked and mottled with black. The plumage has a loose texture and elongated feathers on the crown, neck and breast can be erected. The powerful bill is greenish-yellow with a darker tip to the upper mandible. The eye has a yellow iris and is surrounded by a ring of greenish or bluish bare skin. The legs and feet are greenish, with some yellow on the tarsal joint and yellow soles to the feet. Juveniles have similar plumage to adults but are somewhat paler with less distinct markings. The mating call or contact call of the male Bittern is a deep, fog-horn or bull-like boom with a quick rise and an only slightly longer fall, easily audible from a distance of 3 miles on a calm night. The call is mainly given between January and April during the mating season. Surveys of Bitterns are carried out by noting the number of distinct male booms in a given area. Prior to modern science, it was unknown how such a small bird produced a call so low-pitched. Common explanations suggested that the bird made its call into a straw or that it blew directly into the water. It is now known that the sound is produced by expelling air from the oesophagus with the aid of powerful muscles surrounding it. Usually solitary, the Bittern forages in reed beds by walking stealthily or remaining still above a body of water where prey may occur. It is a shy bird and if it is disturbed it will often point its bill directly upwards and freezes in that position, causing its cryptic plumage to blend into the surrounding reeds. The Bittern has a secretive nature and keeps largely hidden in reeds and coarse vegetation. Occasionally, especially in hard winter weather, it will stand in the open beside the water's edge, although usually close to cover to facilitate a hasty retreat. In flight, the Bittern’s wings can be seen to be broad and rounded and its legs trail behind it in typical heron fashion. Its neck is extended when it takes off but is retracted when it has picked up speed. It seldom flies however and prefers to move through the vegetation stealthily on foot. Its gait is slow and deliberate and it can clamber over reeds by gripping several at a time with its toes. It is most active at dawn and dusk but also sometimes forages by day. The breeding range of the Bittern extends across temperate parts of Europe and Asia from the UK, Sweden and Finland eastwards to Sakhalin Island in eastern Siberia and Hokkaido Island in Japan. The northern limit of its range is in the Ural Mountains and eastern Siberia whilst the southern limit is the Mediterranean Sea, the Black Sea, Iran, Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia and northern China. Small resident populations also breed in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. Some populations are sedentary and stay in the same areas throughout the year. More northerly populations usually migrate to warmer regions but some birds often remain. Birds in northern Europe tend to move south and west to southern Europe, north and central Africa and northern Asian birds migrate to parts of the Arabian peninsula, the Indian sub-continent and eastern China. In the UK, the Bittern can be found all year round at suitable wetlands, particularly in East Anglia, south east England and south west England. It is most visible in winter. In recent years, the Bittern has become a regular winter visitor to the London Wetland Centre, enabling city residents to view this scare bird. The Bittern is typically found in reed beds and swamps as well as lakes, lagoons and sluggish rivers fringed by rank vegetation. It sometimes nests by ponds in agricultural areas and even quite near habitations where suitable habitat exists but it prefers large reed beds of at least 50 acres in which to breed. Outside the breeding season it has less restrictive habitat requirements and, in addition to reed beds, it can also be found in rice fields, watercress beds, fish farms, gravel pits, sewage works, ditches, flooded areas and marshes. Males are polygamous and mate with up to 5 females. The nest is built in the previous year's standing reeds and consists of an untidy platform some 12 inches across. It may be on a tussock surrounded by water or on matted roots close to water and it is built by the female using bits of reed, sedges and grass stalks with a lining of finer fragments. The clutch of 4 to 6 eggs is laid in late March and April and incubated by the female for about 26 days. After hatching, the chicks spend about 2 weeks in the nest before leaving to swim amongst the reeds. The female rears them without help from the male, regurgitating food from her crop. The chicks become fully fledged at about 8 weeks. The Bittern feeds on fish, small mammals, amphibians and invertebrates, hunting along the reed margins in shallow water. Some vegetable matter such as aquatic plants is also consumed. The Bittern has a very wide range and a large total population and therefore the IUCN has assessed its overall conservation status as being of "Least Concern” because although the population trend is downward, the rate of decline is insufficient to justify rating it in a more threatened category. The chief threat that the Bittern faces is the drainage and disturbance of its wetland habitats. Date: 5th January 2017 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12744892.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10250970314e706e0c0bfd0.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 7th December 2007 Location: Donna Nook, Lincolnshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/great-reed-warbler https://images.on-this.website/4752_47812219659ad265b355e01.41930315.jpgGreat Reed Warbler The Great Reed Warbler is a species of warbler in the genus [i]Acrocephalus[/i]. It is a thrush-sized warbler and one of the largest species of Old World warbler, measuring 6.3 to 8.3 inches in length with a 9.8 to 11.8 inches wingspan. The adult Great Reed Warbler has unstreaked brown upperparts and dull buffish-white chin and underparts. The forehead is flattened and the bill is strong and pointed. It looks very much like a giant Reed Warbler but with a stronger supercilium. The sexes are identical but young birds are a richer buff colour below. The Great Reed Warbler breeds in Europe and westernmost temperate Asia. It does not breed in the UK but is a regular visitor. In recent decades, its population has increased around the eastern Baltic Sea whilst it has become rarer at the western end of its range. It is a migratory bird and winters in tropical Africa. The Great Reed Warbler undergoes marked long-term population fluctuations and it is able to expand its range quickly when new habitat becomes available. The Great Reed Warbler can be found in large reed beds often with some bushes. On its breeding grounds it is territorial but in its winter range it is frequently found in large groups and may occupy a reed bed to the exclusion of other birds. During the breeding season, the male Great Reed Warbler performs a loud and elaborate song to attract a female. The song's main phrase is a chattering and creaking sound, to which the whistles and vocal mimicry typical of the Marsh Warbler is added. Lasting from just 20 seconds up to 20 minutes without a pause, this song can be heard up to 500 yards away. Having attracted a mate, the male will only sing to defend his territory against rival intruders. This song is much shorter and noticeably different to the song used in courtship and therefore the type of song produced is a good indicator of whether the male is paired or not. However, some males may move away from their territories and use the elaborate courtship song to search for multiple females. Although generally monogamous, this means that some males may pair with 2 to 3 females at one time. The female Great Reed Warbler lays 3 to 6 eggs in a nest which is suspended from reed stems above the water. The female weaves damp material around the reed stems which, when dry, keeps the nest stable. Incubation is carried out by the female alone and lasts for 14 to 15 days. The chicks become independent and leave the nest 12 to 14 days after fledging. Like most warblers, the Great Reed Warbler is insectivorous and it will eat insect larvae, moths, dragonflies, damselflies, beetles, spiders, etc. It will also take other prey including small fish, frogs and tadpoles. Date: 19th May 2017 Location: south of Hortobágy towards Szásztelek, Hortobágy National Park, Hajdú-Bihar county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26041754.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9632114325638b9087c8b3.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name <i>Fratercula</i> comes from the Medieval Latin <i>fratercula</i> meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name <i>arctica</i> refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek <i>άρκτος</i> ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name <i>puffin</i> (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Látrabjarg, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28571505.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_25093021957a874b221f9d.jpg(Western) Purple Swamphen The Western Purple Swamphen is a chicken-sized bird and a member of the rail family which includes the Coot and Moorhen. With its large feet, bright plumage and red bill and frontal shield it is easily recognisable in its native range of Spain, Portugal, southern France, Sardinia and north Africa to Tunisia. It used to be considered the nominate subspecies of the Purple Swamphen which has now been split in to 6 separate species since 2015. The Western Purple Swamphen makes loud, quick, bleating and hooting calls, which are hardly bird-like in tone, and it is particularly noisy during the breeding season. Despite being clumsy in flight it can fly long distances and it is also a good swimmer, especially for a bird without webbed feet. The Western Purple Swamphen can be found in wet areas such as reedbeds, swamps, lake edges and damp pastures. It often lives in pairs and larger communities. It clambers through the reeds, eating the tender shoots and vegetable-like matter, although it has been known to eat eggs, ducklings, small fish and invertebrates such as snails. It will often use one foot to bring food to their mouth rather than eat it on the ground. The Western Purple Swamphen in the Mediterranean region has declined due to habitat loss, hunting and pesticide use, and requires strict protection. This bird at the RSPB reserve at Minsmere in Suffolk has been claimed as a first record for the UK .... please see [url=http://www.birdguides.com/webzine/article.asp?a=5831]here[/url] and [url=http://www.rspb.org.uk/community/placestovisit/minsmere/b/minsmere-blog/archive/2016/08/02/a-blue-chicken-arrives.aspx]here[/url]. My photos are of poor quality due to the distance of the bird plus tight cropping but they are acceptable as record shots of this remarkable and exceptionally rare bird. My best photo of a Western Purple Swamphen was that taken at Delta de l’Ebre in Catalunya in north east Spain in 2009 .... please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/photo4088350.html]here[/url]. Date: 5th August 2016 Location: Minsmere, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26270376.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_618184479566552b404450.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 4th December 2015 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072260.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11908104454bf6d75db48b2.jpgKaamanen to Utsjoki, Lappi, Finland Date: 11th April 2010 Location: view from road E75 between Kaamanen and Utsjoki, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo445698.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2074134344681c763998a0.jpgApplecross, Highland Height: Beinn Bhan 2939ft The Applecross Peninsula projects westwards from the mainland towards Raasay and Skye and is dominated by the Applecross Mountains. Much of the area’s attraction lies in its remoteness and its distinctive history and in 1822 a road was built from Kishorn in the east and over the Bealach na Ba (Pass of the Cattle) to Applecross village. Date: 11th June 2006 Location: view from Ardarroch and Loch Kishorn just off the A896 road between Shieldaig and Lochcarron http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31837522.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9113808645956247a8c48b8.94873786.jpgBlack-throated Diver The Black-throated Diver, known as the Black-throated Loon or Arctic Loon in north America, is an aquatic bird of the diver family found in the Northern Hemisphere. The adult Black-throated Diver is 23 to 30 inches in length with a 39 to 51 inches wingspan and it is shaped like a smaller, sleeker version of the Great Northern Diver. The breeding adult has a grey head and hindneck with a black throat and a large black patch on the foreneck, both of which have a soft purple gloss. The lower throat has a necklace-shaped patch of short parallel white lines. The sides of the throat have about 5 long parallel white lines that start at the side of the patch on the lower throat and run down to the chest which also has a pattern of parallel white and black lines. The rest of the underparts, including the centre of the chest, are a pure white. The upperparts are blackish down to the base of the wing where there are a few rows of high contrast white squares that cover the mantle and scapulars. There are small white spots on both the lesser and median coverts. The rest of the upperwing is a blackish colour. The underwing is paler than the upperwing and the underwing coverts are white. The tail is blackish. The bill and legs are black. The sexes are alike. The non-breeding adult differs from the breeding adult in that the cap and the back of the neck are more brownish. The non-breeding adult also lacks the patterned upperparts of the breeding adult although some of the upperwing coverts do not lose their white spots. This results in the upperparts being an almost unpatterned black from above. The sides of the throat are usually darker at the white border separating the sides of the throat and the front of the throat. Most of the time a thin dark necklace between these areas can be seen. There is white on the sides of the head that are below the eye. The bill is a steel-grey with, similar to the breeding adult, a blackish tip. The Black-throated Diver breeds in Eurasia and occasionally in western Alaska. It winters at sea as well as on large lakes over a much wider range. In the UK, the Black-throated Diver can be found on lochs in the Scottish Highlands in summer and around sheltered coasts in winter, especially the Moray Firth in north east Scotland, the west coast of Scotland and the north east and south west coasts of England. In addition, it is sometimes seen on inland reservoirs and lakes. In the breeding season, the Black-throated Diver can be found on isolated, deep freshwater lakes especially those with inlets since it prefers to face small stretches of open water. It protects this territory and will often return to the site to nest near it. The oval-shaped nest is usually located within 3 feet of the body of water it nests near and is made out of heaped plant material, leaves and sticks. It also sometimes nests on vegetation that has emerged from lakes. In the southern part of its range, the Black-throated Diver starts to breed in April whereas in the northern part of its range, it waits until the spring thaw. It will usually arrive before the lake thaws in the latter case. The Black-throated Diver lays a clutch of 2, very rarely 1 or 3, eggs which are incubated by both parents for a period of 27 to 29 days, with the female spending the most time out of the sexes incubating. The hatched, mobile chicks are fed by both parents for a period of several weeks and fledge about 60 to 65 days after hatching. Nesting success (i.e. whether or not at least a single chick will hatch from any given nest) is variable with the rate of success ranging from just under 30% to just over 90%. The nesting success is influenced primarily by predation and flooding as well as disturbance and this makes the Black-throated Diver a vulnerable as well as a rare breeding species. The Black-throated Diver feeds on fish and sometimes insects, molluscs, crustaceans and plant matter. It usually forages by itself or in pairs but sometimes in small groups. It dives with consummate ease from the surface into the water at depths of no more than about 15 feet. These dives are frequent and most are successful. Those that are successful are usually shorter than those that are unsuccessful with an average of 17 seconds for each successful dive and 27 seconds for each unsuccessful dive. These dives usually result in only small food items being caught and those that are more profitable are usually more than 40 seconds where the bird catches quick-swimming fish. When they are breeding, the adults will usually feed away from the nest, either at the end of the breeding lake away from the nest or at lakes near the breeding lake. When foraging for newly hatched chicks, one of the adults will forage in the lake that the nest is at or in nearby lakes, returning to the nest after a prey item has been caught. When the chicks are older, they will usually accompany both of the parents, and swim a short distance behind them. Date: 21st June 2017 Location: Loch Assynt, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21958781.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_27341868353da527c76d95.jpgEiders and ducklings The Eider is the UK's heaviest duck and its fastest flying. The male is unmistakable with its black and white plumage and green nape. The female is a brown bird but can still be readily distinguished from all ducks, except other eider species, on the basis of size and head shape. The Eider is often readily approachable. Eiders are true sea ducks and are rarely found away from coasts where they dive for crustaceans and molluscs, with mussels being a favoured food. They are highly gregarious and usually stay close inshore where they can be seen in sheltered bays or strung out in long lines out beyond the breaking waves. The Eider can be found all year round in its breeding areas from the Northumberland coast northwards and off the north and west coast of Scotland where it nests colonially. They are found in the same areas in autumn and winter and also further south on the Yorkshire coast and around the east and south coast as far as Cornwall. A particularly famous colony of Eiders lives around the Farne Islands in Northumberland. These birds were the subject of one of the first ever bird protection laws, established by Saint Cuthbert in the year 676. About 1,000 pairs still nest there every year. Because St. Cuthbert is the patron saint of Northumberland, it was natural that the Eider should be chosen as the county's emblem bird and the birds are still often called Cuddy's ducks in the area, "Cuddy" being the familiar form of Cuthbert. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Inner Farne, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/october-2024-red-fox https://images.on-this.website/4752_77389205767545d3f0d519.jpgOctober 2024 - Red Fox Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52518234.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9952154.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9543730654dca3d58cf0e8.jpgCommon Buzzard The Common Buzzard is a member of the genus [I]Buteo[/I] and the family [i]Accipitridae[/i], a group of medium-sized raptors with robust bodies and broad wings. The [I]Buteo[/I] species of Eurasia and Africa are usually commonly referred to as buzzards whilst those in the Americas are called hawks. Under current classification, the genus [I]Buteo[/I] includes approximately 28 species. The Common Buzzard includes between 7 to 16 sub-species and the western [i]Buteo[/i] group includes [i]Buteo buteo buteo[/i] which is found more or less continuously throughout Europe including the UK. The Common Buzzard is a medium-sized raptor that is highly variable in plumage. It is distinctly round headed with a somewhat slender bill and it has relatively long wings that either reach or fall slightly short of the tail tip when perched, a fairly short tail and somewhat short and mainly bare tarsi. It can appear fairly compact in overall appearance but may also appear large relative to other commoner raptors such as the Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. The Common Buzzard measures between 16 and 23 inches in length with a 3 feet 7 inches to 4 feet 7 inches wingspan. Females average about 2 to 7% larger than males in length and weigh about 15% more. Body mass can show considerable variation from 0.94 to 2.6 pounds in males and 1.07 to 3.02 pounds in females. In Europe, the Common Buzzard is typically dark brown above and on the upperside of the head and mantle but this can become paler and warmer brown with worn plumage. Usually the tail will be narrowly barred grey-brown and dark brown with a pale tip and a broad dark subterminal band but the tail in the palest birds can show a varying amount of white and a reduced sub-terminal band or even appear almost all white. The underside colouring can be variable but typically shows a brown-streaked white throat with a somewhat darker chest. A pale U across the breast is often present followed by a pale line running down the belly which separates the dark areas on the breast side and flanks. These pale areas tend to have highly variable markings that form irregular bars. Juveniles are quite similar to adults and are best told apart by having a paler eye, a narrower sub-terminal band on the tail and underside markings that appear as streaks rather than bars. Beyond the typical mid-range brownish Common Buzzard, birds in Europe can range from almost uniform black-brown above to mainly white. Extreme dark individuals may range from chocolate-brown to blackish with almost no pale colour showing but with a variable or faded U on the breast and with or without faint lighter brown throat streaks. Extreme pale individuals are largely whitish with variable widely spaced streaks or arrowheads of light brown about the mid-chest and flanks and may or may not show dark feather-centres on the head, wing-coverts and sometimes all but part of the mantle. Individuals can show nearly endless variation of colours and hues in between these extremes and the Common Buzzard is among the most variably plumaged diurnal raptors for this reason. The Common Buzzard is often confused with other raptors especially in flight or at a distance including other [i]Buteo[/i] species such as Rough-legged Buzzard and Long-legged Buzzard and also Honey Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, Golden Eagle, Booted Eagle and Short-toed Eagle. The Common Buzzard is found throughout several islands in the eastern Atlantic islands, including the Canary Islands and the Azores, and almost throughout Europe. In the UK, it is found in Northern Ireland and in nearly every part of Scotland and England. In mainland Europe, there are no substantial gaps in the range from Portugal and Spain to Greece, Estonia, Belarus and the Ukraine, although it is present mainly only in the breeding season in much of the eastern half of the latter 3 countries. It is also present in all larger Mediterranean islands such as Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily and Crete. Further north in to Scandinavia, it is found mainly in south Norway, the southern half of Sweden and in the southern two-thirds of Finland. The Common Buzzard reaches its northern limit as a breeder in far eastern Finland and over the border in to European Russia and nearly to the Kola Peninsula. In these northern limits, the Common Buzzard is present typically only in summer. The Common Buzzard generally inhabits the interface of woodlands and open ground and typically lives in forest edge, small broad-leaved, coniferous or mixed woodlands with adjacent grassland, arable fields or other farmland and open moorland as long as there are some trees. It is absent from treeless tundra and sporadic or rare in treeless steppe. The Common Buzzard can be found from sea level to elevations of 6600 feet although it breeds mostly below 3300 feet. It can winter to an elevation of 8200 feet and migrates easily at 14,800 feet. The Common Buzzard is a partial migrant. Autumn and spring movements are subject to extensive variation, even down to the individual level, based on a region's food resources, competition (both from other Common Buzzards and other predators), the extent of human disturbance and weather conditions. Short distance movements are the norm for juveniles and some adults in autumn and winter but more adults in central and south Europe and the UK remain in their year-around areas than do not. The Common Buzzard is a typical [I]Buteo[/I] in much of its behaviour. It is most often seen effortlessly soaring for extended periods at varying heights although it can appear laborious and heavy in level flight. It is also often seen perched prominently on tree tops, bare branches, telegraph poles, fence posts, rocks or ledges or alternatively well inside the tree canopy. It will also stand and forage on the ground. The Common Buzzard is a generalist predator which hunts a wide variety of prey given the opportunity. The prey extents to a wide variety of vertebrates including mammals, birds (from any age from eggs to adult birds), reptiles, amphibians and fish as well as to various invertebrates, mostly insects. In total, well over 300 prey species are known to be taken by the Common Buzzard. However, dietary studies have shown that it mostly preys upon small mammals, mainly small rodents. Furthermore, prey size can vary from tiny beetles, caterpillars and ants to large adult grouse and Rabbits up to nearly twice their body mass. At times, the Common Buzzard will also subsist partially on carrion, usually of dead mammals or fish. Hunting in relatively open areas has been found to increase hunting success whereas more complete shrub cover lowered success. A majority of prey is taken by dropping from a perch and is normally taken on the ground. Prey may also be hunted in a low flight, by random glides or soars or by foraging on the ground. The home range of the Common Buzzard is generally 0.19 to 0.77 square miles and the size of the breeding territory seems to be correlated with food supply. The territory is maintained through flight displays and in Europe territorial behaviour usually starts in February. However, displays are not uncommon throughout the year in resident pairs, especially by males, and can elicit similar displays by their neighbours. In the display, the Common Buzzard generally engages in high circling, spiraling upward on slightly raised wings. Mutual high circling by pairs sometimes goes on at length, especially during the period prior to or during breeding season. During the mutual displays, the male may engage in exaggerated deep flapping or zig-zag tumbling, apparently in response to the female being too distant. Several pairs may circle together at times and as many as 14 individual adults have been recorded over established display sites. Sky-dancing by the Common Buzzard has been recorded in spring and autumn, typically by the male but sometimes by the female, nearly always with much calling. Sky-dances are of the rollercoaster type, with an upward sweep of up to 100 feet until the bird starts start to stall but sometimes embellished with loops or rolls at the top. Next in the sky-dance, the bird will dive at least 200 feet on more or less closed wings before spreading them and shooting up again. These sky-dances may be repeated in series of 10 to 20. In the climax of the sky-dance, the undulations become progressively shallower, often slowing and terminating directly on to a perch. Various other aerial displays include low contour flight or weaving among trees, frequently with deep beats and exaggerated upstrokes which show underwing pattern to rivals perched below. Talon grappling and occasionally cartwheeling downward with feet interlocked has also been recorded. The Common Buzzard tends to build a bulky nest of sticks, twigs and often heather and lined with broad-leaved foliage. Nests are up to 3.3 to 3.9 feet across and 24 inches deep. With reuse over years, the diameter of a nest can reach or exceed 5 feet. Trees are generally used for a nesting location but crags or cliffs are used if trees are unavailable. Nests in trees are usually located by the main trunk at a height of around 10 to 82 feet. Pairs often have 2 to 4 nests in a territory but some pairs may use a single nest over several consecutive years. The breeding season of the Common Buzzard commences at differing times based on latitude. It may fall as early as January to April but typically it is March to July in most of Europe. In the northern limits of the range the breeding season may occur from May to August. Mating usually occurs on or near the nest and eggs are usually laid in 2 to 3 day intervals. The clutch size can range from to 2 to 6 and it appears that local factors such as habitat and food supply are relevant. Eggs are generally laid in late March to early April in the extreme south, sometime in April in most of Europe and in to May and possibly even early June in the extreme north. If eggs are lost to a predator or fail in some other way, replacement clutches are not usually laid although this has been recorded. Incubation lasts for 33 to 35 days and is mostly, but not solely, undertaken by the female. Hatching may take place over 3 to 7 days. Often the youngest nestling dies from starvation, especially in broods of 3 or more. The female remains at the nest brooding the young in the early stages with the male bringing all prey. At about 8 to 12 days, both the male and female will bring prey but the female continues to do all feeding until the young can tear up their own prey. The young are nearly fully feathered rather than downy at about a month of age and can start to feed themselves as well. The first attempts to leave the nest are often at about 40 to 50 days. Fledging occurs typically at 43 to 54 days but in extreme cases as late 62 days. After leaving the nest, the young generally stay close by until full independence 6 to 8 weeks after fledging. Numerous factors may influence the breeding success of the Common Buzzard including the availability of prey populations, habitat, disturbance and persecution levels and competition. The Common Buzzard is one of the most numerous birds of prey in its range and it is the most numerous diurnal bird of prey throughout much of Europe. Date: 6th May 2011 Location: Elan Valley, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13657371.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20131787904ed36fa0157ed.jpgBadger The European Badger is a species of badger in the mustelid family (which in the UK includes the Otter, Pine Marten, Stoat and Weasel) and it is native to almost all of Europe. The source of the word "badger" is uncertain. The Oxford English Dictionary states it probably dates from the 16th century and derives from "badge", referring to the white mark borne like a badge on the Badger’s forehead. The French word [i]bêcheur[/i] (digger) has also been suggested as a source. The far older name "brock" derives from the Gaelic [i]broc[/i] or Welsh [i]broch[/i] and appears in Old English as [i]brocc[/i]. The Badger is a powerfully built animal with a small head, a thick, short neck, a stocky, wedge-shaped body and a short tail. Its feet are short with 5 toes on each foot. The limbs are short and massive with naked lower surfaces on the feet. The claws are strong, elongated and have an obtuse end which assists in digging. The snout, which is used for digging and probing, is muscular and flexible. The eyes are small and the ears short and tipped with white. Whiskers are present on the snout and above the eyes. Boars (males) typically have broader heads, thicker necks and narrower tails than sows (females) which are sleeker and have narrower, less domed heads and fluffier tails. Adults measure 9.8 to 11.8 inches in shoulder height, 24 to 35 inches in body length and 4.7 to 9.4 inches in tail length. Boars slightly exceed sows in measurements but can weigh considerably more. Weight varies seasonally, growing from spring to autumn and reaching a peak just before the winter. During the summer, the Badger weighs 15 to 29 pounds but this increases to 33 to 37 pounds in the autumn. Sows can attain a top weight of around 38 pounds, while exceptionally large boars have been reported in the autumn with the heaviest verified at 60 pounds. The contrasting black, white, brown and grey markings of the Badger’s fur serve to warn off attackers rather than camouflage as they are conspicuous at night. The colour, coarseness and density of the fur varies seasonally. Although the Badger’s sense of smell is acute, eyesight is monochromatic as has been shown by their lack of reaction to red light. Only moving objects attract their attention. The European Badger is the most social of badgers, forming groups of 6 adults on average, although larger associations of over 20 individuals have been recorded. Group size may be related to habitat composition. Under optimal conditions, Badger territories can be as small as 30 hectares but may be as large as 150 hectares in marginal areas. Badger territories can be identified by the presence of communal latrines and well-worn paths. It is mainly male Badgers that are involved in territorial aggression. A hierarchical social system is thought to exist and large powerful boars seem to assert dominance over smaller males. Large boars sometimes intrude into neighbouring territories during the main mating season in early spring. Sparring and more vicious fights generally result from territorial defence in the breeding season. When fighting, Badgers bite each other on the neck and rump while running and chasing each other and injuries incurred in such fights can be severe and sometimes fatal. However, in general, animals within and outside a group show considerable tolerance of each other. The Badger is usually monogamous and boars typically mate with a single female for life, whereas sows have been known to mate with more than one male. The oestrus cycle in the Badger lasts 4 to 6 days and may occur throughout the year, although there is a peak in spring. Sexual maturity in boars is usually attained at the age of 12 to 15 months but this can range from 9 months to 2 years. Sows usually begin ovulating in their second year, although some exceptionally begin at 9 months. Badgers can mate at any time of the year, although the main peak occurs in February to May. Matings occurring outside this period typically occur in sows which either failed to mate earlier in the year or matured slowly. Delayed implantation following mating can last 2 to 9 months although matings in December can result in immediate implantation. Ordinarily, implantation happens in December with a gestation period lasting 7 weeks. Cubs are usually born in mid-January to mid-March within underground chambers containing bedding. In areas where the countryside is waterlogged, cubs may be born above ground in buildings. The average litter consists of 1 to 5 cubs. Cubs are born pink with greyish, silvery fur and fused eyelids. Newborn Badgers are 5 inches in body length on average and weigh 2.6 to 4.7 ounces, with cubs from large litters being smaller. By 3 to 5 days, claws become pigmented and individual dark hairs begin to appear. Eyes open at 4 to 5 weeks and milk teeth erupt about the same time. Cubs emerge from their setts at 8 weeks of age and begin to be weaned at 12 weeks, although they may still suckle until they are 4 to 5 months old. Subordinate females may assist the mother in guarding, feeding and grooming the cubs. Cubs fully develop their adult coats at 6 to 9 weeks. The Badger can live for up to about 15 years in the wild. The Badger is a burrowing animal. However, the dens it constructs (setts) are complex and are passed on from generation to generation. A sett is almost invariably located near a tree which is used by badgers for stretching or claw scraping. Badgers defecate in latrines which are located near the sett and at strategic locations on territorial boundaries or near places with abundant food supplies. The number of exits in a sett can vary from just a few to 50. Setts can be vast and can sometimes accommodate multiple families. When this happens, each family occupies its own passages and sleeping and nesting chambers. Badgers dig and collect bedding throughout the year, particularly in autumn and spring, and the chambers are frequently lined with bedding brought in on dry nights consisting of grass, bracken, straw, leaves and moss. The Badger is a fastidiously clean animal which regularly clears out and discards old bedding. Along with the Brown Bear, the Badger is among the least carnivorous members of the carnivorous mammals. It is a highly adaptable and opportunistic omnivore whose diet encompasses a wide range of animals and plants. Earthworms are their most important food source, followed by large insects, carrion, cereals, fruit and small mammals including rabbits, mice, shrews, moles and hedgehogs. In addition, a wide variety of insect prey, cereal food, windfall fruit and berries is eaten. Occasionally, the Badger feeds on medium to large birds, amphibians, small reptiles, snails, slugs, fungi, and green food such as clover and grass. The Badger typically eats prey on the spot and rarely transports it to the sett. The Badger has few natural enemies. Wolves, lynxes and dogs can pose a threat although deaths caused by them are rare. It may live alongside the Red Fox in isolated sections of large burrows and the 2 species possibly tolerate each other through the Red Fox providing food scraps to the Badger and the Badger maintaining the shared burrow’s cleanliness. The Badger is native to most of Europe and parts of western Asia west of the Volga river in Russia. The International Union for Conservation of Nature rates the Badger as being of “least concern”. It is abundant and increasing throughout its range, partly due to a reduction in rabies in central Europe. In the UK, the Badger experienced a 77% increase in numbers during the 1980s and 1990s and the population is estimated to be around 300,000. The Badger is found in deciduous and mixed woodlands, clearings, spinneys, pastureland and scrub, including Mediterranean maquis shrubland. It has also adapted to life in suburban areas and urban parks, although not to the extent of the Red Fox. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife, Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21959306.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_100701963353da778998a2f.jpgEider The Eider is the UK's heaviest duck and its fastest flying. The male is unmistakable with its black and white plumage and green nape. The female is a brown bird but can still be readily distinguished from all ducks, except other eider species, on the basis of size and head shape. The Eider is often readily approachable. Eiders are true sea ducks and are rarely found away from coasts where they dive for crustaceans and molluscs, with mussels being a favoured food. They are highly gregarious and usually stay close inshore where they can be seen in sheltered bays or strung out in long lines out beyond the breaking waves. The Eider can be found all year round in its breeding areas from the Northumberland coast northwards and off the north and west coast of Scotland where it nests colonially. They are found in the same areas in autumn and winter and also further south on the Yorkshire coast and around the east and south coast as far as Cornwall. A particularly famous colony of Eiders lives around the Farne Islands in Northumberland. These birds were the subject of one of the first ever bird protection laws, established by Saint Cuthbert in the year 676. About 1,000 pairs still nest there every year. Because St. Cuthbert is the patron saint of Northumberland, it was natural that the Eider should be chosen as the county's emblem bird and the birds are still often called Cuddy's ducks in the area, "Cuddy" being the familiar form of Cuthbert. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Inner Farne, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12744828.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14747960414e706daf5c3ee.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 7th December 2007 Location: Donna Nook, Lincolnshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17408524.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_922432020513327a833573.jpgRuff The Ruff is a medium-sized wading bird in the sandpiper family, [i]Scolopacidae[/i]. The original English name for this bird, dating back to at least 1465, is the [i]ree[/i], perhaps derived from a dialectical term meaning "frenzied". A later name [I]reeve[/I], which is still used for the female, is of unknown origin but may be derived from the shire-reeve, a feudal officer, likening the male's flamboyant plumage to the official's robes. The current name was first recorded in 1634 and is derived from the ruff, an exaggerated collar fashionable from the mid-16th century to the mid-17th century, since the male bird's neck ornamental feathers resemble the neck wear. The Ruff has a distinctive appearance with a small head, medium-length bill, longish neck and pot-bellied body. It has long legs that are variable in colour but usually yellow or orange. In flight, it has a deeper, slower wing stroke than other waders of a similar size and it displays a thin, indistinct white bar on the wing and white ovals on the sides of the tail. The Ruff shows very distinctive sexual dimorphism. Although a small percentage of males resemble females, the typical male is much larger than the female and has an elaborate breeding plumage. The male is 11 to 13 inches in length with a 21 to 24 inches wingspan. During the May to June breeding season, the typical male's legs, bill and warty bare facial skin are orange and he has distinctive head tufts and a neck ruff. These ornaments vary on individual birds and are black, chestnut or white with the colouring solid, barred or irregular. The grey-brown back has a scale-like pattern, often with black or chestnut feathers, and the underparts are white with extensive black on the breast. The extreme variability of the main breeding plumage is thought to have developed to aid individual recognition in a species that has communal breeding displays but is usually mute. Outside the breeding season, the typical male's head and neck decorations and the bare facial skin are lost and the legs and bill become duller. The upperparts are grey-brown and the underparts are white with grey mottling on the breast and flanks. The female, or "reeve", is 9 to 10 inches in length with a 18 to 19 inches wingspan. In the breeding plumage, the female has grey-brown upperparts with white-fringed, dark-centred feathers. The breast and flanks are variably blotched with black. In winter, her plumage is similar to that of the male but the sexes are distinguishable on size. The plumage of the juvenile Ruff resembles the non-breeding adult but has upperparts with a neat, scale-like pattern with dark feather centres and a strong buff tinge to the underparts. The Ruff is a migratory species, breeding in wetlands in the colder regions of northern Eurasia and wintering in the tropics, mainly in Africa. There is a limited overlap of the summer and winter ranges in the UK and parts of coastal western Europe and birds may be present throughout the year. The Ruff breeds in Europe and Asia from Scandinavia and the UK almost to the Pacific. In Europe, it is found in cool temperate areas but over its Russian range it is an Arctic species and occurs mainly north of about 65°N. The largest numbers breed in Russia, Sweden, Finland and Norway. Although it also breeds from the UK east through the Low Countries to Poland, Germany and Denmark, the populations are much lower in these more southerly areas. The Ruff is highly gregarious on migration and it travels in large flocks that can contain hundreds or thousands of individuals. Huge dense groups form on the wintering grounds. The males, which play no part in nesting or chick care, leave the breeding grounds in late June or early July followed later in July by the females and juveniles. Males typically make shorter flights and winter further north than females. Many migratory species use this differential wintering strategy since it reduces feeding competition between the sexes and enables territorial males to reach the breeding grounds as early as possible thereby improving their chances of successful mating. Males may also be able to tolerate colder winter conditions because they are larger than females. The Ruff breeds in extensive lowland freshwater marshes and damp grasslands. It avoids barren tundra and areas badly affected by severe weather, preferring hummocky marshes and deltas with shallow water. The wetter areas provide a source of food, the mounds and slopes may be used for leks and dry areas with sedge or low scrub offer nesting sites. When it is not breeding, it can be found in a wider range of shallow wetlands. Dry grassland, tidal mudflats and the seashore are less frequently used. Male Ruffs display during the breeding season at a lek in a traditional open grassy arena. The Ruff is one of the few lekking species in which the display is primarily directed at other males rather than to the females and it is among a small percentage of birds in which the males have well-marked and inherited variations in plumage and mating behaviour. There are 3 male forms: the typical territorial males, satellite males which have a white neck ruff and a very rare variant with female-like plumage. The behaviour and appearance for an individual male remain constant through its adult life and are determined by its genes. The territorial males, about 84% of the total, have strongly coloured black or chestnut ruffs and stake out and occupy small mating territories in the lek. They actively court females and display a high degree of aggression towards other resident males. Between 5 and 20 territorial males each hold an area of the lek about 3 feet across and usually with bare soil in the centre. They perform an elaborate display that includes wing fluttering, jumping, standing upright, crouching with ruff erect or lunging at rivals. They are typically silent even when displaying. Territorial males are very site faithful and 90% return to the same lekking sites in subsequent seasons, the most dominant males being the most likely to reappear. Site faithful males can acquire accurate information about the competitive abilities of other males, leading to well-developed dominance relationships. Such stable relationships reduce conflict and the risk of injury and the consequent lower levels of male aggression are less likely to scare off females. Lower-ranked territorial males also benefit from site fidelity since they can remain on the leks while waiting for the top males eventually to drop out. Satellite males, about 16% of the total number, have white or mottled ruffs and do not occupy territories. Instead, they enter leks and attempt to mate with the females visiting the territories occupied by the resident territorial males. Resident territorial males tolerate the satellite birds because, although they are competitors for mating with the females, the presence of both types of male on a territory attracts additional females. A third type of male was first described in 2006. This is a permanent female mimic, the first such reported for a bird. About 1% of males are small, intermediate in size between males and females and do not grow the elaborate breeding plumage of the territorial and satellite males. This cryptic male obtains access to mating territories together with the females and "steals" matings when the females crouch to solicit copulation. It moults into the prenuptial male plumage with striped feathers but does not go on to develop the ornamental feathers of the normal male. Not all mating takes place at the lek since only a minority of the males attend an active lek. As alternative strategies, males can also directly pursue females or wait for them as they approach good feeding sites. The level of polyandry in the Ruff is the highest known for any avian lekking species and for any shorebird. More than half of females mate with and have clutches fertilised by more than one male. In lekking species, females can choose mates without risking the loss of support from males in nesting and rearing chicks since the males take no part in raising the brood anyway. The nest of the Ruff is a shallow ground scrape lined with grass leaves and stems and concealed in marsh plants or tall grass up to 450 yards from the lek. Nesting is solitary although several females may lay in the general vicinity of a lek. The female lays typically 4 eggs from mid-March to early June depending on latitude. Incubation is undertaken by the female alone and the time to hatching is 20 to 23 days with a further 25 to 28 days to fledging. The precocial chicks have buff and chestnut down, streaked and barred with black and frosted with white. They feed themselves on a variety of small invertebrates. The Ruff normally feeds using a steady walk and pecking action, selecting food items by sight, but it will also wade deeply and submerge its head. During the breeding season, the Ruff’s diet consists almost exclusively of the adults and larva of terrestrial and aquatic insects such as beetles and flies. On migration and during the winter, it eats insects, crustaceans, spiders, molluscs, worms, frogs, small fish and also the seeds of rice and other cereals, sedges, grasses and aquatic plants. The Ruff has a large range and a large population although there is some evidence of a decrease in the population in some regions and countries. However, the species as a whole is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List (i.e. declining more than 30 percent in 10 years or 3 generations). For these reasons, the Ruff is classified as "least concern". However, the range in much of Europe is contracting because of land drainage, increased fertiliser use, the loss of mown or grazed breeding sites and over-hunting. Therefore the Ruff is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 12th January 2013 Location: Martin Mere WWT reserve, Lancashire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41176062.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19608271355e93110344e0c.jpgBlue Tit The Blue Tit is a small passerine bird in the tit family. It is easily recognisable by its generally blue and yellow plumage and its small size. The Blue Tit is about 4.7 inches long with a wingspan of 7.1 inches. It has an azure blue crown and a dark blue line passing through the eye and encircling the white cheeks to the chin, giving the bird a very distinctive appearance. The forehead and a bar on the wing are white. The nape, wings and tail are blue and the back is yellowish green. The underparts are mostly sulphur-yellow with a dark line down the abdomen. The bill is black and the legs bluish grey. The sexes are similar whilst young birds are noticeably more yellow. The Blue Tit is very agile and it can cling to the outermost branches and hang upside down when searching for food such as insects, caterpillars and seeds. The Blue Tit can be found throughout areas of the European continent with a mainly temperate or Mediterranean climate and in parts of the Middle East. In the UK it is common in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens and widespread across the whole of the country with the exception of some Scottish islands. The Blue Tit will nest in any suitable hole in a tree, wall or stump, often competing with other birds such as the House Sparrow or Great Tit for the site. In addition, it will readily accept an artificial nesting box. The same hole is returned to year after year and when one pair dies another takes possession. The nesting material is usually moss, wool, hair and feathers and the eggs are laid in April or May. The number in the clutch is often very large but 7 or 8 is normal. It is not unusual for a single bird to feed the chicks in the nest at a rate of one feed every 90 seconds during the height of the breeding season. Successful breeding is dependent on a sufficient supply of caterpillars as well as satisfactory weather. Breeding may be affected badly if the weather is cold and wet between May and July, particularly if this coincides with the emergence of the caterpillars on which the nestlings are fed. The small size of the Blue Tit makes it vulnerable to predation by larger birds and the typical lifespan is 3 years or less. The most significant predator is probably the Sparrowhawk, closely followed by the domestic cat. Nests may also be robbed by mammals such as the Weasel and Red and Grey Squirrels. Date: 8th April 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41176057.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16857512665e93079146137.jpgBlue Tit The Blue Tit is a small passerine bird in the tit family. It is easily recognisable by its generally blue and yellow plumage and its small size. The Blue Tit is about 4.7 inches long with a wingspan of 7.1 inches. It has an azure blue crown and a dark blue line passing through the eye and encircling the white cheeks to the chin, giving the bird a very distinctive appearance. The forehead and a bar on the wing are white. The nape, wings and tail are blue and the back is yellowish green. The underparts are mostly sulphur-yellow with a dark line down the abdomen. The bill is black and the legs bluish grey. The sexes are similar whilst young birds are noticeably more yellow. The Blue Tit is very agile and it can cling to the outermost branches and hang upside down when searching for food such as insects, caterpillars and seeds. The Blue Tit can be found throughout areas of the European continent with a mainly temperate or Mediterranean climate and in parts of the Middle East. In the UK it is common in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens and widespread across the whole of the country with the exception of some Scottish islands. The Blue Tit will nest in any suitable hole in a tree, wall or stump, often competing with other birds such as the House Sparrow or Great Tit for the site. In addition, it will readily accept an artificial nesting box. The same hole is returned to year after year and when one pair dies another takes possession. The nesting material is usually moss, wool, hair and feathers and the eggs are laid in April or May. The number in the clutch is often very large but 7 or 8 is normal. It is not unusual for a single bird to feed the chicks in the nest at a rate of one feed every 90 seconds during the height of the breeding season. Successful breeding is dependent on a sufficient supply of caterpillars as well as satisfactory weather. Breeding may be affected badly if the weather is cold and wet between May and July, particularly if this coincides with the emergence of the caterpillars on which the nestlings are fed. The small size of the Blue Tit makes it vulnerable to predation by larger birds and the typical lifespan is 3 years or less. The most significant predator is probably the Sparrowhawk, closely followed by the domestic cat. Nests may also be robbed by mammals such as the Weasel and Red and Grey Squirrels. Date: 5th April 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14247085.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4429205074f4e03ff250d7.jpgMute Swan The Mute Swan is a species of swan native to much of Eurasia. Despite its Eurasian origin, its closest relatives are the Black Swan of Australia and the Black-necked Swan of south America, not the other Northern Hemisphere swans such as the Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan. The name “mute” derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. The adult Mute Swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob at the top of the beak. All Mute Swans are white at maturity although the feathers (particularly on the head and neck) are often stained orange-brown by iron and tannins in the water. Young birds (cygnets) are not the bright white colour of mature adults and their bill is dull greyish-black for the first year. The plumage may range from pure white to grey to buff with grey/buff being the most common. Cygnets typically retain their grey/buff feathers until they are at least 1 year old. On average, the Mute Swan is the second largest waterfowl species after the Trumpeter Swan although the male Mute Swan can easily match or even exceed a male Trumpeter Swan in mass. The adult Mute Swan typically ranges from 55 to 63 inches in length (although it can range in extreme cases from 49 to 67 inches) with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. Males (cobs) are larger than females (pens) and have a larger knob on their bill. The Mute Swan is one of the heaviest flying birds. In several studies from the UK, males were found to average from about 23.4 to 26.2 pounds, with a weight range of 20 to 32 pounds, while the slightly smaller females were found to average about 18.7 to 21.3 pounds, with a weight range of 17 to 23 pounds. The Mute Swan is less vocal than the noisy Bewick's Swan and Whooper Swan although it does make a variety of grunting, hoarse whistling and snorting noises, especially in communicating with their cygnets and threatening competitors or intruders trying to enter their territory. The most familiar sound associated with the Mute Swan is the vibrant throbbing of the wings in flight which is unique to the species and this can be heard from a range of up to 1 mile. The Mute Swan is found naturally mainly in the temperate areas of Europe across west Asia and as far east as Primorsky Krai in the far east of Russia. It is partially migratory throughout the northern latitudes in Europe and Asia as far south as north Africa and the Mediterranean. It is also often kept in captivity outside its natural range as a decoration for parks and ponds and escapes have occurred. The descendants of such birds have become naturalised in east USA and the Great Lakes region across the USA and Canada border. The Mute Swan population in the UK has increased recently probably due to better protection of this species. Some birds are resident all year whilst others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into east England. Mute Swans nest on large mounds that they build with waterside vegetation in shallow water on islands in the middle or at the very edge of a lake. It is a monogamous species and often reuses the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Males and females share the care of the nest. The female lays from 4 to 10 eggs and broods for around 36 days. Cygnets are unable to fly before an age of 120 to 150 days and this limits the distribution of the species in the northern edge of its range since the cygnets must learn to fly before the water freezes. The Mute Swan is usually strongly territorial with just a single pair on smaller lakes although in a few locations where a large area of suitable feeding habitat is found they can be colonial. The largest colonies can hold over 100 pairs such as that at the colony at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset in the UK. Non-mated juveniles up to 3 to 4 years old commonly form larger flocks often at regular traditional sites and these can total several hundred birds. The Mute Swan can be very aggressive in defence of its nest and it is highly protective of its mate and offspring. Most defensive attacks from a Mute Swan begin with a loud hiss and, if this is not sufficient to drive off the predator, are followed by a physical attack. It attacks by smashing at its enemy with bony spurs in the wings accompanied by biting with its large bill. Smaller waterbirds such as ducks are normally grabbed with the bill and dragged or thrown clear. Large waterfowl, such as the Canada Goose, more likely out of competition than in response to potential predation, may be aggressively driven off. The wings of the Mute Swan are very powerful although not strong enough to break an adult man's leg as has been claimed anecdotally. The Mute Swan feeds on a wide range of vegetation, both submerged aquatic plants which they reach with their long necks and by grazing on land. The food commonly includes agricultural crop plants such as oilseed rape and wheat and feeding flocks in the winter may cause significant crop damage, often as much through trampling with their large webbed feet as through direct consumption. Date: 25th February 2012 Location: Verulamium Park, St Albans, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23806433.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16843951055512acacb376f.jpgTufted Duck The Tufted Duck is a medium-sized diving duck. Males are black on the head, neck, breast and back and white on the sides with a small crest and a yellow eye. Females are browner in colour. Tufted Ducks breed in the UK across the lowland areas of England, Scotland and Ireland but less commonly in Wales. Numbers increase in the UK in winter due to birds moving to the UK from Iceland and northern Europe. Tufted Ducks can be found all year round in suitable habitats such as a reservoirs, gravel pits or lakes. Date: 7th March 2015 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14467405.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19522976374f743c098bb12.jpgUllsfjorden at Svensby, Troms, north Norway Ullsfjorden is a sea fjord located east of Tromsø and west of the Lyngenalpen which can be crossed by the Breivikeidet to Svensby ferry. Location: view from east shore at Svensby Date: 17th March 2012 http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26032956.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_107528806856378b2bab221.jpgEider The Eider is a large sea duck that is distributed over the northern coasts of Europe, north America and eastern Siberia. It breeds in the Arctic and some northern temperate regions but winters somewhat further south in temperate zones when it can form large flocks on coastal waters. The Eider is both the largest of the 4 eider species and the largest duck found in Europe and in north America (except for the Muscovy duck which only reaches north America in a wild state in southernmost Texas and south Florida). The Eider is characterized by its bulky shape and large, wedge-shaped bill. The male is unmistakable with its black and white plumage and green nape. The female is a brown bird but can still be readily distinguished from all ducks, except other eider species, on the basis of size and head shape. The drake's display call is a strange almost human-like "ah-ooo" while the duck utters hoarse quacks. The Eider dives for crustaceans and molluscs, with mussels being a favoured food. The Eider will eat mussels by swallowing them whole. The shells are then crushed in their gizzard and excreted. When eating a crab, the Eider will remove all of its claws and legs and then eat the body in a similar fashion. The Eider is abundant with populations of about 1.5 to 2 million birds in both Europe and north America and also large but unknown numbers in eastern Siberia. The Eider is a colonial breeder nesting on coastal islands in colonies ranging in size of less than 100 to upwards of 10,000 to 15,000 individuals. Female Eiders frequently exhibit a high degree of natal philopatry where they return to breed on the same island where they were hatched. This can lead to a high degree of relatedness between individuals nesting on the same island as well as the development of kin-based female social structures. This relatedness has likely played a role in the evolution of co-operative breeding behaviours amongst Eiders. Examples of these behaviours include laying eggs in the nests of related individuals and crèching where female Eiders team up and share the work of rearing ducklings. The Eider's nest is built close to the sea and is lined with the celebrated eiderdown plucked from the female's breast. This soft and warm lining has long been harvested for filling pillows and quilts but in more recent years has been largely replaced by down from domestic farm geese and synthetic alternatives. Although eiderdown pillows or quilts are now a rarity, eiderdown harvesting continues and is sustainable as it can be done after the ducklings leave the nest with no harm to the birds. Date: 1st June 2015 Location: Hvammstangi, Vatnsnes peninsula, north west Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833234.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1049791295559ce949265e4.jpgHermann's Tortoise The Hermann's Tortoise, one of five species, is a small to medium-sized tortoise in the family [/I]Testudinidae[/I]. Young animals, and some adults, have attractive black and yellow-patterned carapaces, although the brightness may fade with age to a less distinct grey, straw, or yellow coloration. They have slightly hooked upper jaws and, like other tortoises, possess no teeth just strong, horny beaks. The scaly limbs are greyish to brown with some yellow markings and their tails bear a spur (a horny spike) at the tip. Adult males have particularly long and thick tails and well-developed spurs, distinguishing them from females. The Hermann's Tortoise can be found throughout southern Europe. The western sub-species is found in eastern Spain, southern France, the Balearic islands, Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily, south and central Italy and the eastern sub-species is found Serbia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Romania, Bulgaria, Albania and Greece. The eastern sub-species is generally much larger than the western sub-species, reaching sizes up to 11 inches in length. The Hermann's Tortoise is restricted to areas with hot summers and can be found in a variety of habitats including lush meadows, scrub-covered hillsides, light woodland, dune areas and even rubbish dumps. Males may have home ranges of about 2 hectares and females half this. Early in the morning, the Hermann's Tortoise will leave its nightly shelter, which are usually hollows protected by thick bushes or hedges, to bask in the sun and warm their bodies. They then roam about their habitat in search of food and determine which plants to eat by the sense of smell. In addition to leaves and flowers, the Hermann's Tortoise eats small amounts fruits as supplementary nutrition. When the sun becomes too hot the Hermann's Tortoise returns to its shelter, before emerging again in the late afternoon and evening to feed. In late February, the Hermann's Tortoise emerges from under bushes or old rotting wood, where it spends the winter months hibernating, buried in a bed of dead leaves. Immediately after surfacing from their winter resting place, the Hermann’s Tortoise commences courtship and mating. Courtship is a rough affair for the female, which is pursued, rammed and bitten by the male before being mounted. Aggression is also seen between rival males during the breeding season which can result in ramming contests. Between May and July, a female Hermann’s Tortoise will deposit between 2 and 12 eggs into flask-shaped nests dug into the soil up to 4 inches deep. Most females lay more than one clutch each season. The pinkish-white eggs are incubated for around 90 days. Young Hermann’s Tortoises emerge just after the start of the heavy autumn rains in early September and spend the first 4 or 5 years of their lives close to their nests. If the rains do not come, or if nesting took place late in the year, the eggs will still hatch but the young will remain underground and not emerge until the following spring. Until the age of 6 or 8 years, when the hard shell becomes fully developed, the young tortoises are very vulnerable to predators but if they survive these threats, the longevity of Hermann’s Tortoises is around 30 years. The longevity might be underestimated and many sources are reporting they might live 90 years or more. Date: 14th May 2015 Location: Great Prespa Lake (Megali Prespa), West Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26024545.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_107939617056373885a408c.jpgFulmar The (Northern) Fulmar is a highly abundant seabird found primarily in subarctic regions of the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans. Though similar in appearance to gulls, the 2 species of fulmars (Northern and Southern) are in fact members of a different seabird family which include petrels and shearwaters. The Fulmar’s latin name, <i>Fulmarus glacialis</i> can be broken down to the Old Norse word <i>full</i> meaning "foul" and <i>mar</i> meaning "gull". "Foul-gull" is in reference to its stomach oil and also its superficial similarity to gulls. Finally, <i>glacialis</i> is Latin for "glacial" reflecting its extreme northern range. The Fulmar is generally grey and white with a pale yellow and thick bill and bluish legs. However there is both a light morph and a dark morph. Like other petrels, their walking ability is limited but they are strong fliers with a stiff wing action quite unlike the gulls. The Fulmar also looks bull-necked compared to gulls and it has a short stubby bill. The Fulmar is estimated to have between 15 to 30 million mature individuals that occupy a range of around 11 million square miles. Its range increased greatly last century due to the availability of fish offal from commercial fleets but may contract because of less food from this source and climate change. The population increase has been especially notable in the UK. The Fulmar starts breeding at between 6 and 12 years old. It is monogamous, forms long term pair bonds, returns to the same nest site year after year and nests in large colonies. The nest is a scrape on a grassy cliff ledge or a saucer of vegetation on the ground lined with softer material and recently they have started nesting on rooftops and buildings. The Fulmar feeds on shrimp, fish, squid, plankton, jellyfish and carrion as well as refuse. When eating fish, it will dive up to several feet deep to retrieve its prey. Date: 3rd June 2015 Location: Húsavík, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4267527.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11225161514b522adb80706.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 3rd January 2010 Location: Southerness, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40755769.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9847901255e204375d4bab.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle Goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 6th December 2019 Location: Oudeland van Strijen, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12759422.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_241147564e71b0ceaeab3.jpgRed Squirrel The Red Squirrel or Eurasian Red Squirrel is a species of tree squirrel in the genus [i]Sciurus[/i]. It is an arboreal and primarily herbivorous rodent. The Red Squirrel has a typical head and body length of 7.5 to 9 inches, a tail length of 6 to 8 inches and a weight of 9 to 12 ounces. Males and females are the same size. The Red Squirrel is smaller and lighter in weight than the Grey Squirrel The coat of the Red Squirrel varies in colour with the time of year and its location and there are several different coat colour morphs ranging from black to red. Red coats are most common in the UK but in other parts of Europe and Asia different coat colours co-exist within populations. The underside of the Red Squirrel is always creamy-white in colour. The Red Squirrel sheds its coat twice a year, switching from a thinner summer coat to a thicker, darker winter coat with noticeably larger ear-tufts (a prominent distinguishing feature of this species) between August and November. A lighter, redder overall coat colour, along with the ear-tufts (in adults) and smaller size, distinguish the Red Squirrel from the Grey Squirrel. The long tail helps the Red Squirrel to balance and steer when jumping from tree to tree and running along branches and it may also keep it warm during sleep. The Red Squirrel, like most tree squirrels, has sharp and curved claws to enable it to climb and descend broad tree trunks, thin branches and even house walls and its strong hind legs enable it to leap gaps between trees. The Red Squirrel can be found in the boreal coniferous woods in north Europe and Siberia where it prefers Scots Pine, Norway Spruce and Siberian Pine. In west and south Europe it can be found in broad-leaved woods where the mixture of tree and shrub species provides a better year round source of food. In most of the UK and in Italy, broad-leaved woodlands are now less suitable for it due to the better competitive feeding strategy of the introduced Grey Squirrel. The Red Squirrel makes a drey (nest) out of twigs in a branch-fork, forming a domed structure about 9 to 12 inches in diameter. This is lined with moss, leaves, grass and bark. Tree hollows and woodpecker holes are also used. The Red Squirrel is generally a solitary animal and is shy and reluctant to share food with others. However, outside the breeding season and particularly in winter, several Red Squirrels may share a drey to keep warm. Social organisation is based on dominance hierarchies within and between sexes. Although males are not necessarily dominant towards females, the dominant animals tend to be larger and older than subordinate animals and dominant males tend to have larger home ranges than subordinate males or females. Mating can occur in late winter during February and March and in summer between June and July. During mating, males detect females that are in oestrus by an odour that they produce and, although there is no courtship, the male will chase the female for up to an hour prior to mating. Usually multiple males will chase a single female until the dominant male, usually the largest in the group, mates with the female. Males and females will mate multiple times with many partners. Females must reach a minimum body mass before they enter oestrus and heavy females on average produce more young. If food is scarce breeding may be delayed. Typically a female will produce her first litter in her second year. Up to 2 litters a year per female are possible. Each litter averages 3 young and these are known as kits. Gestation is about 38 to 39 days and the young are looked after by the mother alone and are born helpless, blind and deaf. Their body is covered by hair at 21 days, their eyes and ears open after 3 to 4 weeks and they develop all their teeth by 42 days. Juveniles can eat solids around 40 days following birth and from that point they can leave the nest on their own to find food. However, they still suckle from their mother until weaning occurs at 8 to 10 weeks. The Red Squirrel eats mostly the seeds of trees, fungi, nuts (especially hazelnuts but also beech and chestnuts), berries and young shoots. More rarely, it may also eat bird eggs or nestlings and may occasionally exhibit opportunistic omnivory similar to other rodents. Excess food is put into caches, either buried or in nooks or holes in trees, and eaten when food is scarce. Although the Red Squirrel remembers where it created caches at a better than chance level, its spatial memory is believed to be substantially less accurate and durable than that of the Grey Squirrel. Therefore it will often have to search for them when in need and many caches are never found again. Between 60% and 80% of the active time of a Red Squirrel may be spent foraging and feeding. The active period is generally in the morning and in the late afternoon and evening. It often rests in its nest in the middle of the day to avoid the heat and the high visibility to birds of prey that are dangers during these hours. During the winter, this midday rest is often much more brief or absent entirely although harsh weather may cause it to stay in its nest for days at a time. No territories are claimed between Red Squirrels and the feeding areas of individuals overlap considerably. A Red Squirrel that survives its first winter has a life expectancy of 3 years. Individuals may reach 7 years of age and 10 years in captivity. Survival is positively related to the availability of autumn and winter tree seeds. On average, 75 to 85% of juveniles die during their first winter and mortality is approximately 50% for winters following the first. Predators include small mammals such as the Pine Marten, the Wildcat and the Stoat which all prey on juveniles. Birds, including owls and raptors such as the Goshawk and Common Buzzard, may also prey on the Red Squirrel as will the Red Fox and domestic cats and dogs when it is on the ground. Humans influence the population size and mortality of the Red Squirrel by destroying or altering habitats, by causing road casualties and by introducing non-native populations of the Grey Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel and the Red Squirrel are not directly antagonistic and violent conflict between these species is not a factor in the decline in Red Squirrel populations. However, the Grey Squirrel appears to contribute to the decrease in the Red Squirrel population for several reasons: it carries a disease, the squirrel parapoxvirus, that does not appear to affect its own health but will often kill the Red Squirrel, it can better digest acorns whilst the Red Squirrel cannot access the proteins and fats in acorns as easily and it can put the Red Squirrel under pressure for food resources resulting in it not breeding as often. In the UK, due to the above circumstances, the population has today fallen to 160,000 Red Squirrels or fewer with the majority of these in Scotland. Outside the UK and Ireland, the impact of competition from the Grey Squirrel has also been observed in Italy where 2 pairs escaped from captivity in 1948. A significant drop in the Red Squirrel population has been observed since 1970 and it is feared that the Grey Squirrel may expand into the rest of Europe. The Red Squirrel is protected in most of Europe although in some areas it is abundant and is hunted for its fur. In the UK there are several active projects to protect the Red Squirrel and its native woodland habitat, introduce or re-introduce it in to areas where it is absent and eradicate and prevent the spread of the Grey Squirrel. Research undertaken in 2007 in the UK credits the Pine Marten with reducing the population of the invasive Grey Squirrel. Where the range of the expanding Pine Marten population meets that of the Grey Squirrel, the population of the latter retreats. It is theorised that, because the Grey Squirrel spends more time on the ground than the Red Squirrel, it is far more likely to come in contact with the Pine Marten. Date: 23rd January 2006 Location: Freshfield National Trust reserve, Formby Point, Merseyside http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26025326.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1650765528563740db98b43.jpgFulmar The (Northern) Fulmar is a highly abundant seabird found primarily in subarctic regions of the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans. Though similar in appearance to gulls, the 2 species of fulmars (Northern and Southern) are in fact members of a different seabird family which include petrels and shearwaters. The Fulmar’s latin name, <i>Fulmarus glacialis</i> can be broken down to the Old Norse word <i>full</i> meaning "foul" and <i>mar</i> meaning "gull". "Foul-gull" is in reference to its stomach oil and also its superficial similarity to gulls. Finally, <i>glacialis</i> is Latin for "glacial" reflecting its extreme northern range. The Fulmar is generally grey and white with a pale yellow and thick bill and bluish legs. However there is both a light morph and a dark morph. Like other petrels, their walking ability is limited but they are strong fliers with a stiff wing action quite unlike the gulls. The Fulmar also looks bull-necked compared to gulls and it has a short stubby bill. The Fulmar is estimated to have between 15 to 30 million mature individuals that occupy a range of around 11 million square miles. Its range increased greatly last century due to the availability of fish offal from commercial fleets but may contract because of less food from this source and climate change. The population increase has been especially notable in the UK. The Fulmar starts breeding at between 6 and 12 years old. It is monogamous, forms long term pair bonds, returns to the same nest site year after year and nests in large colonies. The nest is a scrape on a grassy cliff ledge or a saucer of vegetation on the ground lined with softer material and recently they have started nesting on rooftops and buildings. The Fulmar feeds on shrimp, fish, squid, plankton, jellyfish and carrion as well as refuse. When eating fish, it will dive up to several feet deep to retrieve its prey. Date: 3rd June 2015 Location: Tjörnes peninsula/Öxarfjörður, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/latorica-koice-region-slovakia https://images.on-this.website/4752_3870283159bd53a761286.jpgLatorica, Košice region, Slovakia The Latorica Protected Landscape Area (Chránená krajinná oblasť Latorica) is located in the Košice Region in south east Slovakia around the Slovakian part of the Latorica River (a river in the watershed of the Danube with its source in the mountains of the Ukrainian Carpathians) and around the lower parts of the Ondava River and Laborec River. The landscape consists of a system of riverbeds surrounded by alluvial riverine oak, ash, alder and birch forest, oxbow lakes, ponds, marshes, reedbeds, sandy banks, dyke-lined canals, pastures and hay meadows. Much of the surrounding floodplain is farmed. The Latorica Protected Landscape Area was designated in 1990 and covers an area of 90 square miles. Part of the area was added to the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance in 1993. Date: 2nd June 2017 Location: Leles to Boľ area, Latorica, Košice region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21830266.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_47343846253cbb989db71c.jpgCommon Guillemots The Common Guillemot, also known as the Common Murre or Thin-billed Murre, is a large species of auk. The auks are a family of seabirds which includes the Brunnich's Guillemot or Thick-billed Murre, Razorbill, Little Auk and the extinct Great Auk. The Common Guillemot is 15 to 18 inches in length with a 24 to 29 inches wingspan. In breeding plumage, it is black or dark brown on the head, back and wings with white underparts. It has a thin dark pointed bill and a small rounded dark tail. Legs are grey and the bill is dark grey. Males and females are identical. Some individuals in the North Atlantic, known as "Bridled Guillemots", have a white ring around the eye extending back as a white line. This is not a distinct subspecies but a polymorphism that becomes more common the farther north the birds breed. The Common Guillemot flies with fast wing beats and has a flight speed of around 50 mph. Groups of birds are often seen flying together in a line just above the surface of the sea. However, it is not a very agile bird and take-off is often difficult. The Common Guillemot becomes flightless for 45 to 60 days while moulting its primary feathers. The Common Guillemot is a pursuit diver that forages for food by swimming underwater using its wings for propulsion. Dives usually last less than one minute but the bird swims underwater for distances of over 100 feet on a regular basis. Diving depths up to 590 feet have been recorded. The Common Guillemot has a circumpolar distribution and it occurs in low Arctic and boreal waters in the north Atlantic and north Pacific. It spends most of its time at sea and only comes to land to breed on rocky cliffs, sea stacks and islands. Some birds are permanent residents but northern birds migrate south to open waters off New England, southern California, Japan, Korea and the western Mediterranean. The Common Guillemot breeds in colonies at high densities and nesting pairs may be in bodily contact with their neighbours. No nest is made and the single egg is laid and incubated on a bare rock ledge on a cliff face. The egg hatches after 30 days incubation and the chick is born downy and can regulate its body temperature after 10 days. Some 20 days after hatching the chick jumps off its nesting ledge and heads for the sea unable to fly but gliding for some distance with fluttering wings and accompanied by its male parent. The chicks are capable of diving as soon as they hit the water. The female stays at the nest site for some 14 days after the chick has left. The Common Guillemot can venture far from its breeding grounds to forage and distances of 60 miles or more are often observed although if sufficient food is available closer by, birds will only travel much shorter distances. It mainly eats small schooling fish 8 inches long or less such as Polar Cod, Capelin, Sand Lances, Sprats, Sandeels, Atlantic Cod and Atlantic Herring. It also eats some molluscs, marine worms, squid and crustaceans. It is often seen carrying fish in its bill with the tail hanging out. Date: 11th June 2014 Location: Bempton Cliifs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26041601.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4577666875638acf0147bc.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill <i>"kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake"</i>. The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Látrabjarg, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26041725.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8609102205638b222ab73f.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill <i>"kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake"</i>. The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Látrabjarg, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11350192.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19792168064e1efd0dac306.jpgGreat Skua The Great Skua is an aggressive "pirate" of the seas, deliberately harrassing birds as large as Gannets to steal a free meal. It also readily kills and eats smaller birds such as Puffins. These birds migrate to the northernmost parts of the UK from their wintering grounds off the coasts of Spain and Africa. They breed on coastal rocky islands and moorland in northern Scotland, Orkney and Shetland, arriving in April and leaving in July. At other times they are seen around coasts often in vicinity of seabird colonies, scavenging from other birds or picking food from the surface of the sea. Date: 14/06/06 Location: Handa Island, Sutherland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28883601.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_116745421857cc05ec69796.jpgEndla Nature Reserve, Estonia The Endla Nature Reserve is located in central Estonia about 40 miles north west of Tartu and it was established in 1981 to protect a complex of bogs, fens, pools, lakes, rivers, reedbeds, meadows and wet and dry forests. It is also included in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance. The Endla Nature Reserve is a large wilderness area of over 31 square miles and much of it is very difficult to access but it can mainly be explored from the visitor centre at Tooma which is about 20 miles north west of Jõgeva. Date: 19th May 2016 Location: Tooma, Endla Nature Reserve, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847431.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_165444654759bd50059922a.jpgLow Tatras, Slovakia The Low Tatras (Nízke Tatry) are a mountain range of the Inner Western Carpathians situated in central Slovakia. They are located south of the High Tatras (Vysoké Tatry) from which they are separated by the valleys of the Váh River and Poprad River. The ridge runs west to east and is about 50 miles long. The Čertovica pass divides the range into 2 parts. The highest peaks of the Low Tatras are located in its western part. Ďumbier is the highest mountain at 6703 feet. Its neighbour Chopok at 6640 feet is accessible by a chairlift and it is the most visited place in the Low Tatras. Other peaks in the western part include Dereše at 6575 feet and Chabenec at 6414 feet. The highest peak in the eastern part is Kráľova hoľa at 6385 feet. The lower elevations are mostly blanketed in dense forest with prevailing coniferous forests in the northern part and mixed forests in the south. At higher elevations there are tarns, deep valleys, limestone cliffs and impressive granite formations. Most of the Low Tatras are protected by the Low Tatras National Park (Národný park Nízke Tatry). This comprises an area of 281 square miles and a buffer zone covering an area of 425 square miles. This makes it the largest National Park in Slovakia. The protection of the Low Tatras started with the first attempts during the period 1918 to 1921 and continuing after World War 2. In 1963, a proposal was made for the establishment of a National Park under the name Central Slovakia National Park. During the period between 1965 and 1966 and right before the completion of the last proposal, a draft for a National Park Ďumbier was proposed. The aim of this draft was to include the north and south part of the central territory of the Low Tatras. From 1967 until 1968 the draft was reformulated with the goal to establish the National Park on the 25th anniversary of the Slovak National Uprising. However, it took another 10 years to overcome various obstacles that prevented the establishment of the National Park. In 1978 the National Park was finally created with the Regulation 119/1978 of the Slovak Socialistic Republic. The area of the national park was set at 313 square miles and its protection zone at 479 square miles. The status of the National Park was published in the same year by the Ministry of Culture of the Slovak Socialistic Republic in Regulation 120/1978. This regulation set out the conditions for the protection of particular areas. The borders of the National Park and the protection zones were revised in June 1997 by Regulation 182/1997 of the government of the Slovak Republic. The revised area of the National Park was adjusted to 281 square miles which is 32 square miles less than the original area. The revised area of the protection zones was adjusted to 425 square miles which is 53 square miles less than the original area. Currently, the following protected areas are established in the Low Tatras National Park or its buffer zone: 10 National Nature Reserves, 10 Nature Reserves, 5 National Nature Monuments, 6 Nature Monuments and 1 Protected Site. The Low Tatras are the second most visited mountains in Slovakia after the High Tatras. Tourism is very popular and during the winter there are several ski resorts such as Jasná and Tále. There are also a range of summer activities such as hiking, trekking, rafting, kayaking, fishing and other outdoor pursuits. Date: 28th May 2017 Location: Low Tatras, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28883602.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_184334968657cc060d53008.jpgEndla Nature Reserve, Estonia The Endla Nature Reserve is located in central Estonia about 40 miles north west of Tartu and it was established in 1981 to protect a complex of bogs, fens, pools, lakes, rivers, reedbeds, meadows and wet and dry forests. It is also included in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance. The Endla Nature Reserve is a large wilderness area of over 31 square miles and much of it is very difficult to access but it can mainly be explored from the visitor centre at Tooma which is about 20 miles north west of Jõgeva. Date: 19th May 2016 Location: Tooma, Endla Nature Reserve, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21215562.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1871560146537dbfd361201.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 7th May 2014 Location: Conwy RSPB reserve, Conwy http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28883605.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_49307647157cc065f655e7.jpgEndla Nature Reserve, Estonia The Endla Nature Reserve is located in central Estonia about 40 miles north west of Tartu and it was established in 1981 to protect a complex of bogs, fens, pools, lakes, rivers, reedbeds, meadows and wet and dry forests. It is also included in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance. The Endla Nature Reserve is a large wilderness area of over 31 square miles and much of it is very difficult to access but it can mainly be explored from the visitor centre at Tooma which is about 20 miles north west of Jõgeva. Date: 19th May 2016 Location: Tooma, Endla Nature Reserve, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14856799.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_667268454face51097bec.jpgCoot The Coot is an all black bird with a distinctive white beak and “shield” above the beak from which earns it the title “bald”. Its feet have distinctive lobed flaps of skin on the toes which act instead of webs when swimming. It patters noisily over the water before taking off and can be very aggressive towards other birds. Coot can be found all the year round mainly on freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers and town park lakes. Sometimes they can be seen offshore, especially in winter if freshwater areas are frozen. They breed in areas of fairly shallow standing freshwater with a muddy bottom and plenty of vegetation at the sides, usually in lowland areas. Date: 30th March 2012 Location: Grove Ferry, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37431220.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3862659365c6be97d138aa.jpgStarlings The Common Starling, also known as the European starling or in the UK just as the Starling, is a medium-sized passerine bird in the starling family. There are several sub-species of the Starling which vary in size and the colour tone of the adult plumage. The gradual variation over geographic range and extensive intergradation means that acceptance of the various sub-species varies between different authorities. The Starling is 7.5 to 9.1 inches in length with a wingspan of 12 to 17 inches. The plumage is iridescent black, glossed purple or green and spangled with white, especially in winter. The underparts of the adult male Starlings are generally less spotted than those of adult females. The throat feathers of the males are long and loose and are used in display while those of the females are smaller and more pointed. The legs are stout and pinkish-red or greyish-red. The bill is narrow and conical with a sharp tip. In the winter it is brownish-black but in summer the females have lemon yellow beaks whilst the males have yellow bills with blue-grey bases. Moulting occurs once a year in late summer after the breeding season and the fresh feathers are prominently tipped white (breast feathers) or buff (wing and back feathers) giving a speckled appearance. The reduction in the spotting in the breeding season is achieved through the white feather tips largely wearing off. Juveniles are grey-brown and by their first winter they resemble adults although they often retain some brown juvenile feathering especially on the head. In flight, the Starling’s strongly pointed wings and dark colouration are distinctive whilst on the ground its strange waddling gait is also characteristic. The colouring and build usually distinguish the Starling from other starling species although the closely related Spotless Starling from Iberia and north Africa may be physically distinguished by the lack of iridescent spots in the adult breeding plumage. Like most terrestrial starlings, the Starling moves by walking or running rather than hopping. Their flight is quite strong and direct and their triangular-shaped wings beat very rapidly. They periodically glide for a short way without losing much height before resuming powered flight. When in a flock, the birds take off almost simultaneously, wheel and turn in unison, form a compact mass or trail off into a wispy stream, bunch up again and the land in a co-ordinated fashion. The Starling is a noisy bird. Its song consists of a wide variety of both melodic and mechanical-sounding noises as part of a ritual succession of sounds. The male is the main songster and engages in bouts of song lasting for a minute or more. Each of these typically includes 4 varieties of song type which follow each other in a regular order without pause. The bout starts with a series of pure tone whistles and these are followed by the main part of the song, a number of variable sequences that often incorporate snatches of song mimicked from other species of bird and various naturally occurring or man-made noises. The structure and simplicity of the sound mimicked is of greater importance than the frequency with which it occurs. Each sound clip is repeated several times before the bird moves on to the next. After this variable section comes a number of types of repeated clicks followed by a final burst of high frequency song, again formed of several types. Each bird has its own repertoire with more proficient birds having a range of up to 35 variable song types and as many as 14 types of clicks. Males sing constantly as the breeding period approaches and perform less often once pairs have bonded. In the presence of a female, a male sometimes flies to his nest and sings from the entrance, apparently attempting to entice the female in. Having a complex song is also useful in defending a territory and deterring less experienced males from encroaching. Singing also occurs outside the breeding season and takes place throughout the year apart from the moulting period. The songsters are more commonly males although females also sing on occasion. The function of such out-of-season song is poorly understood. Starlings chatter while roosting and bathing and make a great deal of noise that can cause irritation to some people living nearby. When a flock of Starlings is flying together, the synchronised movements of their wings make a distinctive whooshing sound that can be heard hundred yards away. The global population of the Starling was estimated to be 310 million birds in 2004, occupying a total area of 3.4 million square miles. Its numbers are not thought to be declining significantly so it is classified by the IUCN as being of “Least Concern”. It had shown a marked increase in numbers throughout Europe from the 19th century to around the 1950s and 1960s. However, declines in populations have been observed since 1980, including in the UK. This seems to be due to the low survival rate of young birds which may be caused by changes in agricultural practices. The intensive farming methods used in north Europe mean there is less pasture and meadow habitat available and the supply of grassland invertebrates needed for the nestlings to thrive is correspondingly reduced. The Starling remains widespread throughout the Northern Hemisphere and it is native to Eurasia. It is found throughout Europe, north Africa from Morocco to Egypt, India (mainly in the north but regularly extending further south) and extending into the Maldives, Nepal, the Middle East including Syria, Iran and Iraq and north west China. Starlings in the south and west of Europe and south of latitude 40°N are mainly resident although other populations migrate from regions where the winter is harsh, the ground frozen and food scarce. Large numbers of birds from northern Europe, Russia and Ukraine migrate south westwards or south eastwards. In the autumn, when immigrants are arriving from eastern Europe, many of the UK's Starlings are setting off for Iberia and north Africa. Other groups of birds are in passage across the country and the pathways of these different streams of bird may cross. The Starling prefers urban or suburban areas where artificial structures and trees provide adequate nesting and roosting sites. Reedbeds are also favoured for roosting and Starlings commonly feed in grassy areas such as farmland, grazing pastures, playing fields, golf courses and airfields where short grass makes foraging easy. The Starling occasionally inhabits open forests and woodlands although it is rarely found in dense, wet forests. It can also be found in coastal areas where it nests and roosts on cliffs and forages amongst seaweed. The Starling’s ability to adapt to a large variety of habitats has allowed it to disperse and establish the species in diverse locations around the world and resulting in a habitat range from coastal wetlands to alpine forests and from sea cliffs to mountain ranges. The Starling has been introduced to and has successfully established itself in New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, north America, Fiji and several Caribbean islands. As a result, it has also been able to migrate to Thailand, south east Asia and New Guinea. Breeding takes place during the spring and summer. Unpaired males find a suitable cavity and begin to build nests in order to attract single females, often decorating the nest with ornaments such as flowers and fresh green material, which the female later disassembles when accepting the male as a mate. The males sing throughout much of the construction and even more so when a female approaches his nest. Following mating, the male and female continue to build the nest. Nests may be located in any type of hole and common locations include inside hollowed trees, buildings, tree stumps and man-made nest-boxes. Nests are typically made out of straw, dry grass and twigs with an inner lining made up of feathers, wool and soft leaves. Construction usually takes 4 or 5 days and may continue through incubation.[29] The Starling is both monogamous and polygamous. Although broods are generally brought up by a single male and a single female, occasionally the pair may have an extra helper. Pairs may be part of a colony, in which case several other nests may occupy the same or nearby trees. Males may mate with a second female while the first is still on the nest. The reproductive success of the bird is poorer in the second nest than it is in the primary nest and is better when the male remains monogamous. Following mating, the female lays eggs on a daily basis over a period of several days. There are normally 4 or 5 eggs which are pale blue or occasionally white and they commonly have a glossy appearance. Incubation lasts 13 days and both parents share this responsibility although the female spends more time incubating than the male. The female is the only parent to do so at night when the male returns to the communal roost. Nestlings remain in the nest for 3 weeks where they are fed continuously by both parents. Fledglings continue to be fed by their parents for another 1 or 2 weeks. A pair can raise up to 3 broods per year although 2 broods is typical and just a single one is normal north of 48°N. Within 2 months most juveniles will have moulted and gained their first basic plumage. They acquire their adult plumage the following year. Starling nests have a 48% to 79% rate of successful fledging although only 20% of nestlings survive to breeding age. The adult survival rate is closer to 60%. The average life span is about 2 to 3 years. A majority of starling predators are avian, in particular birds of prey The Starling is a highly gregarious species, especially in autumn and winter. Although flock size is highly variable, huge noisy flocks (murmurations) may form near roosts. These dense concentrations of birds are thought to be a defence against attacks by birds of prey. Flocks form a tight sphere-like formation in flight, frequently expanding and contracting and changing shape, seemingly without any sort of leader. Each Starling changes its course and speed as a result of the movement of its closest neighbours. Very large roosts, exceptionally up to 1.5 million birds, can form in city centres, woodlands or reedbeds. The Starling is largely insectivorous and feeds on a wide range of invertebrates in both the adult and larvae stages of development. It will also feed on earthworms, snails, small amphibians and lizards. While the consumption of invertebrates is necessary for successful breeding, the Starling is omnivorous and will also eat grains, seeds, fruits, nectar and food waste if the opportunity arises. Although this image of the winter pre-roost murmuration at RSPB Ham Wall is blurred due to the movement of the birds and the poor light, it does convey something of the impact of the huge numbers of birds arriving at the site. Date: 10th January 2019 Location: RSPB Ham Wall, Somerset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24901651.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_192802355755a4ce4d24c9a.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 22nd June 2015 Location: Loch Fleet, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23408463.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_42152165754c20c0442475.jpgBarnacle Goose The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 3rd January 2015 Location: Mersehead RSPB reserve, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33568454.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16957811075a106bb1bac3b.jpgDate: 7th November 2017 Location: Loch Scridain, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26041752.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14881070955638b87445135.jpgRazorbill The Razorbill is a seabird and a member of the auk family which also includes the Common Guillemot, Brunnich's Guillemot and Little Auk. It is also the closest living relative to the Great Auk which is now extinct. The Razorbill has white underparts and a black head, neck, back and feet during the breeding season. A thin white line also extends from the eyes to the end of the bill. Its head is darker than that of the CommonGuillemot. Outside the breeding season, the throat and face behind the eye become white and the white line on the face becomes less prominent. The thick black bill has a blunt end. The adult male and female female are very much alike having only small differences such as wing length. The Razorbill has a horizontal stance and the tail feathers are slightly longer in the centre in comparison to other auks making it have a distinctly long tail which is not common for an auk. The Razorbill is distributed across the sub-arctic and boreal waters of the north Atlantic where water surface temperature are typically below 15°c. The world population is estimated to be less than 1 million breeding pairs, making it among the rarest auks in the world. Approximately 60 to 70% of the entire Razorbill population breeds in Iceland., including over 200,000 pairs at Látrabjarg. The breeding habitat is islands, rocky shores and cliffs on north Atlantic coasts, in eastern North America as far south as Maine and in western Europe from north west Russia to northern France. Eurasian birds winter at sea with some moving south as far as the western Mediterranean. North American birds migrate offshore and south. The Razorbill is a colonial breeder and only comes to land to breed. Individuals only breed at 3 to 5 years of age. Females select their mate and will often encourage competition between males before choosing a partner. Once a male is chosen, the pair will usually stay together for life. Nest site determination is very important to ensure protection of young from predators. Unlike Common Guillemots, nest sites are not immediately alongside the sea on open cliff ledges but at least 4 to 6 inches away in crevices on cliffs or among boulders. Generally a nest is not built although some pairs often use their bills to drag material upon which to lay their single egg. The mating pair will often reuse the same site every year. The Razorbill feeds mainly on schooling fish and crustaceans and it will dive deep into the sea using its wings and its streamlined body to propel itself toward their prey. Whilst diving, it rarely stays in groups but instead spreads out to feed. The majority of feeding occurs at a depth of about 80 feet but it has the ability to dive up to 400 feet below the surface. During a single dive the Razorbill can capture and swallow many schooling fish depending on their size. The Razorbill spends approximately 45% of its time foraging at sea and it may well fly more than 60 miles out to sea to feed. However, when feeding chicks it will forage much closer to the nesting grounds and often in shallower water. The Razorbill and its eggs and chicks have several predators which include Great Black-backed Gulls, Peregrines, Ravens and other crows, Arctic Foxes and Polar Bears. In the early 20th century, Razorbills were harvested for their eggs, meat and feathers and this greatly decreased their population. In 1917 they were finally protected which reduced hunting. Other current threats include oil pollution, unintentional bycatch arising from commercial fishing and overfishing which decreases the abundance of prey. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Látrabjarg, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28883740.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_153158230657cc139377ecb.jpgLake Peipus, Estonia Lake Peipus is the biggest trans-boundary lake in Europe on the border between Estonia and Russia. It is the 5th largest lake in Europe after Lake Ladoga and Lake Onega in Russia north of Saint Petersburg, Lake Vänern in Sweden and Lake Saimaa in Finland. Lake Peipus is a remnant of a body of water which existed in this area during the Ice Age. It covers an area of 1370 square miles and has an average depth of 23 feet, the deepest point being 50 feet. Some 30 rivers and streams discharge in to Lake Peipus, the largest being the Emajõgi and the Velikaya, and it is drained by the Narva river. The low shores of the lake mostly consist of peat and are bordered by vast lowland and marshes which are flooded in the spring with the flooding area reaching up to 85 square miles. There are also sand dunes and hills covered with pine forests. The lake is used for fishing and recreation but it has suffered from some environmental degradation. Date: 18th May 2016 Location: Lake Peipus at Mehikoorma, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28886053.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_88247149257cc381a5f652.jpgKübassaare peninsula, Saaremaa island, Estonia Saaremaa is the 4th largest island in the Baltic Sea and largest island in Estonia, measuring over 1000 square miles. It is located in the Baltic Sea, south of the island of Hiiumaa, and it is included within the the West Estonian Archipelago Biosphere Reserve. The island lies on a major migration flyway between Europe and the Arctic and huge numbers of birds appear in spring and autumn. The Kübassaare peninsula is one of the best birding sites combining both wetland and woodland habitats including grassy shores, meadows, mixed forests, reedbeds, lakes and coastal islets, inlets and bays. Date: 12th May 2016 Location: Kübassaare peninsula, Saaremaa island, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28884574.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_115028316057cc219798784.jpgIlmatsalu, Estonia Ilmatsalu is an area of fishponds, meadows and woods along the Ilmatsalu river just north west of Tartu. Date: 18th May 2016 Location: Ilmatsalu, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo8135920.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20922469304d1d9ce0846ce.jpgCommon Gull The Common Gull is a medium-sized gull. The north American subspecies is commonly referred to as the Mew Gull although that name is also used by some authorities for the whole species. The Common Gull is noticeably smaller and more gentle looking than the Herring Gull. It is grey above and white below with greenish-yellow legs. It has black wingtips with large white "mirrors". Young birds have scaly black-brown upperparts and a neat wing pattern and grey legs and take 2 to 3 years to reach maturity. In winter, the head is streaked grey and the bill often has a poorly defined blackish band near the tip which is sometimes sufficiently obvious to cause confusion with the Ring-billed Gull. The call is a high-pitched "laughing" cry. The Common Gull breeds colonially near water or in marshes in north Europe, north west north America and north Asia. It is most numerous in Europe with over half (possibly as much as 80 to 90%) of the world population. In the UK, the Common Gull can be found in summer along the coasts and inland marshes and lakes of Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England. Elsewhere in England and Wales, it can be found in winter on farmland, on marshes and lakes and on the coast. Date: 26th December 2010 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/isabelline-wheatear https://images.on-this.website/4752_18972572875d3079811befb.jpgIsabelline Wheatear The Isabelline Wheatear is a wheatear, a small passerine bird that was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family [I]Turdidae[/I] but it is now more generally considered to be an Old World flycatcher in the family [I]Muscicapidae[/I]. In colouring it resembles a female Northern Wheatear but it is larger at 5.9 to 6.5 inches in length, more upright and more tawny in colour and has more black on its tail. The male and female Isabelline Wheatear are similar in appearance. The upper-parts are a pale sandy brown with an isabelline tinge (isabelline is a pale grey-yellow, fawn, cream-brown or parchment colour). The lower back is isabelline and the rump and upper tail coverts are white. The tail feathers are brownish-black with a narrow edge and tip of buff and a large white base. In the outer tail feathers this occupies more than half the length of the feather but in the central feathers it is about one third. There is an over-eye streak of creamy white and the ear coverts are pale brown. The chin is pale cream and the throat pale buff. The breast is sandy or isabelline buff and the belly creamy white. The under tail coverts are pale buff and the under wing coverts and axilliaries white with dark bases. The wing feathers are brownish-black, tipped and edged with creamy buff. The beak, legs and feet are black and the irises are brown. The Isabelline Wheatear is a migratory species with an eastern breeding range extending from south Russia, the Caspian region, the Kyzyl Kum Desert and Mongolia to Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Jordan and Israel. It winters in Africa and north west India. In Europe, it can be found in east Bulgaria and north east Greece. In its breeding range, the Isabelline Wheatear is found in open country, barren tracts of land, arid regions, steppes, high plateaux and on the lower slopes of hills. In its wintering range, it can be found in similar habitats in semi-arid regions, open country with sparse scrub and the borders of cultivated areas, showing a particular liking for sandy ground. The Isabelline Wheatear is an active and restless bird, moving across the ground with long hops, flitting into the air and perching on small bushes. Its posture is rather upright and it is constantly bobbing about and flaring, raising and lowering its tail. It sometimes flutters into the air to catch insect prey but mostly forages along the ground, probing the soil with its beak. Its diet includes ants, grasshoppers, moths, flies, mites, spiders and insect larvae and it sometimes eats seeds as well. The Isabelline Wheatear is a solitary bird in its winter range and may associate with other wheatear species during migration. On arrival at the breeding grounds, territories are established. The male displays to the female by drooping and then spreading his wings while singing, leaping a short distance in the air or flying up 50 feet or so, hovering and performing stunts, singing all the while, before landing again beside the female. The nest is usually underground, normally in the empty burrow of a Pika, Ground Squirrel or Mole Rat or they may excavate a fresh burrow. The nest is bulky and is composed of dried grasses. The female lays 4 to 6 eggs and both parents feed the chicks with small caterpillars and other insects. After they leave the nest, the chicks continue to be fed for about 2 weeks but after this the parents drive them out of the territory. There are probably 2 broods in the southern parts of the range. The Isabelline Wheatear has an extensive range and a large population. The population seems to be stable and the IUCN in their Red List has evaluated it as being of "Least Concern". Date: 18th May 2018 Location: Nos Kaliakra, Dobrich Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26056708.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_500389916563dc46e35f6d.jpgHumpback Whale The Humpback Whale is a rorqual, the largest group of the baleen whales which includes the Blue Whale, the Fin Whale, the Bryde's Whale, the Sei Whale and the Minke Whale. The common name of Humpback Whale is derived from the curving of the back when diving. The generic name <i>Megaptera</i> from the Greek <i>mega</i> means "giant" and <i>ptera</i> means “wing" and refers to the large front flippers. The specific name <i>novaeangliae</i> means "New Englander" and was probably given due to the regular sightings of Humpback Whales off the coast of New England. One of the larger rorqual species, an adult Humpback Whale ranges in length from 39 to 52 feet and weighs approximately 79,000 pounds. It has a distinctive body shape with unusually long pectoral fins and a knobbly head. An acrobatic animal known for breaching and slapping the water with its tail and pectoral fins, it is popular with whale watchers The Humpback Whale can easily be identified by its stocky body with an obvious hump and black dorsal colouring. The head and lower jaw are covered with knobs called tubercles which are hair follicles and are characteristic of the species. The fluked tail, which it lifts above the surface in some dive sequences, has wavy trailing edges. The long black and white tail fin, which can be up to a third of the body length, and the pectoral fins have unique patterns which make individual whales identifiable. Several hypotheses attempt to explain the pectoral fins which are proportionally the longest fins of any cetacean. The two most enduring mention the higher manoeuverability afforded by long fins and the usefulness of the increased surface area for temperature control when migrating between warm and cold climates. The stubby dorsal fin is visible soon after the blow when the whale surfaces but disappears by the time the flukes emerge. The Humpback Whale has a 9.8 feet, heart-shaped to bushy blow or exhalation of water through the blowholes. The Humpback Whale is found in oceans and seas around the world in a wide band running from the Antarctic ice edge to 77° N latitude. It is migratory and spends summers in cooler, high-latitude waters and mates and calves in tropical and subtropical waters. Annual migrations of up to 16,000 miles are typical. The Humpback Whale social structure is loose-knit and it is not excessively social. Individuals normally live alone or in small, transient groups that disband after a few hours. Groups may stay together a little longer in summer to forage and feed cooperatively. Longer-term relationships between pairs or small groups, lasting months or even years, have rarely been observed. The Humpback Whale's range overlaps considerably with other whale and dolphin species although they rarely interact socially with them. Courtship rituals take place during the winter months following migration towards the equator from the summer feeding grounds closer to the poles. Competition is usually fierce and unrelated males frequently trail females as well as mothers with calves. Males gather into competitive groups and fight for females. Group size ebbs and flows as unsuccessful males retreat and others arrive to try their luck. Behaviours include breaching, spyhopping, lob-tailing, tail-slapping, fin-slapping, peduncle throws, charging and parrying. Whale songs are assumed to have an important role in mate selection although they may also be used between males to establish dominance. Females reach sexual maturity at the age of 5 years whilst males reach sexual maturity at approximately 7 years of age. Females typically breed every 2 or 3 years. The gestation period is 11.5 months and the peak months for birth are January, February, July, and August. Newborn calves are roughly the length of their mother's head and measure around 20 feet. They nurse for approximately 6 months and then mix nursing and independent feeding for possibly 6 months more. The Humpback Whale feeds primarily in the summer and lives off fat reserves during the winter. It feeds only rarely and opportunistically in its wintering waters. The Humpback Whale is an energetic hunter and takes krill and small schooling fish such as herring, salmon, mackerel, pollock, and haddock . It hunts by direct attack or by stunning its prey by hitting the water with its pectoral fins or tail flukes. The Humpback Whale has the most diverse feeding repertoire of all baleen whales. Its most inventive technique is known as bubble net feeding. A group of whales swims in a shrinking circle blowing bubbles below a school of prey. The shrinking ring of bubbles encircles the school and confines it in an ever-smaller cylinder. This ring can begin at up to 100 feet in diameter and involve the cooperation of a dozen animals. The whales then suddenly swim upward through the "net", mouths agape, swallowing thousands of fish in one gulp. Pleated grooves in the whale's mouth allow the creature to easily drain all the water initially taken in. Both male and female Humpback Whales vocalize but only males produce the long, loud, complex "songs" for which the species is famous. Each “song” consists of several sounds in a low register, varying in amplitude and frequency and typically lasting from 10 to 20 minutes. Cetaceans have no vocal cords so whales generate their “songs” by forcing air through their massive nasal cavities. Humpback Whales within a large area sing the same “song”. All north Atlantic Humpback Whales sing the same “song” and those of the north Pacific sing a different “song”. Each population's “song” changes slowly over a period of years. Scientists are unsure of the purpose of whale “songs”. Only males “sing”, suggesting one purpose is to attract females. However, many of the whales observed to approach a “singer” are other males, often resulting in conflict, and “singing” may therefore be a challenge to other males. Some scientists have hypothesized the song may serve an echo location function. Like other large whales, the Humpback Whale was and is a target for the whaling industry. Once hunted to the brink of extinction, its population fell by an estimated 90% before a moratorium was introduced in 1966. While stocks have since partially recovered, entanglement in fishing gear, collisions with ships and noise pollution continue to have an impact worldwide. The worldwide population is at least 80,000 with 18,000 to 20,000 in the north Pacific, about 12,000 in the north Atlantic and over 50,000 in the Southern Hemisphere, down from a pre-whaling population of 125,000. The Humpback Whale is considered "least concern" from a conservation standpoint as of 2008. This is an improvement from “vulnerable” in 1996 and “endangered” as recently as 1988. Most monitored stocks of Humpback Whales have rebounded well since the end of commercial whaling, such as the north Atlantic population where stocks are now believed to be approaching levels similar to those before hunting began. However, the species is still considered “endangered” in some countries. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Skötufjörður, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11159462.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1038032904e1583a4aeceb.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 5th November 2007 Location: Loch Gruinart, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo1278660.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9872811994866c2d1785cc.jpgDate: 1st June 2008 Location: view from West Yell, Shetland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41292199.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16848488905f10b933e254c.jpgPasvikdalen, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Height 96 (Norwegian: [i] “Høyde 96”[/i]) is a former military border observation tower dating from the Cold War era. Located close to Svanhovd in Pavikdalen, the tower is open from June to August and offers extensive views of the Pasvik valley and Nikel, the closest town on the Russian side of the River Pasvikelva. Nikel is the administrative centre of Pechengsky District of Murmansk Oblast in Russia. It is located on the shores of Lake Kuets-Yarvi 122 miles north west of Murmansk and 4 miles from the Norwegian border. Nickel is linked to the Norilsk Nickel plant Kola MMC nearby where many of its citizens are employed and which causes environmental and health concerns for the population. The nickel smelter which has been an eyesore in Norway–Russia relations for decades due to its extreme pollution levels usually deposits its sulphur dioxide fumes to the south of the town where the countryside is a brown moonscape of bald hills and barren of plant life. Over the last 15 years, however, emissions have lowered significantly and by 2025, Norilsk Nickel plans to reduce its overall emissions by 90% as part of its long-term development programme announced in 2019. Date: 30th June 2019 Location: view from Height 96 watchtower, Svanhovd, Pasvikdalen, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28885449.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3415610657cc3144c23fd.jpgSoomaa National Park, Estonia The Soomaa National Park (Soomaa means "land of bogs") is located about 20 miles east of Pärnu and it was established in 1993 to protect a wilderness of bogs, fens, wet mixed forests, wooded meadows and carrs. It is also included in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance. The territory of the Soomaa National Park is mostly covered with large bogs, separated from each other by the tributaries of the Pärnu river, namely the Navesti, Halliste, Raudna and Lemmjõgi rivers. Every spring the Pärnu river and its tributaries flood and vast areas are inundated. The flood has been called the “fifth season” in Soomaa. Much of the Soomaa National Park is very difficult to access but it can be partially explored by a network of dusty gravel tracks and a minor road between Jõesuu and Kildu. The Soomaa National Park supports a wide range of breeding birds and the floods attract large numbers of migrating wildfowl and waders. As a large wilderness area, Soomaa National Park is also home to numerous species of large mammals including Brown Bear, Wolf, Lynx, Beaver, Elk and Wild Boar. Date: 15th May 2016 Location: Tõramaa to Kõrtsi road, Soomaa National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28102068.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_118311598457779f2506238.jpgCommon Buzzard The Common Buzzard is a member of the genus [I]Buteo[/I] and the family [i]Accipitridae[/i], a group of medium-sized raptors with robust bodies and broad wings. The [I]Buteo[/I] species of Eurasia and Africa are usually commonly referred to as buzzards whilst those in the Americas are called hawks. Under current classification, the genus [I]Buteo[/I] includes approximately 28 species. The Common Buzzard includes between 7 to 16 sub-species and the western [i]Buteo[/i] group includes [i]Buteo buteo buteo[/i] which is found more or less continuously throughout Europe including the UK. The Common Buzzard is a medium-sized raptor that is highly variable in plumage. It is distinctly round headed with a somewhat slender bill and it has relatively long wings that either reach or fall slightly short of the tail tip when perched, a fairly short tail and somewhat short and mainly bare tarsi. It can appear fairly compact in overall appearance but may also appear large relative to other commoner raptors such as the Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. The Common Buzzard measures between 16 and 23 inches in length with a 3 feet 7 inches to 4 feet 7 inches wingspan. Females average about 2 to 7% larger than males in length and weigh about 15% more. Body mass can show considerable variation from 0.94 to 2.6 pounds in males and 1.07 to 3.02 pounds in females. In Europe, the Common Buzzard is typically dark brown above and on the upperside of the head and mantle but this can become paler and warmer brown with worn plumage. Usually the tail will be narrowly barred grey-brown and dark brown with a pale tip and a broad dark subterminal band but the tail in the palest birds can show a varying amount of white and a reduced sub-terminal band or even appear almost all white. The underside colouring can be variable but typically shows a brown-streaked white throat with a somewhat darker chest. A pale U across the breast is often present followed by a pale line running down the belly which separates the dark areas on the breast side and flanks. These pale areas tend to have highly variable markings that form irregular bars. Juveniles are quite similar to adults and are best told apart by having a paler eye, a narrower sub-terminal band on the tail and underside markings that appear as streaks rather than bars. Beyond the typical mid-range brownish Common Buzzard, birds in Europe can range from almost uniform black-brown above to mainly white. Extreme dark individuals may range from chocolate-brown to blackish with almost no pale colour showing but with a variable or faded U on the breast and with or without faint lighter brown throat streaks. Extreme pale individuals are largely whitish with variable widely spaced streaks or arrowheads of light brown about the mid-chest and flanks and may or may not show dark feather-centres on the head, wing-coverts and sometimes all but part of the mantle. Individuals can show nearly endless variation of colours and hues in between these extremes and the Common Buzzard is among the most variably plumaged diurnal raptors for this reason. The Common Buzzard is often confused with other raptors especially in flight or at a distance including other [i]Buteo[/i] species such as Rough-legged Buzzard and Long-legged Buzzard and also Honey Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, Golden Eagle, Booted Eagle and Short-toed Eagle. The Common Buzzard is found throughout several islands in the eastern Atlantic islands, including the Canary Islands and the Azores, and almost throughout Europe. In the UK, it is found in Northern Ireland and in nearly every part of Scotland and England. In mainland Europe, there are no substantial gaps in the range from Portugal and Spain to Greece, Estonia, Belarus and the Ukraine, although it is present mainly only in the breeding season in much of the eastern half of the latter 3 countries. It is also present in all larger Mediterranean islands such as Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily and Crete. Further north in to Scandinavia, it is found mainly in south Norway, the southern half of Sweden and in the southern two-thirds of Finland. The Common Buzzard reaches its northern limit as a breeder in far eastern Finland and over the border in to European Russia and nearly to the Kola Peninsula. In these northern limits, the Common Buzzard is present typically only in summer. The Common Buzzard generally inhabits the interface of woodlands and open ground and typically lives in forest edge, small broad-leaved, coniferous or mixed woodlands with adjacent grassland, arable fields or other farmland and open moorland as long as there are some trees. It is absent from treeless tundra and sporadic or rare in treeless steppe. The Common Buzzard can be found from sea level to elevations of 6600 feet although it breeds mostly below 3300 feet. It can winter to an elevation of 8200 feet and migrates easily at 14,800 feet. The Common Buzzard is a partial migrant. Autumn and spring movements are subject to extensive variation, even down to the individual level, based on a region's food resources, competition (both from other Common Buzzards and other predators), the extent of human disturbance and weather conditions. Short distance movements are the norm for juveniles and some adults in autumn and winter but more adults in central and south Europe and the UK remain in their year-around areas than do not. The Common Buzzard is a typical [I]Buteo[/I] in much of its behaviour. It is most often seen effortlessly soaring for extended periods at varying heights although it can appear laborious and heavy in level flight. It is also often seen perched prominently on tree tops, bare branches, telegraph poles, fence posts, rocks or ledges or alternatively well inside the tree canopy. It will also stand and forage on the ground. The Common Buzzard is a generalist predator which hunts a wide variety of prey given the opportunity. The prey extents to a wide variety of vertebrates including mammals, birds (from any age from eggs to adult birds), reptiles, amphibians and fish as well as to various invertebrates, mostly insects. In total, well over 300 prey species are known to be taken by the Common Buzzard. However, dietary studies have shown that it mostly preys upon small mammals, mainly small rodents. Furthermore, prey size can vary from tiny beetles, caterpillars and ants to large adult grouse and Rabbits up to nearly twice their body mass. At times, the Common Buzzard will also subsist partially on carrion, usually of dead mammals or fish. Hunting in relatively open areas has been found to increase hunting success whereas more complete shrub cover lowered success. A majority of prey is taken by dropping from a perch and is normally taken on the ground. Prey may also be hunted in a low flight, by random glides or soars or by foraging on the ground. The home range of the Common Buzzard is generally 0.19 to 0.77 square miles and the size of the breeding territory seems to be correlated with food supply. The territory is maintained through flight displays and in Europe territorial behaviour usually starts in February. However, displays are not uncommon throughout the year in resident pairs, especially by males, and can elicit similar displays by their neighbours. In the display, the Common Buzzard generally engages in high circling, spiraling upward on slightly raised wings. Mutual high circling by pairs sometimes goes on at length, especially during the period prior to or during breeding season. During the mutual displays, the male may engage in exaggerated deep flapping or zig-zag tumbling, apparently in response to the female being too distant. Several pairs may circle together at times and as many as 14 individual adults have been recorded over established display sites. Sky-dancing by the Common Buzzard has been recorded in spring and autumn, typically by the male but sometimes by the female, nearly always with much calling. Sky-dances are of the rollercoaster type, with an upward sweep of up to 100 feet until the bird starts start to stall but sometimes embellished with loops or rolls at the top. Next in the sky-dance, the bird will dive at least 200 feet on more or less closed wings before spreading them and shooting up again. These sky-dances may be repeated in series of 10 to 20. In the climax of the sky-dance, the undulations become progressively shallower, often slowing and terminating directly on to a perch. Various other aerial displays include low contour flight or weaving among trees, frequently with deep beats and exaggerated upstrokes which show underwing pattern to rivals perched below. Talon grappling and occasionally cartwheeling downward with feet interlocked has also been recorded. The Common Buzzard tends to build a bulky nest of sticks, twigs and often heather and lined with broad-leaved foliage. Nests are up to 3.3 to 3.9 feet across and 24 inches deep. With reuse over years, the diameter of a nest can reach or exceed 5 feet. Trees are generally used for a nesting location but crags or cliffs are used if trees are unavailable. Nests in trees are usually located by the main trunk at a height of around 10 to 82 feet. Pairs often have 2 to 4 nests in a territory but some pairs may use a single nest over several consecutive years. The breeding season of the Common Buzzard commences at differing times based on latitude. It may fall as early as January to April but typically it is March to July in most of Europe. In the northern limits of the range the breeding season may occur from May to August. Mating usually occurs on or near the nest and eggs are usually laid in 2 to 3 day intervals. The clutch size can range from to 2 to 6 and it appears that local factors such as habitat and food supply are relevant. Eggs are generally laid in late March to early April in the extreme south, sometime in April in most of Europe and in to May and possibly even early June in the extreme north. If eggs are lost to a predator or fail in some other way, replacement clutches are not usually laid although this has been recorded. Incubation lasts for 33 to 35 days and is mostly, but not solely, undertaken by the female. Hatching may take place over 3 to 7 days. Often the youngest nestling dies from starvation, especially in broods of 3 or more. The female remains at the nest brooding the young in the early stages with the male bringing all prey. At about 8 to 12 days, both the male and female will bring prey but the female continues to do all feeding until the young can tear up their own prey. The young are nearly fully feathered rather than downy at about a month of age and can start to feed themselves as well. The first attempts to leave the nest are often at about 40 to 50 days. Fledging occurs typically at 43 to 54 days but in extreme cases as late 62 days. After leaving the nest, the young generally stay close by until full independence 6 to 8 weeks after fledging. Numerous factors may influence the breeding success of the Common Buzzard including the availability of prey populations, habitat, disturbance and persecution levels and competition. The Common Buzzard is one of the most numerous birds of prey in its range and it is the most numerous diurnal bird of prey throughout much of Europe. Date: 12th June 2016 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084058.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5689677355d30853bb8114.jpgRila Mountains, Kyustendil Province, Bulgaria The Rila Mountains are a mountain range in south west Bulgaria and constitute the highest mountain range in the country and the Balkans. It is the sixth highest mountain range in Europe after the Caucasus, the Alps, the Sierra Nevada, the Pyrenees and Mount Etna and the highest one between the Alps and the Caucasus. The Rila Mountains are spread over an area of 1015 square miles with an average altitude of 4879 feet. Musala is its highest peak at 9596 feet. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rila-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rila Mountains have abundant water resources and some of the Balkans' longest and deepest rivers originate here including the longest river entirely in the Balkans, the River Maritsa, and the longest river entirely in Bulgaria, the River Iskar. Bulgaria's main water divide separating the Black Sea and the Aegean Sea drainage systems follows the main ridge of the Rila Mountains. The mountain range is dotted with almost 200 glacial lakes such as the renowned Seven Rila Lakes. It is also rich in hot springs in the fault areas at the foothills including the hottest spring in south east Europe in Sapareva Banya. The Rila Mountains have typical layers of montane habitat ranging from river and stream valleys at lower altitudes to mixed deciduous woodland, coniferous forests and Alpine meadows and lakes at higher altitudes and finally to rocky ridges and bare rugged peaks. The biodiversity and the pristine landscapes are protected by the Rila National Park which is among the largest and most valuable protected areas in Europe. It is the largest national park in Bulgaria covering an area of 313 square miles and it was established in February 1992 to protect several ecosystems of national importance. Its altitude varies from 2600 feet near Blagoevgrad to 9596 feet at the peak of Musala. It occupies territory from 4 of the 28 provinces of the country (Sofia, Kyustendil, Blagoevgrad and Pazardzhik) and it includes 4 nature reserves (Parangalitsa, Central Rila Reserve, Ibar and Skakavitsa). The Rila National Park falls within the Rodope montane mixed forests terrestrial eco-region of the Palearctic temperate broadleaf and mixed forest. Forests occupy 206.5 square miles or 66% of the total area. The Rila Mountains also contain the Rila Monastery Nature Park which is among the largest nature parks in Bulgaria covering an area of 97.5 square miles at an altitude between 2460 and 8901 feet. It was established in 1992 as part of the newly founded Rila National Park. In 2000 some territory of the Rila National Park was re-assigned to the Rila Monastery Nature Park and was recategorized as a nature park because by law all lands in national parks are exclusively state owned. Today most of the Rila Monastery Nature Park is owned by the Rila Monastery. The Rila Monastery Nature Park includes one nature reserve, namely the Rila Monastery Forest with an area of 14 square miles or 14% of its total area. The most recognisable landmark in the Rila Mountains is the Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila, better known as the Rila Monastery. This is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria and is situated in the deep valley of the River Rilska River within the Rila Monastery Nature Park at a height of 3763 feet. The monastery is named after its founder, the hermit Ivan of Rila (876 to 946 AD) and houses around 60 monks. Founded in the 10th century, the Rila Monastery is regarded as one of Bulgaria's most important cultural, historical and architectural monuments and is a key tourist attraction for both Bulgaria and south Europe. Due to its outstanding cultural and spiritual value it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. The Rila Mountains are also a popular destination for hiking, winter sports and spa tourism, hosting the nation's oldest ski resort at Borovets as well as numerous hiking trails. Date: 30th May 2018 Location: Rila to Rila Monastery, Kyustendil Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871746.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8976748814eff21aa99fa5.jpgBrown Bear The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, <i>Ursus arctos arctos</i>. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an overnight stay in a Brown Bear watching hide at [url=http://www.martinselkonen.fi/index.php?id=1&la=en]Martinselkosen Eräkeskus[/url] Date: 1st June 2009 Location: Martinselkosen Eräkeskus, Pirttivaara, Kainuu, Finland <iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/10143012?autoplay=1" width="600" height="450" frameborder="0"></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/10143012">Brown Bears of Martinselkonen</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user3372484">Richard Chew</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>. Music: Jean Sibelius - Andante festivo<br /> </p> http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13656992.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20903995284ed36900ca293.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the [i]Canidae[/i] family and is a part of the order [i]Carnivora[/i] within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19399530.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_56629053524408a2f1569.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 26th August 2013 Location: Dovedale, Derbyshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28885516.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_154411677457cc328e9f14c.jpgBlue-headed Wagtail The Western Yellow Wagtail is a small passerine in the wagtail family. The breeding adult male is basically olive above and yellow below. In other plumages, the yellow may be diluted by white. The heads of breeding males come in a variety of colours and patterns depending on the subspecies. The male Blue-headed Wagtail has a blue-grey head with white supercilium and malar stripe in males, much washed with buffish green in females. The Blue-headed Wagtail breeds in much of temperate Europe and Asia. It is resident in the milder parts of its range, such as western Europe, but northern and eastern populations migrate to sub-Saharan Africa and south Asia. Date: 15th May 2016 Location: Pikla ponds, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30017270.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12714739625875525783674.jpgEider The Eider is a large sea duck that is distributed over the northern coasts of Europe, north America and eastern Siberia. It breeds in the Arctic and some northern temperate regions but winters somewhat further south in temperate zones when it can form large flocks on coastal waters. The Eider is both the largest of the 4 eider species and the largest duck found in Europe and in north America (except for the Muscovy duck which only reaches north America in a wild state in southernmost Texas and south Florida). The Eider is characterized by its bulky shape and large, wedge-shaped bill. The male is unmistakable with its black and white plumage and green nape. The female is a brown bird but can still be readily distinguished from all ducks, except other eider species, on the basis of size and head shape. The drake's display call is a strange almost human-like "ah-ooo" while the duck utters hoarse quacks. The Eider dives for crustaceans and molluscs, with mussels being a favoured food. The Eider will eat mussels by swallowing them whole. The shells are then crushed in their gizzard and excreted. When eating a crab, the Eider will remove all of its claws and legs and then eat the body in a similar fashion. The Eider is abundant with populations of about 1.5 to 2 million birds in both Europe and north America and also large but unknown numbers in eastern Siberia. The Eider is a colonial breeder nesting on coastal islands in colonies ranging in size of less than 100 to upwards of 10,000 to 15,000 individuals. Female Eiders frequently exhibit a high degree of natal philopatry where they return to breed on the same island where they were hatched. This can lead to a high degree of relatedness between individuals nesting on the same island as well as the development of kin-based female social structures. This relatedness has likely played a role in the evolution of co-operative breeding behaviours amongst Eiders. Examples of these behaviours include laying eggs in the nests of related individuals and crèching where female Eiders team up and share the work of rearing ducklings. The Eider's nest is built close to the sea and is lined with the celebrated eiderdown plucked from the female's breast. This soft and warm lining has long been harvested for filling pillows and quilts but in more recent years has been largely replaced by down from domestic farm geese and synthetic alternatives. Although eiderdown pillows or quilts are now a rarity, eiderdown harvesting continues and is sustainable as it can be done after the ducklings leave the nest with no harm to the birds. This bird was part of the captive collection at WWT Slimbridge. Date: 2nd January 2017 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45948300.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6753610276284a9816bf81.jpgTeal The Eurasian Teal or Common Teal is often called simply the Teal due to being the only one of these small Anas dabbling ducks in much of its range. The Teal is the smallest dabbling duck at 7.9 to 11.8 inches in length and with a wingspan of 21 to 23 inches. From a distance, the male Teal in breeding plumage appears grey with a dark head, a yellowish behind and a white stripe running along the flanks. Their head and upper neck is chestnut with a wide and iridescent dark green patch of half-moon or teardrop-shape that starts immediately before the eye and arcs to the upper hindneck. This patch is bordered with thin yellowish-white lines and a single line of that colour extends from the patch's forward end and curving along the base of the bill. The breast is buff with small round brown spots. The centre of the belly is white and the rest of the body plumage is mostly white with thin and dense blackish vermiculations, appearing medium grey even at a short distance. The outer scapular feathers are white with a black border to the outer vanes and these form the white side-stripe when the bird is in resting position. The tail and tail coverts are black with a bright yellowish-buff triangular patch in the centre of the coverts at each side. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female. It is more uniform in colour with a dark head and vestigial facial markings. The female Teal is yellowish-brown but somewhat darker on the wings and back. It has a dark greyish-brown upper head, hindneck, eyestripe and feather pattern. The pattern is dense short streaks on the head and neck and scaly spots on the rest of the body. Overall it looks much like a tiny Mallard. Immatures are coloured much like the adult females but they have a stronger pattern. The downy young are coloured like other dabbling ducks, brown above and yellow below with a yellow supercilium. The male's bill is dark grey but in the eclipse plumage it often shows some light greenish or brownish hue at the base. The bill of the females and immatures is pinkish or yellowish at the base, becoming dark grey towards the tip. The feet are dark grey in the males and greyish olive or greyish-brown in females and immatures. The Teal breeds across north Eurasia where it occupies sheltered freshwater wetlands with some tall vegetation such as taiga bogs or small lakes and ponds with extensive reedbeds. It mostly winters well south of its breeding range in the Mediterranean region, south Asia and some parts of Africa where it is often seen in large flocks in brackish waters and even in sheltered inlets and lagoons along the seashore. It is also regularly recorded on the north American coasts south to California and South Carolina. In the milder climate of temperate Europe, such as in the UK, the summer and winter ranges overlap. In the UK, the Teal can be found all year round but it is thinly distributed as a breeding species. In winter, birds congregate in larger numbers on low-lying wetlands both on the coast and inland in the south and west of the UK. Of these, many are continental birds from around the Baltic and Siberia. At this time, the UK is home to a significant percentage of the north west European wintering population. The Teal is much less abundant than the very similar Green-winged Teal from north America although it is still common and widespread. It appears to be holding its own currently with perhaps a slow decline due to drainage and pollution of wetlands. The IUCN and BirdLife International classify the Teal as a species of “Least Concern”. However, it is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. The Teal nests on the ground near water. Pairs form in the winter range and arrive on the breeding range together from about March. Breeding starts some weeks thereafter and not until May in the most northerly locations. The nest is a deep hollow lined with dry leaves and down feathers which is built in dense vegetation near water. After the females have started laying their eggs, the males leave them and move away and assemble in flocks on particular lakes where they moult into their eclipse plumage. The female lays 5 to 16 eggs but usually 8 to 11. Incubation lasts for 21 to 23 days and the young leave the nest soon after hatching and are cared for by the female for about 25 to 30 days. The males and the females with young generally move to the winter range separately. After the first winter, the young moult in to their adult plumage. The Teal usually feeds by dabbling, upending or grazing. In the breeding season it eats mainly aquatic invertebrates, such as crustaceans, insects and their larvae, molluscs and worms. In winter, it shifts to a largely granivorous diet, feeding on seeds of aquatic plants and grasses including sedges and grains. Date: 14th April 2022 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/wren https://images.on-this.website/4752_76271329357232fa12cd2d.jpgWren The (Eurasian) Wren is a very small bird and the only member of the wren family found in Eurasia and Africa. In Europe, it is commonly known simply as the Wren. The scientific name <i>Troglodytes troglodytes</i> is taken from the Greek word "troglodytes" (from "trogle" a hole and "dyein" to creep) meaning "cave-dweller" and refers to its habit of disappearing into cavities or crevices whilst hunting or to roost. The Wren is rufous brown above and greyer beneath, barred with darker brown and grey even on the wings and tail. The bill is dark brown and the legs pale brown. The plumage is subject to considerable variation and where populations have been isolated the variation has become fixed in one minor form or another. There are around 27 subspecies of the Wren e.g. in Scotland there are 3 distinct subspecies: the Saint Kilda Wren, the Shetland Wren and the Fair Isle Wren. The Wren is almost as familiar in Europe as the Robin and it can be found almost everywhere from the tops of the highest mountains and moors to the sea coast. Although it is an insectivore, it can remain in moderately cold and even snowy climates by foraging for insects on bark and fallen logs. The Wren’s movements as it creeps or climbs are incessant rather than rapid and its short flights are swift and direct but not sustained, its tiny round wings whirring as it flies from bush to bush. The song of the Wren is a gushing burst of sweet music, loud and emphatic. It has an enormous voice for its size, 10 times louder, weight for weight, than a cockerel. Its song may sometimes be confused for the Dunnock which has warble that is shorter and weaker. The Wren's song also incorporates repeated trill sounds while the Dunnock's does not. Individuals vary in quality as well as volume of their song. The song begins with a few preliminary notes, then runs into a slightly ascending trill before ending in full clear notes or another trill. The song may be heard at any time of the year although it is most noticeable during spring. Despite its generally mouse-like behaviour, the Wren may sing from an exposed perch as its whole body quivers from the effort. The Wren is highly polygamous and a male can more than one female with an active nest with eggs or nestlings on his territory. The male Wren builds several nests and these are called "cock nests" but are never lined until the female chooses one to use. The normal round nest of grass, moss, lichens or leaves is tucked into a hole in a wall, tree trunk, crack in a rock or corner of a building but it is often built in bushes, overhanging boughs or the litter which accumulates in branches washed by floods. Date: 23rd April 2016 Location: Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve, Sevenoaks, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28885818.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_66411322857cc364db9eb1.jpgWhite-tailed Eagle The White-tailed Eagle is a very large bird with a 72 to 96 inch wingspan and is the fourth largest eagle in the world. It has broad "barn door" wings, a large head and a thick "meat-cleaver" beak. The adult is mainly brown except for the paler head and neck, blackish flight feathers, distinctive white tail, and yellow bill and legs. In juvenile birds the tail and bill are darker, with the tail becoming white with a dark terminal band in sub-adults. The White-tailed Eagle breeds in northern Europe and northern Asia. The largest population in Europe is found along the coast of Norway. In the UK it became extinct during the early 20th century and the present population in Scotland has arisen from a reintroduction programme which commenced on the island of Rhum in 1975. It is still a rare breeding bird which was previously confined to the west coast of Scotland, although a reintroduction programme is now taking place in east Scotland. Date: 13th May 2016 Location: Sõrve peninsula, Saaremaa island, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39083236.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17375400285d30807491588.jpgEastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria The Rhodopes Mountains are a mountain range in south east Europe. They are spread over 5689 square miles of which 4723 square miles are located in south Bulgaria and the remainder in north Greece. The Rhodopes Mountains are about 149 miles long and about 62 to 75 miles wide with an average altitude of 2575 feet. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 7188 feet and is situated 12 miles to the west of Smolyan. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rhodopes Mountains gives its name to the terrestrial eco-region Rodope montane mixed forests that belong in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The area is particularly notable for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans plus its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms such as the Trigrad Gorge. The Rhodopes Mountains can be sub-divided in to 3 sections: The Western Rhodopes are spread over 66% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and they are higher, the most infrastructurally developed and the most visited part of the mountains. The highest and best known peaks are located in this section with more than 10 over 6562 feet high including the highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7188 feet). Some of the deepest river gorges in the Rhodopes Mountains are located in the west as well as several large lakes. The Eastern Rhodopes are spread over a territory of about 34% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and are much lower in height. The large artificial dams of Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets are located in this part of the mountains. Almost every species of European bird of prey nests in the Eastern Rhodopes including the rare Black Vulture and Egyptian Vulture. The Southern Rhodopes are the part of the mountain range that is located in Greece and they are characterized by numerous peaks of relatively low altitude. The River Krumovitsa is located in the eastern Rhodopes Mountains and flows through deep canyons and open valleys. It has a strongly fluctuating water level, typically very high in February to March and almost none in July to August except in isolated pools. In the middle section of the River Krumovitsa around Gorna Kula and Dolna Kula, the river valley in this region is between 330 and 1095 yards wide and in places it is occupied entirely by the sandy riverbed itself. Vegetation along the riverbank is dominated by alder, willow, poplar, dog rose and tamarisk. Dry grassland, scrub and broad-leaved forests cover the neighbouring hills and ridges. The forests are dominated by oak, hornbeam and various Mediterranean tree species whilst juniper is predominant in the scrub areas. Land use includes extensive rearing of sheep and cattle, hunting and forestry but the area is becoming progressively depopulated due to local emigration. In 1997 the area was designated as Important Bird Area by BirdLife International. It supports around 135 bird species of which 64 are species of European conservation concern and 2 of them are globally threatened. However, in spite of this, the area is not protected by any national nature conservation legislation. The area is of conservation concern for a number of reasons. Rural depopulation has led to a decrease in available food resources (livestock carrion) for vultures. Poaching and use of poison against wolves directly affects raptors and especially vultures. Uncontrolled hunting and fishing are further threats. Forest habitats are threatened by burning and natural fires, afforestation with non-indigenous species as well as illegal cutting of trees especially along the rivers. Reduction in grazing and conversion of pastures to arable lands cause loss of grassland habitats for birds. Direct threats to birds are also caused by intensive tourism and recreation activities such as rock climbing, gliding and hang-gliding and by the taking of chicks and eggs from nests. Existing electrical power lines are dangerous for raptors, especially for young birds, and one of the potential threats both to the habitats and to the birds is the development of wind turbine farms. Date: 27th May 2018 Location: River Krumovitsa valley between Gorna Kula and Dolna Kula, Eastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46534446.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_47368087762ca982ce2a78.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 27th June 2022 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo494883.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_171961660346a4c267e1dfd.jpgMeadow Grasshopper The Meadow Grasshopper is a typically predominantly green species which is widespread and common in the UK. Adults can be seen from June to October in short and long grassland which are both dry and sunny. Date: 22nd July 2007 Location: Stow Maries Halt EWT reserve, Stow Maries, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12744422.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16897618594e705f71307aa.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 14th November 2005 Location: Donna Nook, Lincolnshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48483027.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1802399583640a413621730.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 1st February 2023 Location: Hunstanton, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30024918.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_155304416587a0a331f75e.jpgTufted Duck The Tufted Duck is a small diving duck. The adult male is all black except for white flanks and a blue-grey bill. It has an obvious head tuft that gives the species its name. The adult female is brown with paler flanks and is more easily confused with other diving ducks. In particular, some have white around the bill base which resembles the Scaup although the white is never as extensive as in that species. The Tufted Duck breeds widely throughout temperate and northern Eurasia. It occasionally can be found as a winter visitor along both coasts of the United States and Canada. It is migratory in most of its range and winters in the milder south and west of Europe and southern Asia where large flocks form on open water. The Tufted Duck breeds close to marshes and lakes with plenty of vegetation to conceal the nest. It is also found on coastal lagoons and sheltered ponds. The Tufted Duck feeds mainly by diving for molluscs, aquatic insects and aquatic plants. Date: 5th January 2017 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49278566.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16761454926499b48e459e6.jpgGrass Snake The Grass Snake is the UK’s largest terrestrial reptile reaching up to 6 feet in length although such large specimens are rare. Females are considerably larger than males and typically reach a size of 2 feet 11 inches to 3 feet 7 inches when fully grown whilst males are approximately 8 inches shorter. The Grass Snake is typically olive-green, brown or greyish in colour with a variable row of black bars along the sides, occasionally with smaller round markings along the back in double rows. The underside of the Grass Snake is off-white or yellowish with dark triangular or rectangular markings. A characteristic black and yellow collar is present behind the head. The Grass Snake is one of only 3 snakes to occur in the UK and it is distributed throughout lowland areas of England and Wales. It is almost absent from Scotland and is not found in Ireland at all which has no native snakes. The Grass Snake is an aquatic species that is usually closely associated with water where it preys almost entirely on amphibians, especially the Common Toad and the Common Frog, although they may also occasionally eat mammals and fish. It is a strong swimmer and is found in habitats featuring ponds, lakes, streams, marshes and ditches which provide access to sunshine for basking and plenty of shelter. The Grass Snake may also be found in open woodland, rough grassland, wet heathlands, gardens, parks and hedgerows. The Grass Snake, as with most reptiles, is at the mercy of the thermal environment and it needs to overwinter in areas which are not subject to freezing. Therefore it will typically spend the winter underground where the temperature is relatively stable. Date: 13th June 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32723058.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_191812025359ae6ef05762a6.98817546.jpgCorn Bunting The Corn Bunting is a rather non-descript stout and dumpy brown bird which is the largest of the bunting family. The Corn Bunting breeds across southern and central Europe, north Africa and Asia across to Kazahkstan. It is mainly resident but some birds from the colder regions of central Europe and Asia migrate southwards in winter. The Corn Bunting is a bird of open country with trees such as farmland and weedy wasteland. It has declined greatly in north west Europe due to intensive agricultural practices depriving it of its food supply of weed seeds and insects, the latter especially when feeding young. Date: 21st May 2017 Location: Borsodi-Mezoseg ("Little Hortobagy"), Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32723074.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_148193564359ae6f7c0eec83.90085071.jpgBlue-headed Wagtail The Western Yellow Wagtail is a small passerine in the wagtail family. The breeding adult male is basically olive above and yellow below. In other plumages, the yellow may be diluted by white. The heads of breeding males come in a variety of colours and patterns depending on the subspecies. The male Blue-headed Wagtail has a blue-grey head with white supercilium and malar stripe in males, much washed with buffish green in females. The Blue-headed Wagtail breeds in much of temperate Europe and Asia. It is resident in the milder parts of its range, such as western Europe, but northern and eastern populations migrate to sub-Saharan Africa and south Asia. Date: 22nd May 2017 Location: Borsodi-Mezoseg ("Little Hortobagy"), Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847580.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_144170889259bd53681e479.jpgMorské oko, Vihorlat Mountains, Košice region, Slovakia Morské oko (literally Sea Eye) is the largest lake in the Vihorlat Mountains (Vihorlatské vrchy) in eastern Slovakia and the third largest natural lake in Slovakia after the Štrbské pleso lake and the Veľké Hincovo pleso lake in the High Tatras. It is situated at 2027 feet high with a maximum length of 0.47 miles and a maximum width of 0.19 miles. It covers an area of 0.05 square miles and has a maximum depth of 82 feet. Morské oko has been designated as a wider National Nature Reserve covering 0.42 square miles since 1984 and it is part of the Vihorlat Protected Landscape Area within the Vihorlat Mountains. There is a walking trail around the lake but recreational activities such as fishing, swimming and boating are prohibited. Morské oko contains many species of fish, of which the most numerous is the European Chub. The Vihorlat Mountains (Vihorlatské vrchy) are a volcanic mountain range in eastern Slovakia and western Ukraine. They form part of the Inner Eastern Carpathian Mountains. The Slovakian section is 34 miles long and up to 9 miles wide. The highest peak is Vihorlat at 3530 feet and the largest lake is Morské oko. It is a mountainous and mostly forested area with a predominance of beech and forests in addition to hornbeam, ash, maple and some conifers. Arable land and unused pastures and meadows can be found in the non-forested and foothill areas. The middle part of the Vihorlat Mountains in the Humenné, Sobrance and Snina districts was designated as the Vihorlat Protected Landscape Area in December 1973 and they were also designated a Special Protection Area in April 2010. Kyjovský prales, a primeval beech forest in the Vihorlat Mountains, was designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in June 2007. Date: 2nd June 2017 Location: Morské oko, Vihorlat Mountains, Košice region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847589.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_45421018759bd53897fe60.jpgWhite Storks The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 2nd June 2017 Location: near Leles, Košice region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847597.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1925823159bd53990744e.jpgEuropean Bee-eater The European Bee-eater is an incredibly colourful bird with an unmistakable appearance. In breeding plumage, it has a rich chestnut crown that blends into gold on its back. The forehead is white, the throat is yellow bordered by black and the underparts are blue. The male European Bee-eater has a chestnut-coloured patch in the middle of the wing while in females this patch is usually smaller or even absent. Occasionally, females may also be distinguished from the males by having a green back. The wings and backs of juvenile European Bee-eaters are entirely green and the eyes are brown in contrast to the bright red eyes of adults. The European Bee-eater breeds in southern Europe and in parts of north Africa and western Asia. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, India and Sri Lanka. European Bee-eaters are occasionally seen in northern Europe (including the UK) as a spring overshoot north of its range with occasional breeding occurring. Just as the name suggests, the European Bee-eater predominantly eats insects, especially bees, wasps and hornets which are caught in the air by sorties from an open perch. Before eating its meal, a European Bee-eater removes the sting by repeatedly hitting the insect on a hard surface. Lizards and frogs are also taken. European Bee-eaters are gregarious, nesting colonially in sandy banks preferably near river shores and also feeding and roosting communally. Date: 2nd June 2017 Location: Leles to Boľ area, Latorica, Košice region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847598.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_76004814059bd5399c4b57.jpgEuropean Bee-eater The European Bee-eater is an incredibly colourful bird with an unmistakable appearance. In breeding plumage, it has a rich chestnut crown that blends into gold on its back. The forehead is white, the throat is yellow bordered by black and the underparts are blue. The male European Bee-eater has a chestnut-coloured patch in the middle of the wing while in females this patch is usually smaller or even absent. Occasionally, females may also be distinguished from the males by having a green back. The wings and backs of juvenile European Bee-eaters are entirely green and the eyes are brown in contrast to the bright red eyes of adults. The European Bee-eater breeds in southern Europe and in parts of north Africa and western Asia. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, India and Sri Lanka. European Bee-eaters are occasionally seen in northern Europe (including the UK) as a spring overshoot north of its range with occasional breeding occurring. Just as the name suggests, the European Bee-eater predominantly eats insects, especially bees, wasps and hornets which are caught in the air by sorties from an open perch. Before eating its meal, a European Bee-eater removes the sting by repeatedly hitting the insect on a hard surface. Lizards and frogs are also taken. European Bee-eaters are gregarious, nesting colonially in sandy banks preferably near river shores and also feeding and roosting communally. Date: 2nd June 2017 Location: Leles to Boľ area, Latorica, Košice region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847610.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_174681118459bd54019aab6.jpgLatorica, Košice region, Slovakia The Latorica Protected Landscape Area (Chránená krajinná oblasť Latorica) is located in the Košice Region in south east Slovakia around the Slovakian part of the Latorica River (a river in the watershed of the Danube with its source in the mountains of the Ukrainian Carpathians) and around the lower parts of the Ondava River and Laborec River. The landscape consists of a system of riverbeds surrounded by alluvial riverine oak, ash, alder and birch forest, oxbow lakes, ponds, marshes, reedbeds, sandy banks, dyke-lined canals, pastures and hay meadows. Much of the surrounding floodplain is farmed. The Latorica Protected Landscape Area was designated in 1990 and covers an area of 90 square miles. Part of the area was added to the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance in 1993. Date: 2nd June 2017 Location: Leles to Boľ area, Latorica, Košice region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847630.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5588348659bd5441e686f.jpgMarsh Frog The Marsh Frog is the largest European frog. It is very similar in appearance to the closely related Edible Frog and Pool Frog. These 3 species are often referred to as "green frogs" to distinguish them from the more terrestrial European species which are known as "brown frogs" (best exemplified by the Common Frog). Marsh Frogs show a large variation in colour and pattern, ranging from dark green to brown or grey. The Western European populations are generally dark green to black with dark spots on the back and sides and 3 clear green lines on the back. Females can reach a maximum length of around 6.5 inches but males are smaller at around 4.5 inches. The head is proportionally large and the hind legs are long which gives them excellent jumping abilities. The Marsh Frog is usually gregarious and diurnal and more tied to aquatic habitats than the Common Frog. It is tolerant of brackish conditions and typically it is found on or in the water of its favoured drainage channels and pools throughout the year. Marsh Frogs frequently sunbathe on the bank of the water body where they are often inconspicuous until disturbed when they will jump in to the water with a characteristic “plop”. They can often be seen on lily pads or floating at the surface amongst vegetation with only their heads exposed. During the breeding season (and sometimes beyond) the male Marsh Frog calls very loudly with a sound reminiscent of a loud chuckle which is often very raucous and can be heard all day and night. Dominant males establish territories from which they call. After mating a female may produce up to 16,000 eggs in a season, laying them in clumps of a few hundred in aquatic vegetation below the surface. They hatch in about a week, tadpoles being rather solitary and living in deep water with vegetation. Newly metamorphosed frogs are up to 1 inch in length and take 2 years to mature. The diet of the Marsh Frog consists of dragonflies and other insects, spiders, earthworms and slugs. Larger frogs also eat small rodents and sometimes smaller amphibians and fish. Date: 2nd June 2017 Location: Leles to Boľ area, Latorica, Košice region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13657338.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5079941904ed36e167e616.jpgOtter The Eurasian Otter, also known as the European Otter, Eurasian River Otter, Common Otter and Old World Otter and commonly known as the Otter, is a semi-aquatic mammal and the most widely distributed member of the Otter sub-family of the Weasel family (Mustelidae). The Otter is a typical species of the Otter sub-family and is brown above and cream below. It is 22.5 to 37.5 inches long excluding a tail of 14 to 17.5 inches. The female is shorter than the male. The Otter's average body weight is 15 to 26 pounds, although occasionally a large old male may reach up to 37 pounds. The Otter differs from the North American River Otter by its shorter neck, broader face, the greater space between the ears and its longer tail. However, it is the only Otter species in much of its range so it is rarely confused for any other animal. The Otter is the most widely distributed Otter species and its range including parts of Asia and Africa as well as being widespread across Europe. The Otter can be found throughout most of the UK with the highest densities in Scotland, especially the islands and the north west coast, Wales, parts of East Anglia and the West Country. The Otter declined across its range in the second half of the 20th century primarily due to pollution, habitat loss and hunting. However, populations are now recovering in many parts of Europe. In the UK the number of sites with an Otter presence increased by 55% between 1994 and 2002. In August 2011, the Environment Agency announced that the Otter had returned to every county in England since vanishing from every county except the West Country and parts of Northern England. The recovery of the Otter population in Europe is due to a ban on the most harmful pesticides that has been in place since 1979, improvements in water quality leading to increases in prey populations and direct legal protection under the European Union Habitats Directive and national legislation in several European countries. In general, the Otter’s varied and adaptable diet means that it can be found on any unpolluted body of fresh water, including lakes, streams, rivers and ponds, as long as the food supply is adequate. It can also be found along the coast in salt water but it requires regular access to fresh water to clean its fur. When living in the sea it is sometimes referred to as a "Sea Otter" but it should not be confused with the true Sea Otter which is a North American species much more strongly adapted to a marine existence. The Otter's diet mainly consists of fish. However, during the winter and in colder environments, fish consumption is significantly lower and other sources of food are eaten including amphibians, crustaceans, insects, birds and small mammals. Hunting mainly takes place at night whilst the day is usually spent in the Otter's holt (den). The Otter is strongly territorial and is primarily solitary. An individual's territory may vary between 1 and 25 miles with the length of the territory depending on the density of food available and the width of the water suitable for hunting (it is shorter on coasts, where the available width is much wider and longer on narrower rivers). The Otter uses its spraints to mark its territory. Territories are only held against members of the same sex so those of males and females may overlap. The Otter is a non-seasonal breeder and males and females will breed at any time of the year. It has been found that their mating season is most likely determined simply by the Otters' reproductive maturity and physiological state. Female Otters are sexually mature between 18 and 24 months old and the average age of first breeding is found to be 2.5 years old. Gestation is 60 to 64 days and after the gestation period, 1 to 4 pups are born which remain dependent on the mother for about 13 months. The male plays no direct role in parental care although the territory of a female with her pups is usually entirely within that of the male. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/vestre-jakobslev-troms-og-finnmark https://images.on-this.website/4752_3612026725f3cfe2fbe7a1.jpgVestre Jakobslev, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Vestre Jakobselv is a small village in Troms og Finnmark in north east Norway. It is located on the Varanger peninsula along the shore of the Varangerfjord and at the mouth of the River Jakobselva from which is where the village gets its name. The village lies along the European route E75 about 11 miles east of the town of Vadsø. Date: 4th July 2019 Location: Vestre Jakobslev harbour, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847641.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_134978725459bd5469f1189.jpgLatorica, Košice region, Slovakia The Latorica Protected Landscape Area (Chránená krajinná oblasť Latorica) is located in the Košice Region in south east Slovakia around the Slovakian part of the Latorica River (a river in the watershed of the Danube with its source in the mountains of the Ukrainian Carpathians) and around the lower parts of the Ondava River and Laborec River. The landscape consists of a system of riverbeds surrounded by alluvial riverine oak, ash, alder and birch forest, oxbow lakes, ponds, marshes, reedbeds, sandy banks, dyke-lined canals, pastures and hay meadows. Much of the surrounding floodplain is farmed. The Latorica Protected Landscape Area was designated in 1990 and covers an area of 90 square miles. Part of the area was added to the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance in 1993. Date: 2nd June 2017 Location: Leles to Boľ area, Latorica, Košice region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847644.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_103259982559bd546fe2107.jpgWhite Stork The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 2nd June 2017 Location: Rad, Košice region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49001726.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6568043216468e13e6db1f.jpgJay The Jay is a colourful member of the crow family that is about the same size as a Jackdaw. The Jay is mostly a pinkish brown colour with the underparts being slightly paler. The head has a black and white flecked crown, black moustache and white throat. The white rump contrasts starkly with the black tail. The iris of the eye is a pale blue, the bill is black and the legs are pink-brown. The wings are mostly black with white patches but also have striking blue patches, but close to these wing patches are actually bands of graduated shades of blue. Although it is the most strikingly colourful member of the crow family, the Jay can be quite difficult to see since it is a shy woodland bird and rarely moves far from cover. It can often be seen flying across a woodland clearing or glade giving its raucous screeching call. The Jay can be found across most of the UK, except northern Scotland, and occurs in both deciduous and coniferous woodland, parks and mature gardens. It particularly likes oak trees in the autumn when there are plenty of acorns which it seeks out and buries for retrieving later. The majority of the UK population is sedentary but European birds are irruptive when there is a poor acorn harvest and may arrive in large numbers along the east coast of the UK in the autumn. Date: 2nd April 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12744806.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2031909824e706d6a50d7f.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 7th December 2007 Location: Donna Nook, Lincolnshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645480.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15570424851e3cec627347.jpgSwallow The Barn Swallow is the most widespread species of swallow in the world. In Europe it is just called the Swallow and in Northern Europe it is the only common species called a "swallow" rather than a "martin". The male Swallow has steel blue upperparts and a rufous forehead, chin and throat which are separated from the off-white underparts by a broad dark blue breast band. The outer tail feathers are elongated to give the distinctive deeply forked "swallow tail." There is a line of white spots across the outer end of the upper tail. The female is similar in appearance to the male but the tail streamers are shorter, the blue of the upperparts and breast band is less glossy and the underparts more pale. The juvenile is browner and has a paler rufous face and whiter underparts. It also lacks the long tail streamers of the adult. The Swallow has an enormous range with an estimated global extent of 20 million square miles and a population of 190 million individuals. It breeds in the Northern Hemisphere from sea level to typically 8,900 feet but up 9,800 feet in the Caucasus and North America and it is absent only from deserts and the cold northernmost parts of the continents. Over much of its range it avoids towns and in Europe is replaced in urban areas by the House Martin. There are 6 subspecies of the Swallow which breed across the Northern Hemisphere, of which 4 are strongly migratory with their wintering grounds covering much of the Southern Hemisphere as far south as central Argentina, the Cape Province of South Africa and northern Australia. The Swallow can be found in open country with low vegetation such as pasture, meadows and farmland, preferably with nearby water. It avoids heavily wooded or precipitous areas and densely built-up locations. The presence of accessible open structures such as barns, stables or culverts to provide nesting sites and exposed locations such as wires, roof ridges or bare branches for perching are also important in the bird's selection of its breeding range. This species lives in close association with humans and its insect-eating habits mean that it is tolerated by man. This acceptance was reinforced in the past by superstitions regarding the bird and its nest. There are frequent cultural references to the Swallow in literary and religious works due to both its living in close proximity to humans and its annual migration. The Swallow is the national bird of Austria and Estonia. In winter, the Swallow is cosmopolitan in its choice of habitat, avoiding only dense forests and deserts. It is most common in open, low vegetation habitats such as savanna and ranch land. Individual birds tend to return to the same wintering locality each year and congregate from a large area to roost in reed beds. These roosts can be extremely large with one in Nigeria holding an estimated 1.5 million birds. Date: 21st May 2013 Location: Biebrza area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13656913.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10588107954ed36842c4287.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the [i]Canidae[/i] family and is a part of the order [i]Carnivora[/i] within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082050.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17289269735d3079f7be4ea.jpgTurtle Dove The Turtle Dove is smaller and slighter in build than many other doves and can be recognised by its distinctively mottled chestnut/cinnamon and black upperparts and the black-and-white-striped patch on the side of its neck. The tail is notable as the bird flies, being wedge shaped with a dark centre and white borders and tips. The Turtle Dove is a bird of open country rather than dense woodlands and frequently feeds on the ground. It is usually extremely timid, probably due to the heavy hunting pressure it faces during migration. The Turtle Dove is one of the latest migrants and rarely appears in northern Europe before the end of April, returning south again to south Africa in September. The arrival in spring is heralded by its purring song, a rather deep, vibrating “turrr, turrr”, from which the bird's name is derived. The Turtle Dove has suffered a substantial population decline in recent years. This is partly because changed farming practices mean that the weed seeds and shoots on which it feeds are more scarce and partly due to the shooting of birds in Mediterranean countries during their migration. Date: 18th May 2018 Location: Durankulak, Dobrich Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082104.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2782197375d307a675d8eb.jpgPaddyfield Warbler The Paddyfield Warbler is a species of marsh warbler in the genus[i] Acrocephalus[/i]. It is 5.1 inches long and is close in size to the Reed Warbler but with a shorter bill and longer tail. The adult has an unstreaked pale brown back and buff underparts with a warm brown rump. There is a whitish supercilium and the bill is short and pointed. The male and female are identical as with most warblers but young birds are a richer buff colour below. The Paddyfield Warbler breeds in temperate central Asia where it can be found in low vegetation such as long grass, reeds and rice paddy fields. It is migratory and winters in Bangladesh, India and Pakistan. It is a rare vagrant to west Europe although there is a small breeding population along the shores of the Black Sea around the border between Bulgaria and Romania. The song is fast and similar to the Marsh Warbler with much mimicry and whistles typical of the [i] Acrocephalus[/i] warblers. Like most warblers, the Paddyfield Warbler is insectivorous. Date: 19th May 2018 Location: Lake Durankulak, Dobrich Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/middle-spotted-woodpecker https://images.on-this.website/4752_13998526825d307b895f755.jpgMiddle Spotted Woodpecker The Middle Spotted Woodpecker is a member of the woodpecker family [i]Picidae[/i]. It is around 8 inches in length with a wingspan of around 13 inches and it has a plumage similar to the Great Spotted Woodpecker. As with that species, the upperparts are predominantly black with white oval wing patches, there is white barring on the wings and the underparts are white. The main differences are that the Middle Spotted Woodpecker has a red crown, no black moustachial stripe, a pink vent and dark streaks on the flanks. The Middle Spotted Woodpecker differs from all its European relatives in being almost totally monomorphic, i.e. males and females are almost identical in appearance. Despite its name, the Middle Spotted Woodpecker is not mid-way in size between its relatives, the smaller Lesser Spotted Woodpecker and the larger Great Spotted Woodpecker and Syrian Woodpecker. The Middle Spotted Woodpecker is much closer to the 2 larger species in all measurements being just 15% smaller but it is around 40% larger than Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. The Middle Spotted Woodpecker can be found in much of west and east Europe and south west Asia and is locally common in the right habitat but with varying and often quite low population densities. Its range extends from France east to European Russia, mainly in the temperate continental zone, but also north to the Baltic states. It is absent from Finland and Norway and extinct in Sweden and Denmark. Due to its sedentary nature it has never been recorded in the UK and Ireland. The range extends south and east in to the Mediterranean Basin, the Balkan peninsula, Turkey, the Caucasus, Iraq and Iran. The Middle Spotted Woodpecker prefers deciduous forest, especially areas with old oak, hornbeam and elm, and a patchwork of clearings, pasture and dense woodland. In the breeding season the Middle Spotted Woodpecker excavates a nest hole about 2 inches wide in a decaying tree trunk or thick branch. The female lays 4 to 7 eggs which are incubated for 11 to 14 days. The Middle Spotted Woodpecker likes to feed high in the trees on a diet of insects and their larvae which it finds by picking them from branches and twigs rather than hacking them from beneath the bark. It will also feed on tree sap. Unlike most of its European relatives, the Middle Spotted Woodpecker does not regularly drum and females probably do not drum at all. Any drumming is rather mild and limited to early spring and it is usually made in response to competition from another male. Both adults do however tap loudly at the nest hole in spring. This tapping is a communicative signal and not part of hole excavation and it is not drumming. The Middle Spotted Woodpecker seems to rely more on its “song” when announcing its territory rather than drumming. Date: 22nd May 2018 Location: Ropotamo, Burgas Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26270385.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_847307879566552c5edd3b.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 4th December 2015 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082131.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2563259445d307a84c6504.jpgRed-backed Shrike The Red-backed Shrike is a carnivorous passerine bird and member of the shrike family. The general colour of the male’s upper parts is reddish. It has a grey head and a typical shrike black stripe through the eye. Underparts are tinged pink and the tail has a black and white pattern similar to that of a Wheatear. In the female and young birds the upperparts are brown and vermiculated and the underparts are buff and also vermiculated. The Red-backed Shrike eats large insects, small birds, frogs, rodents and lizards. Like other shrikes it hunts from prominent perches and impales corpses on thorns or barbed wire as a "larder." This practice has earned it the nickname of "butcher bird." The Red-backed Shrike breeds in most of Europe and western Asia and winters in tropical Africa. Once a common migratory visitor to the UK, numbers declined sharply during the 20th century. The bird's last stronghold was in Breckland but by 1988 just a single pair remained, successfully raising young at Santon Downham. The following year for the first time no nests were recorded in the UK but since then sporadic breeding has taken place, mostly in Scotland and Wales, and in September 2010 the RSPB announced that a pair had raised chicks at a secret location on Dartmoor where the bird last bred in 1970. This return to south west England has been an unexpected development and has raised speculation that a warming climate could assist the bird in re-colonising some of its traditional sites, if only in small numbers. Date: 19th May 2018 Location: Durankulak, Dobrich Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082134.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15098899665d307a8871b38.jpgRed-backed Shrike The Red-backed Shrike is a carnivorous passerine bird and member of the shrike family. The general colour of the male’s upper parts is reddish. It has a grey head and a typical shrike black stripe through the eye. Underparts are tinged pink and the tail has a black and white pattern similar to that of a Wheatear. In the female and young birds the upperparts are brown and vermiculated and the underparts are buff and also vermiculated. The Red-backed Shrike eats large insects, small birds, frogs, rodents and lizards. Like other shrikes it hunts from prominent perches and impales corpses on thorns or barbed wire as a "larder." This practice has earned it the nickname of "butcher bird." The Red-backed Shrike breeds in most of Europe and western Asia and winters in tropical Africa. Once a common migratory visitor to the UK, numbers declined sharply during the 20th century. The bird's last stronghold was in Breckland but by 1988 just a single pair remained, successfully raising young at Santon Downham. The following year for the first time no nests were recorded in the UK but since then sporadic breeding has taken place, mostly in Scotland and Wales, and in September 2010 the RSPB announced that a pair had raised chicks at a secret location on Dartmoor where the bird last bred in 1970. This return to south west England has been an unexpected development and has raised speculation that a warming climate could assist the bird in re-colonising some of its traditional sites, if only in small numbers. Date: 19th May 2018 Location: Durankulak, Dobrich Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4267175.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1083193144b52229f1801e.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 29th December 2009 Location: Cairngorm Reindeer Centre, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082197.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10351869465d307b0723ee0.jpgAvocet The (Pied) Avocet is a large black and white wader in the avocet and stilt family. It is one of 4 species of avocet that make up the genus Recurvirostra. The genus name is from the Latin recurvus meaning "curved backwards" and rostrum meaning "bill". The Avocet is a striking white wader with bold black markings. Adults have white plumage except for a black cap and black patches in the wings and on the back. They have long, upturned bills and long, bluish legs. Males and females look alike whilst juveniles resemble the adult but with more greyish and sepia tones. The Avocet breeds in temperate Europe and western and central Asia. The breeding habitat is shallow lakes with brackish water and exposed bare mud where they build a nest on open ground in a lined scrape or on a mound of vegetation. The Avocet is a migratory species and most winter in Africa or southern Asia. Some remain to winter in the mildest parts of their range such as in southern Spain and southern England. The Avocet feeds on crustaceans and insects in shallow brackish water or on mud flats, often scything their bills from side to side in water (a feeding technique that is unique to the avocet species). The Avocet was extinct as a breeding species in the UK by 1840 but its successful recolonisation at Minsmere in Suffolk in 1947 led to its adoption as the logo of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Date: 21st May 2018 Location: Pomorie, Gulf of Burgas, Burgas Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082216.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7155282095d307b2145b87.jpgLake Mandra, Burgas Province, Bulgaria The Burgas lakes or Burgas wetlands are a group of coastal lakes of varying salinity located around the city of Burgas (the fourth largest city in Bulgaria) on the Black Sea coast. They constitute the largest group of lakes in the country and comprise some of Bulgaria's biggest and most important lakes. The total area of the lakes and wetlands (including swamps, marshes, ponds and other reservoirs) amounts to 59 square miles of which 21 square miles are either designated or proposed protected areas that are inhabited by a large number of locally or globally endangered species of birds, mammals and fish. Apart from this, the Burgas lakes are also of economic importance and they are used to obtain sea salt and curative mud as well as to supply the local economy with fresh water in the case of Lake Mandra. The lakes comprise (in north to south order): Lake Pomorie: an ultra-saline lagoon Lake Atanasovsko: a nature reserve and Ramsar site Lake Burgas or Lake Vaya: the largest natural lake in Bulgaria by area Lake Poda: sometimes regarded as a part of Lake Mandra Lake Mandra or Lake Mandrensko: now a fresh water reservoir and the largest of the group Lake Mandra or Lake Mandrensko is the most southern of the Burgas lakes. It is 5 miles in length and 0.8 miles wide at its maximum and it has an area of 24 square miles. It was a brackish natural lake until 1963 when it was turned into a reservoir with the construction of a dam to secure fresh water for the large Neftochim Burgas oil refinery. The rivers Izvorska, Fakiyska, Sredetska and Rusokastrenska flow into the lake. The lake is surrounded by areas of wet meadow, reedbeds, woodland and scrub and the lake itself and these other habitats support a wide range of breeding, migrating and wintering birds. Date: 21st May 2018 Location: view from the south shore near Dimcevo, Burgas Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082217.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2490220805d307b2265774.jpgWhite Stork The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 21st May 2018 Location: Dimcevo, Burgas Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801261.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_77722107964edb30b346ce.jpgGatekeeper Flight period: mid-July to early September. The Gatekeeper or Hedge Brown is common and widespread throughout the southern half of the UK. They can be found in areas with hedgerows or in scrubby woodland with wide and sunny rides. Date: 26th July 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082320.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8787472255d307be65169b.jpgSquacco Heron The Squacco Heron is named after its piercing “squawk’ call” and is a small, chunky heron with a short, thick bill, warm buff-brown back and snowy white wings, breast, tail and belly. The long, almost hair-like feathers on the back cover the tail and there are tufts of long white and black feathers on the head that sometimes stick straight up in the air. The Squacco Heron’s highly recognisable call is often given at night, especially during the breeding season. The Squacco Heron inhabits wetlands such as lakes, river valleys, swamps and other permanent or temporary freshwater wetlands. However, due to habitat alteration or loss, rice paddy fields are becoming a principal habitat. It prefers sites with abundant nearby vegetation, such as tamarisk, elm and ash trees, where it likes to nest in small colonies often with other herons and egrets. The Squacco Heron occurs in Europe (although rare in the north), Africa and the Middle East as far east as Iran, breeding in the northern parts of its range and migrating to southern regions to spend the winter. Date: 22nd May 2018 Location: BSPB Poda Protected Area, Burgas Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9563866.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20308278284daea961ce2a9.jpgBlue Tit The Blue Tit is a small passerine bird in the tit family. It is easily recognisable by its generally blue and yellow plumage and its small size. The Blue Tit is about 4.7 inches long with a wingspan of 7.1 inches. It has an azure blue crown and a dark blue line passing through the eye and encircling the white cheeks to the chin, giving the bird a very distinctive appearance. The forehead and a bar on the wing are white. The nape, wings and tail are blue and the back is yellowish green. The underparts are mostly sulphur-yellow with a dark line down the abdomen. The bill is black and the legs bluish grey. The sexes are similar whilst young birds are noticeably more yellow. The Blue Tit is very agile and it can cling to the outermost branches and hang upside down when searching for food such as insects, caterpillars and seeds. The Blue Tit can be found throughout areas of the European continent with a mainly temperate or Mediterranean climate and in parts of the Middle East. In the UK it is common in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens and widespread across the whole of the country with the exception of some Scottish islands. The Blue Tit will nest in any suitable hole in a tree, wall or stump, often competing with other birds such as the House Sparrow or Great Tit for the site. In addition, it will readily accept an artificial nesting box. The same hole is returned to year after year and when one pair dies another takes possession. The nesting material is usually moss, wool, hair and feathers and the eggs are laid in April or May. The number in the clutch is often very large but 7 or 8 is normal. It is not unusual for a single bird to feed the chicks in the nest at a rate of one feed every 90 seconds during the height of the breeding season. Successful breeding is dependent on a sufficient supply of caterpillars as well as satisfactory weather. Breeding may be affected badly if the weather is cold and wet between May and July, particularly if this coincides with the emergence of the caterpillars on which the nestlings are fed. The small size of the Blue Tit makes it vulnerable to predation by larger birds and the typical lifespan is 3 years or less. The most significant predator is probably the Sparrowhawk, closely followed by the domestic cat. Nests may also be robbed by mammals such as the Weasel and Red and Grey Squirrels. Date: 4th January 2009 Location: Dungeness RSPB reserve, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082329.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1428773015d307bf0eef63.jpgCormorants The (Great) Cormorant is a widespread member of the cormorant and shag family [i] Phalacrocoracidae[/i]. There is a wide variation in size in the species' wide range and males are typically larger and heavier than females. It has a predominantly black plumage but the adult has white patches on the thighs and throat and a yellow throat during the breeding season. In Europe it can be distinguished from the Shag by its larger size, heavier build, thicker bill, lack of a crest and plumage without any green tinge. The (Great) Cormorant is a very common and widespread bird and it breeds in much of the Old World and the Atlantic coast of north America. It feeds on the sea, in estuaries and on freshwater lakes and rivers. Northern birds migrate south and winter along any coast that is well-supplied with fish. The (Great) Cormorant is found around the UK coastline on rocky shores, coastal lagoons and estuaries and it is increasingly seen inland at reservoirs, lakes and gravel pits. The UK holds internationally important wintering numbers. The (Great) Cormorant mainly nests in colonies near wetlands, rivers and sheltered inshore waters. Pairs will use the same nest site to breed year after year. It builds its nest, which is made mainly from sticks, in trees, on the ledges of cliffs and on the ground on rocky islands that are free of predators. The female lays 3 to 5 eggs which are incubated for a period of about 28 to 31 days. The (Great) Cormorant feeds on fish caught through diving and it will consume all fish of appropriate size that they are able to catch. Many fishermen see the (Great) Cormorant a competitor for fish. Because of this, it was nearly hunted to extinction in the past. Due to conservation efforts, its numbers increased although this has once again brought it in to conflict with fisheries. In the UK, where inland breeding was once uncommon, there are now increasing numbers of birds and many inland fish farms and fisheries now claim to be suffering high losses. In the UK each year, some licences are issued to cull specified numbers in order to help reduce predation although it is still illegal to kill a bird without such a licence. Date: 22nd May 2018 Location: BSPB Poda Protected Area, Burgas Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21959294.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_161190207953da74c81120f.jpgArctic Tern The Arctic Tern is a seabird of the tern family. The adult plumage is grey above with a black nape and crown and white cheeks. The upperwings are pale grey with the area near the wingtip being translucent. The tail is white and the underparts pale grey. The beak is dark red as are the short legs and webbed feet. Like most terns, the Arctic Tern has high aspect ratio wings and a tail with a deep fork and long tail streamers. Both sexes are similar in appearance. The winter plumage is similar but the crown is whiter and the bills are darker. Juveniles differ from adults having black bill and legs, "scaly" appearing wings and mantle with dark feather tips, dark carpal wing bar and short tail streamers. During their first summer, juveniles also have a whiter forecrown. Whilst the Arctic Tern is similar to the Common and the Roseate Tern, its colouring, profile and call are slightly different. Compared to the Common Tern, it has a longer tail and mono-coloured bill, whilst the main differences from the Roseate Tern are its slightly darker colour and longer wings. The Arctic Tern has a circumpolar breeding distribution covering the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of Europe, Asia and north America. It is strongly migratory and sees 2 summers each year and more daylight than any other creature on the planet. It migrates along a convoluted route from its northern summer breeding grounds to the northern edge of the Antarctic coast for the southern summer and back again about 6 months later. In the UK, breeding Arctic Terns can best be seen on islands such as the Farne Islands in Northumberland or Orkney and Shetland in northern Scotland where the greatest densities occur. Recent studies have shown average annual roundtrip lengths of 25000 to 50000 miles depending on the route taken and weather and wind conditions. The Arctic Tern is a long-lived bird with many reaching 30 years of age and based on this average it will travel some 1.5 million miles during its lifetime. This is by far the longest migration known in the animal kingdom. Breeding takes place in colonies on coasts, islands and occasionally inland on tundra near water. The Arctic Tern often forms mixed colonies with the Common Tern and Sandwich Tern. As it nests on the ground, the Arctic Tern is vulnerable to predation but it is one of the most aggressive terns and it is fiercely defensive of its nest and young. It will attack humans and large predators, usually striking the top or back of the head. Although it is too small to cause serious injury, it is still capable of drawing blood and repelling many raptorial birds and smaller mammalian predators such as foxes and cats. Other nesting birds, such as auks, often incidentally benefit from the protection provided by nesting in an area defended by Arctic Terns. The diet of the Arctic Tern varies depending on location and time but it usually eats small fish or marine crustaceans by dipping down to the surface of the water to catch prey. While feeding, skuas, gulls and other tern species will often harass the birds and steal their food. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Inner Farne, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9564614.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5635438194daec2f548669.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 3rd February 2009 Location: Northlands Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871697.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16581985904eff20ba75a03.jpgWaxwing The Waxwing is a plump bird which is slightly smaller than a starling. It is reddish-brown with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings, a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest. Waxwings breed in the dense forests of northern Europe but they occur in varying numbers in the UK from October to March. In some years they can occur in large numbers (known as irruptions) when the population in the breeding areas gets too big for the food available. Waxwings make an easily recognisable high-pitched trilling sound like a bell. Date: 29th May 2009 Location: north of Sodankylä, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/golden-oriole https://images.on-this.website/4752_7513981195d3078636608c.jpgGolden Oriole The Golden Oriole is the only member of the oriole family breeding in Northern Hemisphere temperate regions. The male is striking with its bright yellow body and black wings but the female is a drabber green-yellow colour. In flight it looks somewhat like a thrush, strong and direct with some shallow undulating dips over longer distances. The Golden Oriole is a secretive bird which keeps to the high tree canopy and even the male is remarkably difficult to see in the dappled yellow and green leaves of the canopy. It can be heard, most often at dawn, giving its distinctive fluting whistle, [i] or-iii-ole[/i], which is unmistakable once heard. It also gives a screeching call similar to the Jay. The summer breeding range of the Golden Oriole spans from west Europe and Scandinavia east to China and it winters in central and south Africa. It can be found in a range of habitats. In west Europe it prefers open broadleaf forests and plantations, copses, riverine forest, orchards and large gardens. In east Europe it may prefer more continuous forest as well as mixed or coniferous forests. It generally avoids treeless habitats but it may forage there. In its wintering habitat it can be found in semi-arid to humid woodland, tall forests, riverine forest, woodland/savannah mosaic and savannah. In the UK, the Golden Oriole is most often seen as a passage migrant in May and June in a suitable breeding area, particularly large poplar plantations near water. It previously bred in the poplar plantations at Lakenheath RSPB reserve in Suffolk. The Golden Oriole may delay breeding until it is 2 or 3 years old. Males usually arrive at the breeding area several days before the females. The fidelity to a territory or even to a specific nest site suggests that the pair bond may continue from one breeding season to the next. The nest is placed high in a tree towards the edge of the crown. The deep cup-shaped nest is suspended below a horizontal fork of thin branches. It is built by the female but the male will sometimes gather some of the material. The female lays and incubates between 3 and 5 eggs but the male will also incubate for short periods to allow the female to feed. The eggs hatch after 16 to 17 days and the young are fed by both parents but are mostly brooded by the female. The young fledge after 16 to 17 days. The Golden Oriole feeds on insects and fruit. Date: 17th May 2018 Location: Vetren, Silistra Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo1907552.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12931545884923119f56723.jpgDate: 3rd November 2008 Location: Loch Indaal, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39083986.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8385967055d30834d1d3d4.jpgWestern Rhodopes Mountains, Smolyan Province, Bulgaria The Rhodopes Mountains are a mountain range in south east Europe. They are spread over 5689 square miles of which 4723 square miles are located in south Bulgaria and the remainder in north Greece. The Rhodopes Mountains are about 149 miles long and about 62 to 75 miles wide with an average altitude of 2575 feet. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 7188 feet and is situated 12 miles to the west of Smolyan. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rhodopes Mountains gives its name to the terrestrial eco-region Rodope montane mixed forests that belong in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The area is particularly notable for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans plus its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms such as the Trigrad Gorge. The Rhodopes Mountains can be sub-divided in to 3 sections: The Western Rhodopes are spread over 66% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and they are higher, the most infrastructurally developed and the most visited part of the mountains. The highest and best known peaks are located in this section with more than 10 over 6562 feet high including the highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7188 feet). Some of the deepest river gorges in the Rhodopes Mountains are located in the west as well as several large lakes. The Eastern Rhodopes are spread over a territory of about 34% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and are much lower in height. The large artificial dams of Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets are located in this part of the mountains. Almost every species of European bird of prey nests in the Eastern Rhodopes including the rare Black Vulture and Egyptian Vulture. The Southern Rhodopes are the part of the mountain range that is located in Greece and they are characterized by numerous peaks of relatively low altitude. The Trigrad Gorge is a canyon of vertical marble rock cliffs in the western Rhodope Mountains. It is the third longest gorge in Bulgaria. The gorge encloses the course of the River Trigrad which plunges into the Devil's Throat Cave and 1740 feet further emerges as a large karst spring. It later flows into the River Buynovska. The west wall of the Trigrad Gorge reaches 980 feet in height whilst the east wall reaches 980 to 1150 feet in height. Initially, the 2 walls are about 985 feet apart but the gorge narrows to about 330 feet in the northern section. The gorge is situated just north of the village of Trigrad at 4760 feet above sea level. It has a total length of 4.3 miles, of which the gorge proper comprises 1.2 to 1.9 miles. It can be visited on the narrow single track road from Teshel to Trigrad which follows the River Trigrad for about 7.5 miles. The Trigrad area was a restricted border zone in the past (it is less than 4 miles from the border with Greece) so access was very limited during the Communist era but it is now a popular tourist destination. The area is considered as one of the most beautiful in the Rhodopes Mountains with numerous designated routes for hiking, mountain biking and horse riding routes. Date: 29th May 2018 Location: Trigrad to Teshel via Trigrad Gorge, Western Rhodopes Mountains, Smolyan Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082476.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3268764195d307cb7872a7.jpgWhite Stork The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 23rd May 2018 Location: Yasna Polyana, Burgas Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4639659.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18940402054baf088966acf.jpgRed Grouse The Red Grouse is a medium-sized bird of the grouse family which is found in heather moorland in the UK and Ireland. It is endemic to the UK and has developed in isolation. It is usually classified as a sub-species of the Willow Ptarmigan or Willow Grouse which is found in birch and other forests and moorlands in north Europe, the tundra of Scandinavia, Siberia, Alaska and north Canada. The Red Grouse is differentiated from the Willow Ptarmigan and Rock Ptarmigan by its plumage being reddish brown and not having a white winter plumage. The tail is black and the legs are white. There are white stripes on the underwing and red combs over the eye. Females are less reddish than the males and have less conspicuous combs. Young birds are duller and lack the red combs. The Red Grouse is found across most parts of Scotland, including Orkney, Shetland and most of the Outer Hebrides. It is only absent from urban areas such as in the Central Belt. In Wales there are strong populations of Red Grouse in some places but the range has retracted. It is now largely absent from the far south and the main strongholds are Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons and the Cambrian Mountains. In England the Red Grouse is mainly found in the north in areas such as the Lake District, Northumberland, County Durham, much of Yorkshire, the Pennines and the Peak District as far south as the Staffordshire Moorlands. There is an isolated introduced population on Dartmoor and overspill Welsh birds visit the Shropshire Hills.The typical habitat is upland heather moors away from trees. It can also be found in some low-lying bogs and birds may visit farmland during hard weather. The UK population of the Red Grouse is estimated at about 250,000 pairs. Numbers have declined in recent years and it is now absent in areas where it was once common. Reasons for the decline include disease, loss of heather due to overgrazing, creation of new conifer plantations and a decline in the number of upland gamekeepers. Some predators feed on Red Grouse and there is ongoing controversy as to what effect these have on numbers. The Red Grouse is herbivorous and feeds mainly on the shoots, seeds and flowers of heather. It will also feed on berries, cereal crops and sometimes insects. The Red Grouse is considered a game bird and is shot in large numbers during the shooting season which traditionally starts on August 12th (known as the Glorious Twelfth). Shooting can take the form of “walked up” (where shooters walk across the moor to flush grouse and take a shot) or “driven” (where grouse are driven, often in large numbers, by “beaters” towards the shooters who are hiding behind a line of “butts”). Many moors are managed to increase the density of Red Grouse. Areas of heather are subjected to controlled burning since this allows fresh young shoots to regenerate which are favoured by Red Grouse. In addition, extensive predator control is a feature of grouse moor management and the extent and legality to which it occurs is hotly contested between conservation groups and shooting interests and the subject generates a lot of media attention. The Red Grouse is widely known as the logo of The Famous Grouse whisky and an animated bird is a character in a series of its adverts. It is also the emblem of the magazine “British Birds”. Date: 11th March 2010 Location: Grinton Moor, Yorkshire Dales National Park, North Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453919.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18797676064ff545666903c.jpgGriffon Vulture The Griffon Vulture is a typical Old World vulture in appearance with a white bald head, very broad wings and short tail feathers. It has a white neck ruff and yellow bill. The buff body and wing coverts contrast with the dark flight feathers. They are very large birds around 37 to 43 inches long with a 91 to 106 inches wingspan. Like other vultures, the Griffon Vulture is a scavenger, feeding mostly from carcasses of dead animals which it finds by soaring over open areas, often moving in flocks. The population is mostly resident in its breeding range in the mountains of southern Europe, north Africa, and Asia. In Spain, there are tens of thousands of birds from a low of a few thousand around 1980 although the Pyrenees population has apparently been affected by an EU ruling that due to danger of BSE transmission, no carcasses must be left on the fields for the time being. Although the Griffon Vulture does not normally attack larger living prey, there are reports of Spanish Griffon Vultures killing weak, young or unhealthy living animals as they do not find enough carrion to eat. Date: 27th April 2012 Location: Location: Portilla del Tiétar, Parque Nacional de Monfragüe, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9562986.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_525575294dae904b07231.jpgSnow Bunting Snow Buntings are large buntings with striking “snowy” plumages. Males in summer have all white heads and underparts contrasting with a black mantle and wing tips. Females are a more mottled above. In autumn and winter birds develop a sandy/buff wash to their plumage and males have more mottled upperparts. Snow Buntings breed in far northern Europe and migrate south in winter. They are a very scarce breeding species in the UK and can be found on the highest mountain peaks in Scotland where they nest in rocky crevices. Snow Buntings are best looked for in winter (from late September to early March) where they can sometimes be seen in large flocks on the seashore or on adjacent short rough grassland at coastal sites in Scotland and eastern England. Date: 26th December 2008 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21891881.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_146852078553d0f333949b5.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 17th June 2014 Location: Milton Loch, Boat of Garten, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26024640.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1918642547563739422f0ed.jpgFulmars The (Northern) Fulmar is a highly abundant seabird found primarily in subarctic regions of the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans. Though similar in appearance to gulls, the 2 species of fulmars (Northern and Southern) are in fact members of a different seabird family which include petrels and shearwaters. The Fulmar’s latin name, <i>Fulmarus glacialis</i> can be broken down to the Old Norse word <i>full</i> meaning "foul" and <i>mar</i> meaning "gull". "Foul-gull" is in reference to its stomach oil and also its superficial similarity to gulls. Finally, <i>glacialis</i> is Latin for "glacial" reflecting its extreme northern range. The Fulmar is generally grey and white with a pale yellow and thick bill and bluish legs. However there is both a light morph and a dark morph. Like other petrels, their walking ability is limited but they are strong fliers with a stiff wing action quite unlike the gulls. The Fulmar also looks bull-necked compared to gulls and it has a short stubby bill. The Fulmar is estimated to have between 15 to 30 million mature individuals that occupy a range of around 11 million square miles. Its range increased greatly last century due to the availability of fish offal from commercial fleets but may contract because of less food from this source and climate change. The population increase has been especially notable in the UK. The Fulmar starts breeding at between 6 and 12 years old. It is monogamous, forms long term pair bonds, returns to the same nest site year after year and nests in large colonies. The nest is a scrape on a grassy cliff ledge or a saucer of vegetation on the ground lined with softer material and recently they have started nesting on rooftops and buildings. The Fulmar feeds on shrimp, fish, squid, plankton, jellyfish and carrion as well as refuse. When eating fish, it will dive up to several feet deep to retrieve its prey. Date: 3rd June 2015 Location: Húsavík, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14247084.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4401280764f4e03f896722.jpgMute Swan The Mute Swan is a species of swan native to much of Eurasia. Despite its Eurasian origin, its closest relatives are the Black Swan of Australia and the Black-necked Swan of south America, not the other Northern Hemisphere swans such as the Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan. The name “mute” derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. The adult Mute Swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob at the top of the beak. All Mute Swans are white at maturity although the feathers (particularly on the head and neck) are often stained orange-brown by iron and tannins in the water. Young birds (cygnets) are not the bright white colour of mature adults and their bill is dull greyish-black for the first year. The plumage may range from pure white to grey to buff with grey/buff being the most common. Cygnets typically retain their grey/buff feathers until they are at least 1 year old. On average, the Mute Swan is the second largest waterfowl species after the Trumpeter Swan although the male Mute Swan can easily match or even exceed a male Trumpeter Swan in mass. The adult Mute Swan typically ranges from 55 to 63 inches in length (although it can range in extreme cases from 49 to 67 inches) with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. Males (cobs) are larger than females (pens) and have a larger knob on their bill. The Mute Swan is one of the heaviest flying birds. In several studies from the UK, males were found to average from about 23.4 to 26.2 pounds, with a weight range of 20 to 32 pounds, while the slightly smaller females were found to average about 18.7 to 21.3 pounds, with a weight range of 17 to 23 pounds. The Mute Swan is less vocal than the noisy Bewick's Swan and Whooper Swan although it does make a variety of grunting, hoarse whistling and snorting noises, especially in communicating with their cygnets and threatening competitors or intruders trying to enter their territory. The most familiar sound associated with the Mute Swan is the vibrant throbbing of the wings in flight which is unique to the species and this can be heard from a range of up to 1 mile. The Mute Swan is found naturally mainly in the temperate areas of Europe across west Asia and as far east as Primorsky Krai in the far east of Russia. It is partially migratory throughout the northern latitudes in Europe and Asia as far south as north Africa and the Mediterranean. It is also often kept in captivity outside its natural range as a decoration for parks and ponds and escapes have occurred. The descendants of such birds have become naturalised in east USA and the Great Lakes region across the USA and Canada border. The Mute Swan population in the UK has increased recently probably due to better protection of this species. Some birds are resident all year whilst others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into east England. Mute Swans nest on large mounds that they build with waterside vegetation in shallow water on islands in the middle or at the very edge of a lake. It is a monogamous species and often reuses the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Males and females share the care of the nest. The female lays from 4 to 10 eggs and broods for around 36 days. Cygnets are unable to fly before an age of 120 to 150 days and this limits the distribution of the species in the northern edge of its range since the cygnets must learn to fly before the water freezes. The Mute Swan is usually strongly territorial with just a single pair on smaller lakes although in a few locations where a large area of suitable feeding habitat is found they can be colonial. The largest colonies can hold over 100 pairs such as that at the colony at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset in the UK. Non-mated juveniles up to 3 to 4 years old commonly form larger flocks often at regular traditional sites and these can total several hundred birds. The Mute Swan can be very aggressive in defence of its nest and it is highly protective of its mate and offspring. Most defensive attacks from a Mute Swan begin with a loud hiss and, if this is not sufficient to drive off the predator, are followed by a physical attack. It attacks by smashing at its enemy with bony spurs in the wings accompanied by biting with its large bill. Smaller waterbirds such as ducks are normally grabbed with the bill and dragged or thrown clear. Large waterfowl, such as the Canada Goose, more likely out of competition than in response to potential predation, may be aggressively driven off. The wings of the Mute Swan are very powerful although not strong enough to break an adult man's leg as has been claimed anecdotally. The Mute Swan feeds on a wide range of vegetation, both submerged aquatic plants which they reach with their long necks and by grazing on land. The food commonly includes agricultural crop plants such as oilseed rape and wheat and feeding flocks in the winter may cause significant crop damage, often as much through trampling with their large webbed feet as through direct consumption. Date: 25th February 2012 Location: Verulamium Park, St Albans, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4267122.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4327434704b52222c203d4.jpgOtter The Eurasian Otter, also known as the European Otter, Eurasian River Otter, Common Otter and Old World Otter and commonly known as the Otter, is a semi-aquatic mammal and the most widely distributed member of the Otter sub-family of the Weasel family (Mustelidae). The Otter is a typical species of the Otter sub-family and is brown above and cream below. It is 22.5 to 37.5 inches long excluding a tail of 14 to 17.5 inches. The female is shorter than the male. The Otter's average body weight is 15 to 26 pounds, although occasionally a large old male may reach up to 37 pounds. The Otter differs from the North American River Otter by its shorter neck, broader face, the greater space between the ears and its longer tail. However, it is the only Otter species in much of its range so it is rarely confused for any other animal. The Otter is the most widely distributed Otter species and its range including parts of Asia and Africa as well as being widespread across Europe. The Otter can be found throughout most of the UK with the highest densities in Scotland, especially the islands and the north west coast, Wales, parts of East Anglia and the West Country. The Otter declined across its range in the second half of the 20th century primarily due to pollution, habitat loss and hunting. However, populations are now recovering in many parts of Europe. In the UK the number of sites with an Otter presence increased by 55% between 1994 and 2002. In August 2011, the Environment Agency announced that the Otter had returned to every county in England since vanishing from every county except the West Country and parts of Northern England. The recovery of the Otter population in Europe is due to a ban on the most harmful pesticides that has been in place since 1979, improvements in water quality leading to increases in prey populations and direct legal protection under the European Union Habitats Directive and national legislation in several European countries. In general, the Otter’s varied and adaptable diet means that it can be found on any unpolluted body of fresh water, including lakes, streams, rivers and ponds, as long as the food supply is adequate. It can also be found along the coast in salt water but it requires regular access to fresh water to clean its fur. When living in the sea it is sometimes referred to as a "Sea Otter" but it should not be confused with the true Sea Otter which is a North American species much more strongly adapted to a marine existence. The Otter's diet mainly consists of fish. However, during the winter and in colder environments, fish consumption is significantly lower and other sources of food are eaten including amphibians, crustaceans, insects, birds and small mammals. Hunting mainly takes place at night whilst the day is usually spent in the Otter's holt (den). The Otter is strongly territorial and is primarily solitary. An individual's territory may vary between 1 and 25 miles with the length of the territory depending on the density of food available and the width of the water suitable for hunting (it is shorter on coasts, where the available width is much wider and longer on narrower rivers). The Otter uses its spraints to mark its territory. Territories are only held against members of the same sex so those of males and females may overlap. The Otter is a non-seasonal breeder and males and females will breed at any time of the year. It has been found that their mating season is most likely determined simply by the Otters' reproductive maturity and physiological state. Female Otters are sexually mature between 18 and 24 months old and the average age of first breeding is found to be 2.5 years old. Gestation is 60 to 64 days and after the gestation period, 1 to 4 pups are born which remain dependent on the mother for about 13 months. The male plays no direct role in parental care although the territory of a female with her pups is usually entirely within that of the male. Date: 1st January 2010 Location: Loch Scridain, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39081935.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3106897055d3077b5d2628.jpgLake Srebarna, Silistra Province, Bulgaria Lake Srebarna is a freshwater lake periodically flooded by the River Danube just over 1 mile to the north. It is located in north east Bulgaria near the village of the same name and 11 miles west of Silistra. Lake Srebarna is a remnant of the once numerous lakes that lined the River Danube’s route to the Black Sea. The lake has large reedbeds and there is adjacent steppe, vineyards and agricultural land. A belt of woodland separates it from the River Danube. Lake Srebarna was the first wetland in Bulgaria to receive legal protection status and also the first to achieve international recognition. The lake was designated as a nature reserve in 1948 to protect the biodiversity that it hosts. In 1985 it was included on the UNESCO World Heritage List of Natural Properties. Lake Srebarna is also protected as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention and as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. In 1989 the lake was designated as an lmportant Bird Area by BirdLife International. It is also recognised and protected at the European level and included in 2 Natura 2000 sites: the Srebarna Special Protection Area and Ludogorie-Srebarna Special Area of Conservation. The nature reserve includes 3.7 square miles of protected area and a buffer zone of 3.4 square miles. It comprises Lake Srebarna itself, which has a fluctuating water level dependent on the River Danube, plus the former agricultural lands north of the lake, a belt of woodland along the River Danube, the island of Komluka and the aquatic area locked between the island and the riverbank. The reserve is an important wetland on the Via Pontica bird migration flyway. The basis for the nature reserve’s international significance is that it is an important breeding, migration and wintering site for a large number of birds. Floating reedbed islands and flooded willow woodlands provide important bird breeding areas. At the northern end, the reedbeds gradually give way to wet meadows. At the north west end of Lake Srebarna and along the River Danube, there are belts of riverine forest. The nature reserve holds populations of birds that are considered critical to species survival. It hosts the only colony of Dalmatian Pelican in Bulgaria as well as the largest breeding populations of 4 more globally threatened species: Pygmy Cormorant, Ferruginous Duck, White-tailed Eagle and Corncrake. The nature reserve is also of European value and importance in supporting Little Bittern, Night Heron, Squacco Heron, Purple Heron, Little Egret, Great White Egret, Glossy lbis, Spoonbill and Ruddy Shelduck. Globally threatened Pygmy Cormorant and Red-breasted Goose also winter on the nature reserve. In total, the nature reserve supports over 200 bird species, 41 mammal species, 21 reptile and amphibian species and 10 fish species. Date: 16th May 2018 Location: view from the visitor centre, Srebarna, Silistra Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082312.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14086991035d307bd6db5e4.jpgBSPB Poda Protected Area, Burgas Province, Bulgaria The Burgas lakes or Burgas wetlands are a group of coastal lakes of varying salinity located around the city of Burgas (the fourth largest city in Bulgaria) on the Black Sea coast. They constitute the largest group of lakes in the country and comprise some of Bulgaria's biggest and most important lakes. The total area of the lakes and wetlands (including swamps, marshes, ponds and other reservoirs) amounts to 59 square miles of which 21 square miles are either designated or proposed protected areas that are inhabited by a large number of locally or globally endangered species of birds, mammals and fish. Apart from this, the Burgas lakes are also of economic importance and they are used to obtain sea salt and curative mud as well as to supply the local economy with fresh water in the case of Lake Mandra. The lakes comprise (in north to south order): Lake Pomorie: an ultra-saline lagoon Lake Atanasovsko: a nature reserve and Ramsar site Lake Burgas or Lake Vaya: the largest natural lake in Bulgaria by area Lake Poda: sometimes regarded as a part of Lake Mandra Lake Mandra or Lake Mandrensko: now a fresh water reservoir and the largest of the group The Poda Protected Area is situated in the centre of the Burgas wetlands. It was declared as Poda Protected Area in 1989 when it was the first protected area in Bulgaria to be completely managed and maintained by a non-governmental organization, the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB). Over the years, Poda has proved itself to be a successful model for protected area management. In 2002 it was designated as a Ramsar site and in 2007 it was included in the European Natura 2000 network as the Mandra-Poda Protected Area. Poda is situated on the Via Pontica bird migration flyway and despite occupying a relatively small area (0.6 square miles), around 275 bird species have been recorded and it is an important site for breeding, migrating and wintering birds. The rich biodiversity is attributed to the 3 different types of water habitats it contains: brackish, fresh and hyper-saline salt water. Poda is the only location on the Black Sea coast with a mixed heron breeding colony of Spoonbill, Purple Heron, Grey Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron, Squacco Heron, Great White Egret and Little Egret. Large numbers of Cormorants are also notable and they have forsaken their usual breeding sites in reed beds and made their nests on the abandoned electrical pylons in the area. At Poda, BSPB created the first Nature Conservation Centre in Bulgaria in 1997. This has served as a focal point for environmental protection and conservation, education, information and visitor activities, not just for Poda but also for the rest of the Burgas lakes. The Nature Conservation Centre is open all year and it receives around 15,000 visitors a year, mostly during the spring and summer. Date: 22nd May 2018 Location: BSPB Poda Protected Area, Burgas Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082947.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14702494055d307ead37512.jpgEastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria The Rhodopes Mountains are a mountain range in south east Europe. They are spread over 5689 square miles of which 4723 square miles are located in south Bulgaria and the remainder in north Greece. The Rhodopes Mountains are about 149 miles long and about 62 to 75 miles wide with an average altitude of 2575 feet. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 7188 feet and is situated 12 miles to the west of Smolyan. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rhodopes Mountains give their name to the terrestrial eco-region Rodope montane mixed forests that belong in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The area is particularly notable for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans plus its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms such as the Trigrad Gorge. The Rhodopes Mountains can be sub-divided in to 3 sections: The Western Rhodopes are spread over 66% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and they are higher, the most infrastructurally developed and the most visited part of the mountains. The highest and best known peaks are located in this section with more than 10 over 6562 feet high including the highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7188 feet). Some of the deepest river gorges in the Rhodopes Mountains are located in the west as well as several large lakes. The Eastern Rhodopes are spread over a territory of about 34% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and are much lower in height. The large artificial dams of Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets are located in this part of the mountains. Almost every species of European bird of prey nests in the Eastern Rhodopes including 3 species of vulture. The Southern Rhodopes are the part of the mountain range that is located in Greece and they are characterized by numerous peaks of relatively low altitude. In the Eastern Rhodopes, the Madzharovo Special Protection Area located between village of Borislavtsi and the town of Madzharovo is one of the most popular destinations for birding in Bulgaria. The area covers a part of the narrow valley of the River Arda and is surrounded by rugged mountain slopes, rock massifs, rocky pinnacles, dry scrub and wooded hillsides. The unique micro-climate and the diverse relief are the reason for the wealth of bird species which can be found here. Around 175 bird species have been recorded of which 40 have been included in the Red Book of Bulgaria (a list of endangered species in the country), 78 are of European environmental protection significance and 6 are globally endangered. The Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB) has established a Nature Conservation Centre in Madzharovo which provides an exhibition, conducts educational programs and provides information for various routes and landmarks. It particularly focuses on the many birds of prey which can be found in the area, especially the 3 species of vulture (Griffon, Black and Egyptian). Date: 25th May 2018 Location: River Arda valley and Kovan Kaya near Madzharovo, eastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14155792.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6711965134f3cd2a4308d5.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 12th February 2012 Location: Pennington Flash, Greater Manchester http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26270193.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6916331685665511b417b3.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 4th December 2015 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26270394.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_994986351566552d79dfe2.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 4th December 2015 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14155775.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16920141374f3ccd52645ed.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 10th February 2012 Location: EWT Langdon Conservation Centre, Dunton, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26056700.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_168397963563dc35dcd3a1.jpgHumpback Whale The Humpback Whale is a rorqual, the largest group of the baleen whales which includes the Blue Whale, the Fin Whale, the Bryde's Whale, the Sei Whale and the Minke Whale. The common name of Humpback Whale is derived from the curving of the back when diving. The generic name <i>Megaptera</i> from the Greek <i>mega</i> means "giant" and <i>ptera</i> means “wing" and refers to the large front flippers. The specific name <i>novaeangliae</i> means "New Englander" and was probably given due to the regular sightings of Humpback Whales off the coast of New England. One of the larger rorqual species, an adult Humpback Whale ranges in length from 39 to 52 feet and weighs approximately 79,000 pounds. It has a distinctive body shape with unusually long pectoral fins and a knobbly head. An acrobatic animal known for breaching and slapping the water with its tail and pectoral fins, it is popular with whale watchers The Humpback Whale can easily be identified by its stocky body with an obvious hump and black dorsal colouring. The head and lower jaw are covered with knobs called tubercles which are hair follicles and are characteristic of the species. The fluked tail, which it lifts above the surface in some dive sequences, has wavy trailing edges. The long black and white tail fin, which can be up to a third of the body length, and the pectoral fins have unique patterns which make individual whales identifiable. Several hypotheses attempt to explain the pectoral fins which are proportionally the longest fins of any cetacean. The two most enduring mention the higher manoeuverability afforded by long fins and the usefulness of the increased surface area for temperature control when migrating between warm and cold climates. The stubby dorsal fin is visible soon after the blow when the whale surfaces but disappears by the time the flukes emerge. The Humpback Whale has a 9.8 feet, heart-shaped to bushy blow or exhalation of water through the blowholes. The Humpback Whale is found in oceans and seas around the world in a wide band running from the Antarctic ice edge to 77° N latitude. It is migratory and spends summers in cooler, high-latitude waters and mates and calves in tropical and subtropical waters. Annual migrations of up to 16,000 miles are typical. The Humpback Whale social structure is loose-knit and it is not excessively social. Individuals normally live alone or in small, transient groups that disband after a few hours. Groups may stay together a little longer in summer to forage and feed cooperatively. Longer-term relationships between pairs or small groups, lasting months or even years, have rarely been observed. The Humpback Whale's range overlaps considerably with other whale and dolphin species although they rarely interact socially with them. Courtship rituals take place during the winter months following migration towards the equator from the summer feeding grounds closer to the poles. Competition is usually fierce and unrelated males frequently trail females as well as mothers with calves. Males gather into competitive groups and fight for females. Group size ebbs and flows as unsuccessful males retreat and others arrive to try their luck. Behaviours include breaching, spyhopping, lob-tailing, tail-slapping, fin-slapping, peduncle throws, charging and parrying. Whale songs are assumed to have an important role in mate selection although they may also be used between males to establish dominance. Females reach sexual maturity at the age of 5 years whilst males reach sexual maturity at approximately 7 years of age. Females typically breed every 2 or 3 years. The gestation period is 11.5 months and the peak months for birth are January, February, July, and August. Newborn calves are roughly the length of their mother's head and measure around 20 feet. They nurse for approximately 6 months and then mix nursing and independent feeding for possibly 6 months more. The Humpback Whale feeds primarily in the summer and lives off fat reserves during the winter. It feeds only rarely and opportunistically in its wintering waters. The Humpback Whale is an energetic hunter and takes krill and small schooling fish such as herring, salmon, mackerel, pollock, and haddock . It hunts by direct attack or by stunning its prey by hitting the water with its pectoral fins or tail flukes. The Humpback Whale has the most diverse feeding repertoire of all baleen whales. Its most inventive technique is known as bubble net feeding. A group of whales swims in a shrinking circle blowing bubbles below a school of prey. The shrinking ring of bubbles encircles the school and confines it in an ever-smaller cylinder. This ring can begin at up to 100 feet in diameter and involve the cooperation of a dozen animals. The whales then suddenly swim upward through the "net", mouths agape, swallowing thousands of fish in one gulp. Pleated grooves in the whale's mouth allow the creature to easily drain all the water initially taken in. Both male and female Humpback Whales vocalize but only males produce the long, loud, complex "songs" for which the species is famous. Each “song” consists of several sounds in a low register, varying in amplitude and frequency and typically lasting from 10 to 20 minutes. Cetaceans have no vocal cords so whales generate their “songs” by forcing air through their massive nasal cavities. Humpback Whales within a large area sing the same “song”. All north Atlantic Humpback Whales sing the same “song” and those of the north Pacific sing a different “song”. Each population's “song” changes slowly over a period of years. Scientists are unsure of the purpose of whale “songs”. Only males “sing”, suggesting one purpose is to attract females. However, many of the whales observed to approach a “singer” are other males, often resulting in conflict, and “singing” may therefore be a challenge to other males. Some scientists have hypothesized the song may serve an echo location function. Like other large whales, the Humpback Whale was and is a target for the whaling industry. Once hunted to the brink of extinction, its population fell by an estimated 90% before a moratorium was introduced in 1966. While stocks have since partially recovered, entanglement in fishing gear, collisions with ships and noise pollution continue to have an impact worldwide. The worldwide population is at least 80,000 with 18,000 to 20,000 in the north Pacific, about 12,000 in the north Atlantic and over 50,000 in the Southern Hemisphere, down from a pre-whaling population of 125,000. The Humpback Whale is considered "least concern" from a conservation standpoint as of 2008. This is an improvement from “vulnerable” in 1996 and “endangered” as recently as 1988. Most monitored stocks of Humpback Whales have rebounded well since the end of commercial whaling, such as the north Atlantic population where stocks are now believed to be approaching levels similar to those before hunting began. However, the species is still considered “endangered” in some countries. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Ísafjarðardjúp from Ogur, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9563842.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11676672284daea941462b2.jpgBlue Tit The Blue Tit is a small passerine bird in the tit family. It is easily recognisable by its generally blue and yellow plumage and its small size. The Blue Tit is about 4.7 inches long with a wingspan of 7.1 inches. It has an azure blue crown and a dark blue line passing through the eye and encircling the white cheeks to the chin, giving the bird a very distinctive appearance. The forehead and a bar on the wing are white. The nape, wings and tail are blue and the back is yellowish green. The underparts are mostly sulphur-yellow with a dark line down the abdomen. The bill is black and the legs bluish grey. The sexes are similar whilst young birds are noticeably more yellow. The Blue Tit is very agile and it can cling to the outermost branches and hang upside down when searching for food such as insects, caterpillars and seeds. The Blue Tit can be found throughout areas of the European continent with a mainly temperate or Mediterranean climate and in parts of the Middle East. In the UK it is common in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens and widespread across the whole of the country with the exception of some Scottish islands. The Blue Tit will nest in any suitable hole in a tree, wall or stump, often competing with other birds such as the House Sparrow or Great Tit for the site. In addition, it will readily accept an artificial nesting box. The same hole is returned to year after year and when one pair dies another takes possession. The nesting material is usually moss, wool, hair and feathers and the eggs are laid in April or May. The number in the clutch is often very large but 7 or 8 is normal. It is not unusual for a single bird to feed the chicks in the nest at a rate of one feed every 90 seconds during the height of the breeding season. Successful breeding is dependent on a sufficient supply of caterpillars as well as satisfactory weather. Breeding may be affected badly if the weather is cold and wet between May and July, particularly if this coincides with the emergence of the caterpillars on which the nestlings are fed. The small size of the Blue Tit makes it vulnerable to predation by larger birds and the typical lifespan is 3 years or less. The most significant predator is probably the Sparrowhawk, closely followed by the domestic cat. Nests may also be robbed by mammals such as the Weasel and Red and Grey Squirrels. Date: 4th January 2009 Location: Dungeness RSPB reserve, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41176056.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11693428165e93078bdf29c.jpgCanada Goose The Canada Goose belongs to the [i]Branta[/i] genus of geese which contains species with largely black plumage distinguishing it from the grey species of the genus [i]Anser[/i]. The black head and neck with a white "chinstrap" distinguish the Canada Goose from all other goose species with the exception of the Cackling Goose from north America and the Barnacle Goose which has a black breast and grey rather than brownish body plumage. The 7 sub-species of the Canada Goose vary widely in size and plumage details but all are recognizable as Canada Geese. Of the "true geese" (i.e. the genera [i]Anser[/i], [i]Branta[/i] or [i]Chen[/i]), the Canada Goose is on average the largest living species. It ranges from 30 to 43 inches in length and with a 50 to 73 inches wingspan. The male usually weighs 5.7 to 14.3 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 8.6 pounds. The female looks virtually identical but is slightly lighter at 5.3 to 12.1 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 7.9 pounds. It is also generally 10% smaller in linear dimensions than the male. The Canada Goose is native to north America where it breeds in Canada and the north USA in a wide range of habitats. The Great Lakes region maintains a very large population. It occurs all year round in the southern part of its breeding range, including most of the eastern seaboard and the Pacific coast. Between California and South Carolina in the south USA and north Mexico, it is primarily present as a migrant from further north during the winter. Outside north America, the Canada Goose has reached north Europe naturally as has been proved by ringing recoveries. It has also been introduced in to Europe and had established populations in the UK in the middle of the 18th century, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany and Scandinavia. Most European populations are not migratory but those in more northerly parts of Sweden and Finland migrate to the North Sea and Baltic coasts. Semi-tame feral birds are common in parks and have become a pest in some areas. In the early 17th century, explorer Samuel de Champlain sent several pairs of Canada Geese to France as a present for King Louis XIII. Canada Geese were first introduced in to the UK in the late 17th century as an addition to King James II's waterfowl collection in St. James's Park. They were also introduced in to Germany and Scandinavia during the 20th century. During the second year of its life, the Canada Goose finds a mate. It is a monogamous species and most couples stay together all of their lives. If one dies, the other may find a new mate. The female lays from 2 to 9 eggs with an average of 5. Both parents protect the nest while the eggs incubate but the female spends more time at the nest than the male. The nest is usually located in an elevated area near water such as streams, lakes and ponds and the eggs are laid in a shallow depression lined with plant material and down. The incubation period, in which the female incubates the eggs while the male remains nearby, lasts for 24 to 28 days after laying. As soon as the goslings hatch, they are immediately capable of walking, swimming and finding their own food (a diet similar to the adults). Parents are often seen leading their goslings in a line, usually with one adult at the front and the other at the back. While protecting their goslings, parents often violently chase away anything from small birds to lone humans who approach, after warning them by giving off a hissing sound and then attacking with bites and slaps of the wings if the threat does not retreat. Although parents are hostile to unfamiliar geese, they may form groups (crèches) of a number of goslings and a few adults. The goslings enter the fledgling stage any time from 6 to 9 weeks of age. Once it reaches adulthood, due to its large size and often aggressive behaviour, the Canada Goose is rarely preyed on although prior injury may make it more vulnerable to natural predators. The lifespan in the wild of birds that survive to adulthood ranges from 10 to 24 years. The UK longevity record is held by a specimen tagged as a nestling which was observed alive at the age of 31. The Canada Goose is primarily a herbivore although it will sometimes eat small insects and fish. Their diet includes grasses, aquatic plants, beans and grains such as wheat, rice, and corn when they are available. In urban areas, it is also known to pick food out of rubbish bins and it will readily take a variety of food from humans in parks. Date: 5th April 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49797654.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20574831664eca23e3e87a.jpgSilver-studded Blue Description to follow .... Date: 2nd July 2023 Location: Hartland Moor NNR, Purbeck Heaths NNR, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/septemberoctober-2009-red-throated-diver https://images.on-this.website/4752_12930050104e3a5169823ca.jpgSeptember to October 2009 - Red-throated Diver Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo3874554.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/december-2009-dunnock https://images.on-this.website/4752_14857956994b522e7e6b2cc.jpgDecember 2009 - Dunnock Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4169397.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14155706.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5793172314f3cc5cb19182.jpgFieldfare The Fieldfare is a member of the thrush family which is very similar to a Mistle Thrush in general size, shape and behaviour. It has a slate grey crown, neck and rump, a plain brown back, dark wings, blackish tail and white underwings. The breast and flanks are heavily speckled. The breast has a reddish wash and the rest of the underparts are white. The sexes are similar in appearance but the females are slightly more brown. The male has a simple chattering song and the birds have various guttural flight and alarm calls. The Fieldfare is a migratory species with a Palearctic distribution. It breeds in north Norway, north Sweden, Finland, the Baltic states, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland and in to Asia. In the summer the Fieldfare frequents mixed woodland of birch, alder, pine, spruce and fir, often near marshes, moorland or other open ground. It does not avoid the vicinity of humans and can be seen in cultivated areas, orchards, parks and gardens. It also inhabits open tundra and the slopes of hills above the tree line. It often breeds in small colonies, possibly for protection from predators. The first known breeding of the Fieldfare in the UK was in 1967 when a pair nested in Orkney. Very small numbers have continued nesting fairly regularly in Scotland. The winter range extends through west Europe, including the UK, south Europe and north Africa although it is uncommon in the Mediterranean region. Eastern populations migrate to Anatolia, Israel, Iran and north west India. Migrating and wintering Fieldfares often form large flocks, often in the company of Redwings. In the winter, the Fieldfare can be found in open country, agricultural land, orchards, open woodland and gardens. It is nomadic, wandering wherever there is an abundance of berries and insects. Later in the year it moves on to pastureland and cultivated fields. The Fieldfare is omnivorous. Animal food in the diet includes snails and slugs, earthworms, spiders and insects such as beetles and their larvae, flies and grasshoppers. In the autumn ripened berries such as hawthorn, holly, rowan, yew, juniper, dog rose, cotoneaster, pyracantha and berberis are eaten. In addition, windfall apples, grain and seeds are eaten. When these are exhausted, or in particularly harsh weather, the birds may move to marshes or even the foreshore where molluscs can be found. Date: 7th February 2012 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/september-2010-little-owl https://images.on-this.website/4752_9026179904d0dcbbb0b5b5.jpgSeptember 2010 - Little Owl Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7439606.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/may-2009-fulmar https://images.on-this.website/4752_17743609664a6c2d6e80b1f.jpgMay 2009 - Fulmar Please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/photo2918167.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/december-2012-snow-bunting https://images.on-this.website/4752_1914547005518ca8975c866.jpgDecember 2012 - Snow Bunting Please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/photo17061289.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/eurasian-beaver https://images.on-this.website/4752_108754007462c9a84f994fc.jpgEurasian Beaver The Eurasian Beaver or European Beaver is one of the largest living species of rodents and it is the largest rodent native to Eurasia. It weighs around 24 to 66 pounds with an average of 40 pounds. Typically the head and body length is 31 to 39 inches and the tail length is 9.8 to 19.7 inches. The fur colour of the Beaver varies geographically from light chestnut-rust to blackish-brown. The Beaver was once widespread in Eurasia. It was hunted to near-extinction for both its fur and castoreum (a secretion of its scent gland believed to have medicinal properties) and by 1900 only 1200 beavers survived in 8 relict populations in Europe and Asia. In many European nations, the Beaver became extinct but reintroduction and protection has led to gradual recovery to about 639,000 individuals by 2003 and it now occurs from the UK to China and Mongolia although it is absent from Italy, Portugal, the southern Balkans and the Middle East. About 83% can be found in the former Soviet Union. In the UK, the Beaver became extinct in the 16th century but, as a former native species, interest in reintroducing it to the wild across the UK has been shown. It has been suggested that Beaver dams could retain water in upland areas, reducing flood volumes and creating new habitats for wildlife. Currently, Beaver populations are found in a number of large enclosures in wildlife parks, as well as free-living populations around the River Tay and Knapdale areas in Scotland and the River Otter in Devon. The Knapdale population was deliberately released whilst the other populations are of unknown origin. The Beaver is a keystone species helping support the ecosystem of which they are a part. It creates wetlands which increase biodiversity and provide habitat for many rare species such as Water Voles, Otters, and Water Shrews. It coppices waterside trees and shrubs so that they regrow as dense shrubs which provide cover for birds and other animals. Beaver dams trap sediment and improve water quality and recharge groundwater tables and increase cover for trout and salmon. The Beaver has a single litter of young per year, coming into oestrus for only 12 to 24 hours between late December and May and peaking in January. Unlike most other rodents, Beaver pairs are monogamous and stay together for multiple breeding seasons. Gestation averages 107 days and litters average 3 kits with a range of 2 to 6 kits. Most Beavers do not reproduce until they are 3 years of age. Date: 12th June 2022 Location: River Otter near Otterton, Devon http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23408459.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_148711076254c20bd81f196.jpgBarnacle Goose The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 3rd January 2015 Location: Mersehead RSPB reserve, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4267117.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12771240684b52222294e9d.jpgOtter The Eurasian Otter, also known as the European Otter, Eurasian River Otter, Common Otter and Old World Otter and commonly known as the Otter, is a semi-aquatic mammal and the most widely distributed member of the Otter sub-family of the Weasel family (Mustelidae). The Otter is a typical species of the Otter sub-family and is brown above and cream below. It is 22.5 to 37.5 inches long excluding a tail of 14 to 17.5 inches. The female is shorter than the male. The Otter's average body weight is 15 to 26 pounds, although occasionally a large old male may reach up to 37 pounds. The Otter differs from the North American River Otter by its shorter neck, broader face, the greater space between the ears and its longer tail. However, it is the only Otter species in much of its range so it is rarely confused for any other animal. The Otter is the most widely distributed Otter species and its range including parts of Asia and Africa as well as being widespread across Europe. The Otter can be found throughout most of the UK with the highest densities in Scotland, especially the islands and the north west coast, Wales, parts of East Anglia and the West Country. The Otter declined across its range in the second half of the 20th century primarily due to pollution, habitat loss and hunting. However, populations are now recovering in many parts of Europe. In the UK the number of sites with an Otter presence increased by 55% between 1994 and 2002. In August 2011, the Environment Agency announced that the Otter had returned to every county in England since vanishing from every county except the West Country and parts of Northern England. The recovery of the Otter population in Europe is due to a ban on the most harmful pesticides that has been in place since 1979, improvements in water quality leading to increases in prey populations and direct legal protection under the European Union Habitats Directive and national legislation in several European countries. In general, the Otter’s varied and adaptable diet means that it can be found on any unpolluted body of fresh water, including lakes, streams, rivers and ponds, as long as the food supply is adequate. It can also be found along the coast in salt water but it requires regular access to fresh water to clean its fur. When living in the sea it is sometimes referred to as a "Sea Otter" but it should not be confused with the true Sea Otter which is a North American species much more strongly adapted to a marine existence. The Otter's diet mainly consists of fish. However, during the winter and in colder environments, fish consumption is significantly lower and other sources of food are eaten including amphibians, crustaceans, insects, birds and small mammals. Hunting mainly takes place at night whilst the day is usually spent in the Otter's holt (den). The Otter is strongly territorial and is primarily solitary. An individual's territory may vary between 1 and 25 miles with the length of the territory depending on the density of food available and the width of the water suitable for hunting (it is shorter on coasts, where the available width is much wider and longer on narrower rivers). The Otter uses its spraints to mark its territory. Territories are only held against members of the same sex so those of males and females may overlap. The Otter is a non-seasonal breeder and males and females will breed at any time of the year. It has been found that their mating season is most likely determined simply by the Otters' reproductive maturity and physiological state. Female Otters are sexually mature between 18 and 24 months old and the average age of first breeding is found to be 2.5 years old. Gestation is 60 to 64 days and after the gestation period, 1 to 4 pups are born which remain dependent on the mother for about 13 months. The male plays no direct role in parental care although the territory of a female with her pups is usually entirely within that of the male. Date: 1st January 2010 Location: Loch Scridain, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30017249.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_660108882587550fd26cb6.jpgEider The Eider is a large sea duck that is distributed over the northern coasts of Europe, north America and eastern Siberia. It breeds in the Arctic and some northern temperate regions but winters somewhat further south in temperate zones when it can form large flocks on coastal waters. The Eider is both the largest of the 4 eider species and the largest duck found in Europe and in north America (except for the Muscovy duck which only reaches north America in a wild state in southernmost Texas and south Florida). The Eider is characterized by its bulky shape and large, wedge-shaped bill. The male is unmistakable with its black and white plumage and green nape. The female is a brown bird but can still be readily distinguished from all ducks, except other eider species, on the basis of size and head shape. The drake's display call is a strange almost human-like "ah-ooo" while the duck utters hoarse quacks. The Eider dives for crustaceans and molluscs, with mussels being a favoured food. The Eider will eat mussels by swallowing them whole. The shells are then crushed in their gizzard and excreted. When eating a crab, the Eider will remove all of its claws and legs and then eat the body in a similar fashion. The Eider is abundant with populations of about 1.5 to 2 million birds in both Europe and north America and also large but unknown numbers in eastern Siberia. The Eider is a colonial breeder nesting on coastal islands in colonies ranging in size of less than 100 to upwards of 10,000 to 15,000 individuals. Female Eiders frequently exhibit a high degree of natal philopatry where they return to breed on the same island where they were hatched. This can lead to a high degree of relatedness between individuals nesting on the same island as well as the development of kin-based female social structures. This relatedness has likely played a role in the evolution of co-operative breeding behaviours amongst Eiders. Examples of these behaviours include laying eggs in the nests of related individuals and crèching where female Eiders team up and share the work of rearing ducklings. The Eider's nest is built close to the sea and is lined with the celebrated eiderdown plucked from the female's breast. This soft and warm lining has long been harvested for filling pillows and quilts but in more recent years has been largely replaced by down from domestic farm geese and synthetic alternatives. Although eiderdown pillows or quilts are now a rarity, eiderdown harvesting continues and is sustainable as it can be done after the ducklings leave the nest with no harm to the birds. This bird was part of the captive collection at WWT Slimbridge. Date: 2nd January 2017 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26008633.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12828572865635117f91d28.jpgEider The Eider is a large sea duck that is distributed over the northern coasts of Europe, north America and eastern Siberia. It breeds in the Arctic and some northern temperate regions but winters somewhat further south in temperate zones when it can form large flocks on coastal waters. The Eider is both the largest of the 4 eider species and the largest duck found in Europe and in north America (except for the Muscovy duck which only reaches north America in a wild state in southernmost Texas and south Florida). The Eider is characterized by its bulky shape and large, wedge-shaped bill. The male is unmistakable with its black and white plumage and green nape. The female is a brown bird but can still be readily distinguished from all ducks, except other eider species, on the basis of size and head shape. The drake's display call is a strange almost human-like "ah-ooo" while the duck utters hoarse quacks. The Eider dives for crustaceans and molluscs, with mussels being a favoured food. The Eider will eat mussels by swallowing them whole. The shells are then crushed in their gizzard and excreted. When eating a crab, the Eider will remove all of its claws and legs and then eat the body in a similar fashion. The Eider is abundant with populations of about 1.5 to 2 million birds in both Europe and north America and also large but unknown numbers in eastern Siberia. The Eider is a colonial breeder nesting on coastal islands in colonies ranging in size of less than 100 to upwards of 10,000 to 15,000 individuals. Female Eiders frequently exhibit a high degree of natal philopatry where they return to breed on the same island where they were hatched. This can lead to a high degree of relatedness between individuals nesting on the same island as well as the development of kin-based female social structures. This relatedness has likely played a role in the evolution of co-operative breeding behaviours amongst Eiders. Examples of these behaviours include laying eggs in the nests of related individuals and crèching where female Eiders team up and share the work of rearing ducklings. The Eider's nest is built close to the sea and is lined with the celebrated eiderdown plucked from the female's breast. This soft and warm lining has long been harvested for filling pillows and quilts but in more recent years has been largely replaced by down from domestic farm geese and synthetic alternatives. Although eiderdown pillows or quilts are now a rarity, eiderdown harvesting continues and is sustainable as it can be done after the ducklings leave the nest with no harm to the birds. Date: 4th June 2015 Location: Siglufjörður, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo27293539.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_115161245657232f3b0d88c.jpgRabbit The (European) Rabbit ranges from 13 to 20 inches in length, not counting a tail of 1.6 to 3.1 inches. It has grey/brown fur, white underparts, long ears, large hind legs and a short, white fluffy tail. As a lagomorph, it has four sharp incisors (two on top, two on bottom) that grow continuously throughout its life. The Rabbit moves move by hopping, using its long and powerful hind legs. To facilitate quick movement, the hind feet have a thick padding of fur to dampen the shock of rapid hopping. The toes are long and are webbed to keep from spreading apart as the animal jumps. The Rabbit is native to south west Europe (Spain and Portugal) and north west Africa (Morocco and Algeria). It is known as an invasive species because it has been introduced to countries on all continents, with the exception of Antarctica and sub-Saharan Africa, where it has often caused many problems within the environment and ecosystems. The Rabbit was brought to England in the 12th century by the Normans and kept in captivity in warrens as a source of meat and fur. Many escaped into the wild and eventually become so common that farming them was no longer economic. Helped by fast breeding, a diet of virtually any vegetable matter and human persecution of their predators, the Rabbit slowly established itself in the wild in the UK despite originally favouring a warmer, drier climate. It is now widespread throughout the UK but absent from the Isles of Scilly and a few smaller islands and can be found almost anywhere that it can burrow. The most suitable areas are those where the burrow area and food supply are side-by-side, such as woodland edge and hedgerows. Open warrens are maintained where good burrowing conditions exist on areas of short grass, sand dunes, railway verges and even in urban areas. It is rarely found above the tree-line and it avoids damp conditions and areas deep in conifer woodland. The Rabbit is a social animal and lives in medium-sized colonies comprising of a network of burrows known as warrens. It is largely crepuscular, being most active around dawn and dusk, although it is not infrequently seen and active during the day. During the day, it prefers to reside in vegetated patches which are used for protection from predators. The Rabbit is essentially a mixed feeder, both grazing and browsing, but grass is the primary food source. However, it has a diverse diet of grasses, leaves, buds, tree bark and roots and will also eat lettuce, cabbage, root vegetables and grains. The Rabbit is famed for its reproductive capabilities and the inspiration for the phrase "breeding like rabbits". The breeding season is mainly from January to August when 4 to 8 litters of 2 to 12 kittens are produced. The gestation period averages 31 days. The doe constructs a nest inside a burrow from grass bedding and lines it with soft fur from her chest and belly. The young kittens are born blind, deaf and almost hairless. Their eyes open at 10 days, they begin to appear at the burrow entrance at 18 days and are weaned at 21 to 25 days. They are self-supporting in one month but 90% die in the first year. Bucks are able to mate at 4 months, does at 3.5 months. Birds of prey and carnivores such as the Fox, Stoat and Weasel are the primary predators of the Rabbit. Date: 23rd April 2016 Location: Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve, Sevenoaks, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082751.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14865817615d307dcc334e2.jpgEastern Olivaceous Warbler The Eastern Olivaceous Warbler is a species of marsh warbler in the genus [i]Acrocephalus[/i]. It was formerly regarded as part of a wider "Olivaceous Warbler" species but as a result of modern taxonomic developments, it is now usually considered distinct from the Western Olivaceous Warbler. The Eastern Olivaceous Warbler is a medium-sized warbler broadly similar in appearance to the Reed Warbler. The adult has a plain pale brown back and whitish underparts. The bill is strong and pointed and the legs are grey. The plumage of the sexes is identical. It has a characteristic downward tail flick and the song is a fast nasal babbling. The Western Olivaceous Warbler differs from the Eastern Olivaceous Warbler in being larger and having a browner tinge to the upperparts. The Eastern Olivaceous Warbler breeds in dry open country with bushes or trees in south east Europe and the Middle East and a sub-species is thought to be locally common as a breeding species in south east Morocco. It is migratory and winters in sub-Saharan Africa or Arabia. It is a rare vagrant to north Europe. Like most warblers, the Eastern Olivaceous Warbler is insectivorous. Date: 24th May 2018 Location: Ivaylovgrad Reservoir near Borislavtsi, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082758.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15961625515d307dd08da18.jpgEastern Olivaceous Warbler The Eastern Olivaceous Warbler is a species of marsh warbler in the genus [i]Acrocephalus[/i]. It was formerly regarded as part of a wider "Olivaceous Warbler" species but as a result of modern taxonomic developments, it is now usually considered distinct from the Western Olivaceous Warbler. The Eastern Olivaceous Warbler is a medium-sized warbler broadly similar in appearance to the Reed Warbler. The adult has a plain pale brown back and whitish underparts. The bill is strong and pointed and the legs are grey. The plumage of the sexes is identical. It has a characteristic downward tail flick and the song is a fast nasal babbling. The Western Olivaceous Warbler differs from the Eastern Olivaceous Warbler in being larger and having a browner tinge to the upperparts. The Eastern Olivaceous Warbler breeds in dry open country with bushes or trees in south east Europe and the Middle East and a sub-species is thought to be locally common as a breeding species in south east Morocco. It is migratory and winters in sub-Saharan Africa or Arabia. It is a rare vagrant to north Europe. Like most warblers, the Eastern Olivaceous Warbler is insectivorous. Date: 24th May 2018 Location: Ivaylovgrad Reservoir near Borislavtsi, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082973.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14549975115d307ec57ec4a.jpgEgyptian Vulture The Egyptian Vulture is a small Old World vulture. The adult's plumage is white with black flight feathers in the wings. Wild birds usually appear soiled with a rusty or brown shade to the white plumage which is derived from mud or iron-rich soil. The bill is slender and long and the tip of the upper mandible is hooked. The neck feathers are long and form a hackle. The wings are pointed and the tail is wedge shaped. The contrasting underwing pattern and wedge-shaped tail make it distinctive in flight as it soars in thermals during the warmer parts of the day. The Egyptian Vulture is widely distributed across the Old World with their breeding range extending from southern Europe to northern Africa and east to western and southern Asia. Most Egyptian Vultures in the temperate zone migrate south to Africa in winter. Like many other large soaring migrants, they avoid making long crossings over water. Italian birds cross over through Sicily and into Tunisia making short sea crossings by passing through the islands of Marettimo and Pantelleria and those that migrate through the Iberian Peninsula cross into Africa over the Strait of Gibraltar while others cross further east through the Levant. The Egyptian Vulture nests mainly on rocky cliffs and in large trees. The Egyptian Vulture population has declined in most parts of their range due to hunting, accidental poisoning and collision with power lines and wind farms. Date: 25th May 2018 Location: Kovan Kaya near Madzharovo, eastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082974.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9163003015d307ec687ba9.jpgEgyptian Vulture The Egyptian Vulture is a small Old World vulture. The adult's plumage is white with black flight feathers in the wings. Wild birds usually appear soiled with a rusty or brown shade to the white plumage which is derived from mud or iron-rich soil. The bill is slender and long and the tip of the upper mandible is hooked. The neck feathers are long and form a hackle. The wings are pointed and the tail is wedge shaped. The contrasting underwing pattern and wedge-shaped tail make it distinctive in flight as it soars in thermals during the warmer parts of the day. The Egyptian Vulture is widely distributed across the Old World with their breeding range extending from southern Europe to northern Africa and east to western and southern Asia. Most Egyptian Vultures in the temperate zone migrate south to Africa in winter. Like many other large soaring migrants, they avoid making long crossings over water. Italian birds cross over through Sicily and into Tunisia making short sea crossings by passing through the islands of Marettimo and Pantelleria and those that migrate through the Iberian Peninsula cross into Africa over the Strait of Gibraltar while others cross further east through the Levant. The Egyptian Vulture nests mainly on rocky cliffs and in large trees. The Egyptian Vulture population has declined in most parts of their range due to hunting, accidental poisoning and collision with power lines and wind farms. Date: 25th May 2018 Location: Kovan Kaya near Madzharovo, eastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24902806.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_104424316555a4e662ec102.jpgRazorbill The Razorbill is a medium-sized seabird and breeds around the coast of the UK with the largest colonies in northern Scotland. They breed on rocky cliffs and among boulder scree close to the sea. Birds only come to shore to breed from March to July and they winter in the northern Atlantic. Date: 4th July 2015 Location: Bempton Cliifs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12653620.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4433013304e69cbeb4d75a.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 4th September 2011 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453948.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3510416604ff5464058f27.jpgSwallow The Barn Swallow is the most widespread species of swallow in the world. In Europe it is just called the Swallow and in Northern Europe it is the only common species called a "swallow" rather than a "martin". The male Swallow has steel blue upperparts and a rufous forehead, chin and throat which are separated from the off-white underparts by a broad dark blue breast band. The outer tail feathers are elongated to give the distinctive deeply forked "swallow tail." There is a line of white spots across the outer end of the upper tail. The female is similar in appearance to the male but the tail streamers are shorter, the blue of the upperparts and breast band is less glossy and the underparts more pale. The juvenile is browner and has a paler rufous face and whiter underparts. It also lacks the long tail streamers of the adult. The Swallow has an enormous range with an estimated global extent of 20 million square miles and a population of 190 million individuals. It breeds in the Northern Hemisphere from sea level to typically 8,900 feet but up 9,800 feet in the Caucasus and North America and it is absent only from deserts and the cold northernmost parts of the continents. Over much of its range it avoids towns and in Europe is replaced in urban areas by the House Martin. There are 6 subspecies of the Swallow which breed across the Northern Hemisphere, of which 4 are strongly migratory with their wintering grounds covering much of the Southern Hemisphere as far south as central Argentina, the Cape Province of South Africa and northern Australia. The Swallow can be found in open country with low vegetation such as pasture, meadows and farmland, preferably with nearby water. It avoids heavily wooded or precipitous areas and densely built-up locations. The presence of accessible open structures such as barns, stables or culverts to provide nesting sites and exposed locations such as wires, roof ridges or bare branches for perching are also important in the bird's selection of its breeding range. This species lives in close association with humans and its insect-eating habits mean that it is tolerated by man. This acceptance was reinforced in the past by superstitions regarding the bird and its nest. There are frequent cultural references to the Swallow in literary and religious works due to both its living in close proximity to humans and its annual migration. The Swallow is the national bird of Austria and Estonia. In winter, the Swallow is cosmopolitan in its choice of habitat, avoiding only dense forests and deserts. It is most common in open, low vegetation habitats such as savanna and ranch land. Individual birds tend to return to the same wintering locality each year and congregate from a large area to roost in reed beds. These roosts can be extremely large with one in Nigeria holding an estimated 1.5 million birds. Date: 28th April 2012 Location: Rio Almonte bridge to Monroy, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9564078.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10627068494daead269944f.jpgBlue Tit The Blue Tit is a small passerine bird in the tit family. It is easily recognisable by its generally blue and yellow plumage and its small size. The Blue Tit is about 4.7 inches long with a wingspan of 7.1 inches. It has an azure blue crown and a dark blue line passing through the eye and encircling the white cheeks to the chin, giving the bird a very distinctive appearance. The forehead and a bar on the wing are white. The nape, wings and tail are blue and the back is yellowish green. The underparts are mostly sulphur-yellow with a dark line down the abdomen. The bill is black and the legs bluish grey. The sexes are similar whilst young birds are noticeably more yellow. The Blue Tit is very agile and it can cling to the outermost branches and hang upside down when searching for food such as insects, caterpillars and seeds. The Blue Tit can be found throughout areas of the European continent with a mainly temperate or Mediterranean climate and in parts of the Middle East. In the UK it is common in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens and widespread across the whole of the country with the exception of some Scottish islands. The Blue Tit will nest in any suitable hole in a tree, wall or stump, often competing with other birds such as the House Sparrow or Great Tit for the site. In addition, it will readily accept an artificial nesting box. The same hole is returned to year after year and when one pair dies another takes possession. The nesting material is usually moss, wool, hair and feathers and the eggs are laid in April or May. The number in the clutch is often very large but 7 or 8 is normal. It is not unusual for a single bird to feed the chicks in the nest at a rate of one feed every 90 seconds during the height of the breeding season. Successful breeding is dependent on a sufficient supply of caterpillars as well as satisfactory weather. Breeding may be affected badly if the weather is cold and wet between May and July, particularly if this coincides with the emergence of the caterpillars on which the nestlings are fed. The small size of the Blue Tit makes it vulnerable to predation by larger birds and the typical lifespan is 3 years or less. The most significant predator is probably the Sparrowhawk, closely followed by the domestic cat. Nests may also be robbed by mammals such as the Weasel and Red and Grey Squirrels. Date: 05/11/06 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26056731.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1712369050563dc50469d3f.jpgHumpback Whale The Humpback Whale is a rorqual, the largest group of the baleen whales which includes the Blue Whale, the Fin Whale, the Bryde's Whale, the Sei Whale and the Minke Whale. The common name of Humpback Whale is derived from the curving of the back when diving. The generic name <i>Megaptera</i> from the Greek <i>mega</i> means "giant" and <i>ptera</i> means “wing" and refers to the large front flippers. The specific name <i>novaeangliae</i> means "New Englander" and was probably given due to the regular sightings of Humpback Whales off the coast of New England. One of the larger rorqual species, an adult Humpback Whale ranges in length from 39 to 52 feet and weighs approximately 79,000 pounds. It has a distinctive body shape with unusually long pectoral fins and a knobbly head. An acrobatic animal known for breaching and slapping the water with its tail and pectoral fins, it is popular with whale watchers The Humpback Whale can easily be identified by its stocky body with an obvious hump and black dorsal colouring. The head and lower jaw are covered with knobs called tubercles which are hair follicles and are characteristic of the species. The fluked tail, which it lifts above the surface in some dive sequences, has wavy trailing edges. The long black and white tail fin, which can be up to a third of the body length, and the pectoral fins have unique patterns which make individual whales identifiable. Several hypotheses attempt to explain the pectoral fins which are proportionally the longest fins of any cetacean. The two most enduring mention the higher manoeuverability afforded by long fins and the usefulness of the increased surface area for temperature control when migrating between warm and cold climates. The stubby dorsal fin is visible soon after the blow when the whale surfaces but disappears by the time the flukes emerge. The Humpback Whale has a 9.8 feet, heart-shaped to bushy blow or exhalation of water through the blowholes. The Humpback Whale is found in oceans and seas around the world in a wide band running from the Antarctic ice edge to 77° N latitude. It is migratory and spends summers in cooler, high-latitude waters and mates and calves in tropical and subtropical waters. Annual migrations of up to 16,000 miles are typical. The Humpback Whale social structure is loose-knit and it is not excessively social. Individuals normally live alone or in small, transient groups that disband after a few hours. Groups may stay together a little longer in summer to forage and feed cooperatively. Longer-term relationships between pairs or small groups, lasting months or even years, have rarely been observed. The Humpback Whale's range overlaps considerably with other whale and dolphin species although they rarely interact socially with them. Courtship rituals take place during the winter months following migration towards the equator from the summer feeding grounds closer to the poles. Competition is usually fierce and unrelated males frequently trail females as well as mothers with calves. Males gather into competitive groups and fight for females. Group size ebbs and flows as unsuccessful males retreat and others arrive to try their luck. Behaviours include breaching, spyhopping, lob-tailing, tail-slapping, fin-slapping, peduncle throws, charging and parrying. Whale songs are assumed to have an important role in mate selection although they may also be used between males to establish dominance. Females reach sexual maturity at the age of 5 years whilst males reach sexual maturity at approximately 7 years of age. Females typically breed every 2 or 3 years. The gestation period is 11.5 months and the peak months for birth are January, February, July, and August. Newborn calves are roughly the length of their mother's head and measure around 20 feet. They nurse for approximately 6 months and then mix nursing and independent feeding for possibly 6 months more. The Humpback Whale feeds primarily in the summer and lives off fat reserves during the winter. It feeds only rarely and opportunistically in its wintering waters. The Humpback Whale is an energetic hunter and takes krill and small schooling fish such as herring, salmon, mackerel, pollock, and haddock . It hunts by direct attack or by stunning its prey by hitting the water with its pectoral fins or tail flukes. The Humpback Whale has the most diverse feeding repertoire of all baleen whales. Its most inventive technique is known as bubble net feeding. A group of whales swims in a shrinking circle blowing bubbles below a school of prey. The shrinking ring of bubbles encircles the school and confines it in an ever-smaller cylinder. This ring can begin at up to 100 feet in diameter and involve the cooperation of a dozen animals. The whales then suddenly swim upward through the "net", mouths agape, swallowing thousands of fish in one gulp. Pleated grooves in the whale's mouth allow the creature to easily drain all the water initially taken in. Both male and female Humpback Whales vocalize but only males produce the long, loud, complex "songs" for which the species is famous. Each “song” consists of several sounds in a low register, varying in amplitude and frequency and typically lasting from 10 to 20 minutes. Cetaceans have no vocal cords so whales generate their “songs” by forcing air through their massive nasal cavities. Humpback Whales within a large area sing the same “song”. All north Atlantic Humpback Whales sing the same “song” and those of the north Pacific sing a different “song”. Each population's “song” changes slowly over a period of years. Scientists are unsure of the purpose of whale “songs”. Only males “sing”, suggesting one purpose is to attract females. However, many of the whales observed to approach a “singer” are other males, often resulting in conflict, and “singing” may therefore be a challenge to other males. Some scientists have hypothesized the song may serve an echo location function. Like other large whales, the Humpback Whale was and is a target for the whaling industry. Once hunted to the brink of extinction, its population fell by an estimated 90% before a moratorium was introduced in 1966. While stocks have since partially recovered, entanglement in fishing gear, collisions with ships and noise pollution continue to have an impact worldwide. The worldwide population is at least 80,000 with 18,000 to 20,000 in the north Pacific, about 12,000 in the north Atlantic and over 50,000 in the Southern Hemisphere, down from a pre-whaling population of 125,000. The Humpback Whale is considered "least concern" from a conservation standpoint as of 2008. This is an improvement from “vulnerable” in 1996 and “endangered” as recently as 1988. Most monitored stocks of Humpback Whales have rebounded well since the end of commercial whaling, such as the north Atlantic population where stocks are now believed to be approaching levels similar to those before hunting began. However, the species is still considered “endangered” in some countries. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Skötufjörður, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405452.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17164908906586e0ca657b7.jpgMoorhen The Moorhen is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird that is usually found near water. From a distance it looks black with a ragged white line along its body. However, closer up it is olive-brown on the back and the head and blue-grey underneath. It has a red bill with a yellow tip. The Moorhen can be found all year round almost anywhere where there is water. They breed in lowland areas particularly in central and eastern England but are scarce in northern Scotland and the uplands of Wales and northern England. UK breeding birds are residents and seldom travel far. Date: 9th October 2023 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084044.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10855242715d3083a74f2a9.jpgEuropean Bee-eater The European Bee-eater is an incredibly colourful bird with an unmistakable appearance. In breeding plumage, it has a rich chestnut crown that blends into gold on its back. The forehead is white, the throat is yellow bordered by black and the underparts are blue. The male European Bee-eater has a chestnut-coloured patch in the middle of the wing while in females this patch is usually smaller or even absent. Occasionally, females may also be distinguished from the males by having a green back. The wings and backs of juvenile European Bee-eaters are entirely green and the eyes are brown in contrast to the bright red eyes of adults. The European Bee-eater breeds in southern Europe and in parts of north Africa and western Asia. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, India and Sri Lanka. European Bee-eaters are occasionally seen in northern Europe (including the UK) as a spring overshoot north of its range with occasional breeding occurring. Just as the name suggests, the European Bee-eater predominantly eats insects, especially bees, wasps and hornets which are caught in the air by sorties from an open perch. Before eating its meal, a European Bee-eater removes the sting by repeatedly hitting the insect on a hard surface. Lizards and frogs are also taken. European Bee-eaters are gregarious, nesting colonially in sandy banks preferably near river shores and also feeding and roosting communally. Date: 29th May 2018 Location: near Melnik, Blagoevgrad Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084045.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2672060185d3083b370310.jpgEuropean Bee-eater The European Bee-eater is an incredibly colourful bird with an unmistakable appearance. In breeding plumage, it has a rich chestnut crown that blends into gold on its back. The forehead is white, the throat is yellow bordered by black and the underparts are blue. The male European Bee-eater has a chestnut-coloured patch in the middle of the wing while in females this patch is usually smaller or even absent. Occasionally, females may also be distinguished from the males by having a green back. The wings and backs of juvenile European Bee-eaters are entirely green and the eyes are brown in contrast to the bright red eyes of adults. The European Bee-eater breeds in southern Europe and in parts of north Africa and western Asia. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, India and Sri Lanka. European Bee-eaters are occasionally seen in northern Europe (including the UK) as a spring overshoot north of its range with occasional breeding occurring. Just as the name suggests, the European Bee-eater predominantly eats insects, especially bees, wasps and hornets which are caught in the air by sorties from an open perch. Before eating its meal, a European Bee-eater removes the sting by repeatedly hitting the insect on a hard surface. Lizards and frogs are also taken. European Bee-eaters are gregarious, nesting colonially in sandy banks preferably near river shores and also feeding and roosting communally. Date: 29th May 2018 Location: near Melnik, Blagoevgrad Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084047.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13676390355d3083b970bbe.jpgEuropean Bee-eater The European Bee-eater is an incredibly colourful bird with an unmistakable appearance. In breeding plumage, it has a rich chestnut crown that blends into gold on its back. The forehead is white, the throat is yellow bordered by black and the underparts are blue. The male European Bee-eater has a chestnut-coloured patch in the middle of the wing while in females this patch is usually smaller or even absent. Occasionally, females may also be distinguished from the males by having a green back. The wings and backs of juvenile European Bee-eaters are entirely green and the eyes are brown in contrast to the bright red eyes of adults. The European Bee-eater breeds in southern Europe and in parts of north Africa and western Asia. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, India and Sri Lanka. European Bee-eaters are occasionally seen in northern Europe (including the UK) as a spring overshoot north of its range with occasional breeding occurring. Just as the name suggests, the European Bee-eater predominantly eats insects, especially bees, wasps and hornets which are caught in the air by sorties from an open perch. Before eating its meal, a European Bee-eater removes the sting by repeatedly hitting the insect on a hard surface. Lizards and frogs are also taken. European Bee-eaters are gregarious, nesting colonially in sandy banks preferably near river shores and also feeding and roosting communally. Date: 29th May 2018 Location: near Melnik, Blagoevgrad Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084055.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6298277355d30852e876cd.jpgEastern Olivaceous Warbler The Eastern Olivaceous Warbler is a species of marsh warbler in the genus Acrocephalus. It was formerly regarded as part of a wider "Olivaceous Warbler" species but as a result of modern taxonomic developments, it is now usually considered distinct from the Western Olivaceous Warbler. The Eastern Olivaceous Warbler is a medium-sized warbler broadly similar in appearance to the Reed Warbler. The adult has a plain pale brown back and whitish underparts. The bill is strong and pointed and the legs are grey. The plumage of the sexes is identical. It has a characteristic downward tail flick and the song is a fast nasal babbling. The Western Olivaceous Warbler differs from the Eastern Olivaceous Warbler in being larger and having a browner tinge to the upperparts. The Eastern Olivaceous Warbler breeds in dry open country with bushes or trees in south east Europe and the Middle East and a sub-species is thought to be locally common as a breeding species in south east Morocco. It is migratory and winters in sub-Saharan Africa or Arabia. It is a rare vagrant to north Europe. Like most warblers, the Eastern Olivaceous Warbler is insectivorous. Date: 30th May 2018 Location: near Porominovo, Kyustendil Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45182251.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9372342376235c38a16f37.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 21st January 2022 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084072.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6819278035d30856cc7554.jpgRila Mountains, Kyustendil Province, Bulgaria The Rila Mountains are a mountain range in south west Bulgaria and constitute the highest mountain range in the country and the Balkans. It is the sixth highest mountain range in Europe after the Caucasus, the Alps, the Sierra Nevada, the Pyrenees and Mount Etna and the highest one between the Alps and the Caucasus. The Rila Mountains are spread over an area of 1015 square miles with an average altitude of 4879 feet. Musala is its highest peak at 9596 feet. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rila-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rila Mountains have abundant water resources and some of the Balkans' longest and deepest rivers originate here including the longest river entirely in the Balkans, the River Maritsa, and the longest river entirely in Bulgaria, the River Iskar. Bulgaria's main water divide separating the Black Sea and the Aegean Sea drainage systems follows the main ridge of the Rila Mountains. The mountain range is dotted with almost 200 glacial lakes such as the renowned Seven Rila Lakes. It is also rich in hot springs in the fault areas at the foothills including the hottest spring in south east Europe in Sapareva Banya. The Rila Mountains have typical layers of montane habitat ranging from river and stream valleys at lower altitudes to mixed deciduous woodland, coniferous forests and Alpine meadows and lakes at higher altitudes and finally to rocky ridges and bare rugged peaks. The biodiversity and the pristine landscapes are protected by the Rila National Park which is among the largest and most valuable protected areas in Europe. It is the largest national park in Bulgaria covering an area of 313 square miles and it was established in February 1992 to protect several ecosystems of national importance. Its altitude varies from 2600 feet near Blagoevgrad to 9596 feet at the peak of Musala. It occupies territory from 4 of the 28 provinces of the country (Sofia, Kyustendil, Blagoevgrad and Pazardzhik) and it includes 4 nature reserves (Parangalitsa, Central Rila Reserve, Ibar and Skakavitsa). The Rila National Park falls within the Rodope montane mixed forests terrestrial eco-region of the Palearctic temperate broadleaf and mixed forest. Forests occupy 206.5 square miles or 66% of the total area. The Rila Mountains also contain the Rila Monastery Nature Park which is among the largest nature parks in Bulgaria covering an area of 97.5 square miles at an altitude between 2460 and 8901 feet. It was established in 1992 as part of the newly founded Rila National Park. In 2000 some territory of the Rila National Park was re-assigned to the Rila Monastery Nature Park and was recategorized as a nature park because by law all lands in national parks are exclusively state owned. Today most of the Rila Monastery Nature Park is owned by the Rila Monastery. The Rila Monastery Nature Park includes one nature reserve, namely the Rila Monastery Forest with an area of 14 square miles or 14% of its total area. The most recognisable landmark in the Rila Mountains is the Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila, better known as the Rila Monastery. This is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria and is situated in the deep valley of the River Rilska River within the Rila Monastery Nature Park at a height of 3763 feet. The monastery is named after its founder, the hermit Ivan of Rila (876 to 946 AD) and houses around 60 monks. Founded in the 10th century, the Rila Monastery is regarded as one of Bulgaria's most important cultural, historical and architectural monuments and is a key tourist attraction for both Bulgaria and south Europe. Due to its outstanding cultural and spiritual value it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. The Rila Mountains are also a popular destination for hiking, winter sports and spa tourism, hosting the nation's oldest ski resort at Borovets as well as numerous hiking trails. Date: 30th May 2018 Location: Kocherinovo-Stob area, Kyustendil Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37190309.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17479340325c2a133a435d2.jpgAssynt mountains, Highland [i]"Glaciers, grinding West, gouged out these valleys, rasping the brown sandstone, and left, on the hard rock below — the ruffled foreland — this frieze of mountains, filed on the blue air — Stac Polly, Cul Beag, Cul Mor, Suilven, Canisp — a frieze and a litany."[/i] [b]Norman McCaig[/b] – [i]“A Man in Assynt”[/i] A classic view of Canisp, Suilven, Cul Mor and Cul Beag. Date: 24th June 2018 Location: view from the B869 road near Achmelvich http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084914.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13494596065d3089a810d75.jpgPiatra Craiului Mountains, Brașov County, Romania The Piatra Craiului Mountains are a mountain range in the Southern Carpathians in central Romania. It forms a narrow and saw-like ridge which is about 16 miles long. Vârful La Om is the highest peak at 7343 feet. The ridge is regarded as one of the most impressive and beautiful sites in the Carpathian Mountians and the views both towards and from the mountains are superb. The whole range is included in the Piatra Craiului National Park. The first protection of this area started in 1938 when 2 square miles were declared as a nature reserve. This has been progressively extended and in 1990 it became a national park covering an area of 38 square miles. In 2003 the external limits and internal zoning were created. Since 1999 a park administration has existed with a visitor centre located on the minor road 0.6 miles west of Zărnești and since 2005 a management plan has been in place. Piatra Craiului National Park supports and protects an abundance and diversity of mammals (including Brown Bear, Wolf and Lynx), birds and plants. Zărneşti is the most important town for visiting the Piatra Craiului Mountains and the Piatra Craiului National Park. The town is located 17 miles south west of the city of Brașov. From Zărnești, a 7 mile long minor road runs west and ends at Cabana Plaiul Foii which is a good starting point for climbing the ridge. In addition, a forest road starts from the south west of Zărneşti which leads to the Zărneştilor Gorge and continues up to the ridge. The traditional villages of Măgura, Peştera, Ciocanu and Şirnea are starting points for routes up to the eastern slopes. Măgura, situated at 3281 feet, is one of Romania’s most picturesque villages and it provides stunning views towards the Bucegi Mountains and the Piatra Craiului Mountains. Date: 6th June 2018 Location: Piatra Craiului Mountains from the Zărnești to Cabana Plaiul Foii road, Brașov County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39085039.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5964918875d3089f88336f.jpgBran Castle, Bran, Brașov County, Romania Bran Castle (Castelul Bran) is a historic monument and landmark situated in central Romania. It is located at the top of a 200 feet high rock in Bran near the city of Brașov and on the Transylvanian side of the historical border with Wallachia. Built on the site of a Teutonic Knights stronghold dating from 1212, Bran Castle was first documented in an act issued in November 1377 which gave the Saxons of Kronstadt (Brașov) the privilege to build it. From 1920 to 1948 Bran Castle served as a royal residence, a gift of the people of Brașov to Queen Marie of Romania. The castle is now a museum open to tourists and displays art and furniture collected by Queen Marie. Narrow winding stairways lead through some 60 timbered rooms, many connected by underground passages, which house collections of furniture, weapons and armour dating from the 14th to the 19th centuries. Bran Castle owes its fame to its imposing towers and turrets as well as to the myth created around Dracula. Commonly known outside Romania as "Dracula's Castle" (although it is one among several locations linked to the Dracula legend), it is often erroneously referred to as the home of the title character in Bram Stoker's novel "[i]Dracula[/i]". There is no evidence that Stoker knew anything about this castle which has only tangential associations with Vlad the Impaler, voivode (ruler) of Wallachia, the putative inspiration for Dracula. Stoker's description of Dracula's crumbling fictional castle also bears no resemblance to Bran Castle. Date: 6th June 2018 Location: Bran, Brașov County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51982682.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_192832507466d33d1f18d9e.jpgAzure Damselfly Flight period: May to August The Azure Damselfly is one of the two commonest blue damselflies and is a common and widespread species of lowland UK. They can be found around most standing water, preferring small, sheltered sites including ditches and garden ponds. Date: 19th July 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40755816.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14747753435e20446a414b2.jpgLapwings The Northern Lapwing, also known as the peewit, pewit, tuit or tew-it (imitative of its cry), Green Plover (emphasising the colour of the plumage) or (in the UK) just Lapwing (which refers to its peculiar, erratic way of flying), is a bird in the lapwing family. The Lapwing has rounded wings and a crest. It is also the shortest-legged of the lapwing species. It is mainly black and white but the back is tinted green. The male has a long crest and a black crown, throat and breast contrasting with an otherwise white face. Females and young birds have shorter crests and have less strongly marked heads but plumages are otherwise quite similar. The Lapwing is a vocal bird in the breeding season with constant calling as the crazed tumbling display flight is performed by the male. The typical contact call is a loud, shrill "pee-wit" from which they get their other name of peewit. The Lapwing is common through temperate Eurasia and breeds on cultivated land and other short vegetation habitats. The ground scrape nest and young are defended noisily and aggressively against all intruders. It is highly migratory over most of its extensive range, wintering further south as far as north Africa, north India, Pakistan and parts of China. It migrates mainly by day, often in large flocks. Lowland breeders in the westernmost areas of Europe are resident. In winter, it forms huge flocks on open land, particularly arable land and mud-flats. In the UK, the Lapwing has suffered a significant decline in the last 25 years and is an Amber List species because of the importance of its UK wintering population. It breeds on farmland throughout the UK, particularly in lowland areas of north England, the Borders and east Scotland, and prefers fields of spring sown cereals and root crops, permanent unimproved pasture, meadows and fallow fields but also wet grassland and marshes. During the winter, the Lapwing can be seen on flooded grassland, estuaries, coastal wetlands, short grassy fields and ploughed fields. In addition to the UK population, large numbers of north European birds arrive in the autumn for the winter. The Lapwing feeds primarily on insects and other small invertebrates. It often feeds in mixed flocks with Golden Plovers and Black-headed Gulls, the latter often robbing the plovers, but providing a degree of protection against predators. Date: 10th December 2019 Location: Balgzandpolder near Den Helder, Noord-Holland, Netherlands http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41187482.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10636293975ea6dfe6dd9e4.jpgCanada Goose The Canada Goose belongs to the Branta genus of geese which contains species with largely black plumage distinguishing it from the grey species of the genus Anser. The black head and neck with a white "chinstrap" distinguish the Canada Goose from all other goose species with the exception of the Cackling Goose from north America and the Barnacle Goose which has a black breast and grey rather than brownish body plumage. The 7 sub-species of the Canada Goose vary widely in size and plumage details but all are recognizable as Canada Geese. Of the "true geese" (i.e. the genera Anser, Branta or Chen), the Canada Goose is on average the largest living species. It ranges from 30 to 43 inches in length and with a 50 to 73 inches wingspan. The male usually weighs 5.7 to 14.3 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 8.6 pounds. The female looks virtually identical but is slightly lighter at 5.3 to 12.1 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 7.9 pounds. It is also generally 10% smaller in linear dimensions than the male. The Canada Goose is native to north America where it breeds in Canada and the north USA in a wide range of habitats. The Great Lakes region maintains a very large population. It occurs all year round in the southern part of its breeding range, including most of the eastern seaboard and the Pacific coast. Between California and South Carolina in the south USA and north Mexico, it is primarily present as a migrant from further north during the winter. Outside north America, the Canada Goose has reached north Europe naturally as has been proved by ringing recoveries. It has also been introduced in to Europe and had established populations in the UK in the middle of the 18th century, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany and Scandinavia. Most European populations are not migratory but those in more northerly parts of Sweden and Finland migrate to the North Sea and Baltic coasts. Semi-tame feral birds are common in parks and have become a pest in some areas. In the early 17th century, explorer Samuel de Champlain sent several pairs of Canada Geese to France as a present for King Louis XIII. Canada Geese were first introduced in to the UK in the late 17th century as an addition to King James II's waterfowl collection in St. James's Park. They were also introduced in to Germany and Scandinavia during the 20th century. During the second year of its life, the Canada Goose finds a mate. It is a monogamous species and most couples stay together all of their lives. If one dies, the other may find a new mate. The female lays from 2 to 9 eggs with an average of 5. Both parents protect the nest while the eggs incubate but the female spends more time at the nest than the male. The nest is usually located in an elevated area near water such as streams, lakes and ponds and the eggs are laid in a shallow depression lined with plant material and down. The incubation period, in which the female incubates the eggs while the male remains nearby, lasts for 24 to 28 days after laying. As soon as the goslings hatch, they are immediately capable of walking, swimming and finding their own food (a diet similar to the adults). Parents are often seen leading their goslings in a line, usually with one adult at the front and the other at the back. While protecting their goslings, parents often violently chase away anything from small birds to lone humans who approach, after warning them by giving off a hissing sound and then attacking with bites and slaps of the wings if the threat does not retreat. Although parents are hostile to unfamiliar geese, they may form groups (crèches) of a number of goslings and a few adults. The goslings enter the fledgling stage any time from 6 to 9 weeks of age. Once it reaches adulthood, due to its large size and often aggressive behaviour, the Canada Goose is rarely preyed on although prior injury may make it more vulnerable to natural predators. The lifespan in the wild of birds that survive to adulthood ranges from 10 to 24 years. The UK longevity record is held by a specimen tagged as a nestling which was observed alive at the age of 31. The Canada Goose is primarily a herbivore although it will sometimes eat small insects and fish. Their diet includes grasses, aquatic plants, beans and grains such as wheat, rice, and corn when they are available. In urban areas, it is also known to pick food out of rubbish bins and it will readily take a variety of food from humans in parks. Date: 26th April 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4466072.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3839376574b8a2476e37b9.jpg http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28887478.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_206104959457cc40713b3f9.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 10th May 2016 Location: Puise, Matsalu National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082323.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16337773145d307be929db2.jpgCormorants The (Great) Cormorant is a widespread member of the cormorant and shag family [i] Phalacrocoracidae[/i]. There is a wide variation in size in the species' wide range and males are typically larger and heavier than females. It has a predominantly black plumage but the adult has white patches on the thighs and throat and a yellow throat during the breeding season. In Europe it can be distinguished from the Shag by its larger size, heavier build, thicker bill, lack of a crest and plumage without any green tinge. The (Great) Cormorant is a very common and widespread bird and it breeds in much of the Old World and the Atlantic coast of north America. It feeds on the sea, in estuaries and on freshwater lakes and rivers. Northern birds migrate south and winter along any coast that is well-supplied with fish. The (Great) Cormorant is found around the UK coastline on rocky shores, coastal lagoons and estuaries and it is increasingly seen inland at reservoirs, lakes and gravel pits. The UK holds internationally important wintering numbers. The (Great) Cormorant mainly nests in colonies near wetlands, rivers and sheltered inshore waters. Pairs will use the same nest site to breed year after year. It builds its nest, which is made mainly from sticks, in trees, on the ledges of cliffs and on the ground on rocky islands that are free of predators. The female lays 3 to 5 eggs which are incubated for a period of about 28 to 31 days. The (Great) Cormorant feeds on fish caught through diving and it will consume all fish of appropriate size that they are able to catch. Many fishermen see the (Great) Cormorant a competitor for fish. Because of this, it was nearly hunted to extinction in the past. Due to conservation efforts, its numbers increased although this has once again brought it in to conflict with fisheries. In the UK, where inland breeding was once uncommon, there are now increasing numbers of birds and many inland fish farms and fisheries now claim to be suffering high losses. In the UK each year, some licences are issued to cull specified numbers in order to help reduce predation although it is still illegal to kill a bird without such a licence. Date: 22nd May 2018 Location: BSPB Poda Protected Area, Burgas Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28102061.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_153259496257779c1416c36.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include [url=http://www.gigrin.co.uk/]Gigrin Farm feeding centre[/url] near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 12th June 2016 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40755783.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6946388995e2043b82932b.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle Goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 8th December 2019 Location: Workum area, Friesland, Netherlands http://www.richardchewphotography.com/sandfjord-varanger-peninsula-finnmark-norway https://images.on-this.website/4752_164931474bf6e19c46ed4.jpgSandfjord, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway Date: 14th April 2010 Location: view from road 890 between Kongsfjord and Berlevåg, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41389708.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6442123755f26961a0833c.jpgKittiwakes The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 1st July 2019 Location: Vardø, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31192340.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_994667718591823f47c3e99.54711832.jpgCommon Redstart The Common Redstart, or often simply Redstart, is a small passerine bird. Like its relatives, it was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family but it is now known to be an Old World flycatcher. The Common Redstart shows some affinity to the Robin in many of its habits and actions. It has the same general carriage and chat-like behaviour and it is the same length but slightly slimmer and not quite as heavy. The orange-red tail, from which it and other redstarts get their names ("start" is an old word for "tail"), is frequently quivered. Among common European birds, only the Black Redstart has a similarly coloured tail. In summer, the male Common Redstart has a slate-grey head and upperparts, except the rump and tail, which, like the flanks, underwing coverts and axillaries, are orange-chestnut. The forehead is white and the sides of the face and throat are black. The wings and the two central tail feathers are brown and the other tail feathers are bright orange-red. The orange on the flanks shades to almost white on the belly. The bill and legs are black. In autumn, pale feather fringes on the body feathering obscures the colours of the male and gives it a washed-out appearance. The female is browner with paler underparts and it lacks the black and slate head. The Common Redstart is a summer visitor throughout most of Europe and west Asia (east to Lake Baikal) and also in north west Africa in Morocco. It can be found in open mature birch and oak woodland with low amounts of shrub and understorey especially where the trees are old enough to have holes suitable for its nest. It prefers to nest on the edge of woodland clearings in natural tree holes so dead trees or those with dead limbs are beneficial to it. It also nests in mature open conifer woodland, particularly in the north of the breeding range, and nestboxes are sometimes used. In the UK, the Common Redstart occurs primarily in broadleaf woodlands in upland areas in the north and west with the greatest concentrations in Wales. Further east in Europe it also commonly occurs in lowland areas including parks and old gardens in urban areas. The Common Redstart winters in central Africa and Arabia, south of the Sahara Desert but north of the Equator and from Senegal east to Yemen. It first arrives in its breeding areas in early to mid April, the males often a few days in advance of the females. Following breeding, return migration to Africa occurs between mid August and early October. The Common Redstart is insectivorous and eats a wide variety of small insects and spiders but additionally fruit and berries in the autumn. It often feeds like a flycatcher and makes aerial sallies after passing insects. Date: 8th May 2017 Location: Gilfach RWT reserve, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41424169.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9051943535f2a9bcd55bc2.jpgSvartnes harbour, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Svartnes is a small village and port on the Varanger peninsula in Troms og Finnmark in the extreme north east of Norway. It is located on the mainland across the Bussesundet strait from the island of Vardøya and the town of Vardø. The European route E75 runs through Svartnes just before entering the Vardø Tunnel which goes under the strait and connects to the town of Vardø. Svartnes has a large harbour and port which is protected by a large breakwater. The harbour often holds large numbers of gulls and, in winter, large flocks of sea ducks. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Svartnes harbour, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26540682.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_157706893256ace6255f95c.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 31st December 2015 Location: Winterton-Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9563856.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18396845114daea9551e1f3.jpgBlue Tit The Blue Tit is a small passerine bird in the tit family. It is easily recognisable by its generally blue and yellow plumage and its small size. The Blue Tit is about 4.7 inches long with a wingspan of 7.1 inches. It has an azure blue crown and a dark blue line passing through the eye and encircling the white cheeks to the chin, giving the bird a very distinctive appearance. The forehead and a bar on the wing are white. The nape, wings and tail are blue and the back is yellowish green. The underparts are mostly sulphur-yellow with a dark line down the abdomen. The bill is black and the legs bluish grey. The sexes are similar whilst young birds are noticeably more yellow. The Blue Tit is very agile and it can cling to the outermost branches and hang upside down when searching for food such as insects, caterpillars and seeds. The Blue Tit can be found throughout areas of the European continent with a mainly temperate or Mediterranean climate and in parts of the Middle East. In the UK it is common in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens and widespread across the whole of the country with the exception of some Scottish islands. The Blue Tit will nest in any suitable hole in a tree, wall or stump, often competing with other birds such as the House Sparrow or Great Tit for the site. In addition, it will readily accept an artificial nesting box. The same hole is returned to year after year and when one pair dies another takes possession. The nesting material is usually moss, wool, hair and feathers and the eggs are laid in April or May. The number in the clutch is often very large but 7 or 8 is normal. It is not unusual for a single bird to feed the chicks in the nest at a rate of one feed every 90 seconds during the height of the breeding season. Successful breeding is dependent on a sufficient supply of caterpillars as well as satisfactory weather. Breeding may be affected badly if the weather is cold and wet between May and July, particularly if this coincides with the emergence of the caterpillars on which the nestlings are fed. The small size of the Blue Tit makes it vulnerable to predation by larger birds and the typical lifespan is 3 years or less. The most significant predator is probably the Sparrowhawk, closely followed by the domestic cat. Nests may also be robbed by mammals such as the Weasel and Red and Grey Squirrels. Date: 4th January 2009 Location: Dungeness RSPB reserve, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28884430.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_41742998557cc2056ec948.jpgIlmatsalu, Estonia Ilmatsalu is an area of fishponds, meadows and woods along the Ilmatsalu river just north west of Tartu. Date: 18th May 2016 Location: Ilmatsalu, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28887557.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_90009103857cc41090bc8f.jpgArctic Tern The Arctic Tern is a seabird of the tern family. The adult plumage is grey above with a black nape and crown and white cheeks. The upperwings are pale grey with the area near the wingtip being translucent. The tail is white and the underparts pale grey. The beak is dark red as are the short legs and webbed feet. Like most terns, the Arctic Tern has high aspect ratio wings and a tail with a deep fork and long tail streamers. Both sexes are similar in appearance. The winter plumage is similar but the crown is whiter and the bills are darker. Juveniles differ from adults having black bill and legs, "scaly" appearing wings and mantle with dark feather tips, dark carpal wing bar and short tail streamers. During their first summer, juveniles also have a whiter forecrown. Whilst the Arctic Tern is similar to the Common and the Roseate Tern, its colouring, profile and call are slightly different. Compared to the Common Tern, it has a longer tail and mono-coloured bill, whilst the main differences from the Roseate Tern are its slightly darker colour and longer wings. The Arctic Tern has a circumpolar breeding distribution covering the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of Europe, Asia and north America. It is strongly migratory and sees 2 summers each year and more daylight than any other creature on the planet. It migrates along a convoluted route from its northern summer breeding grounds to the northern edge of the Antarctic coast for the southern summer and back again about 6 months later. Recent studies have shown average annual roundtrip lengths of 25000 to 50000 miles depending on the route taken and weather and wind conditions. The Arctic Tern is a long-lived bird with many reaching 30 years of age and based on this average it will travel some 1.5 million miles during its lifetime. This is by far the longest migration known in the animal kingdom. Breeding takes place in colonies on coasts, islands and occasionally inland on tundra near water. The Arctic Tern often forms mixed colonies with the Common Tern and Sandwich Tern. As it nests on the ground, the Arctic Tern is vulnerable to predation but it is one of the most aggressive terns and it is fiercely defensive of its nest and young. It will attack humans and large predators, usually striking the top or back of the head. Although it is too small to cause serious injury, it is still capable of drawing blood and repelling many raptorial birds and smaller mammalian predators such as foxes and cats. Other nesting birds, such as auks, often incidentally benefit from the protection provided by nesting in an area defended by Arctic Terns. The diet of the Arctic Tern varies depending on location and time but it usually eats small fish or marine crustaceans by dipping down to the surface of the water to catch prey. While feeding, skuas, gulls and other tern species will often harass the birds and steal their food. Date: 10th May 2016 Location: Puise, Matsalu National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52518210.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21109448867545313779d2.jpgCommon Buzzard The Common Buzzard is a member of the genus Buteo and the family Accipitridae, a group of medium-sized raptors with robust bodies and broad wings. The Buteo species of Eurasia and Africa are usually commonly referred to as buzzards whilst those in the Americas are called hawks. Under current classification, the genus Buteo includes approximately 28 species. The Common Buzzard includes between 7 to 16 sub-species and the western Buteo group includes Buteo buteo buteo which is found more or less continuously throughout Europe including the UK. The Common Buzzard is a medium-sized raptor that is highly variable in plumage. It is distinctly round headed with a somewhat slender bill and it has relatively long wings that either reach or fall slightly short of the tail tip when perched, a fairly short tail and somewhat short and mainly bare tarsi. It can appear fairly compact in overall appearance but may also appear large relative to other commoner raptors such as the Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. The Common Buzzard measures between 16 and 23 inches in length with a 3 feet 7 inches to 4 feet 7 inches wingspan. Females average about 2 to 7% larger than males in length and weigh about 15% more. Body mass can show considerable variation from 0.94 to 2.6 pounds in males and 1.07 to 3.02 pounds in females. In Europe, the Common Buzzard is typically dark brown above and on the upperside of the head and mantle but this can become paler and warmer brown with worn plumage. Usually the tail will be narrowly barred grey-brown and dark brown with a pale tip and a broad dark subterminal band but the tail in the palest birds can show a varying amount of white and a reduced sub-terminal band or even appear almost all white. The underside colouring can be variable but typically shows a brown-streaked white throat with a somewhat darker chest. A pale U across the breast is often present followed by a pale line running down the belly which separates the dark areas on the breast side and flanks. These pale areas tend to have highly variable markings that form irregular bars. Juveniles are quite similar to adults and are best told apart by having a paler eye, a narrower sub-terminal band on the tail and underside markings that appear as streaks rather than bars. Beyond the typical mid-range brownish Common Buzzard, birds in Europe can range from almost uniform black-brown above to mainly white. Extreme dark individuals may range from chocolate-brown to blackish with almost no pale colour showing but with a variable or faded U on the breast and with or without faint lighter brown throat streaks. Extreme pale individuals are largely whitish with variable widely spaced streaks or arrowheads of light brown about the mid-chest and flanks and may or may not show dark feather-centres on the head, wing-coverts and sometimes all but part of the mantle. Individuals can show nearly endless variation of colours and hues in between these extremes and the Common Buzzard is among the most variably plumaged diurnal raptors for this reason. The Common Buzzard is often confused with other raptors especially in flight or at a distance including other Buteo species such as Rough-legged Buzzard and Long-legged Buzzard and also Honey Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, Golden Eagle, Booted Eagle and Short-toed Eagle. The Common Buzzard is found throughout several islands in the eastern Atlantic islands, including the Canary Islands and the Azores, and almost throughout Europe. In the UK, it is found in Northern Ireland and in nearly every part of Scotland and England. In mainland Europe, there are no substantial gaps in the range from Portugal and Spain to Greece, Estonia, Belarus and the Ukraine, although it is present mainly only in the breeding season in much of the eastern half of the latter 3 countries. It is also present in all larger Mediterranean islands such as Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily and Crete. Further north in to Scandinavia, it is found mainly in south Norway, the southern half of Sweden and in the southern two-thirds of Finland. The Common Buzzard reaches its northern limit as a breeder in far eastern Finland and over the border in to European Russia and nearly to the Kola Peninsula. In these northern limits, the Common Buzzard is present typically only in summer. The Common Buzzard generally inhabits the interface of woodlands and open ground and typically lives in forest edge, small broad-leaved, coniferous or mixed woodlands with adjacent grassland, arable fields or other farmland and open moorland as long as there are some trees. It is absent from treeless tundra and sporadic or rare in treeless steppe. The Common Buzzard can be found from sea level to elevations of 6600 feet although it breeds mostly below 3300 feet. It can winter to an elevation of 8200 feet and migrates easily at 14,800 feet. The Common Buzzard is a partial migrant. Autumn and spring movements are subject to extensive variation, even down to the individual level, based on a region's food resources, competition (both from other Common Buzzards and other predators), the extent of human disturbance and weather conditions. Short distance movements are the norm for juveniles and some adults in autumn and winter but more adults in central and south Europe and the UK remain in their year-around areas than do not. The Common Buzzard is a typical Buteo in much of its behaviour. It is most often seen effortlessly soaring for extended periods at varying heights although it can appear laborious and heavy in level flight. It is also often seen perched prominently on tree tops, bare branches, telegraph poles, fence posts, rocks or ledges or alternatively well inside the tree canopy. It will also stand and forage on the ground. The Common Buzzard is a generalist predator which hunts a wide variety of prey given the opportunity. The prey extents to a wide variety of vertebrates including mammals, birds (from any age from eggs to adult birds), reptiles, amphibians and fish as well as to various invertebrates, mostly insects. In total, well over 300 prey species are known to be taken by the Common Buzzard. However, dietary studies have shown that it mostly preys upon small mammals, mainly small rodents. Furthermore, prey size can vary from tiny beetles, caterpillars and ants to large adult grouse and Rabbits up to nearly twice their body mass. At times, the Common Buzzard will also subsist partially on carrion, usually of dead mammals or fish. Hunting in relatively open areas has been found to increase hunting success whereas more complete shrub cover lowered success. A majority of prey is taken by dropping from a perch and is normally taken on the ground. Prey may also be hunted in a low flight, by random glides or soars or by foraging on the ground. The home range of the Common Buzzard is generally 0.19 to 0.77 square miles and the size of the breeding territory seems to be correlated with food supply. The territory is maintained through flight displays and in Europe territorial behaviour usually starts in February. However, displays are not uncommon throughout the year in resident pairs, especially by males, and can elicit similar displays by their neighbours. In the display, the Common Buzzard generally engages in high circling, spiraling upward on slightly raised wings. Mutual high circling by pairs sometimes goes on at length, especially during the period prior to or during breeding season. During the mutual displays, the male may engage in exaggerated deep flapping or zig-zag tumbling, apparently in response to the female being too distant. Several pairs may circle together at times and as many as 14 individual adults have been recorded over established display sites. Sky-dancing by the Common Buzzard has been recorded in spring and autumn, typically by the male but sometimes by the female, nearly always with much calling. Sky-dances are of the rollercoaster type, with an upward sweep of up to 100 feet until the bird starts start to stall but sometimes embellished with loops or rolls at the top. Next in the sky-dance, the bird will dive at least 200 feet on more or less closed wings before spreading them and shooting up again. These sky-dances may be repeated in series of 10 to 20. In the climax of the sky-dance, the undulations become progressively shallower, often slowing and terminating directly on to a perch. Various other aerial displays include low contour flight or weaving among trees, frequently with deep beats and exaggerated upstrokes which show underwing pattern to rivals perched below. Talon grappling and occasionally cartwheeling downward with feet interlocked has also been recorded. The Common Buzzard tends to build a bulky nest of sticks, twigs and often heather and lined with broad-leaved foliage. Nests are up to 3.3 to 3.9 feet across and 24 inches deep. With reuse over years, the diameter of a nest can reach or exceed 5 feet. Trees are generally used for a nesting location but crags or cliffs are used if trees are unavailable. Nests in trees are usually located by the main trunk at a height of around 10 to 82 feet. Pairs often have 2 to 4 nests in a territory but some pairs may use a single nest over several consecutive years. The breeding season of the Common Buzzard commences at differing times based on latitude. It may fall as early as January to April but typically it is March to July in most of Europe. In the northern limits of the range the breeding season may occur from May to August. Mating usually occurs on or near the nest and eggs are usually laid in 2 to 3 day intervals. The clutch size can range from to 2 to 6 and it appears that local factors such as habitat and food supply are relevant. Eggs are generally laid in late March to early April in the extreme south, sometime in April in most of Europe and in to May and possibly even early June in the extreme north. If eggs are lost to a predator or fail in some other way, replacement clutches are not usually laid although this has been recorded. Incubation lasts for 33 to 35 days and is mostly, but not solely, undertaken by the female. Hatching may take place over 3 to 7 days. Often the youngest nestling dies from starvation, especially in broods of 3 or more. The female remains at the nest brooding the young in the early stages with the male bringing all prey. At about 8 to 12 days, both the male and female will bring prey but the female continues to do all feeding until the young can tear up their own prey. The young are nearly fully feathered rather than downy at about a month of age and can start to feed themselves as well. The first attempts to leave the nest are often at about 40 to 50 days. Fledging occurs typically at 43 to 54 days but in extreme cases as late 62 days. After leaving the nest, the young generally stay close by until full independence 6 to 8 weeks after fledging. Numerous factors may influence the breeding success of the Common Buzzard including the availability of prey populations, habitat, disturbance and persecution levels and competition. The Common Buzzard is one of the most numerous birds of prey in its range and it is the most numerous diurnal bird of prey throughout much of Europe. Date: 26th September 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26541479.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_82811522156acecff685c5.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 17th January 2016 Location: Caerlaverock WWT reserve, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871743.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2715680774eff21981fc6b.jpgBrown Bear The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, <i>Ursus arctos arctos</i>. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an overnight stay in a Brown Bear watching hide at [url=http://www.martinselkonen.fi/index.php?id=1&la=en]Martinselkosen Eräkeskus[/url] Date: 1st June 2009 Location: Martinselkosen Eräkeskus, Pirttivaara, Kainuu, Finland <iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/10143012?autoplay=1" width="600" height="450" frameborder="0"></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/10143012">Brown Bears of Martinselkonen</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user3372484">Richard Chew</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>. Music: Jean Sibelius - Andante festivo<br /> </p> http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871754.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7684280704eff21dc37e66.jpgBrown Bear The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, <i>Ursus arctos arctos</i>. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an overnight stay in a Brown Bear watching hide at [url=http://www.martinselkonen.fi/index.php?id=1&la=en]Martinselkosen Eräkeskus[/url] Date: 1st June 2009 Location: Martinselkosen Eräkeskus, Pirttivaara, Kainuu, Finland <iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/10143012?autoplay=1" width="600" height="450" frameborder="0"></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/10143012">Brown Bears of Martinselkonen</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user3372484">Richard Chew</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>. Music: Jean Sibelius - Andante festivo<br /> </p> http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41424249.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10928557805f2aa870cd210.jpgVaranger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway The Varanger peninsula is situated in Troms og Finnmark in the extreme north east of Norway. With an area of 800 square miles, it is the largest area within the Arctic climate zone in mainland Norway and is bordered by Tanafjord to the west, Varangerfjord to the south and the Barents Sea to the north and east. The area has a rugged mountain terrain with altitudes up to 2077 feet and it has an Arctic tundra climate. The coast of the Varanger peninsula is an important area for breeding, migrating and wintering birds, especially some notable Arctic species. The Norwegian Directorate for Nature Management has a project on the Varanger peninsula to reintroduce and protect the Arctic Fox which is critically endangered on the Norwegian mainland. The Varangerhalvøya National Park (Norwegian: [I]Varangerhalvøya Nasjonalpark[/I]) lies to the west of road Fv341 and protects a majority of the land on the Varanger peninsula. The eastern part of the Varanger peninsula can be accessed from Vardø, via Svartnes, to Hamningberg. Hamningberg is an abandoned fishing village situated on the Varanger peninsula and on the shores of the Barents Sea. It’s only road connection is via the narrow and winding road Fv341 which runs for about 25 miles north from Svartnes. This is a very scenic road which follows the shores of the Barents Sea. It is considered to be one of the wildest and most memorable drives in Norway and passes through a bare and barren but awe-inspiring Arctic landscape. The road is closed during the winter months from October to late May. Traditionally a fishing village, Hamningberg is one of very few places in Troms og Finnmark that was not burnt and destroyed under Operation Nordlicht in 1944 and 1945, the German “scorched earth” retreat from Finnmark. It was depopulated and abandoned in 1964 although some of the houses are still in use as summer cottages. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: view from road Fv341 between Svartnes and Hamningberg, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29486331.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1556891582581076db6e890.jpgFieldfare The Fieldfare is a member of the thrush family which is very similar to a Mistle Thrush in general size, shape and behaviour. It has a slate grey crown, neck and rump, a plain brown back, dark wings, blackish tail and white underwings. The breast and flanks are heavily speckled. The breast has a reddish wash and the rest of the underparts are white. The sexes are similar in appearance but the females are slightly more brown. The male has a simple chattering song and the birds have various guttural flight and alarm calls. The Fieldfare is a migratory species with a Palearctic distribution. It breeds in north Norway, north Sweden, Finland, the Baltic states, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland and in to Asia. In the summer the Fieldfare frequents mixed woodland of birch, alder, pine, spruce and fir, often near marshes, moorland or other open ground. It does not avoid the vicinity of humans and can be seen in cultivated areas, orchards, parks and gardens. It also inhabits open tundra and the slopes of hills above the tree line. It often breeds in small colonies, possibly for protection from predators. The first known breeding of the Fieldfare in the UK was in 1967 when a pair nested in Orkney. Very small numbers have continued nesting fairly regularly in Scotland. The winter range extends through west Europe, including the UK, south Europe and north Africa although it is uncommon in the Mediterranean region. Eastern populations migrate to Anatolia, Israel, Iran and north west India. Migrating and wintering Fieldfares often form large flocks, often in the company of Redwings. In the winter, the Fieldfare can be found in open country, agricultural land, orchards, open woodland and gardens. It is nomadic, wandering wherever there is an abundance of berries and insects. Later in the year it moves on to pastureland and cultivated fields. The Fieldfare is omnivorous. Animal food in the diet includes snails and slugs, earthworms, spiders and insects such as beetles and their larvae, flies and grasshoppers. In the autumn ripened berries such as hawthorn, holly, rowan, yew, juniper, dog rose, cotoneaster, pyracantha and berberis are eaten. In addition, windfall apples, grain and seeds are eaten. When these are exhausted, or in particularly harsh weather, the birds may move to marshes or even the foreshore where molluscs can be found. Date: 22nd May 2016 Location: Sibelius Park, Helsinki, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/may-to-june-2016-citrine https://images.on-this.website/4752_1820909538584e743a379de.jpgMay to June 2016 - Citrine Wagtail Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28884660.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9681558.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4030308334db7eca16ef5a.jpgCoot The Coot is an all black bird with a distinctive white beak and “shield” above the beak from which earns it the title “bald”. Its feet have distinctive lobed flaps of skin on the toes which act instead of webs when swimming. It patters noisily over the water before taking off and can be very aggressive towards other birds. Coot can be found all the year round mainly on freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers and town park lakes. Sometimes they can be seen offshore, especially in winter if freshwater areas are frozen. They breed in areas of fairly shallow standing freshwater with a muddy bottom and plenty of vegetation at the sides, usually in lowland areas. Date: 25th April 2011 Location: Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/vonnu-estonia https://images.on-this.website/4752_210531894057cc403c7d5a7.jpgVonnu, Estonia Date: 10th May 2016 Location: Vonnu, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4466103.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12379507324b8a256c76936.jpg http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21955213.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_45594999553da0e097e133.jpgCommon Guillemots The Common Guillemot, also known as the Common Murre or Thin-billed Murre, is a large species of auk. The auks are a family of seabirds which includes the Brunnich's Guillemot or Thick-billed Murre, Razorbill, Little Auk and the extinct Great Auk. The Common Guillemot is 15 to 18 inches in length with a 24 to 29 inches wingspan. In breeding plumage, it is black or dark brown on the head, back and wings with white underparts. It has a thin dark pointed bill and a small rounded dark tail. Legs are grey and the bill is dark grey. Males and females are identical. Some individuals in the North Atlantic, known as "Bridled Guillemots", have a white ring around the eye extending back as a white line. This is not a distinct subspecies but a polymorphism that becomes more common the farther north the birds breed. The Common Guillemot flies with fast wing beats and has a flight speed of around 50 mph. Groups of birds are often seen flying together in a line just above the surface of the sea. However, it is not a very agile bird and take-off is often difficult. The Common Guillemot becomes flightless for 45 to 60 days while moulting its primary feathers. The Common Guillemot is a pursuit diver that forages for food by swimming underwater using its wings for propulsion. Dives usually last less than one minute but the bird swims underwater for distances of over 100 feet on a regular basis. Diving depths up to 590 feet have been recorded. The Common Guillemot has a circumpolar distribution and it occurs in low Arctic and boreal waters in the north Atlantic and north Pacific. It spends most of its time at sea and only comes to land to breed on rocky cliffs, sea stacks and islands. Some birds are permanent residents but northern birds migrate south to open waters off New England, southern California, Japan, Korea and the western Mediterranean. The Common Guillemot breeds in colonies at high densities and nesting pairs may be in bodily contact with their neighbours. No nest is made and the single egg is laid and incubated on a bare rock ledge on a cliff face. The egg hatches after 30 days incubation and the chick is born downy and can regulate its body temperature after 10 days. Some 20 days after hatching the chick jumps off its nesting ledge and heads for the sea unable to fly but gliding for some distance with fluttering wings and accompanied by its male parent. The chicks are capable of diving as soon as they hit the water. The female stays at the nest site for some 14 days after the chick has left. The Common Guillemot can venture far from its breeding grounds to forage and distances of 60 miles or more are often observed although if sufficient food is available closer by, birds will only travel much shorter distances. It mainly eats small schooling fish 8 inches long or less such as Polar Cod, Capelin, Sand Lances, Sprats, Sandeels, Atlantic Cod and Atlantic Herring. It also eats some molluscs, marine worms, squid and crustaceans. It is often seen carrying fish in its bill with the tail hanging out. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: view from the Farne Islands boat trip from Seahouses Harbour, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19507554.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15806598452528c9133214.jpgLos Alcornocales, Andalucia, Spain Los Alcornocales Natural Park (Parque Natural Los Alcornocales) is a natural park covering 167,767 hectares located in the the provinces of Cádiz and Málaga in Andalucia. "Los Alcornocales" means "the cork oak groves" and the Natural Park is named after its handsome and beautifully kept cork tree groves, the largest in the Iberian peninsula and one of the most important ones in the world. It is the best example of what the densely wooded, primeval Iberian forests may have been like. Nearly all of the uninhabited land in the Natural Park is covered by Mediterranean native forest. While some of the land has been cleared for cattle ranches, much of the human activity in the park is devoted to exploitation of the forest's resources: hunting wild game, collecting wild mushrooms and foraging for good specimens of tree heath. The tree heath is a small evergreen shrub which is the source of the reddish briar-root wood used in making tobacco pipes and its wood is also an excellent raw material for making charcoal. Above all, however, the Natural Park’s forests are exploited for the production of cork oak. Harvesting cork from a given tree can be undertaken every 10 to 12 years without damaging the tree and the cork has many commercial uses including wine-bottle stoppers, bulletin boards, coasters, insulation, sealing material for jar lids, flooring, gaskets for engines, fishing bobbers, handles for fishing rods and tennis rackets, etc. The Natural Park is easily accessible via road between Ubrique in the north east and Alcalá de los Gazules in the west, between Algar in the north and Jimena de la Frontera in the east and between Alcalá de los Gazules to Algeciras in the south. There are also many minor roads and forest tracks criss-crossing the park. Date: 10th September 2013 Location: view from Puerto de Galis between Jimena de la Frontera and Alcalá de los Gazules, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49279117.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5809560806499ca1196817.jpgSmall Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Small Skipper has a rusty orange colour to the wings, upper body and the tips of the antennae. The body is silvery white below and it has a wingspan of 25 to 30 mm. It is very similar in appearance to the Essex Skipper but the undersides of the tips of the antennae are yellow orange in the Small Skipper whereas they are black in the Essex Skipper. The Small Skipper is a common and widespread butterfly in most parts of England and has been expanding its range northwards. It can be found in rough grassland, roadside verges, edges of fields and woodland clearings where it is often seen basking on vegetation or making short buzzing flights among tall grass stems. Date: 22nd June 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813328.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8380279715d0dddb110a73.jpgRabbit The (European) Rabbit ranges from 13 to 20 inches in length, not counting a tail of 1.6 to 3.1 inches. It has grey/brown fur, white underparts, long ears, large hind legs and a short, white fluffy tail. As a lagomorph, it has four sharp incisors (two on top, two on bottom) that grow continuously throughout its life. The Rabbit moves move by hopping, using its long and powerful hind legs. To facilitate quick movement, the hind feet have a thick padding of fur to dampen the shock of rapid hopping. The toes are long and are webbed to keep from spreading apart as the animal jumps. The Rabbit is native to south west Europe (Spain and Portugal) and north west Africa (Morocco and Algeria). It is known as an invasive species because it has been introduced to countries on all continents, with the exception of Antarctica and sub-Saharan Africa, where it has often caused many problems within the environment and ecosystems. The Rabbit was brought to England in the 12th century by the Normans and kept in captivity in warrens as a source of meat and fur. Many escaped into the wild and eventually become so common that farming them was no longer economic. Helped by fast breeding, a diet of virtually any vegetable matter and human persecution of their predators, the Rabbit slowly established itself in the wild in the UK despite originally favouring a warmer, drier climate. It is now widespread throughout the UK but absent from the Isles of Scilly and a few smaller islands and can be found almost anywhere that it can burrow. The most suitable areas are those where the burrow area and food supply are side-by-side, such as woodland edge and hedgerows. Open warrens are maintained where good burrowing conditions exist on areas of short grass, sand dunes, railway verges and even in urban areas. It is rarely found above the tree-line and it avoids damp conditions and areas deep in conifer woodland. The Rabbit is a social animal and lives in medium-sized colonies comprising of a network of burrows known as warrens. It is largely crepuscular, being most active around dawn and dusk, although it is not infrequently seen and active during the day. During the day, it prefers to reside in vegetated patches which are used for protection from predators. The Rabbit is essentially a mixed feeder, both grazing and browsing, but grass is the primary food source. However, it has a diverse diet of grasses, leaves, buds, tree bark and roots and will also eat lettuce, cabbage, root vegetables and grains. The Rabbit is famed for its reproductive capabilities and the inspiration for the phrase "breeding like rabbits". The breeding season is mainly from January to August when 4 to 8 litters of 2 to 12 kittens are produced. The gestation period averages 31 days. The doe constructs a nest inside a burrow from grass bedding and lines it with soft fur from her chest and belly. The young kittens are born blind, deaf and almost hairless. Their eyes open at 10 days, they begin to appear at the burrow entrance at 18 days and are weaned at 21 to 25 days. They are self-supporting in one month but 90% die in the first year. Bucks are able to mate at 4 months, does at 3.5 months. Birds of prey and carnivores such as the Fox, Stoat and Weasel are the primary predators of the Rabbit. Date: 6th June 2019 Location: Glen Quaich, Perthshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21215567.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_864241984537dbffcd84e6.jpgMute Swans The Mute Swan is a species of swan native to much of Eurasia. Despite its Eurasian origin, its closest relatives are the Black Swan of Australia and the Black-necked Swan of south America, not the other Northern Hemisphere swans such as the Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan. The name “mute” derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. The adult Mute Swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob at the top of the beak. All Mute Swans are white at maturity although the feathers (particularly on the head and neck) are often stained orange-brown by iron and tannins in the water. Young birds (cygnets) are not the bright white colour of mature adults and their bill is dull greyish-black for the first year. The plumage may range from pure white to grey to buff with grey/buff being the most common. Cygnets typically retain their grey/buff feathers until they are at least 1 year old. On average, the Mute Swan is the second largest waterfowl species after the Trumpeter Swan although the male Mute Swan can easily match or even exceed a male Trumpeter Swan in mass. The adult Mute Swan typically ranges from 55 to 63 inches in length (although it can range in extreme cases from 49 to 67 inches) with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. Males (cobs) are larger than females (pens) and have a larger knob on their bill. The Mute Swan is one of the heaviest flying birds. In several studies from the UK, males were found to average from about 23.4 to 26.2 pounds, with a weight range of 20 to 32 pounds, while the slightly smaller females were found to average about 18.7 to 21.3 pounds, with a weight range of 17 to 23 pounds. The Mute Swan is less vocal than the noisy Bewick's Swan and Whooper Swan although it does make a variety of grunting, hoarse whistling and snorting noises, especially in communicating with their cygnets and threatening competitors or intruders trying to enter their territory. The most familiar sound associated with the Mute Swan is the vibrant throbbing of the wings in flight which is unique to the species and this can be heard from a range of up to 1 mile. The Mute Swan is found naturally mainly in the temperate areas of Europe across west Asia and as far east as Primorsky Krai in the far east of Russia. It is partially migratory throughout the northern latitudes in Europe and Asia as far south as north Africa and the Mediterranean. It is also often kept in captivity outside its natural range as a decoration for parks and ponds and escapes have occurred. The descendants of such birds have become naturalised in east USA and the Great Lakes region across the USA and Canada border. The Mute Swan population in the UK has increased recently probably due to better protection of this species. Some birds are resident all year whilst others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into east England. Mute Swans nest on large mounds that they build with waterside vegetation in shallow water on islands in the middle or at the very edge of a lake. It is a monogamous species and often reuses the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Males and females share the care of the nest. The female lays from 4 to 10 eggs and broods for around 36 days. Cygnets are unable to fly before an age of 120 to 150 days and this limits the distribution of the species in the northern edge of its range since the cygnets must learn to fly before the water freezes. The Mute Swan is usually strongly territorial with just a single pair on smaller lakes although in a few locations where a large area of suitable feeding habitat is found they can be colonial. The largest colonies can hold over 100 pairs such as that at the colony at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset in the UK. Non-mated juveniles up to 3 to 4 years old commonly form larger flocks often at regular traditional sites and these can total several hundred birds. The Mute Swan can be very aggressive in defence of its nest and it is highly protective of its mate and offspring. Most defensive attacks from a Mute Swan begin with a loud hiss and, if this is not sufficient to drive off the predator, are followed by a physical attack. It attacks by smashing at its enemy with bony spurs in the wings accompanied by biting with its large bill. Smaller waterbirds such as ducks are normally grabbed with the bill and dragged or thrown clear. Large waterfowl, such as the Canada Goose, more likely out of competition than in response to potential predation, may be aggressively driven off. The wings of the Mute Swan are very powerful although not strong enough to break an adult man's leg as has been claimed anecdotally. The Mute Swan feeds on a wide range of vegetation, both submerged aquatic plants which they reach with their long necks and by grazing on land. The food commonly includes agricultural crop plants such as oilseed rape and wheat and feeding flocks in the winter may cause significant crop damage, often as much through trampling with their large webbed feet as through direct consumption. Date: 7th May 2014 Location: Conwy RSPB reserve, Conwy http://www.richardchewphotography.com/julyaugust-2019-red-admiral https://images.on-this.website/4752_1976023325e60c6728427f.jpgAugust 2019 - Red Admiral Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40404971.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31192251.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11611386895918237bd47c90.90244167.jpgBlack Grouse The Black Grouse is a large game bird in the grouse family. The male has all black plumage with distinctive red wattles over the eyes and striking white stripes along each wing in flight. It has a lyre-shaped tail which is fanned out and raised to show white under-tail feathers when displaying. The female is smaller and grey-brown in colour. The Black Grouse is a sedentary species and breeds across northern Eurasia in moorland and bog areas near to mostly boreal woodland. Although it is declining, it is not considered to be vulnerable globally due to the large population and slow rate of decline. Its decline is due to loss of habitat, disturbance, predation by foxes, crows, etc., and small populations gradually dying out. In the UK, the Black Grouse are found in upland areas of Wales, the Pennines and most of Scotland, especially on farmland and moorland with nearby forestry or scattered trees. Habitat loss and overgrazing have resulted in severe population declines which make the Black Grouse a Red List species. Positive habitat management and re-introduction programmes are helping it to increase in some areas. The Black Grouse has a very distinctive and well-recorded courtship. At dawn in the spring, the males strut around in a traditional area (lek) and display whilst making a highly distinctive and bubbling mating call. This photo was taken at a well known roadside lekking site. If visiting, please remain in your car to avoid disturbance to these vulnerable breeding birds. Date: 6th May 2017 Location: World's End, Denbighshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41187487.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17900383775ea6dff72acfd.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 26th April 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41349706.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19333154485f2018310ee7c.jpgPeacock Flight period: March to September. The Peacock is a familiar and widespread butterfly which is continuing to expand its range in the UK. It is a highly adaptable species that can be found almost anywhere but the best sites are where favoured nectar plants are available. Date: 13th July 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39083666.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20551509045d3081bc102a7.jpgEastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria The Rhodopes Mountains are a mountain range in south east Europe. They are spread over 5689 square miles of which 4723 square miles are located in south Bulgaria and the remainder in north Greece. The Rhodopes Mountains are about 149 miles long and about 62 to 75 miles wide with an average altitude of 2575 feet. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 7188 feet and is situated 12 miles to the west of Smolyan. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rhodopes Mountains gives its name to the terrestrial eco-region Rodope montane mixed forests that belong in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The area is particularly notable for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans plus its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms such as the Trigrad Gorge. The Rhodopes Mountains can be sub-divided in to 3 sections: The Western Rhodopes are spread over 66% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and they are higher, the most infrastructurally developed and the most visited part of the mountains. The highest and best known peaks are located in this section with more than 10 over 6562 feet high including the highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7188 feet). Some of the deepest river gorges in the Rhodopes Mountains are located in the west as well as several large lakes. The Eastern Rhodopes are spread over a territory of about 34% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and are much lower in height. The large artificial dams of Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets are located in this part of the mountains. Almost every species of European bird of prey nests in the Eastern Rhodopes including the rare Black Vulture and Egyptian Vulture. The Southern Rhodopes are the part of the mountain range that is located in Greece and they are characterized by numerous peaks of relatively low altitude. The River Borovitsa is a tributary of the River Arda and is located in the eastern Rhodopes Mountains. The river valley is stony and surrounded by rough grassland, scrub and forested hillsides. There are many tiny hamlets along the valley, many of them abandoned or semi-abandoned. This little visited area and its wild environment with only the tiny hamlets and patches of traditional agriculture form a great contrast with the town of Kardzhali. Nenkovo, 17.5 miles north west of Kardzhali, is one of the hamlets in the river valley with no electricity or car access. The access to the village is via a rope bridge over the River Borovitsa. The lack of cars has preserved the narrow village streets which wind between the houses built about 100 to 150 years ago. According to the census of 2011, the village has 129 inhabitants which is down from its peak of 883 people shortly after the Second World War. The village is almost exclusively inhabited by ethnic Bulgarian Turks. Near the village of Nenkovo there is a medieval bridge over the River Borovitsa. It is a large asymmetric bridge with 5 arches each of a different size. The road over the bridge is about 65 yards long. The bridge has been partly destroyed on a number of occasions by the rough waters of the river. It has been rebuilt in the past but after repeated damage it is no longer used. The area around Nenkovo village and the bridge is an excellent one for a wide range of bird species. Date: 28th May 2018 Location: River Borovitsa valley near Nenkovo, Eastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40755806.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17816224335e20443470f5d.jpgDokkum area, Friesland, Netherlands Date: 9th December 2019 Location: Dokkum area, Friesland, Netherlands http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493294.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_380202595f326f934029a.jpgShag The European Shag, Common Shag or simply Shag is a species of cormorant. It is 27 to 31 inches in length with a 37 to 43 inches wingspan. It is mainly black in colour but with a glossy green-tinged sheen in adults. It has a longish tail and a yellow throat-patch. Adults have a small recurved crest in the breeding season. It is distinguished from the Cormorant by its smaller size, lighter build, thinner and narrower bill, and, in breeding adults, by the crest and metallic green-tinged sheen. The Shag breeds around the rocky coasts of west and south Europe, north Africa and south west Asia, mainly wintering in its breeding range except for the northernmost birds. It nests on rocky ledges or in crevices or small caves and the nests are untidy heaps of rotting seaweed or twigs cemented together by the bird's own guano. The nesting season is long and begins in late February although some nests are not started until May or even later. The female lays 3 eggs and the chicks hatch without down and so they rely totally on their parents for warmth, often for a period of 2 months before they can fly. Fledging may occur at any time from early June to late August and exceptionally to mid-October. In the UK, the Shag breeds at coastal sites, mainly in the north and west of the country, and more than half of the population is found at fewer than 10 sites. It can be seen during the breeding season at the large Scottish colonies on Orkney, Shetland, the Inner Hebrides and in the Firth of Forth. Elsewhere it can be seen commonly around the coasts of Wales and south west England, especially in Devon and Cornwall. The Shag feeds in the sea and, unlike the Cormorant, it is rare inland. It is one of the deepest pursuit divers among the cormorant family and it has been shown to dive to at least 150 feet. When it dives, it jumps out of the water first to give extra impetus to the dive. The Shag forages for food on the sea bed and eats a wide range of fish although the commonest prey is the sand eel. It will travel long distances from its breeding and roosting sites in order to feed. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21959292.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_32176443053da7453d80ba.jpgArctic Tern The Arctic Tern is a seabird of the tern family. The adult plumage is grey above with a black nape and crown and white cheeks. The upperwings are pale grey with the area near the wingtip being translucent. The tail is white and the underparts pale grey. The beak is dark red as are the short legs and webbed feet. Like most terns, the Arctic Tern has high aspect ratio wings and a tail with a deep fork and long tail streamers. Both sexes are similar in appearance. The winter plumage is similar but the crown is whiter and the bills are darker. Juveniles differ from adults having black bill and legs, "scaly" appearing wings and mantle with dark feather tips, dark carpal wing bar and short tail streamers. During their first summer, juveniles also have a whiter forecrown. Whilst the Arctic Tern is similar to the Common and the Roseate Tern, its colouring, profile and call are slightly different. Compared to the Common Tern, it has a longer tail and mono-coloured bill, whilst the main differences from the Roseate Tern are its slightly darker colour and longer wings. The Arctic Tern has a circumpolar breeding distribution covering the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of Europe, Asia and north America. It is strongly migratory and sees 2 summers each year and more daylight than any other creature on the planet. It migrates along a convoluted route from its northern summer breeding grounds to the northern edge of the Antarctic coast for the southern summer and back again about 6 months later. In the UK, breeding Arctic Terns can best be seen on islands such as the Farne Islands in Northumberland or Orkney and Shetland in northern Scotland where the greatest densities occur. Recent studies have shown average annual roundtrip lengths of 25000 to 50000 miles depending on the route taken and weather and wind conditions. The Arctic Tern is a long-lived bird with many reaching 30 years of age and based on this average it will travel some 1.5 million miles during its lifetime. This is by far the longest migration known in the animal kingdom. Breeding takes place in colonies on coasts, islands and occasionally inland on tundra near water. The Arctic Tern often forms mixed colonies with the Common Tern and Sandwich Tern. As it nests on the ground, the Arctic Tern is vulnerable to predation but it is one of the most aggressive terns and it is fiercely defensive of its nest and young. It will attack humans and large predators, usually striking the top or back of the head. Although it is too small to cause serious injury, it is still capable of drawing blood and repelling many raptorial birds and smaller mammalian predators such as foxes and cats. Other nesting birds, such as auks, often incidentally benefit from the protection provided by nesting in an area defended by Arctic Terns. The diet of the Arctic Tern varies depending on location and time but it usually eats small fish or marine crustaceans by dipping down to the surface of the water to catch prey. While feeding, skuas, gulls and other tern species will often harass the birds and steal their food. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Inner Farne, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/low-tatras-slovakia https://images.on-this.website/4752_25356154259bd4fdcb4f22.jpgLow Tatras, Slovakia The Low Tatras (Nízke Tatry) are a mountain range of the Inner Western Carpathians situated in central Slovakia. They are located south of the High Tatras (Vysoké Tatry) from which they are separated by the valleys of the Váh River and Poprad River. The ridge runs west to east and is about 50 miles long. The Čertovica pass divides the range into 2 parts. The highest peaks of the Low Tatras are located in its western part. Ďumbier is the highest mountain at 6703 feet. Its neighbour Chopok at 6640 feet is accessible by a chairlift and it is the most visited place in the Low Tatras. Other peaks in the western part include Dereše at 6575 feet and Chabenec at 6414 feet. The highest peak in the eastern part is Kráľova hoľa at 6385 feet. The lower elevations are mostly blanketed in dense forest with prevailing coniferous forests in the northern part and mixed forests in the south. At higher elevations there are tarns, deep valleys, limestone cliffs and impressive granite formations. Most of the Low Tatras are protected by the Low Tatras National Park (Národný park Nízke Tatry). This comprises an area of 281 square miles and a buffer zone covering an area of 425 square miles. This makes it the largest National Park in Slovakia. The protection of the Low Tatras started with the first attempts during the period 1918 to 1921 and continuing after World War 2. In 1963, a proposal was made for the establishment of a National Park under the name Central Slovakia National Park. During the period between 1965 and 1966 and right before the completion of the last proposal, a draft for a National Park Ďumbier was proposed. The aim of this draft was to include the north and south part of the central territory of the Low Tatras. From 1967 until 1968 the draft was reformulated with the goal to establish the National Park on the 25th anniversary of the Slovak National Uprising. However, it took another 10 years to overcome various obstacles that prevented the establishment of the National Park. In 1978 the National Park was finally created with the Regulation 119/1978 of the Slovak Socialistic Republic. The area of the national park was set at 313 square miles and its protection zone at 479 square miles. The status of the National Park was published in the same year by the Ministry of Culture of the Slovak Socialistic Republic in Regulation 120/1978. This regulation set out the conditions for the protection of particular areas. The borders of the National Park and the protection zones were revised in June 1997 by Regulation 182/1997 of the government of the Slovak Republic. The revised area of the National Park was adjusted to 281 square miles which is 32 square miles less than the original area. The revised area of the protection zones was adjusted to 425 square miles which is 53 square miles less than the original area. Currently, the following protected areas are established in the Low Tatras National Park or its buffer zone: 10 National Nature Reserves, 10 Nature Reserves, 5 National Nature Monuments, 6 Nature Monuments and 1 Protected Site. The Low Tatras are the second most visited mountains in Slovakia after the High Tatras. Tourism is very popular and during the winter there are several ski resorts such as Jasná and Tále. There are also a range of summer activities such as hiking, trekking, rafting, kayaking, fishing and other outdoor pursuits. Date: 28th May 2017 Location: Low Tatras, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28887414.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_118266351357cc3fdee1c2a.jpgWhite Wagtail The White Wagtail, [i]Motacilla alba[/i], is a small passerine bird in the wagtail family. A number of sub-species are recognised including [i]Motacilla alba alba[/I] found in Europe from the Iberian Peninsula to the Ural Mountains, Turkey, the Levant, Iceland, the Faroe Islands and Greenland's east coast and [I]Motacilla alba yarrellii[/I] (Pied Wagtail) found in the UK and Ireland and which has a much blacker back than the nominate race. The nominate sub-species [I]Motacilla alba alba[/I] is basically grey above and white below with a white face, black cap and black throat. It is a slender bird with a characteristic long tail. The most conspicuous habit of the White Wagtail is a near-constant tail wagging, a trait that has given the bird its common name. In spite of the ubiquity of this behaviour, the reasons for it are poorly understood. It has been suggested that it may flush prey or signal submissiveness to other wagtails. A recent study has suggested instead that it is a signal of vigilance to potential predators. The White Wagtail breeds throughout Eurasia up to latitudes 75°N, only being absent in the Arctic from areas where summer temperatures are less than 4 °C. It also breeds in the mountains of Morocco and western Alaska. It is resident in the milder parts of its range such as western Europe and the Mediterranean but migratory in much of the rest of its range. Northern European breeders winter around the Mediterranean and in tropical and subtropical Africa, Asiatic birds move to the Middle East, India and south east Asia and birds from the north American population also winter in tropical Asia. The White Wagtail has a wide range and whilst the population size is unknown it is believed to be large since the species is described as "common" in at least parts of its range. Population trends have not been quantified but the population in Europe appears to be stable and it has adapted well to human changes to the environment and has exploited human changes such as man-made structures that are used for nesting sites and increased open areas that are used for foraging. The White Wagtail is an insectivorous bird of open country, often near habitation and water. It prefers bare areas for feeding where it can see and pursue its prey. In urban areas it has adapted to foraging on paved areas such as car parks. It nests in crevices and holes in stone walls and similar natural and man-made structures such as bridges and buildings. The diet of the White Wagtail varies by location but terrestrial and aquatic insects and other small invertebrates form the major part of the diet. These range from beetles, dragonflies, small snails, spiders, worms and crustaceans to maggots found in carcasses and flies. It is somewhat unusual in the parts of its range where it is non-migratory as it is an insectivorous bird that continues to feed on insects during the winter when most other insectivorous birds in temperate climates migrate or switch to more vegetable matter. Though it is known to be a host species for the Cuckoo, the White Wagtail typically deserts its nest if it has been parasitised. Date: 10th May 2016 Location: Haapsalu, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847428.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_137287049559bd4ffc41dfe.jpgLow Tatras, Slovakia The Low Tatras (Nízke Tatry) are a mountain range of the Inner Western Carpathians situated in central Slovakia. They are located south of the High Tatras (Vysoké Tatry) from which they are separated by the valleys of the Váh River and Poprad River. The ridge runs west to east and is about 50 miles long. The Čertovica pass divides the range into 2 parts. The highest peaks of the Low Tatras are located in its western part. Ďumbier is the highest mountain at 6703 feet. Its neighbour Chopok at 6640 feet is accessible by a chairlift and it is the most visited place in the Low Tatras. Other peaks in the western part include Dereše at 6575 feet and Chabenec at 6414 feet. The highest peak in the eastern part is Kráľova hoľa at 6385 feet. The lower elevations are mostly blanketed in dense forest with prevailing coniferous forests in the northern part and mixed forests in the south. At higher elevations there are tarns, deep valleys, limestone cliffs and impressive granite formations. Most of the Low Tatras are protected by the Low Tatras National Park (Národný park Nízke Tatry). This comprises an area of 281 square miles and a buffer zone covering an area of 425 square miles. This makes it the largest National Park in Slovakia. The protection of the Low Tatras started with the first attempts during the period 1918 to 1921 and continuing after World War 2. In 1963, a proposal was made for the establishment of a National Park under the name Central Slovakia National Park. During the period between 1965 and 1966 and right before the completion of the last proposal, a draft for a National Park Ďumbier was proposed. The aim of this draft was to include the north and south part of the central territory of the Low Tatras. From 1967 until 1968 the draft was reformulated with the goal to establish the National Park on the 25th anniversary of the Slovak National Uprising. However, it took another 10 years to overcome various obstacles that prevented the establishment of the National Park. In 1978 the National Park was finally created with the Regulation 119/1978 of the Slovak Socialistic Republic. The area of the national park was set at 313 square miles and its protection zone at 479 square miles. The status of the National Park was published in the same year by the Ministry of Culture of the Slovak Socialistic Republic in Regulation 120/1978. This regulation set out the conditions for the protection of particular areas. The borders of the National Park and the protection zones were revised in June 1997 by Regulation 182/1997 of the government of the Slovak Republic. The revised area of the National Park was adjusted to 281 square miles which is 32 square miles less than the original area. The revised area of the protection zones was adjusted to 425 square miles which is 53 square miles less than the original area. Currently, the following protected areas are established in the Low Tatras National Park or its buffer zone: 10 National Nature Reserves, 10 Nature Reserves, 5 National Nature Monuments, 6 Nature Monuments and 1 Protected Site. The Low Tatras are the second most visited mountains in Slovakia after the High Tatras. Tourism is very popular and during the winter there are several ski resorts such as Jasná and Tále. There are also a range of summer activities such as hiking, trekking, rafting, kayaking, fishing and other outdoor pursuits. Date: 28th May 2017 Location: Low Tatras, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26040374.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_124017572856388e652613e.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name <i>Fratercula</i> comes from the Medieval Latin <i>fratercula</i> meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name <i>arctica</i> refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek <i>άρκτος</i> ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name <i>puffin</i> (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Látrabjarg, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/baltic-sea-estonia https://images.on-this.website/4752_131003798257cc32a50eefd.jpgBaltic Sea, Estonia The Baltic Sea is a semi-enclosed inland sea located in northern Europe. Considered an arm of the Atlantic Ocean, it is connected to it via the Kattegat Strait, Skagerrak Strait and the North Sea. It is the youngest sea on our planet, emerging from the retreating ice masses only some 10,000 to 15,000 years ago. The Baltic Sea has a total surface area of around 150,000 square miles and a coastline of almost 5,000 miles. It has an average depth of only 175 feet. The deepest area of the sea is found off the south east coast of Sweden where it measures a depth of 1,506 feet. Its shallowest area is the continental shelf in the area of the Danish archipelago. The Baltic Sea includes the Gulf of Bothnia, the Bay of Bothnia, the Gulf of Finland, the Gulf of Riga and the Bay of Gdańsk and it stretches from 53°N to 66°N latitude and from 10°E to 30°E longitude. It drains through the Danish islands into the Kattegat by way of the straits of Øresund, the Great Belt and the Little Belt. Governed by special hydrographical and climatic conditions, the Baltic Sea is one of the planet’s largest bodies of brackish water. It is composed of salt water from the north east Atlantic and fresh water from rivers and streams draining from an area 4 times larger than the Baltic Sea itself. This highly sensitive and interdependent marine ecosystem gives rise to unique flora and fauna. Surrounding the Baltic Sea are 9 countries: Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Germany, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Russia. The region is home to more than 85 million people, of whom 15 million live within 5 miles of the coast. The Baltic region includes 8 of the 28 European Union member states and the Baltic Sea provides a critical connection between the European Union and the Russian Federation. The region’s diversity can translate into a challenge for decision makers to find common ground on complex issues such as environmental protection, sustainable use and management. As a result, the surrounding coastal countries have not been particularly successful in balancing economic and social uses with the protection of the sea. Nonetheless, the political frameworks in the region are advanced. In the 1950s, environmental scientists in the Baltic region began to note negative effects of large-scale industrial development and chemical runoffs from agriculture. Concern over threats to the region's plant and animal life enabled cooperation between the region's countries. Cooperation over environmental issues led to the 1974 signing by the Baltic countries of the Helsinki Convention on the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Baltic Sea Area. Although the agreement was signed in 1974, due to political wrangling and consensus building, it was enacted in May 1980. Political changes and developments in environmental and maritime law caused a new convention to be signed in 1992. All the states bordering on the Baltic Sea and the European Community joined in the agreement. The 1992 Convention covers the entire Baltic Sea region, including all the inland waters, the Baltic Sea's water and its seabed. Measures were also taken in the whole catchment area of the Baltic Sea to reduce land-based pollution. The revised Convention on the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Baltic Sea Area became enforceable in January 2000. Most recently, the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region, was the first EU macro-regional strategy. It was created to address “the urgent environmental challenges arising from the increasingly visible degradation of the Baltic Sea” and was adopted by the European Council in October 2009. Date: 15th May 2016 Location: Häädemeeste, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41505231.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11842406705f37b2ccb4e72.jpgWhite-tailed Eagle The White-tailed Eagle is the fourth largest eagle in the world, 27 to 36 inches in length with a 72 to 96 inches wingspan. Females are slightly larger than males. It has broad "barn door" wings, a large head and a thick "meat-cleaver" beak. The adult is mainly brown except for the paler head and neck, blackish flight feathers, distinctive white tail, and yellow bill and legs. In juvenile birds the tail and bill are darker, with the tail becoming white with a dark terminal band in sub-adults Some individuals have been found to live over 25 years although 21 years is the average. The White-tailed Eagle breeds in northern Europe and northern Asia with the largest population in Europe along the coast of Norway. The World population in 2008 was estimated at only 9,000 to 11,000 pairs. They are mostly resident with only the northernmost birds such as the eastern Scandinavian and Siberian population migrating south in winter. In the UK, the White-tailed Eagle became extinct during the early 20th century and the present population in Scotland has arisen from a reintroduction programme which commenced on the island of Rhum in 1975. It is still a rare breeding bird which was previously confined to the west coast of Scotland although a reintroduction programme has taken place in east Scotland. Date: 3rd July 2019 Location: near Komagvær, Varangerhalvøya National Park, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41537227.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5854580945f3cfcff7edcc.jpgCommon Gulls The Common Gull is a medium-sized gull. The north American subspecies is commonly referred to as the Mew Gull although that name is also used by some authorities for the whole species. The Common Gull is noticeably smaller and more gentle looking than the Herring Gull. It is grey above and white below with greenish-yellow legs. It has black wingtips with large white "mirrors". Young birds have scaly black-brown upperparts and a neat wing pattern and grey legs and take 2 to 3 years to reach maturity. In winter, the head is streaked grey and the bill often has a poorly defined blackish band near the tip which is sometimes sufficiently obvious to cause confusion with the Ring-billed Gull. The call is a high-pitched "laughing" cry. The Common Gull breeds colonially near water or in marshes in north Europe, north west north America and north Asia. It is most numerous in Europe with over half (possibly as much as 80 to 90%) of the world population. In the UK, the Common Gull can be found in summer along the coasts and inland marshes and lakes of Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England. Elsewhere in England and Wales, it can be found in winter on farmland, on marshes and lakes and on the coast. Date: 4th July 2019 Location: Flåget, Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39083226.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7470121375d308061054ce.jpgEastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria The Rhodopes Mountains are a mountain range in south east Europe. They are spread over 5689 square miles of which 4723 square miles are located in south Bulgaria and the remainder in north Greece. The Rhodopes Mountains are about 149 miles long and about 62 to 75 miles wide with an average altitude of 2575 feet. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 7188 feet and is situated 12 miles to the west of Smolyan. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rhodopes Mountains gives its name to the terrestrial eco-region Rodope montane mixed forests that belong in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The area is particularly notable for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans plus its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms such as the Trigrad Gorge. The Rhodopes Mountains can be sub-divided in to 3 sections: The Western Rhodopes are spread over 66% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and they are higher, the most infrastructurally developed and the most visited part of the mountains. The highest and best known peaks are located in this section with more than 10 over 6562 feet high including the highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7188 feet). Some of the deepest river gorges in the Rhodopes Mountains are located in the west as well as several large lakes. The Eastern Rhodopes are spread over a territory of about 34% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and are much lower in height. The large artificial dams of Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets are located in this part of the mountains. Almost every species of European bird of prey nests in the Eastern Rhodopes including the rare Black Vulture and Egyptian Vulture. The Southern Rhodopes are the part of the mountain range that is located in Greece and they are characterized by numerous peaks of relatively low altitude. The River Krumovitsa is located in the eastern Rhodopes Mountains and flows through deep canyons and open valleys. It has a strongly fluctuating water level, typically very high in February to March and almost none in July to August except in isolated pools. In the middle section of the River Krumovitsa around Gorna Kula and Dolna Kula, the river valley in this region is between 330 and 1095 yards wide and in places it is occupied entirely by the sandy riverbed itself. Vegetation along the riverbank is dominated by alder, willow, poplar, dog rose and tamarisk. Dry grassland, scrub and broad-leaved forests cover the neighbouring hills and ridges. The forests are dominated by oak, hornbeam and various Mediterranean tree species whilst juniper is predominant in the scrub areas. Land use includes extensive rearing of sheep and cattle, hunting and forestry but the area is becoming progressively depopulated due to local emigration. In 1997 the area was designated as Important Bird Area by BirdLife International. It supports around 135 bird species of which 64 are species of European conservation concern and 2 of them are globally threatened. However, in spite of this, the area is not protected by any national nature conservation legislation. The area is of conservation concern for a number of reasons. Rural depopulation has led to a decrease in available food resources (livestock carrion) for vultures. Poaching and use of poison against wolves directly affects raptors and especially vultures. Uncontrolled hunting and fishing are further threats. Forest habitats are threatened by burning and natural fires, afforestation with non-indigenous species as well as illegal cutting of trees especially along the rivers. Reduction in grazing and conversion of pastures to arable lands cause loss of grassland habitats for birds. Direct threats to birds are also caused by intensive tourism and recreation activities such as rock climbing, gliding and hang-gliding and by the taking of chicks and eggs from nests. Existing electrical power lines are dangerous for raptors, especially for young birds, and one of the potential threats both to the habitats and to the birds is the development of wind turbine farms. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11638736.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9025514734e2fd4e15eadc.jpgRaven The Common Raven, also known as the Northern Raven or simply as the Raven, is a large passerine bird in the crow family [i]Corvidae[/i]. There are considered to be 8 to 11 geographical sub-species. The closest relatives of the Raven are the Brown-necked Raven found in north Africa and the Middle East, the Pied Crow found from sub-Saharan Africa down to south Africa and the Chihuahuan Raven found in south west and mid west USA and north Mexico. The adult Raven ranges from 21 inches to 26 inches in length with a wingspan of 45 to 51 inches. Recorded weights range from 1.5 to 4.5 pounds making the Raven one of the heaviest passerines. Birds from colder regions are generally larger and heavier compared with those from warmer regions. The Raven has a mostly black iridescent plumage. The bill is large and slightly curved and it is one of the largest bills amongst passerines. It has a longish, strongly graduated tail at 8 to 10.5 inches. The throat feathers are elongated and pointed and the base of the neck feathers are pale brownish-grey. Juvenile plumage is similar but duller. Apart from its greater size, the Raven differs from other crows by having a larger and heavier black beak, shaggy feathers around the throat and above the beak and a wedge-shaped tail. Flying Ravens are distinguished from crows by their tail shape, larger wing area and more stable soaring style which generally involves less wing flapping. Despite their bulk, the Raven is easily as agile in flight as the smaller crows. Between 15 to 30 categories of vocalization have been recorded for the Raven, most of which are used for social interaction. Apart from its wide and complex vocabulary, the Raven can mimic sounds from their environment including human speech. Non-vocal sounds produced by the Raven include wing whistles and bill snapping. If a member of a pair is lost, its mate reproduces the calls of its lost partner to encourage its return. The Raven can thrive in varied climates and it has the largest range of any member of the crow family and one of the largest of any passerine. It ranges throughout the Holarctic region from the Arctic and temperate habitats in north America and Eurasia to the deserts of north Africa and to the islands in the Pacific Ocean. In the UK, the Raven is most common in the upland areas of south west England, Wales, the north Pennines and the Lake District and much of Scotland. The Raven is generally resident within its range for the whole year although some birds may move south from the Arctic regions in winter. It can be found in a wide variety of environments but it prefers wooded areas with large expanses of open land nearby or coastal regions for their nesting sites and feeding grounds. The Raven is usually seen in mated pairs although young birds may form flocks. Relationships between Ravens are often quarrelsome yet they demonstrate considerable devotion to their families. Juvenile Ravens begin to court at a very early age but may not bond for another 2 or 3 years. Aerial acrobatics, demonstrations of intelligence and the ability to provide food are key behaviours of courting. Once paired, Ravens tend to nest together for life and usually in the same location. Breeding pairs must have a territory of their own before they begin nest building and reproduction and thus they aggressively defend a territory and its food resources. Nesting territories vary in size according to the availability of food resources in the area. The nest is a deep bowl made of large sticks and twigs bound with an inner layer of roots, mud and bark and lined with a softer material such as deer fur. It is usually built in a large tree or on a cliff ledge or less frequently in old buildings or utility poles. The female lays between 3 to 7 eggs and incubation by the female only is about 18 to 21 days. In most of the range, egg laying begins in late February although in colder climates it is as late as April. The young are fed by both parents and fledge after 35 to 42 days. They stay with their parents for another 6 months after fledging. Owing to its size, gregariousness and its defensive abilities, the Raven has few natural predators. The eggs and young are preyed on, albeit rarely, by large hawks and eagles, large owls, martens and canids. The adults are often successful in defending their young and drive off predators by flying at them and lunging with their large bills. The Raven can be very long-lived especially in captive or protected conditions. Individuals at the Tower of London have lived for more than 40 years but lifespans in the wild are considerably shorter at typically 10 to 15 years. The Raven is omnivorous and highly opportunistic and its diet may vary widely with location, season and luck. It will prey on small invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, small mammals and birds and scavenge by feeding on carrion as well as the associated maggots and carrion beetles. Plant food includes cereal grains, berries and fruit. It may also consume the undigested portions of animal faeces and human food waste. The Raven will store surplus food items, especially those containing fat, and it will learn to hide such food out of the sight of other Ravens. It will also raid the food caches of other species such as the Arctic Fox and it will sometimes associate with another canine, such as the Wolf, as a kleptoparasite, following them to scavenge kills in winter. The crow family is well known for its intelligence and the brain of the Raven is among the largest of any bird species. Through extensive scientific experimentation, it has been proven that the Raven displays ability in problem-solving as well as other cognitive processes such as imitation and insight. In addition, there has been increasing recognition of the extent to which the Raven engages in play with others of its own species or with other mammals and birds. Juveniles are among the most playful of bird species. The Raven is also known for spectacular aerobatic displays such as flying in loops or interlocking talons with each other in flight. Over the centuries, the Raven has been the subject of mythology, folklore, art and literature. In many cultures, including the indigenous cultures of Scandinavia, ancient Ireland and Wales, Bhutan, the north west coast of north America, Siberia and north east Asia, the Raven has been revered as a spiritual figure or god-like creature. Date: 02/10/06 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayder, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26041593.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15240098515638abf10d4fc.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name <i>Fratercula</i> comes from the Medieval Latin <i>fratercula</i> meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name <i>arctica</i> refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek <i>άρκτος</i> ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name <i>puffin</i> (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Látrabjarg, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26040342.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_125328370456388d160cde4.jpgRazorbill The Razorbill is a seabird and a member of the auk family which also includes the Common Guillemot, Brunnich's Guillemot, Puffin and Little Auk. It is also the closest living relative to the Great Auk which is now extinct. The Razorbill has white underparts and a black head, neck, back and feet during the breeding season. A thin white line also extends from the eyes to the end of the bill. Its head is darker than that of the Common Guillemot. Outside the breeding season, the throat and face behind the eye become white and the white line on the face becomes less prominent. The thick black bill has a blunt end. The adult male and female female are very much alike having only small differences such as wing length. The Razorbill has a horizontal stance and the tail feathers are slightly longer in the centre in comparison to other auks making it have a distinctly long tail which is not common for an auk. The Razorbill is distributed across the sub-Arctic and boreal waters of the north Atlantic where water surface temperature are typically below 15°c. The world population is estimated to be less than 1 million breeding pairs, making it among the rarest auks in the world. Approximately 60 to 70% of the entire Razorbill population breeds in Iceland, including over 200,000 pairs at Látrabjarg. It breeds on islands, rocky shores and cliffs on north Atlantic coasts, in eastern North America as far south as Maine and in western Europe from north west Russia to northern France. Eurasian birds winter at sea with some moving south as far as the western Mediterranean. North American birds migrate offshore and south. The Razorbill is a colonial breeder and only comes to land to breed. Adults breed at 3 to 5 years of age. Females select their mate and will often encourage competition between males before choosing a partner. Once a male is chosen, the pair will usually stay together for life. Nest site determination is very important to ensure protection of young from predators. Unlike Common Guillemots, nest sites are not immediately alongside the sea on open cliff ledges but at least 4 to 6 inches away in crevices on cliffs or among boulders. Generally a nest is not built although some pairs often use their bills to drag material upon which to lay their single egg. The mating pair will often reuse the same site every year. The Razorbill feeds mainly on schooling fish and crustaceans and it will dive deep into the sea using its wings and its streamlined body to propel itself toward their prey. Whilst diving, it rarely stays in groups but instead spreads out to feed. The majority of feeding occurs at a depth of about 80 feet but it has the ability to dive up to 400 feet below the surface. During a single dive the Razorbill can capture and swallow many schooling fish depending on their size. The Razorbill spends approximately 45% of its time foraging at sea and it may well fly more than 60 miles out to sea to feed. However, when feeding chicks it will forage much closer to the nesting grounds and often in shallower water. The Razorbill and its eggs and chicks have several predators which include Great Black-backed Gulls, Peregrines, Ravens and other crows, Arctic Foxes and Polar Bears. In the early 20th century, Razorbills were harvested for their eggs, meat and feathers and this greatly decreased their population. In 1917 they were finally protected which reduced hunting. Other current threats include oil pollution, unintentional bycatch arising from commercial fishing and overfishing which decreases the abundance of prey. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Látrabjarg, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33568374.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17541064535a106aa15c6a7.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 4th November 2017 Location: Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18198859.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_73104733851ac5cdb642d6.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 12th May 2013 Location: Ynys-hir RSPB reserve, Ceredigion http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41539329.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1796715135f3e4b9c20335.jpgLong-tailed Duck The Long-tailed Duck is a medium-sized sea duck. Adults have white underparts although the rest of the plumage goes through a complex moulting process. The male has a long pointed tail and a dark grey bill crossed by a pink band. In winter, the male has a dark cheek patch on a mainly white head and neck, a dark breast and mostly white body. In summer, the male is dark on the head, neck and back with a white cheek patch. The female has a brown back and a relatively short pointed tail. In winter, the female's head and neck are white with a dark crown. In summer, the head is dark. Juveniles resemble adult females in autumn plumage, though with a lighter, less distinct cheek patch. The Long-tailed Duck breeds in tundra pools and marshes but also along sea coasts and in large mountain lakes in north America, northern Europe and Russia. It is migratory and winters along the eastern and western coasts of north America, on the Great Lakes, coastal northern and western Europe and Asia. The most important wintering area is the Baltic Sea where a total of about 4.5 million gather. The Long-tailed Duck feeds by diving for molluscs, crustaceans and some small fish. Date: 5th July 2019 Location: Kongsfjordfjellet, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4466100.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_394689434b8a2556a2bc9.jpg http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7190914.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14200705954cc3057b4bf00.jpgCommon Snipe The Common Snipe is a small, stocky wader native to the Old World. It is the most widespread of several similar snipe species. It most closely resembles the Wilson's Snipe of north America which was previously considered to be a sub-species of the Common Snipe. It is also very similar to the Pin-tailed Snipe and Swinhoe's Snipe of east Asia. A sub-species of Common Snipe can be found in Iceland, the Faroe Islands, Shetland and Orkney. This sub-species winters in the UK and Ireland. The Common Snipe is 9.8 to 10.6 inches in length with a 17 to 19 inches wingspan. The body is mottled brown with straw-yellow stripes on top and pale underneath. It has a dark stripe through the eye with light stripes above and below it. The wings are pointed. It has short greenish-grey legs and a very long (2.2 to 2.8 inches) straight dark bill. The Common Snipe can be found in the marshes, bogs, tundra and wet meadows throughout north Europe and north Asia. It is migratory with European birds wintering in south and west Europe and Africa (south to the Equator) and Asian birds wintering in tropical south Asia. The male Common Snipe performs a "winnowing" display during courtship, flying high in circles and then taking shallow dives to produce a "drumming" sound by vibrating its tail feathers. The nest is located in a well hidden location on the ground. The female lays 4 eggs which are incubated for 18 to 21 days. The young are covered in dark maroon down, variegated with black, white and buff and are cared for by both parents with fledging occurring in 10 to 20 days. The Common Snipe is a well camouflaged bird and it is usually shy and conceals itself close to ground vegetation and flushes only when approached closely. When flushed, it utters a sharp call and flies off in a series of aerial zig-zags to confuse predators. The Common Snipe forages in soft mud, probing or picking up food by sight. It mainly eats insects and earthworms but also some plant material. Overall, the Common Snipe is not a threatened species although populations on the southern fringes of the breeding range in Europe are declining with local extinction in some areas (including in the UK) mainly due to field drainage and agricultural intensification. The Common Snipe is a species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 17th October 2010 Location: WWT Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46534447.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_125252556862ca98324c1ca.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 27th June 2022 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42222314.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4353498156023a2e4c719e.jpgNorthern Hawk Owl The Northern Hawk Owl is a medium sized owl, 14 to 16 inches long and with a wing span of 8.5 to 10 inches. Females are slightly larger than males. The term "hawk" refers to its falcon-like wing shape and long tail. The facial disc is whitish and broadly rimmed blackish at the sides. The eyebrows are white and the eyes are pale yellow. The upperparts are dark grey to dusky greyish-brown with the crown densely spotted whitish and the nape has indistinct false eyes. The mantle and back are dusky grey with some whitish dots and the scapulars are mainly white forming rather broad white bands across the shoulder. The flight feathers are dark grey-brown with rows of white spots. The tail is long and graduated and dark greyish-brown with several narrow whitish bars. The underparts are whitish and barred with greyish-brown. The legs and toes are feathered. The Northern Hawk Owl is found in the boreal coniferous forests of North America and Eurasia, usually on the edges of more open woodland, and hunts in semi-open country with scattered trees or groups of trees. It nests in large tree cavities or uses nests abandoned by other large birds and moves widely within its area of distribution, breeding where food is abundant. The Northern Hawk Owl is a partially diurnal owl which hunts voles and birds like thrushes. It waits on a treetop or other perch and takes advantage of its rapid flight to overtake prey. It has exceptional hearing and can plunge into snow to capture rodents below the surface. The typical male call is a rapid, melodious, purring trill of up to 14 seconds long which consists of about 11 to 15 notes per second. It begins softly, rises slightly in pitch and increases to a vibrating trill before breaking off abruptly. This is repeated at various intervals. Females utter a similar, higher-pitched, less clear song. Date: 9th July 2019 Location: Iivaara, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32708836.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_63828693659ad25a6609d06.62151264.jpgSwallow The Barn Swallow is the most widespread species of swallow in the world. In Europe it is just called the Swallow and in northern Europe it is the only common species called a "swallow" rather than a "martin". The male Swallow has steel blue upperparts and a rufous forehead, chin and throat which are separated from the off-white underparts by a broad dark blue breast band. The outer tail feathers are elongated to give the distinctive deeply forked "swallow tail." There is a line of white spots across the outer end of the upper tail. The female is similar in appearance to the male but the tail streamers are shorter, the blue of the upperparts and breast band is less glossy and the underparts more pale. The juvenile is browner and has a paler rufous face and whiter underparts. It also lacks the long tail streamers of the adult. The Swallow has an enormous range with an estimated global extent of 20 million square miles and a population of 190 million individuals. It breeds in the Northern Hemisphere from sea level to typically 8,900 feet but up 9,800 feet in the Caucasus and North America and it is absent only from deserts and the cold northernmost parts of the continents. Over much of its range it avoids towns and in Europe is replaced in urban areas by the House Martin. There are 6 subspecies of the Swallow which breed across the Northern Hemisphere, of which 4 are strongly migratory with their wintering grounds covering much of the Southern Hemisphere as far south as central Argentina, the Cape Province of South Africa and northern Australia. The Swallow can be found in open country with low vegetation such as pasture, meadows and farmland, preferably with nearby water. It avoids heavily wooded or precipitous areas and densely built-up locations. The presence of accessible open structures such as barns, stables or culverts to provide nesting sites and exposed locations such as wires, roof ridges or bare branches for perching are also important in the bird's selection of its breeding range. This species lives in close association with humans and its insect-eating habits mean that it is tolerated by man. This acceptance was reinforced in the past by superstitions regarding the bird and its nest. There are frequent cultural references to the Swallow in literary and religious works due to both its living in close proximity to humans and its annual migration. The Swallow is the national bird of Austria and Estonia. In winter, the Swallow is cosmopolitan in its choice of habitat, avoiding only dense forests and deserts. It is most common in open, low vegetation habitats such as savanna and ranch land. Individual birds tend to return to the same wintering locality each year and congregate from a large area to roost in reed beds. These roosts can be extremely large with one in Nigeria holding an estimated 1.5 million birds. Date: 18th May 2017 Location: east of Hortobágy, Hortobágy National Park, Hajdú-Bihar county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41249195.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5584232145f00b45aeec65.jpgRazorbills The Razorbill is a seabird and a member of the auk family which also includes the Common Guillemot, Brunnich's Guillemot and Little Auk. It is also the closest living relative to the Great Auk which is now extinct. The Razorbill has white underparts and a black head, neck, back and feet during the breeding season. A thin white line also extends from the eyes to the end of the bill. Its head is darker than that of the CommonGuillemot. Outside the breeding season, the throat and face behind the eye become white and the white line on the face becomes less prominent. The thick black bill has a blunt end. The adult male and female female are very much alike having only small differences such as wing length. The Razorbill has a horizontal stance and the tail feathers are slightly longer in the centre in comparison to other auks making it have a distinctly long tail which is not common for an auk. The Razorbill is distributed across the sub-arctic and boreal waters of the north Atlantic where water surface temperature are typically below 15°c. The world population is estimated to be less than 1 million breeding pairs, making it among the rarest auks in the world. Approximately 60 to 70% of the entire Razorbill population breeds in Iceland., including over 200,000 pairs at Látrabjarg. The breeding habitat is islands, rocky shores and cliffs on north Atlantic coasts, in eastern North America as far south as Maine and in western Europe from north west Russia to northern France. Eurasian birds winter at sea with some moving south as far as the western Mediterranean. North American birds migrate offshore and south. The Razorbill is a colonial breeder and only comes to land to breed. Individuals only breed at 3 to 5 years of age. Females select their mate and will often encourage competition between males before choosing a partner. Once a male is chosen, the pair will usually stay together for life. Nest site determination is very important to ensure protection of young from predators. Unlike Common Guillemots, nest sites are not immediately alongside the sea on open cliff ledges but at least 4 to 6 inches away in crevices on cliffs or among boulders. Generally a nest is not built although some pairs often use their bills to drag material upon which to lay their single egg. The mating pair will often reuse the same site every year. The Razorbill feeds mainly on schooling fish and crustaceans and it will dive deep into the sea using its wings and its streamlined body to propel itself toward their prey. Whilst diving, it rarely stays in groups but instead spreads out to feed. The majority of feeding occurs at a depth of about 80 feet but it has the ability to dive up to 400 feet below the surface. During a single dive the Razorbill can capture and swallow many schooling fish depending on their size. The Razorbill spends approximately 45% of its time foraging at sea and it may well fly more than 60 miles out to sea to feed. However, when feeding chicks it will forage much closer to the nesting grounds and often in shallower water. The Razorbill and its eggs and chicks have several predators which include Great Black-backed Gulls, Peregrines, Ravens and other crows, Arctic Foxes and Polar Bears. In the early 20th century, Razorbills were harvested for their eggs, meat and feathers and this greatly decreased their population. In 1917 they were finally protected which reduced hunting. Other current threats include oil pollution, unintentional bycatch arising from commercial fishing and overfishing which decreases the abundance of prey. Date: 22nd June 2020 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42222326.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11312854946023a312cdf86.jpgNorthern Hawk Owl The Northern Hawk Owl is a medium sized owl, 14 to 16 inches long and with a wing span of 8.5 to 10 inches. Females are slightly larger than males. The term "hawk" refers to its falcon-like wing shape and long tail. The facial disc is whitish and broadly rimmed blackish at the sides. The eyebrows are white and the eyes are pale yellow. The upperparts are dark grey to dusky greyish-brown with the crown densely spotted whitish and the nape has indistinct false eyes. The mantle and back are dusky grey with some whitish dots and the scapulars are mainly white forming rather broad white bands across the shoulder. The flight feathers are dark grey-brown with rows of white spots. The tail is long and graduated and dark greyish-brown with several narrow whitish bars. The underparts are whitish and barred with greyish-brown. The legs and toes are feathered. The Northern Hawk Owl is found in the boreal coniferous forests of North America and Eurasia, usually on the edges of more open woodland, and hunts in semi-open country with scattered trees or groups of trees. It nests in large tree cavities or uses nests abandoned by other large birds and moves widely within its area of distribution, breeding where food is abundant. The Northern Hawk Owl is a partially diurnal owl which hunts voles and birds like thrushes. It waits on a treetop or other perch and takes advantage of its rapid flight to overtake prey. It has exceptional hearing and can plunge into snow to capture rodents below the surface. The typical male call is a rapid, melodious, purring trill of up to 14 seconds long which consists of about 11 to 15 notes per second. It begins softly, rises slightly in pitch and increases to a vibrating trill before breaking off abruptly. This is repeated at various intervals. Females utter a similar, higher-pitched, less clear song. Date: 9th July 2019 Location: Iivaara, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42222331.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9377539306023a325d7fea.jpgArctic Circle, Rovaniemi, Lappi, Finland The Arctic Circle is one of the five major circles of latitude that mark maps of the Earth. In 2012, it is the parallel of latitude that runs 66° 33′ 44″ north of the Equator. The region north of this circle is known as the Arctic and the zone just to the south is called the Northern Temperate Zone. The equivalent polar circle in the Southern Hemisphere is called the Antarctic Circle. The Arctic Circle is the southernmost latitude in the Northern Hemisphere at which the sun can remain continuously above or below the horizon for 24 hours (at the June solstice and December solstice respectively). North of the Arctic Circle, the sun is above the horizon for 24 continuous hours at least once per year (and therefore visible at midnight) and below the horizon for 24 continuous hours at least once per year. The position of the Arctic Circle is not fixed. It directly depends on the Earth's axial tilt, which fluctuates within a margin of 2° over a 40,000-year period, notably due to tidal forces resulting from the orbit of the Moon. Relatively few people live north of the Arctic Circle due to the severe climate. Areas have been settled for thousands of years by indigenous peoples. Tens of thousands of years ago, waves of people migrated from eastern Siberia across the Bering Strait into North America and gradually eastward to settle. Much later, in the historic period, there has been migration into some Arctic areas by Europeans and other immigrants. Rovaniemi, which lies slightly south of the Arctic Circle, has a population of approximately 60,000, and is the largest settlement in the immediate vicinity of the Arctic Circle. It is the administrative capital and commercial centre of Finland's northernmost province, Lapland. It is situated between the hills of Ounasvaara and Korkalovaara at the confluence of the river Kemijoki and its tributary, the Ounasjoki. Date: 9th July 2019 Location: Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847493.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_191280978559bd517615d03.jpgHigh Tatras, Slovakia The High Tatras (Vysoké Tatry in Slovakia and Tatry Wysokie in Poland) are a mountain range along the border of northern Slovakia in the Prešov region and southern Poland in the Małopolska province. The High Tatras should not be confused with the Low Tatras which are located south of the High Tatras in Slovakia. The High Tatras occupy an area of 303 square miles, of which about 236 square miles (77.7%) lie within Slovakia and about 68 square miles (22.3%) within Poland. The High Tatras' length, measured in a straight line from the eastern foothills of the Kobylí vrch at 3638 feet to the south western foot of Ostrý vrch at 3700 feet, is 35 miles and strictly along the main ridge, 50 miles. The range is only 12 miles wide. The main ridge of the High Tatras runs from the Slovakian villages of Huty at the western end to the village of Ždiar at the eastern end. The High Tatras, having 29 peaks over 8,200 feet are, with the Southern Carpathians, the only mountain range with an alpine character and habitats in the entire 750 mile length of the Carpathian Mountains system. The 15 highest peaks of the High Tatras are all located in Slovakia with the highest peaks being Gerlachovský štít at 8711 feet, Gerlachovská veža at 8668 feet and Lomnický štít at 8638 feet. Other notable peaks include Kriváň and Rysy. Multiple surveys have ranked Kriváň (8168 feet) as Slovakia's most beautiful peak and it has also been a major symbol in Slovakian ethnic and national activism for the past 2 centuries. A country-wide vote in 2005 selected it to be one of the images on Slovakia's euro coins. Rysy lies on the border between Poland and Slovakia. It has 3 summits: the middle at 8,212 feet, the north western at 8,199 feet and the south eastern at 8,114 feet. The north western summit is the highest point in Poland whilst the other 2 summits are in Slovakia. Since the accession of Poland and Slovakia to the Schengen Agreement in 2007, the border between the countries may be easily crossed at this point. Two thirds of the High Tatras are covered with coniferous and deciduous forests. Alpine meadows, rocky terrain and habitats and extensively used pastures in the foothills occur in the non-forested areas. The High Tatras are one of the most popular places in Slovakia with over 5 million people visiting each year to walk, climb, cycle, ski or snowboard. There are around 375 miles of hiking trails, chairlifts and cable cars, offering breathtaking views of alpine scenery. The High Tatras are protected by law by the establishment of the Tatra National Park, Slovakia (Tatranský národný park) and the Tatra National Park, Poland (Tatrzański Park Narodowy), the first European cross-border national park. In 1992 the Polish and Slovakian national parks were jointly designated a trans-boundary Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. Tatra National Park, Slovakia (Tatranský národný park) is one of the 9 national parks in Slovakia. It protects the Slovakian areas of the High Tatras mountain range in the Eastern Tatras (Východné Tatry) and areas of the Western Tatras (Západné Tatry). The western part of Tatra National Park is situated in the Žilina region and the eastern part in the Prešov region. Tatra National Park covers an area of 284.9 square miles and the surrounding buffer zone covers an area of 118.5 square miles. The highest peak in Slovakia, Gerlachovský štít at 8711 feet, is located within Tatra National Park. Tatra National Park was established in January 1949 and it is the oldest national park in Slovakia. In 1987, a section of the Western Tatras was added to the national park. Since 2004, the national park has been included in the Natura 2000 ecological network, the network of nature protection areas within the European Union. Date: 30th May 2017 Location: High Tatras, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21215556.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_927335390537dbfa4c49c8.jpgHerring Gull Herring Gulls are large, noisy gulls and can be found throughout the year around coasts. During winter they can also be found inland around rubbish tips, fields, large reservoirs and lakes. Herring Gulls usually breed in colonies at coastal sites around the UK including cliffs with grassy slopes, shingle beaches, small islands and rooftops in seaside towns. Date: 9th May 2014 Location: Fishguard, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/broad-bodied-chaser https://images.on-this.website/4752_169875859359bd541bcbf74.jpgBroad-bodied Chaser The Broad-bodied Chaser is a common and distinctive dragonfly. Both sexes have a broad, flattened abdomen which is brown with yellow patches down the sides. In the male the abdomen develops a blue pruinosity that covers the brown colour. Both the forewings and hindwings have a dark patch at the base. Both the male and female have broad stripes along the dorsal surface of the thorax. The Broad-bodied Chaser is found in central and southern Europe, central Asia and the Middle East. It range extends northwards to southern Scotland, southern Sweden and southern Finland and it occurs on some Mediterranean islands including Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily and Menorca. Its range does not extend beyond southern Europe into Africa. It can be seen near still-water lakes and ponds, feeding on many types of small insects and it is often the first dragonfly to colonise newly created habitats. Date: 2nd June 2017 Location: Leles to Boľ area, Latorica, Košice region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/eiders-and-ducklings https://images.on-this.website/4752_90395884953da07cb0133b.jpgEiders and ducklings The Eider is the UK's heaviest duck and its fastest flying. The male is unmistakable with its black and white plumage and green nape. The female is a brown bird but can still be readily distinguished from all ducks, except other eider species, on the basis of size and head shape. The Eider is often readily approachable. Eiders are true sea ducks and are rarely found away from coasts where they dive for crustaceans and molluscs, with mussels being a favoured food. They are highly gregarious and usually stay close inshore where they can be seen in sheltered bays or strung out in long lines out beyond the breaking waves. The Eider can be found all year round in its breeding areas from the Northumberland coast northwards and off the north and west coast of Scotland where it nests colonially. They are found in the same areas in autumn and winter and also further south on the Yorkshire coast and around the east and south coast as far as Cornwall. A particularly famous colony of Eiders lives around the Farne Islands in Northumberland. These birds were the subject of one of the first ever bird protection laws, established by Saint Cuthbert in the year 676. About 1,000 pairs still nest there every year. Because St. Cuthbert is the patron saint of Northumberland, it was natural that the Eider should be chosen as the county's emblem bird and the birds are still often called Cuddy's ducks in the area, "Cuddy" being the familiar form of Cuthbert. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Seahouses Harbour, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/xarfjrur-north-iceland https://images.on-this.website/4752_213404407756373fef8b9c6.jpgÖxarfjörður, north east Iceland Öxarfjörður is more of a wide bay than a fjord. It is about 18 miles wide and extends from the cliffs of the Tjörnes peninsula in the west past the flat plains of Kelduhverfi to the hills of the Melrakkaslétta peninsula in the east. In addition to some smaller rivers, the Jökulsá á Fjöllum empties in to the Greenland Sea at Öxarfjörður. Jökulsá á Fjöllum is the second longest river in Iceland (128 miles) and its source is the Vatnajökull glacier. Jökulsá á Fjöllum streams over the waterfalls Selfoss, Dettifoss, and Hafragilsfoss. Date: 3rd June 2015 Location: view from road 85 on the Tjörnes peninsula http://www.richardchewphotography.com/april-2010-northern-hawk-owl https://images.on-this.website/4752_3760758904c1dd0d08a230.jpgApril 2010 - Northern Hawk Owl Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072421.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26026983.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_38302414856374bbbb63d7.jpgTurnstone The Turnstone is a fairly small and stocky wading bird. In all seasons, the plumage is dominated by a harlequin-like pattern of black and white. Breeding birds have reddish-brown upper parts with black markings. The head is mainly white with black streaks on the crown and a black pattern on the face. The breast is mainly black apart from a white patch on the sides. The rest of the underparts are white. In flight it reveals a white wingbar, white patch near the base of the wing and white lower back, rump and tail with dark bands on the uppertail coverts and near the tip of the tail. The female is slightly duller than the male and has a browner head with more streaking. The legs are fairly short and are bright orange. Non-breeding adults are duller than breeding birds and have dark grey-brown upperparts with black mottling and a dark head with little white. Juvenile birds have a pale brown head and pale fringes to the upperpart feathers creating a scaly impression. The Turnstone breeds in northern latitudes, usually no more than a few miles from the sea, in western Alaska, Ellesmere Island, Greenland, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Estonia and northern Russia. It formerly bred on the Baltic coast of Germany and has possibly bred in Scotland and the Faroe Islands. The typical breeding habitat is open tundra with water nearby. The Turnstone is highly migratory and in Europe it winters in western regions from Iceland, Norway and Denmark southwards. Only small numbers are found on Mediterranean coasts. In the Americas, it winters on coastlines from Washington and Massachusetts southwards to the southern tip of south America although it is scarce in southern parts of Chile and Argentina and is only an unconfirmed vagrant in the Falkland Islands. In Africa, it is common all the way down to South Africa with good numbers on many offshore islands. In Asia, it is widespread in the south with birds wintering as far north as southern China and Japan. It occurs south to Tasmania and New Zealand and is present on many Pacific islands. Outside the breeding season, the Turnstone is found along coasts, particularly on rocky or stony shores. It is often found on man-made structures such as breakwaters and jetties. It may venture onto open grassy areas near the coast. Small numbers sometimes turn up on inland wetlands, especially during the spring and autumn migrations. The Turnstone typically feeds on insects in the summer although their diet is extended to other invertebrates such as crustaceans, molluscs and worms in other seasons. It engages in a variety of behaviours to locate and capture prey. These behaviours can be placed into 6 general categories: routing (it manipulates piles of seaweed through flicking, bulldozing and pecking to expose prey hidden underneath), turning stones (as suggested by its name, it flicks stones with its bill to uncover hidden prey), digging (with small flicks of its bill, it creates holes in the sand or mud and then pecks at the exposed prey), probing (it inserts its bill more than a quarter-length into the ground to get at hidden prey), hammer–probing (it cracks open its prey's shell by using its bill as a hammer and then extracts the animal inside through pecking and probing and surface pecking (it uses short, shallow pecks less than a quarter bill-length to get at prey at or just below the ground surface). There is evidence that Turnstones vary between these feeding behaviours based on individual preference, sex and even social status with respect to other Turnstones. Date: 3rd June 2015 Location: Melrakkaslétta, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12081942.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7581641954e48e98f6eea7.jpgCommon Seal Common Seals feed at sea but regularly haul out on to rocky shores or inter-tidal sandbanks to rest, to give birth and to suckle their pups. The most important haul-out areas are around the coast of Scotland, particularly in the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland, and on the east coast of England in the Wash. Date: 7th September 2005 Location: Blakeney Point, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/taevaskoja-estonia https://images.on-this.website/4752_137029494657cc096ae2e24.jpgTaevaskoja, Estonia Taevaskoja is part of the Ahja River Landscape Reserve situated about 20 miles south east of Tartu and is an area of old pine and deciduous forest, fast flowing river, rapids and craggy outcrops. Date: 18th May 2016 Location: Taevaskoja, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23806418.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10748072395512a78989ace.jpgTufted Duck The Tufted Duck is a medium-sized diving duck. Males are black on the head, neck, breast and back and white on the sides with a small crest and a yellow eye. Females are browner in colour. Tufted Ducks breed in the UK across the lowland areas of England, Scotland and Ireland but less commonly in Wales. Numbers increase in the UK in winter due to birds moving to the UK from Iceland and northern Europe. Tufted Ducks can be found all year round in suitable habitats such as a reservoirs, gravel pits or lakes. Date: 7th March 2015 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28883599.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_151564458657cc05b35ce1b.jpgEndla Nature Reserve, Estonia The Endla Nature Reserve is located in central Estonia about 40 miles north west of Tartu and it was established in 1981 to protect a complex of bogs, fens, pools, lakes, rivers, reedbeds, meadows and wet and dry forests. It is also included in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance. The Endla Nature Reserve is a large wilderness area of over 31 square miles and much of it is very difficult to access but it can mainly be explored from the visitor centre at Tooma which is about 20 miles north west of Jõgeva. Date: 19th May 2016 Location: Tooma, Endla Nature Reserve, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/february-2008-great-crested-grebe https://images.on-this.website/4752_21458660924e3a58569b188.jpgFebruary 2008 - Great Crested Grebe Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11328536.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17408528.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1860430727513327be935c9.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 12th January 2013 Location: Martin Mere WWT reserve, Lancashire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28102105.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18265728515777a832e592b.jpgRed Kites The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include [url=http://www.gigrin.co.uk/]Gigrin Farm feeding centre[/url] near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 12th June 2016 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28102089.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10112318075777a4d805d30.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include [url=http://www.gigrin.co.uk/]Gigrin Farm feeding centre[/url] near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 12th June 2016 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41539281.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20201666225f3e4b114b425.jpgOystercatcher The Oystercatcher is a wader in the oystercatcher family. It is an obvious and noisy bird with black and white plumage, red legs and a strong broad red bill which is used for smashing or prising open molluscs such as mussels or for finding earthworms. Despite its name, oysters do not form a large part of its diet. The Oystercatcher is unmistakable in flight with white patches on the wings and tail with otherwise black upperparts and white underparts. Young birds are more brown, have a white neck collar and a duller bill. The call is a distinctive loud piping. The bill shape varies: Oystercatchers with broad bill tips open molluscs by prising them apart or hammering through the shell whereas birds with pointed bills dig up worms. Much of this is due to the wear resulting from feeding on their prey. Individual Oystercatchers specialise in one technique or the other which they learn from their parents. The Oystercatcher is the most widespread of the oystercatchers with 3 races breeding in western Europe, central Eurasia, Kamchatka, China, and the western coast of Korea. It is a migratory species over most of its range. The European population breeds mainly in northern Europe but in winter the birds can be found in north Africa and southern parts of Europe. Although the species is present all year in Ireland, the UK and the adjacent European coasts, there is still migratory movement within these populations. The Oystercatcher breeds on shingle and rocky beaches, sand dunes, salt marshes and on the grassy tops of small islands and also inland on shingle banks of rivers, lakes and gravel pits. Date: 5th July 2019 Location: Hoyholmen, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46535267.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_155559999062caa7541285c.jpgRinglet Flight period: July to mid August. The Ringlet is a widespread and successful species which has been extending its range in in the UK in recent years. They can be found in in tall, lush grasslands particularly in woodland rides and glades and also around scrub and hedgerows. Date: 6th July 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13593656.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6978090184ec8dad53ca62.jpgRook The Rook is a passerine bird in the crow family [i]Corvidae[/i]. It is a fairly large bird at 18 to 19 inches in length with black plumage that often shows a blue or bluish-purple sheen in bright sunlight. The feathers on the head, neck and shoulders are particularly dense and silky. The legs and feet are generally black, the bill grey-black and the iris dark brown. In adults, a bare area of whitish skin in front of the eye and around the base of the bill is distinctive and enables the Rook to be distinguished from other members of the crow family. This bare patch gives the false impression that the bill is longer than it is and the head more domed. The feathering around the legs also appears shaggier than the similarly sized Carrion Crow, the only other member of its genus with which the Rook is likely to be confused. Additionally, when seen in flight, the wings of a Rook are proportionally longer and narrower than those of the Carrion Crow. The juvenile plumage is black with a slight greenish gloss except for the hind neck, back and underparts which are brownish-black. The juvenile is superficially similar to a young Carrion Crow because it lacks the bare patch at the base of the bill but it has a thinner beak and loses the facial feathers after about 6 months. The Rook is resident in the UK and much of north and central Europe but it is a vagrant to Iceland and parts of Scandinavia where they typically live south of latitude 66° north. In the north of its range the Rook has a tendency to move south during autumn and more southern populations are apt to range sporadically. The Rook is found in habitats such as open agricultural areas with pasture or arable land as long as there are suitable tall trees for breeding. It generally avoids forests, swamps, marshes, heaths and moorland. In general it is a lowland bird with most rookeries found below 400 feet but where suitable feeding habitat exists it may breed at 1000 feet or even higher. The Rook is often associated with human settlements, nesting near farms, villages and open towns but not in large, heavily built-up areas. The Rook is a very social and gregarious bird and is generally seen in flocks of various sizes. It is a monogamous species with the adults forming life-long pair bonds and pairs stay together within flocks. In the evening, birds often congregate at their rookery before moving off to their chosen communal roosting site. Flocks increase in size in autumn with different groups amalgamating and birds congregating at dusk before roosting, often in very large numbers and in the company of Jackdaws. Roosting usually takes place in woodland or plantations but a small minority of birds may continue to roost at their rookery all winter and adult males may roost collectively somewhere nearby. Birds move off promptly in the morning, dispersing for distances of up to 5 miles or more. The Rook mostly forages on the ground striding about or occasionally hopping and probing the soil with its powerful beak. Around 60% of the diet is vegetable matter and the rest is of animal origin. Vegetable foods include cereals, potatoes, roots, fruit, acorns, berries and seeds while the animal part is predominantly earthworms and insect larvae. It also eats beetles, spiders, millipedes, slugs, snails, small mammals, small birds and their eggs and young and occasionally carrion. In urban areas, human food scraps are taken from rubbish dumps and streets, usually in the early hours or at dusk when it is relatively quiet. Like other corvids, the Rook will sometimes favour sites with a high level of human interaction and can often be found scavenging for food in tourist areas or pecking open garbage sacks. The male Rook usually initiates courtship, on the ground or in a tree, by bowing several times to the female with drooping wings and at the same time cawing and fanning his tail. The female may respond by crouching down, arching her back and quivering her wings slightly or she may take the initiative by lowering her head and wings and erecting her partially spread tail over her back. Further similar displays are often followed by begging behaviour by the female and by the male presenting her with food before mating takes place on the nest. A mated pair of rooks will often fondle each other's bills and this behaviour is also sometimes seen in autumn. Nesting in a rookery is always colonial, usually in the very tops of large trees and often on the remnants of the previous year's nest. In hilly regions, the Rook may nest in smaller trees or bushes and exceptionally on chimneys or church spires. Both sexes participate in nest-building with the male finding most of the materials and the female putting them in place. The nest is cup-shaped and composed of sticks, consolidated with earth and lined with grasses, moss, roots, dead leaves and straw. The female lays 3 to 5 eggs (sometimes 6 and occasionally 7) by the end of March or early April in the UK and west Europe but in the harsher conditions of east Europe and Russia it may be early May before the clutch is completed. The eggs are incubated for 16 to 18 days, almost entirely by the female who is fed by the male. After hatching, the male brings food to the nest while the female broods the young. After 10 days, the female joins the male in bringing food which is carried in a throat pouch. The young fledge after 32 or 33 days but continue to be fed by the parents for some time thereafter. There is normally a single brood each year but there are records of birds attempting to breed again in the autumn. In autumn, the young birds collect in to large flocks together with unpaired birds of previous seasons and often in the company of Jackdaws. It is during this time of year that spectacular aerial displays are performed by the birds. Like other corvids, the Rook is an intelligent bird with complex behavioural traits and an ability to solve simple problems. The Rook has an extremely wide distribution and a very large total population. The main threats it faces are from changes in agricultural land use, the application of seed dressings and pesticides and persecution through shooting. Although the total number of birds may be declining slightly across its range, this is not at so rapid a rate as to cause concern and the IUCN has assessed the bird's conservation status as being of "least concern". Date: 10th November 2011 Location: Fionnphort, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28569040.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_65544111957a86c6e1cff2.jpgRuff The Ruff is a medium-sized wading bird in the sandpiper family, [i]Scolopacidae[/i]. The original English name for this bird, dating back to at least 1465, is the [i]ree[/i], perhaps derived from a dialectical term meaning "frenzied". A later name [I]reeve[/I], which is still used for the female, is of unknown origin but may be derived from the shire-reeve, a feudal officer, likening the male's flamboyant plumage to the official's robes. The current name was first recorded in 1634 and is derived from the ruff, an exaggerated collar fashionable from the mid-16th century to the mid-17th century, since the male bird's neck ornamental feathers resemble the neck wear. The Ruff has a distinctive appearance with a small head, medium-length bill, longish neck and pot-bellied body. It has long legs that are variable in colour but usually yellow or orange. In flight, it has a deeper, slower wing stroke than other waders of a similar size and it displays a thin, indistinct white bar on the wing and white ovals on the sides of the tail. The Ruff shows very distinctive sexual dimorphism. Although a small percentage of males resemble females, the typical male is much larger than the female and has an elaborate breeding plumage. The male is 11 to 13 inches in length with a 21 to 24 inches wingspan. During the May to June breeding season, the typical male's legs, bill and warty bare facial skin are orange and he has distinctive head tufts and a neck ruff. These ornaments vary on individual birds and are black, chestnut or white with the colouring solid, barred or irregular. The grey-brown back has a scale-like pattern, often with black or chestnut feathers, and the underparts are white with extensive black on the breast. The extreme variability of the main breeding plumage is thought to have developed to aid individual recognition in a species that has communal breeding displays but is usually mute. Outside the breeding season, the typical male's head and neck decorations and the bare facial skin are lost and the legs and bill become duller. The upperparts are grey-brown and the underparts are white with grey mottling on the breast and flanks. The female, or "reeve", is 9 to 10 inches in length with a 18 to 19 inches wingspan. In the breeding plumage, the female has grey-brown upperparts with white-fringed, dark-centred feathers. The breast and flanks are variably blotched with black. In winter, her plumage is similar to that of the male but the sexes are distinguishable on size. The plumage of the juvenile Ruff resembles the non-breeding adult but has upperparts with a neat, scale-like pattern with dark feather centres and a strong buff tinge to the underparts. The Ruff is a migratory species, breeding in wetlands in the colder regions of northern Eurasia and wintering in the tropics, mainly in Africa. There is a limited overlap of the summer and winter ranges in the UK and parts of coastal western Europe and birds may be present throughout the year. The Ruff breeds in Europe and Asia from Scandinavia and the UK almost to the Pacific. In Europe, it is found in cool temperate areas but over its Russian range it is an Arctic species and occurs mainly north of about 65°N. The largest numbers breed in Russia, Sweden, Finland and Norway. Although it also breeds from the UK east through the Low Countries to Poland, Germany and Denmark, the populations are much lower in these more southerly areas. The Ruff is highly gregarious on migration and it travels in large flocks that can contain hundreds or thousands of individuals. Huge dense groups form on the wintering grounds. The males, which play no part in nesting or chick care, leave the breeding grounds in late June or early July followed later in July by the females and juveniles. Males typically make shorter flights and winter further north than females. Many migratory species use this differential wintering strategy since it reduces feeding competition between the sexes and enables territorial males to reach the breeding grounds as early as possible thereby improving their chances of successful mating. Males may also be able to tolerate colder winter conditions because they are larger than females. The Ruff breeds in extensive lowland freshwater marshes and damp grasslands. It avoids barren tundra and areas badly affected by severe weather, preferring hummocky marshes and deltas with shallow water. The wetter areas provide a source of food, the mounds and slopes may be used for leks and dry areas with sedge or low scrub offer nesting sites. When it is not breeding, it can be found in a wider range of shallow wetlands. Dry grassland, tidal mudflats and the seashore are less frequently used. Male Ruffs display during the breeding season at a lek in a traditional open grassy arena. The Ruff is one of the few lekking species in which the display is primarily directed at other males rather than to the females and it is among a small percentage of birds in which the males have well-marked and inherited variations in plumage and mating behaviour. There are 3 male forms: the typical territorial males, satellite males which have a white neck ruff and a very rare variant with female-like plumage. The behaviour and appearance for an individual male remain constant through its adult life and are determined by its genes. The territorial males, about 84% of the total, have strongly coloured black or chestnut ruffs and stake out and occupy small mating territories in the lek. They actively court females and display a high degree of aggression towards other resident males. Between 5 and 20 territorial males each hold an area of the lek about 3 feet across and usually with bare soil in the centre. They perform an elaborate display that includes wing fluttering, jumping, standing upright, crouching with ruff erect or lunging at rivals. They are typically silent even when displaying. Territorial males are very site faithful and 90% return to the same lekking sites in subsequent seasons, the most dominant males being the most likely to reappear. Site faithful males can acquire accurate information about the competitive abilities of other males, leading to well-developed dominance relationships. Such stable relationships reduce conflict and the risk of injury and the consequent lower levels of male aggression are less likely to scare off females. Lower-ranked territorial males also benefit from site fidelity since they can remain on the leks while waiting for the top males eventually to drop out. Satellite males, about 16% of the total number, have white or mottled ruffs and do not occupy territories. Instead, they enter leks and attempt to mate with the females visiting the territories occupied by the resident territorial males. Resident territorial males tolerate the satellite birds because, although they are competitors for mating with the females, the presence of both types of male on a territory attracts additional females. A third type of male was first described in 2006. This is a permanent female mimic, the first such reported for a bird. About 1% of males are small, intermediate in size between males and females and do not grow the elaborate breeding plumage of the territorial and satellite males. This cryptic male obtains access to mating territories together with the females and "steals" matings when the females crouch to solicit copulation. It moults into the prenuptial male plumage with striped feathers but does not go on to develop the ornamental feathers of the normal male. Not all mating takes place at the lek since only a minority of the males attend an active lek. As alternative strategies, males can also directly pursue females or wait for them as they approach good feeding sites. The level of polyandry in the Ruff is the highest known for any avian lekking species and for any shorebird. More than half of females mate with and have clutches fertilised by more than one male. In lekking species, females can choose mates without risking the loss of support from males in nesting and rearing chicks since the males take no part in raising the brood anyway. The nest of the Ruff is a shallow ground scrape lined with grass leaves and stems and concealed in marsh plants or tall grass up to 450 yards from the lek. Nesting is solitary although several females may lay in the general vicinity of a lek. The female lays typically 4 eggs from mid-March to early June depending on latitude. Incubation is undertaken by the female alone and the time to hatching is 20 to 23 days with a further 25 to 28 days to fledging. The precocial chicks have buff and chestnut down, streaked and barred with black and frosted with white. They feed themselves on a variety of small invertebrates. The Ruff normally feeds using a steady walk and pecking action, selecting food items by sight, but it will also wade deeply and submerge its head. During the breeding season, the Ruff’s diet consists almost exclusively of the adults and larva of terrestrial and aquatic insects such as beetles and flies. On migration and during the winter, it eats insects, crustaceans, spiders, molluscs, worms, frogs, small fish and also the seeds of rice and other cereals, sedges, grasses and aquatic plants. The Ruff has a large range and a large population although there is some evidence of a decrease in the population in some regions and countries. However, the species as a whole is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List (i.e. declining more than 30 percent in 10 years or 3 generations). For these reasons, the Ruff is classified as "least concern". However, the range in much of Europe is contracting because of land drainage, increased fertiliser use, the loss of mown or grazed breeding sites and over-hunting. Therefore the Ruff is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 1st August 2016 Location: Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14155789.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_481158764f3cd28e5b147.jpgMagpie The Eurasian Magpie, often simply known as the Magpie, is one of several birds in the crow family [i] Corvidae[/i] designated as a Magpie. In Europe, Magpie is generally used by English speakers to describe the Eurasian Magpie. The only other species in Europe is the Iberian Magpie or Azure-winged Magpie which is limited to the Iberian peninsula. The adult male Magpie is 17 to 18 inches in length, of which more than half is the tail. The wingspan is 20 to 24 inches. The head, neck and breast are glossy black with a metallic green and violet sheen, the belly and scapulars are pure white, the wings are black glossed with green or purple and the primaries have white inner webs, conspicuous when the wing is open. The graduated tail is black, glossed with green and reddish purple. The legs and bill are black and the iris is dark brown. The plumage of the sexes is similar but the female is slightly smaller. The young resemble the adults but are at first without much of the gloss on the sooty plumage and the tail is much shorter. The Magpie can be found across temperate Eurasia from Spain and Ireland in the west to the Kamchatka Peninsula in the east. It has also been introduced in Japan on the island of Kyushu. The preferred habitat of the Magpie is open countryside with scattered trees and it is normally absent from treeless areas and dense forests. It sometimes breeds at high densities in suburban settings such as parks and gardens and it can often be found close to the centre of cities. The Magpie is normally sedentary and spends winters close to its breeding areas but birds living near the northern limit of their range in Scandinavia and Russia can move south in harsh weather. Some Magpies breed after their first year whilst others remain in non-breeding flocks and first breed in their second year. The Magpie is monogamous and pairs often remain together from one breeding season to the next and generally occupy the same territory in successive years. Mating takes place in spring. In the courtship display, males rapidly raise and depress their head feathers, uplift, open and close their tails like fans and call in soft tones quite distinct from their usual chatter. The loose feathers of the flanks are brought over the primaries, and the shoulder patch is spread so the white is conspicuous, presumably to attract females. Short buoyant flights and chases follow. The Magpie prefers tall trees for their bulky nest, firmly attaching them to a central fork in the upper branches. A framework of sticks is cemented with earth and clay and a lining of the same is covered with fine roots. Above is a stout though loosely built dome of prickly branches with a single well concealed entrance. These huge nests are conspicuous when the leaves fall. Where trees are scarce, though even in well-wooded country, nests are at times built in bushes and hedgerows. In Europe, the eggs are typically laid in April and clutches usually contain 5 or 6 eggs. The eggs are incubated for 21 to 22 days by the female who is fed on the nest by the male. The chicks are brooded by the female for the first 5 to 10 days and fed by both parents. The nestlings open their eyes 7 to 8 days after hatching and their body feathers start to appear after around 8 days and the primary wing feathers after 10 days. Fledging takes place at around 27 days and the parents then continue to feed the young for several more weeks. The parents also protect the young from predators since their ability to fly is poor, making them vulnerable. On average, only 3 or 4 chicks survive to fledge successfully. Some nests are lost to predators but an important factor causing nestling mortality is starvation. Eggs hatch asynchronously and if the parents have difficulty finding sufficient food, the last chicks to hatch are unlikely to survive. The Magpie is omnivorous, eating young birds and eggs, small mammals, insects, scraps and carrion, acorns, grain and other vegetable substances. The Magpie is believed not only to be among the most intelligent of birds but among the most intelligent of all animals. Along with the Jackdaw, the Magpie's nidopallium area of the brain is approximately the same relative size as those in Chimpanzees and humans. Like other corvids, such as the Raven and Carrion crow, the total brain-to-body mass ratio is equal to most great apes and cetaceans. A 2004 review suggests that the intelligence of the corvid family to which the Magpie belongs is equivalent to that of great apes (Chimpanzees, Orangutans and Gorillas) in terms of social cognition, causal reasoning, flexibility, imagination and prospection. The Magpie has an extremely large range and a very large population. The population trend in Europe has been stable since 1980 and there is no evidence of any serious overall decline in numbers so the species is classified by the IUCN as being of “Least Concern”. In Europe, the Magpie has been historically demonized by humans, mainly as a result of folklore, superstition and myth and its reputation as an omen of ill fortune. The Magpie has also been attacked for their role as a predator which includes eating other birds' eggs and their young. However, different studies have reached different conclusions on their impact on the populations of other birds. Date: 12th February 2012 Location: Pennington Flash, Greater Manchester http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4466131.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3169162184b8a26bb45799.jpgHerring Gull The Herring Gull is one of the best known of all gulls along the shores of Europe. Adults in breeding plumage have a grey back and upperwings and white head and underparts. The wingtips are black with white spots known as "mirrors". The bill is yellow with a red spot and there is a ring of bare yellow skin around the pale eye. The legs are normally pink at all ages but can be yellowish. Non-breeding adults have brown streaks on the head and neck. Male and female plumage is identical at all stages of development although adult males are often larger. Juvenile and first-winter birds are mainly brown with darker streaks and have a dark bill and eyes. Second-winter birds have a whiter head and underparts with less streaking and the back is grey. Third-winter individuals are similar to adults but retain some of the features of immature birds such as brown feathers in the wings and dark markings on the bill. The Herring Gull attains adult plumage and reaches sexual maturity at an average age of 4 years. The loud laughing call of the Herring Gull is well known and is often seen as a symbol of the seaside in countries such as the UK. It also has a yelping alarm call and a low barking anxiety call. Chicks and fledglings emit a distinctive, repetitive high-pitched 'peep', accompanied by a head-flicking gesture when begging for food from or calling to their parents. Adult gulls in urban areas will also exhibit this behaviour when fed by humans. The Herring Gull breeds across northern Europe, western Europe, central Europe, eastern Europe, Scandinavia and the Baltic states. Some, especially those resident in colder areas, migrate further south in winter but many are permanent residents such as in the UK or on the North Sea shores. While Herring Gull numbers appear to have been decreased in recent years, possibly by fish population declines and competition, they have proved able to survive in human-adapted areas and can often be seen in towns acting as a scavenger. The Herring Gull, like most gulls, is an omnivore and opportunist and will scavenge from garbage dumps, landfill sites and sewage outflows with refuse comprising up to half of the bird's diet. In addition, it will eat fish, crustaceans and dead animals as well as some plants and it will steal the eggs and young of other birds (including those of other gulls). The Herring Gull may also dive from the surface of the water or engage in plunge diving in the pursuit of aquatic prey although they are typically unable to reach any great depth due to their natural buoyancy. Date: February 2009 Location: Oslo harbour, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39083158.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8179392395d307fdd4b319.jpgEastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria The Rhodopes Mountains are a mountain range in south east Europe. They are spread over 5689 square miles of which 4723 square miles are located in south Bulgaria and the remainder in north Greece. The Rhodopes Mountains are about 149 miles long and about 62 to 75 miles wide with an average altitude of 2575 feet. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 7188 feet and is situated 12 miles to the west of Smolyan. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rhodopes Mountains gives its name to the terrestrial eco-region Rodope montane mixed forests that belong in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The area is particularly notable for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans plus its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms such as the Trigrad Gorge. The Rhodopes Mountains can be sub-divided in to 3 sections: The Western Rhodopes are spread over 66% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and they are higher, the most infrastructurally developed and the most visited part of the mountains. The highest and best known peaks are located in this section with more than 10 over 6562 feet high including the highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7188 feet). Some of the deepest river gorges in the Rhodopes Mountains are located in the west as well as several large lakes. The Eastern Rhodopes are spread over a territory of about 34% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and are much lower in height. The large artificial dams of Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets are located in this part of the mountains. Almost every species of European bird of prey nests in the Eastern Rhodopes including the rare Black Vulture and Egyptian Vulture. The Southern Rhodopes are the part of the mountain range that is located in Greece and they are characterized by numerous peaks of relatively low altitude. The River Borovitsa is a tributary of the River Arda and is located in the eastern Rhodopes Mountains. The river valley is stony and surrounded by rough grassland, scrub and forested hillsides. There are many tiny hamlets along the valley, many of them abandoned or semi-abandoned. This little visited area and its wild environment with only the tiny hamlets and patches of traditional agriculture form a great contrast with the town of Kardzhali. Nenkovo, 17.5 miles north west of Kardzhali, is one of the hamlets in the river valley with no electricity or car access. The access to the village is via a rope bridge over the River Borovitsa. The lack of cars has preserved the narrow village streets which wind between the houses built about 100 to 150 years ago. According to the census of 2011, the village has 129 inhabitants which is down from its peak of 883 people shortly after the Second World War. The village is almost exclusively inhabited by ethnic Bulgarian Turks. Near the village of Nenkovo there is a medieval bridge over the River Borovitsa. It is a large asymmetric bridge with 5 arches each of a different size. The road over the bridge is about 65 yards long. The bridge has been partly destroyed on a number of occasions by the rough waters of the river. It has been rebuilt in the past but after repeated damage it is no longer used. The area around Nenkovo village and the bridge is an excellent one for a wide range of bird species. Date: 26th May 2018 Location: River Borovitsa valley near Nenkovo, Eastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/swallow https://images.on-this.website/4752_2028005064daebdd2d629c.jpgSwallow The Barn Swallow is the most widespread species of swallow in the world. In Europe it is just called the Swallow and in northern Europe it is the only common species called a "swallow" rather than a "martin". The male Swallow has steel blue upperparts and a rufous forehead, chin and throat which are separated from the off-white underparts by a broad dark blue breast band. The outer tail feathers are elongated to give the distinctive deeply forked "swallow tail." There is a line of white spots across the outer end of the upper tail. The female is similar in appearance to the male but the tail streamers are shorter, the blue of the upperparts and breast band is less glossy and the underparts more pale. The juvenile is browner and has a paler rufous face and whiter underparts. It also lacks the long tail streamers of the adult. The Swallow has an enormous range with an estimated global extent of 20 million square miles and a population of 190 million individuals. It breeds in the Northern Hemisphere from sea level to typically 8,900 feet but up 9,800 feet in the Caucasus and North America and it is absent only from deserts and the cold northernmost parts of the continents. Over much of its range it avoids towns and in Europe is replaced in urban areas by the House Martin. There are 6 subspecies of the Swallow which breed across the Northern Hemisphere, of which 4 are strongly migratory with their wintering grounds covering much of the Southern Hemisphere as far south as central Argentina, the Cape Province of South Africa and northern Australia. The Swallow can be found in open country with low vegetation such as pasture, meadows and farmland, preferably with nearby water. It avoids heavily wooded or precipitous areas and densely built-up locations. The presence of accessible open structures such as barns, stables or culverts to provide nesting sites and exposed locations such as wires, roof ridges or bare branches for perching are also important in the bird's selection of its breeding range. This species lives in close association with humans and its insect-eating habits mean that it is tolerated by man. This acceptance was reinforced in the past by superstitions regarding the bird and its nest. There are frequent cultural references to the Swallow in literary and religious works due to both its living in close proximity to humans and its annual migration. The Swallow is the national bird of Austria and Estonia. In winter, the Swallow is cosmopolitan in its choice of habitat, avoiding only dense forests and deserts. It is most common in open, low vegetation habitats such as savanna and ranch land. Individual birds tend to return to the same wintering locality each year and congregate from a large area to roost in reed beds. These roosts can be extremely large with one in Nigeria holding an estimated 1.5 million birds. Date: 05/06/06 Location: Loch Spelve, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230750.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1628847999649171aaa49c8.jpgCommon Redstart The Common Redstart, or often simply Redstart, is a small passerine bird. Like its relatives, it was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family but it is now known to be an Old World flycatcher. The Common Redstart shows some affinity to the Robin in many of its habits and actions. It has the same general carriage and chat-like behaviour and it is the same length but slightly slimmer and not quite as heavy. The orange-red tail, from which it and other redstarts get their names ("start" is an old word for "tail"), is frequently quivered. Among common European birds, only the Black Redstart has a similarly coloured tail. In summer, the male Common Redstart has a slate-grey head and upperparts, except the rump and tail, which, like the flanks, underwing coverts and axillaries, are orange-chestnut. The forehead is white and the sides of the face and throat are black. The wings and the two central tail feathers are brown and the other tail feathers are bright orange-red. The orange on the flanks shades to almost white on the belly. The bill and legs are black. In autumn, pale feather fringes on the body feathering obscures the colours of the male and gives it a washed-out appearance. The female is browner with paler underparts and it lacks the black and slate head. The Common Redstart is a summer visitor throughout most of Europe and west Asia (east to Lake Baikal) and also in north west Africa in Morocco. It can be found in open mature birch and oak woodland with low amounts of shrub and understorey especially where the trees are old enough to have holes suitable for its nest. It prefers to nest on the edge of woodland clearings in natural tree holes so dead trees or those with dead limbs are beneficial to it. It also nests in mature open conifer woodland, particularly in the north of the breeding range, and nestboxes are sometimes used. In the UK, the Common Redstart occurs primarily in broadleaf woodlands in upland areas in the north and west with the greatest concentrations in Wales. Further east in Europe it also commonly occurs in lowland areas including parks and old gardens in urban areas. The Common Redstart winters in central Africa and Arabia, south of the Sahara Desert but north of the Equator and from Senegal east to Yemen. It first arrives in its breeding areas in early to mid April, the males often a few days in advance of the females. Following breeding, return migration to Africa occurs between mid August and early October. The Common Redstart is insectivorous and eats a wide variety of small insects and spiders but additionally fruit and berries in the autumn. It often feeds like a flycatcher and makes aerial sallies after passing insects. Date: 14th May 2023 Location: RSPB Carngafallt, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30825056.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_80906674758f3414182b198.73515427.jpgMagpie The Eurasian Magpie, often simply known as the Magpie, is one of several birds in the crow family [i] Corvidae[/i] designated as a Magpie. In Europe, Magpie is generally used by English speakers to describe the Eurasian Magpie. The only other species in Europe is the Iberian Magpie or Azure-winged Magpie which is limited to the Iberian peninsula. The adult male Magpie is 17 to 18 inches in length, of which more than half is the tail. The wingspan is 20 to 24 inches. The head, neck and breast are glossy black with a metallic green and violet sheen, the belly and scapulars are pure white, the wings are black glossed with green or purple and the primaries have white inner webs, conspicuous when the wing is open. The graduated tail is black, glossed with green and reddish purple. The legs and bill are black and the iris is dark brown. The plumage of the sexes is similar but the female is slightly smaller. The young resemble the adults but are at first without much of the gloss on the sooty plumage and the tail is much shorter. The Magpie can be found across temperate Eurasia from Spain and Ireland in the west to the Kamchatka Peninsula in the east. It has also been introduced in Japan on the island of Kyushu. The preferred habitat of the Magpie is open countryside with scattered trees and it is normally absent from treeless areas and dense forests. It sometimes breeds at high densities in suburban settings such as parks and gardens and it can often be found close to the centre of cities. The Magpie is normally sedentary and spends winters close to its breeding areas but birds living near the northern limit of their range in Scandinavia and Russia can move south in harsh weather. Some Magpies breed after their first year whilst others remain in non-breeding flocks and first breed in their second year. The Magpie is monogamous and pairs often remain together from one breeding season to the next and generally occupy the same territory in successive years. Mating takes place in spring. In the courtship display, males rapidly raise and depress their head feathers, uplift, open and close their tails like fans and call in soft tones quite distinct from their usual chatter. The loose feathers of the flanks are brought over the primaries, and the shoulder patch is spread so the white is conspicuous, presumably to attract females. Short buoyant flights and chases follow. The Magpie prefers tall trees for their bulky nest, firmly attaching them to a central fork in the upper branches. A framework of sticks is cemented with earth and clay and a lining of the same is covered with fine roots. Above is a stout though loosely built dome of prickly branches with a single well concealed entrance. These huge nests are conspicuous when the leaves fall. Where trees are scarce, though even in well-wooded country, nests are at times built in bushes and hedgerows. In Europe, the eggs are typically laid in April and clutches usually contain 5 or 6 eggs. The eggs are incubated for 21 to 22 days by the female who is fed on the nest by the male. The chicks are brooded by the female for the first 5 to 10 days and fed by both parents. The nestlings open their eyes 7 to 8 days after hatching and their body feathers start to appear after around 8 days and the primary wing feathers after 10 days. Fledging takes place at around 27 days and the parents then continue to feed the young for several more weeks. The parents also protect the young from predators since their ability to fly is poor, making them vulnerable. On average, only 3 or 4 chicks survive to fledge successfully. Some nests are lost to predators but an important factor causing nestling mortality is starvation. Eggs hatch asynchronously and if the parents have difficulty finding sufficient food, the last chicks to hatch are unlikely to survive. The Magpie is omnivorous, eating young birds and eggs, small mammals, insects, scraps and carrion, acorns, grain and other vegetable substances. The Magpie is believed not only to be among the most intelligent of birds but among the most intelligent of all animals. Along with the Jackdaw, the Magpie's nidopallium area of the brain is approximately the same relative size as those in Chimpanzees and humans. Like other corvids, such as the Raven and Carrion crow, the total brain-to-body mass ratio is equal to most great apes and cetaceans. A 2004 review suggests that the intelligence of the corvid family to which the Magpie belongs is equivalent to that of great apes (Chimpanzees, Orangutans and Gorillas) in terms of social cognition, causal reasoning, flexibility, imagination and prospection. The Magpie has an extremely large range and a very large population. The population trend in Europe has been stable since 1980 and there is no evidence of any serious overall decline in numbers so the species is classified by the IUCN as being of “Least Concern”. In Europe, the Magpie has been historically demonized by humans, mainly as a result of folklore, superstition and myth and its reputation as an omen of ill fortune. The Magpie has also been attacked for their role as a predator which includes eating other birds' eggs and their young. However, different studies have reached different conclusions on their impact on the populations of other birds. Date: 7th April 2017 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26270540.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7633555925665540e9f169.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 4th December 2015 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/snowdonia-range-and-river-glaslyn https://images.on-this.website/4752_140932385264916c3f55de0.jpgSnowdon range and River Glaslyn, Gwynedd Height: Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) 3560 feet, Crib y Ddysgl 3494 feet, Crib Coch 3028 feet and Y Lliwedd 2946 feet. Snowdonia, or "Eagles nesting place" in Welsh, offers some of the most impressive scenery in the UK. The highest peak, Snowdon, at 3560 feet is the highest mountain in England and Wales. Snowdonia is one of the 11 National Parks of England and Wales and is the second largest after the Lake District. The National Park covers 823 square miles of the most beautiful and unspoilt countryside in north west Wales. Date: 13th May 2023 Location: view from Glaslyn Osprey Centre near Pont Croesor, Gwynedd http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39081963.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5409775535d3078a7dca66.jpgEuropean Bee-eater The European Bee-eater is an incredibly colourful bird with an unmistakable appearance. In breeding plumage, it has a rich chestnut crown that blends into gold on its back. The forehead is white, the throat is yellow bordered by black and the underparts are blue. The male European Bee-eater has a chestnut-coloured patch in the middle of the wing while in females this patch is usually smaller or even absent. Occasionally, females may also be distinguished from the males by having a green back. The wings and backs of juvenile European Bee-eaters are entirely green and the eyes are brown in contrast to the bright red eyes of adults. The European Bee-eater breeds in southern Europe and in parts of north Africa and western Asia. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, India and Sri Lanka. European Bee-eaters are occasionally seen in northern Europe (including the UK) as a spring overshoot north of its range with occasional breeding occurring. Just as the name suggests, the European Bee-eater predominantly eats insects, especially bees, wasps and hornets which are caught in the air by sorties from an open perch. Before eating its meal, a European Bee-eater removes the sting by repeatedly hitting the insect on a hard surface. Lizards and frogs are also taken. European Bee-eaters are gregarious, nesting colonially in sandy banks preferably near river shores and also feeding and roosting communally. Date: 17th May 2018 Location: Vetren, Silistra Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/turnstone https://images.on-this.website/4752_12009065524db0350a812c0.jpgTurnstone The Turnstone has a mottled appearance with brown or chestnut and black upperparts, brown and white or black and white head pattern, white underparts and orange legs. Turnstones can be found around most of the UK coastline including rocky, sandy and muddy shores and particularly like feeding on seaweed covered rocks, seawalls and jetties. They are present for most of the year. Birds from Northern Europe pass through in July and August and again in spring and birds from Canada and Greenland arrive in August and September and remain until April and May. Non-breeding birds may stay throughout the summer. Date: 23rd December 2007 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41292173.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6240345255f10b239bd1f7.jpgPasvikdalen, Troms og Finnmark, Norway The Pasvik valley (Norwegian: [i]Pasvikdalen[/i]) is a river valley located in Norway and Russia. The Norwegian side of the valley is situated in Sør-Varanger municipality in Troms og Finnmark and the Russian side is located in the Pechengsky district in Murmansk Oblast. Øvre Pasvik National Park (Norwegian: [i]Øvre Pasvik Nasjonalpark[/i]) is located in the south eastern part of the valley and covers an area of 46 square miles. It is dominated by Siberian-like taiga consisting of old-growth forests of Scots pine, shallow lakes and bogs. Proposals for a national park in Øvre Pasvik were first launched in 1936 but it was not created until February 1970. It originally covered 25 square miles but was expanded in August 2003. Øvre Pasvik National Park is part of the larger Pasvik–Inari Trilateral Park along with the adjacent Øvre Pasvik Landscape Protection Area, the joint Norwegian and Russian Pasvik Nature Reserve and Finland's Vätsäri Wilderness Area. The fauna and flora of the Øvre Pasvik National Park is typical of the Siberian taiga. This includes Brown Bear, Wolverine, Wolf, Lynx and Elk and a very interesting diversity of northern and eastern species of birds which breed on the lakes and rivers and in the forests. The River Pasvikelva runs through the valley (giving it the name) and the river defines part of the border between Norway and Russia. It is the outlet from the large Lake Inari in Finland and flows through Norway and Russia to discharge into the Bøkfjorden (which later flows into the Varangerfjorden and then the Barents Sea) not far from the town of Kirkenes. The river has a watershed of 7106 square miles and is 90 miles long. A series of hydroelectric power stations are situated along its course. Since 1826, the River Pasvikelva has marked parts of the border between Norway and Russia, except from 1920 to 1944 when it was along the border between Norway and Finland. The southern part of the valley is also the location of the Treriksrøysa (Three-Country Cairn), a cairn which marks the tripoint where the borders between Norway, Finland and Russia meet. The site is on a hill called Muotkavaara situated west of the River Pasvikelva. It is the only place where 3 time zones meet: Central European Time, Eastern European Time and Further-Eastern European Time. The tripoint can only be approached by the public from the Norwegian side since both Finland and Russia maintain extensive border zones where public access is prohibited. Date: 29th June 2019 Location: view between Melkefoss and Nyrud, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/bempton-cliffs-east-yorkshire https://images.on-this.website/4752_3025849005f00b9d33936d.jpgBempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire are some of the highest chalk cliffs in England at over 330 feet in height, Beachy Head in East Sussex being the highest at 530 feet. The cliffs run for about 6 miles from Flamborough Head north towards Filey. There are good walkways along the top of the cliffs and several well fenced and protected observation points. The hard chalk cliffs offer lots of sheltered headlands and crevices for nesting birds and Bempton Cliffs is a nature reserve managed by the RSPB. It offers one of the UK's top wildlife spectacles. Around half a million seabirds gather here to breed between March and October including Gannet, Puffin, razorbill, Guillemot, Kittiwake and Fulmar. Date: 22nd June 2020 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo442118.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1684281868467f1c1980326.jpgRiver Wharfe, North Yorkshire The River Wharfe is one of the most famous rivers in Yorkshire. Between Bolton Abbey and Barden Bridge are the Strid Woods which are well known for the variety of birds, animals and insects that frequent them. The Strid itself is a notorious stretch of water where the River Wharfe is forced into a deep and narrow thundering channel. Date: 8th May 2006 Location: view from Strid Woods off the B6160 road north of Bolton Abbey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14155785.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7934713594f3cd272bd9a2.jpgBlackbird The Common Blackbird is a species of true thrush. It is also called Eurasian Blackbird (especially in North America in order to distinguish it from the unrelated New World blackbirds) or simply Blackbird where this does not lead to confusion with a similar-looking local species. The Blackbird’s name derives form 2 Latin words: <i>turdus</i> meaning “thrush” and <i>merula</i> meaning “blackbird”. It may not immediately be clear why the name "blackbird", first recorded in 1486, was applied to this species but not to one of the various other common black English birds, such as the Carrion Crow, Raven, Rook or Jackdaw. However, in Old English and in modern English up to about the 18th century, "bird" was used only for smaller or young birds and larger ones such as crows were called "fowl". At that time, the Blackbird was therefore the only widespread and conspicuous black bird in the UK. The Blackbird is around 9.25 to 11.5 inches in length including a long tail. The adult male has glossy black plumage, blackish-brown legs, a yellow eye-ring and an orange-yellow bill. The bill darkens somewhat in winter. The adult female is sooty-brown with a dull yellowish-brownish bill, a brownish-white throat and some weak mottling on the breast. The juvenile is similar to the female but has pale spots on the upperparts and the very young juvenile also has a speckled breast. Young birds vary in the shade of brown, with darker birds presumably males. The first year male resembles the adult male but has a dark bill and weaker eye ring and its folded wing is brown rather than black like the body plumage. The Blackbird breeds in temperate Eurasia, north Africa, the Canary Islands and south Asia. Populations are sedentary in the south and west of the range although northern birds migrate south as far as north Africa and tropical Asia in winter. Common over most of its range in woodland, the Blackbird has a preference for deciduous trees with dense undergrowth. However, gardens provide the most successful breeding habitat. It occurs up to around 3300 feet in Europe and is often replaced by the related Ring Ousel in areas of higher altitude. The Blackbird has an extensive range and a large population which is generally stable or increasing. However, there have been local declines, especially on farmland, which may be due to agricultural policies that encouraged farmers to remove hedgerows (which provide nesting places) and to drain damp grassland and increase the use of pesticides, both of which could have reduced the availability of invertebrate food. The Blackbird may commence breeding in March when the breeding pair prospect for a suitable nest site in a creeper or bush, favouring evergreen or thorny species such as ivy, holly, hawthorn, honeysuckle or pyracantha. Sometimes they will nest in sheds or outbuildings where a ledge or cavity is used. The cup-shaped nest is made with grasses, leaves and other vegetation and bound together with mud. It is built by the female alone. The nest is often ill-concealed compared with those of other species and many breeding attempts fail due to predation. The female lays 3 to 5 (average 4) bluish-green eggs marked with reddish-brown blotches which are incubated for 12 to 14 days before the chicks are hatched naked and blind. Fledging takes another 10 to 19 (average 13.6) days, with both parents feeding the young. The young are fed by the parents for up to 3 weeks after leaving the nest and they will follow the adults begging for food. If the female starts another nest, the male alone will feed the fledged young. Second broods are common with the female reusing the same nest if the brood was successful. The first-year male Blackbird may start singing as early as late January in fine weather in order to establish a territory, followed in late March by the adult male. The male's song is a varied and melodious low-pitched fluted warble which is given from trees, rooftops or other elevated perches mainly in the period from March to June and sometimes into the beginning of July. During the winter, the Blackbird can be heard quietly singing to itself, so much so that September and October are the only months which the song cannot be heard. The Blackbird is omnivorous, eating a wide range of insects, earthworms, seeds and berries. It feeds mainly on the ground, running and hopping with a start-stop-start progress. It pulls earthworms from the soil, usually finding them by sight but sometimes by hearing, and roots through leaf litter for other invertebrates. Small amphibians and lizards are occasionally hunted. The Blackbird will also perch in bushes to take berries and collect caterpillars and other active insects. Animal prey predominates and this is particularly important during the breeding season with windfall apples and berries taken more in the autumn and winter. Near human habitation the main predator of the Blackbird is the domestic cat, with newly fledged young especially vulnerable. Foxes and predatory birds, such as the Sparrowhawk, also predate the Blackbird when the opportunity arises. Eggs and chicks are also taken by corvids, such as the Magpie or Jay. Date: 12th February 2012 Location: Pennington Flash, Greater Manchester http://www.richardchewphotography.com/jura-argyll https://images.on-this.website/4752_19974998425a106b74e3e99.jpgJura, Argyll Jura is an island in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. It is separated from the Knapdale district of Argyll to the east by the Sound of Jura and from the island of Islay to the south west by the Sound of Islay. To the north, the Strait of Corryvreckan, with its notorious whirlpools, separates Jura from the island of Scarba. Jura extends 27 miles north east to south west and is 8 miles at its widest. It rises to a height of 2571 feet at Beinn an Oir, one of the three distinctive conical peaks known as the Paps of Jura. Jura is nearly bisected in to 2 separate islands by Loch Tarbert. Compared with its fertile and more populous neighbour of Islay, Jura is mountainous, bare and infertile and it is covered largely by vast areas of blanket bog, hence its very small population. Most of the island's population live in Craighouse which sits on a bay on the east coast protected by a string of islets known as the Small Isles. A 19th century whisky distillery here was reopened in 1963. A single road follows the east coast as far north as Inverlussa and a track continues northwards from here past Barnhill where the novelist George Orwell spent much of his final years and where he wrote “1984”. Date: 5th November 2017 Location: view from the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry between Port Elen, Islay and Kennacraig, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41424273.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_786301745f2aa944068c3.jpgHamingberg, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway The Varanger peninsula is situated in Troms og Finnmark in the extreme north east of Norway. With an area of 800 square miles, it is the largest area within the Arctic climate zone in mainland Norway and is bordered by Tanafjord to the west, Varangerfjord to the south and the Barents Sea to the north and east. The area has a rugged mountain terrain with altitudes up to 2077 feet and it has an Arctic tundra climate. The coast of the Varanger peninsula is an important area for breeding, migrating and wintering birds, especially some notable Arctic species. The Norwegian Directorate for Nature Management has a project on the Varanger peninsula to reintroduce and protect the Arctic Fox which is critically endangered on the Norwegian mainland. The Varangerhalvøya National Park (Norwegian: [I]Varangerhalvøya Nasjonalpark[/I]) lies to the west of road Fv341 and protects a majority of the land on the Varanger peninsula. The eastern part of the Varanger peninsula can be accessed from Vardø, via Svartnes, to Hamningberg. Hamningberg is an abandoned fishing village situated on the Varanger peninsula and on the shores of the Barents Sea. It’s only road connection is via the narrow and winding road Fv341 which runs for about 25 miles north from Svartnes. This is a very scenic road which follows the shores of the Barents Sea. It is considered to be one of the wildest and most memorable drives in Norway and passes through a bare and barren but awe-inspiring Arctic landscape. The road is closed during the winter months from October to late May. Traditionally a fishing village, Hamningberg is one of very few places in Troms og Finnmark that was not burnt and destroyed under Operation Nordlicht in 1944 and 1945, the German “scorched earth” retreat from Finnmark. It was depopulated and abandoned in 1964 although some of the houses are still in use as summer cottages. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hamningberg, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo47645610.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11463420526347cf0e94964.jpgEdible Frog The Edible Frog is a species of frog found across Europe that is also known as the Common Water Frog and the Green Frog. The Edible Frog is one of the few animals in the world that is a fertile hybrid of 2 different species, as although similar but genetically different species are known to mate, it is very rare that their offspring will be able to breed. The Edible Frog is a fertile hybrid of 2 other European frogs, namely the Pool Frog and the Marsh Frog, that inter-bred when populations where isolated close to one another during the Ice Age. It was first described in 1758 and is known as the Edible Frog due to the fact that it is now seen as a culinary delicacy across Europe but especially in France where frog’s legs are often served as a national dish. The reason for humans favouring this frog over others is not really known but it may have something to do with their abundance. The Edible Frog is a medium sized frog growing to around 3.5 to 4.5 inches in length. Adults are mainly green in colour with light patches of brown on their backs, yellow eyes and a white underside covered in a few dark spots. There are number of distinct differences between males and females including the fact that males become much lighter and greener during the mating season. Males also have vocal sacs on the outside of their cheeks and extra skin patches on their feet, both of which are primarily used for mating. The Edible Frog is endemic to Europe and it naturally occurs across central Europe as far north as Germany and Estonia. Southern populations are found from Croatia, through northern Italy and into the south of France. There are also isolated populations in Sweden and Bulgaria which are thought to have migrated from the countries nearby. It has also been introduced to the UK. The Edible Frog spends all of its time either in or very close to water and it is most commonly found in calmer parts of rivers and streams where there is a slow but constant flow of fresh water. It tends to prefer more open areas and can also be commonly found around lakes, ponds and marshes. Unlike many other species of frog, the Edible Frog is a diurnal animal and is therefore most active during the day. This is when it is most likely to move away from the water so that it can find a better supply of food or move to a different part of the water if it needs to. The Edible Frog is a relatively solitary animal so there is less competition for food but males are often seen sitting together in groups during the breeding season when they are trying to out-compete each other to find a mate. The breeding season for the Edible Frog begins during March and generally lasts for around 2 months. Males sing by drawing air in and out of their vocal sacs to produce the highest-pitched sound possible since females are most attracted to the loudest males. After courting her in a lake, pond or swamp, the male lets the female lay up to 10,000 eggs in a sticky mass into the water before he fertilises them. Tadpoles can be as small as 0.2 inches long when they hatch and are a grey/brown colour. They then grow up to 2 to 3 inches in length before metamorphoses occurs and they leave the water as 0.75 inches long young frogs. The Edible Frog reaches sexual maturity at the age of 2 years and can live until it is 15 years old. The Edible Frog is a carnivorous amphibian but the tadpoles mainly eat vegetation although they are known to occasionally supplement their diet with aquatic micro-organisms. Adults eat small invertebrates such as insects, spiders and flies, which make up the majority of their diet, along with larger aquatic animals like fish, newts and other frogs. The Edible Frog hunts for food during the day and can be seen catching food both in water and on land. The Edible Frog remains very still when it is sitting on the banks of its water habitat and this, along with its camouflage, makes it very difficult for predators to spot. Its eyes are positioned near the top of the head meaning that it can also see danger coming whilst the body is mainly hidden. Snakes, owls and water birds are the main predators of the Edible Frog. The Edible Frog will jump into the water and hide if it senses approaching danger and it will make a loud screeching sound if caught. Edible Frog populations are under threat from habitat destruction mainly caused by deforestation and water pollution. Date: 7th August 2022 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26040274.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_69120311156388bd07f425.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name <i>Fratercula</i> comes from the Medieval Latin <i>fratercula</i> meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name <i>arctica</i> refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek <i>άρκτος</i> ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name <i>puffin</i> (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Látrabjarg, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847449.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6397122559bd507fe55f3.jpgHigh Tatras, Slovakia The High Tatras (Vysoké Tatry in Slovakia and Tatry Wysokie in Poland) are a mountain range along the border of northern Slovakia in the Prešov region and southern Poland in the Małopolska province. The High Tatras should not be confused with the Low Tatras which are located south of the High Tatras in Slovakia. The High Tatras occupy an area of 303 square miles, of which about 236 square miles (77.7%) lie within Slovakia and about 68 square miles (22.3%) within Poland. The High Tatras' length, measured in a straight line from the eastern foothills of the Kobylí vrch at 3638 feet to the south western foot of Ostrý vrch at 3700 feet, is 35 miles and strictly along the main ridge, 50 miles. The range is only 12 miles wide. The main ridge of the High Tatras runs from the Slovakian villages of Huty at the western end to the village of Ždiar at the eastern end. The High Tatras, having 29 peaks over 8,200 feet are, with the Southern Carpathians, the only mountain range with an alpine character and habitats in the entire 750 mile length of the Carpathian Mountains system. The 15 highest peaks of the High Tatras are all located in Slovakia with the highest peaks being Gerlachovský štít at 8711 feet, Gerlachovská veža at 8668 feet and Lomnický štít at 8638 feet. Other notable peaks include Kriváň and Rysy. Multiple surveys have ranked Kriváň (8168 feet) as Slovakia's most beautiful peak and it has also been a major symbol in Slovakian ethnic and national activism for the past 2 centuries. A country-wide vote in 2005 selected it to be one of the images on Slovakia's euro coins. Rysy lies on the border between Poland and Slovakia. It has 3 summits: the middle at 8,212 feet, the north western at 8,199 feet and the south eastern at 8,114 feet. The north western summit is the highest point in Poland whilst the other 2 summits are in Slovakia. Since the accession of Poland and Slovakia to the Schengen Agreement in 2007, the border between the countries may be easily crossed at this point. Two thirds of the High Tatras are covered with coniferous and deciduous forests. Alpine meadows, rocky terrain and habitats and extensively used pastures in the foothills occur in the non-forested areas. The High Tatras are one of the most popular places in Slovakia with over 5 million people visiting each year to walk, climb, cycle, ski or snowboard. There are around 375 miles of hiking trails, chairlifts and cable cars, offering breathtaking views of alpine scenery. The High Tatras are protected by law by the establishment of the Tatra National Park, Slovakia (Tatranský národný park) and the Tatra National Park, Poland (Tatrzański Park Narodowy), the first European cross-border national park. In 1992 the Polish and Slovakian national parks were jointly designated a trans-boundary Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. Tatra National Park, Slovakia (Tatranský národný park) is one of the 9 national parks in Slovakia. It protects the Slovakian areas of the High Tatras mountain range in the Eastern Tatras (Východné Tatry) and areas of the Western Tatras (Západné Tatry). The western part of Tatra National Park is situated in the Žilina region and the eastern part in the Prešov region. Tatra National Park covers an area of 284.9 square miles and the surrounding buffer zone covers an area of 118.5 square miles. The highest peak in Slovakia, Gerlachovský štít at 8711 feet, is located within Tatra National Park. Tatra National Park was established in January 1949 and it is the oldest national park in Slovakia. In 1987, a section of the Western Tatras was added to the national park. Since 2004, the national park has been included in the Natura 2000 ecological network, the network of nature protection areas within the European Union. Date: 29th May 2017 Location: High Tatras, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308859.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_63584862463ee37e73eeec.jpgCommon Snipe The Common Snipe is a small, stocky wader native to the Old World. It is the most widespread of several similar snipe species. It most closely resembles the Wilson's Snipe of north America which was previously considered to be a sub-species of the Common Snipe. It is also very similar to the Pin-tailed Snipe and Swinhoe's Snipe of east Asia. A sub-species of Common Snipe can be found in Iceland, the Faroe Islands, Shetland and Orkney. This sub-species winters in the UK and Ireland. The Common Snipe is 9.8 to 10.6 inches in length with a 17 to 19 inches wingspan. The body is mottled brown with straw-yellow stripes on top and pale underneath. It has a dark stripe through the eye with light stripes above and below it. The wings are pointed. It has short greenish-grey legs and a very long (2.2 to 2.8 inches) straight dark bill. The Common Snipe can be found in the marshes, bogs, tundra and wet meadows throughout north Europe and north Asia. It is migratory with European birds wintering in south and west Europe and Africa (south to the Equator) and Asian birds wintering in tropical south Asia. The male Common Snipe performs a "winnowing" display during courtship, flying high in circles and then taking shallow dives to produce a "drumming" sound by vibrating its tail feathers. The nest is located in a well hidden location on the ground. The female lays 4 eggs which are incubated for 18 to 21 days. The young are covered in dark maroon down, variegated with black, white and buff and are cared for by both parents with fledging occurring in 10 to 20 days. The Common Snipe is a well camouflaged bird and it is usually shy and conceals itself close to ground vegetation and flushes only when approached closely. When flushed, it utters a sharp call and flies off in a series of aerial zig-zags to confuse predators. The Common Snipe forages in soft mud, probing or picking up food by sight. It mainly eats insects and earthworms but also some plant material. Overall, the Common Snipe is not a threatened species although populations on the southern fringes of the breeding range in Europe are declining with local extinction in some areas (including in the UK) mainly due to field drainage and agricultural intensification. The Common Snipe is a species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 21st January 2022 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9588736.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8993157704db154eb9c491.jpgLittle Egret The Little Egret is a species of small heron. The genus name comes from the Provençal French [i]Aigrette[/i] (egret), a diminutive of [i]Aigron [/i] (heron). The adult Little Egret is 22 to 26 inches long with a 35 to 42 inches wingspan. Its plumage is normally entirely white although there are dark forms with largely bluish-grey plumage. In the breeding season, the adult has 2 long plumes on the nape that form a crest. These plumes are about 6 inches in length and are pointed and very narrow. There are similar feathers on the breast but the barbs are more widely spread. There are also several elongated scapular feathers that have long loose barbs around 8 inches long. During the winter the plumage is similar but the scapulars are shorter and more normal in appearance. The bill is long and slender and both it and the lores are black. There is an area of greenish-grey bare skin at the base of the lower mandible and around the eye which has a yellow iris. The legs are black and the feet yellow. Juveniles are similar to non-breeding adults but have greenish-black legs and duller yellow feet and may have a certain proportion of greyish or brownish feathers. The Little Egret is mostly silent but it does make various croaking and bubbling calls at its breeding colonies and it produces a harsh alarm call when disturbed. The breeding range of the western race of the Little Egret includes south Europe, the Middle East, much of Africa and south Asia. European populations are migratory and mostly travel to Africa although some remain in south Europe. During the late 20th century, the range of the Little Egret expanded northwards in Europe and into the New World. The Little Egret's habitat varies widely and includes the shores of lakes, rivers, canals, ponds, lagoons, marshes and flooded land, the bird preferring open locations to dense cover. On the coast it inhabits mudflats, sandy beaches, mangrove areas, swamps and reefs. The Little Egret is a sociable bird and can be seen in small flocks. However, individual birds do not tolerate others coming too close to their chosen feeding site although this depends on the abundance of prey. The Little Egret uses a variety of methods to find its food. It stalks its prey in shallow water, often running with raised wings or shuffling its feet to disturb small fish, or it may stand still and wait to ambush prey. It also makes use of opportunities provided by Cormorants disturbing fish or humans attracting fish by throwing bread into water. On land, it walks or runs while chasing its prey, often feeding on creatures disturbed by grazing livestock. The diet is mainly fish but amphibians, small reptiles, mammals and birds are also eaten as well as crustaceans, molluscs, insects, spiders and worms. The Little Egret nests in colonies, often with other wading birds such as Cattle Egret, Black-crowned Night Heron, Squacco Heron and Glossy Ibis. The nests are usually platforms of sticks built in trees or shrubs or in reed beds or bamboo groves. Pairs defend a small breeding territory, usually extending around 10 to 13 feet from the nest. The 3 to 5 eggs are incubated by both adults for 21 to 25 days before hatching. The young birds are covered in white down feathers and are cared for by both parents fledging after 40 to 45 days. Globally, the Little Egret is not listed as a threatened species and has in fact expanded its range over the last few decades. The IUCN states that their wide distribution and large total population means that they are a species that cause them "least concern". Historical research has shown that the Little Egret was once present and probably common in the UK but became extinct through a combination of over-hunting in the late mediaeval period and climate change at the start of the Little Ice Age. Further declines occurred throughout Europe as the plumes of the Little Egret and other egrets were in demand for decorating hats. They had been used in the plume trade since at least the 17th century but in the 19th century it became a major craze and the number of egret skins passing through dealers reached into the millions. Hunting, which reduced the population of the species to dangerously low levels, stimulated the establishment of Britain's Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in 1889. By the 1950s, the Little Egret had become restricted to south Europe and conservation laws protecting the species were introduced. This allowed the population to rebound strongly and over the next few decades it became increasingly common in western France and later on the north coast. It bred in the Netherlands in 1979 with further breeding from the 1990s onward. Populations are now mostly stable or increasing in Europe. In the UK, the Little Egret was a rare vagrant from its 16th century extinction until the late 20th century. It has, however, recently become a regular breeding species and is commonly present, often in large numbers, at favoured coastal sites. The first recent breeding record in England was on Brownsea Island in Dorset in 1996 and it bred in Wales for the first time in 2002. The population increase has been rapid subsequently with over 750 pairs breeding in nearly 70 colonies in 2008 and a post-breeding total of 4540 birds in September 2008. Severe winter weather proves only to be a temporary setback and the Little Egret continues to expand both its numbers and range in the UK. Date: 28th December 2008 Location: Elmley, Isle of Sheppey, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084907.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13226825095d3089a2e380f.jpgPiatra Craiului Mountains, Brașov County, Romania The Piatra Craiului Mountains are a mountain range in the Southern Carpathians in central Romania. It forms a narrow and saw-like ridge which is about 16 miles long. Vârful La Om is the highest peak at 7343 feet. The ridge is regarded as one of the most impressive and beautiful sites in the Carpathian Mountians and the views both towards and from the mountains are superb. The whole range is included in the Piatra Craiului National Park. The first protection of this area started in 1938 when 2 square miles were declared as a nature reserve. This has been progressively extended and in 1990 it became a national park covering an area of 38 square miles. In 2003 the external limits and internal zoning were created. Since 1999 a park administration has existed with a visitor centre located on the minor road 0.6 miles west of Zărnești and since 2005 a management plan has been in place. Piatra Craiului National Park supports and protects an abundance and diversity of mammals (including Brown Bear, Wolf and Lynx), birds and plants. Zărneşti is the most important town for visiting the Piatra Craiului Mountains and the Piatra Craiului National Park. The town is located 17 miles south west of the city of Brașov. From Zărnești, a 7 mile long minor road runs west and ends at Cabana Plaiul Foii which is a good starting point for climbing the ridge. In addition, a forest road starts from the south west of Zărneşti which leads to the Zărneştilor Gorge and continues up to the ridge. The traditional villages of Măgura, Peştera, Ciocanu and Şirnea are starting points for routes up to the eastern slopes. Măgura, situated at 3281 feet, is one of Romania’s most picturesque villages and it provides stunning views towards the Bucegi Mountains and the Piatra Craiului Mountains. Date: 6th June 2018 Location: Piatra Craiului Mountains from the Zărnești to Cabana Plaiul Foii road, Brașov County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30825180.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_45543476258f34305c01a94.93821630.jpgMute Swan The Mute Swan is a species of swan native to much of Eurasia. Despite its Eurasian origin, its closest relatives are the Black Swan of Australia and the Black-necked Swan of south America, not the other Northern Hemisphere swans such as the Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan. The name “mute” derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. The adult Mute Swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob at the top of the beak. All Mute Swans are white at maturity although the feathers (particularly on the head and neck) are often stained orange-brown by iron and tannins in the water. Young birds (cygnets) are not the bright white colour of mature adults and their bill is dull greyish-black for the first year. The plumage may range from pure white to grey to buff with grey/buff being the most common. Cygnets typically retain their grey/buff feathers until they are at least 1 year old. On average, the Mute Swan is the second largest waterfowl species after the Trumpeter Swan although the male Mute Swan can easily match or even exceed a male Trumpeter Swan in mass. The adult Mute Swan typically ranges from 55 to 63 inches in length (although it can range in extreme cases from 49 to 67 inches) with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. Males (cobs) are larger than females (pens) and have a larger knob on their bill. The Mute Swan is one of the heaviest flying birds. In several studies from the UK, males were found to average from about 23.4 to 26.2 pounds, with a weight range of 20 to 32 pounds, while the slightly smaller females were found to average about 18.7 to 21.3 pounds, with a weight range of 17 to 23 pounds. The Mute Swan is less vocal than the noisy Bewick's Swan and Whooper Swan although it does make a variety of grunting, hoarse whistling and snorting noises, especially in communicating with their cygnets and threatening competitors or intruders trying to enter their territory. The most familiar sound associated with the Mute Swan is the vibrant throbbing of the wings in flight which is unique to the species and this can be heard from a range of up to 1 mile. The Mute Swan is found naturally mainly in the temperate areas of Europe across west Asia and as far east as Primorsky Krai in the far east of Russia. It is partially migratory throughout the northern latitudes in Europe and Asia as far south as north Africa and the Mediterranean. It is also often kept in captivity outside its natural range as a decoration for parks and ponds and escapes have occurred. The descendants of such birds have become naturalised in east USA and the Great Lakes region across the USA and Canada border. The Mute Swan population in the UK has increased recently probably due to better protection of this species. Some birds are resident all year whilst others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into east England. Mute Swans nest on large mounds that they build with waterside vegetation in shallow water on islands in the middle or at the very edge of a lake. It is a monogamous species and often reuses the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Males and females share the care of the nest. The female lays from 4 to 10 eggs and broods for around 36 days. Cygnets are unable to fly before an age of 120 to 150 days and this limits the distribution of the species in the northern edge of its range since the cygnets must learn to fly before the water freezes. The Mute Swan is usually strongly territorial with just a single pair on smaller lakes although in a few locations where a large area of suitable feeding habitat is found they can be colonial. The largest colonies can hold over 100 pairs such as that at the colony at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset in the UK. Non-mated juveniles up to 3 to 4 years old commonly form larger flocks often at regular traditional sites and these can total several hundred birds. The Mute Swan can be very aggressive in defence of its nest and it is highly protective of its mate and offspring. Most defensive attacks from a Mute Swan begin with a loud hiss and, if this is not sufficient to drive off the predator, are followed by a physical attack. It attacks by smashing at its enemy with bony spurs in the wings accompanied by biting with its large bill. Smaller waterbirds such as ducks are normally grabbed with the bill and dragged or thrown clear. Large waterfowl, such as the Canada Goose, more likely out of competition than in response to potential predation, may be aggressively driven off. The wings of the Mute Swan are very powerful although not strong enough to break an adult man's leg as has been claimed anecdotally. The Mute Swan feeds on a wide range of vegetation, both submerged aquatic plants which they reach with their long necks and by grazing on land. The food commonly includes agricultural crop plants such as oilseed rape and wheat and feeding flocks in the winter may cause significant crop damage, often as much through trampling with their large webbed feet as through direct consumption. Date: 8th April 2017 Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457181.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1986028996668570feb44d3.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26541041.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_60368928156acea1863237.jpgMute Swan The Mute Swan is a species of swan native to much of Eurasia. Despite its Eurasian origin, its closest relatives are the Black Swan of Australia and the Black-necked Swan of south America, not the other Northern Hemisphere swans such as the Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan. The name “mute” derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. The adult Mute Swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob at the top of the beak. All Mute Swans are white at maturity although the feathers (particularly on the head and neck) are often stained orange-brown by iron and tannins in the water. Young birds (cygnets) are not the bright white colour of mature adults and their bill is dull greyish-black for the first year. The plumage may range from pure white to grey to buff with grey/buff being the most common. Cygnets typically retain their grey/buff feathers until they are at least 1 year old. On average, the Mute Swan is the second largest waterfowl species after the Trumpeter Swan although the male Mute Swan can easily match or even exceed a male Trumpeter Swan in mass. The adult Mute Swan typically ranges from 55 to 63 inches in length (although it can range in extreme cases from 49 to 67 inches) with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. Males (cobs) are larger than females (pens) and have a larger knob on their bill. The Mute Swan is one of the heaviest flying birds. In several studies from the UK, males were found to average from about 23.4 to 26.2 pounds, with a weight range of 20 to 32 pounds, while the slightly smaller females were found to average about 18.7 to 21.3 pounds, with a weight range of 17 to 23 pounds. The Mute Swan is less vocal than the noisy Bewick's Swan and Whooper Swan although it does make a variety of grunting, hoarse whistling and snorting noises, especially in communicating with their cygnets and threatening competitors or intruders trying to enter their territory. The most familiar sound associated with the Mute Swan is the vibrant throbbing of the wings in flight which is unique to the species and this can be heard from a range of up to 1 mile. The Mute Swan is found naturally mainly in the temperate areas of Europe across west Asia and as far east as Primorsky Krai in the far east of Russia. It is partially migratory throughout the northern latitudes in Europe and Asia as far south as north Africa and the Mediterranean. It is also often kept in captivity outside its natural range as a decoration for parks and ponds and escapes have occurred. The descendants of such birds have become naturalised in east USA and the Great Lakes region across the USA and Canada border. The Mute Swan population in the UK has increased recently probably due to better protection of this species. Some birds are resident all year whilst others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into east England. Mute Swans nest on large mounds that they build with waterside vegetation in shallow water on islands in the middle or at the very edge of a lake. It is a monogamous species and often reuses the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Males and females share the care of the nest. The female lays from 4 to 10 eggs and broods for around 36 days. Cygnets are unable to fly before an age of 120 to 150 days and this limits the distribution of the species in the northern edge of its range since the cygnets must learn to fly before the water freezes. The Mute Swan is usually strongly territorial with just a single pair on smaller lakes although in a few locations where a large area of suitable feeding habitat is found they can be colonial. The largest colonies can hold over 100 pairs such as that at the colony at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset in the UK. Non-mated juveniles up to 3 to 4 years old commonly form larger flocks often at regular traditional sites and these can total several hundred birds. The Mute Swan can be very aggressive in defence of its nest and it is highly protective of its mate and offspring. Most defensive attacks from a Mute Swan begin with a loud hiss and, if this is not sufficient to drive off the predator, are followed by a physical attack. It attacks by smashing at its enemy with bony spurs in the wings accompanied by biting with its large bill. Smaller waterbirds such as ducks are normally grabbed with the bill and dragged or thrown clear. Large waterfowl, such as the Canada Goose, more likely out of competition than in response to potential predation, may be aggressively driven off. The wings of the Mute Swan are very powerful although not strong enough to break an adult man's leg as has been claimed anecdotally. The Mute Swan feeds on a wide range of vegetation, both submerged aquatic plants which they reach with their long necks and by grazing on land. The food commonly includes agricultural crop plants such as oilseed rape and wheat and feeding flocks in the winter may cause significant crop damage, often as much through trampling with their large webbed feet as through direct consumption. Date: 13th January 2016 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15454033.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15868867594ff548acb72cc.jpgLa Madre de las Marismas, El Rocío, Coto Doñana, Andalucia, Spain La Madre de las Marismas is the large, shallow lagoon and marshland area overlooked by the village of El Rocío on the north western edge of the Parque Nacional de Doñana. Water levels permitting, it can host huge numbers of birds including flamingos, herons and egrets, storks, other wading birds and ducks. Date: 1st May 2012 Location: view from El Rocío, Coto Doñana, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080548.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_85501492163a448a18c395.jpgTurnstone The Turnstone has a mottled appearance with brown or chestnut and black upperparts, brown and white or black and white head pattern, white underparts and orange legs. Turnstones can be found around most of the UK coastline including rocky, sandy and muddy shores and particularly like feeding on seaweed covered rocks, seawalls and jetties. They are present for most of the year. Birds from Northern Europe pass through in July and August and again in spring and birds from Canada and Greenland arrive in August and September and remain until April and May. Non-breeding birds may stay throughout the summer. Date: 2nd December 2022 Location: Sheringham, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41234297.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11467670545ee771be8ff96.jpgMeadow Brown Flight period: June to August. The Meadow Brown is one of the most widespread and abundant of the UK's butterflies. It can be found typically in open grasslands but also other habitats such as roadside verges, woodland rides and urban parks and cemeteries. Date: 9th June 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26006631.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11600794135634920e1a82d.jpgEiders The Eider is a large sea duck that is distributed over the northern coasts of Europe, north America and eastern Siberia. It breeds in the Arctic and some northern temperate regions but winters somewhat further south in temperate zones when it can form large flocks on coastal waters. The Eider is both the largest of the 4 eider species and the largest duck found in Europe and in north America (except for the Muscovy duck which only reaches north America in a wild state in southernmost Texas and south Florida). The Eider is characterized by its bulky shape and large, wedge-shaped bill. The male is unmistakable with its black and white plumage and green nape. The female is a brown bird but can still be readily distinguished from all ducks, except other eider species, on the basis of size and head shape. The drake's display call is a strange almost human-like "ah-ooo" while the duck utters hoarse quacks. The Eider dives for crustaceans and molluscs, with mussels being a favoured food. The Eider will eat mussels by swallowing them whole. The shells are then crushed in their gizzard and excreted. When eating a crab, the Eider will remove all of its claws and legs and then eat the body in a similar fashion. The Eider is abundant with populations of about 1.5 to 2 million birds in both Europe and north America and also large but unknown numbers in eastern Siberia. The Eider is a colonial breeder nesting on coastal islands in colonies ranging in size of less than 100 to upwards of 10,000 to 15,000 individuals. Female Eiders frequently exhibit a high degree of natal philopatry where they return to breed on the same island where they were hatched. This can lead to a high degree of relatedness between individuals nesting on the same island as well as the development of kin-based female social structures. This relatedness has likely played a role in the evolution of co-operative breeding behaviours amongst Eiders. Examples of these behaviours include laying eggs in the nests of related individuals and crèching where female Eiders team up and share the work of rearing ducklings. The Eider's nest is built close to the sea and is lined with the celebrated eiderdown plucked from the female's breast. This soft and warm lining has long been harvested for filling pillows and quilts but in more recent years has been largely replaced by down from domestic farm geese and synthetic alternatives. Although eiderdown pillows or quilts are now a rarity, eiderdown harvesting continues and is sustainable as it can be done after the ducklings leave the nest with no harm to the birds. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Steingrímsfjarðarheiði to Ísafjörður, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19507463.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_128624777052528bbb40c34.jpgCadiz province, Andalucia, Spain Date: 8th September 2013 Location: view from the service road south of Laguna de Medina towards Medina Sidonia, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo20140124.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_150261394152c002eb0ff80.jpgMute Swan The Mute Swan is a species of swan native to much of Eurasia. Despite its Eurasian origin, its closest relatives are the Black Swan of Australia and the Black-necked Swan of south America, not the other Northern Hemisphere swans such as the Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan. The name “mute” derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. The adult Mute Swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob at the top of the beak. All Mute Swans are white at maturity although the feathers (particularly on the head and neck) are often stained orange-brown by iron and tannins in the water. Young birds (cygnets) are not the bright white colour of mature adults and their bill is dull greyish-black for the first year. The plumage may range from pure white to grey to buff with grey/buff being the most common. Cygnets typically retain their grey/buff feathers until they are at least 1 year old. On average, the Mute Swan is the second largest waterfowl species after the Trumpeter Swan although the male Mute Swan can easily match or even exceed a male Trumpeter Swan in mass. The adult Mute Swan typically ranges from 55 to 63 inches in length (although it can range in extreme cases from 49 to 67 inches) with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. Males (cobs) are larger than females (pens) and have a larger knob on their bill. The Mute Swan is one of the heaviest flying birds. In several studies from the UK, males were found to average from about 23.4 to 26.2 pounds, with a weight range of 20 to 32 pounds, while the slightly smaller females were found to average about 18.7 to 21.3 pounds, with a weight range of 17 to 23 pounds. The Mute Swan is less vocal than the noisy Bewick's Swan and Whooper Swan although it does make a variety of grunting, hoarse whistling and snorting noises, especially in communicating with their cygnets and threatening competitors or intruders trying to enter their territory. The most familiar sound associated with the Mute Swan is the vibrant throbbing of the wings in flight which is unique to the species and this can be heard from a range of up to 1 mile. The Mute Swan is found naturally mainly in the temperate areas of Europe across west Asia and as far east as Primorsky Krai in the far east of Russia. It is partially migratory throughout the northern latitudes in Europe and Asia as far south as north Africa and the Mediterranean. It is also often kept in captivity outside its natural range as a decoration for parks and ponds and escapes have occurred. The descendants of such birds have become naturalised in east USA and the Great Lakes region across the USA and Canada border. The Mute Swan population in the UK has increased recently probably due to better protection of this species. Some birds are resident all year whilst others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into east England. Mute Swans nest on large mounds that they build with waterside vegetation in shallow water on islands in the middle or at the very edge of a lake. It is a monogamous species and often reuses the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Males and females share the care of the nest. The female lays from 4 to 10 eggs and broods for around 36 days. Cygnets are unable to fly before an age of 120 to 150 days and this limits the distribution of the species in the northern edge of its range since the cygnets must learn to fly before the water freezes. The Mute Swan is usually strongly territorial with just a single pair on smaller lakes although in a few locations where a large area of suitable feeding habitat is found they can be colonial. The largest colonies can hold over 100 pairs such as that at the colony at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset in the UK. Non-mated juveniles up to 3 to 4 years old commonly form larger flocks often at regular traditional sites and these can total several hundred birds. The Mute Swan can be very aggressive in defence of its nest and it is highly protective of its mate and offspring. Most defensive attacks from a Mute Swan begin with a loud hiss and, if this is not sufficient to drive off the predator, are followed by a physical attack. It attacks by smashing at its enemy with bony spurs in the wings accompanied by biting with its large bill. Smaller waterbirds such as ducks are normally grabbed with the bill and dragged or thrown clear. Large waterfowl, such as the Canada Goose, more likely out of competition than in response to potential predation, may be aggressively driven off. The wings of the Mute Swan are very powerful although not strong enough to break an adult man's leg as has been claimed anecdotally. The Mute Swan feeds on a wide range of vegetation, both submerged aquatic plants which they reach with their long necks and by grazing on land. The food commonly includes agricultural crop plants such as oilseed rape and wheat and feeding flocks in the winter may cause significant crop damage, often as much through trampling with their large webbed feet as through direct consumption. Date: 9th December 2013 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42202629.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21151089415ff31020500f1.jpgBrown Bear The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, Ursus arctos arctos. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an evening visit with [url=https://www.karhujenkatselu.fi/en-gb]Karhu-Kuusamo[/url] Date: 7th July 2019 Location: Kuntilampi, near Kuusamo, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39083242.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1482587055d30807ec7bb7.jpgEastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria The Rhodopes Mountains are a mountain range in south east Europe. They are spread over 5689 square miles of which 4723 square miles are located in south Bulgaria and the remainder in north Greece. The Rhodopes Mountains are about 149 miles long and about 62 to 75 miles wide with an average altitude of 2575 feet. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 7188 feet and is situated 12 miles to the west of Smolyan. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rhodopes Mountains gives its name to the terrestrial eco-region Rodope montane mixed forests that belong in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The area is particularly notable for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans plus its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms such as the Trigrad Gorge. The Rhodopes Mountains can be sub-divided in to 3 sections: The Western Rhodopes are spread over 66% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and they are higher, the most infrastructurally developed and the most visited part of the mountains. The highest and best known peaks are located in this section with more than 10 over 6562 feet high including the highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7188 feet). Some of the deepest river gorges in the Rhodopes Mountains are located in the west as well as several large lakes. The Eastern Rhodopes are spread over a territory of about 34% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and are much lower in height. The large artificial dams of Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets are located in this part of the mountains. Almost every species of European bird of prey nests in the Eastern Rhodopes including the rare Black Vulture and Egyptian Vulture. The Southern Rhodopes are the part of the mountain range that is located in Greece and they are characterized by numerous peaks of relatively low altitude. The River Krumovitsa is located in the eastern Rhodopes Mountains and flows through deep canyons and open valleys. It has a strongly fluctuating water level, typically very high in February to March and almost none in July to August except in isolated pools. In the middle section of the River Krumovitsa around Gorna Kula and Dolna Kula, the river valley in this region is between 330 and 1095 yards wide and in places it is occupied entirely by the sandy riverbed itself. Vegetation along the riverbank is dominated by alder, willow, poplar, dog rose and tamarisk. Dry grassland, scrub and broad-leaved forests cover the neighbouring hills and ridges. The forests are dominated by oak, hornbeam and various Mediterranean tree species whilst juniper is predominant in the scrub areas. Land use includes extensive rearing of sheep and cattle, hunting and forestry but the area is becoming progressively depopulated due to local emigration. In 1997 the area was designated as Important Bird Area by BirdLife International. It supports around 135 bird species of which 64 are species of European conservation concern and 2 of them are globally threatened. However, in spite of this, the area is not protected by any national nature conservation legislation. The area is of conservation concern for a number of reasons. Rural depopulation has led to a decrease in available food resources (livestock carrion) for vultures. Poaching and use of poison against wolves directly affects raptors and especially vultures. Uncontrolled hunting and fishing are further threats. Forest habitats are threatened by burning and natural fires, afforestation with non-indigenous species as well as illegal cutting of trees especially along the rivers. Reduction in grazing and conversion of pastures to arable lands cause loss of grassland habitats for birds. Direct threats to birds are also caused by intensive tourism and recreation activities such as rock climbing, gliding and hang-gliding and by the taking of chicks and eggs from nests. Existing electrical power lines are dangerous for raptors, especially for young birds, and one of the potential threats both to the habitats and to the birds is the development of wind turbine farms. Date: 27th May 2018 Location: River Krumovitsa valley between Gorna Kula and Dolna Kula, Eastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11351006.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19157523914e1f057059252.jpgCommon Buzzard The Common Buzzard is a member of the genus [I]Buteo[/I] and the family [i]Accipitridae[/i], a group of medium-sized raptors with robust bodies and broad wings. The [I]Buteo[/I] species of Eurasia and Africa are usually commonly referred to as buzzards whilst those in the Americas are called hawks. Under current classification, the genus [I]Buteo[/I] includes approximately 28 species. The Common Buzzard includes between 7 to 16 sub-species and the western [i]Buteo[/i] group includes [i]Buteo buteo buteo[/i] which is found more or less continuously throughout Europe including the UK. The Common Buzzard is a medium-sized raptor that is highly variable in plumage. It is distinctly round headed with a somewhat slender bill and it has relatively long wings that either reach or fall slightly short of the tail tip when perched, a fairly short tail and somewhat short and mainly bare tarsi. It can appear fairly compact in overall appearance but may also appear large relative to other commoner raptors such as the Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. The Common Buzzard measures between 16 and 23 inches in length with a 3 feet 7 inches to 4 feet 7 inches wingspan. Females average about 2 to 7% larger than males in length and weigh about 15% more. Body mass can show considerable variation from 0.94 to 2.6 pounds in males and 1.07 to 3.02 pounds in females. In Europe, the Common Buzzard is typically dark brown above and on the upperside of the head and mantle but this can become paler and warmer brown with worn plumage. Usually the tail will be narrowly barred grey-brown and dark brown with a pale tip and a broad dark subterminal band but the tail in the palest birds can show a varying amount of white and a reduced sub-terminal band or even appear almost all white. The underside colouring can be variable but typically shows a brown-streaked white throat with a somewhat darker chest. A pale U across the breast is often present followed by a pale line running down the belly which separates the dark areas on the breast side and flanks. These pale areas tend to have highly variable markings that form irregular bars. Juveniles are quite similar to adults and are best told apart by having a paler eye, a narrower sub-terminal band on the tail and underside markings that appear as streaks rather than bars. Beyond the typical mid-range brownish Common Buzzard, birds in Europe can range from almost uniform black-brown above to mainly white. Extreme dark individuals may range from chocolate-brown to blackish with almost no pale colour showing but with a variable or faded U on the breast and with or without faint lighter brown throat streaks. Extreme pale individuals are largely whitish with variable widely spaced streaks or arrowheads of light brown about the mid-chest and flanks and may or may not show dark feather-centres on the head, wing-coverts and sometimes all but part of the mantle. Individuals can show nearly endless variation of colours and hues in between these extremes and the Common Buzzard is among the most variably plumaged diurnal raptors for this reason. The Common Buzzard is often confused with other raptors especially in flight or at a distance including other [i]Buteo[/i] species such as Rough-legged Buzzard and Long-legged Buzzard and also Honey Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, Golden Eagle, Booted Eagle and Short-toed Eagle. The Common Buzzard is found throughout several islands in the eastern Atlantic islands, including the Canary Islands and the Azores, and almost throughout Europe. In the UK, it is found in Northern Ireland and in nearly every part of Scotland and England. In mainland Europe, there are no substantial gaps in the range from Portugal and Spain to Greece, Estonia, Belarus and the Ukraine, although it is present mainly only in the breeding season in much of the eastern half of the latter 3 countries. It is also present in all larger Mediterranean islands such as Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily and Crete. Further north in to Scandinavia, it is found mainly in south Norway, the southern half of Sweden and in the southern two-thirds of Finland. The Common Buzzard reaches its northern limit as a breeder in far eastern Finland and over the border in to European Russia and nearly to the Kola Peninsula. In these northern limits, the Common Buzzard is present typically only in summer. The Common Buzzard generally inhabits the interface of woodlands and open ground and typically lives in forest edge, small broad-leaved, coniferous or mixed woodlands with adjacent grassland, arable fields or other farmland and open moorland as long as there are some trees. It is absent from treeless tundra and sporadic or rare in treeless steppe. The Common Buzzard can be found from sea level to elevations of 6600 feet although it breeds mostly below 3300 feet. It can winter to an elevation of 8200 feet and migrates easily at 14,800 feet. The Common Buzzard is a partial migrant. Autumn and spring movements are subject to extensive variation, even down to the individual level, based on a region's food resources, competition (both from other Common Buzzards and other predators), the extent of human disturbance and weather conditions. Short distance movements are the norm for juveniles and some adults in autumn and winter but more adults in central and south Europe and the UK remain in their year-around areas than do not. The Common Buzzard is a typical [I]Buteo[/I] in much of its behaviour. It is most often seen effortlessly soaring for extended periods at varying heights although it can appear laborious and heavy in level flight. It is also often seen perched prominently on tree tops, bare branches, telegraph poles, fence posts, rocks or ledges or alternatively well inside the tree canopy. It will also stand and forage on the ground. The Common Buzzard is a generalist predator which hunts a wide variety of prey given the opportunity. The prey extents to a wide variety of vertebrates including mammals, birds (from any age from eggs to adult birds), reptiles, amphibians and fish as well as to various invertebrates, mostly insects. In total, well over 300 prey species are known to be taken by the Common Buzzard. However, dietary studies have shown that it mostly preys upon small mammals, mainly small rodents. Furthermore, prey size can vary from tiny beetles, caterpillars and ants to large adult grouse and Rabbits up to nearly twice their body mass. At times, the Common Buzzard will also subsist partially on carrion, usually of dead mammals or fish. Hunting in relatively open areas has been found to increase hunting success whereas more complete shrub cover lowered success. A majority of prey is taken by dropping from a perch and is normally taken on the ground. Prey may also be hunted in a low flight, by random glides or soars or by foraging on the ground. The home range of the Common Buzzard is generally 0.19 to 0.77 square miles and the size of the breeding territory seems to be correlated with food supply. The territory is maintained through flight displays and in Europe territorial behaviour usually starts in February. However, displays are not uncommon throughout the year in resident pairs, especially by males, and can elicit similar displays by their neighbours. In the display, the Common Buzzard generally engages in high circling, spiraling upward on slightly raised wings. Mutual high circling by pairs sometimes goes on at length, especially during the period prior to or during breeding season. During the mutual displays, the male may engage in exaggerated deep flapping or zig-zag tumbling, apparently in response to the female being too distant. Several pairs may circle together at times and as many as 14 individual adults have been recorded over established display sites. Sky-dancing by the Common Buzzard has been recorded in spring and autumn, typically by the male but sometimes by the female, nearly always with much calling. Sky-dances are of the rollercoaster type, with an upward sweep of up to 100 feet until the bird starts start to stall but sometimes embellished with loops or rolls at the top. Next in the sky-dance, the bird will dive at least 200 feet on more or less closed wings before spreading them and shooting up again. These sky-dances may be repeated in series of 10 to 20. In the climax of the sky-dance, the undulations become progressively shallower, often slowing and terminating directly on to a perch. Various other aerial displays include low contour flight or weaving among trees, frequently with deep beats and exaggerated upstrokes which show underwing pattern to rivals perched below. Talon grappling and occasionally cartwheeling downward with feet interlocked has also been recorded. The Common Buzzard tends to build a bulky nest of sticks, twigs and often heather and lined with broad-leaved foliage. Nests are up to 3.3 to 3.9 feet across and 24 inches deep. With reuse over years, the diameter of a nest can reach or exceed 5 feet. Trees are generally used for a nesting location but crags or cliffs are used if trees are unavailable. Nests in trees are usually located by the main trunk at a height of around 10 to 82 feet. Pairs often have 2 to 4 nests in a territory but some pairs may use a single nest over several consecutive years. The breeding season of the Common Buzzard commences at differing times based on latitude. It may fall as early as January to April but typically it is March to July in most of Europe. In the northern limits of the range the breeding season may occur from May to August. Mating usually occurs on or near the nest and eggs are usually laid in 2 to 3 day intervals. The clutch size can range from to 2 to 6 and it appears that local factors such as habitat and food supply are relevant. Eggs are generally laid in late March to early April in the extreme south, sometime in April in most of Europe and in to May and possibly even early June in the extreme north. If eggs are lost to a predator or fail in some other way, replacement clutches are not usually laid although this has been recorded. Incubation lasts for 33 to 35 days and is mostly, but not solely, undertaken by the female. Hatching may take place over 3 to 7 days. Often the youngest nestling dies from starvation, especially in broods of 3 or more. The female remains at the nest brooding the young in the early stages with the male bringing all prey. At about 8 to 12 days, both the male and female will bring prey but the female continues to do all feeding until the young can tear up their own prey. The young are nearly fully feathered rather than downy at about a month of age and can start to feed themselves as well. The first attempts to leave the nest are often at about 40 to 50 days. Fledging occurs typically at 43 to 54 days but in extreme cases as late 62 days. After leaving the nest, the young generally stay close by until full independence 6 to 8 weeks after fledging. Numerous factors may influence the breeding success of the Common Buzzard including the availability of prey populations, habitat, disturbance and persecution levels and competition. The Common Buzzard is one of the most numerous birds of prey in its range and it is the most numerous diurnal bird of prey throughout much of Europe. Date: 02/10/06 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayder, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo8135896.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3608147884d1d991c11b35.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 20th December 2010 Location: EWT Langdon Conservation Centre, Dunton, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072451.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12305931144bf6e3aa28cc8.jpgSunrise over the Baltic Sea (Helsinki to Stockholm) The Baltic Sea is a semi-enclosed inland sea located in northern Europe. Considered an arm of the Atlantic Ocean, it is connected to it via the Kattegat Strait, Skagerrak Strait and the North Sea. It is the youngest sea on our planet, emerging from the retreating ice masses only some 10,000 to 15,000 years ago. The Baltic Sea has a total surface area of around 150,000 square miles and a coastline of almost 5,000 miles. It has an average depth of only 175 feet. The deepest area of the sea is found off the south east coast of Sweden where it measures a depth of 1,506 feet. Its shallowest area is the continental shelf in the area of the Danish archipelago. The Baltic Sea includes the Gulf of Bothnia, the Bay of Bothnia, the Gulf of Finland, the Gulf of Riga and the Bay of Gdańsk and it stretches from 53°N to 66°N latitude and from 10°E to 30°E longitude. It drains through the Danish islands into the Kattegat by way of the straits of Øresund, the Great Belt and the Little Belt. Governed by special hydrographical and climatic conditions, the Baltic Sea is one of the planet’s largest bodies of brackish water. It is composed of salt water from the north east Atlantic and fresh water from rivers and streams draining from an area 4 times larger than the Baltic Sea itself. This highly sensitive and interdependent marine ecosystem gives rise to unique flora and fauna. Surrounding the Baltic Sea are 9 countries: Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Germany, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Russia. The region is home to more than 85 million people, of whom 15 million live within 5 miles of the coast. The Baltic region includes eight of the 28 European Union member states and the Baltic Sea provides a critical connection between the European Union and the Russian Federation. The region’s diversity can translate into a challenge for decision makers to find common ground on complex issues such as environmental protection, sustainable use and management. As a result, the surrounding coastal countries have not been particularly successful in balancing economic and social uses with the protection of the sea. Nonetheless, the political frameworks in the region are advanced. In the 1950s, environmental scientists in the Baltic region began to note negative effects of large-scale industrial development and chemical runoffs from agriculture. Concern over threats to the region's plant and animal life enabled cooperation between the region's countries. Cooperation over environmental issues led to the 1974 signing by the Baltic countries of the Helsinki Convention on the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Baltic Sea Area. Although the agreement was signed in 1974, due to political wrangling and consensus building, it was enacted in May 1980. Political changes and developments in environmental and maritime law caused a new convention to be signed in 1992. All the states bordering on the Baltic Sea and the European Community joined in the agreement. The 1992 Convention covers the entire Baltic Sea region, including all the inland waters, the Baltic Sea's water and its seabed. Measures were also taken in the whole catchment area of the Baltic Sea to reduce land-based pollution. The revised Convention on the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Baltic Sea Area became enforceable in January 2000. Most recently, the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region, was the first EU macro-regional strategy. It was created to address “the urgent environmental challenges arising from the increasingly visible degradation of the Baltic Sea” and was adopted by the European Council in October 2009. Date: 19th April 2010 Location: view from the Helsinki to Stockholm ferry http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4466053.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18640286254b8a23b76274f.jpgTromsøysundet, Tromsø http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28102078.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9939926455777a19de7e60.jpgCommon Buzzard The Common Buzzard is a member of the genus [I]Buteo[/I] and the family [i]Accipitridae[/i], a group of medium-sized raptors with robust bodies and broad wings. The [I]Buteo[/I] species of Eurasia and Africa are usually commonly referred to as buzzards whilst those in the Americas are called hawks. Under current classification, the genus [I]Buteo[/I] includes approximately 28 species. The Common Buzzard includes between 7 to 16 sub-species and the western [i]Buteo[/i] group includes [i]Buteo buteo buteo[/i] which is found more or less continuously throughout Europe including the UK. The Common Buzzard is a medium-sized raptor that is highly variable in plumage. It is distinctly round headed with a somewhat slender bill and it has relatively long wings that either reach or fall slightly short of the tail tip when perched, a fairly short tail and somewhat short and mainly bare tarsi. It can appear fairly compact in overall appearance but may also appear large relative to other commoner raptors such as the Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. The Common Buzzard measures between 16 and 23 inches in length with a 3 feet 7 inches to 4 feet 7 inches wingspan. Females average about 2 to 7% larger than males in length and weigh about 15% more. Body mass can show considerable variation from 0.94 to 2.6 pounds in males and 1.07 to 3.02 pounds in females. In Europe, the Common Buzzard is typically dark brown above and on the upperside of the head and mantle but this can become paler and warmer brown with worn plumage. Usually the tail will be narrowly barred grey-brown and dark brown with a pale tip and a broad dark subterminal band but the tail in the palest birds can show a varying amount of white and a reduced sub-terminal band or even appear almost all white. The underside colouring can be variable but typically shows a brown-streaked white throat with a somewhat darker chest. A pale U across the breast is often present followed by a pale line running down the belly which separates the dark areas on the breast side and flanks. These pale areas tend to have highly variable markings that form irregular bars. Juveniles are quite similar to adults and are best told apart by having a paler eye, a narrower sub-terminal band on the tail and underside markings that appear as streaks rather than bars. Beyond the typical mid-range brownish Common Buzzard, birds in Europe can range from almost uniform black-brown above to mainly white. Extreme dark individuals may range from chocolate-brown to blackish with almost no pale colour showing but with a variable or faded U on the breast and with or without faint lighter brown throat streaks. Extreme pale individuals are largely whitish with variable widely spaced streaks or arrowheads of light brown about the mid-chest and flanks and may or may not show dark feather-centres on the head, wing-coverts and sometimes all but part of the mantle. Individuals can show nearly endless variation of colours and hues in between these extremes and the Common Buzzard is among the most variably plumaged diurnal raptors for this reason. The Common Buzzard is often confused with other raptors especially in flight or at a distance including other [i]Buteo[/i] species such as Rough-legged Buzzard and Long-legged Buzzard and also Honey Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, Golden Eagle, Booted Eagle and Short-toed Eagle. The Common Buzzard is found throughout several islands in the eastern Atlantic islands, including the Canary Islands and the Azores, and almost throughout Europe. In the UK, it is found in Northern Ireland and in nearly every part of Scotland and England. In mainland Europe, there are no substantial gaps in the range from Portugal and Spain to Greece, Estonia, Belarus and the Ukraine, although it is present mainly only in the breeding season in much of the eastern half of the latter 3 countries. It is also present in all larger Mediterranean islands such as Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily and Crete. Further north in to Scandinavia, it is found mainly in south Norway, the southern half of Sweden and in the southern two-thirds of Finland. The Common Buzzard reaches its northern limit as a breeder in far eastern Finland and over the border in to European Russia and nearly to the Kola Peninsula. In these northern limits, the Common Buzzard is present typically only in summer. The Common Buzzard generally inhabits the interface of woodlands and open ground and typically lives in forest edge, small broad-leaved, coniferous or mixed woodlands with adjacent grassland, arable fields or other farmland and open moorland as long as there are some trees. It is absent from treeless tundra and sporadic or rare in treeless steppe. The Common Buzzard can be found from sea level to elevations of 6600 feet although it breeds mostly below 3300 feet. It can winter to an elevation of 8200 feet and migrates easily at 14,800 feet. The Common Buzzard is a partial migrant. Autumn and spring movements are subject to extensive variation, even down to the individual level, based on a region's food resources, competition (both from other Common Buzzards and other predators), the extent of human disturbance and weather conditions. Short distance movements are the norm for juveniles and some adults in autumn and winter but more adults in central and south Europe and the UK remain in their year-around areas than do not. The Common Buzzard is a typical [I]Buteo[/I] in much of its behaviour. It is most often seen effortlessly soaring for extended periods at varying heights although it can appear laborious and heavy in level flight. It is also often seen perched prominently on tree tops, bare branches, telegraph poles, fence posts, rocks or ledges or alternatively well inside the tree canopy. It will also stand and forage on the ground. The Common Buzzard is a generalist predator which hunts a wide variety of prey given the opportunity. The prey extents to a wide variety of vertebrates including mammals, birds (from any age from eggs to adult birds), reptiles, amphibians and fish as well as to various invertebrates, mostly insects. In total, well over 300 prey species are known to be taken by the Common Buzzard. However, dietary studies have shown that it mostly preys upon small mammals, mainly small rodents. Furthermore, prey size can vary from tiny beetles, caterpillars and ants to large adult grouse and Rabbits up to nearly twice their body mass. At times, the Common Buzzard will also subsist partially on carrion, usually of dead mammals or fish. Hunting in relatively open areas has been found to increase hunting success whereas more complete shrub cover lowered success. A majority of prey is taken by dropping from a perch and is normally taken on the ground. Prey may also be hunted in a low flight, by random glides or soars or by foraging on the ground. The home range of the Common Buzzard is generally 0.19 to 0.77 square miles and the size of the breeding territory seems to be correlated with food supply. The territory is maintained through flight displays and in Europe territorial behaviour usually starts in February. However, displays are not uncommon throughout the year in resident pairs, especially by males, and can elicit similar displays by their neighbours. In the display, the Common Buzzard generally engages in high circling, spiraling upward on slightly raised wings. Mutual high circling by pairs sometimes goes on at length, especially during the period prior to or during breeding season. During the mutual displays, the male may engage in exaggerated deep flapping or zig-zag tumbling, apparently in response to the female being too distant. Several pairs may circle together at times and as many as 14 individual adults have been recorded over established display sites. Sky-dancing by the Common Buzzard has been recorded in spring and autumn, typically by the male but sometimes by the female, nearly always with much calling. Sky-dances are of the rollercoaster type, with an upward sweep of up to 100 feet until the bird starts start to stall but sometimes embellished with loops or rolls at the top. Next in the sky-dance, the bird will dive at least 200 feet on more or less closed wings before spreading them and shooting up again. These sky-dances may be repeated in series of 10 to 20. In the climax of the sky-dance, the undulations become progressively shallower, often slowing and terminating directly on to a perch. Various other aerial displays include low contour flight or weaving among trees, frequently with deep beats and exaggerated upstrokes which show underwing pattern to rivals perched below. Talon grappling and occasionally cartwheeling downward with feet interlocked has also been recorded. The Common Buzzard tends to build a bulky nest of sticks, twigs and often heather and lined with broad-leaved foliage. Nests are up to 3.3 to 3.9 feet across and 24 inches deep. With reuse over years, the diameter of a nest can reach or exceed 5 feet. Trees are generally used for a nesting location but crags or cliffs are used if trees are unavailable. Nests in trees are usually located by the main trunk at a height of around 10 to 82 feet. Pairs often have 2 to 4 nests in a territory but some pairs may use a single nest over several consecutive years. The breeding season of the Common Buzzard commences at differing times based on latitude. It may fall as early as January to April but typically it is March to July in most of Europe. In the northern limits of the range the breeding season may occur from May to August. Mating usually occurs on or near the nest and eggs are usually laid in 2 to 3 day intervals. The clutch size can range from to 2 to 6 and it appears that local factors such as habitat and food supply are relevant. Eggs are generally laid in late March to early April in the extreme south, sometime in April in most of Europe and in to May and possibly even early June in the extreme north. If eggs are lost to a predator or fail in some other way, replacement clutches are not usually laid although this has been recorded. Incubation lasts for 33 to 35 days and is mostly, but not solely, undertaken by the female. Hatching may take place over 3 to 7 days. Often the youngest nestling dies from starvation, especially in broods of 3 or more. The female remains at the nest brooding the young in the early stages with the male bringing all prey. At about 8 to 12 days, both the male and female will bring prey but the female continues to do all feeding until the young can tear up their own prey. The young are nearly fully feathered rather than downy at about a month of age and can start to feed themselves as well. The first attempts to leave the nest are often at about 40 to 50 days. Fledging occurs typically at 43 to 54 days but in extreme cases as late 62 days. After leaving the nest, the young generally stay close by until full independence 6 to 8 weeks after fledging. Numerous factors may influence the breeding success of the Common Buzzard including the availability of prey populations, habitat, disturbance and persecution levels and competition. The Common Buzzard is one of the most numerous birds of prey in its range and it is the most numerous diurnal bird of prey throughout much of Europe. Date: 12th June 2016 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084163.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9812883815d30862bb20c5.jpgRila Mountains, Sofia Province, Bulgaria The Rila Mountains are a mountain range in south west Bulgaria and constitute the highest mountain range in the country and the Balkans. It is the sixth highest mountain range in Europe after the Caucasus, the Alps, the Sierra Nevada, the Pyrenees and Mount Etna and the highest one between the Alps and the Caucasus. The Rila Mountains are spread over an area of 1015 square miles with an average altitude of 4879 feet. Musala is its highest peak at 9596 feet. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rila-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rila Mountains have abundant water resources and some of the Balkans' longest and deepest rivers originate here including the longest river entirely in the Balkans, the River Maritsa, and the longest river entirely in Bulgaria, the River Iskar. Bulgaria's main water divide separating the Black Sea and the Aegean Sea drainage systems follows the main ridge of the Rila Mountains. The mountain range is dotted with almost 200 glacial lakes such as the renowned Seven Rila Lakes. It is also rich in hot springs in the fault areas at the foothills including the hottest spring in south east Europe in Sapareva Banya. The Rila Mountains have typical layers of montane habitat ranging from river and stream valleys at lower altitudes to mixed deciduous woodland, coniferous forests and Alpine meadows and lakes at higher altitudes and finally to rocky ridges and bare rugged peaks. The biodiversity and the pristine landscapes are protected by the Rila National Park which is among the largest and most valuable protected areas in Europe. It is the largest national park in Bulgaria covering an area of 313 square miles and it was established in February 1992 to protect several ecosystems of national importance. Its altitude varies from 2600 feet near Blagoevgrad to 9596 feet at the peak of Musala. It occupies territory from 4 of the 28 provinces of the country (Sofia, Kyustendil, Blagoevgrad and Pazardzhik) and it includes 4 nature reserves (Parangalitsa, Central Rila Reserve, Ibar and Skakavitsa). The Rila National Park falls within the Rodope montane mixed forests terrestrial eco-region of the Palearctic temperate broadleaf and mixed forest. Forests occupy 206.5 square miles or 66% of the total area. The Rila Mountains also contain the Rila Monastery Nature Park which is among the largest nature parks in Bulgaria covering an area of 97.5 square miles at an altitude between 2460 and 8901 feet. It was established in 1992 as part of the newly founded Rila National Park. In 2000 some territory of the Rila National Park was re-assigned to the Rila Monastery Nature Park and was recategorized as a nature park because by law all lands in national parks are exclusively state owned. Today most of the Rila Monastery Nature Park is owned by the Rila Monastery. The Rila Monastery Nature Park includes one nature reserve, namely the Rila Monastery Forest with an area of 14 square miles or 14% of its total area. The most recognisable landmark in the Rila Mountains is the Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila, better known as the Rila Monastery. This is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria and is situated in the deep valley of the River Rilska River within the Rila Monastery Nature Park at a height of 3763 feet. The monastery is named after its founder, the hermit Ivan of Rila (876 to 946 AD) and houses around 60 monks. Founded in the 10th century, the Rila Monastery is regarded as one of Bulgaria's most important cultural, historical and architectural monuments and is a key tourist attraction for both Bulgaria and south Europe. Due to its outstanding cultural and spiritual value it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. The Rila Mountains are also a popular destination for hiking, winter sports and spa tourism, hosting the nation's oldest ski resort at Borovets as well as numerous hiking trails. Date: 30th May 2018 Location: Malyovitsa, Sofia Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41349743.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21292350525f201fecda636.jpgGatekeeper Flight period: mid-July to early September. The Gatekeeper or Hedge Brown is common and widespread throughout the southern half of the UK. They can be found in areas with hedgerows or in scrubby woodland with wide and sunny rides. Date: 17th July 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14856640.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3799354394face287c00b1.jpgGreat Tit The Great Tit is a passerine bird in the tit family. It is large for a tit species at 4.9 to 5.5 inches in length and it has a distinctive appearance that makes it easy to recognise. The nominate race, which is found throughout much of Europe, Asia Minor, north and east Kazakhstan, south Siberia and north Mongolia, has a bluish-black crown, black neck, throat, bib and head and white cheeks and ear coverts. The breast is bright lemon-yellow and there is a broad black mid-line stripe running from the bib to the vent. There is a dull white spot on the neck turning to greenish yellow on the upper nape. The rest of the nape and back are green tinged with olive. The wing-coverts are green and the rest of the wing is bluish-grey with a white-wing-bar. The tail is bluish grey with white outer tips. The plumage of the female is similar to that of the male except that the colours are generally duller and the bib is less intensely black, as is the line running down the belly which is also narrower and sometimes broken. There is some variation in the UK sub-species. It is broadly similar to the nominate race but has a slightly longer bill, the mantle is slightly deeper green, there is less white on the tail tips and the ventral mid-line stripe is broader on the belly. The Great Tit has a wide distribution across much of Eurasia. It is found across all of Europe except for Iceland and northern Scandinavia. In North Africa it is found in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. It also occurs across the Middle East and parts of central Asia from north Iran and Afghanistan to Mongolia, as well as across north Asia from the Urals as far east as north China and the Amur Valley. The Great Tit can be found in a range of habitats but most commonly in open deciduous woodland, mixed forests, forest edges and gardens. In dense forests, including conifer forests, it is usually found in forest clearings. In north Siberia it is found in the boreal taiga. In north Africa it prefers oak forests as well as stands of Atlas cedar and even palm groves. In the east of its range, it favours riverine willow and birch forest. At higher altitudes it occupies habitats ranging from dense deciduous and coniferous forests to open areas with scattered trees. The Great Tit is generally not migratory. Pairs will usually remain near or in their territory all year round even in the northern parts of their range. Young birds will disperse from their parents' territory but usually not far. Populations may become irruptive in poor or harsh winters and very large groups may unpredictably move from north Europe to the Baltic, the Netherlands, the UK and even as far as the south Balkans. The Great Tit is monogamous and establish breeding territories in late January. Territories are usually reoccupied in successive years even if one of the pair dies so long as the brood is raised successfully. Females are likely to disperse to new territories if their nest is predated the previous year. The Great Tit is a seasonal breeder but the exact timing of breeding varies due to a number of factors, most importantly location. Most breeding occurs between January and September. In Europe the breeding season usually begins after March The amount of sunlight and daytime temperatures also affects the timing of breeding as does the peak abundance of caterpillar prey which itself is correlated to temperature. The Great Tit is a cavity nester and occupies a hole that is usually inside a tree, although occasionally in a wall or rock face. It also readily takes to nest boxes. The nest inside the cavity is built by the female and is made of plant fibres, grasses, moss, hair, wool and feathers. The female often lays a very large clutch of eggs, as many as 18 although 5 to 12 is more common. Clutch size is smaller when females start laying later and it is also lower when the density of competitors is higher. Second broods also tend to have smaller clutches. The female undertakes all incubation duties and is fed by the male during this time. The timing of hatching, which is synchronised with peak availability of food, can be manipulated when environmental conditions change after the laying of the first egg by delaying the beginning of incubation, laying more eggs or pausing during incubation. The incubation period is between 12 and 15 days. The chicks are fed by both parents and the nestling period is between 16 and 22 days. The chicks become independent of the parents 8 days after fledging although feeding may continue after independence and last up to a further 25 days. The Great Tit is primarily insectivorous in the summer and feeds on a wide range of insects and spiders. During the breeding season, protein-rich caterpillars are fed to the young. In autumn and winter, when insect prey becomes scarcer, berries and seeds are added to the diet. Where it is available, it will also readily take table scraps, peanuts and sunflower seeds from bird tables. The Great Tit, along with other tits, joins winter mixed-species foraging flocks. The Great Tit has generally adjusted to human modifications of the environment. Whilst it is more common and has better breeding success in areas with undisturbed forest cover, it has adapted well to human modified habitats and can be very common in urban and suburban areas. While there have been some localised declines in population in areas with poorer quality habitats, its large range and high numbers mean that the Great Tit is not considered to be threatened and it is classed as “Least Concern” by the IUCN. Date: 24th February 2012 Location: Warley Place RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26540966.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_39382428156ace9bc23a0b.jpgMute Swan The Mute Swan is a species of swan native to much of Eurasia. Despite its Eurasian origin, its closest relatives are the Black Swan of Australia and the Black-necked Swan of south America, not the other Northern Hemisphere swans such as the Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan. The name “mute” derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. The adult Mute Swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob at the top of the beak. All Mute Swans are white at maturity although the feathers (particularly on the head and neck) are often stained orange-brown by iron and tannins in the water. Young birds (cygnets) are not the bright white colour of mature adults and their bill is dull greyish-black for the first year. The plumage may range from pure white to grey to buff with grey/buff being the most common. Cygnets typically retain their grey/buff feathers until they are at least 1 year old. On average, the Mute Swan is the second largest waterfowl species after the Trumpeter Swan although the male Mute Swan can easily match or even exceed a male Trumpeter Swan in mass. The adult Mute Swan typically ranges from 55 to 63 inches in length (although it can range in extreme cases from 49 to 67 inches) with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. Males (cobs) are larger than females (pens) and have a larger knob on their bill. The Mute Swan is one of the heaviest flying birds. In several studies from the UK, males were found to average from about 23.4 to 26.2 pounds, with a weight range of 20 to 32 pounds, while the slightly smaller females were found to average about 18.7 to 21.3 pounds, with a weight range of 17 to 23 pounds. The Mute Swan is less vocal than the noisy Bewick's Swan and Whooper Swan although it does make a variety of grunting, hoarse whistling and snorting noises, especially in communicating with their cygnets and threatening competitors or intruders trying to enter their territory. The most familiar sound associated with the Mute Swan is the vibrant throbbing of the wings in flight which is unique to the species and this can be heard from a range of up to 1 mile. The Mute Swan is found naturally mainly in the temperate areas of Europe across west Asia and as far east as Primorsky Krai in the far east of Russia. It is partially migratory throughout the northern latitudes in Europe and Asia as far south as north Africa and the Mediterranean. It is also often kept in captivity outside its natural range as a decoration for parks and ponds and escapes have occurred. The descendants of such birds have become naturalised in east USA and the Great Lakes region across the USA and Canada border. The Mute Swan population in the UK has increased recently probably due to better protection of this species. Some birds are resident all year whilst others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into east England. Mute Swans nest on large mounds that they build with waterside vegetation in shallow water on islands in the middle or at the very edge of a lake. It is a monogamous species and often reuses the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Males and females share the care of the nest. The female lays from 4 to 10 eggs and broods for around 36 days. Cygnets are unable to fly before an age of 120 to 150 days and this limits the distribution of the species in the northern edge of its range since the cygnets must learn to fly before the water freezes. The Mute Swan is usually strongly territorial with just a single pair on smaller lakes although in a few locations where a large area of suitable feeding habitat is found they can be colonial. The largest colonies can hold over 100 pairs such as that at the colony at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset in the UK. Non-mated juveniles up to 3 to 4 years old commonly form larger flocks often at regular traditional sites and these can total several hundred birds. The Mute Swan can be very aggressive in defence of its nest and it is highly protective of its mate and offspring. Most defensive attacks from a Mute Swan begin with a loud hiss and, if this is not sufficient to drive off the predator, are followed by a physical attack. It attacks by smashing at its enemy with bony spurs in the wings accompanied by biting with its large bill. Smaller waterbirds such as ducks are normally grabbed with the bill and dragged or thrown clear. Large waterfowl, such as the Canada Goose, more likely out of competition than in response to potential predation, may be aggressively driven off. The wings of the Mute Swan are very powerful although not strong enough to break an adult man's leg as has been claimed anecdotally. The Mute Swan feeds on a wide range of vegetation, both submerged aquatic plants which they reach with their long necks and by grazing on land. The food commonly includes agricultural crop plants such as oilseed rape and wheat and feeding flocks in the winter may cause significant crop damage, often as much through trampling with their large webbed feet as through direct consumption. Date: 13th January 2016 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/canada-geese https://images.on-this.website/4752_5312938484e1582eaa1630.jpgCanada Geese The Canada Goose belongs to the [i]Branta[/i] genus of geese which contains species with largely black plumage distinguishing it from the grey species of the genus [i]Anser[/i]. The black head and neck with a white "chinstrap" distinguish the Canada Goose from all other goose species with the exception of the Cackling Goose from north America and the Barnacle Goose which has a black breast and grey rather than brownish body plumage. The 7 sub-species of the Canada Goose vary widely in size and plumage details but all are recognizable as Canada Geese. Of the "true geese" (i.e. the genera [i]Anser[/i], [i]Branta[/i] or [i]Chen[/i]), the Canada Goose is on average the largest living species. It ranges from 30 to 43 inches in length and with a 50 to 73 inches wingspan. The male usually weighs 5.7 to 14.3 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 8.6 pounds. The female looks virtually identical but is slightly lighter at 5.3 to 12.1 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 7.9 pounds. It is also generally 10% smaller in linear dimensions than the male. The Canada Goose is native to north America where it breeds in Canada and the north USA in a wide range of habitats. The Great Lakes region maintains a very large population. It occurs all year round in the southern part of its breeding range, including most of the eastern seaboard and the Pacific coast. Between California and South Carolina in the south USA and north Mexico, it is primarily present as a migrant from further north during the winter. Outside north America, the Canada Goose has reached north Europe naturally as has been proved by ringing recoveries. It has also been introduced in to Europe and had established populations in the UK in the middle of the 18th century, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany and Scandinavia. Most European populations are not migratory but those in more northerly parts of Sweden and Finland migrate to the North Sea and Baltic coasts. Semi-tame feral birds are common in parks and have become a pest in some areas. In the early 17th century, explorer Samuel de Champlain sent several pairs of Canada Geese to France as a present for King Louis XIII. Canada Geese were first introduced in to the UK in the late 17th century as an addition to King James II's waterfowl collection in St. James's Park. They were also introduced in to Germany and Scandinavia during the 20th century. During the second year of its life, the Canada Goose finds a mate. It is a monogamous species and most couples stay together all of their lives. If one dies, the other may find a new mate. The female lays from 2 to 9 eggs with an average of 5. Both parents protect the nest while the eggs incubate but the female spends more time at the nest than the male. The nest is usually located in an elevated area near water such as streams, lakes and ponds and the eggs are laid in a shallow depression lined with plant material and down. The incubation period, in which the female incubates the eggs while the male remains nearby, lasts for 24 to 28 days after laying. As soon as the goslings hatch, they are immediately capable of walking, swimming and finding their own food (a diet similar to the adults). Parents are often seen leading their goslings in a line, usually with one adult at the front and the other at the back. While protecting their goslings, parents often violently chase away anything from small birds to lone humans who approach, after warning them by giving off a hissing sound and then attacking with bites and slaps of the wings if the threat does not retreat. Although parents are hostile to unfamiliar geese, they may form groups (crèches) of a number of goslings and a few adults. The goslings enter the fledgling stage any time from 6 to 9 weeks of age. Once it reaches adulthood, due to its large size and often aggressive behaviour, the Canada Goose is rarely preyed on although prior injury may make it more vulnerable to natural predators. The lifespan in the wild of birds that survive to adulthood ranges from 10 to 24 years. The UK longevity record is held by a specimen tagged as a nestling which was observed alive at the age of 31. The Canada Goose is primarily a herbivore although it will sometimes eat small insects and fish. Their diet includes grasses, aquatic plants, beans and grains such as wheat, rice, and corn when they are available. In urban areas, it is also known to pick food out of rubbish bins and it will readily take a variety of food from humans in parks. Date: 04/03/06 Location: Northlands Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31837507.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_178278251595624397c7601.32381210.jpgRed Grouse The Red Grouse is a medium-sized bird of the grouse family which is found in heather moorland in the UK and Ireland. It is endemic to the UK and has developed in isolation. It is usually classified as a sub-species of the Willow Ptarmigan or Willow Grouse which is found in birch and other forests and moorlands in north Europe, the tundra of Scandinavia, Siberia, Alaska and north Canada. The Red Grouse is differentiated from the Willow Ptarmigan and Rock Ptarmigan by its plumage being reddish brown and not having a white winter plumage. The tail is black and the legs are white. There are white stripes on the underwing and red combs over the eye. Females are less reddish than the males and have less conspicuous combs. Young birds are duller and lack the red combs. The Red Grouse is found across most parts of Scotland, including Orkney, Shetland and most of the Outer Hebrides. It is only absent from urban areas such as in the Central Belt. In Wales there are strong populations of Red Grouse in some places but the range has retracted. It is now largely absent from the far south and the main strongholds are Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons and the Cambrian Mountains. In England the Red Grouse is mainly found in the north in areas such as the Lake District, Northumberland, County Durham, much of Yorkshire, the Pennines and the Peak District as far south as the Staffordshire Moorlands. There is an isolated introduced population on Dartmoor and overspill Welsh birds visit the Shropshire Hills.The typical habitat is upland heather moors away from trees. It can also be found in some low-lying bogs and birds may visit farmland during hard weather. The UK population of the Red Grouse is estimated at about 250,000 pairs. Numbers have declined in recent years and it is now absent in areas where it was once common. Reasons for the decline include disease, loss of heather due to overgrazing, creation of new conifer plantations and a decline in the number of upland gamekeepers. Some predators feed on Red Grouse and there is ongoing controversy as to what effect these have on numbers. The Red Grouse is herbivorous and feeds mainly on the shoots, seeds and flowers of heather. It will also feed on berries, cereal crops and sometimes insects. The Red Grouse is considered a game bird and is shot in large numbers during the shooting season which traditionally starts on August 12th (known as the Glorious Twelfth). Shooting can take the form of “walked up” (where shooters walk across the moor to flush grouse and take a shot) or “driven” (where grouse are driven, often in large numbers, by “beaters” towards the shooters who are hiding behind a line of “butts”). Many moors are managed to increase the density of Red Grouse. Areas of heather are subjected to controlled burning since this allows fresh young shoots to regenerate which are favoured by Red Grouse. In addition, extensive predator control is a feature of grouse moor management and the extent and legality to which it occurs is hotly contested between conservation groups and shooting interests and the subject generates a lot of media attention. The Red Grouse is widely known as the logo of The Famous Grouse whisky and an animated bird is a character in a series of its adverts. It is also the emblem of the magazine “British Birds”. Date: 20th June 2017 Location: Glen Quaich, Perthshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/june-2024-emerald-damselfly https://images.on-this.website/4752_116498443466891c4c62d98.jpgJune 2024 - Emerald Damselfly Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51387301.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/river-bistria-neam-county-romania https://images.on-this.website/4752_16750407125d3088026c36b.jpgRiver Bistrița, Neamț County, Romania Date: 4th June 2018 Location: view from the dam of Lake Izvorul Muntelui, Neamț County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26270277.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1441289906566551b66eeda.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 4th December 2015 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21958919.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_156911649653da594b8447a.jpgArctic Tern The Arctic Tern is a seabird of the tern family. The adult plumage is grey above with a black nape and crown and white cheeks. The upperwings are pale grey with the area near the wingtip being translucent. The tail is white and the underparts pale grey. The beak is dark red as are the short legs and webbed feet. Like most terns, the Arctic Tern has high aspect ratio wings and a tail with a deep fork and long tail streamers. Both sexes are similar in appearance. The winter plumage is similar but the crown is whiter and the bills are darker. Juveniles differ from adults having black bill and legs, "scaly" appearing wings and mantle with dark feather tips, dark carpal wing bar and short tail streamers. During their first summer, juveniles also have a whiter forecrown. Whilst the Arctic Tern is similar to the Common and the Roseate Tern, its colouring, profile and call are slightly different. Compared to the Common Tern, it has a longer tail and mono-coloured bill, whilst the main differences from the Roseate Tern are its slightly darker colour and longer wings. The Arctic Tern has a circumpolar breeding distribution covering the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of Europe, Asia and north America. It is strongly migratory and sees 2 summers each year and more daylight than any other creature on the planet. It migrates along a convoluted route from its northern summer breeding grounds to the northern edge of the Antarctic coast for the southern summer and back again about 6 months later. In the UK, breeding Arctic Terns can best be seen on islands such as the Farne Islands in Northumberland or Orkney and Shetland in northern Scotland where the greatest densities occur. Recent studies have shown average annual roundtrip lengths of 25000 to 50000 miles depending on the route taken and weather and wind conditions. The Arctic Tern is a long-lived bird with many reaching 30 years of age and based on this average it will travel some 1.5 million miles during its lifetime. This is by far the longest migration known in the animal kingdom. Breeding takes place in colonies on coasts, islands and occasionally inland on tundra near water. The Arctic Tern often forms mixed colonies with the Common Tern and Sandwich Tern. As it nests on the ground, the Arctic Tern is vulnerable to predation but it is one of the most aggressive terns and it is fiercely defensive of its nest and young. It will attack humans and large predators, usually striking the top or back of the head. Although it is too small to cause serious injury, it is still capable of drawing blood and repelling many raptorial birds and smaller mammalian predators such as foxes and cats. Other nesting birds, such as auks, often incidentally benefit from the protection provided by nesting in an area defended by Arctic Terns. The diet of the Arctic Tern varies depending on location and time but it usually eats small fish or marine crustaceans by dipping down to the surface of the water to catch prey. While feeding, skuas, gulls and other tern species will often harass the birds and steal their food. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Inner Farne, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/european-roller https://images.on-this.website/4752_1706435005d3078f27db4f.jpgEuropean Roller The European Roller is the only member of the Roller family to breed in Europe. It is a stocky bird, the size of a Jackdaw, and it is mainly blue with an orange-brown back. It is striking in its strong direct flight with the brilliant blue contrasting with black flight feathers. Sexes are similar but the juvenile is a drabber version of the adult. The European Roller often perches prominently on trees, posts or overhead wires whilst watching for the large insects, small reptiles, rodents and frogs that they eat. They have a Lapwing-like display with the twisting and turning display flight giving the bird its English name. The European Roller breeds in north Africa from Morocco east to Tunisia, in south west and south central Europe and in Asia Minor east through north west Iran to south west Siberia. It is a long-distance migrant, wintering in southern Africa in two distinct regions, from Senegal east to Cameroon and from Ethiopia west to Congo and south to South Africa. The European Roller can be found in warm, dry, open country with scattered trees, preferring lowland open countryside with patches of oak forest, mature pine woodland with heathery clearings, orchards, mixed farmland, river valleys and plains with scattered thorny or leafy trees. It winters primarily in dry wooded savanna and bushy plains. The European Roller has a large global population of an estimated 100,000 to 220,000 individuals in Europe. However, following a moderate decline during 1970 to 1990, the species has continued to decline especially in Europe with a decrease in the overall European population exceeding 30% in 15 years. Threats include persecution on migration in some Mediterranean countries, the use of pesticides which reduces food availability and sensitivity to changing farming and forestry practices. Date: 17th May 2018 Location: Srebarna to Vetren, Silistra Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo34006626.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17341069935a72f99559043.jpgJackdaw The Western Jackdaw, also known as the Eurasian Jackdaw, European Jackdaw or simply Jackdaw, is a passerine bird in the crow family. Measuring 13 to 15 inches in length, the Jackdaw is the second smallest member of the crow family. Most of the plumage is a shiny black with a purple or blue sheen on the crown, forehead and secondaries and a green-blue sheen on the throat, primaries and tail. The cheeks, nape and neck are light grey to greyish-silver and the underparts are slate-grey. The legs are black as is the short stout bill. The irises of adults are greyish or silvery white while those of juveniles are light blue, becoming brownish before whitening at around one year of age. The sexes look alike although the head and neck plumage of male birds fades more with age and wear, particularly just before moulting. Immature birds have duller and less demarcated plumage. The head is a sooty black, sometimes with a faint greenish sheen and brown feather bases visible, the back and side of the neck are dark grey and the underparts greyish or sooty black. The tail has narrower feathers and a greenish sheen. There are 4 recognised geographical subspecies of the Jackdaw, each with slight plumage variations. Within its range, the Jackdaw is generally unmistakable and its short bill and grey nape are distinguishing features. In flight, the Jackdaw is distinguishable from other crows by its smaller size, faster and deeper wingbeats and proportionately narrower and less fingered wing tips. It also has a shorter and thicker neck and a much shorter bill and it frequently flies in tighter flocks. The Jackdaw is a skilled flyer and can manoeuvre tightly as well as tumble and glide. It has characteristic jerky wing beats when flying. On the ground, the Jackdaw has an upright posture and struts briskly with its short legs giving it a rapid gait. The Jackdaw is found from north west Africa, throughout all of Europe, except for the extreme north, and east through central Asia to the east Himalayas and Lake Baikal. To the east, it occurs throughout Turkey, the Caucasus, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and north west India. A small number of Jackdaws reached the north east of North America in the 1980s and have been found from Atlantic Canada to Pennsylvania. The range is vast and there is a large global population. Most populations are resident but the north and east populations are more migratory and relocate to wintering areas between September and November and return between February and early May. The Jackdaw can be found in wooded steppes, pastures, cultivated land, coastal cliffs and towns. It thrives when forested areas are cleared and converted to fields and open areas. Habitats with a mix of large trees, buildings and open ground are preferred. Open fields are left to the Rook and more wooded areas to the Jay. The Jackdaw is highly gregarious and is generally seen in flocks of varying sizes. Flocks increase in size in autumn and birds congregate at dusk for communal roosting with up to several thousand individuals gathering at one site. Males and females pair bond for life and pairs stay together within flocks. Jackdaws will frequently congregate with other crows such as Carrion Crows, Hooded Crows or Rooks. Foraging takes place mostly on the ground in open areas and to some extent in trees. Landfill sites, bins, streets and gardens are also visited, more often early in the morning when there are fewer people about. Various feeding methods are employed, such as jumping, pecking, clod-turning and scattering, probing the soil and occasional digging. The Jackdaw will also ride on the backs of sheep and other mammals such as deer, seeking ticks as well as actively gathering wool or hair for nests. Compared with other crows, the Jackdaw spends more time exploring and turning over objects with its bill. It also has a straighter and less downturned bill and increased binocular vision which are advantageous for this foraging strategy. The Jackdaw is opportunistic and highly adaptable and varies its diet markedly depending on available food sources. It tends to feed on small invertebrates that are found above ground, including various species of beetle as well as snails and spiders. It will also eat small rodents, bats, the eggs and chicks of birds and carrion such as roadkill. Vegetable items consumed include farm grains, weed seeds, elderberries, acorns and various cultivated fruits. The Jackdaw practices active food sharing with a number of individuals regardless of sex or kinship. It also shares more of a preferred food than a less preferred food. The active giving of food by most birds is found mainly in the context of parental care and courtship although the Jackdaw shows much higher levels of active giving than has been documented for other species. The function of this behaviour is not fully understood and several theories have been advanced. Genetic analysis of Jackdaw pairs and offspring shows no evidence of extra-pair copulation and there is little evidence for couple separation even after multiple instances of reproductive failure. Some pairs do separate in the first few months but almost all pairings of over 6 months' duration are lifelong and end only when a partner dies. Widowed or separated birds fare badly and are often ousted from nests or territories and are unable to rear broods alone. The Jackdaw usually breeds in colonies with pairs collaborating to find a nest site which they then defend from other pairs and predators during most of the year. It will nest in cavities in trees or cliffs, in ruined or occupied buildings and in chimneys, the common feature being a sheltered site for the nest. A mated pair usually constructs a nest by improving a crevice by dropping sticks into it. The nest is then built on top of the platform formed. Nest platforms can attain a great size. Nests are lined with hair, wool, dead grass and many other materials. Clutches usually contain 4 or 5 eggs which are incubated by the female for 17 to 18 days until hatching as naked altricial chicks which are completely dependent on the adults for food. The chicks fledge after 28 to 35 days and the parents continue to feed them for another 4 weeks or so. Date: 5th January 2018 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084662.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13717830325d3087c54bafc.jpgBicaz Gorge, Neamţ and Harghita Counties, Romania The Bicaz Gorge, known locally as Cheile Bicazului, is a gorge located in north east Romania in the Eastern Carpathians group of the Carpathian Mountains. It is the deepest gorge in the country and connects the historical regions of Moldova and Transylvania. It was created by the River Bicaz and it is one of the most breathtaking natural attractions in Romania. The Bicaz Gorge is included within the Cheile Bicazului-Hășmaș National Park. The DN12C road runs through the Bicaz Gorge and is one of the most scenic drives in Romania. The gorge twists and turns steeply uphill for 5 miles with hairpin bends and deep drops and cuts through sheer 985 feet high limestone cliffs. At one point, the narrow mountain road runs uncomfortably beneath the overhanging rocks in a section known as Gâtul Iadului (“the neck of hell”). Beyond the cliffs there are spruce and beech forests and upland grazing pastures. Date: 4th June 2018 Location: Bicaz Gorge, Neamţ and Harghita Counties, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31837525.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10288741715956248ba09430.27726088.jpgBalnakeil Bay, Sutherland Balnakeil Bay is situated at the north west point of Scotland at the end of the minor road running west out of Durness. To the north of Durness lies the rocky headland of Faraid Head which projects 2 miles out in to the Pentland Firth and is the home of military installations .... and Puffins! On the west side of the narrow stretch of land leading to Faraid Head is the wide sweeping curve and marram grass dunes of Balnakeil Bay. The name Balnakeil is derived from the Gaelic "Baille ne Cille" (Village of the Church). The ruined chapel here was built in the 17th century but a church has stood at the location for at least 1200 years. Date: 22nd June 2017 Location: view from the south side of the bay at the end of the unclassified road from Durness http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28885405.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14012364357cc30dd4cd53.jpgSoomaa National Park, Estonia The Soomaa National Park (Soomaa means "land of bogs") is located about 20 miles east of Pärnu and it was established in 1993 to protect a wilderness of bogs, fens, wet mixed forests, wooded meadows and carrs. It is also included in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance. The territory of the Soomaa National Park is mostly covered with large bogs, separated from each other by the tributaries of the Pärnu river, namely the Navesti, Halliste, Raudna and Lemmjõgi rivers. Every spring the Pärnu river and its tributaries flood and vast areas are inundated. The flood has been called the “fifth season” in Soomaa. Much of the Soomaa National Park is very difficult to access but it can be partially explored by a network of dusty gravel tracks and a minor road between Jõesuu and Kildu. The Soomaa National Park supports a wide range of breeding birds and the floods attract large numbers of migrating wildfowl and waders. As a large wilderness area, Soomaa National Park is also home to numerous species of large mammals including Brown Bear, Wolf, Lynx, Beaver, Elk and Wild Boar. Date: 15th May 2016 Location: Tõramaa to Kõrtsi road, Soomaa National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13683325.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11149834674ed72eca6c948.jpgScottish Wildcat The Wildcat is the UK’s only native cat. It looks very similar to a domestic tabby cat but it is larger with a stockier build and a thick bushy tail which has 3 to 5 broad black bands of fur and a rounded and blunt black tip. The colour of the coat varies from greyish to yellowish-brown. The Wildcat is confined to Scotland north of Glasgow and Edinburgh but it is absent from the Scottish Islands. It prefers areas with varied habitats on the edge of moorland with pasture, scrub and forests. High mountains where prey is scarce and intensively farmed lowland regions are avoided. In winter, bad weather drives the Wildcat from mountains and moorlands into more sheltered wooded valleys. The Wildcat is a shy and wary animal which is active at night, mainly around dawn and dusk. The diet consists of Rabbits, Hares and small mammals but quite large birds and animals freshly killed on roads may also be taken. It sometimes stores or caches uneaten prey by hiding it under vegetation. During the day, and in periods of heavy rain and snow, the Wildcat lies up in dens located amongst boulders and rocky cairns or in old Fox earths, Badgers setts, peat hags or tree roots. The Wildcat is also a solitary and territorial animal living at a low population density. There may be one cat to three square kilometres in good habitats but only one cat to 10 square kilometres in less favourable areas. Urine sprayed on boulders and tree trunks and droppings deposited in prominent places, are used by the Wildcat to mark its territory. Although the Wildcat may live for 10 to 12 years in the wild, most seem to die at an early age. The Wildcat used to be found throughout mainland UK but due to persecution and clearance of wooded land it declined over several centuries. It disappeared from southern England in the 16th century and the last one recorded from northern England was shot in 1849. The Wildcat almost became extinct in the UK in the early years of last century but, following reduced persecution at the time of the First World War and helped by more forestry plantations, it recolonised parts of Scotland. However, this recovery now seems to have slowed down. The urbanised habitat of the central lowlands of Scotland seems to be a barrier to further dispersal. A recent survey failed to find any evidence of Wildcats south of the industrial belt of Scotland. Although increasing afforestation helped the spread of the Wildcat, as forest plantations mature they become less suitable for the small mammals on which the Wildcat preys. Forestry management to encourage Wildcats should therefore aim to diversify the age of plantations. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and 1988 now gives strict legal protection to Wildcats and their dens and it is an offence to take or kill one except under licence. Despite this protection, illegal trapping and shooting are still major causes of death of Wildcats whilst others die in road traffic accidents and there is still a risk from illegal poisoning. Inter-breeding with domestic cats gone wild (known as feral cats) could pose an insidious threat to the Wildcat’s survival in the UK by changing the species' genetic identity. The Wildcat is also at risk from diseases of domestic cats such as feline leukaemia. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17055180.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_82073981150ded07a610e4.jpgMute Swan The Mute Swan is a species of swan native to much of Eurasia. Despite its Eurasian origin, its closest relatives are the Black Swan of Australia and the Black-necked Swan of south America, not the other Northern Hemisphere swans such as the Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan. The name “mute” derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. The adult Mute Swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob at the top of the beak. All Mute Swans are white at maturity although the feathers (particularly on the head and neck) are often stained orange-brown by iron and tannins in the water. Young birds (cygnets) are not the bright white colour of mature adults and their bill is dull greyish-black for the first year. The plumage may range from pure white to grey to buff with grey/buff being the most common. Cygnets typically retain their grey/buff feathers until they are at least 1 year old. On average, the Mute Swan is the second largest waterfowl species after the Trumpeter Swan although the male Mute Swan can easily match or even exceed a male Trumpeter Swan in mass. The adult Mute Swan typically ranges from 55 to 63 inches in length (although it can range in extreme cases from 49 to 67 inches) with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. Males (cobs) are larger than females (pens) and have a larger knob on their bill. The Mute Swan is one of the heaviest flying birds. In several studies from the UK, males were found to average from about 23.4 to 26.2 pounds, with a weight range of 20 to 32 pounds, while the slightly smaller females were found to average about 18.7 to 21.3 pounds, with a weight range of 17 to 23 pounds. The Mute Swan is less vocal than the noisy Bewick's Swan and Whooper Swan although it does make a variety of grunting, hoarse whistling and snorting noises, especially in communicating with their cygnets and threatening competitors or intruders trying to enter their territory. The most familiar sound associated with the Mute Swan is the vibrant throbbing of the wings in flight which is unique to the species and this can be heard from a range of up to 1 mile. The Mute Swan is found naturally mainly in the temperate areas of Europe across west Asia and as far east as Primorsky Krai in the far east of Russia. It is partially migratory throughout the northern latitudes in Europe and Asia as far south as north Africa and the Mediterranean. It is also often kept in captivity outside its natural range as a decoration for parks and ponds and escapes have occurred. The descendants of such birds have become naturalised in east USA and the Great Lakes region across the USA and Canada border. The Mute Swan population in the UK has increased recently probably due to better protection of this species. Some birds are resident all year whilst others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into east England. Mute Swans nest on large mounds that they build with waterside vegetation in shallow water on islands in the middle or at the very edge of a lake. It is a monogamous species and often reuses the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Males and females share the care of the nest. The female lays from 4 to 10 eggs and broods for around 36 days. Cygnets are unable to fly before an age of 120 to 150 days and this limits the distribution of the species in the northern edge of its range since the cygnets must learn to fly before the water freezes. The Mute Swan is usually strongly territorial with just a single pair on smaller lakes although in a few locations where a large area of suitable feeding habitat is found they can be colonial. The largest colonies can hold over 100 pairs such as that at the colony at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset in the UK. Non-mated juveniles up to 3 to 4 years old commonly form larger flocks often at regular traditional sites and these can total several hundred birds. The Mute Swan can be very aggressive in defence of its nest and it is highly protective of its mate and offspring. Most defensive attacks from a Mute Swan begin with a loud hiss and, if this is not sufficient to drive off the predator, are followed by a physical attack. It attacks by smashing at its enemy with bony spurs in the wings accompanied by biting with its large bill. Smaller waterbirds such as ducks are normally grabbed with the bill and dragged or thrown clear. Large waterfowl, such as the Canada Goose, more likely out of competition than in response to potential predation, may be aggressively driven off. The wings of the Mute Swan are very powerful although not strong enough to break an adult man's leg as has been claimed anecdotally. The Mute Swan feeds on a wide range of vegetation, both submerged aquatic plants which they reach with their long necks and by grazing on land. The food commonly includes agricultural crop plants such as oilseed rape and wheat and feeding flocks in the winter may cause significant crop damage, often as much through trampling with their large webbed feet as through direct consumption. Date: 16th November 2012 Location: Musselburgh, East Lothian http://www.richardchewphotography.com/scottish-wildcat https://images.on-this.website/4752_10718602624ed72ed9a9e8b.jpgScottish Wildcat The Wildcat is the UK’s only native cat. It looks very similar to a domestic tabby cat but it is larger with a stockier build and a thick bushy tail which has 3 to 5 broad black bands of fur and a rounded and blunt black tip. The colour of the coat varies from greyish to yellowish-brown. The Wildcat is confined to Scotland north of Glasgow and Edinburgh but it is absent from the Scottish Islands. It prefers areas with varied habitats on the edge of moorland with pasture, scrub and forests. High mountains where prey is scarce and intensively farmed lowland regions are avoided. In winter, bad weather drives the Wildcat from mountains and moorlands into more sheltered wooded valleys. The Wildcat is a shy and wary animal which is active at night, mainly around dawn and dusk. The diet consists of Rabbits, Hares and small mammals but quite large birds and animals freshly killed on roads may also be taken. It sometimes stores or caches uneaten prey by hiding it under vegetation. During the day, and in periods of heavy rain and snow, the Wildcat lies up in dens located amongst boulders and rocky cairns or in old Fox earths, Badgers setts, peat hags or tree roots. The Wildcat is also a solitary and territorial animal living at a low population density. There may be one cat to three square kilometres in good habitats but only one cat to 10 square kilometres in less favourable areas. Urine sprayed on boulders and tree trunks and droppings deposited in prominent places, are used by the Wildcat to mark its territory. Although the Wildcat may live for 10 to 12 years in the wild, most seem to die at an early age. The Wildcat used to be found throughout mainland UK but due to persecution and clearance of wooded land it declined over several centuries. It disappeared from southern England in the 16th century and the last one recorded from northern England was shot in 1849. The Wildcat almost became extinct in the UK in the early years of last century but, following reduced persecution at the time of the First World War and helped by more forestry plantations, it recolonised parts of Scotland. However, this recovery now seems to have slowed down. The urbanised habitat of the central lowlands of Scotland seems to be a barrier to further dispersal. A recent survey failed to find any evidence of Wildcats south of the industrial belt of Scotland. Although increasing afforestation helped the spread of the Wildcat, as forest plantations mature they become less suitable for the small mammals on which the Wildcat preys. Forestry management to encourage Wildcats should therefore aim to diversify the age of plantations. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and 1988 now gives strict legal protection to Wildcats and their dens and it is an offence to take or kill one except under licence. Despite this protection, illegal trapping and shooting are still major causes of death of Wildcats whilst others die in road traffic accidents and there is still a risk from illegal poisoning. Inter-breeding with domestic cats gone wild (known as feral cats) could pose an insidious threat to the Wildcat’s survival in the UK by changing the species' genetic identity. The Wildcat is also at risk from diseases of domestic cats such as feline leukaemia. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/june-2015-arctic-fox https://images.on-this.website/4752_654087860567692f57b6a0.jpgJune 2015 - Arctic Fox Please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/arctic-fox]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39083159.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20460292635d307fde969c9.jpgEastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria The Rhodopes Mountains are a mountain range in south east Europe. They are spread over 5689 square miles of which 4723 square miles are located in south Bulgaria and the remainder in north Greece. The Rhodopes Mountains are about 149 miles long and about 62 to 75 miles wide with an average altitude of 2575 feet. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 7188 feet and is situated 12 miles to the west of Smolyan. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rhodopes Mountains gives its name to the terrestrial eco-region Rodope montane mixed forests that belong in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The area is particularly notable for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans plus its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms such as the Trigrad Gorge. The Rhodopes Mountains can be sub-divided in to 3 sections: The Western Rhodopes are spread over 66% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and they are higher, the most infrastructurally developed and the most visited part of the mountains. The highest and best known peaks are located in this section with more than 10 over 6562 feet high including the highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7188 feet). Some of the deepest river gorges in the Rhodopes Mountains are located in the west as well as several large lakes. The Eastern Rhodopes are spread over a territory of about 34% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and are much lower in height. The large artificial dams of Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets are located in this part of the mountains. Almost every species of European bird of prey nests in the Eastern Rhodopes including the rare Black Vulture and Egyptian Vulture. The Southern Rhodopes are the part of the mountain range that is located in Greece and they are characterized by numerous peaks of relatively low altitude. The River Borovitsa is a tributary of the River Arda and is located in the eastern Rhodopes Mountains. The river valley is stony and surrounded by rough grassland, scrub and forested hillsides. There are many tiny hamlets along the valley, many of them abandoned or semi-abandoned. This little visited area and its wild environment with only the tiny hamlets and patches of traditional agriculture form a great contrast with the town of Kardzhali. Nenkovo, 17.5 miles north west of Kardzhali, is one of the hamlets in the river valley with no electricity or car access. The access to the village is via a rope bridge over the River Borovitsa. The lack of cars has preserved the narrow village streets which wind between the houses built about 100 to 150 years ago. According to the census of 2011, the village has 129 inhabitants which is down from its peak of 883 people shortly after the Second World War. The village is almost exclusively inhabited by ethnic Bulgarian Turks. Near the village of Nenkovo there is a medieval bridge over the River Borovitsa. It is a large asymmetric bridge with 5 arches each of a different size. The road over the bridge is about 65 yards long. The bridge has been partly destroyed on a number of occasions by the rough waters of the river. It has been rebuilt in the past but after repeated damage it is no longer used. The area around Nenkovo village and the bridge is an excellent one for a wide range of bird species. Date: 26th May 2018 Location: River Borovitsa valley near Nenkovo, Eastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51982702.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_137666428666d33d3df0bac.jpgRuddy Darter Flight period: mid June to mid September. The Ruddy Darter takes its name from its colour and its swift flight behaviour. The male has a deep russet colour over the entire body and the abdomen has a pinched section close to where it joins the thorax. Females are slightly smaller, golden yellow in colour and being less obviously marked are more difficult to identify than the males. There is more than one red coloured darter species in the UK and they can be easily confused with each other. The commonest red species, the Common Darter, can be distinguished as having red veins at the base of the wings and a less ruddy colouration across the body. However, the Ruddy Darter has entirely black legs, distinguishing it from all other red darters which have longitudinal yellow stripes on their legs. The UK range of the Ruddy Darter has undergone something of an expansion in recent years. Although still relatively uncommon in the west and north of Britain, it is increasing in numbers in the Midlands and eastern England. The population is augmented by continental migrants. It is also found over most of Europe except for northern Scandinavia, as far east as western Siberia and south to north Africa. The Ruddy Darter prefers water bodies with tall emergent vegetation, such as reeds and club rush, and it is known to breed in ponds, lakes, canals, ditches and sluggish rivers. They can also be found near coasts and can breed in fairly brackish water. Date: 19th July 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41389689.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8109200075f2695c0c4dbd.jpgWhite-tailed Eagles The White-tailed Eagle is a very large bird with a 72 to 96 inch wingspan and is the fourth largest eagle in the world. It has broad "barn door" wings, a large head and a thick "meat-cleaver" beak. The adult is mainly brown except for the paler head and neck, blackish flight feathers, distinctive white tail, and yellow bill and legs. In juvenile birds the tail and bill are darker, with the tail becoming white with a dark terminal band in sub-adults. The White-tailed Eagle breeds in northern Europe and northern Asia. The largest population in Europe is found along the coast of Norway. In the UK it became extinct during the early 20th century and the present population in Scotland has arisen from a reintroduction programme which commenced on the island of Rhum in 1975. It is still a rare breeding bird which was previously confined to the west coast of Scotland, although a reintroduction programme is now taking place in east Scotland. Date: 1st July 2019 Location: Krampenes to Skallelv, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo44605466.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_115211969161acbf5259383.jpgStonechat The (European) Stonechat is a small passerine bird that was long considered a member of the thrush family although genetic evidence has now placed it and its relatives in the Old World flycatcher family. Two weakly defined sub-species differing in colour intensity are currently accepted: hibernans found in north west Europe in Atlantic coastal areas, south west Norway, the UK, Ireland and north west France and rubicola found in the south and east of its range from Denmark south west to Spain and north Morocco, east to Poland and Ukraine and south east to Turkey. The (European) Stonechat is slightly smaller than the Robin. Both sexes have distinctively short wings, shorter than those of the more migratory Whinchat and Siberian Stonechat. The summer male has black upperparts, a black head, an orange throat and breast and a white belly and vent. It also has a white half-collar on the sides of its neck, a small white scapular patch on the wings and a very small white patch on the rump often streaked with black. The female has brown upperparts and head and no white neck patches, rump or belly. Instead these areas are streaked dark brown on paler brown, the only white being the scapular patch on the wings and even this often being buffy-white. The (European) Stonechat can often be seen perched on the tops of low bushes where, as its name suggests, it can be heard uttering a sharp loud call that sounds like stones being knocked together. The male's song is high and twittering like a Dunnock. The (European) Stonechat breeds in heathland, coastal dunes and rough grassland with scattered small shrubs and bramble, open gorse, tussocks or heather. It is a short-distance migrant or non-migratory, with part of the population, particularly from the north east of the range where winters are colder, moving to winter further south in Europe and north Africa. Date: 16th November 2021 Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo8135902.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18946008534d1d9933b347d.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 20th December 2010 Location: EWT Langdon Conservation Centre, Dunton, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26270356.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1312835759566552872cec2.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 4th December 2015 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/bewicks-swans https://images.on-this.website/4752_153843955558755329f1e53.jpgBewick's Swans The Tundra Swan is a small Holarctic swan. The 2 taxa within it are usually regarded as conspecific but are also sometimes split into 2 species: the Bewick's Swan of the Palaearctic and the Whistling Swan of the Nearctic. The Bewick's Swan was named in 1830 by William Yarrell after the engraver Thomas Bewick who specialised in illustrations of birds and animals. The Bewick's Swan measures 45 to 55 inches in length with a wing span of 18.5 to 21.5 inches. Males are slightly larger and heavier than females. It is similar in appearance to the Whooper Swan but is smaller, shorter-necked and has a more rounded head shape. It has a variable bill pattern but always shows more black than yellow and having a blunt forward edge of the yellow base patch. The Whooper Swan has a bill that has more yellow than black and the forward edge of the yellow patch is usually pointed. The bill pattern for every individual Bewick's Swan is unique and scientists often make detailed drawings of each bill and assign names to the swans to assist with studying these birds. As their common name implies, the Tundra Swan breeds in the Arctic and sub-Arctic tundra where they inhabit shallow pools, lakes and rivers. Unlike the Mute Swan, but like the other Arctic swans, it is a migratory bird. The winter habitat is mainly grassland and marshland, often near the coast. The breeding range of the Bewick’s Swan extends across the coastal lowlands of Siberia from the Kola Peninsula east to the Pacific. It starts to arrive in its breeding range around mid-May and leaves for its winter range around the end of September. The populations west of the Taimyr Peninsula migrate via the White Sea, Baltic Sea and the Elbe estuary to winter in Denmark, the Netherlands and the UK where it is common in winter on a few RSPB and WWT reserves. Some birds also winter elsewhere on the southern shores of the North Sea. The Bewick’s Swans that breed in eastern Russia migrate via Mongolia and north China to winter in the coastal regions of Korea, Japan and south China, south to Guangdong and occasionally as far as Taiwan. A few birds from the central Siberian range also winter in Iran at the south of the Caspian Sea. Arrival in the winter range starts about mid-October although most birds spend weeks or even months at favourite resting locations and will only arrive in the winter range in November or even as late as January. Departure from the winter range starts in mid-February. Bewick’s Swans mate in the late spring, usually after they have returned to the breeding range. As is usual for swans, they pair monogamously until one partner dies. Should one partner die long before the other, the surviving bird often will not mate again for several years or even for the rest of its life. The nesting season starts at the end of May. The pair build the large mound-shaped nest from plant material at an elevated site near open water and they defend a large territory around it. The pen (female) lays and incubates a clutch of 2 to 7 (usually 3 to 5) eggs whilst the cob (male) keeps a steady lookout for potential predators heading towards his mate and offspring. The time from egg laying to hatching is 29 to 30 days. Since they nest in cold regions, Bewick’s Swan cygnets grow faster than those of swans breeding in warmer climates and they may fledge in 40 to 45 days. Cygnets stay with their parents for the first winter migration and the family is sometimes even joined by their offspring from previous breeding seasons while on the wintering grounds. Bewick’s Swans do not reach sexual maturity until 3 or 4 years of age. In summer, the diet of the Bewick’s Swan consists mainly of aquatic vegetation which it finds by sticking its head underwater or upending while swimming. It will also eat some grass growing on dry land. At other times of the year, leftover grains and other crops such as potatoes, picked up in open fields after harvest, make up much of the diet. Healthy adult Bewick’s Swans have few natural predators. The Arctic Fox may threaten breeding females and particular the eggs and hatchlings. Adults typically can stand their ground and displace foxes but occasionally the foxes are successful. Other potential nest predators include the Red Fox, the Brown Bear, the Golden Eagle, the Arctic Skua and the Glaucous Gull. The Brown Bear, the Golden Eagle and the Wolf may occasionally succeed at capturing and killing an adult. About 15% adults die each year from various causes and the average lifespan in the wild is about 10 years. The status of the Bewick's Swan is not well known although its population is in decline in north west Europe for largely unexplained reasons. It is increasingly dependent on agricultural crops to supplement its winter diet as aquatic vegetation in its winter habitat declines due to habitat destruction and water pollution. However, the main cause of adult mortality is hunting and, whilst the Bewick's Swan can not be hunted legally, almost half the birds studied contain lead shot in their bodies, indicating that they were shot at by poachers. Lead poisoning by ingestion of lead shot is also a very significant cause of mortality. The Bewick's Swan is one of the birds to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 2nd January 2017 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39081979.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3341914175d3078dd70fbf.jpgDalmatian Pelican The Dalmatian Pelican is by a slight margin the largest of the pelican species and one of the largest living bird species. It measures 5 feet 3 inches to 6 feet in length with a wingspan of 9 feet 6 inches to 11 feet 4 inches. Its median weight is around 25 pounds which makes it perhaps the world's heaviest flying bird species, although the largest individuals among some male bustard and swan species may be heavier than the largest individual Dalmatian Pelican. The somewhat similar-looking White Pelican broadly overlaps in size but has greater size sexual dimorphism. Female White Pelicans can be noticeably smaller than female Dalmatian Pelicans but male individuals of the two species are essentially the same size and weight. The Dalmatian Pelican differs from the White Pelican in that it has curly nape feathers, grey legs and silvery-white (rather than pure white) plumage. In winter, the adult Dalmatian Pelican goes from silvery-grey to a dingier brownish-grey cream colour. Immature birds are grey and lack the pink facial patch of immature White Pelicans. The bare skin around the eye can vary from yellow to purplish in colour. In the breeding season the Dalmatian Pelican has an orange-red lower mandible and pouch against a yellow upper mandible but in winter the whole bill is a somewhat dull yellow. The bill, at 14 to 18 inches long, is the second largest of any bird after the Australian Pelican. In flight, the Dalmatian Pelican is an elegant soaring bird, with the head held close to and aligned with the body by a downward bend in the neck. Unlike other pelicans, its wings are solid greyish-white with black tips. The Dalmatian Pelican can be found in lakes, rivers, deltas and estuaries from south east Europe to India and China. Compared to the White Pelican, the Dalmatian Pelican is not as tied to lowland areas and will nest in suitable wetlands at many elevations. It is less opportunistic in breeding habitat selection than the White Pelican, usually returning to a traditional breeding site year after year unless it becomes completely unsuitable. The Dalmatian Pelican usually migrates short distances. It is dispersive in Europe, based on feeding opportunities, with most western birds staying through the winter in the Mediterranean region. It is more actively migratory in Asia, where most of the birds that breed in Russia fly down for the winter to the central Middle East, largely around Iran through to the Indian Subcontinent from Nepal to central India. The Dalmatian Pelican has declined greatly throughout its range, more so than the White Pelican. During the 20th century, the species' numbers underwent a dramatic decline for reasons that are not entirely understood. The most likely reason was habitat loss due to human activities such as the drainage of wetlands and land development. Colonies are regularly disturbed by human activity, and, like all pelicans, the parents may temporarily leave their nest if threatened which then exposes the chicks to the risk of predation. Occasionally, Dalmatian Pelicans may be shot by fishermen who believe the birds are dangerously depleting the fish population and hence threatening their livelihood. Dalmatian Pelicans also regularly fly into power-lines and are killed by electrocution. The largest single remaining colony of Dalmatian Pelicans in Europe is at the Prespa lakes shared between Albania and Greece with around 1400 pairs. Approximately 450 pairs breed in the Danube Delta in Romania. The country with the largest breeding population today, including about 70% of pairs or possibly over 3,000 pairs, is Russia. Conservation efforts have been undertaken on behalf of the Dalmatian Pelican especially in Europe. Although they normally nest on the ground, Dalmatian Pelicans have nested on platforms put out in Turkey, Greece, Bulgaria and Romania in order to encourage them to breed. Rafts over water have also been set up for the species to use in Greece and Bulgaria. Power-lines have also been marked or dismantled in areas adjacent to colonies in these countries. Additionally, water-level management and educational programs may be aiding them at a local level. The Dalmatian Pelican feeds almost entirely on fish. It usually forages alone or in groups of only 2 or 3 birds. It normally swims along, placidly and slowly, until it quickly dunks its head underwater and scoops the fish out along with great masses of water. The water is dumped out of the sides of the pouch and the fish is swallowed. Occasionally it may feed cooperatively with other pelicans by corralling fish into shallow waters and may even co-operate similarly while fishing alongside Cormorants. Among a highly social family in general, the Dalmatian Pelican may have the least social inclinations. It naturally nests in relatively small groups compared to most other pelican species and sometimes may even nest alone. However, small colonies are usually formed, which regularly include upwards of 250 pairs. Occasionally, Dalmatian Pelicans may mix in with colonies of White Pelicans. Nesting sites selected are usually either islands in large bodies of water (typically lagoons or river deltas) or dense mats of aquatic vegetation. The nest is a moderately-sized pile of grass, reeds, sticks and feathers and is usually located on or near the ground, often being placed on dense floating vegetation. Breeding commences in March or April, about a month before the White Pelican breeds. Date: 17th May 2018 Location: Lake Srebarna, Silistra Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9564280.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2182249974daeb4bb137ae.jpgBlackbird The Common Blackbird is a species of true thrush. It is also called Eurasian Blackbird (especially in North America in order to distinguish it from the unrelated New World blackbirds) or simply Blackbird where this does not lead to confusion with a similar-looking local species. The Blackbird’s name derives form 2 Latin words: <i>turdus</i> meaning “thrush” and <i>merula</i> meaning “blackbird”. It may not immediately be clear why the name "blackbird", first recorded in 1486, was applied to this species but not to one of the various other common black English birds, such as the Carrion Crow, Raven, Rook or Jackdaw. However, in Old English and in modern English up to about the 18th century, "bird" was used only for smaller or young birds and larger ones such as crows were called "fowl". At that time, the Blackbird was therefore the only widespread and conspicuous black bird in the UK. The Blackbird is around 9.25 to 11.5 inches in length including a long tail. The adult male has glossy black plumage, blackish-brown legs, a yellow eye-ring and an orange-yellow bill. The bill darkens somewhat in winter. The adult female is sooty-brown with a dull yellowish-brownish bill, a brownish-white throat and some weak mottling on the breast. The juvenile is similar to the female but has pale spots on the upperparts and the very young juvenile also has a speckled breast. Young birds vary in the shade of brown, with darker birds presumably males. The first year male resembles the adult male but has a dark bill and weaker eye ring and its folded wing is brown rather than black like the body plumage. The Blackbird breeds in temperate Eurasia, north Africa, the Canary Islands and south Asia. Populations are sedentary in the south and west of the range although northern birds migrate south as far as north Africa and tropical Asia in winter. Common over most of its range in woodland, the Blackbird has a preference for deciduous trees with dense undergrowth. However, gardens provide the most successful breeding habitat. It occurs up to around 3300 feet in Europe and is often replaced by the related Ring Ousel in areas of higher altitude. The Blackbird has an extensive range and a large population which is generally stable or increasing. However, there have been local declines, especially on farmland, which may be due to agricultural policies that encouraged farmers to remove hedgerows (which provide nesting places) and to drain damp grassland and increase the use of pesticides, both of which could have reduced the availability of invertebrate food. The Blackbird may commence breeding in March when the breeding pair prospect for a suitable nest site in a creeper or bush, favouring evergreen or thorny species such as ivy, holly, hawthorn, honeysuckle or pyracantha. Sometimes they will nest in sheds or outbuildings where a ledge or cavity is used. The cup-shaped nest is made with grasses, leaves and other vegetation and bound together with mud. It is built by the female alone. The nest is often ill-concealed compared with those of other species and many breeding attempts fail due to predation. The female lays 3 to 5 (average 4) bluish-green eggs marked with reddish-brown blotches which are incubated for 12 to 14 days before the chicks are hatched naked and blind. Fledging takes another 10 to 19 (average 13.6) days, with both parents feeding the young. The young are fed by the parents for up to 3 weeks after leaving the nest and they will follow the adults begging for food. If the female starts another nest, the male alone will feed the fledged young. Second broods are common with the female reusing the same nest if the brood was successful. The first-year male Blackbird may start singing as early as late January in fine weather in order to establish a territory, followed in late March by the adult male. The male's song is a varied and melodious low-pitched fluted warble which is given from trees, rooftops or other elevated perches mainly in the period from March to June and sometimes into the beginning of July. During the winter, the Blackbird can be heard quietly singing to itself, so much so that September and October are the only months which the song cannot be heard. The Blackbird is omnivorous, eating a wide range of insects, earthworms, seeds and berries. It feeds mainly on the ground, running and hopping with a start-stop-start progress. It pulls earthworms from the soil, usually finding them by sight but sometimes by hearing, and roots through leaf litter for other invertebrates. Small amphibians and lizards are occasionally hunted. The Blackbird will also perch in bushes to take berries and collect caterpillars and other active insects. Animal prey predominates and this is particularly important during the breeding season with windfall apples and berries taken more in the autumn and winter. Near human habitation the main predator of the Blackbird is the domestic cat, with newly fledged young especially vulnerable. Foxes and predatory birds, such as the Sparrowhawk, also predate the Blackbird when the opportunity arises. Eggs and chicks are also taken by corvids, such as the Magpie or Jay. Date: 28th December 2008 Location: Folkestone, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18776280.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_29575655751f4cef58b2dc.jpgRed Grouse The Red Grouse is a medium-sized bird of the grouse family which is found in heather moorland in the UK and Ireland. It is endemic to the UK and has developed in isolation. It is usually classified as a sub-species of the Willow Ptarmigan or Willow Grouse which is found in birch and other forests and moorlands in north Europe, the tundra of Scandinavia, Siberia, Alaska and north Canada. The Red Grouse is differentiated from the Willow Ptarmigan and Rock Ptarmigan by its plumage being reddish brown and not having a white winter plumage. The tail is black and the legs are white. There are white stripes on the underwing and red combs over the eye. Females are less reddish than the males and have less conspicuous combs. Young birds are duller and lack the red combs. The Red Grouse is found across most parts of Scotland, including Orkney, Shetland and most of the Outer Hebrides. It is only absent from urban areas such as in the Central Belt. In Wales there are strong populations of Red Grouse in some places but the range has retracted. It is now largely absent from the far south and the main strongholds are Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons and the Cambrian Mountains. In England the Red Grouse is mainly found in the north in areas such as the Lake District, Northumberland, County Durham, much of Yorkshire, the Pennines and the Peak District as far south as the Staffordshire Moorlands. There is an isolated introduced population on Dartmoor and overspill Welsh birds visit the Shropshire Hills.The typical habitat is upland heather moors away from trees. It can also be found in some low-lying bogs and birds may visit farmland during hard weather. The UK population of the Red Grouse is estimated at about 250,000 pairs. Numbers have declined in recent years and it is now absent in areas where it was once common. Reasons for the decline include disease, loss of heather due to overgrazing, creation of new conifer plantations and a decline in the number of upland gamekeepers. Some predators feed on Red Grouse and there is ongoing controversy as to what effect these have on numbers. The Red Grouse is herbivorous and feeds mainly on the shoots, seeds and flowers of heather. It will also feed on berries, cereal crops and sometimes insects. The Red Grouse is considered a game bird and is shot in large numbers during the shooting season which traditionally starts on August 12th (known as the Glorious Twelfth). Shooting can take the form of “walked up” (where shooters walk across the moor to flush grouse and take a shot) or “driven” (where grouse are driven, often in large numbers, by “beaters” towards the shooters who are hiding behind a line of “butts”). Many moors are managed to increase the density of Red Grouse. Areas of heather are subjected to controlled burning since this allows fresh young shoots to regenerate which are favoured by Red Grouse. In addition, extensive predator control is a feature of grouse moor management and the extent and legality to which it occurs is hotly contested between conservation groups and shooting interests and the subject generates a lot of media attention. The Red Grouse is widely known as the logo of The Famous Grouse whisky and an animated bird is a character in a series of its adverts. It is also the emblem of the magazine “British Birds”. Date: 20th June 2013 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14036889.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19425780024f213d0120447.jpgGreat Tit The Great Tit is a passerine bird in the tit family. It is large for a tit species at 4.9 to 5.5 inches in length and it has a distinctive appearance that makes it easy to recognise. The nominate race, which is found throughout much of Europe, Asia Minor, north and east Kazakhstan, south Siberia and north Mongolia, has a bluish-black crown, black neck, throat, bib and head and white cheeks and ear coverts. The breast is bright lemon-yellow and there is a broad black mid-line stripe running from the bib to the vent. There is a dull white spot on the neck turning to greenish yellow on the upper nape. The rest of the nape and back are green tinged with olive. The wing-coverts are green and the rest of the wing is bluish-grey with a white-wing-bar. The tail is bluish grey with white outer tips. The plumage of the female is similar to that of the male except that the colours are generally duller and the bib is less intensely black, as is the line running down the belly which is also narrower and sometimes broken. There is some variation in the UK sub-species. It is broadly similar to the nominate race but has a slightly longer bill, the mantle is slightly deeper green, there is less white on the tail tips and the ventral mid-line stripe is broader on the belly. The Great Tit has a wide distribution across much of Eurasia. It is found across all of Europe except for Iceland and northern Scandinavia. In North Africa it is found in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. It also occurs across the Middle East and parts of central Asia from north Iran and Afghanistan to Mongolia, as well as across north Asia from the Urals as far east as north China and the Amur Valley. The Great Tit can be found in a range of habitats but most commonly in open deciduous woodland, mixed forests, forest edges and gardens. In dense forests, including conifer forests, it is usually found in forest clearings. In north Siberia it is found in the boreal taiga. In north Africa it prefers oak forests as well as stands of Atlas cedar and even palm groves. In the east of its range, it favours riverine willow and birch forest. At higher altitudes it occupies habitats ranging from dense deciduous and coniferous forests to open areas with scattered trees. The Great Tit is generally not migratory. Pairs will usually remain near or in their territory all year round even in the northern parts of their range. Young birds will disperse from their parents' territory but usually not far. Populations may become irruptive in poor or harsh winters and very large groups may unpredictably move from north Europe to the Baltic, the Netherlands, the UK and even as far as the south Balkans. The Great Tit is monogamous and establish breeding territories in late January. Territories are usually reoccupied in successive years even if one of the pair dies so long as the brood is raised successfully. Females are likely to disperse to new territories if their nest is predated the previous year. The Great Tit is a seasonal breeder but the exact timing of breeding varies due to a number of factors, most importantly location. Most breeding occurs between January and September. In Europe the breeding season usually begins after March The amount of sunlight and daytime temperatures also affects the timing of breeding as does the peak abundance of caterpillar prey which itself is correlated to temperature. The Great Tit is a cavity nester and occupies a hole that is usually inside a tree, although occasionally in a wall or rock face. It also readily takes to nest boxes. The nest inside the cavity is built by the female and is made of plant fibres, grasses, moss, hair, wool and feathers. The female often lays a very large clutch of eggs, as many as 18 although 5 to 12 is more common. Clutch size is smaller when females start laying later and it is also lower when the density of competitors is higher. Second broods also tend to have smaller clutches. The female undertakes all incubation duties and is fed by the male during this time. The timing of hatching, which is synchronised with peak availability of food, can be manipulated when environmental conditions change after the laying of the first egg by delaying the beginning of incubation, laying more eggs or pausing during incubation. The incubation period is between 12 and 15 days. The chicks are fed by both parents and the nestling period is between 16 and 22 days. The chicks become independent of the parents 8 days after fledging although feeding may continue after independence and last up to a further 25 days. The Great Tit is primarily insectivorous in the summer and feeds on a wide range of insects and spiders. During the breeding season, protein-rich caterpillars are fed to the young. In autumn and winter, when insect prey becomes scarcer, berries and seeds are added to the diet. Where it is available, it will also readily take table scraps, peanuts and sunflower seeds from bird tables. The Great Tit, along with other tits, joins winter mixed-species foraging flocks. The Great Tit has generally adjusted to human modifications of the environment. Whilst it is more common and has better breeding success in areas with undisturbed forest cover, it has adapted well to human modified habitats and can be very common in urban and suburban areas. While there have been some localised declines in population in areas with poorer quality habitats, its large range and high numbers mean that the Great Tit is not considered to be threatened and it is classed as “Least Concern” by the IUCN. Date: 6th January 2012 Location: Dungeness RSPB reserve, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32709116.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_213674713859ad27f25884e2.79218211.jpgHortobágy National Park, Hajdú-Bihar county, Hungary Hortobágy National Park (Hortobágy Nemzeti Park) is a national park in eastern Hungary. It is part of the vast Great Hungarian Plain which occupies southern and eastern Hungary, some parts of the eastern Slovakian lowlands, south west Ukraine, western Romania, northern Serbia and eastern Croatia. Hortobágy National Park was designated as a national park in 1972 (the first in Hungary), and as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. It is Hungary's largest protected area. At the time of designation, the area of the National Park was 289 square miles but since then it has been extended to almost 315 square miles. Around 25% of its area has international protection under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance. The entire Hortobágy National Park is part of the Natura 2000 network of the European Union in which Special Protected Areas and Special Areas of Conservation have been designated in a way that they contain and encompass the area of the National Park including organically connected or separate grassland mosaic areas that are outside the National Park. The protection thus ensured by the Natura 2000 areas provides an appropriate basis for the establishment of a buffer zone. A conservation management plan for the Hortobágy National Park was prepared in 1997. Hortobágy National Park contains the largest continuous natural grassland in Europe and the second largest steppe area west of the Ural Mountains. It has outstanding natural features and maintains great biological diversity in respect of species and habitats. It is a unique example of the harmonious coexistence of people and nature based on the considerate use of the land. A major part of the area of the Hortobágy National Park is formed by natural habitats, principally alkaline grasslands (puszta), meadows and the marshes lying between them. From the point of view of nature conservation, the artificial wetlands, which cover a much smaller area, are of considerable importance. These are the fish ponds created during the last century on the worst quality grazing lands and marshes. The Hortobágy National Park is one of Europe’s greatest lowland birding areas containing nesting habitats and migration sites of European significance. The Hortobágyi-Halastó complex just to the west of Hortobágy village is arguably the best site to explore and contains waterbodies of various sizes from small fish ponds to huge lakes. Over 340 bird species have been recorded in the Hortobágy National Park, of which over 150 species breed. For UK birders, it is particularly exciting since several “eastern” species can be found which are at the westernmost extent of their range. These are joined by a large number of temperate European and Mediterranean species. The symbol of the Hortobágy National Park is the Crane. One of the most spectacular sights is the autumn migration when tens of thousands of Cranes can be seen every October as they fly above the grasslands to their overnight roosting places. For thousands of years the wild animals grazing on the grasslands of the Hortobágy National Park, the Aurochs and wild horses, were gradually replaced by domesticated animals. A large number of Long-haired Sheep and Hungarian Grey Cattle can now be found here. Less ancient species are the Mangalica Pig and the Nonius Horse. In the Visitor Centre in Hortobágy village, visitors and tourists can get information and advice on what to see and what to do in the Hortobágy National Park and can also learn about its natural and cultural assets: its flora and fauna, the different natural phenomena, herdsmen’s traditions, craftsmen’s skills and local rare breeds. The Visitor Centre also sells the mandatory permits that are required to visit most of the protected areas. The Hortobágy-halastavi Kisvasút is a narrow gauge railway which runs through Hortobágyi-Halastó. It was built and commissioned in 1915 for the purpose of transporting fish food from the silo in Hortobágyi-Halastó to the fish ponds and transporting freshly caught fish in the opposite direction. The track formerly had a length of 22 miles and was temporarily decommissioned in 1960. Since 2007, the railway has been used as a tourist train. The track now runs for just 3 miles and provides access to the northern end of Hortobágyi-Halastó. A one-way trip lasts 23 minutes. Date: 20th May 2017 Location: Hortobágy-halastavi Kisvasút, Hortobágy National Park, Hajdú-Bihar county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4466086.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18107013624b8a24e54d863.jpgReindeer Reindeer are the northernmost species of deer being found throughout the tundra (frozen arctic plain with lichens, mosses and dwarfed vegetation) and taiga (marshy pine forest) zones of the Northern Hemisphere. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26032206.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15608331055637869227c80.jpgEider The Eider is a large sea duck that is distributed over the northern coasts of Europe, north America and eastern Siberia. It breeds in the Arctic and some northern temperate regions but winters somewhat further south in temperate zones when it can form large flocks on coastal waters. The Eider is both the largest of the 4 eider species and the largest duck found in Europe and in north America (except for the Muscovy duck which only reaches north America in a wild state in southernmost Texas and south Florida). The Eider is characterized by its bulky shape and large, wedge-shaped bill. The male is unmistakable with its black and white plumage and green nape. The female is a brown bird but can still be readily distinguished from all ducks, except other eider species, on the basis of size and head shape. The drake's display call is a strange almost human-like "ah-ooo" while the duck utters hoarse quacks. The Eider dives for crustaceans and molluscs, with mussels being a favoured food. The Eider will eat mussels by swallowing them whole. The shells are then crushed in their gizzard and excreted. When eating a crab, the Eider will remove all of its claws and legs and then eat the body in a similar fashion. The Eider is abundant with populations of about 1.5 to 2 million birds in both Europe and north America and also large but unknown numbers in eastern Siberia. The Eider is a colonial breeder nesting on coastal islands in colonies ranging in size of less than 100 to upwards of 10,000 to 15,000 individuals. Female Eiders frequently exhibit a high degree of natal philopatry where they return to breed on the same island where they were hatched. This can lead to a high degree of relatedness between individuals nesting on the same island as well as the development of kin-based female social structures. This relatedness has likely played a role in the evolution of co-operative breeding behaviours amongst Eiders. Examples of these behaviours include laying eggs in the nests of related individuals and crèching where female Eiders team up and share the work of rearing ducklings. The Eider's nest is built close to the sea and is lined with the celebrated eiderdown plucked from the female's breast. This soft and warm lining has long been harvested for filling pillows and quilts but in more recent years has been largely replaced by down from domestic farm geese and synthetic alternatives. Although eiderdown pillows or quilts are now a rarity, eiderdown harvesting continues and is sustainable as it can be done after the ducklings leave the nest with no harm to the birds. Date: 1st June 2015 Location: Hvammstangi, Vatnsnes peninsula, north west Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/pied-wheatear https://images.on-this.website/4752_7904069715d3079839e312.jpgPied Wheatear The Pied Wheatear is a wheatear, a small insectivorous passerine bird that was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family [I]Turdidae[/I] but it is now more generally considered to be an Old World flycatcher in the family [I]Muscicapidae[/I]. The crown, nape and neck of the adult male are pale brown, the feathers having pale tips and white bases. The mantle and scapulars are black with buff tips to the feathers. The back, rump and upper tail coverts are creamy-white. The central pair of tail feathers are black with white bases but the rest are white with black tips, the outer pair having rather more black than the rest. There is a narrow buff-coloured line extending from the base of the beak to over the eye and the lores, ear coverts, chin, throat and upper breast are black. The rest of the breast is buff, the belly creamy-buff and the underwing coverts and axillaries are black tipped with white. The wing feathers are black with tips and edgings of creamy-buff. The adult female is similar to the male but the mantle and scapulars are brown with buff tips rather than black, the tail feathers are brown and white and the wing feathers brown with buff tips. The juvenile is similar to the female but the feathers of the brown upperparts have pale centres near the tips giving the bird a speckled appearance. The Pied Wheatear breeds across much of Asia but it also breeds in Bulgaria and Romania at the western extreme of its range. It winters in north east Africa. It is a very rare vagrant to western Europe. In the breeding season, it is found in rough open country, steppes with scant vegetation, stony slopes, hilly country and mountains up to around 9800 feet. In its winter range, it is found in similar locations with rock, scree and on plains with thorny scrub. The Pied Wheatear is a rather shy bird but it is conspicuous when spotted. It is not gregarious and single birds or pairs can be seen perched on a bush or rock, alert and looking around for prey. When it spots a prey item it swoops down to the ground briefly to pick it up before returning to its perch. Its diet consists of small invertebrates such as ants, grasshoppers, beetles, flies and moths, spiders and mites. Seeds are also eaten. The Pied Wheatear nests in holes in a riverbank, under stones and rocks and in crevices. The nest is made from dried grass stems and lined with slender roots and a few downy feathers. The female lays 4 to 6 eggs and there is normally a single brood. The Pied Wheatear has a wide range across east Europe and Asia and it is common across that range. The population is believed to be stable with no particular threats and the IUCN in their Red List has evaluated it as being of "Least Concern". Date: 18th May 2018 Location: Nos Kaliakra, Dobrich Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26041745.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15585961045638b59fa7f82.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name <i>Fratercula</i> comes from the Medieval Latin <i>fratercula</i> meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name <i>arctica</i> refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek <i>άρκτος</i> ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name <i>puffin</i> (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Látrabjarg, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/ringed-plover https://images.on-this.website/4752_9694067514db03068a90c8.jpgRinged Plover The Ringed Plover is a small, dumpy, short-legged wading bird. Many UK birds live here all year round but birds from Europe winter in Britain and birds from Greenland and Canada pass through on migration. Ringed Plovers breed on sandy and shingle beaches and on inland gravel pits. They can be found in winter on sandy and shingle beaches, estuaries and coastal lagoons and marshes. Date: 3rd June 2008 Location: Bridge of Walls, West Mainland, Shetland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082675.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13983553385d307d89386a1.jpgEastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria The Rhodopes Mountains are a mountain range in south east Europe. They are spread over 5689 square miles of which 4723 square miles are located in south Bulgaria and the remainder in north Greece. The Rhodopes Mountains are about 149 miles long and about 62 to 75 miles wide with an average altitude of 2575 feet. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 7188 feet and is situated 12 miles to the west of Smolyan. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rhodopes Mountains give their name to the terrestrial eco-region Rodope montane mixed forests that belong in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The area is particularly notable for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans plus its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms such as the Trigrad Gorge. The Rhodopes Mountains can be sub-divided in to 3 sections: The Western Rhodopes are spread over 66% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and they are higher, the most infrastructurally developed and the most visited part of the mountains. The highest and best known peaks are located in this section with more than 10 over 6562 feet high including the highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7188 feet). Some of the deepest river gorges in the Rhodopes Mountains are located in the west as well as several large lakes. The Eastern Rhodopes are spread over a territory of about 34% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and are much lower in height. The large artificial dams of Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets are located in this part of the mountains. Almost every species of European bird of prey nests in the Eastern Rhodopes including 3 species of vulture. The Southern Rhodopes are the part of the mountain range that is located in Greece and they are characterized by numerous peaks of relatively low altitude. In the Eastern Rhodopes, the Madzharovo Special Protection Area located between village of Borislavtsi and the town of Madzharovo is one of the most popular destinations for birding in Bulgaria. The area covers a part of the narrow valley of the River Arda and is surrounded by rugged mountain slopes, rock massifs, rocky pinnacles, dry scrub and wooded hillsides. The unique micro-climate and the diverse relief are the reason for the wealth of bird species which can be found here. Around 175 bird species have been recorded of which 40 have been included in the Red Book of Bulgaria (a list of endangered species in the country), 78 are of European environmental protection significance and 6 are globally endangered. The Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB) has established a Nature Conservation Centre in Madzharovo which provides an exhibition, conducts educational programs and provides information for various routes and landmarks. It particularly focuses on the many birds of prey which can be found in the area, especially the 3 species of vulture (Griffon, Black and Egyptian). Date: 24th May 2018 Location: River Arda valley and Kovan Kaya near Madzharovo, eastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26270082.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_35911287956655023ee254.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 4th December 2015 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42229304.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1977328808603e62c7d8df7.jpgGreylag Goose The Greylag Goose is the ancestor of most domestic geese but is also the largest and bulkiest of the wild geese native to the UK and Europe. In many parts of the UK it has been re-established by releasing birds in suitable areas but the resulting flocks found around gravel pits, lakes and reservoirs all year round in southern Britain tend to be semi-tame. The native birds and wintering flocks found on lochs in northern Scotland and on some Scottish islands retain the special appeal of truly wild geese. Date: 13th February 2021 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39083877.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19471596985d308281b3fee.jpgWestern Rhodopes Mountains, Smolyan Province, Bulgaria The Rhodopes Mountains are a mountain range in south east Europe. They are spread over 5689 square miles of which 4723 square miles are located in south Bulgaria and the remainder in north Greece. The Rhodopes Mountains are about 149 miles long and about 62 to 75 miles wide with an average altitude of 2575 feet. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 7188 feet and is situated 12 miles to the west of Smolyan. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rhodopes Mountains gives its name to the terrestrial eco-region Rodope montane mixed forests that belong in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The area is particularly notable for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans plus its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms such as the Trigrad Gorge. The Rhodopes Mountains can be sub-divided in to 3 sections: The Western Rhodopes are spread over 66% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and they are higher, the most infrastructurally developed and the most visited part of the mountains. The highest and best known peaks are located in this section with more than 10 over 6562 feet high including the highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7188 feet). Some of the deepest river gorges in the Rhodopes Mountains are located in the west as well as several large lakes. The Eastern Rhodopes are spread over a territory of about 34% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and are much lower in height. The large artificial dams of Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets are located in this part of the mountains. Almost every species of European bird of prey nests in the Eastern Rhodopes including the rare Black Vulture and Egyptian Vulture. The Southern Rhodopes are the part of the mountain range that is located in Greece and they are characterized by numerous peaks of relatively low altitude. The Trigrad Gorge is a canyon of vertical marble rock cliffs in the western Rhodope Mountains. It is the third longest gorge in Bulgaria. The gorge encloses the course of the River Trigrad which plunges into the Devil's Throat Cave and 1740 feet further emerges as a large karst spring. It later flows into the River Buynovska. The west wall of the Trigrad Gorge reaches 980 feet in height whilst the east wall reaches 980 to 1150 feet in height. Initially, the 2 walls are about 985 feet apart but the gorge narrows to about 330 feet in the northern section. The gorge is situated just north of the village of Trigrad at 4760 feet above sea level. It has a total length of 4.3 miles, of which the gorge proper comprises 1.2 to 1.9 miles. It can be visited on the narrow single track road from Teshel to Trigrad which follows the River Trigrad for about 7.5 miles. The Trigrad area was a restricted border zone in the past (it is less than 4 miles from the border with Greece) so access was very limited during the Communist era but it is now a popular tourist destination. The area is considered as one of the most beautiful in the Rhodopes Mountains with numerous designated routes for hiking, mountain biking and horse riding routes. Date: 28th May 2018 Location: Teshel to Trigrad via Trigrad Gorge, Western Rhodopes Mountains, Smolyan Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39083975.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9519970995d30833bbb197.jpgWestern Rhodopes Mountains, Smolyan Province, Bulgaria The Rhodopes Mountains are a mountain range in south east Europe. They are spread over 5689 square miles of which 4723 square miles are located in south Bulgaria and the remainder in north Greece. The Rhodopes Mountains are about 149 miles long and about 62 to 75 miles wide with an average altitude of 2575 feet. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 7188 feet and is situated 12 miles to the west of Smolyan. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rhodopes Mountains gives its name to the terrestrial eco-region Rodope montane mixed forests that belong in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The area is particularly notable for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans plus its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms such as the Trigrad Gorge. The Rhodopes Mountains can be sub-divided in to 3 sections: The Western Rhodopes are spread over 66% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and they are higher, the most infrastructurally developed and the most visited part of the mountains. The highest and best known peaks are located in this section with more than 10 over 6562 feet high including the highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7188 feet). Some of the deepest river gorges in the Rhodopes Mountains are located in the west as well as several large lakes. The Eastern Rhodopes are spread over a territory of about 34% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and are much lower in height. The large artificial dams of Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets are located in this part of the mountains. Almost every species of European bird of prey nests in the Eastern Rhodopes including the rare Black Vulture and Egyptian Vulture. The Southern Rhodopes are the part of the mountain range that is located in Greece and they are characterized by numerous peaks of relatively low altitude. The Trigrad Gorge is a canyon of vertical marble rock cliffs in the western Rhodope Mountains. It is the third longest gorge in Bulgaria. The gorge encloses the course of the River Trigrad which plunges into the Devil's Throat Cave and 1740 feet further emerges as a large karst spring. It later flows into the River Buynovska. The west wall of the Trigrad Gorge reaches 980 feet in height whilst the east wall reaches 980 to 1150 feet in height. Initially, the 2 walls are about 985 feet apart but the gorge narrows to about 330 feet in the northern section. The gorge is situated just north of the village of Trigrad at 4760 feet above sea level. It has a total length of 4.3 miles, of which the gorge proper comprises 1.2 to 1.9 miles. It can be visited on the narrow single track road from Teshel to Trigrad which follows the River Trigrad for about 7.5 miles. The Trigrad area was a restricted border zone in the past (it is less than 4 miles from the border with Greece) so access was very limited during the Communist era but it is now a popular tourist destination. The area is considered as one of the most beautiful in the Rhodopes Mountains with numerous designated routes for hiking, mountain biking and horse riding routes. Date: 29th May 2018 Location: Trigrad to Teshel via Trigrad Gorge, Western Rhodopes Mountains, Smolyan Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo20950809.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2008007268535e0df8c899b.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 26th February 2014 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19507467.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_125675095452528bc0af4ee.jpgRoller The European Roller is the only member of the Roller family to breed in Europe. It is a stocky bird, the size of a Jackdaw, and it is mainly blue with an orange-brown back. It is striking in its strong direct flight with the brilliant blue contrasting with black flight feathers. Sexes are similar but the juvenile is a drabber version of the adult. The European Roller often perches prominently on trees, posts or overhead wires whilst watching for the large insects, small reptiles, rodents and frogs that they eat. They have a Lapwing-like display with the twisting and turning display flight giving the bird its English name. The European Roller breeds in north Africa from Morocco east to Tunisia, in south west and south central Europe and in Asia Minor east through north west Iran to south west Siberia. It is a long-distance migrant, wintering in southern Africa in two distinct regions, from Senegal east to Cameroon and from Ethiopia west to Congo and south to South Africa. The European Roller can be found in warm, dry, open country with scattered trees, preferring lowland open countryside with patches of oak forest, mature pine woodland with heathery clearings, orchards, mixed farmland, river valleys and plains with scattered thorny or leafy trees. It winters primarily in dry wooded savanna and bushy plains. The European Roller has a large global population of an estimated 100,000 to 220,000 individuals in Europe. However, following a moderate decline during 1970 to 1990, the species has continued to decline especially in Europe with a decrease in the overall European population exceeding 30% in 15 years. Threats include persecution on migration in some Mediterranean countries, the use of pesticides which reduces food availability and sensitivity to changing farming and forestry practices. Date: 8th September 2013 Location: Corredor Verde Dos Bahias near Benalup, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo461448.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19337862034690cacd603ef.jpgDate: 26th December 2005 Location: Loch Awe, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo441573.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_259088662467eeae58130c.jpgDate: 24th December 2005 Location: Loch Linnhe, Inverness-shire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25774138.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_101645018560fb8a58b888.jpgOtter The Eurasian Otter, also known as the European Otter, Eurasian River Otter, Common Otter and Old World Otter and commonly known as the Otter, is a semi-aquatic mammal and the most widely distributed member of the Otter sub-family of the Weasel family (Mustelidae). The Otter is a typical species of the Otter sub-family and is brown above and cream below. It is 22.5 to 37.5 inches long excluding a tail of 14 to 17.5 inches. The female is shorter than the male. The Otter's average body weight is 15 to 26 pounds, although occasionally a large old male may reach up to 37 pounds. The Otter differs from the North American River Otter by its shorter neck, broader face, the greater space between the ears and its longer tail. However, it is the only Otter species in much of its range so it is rarely confused for any other animal. The Otter is the most widely distributed Otter species and its range including parts of Asia and Africa as well as being widespread across Europe. The Otter can be found throughout most of the UK with the highest densities in Scotland, especially the islands and the north west coast, Wales, parts of East Anglia and the West Country. The Otter declined across its range in the second half of the 20th century primarily due to pollution, habitat loss and hunting. However, populations are now recovering in many parts of Europe. In the UK the number of sites with an Otter presence increased by 55% between 1994 and 2002. In August 2011, the Environment Agency announced that the Otter had returned to every county in England since vanishing from every county except the West Country and parts of Northern England. The recovery of the Otter population in Europe is due to a ban on the most harmful pesticides that has been in place since 1979, improvements in water quality leading to increases in prey populations and direct legal protection under the European Union Habitats Directive and national legislation in several European countries. In general, the Otter’s varied and adaptable diet means that it can be found on any unpolluted body of fresh water, including lakes, streams, rivers and ponds, as long as the food supply is adequate. It can also be found along the coast in salt water but it requires regular access to fresh water to clean its fur. When living in the sea it is sometimes referred to as a "Sea Otter" but it should not be confused with the true Sea Otter which is a North American species much more strongly adapted to a marine existence. The Otter's diet mainly consists of fish. However, during the winter and in colder environments, fish consumption is significantly lower and other sources of food are eaten including amphibians, crustaceans, insects, birds and small mammals. Hunting mainly takes place at night whilst the day is usually spent in the Otter's holt (den). The Otter is strongly territorial and is primarily solitary. An individual's territory may vary between 1 and 25 miles with the length of the territory depending on the density of food available and the width of the water suitable for hunting (it is shorter on coasts, where the available width is much wider and longer on narrower rivers). The Otter uses its spraints to mark its territory. Territories are only held against members of the same sex so those of males and females may overlap. The Otter is a non-seasonal breeder and males and females will breed at any time of the year. It has been found that their mating season is most likely determined simply by the Otters' reproductive maturity and physiological state. Female Otters are sexually mature between 18 and 24 months old and the average age of first breeding is found to be 2.5 years old. Gestation is 60 to 64 days and after the gestation period, 1 to 4 pups are born which remain dependent on the mother for about 13 months. The male plays no direct role in parental care although the territory of a female with her pups is usually entirely within that of the male. Date: 25th September 2015 Location: Broadford Bay, Skye, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33568464.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21063393185a106fe17b44c.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 4th November 2017 Location: Loch Indaal, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31192378.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_167962958959182427197a70.17658364.jpgSwallow The Barn Swallow is the most widespread species of swallow in the world. In Europe it is just called the Swallow and in northern Europe it is the only common species called a "swallow" rather than a "martin". The male Swallow has steel blue upperparts and a rufous forehead, chin and throat which are separated from the off-white underparts by a broad dark blue breast band. The outer tail feathers are elongated to give the distinctive deeply forked "swallow tail." There is a line of white spots across the outer end of the upper tail. The female is similar in appearance to the male but the tail streamers are shorter, the blue of the upperparts and breast band is less glossy and the underparts more pale. The juvenile is browner and has a paler rufous face and whiter underparts. It also lacks the long tail streamers of the adult. The Swallow has an enormous range with an estimated global extent of 20 million square miles and a population of 190 million individuals. It breeds in the Northern Hemisphere from sea level to typically 8,900 feet but up 9,800 feet in the Caucasus and North America and it is absent only from deserts and the cold northernmost parts of the continents. Over much of its range it avoids towns and in Europe is replaced in urban areas by the House Martin. There are 6 subspecies of the Swallow which breed across the Northern Hemisphere, of which 4 are strongly migratory with their wintering grounds covering much of the Southern Hemisphere as far south as central Argentina, the Cape Province of South Africa and northern Australia. The Swallow can be found in open country with low vegetation such as pasture, meadows and farmland, preferably with nearby water. It avoids heavily wooded or precipitous areas and densely built-up locations. The presence of accessible open structures such as barns, stables or culverts to provide nesting sites and exposed locations such as wires, roof ridges or bare branches for perching are also important in the bird's selection of its breeding range. This species lives in close association with humans and its insect-eating habits mean that it is tolerated by man. This acceptance was reinforced in the past by superstitions regarding the bird and its nest. There are frequent cultural references to the Swallow in literary and religious works due to both its living in close proximity to humans and its annual migration. The Swallow is the national bird of Austria and Estonia. In winter, the Swallow is cosmopolitan in its choice of habitat, avoiding only dense forests and deserts. It is most common in open, low vegetation habitats such as savanna and ranch land. Individual birds tend to return to the same wintering locality each year and congregate from a large area to roost in reed beds. These roosts can be extremely large with one in Nigeria holding an estimated 1.5 million birds. Date: 9th May 2017 Location: Weeting Heath NWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9564468.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12340790794daeba52c4014.jpgHouse Sparrow The House Sparrow is a member of the sparrow family [i]Passeridae[/i]. The House Sparrow is typically about 6.3 inches long, ranging from 5.5 to 7.1 inches, and it is a compact bird with a full chest and a large, rounded head. Its bill is stout and conical. The plumage is mostly different shades of grey and brown and the sexes exhibit strong dimorphism. The female is mostly buffish above and below whilst the male has boldly coloured head markings, a reddish back and grey underparts. The male has a dark grey crown from the top of its bill to its back and chestnut brown flanking its crown on the sides of its head. It has black around its bill, on its throat and on the lores between the bill and the eyes. It has a small white stripe between the lores and crown and small white spots immediately behind the eyes with black patches below and above them. The underparts are pale grey or white, as are the cheeks, ear coverts and stripes at the base of the head. The upper back and mantle are a warm brown, with broad black streaks whilst the lower back, rump and upper tail coverts are greyish brown. The male's bill is black in the breeding season and dark grey during the rest of the year. The female has no black markings or grey crown. Its upperparts and head are brown with darker streaks around the mantle and a distinct pale supercilium. Its underparts are pale grey-brown. The female's bill is brownish-grey and becomes darker in breeding plumage approaching the black of the male's bill. Juveniles are similar to the adult female but deeper brown below and paler above and with paler and less defined supercilia. Juveniles have broader buff feather edges and tend to have looser, scruffier plumage similar to moulting adults. The House Sparrow can be confused with a number of other seed-eating birds, especially its relatives in the sparrow family [i]Passeridae[/i]. The dull coloured female House Sparrow can often not be distinguished from other female sparrows and is nearly identical to those of the Spanish and Italian Sparrows. The Tree Sparrow is smaller and more slender with a chestnut crown and a black patch on each cheek. The male Spanish Sparrow and Italian Sparrow are distinguished by their chestnut crowns. The House Sparrow's flight is direct rather than undulating. On the ground, it typically hops rather than walks. The House Sparrow originated in the Middle East and spread, along with agriculture, to most of Eurasia and parts of north Africa. Since the mid-19th century, it has reached most of the world, mainly due to deliberate introductions but also through natural and shipborne dispersal. Its introduced range encompasses most of north America, central America, south America, south Africa, parts of West Africa, Australia, New Zealand and islands throughout the world. It has become highly successful in most parts of the world where it has been introduced. This is mostly due to its early adaptation to living with humans and its adaptability to a wide range of conditions. It has also greatly extended its range in northern Eurasia since the 1850s and continues to do so. The extent of its range makes the House Sparrow the most widely distributed wild bird on the planet. The House Sparrow is closely associated with human habitation and cultivation. It is believed to have become associated with humans around 10,000 years ago. The only terrestrial habitats that the House Sparrow does not inhabit are dense forest and tundra. Well adapted to living around humans, it frequently lives and even breeds indoors, especially in factories, warehouses and zoos. It reaches its greatest densities in urban centres but its reproductive success is greater in suburbs where insects are more abundant. In most of its range, the House Sparrow is extremely common despite some declines but in more marginal habitats its distribution can be patchy. Most House Sparrows do not move more than a few miles during their lifetimes. However, limited migration occurs in all regions. Some young birds disperse long distances and mountain birds move to lower elevations in winter. The House Sparrow is a very social bird and it is gregarious during all seasons when feeding, often forming flocks with other species of birds. It roosts communally in trees or shrubs, its nests are usually grouped together in clumps and it engages in social activities such as dust or water bathing and "social singing" in which birds call together in bushes. The House Sparrow can breed in the breeding season immediately following its hatching and sometimes it will attempt to do so. However, birds breeding for the first time are rarely successful in raising young and reproductive success increases with age as older birds breed earlier in the breeding season and fledge more young. The timing of mating and egg-laying varies geographically and between specific locations and years because a sufficient supply of insects is needed for egg formation and feeding nestlings. Males take up nesting sites before the breeding season by frequently calling beside them. Unmated males start nest construction and call particularly frequently to attract females. The House Sparrow is monogamous and typically mates for life but birds from pairs often engage in extra-pair copulations. Many birds do not find a nest and a mate and instead may serve as helpers around the nest for mated pairs, a role which increases the chances of being chosen to replace a lost mate. Lost mates of both sexes can be replaced quickly during the breeding season. The formation of a pair and the bond between the 2 birds is tied to the holding of a nest site. Nest sites are varied although cavities are preferred. Nests are most frequently built in the eaves and other crevices of houses. Holes in cliffs and banks or tree hollows are also used and sometimes a nest will be excavated in sandy banks or rotten branches. Especially in warmer areas, the House Sparrow may build its nest in the open, such as on the branches of trees or in the nests of large birds such as storks, although breeding success tends to be lower. The nest is usually domed although it may lack a roof in enclosed sites. It has an outer layer of stems and roots, a middle layer of dead grass and leaves and a lining of feathers as well as of paper and other soft materials. The building of the nest is initiated by the unmated male while displaying to females. The female assists in building but is less active than the male. The female House Sparrow usually lays 4 or 5 eggs although numbers from 1 to 10 have been recorded. At least 2 clutches are usually laid and up to 7 a year may be laid in the tropics or 4 a year in temperate latitudes. When fewer clutches are laid in a year, especially at higher latitudes, the number of eggs per clutch is greater. The female plays the main role in incubating the eggs. The male helps but can only cover the eggs rather than truly incubate them. The female spends the night incubating while the male roosts near the nest. Eggs hatch at the same time, after a short incubation period lasting 11 to 14 days. Young House Sparrows remain in the nest for 11 to 23 days but normally 14 to 16 days. During this time, they are fed by both parents. All the young leave the nest during the same period of a few hours. At this stage, they are normally able to fly. They start feeding themselves partly after 1 or 2 days and sustain themselves completely after 7 to 10 days. In adult House Sparrows, annual survival is 45% to 65%. After fledging and leaving the care of their parents, young House Sparrows have a high mortality rate which lessens as they grow older and more experienced. Only about 20 to 25% of birds hatched survive to their first breeding season. The oldest known wild House Sparrow lived for nearly 20 years and the oldest recorded captive House Sparrow lived for 23 years. The House Sparrow's main predators are cats and birds of prey but many other animals prey on them, including corvids, squirrels and even humans (it has been consumed in the past by people in many parts of the world and it still is in parts of the Mediterranean). As an adult, the House Sparrow mostly feeds on the seeds of grains and weeds but it is opportunistic and adaptable and eats whatever foods are available. In urban areas, it scavenges and feeds largely on food provided directly or indirectly by humans such as bread and leftover food. It will also eat some plant matter including buds, berries and fruits such as grapes and cherries. Animals form another important part of the diet, including beetles, caterpillars, flies, aphids, molluscs, crustaceans earthworms and even vertebrates such as lizards and frogs. Young House Sparrows are fed mostly on insects until about 15 days after hatching. They are also given small quantities of seeds and spiders. The House Sparrow has an extremely large range and population and is not seriously threatened by human activities so it is assessed as “Least Concern” by the IUCN. However, populations have been declining in many parts of the world. These declines were first noticed in north America but have been most severe in west Europe. In the UK, populations peaked in the early 1970s but have since declined by 70% overall and about 90% in some regions. Substantial declines have been noted in both rural and urban populations and the House Sparrow is designated as a “Red List” species. While the decline in England continues, Breeding Bird Survey data indicate recent population increases in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Various causes for the dramatic decreases in population have been suggested. A shortage of nesting sites caused by changes in urban building design is probably a factor together with an insufficient supply of insect food for nestlings arising from an increase of monoculture crops, the heavy use of pesticides and the replacement of native plants in cities with introduced plants and parking areas. Date: 27th January 2008 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26270181.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_71229237156655102b1b3d.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 4th December 2015 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31192346.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1406494388591823fc496261.90336552.jpgCommon Redstart The Common Redstart, or often simply Redstart, is a small passerine bird. Like its relatives, it was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family but it is now known to be an Old World flycatcher. The Common Redstart shows some affinity to the Robin in many of its habits and actions. It has the same general carriage and chat-like behaviour and it is the same length but slightly slimmer and not quite as heavy. The orange-red tail, from which it and other redstarts get their names ("start" is an old word for "tail"), is frequently quivered. Among common European birds, only the Black Redstart has a similarly coloured tail. In summer, the male Common Redstart has a slate-grey head and upperparts, except the rump and tail, which, like the flanks, underwing coverts and axillaries, are orange-chestnut. The forehead is white and the sides of the face and throat are black. The wings and the two central tail feathers are brown and the other tail feathers are bright orange-red. The orange on the flanks shades to almost white on the belly. The bill and legs are black. In autumn, pale feather fringes on the body feathering obscures the colours of the male and gives it a washed-out appearance. The female is browner with paler underparts and it lacks the black and slate head. The Common Redstart is a summer visitor throughout most of Europe and west Asia (east to Lake Baikal) and also in north west Africa in Morocco. It can be found in open mature birch and oak woodland with low amounts of shrub and understorey especially where the trees are old enough to have holes suitable for its nest. It prefers to nest on the edge of woodland clearings in natural tree holes so dead trees or those with dead limbs are beneficial to it. It also nests in mature open conifer woodland, particularly in the north of the breeding range, and nestboxes are sometimes used. In the UK, the Common Redstart occurs primarily in broadleaf woodlands in upland areas in the north and west with the greatest concentrations in Wales. Further east in Europe it also commonly occurs in lowland areas including parks and old gardens in urban areas. The Common Redstart winters in central Africa and Arabia, south of the Sahara Desert but north of the Equator and from Senegal east to Yemen. It first arrives in its breeding areas in early to mid April, the males often a few days in advance of the females. Following breeding, return migration to Africa occurs between mid August and early October. The Common Redstart is insectivorous and eats a wide variety of small insects and spiders but additionally fruit and berries in the autumn. It often feeds like a flycatcher and makes aerial sallies after passing insects. Date: 8th May 2017 Location: Gilfach RWT reserve, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo8135936.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12823265514d1d9d14bad96.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 26th December 2010 Location: Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084158.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17485466775d308624075e7.jpgRila Mountains, Sofia Province, Bulgaria The Rila Mountains are a mountain range in south west Bulgaria and constitute the highest mountain range in the country and the Balkans. It is the sixth highest mountain range in Europe after the Caucasus, the Alps, the Sierra Nevada, the Pyrenees and Mount Etna and the highest one between the Alps and the Caucasus. The Rila Mountains are spread over an area of 1015 square miles with an average altitude of 4879 feet. Musala is its highest peak at 9596 feet. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rila-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rila Mountains have abundant water resources and some of the Balkans' longest and deepest rivers originate here including the longest river entirely in the Balkans, the River Maritsa, and the longest river entirely in Bulgaria, the River Iskar. Bulgaria's main water divide separating the Black Sea and the Aegean Sea drainage systems follows the main ridge of the Rila Mountains. The mountain range is dotted with almost 200 glacial lakes such as the renowned Seven Rila Lakes. It is also rich in hot springs in the fault areas at the foothills including the hottest spring in south east Europe in Sapareva Banya. The Rila Mountains have typical layers of montane habitat ranging from river and stream valleys at lower altitudes to mixed deciduous woodland, coniferous forests and Alpine meadows and lakes at higher altitudes and finally to rocky ridges and bare rugged peaks. The biodiversity and the pristine landscapes are protected by the Rila National Park which is among the largest and most valuable protected areas in Europe. It is the largest national park in Bulgaria covering an area of 313 square miles and it was established in February 1992 to protect several ecosystems of national importance. Its altitude varies from 2600 feet near Blagoevgrad to 9596 feet at the peak of Musala. It occupies territory from 4 of the 28 provinces of the country (Sofia, Kyustendil, Blagoevgrad and Pazardzhik) and it includes 4 nature reserves (Parangalitsa, Central Rila Reserve, Ibar and Skakavitsa). The Rila National Park falls within the Rodope montane mixed forests terrestrial eco-region of the Palearctic temperate broadleaf and mixed forest. Forests occupy 206.5 square miles or 66% of the total area. The Rila Mountains also contain the Rila Monastery Nature Park which is among the largest nature parks in Bulgaria covering an area of 97.5 square miles at an altitude between 2460 and 8901 feet. It was established in 1992 as part of the newly founded Rila National Park. In 2000 some territory of the Rila National Park was re-assigned to the Rila Monastery Nature Park and was recategorized as a nature park because by law all lands in national parks are exclusively state owned. Today most of the Rila Monastery Nature Park is owned by the Rila Monastery. The Rila Monastery Nature Park includes one nature reserve, namely the Rila Monastery Forest with an area of 14 square miles or 14% of its total area. The most recognisable landmark in the Rila Mountains is the Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila, better known as the Rila Monastery. This is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria and is situated in the deep valley of the River Rilska River within the Rila Monastery Nature Park at a height of 3763 feet. The monastery is named after its founder, the hermit Ivan of Rila (876 to 946 AD) and houses around 60 monks. Founded in the 10th century, the Rila Monastery is regarded as one of Bulgaria's most important cultural, historical and architectural monuments and is a key tourist attraction for both Bulgaria and south Europe. Due to its outstanding cultural and spiritual value it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. The Rila Mountains are also a popular destination for hiking, winter sports and spa tourism, hosting the nation's oldest ski resort at Borovets as well as numerous hiking trails. Date: 30th May 2018 Location: Malyovitsa, Sofia Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26540705.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_129363907056ace644c5e09.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 31st December 2015 Location: Winterton-Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/monadhliath-mountains-highland https://images.on-this.website/4752_21435027264813be48d5d86.jpgMonadhliath mountains, Highland Date: 27th March 2008 Location: view from the B890 road between Insh and Kingussie http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30017282.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1568942140587552a9eb6d4.jpgBewick's Swans The Tundra Swan is a small Holarctic swan. The 2 taxa within it are usually regarded as conspecific but are also sometimes split into 2 species: the Bewick's Swan of the Palaearctic and the Whistling Swan of the Nearctic. The Bewick's Swan was named in 1830 by William Yarrell after the engraver Thomas Bewick who specialised in illustrations of birds and animals. The Bewick's Swan measures 45 to 55 inches in length with a wing span of 18.5 to 21.5 inches. Males are slightly larger and heavier than females. It is similar in appearance to the Whooper Swan but is smaller, shorter-necked and has a more rounded head shape. It has a variable bill pattern but always shows more black than yellow and having a blunt forward edge of the yellow base patch. The Whooper Swan has a bill that has more yellow than black and the forward edge of the yellow patch is usually pointed. The bill pattern for every individual Bewick's Swan is unique and scientists often make detailed drawings of each bill and assign names to the swans to assist with studying these birds. As their common name implies, the Tundra Swan breeds in the Arctic and sub-Arctic tundra where they inhabit shallow pools, lakes and rivers. Unlike the Mute Swan, but like the other Arctic swans, it is a migratory bird. The winter habitat is mainly grassland and marshland, often near the coast. The breeding range of the Bewick’s Swan extends across the coastal lowlands of Siberia from the Kola Peninsula east to the Pacific. It starts to arrive in its breeding range around mid-May and leaves for its winter range around the end of September. The populations west of the Taimyr Peninsula migrate via the White Sea, Baltic Sea and the Elbe estuary to winter in Denmark, the Netherlands and the UK where it is common in winter on a few RSPB and WWT reserves. Some birds also winter elsewhere on the southern shores of the North Sea. The Bewick’s Swans that breed in eastern Russia migrate via Mongolia and north China to winter in the coastal regions of Korea, Japan and south China, south to Guangdong and occasionally as far as Taiwan. A few birds from the central Siberian range also winter in Iran at the south of the Caspian Sea. Arrival in the winter range starts about mid-October although most birds spend weeks or even months at favourite resting locations and will only arrive in the winter range in November or even as late as January. Departure from the winter range starts in mid-February. Bewick’s Swans mate in the late spring, usually after they have returned to the breeding range. As is usual for swans, they pair monogamously until one partner dies. Should one partner die long before the other, the surviving bird often will not mate again for several years or even for the rest of its life. The nesting season starts at the end of May. The pair build the large mound-shaped nest from plant material at an elevated site near open water and they defend a large territory around it. The pen (female) lays and incubates a clutch of 2 to 7 (usually 3 to 5) eggs whilst the cob (male) keeps a steady lookout for potential predators heading towards his mate and offspring. The time from egg laying to hatching is 29 to 30 days. Since they nest in cold regions, Bewick’s Swan cygnets grow faster than those of swans breeding in warmer climates and they may fledge in 40 to 45 days. Cygnets stay with their parents for the first winter migration and the family is sometimes even joined by their offspring from previous breeding seasons while on the wintering grounds. Bewick’s Swans do not reach sexual maturity until 3 or 4 years of age. In summer, the diet of the Bewick’s Swan consists mainly of aquatic vegetation which it finds by sticking its head underwater or upending while swimming. It will also eat some grass growing on dry land. At other times of the year, leftover grains and other crops such as potatoes, picked up in open fields after harvest, make up much of the diet. Healthy adult Bewick’s Swans have few natural predators. The Arctic Fox may threaten breeding females and particular the eggs and hatchlings. Adults typically can stand their ground and displace foxes but occasionally the foxes are successful. Other potential nest predators include the Red Fox, the Brown Bear, the Golden Eagle, the Arctic Skua and the Glaucous Gull. The Brown Bear, the Golden Eagle and the Wolf may occasionally succeed at capturing and killing an adult. About 15% adults die each year from various causes and the average lifespan in the wild is about 10 years. The status of the Bewick's Swan is not well known although its population is in decline in north west Europe for largely unexplained reasons. It is increasingly dependent on agricultural crops to supplement its winter diet as aquatic vegetation in its winter habitat declines due to habitat destruction and water pollution. However, the main cause of adult mortality is hunting and, whilst the Bewick's Swan can not be hunted legally, almost half the birds studied contain lead shot in their bodies, indicating that they were shot at by poachers. Lead poisoning by ingestion of lead shot is also a very significant cause of mortality. The Bewick's Swan is one of the birds to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 2nd January 2017 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11639772.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15848741834e2fdc2fc9c7f.jpgRed Grouse The Red Grouse is a medium-sized bird of the grouse family which is found in heather moorland in the UK and Ireland. It is endemic to the UK and has developed in isolation. It is usually classified as a sub-species of the Willow Ptarmigan or Willow Grouse which is found in birch and other forests and moorlands in north Europe, the tundra of Scandinavia, Siberia, Alaska and north Canada. The Red Grouse is differentiated from the Willow Ptarmigan and Rock Ptarmigan by its plumage being reddish brown and not having a white winter plumage. The tail is black and the legs are white. There are white stripes on the underwing and red combs over the eye. Females are less reddish than the males and have less conspicuous combs. Young birds are duller and lack the red combs. The Red Grouse is found across most parts of Scotland, including Orkney, Shetland and most of the Outer Hebrides. It is only absent from urban areas such as in the Central Belt. In Wales there are strong populations of Red Grouse in some places but the range has retracted. It is now largely absent from the far south and the main strongholds are Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons and the Cambrian Mountains. In England the Red Grouse is mainly found in the north in areas such as the Lake District, Northumberland, County Durham, much of Yorkshire, the Pennines and the Peak District as far south as the Staffordshire Moorlands. There is an isolated introduced population on Dartmoor and overspill Welsh birds visit the Shropshire Hills.The typical habitat is upland heather moors away from trees. It can also be found in some low-lying bogs and birds may visit farmland during hard weather. The UK population of the Red Grouse is estimated at about 250,000 pairs. Numbers have declined in recent years and it is now absent in areas where it was once common. Reasons for the decline include disease, loss of heather due to overgrazing, creation of new conifer plantations and a decline in the number of upland gamekeepers. Some predators feed on Red Grouse and there is ongoing controversy as to what effect these have on numbers. The Red Grouse is herbivorous and feeds mainly on the shoots, seeds and flowers of heather. It will also feed on berries, cereal crops and sometimes insects. The Red Grouse is considered a game bird and is shot in large numbers during the shooting season which traditionally starts on August 12th (known as the Glorious Twelfth). Shooting can take the form of “walked up” (where shooters walk across the moor to flush grouse and take a shot) or “driven” (where grouse are driven, often in large numbers, by “beaters” towards the shooters who are hiding behind a line of “butts”). Many moors are managed to increase the density of Red Grouse. Areas of heather are subjected to controlled burning since this allows fresh young shoots to regenerate which are favoured by Red Grouse. In addition, extensive predator control is a feature of grouse moor management and the extent and legality to which it occurs is hotly contested between conservation groups and shooting interests and the subject generates a lot of media attention. The Red Grouse is widely known as the logo of The Famous Grouse whisky and an animated bird is a character in a series of its adverts. It is also the emblem of the magazine “British Birds”. Date: 10th April 2006 Location: Grinton Moor, Yorkshire Dales National Park, North Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23408468.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_121379631854c20c2e63524.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 3rd January 2015 Location: Mersehead RSPB reserve, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51332413.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1966213826676dd3749d34.jpgLarge Skipper Flight period: June to July. The Large Skipper is a small golden butterfly which is widespread throughout England and Wales and it is also extending its range northwards in to southern Scotland. They can be found in areas of tall, uncut grassland, woodland rides, roadside verges and hedgerows. Date: 9th June 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9563728.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13421257044daea8478d68e.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 4th January 2009 Location: Dungeness RSPB reserve, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37190327.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13749200145c2a1e0e47d2b.jpgHedgehog The European Hedgehog, also known as the West European Hedgehog or Common Hedgehog, is a hedgehog species found in Europe from Iberia and Italy northwards into Scandinavia. The European Hedgehog appears generally brownish in colour with most of its body covered by up to 6,000 brown and white spines. Leucistic or “blonde” Hedgehogs occasionally occur. Such animals are believed to have a pair of rare recessive genes giving rise to their black eyes and creamy-colored spines. However, they are not strictly speaking albino. They are extremely rare except on North Ronaldsay and the Channel Island of Alderney where around 25% of the population is thought to be “blonde”. True albino forms of the Hedgehog do also occur infrequently. The European Hedgehog is around 6.5 inches in length at weaning, increasing to 10 inches or more in large adults. Weight increases from around 4.2 ounces at weaning to more than 2.4 pounds in adults. The maximum recorded weight is 4.4 pounds although few wild specimens exceed 3.5 pounds even in autumn. Adult summer weight is typically somewhat less than in autumn with an average of around 1.8 pounds and adult weights commonly as low as 1.1 pounds. Males tend to be slightly larger than females but sex differences in body weight are overshadowed by enormous seasonal variation. The European Hedgehog is endemic to Europe (including European Russia) with a global distribution extending from the UK and the Iberian Peninsula eastwards through much of west and central Europe and from south Fennoscandia and the north Baltic to north west Russia. It is also present on the Mediterranean islands of Corsica, Sardinia, Elba, Sicily and on most of the French Atlantic islands. The European Hedgehog is found across a wide range of habitat types including woodland, grasslands such as meadows and pasture, arable land, orchards and vineyards as well as within the habitat types found in and around human settlements. It is most abundant within the gardens, parks and amenity land close to or within human settlements. It is generally scarce in areas of coniferous woodland, marshes and moorland, probably because of a lack of suitable sites and materials for the construction of winter nests. It generally prefers lowlands and hills up to around 2000 feet but it is also locally present on mountains, exceptionally up to an altitude of 6500 feet in the Alps and the Pyrenees. The European Hedgehog is largely nocturnal. Unlike the smaller, warmer-climate hedgehog species, the European Hedgehog usually hibernates in the winter. However, most wake up at least once to move their nests. It is generally solitary in nature with mature males behaving aggressively towards each other. The European Hedgehog is omnivorous but feeds mainly on slugs, earthworms, beetles, caterpillars, millipedes and other insects. Some fruits and mushrooms may supplement their diet. The breeding season commences after hibernation. Pregnancies peak between May and July although they have been recorded as late as September. Gestation is 31 to 35 days. The female alone raises the litter which typically numbers between 4 and 6 although it can range from 2 to 10. The young are born blind with a covering of small spines. By the time they are 36 hours old, the second, outer coat of spines begins to sprout. By 11 days they can roll into a ball. Weaning occurs at 4 to 6 weeks of age. The European Hedgehog may live to 10 years of age although the average life expectancy is 3 years. Starvation is the most common cause of death, usually occurring during hibernation. If alarmed, the European Hedgehog will roll into a ball to protect itself. Many potential predators are repelled by its spines but predation does occur. Remains have been found in the stomachs of Badgers, Red Foxes and Pine Martens. Eagle Owls and Golden Eagles are the only regular avian predators. The European Hedgehog is generally widely distributed and it can be found in good numbers where people are tolerant of their residence in gardens. The IUCN classifies the European Hedgehog as “Least Concern” and the population as “Stable”. While populations are currently stable across much of its range, it is thought to be declining severely in the UK. In 2007 it was classified a Biodiversity Action Plan priority species in the UK, largely in response to negative trends identified in several national surveys. A recent review of these surveys now suggests that rural populations have declined by at least a half and urban populations by up to a third since 2000. Date: 27th June 2018 Location: Dervaig, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31837545.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_194875742595624f3c65a72.41069798.jpgOtter The Eurasian Otter, also known as the European Otter, Eurasian River Otter, Common Otter and Old World Otter and commonly known as the Otter, is a semi-aquatic mammal and the most widely distributed member of the Otter sub-family of the Weasel family (Mustelidae). The Otter is a typical species of the Otter sub-family and is brown above and cream below. It is 22.5 to 37.5 inches long excluding a tail of 14 to 17.5 inches. The female is shorter than the male. The Otter's average body weight is 15 to 26 pounds, although occasionally a large old male may reach up to 37 pounds. The Otter differs from the North American River Otter by its shorter neck, broader face, the greater space between the ears and its longer tail. However, it is the only Otter species in much of its range so it is rarely confused for any other animal. The Otter is the most widely distributed Otter species and its range including parts of Asia and Africa as well as being widespread across Europe. The Otter can be found throughout most of the UK with the highest densities in Scotland, especially the islands and the north west coast, Wales, parts of East Anglia and the West Country. The Otter declined across its range in the second half of the 20th century primarily due to pollution, habitat loss and hunting. However, populations are now recovering in many parts of Europe. In the UK the number of sites with an Otter presence increased by 55% between 1994 and 2002. In August 2011, the Environment Agency announced that the Otter had returned to every county in England since vanishing from every county except the West Country and parts of Northern England. The recovery of the Otter population in Europe is due to a ban on the most harmful pesticides that has been in place since 1979, improvements in water quality leading to increases in prey populations and direct legal protection under the European Union Habitats Directive and national legislation in several European countries. In general, the Otter’s varied and adaptable diet means that it can be found on any unpolluted body of fresh water, including lakes, streams, rivers and ponds, as long as the food supply is adequate. It can also be found along the coast in salt water but it requires regular access to fresh water to clean its fur. When living in the sea it is sometimes referred to as a "Sea Otter" but it should not be confused with the true Sea Otter which is a North American species much more strongly adapted to a marine existence. The Otter's diet mainly consists of fish. However, during the winter and in colder environments, fish consumption is significantly lower and other sources of food are eaten including amphibians, crustaceans, insects, birds and small mammals. Hunting mainly takes place at night whilst the day is usually spent in the Otter's holt (den). The Otter is strongly territorial and is primarily solitary. An individual's territory may vary between 1 and 25 miles with the length of the territory depending on the density of food available and the width of the water suitable for hunting (it is shorter on coasts, where the available width is much wider and longer on narrower rivers). The Otter uses its spraints to mark its territory. Territories are only held against members of the same sex so those of males and females may overlap. The Otter is a non-seasonal breeder and males and females will breed at any time of the year. It has been found that their mating season is most likely determined simply by the Otters' reproductive maturity and physiological state. Female Otters are sexually mature between 18 and 24 months old and the average age of first breeding is found to be 2.5 years old. Gestation is 60 to 64 days and after the gestation period, 1 to 4 pups are born which remain dependent on the mother for about 13 months. The male plays no direct role in parental care although the territory of a female with her pups is usually entirely within that of the male. Date: 25th June 2017 Location: Loch na Keal, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23408469.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_85767791254c20c3a66036.jpgDate: 3rd January 2015 Location: view from Carsethorn, Solway Firth, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23526648.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4980623554ddc42d7ac89.jpgDark-bellied Brent Geese The Brent Goose belongs to the [I]Branta[/I] genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the [I]Anser[/I] genus of grey geese. [I]Branta[/I] is a Latinised form of Old Norse [I]brandgás[/I], meaning "burnt (black) goose", and [i]bernicla[/i] is the medieval Latin name for the barnacle. The Brent Goose and the similar Barnacle Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be the same creature as the crustacean, a myth that can be dated back to at least the 12th century. The Brent Goose, [I]Branta bernicla[/I] is divided into 3 sub-species: Dark-bellied Brent Goose [I]B. b. bernicla[/I], Pale-bellied Brent Goose [i]B. b. hrota[/i] (sometimes also known as Light-bellied Brent Goose) and Black Brant [i]B. b. nigricans[/i]. Some DNA evidence suggests that these forms are genetically distinct and a split into 3 separate species has been proposed. However, other evidence upholds their maintenance as a single species. The Brent Goose is a small goose, 22 to 26 inches long with a wingspan of 42 to 48 inches. The under-tail is pure white and the tail black and very short (the shortest of any goose). The Dark-bellied Brent Goose is fairly uniformly dark grey-brown all over and the flanks and belly are not significantly paler than the back. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds on the Arctic coasts of central and west Siberia and winters in west Europe with over half the population in south England and the rest between north Germany and north west France. The Pale-bellied Brent Goose appears blackish-brown and light grey in colour and the flanks and belly are significantly paler than the back and present a marked contrast. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds in Franz Josef Land, Svalbard, Greenland and north east Canada and winters in Denmark, north east England, Ireland and the Atlantic coast of the USA from Maine to Georgia as well as in a small but significant area in north France. The Black Brant appears blackish-brown and white in colour. This sub-species is very contrastingly black and white with a uniformly dark sooty-brown back, similarly-coloured underparts (with the dark colour extending furthest back of the 3 sub-species) and a prominent white flank patch. It also has a larger white neck patch which forms an almost complete collar. It breeds in north west Canada, Alaska and east Siberia and winters mostly on the west coast of north America from south Alaska to California but also in east Asia, mainly Japan. It sometimes appears as a vagrant in Europe when it associates with the other Brent Goose species. The Brent Goose used to be a strictly coastal bird in winter, seldom leaving tidal estuaries where it feeds on eel-grass and seaweed. In recent decades, it has started using agricultural land a short distance inland, feeding extensively on grass and winter-sown cereals. This may be behaviour learned by following other species of geese. Food resource pressure may also be important in forcing this change since the world population increased over 10-fold by the mid-1980s, possibly reaching the carrying capacity of the estuaries. In the breeding season, the Brent Goose uses low-lying wet coastal tundra for both breeding and feeding. The nest is bowl-shaped, lined with grass and down and located in an elevated position often near a small pond. The Brent Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds applies. Date: 26th January 2015 Location: Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/julyaugust-2008-ruddy-darter https://images.on-this.website/4752_11651027564a4934c33801b.jpgJuly to August 2008 - Ruddy Darter Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo1404714.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4466088.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14933378334b8a24f4a8717.jpg http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12744816.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18321087034e706d8b13ec2.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 7th December 2007 Location: Donna Nook, Lincolnshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33568398.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17982966305a106aeb84662.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 4th November 2017 Location: Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29486365.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1969770434581077125031b.jpgKajaani to Kuhmo, Kainuu, Finland Kainuu region borders the regions of Pohjois-Pohjanmaa (Northern Ostrobothnia) to the north and Pohjois-Karjala (North Karelia) and Pohjois-Savo (Northern Savonia) to the south. In the east it also borders Russia. The landscape of Kainuu region consists of lakes, hills and vast uninhabited forest areas. Boreal forest makes up most of the region and consists of birches, pines and spruces. Date: 23rd May 2016 Location: view from road 76 between Kajaani and Kuhmo, Kainuu, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9588830.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20177351474db15d9a036c5.jpgTeal The Eurasian Teal or Common Teal is often called simply the Teal due to being the only one of these small [i]Anas[/i] dabbling ducks in much of its range. The Teal is the smallest dabbling duck at 7.9 to 11.8 inches in length and with a wingspan of 21 to 23 inches. From a distance, the male Teal in breeding plumage appears grey with a dark head, a yellowish behind and a white stripe running along the flanks. Their head and upper neck is chestnut with a wide and iridescent dark green patch of half-moon or teardrop-shape that starts immediately before the eye and arcs to the upper hindneck. This patch is bordered with thin yellowish-white lines and a single line of that colour extends from the patch's forward end and curving along the base of the bill. The breast is buff with small round brown spots. The centre of the belly is white and the rest of the body plumage is mostly white with thin and dense blackish vermiculations, appearing medium grey even at a short distance. The outer scapular feathers are white with a black border to the outer vanes and these form the white side-stripe when the bird is in resting position. The tail and tail coverts are black with a bright yellowish-buff triangular patch in the centre of the coverts at each side. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female. It is more uniform in colour with a dark head and vestigial facial markings. The female Teal is yellowish-brown but somewhat darker on the wings and back. It has a dark greyish-brown upper head, hindneck, eyestripe and feather pattern. The pattern is dense short streaks on the head and neck and scaly spots on the rest of the body. Overall it looks much like a tiny Mallard. Immatures are coloured much like the adult females but they have a stronger pattern. The downy young are coloured like other dabbling ducks, brown above and yellow below with a yellow supercilium. The male's bill is dark grey but in the eclipse plumage it often shows some light greenish or brownish hue at the base. The bill of the females and immatures is pinkish or yellowish at the base, becoming dark grey towards the tip. The feet are dark grey in the males and greyish olive or greyish-brown in females and immatures. The Teal breeds across north Eurasia where it occupies sheltered freshwater wetlands with some tall vegetation such as taiga bogs or small lakes and ponds with extensive reedbeds. It mostly winters well south of its breeding range in the Mediterranean region, south Asia and some parts of Africa where it is often seen in large flocks in brackish waters and even in sheltered inlets and lagoons along the seashore. It is also regularly recorded on the north American coasts south to California and South Carolina. In the milder climate of temperate Europe, such as in the UK, the summer and winter ranges overlap. In the UK, the Teal can be found all year round but it is thinly distributed as a breeding species. In winter, birds congregate in larger numbers on low-lying wetlands both on the coast and inland in the south and west of the UK. Of these, many are continental birds from around the Baltic and Siberia. At this time, the UK is home to a significant percentage of the north west European wintering population. The Teal is much less abundant than the very similar Green-winged Teal from north America although it is still common and widespread. It appears to be holding its own currently with perhaps a slow decline due to drainage and pollution of wetlands. The IUCN and BirdLife International classify the Teal as a species of “Least Concern”. However, it is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. The Teal nests on the ground near water. Pairs form in the winter range and arrive on the breeding range together from about March. Breeding starts some weeks thereafter and not until May in the most northerly locations. The nest is a deep hollow lined with dry leaves and down feathers which is built in dense vegetation near water. After the females have started laying their eggs, the males leave them and move away and assemble in flocks on particular lakes where they moult into their eclipse plumage. The female lays 5 to 16 eggs but usually 8 to 11. Incubation lasts for 21 to 23 days and the young leave the nest soon after hatching and are cared for by the female for about 25 to 30 days. The males and the females with young generally move to the winter range separately. After the first winter, the young moult in to their adult plumage. The Teal usually feeds by dabbling, upending or grazing. In the breeding season it eats mainly aquatic invertebrates, such as crustaceans, insects and their larvae, molluscs and worms. In winter, it shifts to a largely granivorous diet, feeding on seeds of aquatic plants and grasses including sedges and grains. Date: 24th December 2007 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39083790.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20598660525d308213607bd.jpgWestern Rhodopes Mountains, Smolyan Province, Bulgaria The Rhodopes Mountains are a mountain range in south east Europe. They are spread over 5689 square miles of which 4723 square miles are located in south Bulgaria and the remainder in north Greece. The Rhodopes Mountains are about 149 miles long and about 62 to 75 miles wide with an average altitude of 2575 feet. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 7188 feet and is situated 12 miles to the west of Smolyan. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rhodopes Mountains gives its name to the terrestrial eco-region Rodope montane mixed forests that belong in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The area is particularly notable for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans plus its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms such as the Trigrad Gorge. The Rhodopes Mountains can be sub-divided in to 3 sections: The Western Rhodopes are spread over 66% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and they are higher, the most infrastructurally developed and the most visited part of the mountains. The highest and best known peaks are located in this section with more than 10 over 6562 feet high including the highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7188 feet). Some of the deepest river gorges in the Rhodopes Mountains are located in the west as well as several large lakes. The Eastern Rhodopes are spread over a territory of about 34% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and are much lower in height. The large artificial dams of Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets are located in this part of the mountains. Almost every species of European bird of prey nests in the Eastern Rhodopes including the rare Black Vulture and Egyptian Vulture. The Southern Rhodopes are the part of the mountain range that is located in Greece and they are characterized by numerous peaks of relatively low altitude. The River Buynovska is situated in the western Rhodopes Mountains and it is one of the source rivers of the River Vacha, the second largest river that has its source in the Rhodopes Mountains after the River Arda. The river has formed the Buynovo Gorge, the longest gorge in Bulgaria, located between the villages of Yagodina and Teshel. Formed by erosion as the River Buynovo flows through layers of marble rock, the gorge has developed in to an impressive natural phenomenon. The cliffs on both sides of the gorge rise hundreds of feet and can be visited on foot or by car on an extremely narrow single track road which winds along the base of the cliffs with sheer drops and hairpin turns. The narrowest point of the gorge is called Vuclhi Skok (“The Wolf’s Leap”). Folklore says that during winter wolves would leap the chasm to attack the sheepfolds. While this is only a legend, it is plain to see that the gorge is so narrow at this point that the cliffs practically touch each other at height of just 10 to 13 feet above the road. The beauty of the Buynovo Gorge can be appreciated from “a bird’s-eye view” from “The Eagle’s Eye”, a metal platform built on the precipitous cliff face of the Saint Iliya Peak at a height of 5128 feet. This provides impressive views of the entire surrounding area and, during good weather, the entire Rhodopes Mountains and even parts of north Greece are visible. Several hiking trails have been created in the area and the Buynovo Gorge was designated as a nature reserve in 1971. It is now one of Bulgaria’s top 100 tourist destinations. The limestone sediment has been eroded throughout the entire area and in the vicinity of the village Yagodina alone there are 36 caves, the most famous of which is the Yagodina Cave itself, a multi-level complex of primarily marble. This is the 4th longest cave in Bulgaria and the longest cave in the Rhodopes Mountains at around 5 miles, of which just under 1 mile is open to tourists. Date: 28th May 2018 Location: River Buynovska, Teshel to Yagodina, Western Rhodopes Mountains, Smolyan Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51982645.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_126723823666d33cda4bff5.jpgGatekeeper Flight period: mid-July to early September. The Gatekeeper or Hedge Brown is common and widespread throughout the southern half of the UK. They can be found in areas with hedgerows or in scrubby woodland with wide and sunny rides. Date: 19th July 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26270421.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1247173642566553107bed1.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 4th December 2015 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30017255.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4965104595875514babd9d.jpgEider The Eider is a large sea duck that is distributed over the northern coasts of Europe, north America and eastern Siberia. It breeds in the Arctic and some northern temperate regions but winters somewhat further south in temperate zones when it can form large flocks on coastal waters. The Eider is both the largest of the 4 eider species and the largest duck found in Europe and in north America (except for the Muscovy duck which only reaches north America in a wild state in southernmost Texas and south Florida). The Eider is characterized by its bulky shape and large, wedge-shaped bill. The male is unmistakable with its black and white plumage and green nape. The female is a brown bird but can still be readily distinguished from all ducks, except other eider species, on the basis of size and head shape. The drake's display call is a strange almost human-like "ah-ooo" while the duck utters hoarse quacks. The Eider dives for crustaceans and molluscs, with mussels being a favoured food. The Eider will eat mussels by swallowing them whole. The shells are then crushed in their gizzard and excreted. When eating a crab, the Eider will remove all of its claws and legs and then eat the body in a similar fashion. The Eider is abundant with populations of about 1.5 to 2 million birds in both Europe and north America and also large but unknown numbers in eastern Siberia. The Eider is a colonial breeder nesting on coastal islands in colonies ranging in size of less than 100 to upwards of 10,000 to 15,000 individuals. Female Eiders frequently exhibit a high degree of natal philopatry where they return to breed on the same island where they were hatched. This can lead to a high degree of relatedness between individuals nesting on the same island as well as the development of kin-based female social structures. This relatedness has likely played a role in the evolution of co-operative breeding behaviours amongst Eiders. Examples of these behaviours include laying eggs in the nests of related individuals and crèching where female Eiders team up and share the work of rearing ducklings. The Eider's nest is built close to the sea and is lined with the celebrated eiderdown plucked from the female's breast. This soft and warm lining has long been harvested for filling pillows and quilts but in more recent years has been largely replaced by down from domestic farm geese and synthetic alternatives. Although eiderdown pillows or quilts are now a rarity, eiderdown harvesting continues and is sustainable as it can be done after the ducklings leave the nest with no harm to the birds. This bird was part of the captive collection at WWT Slimbridge. Date: 2nd January 2017 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11349502.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21148001634e1eef875e596.jpgCommon Guillemot The Common Guillemot, also known as the Common Murre or Thin-billed Murre, is a large species of auk. The auks are a family of seabirds which includes the Brunnich's Guillemot or Thick-billed Murre, Razorbill, Little Auk and the extinct Great Auk. The Common Guillemot is 15 to 18 inches in length with a 24 to 29 inches wingspan. In breeding plumage, it is black or dark brown on the head, back and wings with white underparts. It has a thin dark pointed bill and a small rounded dark tail. Legs are grey and the bill is dark grey. Males and females are identical. Some individuals in the North Atlantic, known as "Bridled Guillemots", have a white ring around the eye extending back as a white line. This is not a distinct subspecies but a polymorphism that becomes more common the farther north the birds breed. The Common Guillemot flies with fast wing beats and has a flight speed of around 50 mph. Groups of birds are often seen flying together in a line just above the surface of the sea. However, it is not a very agile bird and take-off is often difficult. The Common Guillemot becomes flightless for 45 to 60 days while moulting its primary feathers. The Common Guillemot is a pursuit diver that forages for food by swimming underwater using its wings for propulsion. Dives usually last less than one minute but the bird swims underwater for distances of over 100 feet on a regular basis. Diving depths up to 590 feet have been recorded. The Common Guillemot has a circumpolar distribution and it occurs in low Arctic and boreal waters in the north Atlantic and north Pacific. It spends most of its time at sea and only comes to land to breed on rocky cliffs, sea stacks and islands. Some birds are permanent residents but northern birds migrate south to open waters off New England, southern California, Japan, Korea and the western Mediterranean. The Common Guillemot breeds in colonies at high densities and nesting pairs may be in bodily contact with their neighbours. No nest is made and the single egg is laid and incubated on a bare rock ledge on a cliff face. The egg hatches after 30 days incubation and the chick is born downy and can regulate its body temperature after 10 days. Some 20 days after hatching the chick jumps off its nesting ledge and heads for the sea unable to fly but gliding for some distance with fluttering wings and accompanied by its male parent. The chicks are capable of diving as soon as they hit the water. The female stays at the nest site for some 14 days after the chick has left. The Common Guillemot can venture far from its breeding grounds to forage and distances of 60 miles or more are often observed although if sufficient food is available closer by, birds will only travel much shorter distances. It mainly eats small schooling fish 8 inches long or less such as Polar Cod, Capelin, Sand Lances, Sprats, Sandeels, Atlantic Cod and Atlantic Herring. It also eats some molluscs, marine worms, squid and crustaceans. It is often seen carrying fish in its bill with the tail hanging out. Date: 14/06/06 Location: Handa Island, Sutherland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/july-to-august-2016-western https://images.on-this.website/4752_898019288584e72ce40888.jpgJuly to August 2016 - (Western) Purple Swamphen Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28571443.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo748133.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14835224749cb824f711.jpgDate: 5th November 2007 Location: Loch Indaal, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084180.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15311604485d30864687b92.jpgRila Mountains, Sofia Province, Bulgaria The Rila Mountains are a mountain range in south west Bulgaria and constitute the highest mountain range in the country and the Balkans. It is the sixth highest mountain range in Europe after the Caucasus, the Alps, the Sierra Nevada, the Pyrenees and Mount Etna and the highest one between the Alps and the Caucasus. The Rila Mountains are spread over an area of 1015 square miles with an average altitude of 4879 feet. Musala is its highest peak at 9596 feet. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rila-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rila Mountains have abundant water resources and some of the Balkans' longest and deepest rivers originate here including the longest river entirely in the Balkans, the River Maritsa, and the longest river entirely in Bulgaria, the River Iskar. Bulgaria's main water divide separating the Black Sea and the Aegean Sea drainage systems follows the main ridge of the Rila Mountains. The mountain range is dotted with almost 200 glacial lakes such as the renowned Seven Rila Lakes. It is also rich in hot springs in the fault areas at the foothills including the hottest spring in south east Europe in Sapareva Banya. The Rila Mountains have typical layers of montane habitat ranging from river and stream valleys at lower altitudes to mixed deciduous woodland, coniferous forests and Alpine meadows and lakes at higher altitudes and finally to rocky ridges and bare rugged peaks. The biodiversity and the pristine landscapes are protected by the Rila National Park which is among the largest and most valuable protected areas in Europe. It is the largest national park in Bulgaria covering an area of 313 square miles and it was established in February 1992 to protect several ecosystems of national importance. Its altitude varies from 2600 feet near Blagoevgrad to 9596 feet at the peak of Musala. It occupies territory from 4 of the 28 provinces of the country (Sofia, Kyustendil, Blagoevgrad and Pazardzhik) and it includes 4 nature reserves (Parangalitsa, Central Rila Reserve, Ibar and Skakavitsa). The Rila National Park falls within the Rodope montane mixed forests terrestrial eco-region of the Palearctic temperate broadleaf and mixed forest. Forests occupy 206.5 square miles or 66% of the total area. The Rila Mountains also contain the Rila Monastery Nature Park which is among the largest nature parks in Bulgaria covering an area of 97.5 square miles at an altitude between 2460 and 8901 feet. It was established in 1992 as part of the newly founded Rila National Park. In 2000 some territory of the Rila National Park was re-assigned to the Rila Monastery Nature Park and was recategorized as a nature park because by law all lands in national parks are exclusively state owned. Today most of the Rila Monastery Nature Park is owned by the Rila Monastery. The Rila Monastery Nature Park includes one nature reserve, namely the Rila Monastery Forest with an area of 14 square miles or 14% of its total area. The most recognisable landmark in the Rila Mountains is the Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila, better known as the Rila Monastery. This is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria and is situated in the deep valley of the River Rilska River within the Rila Monastery Nature Park at a height of 3763 feet. The monastery is named after its founder, the hermit Ivan of Rila (876 to 946 AD) and houses around 60 monks. Founded in the 10th century, the Rila Monastery is regarded as one of Bulgaria's most important cultural, historical and architectural monuments and is a key tourist attraction for both Bulgaria and south Europe. Due to its outstanding cultural and spiritual value it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. The Rila Mountains are also a popular destination for hiking, winter sports and spa tourism, hosting the nation's oldest ski resort at Borovets as well as numerous hiking trails. Date: 30th May 2018 Location: Malyovitsa, Sofia Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26270203.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14219534045665512d5622b.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 4th December 2015 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847585.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_46282043659bd537942dad.jpgMorské oko, Vihorlat Mountains, Košice region, Slovakia Morské oko (literally Sea Eye) is the largest lake in the Vihorlat Mountains (Vihorlatské vrchy) in eastern Slovakia and the third largest natural lake in Slovakia after the Štrbské pleso lake and the Veľké Hincovo pleso lake in the High Tatras. It is situated at 2027 feet high with a maximum length of 0.47 miles and a maximum width of 0.19 miles. It covers an area of 0.05 square miles and has a maximum depth of 82 feet. Morské oko has been designated as a wider National Nature Reserve covering 0.42 square miles since 1984 and it is part of the Vihorlat Protected Landscape Area within the Vihorlat Mountains. There is a walking trail around the lake but recreational activities such as fishing, swimming and boating are prohibited. Morské oko contains many species of fish, of which the most numerous is the European Chub. The Vihorlat Mountains (Vihorlatské vrchy) are a volcanic mountain range in eastern Slovakia and western Ukraine. They form part of the Inner Eastern Carpathian Mountains. The Slovakian section is 34 miles long and up to 9 miles wide. The highest peak is Vihorlat at 3530 feet and the largest lake is Morské oko. It is a mountainous and mostly forested area with a predominance of beech and forests in addition to hornbeam, ash, maple and some conifers. Arable land and unused pastures and meadows can be found in the non-forested and foothill areas. The middle part of the Vihorlat Mountains in the Humenné, Sobrance and Snina districts was designated as the Vihorlat Protected Landscape Area in December 1973 and they were also designated a Special Protection Area in April 2010. Kyjovský prales, a primeval beech forest in the Vihorlat Mountains, was designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in June 2007. Date: 2nd June 2017 Location: Morské oko, Vihorlat Mountains, Košice region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30024909.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1751041648587a09a77cbf9.jpgTufted Duck The Tufted Duck is a small diving duck. The adult male is all black except for white flanks and a blue-grey bill. It has an obvious head tuft that gives the species its name. The adult female is brown with paler flanks and is more easily confused with other diving ducks. In particular, some have white around the bill base which resembles the Scaup although the white is never as extensive as in that species. The Tufted Duck breeds widely throughout temperate and northern Eurasia. It occasionally can be found as a winter visitor along both coasts of the United States and Canada. It is migratory in most of its range and winters in the milder south and west of Europe and southern Asia where large flocks form on open water. The Tufted Duck breeds close to marshes and lakes with plenty of vegetation to conceal the nest. It is also found on coastal lagoons and sheltered ponds. The Tufted Duck feeds mainly by diving for molluscs, aquatic insects and aquatic plants. Date: 5th January 2017 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9593618.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17372599724db1821779bbb.jpgRed-throated Diver The Red-throated Diver is the smallest of the UK's divers and its grey-brown plumage and up-tilted bill readily distinguish it from the other species. In summer it has a distinctive red throat. Shetland is the UK breeding stronghold for the Red-throated Diver with other key populations on Orkney, the Outer Hebrides and the northern Scottish mainland. They are also found along the whole of west Scotland south to the Mull of Kintyre. They arrive on their breeding grounds in April and depart in September and October. Outside the breeding season from August and September, the Red-throated Diver can be seen around the east coast of the UK and also along the west coast with concentrations off western Scotland and around north-west Wales. Date: 2nd June 2008 Location: Loch of Funzie, Fetlar, Shetland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39083970.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11254697505d3083343171b.jpgWestern Rhodopes Mountains, Smolyan Province, Bulgaria The Rhodopes Mountains are a mountain range in south east Europe. They are spread over 5689 square miles of which 4723 square miles are located in south Bulgaria and the remainder in north Greece. The Rhodopes Mountains are about 149 miles long and about 62 to 75 miles wide with an average altitude of 2575 feet. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 7188 feet and is situated 12 miles to the west of Smolyan. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rhodopes Mountains gives its name to the terrestrial eco-region Rodope montane mixed forests that belong in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The area is particularly notable for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans plus its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms such as the Trigrad Gorge. The Rhodopes Mountains can be sub-divided in to 3 sections: The Western Rhodopes are spread over 66% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and they are higher, the most infrastructurally developed and the most visited part of the mountains. The highest and best known peaks are located in this section with more than 10 over 6562 feet high including the highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7188 feet). Some of the deepest river gorges in the Rhodopes Mountains are located in the west as well as several large lakes. The Eastern Rhodopes are spread over a territory of about 34% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and are much lower in height. The large artificial dams of Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets are located in this part of the mountains. Almost every species of European bird of prey nests in the Eastern Rhodopes including the rare Black Vulture and Egyptian Vulture. The Southern Rhodopes are the part of the mountain range that is located in Greece and they are characterized by numerous peaks of relatively low altitude. The Trigrad Gorge is a canyon of vertical marble rock cliffs in the western Rhodope Mountains. It is the third longest gorge in Bulgaria. The gorge encloses the course of the River Trigrad which plunges into the Devil's Throat Cave and 1740 feet further emerges as a large karst spring. It later flows into the River Buynovska. The west wall of the Trigrad Gorge reaches 980 feet in height whilst the east wall reaches 980 to 1150 feet in height. Initially, the 2 walls are about 985 feet apart but the gorge narrows to about 330 feet in the northern section. The gorge is situated just north of the village of Trigrad at 4760 feet above sea level. It has a total length of 4.3 miles, of which the gorge proper comprises 1.2 to 1.9 miles. It can be visited on the narrow single track road from Teshel to Trigrad which follows the River Trigrad for about 7.5 miles. The Trigrad area was a restricted border zone in the past (it is less than 4 miles from the border with Greece) so access was very limited during the Communist era but it is now a popular tourist destination. The area is considered as one of the most beautiful in the Rhodopes Mountains with numerous designated routes for hiking, mountain biking and horse riding routes. Date: 29th May 2018 Location: Trigrad to Teshel via Trigrad Gorge, Western Rhodopes Mountains, Smolyan Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21957026.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_141004179853da30efa2a48.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Staple Island, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9563032.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_554512984dae954bb1c83.jpgSnow Bunting Snow Buntings are large buntings with striking “snowy” plumages. Males in summer have all white heads and underparts contrasting with a black mantle and wing tips. Females are a more mottled above. In autumn and winter birds develop a sandy/buff wash to their plumage and males have more mottled upperparts. Snow Buntings breed in far northern Europe and migrate south in winter. They are a very scarce breeding species in the UK and can be found on the highest mountain peaks in Scotland where they nest in rocky crevices. Snow Buntings are best looked for in winter (from late September to early March) where they can sometimes be seen in large flocks on the seashore or on adjacent short rough grassland at coastal sites in Scotland and eastern England. Date: 26th March 2008 Location: Cairngorm, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623246.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18242618536117d9b046138.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51980696.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_112820792966d3348778e49.jpgComma Flight period: March to October. The Comma was a rarity 100 years ago but is now a common and widespread butterfly in England and Wales and is on the point of recolonising Scotland. They are one of the first butterflies to be seen in spring and can be found in open woodland, woodland edges and gardens. Date: 29th June 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41424239.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10464822245f2aa767bb839.jpgVaranger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway The Varanger peninsula is situated in Troms og Finnmark in the extreme north east of Norway. With an area of 800 square miles, it is the largest area within the Arctic climate zone in mainland Norway and is bordered by Tanafjord to the west, Varangerfjord to the south and the Barents Sea to the north and east. The area has a rugged mountain terrain with altitudes up to 2077 feet and it has an Arctic tundra climate. The coast of the Varanger peninsula is an important area for breeding, migrating and wintering birds, especially some notable Arctic species. The Norwegian Directorate for Nature Management has a project on the Varanger peninsula to reintroduce and protect the Arctic Fox which is critically endangered on the Norwegian mainland. The Varangerhalvøya National Park (Norwegian: [I]Varangerhalvøya Nasjonalpark[/I]) lies to the west of road Fv341 and protects a majority of the land on the Varanger peninsula. The eastern part of the Varanger peninsula can be accessed from Vardø, via Svartnes, to Hamningberg. Hamningberg is an abandoned fishing village situated on the Varanger peninsula and on the shores of the Barents Sea. It’s only road connection is via the narrow and winding road Fv341 which runs for about 25 miles north from Svartnes. This is a very scenic road which follows the shores of the Barents Sea. It is considered to be one of the wildest and most memorable drives in Norway and passes through a bare and barren but awe-inspiring Arctic landscape. The road is closed during the winter months from October to late May. Traditionally a fishing village, Hamningberg is one of very few places in Troms og Finnmark that was not burnt and destroyed under Operation Nordlicht in 1944 and 1945, the German “scorched earth” retreat from Finnmark. It was depopulated and abandoned in 1964 although some of the houses are still in use as summer cottages. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: view from road Fv341 between Svartnes and Hamningberg, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23408443.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_138372740754c20b1c2b442.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 3rd January 2015 Location: Mersehead RSPB reserve, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28102113.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14373258545777a9034e8c5.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include [url=http://www.gigrin.co.uk/]Gigrin Farm feeding centre[/url] near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 12th June 2016 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21808729.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_22885929653c78eb00103c.jpgCommon Seal Common Seals feed at sea but regularly haul out on to rocky shores or inter-tidal sandbanks to rest, to give birth and to suckle their pups. The most important haul-out areas are around the coast of Scotland, particularly in the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland, and on the east coast of England in the Wash. Date: 14th July 2014 Location: Blakeney Point, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21959057.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_32555340853da5de89a73b.jpgSandwich Tern The Sandwich Tern is a medium-large tern, gull-like in appearance but usually with a more delicate, lighter build and shorter, weaker legs. It is very closely related to the Lesser Crested Tern, Chinese Crested Tern, Cabot's Tern and Elegant Tern and it has been known to inter-breed with the Lesser Crested Tern. It is 15 to 17 inches in length with a 33 to 38 inches wingspan. It has long, pointed wings, which gives it a fast buoyant flight, and a deeply forked tail. The upperwings are pale grey and the underparts are white. It has a shaggy black crest. The thin sharp bill is black with a yellow tip and the short legs are black. It looks very pale in flight although the primary flight feathers darken during the summer. In winter, the adult's forehead becomes white. Juveniles have dark tips to their tails and a scaly appearance on their back and wings. The Sandwich Tern has an extensive global range and, whilst population trends have not been quantified, it is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List. For these reasons, it is evaluated as “least concern”. The Sandwich Tern breeds in very dense colonies on coasts and islands and exceptionally inland on suitable large freshwater lakes close to the coast. It nests in a ground scrape and lays 1 to 3 eggs. Unlike some of the smaller white terns, it is not very aggressive toward potential predators, relying on the sheer density of the nests and nesting close to other more aggressive species such as the Arctic Tern and the Black-headed Gull. In the UK, the Sandwich Tern can be seen from late March to September and there are breeding colonies scattered around the UK coasts including the north Norfolk coast and at Minsmere in Suffolk and Dungeness in Kent. The Sandwich tern feeds by plunge-diving for fish, almost invariably from the sea. It usually dives directly and not from a hover favoured by other terns. The offering of fish by the male to the female is part of the courtship display. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Inner Farne, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/august-2011-ruddy-darter https://images.on-this.website/4752_11915864784ec4fe3a47ae0.jpgAugust 2011 - Ruddy Darter Please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/photo11805634.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11177792.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9918182894e16beab4267a.jpgMute Swan The Mute Swan is a species of swan native to much of Eurasia. Despite its Eurasian origin, its closest relatives are the Black Swan of Australia and the Black-necked Swan of south America, not the other Northern Hemisphere swans such as the Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan. The name “mute” derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. The adult Mute Swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob at the top of the beak. All Mute Swans are white at maturity although the feathers (particularly on the head and neck) are often stained orange-brown by iron and tannins in the water. Young birds (cygnets) are not the bright white colour of mature adults and their bill is dull greyish-black for the first year. The plumage may range from pure white to grey to buff with grey/buff being the most common. Cygnets typically retain their grey/buff feathers until they are at least 1 year old. On average, the Mute Swan is the second largest waterfowl species after the Trumpeter Swan although the male Mute Swan can easily match or even exceed a male Trumpeter Swan in mass. The adult Mute Swan typically ranges from 55 to 63 inches in length (although it can range in extreme cases from 49 to 67 inches) with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. Males (cobs) are larger than females (pens) and have a larger knob on their bill. The Mute Swan is one of the heaviest flying birds. In several studies from the UK, males were found to average from about 23.4 to 26.2 pounds, with a weight range of 20 to 32 pounds, while the slightly smaller females were found to average about 18.7 to 21.3 pounds, with a weight range of 17 to 23 pounds. The Mute Swan is less vocal than the noisy Bewick's Swan and Whooper Swan although it does make a variety of grunting, hoarse whistling and snorting noises, especially in communicating with their cygnets and threatening competitors or intruders trying to enter their territory. The most familiar sound associated with the Mute Swan is the vibrant throbbing of the wings in flight which is unique to the species and this can be heard from a range of up to 1 mile. The Mute Swan is found naturally mainly in the temperate areas of Europe across west Asia and as far east as Primorsky Krai in the far east of Russia. It is partially migratory throughout the northern latitudes in Europe and Asia as far south as north Africa and the Mediterranean. It is also often kept in captivity outside its natural range as a decoration for parks and ponds and escapes have occurred. The descendants of such birds have become naturalised in east USA and the Great Lakes region across the USA and Canada border. The Mute Swan population in the UK has increased recently probably due to better protection of this species. Some birds are resident all year whilst others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into east England. Mute Swans nest on large mounds that they build with waterside vegetation in shallow water on islands in the middle or at the very edge of a lake. It is a monogamous species and often reuses the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Males and females share the care of the nest. The female lays from 4 to 10 eggs and broods for around 36 days. Cygnets are unable to fly before an age of 120 to 150 days and this limits the distribution of the species in the northern edge of its range since the cygnets must learn to fly before the water freezes. The Mute Swan is usually strongly territorial with just a single pair on smaller lakes although in a few locations where a large area of suitable feeding habitat is found they can be colonial. The largest colonies can hold over 100 pairs such as that at the colony at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset in the UK. Non-mated juveniles up to 3 to 4 years old commonly form larger flocks often at regular traditional sites and these can total several hundred birds. The Mute Swan can be very aggressive in defence of its nest and it is highly protective of its mate and offspring. Most defensive attacks from a Mute Swan begin with a loud hiss and, if this is not sufficient to drive off the predator, are followed by a physical attack. It attacks by smashing at its enemy with bony spurs in the wings accompanied by biting with its large bill. Smaller waterbirds such as ducks are normally grabbed with the bill and dragged or thrown clear. Large waterfowl, such as the Canada Goose, more likely out of competition than in response to potential predation, may be aggressively driven off. The wings of the Mute Swan are very powerful although not strong enough to break an adult man's leg as has been claimed anecdotally. The Mute Swan feeds on a wide range of vegetation, both submerged aquatic plants which they reach with their long necks and by grazing on land. The food commonly includes agricultural crop plants such as oilseed rape and wheat and feeding flocks in the winter may cause significant crop damage, often as much through trampling with their large webbed feet as through direct consumption. Date: 3rd February 2009 Location: Northlands Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31837498.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1102900285956241a52cf93.62384865.jpgRed Grouse The Red Grouse is a medium-sized bird of the grouse family which is found in heather moorland in the UK and Ireland. It is endemic to the UK and has developed in isolation. It is usually classified as a sub-species of the Willow Ptarmigan or Willow Grouse which is found in birch and other forests and moorlands in north Europe, the tundra of Scandinavia, Siberia, Alaska and north Canada. The Red Grouse is differentiated from the Willow Ptarmigan and Rock Ptarmigan by its plumage being reddish brown and not having a white winter plumage. The tail is black and the legs are white. There are white stripes on the underwing and red combs over the eye. Females are less reddish than the males and have less conspicuous combs. Young birds are duller and lack the red combs. The Red Grouse is found across most parts of Scotland, including Orkney, Shetland and most of the Outer Hebrides. It is only absent from urban areas such as in the Central Belt. In Wales there are strong populations of Red Grouse in some places but the range has retracted. It is now largely absent from the far south and the main strongholds are Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons and the Cambrian Mountains. In England the Red Grouse is mainly found in the north in areas such as the Lake District, Northumberland, County Durham, much of Yorkshire, the Pennines and the Peak District as far south as the Staffordshire Moorlands. There is an isolated introduced population on Dartmoor and overspill Welsh birds visit the Shropshire Hills.The typical habitat is upland heather moors away from trees. It can also be found in some low-lying bogs and birds may visit farmland during hard weather. The UK population of the Red Grouse is estimated at about 250,000 pairs. Numbers have declined in recent years and it is now absent in areas where it was once common. Reasons for the decline include disease, loss of heather due to overgrazing, creation of new conifer plantations and a decline in the number of upland gamekeepers. Some predators feed on Red Grouse and there is ongoing controversy as to what effect these have on numbers. The Red Grouse is herbivorous and feeds mainly on the shoots, seeds and flowers of heather. It will also feed on berries, cereal crops and sometimes insects. The Red Grouse is considered a game bird and is shot in large numbers during the shooting season which traditionally starts on August 12th (known as the Glorious Twelfth). Shooting can take the form of “walked up” (where shooters walk across the moor to flush grouse and take a shot) or “driven” (where grouse are driven, often in large numbers, by “beaters” towards the shooters who are hiding behind a line of “butts”). Many moors are managed to increase the density of Red Grouse. Areas of heather are subjected to controlled burning since this allows fresh young shoots to regenerate which are favoured by Red Grouse. In addition, extensive predator control is a feature of grouse moor management and the extent and legality to which it occurs is hotly contested between conservation groups and shooting interests and the subject generates a lot of media attention. The Red Grouse is widely known as the logo of The Famous Grouse whisky and an animated bird is a character in a series of its adverts. It is also the emblem of the magazine “British Birds”. Date: 20th June 2017 Location: Glen Quaich, Perthshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33820939.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17263947475a3d079a7eab2.jpgBlue Tit The Blue Tit is a small passerine bird in the tit family. It is easily recognisable by its generally blue and yellow plumage and its small size. The Blue Tit is about 4.7 inches long with a wingspan of 7.1 inches. It has an azure blue crown and a dark blue line passing through the eye and encircling the white cheeks to the chin, giving the bird a very distinctive appearance. The forehead and a bar on the wing are white. The nape, wings and tail are blue and the back is yellowish green. The underparts are mostly sulphur-yellow with a dark line down the abdomen. The bill is black and the legs bluish grey. The sexes are similar whilst young birds are noticeably more yellow. The Blue Tit is very agile and it can cling to the outermost branches and hang upside down when searching for food such as insects, caterpillars and seeds. The Blue Tit can be found throughout areas of the European continent with a mainly temperate or Mediterranean climate and in parts of the Middle East. In the UK it is common in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens and widespread across the whole of the country with the exception of some Scottish islands. The Blue Tit will nest in any suitable hole in a tree, wall or stump, often competing with other birds such as the House Sparrow or Great Tit for the site. In addition, it will readily accept an artificial nesting box. The same hole is returned to year after year and when one pair dies another takes possession. The nesting material is usually moss, wool, hair and feathers and the eggs are laid in April or May. The number in the clutch is often very large but 7 or 8 is normal. It is not unusual for a single bird to feed the chicks in the nest at a rate of one feed every 90 seconds during the height of the breeding season. Successful breeding is dependent on a sufficient supply of caterpillars as well as satisfactory weather. Breeding may be affected badly if the weather is cold and wet between May and July, particularly if this coincides with the emergence of the caterpillars on which the nestlings are fed. The small size of the Blue Tit makes it vulnerable to predation by larger birds and the typical lifespan is 3 years or less. The most significant predator is probably the Sparrowhawk, closely followed by the domestic cat. Nests may also be robbed by mammals such as the Weasel and Red and Grey Squirrels. Date: 12th December 2017 Location: Kensington Gardens, London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21958770.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_183142032853da4df8850b1.jpgCommon Guillemots The Common Guillemot, also known as the Common Murre or Thin-billed Murre, is a large species of auk. The auks are a family of seabirds which includes the Brunnich's Guillemot or Thick-billed Murre, Razorbill, Little Auk and the extinct Great Auk. The Common Guillemot is 15 to 18 inches in length with a 24 to 29 inches wingspan. In breeding plumage, it is black or dark brown on the head, back and wings with white underparts. It has a thin dark pointed bill and a small rounded dark tail. Legs are grey and the bill is dark grey. Males and females are identical. Some individuals in the North Atlantic, known as "Bridled Guillemots", have a white ring around the eye extending back as a white line. This is not a distinct subspecies but a polymorphism that becomes more common the farther north the birds breed. The Common Guillemot flies with fast wing beats and has a flight speed of around 50 mph. Groups of birds are often seen flying together in a line just above the surface of the sea. However, it is not a very agile bird and take-off is often difficult. The Common Guillemot becomes flightless for 45 to 60 days while moulting its primary feathers. The Common Guillemot is a pursuit diver that forages for food by swimming underwater using its wings for propulsion. Dives usually last less than one minute but the bird swims underwater for distances of over 100 feet on a regular basis. Diving depths up to 590 feet have been recorded. The Common Guillemot has a circumpolar distribution and it occurs in low Arctic and boreal waters in the north Atlantic and north Pacific. It spends most of its time at sea and only comes to land to breed on rocky cliffs, sea stacks and islands. Some birds are permanent residents but northern birds migrate south to open waters off New England, southern California, Japan, Korea and the western Mediterranean. The Common Guillemot breeds in colonies at high densities and nesting pairs may be in bodily contact with their neighbours. No nest is made and the single egg is laid and incubated on a bare rock ledge on a cliff face. The egg hatches after 30 days incubation and the chick is born downy and can regulate its body temperature after 10 days. Some 20 days after hatching the chick jumps off its nesting ledge and heads for the sea unable to fly but gliding for some distance with fluttering wings and accompanied by its male parent. The chicks are capable of diving as soon as they hit the water. The female stays at the nest site for some 14 days after the chick has left. The Common Guillemot can venture far from its breeding grounds to forage and distances of 60 miles or more are often observed although if sufficient food is available closer by, birds will only travel much shorter distances. It mainly eats small schooling fish 8 inches long or less such as Polar Cod, Capelin, Sand Lances, Sprats, Sandeels, Atlantic Cod and Atlantic Herring. It also eats some molluscs, marine worms, squid and crustaceans. It is often seen carrying fish in its bill with the tail hanging out. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Staple Island, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11654484.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3989801384e3129af48bd2.jpgArctic Tern The Arctic Tern is a seabird of the tern family. The adult plumage is grey above with a black nape and crown and white cheeks. The upperwings are pale grey with the area near the wingtip being translucent. The tail is white and the underparts pale grey. The beak is dark red as are the short legs and webbed feet. Like most terns, the Arctic Tern has high aspect ratio wings and a tail with a deep fork and long tail streamers. Both sexes are similar in appearance. The winter plumage is similar but the crown is whiter and the bills are darker. Juveniles differ from adults having black bill and legs, "scaly" appearing wings and mantle with dark feather tips, dark carpal wing bar and short tail streamers. During their first summer, juveniles also have a whiter forecrown. Whilst the Arctic Tern is similar to the Common and the Roseate Tern, its colouring, profile and call are slightly different. Compared to the Common Tern, it has a longer tail and mono-coloured bill, whilst the main differences from the Roseate Tern are its slightly darker colour and longer wings. The Arctic Tern has a circumpolar breeding distribution covering the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of Europe, Asia and north America. It is strongly migratory and sees 2 summers each year and more daylight than any other creature on the planet. It migrates along a convoluted route from its northern summer breeding grounds to the northern edge of the Antarctic coast for the southern summer and back again about 6 months later. In the UK, breeding Arctic Terns can best be seen on islands such as the Farne Islands in Northumberland or Orkney and Shetland in northern Scotland where the greatest densities occur. Recent studies have shown average annual roundtrip lengths of 25000 to 50000 miles depending on the route taken and weather and wind conditions. The Arctic Tern is a long-lived bird with many reaching 30 years of age and based on this average it will travel some 1.5 million miles during its lifetime. This is by far the longest migration known in the animal kingdom. Breeding takes place in colonies on coasts, islands and occasionally inland on tundra near water. The Arctic Tern often forms mixed colonies with the Common Tern and Sandwich Tern. As it nests on the ground, the Arctic Tern is vulnerable to predation but it is one of the most aggressive terns and it is fiercely defensive of its nest and young. It will attack humans and large predators, usually striking the top or back of the head. Although it is too small to cause serious injury, it is still capable of drawing blood and repelling many raptorial birds and smaller mammalian predators such as foxes and cats. Other nesting birds, such as auks, often incidentally benefit from the protection provided by nesting in an area defended by Arctic Terns. The diet of the Arctic Tern varies depending on location and time but it usually eats small fish or marine crustaceans by dipping down to the surface of the water to catch prey. While feeding, skuas, gulls and other tern species will often harass the birds and steal their food. Date: 1st June 2008 Location: Lunnasting, East Mainland, Shetland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12081972.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1518384354e48e9a887d4b.jpgCommon Seals Common Seals feed at sea but regularly haul out on to rocky shores or inter-tidal sandbanks to rest, to give birth and to suckle their pups. The most important haul-out areas are around the coast of Scotland, particularly in the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland, and on the east coast of England in the Wash. Date: 7th September 2005 Location: Blakeney Point, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49002091.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10688715456468e7941b47c.jpgWoodpigeon The Woodpigeon is the UK's largest and commonest pigeon and is largely grey with a white neck patch and white wing patches which are clearly visible in flight. Although shy in the countryside, it can be tame and approachable in towns and cities. Its cooing call is a familiar sound in woodlands as is the loud clatter of its wings when it flies away. Woodpigeons can be found across the UK. In the countryside they breed on farmland with hedges, trees and copses and in towns and cities they breed in parks and gardens. In winter, Woodpigeons form large flocks on farmland fields. Date: 8th April 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9564610.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18821268244daec2e0a8bcc.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 3rd February 2009 Location: Northlands Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/sktufjrur-westfjords-iceland https://images.on-this.website/4752_4116076415634c71550e9e.jpgSkötufjörður, Westfjords, Iceland Skötufjörður is one of several fjords on the southern side of the Ísafjarðardjúp, a large fjord in the Westfjords region of Iceland and an extended arm of the Denmark Strait. The southern fjords of Skutulsfjörður, Álftafjörður, Seyðisfjörður, Hestsfjörður, Skötufjörður, Mjóifjörður and Ísafjörður extend well in to the landmass of the Westfjords. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: view from road 61 http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084060.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16106857675d3085466c5e8.jpgRila Mountains, Kyustendil Province, Bulgaria The Rila Mountains are a mountain range in south west Bulgaria and constitute the highest mountain range in the country and the Balkans. It is the sixth highest mountain range in Europe after the Caucasus, the Alps, the Sierra Nevada, the Pyrenees and Mount Etna and the highest one between the Alps and the Caucasus. The Rila Mountains are spread over an area of 1015 square miles with an average altitude of 4879 feet. Musala is its highest peak at 9596 feet. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rila-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rila Mountains have abundant water resources and some of the Balkans' longest and deepest rivers originate here including the longest river entirely in the Balkans, the River Maritsa, and the longest river entirely in Bulgaria, the River Iskar. Bulgaria's main water divide separating the Black Sea and the Aegean Sea drainage systems follows the main ridge of the Rila Mountains. The mountain range is dotted with almost 200 glacial lakes such as the renowned Seven Rila Lakes. It is also rich in hot springs in the fault areas at the foothills including the hottest spring in south east Europe in Sapareva Banya. The Rila Mountains have typical layers of montane habitat ranging from river and stream valleys at lower altitudes to mixed deciduous woodland, coniferous forests and Alpine meadows and lakes at higher altitudes and finally to rocky ridges and bare rugged peaks. The biodiversity and the pristine landscapes are protected by the Rila National Park which is among the largest and most valuable protected areas in Europe. It is the largest national park in Bulgaria covering an area of 313 square miles and it was established in February 1992 to protect several ecosystems of national importance. Its altitude varies from 2600 feet near Blagoevgrad to 9596 feet at the peak of Musala. It occupies territory from 4 of the 28 provinces of the country (Sofia, Kyustendil, Blagoevgrad and Pazardzhik) and it includes 4 nature reserves (Parangalitsa, Central Rila Reserve, Ibar and Skakavitsa). The Rila National Park falls within the Rodope montane mixed forests terrestrial eco-region of the Palearctic temperate broadleaf and mixed forest. Forests occupy 206.5 square miles or 66% of the total area. The Rila Mountains also contain the Rila Monastery Nature Park which is among the largest nature parks in Bulgaria covering an area of 97.5 square miles at an altitude between 2460 and 8901 feet. It was established in 1992 as part of the newly founded Rila National Park. In 2000 some territory of the Rila National Park was re-assigned to the Rila Monastery Nature Park and was recategorized as a nature park because by law all lands in national parks are exclusively state owned. Today most of the Rila Monastery Nature Park is owned by the Rila Monastery. The Rila Monastery Nature Park includes one nature reserve, namely the Rila Monastery Forest with an area of 14 square miles or 14% of its total area. The most recognisable landmark in the Rila Mountains is the Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila, better known as the Rila Monastery. This is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria and is situated in the deep valley of the River Rilska River within the Rila Monastery Nature Park at a height of 3763 feet. The monastery is named after its founder, the hermit Ivan of Rila (876 to 946 AD) and houses around 60 monks. Founded in the 10th century, the Rila Monastery is regarded as one of Bulgaria's most important cultural, historical and architectural monuments and is a key tourist attraction for both Bulgaria and south Europe. Due to its outstanding cultural and spiritual value it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. The Rila Mountains are also a popular destination for hiking, winter sports and spa tourism, hosting the nation's oldest ski resort at Borovets as well as numerous hiking trails. Date: 30th May 2018 Location: Rila to Rila Monastery, Kyustendil Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo440536.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_58851399467e86e3754f1.jpgPine Marten The Pine Marten is a member of the mustelid family which also includes the Mink, the Otter, the Badger, the Stoat and the Weasel. It is the only mustelid with semi-retractable claws which enables it to lead a more arboreal lifestyle such as climbing or running in trees. The Pine Marten is about the size of a domestic cat and males are slightly larger than females. The fur is usually light to dark brown and grows longer and silkier during the winter months. It has a cream to yellow coloured "bib" marking on their throats and a long fluffy tail. The Pine Marten is usually found in deciduous and coniferous woodland with plenty of cover and it is mainly active at dusk and at night. It has small rounded, highly sensitive ears and sharp teeth adapted for eating small mammals, birds, insects, frogs and carrion although it also eats berries, nuts, fungi, birds' eggs and honey. Pine Marten dens are commonly found in hollow trees or the fallen root masses of Scots Pines, an association that probably earned them their name. Cairns and cliffs covered with scrub are frequently used as alternative den sites. Territories vary in size according to habitat and food availability. The Pine Marten is one of the rarest native mammals in the UK. Until the 19th century, it was found throughout much of mainland UK, the Isle of Wight and some of the Scottish islands although habitat fragmentation, persecution by gamekeepers and hunting for their fur drastically reduced this distribution. By the 1920s, the main Pine Marten population in the UK was restricted to a small area of north west Scotland. Until recently it remained only at all common in this region where some individuals have lost their fear of man and come to take food provided for them, particularly enjoying jam and peanut butter. A study in 2012 found that the Pine Marten has spread from its Scottish Highland stronghold, north into east Sutherland and Caithness and south east from the Great Glen into Moray, Aberdeenshire, Perthshire, Tayside and the Stirling area with some also occurring in the Central Belt and on the Kintyre and Cowal peninsulas. Expansion in south Scotland has been limited and despite reintroduction to the Glen Trool Forest there has only been a restricted spread from there. In England, the Pine Marten is extremely rare with scattered reports from Cumbria, Northumberland and mid Wales. In July 2015 [url=http://www.shropshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/pine-marten-appeal] first confirmed sighting of a Pine Marten in England for over a century[/url] was recorded by an amateur photographer in woodland in Shropshire. In Wales, the Vincent Wildlife Trust is implementing a [url=http://www.pine-marten-recovery-project.org.uk/news/pine-martens-arrive-in-wales]reintroduction project[/url] through translocations from Scotland. The Pine Marten is still quite rare in Ireland but the population is recovering and spreading. The traditional strongholds are in the west and south, especially the Burren, but the population in the Midlands has significantly increased in recent years. A study published in 2015 showed that the Pine Marten was distributed across every county in Northern Ireland. Although they are preyed upon occasionally by Golden Eagles and Red Foxes, humans are the largest threat to the Pine Marten. It is vulnerable from conflict with humans, arising from predator control for other species and the use of inhabited buildings for denning. The Pine Marten is also affected by persecution (illegal poisoning and shooting) by gamekeepers and loss of habitat. This Pine Marten was photographed at Birchbrae chalets south of Fort William following the provision of suitable bribes of jam, peanut butter and honey! Date: 26th December 2006 Location: Birchbrae, Onich, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo47645632.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20860967626347d72943001.jpgTurnstone The Turnstone has a mottled appearance with brown or chestnut and black upperparts, brown and white or black and white head pattern, white underparts and orange legs. Turnstones can be found around most of the UK coastline including rocky, sandy and muddy shores and particularly like feeding on seaweed covered rocks, seawalls and jetties. They are present for most of the year. Birds from Northern Europe pass through in July and August and again in spring and birds from Canada and Greenland arrive in August and September and remain until April and May. Non-breeding birds may stay throughout the summer. Date: 19th September 2022 Location: Walcott, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/house-sparrow https://images.on-this.website/4752_6362535844daeba5b1d89b.jpgHouse Sparrow The House Sparrow is a member of the sparrow family [i]Passeridae[/i]. The House Sparrow is typically about 6.3 inches long, ranging from 5.5 to 7.1 inches, and it is a compact bird with a full chest and a large, rounded head. Its bill is stout and conical. The plumage is mostly different shades of grey and brown and the sexes exhibit strong dimorphism. The female is mostly buffish above and below whilst the male has boldly coloured head markings, a reddish back and grey underparts. The male has a dark grey crown from the top of its bill to its back and chestnut brown flanking its crown on the sides of its head. It has black around its bill, on its throat and on the lores between the bill and the eyes. It has a small white stripe between the lores and crown and small white spots immediately behind the eyes with black patches below and above them. The underparts are pale grey or white, as are the cheeks, ear coverts and stripes at the base of the head. The upper back and mantle are a warm brown, with broad black streaks whilst the lower back, rump and upper tail coverts are greyish brown. The male's bill is black in the breeding season and dark grey during the rest of the year. The female has no black markings or grey crown. Its upperparts and head are brown with darker streaks around the mantle and a distinct pale supercilium. Its underparts are pale grey-brown. The female's bill is brownish-grey and becomes darker in breeding plumage approaching the black of the male's bill. Juveniles are similar to the adult female but deeper brown below and paler above and with paler and less defined supercilia. Juveniles have broader buff feather edges and tend to have looser, scruffier plumage similar to moulting adults. The House Sparrow can be confused with a number of other seed-eating birds, especially its relatives in the sparrow family [i]Passeridae[/i]. The dull coloured female House Sparrow can often not be distinguished from other female sparrows and is nearly identical to those of the Spanish and Italian Sparrows. The Tree Sparrow is smaller and more slender with a chestnut crown and a black patch on each cheek. The male Spanish Sparrow and Italian Sparrow are distinguished by their chestnut crowns. The House Sparrow's flight is direct rather than undulating. On the ground, it typically hops rather than walks. The House Sparrow originated in the Middle East and spread, along with agriculture, to most of Eurasia and parts of north Africa. Since the mid-19th century, it has reached most of the world, mainly due to deliberate introductions but also through natural and shipborne dispersal. Its introduced range encompasses most of north America, central America, south America, south Africa, parts of West Africa, Australia, New Zealand and islands throughout the world. It has become highly successful in most parts of the world where it has been introduced. This is mostly due to its early adaptation to living with humans and its adaptability to a wide range of conditions. It has also greatly extended its range in northern Eurasia since the 1850s and continues to do so. The extent of its range makes the House Sparrow the most widely distributed wild bird on the planet. The House Sparrow is closely associated with human habitation and cultivation. It is believed to have become associated with humans around 10,000 years ago. The only terrestrial habitats that the House Sparrow does not inhabit are dense forest and tundra. Well adapted to living around humans, it frequently lives and even breeds indoors, especially in factories, warehouses and zoos. It reaches its greatest densities in urban centres but its reproductive success is greater in suburbs where insects are more abundant. In most of its range, the House Sparrow is extremely common despite some declines but in more marginal habitats its distribution can be patchy. Most House Sparrows do not move more than a few miles during their lifetimes. However, limited migration occurs in all regions. Some young birds disperse long distances and mountain birds move to lower elevations in winter. The House Sparrow is a very social bird and it is gregarious during all seasons when feeding, often forming flocks with other species of birds. It roosts communally in trees or shrubs, its nests are usually grouped together in clumps and it engages in social activities such as dust or water bathing and "social singing" in which birds call together in bushes. The House Sparrow can breed in the breeding season immediately following its hatching and sometimes it will attempt to do so. However, birds breeding for the first time are rarely successful in raising young and reproductive success increases with age as older birds breed earlier in the breeding season and fledge more young. The timing of mating and egg-laying varies geographically and between specific locations and years because a sufficient supply of insects is needed for egg formation and feeding nestlings. Males take up nesting sites before the breeding season by frequently calling beside them. Unmated males start nest construction and call particularly frequently to attract females. The House Sparrow is monogamous and typically mates for life but birds from pairs often engage in extra-pair copulations. Many birds do not find a nest and a mate and instead may serve as helpers around the nest for mated pairs, a role which increases the chances of being chosen to replace a lost mate. Lost mates of both sexes can be replaced quickly during the breeding season. The formation of a pair and the bond between the 2 birds is tied to the holding of a nest site. Nest sites are varied although cavities are preferred. Nests are most frequently built in the eaves and other crevices of houses. Holes in cliffs and banks or tree hollows are also used and sometimes a nest will be excavated in sandy banks or rotten branches. Especially in warmer areas, the House Sparrow may build its nest in the open, such as on the branches of trees or in the nests of large birds such as storks, although breeding success tends to be lower. The nest is usually domed although it may lack a roof in enclosed sites. It has an outer layer of stems and roots, a middle layer of dead grass and leaves and a lining of feathers as well as of paper and other soft materials. The building of the nest is initiated by the unmated male while displaying to females. The female assists in building but is less active than the male. The female House Sparrow usually lays 4 or 5 eggs although numbers from 1 to 10 have been recorded. At least 2 clutches are usually laid and up to 7 a year may be laid in the tropics or 4 a year in temperate latitudes. When fewer clutches are laid in a year, especially at higher latitudes, the number of eggs per clutch is greater. The female plays the main role in incubating the eggs. The male helps but can only cover the eggs rather than truly incubate them. The female spends the night incubating while the male roosts near the nest. Eggs hatch at the same time, after a short incubation period lasting 11 to 14 days. Young House Sparrows remain in the nest for 11 to 23 days but normally 14 to 16 days. During this time, they are fed by both parents. All the young leave the nest during the same period of a few hours. At this stage, they are normally able to fly. They start feeding themselves partly after 1 or 2 days and sustain themselves completely after 7 to 10 days. In adult House Sparrows, annual survival is 45% to 65%. After fledging and leaving the care of their parents, young House Sparrows have a high mortality rate which lessens as they grow older and more experienced. Only about 20 to 25% of birds hatched survive to their first breeding season. The oldest known wild House Sparrow lived for nearly 20 years and the oldest recorded captive House Sparrow lived for 23 years. The House Sparrow's main predators are cats and birds of prey but many other animals prey on them, including corvids, squirrels and even humans (it has been consumed in the past by people in many parts of the world and it still is in parts of the Mediterranean). As an adult, the House Sparrow mostly feeds on the seeds of grains and weeds but it is opportunistic and adaptable and eats whatever foods are available. In urban areas, it scavenges and feeds largely on food provided directly or indirectly by humans such as bread and leftover food. It will also eat some plant matter including buds, berries and fruits such as grapes and cherries. Animals form another important part of the diet, including beetles, caterpillars, flies, aphids, molluscs, crustaceans earthworms and even vertebrates such as lizards and frogs. Young House Sparrows are fed mostly on insects until about 15 days after hatching. They are also given small quantities of seeds and spiders. The House Sparrow has an extremely large range and population and is not seriously threatened by human activities so it is assessed as “Least Concern” by the IUCN. However, populations have been declining in many parts of the world. These declines were first noticed in north America but have been most severe in west Europe. In the UK, populations peaked in the early 1970s but have since declined by 70% overall and about 90% in some regions. Substantial declines have been noted in both rural and urban populations and the House Sparrow is designated as a “Red List” species. While the decline in England continues, Breeding Bird Survey data indicate recent population increases in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Various causes for the dramatic decreases in population have been suggested. A shortage of nesting sites caused by changes in urban building design is probably a factor together with an insufficient supply of insect food for nestlings arising from an increase of monoculture crops, the heavy use of pesticides and the replacement of native plants in cities with introduced plants and parking areas. Date: 27th January 2008 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29486914.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_58451077658107c80946c2.jpgGoldeneye The Goldeneye is a medium-sized diving duck, named for its golden-yellow eye. Adult males have a dark head with a greenish gloss and a circular white patch below the eye, a dark back and a white neck and belly. Adult females have a brown head and a mostly grey body. The Goldeneye breeds on the lakes and in the rivers of boreal forests in Scandinavia, Canada, north USA and north Russia. Naturally it will nest in cavities in large trees but it will also readily use nestboxes put up on trees close to water. This has enabled a healthy breeding population to establish in the Scottish Highlands from 1970 where it is increasing and slowly spreading. The Goldeneye is migratory and most winter in protected coastal waters or open inland waters at more temperate latitudes. The Goldeneye forages by diving underwater for crustaceans, aquatic insects and molluscs. Insects are the predominant prey while nesting and crustaceans are the predominant prey during migration and winter. Date: 23rd May 2016 Location: Wild Brown Bear Centre, near Vartius, Kainuu, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31837503.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6121530495956242a202623.86799048.jpgRed Grouse The Red Grouse is a medium-sized bird of the grouse family which is found in heather moorland in the UK and Ireland. It is endemic to the UK and has developed in isolation. It is usually classified as a sub-species of the Willow Ptarmigan or Willow Grouse which is found in birch and other forests and moorlands in north Europe, the tundra of Scandinavia, Siberia, Alaska and north Canada. The Red Grouse is differentiated from the Willow Ptarmigan and Rock Ptarmigan by its plumage being reddish brown and not having a white winter plumage. The tail is black and the legs are white. There are white stripes on the underwing and red combs over the eye. Females are less reddish than the males and have less conspicuous combs. Young birds are duller and lack the red combs. The Red Grouse is found across most parts of Scotland, including Orkney, Shetland and most of the Outer Hebrides. It is only absent from urban areas such as in the Central Belt. In Wales there are strong populations of Red Grouse in some places but the range has retracted. It is now largely absent from the far south and the main strongholds are Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons and the Cambrian Mountains. In England the Red Grouse is mainly found in the north in areas such as the Lake District, Northumberland, County Durham, much of Yorkshire, the Pennines and the Peak District as far south as the Staffordshire Moorlands. There is an isolated introduced population on Dartmoor and overspill Welsh birds visit the Shropshire Hills.The typical habitat is upland heather moors away from trees. It can also be found in some low-lying bogs and birds may visit farmland during hard weather. The UK population of the Red Grouse is estimated at about 250,000 pairs. Numbers have declined in recent years and it is now absent in areas where it was once common. Reasons for the decline include disease, loss of heather due to overgrazing, creation of new conifer plantations and a decline in the number of upland gamekeepers. Some predators feed on Red Grouse and there is ongoing controversy as to what effect these have on numbers. The Red Grouse is herbivorous and feeds mainly on the shoots, seeds and flowers of heather. It will also feed on berries, cereal crops and sometimes insects. The Red Grouse is considered a game bird and is shot in large numbers during the shooting season which traditionally starts on August 12th (known as the Glorious Twelfth). Shooting can take the form of “walked up” (where shooters walk across the moor to flush grouse and take a shot) or “driven” (where grouse are driven, often in large numbers, by “beaters” towards the shooters who are hiding behind a line of “butts”). Many moors are managed to increase the density of Red Grouse. Areas of heather are subjected to controlled burning since this allows fresh young shoots to regenerate which are favoured by Red Grouse. In addition, extensive predator control is a feature of grouse moor management and the extent and legality to which it occurs is hotly contested between conservation groups and shooting interests and the subject generates a lot of media attention. The Red Grouse is widely known as the logo of The Famous Grouse whisky and an animated bird is a character in a series of its adverts. It is also the emblem of the magazine “British Birds”. Date: 20th June 2017 Location: Glen Quaich, Perthshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14467404.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8859569574f743c0340bca.jpgUllsfjorden at Svensby, Troms, north Norway Ullsfjorden is a sea fjord located east of Tromsø and west of the Lyngenalpen which can be crossed by the Breivikeidet to Svensby ferry. Location: view from east shore at Svensby Date: 17th March 2012 http://www.richardchewphotography.com/canada-goose-gosling https://images.on-this.website/4752_7421722904e1582c800600.jpgCanada Goose gosling The Canada Goose belongs to the [i]Branta[/i] genus of geese which contains species with largely black plumage distinguishing it from the grey species of the genus [i]Anser[/i]. The black head and neck with a white "chinstrap" distinguish the Canada Goose from all other goose species with the exception of the Cackling Goose from north America and the Barnacle Goose which has a black breast and grey rather than brownish body plumage. The 7 sub-species of the Canada Goose vary widely in size and plumage details but all are recognizable as Canada Geese. Of the "true geese" (i.e. the genera [i]Anser[/i], [i]Branta[/i] or [i]Chen[/i]), the Canada Goose is on average the largest living species. It ranges from 30 to 43 inches in length and with a 50 to 73 inches wingspan. The male usually weighs 5.7 to 14.3 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 8.6 pounds. The female looks virtually identical but is slightly lighter at 5.3 to 12.1 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 7.9 pounds. It is also generally 10% smaller in linear dimensions than the male. The Canada Goose is native to north America where it breeds in Canada and the north USA in a wide range of habitats. The Great Lakes region maintains a very large population. It occurs all year round in the southern part of its breeding range, including most of the eastern seaboard and the Pacific coast. Between California and South Carolina in the south USA and north Mexico, it is primarily present as a migrant from further north during the winter. Outside north America, the Canada Goose has reached north Europe naturally as has been proved by ringing recoveries. It has also been introduced in to Europe and had established populations in the UK in the middle of the 18th century, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany and Scandinavia. Most European populations are not migratory but those in more northerly parts of Sweden and Finland migrate to the North Sea and Baltic coasts. Semi-tame feral birds are common in parks and have become a pest in some areas. In the early 17th century, explorer Samuel de Champlain sent several pairs of Canada Geese to France as a present for King Louis XIII. Canada Geese were first introduced in to the UK in the late 17th century as an addition to King James II's waterfowl collection in St. James's Park. They were also introduced in to Germany and Scandinavia during the 20th century. During the second year of its life, the Canada Goose finds a mate. It is a monogamous species and most couples stay together all of their lives. If one dies, the other may find a new mate. The female lays from 2 to 9 eggs with an average of 5. Both parents protect the nest while the eggs incubate but the female spends more time at the nest than the male. The nest is usually located in an elevated area near water such as streams, lakes and ponds and the eggs are laid in a shallow depression lined with plant material and down. The incubation period, in which the female incubates the eggs while the male remains nearby, lasts for 24 to 28 days after laying. As soon as the goslings hatch, they are immediately capable of walking, swimming and finding their own food (a diet similar to the adults). Parents are often seen leading their goslings in a line, usually with one adult at the front and the other at the back. While protecting their goslings, parents often violently chase away anything from small birds to lone humans who approach, after warning them by giving off a hissing sound and then attacking with bites and slaps of the wings if the threat does not retreat. Although parents are hostile to unfamiliar geese, they may form groups (crèches) of a number of goslings and a few adults. The goslings enter the fledgling stage any time from 6 to 9 weeks of age. Once it reaches adulthood, due to its large size and often aggressive behaviour, the Canada Goose is rarely preyed on although prior injury may make it more vulnerable to natural predators. The lifespan in the wild of birds that survive to adulthood ranges from 10 to 24 years. The UK longevity record is held by a specimen tagged as a nestling which was observed alive at the age of 31. The Canada Goose is primarily a herbivore although it will sometimes eat small insects and fish. Their diet includes grasses, aquatic plants, beans and grains such as wheat, rice, and corn when they are available. In urban areas, it is also known to pick food out of rubbish bins and it will readily take a variety of food from humans in parks. Date: 3rd May 2008 Location: Abberton Reservoir, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14036885.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15667030664f213ce6896fe.jpgBewick's Swan The Tundra Swan is a small Holarctic swan. The 2 taxa within it are usually regarded as conspecific but are also sometimes split into 2 species: the Bewick's Swan of the Palaearctic and the Whistling Swan of the Nearctic. The Bewick's Swan was named in 1830 by William Yarrell after the engraver Thomas Bewick who specialised in illustrations of birds and animals. The Bewick's Swan measures 45 to 55 inches in length with a wing span of 18.5 to 21.5 inches. Males are slightly larger and heavier than females. It is similar in appearance to the Whooper Swan but is smaller, shorter-necked and has a more rounded head shape. It has a variable bill pattern but always shows more black than yellow and having a blunt forward edge of the yellow base patch. The Whooper Swan has a bill that has more yellow than black and the forward edge of the yellow patch is usually pointed. The bill pattern for every individual Bewick's Swan is unique and scientists often make detailed drawings of each bill and assign names to the swans to assist with studying these birds. As their common name implies, the Tundra Swan breeds in the Arctic and sub-Arctic tundra where they inhabit shallow pools, lakes and rivers. Unlike the Mute Swan, but like the other Arctic swans, it is a migratory bird. The winter habitat is mainly grassland and marshland, often near the coast. The breeding range of the Bewick’s Swan extends across the coastal lowlands of Siberia from the Kola Peninsula east to the Pacific. It starts to arrive in its breeding range around mid-May and leaves for its winter range around the end of September. The populations west of the Taimyr Peninsula migrate via the White Sea, Baltic Sea and the Elbe estuary to winter in Denmark, the Netherlands and the UK where it is common in winter on a few RSPB and WWT reserves. Some birds also winter elsewhere on the southern shores of the North Sea. The Bewick’s Swans that breed in eastern Russia migrate via Mongolia and north China to winter in the coastal regions of Korea, Japan and south China, south to Guangdong and occasionally as far as Taiwan. A few birds from the central Siberian range also winter in Iran at the south of the Caspian Sea. Arrival in the winter range starts about mid-October although most birds spend weeks or even months at favourite resting locations and will only arrive in the winter range in November or even as late as January. Departure from the winter range starts in mid-February. Bewick’s Swans mate in the late spring, usually after they have returned to the breeding range. As is usual for swans, they pair monogamously until one partner dies. Should one partner die long before the other, the surviving bird often will not mate again for several years or even for the rest of its life. The nesting season starts at the end of May. The pair build the large mound-shaped nest from plant material at an elevated site near open water and they defend a large territory around it. The pen (female) lays and incubates a clutch of 2 to 7 (usually 3 to 5) eggs whilst the cob (male) keeps a steady lookout for potential predators heading towards his mate and offspring. The time from egg laying to hatching is 29 to 30 days. Since they nest in cold regions, Bewick’s Swan cygnets grow faster than those of swans breeding in warmer climates and they may fledge in 40 to 45 days. Cygnets stay with their parents for the first winter migration and the family is sometimes even joined by their offspring from previous breeding seasons while on the wintering grounds. Bewick’s Swans do not reach sexual maturity until 3 or 4 years of age. In summer, the diet of the Bewick’s Swan consists mainly of aquatic vegetation which it finds by sticking its head underwater or upending while swimming. It will also eat some grass growing on dry land. At other times of the year, leftover grains and other crops such as potatoes, picked up in open fields after harvest, make up much of the diet. Healthy adult Bewick’s Swans have few natural predators. The Arctic Fox may threaten breeding females and particular the eggs and hatchlings. Adults typically can stand their ground and displace foxes but occasionally the foxes are successful. Other potential nest predators include the Red Fox, the Brown Bear, the Golden Eagle, the Arctic Skua and the Glaucous Gull. The Brown Bear, the Golden Eagle and the Wolf may occasionally succeed at capturing and killing an adult. About 15% adults die each year from various causes and the average lifespan in the wild is about 10 years. The status of the Bewick's Swan is not well known although its population is in decline in north west Europe for largely unexplained reasons. It is increasingly dependent on agricultural crops to supplement its winter diet as aquatic vegetation in its winter habitat declines due to habitat destruction and water pollution. However, the main cause of adult mortality is hunting and, whilst the Bewick's Swan can not be hunted legally, almost half the birds studied contain lead shot in their bodies, indicating that they were shot at by poachers. Lead poisoning by ingestion of lead shot is also a very significant cause of mortality. The Bewick's Swan is one of the birds to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 6th January 2012 Location: Walland Marsh, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18198888.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_158793787951ac5d3586f85.jpgCanada Goose The Canada Goose belongs to the [i]Branta[/i] genus of geese which contains species with largely black plumage distinguishing it from the grey species of the genus [i]Anser[/i]. The black head and neck with a white "chinstrap" distinguish the Canada Goose from all other goose species with the exception of the Cackling Goose from north America and the Barnacle Goose which has a black breast and grey rather than brownish body plumage. The 7 sub-species of the Canada Goose vary widely in size and plumage details but all are recognizable as Canada Geese. Of the "true geese" (i.e. the genera [i]Anser[/i], [i]Branta[/i] or [i]Chen[/i]), the Canada Goose is on average the largest living species. It ranges from 30 to 43 inches in length and with a 50 to 73 inches wingspan. The male usually weighs 5.7 to 14.3 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 8.6 pounds. The female looks virtually identical but is slightly lighter at 5.3 to 12.1 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 7.9 pounds. It is also generally 10% smaller in linear dimensions than the male. The Canada Goose is native to north America where it breeds in Canada and the north USA in a wide range of habitats. The Great Lakes region maintains a very large population. It occurs all year round in the southern part of its breeding range, including most of the eastern seaboard and the Pacific coast. Between California and South Carolina in the south USA and north Mexico, it is primarily present as a migrant from further north during the winter. Outside north America, the Canada Goose has reached north Europe naturally as has been proved by ringing recoveries. It has also been introduced in to Europe and had established populations in the UK in the middle of the 18th century, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany and Scandinavia. Most European populations are not migratory but those in more northerly parts of Sweden and Finland migrate to the North Sea and Baltic coasts. Semi-tame feral birds are common in parks and have become a pest in some areas. In the early 17th century, explorer Samuel de Champlain sent several pairs of Canada Geese to France as a present for King Louis XIII. Canada Geese were first introduced in to the UK in the late 17th century as an addition to King James II's waterfowl collection in St. James's Park. They were also introduced in to Germany and Scandinavia during the 20th century. During the second year of its life, the Canada Goose finds a mate. It is a monogamous species and most couples stay together all of their lives. If one dies, the other may find a new mate. The female lays from 2 to 9 eggs with an average of 5. Both parents protect the nest while the eggs incubate but the female spends more time at the nest than the male. The nest is usually located in an elevated area near water such as streams, lakes and ponds and the eggs are laid in a shallow depression lined with plant material and down. The incubation period, in which the female incubates the eggs while the male remains nearby, lasts for 24 to 28 days after laying. As soon as the goslings hatch, they are immediately capable of walking, swimming and finding their own food (a diet similar to the adults). Parents are often seen leading their goslings in a line, usually with one adult at the front and the other at the back. While protecting their goslings, parents often violently chase away anything from small birds to lone humans who approach, after warning them by giving off a hissing sound and then attacking with bites and slaps of the wings if the threat does not retreat. Although parents are hostile to unfamiliar geese, they may form groups (crèches) of a number of goslings and a few adults. The goslings enter the fledgling stage any time from 6 to 9 weeks of age. Once it reaches adulthood, due to its large size and often aggressive behaviour, the Canada Goose is rarely preyed on although prior injury may make it more vulnerable to natural predators. The lifespan in the wild of birds that survive to adulthood ranges from 10 to 24 years. The UK longevity record is held by a specimen tagged as a nestling which was observed alive at the age of 31. The Canada Goose is primarily a herbivore although it will sometimes eat small insects and fish. Their diet includes grasses, aquatic plants, beans and grains such as wheat, rice, and corn when they are available. In urban areas, it is also known to pick food out of rubbish bins and it will readily take a variety of food from humans in parks. Date: 13th May 2013 Location: Spinnies NR, Aberogwen, Gwynedd http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33568397.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13267577435a106ae96127d.jpgLapwings The Northern Lapwing, also known as the peewit, pewit, tuit or tew-it (imitative of its cry), Green Plover (emphasising the colour of the plumage) or (in the UK) just Lapwing (which refers to its peculiar, erratic way of flying), is a bird in the lapwing family. The Lapwing has rounded wings and a crest. It is also the shortest-legged of the lapwing species. It is mainly black and white but the back is tinted green. The male has a long crest and a black crown, throat and breast contrasting with an otherwise white face. Females and young birds have shorter crests and have less strongly marked heads but plumages are otherwise quite similar. The Lapwing is a vocal bird in the breeding season with constant calling as the crazed tumbling display flight is performed by the male. The typical contact call is a loud, shrill "pee-wit" from which they get their other name of peewit. The Lapwing is common through temperate Eurasia and breeds on cultivated land and other short vegetation habitats. The ground scrape nest and young are defended noisily and aggressively against all intruders. It is highly migratory over most of its extensive range, wintering further south as far as north Africa, north India, Pakistan and parts of China. It migrates mainly by day, often in large flocks. Lowland breeders in the westernmost areas of Europe are resident. In winter, it forms huge flocks on open land, particularly arable land and mud-flats. In the UK, the Lapwing has suffered a significant decline in the last 25 years and is an Amber List species because of the importance of its UK wintering population. It breeds on farmland throughout the UK, particularly in lowland areas of north England, the Borders and east Scotland, and prefers fields of spring sown cereals and root crops, permanent unimproved pasture, meadows and fallow fields but also wet grassland and marshes. During the winter, the Lapwing can be seen on flooded grassland, estuaries, coastal wetlands, short grassy fields and ploughed fields. In addition to the UK population, large numbers of north European birds arrive in the autumn for the winter. The Lapwing feeds primarily on insects and other small invertebrates. It often feeds in mixed flocks with Golden Plovers and Black-headed Gulls, the latter often robbing the plovers, but providing a degree of protection against predators. Date: 4th November 2017 Location: Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/rook https://images.on-this.website/4752_11341807304c1dc6fe9ee4b.jpgRook The Rook is a passerine bird in the crow family [i]Corvidae[/i]. It is a fairly large bird at 18 to 19 inches in length with black plumage that often shows a blue or bluish-purple sheen in bright sunlight. The feathers on the head, neck and shoulders are particularly dense and silky. The legs and feet are generally black, the bill grey-black and the iris dark brown. In adults, a bare area of whitish skin in front of the eye and around the base of the bill is distinctive and enables the Rook to be distinguished from other members of the crow family. This bare patch gives the false impression that the bill is longer than it is and the head more domed. The feathering around the legs also appears shaggier than the similarly sized Carrion Crow, the only other member of its genus with which the Rook is likely to be confused. Additionally, when seen in flight, the wings of a Rook are proportionally longer and narrower than those of the Carrion Crow. The juvenile plumage is black with a slight greenish gloss except for the hind neck, back and underparts which are brownish-black. The juvenile is superficially similar to a young Carrion Crow because it lacks the bare patch at the base of the bill but it has a thinner beak and loses the facial feathers after about 6 months. The Rook is resident in the UK and much of north and central Europe but it is a vagrant to Iceland and parts of Scandinavia where they typically live south of latitude 66° north. In the north of its range the Rook has a tendency to move south during autumn and more southern populations are apt to range sporadically. The Rook is found in habitats such as open agricultural areas with pasture or arable land as long as there are suitable tall trees for breeding. It generally avoids forests, swamps, marshes, heaths and moorland. In general it is a lowland bird with most rookeries found below 400 feet but where suitable feeding habitat exists it may breed at 1000 feet or even higher. The Rook is often associated with human settlements, nesting near farms, villages and open towns but not in large, heavily built-up areas. The Rook is a very social and gregarious bird and is generally seen in flocks of various sizes. It is a monogamous species with the adults forming life-long pair bonds and pairs stay together within flocks. In the evening, birds often congregate at their rookery before moving off to their chosen communal roosting site. Flocks increase in size in autumn with different groups amalgamating and birds congregating at dusk before roosting, often in very large numbers and in the company of Jackdaws. Roosting usually takes place in woodland or plantations but a small minority of birds may continue to roost at their rookery all winter and adult males may roost collectively somewhere nearby. Birds move off promptly in the morning, dispersing for distances of up to 5 miles or more. The Rook mostly forages on the ground striding about or occasionally hopping and probing the soil with its powerful beak. Around 60% of the diet is vegetable matter and the rest is of animal origin. Vegetable foods include cereals, potatoes, roots, fruit, acorns, berries and seeds while the animal part is predominantly earthworms and insect larvae. It also eats beetles, spiders, millipedes, slugs, snails, small mammals, small birds and their eggs and young and occasionally carrion. In urban areas, human food scraps are taken from rubbish dumps and streets, usually in the early hours or at dusk when it is relatively quiet. Like other corvids, the Rook will sometimes favour sites with a high level of human interaction and can often be found scavenging for food in tourist areas or pecking open garbage sacks. The male Rook usually initiates courtship, on the ground or in a tree, by bowing several times to the female with drooping wings and at the same time cawing and fanning his tail. The female may respond by crouching down, arching her back and quivering her wings slightly or she may take the initiative by lowering her head and wings and erecting her partially spread tail over her back. Further similar displays are often followed by begging behaviour by the female and by the male presenting her with food before mating takes place on the nest. A mated pair of rooks will often fondle each other's bills and this behaviour is also sometimes seen in autumn. Nesting in a rookery is always colonial, usually in the very tops of large trees and often on the remnants of the previous year's nest. In hilly regions, the Rook may nest in smaller trees or bushes and exceptionally on chimneys or church spires. Both sexes participate in nest-building with the male finding most of the materials and the female putting them in place. The nest is cup-shaped and composed of sticks, consolidated with earth and lined with grasses, moss, roots, dead leaves and straw. The female lays 3 to 5 eggs (sometimes 6 and occasionally 7) by the end of March or early April in the UK and west Europe but in the harsher conditions of east Europe and Russia it may be early May before the clutch is completed. The eggs are incubated for 16 to 18 days, almost entirely by the female who is fed by the male. After hatching, the male brings food to the nest while the female broods the young. After 10 days, the female joins the male in bringing food which is carried in a throat pouch. The young fledge after 32 or 33 days but continue to be fed by the parents for some time thereafter. There is normally a single brood each year but there are records of birds attempting to breed again in the autumn. In autumn, the young birds collect in to large flocks together with unpaired birds of previous seasons and often in the company of Jackdaws. It is during this time of year that spectacular aerial displays are performed by the birds. Like other corvids, the Rook is an intelligent bird with complex behavioural traits and an ability to solve simple problems. The Rook has an extremely wide distribution and a very large total population. The main threats it faces are from changes in agricultural land use, the application of seed dressings and pesticides and persecution through shooting. Although the total number of birds may be declining slightly across its range, this is not at so rapid a rate as to cause concern and the IUCN has assessed the bird's conservation status as being of "least concern". Date: 13th June 2010 Location: Aldeburgh, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41539335.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18663611845f3e4ba8df516.jpgRed-throated Diver The Red-throated Diver is the smallest and lightest of the world's diver or loon species. Like all divers, it is long-bodied and short-necked and with its legs set far back on its body. The sexes are similar in appearance although males tend to be slightly larger and heavier than females. In breeding plumage, the adult has a dark grey head and neck with narrow black and white stripes on the back of the neck, a triangular red throat patch, white underparts and a dark grey-brown mantle. The non-breeding plumage is drabber with the chin, foreneck and much of the face white, the top of the head and back of the neck grey and considerable white speckling on the dark mantle. The bill is thin, straight and sharp and the bird often holds it at an uptilted angle. In flight, the Red-throated Diver has a distinctive profile. Its small feet do not project far past the end of its body, its head and neck droop below the horizontal (giving the flying bird a distinctly hunchbacked shape) and its thin wings are angled back. It has a quicker, deeper wing beat than other divers. The Red-throated Diver has a large global population and a significant global range but some populations are declining. Oil spills, habitat degradation, pollution and fishing nets are among the major threats and natural predators, such as various gull species and both red and Arctic foxes, will take eggs and young. The Red-throated Diver breeds primarily in the Arctic regions of northern Eurasia and north America and it winters in northern coastal waters, sometimes in groups of considerable size. Unlike other divers, it regularly uses very small freshwater lakes as breeding sites. In Europe, it breeds in Iceland, northern Scotland, Scandinavia and northern Russia and it winters along the coast as far south as parts of Spain. Date: 5th July 2019 Location: near Gednje, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/july-2007-common-blue https://images.on-this.website/4752_10675215904a4a58f77a406.jpgJuly 2007 - Common Blue Please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/photo494887.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405508.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5542649116586eed083c1a.jpgGadwall The Gadwall is one of the most common and widespread dabbling ducks. The breeding male is patterned grey with a black rear end, light chestnut wings and a brilliant white speculum which is obvious in flight or at rest. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female but retains the male wing pattern and is usually greyer above and has less orange on the bill. The female is light brown with plumage much like a female Mallard. It can be distinguished from that species by the dark orange-edged bill, smaller size, the white speculum and white belly. The Gadwall breeds in north Europe and Asia and central north America and appears to be expanding into eastern north America. It is a bird of open wetlands and lakes, wet grassland or marshes with dense fringing vegetation and it nests on the ground, often some distance from water. In the UK, the Gadwall is a scarce breeding bird on some lakes and gravel pits in the Midlands, south east England, eastern central Scotland, eastern Northern Ireland and south east Wales. In winter, numbers increase as birds migrate to spend the winter in the UK on gravel pits, lakes, reservoirs and coastal wetlands. Date: 7th November 2023 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48482973.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_563029207640a3dfa34715.jpgSnow Bunting Snow Buntings are large buntings with striking “snowy” plumages. Males in summer have all white heads and underparts contrasting with a black mantle and wing tips. Females are a more mottled above. In autumn and winter birds develop a sandy/buff wash to their plumage and males have more mottled upperparts. Snow Buntings breed in far northern Europe and migrate south in winter. They are a very scarce breeding species in the UK and can be found on the highest mountain peaks in Scotland where they nest in rocky crevices. Snow Buntings are best looked for in winter (from late September to early March) where they can sometimes be seen in large flocks on the seashore or on adjacent short rough grassland at coastal sites in Scotland and eastern England. Date: 31st January 2023 Location: Cley-next-the-Sea, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30017297.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1606655173587552fed9058.jpgBewick's Swans The Tundra Swan is a small Holarctic swan. The 2 taxa within it are usually regarded as conspecific but are also sometimes split into 2 species: the Bewick's Swan of the Palaearctic and the Whistling Swan of the Nearctic. The Bewick's Swan was named in 1830 by William Yarrell after the engraver Thomas Bewick who specialised in illustrations of birds and animals. The Bewick's Swan measures 45 to 55 inches in length with a wing span of 18.5 to 21.5 inches. Males are slightly larger and heavier than females. It is similar in appearance to the Whooper Swan but is smaller, shorter-necked and has a more rounded head shape. It has a variable bill pattern but always shows more black than yellow and having a blunt forward edge of the yellow base patch. The Whooper Swan has a bill that has more yellow than black and the forward edge of the yellow patch is usually pointed. The bill pattern for every individual Bewick's Swan is unique and scientists often make detailed drawings of each bill and assign names to the swans to assist with studying these birds. As their common name implies, the Tundra Swan breeds in the Arctic and sub-Arctic tundra where they inhabit shallow pools, lakes and rivers. Unlike the Mute Swan, but like the other Arctic swans, it is a migratory bird. The winter habitat is mainly grassland and marshland, often near the coast. The breeding range of the Bewick’s Swan extends across the coastal lowlands of Siberia from the Kola Peninsula east to the Pacific. It starts to arrive in its breeding range around mid-May and leaves for its winter range around the end of September. The populations west of the Taimyr Peninsula migrate via the White Sea, Baltic Sea and the Elbe estuary to winter in Denmark, the Netherlands and the UK where it is common in winter on a few RSPB and WWT reserves. Some birds also winter elsewhere on the southern shores of the North Sea. The Bewick’s Swans that breed in eastern Russia migrate via Mongolia and north China to winter in the coastal regions of Korea, Japan and south China, south to Guangdong and occasionally as far as Taiwan. A few birds from the central Siberian range also winter in Iran at the south of the Caspian Sea. Arrival in the winter range starts about mid-October although most birds spend weeks or even months at favourite resting locations and will only arrive in the winter range in November or even as late as January. Departure from the winter range starts in mid-February. Bewick’s Swans mate in the late spring, usually after they have returned to the breeding range. As is usual for swans, they pair monogamously until one partner dies. Should one partner die long before the other, the surviving bird often will not mate again for several years or even for the rest of its life. The nesting season starts at the end of May. The pair build the large mound-shaped nest from plant material at an elevated site near open water and they defend a large territory around it. The pen (female) lays and incubates a clutch of 2 to 7 (usually 3 to 5) eggs whilst the cob (male) keeps a steady lookout for potential predators heading towards his mate and offspring. The time from egg laying to hatching is 29 to 30 days. Since they nest in cold regions, Bewick’s Swan cygnets grow faster than those of swans breeding in warmer climates and they may fledge in 40 to 45 days. Cygnets stay with their parents for the first winter migration and the family is sometimes even joined by their offspring from previous breeding seasons while on the wintering grounds. Bewick’s Swans do not reach sexual maturity until 3 or 4 years of age. In summer, the diet of the Bewick’s Swan consists mainly of aquatic vegetation which it finds by sticking its head underwater or upending while swimming. It will also eat some grass growing on dry land. At other times of the year, leftover grains and other crops such as potatoes, picked up in open fields after harvest, make up much of the diet. Healthy adult Bewick’s Swans have few natural predators. The Arctic Fox may threaten breeding females and particular the eggs and hatchlings. Adults typically can stand their ground and displace foxes but occasionally the foxes are successful. Other potential nest predators include the Red Fox, the Brown Bear, the Golden Eagle, the Arctic Skua and the Glaucous Gull. The Brown Bear, the Golden Eagle and the Wolf may occasionally succeed at capturing and killing an adult. About 15% adults die each year from various causes and the average lifespan in the wild is about 10 years. The status of the Bewick's Swan is not well known although its population is in decline in north west Europe for largely unexplained reasons. It is increasingly dependent on agricultural crops to supplement its winter diet as aquatic vegetation in its winter habitat declines due to habitat destruction and water pollution. However, the main cause of adult mortality is hunting and, whilst the Bewick's Swan can not be hunted legally, almost half the birds studied contain lead shot in their bodies, indicating that they were shot at by poachers. Lead poisoning by ingestion of lead shot is also a very significant cause of mortality. The Bewick's Swan is one of the birds to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 2nd January 2017 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30017289.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1378126530587552ceb0af9.jpgBewick's Swan The Tundra Swan is a small Holarctic swan. The 2 taxa within it are usually regarded as conspecific but are also sometimes split into 2 species: the Bewick's Swan of the Palaearctic and the Whistling Swan of the Nearctic. The Bewick's Swan was named in 1830 by William Yarrell after the engraver Thomas Bewick who specialised in illustrations of birds and animals. The Bewick's Swan measures 45 to 55 inches in length with a wing span of 18.5 to 21.5 inches. Males are slightly larger and heavier than females. It is similar in appearance to the Whooper Swan but is smaller, shorter-necked and has a more rounded head shape. It has a variable bill pattern but always shows more black than yellow and having a blunt forward edge of the yellow base patch. The Whooper Swan has a bill that has more yellow than black and the forward edge of the yellow patch is usually pointed. The bill pattern for every individual Bewick's Swan is unique and scientists often make detailed drawings of each bill and assign names to the swans to assist with studying these birds. As their common name implies, the Tundra Swan breeds in the Arctic and sub-Arctic tundra where they inhabit shallow pools, lakes and rivers. Unlike the Mute Swan, but like the other Arctic swans, it is a migratory bird. The winter habitat is mainly grassland and marshland, often near the coast. The breeding range of the Bewick’s Swan extends across the coastal lowlands of Siberia from the Kola Peninsula east to the Pacific. It starts to arrive in its breeding range around mid-May and leaves for its winter range around the end of September. The populations west of the Taimyr Peninsula migrate via the White Sea, Baltic Sea and the Elbe estuary to winter in Denmark, the Netherlands and the UK where it is common in winter on a few RSPB and WWT reserves. Some birds also winter elsewhere on the southern shores of the North Sea. The Bewick’s Swans that breed in eastern Russia migrate via Mongolia and north China to winter in the coastal regions of Korea, Japan and south China, south to Guangdong and occasionally as far as Taiwan. A few birds from the central Siberian range also winter in Iran at the south of the Caspian Sea. Arrival in the winter range starts about mid-October although most birds spend weeks or even months at favourite resting locations and will only arrive in the winter range in November or even as late as January. Departure from the winter range starts in mid-February. Bewick’s Swans mate in the late spring, usually after they have returned to the breeding range. As is usual for swans, they pair monogamously until one partner dies. Should one partner die long before the other, the surviving bird often will not mate again for several years or even for the rest of its life. The nesting season starts at the end of May. The pair build the large mound-shaped nest from plant material at an elevated site near open water and they defend a large territory around it. The pen (female) lays and incubates a clutch of 2 to 7 (usually 3 to 5) eggs whilst the cob (male) keeps a steady lookout for potential predators heading towards his mate and offspring. The time from egg laying to hatching is 29 to 30 days. Since they nest in cold regions, Bewick’s Swan cygnets grow faster than those of swans breeding in warmer climates and they may fledge in 40 to 45 days. Cygnets stay with their parents for the first winter migration and the family is sometimes even joined by their offspring from previous breeding seasons while on the wintering grounds. Bewick’s Swans do not reach sexual maturity until 3 or 4 years of age. In summer, the diet of the Bewick’s Swan consists mainly of aquatic vegetation which it finds by sticking its head underwater or upending while swimming. It will also eat some grass growing on dry land. At other times of the year, leftover grains and other crops such as potatoes, picked up in open fields after harvest, make up much of the diet. Healthy adult Bewick’s Swans have few natural predators. The Arctic Fox may threaten breeding females and particular the eggs and hatchlings. Adults typically can stand their ground and displace foxes but occasionally the foxes are successful. Other potential nest predators include the Red Fox, the Brown Bear, the Golden Eagle, the Arctic Skua and the Glaucous Gull. The Brown Bear, the Golden Eagle and the Wolf may occasionally succeed at capturing and killing an adult. About 15% adults die each year from various causes and the average lifespan in the wild is about 10 years. The status of the Bewick's Swan is not well known although its population is in decline in north west Europe for largely unexplained reasons. It is increasingly dependent on agricultural crops to supplement its winter diet as aquatic vegetation in its winter habitat declines due to habitat destruction and water pollution. However, the main cause of adult mortality is hunting and, whilst the Bewick's Swan can not be hunted legally, almost half the birds studied contain lead shot in their bodies, indicating that they were shot at by poachers. Lead poisoning by ingestion of lead shot is also a very significant cause of mortality. The Bewick's Swan is one of the birds to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 2nd January 2017 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30017300.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_87655951658755310850a0.jpgBewick's Swans The Tundra Swan is a small Holarctic swan. The 2 taxa within it are usually regarded as conspecific but are also sometimes split into 2 species: the Bewick's Swan of the Palaearctic and the Whistling Swan of the Nearctic. The Bewick's Swan was named in 1830 by William Yarrell after the engraver Thomas Bewick who specialised in illustrations of birds and animals. The Bewick's Swan measures 45 to 55 inches in length with a wing span of 18.5 to 21.5 inches. Males are slightly larger and heavier than females. It is similar in appearance to the Whooper Swan but is smaller, shorter-necked and has a more rounded head shape. It has a variable bill pattern but always shows more black than yellow and having a blunt forward edge of the yellow base patch. The Whooper Swan has a bill that has more yellow than black and the forward edge of the yellow patch is usually pointed. The bill pattern for every individual Bewick's Swan is unique and scientists often make detailed drawings of each bill and assign names to the swans to assist with studying these birds. As their common name implies, the Tundra Swan breeds in the Arctic and sub-Arctic tundra where they inhabit shallow pools, lakes and rivers. Unlike the Mute Swan, but like the other Arctic swans, it is a migratory bird. The winter habitat is mainly grassland and marshland, often near the coast. The breeding range of the Bewick’s Swan extends across the coastal lowlands of Siberia from the Kola Peninsula east to the Pacific. It starts to arrive in its breeding range around mid-May and leaves for its winter range around the end of September. The populations west of the Taimyr Peninsula migrate via the White Sea, Baltic Sea and the Elbe estuary to winter in Denmark, the Netherlands and the UK where it is common in winter on a few RSPB and WWT reserves. Some birds also winter elsewhere on the southern shores of the North Sea. The Bewick’s Swans that breed in eastern Russia migrate via Mongolia and north China to winter in the coastal regions of Korea, Japan and south China, south to Guangdong and occasionally as far as Taiwan. A few birds from the central Siberian range also winter in Iran at the south of the Caspian Sea. Arrival in the winter range starts about mid-October although most birds spend weeks or even months at favourite resting locations and will only arrive in the winter range in November or even as late as January. Departure from the winter range starts in mid-February. Bewick’s Swans mate in the late spring, usually after they have returned to the breeding range. As is usual for swans, they pair monogamously until one partner dies. Should one partner die long before the other, the surviving bird often will not mate again for several years or even for the rest of its life. The nesting season starts at the end of May. The pair build the large mound-shaped nest from plant material at an elevated site near open water and they defend a large territory around it. The pen (female) lays and incubates a clutch of 2 to 7 (usually 3 to 5) eggs whilst the cob (male) keeps a steady lookout for potential predators heading towards his mate and offspring. The time from egg laying to hatching is 29 to 30 days. Since they nest in cold regions, Bewick’s Swan cygnets grow faster than those of swans breeding in warmer climates and they may fledge in 40 to 45 days. Cygnets stay with their parents for the first winter migration and the family is sometimes even joined by their offspring from previous breeding seasons while on the wintering grounds. Bewick’s Swans do not reach sexual maturity until 3 or 4 years of age. In summer, the diet of the Bewick’s Swan consists mainly of aquatic vegetation which it finds by sticking its head underwater or upending while swimming. It will also eat some grass growing on dry land. At other times of the year, leftover grains and other crops such as potatoes, picked up in open fields after harvest, make up much of the diet. Healthy adult Bewick’s Swans have few natural predators. The Arctic Fox may threaten breeding females and particular the eggs and hatchlings. Adults typically can stand their ground and displace foxes but occasionally the foxes are successful. Other potential nest predators include the Red Fox, the Brown Bear, the Golden Eagle, the Arctic Skua and the Glaucous Gull. The Brown Bear, the Golden Eagle and the Wolf may occasionally succeed at capturing and killing an adult. About 15% adults die each year from various causes and the average lifespan in the wild is about 10 years. The status of the Bewick's Swan is not well known although its population is in decline in north west Europe for largely unexplained reasons. It is increasingly dependent on agricultural crops to supplement its winter diet as aquatic vegetation in its winter habitat declines due to habitat destruction and water pollution. However, the main cause of adult mortality is hunting and, whilst the Bewick's Swan can not be hunted legally, almost half the birds studied contain lead shot in their bodies, indicating that they were shot at by poachers. Lead poisoning by ingestion of lead shot is also a very significant cause of mortality. The Bewick's Swan is one of the birds to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 2nd January 2017 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9681534.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12101267524db7ec751efe8.jpgTeal The Eurasian Teal or Common Teal is often called simply the Teal due to being the only one of these small [i]Anas[/i] dabbling ducks in much of its range. The Teal is the smallest dabbling duck at 7.9 to 11.8 inches in length and with a wingspan of 21 to 23 inches. From a distance, the male Teal in breeding plumage appears grey with a dark head, a yellowish behind and a white stripe running along the flanks. Their head and upper neck is chestnut with a wide and iridescent dark green patch of half-moon or teardrop-shape that starts immediately before the eye and arcs to the upper hindneck. This patch is bordered with thin yellowish-white lines and a single line of that colour extends from the patch's forward end and curving along the base of the bill. The breast is buff with small round brown spots. The centre of the belly is white and the rest of the body plumage is mostly white with thin and dense blackish vermiculations, appearing medium grey even at a short distance. The outer scapular feathers are white with a black border to the outer vanes and these form the white side-stripe when the bird is in resting position. The tail and tail coverts are black with a bright yellowish-buff triangular patch in the centre of the coverts at each side. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female. It is more uniform in colour with a dark head and vestigial facial markings. The female Teal is yellowish-brown but somewhat darker on the wings and back. It has a dark greyish-brown upper head, hindneck, eyestripe and feather pattern. The pattern is dense short streaks on the head and neck and scaly spots on the rest of the body. Overall it looks much like a tiny Mallard. Immatures are coloured much like the adult females but they have a stronger pattern. The downy young are coloured like other dabbling ducks, brown above and yellow below with a yellow supercilium. The male's bill is dark grey but in the eclipse plumage it often shows some light greenish or brownish hue at the base. The bill of the females and immatures is pinkish or yellowish at the base, becoming dark grey towards the tip. The feet are dark grey in the males and greyish olive or greyish-brown in females and immatures. The Teal breeds across north Eurasia where it occupies sheltered freshwater wetlands with some tall vegetation such as taiga bogs or small lakes and ponds with extensive reedbeds. It mostly winters well south of its breeding range in the Mediterranean region, south Asia and some parts of Africa where it is often seen in large flocks in brackish waters and even in sheltered inlets and lagoons along the seashore. It is also regularly recorded on the north American coasts south to California and South Carolina. In the milder climate of temperate Europe, such as in the UK, the summer and winter ranges overlap. In the UK, the Teal can be found all year round but it is thinly distributed as a breeding species. In winter, birds congregate in larger numbers on low-lying wetlands both on the coast and inland in the south and west of the UK. Of these, many are continental birds from around the Baltic and Siberia. At this time, the UK is home to a significant percentage of the north west European wintering population. The Teal is much less abundant than the very similar Green-winged Teal from north America although it is still common and widespread. It appears to be holding its own currently with perhaps a slow decline due to drainage and pollution of wetlands. The IUCN and BirdLife International classify the Teal as a species of “Least Concern”. However, it is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. The Teal nests on the ground near water. Pairs form in the winter range and arrive on the breeding range together from about March. Breeding starts some weeks thereafter and not until May in the most northerly locations. The nest is a deep hollow lined with dry leaves and down feathers which is built in dense vegetation near water. After the females have started laying their eggs, the males leave them and move away and assemble in flocks on particular lakes where they moult into their eclipse plumage. The female lays 5 to 16 eggs but usually 8 to 11. Incubation lasts for 21 to 23 days and the young leave the nest soon after hatching and are cared for by the female for about 25 to 30 days. The males and the females with young generally move to the winter range separately. After the first winter, the young moult in to their adult plumage. The Teal usually feeds by dabbling, upending or grazing. In the breeding season it eats mainly aquatic invertebrates, such as crustaceans, insects and their larvae, molluscs and worms. In winter, it shifts to a largely granivorous diet, feeding on seeds of aquatic plants and grasses including sedges and grains. Date: 25th April 2011 Location: Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46535119.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_168230086862caa2933e55a.jpgAzure Damselfly Flight period: May to August The Azure Damselfly is one of the two commonest blue damselflies and is a common and widespread species of lowland UK. They can be found around most standing water, preferring small, sheltered sites including ditches and garden ponds. Date: 3rd July 2022 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39081936.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4384252985d3077b80260d.jpgLake Srebarna, Silistra Province, Bulgaria Lake Srebarna is a freshwater lake periodically flooded by the River Danube just over 1 mile to the north. It is located in north east Bulgaria near the village of the same name and 11 miles west of Silistra. Lake Srebarna is a remnant of the once numerous lakes that lined the River Danube’s route to the Black Sea. The lake has large reedbeds and there is adjacent steppe, vineyards and agricultural land. A belt of woodland separates it from the River Danube. Lake Srebarna was the first wetland in Bulgaria to receive legal protection status and also the first to achieve international recognition. The lake was designated as a nature reserve in 1948 to protect the biodiversity that it hosts. In 1985 it was included on the UNESCO World Heritage List of Natural Properties. Lake Srebarna is also protected as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention and as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. In 1989 the lake was designated as an lmportant Bird Area by BirdLife International. It is also recognised and protected at the European level and included in 2 Natura 2000 sites: the Srebarna Special Protection Area and Ludogorie-Srebarna Special Area of Conservation. The nature reserve includes 3.7 square miles of protected area and a buffer zone of 3.4 square miles. It comprises Lake Srebarna itself, which has a fluctuating water level dependent on the River Danube, plus the former agricultural lands north of the lake, a belt of woodland along the River Danube, the island of Komluka and the aquatic area locked between the island and the riverbank. The reserve is an important wetland on the Via Pontica bird migration flyway. The basis for the nature reserve’s international significance is that it is an important breeding, migration and wintering site for a large number of birds. Floating reedbed islands and flooded willow woodlands provide important bird breeding areas. At the northern end, the reedbeds gradually give way to wet meadows. At the north west end of Lake Srebarna and along the River Danube, there are belts of riverine forest. The nature reserve holds populations of birds that are considered critical to species survival. It hosts the only colony of Dalmatian Pelican in Bulgaria as well as the largest breeding populations of 4 more globally threatened species: Pygmy Cormorant, Ferruginous Duck, White-tailed Eagle and Corncrake. The nature reserve is also of European value and importance in supporting Little Bittern, Night Heron, Squacco Heron, Purple Heron, Little Egret, Great White Egret, Glossy lbis, Spoonbill and Ruddy Shelduck. Globally threatened Pygmy Cormorant and Red-breasted Goose also winter on the nature reserve. In total, the nature reserve supports over 200 bird species, 41 mammal species, 21 reptile and amphibian species and 10 fish species. Date: 16th May 2018 Location: view from the visitor centre, Srebarna, Silistra Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871609.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20454486074eff1f49c8fa8.jpgKnot The Knot is a dumpy, short-legged, stocky wading bird. In winter, the Knot is grey above and white below but in summer the chest, belly and face are brick red, hence the name Red Knot in north America. The Knot breeds in the tundra areas of the far Arctic north of Europe, Russia and Canada. During migration periods, it can be seen on tidal flats, rocky shores and beaches. The Knot undertakes one of the longest migrations of any bird flying from their Arctic breeding grounds to the coasts and estuaries of Europe, Africa and Australia where they spend the winter. During winter, the Knot forms large, wheeling flocks that contain in excess of 100,000 birds. Date: 26th May 2009 Location: Salltjern, Varangerfjord, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17408569.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1677888973513328cd273d9.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 15th January 2013 Location: Mersehead RSPB reserve, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9680338.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16309398064db7e12b08015.jpgYellow Wagtail The Yellow Wagtail is a small graceful yellow and green bird with a medium-length tail and slender black legs. Yellow Wagtails can be found from late March to September in lowland grassland and marshland habitat in central and eastern England, eastern Wales and southern Scotland. The Yellow Wagtail has been in decline since at least the 1980s, most likely due to loss of habitat for breeding and feeding, and it is therefore a Red List species. Date: 23rd April 2011 Location: Wallasea Island, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453942.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14384987884ff545fff255b.jpgParque Nacional de Monfragüe, Extremadura, Spain Date: 27th April 2012 Location: river Tajo from Salto del Gitano, Parque Nacional de Monfragüe, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33568461.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1379583895a106d37c2e77.jpgDate: 7th November 2017 Location: Loch na Keal, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18198883.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_97871734751ac5d2ae4a2b.jpgCanada Goose The Canada Goose belongs to the [i]Branta[/i] genus of geese which contains species with largely black plumage distinguishing it from the grey species of the genus [i]Anser[/i]. The black head and neck with a white "chinstrap" distinguish the Canada Goose from all other goose species with the exception of the Cackling Goose from north America and the Barnacle Goose which has a black breast and grey rather than brownish body plumage. The 7 sub-species of the Canada Goose vary widely in size and plumage details but all are recognizable as Canada Geese. Of the "true geese" (i.e. the genera [i]Anser[/i], [i]Branta[/i] or [i]Chen[/i]), the Canada Goose is on average the largest living species. It ranges from 30 to 43 inches in length and with a 50 to 73 inches wingspan. The male usually weighs 5.7 to 14.3 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 8.6 pounds. The female looks virtually identical but is slightly lighter at 5.3 to 12.1 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 7.9 pounds. It is also generally 10% smaller in linear dimensions than the male. The Canada Goose is native to north America where it breeds in Canada and the north USA in a wide range of habitats. The Great Lakes region maintains a very large population. It occurs all year round in the southern part of its breeding range, including most of the eastern seaboard and the Pacific coast. Between California and South Carolina in the south USA and north Mexico, it is primarily present as a migrant from further north during the winter. Outside north America, the Canada Goose has reached north Europe naturally as has been proved by ringing recoveries. It has also been introduced in to Europe and had established populations in the UK in the middle of the 18th century, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany and Scandinavia. Most European populations are not migratory but those in more northerly parts of Sweden and Finland migrate to the North Sea and Baltic coasts. Semi-tame feral birds are common in parks and have become a pest in some areas. In the early 17th century, explorer Samuel de Champlain sent several pairs of Canada Geese to France as a present for King Louis XIII. Canada Geese were first introduced in to the UK in the late 17th century as an addition to King James II's waterfowl collection in St. James's Park. They were also introduced in to Germany and Scandinavia during the 20th century. During the second year of its life, the Canada Goose finds a mate. It is a monogamous species and most couples stay together all of their lives. If one dies, the other may find a new mate. The female lays from 2 to 9 eggs with an average of 5. Both parents protect the nest while the eggs incubate but the female spends more time at the nest than the male. The nest is usually located in an elevated area near water such as streams, lakes and ponds and the eggs are laid in a shallow depression lined with plant material and down. The incubation period, in which the female incubates the eggs while the male remains nearby, lasts for 24 to 28 days after laying. As soon as the goslings hatch, they are immediately capable of walking, swimming and finding their own food (a diet similar to the adults). Parents are often seen leading their goslings in a line, usually with one adult at the front and the other at the back. While protecting their goslings, parents often violently chase away anything from small birds to lone humans who approach, after warning them by giving off a hissing sound and then attacking with bites and slaps of the wings if the threat does not retreat. Although parents are hostile to unfamiliar geese, they may form groups (crèches) of a number of goslings and a few adults. The goslings enter the fledgling stage any time from 6 to 9 weeks of age. Once it reaches adulthood, due to its large size and often aggressive behaviour, the Canada Goose is rarely preyed on although prior injury may make it more vulnerable to natural predators. The lifespan in the wild of birds that survive to adulthood ranges from 10 to 24 years. The UK longevity record is held by a specimen tagged as a nestling which was observed alive at the age of 31. The Canada Goose is primarily a herbivore although it will sometimes eat small insects and fish. Their diet includes grasses, aquatic plants, beans and grains such as wheat, rice, and corn when they are available. In urban areas, it is also known to pick food out of rubbish bins and it will readily take a variety of food from humans in parks. Date: 13th May 2013 Location: Spinnies NR, Aberogwen, Gwynedd http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41349697.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8158907265f201803ab36a.jpgComma Flight period: March to October. The Comma was a rarity 100 years ago but is now a common and widespread butterfly in England and Wales and is on the point of recolonising Scotland. They are one of the first butterflies to be seen in spring and can be found in open woodland, woodland edges and gardens. Date: 13th July 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25774116.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1483480167560fb74002a15.jpgDate: 25th September 2015 Location: Loch Eishort, Skye, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30024934.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1958481413587a0adba8525.jpgBittern The Bittern, Eurasian Bittern or Great Bittern is a bird in the bittern sub-family of the heron family. Its folk names, often local, include many variations on the themes of "barrel-maker", "bog-bull", "bog hen", "bog-trotter", "bog-bumper", "mire drum(ble)", "butter bump", "bitter bum", "bog blutter", "bog drum", "boom bird", "bottle-bump", "bull of the bog", "bull of the mire", "bumpy cors" and "heather blutter". Most of these were onomatopoeic colloquial names for the bird. The call was described as "bumping" or "booming" and mire and bog denoted the bird's habitat. As its alternative name of Great Bittern suggests, the Bittern is the largest of the bitterns with males being slightly larger than females. It is 27 to 32 inches in length with a 39 to 51 inches wingspan. The crown and nape are black with the individual feathers rather long and loosely arranged and tipped with buff narrowly barred with black. The sides of the head and neck are a more uniform tawny-buff and irregularly barred with black. The mantle, scapulars and back are of a similar colour but are more heavily barred, the individual feathers having black centres and barring. The head has a yellowish-buff superciliary stripe and a brownish-black moustachial stripe. The sides of the neck are a rusty-brown with faint barring. The chin and throat are buff, the central feathers on the throat having longitudinal stripes of rusty-brown. The breast and belly are yellowish-buff with broad stripes of brown at the side and narrow stripes in the centre. The tail is rusty-buff with black streaks in the centre and black mottling near the edge. The wings are pale rusty-brown and irregularly barred, streaked and mottled with black. The plumage has a loose texture and elongated feathers on the crown, neck and breast can be erected. The powerful bill is greenish-yellow with a darker tip to the upper mandible. The eye has a yellow iris and is surrounded by a ring of greenish or bluish bare skin. The legs and feet are greenish, with some yellow on the tarsal joint and yellow soles to the feet. Juveniles have similar plumage to adults but are somewhat paler with less distinct markings. The mating call or contact call of the male Bittern is a deep, fog-horn or bull-like boom with a quick rise and an only slightly longer fall, easily audible from a distance of 3 miles on a calm night. The call is mainly given between January and April during the mating season. Surveys of Bitterns are carried out by noting the number of distinct male booms in a given area. Prior to modern science, it was unknown how such a small bird produced a call so low-pitched. Common explanations suggested that the bird made its call into a straw or that it blew directly into the water. It is now known that the sound is produced by expelling air from the oesophagus with the aid of powerful muscles surrounding it. Usually solitary, the Bittern forages in reed beds by walking stealthily or remaining still above a body of water where prey may occur. It is a shy bird and if it is disturbed it will often point its bill directly upwards and freezes in that position, causing its cryptic plumage to blend into the surrounding reeds. The Bittern has a secretive nature and keeps largely hidden in reeds and coarse vegetation. Occasionally, especially in hard winter weather, it will stand in the open beside the water's edge, although usually close to cover to facilitate a hasty retreat. In flight, the Bittern’s wings can be seen to be broad and rounded and its legs trail behind it in typical heron fashion. Its neck is extended when it takes off but is retracted when it has picked up speed. It seldom flies however and prefers to move through the vegetation stealthily on foot. Its gait is slow and deliberate and it can clamber over reeds by gripping several at a time with its toes. It is most active at dawn and dusk but also sometimes forages by day. The breeding range of the Bittern extends across temperate parts of Europe and Asia from the UK, Sweden and Finland eastwards to Sakhalin Island in eastern Siberia and Hokkaido Island in Japan. The northern limit of its range is in the Ural Mountains and eastern Siberia whilst the southern limit is the Mediterranean Sea, the Black Sea, Iran, Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia and northern China. Small resident populations also breed in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. Some populations are sedentary and stay in the same areas throughout the year. More northerly populations usually migrate to warmer regions but some birds often remain. Birds in northern Europe tend to move south and west to southern Europe, north and central Africa and northern Asian birds migrate to parts of the Arabian peninsula, the Indian sub-continent and eastern China. In the UK, the Bittern can be found all year round at suitable wetlands, particularly in East Anglia, south east England and south west England. It is most visible in winter. In recent years, the Bittern has become a regular winter visitor to the London Wetland Centre, enabling city residents to view this scare bird. The Bittern is typically found in reed beds and swamps as well as lakes, lagoons and sluggish rivers fringed by rank vegetation. It sometimes nests by ponds in agricultural areas and even quite near habitations where suitable habitat exists but it prefers large reed beds of at least 50 acres in which to breed. Outside the breeding season it has less restrictive habitat requirements and, in addition to reed beds, it can also be found in rice fields, watercress beds, fish farms, gravel pits, sewage works, ditches, flooded areas and marshes. Males are polygamous and mate with up to 5 females. The nest is built in the previous year's standing reeds and consists of an untidy platform some 12 inches across. It may be on a tussock surrounded by water or on matted roots close to water and it is built by the female using bits of reed, sedges and grass stalks with a lining of finer fragments. The clutch of 4 to 6 eggs is laid in late March and April and incubated by the female for about 26 days. After hatching, the chicks spend about 2 weeks in the nest before leaving to swim amongst the reeds. The female rears them without help from the male, regurgitating food from her crop. The chicks become fully fledged at about 8 weeks. The Bittern feeds on fish, small mammals, amphibians and invertebrates, hunting along the reed margins in shallow water. Some vegetable matter such as aquatic plants is also consumed. The Bittern has a very wide range and a large total population and therefore the IUCN has assessed its overall conservation status as being of "Least Concern” because although the population trend is downward, the rate of decline is insufficient to justify rating it in a more threatened category. The chief threat that the Bittern faces is the drainage and disturbance of its wetland habitats. Date: 5th January 2017 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28887469.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_121435814157cc405a18747.jpgVonnu, Estonia Date: 10th May 2016 Location: Vonnu, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26270460.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_52670323566553610e177.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 4th December 2015 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4466056.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9636458674b8a23cfbc8bf.jpgTromsøysundet, Tromsø http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833209.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1628444621559ce82c6b020.jpgWhite Pelicans The White Pelican is a huge bird, with only the Dalmatian Pelican averaging larger amongst the pelicans. The wingspan of the White Pelican can range from 7.41 to 11.8 feet, with the latter measurement the largest recorded among flying animals outside of the great albatrosses. The total length can range from 55 to 71 inches with the enormous bill comprising 11.5 to 18.5 inches of that length. The immature White Pelican is grey with dark flight feathers. In breeding condition the male has pinkish skin on its face and the female has orangey skin. It differs from the Dalmatian pelican by its pure white, rather than greyish-white, plumage, a bare pink facial patch around the eye and pinkish legs. Males are larger than females, and have a long beak that grows in a downwards arc, as opposed to the shorter, straighter beak of the female. In flight, it is an elegant soaring bird, with the head held close to and aligned with the body by a downward bend in the neck. The White Pelican is well adapted for aquatic life. The short strong legs and webbed feet propel it in water and aid the rather awkward takeoff from the water surface. Once aloft, the long-winged pelicans are powerful fliers, however, and often travel in spectacular V-formation groups. The White Pelican is usually found in and around shallow warm fresh water. Well scattered groups of breeding pelicans occur through Eurasia from the eastern Mediterranean to Vietnam. In Eurasia, fresh or brackish waters may be inhabited and the White Pelican may be found in lakes, deltas, lagoons and marshes, usually with dense reed beds nearby for nesting purposes. Additionally, sedentary populations are found year-round in Africa, south of the Sahara Desert although these are patchy. Migratory populations are found from Eastern Europe to Kazakhstan during the breeding season. They arrive in late March or early April and depart after breeding from September to late November. Wintering locations for European White Pelicans are not exactly known but wintering birds may occur in north east Africa through Iraq to north India, with a particularly large number of breeders from Asia wintering around Pakistan. The diet of the White Pelican consists mainly of fish and they leave their roost to feed early in the mornings and may fly over 60 miles in search of food. The White Pelican's pouch serves simply as a scoop. As it pushes its bill underwater, the lower bill bows out creating a large pouch which fills with water and fish. As the bird lifts its head, the pouch contracts and forces out the water but retaining the fish. A group of 6 to 8 White Pelicans will gather in a horseshoe formation in the water to feed together. They dip their bills in unison, creating a circle of open pouches, ready to trap every fish in the area. Most feeding is co-operative and done in groups, especially in shallow waters where fish schools can be corralled easily. White Pelicans are not restricted to fish, however, and are often opportunistic foragers. In addition, they also eat crustaceans, tadpoles and even turtles and will readily accept handouts from humans. The White Pelican breeding season commences in April or May in temperate zones, essentially all year round in Africa and begins in February through April in India. Large numbers of White Pelicans breed together in colonies. Nest locations are variable with some populations making stick nests in trees but a majority nest in scrapes on the ground lined with grass, sticks, feathers and other material. Date: 14th May 2015 Location: Great Prespa Lake (Megali Prespa), West Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31192257.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_69056801859182381d574c2.85800629.jpgBlack Grouse The Black Grouse is a large game bird in the grouse family. The male has all black plumage with distinctive red wattles over the eyes and striking white stripes along each wing in flight. It has a lyre-shaped tail which is fanned out and raised to show white under-tail feathers when displaying. The female is smaller and grey-brown in colour. The Black Grouse is a sedentary species and breeds across northern Eurasia in moorland and bog areas near to mostly boreal woodland. Although it is declining, it is not considered to be vulnerable globally due to the large population and slow rate of decline. Its decline is due to loss of habitat, disturbance, predation by foxes, crows, etc., and small populations gradually dying out. In the UK, the Black Grouse are found in upland areas of Wales, the Pennines and most of Scotland, especially on farmland and moorland with nearby forestry or scattered trees. Habitat loss and overgrazing have resulted in severe population declines which make the Black Grouse a Red List species. Positive habitat management and re-introduction programmes are helping it to increase in some areas. The Black Grouse has a very distinctive and well-recorded courtship. At dawn in the spring, the males strut around in a traditional area (lek) and display whilst making a highly distinctive and bubbling mating call. This photo was taken at a well known roadside lekking site. If visiting, please remain in your car to avoid disturbance to these vulnerable breeding birds. Date: 6th May 2017 Location: World's End, Denbighshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40755790.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6196273025e2043d67d65b.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle Goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 8th December 2019 Location: Workum area, Friesland, Netherlands http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42202642.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16496389595ff3105128896.jpgBrown Bear The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, Ursus arctos arctos. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an evening visit with [url=https://www.karhujenkatselu.fi/en-gb]Karhu-Kuusamo[/url] Date: 7th July 2019 Location: Kuntilampi, near Kuusamo, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12759452.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6260192584e71b9ba14545.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 21st October 2007 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/loutros-east-macedonia-and-thrace https://images.on-this.website/4752_831322880559cf2ef91bcc.jpgLoutros, East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece Loutros is a small village in the southern part of the Evros region located on a small river between low hills east of Alexandroupoli and on the edge of the coastal plains of the Aegean Sea. Date: 8th May 2015 Location: view from the southern Evros hills http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13683328.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13343660794ed72ee14ef9f.jpgScottish Wildcat The Wildcat is the UK’s only native cat. It looks very similar to a domestic tabby cat but it is larger with a stockier build and a thick bushy tail which has 3 to 5 broad black bands of fur and a rounded and blunt black tip. The colour of the coat varies from greyish to yellowish-brown. The Wildcat is confined to Scotland north of Glasgow and Edinburgh but it is absent from the Scottish Islands. It prefers areas with varied habitats on the edge of moorland with pasture, scrub and forests. High mountains where prey is scarce and intensively farmed lowland regions are avoided. In winter, bad weather drives the Wildcat from mountains and moorlands into more sheltered wooded valleys. The Wildcat is a shy and wary animal which is active at night, mainly around dawn and dusk. The diet consists of Rabbits, Hares and small mammals but quite large birds and animals freshly killed on roads may also be taken. It sometimes stores or caches uneaten prey by hiding it under vegetation. During the day, and in periods of heavy rain and snow, the Wildcat lies up in dens located amongst boulders and rocky cairns or in old Fox earths, Badgers setts, peat hags or tree roots. The Wildcat is also a solitary and territorial animal living at a low population density. There may be one cat to three square kilometres in good habitats but only one cat to 10 square kilometres in less favourable areas. Urine sprayed on boulders and tree trunks and droppings deposited in prominent places, are used by the Wildcat to mark its territory. Although the Wildcat may live for 10 to 12 years in the wild, most seem to die at an early age. The Wildcat used to be found throughout mainland UK but due to persecution and clearance of wooded land it declined over several centuries. It disappeared from southern England in the 16th century and the last one recorded from northern England was shot in 1849. The Wildcat almost became extinct in the UK in the early years of last century but, following reduced persecution at the time of the First World War and helped by more forestry plantations, it recolonised parts of Scotland. However, this recovery now seems to have slowed down. The urbanised habitat of the central lowlands of Scotland seems to be a barrier to further dispersal. A recent survey failed to find any evidence of Wildcats south of the industrial belt of Scotland. Although increasing afforestation helped the spread of the Wildcat, as forest plantations mature they become less suitable for the small mammals on which the Wildcat preys. Forestry management to encourage Wildcats should therefore aim to diversify the age of plantations. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and 1988 now gives strict legal protection to Wildcats and their dens and it is an offence to take or kill one except under licence. Despite this protection, illegal trapping and shooting are still major causes of death of Wildcats whilst others die in road traffic accidents and there is still a risk from illegal poisoning. Inter-breeding with domestic cats gone wild (known as feral cats) could pose an insidious threat to the Wildcat’s survival in the UK by changing the species' genetic identity. The Wildcat is also at risk from diseases of domestic cats such as feline leukaemia. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40399563.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16579119985dc6ad47a0844.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 18th October 2019 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081452.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_182424502263a849421d3d3.jpgBlack-tailed Godwit The Black-tailed Godwit is a large, long-legged, long-billed shorebird with an orange head, neck and chest in its breeding plumage and a uniform brown-grey breast and upperparts in winter. During the breeding season, the bill has a yellowish or orange-pink base and dark tip but the base is pink in winter. The legs are dark grey, brown or black. The sexes are similar but in breeding plumage they can be separated by the male's brighter, more extensive orange breast, neck and head. In flight, the bold black and white wingbar and white rump can be seen readily. When on the ground the Black-tailed Godwit can be difficult to separate from the similar Bar-tailed Godwit but the Black-tailed Godwit's longer, straighter bill and longer legs are diagnostic. The Black-tailed Godwit’s breeding range stretches from Iceland through northern Europe and areas of central Asia where it can be found in fens, lake edges, damp meadows, moorlands and bogs. It winters in areas as diverse as the Indian Subcontinent, Australia, western Europe and west Africa where it can be found on estuaries and floods. It is also more likely to be found inland and on freshwater than the Bar-tailed Godwit. Date: 9th January 2022 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39081980.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6705860365d3078ddcd0b8.jpgPygmy Cormorants The Pygmy Cormorant is the smallest member of the cormorant family and is a medium-sized green-glossed black bird with a long tail and short thick bill. Adults have small white feather tufts on the head, neck and underparts in the breeding season. The sexes are similar, but juveniles are duller and browner. The Pygmy Cormorant is distinguished from the Great Cormorant and the Shag by its much smaller size, lighter build and long tail. The Pygmy Cormorant can be found along the east coasts of the Adriatic Sea, the northern Aegean Sea, the Black Sea eastwards to the Caspian Sea and in Iraq. The Pygmy Cormorant breeds in Albania, Greece, Bulgaria, Turkey, Romania, Moldavia, Ukraine, Russia, Azerbaijan and Iraq while a few pairs also breed in Hungary and Slovakia. The biggest colony is located in the Danube Delta in Romania and numbers 4,000 pairs. In Greece the most important colonies are located at Lake Mikri Prespa and Lake Kerkini. The Pygmy Cormorant also formerly bred in the Axios Delta, at Lake Ismarida and Lake Kastoria, in the Evros Delta and at Porto Lagos. The most important wintering areas in Greece are mainly the large wetlands of Thrace and Macedonia. The Pygmy Cormorant can be found in wetlands with still or slowly flowing fresh water and more rarely in coastal wetlands. It builds nests from sticks and reeds in dense vegetation, in trees, shrubs, willows but occasionally in reeds on small floating islets, either alone or with Great Cormorants, Spoonbills and heron and egret species. The Pygmy Cormorant feeds on small fish and rarely on small aquatic mammals and molluscs which are caught by diving. It often hunts in groups and perches in trees between fishing expeditions. The Pygmy Cormorant is a species with habitats strongly affected by human actions. Threats include the drainage and serious degradation of wetlands and their associated woodland, water pollution, disturbance, poaching as well as drowning in fishing nets. Being a great fish consumer and destroyer of fishing nets, it is often persecuted by fishermen. Date: 17th May 2018 Location: Lake Srebarna, Silistra Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18776282.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_65645342351f4cf0292fdc.jpgRed Grouse The Red Grouse is a medium-sized bird of the grouse family which is found in heather moorland in the UK and Ireland. It is endemic to the UK and has developed in isolation. It is usually classified as a sub-species of the Willow Ptarmigan or Willow Grouse which is found in birch and other forests and moorlands in north Europe, the tundra of Scandinavia, Siberia, Alaska and north Canada. The Red Grouse is differentiated from the Willow Ptarmigan and Rock Ptarmigan by its plumage being reddish brown and not having a white winter plumage. The tail is black and the legs are white. There are white stripes on the underwing and red combs over the eye. Females are less reddish than the males and have less conspicuous combs. Young birds are duller and lack the red combs. The Red Grouse is found across most parts of Scotland, including Orkney, Shetland and most of the Outer Hebrides. It is only absent from urban areas such as in the Central Belt. In Wales there are strong populations of Red Grouse in some places but the range has retracted. It is now largely absent from the far south and the main strongholds are Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons and the Cambrian Mountains. In England the Red Grouse is mainly found in the north in areas such as the Lake District, Northumberland, County Durham, much of Yorkshire, the Pennines and the Peak District as far south as the Staffordshire Moorlands. There is an isolated introduced population on Dartmoor and overspill Welsh birds visit the Shropshire Hills.The typical habitat is upland heather moors away from trees. It can also be found in some low-lying bogs and birds may visit farmland during hard weather. The UK population of the Red Grouse is estimated at about 250,000 pairs. Numbers have declined in recent years and it is now absent in areas where it was once common. Reasons for the decline include disease, loss of heather due to overgrazing, creation of new conifer plantations and a decline in the number of upland gamekeepers. Some predators feed on Red Grouse and there is ongoing controversy as to what effect these have on numbers. The Red Grouse is herbivorous and feeds mainly on the shoots, seeds and flowers of heather. It will also feed on berries, cereal crops and sometimes insects. The Red Grouse is considered a game bird and is shot in large numbers during the shooting season which traditionally starts on August 12th (known as the Glorious Twelfth). Shooting can take the form of “walked up” (where shooters walk across the moor to flush grouse and take a shot) or “driven” (where grouse are driven, often in large numbers, by “beaters” towards the shooters who are hiding behind a line of “butts”). Many moors are managed to increase the density of Red Grouse. Areas of heather are subjected to controlled burning since this allows fresh young shoots to regenerate which are favoured by Red Grouse. In addition, extensive predator control is a feature of grouse moor management and the extent and legality to which it occurs is hotly contested between conservation groups and shooting interests and the subject generates a lot of media attention. The Red Grouse is widely known as the logo of The Famous Grouse whisky and an animated bird is a character in a series of its adverts. It is also the emblem of the magazine “British Birds”. Date: 20th June 2013 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4267132.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12220062714b52223fafd69.jpgOtter The Eurasian Otter, also known as the European Otter, Eurasian River Otter, Common Otter and Old World Otter and commonly known as the Otter, is a semi-aquatic mammal and the most widely distributed member of the Otter sub-family of the Weasel family (Mustelidae). The Otter is a typical species of the Otter sub-family and is brown above and cream below. It is 22.5 to 37.5 inches long excluding a tail of 14 to 17.5 inches. The female is shorter than the male. The Otter's average body weight is 15 to 26 pounds, although occasionally a large old male may reach up to 37 pounds. The Otter differs from the North American River Otter by its shorter neck, broader face, the greater space between the ears and its longer tail. However, it is the only Otter species in much of its range so it is rarely confused for any other animal. The Otter is the most widely distributed Otter species and its range including parts of Asia and Africa as well as being widespread across Europe. The Otter can be found throughout most of the UK with the highest densities in Scotland, especially the islands and the north west coast, Wales, parts of East Anglia and the West Country. The Otter declined across its range in the second half of the 20th century primarily due to pollution, habitat loss and hunting. However, populations are now recovering in many parts of Europe. In the UK the number of sites with an Otter presence increased by 55% between 1994 and 2002. In August 2011, the Environment Agency announced that the Otter had returned to every county in England since vanishing from every county except the West Country and parts of Northern England. The recovery of the Otter population in Europe is due to a ban on the most harmful pesticides that has been in place since 1979, improvements in water quality leading to increases in prey populations and direct legal protection under the European Union Habitats Directive and national legislation in several European countries. In general, the Otter’s varied and adaptable diet means that it can be found on any unpolluted body of fresh water, including lakes, streams, rivers and ponds, as long as the food supply is adequate. It can also be found along the coast in salt water but it requires regular access to fresh water to clean its fur. When living in the sea it is sometimes referred to as a "Sea Otter" but it should not be confused with the true Sea Otter which is a North American species much more strongly adapted to a marine existence. The Otter's diet mainly consists of fish. However, during the winter and in colder environments, fish consumption is significantly lower and other sources of food are eaten including amphibians, crustaceans, insects, birds and small mammals. Hunting mainly takes place at night whilst the day is usually spent in the Otter's holt (den). The Otter is strongly territorial and is primarily solitary. An individual's territory may vary between 1 and 25 miles with the length of the territory depending on the density of food available and the width of the water suitable for hunting (it is shorter on coasts, where the available width is much wider and longer on narrower rivers). The Otter uses its spraints to mark its territory. Territories are only held against members of the same sex so those of males and females may overlap. The Otter is a non-seasonal breeder and males and females will breed at any time of the year. It has been found that their mating season is most likely determined simply by the Otters' reproductive maturity and physiological state. Female Otters are sexually mature between 18 and 24 months old and the average age of first breeding is found to be 2.5 years old. Gestation is 60 to 64 days and after the gestation period, 1 to 4 pups are born which remain dependent on the mother for about 13 months. The male plays no direct role in parental care although the territory of a female with her pups is usually entirely within that of the male. Date: 1st January 2010 Location: Loch Scridain, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo8135938.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8345775674d1d9d1a5e206.jpgDark-bellied Brent Geese The Brent Goose belongs to the [I]Branta[/I] genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the [I]Anser[/I] genus of grey geese. [I]Branta[/I] is a Latinised form of Old Norse [I]brandgás[/I], meaning "burnt (black) goose", and [i]bernicla[/i] is the medieval Latin name for the barnacle. The Brent Goose and the similar Barnacle Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be the same creature as the crustacean, a myth that can be dated back to at least the 12th century. The Brent Goose, [I]Branta bernicla[/I] is divided into 3 sub-species: Dark-bellied Brent Goose [I]B. b. bernicla[/I], Pale-bellied Brent Goose [i]B. b. hrota[/i] (sometimes also known as Light-bellied Brent Goose) and Black Brant [i]B. b. nigricans[/i]. Some DNA evidence suggests that these forms are genetically distinct and a split into 3 separate species has been proposed. However, other evidence upholds their maintenance as a single species. The Brent Goose is a small goose, 22 to 26 inches long with a wingspan of 42 to 48 inches. The under-tail is pure white and the tail black and very short (the shortest of any goose). The Dark-bellied Brent Goose is fairly uniformly dark grey-brown all over and the flanks and belly are not significantly paler than the back. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds on the Arctic coasts of central and west Siberia and winters in west Europe with over half the population in south England and the rest between north Germany and north west France. The Pale-bellied Brent Goose appears blackish-brown and light grey in colour and the flanks and belly are significantly paler than the back and present a marked contrast. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds in Franz Josef Land, Svalbard, Greenland and north east Canada and winters in Denmark, north east England, Ireland and the Atlantic coast of the USA from Maine to Georgia as well as in a small but significant area in north France. The Black Brant appears blackish-brown and white in colour. This sub-species is very contrastingly black and white with a uniformly dark sooty-brown back, similarly-coloured underparts (with the dark colour extending furthest back of the 3 sub-species) and a prominent white flank patch. It also has a larger white neck patch which forms an almost complete collar. It breeds in north west Canada, Alaska and east Siberia and winters mostly on the west coast of north America from south Alaska to California but also in east Asia, mainly Japan. It sometimes appears as a vagrant in Europe when it associates with the other Brent Goose species. The Brent Goose used to be a strictly coastal bird in winter, seldom leaving tidal estuaries where it feeds on eel-grass and seaweed. In recent decades, it has started using agricultural land a short distance inland, feeding extensively on grass and winter-sown cereals. This may be behaviour learned by following other species of geese. Food resource pressure may also be important in forcing this change since the world population increased over 10-fold by the mid-1980s, possibly reaching the carrying capacity of the estuaries. In the breeding season, the Brent Goose uses low-lying wet coastal tundra for both breeding and feeding. The nest is bowl-shaped, lined with grass and down and located in an elevated position often near a small pond. The Brent Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds applies. Date: 26th December 2010 Location: Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33857813.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6727139175a4dfe9da2562.jpgPurple Sandpipers The Purple Sandpiper is a small wading shorebird. Adults have short yellow legs and a medium thin dark bill with a yellow base. The body is dark above with a slight purplish gloss and mainly white below. The breast is smeared with grey and the rump is black. The Purple Sandpiper breeds in the northern tundra and Arctic islands in Canada and coastal areas in Greenland and north west Europe and nests on the ground either elevated on rocks or in a lower damp location. The males makes several scrapes following which the female chooses one and lays 3 or 4 eggs. The male takes the major responsibility for incubation and tends the chicks. The Purple Sandpiper is migratory and moves to rocky ice-free Atlantic coasts in winter where it is fairly gregarious, forming small flocks and often associating with Turnstones. It is also relatively tame and approachable. In the UK, the Purple Sandpiper occurs in winter in good numbers, principally along the east and south coasts where it favours rocky shorelines adjacent to the sea. It is a very rare breeding bird and is found only in a localised area of the Cairngorms National Park where 1 to 3 pairs have bred since the 1970s. Date: 1st January 2018 Location: Aldeburgh, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41187445.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8918068145ea6d52467239.jpgBlue Tit The Blue Tit is a small passerine bird in the tit family. It is easily recognisable by its generally blue and yellow plumage and its small size. The Blue Tit is about 4.7 inches long with a wingspan of 7.1 inches. It has an azure blue crown and a dark blue line passing through the eye and encircling the white cheeks to the chin, giving the bird a very distinctive appearance. The forehead and a bar on the wing are white. The nape, wings and tail are blue and the back is yellowish green. The underparts are mostly sulphur-yellow with a dark line down the abdomen. The bill is black and the legs bluish grey. The sexes are similar whilst young birds are noticeably more yellow. The Blue Tit is very agile and it can cling to the outermost branches and hang upside down when searching for food such as insects, caterpillars and seeds. The Blue Tit can be found throughout areas of the European continent with a mainly temperate or Mediterranean climate and in parts of the Middle East. In the UK it is common in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens and widespread across the whole of the country with the exception of some Scottish islands. The Blue Tit will nest in any suitable hole in a tree, wall or stump, often competing with other birds such as the House Sparrow or Great Tit for the site. In addition, it will readily accept an artificial nesting box. The same hole is returned to year after year and when one pair dies another takes possession. The nesting material is usually moss, wool, hair and feathers and the eggs are laid in April or May. The number in the clutch is often very large but 7 or 8 is normal. It is not unusual for a single bird to feed the chicks in the nest at a rate of one feed every 90 seconds during the height of the breeding season. Successful breeding is dependent on a sufficient supply of caterpillars as well as satisfactory weather. Breeding may be affected badly if the weather is cold and wet between May and July, particularly if this coincides with the emergence of the caterpillars on which the nestlings are fed. The small size of the Blue Tit makes it vulnerable to predation by larger birds and the typical lifespan is 3 years or less. The most significant predator is probably the Sparrowhawk, closely followed by the domestic cat. Nests may also be robbed by mammals such as the Weasel and Red and Grey Squirrels. Date: 21st April 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26270159.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_48768435566550d610bc0.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 4th December 2015 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30017253.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9981489395875512932b20.jpgEider The Eider is a large sea duck that is distributed over the northern coasts of Europe, north America and eastern Siberia. It breeds in the Arctic and some northern temperate regions but winters somewhat further south in temperate zones when it can form large flocks on coastal waters. The Eider is both the largest of the 4 eider species and the largest duck found in Europe and in north America (except for the Muscovy duck which only reaches north America in a wild state in southernmost Texas and south Florida). The Eider is characterized by its bulky shape and large, wedge-shaped bill. The male is unmistakable with its black and white plumage and green nape. The female is a brown bird but can still be readily distinguished from all ducks, except other eider species, on the basis of size and head shape. The drake's display call is a strange almost human-like "ah-ooo" while the duck utters hoarse quacks. The Eider dives for crustaceans and molluscs, with mussels being a favoured food. The Eider will eat mussels by swallowing them whole. The shells are then crushed in their gizzard and excreted. When eating a crab, the Eider will remove all of its claws and legs and then eat the body in a similar fashion. The Eider is abundant with populations of about 1.5 to 2 million birds in both Europe and north America and also large but unknown numbers in eastern Siberia. The Eider is a colonial breeder nesting on coastal islands in colonies ranging in size of less than 100 to upwards of 10,000 to 15,000 individuals. Female Eiders frequently exhibit a high degree of natal philopatry where they return to breed on the same island where they were hatched. This can lead to a high degree of relatedness between individuals nesting on the same island as well as the development of kin-based female social structures. This relatedness has likely played a role in the evolution of co-operative breeding behaviours amongst Eiders. Examples of these behaviours include laying eggs in the nests of related individuals and crèching where female Eiders team up and share the work of rearing ducklings. The Eider's nest is built close to the sea and is lined with the celebrated eiderdown plucked from the female's breast. This soft and warm lining has long been harvested for filling pillows and quilts but in more recent years has been largely replaced by down from domestic farm geese and synthetic alternatives. Although eiderdown pillows or quilts are now a rarity, eiderdown harvesting continues and is sustainable as it can be done after the ducklings leave the nest with no harm to the birds. This bird was part of the captive collection at WWT Slimbridge. Date: 2nd January 2017 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25774296.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_598350578560fe2d194bf5.jpgPine Marten The Pine Marten is a member of the mustelid family which also includes the Mink, the Otter, the Badger, the Stoat and the Weasel. It is the only mustelid with semi-retractable claws which enables it to lead a more arboreal lifestyle such as climbing or running in trees. The Pine Marten is about the size of a domestic cat and males are slightly larger than females. The fur is usually light to dark brown and grows longer and silkier during the winter months. It has a cream to yellow coloured "bib" marking on their throats and a long fluffy tail. The Pine Marten is usually found in deciduous and coniferous woodland with plenty of cover and it is mainly active at dusk and at night. It has small rounded, highly sensitive ears and sharp teeth adapted for eating small mammals, birds, insects, frogs and carrion although it also eats berries, nuts, fungi, birds' eggs and honey. Pine Marten dens are commonly found in hollow trees or the fallen root masses of Scots Pines, an association that probably earned them their name. Cairns and cliffs covered with scrub are frequently used as alternative den sites. Territories vary in size according to habitat and food availability. The Pine Marten is one of the rarest native mammals in the UK. Until the 19th century, it was found throughout much of mainland UK, the Isle of Wight and some of the Scottish islands although habitat fragmentation, persecution by gamekeepers and hunting for their fur drastically reduced this distribution. By the 1920s, the main Pine Marten population in the UK was restricted to a small area of north west Scotland. Until recently it remained only at all common in this region where some individuals have lost their fear of man and come to take food provided for them, particularly enjoying jam and peanut butter. A study in 2012 found that the Pine Marten has spread from its Scottish Highland stronghold, north into east Sutherland and Caithness and south east from the Great Glen into Moray, Aberdeenshire, Perthshire, Tayside and the Stirling area with some also occurring in the Central Belt and on the Kintyre and Cowal peninsulas. Expansion in south Scotland has been limited and despite reintroduction to the Glen Trool Forest there has only been a restricted spread from there. In England, the Pine Marten is extremely rare with scattered reports from Cumbria, Northumberland and mid Wales. In July 2015 the [url=http://www.shropshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/pine-marten-appeal] first confirmed sighting of a Pine Marten in England for over a century[/url] was recorded by an amateur photographer in woodland in Shropshire. In Wales, the Vincent Wildlife Trust is implementing a [url=http://www.pine-marten-recovery-project.org.uk/news/pine-martens-arrive-in-wales]reintroduction project[/url] through translocations of Pine Martens from Scotland. The Pine Marten is still quite rare in Ireland but the population is recovering and spreading. The traditional strongholds are in the west and south, especially the Burren, but the population in the Midlands has significantly increased in recent years. A study published in 2015 showed that the Pine Marten was distributed across every county in Northern Ireland. Although they are preyed upon occasionally by Golden Eagles and Red Foxes, humans are the largest threat to the Pine Marten. It is vulnerable from conflict with humans, arising from predator control for other species and the use of inhabited buildings for denning. The Pine Marten is also affected by persecution (illegal poisoning and shooting) by gamekeepers and loss of habitat. This record shot of poor quality was taken in very low light and through a window and the Pine Marten was encouraged to visit every evening during a week long stay at Mingarry Lodges with a supply of jam, peanut butter, suet pellets and grapes! Date: 23rd September 2015 Location: Mingarry Lodges, Mingarry, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801262.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_107472257864edb30f497dd.jpgBrown Argus Flight period: May to September. The Brown Argus is always brown but confusingly belongs to the group of "blue" butterflies! They are usually found on chalk and limestone grassland in south east England but may also occur in a wide variety of other habitats such as heathland, coastal dunes, woodland clearings and road verges. Date: 26th July 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813346.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11450426065d0dddf3e9a15.jpgRed Squirrel The Red Squirrel or Eurasian Red Squirrel is a species of tree squirrel in the genus [i]Sciurus[/i]. It is an arboreal and primarily herbivorous rodent. The Red Squirrel has a typical head and body length of 7.5 to 9 inches, a tail length of 6 to 8 inches and a weight of 9 to 12 ounces. Males and females are the same size. The Red Squirrel is smaller and lighter in weight than the Grey Squirrel The coat of the Red Squirrel varies in colour with the time of year and its location and there are several different coat colour morphs ranging from black to red. Red coats are most common in the UK but in other parts of Europe and Asia different coat colours co-exist within populations. The underside of the Red Squirrel is always creamy-white in colour. The Red Squirrel sheds its coat twice a year, switching from a thinner summer coat to a thicker, darker winter coat with noticeably larger ear-tufts (a prominent distinguishing feature of this species) between August and November. A lighter, redder overall coat colour, along with the ear-tufts (in adults) and smaller size, distinguish the Red Squirrel from the Grey Squirrel. The long tail helps the Red Squirrel to balance and steer when jumping from tree to tree and running along branches and it may also keep it warm during sleep. The Red Squirrel, like most tree squirrels, has sharp and curved claws to enable it to climb and descend broad tree trunks, thin branches and even house walls and its strong hind legs enable it to leap gaps between trees. The Red Squirrel can be found in the boreal coniferous woods in north Europe and Siberia where it prefers Scots Pine, Norway Spruce and Siberian Pine. In west and south Europe it can be found in broad-leaved woods where the mixture of tree and shrub species provides a better year round source of food. In most of the UK and in Italy, broad-leaved woodlands are now less suitable for it due to the better competitive feeding strategy of the introduced Grey Squirrel. The Red Squirrel makes a drey (nest) out of twigs in a branch-fork, forming a domed structure about 9 to 12 inches in diameter. This is lined with moss, leaves, grass and bark. Tree hollows and woodpecker holes are also used. The Red Squirrel is generally a solitary animal and is shy and reluctant to share food with others. However, outside the breeding season and particularly in winter, several Red Squirrels may share a drey to keep warm. Social organisation is based on dominance hierarchies within and between sexes. Although males are not necessarily dominant towards females, the dominant animals tend to be larger and older than subordinate animals and dominant males tend to have larger home ranges than subordinate males or females. Mating can occur in late winter during February and March and in summer between June and July. During mating, males detect females that are in oestrus by an odour that they produce and, although there is no courtship, the male will chase the female for up to an hour prior to mating. Usually multiple males will chase a single female until the dominant male, usually the largest in the group, mates with the female. Males and females will mate multiple times with many partners. Females must reach a minimum body mass before they enter oestrus and heavy females on average produce more young. If food is scarce breeding may be delayed. Typically a female will produce her first litter in her second year. Up to 2 litters a year per female are possible. Each litter averages 3 young and these are known as kits. Gestation is about 38 to 39 days and the young are looked after by the mother alone and are born helpless, blind and deaf. Their body is covered by hair at 21 days, their eyes and ears open after 3 to 4 weeks and they develop all their teeth by 42 days. Juveniles can eat solids around 40 days following birth and from that point they can leave the nest on their own to find food. However, they still suckle from their mother until weaning occurs at 8 to 10 weeks. The Red Squirrel eats mostly the seeds of trees, fungi, nuts (especially hazelnuts but also beech and chestnuts), berries and young shoots. More rarely, it may also eat bird eggs or nestlings and may occasionally exhibit opportunistic omnivory similar to other rodents. Excess food is put into caches, either buried or in nooks or holes in trees, and eaten when food is scarce. Although the Red Squirrel remembers where it created caches at a better than chance level, its spatial memory is believed to be substantially less accurate and durable than that of the Grey Squirrel. Therefore it will often have to search for them when in need and many caches are never found again. Between 60% and 80% of the active time of a Red Squirrel may be spent foraging and feeding. The active period is generally in the morning and in the late afternoon and evening. It often rests in its nest in the middle of the day to avoid the heat and the high visibility to birds of prey that are dangers during these hours. During the winter, this midday rest is often much more brief or absent entirely although harsh weather may cause it to stay in its nest for days at a time. No territories are claimed between Red Squirrels and the feeding areas of individuals overlap considerably. A Red Squirrel that survives its first winter has a life expectancy of 3 years. Individuals may reach 7 years of age and 10 years in captivity. Survival is positively related to the availability of autumn and winter tree seeds. On average, 75 to 85% of juveniles die during their first winter and mortality is approximately 50% for winters following the first. Predators include small mammals such as the Pine Marten, the Wildcat and the Stoat which all prey on juveniles. Birds, including owls and raptors such as the Goshawk and Common Buzzard, may also prey on the Red Squirrel as will the Red Fox and domestic cats and dogs when it is on the ground. Humans influence the population size and mortality of the Red Squirrel by destroying or altering habitats, by causing road casualties and by introducing non-native populations of the Grey Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel and the Red Squirrel are not directly antagonistic and violent conflict between these species is not a factor in the decline in Red Squirrel populations. However, the Grey Squirrel appears to contribute to the decrease in the Red Squirrel population for several reasons: it carries a disease, the squirrel parapoxvirus, that does not appear to affect its own health but will often kill the Red Squirrel, it can better digest acorns whilst the Red Squirrel cannot access the proteins and fats in acorns as easily and it can put the Red Squirrel under pressure for food resources resulting in it not breeding as often. In the UK, due to the above circumstances, the population has today fallen to 160,000 Red Squirrels or fewer with the majority of these in Scotland. Outside the UK and Ireland, the impact of competition from the Grey Squirrel has also been observed in Italy where 2 pairs escaped from captivity in 1948. A significant drop in the Red Squirrel population has been observed since 1970 and it is feared that the Grey Squirrel may expand into the rest of Europe. The Red Squirrel is protected in most of Europe although in some areas it is abundant and is hunted for its fur. In the UK there are several active projects to protect the Red Squirrel and its native woodland habitat, introduce or re-introduce it in to areas where it is absent and eradicate and prevent the spread of the Grey Squirrel. Research undertaken in 2007 in the UK credits the Pine Marten with reducing the population of the invasive Grey Squirrel. Where the range of the expanding Pine Marten population meets that of the Grey Squirrel, the population of the latter retreats. It is theorised that, because the Grey Squirrel spends more time on the ground than the Red Squirrel, it is far more likely to come in contact with the Pine Marten. Date: 7th June 2019 Location: Loch Spynie RSPB reserve, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39083906.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16263735855d3082b451971.jpgWestern Rhodopes Mountains, Smolyan Province, Bulgaria The Rhodopes Mountains are a mountain range in south east Europe. They are spread over 5689 square miles of which 4723 square miles are located in south Bulgaria and the remainder in north Greece. The Rhodopes Mountains are about 149 miles long and about 62 to 75 miles wide with an average altitude of 2575 feet. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 7188 feet and is situated 12 miles to the west of Smolyan. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rhodopes Mountains gives its name to the terrestrial eco-region Rodope montane mixed forests that belong in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The area is particularly notable for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans plus its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms such as the Trigrad Gorge. The Rhodopes Mountains can be sub-divided in to 3 sections: The Western Rhodopes are spread over 66% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and they are higher, the most infrastructurally developed and the most visited part of the mountains. The highest and best known peaks are located in this section with more than 10 over 6562 feet high including the highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7188 feet). Some of the deepest river gorges in the Rhodopes Mountains are located in the west as well as several large lakes. The Eastern Rhodopes are spread over a territory of about 34% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and are much lower in height. The large artificial dams of Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets are located in this part of the mountains. Almost every species of European bird of prey nests in the Eastern Rhodopes including the rare Black Vulture and Egyptian Vulture. The Southern Rhodopes are the part of the mountain range that is located in Greece and they are characterized by numerous peaks of relatively low altitude. The Trigrad Gorge is a canyon of vertical marble rock cliffs in the western Rhodope Mountains. It is the third longest gorge in Bulgaria. The gorge encloses the course of the River Trigrad which plunges into the Devil's Throat Cave and 1740 feet further emerges as a large karst spring. It later flows into the River Buynovska. The west wall of the Trigrad Gorge reaches 980 feet in height whilst the east wall reaches 980 to 1150 feet in height. Initially, the 2 walls are about 985 feet apart but the gorge narrows to about 330 feet in the northern section. The gorge is situated just north of the village of Trigrad at 4760 feet above sea level. It has a total length of 4.3 miles, of which the gorge proper comprises 1.2 to 1.9 miles. It can be visited on the narrow single track road from Teshel to Trigrad which follows the River Trigrad for about 7.5 miles. The Trigrad area was a restricted border zone in the past (it is less than 4 miles from the border with Greece) so access was very limited during the Communist era but it is now a popular tourist destination. The area is considered as one of the most beautiful in the Rhodopes Mountains with numerous designated routes for hiking, mountain biking and horse riding routes. Date: 28th May 2018 Location: Teshel to Trigrad via Trigrad Gorge, Western Rhodopes Mountains, Smolyan Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40399568.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3388302135dc6ad5da8910.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 18th October 2019 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21958853.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_25915348153da53ef072a0.jpgArctic Tern The Arctic Tern is a seabird of the tern family. The adult plumage is grey above with a black nape and crown and white cheeks. The upperwings are pale grey with the area near the wingtip being translucent. The tail is white and the underparts pale grey. The beak is dark red as are the short legs and webbed feet. Like most terns, the Arctic Tern has high aspect ratio wings and a tail with a deep fork and long tail streamers. Both sexes are similar in appearance. The winter plumage is similar but the crown is whiter and the bills are darker. Juveniles differ from adults having black bill and legs, "scaly" appearing wings and mantle with dark feather tips, dark carpal wing bar and short tail streamers. During their first summer, juveniles also have a whiter forecrown. Whilst the Arctic Tern is similar to the Common and the Roseate Tern, its colouring, profile and call are slightly different. Compared to the Common Tern, it has a longer tail and mono-coloured bill, whilst the main differences from the Roseate Tern are its slightly darker colour and longer wings. The Arctic Tern has a circumpolar breeding distribution covering the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of Europe, Asia and north America. It is strongly migratory and sees 2 summers each year and more daylight than any other creature on the planet. It migrates along a convoluted route from its northern summer breeding grounds to the northern edge of the Antarctic coast for the southern summer and back again about 6 months later. In the UK, breeding Arctic Terns can best be seen on islands such as the Farne Islands in Northumberland or Orkney and Shetland in northern Scotland where the greatest densities occur. Recent studies have shown average annual roundtrip lengths of 25000 to 50000 miles depending on the route taken and weather and wind conditions. The Arctic Tern is a long-lived bird with many reaching 30 years of age and based on this average it will travel some 1.5 million miles during its lifetime. This is by far the longest migration known in the animal kingdom. Breeding takes place in colonies on coasts, islands and occasionally inland on tundra near water. The Arctic Tern often forms mixed colonies with the Common Tern and Sandwich Tern. As it nests on the ground, the Arctic Tern is vulnerable to predation but it is one of the most aggressive terns and it is fiercely defensive of its nest and young. It will attack humans and large predators, usually striking the top or back of the head. Although it is too small to cause serious injury, it is still capable of drawing blood and repelling many raptorial birds and smaller mammalian predators such as foxes and cats. Other nesting birds, such as auks, often incidentally benefit from the protection provided by nesting in an area defended by Arctic Terns. The diet of the Arctic Tern varies depending on location and time but it usually eats small fish or marine crustaceans by dipping down to the surface of the water to catch prey. While feeding, skuas, gulls and other tern species will often harass the birds and steal their food. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Inner Farne, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082283.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6068060235d307babed320.jpgMiddle Spotted Woodpecker The Middle Spotted Woodpecker is a member of the woodpecker family [i]Picidae[/i]. It is around 8 inches in length with a wingspan of around 13 inches and it has a plumage similar to the Great Spotted Woodpecker. As with that species, the upperparts are predominantly black with white oval wing patches, there is white barring on the wings and the underparts are white. The main differences are that the Middle Spotted Woodpecker has a red crown, no black moustachial stripe, a pink vent and dark streaks on the flanks. The Middle Spotted Woodpecker differs from all its European relatives in being almost totally monomorphic, i.e. males and females are almost identical in appearance. Despite its name, the Middle Spotted Woodpecker is not mid-way in size between its relatives, the smaller Lesser Spotted Woodpecker and the larger Great Spotted Woodpecker and Syrian Woodpecker. The Middle Spotted Woodpecker is much closer to the 2 larger species in all measurements being just 15% smaller but it is around 40% larger than Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. The Middle Spotted Woodpecker can be found in much of west and east Europe and south west Asia and is locally common in the right habitat but with varying and often quite low population densities. Its range extends from France east to European Russia, mainly in the temperate continental zone, but also north to the Baltic states. It is absent from Finland and Norway and extinct in Sweden and Denmark. Due to its sedentary nature it has never been recorded in the UK and Ireland. The range extends south and east in to the Mediterranean Basin, the Balkan peninsula, Turkey, the Caucasus, Iraq and Iran. The Middle Spotted Woodpecker prefers deciduous forest, especially areas with old oak, hornbeam and elm, and a patchwork of clearings, pasture and dense woodland. In the breeding season the Middle Spotted Woodpecker excavates a nest hole about 2 inches wide in a decaying tree trunk or thick branch. The female lays 4 to 7 eggs which are incubated for 11 to 14 days. The Middle Spotted Woodpecker likes to feed high in the trees on a diet of insects and their larvae which it finds by picking them from branches and twigs rather than hacking them from beneath the bark. It will also feed on tree sap. Unlike most of its European relatives, the Middle Spotted Woodpecker does not regularly drum and females probably do not drum at all. Any drumming is rather mild and limited to early spring and it is usually made in response to competition from another male. Both adults do however tap loudly at the nest hole in spring. This tapping is a communicative signal and not part of hole excavation and it is not drumming. The Middle Spotted Woodpecker seems to rely more on its “song” when announcing its territory rather than drumming. Date: 22nd May 2018 Location: Ropotamo, Burgas Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082292.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16290820115d307bb886fbd.jpgMiddle Spotted Woodpeckers The Middle Spotted Woodpecker is a member of the woodpecker family [i]Picidae[/i]. It is around 8 inches in length with a wingspan of around 13 inches and it has a plumage similar to the Great Spotted Woodpecker. As with that species, the upperparts are predominantly black with white oval wing patches, there is white barring on the wings and the underparts are white. The main differences are that the Middle Spotted Woodpecker has a red crown, no black moustachial stripe, a pink vent and dark streaks on the flanks. The Middle Spotted Woodpecker differs from all its European relatives in being almost totally monomorphic, i.e. males and females are almost identical in appearance. Despite its name, the Middle Spotted Woodpecker is not mid-way in size between its relatives, the smaller Lesser Spotted Woodpecker and the larger Great Spotted Woodpecker and Syrian Woodpecker. The Middle Spotted Woodpecker is much closer to the 2 larger species in all measurements being just 15% smaller but it is around 40% larger than Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. The Middle Spotted Woodpecker can be found in much of west and east Europe and south west Asia and is locally common in the right habitat but with varying and often quite low population densities. Its range extends from France east to European Russia, mainly in the temperate continental zone, but also north to the Baltic states. It is absent from Finland and Norway and extinct in Sweden and Denmark. Due to its sedentary nature it has never been recorded in the UK and Ireland. The range extends south and east in to the Mediterranean Basin, the Balkan peninsula, Turkey, the Caucasus, Iraq and Iran. The Middle Spotted Woodpecker prefers deciduous forest, especially areas with old oak, hornbeam and elm, and a patchwork of clearings, pasture and dense woodland. In the breeding season the Middle Spotted Woodpecker excavates a nest hole about 2 inches wide in a decaying tree trunk or thick branch. The female lays 4 to 7 eggs which are incubated for 11 to 14 days. The Middle Spotted Woodpecker likes to feed high in the trees on a diet of insects and their larvae which it finds by picking them from branches and twigs rather than hacking them from beneath the bark. It will also feed on tree sap. Unlike most of its European relatives, the Middle Spotted Woodpecker does not regularly drum and females probably do not drum at all. Any drumming is rather mild and limited to early spring and it is usually made in response to competition from another male. Both adults do however tap loudly at the nest hole in spring. This tapping is a communicative signal and not part of hole excavation and it is not drumming. The Middle Spotted Woodpecker seems to rely more on its “song” when announcing its territory rather than drumming. Date: 22nd May 2018 Location: Ropotamo, Burgas Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082697.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8482459925d307d9f30417.jpgEastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria The Rhodopes Mountains are a mountain range in south east Europe. They are spread over 5689 square miles of which 4723 square miles are located in south Bulgaria and the remainder in north Greece. The Rhodopes Mountains are about 149 miles long and about 62 to 75 miles wide with an average altitude of 2575 feet. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 7188 feet and is situated 12 miles to the west of Smolyan. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rhodopes Mountains give their name to the terrestrial eco-region Rodope montane mixed forests that belong in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The area is particularly notable for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans plus its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms such as the Trigrad Gorge. The Rhodopes Mountains can be sub-divided in to 3 sections: The Western Rhodopes are spread over 66% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and they are higher, the most infrastructurally developed and the most visited part of the mountains. The highest and best known peaks are located in this section with more than 10 over 6562 feet high including the highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7188 feet). Some of the deepest river gorges in the Rhodopes Mountains are located in the west as well as several large lakes. The Eastern Rhodopes are spread over a territory of about 34% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and are much lower in height. The large artificial dams of Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets are located in this part of the mountains. Almost every species of European bird of prey nests in the Eastern Rhodopes including 3 species of vulture. The Southern Rhodopes are the part of the mountain range that is located in Greece and they are characterized by numerous peaks of relatively low altitude. In the Eastern Rhodopes, the Madzharovo Special Protection Area located between village of Borislavtsi and the town of Madzharovo is one of the most popular destinations for birding in Bulgaria. The area covers a part of the narrow valley of the River Arda and is surrounded by rugged mountain slopes, rock massifs, rocky pinnacles, dry scrub and wooded hillsides. The unique micro-climate and the diverse relief are the reason for the wealth of bird species which can be found here. Around 175 bird species have been recorded of which 40 have been included in the Red Book of Bulgaria (a list of endangered species in the country), 78 are of European environmental protection significance and 6 are globally endangered. The Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB) has established a Nature Conservation Centre in Madzharovo which provides an exhibition, conducts educational programs and provides information for various routes and landmarks. It particularly focuses on the many birds of prey which can be found in the area, especially the 3 species of vulture (Griffon, Black and Egyptian). Date: 24th May 2018 Location: River Arda valley and Kovan Kaya near Madzharovo, eastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21958774.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_174351823153da4e9ebbc69.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Staple Island, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/january-to-february-2016 https://images.on-this.website/4752_2143309496577797e8c8bc1.jpgJanuary 2016 - Aldeburgh, Suffolk Please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/sunrise-on-new-years-day]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11159390.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6763559024e1582b5a285a.jpgCanada Goose The Canada Goose belongs to the [i]Branta[/i] genus of geese which contains species with largely black plumage distinguishing it from the grey species of the genus [i]Anser[/i]. The black head and neck with a white "chinstrap" distinguish the Canada Goose from all other goose species with the exception of the Cackling Goose from north America and the Barnacle Goose which has a black breast and grey rather than brownish body plumage. The 7 sub-species of the Canada Goose vary widely in size and plumage details but all are recognizable as Canada Geese. Of the "true geese" (i.e. the genera [i]Anser[/i], [i]Branta[/i] or [i]Chen[/i]), the Canada Goose is on average the largest living species. It ranges from 30 to 43 inches in length and with a 50 to 73 inches wingspan. The male usually weighs 5.7 to 14.3 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 8.6 pounds. The female looks virtually identical but is slightly lighter at 5.3 to 12.1 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 7.9 pounds. It is also generally 10% smaller in linear dimensions than the male. The Canada Goose is native to north America where it breeds in Canada and the north USA in a wide range of habitats. The Great Lakes region maintains a very large population. It occurs all year round in the southern part of its breeding range, including most of the eastern seaboard and the Pacific coast. Between California and South Carolina in the south USA and north Mexico, it is primarily present as a migrant from further north during the winter. Outside north America, the Canada Goose has reached north Europe naturally as has been proved by ringing recoveries. It has also been introduced in to Europe and had established populations in the UK in the middle of the 18th century, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany and Scandinavia. Most European populations are not migratory but those in more northerly parts of Sweden and Finland migrate to the North Sea and Baltic coasts. Semi-tame feral birds are common in parks and have become a pest in some areas. In the early 17th century, explorer Samuel de Champlain sent several pairs of Canada Geese to France as a present for King Louis XIII. Canada Geese were first introduced in to the UK in the late 17th century as an addition to King James II's waterfowl collection in St. James's Park. They were also introduced in to Germany and Scandinavia during the 20th century. During the second year of its life, the Canada Goose finds a mate. It is a monogamous species and most couples stay together all of their lives. If one dies, the other may find a new mate. The female lays from 2 to 9 eggs with an average of 5. Both parents protect the nest while the eggs incubate but the female spends more time at the nest than the male. The nest is usually located in an elevated area near water such as streams, lakes and ponds and the eggs are laid in a shallow depression lined with plant material and down. The incubation period, in which the female incubates the eggs while the male remains nearby, lasts for 24 to 28 days after laying. As soon as the goslings hatch, they are immediately capable of walking, swimming and finding their own food (a diet similar to the adults). Parents are often seen leading their goslings in a line, usually with one adult at the front and the other at the back. While protecting their goslings, parents often violently chase away anything from small birds to lone humans who approach, after warning them by giving off a hissing sound and then attacking with bites and slaps of the wings if the threat does not retreat. Although parents are hostile to unfamiliar geese, they may form groups (crèches) of a number of goslings and a few adults. The goslings enter the fledgling stage any time from 6 to 9 weeks of age. Once it reaches adulthood, due to its large size and often aggressive behaviour, the Canada Goose is rarely preyed on although prior injury may make it more vulnerable to natural predators. The lifespan in the wild of birds that survive to adulthood ranges from 10 to 24 years. The UK longevity record is held by a specimen tagged as a nestling which was observed alive at the age of 31. The Canada Goose is primarily a herbivore although it will sometimes eat small insects and fish. Their diet includes grasses, aquatic plants, beans and grains such as wheat, rice, and corn when they are available. In urban areas, it is also known to pick food out of rubbish bins and it will readily take a variety of food from humans in parks. Date: 3rd February 2009 Location: Northlands Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/loch-doire-nam-mart-morvern https://images.on-this.website/4752_1024547956468840cb9c1da.jpgLoch Doire nam Mart, Morvern Loch Doire nam Mart is a small loch on the Ardtornish Estate in the Morvern area of the Ardnamurchan peninsula to the north of Lochaline and the Fiunary Forest. Date: 9th June 2007 Location: view from the unclassified road off the A884 road http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28886400.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_208694542157cc3ac159a80.jpgBeaver The Eurasian Beaver or European Beaver is one of the largest living species of rodents and it is the largest rodent native to Eurasia. It weighs around 24 to 66 pounds with an average of 40 pounds. Typically the head and body length is 31 to 39 inches and the tail length is 9.8 to 19.7 inches. The fur colour of the Beaver varies geographically from light chestnut-rust to blackish-brown. The Beaver was once widespread in Eurasia. It was hunted to near-extinction for both its fur and castoreum (a secretion of its scent gland believed to have medicinal properties) and by 1900 only 1200 beavers survived in 8 relict populations in Europe and Asia. In many European nations, the Beaver became extinct but reintroduction and protection has led to gradual recovery to about 639,000 individuals by 2003 and it now occurs from the UK to China and Mongolia although it is absent from Italy, Portugal, the southern Balkans and the Middle East. About 83% can be found in the former Soviet Union. In the UK, the Beaver became extinct in the 16th century but, as a former native species, interest in reintroducing it to the wild across the UK has been shown. It has been suggested that Beaver dams could retain water in upland areas, reducing flood volumes and creating new habitats for wildlife. Currently, Beaver populations are found in a number of large enclosures in wildlife parks, as well as free-living populations around the River Tay and Knapdale areas in Scotland and the River Otter in Devon. The Knapdale population was deliberately released whilst the other populations are of unknown origin. The Beaver is a keystone species helping support the ecosystem of which they are a part. It creates wetlands which increase biodiversity and provide habitat for many rare species such as Water Voles, Otters, and Water Shrews. It coppices waterside trees and shrubs so that they regrow as dense shrubs which provide cover for birds and other animals. Beaver dams trap sediment and improve water quality and recharge groundwater tables and increase cover for trout and salmon. The Beaver has a single litter of young per year, coming into oestrus for only 12 to 24 hours between late December and May and peaking in January. Unlike most other rodents, Beaver pairs are monogamous and stay together for multiple breeding seasons. Gestation averages 107 days and litters average 3 kits with a range of 2 to 6 kits. Most Beavers do not reproduce until they are 3 years of age. This poor quality record photo was taken from a moving boat in very low evening light! Date: 11th May 2016 Location: Kasari river, Matsalu National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12759398.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18366910754e71b096933d1.jpgRed Squirrel The Red Squirrel or Eurasian Red Squirrel is a species of tree squirrel in the genus [i]Sciurus[/i]. It is an arboreal and primarily herbivorous rodent. The Red Squirrel has a typical head and body length of 7.5 to 9 inches, a tail length of 6 to 8 inches and a weight of 9 to 12 ounces. Males and females are the same size. The Red Squirrel is smaller and lighter in weight than the Grey Squirrel The coat of the Red Squirrel varies in colour with the time of year and its location and there are several different coat colour morphs ranging from black to red. Red coats are most common in the UK but in other parts of Europe and Asia different coat colours co-exist within populations. The underside of the Red Squirrel is always creamy-white in colour. The Red Squirrel sheds its coat twice a year, switching from a thinner summer coat to a thicker, darker winter coat with noticeably larger ear-tufts (a prominent distinguishing feature of this species) between August and November. A lighter, redder overall coat colour, along with the ear-tufts (in adults) and smaller size, distinguish the Red Squirrel from the Grey Squirrel. The long tail helps the Red Squirrel to balance and steer when jumping from tree to tree and running along branches and it may also keep it warm during sleep. The Red Squirrel, like most tree squirrels, has sharp and curved claws to enable it to climb and descend broad tree trunks, thin branches and even house walls and its strong hind legs enable it to leap gaps between trees. The Red Squirrel can be found in the boreal coniferous woods in north Europe and Siberia where it prefers Scots Pine, Norway Spruce and Siberian Pine. In west and south Europe it can be found in broad-leaved woods where the mixture of tree and shrub species provides a better year round source of food. In most of the UK and in Italy, broad-leaved woodlands are now less suitable for it due to the better competitive feeding strategy of the introduced Grey Squirrel. The Red Squirrel makes a drey (nest) out of twigs in a branch-fork, forming a domed structure about 9 to 12 inches in diameter. This is lined with moss, leaves, grass and bark. Tree hollows and woodpecker holes are also used. The Red Squirrel is generally a solitary animal and is shy and reluctant to share food with others. However, outside the breeding season and particularly in winter, several Red Squirrels may share a drey to keep warm. Social organisation is based on dominance hierarchies within and between sexes. Although males are not necessarily dominant towards females, the dominant animals tend to be larger and older than subordinate animals and dominant males tend to have larger home ranges than subordinate males or females. Mating can occur in late winter during February and March and in summer between June and July. During mating, males detect females that are in oestrus by an odour that they produce and, although there is no courtship, the male will chase the female for up to an hour prior to mating. Usually multiple males will chase a single female until the dominant male, usually the largest in the group, mates with the female. Males and females will mate multiple times with many partners. Females must reach a minimum body mass before they enter oestrus and heavy females on average produce more young. If food is scarce breeding may be delayed. Typically a female will produce her first litter in her second year. Up to 2 litters a year per female are possible. Each litter averages 3 young and these are known as kits. Gestation is about 38 to 39 days and the young are looked after by the mother alone and are born helpless, blind and deaf. Their body is covered by hair at 21 days, their eyes and ears open after 3 to 4 weeks and they develop all their teeth by 42 days. Juveniles can eat solids around 40 days following birth and from that point they can leave the nest on their own to find food. However, they still suckle from their mother until weaning occurs at 8 to 10 weeks. The Red Squirrel eats mostly the seeds of trees, fungi, nuts (especially hazelnuts but also beech and chestnuts), berries and young shoots. More rarely, it may also eat bird eggs or nestlings and may occasionally exhibit opportunistic omnivory similar to other rodents. Excess food is put into caches, either buried or in nooks or holes in trees, and eaten when food is scarce. Although the Red Squirrel remembers where it created caches at a better than chance level, its spatial memory is believed to be substantially less accurate and durable than that of the Grey Squirrel. Therefore it will often have to search for them when in need and many caches are never found again. Between 60% and 80% of the active time of a Red Squirrel may be spent foraging and feeding. The active period is generally in the morning and in the late afternoon and evening. It often rests in its nest in the middle of the day to avoid the heat and the high visibility to birds of prey that are dangers during these hours. During the winter, this midday rest is often much more brief or absent entirely although harsh weather may cause it to stay in its nest for days at a time. No territories are claimed between Red Squirrels and the feeding areas of individuals overlap considerably. A Red Squirrel that survives its first winter has a life expectancy of 3 years. Individuals may reach 7 years of age and 10 years in captivity. Survival is positively related to the availability of autumn and winter tree seeds. On average, 75 to 85% of juveniles die during their first winter and mortality is approximately 50% for winters following the first. Predators include small mammals such as the Pine Marten, the Wildcat and the Stoat which all prey on juveniles. Birds, including owls and raptors such as the Goshawk and Common Buzzard, may also prey on the Red Squirrel as will the Red Fox and domestic cats and dogs when it is on the ground. Humans influence the population size and mortality of the Red Squirrel by destroying or altering habitats, by causing road casualties and by introducing non-native populations of the Grey Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel and the Red Squirrel are not directly antagonistic and violent conflict between these species is not a factor in the decline in Red Squirrel populations. However, the Grey Squirrel appears to contribute to the decrease in the Red Squirrel population for several reasons: it carries a disease, the squirrel parapoxvirus, that does not appear to affect its own health but will often kill the Red Squirrel, it can better digest acorns whilst the Red Squirrel cannot access the proteins and fats in acorns as easily and it can put the Red Squirrel under pressure for food resources resulting in it not breeding as often. In the UK, due to the above circumstances, the population has today fallen to 160,000 Red Squirrels or fewer with the majority of these in Scotland. Outside the UK and Ireland, the impact of competition from the Grey Squirrel has also been observed in Italy where 2 pairs escaped from captivity in 1948. A significant drop in the Red Squirrel population has been observed since 1970 and it is feared that the Grey Squirrel may expand into the rest of Europe. The Red Squirrel is protected in most of Europe although in some areas it is abundant and is hunted for its fur. In the UK there are several active projects to protect the Red Squirrel and its native woodland habitat, introduce or re-introduce it in to areas where it is absent and eradicate and prevent the spread of the Grey Squirrel. Research undertaken in 2007 in the UK credits the Pine Marten with reducing the population of the invasive Grey Squirrel. Where the range of the expanding Pine Marten population meets that of the Grey Squirrel, the population of the latter retreats. It is theorised that, because the Grey Squirrel spends more time on the ground than the Red Squirrel, it is far more likely to come in contact with the Pine Marten. Date: 10th May 2006 Location: Freshfield National Trust reserve, Formby Point, Merseyside http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084167.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2455809125d30863078b68.jpgRila Mountains, Sofia Province, Bulgaria The Rila Mountains are a mountain range in south west Bulgaria and constitute the highest mountain range in the country and the Balkans. It is the sixth highest mountain range in Europe after the Caucasus, the Alps, the Sierra Nevada, the Pyrenees and Mount Etna and the highest one between the Alps and the Caucasus. The Rila Mountains are spread over an area of 1015 square miles with an average altitude of 4879 feet. Musala is its highest peak at 9596 feet. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rila-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rila Mountains have abundant water resources and some of the Balkans' longest and deepest rivers originate here including the longest river entirely in the Balkans, the River Maritsa, and the longest river entirely in Bulgaria, the River Iskar. Bulgaria's main water divide separating the Black Sea and the Aegean Sea drainage systems follows the main ridge of the Rila Mountains. The mountain range is dotted with almost 200 glacial lakes such as the renowned Seven Rila Lakes. It is also rich in hot springs in the fault areas at the foothills including the hottest spring in south east Europe in Sapareva Banya. The Rila Mountains have typical layers of montane habitat ranging from river and stream valleys at lower altitudes to mixed deciduous woodland, coniferous forests and Alpine meadows and lakes at higher altitudes and finally to rocky ridges and bare rugged peaks. The biodiversity and the pristine landscapes are protected by the Rila National Park which is among the largest and most valuable protected areas in Europe. It is the largest national park in Bulgaria covering an area of 313 square miles and it was established in February 1992 to protect several ecosystems of national importance. Its altitude varies from 2600 feet near Blagoevgrad to 9596 feet at the peak of Musala. It occupies territory from 4 of the 28 provinces of the country (Sofia, Kyustendil, Blagoevgrad and Pazardzhik) and it includes 4 nature reserves (Parangalitsa, Central Rila Reserve, Ibar and Skakavitsa). The Rila National Park falls within the Rodope montane mixed forests terrestrial eco-region of the Palearctic temperate broadleaf and mixed forest. Forests occupy 206.5 square miles or 66% of the total area. The Rila Mountains also contain the Rila Monastery Nature Park which is among the largest nature parks in Bulgaria covering an area of 97.5 square miles at an altitude between 2460 and 8901 feet. It was established in 1992 as part of the newly founded Rila National Park. In 2000 some territory of the Rila National Park was re-assigned to the Rila Monastery Nature Park and was recategorized as a nature park because by law all lands in national parks are exclusively state owned. Today most of the Rila Monastery Nature Park is owned by the Rila Monastery. The Rila Monastery Nature Park includes one nature reserve, namely the Rila Monastery Forest with an area of 14 square miles or 14% of its total area. The most recognisable landmark in the Rila Mountains is the Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila, better known as the Rila Monastery. This is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria and is situated in the deep valley of the River Rilska River within the Rila Monastery Nature Park at a height of 3763 feet. The monastery is named after its founder, the hermit Ivan of Rila (876 to 946 AD) and houses around 60 monks. Founded in the 10th century, the Rila Monastery is regarded as one of Bulgaria's most important cultural, historical and architectural monuments and is a key tourist attraction for both Bulgaria and south Europe. Due to its outstanding cultural and spiritual value it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. The Rila Mountains are also a popular destination for hiking, winter sports and spa tourism, hosting the nation's oldest ski resort at Borovets as well as numerous hiking trails. Date: 30th May 2018 Location: Malyovitsa, Sofia Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41537247.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16104007695f3cfdf32bf6a.jpgKittiwakes The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 4th July 2019 Location: Flåget, Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833263.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_526263945559ce9bd435e6.jpgWhite Pelicans The White Pelican is a huge bird, with only the Dalmatian Pelican averaging larger amongst the pelicans. The wingspan of the White Pelican can range from 7.41 to 11.8 feet, with the latter measurement the largest recorded among flying animals outside of the great albatrosses. The total length can range from 55 to 71 inches with the enormous bill comprising 11.5 to 18.5 inches of that length. The immature White Pelican is grey with dark flight feathers. In breeding condition the male has pinkish skin on its face and the female has orangey skin. It differs from the Dalmatian pelican by its pure white, rather than greyish-white, plumage, a bare pink facial patch around the eye and pinkish legs. Males are larger than females, and have a long beak that grows in a downwards arc, as opposed to the shorter, straighter beak of the female. In flight, it is an elegant soaring bird, with the head held close to and aligned with the body by a downward bend in the neck. The White Pelican is well adapted for aquatic life. The short strong legs and webbed feet propel it in water and aid the rather awkward takeoff from the water surface. Once aloft, the long-winged pelicans are powerful fliers, however, and often travel in spectacular V-formation groups. The White Pelican is usually found in and around shallow warm fresh water. Well scattered groups of breeding pelicans occur through Eurasia from the eastern Mediterranean to Vietnam. In Eurasia, fresh or brackish waters may be inhabited and the White Pelican may be found in lakes, deltas, lagoons and marshes, usually with dense reed beds nearby for nesting purposes. Additionally, sedentary populations are found year-round in Africa, south of the Sahara Desert although these are patchy. Migratory populations are found from Eastern Europe to Kazakhstan during the breeding season. They arrive in late March or early April and depart after breeding from September to late November. Wintering locations for European White Pelicans are not exactly known but wintering birds may occur in north east Africa through Iraq to north India, with a particularly large number of breeders from Asia wintering around Pakistan. The diet of the White Pelican consists mainly of fish and they leave their roost to feed early in the mornings and may fly over 60 miles in search of food. The White Pelican's pouch serves simply as a scoop. As it pushes its bill underwater, the lower bill bows out creating a large pouch which fills with water and fish. As the bird lifts its head, the pouch contracts and forces out the water but retaining the fish. A group of 6 to 8 White Pelicans will gather in a horseshoe formation in the water to feed together. They dip their bills in unison, creating a circle of open pouches, ready to trap every fish in the area. Most feeding is co-operative and done in groups, especially in shallow waters where fish schools can be corralled easily. White Pelicans are not restricted to fish, however, and are often opportunistic foragers. In addition, they also eat crustaceans, tadpoles and even turtles and will readily accept handouts from humans. The White Pelican breeding season commences in April or May in temperate zones, essentially all year round in Africa and begins in February through April in India. Large numbers of White Pelicans breed together in colonies. Nest locations are variable with some populations making stick nests in trees but a majority nest in scrapes on the ground lined with grass, sticks, feathers and other material. Date: 13th May 2015 Location: Great Prespa Lake (Megali Prespa), West Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/loch-laich-appin-argyll https://images.on-this.website/4752_2109269347467f22f6db59c.jpgLoch Laich, Appin, Argyll Loch Laich lies on the coast of Appin between Glencoe in the north and Oban in the south and is an inlet of Loch Linnhe. It is a small sea loch to the south west of Portnacroish and at the mouth on a small islet known as Rock of the Cormorants is Castle Stalker, a large stone 15th century tower house founded by Sir John Stewart, Lord of Lorn. The castle was only ever reachable by boat which made it highly defendable. Beyond Loch Laich is Loch Linnhe and the coast and mountains of Morvern. Date: 26th December 2005 Location: view from the minor road from Appin to Port Appin looking north west towards the mountains of Morvern http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40399579.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19786571915dc6adf29b1d8.jpgGolden Eagle The Golden Eagle is a very large raptor, 26 to 40 inches in length and with a wingspan of 5 ft 11 inches to 7 ft 8 inches. The wingspan is the fifth largest among living eagle species. Females are larger than males with a bigger difference in larger sub-species. In the species overall, males average around 7.9 pounds and females around 11 pounds. The maximum size of the Golden Eagle is debated. Large sub-species are the heaviest and the species is on average the seventh heaviest living eagle species. The Golden Eagle is the second heaviest breeding eagle in north America, Europe and Africa and the fourth heaviest in Asia. Adults of both sexes have similar plumage and are primarily dark brown with some grey on the inner wing and tail and a paler, typically golden, colour on the back of the crown and nape that gives the species its common name. Unlike other eagle species, where the tarsal feathers are typically similar in colour to the rest of the plumage, the tarsal feathers of the Golden Eagle tend to be paler and range from light golden to white. In addition, some full-grown birds have white "epaulettes". The bill is dark at the tip, fading to a lighter horn colour, with a yellow cere. The bare portion of the feet is yellow. Juveniles are similar to adults but tend to be darker and can appear black on the back. About two thirds of their tail length is white, ending with a broad, black band. Compared to the relatively consistently white tail, the white patches on the wings are extremely variable. Juveniles of less than 12 months of age tend to have the most white in their plumage and this is gradually replaced by a characteristic rusty brown colour. Due to the variability between individuals, juveniles cannot be reliably aged by sight alone. The final adult plumage is not fully attained until the birds are between 5.5 and 6.5 years old. The Golden Eagle is sometimes considered to be the best flyer among eagles and perhaps amongst all raptors. It is equipped with broad, long wings with finger-like indentations on the tips of the wings. It is unique amongst the eagle species in that it often flies with the wings held in a slight, upturned V-shape. When it needs to flap, the Golden Eagle appears at its most laboured but flapping is less common than soaring or gliding. Flapping flight usually consists of 6 to 8 deep wing-beats interspersed with 2 to 3 second glides. While soaring, the wings and tail are held in one plane with the primary tips often spread. A typical, unhurried soaring speed is around 28 to 32 mph. When hunting or displaying, the Golden Eagle can glide very fast, reaching speeds of up to 120 mph. When stooping (diving) in the direction of prey or during territorial displays, it holds its legs up against its tail and holds its wings tight and partially closed against its body. When diving after prey, it can reach 150 to 200 mph. Although less agile and manoeuvrable, the Golden Eagle is apparently equal to and possibly even the superior of the Peregrine Falcon’s stooping and gliding speeds. This makes the Golden Eagle one of the fastest living animals. Size readily distinguishes the Golden Eagle from most other raptors when it is seen well. Most other raptors are considerably smaller. Among raptors that share the Golden Eagle's range, only some Old World vultures and the California Condor are distinctly larger with longer, broader wings which are typically held more evenly in a slower, less forceful flight. These birds also have dramatically different colour patterns. Distinguishing the Golden Eagle from other eagle species in Eurasia is more difficult. Identification may rely on the Golden Eagle's relatively long tail and patterns of white or grey on the wings and tail. Unlike the Golden Eagle, other eagles do not generally fly with the wings held in a slight, upturned V-shape. At close range, the golden to rufous nape of the Golden Eagle is distinctive and most other eagles have darker plumage. Among Eurasian eagles, the adult Eastern Imperial Eagle and the Spanish Imperial Eagle come closest to reaching the size of the Golden Eagle but both are distinguished by their longer necks, flatter wings in flight, white markings on their shoulder forewing-coverts, paler cream-straw coloured nape patch and generally darker colouration. The Steppe Eagle can also approach the Golden Eagle in size but it is more compact and smaller headed with little colour variation to the dark earth-brown plumage The nominate sub-species, [I]Aquila chrysaetos chrysaetos[/I] or European Golden Eagle, is found throughout most of Europe. In the UK, there are estimated to be 400 to 500 breeding pairs which can be found in the wild, open moorlands and mountains of Scotland, in particular the Scottish Highlands. The Golden Eagle is also found in European Russia, reportedly reaching an eastern limit around the Yenisei River, and further south at a similar longitude into west Kazakhstan and north Iran. At one time, the Golden Eagle was found in a great majority of temperate Europe, north Asia, north America, north Africa and Japan. Although widespread and quite secure in some areas, in many parts of the range the Golden Eagle has experienced a sharp population decline and it has become extinct in some areas. The total number of individuals is estimated to range somewhere between 170,000 and 250,000 whilst the estimated total number of breeding pairs ranges from 60,000 to 100,000. It has the largest known range of any member of its family with a range estimated at about 55 million square miles and it is the second most wide ranging species after the Osprey. On a global scale, the Golden Eagle is not considered threatened by the IUCN. The Golden Eagle is fairly adaptable in its habitat requirements but it often found in areas with a few shared ecological characteristics. It is best suited to hunting in open or semi-open areas and native vegetation seems to be attractive to it. It typically avoids developed areas of any type from urban to agricultural as well as heavily forested regions. The largest numbers are found in mountainous regions although it is not solely tied to high elevations and it can breed in lowlands if the local habitats are suitable. The majority of Golden Eagle populations are sedentary but it is also a partial migrant in the north of its range. Whilst it is a very hardy species and well adapted to cold climates, it can not tolerate declining food sources and birds which breed at latitudes greater than 60°N are usually migratory and a short migration may also be undertaken by birds which breed at about 50°N. The Golden Eagle usually mates for life although if one of the pair dies, the survivor will readily accept a new mate. Adults occupy a hunting and nesting area all year and they can be seen soaring and advertising their ownership of their home range at any time. However, their spectacular undulating display flight is most often seen from February to May. Each home range contains several night roosts and often a choice of 2 or 3 alternative nest sites (eyries) usually on cliff ledges. Both adults build the nest which is a substantial structure of branches, twigs and heather and lined with grasses and decorated with green foliage. The eyries are traditional and can be used for many years by the same or successive birds. The eyrie is added to each year it is used and it can end up quite a remarkable size. Cliff nests are 3 to 5 feet across and up to 6.5 feet high whilst tree nests can be twice this size. The female generally lays 2 eggs 3 to 4 days apart in March and incubates them for 43 to 45 days. Incubation starts with the first egg and the chicks hatch a few days apart. The first chick to hatch is dominant over the younger one which has only a 20% chance of surviving the crucial first weeks. The female does most of the brooding and feeding of the young whilst the male provides the female and the young with all the food, especially during the early stages. The female broods the chicks almost continuously for the first 2 weeks. After this, she will regularly leave the nest and share the hunting with the male. The young will fledge when they are 65 to 70 days old and will become independent after a further 90 to 100 days. Juveniles occasionally stay with their parents until November or December but are usually driven away by October. The young birds will breed for the first time at 3 to 4 years of age. The average life span of a Golden Eagle is around 14 years although it is thought that 75% of young birds die before reaching maturity. The oldest known Golden Eagle reached an age of 32 years. Natural sources of mortality are largely reported anecdotally. Date: 11st October 2019 Location: Tobermory to Dervaig, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/loch-shieldaig-wester-ross https://images.on-this.website/4752_1437680065467f22de8f2e1.jpgLoch Shieldaig, Wester Ross Loch Shieldaig is a small sea loch situated between Loch Torridon and Upper Loch Torridon. At the head of the loch is the attractive white-washed village of Shieldaig and the pine covered Shieldaig Island. Date: 11th June 2006 Location: view from the unclassified road from Shieldaig to Applecross http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28887547.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21486031257cc40f9ab537.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 10th May 2016 Location: Puise, Matsalu National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41537232.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13944870625f3cfda918762.jpgKittiwakes The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 4th July 2019 Location: Flåget, Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39083189.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4414617685d30800fd885a.jpgEastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria The Rhodopes Mountains are a mountain range in south east Europe. They are spread over 5689 square miles of which 4723 square miles are located in south Bulgaria and the remainder in north Greece. The Rhodopes Mountains are about 149 miles long and about 62 to 75 miles wide with an average altitude of 2575 feet. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 7188 feet and is situated 12 miles to the west of Smolyan. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rhodopes Mountains gives its name to the terrestrial eco-region Rodope montane mixed forests that belong in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The area is particularly notable for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans plus its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms such as the Trigrad Gorge. The Rhodopes Mountains can be sub-divided in to 3 sections: The Western Rhodopes are spread over 66% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and they are higher, the most infrastructurally developed and the most visited part of the mountains. The highest and best known peaks are located in this section with more than 10 over 6562 feet high including the highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7188 feet). Some of the deepest river gorges in the Rhodopes Mountains are located in the west as well as several large lakes. The Eastern Rhodopes are spread over a territory of about 34% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and are much lower in height. The large artificial dams of Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets are located in this part of the mountains. Almost every species of European bird of prey nests in the Eastern Rhodopes including the rare Black Vulture and Egyptian Vulture. The Southern Rhodopes are the part of the mountain range that is located in Greece and they are characterized by numerous peaks of relatively low altitude. The River Borovitsa is a tributary of the River Arda and is located in the eastern Rhodopes Mountains. The river valley is stony and surrounded by rough grassland, scrub and forested hillsides. There are many tiny hamlets along the valley, many of them abandoned or semi-abandoned. This little visited area and its wild environment with only the tiny hamlets and patches of traditional agriculture form a great contrast with the town of Kardzhali. Nenkovo, 17.5 miles north west of Kardzhali, is one of the hamlets in the river valley with no electricity or car access. The access to the village is via a rope bridge over the River Borovitsa. The lack of cars has preserved the narrow village streets which wind between the houses built about 100 to 150 years ago. According to the census of 2011, the village has 129 inhabitants which is down from its peak of 883 people shortly after the Second World War. The village is almost exclusively inhabited by ethnic Bulgarian Turks. Near the village of Nenkovo there is a medieval bridge over the River Borovitsa. It is a large asymmetric bridge with 5 arches each of a different size. The road over the bridge is about 65 yards long. The bridge has been partly destroyed on a number of occasions by the rough waters of the river. It has been rebuilt in the past but after repeated damage it is no longer used. The area around Nenkovo village and the bridge is an excellent one for a wide range of bird species. Date: 26th May 2018 Location: River Borovitsa valley near Nenkovo, Eastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18776272.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_186756331851f4cec68b806.jpgPied Wagtail The White Wagtail, [i]Motacilla alba[/i], is a small passerine bird in the wagtail family. A number of sub-species are recognised including [i]Motacilla alba alba[/I] found in Europe from the Iberian Peninsula to the Ural Mountains, Turkey, the Levant, Iceland, the Faroe Islands and Greenland's east coast and [I]Motacilla alba yarrellii[/I] (Pied Wagtail) found in the UK and Ireland and which has a much blacker back than the nominate race. The nominate sub-species [I]Motacilla alba alba[/I] is basically grey above and white below with a white face, black cap and black throat. It is a slender bird with a characteristic long tail. The most conspicuous habit of the White Wagtail is a near-constant tail wagging, a trait that has given the bird its common name. In spite of the ubiquity of this behaviour, the reasons for it are poorly understood. It has been suggested that it may flush prey or signal submissiveness to other wagtails. A recent study has suggested instead that it is a signal of vigilance to potential predators. The White Wagtail breeds throughout Eurasia up to latitudes 75°N, only being absent in the Arctic from areas where summer temperatures are less than 4 °C. It also breeds in the mountains of Morocco and western Alaska. It is resident in the milder parts of its range such as western Europe and the Mediterranean but migratory in much of the rest of its range. Northern European breeders winter around the Mediterranean and in tropical and subtropical Africa, Asiatic birds move to the Middle East, India and south east Asia and birds from the north American population also winter in tropical Asia. The White Wagtail has a wide range and whilst the population size is unknown it is believed to be large since the species is described as "common" in at least parts of its range. Population trends have not been quantified but the population in Europe appears to be stable and it has adapted well to human changes to the environment and has exploited human changes such as man-made structures that are used for nesting sites and increased open areas that are used for foraging. The White Wagtail is an insectivorous bird of open country, often near habitation and water. It prefers bare areas for feeding where it can see and pursue its prey. In urban areas it has adapted to foraging on paved areas such as car parks. It nests in crevices and holes in stone walls and similar natural and man-made structures such as bridges and buildings. The diet of the White Wagtail varies by location but terrestrial and aquatic insects and other small invertebrates form the major part of the diet. These range from beetles, dragonflies, small snails, spiders, worms and crustaceans to maggots found in carcasses and flies. It is somewhat unusual in the parts of its range where it is non-migratory as it is an insectivorous bird that continues to feed on insects during the winter when most other insectivorous birds in temperate climates migrate or switch to more vegetable matter. Though it is known to be a host species for the Cuckoo, the White Wagtail typically deserts its nest if it has been parasitised. Date: 19th June 2013 Location: Dulnain Bridge, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo20140127.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_118680528752c002fcb8714.jpgMute Swan The Mute Swan is a species of swan native to much of Eurasia. Despite its Eurasian origin, its closest relatives are the Black Swan of Australia and the Black-necked Swan of south America, not the other Northern Hemisphere swans such as the Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan. The name “mute” derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. The adult Mute Swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob at the top of the beak. All Mute Swans are white at maturity although the feathers (particularly on the head and neck) are often stained orange-brown by iron and tannins in the water. Young birds (cygnets) are not the bright white colour of mature adults and their bill is dull greyish-black for the first year. The plumage may range from pure white to grey to buff with grey/buff being the most common. Cygnets typically retain their grey/buff feathers until they are at least 1 year old. On average, the Mute Swan is the second largest waterfowl species after the Trumpeter Swan although the male Mute Swan can easily match or even exceed a male Trumpeter Swan in mass. The adult Mute Swan typically ranges from 55 to 63 inches in length (although it can range in extreme cases from 49 to 67 inches) with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. Males (cobs) are larger than females (pens) and have a larger knob on their bill. The Mute Swan is one of the heaviest flying birds. In several studies from the UK, males were found to average from about 23.4 to 26.2 pounds, with a weight range of 20 to 32 pounds, while the slightly smaller females were found to average about 18.7 to 21.3 pounds, with a weight range of 17 to 23 pounds. The Mute Swan is less vocal than the noisy Bewick's Swan and Whooper Swan although it does make a variety of grunting, hoarse whistling and snorting noises, especially in communicating with their cygnets and threatening competitors or intruders trying to enter their territory. The most familiar sound associated with the Mute Swan is the vibrant throbbing of the wings in flight which is unique to the species and this can be heard from a range of up to 1 mile. The Mute Swan is found naturally mainly in the temperate areas of Europe across west Asia and as far east as Primorsky Krai in the far east of Russia. It is partially migratory throughout the northern latitudes in Europe and Asia as far south as north Africa and the Mediterranean. It is also often kept in captivity outside its natural range as a decoration for parks and ponds and escapes have occurred. The descendants of such birds have become naturalised in east USA and the Great Lakes region across the USA and Canada border. The Mute Swan population in the UK has increased recently probably due to better protection of this species. Some birds are resident all year whilst others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into east England. Mute Swans nest on large mounds that they build with waterside vegetation in shallow water on islands in the middle or at the very edge of a lake. It is a monogamous species and often reuses the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Males and females share the care of the nest. The female lays from 4 to 10 eggs and broods for around 36 days. Cygnets are unable to fly before an age of 120 to 150 days and this limits the distribution of the species in the northern edge of its range since the cygnets must learn to fly before the water freezes. The Mute Swan is usually strongly territorial with just a single pair on smaller lakes although in a few locations where a large area of suitable feeding habitat is found they can be colonial. The largest colonies can hold over 100 pairs such as that at the colony at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset in the UK. Non-mated juveniles up to 3 to 4 years old commonly form larger flocks often at regular traditional sites and these can total several hundred birds. The Mute Swan can be very aggressive in defence of its nest and it is highly protective of its mate and offspring. Most defensive attacks from a Mute Swan begin with a loud hiss and, if this is not sufficient to drive off the predator, are followed by a physical attack. It attacks by smashing at its enemy with bony spurs in the wings accompanied by biting with its large bill. Smaller waterbirds such as ducks are normally grabbed with the bill and dragged or thrown clear. Large waterfowl, such as the Canada Goose, more likely out of competition than in response to potential predation, may be aggressively driven off. The wings of the Mute Swan are very powerful although not strong enough to break an adult man's leg as has been claimed anecdotally. The Mute Swan feeds on a wide range of vegetation, both submerged aquatic plants which they reach with their long necks and by grazing on land. The food commonly includes agricultural crop plants such as oilseed rape and wheat and feeding flocks in the winter may cause significant crop damage, often as much through trampling with their large webbed feet as through direct consumption. Date: 9th December 2013 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11177768.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17504697084e16bc6e3482b.jpgMute Swan The Mute Swan is a species of swan native to much of Eurasia. Despite its Eurasian origin, its closest relatives are the Black Swan of Australia and the Black-necked Swan of south America, not the other Northern Hemisphere swans such as the Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan. The name “mute” derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. The adult Mute Swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob at the top of the beak. All Mute Swans are white at maturity although the feathers (particularly on the head and neck) are often stained orange-brown by iron and tannins in the water. Young birds (cygnets) are not the bright white colour of mature adults and their bill is dull greyish-black for the first year. The plumage may range from pure white to grey to buff with grey/buff being the most common. Cygnets typically retain their grey/buff feathers until they are at least 1 year old. On average, the Mute Swan is the second largest waterfowl species after the Trumpeter Swan although the male Mute Swan can easily match or even exceed a male Trumpeter Swan in mass. The adult Mute Swan typically ranges from 55 to 63 inches in length (although it can range in extreme cases from 49 to 67 inches) with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. Males (cobs) are larger than females (pens) and have a larger knob on their bill. The Mute Swan is one of the heaviest flying birds. In several studies from the UK, males were found to average from about 23.4 to 26.2 pounds, with a weight range of 20 to 32 pounds, while the slightly smaller females were found to average about 18.7 to 21.3 pounds, with a weight range of 17 to 23 pounds. The Mute Swan is less vocal than the noisy Bewick's Swan and Whooper Swan although it does make a variety of grunting, hoarse whistling and snorting noises, especially in communicating with their cygnets and threatening competitors or intruders trying to enter their territory. The most familiar sound associated with the Mute Swan is the vibrant throbbing of the wings in flight which is unique to the species and this can be heard from a range of up to 1 mile. The Mute Swan is found naturally mainly in the temperate areas of Europe across west Asia and as far east as Primorsky Krai in the far east of Russia. It is partially migratory throughout the northern latitudes in Europe and Asia as far south as north Africa and the Mediterranean. It is also often kept in captivity outside its natural range as a decoration for parks and ponds and escapes have occurred. The descendants of such birds have become naturalised in east USA and the Great Lakes region across the USA and Canada border. The Mute Swan population in the UK has increased recently probably due to better protection of this species. Some birds are resident all year whilst others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into east England. Mute Swans nest on large mounds that they build with waterside vegetation in shallow water on islands in the middle or at the very edge of a lake. It is a monogamous species and often reuses the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Males and females share the care of the nest. The female lays from 4 to 10 eggs and broods for around 36 days. Cygnets are unable to fly before an age of 120 to 150 days and this limits the distribution of the species in the northern edge of its range since the cygnets must learn to fly before the water freezes. The Mute Swan is usually strongly territorial with just a single pair on smaller lakes although in a few locations where a large area of suitable feeding habitat is found they can be colonial. The largest colonies can hold over 100 pairs such as that at the colony at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset in the UK. Non-mated juveniles up to 3 to 4 years old commonly form larger flocks often at regular traditional sites and these can total several hundred birds. The Mute Swan can be very aggressive in defence of its nest and it is highly protective of its mate and offspring. Most defensive attacks from a Mute Swan begin with a loud hiss and, if this is not sufficient to drive off the predator, are followed by a physical attack. It attacks by smashing at its enemy with bony spurs in the wings accompanied by biting with its large bill. Smaller waterbirds such as ducks are normally grabbed with the bill and dragged or thrown clear. Large waterfowl, such as the Canada Goose, more likely out of competition than in response to potential predation, may be aggressively driven off. The wings of the Mute Swan are very powerful although not strong enough to break an adult man's leg as has been claimed anecdotally. The Mute Swan feeds on a wide range of vegetation, both submerged aquatic plants which they reach with their long necks and by grazing on land. The food commonly includes agricultural crop plants such as oilseed rape and wheat and feeding flocks in the winter may cause significant crop damage, often as much through trampling with their large webbed feet as through direct consumption. Date: 3rd February 2009 Location: Northlands Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39083064.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_576514055d307f2aaddba.jpgSheytan Dere, Rabovo, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria Sheytan Dere (“Devil's Canyon”) is located close to the Studen Kladenets reservoir dam and the village of Rabovo in the eastern Rhodopes Mountains. It is a natural phenomenon created by the River Arda in an area of historical volcanic activity. The river has created craters, wells and grooves of varying sizes through the erosion of the different types of rock in the area. Legends still tell that this place was created by "sheytana" (Turkish for “the devil”). Folklore is preserved in the memory of an initiation ritual in which only the truly brave could leapfrog the waters of the River Arda without falling in to dangerous waters and being caught up in the underworld. Date: 26th May 2018 Location: Sheytan Dere, Rabovo, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51334218.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20261266556676e36bd9764.jpgHeath Fritillary Flight period: June to July. The Heath Fritillary is at the north west extreme of its range in the southern UK and its numbers have greatly reduced this century due to changes in woodland management. It is now one of our rarest and most localised butterflies and can only be found at a few sites in Essex and Kent and in south west England. In Essex and Kent, they can be found in coppiced woodland with acid soils where Common Cow Wheat, the preferred foodplant, is available. On Exmoor they favour sheltered combes (valleys) and in Devon and Cornwall abandoned hay meadows are preferred. Detailed study has determined the Heath Fritillary’s precise habitat requirements and its future in the UK depends on deliberate conservation and habitat management. Date: 20th June 2024 Location: EWT Pound Wood, Hadleigh, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/white-wagtail https://images.on-this.website/4752_15001567884a4a5df5df9e8.jpgWhite Wagtail The White Wagtail, [i]Motacilla alba[/i], is a small passerine bird in the wagtail family. A number of sub-species are recognised including [i]Motacilla alba alba[/I] found in Europe from the Iberian Peninsula to the Ural Mountains, Turkey, the Levant, Iceland, the Faroe Islands and Greenland's east coast and [I]Motacilla alba yarrellii[/I] (Pied Wagtail) found in the UK and Ireland and which has a much blacker back than the nominate race. The nominate sub-species [I]Motacilla alba alba[/I] is basically grey above and white below with a white face, black cap and black throat. It is a slender bird with a characteristic long tail. The most conspicuous habit of the White Wagtail is a near-constant tail wagging, a trait that has given the bird its common name. In spite of the ubiquity of this behaviour, the reasons for it are poorly understood. It has been suggested that it may flush prey or signal submissiveness to other wagtails. A recent study has suggested instead that it is a signal of vigilance to potential predators. The White Wagtail breeds throughout Eurasia up to latitudes 75°N, only being absent in the Arctic from areas where summer temperatures are less than 4 °C. It also breeds in the mountains of Morocco and western Alaska. It is resident in the milder parts of its range such as western Europe and the Mediterranean but migratory in much of the rest of its range. Northern European breeders winter around the Mediterranean and in tropical and subtropical Africa, Asiatic birds move to the Middle East, India and south east Asia and birds from the north American population also winter in tropical Asia. The White Wagtail has a wide range and whilst the population size is unknown it is believed to be large since the species is described as "common" in at least parts of its range. Population trends have not been quantified but the population in Europe appears to be stable and it has adapted well to human changes to the environment and has exploited human changes such as man-made structures that are used for nesting sites and increased open areas that are used for foraging. The White Wagtail is an insectivorous bird of open country, often near habitation and water. It prefers bare areas for feeding where it can see and pursue its prey. In urban areas it has adapted to foraging on paved areas such as car parks. It nests in crevices and holes in stone walls and similar natural and man-made structures such as bridges and buildings. The diet of the White Wagtail varies by location but terrestrial and aquatic insects and other small invertebrates form the major part of the diet. These range from beetles, dragonflies, small snails, spiders, worms and crustaceans to maggots found in carcasses and flies. It is somewhat unusual in the parts of its range where it is non-migratory as it is an insectivorous bird that continues to feed on insects during the winter when most other insectivorous birds in temperate climates migrate or switch to more vegetable matter. Though it is known to be a host species for the Cuckoo, the White Wagtail typically deserts its nest if it has been parasitised. Date: 9th May 2009 Location: Conwy RSPB reserve, Conwy http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39083141.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10729560095d307fbe2ca43.jpgBlack Stork The Black Stork is a large wading bird in the stork family [i]Ciconiidae[/i], a group of 7 species characterised by straight bills and mainly black and white plumage. The Black Stork measures between 37 and 39 inches in length with a 57 to 61 inches wingspan and weighing around 6.6 pounds. Standing as tall as 40 inches, it has long red legs, a long neck and a long, straight, pointed red beak. The plumage is black with a purplish green sheen except for the white lower breast, belly, axillaries and undertail coverts. The breast feathers are long and shaggy, forming a ruff which is used in some courtship displays. The irises are brown and there is bare red skin around the eyes. The sexes are identical in appearance except that males are larger than females on average. Moulting takes place in spring with the iridescent sheen brighter in new plumage. The juvenile resembles the adult in plumage but the areas corresponding to the adult black feathers are browner and less glossy, the scapulars, wing and upper tail coverts have pale tips and the legs, bill and bare skin around the eyes are greyish green. The Black Stork walks slowly and steadily on the ground and, like all storks, it flies with its neck outstretched. It is a wary bird and avoids contact with people. It is generally found alone or in pairs although flocks of up to a 100 birds can occur when migrating or during winter. During the summer months, the Black Stork can be found from east Asia (Siberia and north China) west to central Europe, reaching Estonia in the north, Poland, Lower Saxony and Bavaria in Germany, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Italy and Greece in the south with an outlying population in the central south west region of the Iberian Peninsula (Extremadura and surrounding provinces of Spain plus Portugal). An isolated population exists in south Africa in east South Africa, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Botswana and Namibia. The Black Stork is a rare vagrant to the UK and it is most often recorded in spring and generally in the south and east. Sightings have become more common since the 1970s as the breeding range moves northwards. The Black Stork is migratory and it winters in tropical Africa and Asia although some populations are sedentary or dispersive. Birds that summer in Europe migrate to Africa with those from west Germany and points west heading south via the Iberian Peninsula and the rest via Turkey and the Levant. Those flying via Spain spend the winter in east Senegal, Guinea, south Mauritania, Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone and west and central Mali whilst those flying via the Sinai winter in north Ethiopia, the Central African Republic, Chad and north east Nigeria. Birds that summer in west Asia migrate to north and north east India and Africa whilst those that summer further east in east Russia and China winter mainly in south China and occasionally in Hong Kong, Myanmar, north Thailand and Laos. Migration takes place from early August to October with a major exodus in September. As a broad-winged soaring bird, the Black Stork is assisted by thermals of hot air for long-distance flight although it is less dependent on them than the White Stork. Since thermals only form over land, the Black Stork, together with the White Stork and large raptors, must cross the Mediterranean at the narrowest points such as through the Bosphorus, the Sinai and the Straits of Gibraltar. The trip is around 3500 miles via the western route and 4300 miles via the eastern route with satellite tracking yielding an average travel time of 37 and 80 days respectively. The Black Stork prefers more wooded areas than the White Stork and it breeds in large marshy wetlands with interspersed coniferous or broadleaved woodlands but also in hills and mountains with sufficient networks of rivers, streams and creeks. It can usually be seen in ponds and rivers and on the edges of lakes, estuaries and other freshwater wetlands. The Black Stork does sometimes inhabit more agricultural areas but even here it avoids close contact with people. The Black Stork breeds between April and May in the Northern Hemisphere. In south Africa, it breeds between September and March, possibly to take advantage of abundant water prey which is easier to catch as the rivers dry up and recede, from April and May in Zimbabwe, Botswana and north South Africa and as late as July further south. Pairs in courtship have aerial displays that appear to be unique among the storks. Paired birds soar in parallel, usually over the nest territory early in the mornings or late afternoons, and call to each other. Courtship flights are difficult to see due to the densely forested habitat in which the birds breed. The nest of the Black Stork is large and constructed from sticks and twigs and sometimes also large branches. It is built at a height of around 15 to 80 feet mostly in old-growth deciduous forests with large canopies far from human disturbance. In steeply mountainous areas, nests are built on cliffs, on large boulders, in caves and under overhanging ledges. The Black Stork's solitary nests are usually at least 0.5 miles apart even where the species is numerous. The female Black Stork lays 2 to 5 eggs which are incubated for 32 to 38 days by both the male and female. At least one adult remains in the nest for 2 to 3 weeks after hatching to protect the young. Both parents feed the young by regurgitating food on to the floor of the nest. The Black Stork has been known to kill one of their young, generally the weakest, in times of food shortage to reduce brood size and hence increase the chance of survival of the remaining nestlings. Fledging takes 60 to 71 days after which the young birds join the adults at their feeding grounds. However, for another 2 weeks, the young continue to return to the nest to be fed and to roost at night. Ringing recovery studies in Europe suggest that nearly 20% of chicks reach the breeding age at around 3 years old and about 10% live beyond 10 years old and about 5% beyond 20 years old. Captive individuals have lived for as long as 36 years. The Black Stork mainly eats fish but it may also feed on amphibians, small reptiles, crabs, mammals and birds, invertebrates such as snails, molluscs, earthworms and insects such as water beetles and their larvae. Foraging for food takes place mostly in fresh water although it may look for food on dry land at times. The Black Stork wades patiently and slowly in shallow water, often alone or in a small group if food is plentiful. It will also follow large mammals such as deer and livestock, presumably to eat the invertebrates and small animals flushed by their presence. The Black Stork has been rated as a species of “Least Concern” because it has a large range and because its population is thought not to have declined significantly. However, the state of the population overall is unclear and, although it is widespread, it is not abundant anywhere and population declines in some areas have been noted. The habitat of the Black Stork is changing rapidly in much of its range and various conservation measures have been taken. It is also protected by the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Date: 26th May 2018 Location: River Borovitsa valley near Nenkovo, Eastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623034.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6141061476117d2fb9e078.jpgFulmar The (Northern) Fulmar is a highly abundant seabird found primarily in subarctic regions of the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans. Though similar in appearance to gulls, the 2 species of fulmars (Northern and Southern) are in fact members of a different seabird family which include petrels and shearwaters. The Fulmar’s latin name, Fulmarus glacialis can be broken down to the Old Norse word full meaning "foul" and mar meaning "gull". "Foul-gull" is in reference to its stomach oil and also its superficial similarity to gulls. Finally, glacialis is Latin for "glacial" reflecting its extreme northern range. The Fulmar is generally grey and white with a pale yellow and thick bill and bluish legs. However there is both a light morph and a dark morph. Like other petrels, their walking ability is limited but they are strong fliers with a stiff wing action quite unlike the gulls. The Fulmar also looks bull-necked compared to gulls and it has a short stubby bill. The Fulmar is estimated to have between 15 to 30 million mature individuals that occupy a range of around 11 million square miles. Its range increased greatly last century due to the availability of fish offal from commercial fleets but may contract because of less food from this source and climate change. The population increase has been especially notable in the UK. The Fulmar starts breeding at between 6 and 12 years old. It is monogamous, forms long term pair bonds, returns to the same nest site year after year and nests in large colonies. The nest is a scrape on a grassy cliff ledge or a saucer of vegetation on the ground lined with softer material and recently they have started nesting on rooftops and buildings. The Fulmar feeds on shrimp, fish, squid, plankton, jellyfish and carrion as well as refuse. When eating fish, it will dive up to several feet deep to retrieve its prey. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26022833.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_123494189056372b7744289.jpgBarrow's Goldeneye The Barrow's Goldeneye is a medium-sized diving duck named after Sir John Barrow, an English statesman and writer. The male Barrow's Goldeneye has a large dark head with an iridescent purplish gloss and a crescent-shaped white patch between the eye and bill. The dark back contrasts with the white neck, breast and belly. The scapulars are black with a distinctive row of rectangular white spots. The white greater coverts are tipped with black, forming a black band between the white speculum and the white patch on the greater coverts. The bill is black and the legs and feet are yellowish. The female Barrow's Goldeneye has a dark chocolate-brown head with a narrow whitish collar. The back and sides are slaty grey and the chest, breast and belly are white. The bill is mostly yellowish and the legs and feet are yellowish. The adult is similar in appearance to the Common Goldeneye. However, the male Barrow's Goldeneye differs from the male Common Goldeneye by the fact that the Common Goldeneye has a round white patch on the face, less black on the back and a larger bill. For the females, the Common Goldeneye has a less rounded head and a bill in which only the tip is yellow. The Barrow’s Goldeneye breeds on wooded lakes and ponds primarily in north western north America. It is considered to be an arboreal species because it mainly nests in cavities found in mature trees although it will also nest in burrows or protected sites on the ground. The Barrow’s Goldeneye can also be found in scattered locations in eastern Canada and Iceland (the only European site). It is an extremely rare vagrant to western Europe and to southern areas of north America. In Icelandic the Barrow’s Goldeneye is known as húsönd (house duck) and it is a common species in the Mývatn area in the north of the country. The Barrow’s Goldeneye is migratory and most winter in large flocks on lakes, rivers, estuaries and bays The Barrow's Goldeneye dives to feed on aquatic insects, crustaceans, small fish, fish eggs and pondweeds found in freshwater habitats and molluscs, crustaceans, seastars and marine worms found in saltwater habitats. Date: 3rd June 2015 Location: Lake Mývatn, north east Iceland Date: 3rd June 2015 Location: Lake Mývatn, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14036883.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17979693334f213cd9d8409.jpgBewick's Swan The Tundra Swan is a small Holarctic swan. The 2 taxa within it are usually regarded as conspecific but are also sometimes split into 2 species: the Bewick's Swan of the Palaearctic and the Whistling Swan of the Nearctic. The Bewick's Swan was named in 1830 by William Yarrell after the engraver Thomas Bewick who specialised in illustrations of birds and animals. The Bewick's Swan measures 45 to 55 inches in length with a wing span of 18.5 to 21.5 inches. Males are slightly larger and heavier than females. It is similar in appearance to the Whooper Swan but is smaller, shorter-necked and has a more rounded head shape. It has a variable bill pattern but always shows more black than yellow and having a blunt forward edge of the yellow base patch. The Whooper Swan has a bill that has more yellow than black and the forward edge of the yellow patch is usually pointed. The bill pattern for every individual Bewick's Swan is unique and scientists often make detailed drawings of each bill and assign names to the swans to assist with studying these birds. As their common name implies, the Tundra Swan breeds in the Arctic and sub-Arctic tundra where they inhabit shallow pools, lakes and rivers. Unlike the Mute Swan, but like the other Arctic swans, it is a migratory bird. The winter habitat is mainly grassland and marshland, often near the coast. The breeding range of the Bewick’s Swan extends across the coastal lowlands of Siberia from the Kola Peninsula east to the Pacific. It starts to arrive in its breeding range around mid-May and leaves for its winter range around the end of September. The populations west of the Taimyr Peninsula migrate via the White Sea, Baltic Sea and the Elbe estuary to winter in Denmark, the Netherlands and the UK where it is common in winter on a few RSPB and WWT reserves. Some birds also winter elsewhere on the southern shores of the North Sea. The Bewick’s Swans that breed in eastern Russia migrate via Mongolia and north China to winter in the coastal regions of Korea, Japan and south China, south to Guangdong and occasionally as far as Taiwan. A few birds from the central Siberian range also winter in Iran at the south of the Caspian Sea. Arrival in the winter range starts about mid-October although most birds spend weeks or even months at favourite resting locations and will only arrive in the winter range in November or even as late as January. Departure from the winter range starts in mid-February. Bewick’s Swans mate in the late spring, usually after they have returned to the breeding range. As is usual for swans, they pair monogamously until one partner dies. Should one partner die long before the other, the surviving bird often will not mate again for several years or even for the rest of its life. The nesting season starts at the end of May. The pair build the large mound-shaped nest from plant material at an elevated site near open water and they defend a large territory around it. The pen (female) lays and incubates a clutch of 2 to 7 (usually 3 to 5) eggs whilst the cob (male) keeps a steady lookout for potential predators heading towards his mate and offspring. The time from egg laying to hatching is 29 to 30 days. Since they nest in cold regions, Bewick’s Swan cygnets grow faster than those of swans breeding in warmer climates and they may fledge in 40 to 45 days. Cygnets stay with their parents for the first winter migration and the family is sometimes even joined by their offspring from previous breeding seasons while on the wintering grounds. Bewick’s Swans do not reach sexual maturity until 3 or 4 years of age. In summer, the diet of the Bewick’s Swan consists mainly of aquatic vegetation which it finds by sticking its head underwater or upending while swimming. It will also eat some grass growing on dry land. At other times of the year, leftover grains and other crops such as potatoes, picked up in open fields after harvest, make up much of the diet. Healthy adult Bewick’s Swans have few natural predators. The Arctic Fox may threaten breeding females and particular the eggs and hatchlings. Adults typically can stand their ground and displace foxes but occasionally the foxes are successful. Other potential nest predators include the Red Fox, the Brown Bear, the Golden Eagle, the Arctic Skua and the Glaucous Gull. The Brown Bear, the Golden Eagle and the Wolf may occasionally succeed at capturing and killing an adult. About 15% adults die each year from various causes and the average lifespan in the wild is about 10 years. The status of the Bewick's Swan is not well known although its population is in decline in north west Europe for largely unexplained reasons. It is increasingly dependent on agricultural crops to supplement its winter diet as aquatic vegetation in its winter habitat declines due to habitat destruction and water pollution. However, the main cause of adult mortality is hunting and, whilst the Bewick's Swan can not be hunted legally, almost half the birds studied contain lead shot in their bodies, indicating that they were shot at by poachers. Lead poisoning by ingestion of lead shot is also a very significant cause of mortality. The Bewick's Swan is one of the birds to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 6th January 2012 Location: Walland Marsh, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/gannets https://images.on-this.website/4752_5904524774e26998dcdcfe.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 17th May 2009 Location: Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24901585.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_110556358455a4cd830055b.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 22nd June 2015 Location: Loch Fleet, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21958348.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_28201041453da46f532b69.jpgCommon Guillemots The Common Guillemot, also known as the Common Murre or Thin-billed Murre, is a large species of auk. The auks are a family of seabirds which includes the Brunnich's Guillemot or Thick-billed Murre, Razorbill, Little Auk and the extinct Great Auk. The Common Guillemot is 15 to 18 inches in length with a 24 to 29 inches wingspan. In breeding plumage, it is black or dark brown on the head, back and wings with white underparts. It has a thin dark pointed bill and a small rounded dark tail. Legs are grey and the bill is dark grey. Males and females are identical. Some individuals in the North Atlantic, known as "Bridled Guillemots", have a white ring around the eye extending back as a white line. This is not a distinct subspecies but a polymorphism that becomes more common the farther north the birds breed. The Common Guillemot flies with fast wing beats and has a flight speed of around 50 mph. Groups of birds are often seen flying together in a line just above the surface of the sea. However, it is not a very agile bird and take-off is often difficult. The Common Guillemot becomes flightless for 45 to 60 days while moulting its primary feathers. The Common Guillemot is a pursuit diver that forages for food by swimming underwater using its wings for propulsion. Dives usually last less than one minute but the bird swims underwater for distances of over 100 feet on a regular basis. Diving depths up to 590 feet have been recorded. The Common Guillemot has a circumpolar distribution and it occurs in low Arctic and boreal waters in the north Atlantic and north Pacific. It spends most of its time at sea and only comes to land to breed on rocky cliffs, sea stacks and islands. Some birds are permanent residents but northern birds migrate south to open waters off New England, southern California, Japan, Korea and the western Mediterranean. The Common Guillemot breeds in colonies at high densities and nesting pairs may be in bodily contact with their neighbours. No nest is made and the single egg is laid and incubated on a bare rock ledge on a cliff face. The egg hatches after 30 days incubation and the chick is born downy and can regulate its body temperature after 10 days. Some 20 days after hatching the chick jumps off its nesting ledge and heads for the sea unable to fly but gliding for some distance with fluttering wings and accompanied by its male parent. The chicks are capable of diving as soon as they hit the water. The female stays at the nest site for some 14 days after the chick has left. The Common Guillemot can venture far from its breeding grounds to forage and distances of 60 miles or more are often observed although if sufficient food is available closer by, birds will only travel much shorter distances. It mainly eats small schooling fish 8 inches long or less such as Polar Cod, Capelin, Sand Lances, Sprats, Sandeels, Atlantic Cod and Atlantic Herring. It also eats some molluscs, marine worms, squid and crustaceans. It is often seen carrying fish in its bill with the tail hanging out. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Staple Island, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/toivoniemi-area-lappi-finland https://images.on-this.website/4752_2924835264bf6d857a76bd.jpgToivoniemi area, Lappi, Finland Date: 11th April 2010 Location: north of Kaamanen, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14863243.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7918898994fae3662936cb.jpgPheasant The Common Pheasant is native to Asia but it has been widely introduced elsewhere as a game bird. In parts of its range, namely in places where none of its relatives occur such as in Europe (where it is naturalised), it is simply known as the Pheasant. Body weight of the Pheasant can range from 1.1 to 6.6 pounds, with males averaging 2.6 pounds and females averaging 2 pounds The adult male Pheasant is 24 to 35 inches in length with a long brown streaked black tail, accounting for almost 20 inches of the total length. The body plumage is barred bright gold or fiery copper-red and chestnut-brown with an iridescent sheen of green and purple. The wings are white or cream and black-barred markings are common on the tail. The head is bottle green with a small crest and distinctive red wattling. The female Pheasant is much less showy with a duller mottled brown plumage all over and measuring 20 to 25 inches long including a tail of around 8 inches. Juveniles have the appearance of the female with a shorter tail until young males begin to grow characteristic bright feathers on the breast, head and back at about 10 weeks after hatching. There are many colour forms of the male Pheasant, ranging in colour from nearly white to almost black in some melanistic examples. These are due to captive breeding and hybridisation between sub-species reinforced by continual releases of stock from varying sources to the wild. The Pheasant is native to Asia with its original range extending from between the Black and Caspian Seas to Manchuria, Siberia, Korea, mainland China and Taiwan. It can now be found across the globe due to its readiness to breed in captivity and the fact it can naturalise in many climates. At least since the Roman Empire, the Pheasant has been extensively introduced in many places and it has become a naturalised species in Europe, including throughout most of the UK where successive introductions have led to it becoming well adapted to the climate and able to breed naturally in the wild without human supervision on farmland and in copses, heaths, scrub, commons and wetlands. The Pheasant nests solely on the ground in scrapes lined with some grass and leaves, frequently under dense cover or a hedge. Occasionally it will nest in a haystack or in an old nest left by other birds. The male is polygynous and is often accompanied by a harem of several females. A clutch of around 8 to 15 eggs is laid during April to June, sometimes as many as 18 but usually 10 to 12. The incubation period is about 22 to 27 days. The chicks stay near the female for several weeks although they leave the nest when only a few hours old. After hatching they grow quickly, flying after 12 to 14 days and resembling adults by only 15 weeks of age. The Pheasant eats a wide variety of animal and vegetable food including fruit, seeds, grain, mast, berries and leaves as well as a wide range of invertebrates and insects. Small vertebrates like lizards, small mammals and small birds are occasionally taken. The Pheasant is a well-known gamebird and perhaps the most widespread and ancient one in the world. It is one of the world's most hunted birds. The Pheasant is bred to be hunted and it is shot in great numbers in Europe, especially in the UK where they are shot in the open season from 1st October to 1st February. Generally they are shot by hunters employing gun dogs to help find, flush and retrieve shot birds. Pheasant farming is also a common practice and it is sometimes done intensively. Birds are supplied both to hunting preserves/estates and to restaurants. Date: 16th April 2012 Location: Wallasea Island, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/ballyteige-strand-kilmore-co-wexford https://images.on-this.website/4752_9869021385e539319f2e91.jpgBallyteige Strand, Kilmore Quay, Co. Wexford, Ireland Kilmore Quay is a village in Co. Wexford situated 3 miles south of Kilmore and 14 miles south of Wexford. It is a fishing village but tourism and its leisure facilities such as sailing and sea angling charters are also of economic importance. Just to the north of Kilmore Quay lies Ballyteige Strand or Ballyteige Burrow. Of international conservation importance and designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), this is one of the finest sand dune systems in Ireland. There are 3 main walking routes: along the beach, through the dunes or on the path by the fence that separates the dunes from the adjoining farmland. Date: 31st January 2020 Location: Ballyteige Strand, Kilmore Quay, Co. Wexford, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28884651.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3385152457cc28b510d77.jpgGrasshopper Warbler The Grasshopper Warbler is a medium-sized Old World warbler in the genus Locustella. The genus name Locustella is Latin and it is a diminutive of locusta, meaning "grasshopper". Like the English name, this refers to the characteristic insect-like song of the Grasshopper Warbler and some other birds in this genus. The Grasshopper Warbler is a very secretive bird which skulks in the undergrowth, creeping through bushes and low foliage, and it is seldom seen although its presence is easily detected because of its characteristic song. The upper-parts are pale olive-brown, each feather having a central darker brown streak. The cheeks are greyish, the irises are brown and there is a faint eye streak behind the eye. The underparts are cream-coloured or yellowish-buff with a few dark brown spots and streaks on the breast and flanks. The wings are brown with the outer edge of the feathers rimmed with paler brown. The tail feathers are reddish-brown with faint transverse bars being visible in some individuals and the under-tail coverts are streaked. The slender legs and the feet are pale yellowish-brown. The Grasshopper Warbler’s song is an unmusical, monotonous, high-pitched, reeling trill performed with beak held wide open and the whole body vibrating. It lasts for a few seconds to 2 or 3 minutes with hardly a pause for breath. It varies in volume from a faint hum to a sound resembling a distant mowing machine. It is performed at any time of day from early morning until after the sun has set and is constantly to be heard from the arrival of the bird in its breeding areas in spring until late July. The Grasshopper Warbler breeds in north and west Europe and parts of west Asia. The range includes Spain, France, central Italy, Romania, Yugoslavia, the UK, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Denmark, southern Sweden, southern Finland, the Baltic States and western parts of Russia. In late summer, it migrates to north and west Africa where it overwinters. In the breeding season, it is found in damp or dry places with rough grass and bushes such as the edges of fens, clearings, neglected hedgerows, heaths, upland moors, gorse-covered areas, young plantations and felled woodland. In the winter, it is usually found in similar locations but information is scarce on its behaviour and habitat at this time. The Grasshopper Warbler is insectivorous and feeds on a wide range of invertebrates. Its diet includes flies, moths, beetles, aphids, dragonflies and mayflies and their larvae. Spiders and woodlice are also eaten. Date: 17th May 2016 Location: Aardla polder, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41205444.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12174869925eb970474eb20.jpgDunnock The Dunnock is a small passerine bird and the most widespread member of the genus Prunella, the accentor family which otherwise consists of mountain species. Other common names for the Dunnock include the Hedge Sparrow or Hedge Accentor. The Dunnock is about the size of a Robin. It has a generally drab brown streaked appearance with a grey head and a fine pointed bill. Both sexes are similar. It is quiet and unobtrusive and is frequently seen on its own, creeping along and moving with a rather nervous, shuffling gait often flicking its wings. The Dunnock is native to large areas of Eurasia where it is the only commonly found accentor in lowland areas. It can be found throughout the UK all the year round in any well vegetated areas with scrub, brambles and hedges and also in deciduous woodland, farmland edges, parks and gardens. The Dunnock is territorial and may engage in conflict with other birds that encroach upon their nesting areas. The Dunnock possesses variable mating systems. Females are often polyandrous, breeding with 2 or more males at once which is quite rare among birds. This multiple mating system leads to the development of sperm competition amongst the male suitors. DNA fingerprinting has shown that chicks within a brood often have different fathers depending on the success of the males at monopolising the female. Males try to ensure their paternity by pecking at the cloaca of the female to stimulate ejection of rival males' sperm. Males provide parental care in proportion to their mating success so 2 males and a female can commonly be seen provisioning nestlings at one nest. Other mating systems also exist within Dunnock populations depending on the ratio of male to females and the overlap of territories. When only a single female and a single male territory overlap, monogamy is preferred. Sometimes, 2 or 3 adjacent female territories overlap a single male territory and so polygyny is favoured with the male monopolising several females. Polygynandry also exists in which 2 males jointly defend a territory containing several females. Polyandry, however, is the most common mating system of the Dunnock. Depending on the population, males generally have the best reproductive success in polygynous populations whilst females have the advantage during polyandry. Studies have illustrated the fluidity of Dunnock mating systems. When food is in abundance, female territory size is reduced drastically. Consequently, males can more easily monopolise the females. Thus, the mating system can be shifted from one that favours female success (polyandry) to one that favours male success (monogamy, polygynandry or polygyny). The Dunnock builds a neat nest predominantly from twigs and moss and lined with soft materials such as wool or feathers which is located low in a bush. The female typically lays 3 to 5 eggs. Broods, depending on the population, can be raised by a lone female, multiple females with the part-time help of a male, multiple females with full-time help by a male or by multiple females and multiple males. Parental care varies according to the type of relationship. Date: 2nd May 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41292195.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7645565685f10b92824421.jpgPasvikdalen, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Height 96 (Norwegian: [i] “Høyde 96”[/i]) is a former military border observation tower dating from the Cold War era. Located close to Svanhovd in Pavikdalen, the tower is open from June to August and offers extensive views of the Pasvik valley and Nikel, the closest town on the Russian side of the River Pasvikelva. Nikel is the administrative centre of Pechengsky District of Murmansk Oblast in Russia. It is located on the shores of Lake Kuets-Yarvi 122 miles north west of Murmansk and 4 miles from the Norwegian border. Nickel is linked to the Norilsk Nickel plant Kola MMC nearby where many of its citizens are employed and which causes environmental and health concerns for the population. The nickel smelter which has been an eyesore in Norway–Russia relations for decades due to its extreme pollution levels usually deposits its sulphur dioxide fumes to the south of the town where the countryside is a brown moonscape of bald hills and barren of plant life. Over the last 15 years, however, emissions have lowered significantly and by 2025, Norilsk Nickel plans to reduce its overall emissions by 90% as part of its long-term development programme announced in 2019. Date: 30th June 2019 Location: view from Height 96 watchtower, Svanhovd, Pasvikdalen, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26041746.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5431580375638b637adaf7.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name <i>Fratercula</i> comes from the Medieval Latin <i>fratercula</i> meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name <i>arctica</i> refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek <i>άρκτος</i> ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name <i>puffin</i> (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Látrabjarg, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30017302.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2910464765875533b7c970.jpgBewick's Swans The Tundra Swan is a small Holarctic swan. The 2 taxa within it are usually regarded as conspecific but are also sometimes split into 2 species: the Bewick's Swan of the Palaearctic and the Whistling Swan of the Nearctic. The Bewick's Swan was named in 1830 by William Yarrell after the engraver Thomas Bewick who specialised in illustrations of birds and animals. The Bewick's Swan measures 45 to 55 inches in length with a wing span of 18.5 to 21.5 inches. Males are slightly larger and heavier than females. It is similar in appearance to the Whooper Swan but is smaller, shorter-necked and has a more rounded head shape. It has a variable bill pattern but always shows more black than yellow and having a blunt forward edge of the yellow base patch. The Whooper Swan has a bill that has more yellow than black and the forward edge of the yellow patch is usually pointed. The bill pattern for every individual Bewick's Swan is unique and scientists often make detailed drawings of each bill and assign names to the swans to assist with studying these birds. As their common name implies, the Tundra Swan breeds in the Arctic and sub-Arctic tundra where they inhabit shallow pools, lakes and rivers. Unlike the Mute Swan, but like the other Arctic swans, it is a migratory bird. The winter habitat is mainly grassland and marshland, often near the coast. The breeding range of the Bewick’s Swan extends across the coastal lowlands of Siberia from the Kola Peninsula east to the Pacific. It starts to arrive in its breeding range around mid-May and leaves for its winter range around the end of September. The populations west of the Taimyr Peninsula migrate via the White Sea, Baltic Sea and the Elbe estuary to winter in Denmark, the Netherlands and the UK where it is common in winter on a few RSPB and WWT reserves. Some birds also winter elsewhere on the southern shores of the North Sea. The Bewick’s Swans that breed in eastern Russia migrate via Mongolia and north China to winter in the coastal regions of Korea, Japan and south China, south to Guangdong and occasionally as far as Taiwan. A few birds from the central Siberian range also winter in Iran at the south of the Caspian Sea. Arrival in the winter range starts about mid-October although most birds spend weeks or even months at favourite resting locations and will only arrive in the winter range in November or even as late as January. Departure from the winter range starts in mid-February. Bewick’s Swans mate in the late spring, usually after they have returned to the breeding range. As is usual for swans, they pair monogamously until one partner dies. Should one partner die long before the other, the surviving bird often will not mate again for several years or even for the rest of its life. The nesting season starts at the end of May. The pair build the large mound-shaped nest from plant material at an elevated site near open water and they defend a large territory around it. The pen (female) lays and incubates a clutch of 2 to 7 (usually 3 to 5) eggs whilst the cob (male) keeps a steady lookout for potential predators heading towards his mate and offspring. The time from egg laying to hatching is 29 to 30 days. Since they nest in cold regions, Bewick’s Swan cygnets grow faster than those of swans breeding in warmer climates and they may fledge in 40 to 45 days. Cygnets stay with their parents for the first winter migration and the family is sometimes even joined by their offspring from previous breeding seasons while on the wintering grounds. Bewick’s Swans do not reach sexual maturity until 3 or 4 years of age. In summer, the diet of the Bewick’s Swan consists mainly of aquatic vegetation which it finds by sticking its head underwater or upending while swimming. It will also eat some grass growing on dry land. At other times of the year, leftover grains and other crops such as potatoes, picked up in open fields after harvest, make up much of the diet. Healthy adult Bewick’s Swans have few natural predators. The Arctic Fox may threaten breeding females and particular the eggs and hatchlings. Adults typically can stand their ground and displace foxes but occasionally the foxes are successful. Other potential nest predators include the Red Fox, the Brown Bear, the Golden Eagle, the Arctic Skua and the Glaucous Gull. The Brown Bear, the Golden Eagle and the Wolf may occasionally succeed at capturing and killing an adult. About 15% adults die each year from various causes and the average lifespan in the wild is about 10 years. The status of the Bewick's Swan is not well known although its population is in decline in north west Europe for largely unexplained reasons. It is increasingly dependent on agricultural crops to supplement its winter diet as aquatic vegetation in its winter habitat declines due to habitat destruction and water pollution. However, the main cause of adult mortality is hunting and, whilst the Bewick's Swan can not be hunted legally, almost half the birds studied contain lead shot in their bodies, indicating that they were shot at by poachers. Lead poisoning by ingestion of lead shot is also a very significant cause of mortality. The Bewick's Swan is one of the birds to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 2nd January 2017 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/lesser-grey-shrike-and-red https://images.on-this.website/4752_5823983455d307cd32d040.jpgLesser Grey Shrike and Red-backed Shrike The Lesser Grey Shrike is a member of the shrike family. It is around 7.9 inches in length with a wing span of 5.1 inches. It is similar in appearance to the Great Grey Shrike and the Iberian Grey Shrike being predominantly black, white and grey, with the males having pink-flushed underparts. However, it is slightly smaller and has a black forehead and relatively longer wings The adult male has a black nape, cheeks, ear and eye coverts and front part of the crown. The hind part of the crown and the back is a pale bluish-grey and the rump is a similar but rather paler colour. The underparts are white with the lower breast and belly suffused with pink. The axillaries are greyish-white and the underwing coverts are brownish-black. The 2 central tail feathers are black with a white tip and base and the other pairs have increasing areas of white and less black. The primaries are black with a buff tip and white base. The secondaries are black with broader, paler tips but no white bases. The wing coverts are black with the lesser coverts being fringed with grey. The female has similar plumage but the head is dark grey rather than black, the ear coverts brownish-black, the upperparts a brownish-grey and the underparts less pink than the male. The juvenile is similar to the adults but is generally more brown. It lacks the grey back and rump which are instead pale brown and faintly barred and the underparts are white and cream without any pink. All birds have a brownish-black beak with a paler base to the lower mandible, brown irises and black legs and feet. The flight of the Lesser Grey Shrike is low and somewhat undulating and it occasionally glides with extended wings. At the end of the flight it swoops upward to land on a new hunting perch. It then turns its head from side to side searching for prey. When on the ground it hops but it normally only stays there for long enough to pick up an item of food. Like other shrikes, when excited it fans its tail and moves it up and down or from side to side. The Lesser Grey Shrike summers in south and central Europe and west Asia where it can be found in open countryside, the edges of cultivated areas, heathland with scattered bushes and trees, gardens, coppices, woodland and roadside trees. It breeds in south France, Switzerland, Austria, Czech Republic, Italy, the former Yugoslavia, Albania, Greece, Romania, Bulgaria and south Russia. In Asia it breeds in the Middle East, its range extending as far as east Turkey and Iran. The nest is often built in a roadside tree with good all-round visibility. It is built by both birds out of the stems of various flowering plants and lined with wool, hairs, roots and feathers. The female lays 5 to 7 eggs and incubation, which is undertaken mainly by the female, lasts about 15 days. Both the male and the female feed the young which are ready to leave the nest after about 14 days. There is usually a single brood. The Lesser Grey Shrike is a migratory species and it winters in a broad belt across tropical south Africa where it can be found in scrubland and among thorn trees. It is also a vagrant to more northerly parts of Europe including the UK and it is usually recorded in spring or autumn. The Lesser Grey Shrike hunts from a strategic post, wire or branch and primarily feeds on insects which it catches in the air or on the ground. The diet includes beetles, moths and butterflies, large flies, grasshoppers, crickets and millipedes. Some fruits such as cherries and figs are eaten to a limited extent. The Lesser Grey Shrike occasionally impales freshly caught prey on thorns for use later but this is done to a much lesser extent than by some other shrike species. The Red-backed Shrike is a carnivorous passerine bird and member of the shrike family. The general colour of the male’s upper parts is reddish. It has a grey head and a typical shrike black stripe through the eye. Underparts are tinged pink and the tail has a black and white pattern similar to that of a Wheatear. In the female and young birds the upperparts are brown and vermiculated and the underparts are buff and also vermiculated. The Red-backed Shrike eats large insects, small birds, frogs, rodents and lizards. Like other shrikes it hunts from prominent perches and impales corpses on thorns or barbed wire as a "larder." This practice has earned it the nickname of "butcher bird." The Red-backed Shrike breeds in most of Europe and western Asia and winters in tropical Africa. Once a common migratory visitor to the UK, numbers declined sharply during the 20th century. The bird's last stronghold was in Breckland but by 1988 just a single pair remained, successfully raising young at Santon Downham. The following year for the first time no nests were recorded in the UK but since then sporadic breeding has taken place, mostly in Scotland and Wales, and in September 2010 the RSPB announced that a pair had raised chicks at a secret location on Dartmoor where the bird last bred in 1970. This return to south west England has been an unexpected development and has raised speculation that a warming climate could assist the bird in re-colonising some of its traditional sites, if only in small numbers. Date: 23rd May 2018 Location: Topolovgrad to Svilengrad, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11265428.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8546000994e1ad4748c698.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 11th May 2008 Location: Skomer, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37159123.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8887489535c1e5e8e1a41c.jpgDipper The White-throated Dipper, also known as the European Dipper or simply as the Dipper, is an aquatic passerine bird. It is divided into several sub-species based primarily on colour differences, particularly of the pectoral band. These include the Black-bellied Dipper found in Scandinavia, west France, north west Spain, Corsica and Sardinia and an infrequent migrant to the UK and the “British” Dipper found in England, Wales and Scotland excluding the west and north west and the islands. The Dipper is about 7.1 inches long, rotund and short tailed. The head of the adult is brown, the back slate-grey mottled with black (looking black from a distance) and the wings and tail are brown. The throat and upper breast are white followed by a band of warm chestnut (“British” Dipper) or black (Black-bellied Dipper ) which merges into black on the belly and flanks. The young are greyish brown and have no chestnut band. The Dipper can be found in Europe, the Middle East, central Asia and the Indian Subcontinent and it is closely associated with swiftly running rivers and streams or the lakes in to which these fall. It often perches and bobs spasmodically with its short tail uplifted on the rocks around which the water swirls and tumbles. It acquired its name from these sudden dips and not from its diving habit, although it dives as well as walks into the water. It flies rapidly and straight with its short wings whirring swiftly and without pauses or glides and will then either drop on the water and dive or plunge in with a small splash. In addition, it will walk into the water and deliberately submerge from a perch. In this way the Dipper finds its food which includes aquatic invertebrates, aquatic insect larvae, beetles, freshwater molluscs, fish and small amphibians. It will also walk and run on the banks and rocks seeking terrestrial invertebrates. The winter habits of the Dipper vary considerably and apparently individually. When the swift hill rivers and streams are frozen it is forced to descend to the lowlands and even visit the coasts but some will remain if there is any open water. The Dipper breeds close to water and the nest is large, globular or oval (similar to a large Wren's nest) built into a crack or hollow in the rock or in the masonry or on the supports of a bridge. It is composed of moss, dead grass and leaves. This ball, however, is just a shelter. Usually hidden beneath a lip is the entrance to the real nest inside which is a cup of grass or sedge lined with leaves of oak, beech or other trees. Eggs are laid (3 to 6) are laid between March and May and 1 or 2 broods are raised. Date: 6th May 2018 Location: Gilfach RWT reserve, Powysys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo8135924.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2169498854d1d9cf001bd6.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 26th December 2010 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847451.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_146798233959bd508c68f7a.jpgHigh Tatras, Slovakia The High Tatras (Vysoké Tatry in Slovakia and Tatry Wysokie in Poland) are a mountain range along the border of northern Slovakia in the Prešov region and southern Poland in the Małopolska province. The High Tatras should not be confused with the Low Tatras which are located south of the High Tatras in Slovakia. The High Tatras occupy an area of 303 square miles, of which about 236 square miles (77.7%) lie within Slovakia and about 68 square miles (22.3%) within Poland. The High Tatras' length, measured in a straight line from the eastern foothills of the Kobylí vrch at 3638 feet to the south western foot of Ostrý vrch at 3700 feet, is 35 miles and strictly along the main ridge, 50 miles. The range is only 12 miles wide. The main ridge of the High Tatras runs from the Slovakian villages of Huty at the western end to the village of Ždiar at the eastern end. The High Tatras, having 29 peaks over 8,200 feet are, with the Southern Carpathians, the only mountain range with an alpine character and habitats in the entire 750 mile length of the Carpathian Mountains system. The 15 highest peaks of the High Tatras are all located in Slovakia with the highest peaks being Gerlachovský štít at 8711 feet, Gerlachovská veža at 8668 feet and Lomnický štít at 8638 feet. Other notable peaks include Kriváň and Rysy. Multiple surveys have ranked Kriváň (8168 feet) as Slovakia's most beautiful peak and it has also been a major symbol in Slovakian ethnic and national activism for the past 2 centuries. A country-wide vote in 2005 selected it to be one of the images on Slovakia's euro coins. Rysy lies on the border between Poland and Slovakia. It has 3 summits: the middle at 8,212 feet, the north western at 8,199 feet and the south eastern at 8,114 feet. The north western summit is the highest point in Poland whilst the other 2 summits are in Slovakia. Since the accession of Poland and Slovakia to the Schengen Agreement in 2007, the border between the countries may be easily crossed at this point. Two thirds of the High Tatras are covered with coniferous and deciduous forests. Alpine meadows, rocky terrain and habitats and extensively used pastures in the foothills occur in the non-forested areas. The High Tatras are one of the most popular places in Slovakia with over 5 million people visiting each year to walk, climb, cycle, ski or snowboard. There are around 375 miles of hiking trails, chairlifts and cable cars, offering breathtaking views of alpine scenery. The High Tatras are protected by law by the establishment of the Tatra National Park, Slovakia (Tatranský národný park) and the Tatra National Park, Poland (Tatrzański Park Narodowy), the first European cross-border national park. In 1992 the Polish and Slovakian national parks were jointly designated a trans-boundary Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. Tatra National Park, Slovakia (Tatranský národný park) is one of the 9 national parks in Slovakia. It protects the Slovakian areas of the High Tatras mountain range in the Eastern Tatras (Východné Tatry) and areas of the Western Tatras (Západné Tatry). The western part of Tatra National Park is situated in the Žilina region and the eastern part in the Prešov region. Tatra National Park covers an area of 284.9 square miles and the surrounding buffer zone covers an area of 118.5 square miles. The highest peak in Slovakia, Gerlachovský štít at 8711 feet, is located within Tatra National Park. Tatra National Park was established in January 1949 and it is the oldest national park in Slovakia. In 1987, a section of the Western Tatras was added to the national park. Since 2004, the national park has been included in the Natura 2000 ecological network, the network of nature protection areas within the European Union. Date: 29th May 2017 Location: High Tatras, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33820929.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19361750855a3d0776a6bc4.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 12th December 2017 Location: Kensington Gardens, London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9589160.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17323623594db163823b622.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 3rd February 2009 Location: Northlands Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42222532.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5602846056023b762b486c.jpgRedwing The Redwing is most commonly encountered as a winter visitor and is the UK's smallest true thrush. The creamy stripe above the eye and the orange-red flank patches make it distinctive. Redwings arrive in the UK from September but most arrive in October and November. They leave again in March and April, although occasionally birds stay later including a few pairs to nest in northern Scotland. Redwings can be found across the UK's countryside feeding in fields and hedgerows and also in parks and gardens in the coldest weather when snow covers the fields. They often associate with flocks of Fieldfares, the other wintering thrush. Date: 9th January 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14160979.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9212939634f3e39843ab78.jpgCommon Blue Flight period: June to September. The Common Blue is the UK’s most widespread and common blue butterfly although it has suffered some local declines due to habitat loss. They can be found in sunny, sheltered areas including downland, roadside verges, woodland clearings and rural gardens. This photo won second prize in the Essex Wildlife Trust photography competition for 2007. This photo also received a BBC Wildlife magazine photo masterclass award in the “Extreme close up” category for August 2007. Please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/news4693.html]here[/url] for further information. Date: 22nd July 2007 Location: Stow Maries Halt EWT reserve, Stow Maries, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4267157.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16502859154b52227d7c660.jpgCrested Tit Although not as colourful as some other tits, its “bridled”' face pattern and the upstanding black and white crest make the Crested Tit a most distinctive species. Crested Tits feed actively, clinging to trunks and hanging from branches, like most tits, searching for a wide range of invertebrates and pine seeds. Crested Tits are largely confined to the ancient Caledonian pine forests and Scots pine plantations of the Scottish Highlands and can be seen all year round. Date: 29th December 2009 Location: Cairngorm Reindeer Centre, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13439461.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3034018104eb264ce8c53f.jpgDark-bellied Brent Geese The Brent Goose belongs to the [I]Branta[/I] genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the [I]Anser[/I] genus of grey geese. [I]Branta[/I] is a Latinised form of Old Norse [I]brandgás[/I], meaning "burnt (black) goose", and [i]bernicla[/i] is the medieval Latin name for the barnacle. The Brent Goose and the similar Barnacle Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be the same creature as the crustacean, a myth that can be dated back to at least the 12th century. The Brent Goose, [I]Branta bernicla[/I] is divided into 3 sub-species: Dark-bellied Brent Goose [I]B. b. bernicla[/I], Pale-bellied Brent Goose [i]B. b. hrota[/i] (sometimes also known as Light-bellied Brent Goose) and Black Brant [i]B. b. nigricans[/i]. Some DNA evidence suggests that these forms are genetically distinct and a split into 3 separate species has been proposed. However, other evidence upholds their maintenance as a single species. The Brent Goose is a small goose, 22 to 26 inches long with a wingspan of 42 to 48 inches. The under-tail is pure white and the tail black and very short (the shortest of any goose). The Dark-bellied Brent Goose is fairly uniformly dark grey-brown all over and the flanks and belly are not significantly paler than the back. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds on the Arctic coasts of central and west Siberia and winters in west Europe with over half the population in south England and the rest between north Germany and north west France. The Pale-bellied Brent Goose appears blackish-brown and light grey in colour and the flanks and belly are significantly paler than the back and present a marked contrast. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds in Franz Josef Land, Svalbard, Greenland and north east Canada and winters in Denmark, north east England, Ireland and the Atlantic coast of the USA from Maine to Georgia as well as in a small but significant area in north France. The Black Brant appears blackish-brown and white in colour. This sub-species is very contrastingly black and white with a uniformly dark sooty-brown back, similarly-coloured underparts (with the dark colour extending furthest back of the 3 sub-species) and a prominent white flank patch. It also has a larger white neck patch which forms an almost complete collar. It breeds in north west Canada, Alaska and east Siberia and winters mostly on the west coast of north America from south Alaska to California but also in east Asia, mainly Japan. It sometimes appears as a vagrant in Europe when it associates with the other Brent Goose species. The Brent Goose used to be a strictly coastal bird in winter, seldom leaving tidal estuaries where it feeds on eel-grass and seaweed. In recent decades, it has started using agricultural land a short distance inland, feeding extensively on grass and winter-sown cereals. This may be behaviour learned by following other species of geese. Food resource pressure may also be important in forcing this change since the world population increased over 10-fold by the mid-1980s, possibly reaching the carrying capacity of the estuaries. In the breeding season, the Brent Goose uses low-lying wet coastal tundra for both breeding and feeding. The nest is bowl-shaped, lined with grass and down and located in an elevated position often near a small pond. The Brent Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds applies. Date: 21st October 2011 Location: Cudmore Grove Country Park, East Mersea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41539337.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15934633105f3e4baaa45e9.jpgRed-throated Diver The Red-throated Diver is the smallest and lightest of the world's diver or loon species. Like all divers, it is long-bodied and short-necked and with its legs set far back on its body. The sexes are similar in appearance although males tend to be slightly larger and heavier than females. In breeding plumage, the adult has a dark grey head and neck with narrow black and white stripes on the back of the neck, a triangular red throat patch, white underparts and a dark grey-brown mantle. The non-breeding plumage is drabber with the chin, foreneck and much of the face white, the top of the head and back of the neck grey and considerable white speckling on the dark mantle. The bill is thin, straight and sharp and the bird often holds it at an uptilted angle. In flight, the Red-throated Diver has a distinctive profile. Its small feet do not project far past the end of its body, its head and neck droop below the horizontal (giving the flying bird a distinctly hunchbacked shape) and its thin wings are angled back. It has a quicker, deeper wing beat than other divers. The Red-throated Diver has a large global population and a significant global range but some populations are declining. Oil spills, habitat degradation, pollution and fishing nets are among the major threats and natural predators, such as various gull species and both red and Arctic foxes, will take eggs and young. The Red-throated Diver breeds primarily in the Arctic regions of northern Eurasia and north America and it winters in northern coastal waters, sometimes in groups of considerable size. Unlike other divers, it regularly uses very small freshwater lakes as breeding sites. In Europe, it breeds in Iceland, northern Scotland, Scandinavia and northern Russia and it winters along the coast as far south as parts of Spain. Date: 5th July 2019 Location: near Gednje, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4466054.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5529072534b8a23c0661d5.jpgTromsøysundet, Tromsø http://www.richardchewphotography.com/lesser-whitethroat https://images.on-this.website/4752_9266817045ea6d38103452.jpgLesser Whitethroat The Lesser Whitethroat is a typical warbler in the [i]Sylvia[/i] genus. Unlike many warblers in its genus, the sexes are almost identical. It is a small bird with a grey back, whitish underparts, a grey head with a darker "bandit mask" through the eyes and a white throat. It is slightly smaller than the Common Whitethroat and lacks the chestnut wings and uniform head and face colour of that species. The Lesser Whitethroat can be hard to see and it is often only noticed when it gives its fast and rattling song or “tacking” alarm call. The Lesser Whitethroat is common and widespread and breeds in temperate Europe and in the west and central Palearctic. It is usually found in fairly open country with scattered trees and large bushes and scrub for nesting. It is strongly migratory and winters in Africa just south of the Sahara, Arabia and India. In the UK, the Lesser Whitethroat can be seen from mid-April to mid-October in England, Wales and south Scotland but it is absent from upland areas. Like most warblers, the Lesser Whitethroat is insectivorous but it will also take berries and other soft fruit to build up fat reserves before migration. Date: 24th April 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25774119.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_314354210560fb77f1bcb6.jpgDate: 25th September 2015 Location: Blaven, Skye, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30017269.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21425997145875524b0115f.jpgSmew The Smew is a small compact diving duck with a delicate bill. The Smew is a species of diving duck and is the only living member of the genus [i]Mergellus[/i]. This genus is closely related to [i]Mergus[/i] which is represented in the UK by the Red-breasted Merganser and the Goosander. The male Smew is white with a black mask and a black back and is unmistakable. It is often described as having a “cracked ice” appearance. The female and immature male are grey birds with chestnut foreheads and crowns and they can be confused at a distance with the Ruddy Duck. They are often known as "redheads". The Smew's small bill has a hooked tip and serrated edges which help it catch fish when it dives for them. The Smew can be found on the lakes and rivers of the northern taiga region of Europe and Asia. It usually breeds in May and June and nests in tree holes such as old woodpecker nests. As a migrant, it leaves its breeding areas and winters further south on the sheltered coasts or inland lakes of the Baltic Sea, the Black Sea, north Germany and the Low Countries. The Smew is also a winter visitor to the UK in small numbers where it is mainly found south of a line between the Wash and the River Severn, typically on lakes, reservoirs and gravel pits. Sometimes birds move to the UK from Holland and Denmark to escape freezing weather there. The Smew is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. It is not considered threatened on the IUCN Red List although its population is decreasing. This bird was part of the captive collection at WWT Slimbridge. Date: 2nd January 2017 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21215560.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_793904951537dbfc335645.jpgLittle Egret The Little Egret is a species of small heron. The genus name comes from the Provençal French [i]Aigrette[/i] (egret), a diminutive of [i]Aigron [/i] (heron). The adult Little Egret is 22 to 26 inches long with a 35 to 42 inches wingspan. Its plumage is normally entirely white although there are dark forms with largely bluish-grey plumage. In the breeding season, the adult has 2 long plumes on the nape that form a crest. These plumes are about 6 inches in length and are pointed and very narrow. There are similar feathers on the breast but the barbs are more widely spread. There are also several elongated scapular feathers that have long loose barbs around 8 inches long. During the winter the plumage is similar but the scapulars are shorter and more normal in appearance. The bill is long and slender and both it and the lores are black. There is an area of greenish-grey bare skin at the base of the lower mandible and around the eye which has a yellow iris. The legs are black and the feet yellow. Juveniles are similar to non-breeding adults but have greenish-black legs and duller yellow feet and may have a certain proportion of greyish or brownish feathers. The Little Egret is mostly silent but it does make various croaking and bubbling calls at its breeding colonies and it produces a harsh alarm call when disturbed. The breeding range of the western race of the Little Egret includes south Europe, the Middle East, much of Africa and south Asia. European populations are migratory and mostly travel to Africa although some remain in south Europe. During the late 20th century, the range of the Little Egret expanded northwards in Europe and into the New World. The Little Egret's habitat varies widely and includes the shores of lakes, rivers, canals, ponds, lagoons, marshes and flooded land, the bird preferring open locations to dense cover. On the coast it inhabits mudflats, sandy beaches, mangrove areas, swamps and reefs. The Little Egret is a sociable bird and can be seen in small flocks. However, individual birds do not tolerate others coming too close to their chosen feeding site although this depends on the abundance of prey. The Little Egret uses a variety of methods to find its food. It stalks its prey in shallow water, often running with raised wings or shuffling its feet to disturb small fish, or it may stand still and wait to ambush prey. It also makes use of opportunities provided by Cormorants disturbing fish or humans attracting fish by throwing bread into water. On land, it walks or runs while chasing its prey, often feeding on creatures disturbed by grazing livestock. The diet is mainly fish but amphibians, small reptiles, mammals and birds are also eaten as well as crustaceans, molluscs, insects, spiders and worms. The Little Egret nests in colonies, often with other wading birds such as Cattle Egret, Black-crowned Night Heron, Squacco Heron and Glossy Ibis. The nests are usually platforms of sticks built in trees or shrubs or in reed beds or bamboo groves. Pairs defend a small breeding territory, usually extending around 10 to 13 feet from the nest. The 3 to 5 eggs are incubated by both adults for 21 to 25 days before hatching. The young birds are covered in white down feathers and are cared for by both parents fledging after 40 to 45 days. Globally, the Little Egret is not listed as a threatened species and has in fact expanded its range over the last few decades. The IUCN states that their wide distribution and large total population means that they are a species that cause them "least concern". Historical research has shown that the Little Egret was once present and probably common in the UK but became extinct through a combination of over-hunting in the late mediaeval period and climate change at the start of the Little Ice Age. Further declines occurred throughout Europe as the plumes of the Little Egret and other egrets were in demand for decorating hats. They had been used in the plume trade since at least the 17th century but in the 19th century it became a major craze and the number of egret skins passing through dealers reached into the millions. Hunting, which reduced the population of the species to dangerously low levels, stimulated the establishment of Britain's Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in 1889. By the 1950s, the Little Egret had become restricted to south Europe and conservation laws protecting the species were introduced. This allowed the population to rebound strongly and over the next few decades it became increasingly common in western France and later on the north coast. It bred in the Netherlands in 1979 with further breeding from the 1990s onward. Populations are now mostly stable or increasing in Europe. In the UK, the Little Egret was a rare vagrant from its 16th century extinction until the late 20th century. It has, however, recently become a regular breeding species and is commonly present, often in large numbers, at favoured coastal sites. The first recent breeding record in England was on Brownsea Island in Dorset in 1996 and it bred in Wales for the first time in 2002. The population increase has been rapid subsequently with over 750 pairs breeding in nearly 70 colonies in 2008 and a post-breeding total of 4540 birds in September 2008. Severe winter weather proves only to be a temporary setback and the Little Egret continues to expand both its numbers and range in the UK. Date: 7th May 2014 Location: Conwy RSPB reserve, Conwy http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11265258.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4694110824e1ad3f57e92b.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 11th May 2008 Location: Skomer, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11265294.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9576135044e1ad41080441.jpgPuffins The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 11th May 2008 Location: Skomer, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21958902.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_42739434953da56a095c7c.jpgArctic Tern The Arctic Tern is a seabird of the tern family. The adult plumage is grey above with a black nape and crown and white cheeks. The upperwings are pale grey with the area near the wingtip being translucent. The tail is white and the underparts pale grey. The beak is dark red as are the short legs and webbed feet. Like most terns, the Arctic Tern has high aspect ratio wings and a tail with a deep fork and long tail streamers. Both sexes are similar in appearance. The winter plumage is similar but the crown is whiter and the bills are darker. Juveniles differ from adults having black bill and legs, "scaly" appearing wings and mantle with dark feather tips, dark carpal wing bar and short tail streamers. During their first summer, juveniles also have a whiter forecrown. Whilst the Arctic Tern is similar to the Common and the Roseate Tern, its colouring, profile and call are slightly different. Compared to the Common Tern, it has a longer tail and mono-coloured bill, whilst the main differences from the Roseate Tern are its slightly darker colour and longer wings. The Arctic Tern has a circumpolar breeding distribution covering the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of Europe, Asia and north America. It is strongly migratory and sees 2 summers each year and more daylight than any other creature on the planet. It migrates along a convoluted route from its northern summer breeding grounds to the northern edge of the Antarctic coast for the southern summer and back again about 6 months later. In the UK, breeding Arctic Terns can best be seen on islands such as the Farne Islands in Northumberland or Orkney and Shetland in northern Scotland where the greatest densities occur. Recent studies have shown average annual roundtrip lengths of 25000 to 50000 miles depending on the route taken and weather and wind conditions. The Arctic Tern is a long-lived bird with many reaching 30 years of age and based on this average it will travel some 1.5 million miles during its lifetime. This is by far the longest migration known in the animal kingdom. Breeding takes place in colonies on coasts, islands and occasionally inland on tundra near water. The Arctic Tern often forms mixed colonies with the Common Tern and Sandwich Tern. As it nests on the ground, the Arctic Tern is vulnerable to predation but it is one of the most aggressive terns and it is fiercely defensive of its nest and young. It will attack humans and large predators, usually striking the top or back of the head. Although it is too small to cause serious injury, it is still capable of drawing blood and repelling many raptorial birds and smaller mammalian predators such as foxes and cats. Other nesting birds, such as auks, often incidentally benefit from the protection provided by nesting in an area defended by Arctic Terns. The diet of the Arctic Tern varies depending on location and time but it usually eats small fish or marine crustaceans by dipping down to the surface of the water to catch prey. While feeding, skuas, gulls and other tern species will often harass the birds and steal their food. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Inner Farne, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49003034.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8617026196468fc999114f.jpgAdder Adders are widespread throughout mainland UK but they are absent from Ireland. They occur throughout Europe, with the exception of the Mediterranean islands, and across Russia and Asia through to northern China. They are the UK's only venomous reptile. Adders are relatively short and robust snakes with large heads and a rounded snout. Males are usually a grey or buff colour with vivid black markings although they can also vary from silver to yellow or green in colour. Females are brown with dark red-brown markings that are less prominent than in the males. Both sexes have a zigzag pattern running along the back with a / or X-shaped marking at the rear of the head. Adders can be found in a variety of habitats, including open woodland, hedgerows, moorland, sand dunes, riverbanks, bogs, heathland and mountains. They are active during the day and spend time basking until their body temperature is high enough to hunt for food. Adders use venom to immobilise prey such as lizards, amphibians, nestlings and small mammals. After striking their prey, they will leave the venom to take effect before following the victim’s scent to find the body. Mating takes place between April and May with males often fighting for females. Females have a 3 to 4 month gestation period and Adders are one of the few snakes that are viviparous (give birth to live young). In late August females give birth to between 5 and 20 live young and the young remain close to their mother for a few days before going off in search of food. Adders hibernate from September to March often using deserted rabbit or rodent burrows or settling under logs. They sometimes hibernate communally. Males emerge 2 to 5 weeks before the females and shed their skin before setting off in search of females. Adders are not aggressive snakes and they will only attack if harassed or threatened. Although an Adder’s venom poses little danger to a healthy adult, the bite is very painful and requires urgent medical attention. Date: 3rd May 2023 Location: Benfleet and Hadleigh Downs, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51333230.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10828050966676e0ac56607.jpgCommon Blue Flight period: June to September. The Common Blue is the UK’s most widespread and common blue butterfly although it has suffered some local declines due to habitat loss. They can be found in sunny, sheltered areas including downland, roadside verges, woodland clearings and rural gardens. Date: 14th June 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46830568.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_34149322062e8fac877eb5.jpgLarge White Flight period: April to September. The Large White is a highly successful species which is common and widespread in the UK. They can be found almost anywhere including in towns and gardens. Date: 30th July 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4267522.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13976699804b522abfb9eb4.jpgStarling roost The Common Starling, also known as the European starling or in the UK just as the Starling, is a medium-sized passerine bird in the starling family. There are several sub-species of the Starling which vary in size and the colour tone of the adult plumage. The gradual variation over geographic range and extensive intergradation means that acceptance of the various sub-species varies between different authorities. The Starling is 7.5 to 9.1 inches in length with a wingspan of 12 to 17 inches. The plumage is iridescent black, glossed purple or green and spangled with white, especially in winter. The underparts of the adult male Starlings are generally less spotted than those of adult females. The throat feathers of the males are long and loose and are used in display while those of the females are smaller and more pointed. The legs are stout and pinkish-red or greyish-red. The bill is narrow and conical with a sharp tip. In the winter it is brownish-black but in summer the females have lemon yellow beaks whilst the males have yellow bills with blue-grey bases. Moulting occurs once a year in late summer after the breeding season and the fresh feathers are prominently tipped white (breast feathers) or buff (wing and back feathers) giving a speckled appearance. The reduction in the spotting in the breeding season is achieved through the white feather tips largely wearing off. Juveniles are grey-brown and by their first winter they resemble adults although they often retain some brown juvenile feathering especially on the head. In flight, the Starling’s strongly pointed wings and dark colouration are distinctive whilst on the ground its strange waddling gait is also characteristic. The colouring and build usually distinguish the Starling from other starling species although the closely related Spotless Starling from Iberia and north Africa may be physically distinguished by the lack of iridescent spots in the adult breeding plumage. Like most terrestrial starlings, the Starling moves by walking or running rather than hopping. Their flight is quite strong and direct and their triangular-shaped wings beat very rapidly. They periodically glide for a short way without losing much height before resuming powered flight. When in a flock, the birds take off almost simultaneously, wheel and turn in unison, form a compact mass or trail off into a wispy stream, bunch up again and the land in a co-ordinated fashion. The Starling is a noisy bird. Its song consists of a wide variety of both melodic and mechanical-sounding noises as part of a ritual succession of sounds. The male is the main songster and engages in bouts of song lasting for a minute or more. Each of these typically includes 4 varieties of song type which follow each other in a regular order without pause. The bout starts with a series of pure tone whistles and these are followed by the main part of the song, a number of variable sequences that often incorporate snatches of song mimicked from other species of bird and various naturally occurring or man-made noises. The structure and simplicity of the sound mimicked is of greater importance than the frequency with which it occurs. Each sound clip is repeated several times before the bird moves on to the next. After this variable section comes a number of types of repeated clicks followed by a final burst of high frequency song, again formed of several types. Each bird has its own repertoire with more proficient birds having a range of up to 35 variable song types and as many as 14 types of clicks. Males sing constantly as the breeding period approaches and perform less often once pairs have bonded. In the presence of a female, a male sometimes flies to his nest and sings from the entrance, apparently attempting to entice the female in. Having a complex song is also useful in defending a territory and deterring less experienced males from encroaching. Singing also occurs outside the breeding season and takes place throughout the year apart from the moulting period. The songsters are more commonly males although females also sing on occasion. The function of such out-of-season song is poorly understood. Starlings chatter while roosting and bathing and make a great deal of noise that can cause irritation to some people living nearby. When a flock of Starlings is flying together, the synchronised movements of their wings make a distinctive whooshing sound that can be heard hundred yards away. The global population of the Starling was estimated to be 310 million birds in 2004, occupying a total area of 3.4 million square miles. Its numbers are not thought to be declining significantly so it is classified by the IUCN as being of “Least Concern”. It had shown a marked increase in numbers throughout Europe from the 19th century to around the 1950s and 1960s. However, declines in populations have been observed since 1980, including in the UK. This seems to be due to the low survival rate of young birds which may be caused by changes in agricultural practices. The intensive farming methods used in north Europe mean there is less pasture and meadow habitat available and the supply of grassland invertebrates needed for the nestlings to thrive is correspondingly reduced. The Starling remains widespread throughout the Northern Hemisphere and it is native to Eurasia. It is found throughout Europe, north Africa from Morocco to Egypt, India (mainly in the north but regularly extending further south) and extending into the Maldives, Nepal, the Middle East including Syria, Iran and Iraq and north west China. Starlings in the south and west of Europe and south of latitude 40°N are mainly resident although other populations migrate from regions where the winter is harsh, the ground frozen and food scarce. Large numbers of birds from northern Europe, Russia and Ukraine migrate south westwards or south eastwards. In the autumn, when immigrants are arriving from eastern Europe, many of the UK's Starlings are setting off for Iberia and north Africa. Other groups of birds are in passage across the country and the pathways of these different streams of bird may cross. The Starling prefers urban or suburban areas where artificial structures and trees provide adequate nesting and roosting sites. Reedbeds are also favoured for roosting and Starlings commonly feed in grassy areas such as farmland, grazing pastures, playing fields, golf courses and airfields where short grass makes foraging easy. The Starling occasionally inhabits open forests and woodlands although it is rarely found in dense, wet forests. It can also be found in coastal areas where it nests and roosts on cliffs and forages amongst seaweed. The Starling’s ability to adapt to a large variety of habitats has allowed it to disperse and establish the species in diverse locations around the world and resulting in a habitat range from coastal wetlands to alpine forests and from sea cliffs to mountain ranges. The Starling has been introduced to and has successfully established itself in New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, north America, Fiji and several Caribbean islands. As a result, it has also been able to migrate to Thailand, south east Asia and New Guinea. Breeding takes place during the spring and summer. Unpaired males find a suitable cavity and begin to build nests in order to attract single females, often decorating the nest with ornaments such as flowers and fresh green material, which the female later disassembles when accepting the male as a mate. The males sing throughout much of the construction and even more so when a female approaches his nest. Following mating, the male and female continue to build the nest. Nests may be located in any type of hole and common locations include inside hollowed trees, buildings, tree stumps and man-made nest-boxes. Nests are typically made out of straw, dry grass and twigs with an inner lining made up of feathers, wool and soft leaves. Construction usually takes 4 or 5 days and may continue through incubation.[29] The Starling is both monogamous and polygamous. Although broods are generally brought up by a single male and a single female, occasionally the pair may have an extra helper. Pairs may be part of a colony, in which case several other nests may occupy the same or nearby trees. Males may mate with a second female while the first is still on the nest. The reproductive success of the bird is poorer in the second nest than it is in the primary nest and is better when the male remains monogamous. Following mating, the female lays eggs on a daily basis over a period of several days. There are normally 4 or 5 eggs which are pale blue or occasionally white and they commonly have a glossy appearance. Incubation lasts 13 days and both parents share this responsibility although the female spends more time incubating than the male. The female is the only parent to do so at night when the male returns to the communal roost. Nestlings remain in the nest for 3 weeks where they are fed continuously by both parents. Fledglings continue to be fed by their parents for another 1 or 2 weeks. A pair can raise up to 3 broods per year although 2 broods is typical and just a single one is normal north of 48°N. Within 2 months most juveniles will have moulted and gained their first basic plumage. They acquire their adult plumage the following year. Starling nests have a 48% to 79% rate of successful fledging although only 20% of nestlings survive to breeding age. The adult survival rate is closer to 60%. The average life span is about 2 to 3 years. A majority of starling predators are avian, in particular birds of prey The Starling is a highly gregarious species, especially in autumn and winter. Although flock size is highly variable, huge noisy flocks (murmurations) may form near roosts. These dense concentrations of birds are thought to be a defence against attacks by birds of prey. Flocks form a tight sphere-like formation in flight, frequently expanding and contracting and changing shape, seemingly without any sort of leader. Each Starling changes its course and speed as a result of the movement of its closest neighbours. Very large roosts, exceptionally up to 1.5 million birds, can form in city centres, woodlands or reedbeds. The Starling is largely insectivorous and feeds on a wide range of invertebrates in both the adult and larvae stages of development. It will also feed on earthworms, snails, small amphibians and lizards. While the consumption of invertebrates is necessary for successful breeding, the Starling is omnivorous and will also eat grains, seeds, fruits, nectar and food waste if the opportunity arises. Date: 3rd January 2010 Location: Gretna, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo472293.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13585036594698b50285d8f.jpgCommon Darter Flight period: end May to early October. Common Darters are the most widespread of the dragonflies over lowland UK but they are absent from upland areas. They can be found in a wide range of habitats including ponds, lakes, ditches, canals, slow flowing rivers and brackish water. They can also be frequently seen some way from water. Date: 7th July 2007 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33568422.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18574970875a106b3c9f2d7.jpgBarnacle Goose The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 4th November 2017 Location: Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4267544.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13022084364b522b1eaad07.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 3rd January 2010 Location: Southerness, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11159382.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17559643054e15829dec327.jpgCanada Goose The Canada Goose belongs to the [i]Branta[/i] genus of geese which contains species with largely black plumage distinguishing it from the grey species of the genus [i]Anser[/i]. The black head and neck with a white "chinstrap" distinguish the Canada Goose from all other goose species with the exception of the Cackling Goose from north America and the Barnacle Goose which has a black breast and grey rather than brownish body plumage. The 7 sub-species of the Canada Goose vary widely in size and plumage details but all are recognizable as Canada Geese. Of the "true geese" (i.e. the genera [i]Anser[/i], [i]Branta[/i] or [i]Chen[/i]), the Canada Goose is on average the largest living species. It ranges from 30 to 43 inches in length and with a 50 to 73 inches wingspan. The male usually weighs 5.7 to 14.3 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 8.6 pounds. The female looks virtually identical but is slightly lighter at 5.3 to 12.1 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 7.9 pounds. It is also generally 10% smaller in linear dimensions than the male. The Canada Goose is native to north America where it breeds in Canada and the north USA in a wide range of habitats. The Great Lakes region maintains a very large population. It occurs all year round in the southern part of its breeding range, including most of the eastern seaboard and the Pacific coast. Between California and South Carolina in the south USA and north Mexico, it is primarily present as a migrant from further north during the winter. Outside north America, the Canada Goose has reached north Europe naturally as has been proved by ringing recoveries. It has also been introduced in to Europe and had established populations in the UK in the middle of the 18th century, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany and Scandinavia. Most European populations are not migratory but those in more northerly parts of Sweden and Finland migrate to the North Sea and Baltic coasts. Semi-tame feral birds are common in parks and have become a pest in some areas. In the early 17th century, explorer Samuel de Champlain sent several pairs of Canada Geese to France as a present for King Louis XIII. Canada Geese were first introduced in to the UK in the late 17th century as an addition to King James II's waterfowl collection in St. James's Park. They were also introduced in to Germany and Scandinavia during the 20th century. During the second year of its life, the Canada Goose finds a mate. It is a monogamous species and most couples stay together all of their lives. If one dies, the other may find a new mate. The female lays from 2 to 9 eggs with an average of 5. Both parents protect the nest while the eggs incubate but the female spends more time at the nest than the male. The nest is usually located in an elevated area near water such as streams, lakes and ponds and the eggs are laid in a shallow depression lined with plant material and down. The incubation period, in which the female incubates the eggs while the male remains nearby, lasts for 24 to 28 days after laying. As soon as the goslings hatch, they are immediately capable of walking, swimming and finding their own food (a diet similar to the adults). Parents are often seen leading their goslings in a line, usually with one adult at the front and the other at the back. While protecting their goslings, parents often violently chase away anything from small birds to lone humans who approach, after warning them by giving off a hissing sound and then attacking with bites and slaps of the wings if the threat does not retreat. Although parents are hostile to unfamiliar geese, they may form groups (crèches) of a number of goslings and a few adults. The goslings enter the fledgling stage any time from 6 to 9 weeks of age. Once it reaches adulthood, due to its large size and often aggressive behaviour, the Canada Goose is rarely preyed on although prior injury may make it more vulnerable to natural predators. The lifespan in the wild of birds that survive to adulthood ranges from 10 to 24 years. The UK longevity record is held by a specimen tagged as a nestling which was observed alive at the age of 31. The Canada Goose is primarily a herbivore although it will sometimes eat small insects and fish. Their diet includes grasses, aquatic plants, beans and grains such as wheat, rice, and corn when they are available. In urban areas, it is also known to pick food out of rubbish bins and it will readily take a variety of food from humans in parks. Date: 02/04/06 Location: Abberton Reservoir, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12869446.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15903445454e786ba110fa5.jpgDunnock The Dunnock is a small passerine bird and the most widespread member of the genus [i]Prunella[/i], the accentor family which otherwise consists of mountain species. Other common names for the Dunnock include the Hedge Sparrow or Hedge Accentor. The Dunnock is about the size of a Robin. It has a generally drab brown streaked appearance with a grey head and a fine pointed bill. Both sexes are similar. It is quiet and unobtrusive and is frequently seen on its own, creeping along and moving with a rather nervous, shuffling gait often flicking its wings. The Dunnock is native to large areas of Eurasia where it is the only commonly found accentor in lowland areas. It can be found throughout the UK all the year round in any well vegetated areas with scrub, brambles and hedges and also in deciduous woodland, farmland edges, parks and gardens. The Dunnock is territorial and may engage in conflict with other birds that encroach upon their nesting areas. The Dunnock possesses variable mating systems. Females are often polyandrous, breeding with 2 or more males at once which is quite rare among birds. This multiple mating system leads to the development of sperm competition amongst the male suitors. DNA fingerprinting has shown that chicks within a brood often have different fathers depending on the success of the males at monopolising the female. Males try to ensure their paternity by pecking at the cloaca of the female to stimulate ejection of rival males' sperm. Males provide parental care in proportion to their mating success so 2 males and a female can commonly be seen provisioning nestlings at one nest. Other mating systems also exist within Dunnock populations depending on the ratio of male to females and the overlap of territories. When only a single female and a single male territory overlap, monogamy is preferred. Sometimes, 2 or 3 adjacent female territories overlap a single male territory and so polygyny is favoured with the male monopolising several females. Polygynandry also exists in which 2 males jointly defend a territory containing several females. Polyandry, however, is the most common mating system of the Dunnock. Depending on the population, males generally have the best reproductive success in polygynous populations whilst females have the advantage during polyandry. Studies have illustrated the fluidity of Dunnock mating systems. When food is in abundance, female territory size is reduced drastically. Consequently, males can more easily monopolise the females. Thus, the mating system can be shifted from one that favours female success (polyandry) to one that favours male success (monogamy, polygynandry or polygyny). The Dunnock builds a neat nest predominantly from twigs and moss and lined with soft materials such as wool or feathers which is located low in a bush. The female typically lays 3 to 5 eggs. Broods, depending on the population, can be raised by a lone female, multiple females with the part-time help of a male, multiple females with full-time help by a male or by multiple females and multiple males. Parental care varies according to the type of relationship. Date: 18th September 2011 Location: Cromford Canal, Derbyshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28885946.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_197923074357cc37359f576.jpgElk (Moose) The Elk (Eurasia) or Moose (north America) is the largest living deer species and the second largest land animal. The Elk is easily recognised by its humped shoulders, broad and overhanging muzzle and the pendulous flap of skin and hair beneath the throat. The body is heavy and deep, with long, rather gangly legs and wide hooves which aid in walking over mud or soft snow. The coat ranges from blackish to reddish brown in colour and lighter on the underparts and lower legs. It provides excellent insulation, consisting of a fine wool undercoat interspersed with long guard hairs. On average, an adult Elk stands 4.6 to 6.9 feet high at the shoulder, which is more than a foot higher than the next largest deer. The head and body length is 7.9 to 10.2 feet with a small tail adding only a further 2 to 5 inches. Males ("bulls") normally weigh from 838 to 1,543 pounds and females ("cows") typically weigh 441 to 1,080 pounds. The male Elk, as other deer, bears bony, hornlike antlers which are shed each winter and re-grown through the summer. The antlers are massive and palmate (broad and flattened at the base with short projecting branches), measuring up to 6.5 feet across and over 65 pounds in weight, making them the largest of any deer. In Europe, the Elk is currently found in large numbers throughout Norway, Sweden, Finland, Latvia, Estonia and Poland with more modest numbers in the Czech Republic, Belarus and north Ukraine. They are also widespread through Russia on up through the borders with Finland, south towards the border with Estonia, Belarus and Ukraine and east towards Siberia. The Elk was native to most temperate areas with suitable habitat on the continent and even Scotland from the end of the last Ice Age since Europe had a mix of temperate boreal and deciduous forest. However, from medieval times, it slowly disappeared. By the early 20th century, the very last strongholds of the Elk appeared to be in Scandinavian countries and patchy tracts of Russia with a few migrants found in what is now Estonia and Lithuania. The former Soviet Union and Poland managed to restore parts of the range within its borders in the 1950s but political complications obviously limited the ability to reintroduce it to other parts of its range. Attempts in 1930 and again in 1967 in marshland north of Berlin in Germany were unsuccessful. At present in Poland, populations are recorded in the Biebrza river valley, Kampinos National Park and in the Białowieża Forest. It has migrated in to other parts of eastern Europe and has been recorded in east and south Germany. The Elk is fairly adaptable in its habitat requirements but it prefers a mosaic of boreal or broad-leaved forest, lakes, swamps and wetlands, requiring forest for cover and water bodies for foraging. The Elk is often associated with spruce, fir and pine forest and it may also occupy tundra and mountains, often in areas characterised by seasonal snow cover. The Elk may be active by both day and night but activity usually peaks at dawn and dusk. It is a herbivore and is capable of consuming many types of plant or fruit. The diet includes various tree, shrub, grass and herb species as well as twigs and bark in winter. The Elk may markedly alter the structure and dynamics of forest ecosystems through their foraging behaviour. Aquatic vegetation is also taken, the Elk often wading into lakes and streams and sometimes submerging entirely to feed. Some populations migrate in search of food, moving between distinct seasonal home ranges. In winter, Elk are often drawn to roadways, to lick salt that is used as a snow and ice melter. The Elk is essentially solitary although small, loose groups may form during the mating season and during winter. Mating occurs in September and October. The males are polygamous and will seek several females to breed with. During this time both sexes will call to each other. Males produce heavy grunting sounds whilst females produce wail-like sounds. Males will fight for access to females. They either assess which is larger with the smaller bull retreating or they may engage in battles usually only involving the antlers. The female Elk has an 8 month gestation period, usually bearing a single calf, or twins if food is plentiful, in May or June. The young will stay with the mother until just before the next young are born. The life span of an average moose is about 15 to 25 years. A full grown Elk has few enemies except Siberian Tigers which regularly prey on adults but a pack of Wolves can still pose a threat especially to females with calves. The Brown Bear is also known to prey on Elk of various sizes and are the only predator besides the Wolf to attack them although they are more likely to take over a Wolf kill or to take young moose than to hunt an adult Elk on their own. The Wolverine is most likely to eat Elk as carrion but it has been known to kill them when they are weakened by harsh winter conditions. The Killer Whale is the Elk's only known marine predator. The Elk is hunted as a game species in many of the countries where it is found and in addition it is a regular casualty of road traffic and train collisions. This photo was taken from a long distance and has been tightly cropped. Date: 12th May 2016 Location: Rannajoe, Matsalu National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19905540.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1055592743529089f1f40ef.jpgTeal The Eurasian Teal or Common Teal is often called simply the Teal due to being the only one of these small [i]Anas[/i] dabbling ducks in much of its range. The Teal is the smallest dabbling duck at 7.9 to 11.8 inches in length and with a wingspan of 21 to 23 inches. From a distance, the male Teal in breeding plumage appears grey with a dark head, a yellowish behind and a white stripe running along the flanks. Their head and upper neck is chestnut with a wide and iridescent dark green patch of half-moon or teardrop-shape that starts immediately before the eye and arcs to the upper hindneck. This patch is bordered with thin yellowish-white lines and a single line of that colour extends from the patch's forward end and curving along the base of the bill. The breast is buff with small round brown spots. The centre of the belly is white and the rest of the body plumage is mostly white with thin and dense blackish vermiculations, appearing medium grey even at a short distance. The outer scapular feathers are white with a black border to the outer vanes and these form the white side-stripe when the bird is in resting position. The tail and tail coverts are black with a bright yellowish-buff triangular patch in the centre of the coverts at each side. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female. It is more uniform in colour with a dark head and vestigial facial markings. The female Teal is yellowish-brown but somewhat darker on the wings and back. It has a dark greyish-brown upper head, hindneck, eyestripe and feather pattern. The pattern is dense short streaks on the head and neck and scaly spots on the rest of the body. Overall it looks much like a tiny Mallard. Immatures are coloured much like the adult females but they have a stronger pattern. The downy young are coloured like other dabbling ducks, brown above and yellow below with a yellow supercilium. The male's bill is dark grey but in the eclipse plumage it often shows some light greenish or brownish hue at the base. The bill of the females and immatures is pinkish or yellowish at the base, becoming dark grey towards the tip. The feet are dark grey in the males and greyish olive or greyish-brown in females and immatures. The Teal breeds across north Eurasia where it occupies sheltered freshwater wetlands with some tall vegetation such as taiga bogs or small lakes and ponds with extensive reedbeds. It mostly winters well south of its breeding range in the Mediterranean region, south Asia and some parts of Africa where it is often seen in large flocks in brackish waters and even in sheltered inlets and lagoons along the seashore. It is also regularly recorded on the north American coasts south to California and South Carolina. In the milder climate of temperate Europe, such as in the UK, the summer and winter ranges overlap. In the UK, the Teal can be found all year round but it is thinly distributed as a breeding species. In winter, birds congregate in larger numbers on low-lying wetlands both on the coast and inland in the south and west of the UK. Of these, many are continental birds from around the Baltic and Siberia. At this time, the UK is home to a significant percentage of the north west European wintering population. The Teal is much less abundant than the very similar Green-winged Teal from north America although it is still common and widespread. It appears to be holding its own currently with perhaps a slow decline due to drainage and pollution of wetlands. The IUCN and BirdLife International classify the Teal as a species of “Least Concern”. However, it is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. The Teal nests on the ground near water. Pairs form in the winter range and arrive on the breeding range together from about March. Breeding starts some weeks thereafter and not until May in the most northerly locations. The nest is a deep hollow lined with dry leaves and down feathers which is built in dense vegetation near water. After the females have started laying their eggs, the males leave them and move away and assemble in flocks on particular lakes where they moult into their eclipse plumage. The female lays 5 to 16 eggs but usually 8 to 11. Incubation lasts for 21 to 23 days and the young leave the nest soon after hatching and are cared for by the female for about 25 to 30 days. The males and the females with young generally move to the winter range separately. After the first winter, the young moult in to their adult plumage. The Teal usually feeds by dabbling, upending or grazing. In the breeding season it eats mainly aquatic invertebrates, such as crustaceans, insects and their larvae, molluscs and worms. In winter, it shifts to a largely granivorous diet, feeding on seeds of aquatic plants and grasses including sedges and grains. Date: 30th September 2013 Location: Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9588834.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11974291134db15da6299de.jpgTeal The Eurasian Teal or Common Teal is often called simply the Teal due to being the only one of these small [i]Anas[/i] dabbling ducks in much of its range. The Teal is the smallest dabbling duck at 7.9 to 11.8 inches in length and with a wingspan of 21 to 23 inches. From a distance, the male Teal in breeding plumage appears grey with a dark head, a yellowish behind and a white stripe running along the flanks. Their head and upper neck is chestnut with a wide and iridescent dark green patch of half-moon or teardrop-shape that starts immediately before the eye and arcs to the upper hindneck. This patch is bordered with thin yellowish-white lines and a single line of that colour extends from the patch's forward end and curving along the base of the bill. The breast is buff with small round brown spots. The centre of the belly is white and the rest of the body plumage is mostly white with thin and dense blackish vermiculations, appearing medium grey even at a short distance. The outer scapular feathers are white with a black border to the outer vanes and these form the white side-stripe when the bird is in resting position. The tail and tail coverts are black with a bright yellowish-buff triangular patch in the centre of the coverts at each side. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female. It is more uniform in colour with a dark head and vestigial facial markings. The female Teal is yellowish-brown but somewhat darker on the wings and back. It has a dark greyish-brown upper head, hindneck, eyestripe and feather pattern. The pattern is dense short streaks on the head and neck and scaly spots on the rest of the body. Overall it looks much like a tiny Mallard. Immatures are coloured much like the adult females but they have a stronger pattern. The downy young are coloured like other dabbling ducks, brown above and yellow below with a yellow supercilium. The male's bill is dark grey but in the eclipse plumage it often shows some light greenish or brownish hue at the base. The bill of the females and immatures is pinkish or yellowish at the base, becoming dark grey towards the tip. The feet are dark grey in the males and greyish olive or greyish-brown in females and immatures. The Teal breeds across north Eurasia where it occupies sheltered freshwater wetlands with some tall vegetation such as taiga bogs or small lakes and ponds with extensive reedbeds. It mostly winters well south of its breeding range in the Mediterranean region, south Asia and some parts of Africa where it is often seen in large flocks in brackish waters and even in sheltered inlets and lagoons along the seashore. It is also regularly recorded on the north American coasts south to California and South Carolina. In the milder climate of temperate Europe, such as in the UK, the summer and winter ranges overlap. In the UK, the Teal can be found all year round but it is thinly distributed as a breeding species. In winter, birds congregate in larger numbers on low-lying wetlands both on the coast and inland in the south and west of the UK. Of these, many are continental birds from around the Baltic and Siberia. At this time, the UK is home to a significant percentage of the north west European wintering population. The Teal is much less abundant than the very similar Green-winged Teal from north America although it is still common and widespread. It appears to be holding its own currently with perhaps a slow decline due to drainage and pollution of wetlands. The IUCN and BirdLife International classify the Teal as a species of “Least Concern”. However, it is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. The Teal nests on the ground near water. Pairs form in the winter range and arrive on the breeding range together from about March. Breeding starts some weeks thereafter and not until May in the most northerly locations. The nest is a deep hollow lined with dry leaves and down feathers which is built in dense vegetation near water. After the females have started laying their eggs, the males leave them and move away and assemble in flocks on particular lakes where they moult into their eclipse plumage. The female lays 5 to 16 eggs but usually 8 to 11. Incubation lasts for 21 to 23 days and the young leave the nest soon after hatching and are cared for by the female for about 25 to 30 days. The males and the females with young generally move to the winter range separately. After the first winter, the young moult in to their adult plumage. The Teal usually feeds by dabbling, upending or grazing. In the breeding season it eats mainly aquatic invertebrates, such as crustaceans, insects and their larvae, molluscs and worms. In winter, it shifts to a largely granivorous diet, feeding on seeds of aquatic plants and grasses including sedges and grains. Date: 23rd December 2007 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11639766.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12839868644e2fdc29deec1.jpgRed Grouse The Red Grouse is a medium-sized bird of the grouse family which is found in heather moorland in the UK and Ireland. It is endemic to the UK and has developed in isolation. It is usually classified as a sub-species of the Willow Ptarmigan or Willow Grouse which is found in birch and other forests and moorlands in north Europe, the tundra of Scandinavia, Siberia, Alaska and north Canada. The Red Grouse is differentiated from the Willow Ptarmigan and Rock Ptarmigan by its plumage being reddish brown and not having a white winter plumage. The tail is black and the legs are white. There are white stripes on the underwing and red combs over the eye. Females are less reddish than the males and have less conspicuous combs. Young birds are duller and lack the red combs. The Red Grouse is found across most parts of Scotland, including Orkney, Shetland and most of the Outer Hebrides. It is only absent from urban areas such as in the Central Belt. In Wales there are strong populations of Red Grouse in some places but the range has retracted. It is now largely absent from the far south and the main strongholds are Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons and the Cambrian Mountains. In England the Red Grouse is mainly found in the north in areas such as the Lake District, Northumberland, County Durham, much of Yorkshire, the Pennines and the Peak District as far south as the Staffordshire Moorlands. There is an isolated introduced population on Dartmoor and overspill Welsh birds visit the Shropshire Hills.The typical habitat is upland heather moors away from trees. It can also be found in some low-lying bogs and birds may visit farmland during hard weather. The UK population of the Red Grouse is estimated at about 250,000 pairs. Numbers have declined in recent years and it is now absent in areas where it was once common. Reasons for the decline include disease, loss of heather due to overgrazing, creation of new conifer plantations and a decline in the number of upland gamekeepers. Some predators feed on Red Grouse and there is ongoing controversy as to what effect these have on numbers. The Red Grouse is herbivorous and feeds mainly on the shoots, seeds and flowers of heather. It will also feed on berries, cereal crops and sometimes insects. The Red Grouse is considered a game bird and is shot in large numbers during the shooting season which traditionally starts on August 12th (known as the Glorious Twelfth). Shooting can take the form of “walked up” (where shooters walk across the moor to flush grouse and take a shot) or “driven” (where grouse are driven, often in large numbers, by “beaters” towards the shooters who are hiding behind a line of “butts”). Many moors are managed to increase the density of Red Grouse. Areas of heather are subjected to controlled burning since this allows fresh young shoots to regenerate which are favoured by Red Grouse. In addition, extensive predator control is a feature of grouse moor management and the extent and legality to which it occurs is hotly contested between conservation groups and shooting interests and the subject generates a lot of media attention. The Red Grouse is widely known as the logo of The Famous Grouse whisky and an animated bird is a character in a series of its adverts. It is also the emblem of the magazine “British Birds”. Date: 17th April 2007 Location: Grinton Moor, Yorkshire Dales National Park, North Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37159134.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17703541305c1e61943e796.jpgRed Kites The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 6th May 2018 Location: Gilfach RWT reserve, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33820942.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_685656425a3d07a3e802a.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 12th December 2017 Location: Kensington Gardens, London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33820934.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9175444975a3d078b32096.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 12th December 2017 Location: Kensington Gardens, London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33820925.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11331859095a3d076704cb1.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 12th December 2017 Location: Kensington Gardens, London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33820928.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17826406005a3d07730a6df.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 12th December 2017 Location: Kensington Gardens, London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38397331.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_947532695ce1280d0d9f9.jpgSiskin The Siskin is a small passerine bird in the finch family. It is known as the European Siskin, Common Siskin or just Siskin. The Siskin is a small, short-tailed bird around 4.3 to 4.9 inches in length with a wingspan that ranges from 7.9 to 9.1 inches. The male has a greyish green back and yellow rump. The sides of the tail are yellow and the end is black, the wings are black with a distinctive yellow wing stripe and the breast is yellowish becoming whiter and striped. It has a black bib and a black cap. The amount of black on the bib is very variable between males and the size of the bib has been related to dominance within a flock. The female is more olive-coloured than the male, the cap is greenish, the bib is white and the rump is slightly striped and whitish yellow. The shape of the Siskin's beak is determined by its feeding habits. It is strong although it is also slender in order to pick up the seeds on which they feed. The legs and feet are dark brown and the eyes are black. The Siskin has a rapid and bounding flight pattern that is similar to other finches. It is easy to recognise but it can be confused with other finches such as the Citril Finch, the Greenfinch or the European Serin. The Siskin is a very active and restless bird. It is also very social and forms small cohesive flocks especially in autumn and winter. During the breeding season it is much more timid, solitary and difficult to observe. The Siskin can be found across the greater part of Eurasia and the north of Africa. It can be found throughout the year in central Europe and some mountain ranges in the south of the continent. It is also present in the north of Scandinavia and in Russia as a summer visitor and over-winters in the Mediterranean basin and around the Black Sea. The Siskin does not remain for long in one area but varies the areas it uses for breeding, feeding and over-wintering from one year to the next. It breeds in coniferous and mixed forested areas at a particular altitude on a hillside or mountain side whilst in winter it prefers stubble and crops and areas containing trees with seeds. The Siskin is mainly a seed eater although it varies its diet depending on the season. It feeds in trees and usually avoids eating on the ground. In autumn and winter its diet is based on the seeds of deciduous trees such as birch and alder. At this time it will also visit cultivated areas and pasture where it joins with other finches in eating the seeds of various plants. In spring and during the breeding season when it is found mainly in coniferous forests, it will eat the seeds of fir, spruce and larch trees. The Siskin will also readily visit garden bird feeding stations. Date: 11th May 2019 Location: Cors Dyfi MWT reserve, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4466111.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13231735434b8a25ff3b670.jpgFløyfjellet, Bergen Fløyfjellet or Fløyen is the most visited of the 7 mountains that surround the city centre of Bergen, Norway. It has a funicular railway system (Fløibanen) that transports passengers from the centre of Bergen to a height of 1050 feet in roughly 8 minutes. The actual highest point on Fløifjellet at 1394 feet is approximately 1/2 mile to the north east. From Fløyfjellet there are stunning views of the city of Bergen and the surrounding area. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo44044220.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_452782571614f0dc215018.jpgRed Admiral Flight period: April to November. The Red Admiral is a familiar and widespread butterfly in the UK although numbers depend on immigration from Europe. It can be found in any flower-rich habitat. Date: 27th August 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5094180.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8244815104bfaac6b566b6.jpgMute Swan The Mute Swan is a species of swan native to much of Eurasia. Despite its Eurasian origin, its closest relatives are the Black Swan of Australia and the Black-necked Swan of south America, not the other Northern Hemisphere swans such as the Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan. The name “mute” derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. The adult Mute Swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob at the top of the beak. All Mute Swans are white at maturity although the feathers (particularly on the head and neck) are often stained orange-brown by iron and tannins in the water. Young birds (cygnets) are not the bright white colour of mature adults and their bill is dull greyish-black for the first year. The plumage may range from pure white to grey to buff with grey/buff being the most common. Cygnets typically retain their grey/buff feathers until they are at least 1 year old. On average, the Mute Swan is the second largest waterfowl species after the Trumpeter Swan although the male Mute Swan can easily match or even exceed a male Trumpeter Swan in mass. The adult Mute Swan typically ranges from 55 to 63 inches in length (although it can range in extreme cases from 49 to 67 inches) with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. Males (cobs) are larger than females (pens) and have a larger knob on their bill. The Mute Swan is one of the heaviest flying birds. In several studies from the UK, males were found to average from about 23.4 to 26.2 pounds, with a weight range of 20 to 32 pounds, while the slightly smaller females were found to average about 18.7 to 21.3 pounds, with a weight range of 17 to 23 pounds. The Mute Swan is less vocal than the noisy Bewick's Swan and Whooper Swan although it does make a variety of grunting, hoarse whistling and snorting noises, especially in communicating with their cygnets and threatening competitors or intruders trying to enter their territory. The most familiar sound associated with the Mute Swan is the vibrant throbbing of the wings in flight which is unique to the species and this can be heard from a range of up to 1 mile. The Mute Swan is found naturally mainly in the temperate areas of Europe across west Asia and as far east as Primorsky Krai in the far east of Russia. It is partially migratory throughout the northern latitudes in Europe and Asia as far south as north Africa and the Mediterranean. It is also often kept in captivity outside its natural range as a decoration for parks and ponds and escapes have occurred. The descendants of such birds have become naturalised in east USA and the Great Lakes region across the USA and Canada border. The Mute Swan population in the UK has increased recently probably due to better protection of this species. Some birds are resident all year whilst others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into east England. Mute Swans nest on large mounds that they build with waterside vegetation in shallow water on islands in the middle or at the very edge of a lake. It is a monogamous species and often reuses the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Males and females share the care of the nest. The female lays from 4 to 10 eggs and broods for around 36 days. Cygnets are unable to fly before an age of 120 to 150 days and this limits the distribution of the species in the northern edge of its range since the cygnets must learn to fly before the water freezes. The Mute Swan is usually strongly territorial with just a single pair on smaller lakes although in a few locations where a large area of suitable feeding habitat is found they can be colonial. The largest colonies can hold over 100 pairs such as that at the colony at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset in the UK. Non-mated juveniles up to 3 to 4 years old commonly form larger flocks often at regular traditional sites and these can total several hundred birds. The Mute Swan can be very aggressive in defence of its nest and it is highly protective of its mate and offspring. Most defensive attacks from a Mute Swan begin with a loud hiss and, if this is not sufficient to drive off the predator, are followed by a physical attack. It attacks by smashing at its enemy with bony spurs in the wings accompanied by biting with its large bill. Smaller waterbirds such as ducks are normally grabbed with the bill and dragged or thrown clear. Large waterfowl, such as the Canada Goose, more likely out of competition than in response to potential predation, may be aggressively driven off. The wings of the Mute Swan are very powerful although not strong enough to break an adult man's leg as has been claimed anecdotally. The Mute Swan feeds on a wide range of vegetation, both submerged aquatic plants which they reach with their long necks and by grazing on land. The food commonly includes agricultural crop plants such as oilseed rape and wheat and feeding flocks in the winter may cause significant crop damage, often as much through trampling with their large webbed feet as through direct consumption. Date: 23rd May 2010 Location: Lakenheath Fen, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082333.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4815365795d307bf515272.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 22nd May 2018 Location: BSPB Poda Protected Area, Burgas Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41249301.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19827295835f00b7c9a66f1.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 22nd June 2020 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/near-huesca-aragon-spain https://images.on-this.website/4752_11736663904b1953d473eb9.jpgNear Huesca, Aragon, Spain Date: 14th November 2009 http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37431199.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21357655115c6be838a7360.jpgGreat Tit The Great Tit is a passerine bird in the tit family. It is large for a tit species at 4.9 to 5.5 inches in length and it has a distinctive appearance that makes it easy to recognise. The nominate race, which is found throughout much of Europe, Asia Minor, north and east Kazakhstan, south Siberia and north Mongolia, has a bluish-black crown, black neck, throat, bib and head and white cheeks and ear coverts. The breast is bright lemon-yellow and there is a broad black mid-line stripe running from the bib to the vent. There is a dull white spot on the neck turning to greenish yellow on the upper nape. The rest of the nape and back are green tinged with olive. The wing-coverts are green and the rest of the wing is bluish-grey with a white-wing-bar. The tail is bluish grey with white outer tips. The plumage of the female is similar to that of the male except that the colours are generally duller and the bib is less intensely black, as is the line running down the belly which is also narrower and sometimes broken. There is some variation in the UK sub-species. It is broadly similar to the nominate race but has a slightly longer bill, the mantle is slightly deeper green, there is less white on the tail tips and the ventral mid-line stripe is broader on the belly. The Great Tit has a wide distribution across much of Eurasia. It is found across all of Europe except for Iceland and northern Scandinavia. In North Africa it is found in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. It also occurs across the Middle East and parts of central Asia from north Iran and Afghanistan to Mongolia, as well as across north Asia from the Urals as far east as north China and the Amur Valley. The Great Tit can be found in a range of habitats but most commonly in open deciduous woodland, mixed forests, forest edges and gardens. In dense forests, including conifer forests, it is usually found in forest clearings. In north Siberia it is found in the boreal taiga. In north Africa it prefers oak forests as well as stands of Atlas cedar and even palm groves. In the east of its range, it favours riverine willow and birch forest. At higher altitudes it occupies habitats ranging from dense deciduous and coniferous forests to open areas with scattered trees. The Great Tit is generally not migratory. Pairs will usually remain near or in their territory all year round even in the northern parts of their range. Young birds will disperse from their parents' territory but usually not far. Populations may become irruptive in poor or harsh winters and very large groups may unpredictably move from north Europe to the Baltic, the Netherlands, the UK and even as far as the south Balkans. The Great Tit is monogamous and establish breeding territories in late January. Territories are usually reoccupied in successive years even if one of the pair dies so long as the brood is raised successfully. Females are likely to disperse to new territories if their nest is predated the previous year. The Great Tit is a seasonal breeder but the exact timing of breeding varies due to a number of factors, most importantly location. Most breeding occurs between January and September. In Europe the breeding season usually begins after March The amount of sunlight and daytime temperatures also affects the timing of breeding as does the peak abundance of caterpillar prey which itself is correlated to temperature. The Great Tit is a cavity nester and occupies a hole that is usually inside a tree, although occasionally in a wall or rock face. It also readily takes to nest boxes. The nest inside the cavity is built by the female and is made of plant fibres, grasses, moss, hair, wool and feathers. The female often lays a very large clutch of eggs, as many as 18 although 5 to 12 is more common. Clutch size is smaller when females start laying later and it is also lower when the density of competitors is higher. Second broods also tend to have smaller clutches. The female undertakes all incubation duties and is fed by the male during this time. The timing of hatching, which is synchronised with peak availability of food, can be manipulated when environmental conditions change after the laying of the first egg by delaying the beginning of incubation, laying more eggs or pausing during incubation. The incubation period is between 12 and 15 days. The chicks are fed by both parents and the nestling period is between 16 and 22 days. The chicks become independent of the parents 8 days after fledging although feeding may continue after independence and last up to a further 25 days. The Great Tit is primarily insectivorous in the summer and feeds on a wide range of insects and spiders. During the breeding season, protein-rich caterpillars are fed to the young. In autumn and winter, when insect prey becomes scarcer, berries and seeds are added to the diet. Where it is available, it will also readily take table scraps, peanuts and sunflower seeds from bird tables. The Great Tit, along with other tits, joins winter mixed-species foraging flocks. The Great Tit has generally adjusted to human modifications of the environment. Whilst it is more common and has better breeding success in areas with undisturbed forest cover, it has adapted well to human modified habitats and can be very common in urban and suburban areas. While there have been some localised declines in population in areas with poorer quality habitats, its large range and high numbers mean that the Great Tit is not considered to be threatened and it is classed as “Least Concern” by the IUCN. Date: 10th January 2019 Location: RSPB Greylake, Somerset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21955329.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_32663370653da154eb25d5.jpgCommon Guillemot The Common Guillemot, also known as the Common Murre or Thin-billed Murre, is a large species of auk. The auks are a family of seabirds which includes the Brunnich's Guillemot or Thick-billed Murre, Razorbill, Little Auk and the extinct Great Auk. The Common Guillemot is 15 to 18 inches in length with a 24 to 29 inches wingspan. In breeding plumage, it is black or dark brown on the head, back and wings with white underparts. It has a thin dark pointed bill and a small rounded dark tail. Legs are grey and the bill is dark grey. Males and females are identical. Some individuals in the North Atlantic, known as "Bridled Guillemots", have a white ring around the eye extending back as a white line. This is not a distinct subspecies but a polymorphism that becomes more common the farther north the birds breed. The Common Guillemot flies with fast wing beats and has a flight speed of around 50 mph. Groups of birds are often seen flying together in a line just above the surface of the sea. However, it is not a very agile bird and take-off is often difficult. The Common Guillemot becomes flightless for 45 to 60 days while moulting its primary feathers. The Common Guillemot is a pursuit diver that forages for food by swimming underwater using its wings for propulsion. Dives usually last less than one minute but the bird swims underwater for distances of over 100 feet on a regular basis. Diving depths up to 590 feet have been recorded. The Common Guillemot has a circumpolar distribution and it occurs in low Arctic and boreal waters in the north Atlantic and north Pacific. It spends most of its time at sea and only comes to land to breed on rocky cliffs, sea stacks and islands. Some birds are permanent residents but northern birds migrate south to open waters off New England, southern California, Japan, Korea and the western Mediterranean. The Common Guillemot breeds in colonies at high densities and nesting pairs may be in bodily contact with their neighbours. No nest is made and the single egg is laid and incubated on a bare rock ledge on a cliff face. The egg hatches after 30 days incubation and the chick is born downy and can regulate its body temperature after 10 days. Some 20 days after hatching the chick jumps off its nesting ledge and heads for the sea unable to fly but gliding for some distance with fluttering wings and accompanied by its male parent. The chicks are capable of diving as soon as they hit the water. The female stays at the nest site for some 14 days after the chick has left. The Common Guillemot can venture far from its breeding grounds to forage and distances of 60 miles or more are often observed although if sufficient food is available closer by, birds will only travel much shorter distances. It mainly eats small schooling fish 8 inches long or less such as Polar Cod, Capelin, Sand Lances, Sprats, Sandeels, Atlantic Cod and Atlantic Herring. It also eats some molluscs, marine worms, squid and crustaceans. It is often seen carrying fish in its bill with the tail hanging out. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: view from the Farne Islands boat trip from Seahouses Harbour, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4158300.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12473948024b292446e363c.jpgMute Swan The Mute Swan is a species of swan native to much of Eurasia. Despite its Eurasian origin, its closest relatives are the Black Swan of Australia and the Black-necked Swan of south America, not the other Northern Hemisphere swans such as the Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan. The name “mute” derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. The adult Mute Swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob at the top of the beak. All Mute Swans are white at maturity although the feathers (particularly on the head and neck) are often stained orange-brown by iron and tannins in the water. Young birds (cygnets) are not the bright white colour of mature adults and their bill is dull greyish-black for the first year. The plumage may range from pure white to grey to buff with grey/buff being the most common. Cygnets typically retain their grey/buff feathers until they are at least 1 year old. On average, the Mute Swan is the second largest waterfowl species after the Trumpeter Swan although the male Mute Swan can easily match or even exceed a male Trumpeter Swan in mass. The adult Mute Swan typically ranges from 55 to 63 inches in length (although it can range in extreme cases from 49 to 67 inches) with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. Males (cobs) are larger than females (pens) and have a larger knob on their bill. The Mute Swan is one of the heaviest flying birds. In several studies from the UK, males were found to average from about 23.4 to 26.2 pounds, with a weight range of 20 to 32 pounds, while the slightly smaller females were found to average about 18.7 to 21.3 pounds, with a weight range of 17 to 23 pounds. The Mute Swan is less vocal than the noisy Bewick's Swan and Whooper Swan although it does make a variety of grunting, hoarse whistling and snorting noises, especially in communicating with their cygnets and threatening competitors or intruders trying to enter their territory. The most familiar sound associated with the Mute Swan is the vibrant throbbing of the wings in flight which is unique to the species and this can be heard from a range of up to 1 mile. The Mute Swan is found naturally mainly in the temperate areas of Europe across west Asia and as far east as Primorsky Krai in the far east of Russia. It is partially migratory throughout the northern latitudes in Europe and Asia as far south as north Africa and the Mediterranean. It is also often kept in captivity outside its natural range as a decoration for parks and ponds and escapes have occurred. The descendants of such birds have become naturalised in east USA and the Great Lakes region across the USA and Canada border. The Mute Swan population in the UK has increased recently probably due to better protection of this species. Some birds are resident all year whilst others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into east England. Mute Swans nest on large mounds that they build with waterside vegetation in shallow water on islands in the middle or at the very edge of a lake. It is a monogamous species and often reuses the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Males and females share the care of the nest. The female lays from 4 to 10 eggs and broods for around 36 days. Cygnets are unable to fly before an age of 120 to 150 days and this limits the distribution of the species in the northern edge of its range since the cygnets must learn to fly before the water freezes. The Mute Swan is usually strongly territorial with just a single pair on smaller lakes although in a few locations where a large area of suitable feeding habitat is found they can be colonial. The largest colonies can hold over 100 pairs such as that at the colony at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset in the UK. Non-mated juveniles up to 3 to 4 years old commonly form larger flocks often at regular traditional sites and these can total several hundred birds. The Mute Swan can be very aggressive in defence of its nest and it is highly protective of its mate and offspring. Most defensive attacks from a Mute Swan begin with a loud hiss and, if this is not sufficient to drive off the predator, are followed by a physical attack. It attacks by smashing at its enemy with bony spurs in the wings accompanied by biting with its large bill. Smaller waterbirds such as ducks are normally grabbed with the bill and dragged or thrown clear. Large waterfowl, such as the Canada Goose, more likely out of competition than in response to potential predation, may be aggressively driven off. The wings of the Mute Swan are very powerful although not strong enough to break an adult man's leg as has been claimed anecdotally. The Mute Swan feeds on a wide range of vegetation, both submerged aquatic plants which they reach with their long necks and by grazing on land. The food commonly includes agricultural crop plants such as oilseed rape and wheat and feeding flocks in the winter may cause significant crop damage, often as much through trampling with their large webbed feet as through direct consumption. Date: 15th December 2009 Location: Connaught Water, Epping Forest, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21955288.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_26448250753da11346abb1.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: view from the Farne Islands boat trip from Seahouses Harbour, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo1025499.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2845518934813be7ae65cb.jpgDate: 28th March 2008 Location: Loch na Keal, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49279106.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21023820386499c9f73a251.jpgSmall Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Small Skipper has a rusty orange colour to the wings, upper body and the tips of the antennae. The body is silvery white below and it has a wingspan of 25 to 30 mm. It is very similar in appearance to the Essex Skipper but the undersides of the tips of the antennae are yellow orange in the Small Skipper whereas they are black in the Essex Skipper. The Small Skipper is a common and widespread butterfly in most parts of England and has been expanding its range northwards. It can be found in rough grassland, roadside verges, edges of fields and woodland clearings where it is often seen basking on vegetation or making short buzzing flights among tall grass stems. Date: 22nd June 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49279131.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12609399906499ca28873a5.jpgEmerald Damselfly Flight period: June to September The Emerald Damselfly is widely distributed in uplands and lowlands throughout the UK. They can be found around small, shallow standing water with luxuriant vegetation such as rushes and sedges. Date: 22nd June 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/steingrmsfjararheii-westfjords-iceland https://images.on-this.website/4752_43633508056348fe1f2258.jpgSteingrímsfjarðarheiði, Westfjords, Iceland Steingrímsfjarðarheiði is a high mountain pass on road 61 which connects Ísafjörður and the northern part of the Westfjords with the rest of Iceland. From the most eastern fjord of Ísafjarðardjúp, Steingrímsfjarðarheiði is the long mountain pass that eventually descends east towards Steingrímsfjörður and the village of Hólmavík. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: view from road 61 http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33568421.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3262100395a106b3a85984.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 4th November 2017 Location: Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49797840.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_177309288264eca7583365c.jpgMeadow Brown Flight period: June to August. The Meadow Brown is one of the most widespread and abundant of the UK's butterflies. It can be found typically in open grasslands but also other habitats such as roadside verges, woodland rides and urban parks and cemeteries. Date: 3rd July 2023 Location: Broadcroft Quarry, Isle of Portland, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33568371.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_390312825a106a9597f5d.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 4th November 2017 Location: Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801022.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_51295992164ed9bcf2e6c2.jpgEmerald Damselfly Flight period: June to September The Emerald Damselfly is widely distributed in uplands and lowlands throughout the UK. They can be found around small, shallow standing water with luxuriant vegetation such as rushes and sedges. Date: 7th July 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28102082.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13931701945777a32673ad0.jpgRed Kites The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include [url=http://www.gigrin.co.uk/]Gigrin Farm feeding centre[/url] near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 12th June 2016 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo34006625.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11177188655a72f990d299f.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 5th January 2018 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo440786.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1648253918467ea89f1d35d.jpgFour-spotted Chaser Flight period: mid May to end August. Four-spotted Chasers are a common and widespread species of dragonfly throughout most of the UK. They can be found around sheltered lowland lakes and ponds and around acidic moorland bogs and sheltered upland lakes. Date: 30th May 2006 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31192270.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_29828733659182391d6a221.29507766.jpgHerring Gull The Herring Gull is one of the best known of all gulls along the shores of Europe. Adults in breeding plumage have a grey back and upperwings and white head and underparts. The wingtips are black with white spots known as "mirrors". The bill is yellow with a red spot and there is a ring of bare yellow skin around the pale eye. The legs are normally pink at all ages but can be yellowish. Non-breeding adults have brown streaks on the head and neck. Male and female plumage is identical at all stages of development although adult males are often larger. Juvenile and first-winter birds are mainly brown with darker streaks and have a dark bill and eyes. Second-winter birds have a whiter head and underparts with less streaking and the back is grey. Third-winter individuals are similar to adults but retain some of the features of immature birds such as brown feathers in the wings and dark markings on the bill. The Herring Gull attains adult plumage and reaches sexual maturity at an average age of 4 years. The loud laughing call of the Herring Gull is well known and is often seen as a symbol of the seaside in countries such as the UK. It also has a yelping alarm call and a low barking anxiety call. Chicks and fledglings emit a distinctive, repetitive high-pitched 'peep', accompanied by a head-flicking gesture when begging for food from or calling to their parents. Adult gulls in urban areas will also exhibit this behaviour when fed by humans. The Herring Gull breeds across northern Europe, western Europe, central Europe, eastern Europe, Scandinavia and the Baltic states. Some, especially those resident in colder areas, migrate further south in winter but many are permanent residents such as in the UK or on the North Sea shores. While Herring Gull numbers appear to have been decreased in recent years, possibly by fish population declines and competition, they have proved able to survive in human-adapted areas and can often be seen in towns acting as a scavenger. The Herring Gull, like most gulls, is an omnivore and opportunist and will scavenge from garbage dumps, landfill sites and sewage outflows with refuse comprising up to half of the bird's diet. In addition, it will eat fish, crustaceans and dead animals as well as some plants and it will steal the eggs and young of other birds (including those of other gulls). The Herring Gull may also dive from the surface of the water or engage in plunge diving in the pursuit of aquatic prey although they are typically unable to reach any great depth due to their natural buoyancy. Date: 6th May 2017 Location: Holyhead harbour, Anglesey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11265448.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6758783684e1ad4866fc9c.jpgPuffins The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 11th May 2008 Location: Skomer, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23408465.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_86766409654c20c13403f2.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 3rd January 2015 Location: Mersehead RSPB reserve, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11265328.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9740992514e1ad42806494.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 11th May 2008 Location: Skomer, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11204064.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15719609734e186e3482b66.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 31st May 2008 Location: Sumburgh Head, South Mainland, Shetland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9378300.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9839445084da1f09613be6.jpgCanada Goose The Canada Goose belongs to the [i]Branta[/i] genus of geese which contains species with largely black plumage distinguishing it from the grey species of the genus [i]Anser[/i]. The black head and neck with a white "chinstrap" distinguish the Canada Goose from all other goose species with the exception of the Cackling Goose from north America and the Barnacle Goose which has a black breast and grey rather than brownish body plumage. The 7 sub-species of the Canada Goose vary widely in size and plumage details but all are recognizable as Canada Geese. Of the "true geese" (i.e. the genera [i]Anser[/i], [i]Branta[/i] or [i]Chen[/i]), the Canada Goose is on average the largest living species. It ranges from 30 to 43 inches in length and with a 50 to 73 inches wingspan. The male usually weighs 5.7 to 14.3 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 8.6 pounds. The female looks virtually identical but is slightly lighter at 5.3 to 12.1 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 7.9 pounds. It is also generally 10% smaller in linear dimensions than the male. The Canada Goose is native to north America where it breeds in Canada and the north USA in a wide range of habitats. The Great Lakes region maintains a very large population. It occurs all year round in the southern part of its breeding range, including most of the eastern seaboard and the Pacific coast. Between California and South Carolina in the south USA and north Mexico, it is primarily present as a migrant from further north during the winter. Outside north America, the Canada Goose has reached north Europe naturally as has been proved by ringing recoveries. It has also been introduced in to Europe and had established populations in the UK in the middle of the 18th century, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany and Scandinavia. Most European populations are not migratory but those in more northerly parts of Sweden and Finland migrate to the North Sea and Baltic coasts. Semi-tame feral birds are common in parks and have become a pest in some areas. In the early 17th century, explorer Samuel de Champlain sent several pairs of Canada Geese to France as a present for King Louis XIII. Canada Geese were first introduced in to the UK in the late 17th century as an addition to King James II's waterfowl collection in St. James's Park. They were also introduced in to Germany and Scandinavia during the 20th century. During the second year of its life, the Canada Goose finds a mate. It is a monogamous species and most couples stay together all of their lives. If one dies, the other may find a new mate. The female lays from 2 to 9 eggs with an average of 5. Both parents protect the nest while the eggs incubate but the female spends more time at the nest than the male. The nest is usually located in an elevated area near water such as streams, lakes and ponds and the eggs are laid in a shallow depression lined with plant material and down. The incubation period, in which the female incubates the eggs while the male remains nearby, lasts for 24 to 28 days after laying. As soon as the goslings hatch, they are immediately capable of walking, swimming and finding their own food (a diet similar to the adults). Parents are often seen leading their goslings in a line, usually with one adult at the front and the other at the back. While protecting their goslings, parents often violently chase away anything from small birds to lone humans who approach, after warning them by giving off a hissing sound and then attacking with bites and slaps of the wings if the threat does not retreat. Although parents are hostile to unfamiliar geese, they may form groups (crèches) of a number of goslings and a few adults. The goslings enter the fledgling stage any time from 6 to 9 weeks of age. Once it reaches adulthood, due to its large size and often aggressive behaviour, the Canada Goose is rarely preyed on although prior injury may make it more vulnerable to natural predators. The lifespan in the wild of birds that survive to adulthood ranges from 10 to 24 years. The UK longevity record is held by a specimen tagged as a nestling which was observed alive at the age of 31. The Canada Goose is primarily a herbivore although it will sometimes eat small insects and fish. Their diet includes grasses, aquatic plants, beans and grains such as wheat, rice, and corn when they are available. In urban areas, it is also known to pick food out of rubbish bins and it will readily take a variety of food from humans in parks. Date: 8th April 2011 Location: Northlands Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11177780.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7609143014e16bc909d413.jpgMute Swan The Mute Swan is a species of swan native to much of Eurasia. Despite its Eurasian origin, its closest relatives are the Black Swan of Australia and the Black-necked Swan of south America, not the other Northern Hemisphere swans such as the Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan. The name “mute” derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. The adult Mute Swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob at the top of the beak. All Mute Swans are white at maturity although the feathers (particularly on the head and neck) are often stained orange-brown by iron and tannins in the water. Young birds (cygnets) are not the bright white colour of mature adults and their bill is dull greyish-black for the first year. The plumage may range from pure white to grey to buff with grey/buff being the most common. Cygnets typically retain their grey/buff feathers until they are at least 1 year old. On average, the Mute Swan is the second largest waterfowl species after the Trumpeter Swan although the male Mute Swan can easily match or even exceed a male Trumpeter Swan in mass. The adult Mute Swan typically ranges from 55 to 63 inches in length (although it can range in extreme cases from 49 to 67 inches) with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. Males (cobs) are larger than females (pens) and have a larger knob on their bill. The Mute Swan is one of the heaviest flying birds. In several studies from the UK, males were found to average from about 23.4 to 26.2 pounds, with a weight range of 20 to 32 pounds, while the slightly smaller females were found to average about 18.7 to 21.3 pounds, with a weight range of 17 to 23 pounds. The Mute Swan is less vocal than the noisy Bewick's Swan and Whooper Swan although it does make a variety of grunting, hoarse whistling and snorting noises, especially in communicating with their cygnets and threatening competitors or intruders trying to enter their territory. The most familiar sound associated with the Mute Swan is the vibrant throbbing of the wings in flight which is unique to the species and this can be heard from a range of up to 1 mile. The Mute Swan is found naturally mainly in the temperate areas of Europe across west Asia and as far east as Primorsky Krai in the far east of Russia. It is partially migratory throughout the northern latitudes in Europe and Asia as far south as north Africa and the Mediterranean. It is also often kept in captivity outside its natural range as a decoration for parks and ponds and escapes have occurred. The descendants of such birds have become naturalised in east USA and the Great Lakes region across the USA and Canada border. The Mute Swan population in the UK has increased recently probably due to better protection of this species. Some birds are resident all year whilst others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into east England. Mute Swans nest on large mounds that they build with waterside vegetation in shallow water on islands in the middle or at the very edge of a lake. It is a monogamous species and often reuses the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Males and females share the care of the nest. The female lays from 4 to 10 eggs and broods for around 36 days. Cygnets are unable to fly before an age of 120 to 150 days and this limits the distribution of the species in the northern edge of its range since the cygnets must learn to fly before the water freezes. The Mute Swan is usually strongly territorial with just a single pair on smaller lakes although in a few locations where a large area of suitable feeding habitat is found they can be colonial. The largest colonies can hold over 100 pairs such as that at the colony at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset in the UK. Non-mated juveniles up to 3 to 4 years old commonly form larger flocks often at regular traditional sites and these can total several hundred birds. The Mute Swan can be very aggressive in defence of its nest and it is highly protective of its mate and offspring. Most defensive attacks from a Mute Swan begin with a loud hiss and, if this is not sufficient to drive off the predator, are followed by a physical attack. It attacks by smashing at its enemy with bony spurs in the wings accompanied by biting with its large bill. Smaller waterbirds such as ducks are normally grabbed with the bill and dragged or thrown clear. Large waterfowl, such as the Canada Goose, more likely out of competition than in response to potential predation, may be aggressively driven off. The wings of the Mute Swan are very powerful although not strong enough to break an adult man's leg as has been claimed anecdotally. The Mute Swan feeds on a wide range of vegetation, both submerged aquatic plants which they reach with their long necks and by grazing on land. The food commonly includes agricultural crop plants such as oilseed rape and wheat and feeding flocks in the winter may cause significant crop damage, often as much through trampling with their large webbed feet as through direct consumption. Date: 6th January 2008 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082525.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21435514025d307ce759d83.jpgEastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria The Rhodopes Mountains are a mountain range in south east Europe. They are spread over 5689 square miles of which 4723 square miles are located in south Bulgaria and the remainder in north Greece. The Rhodopes Mountains are about 149 miles long and about 62 to 75 miles wide with an average altitude of 2575 feet. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 7188 feet and is situated 12 miles to the west of Smolyan. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rhodopes Mountains gives its name to the terrestrial eco-region Rodope montane mixed forests that belong in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The area is particularly notable for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans plus its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms such as the Trigrad Gorge. The Rhodopes Mountains can be sub-divided in to 3 sections: The Western Rhodopes are spread over 66% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and they are higher, the most infrastructurally developed and the most visited part of the mountains. The highest and best known peaks are located in this section with more than 10 over 6562 feet high including the highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7188 feet). Some of the deepest river gorges in the Rhodopes Mountains are located in the west as well as several large lakes. The Eastern Rhodopes are spread over a territory of about 34% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and are much lower in height. The large artificial dams of Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets are located in this part of the mountains. Almost every species of European bird of prey nests in the Eastern Rhodopes including 3 species of vulture. The Southern Rhodopes are the part of the mountain range that is located in Greece and they are characterized by numerous peaks of relatively low altitude. In the Eastern Rhodopes, the Madzharovo Special Protection Area located between village of Borislavtsi and the town of Madzharovo is one of the most popular destinations for birding in Bulgaria. The area covers a part of the narrow valley of the River Arda and is surrounded by rugged mountain slopes, rock massifs, rocky pinnacles, dry scrub and wooded hillsides. The unique micro-climate and the diverse relief are the reason for the wealth of bird species which can be found here. Around 175 bird species have been recorded of which 40 have been included in the Red Book of Bulgaria (a list of endangered species in the country), 78 are of European environmental protection significance and 6 are globally endangered. The Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB) has established a Nature Conservation Centre in Madzharovo which provides an exhibition, conducts educational programs and provides information for various routes and landmarks. It particularly focuses on the many birds of prey which can be found in the area, especially the 3 species of vulture (Griffon, Black and Egyptian). Date: 23rd May 2018 Location: River Arda valley and Kovan Kaya near Madzharovo, eastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847442.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_189033130059bd50641a15c.jpgLow Tatras, Slovakia The Low Tatras (Nízke Tatry) are a mountain range of the Inner Western Carpathians situated in central Slovakia. They are located south of the High Tatras (Vysoké Tatry) from which they are separated by the valleys of the Váh River and Poprad River. The ridge runs west to east and is about 50 miles long. The Čertovica pass divides the range into 2 parts. The highest peaks of the Low Tatras are located in its western part. Ďumbier is the highest mountain at 6703 feet. Its neighbour Chopok at 6640 feet is accessible by a chairlift and it is the most visited place in the Low Tatras. Other peaks in the western part include Dereše at 6575 feet and Chabenec at 6414 feet. The highest peak in the eastern part is Kráľova hoľa at 6385 feet. The lower elevations are mostly blanketed in dense forest with prevailing coniferous forests in the northern part and mixed forests in the south. At higher elevations there are tarns, deep valleys, limestone cliffs and impressive granite formations. Most of the Low Tatras are protected by the Low Tatras National Park (Národný park Nízke Tatry). This comprises an area of 281 square miles and a buffer zone covering an area of 425 square miles. This makes it the largest National Park in Slovakia. The protection of the Low Tatras started with the first attempts during the period 1918 to 1921 and continuing after World War 2. In 1963, a proposal was made for the establishment of a National Park under the name Central Slovakia National Park. During the period between 1965 and 1966 and right before the completion of the last proposal, a draft for a National Park Ďumbier was proposed. The aim of this draft was to include the north and south part of the central territory of the Low Tatras. From 1967 until 1968 the draft was reformulated with the goal to establish the National Park on the 25th anniversary of the Slovak National Uprising. However, it took another 10 years to overcome various obstacles that prevented the establishment of the National Park. In 1978 the National Park was finally created with the Regulation 119/1978 of the Slovak Socialistic Republic. The area of the national park was set at 313 square miles and its protection zone at 479 square miles. The status of the National Park was published in the same year by the Ministry of Culture of the Slovak Socialistic Republic in Regulation 120/1978. This regulation set out the conditions for the protection of particular areas. The borders of the National Park and the protection zones were revised in June 1997 by Regulation 182/1997 of the government of the Slovak Republic. The revised area of the National Park was adjusted to 281 square miles which is 32 square miles less than the original area. The revised area of the protection zones was adjusted to 425 square miles which is 53 square miles less than the original area. Currently, the following protected areas are established in the Low Tatras National Park or its buffer zone: 10 National Nature Reserves, 10 Nature Reserves, 5 National Nature Monuments, 6 Nature Monuments and 1 Protected Site. The Low Tatras are the second most visited mountains in Slovakia after the High Tatras. Tourism is very popular and during the winter there are several ski resorts such as Jasná and Tále. There are also a range of summer activities such as hiking, trekking, rafting, kayaking, fishing and other outdoor pursuits. Date: 29th May 2017 Location: Low Tatras, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21955467.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_128178496353da1bbaf1f43.jpgAtlantic Grey Seals The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33820963.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8771829865a3d07ee17ea2.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 12th December 2017 Location: Kensington Gardens, London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11159398.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_136361704e1582d129fad.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 5th November 2007 Location: Loch Gruinart, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24834046.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_531518021559cf4a96527e.jpgHermann's Tortoise The Hermann's Tortoise, one of five species, is a small to medium-sized tortoise in the family [I]Testudinidae[/I] . Young animals, and some adults, have attractive black and yellow-patterned carapaces, although the brightness may fade with age to a less distinct grey, straw, or yellow coloration. They have slightly hooked upper jaws and, like other tortoises, possess no teeth just strong, horny beaks. The scaly limbs are greyish to brown with some yellow markings and their tails bear a spur (a horny spike) at the tip. Adult males have particularly long and thick tails and well-developed spurs, distinguishing them from females. The Hermann's Tortoise can be found throughout southern Europe. The western sub-species is found in eastern Spain, southern France, the Balearic islands, Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily, south and central Italy and the eastern sub-species is found Serbia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Romania, Bulgaria, Albania and Greece. The eastern sub-species is generally much larger than the western sub-species, reaching sizes up to 11 inches in length. The Hermann's Tortoise is restricted to areas with hot summers and can be found in a variety of habitats including lush meadows, scrub-covered hillsides, light woodland, dune areas and even rubbish dumps. Males may have home ranges of about 2 hectares and females half this. Early in the morning, the Hermann's Tortoise will leave its nightly shelter, which are usually hollows protected by thick bushes or hedges, to bask in the sun and warm their bodies. They then roam about their habitat in search of food and determine which plants to eat by the sense of smell. In addition to leaves and flowers, the Hermann's Tortoise eats small amounts fruits as supplementary nutrition. When the sun becomes too hot the Hermann's Tortoise returns to its shelter, before emerging again in the late afternoon and evening to feed. In late February, the Hermann's Tortoise emerges from under bushes or old rotting wood, where it spends the winter months hibernating, buried in a bed of dead leaves. Immediately after surfacing from their winter resting place, the Hermann’s Tortoise commences courtship and mating. Courtship is a rough affair for the female, which is pursued, rammed and bitten by the male before being mounted. Aggression is also seen between rival males during the breeding season which can result in ramming contests. Between May and July, a female Hermann’s Tortoise will deposit between 2 and 12 eggs into flask-shaped nests dug into the soil up to 4 inches deep. Most females lay more than one clutch each season. The pinkish-white eggs are incubated for around 90 days. Young Hermann’s Tortoises emerge just after the start of the heavy autumn rains in early September and spend the first 4 or 5 years of their lives close to their nests. If the rains do not come, or if nesting took place late in the year, the eggs will still hatch but the young will remain underground and not emerge until the following spring. Until the age of 6 or 8 years, when the hard shell becomes fully developed, the young tortoises are very vulnerable to predators but if they survive these threats, the longevity of Hermann’s Tortoises is around 30 years. The longevity might be underestimated and many sources are reporting they might live 90 years or more. Date: 7th May 2015 Location: Evros Delta (west), East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26540624.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_123498507856ace5c8abdbd.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 31st December 2015 Location: Winterton-Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/robin https://images.on-this.website/4752_7695617524daeca3a6f9e9.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 03/02/07 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33568414.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14763530025a106b2120ffb.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 4th November 2017 Location: Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28884278.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_182614604257cc1f11128d5.jpgIlmatsalu, Estonia Ilmatsalu is an area of fishponds, meadows and woods along the Ilmatsalu river just north west of Tartu. Date: 18th May 2016 Location: Ilmatsalu, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21830220.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_202128882153cbb63cdc6fa.jpgTree Sparrow The Tree Sparrow is a member of the sparrow family [i]Passer[/i], a group of small passerine birds that is believed to have originated in Africa and which contains 15 to 25 species. The Tree Sparrow's name is derived from 2 Latin words: [I]passer[/I] meaning "sparrow" and [I]montanus[/I] meaning "of the mountains". The common name is given to suggest the preference for tree holes for nesting. However, this name and the scientific name [i]montanus[/i] do not appropriately describe the Tree Sparrow’s habitat preferences: the German name [i]Feldsperling[/i] meaning "field sparrow"[/i] comes closer to doing so. The Tree Sparrow is around 5 to 5.5 inches in length with a wingspan of about 8.3 inches, making it roughly 10% smaller than the House Sparrow. The adult's crown and nape are a rich chestnut and there is a kidney-shaped black ear patch on each pure white cheek. The chin, throat and the area between the bill and throat are black. The upperparts are light brown streaked with black and the brown wings have 2 distinct narrow white bars. The legs are pale brown and the bill is lead-blue in summer becoming almost black in winter. The Tree Sparrow is distinctive even within its own family in that there are no plumage differences between the sexes. The juvenile resembles the adult although the colours tend to be duller. The contrasting face pattern makes the Tree Sparrow easily identifiable in all plumages and the smaller size and chestnut (not grey) crown are additional differences from the male House Sparrow. The Tree Sparrow's breeding range comprises most of temperate Europe and Asia south of about latitude 68°N (north of this the summers are too cold) and through south east Asia to Java and Bali. It is sedentary over most of its extensive range but northernmost breeding populations migrate south for the winter and small numbers leave south Europe for north Africa and the Middle East. The Tree Sparrow has been introduced outside its native range but it has not always become successfully established, possibly due to competition with the House Sparrow. Ship-carried birds have colonised some areas and birds have also occurred as vagrants. Despite its scientific name, the Tree Sparrow is not typically a mountain species and reaches only 2300 feet in Switzerland although it has bred at 5600 feet in the northern Caucasus and as high as 14010 feet in Nepal. In Europe, the Tree Sparrow is frequently found in open countryside with small isolated patches of woodland but also on coasts with cliffs, in woodland along slow water courses and in empty buildings. It shows a strong preference for nest sites near wetland habitats and avoids breeding on intensively managed farmland. In Europe, where the Tree Sparrow and the House Sparrow occur in the same region, the House Sparrow generally nests in urban areas while the Tree Sparrow nests in rural areas. Where trees are in short supply, both species may utilise man-made structures as nest sites. Whilst the Tree Sparrow is mainly a rural bird in Europe, it tends to be an urban bird in Asia and Australia. In the UK, the Tree Sparrow is scarcer in upland areas and the far north and west of the and the main populations are now found across the Midlands and south and east England. The Tree Sparrow may breed in isolated pairs or in loose colonies. The male calls from near the nest site in spring to proclaim ownership and attract a mate and he may also carry nest material in to the nest hole. The Tree Sparrow typically builds its nest in a cavity in an old tree or rock face. Some nests are not in holes as such but are built among roots of overhanging bushes. Roof cavities in houses and nest boxes are also readily used. In addition, the Tree Sparrow will breed in the disused nest of a Magpie or other crow species or an active or unused nest of a large bird such as the White Stork or a heron or raptor species. It will sometimes attempt to take over the nest of other birds that breed in holes or enclosed spaces such as tit species, flycatcher species, Swallow, House Martin, Sand Martin or European Bee-eater. The untidy nest is composed of hay, grass, wool or other material and lined with feathers which improve thermal insulation. The female lays 5 or 6 eggs which are incubated by both parents for 12 to 13 days and the chicks fledge after a further 15 to 18 days. There are 2 or 3 broods each year. Hybridisation between the Tree Sparrow and the House Sparrow has been recorded in many parts of the world with male hybrids tending to resemble the Tree Sparrow while female hybrids are more similar to the House Sparrow. The Tree Sparrow is a predominantly seed and grain eating bird which feeds on the ground in flocks and often with House Sparrows, finches and buntings. It may also visit feeding stations. It additionally feeds on invertebrates including insects, woodlice, millipedes, centipedes, spiders, etc. especially during the breeding season when the young are fed mainly on animal food. Adults use a variety of wetlands when foraging for invertebrate prey to feed chicks and aquatic sites play a key role in providing adequate diversity and availability of suitable invertebrate prey to allow successful chick rearing. Large areas of formerly occupied farmland no longer provide these invertebrate resources due to the effects of intensive farming. The Tree Sparrow has a large range and a large population. Although the population is declining, the species is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List. For this reason, the Tree Sparrow is designated as being of “Least Concern”. Although the Tree Sparrow has been expanding its range in Fennoscandia and east Europe, its population has been declining in much of west Europe, a trend reflected in other farmland birds such as the Skylark and Corn Bunting. The collapse in population seems to have been particularly severe in the UK where there was a 93% decline between 1970 and 2008. However, recent Breeding Bird Survey data is encouraging and suggests that numbers may have started to increase albeit from a very low point. The decrease in population is probably the result of agricultural intensification and specialisation, particularly the increased use of herbicides and a trend towards autumn-sown crops at the expense of spring-sown crops that produce stubble fields in winter. The change from mixed to specialised farming and the increased use of insecticides has reduced the amount of insect food available for chicks. Date: 11th June 2014 Location: Bempton Cliifs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23408450.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_92316979754c20b6eb828f.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 3rd January 2015 Location: Mersehead RSPB reserve, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/svanhovd-troms-og-finnmark-norway https://images.on-this.website/4752_6820585105f10b91f34895.jpgSvanhovd, Pasvikdalen, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Svanhovd is a popular destination in the Pasvik valley and the location of the Visitor Centre for the Øvre Pasvik National Park. The Visitor Centre is open from mid June to mid August and includes an exhibition about the unique environment, culture, history and wildlife of the Pasvik valley. It also provides accommodation, conference facilities and a café. Date: 30th June 2019 Location: Øvre Pasvik National Park Visitor Centre, Svanhovd, Pasvikdalen, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12744420.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3655325224e705f6c87dbe.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 14th November 2005 Location: Donna Nook, Lincolnshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26270307.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_182302900566551fe4d877.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 4th December 2015 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813388.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5481757155d0dde9f6ef36.jpgPuffins The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 10th June 2019 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37399578.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4293012635c66970f28366.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 9th December 2018 Location: Winterton-Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37399579.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14122067435c66971117710.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 9th December 2018 Location: Winterton-Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37159125.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4146585245c1e5f52646b2.jpgDipper The White-throated Dipper, also known as the European Dipper or simply as the Dipper, is an aquatic passerine bird. It is divided into several sub-species based primarily on colour differences, particularly of the pectoral band. These include the Black-bellied Dipper found in Scandinavia, west France, north west Spain, Corsica and Sardinia and an infrequent migrant to the UK and the “British” Dipper found in England, Wales and Scotland excluding the west and north west and the islands. The Dipper is about 7.1 inches long, rotund and short tailed. The head of the adult is brown, the back slate-grey mottled with black (looking black from a distance) and the wings and tail are brown. The throat and upper breast are white followed by a band of warm chestnut (“British” Dipper) or black (Black-bellied Dipper ) which merges into black on the belly and flanks. The young are greyish brown and have no chestnut band. The Dipper can be found in Europe, the Middle East, central Asia and the Indian Subcontinent and it is closely associated with swiftly running rivers and streams or the lakes in to which these fall. It often perches and bobs spasmodically with its short tail uplifted on the rocks around which the water swirls and tumbles. It acquired its name from these sudden dips and not from its diving habit, although it dives as well as walks into the water. It flies rapidly and straight with its short wings whirring swiftly and without pauses or glides and will then either drop on the water and dive or plunge in with a small splash. In addition, it will walk into the water and deliberately submerge from a perch. In this way the Dipper finds its food which includes aquatic invertebrates, aquatic insect larvae, beetles, freshwater molluscs, fish and small amphibians. It will also walk and run on the banks and rocks seeking terrestrial invertebrates. The winter habits of the Dipper vary considerably and apparently individually. When the swift hill rivers and streams are frozen it is forced to descend to the lowlands and even visit the coasts but some will remain if there is any open water. The Dipper breeds close to water and the nest is large, globular or oval (similar to a large Wren's nest) built into a crack or hollow in the rock or in the masonry or on the supports of a bridge. It is composed of moss, dead grass and leaves. This ball, however, is just a shelter. Usually hidden beneath a lip is the entrance to the real nest inside which is a cup of grass or sedge lined with leaves of oak, beech or other trees. Eggs are laid (3 to 6) are laid between March and May and 1 or 2 broods are raised. Date: 6th May 2018 Location: Gilfach RWT reserve, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801279.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_84281458964edb3329d1fd.jpgAzure Damselfly Flight period: May to August The Azure Damselfly is one of the two commonest blue damselflies and is a common and widespread species of lowland UK. They can be found around most standing water, preferring small, sheltered sites including ditches and garden ponds. Date :26th July 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30024932.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1288538415587a0abc06640.jpgCommon Snipe The Common Snipe is a small, stocky wader native to the Old World. It is the most widespread of several similar snipe species. It most closely resembles the Wilson's Snipe of north America which was previously considered to be a sub-species of the Common Snipe. It is also very similar to the Pin-tailed Snipe and Swinhoe's Snipe of east Asia. A sub-species of Common Snipe can be found in Iceland, the Faroe Islands, Shetland and Orkney. This sub-species winters in the UK and Ireland. The Common Snipe is 9.8 to 10.6 inches in length with a 17 to 19 inches wingspan. The body is mottled brown with straw-yellow stripes on top and pale underneath. It has a dark stripe through the eye with light stripes above and below it. The wings are pointed. It has short greenish-grey legs and a very long (2.2 to 2.8 inches) straight dark bill. The Common Snipe can be found in the marshes, bogs, tundra and wet meadows throughout north Europe and north Asia. It is migratory with European birds wintering in south and west Europe and Africa (south to the Equator) and Asian birds wintering in tropical south Asia. The male Common Snipe performs a "winnowing" display during courtship, flying high in circles and then taking shallow dives to produce a "drumming" sound by vibrating its tail feathers. The nest is located in a well hidden location on the ground. The female lays 4 eggs which are incubated for 18 to 21 days. The young are covered in dark maroon down, variegated with black, white and buff and are cared for by both parents with fledging occurring in 10 to 20 days. The Common Snipe is a well camouflaged bird and it is usually shy and conceals itself close to ground vegetation and flushes only when approached closely. When flushed, it utters a sharp call and flies off in a series of aerial zig-zags to confuse predators. The Common Snipe forages in soft mud, probing or picking up food by sight. It mainly eats insects and earthworms but also some plant material. Overall, the Common Snipe is not a threatened species although populations on the southern fringes of the breeding range in Europe are declining with local extinction in some areas (including in the UK) mainly due to field drainage and agricultural intensification. The Common Snipe is a species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 5th January 2017 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/loch-sunart-ardnamurchan-highland https://images.on-this.website/4752_583292018560fb67344b1a.jpgDate: 24th September 2015 Location: Loch Sunart, Ardnamurchan, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14247087.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2748697434f4e040b8c243.jpgMute Swan The Mute Swan is a species of swan native to much of Eurasia. Despite its Eurasian origin, its closest relatives are the Black Swan of Australia and the Black-necked Swan of south America, not the other Northern Hemisphere swans such as the Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan. The name “mute” derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. The adult Mute Swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob at the top of the beak. All Mute Swans are white at maturity although the feathers (particularly on the head and neck) are often stained orange-brown by iron and tannins in the water. Young birds (cygnets) are not the bright white colour of mature adults and their bill is dull greyish-black for the first year. The plumage may range from pure white to grey to buff with grey/buff being the most common. Cygnets typically retain their grey/buff feathers until they are at least 1 year old. On average, the Mute Swan is the second largest waterfowl species after the Trumpeter Swan although the male Mute Swan can easily match or even exceed a male Trumpeter Swan in mass. The adult Mute Swan typically ranges from 55 to 63 inches in length (although it can range in extreme cases from 49 to 67 inches) with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. Males (cobs) are larger than females (pens) and have a larger knob on their bill. The Mute Swan is one of the heaviest flying birds. In several studies from the UK, males were found to average from about 23.4 to 26.2 pounds, with a weight range of 20 to 32 pounds, while the slightly smaller females were found to average about 18.7 to 21.3 pounds, with a weight range of 17 to 23 pounds. The Mute Swan is less vocal than the noisy Bewick's Swan and Whooper Swan although it does make a variety of grunting, hoarse whistling and snorting noises, especially in communicating with their cygnets and threatening competitors or intruders trying to enter their territory. The most familiar sound associated with the Mute Swan is the vibrant throbbing of the wings in flight which is unique to the species and this can be heard from a range of up to 1 mile. The Mute Swan is found naturally mainly in the temperate areas of Europe across west Asia and as far east as Primorsky Krai in the far east of Russia. It is partially migratory throughout the northern latitudes in Europe and Asia as far south as north Africa and the Mediterranean. It is also often kept in captivity outside its natural range as a decoration for parks and ponds and escapes have occurred. The descendants of such birds have become naturalised in east USA and the Great Lakes region across the USA and Canada border. The Mute Swan population in the UK has increased recently probably due to better protection of this species. Some birds are resident all year whilst others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into east England. Mute Swans nest on large mounds that they build with waterside vegetation in shallow water on islands in the middle or at the very edge of a lake. It is a monogamous species and often reuses the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Males and females share the care of the nest. The female lays from 4 to 10 eggs and broods for around 36 days. Cygnets are unable to fly before an age of 120 to 150 days and this limits the distribution of the species in the northern edge of its range since the cygnets must learn to fly before the water freezes. The Mute Swan is usually strongly territorial with just a single pair on smaller lakes although in a few locations where a large area of suitable feeding habitat is found they can be colonial. The largest colonies can hold over 100 pairs such as that at the colony at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset in the UK. Non-mated juveniles up to 3 to 4 years old commonly form larger flocks often at regular traditional sites and these can total several hundred birds. The Mute Swan can be very aggressive in defence of its nest and it is highly protective of its mate and offspring. Most defensive attacks from a Mute Swan begin with a loud hiss and, if this is not sufficient to drive off the predator, are followed by a physical attack. It attacks by smashing at its enemy with bony spurs in the wings accompanied by biting with its large bill. Smaller waterbirds such as ducks are normally grabbed with the bill and dragged or thrown clear. Large waterfowl, such as the Canada Goose, more likely out of competition than in response to potential predation, may be aggressively driven off. The wings of the Mute Swan are very powerful although not strong enough to break an adult man's leg as has been claimed anecdotally. The Mute Swan feeds on a wide range of vegetation, both submerged aquatic plants which they reach with their long necks and by grazing on land. The food commonly includes agricultural crop plants such as oilseed rape and wheat and feeding flocks in the winter may cause significant crop damage, often as much through trampling with their large webbed feet as through direct consumption. Date: 25th February 2012 Location: Verulamium Park, St Albans, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26270511.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2050424458566553cf0b7de.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 4th December 2015 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4466077.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2284253324b8a24a1c5951.jpg http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30017222.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_25889532658754fa470f35.jpgStarlings The Common Starling, also known as the European starling or in the UK just as the Starling, is a medium-sized passerine bird in the starling family. There are several sub-species of the Starling which vary in size and the colour tone of the adult plumage. The gradual variation over geographic range and extensive intergradation means that acceptance of the various sub-species varies between different authorities. The Starling is 7.5 to 9.1 inches in length with a wingspan of 12 to 17 inches. The plumage is iridescent black, glossed purple or green and spangled with white, especially in winter. The underparts of the adult male Starlings are generally less spotted than those of adult females. The throat feathers of the males are long and loose and are used in display while those of the females are smaller and more pointed. The legs are stout and pinkish-red or greyish-red. The bill is narrow and conical with a sharp tip. In the winter it is brownish-black but in summer the females have lemon yellow beaks whilst the males have yellow bills with blue-grey bases. Moulting occurs once a year in late summer after the breeding season and the fresh feathers are prominently tipped white (breast feathers) or buff (wing and back feathers) giving a speckled appearance. The reduction in the spotting in the breeding season is achieved through the white feather tips largely wearing off. Juveniles are grey-brown and by their first winter they resemble adults although they often retain some brown juvenile feathering especially on the head. In flight, the Starling’s strongly pointed wings and dark colouration are distinctive whilst on the ground its strange waddling gait is also characteristic. The colouring and build usually distinguish the Starling from other starling species although the closely related Spotless Starling from Iberia and north Africa may be physically distinguished by the lack of iridescent spots in the adult breeding plumage. Like most terrestrial starlings, the Starling moves by walking or running rather than hopping. Their flight is quite strong and direct and their triangular-shaped wings beat very rapidly. They periodically glide for a short way without losing much height before resuming powered flight. When in a flock, the birds take off almost simultaneously, wheel and turn in unison, form a compact mass or trail off into a wispy stream, bunch up again and the land in a co-ordinated fashion. The Starling is a noisy bird. Its song consists of a wide variety of both melodic and mechanical-sounding noises as part of a ritual succession of sounds. The male is the main songster and engages in bouts of song lasting for a minute or more. Each of these typically includes 4 varieties of song type which follow each other in a regular order without pause. The bout starts with a series of pure tone whistles and these are followed by the main part of the song, a number of variable sequences that often incorporate snatches of song mimicked from other species of bird and various naturally occurring or man-made noises. The structure and simplicity of the sound mimicked is of greater importance than the frequency with which it occurs. Each sound clip is repeated several times before the bird moves on to the next. After this variable section comes a number of types of repeated clicks followed by a final burst of high frequency song, again formed of several types. Each bird has its own repertoire with more proficient birds having a range of up to 35 variable song types and as many as 14 types of clicks. Males sing constantly as the breeding period approaches and perform less often once pairs have bonded. In the presence of a female, a male sometimes flies to his nest and sings from the entrance, apparently attempting to entice the female in. Having a complex song is also useful in defending a territory and deterring less experienced males from encroaching. Singing also occurs outside the breeding season and takes place throughout the year apart from the moulting period. The songsters are more commonly males although females also sing on occasion. The function of such out-of-season song is poorly understood. Starlings chatter while roosting and bathing and make a great deal of noise that can cause irritation to some people living nearby. When a flock of Starlings is flying together, the synchronised movements of their wings make a distinctive whooshing sound that can be heard hundred yards away. The global population of the Starling was estimated to be 310 million birds in 2004, occupying a total area of 3.4 million square miles. Its numbers are not thought to be declining significantly so it is classified by the IUCN as being of “Least Concern”. It had shown a marked increase in numbers throughout Europe from the 19th century to around the 1950s and 1960s. However, declines in populations have been observed since 1980, including in the UK. This seems to be due to the low survival rate of young birds which may be caused by changes in agricultural practices. The intensive farming methods used in north Europe mean there is less pasture and meadow habitat available and the supply of grassland invertebrates needed for the nestlings to thrive is correspondingly reduced. The Starling remains widespread throughout the Northern Hemisphere and it is native to Eurasia. It is found throughout Europe, north Africa from Morocco to Egypt, India (mainly in the north but regularly extending further south) and extending into the Maldives, Nepal, the Middle East including Syria, Iran and Iraq and north west China. Starlings in the south and west of Europe and south of latitude 40°N are mainly resident although other populations migrate from regions where the winter is harsh, the ground frozen and food scarce. Large numbers of birds from northern Europe, Russia and Ukraine migrate south westwards or south eastwards. In the autumn, when immigrants are arriving from eastern Europe, many of the UK's Starlings are setting off for Iberia and north Africa. Other groups of birds are in passage across the country and the pathways of these different streams of bird may cross. The Starling prefers urban or suburban areas where artificial structures and trees provide adequate nesting and roosting sites. Reedbeds are also favoured for roosting and Starlings commonly feed in grassy areas such as farmland, grazing pastures, playing fields, golf courses and airfields where short grass makes foraging easy. The Starling occasionally inhabits open forests and woodlands although it is rarely found in dense, wet forests. It can also be found in coastal areas where it nests and roosts on cliffs and forages amongst seaweed. The Starling’s ability to adapt to a large variety of habitats has allowed it to disperse and establish the species in diverse locations around the world and resulting in a habitat range from coastal wetlands to alpine forests and from sea cliffs to mountain ranges. The Starling has been introduced to and has successfully established itself in New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, north America, Fiji and several Caribbean islands. As a result, it has also been able to migrate to Thailand, south east Asia and New Guinea. Breeding takes place during the spring and summer. Unpaired males find a suitable cavity and begin to build nests in order to attract single females, often decorating the nest with ornaments such as flowers and fresh green material, which the female later disassembles when accepting the male as a mate. The males sing throughout much of the construction and even more so when a female approaches his nest. Following mating, the male and female continue to build the nest. Nests may be located in any type of hole and common locations include inside hollowed trees, buildings, tree stumps and man-made nest-boxes. Nests are typically made out of straw, dry grass and twigs with an inner lining made up of feathers, wool and soft leaves. Construction usually takes 4 or 5 days and may continue through incubation.[29] The Starling is both monogamous and polygamous. Although broods are generally brought up by a single male and a single female, occasionally the pair may have an extra helper. Pairs may be part of a colony, in which case several other nests may occupy the same or nearby trees. Males may mate with a second female while the first is still on the nest. The reproductive success of the bird is poorer in the second nest than it is in the primary nest and is better when the male remains monogamous. Following mating, the female lays eggs on a daily basis over a period of several days. There are normally 4 or 5 eggs which are pale blue or occasionally white and they commonly have a glossy appearance. Incubation lasts 13 days and both parents share this responsibility although the female spends more time incubating than the male. The female is the only parent to do so at night when the male returns to the communal roost. Nestlings remain in the nest for 3 weeks where they are fed continuously by both parents. Fledglings continue to be fed by their parents for another 1 or 2 weeks. A pair can raise up to 3 broods per year although 2 broods is typical and just a single one is normal north of 48°N. Within 2 months most juveniles will have moulted and gained their first basic plumage. They acquire their adult plumage the following year. Starling nests have a 48% to 79% rate of successful fledging although only 20% of nestlings survive to breeding age. The adult survival rate is closer to 60%. The average life span is about 2 to 3 years. A majority of starling predators are avian, in particular birds of prey The Starling is a highly gregarious species, especially in autumn and winter. Although flock size is highly variable, huge noisy flocks (murmurations) may form near roosts. These dense concentrations of birds are thought to be a defence against attacks by birds of prey. Flocks form a tight sphere-like formation in flight, frequently expanding and contracting and changing shape, seemingly without any sort of leader. Each Starling changes its course and speed as a result of the movement of its closest neighbours. Very large roosts, exceptionally up to 1.5 million birds, can form in city centres, woodlands or reedbeds. The Starling is largely insectivorous and feeds on a wide range of invertebrates in both the adult and larvae stages of development. It will also feed on earthworms, snails, small amphibians and lizards. While the consumption of invertebrates is necessary for successful breeding, the Starling is omnivorous and will also eat grains, seeds, fruits, nectar and food waste if the opportunity arises. Date: 2nd January 2017 Location: Ham Wall RSPB reserve, Somerset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084170.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18924887055d30863550e5d.jpgRila Mountains, Sofia Province, Bulgaria The Rila Mountains are a mountain range in south west Bulgaria and constitute the highest mountain range in the country and the Balkans. It is the sixth highest mountain range in Europe after the Caucasus, the Alps, the Sierra Nevada, the Pyrenees and Mount Etna and the highest one between the Alps and the Caucasus. The Rila Mountains are spread over an area of 1015 square miles with an average altitude of 4879 feet. Musala is its highest peak at 9596 feet. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rila-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rila Mountains have abundant water resources and some of the Balkans' longest and deepest rivers originate here including the longest river entirely in the Balkans, the River Maritsa, and the longest river entirely in Bulgaria, the River Iskar. Bulgaria's main water divide separating the Black Sea and the Aegean Sea drainage systems follows the main ridge of the Rila Mountains. The mountain range is dotted with almost 200 glacial lakes such as the renowned Seven Rila Lakes. It is also rich in hot springs in the fault areas at the foothills including the hottest spring in south east Europe in Sapareva Banya. The Rila Mountains have typical layers of montane habitat ranging from river and stream valleys at lower altitudes to mixed deciduous woodland, coniferous forests and Alpine meadows and lakes at higher altitudes and finally to rocky ridges and bare rugged peaks. The biodiversity and the pristine landscapes are protected by the Rila National Park which is among the largest and most valuable protected areas in Europe. It is the largest national park in Bulgaria covering an area of 313 square miles and it was established in February 1992 to protect several ecosystems of national importance. Its altitude varies from 2600 feet near Blagoevgrad to 9596 feet at the peak of Musala. It occupies territory from 4 of the 28 provinces of the country (Sofia, Kyustendil, Blagoevgrad and Pazardzhik) and it includes 4 nature reserves (Parangalitsa, Central Rila Reserve, Ibar and Skakavitsa). The Rila National Park falls within the Rodope montane mixed forests terrestrial eco-region of the Palearctic temperate broadleaf and mixed forest. Forests occupy 206.5 square miles or 66% of the total area. The Rila Mountains also contain the Rila Monastery Nature Park which is among the largest nature parks in Bulgaria covering an area of 97.5 square miles at an altitude between 2460 and 8901 feet. It was established in 1992 as part of the newly founded Rila National Park. In 2000 some territory of the Rila National Park was re-assigned to the Rila Monastery Nature Park and was recategorized as a nature park because by law all lands in national parks are exclusively state owned. Today most of the Rila Monastery Nature Park is owned by the Rila Monastery. The Rila Monastery Nature Park includes one nature reserve, namely the Rila Monastery Forest with an area of 14 square miles or 14% of its total area. The most recognisable landmark in the Rila Mountains is the Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila, better known as the Rila Monastery. This is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria and is situated in the deep valley of the River Rilska River within the Rila Monastery Nature Park at a height of 3763 feet. The monastery is named after its founder, the hermit Ivan of Rila (876 to 946 AD) and houses around 60 monks. Founded in the 10th century, the Rila Monastery is regarded as one of Bulgaria's most important cultural, historical and architectural monuments and is a key tourist attraction for both Bulgaria and south Europe. Due to its outstanding cultural and spiritual value it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. The Rila Mountains are also a popular destination for hiking, winter sports and spa tourism, hosting the nation's oldest ski resort at Borovets as well as numerous hiking trails. Date: 30th May 2018 Location: Malyovitsa, Sofia Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37399629.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10583869325c6697e762b61.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 9th December 2018 Location: Winterton-Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15367544.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5045828654fec1ca67ee4a.jpgRed Grouse The Red Grouse is a medium-sized bird of the grouse family which is found in heather moorland in the UK and Ireland. It is endemic to the UK and has developed in isolation. It is usually classified as a sub-species of the Willow Ptarmigan or Willow Grouse which is found in birch and other forests and moorlands in north Europe, the tundra of Scandinavia, Siberia, Alaska and north Canada. The Red Grouse is differentiated from the Willow Ptarmigan and Rock Ptarmigan by its plumage being reddish brown and not having a white winter plumage. The tail is black and the legs are white. There are white stripes on the underwing and red combs over the eye. Females are less reddish than the males and have less conspicuous combs. Young birds are duller and lack the red combs. The Red Grouse is found across most parts of Scotland, including Orkney, Shetland and most of the Outer Hebrides. It is only absent from urban areas such as in the Central Belt. In Wales there are strong populations of Red Grouse in some places but the range has retracted. It is now largely absent from the far south and the main strongholds are Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons and the Cambrian Mountains. In England the Red Grouse is mainly found in the north in areas such as the Lake District, Northumberland, County Durham, much of Yorkshire, the Pennines and the Peak District as far south as the Staffordshire Moorlands. There is an isolated introduced population on Dartmoor and overspill Welsh birds visit the Shropshire Hills.The typical habitat is upland heather moors away from trees. It can also be found in some low-lying bogs and birds may visit farmland during hard weather. The UK population of the Red Grouse is estimated at about 250,000 pairs. Numbers have declined in recent years and it is now absent in areas where it was once common. Reasons for the decline include disease, loss of heather due to overgrazing, creation of new conifer plantations and a decline in the number of upland gamekeepers. Some predators feed on Red Grouse and there is ongoing controversy as to what effect these have on numbers. The Red Grouse is herbivorous and feeds mainly on the shoots, seeds and flowers of heather. It will also feed on berries, cereal crops and sometimes insects. The Red Grouse is considered a game bird and is shot in large numbers during the shooting season which traditionally starts on August 12th (known as the Glorious Twelfth). Shooting can take the form of “walked up” (where shooters walk across the moor to flush grouse and take a shot) or “driven” (where grouse are driven, often in large numbers, by “beaters” towards the shooters who are hiding behind a line of “butts”). Many moors are managed to increase the density of Red Grouse. Areas of heather are subjected to controlled burning since this allows fresh young shoots to regenerate which are favoured by Red Grouse. In addition, extensive predator control is a feature of grouse moor management and the extent and legality to which it occurs is hotly contested between conservation groups and shooting interests and the subject generates a lot of media attention. The Red Grouse is widely known as the logo of The Famous Grouse whisky and an animated bird is a character in a series of its adverts. It is also the emblem of the magazine “British Birds”. Date: 8th June 2012 Location: Lochindorb, Inverness-shire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15367545.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9907992994fec1cab93206.jpgRed Grouse chick The Red Grouse is a medium-sized bird of the grouse family which is found in heather moorland in the UK and Ireland. It is endemic to the UK and has developed in isolation. It is usually classified as a sub-species of the Willow Ptarmigan or Willow Grouse which is found in birch and other forests and moorlands in north Europe, the tundra of Scandinavia, Siberia, Alaska and north Canada. The Red Grouse is differentiated from the Willow Ptarmigan and Rock Ptarmigan by its plumage being reddish brown and not having a white winter plumage. The tail is black and the legs are white. There are white stripes on the underwing and red combs over the eye. Females are less reddish than the males and have less conspicuous combs. Young birds are duller and lack the red combs. The Red Grouse is found across most parts of Scotland, including Orkney, Shetland and most of the Outer Hebrides. It is only absent from urban areas such as in the Central Belt. In Wales there are strong populations of Red Grouse in some places but the range has retracted. It is now largely absent from the far south and the main strongholds are Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons and the Cambrian Mountains. In England the Red Grouse is mainly found in the north in areas such as the Lake District, Northumberland, County Durham, much of Yorkshire, the Pennines and the Peak District as far south as the Staffordshire Moorlands. There is an isolated introduced population on Dartmoor and overspill Welsh birds visit the Shropshire Hills.The typical habitat is upland heather moors away from trees. It can also be found in some low-lying bogs and birds may visit farmland during hard weather. The UK population of the Red Grouse is estimated at about 250,000 pairs. Numbers have declined in recent years and it is now absent in areas where it was once common. Reasons for the decline include disease, loss of heather due to overgrazing, creation of new conifer plantations and a decline in the number of upland gamekeepers. Some predators feed on Red Grouse and there is ongoing controversy as to what effect these have on numbers. The Red Grouse is herbivorous and feeds mainly on the shoots, seeds and flowers of heather. It will also feed on berries, cereal crops and sometimes insects. The Red Grouse is considered a game bird and is shot in large numbers during the shooting season which traditionally starts on August 12th (known as the Glorious Twelfth). Shooting can take the form of “walked up” (where shooters walk across the moor to flush grouse and take a shot) or “driven” (where grouse are driven, often in large numbers, by “beaters” towards the shooters who are hiding behind a line of “butts”). Many moors are managed to increase the density of Red Grouse. Areas of heather are subjected to controlled burning since this allows fresh young shoots to regenerate which are favoured by Red Grouse. In addition, extensive predator control is a feature of grouse moor management and the extent and legality to which it occurs is hotly contested between conservation groups and shooting interests and the subject generates a lot of media attention. The Red Grouse is widely known as the logo of The Famous Grouse whisky and an animated bird is a character in a series of its adverts. It is also the emblem of the magazine “British Birds”. Date: 8th June 2012 Location: Lochindorb, Inverness-shire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4639664.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_288287034baf089bcc80d.jpgRed Grouse The Red Grouse is a medium-sized bird of the grouse family which is found in heather moorland in the UK and Ireland. It is endemic to the UK and has developed in isolation. It is usually classified as a sub-species of the Willow Ptarmigan or Willow Grouse which is found in birch and other forests and moorlands in north Europe, the tundra of Scandinavia, Siberia, Alaska and north Canada. The Red Grouse is differentiated from the Willow Ptarmigan and Rock Ptarmigan by its plumage being reddish brown and not having a white winter plumage. The tail is black and the legs are white. There are white stripes on the underwing and red combs over the eye. Females are less reddish than the males and have less conspicuous combs. Young birds are duller and lack the red combs. The Red Grouse is found across most parts of Scotland, including Orkney, Shetland and most of the Outer Hebrides. It is only absent from urban areas such as in the Central Belt. In Wales there are strong populations of Red Grouse in some places but the range has retracted. It is now largely absent from the far south and the main strongholds are Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons and the Cambrian Mountains. In England the Red Grouse is mainly found in the north in areas such as the Lake District, Northumberland, County Durham, much of Yorkshire, the Pennines and the Peak District as far south as the Staffordshire Moorlands. There is an isolated introduced population on Dartmoor and overspill Welsh birds visit the Shropshire Hills.The typical habitat is upland heather moors away from trees. It can also be found in some low-lying bogs and birds may visit farmland during hard weather. The UK population of the Red Grouse is estimated at about 250,000 pairs. Numbers have declined in recent years and it is now absent in areas where it was once common. Reasons for the decline include disease, loss of heather due to overgrazing, creation of new conifer plantations and a decline in the number of upland gamekeepers. Some predators feed on Red Grouse and there is ongoing controversy as to what effect these have on numbers. The Red Grouse is herbivorous and feeds mainly on the shoots, seeds and flowers of heather. It will also feed on berries, cereal crops and sometimes insects. The Red Grouse is considered a game bird and is shot in large numbers during the shooting season which traditionally starts on August 12th (known as the Glorious Twelfth). Shooting can take the form of “walked up” (where shooters walk across the moor to flush grouse and take a shot) or “driven” (where grouse are driven, often in large numbers, by “beaters” towards the shooters who are hiding behind a line of “butts”). Many moors are managed to increase the density of Red Grouse. Areas of heather are subjected to controlled burning since this allows fresh young shoots to regenerate which are favoured by Red Grouse. In addition, extensive predator control is a feature of grouse moor management and the extent and legality to which it occurs is hotly contested between conservation groups and shooting interests and the subject generates a lot of media attention. The Red Grouse is widely known as the logo of The Famous Grouse whisky and an animated bird is a character in a series of its adverts. It is also the emblem of the magazine “British Birds”. Date: 11th March 2010 Location: Grinton Moor, Yorkshire Dales National Park, North Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11639818.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18258080324e2fdc59169d2.jpgRed Grouse The Red Grouse is a medium-sized bird of the grouse family which is found in heather moorland in the UK and Ireland. It is endemic to the UK and has developed in isolation. It is usually classified as a sub-species of the Willow Ptarmigan or Willow Grouse which is found in birch and other forests and moorlands in north Europe, the tundra of Scandinavia, Siberia, Alaska and north Canada. The Red Grouse is differentiated from the Willow Ptarmigan and Rock Ptarmigan by its plumage being reddish brown and not having a white winter plumage. The tail is black and the legs are white. There are white stripes on the underwing and red combs over the eye. Females are less reddish than the males and have less conspicuous combs. Young birds are duller and lack the red combs. The Red Grouse is found across most parts of Scotland, including Orkney, Shetland and most of the Outer Hebrides. It is only absent from urban areas such as in the Central Belt. In Wales there are strong populations of Red Grouse in some places but the range has retracted. It is now largely absent from the far south and the main strongholds are Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons and the Cambrian Mountains. In England the Red Grouse is mainly found in the north in areas such as the Lake District, Northumberland, County Durham, much of Yorkshire, the Pennines and the Peak District as far south as the Staffordshire Moorlands. There is an isolated introduced population on Dartmoor and overspill Welsh birds visit the Shropshire Hills.The typical habitat is upland heather moors away from trees. It can also be found in some low-lying bogs and birds may visit farmland during hard weather. The UK population of the Red Grouse is estimated at about 250,000 pairs. Numbers have declined in recent years and it is now absent in areas where it was once common. Reasons for the decline include disease, loss of heather due to overgrazing, creation of new conifer plantations and a decline in the number of upland gamekeepers. Some predators feed on Red Grouse and there is ongoing controversy as to what effect these have on numbers. The Red Grouse is herbivorous and feeds mainly on the shoots, seeds and flowers of heather. It will also feed on berries, cereal crops and sometimes insects. The Red Grouse is considered a game bird and is shot in large numbers during the shooting season which traditionally starts on August 12th (known as the Glorious Twelfth). Shooting can take the form of “walked up” (where shooters walk across the moor to flush grouse and take a shot) or “driven” (where grouse are driven, often in large numbers, by “beaters” towards the shooters who are hiding behind a line of “butts”). Many moors are managed to increase the density of Red Grouse. Areas of heather are subjected to controlled burning since this allows fresh young shoots to regenerate which are favoured by Red Grouse. In addition, extensive predator control is a feature of grouse moor management and the extent and legality to which it occurs is hotly contested between conservation groups and shooting interests and the subject generates a lot of media attention. The Red Grouse is widely known as the logo of The Famous Grouse whisky and an animated bird is a character in a series of its adverts. It is also the emblem of the magazine “British Birds”. Date: 11th April 2009 Location: Lochindorb, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18776274.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_144692590151f4ced0332f4.jpgRed Grouse The Red Grouse is a medium-sized bird of the grouse family which is found in heather moorland in the UK and Ireland. It is endemic to the UK and has developed in isolation. It is usually classified as a sub-species of the Willow Ptarmigan or Willow Grouse which is found in birch and other forests and moorlands in north Europe, the tundra of Scandinavia, Siberia, Alaska and north Canada. The Red Grouse is differentiated from the Willow Ptarmigan and Rock Ptarmigan by its plumage being reddish brown and not having a white winter plumage. The tail is black and the legs are white. There are white stripes on the underwing and red combs over the eye. Females are less reddish than the males and have less conspicuous combs. Young birds are duller and lack the red combs. The Red Grouse is found across most parts of Scotland, including Orkney, Shetland and most of the Outer Hebrides. It is only absent from urban areas such as in the Central Belt. In Wales there are strong populations of Red Grouse in some places but the range has retracted. It is now largely absent from the far south and the main strongholds are Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons and the Cambrian Mountains. In England the Red Grouse is mainly found in the north in areas such as the Lake District, Northumberland, County Durham, much of Yorkshire, the Pennines and the Peak District as far south as the Staffordshire Moorlands. There is an isolated introduced population on Dartmoor and overspill Welsh birds visit the Shropshire Hills.The typical habitat is upland heather moors away from trees. It can also be found in some low-lying bogs and birds may visit farmland during hard weather. The UK population of the Red Grouse is estimated at about 250,000 pairs. Numbers have declined in recent years and it is now absent in areas where it was once common. Reasons for the decline include disease, loss of heather due to overgrazing, creation of new conifer plantations and a decline in the number of upland gamekeepers. Some predators feed on Red Grouse and there is ongoing controversy as to what effect these have on numbers. The Red Grouse is herbivorous and feeds mainly on the shoots, seeds and flowers of heather. It will also feed on berries, cereal crops and sometimes insects. The Red Grouse is considered a game bird and is shot in large numbers during the shooting season which traditionally starts on August 12th (known as the Glorious Twelfth). Shooting can take the form of “walked up” (where shooters walk across the moor to flush grouse and take a shot) or “driven” (where grouse are driven, often in large numbers, by “beaters” towards the shooters who are hiding behind a line of “butts”). Many moors are managed to increase the density of Red Grouse. Areas of heather are subjected to controlled burning since this allows fresh young shoots to regenerate which are favoured by Red Grouse. In addition, extensive predator control is a feature of grouse moor management and the extent and legality to which it occurs is hotly contested between conservation groups and shooting interests and the subject generates a lot of media attention. The Red Grouse is widely known as the logo of The Famous Grouse whisky and an animated bird is a character in a series of its adverts. It is also the emblem of the magazine “British Birds”. Date: 20th June 2013 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40755773.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8702217985e20438b88036.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle Goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 6th December 2019 Location: Oudeland van Strijen, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082714.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19350226525d307dad4159e.jpgEastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria The Rhodopes Mountains are a mountain range in south east Europe. They are spread over 5689 square miles of which 4723 square miles are located in south Bulgaria and the remainder in north Greece. The Rhodopes Mountains are about 149 miles long and about 62 to 75 miles wide with an average altitude of 2575 feet. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 7188 feet and is situated 12 miles to the west of Smolyan. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rhodopes Mountains give their name to the terrestrial eco-region Rodope montane mixed forests that belong in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The area is particularly notable for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans plus its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms such as the Trigrad Gorge. The Rhodopes Mountains can be sub-divided in to 3 sections: The Western Rhodopes are spread over 66% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and they are higher, the most infrastructurally developed and the most visited part of the mountains. The highest and best known peaks are located in this section with more than 10 over 6562 feet high including the highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7188 feet). Some of the deepest river gorges in the Rhodopes Mountains are located in the west as well as several large lakes. The Eastern Rhodopes are spread over a territory of about 34% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and are much lower in height. The large artificial dams of Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets are located in this part of the mountains. Almost every species of European bird of prey nests in the Eastern Rhodopes including 3 species of vulture. The Southern Rhodopes are the part of the mountain range that is located in Greece and they are characterized by numerous peaks of relatively low altitude. In the Eastern Rhodopes, the Madzharovo Special Protection Area located between village of Borislavtsi and the town of Madzharovo is one of the most popular destinations for birding in Bulgaria. The area covers a part of the narrow valley of the River Arda and is surrounded by rugged mountain slopes, rock massifs, rocky pinnacles, dry scrub and wooded hillsides. The unique micro-climate and the diverse relief are the reason for the wealth of bird species which can be found here. Around 175 bird species have been recorded of which 40 have been included in the Red Book of Bulgaria (a list of endangered species in the country), 78 are of European environmental protection significance and 6 are globally endangered. The Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB) has established a Nature Conservation Centre in Madzharovo which provides an exhibition, conducts educational programs and provides information for various routes and landmarks. It particularly focuses on the many birds of prey which can be found in the area, especially the 3 species of vulture (Griffon, Black and Egyptian). Date: 24th May 2018 Location: River Arda valley and Kovan Kaya near Madzharovo, eastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645391.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2524869251e3cd82e7cd7.jpgSwallow The Barn Swallow is the most widespread species of swallow in the world. In Europe it is just called the Swallow and in Northern Europe it is the only common species called a "swallow" rather than a "martin". The male Swallow has steel blue upperparts and a rufous forehead, chin and throat which are separated from the off-white underparts by a broad dark blue breast band. The outer tail feathers are elongated to give the distinctive deeply forked "swallow tail." There is a line of white spots across the outer end of the upper tail. The female is similar in appearance to the male but the tail streamers are shorter, the blue of the upperparts and breast band is less glossy and the underparts more pale. The juvenile is browner and has a paler rufous face and whiter underparts. It also lacks the long tail streamers of the adult. The Swallow has an enormous range with an estimated global extent of 20 million square miles and a population of 190 million individuals. It breeds in the Northern Hemisphere from sea level to typically 8,900 feet but up 9,800 feet in the Caucasus and North America and it is absent only from deserts and the cold northernmost parts of the continents. Over much of its range it avoids towns and in Europe is replaced in urban areas by the House Martin. There are 6 subspecies of the Swallow which breed across the Northern Hemisphere, of which 4 are strongly migratory with their wintering grounds covering much of the Southern Hemisphere as far south as central Argentina, the Cape Province of South Africa and northern Australia. The Swallow can be found in open country with low vegetation such as pasture, meadows and farmland, preferably with nearby water. It avoids heavily wooded or precipitous areas and densely built-up locations. The presence of accessible open structures such as barns, stables or culverts to provide nesting sites and exposed locations such as wires, roof ridges or bare branches for perching are also important in the bird's selection of its breeding range. This species lives in close association with humans and its insect-eating habits mean that it is tolerated by man. This acceptance was reinforced in the past by superstitions regarding the bird and its nest. There are frequent cultural references to the Swallow in literary and religious works due to both its living in close proximity to humans and its annual migration. The Swallow is the national bird of Austria and Estonia. In winter, the Swallow is cosmopolitan in its choice of habitat, avoiding only dense forests and deserts. It is most common in open, low vegetation habitats such as savanna and ranch land. Individual birds tend to return to the same wintering locality each year and congregate from a large area to roost in reed beds. These roosts can be extremely large with one in Nigeria holding an estimated 1.5 million birds. Date: 26th May 2013 Location: Siemianówka area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19507500.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_25789471652528c0d67fb5.jpgHoopoe The Hoopoe is a colourful and exotic looking bird about the size of a Mistle Thrush with a pinkish-brown body, striking black and white wings, a long black down-curved bill and a long pinkish-brown crest which it raises when excited. It has broad and rounded wings and a characteristic undulating flight which is like that of a giant butterfly and is caused by the wings half closing at the end of each beat or short sequence of beats. The Hoopoe’s call is typically a trisyllabic and onomatopoetic"oop-oop-oop" which gives rise to its English and scientific names although two and four syllables are also common. The Hoopoe is widespread in Europe, Asia, and North Africa, sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar. Most European and north Asian birds migrate to the tropics in winter whilst the African populations are sedentary all year round. Hoopoes have been known to breed north of their European range, including southern England during warm and dry summers that provide plenty of grasshoppers and similar insects. The Hoopoe has two basic requirements in its habitat: bare or lightly vegetated ground on which to forage and vertical surfaces with cavities (such as trees, cliffs or even walls, nestboxes, haystacks and abandoned burrows) in which to nest. These requirements can be provided in a wide range of ecosystems and as a consequence they inhabit a wide range of habitats from heathland, wooded steppes, savannas and grasslands as well as glades inside forests. The modification of natural habitats by humans for various agricultural purposes has led to them becoming common in olive groves, orchards, vineyards, parkland and farmland, although they are less common and declining in intensively farmed areas. Date: 9th September 2013 Location: La Janda, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50931111.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10686622596627d68f639b7.jpgMoorhen The Moorhen is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird that is usually found near water. From a distance it looks black with a ragged white line along its body. However, closer up it is olive-brown on the back and the head and blue-grey underneath. It has a red bill with a yellow tip. The Moorhen can be found all year round almost anywhere where there is water. They breed in lowland areas particularly in central and eastern England but are scarce in northern Scotland and the uplands of Wales and northern England. UK breeding birds are residents and seldom travel far. Date: 14th April 2024 Location: RSPB Rainham Marshes, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25774128.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_424635914560fb834e5cf6.jpgOtter The Eurasian Otter, also known as the European Otter, Eurasian River Otter, Common Otter and Old World Otter and commonly known as the Otter, is a semi-aquatic mammal and the most widely distributed member of the Otter sub-family of the Weasel family (Mustelidae). The Otter is a typical species of the Otter sub-family and is brown above and cream below. It is 22.5 to 37.5 inches long excluding a tail of 14 to 17.5 inches. The female is shorter than the male. The Otter's average body weight is 15 to 26 pounds, although occasionally a large old male may reach up to 37 pounds. The Otter differs from the North American River Otter by its shorter neck, broader face, the greater space between the ears and its longer tail. However, it is the only Otter species in much of its range so it is rarely confused for any other animal. The Otter is the most widely distributed Otter species and its range including parts of Asia and Africa as well as being widespread across Europe. The Otter can be found throughout most of the UK with the highest densities in Scotland, especially the islands and the north west coast, Wales, parts of East Anglia and the West Country. The Otter declined across its range in the second half of the 20th century primarily due to pollution, habitat loss and hunting. However, populations are now recovering in many parts of Europe. In the UK the number of sites with an Otter presence increased by 55% between 1994 and 2002. In August 2011, the Environment Agency announced that the Otter had returned to every county in England since vanishing from every county except the West Country and parts of Northern England. The recovery of the Otter population in Europe is due to a ban on the most harmful pesticides that has been in place since 1979, improvements in water quality leading to increases in prey populations and direct legal protection under the European Union Habitats Directive and national legislation in several European countries. In general, the Otter’s varied and adaptable diet means that it can be found on any unpolluted body of fresh water, including lakes, streams, rivers and ponds, as long as the food supply is adequate. It can also be found along the coast in salt water but it requires regular access to fresh water to clean its fur. When living in the sea it is sometimes referred to as a "Sea Otter" but it should not be confused with the true Sea Otter which is a North American species much more strongly adapted to a marine existence. The Otter's diet mainly consists of fish. However, during the winter and in colder environments, fish consumption is significantly lower and other sources of food are eaten including amphibians, crustaceans, insects, birds and small mammals. Hunting mainly takes place at night whilst the day is usually spent in the Otter's holt (den). The Otter is strongly territorial and is primarily solitary. An individual's territory may vary between 1 and 25 miles with the length of the territory depending on the density of food available and the width of the water suitable for hunting (it is shorter on coasts, where the available width is much wider and longer on narrower rivers). The Otter uses its spraints to mark its territory. Territories are only held against members of the same sex so those of males and females may overlap. The Otter is a non-seasonal breeder and males and females will breed at any time of the year. It has been found that their mating season is most likely determined simply by the Otters' reproductive maturity and physiological state. Female Otters are sexually mature between 18 and 24 months old and the average age of first breeding is found to be 2.5 years old. Gestation is 60 to 64 days and after the gestation period, 1 to 4 pups are born which remain dependent on the mother for about 13 months. The male plays no direct role in parental care although the territory of a female with her pups is usually entirely within that of the male. Date: 25th September 2015 Location: Broadford Bay, Skye, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082684.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20462380135d307d918e109.jpgEastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria The Rhodopes Mountains are a mountain range in south east Europe. They are spread over 5689 square miles of which 4723 square miles are located in south Bulgaria and the remainder in north Greece. The Rhodopes Mountains are about 149 miles long and about 62 to 75 miles wide with an average altitude of 2575 feet. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 7188 feet and is situated 12 miles to the west of Smolyan. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rhodopes Mountains give their name to the terrestrial eco-region Rodope montane mixed forests that belong in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The area is particularly notable for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans plus its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms such as the Trigrad Gorge. The Rhodopes Mountains can be sub-divided in to 3 sections: The Western Rhodopes are spread over 66% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and they are higher, the most infrastructurally developed and the most visited part of the mountains. The highest and best known peaks are located in this section with more than 10 over 6562 feet high including the highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7188 feet). Some of the deepest river gorges in the Rhodopes Mountains are located in the west as well as several large lakes. The Eastern Rhodopes are spread over a territory of about 34% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and are much lower in height. The large artificial dams of Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets are located in this part of the mountains. Almost every species of European bird of prey nests in the Eastern Rhodopes including 3 species of vulture. The Southern Rhodopes are the part of the mountain range that is located in Greece and they are characterized by numerous peaks of relatively low altitude. In the Eastern Rhodopes, the Madzharovo Special Protection Area located between village of Borislavtsi and the town of Madzharovo is one of the most popular destinations for birding in Bulgaria. The area covers a part of the narrow valley of the River Arda and is surrounded by rugged mountain slopes, rock massifs, rocky pinnacles, dry scrub and wooded hillsides. The unique micro-climate and the diverse relief are the reason for the wealth of bird species which can be found here. Around 175 bird species have been recorded of which 40 have been included in the Red Book of Bulgaria (a list of endangered species in the country), 78 are of European environmental protection significance and 6 are globally endangered. The Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB) has established a Nature Conservation Centre in Madzharovo which provides an exhibition, conducts educational programs and provides information for various routes and landmarks. It particularly focuses on the many birds of prey which can be found in the area, especially the 3 species of vulture (Griffon, Black and Egyptian). Date: 24th May 2018 Location: River Arda valley and Kovan Kaya near Madzharovo, eastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo8135894.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10412829694d1d991425111.jpgDunnock The Dunnock is a small passerine bird and the most widespread member of the genus [i]Prunella[/i], the accentor family which otherwise consists of mountain species. Other common names for the Dunnock include the Hedge Sparrow or Hedge Accentor. The Dunnock is about the size of a Robin. It has a generally drab brown streaked appearance with a grey head and a fine pointed bill. Both sexes are similar. It is quiet and unobtrusive and is frequently seen on its own, creeping along and moving with a rather nervous, shuffling gait often flicking its wings. The Dunnock is native to large areas of Eurasia where it is the only commonly found accentor in lowland areas. It can be found throughout the UK all the year round in any well vegetated areas with scrub, brambles and hedges and also in deciduous woodland, farmland edges, parks and gardens. The Dunnock is territorial and may engage in conflict with other birds that encroach upon their nesting areas. The Dunnock possesses variable mating systems. Females are often polyandrous, breeding with 2 or more males at once which is quite rare among birds. This multiple mating system leads to the development of sperm competition amongst the male suitors. DNA fingerprinting has shown that chicks within a brood often have different fathers depending on the success of the males at monopolising the female. Males try to ensure their paternity by pecking at the cloaca of the female to stimulate ejection of rival males' sperm. Males provide parental care in proportion to their mating success so 2 males and a female can commonly be seen provisioning nestlings at one nest. Other mating systems also exist within Dunnock populations depending on the ratio of male to females and the overlap of territories. When only a single female and a single male territory overlap, monogamy is preferred. Sometimes, 2 or 3 adjacent female territories overlap a single male territory and so polygyny is favoured with the male monopolising several females. Polygynandry also exists in which 2 males jointly defend a territory containing several females. Polyandry, however, is the most common mating system of the Dunnock. Depending on the population, males generally have the best reproductive success in polygynous populations whilst females have the advantage during polyandry. Studies have illustrated the fluidity of Dunnock mating systems. When food is in abundance, female territory size is reduced drastically. Consequently, males can more easily monopolise the females. Thus, the mating system can be shifted from one that favours female success (polyandry) to one that favours male success (monogamy, polygynandry or polygyny). The Dunnock builds a neat nest predominantly from twigs and moss and lined with soft materials such as wool or feathers which is located low in a bush. The female typically lays 3 to 5 eggs. Broods, depending on the population, can be raised by a lone female, multiple females with the part-time help of a male, multiple females with full-time help by a male or by multiple females and multiple males. Parental care varies according to the type of relationship. Date: 20th December 2010 Location: EWT Langdon Conservation Centre, Dunton, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11639738.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16822558284e2fdc12add00.jpgRed Grouse The Red Grouse is a medium-sized bird of the grouse family which is found in heather moorland in the UK and Ireland. It is endemic to the UK and has developed in isolation. It is usually classified as a sub-species of the Willow Ptarmigan or Willow Grouse which is found in birch and other forests and moorlands in north Europe, the tundra of Scandinavia, Siberia, Alaska and north Canada. The Red Grouse is differentiated from the Willow Ptarmigan and Rock Ptarmigan by its plumage being reddish brown and not having a white winter plumage. The tail is black and the legs are white. There are white stripes on the underwing and red combs over the eye. Females are less reddish than the males and have less conspicuous combs. Young birds are duller and lack the red combs. The Red Grouse is found across most parts of Scotland, including Orkney, Shetland and most of the Outer Hebrides. It is only absent from urban areas such as in the Central Belt. In Wales there are strong populations of Red Grouse in some places but the range has retracted. It is now largely absent from the far south and the main strongholds are Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons and the Cambrian Mountains. In England the Red Grouse is mainly found in the north in areas such as the Lake District, Northumberland, County Durham, much of Yorkshire, the Pennines and the Peak District as far south as the Staffordshire Moorlands. There is an isolated introduced population on Dartmoor and overspill Welsh birds visit the Shropshire Hills.The typical habitat is upland heather moors away from trees. It can also be found in some low-lying bogs and birds may visit farmland during hard weather. The UK population of the Red Grouse is estimated at about 250,000 pairs. Numbers have declined in recent years and it is now absent in areas where it was once common. Reasons for the decline include disease, loss of heather due to overgrazing, creation of new conifer plantations and a decline in the number of upland gamekeepers. Some predators feed on Red Grouse and there is ongoing controversy as to what effect these have on numbers. The Red Grouse is herbivorous and feeds mainly on the shoots, seeds and flowers of heather. It will also feed on berries, cereal crops and sometimes insects. The Red Grouse is considered a game bird and is shot in large numbers during the shooting season which traditionally starts on August 12th (known as the Glorious Twelfth). Shooting can take the form of “walked up” (where shooters walk across the moor to flush grouse and take a shot) or “driven” (where grouse are driven, often in large numbers, by “beaters” towards the shooters who are hiding behind a line of “butts”). Many moors are managed to increase the density of Red Grouse. Areas of heather are subjected to controlled burning since this allows fresh young shoots to regenerate which are favoured by Red Grouse. In addition, extensive predator control is a feature of grouse moor management and the extent and legality to which it occurs is hotly contested between conservation groups and shooting interests and the subject generates a lot of media attention. The Red Grouse is widely known as the logo of The Famous Grouse whisky and an animated bird is a character in a series of its adverts. It is also the emblem of the magazine “British Birds”. Date: 17th April 2007 Location: Grinton Moor, Yorkshire Dales National Park, North Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48309174.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_137077715563ee45778f45f.jpgMallards The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 6th February 2022 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28884661.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_73707149257cc2997b3302.jpgBlue-headed Wagtail The Western Yellow Wagtail is a small passerine in the wagtail family. The breeding adult male is basically olive above and yellow below. In other plumages, the yellow may be diluted by white. The heads of breeding males come in a variety of colours and patterns depending on the subspecies. The male Blue-headed Wagtail has a blue-grey head with white supercilium and malar stripe in males, much washed with buffish green in females. The Blue-headed Wagtail breeds in much of temperate Europe and Asia. It is resident in the milder parts of its range, such as western Europe, but northern and eastern populations migrate to sub-Saharan Africa and south Asia. Date: 17th May 2016 Location: Aardla polder, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833235.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1562606875559ce95c5fc28.jpgHermann's Tortoise The Hermann's Tortoise, one of five species, is a small to medium-sized tortoise in the family [/I]Testudinidae[/I]. Young animals, and some adults, have attractive black and yellow-patterned carapaces, although the brightness may fade with age to a less distinct grey, straw, or yellow coloration. They have slightly hooked upper jaws and, like other tortoises, possess no teeth just strong, horny beaks. The scaly limbs are greyish to brown with some yellow markings and their tails bear a spur (a horny spike) at the tip. Adult males have particularly long and thick tails and well-developed spurs, distinguishing them from females. The Hermann's Tortoise can be found throughout southern Europe. The western sub-species is found in eastern Spain, southern France, the Balearic islands, Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily, south and central Italy and the eastern sub-species is found Serbia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Romania, Bulgaria, Albania and Greece. The eastern sub-species is generally much larger than the western sub-species, reaching sizes up to 11 inches in length. The Hermann's Tortoise is restricted to areas with hot summers and can be found in a variety of habitats including lush meadows, scrub-covered hillsides, light woodland, dune areas and even rubbish dumps. Males may have home ranges of about 2 hectares and females half this. Early in the morning, the Hermann's Tortoise will leave its nightly shelter, which are usually hollows protected by thick bushes or hedges, to bask in the sun and warm their bodies. They then roam about their habitat in search of food and determine which plants to eat by the sense of smell. In addition to leaves and flowers, the Hermann's Tortoise eats small amounts fruits as supplementary nutrition. When the sun becomes too hot the Hermann's Tortoise returns to its shelter, before emerging again in the late afternoon and evening to feed. In late February, the Hermann's Tortoise emerges from under bushes or old rotting wood, where it spends the winter months hibernating, buried in a bed of dead leaves. Immediately after surfacing from their winter resting place, the Hermann’s Tortoise commences courtship and mating. Courtship is a rough affair for the female, which is pursued, rammed and bitten by the male before being mounted. Aggression is also seen between rival males during the breeding season which can result in ramming contests. Between May and July, a female Hermann’s Tortoise will deposit between 2 and 12 eggs into flask-shaped nests dug into the soil up to 4 inches deep. Most females lay more than one clutch each season. The pinkish-white eggs are incubated for around 90 days. Young Hermann’s Tortoises emerge just after the start of the heavy autumn rains in early September and spend the first 4 or 5 years of their lives close to their nests. If the rains do not come, or if nesting took place late in the year, the eggs will still hatch but the young will remain underground and not emerge until the following spring. Until the age of 6 or 8 years, when the hard shell becomes fully developed, the young tortoises are very vulnerable to predators but if they survive these threats, the longevity of Hermann’s Tortoises is around 30 years. The longevity might be underestimated and many sources are reporting they might live 90 years or more. Date: 14th May 2015 Location: Great Prespa Lake (Megali Prespa), West Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39345781.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17977260705d496364aea1d.jpgRila Mountains, Sofia Province, Bulgaria The Rila Mountains are a mountain range in south west Bulgaria and constitute the highest mountain range in the country and the Balkans. It is the sixth highest mountain range in Europe after the Caucasus, the Alps, the Sierra Nevada, the Pyrenees and Mount Etna and the highest one between the Alps and the Caucasus. The Rila Mountains are spread over an area of 1015 square miles with an average altitude of 4879 feet. Musala is its highest peak at 9596 feet. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rila-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rila Mountains have abundant water resources and some of the Balkans' longest and deepest rivers originate here including the longest river entirely in the Balkans, the River Maritsa, and the longest river entirely in Bulgaria, the River Iskar. Bulgaria's main water divide separating the Black Sea and the Aegean Sea drainage systems follows the main ridge of the Rila Mountains. The mountain range is dotted with almost 200 glacial lakes such as the renowned Seven Rila Lakes. It is also rich in hot springs in the fault areas at the foothills including the hottest spring in south east Europe in Sapareva Banya. The Rila Mountains have typical layers of montane habitat ranging from river and stream valleys at lower altitudes to mixed deciduous woodland, coniferous forests and Alpine meadows and lakes at higher altitudes and finally to rocky ridges and bare rugged peaks. The biodiversity and the pristine landscapes are protected by the Rila National Park which is among the largest and most valuable protected areas in Europe. It is the largest national park in Bulgaria covering an area of 313 square miles and it was established in February 1992 to protect several ecosystems of national importance. Its altitude varies from 2600 feet near Blagoevgrad to 9596 feet at the peak of Musala. It occupies territory from 4 of the 28 provinces of the country (Sofia, Kyustendil, Blagoevgrad and Pazardzhik) and it includes 4 nature reserves (Parangalitsa, Central Rila Reserve, Ibar and Skakavitsa). The Rila National Park falls within the Rodope montane mixed forests terrestrial eco-region of the Palearctic temperate broadleaf and mixed forest. Forests occupy 206.5 square miles or 66% of the total area. The Rila Mountains also contain the Rila Monastery Nature Park which is among the largest nature parks in Bulgaria covering an area of 97.5 square miles at an altitude between 2460 and 8901 feet. It was established in 1992 as part of the newly founded Rila National Park. In 2000 some territory of the Rila National Park was re-assigned to the Rila Monastery Nature Park and was recategorized as a nature park because by law all lands in national parks are exclusively state owned. Today most of the Rila Monastery Nature Park is owned by the Rila Monastery. The Rila Monastery Nature Park includes one nature reserve, namely the Rila Monastery Forest with an area of 14 square miles or 14% of its total area. The most recognisable landmark in the Rila Mountains is the Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila, better known as the Rila Monastery. This is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria and is situated in the deep valley of the River Rilska River within the Rila Monastery Nature Park at a height of 3763 feet. The monastery is named after its founder, the hermit Ivan of Rila (876 to 946 AD) and houses around 60 monks. Founded in the 10th century, the Rila Monastery is regarded as one of Bulgaria's most important cultural, historical and architectural monuments and is a key tourist attraction for both Bulgaria and south Europe. Due to its outstanding cultural and spiritual value it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. The Rila Mountains are also a popular destination for hiking, winter sports and spa tourism, hosting the nation's oldest ski resort at Borovets as well as numerous hiking trails. Date: 30th May 2018 Location: near Govedartsi, Sofia Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/pheasant-juvenile https://images.on-this.website/4752_1506428276595624408154d4.64159822.jpgPheasant juvenile The Common Pheasant is native to Asia but it has been widely introduced elsewhere as a game bird. In parts of its range, namely in places where none of its relatives occur such as in Europe (where it is naturalised), it is simply known as the Pheasant. Body weight of the Pheasant can range from 1.1 to 6.6 pounds, with males averaging 2.6 pounds and females averaging 2 pounds The adult male Pheasant is 24 to 35 inches in length with a long brown streaked black tail, accounting for almost 20 inches of the total length. The body plumage is barred bright gold or fiery copper-red and chestnut-brown with an iridescent sheen of green and purple. The wings are white or cream and black-barred markings are common on the tail. The head is bottle green with a small crest and distinctive red wattling. The female Pheasant is much less showy with a duller mottled brown plumage all over and measuring 20 to 25 inches long including a tail of around 8 inches. Juveniles have the appearance of the female with a shorter tail until young males begin to grow characteristic bright feathers on the breast, head and back at about 10 weeks after hatching. There are many colour forms of the male Pheasant, ranging in colour from nearly white to almost black in some melanistic examples. These are due to captive breeding and hybridisation between sub-species reinforced by continual releases of stock from varying sources to the wild. The Pheasant is native to Asia with its original range extending from between the Black and Caspian Seas to Manchuria, Siberia, Korea, mainland China and Taiwan. It can now be found across the globe due to its readiness to breed in captivity and the fact it can naturalise in many climates. At least since the Roman Empire, the Pheasant has been extensively introduced in many places and it has become a naturalised species in Europe, including throughout most of the UK where successive introductions have led to it becoming well adapted to the climate and able to breed naturally in the wild without human supervision on farmland and in copses, heaths, scrub, commons and wetlands. The Pheasant nests solely on the ground in scrapes lined with some grass and leaves, frequently under dense cover or a hedge. Occasionally it will nest in a haystack or in an old nest left by other birds. The male is polygynous and is often accompanied by a harem of several females. A clutch of around 8 to 15 eggs is laid during April to June, sometimes as many as 18 but usually 10 to 12. The incubation period is about 22 to 27 days. The chicks stay near the female for several weeks although they leave the nest when only a few hours old. After hatching they grow quickly, flying after 12 to 14 days and resembling adults by only 15 weeks of age. The Pheasant eats a wide variety of animal and vegetable food including fruit, seeds, grain, mast, berries and leaves as well as a wide range of invertebrates and insects. Small vertebrates like lizards, small mammals and small birds are occasionally taken. The Pheasant is a well-known gamebird and perhaps the most widespread and ancient one in the world. It is one of the world's most hunted birds. The Pheasant is bred to be hunted and it is shot in great numbers in Europe, especially in the UK where they are shot in the open season from 1st October to 1st February. Generally they are shot by hunters employing gun dogs to help find, flush and retrieve shot birds. Pheasant farming is also a common practice and it is sometimes done intensively. Birds are supplied both to hunting preserves/estates and to restaurants. Date: 20th June 2017 Location: Glen Quaich, Perthshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4466106.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13997233534b8a258381d1e.jpg http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31837519.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_205292229059562473481772.62399326.jpgLoch Insh, Highland Loch Insh is a freshwater loch in the Scottish Highlands located 7 miles south of Aviemore and 7 miles north of Kingussie. The nearest village to the loch is Kincraig. The River Spey rises in the Monadhliath Mountains and to the north east of Kingussie it flows in to Loch Insh and this and the adjacent Insh Marshes to the west are an important wildlife habitat. The eastern side of Loch Insh hosts watersports and other outdoor activities. Date: 20th June 2017 Location: view from the unclassified road running out of Kincraig along the eastern shore http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28887114.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_194204751757cc3dfba12ab.jpgWhite Wagtail The White Wagtail, [i]Motacilla alba[/i], is a small passerine bird in the wagtail family. A number of sub-species are recognised including [i]Motacilla alba alba[/I] found in Europe from the Iberian Peninsula to the Ural Mountains, Turkey, the Levant, Iceland, the Faroe Islands and Greenland's east coast and [I]Motacilla alba yarrellii[/I] (Pied Wagtail) found in the UK and Ireland and which has a much blacker back than the nominate race. The nominate sub-species [I]Motacilla alba alba[/I] is basically grey above and white below with a white face, black cap and black throat. It is a slender bird with a characteristic long tail. The most conspicuous habit of the White Wagtail is a near-constant tail wagging, a trait that has given the bird its common name. In spite of the ubiquity of this behaviour, the reasons for it are poorly understood. It has been suggested that it may flush prey or signal submissiveness to other wagtails. A recent study has suggested instead that it is a signal of vigilance to potential predators. The White Wagtail breeds throughout Eurasia up to latitudes 75°N, only being absent in the Arctic from areas where summer temperatures are less than 4 °C. It also breeds in the mountains of Morocco and western Alaska. It is resident in the milder parts of its range such as western Europe and the Mediterranean but migratory in much of the rest of its range. Northern European breeders winter around the Mediterranean and in tropical and subtropical Africa, Asiatic birds move to the Middle East, India and south east Asia and birds from the north American population also winter in tropical Asia. The White Wagtail has a wide range and whilst the population size is unknown it is believed to be large since the species is described as "common" in at least parts of its range. Population trends have not been quantified but the population in Europe appears to be stable and it has adapted well to human changes to the environment and has exploited human changes such as man-made structures that are used for nesting sites and increased open areas that are used for foraging. The White Wagtail is an insectivorous bird of open country, often near habitation and water. It prefers bare areas for feeding where it can see and pursue its prey. In urban areas it has adapted to foraging on paved areas such as car parks. It nests in crevices and holes in stone walls and similar natural and man-made structures such as bridges and buildings. The diet of the White Wagtail varies by location but terrestrial and aquatic insects and other small invertebrates form the major part of the diet. These range from beetles, dragonflies, small snails, spiders, worms and crustaceans to maggots found in carcasses and flies. It is somewhat unusual in the parts of its range where it is non-migratory as it is an insectivorous bird that continues to feed on insects during the winter when most other insectivorous birds in temperate climates migrate or switch to more vegetable matter. Though it is known to be a host species for the Cuckoo, the White Wagtail typically deserts its nest if it has been parasitised. Date: 10th May 2016 Location: Paldiski, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21959280.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_196568029653da70d9e5658.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Inner Farne, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37431200.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18974585495c6be83a719e9.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 10th January 2019 Location: RSPB Greylake, Somerset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37431280.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7118221655c6bec2e41759.jpgBewick's Swan The Tundra Swan is a small Holarctic swan. The 2 taxa within it are usually regarded as conspecific but are also sometimes split into 2 species: the Bewick's Swan of the Palaearctic and the Whistling Swan of the Nearctic. The Bewick's Swan was named in 1830 by William Yarrell after the engraver Thomas Bewick who specialised in illustrations of birds and animals. The Bewick's Swan measures 45 to 55 inches in length with a wing span of 18.5 to 21.5 inches. Males are slightly larger and heavier than females. It is similar in appearance to the Whooper Swan but is smaller, shorter-necked and has a more rounded head shape. It has a variable bill pattern but always shows more black than yellow and having a blunt forward edge of the yellow base patch. The Whooper Swan has a bill that has more yellow than black and the forward edge of the yellow patch is usually pointed. The bill pattern for every individual Bewick's Swan is unique and scientists often make detailed drawings of each bill and assign names to the swans to assist with studying these birds. As their common name implies, the Tundra Swan breeds in the Arctic and sub-Arctic tundra where they inhabit shallow pools, lakes and rivers. Unlike the Mute Swan, but like the other Arctic swans, it is a migratory bird. The winter habitat is mainly grassland and marshland, often near the coast. The breeding range of the Bewick’s Swan extends across the coastal lowlands of Siberia from the Kola Peninsula east to the Pacific. It starts to arrive in its breeding range around mid-May and leaves for its winter range around the end of September. The populations west of the Taimyr Peninsula migrate via the White Sea, Baltic Sea and the Elbe estuary to winter in Denmark, the Netherlands and the UK where it is common in winter on a few RSPB and WWT reserves. Some birds also winter elsewhere on the southern shores of the North Sea. The Bewick’s Swans that breed in eastern Russia migrate via Mongolia and north China to winter in the coastal regions of Korea, Japan and south China, south to Guangdong and occasionally as far as Taiwan. A few birds from the central Siberian range also winter in Iran at the south of the Caspian Sea. Arrival in the winter range starts about mid-October although most birds spend weeks or even months at favourite resting locations and will only arrive in the winter range in November or even as late as January. Departure from the winter range starts in mid-February. Bewick’s Swans mate in the late spring, usually after they have returned to the breeding range. As is usual for swans, they pair monogamously until one partner dies. Should one partner die long before the other, the surviving bird often will not mate again for several years or even for the rest of its life. The nesting season starts at the end of May. The pair build the large mound-shaped nest from plant material at an elevated site near open water and they defend a large territory around it. The pen (female) lays and incubates a clutch of 2 to 7 (usually 3 to 5) eggs whilst the cob (male) keeps a steady lookout for potential predators heading towards his mate and offspring. The time from egg laying to hatching is 29 to 30 days. Since they nest in cold regions, Bewick’s Swan cygnets grow faster than those of swans breeding in warmer climates and they may fledge in 40 to 45 days. Cygnets stay with their parents for the first winter migration and the family is sometimes even joined by their offspring from previous breeding seasons while on the wintering grounds. Bewick’s Swans do not reach sexual maturity until 3 or 4 years of age. In summer, the diet of the Bewick’s Swan consists mainly of aquatic vegetation which it finds by sticking its head underwater or upending while swimming. It will also eat some grass growing on dry land. At other times of the year, leftover grains and other crops such as potatoes, picked up in open fields after harvest, make up much of the diet. Healthy adult Bewick’s Swans have few natural predators. The Arctic Fox may threaten breeding females and particular the eggs and hatchlings. Adults typically can stand their ground and displace foxes but occasionally the foxes are successful. Other potential nest predators include the Red Fox, the Brown Bear, the Golden Eagle, the Arctic Skua and the Glaucous Gull. The Brown Bear, the Golden Eagle and the Wolf may occasionally succeed at capturing and killing an adult. About 15% adults die each year from various causes and the average lifespan in the wild is about 10 years. The status of the Bewick's Swan is not well known although its population is in decline in north west Europe for largely unexplained reasons. It is increasingly dependent on agricultural crops to supplement its winter diet as aquatic vegetation in its winter habitat declines due to habitat destruction and water pollution. However, the main cause of adult mortality is hunting and, whilst the Bewick's Swan can not be hunted legally, almost half the birds studied contain lead shot in their bodies, indicating that they were shot at by poachers. Lead poisoning by ingestion of lead shot is also a very significant cause of mortality. The Bewick's Swan is one of the birds to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 8th January 2019 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37431187.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12624786775c6be816dedd1.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 10th January 2019 Location: RSPB Greylake, Somerset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23408446.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20844954254c20b4069208.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 3rd January 2015 Location: Mersehead RSPB reserve, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23408447.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_200740416054c20b4c01bc1.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 3rd January 2015 Location: Mersehead RSPB reserve, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32708923.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_61884814059ad26761c54e7.42993197.jpgSavi's Warbler The Savi's Warbler is a species of warbler in the genus [i]Locustella[/i]. The common name of this bird recognises the Italian ornithologist Paolo Savi. In 1821, Savi was given specimens of an unstreaked, dark, rufous-brown warbler which was new to science. He published a full description of the bird in 1824 and it became known by the common name of Savi's Warbler. The genus name [i]Locustella[/i] is from Latin and is a diminutive of [i]locusta[/i], meaning "grasshopper". This refers to the song of the Grasshopper Warbler and some others in this genus. The song of the Savi’s Warbler is a monotonous mechanical insect-like reeling with open beak and vibrating throat. The bird usually sings from high on a reed head and the song is often given at dusk. It is similar to the song of other species in the [i]Locustella[/i] genus but is generally faster and deeper and bears a strong resemblance to that of Roesel's Bush Cricket. It is very similar to that of the Grasshopper Warbler but slightly lower pitched and less prolonged. The upperparts of the Savi's Warbler are a uniform dark reddish-brown, sometimes with a slight greenish tinge. It has indistinct buff eye-stripes, dark lores and pale brown ear-coverts. The chin, throat and belly are whitish-buff and the rest of the underparts are sandy brown. In the breeding season, both the upperparts and underparts are slightly paler. The legs are brown. The sexes are identical, as with most warblers, but young birds are yellower below. The Savi's Warbler breeds in north Africa, south and east Europe, parts of north Europe and Russia as far east as the River Volga. It winters in Algeria, Morocco, Sudan and Ethiopia. It is known as an occasional summer visitor to east and south east England where it is right on the edge of its range and a few pairs breed sporadically. The Savi's Warbler can be found in reed beds, marshes and lagoons with reeds, sedges and other marsh vegetation perhaps with scattered sallows or bushes. It climbs stems in order to sing in full view but is otherwise difficult to see as it flits with agility through the stems and tangled growth and is seldom seen on open ground. It occupies similar habitats in its winter range but it may also be found in fens or marshy locations with open water away from reeds. The breeding season for the Savi's Warbler starts in mid-April in the southern part of its range and at the end of May in north Europe. On returning to its summer range, the Savi’s Warbler flits among the reeds and undergrowth and is rarely seen. The first males to arrive take up occupation of the best territories which are judged by the density of the reeds and sedges. On establishing territories, males will climb to the top of reeds and sing from prominent positions. As the females arrive, they successively pair with the males with the best territories. Late arrivals have poorer quality territories and their breeding success is impaired, usually because fewer clutches are successfully reared. The nest is built by the female on a little reed platform which is well concealed among dead reeds and clumps of vegetation. It is not usually visible from above. The female lays 4 to 6 eggs and she exclusively incubates them for about 12 days. She also feeds the chicks when they first hatch with the male joining in as they grow. The young fledge in about 12 days and there are normally 2 broods. After breeding the birds tend to disperse to less densely vegetated habitat, moult into their winter plumage and depart on their migration to their winter range. The Savi’s Warbler is insectivorous and feeds on insects such as flies, beetles, moths and damselflies. Small worms are also believed to be taken. Date: 19th May 2017 Location: south of Hortobágy towards Szásztelek, Hortobágy National Park, Hajdú-Bihar county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32708953.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3862872059ad26aa88eac5.21456079.jpgBrown Hare The Brown Hare resembles the Rabbit but obvious differences include the Brown Hare's longer, larger body, much longer hind legs and longer ears with black tips. Generally, they are a brown-russet colour with a white underside. The tail is black on the upper surface and white underneath. In contrast to Rabbits, which have a brown iris, the Brown Hare has a golden iris and a black pupil. Brown Hares are the fastest land animals in the UK and can run at speeds of up to 45 mph to evade predators. Brown Hares are widespread in central and western Europe including the UK but they are absent in southern Europe. It is thought that they were introduced in to the UK during Roman times, probably from Asia. They have little legal protection, partly because they are game animals and can be managed by farmers and landowners and partly because they are also a minor pest and can damage crops and young tree plantations. Numbers have substantially declined in the UK and most of Europe since the 1960s mainly due to the intensification of agricultural practices as well as shooting, poaching and coursing and an increase in the number of Foxes. Brown Hares prefer temperate open habitats and can be found in most flat country among open grassland and arable farms. Unlike Rabbits, they do not burrow but rest in a shallow depression in fields or long grass known as a form where only their back and head are visible. An adult occupies a range of 300 hectares which it may share with other hares as they are not territorially aggressive. Courtship involves boxing …. the traditional “mad March hare” behaviour. This is actually unreceptive females fending off males rather than fighting between males. Date: 19th May 2017 Location: south of Hortobágy towards Szásztelek, Hortobágy National Park, Hajdú-Bihar county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/hortobgy-national-park-hajd-bihar https://images.on-this.website/4752_113647552059ad27cc4e1473.24561508.jpgHortobágy National Park, Hajdú-Bihar county, Hungary Hortobágy National Park (Hortobágy Nemzeti Park) is a national park in eastern Hungary. It is part of the vast Great Hungarian Plain which occupies southern and eastern Hungary, some parts of the eastern Slovakian lowlands, south west Ukraine, western Romania, northern Serbia and eastern Croatia. Hortobágy National Park was designated as a national park in 1972 (the first in Hungary), and as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. It is Hungary's largest protected area. At the time of designation, the area of the National Park was 289 square miles but since then it has been extended to almost 315 square miles. Around 25% of its area has international protection under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance. The entire Hortobágy National Park is part of the Natura 2000 network of the European Union in which Special Protected Areas and Special Areas of Conservation have been designated in a way that they contain and encompass the area of the National Park including organically connected or separate grassland mosaic areas that are outside the National Park. The protection thus ensured by the Natura 2000 areas provides an appropriate basis for the establishment of a buffer zone. A conservation management plan for the Hortobágy National Park was prepared in 1997. Hortobágy National Park contains the largest continuous natural grassland in Europe and the second largest steppe area west of the Ural Mountains. It has outstanding natural features and maintains great biological diversity in respect of species and habitats. It is a unique example of the harmonious coexistence of people and nature based on the considerate use of the land. A major part of the area of the Hortobágy National Park is formed by natural habitats, principally alkaline grasslands (puszta), meadows and the marshes lying between them. From the point of view of nature conservation, the artificial wetlands, which cover a much smaller area, are of considerable importance. These are the fish ponds created during the last century on the worst quality grazing lands and marshes. The Hortobágy National Park is one of Europe’s greatest lowland birding areas containing nesting habitats and migration sites of European significance. The Hortobágyi-Halastó complex just to the west of Hortobágy village is arguably the best site to explore and contains waterbodies of various sizes from small fish ponds to huge lakes. Over 340 bird species have been recorded in the Hortobágy National Park, of which over 150 species breed. For UK birders, it is particularly exciting since several “eastern” species can be found which are at the westernmost extent of their range. These are joined by a large number of temperate European and Mediterranean species. The symbol of the Hortobágy National Park is the Crane. One of the most spectacular sights is the autumn migration when tens of thousands of Cranes can be seen every October as they fly above the grasslands to their overnight roosting places. For thousands of years the wild animals grazing on the grasslands of the Hortobágy National Park, the Aurochs and wild horses, were gradually replaced by domesticated animals. A large number of Long-haired Sheep and Hungarian Grey Cattle can now be found here. Less ancient species are the Mangalica Pig and the Nonius Horse. In the Visitor Centre in Hortobágy village, visitors and tourists can get information and advice on what to see and what to do in the Hortobágy National Park and can also learn about its natural and cultural assets: its flora and fauna, the different natural phenomena, herdsmen’s traditions, craftsmen’s skills and local rare breeds. The Visitor Centre also sells the mandatory permits that are required to visit most of the protected areas. The Hortobágy-halastavi Kisvasút is a narrow gauge railway which runs through Hortobágyi-Halastó. It was built and commissioned in 1915 for the purpose of transporting fish food from the silo in Hortobágyi-Halastó to the fish ponds and transporting freshly caught fish in the opposite direction. The track formerly had a length of 22 miles and was temporarily decommissioned in 1960. Since 2007, the railway has been used as a tourist train. The track now runs for just 3 miles and provides access to the northern end of Hortobágyi-Halastó. A one-way trip lasts 23 minutes. Date: 20th May 2017 Location: Hortobágy to Hortobágy-Halastó, Hortobágy National Park, Hajdú-Bihar county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32723064.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_115626165259ae6f099a9d65.90739190.jpgRoller The European Roller is the only member of the Roller family to breed in Europe. It is a stocky bird, the size of a Jackdaw, and it is mainly blue with an orange-brown back. It is striking in its strong direct flight with the brilliant blue contrasting with black flight feathers. Sexes are similar but the juvenile is a drabber version of the adult. The European Roller often perches prominently on trees, posts or overhead wires whilst watching for the large insects, small reptiles, rodents and frogs that they eat. They have a Lapwing-like display with the twisting and turning display flight giving the bird its English name. The European Roller breeds in north Africa from Morocco east to Tunisia, in south west and south central Europe and in Asia Minor east through north west Iran to south west Siberia. It is a long-distance migrant, wintering in southern Africa in two distinct regions, from Senegal east to Cameroon and from Ethiopia west to Congo and south to South Africa. The European Roller can be found in warm, dry, open country with scattered trees, preferring lowland open countryside with patches of oak forest, mature pine woodland with heathery clearings, orchards, mixed farmland, river valleys and plains with scattered thorny or leafy trees. It winters primarily in dry wooded savanna and bushy plains. The European Roller has a large global population of an estimated 100,000 to 220,000 individuals in Europe. However, following a moderate decline during 1970 to 1990, the species has continued to decline especially in Europe with a decrease in the overall European population exceeding 30% in 15 years. Threats include persecution on migration in some Mediterranean countries, the use of pesticides which reduces food availability and sensitivity to changing farming and forestry practices. Date: 21st May 2017 Location: Borsodi-Mezoseg ("Little Hortobagy"), Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32723068.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_203305660459ae6f0e4ff6b5.23515647.jpgRoller The European Roller is the only member of the Roller family to breed in Europe. It is a stocky bird, the size of a Jackdaw, and it is mainly blue with an orange-brown back. It is striking in its strong direct flight with the brilliant blue contrasting with black flight feathers. Sexes are similar but the juvenile is a drabber version of the adult. The European Roller often perches prominently on trees, posts or overhead wires whilst watching for the large insects, small reptiles, rodents and frogs that they eat. They have a Lapwing-like display with the twisting and turning display flight giving the bird its English name. The European Roller breeds in north Africa from Morocco east to Tunisia, in south west and south central Europe and in Asia Minor east through north west Iran to south west Siberia. It is a long-distance migrant, wintering in southern Africa in two distinct regions, from Senegal east to Cameroon and from Ethiopia west to Congo and south to South Africa. The European Roller can be found in warm, dry, open country with scattered trees, preferring lowland open countryside with patches of oak forest, mature pine woodland with heathery clearings, orchards, mixed farmland, river valleys and plains with scattered thorny or leafy trees. It winters primarily in dry wooded savanna and bushy plains. The European Roller has a large global population of an estimated 100,000 to 220,000 individuals in Europe. However, following a moderate decline during 1970 to 1990, the species has continued to decline especially in Europe with a decrease in the overall European population exceeding 30% in 15 years. Threats include persecution on migration in some Mediterranean countries, the use of pesticides which reduces food availability and sensitivity to changing farming and forestry practices. Date: 21st May 2017 Location: Borsodi-Mezoseg ("Little Hortobagy"), Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37431256.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9744674585c6bebd3bc0a3.jpgBewick's Swan The Tundra Swan is a small Holarctic swan. The 2 taxa within it are usually regarded as conspecific but are also sometimes split into 2 species: the Bewick's Swan of the Palaearctic and the Whistling Swan of the Nearctic. The Bewick's Swan was named in 1830 by William Yarrell after the engraver Thomas Bewick who specialised in illustrations of birds and animals. The Bewick's Swan measures 45 to 55 inches in length with a wing span of 18.5 to 21.5 inches. Males are slightly larger and heavier than females. It is similar in appearance to the Whooper Swan but is smaller, shorter-necked and has a more rounded head shape. It has a variable bill pattern but always shows more black than yellow and having a blunt forward edge of the yellow base patch. The Whooper Swan has a bill that has more yellow than black and the forward edge of the yellow patch is usually pointed. The bill pattern for every individual Bewick's Swan is unique and scientists often make detailed drawings of each bill and assign names to the swans to assist with studying these birds. As their common name implies, the Tundra Swan breeds in the Arctic and sub-Arctic tundra where they inhabit shallow pools, lakes and rivers. Unlike the Mute Swan, but like the other Arctic swans, it is a migratory bird. The winter habitat is mainly grassland and marshland, often near the coast. The breeding range of the Bewick’s Swan extends across the coastal lowlands of Siberia from the Kola Peninsula east to the Pacific. It starts to arrive in its breeding range around mid-May and leaves for its winter range around the end of September. The populations west of the Taimyr Peninsula migrate via the White Sea, Baltic Sea and the Elbe estuary to winter in Denmark, the Netherlands and the UK where it is common in winter on a few RSPB and WWT reserves. Some birds also winter elsewhere on the southern shores of the North Sea. The Bewick’s Swans that breed in eastern Russia migrate via Mongolia and north China to winter in the coastal regions of Korea, Japan and south China, south to Guangdong and occasionally as far as Taiwan. A few birds from the central Siberian range also winter in Iran at the south of the Caspian Sea. Arrival in the winter range starts about mid-October although most birds spend weeks or even months at favourite resting locations and will only arrive in the winter range in November or even as late as January. Departure from the winter range starts in mid-February. Bewick’s Swans mate in the late spring, usually after they have returned to the breeding range. As is usual for swans, they pair monogamously until one partner dies. Should one partner die long before the other, the surviving bird often will not mate again for several years or even for the rest of its life. The nesting season starts at the end of May. The pair build the large mound-shaped nest from plant material at an elevated site near open water and they defend a large territory around it. The pen (female) lays and incubates a clutch of 2 to 7 (usually 3 to 5) eggs whilst the cob (male) keeps a steady lookout for potential predators heading towards his mate and offspring. The time from egg laying to hatching is 29 to 30 days. Since they nest in cold regions, Bewick’s Swan cygnets grow faster than those of swans breeding in warmer climates and they may fledge in 40 to 45 days. Cygnets stay with their parents for the first winter migration and the family is sometimes even joined by their offspring from previous breeding seasons while on the wintering grounds. Bewick’s Swans do not reach sexual maturity until 3 or 4 years of age. In summer, the diet of the Bewick’s Swan consists mainly of aquatic vegetation which it finds by sticking its head underwater or upending while swimming. It will also eat some grass growing on dry land. At other times of the year, leftover grains and other crops such as potatoes, picked up in open fields after harvest, make up much of the diet. Healthy adult Bewick’s Swans have few natural predators. The Arctic Fox may threaten breeding females and particular the eggs and hatchlings. Adults typically can stand their ground and displace foxes but occasionally the foxes are successful. Other potential nest predators include the Red Fox, the Brown Bear, the Golden Eagle, the Arctic Skua and the Glaucous Gull. The Brown Bear, the Golden Eagle and the Wolf may occasionally succeed at capturing and killing an adult. About 15% adults die each year from various causes and the average lifespan in the wild is about 10 years. The status of the Bewick's Swan is not well known although its population is in decline in north west Europe for largely unexplained reasons. It is increasingly dependent on agricultural crops to supplement its winter diet as aquatic vegetation in its winter habitat declines due to habitat destruction and water pollution. However, the main cause of adult mortality is hunting and, whilst the Bewick's Swan can not be hunted legally, almost half the birds studied contain lead shot in their bodies, indicating that they were shot at by poachers. Lead poisoning by ingestion of lead shot is also a very significant cause of mortality. The Bewick's Swan is one of the birds to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 8th January 2019 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33568389.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18936398535a106ad967398.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 4th November 2017 Location: Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23408442.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_48858935754c20b117f0ce.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 3rd January 2015 Location: Mersehead RSPB reserve, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23408449.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_192508925454c20b5bcf2ad.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 3rd January 2015 Location: Mersehead RSPB reserve, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23408467.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6553375954c20c286c85c.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 3rd January 2015 Location: Mersehead RSPB reserve, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12744884.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10324370694e706e04b9ad4.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 7th December 2007 Location: Donna Nook, Lincolnshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/spur-thighed-tortoise https://images.on-this.website/4752_15003834435d307eb72358b.jpgSpur-thighed Tortoise The Spur-thighed Tortoise, one of five species, is a small to medium-sized tortoise in the family [i]Testudinidae[/i]. It has a carapace length of up to 10 inches or larger and shows a considerable variation in colouring, flecking/spotting and shape. The colour can be cream, yellow, brown, horn or reddish. The underside usually has a less conspicuous and more irregular pattern. The head is blunt with large eyes and the arms exhibit large scales and thick, powerful claws. Males and females differ in a number of respects. Males are generally smaller, their tails are longer and taper to a point evenly and the cloacal opening is farther from the base of the tail. In addition, the underside is somewhat curved rather than flat, the rear portion of the carapace is wider than it is long and the posterior plates of the carapace often flange outward. The Spur-thighed Tortoise is very similar to the Hermann’s Tortoise although the broader and flatter shell is rarely lumpy and it differs in having obvious spurs on the thighs and typically a single not double plate above the tail. The division of the Spur-thighed Tortoise in to sub-species is difficult and confusing. Given the huge range over 3 continents and the various terrains, habitats and climates, there are a large number of varieties showing differences in size, weight and colour. New sub-species are regularly being discovered and currently at least 20 sub-species have been described. The Spur-thighed Tortoise can be found in dry grassland and scrub, sand dunes and open woods and their margins and up to about 5000 feet in south and east Europe, north Africa and south and west Asia. Immediately after waking from hibernation in spring, the male Spur-thighed Tortoise seeks out and follows females with great interest, encircling them, biting them in the limbs and ramming them in order to coax them into breeding. Once the female submits to the male’s advances, he will mount her from behind and begin copulation. A series of high-pitched squeaks are expelled from the male’s mouth as he sticks out his tongue during the mating process. Courtship and mating generally takes place in April and May with egg laying commencing in June. About 2 weeks before egg laying, the female becomes notably agitated, moving around to smell and dig in the soil, even tasting it, before choosing the ideal spot for egg laying. The female lays a single clutch or multiple clutches of eggs and digs a 4 to 7 inches flask-shaped nesting chamber with her hind legs and deposits anywhere from 3 to 6 eggs but sometimes more depending on the sub-species. She then covers the nest and leaves the eggs to hatch on their own. At between 55 and 70 days, the baby tortoises will hatch. The first babies to emerge will encourage the rest of the eggs to hatch. At hatching, most babies are no more than an inch in length. The Spur-thighed Tortoise eats a wide variety of leafy plants and dandelion leaves are especially popular. The Spur-thighed Tortoise is known to be one of the longest lived of the tortoises. In the wild, it does not usually live past the age of 20 or 30 years due to predation and other factors but there are reports of it living to 90 or 100 years. Date: 25th May 2018 Location: Borislavtsi, eastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17408564.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_822370886513328b1da84e.jpgShort-eared Owl The Short-eared Owl is a species of the typical owl family [i]Strigidae[/i]. Owls belonging to the genus [i]Asio[/i], such as the Short-eared Owl, are known as the eared owls since they have tufts of feathers resembling mammalian ears. These "ear" tufts may or may not be visible. The Short-eared Owl will display its tufts when in a defensive pose although its very short tufts are usually not visible. The Short-eared Owl is a medium-sized owl 13 to 17 inches in length with a 33 to 43 inches wingspan. Females are slightly larger than males. It has large yellow eyes with black encircling rings, a big head, a short neck and broad wings. The bill is short, strong, hooked and black. The plumage is mottled tawny to brown with a barred tail and wings. The upper breast is significantly streaked. The flight is characteristically floppy due to the irregular wingbeats and the Short-eared Owl is often described as "moth-like” or bat-like" in flight. Through much of its range, the Short-eared Owl occurs with the similar looking Long-eared Owl. At rest, the ear-tufts of the Long-eared Owl serve to easily distinguish the 2 species although the Long-eared Owl can sometimes hold its ear-tufts flat. The iris colour also differs: yellow in the Short-eared Owl and orange in the Long-eared Owl plus the black surrounding the eyes is vertical on the Long-eared Owl and horizontal on the Short-eared Owl. Overall, the Short-eared Owl tends to be a paler, sandier coloured bird than the Long-eared Owl. There are 10 recognized sub-species of the Short-eared Owl and its range covers all continents except Antarctica and Australia. It therefore has one of the most widespread distributions of any bird. It is partially migratory and moves south in winter from the northern parts of its range. The Short-eared Owl is also known to relocate to areas of higher rodent populations and it will also wander nomadically in search of better food supplies during years when vole populations are low. In the UK, the Short-eared Owl breeds primarily in north England and Scotland but it is seen more widely in winter when there is an influx of continental birds from Scandinavia, Russia and Iceland to north, east and parts of central south England, especially around coastal marshes and wetlands. The breeding season of the Short-eared Owl in the northern hemisphere lasts from March to June but peaks in April. During the breeding season, the male makes a great spectacle of itself in flight to attract a female. The male swoops down over the potential nest site flapping its wings in a courtship display. The Short-eared Owl is generally monogamous and nests on the ground in prairie, tundra, savanna or meadow habitats. The nest is concealed by low vegetation and may be lightly lined by weeds, grass or feathers. The female lays 4 to 7 eggs but clutch size can reach up to 12 eggs in years when voles are abundant. There is a single brood per year. The eggs are incubated mostly by the female for 21 to 37 days and the young fledge at a little over 4 weeks. The Short-eared Owl hunts mostly at night but it is known as a diurnal and crepuscular hunter as well. Its daylight hunting seems to coincide with the high activity periods of voles, its preferred prey. It tends to fly only a few feet above the ground in open fields and grasslands until swooping down upon its prey feet first. Several owls may hunt over the same open area. The diet of the Short-eared Owl consists mainly of rodents, especially voles, but it will eat other small mammals such as mice, ground squirrels, shrews, rats, bats, muskrats and moles. It will also occasionally predate smaller birds especially when near sea coasts and adjacent wetlands at which time they may attack waders, terns and small gulls and seabirds. Avian prey is more infrequently preyed on inland and includes small passerines. Insects also supplement the diet. Date: 14th January 2013 Location: Cummertrees, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49001651.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18211924616468de5d973e7.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 15th March 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37431278.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2816632415c6bec29a3bad.jpgBewick's Swan The Tundra Swan is a small Holarctic swan. The 2 taxa within it are usually regarded as conspecific but are also sometimes split into 2 species: the Bewick's Swan of the Palaearctic and the Whistling Swan of the Nearctic. The Bewick's Swan was named in 1830 by William Yarrell after the engraver Thomas Bewick who specialised in illustrations of birds and animals. The Bewick's Swan measures 45 to 55 inches in length with a wing span of 18.5 to 21.5 inches. Males are slightly larger and heavier than females. It is similar in appearance to the Whooper Swan but is smaller, shorter-necked and has a more rounded head shape. It has a variable bill pattern but always shows more black than yellow and having a blunt forward edge of the yellow base patch. The Whooper Swan has a bill that has more yellow than black and the forward edge of the yellow patch is usually pointed. The bill pattern for every individual Bewick's Swan is unique and scientists often make detailed drawings of each bill and assign names to the swans to assist with studying these birds. As their common name implies, the Tundra Swan breeds in the Arctic and sub-Arctic tundra where they inhabit shallow pools, lakes and rivers. Unlike the Mute Swan, but like the other Arctic swans, it is a migratory bird. The winter habitat is mainly grassland and marshland, often near the coast. The breeding range of the Bewick’s Swan extends across the coastal lowlands of Siberia from the Kola Peninsula east to the Pacific. It starts to arrive in its breeding range around mid-May and leaves for its winter range around the end of September. The populations west of the Taimyr Peninsula migrate via the White Sea, Baltic Sea and the Elbe estuary to winter in Denmark, the Netherlands and the UK where it is common in winter on a few RSPB and WWT reserves. Some birds also winter elsewhere on the southern shores of the North Sea. The Bewick’s Swans that breed in eastern Russia migrate via Mongolia and north China to winter in the coastal regions of Korea, Japan and south China, south to Guangdong and occasionally as far as Taiwan. A few birds from the central Siberian range also winter in Iran at the south of the Caspian Sea. Arrival in the winter range starts about mid-October although most birds spend weeks or even months at favourite resting locations and will only arrive in the winter range in November or even as late as January. Departure from the winter range starts in mid-February. Bewick’s Swans mate in the late spring, usually after they have returned to the breeding range. As is usual for swans, they pair monogamously until one partner dies. Should one partner die long before the other, the surviving bird often will not mate again for several years or even for the rest of its life. The nesting season starts at the end of May. The pair build the large mound-shaped nest from plant material at an elevated site near open water and they defend a large territory around it. The pen (female) lays and incubates a clutch of 2 to 7 (usually 3 to 5) eggs whilst the cob (male) keeps a steady lookout for potential predators heading towards his mate and offspring. The time from egg laying to hatching is 29 to 30 days. Since they nest in cold regions, Bewick’s Swan cygnets grow faster than those of swans breeding in warmer climates and they may fledge in 40 to 45 days. Cygnets stay with their parents for the first winter migration and the family is sometimes even joined by their offspring from previous breeding seasons while on the wintering grounds. Bewick’s Swans do not reach sexual maturity until 3 or 4 years of age. In summer, the diet of the Bewick’s Swan consists mainly of aquatic vegetation which it finds by sticking its head underwater or upending while swimming. It will also eat some grass growing on dry land. At other times of the year, leftover grains and other crops such as potatoes, picked up in open fields after harvest, make up much of the diet. Healthy adult Bewick’s Swans have few natural predators. The Arctic Fox may threaten breeding females and particular the eggs and hatchlings. Adults typically can stand their ground and displace foxes but occasionally the foxes are successful. Other potential nest predators include the Red Fox, the Brown Bear, the Golden Eagle, the Arctic Skua and the Glaucous Gull. The Brown Bear, the Golden Eagle and the Wolf may occasionally succeed at capturing and killing an adult. About 15% adults die each year from various causes and the average lifespan in the wild is about 10 years. The status of the Bewick's Swan is not well known although its population is in decline in north west Europe for largely unexplained reasons. It is increasingly dependent on agricultural crops to supplement its winter diet as aquatic vegetation in its winter habitat declines due to habitat destruction and water pollution. However, the main cause of adult mortality is hunting and, whilst the Bewick's Swan can not be hunted legally, almost half the birds studied contain lead shot in their bodies, indicating that they were shot at by poachers. Lead poisoning by ingestion of lead shot is also a very significant cause of mortality. The Bewick's Swan is one of the birds to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 8th January 2019 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9564310.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4075793244daeb7f45d259.jpgDunnock The Dunnock is a small passerine bird and the most widespread member of the genus [i]Prunella[/i], the accentor family which otherwise consists of mountain species. Other common names for the Dunnock include the Hedge Sparrow or Hedge Accentor. The Dunnock is about the size of a Robin. It has a generally drab brown streaked appearance with a grey head and a fine pointed bill. Both sexes are similar. It is quiet and unobtrusive and is frequently seen on its own, creeping along and moving with a rather nervous, shuffling gait often flicking its wings. The Dunnock is native to large areas of Eurasia where it is the only commonly found accentor in lowland areas. It can be found throughout the UK all the year round in any well vegetated areas with scrub, brambles and hedges and also in deciduous woodland, farmland edges, parks and gardens. The Dunnock is territorial and may engage in conflict with other birds that encroach upon their nesting areas. The Dunnock possesses variable mating systems. Females are often polyandrous, breeding with 2 or more males at once which is quite rare among birds. This multiple mating system leads to the development of sperm competition amongst the male suitors. DNA fingerprinting has shown that chicks within a brood often have different fathers depending on the success of the males at monopolising the female. Males try to ensure their paternity by pecking at the cloaca of the female to stimulate ejection of rival males' sperm. Males provide parental care in proportion to their mating success so 2 males and a female can commonly be seen provisioning nestlings at one nest. Other mating systems also exist within Dunnock populations depending on the ratio of male to females and the overlap of territories. When only a single female and a single male territory overlap, monogamy is preferred. Sometimes, 2 or 3 adjacent female territories overlap a single male territory and so polygyny is favoured with the male monopolising several females. Polygynandry also exists in which 2 males jointly defend a territory containing several females. Polyandry, however, is the most common mating system of the Dunnock. Depending on the population, males generally have the best reproductive success in polygynous populations whilst females have the advantage during polyandry. Studies have illustrated the fluidity of Dunnock mating systems. When food is in abundance, female territory size is reduced drastically. Consequently, males can more easily monopolise the females. Thus, the mating system can be shifted from one that favours female success (polyandry) to one that favours male success (monogamy, polygynandry or polygyny). The Dunnock builds a neat nest predominantly from twigs and moss and lined with soft materials such as wool or feathers which is located low in a bush. The female typically lays 3 to 5 eggs. Broods, depending on the population, can be raised by a lone female, multiple females with the part-time help of a male, multiple females with full-time help by a male or by multiple females and multiple males. Parental care varies according to the type of relationship. Date: 5th November 2008 Location: Uiskentuie, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/barnacle-goose-08 https://images.on-this.website/4752_21170102684e1582fcc89ae.jpgBarnacle Goose The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 3rd November 2008 Location: Loch Gruinart, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17408545.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20132216435133283666db0.jpgMagpie The Eurasian Magpie, often simply known as the Magpie, is one of several birds in the crow family [i] Corvidae[/i] designated as a Magpie. In Europe, Magpie is generally used by English speakers to describe the Eurasian Magpie. The only other species in Europe is the Iberian Magpie or Azure-winged Magpie which is limited to the Iberian peninsula. The adult male Magpie is 17 to 18 inches in length, of which more than half is the tail. The wingspan is 20 to 24 inches. The head, neck and breast are glossy black with a metallic green and violet sheen, the belly and scapulars are pure white, the wings are black glossed with green or purple and the primaries have white inner webs, conspicuous when the wing is open. The graduated tail is black, glossed with green and reddish purple. The legs and bill are black and the iris is dark brown. The plumage of the sexes is similar but the female is slightly smaller. The young resemble the adults but are at first without much of the gloss on the sooty plumage and the tail is much shorter. The Magpie can be found across temperate Eurasia from Spain and Ireland in the west to the Kamchatka Peninsula in the east. It has also been introduced in Japan on the island of Kyushu. The preferred habitat of the Magpie is open countryside with scattered trees and it is normally absent from treeless areas and dense forests. It sometimes breeds at high densities in suburban settings such as parks and gardens and it can often be found close to the centre of cities. The Magpie is normally sedentary and spends winters close to its breeding areas but birds living near the northern limit of their range in Scandinavia and Russia can move south in harsh weather. Some Magpies breed after their first year whilst others remain in non-breeding flocks and first breed in their second year. The Magpie is monogamous and pairs often remain together from one breeding season to the next and generally occupy the same territory in successive years. Mating takes place in spring. In the courtship display, males rapidly raise and depress their head feathers, uplift, open and close their tails like fans and call in soft tones quite distinct from their usual chatter. The loose feathers of the flanks are brought over the primaries, and the shoulder patch is spread so the white is conspicuous, presumably to attract females. Short buoyant flights and chases follow. The Magpie prefers tall trees for their bulky nest, firmly attaching them to a central fork in the upper branches. A framework of sticks is cemented with earth and clay and a lining of the same is covered with fine roots. Above is a stout though loosely built dome of prickly branches with a single well concealed entrance. These huge nests are conspicuous when the leaves fall. Where trees are scarce, though even in well-wooded country, nests are at times built in bushes and hedgerows. In Europe, the eggs are typically laid in April and clutches usually contain 5 or 6 eggs. The eggs are incubated for 21 to 22 days by the female who is fed on the nest by the male. The chicks are brooded by the female for the first 5 to 10 days and fed by both parents. The nestlings open their eyes 7 to 8 days after hatching and their body feathers start to appear after around 8 days and the primary wing feathers after 10 days. Fledging takes place at around 27 days and the parents then continue to feed the young for several more weeks. The parents also protect the young from predators since their ability to fly is poor, making them vulnerable. On average, only 3 or 4 chicks survive to fledge successfully. Some nests are lost to predators but an important factor causing nestling mortality is starvation. Eggs hatch asynchronously and if the parents have difficulty finding sufficient food, the last chicks to hatch are unlikely to survive. The Magpie is omnivorous, eating young birds and eggs, small mammals, insects, scraps and carrion, acorns, grain and other vegetable substances. The Magpie is believed not only to be among the most intelligent of birds but among the most intelligent of all animals. Along with the Jackdaw, the Magpie's nidopallium area of the brain is approximately the same relative size as those in Chimpanzees and humans. Like other corvids, such as the Raven and Carrion crow, the total brain-to-body mass ratio is equal to most great apes and cetaceans. A 2004 review suggests that the intelligence of the corvid family to which the Magpie belongs is equivalent to that of great apes (Chimpanzees, Orangutans and Gorillas) in terms of social cognition, causal reasoning, flexibility, imagination and prospection. The Magpie has an extremely large range and a very large population. The population trend in Europe has been stable since 1980 and there is no evidence of any serious overall decline in numbers so the species is classified by the IUCN as being of “Least Concern”. In Europe, the Magpie has been historically demonized by humans, mainly as a result of folklore, superstition and myth and its reputation as an omen of ill fortune. The Magpie has also been attacked for their role as a predator which includes eating other birds' eggs and their young. However, different studies have reached different conclusions on their impact on the populations of other birds. Date: 13th January 2013 Location: Pennington Flash, Greater Manchester http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32709118.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_93728069059ad27f90b1ea5.92876320.jpgHortobágy National Park, Hajdú-Bihar county, Hungary Hortobágy National Park (Hortobágy Nemzeti Park) is a national park in eastern Hungary. It is part of the vast Great Hungarian Plain which occupies southern and eastern Hungary, some parts of the eastern Slovakian lowlands, south west Ukraine, western Romania, northern Serbia and eastern Croatia. Hortobágy National Park was designated as a national park in 1972 (the first in Hungary), and as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. It is Hungary's largest protected area. At the time of designation, the area of the National Park was 289 square miles but since then it has been extended to almost 315 square miles. Around 25% of its area has international protection under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance. The entire Hortobágy National Park is part of the Natura 2000 network of the European Union in which Special Protected Areas and Special Areas of Conservation have been designated in a way that they contain and encompass the area of the National Park including organically connected or separate grassland mosaic areas that are outside the National Park. The protection thus ensured by the Natura 2000 areas provides an appropriate basis for the establishment of a buffer zone. A conservation management plan for the Hortobágy National Park was prepared in 1997. Hortobágy National Park contains the largest continuous natural grassland in Europe and the second largest steppe area west of the Ural Mountains. It has outstanding natural features and maintains great biological diversity in respect of species and habitats. It is a unique example of the harmonious coexistence of people and nature based on the considerate use of the land. A major part of the area of the Hortobágy National Park is formed by natural habitats, principally alkaline grasslands (puszta), meadows and the marshes lying between them. From the point of view of nature conservation, the artificial wetlands, which cover a much smaller area, are of considerable importance. These are the fish ponds created during the last century on the worst quality grazing lands and marshes. The Hortobágy National Park is one of Europe’s greatest lowland birding areas containing nesting habitats and migration sites of European significance. The Hortobágyi-Halastó complex just to the west of Hortobágy village is arguably the best site to explore and contains waterbodies of various sizes from small fish ponds to huge lakes. Over 340 bird species have been recorded in the Hortobágy National Park, of which over 150 species breed. For UK birders, it is particularly exciting since several “eastern” species can be found which are at the westernmost extent of their range. These are joined by a large number of temperate European and Mediterranean species. The symbol of the Hortobágy National Park is the Crane. One of the most spectacular sights is the autumn migration when tens of thousands of Cranes can be seen every October as they fly above the grasslands to their overnight roosting places. For thousands of years the wild animals grazing on the grasslands of the Hortobágy National Park, the Aurochs and wild horses, were gradually replaced by domesticated animals. A large number of Long-haired Sheep and Hungarian Grey Cattle can now be found here. Less ancient species are the Mangalica Pig and the Nonius Horse. In the Visitor Centre in Hortobágy village, visitors and tourists can get information and advice on what to see and what to do in the Hortobágy National Park and can also learn about its natural and cultural assets: its flora and fauna, the different natural phenomena, herdsmen’s traditions, craftsmen’s skills and local rare breeds. The Visitor Centre also sells the mandatory permits that are required to visit most of the protected areas. The Hortobágy-halastavi Kisvasút is a narrow gauge railway which runs through Hortobágyi-Halastó. It was built and commissioned in 1915 for the purpose of transporting fish food from the silo in Hortobágyi-Halastó to the fish ponds and transporting freshly caught fish in the opposite direction. The track formerly had a length of 22 miles and was temporarily decommissioned in 1960. Since 2007, the railway has been used as a tourist train. The track now runs for just 3 miles and provides access to the northern end of Hortobágyi-Halastó. A one-way trip lasts 23 minutes. Date: 20th May 2017 Location: Hortobágy-halastavi Kisvasút, Hortobágy National Park, Hajdú-Bihar county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37431254.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8863062505c6bebcc6fff2.jpgMute Swan The Mute Swan is a species of swan native to much of Eurasia. Despite its Eurasian origin, its closest relatives are the Black Swan of Australia and the Black-necked Swan of south America, not the other Northern Hemisphere swans such as the Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan. The name “mute” derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. The adult Mute Swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob at the top of the beak. All Mute Swans are white at maturity although the feathers (particularly on the head and neck) are often stained orange-brown by iron and tannins in the water. Young birds (cygnets) are not the bright white colour of mature adults and their bill is dull greyish-black for the first year. The plumage may range from pure white to grey to buff with grey/buff being the most common. Cygnets typically retain their grey/buff feathers until they are at least 1 year old. On average, the Mute Swan is the second largest waterfowl species after the Trumpeter Swan although the male Mute Swan can easily match or even exceed a male Trumpeter Swan in mass. The adult Mute Swan typically ranges from 55 to 63 inches in length (although it can range in extreme cases from 49 to 67 inches) with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. Males (cobs) are larger than females (pens) and have a larger knob on their bill. The Mute Swan is one of the heaviest flying birds. In several studies from the UK, males were found to average from about 23.4 to 26.2 pounds, with a weight range of 20 to 32 pounds, while the slightly smaller females were found to average about 18.7 to 21.3 pounds, with a weight range of 17 to 23 pounds. The Mute Swan is less vocal than the noisy Bewick's Swan and Whooper Swan although it does make a variety of grunting, hoarse whistling and snorting noises, especially in communicating with their cygnets and threatening competitors or intruders trying to enter their territory. The most familiar sound associated with the Mute Swan is the vibrant throbbing of the wings in flight which is unique to the species and this can be heard from a range of up to 1 mile. The Mute Swan is found naturally mainly in the temperate areas of Europe across west Asia and as far east as Primorsky Krai in the far east of Russia. It is partially migratory throughout the northern latitudes in Europe and Asia as far south as north Africa and the Mediterranean. It is also often kept in captivity outside its natural range as a decoration for parks and ponds and escapes have occurred. The descendants of such birds have become naturalised in east USA and the Great Lakes region across the USA and Canada border. The Mute Swan population in the UK has increased recently probably due to better protection of this species. Some birds are resident all year whilst others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into east England. Mute Swans nest on large mounds that they build with waterside vegetation in shallow water on islands in the middle or at the very edge of a lake. It is a monogamous species and often reuses the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Males and females share the care of the nest. The female lays from 4 to 10 eggs and broods for around 36 days. Cygnets are unable to fly before an age of 120 to 150 days and this limits the distribution of the species in the northern edge of its range since the cygnets must learn to fly before the water freezes. The Mute Swan is usually strongly territorial with just a single pair on smaller lakes although in a few locations where a large area of suitable feeding habitat is found they can be colonial. The largest colonies can hold over 100 pairs such as that at the colony at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset in the UK. Non-mated juveniles up to 3 to 4 years old commonly form larger flocks often at regular traditional sites and these can total several hundred birds. The Mute Swan can be very aggressive in defence of its nest and it is highly protective of its mate and offspring. Most defensive attacks from a Mute Swan begin with a loud hiss and, if this is not sufficient to drive off the predator, are followed by a physical attack. It attacks by smashing at its enemy with bony spurs in the wings accompanied by biting with its large bill. Smaller waterbirds such as ducks are normally grabbed with the bill and dragged or thrown clear. Large waterfowl, such as the Canada Goose, more likely out of competition than in response to potential predation, may be aggressively driven off. The wings of the Mute Swan are very powerful although not strong enough to break an adult man's leg as has been claimed anecdotally. The Mute Swan feeds on a wide range of vegetation, both submerged aquatic plants which they reach with their long necks and by grazing on land. The food commonly includes agricultural crop plants such as oilseed rape and wheat and feeding flocks in the winter may cause significant crop damage, often as much through trampling with their large webbed feet as through direct consumption. Healthy adult Mute Swans are rarely preyed upon although some large mammals can pose a threat to injured birds. Healthy adults will normally swim away from any danger unless they are defending nests. Date: 8th January 2019 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11265368.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15664377084e1ad44538032.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 11th May 2008 Location: Skomer, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14185306.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5830219474f422c6d08a01.jpgRinglet Flight period: July to mid August. The Ringlet is a widespread and successful species which has been extending its range in in the UK in recent years. They can be found in in tall, lush grasslands particularly in woodland rides and glades and also around scrub and hedgerows. Date: 8th July 2007 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37443686.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10406813305c6c23b538ddd.jpgCanada Goose The Canada Goose belongs to the [i]Branta[/i] genus of geese which contains species with largely black plumage distinguishing it from the grey species of the genus [i]Anser[/i]. The black head and neck with a white "chinstrap" distinguish the Canada Goose from all other goose species with the exception of the Cackling Goose from north America and the Barnacle Goose which has a black breast and grey rather than brownish body plumage. The 7 sub-species of the Canada Goose vary widely in size and plumage details but all are recognizable as Canada Geese. Of the "true geese" (i.e. the genera [i]Anser[/i], [i]Branta[/i] or [i]Chen[/i]), the Canada Goose is on average the largest living species. It ranges from 30 to 43 inches in length and with a 50 to 73 inches wingspan. The male usually weighs 5.7 to 14.3 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 8.6 pounds. The female looks virtually identical but is slightly lighter at 5.3 to 12.1 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 7.9 pounds. It is also generally 10% smaller in linear dimensions than the male. The Canada Goose is native to north America where it breeds in Canada and the north USA in a wide range of habitats. The Great Lakes region maintains a very large population. It occurs all year round in the southern part of its breeding range, including most of the eastern seaboard and the Pacific coast. Between California and South Carolina in the south USA and north Mexico, it is primarily present as a migrant from further north during the winter. Outside north America, the Canada Goose has reached north Europe naturally as has been proved by ringing recoveries. It has also been introduced in to Europe and had established populations in the UK in the middle of the 18th century, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany and Scandinavia. Most European populations are not migratory but those in more northerly parts of Sweden and Finland migrate to the North Sea and Baltic coasts. Semi-tame feral birds are common in parks and have become a pest in some areas. In the early 17th century, explorer Samuel de Champlain sent several pairs of Canada Geese to France as a present for King Louis XIII. Canada Geese were first introduced in to the UK in the late 17th century as an addition to King James II's waterfowl collection in St. James's Park. They were also introduced in to Germany and Scandinavia during the 20th century. During the second year of its life, the Canada Goose finds a mate. It is a monogamous species and most couples stay together all of their lives. If one dies, the other may find a new mate. The female lays from 2 to 9 eggs with an average of 5. Both parents protect the nest while the eggs incubate but the female spends more time at the nest than the male. The nest is usually located in an elevated area near water such as streams, lakes and ponds and the eggs are laid in a shallow depression lined with plant material and down. The incubation period, in which the female incubates the eggs while the male remains nearby, lasts for 24 to 28 days after laying. As soon as the goslings hatch, they are immediately capable of walking, swimming and finding their own food (a diet similar to the adults). Parents are often seen leading their goslings in a line, usually with one adult at the front and the other at the back. While protecting their goslings, parents often violently chase away anything from small birds to lone humans who approach, after warning them by giving off a hissing sound and then attacking with bites and slaps of the wings if the threat does not retreat. Although parents are hostile to unfamiliar geese, they may form groups (crèches) of a number of goslings and a few adults. The goslings enter the fledgling stage any time from 6 to 9 weeks of age. Once it reaches adulthood, due to its large size and often aggressive behaviour, the Canada Goose is rarely preyed on although prior injury may make it more vulnerable to natural predators. The lifespan in the wild of birds that survive to adulthood ranges from 10 to 24 years. The UK longevity record is held by a specimen tagged as a nestling which was observed alive at the age of 31. The Canada Goose is primarily a herbivore although it will sometimes eat small insects and fish. Their diet includes grasses, aquatic plants, beans and grains such as wheat, rice, and corn when they are available. In urban areas, it is also known to pick food out of rubbish bins and it will readily take a variety of food from humans in parks. Date: 8th January 2019 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo512728.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_83211976946ad11d08ccd0.jpgSix-Spot Burnet Flight period: June to August. The Six-Spot Burnet is one of the commonest of the UK's day-flying moths. They can be found in meadows and woodland clearings. Date: 28th July 2007 Location: EWT Langdon Conservation Centre, Dunton, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081463.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10496954363a853b4f3d8b.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 9th January 2022 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12759396.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11971058604e71b09244dbe.jpgRed Squirrel The Red Squirrel or Eurasian Red Squirrel is a species of tree squirrel in the genus [i]Sciurus[/i]. It is an arboreal and primarily herbivorous rodent. The Red Squirrel has a typical head and body length of 7.5 to 9 inches, a tail length of 6 to 8 inches and a weight of 9 to 12 ounces. Males and females are the same size. The Red Squirrel is smaller and lighter in weight than the Grey Squirrel The coat of the Red Squirrel varies in colour with the time of year and its location and there are several different coat colour morphs ranging from black to red. Red coats are most common in the UK but in other parts of Europe and Asia different coat colours co-exist within populations. The underside of the Red Squirrel is always creamy-white in colour. The Red Squirrel sheds its coat twice a year, switching from a thinner summer coat to a thicker, darker winter coat with noticeably larger ear-tufts (a prominent distinguishing feature of this species) between August and November. A lighter, redder overall coat colour, along with the ear-tufts (in adults) and smaller size, distinguish the Red Squirrel from the Grey Squirrel. The long tail helps the Red Squirrel to balance and steer when jumping from tree to tree and running along branches and it may also keep it warm during sleep. The Red Squirrel, like most tree squirrels, has sharp and curved claws to enable it to climb and descend broad tree trunks, thin branches and even house walls and its strong hind legs enable it to leap gaps between trees. The Red Squirrel can be found in the boreal coniferous woods in north Europe and Siberia where it prefers Scots Pine, Norway Spruce and Siberian Pine. In west and south Europe it can be found in broad-leaved woods where the mixture of tree and shrub species provides a better year round source of food. In most of the UK and in Italy, broad-leaved woodlands are now less suitable for it due to the better competitive feeding strategy of the introduced Grey Squirrel. The Red Squirrel makes a drey (nest) out of twigs in a branch-fork, forming a domed structure about 9 to 12 inches in diameter. This is lined with moss, leaves, grass and bark. Tree hollows and woodpecker holes are also used. The Red Squirrel is generally a solitary animal and is shy and reluctant to share food with others. However, outside the breeding season and particularly in winter, several Red Squirrels may share a drey to keep warm. Social organisation is based on dominance hierarchies within and between sexes. Although males are not necessarily dominant towards females, the dominant animals tend to be larger and older than subordinate animals and dominant males tend to have larger home ranges than subordinate males or females. Mating can occur in late winter during February and March and in summer between June and July. During mating, males detect females that are in oestrus by an odour that they produce and, although there is no courtship, the male will chase the female for up to an hour prior to mating. Usually multiple males will chase a single female until the dominant male, usually the largest in the group, mates with the female. Males and females will mate multiple times with many partners. Females must reach a minimum body mass before they enter oestrus and heavy females on average produce more young. If food is scarce breeding may be delayed. Typically a female will produce her first litter in her second year. Up to 2 litters a year per female are possible. Each litter averages 3 young and these are known as kits. Gestation is about 38 to 39 days and the young are looked after by the mother alone and are born helpless, blind and deaf. Their body is covered by hair at 21 days, their eyes and ears open after 3 to 4 weeks and they develop all their teeth by 42 days. Juveniles can eat solids around 40 days following birth and from that point they can leave the nest on their own to find food. However, they still suckle from their mother until weaning occurs at 8 to 10 weeks. The Red Squirrel eats mostly the seeds of trees, fungi, nuts (especially hazelnuts but also beech and chestnuts), berries and young shoots. More rarely, it may also eat bird eggs or nestlings and may occasionally exhibit opportunistic omnivory similar to other rodents. Excess food is put into caches, either buried or in nooks or holes in trees, and eaten when food is scarce. Although the Red Squirrel remembers where it created caches at a better than chance level, its spatial memory is believed to be substantially less accurate and durable than that of the Grey Squirrel. Therefore it will often have to search for them when in need and many caches are never found again. Between 60% and 80% of the active time of a Red Squirrel may be spent foraging and feeding. The active period is generally in the morning and in the late afternoon and evening. It often rests in its nest in the middle of the day to avoid the heat and the high visibility to birds of prey that are dangers during these hours. During the winter, this midday rest is often much more brief or absent entirely although harsh weather may cause it to stay in its nest for days at a time. No territories are claimed between Red Squirrels and the feeding areas of individuals overlap considerably. A Red Squirrel that survives its first winter has a life expectancy of 3 years. Individuals may reach 7 years of age and 10 years in captivity. Survival is positively related to the availability of autumn and winter tree seeds. On average, 75 to 85% of juveniles die during their first winter and mortality is approximately 50% for winters following the first. Predators include small mammals such as the Pine Marten, the Wildcat and the Stoat which all prey on juveniles. Birds, including owls and raptors such as the Goshawk and Common Buzzard, may also prey on the Red Squirrel as will the Red Fox and domestic cats and dogs when it is on the ground. Humans influence the population size and mortality of the Red Squirrel by destroying or altering habitats, by causing road casualties and by introducing non-native populations of the Grey Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel and the Red Squirrel are not directly antagonistic and violent conflict between these species is not a factor in the decline in Red Squirrel populations. However, the Grey Squirrel appears to contribute to the decrease in the Red Squirrel population for several reasons: it carries a disease, the squirrel parapoxvirus, that does not appear to affect its own health but will often kill the Red Squirrel, it can better digest acorns whilst the Red Squirrel cannot access the proteins and fats in acorns as easily and it can put the Red Squirrel under pressure for food resources resulting in it not breeding as often. In the UK, due to the above circumstances, the population has today fallen to 160,000 Red Squirrels or fewer with the majority of these in Scotland. Outside the UK and Ireland, the impact of competition from the Grey Squirrel has also been observed in Italy where 2 pairs escaped from captivity in 1948. A significant drop in the Red Squirrel population has been observed since 1970 and it is feared that the Grey Squirrel may expand into the rest of Europe. The Red Squirrel is protected in most of Europe although in some areas it is abundant and is hunted for its fur. In the UK there are several active projects to protect the Red Squirrel and its native woodland habitat, introduce or re-introduce it in to areas where it is absent and eradicate and prevent the spread of the Grey Squirrel. Research undertaken in 2007 in the UK credits the Pine Marten with reducing the population of the invasive Grey Squirrel. Where the range of the expanding Pine Marten population meets that of the Grey Squirrel, the population of the latter retreats. It is theorised that, because the Grey Squirrel spends more time on the ground than the Red Squirrel, it is far more likely to come in contact with the Pine Marten. Date: 10th May 2006 Location: Freshfield National Trust reserve, Formby Point, Merseyside http://www.richardchewphotography.com/july-2014-sandwich-terns https://images.on-this.website/4752_1227710110548c18023fe20.jpgJuly 2014 - Sandwich Terns Please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/photo21808752.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28884655.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6798627157cc29103f465.jpgAardla polder, Estonia Aardla polder is an area of wet meadows, pastures, grazing land and ponds just south of Tartu. Despite its inland location, these wetlands are almost as impressive as those on the coast. This site is well known for its breeding Citrine Wagtails. Date: 17th May 2016 Location: Aardla polder, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33568425.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12622043305a106b45e63d8.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 4th November 2017 Location: Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7439598.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8369977064cd57239ce6c2.jpgBlack Vulture The Black Vulture is also known as the Cinereous Vulture, Monk Vulture or Eurasian Black Vulture. The Black Vulture is a huge bird, 39 to 47 inches long with a 99 to 119 inch wingspan, and is one of the largest birds of prey in the world. It has all dark blackish-brown plumage and even at a distance can be distinguished from the Griffon Vulture by its evenly broad "barn door" wings. It has the typical vulture unfeathered bald head (actually covered in fine down) and dark markings around the eye give it a menacing skull-like appearance. The beak is brown, with a blue-grey cere and the legs and feet are grey. The Black Vulture breeds across southern Europe and Asia from Spain to Korea but is endangered throughout its European range. It is resident except in those parts of its range where hard winters cause limited movement and breeds in high mountains and large forests, nesting in trees or occasionally on cliff ledges. The Black Vulture has declined over most of its range in the last 200 years due to eating poisoned and due to higher hygiene standards reducing the amount of available carrion. It is currently listed as near threatened. The decline has been the greatest in the western half of the range with extinction in many European countries (France, Italy, Austria, Poland, Slovakia, Romania) and north west Africa (Morocco, Algeria). More recently, protection and deliberate feeding schemes have allowed some local recoveries in numbers, particularly in Spain, where numbers increased to about 1,000 pairs by 1992 after an earlier decline to 200 pairs in 1970. This colony has now spread its breeding grounds to Portugal. Elsewhere in Europe, very small but increasing numbers breed in Bulgaria and Greece and a re-introduction scheme is under way in France. Trends in the small populations in Ukraine and European Russia and in Asian populations are not well recorded. Date: 8th September 2010 Location: Sierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain - road to La Lancha and Embalse del Jándula http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084019.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6258351435d30837e7cac2.jpgPirin Mountains, Blagoevgrad Province, Bulgaria The Pirin Mountains are a mountain range in south west Bulgaria spreading over 1000 square miles. They extend about 50 miles from the north west to the south east and they are about 25 miles wide. Vihren at 9560 feet is the highest peak in the Pirin Mountains, the second highest in Bulgaria and the third highest in the Balkans. To the north, the Pirin Mountains are separated from Bulgaria's highest mountain range, the Rila Mountains, by the Paril Saddle whilst to the south they extend towards the mountain of Slavyanka Mountain located on the border of south west Bulgaria and north Greece. To the west is the valley of the River Struma and to the east the valley of the River Mesta which separates the Pirin Mountains from the Rhodopes Mountains. The Pirin Mountains are dotted with 118 glacial lakes, the largest and the deepest of them being Popovo Lake. They also contain Europe's most southern glaciers, Snezhnika and Banski Suhodol. The Snezhnika glacier is a remnant of the former Vihren glacier. It lies at a height of between 7956 feet and 8140 feet in the deep Golemiya Kazan cirque at the steep northern foot of Vihren. The Banski Suhodol glacier is a small glacier which lies below the peak of Kutelo peak (9540 feet) in the upper Banski Suhodol valley. The northern part of the Pirin Mountains is protected by the Pirin National Park (originally named Vihren National Park). It encompasses the larger part of the Pirin Mountains and covers an area of around 155 square miles. It is one of the 3 national parks in Bulgaria, the others being Rila National Park and Central Balkan National Park. Pirin National Park was established in 1962 and its territory has expanded several times since then. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and it is also part of Natura 2000, the network of nature protection areas of the European Union. Pirin National Park falls within the Rodope montane mixed forests terrestrial eco-region of the Palearctic temperate broadleaf and mixed forest. Forests cover 57.3% of the area of Pirin National Park and almost 95% of them are coniferous forests. The average age of the forests is 85 years. Bulgaria's oldest tree, Baikushev's pine, is located in Pirin National Park and it has an approximate age of about 1,300 years. Pirin National Park is noted for its rich and diverse flora and fauna which includes 45 species of mammals, 159 species of birds, 11 species of reptiles, 8 species of amphibia and 6 species of fish. The Pirin Mountains are an important tourist destination. The town of Bansko, situated on the north east slopes of the mountain range, has grown to be the primary ski and winter sports centre in the Balkans. A number of settlements in the foothills have mineral springs and are spa resorts e.g. Banya, Dobrinishte, Gotse Delchev, Sandanski, etc. Melnik is situated in the south west foothills of the mountain. With a population of around 385, it is Bulgaria's smallest town and retains its town status today for historical reasons. The town is an architectural reserve and 96 of its buildings are designated as cultural monuments. It is among the “100 Tourist Sites of Bulgaria” programme which promotes tourism among Bulgaria's most significant cultural, historic and natural landmarks. The town is also a centre of red wine production with numerous vineyards and cellars dug in to the local sandstone rock. The area around Melnik is strikingly eroded, particularly the enormous area of sandstone cliff that serves as a backdrop to the town. This area, covering some 6.5 square miles around Melnik, Kurlanovo and Rozhen has been called the Melnik Earth Pyramids. The hills in this area can rise up to 330 feet high and the unique formations, which can resemble giant mushrooms, ancient towers and obelisks, were formed when heavy rain eroded the sandstone and clay which the hills are composed of. The Melnik Earth Pyramids are a geological phenomenon of global importance and they were declared a natural landmark in 1960 with a total protected area of 5 square miles. Date: 29th May 2018 Location: view from near Melnik, Blagoevgrad Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37431203.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17891407105c6be8453dee7.jpgStarling The Common Starling, also known as the European starling or in the UK just as the Starling, is a medium-sized passerine bird in the starling family. There are several sub-species of the Starling which vary in size and the colour tone of the adult plumage. The gradual variation over geographic range and extensive intergradation means that acceptance of the various sub-species varies between different authorities. The Starling is 7.5 to 9.1 inches in length with a wingspan of 12 to 17 inches. The plumage is iridescent black, glossed purple or green and spangled with white, especially in winter. The underparts of the adult male Starlings are generally less spotted than those of adult females. The throat feathers of the males are long and loose and are used in display while those of the females are smaller and more pointed. The legs are stout and pinkish-red or greyish-red. The bill is narrow and conical with a sharp tip. In the winter it is brownish-black but in summer the females have lemon yellow beaks whilst the males have yellow bills with blue-grey bases. Moulting occurs once a year in late summer after the breeding season and the fresh feathers are prominently tipped white (breast feathers) or buff (wing and back feathers) giving a speckled appearance. The reduction in the spotting in the breeding season is achieved through the white feather tips largely wearing off. Juveniles are grey-brown and by their first winter they resemble adults although they often retain some brown juvenile feathering especially on the head. In flight, the Starling’s strongly pointed wings and dark colouration are distinctive whilst on the ground its strange waddling gait is also characteristic. The colouring and build usually distinguish the Starling from other starling species although the closely related Spotless Starling from Iberia and north Africa may be physically distinguished by the lack of iridescent spots in the adult breeding plumage. Like most terrestrial starlings, the Starling moves by walking or running rather than hopping. Their flight is quite strong and direct and their triangular-shaped wings beat very rapidly. They periodically glide for a short way without losing much height before resuming powered flight. When in a flock, the birds take off almost simultaneously, wheel and turn in unison, form a compact mass or trail off into a wispy stream, bunch up again and the land in a co-ordinated fashion. The Starling is a noisy bird. Its song consists of a wide variety of both melodic and mechanical-sounding noises as part of a ritual succession of sounds. The male is the main songster and engages in bouts of song lasting for a minute or more. Each of these typically includes 4 varieties of song type which follow each other in a regular order without pause. The bout starts with a series of pure tone whistles and these are followed by the main part of the song, a number of variable sequences that often incorporate snatches of song mimicked from other species of bird and various naturally occurring or man-made noises. The structure and simplicity of the sound mimicked is of greater importance than the frequency with which it occurs. Each sound clip is repeated several times before the bird moves on to the next. After this variable section comes a number of types of repeated clicks followed by a final burst of high frequency song, again formed of several types. Each bird has its own repertoire with more proficient birds having a range of up to 35 variable song types and as many as 14 types of clicks. Males sing constantly as the breeding period approaches and perform less often once pairs have bonded. In the presence of a female, a male sometimes flies to his nest and sings from the entrance, apparently attempting to entice the female in. Having a complex song is also useful in defending a territory and deterring less experienced males from encroaching. Singing also occurs outside the breeding season and takes place throughout the year apart from the moulting period. The songsters are more commonly males although females also sing on occasion. The function of such out-of-season song is poorly understood. Starlings chatter while roosting and bathing and make a great deal of noise that can cause irritation to some people living nearby. When a flock of Starlings is flying together, the synchronised movements of their wings make a distinctive whooshing sound that can be heard hundred yards away. The global population of the Starling was estimated to be 310 million birds in 2004, occupying a total area of 3.4 million square miles. Its numbers are not thought to be declining significantly so it is classified by the IUCN as being of “Least Concern”. It had shown a marked increase in numbers throughout Europe from the 19th century to around the 1950s and 1960s. However, declines in populations have been observed since 1980, including in the UK. This seems to be due to the low survival rate of young birds which may be caused by changes in agricultural practices. The intensive farming methods used in north Europe mean there is less pasture and meadow habitat available and the supply of grassland invertebrates needed for the nestlings to thrive is correspondingly reduced. The Starling remains widespread throughout the Northern Hemisphere and it is native to Eurasia. It is found throughout Europe, north Africa from Morocco to Egypt, India (mainly in the north but regularly extending further south) and extending into the Maldives, Nepal, the Middle East including Syria, Iran and Iraq and north west China. Starlings in the south and west of Europe and south of latitude 40°N are mainly resident although other populations migrate from regions where the winter is harsh, the ground frozen and food scarce. Large numbers of birds from northern Europe, Russia and Ukraine migrate south westwards or south eastwards. In the autumn, when immigrants are arriving from eastern Europe, many of the UK's Starlings are setting off for Iberia and north Africa. Other groups of birds are in passage across the country and the pathways of these different streams of bird may cross. The Starling prefers urban or suburban areas where artificial structures and trees provide adequate nesting and roosting sites. Reedbeds are also favoured for roosting and Starlings commonly feed in grassy areas such as farmland, grazing pastures, playing fields, golf courses and airfields where short grass makes foraging easy. The Starling occasionally inhabits open forests and woodlands although it is rarely found in dense, wet forests. It can also be found in coastal areas where it nests and roosts on cliffs and forages amongst seaweed. The Starling’s ability to adapt to a large variety of habitats has allowed it to disperse and establish the species in diverse locations around the world and resulting in a habitat range from coastal wetlands to alpine forests and from sea cliffs to mountain ranges. The Starling has been introduced to and has successfully established itself in New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, north America, Fiji and several Caribbean islands. As a result, it has also been able to migrate to Thailand, south east Asia and New Guinea. Breeding takes place during the spring and summer. Unpaired males find a suitable cavity and begin to build nests in order to attract single females, often decorating the nest with ornaments such as flowers and fresh green material, which the female later disassembles when accepting the male as a mate. The males sing throughout much of the construction and even more so when a female approaches his nest. Following mating, the male and female continue to build the nest. Nests may be located in any type of hole and common locations include inside hollowed trees, buildings, tree stumps and man-made nest-boxes. Nests are typically made out of straw, dry grass and twigs with an inner lining made up of feathers, wool and soft leaves. Construction usually takes 4 or 5 days and may continue through incubation.[29] The Starling is both monogamous and polygamous. Although broods are generally brought up by a single male and a single female, occasionally the pair may have an extra helper. Pairs may be part of a colony, in which case several other nests may occupy the same or nearby trees. Males may mate with a second female while the first is still on the nest. The reproductive success of the bird is poorer in the second nest than it is in the primary nest and is better when the male remains monogamous. Following mating, the female lays eggs on a daily basis over a period of several days. There are normally 4 or 5 eggs which are pale blue or occasionally white and they commonly have a glossy appearance. Incubation lasts 13 days and both parents share this responsibility although the female spends more time incubating than the male. The female is the only parent to do so at night when the male returns to the communal roost. Nestlings remain in the nest for 3 weeks where they are fed continuously by both parents. Fledglings continue to be fed by their parents for another 1 or 2 weeks. A pair can raise up to 3 broods per year although 2 broods is typical and just a single one is normal north of 48°N. Within 2 months most juveniles will have moulted and gained their first basic plumage. They acquire their adult plumage the following year. Starling nests have a 48% to 79% rate of successful fledging although only 20% of nestlings survive to breeding age. The adult survival rate is closer to 60%. The average life span is about 2 to 3 years. A majority of starling predators are avian, in particular birds of prey The Starling is a highly gregarious species, especially in autumn and winter. Although flock size is highly variable, huge noisy flocks (murmurations) may form near roosts. These dense concentrations of birds are thought to be a defence against attacks by birds of prey. Flocks form a tight sphere-like formation in flight, frequently expanding and contracting and changing shape, seemingly without any sort of leader. Each Starling changes its course and speed as a result of the movement of its closest neighbours. Very large roosts, exceptionally up to 1.5 million birds, can form in city centres, woodlands or reedbeds. The Starling is largely insectivorous and feeds on a wide range of invertebrates in both the adult and larvae stages of development. It will also feed on earthworms, snails, small amphibians and lizards. While the consumption of invertebrates is necessary for successful breeding, the Starling is omnivorous and will also eat grains, seeds, fruits, nectar and food waste if the opportunity arises. Date: 10th January 2019 Location: RSPB Greylake, Somerset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21828858.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_37506302453cb970c073e9.jpgTree Sparrow The Tree Sparrow is a member of the sparrow family [i]Passer[/i], a group of small passerine birds that is believed to have originated in Africa and which contains 15 to 25 species. The Tree Sparrow's name is derived from 2 Latin words: [I]passer[/I] meaning "sparrow" and [I]montanus[/I] meaning "of the mountains". The common name is given to suggest the preference for tree holes for nesting. However, this name and the scientific name [i]montanus[/i] do not appropriately describe the Tree Sparrow’s habitat preferences: the German name [i]Feldsperling[/i] meaning "field sparrow"[/i] comes closer to doing so. The Tree Sparrow is around 5 to 5.5 inches in length with a wingspan of about 8.3 inches, making it roughly 10% smaller than the House Sparrow. The adult's crown and nape are a rich chestnut and there is a kidney-shaped black ear patch on each pure white cheek. The chin, throat and the area between the bill and throat are black. The upperparts are light brown streaked with black and the brown wings have 2 distinct narrow white bars. The legs are pale brown and the bill is lead-blue in summer becoming almost black in winter. The Tree Sparrow is distinctive even within its own family in that there are no plumage differences between the sexes. The juvenile resembles the adult although the colours tend to be duller. The contrasting face pattern makes the Tree Sparrow easily identifiable in all plumages and the smaller size and chestnut (not grey) crown are additional differences from the male House Sparrow. The Tree Sparrow's breeding range comprises most of temperate Europe and Asia south of about latitude 68°N (north of this the summers are too cold) and through south east Asia to Java and Bali. It is sedentary over most of its extensive range but northernmost breeding populations migrate south for the winter and small numbers leave south Europe for north Africa and the Middle East. The Tree Sparrow has been introduced outside its native range but it has not always become successfully established, possibly due to competition with the House Sparrow. Ship-carried birds have colonised some areas and birds have also occurred as vagrants. Despite its scientific name, the Tree Sparrow is not typically a mountain species and reaches only 2300 feet in Switzerland although it has bred at 5600 feet in the northern Caucasus and as high as 14010 feet in Nepal. In Europe, the Tree Sparrow is frequently found in open countryside with small isolated patches of woodland but also on coasts with cliffs, in woodland along slow water courses and in empty buildings. It shows a strong preference for nest sites near wetland habitats and avoids breeding on intensively managed farmland. In Europe, where the Tree Sparrow and the House Sparrow occur in the same region, the House Sparrow generally nests in urban areas while the Tree Sparrow nests in rural areas. Where trees are in short supply, both species may utilise man-made structures as nest sites. Whilst the Tree Sparrow is mainly a rural bird in Europe, it tends to be an urban bird in Asia and Australia. In the UK, the Tree Sparrow is scarcer in upland areas and the far north and west of the and the main populations are now found across the Midlands and south and east England. The Tree Sparrow may breed in isolated pairs or in loose colonies. The male calls from near the nest site in spring to proclaim ownership and attract a mate and he may also carry nest material in to the nest hole. The Tree Sparrow typically builds its nest in a cavity in an old tree or rock face. Some nests are not in holes as such but are built among roots of overhanging bushes. Roof cavities in houses and nest boxes are also readily used. In addition, the Tree Sparrow will breed in the disused nest of a Magpie or other crow species or an active or unused nest of a large bird such as the White Stork or a heron or raptor species. It will sometimes attempt to take over the nest of other birds that breed in holes or enclosed spaces such as tit species, flycatcher species, Swallow, House Martin, Sand Martin or European Bee-eater. The untidy nest is composed of hay, grass, wool or other material and lined with feathers which improve thermal insulation. The female lays 5 or 6 eggs which are incubated by both parents for 12 to 13 days and the chicks fledge after a further 15 to 18 days. There are 2 or 3 broods each year. Hybridisation between the Tree Sparrow and the House Sparrow has been recorded in many parts of the world with male hybrids tending to resemble the Tree Sparrow while female hybrids are more similar to the House Sparrow. The Tree Sparrow is a predominantly seed and grain eating bird which feeds on the ground in flocks and often with House Sparrows, finches and buntings. It may also visit feeding stations. It additionally feeds on invertebrates including insects, woodlice, millipedes, centipedes, spiders, etc. especially during the breeding season when the young are fed mainly on animal food. Adults use a variety of wetlands when foraging for invertebrate prey to feed chicks and aquatic sites play a key role in providing adequate diversity and availability of suitable invertebrate prey to allow successful chick rearing. Large areas of formerly occupied farmland no longer provide these invertebrate resources due to the effects of intensive farming. The Tree Sparrow has a large range and a large population. Although the population is declining, the species is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List. For this reason, the Tree Sparrow is designated as being of “Least Concern”. Although the Tree Sparrow has been expanding its range in Fennoscandia and east Europe, its population has been declining in much of west Europe, a trend reflected in other farmland birds such as the Skylark and Corn Bunting. The collapse in population seems to have been particularly severe in the UK where there was a 93% decline between 1970 and 2008. However, recent Breeding Bird Survey data is encouraging and suggests that numbers may have started to increase albeit from a very low point. The decrease in population is probably the result of agricultural intensification and specialisation, particularly the increased use of herbicides and a trend towards autumn-sown crops at the expense of spring-sown crops that produce stubble fields in winter. The change from mixed to specialised farming and the increased use of insecticides has reduced the amount of insect food available for chicks. Date: 11th June 2014 Location: Bempton Cliifs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26041749.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17591285638b75ecdd99.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name <i>Fratercula</i> comes from the Medieval Latin <i>fratercula</i> meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name <i>arctica</i> refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek <i>άρκτος</i> ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name <i>puffin</i> (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Látrabjarg, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/january-2012-snow-bunting https://images.on-this.website/4752_18848193804f7d58fd7bdd9.jpgJanuary 2012 - Snow Bunting Please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/photo14093929.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/october-2011-brent-geese https://images.on-this.website/4752_8331534294f213a78000dc.jpgOctober 2011 - Brent Geese Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13439462.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15367549.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21167221034fec1cc7701fd.jpgRed Grouse The Red Grouse is a medium-sized bird of the grouse family which is found in heather moorland in the UK and Ireland. It is endemic to the UK and has developed in isolation. It is usually classified as a sub-species of the Willow Ptarmigan or Willow Grouse which is found in birch and other forests and moorlands in north Europe, the tundra of Scandinavia, Siberia, Alaska and north Canada. The Red Grouse is differentiated from the Willow Ptarmigan and Rock Ptarmigan by its plumage being reddish brown and not having a white winter plumage. The tail is black and the legs are white. There are white stripes on the underwing and red combs over the eye. Females are less reddish than the males and have less conspicuous combs. Young birds are duller and lack the red combs. The Red Grouse is found across most parts of Scotland, including Orkney, Shetland and most of the Outer Hebrides. It is only absent from urban areas such as in the Central Belt. In Wales there are strong populations of Red Grouse in some places but the range has retracted. It is now largely absent from the far south and the main strongholds are Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons and the Cambrian Mountains. In England the Red Grouse is mainly found in the north in areas such as the Lake District, Northumberland, County Durham, much of Yorkshire, the Pennines and the Peak District as far south as the Staffordshire Moorlands. There is an isolated introduced population on Dartmoor and overspill Welsh birds visit the Shropshire Hills.The typical habitat is upland heather moors away from trees. It can also be found in some low-lying bogs and birds may visit farmland during hard weather. The UK population of the Red Grouse is estimated at about 250,000 pairs. Numbers have declined in recent years and it is now absent in areas where it was once common. Reasons for the decline include disease, loss of heather due to overgrazing, creation of new conifer plantations and a decline in the number of upland gamekeepers. Some predators feed on Red Grouse and there is ongoing controversy as to what effect these have on numbers. The Red Grouse is herbivorous and feeds mainly on the shoots, seeds and flowers of heather. It will also feed on berries, cereal crops and sometimes insects. The Red Grouse is considered a game bird and is shot in large numbers during the shooting season which traditionally starts on August 12th (known as the Glorious Twelfth). Shooting can take the form of “walked up” (where shooters walk across the moor to flush grouse and take a shot) or “driven” (where grouse are driven, often in large numbers, by “beaters” towards the shooters who are hiding behind a line of “butts”). Many moors are managed to increase the density of Red Grouse. Areas of heather are subjected to controlled burning since this allows fresh young shoots to regenerate which are favoured by Red Grouse. In addition, extensive predator control is a feature of grouse moor management and the extent and legality to which it occurs is hotly contested between conservation groups and shooting interests and the subject generates a lot of media attention. The Red Grouse is widely known as the logo of The Famous Grouse whisky and an animated bird is a character in a series of its adverts. It is also the emblem of the magazine “British Birds”. Date: 8th June 2012 Location: Lochindorb, Inverness-shire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17055194.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_102342357650ded0cd06d5d.jpgCommon Buzzard The Common Buzzard is a member of the genus [I]Buteo[/I] and the family [i]Accipitridae[/i], a group of medium-sized raptors with robust bodies and broad wings. The [I]Buteo[/I] species of Eurasia and Africa are usually commonly referred to as buzzards whilst those in the Americas are called hawks. Under current classification, the genus [I]Buteo[/I] includes approximately 28 species. The Common Buzzard includes between 7 to 16 sub-species and the western [i]Buteo[/i] group includes [i]Buteo buteo buteo[/i] which is found more or less continuously throughout Europe including the UK. The Common Buzzard is a medium-sized raptor that is highly variable in plumage. It is distinctly round headed with a somewhat slender bill and it has relatively long wings that either reach or fall slightly short of the tail tip when perched, a fairly short tail and somewhat short and mainly bare tarsi. It can appear fairly compact in overall appearance but may also appear large relative to other commoner raptors such as the Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. The Common Buzzard measures between 16 and 23 inches in length with a 3 feet 7 inches to 4 feet 7 inches wingspan. Females average about 2 to 7% larger than males in length and weigh about 15% more. Body mass can show considerable variation from 0.94 to 2.6 pounds in males and 1.07 to 3.02 pounds in females. In Europe, the Common Buzzard is typically dark brown above and on the upperside of the head and mantle but this can become paler and warmer brown with worn plumage. Usually the tail will be narrowly barred grey-brown and dark brown with a pale tip and a broad dark subterminal band but the tail in the palest birds can show a varying amount of white and a reduced sub-terminal band or even appear almost all white. The underside colouring can be variable but typically shows a brown-streaked white throat with a somewhat darker chest. A pale U across the breast is often present followed by a pale line running down the belly which separates the dark areas on the breast side and flanks. These pale areas tend to have highly variable markings that form irregular bars. Juveniles are quite similar to adults and are best told apart by having a paler eye, a narrower sub-terminal band on the tail and underside markings that appear as streaks rather than bars. Beyond the typical mid-range brownish Common Buzzard, birds in Europe can range from almost uniform black-brown above to mainly white. Extreme dark individuals may range from chocolate-brown to blackish with almost no pale colour showing but with a variable or faded U on the breast and with or without faint lighter brown throat streaks. Extreme pale individuals are largely whitish with variable widely spaced streaks or arrowheads of light brown about the mid-chest and flanks and may or may not show dark feather-centres on the head, wing-coverts and sometimes all but part of the mantle. Individuals can show nearly endless variation of colours and hues in between these extremes and the Common Buzzard is among the most variably plumaged diurnal raptors for this reason. The Common Buzzard is often confused with other raptors especially in flight or at a distance including other [i]Buteo[/i] species such as Rough-legged Buzzard and Long-legged Buzzard and also Honey Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, Golden Eagle, Booted Eagle and Short-toed Eagle. The Common Buzzard is found throughout several islands in the eastern Atlantic islands, including the Canary Islands and the Azores, and almost throughout Europe. In the UK, it is found in Northern Ireland and in nearly every part of Scotland and England. In mainland Europe, there are no substantial gaps in the range from Portugal and Spain to Greece, Estonia, Belarus and the Ukraine, although it is present mainly only in the breeding season in much of the eastern half of the latter 3 countries. It is also present in all larger Mediterranean islands such as Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily and Crete. Further north in to Scandinavia, it is found mainly in south Norway, the southern half of Sweden and in the southern two-thirds of Finland. The Common Buzzard reaches its northern limit as a breeder in far eastern Finland and over the border in to European Russia and nearly to the Kola Peninsula. In these northern limits, the Common Buzzard is present typically only in summer. The Common Buzzard generally inhabits the interface of woodlands and open ground and typically lives in forest edge, small broad-leaved, coniferous or mixed woodlands with adjacent grassland, arable fields or other farmland and open moorland as long as there are some trees. It is absent from treeless tundra and sporadic or rare in treeless steppe. The Common Buzzard can be found from sea level to elevations of 6600 feet although it breeds mostly below 3300 feet. It can winter to an elevation of 8200 feet and migrates easily at 14,800 feet. The Common Buzzard is a partial migrant. Autumn and spring movements are subject to extensive variation, even down to the individual level, based on a region's food resources, competition (both from other Common Buzzards and other predators), the extent of human disturbance and weather conditions. Short distance movements are the norm for juveniles and some adults in autumn and winter but more adults in central and south Europe and the UK remain in their year-around areas than do not. The Common Buzzard is a typical [I]Buteo[/I] in much of its behaviour. It is most often seen effortlessly soaring for extended periods at varying heights although it can appear laborious and heavy in level flight. It is also often seen perched prominently on tree tops, bare branches, telegraph poles, fence posts, rocks or ledges or alternatively well inside the tree canopy. It will also stand and forage on the ground. The Common Buzzard is a generalist predator which hunts a wide variety of prey given the opportunity. The prey extents to a wide variety of vertebrates including mammals, birds (from any age from eggs to adult birds), reptiles, amphibians and fish as well as to various invertebrates, mostly insects. In total, well over 300 prey species are known to be taken by the Common Buzzard. However, dietary studies have shown that it mostly preys upon small mammals, mainly small rodents. Furthermore, prey size can vary from tiny beetles, caterpillars and ants to large adult grouse and Rabbits up to nearly twice their body mass. At times, the Common Buzzard will also subsist partially on carrion, usually of dead mammals or fish. Hunting in relatively open areas has been found to increase hunting success whereas more complete shrub cover lowered success. A majority of prey is taken by dropping from a perch and is normally taken on the ground. Prey may also be hunted in a low flight, by random glides or soars or by foraging on the ground. The home range of the Common Buzzard is generally 0.19 to 0.77 square miles and the size of the breeding territory seems to be correlated with food supply. The territory is maintained through flight displays and in Europe territorial behaviour usually starts in February. However, displays are not uncommon throughout the year in resident pairs, especially by males, and can elicit similar displays by their neighbours. In the display, the Common Buzzard generally engages in high circling, spiraling upward on slightly raised wings. Mutual high circling by pairs sometimes goes on at length, especially during the period prior to or during breeding season. During the mutual displays, the male may engage in exaggerated deep flapping or zig-zag tumbling, apparently in response to the female being too distant. Several pairs may circle together at times and as many as 14 individual adults have been recorded over established display sites. Sky-dancing by the Common Buzzard has been recorded in spring and autumn, typically by the male but sometimes by the female, nearly always with much calling. Sky-dances are of the rollercoaster type, with an upward sweep of up to 100 feet until the bird starts start to stall but sometimes embellished with loops or rolls at the top. Next in the sky-dance, the bird will dive at least 200 feet on more or less closed wings before spreading them and shooting up again. These sky-dances may be repeated in series of 10 to 20. In the climax of the sky-dance, the undulations become progressively shallower, often slowing and terminating directly on to a perch. Various other aerial displays include low contour flight or weaving among trees, frequently with deep beats and exaggerated upstrokes which show underwing pattern to rivals perched below. Talon grappling and occasionally cartwheeling downward with feet interlocked has also been recorded. The Common Buzzard tends to build a bulky nest of sticks, twigs and often heather and lined with broad-leaved foliage. Nests are up to 3.3 to 3.9 feet across and 24 inches deep. With reuse over years, the diameter of a nest can reach or exceed 5 feet. Trees are generally used for a nesting location but crags or cliffs are used if trees are unavailable. Nests in trees are usually located by the main trunk at a height of around 10 to 82 feet. Pairs often have 2 to 4 nests in a territory but some pairs may use a single nest over several consecutive years. The breeding season of the Common Buzzard commences at differing times based on latitude. It may fall as early as January to April but typically it is March to July in most of Europe. In the northern limits of the range the breeding season may occur from May to August. Mating usually occurs on or near the nest and eggs are usually laid in 2 to 3 day intervals. The clutch size can range from to 2 to 6 and it appears that local factors such as habitat and food supply are relevant. Eggs are generally laid in late March to early April in the extreme south, sometime in April in most of Europe and in to May and possibly even early June in the extreme north. If eggs are lost to a predator or fail in some other way, replacement clutches are not usually laid although this has been recorded. Incubation lasts for 33 to 35 days and is mostly, but not solely, undertaken by the female. Hatching may take place over 3 to 7 days. Often the youngest nestling dies from starvation, especially in broods of 3 or more. The female remains at the nest brooding the young in the early stages with the male bringing all prey. At about 8 to 12 days, both the male and female will bring prey but the female continues to do all feeding until the young can tear up their own prey. The young are nearly fully feathered rather than downy at about a month of age and can start to feed themselves as well. The first attempts to leave the nest are often at about 40 to 50 days. Fledging occurs typically at 43 to 54 days but in extreme cases as late 62 days. After leaving the nest, the young generally stay close by until full independence 6 to 8 weeks after fledging. Numerous factors may influence the breeding success of the Common Buzzard including the availability of prey populations, habitat, disturbance and persecution levels and competition. The Common Buzzard is one of the most numerous birds of prey in its range and it is the most numerous diurnal bird of prey throughout much of Europe. Date: 18th November 2012 Location: Loch Scridain, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28102060.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_207904770757779bad54535.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include [url=http://www.gigrin.co.uk/]Gigrin Farm feeding centre[/url] near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 12th June 2016 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28102099.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12862709575777a64cb4ba7.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include [url=http://www.gigrin.co.uk/]Gigrin Farm feeding centre[/url] near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 12th June 2016 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52518252.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_43183362367546112e69e0.jpgGreen Woodpecker The (European) Green Woodpecker is a large green woodpecker species. There are 3 sub-species with subtle differences between them whilst the Iberian Green Woodpecker found in Spain and Portugal and the Levaillant's Woodpecker found in north west Africa were formerly considered as sub-species but are now treated as separate species based on the results of studies published in 2011 The Green Woodpecker measures 12 to 14 inches in length with a 18 to 20 inches wingspan. Both sexes are green above and pale yellowish green below with a yellow rump and red crown and nape. The moustachial stripe has a red centre in the male but is solid black in the female. The lores and around the white eye are black in both male and female. Juveniles are spotty and streaked all over with a dark moustachial stripe initially although juvenile males can show some red feathers by early June or usually by July or August. Although the Green Woodpecker is shy and wary, it is usually its loud calls known as “yaffling” which first draw attention. Unlike many other woodpecker species, it rarely “drums” but often gives noisy calls while flying. The flight is undulating with 3 to 4 wingbeats followed by a short glide when the wings are held by the body. More than 75% of the range of the Green Woodpecker is in Europe although it is absent from the extreme north and east and also from Ireland, Greenland and the Macaronesian islands. Otherwise it is distributed widely with over 50% of the European population thought to be in France and Germany with substantial numbers also in the UK. It also occurs in west Asia. The Green Woodpecker is highly sedentary and individuals rarely move far from where they were born. The Green Woodpecker is generally found in semi-open landscapes with small woodlands, hedges, scattered old trees, edges of forests and floodplain forests. Suitable habitats for feeding include grassland, heaths, plantations, orchards and lawns. The Green Woodpecker is the largest of the 3 woodpecker species that breed in the UK. It can be found all year round and it is mainly a lowland species that breeds in open deciduous woodland, parks, orchards and farmland in England, Wales and Scotland although it is absent from the far north and west of the UK. The nest hole of the Green Woodpecker is larger but similar to those of other woodpecker species. It may be a few feet above the ground or at the top of a tall tree. Oaks, beeches, willows, aspens and fruit trees are the preferred nest trees. The hole may be excavated in sound or rotten wood with an entrance hole of 2.5 to 3 inches. The cavity inside may be up to 16 inches deep and excavation work is performed mostly by the male over 15 to 30 days. Some tree holes are used for breeding for more than 10 years but not necessarily by the same pair. The female lays 4 to 6 eggs and, after the last egg is laid, they are incubated for 19 to 20 days by both parents. The chicks fledge 21 to 24 days after hatching. The Green Woodpecker's diet consists primarily of various ant species and it spends much of its time foraging on the ground in grassland areas where the availability of ant nests is high. At ant nests, it probes into the ground and licks up adult ants and their larvae with its long tongue that wraps up and around the back of its head. Other insects and small reptiles are also taken occasionally. Date: 20th November 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/annestown-beach-co-waterford-ireland https://images.on-this.website/4752_14801311285e5393c2a967a.jpgAnnestown beach, Co. Waterford, Ireland Annestown is a small coastal village in Co. Waterford consisting of around 25 cottages and houses built on a steep hill. It is situated on the “Copper Coast” between Dungarvan and Tramore. The “Copper Coast” gets its name from the 19th century copper mines that left an archaeological and cultural heritage. It comprises some 15.5 miles of spectacular coastline consisting of scalloped beaches and coves buttressed and enclosed by rocky headlands. Oceans, volcanoes, deserts and ice sheets all combined to create the rocks which provide the physical foundation of the natural and cultural landscapes of the “Copper Coast”. The area was declared a European Geopark in 2001 and in 2015 the Copper Coast Geopark was designated a UNESCO Global Geopark. It extends for around 12 miles from Kilfarrasy in the east to Stradbally in the west. Date: 1st February 2020 Location: Annestown beach, Co. Waterford, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31192269.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_127588069259182390b142c6.11862312.jpgHerring Gull The Herring Gull is one of the best known of all gulls along the shores of Europe. Adults in breeding plumage have a grey back and upperwings and white head and underparts. The wingtips are black with white spots known as "mirrors". The bill is yellow with a red spot and there is a ring of bare yellow skin around the pale eye. The legs are normally pink at all ages but can be yellowish. Non-breeding adults have brown streaks on the head and neck. Male and female plumage is identical at all stages of development although adult males are often larger. Juvenile and first-winter birds are mainly brown with darker streaks and have a dark bill and eyes. Second-winter birds have a whiter head and underparts with less streaking and the back is grey. Third-winter individuals are similar to adults but retain some of the features of immature birds such as brown feathers in the wings and dark markings on the bill. The Herring Gull attains adult plumage and reaches sexual maturity at an average age of 4 years. The loud laughing call of the Herring Gull is well known and is often seen as a symbol of the seaside in countries such as the UK. It also has a yelping alarm call and a low barking anxiety call. Chicks and fledglings emit a distinctive, repetitive high-pitched 'peep', accompanied by a head-flicking gesture when begging for food from or calling to their parents. Adult gulls in urban areas will also exhibit this behaviour when fed by humans. The Herring Gull breeds across northern Europe, western Europe, central Europe, eastern Europe, Scandinavia and the Baltic states. Some, especially those resident in colder areas, migrate further south in winter but many are permanent residents such as in the UK or on the North Sea shores. While Herring Gull numbers appear to have been decreased in recent years, possibly by fish population declines and competition, they have proved able to survive in human-adapted areas and can often be seen in towns acting as a scavenger. The Herring Gull, like most gulls, is an omnivore and opportunist and will scavenge from garbage dumps, landfill sites and sewage outflows with refuse comprising up to half of the bird's diet. In addition, it will eat fish, crustaceans and dead animals as well as some plants and it will steal the eggs and young of other birds (including those of other gulls). The Herring Gull may also dive from the surface of the water or engage in plunge diving in the pursuit of aquatic prey although they are typically unable to reach any great depth due to their natural buoyancy. Date: 6th May 2017 Location: Holyhead harbour, Anglesey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26541495.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_210808082156aced38a0d35.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 17th January 2016 Location: Caerlaverock WWT reserve, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874879.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1333677757561cd1557987d.jpgCommon Snipe The Common Snipe is a medium sized, skulking wading bird with short legs and a long straight bill. Both sexes are mottled brown above with paler buff stripes on the back, dark streaks on the chest and pale underparts. The Common Snipe breeds in marshes, bogs, tundra and wet meadows throughout northern Europe and northern Asia. It is a migratory bird, with European birds wintering in southern and western Europe and Africa. Date: 6th June 2015 Location: Reykhólar area, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26270253.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18837082965665518992e41.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 4th December 2015 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14247079.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6195826844f4e03d5334e7.jpgTufted Duck The Tufted Duck is a medium-sized diving duck. Males are black on the head, neck, breast and back and white on the sides with a small crest and a yellow eye. Females are browner in colour. Tufted Ducks breed in the UK across the lowland areas of England, Scotland and Ireland but less commonly in Wales. Numbers increase in the UK in winter due to birds moving to the UK from Iceland and northern Europe. Tufted Ducks can be found all year round in suitable habitats such as a reservoirs, gravel pits or lakes. Date: 25th February 2012 Location: Verulamium Park, St Albans, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21955211.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_155842694953da0d4c8fe7e.jpgCommon Guillemots The Common Guillemot, also known as the Common Murre or Thin-billed Murre, is a large species of auk. The auks are a family of seabirds which includes the Brunnich's Guillemot or Thick-billed Murre, Razorbill, Little Auk and the extinct Great Auk. The Common Guillemot is 15 to 18 inches in length with a 24 to 29 inches wingspan. In breeding plumage, it is black or dark brown on the head, back and wings with white underparts. It has a thin dark pointed bill and a small rounded dark tail. Legs are grey and the bill is dark grey. Males and females are identical. Some individuals in the North Atlantic, known as "Bridled Guillemots", have a white ring around the eye extending back as a white line. This is not a distinct subspecies but a polymorphism that becomes more common the farther north the birds breed. The Common Guillemot flies with fast wing beats and has a flight speed of around 50 mph. Groups of birds are often seen flying together in a line just above the surface of the sea. However, it is not a very agile bird and take-off is often difficult. The Common Guillemot becomes flightless for 45 to 60 days while moulting its primary feathers. The Common Guillemot is a pursuit diver that forages for food by swimming underwater using its wings for propulsion. Dives usually last less than one minute but the bird swims underwater for distances of over 100 feet on a regular basis. Diving depths up to 590 feet have been recorded. The Common Guillemot has a circumpolar distribution and it occurs in low Arctic and boreal waters in the north Atlantic and north Pacific. It spends most of its time at sea and only comes to land to breed on rocky cliffs, sea stacks and islands. Some birds are permanent residents but northern birds migrate south to open waters off New England, southern California, Japan, Korea and the western Mediterranean. The Common Guillemot breeds in colonies at high densities and nesting pairs may be in bodily contact with their neighbours. No nest is made and the single egg is laid and incubated on a bare rock ledge on a cliff face. The egg hatches after 30 days incubation and the chick is born downy and can regulate its body temperature after 10 days. Some 20 days after hatching the chick jumps off its nesting ledge and heads for the sea unable to fly but gliding for some distance with fluttering wings and accompanied by its male parent. The chicks are capable of diving as soon as they hit the water. The female stays at the nest site for some 14 days after the chick has left. The Common Guillemot can venture far from its breeding grounds to forage and distances of 60 miles or more are often observed although if sufficient food is available closer by, birds will only travel much shorter distances. It mainly eats small schooling fish 8 inches long or less such as Polar Cod, Capelin, Sand Lances, Sprats, Sandeels, Atlantic Cod and Atlantic Herring. It also eats some molluscs, marine worms, squid and crustaceans. It is often seen carrying fish in its bill with the tail hanging out. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: view from the Farne Islands boat trip from Seahouses Harbour, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51984701.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_32479007766d356f8dac1f.jpgMeadow Brown Flight period: June to August. The Meadow Brown is one of the most widespread and abundant of the UK's butterflies. It can be found typically in open grasslands but also other habitats such as roadside verges, woodland rides and urban parks and cemeteries. Date: 27th August 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/scaup https://images.on-this.website/4752_2435836414db17e185c6c3.jpgScaup The Greater Scaup, or just Scaup in Europe, is a medium sized diving duck in the genus [i]Aythya[/i]. The adult Scaup is 15 to 22 inches in length with a 28 to 33 inches wingspan and it is 20% heavier and 10% longer than the closely related Lesser Scaup. The adult male has a dark head with a green sheen, blue bill and yellow eyes, a glossy black neck, breast and tail, a light back, vermiculated grey lower flanks and a bright white belly. The upper wing has a white stripe starting as the speculum and extending along the flight feathers to the wingtip. The male is larger and has a more rounded head than the female. The adult female has a brown body and head, with white wing markings similar to those of the male but slightly duller. It has a white band and brown oval shaped patches at the base of the bill which is a slightly duller shade of blue than the male's. Juveniles look similar to adult females. The Scaup has a circumpolar distribution and it breeds within the Arctic Circle both in the Old World (the Palearctic) and in north America (the Nearctic). In the summer months it can be found in Alaska, Siberia and the northern parts of Europe. It is also found in Asia and is present in the Aleutian Islands all year round. The Scaup breeds in marshy lowland tundra and islands in fresh water lakes. Males have a soft, quick whistle which they use to attract the attention of females during courtship which takes place from late winter to early spring on the way back to their northern breeding grounds. The courtship is complex and results in the formation of monogamous pairs. Pairs nest in close proximity to each other in large colonies, usually near water, on an island or shoreline or on a raft of floating vegetation. The nest consists of a shallow depression made by the female and lined with her down. After the female lays the eggs, the male abandons the female and moves with other males to a large, isolated lake to moult. These lakes can be close to the breeding grounds or miles away. The female lays 6 to 9 eggs which she incubates for 24 to 28 days. Newly hatched chicks are covered with down and are soon able to walk, swim and feed themselves. However, they are not able to fly until 40 to 45 days after hatching and they follow their mother who protects them from predators. In the autumn, Scaup start their migration south for the winter. During the winter months it can be found in large flocks in coastal bays and estuaries along the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of north America, the coasts of north west Europe, the Caspian Sea, the Black Sea, the coast of Japan, the Yellow Sea and the East China Sea. In Europe, the Scaup breeds in Iceland, along the northern coasts of Scandinavia, in the Baltic Sea and in areas close to the Arctic Ocean in Russia. These birds spend the winter in the UK (primarily on estuaries in north England and central Scotland but also occasionally on lakes and reservoirs elsewhere), west Norway, south Sweden, the coast from Brittany in France to Poland, the eastern Adriatic Sea, the north and west Black Sea and the south west Caspian Sea. The Scaup dives up to 20 feet to obtain food which it then eats on the surface. It mainly eats molluscs, aquatic plants and aquatic insects. Although the Scaup faces numerous threats, the most significant challenge to their survival is habitat degradation caused by a mix of human development, run-off of organochloride contaminants and oil and sewage pollution. Since the 1980s, the population has been steadily decreasing although it still rated as a species of “least concern” by the IUCN. Date: 5th November 2008 Location: Loch Indaal, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623240.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4411019856117d9a655779.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/april-2017-avocets https://images.on-this.website/4752_2066400162593fbcb7ecee03.10703683.jpgApril 2017 - Avocets Please see [url=https://rlchew1.photium.com/photo30825789.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/sandfjord-norway https://images.on-this.website/4752_14449069014eff1fc8a349b.jpgSandfjord, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway Date: 26th May 2009 Location: view from coastal road at Sandfjord, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/cuckoo https://images.on-this.website/4752_168391405257cc366533675.jpgCuckoo The (Common) Cuckoo is a member of the cuckoo order of birds which includes the roadrunners, the anis and the coucals. The species' name is derived from the Latin [i]cuculus[/i] (the cuckoo) and [i]canorus[/i] (melodious, derived from canere meaning to sing). The cuckoo family gets its common name and genus name by onomatopoeia for the call of the male (Common) Cuckoo. There are 4 subspecies worldwide. C. c. canorus, the nominate subspecies, occurs widely as a summer migrant from the UK through Scandinavia, north Russia and Siberia to Japan in the east and from the Pyrenees through Turkey, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, north China and Korea. Birds arrive in Europe in April and leave in September. It winters in Africa and south Asia. Although the Cuckoo's global population appears to be declining, it is classified of being of Least Concern by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. The Cuckoo is 13 inches long from bill to tail with a tail of 5 to 6 inches and a wingspan of 22 to 24 inches. The legs are short. It is greyish in colour with a slender body and long tail and can be mistaken for a falcon in flight. During the breeding season, Cuckoos often settle on an open perch with drooped wings and raised tail. All adult males are slate-grey and the grey throat extends well down the bird's breast with a sharp demarcation to the barred underparts. The iris, orbital ring, the base of the bill and feet are yellow. Grey morph adult females have a pinkish-buff or buff background to the barring and neck sides and sometimes small rufous spots on the median and greater coverts and the outer secondary feathers. Rufous morph adult females have reddish-brown upperparts with dark grey or black bars. Cuckoos in their first autumn have variable plumage. Some are have strongly-barred chestnut-brown upperparts while others are plain grey. The male Cuckoo's song is usually given from an open perch. During the breeding season the male typically gives this vocalisation with intervals of 1 to 1.5 seconds in groups of 10 to 20 seconds with a rest of a few seconds between groups. The female has a loud bubbling call. The wings are drooped when calling intensely. When in the vicinity of a potential female, the male often wags its tail from side to side or the body may pivot from side to side. The Cuckoo's diet consists of insects, with hairy caterpillars, which are distasteful to many birds, being a specialty of preference. It also occasionally eats eggs and chicks. The Cuckoo is a brood parasite i.e. it lays its eggs in the nests of other birds. At the appropriate moment, the female Cuckoo flies down to the host's nest, pushes one egg out of the nest, lays an egg and flies off. The whole process takes about 10 seconds. A female may visit up to 50 nests during a breeding season. More than 100 host species have been recorded: Meadow Pipit, Dunnock and Reed Warbler are the most common hosts in northern Europe; Garden Warbler, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail and Robin in central Europe; Brambling and Common Redstart in Finland; and Great Reed Warbler in Hungary. Female Cuckoos are divided in to groups favouring a particular host species' nest and laying eggs that match those of that species in colour and pattern. As the Cuckoo evolves to lay eggs that better imitate the host's eggs, the host species adapts and is more able to distinguish the Cuckoo egg. The naked Cuckoo chick hatches after 11 to 13 days when it methodically evicts all host chicks from the nest. The Cuckoo chick is a much larger bird than its host’s chicks and it needs to monopolize the food supplied by the parents. The chick will roll the other eggs out of the nest by pushing them with its back over the edge. If the host's eggs hatch before the Cuckoo's, the Cuckoo chick will push the other chicks out of the nest in a similar way. At 14 days old, the Cuckoo chick is about 3 times the size of an adult Reed Warbler. Cuckoo chicks fledge about 17 to 21 days after hatching, compared to 12 to 13 days for Reed Warblers. If the female cuckoo is out-of-phase with a clutch of the host’s eggs, she will eat them all so that the hosts are forced to start another brood. Date: 13th May 2016 Location: Virtsu to Paatsalu, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30017274.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6487395565875527416530.jpgBewick's Swans The Tundra Swan is a small Holarctic swan. The 2 taxa within it are usually regarded as conspecific but are also sometimes split into 2 species: the Bewick's Swan of the Palaearctic and the Whistling Swan of the Nearctic. The Bewick's Swan was named in 1830 by William Yarrell after the engraver Thomas Bewick who specialised in illustrations of birds and animals. The Bewick's Swan measures 45 to 55 inches in length with a wing span of 18.5 to 21.5 inches. Males are slightly larger and heavier than females. It is similar in appearance to the Whooper Swan but is smaller, shorter-necked and has a more rounded head shape. It has a variable bill pattern but always shows more black than yellow and having a blunt forward edge of the yellow base patch. The Whooper Swan has a bill that has more yellow than black and the forward edge of the yellow patch is usually pointed. The bill pattern for every individual Bewick's Swan is unique and scientists often make detailed drawings of each bill and assign names to the swans to assist with studying these birds. As their common name implies, the Tundra Swan breeds in the Arctic and sub-Arctic tundra where they inhabit shallow pools, lakes and rivers. Unlike the Mute Swan, but like the other Arctic swans, it is a migratory bird. The winter habitat is mainly grassland and marshland, often near the coast. The breeding range of the Bewick’s Swan extends across the coastal lowlands of Siberia from the Kola Peninsula east to the Pacific. It starts to arrive in its breeding range around mid-May and leaves for its winter range around the end of September. The populations west of the Taimyr Peninsula migrate via the White Sea, Baltic Sea and the Elbe estuary to winter in Denmark, the Netherlands and the UK where it is common in winter on a few RSPB and WWT reserves. Some birds also winter elsewhere on the southern shores of the North Sea. The Bewick’s Swans that breed in eastern Russia migrate via Mongolia and north China to winter in the coastal regions of Korea, Japan and south China, south to Guangdong and occasionally as far as Taiwan. A few birds from the central Siberian range also winter in Iran at the south of the Caspian Sea. Arrival in the winter range starts about mid-October although most birds spend weeks or even months at favourite resting locations and will only arrive in the winter range in November or even as late as January. Departure from the winter range starts in mid-February. Bewick’s Swans mate in the late spring, usually after they have returned to the breeding range. As is usual for swans, they pair monogamously until one partner dies. Should one partner die long before the other, the surviving bird often will not mate again for several years or even for the rest of its life. The nesting season starts at the end of May. The pair build the large mound-shaped nest from plant material at an elevated site near open water and they defend a large territory around it. The pen (female) lays and incubates a clutch of 2 to 7 (usually 3 to 5) eggs whilst the cob (male) keeps a steady lookout for potential predators heading towards his mate and offspring. The time from egg laying to hatching is 29 to 30 days. Since they nest in cold regions, Bewick’s Swan cygnets grow faster than those of swans breeding in warmer climates and they may fledge in 40 to 45 days. Cygnets stay with their parents for the first winter migration and the family is sometimes even joined by their offspring from previous breeding seasons while on the wintering grounds. Bewick’s Swans do not reach sexual maturity until 3 or 4 years of age. In summer, the diet of the Bewick’s Swan consists mainly of aquatic vegetation which it finds by sticking its head underwater or upending while swimming. It will also eat some grass growing on dry land. At other times of the year, leftover grains and other crops such as potatoes, picked up in open fields after harvest, make up much of the diet. Healthy adult Bewick’s Swans have few natural predators. The Arctic Fox may threaten breeding females and particular the eggs and hatchlings. Adults typically can stand their ground and displace foxes but occasionally the foxes are successful. Other potential nest predators include the Red Fox, the Brown Bear, the Golden Eagle, the Arctic Skua and the Glaucous Gull. The Brown Bear, the Golden Eagle and the Wolf may occasionally succeed at capturing and killing an adult. About 15% adults die each year from various causes and the average lifespan in the wild is about 10 years. The status of the Bewick's Swan is not well known although its population is in decline in north west Europe for largely unexplained reasons. It is increasingly dependent on agricultural crops to supplement its winter diet as aquatic vegetation in its winter habitat declines due to habitat destruction and water pollution. However, the main cause of adult mortality is hunting and, whilst the Bewick's Swan can not be hunted legally, almost half the birds studied contain lead shot in their bodies, indicating that they were shot at by poachers. Lead poisoning by ingestion of lead shot is also a very significant cause of mortality. The Bewick's Swan is one of the birds to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 2nd January 2017 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26541502.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_113213340856aced54427b8.jpgWater Rail The Water Rail is a member of the rail family. The adult is about 9 to 11 inches long with a 15 to 18 inches wingspan. The upper parts from the forehead to tail are olive-brown with black streaks, especially on the shoulders. The sides of the head and the underparts down to the upper belly are dark slate-blue, except for a blackish area between bill and eye and brownish sides to the upper breast. The flanks are barred black and white and the undertail is white with some darker streaks. The long bill and the iris are red and the legs are flesh-brown. The sexes are similar although the female averages slightly smaller than the male with a more slender bill. Individual adults can be identified by the markings on the undertail which are unique to each bird. Adult males have the strongest black undertail streaks. It has been suggested that the dark barring on the undertail of this species is a compromise between the signalling function of a pure white undertail, as found in open water or gregarious species like the Moorhen, and the need to avoid being too conspicuous. The Water Rail can readily be distinguished from most other reed bed rails by the white undertail and the red bill which is a little longer than the rest of the head and slightly down-curved. The Water Rail is a vocal species which gives its main call, known as "sharming", throughout the year. This is a series of grunts followed by a high-pitched piglet-like squeal and ending in more grunts. It is used as a territorial call, alarm and announcement. Members of a pair may call alternately, the male giving lower and slower notes than the female. Birds are most vocal when setting up a territory and early in the breeding season when calling may continue at night. The Water Rail is a skulking species, its streaked plumage making it difficult to see in its wetland habitat. Its laterally compressed body allows it to slip though the densest vegetation and it will "freeze" if surprised in the open. It walks with a high-stepping gait although it adopts a crouch when it runs for cover. It swims, when necessary, with the jerky motion typical of rails and it flies short distances low with its long legs dangling. Although its flight looks weak, the Water Rail is capable of long sustained flights during its nocturnal migration. The Water Rail breeds across temperate Eurasia from Iceland and the UK discontinuously to north Africa, Saudi Arabia and western China. Its distribution in Asia is poorly studied. It is resident in the milder south and west of its range but migrates south from areas that are subject to harsh winters. It winters within its breeding range and also further south in north Africa, the Middle East and the Caspian Sea area. The peak migration period is September to October with most birds returning to the breeding grounds from March to mid-April. The Water Rail is widely but thinly distributed as a breeding bird across the UK but it is absent from upland areas. It is most abundant in eastern England and suitable habitat along the south coast. Numbers are higher in winter when many birds arrive from Europe. The breeding habitat of the Water Rail is permanent wetland with still or slow-moving fresh or brackish water and dense, tall vegetation. On migration and in winter, a wider range of wet habitats may be used such as flooded thickets or bracken. Freezing condition may force birds into more open locations such as ditches, rubbish dumps and gardens or even out on to exposed ice. The Water Rail is monogamous and highly territorial when breeding. The birds pair off after arriving at their nesting areas or possibly even before spring migration. The pair give courting and contact calls throughout the breeding season. The nest is well hidden and made from whatever wetland vegetation is available. It is built mostly by the male and usually in a single day. It is raised 6 inches or more above water level and is generally constructed on clumps of roots, tree stumps or similar support. It may be built up higher if water levels start to rise. The typical clutch is 6 to 11 eggs across most of the range and the clutch size may be smaller early or late in the breeding season. The breeding season can be extended by replacement and second clutches. Both parents incubate the eggs although the female takes the larger share of this duty. The eggs are incubated for 19 to 22 days to hatching. The downy chicks leave the nest within 2 days of hatching but continue to be fed by their parents, although the chicks also find some of their own food after about 5 days. The chicks are independent of their parents after 20 to 30 days and can fly when aged 7 to 9 weeks. Average survival after fledging has been estimated as between 17 and 20 months with an annual survival rate slightly less than 50% per year for the first 3 years and somewhat higher thereafter. The maximum recorded age is 8 years 10 months. The Water Rail is a versatile and opportunistic forager although it follows definite routes when feeding, frequently returning to good hunting areas. It is omnivorous although it mainly feeds on animals such as leeches, worms, gastropods, small crustaceans, spiders and a wide range of both terrestrial and aquatic insects and their larvae. Small vertebrates such as amphibians, fish, birds and mammals may be killed or eaten as carrion. Plant food, which is consumed more in autumn and winter, includes the buds, flowers, shoots and seeds of water plants, berries and fruit. The Water Rail's numbers are declining but it has a large population and a huge breeding range. In most European countries, the population is either stable or decreasing slightly due to loss of habitat arising from the drainage of marshes, canalisation of water courses, urban encroachment and pollution. Introduced predators such as American Mink are a threat to vulnerable island populations. Date: 17th January 2016 Location: Caerlaverock WWT reserve, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21957298.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_37124482753da3b2bae2e5.jpgCommon Guillemots The Common Guillemot, also known as the Common Murre or Thin-billed Murre, is a large species of auk. The auks are a family of seabirds which includes the Brunnich's Guillemot or Thick-billed Murre, Razorbill, Little Auk and the extinct Great Auk. The Common Guillemot is 15 to 18 inches in length with a 24 to 29 inches wingspan. In breeding plumage, it is black or dark brown on the head, back and wings with white underparts. It has a thin dark pointed bill and a small rounded dark tail. Legs are grey and the bill is dark grey. Males and females are identical. Some individuals in the North Atlantic, known as "Bridled Guillemots", have a white ring around the eye extending back as a white line. This is not a distinct subspecies but a polymorphism that becomes more common the farther north the birds breed. The Common Guillemot flies with fast wing beats and has a flight speed of around 50 mph. Groups of birds are often seen flying together in a line just above the surface of the sea. However, it is not a very agile bird and take-off is often difficult. The Common Guillemot becomes flightless for 45 to 60 days while moulting its primary feathers. The Common Guillemot is a pursuit diver that forages for food by swimming underwater using its wings for propulsion. Dives usually last less than one minute but the bird swims underwater for distances of over 100 feet on a regular basis. Diving depths up to 590 feet have been recorded. The Common Guillemot has a circumpolar distribution and it occurs in low Arctic and boreal waters in the north Atlantic and north Pacific. It spends most of its time at sea and only comes to land to breed on rocky cliffs, sea stacks and islands. Some birds are permanent residents but northern birds migrate south to open waters off New England, southern California, Japan, Korea and the western Mediterranean. The Common Guillemot breeds in colonies at high densities and nesting pairs may be in bodily contact with their neighbours. No nest is made and the single egg is laid and incubated on a bare rock ledge on a cliff face. The egg hatches after 30 days incubation and the chick is born downy and can regulate its body temperature after 10 days. Some 20 days after hatching the chick jumps off its nesting ledge and heads for the sea unable to fly but gliding for some distance with fluttering wings and accompanied by its male parent. The chicks are capable of diving as soon as they hit the water. The female stays at the nest site for some 14 days after the chick has left. The Common Guillemot can venture far from its breeding grounds to forage and distances of 60 miles or more are often observed although if sufficient food is available closer by, birds will only travel much shorter distances. It mainly eats small schooling fish 8 inches long or less such as Polar Cod, Capelin, Sand Lances, Sprats, Sandeels, Atlantic Cod and Atlantic Herring. It also eats some molluscs, marine worms, squid and crustaceans. It is often seen carrying fish in its bill with the tail hanging out. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Staple Island, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37399621.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13567043505c6697ca95940.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 9th December 2018 Location: Winterton-Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33568424.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15584601165a106b440f776.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 4th November 2017 Location: Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37399630.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15457839345c6697eb37978.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 9th December 2018 Location: Winterton-Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37399616.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1372325865c6697b799c52.jpgAtlantic Grey Seals The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 9th December 2018 Location: Winterton-Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37399615.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20041819675c6697b43df2a.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 9th December 2018 Location: Winterton-Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32708790.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_68000701459ad251b04dfd8.96665322.jpgLittle Egret The Little Egret is a species of small heron. The genus name comes from the Provençal French [i]Aigrette[/i] (egret), a diminutive of [i]Aigron [/i] (heron). The adult Little Egret is 22 to 26 inches long with a 35 to 42 inches wingspan. Its plumage is normally entirely white although there are dark forms with largely bluish-grey plumage. In the breeding season, the adult has 2 long plumes on the nape that form a crest. These plumes are about 6 inches in length and are pointed and very narrow. There are similar feathers on the breast but the barbs are more widely spread. There are also several elongated scapular feathers that have long loose barbs around 8 inches long. During the winter the plumage is similar but the scapulars are shorter and more normal in appearance. The bill is long and slender and both it and the lores are black. There is an area of greenish-grey bare skin at the base of the lower mandible and around the eye which has a yellow iris. The legs are black and the feet yellow. Juveniles are similar to non-breeding adults but have greenish-black legs and duller yellow feet and may have a certain proportion of greyish or brownish feathers. The Little Egret is mostly silent but it does make various croaking and bubbling calls at its breeding colonies and it produces a harsh alarm call when disturbed. The breeding range of the western race of the Little Egret includes south Europe, the Middle East, much of Africa and south Asia. European populations are migratory and mostly travel to Africa although some remain in southern Europe. During the late 20th century, the range of the Little Egret expanded northwards in Europe and into the New World. The Little Egret's habitat varies widely and includes the shores of lakes, rivers, canals, ponds, lagoons, marshes and flooded land, the bird preferring open locations to dense cover. On the coast it inhabits mudflats, sandy beaches, mangrove areas, swamps and reefs. The Little Egret is a sociable bird and can be seen in small flocks. However, individual birds do not tolerate others coming too close to their chosen feeding site although this depends on the abundance of prey. The Little Egret uses a variety of methods to find its food. It stalks its prey in shallow water, often running with raised wings or shuffling its feet to disturb small fish, or it may stand still and wait to ambush prey. It also makes use of opportunities provided by Cormorants disturbing fish or humans attracting fish by throwing bread into water. On land, it walks or runs while chasing its prey, often feeding on creatures disturbed by grazing livestock. The diet is mainly fish but amphibians, small reptiles, mammals and birds are also eaten as well as crustaceans, molluscs, insects, spiders and worms. The Little Egret nests in colonies, often with other wading birds such as Cattle Egret, Black-crowned Night Heron, Squacco Heron and Glossy Ibis. The nests are usually platforms of sticks built in trees or shrubs or in reed beds or bamboo groves. Pairs defend a small breeding territory, usually extending around 10 to 13 feet from the nest. The 3 to 5 eggs are incubated by both adults for 21 to 25 days before hatching. The young birds are covered in white down feathers are cared for by both parents and fledge after 40 to 45 days. Globally, the Little Egret is not listed as a threatened species and has in fact expanded its range over the last few decades.[5] The IUCN states that their wide distribution and large total population means that they are a species that cause them "least concern". Historical research has shown that the Little Egret was once present, and probably common, in the UK but became extinct there through a combination of over-hunting in the late mediaeval period and climate change at the start of the Little Ice Age. Further declines occurred throughout Europe as the plumes of the Little Egret and other egrets were in demand for decorating hats. They had been used in the plume trade since at least the 17th century but in the 19th century it became a major craze and the number of egret skins passing through dealers reached into the millions. Hunting, which reduced the population of the species to dangerously low levels, stimulated the establishment of Britain's Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in 1889. By the 1950s, the Little Egret had become restricted to south Europe and conservation laws protecting the species were introduced. This allowed the population to rebound strongly and over the next few decades it became increasingly common in western France and later on the north coast. It bred in the Netherlands in 1979 with further breeding from the 1990s onward. Populations are now mostly stable or increasing in Europe. In the UK, the Little Egret was a rare vagrant from its 16th century extinction until the late 20th century. It has, however, recently become a regular breeding species and is commonly present, often in large numbers, at favoured coastal sites. The first recent breeding record in England was on Brownsea Island in Dorset in 1996 and it bred in Wales for the first time in 2002. The population increase has been rapid subsequently with over 750 pairs breeding in nearly 70 colonies in 2008 and a post-breeding total of 4,540 birds in September 2008. Severe winter weather proves only to be a temporary setback and the Little Egret continues to expand both its numbers and range in the UK. Date: 18th May 2017 Location: Csaj-tó, Csanytelek, Csongrád county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12744864.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19385874424e706ded184b9.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 7th December 2007 Location: Donna Nook, Lincolnshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11639786.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16913070624e2fdc3caa2ca.jpgRed Grouse The Red Grouse is a medium-sized bird of the grouse family which is found in heather moorland in the UK and Ireland. It is endemic to the UK and has developed in isolation. It is usually classified as a sub-species of the Willow Ptarmigan or Willow Grouse which is found in birch and other forests and moorlands in north Europe, the tundra of Scandinavia, Siberia, Alaska and north Canada. The Red Grouse is differentiated from the Willow Ptarmigan and Rock Ptarmigan by its plumage being reddish brown and not having a white winter plumage. The tail is black and the legs are white. There are white stripes on the underwing and red combs over the eye. Females are less reddish than the males and have less conspicuous combs. Young birds are duller and lack the red combs. The Red Grouse is found across most parts of Scotland, including Orkney, Shetland and most of the Outer Hebrides. It is only absent from urban areas such as in the Central Belt. In Wales there are strong populations of Red Grouse in some places but the range has retracted. It is now largely absent from the far south and the main strongholds are Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons and the Cambrian Mountains. In England the Red Grouse is mainly found in the north in areas such as the Lake District, Northumberland, County Durham, much of Yorkshire, the Pennines and the Peak District as far south as the Staffordshire Moorlands. There is an isolated introduced population on Dartmoor and overspill Welsh birds visit the Shropshire Hills.The typical habitat is upland heather moors away from trees. It can also be found in some low-lying bogs and birds may visit farmland during hard weather. The UK population of the Red Grouse is estimated at about 250,000 pairs. Numbers have declined in recent years and it is now absent in areas where it was once common. Reasons for the decline include disease, loss of heather due to overgrazing, creation of new conifer plantations and a decline in the number of upland gamekeepers. Some predators feed on Red Grouse and there is ongoing controversy as to what effect these have on numbers. The Red Grouse is herbivorous and feeds mainly on the shoots, seeds and flowers of heather. It will also feed on berries, cereal crops and sometimes insects. The Red Grouse is considered a game bird and is shot in large numbers during the shooting season which traditionally starts on August 12th (known as the Glorious Twelfth). Shooting can take the form of “walked up” (where shooters walk across the moor to flush grouse and take a shot) or “driven” (where grouse are driven, often in large numbers, by “beaters” towards the shooters who are hiding behind a line of “butts”). Many moors are managed to increase the density of Red Grouse. Areas of heather are subjected to controlled burning since this allows fresh young shoots to regenerate which are favoured by Red Grouse. In addition, extensive predator control is a feature of grouse moor management and the extent and legality to which it occurs is hotly contested between conservation groups and shooting interests and the subject generates a lot of media attention. The Red Grouse is widely known as the logo of The Famous Grouse whisky and an animated bird is a character in a series of its adverts. It is also the emblem of the magazine “British Birds”. Date: 17th April 2007 Location: Grinton Moor, Yorkshire Dales National Park, North Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo442196.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1043250238467f22e5b1a96.jpgLoch Sunart, Argyll Loch Sunart is a sea loch in the Western Highlands extending almost 20 miles westwards from Glen Tarbert before opening out into the Sound of Mull. Loch Sunart separates the areas of Ardnamurchan and Sunart to the north from Morvern in the south. Date: 25th December 2005 Location: view from the A884 Morvern road looking north east http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21959203.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_200150073753da63947dd2c.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Inner Farne, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/starling https://images.on-this.website/4752_1888922621548d53d6ef591.jpgStarling The Common Starling, also known as the European starling or in the UK just as the Starling, is a medium-sized passerine bird in the starling family. There are several sub-species of the Starling which vary in size and the colour tone of the adult plumage. The gradual variation over geographic range and extensive intergradation means that acceptance of the various sub-species varies between different authorities. The Starling is 7.5 to 9.1 inches in length with a wingspan of 12 to 17 inches. The plumage is iridescent black, glossed purple or green and spangled with white, especially in winter. The underparts of the adult male Starlings are generally less spotted than those of adult females. The throat feathers of the males are long and loose and are used in display while those of the females are smaller and more pointed. The legs are stout and pinkish-red or greyish-red. The bill is narrow and conical with a sharp tip. In the winter it is brownish-black but in summer the females have lemon yellow beaks whilst the males have yellow bills with blue-grey bases. Moulting occurs once a year in late summer after the breeding season and the fresh feathers are prominently tipped white (breast feathers) or buff (wing and back feathers) giving a speckled appearance. The reduction in the spotting in the breeding season is achieved through the white feather tips largely wearing off. Juveniles are grey-brown and by their first winter they resemble adults although they often retain some brown juvenile feathering especially on the head. In flight, the Starling’s strongly pointed wings and dark colouration are distinctive whilst on the ground its strange waddling gait is also characteristic. The colouring and build usually distinguish the Starling from other starling species although the closely related Spotless Starling from Iberia and north Africa may be physically distinguished by the lack of iridescent spots in the adult breeding plumage. Like most terrestrial starlings, the Starling moves by walking or running rather than hopping. Their flight is quite strong and direct and their triangular-shaped wings beat very rapidly. They periodically glide for a short way without losing much height before resuming powered flight. When in a flock, the birds take off almost simultaneously, wheel and turn in unison, form a compact mass or trail off into a wispy stream, bunch up again and the land in a co-ordinated fashion. The Starling is a noisy bird. Its song consists of a wide variety of both melodic and mechanical-sounding noises as part of a ritual succession of sounds. The male is the main songster and engages in bouts of song lasting for a minute or more. Each of these typically includes 4 varieties of song type which follow each other in a regular order without pause. The bout starts with a series of pure tone whistles and these are followed by the main part of the song, a number of variable sequences that often incorporate snatches of song mimicked from other species of bird and various naturally occurring or man-made noises. The structure and simplicity of the sound mimicked is of greater importance than the frequency with which it occurs. Each sound clip is repeated several times before the bird moves on to the next. After this variable section comes a number of types of repeated clicks followed by a final burst of high frequency song, again formed of several types. Each bird has its own repertoire with more proficient birds having a range of up to 35 variable song types and as many as 14 types of clicks. Males sing constantly as the breeding period approaches and perform less often once pairs have bonded. In the presence of a female, a male sometimes flies to his nest and sings from the entrance, apparently attempting to entice the female in. Having a complex song is also useful in defending a territory and deterring less experienced males from encroaching. Singing also occurs outside the breeding season and takes place throughout the year apart from the moulting period. The songsters are more commonly males although females also sing on occasion. The function of such out-of-season song is poorly understood. Starlings chatter while roosting and bathing and make a great deal of noise that can cause irritation to some people living nearby. When a flock of Starlings is flying together, the synchronised movements of their wings make a distinctive whooshing sound that can be heard hundred yards away. The global population of the Starling was estimated to be 310 million birds in 2004, occupying a total area of 3.4 million square miles. Its numbers are not thought to be declining significantly so it is classified by the IUCN as being of “Least Concern”. It had shown a marked increase in numbers throughout Europe from the 19th century to around the 1950s and 1960s. However, declines in populations have been observed since 1980, including in the UK. This seems to be due to the low survival rate of young birds which may be caused by changes in agricultural practices. The intensive farming methods used in north Europe mean there is less pasture and meadow habitat available and the supply of grassland invertebrates needed for the nestlings to thrive is correspondingly reduced. The Starling remains widespread throughout the Northern Hemisphere and it is native to Eurasia. It is found throughout Europe, north Africa from Morocco to Egypt, India (mainly in the north but regularly extending further south) and extending into the Maldives, Nepal, the Middle East including Syria, Iran and Iraq and north west China. Starlings in the south and west of Europe and south of latitude 40°N are mainly resident although other populations migrate from regions where the winter is harsh, the ground frozen and food scarce. Large numbers of birds from northern Europe, Russia and Ukraine migrate south westwards or south eastwards. In the autumn, when immigrants are arriving from eastern Europe, many of the UK's Starlings are setting off for Iberia and north Africa. Other groups of birds are in passage across the country and the pathways of these different streams of bird may cross. The Starling prefers urban or suburban areas where artificial structures and trees provide adequate nesting and roosting sites. Reedbeds are also favoured for roosting and Starlings commonly feed in grassy areas such as farmland, grazing pastures, playing fields, golf courses and airfields where short grass makes foraging easy. The Starling occasionally inhabits open forests and woodlands although it is rarely found in dense, wet forests. It can also be found in coastal areas where it nests and roosts on cliffs and forages amongst seaweed. The Starling’s ability to adapt to a large variety of habitats has allowed it to disperse and establish the species in diverse locations around the world and resulting in a habitat range from coastal wetlands to alpine forests and from sea cliffs to mountain ranges. The Starling has been introduced to and has successfully established itself in New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, north America, Fiji and several Caribbean islands. As a result, it has also been able to migrate to Thailand, south east Asia and New Guinea. Breeding takes place during the spring and summer. Unpaired males find a suitable cavity and begin to build nests in order to attract single females, often decorating the nest with ornaments such as flowers and fresh green material, which the female later disassembles when accepting the male as a mate. The males sing throughout much of the construction and even more so when a female approaches his nest. Following mating, the male and female continue to build the nest. Nests may be located in any type of hole and common locations include inside hollowed trees, buildings, tree stumps and man-made nest-boxes. Nests are typically made out of straw, dry grass and twigs with an inner lining made up of feathers, wool and soft leaves. Construction usually takes 4 or 5 days and may continue through incubation.[29] The Starling is both monogamous and polygamous. Although broods are generally brought up by a single male and a single female, occasionally the pair may have an extra helper. Pairs may be part of a colony, in which case several other nests may occupy the same or nearby trees. Males may mate with a second female while the first is still on the nest. The reproductive success of the bird is poorer in the second nest than it is in the primary nest and is better when the male remains monogamous. Following mating, the female lays eggs on a daily basis over a period of several days. There are normally 4 or 5 eggs which are pale blue or occasionally white and they commonly have a glossy appearance. Incubation lasts 13 days and both parents share this responsibility although the female spends more time incubating than the male. The female is the only parent to do so at night when the male returns to the communal roost. Nestlings remain in the nest for 3 weeks where they are fed continuously by both parents. Fledglings continue to be fed by their parents for another 1 or 2 weeks. A pair can raise up to 3 broods per year although 2 broods is typical and just a single one is normal north of 48°N. Within 2 months most juveniles will have moulted and gained their first basic plumage. They acquire their adult plumage the following year. Starling nests have a 48% to 79% rate of successful fledging although only 20% of nestlings survive to breeding age. The adult survival rate is closer to 60%. The average life span is about 2 to 3 years. A majority of starling predators are avian, in particular birds of prey The Starling is a highly gregarious species, especially in autumn and winter. Although flock size is highly variable, huge noisy flocks (murmurations) may form near roosts. These dense concentrations of birds are thought to be a defence against attacks by birds of prey. Flocks form a tight sphere-like formation in flight, frequently expanding and contracting and changing shape, seemingly without any sort of leader. Each Starling changes its course and speed as a result of the movement of its closest neighbours. Very large roosts, exceptionally up to 1.5 million birds, can form in city centres, woodlands or reedbeds. The Starling is largely insectivorous and feeds on a wide range of invertebrates in both the adult and larvae stages of development. It will also feed on earthworms, snails, small amphibians and lizards. While the consumption of invertebrates is necessary for successful breeding, the Starling is omnivorous and will also eat grains, seeds, fruits, nectar and food waste if the opportunity arises. Date: 8th December 2014 Location: Denge Marsh, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26541489.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_70046003256aced2374c02.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 17th January 2016 Location: Caerlaverock WWT reserve, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11265306.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12945390164e1ad417eb00c.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 11th May 2008 Location: Skomer, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11349506.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_314218134e1eef9650390.jpgCommon Guillemot The Common Guillemot, also known as the Common Murre or Thin-billed Murre, is a large species of auk. The auks are a family of seabirds which includes the Brunnich's Guillemot or Thick-billed Murre, Razorbill, Little Auk and the extinct Great Auk. The Common Guillemot is 15 to 18 inches in length with a 24 to 29 inches wingspan. In breeding plumage, it is black or dark brown on the head, back and wings with white underparts. It has a thin dark pointed bill and a small rounded dark tail. Legs are grey and the bill is dark grey. Males and females are identical. Some individuals in the North Atlantic, known as "Bridled Guillemots", have a white ring around the eye extending back as a white line. This is not a distinct subspecies but a polymorphism that becomes more common the farther north the birds breed. The Common Guillemot flies with fast wing beats and has a flight speed of around 50 mph. Groups of birds are often seen flying together in a line just above the surface of the sea. However, it is not a very agile bird and take-off is often difficult. The Common Guillemot becomes flightless for 45 to 60 days while moulting its primary feathers. The Common Guillemot is a pursuit diver that forages for food by swimming underwater using its wings for propulsion. Dives usually last less than one minute but the bird swims underwater for distances of over 100 feet on a regular basis. Diving depths up to 590 feet have been recorded. The Common Guillemot has a circumpolar distribution and it occurs in low Arctic and boreal waters in the north Atlantic and north Pacific. It spends most of its time at sea and only comes to land to breed on rocky cliffs, sea stacks and islands. Some birds are permanent residents but northern birds migrate south to open waters off New England, southern California, Japan, Korea and the western Mediterranean. The Common Guillemot breeds in colonies at high densities and nesting pairs may be in bodily contact with their neighbours. No nest is made and the single egg is laid and incubated on a bare rock ledge on a cliff face. The egg hatches after 30 days incubation and the chick is born downy and can regulate its body temperature after 10 days. Some 20 days after hatching the chick jumps off its nesting ledge and heads for the sea unable to fly but gliding for some distance with fluttering wings and accompanied by its male parent. The chicks are capable of diving as soon as they hit the water. The female stays at the nest site for some 14 days after the chick has left. The Common Guillemot can venture far from its breeding grounds to forage and distances of 60 miles or more are often observed although if sufficient food is available closer by, birds will only travel much shorter distances. It mainly eats small schooling fish 8 inches long or less such as Polar Cod, Capelin, Sand Lances, Sprats, Sandeels, Atlantic Cod and Atlantic Herring. It also eats some molluscs, marine worms, squid and crustaceans. It is often seen carrying fish in its bill with the tail hanging out. Date: 14/06/06 Location: Handa Island, Sutherland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26541497.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_90392234156aced40275bc.jpgWater Rail The Water Rail is a member of the rail family. The adult is about 9 to 11 inches long with a 15 to 18 inches wingspan. The upper parts from the forehead to tail are olive-brown with black streaks, especially on the shoulders. The sides of the head and the underparts down to the upper belly are dark slate-blue, except for a blackish area between bill and eye and brownish sides to the upper breast. The flanks are barred black and white and the undertail is white with some darker streaks. The long bill and the iris are red and the legs are flesh-brown. The sexes are similar although the female averages slightly smaller than the male with a more slender bill. Individual adults can be identified by the markings on the undertail which are unique to each bird. Adult males have the strongest black undertail streaks. It has been suggested that the dark barring on the undertail of this species is a compromise between the signalling function of a pure white undertail, as found in open water or gregarious species like the Moorhen, and the need to avoid being too conspicuous. The Water Rail can readily be distinguished from most other reed bed rails by the white undertail and the red bill which is a little longer than the rest of the head and slightly down-curved. The Water Rail is a vocal species which gives its main call, known as "sharming", throughout the year. This is a series of grunts followed by a high-pitched piglet-like squeal and ending in more grunts. It is used as a territorial call, alarm and announcement. Members of a pair may call alternately, the male giving lower and slower notes than the female. Birds are most vocal when setting up a territory and early in the breeding season when calling may continue at night. The Water Rail is a skulking species, its streaked plumage making it difficult to see in its wetland habitat. Its laterally compressed body allows it to slip though the densest vegetation and it will "freeze" if surprised in the open. It walks with a high-stepping gait although it adopts a crouch when it runs for cover. It swims, when necessary, with the jerky motion typical of rails and it flies short distances low with its long legs dangling. Although its flight looks weak, the Water Rail is capable of long sustained flights during its nocturnal migration. The Water Rail breeds across temperate Eurasia from Iceland and the UK discontinuously to north Africa, Saudi Arabia and western China. Its distribution in Asia is poorly studied. It is resident in the milder south and west of its range but migrates south from areas that are subject to harsh winters. It winters within its breeding range and also further south in north Africa, the Middle East and the Caspian Sea area. The peak migration period is September to October with most birds returning to the breeding grounds from March to mid-April. The Water Rail is widely but thinly distributed as a breeding bird across the UK but it is absent from upland areas. It is most abundant in eastern England and suitable habitat along the south coast. Numbers are higher in winter when many birds arrive from Europe. The breeding habitat of the Water Rail is permanent wetland with still or slow-moving fresh or brackish water and dense, tall vegetation. On migration and in winter, a wider range of wet habitats may be used such as flooded thickets or bracken. Freezing condition may force birds into more open locations such as ditches, rubbish dumps and gardens or even out on to exposed ice. The Water Rail is monogamous and highly territorial when breeding. The birds pair off after arriving at their nesting areas or possibly even before spring migration. The pair give courting and contact calls throughout the breeding season. The nest is well hidden and made from whatever wetland vegetation is available. It is built mostly by the male and usually in a single day. It is raised 6 inches or more above water level and is generally constructed on clumps of roots, tree stumps or similar support. It may be built up higher if water levels start to rise. The typical clutch is 6 to 11 eggs across most of the range and the clutch size may be smaller early or late in the breeding season. The breeding season can be extended by replacement and second clutches. Both parents incubate the eggs although the female takes the larger share of this duty. The eggs are incubated for 19 to 22 days to hatching. The downy chicks leave the nest within 2 days of hatching but continue to be fed by their parents, although the chicks also find some of their own food after about 5 days. The chicks are independent of their parents after 20 to 30 days and can fly when aged 7 to 9 weeks. Average survival after fledging has been estimated as between 17 and 20 months with an annual survival rate slightly less than 50% per year for the first 3 years and somewhat higher thereafter. The maximum recorded age is 8 years 10 months. The Water Rail is a versatile and opportunistic forager although it follows definite routes when feeding, frequently returning to good hunting areas. It is omnivorous although it mainly feeds on animals such as leeches, worms, gastropods, small crustaceans, spiders and a wide range of both terrestrial and aquatic insects and their larvae. Small vertebrates such as amphibians, fish, birds and mammals may be killed or eaten as carrion. Plant food, which is consumed more in autumn and winter, includes the buds, flowers, shoots and seeds of water plants, berries and fruit. The Water Rail's numbers are declining but it has a large population and a huge breeding range. In most European countries, the population is either stable or decreasing slightly due to loss of habitat arising from the drainage of marshes, canalisation of water courses, urban encroachment and pollution. Introduced predators such as American Mink are a threat to vulnerable island populations. Date: 17th January 2016 Location: Caerlaverock WWT reserve, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48482999.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_839792297640a4002abc28.jpgDunnock The Dunnock is a small passerine bird and the most widespread member of the genus Prunella, the accentor family which otherwise consists of mountain species. Other common names for the Dunnock include the Hedge Sparrow or Hedge Accentor. The Dunnock is about the size of a Robin. It has a generally drab brown streaked appearance with a grey head and a fine pointed bill. Both sexes are similar. It is quiet and unobtrusive and is frequently seen on its own, creeping along and moving with a rather nervous, shuffling gait often flicking its wings. The Dunnock is native to large areas of Eurasia where it is the only commonly found accentor in lowland areas. It can be found throughout the UK all the year round in any well vegetated areas with scrub, brambles and hedges and also in deciduous woodland, farmland edges, parks and gardens. The Dunnock is territorial and may engage in conflict with other birds that encroach upon their nesting areas. The Dunnock possesses variable mating systems. Females are often polyandrous, breeding with 2 or more males at once which is quite rare among birds. This multiple mating system leads to the development of sperm competition amongst the male suitors. DNA fingerprinting has shown that chicks within a brood often have different fathers depending on the success of the males at monopolising the female. Males try to ensure their paternity by pecking at the cloaca of the female to stimulate ejection of rival males' sperm. Males provide parental care in proportion to their mating success so 2 males and a female can commonly be seen provisioning nestlings at one nest. Other mating systems also exist within Dunnock populations depending on the ratio of male to females and the overlap of territories. When only a single female and a single male territory overlap, monogamy is preferred. Sometimes, 2 or 3 adjacent female territories overlap a single male territory and so polygyny is favoured with the male monopolising several females. Polygynandry also exists in which 2 males jointly defend a territory containing several females. Polyandry, however, is the most common mating system of the Dunnock. Depending on the population, males generally have the best reproductive success in polygynous populations whilst females have the advantage during polyandry. Studies have illustrated the fluidity of Dunnock mating systems. When food is in abundance, female territory size is reduced drastically. Consequently, males can more easily monopolise the females. Thus, the mating system can be shifted from one that favours female success (polyandry) to one that favours male success (monogamy, polygynandry or polygyny). The Dunnock builds a neat nest predominantly from twigs and moss and lined with soft materials such as wool or feathers which is located low in a bush. The female typically lays 3 to 5 eggs. Broods, depending on the population, can be raised by a lone female, multiple females with the part-time help of a male, multiple females with full-time help by a male or by multiple females and multiple males. Parental care varies according to the type of relationship. Date: 1st February 2023 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37399603.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3042572715c66977621177.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 9th December 2018 Location: Winterton-Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/grasshopper-species https://images.on-this.website/4752_41775071562caaa0f22822.jpgGrasshopper species Date: 6th July 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405573.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8321571216586fc7705fdd.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the Canidae family and is a part of the order Carnivora within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 6th December 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871749.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9727330814eff21bd40c5f.jpgBrown Bear The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, <i>Ursus arctos arctos</i>. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an overnight stay in a Brown Bear watching hide at [url=http://www.martinselkonen.fi/index.php?id=1&la=en]Martinselkosen Eräkeskus[/url] Date: 1st June 2009 Location: Martinselkosen Eräkeskus, Pirttivaara, Kainuu, Finland <iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/10143012?autoplay=1" width="600" height="450" frameborder="0"></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/10143012">Brown Bears of Martinselkonen</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user3372484">Richard Chew</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>. Music: Jean Sibelius - Andante festivo<br /> </p> http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4088281.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19030021134b1941686663d.jpgLittle Egret The Little Egret is a species of small heron. The genus name comes from the Provençal French [i]Aigrette[/i] (egret), a diminutive of [i]Aigron [/i] (heron). The adult Little Egret is 22 to 26 inches long with a 35 to 42 inches wingspan. Its plumage is normally entirely white although there are dark forms with largely bluish-grey plumage. In the breeding season, the adult has 2 long plumes on the nape that form a crest. These plumes are about 6 inches in length and are pointed and very narrow. There are similar feathers on the breast but the barbs are more widely spread. There are also several elongated scapular feathers that have long loose barbs around 8 inches long. During the winter the plumage is similar but the scapulars are shorter and more normal in appearance. The bill is long and slender and both it and the lores are black. There is an area of greenish-grey bare skin at the base of the lower mandible and around the eye which has a yellow iris. The legs are black and the feet yellow. Juveniles are similar to non-breeding adults but have greenish-black legs and duller yellow feet and may have a certain proportion of greyish or brownish feathers. The Little Egret is mostly silent but it does make various croaking and bubbling calls at its breeding colonies and it produces a harsh alarm call when disturbed. The breeding range of the western race of the Little Egret includes south Europe, the Middle East, much of Africa and south Asia. European populations are migratory and mostly travel to Africa although some remain in southern Europe. During the late 20th century, the range of the Little Egret expanded northwards in Europe and into the New World. The Little Egret's habitat varies widely and includes the shores of lakes, rivers, canals, ponds, lagoons, marshes and flooded land, the bird preferring open locations to dense cover. On the coast it inhabits mudflats, sandy beaches, mangrove areas, swamps and reefs. The Little Egret is a sociable bird and can be seen in small flocks. However, individual birds do not tolerate others coming too close to their chosen feeding site although this depends on the abundance of prey. The Little Egret uses a variety of methods to find its food. It stalks its prey in shallow water, often running with raised wings or shuffling its feet to disturb small fish, or it may stand still and wait to ambush prey. It also makes use of opportunities provided by Cormorants disturbing fish or humans attracting fish by throwing bread into water. On land, it walks or runs while chasing its prey, often feeding on creatures disturbed by grazing livestock. The diet is mainly fish but amphibians, small reptiles, mammals and birds are also eaten as well as crustaceans, molluscs, insects, spiders and worms. The Little Egret nests in colonies, often with other wading birds such as Cattle Egret, Black-crowned Night Heron, Squacco Heron and Glossy Ibis. The nests are usually platforms of sticks built in trees or shrubs or in reed beds or bamboo groves. Pairs defend a small breeding territory, usually extending around 10 to 13 feet from the nest. The 3 to 5 eggs are incubated by both adults for 21 to 25 days before hatching. The young birds are covered in white down feathers are cared for by both parents and fledge after 40 to 45 days. Globally, the Little Egret is not listed as a threatened species and has in fact expanded its range over the last few decades.[5] The IUCN states that their wide distribution and large total population means that they are a species that cause them "least concern". Historical research has shown that the Little Egret was once present, and probably common, in the UK but became extinct there through a combination of over-hunting in the late mediaeval period and climate change at the start of the Little Ice Age. Further declines occurred throughout Europe as the plumes of the Little Egret and other egrets were in demand for decorating hats. They had been used in the plume trade since at least the 17th century but in the 19th century it became a major craze and the number of egret skins passing through dealers reached into the millions. Hunting, which reduced the population of the species to dangerously low levels, stimulated the establishment of Britain's Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in 1889. By the 1950s, the Little Egret had become restricted to south Europe and conservation laws protecting the species were introduced. This allowed the population to rebound strongly and over the next few decades it became increasingly common in western France and later on the north coast. It bred in the Netherlands in 1979 with further breeding from the 1990s onward. Populations are now mostly stable or increasing in Europe. In the UK, the Little Egret was a rare vagrant from its 16th century extinction until the late 20th century. It has, however, recently become a regular breeding species and is commonly present, often in large numbers, at favoured coastal sites. The first recent breeding record in England was on Brownsea Island in Dorset in 1996 and it bred in Wales for the first time in 2002. The population increase has been rapid subsequently with over 750 pairs breeding in nearly 70 colonies in 2008 and a post-breeding total of 4,540 birds in September 2008. Severe winter weather proves only to be a temporary setback and the Little Egret continues to expand both its numbers and range in the UK. Date: 9th November 2009 Location: Delta de l’Ebre, Catalunya, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13683335.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13924238234ed73046617cd.jpgPolecat The Polecat is a member of the Mustelid group of mammals which also includes the Weasel, Stoat, Otter and Pine Marten. It has blackish guard hairs and yellow underfur on the body giving a “black and tan” appearance, a “bandit” face with a pale muzzle, ear tips and eyebrows and a broad dark band around the eyes, darker legs and belly and a short fluffy tail. The Polecat is found throughout Wales, the Midlands and parts of central southern England and is spreading steadily from these areas. There are isolated populations in Cumbria and Caithness which probably result from unofficial releases. At one time the Polecat was widespread throughout the UK but it was nearly exterminated by 1915. They have never occurred in Ireland or on the outer islands of Scotland. Although it occurs in a wide range of habitats, the Polecat prefers lowland areas. When it was confined to Wales, valleys and farms were favoured, but as it has spread out into England, farmland with hedgerows and small woods are preferred. Polecat dens are commonly in rabbit burrows, especially in summer, but they frequently move into farmyards in winter when they may den in hay bales, under sheds and in rubbish tips. This change of habitat reflects their changing diet through the year. In summer, Rabbits are a major food and the Polecat is slender enough to hunt them within their burrows. In winter, Brown Rats become a favoured food and sites like farmyards and rubbish tips that have good populations become more usual habitats. The Polecat does however kill a wide range of prey. Frogs may be important in spring, when they have gathered to spawn, and birds may also be taken. Polecats have lived up to 14 years in captivity but in the wild most probably die before they are 5 years old. In addition to its protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, the Polecat was added to the list of UK BAP (Biodiveristy Action Plan) mammals in 2007and protected as a species of principal importance for the conservation of biological diversity in England. Until the 19th Century, the Polecat was found throughout much of mainland UK and the Isle of Wight. Habitat fragmentation, persecution by gamekeepers and being killed for their fur drastically reduced this distribution. The Polecat population was reduced to about 5,000 but is now more than 46,000. One worrying problem is the extent to which they might suffer from secondary poisoning from rodenticides. Brown Rats are commonly killed by anticoagulant poisons when they infest homes and farms but there is an evident risk to Polecats from eating sick, dying rats. It is not known how serious this might be at the level of the Polecat population. As they spread further into England, the increasing density of roads and road traffic is also a threat and seems to be slowing the Polecat’s spread into both northern and south east England. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33568410.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6709111625a106b123b1d8.jpgDate: 4th November 2017 Location: Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17055182.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_121276287050ded085dfd6f.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 17th November 2012 Location: Loch Spelve, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26541483.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10890565156aced0db4cae.jpgWater Rail The Water Rail is a member of the rail family. The adult is about 9 to 11 inches long with a 15 to 18 inches wingspan. The upper parts from the forehead to tail are olive-brown with black streaks, especially on the shoulders. The sides of the head and the underparts down to the upper belly are dark slate-blue, except for a blackish area between bill and eye and brownish sides to the upper breast. The flanks are barred black and white and the undertail is white with some darker streaks. The long bill and the iris are red and the legs are flesh-brown. The sexes are similar although the female averages slightly smaller than the male with a more slender bill. Individual adults can be identified by the markings on the undertail which are unique to each bird. Adult males have the strongest black undertail streaks. It has been suggested that the dark barring on the undertail of this species is a compromise between the signalling function of a pure white undertail, as found in open water or gregarious species like the Moorhen, and the need to avoid being too conspicuous. The Water Rail can readily be distinguished from most other reed bed rails by the white undertail and the red bill which is a little longer than the rest of the head and slightly down-curved. The Water Rail is a vocal species which gives its main call, known as "sharming", throughout the year. This is a series of grunts followed by a high-pitched piglet-like squeal and ending in more grunts. It is used as a territorial call, alarm and announcement. Members of a pair may call alternately, the male giving lower and slower notes than the female. Birds are most vocal when setting up a territory and early in the breeding season when calling may continue at night. The Water Rail is a skulking species, its streaked plumage making it difficult to see in its wetland habitat. Its laterally compressed body allows it to slip though the densest vegetation and it will "freeze" if surprised in the open. It walks with a high-stepping gait although it adopts a crouch when it runs for cover. It swims, when necessary, with the jerky motion typical of rails and it flies short distances low with its long legs dangling. Although its flight looks weak, the Water Rail is capable of long sustained flights during its nocturnal migration. The Water Rail breeds across temperate Eurasia from Iceland and the UK discontinuously to north Africa, Saudi Arabia and western China. Its distribution in Asia is poorly studied. It is resident in the milder south and west of its range but migrates south from areas that are subject to harsh winters. It winters within its breeding range and also further south in north Africa, the Middle East and the Caspian Sea area. The peak migration period is September to October with most birds returning to the breeding grounds from March to mid-April. The Water Rail is widely but thinly distributed as a breeding bird across the UK but it is absent from upland areas. It is most abundant in eastern England and suitable habitat along the south coast. Numbers are higher in winter when many birds arrive from Europe. The breeding habitat of the Water Rail is permanent wetland with still or slow-moving fresh or brackish water and dense, tall vegetation. On migration and in winter, a wider range of wet habitats may be used such as flooded thickets or bracken. Freezing condition may force birds into more open locations such as ditches, rubbish dumps and gardens or even out on to exposed ice. The Water Rail is monogamous and highly territorial when breeding. The birds pair off after arriving at their nesting areas or possibly even before spring migration. The pair give courting and contact calls throughout the breeding season. The nest is well hidden and made from whatever wetland vegetation is available. It is built mostly by the male and usually in a single day. It is raised 6 inches or more above water level and is generally constructed on clumps of roots, tree stumps or similar support. It may be built up higher if water levels start to rise. The typical clutch is 6 to 11 eggs across most of the range and the clutch size may be smaller early or late in the breeding season. The breeding season can be extended by replacement and second clutches. Both parents incubate the eggs although the female takes the larger share of this duty. The eggs are incubated for 19 to 22 days to hatching. The downy chicks leave the nest within 2 days of hatching but continue to be fed by their parents, although the chicks also find some of their own food after about 5 days. The chicks are independent of their parents after 20 to 30 days and can fly when aged 7 to 9 weeks. Average survival after fledging has been estimated as between 17 and 20 months with an annual survival rate slightly less than 50% per year for the first 3 years and somewhat higher thereafter. The maximum recorded age is 8 years 10 months. The Water Rail is a versatile and opportunistic forager although it follows definite routes when feeding, frequently returning to good hunting areas. It is omnivorous although it mainly feeds on animals such as leeches, worms, gastropods, small crustaceans, spiders and a wide range of both terrestrial and aquatic insects and their larvae. Small vertebrates such as amphibians, fish, birds and mammals may be killed or eaten as carrion. Plant food, which is consumed more in autumn and winter, includes the buds, flowers, shoots and seeds of water plants, berries and fruit. The Water Rail's numbers are declining but it has a large population and a huge breeding range. In most European countries, the population is either stable or decreasing slightly due to loss of habitat arising from the drainage of marshes, canalisation of water courses, urban encroachment and pollution. Introduced predators such as American Mink are a threat to vulnerable island populations. Date: 17th January 2016 Location: Caerlaverock WWT reserve, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12744812.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12032986644e706d7ec264d.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 7th December 2007 Location: Donna Nook, Lincolnshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15367547.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10131121114fec1cb985d23.jpgRed Grouse The Red Grouse is a medium-sized bird of the grouse family which is found in heather moorland in the UK and Ireland. It is endemic to the UK and has developed in isolation. It is usually classified as a sub-species of the Willow Ptarmigan or Willow Grouse which is found in birch and other forests and moorlands in north Europe, the tundra of Scandinavia, Siberia, Alaska and north Canada. The Red Grouse is differentiated from the Willow Ptarmigan and Rock Ptarmigan by its plumage being reddish brown and not having a white winter plumage. The tail is black and the legs are white. There are white stripes on the underwing and red combs over the eye. Females are less reddish than the males and have less conspicuous combs. Young birds are duller and lack the red combs. The Red Grouse is found across most parts of Scotland, including Orkney, Shetland and most of the Outer Hebrides. It is only absent from urban areas such as in the Central Belt. In Wales there are strong populations of Red Grouse in some places but the range has retracted. It is now largely absent from the far south and the main strongholds are Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons and the Cambrian Mountains. In England the Red Grouse is mainly found in the north in areas such as the Lake District, Northumberland, County Durham, much of Yorkshire, the Pennines and the Peak District as far south as the Staffordshire Moorlands. There is an isolated introduced population on Dartmoor and overspill Welsh birds visit the Shropshire Hills.The typical habitat is upland heather moors away from trees. It can also be found in some low-lying bogs and birds may visit farmland during hard weather. The UK population of the Red Grouse is estimated at about 250,000 pairs. Numbers have declined in recent years and it is now absent in areas where it was once common. Reasons for the decline include disease, loss of heather due to overgrazing, creation of new conifer plantations and a decline in the number of upland gamekeepers. Some predators feed on Red Grouse and there is ongoing controversy as to what effect these have on numbers. The Red Grouse is herbivorous and feeds mainly on the shoots, seeds and flowers of heather. It will also feed on berries, cereal crops and sometimes insects. The Red Grouse is considered a game bird and is shot in large numbers during the shooting season which traditionally starts on August 12th (known as the Glorious Twelfth). Shooting can take the form of “walked up” (where shooters walk across the moor to flush grouse and take a shot) or “driven” (where grouse are driven, often in large numbers, by “beaters” towards the shooters who are hiding behind a line of “butts”). Many moors are managed to increase the density of Red Grouse. Areas of heather are subjected to controlled burning since this allows fresh young shoots to regenerate which are favoured by Red Grouse. In addition, extensive predator control is a feature of grouse moor management and the extent and legality to which it occurs is hotly contested between conservation groups and shooting interests and the subject generates a lot of media attention. The Red Grouse is widely known as the logo of The Famous Grouse whisky and an animated bird is a character in a series of its adverts. It is also the emblem of the magazine “British Birds”. Date: 8th June 2012 Location: Lochindorb, Inverness-shire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23806397.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_194006347055129afbd4dc3.jpgTufted Duck The Tufted Duck is a medium-sized diving duck. Males are black on the head, neck, breast and back and white on the sides with a small crest and a yellow eye. Females are browner in colour. Tufted Ducks breed in the UK across the lowland areas of England, Scotland and Ireland but less commonly in Wales. Numbers increase in the UK in winter due to birds moving to the UK from Iceland and northern Europe. Tufted Ducks can be found all year round in suitable habitats such as a reservoirs, gravel pits or lakes. Date: 7th March 2015 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4639661.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14709530054baf0891f0824.jpgRed Grouse The Red Grouse is a medium-sized bird of the grouse family which is found in heather moorland in the UK and Ireland. It is endemic to the UK and has developed in isolation. It is usually classified as a sub-species of the Willow Ptarmigan or Willow Grouse which is found in birch and other forests and moorlands in north Europe, the tundra of Scandinavia, Siberia, Alaska and north Canada. The Red Grouse is differentiated from the Willow Ptarmigan and Rock Ptarmigan by its plumage being reddish brown and not having a white winter plumage. The tail is black and the legs are white. There are white stripes on the underwing and red combs over the eye. Females are less reddish than the males and have less conspicuous combs. Young birds are duller and lack the red combs. The Red Grouse is found across most parts of Scotland, including Orkney, Shetland and most of the Outer Hebrides. It is only absent from urban areas such as in the Central Belt. In Wales there are strong populations of Red Grouse in some places but the range has retracted. It is now largely absent from the far south and the main strongholds are Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons and the Cambrian Mountains. In England the Red Grouse is mainly found in the north in areas such as the Lake District, Northumberland, County Durham, much of Yorkshire, the Pennines and the Peak District as far south as the Staffordshire Moorlands. There is an isolated introduced population on Dartmoor and overspill Welsh birds visit the Shropshire Hills.The typical habitat is upland heather moors away from trees. It can also be found in some low-lying bogs and birds may visit farmland during hard weather. The UK population of the Red Grouse is estimated at about 250,000 pairs. Numbers have declined in recent years and it is now absent in areas where it was once common. Reasons for the decline include disease, loss of heather due to overgrazing, creation of new conifer plantations and a decline in the number of upland gamekeepers. Some predators feed on Red Grouse and there is ongoing controversy as to what effect these have on numbers. The Red Grouse is herbivorous and feeds mainly on the shoots, seeds and flowers of heather. It will also feed on berries, cereal crops and sometimes insects. The Red Grouse is considered a game bird and is shot in large numbers during the shooting season which traditionally starts on August 12th (known as the Glorious Twelfth). Shooting can take the form of “walked up” (where shooters walk across the moor to flush grouse and take a shot) or “driven” (where grouse are driven, often in large numbers, by “beaters” towards the shooters who are hiding behind a line of “butts”). Many moors are managed to increase the density of Red Grouse. Areas of heather are subjected to controlled burning since this allows fresh young shoots to regenerate which are favoured by Red Grouse. In addition, extensive predator control is a feature of grouse moor management and the extent and legality to which it occurs is hotly contested between conservation groups and shooting interests and the subject generates a lot of media attention. The Red Grouse is widely known as the logo of The Famous Grouse whisky and an animated bird is a character in a series of its adverts. It is also the emblem of the magazine “British Birds”. Date: 11th March 2010 Location: Grinton Moor, Yorkshire Dales National Park, North Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/little-egret https://images.on-this.website/4752_16847722224db1550a4a2c1.jpgLittle Egret The Little Egret is a species of small heron. The genus name comes from the Provençal French [i]Aigrette[/i] (egret), a diminutive of [i]Aigron [/i] (heron). The adult Little Egret is 22 to 26 inches long with a 35 to 42 inches wingspan. Its plumage is normally entirely white although there are dark forms with largely bluish-grey plumage. In the breeding season, the adult has 2 long plumes on the nape that form a crest. These plumes are about 6 inches in length and are pointed and very narrow. There are similar feathers on the breast but the barbs are more widely spread. There are also several elongated scapular feathers that have long loose barbs around 8 inches long. During the winter the plumage is similar but the scapulars are shorter and more normal in appearance. The bill is long and slender and both it and the lores are black. There is an area of greenish-grey bare skin at the base of the lower mandible and around the eye which has a yellow iris. The legs are black and the feet yellow. Juveniles are similar to non-breeding adults but have greenish-black legs and duller yellow feet and may have a certain proportion of greyish or brownish feathers. The Little Egret is mostly silent but it does make various croaking and bubbling calls at its breeding colonies and it produces a harsh alarm call when disturbed. The breeding range of the western race of the Little Egret includes south Europe, the Middle East, much of Africa and south Asia. European populations are migratory and mostly travel to Africa although some remain in south Europe. During the late 20th century, the range of the Little Egret expanded northwards in Europe and into the New World. The Little Egret's habitat varies widely and includes the shores of lakes, rivers, canals, ponds, lagoons, marshes and flooded land, the bird preferring open locations to dense cover. On the coast it inhabits mudflats, sandy beaches, mangrove areas, swamps and reefs. The Little Egret is a sociable bird and can be seen in small flocks. However, individual birds do not tolerate others coming too close to their chosen feeding site although this depends on the abundance of prey. The Little Egret uses a variety of methods to find its food. It stalks its prey in shallow water, often running with raised wings or shuffling its feet to disturb small fish, or it may stand still and wait to ambush prey. It also makes use of opportunities provided by Cormorants disturbing fish or humans attracting fish by throwing bread into water. On land, it walks or runs while chasing its prey, often feeding on creatures disturbed by grazing livestock. The diet is mainly fish but amphibians, small reptiles, mammals and birds are also eaten as well as crustaceans, molluscs, insects, spiders and worms. The Little Egret nests in colonies, often with other wading birds such as Cattle Egret, Black-crowned Night Heron, Squacco Heron and Glossy Ibis. The nests are usually platforms of sticks built in trees or shrubs or in reed beds or bamboo groves. Pairs defend a small breeding territory, usually extending around 10 to 13 feet from the nest. The 3 to 5 eggs are incubated by both adults for 21 to 25 days before hatching. The young birds are covered in white down feathers and are cared for by both parents fledging after 40 to 45 days. Globally, the Little Egret is not listed as a threatened species and has in fact expanded its range over the last few decades. The IUCN states that their wide distribution and large total population means that they are a species that cause them "least concern". Historical research has shown that the Little Egret was once present and probably common in the UK but became extinct through a combination of over-hunting in the late mediaeval period and climate change at the start of the Little Ice Age. Further declines occurred throughout Europe as the plumes of the Little Egret and other egrets were in demand for decorating hats. They had been used in the plume trade since at least the 17th century but in the 19th century it became a major craze and the number of egret skins passing through dealers reached into the millions. Hunting, which reduced the population of the species to dangerously low levels, stimulated the establishment of Britain's Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in 1889. By the 1950s, the Little Egret had become restricted to south Europe and conservation laws protecting the species were introduced. This allowed the population to rebound strongly and over the next few decades it became increasingly common in western France and later on the north coast. It bred in the Netherlands in 1979 with further breeding from the 1990s onward. Populations are now mostly stable or increasing in Europe. In the UK, the Little Egret was a rare vagrant from its 16th century extinction until the late 20th century. It has, however, recently become a regular breeding species and is commonly present, often in large numbers, at favoured coastal sites. The first recent breeding record in England was on Brownsea Island in Dorset in 1996 and it bred in Wales for the first time in 2002. The population increase has been rapid subsequently with over 750 pairs breeding in nearly 70 colonies in 2008 and a post-breeding total of 4540 birds in September 2008. Severe winter weather proves only to be a temporary setback and the Little Egret continues to expand both its numbers and range in the UK. Date: 28th December 2008 Location: Elmley, Isle of Sheppey, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871612.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14348013924eff1f59e34f7.jpgTurnstone The Turnstone is a fairly small and stocky wading bird. In all seasons, the plumage is dominated by a harlequin-like pattern of black and white. Breeding birds have reddish-brown upper parts with black markings. The head is mainly white with black streaks on the crown and a black pattern on the face. The breast is mainly black apart from a white patch on the sides. The rest of the underparts are white. In flight it reveals a white wingbar, white patch near the base of the wing and white lower back, rump and tail with dark bands on the uppertail coverts and near the tip of the tail. The female is slightly duller than the male and has a browner head with more streaking. The legs are fairly short and are bright orange. Non-breeding adults are duller than breeding birds and have dark grey-brown upperparts with black mottling and a dark head with little white. Juvenile birds have a pale brown head and pale fringes to the upperpart feathers creating a scaly impression. The Turnstone breeds in northern latitudes, usually no more than a few miles from the sea, in western Alaska, Ellesmere Island, Greenland, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Estonia and northern Russia. It formerly bred on the Baltic coast of Germany and has possibly bred in Scotland and the Faroe Islands. The typical breeding habitat is open tundra with water nearby. The Turnstone is highly migratory and in Europe it winters in western regions from Iceland, Norway and Denmark southwards. Only small numbers are found on Mediterranean coasts. In the Americas, it winters on coastlines from Washington and Massachusetts southwards to the southern tip of south America although it is scarce in southern parts of Chile and Argentina and is only an unconfirmed vagrant in the Falkland Islands. In Africa, it is common all the way down to South Africa with good numbers on many offshore islands. In Asia, it is widespread in the south with birds wintering as far north as southern China and Japan. It occurs south to Tasmania and New Zealand and is present on many Pacific islands. Outside the breeding season, the Turnstone is found along coasts, particularly on rocky or stony shores. It is often found on man-made structures such as breakwaters and jetties. It may venture onto open grassy areas near the coast. Small numbers sometimes turn up on inland wetlands, especially during the spring and autumn migrations. The Turnstone typically feeds on insects in the summer although their diet is extended to other invertebrates such as crustaceans, molluscs and worms in other seasons. It engages in a variety of behaviours to locate and capture prey. These behaviours can be placed into 6 general categories: routing (it manipulates piles of seaweed through flicking, bulldozing and pecking to expose prey hidden underneath), turning stones (as suggested by its name, it flicks stones with its bill to uncover hidden prey), digging (with small flicks of its bill, it creates holes in the sand or mud and then pecks at the exposed prey), probing (it inserts its bill more than a quarter-length into the ground to get at hidden prey), hammer–probing (it cracks open its prey's shell by using its bill as a hammer and then extracts the animal inside through pecking and probing and surface pecking (it uses short, shallow pecks less than a quarter bill-length to get at prey at or just below the ground surface). There is evidence that Turnstones vary between these feeding behaviours based on individual preference, sex and even social status with respect to other Turnstones. Date: 26th May 2009 Location: Store Ekkerøy, Varangerfjord, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/julyaugust-2012-small-skipper https://images.on-this.website/4752_62107887150827633557be.jpgJuly to August 2012 - Small Skipper Please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/photo15747165.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/high-tatras-poland https://images.on-this.website/4752_121947414659bd5112db505.jpgHigh Tatras, Poland The High Tatras (Vysoké Tatry in Slovakia and Tatry Wysokie in Poland) are a mountain range along the border of northern Slovakia in the Prešov region and southern Poland in the Małopolska province. The High Tatras should not be confused with the Low Tatras which are located south of the High Tatras in Slovakia. The High Tatras occupy an area of 303 square miles, of which about 236 square miles (77.7%) lie within Slovakia and about 68 square miles (22.3%) within Poland. The High Tatras' length, measured in a straight line from the eastern foothills of the Kobylí vrch at 3638 feet to the south western foot of Ostrý vrch at 3700 feet, is 35 miles and strictly along the main ridge, 50 miles. The range is only 12 miles wide. The main ridge of the High Tatras runs from the Slovakian villages of Huty at the western end to the village of Ždiar at the eastern end. The High Tatras, having 29 peaks over 8,200 feet are, with the Southern Carpathians, the only mountain range with an alpine character and habitats in the entire 750 mile length of the Carpathian Mountains system. The 15 highest peaks of the High Tatras are all located in Slovakia with the highest peaks being Gerlachovský štít at 8711 feet, Gerlachovská veža at 8668 feet and Lomnický štít at 8638 feet. Other notable peaks include Kriváň and Rysy. Multiple surveys have ranked Kriváň (8168 feet) as Slovakia's most beautiful peak and it has also been a major symbol in Slovakian ethnic and national activism for the past 2 centuries. A country-wide vote in 2005 selected it to be one of the images on Slovakia's euro coins. Rysy lies on the border between Poland and Slovakia. It has 3 summits: the middle at 8,212 feet, the north western at 8,199 feet and the south eastern at 8,114 feet. The north western summit is the highest point in Poland whilst the other 2 summits are in Slovakia. Since the accession of Poland and Slovakia to the Schengen Agreement in 2007, the border between the countries may be easily crossed at this point. Two thirds of the High Tatras are covered with coniferous and deciduous forests. Alpine meadows, rocky terrain and habitats and extensively used pastures in the foothills occur in the non-forested areas. The High Tatras are protected by law by the establishment of the Tatra National Park, Slovakia (Tatranský národný park) and the Tatra National Park, Poland (Tatrzański Park Narodowy), the first European cross-border national park. In 1992 the Polish and Slovakian national parks were jointly designated a trans-boundary Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. Tatra National Park, Poland (Tatrzański Park Narodowy) protects the Polish areas of the High Tatras mountain range and it is situated in the Małopolska province. Tatra National Park covers an area of 81.7 square miles, of which 58.6 square miles is forest and the remainder mainly meadows. Strictly protected zones account for 44.5 square miles, of which 23.7 square miles are forests. The first calls for protection of the Tatras came at the end of the 19th century and in 1925 the first efforts to create a national park, in co-operation with Slovakia, took place. Tatra National Park was created in 1954. Date: 29th May 2017 Location: view from road 960 from Lysá Poľana, Prešov region, Slovakia to Bukowina Tatrzańska, Małopolska province, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9681530.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6259950394db7ec6b604c6.jpgRuff The Ruff is a medium-sized wading bird in the sandpiper family, [i]Scolopacidae[/i]. The original English name for this bird, dating back to at least 1465, is the [i]ree[/i], perhaps derived from a dialectical term meaning "frenzied". A later name [I]reeve[/I], which is still used for the female, is of unknown origin but may be derived from the shire-reeve, a feudal officer, likening the male's flamboyant plumage to the official's robes. The current name was first recorded in 1634 and is derived from the ruff, an exaggerated collar fashionable from the mid-16th century to the mid-17th century, since the male bird's neck ornamental feathers resemble the neck wear. The Ruff has a distinctive appearance with a small head, medium-length bill, longish neck and pot-bellied body. It has long legs that are variable in colour but usually yellow or orange. In flight, it has a deeper, slower wing stroke than other waders of a similar size and it displays a thin, indistinct white bar on the wing and white ovals on the sides of the tail. The Ruff shows very distinctive sexual dimorphism. Although a small percentage of males resemble females, the typical male is much larger than the female and has an elaborate breeding plumage. The male is 11 to 13 inches in length with a 21 to 24 inches wingspan. During the May to June breeding season, the typical male's legs, bill and warty bare facial skin are orange and he has distinctive head tufts and a neck ruff. These ornaments vary on individual birds and are black, chestnut or white with the colouring solid, barred or irregular. The grey-brown back has a scale-like pattern, often with black or chestnut feathers, and the underparts are white with extensive black on the breast. The extreme variability of the main breeding plumage is thought to have developed to aid individual recognition in a species that has communal breeding displays but is usually mute. Outside the breeding season, the typical male's head and neck decorations and the bare facial skin are lost and the legs and bill become duller. The upperparts are grey-brown and the underparts are white with grey mottling on the breast and flanks. The female, or "reeve", is 9 to 10 inches in length with a 18 to 19 inches wingspan. In the breeding plumage, the female has grey-brown upperparts with white-fringed, dark-centred feathers. The breast and flanks are variably blotched with black. In winter, her plumage is similar to that of the male but the sexes are distinguishable on size. The plumage of the juvenile Ruff resembles the non-breeding adult but has upperparts with a neat, scale-like pattern with dark feather centres and a strong buff tinge to the underparts. The Ruff is a migratory species, breeding in wetlands in the colder regions of northern Eurasia and wintering in the tropics, mainly in Africa. There is a limited overlap of the summer and winter ranges in the UK and parts of coastal western Europe and birds may be present throughout the year. The Ruff breeds in Europe and Asia from Scandinavia and the UK almost to the Pacific. In Europe, it is found in cool temperate areas but over its Russian range it is an Arctic species and occurs mainly north of about 65°N. The largest numbers breed in Russia, Sweden, Finland and Norway. Although it also breeds from the UK east through the Low Countries to Poland, Germany and Denmark, the populations are much lower in these more southerly areas. The Ruff is highly gregarious on migration and it travels in large flocks that can contain hundreds or thousands of individuals. Huge dense groups form on the wintering grounds. The males, which play no part in nesting or chick care, leave the breeding grounds in late June or early July followed later in July by the females and juveniles. Males typically make shorter flights and winter further north than females. Many migratory species use this differential wintering strategy since it reduces feeding competition between the sexes and enables territorial males to reach the breeding grounds as early as possible thereby improving their chances of successful mating. Males may also be able to tolerate colder winter conditions because they are larger than females. The Ruff breeds in extensive lowland freshwater marshes and damp grasslands. It avoids barren tundra and areas badly affected by severe weather, preferring hummocky marshes and deltas with shallow water. The wetter areas provide a source of food, the mounds and slopes may be used for leks and dry areas with sedge or low scrub offer nesting sites. When it is not breeding, it can be found in a wider range of shallow wetlands. Dry grassland, tidal mudflats and the seashore are less frequently used. Male Ruffs display during the breeding season at a lek in a traditional open grassy arena. The Ruff is one of the few lekking species in which the display is primarily directed at other males rather than to the females and it is among a small percentage of birds in which the males have well-marked and inherited variations in plumage and mating behaviour. There are 3 male forms: the typical territorial males, satellite males which have a white neck ruff and a very rare variant with female-like plumage. The behaviour and appearance for an individual male remain constant through its adult life and are determined by its genes. The territorial males, about 84% of the total, have strongly coloured black or chestnut ruffs and stake out and occupy small mating territories in the lek. They actively court females and display a high degree of aggression towards other resident males. Between 5 and 20 territorial males each hold an area of the lek about 3 feet across and usually with bare soil in the centre. They perform an elaborate display that includes wing fluttering, jumping, standing upright, crouching with ruff erect or lunging at rivals. They are typically silent even when displaying. Territorial males are very site faithful and 90% return to the same lekking sites in subsequent seasons, the most dominant males being the most likely to reappear. Site faithful males can acquire accurate information about the competitive abilities of other males, leading to well-developed dominance relationships. Such stable relationships reduce conflict and the risk of injury and the consequent lower levels of male aggression are less likely to scare off females. Lower-ranked territorial males also benefit from site fidelity since they can remain on the leks while waiting for the top males eventually to drop out. Satellite males, about 16% of the total number, have white or mottled ruffs and do not occupy territories. Instead, they enter leks and attempt to mate with the females visiting the territories occupied by the resident territorial males. Resident territorial males tolerate the satellite birds because, although they are competitors for mating with the females, the presence of both types of male on a territory attracts additional females. A third type of male was first described in 2006. This is a permanent female mimic, the first such reported for a bird. About 1% of males are small, intermediate in size between males and females and do not grow the elaborate breeding plumage of the territorial and satellite males. This cryptic male obtains access to mating territories together with the females and "steals" matings when the females crouch to solicit copulation. It moults into the prenuptial male plumage with striped feathers but does not go on to develop the ornamental feathers of the normal male. Not all mating takes place at the lek since only a minority of the males attend an active lek. As alternative strategies, males can also directly pursue females or wait for them as they approach good feeding sites. The level of polyandry in the Ruff is the highest known for any avian lekking species and for any shorebird. More than half of females mate with and have clutches fertilised by more than one male. In lekking species, females can choose mates without risking the loss of support from males in nesting and rearing chicks since the males take no part in raising the brood anyway. The nest of the Ruff is a shallow ground scrape lined with grass leaves and stems and concealed in marsh plants or tall grass up to 450 yards from the lek. Nesting is solitary although several females may lay in the general vicinity of a lek. The female lays typically 4 eggs from mid-March to early June depending on latitude. Incubation is undertaken by the female alone and the time to hatching is 20 to 23 days with a further 25 to 28 days to fledging. The precocial chicks have buff and chestnut down, streaked and barred with black and frosted with white. They feed themselves on a variety of small invertebrates. The Ruff normally feeds using a steady walk and pecking action, selecting food items by sight, but it will also wade deeply and submerge its head. During the breeding season, the Ruff’s diet consists almost exclusively of the adults and larva of terrestrial and aquatic insects such as beetles and flies. On migration and during the winter, it eats insects, crustaceans, spiders, molluscs, worms, frogs, small fish and also the seeds of rice and other cereals, sedges, grasses and aquatic plants. The Ruff has a large range and a large population although there is some evidence of a decrease in the population in some regions and countries. However, the species as a whole is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List (i.e. declining more than 30 percent in 10 years or 3 generations). For these reasons, the Ruff is classified as "least concern". However, the range in much of Europe is contracting because of land drainage, increased fertiliser use, the loss of mown or grazed breeding sites and over-hunting. Therefore the Ruff is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 25th April 2011 Location: Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/januaryfebruary-2014-robin https://images.on-this.website/4752_8017770753b67d749d471.jpgJanuary to February 2014 - Robin Please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/photo20950809.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29240100.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_66812991457eb96ea22a9f.jpgPine Marten The Pine Marten is a member of the mustelid family which also includes the Mink, the Otter, the Badger, the Stoat and the Weasel. It is the only mustelid with semi-retractable claws which enables it to lead a more arboreal lifestyle such as climbing or running in trees. The Pine Marten is about the size of a domestic cat and males are slightly larger than females. The fur is usually light to dark brown and grows longer and silkier during the winter months. It has a cream to yellow coloured "bib" marking on their throats and a long fluffy tail. The Pine Marten is usually found in deciduous and coniferous woodland with plenty of cover and it is mainly active at dusk and at night. It has small rounded, highly sensitive ears and sharp teeth adapted for eating small mammals, birds, insects, frogs and carrion although it also eats berries, nuts, fungi, birds' eggs and honey. Pine Marten dens are commonly found in hollow trees or the fallen root masses of Scots Pines, an association that probably earned them their name. Cairns and cliffs covered with scrub are frequently used as alternative den sites. Territories vary in size according to habitat and food availability. The Pine Marten is one of the rarest native mammals in the UK. Until the 19th century, it was found throughout much of mainland UK, the Isle of Wight and some of the Scottish islands although habitat fragmentation, persecution by gamekeepers and hunting for their fur drastically reduced this distribution. By the 1920s, the main Pine Marten population in the UK was restricted to a small area of north west Scotland. Until recently it remained only at all common in this region where some individuals have lost their fear of man and come to take food provided for them, particularly enjoying jam and peanut butter. A study in 2012 found that the Pine Marten has spread from its Scottish Highland stronghold, north into east Sutherland and Caithness and south east from the Great Glen into Moray, Aberdeenshire, Perthshire, Tayside and the Stirling area with some also occurring in the Central Belt and on the Kintyre and Cowal peninsulas. Expansion in south Scotland has been limited and despite reintroduction to the Glen Trool Forest there has only been a restricted spread from there. In England, the Pine Marten is extremely rare with scattered reports from Cumbria, Northumberland and mid Wales. In July 2015 the [url=http://www.shropshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/pine-marten-appeal] first confirmed sighting of a Pine Marten in England for over a century[/url] was recorded by an amateur photographer in woodland in Shropshire. In Wales, the Vincent Wildlife Trust is implementing a [url=http://www.pine-marten-recovery-project.org.uk/news/pine-martens-arrive-in-wales]reintroduction project[/url] through translocations of Pine Martens from Scotland. The Pine Marten is still quite rare in Ireland but the population is recovering and spreading. The traditional strongholds are in the west and south, especially the Burren, but the population in the Midlands has significantly increased in recent years. A study published in 2015 showed that the Pine Marten was distributed across every county in Northern Ireland. Although they are preyed upon occasionally by Golden Eagles and Red Foxes, humans are the largest threat to the Pine Marten. It is vulnerable from conflict with humans, arising from predator control for other species and the use of inhabited buildings for denning. The Pine Marten is also affected by persecution (illegal poisoning and shooting) by gamekeepers and loss of habitat. This photo was taken in very low light and through a window and the Pine Marten was encouraged to visit every evening during a week long stay at Mingarry Lodges with a supply of jam, peanuts, suet pellets and grapes! Date: 23rd September 2016 Location: Mingarry Lodges, Mingarry, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/pheasant https://images.on-this.website/4752_1379017344d03ce51b06f9.jpgPheasant The Common Pheasant is native to Asia but it has been widely introduced elsewhere as a game bird. In parts of its range, namely in places where none of its relatives occur such as in Europe (where it is naturalised), it is simply known as the Pheasant. Body weight of the Pheasant can range from 1.1 to 6.6 pounds, with males averaging 2.6 pounds and females averaging 2 pounds The adult male Pheasant is 24 to 35 inches in length with a long brown streaked black tail, accounting for almost 20 inches of the total length. The body plumage is barred bright gold or fiery copper-red and chestnut-brown with an iridescent sheen of green and purple. The wings are white or cream and black-barred markings are common on the tail. The head is bottle green with a small crest and distinctive red wattling. The female Pheasant is much less showy with a duller mottled brown plumage all over and measuring 20 to 25 inches long including a tail of around 8 inches. Juveniles have the appearance of the female with a shorter tail until young males begin to grow characteristic bright feathers on the breast, head and back at about 10 weeks after hatching. There are many colour forms of the male Pheasant, ranging in colour from nearly white to almost black in some melanistic examples. These are due to captive breeding and hybridisation between sub-species reinforced by continual releases of stock from varying sources to the wild. The Pheasant is native to Asia with its original range extending from between the Black and Caspian Seas to Manchuria, Siberia, Korea, mainland China and Taiwan. It can now be found across the globe due to its readiness to breed in captivity and the fact it can naturalise in many climates. At least since the Roman Empire, the Pheasant has been extensively introduced in many places and it has become a naturalised species in Europe, including throughout most of the UK where successive introductions have led to it becoming well adapted to the climate and able to breed naturally in the wild without human supervision on farmland and in copses, heaths, scrub, commons and wetlands. The Pheasant nests solely on the ground in scrapes lined with some grass and leaves, frequently under dense cover or a hedge. Occasionally it will nest in a haystack or in an old nest left by other birds. The male is polygynous and is often accompanied by a harem of several females. A clutch of around 8 to 15 eggs is laid during April to June, sometimes as many as 18 but usually 10 to 12. The incubation period is about 22 to 27 days. The chicks stay near the female for several weeks although they leave the nest when only a few hours old. After hatching they grow quickly, flying after 12 to 14 days and resembling adults by only 15 weeks of age. The Pheasant eats a wide variety of animal and vegetable food including fruit, seeds, grain, mast, berries and leaves as well as a wide range of invertebrates and insects. Small vertebrates like lizards, small mammals and small birds are occasionally taken. The Pheasant is a well-known gamebird and perhaps the most widespread and ancient one in the world. It is one of the world's most hunted birds. The Pheasant is bred to be hunted and it is shot in great numbers in Europe, especially in the UK where they are shot in the open season from 1st October to 1st February. Generally they are shot by hunters employing gun dogs to help find, flush and retrieve shot birds. Pheasant farming is also a common practice and it is sometimes done intensively. Birds are supplied both to hunting preserves/estates and to restaurants. Date: 1st November 2010 Location: Fairburn Ings RSPB reserve, South Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833595.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_590675430559ced5e3d821.jpgGreat Crested Grebes The Great Crested Grebe is an elegant water bird which has ornate head plumes during the breeding season and an elaborate courtship display. The Great Crested Grebe can be found across Europe and Asia and it breeds on shallow, reed-fringed freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs and slow rivers. It is resident in the milder west of its range but migrates from the colder regions of its range to sheltered coastal areas in winter. Date: 12th May 2015 Location: Lake Kerkini, Central Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21959044.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_46143467753da5d6b98869.jpgSandwich Tern The Sandwich Tern is a medium-large tern, gull-like in appearance but usually with a more delicate, lighter build and shorter, weaker legs. It is very closely related to the Lesser Crested Tern, Chinese Crested Tern, Cabot's Tern and Elegant Tern and it has been known to inter-breed with the Lesser Crested Tern. It is 15 to 17 inches in length with a 33 to 38 inches wingspan. It has long, pointed wings, which gives it a fast buoyant flight, and a deeply forked tail. The upperwings are pale grey and the underparts are white. It has a shaggy black crest. The thin sharp bill is black with a yellow tip and the short legs are black. It looks very pale in flight although the primary flight feathers darken during the summer. In winter, the adult's forehead becomes white. Juveniles have dark tips to their tails and a scaly appearance on their back and wings. The Sandwich Tern has an extensive global range and, whilst population trends have not been quantified, it is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List. For these reasons, it is evaluated as “least concern”. The Sandwich Tern breeds in very dense colonies on coasts and islands and exceptionally inland on suitable large freshwater lakes close to the coast. It nests in a ground scrape and lays 1 to 3 eggs. Unlike some of the smaller white terns, it is not very aggressive toward potential predators, relying on the sheer density of the nests and nesting close to other more aggressive species such as the Arctic Tern and the Black-headed Gull. In the UK, the Sandwich Tern can be seen from late March to September and there are breeding colonies scattered around the UK coasts including the north Norfolk coast and at Minsmere in Suffolk and Dungeness in Kent. The Sandwich tern feeds by plunge-diving for fish, almost invariably from the sea. It usually dives directly and not from a hover favoured by other terns. The offering of fish by the male to the female is part of the courtship display. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Inner Farne, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5325802.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1278263214c1dd62b52108.jpgTraigh Allt Chailgeag, Sutherland Traigh Allt Chailgeag is a stunning and remote sandy beach hemmed in by cliffs and headlands located to the east of Durness and just before the A838 road turns south along the eastern shore of Loch Eriboll. Date: 3rd June 2010 Location: view from the A838 road between Durness and Tongue http://www.richardchewphotography.com/bay-of-skaill-orkney https://images.on-this.website/4752_10052213654681c4f59216c.jpgBay of Skaill, Orkney The Bay of Skaill is situated on the west coast of the Orkney Mainland 4 miles south west of Dounby. To the south of the bay lies the neolithic village of Skara Brae which was rediscovered after a storm in the winter of 1850. As well as the havoc that it caused the island inhabitants, the storm stripped the grass from the high dunes at the Bay of Skaill and exposed an immense midden mound and the remains of sand-filled ancient dwellings within the mound. The settlement was inhabited between 3100BC and 2500BC and was modified throughout this 600-year period. Date: June 2003 Location: view from Skaill just off the B9056 road http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12744904.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_831824504e706e2ce2b67.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 7th December 2007 Location: Donna Nook, Lincolnshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21956279.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_210203910253da269b60bb0.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Staple Island, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo8135892.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18601318784d1d990c5b7d2.jpgBlue Tit The Blue Tit is a small passerine bird in the tit family. It is easily recognisable by its generally blue and yellow plumage and its small size. The Blue Tit is about 4.7 inches long with a wingspan of 7.1 inches. It has an azure blue crown and a dark blue line passing through the eye and encircling the white cheeks to the chin, giving the bird a very distinctive appearance. The forehead and a bar on the wing are white. The nape, wings and tail are blue and the back is yellowish green. The underparts are mostly sulphur-yellow with a dark line down the abdomen. The bill is black and the legs bluish grey. The sexes are similar whilst young birds are noticeably more yellow. The Blue Tit is very agile and it can cling to the outermost branches and hang upside down when searching for food such as insects, caterpillars and seeds. The Blue Tit can be found throughout areas of the European continent with a mainly temperate or Mediterranean climate and in parts of the Middle East. In the UK it is common in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens and widespread across the whole of the country with the exception of some Scottish islands. The Blue Tit will nest in any suitable hole in a tree, wall or stump, often competing with other birds such as the House Sparrow or Great Tit for the site. In addition, it will readily accept an artificial nesting box. The same hole is returned to year after year and when one pair dies another takes possession. The nesting material is usually moss, wool, hair and feathers and the eggs are laid in April or May. The number in the clutch is often very large but 7 or 8 is normal. It is not unusual for a single bird to feed the chicks in the nest at a rate of one feed every 90 seconds during the height of the breeding season. Successful breeding is dependent on a sufficient supply of caterpillars as well as satisfactory weather. Breeding may be affected badly if the weather is cold and wet between May and July, particularly if this coincides with the emergence of the caterpillars on which the nestlings are fed. The small size of the Blue Tit makes it vulnerable to predation by larger birds and the typical lifespan is 3 years or less. The most significant predator is probably the Sparrowhawk, closely followed by the domestic cat. Nests may also be robbed by mammals such as the Weasel and Red and Grey Squirrels. Date: 20th December 2010 Location: EWT Langdon Conservation Centre, Dunton, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4267227.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2022486284b522357f1af9.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 26th December 2009 Location: Buckenham Marshes, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43629107.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18918184996118ac797c992.jpgEmerald Damselfly Flight period: June to September The Emerald Damselfly is widely distributed in uplands and lowlands throughout the UK. They can be found around small, shallow standing water with luxuriant vegetation such as rushes and sedges. Date: 18th July 2021 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11328514.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9695296254e1d672dbaed5.jpgCoot The Coot is an all black bird with a distinctive white beak and “shield” above the beak from which earns it the title “bald”. Its feet have distinctive lobed flaps of skin on the toes which act instead of webs when swimming. It patters noisily over the water before taking off and can be very aggressive towards other birds. Coot can be found all the year round mainly on freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers and town park lakes. Sometimes they can be seen offshore, especially in winter if freshwater areas are frozen. They breed in areas of fairly shallow standing freshwater with a muddy bottom and plenty of vegetation at the sides, usually in lowland areas. Date: 9th February 2008 Location: Northlands Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/september-2007-common-whitethroat https://images.on-this.website/4752_20101803934e3a5a0942649.jpgSeptember 2007 - Common Whitethroat Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9564532.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493312.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8985548045f326fd259941.jpgCommon Guillemots The Common Guillemot, also known as the Common Murre or Thin-billed Murre, is a large species of auk. The auks are a family of seabirds which includes the Brunnich's Guillemot or Thick-billed Murre, Razorbill, Little Auk and the extinct Great Auk. The Common Guillemot is 15 to 18 inches in length with a 24 to 29 inches wingspan. In breeding plumage, it is black or dark brown on the head, back and wings with white underparts. It has a thin dark pointed bill and a small rounded dark tail. Legs are grey and the bill is dark grey. Males and females are identical. Some individuals in the North Atlantic, known as "Bridled Guillemots", have a white ring around the eye extending back as a white line. This is not a distinct subspecies but a polymorphism that becomes more common the farther north the birds breed. The Common Guillemot flies with fast wing beats and has a flight speed of around 50 mph. Groups of birds are often seen flying together in a line just above the surface of the sea. However, it is not a very agile bird and take-off is often difficult. The Common Guillemot becomes flightless for 45 to 60 days while moulting its primary feathers. The Common Guillemot is a pursuit diver that forages for food by swimming underwater using its wings for propulsion. Dives usually last less than one minute but the bird swims underwater for distances of over 100 feet on a regular basis. Diving depths up to 590 feet have been recorded. The Common Guillemot has a circumpolar distribution and it occurs in low Arctic and boreal waters in the north Atlantic and north Pacific. It spends most of its time at sea and only comes to land to breed on rocky cliffs, sea stacks and islands. Some birds are permanent residents but northern birds migrate south to open waters off New England, southern California, Japan, Korea and the western Mediterranean. The Common Guillemot breeds in colonies at high densities and nesting pairs may be in bodily contact with their neighbours. No nest is made and the single egg is laid and incubated on a bare rock ledge on a cliff face. The egg hatches after 30 days incubation and the chick is born downy and can regulate its body temperature after 10 days. Some 20 days after hatching the chick jumps off its nesting ledge and heads for the sea unable to fly but gliding for some distance with fluttering wings and accompanied by its male parent. The chicks are capable of diving as soon as they hit the water. The female stays at the nest site for some 14 days after the chick has left. The Common Guillemot can venture far from its breeding grounds to forage and distances of 60 miles or more are often observed although if sufficient food is available closer by, birds will only travel much shorter distances. It mainly eats small schooling fish 8 inches long or less such as Polar Cod, Capelin, Sand Lances, Sprats, Sandeels, Atlantic Cod and Atlantic Herring. It also eats some molluscs, marine worms, squid and crustaceans. It is often seen carrying fish in its bill with the tail hanging out. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo3228247.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11649624294a7e8ed6673c4.jpgHoverfly species Date: 2nd August 2009 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847464.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_206365926459bd50c4d930c.jpgHigh Tatras, Slovakia The High Tatras (Vysoké Tatry in Slovakia and Tatry Wysokie in Poland) are a mountain range along the border of northern Slovakia in the Prešov region and southern Poland in the Małopolska province. The High Tatras should not be confused with the Low Tatras which are located south of the High Tatras in Slovakia. The High Tatras occupy an area of 303 square miles, of which about 236 square miles (77.7%) lie within Slovakia and about 68 square miles (22.3%) within Poland. The High Tatras' length, measured in a straight line from the eastern foothills of the Kobylí vrch at 3638 feet to the south western foot of Ostrý vrch at 3700 feet, is 35 miles and strictly along the main ridge, 50 miles. The range is only 12 miles wide. The main ridge of the High Tatras runs from the Slovakian villages of Huty at the western end to the village of Ždiar at the eastern end. The High Tatras, having 29 peaks over 8,200 feet are, with the Southern Carpathians, the only mountain range with an alpine character and habitats in the entire 750 mile length of the Carpathian Mountains system. The 15 highest peaks of the High Tatras are all located in Slovakia with the highest peaks being Gerlachovský štít at 8711 feet, Gerlachovská veža at 8668 feet and Lomnický štít at 8638 feet. Other notable peaks include Kriváň and Rysy. Multiple surveys have ranked Kriváň (8168 feet) as Slovakia's most beautiful peak and it has also been a major symbol in Slovakian ethnic and national activism for the past 2 centuries. A country-wide vote in 2005 selected it to be one of the images on Slovakia's euro coins. Rysy lies on the border between Poland and Slovakia. It has 3 summits: the middle at 8,212 feet, the north western at 8,199 feet and the south eastern at 8,114 feet. The north western summit is the highest point in Poland whilst the other 2 summits are in Slovakia. Since the accession of Poland and Slovakia to the Schengen Agreement in 2007, the border between the countries may be easily crossed at this point. Two thirds of the High Tatras are covered with coniferous and deciduous forests. Alpine meadows, rocky terrain and habitats and extensively used pastures in the foothills occur in the non-forested areas. The High Tatras are one of the most popular places in Slovakia with over 5 million people visiting each year to walk, climb, cycle, ski or snowboard. There are around 375 miles of hiking trails, chairlifts and cable cars, offering breathtaking views of alpine scenery. The High Tatras are protected by law by the establishment of the Tatra National Park, Slovakia (Tatranský národný park) and the Tatra National Park, Poland (Tatrzański Park Narodowy), the first European cross-border national park. In 1992 the Polish and Slovakian national parks were jointly designated a trans-boundary Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. Tatra National Park, Slovakia (Tatranský národný park) is one of the 9 national parks in Slovakia. It protects the Slovakian areas of the High Tatras mountain range in the Eastern Tatras (Východné Tatry) and areas of the Western Tatras (Západné Tatry). The western part of Tatra National Park is situated in the Žilina region and the eastern part in the Prešov region. Tatra National Park covers an area of 284.9 square miles and the surrounding buffer zone covers an area of 118.5 square miles. The highest peak in Slovakia, Gerlachovský štít at 8711 feet, is located within Tatra National Park. Tatra National Park was established in January 1949 and it is the oldest national park in Slovakia. In 1987, a section of the Western Tatras was added to the national park. Since 2004, the national park has been included in the Natura 2000 ecological network, the network of nature protection areas within the European Union. Date: 29th May 2017 Location: High Tatras, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33568378.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11752135955a106ab11c49a.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 4th November 2017 Location: Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33568383.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9050921745a106ac05f73a.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 4th November 2017 Location: Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37431202.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7207776255c6be841d9d04.jpgHouse Sparrow The House Sparrow is a member of the sparrow family [i]Passeridae[/i]. The House Sparrow is typically about 6.3 inches long, ranging from 5.5 to 7.1 inches, and it is a compact bird with a full chest and a large, rounded head. Its bill is stout and conical. The plumage is mostly different shades of grey and brown and the sexes exhibit strong dimorphism. The female is mostly buffish above and below whilst the male has boldly coloured head markings, a reddish back and grey underparts. The male has a dark grey crown from the top of its bill to its back and chestnut brown flanking its crown on the sides of its head. It has black around its bill, on its throat and on the lores between the bill and the eyes. It has a small white stripe between the lores and crown and small white spots immediately behind the eyes with black patches below and above them. The underparts are pale grey or white, as are the cheeks, ear coverts and stripes at the base of the head. The upper back and mantle are a warm brown, with broad black streaks whilst the lower back, rump and upper tail coverts are greyish brown. The male's bill is black in the breeding season and dark grey during the rest of the year. The female has no black markings or grey crown. Its upperparts and head are brown with darker streaks around the mantle and a distinct pale supercilium. Its underparts are pale grey-brown. The female's bill is brownish-grey and becomes darker in breeding plumage approaching the black of the male's bill. Juveniles are similar to the adult female but deeper brown below and paler above and with paler and less defined supercilia. Juveniles have broader buff feather edges and tend to have looser, scruffier plumage similar to moulting adults. The House Sparrow can be confused with a number of other seed-eating birds, especially its relatives in the sparrow family [i]Passeridae[/i]. The dull coloured female House Sparrow can often not be distinguished from other female sparrows and is nearly identical to those of the Spanish and Italian Sparrows. The Tree Sparrow is smaller and more slender with a chestnut crown and a black patch on each cheek. The male Spanish Sparrow and Italian Sparrow are distinguished by their chestnut crowns. The House Sparrow's flight is direct rather than undulating. On the ground, it typically hops rather than walks. The House Sparrow originated in the Middle East and spread, along with agriculture, to most of Eurasia and parts of north Africa. Since the mid-19th century, it has reached most of the world, mainly due to deliberate introductions but also through natural and shipborne dispersal. Its introduced range encompasses most of north America, central America, south America, south Africa, parts of West Africa, Australia, New Zealand and islands throughout the world. It has become highly successful in most parts of the world where it has been introduced. This is mostly due to its early adaptation to living with humans and its adaptability to a wide range of conditions. It has also greatly extended its range in northern Eurasia since the 1850s and continues to do so. The extent of its range makes the House Sparrow the most widely distributed wild bird on the planet. The House Sparrow is closely associated with human habitation and cultivation. It is believed to have become associated with humans around 10,000 years ago. The only terrestrial habitats that the House Sparrow does not inhabit are dense forest and tundra. Well adapted to living around humans, it frequently lives and even breeds indoors, especially in factories, warehouses and zoos. It reaches its greatest densities in urban centres but its reproductive success is greater in suburbs where insects are more abundant. In most of its range, the House Sparrow is extremely common despite some declines but in more marginal habitats its distribution can be patchy. Most House Sparrows do not move more than a few miles during their lifetimes. However, limited migration occurs in all regions. Some young birds disperse long distances and mountain birds move to lower elevations in winter. The House Sparrow is a very social bird and it is gregarious during all seasons when feeding, often forming flocks with other species of birds. It roosts communally in trees or shrubs, its nests are usually grouped together in clumps and it engages in social activities such as dust or water bathing and "social singing" in which birds call together in bushes. The House Sparrow can breed in the breeding season immediately following its hatching and sometimes it will attempt to do so. However, birds breeding for the first time are rarely successful in raising young and reproductive success increases with age as older birds breed earlier in the breeding season and fledge more young. The timing of mating and egg-laying varies geographically and between specific locations and years because a sufficient supply of insects is needed for egg formation and feeding nestlings. Males take up nesting sites before the breeding season by frequently calling beside them. Unmated males start nest construction and call particularly frequently to attract females. The House Sparrow is monogamous and typically mates for life but birds from pairs often engage in extra-pair copulations. Many birds do not find a nest and a mate and instead may serve as helpers around the nest for mated pairs, a role which increases the chances of being chosen to replace a lost mate. Lost mates of both sexes can be replaced quickly during the breeding season. The formation of a pair and the bond between the 2 birds is tied to the holding of a nest site. Nest sites are varied although cavities are preferred. Nests are most frequently built in the eaves and other crevices of houses. Holes in cliffs and banks or tree hollows are also used and sometimes a nest will be excavated in sandy banks or rotten branches. Especially in warmer areas, the House Sparrow may build its nest in the open, such as on the branches of trees or in the nests of large birds such as storks, although breeding success tends to be lower. The nest is usually domed although it may lack a roof in enclosed sites. It has an outer layer of stems and roots, a middle layer of dead grass and leaves and a lining of feathers as well as of paper and other soft materials. The building of the nest is initiated by the unmated male while displaying to females. The female assists in building but is less active than the male. The female House Sparrow usually lays 4 or 5 eggs although numbers from 1 to 10 have been recorded. At least 2 clutches are usually laid and up to 7 a year may be laid in the tropics or 4 a year in temperate latitudes. When fewer clutches are laid in a year, especially at higher latitudes, the number of eggs per clutch is greater. The female plays the main role in incubating the eggs. The male helps but can only cover the eggs rather than truly incubate them. The female spends the night incubating while the male roosts near the nest. Eggs hatch at the same time, after a short incubation period lasting 11 to 14 days. Young House Sparrows remain in the nest for 11 to 23 days but normally 14 to 16 days. During this time, they are fed by both parents. All the young leave the nest during the same period of a few hours. At this stage, they are normally able to fly. They start feeding themselves partly after 1 or 2 days and sustain themselves completely after 7 to 10 days. In adult House Sparrows, annual survival is 45% to 65%. After fledging and leaving the care of their parents, young House Sparrows have a high mortality rate which lessens as they grow older and more experienced. Only about 20 to 25% of birds hatched survive to their first breeding season. The oldest known wild House Sparrow lived for nearly 20 years and the oldest recorded captive House Sparrow lived for 23 years. The House Sparrow's main predators are cats and birds of prey but many other animals prey on them, including corvids, squirrels and even humans (it has been consumed in the past by people in many parts of the world and it still is in parts of the Mediterranean). As an adult, the House Sparrow mostly feeds on the seeds of grains and weeds but it is opportunistic and adaptable and eats whatever foods are available. In urban areas, it scavenges and feeds largely on food provided directly or indirectly by humans such as bread and leftover food. It will also eat some plant matter including buds, berries and fruits such as grapes and cherries. Animals form another important part of the diet, including beetles, caterpillars, flies, aphids, molluscs, crustaceans earthworms and even vertebrates such as lizards and frogs. Young House Sparrows are fed mostly on insects until about 15 days after hatching. They are also given small quantities of seeds and spiders. The House Sparrow has an extremely large range and population and is not seriously threatened by human activities so it is assessed as “Least Concern” by the IUCN. However, populations have been declining in many parts of the world. These declines were first noticed in north America but have been most severe in west Europe. In the UK, populations peaked in the early 1970s but have since declined by 70% overall and about 90% in some regions. Substantial declines have been noted in both rural and urban populations and the House Sparrow is designated as a “Red List” species. While the decline in England continues, Breeding Bird Survey data indicate recent population increases in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Various causes for the dramatic decreases in population have been suggested. A shortage of nesting sites caused by changes in urban building design is probably a factor together with an insufficient supply of insect food for nestlings arising from an increase of monoculture crops, the heavy use of pesticides and the replacement of native plants in cities with introduced plants and parking areas. Date: 10th January 2019 Location: RSPB Greylake, Somerset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457625.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1635045302668574dde97ff.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7950322.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17272529084d03cd898276a.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 31st October 2010 Location: Leighton Moss RSPB reserve, Lancashire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833598.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_128587637559ced7fa4581.jpgGreat Crested Grebes The Great Crested Grebe is an elegant water bird which has ornate head plumes during the breeding season and an elaborate courtship display. The Great Crested Grebe can be found across Europe and Asia and it breeds on shallow, reed-fringed freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs and slow rivers. It is resident in the milder west of its range but migrates from the colder regions of its range to sheltered coastal areas in winter. Date: 12th May 2015 Location: Lake Kerkini, Central Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21955282.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_32123863253da10732b14f.jpgCommon Guillemot The Common Guillemot, also known as the Common Murre or Thin-billed Murre, is a large species of auk. The auks are a family of seabirds which includes the Brunnich's Guillemot or Thick-billed Murre, Razorbill, Little Auk and the extinct Great Auk. The Common Guillemot is 15 to 18 inches in length with a 24 to 29 inches wingspan. In breeding plumage, it is black or dark brown on the head, back and wings with white underparts. It has a thin dark pointed bill and a small rounded dark tail. Legs are grey and the bill is dark grey. Males and females are identical. Some individuals in the North Atlantic, known as "Bridled Guillemots", have a white ring around the eye extending back as a white line. This is not a distinct subspecies but a polymorphism that becomes more common the farther north the birds breed. The Common Guillemot flies with fast wing beats and has a flight speed of around 50 mph. Groups of birds are often seen flying together in a line just above the surface of the sea. However, it is not a very agile bird and take-off is often difficult. The Common Guillemot becomes flightless for 45 to 60 days while moulting its primary feathers. The Common Guillemot is a pursuit diver that forages for food by swimming underwater using its wings for propulsion. Dives usually last less than one minute but the bird swims underwater for distances of over 100 feet on a regular basis. Diving depths up to 590 feet have been recorded. The Common Guillemot has a circumpolar distribution and it occurs in low Arctic and boreal waters in the north Atlantic and north Pacific. It spends most of its time at sea and only comes to land to breed on rocky cliffs, sea stacks and islands. Some birds are permanent residents but northern birds migrate south to open waters off New England, southern California, Japan, Korea and the western Mediterranean. The Common Guillemot breeds in colonies at high densities and nesting pairs may be in bodily contact with their neighbours. No nest is made and the single egg is laid and incubated on a bare rock ledge on a cliff face. The egg hatches after 30 days incubation and the chick is born downy and can regulate its body temperature after 10 days. Some 20 days after hatching the chick jumps off its nesting ledge and heads for the sea unable to fly but gliding for some distance with fluttering wings and accompanied by its male parent. The chicks are capable of diving as soon as they hit the water. The female stays at the nest site for some 14 days after the chick has left. The Common Guillemot can venture far from its breeding grounds to forage and distances of 60 miles or more are often observed although if sufficient food is available closer by, birds will only travel much shorter distances. It mainly eats small schooling fish 8 inches long or less such as Polar Cod, Capelin, Sand Lances, Sprats, Sandeels, Atlantic Cod and Atlantic Herring. It also eats some molluscs, marine worms, squid and crustaceans. It is often seen carrying fish in its bill with the tail hanging out. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: view from the Farne Islands boat trip from Seahouses Harbour, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41205490.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16757790185eb979845f8ca.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 10th May 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847587.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21923886259bd5381d199c.jpgMorské oko, Vihorlat Mountains, Košice region, Slovakia Morské oko (literally Sea Eye) is the largest lake in the Vihorlat Mountains (Vihorlatské vrchy) in eastern Slovakia and the third largest natural lake in Slovakia after the Štrbské pleso lake and the Veľké Hincovo pleso lake in the High Tatras. It is situated at 2027 feet high with a maximum length of 0.47 miles and a maximum width of 0.19 miles. It covers an area of 0.05 square miles and has a maximum depth of 82 feet. Morské oko has been designated as a wider National Nature Reserve covering 0.42 square miles since 1984 and it is part of the Vihorlat Protected Landscape Area within the Vihorlat Mountains. There is a walking trail around the lake but recreational activities such as fishing, swimming and boating are prohibited. Morské oko contains many species of fish, of which the most numerous is the European Chub. The Vihorlat Mountains (Vihorlatské vrchy) are a volcanic mountain range in eastern Slovakia and western Ukraine. They form part of the Inner Eastern Carpathian Mountains. The Slovakian section is 34 miles long and up to 9 miles wide. The highest peak is Vihorlat at 3530 feet and the largest lake is Morské oko. It is a mountainous and mostly forested area with a predominance of beech and forests in addition to hornbeam, ash, maple and some conifers. Arable land and unused pastures and meadows can be found in the non-forested and foothill areas. The middle part of the Vihorlat Mountains in the Humenné, Sobrance and Snina districts was designated as the Vihorlat Protected Landscape Area in December 1973 and they were also designated a Special Protection Area in April 2010. Kyjovský prales, a primeval beech forest in the Vihorlat Mountains, was designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in June 2007. Date: 2nd June 2017 Location: Morské oko, Vihorlat Mountains, Košice region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/grundarfjrur-west-iceland https://images.on-this.website/4752_1933063559561cd1fc46699.jpgGrundarfjörður, Snæfellsnes peninsula, west Iceland Grundarfjörður is a small town situated on the north coast of the Snæfellsnes peninsula in west Iceland. Date: 6th June 2015 Location: view from road 54 looking east towards Grundarfjörður http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847425.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_184375606859bd4ff38aa16.jpgLow Tatras, Slovakia The Low Tatras (Nízke Tatry) are a mountain range of the Inner Western Carpathians situated in central Slovakia. They are located south of the High Tatras (Vysoké Tatry) from which they are separated by the valleys of the Váh River and Poprad River. The ridge runs west to east and is about 50 miles long. The Čertovica pass divides the range into 2 parts. The highest peaks of the Low Tatras are located in its western part. Ďumbier is the highest mountain at 6703 feet. Its neighbour Chopok at 6640 feet is accessible by a chairlift and it is the most visited place in the Low Tatras. Other peaks in the western part include Dereše at 6575 feet and Chabenec at 6414 feet. The highest peak in the eastern part is Kráľova hoľa at 6385 feet. The lower elevations are mostly blanketed in dense forest with prevailing coniferous forests in the northern part and mixed forests in the south. At higher elevations there are tarns, deep valleys, limestone cliffs and impressive granite formations. Most of the Low Tatras are protected by the Low Tatras National Park (Národný park Nízke Tatry). This comprises an area of 281 square miles and a buffer zone covering an area of 425 square miles. This makes it the largest National Park in Slovakia. The protection of the Low Tatras started with the first attempts during the period 1918 to 1921 and continuing after World War 2. In 1963, a proposal was made for the establishment of a National Park under the name Central Slovakia National Park. During the period between 1965 and 1966 and right before the completion of the last proposal, a draft for a National Park Ďumbier was proposed. The aim of this draft was to include the north and south part of the central territory of the Low Tatras. From 1967 until 1968 the draft was reformulated with the goal to establish the National Park on the 25th anniversary of the Slovak National Uprising. However, it took another 10 years to overcome various obstacles that prevented the establishment of the National Park. In 1978 the National Park was finally created with the Regulation 119/1978 of the Slovak Socialistic Republic. The area of the national park was set at 313 square miles and its protection zone at 479 square miles. The status of the National Park was published in the same year by the Ministry of Culture of the Slovak Socialistic Republic in Regulation 120/1978. This regulation set out the conditions for the protection of particular areas. The borders of the National Park and the protection zones were revised in June 1997 by Regulation 182/1997 of the government of the Slovak Republic. The revised area of the National Park was adjusted to 281 square miles which is 32 square miles less than the original area. The revised area of the protection zones was adjusted to 425 square miles which is 53 square miles less than the original area. Currently, the following protected areas are established in the Low Tatras National Park or its buffer zone: 10 National Nature Reserves, 10 Nature Reserves, 5 National Nature Monuments, 6 Nature Monuments and 1 Protected Site. The Low Tatras are the second most visited mountains in Slovakia after the High Tatras. Tourism is very popular and during the winter there are several ski resorts such as Jasná and Tále. There are also a range of summer activities such as hiking, trekking, rafting, kayaking, fishing and other outdoor pursuits. Date: 28th May 2017 Location: Low Tatras, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/ullsfjorden-at-svensby-troms-north https://images.on-this.website/4752_6026431064f743bfc84451.jpgUllsfjorden at Svensby, Troms, north Norway Ullsfjorden is a sea fjord located east of Tromsø and west of the Lyngenalpen which can be crossed by the Breivikeidet to Svensby ferry. Location: view from east shore at Svensby Date: 17th March 2012 http://www.richardchewphotography.com/ekkery-varangerfjord-norway https://images.on-this.website/4752_5585352414eff1f549bed2.jpgEkkerøy, Varangerfjord, Norway Ekkerøy is one of the oldest fishing villages on the Varanger peninsula in Finnmark county in north east Norway. The village lies along the European route E75 about 9 miles east of the town of Vadsø. Ekkerøy is one of very few places in Finnmark that was not burnt and destroyed under Operation Nordlicht, a German operation during the Lapland War at the end of World War 2. Date: 26th May 2009 Location: view from route E75 looking towards Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9566394.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8046859554daed7af7bd66.jpgWaxwing The Waxwing is a plump bird which is slightly smaller than a starling. It is reddish-brown with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings, a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest. Waxwings breed in the dense forests of northern Europe but they occur in varying numbers in the UK from October to March. In some years they can occur in large numbers (known as irruptions) when the population in the breeding areas gets too big for the food available. The first UK arrivals each winter are usually seen on the east coast from Scotland to East Anglia but birds then move inland in search of food. They can be found in parks and gardens and even busy public places, typically where there are berry-bearing trees and bushes such as rowan, hawthorn, cotoneaster and rose. Waxwings make an easily recognisable high-pitched trilling sound like a bell. Date: 28th December 2008 Location: Folkestone, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/november-2009-cattle-egret https://images.on-this.website/4752_4693757524b522e77a51bd.jpgNovember 2009 - Cattle Egret Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4088285.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/february-2019-grey-partridge https://images.on-this.website/4752_4040123205cee296b9367f.jpgFebruary 2019 - Grey Partridge Please see [url=https://rlchew1.photium.com/photo37403960.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/march-2012-great-crested-grebes https://images.on-this.website/4752_15106593084fec1844934d1.jpgMarch 2012 - Great Crested Grebes Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/great-crested-grebes]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/november-2008-common-buzzard https://images.on-this.website/4752_18425505134e3a556d09917.jpgNovember 2008 - Common Buzzard Please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/photo11350984.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/january-2008-mallard https://images.on-this.website/4752_11192693394e3a58fb9a3c5.jpgJanuary 2008 - Mallard Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9589850.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/may-2018-golden-jackal https://images.on-this.website/4752_2404819135dcd552ed46da.jpgMay 2018 - Golden Jackal Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39081928.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871668.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6456355564eff2061b5437.jpgRed-necked Phalarope The Red-necked Phalarope is a small wader with lobed toes to assist swimming and a straight, fine bill. The breeding female is predominantly dark grey above with a chestnut neck and upper breast, black face and white throat. The breeding male is a duller version of the female. In winter, the plumage is essentially grey above and white below but the black eyepatch is always present. When feeding, a Red-necked Phalarope will often swim in a small, rapid circle, forming a small whirlpool. This behaviour is thought to aid feeding by raising food from the bottom of shallow water. The bird will reach into the centre of the vortex with its bill, plucking small insects or crustaceans caught up therein. On the open ocean, they are often found where converging currents produce upwellings. The Red-necked Phalarope breeds in the Arctic regions of north America and Eurasia. It is migratory and, unusually for a wader, it winters at sea on tropical oceans. Date: 28th May 2009 Location: Vadsøya, Varanger peninsula, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28102066.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_173699849657779ec07e650.jpgRed Kites The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include [url=http://www.gigrin.co.uk/]Gigrin Farm feeding centre[/url] near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 12th June 2016 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11204060.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13411427484e186e2574c0f.jpgPuffins The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 31st May 2008 Location: Sumburgh Head, South Mainland, Shetland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37399606.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7095851025c669789c7455.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 9th December 2018 Location: Winterton-Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38397296.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11292794845ce12792e4a53.jpgYellowhammer The Yellowhammer is a passerine bird in the bunting family. The bird family [I]Emberizidae[/I] contains around 300 seed-eating species, the majority of which are found in the Americas, although the genus [I]Emberiza[/I], with more than 40 members, is confined to the Old World. Within its genus [I]Emberiza[/I], the Yellowhammer is most closely related to the Pine Bunting and at times they have been considered as one species. Where their ranges meet, the Yellowhammer and Pine Bunting interbreed and the hybrid zone is thought to be moving further east. The Yellowhammer is also closely related to the Cirl Bunting. The Yellowhammer’s scientific name [I]Emberiza citronella[/I] is derived from the Old German [I]embritz[/I] meaning “bunting” and the Italian [I]citronella[/I] meaning “small yellow bird”. The Yellowhammer is a large bunting around 6.3 to 6.5 inches long with a wingspan of 9.1 to 11.6 inches. The male has a bright yellow head, heavily streaked brown back, rufous rump, yellow underparts and white outer tail feathers. The female is less brightly coloured and more streaked on the crown, breast and flanks. Both sexes are less strongly marked outside the breeding season when the dark fringes on new feathers obscure the yellow plumage. The juvenile is much duller and less yellow than the adults and often has a paler rump. The Yellowhammer breeds across Eurasia and it is the commonest and most widespread European bunting although it is absent from high mountains, Arctic regions, most of Iberia and Greece and low-lying regions of other countries adjoining the Mediterranean Sea. It also breeds in Russia east to Irkutsk and in most of Ukraine and the Asian range extends into north west Turkey, the Caucasus and northern Kazakhstan. Populations have declined in recent decades in western Europe but in eastern Europe numbers appear to be stable. Changes to agricultural practices are thought to be responsible for reduced breeding densities. The Yellowhammer can be found throughout most of the UK but it is least abundant in the north and west and absent from some upland areas such as the Pennines and the Scottish Highlands as well as some lowland areas. Its recent sharp population decline make it a Red List species. Within its range, the Yellowhammer is a bird of dry open country, preferably with a range of vegetation types and some trees from which to sing. It is absent from urban areas, forests and wetlands. Probably originally found at forest edges and large clearings, it has benefited from traditional agriculture which created extensive open areas with hedges and clumps of trees. The Yellowhammer usually starts breeding in late April or early May. The males establish territories along hedges or woodland fringes and sing from a tree or bush, often continuing well into July or August. The nest is built by the female on or near the ground and is typically well hidden in tussocks against a bank or low in a bush. It is constructed from nearby plant material such as leaves, dry grass and stalks and lined with fine grasses and sometimes animal hair. The clutch is usually 3 to 5 eggs and the female incubates the eggs for 12 to 14 days to hatching and broods the chicks until they fledge 11 to 13 days later. Both adults feed the chicks in the nest and 2 or 3 broods are raised each year. The Yellowhammer forages mainly on the ground and its diet consists mainly of seeds. Grasses are also important, particularly cereals, and grain makes up a significant part of the food consumed in autumn and winter. Invertebrates are added to its diet during the breeding season, particularly as food for its growing chicks, and a wide range of species is taken including springtails, grasshoppers, flies, beetles, caterpillars, earthworms, spiders and snails. Outside of the breeding season, the Yellowhammer forages in flocks which can occasionally number hundreds of birds and often contain other buntings and finches. The Yellowhammer is a conspicuous, vocal and formerly common country bird and it has attracted human interest. Yellowham Wood and Yellowham Hill, near Dorchester in the UK, both derive their names from the bird. Robbie Burns' poem "The Yellow, Yellow Yorlin'" gets its title from a Scottish name for the Yellowhammer. Enid Blyton helped to popularise the bird's song as "a little bit of bread and no cheese" in some of her books and she wrote a poem called "The Yellow-hammer". Beethoven's student, Carl Czerny, and biographer Anton Schindler, both suggested that the composer got the idea for the first 4 notes of his 5th symphony from the song of the Yellowhammer although it is more likely that the opening of the 4th Piano Concerto was actually the work in question. Beethoven also used the Yellowhammer theme in 2 piano sonatas. Date: 7th May 2019 Location: Weeting Heath NWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37399594.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12931074195c66974d1ff6e.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 9th December 2018 Location: Winterton-Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5325783.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8631255674c1dd57e1cd0b.jpgFulmar The Fulmar is almost gull-like but is a grey and white seabird that is related to the albatrosses. It flies low over the sea on stiff wings with shallow wing beats, gliding and banking to show its white under-parts and then grey upper-parts. At its breeding sites it will fly high up the cliff face riding the updraughts. Fulmars feed in flocks out at sea and defend their nests from intruders by spitting out a foul-smelling oil. Fulmars breed on coastal cliffs with suitable ledges and grassy slopes but will occasionally breed on buildings. Fulmars are best looked for at seabird colonies and are most abundant along the Scottish coastline especially in the Northern Isles. They are least common along the east, south and north-west coasts of England. Adults are present at the breeding colonies nearly all year although young birds leave in late summer. Away from the breeding colonies, Fulmars spend their whole time offshore at sea. Date: 3rd June 2010 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38397301.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2785728835ce127a86283b.jpgYellowhammer The Yellowhammer is a passerine bird in the bunting family. The bird family [I]Emberizidae[/I] contains around 300 seed-eating species, the majority of which are found in the Americas, although the genus [I]Emberiza[/I], with more than 40 members, is confined to the Old World. Within its genus [I]Emberiza[/I], the Yellowhammer is most closely related to the Pine Bunting and at times they have been considered as one species. Where their ranges meet, the Yellowhammer and Pine Bunting interbreed and the hybrid zone is thought to be moving further east. The Yellowhammer is also closely related to the Cirl Bunting. The Yellowhammer’s scientific name [I]Emberiza citronella[/I] is derived from the Old German [I]embritz[/I] meaning “bunting” and the Italian [I]citronella[/I] meaning “small yellow bird”. The Yellowhammer is a large bunting around 6.3 to 6.5 inches long with a wingspan of 9.1 to 11.6 inches. The male has a bright yellow head, heavily streaked brown back, rufous rump, yellow underparts and white outer tail feathers. The female is less brightly coloured and more streaked on the crown, breast and flanks. Both sexes are less strongly marked outside the breeding season when the dark fringes on new feathers obscure the yellow plumage. The juvenile is much duller and less yellow than the adults and often has a paler rump. The Yellowhammer breeds across Eurasia and it is the commonest and most widespread European bunting although it is absent from high mountains, Arctic regions, most of Iberia and Greece and low-lying regions of other countries adjoining the Mediterranean Sea. It also breeds in Russia east to Irkutsk and in most of Ukraine and the Asian range extends into north west Turkey, the Caucasus and northern Kazakhstan. Populations have declined in recent decades in western Europe but in eastern Europe numbers appear to be stable. Changes to agricultural practices are thought to be responsible for reduced breeding densities. The Yellowhammer can be found throughout most of the UK but it is least abundant in the north and west and absent from some upland areas such as the Pennines and the Scottish Highlands as well as some lowland areas. Its recent sharp population decline make it a Red List species. Within its range, the Yellowhammer is a bird of dry open country, preferably with a range of vegetation types and some trees from which to sing. It is absent from urban areas, forests and wetlands. Probably originally found at forest edges and large clearings, it has benefited from traditional agriculture which created extensive open areas with hedges and clumps of trees. The Yellowhammer usually starts breeding in late April or early May. The males establish territories along hedges or woodland fringes and sing from a tree or bush, often continuing well into July or August. The nest is built by the female on or near the ground and is typically well hidden in tussocks against a bank or low in a bush. It is constructed from nearby plant material such as leaves, dry grass and stalks and lined with fine grasses and sometimes animal hair. The clutch is usually 3 to 5 eggs and the female incubates the eggs for 12 to 14 days to hatching and broods the chicks until they fledge 11 to 13 days later. Both adults feed the chicks in the nest and 2 or 3 broods are raised each year. The Yellowhammer forages mainly on the ground and its diet consists mainly of seeds. Grasses are also important, particularly cereals, and grain makes up a significant part of the food consumed in autumn and winter. Invertebrates are added to its diet during the breeding season, particularly as food for its growing chicks, and a wide range of species is taken including springtails, grasshoppers, flies, beetles, caterpillars, earthworms, spiders and snails. Outside of the breeding season, the Yellowhammer forages in flocks which can occasionally number hundreds of birds and often contain other buntings and finches. The Yellowhammer is a conspicuous, vocal and formerly common country bird and it has attracted human interest. Yellowham Wood and Yellowham Hill, near Dorchester in the UK, both derive their names from the bird. Robbie Burns' poem "The Yellow, Yellow Yorlin'" gets its title from a Scottish name for the Yellowhammer. Enid Blyton helped to popularise the bird's song as "a little bit of bread and no cheese" in some of her books and she wrote a poem called "The Yellow-hammer". Beethoven's student, Carl Czerny, and biographer Anton Schindler, both suggested that the composer got the idea for the first 4 notes of his 5th symphony from the song of the Yellowhammer although it is more likely that the opening of the 4th Piano Concerto was actually the work in question. Beethoven also used the Yellowhammer theme in 2 piano sonatas. Date: 7th May 2019 Location: Weeting Heath NWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37399599.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_74257445c669762a6c77.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 9th December 2018 Location: Winterton-Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37399610.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2016780515c66979f2cb6f.jpgAtlantic Grey Seals The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 9th December 2018 Location: Winterton-Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49001956.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8309180216468e5262f2da.jpgEdible Frog The Edible Frog is a species of frog found across Europe that is also known as the Common Water Frog and the Green Frog. The Edible Frog is one of the few animals in the world that is a fertile hybrid of 2 different species, as although similar but genetically different species are known to mate, it is very rare that their offspring will be able to breed. The Edible Frog is a fertile hybrid of 2 other European frogs, namely the Pool Frog and the Marsh Frog, that inter-bred when populations where isolated close to one another during the Ice Age. It was first described in 1758 and is known as the Edible Frog due to the fact that it is now seen as a culinary delicacy across Europe but especially in France where frog’s legs are often served as a national dish. The reason for humans favouring this frog over others is not really known but it may have something to do with their abundance. The Edible Frog is a medium sized frog growing to around 3.5 to 4.5 inches in length. Adults are mainly green in colour with light patches of brown on their backs, yellow eyes and a white underside covered in a few dark spots. There are number of distinct differences between males and females including the fact that males become much lighter and greener during the mating season. Males also have vocal sacs on the outside of their cheeks and extra skin patches on their feet, both of which are primarily used for mating. The Edible Frog is endemic to Europe and it naturally occurs across central Europe as far north as Germany and Estonia. Southern populations are found from Croatia, through northern Italy and into the south of France. There are also isolated populations in Sweden and Bulgaria which are thought to have migrated from the countries nearby. It has also been introduced to the UK. The Edible Frog spends all of its time either in or very close to water and it is most commonly found in calmer parts of rivers and streams where there is a slow but constant flow of fresh water. It tends to prefer more open areas and can also be commonly found around lakes, ponds and marshes. Unlike many other species of frog, the Edible Frog is a diurnal animal and is therefore most active during the day. This is when it is most likely to move away from the water so that it can find a better supply of food or move to a different part of the water if it needs to. The Edible Frog is a relatively solitary animal so there is less competition for food but males are often seen sitting together in groups during the breeding season when they are trying to out-compete each other to find a mate. The breeding season for the Edible Frog begins during March and generally lasts for around 2 months. Males sing by drawing air in and out of their vocal sacs to produce the highest-pitched sound possible since females are most attracted to the loudest males. After courting her in a lake, pond or swamp, the male lets the female lay up to 10,000 eggs in a sticky mass into the water before he fertilises them. Tadpoles can be as small as 0.2 inches long when they hatch and are a grey/brown colour. They then grow up to 2 to 3 inches in length before metamorphoses occurs and they leave the water as 0.75 inches long young frogs. The Edible Frog reaches sexual maturity at the age of 2 years and can live until it is 15 years old. The Edible Frog is a carnivorous amphibian but the tadpoles mainly eat vegetation although they are known to occasionally supplement their diet with aquatic micro-organisms. Adults eat small invertebrates such as insects, spiders and flies, which make up the majority of their diet, along with larger aquatic animals like fish, newts and other frogs. The Edible Frog hunts for food during the day and can be seen catching food both in water and on land. The Edible Frog remains very still when it is sitting on the banks of its water habitat and this, along with its camouflage, makes it very difficult for predators to spot. Its eyes are positioned near the top of the head meaning that it can also see danger coming whilst the body is mainly hidden. Snakes, owls and water birds are the main predators of the Edible Frog. The Edible Frog will jump into the water and hide if it senses approaching danger and it will make a loud screeching sound if caught. Edible Frog populations are under threat from habitat destruction mainly caused by deforestation and water pollution. Date: 6th May 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37159137.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6376118895c1e62ab59b6b.jpgBittern The Bittern, Eurasian Bittern or Great Bittern is a bird in the bittern sub-family of the heron family. Its folk names, often local, include many variations on the themes of "barrel-maker", "bog-bull", "bog hen", "bog-trotter", "bog-bumper", "mire drum(ble)", "butter bump", "bitter bum", "bog blutter", "bog drum", "boom bird", "bottle-bump", "bull of the bog", "bull of the mire", "bumpy cors" and "heather blutter". Most of these were onomatopoeic colloquial names for the bird. The call was described as "bumping" or "booming" and mire and bog denoted the bird's habitat. As its alternative name of Great Bittern suggests, the Bittern is the largest of the bitterns with males being slightly larger than females. It is 27 to 32 inches in length with a 39 to 51 inches wingspan. The crown and nape are black with the individual feathers rather long and loosely arranged and tipped with buff narrowly barred with black. The sides of the head and neck are a more uniform tawny-buff and irregularly barred with black. The mantle, scapulars and back are of a similar colour but are more heavily barred, the individual feathers having black centres and barring. The head has a yellowish-buff superciliary stripe and a brownish-black moustachial stripe. The sides of the neck are a rusty-brown with faint barring. The chin and throat are buff, the central feathers on the throat having longitudinal stripes of rusty-brown. The breast and belly are yellowish-buff with broad stripes of brown at the side and narrow stripes in the centre. The tail is rusty-buff with black streaks in the centre and black mottling near the edge. The wings are pale rusty-brown and irregularly barred, streaked and mottled with black. The plumage has a loose texture and elongated feathers on the crown, neck and breast can be erected. The powerful bill is greenish-yellow with a darker tip to the upper mandible. The eye has a yellow iris and is surrounded by a ring of greenish or bluish bare skin. The legs and feet are greenish, with some yellow on the tarsal joint and yellow soles to the feet. Juveniles have similar plumage to adults but are somewhat paler with less distinct markings. The mating call or contact call of the male Bittern is a deep, fog-horn or bull-like boom with a quick rise and an only slightly longer fall, easily audible from a distance of 3 miles on a calm night. The call is mainly given between January and April during the mating season. Surveys of Bitterns are carried out by noting the number of distinct male booms in a given area. Prior to modern science, it was unknown how such a small bird produced a call so low-pitched. Common explanations suggested that the bird made its call into a straw or that it blew directly into the water. It is now known that the sound is produced by expelling air from the oesophagus with the aid of powerful muscles surrounding it. Usually solitary, the Bittern forages in reed beds by walking stealthily or remaining still above a body of water where prey may occur. It is a shy bird and if it is disturbed it will often point its bill directly upwards and freezes in that position, causing its cryptic plumage to blend into the surrounding reeds. The Bittern has a secretive nature and keeps largely hidden in reeds and coarse vegetation. Occasionally, especially in hard winter weather, it will stand in the open beside the water's edge, although usually close to cover to facilitate a hasty retreat. In flight, the Bittern’s wings can be seen to be broad and rounded and its legs trail behind it in typical heron fashion. Its neck is extended when it takes off but is retracted when it has picked up speed. It seldom flies however and prefers to move through the vegetation stealthily on foot. Its gait is slow and deliberate and it can clamber over reeds by gripping several at a time with its toes. It is most active at dawn and dusk but also sometimes forages by day. The breeding range of the Bittern extends across temperate parts of Europe and Asia from the UK, Sweden and Finland eastwards to Sakhalin Island in eastern Siberia and Hokkaido Island in Japan. The northern limit of its range is in the Ural Mountains and eastern Siberia whilst the southern limit is the Mediterranean Sea, the Black Sea, Iran, Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia and northern China. Small resident populations also breed in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. Some populations are sedentary and stay in the same areas throughout the year. More northerly populations usually migrate to warmer regions but some birds often remain. Birds in northern Europe tend to move south and west to southern Europe, north and central Africa and northern Asian birds migrate to parts of the Arabian peninsula, the Indian sub-continent and eastern China. In the UK, the Bittern can be found all year round at suitable wetlands, particularly in East Anglia, south east England and south west England. It is most visible in winter. In recent years, the Bittern has become a regular winter visitor to the London Wetland Centre, enabling city residents to view this scare bird. The Bittern is typically found in reed beds and swamps as well as lakes, lagoons and sluggish rivers fringed by rank vegetation. It sometimes nests by ponds in agricultural areas and even quite near habitations where suitable habitat exists but it prefers large reed beds of at least 50 acres in which to breed. Outside the breeding season it has less restrictive habitat requirements and, in addition to reed beds, it can also be found in rice fields, watercress beds, fish farms, gravel pits, sewage works, ditches, flooded areas and marshes. Males are polygamous and mate with up to 5 females. The nest is built in the previous year's standing reeds and consists of an untidy platform some 12 inches across. It may be on a tussock surrounded by water or on matted roots close to water and it is built by the female using bits of reed, sedges and grass stalks with a lining of finer fragments. The clutch of 4 to 6 eggs is laid in late March and April and incubated by the female for about 26 days. After hatching, the chicks spend about 2 weeks in the nest before leaving to swim amongst the reeds. The female rears them without help from the male, regurgitating food from her crop. The chicks become fully fledged at about 8 weeks. The Bittern feeds on fish, small mammals, amphibians and invertebrates, hunting along the reed margins in shallow water. Some vegetable matter such as aquatic plants is also consumed. The Bittern has a very wide range and a large total population and therefore the IUCN has assessed its overall conservation status as being of "Least Concern” because although the population trend is downward, the rate of decline is insufficient to justify rating it in a more threatened category. The chief threat that the Bittern faces is the drainage and disturbance of its wetland habitats. Date: 7th May 2018 Location: Ham Wall RSPB reserve, Somerset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38397302.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5274326185ce127acb77b3.jpgYellowhammer The Yellowhammer is a passerine bird in the bunting family. The bird family [I]Emberizidae[/I] contains around 300 seed-eating species, the majority of which are found in the Americas, although the genus [I]Emberiza[/I], with more than 40 members, is confined to the Old World. Within its genus [I]Emberiza[/I], the Yellowhammer is most closely related to the Pine Bunting and at times they have been considered as one species. Where their ranges meet, the Yellowhammer and Pine Bunting interbreed and the hybrid zone is thought to be moving further east. The Yellowhammer is also closely related to the Cirl Bunting. The Yellowhammer’s scientific name [I]Emberiza citronella[/I] is derived from the Old German [I]embritz[/I] meaning “bunting” and the Italian [I]citronella[/I] meaning “small yellow bird”. The Yellowhammer is a large bunting around 6.3 to 6.5 inches long with a wingspan of 9.1 to 11.6 inches. The male has a bright yellow head, heavily streaked brown back, rufous rump, yellow underparts and white outer tail feathers. The female is less brightly coloured and more streaked on the crown, breast and flanks. Both sexes are less strongly marked outside the breeding season when the dark fringes on new feathers obscure the yellow plumage. The juvenile is much duller and less yellow than the adults and often has a paler rump. The Yellowhammer breeds across Eurasia and it is the commonest and most widespread European bunting although it is absent from high mountains, Arctic regions, most of Iberia and Greece and low-lying regions of other countries adjoining the Mediterranean Sea. It also breeds in Russia east to Irkutsk and in most of Ukraine and the Asian range extends into north west Turkey, the Caucasus and northern Kazakhstan. Populations have declined in recent decades in western Europe but in eastern Europe numbers appear to be stable. Changes to agricultural practices are thought to be responsible for reduced breeding densities. The Yellowhammer can be found throughout most of the UK but it is least abundant in the north and west and absent from some upland areas such as the Pennines and the Scottish Highlands as well as some lowland areas. Its recent sharp population decline make it a Red List species. Within its range, the Yellowhammer is a bird of dry open country, preferably with a range of vegetation types and some trees from which to sing. It is absent from urban areas, forests and wetlands. Probably originally found at forest edges and large clearings, it has benefited from traditional agriculture which created extensive open areas with hedges and clumps of trees. The Yellowhammer usually starts breeding in late April or early May. The males establish territories along hedges or woodland fringes and sing from a tree or bush, often continuing well into July or August. The nest is built by the female on or near the ground and is typically well hidden in tussocks against a bank or low in a bush. It is constructed from nearby plant material such as leaves, dry grass and stalks and lined with fine grasses and sometimes animal hair. The clutch is usually 3 to 5 eggs and the female incubates the eggs for 12 to 14 days to hatching and broods the chicks until they fledge 11 to 13 days later. Both adults feed the chicks in the nest and 2 or 3 broods are raised each year. The Yellowhammer forages mainly on the ground and its diet consists mainly of seeds. Grasses are also important, particularly cereals, and grain makes up a significant part of the food consumed in autumn and winter. Invertebrates are added to its diet during the breeding season, particularly as food for its growing chicks, and a wide range of species is taken including springtails, grasshoppers, flies, beetles, caterpillars, earthworms, spiders and snails. Outside of the breeding season, the Yellowhammer forages in flocks which can occasionally number hundreds of birds and often contain other buntings and finches. The Yellowhammer is a conspicuous, vocal and formerly common country bird and it has attracted human interest. Yellowham Wood and Yellowham Hill, near Dorchester in the UK, both derive their names from the bird. Robbie Burns' poem "The Yellow, Yellow Yorlin'" gets its title from a Scottish name for the Yellowhammer. Enid Blyton helped to popularise the bird's song as "a little bit of bread and no cheese" in some of her books and she wrote a poem called "The Yellow-hammer". Beethoven's student, Carl Czerny, and biographer Anton Schindler, both suggested that the composer got the idea for the first 4 notes of his 5th symphony from the song of the Yellowhammer although it is more likely that the opening of the 4th Piano Concerto was actually the work in question. Beethoven also used the Yellowhammer theme in 2 piano sonatas. Date: 7th May 2019 Location: Weeting Heath NWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37399592.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13778716695c6697460c3b9.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 9th December 2018 Location: Winterton-Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37399607.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14072511925c66978d77da5.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 9th December 2018 Location: Winterton-Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37190345.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8696301835c2a266ebb5c2.jpgRed Grouse The Red Grouse is a medium-sized bird of the grouse family which is found in heather moorland in the UK and Ireland. It is endemic to the UK and has developed in isolation. It is usually classified as a sub-species of the Willow Ptarmigan or Willow Grouse which is found in birch and other forests and moorlands in north Europe, the tundra of Scandinavia, Siberia, Alaska and north Canada. The Red Grouse is differentiated from the Willow Ptarmigan and Rock Ptarmigan by its plumage being reddish brown and not having a white winter plumage. The tail is black and the legs are white. There are white stripes on the underwing and red combs over the eye. Females are less reddish than the males and have less conspicuous combs. Young birds are duller and lack the red combs. The Red Grouse is found across most parts of Scotland, including Orkney, Shetland and most of the Outer Hebrides. It is only absent from urban areas such as in the Central Belt. In Wales there are strong populations of Red Grouse in some places but the range has retracted. It is now largely absent from the far south and the main strongholds are Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons and the Cambrian Mountains. In England the Red Grouse is mainly found in the north in areas such as the Lake District, Northumberland, County Durham, much of Yorkshire, the Pennines and the Peak District as far south as the Staffordshire Moorlands. There is an isolated introduced population on Dartmoor and overspill Welsh birds visit the Shropshire Hills.The typical habitat is upland heather moors away from trees. It can also be found in some low-lying bogs and birds may visit farmland during hard weather. The UK population of the Red Grouse is estimated at about 250,000 pairs. Numbers have declined in recent years and it is now absent in areas where it was once common. Reasons for the decline include disease, loss of heather due to overgrazing, creation of new conifer plantations and a decline in the number of upland gamekeepers. Some predators feed on Red Grouse and there is ongoing controversy as to what effect these have on numbers. The Red Grouse is herbivorous and feeds mainly on the shoots, seeds and flowers of heather. It will also feed on berries, cereal crops and sometimes insects. The Red Grouse is considered a game bird and is shot in large numbers during the shooting season which traditionally starts on August 12th (known as the Glorious Twelfth). Shooting can take the form of “walked up” (where shooters walk across the moor to flush grouse and take a shot) or “driven” (where grouse are driven, often in large numbers, by “beaters” towards the shooters who are hiding behind a line of “butts”). Many moors are managed to increase the density of Red Grouse. Areas of heather are subjected to controlled burning since this allows fresh young shoots to regenerate which are favoured by Red Grouse. In addition, extensive predator control is a feature of grouse moor management and the extent and legality to which it occurs is hotly contested between conservation groups and shooting interests and the subject generates a lot of media attention. The Red Grouse is widely known as the logo of The Famous Grouse whisky and an animated bird is a character in a series of its adverts. It is also the emblem of the magazine “British Birds”. Date: 222nd June 2018 Location: Glen Quaich, Perthshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37399581.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5463277725c66971f3fc26.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 9th December 2018 Location: Winterton-Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37399593.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16952950855c66974921082.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 9th December 2018 Location: Winterton-Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37399596.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12008912535c6697556c578.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 9th December 2018 Location: Winterton-Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37403989.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21249631805c6828fc80e61.jpgShort-eared Owl The Short-eared Owl is a species of the typical owl family [i]Strigidae[/i]. Owls belonging to the genus [i]Asio[/i], such as the Short-eared Owl, are known as the eared owls since they have tufts of feathers resembling mammalian ears. These "ear" tufts may or may not be visible. The Short-eared Owl will display its tufts when in a defensive pose although its very short tufts are usually not visible. The Short-eared Owl is a medium-sized owl 13 to 17 inches in length with a 33 to 43 inches wingspan. Females are slightly larger than males. It has large yellow eyes with black encircling rings, a big head, a short neck and broad wings. The bill is short, strong, hooked and black. The plumage is mottled tawny to brown with a barred tail and wings. The upper breast is significantly streaked. The flight is characteristically floppy due to the irregular wingbeats and the Short-eared Owl is often described as "moth-like” or bat-like" in flight. Through much of its range, the Short-eared Owl occurs with the similar looking Long-eared Owl. At rest, the ear-tufts of the Long-eared Owl serve to easily distinguish the 2 species although the Long-eared Owl can sometimes hold its ear-tufts flat. The iris colour also differs: yellow in the Short-eared Owl and orange in the Long-eared Owl plus the black surrounding the eyes is vertical on the Long-eared Owl and horizontal on the Short-eared Owl. Overall, the Short-eared Owl tends to be a paler, sandier coloured bird than the Long-eared Owl. There are 10 recognized sub-species of the Short-eared Owl and its range covers all continents except Antarctica and Australia. It therefore has one of the most widespread distributions of any bird. It is partially migratory and moves south in winter from the northern parts of its range. The Short-eared Owl is also known to relocate to areas of higher rodent populations and it will also wander nomadically in search of better food supplies during years when vole populations are low. In the UK, the Short-eared Owl breeds primarily in north England and Scotland but it is seen more widely in winter when there is an influx of continental birds from Scandinavia, Russia and Iceland to north, east and parts of central south England, especially around coastal marshes and wetlands. The breeding season of the Short-eared Owl in the northern hemisphere lasts from March to June but peaks in April. During the breeding season, the male makes a great spectacle of itself in flight to attract a female. The male swoops down over the potential nest site flapping its wings in a courtship display. The Short-eared Owl is generally monogamous and nests on the ground in prairie, tundra, savanna or meadow habitats. The nest is concealed by low vegetation and may be lightly lined by weeds, grass or feathers. The female lays 4 to 7 eggs but clutch size can reach up to 12 eggs in years when voles are abundant. There is a single brood per year. The eggs are incubated mostly by the female for 21 to 37 days and the young fledge at a little over 4 weeks. The Short-eared Owl hunts mostly at night but it is known as a diurnal and crepuscular hunter as well. Its daylight hunting seems to coincide with the high activity periods of voles, its preferred prey. It tends to fly only a few feet above the ground in open fields and grasslands until swooping down upon its prey feet first. Several owls may hunt over the same open area. The diet of the Short-eared Owl consists mainly of rodents, especially voles, but it will eat other small mammals such as mice, ground squirrels, shrews, rats, bats, muskrats and moles. It will also occasionally predate smaller birds especially when near sea coasts and adjacent wetlands at which time they may attack waders, terns and small gulls and seabirds. Avian prey is more infrequently preyed on inland and includes small passerines. Insects also supplement the diet. Date: 11th February 2019 Location:Wallasea Island, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37399583.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12911429785c6697249546a.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 9th December 2018 Location: Winterton-Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874886.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_309362004561cd1ac7e7e8.jpgKolgrafafjörður, Snæfellsnes peninsula, west Iceland Kolgrafafjörður is a fjord situated between Stykkishólmur and Grundarfjörður on the north coast of the Snæfellsnes peninsula in west Iceland. Date: 6th June 2015 Location: view from road 54 west of Stykkishólmur http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37159128.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18143539195c1e6021b952a.jpgDipper The White-throated Dipper, also known as the European Dipper or simply as the Dipper, is an aquatic passerine bird. It is divided into several sub-species based primarily on colour differences, particularly of the pectoral band. These include the Black-bellied Dipper found in Scandinavia, west France, north west Spain, Corsica and Sardinia and an infrequent migrant to the UK and the “British” Dipper found in England, Wales and Scotland excluding the west and north west and the islands. The Dipper is about 7.1 inches long, rotund and short tailed. The head of the adult is brown, the back slate-grey mottled with black (looking black from a distance) and the wings and tail are brown. The throat and upper breast are white followed by a band of warm chestnut (“British” Dipper) or black (Black-bellied Dipper ) which merges into black on the belly and flanks. The young are greyish brown and have no chestnut band. The Dipper can be found in Europe, the Middle East, central Asia and the Indian Subcontinent and it is closely associated with swiftly running rivers and streams or the lakes in to which these fall. It often perches and bobs spasmodically with its short tail uplifted on the rocks around which the water swirls and tumbles. It acquired its name from these sudden dips and not from its diving habit, although it dives as well as walks into the water. It flies rapidly and straight with its short wings whirring swiftly and without pauses or glides and will then either drop on the water and dive or plunge in with a small splash. In addition, it will walk into the water and deliberately submerge from a perch. In this way the Dipper finds its food which includes aquatic invertebrates, aquatic insect larvae, beetles, freshwater molluscs, fish and small amphibians. It will also walk and run on the banks and rocks seeking terrestrial invertebrates. The winter habits of the Dipper vary considerably and apparently individually. When the swift hill rivers and streams are frozen it is forced to descend to the lowlands and even visit the coasts but some will remain if there is any open water. The Dipper breeds close to water and the nest is large, globular or oval (similar to a large Wren's nest) built into a crack or hollow in the rock or in the masonry or on the supports of a bridge. It is composed of moss, dead grass and leaves. This ball, however, is just a shelter. Usually hidden beneath a lip is the entrance to the real nest inside which is a cup of grass or sedge lined with leaves of oak, beech or other trees. Eggs are laid (3 to 6) are laid between March and May and 1 or 2 broods are raised. Date: 6th May 2018 Location: Gilfach RWT reserve, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37159124.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_56292875c1e5ee22a80e.jpgDipper The White-throated Dipper, also known as the European Dipper or simply as the Dipper, is an aquatic passerine bird. It is divided into several sub-species based primarily on colour differences, particularly of the pectoral band. These include the Black-bellied Dipper found in Scandinavia, west France, north west Spain, Corsica and Sardinia and an infrequent migrant to the UK and the “British” Dipper found in England, Wales and Scotland excluding the west and north west and the islands. The Dipper is about 7.1 inches long, rotund and short tailed. The head of the adult is brown, the back slate-grey mottled with black (looking black from a distance) and the wings and tail are brown. The throat and upper breast are white followed by a band of warm chestnut (“British” Dipper) or black (Black-bellied Dipper ) which merges into black on the belly and flanks. The young are greyish brown and have no chestnut band. The Dipper can be found in Europe, the Middle East, central Asia and the Indian Subcontinent and it is closely associated with swiftly running rivers and streams or the lakes in to which these fall. It often perches and bobs spasmodically with its short tail uplifted on the rocks around which the water swirls and tumbles. It acquired its name from these sudden dips and not from its diving habit, although it dives as well as walks into the water. It flies rapidly and straight with its short wings whirring swiftly and without pauses or glides and will then either drop on the water and dive or plunge in with a small splash. In addition, it will walk into the water and deliberately submerge from a perch. In this way the Dipper finds its food which includes aquatic invertebrates, aquatic insect larvae, beetles, freshwater molluscs, fish and small amphibians. It will also walk and run on the banks and rocks seeking terrestrial invertebrates. The winter habits of the Dipper vary considerably and apparently individually. When the swift hill rivers and streams are frozen it is forced to descend to the lowlands and even visit the coasts but some will remain if there is any open water. The Dipper breeds close to water and the nest is large, globular or oval (similar to a large Wren's nest) built into a crack or hollow in the rock or in the masonry or on the supports of a bridge. It is composed of moss, dead grass and leaves. This ball, however, is just a shelter. Usually hidden beneath a lip is the entrance to the real nest inside which is a cup of grass or sedge lined with leaves of oak, beech or other trees. Eggs are laid (3 to 6) are laid between March and May and 1 or 2 broods are raised. Date: 6th May 2018 Location: Gilfach RWT reserve, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37190344.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17687050175c2a262065079.jpgRed Grouse The Red Grouse is a medium-sized bird of the grouse family which is found in heather moorland in the UK and Ireland. It is endemic to the UK and has developed in isolation. It is usually classified as a sub-species of the Willow Ptarmigan or Willow Grouse which is found in birch and other forests and moorlands in north Europe, the tundra of Scandinavia, Siberia, Alaska and north Canada. The Red Grouse is differentiated from the Willow Ptarmigan and Rock Ptarmigan by its plumage being reddish brown and not having a white winter plumage. The tail is black and the legs are white. There are white stripes on the underwing and red combs over the eye. Females are less reddish than the males and have less conspicuous combs. Young birds are duller and lack the red combs. The Red Grouse is found across most parts of Scotland, including Orkney, Shetland and most of the Outer Hebrides. It is only absent from urban areas such as in the Central Belt. In Wales there are strong populations of Red Grouse in some places but the range has retracted. It is now largely absent from the far south and the main strongholds are Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons and the Cambrian Mountains. In England the Red Grouse is mainly found in the north in areas such as the Lake District, Northumberland, County Durham, much of Yorkshire, the Pennines and the Peak District as far south as the Staffordshire Moorlands. There is an isolated introduced population on Dartmoor and overspill Welsh birds visit the Shropshire Hills.The typical habitat is upland heather moors away from trees. It can also be found in some low-lying bogs and birds may visit farmland during hard weather. The UK population of the Red Grouse is estimated at about 250,000 pairs. Numbers have declined in recent years and it is now absent in areas where it was once common. Reasons for the decline include disease, loss of heather due to overgrazing, creation of new conifer plantations and a decline in the number of upland gamekeepers. Some predators feed on Red Grouse and there is ongoing controversy as to what effect these have on numbers. The Red Grouse is herbivorous and feeds mainly on the shoots, seeds and flowers of heather. It will also feed on berries, cereal crops and sometimes insects. The Red Grouse is considered a game bird and is shot in large numbers during the shooting season which traditionally starts on August 12th (known as the Glorious Twelfth). Shooting can take the form of “walked up” (where shooters walk across the moor to flush grouse and take a shot) or “driven” (where grouse are driven, often in large numbers, by “beaters” towards the shooters who are hiding behind a line of “butts”). Many moors are managed to increase the density of Red Grouse. Areas of heather are subjected to controlled burning since this allows fresh young shoots to regenerate which are favoured by Red Grouse. In addition, extensive predator control is a feature of grouse moor management and the extent and legality to which it occurs is hotly contested between conservation groups and shooting interests and the subject generates a lot of media attention. The Red Grouse is widely known as the logo of The Famous Grouse whisky and an animated bird is a character in a series of its adverts. It is also the emblem of the magazine “British Birds”. Date: 222nd June 2018 Location: Glen Quaich, Perthshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37399623.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17057453445c6697d5377bd.jpgAtlantic Grey Seals The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 9th December 2018 Location: Winterton-Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37399622.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21284017155c6697cee25b3.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 9th December 2018 Location: Winterton-Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28569168.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_80371737157a86ce2cd090.jpgRuff The Ruff is a medium-sized wading bird in the sandpiper family, [i]Scolopacidae[/i]. The original English name for this bird, dating back to at least 1465, is the [i]ree[/i], perhaps derived from a dialectical term meaning "frenzied". A later name [I]reeve[/I], which is still used for the female, is of unknown origin but may be derived from the shire-reeve, a feudal officer, likening the male's flamboyant plumage to the official's robes. The current name was first recorded in 1634 and is derived from the ruff, an exaggerated collar fashionable from the mid-16th century to the mid-17th century, since the male bird's neck ornamental feathers resemble the neck wear. The Ruff has a distinctive appearance with a small head, medium-length bill, longish neck and pot-bellied body. It has long legs that are variable in colour but usually yellow or orange. In flight, it has a deeper, slower wing stroke than other waders of a similar size and it displays a thin, indistinct white bar on the wing and white ovals on the sides of the tail. The Ruff shows very distinctive sexual dimorphism. Although a small percentage of males resemble females, the typical male is much larger than the female and has an elaborate breeding plumage. The male is 11 to 13 inches in length with a 21 to 24 inches wingspan. During the May to June breeding season, the typical male's legs, bill and warty bare facial skin are orange and he has distinctive head tufts and a neck ruff. These ornaments vary on individual birds and are black, chestnut or white with the colouring solid, barred or irregular. The grey-brown back has a scale-like pattern, often with black or chestnut feathers, and the underparts are white with extensive black on the breast. The extreme variability of the main breeding plumage is thought to have developed to aid individual recognition in a species that has communal breeding displays but is usually mute. Outside the breeding season, the typical male's head and neck decorations and the bare facial skin are lost and the legs and bill become duller. The upperparts are grey-brown and the underparts are white with grey mottling on the breast and flanks. The female, or "reeve", is 9 to 10 inches in length with a 18 to 19 inches wingspan. In the breeding plumage, the female has grey-brown upperparts with white-fringed, dark-centred feathers. The breast and flanks are variably blotched with black. In winter, her plumage is similar to that of the male but the sexes are distinguishable on size. The plumage of the juvenile Ruff resembles the non-breeding adult but has upperparts with a neat, scale-like pattern with dark feather centres and a strong buff tinge to the underparts. The Ruff is a migratory species, breeding in wetlands in the colder regions of northern Eurasia and wintering in the tropics, mainly in Africa. There is a limited overlap of the summer and winter ranges in the UK and parts of coastal western Europe and birds may be present throughout the year. The Ruff breeds in Europe and Asia from Scandinavia and the UK almost to the Pacific. In Europe, it is found in cool temperate areas but over its Russian range it is an Arctic species and occurs mainly north of about 65°N. The largest numbers breed in Russia, Sweden, Finland and Norway. Although it also breeds from the UK east through the Low Countries to Poland, Germany and Denmark, the populations are much lower in these more southerly areas. The Ruff is highly gregarious on migration and it travels in large flocks that can contain hundreds or thousands of individuals. Huge dense groups form on the wintering grounds. The males, which play no part in nesting or chick care, leave the breeding grounds in late June or early July followed later in July by the females and juveniles. Males typically make shorter flights and winter further north than females. Many migratory species use this differential wintering strategy since it reduces feeding competition between the sexes and enables territorial males to reach the breeding grounds as early as possible thereby improving their chances of successful mating. Males may also be able to tolerate colder winter conditions because they are larger than females. The Ruff breeds in extensive lowland freshwater marshes and damp grasslands. It avoids barren tundra and areas badly affected by severe weather, preferring hummocky marshes and deltas with shallow water. The wetter areas provide a source of food, the mounds and slopes may be used for leks and dry areas with sedge or low scrub offer nesting sites. When it is not breeding, it can be found in a wider range of shallow wetlands. Dry grassland, tidal mudflats and the seashore are less frequently used. Male Ruffs display during the breeding season at a lek in a traditional open grassy arena. The Ruff is one of the few lekking species in which the display is primarily directed at other males rather than to the females and it is among a small percentage of birds in which the males have well-marked and inherited variations in plumage and mating behaviour. There are 3 male forms: the typical territorial males, satellite males which have a white neck ruff and a very rare variant with female-like plumage. The behaviour and appearance for an individual male remain constant through its adult life and are determined by its genes. The territorial males, about 84% of the total, have strongly coloured black or chestnut ruffs and stake out and occupy small mating territories in the lek. They actively court females and display a high degree of aggression towards other resident males. Between 5 and 20 territorial males each hold an area of the lek about 3 feet across and usually with bare soil in the centre. They perform an elaborate display that includes wing fluttering, jumping, standing upright, crouching with ruff erect or lunging at rivals. They are typically silent even when displaying. Territorial males are very site faithful and 90% return to the same lekking sites in subsequent seasons, the most dominant males being the most likely to reappear. Site faithful males can acquire accurate information about the competitive abilities of other males, leading to well-developed dominance relationships. Such stable relationships reduce conflict and the risk of injury and the consequent lower levels of male aggression are less likely to scare off females. Lower-ranked territorial males also benefit from site fidelity since they can remain on the leks while waiting for the top males eventually to drop out. Satellite males, about 16% of the total number, have white or mottled ruffs and do not occupy territories. Instead, they enter leks and attempt to mate with the females visiting the territories occupied by the resident territorial males. Resident territorial males tolerate the satellite birds because, although they are competitors for mating with the females, the presence of both types of male on a territory attracts additional females. A third type of male was first described in 2006. This is a permanent female mimic, the first such reported for a bird. About 1% of males are small, intermediate in size between males and females and do not grow the elaborate breeding plumage of the territorial and satellite males. This cryptic male obtains access to mating territories together with the females and "steals" matings when the females crouch to solicit copulation. It moults into the prenuptial male plumage with striped feathers but does not go on to develop the ornamental feathers of the normal male. Not all mating takes place at the lek since only a minority of the males attend an active lek. As alternative strategies, males can also directly pursue females or wait for them as they approach good feeding sites. The level of polyandry in the Ruff is the highest known for any avian lekking species and for any shorebird. More than half of females mate with and have clutches fertilised by more than one male. In lekking species, females can choose mates without risking the loss of support from males in nesting and rearing chicks since the males take no part in raising the brood anyway. The nest of the Ruff is a shallow ground scrape lined with grass leaves and stems and concealed in marsh plants or tall grass up to 450 yards from the lek. Nesting is solitary although several females may lay in the general vicinity of a lek. The female lays typically 4 eggs from mid-March to early June depending on latitude. Incubation is undertaken by the female alone and the time to hatching is 20 to 23 days with a further 25 to 28 days to fledging. The precocial chicks have buff and chestnut down, streaked and barred with black and frosted with white. They feed themselves on a variety of small invertebrates. The Ruff normally feeds using a steady walk and pecking action, selecting food items by sight, but it will also wade deeply and submerge its head. During the breeding season, the Ruff’s diet consists almost exclusively of the adults and larva of terrestrial and aquatic insects such as beetles and flies. On migration and during the winter, it eats insects, crustaceans, spiders, molluscs, worms, frogs, small fish and also the seeds of rice and other cereals, sedges, grasses and aquatic plants. The Ruff has a large range and a large population although there is some evidence of a decrease in the population in some regions and countries. However, the species as a whole is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List (i.e. declining more than 30 percent in 10 years or 3 generations). For these reasons, the Ruff is classified as "least concern". However, the range in much of Europe is contracting because of land drainage, increased fertiliser use, the loss of mown or grazed breeding sites and over-hunting. Therefore the Ruff is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 1st August 2016 Location: Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38397335.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3179067785ce12819c2233.jpgPheasant The Common Pheasant is native to Asia but it has been widely introduced elsewhere as a game bird. In parts of its range, namely in places where none of its relatives occur such as in Europe (where it is naturalised), it is simply known as the Pheasant. Body weight of the Pheasant can range from 1.1 to 6.6 pounds, with males averaging 2.6 pounds and females averaging 2 pounds The adult male Pheasant is 24 to 35 inches in length with a long brown streaked black tail, accounting for almost 20 inches of the total length. The body plumage is barred bright gold or fiery copper-red and chestnut-brown with an iridescent sheen of green and purple. The wings are white or cream and black-barred markings are common on the tail. The head is bottle green with a small crest and distinctive red wattling. The female Pheasant is much less showy with a duller mottled brown plumage all over and measuring 20 to 25 inches long including a tail of around 8 inches. Juveniles have the appearance of the female with a shorter tail until young males begin to grow characteristic bright feathers on the breast, head and back at about 10 weeks after hatching. There are many colour forms of the male Pheasant, ranging in colour from nearly white to almost black in some melanistic examples. These are due to captive breeding and hybridisation between sub-species reinforced by continual releases of stock from varying sources to the wild. The Pheasant is native to Asia with its original range extending from between the Black and Caspian Seas to Manchuria, Siberia, Korea, mainland China and Taiwan. It can now be found across the globe due to its readiness to breed in captivity and the fact it can naturalise in many climates. At least since the Roman Empire, the Pheasant has been extensively introduced in many places and it has become a naturalised species in Europe, including throughout most of the UK where successive introductions have led to it becoming well adapted to the climate and able to breed naturally in the wild without human supervision on farmland and in copses, heaths, scrub, commons and wetlands. The Pheasant nests solely on the ground in scrapes lined with some grass and leaves, frequently under dense cover or a hedge. Occasionally it will nest in a haystack or in an old nest left by other birds. The male is polygynous and is often accompanied by a harem of several females. A clutch of around 8 to 15 eggs is laid during April to June, sometimes as many as 18 but usually 10 to 12. The incubation period is about 22 to 27 days. The chicks stay near the female for several weeks although they leave the nest when only a few hours old. After hatching they grow quickly, flying after 12 to 14 days and resembling adults by only 15 weeks of age. The Pheasant eats a wide variety of animal and vegetable food including fruit, seeds, grain, mast, berries and leaves as well as a wide range of invertebrates and insects. Small vertebrates like lizards, small mammals and small birds are occasionally taken. The Pheasant is a well-known gamebird and perhaps the most widespread and ancient one in the world. It is one of the world's most hunted birds. The Pheasant is bred to be hunted and it is shot in great numbers in Europe, especially in the UK where they are shot in the open season from 1st October to 1st February. Generally they are shot by hunters employing gun dogs to help find, flush and retrieve shot birds. Pheasant farming is also a common practice and it is sometimes done intensively. Birds are supplied both to hunting preserves/estates and to restaurants. Date: 11th May 2019 Location: Ynys-hir RSPB reserve, Ceredigion http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9566396.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1091957624daed7c32e801.jpgWaxwing The Waxwing is a plump bird which is slightly smaller than a starling. It is reddish-brown with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings, a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest. Waxwings breed in the dense forests of northern Europe but they occur in varying numbers in the UK from October to March. In some years they can occur in large numbers (known as irruptions) when the population in the breeding areas gets too big for the food available. The first UK arrivals each winter are usually seen on the east coast from Scotland to East Anglia but birds then move inland in search of food. They can be found in parks and gardens and even busy public places, typically where there are berry-bearing trees and bushes such as rowan, hawthorn, cotoneaster and rose. Waxwings make an easily recognisable high-pitched trilling sound like a bell. Date: 28th December 2008 Location: Folkestone, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/november-2012-loch-scridain-mull https://images.on-this.website/4752_15618877595133231a991d4.jpgNovember 2012 - Loch Scridain, Mull, Argyll Please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/photo17055191.html#photo]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32708826.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_107489088059ad258b72c9f8.28947291.jpgSwallow The Barn Swallow is the most widespread species of swallow in the world. In Europe it is just called the Swallow and in northern Europe it is the only common species called a "swallow" rather than a "martin". The male Swallow has steel blue upperparts and a rufous forehead, chin and throat which are separated from the off-white underparts by a broad dark blue breast band. The outer tail feathers are elongated to give the distinctive deeply forked "swallow tail." There is a line of white spots across the outer end of the upper tail. The female is similar in appearance to the male but the tail streamers are shorter, the blue of the upperparts and breast band is less glossy and the underparts more pale. The juvenile is browner and has a paler rufous face and whiter underparts. It also lacks the long tail streamers of the adult. The Swallow has an enormous range with an estimated global extent of 20 million square miles and a population of 190 million individuals. It breeds in the Northern Hemisphere from sea level to typically 8,900 feet but up 9,800 feet in the Caucasus and North America and it is absent only from deserts and the cold northernmost parts of the continents. Over much of its range it avoids towns and in Europe is replaced in urban areas by the House Martin. There are 6 subspecies of the Swallow which breed across the Northern Hemisphere, of which 4 are strongly migratory with their wintering grounds covering much of the Southern Hemisphere as far south as central Argentina, the Cape Province of South Africa and northern Australia. The Swallow can be found in open country with low vegetation such as pasture, meadows and farmland, preferably with nearby water. It avoids heavily wooded or precipitous areas and densely built-up locations. The presence of accessible open structures such as barns, stables or culverts to provide nesting sites and exposed locations such as wires, roof ridges or bare branches for perching are also important in the bird's selection of its breeding range. This species lives in close association with humans and its insect-eating habits mean that it is tolerated by man. This acceptance was reinforced in the past by superstitions regarding the bird and its nest. There are frequent cultural references to the Swallow in literary and religious works due to both its living in close proximity to humans and its annual migration. The Swallow is the national bird of Austria and Estonia. In winter, the Swallow is cosmopolitan in its choice of habitat, avoiding only dense forests and deserts. It is most common in open, low vegetation habitats such as savanna and ranch land. Individual birds tend to return to the same wintering locality each year and congregate from a large area to roost in reed beds. These roosts can be extremely large with one in Nigeria holding an estimated 1.5 million birds. Date: 18th May 2017 Location: east of Hortobágy, Hortobágy National Park, Hajdú-Bihar county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13683352.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13915072354ed7339397361.jpgTawny Owl The Tawny Owl is an owl about the size of a pigeon. It has a rounded body and head with a ring of dark feathers around its face surrounding the dark eyes. It is mainly reddish brown above and paler underneath. The Tawny Owl can be found all year round in the UK and it is a widespread breeding species. Birds are mainly residents with established pairs probably never leaving their territories. Young birds disperse from breeding grounds in autumn. The Tawny Owl is nocturnal so it is often heard calling at night but much less often seen. In the daytime, you may see one only if you disturb it inadvertently from its roost site in woodland. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493257.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5428841715f326f1f92920.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/low-tatras-national-park-slovakia https://images.on-this.website/4752_178332979759bd4fd7796f3.jpgLow Tatras, Slovakia The Low Tatras (Nízke Tatry) are a mountain range of the Inner Western Carpathians situated in central Slovakia. They are located south of the High Tatras (Vysoké Tatry) from which they are separated by the valleys of the Váh River and Poprad River. The ridge runs west to east and is about 50 miles long. The Čertovica pass divides the range into 2 parts. The highest peaks of the Low Tatras are located in its western part. Ďumbier is the highest mountain at 6703 feet. Its neighbour Chopok at 6640 feet is accessible by a chairlift and it is the most visited place in the Low Tatras. Other peaks in the western part include Dereše at 6575 feet and Chabenec at 6414 feet. The highest peak in the eastern part is Kráľova hoľa at 6385 feet. The lower elevations are mostly blanketed in dense forest with prevailing coniferous forests in the northern part and mixed forests in the south. At higher elevations there are tarns, deep valleys, limestone cliffs and impressive granite formations. Most of the Low Tatras are protected by the Low Tatras National Park (Národný park Nízke Tatry). This comprises an area of 281 square miles and a buffer zone covering an area of 425 square miles. This makes it the largest National Park in Slovakia. The protection of the Low Tatras started with the first attempts during the period 1918 to 1921 and continuing after World War 2. In 1963, a proposal was made for the establishment of a National Park under the name Central Slovakia National Park. During the period between 1965 and 1966 and right before the completion of the last proposal, a draft for a National Park Ďumbier was proposed. The aim of this draft was to include the north and south part of the central territory of the Low Tatras. From 1967 until 1968 the draft was reformulated with the goal to establish the National Park on the 25th anniversary of the Slovak National Uprising. However, it took another 10 years to overcome various obstacles that prevented the establishment of the National Park. In 1978 the National Park was finally created with the Regulation 119/1978 of the Slovak Socialistic Republic. The area of the national park was set at 313 square miles and its protection zone at 479 square miles. The status of the National Park was published in the same year by the Ministry of Culture of the Slovak Socialistic Republic in Regulation 120/1978. This regulation set out the conditions for the protection of particular areas. The borders of the National Park and the protection zones were revised in June 1997 by Regulation 182/1997 of the government of the Slovak Republic. The revised area of the National Park was adjusted to 281 square miles which is 32 square miles less than the original area. The revised area of the protection zones was adjusted to 425 square miles which is 53 square miles less than the original area. Currently, the following protected areas are established in the Low Tatras National Park or its buffer zone: 10 National Nature Reserves, 10 Nature Reserves, 5 National Nature Monuments, 6 Nature Monuments and 1 Protected Site. The Low Tatras are the second most visited mountains in Slovakia after the High Tatras. Tourism is very popular and during the winter there are several ski resorts such as Jasná and Tále. There are also a range of summer activities such as hiking, trekking, rafting, kayaking, fishing and other outdoor pursuits. Date: 28th May 2017 Location: Low Tatras, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33568392.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13075418105a106ae27fb5b.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 4th November 2017 Location: Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21959214.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_99949419053da686696d17.jpgPuffins The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Inner Farne, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082110.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9209035765d307a6d5c095.jpgPaddyfield Warbler The Paddyfield Warbler is a species of marsh warbler in the genus[i] Acrocephalus[/i]. It is 5.1 inches long and is close in size to the Reed Warbler but with a shorter bill and longer tail. The adult has an unstreaked pale brown back and buff underparts with a warm brown rump. There is a whitish supercilium and the bill is short and pointed. The male and female are identical as with most warblers but young birds are a richer buff colour below. The Paddyfield Warbler breeds in temperate central Asia where it can be found in low vegetation such as long grass, reeds and rice paddy fields. It is migratory and winters in Bangladesh, India and Pakistan. It is a rare vagrant to west Europe although there is a small breeding population along the shores of the Black Sea around the border between Bulgaria and Romania. The song is fast and similar to the Marsh Warbler with much mimicry and whistles typical of the [i] Acrocephalus[/i] warblers. Like most warblers, the Paddyfield Warbler is insectivorous. Date: 19th May 2018 Location: Lake Durankulak, Dobrich Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37159127.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15879509255c1e5fbe917b8.jpgDipper The White-throated Dipper, also known as the European Dipper or simply as the Dipper, is an aquatic passerine bird. It is divided into several sub-species based primarily on colour differences, particularly of the pectoral band. These include the Black-bellied Dipper found in Scandinavia, west France, north west Spain, Corsica and Sardinia and an infrequent migrant to the UK and the “British” Dipper found in England, Wales and Scotland excluding the west and north west and the islands. The Dipper is about 7.1 inches long, rotund and short tailed. The head of the adult is brown, the back slate-grey mottled with black (looking black from a distance) and the wings and tail are brown. The throat and upper breast are white followed by a band of warm chestnut (“British” Dipper) or black (Black-bellied Dipper ) which merges into black on the belly and flanks. The young are greyish brown and have no chestnut band. The Dipper can be found in Europe, the Middle East, central Asia and the Indian Subcontinent and it is closely associated with swiftly running rivers and streams or the lakes in to which these fall. It often perches and bobs spasmodically with its short tail uplifted on the rocks around which the water swirls and tumbles. It acquired its name from these sudden dips and not from its diving habit, although it dives as well as walks into the water. It flies rapidly and straight with its short wings whirring swiftly and without pauses or glides and will then either drop on the water and dive or plunge in with a small splash. In addition, it will walk into the water and deliberately submerge from a perch. In this way the Dipper finds its food which includes aquatic invertebrates, aquatic insect larvae, beetles, freshwater molluscs, fish and small amphibians. It will also walk and run on the banks and rocks seeking terrestrial invertebrates. The winter habits of the Dipper vary considerably and apparently individually. When the swift hill rivers and streams are frozen it is forced to descend to the lowlands and even visit the coasts but some will remain if there is any open water. The Dipper breeds close to water and the nest is large, globular or oval (similar to a large Wren's nest) built into a crack or hollow in the rock or in the masonry or on the supports of a bridge. It is composed of moss, dead grass and leaves. This ball, however, is just a shelter. Usually hidden beneath a lip is the entrance to the real nest inside which is a cup of grass or sedge lined with leaves of oak, beech or other trees. Eggs are laid (3 to 6) are laid between March and May and 1 or 2 broods are raised. Date: 6th May 2018 Location: Gilfach RWT reserve, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33568367.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7686739905a106a88a72f5.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwing linings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 4th November 2017 Location: Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41187442.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5818736705ea6d51f92e72.jpgBlue Tit The Blue Tit is a small passerine bird in the tit family. It is easily recognisable by its generally blue and yellow plumage and its small size. The Blue Tit is about 4.7 inches long with a wingspan of 7.1 inches. It has an azure blue crown and a dark blue line passing through the eye and encircling the white cheeks to the chin, giving the bird a very distinctive appearance. The forehead and a bar on the wing are white. The nape, wings and tail are blue and the back is yellowish green. The underparts are mostly sulphur-yellow with a dark line down the abdomen. The bill is black and the legs bluish grey. The sexes are similar whilst young birds are noticeably more yellow. The Blue Tit is very agile and it can cling to the outermost branches and hang upside down when searching for food such as insects, caterpillars and seeds. The Blue Tit can be found throughout areas of the European continent with a mainly temperate or Mediterranean climate and in parts of the Middle East. In the UK it is common in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens and widespread across the whole of the country with the exception of some Scottish islands. The Blue Tit will nest in any suitable hole in a tree, wall or stump, often competing with other birds such as the House Sparrow or Great Tit for the site. In addition, it will readily accept an artificial nesting box. The same hole is returned to year after year and when one pair dies another takes possession. The nesting material is usually moss, wool, hair and feathers and the eggs are laid in April or May. The number in the clutch is often very large but 7 or 8 is normal. It is not unusual for a single bird to feed the chicks in the nest at a rate of one feed every 90 seconds during the height of the breeding season. Successful breeding is dependent on a sufficient supply of caterpillars as well as satisfactory weather. Breeding may be affected badly if the weather is cold and wet between May and July, particularly if this coincides with the emergence of the caterpillars on which the nestlings are fed. The small size of the Blue Tit makes it vulnerable to predation by larger birds and the typical lifespan is 3 years or less. The most significant predator is probably the Sparrowhawk, closely followed by the domestic cat. Nests may also be robbed by mammals such as the Weasel and Red and Grey Squirrels. Date: 21st April 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28884650.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_94067772557cc28a57decb.jpgGadwall The Gadwall is one of the most common and widespread dabbling ducks. The breeding male is patterned grey with a black rear end, light chestnut wings and a brilliant white speculum which is obvious in flight or at rest. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female but retains the male wing pattern and is usually greyer above and has less orange on the bill. The female is light brown with plumage much like a female Mallard. It can be distinguished from that species by the dark orange-edged bill, smaller size, the white speculum and white belly. The Gadwall breeds in north Europe and Asia and central north America and appears to be expanding into eastern north America. It is a bird of open wetlands and lakes, wet grassland or marshes with dense fringing vegetation and it nests on the ground, often some distance from water. In the UK, the Gadwall is a scarce breeding bird on some lakes and gravel pits in the Midlands, south east England, eastern central Scotland, eastern Northern Ireland and south east Wales. In winter, numbers increase as birds migrate to spend the winter in the UK on gravel pits, lakes, reservoirs and coastal wetlands. Date: 17th May 2016 Location: Aardla polder, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082327.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20362730635d307bef779a8.jpgCormorants The (Great) Cormorant is a widespread member of the cormorant and shag family [i] Phalacrocoracidae[/i]. There is a wide variation in size in the species' wide range and males are typically larger and heavier than females. It has a predominantly black plumage but the adult has white patches on the thighs and throat and a yellow throat during the breeding season. In Europe it can be distinguished from the Shag by its larger size, heavier build, thicker bill, lack of a crest and plumage without any green tinge. The (Great) Cormorant is a very common and widespread bird and it breeds in much of the Old World and the Atlantic coast of north America. It feeds on the sea, in estuaries and on freshwater lakes and rivers. Northern birds migrate south and winter along any coast that is well-supplied with fish. The (Great) Cormorant is found around the UK coastline on rocky shores, coastal lagoons and estuaries and it is increasingly seen inland at reservoirs, lakes and gravel pits. The UK holds internationally important wintering numbers. The (Great) Cormorant mainly nests in colonies near wetlands, rivers and sheltered inshore waters. Pairs will use the same nest site to breed year after year. It builds its nest, which is made mainly from sticks, in trees, on the ledges of cliffs and on the ground on rocky islands that are free of predators. The female lays 3 to 5 eggs which are incubated for a period of about 28 to 31 days. The (Great) Cormorant feeds on fish caught through diving and it will consume all fish of appropriate size that they are able to catch. Many fishermen see the (Great) Cormorant a competitor for fish. Because of this, it was nearly hunted to extinction in the past. Due to conservation efforts, its numbers increased although this has once again brought it in to conflict with fisheries. In the UK, where inland breeding was once uncommon, there are now increasing numbers of birds and many inland fish farms and fisheries now claim to be suffering high losses. In the UK each year, some licences are issued to cull specified numbers in order to help reduce predation although it is still illegal to kill a bird without such a licence. Date: 22nd May 2018 Location: BSPB Poda Protected Area, Burgas Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41424255.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10337183175f2aa90054afc.jpgVaranger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway The Varanger peninsula is situated in Troms og Finnmark in the extreme north east of Norway. With an area of 800 square miles, it is the largest area within the Arctic climate zone in mainland Norway and is bordered by Tanafjord to the west, Varangerfjord to the south and the Barents Sea to the north and east. The area has a rugged mountain terrain with altitudes up to 2077 feet and it has an Arctic tundra climate. The coast of the Varanger peninsula is an important area for breeding, migrating and wintering birds, especially some notable Arctic species. The Norwegian Directorate for Nature Management has a project on the Varanger peninsula to reintroduce and protect the Arctic Fox which is critically endangered on the Norwegian mainland. The Varangerhalvøya National Park (Norwegian: [I]Varangerhalvøya Nasjonalpark[/I]) lies to the west of road Fv341 and protects a majority of the land on the Varanger peninsula. The eastern part of the Varanger peninsula can be accessed from Vardø, via Svartnes, to Hamningberg. Hamningberg is an abandoned fishing village situated on the Varanger peninsula and on the shores of the Barents Sea. It’s only road connection is via the narrow and winding road Fv341 which runs for about 25 miles north from Svartnes. This is a very scenic road which follows the shores of the Barents Sea. It is considered to be one of the wildest and most memorable drives in Norway and passes through a bare and barren but awe-inspiring Arctic landscape. The road is closed during the winter months from October to late May. Traditionally a fishing village, Hamningberg is one of very few places in Troms og Finnmark that was not burnt and destroyed under Operation Nordlicht in 1944 and 1945, the German “scorched earth” retreat from Finnmark. It was depopulated and abandoned in 1964 although some of the houses are still in use as summer cottages. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: view from road Fv341 between Svartnes and Hamningberg, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871726.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19568510444eff2138b39f2.jpgBrown Bear The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, <i>Ursus arctos arctos</i>. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an overnight stay in a Brown Bear watching hide at [url=http://www.martinselkonen.fi/index.php?id=1&la=en]Martinselkosen Eräkeskus[/url] Date: 1st June 2009 Location: Martinselkosen Eräkeskus, Pirttivaara, Kainuu, Finland <iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/10143012?autoplay=1" width="600" height="450" frameborder="0"></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/10143012">Brown Bears of Martinselkonen</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user3372484">Richard Chew</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>. Music: Jean Sibelius - Andante festivo<br /> </p> http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo34006623.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20120192705a72f9860757a.jpgSong Thrush The Song Thrush is a familiar and popular songbird, smaller and browner than the Mistle Thrush with smaller spotting on the breast. The Song Thrush can be found all year round in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens across the UK. Numbers are declining seriously making it a Red List species. Date: 5th January 2018 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12759466.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4695401374e71b9cd54b6b.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 21st October 2007 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21959304.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_90379703953da7696dac51.jpgArctic Tern The Arctic Tern is a seabird of the tern family. The adult plumage is grey above with a black nape and crown and white cheeks. The upperwings are pale grey with the area near the wingtip being translucent. The tail is white and the underparts pale grey. The beak is dark red as are the short legs and webbed feet. Like most terns, the Arctic Tern has high aspect ratio wings and a tail with a deep fork and long tail streamers. Both sexes are similar in appearance. The winter plumage is similar but the crown is whiter and the bills are darker. Juveniles differ from adults having black bill and legs, "scaly" appearing wings and mantle with dark feather tips, dark carpal wing bar and short tail streamers. During their first summer, juveniles also have a whiter forecrown. Whilst the Arctic Tern is similar to the Common and the Roseate Tern, its colouring, profile and call are slightly different. Compared to the Common Tern, it has a longer tail and mono-coloured bill, whilst the main differences from the Roseate Tern are its slightly darker colour and longer wings. The Arctic Tern has a circumpolar breeding distribution covering the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of Europe, Asia and north America. It is strongly migratory and sees 2 summers each year and more daylight than any other creature on the planet. It migrates along a convoluted route from its northern summer breeding grounds to the northern edge of the Antarctic coast for the southern summer and back again about 6 months later. In the UK, breeding Arctic Terns can best be seen on islands such as the Farne Islands in Northumberland or Orkney and Shetland in northern Scotland where the greatest densities occur. Recent studies have shown average annual roundtrip lengths of 25000 to 50000 miles depending on the route taken and weather and wind conditions. The Arctic Tern is a long-lived bird with many reaching 30 years of age and based on this average it will travel some 1.5 million miles during its lifetime. This is by far the longest migration known in the animal kingdom. Breeding takes place in colonies on coasts, islands and occasionally inland on tundra near water. The Arctic Tern often forms mixed colonies with the Common Tern and Sandwich Tern. As it nests on the ground, the Arctic Tern is vulnerable to predation but it is one of the most aggressive terns and it is fiercely defensive of its nest and young. It will attack humans and large predators, usually striking the top or back of the head. Although it is too small to cause serious injury, it is still capable of drawing blood and repelling many raptorial birds and smaller mammalian predators such as foxes and cats. Other nesting birds, such as auks, often incidentally benefit from the protection provided by nesting in an area defended by Arctic Terns. The diet of the Arctic Tern varies depending on location and time but it usually eats small fish or marine crustaceans by dipping down to the surface of the water to catch prey. While feeding, skuas, gulls and other tern species will often harass the birds and steal their food. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Inner Farne, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12759404.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11280437944e71b0a567019.jpgRed Squirrel The Red Squirrel or Eurasian Red Squirrel is a species of tree squirrel in the genus [i]Sciurus[/i]. It is an arboreal and primarily herbivorous rodent. The Red Squirrel has a typical head and body length of 7.5 to 9 inches, a tail length of 6 to 8 inches and a weight of 9 to 12 ounces. Males and females are the same size. The Red Squirrel is smaller and lighter in weight than the Grey Squirrel The coat of the Red Squirrel varies in colour with the time of year and its location and there are several different coat colour morphs ranging from black to red. Red coats are most common in the UK but in other parts of Europe and Asia different coat colours co-exist within populations. The underside of the Red Squirrel is always creamy-white in colour. The Red Squirrel sheds its coat twice a year, switching from a thinner summer coat to a thicker, darker winter coat with noticeably larger ear-tufts (a prominent distinguishing feature of this species) between August and November. A lighter, redder overall coat colour, along with the ear-tufts (in adults) and smaller size, distinguish the Red Squirrel from the Grey Squirrel. The long tail helps the Red Squirrel to balance and steer when jumping from tree to tree and running along branches and it may also keep it warm during sleep. The Red Squirrel, like most tree squirrels, has sharp and curved claws to enable it to climb and descend broad tree trunks, thin branches and even house walls and its strong hind legs enable it to leap gaps between trees. The Red Squirrel can be found in the boreal coniferous woods in north Europe and Siberia where it prefers Scots Pine, Norway Spruce and Siberian Pine. In west and south Europe it can be found in broad-leaved woods where the mixture of tree and shrub species provides a better year round source of food. In most of the UK and in Italy, broad-leaved woodlands are now less suitable for it due to the better competitive feeding strategy of the introduced Grey Squirrel. The Red Squirrel makes a drey (nest) out of twigs in a branch-fork, forming a domed structure about 9 to 12 inches in diameter. This is lined with moss, leaves, grass and bark. Tree hollows and woodpecker holes are also used. The Red Squirrel is generally a solitary animal and is shy and reluctant to share food with others. However, outside the breeding season and particularly in winter, several Red Squirrels may share a drey to keep warm. Social organisation is based on dominance hierarchies within and between sexes. Although males are not necessarily dominant towards females, the dominant animals tend to be larger and older than subordinate animals and dominant males tend to have larger home ranges than subordinate males or females. Mating can occur in late winter during February and March and in summer between June and July. During mating, males detect females that are in oestrus by an odour that they produce and, although there is no courtship, the male will chase the female for up to an hour prior to mating. Usually multiple males will chase a single female until the dominant male, usually the largest in the group, mates with the female. Males and females will mate multiple times with many partners. Females must reach a minimum body mass before they enter oestrus and heavy females on average produce more young. If food is scarce breeding may be delayed. Typically a female will produce her first litter in her second year. Up to 2 litters a year per female are possible. Each litter averages 3 young and these are known as kits. Gestation is about 38 to 39 days and the young are looked after by the mother alone and are born helpless, blind and deaf. Their body is covered by hair at 21 days, their eyes and ears open after 3 to 4 weeks and they develop all their teeth by 42 days. Juveniles can eat solids around 40 days following birth and from that point they can leave the nest on their own to find food. However, they still suckle from their mother until weaning occurs at 8 to 10 weeks. The Red Squirrel eats mostly the seeds of trees, fungi, nuts (especially hazelnuts but also beech and chestnuts), berries and young shoots. More rarely, it may also eat bird eggs or nestlings and may occasionally exhibit opportunistic omnivory similar to other rodents. Excess food is put into caches, either buried or in nooks or holes in trees, and eaten when food is scarce. Although the Red Squirrel remembers where it created caches at a better than chance level, its spatial memory is believed to be substantially less accurate and durable than that of the Grey Squirrel. Therefore it will often have to search for them when in need and many caches are never found again. Between 60% and 80% of the active time of a Red Squirrel may be spent foraging and feeding. The active period is generally in the morning and in the late afternoon and evening. It often rests in its nest in the middle of the day to avoid the heat and the high visibility to birds of prey that are dangers during these hours. During the winter, this midday rest is often much more brief or absent entirely although harsh weather may cause it to stay in its nest for days at a time. No territories are claimed between Red Squirrels and the feeding areas of individuals overlap considerably. A Red Squirrel that survives its first winter has a life expectancy of 3 years. Individuals may reach 7 years of age and 10 years in captivity. Survival is positively related to the availability of autumn and winter tree seeds. On average, 75 to 85% of juveniles die during their first winter and mortality is approximately 50% for winters following the first. Predators include small mammals such as the Pine Marten, the Wildcat and the Stoat which all prey on juveniles. Birds, including owls and raptors such as the Goshawk and Common Buzzard, may also prey on the Red Squirrel as will the Red Fox and domestic cats and dogs when it is on the ground. Humans influence the population size and mortality of the Red Squirrel by destroying or altering habitats, by causing road casualties and by introducing non-native populations of the Grey Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel and the Red Squirrel are not directly antagonistic and violent conflict between these species is not a factor in the decline in Red Squirrel populations. However, the Grey Squirrel appears to contribute to the decrease in the Red Squirrel population for several reasons: it carries a disease, the squirrel parapoxvirus, that does not appear to affect its own health but will often kill the Red Squirrel, it can better digest acorns whilst the Red Squirrel cannot access the proteins and fats in acorns as easily and it can put the Red Squirrel under pressure for food resources resulting in it not breeding as often. In the UK, due to the above circumstances, the population has today fallen to 160,000 Red Squirrels or fewer with the majority of these in Scotland. Outside the UK and Ireland, the impact of competition from the Grey Squirrel has also been observed in Italy where 2 pairs escaped from captivity in 1948. A significant drop in the Red Squirrel population has been observed since 1970 and it is feared that the Grey Squirrel may expand into the rest of Europe. The Red Squirrel is protected in most of Europe although in some areas it is abundant and is hunted for its fur. In the UK there are several active projects to protect the Red Squirrel and its native woodland habitat, introduce or re-introduce it in to areas where it is absent and eradicate and prevent the spread of the Grey Squirrel. Research undertaken in 2007 in the UK credits the Pine Marten with reducing the population of the invasive Grey Squirrel. Where the range of the expanding Pine Marten population meets that of the Grey Squirrel, the population of the latter retreats. It is theorised that, because the Grey Squirrel spends more time on the ground than the Red Squirrel, it is far more likely to come in contact with the Pine Marten. Date: 10th May 2006 Location: Freshfield National Trust reserve, Formby Point, Merseyside http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833615.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1707658757559cee606eec7.jpgBlack Kite The Black Kite is a medium-sized bird of prey which can be distinguished from the Red Kite by its slightly smaller size, less forked tail and generally dark plumage without any rufous colouring. The upper plumage is brown but the head and neck tend to be paler and the patch behind the eye appears darker. The outer flight feathers are black and the feathers have dark cross bars and are mottled at the base. The lower parts of the body are pale brown, becoming lighter towards the chin. They have a distinctive shrill whistle followed by a rapid whinnying call. Black Kites are opportunistic hunters and are more likely to scavenge. They spend a lot of time soaring and gliding in thermals in search of food. The Black Kite is widely distributed through the temperate and tropical parts of Eurasia and parts of Australasia and Oceania with the temperate region populations tending to be migratory. The European populations are small but the south Asian population is very large. Date: 12th May 2015 Location: Lake Kerkini, Central Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084872.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19945395695d3088d245f1d.jpgPiatra Craiului Mountains, Brașov County, Romania The Piatra Craiului Mountains are a mountain range in the Southern Carpathians in central Romania. It forms a narrow and saw-like ridge which is about 16 miles long. Vârful La Om is the highest peak at 7343 feet. The ridge is regarded as one of the most impressive and beautiful sites in the Carpathian Mountians and the views both towards and from the mountains are superb. The whole range is included in the Piatra Craiului National Park. The first protection of this area started in 1938 when 2 square miles were declared as a nature reserve. This has been progressively extended and in 1990 it became a national park covering an area of 38 square miles. In 2003 the external limits and internal zoning were created. Since 1999 a park administration has existed with a visitor centre located on the minor road 0.6 miles west of Zărnești and since 2005 a management plan has been in place. Piatra Craiului National Park supports and protects an abundance and diversity of mammals (including Brown Bear, Wolf and Lynx), birds and plants. Zărneşti is the most important town for visiting the Piatra Craiului Mountains and the Piatra Craiului National Park. The town is located 17 miles south west of the city of Brașov. From Zărnești, a 7 mile long minor road runs west and ends at Cabana Plaiul Foii which is a good starting point for climbing the ridge. In addition, a forest road starts from the south west of Zărneşti which leads to the Zărneştilor Gorge and continues up to the ridge. The traditional villages of Măgura, Peştera, Ciocanu and Şirnea are starting points for routes up to the eastern slopes. Măgura, situated at 3281 feet, is one of Romania’s most picturesque villages and it provides stunning views towards the Bucegi Mountains and the Piatra Craiului Mountains. Date: 5th June 2018 Location: Piatra Craiului Mountains from the Zărnești to Cabana Plaiul Foii road, Brașov County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33568388.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6659979525a106ad619d4f.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 4th November 2017 Location: Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21828861.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_146405463353cb9814846d4.jpgTree Sparrow The Tree Sparrow is a member of the sparrow family [i]Passer[/i], a group of small passerine birds that is believed to have originated in Africa and which contains 15 to 25 species. The Tree Sparrow's name is derived from 2 Latin words: [I]passer[/I] meaning "sparrow" and [I]montanus[/I] meaning "of the mountains". The common name is given to suggest the preference for tree holes for nesting. However, this name and the scientific name [i]montanus[/i] do not appropriately describe the Tree Sparrow’s habitat preferences: the German name [i]Feldsperling[/i] meaning "field sparrow"[/i] comes closer to doing so. The Tree Sparrow is around 5 to 5.5 inches in length with a wingspan of about 8.3 inches, making it roughly 10% smaller than the House Sparrow. The adult's crown and nape are a rich chestnut and there is a kidney-shaped black ear patch on each pure white cheek. The chin, throat and the area between the bill and throat are black. The upperparts are light brown streaked with black and the brown wings have 2 distinct narrow white bars. The legs are pale brown and the bill is lead-blue in summer becoming almost black in winter. The Tree Sparrow is distinctive even within its own family in that there are no plumage differences between the sexes. The juvenile resembles the adult although the colours tend to be duller. The contrasting face pattern makes the Tree Sparrow easily identifiable in all plumages and the smaller size and chestnut (not grey) crown are additional differences from the male House Sparrow. The Tree Sparrow's breeding range comprises most of temperate Europe and Asia south of about latitude 68°N (north of this the summers are too cold) and through south east Asia to Java and Bali. It is sedentary over most of its extensive range but northernmost breeding populations migrate south for the winter and small numbers leave south Europe for north Africa and the Middle East. The Tree Sparrow has been introduced outside its native range but it has not always become successfully established, possibly due to competition with the House Sparrow. Ship-carried birds have colonised some areas and birds have also occurred as vagrants. Despite its scientific name, the Tree Sparrow is not typically a mountain species and reaches only 2300 feet in Switzerland although it has bred at 5600 feet in the northern Caucasus and as high as 14010 feet in Nepal. In Europe, the Tree Sparrow is frequently found in open countryside with small isolated patches of woodland but also on coasts with cliffs, in woodland along slow water courses and in empty buildings. It shows a strong preference for nest sites near wetland habitats and avoids breeding on intensively managed farmland. In Europe, where the Tree Sparrow and the House Sparrow occur in the same region, the House Sparrow generally nests in urban areas while the Tree Sparrow nests in rural areas. Where trees are in short supply, both species may utilise man-made structures as nest sites. Whilst the Tree Sparrow is mainly a rural bird in Europe, it tends to be an urban bird in Asia and Australia. In the UK, the Tree Sparrow is scarcer in upland areas and the far north and west of the and the main populations are now found across the Midlands and south and east England. The Tree Sparrow may breed in isolated pairs or in loose colonies. The male calls from near the nest site in spring to proclaim ownership and attract a mate and he may also carry nest material in to the nest hole. The Tree Sparrow typically builds its nest in a cavity in an old tree or rock face. Some nests are not in holes as such but are built among roots of overhanging bushes. Roof cavities in houses and nest boxes are also readily used. In addition, the Tree Sparrow will breed in the disused nest of a Magpie or other crow species or an active or unused nest of a large bird such as the White Stork or a heron or raptor species. It will sometimes attempt to take over the nest of other birds that breed in holes or enclosed spaces such as tit species, flycatcher species, Swallow, House Martin, Sand Martin or European Bee-eater. The untidy nest is composed of hay, grass, wool or other material and lined with feathers which improve thermal insulation. The female lays 5 or 6 eggs which are incubated by both parents for 12 to 13 days and the chicks fledge after a further 15 to 18 days. There are 2 or 3 broods each year. Hybridisation between the Tree Sparrow and the House Sparrow has been recorded in many parts of the world with male hybrids tending to resemble the Tree Sparrow while female hybrids are more similar to the House Sparrow. The Tree Sparrow is a predominantly seed and grain eating bird which feeds on the ground in flocks and often with House Sparrows, finches and buntings. It may also visit feeding stations. It additionally feeds on invertebrates including insects, woodlice, millipedes, centipedes, spiders, etc. especially during the breeding season when the young are fed mainly on animal food. Adults use a variety of wetlands when foraging for invertebrate prey to feed chicks and aquatic sites play a key role in providing adequate diversity and availability of suitable invertebrate prey to allow successful chick rearing. Large areas of formerly occupied farmland no longer provide these invertebrate resources due to the effects of intensive farming. The Tree Sparrow has a large range and a large population. Although the population is declining, the species is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List. For this reason, the Tree Sparrow is designated as being of “Least Concern”. Although the Tree Sparrow has been expanding its range in Fennoscandia and east Europe, its population has been declining in much of west Europe, a trend reflected in other farmland birds such as the Skylark and Corn Bunting. The collapse in population seems to have been particularly severe in the UK where there was a 93% decline between 1970 and 2008. However, recent Breeding Bird Survey data is encouraging and suggests that numbers may have started to increase albeit from a very low point. The decrease in population is probably the result of agricultural intensification and specialisation, particularly the increased use of herbicides and a trend towards autumn-sown crops at the expense of spring-sown crops that produce stubble fields in winter. The change from mixed to specialised farming and the increased use of insecticides has reduced the amount of insect food available for chicks. Date: 11th June 2014 Location: Bempton Cliifs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37431149.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16967594905c6be5d3be682.jpgDunnock The Dunnock is a small passerine bird and the most widespread member of the genus [i]Prunella[/i], the accentor family which otherwise consists of mountain species. Other common names for the Dunnock include the Hedge Sparrow or Hedge Accentor. The Dunnock is about the size of a Robin. It has a generally drab brown streaked appearance with a grey head and a fine pointed bill. Both sexes are similar. It is quiet and unobtrusive and is frequently seen on its own, creeping along and moving with a rather nervous, shuffling gait often flicking its wings. The Dunnock is native to large areas of Eurasia where it is the only commonly found accentor in lowland areas. It can be found throughout the UK all the year round in any well vegetated areas with scrub, brambles and hedges and also in deciduous woodland, farmland edges, parks and gardens. The Dunnock is territorial and may engage in conflict with other birds that encroach upon their nesting areas. The Dunnock possesses variable mating systems. Females are often polyandrous, breeding with 2 or more males at once which is quite rare among birds. This multiple mating system leads to the development of sperm competition amongst the male suitors. DNA fingerprinting has shown that chicks within a brood often have different fathers depending on the success of the males at monopolising the female. Males try to ensure their paternity by pecking at the cloaca of the female to stimulate ejection of rival males' sperm. Males provide parental care in proportion to their mating success so 2 males and a female can commonly be seen provisioning nestlings at one nest. Other mating systems also exist within Dunnock populations depending on the ratio of male to females and the overlap of territories. When only a single female and a single male territory overlap, monogamy is preferred. Sometimes, 2 or 3 adjacent female territories overlap a single male territory and so polygyny is favoured with the male monopolising several females. Polygynandry also exists in which 2 males jointly defend a territory containing several females. Polyandry, however, is the most common mating system of the Dunnock. Depending on the population, males generally have the best reproductive success in polygynous populations whilst females have the advantage during polyandry. Studies have illustrated the fluidity of Dunnock mating systems. When food is in abundance, female territory size is reduced drastically. Consequently, males can more easily monopolise the females. Thus, the mating system can be shifted from one that favours female success (polyandry) to one that favours male success (monogamy, polygynandry or polygyny). The Dunnock builds a neat nest predominantly from twigs and moss and lined with soft materials such as wool or feathers which is located low in a bush. The female typically lays 3 to 5 eggs. Broods, depending on the population, can be raised by a lone female, multiple females with the part-time help of a male, multiple females with full-time help by a male or by multiple females and multiple males. Parental care varies according to the type of relationship. Date: 10th January 2019 Location: RSPB Greylake, Somerset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457460.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1198199614668571f5a6974.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32708842.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7884656159ad25bac225f8.52356221.jpgJackdaw The Western Jackdaw, also known as the Eurasian Jackdaw, European Jackdaw or simply Jackdaw, is a passerine bird in the crow family. Measuring 13 to 15 inches in length, the Jackdaw is the second smallest member of the crow family. Most of the plumage is a shiny black with a purple or blue sheen on the crown, forehead and secondaries and a green-blue sheen on the throat, primaries and tail. The cheeks, nape and neck are light grey to greyish-silver and the underparts are slate-grey. The legs are black as is the short stout bill. The irises of adults are greyish or silvery white while those of juveniles are light blue, becoming brownish before whitening at around one year of age. The sexes look alike although the head and neck plumage of male birds fades more with age and wear, particularly just before moulting. Immature birds have duller and less demarcated plumage. The head is a sooty black, sometimes with a faint greenish sheen and brown feather bases visible, the back and side of the neck are dark grey and the underparts greyish or sooty black. The tail has narrower feathers and a greenish sheen. There are 4 recognised geographical subspecies of the Jackdaw, each with slight plumage variations. Within its range, the Jackdaw is generally unmistakable and its short bill and grey nape are distinguishing features. In flight, the Jackdaw is distinguishable from other crows by its smaller size, faster and deeper wingbeats and proportionately narrower and less fingered wing tips. It also has a shorter and thicker neck and a much shorter bill and it frequently flies in tighter flocks. The Jackdaw is a skilled flyer and can manoeuvre tightly as well as tumble and glide. It has characteristic jerky wing beats when flying. On the ground, the Jackdaw has an upright posture and struts briskly with its short legs giving it a rapid gait. The Jackdaw is found from north west Africa, throughout all of Europe, except for the extreme north, and east through central Asia to the east Himalayas and Lake Baikal. To the east, it occurs throughout Turkey, the Caucasus, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and north west India. A small number of Jackdaws reached the north east of North America in the 1980s and have been found from Atlantic Canada to Pennsylvania. The range is vast and there is a large global population. Most populations are resident but the north and east populations are more migratory and relocate to wintering areas between September and November and return between February and early May. The Jackdaw can be found in wooded steppes, pastures, cultivated land, coastal cliffs and towns. It thrives when forested areas are cleared and converted to fields and open areas. Habitats with a mix of large trees, buildings and open ground are preferred. Open fields are left to the Rook and more wooded areas to the Jay. The Jackdaw is highly gregarious and is generally seen in flocks of varying sizes. Flocks increase in size in autumn and birds congregate at dusk for communal roosting with up to several thousand individuals gathering at one site. Males and females pair bond for life and pairs stay together within flocks. Jackdaws will frequently congregate with other crows such as Carrion Crows, Hooded Crows or Rooks. Foraging takes place mostly on the ground in open areas and to some extent in trees. Landfill sites, bins, streets and gardens are also visited, more often early in the morning when there are fewer people about. Various feeding methods are employed, such as jumping, pecking, clod-turning and scattering, probing the soil and occasional digging. The Jackdaw will also ride on the backs of sheep and other mammals such as deer, seeking ticks as well as actively gathering wool or hair for nests. Compared with other crows, the Jackdaw spends more time exploring and turning over objects with its bill. It also has a straighter and less downturned bill and increased binocular vision which are advantageous for this foraging strategy. The Jackdaw is opportunistic and highly adaptable and varies its diet markedly depending on available food sources. It tends to feed on small invertebrates that are found above ground, including various species of beetle as well as snails and spiders. It will also eat small rodents, bats, the eggs and chicks of birds and carrion such as roadkill. Vegetable items consumed include farm grains, weed seeds, elderberries, acorns and various cultivated fruits. The Jackdaw practices active food sharing with a number of individuals regardless of sex or kinship. It also shares more of a preferred food than a less preferred food. The active giving of food by most birds is found mainly in the context of parental care and courtship although the Jackdaw shows much higher levels of active giving than has been documented for other species. The function of this behaviour is not fully understood and several theories have been advanced. Genetic analysis of Jackdaw pairs and offspring shows no evidence of extra-pair copulation and there is little evidence for couple separation even after multiple instances of reproductive failure. Some pairs do separate in the first few months but almost all pairings of over 6 months' duration are lifelong and end only when a partner dies. Widowed or separated birds fare badly and are often ousted from nests or territories and are unable to rear broods alone. The Jackdaw usually breeds in colonies with pairs collaborating to find a nest site which they then defend from other pairs and predators during most of the year. It will nest in cavities in trees or cliffs, in ruined or occupied buildings and in chimneys, the common feature being a sheltered site for the nest. A mated pair usually constructs a nest by improving a crevice by dropping sticks into it. The nest is then built on top of the platform formed. Nest platforms can attain a great size. Nests are lined with hair, wool, dead grass and many other materials. Clutches usually contain 4 or 5 eggs which are incubated by the female for 17 to 18 days until hatching as naked altricial chicks which are completely dependent on the adults for food. The chicks fledge after 28 to 35 days and the parents continue to feed them for another 4 weeks or so. Date: 18th May 2017 Location: east of Hortobágy, Hortobágy National Park, Hajdú-Bihar county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21958637.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_203902640853da4b855f8bf.jpgCommon Guillemots The Common Guillemot, also known as the Common Murre or Thin-billed Murre, is a large species of auk. The auks are a family of seabirds which includes the Brunnich's Guillemot or Thick-billed Murre, Razorbill, Little Auk and the extinct Great Auk. The Common Guillemot is 15 to 18 inches in length with a 24 to 29 inches wingspan. In breeding plumage, it is black or dark brown on the head, back and wings with white underparts. It has a thin dark pointed bill and a small rounded dark tail. Legs are grey and the bill is dark grey. Males and females are identical. Some individuals in the North Atlantic, known as "Bridled Guillemots", have a white ring around the eye extending back as a white line. This is not a distinct subspecies but a polymorphism that becomes more common the farther north the birds breed. The Common Guillemot flies with fast wing beats and has a flight speed of around 50 mph. Groups of birds are often seen flying together in a line just above the surface of the sea. However, it is not a very agile bird and take-off is often difficult. The Common Guillemot becomes flightless for 45 to 60 days while moulting its primary feathers. The Common Guillemot is a pursuit diver that forages for food by swimming underwater using its wings for propulsion. Dives usually last less than one minute but the bird swims underwater for distances of over 100 feet on a regular basis. Diving depths up to 590 feet have been recorded. The Common Guillemot has a circumpolar distribution and it occurs in low Arctic and boreal waters in the north Atlantic and north Pacific. It spends most of its time at sea and only comes to land to breed on rocky cliffs, sea stacks and islands. Some birds are permanent residents but northern birds migrate south to open waters off New England, southern California, Japan, Korea and the western Mediterranean. The Common Guillemot breeds in colonies at high densities and nesting pairs may be in bodily contact with their neighbours. No nest is made and the single egg is laid and incubated on a bare rock ledge on a cliff face. The egg hatches after 30 days incubation and the chick is born downy and can regulate its body temperature after 10 days. Some 20 days after hatching the chick jumps off its nesting ledge and heads for the sea unable to fly but gliding for some distance with fluttering wings and accompanied by its male parent. The chicks are capable of diving as soon as they hit the water. The female stays at the nest site for some 14 days after the chick has left. The Common Guillemot can venture far from its breeding grounds to forage and distances of 60 miles or more are often observed although if sufficient food is available closer by, birds will only travel much shorter distances. It mainly eats small schooling fish 8 inches long or less such as Polar Cod, Capelin, Sand Lances, Sprats, Sandeels, Atlantic Cod and Atlantic Herring. It also eats some molluscs, marine worms, squid and crustaceans. It is often seen carrying fish in its bill with the tail hanging out. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Staple Island, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871562.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9718713694eff19a329f25.jpgDark-bellied Brent Geese The Brent Goose belongs to the [I]Branta[/I] genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the [I]Anser[/I] genus of grey geese. [I]Branta[/I] is a Latinised form of Old Norse [I]brandgás[/I], meaning "burnt (black) goose", and [i]bernicla[/i] is the medieval Latin name for the barnacle. The Brent Goose and the similar Barnacle Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be the same creature as the crustacean, a myth that can be dated back to at least the 12th century. The Brent Goose, [I]Branta bernicla[/I] is divided into 3 sub-species: Dark-bellied Brent Goose [I]B. b. bernicla[/I], Pale-bellied Brent Goose [i]B. b. hrota[/i] (sometimes also known as Light-bellied Brent Goose) and Black Brant [i]B. b. nigricans[/i]. Some DNA evidence suggests that these forms are genetically distinct and a split into 3 separate species has been proposed. However, other evidence upholds their maintenance as a single species. The Brent Goose is a small goose, 22 to 26 inches long with a wingspan of 42 to 48 inches. The under-tail is pure white and the tail black and very short (the shortest of any goose). The Dark-bellied Brent Goose is fairly uniformly dark grey-brown all over and the flanks and belly are not significantly paler than the back. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds on the Arctic coasts of central and west Siberia and winters in west Europe with over half the population in south England and the rest between north Germany and north west France. The Pale-bellied Brent Goose appears blackish-brown and light grey in colour and the flanks and belly are significantly paler than the back and present a marked contrast. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds in Franz Josef Land, Svalbard, Greenland and north east Canada and winters in Denmark, north east England, Ireland and the Atlantic coast of the USA from Maine to Georgia as well as in a small but significant area in north France. The Black Brant appears blackish-brown and white in colour. This sub-species is very contrastingly black and white with a uniformly dark sooty-brown back, similarly-coloured underparts (with the dark colour extending furthest back of the 3 sub-species) and a prominent white flank patch. It also has a larger white neck patch which forms an almost complete collar. It breeds in north west Canada, Alaska and east Siberia and winters mostly on the west coast of north America from south Alaska to California but also in east Asia, mainly Japan. It sometimes appears as a vagrant in Europe when it associates with the other Brent Goose species. The Brent Goose used to be a strictly coastal bird in winter, seldom leaving tidal estuaries where it feeds on eel-grass and seaweed. In recent decades, it has started using agricultural land a short distance inland, feeding extensively on grass and winter-sown cereals. This may be behaviour learned by following other species of geese. Food resource pressure may also be important in forcing this change since the world population increased over 10-fold by the mid-1980s, possibly reaching the carrying capacity of the estuaries. In the breeding season, the Brent Goose uses low-lying wet coastal tundra for both breeding and feeding. The nest is bowl-shaped, lined with grass and down and located in an elevated position often near a small pond. The Brent Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds applies. Date: 26th December 2011 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28102062.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_57235469557779c666dd7b.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include [url=http://www.gigrin.co.uk/]Gigrin Farm feeding centre[/url] near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 12th June 2016 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5094183.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15649349544bfaac72d1759.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 23rd May 2010 Location: Lakenheath Fen, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/european-bison https://images.on-this.website/4752_37064919251e3cf895c4ee.jpgEuropean Bison The European Bison, also known as Wisent, is a Eurasian species of bison. It is one of two species of bison, alongside the American Bison. The European Bison is the heaviest surviving wild land animal in Europe. A typical European Bison is about 7 to 10 feet long, not counting a tail of 1 to 2 feet long, and 5 to 7 feet tall. In the free-ranging populations of Poland and Belarus, body masses among adults aged 6 years and over are 1,400 pounds on average in the cases of males, with a range of 960 to 1,900 pounds, and of 930 pounds among females, with a range of 750 to 1,200 pounds. The European Bison has a characteristic thickset body shape with a short neck and a pronounced shoulder hump. There is a longer mane of hair underneath the neck and also on the forehead. The dense coat is dark to golden brown in colour. Both sexes bear short horns that project outwards and then curve up. Historically, the lowland European Bison's range encompassed all lowlands of Europe but with the increasing human population and the advance of agriculture, vast tracts of the habitat were lost and it’s range became massively restricted. The European Bison was also persecuted by hunting. The European Bison was hunted to extinction in the wild, with the last wild animals being shot in the Białowieża Forest (on the Poland-Belarus border) in 1919 and in the north west Caucasus in 1927. By that year fewer than 50 remained, all in zoos. From 1951, it has since been successfully reintroduced from captivity into several countries in Europe, all descendants of the Białowieża or lowland European Bison. Free-ranging herds are currently found in Poland, Lithuania, Belarus, Ukraine, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Latvia, Kyrgyzstan, Germany and in forest preserves in the Western Caucasus. Białowieża Forest, an ancient woodland that straddles the border between Poland and Belarus, is now home to around 800 wild individuals. The total worldwide population is around 4200 (including 2700 free ranging) individuals and has been increasing. In 1996 the IUCN classified the European Bison as an endangered species. It has since been downgraded to a vulnerable species. Date: 22nd May 2013 Location: Białowieża area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37399632.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1060681885c669adb71e0b.jpgAtlantic Grey Seals The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 9th December 2018 Location: Winterton-Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38397300.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5247579635ce127a7a541f.jpgBlue Tit The Blue Tit is a small passerine bird in the tit family. It is easily recognisable by its generally blue and yellow plumage and its small size. The Blue Tit is about 4.7 inches long with a wingspan of 7.1 inches. It has an azure blue crown and a dark blue line passing through the eye and encircling the white cheeks to the chin, giving the bird a very distinctive appearance. The forehead and a bar on the wing are white. The nape, wings and tail are blue and the back is yellowish green. The underparts are mostly sulphur-yellow with a dark line down the abdomen. The bill is black and the legs bluish grey. The sexes are similar whilst young birds are noticeably more yellow. The Blue Tit is very agile and it can cling to the outermost branches and hang upside down when searching for food such as insects, caterpillars and seeds. The Blue Tit can be found throughout areas of the European continent with a mainly temperate or Mediterranean climate and in parts of the Middle East. In the UK it is common in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens and widespread across the whole of the country with the exception of some Scottish islands. The Blue Tit will nest in any suitable hole in a tree, wall or stump, often competing with other birds such as the House Sparrow or Great Tit for the site. In addition, it will readily accept an artificial nesting box. The same hole is returned to year after year and when one pair dies another takes possession. The nesting material is usually moss, wool, hair and feathers and the eggs are laid in April or May. The number in the clutch is often very large but 7 or 8 is normal. It is not unusual for a single bird to feed the chicks in the nest at a rate of one feed every 90 seconds during the height of the breeding season. Successful breeding is dependent on a sufficient supply of caterpillars as well as satisfactory weather. Breeding may be affected badly if the weather is cold and wet between May and July, particularly if this coincides with the emergence of the caterpillars on which the nestlings are fed. The small size of the Blue Tit makes it vulnerable to predation by larger birds and the typical lifespan is 3 years or less. The most significant predator is probably the Sparrowhawk, closely followed by the domestic cat. Nests may also be robbed by mammals such as the Weasel and Red and Grey Squirrels. Date: 7th May 2019 Location: Weeting Heath NWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/tawny-owl https://images.on-this.website/4752_2254586054ed733d850f1e.jpgTawny Owl The Tawny Owl is an owl about the size of a pigeon. It has a rounded body and head with a ring of dark feathers around its face surrounding the dark eyes. It is mainly reddish brown above and paler underneath. The Tawny Owl can be found all year round in the UK and it is a widespread breeding species. Birds are mainly residents with established pairs probably never leaving their territories. Young birds disperse from breeding grounds in autumn. The Tawny Owl is nocturnal so it is often heard calling at night but much less often seen. In the daytime, you may see one only if you disturb it inadvertently from its roost site in woodland. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23526645.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_39538308654ddc40244a4a.jpgDark-bellied Brent Geese The Brent Goose belongs to the [I]Branta[/I] genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the [I]Anser[/I] genus of grey geese. [I]Branta[/I] is a Latinised form of Old Norse [I]brandgás[/I], meaning "burnt (black) goose", and [i]bernicla[/i] is the medieval Latin name for the barnacle. The Brent Goose and the similar Barnacle Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be the same creature as the crustacean, a myth that can be dated back to at least the 12th century. The Brent Goose, [I]Branta bernicla[/I] is divided into 3 sub-species: Dark-bellied Brent Goose [I]B. b. bernicla[/I], Pale-bellied Brent Goose [i]B. b. hrota[/i] (sometimes also known as Light-bellied Brent Goose) and Black Brant [i]B. b. nigricans[/i]. Some DNA evidence suggests that these forms are genetically distinct and a split into 3 separate species has been proposed. However, other evidence upholds their maintenance as a single species. The Brent Goose is a small goose, 22 to 26 inches long with a wingspan of 42 to 48 inches. The under-tail is pure white and the tail black and very short (the shortest of any goose). The Dark-bellied Brent Goose is fairly uniformly dark grey-brown all over and the flanks and belly are not significantly paler than the back. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds on the Arctic coasts of central and west Siberia and winters in west Europe with over half the population in south England and the rest between north Germany and north west France. The Pale-bellied Brent Goose appears blackish-brown and light grey in colour and the flanks and belly are significantly paler than the back and present a marked contrast. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds in Franz Josef Land, Svalbard, Greenland and north east Canada and winters in Denmark, north east England, Ireland and the Atlantic coast of the USA from Maine to Georgia as well as in a small but significant area in north France. The Black Brant appears blackish-brown and white in colour. This sub-species is very contrastingly black and white with a uniformly dark sooty-brown back, similarly-coloured underparts (with the dark colour extending furthest back of the 3 sub-species) and a prominent white flank patch. It also has a larger white neck patch which forms an almost complete collar. It breeds in north west Canada, Alaska and east Siberia and winters mostly on the west coast of north America from south Alaska to California but also in east Asia, mainly Japan. It sometimes appears as a vagrant in Europe when it associates with the other Brent Goose species. The Brent Goose used to be a strictly coastal bird in winter, seldom leaving tidal estuaries where it feeds on eel-grass and seaweed. In recent decades, it has started using agricultural land a short distance inland, feeding extensively on grass and winter-sown cereals. This may be behaviour learned by following other species of geese. Food resource pressure may also be important in forcing this change since the world population increased over 10-fold by the mid-1980s, possibly reaching the carrying capacity of the estuaries. In the breeding season, the Brent Goose uses low-lying wet coastal tundra for both breeding and feeding. The nest is bowl-shaped, lined with grass and down and located in an elevated position often near a small pond. The Brent Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds applies. Date: 26th January 2015 Location: Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45456926.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_173439198624fff06bd2dc.jpgSanderlings The Sanderling is a small, plump, energetic wading bird. It has a short straight black bill and medium length black legs and is pale grey above and white underneath. Sanderlings breed in the high Arctic but can be seen in the UK during the winter months and as a passage migrant in spring and autumn. They can be found where there are long, sandy beaches around most of the coast other than in south west England and the rocky coasts of mainland Scotland. Date: 9th November 2021 Location: Shoeburyness, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21959263.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_26512813853da6c57f18f1.jpgPuffins The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Inner Farne, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37190320.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17323730215c2a19e0057aa.jpgCommon Seals The Common or Harbour Seal is the most widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. The Common Seal possesses a unique pattern of spots, either dark on a light background or light on a dark background. It varies in colour from brownish black to tan or grey although underparts are generally lighter. The body and flippers are short, the head is rounded and the nostrils appear distinctively V-shaped. Blubber under the skin helps to maintain body temperature. Including the head and flippers, the Common Seal may reach an adult length of 6.1 feet and a weight of 120 to 370 pounds. Females are generally smaller than males. There are an estimated 350,000 to 500,000 Common Seals worldwide. While the population is not threatened as a whole, the Greenland, Hokkaidō and Baltic Sea populations are exceptions. Local populations have been reduced or eliminated through disease and unintentional and intentional conflict with humans. It is legal to kill seals perceived to threaten fisheries in the UK, Norway and Canada but commercial hunting is illegal. Seals are also taken in subsistence hunting and accidentally as bycatch. The Common Seal sticks to familiar resting spots or haul out sites, generally rocky areas (although ice, sand and mud may also be used), where it is protected from adverse weather conditions and predation, near a foraging area. It may spend several days at sea and travel up to 30 miles in search of feeding grounds although it will also congregate in harbours, sandy intertidal zones and estuaries and swim some distance upstream into fresh water in large rivers. The Common Seal feeds primarily on fish and occasionally shrimps, crabs, molluscs and squid. The Common Seal is often solitary but it is gregarious when hauled out and during the breeding season although it does not form groups as large as some other seals. Both courtship and mating occur underwater and females give birth annually with a gestation period of approximately 9 months. The timing of the pupping season varies with location, occurring in February for populations in lower latitudes and as late as July in the sub Arctic zone. The mothers are the sole providers of care and the single pups are born well developed, capable of swimming and diving within hours. Suckling for 3 to 4 weeks, pups feed on the mother's rich, fatty milk and grow rapidly and doubling their weight by the time of weaning. Date: 25th June 2018 Location: Loch Fleet, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11204082.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11356724724e186e83cc09a.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 31st May 2008 Location: Sumburgh Head, South Mainland, Shetland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11204080.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10919717964e186e7b94e30.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 31st May 2008 Location: Sumburgh Head, South Mainland, Shetland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21959270.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_196754025853da6fb990dbc.jpgPuffins The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Inner Farne, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21958569.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_141031871553da4a2638487.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Staple Island, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21956464.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20601372753da2b1e533c3.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Staple Island, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11204074.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20191489994e186e63d0e1e.jpgPuffins The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 31st May 2008 Location: Sumburgh Head, South Mainland, Shetland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5325776.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5491644694c1dd5466eefd.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 3rd June 2010 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21956645.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_187497015453da2d3e8e81d.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Staple Island, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21956969.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_183732317553da2fda6520a.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Staple Island, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21955281.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_198698661753da10395c020.jpgCommon Guillemots The Common Guillemot, also known as the Common Murre or Thin-billed Murre, is a large species of auk. The auks are a family of seabirds which includes the Brunnich's Guillemot or Thick-billed Murre, Razorbill, Little Auk and the extinct Great Auk. The Common Guillemot is 15 to 18 inches in length with a 24 to 29 inches wingspan. In breeding plumage, it is black or dark brown on the head, back and wings with white underparts. It has a thin dark pointed bill and a small rounded dark tail. Legs are grey and the bill is dark grey. Males and females are identical. Some individuals in the North Atlantic, known as "Bridled Guillemots", have a white ring around the eye extending back as a white line. This is not a distinct subspecies but a polymorphism that becomes more common the farther north the birds breed. The Common Guillemot flies with fast wing beats and has a flight speed of around 50 mph. Groups of birds are often seen flying together in a line just above the surface of the sea. However, it is not a very agile bird and take-off is often difficult. The Common Guillemot becomes flightless for 45 to 60 days while moulting its primary feathers. The Common Guillemot is a pursuit diver that forages for food by swimming underwater using its wings for propulsion. Dives usually last less than one minute but the bird swims underwater for distances of over 100 feet on a regular basis. Diving depths up to 590 feet have been recorded. The Common Guillemot has a circumpolar distribution and it occurs in low Arctic and boreal waters in the north Atlantic and north Pacific. It spends most of its time at sea and only comes to land to breed on rocky cliffs, sea stacks and islands. Some birds are permanent residents but northern birds migrate south to open waters off New England, southern California, Japan, Korea and the western Mediterranean. The Common Guillemot breeds in colonies at high densities and nesting pairs may be in bodily contact with their neighbours. No nest is made and the single egg is laid and incubated on a bare rock ledge on a cliff face. The egg hatches after 30 days incubation and the chick is born downy and can regulate its body temperature after 10 days. Some 20 days after hatching the chick jumps off its nesting ledge and heads for the sea unable to fly but gliding for some distance with fluttering wings and accompanied by its male parent. The chicks are capable of diving as soon as they hit the water. The female stays at the nest site for some 14 days after the chick has left. The Common Guillemot can venture far from its breeding grounds to forage and distances of 60 miles or more are often observed although if sufficient food is available closer by, birds will only travel much shorter distances. It mainly eats small schooling fish 8 inches long or less such as Polar Cod, Capelin, Sand Lances, Sprats, Sandeels, Atlantic Cod and Atlantic Herring. It also eats some molluscs, marine worms, squid and crustaceans. It is often seen carrying fish in its bill with the tail hanging out. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: view from the Farne Islands boat trip from Seahouses Harbour, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21959228.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_203245134353da6b3f0f1a5.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Inner Farne, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5325780.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12075932904c1dd55fe5bb1.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 3rd June 2010 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493253.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3457817295f326f14be734.jpgAuk "raft", Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Hornøya is a small uninhabited island lying in the Barents Sea in Troms og Finnmark in the extreme north east of Norway. It lies just east of the larger island of Vardøya where the town of Vardø is located. The island is the easternmost point of Norway. Vardø Lighthouse is situated at the highest point of the island, at an elevation of 213 feet above sea level, and it protects the shipping lanes around the town of Vardø. Daily boat trips run to Hornøya between 1st March and 1st September from Vardø harbour offering the chance to spend several hours on the island. The seabird colony at Hornøya hosts approximately 100,000 seabirds of up to 11 breeding species. The cliffs are dominated by Common Guillemot, Razorbill, Puffin and Kittiwake. Around 500 pairs of Brünnich´s Guillemots, an auk distributed across the polar and sub-polar regions of the Northern Hemisphere, breed between the Common Guillemots. During the seabird breeding season, visitors to Hornøya have a good chance of seeing White-tailed Eagle and Gyrfalcon hunting along the cliffs. In addition to the huge number of birds, Hornøya is also a good location to see Atlantic Grey Seals, Orcas and occasionally Belugas. Hornøya is open to the public but, due to its status as a nature reserve, visitors must stay within the designated areas during the breeding season and it is forbidden to pick plants or disturb the wildlife of the island. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37399595.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5457595325c669750b0f73.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 9th December 2018 Location: Winterton-Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21956003.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17720243153da2473b6f83.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Staple Island, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18198873.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_93469285251ac5d0ceb5de.jpgCanada Goose The Canada Goose belongs to the [i]Branta[/i] genus of geese which contains species with largely black plumage distinguishing it from the grey species of the genus [i]Anser[/i]. The black head and neck with a white "chinstrap" distinguish the Canada Goose from all other goose species with the exception of the Cackling Goose from north America and the Barnacle Goose which has a black breast and grey rather than brownish body plumage. The 7 sub-species of the Canada Goose vary widely in size and plumage details but all are recognizable as Canada Geese. Of the "true geese" (i.e. the genera [i]Anser[/i], [i]Branta[/i] or [i]Chen[/i]), the Canada Goose is on average the largest living species. It ranges from 30 to 43 inches in length and with a 50 to 73 inches wingspan. The male usually weighs 5.7 to 14.3 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 8.6 pounds. The female looks virtually identical but is slightly lighter at 5.3 to 12.1 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 7.9 pounds. It is also generally 10% smaller in linear dimensions than the male. The Canada Goose is native to north America where it breeds in Canada and the north USA in a wide range of habitats. The Great Lakes region maintains a very large population. It occurs all year round in the southern part of its breeding range, including most of the eastern seaboard and the Pacific coast. Between California and South Carolina in the south USA and north Mexico, it is primarily present as a migrant from further north during the winter. Outside north America, the Canada Goose has reached north Europe naturally as has been proved by ringing recoveries. It has also been introduced in to Europe and had established populations in the UK in the middle of the 18th century, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany and Scandinavia. Most European populations are not migratory but those in more northerly parts of Sweden and Finland migrate to the North Sea and Baltic coasts. Semi-tame feral birds are common in parks and have become a pest in some areas. In the early 17th century, explorer Samuel de Champlain sent several pairs of Canada Geese to France as a present for King Louis XIII. Canada Geese were first introduced in to the UK in the late 17th century as an addition to King James II's waterfowl collection in St. James's Park. They were also introduced in to Germany and Scandinavia during the 20th century. During the second year of its life, the Canada Goose finds a mate. It is a monogamous species and most couples stay together all of their lives. If one dies, the other may find a new mate. The female lays from 2 to 9 eggs with an average of 5. Both parents protect the nest while the eggs incubate but the female spends more time at the nest than the male. The nest is usually located in an elevated area near water such as streams, lakes and ponds and the eggs are laid in a shallow depression lined with plant material and down. The incubation period, in which the female incubates the eggs while the male remains nearby, lasts for 24 to 28 days after laying. As soon as the goslings hatch, they are immediately capable of walking, swimming and finding their own food (a diet similar to the adults). Parents are often seen leading their goslings in a line, usually with one adult at the front and the other at the back. While protecting their goslings, parents often violently chase away anything from small birds to lone humans who approach, after warning them by giving off a hissing sound and then attacking with bites and slaps of the wings if the threat does not retreat. Although parents are hostile to unfamiliar geese, they may form groups (crèches) of a number of goslings and a few adults. The goslings enter the fledgling stage any time from 6 to 9 weeks of age. Once it reaches adulthood, due to its large size and often aggressive behaviour, the Canada Goose is rarely preyed on although prior injury may make it more vulnerable to natural predators. The lifespan in the wild of birds that survive to adulthood ranges from 10 to 24 years. The UK longevity record is held by a specimen tagged as a nestling which was observed alive at the age of 31. The Canada Goose is primarily a herbivore although it will sometimes eat small insects and fish. Their diet includes grasses, aquatic plants, beans and grains such as wheat, rice, and corn when they are available. In urban areas, it is also known to pick food out of rubbish bins and it will readily take a variety of food from humans in parks. Date: 13th May 2013 Location: Spinnies NR, Aberogwen, Gwynedd http://www.richardchewphotography.com/pine-marten https://images.on-this.website/4752_1743999060467e8722dc6c0.jpgPine Marten The Pine Marten is a member of the mustelid family which also includes the Mink, the Otter, the Badger, the Stoat and the Weasel. It is the only mustelid with semi-retractable claws which enables it to lead a more arboreal lifestyle such as climbing or running in trees. The Pine Marten is about the size of a domestic cat and males are slightly larger than females. The fur is usually light to dark brown and grows longer and silkier during the winter months. It has a cream to yellow coloured "bib" marking on their throats and a long fluffy tail. The Pine Marten is usually found in deciduous and coniferous woodland with plenty of cover and it is mainly active at dusk and at night. It has small rounded, highly sensitive ears and sharp teeth adapted for eating small mammals, birds, insects, frogs and carrion although it also eats berries, nuts, fungi, birds' eggs and honey. Pine Marten dens are commonly found in hollow trees or the fallen root masses of Scots Pines, an association that probably earned them their name. Cairns and cliffs covered with scrub are frequently used as alternative den sites. Territories vary in size according to habitat and food availability. The Pine Marten is one of the rarest native mammals in the UK. Until the 19th century, it was found throughout much of mainland UK, the Isle of Wight and some of the Scottish islands although habitat fragmentation, persecution by gamekeepers and hunting for their fur drastically reduced this distribution. By the 1920s, the main Pine Marten population in the UK was restricted to a small area of north west Scotland. Until recently it remained only at all common in this region where some individuals have lost their fear of man and come to take food provided for them, particularly enjoying jam and peanut butter. A study in 2012 found that the Pine Marten has spread from its Scottish Highland stronghold, north into east Sutherland and Caithness and south east from the Great Glen into Moray, Aberdeenshire, Perthshire, Tayside and the Stirling area with some also occurring in the Central Belt and on the Kintyre and Cowal peninsulas. Expansion in south Scotland has been limited and despite reintroduction to the Glen Trool Forest there has only been a restricted spread from there. In England, the Pine Marten is extremely rare with scattered reports from Cumbria, Northumberland and mid Wales. In July 2015 [url=http://www.shropshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/pine-marten-appeal] first confirmed sighting of a Pine Marten in England for over a century[/url] was recorded by an amateur photographer in woodland in Shropshire. In Wales, the Vincent Wildlife Trust is implementing a [url=http://www.pine-marten-recovery-project.org.uk/news/pine-martens-arrive-in-wales]reintroduction project[/url] through translocations from Scotland. The Pine Marten is still quite rare in Ireland but the population is recovering and spreading. The traditional strongholds are in the west and south, especially the Burren, but the population in the Midlands has significantly increased in recent years. A study published in 2015 showed that the Pine Marten was distributed across every county in Northern Ireland. Although they are preyed upon occasionally by Golden Eagles and Red Foxes, humans are the largest threat to the Pine Marten. It is vulnerable from conflict with humans, arising from predator control for other species and the use of inhabited buildings for denning. The Pine Marten is also affected by persecution (illegal poisoning and shooting) by gamekeepers and loss of habitat. This Pine Marten was photographed at a "wildlife watch" arranged by Speyside Wildlife in Rothiemurchus in the Scottish Highlands. Date: 18th May 2005 Location: Rothiemurchus, Inverness-shire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21959266.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_52173732053da6e5cbd592.jpgPuffins The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Inner Farne, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31192397.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_119029597859182447632a79.74554879.jpgYellowhammer The Yellowhammer is a passerine bird in the bunting family. The bird family [i]Emberizidae[/i] contains around 300 seed-eating species, the majority of which are found in the Americas, although the genus [i]Emberiza[/i], with more than 40 members, is confined to the Old World. Within its genus [i]Emberiza[/i], the Yellowhammer is most closely related to the Pine Bunting and at times they have been considered as one species. Where their ranges meet, the Yellowhammer and Pine Bunting interbreed and the hybrid zone is thought to be moving further east. The Yellowhammer is also closely related to the Cirl Bunting. The Yellowhammer’s scientific name [i]Emberiza citrinella[/i] is derived from the Old German [i]embritz[/i] meaning “bunting” and the Italian [i]citrinella[/i] meaning “small yellow bird”. The Yellowhammer is a large bunting around 6.3 to 6.5 inches long with a wingspan of 9.1 to 11.6 inches. The male has a bright yellow head, heavily streaked brown back, rufous rump, yellow underparts and white outer tail feathers. The female is less brightly coloured and more streaked on the crown, breast and flanks. Both sexes are less strongly marked outside the breeding season when the dark fringes on new feathers obscure the yellow plumage. The juvenile is much duller and less yellow than the adults and often has a paler rump. The Yellowhammer breeds across Eurasia and it is the commonest and most widespread European bunting although it is absent from high mountains, Arctic regions, most of Iberia and Greece and low-lying regions of other countries adjoining the Mediterranean Sea. It also breeds in Russia east to Irkutsk and in most of Ukraine and the Asian range extends into north west Turkey, the Caucasus and northern Kazakhstan. Populations have declined in recent decades in western Europe but in eastern Europe numbers appear to be stable. Changes to agricultural practices are thought to be responsible for reduced breeding densities. The Yellowhammer can be found throughout most of the UK but it is least abundant in the north and west and absent from some upland areas such as the Pennines and the Scottish Highlands as well as some lowland areas. Its recent sharp population decline make it a Red List species. Within its range, the Yellowhammer is a bird of dry open country, preferably with a range of vegetation types and some trees from which to sing. It is absent from urban areas, forests and wetlands. Probably originally found at forest edges and large clearings, it has benefited from traditional agriculture which created extensive open areas with hedges and clumps of trees. The Yellowhammer usually starts breeding in late April or early May. The males establish territories along hedges or woodland fringes and sing from a tree or bush, often continuing well into July or August. The nest is built by the female on or near the ground and is typically well hidden in tussocks against a bank or low in a bush. It is constructed from nearby plant material such as leaves, dry grass and stalks and lined with fine grasses and sometimes animal hair. The clutch is usually 3 to 5 eggs and the female incubates the eggs for 12 to 14 days to hatching and broods the chicks until they fledge 11 to 13 days later. Both adults feed the chicks in the nest and 2 or 3 broods are raised each year. The Yellowhammer forages mainly on the ground and its diet consists mainly of seeds. Grasses are also important, particularly cereals, and grain makes up a significant part of the food consumed in autumn and winter. Invertebrates are added to its diet during the breeding season, particularly as food for its growing chicks, and a wide range of species is taken including springtails, grasshoppers, flies, beetles, caterpillars, earthworms, spiders and snails. Outside of the breeding season, the Yellowhammer forages in flocks which can occasionally number hundreds of birds and often contain other buntings and finches. The Yellowhammer is a conspicuous, vocal and formerly common country bird and it has attracted human interest. Yellowham Wood and Yellowham Hill, near Dorchester in the UK, both derive their names from the bird. Robbie Burns' poem "The Yellow, Yellow Yorlin'" gets its title from a Scottish name for the Yellowhammer. Enid Blyton helped to popularise the bird's song as "a little bit of bread and no cheese" in some of her books and she wrote a poem called "The Yellow-hammer". Beethoven's student, Carl Czerny, and biographer Anton Schindler, both suggested that the composer got the idea for the first 4 notes of his 5th symphony from the song of the Yellowhammer although it is more likely that the opening of the 4th Piano Concerto was actually the work in question. Beethoven also used the Yellowhammer theme in 2 piano sonatas. Date: 9th May 2017 Location: Weeting Heath NWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080575.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_50956203463a4594cb831f.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 1st December 2022 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/september-2011-little-grebe https://images.on-this.website/4752_19437593624ec4fe3d2520a.jpgSeptember 2011 - Little Grebe Please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/photo13061866.html#photo]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39083670.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12014385165d3081c2002d0.jpgEastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria The Rhodopes Mountains are a mountain range in south east Europe. They are spread over 5689 square miles of which 4723 square miles are located in south Bulgaria and the remainder in north Greece. The Rhodopes Mountains are about 149 miles long and about 62 to 75 miles wide with an average altitude of 2575 feet. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 7188 feet and is situated 12 miles to the west of Smolyan. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rhodopes Mountains gives its name to the terrestrial eco-region Rodope montane mixed forests that belong in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The area is particularly notable for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans plus its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms such as the Trigrad Gorge. The Rhodopes Mountains can be sub-divided in to 3 sections: The Western Rhodopes are spread over 66% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and they are higher, the most infrastructurally developed and the most visited part of the mountains. The highest and best known peaks are located in this section with more than 10 over 6562 feet high including the highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7188 feet). Some of the deepest river gorges in the Rhodopes Mountains are located in the west as well as several large lakes. The Eastern Rhodopes are spread over a territory of about 34% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and are much lower in height. The large artificial dams of Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets are located in this part of the mountains. Almost every species of European bird of prey nests in the Eastern Rhodopes including the rare Black Vulture and Egyptian Vulture. The Southern Rhodopes are the part of the mountain range that is located in Greece and they are characterized by numerous peaks of relatively low altitude. The River Borovitsa is a tributary of the River Arda and is located in the eastern Rhodopes Mountains. The river valley is stony and surrounded by rough grassland, scrub and forested hillsides. There are many tiny hamlets along the valley, many of them abandoned or semi-abandoned. This little visited area and its wild environment with only the tiny hamlets and patches of traditional agriculture form a great contrast with the town of Kardzhali. Nenkovo, 17.5 miles north west of Kardzhali, is one of the hamlets in the river valley with no electricity or car access. The access to the village is via a rope bridge over the River Borovitsa. The lack of cars has preserved the narrow village streets which wind between the houses built about 100 to 150 years ago. According to the census of 2011, the village has 129 inhabitants which is down from its peak of 883 people shortly after the Second World War. The village is almost exclusively inhabited by ethnic Bulgarian Turks. Near the village of Nenkovo there is a medieval bridge over the River Borovitsa. It is a large asymmetric bridge with 5 arches each of a different size. The road over the bridge is about 65 yards long. The bridge has been partly destroyed on a number of occasions by the rough waters of the river. It has been rebuilt in the past but after repeated damage it is no longer used. The area around Nenkovo village and the bridge is an excellent one for a wide range of bird species. Date: 28th May 2018 Location: River Borovitsa valley near Nenkovo, Eastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11204066.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2751917894e186e3ce9dec.jpgPuffins The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 31st May 2008 Location: Sumburgh Head, South Mainland, Shetland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11177756.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21352264904e16bc4c1e62e.jpgMute Swan The Mute Swan is a species of swan native to much of Eurasia. Despite its Eurasian origin, its closest relatives are the Black Swan of Australia and the Black-necked Swan of south America, not the other Northern Hemisphere swans such as the Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan. The name “mute” derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. The adult Mute Swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob at the top of the beak. All Mute Swans are white at maturity although the feathers (particularly on the head and neck) are often stained orange-brown by iron and tannins in the water. Young birds (cygnets) are not the bright white colour of mature adults and their bill is dull greyish-black for the first year. The plumage may range from pure white to grey to buff with grey/buff being the most common. Cygnets typically retain their grey/buff feathers until they are at least 1 year old. On average, the Mute Swan is the second largest waterfowl species after the Trumpeter Swan although the male Mute Swan can easily match or even exceed a male Trumpeter Swan in mass. The adult Mute Swan typically ranges from 55 to 63 inches in length (although it can range in extreme cases from 49 to 67 inches) with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. Males (cobs) are larger than females (pens) and have a larger knob on their bill. The Mute Swan is one of the heaviest flying birds. In several studies from the UK, males were found to average from about 23.4 to 26.2 pounds, with a weight range of 20 to 32 pounds, while the slightly smaller females were found to average about 18.7 to 21.3 pounds, with a weight range of 17 to 23 pounds. The Mute Swan is less vocal than the noisy Bewick's Swan and Whooper Swan although it does make a variety of grunting, hoarse whistling and snorting noises, especially in communicating with their cygnets and threatening competitors or intruders trying to enter their territory. The most familiar sound associated with the Mute Swan is the vibrant throbbing of the wings in flight which is unique to the species and this can be heard from a range of up to 1 mile. The Mute Swan is found naturally mainly in the temperate areas of Europe across west Asia and as far east as Primorsky Krai in the far east of Russia. It is partially migratory throughout the northern latitudes in Europe and Asia as far south as north Africa and the Mediterranean. It is also often kept in captivity outside its natural range as a decoration for parks and ponds and escapes have occurred. The descendants of such birds have become naturalised in east USA and the Great Lakes region across the USA and Canada border. The Mute Swan population in the UK has increased recently probably due to better protection of this species. Some birds are resident all year whilst others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into east England. Mute Swans nest on large mounds that they build with waterside vegetation in shallow water on islands in the middle or at the very edge of a lake. It is a monogamous species and often reuses the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Males and females share the care of the nest. The female lays from 4 to 10 eggs and broods for around 36 days. Cygnets are unable to fly before an age of 120 to 150 days and this limits the distribution of the species in the northern edge of its range since the cygnets must learn to fly before the water freezes. The Mute Swan is usually strongly territorial with just a single pair on smaller lakes although in a few locations where a large area of suitable feeding habitat is found they can be colonial. The largest colonies can hold over 100 pairs such as that at the colony at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset in the UK. Non-mated juveniles up to 3 to 4 years old commonly form larger flocks often at regular traditional sites and these can total several hundred birds. The Mute Swan can be very aggressive in defence of its nest and it is highly protective of its mate and offspring. Most defensive attacks from a Mute Swan begin with a loud hiss and, if this is not sufficient to drive off the predator, are followed by a physical attack. It attacks by smashing at its enemy with bony spurs in the wings accompanied by biting with its large bill. Smaller waterbirds such as ducks are normally grabbed with the bill and dragged or thrown clear. Large waterfowl, such as the Canada Goose, more likely out of competition than in response to potential predation, may be aggressively driven off. The wings of the Mute Swan are very powerful although not strong enough to break an adult man's leg as has been claimed anecdotally. The Mute Swan feeds on a wide range of vegetation, both submerged aquatic plants which they reach with their long necks and by grazing on land. The food commonly includes agricultural crop plants such as oilseed rape and wheat and feeding flocks in the winter may cause significant crop damage, often as much through trampling with their large webbed feet as through direct consumption. Date: 10/12/06 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847486.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_84860665759bd515b48df9.jpgDunajec River, Pieniny Mountains, Poland The Pieniny Mountains are a mountain range in the Małopolska province in the south of Poland and the Prešov region in the north of Slovakia. The range is divided in to 3 parts: Pieniny Spiskie and Pieniny Właściwe in Poland and Małe Pieniny in Poland and Slovakia. The Pieniny mountains consist mainly of limestone and dolomite. The highest peak is Wysoka at 3445 feet but the most famous peak is Trzy Korony (Three Crowns), the summit of the Three Crowns Massif at 3222 feet. The massif is an independent but central portion of the Pieniny Mountains consisting of 5 sharp peaks. The summit of Trzy Korony is separated from the surrounding peaks by the Wyżni Łazek Pass which descends in to deep valleys with streams surrounded by forested slopes. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Pieniny Mountains and an observation deck hangs over a 1600 foot precipice with extensive views of the Dunajec River Gorge (Przełom Dunajca) and the vast area of the Pieniny National Park (Pieniński Park Narodowy) and the Tatra National Park (Tatrzański Park Narodowy). Caves are few and rather small in the Pieniny Mountains but rivers and streams are often deeply indented in the rock, creating approximately 15 ravines and gorges. The most famous gorges of the Pieniny mountains are the Dunajec River Gorge (Przełom Dunajca) and the Homole Ravine (Wąwóz Homole). The Dunajec River Gorge (Przełom Dunajca) forms the border between Poland and Slovakia. It is another popular tourist destination in the Pieniny Mountains and wooden raft trips have been organized daily by the Pieniny Gorals ethnic group since the early 19th century when their customers consisted mostly of guests of the nearby Czorsztyn Castle and Niedzica Castle. The trip begins in Sromowce Wyżne-Kąty and ends in Szczawnica, 5 miles downstream and taking 2 to 3 hours. The second leg of the trip is only 3 miles long. It begins in Szczawnica and ends in Krościenko nad Dunajcem. The Dunajec River Gorge makes 7 loops in its length and the surrounding rock cliffs reach 985 feet in height throughout most of its length. The Dunajec River includes a chain of 13 medieval castles dating back to the early 12th century. Most of the castles are in ruin now and some no longer exist at all. The most well known are Czorsztyn Castle and Niedzica Castle, both located on Lake Czorsztyn (Jezioro Czorsztyńskie), a man-made reservoir in the Dunajec river valley. Pieniny National Park (Pieniński Park Narodowy) is a protected area located in the heart of the Pieniny Mountains. It covers an area of 9.06 square miles, of which around 70% is forested. On the Slovakian side of the mountains there is a parallel national park (Pieninský národný park). The idea for the creation of Pieniny National Park arose in 1921 and in the same year a private preserve was created around the ruins of Czorsztyn Castle. In 1928 the Polish government made its first land purchases and in May 1932 a “National Park in the Pieniny” was created covering an area of 2.8 square miles. In 1954, Pieniny National Park was created. Date: 30th May 2017 Location: Dunajec River, Pieniny Mountains, Małopolska province, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11947774.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19099475294e40fe3282164.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 21st October 2007 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871725.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8332490544eff21326c287.jpgBrown Bear The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, <i>Ursus arctos arctos</i>. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an overnight stay in a Brown Bear watching hide at [url=http://www.martinselkonen.fi/index.php?id=1&la=en]Martinselkosen Eräkeskus[/url] Date: 1st June 2009 Location: Martinselkosen Eräkeskus, Pirttivaara, Kainuu, Finland <iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/10143012?autoplay=1" width="600" height="450" frameborder="0"></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/10143012">Brown Bears of Martinselkonen</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user3372484">Richard Chew</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>. Music: Jean Sibelius - Andante festivo<br /> </p> http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo16548223.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5929370135083a3c4161d5.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 7th October 2012 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4267541.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18162896854b522b17e2959.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 3rd January 2010 Location: Southerness, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847427.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2615429559bd4ff7e74c0.jpgLow Tatras, Slovakia The Low Tatras (Nízke Tatry) are a mountain range of the Inner Western Carpathians situated in central Slovakia. They are located south of the High Tatras (Vysoké Tatry) from which they are separated by the valleys of the Váh River and Poprad River. The ridge runs west to east and is about 50 miles long. The Čertovica pass divides the range into 2 parts. The highest peaks of the Low Tatras are located in its western part. Ďumbier is the highest mountain at 6703 feet. Its neighbour Chopok at 6640 feet is accessible by a chairlift and it is the most visited place in the Low Tatras. Other peaks in the western part include Dereše at 6575 feet and Chabenec at 6414 feet. The highest peak in the eastern part is Kráľova hoľa at 6385 feet. The lower elevations are mostly blanketed in dense forest with prevailing coniferous forests in the northern part and mixed forests in the south. At higher elevations there are tarns, deep valleys, limestone cliffs and impressive granite formations. Most of the Low Tatras are protected by the Low Tatras National Park (Národný park Nízke Tatry). This comprises an area of 281 square miles and a buffer zone covering an area of 425 square miles. This makes it the largest National Park in Slovakia. The protection of the Low Tatras started with the first attempts during the period 1918 to 1921 and continuing after World War 2. In 1963, a proposal was made for the establishment of a National Park under the name Central Slovakia National Park. During the period between 1965 and 1966 and right before the completion of the last proposal, a draft for a National Park Ďumbier was proposed. The aim of this draft was to include the north and south part of the central territory of the Low Tatras. From 1967 until 1968 the draft was reformulated with the goal to establish the National Park on the 25th anniversary of the Slovak National Uprising. However, it took another 10 years to overcome various obstacles that prevented the establishment of the National Park. In 1978 the National Park was finally created with the Regulation 119/1978 of the Slovak Socialistic Republic. The area of the national park was set at 313 square miles and its protection zone at 479 square miles. The status of the National Park was published in the same year by the Ministry of Culture of the Slovak Socialistic Republic in Regulation 120/1978. This regulation set out the conditions for the protection of particular areas. The borders of the National Park and the protection zones were revised in June 1997 by Regulation 182/1997 of the government of the Slovak Republic. The revised area of the National Park was adjusted to 281 square miles which is 32 square miles less than the original area. The revised area of the protection zones was adjusted to 425 square miles which is 53 square miles less than the original area. Currently, the following protected areas are established in the Low Tatras National Park or its buffer zone: 10 National Nature Reserves, 10 Nature Reserves, 5 National Nature Monuments, 6 Nature Monuments and 1 Protected Site. The Low Tatras are the second most visited mountains in Slovakia after the High Tatras. Tourism is very popular and during the winter there are several ski resorts such as Jasná and Tále. There are also a range of summer activities such as hiking, trekking, rafting, kayaking, fishing and other outdoor pursuits. Date: 28th May 2017 Location: Low Tatras, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28886146.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4883414257cc38ddbc3b7.jpgWryneck The Eurasian Wryneck is a species of wryneck in the woodpecker family. It is about 6.7 inches in length and is a slim, elongated-looking bird with a body shape more like a thrush than a woodpecker. The upperparts are barred and mottled in shades of pale brown with rufous and blackish bars and wider black streaks. The rump and upper tail coverts are grey with speckles and irregular bands of brown. The rounded tail is grey, speckled with brown, with faint bands of greyish-brown and a few more clearly defined bands of brownish-black. The cheeks and throat are buff barred with brown. The underparts are creamy white with brown markings shaped like arrow-heads which are reduced to spots on the lower breast and belly. The flanks are buff with similar markings and the under-tail coverts are buff with narrow brown bars. The primaries and secondaries are brown with rufous-buff markings. The beak is brown, long and slender with a broad base and sharp tip. The slender legs and feet are pale brown. The first and second toes are shorter than the others. The first and fourth toes point backwards and the second and third point forwards, a good arrangement for clinging to vertical surfaces. The Wryneck gets its English name from its ability to turn its head through almost 180 degrees. It characteristically holds its head high with its beak pointing slightly upwards. A mutual display that occurs at any time of year involves two birds perched facing each other with their heads far back and beaks wide open, bobbing their heads up and down. Sometimes the head is allowed to slump sideways and hang limply. On other occasions, when excited, the head is shaken and twisted about violently. When disturbed on the nest or held in the hand, the neck contorts and twists in all directions. The bird sometimes feigns death and hangs limply with eyes closed. The Wryneck mainly breeds in temperate regions of Europe and Asia. In continental Europe, the largest populations are in Spain, Italy, Germany, Poland, Romania, Hungary, Belarus and Ukraine, and only in Romania is the population trend believed to be upward. Most populations are migratory, wintering in tropical Africa and in southern Asia from Iran to the Indian Subcontinent, but some are resident in north west Africa. In the UK, the Wryneck is an extremely rare breeding bird but it is still a regular passage migrant in small numbers in August and September with a small number additionally seen in May. During the summer the Wryneck can be found in open countryside, parkland, gardens, orchards, heaths and hedgerows, especially where there are some old trees. It may also inhabit deciduous woodland and in Scandinavia it also occurs in coniferous forests. The diet of the Wryneck consists chiefly of ants but beetles and their larvae, moths, spiders and woodlice are also eaten. Although much time is spent in the upper branches of trees, the Wryneck sometimes perches in low bushes and mostly forages on the ground, moving around with short hops with its tail held in a raised position. It can cling to tree trunks, often moving obliquely, and sometimes pressing its tail against the surface as a prop. It does not make holes in bark with its beak but picks up prey with a rapid extension and retraction of its tongue and it sometimes catches insects while on the wing. Date: 11th May 2016 Location: near Pogari-Sassi, Matsalu National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/golden-eagle https://images.on-this.website/4752_15314222124e1f053e32e08.jpgGolden Eagle The Golden Eagle is a very large raptor, 26 to 40 inches in length and with a wingspan of 5 ft 11 inches to 7 ft 8 inches. The wingspan is the fifth largest among living eagle species. Females are larger than males with a bigger difference in larger sub-species. In the species overall, males average around 7.9 pounds and females around 11 pounds. The maximum size of the Golden Eagle is debated. Large sub-species are the heaviest and the species is on average the seventh heaviest living eagle species. The Golden Eagle is the second heaviest breeding eagle in north America, Europe and Africa and the fourth heaviest in Asia. Adults of both sexes have similar plumage and are primarily dark brown with some grey on the inner wing and tail and a paler, typically golden, colour on the back of the crown and nape that gives the species its common name. Unlike other eagle species, where the tarsal feathers are typically similar in colour to the rest of the plumage, the tarsal feathers of the Golden Eagle tend to be paler and range from light golden to white. In addition, some full-grown birds have white "epaulettes". The bill is dark at the tip, fading to a lighter horn colour, with a yellow cere. The bare portion of the feet is yellow. Juveniles are similar to adults but tend to be darker and can appear black on the back. About two thirds of their tail length is white, ending with a broad, black band. Compared to the relatively consistently white tail, the white patches on the wings are extremely variable. Juveniles of less than 12 months of age tend to have the most white in their plumage and this is gradually replaced by a characteristic rusty brown colour. Due to the variability between individuals, juveniles cannot be reliably aged by sight alone. The final adult plumage is not fully attained until the birds are between 5.5 and 6.5 years old. The Golden Eagle is sometimes considered to be the best flyer among eagles and perhaps amongst all raptors. It is equipped with broad, long wings with finger-like indentations on the tips of the wings. It is unique amongst the eagle species in that it often flies with the wings held in a slight, upturned V-shape. When it needs to flap, the Golden Eagle appears at its most laboured but flapping is less common than soaring or gliding. Flapping flight usually consists of 6 to 8 deep wing-beats interspersed with 2 to 3 second glides. While soaring, the wings and tail are held in one plane with the primary tips often spread. A typical, unhurried soaring speed is around 28 to 32 mph. When hunting or displaying, the Golden Eagle can glide very fast, reaching speeds of up to 120 mph. When stooping (diving) in the direction of prey or during territorial displays, it holds its legs up against its tail and holds its wings tight and partially closed against its body. When diving after prey, it can reach 150 to 200 mph. Although less agile and manoeuvrable, the Golden Eagle is apparently equal to and possibly even the superior of the Peregrine Falcon’s stooping and gliding speeds. This makes the Golden Eagle one of the fastest living animals. Size readily distinguishes the Golden Eagle from most other raptors when it is seen well. Most other raptors are considerably smaller. Among raptors that share the Golden Eagle's range, only some Old World vultures and the California Condor are distinctly larger with longer, broader wings which are typically held more evenly in a slower, less forceful flight. These birds also have dramatically different colour patterns. Distinguishing the Golden Eagle from other eagle species in Eurasia is more difficult. Identification may rely on the Golden Eagle's relatively long tail and patterns of white or grey on the wings and tail. Unlike the Golden Eagle, other eagles do not generally fly with the wings held in a slight, upturned V-shape. At close range, the golden to rufous nape of the Golden Eagle is distinctive and most other eagles have darker plumage. Among Eurasian eagles, the adult Eastern Imperial Eagle and the Spanish Imperial Eagle come closest to reaching the size of the Golden Eagle but both are distinguished by their longer necks, flatter wings in flight, white markings on their shoulder forewing-coverts, paler cream-straw coloured nape patch and generally darker colouration. The Steppe Eagle can also approach the Golden Eagle in size but it is more compact and smaller headed with little colour variation to the dark earth-brown plumage The nominate sub-species, [I]Aquila chrysaetos chrysaetos[/I] or European Golden Eagle, is found throughout most of Europe. In the UK, there are estimated to be 400 to 500 breeding pairs which can be found in the wild, open moorlands and mountains of Scotland, in particular the Scottish Highlands. The Golden Eagle is also found in European Russia, reportedly reaching an eastern limit around the Yenisei River, and further south at a similar longitude into west Kazakhstan and north Iran. At one time, the Golden Eagle was found in a great majority of temperate Europe, north Asia, north America, north Africa and Japan. Although widespread and quite secure in some areas, in many parts of the range the Golden Eagle has experienced a sharp population decline and it has become extinct in some areas. The total number of individuals is estimated to range somewhere between 170,000 and 250,000 whilst the estimated total number of breeding pairs ranges from 60,000 to 100,000. It has the largest known range of any member of its family with a range estimated at about 55 million square miles and it is the second most wide ranging species after the Osprey. On a global scale, the Golden Eagle is not considered threatened by the IUCN. The Golden Eagle is fairly adaptable in its habitat requirements but it often found in areas with a few shared ecological characteristics. It is best suited to hunting in open or semi-open areas and native vegetation seems to be attractive to it. It typically avoids developed areas of any type from urban to agricultural as well as heavily forested regions. The largest numbers are found in mountainous regions although it is not solely tied to high elevations and it can breed in lowlands if the local habitats are suitable. The majority of Golden Eagle populations are sedentary but it is also a partial migrant in the north of its range. Whilst it is a very hardy species and well adapted to cold climates, it can not tolerate declining food sources and birds which breed at latitudes greater than 60°N are usually migratory and a short migration may also be undertaken by birds which breed at about 50°N. The Golden Eagle usually mates for life although if one of the pair dies, the survivor will readily accept a new mate. Adults occupy a hunting and nesting area all year and they can be seen soaring and advertising their ownership of their home range at any time. However, their spectacular undulating display flight is most often seen from February to May. Each home range contains several night roosts and often a choice of 2 or 3 alternative nest sites (eyries) usually on cliff ledges. Both adults build the nest which is a substantial structure of branches, twigs and heather and lined with grasses and decorated with green foliage. The eyries are traditional and can be used for many years by the same or successive birds. The eyrie is added to each year it is used and it can end up quite a remarkable size. Cliff nests are 3 to 5 feet across and up to 6.5 feet high whilst tree nests can be twice this size. The female generally lays 2 eggs 3 to 4 days apart in March and incubates them for 43 to 45 days. Incubation starts with the first egg and the chicks hatch a few days apart. The first chick to hatch is dominant over the younger one which has only a 20% chance of surviving the crucial first weeks. The female does most of the brooding and feeding of the young whilst the male provides the female and the young with all the food, especially during the early stages. The female broods the chicks almost continuously for the first 2 weeks. After this, she will regularly leave the nest and share the hunting with the male. The young will fledge when they are 65 to 70 days old and will become independent after a further 90 to 100 days. Juveniles occasionally stay with their parents until November or December but are usually driven away by October. The young birds will breed for the first time at 3 to 4 years of age. The average life span of a Golden Eagle is around 14 years although it is thought that 75% of young birds die before reaching maturity. The oldest known Golden Eagle reached an age of 32 years. Natural sources of mortality are largely reported anecdotally. Date: 4th November 2008 Location: Bruichladdich to Port Charlotte, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13683343.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_947848484ed73148b3c94.jpgHarvest Mouse The Harvest Mouse is the UK’s smallest rodent at around 2 inches long and weighing less than a 2p coin. It has yellow-brown furry upper parts and a whiter underbelly, small ears and a blunt nose, with a long prehensile tail. The Harvest Mouse is mainly found from central Yorkshire southwards. Isolated records from Scotland and Wales probably result from the release of captive animals. Breeding nests are the most obvious sign indicating the presence of the Harvest Mouse. The Harvest Mouse is the only UK mammal to build nests of woven grass well above ground. Nests tend to be found in dense vegetation such as grasses, rushes, cereals, grassy hedgerows, ditches and brambles. They are generally located on the stalk zone of grasses, at least 12 inches above ground in short grasses and up to 3 feet above ground in tall reeds. The size of the nest can vary from only 2 inches in diameter for non-breeding nests to 4 inches in diameter for breeding nests. The Harvest Mouse is an extremely active climber and it feeds in the stalk zone of long grasses and reeds, particularly around dusk and dawn. Their diet contains a mixture of seeds, berries and insects, although moss, roots and fungi may also be taken. They also sometimes take grain from cereal heads, leaving characteristic sickle-shaped remains. Based on tooth wear analysis, the maximum lifespan of a Harvest Mouse in the wild is around 18 months. The Harvest Mouse is listed as a BAP (Biodiversity Action Plan) Species because it is thought to have become much scarcer in recent years. Changes in habitat management and agricultural methods are thought to have caused this although there have been no studies to quantify this change. The Harvest Mouse has many predators including Weasel, Stoat, Fox, birds of prey and domestic cats. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37399613.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7477316265c6697ad7f56b.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 9th December 2018 Location: Winterton-Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37399626.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8893537425c6697ded9d41.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 9th December 2018 Location: Winterton-Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14155712.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9152768364f3cc5d953c49.jpgFieldfare The Fieldfare is a member of the thrush family which is very similar to a Mistle Thrush in general size, shape and behaviour. It has a slate grey crown, neck and rump, a plain brown back, dark wings, blackish tail and white underwings. The breast and flanks are heavily speckled. The breast has a reddish wash and the rest of the underparts are white. The sexes are similar in appearance but the females are slightly more brown. The male has a simple chattering song and the birds have various guttural flight and alarm calls. The Fieldfare is a migratory species with a Palearctic distribution. It breeds in north Norway, north Sweden, Finland, the Baltic states, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland and in to Asia. In the summer the Fieldfare frequents mixed woodland of birch, alder, pine, spruce and fir, often near marshes, moorland or other open ground. It does not avoid the vicinity of humans and can be seen in cultivated areas, orchards, parks and gardens. It also inhabits open tundra and the slopes of hills above the tree line. It often breeds in small colonies, possibly for protection from predators. The first known breeding of the Fieldfare in the UK was in 1967 when a pair nested in Orkney. Very small numbers have continued nesting fairly regularly in Scotland. The winter range extends through west Europe, including the UK, south Europe and north Africa although it is uncommon in the Mediterranean region. Eastern populations migrate to Anatolia, Israel, Iran and north west India. Migrating and wintering Fieldfares often form large flocks, often in the company of Redwings. In the winter, the Fieldfare can be found in open country, agricultural land, orchards, open woodland and gardens. It is nomadic, wandering wherever there is an abundance of berries and insects. Later in the year it moves on to pastureland and cultivated fields. The Fieldfare is omnivorous. Animal food in the diet includes snails and slugs, earthworms, spiders and insects such as beetles and their larvae, flies and grasshoppers. In the autumn ripened berries such as hawthorn, holly, rowan, yew, juniper, dog rose, cotoneaster, pyracantha and berberis are eaten. In addition, windfall apples, grain and seeds are eaten. When these are exhausted, or in particularly harsh weather, the birds may move to marshes or even the foreshore where molluscs can be found. Date: 7th February 2012 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21958228.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_180266715753da451b60439.jpgCommon Guillemot The Common Guillemot, also known as the Common Murre or Thin-billed Murre, is a large species of auk. The auks are a family of seabirds which includes the Brunnich's Guillemot or Thick-billed Murre, Razorbill, Little Auk and the extinct Great Auk. The Common Guillemot is 15 to 18 inches in length with a 24 to 29 inches wingspan. In breeding plumage, it is black or dark brown on the head, back and wings with white underparts. It has a thin dark pointed bill and a small rounded dark tail. Legs are grey and the bill is dark grey. Males and females are identical. Some individuals in the North Atlantic, known as "Bridled Guillemots", have a white ring around the eye extending back as a white line. This is not a distinct subspecies but a polymorphism that becomes more common the farther north the birds breed. The Common Guillemot flies with fast wing beats and has a flight speed of around 50 mph. Groups of birds are often seen flying together in a line just above the surface of the sea. However, it is not a very agile bird and take-off is often difficult. The Common Guillemot becomes flightless for 45 to 60 days while moulting its primary feathers. The Common Guillemot is a pursuit diver that forages for food by swimming underwater using its wings for propulsion. Dives usually last less than one minute but the bird swims underwater for distances of over 100 feet on a regular basis. Diving depths up to 590 feet have been recorded. The Common Guillemot has a circumpolar distribution and it occurs in low Arctic and boreal waters in the north Atlantic and north Pacific. It spends most of its time at sea and only comes to land to breed on rocky cliffs, sea stacks and islands. Some birds are permanent residents but northern birds migrate south to open waters off New England, southern California, Japan, Korea and the western Mediterranean. The Common Guillemot breeds in colonies at high densities and nesting pairs may be in bodily contact with their neighbours. No nest is made and the single egg is laid and incubated on a bare rock ledge on a cliff face. The egg hatches after 30 days incubation and the chick is born downy and can regulate its body temperature after 10 days. Some 20 days after hatching the chick jumps off its nesting ledge and heads for the sea unable to fly but gliding for some distance with fluttering wings and accompanied by its male parent. The chicks are capable of diving as soon as they hit the water. The female stays at the nest site for some 14 days after the chick has left. The Common Guillemot can venture far from its breeding grounds to forage and distances of 60 miles or more are often observed although if sufficient food is available closer by, birds will only travel much shorter distances. It mainly eats small schooling fish 8 inches long or less such as Polar Cod, Capelin, Sand Lances, Sprats, Sandeels, Atlantic Cod and Atlantic Herring. It also eats some molluscs, marine worms, squid and crustaceans. It is often seen carrying fish in its bill with the tail hanging out. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Staple Island, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11265388.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14616899804e1ad45508d03.jpgPuffins The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 11th May 2008 Location: Skomer, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11305428.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3777029604e1c01791ace8.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 24/05/05 Location: Castle of Burrian, Westray, Orkney http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11204078.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2420648874e186e74440a8.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 31st May 2008 Location: Sumburgh Head, South Mainland, Shetland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24902788.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_86985928655a4e5c17cae6.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 4th July 2015 Location: Bempton Cliifs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11265338.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14967847364e1ad43113f76.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 11th May 2008 Location: Skomer, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11265482.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21183172564e1ad4a2d72fb.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 11th May 2008 Location: Skomer, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11265466.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16117720534e1ad49596044.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 11th May 2008 Location: Skomer, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11265398.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16339869814e1ad45bb4066.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 11th May 2008 Location: Skomer, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21956316.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_174461559853da27def2cca.jpgPuffins The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Staple Island, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo10926808.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18292203974e0974f685e94.jpgRaven The Common Raven, also known as the Northern Raven or simply as the Raven, is a large passerine bird in the crow family [i]Corvidae[/i]. There are considered to be 8 to 11 geographical sub-species. The closest relatives of the Raven are the Brown-necked Raven found in north Africa and the Middle East, the Pied Crow found from sub-Saharan Africa down to south Africa and the Chihuahuan Raven found in south west and mid west USA and north Mexico. The adult Raven ranges from 21 inches to 26 inches in length with a wingspan of 45 to 51 inches. Recorded weights range from 1.5 to 4.5 pounds making the Raven one of the heaviest passerines. Birds from colder regions are generally larger and heavier compared with those from warmer regions. The Raven has a mostly black iridescent plumage. The bill is large and slightly curved and it is one of the largest bills amongst passerines. It has a longish, strongly graduated tail at 8 to 10.5 inches. The throat feathers are elongated and pointed and the base of the neck feathers are pale brownish-grey. Juvenile plumage is similar but duller. Apart from its greater size, the Raven differs from other crows by having a larger and heavier black beak, shaggy feathers around the throat and above the beak and a wedge-shaped tail. Flying Ravens are distinguished from crows by their tail shape, larger wing area and more stable soaring style which generally involves less wing flapping. Despite their bulk, the Raven is easily as agile in flight as the smaller crows. Between 15 to 30 categories of vocalization have been recorded for the Raven, most of which are used for social interaction. Apart from its wide and complex vocabulary, the Raven can mimic sounds from their environment including human speech. Non-vocal sounds produced by the Raven include wing whistles and bill snapping. If a member of a pair is lost, its mate reproduces the calls of its lost partner to encourage its return. The Raven can thrive in varied climates and it has the largest range of any member of the crow family and one of the largest of any passerine. It ranges throughout the Holarctic region from the Arctic and temperate habitats in north America and Eurasia to the deserts of north Africa and to the islands in the Pacific Ocean. In the UK, the Raven is most common in the upland areas of south west England, Wales, the north Pennines and the Lake District and much of Scotland. The Raven is generally resident within its range for the whole year although some birds may move south from the Arctic regions in winter. It can be found in a wide variety of environments but it prefers wooded areas with large expanses of open land nearby or coastal regions for their nesting sites and feeding grounds. The Raven is usually seen in mated pairs although young birds may form flocks. Relationships between Ravens are often quarrelsome yet they demonstrate considerable devotion to their families. Juvenile Ravens begin to court at a very early age but may not bond for another 2 or 3 years. Aerial acrobatics, demonstrations of intelligence and the ability to provide food are key behaviours of courting. Once paired, Ravens tend to nest together for life and usually in the same location. Breeding pairs must have a territory of their own before they begin nest building and reproduction and thus they aggressively defend a territory and its food resources. Nesting territories vary in size according to the availability of food resources in the area. The nest is a deep bowl made of large sticks and twigs bound with an inner layer of roots, mud and bark and lined with a softer material such as deer fur. It is usually built in a large tree or on a cliff ledge or less frequently in old buildings or utility poles. The female lays between 3 to 7 eggs and incubation by the female only is about 18 to 21 days. In most of the range, egg laying begins in late February although in colder climates it is as late as April. The young are fed by both parents and fledge after 35 to 42 days. They stay with their parents for another 6 months after fledging. Owing to its size, gregariousness and its defensive abilities, the Raven has few natural predators. The eggs and young are preyed on, albeit rarely, by large hawks and eagles, large owls, martens and canids. The adults are often successful in defending their young and drive off predators by flying at them and lunging with their large bills. The Raven can be very long-lived especially in captive or protected conditions. Individuals at the Tower of London have lived for more than 40 years but lifespans in the wild are considerably shorter at typically 10 to 15 years. The Raven is omnivorous and highly opportunistic and its diet may vary widely with location, season and luck. It will prey on small invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, small mammals and birds and scavenge by feeding on carrion as well as the associated maggots and carrion beetles. Plant food includes cereal grains, berries and fruit. It may also consume the undigested portions of animal faeces and human food waste. The Raven will store surplus food items, especially those containing fat, and it will learn to hide such food out of the sight of other Ravens. It will also raid the food caches of other species such as the Arctic Fox and it will sometimes associate with another canine, such as the Wolf, as a kleptoparasite, following them to scavenge kills in winter. The crow family is well known for its intelligence and the brain of the Raven is among the largest of any bird species. Through extensive scientific experimentation, it has been proven that the Raven displays ability in problem-solving as well as other cognitive processes such as imitation and insight. In addition, there has been increasing recognition of the extent to which the Raven engages in play with others of its own species or with other mammals and birds. Juveniles are among the most playful of bird species. The Raven is also known for spectacular aerobatic displays such as flying in loops or interlocking talons with each other in flight. Over the centuries, the Raven has been the subject of mythology, folklore, art and literature. In many cultures, including the indigenous cultures of Scandinavia, ancient Ireland and Wales, Bhutan, the north west coast of north America, Siberia and north east Asia, the Raven has been revered as a spiritual figure or god-like creature. Date: 11th June 2011 Location: Dunnet Head, Caithness http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11204084.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14198303564e186e8a38fe2.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 31st May 2008 Location: Sumburgh Head, South Mainland, Shetland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo8135904.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4246896854d1d993a84c2a.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 20th December 2010 Location: EWT Langdon Conservation Centre, Dunton, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42202640.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10850062705ff31048cc925.jpgBrown Bear The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, Ursus arctos arctos. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an evening visit with [url=https://www.karhujenkatselu.fi/en-gb]Karhu-Kuusamo[/url] Date: 7th July 2019 Location: Kuntilampi, near Kuusamo, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo583476.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_165340577146d95f996a2a4.jpgWasp Spider The Wasp Spider is common in Europe from the Mediterranean to as far north as Scandinavia but it was only first recorded in the UK at 1922 at Rye in Sussex. However, they have now spread northwards and become much more frequent in suitable habitat over the past 15 years due to the warmer climate. Female Wasp Spiders are 11-15mm and males are 4-4.5mm. The females are distinctively marked with a silvery thorax and black, yellow and white striped abdomen but the males are pale brown. Wasp Spiders live in long grass and low vegetation and, because the egg sac is made on grass leaves, they can only become established where grass is not regularly managed. Wasp spiders hunt flying insects and grasshoppers and build an orb web with a vertical zigzag pattern of silk in it called a stabilimentum. The purpose of the stabilimentum is unclear but it is thought that it helps attract insects. Date: 26th August 2007 Location: Stow Maries Halt EWT reserve, Stow Maries, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847462.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_191193677859bd50bb80de6.jpgHigh Tatras, Slovakia The High Tatras (Vysoké Tatry in Slovakia and Tatry Wysokie in Poland) are a mountain range along the border of northern Slovakia in the Prešov region and southern Poland in the Małopolska province. The High Tatras should not be confused with the Low Tatras which are located south of the High Tatras in Slovakia. The High Tatras occupy an area of 303 square miles, of which about 236 square miles (77.7%) lie within Slovakia and about 68 square miles (22.3%) within Poland. The High Tatras' length, measured in a straight line from the eastern foothills of the Kobylí vrch at 3638 feet to the south western foot of Ostrý vrch at 3700 feet, is 35 miles and strictly along the main ridge, 50 miles. The range is only 12 miles wide. The main ridge of the High Tatras runs from the Slovakian villages of Huty at the western end to the village of Ždiar at the eastern end. The High Tatras, having 29 peaks over 8,200 feet are, with the Southern Carpathians, the only mountain range with an alpine character and habitats in the entire 750 mile length of the Carpathian Mountains system. The 15 highest peaks of the High Tatras are all located in Slovakia with the highest peaks being Gerlachovský štít at 8711 feet, Gerlachovská veža at 8668 feet and Lomnický štít at 8638 feet. Other notable peaks include Kriváň and Rysy. Multiple surveys have ranked Kriváň (8168 feet) as Slovakia's most beautiful peak and it has also been a major symbol in Slovakian ethnic and national activism for the past 2 centuries. A country-wide vote in 2005 selected it to be one of the images on Slovakia's euro coins. Rysy lies on the border between Poland and Slovakia. It has 3 summits: the middle at 8,212 feet, the north western at 8,199 feet and the south eastern at 8,114 feet. The north western summit is the highest point in Poland whilst the other 2 summits are in Slovakia. Since the accession of Poland and Slovakia to the Schengen Agreement in 2007, the border between the countries may be easily crossed at this point. Two thirds of the High Tatras are covered with coniferous and deciduous forests. Alpine meadows, rocky terrain and habitats and extensively used pastures in the foothills occur in the non-forested areas. The High Tatras are one of the most popular places in Slovakia with over 5 million people visiting each year to walk, climb, cycle, ski or snowboard. There are around 375 miles of hiking trails, chairlifts and cable cars, offering breathtaking views of alpine scenery. The High Tatras are protected by law by the establishment of the Tatra National Park, Slovakia (Tatranský národný park) and the Tatra National Park, Poland (Tatrzański Park Narodowy), the first European cross-border national park. In 1992 the Polish and Slovakian national parks were jointly designated a trans-boundary Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. Tatra National Park, Slovakia (Tatranský národný park) is one of the 9 national parks in Slovakia. It protects the Slovakian areas of the High Tatras mountain range in the Eastern Tatras (Východné Tatry) and areas of the Western Tatras (Západné Tatry). The western part of Tatra National Park is situated in the Žilina region and the eastern part in the Prešov region. Tatra National Park covers an area of 284.9 square miles and the surrounding buffer zone covers an area of 118.5 square miles. The highest peak in Slovakia, Gerlachovský štít at 8711 feet, is located within Tatra National Park. Tatra National Park was established in January 1949 and it is the oldest national park in Slovakia. In 1987, a section of the Western Tatras was added to the national park. Since 2004, the national park has been included in the Natura 2000 ecological network, the network of nature protection areas within the European Union. Date: 29th May 2017 Location: High Tatras, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41505236.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9187880735f37b33003007.jpgLapland Bunting The Lapland Bunting, also known as the Lapland Longspur, is a passerine bird in the longspur family ([i]Calcariidae[/i]), a group generally separated from the finches ([i]Fringillidae[/i]). The name longspur refers to the long claw on the hind toe of each foot. The breeding male Lapland Bunting has a black head and throat, white eyestripe, chestnut nape, white underparts, a heavily streaked black-grey back and a thick yellow bill. Other plumages have a plainer orange-brown head, a browner back and chestnut nape and wing panels. During the summer, the Lapland Bunting can be found across Arctic Europe and in Canada and the northernmost parts of the USA where it breeds in wet areas with birch or willow and on bare mountains. It is a migratory bird, wintering in the Russian steppes, south USA, north Scandinavia and down to coastal south Sweden, Denmark and other parts of coastal west Europe. In the UK, the Lapland Bunting is occasionally seen in north Scotland in summer although small numbers are seen more regularly in autumn and winter along the east coast from East Lothian to Kent. The coasts of Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and north Norfolk usually hold the most birds. During winter, it often feeds in mixed species flocks. The Lapland Bunting eats mostly insects during the summer and seeds during the winter. Date: 3rd July 2019 Location: Komagdalen, Varangerhalvøya National Park, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49279114.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7494361266499ca0cdc66b.jpgSmall Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Small Skipper has a rusty orange colour to the wings, upper body and the tips of the antennae. The body is silvery white below and it has a wingspan of 25 to 30 mm. It is very similar in appearance to the Essex Skipper but the undersides of the tips of the antennae are yellow orange in the Small Skipper whereas they are black in the Essex Skipper. The Small Skipper is a common and widespread butterfly in most parts of England and has been expanding its range northwards. It can be found in rough grassland, roadside verges, edges of fields and woodland clearings where it is often seen basking on vegetation or making short buzzing flights among tall grass stems. Date: 22nd June 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833970.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2014825403559cf2373121d.jpgWhite Stork The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 9th May 2015 Location: Thimaria, East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4267168.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19380308294b522291cd134.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 29th December 2009 Location: Cairngorm Reindeer Centre, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813344.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18695413475d0ddde9e592c.jpgMute Swan The Mute Swan is a species of swan native to much of Eurasia. Despite its Eurasian origin, its closest relatives are the Black Swan of Australia and the Black-necked Swan of south America, not the other Northern Hemisphere swans such as the Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan. The name “mute” derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. The adult Mute Swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob at the top of the beak. All Mute Swans are white at maturity although the feathers (particularly on the head and neck) are often stained orange-brown by iron and tannins in the water. Young birds (cygnets) are not the bright white colour of mature adults and their bill is dull greyish-black for the first year. The plumage may range from pure white to grey to buff with grey/buff being the most common. Cygnets typically retain their grey/buff feathers until they are at least 1 year old. On average, the Mute Swan is the second largest waterfowl species after the Trumpeter Swan although the male Mute Swan can easily match or even exceed a male Trumpeter Swan in mass. The adult Mute Swan typically ranges from 55 to 63 inches in length (although it can range in extreme cases from 49 to 67 inches) with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. Males (cobs) are larger than females (pens) and have a larger knob on their bill. The Mute Swan is one of the heaviest flying birds. In several studies from the UK, males were found to average from about 23.4 to 26.2 pounds, with a weight range of 20 to 32 pounds, while the slightly smaller females were found to average about 18.7 to 21.3 pounds, with a weight range of 17 to 23 pounds. The Mute Swan is less vocal than the noisy Bewick's Swan and Whooper Swan although it does make a variety of grunting, hoarse whistling and snorting noises, especially in communicating with their cygnets and threatening competitors or intruders trying to enter their territory. The most familiar sound associated with the Mute Swan is the vibrant throbbing of the wings in flight which is unique to the species and this can be heard from a range of up to 1 mile. The Mute Swan is found naturally mainly in the temperate areas of Europe across west Asia and as far east as Primorsky Krai in the far east of Russia. It is partially migratory throughout the northern latitudes in Europe and Asia as far south as north Africa and the Mediterranean. It is also often kept in captivity outside its natural range as a decoration for parks and ponds and escapes have occurred. The descendants of such birds have become naturalised in east USA and the Great Lakes region across the USA and Canada border. The Mute Swan population in the UK has increased recently probably due to better protection of this species. Some birds are resident all year whilst others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into east England. Mute Swans nest on large mounds that they build with waterside vegetation in shallow water on islands in the middle or at the very edge of a lake. It is a monogamous species and often reuses the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Males and females share the care of the nest. The female lays from 4 to 10 eggs and broods for around 36 days. Cygnets are unable to fly before an age of 120 to 150 days and this limits the distribution of the species in the northern edge of its range since the cygnets must learn to fly before the water freezes. The Mute Swan is usually strongly territorial with just a single pair on smaller lakes although in a few locations where a large area of suitable feeding habitat is found they can be colonial. The largest colonies can hold over 100 pairs such as that at the colony at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset in the UK. Non-mated juveniles up to 3 to 4 years old commonly form larger flocks often at regular traditional sites and these can total several hundred birds. The Mute Swan can be very aggressive in defence of its nest and it is highly protective of its mate and offspring. Most defensive attacks from a Mute Swan begin with a loud hiss and, if this is not sufficient to drive off the predator, are followed by a physical attack. It attacks by smashing at its enemy with bony spurs in the wings accompanied by biting with its large bill. Smaller waterbirds such as ducks are normally grabbed with the bill and dragged or thrown clear. Large waterfowl, such as the Canada Goose, more likely out of competition than in response to potential predation, may be aggressively driven off. The wings of the Mute Swan are very powerful although not strong enough to break an adult man's leg as has been claimed anecdotally. The Mute Swan feeds on a wide range of vegetation, both submerged aquatic plants which they reach with their long necks and by grazing on land. The food commonly includes agricultural crop plants such as oilseed rape and wheat and feeding flocks in the winter may cause significant crop damage, often as much through trampling with their large webbed feet as through direct consumption. Healthy adult Mute Swans are rarely preyed upon although some large mammals can pose a threat to injured birds. Healthy adults will normally swim away from any danger unless they are defending nests. Date: 7th June 2019 Location: Loch Spynie RSPB reserve, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813358.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13861410855d0dde1e42de0.jpgFulmar The (Northern) Fulmar is a highly abundant seabird found primarily in subarctic regions of the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans. Though similar in appearance to gulls, the 2 species of fulmars (Northern and Southern) are in fact members of a different seabird family which include petrels and shearwaters. The Fulmar’s latin name, Fulmarus glacialis can be broken down to the Old Norse word full meaning "foul" and mar meaning "gull". "Foul-gull" is in reference to its stomach oil and also its superficial similarity to gulls. Finally, glacialis is Latin for "glacial" reflecting its extreme northern range. The Fulmar is generally grey and white with a pale yellow and thick bill and bluish legs. However there is both a light morph and a dark morph. Like other petrels, their walking ability is limited but they are strong fliers with a stiff wing action quite unlike the gulls. The Fulmar also looks bull-necked compared to gulls and it has a short stubby bill. The Fulmar is estimated to have between 15 to 30 million mature individuals that occupy a range of around 11 million square miles. Its range increased greatly last century due to the availability of fish offal from commercial fleets but may contract because of less food from this source and climate change. The population increase has been especially notable in the UK. The Fulmar starts breeding at between 6 and 12 years old. It is monogamous, forms long term pair bonds, returns to the same nest site year after year and nests in large colonies. The nest is a scrape on a grassy cliff ledge or a saucer of vegetation on the ground lined with softer material and recently they have started nesting on rooftops and buildings. The Fulmar feeds on shrimp, fish, squid, plankton, jellyfish and carrion as well as refuse. When eating fish, it will dive up to several feet deep to retrieve its prey. Date: 10th June 2019 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813356.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17584023495d0dde172ac60.jpgFulmar The (Northern) Fulmar is a highly abundant seabird found primarily in subarctic regions of the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans. Though similar in appearance to gulls, the 2 species of fulmars (Northern and Southern) are in fact members of a different seabird family which include petrels and shearwaters. The Fulmar’s latin name, Fulmarus glacialis can be broken down to the Old Norse word full meaning "foul" and mar meaning "gull". "Foul-gull" is in reference to its stomach oil and also its superficial similarity to gulls. Finally, glacialis is Latin for "glacial" reflecting its extreme northern range. The Fulmar is generally grey and white with a pale yellow and thick bill and bluish legs. However there is both a light morph and a dark morph. Like other petrels, their walking ability is limited but they are strong fliers with a stiff wing action quite unlike the gulls. The Fulmar also looks bull-necked compared to gulls and it has a short stubby bill. The Fulmar is estimated to have between 15 to 30 million mature individuals that occupy a range of around 11 million square miles. Its range increased greatly last century due to the availability of fish offal from commercial fleets but may contract because of less food from this source and climate change. The population increase has been especially notable in the UK. The Fulmar starts breeding at between 6 and 12 years old. It is monogamous, forms long term pair bonds, returns to the same nest site year after year and nests in large colonies. The nest is a scrape on a grassy cliff ledge or a saucer of vegetation on the ground lined with softer material and recently they have started nesting on rooftops and buildings. The Fulmar feeds on shrimp, fish, squid, plankton, jellyfish and carrion as well as refuse. When eating fish, it will dive up to several feet deep to retrieve its prey. Date: 10th June 2019 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813368.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9771154915d0dde3fcee1a.jpgRazorbill The Razorbill is a seabird and a member of the auk family which also includes the Common Guillemot, Brunnich's Guillemot and Little Auk. It is also the closest living relative to the Great Auk which is now extinct. The Razorbill has white underparts and a black head, neck, back and feet during the breeding season. A thin white line also extends from the eyes to the end of the bill. Its head is darker than that of the CommonGuillemot. Outside the breeding season, the throat and face behind the eye become white and the white line on the face becomes less prominent. The thick black bill has a blunt end. The adult male and female female are very much alike having only small differences such as wing length. The Razorbill has a horizontal stance and the tail feathers are slightly longer in the centre in comparison to other auks making it have a distinctly long tail which is not common for an auk. The Razorbill is distributed across the sub-arctic and boreal waters of the north Atlantic where water surface temperature are typically below 15°c. The world population is estimated to be less than 1 million breeding pairs, making it among the rarest auks in the world. Approximately 60 to 70% of the entire Razorbill population breeds in Iceland., including over 200,000 pairs at Látrabjarg. The breeding habitat is islands, rocky shores and cliffs on north Atlantic coasts, in eastern North America as far south as Maine and in western Europe from north west Russia to northern France. Eurasian birds winter at sea with some moving south as far as the western Mediterranean. North American birds migrate offshore and south. The Razorbill is a colonial breeder and only comes to land to breed. Individuals only breed at 3 to 5 years of age. Females select their mate and will often encourage competition between males before choosing a partner. Once a male is chosen, the pair will usually stay together for life. Nest site determination is very important to ensure protection of young from predators. Unlike Common Guillemots, nest sites are not immediately alongside the sea on open cliff ledges but at least 4 to 6 inches away in crevices on cliffs or among boulders. Generally a nest is not built although some pairs often use their bills to drag material upon which to lay their single egg. The mating pair will often reuse the same site every year. The Razorbill feeds mainly on schooling fish and crustaceans and it will dive deep into the sea using its wings and its streamlined body to propel itself toward their prey. Whilst diving, it rarely stays in groups but instead spreads out to feed. The majority of feeding occurs at a depth of about 80 feet but it has the ability to dive up to 400 feet below the surface. During a single dive the Razorbill can capture and swallow many schooling fish depending on their size. The Razorbill spends approximately 45% of its time foraging at sea and it may well fly more than 60 miles out to sea to feed. However, when feeding chicks it will forage much closer to the nesting grounds and often in shallower water. The Razorbill and its eggs and chicks have several predators which include Great Black-backed Gulls, Peregrines, Ravens and other crows, Arctic Foxes and Polar Bears. In the early 20th century, Razorbills were harvested for their eggs, meat and feathers and this greatly decreased their population. In 1917 they were finally protected which reduced hunting. Other current threats include oil pollution, unintentional bycatch arising from commercial fishing and overfishing which decreases the abundance of prey. Date: 10th June 2019 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813370.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19826083485d0dde449eec2.jpgFulmar The (Northern) Fulmar is a highly abundant seabird found primarily in subarctic regions of the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans. Though similar in appearance to gulls, the 2 species of fulmars (Northern and Southern) are in fact members of a different seabird family which include petrels and shearwaters. The Fulmar’s latin name, Fulmarus glacialis can be broken down to the Old Norse word full meaning "foul" and mar meaning "gull". "Foul-gull" is in reference to its stomach oil and also its superficial similarity to gulls. Finally, glacialis is Latin for "glacial" reflecting its extreme northern range. The Fulmar is generally grey and white with a pale yellow and thick bill and bluish legs. However there is both a light morph and a dark morph. Like other petrels, their walking ability is limited but they are strong fliers with a stiff wing action quite unlike the gulls. The Fulmar also looks bull-necked compared to gulls and it has a short stubby bill. The Fulmar is estimated to have between 15 to 30 million mature individuals that occupy a range of around 11 million square miles. Its range increased greatly last century due to the availability of fish offal from commercial fleets but may contract because of less food from this source and climate change. The population increase has been especially notable in the UK. The Fulmar starts breeding at between 6 and 12 years old. It is monogamous, forms long term pair bonds, returns to the same nest site year after year and nests in large colonies. The nest is a scrape on a grassy cliff ledge or a saucer of vegetation on the ground lined with softer material and recently they have started nesting on rooftops and buildings. The Fulmar feeds on shrimp, fish, squid, plankton, jellyfish and carrion as well as refuse. When eating fish, it will dive up to several feet deep to retrieve its prey. Date: 10th June 2019 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813379.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_87465325d0dde7257f7f.jpgFulmars The (Northern) Fulmar is a highly abundant seabird found primarily in subarctic regions of the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans. Though similar in appearance to gulls, the 2 species of fulmars (Northern and Southern) are in fact members of a different seabird family which include petrels and shearwaters. The Fulmar’s latin name, Fulmarus glacialis can be broken down to the Old Norse word full meaning "foul" and mar meaning "gull". "Foul-gull" is in reference to its stomach oil and also its superficial similarity to gulls. Finally, glacialis is Latin for "glacial" reflecting its extreme northern range. The Fulmar is generally grey and white with a pale yellow and thick bill and bluish legs. However there is both a light morph and a dark morph. Like other petrels, their walking ability is limited but they are strong fliers with a stiff wing action quite unlike the gulls. The Fulmar also looks bull-necked compared to gulls and it has a short stubby bill. The Fulmar is estimated to have between 15 to 30 million mature individuals that occupy a range of around 11 million square miles. Its range increased greatly last century due to the availability of fish offal from commercial fleets but may contract because of less food from this source and climate change. The population increase has been especially notable in the UK. The Fulmar starts breeding at between 6 and 12 years old. It is monogamous, forms long term pair bonds, returns to the same nest site year after year and nests in large colonies. The nest is a scrape on a grassy cliff ledge or a saucer of vegetation on the ground lined with softer material and recently they have started nesting on rooftops and buildings. The Fulmar feeds on shrimp, fish, squid, plankton, jellyfish and carrion as well as refuse. When eating fish, it will dive up to several feet deep to retrieve its prey. Date: 10th June 2019 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813380.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18244758075d0dde77cadc4.jpgFulmars The (Northern) Fulmar is a highly abundant seabird found primarily in subarctic regions of the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans. Though similar in appearance to gulls, the 2 species of fulmars (Northern and Southern) are in fact members of a different seabird family which include petrels and shearwaters. The Fulmar’s latin name, Fulmarus glacialis can be broken down to the Old Norse word full meaning "foul" and mar meaning "gull". "Foul-gull" is in reference to its stomach oil and also its superficial similarity to gulls. Finally, glacialis is Latin for "glacial" reflecting its extreme northern range. The Fulmar is generally grey and white with a pale yellow and thick bill and bluish legs. However there is both a light morph and a dark morph. Like other petrels, their walking ability is limited but they are strong fliers with a stiff wing action quite unlike the gulls. The Fulmar also looks bull-necked compared to gulls and it has a short stubby bill. The Fulmar is estimated to have between 15 to 30 million mature individuals that occupy a range of around 11 million square miles. Its range increased greatly last century due to the availability of fish offal from commercial fleets but may contract because of less food from this source and climate change. The population increase has been especially notable in the UK. The Fulmar starts breeding at between 6 and 12 years old. It is monogamous, forms long term pair bonds, returns to the same nest site year after year and nests in large colonies. The nest is a scrape on a grassy cliff ledge or a saucer of vegetation on the ground lined with softer material and recently they have started nesting on rooftops and buildings. The Fulmar feeds on shrimp, fish, squid, plankton, jellyfish and carrion as well as refuse. When eating fish, it will dive up to several feet deep to retrieve its prey. Date: 10th June 2019 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813372.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16730508365d0dde4eab66d.jpgFulmars The (Northern) Fulmar is a highly abundant seabird found primarily in subarctic regions of the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans. Though similar in appearance to gulls, the 2 species of fulmars (Northern and Southern) are in fact members of a different seabird family which include petrels and shearwaters. The Fulmar’s latin name, Fulmarus glacialis can be broken down to the Old Norse word full meaning "foul" and mar meaning "gull". "Foul-gull" is in reference to its stomach oil and also its superficial similarity to gulls. Finally, glacialis is Latin for "glacial" reflecting its extreme northern range. The Fulmar is generally grey and white with a pale yellow and thick bill and bluish legs. However there is both a light morph and a dark morph. Like other petrels, their walking ability is limited but they are strong fliers with a stiff wing action quite unlike the gulls. The Fulmar also looks bull-necked compared to gulls and it has a short stubby bill. The Fulmar is estimated to have between 15 to 30 million mature individuals that occupy a range of around 11 million square miles. Its range increased greatly last century due to the availability of fish offal from commercial fleets but may contract because of less food from this source and climate change. The population increase has been especially notable in the UK. The Fulmar starts breeding at between 6 and 12 years old. It is monogamous, forms long term pair bonds, returns to the same nest site year after year and nests in large colonies. The nest is a scrape on a grassy cliff ledge or a saucer of vegetation on the ground lined with softer material and recently they have started nesting on rooftops and buildings. The Fulmar feeds on shrimp, fish, squid, plankton, jellyfish and carrion as well as refuse. When eating fish, it will dive up to several feet deep to retrieve its prey. Date: 10th June 2019 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813390.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1943879575d0ddea55ecb5.jpgRazorbill The Razorbill is a seabird and a member of the auk family which also includes the Common Guillemot, Brunnich's Guillemot and Little Auk. It is also the closest living relative to the Great Auk which is now extinct. The Razorbill has white underparts and a black head, neck, back and feet during the breeding season. A thin white line also extends from the eyes to the end of the bill. Its head is darker than that of the CommonGuillemot. Outside the breeding season, the throat and face behind the eye become white and the white line on the face becomes less prominent. The thick black bill has a blunt end. The adult male and female female are very much alike having only small differences such as wing length. The Razorbill has a horizontal stance and the tail feathers are slightly longer in the centre in comparison to other auks making it have a distinctly long tail which is not common for an auk. The Razorbill is distributed across the sub-arctic and boreal waters of the north Atlantic where water surface temperature are typically below 15°c. The world population is estimated to be less than 1 million breeding pairs, making it among the rarest auks in the world. Approximately 60 to 70% of the entire Razorbill population breeds in Iceland., including over 200,000 pairs at Látrabjarg. The breeding habitat is islands, rocky shores and cliffs on north Atlantic coasts, in eastern North America as far south as Maine and in western Europe from north west Russia to northern France. Eurasian birds winter at sea with some moving south as far as the western Mediterranean. North American birds migrate offshore and south. The Razorbill is a colonial breeder and only comes to land to breed. Individuals only breed at 3 to 5 years of age. Females select their mate and will often encourage competition between males before choosing a partner. Once a male is chosen, the pair will usually stay together for life. Nest site determination is very important to ensure protection of young from predators. Unlike Common Guillemots, nest sites are not immediately alongside the sea on open cliff ledges but at least 4 to 6 inches away in crevices on cliffs or among boulders. Generally a nest is not built although some pairs often use their bills to drag material upon which to lay their single egg. The mating pair will often reuse the same site every year. The Razorbill feeds mainly on schooling fish and crustaceans and it will dive deep into the sea using its wings and its streamlined body to propel itself toward their prey. Whilst diving, it rarely stays in groups but instead spreads out to feed. The majority of feeding occurs at a depth of about 80 feet but it has the ability to dive up to 400 feet below the surface. During a single dive the Razorbill can capture and swallow many schooling fish depending on their size. The Razorbill spends approximately 45% of its time foraging at sea and it may well fly more than 60 miles out to sea to feed. However, when feeding chicks it will forage much closer to the nesting grounds and often in shallower water. The Razorbill and its eggs and chicks have several predators which include Great Black-backed Gulls, Peregrines, Ravens and other crows, Arctic Foxes and Polar Bears. In the early 20th century, Razorbills were harvested for their eggs, meat and feathers and this greatly decreased their population. In 1917 they were finally protected which reduced hunting. Other current threats include oil pollution, unintentional bycatch arising from commercial fishing and overfishing which decreases the abundance of prey. Date: 10th June 2019 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813377.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10501115205d0dde68f2b23.jpgFulmar The (Northern) Fulmar is a highly abundant seabird found primarily in subarctic regions of the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans. Though similar in appearance to gulls, the 2 species of fulmars (Northern and Southern) are in fact members of a different seabird family which include petrels and shearwaters. The Fulmar’s latin name, Fulmarus glacialis can be broken down to the Old Norse word full meaning "foul" and mar meaning "gull". "Foul-gull" is in reference to its stomach oil and also its superficial similarity to gulls. Finally, glacialis is Latin for "glacial" reflecting its extreme northern range. The Fulmar is generally grey and white with a pale yellow and thick bill and bluish legs. However there is both a light morph and a dark morph. Like other petrels, their walking ability is limited but they are strong fliers with a stiff wing action quite unlike the gulls. The Fulmar also looks bull-necked compared to gulls and it has a short stubby bill. The Fulmar is estimated to have between 15 to 30 million mature individuals that occupy a range of around 11 million square miles. Its range increased greatly last century due to the availability of fish offal from commercial fleets but may contract because of less food from this source and climate change. The population increase has been especially notable in the UK. The Fulmar starts breeding at between 6 and 12 years old. It is monogamous, forms long term pair bonds, returns to the same nest site year after year and nests in large colonies. The nest is a scrape on a grassy cliff ledge or a saucer of vegetation on the ground lined with softer material and recently they have started nesting on rooftops and buildings. The Fulmar feeds on shrimp, fish, squid, plankton, jellyfish and carrion as well as refuse. When eating fish, it will dive up to several feet deep to retrieve its prey. Date: 10th June 2019 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813378.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9436691005d0dde6e05cf6.jpgFulmar The (Northern) Fulmar is a highly abundant seabird found primarily in subarctic regions of the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans. Though similar in appearance to gulls, the 2 species of fulmars (Northern and Southern) are in fact members of a different seabird family which include petrels and shearwaters. The Fulmar’s latin name, Fulmarus glacialis can be broken down to the Old Norse word full meaning "foul" and mar meaning "gull". "Foul-gull" is in reference to its stomach oil and also its superficial similarity to gulls. Finally, glacialis is Latin for "glacial" reflecting its extreme northern range. The Fulmar is generally grey and white with a pale yellow and thick bill and bluish legs. However there is both a light morph and a dark morph. Like other petrels, their walking ability is limited but they are strong fliers with a stiff wing action quite unlike the gulls. The Fulmar also looks bull-necked compared to gulls and it has a short stubby bill. The Fulmar is estimated to have between 15 to 30 million mature individuals that occupy a range of around 11 million square miles. Its range increased greatly last century due to the availability of fish offal from commercial fleets but may contract because of less food from this source and climate change. The population increase has been especially notable in the UK. The Fulmar starts breeding at between 6 and 12 years old. It is monogamous, forms long term pair bonds, returns to the same nest site year after year and nests in large colonies. The nest is a scrape on a grassy cliff ledge or a saucer of vegetation on the ground lined with softer material and recently they have started nesting on rooftops and buildings. The Fulmar feeds on shrimp, fish, squid, plankton, jellyfish and carrion as well as refuse. When eating fish, it will dive up to several feet deep to retrieve its prey. Date: 10th June 2019 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21959116.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_204277116353da602ed6201.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Inner Farne, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41249308.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_889187085f00b7dc972d4.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 22nd June 2020 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33568408.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9522576675a106b0a9bae8.jpgDate: 4th November 2017 Location: Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37399582.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1964080535c669720a0e98.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 9th December 2018 Location: Winterton-Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801276.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_158826204064edb32e2de52.jpgEmerald Damselfly Flight period: June to September The Emerald Damselfly is widely distributed in uplands and lowlands throughout the UK. They can be found around small, shallow standing water with luxuriant vegetation such as rushes and sedges. Date: 26th July 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/kongsfjord-area-varanger-peninsula-finnmark https://images.on-this.website/4752_2202546824bf6e15f448a9.jpgKongsfjord area, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway Date: 14th April 2010 Location: view from road 890 south of Kongsfjord, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12744896.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_876235604e706e1317e99.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 7th December 2007 Location: Donna Nook, Lincolnshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/parske-moiare-nov-zmky-district https://images.on-this.website/4752_88922017959bd4fd325527.jpgParížske močiare, Nitra region, Slovakia Parížske močiare is a National Nature Reserve and Special Protection Area situated in the Danubian Lowland in south west Slovakia. It is a large wetland covering an area of around 2 square miles and comprising reedbeds and peat bog pools between the River Hron and the River Danube. Surrounding habitats include wet meadows with bushes and trees, fields, orchards and sand pits. Date: 28th May 2017 Location: near Gbelce, Nitra region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18776288.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_115112029851f4cf2dec9e5.jpgFulmar The Fulmar is almost gull-like but is a grey and white seabird that is related to the albatrosses. It flies low over the sea on stiff wings with shallow wing beats, gliding and banking to show its white under-parts and then grey upper-parts. At its breeding sites it will fly high up the cliff face riding the updraughts. Fulmars feed in flocks out at sea and defend their nests from intruders by spitting out a foul-smelling oil. Fulmars breed on coastal cliffs with suitable ledges and grassy slopes but will occasionally breed on buildings. Fulmars are best looked for at seabird colonies and are most abundant along the Scottish coastline especially in the Northern Isles. They are least common along the east, south and north-west coasts of England. Adults are present at the breeding colonies nearly all year although young birds leave in late summer. Away from the breeding colonies, Fulmars spend their whole time offshore at sea. Date: 20th June 2013 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39083091.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16115674115d307f54277f7.jpgEastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria The Rhodopes Mountains are a mountain range in south east Europe. They are spread over 5689 square miles of which 4723 square miles are located in south Bulgaria and the remainder in north Greece. The Rhodopes Mountains are about 149 miles long and about 62 to 75 miles wide with an average altitude of 2575 feet. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 7188 feet and is situated 12 miles to the west of Smolyan. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rhodopes Mountains gives its name to the terrestrial eco-region Rodope montane mixed forests that belong in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The area is particularly notable for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans plus its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms such as the Trigrad Gorge. The Rhodopes Mountains can be sub-divided in to 3 sections: The Western Rhodopes are spread over 66% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and they are higher, the most infrastructurally developed and the most visited part of the mountains. The highest and best known peaks are located in this section with more than 10 over 6562 feet high including the highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7188 feet). Some of the deepest river gorges in the Rhodopes Mountains are located in the west as well as several large lakes. The Eastern Rhodopes are spread over a territory of about 34% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and are much lower in height. The large artificial dams of Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets are located in this part of the mountains. Almost every species of European bird of prey nests in the Eastern Rhodopes including the rare Black Vulture and Egyptian Vulture. The Southern Rhodopes are the part of the mountain range that is located in Greece and they are characterized by numerous peaks of relatively low altitude. The River Borovitsa is a tributary of the River Arda and is located in the eastern Rhodopes Mountains. The river valley is stony and surrounded by rough grassland, scrub and forested hillsides. There are many tiny hamlets along the valley, many of them abandoned or semi-abandoned. This little visited area and its wild environment with only the tiny hamlets and patches of traditional agriculture form a great contrast with the town of Kardzhali. Nenkovo, 17.5 miles north west of Kardzhali, is one of the hamlets in the river valley with no electricity or car access. The access to the village is via a rope bridge over the River Borovitsa. The lack of cars has preserved the narrow village streets which wind between the houses built about 100 to 150 years ago. According to the census of 2011, the village has 129 inhabitants which is down from its peak of 883 people shortly after the Second World War. The village is almost exclusively inhabited by ethnic Bulgarian Turks. Near the village of Nenkovo there is a medieval bridge over the River Borovitsa. It is a large asymmetric bridge with 5 arches each of a different size. The road over the bridge is about 65 yards long. The bridge has been partly destroyed on a number of occasions by the rough waters of the river. It has been rebuilt in the past but after repeated damage it is no longer used. The area around Nenkovo village and the bridge is an excellent one for a wide range of bird species. Date: 26th May 2018 Location: River Borovitsa valley near Nenkovo, Eastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813393.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10209072445d0ddeb16f323.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 10th June 2019 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21959105.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_194251741753da5fbf3cf35.jpgPuffins The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Inner Farne, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21958301.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_87858868953da4645174b4.jpgCommon Guillemot The Common Guillemot, also known as the Common Murre or Thin-billed Murre, is a large species of auk. The auks are a family of seabirds which includes the Brunnich's Guillemot or Thick-billed Murre, Razorbill, Little Auk and the extinct Great Auk. The Common Guillemot is 15 to 18 inches in length with a 24 to 29 inches wingspan. In breeding plumage, it is black or dark brown on the head, back and wings with white underparts. It has a thin dark pointed bill and a small rounded dark tail. Legs are grey and the bill is dark grey. Males and females are identical. Some individuals in the North Atlantic, known as "Bridled Guillemots", have a white ring around the eye extending back as a white line. This is not a distinct subspecies but a polymorphism that becomes more common the farther north the birds breed. The Common Guillemot flies with fast wing beats and has a flight speed of around 50 mph. Groups of birds are often seen flying together in a line just above the surface of the sea. However, it is not a very agile bird and take-off is often difficult. The Common Guillemot becomes flightless for 45 to 60 days while moulting its primary feathers. The Common Guillemot is a pursuit diver that forages for food by swimming underwater using its wings for propulsion. Dives usually last less than one minute but the bird swims underwater for distances of over 100 feet on a regular basis. Diving depths up to 590 feet have been recorded. The Common Guillemot has a circumpolar distribution and it occurs in low Arctic and boreal waters in the north Atlantic and north Pacific. It spends most of its time at sea and only comes to land to breed on rocky cliffs, sea stacks and islands. Some birds are permanent residents but northern birds migrate south to open waters off New England, southern California, Japan, Korea and the western Mediterranean. The Common Guillemot breeds in colonies at high densities and nesting pairs may be in bodily contact with their neighbours. No nest is made and the single egg is laid and incubated on a bare rock ledge on a cliff face. The egg hatches after 30 days incubation and the chick is born downy and can regulate its body temperature after 10 days. Some 20 days after hatching the chick jumps off its nesting ledge and heads for the sea unable to fly but gliding for some distance with fluttering wings and accompanied by its male parent. The chicks are capable of diving as soon as they hit the water. The female stays at the nest site for some 14 days after the chick has left. The Common Guillemot can venture far from its breeding grounds to forage and distances of 60 miles or more are often observed although if sufficient food is available closer by, birds will only travel much shorter distances. It mainly eats small schooling fish 8 inches long or less such as Polar Cod, Capelin, Sand Lances, Sprats, Sandeels, Atlantic Cod and Atlantic Herring. It also eats some molluscs, marine worms, squid and crustaceans. It is often seen carrying fish in its bill with the tail hanging out. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Staple Island, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32708813.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_206289044059ad256fa7aa64.65799002.jpgTree Sparrow The Tree Sparrow is a member of the sparrow family [i]Passer[/i], a group of small passerine birds that is believed to have originated in Africa and which contains 15 to 25 species. The Tree Sparrow's name is derived from 2 Latin words: [I]passer[/I] meaning "sparrow" and [I]montanus[/I] meaning "of the mountains". The common name is given to suggest the preference for tree holes for nesting. However, this name and the scientific name [i]montanus[/i] do not appropriately describe the Tree Sparrow’s habitat preferences: the German name [i]Feldsperling[/i] meaning "field sparrow"[/i] comes closer to doing so. The Tree Sparrow is around 5 to 5.5 inches in length with a wingspan of about 8.3 inches, making it roughly 10% smaller than the House Sparrow. The adult's crown and nape are a rich chestnut and there is a kidney-shaped black ear patch on each pure white cheek. The chin, throat and the area between the bill and throat are black. The upperparts are light brown streaked with black and the brown wings have 2 distinct narrow white bars. The legs are pale brown and the bill is lead-blue in summer becoming almost black in winter. The Tree Sparrow is distinctive even within its own family in that there are no plumage differences between the sexes. The juvenile resembles the adult although the colours tend to be duller. The contrasting face pattern makes the Tree Sparrow easily identifiable in all plumages and the smaller size and chestnut (not grey) crown are additional differences from the male House Sparrow. The Tree Sparrow's breeding range comprises most of temperate Europe and Asia south of about latitude 68°N (north of this the summers are too cold) and through south east Asia to Java and Bali. It is sedentary over most of its extensive range but northernmost breeding populations migrate south for the winter and small numbers leave south Europe for north Africa and the Middle East. The Tree Sparrow has been introduced outside its native range but it has not always become successfully established, possibly due to competition with the House Sparrow. Ship-carried birds have colonised some areas and birds have also occurred as vagrants. Despite its scientific name, the Tree Sparrow is not typically a mountain species and reaches only 2300 feet in Switzerland although it has bred at 5600 feet in the northern Caucasus and as high as 14010 feet in Nepal. In Europe, the Tree Sparrow is frequently found in open countryside with small isolated patches of woodland but also on coasts with cliffs, in woodland along slow water courses and in empty buildings. It shows a strong preference for nest sites near wetland habitats and avoids breeding on intensively managed farmland. In Europe, where the Tree Sparrow and the House Sparrow occur in the same region, the House Sparrow generally nests in urban areas while the Tree Sparrow nests in rural areas. Where trees are in short supply, both species may utilise man-made structures as nest sites. Whilst the Tree Sparrow is mainly a rural bird in Europe, it tends to be an urban bird in Asia and Australia. In the UK, the Tree Sparrow is scarcer in upland areas and the far north and west of the and the main populations are now found across the Midlands and south and east England. The Tree Sparrow may breed in isolated pairs or in loose colonies. The male calls from near the nest site in spring to proclaim ownership and attract a mate and he may also carry nest material in to the nest hole. The Tree Sparrow typically builds its nest in a cavity in an old tree or rock face. Some nests are not in holes as such but are built among roots of overhanging bushes. Roof cavities in houses and nest boxes are also readily used. In addition, the Tree Sparrow will breed in the disused nest of a Magpie or other crow species or an active or unused nest of a large bird such as the White Stork or a heron or raptor species. It will sometimes attempt to take over the nest of other birds that breed in holes or enclosed spaces such as tit species, flycatcher species, Swallow, House Martin, Sand Martin or European Bee-eater. The untidy nest is composed of hay, grass, wool or other material and lined with feathers which improve thermal insulation. The female lays 5 or 6 eggs which are incubated by both parents for 12 to 13 days and the chicks fledge after a further 15 to 18 days. There are 2 or 3 broods each year. Hybridisation between the Tree Sparrow and the House Sparrow has been recorded in many parts of the world with male hybrids tending to resemble the Tree Sparrow while female hybrids are more similar to the House Sparrow. The Tree Sparrow is a predominantly seed and grain eating bird which feeds on the ground in flocks and often with House Sparrows, finches and buntings. It may also visit feeding stations. It additionally feeds on invertebrates including insects, woodlice, millipedes, centipedes, spiders, etc. especially during the breeding season when the young are fed mainly on animal food. Adults use a variety of wetlands when foraging for invertebrate prey to feed chicks and aquatic sites play a key role in providing adequate diversity and availability of suitable invertebrate prey to allow successful chick rearing. Large areas of formerly occupied farmland no longer provide these invertebrate resources due to the effects of intensive farming. The Tree Sparrow has a large range and a large population. Although the population is declining, the species is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List. For this reason, the Tree Sparrow is designated as being of “Least Concern”. Although the Tree Sparrow has been expanding its range in Fennoscandia and east Europe, its population has been declining in much of west Europe, a trend reflected in other farmland birds such as the Skylark and Corn Bunting. The collapse in population seems to have been particularly severe in the UK where there was a 93% decline between 1970 and 2008. However, recent Breeding Bird Survey data is encouraging and suggests that numbers may have started to increase albeit from a very low point. The decrease in population is probably the result of agricultural intensification and specialisation, particularly the increased use of herbicides and a trend towards autumn-sown crops at the expense of spring-sown crops that produce stubble fields in winter. The change from mixed to specialised farming and the increased use of insecticides has reduced the amount of insect food available for chicks. Date: 18th May 2017 Location: east of Hortobágy, Hortobágy National Park, Hajdú-Bihar county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813342.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14239698845d0ddde33228f.jpgRed Grouse The Red Grouse is a medium-sized bird of the grouse family which is found in heather moorland in the UK and Ireland. It is endemic to the UK and has developed in isolation. It is usually classified as a sub-species of the Willow Ptarmigan or Willow Grouse which is found in birch and other forests and moorlands in north Europe, the tundra of Scandinavia, Siberia, Alaska and north Canada. The Red Grouse is differentiated from the Willow Ptarmigan and Rock Ptarmigan by its plumage being reddish brown and not having a white winter plumage. The tail is black and the legs are white. There are white stripes on the underwing and red combs over the eye. Females are less reddish than the males and have less conspicuous combs. Young birds are duller and lack the red combs. The Red Grouse is found across most parts of Scotland, including Orkney, Shetland and most of the Outer Hebrides. It is only absent from urban areas such as in the Central Belt. In Wales there are strong populations of Red Grouse in some places but the range has retracted. It is now largely absent from the far south and the main strongholds are Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons and the Cambrian Mountains. In England the Red Grouse is mainly found in the north in areas such as the Lake District, Northumberland, County Durham, much of Yorkshire, the Pennines and the Peak District as far south as the Staffordshire Moorlands. There is an isolated introduced population on Dartmoor and overspill Welsh birds visit the Shropshire Hills.The typical habitat is upland heather moors away from trees. It can also be found in some low-lying bogs and birds may visit farmland during hard weather. The UK population of the Red Grouse is estimated at about 250,000 pairs. Numbers have declined in recent years and it is now absent in areas where it was once common. Reasons for the decline include disease, loss of heather due to overgrazing, creation of new conifer plantations and a decline in the number of upland gamekeepers. Some predators feed on Red Grouse and there is ongoing controversy as to what effect these have on numbers. The Red Grouse is herbivorous and feeds mainly on the shoots, seeds and flowers of heather. It will also feed on berries, cereal crops and sometimes insects. The Red Grouse is considered a game bird and is shot in large numbers during the shooting season which traditionally starts on August 12th (known as the Glorious Twelfth). Shooting can take the form of “walked up” (where shooters walk across the moor to flush grouse and take a shot) or “driven” (where grouse are driven, often in large numbers, by “beaters” towards the shooters who are hiding behind a line of “butts”). Many moors are managed to increase the density of Red Grouse. Areas of heather are subjected to controlled burning since this allows fresh young shoots to regenerate which are favoured by Red Grouse. In addition, extensive predator control is a feature of grouse moor management and the extent and legality to which it occurs is hotly contested between conservation groups and shooting interests and the subject generates a lot of media attention. The Red Grouse is widely known as the logo of The Famous Grouse whisky and an animated bird is a character in a series of its adverts. It is also the emblem of the magazine “British Birds”. Date: 7th June 2019 Location: Lochindorb, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11305434.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_797070454e1c018e1b7ac.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 14/06/06 Location: Handa Island, Sutherland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21661315.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_160109420553b681503aac3.jpgLarge Skipper Flight period: June to July. The Large Skipper is a small golden butterfly which is widespread throughout England and Wales and it is also extending its range northwards in to southern Scotland. They can be found in areas of tall, uncut grassland, woodland rides, roadside verges and hedgerows. Date: 1st July 2014 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813366.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1300530775d0dde384dfcf.jpgRazorbills The Razorbill is a seabird and a member of the auk family which also includes the Common Guillemot, Brunnich's Guillemot and Little Auk. It is also the closest living relative to the Great Auk which is now extinct. The Razorbill has white underparts and a black head, neck, back and feet during the breeding season. A thin white line also extends from the eyes to the end of the bill. Its head is darker than that of the CommonGuillemot. Outside the breeding season, the throat and face behind the eye become white and the white line on the face becomes less prominent. The thick black bill has a blunt end. The adult male and female female are very much alike having only small differences such as wing length. The Razorbill has a horizontal stance and the tail feathers are slightly longer in the centre in comparison to other auks making it have a distinctly long tail which is not common for an auk. The Razorbill is distributed across the sub-arctic and boreal waters of the north Atlantic where water surface temperature are typically below 15°c. The world population is estimated to be less than 1 million breeding pairs, making it among the rarest auks in the world. Approximately 60 to 70% of the entire Razorbill population breeds in Iceland., including over 200,000 pairs at Látrabjarg. The breeding habitat is islands, rocky shores and cliffs on north Atlantic coasts, in eastern North America as far south as Maine and in western Europe from north west Russia to northern France. Eurasian birds winter at sea with some moving south as far as the western Mediterranean. North American birds migrate offshore and south. The Razorbill is a colonial breeder and only comes to land to breed. Individuals only breed at 3 to 5 years of age. Females select their mate and will often encourage competition between males before choosing a partner. Once a male is chosen, the pair will usually stay together for life. Nest site determination is very important to ensure protection of young from predators. Unlike Common Guillemots, nest sites are not immediately alongside the sea on open cliff ledges but at least 4 to 6 inches away in crevices on cliffs or among boulders. Generally a nest is not built although some pairs often use their bills to drag material upon which to lay their single egg. The mating pair will often reuse the same site every year. The Razorbill feeds mainly on schooling fish and crustaceans and it will dive deep into the sea using its wings and its streamlined body to propel itself toward their prey. Whilst diving, it rarely stays in groups but instead spreads out to feed. The majority of feeding occurs at a depth of about 80 feet but it has the ability to dive up to 400 feet below the surface. During a single dive the Razorbill can capture and swallow many schooling fish depending on their size. The Razorbill spends approximately 45% of its time foraging at sea and it may well fly more than 60 miles out to sea to feed. However, when feeding chicks it will forage much closer to the nesting grounds and often in shallower water. The Razorbill and its eggs and chicks have several predators which include Great Black-backed Gulls, Peregrines, Ravens and other crows, Arctic Foxes and Polar Bears. In the early 20th century, Razorbills were harvested for their eggs, meat and feathers and this greatly decreased their population. In 1917 they were finally protected which reduced hunting. Other current threats include oil pollution, unintentional bycatch arising from commercial fishing and overfishing which decreases the abundance of prey. Date: 10th June 2019 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37399597.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20999956915c669758a0db6.jpgAtlantic Grey Seals The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 9th December 2018 Location: Winterton-Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38397347.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19591528125ce1283b3a072.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 12th May 2019 Location: Gilfach RWT reserve, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084185.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_909188985d30864f53e8c.jpgRila Mountains, Sofia Province, Bulgaria The Rila Mountains are a mountain range in south west Bulgaria and constitute the highest mountain range in the country and the Balkans. It is the sixth highest mountain range in Europe after the Caucasus, the Alps, the Sierra Nevada, the Pyrenees and Mount Etna and the highest one between the Alps and the Caucasus. The Rila Mountains are spread over an area of 1015 square miles with an average altitude of 4879 feet. Musala is its highest peak at 9596 feet. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rila-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rila Mountains have abundant water resources and some of the Balkans' longest and deepest rivers originate here including the longest river entirely in the Balkans, the River Maritsa, and the longest river entirely in Bulgaria, the River Iskar. Bulgaria's main water divide separating the Black Sea and the Aegean Sea drainage systems follows the main ridge of the Rila Mountains. The mountain range is dotted with almost 200 glacial lakes such as the renowned Seven Rila Lakes. It is also rich in hot springs in the fault areas at the foothills including the hottest spring in south east Europe in Sapareva Banya. The Rila Mountains have typical layers of montane habitat ranging from river and stream valleys at lower altitudes to mixed deciduous woodland, coniferous forests and Alpine meadows and lakes at higher altitudes and finally to rocky ridges and bare rugged peaks. The biodiversity and the pristine landscapes are protected by the Rila National Park which is among the largest and most valuable protected areas in Europe. It is the largest national park in Bulgaria covering an area of 313 square miles and it was established in February 1992 to protect several ecosystems of national importance. Its altitude varies from 2600 feet near Blagoevgrad to 9596 feet at the peak of Musala. It occupies territory from 4 of the 28 provinces of the country (Sofia, Kyustendil, Blagoevgrad and Pazardzhik) and it includes 4 nature reserves (Parangalitsa, Central Rila Reserve, Ibar and Skakavitsa). The Rila National Park falls within the Rodope montane mixed forests terrestrial eco-region of the Palearctic temperate broadleaf and mixed forest. Forests occupy 206.5 square miles or 66% of the total area. The Rila Mountains also contain the Rila Monastery Nature Park which is among the largest nature parks in Bulgaria covering an area of 97.5 square miles at an altitude between 2460 and 8901 feet. It was established in 1992 as part of the newly founded Rila National Park. In 2000 some territory of the Rila National Park was re-assigned to the Rila Monastery Nature Park and was recategorized as a nature park because by law all lands in national parks are exclusively state owned. Today most of the Rila Monastery Nature Park is owned by the Rila Monastery. The Rila Monastery Nature Park includes one nature reserve, namely the Rila Monastery Forest with an area of 14 square miles or 14% of its total area. The most recognisable landmark in the Rila Mountains is the Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila, better known as the Rila Monastery. This is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria and is situated in the deep valley of the River Rilska River within the Rila Monastery Nature Park at a height of 3763 feet. The monastery is named after its founder, the hermit Ivan of Rila (876 to 946 AD) and houses around 60 monks. Founded in the 10th century, the Rila Monastery is regarded as one of Bulgaria's most important cultural, historical and architectural monuments and is a key tourist attraction for both Bulgaria and south Europe. Due to its outstanding cultural and spiritual value it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. The Rila Mountains are also a popular destination for hiking, winter sports and spa tourism, hosting the nation's oldest ski resort at Borovets as well as numerous hiking trails. Date: 30th May 2018 Location: Malyovitsa, Sofia Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084179.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9003294995d308643ab0d1.jpgRila Mountains, Sofia Province, Bulgaria The Rila Mountains are a mountain range in south west Bulgaria and constitute the highest mountain range in the country and the Balkans. It is the sixth highest mountain range in Europe after the Caucasus, the Alps, the Sierra Nevada, the Pyrenees and Mount Etna and the highest one between the Alps and the Caucasus. The Rila Mountains are spread over an area of 1015 square miles with an average altitude of 4879 feet. Musala is its highest peak at 9596 feet. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rila-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rila Mountains have abundant water resources and some of the Balkans' longest and deepest rivers originate here including the longest river entirely in the Balkans, the River Maritsa, and the longest river entirely in Bulgaria, the River Iskar. Bulgaria's main water divide separating the Black Sea and the Aegean Sea drainage systems follows the main ridge of the Rila Mountains. The mountain range is dotted with almost 200 glacial lakes such as the renowned Seven Rila Lakes. It is also rich in hot springs in the fault areas at the foothills including the hottest spring in south east Europe in Sapareva Banya. The Rila Mountains have typical layers of montane habitat ranging from river and stream valleys at lower altitudes to mixed deciduous woodland, coniferous forests and Alpine meadows and lakes at higher altitudes and finally to rocky ridges and bare rugged peaks. The biodiversity and the pristine landscapes are protected by the Rila National Park which is among the largest and most valuable protected areas in Europe. It is the largest national park in Bulgaria covering an area of 313 square miles and it was established in February 1992 to protect several ecosystems of national importance. Its altitude varies from 2600 feet near Blagoevgrad to 9596 feet at the peak of Musala. It occupies territory from 4 of the 28 provinces of the country (Sofia, Kyustendil, Blagoevgrad and Pazardzhik) and it includes 4 nature reserves (Parangalitsa, Central Rila Reserve, Ibar and Skakavitsa). The Rila National Park falls within the Rodope montane mixed forests terrestrial eco-region of the Palearctic temperate broadleaf and mixed forest. Forests occupy 206.5 square miles or 66% of the total area. The Rila Mountains also contain the Rila Monastery Nature Park which is among the largest nature parks in Bulgaria covering an area of 97.5 square miles at an altitude between 2460 and 8901 feet. It was established in 1992 as part of the newly founded Rila National Park. In 2000 some territory of the Rila National Park was re-assigned to the Rila Monastery Nature Park and was recategorized as a nature park because by law all lands in national parks are exclusively state owned. Today most of the Rila Monastery Nature Park is owned by the Rila Monastery. The Rila Monastery Nature Park includes one nature reserve, namely the Rila Monastery Forest with an area of 14 square miles or 14% of its total area. The most recognisable landmark in the Rila Mountains is the Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila, better known as the Rila Monastery. This is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria and is situated in the deep valley of the River Rilska River within the Rila Monastery Nature Park at a height of 3763 feet. The monastery is named after its founder, the hermit Ivan of Rila (876 to 946 AD) and houses around 60 monks. Founded in the 10th century, the Rila Monastery is regarded as one of Bulgaria's most important cultural, historical and architectural monuments and is a key tourist attraction for both Bulgaria and south Europe. Due to its outstanding cultural and spiritual value it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. The Rila Mountains are also a popular destination for hiking, winter sports and spa tourism, hosting the nation's oldest ski resort at Borovets as well as numerous hiking trails. Date: 30th May 2018 Location: Malyovitsa, Sofia Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084065.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2204391655d30855b4f7cf.jpgRila Mountains, Kyustendil Province, Bulgaria The Rila Mountains are a mountain range in south west Bulgaria and constitute the highest mountain range in the country and the Balkans. It is the sixth highest mountain range in Europe after the Caucasus, the Alps, the Sierra Nevada, the Pyrenees and Mount Etna and the highest one between the Alps and the Caucasus. The Rila Mountains are spread over an area of 1015 square miles with an average altitude of 4879 feet. Musala is its highest peak at 9596 feet. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rila-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rila Mountains have abundant water resources and some of the Balkans' longest and deepest rivers originate here including the longest river entirely in the Balkans, the River Maritsa, and the longest river entirely in Bulgaria, the River Iskar. Bulgaria's main water divide separating the Black Sea and the Aegean Sea drainage systems follows the main ridge of the Rila Mountains. The mountain range is dotted with almost 200 glacial lakes such as the renowned Seven Rila Lakes. It is also rich in hot springs in the fault areas at the foothills including the hottest spring in south east Europe in Sapareva Banya. The Rila Mountains have typical layers of montane habitat ranging from river and stream valleys at lower altitudes to mixed deciduous woodland, coniferous forests and Alpine meadows and lakes at higher altitudes and finally to rocky ridges and bare rugged peaks. The biodiversity and the pristine landscapes are protected by the Rila National Park which is among the largest and most valuable protected areas in Europe. It is the largest national park in Bulgaria covering an area of 313 square miles and it was established in February 1992 to protect several ecosystems of national importance. Its altitude varies from 2600 feet near Blagoevgrad to 9596 feet at the peak of Musala. It occupies territory from 4 of the 28 provinces of the country (Sofia, Kyustendil, Blagoevgrad and Pazardzhik) and it includes 4 nature reserves (Parangalitsa, Central Rila Reserve, Ibar and Skakavitsa). The Rila National Park falls within the Rodope montane mixed forests terrestrial eco-region of the Palearctic temperate broadleaf and mixed forest. Forests occupy 206.5 square miles or 66% of the total area. The Rila Mountains also contain the Rila Monastery Nature Park which is among the largest nature parks in Bulgaria covering an area of 97.5 square miles at an altitude between 2460 and 8901 feet. It was established in 1992 as part of the newly founded Rila National Park. In 2000 some territory of the Rila National Park was re-assigned to the Rila Monastery Nature Park and was recategorized as a nature park because by law all lands in national parks are exclusively state owned. Today most of the Rila Monastery Nature Park is owned by the Rila Monastery. The Rila Monastery Nature Park includes one nature reserve, namely the Rila Monastery Forest with an area of 14 square miles or 14% of its total area. The most recognisable landmark in the Rila Mountains is the Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila, better known as the Rila Monastery. This is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria and is situated in the deep valley of the River Rilska River within the Rila Monastery Nature Park at a height of 3763 feet. The monastery is named after its founder, the hermit Ivan of Rila (876 to 946 AD) and houses around 60 monks. Founded in the 10th century, the Rila Monastery is regarded as one of Bulgaria's most important cultural, historical and architectural monuments and is a key tourist attraction for both Bulgaria and south Europe. Due to its outstanding cultural and spiritual value it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. The Rila Mountains are also a popular destination for hiking, winter sports and spa tourism, hosting the nation's oldest ski resort at Borovets as well as numerous hiking trails. Date: 30th May 2018 Location: Kocherinovo-Stob area, Kyustendil Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084090.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15453564645d308587cde63.jpgRila Mountains, Kyustendil Province, Bulgaria The Rila Mountains are a mountain range in south west Bulgaria and constitute the highest mountain range in the country and the Balkans. It is the sixth highest mountain range in Europe after the Caucasus, the Alps, the Sierra Nevada, the Pyrenees and Mount Etna and the highest one between the Alps and the Caucasus. The Rila Mountains are spread over an area of 1015 square miles with an average altitude of 4879 feet. Musala is its highest peak at 9596 feet. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rila-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rila Mountains have abundant water resources and some of the Balkans' longest and deepest rivers originate here including the longest river entirely in the Balkans, the River Maritsa, and the longest river entirely in Bulgaria, the River Iskar. Bulgaria's main water divide separating the Black Sea and the Aegean Sea drainage systems follows the main ridge of the Rila Mountains. The mountain range is dotted with almost 200 glacial lakes such as the renowned Seven Rila Lakes. It is also rich in hot springs in the fault areas at the foothills including the hottest spring in south east Europe in Sapareva Banya. The Rila Mountains have typical layers of montane habitat ranging from river and stream valleys at lower altitudes to mixed deciduous woodland, coniferous forests and Alpine meadows and lakes at higher altitudes and finally to rocky ridges and bare rugged peaks. The biodiversity and the pristine landscapes are protected by the Rila National Park which is among the largest and most valuable protected areas in Europe. It is the largest national park in Bulgaria covering an area of 313 square miles and it was established in February 1992 to protect several ecosystems of national importance. Its altitude varies from 2600 feet near Blagoevgrad to 9596 feet at the peak of Musala. It occupies territory from 4 of the 28 provinces of the country (Sofia, Kyustendil, Blagoevgrad and Pazardzhik) and it includes 4 nature reserves (Parangalitsa, Central Rila Reserve, Ibar and Skakavitsa). The Rila National Park falls within the Rodope montane mixed forests terrestrial eco-region of the Palearctic temperate broadleaf and mixed forest. Forests occupy 206.5 square miles or 66% of the total area. The Rila Mountains also contain the Rila Monastery Nature Park which is among the largest nature parks in Bulgaria covering an area of 97.5 square miles at an altitude between 2460 and 8901 feet. It was established in 1992 as part of the newly founded Rila National Park. In 2000 some territory of the Rila National Park was re-assigned to the Rila Monastery Nature Park and was recategorized as a nature park because by law all lands in national parks are exclusively state owned. Today most of the Rila Monastery Nature Park is owned by the Rila Monastery. The Rila Monastery Nature Park includes one nature reserve, namely the Rila Monastery Forest with an area of 14 square miles or 14% of its total area. The most recognisable landmark in the Rila Mountains is the Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila, better known as the Rila Monastery. This is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria and is situated in the deep valley of the River Rilska River within the Rila Monastery Nature Park at a height of 3763 feet. The monastery is named after its founder, the hermit Ivan of Rila (876 to 946 AD) and houses around 60 monks. Founded in the 10th century, the Rila Monastery is regarded as one of Bulgaria's most important cultural, historical and architectural monuments and is a key tourist attraction for both Bulgaria and south Europe. Due to its outstanding cultural and spiritual value it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. The Rila Mountains are also a popular destination for hiking, winter sports and spa tourism, hosting the nation's oldest ski resort at Borovets as well as numerous hiking trails. Date: 30th May 2018 Location: Stob Earth Pyramids, Kyustendil Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40952825.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17407002795e53935ab78d3.jpgHook Head, Co. Wexford, Ireland The Hook peninsula is a peninsula in Co. Wexford and has been a gateway to south-east Ireland for successive waves of immigrants including the Vikings, Anglo-Normans and the English. Hook Head is a headland situated 30 miles south west of Wexford. It is located on the east side of the estuary of “The Three Sisters” rivers (the Nore, the Suir and the Barrow) and is part of the Hook peninsula adjacent to the historic townland of Loftus Hall. Hook Head is said to have found its way into common English usage in the saying "By Hook or by Crook." It is claimed that the phrase is derived from a vow by Oliver Cromwell to take Waterford by Hook (on the Wexford side of Waterford Harbour) or by Crook (a village on the Waterford side of Waterford Harbour). Hook Head Lighthouse is situated on Hook Head at the tip of the Hook peninsula and is one of the oldest lighthouses in the world and the second oldest operating lighthouse in the world after the Tower of Hercules in Galicia in Spain. The existing tower dates from the 12th century although tradition states that Dubhán, a missionary to the Wexford area, established a form of beacon as early as the 5th century. The headland of Hook Head is known in Irish as Rinn Dubháin (St. Dubhán's Head). However, the similar sounding Irish word “duán” means a fish hook, hence the English name. In March 1996, the Hook Head Lighthouse was converted to automatic operation and the last light-keepers who had climbed the stairs and tended the light were permanently withdrawn from the station. The lighthouse is now remotely controlled from Dún Laoghaire by the Commissioners of Irish Lights. In 2001 the Hook Head Lighthouse was opened to the public as a tourist attraction after the old keepers houses were turned into a visitor centre. In January 2011, the Hook Head Lighthouse fog horn was heard for the last time as all the fog horns were turned off. It was felt that the technology on modern ships was so advanced that the fog horn was no longer required. Date: 31st January 2020 Location: Hook Head, Co. Wexford, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847624.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_144586500259bd542ec47a2.jpgMarsh Frog The Marsh Frog is the largest European frog. It is very similar in appearance to the closely related Edible Frog and Pool Frog. These 3 species are often referred to as "green frogs" to distinguish them from the more terrestrial European species which are known as "brown frogs" (best exemplified by the Common Frog). Marsh Frogs show a large variation in colour and pattern, ranging from dark green to brown or grey. The Western European populations are generally dark green to black with dark spots on the back and sides and 3 clear green lines on the back. Females can reach a maximum length of around 6.5 inches but males are smaller at around 4.5 inches. The head is proportionally large and the hind legs are long which gives them excellent jumping abilities. The Marsh Frog is usually gregarious and diurnal and more tied to aquatic habitats than the Common Frog. It is tolerant of brackish conditions and typically it is found on or in the water of its favoured drainage channels and pools throughout the year. Marsh Frogs frequently sunbathe on the bank of the water body where they are often inconspicuous until disturbed when they will jump in to the water with a characteristic “plop”. They can often be seen on lily pads or floating at the surface amongst vegetation with only their heads exposed. During the breeding season (and sometimes beyond) the male Marsh Frog calls very loudly with a sound reminiscent of a loud chuckle which is often very raucous and can be heard all day and night. Dominant males establish territories from which they call. After mating a female may produce up to 16,000 eggs in a season, laying them in clumps of a few hundred in aquatic vegetation below the surface. They hatch in about a week, tadpoles being rather solitary and living in deep water with vegetation. Newly metamorphosed frogs are up to 1 inch in length and take 2 years to mature. The diet of the Marsh Frog consists of dragonflies and other insects, spiders, earthworms and slugs. Larger frogs also eat small rodents and sometimes smaller amphibians and fish. Date: 2nd June 2017 Location: Leles to Boľ area, Latorica, Košice region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30040501.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1578893187587cb3d707134.jpgWaxwing The Waxwing is a plump bird which is slightly smaller than a Starling. It is buff or pinkish-brown in colour with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings, a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest. The bird’s name is derived from the red tips to some of the wing feathers which are said to look like they have been dipped in sealing wax. Waxwings breed in the dense forests of northern Europe but they occur in varying numbers in the UK from October to March. In some years they can occur in large numbers (known as irruptions) when the population in the breeding areas gets too big for the food available. The first UK arrivals each winter are usually seen on the east coast from Scotland to East Anglia but birds then move inland in search of food. They can be found in parks and gardens and even busy public places such as supermarket car parks, typically where there are berry-bearing trees and bushes such as rowan, hawthorn, cotoneaster and rose. Waxwings seem fearless of humans so it is relatively easy to get very close views of these stunning birds. Waxwings make an easily recognisable high-pitched trilling sound like a bell. Date: 10th January 2017 Location: Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo453466.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_207171712546883f1ed62b9.jpgDate: 6th June 2007 Location: view of Rhum and Eigg from Fascadale on the Ardnamurchan peninsula, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14856639.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10657665894face283dc5cd.jpgChaffinch The Chaffinch is a common UK resident bird and is a colorful member of the finch family. Chaffinches breed anywhere with trees and bushes, including coniferous and deciduous woodland, farmland hedgerows, parks and rural and suburban gardens. Date: 24th February 2012 Location: Warley Place RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4088234.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20775932904b193de2176b6.jpgLittle Egret The Little Egret is a species of small heron. The genus name comes from the Provençal French [i]Aigrette[/i] (egret), a diminutive of [i]Aigron [/i] (heron). The adult Little Egret is 22 to 26 inches long with a 35 to 42 inches wingspan. Its plumage is normally entirely white although there are dark forms with largely bluish-grey plumage. In the breeding season, the adult has 2 long plumes on the nape that form a crest. These plumes are about 6 inches in length and are pointed and very narrow. There are similar feathers on the breast but the barbs are more widely spread. There are also several elongated scapular feathers that have long loose barbs around 8 inches long. During the winter the plumage is similar but the scapulars are shorter and more normal in appearance. The bill is long and slender and both it and the lores are black. There is an area of greenish-grey bare skin at the base of the lower mandible and around the eye which has a yellow iris. The legs are black and the feet yellow. Juveniles are similar to non-breeding adults but have greenish-black legs and duller yellow feet and may have a certain proportion of greyish or brownish feathers. The Little Egret is mostly silent but it does make various croaking and bubbling calls at its breeding colonies and it produces a harsh alarm call when disturbed. The breeding range of the western race of the Little Egret includes south Europe, the Middle East, much of Africa and south Asia. European populations are migratory and mostly travel to Africa although some remain in southern Europe. During the late 20th century, the range of the Little Egret expanded northwards in Europe and into the New World. The Little Egret's habitat varies widely and includes the shores of lakes, rivers, canals, ponds, lagoons, marshes and flooded land, the bird preferring open locations to dense cover. On the coast it inhabits mudflats, sandy beaches, mangrove areas, swamps and reefs. The Little Egret is a sociable bird and can be seen in small flocks. However, individual birds do not tolerate others coming too close to their chosen feeding site although this depends on the abundance of prey. The Little Egret uses a variety of methods to find its food. It stalks its prey in shallow water, often running with raised wings or shuffling its feet to disturb small fish, or it may stand still and wait to ambush prey. It also makes use of opportunities provided by Cormorants disturbing fish or humans attracting fish by throwing bread into water. On land, it walks or runs while chasing its prey, often feeding on creatures disturbed by grazing livestock. The diet is mainly fish but amphibians, small reptiles, mammals and birds are also eaten as well as crustaceans, molluscs, insects, spiders and worms. The Little Egret nests in colonies, often with other wading birds such as Cattle Egret, Black-crowned Night Heron, Squacco Heron and Glossy Ibis. The nests are usually platforms of sticks built in trees or shrubs or in reed beds or bamboo groves. Pairs defend a small breeding territory, usually extending around 10 to 13 feet from the nest. The 3 to 5 eggs are incubated by both adults for 21 to 25 days before hatching. The young birds are covered in white down feathers are cared for by both parents and fledge after 40 to 45 days. Globally, the Little Egret is not listed as a threatened species and has in fact expanded its range over the last few decades.[5] The IUCN states that their wide distribution and large total population means that they are a species that cause them "least concern". Historical research has shown that the Little Egret was once present, and probably common, in the UK but became extinct there through a combination of over-hunting in the late mediaeval period and climate change at the start of the Little Ice Age. Further declines occurred throughout Europe as the plumes of the Little Egret and other egrets were in demand for decorating hats. They had been used in the plume trade since at least the 17th century but in the 19th century it became a major craze and the number of egret skins passing through dealers reached into the millions. Hunting, which reduced the population of the species to dangerously low levels, stimulated the establishment of Britain's Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in 1889. By the 1950s, the Little Egret had become restricted to south Europe and conservation laws protecting the species were introduced. This allowed the population to rebound strongly and over the next few decades it became increasingly common in western France and later on the north coast. It bred in the Netherlands in 1979 with further breeding from the 1990s onward. Populations are now mostly stable or increasing in Europe. In the UK, the Little Egret was a rare vagrant from its 16th century extinction until the late 20th century. It has, however, recently become a regular breeding species and is commonly present, often in large numbers, at favoured coastal sites. The first recent breeding record in England was on Brownsea Island in Dorset in 1996 and it bred in Wales for the first time in 2002. The population increase has been rapid subsequently with over 750 pairs breeding in nearly 70 colonies in 2008 and a post-breeding total of 4,540 birds in September 2008. Severe winter weather proves only to be a temporary setback and the Little Egret continues to expand both its numbers and range in the UK. Date: 8th November 2009 Location: Aiguamolls de l'Emporda, Catalunya, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39085273.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_522202365d308aa2c21e9.jpgFăgăraș Mountains, Sibiu County, Romania The Făgăraș Mountains, commonly known as the “Transylvanian Alps”, are a mountain range in the Southern Carpathians in central Romania. Spread over 43.5 miles from east to west and 28 miles from north to south, the range resembles an immense spine with steep peaks facing north and more gentle ones to the south. The steep north face of the Făgăraș Mountains rises above 8,000 feet and overlooks the Făgăraş Depression or Făgăraş Hollow through which flows the River Olt. The range is bordered to the east by the Piatra Craiului Mountains and by the Oltului Gorge to the west. The mountains are heavily glaciated with lakes, fretted peaks and morainic deposits. The highest peaks, which are also the highest mountains in Romania, are Moldoveanu (8346 feet), Negoiu (8317 feet) and Viștea Mare (8291 feet) and they are covered by snow for 8 to 9 months of the year. There are several other peaks over 8000 feet. Bâlea is the largest lake, Podragu is the deepest lake and the highest lake is in the Hărtopul Leaotei glacial valley. Other lakes include Urlea and Capra. A road known as the Transfăgărășan (road DN7C) runs across the Făgăraș Mountains. It has been described as the "Road to the Sky", the "Road to the Clouds" and the "Best Driving Road in the World" and it is a stunning scenic drive. The road climbs to a height of 6699 feet at Pasul Bâlea, making it the second highest mountain pass in Romania after the Transalpina. It starts at Bascov near Pitești and follows the valley of the River Argea. After mounting the highest point, between the high peaks of Moldoveanu and Negoiu, it descends to Cârțișoara in the valley of the River Olt. It is a winding road and is dotted with steep hairpin turns, long S-curves and sharp descents and it is usually closed from late October until late June because of snow. Depending on the weather, it may remain open until as late as November or it may close even in the summer. The Transfăgărășan has more tunnels (5) and viaducts (27) than any other road in Romania. Near the highest point, at Bâlea Lake, the road passes through Bâlea Tunnel, the longest road tunnel in Romania at 2900 feet. The Transfăgărășan was constructed between 1970 and 1974 during the rule of Nicolae Ceaușescu as a response to the 1968 invasion of Czechoslovakia by the Soviet Union. Ceaușescu wanted to ensure quick military access across the mountains in case of a Soviet Union invasion. At the time, Romania already had several strategic mountain passes through the Southern Carpathians, whether inherited from the pre-Communist era (road DN1 and road DN67C) or built during the initial years of the Communist regime (road DN66). These passes, however, were mainly through river valleys and they would have been easy for the Soviet Union to block and attack. Ceauşescu therefore ordered the construction of a road across the Făgăraş Mountains. Built mainly by junior military forces, the road had a high financial and human cost since work was carried out in an alpine climate at an elevation of 6600 feet. The road was officially opened on 20th September 1974 although work continued until 1980. Date: 7th June 2018 Location: Făgăraș Mountains from near Cârțișoara, Sibiu County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25774139.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_202360693560fb8b31e2fc.jpgOtter The Eurasian Otter, also known as the European Otter, Eurasian River Otter, Common Otter and Old World Otter and commonly known as the Otter, is a semi-aquatic mammal and the most widely distributed member of the Otter sub-family of the Weasel family (Mustelidae). The Otter is a typical species of the Otter sub-family and is brown above and cream below. It is 22.5 to 37.5 inches long excluding a tail of 14 to 17.5 inches. The female is shorter than the male. The Otter's average body weight is 15 to 26 pounds, although occasionally a large old male may reach up to 37 pounds. The Otter differs from the North American River Otter by its shorter neck, broader face, the greater space between the ears and its longer tail. However, it is the only Otter species in much of its range so it is rarely confused for any other animal. The Otter is the most widely distributed Otter species and its range including parts of Asia and Africa as well as being widespread across Europe. The Otter can be found throughout most of the UK with the highest densities in Scotland, especially the islands and the north west coast, Wales, parts of East Anglia and the West Country. The Otter declined across its range in the second half of the 20th century primarily due to pollution, habitat loss and hunting. However, populations are now recovering in many parts of Europe. In the UK the number of sites with an Otter presence increased by 55% between 1994 and 2002. In August 2011, the Environment Agency announced that the Otter had returned to every county in England since vanishing from every county except the West Country and parts of Northern England. The recovery of the Otter population in Europe is due to a ban on the most harmful pesticides that has been in place since 1979, improvements in water quality leading to increases in prey populations and direct legal protection under the European Union Habitats Directive and national legislation in several European countries. In general, the Otter’s varied and adaptable diet means that it can be found on any unpolluted body of fresh water, including lakes, streams, rivers and ponds, as long as the food supply is adequate. It can also be found along the coast in salt water but it requires regular access to fresh water to clean its fur. When living in the sea it is sometimes referred to as a "Sea Otter" but it should not be confused with the true Sea Otter which is a North American species much more strongly adapted to a marine existence. The Otter's diet mainly consists of fish. However, during the winter and in colder environments, fish consumption is significantly lower and other sources of food are eaten including amphibians, crustaceans, insects, birds and small mammals. Hunting mainly takes place at night whilst the day is usually spent in the Otter's holt (den). The Otter is strongly territorial and is primarily solitary. An individual's territory may vary between 1 and 25 miles with the length of the territory depending on the density of food available and the width of the water suitable for hunting (it is shorter on coasts, where the available width is much wider and longer on narrower rivers). The Otter uses its spraints to mark its territory. Territories are only held against members of the same sex so those of males and females may overlap. The Otter is a non-seasonal breeder and males and females will breed at any time of the year. It has been found that their mating season is most likely determined simply by the Otters' reproductive maturity and physiological state. Female Otters are sexually mature between 18 and 24 months old and the average age of first breeding is found to be 2.5 years old. Gestation is 60 to 64 days and after the gestation period, 1 to 4 pups are born which remain dependent on the mother for about 13 months. The male plays no direct role in parental care although the territory of a female with her pups is usually entirely within that of the male. Date: 25th September 2015 Location: Broadford Bay, Skye, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40952834.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10240741055e539383cab8e.jpgGreat Black-backed Gulls The largest of the gulls, the Great Black-backed Gull is a dominating and opportunistic predator, scavenger and pirate that has been described as a “merciless tyrant” due to its aggressive feeding habits. The Great Black-backed Gull has a thick-set body with a large, yellow, red-tipped bill, strong legs and wide, webbed feet which have a delicate pink hue. The breast and head are snowy white and sit in stark contrast to the black back and wings. Young Great Black-backed Gulls undergo several plumage changes before taking on that of the adult. Juveniles are pale brown with heavy white mottling whilst immatures are also mottled but have a distinctive whitish head and breast but with a dark-tipped, pale bill The Great Black-backed Gull occurs along the coastlines of northern Europe and northern Russia as well as the east coast of north America and central America and it can be found in a variety of coastal habitats, including rocky and sandy coasts and estuaries as well as inland habitats such as lakes, ponds, fields and moorland. It breeds in areas free of or largely inaccessible to terrestrial predators such as vegetated islands, sand dunes, flat-topped stacks, building roofs and sometimes amongst bushes on salt-marsh islands. During the winter, the Great Black-backed Gull often travels far out to sea to feed. Date: 31st January 2020 Location: Slade harbour, Hook peninsula, Co. Wexford, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo445651.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14183374804681c4ea44672.jpgKyle of Durness, Sutherland The Kyle of Durness is a broad and sandy coastal inlet in the far north west of Scotland. It extends 5.5 miles inland from Balnakeil and divides the Cape Wrath peninsula from the mainland. The nearest village is Durness. The Kyle of Durness is around 0.5 miles wide and tidal with only a narrow channel of water remaining at low tide along most of its length. Unlike other coastal inlets along Scotland's north coast it is not straight, having 2 major bends around Keoldale. It opens into Balnakeil Bay which is around 2 miles wide at its mouth. The River Dionard and River Grudie flow into the Kyle of Durness at its southern end with the River Daill and a number of minor streams also flowing into it along its length. The geology along the eastern side of the Kyle of Durness is limestone with rolling grasslands dominating. The Kyle of Durness and its surrounding area forms part of the Oldshoremore, Cape Wrath and Durness Special Landscape Area. It contains a number of archaeological remains dating to the prehistoric period. The A838 road runs along the eastern shore of the Kyle of Durness in its southern section with an unclassified road leading west to Keoldale, the only remaining settlement on the shore. The Cape Wrath passenger ferry operates from Keoldale between May and September and this connects with a minibus on the other side which conveys visitors on a very rough 14 mile journey on a track across The Parph to Cape Wrath, the most north westerly point on the Scottish mainland. The western shore of the Kyle of Durness is uninhabited with the former farmsteads at Achimore and Daill the only settlements. Date: 14th June 2006 Location: view looking south from Keoldale just off the A838 road http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871692.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20469347794eff20a2041e3.jpgMidnight sun at Petkula Bog, Lappi, Finland Date: 28th May 2009 Location: Petkula Bog, north of Sodankylä, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23806353.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13577521265512952fc37c6.jpgGoldeneye The Goldeneye is a medium-sized diving duck, named for its golden-yellow eye. Adult males have a dark head with a greenish gloss and a circular white patch below the eye, a dark back and a white neck and belly. Adult females have a brown head and a mostly grey body. The Goldeneye breeds on the lakes and in the rivers of boreal forests of Scandinavia, Canada, north USA and north Russia. Naturally it will nest in cavities in large trees but it will also readily use nestboxes put up on trees close to water. This has enabled a healthy breeding population to establish in the Scottish Highlands from 1970 where it is increasing and slowly spreading. The Goldeneye is migratory and most winter in protected coastal waters or open inland waters at more temperate latitudes. The Goldeneye forages by diving underwater for crustaceans, aquatic insects and molluscs. Insects are the predominant prey while nesting and crustaceans are the predominant prey during migration and winter. Date: 7th March 2015 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/tallinn-harbour-estonia https://images.on-this.website/4752_1994582155f059991778a2.jpgTallinn harbour, Estonia Tallinn is the capital and largest city of Estonia. It is located in the northern part of the country on the shore of the Gulf of Finland of the Baltic Sea, 50 miles south of Helsinki in Finland, 200 miles west of Saint Petersburg in Russia, 190 miles north of Riga in Latvia and 240 miles east of Stockholm in Sweden. It is the main financial, industrial, cultural, educational and research centre of Estonia. Tallinn, first mentioned in 1219, received city rights in 1248 but the earliest human settlements date back 5,000 years. The first recorded claim over the land was laid by Denmark in 1219 followed by a period of alternating Scandinavian and Teutonic rulers. Due to its strategic location, the city became a major trade hub, especially from the 14th to the 16th century, when it grew in importance as part of the Hanseatic League. Tallinn's Old Town is one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Date: 26th June 2019 Location: view from the Tallinn to Helsinki Viking ferry Location: view from the Tallinn to Helsinki Viking ferry http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41225591.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18784873725eda02275f6e3.jpgRoesel’s Bush-cricket The Roesel's Bush-cricket is dark brown with orangey legs, a green face, a creamy border to the thorax and 2 or 3 cream spots on its sides. It is best recognised by its long, monotonous and mechanical song which can be heard from June to October in rough grassland, scrub and damp meadows. Until the early 20th century, the Roesel's Bush-cricket was only found on the south east coast of the UK but in recent years there has been a rapid expansion in its range further north and west. Date: 27th May 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/hurtigruten-ship-ms-roald-amundsen https://images.on-this.website/4752_18785640185f3cfd033c510.jpgHurtigruten ship MS Roald Amundsen In 2019, Hurtigruten added a brand new ship to its fleet: the MS Roald Amundsen. This state of the art ship features new and environmentally sustainable hybrid technology that will reduce fuel consumption and show the world that hybrid propulsion on large ships is possible. MS Roald Amundsen is the first of 2 hybrid ships Hurtigruten will add to its fleet over the next few years. Emissions are cut by sailing with electrical propulsion. Innovative sustainable technology reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions on the ships by 20 percent. MS Roald Amundsen is named after the Norwegian explorer of the polar regions. He led the first expedition to traverse the Northwest Passage, the sea route between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans through the Arctic Ocean, from 1903 to 1906 and the first expedition across Antarctica to the South Pole in 1911. Date: 4th July 2019 Location: MS Roald Amundsen off Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5015779.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8946361424beed11d6659f.jpgSouth Stack, Anglesey South Stack is situated at the westernmost point of Anglesey 2 miles west of Holyhead. The cliffs contain some of the oldest rocks in Wales dating back nearly 600 million years to the Precambrian period. The extensive folds in the cliff face bear witness to some of the earth movements and forces that have shaped Wales. More than 4,000 seabirds breed on the cliffs at South Stack each year and live pictures are relayed by CCTV to the visitor centre in Ellins Tower. Date: 9th May 2010 Location: view from the cliff path at South Stack http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11351020.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_388170264e1f0581a9795.jpgCommon Buzzard The Common Buzzard is a member of the genus [I]Buteo[/I] and the family [i]Accipitridae[/i], a group of medium-sized raptors with robust bodies and broad wings. The [I]Buteo[/I] species of Eurasia and Africa are usually commonly referred to as buzzards whilst those in the Americas are called hawks. Under current classification, the genus [I]Buteo[/I] includes approximately 28 species. The Common Buzzard includes between 7 to 16 sub-species and the western [i]Buteo[/i] group includes [i]Buteo buteo buteo[/i] which is found more or less continuously throughout Europe including the UK. The Common Buzzard is a medium-sized raptor that is highly variable in plumage. It is distinctly round headed with a somewhat slender bill and it has relatively long wings that either reach or fall slightly short of the tail tip when perched, a fairly short tail and somewhat short and mainly bare tarsi. It can appear fairly compact in overall appearance but may also appear large relative to other commoner raptors such as the Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. The Common Buzzard measures between 16 and 23 inches in length with a 3 feet 7 inches to 4 feet 7 inches wingspan. Females average about 2 to 7% larger than males in length and weigh about 15% more. Body mass can show considerable variation from 0.94 to 2.6 pounds in males and 1.07 to 3.02 pounds in females. In Europe, the Common Buzzard is typically dark brown above and on the upperside of the head and mantle but this can become paler and warmer brown with worn plumage. Usually the tail will be narrowly barred grey-brown and dark brown with a pale tip and a broad dark subterminal band but the tail in the palest birds can show a varying amount of white and a reduced sub-terminal band or even appear almost all white. The underside colouring can be variable but typically shows a brown-streaked white throat with a somewhat darker chest. A pale U across the breast is often present followed by a pale line running down the belly which separates the dark areas on the breast side and flanks. These pale areas tend to have highly variable markings that form irregular bars. Juveniles are quite similar to adults and are best told apart by having a paler eye, a narrower sub-terminal band on the tail and underside markings that appear as streaks rather than bars. Beyond the typical mid-range brownish Common Buzzard, birds in Europe can range from almost uniform black-brown above to mainly white. Extreme dark individuals may range from chocolate-brown to blackish with almost no pale colour showing but with a variable or faded U on the breast and with or without faint lighter brown throat streaks. Extreme pale individuals are largely whitish with variable widely spaced streaks or arrowheads of light brown about the mid-chest and flanks and may or may not show dark feather-centres on the head, wing-coverts and sometimes all but part of the mantle. Individuals can show nearly endless variation of colours and hues in between these extremes and the Common Buzzard is among the most variably plumaged diurnal raptors for this reason. The Common Buzzard is often confused with other raptors especially in flight or at a distance including other [i]Buteo[/i] species such as Rough-legged Buzzard and Long-legged Buzzard and also Honey Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, Golden Eagle, Booted Eagle and Short-toed Eagle. The Common Buzzard is found throughout several islands in the eastern Atlantic islands, including the Canary Islands and the Azores, and almost throughout Europe. In the UK, it is found in Northern Ireland and in nearly every part of Scotland and England. In mainland Europe, there are no substantial gaps in the range from Portugal and Spain to Greece, Estonia, Belarus and the Ukraine, although it is present mainly only in the breeding season in much of the eastern half of the latter 3 countries. It is also present in all larger Mediterranean islands such as Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily and Crete. Further north in to Scandinavia, it is found mainly in south Norway, the southern half of Sweden and in the southern two-thirds of Finland. The Common Buzzard reaches its northern limit as a breeder in far eastern Finland and over the border in to European Russia and nearly to the Kola Peninsula. In these northern limits, the Common Buzzard is present typically only in summer. The Common Buzzard generally inhabits the interface of woodlands and open ground and typically lives in forest edge, small broad-leaved, coniferous or mixed woodlands with adjacent grassland, arable fields or other farmland and open moorland as long as there are some trees. It is absent from treeless tundra and sporadic or rare in treeless steppe. The Common Buzzard can be found from sea level to elevations of 6600 feet although it breeds mostly below 3300 feet. It can winter to an elevation of 8200 feet and migrates easily at 14,800 feet. The Common Buzzard is a partial migrant. Autumn and spring movements are subject to extensive variation, even down to the individual level, based on a region's food resources, competition (both from other Common Buzzards and other predators), the extent of human disturbance and weather conditions. Short distance movements are the norm for juveniles and some adults in autumn and winter but more adults in central and south Europe and the UK remain in their year-around areas than do not. The Common Buzzard is a typical [I]Buteo[/I] in much of its behaviour. It is most often seen effortlessly soaring for extended periods at varying heights although it can appear laborious and heavy in level flight. It is also often seen perched prominently on tree tops, bare branches, telegraph poles, fence posts, rocks or ledges or alternatively well inside the tree canopy. It will also stand and forage on the ground. The Common Buzzard is a generalist predator which hunts a wide variety of prey given the opportunity. The prey extents to a wide variety of vertebrates including mammals, birds (from any age from eggs to adult birds), reptiles, amphibians and fish as well as to various invertebrates, mostly insects. In total, well over 300 prey species are known to be taken by the Common Buzzard. However, dietary studies have shown that it mostly preys upon small mammals, mainly small rodents. Furthermore, prey size can vary from tiny beetles, caterpillars and ants to large adult grouse and Rabbits up to nearly twice their body mass. At times, the Common Buzzard will also subsist partially on carrion, usually of dead mammals or fish. Hunting in relatively open areas has been found to increase hunting success whereas more complete shrub cover lowered success. A majority of prey is taken by dropping from a perch and is normally taken on the ground. Prey may also be hunted in a low flight, by random glides or soars or by foraging on the ground. The home range of the Common Buzzard is generally 0.19 to 0.77 square miles and the size of the breeding territory seems to be correlated with food supply. The territory is maintained through flight displays and in Europe territorial behaviour usually starts in February. However, displays are not uncommon throughout the year in resident pairs, especially by males, and can elicit similar displays by their neighbours. In the display, the Common Buzzard generally engages in high circling, spiraling upward on slightly raised wings. Mutual high circling by pairs sometimes goes on at length, especially during the period prior to or during breeding season. During the mutual displays, the male may engage in exaggerated deep flapping or zig-zag tumbling, apparently in response to the female being too distant. Several pairs may circle together at times and as many as 14 individual adults have been recorded over established display sites. Sky-dancing by the Common Buzzard has been recorded in spring and autumn, typically by the male but sometimes by the female, nearly always with much calling. Sky-dances are of the rollercoaster type, with an upward sweep of up to 100 feet until the bird starts start to stall but sometimes embellished with loops or rolls at the top. Next in the sky-dance, the bird will dive at least 200 feet on more or less closed wings before spreading them and shooting up again. These sky-dances may be repeated in series of 10 to 20. In the climax of the sky-dance, the undulations become progressively shallower, often slowing and terminating directly on to a perch. Various other aerial displays include low contour flight or weaving among trees, frequently with deep beats and exaggerated upstrokes which show underwing pattern to rivals perched below. Talon grappling and occasionally cartwheeling downward with feet interlocked has also been recorded. The Common Buzzard tends to build a bulky nest of sticks, twigs and often heather and lined with broad-leaved foliage. Nests are up to 3.3 to 3.9 feet across and 24 inches deep. With reuse over years, the diameter of a nest can reach or exceed 5 feet. Trees are generally used for a nesting location but crags or cliffs are used if trees are unavailable. Nests in trees are usually located by the main trunk at a height of around 10 to 82 feet. Pairs often have 2 to 4 nests in a territory but some pairs may use a single nest over several consecutive years. The breeding season of the Common Buzzard commences at differing times based on latitude. It may fall as early as January to April but typically it is March to July in most of Europe. In the northern limits of the range the breeding season may occur from May to August. Mating usually occurs on or near the nest and eggs are usually laid in 2 to 3 day intervals. The clutch size can range from to 2 to 6 and it appears that local factors such as habitat and food supply are relevant. Eggs are generally laid in late March to early April in the extreme south, sometime in April in most of Europe and in to May and possibly even early June in the extreme north. If eggs are lost to a predator or fail in some other way, replacement clutches are not usually laid although this has been recorded. Incubation lasts for 33 to 35 days and is mostly, but not solely, undertaken by the female. Hatching may take place over 3 to 7 days. Often the youngest nestling dies from starvation, especially in broods of 3 or more. The female remains at the nest brooding the young in the early stages with the male bringing all prey. At about 8 to 12 days, both the male and female will bring prey but the female continues to do all feeding until the young can tear up their own prey. The young are nearly fully feathered rather than downy at about a month of age and can start to feed themselves as well. The first attempts to leave the nest are often at about 40 to 50 days. Fledging occurs typically at 43 to 54 days but in extreme cases as late 62 days. After leaving the nest, the young generally stay close by until full independence 6 to 8 weeks after fledging. Numerous factors may influence the breeding success of the Common Buzzard including the availability of prey populations, habitat, disturbance and persecution levels and competition. The Common Buzzard is one of the most numerous birds of prey in its range and it is the most numerous diurnal bird of prey throughout much of Europe. Date: 02/10/06 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayder, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41187489.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11809662945ea6dffb72072.jpgCoot The Coot is an all black bird with a distinctive white beak and “shield” above the beak from which earns it the title “bald”. Its feet have distinctive lobed flaps of skin on the toes which act instead of webs when swimming. It patters noisily over the water before taking off and can be very aggressive towards other birds. Coot can be found all the year round mainly on freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers and town park lakes. Sometimes they can be seen offshore, especially in winter if freshwater areas are frozen. They breed in areas of fairly shallow standing freshwater with a muddy bottom and plenty of vegetation at the sides, usually in lowland areas. Date: 26th April 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11350998.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3708105344e1f0565db468.jpgCommon Buzzard The Common Buzzard is a member of the genus [I]Buteo[/I] and the family [i]Accipitridae[/i], a group of medium-sized raptors with robust bodies and broad wings. The [I]Buteo[/I] species of Eurasia and Africa are usually commonly referred to as buzzards whilst those in the Americas are called hawks. Under current classification, the genus [I]Buteo[/I] includes approximately 28 species. The Common Buzzard includes between 7 to 16 sub-species and the western [i]Buteo[/i] group includes [i]Buteo buteo buteo[/i] which is found more or less continuously throughout Europe including the UK. The Common Buzzard is a medium-sized raptor that is highly variable in plumage. It is distinctly round headed with a somewhat slender bill and it has relatively long wings that either reach or fall slightly short of the tail tip when perched, a fairly short tail and somewhat short and mainly bare tarsi. It can appear fairly compact in overall appearance but may also appear large relative to other commoner raptors such as the Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. The Common Buzzard measures between 16 and 23 inches in length with a 3 feet 7 inches to 4 feet 7 inches wingspan. Females average about 2 to 7% larger than males in length and weigh about 15% more. Body mass can show considerable variation from 0.94 to 2.6 pounds in males and 1.07 to 3.02 pounds in females. In Europe, the Common Buzzard is typically dark brown above and on the upperside of the head and mantle but this can become paler and warmer brown with worn plumage. Usually the tail will be narrowly barred grey-brown and dark brown with a pale tip and a broad dark subterminal band but the tail in the palest birds can show a varying amount of white and a reduced sub-terminal band or even appear almost all white. The underside colouring can be variable but typically shows a brown-streaked white throat with a somewhat darker chest. A pale U across the breast is often present followed by a pale line running down the belly which separates the dark areas on the breast side and flanks. These pale areas tend to have highly variable markings that form irregular bars. Juveniles are quite similar to adults and are best told apart by having a paler eye, a narrower sub-terminal band on the tail and underside markings that appear as streaks rather than bars. Beyond the typical mid-range brownish Common Buzzard, birds in Europe can range from almost uniform black-brown above to mainly white. Extreme dark individuals may range from chocolate-brown to blackish with almost no pale colour showing but with a variable or faded U on the breast and with or without faint lighter brown throat streaks. Extreme pale individuals are largely whitish with variable widely spaced streaks or arrowheads of light brown about the mid-chest and flanks and may or may not show dark feather-centres on the head, wing-coverts and sometimes all but part of the mantle. Individuals can show nearly endless variation of colours and hues in between these extremes and the Common Buzzard is among the most variably plumaged diurnal raptors for this reason. The Common Buzzard is often confused with other raptors especially in flight or at a distance including other [i]Buteo[/i] species such as Rough-legged Buzzard and Long-legged Buzzard and also Honey Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, Golden Eagle, Booted Eagle and Short-toed Eagle. The Common Buzzard is found throughout several islands in the eastern Atlantic islands, including the Canary Islands and the Azores, and almost throughout Europe. In the UK, it is found in Northern Ireland and in nearly every part of Scotland and England. In mainland Europe, there are no substantial gaps in the range from Portugal and Spain to Greece, Estonia, Belarus and the Ukraine, although it is present mainly only in the breeding season in much of the eastern half of the latter 3 countries. It is also present in all larger Mediterranean islands such as Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily and Crete. Further north in to Scandinavia, it is found mainly in south Norway, the southern half of Sweden and in the southern two-thirds of Finland. The Common Buzzard reaches its northern limit as a breeder in far eastern Finland and over the border in to European Russia and nearly to the Kola Peninsula. In these northern limits, the Common Buzzard is present typically only in summer. The Common Buzzard generally inhabits the interface of woodlands and open ground and typically lives in forest edge, small broad-leaved, coniferous or mixed woodlands with adjacent grassland, arable fields or other farmland and open moorland as long as there are some trees. It is absent from treeless tundra and sporadic or rare in treeless steppe. The Common Buzzard can be found from sea level to elevations of 6600 feet although it breeds mostly below 3300 feet. It can winter to an elevation of 8200 feet and migrates easily at 14,800 feet. The Common Buzzard is a partial migrant. Autumn and spring movements are subject to extensive variation, even down to the individual level, based on a region's food resources, competition (both from other Common Buzzards and other predators), the extent of human disturbance and weather conditions. Short distance movements are the norm for juveniles and some adults in autumn and winter but more adults in central and south Europe and the UK remain in their year-around areas than do not. The Common Buzzard is a typical [I]Buteo[/I] in much of its behaviour. It is most often seen effortlessly soaring for extended periods at varying heights although it can appear laborious and heavy in level flight. It is also often seen perched prominently on tree tops, bare branches, telegraph poles, fence posts, rocks or ledges or alternatively well inside the tree canopy. It will also stand and forage on the ground. The Common Buzzard is a generalist predator which hunts a wide variety of prey given the opportunity. The prey extents to a wide variety of vertebrates including mammals, birds (from any age from eggs to adult birds), reptiles, amphibians and fish as well as to various invertebrates, mostly insects. In total, well over 300 prey species are known to be taken by the Common Buzzard. However, dietary studies have shown that it mostly preys upon small mammals, mainly small rodents. Furthermore, prey size can vary from tiny beetles, caterpillars and ants to large adult grouse and Rabbits up to nearly twice their body mass. At times, the Common Buzzard will also subsist partially on carrion, usually of dead mammals or fish. Hunting in relatively open areas has been found to increase hunting success whereas more complete shrub cover lowered success. A majority of prey is taken by dropping from a perch and is normally taken on the ground. Prey may also be hunted in a low flight, by random glides or soars or by foraging on the ground. The home range of the Common Buzzard is generally 0.19 to 0.77 square miles and the size of the breeding territory seems to be correlated with food supply. The territory is maintained through flight displays and in Europe territorial behaviour usually starts in February. However, displays are not uncommon throughout the year in resident pairs, especially by males, and can elicit similar displays by their neighbours. In the display, the Common Buzzard generally engages in high circling, spiraling upward on slightly raised wings. Mutual high circling by pairs sometimes goes on at length, especially during the period prior to or during breeding season. During the mutual displays, the male may engage in exaggerated deep flapping or zig-zag tumbling, apparently in response to the female being too distant. Several pairs may circle together at times and as many as 14 individual adults have been recorded over established display sites. Sky-dancing by the Common Buzzard has been recorded in spring and autumn, typically by the male but sometimes by the female, nearly always with much calling. Sky-dances are of the rollercoaster type, with an upward sweep of up to 100 feet until the bird starts start to stall but sometimes embellished with loops or rolls at the top. Next in the sky-dance, the bird will dive at least 200 feet on more or less closed wings before spreading them and shooting up again. These sky-dances may be repeated in series of 10 to 20. In the climax of the sky-dance, the undulations become progressively shallower, often slowing and terminating directly on to a perch. Various other aerial displays include low contour flight or weaving among trees, frequently with deep beats and exaggerated upstrokes which show underwing pattern to rivals perched below. Talon grappling and occasionally cartwheeling downward with feet interlocked has also been recorded. The Common Buzzard tends to build a bulky nest of sticks, twigs and often heather and lined with broad-leaved foliage. Nests are up to 3.3 to 3.9 feet across and 24 inches deep. With reuse over years, the diameter of a nest can reach or exceed 5 feet. Trees are generally used for a nesting location but crags or cliffs are used if trees are unavailable. Nests in trees are usually located by the main trunk at a height of around 10 to 82 feet. Pairs often have 2 to 4 nests in a territory but some pairs may use a single nest over several consecutive years. The breeding season of the Common Buzzard commences at differing times based on latitude. It may fall as early as January to April but typically it is March to July in most of Europe. In the northern limits of the range the breeding season may occur from May to August. Mating usually occurs on or near the nest and eggs are usually laid in 2 to 3 day intervals. The clutch size can range from to 2 to 6 and it appears that local factors such as habitat and food supply are relevant. Eggs are generally laid in late March to early April in the extreme south, sometime in April in most of Europe and in to May and possibly even early June in the extreme north. If eggs are lost to a predator or fail in some other way, replacement clutches are not usually laid although this has been recorded. Incubation lasts for 33 to 35 days and is mostly, but not solely, undertaken by the female. Hatching may take place over 3 to 7 days. Often the youngest nestling dies from starvation, especially in broods of 3 or more. The female remains at the nest brooding the young in the early stages with the male bringing all prey. At about 8 to 12 days, both the male and female will bring prey but the female continues to do all feeding until the young can tear up their own prey. The young are nearly fully feathered rather than downy at about a month of age and can start to feed themselves as well. The first attempts to leave the nest are often at about 40 to 50 days. Fledging occurs typically at 43 to 54 days but in extreme cases as late 62 days. After leaving the nest, the young generally stay close by until full independence 6 to 8 weeks after fledging. Numerous factors may influence the breeding success of the Common Buzzard including the availability of prey populations, habitat, disturbance and persecution levels and competition. The Common Buzzard is one of the most numerous birds of prey in its range and it is the most numerous diurnal bird of prey throughout much of Europe. Date: 4th November 2008 Location: Loch Gruinart, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/hoverfly-species https://images.on-this.website/4752_602904164a7e8eb89f2f2.jpgHoverfly species Date: 2nd August 2009 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32708798.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_200510213359ad253b854a94.70358910.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 18th May 2017 Location: Csaj-tó, Csanytelek, Csongrád county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11265474.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7092477374e1ad49ca8d7b.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 11th May 2008 Location: Skomer, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084989.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16708964705d3089d8b78c3.jpgTree Sparrow The Tree Sparrow is a member of the sparrow family [i]Passer[/i], a group of small passerine birds that is believed to have originated in Africa and which contains 15 to 25 species. The Tree Sparrow's name is derived from 2 Latin words: [I]passer[/I] meaning "sparrow" and [I]montanus[/I] meaning "of the mountains". The common name is given to suggest the preference for tree holes for nesting. However, this name and the scientific name [i]montanus[/i] do not appropriately describe the Tree Sparrow’s habitat preferences: the German name [i]Feldsperling[/i] meaning "field sparrow"[/i] comes closer to doing so. The Tree Sparrow is around 5 to 5.5 inches in length with a wingspan of about 8.3 inches, making it roughly 10% smaller than the House Sparrow. The adult's crown and nape are a rich chestnut and there is a kidney-shaped black ear patch on each pure white cheek. The chin, throat and the area between the bill and throat are black. The upperparts are light brown streaked with black and the brown wings have 2 distinct narrow white bars. The legs are pale brown and the bill is lead-blue in summer becoming almost black in winter. The Tree Sparrow is distinctive even within its own family in that there are no plumage differences between the sexes. The juvenile resembles the adult although the colours tend to be duller. The contrasting face pattern makes the Tree Sparrow easily identifiable in all plumages and the smaller size and chestnut (not grey) crown are additional differences from the male House Sparrow. The Tree Sparrow's breeding range comprises most of temperate Europe and Asia south of about latitude 68°N (north of this the summers are too cold) and through south east Asia to Java and Bali. It is sedentary over most of its extensive range but northernmost breeding populations migrate south for the winter and small numbers leave south Europe for north Africa and the Middle East. The Tree Sparrow has been introduced outside its native range but it has not always become successfully established, possibly due to competition with the House Sparrow. Ship-carried birds have colonised some areas and birds have also occurred as vagrants. Despite its scientific name, the Tree Sparrow is not typically a mountain species and reaches only 2300 feet in Switzerland although it has bred at 5600 feet in the northern Caucasus and as high as 14010 feet in Nepal. In Europe, the Tree Sparrow is frequently found in open countryside with small isolated patches of woodland but also on coasts with cliffs, in woodland along slow water courses and in empty buildings. It shows a strong preference for nest sites near wetland habitats and avoids breeding on intensively managed farmland. In Europe, where the Tree Sparrow and the House Sparrow occur in the same region, the House Sparrow generally nests in urban areas while the Tree Sparrow nests in rural areas. Where trees are in short supply, both species may utilise man-made structures as nest sites. Whilst the Tree Sparrow is mainly a rural bird in Europe, it tends to be an urban bird in Asia and Australia. In the UK, the Tree Sparrow is scarcer in upland areas and the far north and west of the and the main populations are now found across the Midlands and south and east England. The Tree Sparrow may breed in isolated pairs or in loose colonies. The male calls from near the nest site in spring to proclaim ownership and attract a mate and he may also carry nest material in to the nest hole. The Tree Sparrow typically builds its nest in a cavity in an old tree or rock face. Some nests are not in holes as such but are built among roots of overhanging bushes. Roof cavities in houses and nest boxes are also readily used. In addition, the Tree Sparrow will breed in the disused nest of a Magpie or other crow species or an active or unused nest of a large bird such as the White Stork or a heron or raptor species. It will sometimes attempt to take over the nest of other birds that breed in holes or enclosed spaces such as tit species, flycatcher species, Swallow, House Martin, Sand Martin or European Bee-eater. The untidy nest is composed of hay, grass, wool or other material and lined with feathers which improve thermal insulation. The female lays 5 or 6 eggs which are incubated by both parents for 12 to 13 days and the chicks fledge after a further 15 to 18 days. There are 2 or 3 broods each year. Hybridisation between the Tree Sparrow and the House Sparrow has been recorded in many parts of the world with male hybrids tending to resemble the Tree Sparrow while female hybrids are more similar to the House Sparrow. The Tree Sparrow is a predominantly seed and grain eating bird which feeds on the ground in flocks and often with House Sparrows, finches and buntings. It may also visit feeding stations. It additionally feeds on invertebrates including insects, woodlice, millipedes, centipedes, spiders, etc. especially during the breeding season when the young are fed mainly on animal food. Adults use a variety of wetlands when foraging for invertebrate prey to feed chicks and aquatic sites play a key role in providing adequate diversity and availability of suitable invertebrate prey to allow successful chick rearing. Large areas of formerly occupied farmland no longer provide these invertebrate resources due to the effects of intensive farming. The Tree Sparrow has a large range and a large population. Although the population is declining, the species is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List. For this reason, the Tree Sparrow is designated as being of “Least Concern”. Although the Tree Sparrow has been expanding its range in Fennoscandia and east Europe, its population has been declining in much of west Europe, a trend reflected in other farmland birds such as the Skylark and Corn Bunting. The collapse in population seems to have been particularly severe in the UK where there was a 93% decline between 1970 and 2008. However, recent Breeding Bird Survey data is encouraging and suggests that numbers may have started to increase albeit from a very low point. The decrease in population is probably the result of agricultural intensification and specialisation, particularly the increased use of herbicides and a trend towards autumn-sown crops at the expense of spring-sown crops that produce stubble fields in winter. The change from mixed to specialised farming and the increased use of insecticides has reduced the amount of insect food available for chicks. Date: 6th June 2018 Location: Libearty Bear Sanctuary, Zărneşti, Brașov County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813369.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12813454255d0dde442e65f.jpgCommon Guillemots The Common Guillemot, also known as the Common Murre or Thin-billed Murre, is a large species of auk. The auks are a family of seabirds which includes the Brunnich's Guillemot or Thick-billed Murre, Razorbill, Little Auk and the extinct Great Auk. The Common Guillemot is 15 to 18 inches in length with a 24 to 29 inches wingspan. In breeding plumage, it is black or dark brown on the head, back and wings with white underparts. It has a thin dark pointed bill and a small rounded dark tail. Legs are grey and the bill is dark grey. Males and females are identical. Some individuals in the North Atlantic, known as "Bridled Guillemots", have a white ring around the eye extending back as a white line. This is not a distinct subspecies but a polymorphism that becomes more common the farther north the birds breed. The Common Guillemot flies with fast wing beats and has a flight speed of around 50 mph. Groups of birds are often seen flying together in a line just above the surface of the sea. However, it is not a very agile bird and take-off is often difficult. The Common Guillemot becomes flightless for 45 to 60 days while moulting its primary feathers. The Common Guillemot is a pursuit diver that forages for food by swimming underwater using its wings for propulsion. Dives usually last less than one minute but the bird swims underwater for distances of over 100 feet on a regular basis. Diving depths up to 590 feet have been recorded. The Common Guillemot has a circumpolar distribution and it occurs in low Arctic and boreal waters in the north Atlantic and north Pacific. It spends most of its time at sea and only comes to land to breed on rocky cliffs, sea stacks and islands. Some birds are permanent residents but northern birds migrate south to open waters off New England, southern California, Japan, Korea and the western Mediterranean. The Common Guillemot breeds in colonies at high densities and nesting pairs may be in bodily contact with their neighbours. No nest is made and the single egg is laid and incubated on a bare rock ledge on a cliff face. The egg hatches after 30 days incubation and the chick is born downy and can regulate its body temperature after 10 days. Some 20 days after hatching the chick jumps off its nesting ledge and heads for the sea unable to fly but gliding for some distance with fluttering wings and accompanied by its male parent. The chicks are capable of diving as soon as they hit the water. The female stays at the nest site for some 14 days after the chick has left. The Common Guillemot can venture far from its breeding grounds to forage and distances of 60 miles or more are often observed although if sufficient food is available closer by, birds will only travel much shorter distances. It mainly eats small schooling fish 8 inches long or less such as Polar Cod, Capelin, Sand Lances, Sprats, Sandeels, Atlantic Cod and Atlantic Herring. It also eats some molluscs, marine worms, squid and crustaceans. It is often seen carrying fish in its bill with the tail hanging out. Date: 10th June 2019 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26270405.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1566161803566552f1325cc.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 4th December 2015 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/hortobgy-national-park-hungary https://images.on-this.website/4752_78826903959ad2704e7dce5.94082286.jpgHortobágy National Park, Hajdú-Bihar county, Hungary Hortobágy National Park (Hortobágy Nemzeti Park) is a national park in eastern Hungary. It is part of the vast Great Hungarian Plain which occupies southern and eastern Hungary, some parts of the eastern Slovakian lowlands, south west Ukraine, western Romania, northern Serbia and eastern Croatia. Hortobágy National Park was designated as a national park in 1972 (the first in Hungary), and as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. It is Hungary's largest protected area. At the time of designation, the area of the National Park was 289 square miles but since then it has been extended to almost 315 square miles. Around 25% of its area has international protection under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance. The entire Hortobágy National Park is part of the Natura 2000 network of the European Union in which Special Protected Areas and Special Areas of Conservation have been designated in a way that they contain and encompass the area of the National Park including organically connected or separate grassland mosaic areas that are outside the National Park. The protection thus ensured by the Natura 2000 areas provides an appropriate basis for the establishment of a buffer zone. A conservation management plan for the Hortobágy National Park was prepared in 1997. Hortobágy National Park contains the largest continuous natural grassland in Europe and the second largest steppe area west of the Ural Mountains. It has outstanding natural features and maintains great biological diversity in respect of species and habitats. It is a unique example of the harmonious coexistence of people and nature based on the considerate use of the land. A major part of the area of the Hortobágy National Park is formed by natural habitats, principally alkaline grasslands (puszta), meadows and the marshes lying between them. From the point of view of nature conservation, the artificial wetlands, which cover a much smaller area, are of considerable importance. These are the fish ponds created during the last century on the worst quality grazing lands and marshes. The Hortobágy National Park is one of Europe’s greatest lowland birding areas containing nesting habitats and migration sites of European significance. The Hortobágyi-Halastó complex just to the west of Hortobágy village is arguably the best site to explore and contains waterbodies of various sizes from small fish ponds to huge lakes. Over 340 bird species have been recorded in the Hortobágy National Park, of which over 150 species breed. For UK birders, it is particularly exciting since several “eastern” species can be found which are at the westernmost extent of their range. These are joined by a large number of temperate European and Mediterranean species. The symbol of the Hortobágy National Park is the Crane. One of the most spectacular sights is the autumn migration when tens of thousands of Cranes can be seen every October as they fly above the grasslands to their overnight roosting places. For thousands of years the wild animals grazing on the grasslands of the Hortobágy National Park, the Aurochs and wild horses, were gradually replaced by domesticated animals. A large number of Long-haired Sheep and Hungarian Grey Cattle can now be found here. Less ancient species are the Mangalica Pig and the Nonius Horse. In the Visitor Centre in Hortobágy village, visitors and tourists can get information and advice on what to see and what to do in the Hortobágy National Park and can also learn about its natural and cultural assets: its flora and fauna, the different natural phenomena, herdsmen’s traditions, craftsmen’s skills and local rare breeds. The Visitor Centre also sells the mandatory permits that are required to visit most of the protected areas. The Hortobágy-halastavi Kisvasút is a narrow gauge railway which runs through Hortobágyi-Halastó. It was built and commissioned in 1915 for the purpose of transporting fish food from the silo in Hortobágyi-Halastó to the fish ponds and transporting freshly caught fish in the opposite direction. The track formerly had a length of 22 miles and was temporarily decommissioned in 1960. Since 2007, the railway has been used as a tourist train. The track now runs for just 3 miles and provides access to the northern end of Hortobágyi-Halastó. A one-way trip lasts 23 minutes. Date: 19th May 2017 Location: east of Hortobágy, Hortobágy National Park, Hajdú-Bihar county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453985.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15378474364ff547460627f.jpgBlack Vulture The Black Vulture is also known as the Cinereous Vulture, Monk Vulture or Eurasian Black Vulture. It is an Old World vulture and is only distantly related to the New World vultures and is therefore not directly related to the much smaller American Black Vulture despite the similar name and colouration. The Black Vulture is believed to be the largest true bird of prey in the world.[5] The condors which are slightly larger are now generally considered to be unrelated to the true raptors. This huge bird measures 39 to 47 inches long with a 8 to 10 feet wingspan. The body mass can range from 15 to 31 pounds making it one of the world's heaviest flying birds. The Black Vulture is distinctly dark with the whole body being dark brown except the pale head in adults which is covered in fine down. The massive blue-grey bill is the largest of any bird of prey, a feature enhanced by the relatively small skull of the species. The wings, with serrated leading edges are held straight or slightly arched in flight and are very broad. Flight is slow and buoyant with deep, heavy flaps when necessary. The Black Vulture is a Eurasian species. The western limits of its range are in Spain and Portugal with a reintroduced population in south France. They are also found discontinuously to Greece, Turkey and throughout the central Middle East. Their range continues through Pakistan and northern India to its eastern limits in central Asia where they breed in northern China, Manchuria, Mongolia and Korea. The Black Vulture is generally a permanent resident except in those parts of its range where hard winters cause limited altitudinal movement and for juveniles when they reach breeding maturity. The Black Vulture can be found in hilly and mountainous areas, especially favouring dry semi-open habitats such as meadows at high altitudes. They are always associated with undisturbed, remote areas with limited human disturbance. They forage for carcasses over various kinds of terrain including steppe, grasslands, open woodlands, along riparian habitats or any kind of mountainous habitat. In their current European range and through the Middle East, Black Vultures can be found from 2,300 to 6,600 feet in elevation while in their Asian distribution they are typically found at higher elevations. The Black Vulture is a largely solitary bird, being found alone or in pairs much more frequently than most other Old World vultures. At large carcasses or feeding sites, small groups of less than 10 birds may congregate. The Black Vulture breeds in loose colonies although nests are rarely found in the same tree or rock formation, unlike other Old World vultures which often nest in tight-knit colonies. It breeds in high mountains and large forests, nesting in trees or occasionally on cliff ledges. The breeding season lasts from February until August or September. The huge nest is 4½ to 6½ feet across and 3½ to 10 feet deep and increases in size as a pair uses it repeatedly over the years. Like all vultures, the Black Vulture eats mostly carrion, ranging from the largest mammals available to fish and reptiles and it is well equipped to tear open tough carcass skins thanks to its powerful bill. It can even break apart bone such as ribs to access the flesh of large animals. It is dominant over other scavengers including other large vultures such as the Griffon Vulture. The Black Vulture has declined over most of its range in the last 200 years in part due to eating poisoned bait and also due to higher hygiene standards reducing the amount of available carrion. Trapping and hunting is also particularly prevalent in China and Russia. An even greater threat to this desolation-loving species is development and habitat destruction. The decline has been the greatest in the western half of the range with extinction in many European countries (France, Italy, Austria, Poland, Slovakia, Albania, Moldovia, Romania) and its entire breeding range in north west Africa (Morocco and Algeria). More recently, protection and deliberate feeding schemes have allowed some local recoveries in numbers, particularly in Spain where numbers increased to about 1,000 pairs by 1992 after an earlier decline to 200 pairs in 1970. Elsewhere in Europe, very small but increasing numbers breed in Bulgaria and Greece and a re-introduction scheme is under way in France. Date: 30th April 2012 Location: south of Brozas, western Cáceres, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41389710.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14055885755f269620e1fab.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 1st July 2019 Location: Vardø, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/july-2009-sandwich-tern https://images.on-this.website/4752_2637737974e3a527ca3a0d.jpgJuly 2009 - Sandwich Tern Please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/photo11654492.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13656954.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13282958644ed3689fe8370.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the [i]Canidae[/i] family and is a part of the order [i]Carnivora[/i] within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13656948.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11083597374ed368918c1bb.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the [i]Canidae[/i] family and is a part of the order [i]Carnivora[/i] within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11350972.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9257469594e1f054251ad8.jpgGolden Eagle The Golden Eagle is a very large raptor, 26 to 40 inches in length and with a wingspan of 5 ft 11 inches to 7 ft 8 inches. The wingspan is the fifth largest among living eagle species. Females are larger than males with a bigger difference in larger sub-species. In the species overall, males average around 7.9 pounds and females around 11 pounds. The maximum size of the Golden Eagle is debated. Large sub-species are the heaviest and the species is on average the seventh heaviest living eagle species. The Golden Eagle is the second heaviest breeding eagle in north America, Europe and Africa and the fourth heaviest in Asia. Adults of both sexes have similar plumage and are primarily dark brown with some grey on the inner wing and tail and a paler, typically golden, colour on the back of the crown and nape that gives the species its common name. Unlike other eagle species, where the tarsal feathers are typically similar in colour to the rest of the plumage, the tarsal feathers of the Golden Eagle tend to be paler and range from light golden to white. In addition, some full-grown birds have white "epaulettes". The bill is dark at the tip, fading to a lighter horn colour, with a yellow cere. The bare portion of the feet is yellow. Juveniles are similar to adults but tend to be darker and can appear black on the back. About two thirds of their tail length is white, ending with a broad, black band. Compared to the relatively consistently white tail, the white patches on the wings are extremely variable. Juveniles of less than 12 months of age tend to have the most white in their plumage and this is gradually replaced by a characteristic rusty brown colour. Due to the variability between individuals, juveniles cannot be reliably aged by sight alone. The final adult plumage is not fully attained until the birds are between 5.5 and 6.5 years old. The Golden Eagle is sometimes considered to be the best flyer among eagles and perhaps amongst all raptors. It is equipped with broad, long wings with finger-like indentations on the tips of the wings. It is unique amongst the eagle species in that it often flies with the wings held in a slight, upturned V-shape. When it needs to flap, the Golden Eagle appears at its most laboured but flapping is less common than soaring or gliding. Flapping flight usually consists of 6 to 8 deep wing-beats interspersed with 2 to 3 second glides. While soaring, the wings and tail are held in one plane with the primary tips often spread. A typical, unhurried soaring speed is around 28 to 32 mph. When hunting or displaying, the Golden Eagle can glide very fast, reaching speeds of up to 120 mph. When stooping (diving) in the direction of prey or during territorial displays, it holds its legs up against its tail and holds its wings tight and partially closed against its body. When diving after prey, it can reach 150 to 200 mph. Although less agile and manoeuvrable, the Golden Eagle is apparently equal to and possibly even the superior of the Peregrine Falcon’s stooping and gliding speeds. This makes the Golden Eagle one of the fastest living animals. Size readily distinguishes the Golden Eagle from most other raptors when it is seen well. Most other raptors are considerably smaller. Among raptors that share the Golden Eagle's range, only some Old World vultures and the California Condor are distinctly larger with longer, broader wings which are typically held more evenly in a slower, less forceful flight. These birds also have dramatically different colour patterns. Distinguishing the Golden Eagle from other eagle species in Eurasia is more difficult. Identification may rely on the Golden Eagle's relatively long tail and patterns of white or grey on the wings and tail. Unlike the Golden Eagle, other eagles do not generally fly with the wings held in a slight, upturned V-shape. At close range, the golden to rufous nape of the Golden Eagle is distinctive and most other eagles have darker plumage. Among Eurasian eagles, the adult Eastern Imperial Eagle and the Spanish Imperial Eagle come closest to reaching the size of the Golden Eagle but both are distinguished by their longer necks, flatter wings in flight, white markings on their shoulder forewing-coverts, paler cream-straw coloured nape patch and generally darker colouration. The Steppe Eagle can also approach the Golden Eagle in size but it is more compact and smaller headed with little colour variation to the dark earth-brown plumage The nominate sub-species, [I]Aquila chrysaetos chrysaetos[/I] or European Golden Eagle, is found throughout most of Europe. In the UK, there are estimated to be 400 to 500 breeding pairs which can be found in the wild, open moorlands and mountains of Scotland, in particular the Scottish Highlands. The Golden Eagle is also found in European Russia, reportedly reaching an eastern limit around the Yenisei River, and further south at a similar longitude into west Kazakhstan and north Iran. At one time, the Golden Eagle was found in a great majority of temperate Europe, north Asia, north America, north Africa and Japan. Although widespread and quite secure in some areas, in many parts of the range the Golden Eagle has experienced a sharp population decline and it has become extinct in some areas. The total number of individuals is estimated to range somewhere between 170,000 and 250,000 whilst the estimated total number of breeding pairs ranges from 60,000 to 100,000. It has the largest known range of any member of its family with a range estimated at about 55 million square miles and it is the second most wide ranging species after the Osprey. On a global scale, the Golden Eagle is not considered threatened by the IUCN. The Golden Eagle is fairly adaptable in its habitat requirements but it often found in areas with a few shared ecological characteristics. It is best suited to hunting in open or semi-open areas and native vegetation seems to be attractive to it. It typically avoids developed areas of any type from urban to agricultural as well as heavily forested regions. The largest numbers are found in mountainous regions although it is not solely tied to high elevations and it can breed in lowlands if the local habitats are suitable. The majority of Golden Eagle populations are sedentary but it is also a partial migrant in the north of its range. Whilst it is a very hardy species and well adapted to cold climates, it can not tolerate declining food sources and birds which breed at latitudes greater than 60°N are usually migratory and a short migration may also be undertaken by birds which breed at about 50°N. The Golden Eagle usually mates for life although if one of the pair dies, the survivor will readily accept a new mate. Adults occupy a hunting and nesting area all year and they can be seen soaring and advertising their ownership of their home range at any time. However, their spectacular undulating display flight is most often seen from February to May. Each home range contains several night roosts and often a choice of 2 or 3 alternative nest sites (eyries) usually on cliff ledges. Both adults build the nest which is a substantial structure of branches, twigs and heather and lined with grasses and decorated with green foliage. The eyries are traditional and can be used for many years by the same or successive birds. The eyrie is added to each year it is used and it can end up quite a remarkable size. Cliff nests are 3 to 5 feet across and up to 6.5 feet high whilst tree nests can be twice this size. The female generally lays 2 eggs 3 to 4 days apart in March and incubates them for 43 to 45 days. Incubation starts with the first egg and the chicks hatch a few days apart. The first chick to hatch is dominant over the younger one which has only a 20% chance of surviving the crucial first weeks. The female does most of the brooding and feeding of the young whilst the male provides the female and the young with all the food, especially during the early stages. The female broods the chicks almost continuously for the first 2 weeks. After this, she will regularly leave the nest and share the hunting with the male. The young will fledge when they are 65 to 70 days old and will become independent after a further 90 to 100 days. Juveniles occasionally stay with their parents until November or December but are usually driven away by October. The young birds will breed for the first time at 3 to 4 years of age. The average life span of a Golden Eagle is around 14 years although it is thought that 75% of young birds die before reaching maturity. The oldest known Golden Eagle reached an age of 32 years. Natural sources of mortality are largely reported anecdotally. Date: 4th November 2008 Location: Bruichladdich to Port Charlotte, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo440241.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_140097545467dce406e461.jpgDate: September 1994 Location: Loch Sligachan, Skye http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645472.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_165744342451e3ceacbf580.jpgTree Sparrow The Tree Sparrow is a member of the sparrow family [i]Passer[/i], a group of small passerine birds that is believed to have originated in Africa and which contains 15 to 25 species. The Tree Sparrow's name is derived from 2 Latin words: [I]passer[/I] meaning "sparrow" and [I]montanus[/I] meaning "of the mountains". The common name is given to suggest the preference for tree holes for nesting. However, this name and the scientific name [i]montanus[/i] do not appropriately describe the Tree Sparrow’s habitat preferences: the German name [i]Feldsperling[/i] meaning "field sparrow"[/i] comes closer to doing so. The Tree Sparrow is around 5 to 5.5 inches in length with a wingspan of about 8.3 inches, making it roughly 10% smaller than the House Sparrow. The adult's crown and nape are a rich chestnut and there is a kidney-shaped black ear patch on each pure white cheek. The chin, throat and the area between the bill and throat are black. The upperparts are light brown streaked with black and the brown wings have 2 distinct narrow white bars. The legs are pale brown and the bill is lead-blue in summer becoming almost black in winter. The Tree Sparrow is distinctive even within its own family in that there are no plumage differences between the sexes. The juvenile resembles the adult although the colours tend to be duller. The contrasting face pattern makes the Tree Sparrow easily identifiable in all plumages and the smaller size and chestnut (not grey) crown are additional differences from the male House Sparrow. The Tree Sparrow's breeding range comprises most of temperate Europe and Asia south of about latitude 68°N (north of this the summers are too cold) and through south east Asia to Java and Bali. It is sedentary over most of its extensive range but northernmost breeding populations migrate south for the winter and small numbers leave south Europe for north Africa and the Middle East. The Tree Sparrow has been introduced outside its native range but it has not always become successfully established, possibly due to competition with the House Sparrow. Ship-carried birds have colonised some areas and birds have also occurred as vagrants. Despite its scientific name, the Tree Sparrow is not typically a mountain species and reaches only 2300 feet in Switzerland although it has bred at 5600 feet in the northern Caucasus and as high as 14010 feet in Nepal. In Europe, the Tree Sparrow is frequently found in open countryside with small isolated patches of woodland but also on coasts with cliffs, in woodland along slow water courses and in empty buildings. It shows a strong preference for nest sites near wetland habitats and avoids breeding on intensively managed farmland. In Europe, where the Tree Sparrow and the House Sparrow occur in the same region, the House Sparrow generally nests in urban areas while the Tree Sparrow nests in rural areas. Where trees are in short supply, both species may utilise man-made structures as nest sites. Whilst the Tree Sparrow is mainly a rural bird in Europe, it tends to be an urban bird in Asia and Australia. In the UK, the Tree Sparrow is scarcer in upland areas and the far north and west of the and the main populations are now found across the Midlands and south and east England. The Tree Sparrow may breed in isolated pairs or in loose colonies. The male calls from near the nest site in spring to proclaim ownership and attract a mate and he may also carry nest material in to the nest hole. The Tree Sparrow typically builds its nest in a cavity in an old tree or rock face. Some nests are not in holes as such but are built among roots of overhanging bushes. Roof cavities in houses and nest boxes are also readily used. In addition, the Tree Sparrow will breed in the disused nest of a Magpie or other crow species or an active or unused nest of a large bird such as the White Stork or a heron or raptor species. It will sometimes attempt to take over the nest of other birds that breed in holes or enclosed spaces such as tit species, flycatcher species, Swallow, House Martin, Sand Martin or European Bee-eater. The untidy nest is composed of hay, grass, wool or other material and lined with feathers which improve thermal insulation. The female lays 5 or 6 eggs which are incubated by both parents for 12 to 13 days and the chicks fledge after a further 15 to 18 days. There are 2 or 3 broods each year. Hybridisation between the Tree Sparrow and the House Sparrow has been recorded in many parts of the world with male hybrids tending to resemble the Tree Sparrow while female hybrids are more similar to the House Sparrow. The Tree Sparrow is a predominantly seed and grain eating bird which feeds on the ground in flocks and often with House Sparrows, finches and buntings. It may also visit feeding stations. It additionally feeds on invertebrates including insects, woodlice, millipedes, centipedes, spiders, etc. especially during the breeding season when the young are fed mainly on animal food. Adults use a variety of wetlands when foraging for invertebrate prey to feed chicks and aquatic sites play a key role in providing adequate diversity and availability of suitable invertebrate prey to allow successful chick rearing. Large areas of formerly occupied farmland no longer provide these invertebrate resources due to the effects of intensive farming. The Tree Sparrow has a large range and a large population. Although the population is declining, the species is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List. For this reason, the Tree Sparrow is designated as being of “Least Concern”. Although the Tree Sparrow has been expanding its range in Fennoscandia and east Europe, its population has been declining in much of west Europe, a trend reflected in other farmland birds such as the Skylark and Corn Bunting. The collapse in population seems to have been particularly severe in the UK where there was a 93% decline between 1970 and 2008. However, recent Breeding Bird Survey data is encouraging and suggests that numbers may have started to increase albeit from a very low point. The decrease in population is probably the result of agricultural intensification and specialisation, particularly the increased use of herbicides and a trend towards autumn-sown crops at the expense of spring-sown crops that produce stubble fields in winter. The change from mixed to specialised farming and the increased use of insecticides has reduced the amount of insect food available for chicks. Date: 21st May 2013 Location: Biebrza area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813375.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10836759445d0dde5ee959b.jpgFulmars The (Northern) Fulmar is a highly abundant seabird found primarily in subarctic regions of the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans. Though similar in appearance to gulls, the 2 species of fulmars (Northern and Southern) are in fact members of a different seabird family which include petrels and shearwaters. The Fulmar’s latin name, Fulmarus glacialis can be broken down to the Old Norse word full meaning "foul" and mar meaning "gull". "Foul-gull" is in reference to its stomach oil and also its superficial similarity to gulls. Finally, glacialis is Latin for "glacial" reflecting its extreme northern range. The Fulmar is generally grey and white with a pale yellow and thick bill and bluish legs. However there is both a light morph and a dark morph. Like other petrels, their walking ability is limited but they are strong fliers with a stiff wing action quite unlike the gulls. The Fulmar also looks bull-necked compared to gulls and it has a short stubby bill. The Fulmar is estimated to have between 15 to 30 million mature individuals that occupy a range of around 11 million square miles. Its range increased greatly last century due to the availability of fish offal from commercial fleets but may contract because of less food from this source and climate change. The population increase has been especially notable in the UK. The Fulmar starts breeding at between 6 and 12 years old. It is monogamous, forms long term pair bonds, returns to the same nest site year after year and nests in large colonies. The nest is a scrape on a grassy cliff ledge or a saucer of vegetation on the ground lined with softer material and recently they have started nesting on rooftops and buildings. The Fulmar feeds on shrimp, fish, squid, plankton, jellyfish and carrion as well as refuse. When eating fish, it will dive up to several feet deep to retrieve its prey. Date: 10th June 2019 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/may-2011-grass-snake https://images.on-this.website/4752_2024491614e3a5e5ad6e51.jpgMay 2011 - Grass Snake Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo10073262.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28885511.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_77974139757cc3274e4b67.jpgSoomaa National Park, Estonia The Soomaa National Park (Soomaa means "land of bogs") is located about 20 miles east of Pärnu and it was established in 1993 to protect a wilderness of bogs, fens, wet mixed forests, wooded meadows and carrs. It is also included in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance. The territory of the Soomaa National Park is mostly covered with large bogs, separated from each other by the tributaries of the Pärnu river, namely the Navesti, Halliste, Raudna and Lemmjõgi rivers. Every spring the Pärnu river and its tributaries flood and vast areas are inundated. The flood has been called the “fifth season” in Soomaa. Much of the Soomaa National Park is very difficult to access but it can be partially explored by a network of dusty gravel tracks and a minor road between Jõesuu and Kildu. The Soomaa National Park supports a wide range of breeding birds and the floods attract large numbers of migrating wildfowl and waders. As a large wilderness area, Soomaa National Park is also home to numerous species of large mammals including Brown Bear, Wolf, Lynx, Beaver, Elk and Wild Boar. Date: 15th May 2016 Location: Halliste river, Soomaa National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21959153.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_487846053da61ac49c6e.jpgCommon Guillemots The Common Guillemot, also known as the Common Murre or Thin-billed Murre, is a large species of auk. The auks are a family of seabirds which includes the Brunnich's Guillemot or Thick-billed Murre, Razorbill, Little Auk and the extinct Great Auk. The Common Guillemot is 15 to 18 inches in length with a 24 to 29 inches wingspan. In breeding plumage, it is black or dark brown on the head, back and wings with white underparts. It has a thin dark pointed bill and a small rounded dark tail. Legs are grey and the bill is dark grey. Males and females are identical. Some individuals in the North Atlantic, known as "Bridled Guillemots", have a white ring around the eye extending back as a white line. This is not a distinct subspecies but a polymorphism that becomes more common the farther north the birds breed. The Common Guillemot flies with fast wing beats and has a flight speed of around 50 mph. Groups of birds are often seen flying together in a line just above the surface of the sea. However, it is not a very agile bird and take-off is often difficult. The Common Guillemot becomes flightless for 45 to 60 days while moulting its primary feathers. The Common Guillemot is a pursuit diver that forages for food by swimming underwater using its wings for propulsion. Dives usually last less than one minute but the bird swims underwater for distances of over 100 feet on a regular basis. Diving depths up to 590 feet have been recorded. The Common Guillemot has a circumpolar distribution and it occurs in low Arctic and boreal waters in the north Atlantic and north Pacific. It spends most of its time at sea and only comes to land to breed on rocky cliffs, sea stacks and islands. Some birds are permanent residents but northern birds migrate south to open waters off New England, southern California, Japan, Korea and the western Mediterranean. The Common Guillemot breeds in colonies at high densities and nesting pairs may be in bodily contact with their neighbours. No nest is made and the single egg is laid and incubated on a bare rock ledge on a cliff face. The egg hatches after 30 days incubation and the chick is born downy and can regulate its body temperature after 10 days. Some 20 days after hatching the chick jumps off its nesting ledge and heads for the sea unable to fly but gliding for some distance with fluttering wings and accompanied by its male parent. The chicks are capable of diving as soon as they hit the water. The female stays at the nest site for some 14 days after the chick has left. The Common Guillemot can venture far from its breeding grounds to forage and distances of 60 miles or more are often observed although if sufficient food is available closer by, birds will only travel much shorter distances. It mainly eats small schooling fish 8 inches long or less such as Polar Cod, Capelin, Sand Lances, Sprats, Sandeels, Atlantic Cod and Atlantic Herring. It also eats some molluscs, marine worms, squid and crustaceans. It is often seen carrying fish in its bill with the tail hanging out. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Staple Island, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39081944.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1430970025d30786464350.jpgGolden Oriole The Golden Oriole is the only member of the oriole family breeding in Northern Hemisphere temperate regions. The male is striking with its bright yellow body and black wings but the female is a drabber green-yellow colour. In flight it looks somewhat like a thrush, strong and direct with some shallow undulating dips over longer distances. The Golden Oriole is a secretive bird which keeps to the high tree canopy and even the male is remarkably difficult to see in the dappled yellow and green leaves of the canopy. It can be heard, most often at dawn, giving its distinctive fluting whistle, [i] or-iii-ole[/i], which is unmistakable once heard. It also gives a screeching call similar to the Jay. The summer breeding range of the Golden Oriole spans from west Europe and Scandinavia east to China and it winters in central and south Africa. It can be found in a range of habitats. In west Europe it prefers open broadleaf forests and plantations, copses, riverine forest, orchards and large gardens. In east Europe it may prefer more continuous forest as well as mixed or coniferous forests. It generally avoids treeless habitats but it may forage there. In its wintering habitat it can be found in semi-arid to humid woodland, tall forests, riverine forest, woodland/savannah mosaic and savannah. In the UK, the Golden Oriole is most often seen as a passage migrant in May and June in a suitable breeding area, particularly large poplar plantations near water. It previously bred in the poplar plantations at Lakenheath RSPB reserve in Suffolk. The Golden Oriole may delay breeding until it is 2 or 3 years old. Males usually arrive at the breeding area several days before the females. The fidelity to a territory or even to a specific nest site suggests that the pair bond may continue from one breeding season to the next. The nest is placed high in a tree towards the edge of the crown. The deep cup-shaped nest is suspended below a horizontal fork of thin branches. It is built by the female but the male will sometimes gather some of the material. The female lays and incubates between 3 and 5 eggs but the male will also incubate for short periods to allow the female to feed. The eggs hatch after 16 to 17 days and the young are fed by both parents but are mostly brooded by the female. The young fledge after 16 to 17 days. The Golden Oriole feeds on insects and fruit. Date: 17th May 2018 Location: Vetren, Silistra Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/unknown-location-north-west-iceland https://images.on-this.website/4752_1762550465563514ba8d142.jpgUnknown location, north west Iceland Date: 4th June 2015 http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51984017.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_107781048966d3476478884.jpgGatekeeper Flight period: mid-July to early September. The Gatekeeper or Hedge Brown is common and widespread throughout the southern half of the UK. They can be found in areas with hedgerows or in scrubby woodland with wide and sunny rides. Date: 28th July 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38397345.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7921787285ce128377578f.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 12th May 2019 Location: Gilfach RWT reserve, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/river-wharfe-north-yorkshire https://images.on-this.website/4752_1274584193467f1c1194735.jpgRiver Wharfe, North Yorkshire The River Wharfe is one of the most famous rivers in Yorkshire. Between Bolton Abbey and Barden Bridge are the Strid Woods which are well known for the variety of birds, animals and insects that frequent them. The Strid itself is a notorious stretch of water where the River Wharfe is forced into a deep and narrow thundering channel. Date: 10th May 2005 Location: view from Strid Woods off the B6160 road north of Bolton Abbey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26270430.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_106472058156655322bf555.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 4th December 2015 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9564714.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5111552564daec7f458801.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 06/02/07 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37399611.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7697924165c6697a26cc38.jpgAtlantic Grey Seals The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 9th December 2018 Location: Winterton-Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493237.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17394234315f326d8e1b692.jpgHornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Hornøya is a small uninhabited island lying in the Barents Sea in Troms og Finnmark in the extreme north east of Norway. It lies just east of the larger island of Vardøya where the town of Vardø is located. The island is the easternmost point of Norway. Vardø Lighthouse is situated at the highest point of the island, at an elevation of 213 feet above sea level, and it protects the shipping lanes around the town of Vardø. Daily boat trips run to Hornøya between 1st March and 1st September from Vardø harbour offering the chance to spend several hours on the island. The seabird colony at Hornøya hosts approximately 100,000 seabirds of up to 11 breeding species. The cliffs are dominated by Common Guillemot, Razorbill, Puffin and Kittiwake. Around 500 pairs of Brünnich´s Guillemots, an auk distributed across the polar and sub-polar regions of the Northern Hemisphere, breed between the Common Guillemots. During the seabird breeding season, visitors to Hornøya have a good chance of seeing White-tailed Eagle and Gyrfalcon hunting along the cliffs. In addition to the huge number of birds, Hornøya is also a good location to see Atlantic Grey Seals, Orcas and occasionally Belugas. Hornøya is open to the public but, due to its status as a nature reserve, visitors must stay within the designated areas during the breeding season and it is forbidden to pick plants or disturb the wildlife of the island. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Biotope bird shelter (occupied by Shags!), Hornøya, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21955709.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_87999842953da222f54412.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Staple Island, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5094185.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13116222424bfaac79a6aba.jpgBarn Owl With a heart shaped face, buff back and wings and pure white under-parts the Barn Owl is a distinctive and much-loved bird of the countryside. Barn Owls are widely distributed across the UK and can be seen all year round sometimes during the day but normally at dusk in open country and along field edges, riverbanks and roadside verges. Barn Owls have suffered population declines over the past 50 years as a result of habitat degradation following increasing intensive agricultural practices. However, that decline has stopped in many areas and their population may now be increasing. Date: 23rd May 2010 Location: Lakenheath Fen, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833239.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1279452407559ce9813f04a.jpgWhite Pelicans The White Pelican is a huge bird, with only the Dalmatian Pelican averaging larger amongst the pelicans. The wingspan of the White Pelican can range from 7.41 to 11.8 feet, with the latter measurement the largest recorded among flying animals outside of the great albatrosses. The total length can range from 55 to 71 inches with the enormous bill comprising 11.5 to 18.5 inches of that length. The immature White Pelican is grey with dark flight feathers. In breeding condition the male has pinkish skin on its face and the female has orangey skin. It differs from the Dalmatian pelican by its pure white, rather than greyish-white, plumage, a bare pink facial patch around the eye and pinkish legs. Males are larger than females, and have a long beak that grows in a downwards arc, as opposed to the shorter, straighter beak of the female. In flight, it is an elegant soaring bird, with the head held close to and aligned with the body by a downward bend in the neck. The White Pelican is well adapted for aquatic life. The short strong legs and webbed feet propel it in water and aid the rather awkward takeoff from the water surface. Once aloft, the long-winged pelicans are powerful fliers, however, and often travel in spectacular V-formation groups. The White Pelican is usually found in and around shallow warm fresh water. Well scattered groups of breeding pelicans occur through Eurasia from the eastern Mediterranean to Vietnam. In Eurasia, fresh or brackish waters may be inhabited and the White Pelican may be found in lakes, deltas, lagoons and marshes, usually with dense reed beds nearby for nesting purposes. Additionally, sedentary populations are found year-round in Africa, south of the Sahara Desert although these are patchy. Migratory populations are found from Eastern Europe to Kazakhstan during the breeding season. They arrive in late March or early April and depart after breeding from September to late November. Wintering locations for European White Pelicans are not exactly known but wintering birds may occur in north east Africa through Iraq to north India, with a particularly large number of breeders from Asia wintering around Pakistan. The diet of the White Pelican consists mainly of fish and they leave their roost to feed early in the mornings and may fly over 60 miles in search of food. The White Pelican's pouch serves simply as a scoop. As it pushes its bill underwater, the lower bill bows out creating a large pouch which fills with water and fish. As the bird lifts its head, the pouch contracts and forces out the water but retaining the fish. A group of 6 to 8 White Pelicans will gather in a horseshoe formation in the water to feed together. They dip their bills in unison, creating a circle of open pouches, ready to trap every fish in the area. Most feeding is co-operative and done in groups, especially in shallow waters where fish schools can be corralled easily. White Pelicans are not restricted to fish, however, and are often opportunistic foragers. In addition, they also eat crustaceans, tadpoles and even turtles and will readily accept handouts from humans. The White Pelican breeding season commences in April or May in temperate zones, essentially all year round in Africa and begins in February through April in India. Large numbers of White Pelicans breed together in colonies. Nest locations are variable with some populations making stick nests in trees but a majority nest in scrapes on the ground lined with grass, sticks, feathers and other material. Date: 13th May 2015 Location: Great Prespa Lake (Megali Prespa), West Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo441575.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_149397403467eeae98a39a.jpgDate: 24th December 2006 Location: Camas nan Geall and Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41205493.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12488568635eb9798d26a90.jpgGreylag Goose The Greylag Goose is the ancestor of most domestic geese but is also the largest and bulkiest of the wild geese native to the UK and Europe. In many parts of the UK it has been re-established by releasing birds in suitable areas but the resulting flocks found around gravel pits, lakes and reservoirs all year round in southern Britain tend to be semi-tame. The native birds and wintering flocks found on lochs in northern Scotland and on some Scottish islands retain the special appeal of truly wild geese. Date: 10th May 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37399586.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20054215675c66972f358db.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 9th December 2018 Location: Winterton-Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/firth-of-lorne-and-mull https://images.on-this.website/4752_2258231255a106b88da7f4.jpgDate: 5th November 2017 Location: Firth of Lorne and Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14036888.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1866451864f213cfbb6af2.jpgBewick's Swan The Tundra Swan is a small Holarctic swan. The 2 taxa within it are usually regarded as conspecific but are also sometimes split into 2 species: the Bewick's Swan of the Palaearctic and the Whistling Swan of the Nearctic. The Bewick's Swan was named in 1830 by William Yarrell after the engraver Thomas Bewick who specialised in illustrations of birds and animals. The Bewick's Swan measures 45 to 55 inches in length with a wing span of 18.5 to 21.5 inches. Males are slightly larger and heavier than females. It is similar in appearance to the Whooper Swan but is smaller, shorter-necked and has a more rounded head shape. It has a variable bill pattern but always shows more black than yellow and having a blunt forward edge of the yellow base patch. The Whooper Swan has a bill that has more yellow than black and the forward edge of the yellow patch is usually pointed. The bill pattern for every individual Bewick's Swan is unique and scientists often make detailed drawings of each bill and assign names to the swans to assist with studying these birds. As their common name implies, the Tundra Swan breeds in the Arctic and sub-Arctic tundra where they inhabit shallow pools, lakes and rivers. Unlike the Mute Swan, but like the other Arctic swans, it is a migratory bird. The winter habitat is mainly grassland and marshland, often near the coast. The breeding range of the Bewick’s Swan extends across the coastal lowlands of Siberia from the Kola Peninsula east to the Pacific. It starts to arrive in its breeding range around mid-May and leaves for its winter range around the end of September. The populations west of the Taimyr Peninsula migrate via the White Sea, Baltic Sea and the Elbe estuary to winter in Denmark, the Netherlands and the UK where it is common in winter on a few RSPB and WWT reserves. Some birds also winter elsewhere on the southern shores of the North Sea. The Bewick’s Swans that breed in eastern Russia migrate via Mongolia and north China to winter in the coastal regions of Korea, Japan and south China, south to Guangdong and occasionally as far as Taiwan. A few birds from the central Siberian range also winter in Iran at the south of the Caspian Sea. Arrival in the winter range starts about mid-October although most birds spend weeks or even months at favourite resting locations and will only arrive in the winter range in November or even as late as January. Departure from the winter range starts in mid-February. Bewick’s Swans mate in the late spring, usually after they have returned to the breeding range. As is usual for swans, they pair monogamously until one partner dies. Should one partner die long before the other, the surviving bird often will not mate again for several years or even for the rest of its life. The nesting season starts at the end of May. The pair build the large mound-shaped nest from plant material at an elevated site near open water and they defend a large territory around it. The pen (female) lays and incubates a clutch of 2 to 7 (usually 3 to 5) eggs whilst the cob (male) keeps a steady lookout for potential predators heading towards his mate and offspring. The time from egg laying to hatching is 29 to 30 days. Since they nest in cold regions, Bewick’s Swan cygnets grow faster than those of swans breeding in warmer climates and they may fledge in 40 to 45 days. Cygnets stay with their parents for the first winter migration and the family is sometimes even joined by their offspring from previous breeding seasons while on the wintering grounds. Bewick’s Swans do not reach sexual maturity until 3 or 4 years of age. In summer, the diet of the Bewick’s Swan consists mainly of aquatic vegetation which it finds by sticking its head underwater or upending while swimming. It will also eat some grass growing on dry land. At other times of the year, leftover grains and other crops such as potatoes, picked up in open fields after harvest, make up much of the diet. Healthy adult Bewick’s Swans have few natural predators. The Arctic Fox may threaten breeding females and particular the eggs and hatchlings. Adults typically can stand their ground and displace foxes but occasionally the foxes are successful. Other potential nest predators include the Red Fox, the Brown Bear, the Golden Eagle, the Arctic Skua and the Glaucous Gull. The Brown Bear, the Golden Eagle and the Wolf may occasionally succeed at capturing and killing an adult. About 15% adults die each year from various causes and the average lifespan in the wild is about 10 years. The status of the Bewick's Swan is not well known although its population is in decline in north west Europe for largely unexplained reasons. It is increasingly dependent on agricultural crops to supplement its winter diet as aquatic vegetation in its winter habitat declines due to habitat destruction and water pollution. However, the main cause of adult mortality is hunting and, whilst the Bewick's Swan can not be hunted legally, almost half the birds studied contain lead shot in their bodies, indicating that they were shot at by poachers. Lead poisoning by ingestion of lead shot is also a very significant cause of mortality. The Bewick's Swan is one of the birds to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 6th January 2012 Location: Walland Marsh, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/long-tailed-tit https://images.on-this.website/4752_14402178134daeb0d69e75b.jpgLong-tailed Tit The Long-tailed Tit is easily recognisable with its distinctive colouring, a tail that is bigger than its body, and undulating flight. They are most usually noticed in small, excitable flocks of about 20 birds as they rove the woods, hedgerows and gardens often with other tit species. Long-tailed Tits can be seen all year round and throughout the UK except the far north and west of Scotland. Date: 11/02/07 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31192326.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_222117247591823e2ee93d1.20910951.jpgCommon Redstart The Common Redstart, or often simply Redstart, is a small passerine bird. Like its relatives, it was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family but it is now known to be an Old World flycatcher. The Common Redstart shows some affinity to the Robin in many of its habits and actions. It has the same general carriage and chat-like behaviour and it is the same length but slightly slimmer and not quite as heavy. The orange-red tail, from which it and other redstarts get their names ("start" is an old word for "tail"), is frequently quivered. Among common European birds, only the Black Redstart has a similarly coloured tail. In summer, the male Common Redstart has a slate-grey head and upperparts, except the rump and tail, which, like the flanks, underwing coverts and axillaries, are orange-chestnut. The forehead is white and the sides of the face and throat are black. The wings and the two central tail feathers are brown and the other tail feathers are bright orange-red. The orange on the flanks shades to almost white on the belly. The bill and legs are black. In autumn, pale feather fringes on the body feathering obscures the colours of the male and gives it a washed-out appearance. The female is browner with paler underparts and it lacks the black and slate head. The Common Redstart is a summer visitor throughout most of Europe and west Asia (east to Lake Baikal) and also in north west Africa in Morocco. It can be found in open mature birch and oak woodland with low amounts of shrub and understorey especially where the trees are old enough to have holes suitable for its nest. It prefers to nest on the edge of woodland clearings in natural tree holes so dead trees or those with dead limbs are beneficial to it. It also nests in mature open conifer woodland, particularly in the north of the breeding range, and nestboxes are sometimes used. In the UK, the Common Redstart occurs primarily in broadleaf woodlands in upland areas in the north and west with the greatest concentrations in Wales. Further east in Europe it also commonly occurs in lowland areas including parks and old gardens in urban areas. The Common Redstart winters in central Africa and Arabia, south of the Sahara Desert but north of the Equator and from Senegal east to Yemen. It first arrives in its breeding areas in early to mid April, the males often a few days in advance of the females. Following breeding, return migration to Africa occurs between mid August and early October. The Common Redstart is insectivorous and eats a wide variety of small insects and spiders but additionally fruit and berries in the autumn. It often feeds like a flycatcher and makes aerial sallies after passing insects. Date: 8th May 2017 Location: Gilfach RWT reserve, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28102072.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15351810975777a002b2ffa.jpgCommon Buzzard The Common Buzzard is a member of the genus [I]Buteo[/I] and the family [i]Accipitridae[/i], a group of medium-sized raptors with robust bodies and broad wings. The [I]Buteo[/I] species of Eurasia and Africa are usually commonly referred to as buzzards whilst those in the Americas are called hawks. Under current classification, the genus [I]Buteo[/I] includes approximately 28 species. The Common Buzzard includes between 7 to 16 sub-species and the western [i]Buteo[/i] group includes [i]Buteo buteo buteo[/i] which is found more or less continuously throughout Europe including the UK. The Common Buzzard is a medium-sized raptor that is highly variable in plumage. It is distinctly round headed with a somewhat slender bill and it has relatively long wings that either reach or fall slightly short of the tail tip when perched, a fairly short tail and somewhat short and mainly bare tarsi. It can appear fairly compact in overall appearance but may also appear large relative to other commoner raptors such as the Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. The Common Buzzard measures between 16 and 23 inches in length with a 3 feet 7 inches to 4 feet 7 inches wingspan. Females average about 2 to 7% larger than males in length and weigh about 15% more. Body mass can show considerable variation from 0.94 to 2.6 pounds in males and 1.07 to 3.02 pounds in females. In Europe, the Common Buzzard is typically dark brown above and on the upperside of the head and mantle but this can become paler and warmer brown with worn plumage. Usually the tail will be narrowly barred grey-brown and dark brown with a pale tip and a broad dark subterminal band but the tail in the palest birds can show a varying amount of white and a reduced sub-terminal band or even appear almost all white. The underside colouring can be variable but typically shows a brown-streaked white throat with a somewhat darker chest. A pale U across the breast is often present followed by a pale line running down the belly which separates the dark areas on the breast side and flanks. These pale areas tend to have highly variable markings that form irregular bars. Juveniles are quite similar to adults and are best told apart by having a paler eye, a narrower sub-terminal band on the tail and underside markings that appear as streaks rather than bars. Beyond the typical mid-range brownish Common Buzzard, birds in Europe can range from almost uniform black-brown above to mainly white. Extreme dark individuals may range from chocolate-brown to blackish with almost no pale colour showing but with a variable or faded U on the breast and with or without faint lighter brown throat streaks. Extreme pale individuals are largely whitish with variable widely spaced streaks or arrowheads of light brown about the mid-chest and flanks and may or may not show dark feather-centres on the head, wing-coverts and sometimes all but part of the mantle. Individuals can show nearly endless variation of colours and hues in between these extremes and the Common Buzzard is among the most variably plumaged diurnal raptors for this reason. The Common Buzzard is often confused with other raptors especially in flight or at a distance including other [i]Buteo[/i] species such as Rough-legged Buzzard and Long-legged Buzzard and also Honey Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, Golden Eagle, Booted Eagle and Short-toed Eagle. The Common Buzzard is found throughout several islands in the eastern Atlantic islands, including the Canary Islands and the Azores, and almost throughout Europe. In the UK, it is found in Northern Ireland and in nearly every part of Scotland and England. In mainland Europe, there are no substantial gaps in the range from Portugal and Spain to Greece, Estonia, Belarus and the Ukraine, although it is present mainly only in the breeding season in much of the eastern half of the latter 3 countries. It is also present in all larger Mediterranean islands such as Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily and Crete. Further north in to Scandinavia, it is found mainly in south Norway, the southern half of Sweden and in the southern two-thirds of Finland. The Common Buzzard reaches its northern limit as a breeder in far eastern Finland and over the border in to European Russia and nearly to the Kola Peninsula. In these northern limits, the Common Buzzard is present typically only in summer. The Common Buzzard generally inhabits the interface of woodlands and open ground and typically lives in forest edge, small broad-leaved, coniferous or mixed woodlands with adjacent grassland, arable fields or other farmland and open moorland as long as there are some trees. It is absent from treeless tundra and sporadic or rare in treeless steppe. The Common Buzzard can be found from sea level to elevations of 6600 feet although it breeds mostly below 3300 feet. It can winter to an elevation of 8200 feet and migrates easily at 14,800 feet. The Common Buzzard is a partial migrant. Autumn and spring movements are subject to extensive variation, even down to the individual level, based on a region's food resources, competition (both from other Common Buzzards and other predators), the extent of human disturbance and weather conditions. Short distance movements are the norm for juveniles and some adults in autumn and winter but more adults in central and south Europe and the UK remain in their year-around areas than do not. The Common Buzzard is a typical [I]Buteo[/I] in much of its behaviour. It is most often seen effortlessly soaring for extended periods at varying heights although it can appear laborious and heavy in level flight. It is also often seen perched prominently on tree tops, bare branches, telegraph poles, fence posts, rocks or ledges or alternatively well inside the tree canopy. It will also stand and forage on the ground. The Common Buzzard is a generalist predator which hunts a wide variety of prey given the opportunity. The prey extents to a wide variety of vertebrates including mammals, birds (from any age from eggs to adult birds), reptiles, amphibians and fish as well as to various invertebrates, mostly insects. In total, well over 300 prey species are known to be taken by the Common Buzzard. However, dietary studies have shown that it mostly preys upon small mammals, mainly small rodents. Furthermore, prey size can vary from tiny beetles, caterpillars and ants to large adult grouse and Rabbits up to nearly twice their body mass. At times, the Common Buzzard will also subsist partially on carrion, usually of dead mammals or fish. Hunting in relatively open areas has been found to increase hunting success whereas more complete shrub cover lowered success. A majority of prey is taken by dropping from a perch and is normally taken on the ground. Prey may also be hunted in a low flight, by random glides or soars or by foraging on the ground. The home range of the Common Buzzard is generally 0.19 to 0.77 square miles and the size of the breeding territory seems to be correlated with food supply. The territory is maintained through flight displays and in Europe territorial behaviour usually starts in February. However, displays are not uncommon throughout the year in resident pairs, especially by males, and can elicit similar displays by their neighbours. In the display, the Common Buzzard generally engages in high circling, spiraling upward on slightly raised wings. Mutual high circling by pairs sometimes goes on at length, especially during the period prior to or during breeding season. During the mutual displays, the male may engage in exaggerated deep flapping or zig-zag tumbling, apparently in response to the female being too distant. Several pairs may circle together at times and as many as 14 individual adults have been recorded over established display sites. Sky-dancing by the Common Buzzard has been recorded in spring and autumn, typically by the male but sometimes by the female, nearly always with much calling. Sky-dances are of the rollercoaster type, with an upward sweep of up to 100 feet until the bird starts start to stall but sometimes embellished with loops or rolls at the top. Next in the sky-dance, the bird will dive at least 200 feet on more or less closed wings before spreading them and shooting up again. These sky-dances may be repeated in series of 10 to 20. In the climax of the sky-dance, the undulations become progressively shallower, often slowing and terminating directly on to a perch. Various other aerial displays include low contour flight or weaving among trees, frequently with deep beats and exaggerated upstrokes which show underwing pattern to rivals perched below. Talon grappling and occasionally cartwheeling downward with feet interlocked has also been recorded. The Common Buzzard tends to build a bulky nest of sticks, twigs and often heather and lined with broad-leaved foliage. Nests are up to 3.3 to 3.9 feet across and 24 inches deep. With reuse over years, the diameter of a nest can reach or exceed 5 feet. Trees are generally used for a nesting location but crags or cliffs are used if trees are unavailable. Nests in trees are usually located by the main trunk at a height of around 10 to 82 feet. Pairs often have 2 to 4 nests in a territory but some pairs may use a single nest over several consecutive years. The breeding season of the Common Buzzard commences at differing times based on latitude. It may fall as early as January to April but typically it is March to July in most of Europe. In the northern limits of the range the breeding season may occur from May to August. Mating usually occurs on or near the nest and eggs are usually laid in 2 to 3 day intervals. The clutch size can range from to 2 to 6 and it appears that local factors such as habitat and food supply are relevant. Eggs are generally laid in late March to early April in the extreme south, sometime in April in most of Europe and in to May and possibly even early June in the extreme north. If eggs are lost to a predator or fail in some other way, replacement clutches are not usually laid although this has been recorded. Incubation lasts for 33 to 35 days and is mostly, but not solely, undertaken by the female. Hatching may take place over 3 to 7 days. Often the youngest nestling dies from starvation, especially in broods of 3 or more. The female remains at the nest brooding the young in the early stages with the male bringing all prey. At about 8 to 12 days, both the male and female will bring prey but the female continues to do all feeding until the young can tear up their own prey. The young are nearly fully feathered rather than downy at about a month of age and can start to feed themselves as well. The first attempts to leave the nest are often at about 40 to 50 days. Fledging occurs typically at 43 to 54 days but in extreme cases as late 62 days. After leaving the nest, the young generally stay close by until full independence 6 to 8 weeks after fledging. Numerous factors may influence the breeding success of the Common Buzzard including the availability of prey populations, habitat, disturbance and persecution levels and competition. The Common Buzzard is one of the most numerous birds of prey in its range and it is the most numerous diurnal bird of prey throughout much of Europe. Date: 12th June 2016 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17055179.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_131707108350ded07387afc.jpgMute Swan The Mute Swan is a species of swan native to much of Eurasia. Despite its Eurasian origin, its closest relatives are the Black Swan of Australia and the Black-necked Swan of south America, not the other Northern Hemisphere swans such as the Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan. The name “mute” derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. The adult Mute Swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob at the top of the beak. All Mute Swans are white at maturity although the feathers (particularly on the head and neck) are often stained orange-brown by iron and tannins in the water. Young birds (cygnets) are not the bright white colour of mature adults and their bill is dull greyish-black for the first year. The plumage may range from pure white to grey to buff with grey/buff being the most common. Cygnets typically retain their grey/buff feathers until they are at least 1 year old. On average, the Mute Swan is the second largest waterfowl species after the Trumpeter Swan although the male Mute Swan can easily match or even exceed a male Trumpeter Swan in mass. The adult Mute Swan typically ranges from 55 to 63 inches in length (although it can range in extreme cases from 49 to 67 inches) with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. Males (cobs) are larger than females (pens) and have a larger knob on their bill. The Mute Swan is one of the heaviest flying birds. In several studies from the UK, males were found to average from about 23.4 to 26.2 pounds, with a weight range of 20 to 32 pounds, while the slightly smaller females were found to average about 18.7 to 21.3 pounds, with a weight range of 17 to 23 pounds. The Mute Swan is less vocal than the noisy Bewick's Swan and Whooper Swan although it does make a variety of grunting, hoarse whistling and snorting noises, especially in communicating with their cygnets and threatening competitors or intruders trying to enter their territory. The most familiar sound associated with the Mute Swan is the vibrant throbbing of the wings in flight which is unique to the species and this can be heard from a range of up to 1 mile. The Mute Swan is found naturally mainly in the temperate areas of Europe across west Asia and as far east as Primorsky Krai in the far east of Russia. It is partially migratory throughout the northern latitudes in Europe and Asia as far south as north Africa and the Mediterranean. It is also often kept in captivity outside its natural range as a decoration for parks and ponds and escapes have occurred. The descendants of such birds have become naturalised in east USA and the Great Lakes region across the USA and Canada border. The Mute Swan population in the UK has increased recently probably due to better protection of this species. Some birds are resident all year whilst others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into east England. Mute Swans nest on large mounds that they build with waterside vegetation in shallow water on islands in the middle or at the very edge of a lake. It is a monogamous species and often reuses the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Males and females share the care of the nest. The female lays from 4 to 10 eggs and broods for around 36 days. Cygnets are unable to fly before an age of 120 to 150 days and this limits the distribution of the species in the northern edge of its range since the cygnets must learn to fly before the water freezes. The Mute Swan is usually strongly territorial with just a single pair on smaller lakes although in a few locations where a large area of suitable feeding habitat is found they can be colonial. The largest colonies can hold over 100 pairs such as that at the colony at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset in the UK. Non-mated juveniles up to 3 to 4 years old commonly form larger flocks often at regular traditional sites and these can total several hundred birds. The Mute Swan can be very aggressive in defence of its nest and it is highly protective of its mate and offspring. Most defensive attacks from a Mute Swan begin with a loud hiss and, if this is not sufficient to drive off the predator, are followed by a physical attack. It attacks by smashing at its enemy with bony spurs in the wings accompanied by biting with its large bill. Smaller waterbirds such as ducks are normally grabbed with the bill and dragged or thrown clear. Large waterfowl, such as the Canada Goose, more likely out of competition than in response to potential predation, may be aggressively driven off. The wings of the Mute Swan are very powerful although not strong enough to break an adult man's leg as has been claimed anecdotally. The Mute Swan feeds on a wide range of vegetation, both submerged aquatic plants which they reach with their long necks and by grazing on land. The food commonly includes agricultural crop plants such as oilseed rape and wheat and feeding flocks in the winter may cause significant crop damage, often as much through trampling with their large webbed feet as through direct consumption. Date: 16th November 2012 Location: Musselburgh, East Lothian http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21215532.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1545648138537dba908a914.jpgSpeckled Wood Flight period: April to September. The Speckled Wood is widespread in the southern half of England and in Wales and is expanding its range northwards. They can be found in woodland rides and glades and also along hedgerows and in gardens. Date: 5th May 2014 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37399612.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18141209345c6697aa3f481.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 9th December 2018 Location: Winterton-Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39085031.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20546796795d3089f2d7056.jpgPiatra Craiului Mountains, Brașov County, Romania The Piatra Craiului Mountains are a mountain range in the Southern Carpathians in central Romania. It forms a narrow and saw-like ridge which is about 16 miles long. Vârful La Om is the highest peak at 7343 feet. The ridge is regarded as one of the most impressive and beautiful sites in the Carpathian Mountians and the views both towards and from the mountains are superb. The whole range is included in the Piatra Craiului National Park. The first protection of this area started in 1938 when 2 square miles were declared as a nature reserve. This has been progressively extended and in 1990 it became a national park covering an area of 38 square miles. In 2003 the external limits and internal zoning were created. Since 1999 a park administration has existed with a visitor centre located on the minor road 0.6 miles west of Zărnești and since 2005 a management plan has been in place. Piatra Craiului National Park supports and protects an abundance and diversity of mammals (including Brown Bear, Wolf and Lynx), birds and plants. Zărneşti is the most important town for visiting the Piatra Craiului Mountains and the Piatra Craiului National Park. The town is located 17 miles south west of the city of Brașov. From Zărnești, a 7 mile long minor road runs west and ends at Cabana Plaiul Foii which is a good starting point for climbing the ridge. In addition, a forest road starts from the south west of Zărneşti which leads to the Zărneştilor Gorge and continues up to the ridge. The traditional villages of Măgura, Peştera, Ciocanu and Şirnea are starting points for routes up to the eastern slopes. Măgura, situated at 3281 feet, is one of Romania’s most picturesque villages and it provides stunning views towards the Bucegi Mountains and the Piatra Craiului Mountains. Date: 6th June 2018 Location: Piatra Craiului Mountains from the Bran Pass, Moieciu de Jos, Brașov County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813384.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4784614405d0dde8c3ff92.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 10th June 2019 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084477.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16895002695d30874725ba0.jpgMarsh Warbler The Marsh Warbler is a medium-sized Old World warbler in the genus [I]Acrocephalus[/I]. It has olive green-brown upperparts, yellowish-white underparts, a white throat, a pale stripe in front of the eye and pale legs The Marsh Warbler is very similar in appearance to several other [I]Acrocephalus[/I] warblers such as the Reed Warbler which also occurs in wetlands and has a similar breeding range. The male's distinctive song is useful for identification since no other member of the genus mimics other birds to any significant extent. The Marsh Warbler also tends to avoid large reedbeds which are the Reed Warbler's favoured habitat. The Marsh Warbler breeds in the middle latitudes of Europe and west Asia from the English Channel to about 70 degrees east. It mainly occupies areas with a continental climate but breeds, or has bred, in the UK and northern France as well. In recent decades it has expanded its range to the north, with increasing numbers of birds breeding in Scandinavia and north west Russia. In west Europe the Marsh Warbler breeds mainly in rank vegetation on damp or seasonally flooded soils and it is particularly attracted to tall herbaceous vegetation and to young osiers and other low woody plants. It may breed in urban brownfield sites with suitable vegetation and also occasionally in arable crops. In the east, it breeds on dry hillsides with shrubs and in open woodland as well as the kind of damper habitats it frequents in the west. The Marsh Warbler is a summer migrant and winters mainly in south east Africa where it can be found in a range of well-vegetated habitats from moist scrub to dense thickets and woodland edge. In the UK, the Marsh Warbler was never widespread and it disappeared from many areas from the 1930s onwards. By the 1970s, it bred in significant numbers only in Worcestershire where around 40 to 70 pairs were recorded each year during that decade. This population was effectively extinct by the end of the 1990s. From the 1970s and 1980s onwards, a very small population slowly developed in south east England, particularly in Kent. However, this population is also now close to extinction. The reasons for the population decline in the UK are not completely understood especially as there appears to be much suitable habitat. The Biodiversity Action Plan for the Marsh Warbler further comments that it is not clear what can be done to conserve the species apart from protecting habitat at known breeding sites and protecting birds from egg collectors and from disturbance. The Marsh Warbler is best known for the highly imitative song given by males and very occasionally by females. Each male incorporates imitations of a wide range of other birds into its song. Other passerines are most commonly imitated but the calls of other species have been noted too. On average, each male bird incorporates imitations of 75 other species into its song with rather more African than northern species mimicked. Learning seems to take place in the summer the bird is hatched in Europe or Asia and in its first winter in Africa. The calls of birds heard in subsequent years are not added to the warbler's repertoire. The Marsh Warbler is mostly insectivorous and generally takes insects from vegetation but sometimes catches them on the ground or in mid-air. In autumn small numbers of berries may be eaten. Date: 3rd June 2018 Location: Sânpaul Fishponds, Harghita County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084487.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15810668635d30874bdb12a.jpgMarsh Warbler The Marsh Warbler is a medium-sized Old World warbler in the genus [I]Acrocephalus[/I]. It has olive green-brown upperparts, yellowish-white underparts, a white throat, a pale stripe in front of the eye and pale legs The Marsh Warbler is very similar in appearance to several other [I]Acrocephalus[/I] warblers such as the Reed Warbler which also occurs in wetlands and has a similar breeding range. The male's distinctive song is useful for identification since no other member of the genus mimics other birds to any significant extent. The Marsh Warbler also tends to avoid large reedbeds which are the Reed Warbler's favoured habitat. The Marsh Warbler breeds in the middle latitudes of Europe and west Asia from the English Channel to about 70 degrees east. It mainly occupies areas with a continental climate but breeds, or has bred, in the UK and northern France as well. In recent decades it has expanded its range to the north, with increasing numbers of birds breeding in Scandinavia and north west Russia. In west Europe the Marsh Warbler breeds mainly in rank vegetation on damp or seasonally flooded soils and it is particularly attracted to tall herbaceous vegetation and to young osiers and other low woody plants. It may breed in urban brownfield sites with suitable vegetation and also occasionally in arable crops. In the east, it breeds on dry hillsides with shrubs and in open woodland as well as the kind of damper habitats it frequents in the west. The Marsh Warbler is a summer migrant and winters mainly in south east Africa where it can be found in a range of well-vegetated habitats from moist scrub to dense thickets and woodland edge. In the UK, the Marsh Warbler was never widespread and it disappeared from many areas from the 1930s onwards. By the 1970s, it bred in significant numbers only in Worcestershire where around 40 to 70 pairs were recorded each year during that decade. This population was effectively extinct by the end of the 1990s. From the 1970s and 1980s onwards, a very small population slowly developed in south east England, particularly in Kent. However, this population is also now close to extinction. The reasons for the population decline in the UK are not completely understood especially as there appears to be much suitable habitat. The Biodiversity Action Plan for the Marsh Warbler further comments that it is not clear what can be done to conserve the species apart from protecting habitat at known breeding sites and protecting birds from egg collectors and from disturbance. The Marsh Warbler is best known for the highly imitative song given by males and very occasionally by females. Each male incorporates imitations of a wide range of other birds into its song. Other passerines are most commonly imitated but the calls of other species have been noted too. On average, each male bird incorporates imitations of 75 other species into its song with rather more African than northern species mimicked. Learning seems to take place in the summer the bird is hatched in Europe or Asia and in its first winter in Africa. The calls of birds heard in subsequent years are not added to the warbler's repertoire. The Marsh Warbler is mostly insectivorous and generally takes insects from vegetation but sometimes catches them on the ground or in mid-air. In autumn small numbers of berries may be eaten. Date: 3rd June 2018 Location: Sânpaul Fishponds, Harghita County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39085264.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6470415125d308a9c78468.jpgFăgăraș Mountains, Sibiu County, Romania The Făgăraș Mountains, commonly known as the “Transylvanian Alps”, are a mountain range in the Southern Carpathians in central Romania. Spread over 43.5 miles from east to west and 28 miles from north to south, the range resembles an immense spine with steep peaks facing north and more gentle ones to the south. The steep north face of the Făgăraș Mountains rises above 8,000 feet and overlooks the Făgăraş Depression or Făgăraş Hollow through which flows the River Olt. The range is bordered to the east by the Piatra Craiului Mountains and by the Oltului Gorge to the west. The mountains are heavily glaciated with lakes, fretted peaks and morainic deposits. The highest peaks, which are also the highest mountains in Romania, are Moldoveanu (8346 feet), Negoiu (8317 feet) and Viștea Mare (8291 feet) and they are covered by snow for 8 to 9 months of the year. There are several other peaks over 8000 feet. Bâlea is the largest lake, Podragu is the deepest lake and the highest lake is in the Hărtopul Leaotei glacial valley. Other lakes include Urlea and Capra. A road known as the Transfăgărășan (road DN7C) runs across the Făgăraș Mountains. It has been described as the "Road to the Sky", the "Road to the Clouds" and the "Best Driving Road in the World" and it is a stunning scenic drive. The road climbs to a height of 6699 feet at Pasul Bâlea, making it the second highest mountain pass in Romania after the Transalpina. It starts at Bascov near Pitești and follows the valley of the River Argea. After mounting the highest point, between the high peaks of Moldoveanu and Negoiu, it descends to Cârțișoara in the valley of the River Olt. It is a winding road and is dotted with steep hairpin turns, long S-curves and sharp descents and it is usually closed from late October until late June because of snow. Depending on the weather, it may remain open until as late as November or it may close even in the summer. The Transfăgărășan has more tunnels (5) and viaducts (27) than any other road in Romania. Near the highest point, at Bâlea Lake, the road passes through Bâlea Tunnel, the longest road tunnel in Romania at 2900 feet. The Transfăgărășan was constructed between 1970 and 1974 during the rule of Nicolae Ceaușescu as a response to the 1968 invasion of Czechoslovakia by the Soviet Union. Ceaușescu wanted to ensure quick military access across the mountains in case of a Soviet Union invasion. At the time, Romania already had several strategic mountain passes through the Southern Carpathians, whether inherited from the pre-Communist era (road DN1 and road DN67C) or built during the initial years of the Communist regime (road DN66). These passes, however, were mainly through river valleys and they would have been easy for the Soviet Union to block and attack. Ceauşescu therefore ordered the construction of a road across the Făgăraş Mountains. Built mainly by junior military forces, the road had a high financial and human cost since work was carried out in an alpine climate at an elevation of 6600 feet. The road was officially opened on 20th September 1974 although work continued until 1980. Date: 7th June 2018 Location: Făgăraș Mountains from near Cârțișoara, Sibiu County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084149.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10575963125d30861645ca2.jpgRila Mountains, Sofia Province, Bulgaria The Rila Mountains are a mountain range in south west Bulgaria and constitute the highest mountain range in the country and the Balkans. It is the sixth highest mountain range in Europe after the Caucasus, the Alps, the Sierra Nevada, the Pyrenees and Mount Etna and the highest one between the Alps and the Caucasus. The Rila Mountains are spread over an area of 1015 square miles with an average altitude of 4879 feet. Musala is its highest peak at 9596 feet. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rila-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rila Mountains have abundant water resources and some of the Balkans' longest and deepest rivers originate here including the longest river entirely in the Balkans, the River Maritsa, and the longest river entirely in Bulgaria, the River Iskar. Bulgaria's main water divide separating the Black Sea and the Aegean Sea drainage systems follows the main ridge of the Rila Mountains. The mountain range is dotted with almost 200 glacial lakes such as the renowned Seven Rila Lakes. It is also rich in hot springs in the fault areas at the foothills including the hottest spring in south east Europe in Sapareva Banya. The Rila Mountains have typical layers of montane habitat ranging from river and stream valleys at lower altitudes to mixed deciduous woodland, coniferous forests and Alpine meadows and lakes at higher altitudes and finally to rocky ridges and bare rugged peaks. The biodiversity and the pristine landscapes are protected by the Rila National Park which is among the largest and most valuable protected areas in Europe. It is the largest national park in Bulgaria covering an area of 313 square miles and it was established in February 1992 to protect several ecosystems of national importance. Its altitude varies from 2600 feet near Blagoevgrad to 9596 feet at the peak of Musala. It occupies territory from 4 of the 28 provinces of the country (Sofia, Kyustendil, Blagoevgrad and Pazardzhik) and it includes 4 nature reserves (Parangalitsa, Central Rila Reserve, Ibar and Skakavitsa). The Rila National Park falls within the Rodope montane mixed forests terrestrial eco-region of the Palearctic temperate broadleaf and mixed forest. Forests occupy 206.5 square miles or 66% of the total area. The Rila Mountains also contain the Rila Monastery Nature Park which is among the largest nature parks in Bulgaria covering an area of 97.5 square miles at an altitude between 2460 and 8901 feet. It was established in 1992 as part of the newly founded Rila National Park. In 2000 some territory of the Rila National Park was re-assigned to the Rila Monastery Nature Park and was recategorized as a nature park because by law all lands in national parks are exclusively state owned. Today most of the Rila Monastery Nature Park is owned by the Rila Monastery. The Rila Monastery Nature Park includes one nature reserve, namely the Rila Monastery Forest with an area of 14 square miles or 14% of its total area. The most recognisable landmark in the Rila Mountains is the Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila, better known as the Rila Monastery. This is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria and is situated in the deep valley of the River Rilska River within the Rila Monastery Nature Park at a height of 3763 feet. The monastery is named after its founder, the hermit Ivan of Rila (876 to 946 AD) and houses around 60 monks. Founded in the 10th century, the Rila Monastery is regarded as one of Bulgaria's most important cultural, historical and architectural monuments and is a key tourist attraction for both Bulgaria and south Europe. Due to its outstanding cultural and spiritual value it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. The Rila Mountains are also a popular destination for hiking, winter sports and spa tourism, hosting the nation's oldest ski resort at Borovets as well as numerous hiking trails. Date: 30th May 2018 Location: Malyovitsa, Sofia Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084151.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3746806005d30861a96d6f.jpgRila Mountains, Sofia Province, Bulgaria The Rila Mountains are a mountain range in south west Bulgaria and constitute the highest mountain range in the country and the Balkans. It is the sixth highest mountain range in Europe after the Caucasus, the Alps, the Sierra Nevada, the Pyrenees and Mount Etna and the highest one between the Alps and the Caucasus. The Rila Mountains are spread over an area of 1015 square miles with an average altitude of 4879 feet. Musala is its highest peak at 9596 feet. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rila-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rila Mountains have abundant water resources and some of the Balkans' longest and deepest rivers originate here including the longest river entirely in the Balkans, the River Maritsa, and the longest river entirely in Bulgaria, the River Iskar. Bulgaria's main water divide separating the Black Sea and the Aegean Sea drainage systems follows the main ridge of the Rila Mountains. The mountain range is dotted with almost 200 glacial lakes such as the renowned Seven Rila Lakes. It is also rich in hot springs in the fault areas at the foothills including the hottest spring in south east Europe in Sapareva Banya. The Rila Mountains have typical layers of montane habitat ranging from river and stream valleys at lower altitudes to mixed deciduous woodland, coniferous forests and Alpine meadows and lakes at higher altitudes and finally to rocky ridges and bare rugged peaks. The biodiversity and the pristine landscapes are protected by the Rila National Park which is among the largest and most valuable protected areas in Europe. It is the largest national park in Bulgaria covering an area of 313 square miles and it was established in February 1992 to protect several ecosystems of national importance. Its altitude varies from 2600 feet near Blagoevgrad to 9596 feet at the peak of Musala. It occupies territory from 4 of the 28 provinces of the country (Sofia, Kyustendil, Blagoevgrad and Pazardzhik) and it includes 4 nature reserves (Parangalitsa, Central Rila Reserve, Ibar and Skakavitsa). The Rila National Park falls within the Rodope montane mixed forests terrestrial eco-region of the Palearctic temperate broadleaf and mixed forest. Forests occupy 206.5 square miles or 66% of the total area. The Rila Mountains also contain the Rila Monastery Nature Park which is among the largest nature parks in Bulgaria covering an area of 97.5 square miles at an altitude between 2460 and 8901 feet. It was established in 1992 as part of the newly founded Rila National Park. In 2000 some territory of the Rila National Park was re-assigned to the Rila Monastery Nature Park and was recategorized as a nature park because by law all lands in national parks are exclusively state owned. Today most of the Rila Monastery Nature Park is owned by the Rila Monastery. The Rila Monastery Nature Park includes one nature reserve, namely the Rila Monastery Forest with an area of 14 square miles or 14% of its total area. The most recognisable landmark in the Rila Mountains is the Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila, better known as the Rila Monastery. This is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria and is situated in the deep valley of the River Rilska River within the Rila Monastery Nature Park at a height of 3763 feet. The monastery is named after its founder, the hermit Ivan of Rila (876 to 946 AD) and houses around 60 monks. Founded in the 10th century, the Rila Monastery is regarded as one of Bulgaria's most important cultural, historical and architectural monuments and is a key tourist attraction for both Bulgaria and south Europe. Due to its outstanding cultural and spiritual value it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. The Rila Mountains are also a popular destination for hiking, winter sports and spa tourism, hosting the nation's oldest ski resort at Borovets as well as numerous hiking trails. Date: 30th May 2018 Location: Malyovitsa, Sofia Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39083817.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9086578675d308228d30e0.jpgWestern Rhodopes Mountains, Smolyan Province, Bulgaria The Rhodopes Mountains are a mountain range in south east Europe. They are spread over 5689 square miles of which 4723 square miles are located in south Bulgaria and the remainder in north Greece. The Rhodopes Mountains are about 149 miles long and about 62 to 75 miles wide with an average altitude of 2575 feet. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 7188 feet and is situated 12 miles to the west of Smolyan. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rhodopes Mountains gives its name to the terrestrial eco-region Rodope montane mixed forests that belong in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The area is particularly notable for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans plus its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms such as the Trigrad Gorge. The Rhodopes Mountains can be sub-divided in to 3 sections: The Western Rhodopes are spread over 66% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and they are higher, the most infrastructurally developed and the most visited part of the mountains. The highest and best known peaks are located in this section with more than 10 over 6562 feet high including the highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7188 feet). Some of the deepest river gorges in the Rhodopes Mountains are located in the west as well as several large lakes. The Eastern Rhodopes are spread over a territory of about 34% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and are much lower in height. The large artificial dams of Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets are located in this part of the mountains. Almost every species of European bird of prey nests in the Eastern Rhodopes including the rare Black Vulture and Egyptian Vulture. The Southern Rhodopes are the part of the mountain range that is located in Greece and they are characterized by numerous peaks of relatively low altitude. The River Buynovska is situated in the western Rhodopes Mountains and it is one of the source rivers of the River Vacha, the second largest river that has its source in the Rhodopes Mountains after the River Arda. The river has formed the Buynovo Gorge, the longest gorge in Bulgaria, located between the villages of Yagodina and Teshel. Formed by erosion as the River Buynovo flows through layers of marble rock, the gorge has developed in to an impressive natural phenomenon. The cliffs on both sides of the gorge rise hundreds of feet and can be visited on foot or by car on an extremely narrow single track road which winds along the base of the cliffs with sheer drops and hairpin turns. The narrowest point of the gorge is called Vuclhi Skok (“The Wolf’s Leap”). Folklore says that during winter wolves would leap the chasm to attack the sheepfolds. While this is only a legend, it is plain to see that the gorge is so narrow at this point that the cliffs practically touch each other at height of just 10 to 13 feet above the road. The beauty of the Buynovo Gorge can be appreciated from “a bird’s-eye view” from “The Eagle’s Eye”, a metal platform built on the precipitous cliff face of the Saint Iliya Peak at a height of 5128 feet. This provides impressive views of the entire surrounding area and, during good weather, the entire Rhodopes Mountains and even parts of north Greece are visible. Several hiking trails have been created in the area and the Buynovo Gorge was designated as a nature reserve in 1971. It is now one of Bulgaria’s top 100 tourist destinations. The limestone sediment has been eroded throughout the entire area and in the vicinity of the village Yagodina alone there are 36 caves, the most famous of which is the Yagodina Cave itself, a multi-level complex of primarily marble. This is the 4th longest cave in Bulgaria and the longest cave in the Rhodopes Mountains at around 5 miles, of which just under 1 mile is open to tourists. Date: 28th May 2018 Location: River Buynovska and Buynovo Gorge, Teshel to Yagodina, Western Rhodopes Mountains, Smolyan Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33568432.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4220998045a106b6448758.jpgDate: 5th November 2017 Location: Port Ellen, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/jackdaw https://images.on-this.website/4752_8557593474d03d03cb4ec8.jpgJackdaw The Western Jackdaw, also known as the Eurasian Jackdaw, European Jackdaw or simply Jackdaw, is a passerine bird in the crow family. Measuring 13 to 15 inches in length, the Jackdaw is the second smallest member of the crow family. Most of the plumage is a shiny black with a purple or blue sheen on the crown, forehead and secondaries and a green-blue sheen on the throat, primaries and tail. The cheeks, nape and neck are light grey to greyish-silver and the underparts are slate-grey. The legs are black as is the short stout bill. The irises of adults are greyish or silvery white while those of juveniles are light blue, becoming brownish before whitening at around one year of age. The sexes look alike although the head and neck plumage of male birds fades more with age and wear, particularly just before moulting. Immature birds have duller and less demarcated plumage. The head is a sooty black, sometimes with a faint greenish sheen and brown feather bases visible, the back and side of the neck are dark grey and the underparts greyish or sooty black. The tail has narrower feathers and a greenish sheen. There are 4 recognised geographical subspecies of the Jackdaw, each with slight plumage variations. Within its range, the Jackdaw is generally unmistakable and its short bill and grey nape are distinguishing features. In flight, the Jackdaw is distinguishable from other crows by its smaller size, faster and deeper wingbeats and proportionately narrower and less fingered wing tips. It also has a shorter and thicker neck and a much shorter bill and it frequently flies in tighter flocks. The Jackdaw is a skilled flyer and can manoeuvre tightly as well as tumble and glide. It has characteristic jerky wing beats when flying. On the ground, the Jackdaw has an upright posture and struts briskly with its short legs giving it a rapid gait. The Jackdaw is found from north west Africa, throughout all of Europe, except for the extreme north, and east through central Asia to the east Himalayas and Lake Baikal. To the east, it occurs throughout Turkey, the Caucasus, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and north west India. A small number of Jackdaws reached the north east of North America in the 1980s and have been found from Atlantic Canada to Pennsylvania. The range is vast and there is a large global population. Most populations are resident but the north and east populations are more migratory and relocate to wintering areas between September and November and return between February and early May. The Jackdaw can be found in wooded steppes, pastures, cultivated land, coastal cliffs and towns. It thrives when forested areas are cleared and converted to fields and open areas. Habitats with a mix of large trees, buildings and open ground are preferred. Open fields are left to the Rook and more wooded areas to the Jay. The Jackdaw is highly gregarious and is generally seen in flocks of varying sizes. Flocks increase in size in autumn and birds congregate at dusk for communal roosting with up to several thousand individuals gathering at one site. Males and females pair bond for life and pairs stay together within flocks. Jackdaws will frequently congregate with other crows such as Carrion Crows, Hooded Crows or Rooks. Foraging takes place mostly on the ground in open areas and to some extent in trees. Landfill sites, bins, streets and gardens are also visited, more often early in the morning when there are fewer people about. Various feeding methods are employed, such as jumping, pecking, clod-turning and scattering, probing the soil and occasional digging. The Jackdaw will also ride on the backs of sheep and other mammals such as deer, seeking ticks as well as actively gathering wool or hair for nests. Compared with other crows, the Jackdaw spends more time exploring and turning over objects with its bill. It also has a straighter and less downturned bill and increased binocular vision which are advantageous for this foraging strategy. The Jackdaw is opportunistic and highly adaptable and varies its diet markedly depending on available food sources. It tends to feed on small invertebrates that are found above ground, including various species of beetle as well as snails and spiders. It will also eat small rodents, bats, the eggs and chicks of birds and carrion such as roadkill. Vegetable items consumed include farm grains, weed seeds, elderberries, acorns and various cultivated fruits. The Jackdaw practices active food sharing with a number of individuals regardless of sex or kinship. It also shares more of a preferred food than a less preferred food. The active giving of food by most birds is found mainly in the context of parental care and courtship although the Jackdaw shows much higher levels of active giving than has been documented for other species. The function of this behaviour is not fully understood and several theories have been advanced. Genetic analysis of Jackdaw pairs and offspring shows no evidence of extra-pair copulation and there is little evidence for couple separation even after multiple instances of reproductive failure. Some pairs do separate in the first few months but almost all pairings of over 6 months' duration are lifelong and end only when a partner dies. Widowed or separated birds fare badly and are often ousted from nests or territories and are unable to rear broods alone. The Jackdaw usually breeds in colonies with pairs collaborating to find a nest site which they then defend from other pairs and predators during most of the year. It will nest in cavities in trees or cliffs, in ruined or occupied buildings and in chimneys, the common feature being a sheltered site for the nest. A mated pair usually constructs a nest by improving a crevice by dropping sticks into it. The nest is then built on top of the platform formed. Nest platforms can attain a great size. Nests are lined with hair, wool, dead grass and many other materials. Clutches usually contain 4 or 5 eggs which are incubated by the female for 17 to 18 days until hatching as naked altricial chicks which are completely dependent on the adults for food. The chicks fledge after 28 to 35 days and the parents continue to feed them for another 4 weeks or so. Date: 15th November 2010 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4639655.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5151157294baf087a7ddce.jpgMoorhen The Moorhen is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird that is usually found near water. From a distance it looks black with a ragged white line along its body. However, closer up it is olive-brown on the back and the head and blue-grey underneath. It has a red bill with a yellow tip. The Moorhen can be found all year round almost anywhere where there is water. They breed in lowland areas particularly in central and eastern England but are scarce in northern Scotland and the uplands of Wales and northern England. UK breeding birds are residents and seldom travel far. Date: 10th March 2010 Location: Cromford Canal, Derbyshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14160680.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16511439934f3e186c88d08.jpgRabbit The (European) Rabbit ranges from 13 to 20 inches in length, not counting a tail of 1.6 to 3.1 inches. It has grey/brown fur, white underparts, long ears, large hind legs and a short, white fluffy tail. As a lagomorph, it has four sharp incisors (two on top, two on bottom) that grow continuously throughout its life. The Rabbit moves move by hopping, using its long and powerful hind legs. To facilitate quick movement, the hind feet have a thick padding of fur to dampen the shock of rapid hopping. The toes are long and are webbed to keep from spreading apart as the animal jumps. The Rabbit is native to south west Europe (Spain and Portugal) and north west Africa (Morocco and Algeria). It is known as an invasive species because it has been introduced to countries on all continents, with the exception of Antarctica and sub-Saharan Africa, where it has often caused many problems within the environment and ecosystems. The Rabbit was brought to England in the 12th century by the Normans and kept in captivity in warrens as a source of meat and fur. Many escaped into the wild and eventually become so common that farming them was no longer economic. Helped by fast breeding, a diet of virtually any vegetable matter and human persecution of their predators, the Rabbit slowly established itself in the wild in the UK despite originally favouring a warmer, drier climate. It is now widespread throughout the UK but absent from the Isles of Scilly and a few smaller islands and can be found almost anywhere that it can burrow. The most suitable areas are those where the burrow area and food supply are side-by-side, such as woodland edge and hedgerows. Open warrens are maintained where good burrowing conditions exist on areas of short grass, sand dunes, railway verges and even in urban areas. It is rarely found above the tree-line and it avoids damp conditions and areas deep in conifer woodland. The Rabbit is a social animal and lives in medium-sized colonies comprising of a network of burrows known as warrens. It is largely crepuscular, being most active around dawn and dusk, although it is not infrequently seen and active during the day. During the day, it prefers to reside in vegetated patches which are used for protection from predators. The Rabbit is essentially a mixed feeder, both grazing and browsing, but grass is the primary food source. However, it has a diverse diet of grasses, leaves, buds, tree bark and roots and will also eat lettuce, cabbage, root vegetables and grains. The Rabbit is famed for its reproductive capabilities and the inspiration for the phrase "breeding like rabbits". The breeding season is mainly from January to August when 4 to 8 litters of 2 to 12 kittens are produced. The gestation period averages 31 days. The doe constructs a nest inside a burrow from grass bedding and lines it with soft fur from her chest and belly. The young kittens are born blind, deaf and almost hairless. Their eyes open at 10 days, they begin to appear at the burrow entrance at 18 days and are weaned at 21 to 25 days. They are self-supporting in one month but 90% die in the first year. Bucks are able to mate at 4 months, does at 3.5 months. Birds of prey and carnivores such as the Fox, Stoat and Weasel are the primary predators of the Rabbit. Date: 9th May 2009 Location: Conwy RSPB reserve, Conwy http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13439457.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15940883744eb264aee5750.jpgDark-bellied Brent Goose The Brent Goose belongs to the [I]Branta[/I] genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the [I]Anser[/I] genus of grey geese. [I]Branta[/I] is a Latinised form of Old Norse [I]brandgás[/I], meaning "burnt (black) goose", and [i]bernicla[/i] is the medieval Latin name for the barnacle. The Brent Goose and the similar Barnacle Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be the same creature as the crustacean, a myth that can be dated back to at least the 12th century. The Brent Goose, [I]Branta bernicla[/I] is divided into 3 sub-species: Dark-bellied Brent Goose [I]B. b. bernicla[/I], Pale-bellied Brent Goose [i]B. b. hrota[/i] (sometimes also known as Light-bellied Brent Goose) and Black Brant [i]B. b. nigricans[/i]. Some DNA evidence suggests that these forms are genetically distinct and a split into 3 separate species has been proposed. However, other evidence upholds their maintenance as a single species. The Brent Goose is a small goose, 22 to 26 inches long with a wingspan of 42 to 48 inches. The under-tail is pure white and the tail black and very short (the shortest of any goose). The Dark-bellied Brent Goose is fairly uniformly dark grey-brown all over and the flanks and belly are not significantly paler than the back. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds on the Arctic coasts of central and west Siberia and winters in west Europe with over half the population in south England and the rest between north Germany and north west France. The Pale-bellied Brent Goose appears blackish-brown and light grey in colour and the flanks and belly are significantly paler than the back and present a marked contrast. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds in Franz Josef Land, Svalbard, Greenland and north east Canada and winters in Denmark, north east England, Ireland and the Atlantic coast of the USA from Maine to Georgia as well as in a small but significant area in north France. The Black Brant appears blackish-brown and white in colour. This sub-species is very contrastingly black and white with a uniformly dark sooty-brown back, similarly-coloured underparts (with the dark colour extending furthest back of the 3 sub-species) and a prominent white flank patch. It also has a larger white neck patch which forms an almost complete collar. It breeds in north west Canada, Alaska and east Siberia and winters mostly on the west coast of north America from south Alaska to California but also in east Asia, mainly Japan. It sometimes appears as a vagrant in Europe when it associates with the other Brent Goose species. The Brent Goose used to be a strictly coastal bird in winter, seldom leaving tidal estuaries where it feeds on eel-grass and seaweed. In recent decades, it has started using agricultural land a short distance inland, feeding extensively on grass and winter-sown cereals. This may be behaviour learned by following other species of geese. Food resource pressure may also be important in forcing this change since the world population increased over 10-fold by the mid-1980s, possibly reaching the carrying capacity of the estuaries. In the breeding season, the Brent Goose uses low-lying wet coastal tundra for both breeding and feeding. The nest is bowl-shaped, lined with grass and down and located in an elevated position often near a small pond. The Brent Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds applies. Date: 21st October 2011 Location: Cudmore Grove Country Park, East Mersea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12759418.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6534366824e71b0c5ed53b.jpgRed Squirrel The Red Squirrel or Eurasian Red Squirrel is a species of tree squirrel in the genus [i]Sciurus[/i]. It is an arboreal and primarily herbivorous rodent. The Red Squirrel has a typical head and body length of 7.5 to 9 inches, a tail length of 6 to 8 inches and a weight of 9 to 12 ounces. Males and females are the same size. The Red Squirrel is smaller and lighter in weight than the Grey Squirrel The coat of the Red Squirrel varies in colour with the time of year and its location and there are several different coat colour morphs ranging from black to red. Red coats are most common in the UK but in other parts of Europe and Asia different coat colours co-exist within populations. The underside of the Red Squirrel is always creamy-white in colour. The Red Squirrel sheds its coat twice a year, switching from a thinner summer coat to a thicker, darker winter coat with noticeably larger ear-tufts (a prominent distinguishing feature of this species) between August and November. A lighter, redder overall coat colour, along with the ear-tufts (in adults) and smaller size, distinguish the Red Squirrel from the Grey Squirrel. The long tail helps the Red Squirrel to balance and steer when jumping from tree to tree and running along branches and it may also keep it warm during sleep. The Red Squirrel, like most tree squirrels, has sharp and curved claws to enable it to climb and descend broad tree trunks, thin branches and even house walls and its strong hind legs enable it to leap gaps between trees. The Red Squirrel can be found in the boreal coniferous woods in north Europe and Siberia where it prefers Scots Pine, Norway Spruce and Siberian Pine. In west and south Europe it can be found in broad-leaved woods where the mixture of tree and shrub species provides a better year round source of food. In most of the UK and in Italy, broad-leaved woodlands are now less suitable for it due to the better competitive feeding strategy of the introduced Grey Squirrel. The Red Squirrel makes a drey (nest) out of twigs in a branch-fork, forming a domed structure about 9 to 12 inches in diameter. This is lined with moss, leaves, grass and bark. Tree hollows and woodpecker holes are also used. The Red Squirrel is generally a solitary animal and is shy and reluctant to share food with others. However, outside the breeding season and particularly in winter, several Red Squirrels may share a drey to keep warm. Social organisation is based on dominance hierarchies within and between sexes. Although males are not necessarily dominant towards females, the dominant animals tend to be larger and older than subordinate animals and dominant males tend to have larger home ranges than subordinate males or females. Mating can occur in late winter during February and March and in summer between June and July. During mating, males detect females that are in oestrus by an odour that they produce and, although there is no courtship, the male will chase the female for up to an hour prior to mating. Usually multiple males will chase a single female until the dominant male, usually the largest in the group, mates with the female. Males and females will mate multiple times with many partners. Females must reach a minimum body mass before they enter oestrus and heavy females on average produce more young. If food is scarce breeding may be delayed. Typically a female will produce her first litter in her second year. Up to 2 litters a year per female are possible. Each litter averages 3 young and these are known as kits. Gestation is about 38 to 39 days and the young are looked after by the mother alone and are born helpless, blind and deaf. Their body is covered by hair at 21 days, their eyes and ears open after 3 to 4 weeks and they develop all their teeth by 42 days. Juveniles can eat solids around 40 days following birth and from that point they can leave the nest on their own to find food. However, they still suckle from their mother until weaning occurs at 8 to 10 weeks. The Red Squirrel eats mostly the seeds of trees, fungi, nuts (especially hazelnuts but also beech and chestnuts), berries and young shoots. More rarely, it may also eat bird eggs or nestlings and may occasionally exhibit opportunistic omnivory similar to other rodents. Excess food is put into caches, either buried or in nooks or holes in trees, and eaten when food is scarce. Although the Red Squirrel remembers where it created caches at a better than chance level, its spatial memory is believed to be substantially less accurate and durable than that of the Grey Squirrel. Therefore it will often have to search for them when in need and many caches are never found again. Between 60% and 80% of the active time of a Red Squirrel may be spent foraging and feeding. The active period is generally in the morning and in the late afternoon and evening. It often rests in its nest in the middle of the day to avoid the heat and the high visibility to birds of prey that are dangers during these hours. During the winter, this midday rest is often much more brief or absent entirely although harsh weather may cause it to stay in its nest for days at a time. No territories are claimed between Red Squirrels and the feeding areas of individuals overlap considerably. A Red Squirrel that survives its first winter has a life expectancy of 3 years. Individuals may reach 7 years of age and 10 years in captivity. Survival is positively related to the availability of autumn and winter tree seeds. On average, 75 to 85% of juveniles die during their first winter and mortality is approximately 50% for winters following the first. Predators include small mammals such as the Pine Marten, the Wildcat and the Stoat which all prey on juveniles. Birds, including owls and raptors such as the Goshawk and Common Buzzard, may also prey on the Red Squirrel as will the Red Fox and domestic cats and dogs when it is on the ground. Humans influence the population size and mortality of the Red Squirrel by destroying or altering habitats, by causing road casualties and by introducing non-native populations of the Grey Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel and the Red Squirrel are not directly antagonistic and violent conflict between these species is not a factor in the decline in Red Squirrel populations. However, the Grey Squirrel appears to contribute to the decrease in the Red Squirrel population for several reasons: it carries a disease, the squirrel parapoxvirus, that does not appear to affect its own health but will often kill the Red Squirrel, it can better digest acorns whilst the Red Squirrel cannot access the proteins and fats in acorns as easily and it can put the Red Squirrel under pressure for food resources resulting in it not breeding as often. In the UK, due to the above circumstances, the population has today fallen to 160,000 Red Squirrels or fewer with the majority of these in Scotland. Outside the UK and Ireland, the impact of competition from the Grey Squirrel has also been observed in Italy where 2 pairs escaped from captivity in 1948. A significant drop in the Red Squirrel population has been observed since 1970 and it is feared that the Grey Squirrel may expand into the rest of Europe. The Red Squirrel is protected in most of Europe although in some areas it is abundant and is hunted for its fur. In the UK there are several active projects to protect the Red Squirrel and its native woodland habitat, introduce or re-introduce it in to areas where it is absent and eradicate and prevent the spread of the Grey Squirrel. Research undertaken in 2007 in the UK credits the Pine Marten with reducing the population of the invasive Grey Squirrel. Where the range of the expanding Pine Marten population meets that of the Grey Squirrel, the population of the latter retreats. It is theorised that, because the Grey Squirrel spends more time on the ground than the Red Squirrel, it is far more likely to come in contact with the Pine Marten. Date: 10th May 2006 Location: Freshfield National Trust reserve, Formby Point, Merseyside http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13439460.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14966714eb264c6bee03.jpgDark-bellied Brent Geese The Brent Goose belongs to the [I]Branta[/I] genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the [I]Anser[/I] genus of grey geese. [I]Branta[/I] is a Latinised form of Old Norse [I]brandgás[/I], meaning "burnt (black) goose", and [i]bernicla[/i] is the medieval Latin name for the barnacle. The Brent Goose and the similar Barnacle Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be the same creature as the crustacean, a myth that can be dated back to at least the 12th century. The Brent Goose, [I]Branta bernicla[/I] is divided into 3 sub-species: Dark-bellied Brent Goose [I]B. b. bernicla[/I], Pale-bellied Brent Goose [i]B. b. hrota[/i] (sometimes also known as Light-bellied Brent Goose) and Black Brant [i]B. b. nigricans[/i]. Some DNA evidence suggests that these forms are genetically distinct and a split into 3 separate species has been proposed. However, other evidence upholds their maintenance as a single species. The Brent Goose is a small goose, 22 to 26 inches long with a wingspan of 42 to 48 inches. The under-tail is pure white and the tail black and very short (the shortest of any goose). The Dark-bellied Brent Goose is fairly uniformly dark grey-brown all over and the flanks and belly are not significantly paler than the back. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds on the Arctic coasts of central and west Siberia and winters in west Europe with over half the population in south England and the rest between north Germany and north west France. The Pale-bellied Brent Goose appears blackish-brown and light grey in colour and the flanks and belly are significantly paler than the back and present a marked contrast. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds in Franz Josef Land, Svalbard, Greenland and north east Canada and winters in Denmark, north east England, Ireland and the Atlantic coast of the USA from Maine to Georgia as well as in a small but significant area in north France. The Black Brant appears blackish-brown and white in colour. This sub-species is very contrastingly black and white with a uniformly dark sooty-brown back, similarly-coloured underparts (with the dark colour extending furthest back of the 3 sub-species) and a prominent white flank patch. It also has a larger white neck patch which forms an almost complete collar. It breeds in north west Canada, Alaska and east Siberia and winters mostly on the west coast of north America from south Alaska to California but also in east Asia, mainly Japan. It sometimes appears as a vagrant in Europe when it associates with the other Brent Goose species. The Brent Goose used to be a strictly coastal bird in winter, seldom leaving tidal estuaries where it feeds on eel-grass and seaweed. In recent decades, it has started using agricultural land a short distance inland, feeding extensively on grass and winter-sown cereals. This may be behaviour learned by following other species of geese. Food resource pressure may also be important in forcing this change since the world population increased over 10-fold by the mid-1980s, possibly reaching the carrying capacity of the estuaries. In the breeding season, the Brent Goose uses low-lying wet coastal tundra for both breeding and feeding. The nest is bowl-shaped, lined with grass and down and located in an elevated position often near a small pond. The Brent Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds applies. Date: 21st October 2011 Location: Cudmore Grove Country Park, East Mersea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13656928.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_706407384ed3686258c59.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the [i]Canidae[/i] family and is a part of the order [i]Carnivora[/i] within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32709136.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_65957196559ad28164034d9.90299297.jpgHortobágy National Park, Hajdú-Bihar county, Hungary Hortobágy National Park (Hortobágy Nemzeti Park) is a national park in eastern Hungary. It is part of the vast Great Hungarian Plain which occupies southern and eastern Hungary, some parts of the eastern Slovakian lowlands, south west Ukraine, western Romania, northern Serbia and eastern Croatia. Hortobágy National Park was designated as a national park in 1972 (the first in Hungary), and as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. It is Hungary's largest protected area. At the time of designation, the area of the National Park was 289 square miles but since then it has been extended to almost 315 square miles. Around 25% of its area has international protection under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance. The entire Hortobágy National Park is part of the Natura 2000 network of the European Union in which Special Protected Areas and Special Areas of Conservation have been designated in a way that they contain and encompass the area of the National Park including organically connected or separate grassland mosaic areas that are outside the National Park. The protection thus ensured by the Natura 2000 areas provides an appropriate basis for the establishment of a buffer zone. A conservation management plan for the Hortobágy National Park was prepared in 1997. Hortobágy National Park contains the largest continuous natural grassland in Europe and the second largest steppe area west of the Ural Mountains. It has outstanding natural features and maintains great biological diversity in respect of species and habitats. It is a unique example of the harmonious coexistence of people and nature based on the considerate use of the land. A major part of the area of the Hortobágy National Park is formed by natural habitats, principally alkaline grasslands (puszta), meadows and the marshes lying between them. From the point of view of nature conservation, the artificial wetlands, which cover a much smaller area, are of considerable importance. These are the fish ponds created during the last century on the worst quality grazing lands and marshes. The Hortobágy National Park is one of Europe’s greatest lowland birding areas containing nesting habitats and migration sites of European significance. The Hortobágyi-Halastó complex just to the west of Hortobágy village is arguably the best site to explore and contains waterbodies of various sizes from small fish ponds to huge lakes. Over 340 bird species have been recorded in the Hortobágy National Park, of which over 150 species breed. For UK birders, it is particularly exciting since several “eastern” species can be found which are at the westernmost extent of their range. These are joined by a large number of temperate European and Mediterranean species. The symbol of the Hortobágy National Park is the Crane. One of the most spectacular sights is the autumn migration when tens of thousands of Cranes can be seen every October as they fly above the grasslands to their overnight roosting places. For thousands of years the wild animals grazing on the grasslands of the Hortobágy National Park, the Aurochs and wild horses, were gradually replaced by domesticated animals. A large number of Long-haired Sheep and Hungarian Grey Cattle can now be found here. Less ancient species are the Mangalica Pig and the Nonius Horse. In the Visitor Centre in Hortobágy village, visitors and tourists can get information and advice on what to see and what to do in the Hortobágy National Park and can also learn about its natural and cultural assets: its flora and fauna, the different natural phenomena, herdsmen’s traditions, craftsmen’s skills and local rare breeds. The Visitor Centre also sells the mandatory permits that are required to visit most of the protected areas. The Hortobágy-halastavi Kisvasút is a narrow gauge railway which runs through Hortobágyi-Halastó. It was built and commissioned in 1915 for the purpose of transporting fish food from the silo in Hortobágyi-Halastó to the fish ponds and transporting freshly caught fish in the opposite direction. The track formerly had a length of 22 miles and was temporarily decommissioned in 1960. Since 2007, the railway has been used as a tourist train. The track now runs for just 3 miles and provides access to the northern end of Hortobágyi-Halastó. A one-way trip lasts 23 minutes. Date: 20th May 2017 Location: northern end of Hortobágy-Halastó, Hortobágy National Park, Hajdú-Bihar county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32709112.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19869110459ad27ebbc9f36.26769980.jpgHortobágy National Park, Hajdú-Bihar county, Hungary Hortobágy National Park (Hortobágy Nemzeti Park) is a national park in eastern Hungary. It is part of the vast Great Hungarian Plain which occupies southern and eastern Hungary, some parts of the eastern Slovakian lowlands, south west Ukraine, western Romania, northern Serbia and eastern Croatia. Hortobágy National Park was designated as a national park in 1972 (the first in Hungary), and as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. It is Hungary's largest protected area. At the time of designation, the area of the National Park was 289 square miles but since then it has been extended to almost 315 square miles. Around 25% of its area has international protection under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance. The entire Hortobágy National Park is part of the Natura 2000 network of the European Union in which Special Protected Areas and Special Areas of Conservation have been designated in a way that they contain and encompass the area of the National Park including organically connected or separate grassland mosaic areas that are outside the National Park. The protection thus ensured by the Natura 2000 areas provides an appropriate basis for the establishment of a buffer zone. A conservation management plan for the Hortobágy National Park was prepared in 1997. Hortobágy National Park contains the largest continuous natural grassland in Europe and the second largest steppe area west of the Ural Mountains. It has outstanding natural features and maintains great biological diversity in respect of species and habitats. It is a unique example of the harmonious coexistence of people and nature based on the considerate use of the land. A major part of the area of the Hortobágy National Park is formed by natural habitats, principally alkaline grasslands (puszta), meadows and the marshes lying between them. From the point of view of nature conservation, the artificial wetlands, which cover a much smaller area, are of considerable importance. These are the fish ponds created during the last century on the worst quality grazing lands and marshes. The Hortobágy National Park is one of Europe’s greatest lowland birding areas containing nesting habitats and migration sites of European significance. The Hortobágyi-Halastó complex just to the west of Hortobágy village is arguably the best site to explore and contains waterbodies of various sizes from small fish ponds to huge lakes. Over 340 bird species have been recorded in the Hortobágy National Park, of which over 150 species breed. For UK birders, it is particularly exciting since several “eastern” species can be found which are at the westernmost extent of their range. These are joined by a large number of temperate European and Mediterranean species. The symbol of the Hortobágy National Park is the Crane. One of the most spectacular sights is the autumn migration when tens of thousands of Cranes can be seen every October as they fly above the grasslands to their overnight roosting places. For thousands of years the wild animals grazing on the grasslands of the Hortobágy National Park, the Aurochs and wild horses, were gradually replaced by domesticated animals. A large number of Long-haired Sheep and Hungarian Grey Cattle can now be found here. Less ancient species are the Mangalica Pig and the Nonius Horse. In the Visitor Centre in Hortobágy village, visitors and tourists can get information and advice on what to see and what to do in the Hortobágy National Park and can also learn about its natural and cultural assets: its flora and fauna, the different natural phenomena, herdsmen’s traditions, craftsmen’s skills and local rare breeds. The Visitor Centre also sells the mandatory permits that are required to visit most of the protected areas. The Hortobágy-halastavi Kisvasút is a narrow gauge railway which runs through Hortobágyi-Halastó. It was built and commissioned in 1915 for the purpose of transporting fish food from the silo in Hortobágyi-Halastó to the fish ponds and transporting freshly caught fish in the opposite direction. The track formerly had a length of 22 miles and was temporarily decommissioned in 1960. Since 2007, the railway has been used as a tourist train. The track now runs for just 3 miles and provides access to the northern end of Hortobágyi-Halastó. A one-way trip lasts 23 minutes. Date: 20th May 2017 Location: Hortobágy-halastavi Kisvasút, Hortobágy National Park, Hajdú-Bihar county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32723073.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_142089368759ae6f787056e8.77074461.jpgRoller The European Roller is the only member of the Roller family to breed in Europe. It is a stocky bird, the size of a Jackdaw, and it is mainly blue with an orange-brown back. It is striking in its strong direct flight with the brilliant blue contrasting with black flight feathers. Sexes are similar but the juvenile is a drabber version of the adult. The European Roller often perches prominently on trees, posts or overhead wires whilst watching for the large insects, small reptiles, rodents and frogs that they eat. They have a Lapwing-like display with the twisting and turning display flight giving the bird its English name. The European Roller breeds in north Africa from Morocco east to Tunisia, in south west and south central Europe and in Asia Minor east through north west Iran to south west Siberia. It is a long-distance migrant, wintering in southern Africa in two distinct regions, from Senegal east to Cameroon and from Ethiopia west to Congo and south to South Africa. The European Roller can be found in warm, dry, open country with scattered trees, preferring lowland open countryside with patches of oak forest, mature pine woodland with heathery clearings, orchards, mixed farmland, river valleys and plains with scattered thorny or leafy trees. It winters primarily in dry wooded savanna and bushy plains. The European Roller has a large global population of an estimated 100,000 to 220,000 individuals in Europe. However, following a moderate decline during 1970 to 1990, the species has continued to decline especially in Europe with a decrease in the overall European population exceeding 30% in 15 years. Threats include persecution on migration in some Mediterranean countries, the use of pesticides which reduces food availability and sensitivity to changing farming and forestry practices. Date: 22nd May 2017 Location: Borsodi-Mezoseg ("Little Hortobagy"), Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813341.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6410924875d0ddde1946e1.jpgRed Grouse The Red Grouse is a medium-sized bird of the grouse family which is found in heather moorland in the UK and Ireland. It is endemic to the UK and has developed in isolation. It is usually classified as a sub-species of the Willow Ptarmigan or Willow Grouse which is found in birch and other forests and moorlands in north Europe, the tundra of Scandinavia, Siberia, Alaska and north Canada. The Red Grouse is differentiated from the Willow Ptarmigan and Rock Ptarmigan by its plumage being reddish brown and not having a white winter plumage. The tail is black and the legs are white. There are white stripes on the underwing and red combs over the eye. Females are less reddish than the males and have less conspicuous combs. Young birds are duller and lack the red combs. The Red Grouse is found across most parts of Scotland, including Orkney, Shetland and most of the Outer Hebrides. It is only absent from urban areas such as in the Central Belt. In Wales there are strong populations of Red Grouse in some places but the range has retracted. It is now largely absent from the far south and the main strongholds are Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons and the Cambrian Mountains. In England the Red Grouse is mainly found in the north in areas such as the Lake District, Northumberland, County Durham, much of Yorkshire, the Pennines and the Peak District as far south as the Staffordshire Moorlands. There is an isolated introduced population on Dartmoor and overspill Welsh birds visit the Shropshire Hills.The typical habitat is upland heather moors away from trees. It can also be found in some low-lying bogs and birds may visit farmland during hard weather. The UK population of the Red Grouse is estimated at about 250,000 pairs. Numbers have declined in recent years and it is now absent in areas where it was once common. Reasons for the decline include disease, loss of heather due to overgrazing, creation of new conifer plantations and a decline in the number of upland gamekeepers. Some predators feed on Red Grouse and there is ongoing controversy as to what effect these have on numbers. The Red Grouse is herbivorous and feeds mainly on the shoots, seeds and flowers of heather. It will also feed on berries, cereal crops and sometimes insects. The Red Grouse is considered a game bird and is shot in large numbers during the shooting season which traditionally starts on August 12th (known as the Glorious Twelfth). Shooting can take the form of “walked up” (where shooters walk across the moor to flush grouse and take a shot) or “driven” (where grouse are driven, often in large numbers, by “beaters” towards the shooters who are hiding behind a line of “butts”). Many moors are managed to increase the density of Red Grouse. Areas of heather are subjected to controlled burning since this allows fresh young shoots to regenerate which are favoured by Red Grouse. In addition, extensive predator control is a feature of grouse moor management and the extent and legality to which it occurs is hotly contested between conservation groups and shooting interests and the subject generates a lot of media attention. The Red Grouse is widely known as the logo of The Famous Grouse whisky and an animated bird is a character in a series of its adverts. It is also the emblem of the magazine “British Birds”. Date: 7th June 2019 Location: Lochindorb, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813355.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8103977165d0dde16a0a8b.jpgCommon Guillemots The Common Guillemot, also known as the Common Murre or Thin-billed Murre, is a large species of auk. The auks are a family of seabirds which includes the Brunnich's Guillemot or Thick-billed Murre, Razorbill, Little Auk and the extinct Great Auk. The Common Guillemot is 15 to 18 inches in length with a 24 to 29 inches wingspan. In breeding plumage, it is black or dark brown on the head, back and wings with white underparts. It has a thin dark pointed bill and a small rounded dark tail. Legs are grey and the bill is dark grey. Males and females are identical. Some individuals in the North Atlantic, known as "Bridled Guillemots", have a white ring around the eye extending back as a white line. This is not a distinct subspecies but a polymorphism that becomes more common the farther north the birds breed. The Common Guillemot flies with fast wing beats and has a flight speed of around 50 mph. Groups of birds are often seen flying together in a line just above the surface of the sea. However, it is not a very agile bird and take-off is often difficult. The Common Guillemot becomes flightless for 45 to 60 days while moulting its primary feathers. The Common Guillemot is a pursuit diver that forages for food by swimming underwater using its wings for propulsion. Dives usually last less than one minute but the bird swims underwater for distances of over 100 feet on a regular basis. Diving depths up to 590 feet have been recorded. The Common Guillemot has a circumpolar distribution and it occurs in low Arctic and boreal waters in the north Atlantic and north Pacific. It spends most of its time at sea and only comes to land to breed on rocky cliffs, sea stacks and islands. Some birds are permanent residents but northern birds migrate south to open waters off New England, southern California, Japan, Korea and the western Mediterranean. The Common Guillemot breeds in colonies at high densities and nesting pairs may be in bodily contact with their neighbours. No nest is made and the single egg is laid and incubated on a bare rock ledge on a cliff face. The egg hatches after 30 days incubation and the chick is born downy and can regulate its body temperature after 10 days. Some 20 days after hatching the chick jumps off its nesting ledge and heads for the sea unable to fly but gliding for some distance with fluttering wings and accompanied by its male parent. The chicks are capable of diving as soon as they hit the water. The female stays at the nest site for some 14 days after the chick has left. The Common Guillemot can venture far from its breeding grounds to forage and distances of 60 miles or more are often observed although if sufficient food is available closer by, birds will only travel much shorter distances. It mainly eats small schooling fish 8 inches long or less such as Polar Cod, Capelin, Sand Lances, Sprats, Sandeels, Atlantic Cod and Atlantic Herring. It also eats some molluscs, marine worms, squid and crustaceans. It is often seen carrying fish in its bill with the tail hanging out. Date: 10th June 2019 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49002080.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10867925446468e787c7607.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 8th April 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24834073.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1176524522559cf5b80c1f0.jpgSwallow The Barn Swallow is the most widespread species of swallow in the world. In Europe it is just called the Swallow and in northern Europe it is the only common species called a "swallow" rather than a "martin". The male Swallow has steel blue upperparts and a rufous forehead, chin and throat which are separated from the off-white underparts by a broad dark blue breast band. The outer tail feathers are elongated to give the distinctive deeply forked "swallow tail." There is a line of white spots across the outer end of the upper tail. The female is similar in appearance to the male but the tail streamers are shorter, the blue of the upperparts and breast band is less glossy and the underparts more pale. The juvenile is browner and has a paler rufous face and whiter underparts. It also lacks the long tail streamers of the adult. The Swallow has an enormous range with an estimated global extent of 20 million square miles and a population of 190 million individuals. It breeds in the Northern Hemisphere from sea level to typically 8,900 feet but up 9,800 feet in the Caucasus and North America and it is absent only from deserts and the cold northernmost parts of the continents. Over much of its range it avoids towns and in Europe is replaced in urban areas by the House Martin. There are 6 subspecies of the Swallow which breed across the Northern Hemisphere, of which 4 are strongly migratory with their wintering grounds covering much of the Southern Hemisphere as far south as central Argentina, the Cape Province of South Africa and northern Australia. The Swallow can be found in open country with low vegetation such as pasture, meadows and farmland, preferably with nearby water. It avoids heavily wooded or precipitous areas and densely built-up locations. The presence of accessible open structures such as barns, stables or culverts to provide nesting sites and exposed locations such as wires, roof ridges or bare branches for perching are also important in the bird's selection of its breeding range. This species lives in close association with humans and its insect-eating habits mean that it is tolerated by man. This acceptance was reinforced in the past by superstitions regarding the bird and its nest. There are frequent cultural references to the Swallow in literary and religious works due to both its living in close proximity to humans and its annual migration. The Swallow is the national bird of Austria and Estonia. In winter, the Swallow is cosmopolitan in its choice of habitat, avoiding only dense forests and deserts. It is most common in open, low vegetation habitats such as savanna and ranch land. Individual birds tend to return to the same wintering locality each year and congregate from a large area to roost in reed beds. These roosts can be extremely large with one in Nigeria holding an estimated 1.5 million birds. Date: 7th May 2015 Location: Evros Delta (west), East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24834012.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1635637036559cf31e9a803.jpgWhite Pelicans The White Pelican is a huge bird, with only the Dalmatian Pelican averaging larger amongst the pelicans. The wingspan of the White Pelican can range from 7.41 to 11.8 feet, with the latter measurement the largest recorded among flying animals outside of the great albatrosses. The total length can range from 55 to 71 inches with the enormous bill comprising 11.5 to 18.5 inches of that length. The immature White Pelican is grey with dark flight feathers. In breeding condition the male has pinkish skin on its face and the female has orangey skin. It differs from the Dalmatian pelican by its pure white, rather than greyish-white, plumage, a bare pink facial patch around the eye and pinkish legs. Males are larger than females, and have a long beak that grows in a downwards arc, as opposed to the shorter, straighter beak of the female. In flight, it is an elegant soaring bird, with the head held close to and aligned with the body by a downward bend in the neck. The White Pelican is well adapted for aquatic life. The short strong legs and webbed feet propel it in water and aid the rather awkward takeoff from the water surface. Once aloft, the long-winged pelicans are powerful fliers, however, and often travel in spectacular V-formation groups. The White Pelican is usually found in and around shallow warm fresh water. Well scattered groups of breeding pelicans occur through Eurasia from the eastern Mediterranean to Vietnam. In Eurasia, fresh or brackish waters may be inhabited and the White Pelican may be found in lakes, deltas, lagoons and marshes, usually with dense reed beds nearby for nesting purposes. Additionally, sedentary populations are found year-round in Africa, south of the Sahara Desert although these are patchy. Migratory populations are found from Eastern Europe to Kazakhstan during the breeding season. They arrive in late March or early April and depart after breeding from September to late November. Wintering locations for European White Pelicans are not exactly known but wintering birds may occur in north east Africa through Iraq to north India, with a particularly large number of breeders from Asia wintering around Pakistan. The diet of the White Pelican consists mainly of fish and they leave their roost to feed early in the mornings and may fly over 60 miles in search of food. The White Pelican's pouch serves simply as a scoop. As it pushes its bill underwater, the lower bill bows out creating a large pouch which fills with water and fish. As the bird lifts its head, the pouch contracts and forces out the water but retaining the fish. A group of 6 to 8 White Pelicans will gather in a horseshoe formation in the water to feed together. They dip their bills in unison, creating a circle of open pouches, ready to trap every fish in the area. Most feeding is co-operative and done in groups, especially in shallow waters where fish schools can be corralled easily. White Pelicans are not restricted to fish, however, and are often opportunistic foragers. In addition, they also eat crustaceans, tadpoles and even turtles and will readily accept handouts from humans. The White Pelican breeding season commences in April or May in temperate zones, essentially all year round in Africa and begins in February through April in India. Large numbers of White Pelicans breed together in colonies. Nest locations are variable with some populations making stick nests in trees but a majority nest in scrapes on the ground lined with grass, sticks, feathers and other material. Date: 8th May 2015 Location: Evros Delta (east), East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25774293.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1682400532560fe2ad7797f.jpgPine Marten The Pine Marten is a member of the mustelid family which also includes the Mink, the Otter, the Badger, the Stoat and the Weasel. It is the only mustelid with semi-retractable claws which enables it to lead a more arboreal lifestyle such as climbing or running in trees. The Pine Marten is about the size of a domestic cat and males are slightly larger than females. The fur is usually light to dark brown and grows longer and silkier during the winter months. It has a cream to yellow coloured "bib" marking on their throats and a long fluffy tail. The Pine Marten is usually found in deciduous and coniferous woodland with plenty of cover and it is mainly active at dusk and at night. It has small rounded, highly sensitive ears and sharp teeth adapted for eating small mammals, birds, insects, frogs and carrion although it also eats berries, nuts, fungi, birds' eggs and honey. Pine Marten dens are commonly found in hollow trees or the fallen root masses of Scots Pines, an association that probably earned them their name. Cairns and cliffs covered with scrub are frequently used as alternative den sites. Territories vary in size according to habitat and food availability. The Pine Marten is one of the rarest native mammals in the UK. Until the 19th century, it was found throughout much of mainland UK, the Isle of Wight and some of the Scottish islands although habitat fragmentation, persecution by gamekeepers and hunting for their fur drastically reduced this distribution. By the 1920s, the main Pine Marten population in the UK was restricted to a small area of north west Scotland. Until recently it remained only at all common in this region where some individuals have lost their fear of man and come to take food provided for them, particularly enjoying jam and peanut butter. A study in 2012 found that the Pine Marten has spread from its Scottish Highland stronghold, north into east Sutherland and Caithness and south east from the Great Glen into Moray, Aberdeenshire, Perthshire, Tayside and the Stirling area with some also occurring in the Central Belt and on the Kintyre and Cowal peninsulas. Expansion in south Scotland has been limited and despite reintroduction to the Glen Trool Forest there has only been a restricted spread from there. In England, the Pine Marten is extremely rare with scattered reports from Cumbria, Northumberland and mid Wales. In July 2015 the [url=http://www.shropshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/pine-marten-appeal] first confirmed sighting of a Pine Marten in England for over a century[/url] was recorded by an amateur photographer in woodland in Shropshire. In Wales, the Vincent Wildlife Trust is implementing a [url=http://www.pine-marten-recovery-project.org.uk/news/pine-martens-arrive-in-wales]reintroduction project[/url] through translocations of Pine Martens from Scotland. The Pine Marten is still quite rare in Ireland but the population is recovering and spreading. The traditional strongholds are in the west and south, especially the Burren, but the population in the Midlands has significantly increased in recent years. A study published in 2015 showed that the Pine Marten was distributed across every county in Northern Ireland. Although they are preyed upon occasionally by Golden Eagles and Red Foxes, humans are the largest threat to the Pine Marten. It is vulnerable from conflict with humans, arising from predator control for other species and the use of inhabited buildings for denning. The Pine Marten is also affected by persecution (illegal poisoning and shooting) by gamekeepers and loss of habitat. This record shot of poor quality was taken in very low light and through a window and the Pine Marten was encouraged to visit every evening during a week long stay at Mingarry Lodges with a supply of jam, peanut butter, suet pellets and grapes! Date: 23rd September 2015 Location: Mingarry Lodges, Mingarry, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833374.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1384542869559cea7999a31.jpgTree Sparrow The Tree Sparrow is a member of the sparrow family [i]Passer[/i], a group of small passerine birds that is believed to have originated in Africa and which contains 15 to 25 species. The Tree Sparrow's name is derived from 2 Latin words: [I]passer[/I] meaning "sparrow" and [I]montanus[/I] meaning "of the mountains". The common name is given to suggest the preference for tree holes for nesting. However, this name and the scientific name [i]montanus[/i] do not appropriately describe the Tree Sparrow’s habitat preferences: the German name [i]Feldsperling[/i] meaning "field sparrow"[/i] comes closer to doing so. The Tree Sparrow is around 5 to 5.5 inches in length with a wingspan of about 8.3 inches, making it roughly 10% smaller than the House Sparrow. The adult's crown and nape are a rich chestnut and there is a kidney-shaped black ear patch on each pure white cheek. The chin, throat and the area between the bill and throat are black. The upperparts are light brown streaked with black and the brown wings have 2 distinct narrow white bars. The legs are pale brown and the bill is lead-blue in summer becoming almost black in winter. The Tree Sparrow is distinctive even within its own family in that there are no plumage differences between the sexes. The juvenile resembles the adult although the colours tend to be duller. The contrasting face pattern makes the Tree Sparrow easily identifiable in all plumages and the smaller size and chestnut (not grey) crown are additional differences from the male House Sparrow. The Tree Sparrow's breeding range comprises most of temperate Europe and Asia south of about latitude 68°N (north of this the summers are too cold) and through south east Asia to Java and Bali. It is sedentary over most of its extensive range but northernmost breeding populations migrate south for the winter and small numbers leave south Europe for north Africa and the Middle East. The Tree Sparrow has been introduced outside its native range but it has not always become successfully established, possibly due to competition with the House Sparrow. Ship-carried birds have colonised some areas and birds have also occurred as vagrants. Despite its scientific name, the Tree Sparrow is not typically a mountain species and reaches only 2300 feet in Switzerland although it has bred at 5600 feet in the northern Caucasus and as high as 14010 feet in Nepal. In Europe, the Tree Sparrow is frequently found in open countryside with small isolated patches of woodland but also on coasts with cliffs, in woodland along slow water courses and in empty buildings. It shows a strong preference for nest sites near wetland habitats and avoids breeding on intensively managed farmland. In Europe, where the Tree Sparrow and the House Sparrow occur in the same region, the House Sparrow generally nests in urban areas while the Tree Sparrow nests in rural areas. Where trees are in short supply, both species may utilise man-made structures as nest sites. Whilst the Tree Sparrow is mainly a rural bird in Europe, it tends to be an urban bird in Asia and Australia. In the UK, the Tree Sparrow is scarcer in upland areas and the far north and west of the and the main populations are now found across the Midlands and south and east England. The Tree Sparrow may breed in isolated pairs or in loose colonies. The male calls from near the nest site in spring to proclaim ownership and attract a mate and he may also carry nest material in to the nest hole. The Tree Sparrow typically builds its nest in a cavity in an old tree or rock face. Some nests are not in holes as such but are built among roots of overhanging bushes. Roof cavities in houses and nest boxes are also readily used. In addition, the Tree Sparrow will breed in the disused nest of a Magpie or other crow species or an active or unused nest of a large bird such as the White Stork or a heron or raptor species. It will sometimes attempt to take over the nest of other birds that breed in holes or enclosed spaces such as tit species, flycatcher species, Swallow, House Martin, Sand Martin or European Bee-eater. The untidy nest is composed of hay, grass, wool or other material and lined with feathers which improve thermal insulation. The female lays 5 or 6 eggs which are incubated by both parents for 12 to 13 days and the chicks fledge after a further 15 to 18 days. There are 2 or 3 broods each year. Hybridisation between the Tree Sparrow and the House Sparrow has been recorded in many parts of the world with male hybrids tending to resemble the Tree Sparrow while female hybrids are more similar to the House Sparrow. The Tree Sparrow is a predominantly seed and grain eating bird which feeds on the ground in flocks and often with House Sparrows, finches and buntings. It may also visit feeding stations. It additionally feeds on invertebrates including insects, woodlice, millipedes, centipedes, spiders, etc. especially during the breeding season when the young are fed mainly on animal food. Adults use a variety of wetlands when foraging for invertebrate prey to feed chicks and aquatic sites play a key role in providing adequate diversity and availability of suitable invertebrate prey to allow successful chick rearing. Large areas of formerly occupied farmland no longer provide these invertebrate resources due to the effects of intensive farming. The Tree Sparrow has a large range and a large population. Although the population is declining, the species is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List. For this reason, the Tree Sparrow is designated as being of “Least Concern”. Although the Tree Sparrow has been expanding its range in Fennoscandia and east Europe, its population has been declining in much of west Europe, a trend reflected in other farmland birds such as the Skylark and Corn Bunting. The collapse in population seems to have been particularly severe in the UK where there was a 93% decline between 1970 and 2008. However, recent Breeding Bird Survey data is encouraging and suggests that numbers may have started to increase albeit from a very low point. The decrease in population is probably the result of agricultural intensification and specialisation, particularly the increased use of herbicides and a trend towards autumn-sown crops at the expense of spring-sown crops that produce stubble fields in winter. The change from mixed to specialised farming and the increased use of insecticides has reduced the amount of insect food available for chicks. Date: 14th May 2015 Location: Great Prespa Lake (Megali Prespa), West Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo16538246.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_44305200650827ef0848eb.jpgRuff The Ruff is a medium-sized wading bird in the sandpiper family, [i]Scolopacidae[/i]. The original English name for this bird, dating back to at least 1465, is the [i]ree[/i], perhaps derived from a dialectical term meaning "frenzied". A later name [I]reeve[/I], which is still used for the female, is of unknown origin but may be derived from the shire-reeve, a feudal officer, likening the male's flamboyant plumage to the official's robes. The current name was first recorded in 1634 and is derived from the ruff, an exaggerated collar fashionable from the mid-16th century to the mid-17th century, since the male bird's neck ornamental feathers resemble the neck wear. The Ruff has a distinctive appearance with a small head, medium-length bill, longish neck and pot-bellied body. It has long legs that are variable in colour but usually yellow or orange. In flight, it has a deeper, slower wing stroke than other waders of a similar size and it displays a thin, indistinct white bar on the wing and white ovals on the sides of the tail. The Ruff shows very distinctive sexual dimorphism. Although a small percentage of males resemble females, the typical male is much larger than the female and has an elaborate breeding plumage. The male is 11 to 13 inches in length with a 21 to 24 inches wingspan. During the May to June breeding season, the typical male's legs, bill and warty bare facial skin are orange and he has distinctive head tufts and a neck ruff. These ornaments vary on individual birds and are black, chestnut or white with the colouring solid, barred or irregular. The grey-brown back has a scale-like pattern, often with black or chestnut feathers, and the underparts are white with extensive black on the breast. The extreme variability of the main breeding plumage is thought to have developed to aid individual recognition in a species that has communal breeding displays but is usually mute. Outside the breeding season, the typical male's head and neck decorations and the bare facial skin are lost and the legs and bill become duller. The upperparts are grey-brown and the underparts are white with grey mottling on the breast and flanks. The female, or "reeve", is 9 to 10 inches in length with a 18 to 19 inches wingspan. In the breeding plumage, the female has grey-brown upperparts with white-fringed, dark-centred feathers. The breast and flanks are variably blotched with black. In winter, her plumage is similar to that of the male but the sexes are distinguishable on size. The plumage of the juvenile Ruff resembles the non-breeding adult but has upperparts with a neat, scale-like pattern with dark feather centres and a strong buff tinge to the underparts. The Ruff is a migratory species, breeding in wetlands in the colder regions of northern Eurasia and wintering in the tropics, mainly in Africa. There is a limited overlap of the summer and winter ranges in the UK and parts of coastal western Europe and birds may be present throughout the year. The Ruff breeds in Europe and Asia from Scandinavia and the UK almost to the Pacific. In Europe, it is found in cool temperate areas but over its Russian range it is an Arctic species and occurs mainly north of about 65°N. The largest numbers breed in Russia, Sweden, Finland and Norway. Although it also breeds from the UK east through the Low Countries to Poland, Germany and Denmark, the populations are much lower in these more southerly areas. The Ruff is highly gregarious on migration and it travels in large flocks that can contain hundreds or thousands of individuals. Huge dense groups form on the wintering grounds. The males, which play no part in nesting or chick care, leave the breeding grounds in late June or early July followed later in July by the females and juveniles. Males typically make shorter flights and winter further north than females. Many migratory species use this differential wintering strategy since it reduces feeding competition between the sexes and enables territorial males to reach the breeding grounds as early as possible thereby improving their chances of successful mating. Males may also be able to tolerate colder winter conditions because they are larger than females. The Ruff breeds in extensive lowland freshwater marshes and damp grasslands. It avoids barren tundra and areas badly affected by severe weather, preferring hummocky marshes and deltas with shallow water. The wetter areas provide a source of food, the mounds and slopes may be used for leks and dry areas with sedge or low scrub offer nesting sites. When it is not breeding, it can be found in a wider range of shallow wetlands. Dry grassland, tidal mudflats and the seashore are less frequently used. Male Ruffs display during the breeding season at a lek in a traditional open grassy arena. The Ruff is one of the few lekking species in which the display is primarily directed at other males rather than to the females and it is among a small percentage of birds in which the males have well-marked and inherited variations in plumage and mating behaviour. There are 3 male forms: the typical territorial males, satellite males which have a white neck ruff and a very rare variant with female-like plumage. The behaviour and appearance for an individual male remain constant through its adult life and are determined by its genes. The territorial males, about 84% of the total, have strongly coloured black or chestnut ruffs and stake out and occupy small mating territories in the lek. They actively court females and display a high degree of aggression towards other resident males. Between 5 and 20 territorial males each hold an area of the lek about 3 feet across and usually with bare soil in the centre. They perform an elaborate display that includes wing fluttering, jumping, standing upright, crouching with ruff erect or lunging at rivals. They are typically silent even when displaying. Territorial males are very site faithful and 90% return to the same lekking sites in subsequent seasons, the most dominant males being the most likely to reappear. Site faithful males can acquire accurate information about the competitive abilities of other males, leading to well-developed dominance relationships. Such stable relationships reduce conflict and the risk of injury and the consequent lower levels of male aggression are less likely to scare off females. Lower-ranked territorial males also benefit from site fidelity since they can remain on the leks while waiting for the top males eventually to drop out. Satellite males, about 16% of the total number, have white or mottled ruffs and do not occupy territories. Instead, they enter leks and attempt to mate with the females visiting the territories occupied by the resident territorial males. Resident territorial males tolerate the satellite birds because, although they are competitors for mating with the females, the presence of both types of male on a territory attracts additional females. A third type of male was first described in 2006. This is a permanent female mimic, the first such reported for a bird. About 1% of males are small, intermediate in size between males and females and do not grow the elaborate breeding plumage of the territorial and satellite males. This cryptic male obtains access to mating territories together with the females and "steals" matings when the females crouch to solicit copulation. It moults into the prenuptial male plumage with striped feathers but does not go on to develop the ornamental feathers of the normal male. Not all mating takes place at the lek since only a minority of the males attend an active lek. As alternative strategies, males can also directly pursue females or wait for them as they approach good feeding sites. The level of polyandry in the Ruff is the highest known for any avian lekking species and for any shorebird. More than half of females mate with and have clutches fertilised by more than one male. In lekking species, females can choose mates without risking the loss of support from males in nesting and rearing chicks since the males take no part in raising the brood anyway. The nest of the Ruff is a shallow ground scrape lined with grass leaves and stems and concealed in marsh plants or tall grass up to 450 yards from the lek. Nesting is solitary although several females may lay in the general vicinity of a lek. The female lays typically 4 eggs from mid-March to early June depending on latitude. Incubation is undertaken by the female alone and the time to hatching is 20 to 23 days with a further 25 to 28 days to fledging. The precocial chicks have buff and chestnut down, streaked and barred with black and frosted with white. They feed themselves on a variety of small invertebrates. The Ruff normally feeds using a steady walk and pecking action, selecting food items by sight, but it will also wade deeply and submerge its head. During the breeding season, the Ruff’s diet consists almost exclusively of the adults and larva of terrestrial and aquatic insects such as beetles and flies. On migration and during the winter, it eats insects, crustaceans, spiders, molluscs, worms, frogs, small fish and also the seeds of rice and other cereals, sedges, grasses and aquatic plants. The Ruff has a large range and a large population although there is some evidence of a decrease in the population in some regions and countries. However, the species as a whole is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List (i.e. declining more than 30 percent in 10 years or 3 generations). For these reasons, the Ruff is classified as "least concern". However, the range in much of Europe is contracting because of land drainage, increased fertiliser use, the loss of mown or grazed breeding sites and over-hunting. Therefore the Ruff is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 1st October 2012 Location: Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/findhorn-highland https://images.on-this.website/4752_18482245034681c78a0441e.jpgFindhorn, Highland The Findhorn Valley or Strathdearn runs along an unclassified road for nearly 10 miles westwards from the village of Tomatin on the A9 and 15 miles south of Inverness. Vehicle access terminates at Coignafearn, a remote settlement, lodge and deer forest in the Monadhliath Mountains. The Findhorn Valley is well known amongst birdwatchers for the impressive variety of birds of prey that can be seen with patience and luck. Date: 15th May 2005 Location: view from Coignafearn at the end of the unclassified road down the Findhorn Valley http://www.richardchewphotography.com/october-2007-red-deer https://images.on-this.website/4752_11313009864e41115745bd3.jpgOctober 2007 - Red Deer Please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/photo11947724.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25774115.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1192427762560fb72b499c5.jpgDate: 25th September 2015 Location: Loch Eishort, Skye, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4466091.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20817633844b8a250ac3d36.jpgReindeer Reindeer are the northernmost species of deer being found throughout the tundra (frozen arctic plain with lichens, mosses and dwarfed vegetation) and taiga (marshy pine forest) zones of the Northern Hemisphere. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813373.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6333727235d0dde5347d0c.jpgFulmar The (Northern) Fulmar is a highly abundant seabird found primarily in subarctic regions of the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans. Though similar in appearance to gulls, the 2 species of fulmars (Northern and Southern) are in fact members of a different seabird family which include petrels and shearwaters. The Fulmar’s latin name, Fulmarus glacialis can be broken down to the Old Norse word full meaning "foul" and mar meaning "gull". "Foul-gull" is in reference to its stomach oil and also its superficial similarity to gulls. Finally, glacialis is Latin for "glacial" reflecting its extreme northern range. The Fulmar is generally grey and white with a pale yellow and thick bill and bluish legs. However there is both a light morph and a dark morph. Like other petrels, their walking ability is limited but they are strong fliers with a stiff wing action quite unlike the gulls. The Fulmar also looks bull-necked compared to gulls and it has a short stubby bill. The Fulmar is estimated to have between 15 to 30 million mature individuals that occupy a range of around 11 million square miles. Its range increased greatly last century due to the availability of fish offal from commercial fleets but may contract because of less food from this source and climate change. The population increase has been especially notable in the UK. The Fulmar starts breeding at between 6 and 12 years old. It is monogamous, forms long term pair bonds, returns to the same nest site year after year and nests in large colonies. The nest is a scrape on a grassy cliff ledge or a saucer of vegetation on the ground lined with softer material and recently they have started nesting on rooftops and buildings. The Fulmar feeds on shrimp, fish, squid, plankton, jellyfish and carrion as well as refuse. When eating fish, it will dive up to several feet deep to retrieve its prey. Date: 10th June 2019 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21955848.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_168177194953da23948a333.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Staple Island, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14155790.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16712219094f3cd294ec294.jpgMagpie The Eurasian Magpie, often simply known as the Magpie, is one of several birds in the crow family [i] Corvidae[/i] designated as a Magpie. In Europe, Magpie is generally used by English speakers to describe the Eurasian Magpie. The only other species in Europe is the Iberian Magpie or Azure-winged Magpie which is limited to the Iberian peninsula. The adult male Magpie is 17 to 18 inches in length, of which more than half is the tail. The wingspan is 20 to 24 inches. The head, neck and breast are glossy black with a metallic green and violet sheen, the belly and scapulars are pure white, the wings are black glossed with green or purple and the primaries have white inner webs, conspicuous when the wing is open. The graduated tail is black, glossed with green and reddish purple. The legs and bill are black and the iris is dark brown. The plumage of the sexes is similar but the female is slightly smaller. The young resemble the adults but are at first without much of the gloss on the sooty plumage and the tail is much shorter. The Magpie can be found across temperate Eurasia from Spain and Ireland in the west to the Kamchatka Peninsula in the east. It has also been introduced in Japan on the island of Kyushu. The preferred habitat of the Magpie is open countryside with scattered trees and it is normally absent from treeless areas and dense forests. It sometimes breeds at high densities in suburban settings such as parks and gardens and it can often be found close to the centre of cities. The Magpie is normally sedentary and spends winters close to its breeding areas but birds living near the northern limit of their range in Scandinavia and Russia can move south in harsh weather. Some Magpies breed after their first year whilst others remain in non-breeding flocks and first breed in their second year. The Magpie is monogamous and pairs often remain together from one breeding season to the next and generally occupy the same territory in successive years. Mating takes place in spring. In the courtship display, males rapidly raise and depress their head feathers, uplift, open and close their tails like fans and call in soft tones quite distinct from their usual chatter. The loose feathers of the flanks are brought over the primaries, and the shoulder patch is spread so the white is conspicuous, presumably to attract females. Short buoyant flights and chases follow. The Magpie prefers tall trees for their bulky nest, firmly attaching them to a central fork in the upper branches. A framework of sticks is cemented with earth and clay and a lining of the same is covered with fine roots. Above is a stout though loosely built dome of prickly branches with a single well concealed entrance. These huge nests are conspicuous when the leaves fall. Where trees are scarce, though even in well-wooded country, nests are at times built in bushes and hedgerows. In Europe, the eggs are typically laid in April and clutches usually contain 5 or 6 eggs. The eggs are incubated for 21 to 22 days by the female who is fed on the nest by the male. The chicks are brooded by the female for the first 5 to 10 days and fed by both parents. The nestlings open their eyes 7 to 8 days after hatching and their body feathers start to appear after around 8 days and the primary wing feathers after 10 days. Fledging takes place at around 27 days and the parents then continue to feed the young for several more weeks. The parents also protect the young from predators since their ability to fly is poor, making them vulnerable. On average, only 3 or 4 chicks survive to fledge successfully. Some nests are lost to predators but an important factor causing nestling mortality is starvation. Eggs hatch asynchronously and if the parents have difficulty finding sufficient food, the last chicks to hatch are unlikely to survive. The Magpie is omnivorous, eating young birds and eggs, small mammals, insects, scraps and carrion, acorns, grain and other vegetable substances. The Magpie is believed not only to be among the most intelligent of birds but among the most intelligent of all animals. Along with the Jackdaw, the Magpie's nidopallium area of the brain is approximately the same relative size as those in Chimpanzees and humans. Like other corvids, such as the Raven and Carrion crow, the total brain-to-body mass ratio is equal to most great apes and cetaceans. A 2004 review suggests that the intelligence of the corvid family to which the Magpie belongs is equivalent to that of great apes (Chimpanzees, Orangutans and Gorillas) in terms of social cognition, causal reasoning, flexibility, imagination and prospection. The Magpie has an extremely large range and a very large population. The population trend in Europe has been stable since 1980 and there is no evidence of any serious overall decline in numbers so the species is classified by the IUCN as being of “Least Concern”. In Europe, the Magpie has been historically demonized by humans, mainly as a result of folklore, superstition and myth and its reputation as an omen of ill fortune. The Magpie has also been attacked for their role as a predator which includes eating other birds' eggs and their young. However, different studies have reached different conclusions on their impact on the populations of other birds. Date: 12th February 2012 Location: Pennington Flash, Greater Manchester http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21956126.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_191069805853da252aeb045.jpgPuffins The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Staple Island, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37431191.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15003129335c6be81f7581c.jpgTeal The Eurasian Teal or Common Teal is often called simply the Teal due to being the only one of these small [i]Anas[/i] dabbling ducks in much of its range. The Teal is the smallest dabbling duck at 7.9 to 11.8 inches in length and with a wingspan of 21 to 23 inches. From a distance, the male Teal in breeding plumage appears grey with a dark head, a yellowish behind and a white stripe running along the flanks. Their head and upper neck is chestnut with a wide and iridescent dark green patch of half-moon or teardrop-shape that starts immediately before the eye and arcs to the upper hindneck. This patch is bordered with thin yellowish-white lines and a single line of that colour extends from the patch's forward end and curving along the base of the bill. The breast is buff with small round brown spots. The centre of the belly is white and the rest of the body plumage is mostly white with thin and dense blackish vermiculations, appearing medium grey even at a short distance. The outer scapular feathers are white with a black border to the outer vanes and these form the white side-stripe when the bird is in resting position. The tail and tail coverts are black with a bright yellowish-buff triangular patch in the centre of the coverts at each side. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female. It is more uniform in colour with a dark head and vestigial facial markings. The female Teal is yellowish-brown but somewhat darker on the wings and back. It has a dark greyish-brown upper head, hindneck, eyestripe and feather pattern. The pattern is dense short streaks on the head and neck and scaly spots on the rest of the body. Overall it looks much like a tiny Mallard. Immatures are coloured much like the adult females but they have a stronger pattern. The downy young are coloured like other dabbling ducks, brown above and yellow below with a yellow supercilium. The male's bill is dark grey but in the eclipse plumage it often shows some light greenish or brownish hue at the base. The bill of the females and immatures is pinkish or yellowish at the base, becoming dark grey towards the tip. The feet are dark grey in the males and greyish olive or greyish-brown in females and immatures. The Teal breeds across north Eurasia where it occupies sheltered freshwater wetlands with some tall vegetation such as taiga bogs or small lakes and ponds with extensive reedbeds. It mostly winters well south of its breeding range in the Mediterranean region, south Asia and some parts of Africa where it is often seen in large flocks in brackish waters and even in sheltered inlets and lagoons along the seashore. It is also regularly recorded on the north American coasts south to California and South Carolina. In the milder climate of temperate Europe, such as in the UK, the summer and winter ranges overlap. In the UK, the Teal can be found all year round but it is thinly distributed as a breeding species. In winter, birds congregate in larger numbers on low-lying wetlands both on the coast and inland in the south and west of the UK. Of these, many are continental birds from around the Baltic and Siberia. At this time, the UK is home to a significant percentage of the north west European wintering population. The Teal is much less abundant than the very similar Green-winged Teal from north America although it is still common and widespread. It appears to be holding its own currently with perhaps a slow decline due to drainage and pollution of wetlands. The IUCN and BirdLife International classify the Teal as a species of “Least Concern”. However, it is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. The Teal nests on the ground near water. Pairs form in the winter range and arrive on the breeding range together from about March. Breeding starts some weeks thereafter and not until May in the most northerly locations. The nest is a deep hollow lined with dry leaves and down feathers which is built in dense vegetation near water. After the females have started laying their eggs, the males leave them and move away and assemble in flocks on particular lakes where they moult into their eclipse plumage. The female lays 5 to 16 eggs but usually 8 to 11. Incubation lasts for 21 to 23 days and the young leave the nest soon after hatching and are cared for by the female for about 25 to 30 days. The males and the females with young generally move to the winter range separately. After the first winter, the young moult in to their adult plumage. The Teal usually feeds by dabbling, upending or grazing. In the breeding season it eats mainly aquatic invertebrates, such as crustaceans, insects and their larvae, molluscs and worms. In winter, it shifts to a largely granivorous diet, feeding on seeds of aquatic plants and grasses including sedges and grains. Date: 10th January 2019 Location: RSPB Greylake, Somerset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32708818.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_167497097859ad257ac4a750.51468019.jpgTree Sparrow The Tree Sparrow is a member of the sparrow family [i]Passer[/i], a group of small passerine birds that is believed to have originated in Africa and which contains 15 to 25 species. The Tree Sparrow's name is derived from 2 Latin words: [I]passer[/I] meaning "sparrow" and [I]montanus[/I] meaning "of the mountains". The common name is given to suggest the preference for tree holes for nesting. However, this name and the scientific name [i]montanus[/i] do not appropriately describe the Tree Sparrow’s habitat preferences: the German name [i]Feldsperling[/i] meaning "field sparrow"[/i] comes closer to doing so. The Tree Sparrow is around 5 to 5.5 inches in length with a wingspan of about 8.3 inches, making it roughly 10% smaller than the House Sparrow. The adult's crown and nape are a rich chestnut and there is a kidney-shaped black ear patch on each pure white cheek. The chin, throat and the area between the bill and throat are black. The upperparts are light brown streaked with black and the brown wings have 2 distinct narrow white bars. The legs are pale brown and the bill is lead-blue in summer becoming almost black in winter. The Tree Sparrow is distinctive even within its own family in that there are no plumage differences between the sexes. The juvenile resembles the adult although the colours tend to be duller. The contrasting face pattern makes the Tree Sparrow easily identifiable in all plumages and the smaller size and chestnut (not grey) crown are additional differences from the male House Sparrow. The Tree Sparrow's breeding range comprises most of temperate Europe and Asia south of about latitude 68°N (north of this the summers are too cold) and through south east Asia to Java and Bali. It is sedentary over most of its extensive range but northernmost breeding populations migrate south for the winter and small numbers leave south Europe for north Africa and the Middle East. The Tree Sparrow has been introduced outside its native range but it has not always become successfully established, possibly due to competition with the House Sparrow. Ship-carried birds have colonised some areas and birds have also occurred as vagrants. Despite its scientific name, the Tree Sparrow is not typically a mountain species and reaches only 2300 feet in Switzerland although it has bred at 5600 feet in the northern Caucasus and as high as 14010 feet in Nepal. In Europe, the Tree Sparrow is frequently found in open countryside with small isolated patches of woodland but also on coasts with cliffs, in woodland along slow water courses and in empty buildings. It shows a strong preference for nest sites near wetland habitats and avoids breeding on intensively managed farmland. In Europe, where the Tree Sparrow and the House Sparrow occur in the same region, the House Sparrow generally nests in urban areas while the Tree Sparrow nests in rural areas. Where trees are in short supply, both species may utilise man-made structures as nest sites. Whilst the Tree Sparrow is mainly a rural bird in Europe, it tends to be an urban bird in Asia and Australia. In the UK, the Tree Sparrow is scarcer in upland areas and the far north and west of the and the main populations are now found across the Midlands and south and east England. The Tree Sparrow may breed in isolated pairs or in loose colonies. The male calls from near the nest site in spring to proclaim ownership and attract a mate and he may also carry nest material in to the nest hole. The Tree Sparrow typically builds its nest in a cavity in an old tree or rock face. Some nests are not in holes as such but are built among roots of overhanging bushes. Roof cavities in houses and nest boxes are also readily used. In addition, the Tree Sparrow will breed in the disused nest of a Magpie or other crow species or an active or unused nest of a large bird such as the White Stork or a heron or raptor species. It will sometimes attempt to take over the nest of other birds that breed in holes or enclosed spaces such as tit species, flycatcher species, Swallow, House Martin, Sand Martin or European Bee-eater. The untidy nest is composed of hay, grass, wool or other material and lined with feathers which improve thermal insulation. The female lays 5 or 6 eggs which are incubated by both parents for 12 to 13 days and the chicks fledge after a further 15 to 18 days. There are 2 or 3 broods each year. Hybridisation between the Tree Sparrow and the House Sparrow has been recorded in many parts of the world with male hybrids tending to resemble the Tree Sparrow while female hybrids are more similar to the House Sparrow. The Tree Sparrow is a predominantly seed and grain eating bird which feeds on the ground in flocks and often with House Sparrows, finches and buntings. It may also visit feeding stations. It additionally feeds on invertebrates including insects, woodlice, millipedes, centipedes, spiders, etc. especially during the breeding season when the young are fed mainly on animal food. Adults use a variety of wetlands when foraging for invertebrate prey to feed chicks and aquatic sites play a key role in providing adequate diversity and availability of suitable invertebrate prey to allow successful chick rearing. Large areas of formerly occupied farmland no longer provide these invertebrate resources due to the effects of intensive farming. The Tree Sparrow has a large range and a large population. Although the population is declining, the species is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List. For this reason, the Tree Sparrow is designated as being of “Least Concern”. Although the Tree Sparrow has been expanding its range in Fennoscandia and east Europe, its population has been declining in much of west Europe, a trend reflected in other farmland birds such as the Skylark and Corn Bunting. The collapse in population seems to have been particularly severe in the UK where there was a 93% decline between 1970 and 2008. However, recent Breeding Bird Survey data is encouraging and suggests that numbers may have started to increase albeit from a very low point. The decrease in population is probably the result of agricultural intensification and specialisation, particularly the increased use of herbicides and a trend towards autumn-sown crops at the expense of spring-sown crops that produce stubble fields in winter. The change from mixed to specialised farming and the increased use of insecticides has reduced the amount of insect food available for chicks. Date: 18th May 2017 Location: east of Hortobágy, Hortobágy National Park, Hajdú-Bihar county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37399605.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6384106165c66978079555.jpgAtlantic Grey Seals The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 9th December 2018 Location: Winterton-Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37431195.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13729823515c6be82f3b9d4.jpgStarling The Common Starling, also known as the European starling or in the UK just as the Starling, is a medium-sized passerine bird in the starling family. There are several sub-species of the Starling which vary in size and the colour tone of the adult plumage. The gradual variation over geographic range and extensive intergradation means that acceptance of the various sub-species varies between different authorities. The Starling is 7.5 to 9.1 inches in length with a wingspan of 12 to 17 inches. The plumage is iridescent black, glossed purple or green and spangled with white, especially in winter. The underparts of the adult male Starlings are generally less spotted than those of adult females. The throat feathers of the males are long and loose and are used in display while those of the females are smaller and more pointed. The legs are stout and pinkish-red or greyish-red. The bill is narrow and conical with a sharp tip. In the winter it is brownish-black but in summer the females have lemon yellow beaks whilst the males have yellow bills with blue-grey bases. Moulting occurs once a year in late summer after the breeding season and the fresh feathers are prominently tipped white (breast feathers) or buff (wing and back feathers) giving a speckled appearance. The reduction in the spotting in the breeding season is achieved through the white feather tips largely wearing off. Juveniles are grey-brown and by their first winter they resemble adults although they often retain some brown juvenile feathering especially on the head. In flight, the Starling’s strongly pointed wings and dark colouration are distinctive whilst on the ground its strange waddling gait is also characteristic. The colouring and build usually distinguish the Starling from other starling species although the closely related Spotless Starling from Iberia and north Africa may be physically distinguished by the lack of iridescent spots in the adult breeding plumage. Like most terrestrial starlings, the Starling moves by walking or running rather than hopping. Their flight is quite strong and direct and their triangular-shaped wings beat very rapidly. They periodically glide for a short way without losing much height before resuming powered flight. When in a flock, the birds take off almost simultaneously, wheel and turn in unison, form a compact mass or trail off into a wispy stream, bunch up again and the land in a co-ordinated fashion. The Starling is a noisy bird. Its song consists of a wide variety of both melodic and mechanical-sounding noises as part of a ritual succession of sounds. The male is the main songster and engages in bouts of song lasting for a minute or more. Each of these typically includes 4 varieties of song type which follow each other in a regular order without pause. The bout starts with a series of pure tone whistles and these are followed by the main part of the song, a number of variable sequences that often incorporate snatches of song mimicked from other species of bird and various naturally occurring or man-made noises. The structure and simplicity of the sound mimicked is of greater importance than the frequency with which it occurs. Each sound clip is repeated several times before the bird moves on to the next. After this variable section comes a number of types of repeated clicks followed by a final burst of high frequency song, again formed of several types. Each bird has its own repertoire with more proficient birds having a range of up to 35 variable song types and as many as 14 types of clicks. Males sing constantly as the breeding period approaches and perform less often once pairs have bonded. In the presence of a female, a male sometimes flies to his nest and sings from the entrance, apparently attempting to entice the female in. Having a complex song is also useful in defending a territory and deterring less experienced males from encroaching. Singing also occurs outside the breeding season and takes place throughout the year apart from the moulting period. The songsters are more commonly males although females also sing on occasion. The function of such out-of-season song is poorly understood. Starlings chatter while roosting and bathing and make a great deal of noise that can cause irritation to some people living nearby. When a flock of Starlings is flying together, the synchronised movements of their wings make a distinctive whooshing sound that can be heard hundred yards away. The global population of the Starling was estimated to be 310 million birds in 2004, occupying a total area of 3.4 million square miles. Its numbers are not thought to be declining significantly so it is classified by the IUCN as being of “Least Concern”. It had shown a marked increase in numbers throughout Europe from the 19th century to around the 1950s and 1960s. However, declines in populations have been observed since 1980, including in the UK. This seems to be due to the low survival rate of young birds which may be caused by changes in agricultural practices. The intensive farming methods used in north Europe mean there is less pasture and meadow habitat available and the supply of grassland invertebrates needed for the nestlings to thrive is correspondingly reduced. The Starling remains widespread throughout the Northern Hemisphere and it is native to Eurasia. It is found throughout Europe, north Africa from Morocco to Egypt, India (mainly in the north but regularly extending further south) and extending into the Maldives, Nepal, the Middle East including Syria, Iran and Iraq and north west China. Starlings in the south and west of Europe and south of latitude 40°N are mainly resident although other populations migrate from regions where the winter is harsh, the ground frozen and food scarce. Large numbers of birds from northern Europe, Russia and Ukraine migrate south westwards or south eastwards. In the autumn, when immigrants are arriving from eastern Europe, many of the UK's Starlings are setting off for Iberia and north Africa. Other groups of birds are in passage across the country and the pathways of these different streams of bird may cross. The Starling prefers urban or suburban areas where artificial structures and trees provide adequate nesting and roosting sites. Reedbeds are also favoured for roosting and Starlings commonly feed in grassy areas such as farmland, grazing pastures, playing fields, golf courses and airfields where short grass makes foraging easy. The Starling occasionally inhabits open forests and woodlands although it is rarely found in dense, wet forests. It can also be found in coastal areas where it nests and roosts on cliffs and forages amongst seaweed. The Starling’s ability to adapt to a large variety of habitats has allowed it to disperse and establish the species in diverse locations around the world and resulting in a habitat range from coastal wetlands to alpine forests and from sea cliffs to mountain ranges. The Starling has been introduced to and has successfully established itself in New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, north America, Fiji and several Caribbean islands. As a result, it has also been able to migrate to Thailand, south east Asia and New Guinea. Breeding takes place during the spring and summer. Unpaired males find a suitable cavity and begin to build nests in order to attract single females, often decorating the nest with ornaments such as flowers and fresh green material, which the female later disassembles when accepting the male as a mate. The males sing throughout much of the construction and even more so when a female approaches his nest. Following mating, the male and female continue to build the nest. Nests may be located in any type of hole and common locations include inside hollowed trees, buildings, tree stumps and man-made nest-boxes. Nests are typically made out of straw, dry grass and twigs with an inner lining made up of feathers, wool and soft leaves. Construction usually takes 4 or 5 days and may continue through incubation.[29] The Starling is both monogamous and polygamous. Although broods are generally brought up by a single male and a single female, occasionally the pair may have an extra helper. Pairs may be part of a colony, in which case several other nests may occupy the same or nearby trees. Males may mate with a second female while the first is still on the nest. The reproductive success of the bird is poorer in the second nest than it is in the primary nest and is better when the male remains monogamous. Following mating, the female lays eggs on a daily basis over a period of several days. There are normally 4 or 5 eggs which are pale blue or occasionally white and they commonly have a glossy appearance. Incubation lasts 13 days and both parents share this responsibility although the female spends more time incubating than the male. The female is the only parent to do so at night when the male returns to the communal roost. Nestlings remain in the nest for 3 weeks where they are fed continuously by both parents. Fledglings continue to be fed by their parents for another 1 or 2 weeks. A pair can raise up to 3 broods per year although 2 broods is typical and just a single one is normal north of 48°N. Within 2 months most juveniles will have moulted and gained their first basic plumage. They acquire their adult plumage the following year. Starling nests have a 48% to 79% rate of successful fledging although only 20% of nestlings survive to breeding age. The adult survival rate is closer to 60%. The average life span is about 2 to 3 years. A majority of starling predators are avian, in particular birds of prey The Starling is a highly gregarious species, especially in autumn and winter. Although flock size is highly variable, huge noisy flocks (murmurations) may form near roosts. These dense concentrations of birds are thought to be a defence against attacks by birds of prey. Flocks form a tight sphere-like formation in flight, frequently expanding and contracting and changing shape, seemingly without any sort of leader. Each Starling changes its course and speed as a result of the movement of its closest neighbours. Very large roosts, exceptionally up to 1.5 million birds, can form in city centres, woodlands or reedbeds. The Starling is largely insectivorous and feeds on a wide range of invertebrates in both the adult and larvae stages of development. It will also feed on earthworms, snails, small amphibians and lizards. While the consumption of invertebrates is necessary for successful breeding, the Starling is omnivorous and will also eat grains, seeds, fruits, nectar and food waste if the opportunity arises. Date: 10th January 2019 Location: RSPB Greylake, Somerset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21955332.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_61173122853da16573dcc8.jpgCommon Guillemots The Common Guillemot, also known as the Common Murre or Thin-billed Murre, is a large species of auk. The auks are a family of seabirds which includes the Brunnich's Guillemot or Thick-billed Murre, Razorbill, Little Auk and the extinct Great Auk. The Common Guillemot is 15 to 18 inches in length with a 24 to 29 inches wingspan. In breeding plumage, it is black or dark brown on the head, back and wings with white underparts. It has a thin dark pointed bill and a small rounded dark tail. Legs are grey and the bill is dark grey. Males and females are identical. Some individuals in the North Atlantic, known as "Bridled Guillemots", have a white ring around the eye extending back as a white line. This is not a distinct subspecies but a polymorphism that becomes more common the farther north the birds breed. The Common Guillemot flies with fast wing beats and has a flight speed of around 50 mph. Groups of birds are often seen flying together in a line just above the surface of the sea. However, it is not a very agile bird and take-off is often difficult. The Common Guillemot becomes flightless for 45 to 60 days while moulting its primary feathers. The Common Guillemot is a pursuit diver that forages for food by swimming underwater using its wings for propulsion. Dives usually last less than one minute but the bird swims underwater for distances of over 100 feet on a regular basis. Diving depths up to 590 feet have been recorded. The Common Guillemot has a circumpolar distribution and it occurs in low Arctic and boreal waters in the north Atlantic and north Pacific. It spends most of its time at sea and only comes to land to breed on rocky cliffs, sea stacks and islands. Some birds are permanent residents but northern birds migrate south to open waters off New England, southern California, Japan, Korea and the western Mediterranean. The Common Guillemot breeds in colonies at high densities and nesting pairs may be in bodily contact with their neighbours. No nest is made and the single egg is laid and incubated on a bare rock ledge on a cliff face. The egg hatches after 30 days incubation and the chick is born downy and can regulate its body temperature after 10 days. Some 20 days after hatching the chick jumps off its nesting ledge and heads for the sea unable to fly but gliding for some distance with fluttering wings and accompanied by its male parent. The chicks are capable of diving as soon as they hit the water. The female stays at the nest site for some 14 days after the chick has left. The Common Guillemot can venture far from its breeding grounds to forage and distances of 60 miles or more are often observed although if sufficient food is available closer by, birds will only travel much shorter distances. It mainly eats small schooling fish 8 inches long or less such as Polar Cod, Capelin, Sand Lances, Sprats, Sandeels, Atlantic Cod and Atlantic Herring. It also eats some molluscs, marine worms, squid and crustaceans. It is often seen carrying fish in its bill with the tail hanging out. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: view from the Farne Islands boat trip from Seahouses Harbour, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo441543.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1430752521467ee890bf054.jpgDate: June 2004 Location: Duisdalemore, Sound of Sleat, Skye http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42082961.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1739089595faa5bdd3d6fb.jpgMagpie The Eurasian Magpie, often simply known as the Magpie, is one of several birds in the crow family Corvidae designated as a Magpie. In Europe, Magpie is generally used by English speakers to describe the Eurasian Magpie. The only other species in Europe is the Iberian Magpie or Azure-winged Magpie which is limited to the Iberian peninsula. The adult male Magpie is 17 to 18 inches in length, of which more than half is the tail. The wingspan is 20 to 24 inches. The head, neck and breast are glossy black with a metallic green and violet sheen, the belly and scapulars are pure white, the wings are black glossed with green or purple and the primaries have white inner webs, conspicuous when the wing is open. The graduated tail is black, glossed with green and reddish purple. The legs and bill are black and the iris is dark brown. The plumage of the sexes is similar but the female is slightly smaller. The young resemble the adults but are at first without much of the gloss on the sooty plumage and the tail is much shorter. The Magpie can be found across temperate Eurasia from Spain and Ireland in the west to the Kamchatka Peninsula in the east. It has also been introduced in Japan on the island of Kyushu. The preferred habitat of the Magpie is open countryside with scattered trees and it is normally absent from treeless areas and dense forests. It sometimes breeds at high densities in suburban settings such as parks and gardens and it can often be found close to the centre of cities. The Magpie is normally sedentary and spends winters close to its breeding areas but birds living near the northern limit of their range in Scandinavia and Russia can move south in harsh weather. Some Magpies breed after their first year whilst others remain in non-breeding flocks and first breed in their second year. The Magpie is monogamous and pairs often remain together from one breeding season to the next and generally occupy the same territory in successive years. Mating takes place in spring. In the courtship display, males rapidly raise and depress their head feathers, uplift, open and close their tails like fans and call in soft tones quite distinct from their usual chatter. The loose feathers of the flanks are brought over the primaries, and the shoulder patch is spread so the white is conspicuous, presumably to attract females. Short buoyant flights and chases follow. The Magpie prefers tall trees for their bulky nest, firmly attaching them to a central fork in the upper branches. A framework of sticks is cemented with earth and clay and a lining of the same is covered with fine roots. Above is a stout though loosely built dome of prickly branches with a single well concealed entrance. These huge nests are conspicuous when the leaves fall. Where trees are scarce, though even in well-wooded country, nests are at times built in bushes and hedgerows. In Europe, the eggs are typically laid in April and clutches usually contain 5 or 6 eggs. The eggs are incubated for 21 to 22 days by the female who is fed on the nest by the male. The chicks are brooded by the female for the first 5 to 10 days and fed by both parents. The nestlings open their eyes 7 to 8 days after hatching and their body feathers start to appear after around 8 days and the primary wing feathers after 10 days. Fledging takes place at around 27 days and the parents then continue to feed the young for several more weeks. The parents also protect the young from predators since their ability to fly is poor, making them vulnerable. On average, only 3 or 4 chicks survive to fledge successfully. Some nests are lost to predators but an important factor causing nestling mortality is starvation. Eggs hatch asynchronously and if the parents have difficulty finding sufficient food, the last chicks to hatch are unlikely to survive. The Magpie is omnivorous, eating young birds and eggs, small mammals, insects, scraps and carrion, acorns, grain and other vegetable substances. The Magpie is believed not only to be among the most intelligent of birds but among the most intelligent of all animals. Along with the Jackdaw, the Magpie's nidopallium area of the brain is approximately the same relative size as those in Chimpanzees and humans. Like other corvids, such as the Raven and Carrion crow, the total brain-to-body mass ratio is equal to most great apes and cetaceans. A 2004 review suggests that the intelligence of the corvid family to which the Magpie belongs is equivalent to that of great apes (Chimpanzees, Orangutans and Gorillas) in terms of social cognition, causal reasoning, flexibility, imagination and prospection. The Magpie has an extremely large range and a very large population. The population trend in Europe has been stable since 1980 and there is no evidence of any serious overall decline in numbers so the species is classified by the IUCN as being of “Least Concern”. In Europe, the Magpie has been historically demonized by humans, mainly as a result of folklore, superstition and myth and its reputation as an omen of ill fortune. The Magpie has also been attacked for their role as a predator which includes eating other birds' eggs and their young. However, different studies have reached different conclusions on their impact on the populations of other birds. Date: 15th October 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082129.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2773897195d307a845e465.jpgGolden Oriole The Golden Oriole is the only member of the oriole family breeding in Northern Hemisphere temperate regions. The male is striking with its bright yellow body and black wings but the female is a drabber green-yellow colour. In flight it looks somewhat like a thrush, strong and direct with some shallow undulating dips over longer distances. The Golden Oriole is a secretive bird which keeps to the high tree canopy and even the male is remarkably difficult to see in the dappled yellow and green leaves of the canopy. It can be heard, most often at dawn, giving its distinctive fluting whistle, or-iii-ole, which is unmistakable once heard. It also gives a screeching call similar to the Jay. The summer breeding range of the Golden Oriole spans from west Europe and Scandinavia east to China and it winters in central and south Africa. It can be found in a range of habitats. In west Europe it prefers open broadleaf forests and plantations, copses, riverine forest, orchards and large gardens. In east Europe it may prefer more continuous forest as well as mixed or coniferous forests. It generally avoids treeless habitats but it may forage there. In its wintering habitat it can be found in semi-arid to humid woodland, tall forests, riverine forest, woodland/savannah mosaic and savannah. In the UK, the Golden Oriole is most often seen as a passage migrant in May and June in a suitable breeding area, particularly large poplar plantations near water. It previously bred in the poplar plantations at Lakenheath RSPB reserve in Suffolk. The Golden Oriole may delay breeding until it is 2 or 3 years old. Males usually arrive at the breeding area several days before the females. The fidelity to a territory or even to a specific nest site suggests that the pair bond may continue from one breeding season to the next. The nest is placed high in a tree towards the edge of the crown. The deep cup-shaped nest is suspended below a horizontal fork of thin branches. It is built by the female but the male will sometimes gather some of the material. The female lays and incubates between 3 and 5 eggs but the male will also incubate for short periods to allow the female to feed. The eggs hatch after 16 to 17 days and the young are fed by both parents but are mostly brooded by the female. The young fledge after 16 to 17 days. The Golden Oriole feeds on insects and fruit. Date: 19th May 2018 Location: Durankulak, Dobrich Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30825076.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_142951255358f34195cd6e91.31833205.jpgStarling The Common Starling, also known as the European starling or in the UK just as the Starling, is a medium-sized passerine bird in the starling family. There are several sub-species of the Starling which vary in size and the colour tone of the adult plumage. The gradual variation over geographic range and extensive intergradation means that acceptance of the various sub-species varies between different authorities. The Starling is 7.5 to 9.1 inches in length with a wingspan of 12 to 17 inches. The plumage is iridescent black, glossed purple or green and spangled with white, especially in winter. The underparts of the adult male Starlings are generally less spotted than those of adult females. The throat feathers of the males are long and loose and are used in display while those of the females are smaller and more pointed. The legs are stout and pinkish-red or greyish-red. The bill is narrow and conical with a sharp tip. In the winter it is brownish-black but in summer the females have lemon yellow beaks whilst the males have yellow bills with blue-grey bases. Moulting occurs once a year in late summer after the breeding season and the fresh feathers are prominently tipped white (breast feathers) or buff (wing and back feathers) giving a speckled appearance. The reduction in the spotting in the breeding season is achieved through the white feather tips largely wearing off. Juveniles are grey-brown and by their first winter they resemble adults although they often retain some brown juvenile feathering especially on the head. In flight, the Starling’s strongly pointed wings and dark colouration are distinctive whilst on the ground its strange waddling gait is also characteristic. The colouring and build usually distinguish the Starling from other starling species although the closely related Spotless Starling from Iberia and north Africa may be physically distinguished by the lack of iridescent spots in the adult breeding plumage. Like most terrestrial starlings, the Starling moves by walking or running rather than hopping. Their flight is quite strong and direct and their triangular-shaped wings beat very rapidly. They periodically glide for a short way without losing much height before resuming powered flight. When in a flock, the birds take off almost simultaneously, wheel and turn in unison, form a compact mass or trail off into a wispy stream, bunch up again and the land in a co-ordinated fashion. The Starling is a noisy bird. Its song consists of a wide variety of both melodic and mechanical-sounding noises as part of a ritual succession of sounds. The male is the main songster and engages in bouts of song lasting for a minute or more. Each of these typically includes 4 varieties of song type which follow each other in a regular order without pause. The bout starts with a series of pure tone whistles and these are followed by the main part of the song, a number of variable sequences that often incorporate snatches of song mimicked from other species of bird and various naturally occurring or man-made noises. The structure and simplicity of the sound mimicked is of greater importance than the frequency with which it occurs. Each sound clip is repeated several times before the bird moves on to the next. After this variable section comes a number of types of repeated clicks followed by a final burst of high frequency song, again formed of several types. Each bird has its own repertoire with more proficient birds having a range of up to 35 variable song types and as many as 14 types of clicks. Males sing constantly as the breeding period approaches and perform less often once pairs have bonded. In the presence of a female, a male sometimes flies to his nest and sings from the entrance, apparently attempting to entice the female in. Having a complex song is also useful in defending a territory and deterring less experienced males from encroaching. Singing also occurs outside the breeding season and takes place throughout the year apart from the moulting period. The songsters are more commonly males although females also sing on occasion. The function of such out-of-season song is poorly understood. Starlings chatter while roosting and bathing and make a great deal of noise that can cause irritation to some people living nearby. When a flock of Starlings is flying together, the synchronised movements of their wings make a distinctive whooshing sound that can be heard hundred yards away. The global population of the Starling was estimated to be 310 million birds in 2004, occupying a total area of 3.4 million square miles. Its numbers are not thought to be declining significantly so it is classified by the IUCN as being of “Least Concern”. It had shown a marked increase in numbers throughout Europe from the 19th century to around the 1950s and 1960s. However, declines in populations have been observed since 1980, including in the UK. This seems to be due to the low survival rate of young birds which may be caused by changes in agricultural practices. The intensive farming methods used in north Europe mean there is less pasture and meadow habitat available and the supply of grassland invertebrates needed for the nestlings to thrive is correspondingly reduced. The Starling remains widespread throughout the Northern Hemisphere and it is native to Eurasia. It is found throughout Europe, north Africa from Morocco to Egypt, India (mainly in the north but regularly extending further south) and extending into the Maldives, Nepal, the Middle East including Syria, Iran and Iraq and north west China. Starlings in the south and west of Europe and south of latitude 40°N are mainly resident although other populations migrate from regions where the winter is harsh, the ground frozen and food scarce. Large numbers of birds from northern Europe, Russia and Ukraine migrate south westwards or south eastwards. In the autumn, when immigrants are arriving from eastern Europe, many of the UK's Starlings are setting off for Iberia and north Africa. Other groups of birds are in passage across the country and the pathways of these different streams of bird may cross. The Starling prefers urban or suburban areas where artificial structures and trees provide adequate nesting and roosting sites. Reedbeds are also favoured for roosting and Starlings commonly feed in grassy areas such as farmland, grazing pastures, playing fields, golf courses and airfields where short grass makes foraging easy. The Starling occasionally inhabits open forests and woodlands although it is rarely found in dense, wet forests. It can also be found in coastal areas where it nests and roosts on cliffs and forages amongst seaweed. The Starling’s ability to adapt to a large variety of habitats has allowed it to disperse and establish the species in diverse locations around the world and resulting in a habitat range from coastal wetlands to alpine forests and from sea cliffs to mountain ranges. The Starling has been introduced to and has successfully established itself in New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, north America, Fiji and several Caribbean islands. As a result, it has also been able to migrate to Thailand, south east Asia and New Guinea. Breeding takes place during the spring and summer. Unpaired males find a suitable cavity and begin to build nests in order to attract single females, often decorating the nest with ornaments such as flowers and fresh green material, which the female later disassembles when accepting the male as a mate. The males sing throughout much of the construction and even more so when a female approaches his nest. Following mating, the male and female continue to build the nest. Nests may be located in any type of hole and common locations include inside hollowed trees, buildings, tree stumps and man-made nest-boxes. Nests are typically made out of straw, dry grass and twigs with an inner lining made up of feathers, wool and soft leaves. Construction usually takes 4 or 5 days and may continue through incubation.[29] The Starling is both monogamous and polygamous. Although broods are generally brought up by a single male and a single female, occasionally the pair may have an extra helper. Pairs may be part of a colony, in which case several other nests may occupy the same or nearby trees. Males may mate with a second female while the first is still on the nest. The reproductive success of the bird is poorer in the second nest than it is in the primary nest and is better when the male remains monogamous. Following mating, the female lays eggs on a daily basis over a period of several days. There are normally 4 or 5 eggs which are pale blue or occasionally white and they commonly have a glossy appearance. Incubation lasts 13 days and both parents share this responsibility although the female spends more time incubating than the male. The female is the only parent to do so at night when the male returns to the communal roost. Nestlings remain in the nest for 3 weeks where they are fed continuously by both parents. Fledglings continue to be fed by their parents for another 1 or 2 weeks. A pair can raise up to 3 broods per year although 2 broods is typical and just a single one is normal north of 48°N. Within 2 months most juveniles will have moulted and gained their first basic plumage. They acquire their adult plumage the following year. Starling nests have a 48% to 79% rate of successful fledging although only 20% of nestlings survive to breeding age. The adult survival rate is closer to 60%. The average life span is about 2 to 3 years. A majority of starling predators are avian, in particular birds of prey The Starling is a highly gregarious species, especially in autumn and winter. Although flock size is highly variable, huge noisy flocks (murmurations) may form near roosts. These dense concentrations of birds are thought to be a defence against attacks by birds of prey. Flocks form a tight sphere-like formation in flight, frequently expanding and contracting and changing shape, seemingly without any sort of leader. Each Starling changes its course and speed as a result of the movement of its closest neighbours. Very large roosts, exceptionally up to 1.5 million birds, can form in city centres, woodlands or reedbeds. The Starling is largely insectivorous and feeds on a wide range of invertebrates in both the adult and larvae stages of development. It will also feed on earthworms, snails, small amphibians and lizards. While the consumption of invertebrates is necessary for successful breeding, the Starling is omnivorous and will also eat grains, seeds, fruits, nectar and food waste if the opportunity arises. Date: 8th April 2017 Location: Pitsea railway station, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18776578.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_95211939851f4df76921bd.jpgSmall Tortoiseshell Flight period: March to October. The Small Tortoiseshell is a familiar widespread butterfly throughout the UK. It is a highly adaptable species that can be found in any flowery areas where nettles occur including in gardens and urban areas. Date: 1st July 2013 Location: Stow Maries Halt EWT reserve, Stow Maries, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33568429.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17622543425a106b55f013a.jpgDate: 4th November 2017 Location: Sound of Islay and Jura, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13657025.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6971759624ed3694a8f95b.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the [i]Canidae[/i] family and is a part of the order [i]Carnivora[/i] within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo8135898.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10468607724d1d99237b9d0.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 20th December 2010 Location: EWT Langdon Conservation Centre, Dunton, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13683339.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17723977454ed730638541d.jpgPolecat The Polecat is a member of the Mustelid group of mammals which also includes the Weasel, Stoat, Otter and Pine Marten. It has blackish guard hairs and yellow underfur on the body giving a “black and tan” appearance, a “bandit” face with a pale muzzle, ear tips and eyebrows and a broad dark band around the eyes, darker legs and belly and a short fluffy tail. The Polecat is found throughout Wales, the Midlands and parts of central southern England and is spreading steadily from these areas. There are isolated populations in Cumbria and Caithness which probably result from unofficial releases. At one time the Polecat was widespread throughout the UK but it was nearly exterminated by 1915. They have never occurred in Ireland or on the outer islands of Scotland. Although it occurs in a wide range of habitats, the Polecat prefers lowland areas. When it was confined to Wales, valleys and farms were favoured, but as it has spread out into England, farmland with hedgerows and small woods are preferred. Polecat dens are commonly in rabbit burrows, especially in summer, but they frequently move into farmyards in winter when they may den in hay bales, under sheds and in rubbish tips. This change of habitat reflects their changing diet through the year. In summer, Rabbits are a major food and the Polecat is slender enough to hunt them within their burrows. In winter, Brown Rats become a favoured food and sites like farmyards and rubbish tips that have good populations become more usual habitats. The Polecat does however kill a wide range of prey. Frogs may be important in spring, when they have gathered to spawn, and birds may also be taken. Polecats have lived up to 14 years in captivity but in the wild most probably die before they are 5 years old. In addition to its protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, the Polecat was added to the list of UK BAP (Biodiveristy Action Plan) mammals in 2007and protected as a species of principal importance for the conservation of biological diversity in England. Until the 19th Century, the Polecat was found throughout much of mainland UK and the Isle of Wight. Habitat fragmentation, persecution by gamekeepers and being killed for their fur drastically reduced this distribution. The Polecat population was reduced to about 5,000 but is now more than 46,000. One worrying problem is the extent to which they might suffer from secondary poisoning from rodenticides. Brown Rats are commonly killed by anticoagulant poisons when they infest homes and farms but there is an evident risk to Polecats from eating sick, dying rats. It is not known how serious this might be at the level of the Polecat population. As they spread further into England, the increasing density of roads and road traffic is also a threat and seems to be slowing the Polecat’s spread into both northern and south east England. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21959134.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_32463178253da60d474ed1.jpgArctic Tern The Arctic Tern is a seabird of the tern family. The adult plumage is grey above with a black nape and crown and white cheeks. The upperwings are pale grey with the area near the wingtip being translucent. The tail is white and the underparts pale grey. The beak is dark red as are the short legs and webbed feet. Like most terns, the Arctic Tern has high aspect ratio wings and a tail with a deep fork and long tail streamers. Both sexes are similar in appearance. The winter plumage is similar but the crown is whiter and the bills are darker. Juveniles differ from adults having black bill and legs, "scaly" appearing wings and mantle with dark feather tips, dark carpal wing bar and short tail streamers. During their first summer, juveniles also have a whiter forecrown. Whilst the Arctic Tern is similar to the Common and the Roseate Tern, its colouring, profile and call are slightly different. Compared to the Common Tern, it has a longer tail and mono-coloured bill, whilst the main differences from the Roseate Tern are its slightly darker colour and longer wings. The Arctic Tern has a circumpolar breeding distribution covering the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of Europe, Asia and north America. It is strongly migratory and sees 2 summers each year and more daylight than any other creature on the planet. It migrates along a convoluted route from its northern summer breeding grounds to the northern edge of the Antarctic coast for the southern summer and back again about 6 months later. In the UK, breeding Arctic Terns can best be seen on islands such as the Farne Islands in Northumberland or Orkney and Shetland in northern Scotland where the greatest densities occur. Recent studies have shown average annual roundtrip lengths of 25000 to 50000 miles depending on the route taken and weather and wind conditions. The Arctic Tern is a long-lived bird with many reaching 30 years of age and based on this average it will travel some 1.5 million miles during its lifetime. This is by far the longest migration known in the animal kingdom. Breeding takes place in colonies on coasts, islands and occasionally inland on tundra near water. The Arctic Tern often forms mixed colonies with the Common Tern and Sandwich Tern. As it nests on the ground, the Arctic Tern is vulnerable to predation but it is one of the most aggressive terns and it is fiercely defensive of its nest and young. It will attack humans and large predators, usually striking the top or back of the head. Although it is too small to cause serious injury, it is still capable of drawing blood and repelling many raptorial birds and smaller mammalian predators such as foxes and cats. Other nesting birds, such as auks, often incidentally benefit from the protection provided by nesting in an area defended by Arctic Terns. The diet of the Arctic Tern varies depending on location and time but it usually eats small fish or marine crustaceans by dipping down to the surface of the water to catch prey. While feeding, skuas, gulls and other tern species will often harass the birds and steal their food. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Inner Farne, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37431272.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16141031045c6bec10c561d.jpgTeal The Eurasian Teal or Common Teal is often called simply the Teal due to being the only one of these small [i]Anas[/i] dabbling ducks in much of its range. The Teal is the smallest dabbling duck at 7.9 to 11.8 inches in length and with a wingspan of 21 to 23 inches. From a distance, the male Teal in breeding plumage appears grey with a dark head, a yellowish behind and a white stripe running along the flanks. Their head and upper neck is chestnut with a wide and iridescent dark green patch of half-moon or teardrop-shape that starts immediately before the eye and arcs to the upper hindneck. This patch is bordered with thin yellowish-white lines and a single line of that colour extends from the patch's forward end and curving along the base of the bill. The breast is buff with small round brown spots. The centre of the belly is white and the rest of the body plumage is mostly white with thin and dense blackish vermiculations, appearing medium grey even at a short distance. The outer scapular feathers are white with a black border to the outer vanes and these form the white side-stripe when the bird is in resting position. The tail and tail coverts are black with a bright yellowish-buff triangular patch in the centre of the coverts at each side. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female. It is more uniform in colour with a dark head and vestigial facial markings. The female Teal is yellowish-brown but somewhat darker on the wings and back. It has a dark greyish-brown upper head, hindneck, eyestripe and feather pattern. The pattern is dense short streaks on the head and neck and scaly spots on the rest of the body. Overall it looks much like a tiny Mallard. Immatures are coloured much like the adult females but they have a stronger pattern. The downy young are coloured like other dabbling ducks, brown above and yellow below with a yellow supercilium. The male's bill is dark grey but in the eclipse plumage it often shows some light greenish or brownish hue at the base. The bill of the females and immatures is pinkish or yellowish at the base, becoming dark grey towards the tip. The feet are dark grey in the males and greyish olive or greyish-brown in females and immatures. The Teal breeds across north Eurasia where it occupies sheltered freshwater wetlands with some tall vegetation such as taiga bogs or small lakes and ponds with extensive reedbeds. It mostly winters well south of its breeding range in the Mediterranean region, south Asia and some parts of Africa where it is often seen in large flocks in brackish waters and even in sheltered inlets and lagoons along the seashore. It is also regularly recorded on the north American coasts south to California and South Carolina. In the milder climate of temperate Europe, such as in the UK, the summer and winter ranges overlap. In the UK, the Teal can be found all year round but it is thinly distributed as a breeding species. In winter, birds congregate in larger numbers on low-lying wetlands both on the coast and inland in the south and west of the UK. Of these, many are continental birds from around the Baltic and Siberia. At this time, the UK is home to a significant percentage of the north west European wintering population. The Teal is much less abundant than the very similar Green-winged Teal from north America although it is still common and widespread. It appears to be holding its own currently with perhaps a slow decline due to drainage and pollution of wetlands. The IUCN and BirdLife International classify the Teal as a species of “Least Concern”. However, it is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. The Teal nests on the ground near water. Pairs form in the winter range and arrive on the breeding range together from about March. Breeding starts some weeks thereafter and not until May in the most northerly locations. The nest is a deep hollow lined with dry leaves and down feathers which is built in dense vegetation near water. After the females have started laying their eggs, the males leave them and move away and assemble in flocks on particular lakes where they moult into their eclipse plumage. The female lays 5 to 16 eggs but usually 8 to 11. Incubation lasts for 21 to 23 days and the young leave the nest soon after hatching and are cared for by the female for about 25 to 30 days. The males and the females with young generally move to the winter range separately. After the first winter, the young moult in to their adult plumage. The Teal usually feeds by dabbling, upending or grazing. In the breeding season it eats mainly aquatic invertebrates, such as crustaceans, insects and their larvae, molluscs and worms. In winter, it shifts to a largely granivorous diet, feeding on seeds of aquatic plants and grasses including sedges and grains. Date: 8th January 2019 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21959279.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_105540112153da702bd2d67.jpgPuffins The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Inner Farne, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/pieniny-mountains-maopolska-province-poland https://images.on-this.website/4752_100173047359bd514a3df9a.jpgPieniny Mountains, Poland The Pieniny Mountains are a mountain range in the Małopolska province in the south of Poland and the Prešov region in the north of Slovakia. The range is divided in to 3 parts: Pieniny Spiskie and Pieniny Właściwe in Poland and Małe Pieniny in Poland and Slovakia. The Pieniny mountains consist mainly of limestone and dolomite. The highest peak is Wysoka at 3445 feet but the most famous peak is Trzy Korony (Three Crowns), the summit of the Three Crowns Massif at 3222 feet. The massif is an independent but central portion of the Pieniny Mountains consisting of 5 sharp peaks. The summit of Trzy Korony is separated from the surrounding peaks by the Wyżni Łazek Pass which descends in to deep valleys with streams surrounded by forested slopes. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Pieniny Mountains and an observation deck hangs over a 1600 foot precipice with extensive views of the Dunajec River Gorge (Przełom Dunajca) and the vast area of the Pieniny National Park (Pieniński Park Narodowy) and the Tatra National Park (Tatrzański Park Narodowy). Caves are few and rather small in the Pieniny Mountains but rivers and streams are often deeply indented in the rock, creating approximately 15 ravines and gorges. The most famous gorges of the Pieniny mountains are the Dunajec River Gorge (Przełom Dunajca) and the Homole Ravine (Wąwóz Homole). The Dunajec River Gorge (Przełom Dunajca) forms the border between Poland and Slovakia. It is another popular tourist destination in the Pieniny Mountains and wooden raft trips have been organized daily by the Pieniny Gorals ethnic group since the early 19th century when their customers consisted mostly of guests of the nearby Czorsztyn Castle and Niedzica Castle. The trip begins in Sromowce Wyżne-Kąty and ends in Szczawnica, 5 miles downstream and taking 2 to 3 hours. The second leg of the trip is only 3 miles long. It begins in Szczawnica and ends in Krościenko nad Dunajcem. The Dunajec River Gorge makes 7 loops in its length and the surrounding rock cliffs reach 985 feet in height throughout most of its length. The Dunajec River includes a chain of 13 medieval castles dating back to the early 12th century. Most of the castles are in ruin now and some no longer exist at all. The most well known are Czorsztyn Castle and Niedzica Castle, both located on Lake Czorsztyn (Jezioro Czorsztyńskie), a man-made reservoir in the Dunajec river valley. Pieniny National Park (Pieniński Park Narodowy) is a protected area located in the heart of the Pieniny Mountains. It covers an area of 9.06 square miles, of which around 70% is forested. On the Slovakian side of the mountains there is a parallel national park (Pieninský národný park). The idea for the creation of Pieniny National Park arose in 1921 and in the same year a private preserve was created around the ruins of Czorsztyn Castle. In 1928 the Polish government made its first land purchases and in May 1932 a “National Park in the Pieniny” was created covering an area of 2.8 square miles. In 1954, Pieniny National Park was created. Date: 30th May 2017 Location: view from road 969 looking towards Lake Czorsztyn (Jezioro Czorsztyńskie) and the High Tatras (Tatry Wysokie), Małopolska province, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51980677.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_53084294466d3343be454a.jpgAzure Damselfly Flight period: May to August The Azure Damselfly is one of the two commonest blue damselflies and is a common and widespread species of lowland UK. They can be found around most standing water, preferring small, sheltered sites including ditches and garden ponds. Date: 29th June 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo453652.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_142435904046884110564d7.jpgClashnessie Bay, Sutherland North of Lochinver, the single track B869 road makes its winding way along the Assynt coast to the north before turning east towards Kylesku. Between Stoer and Drumbeg lies Clashnessie Bay with its sweeping sandy shore. Date: 10th June 2007 Location: view from the B869 road http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21958147.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_22952836653da43f260585.jpgCommon Guillemots The Common Guillemot, also known as the Common Murre or Thin-billed Murre, is a large species of auk. The auks are a family of seabirds which includes the Brunnich's Guillemot or Thick-billed Murre, Razorbill, Little Auk and the extinct Great Auk. The Common Guillemot is 15 to 18 inches in length with a 24 to 29 inches wingspan. In breeding plumage, it is black or dark brown on the head, back and wings with white underparts. It has a thin dark pointed bill and a small rounded dark tail. Legs are grey and the bill is dark grey. Males and females are identical. Some individuals in the North Atlantic, known as "Bridled Guillemots", have a white ring around the eye extending back as a white line. This is not a distinct subspecies but a polymorphism that becomes more common the farther north the birds breed. The Common Guillemot flies with fast wing beats and has a flight speed of around 50 mph. Groups of birds are often seen flying together in a line just above the surface of the sea. However, it is not a very agile bird and take-off is often difficult. The Common Guillemot becomes flightless for 45 to 60 days while moulting its primary feathers. The Common Guillemot is a pursuit diver that forages for food by swimming underwater using its wings for propulsion. Dives usually last less than one minute but the bird swims underwater for distances of over 100 feet on a regular basis. Diving depths up to 590 feet have been recorded. The Common Guillemot has a circumpolar distribution and it occurs in low Arctic and boreal waters in the north Atlantic and north Pacific. It spends most of its time at sea and only comes to land to breed on rocky cliffs, sea stacks and islands. Some birds are permanent residents but northern birds migrate south to open waters off New England, southern California, Japan, Korea and the western Mediterranean. The Common Guillemot breeds in colonies at high densities and nesting pairs may be in bodily contact with their neighbours. No nest is made and the single egg is laid and incubated on a bare rock ledge on a cliff face. The egg hatches after 30 days incubation and the chick is born downy and can regulate its body temperature after 10 days. Some 20 days after hatching the chick jumps off its nesting ledge and heads for the sea unable to fly but gliding for some distance with fluttering wings and accompanied by its male parent. The chicks are capable of diving as soon as they hit the water. The female stays at the nest site for some 14 days after the chick has left. The Common Guillemot can venture far from its breeding grounds to forage and distances of 60 miles or more are often observed although if sufficient food is available closer by, birds will only travel much shorter distances. It mainly eats small schooling fish 8 inches long or less such as Polar Cod, Capelin, Sand Lances, Sprats, Sandeels, Atlantic Cod and Atlantic Herring. It also eats some molluscs, marine worms, squid and crustaceans. It is often seen carrying fish in its bill with the tail hanging out. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Staple Island, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo453645.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_102162446884101ad5d5.jpgClashnessie Bay, Sutherland North of Lochinver, the single track B869 road makes its winding way along the Assynt coast to the north before turning east towards Kylesku. Between Stoer and Drumbeg lies Clashnessie Bay with its sweeping sandy shore. Date: 10th June 2007 Location: view from the B869 road http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813343.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20916585195d0ddde6c40b5.jpgRed Grouse The Red Grouse is a medium-sized bird of the grouse family which is found in heather moorland in the UK and Ireland. It is endemic to the UK and has developed in isolation. It is usually classified as a sub-species of the Willow Ptarmigan or Willow Grouse which is found in birch and other forests and moorlands in north Europe, the tundra of Scandinavia, Siberia, Alaska and north Canada. The Red Grouse is differentiated from the Willow Ptarmigan and Rock Ptarmigan by its plumage being reddish brown and not having a white winter plumage. The tail is black and the legs are white. There are white stripes on the underwing and red combs over the eye. Females are less reddish than the males and have less conspicuous combs. Young birds are duller and lack the red combs. The Red Grouse is found across most parts of Scotland, including Orkney, Shetland and most of the Outer Hebrides. It is only absent from urban areas such as in the Central Belt. In Wales there are strong populations of Red Grouse in some places but the range has retracted. It is now largely absent from the far south and the main strongholds are Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons and the Cambrian Mountains. In England the Red Grouse is mainly found in the north in areas such as the Lake District, Northumberland, County Durham, much of Yorkshire, the Pennines and the Peak District as far south as the Staffordshire Moorlands. There is an isolated introduced population on Dartmoor and overspill Welsh birds visit the Shropshire Hills.The typical habitat is upland heather moors away from trees. It can also be found in some low-lying bogs and birds may visit farmland during hard weather. The UK population of the Red Grouse is estimated at about 250,000 pairs. Numbers have declined in recent years and it is now absent in areas where it was once common. Reasons for the decline include disease, loss of heather due to overgrazing, creation of new conifer plantations and a decline in the number of upland gamekeepers. Some predators feed on Red Grouse and there is ongoing controversy as to what effect these have on numbers. The Red Grouse is herbivorous and feeds mainly on the shoots, seeds and flowers of heather. It will also feed on berries, cereal crops and sometimes insects. The Red Grouse is considered a game bird and is shot in large numbers during the shooting season which traditionally starts on August 12th (known as the Glorious Twelfth). Shooting can take the form of “walked up” (where shooters walk across the moor to flush grouse and take a shot) or “driven” (where grouse are driven, often in large numbers, by “beaters” towards the shooters who are hiding behind a line of “butts”). Many moors are managed to increase the density of Red Grouse. Areas of heather are subjected to controlled burning since this allows fresh young shoots to regenerate which are favoured by Red Grouse. In addition, extensive predator control is a feature of grouse moor management and the extent and legality to which it occurs is hotly contested between conservation groups and shooting interests and the subject generates a lot of media attention. The Red Grouse is widely known as the logo of The Famous Grouse whisky and an animated bird is a character in a series of its adverts. It is also the emblem of the magazine “British Birds”. Date: 7th June 2019 Location: Lochindorb, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo44605448.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_152244254361acbbda903d4.jpgRed Admiral Flight period: April to November. The Red Admiral is a familiar and widespread butterfly in the UK although numbers depend on immigration from Europe. It can be found in any flower-rich habitat. Date: 25th October 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4466101.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11704141434b8a255dd869a.jpg http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28102102.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6071888565777a7190df9f.jpgRed Kites The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include [url=http://www.gigrin.co.uk/]Gigrin Farm feeding centre[/url] near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 12th June 2016 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28886350.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_204747019457cc3a87deb1c.jpgFieldfare The Fieldfare is a member of the thrush family which is very similar to a Mistle Thrush in general size, shape and behaviour. It has a slate grey crown, neck and rump, a plain brown back, dark wings, blackish tail and white underwings. The breast and flanks are heavily speckled. The breast has a reddish wash and the rest of the underparts are white. The sexes are similar in appearance but the females are slightly more brown. The male has a simple chattering song and the birds have various guttural flight and alarm calls. The Fieldfare is a migratory species with a Palearctic distribution. It breeds in north Norway, north Sweden, Finland, the Baltic states, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland and in to Asia. In the summer the Fieldfare frequents mixed woodland of birch, alder, pine, spruce and fir, often near marshes, moorland or other open ground. It does not avoid the vicinity of humans and can be seen in cultivated areas, orchards, parks and gardens. It also inhabits open tundra and the slopes of hills above the tree line. It often breeds in small colonies, possibly for protection from predators. The first known breeding of the Fieldfare in the UK was in 1967 when a pair nested in Orkney. Very small numbers have continued nesting fairly regularly in Scotland. The winter range extends through west Europe, including the UK, south Europe and north Africa although it is uncommon in the Mediterranean region. Eastern populations migrate to Anatolia, Israel, Iran and north west India. Migrating and wintering Fieldfares often form large flocks, often in the company of Redwings. In the winter, the Fieldfare can be found in open country, agricultural land, orchards, open woodland and gardens. It is nomadic, wandering wherever there is an abundance of berries and insects. Later in the year it moves on to pastureland and cultivated fields. The Fieldfare is omnivorous. Animal food in the diet includes snails and slugs, earthworms, spiders and insects such as beetles and their larvae, flies and grasshoppers. In the autumn ripened berries such as hawthorn, holly, rowan, yew, juniper, dog rose, cotoneaster, pyracantha and berberis are eaten. In addition, windfall apples, grain and seeds are eaten. When these are exhausted, or in particularly harsh weather, the birds may move to marshes or even the foreshore where molluscs can be found. Date: 11th May 2016 Location: near Kloostri, Matsalu National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081375.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_210043582863a713457d4ac.jpgDate: 10th January 2022 Location: fenland landscape near RSPB Ouse Washes, Cambridgeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28886231.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_202151189857cc3995c76de.jpgBeaver The Eurasian Beaver or European Beaver is one of the largest living species of rodents and it is the largest rodent native to Eurasia. It weighs around 24 to 66 pounds with an average of 40 pounds. Typically the head and body length is 31 to 39 inches and the tail length is 9.8 to 19.7 inches. The fur colour of the Beaver varies geographically from light chestnut-rust to blackish-brown. The Beaver was once widespread in Eurasia. It was hunted to near-extinction for both its fur and castoreum (a secretion of its scent gland believed to have medicinal properties) and by 1900 only 1200 beavers survived in 8 relict populations in Europe and Asia. In many European nations, the Beaver became extinct but reintroduction and protection has led to gradual recovery to about 639,000 individuals by 2003 and it now occurs from the UK to China and Mongolia although it is absent from Italy, Portugal, the southern Balkans and the Middle East. About 83% can be found in the former Soviet Union. In the UK, the Beaver became extinct in the 16th century but, as a former native species, interest in reintroducing it to the wild across the UK has been shown. It has been suggested that Beaver dams could retain water in upland areas, reducing flood volumes and creating new habitats for wildlife. Currently, Beaver populations are found in a number of large enclosures in wildlife parks, as well as free-living populations around the River Tay and Knapdale areas in Scotland and the River Otter in Devon. The Knapdale population was deliberately released whilst the other populations are of unknown origin. The Beaver is a keystone species helping support the ecosystem of which they are a part. It creates wetlands which increase biodiversity and provide habitat for many rare species such as Water Voles, Otters, and Water Shrews. It coppices waterside trees and shrubs so that they regrow as dense shrubs which provide cover for birds and other animals. Beaver dams trap sediment and improve water quality and recharge groundwater tables and increase cover for trout and salmon. The Beaver has a single litter of young per year, coming into oestrus for only 12 to 24 hours between late December and May and peaking in January. Unlike most other rodents, Beaver pairs are monogamous and stay together for multiple breeding seasons. Gestation averages 107 days and litters average 3 kits with a range of 2 to 6 kits. Most Beavers do not reproduce until they are 3 years of age. This photo was taken from a long distance and has been tightly cropped. Date: 11th May 2016 Location: Haeska, Matsalu National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/june-2012-balnakeil-bay-sutherland https://images.on-this.website/4752_1182398376508271e8e25fa.jpgJune 2012 - Balnakeil Bay, Sutherland Please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/photo15367565.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/barnacle-geese-07 https://images.on-this.website/4752_18757510134e1583380b22e.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 5th November 2007 Location: Loch Gruinart, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871756.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16970035554eff21e83d818.jpgBrown Bear The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, <i>Ursus arctos arctos</i>. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an overnight stay in a Brown Bear watching hide at [url=http://www.martinselkonen.fi/index.php?id=1&la=en]Martinselkosen Eräkeskus[/url] Date: 1st June 2009 Location: Martinselkosen Eräkeskus, Pirttivaara, Kainuu, Finland <iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/10143012?autoplay=1" width="600" height="450" frameborder="0"></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/10143012">Brown Bears of Martinselkonen</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user3372484">Richard Chew</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>. Music: Jean Sibelius - Andante festivo<br /> </p> http://www.richardchewphotography.com/lapwing https://images.on-this.website/4752_13781441944db0133c722cc.jpgLapwing The Northern Lapwing, also known as the peewit, pewit, tuit or tew-it (imitative of its cry), Green Plover (emphasising the colour of the plumage) or (in the UK) just Lapwing (which refers to its peculiar, erratic way of flying), is a bird in the lapwing family. The Lapwing has rounded wings and a crest. It is also the shortest-legged of the lapwing species. It is mainly black and white but the back is tinted green. The male has a long crest and a black crown, throat and breast contrasting with an otherwise white face. Females and young birds have shorter crests and have less strongly marked heads but plumages are otherwise quite similar. The Lapwing is a vocal bird in the breeding season with constant calling as the crazed tumbling display flight is performed by the male. The typical contact call is a loud, shrill "pee-wit" from which they get their other name of peewit. The Lapwing is common through temperate Eurasia and breeds on cultivated land and other short vegetation habitats. The ground scrape nest and young are defended noisily and aggressively against all intruders. It is highly migratory over most of its extensive range, wintering further south as far as north Africa, north India, Pakistan and parts of China. It migrates mainly by day, often in large flocks. Lowland breeders in the westernmost areas of Europe are resident. In winter, it forms huge flocks on open land, particularly arable land and mud-flats. In the UK, the Lapwing has suffered a significant decline in the last 25 years and is an Amber List species because of the importance of its UK wintering population. It breeds on farmland throughout the UK, particularly in lowland areas of north England, the Borders and east Scotland, and prefers fields of spring sown cereals and root crops, permanent unimproved pasture, meadows and fallow fields but also wet grassland and marshes. During the winter, the Lapwing can be seen on flooded grassland, estuaries, coastal wetlands, short grassy fields and ploughed fields. In addition to the UK population, large numbers of north European birds arrive in the autumn for the winter. The Lapwing feeds primarily on insects and other small invertebrates. It often feeds in mixed flocks with Golden Plovers and Black-headed Gulls, the latter often robbing the plovers, but providing a degree of protection against predators. Date: 26th March 2008 Location: Dulnain Bridge to Grantown-on-Spey, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38397304.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13786786055ce127b152d7a.jpgYellowhammer The Yellowhammer is a passerine bird in the bunting family. The bird family [I]Emberizidae[/I] contains around 300 seed-eating species, the majority of which are found in the Americas, although the genus [I]Emberiza[/I], with more than 40 members, is confined to the Old World. Within its genus [I]Emberiza[/I], the Yellowhammer is most closely related to the Pine Bunting and at times they have been considered as one species. Where their ranges meet, the Yellowhammer and Pine Bunting interbreed and the hybrid zone is thought to be moving further east. The Yellowhammer is also closely related to the Cirl Bunting. The Yellowhammer’s scientific name [I]Emberiza citronella[/I] is derived from the Old German [I]embritz[/I] meaning “bunting” and the Italian [I]citronella[/I] meaning “small yellow bird”. The Yellowhammer is a large bunting around 6.3 to 6.5 inches long with a wingspan of 9.1 to 11.6 inches. The male has a bright yellow head, heavily streaked brown back, rufous rump, yellow underparts and white outer tail feathers. The female is less brightly coloured and more streaked on the crown, breast and flanks. Both sexes are less strongly marked outside the breeding season when the dark fringes on new feathers obscure the yellow plumage. The juvenile is much duller and less yellow than the adults and often has a paler rump. The Yellowhammer breeds across Eurasia and it is the commonest and most widespread European bunting although it is absent from high mountains, Arctic regions, most of Iberia and Greece and low-lying regions of other countries adjoining the Mediterranean Sea. It also breeds in Russia east to Irkutsk and in most of Ukraine and the Asian range extends into north west Turkey, the Caucasus and northern Kazakhstan. Populations have declined in recent decades in western Europe but in eastern Europe numbers appear to be stable. Changes to agricultural practices are thought to be responsible for reduced breeding densities. The Yellowhammer can be found throughout most of the UK but it is least abundant in the north and west and absent from some upland areas such as the Pennines and the Scottish Highlands as well as some lowland areas. Its recent sharp population decline make it a Red List species. Within its range, the Yellowhammer is a bird of dry open country, preferably with a range of vegetation types and some trees from which to sing. It is absent from urban areas, forests and wetlands. Probably originally found at forest edges and large clearings, it has benefited from traditional agriculture which created extensive open areas with hedges and clumps of trees. The Yellowhammer usually starts breeding in late April or early May. The males establish territories along hedges or woodland fringes and sing from a tree or bush, often continuing well into July or August. The nest is built by the female on or near the ground and is typically well hidden in tussocks against a bank or low in a bush. It is constructed from nearby plant material such as leaves, dry grass and stalks and lined with fine grasses and sometimes animal hair. The clutch is usually 3 to 5 eggs and the female incubates the eggs for 12 to 14 days to hatching and broods the chicks until they fledge 11 to 13 days later. Both adults feed the chicks in the nest and 2 or 3 broods are raised each year. The Yellowhammer forages mainly on the ground and its diet consists mainly of seeds. Grasses are also important, particularly cereals, and grain makes up a significant part of the food consumed in autumn and winter. Invertebrates are added to its diet during the breeding season, particularly as food for its growing chicks, and a wide range of species is taken including springtails, grasshoppers, flies, beetles, caterpillars, earthworms, spiders and snails. Outside of the breeding season, the Yellowhammer forages in flocks which can occasionally number hundreds of birds and often contain other buntings and finches. The Yellowhammer is a conspicuous, vocal and formerly common country bird and it has attracted human interest. Yellowham Wood and Yellowham Hill, near Dorchester in the UK, both derive their names from the bird. Robbie Burns' poem "The Yellow, Yellow Yorlin'" gets its title from a Scottish name for the Yellowhammer. Enid Blyton helped to popularise the bird's song as "a little bit of bread and no cheese" in some of her books and she wrote a poem called "The Yellow-hammer". Beethoven's student, Carl Czerny, and biographer Anton Schindler, both suggested that the composer got the idea for the first 4 notes of his 5th symphony from the song of the Yellowhammer although it is more likely that the opening of the 4th Piano Concerto was actually the work in question. Beethoven also used the Yellowhammer theme in 2 piano sonatas. Date: 7th May 2019 Location: Weeting Heath NWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9564100.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_110074074daeaf3c54da2.jpgGreat Tit The Great Tit is a passerine bird in the tit family. It is large for a tit species at 4.9 to 5.5 inches in length and it has a distinctive appearance that makes it easy to recognise. The nominate race, which is found throughout much of Europe, Asia Minor, north and east Kazakhstan, south Siberia and north Mongolia, has a bluish-black crown, black neck, throat, bib and head and white cheeks and ear coverts. The breast is bright lemon-yellow and there is a broad black mid-line stripe running from the bib to the vent. There is a dull white spot on the neck turning to greenish yellow on the upper nape. The rest of the nape and back are green tinged with olive. The wing-coverts are green and the rest of the wing is bluish-grey with a white-wing-bar. The tail is bluish grey with white outer tips. The plumage of the female is similar to that of the male except that the colours are generally duller and the bib is less intensely black, as is the line running down the belly which is also narrower and sometimes broken. There is some variation in the UK sub-species. It is broadly similar to the nominate race but has a slightly longer bill, the mantle is slightly deeper green, there is less white on the tail tips and the ventral mid-line stripe is broader on the belly. The Great Tit has a wide distribution across much of Eurasia. It is found across all of Europe except for Iceland and northern Scandinavia. In North Africa it is found in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. It also occurs across the Middle East and parts of central Asia from north Iran and Afghanistan to Mongolia, as well as across north Asia from the Urals as far east as north China and the Amur Valley. The Great Tit can be found in a range of habitats but most commonly in open deciduous woodland, mixed forests, forest edges and gardens. In dense forests, including conifer forests, it is usually found in forest clearings. In north Siberia it is found in the boreal taiga. In north Africa it prefers oak forests as well as stands of Atlas cedar and even palm groves. In the east of its range, it favours riverine willow and birch forest. At higher altitudes it occupies habitats ranging from dense deciduous and coniferous forests to open areas with scattered trees. The Great Tit is generally not migratory. Pairs will usually remain near or in their territory all year round even in the northern parts of their range. Young birds will disperse from their parents' territory but usually not far. Populations may become irruptive in poor or harsh winters and very large groups may unpredictably move from north Europe to the Baltic, the Netherlands, the UK and even as far as the south Balkans. The Great Tit is monogamous and establish breeding territories in late January. Territories are usually reoccupied in successive years even if one of the pair dies so long as the brood is raised successfully. Females are likely to disperse to new territories if their nest is predated the previous year. The Great Tit is a seasonal breeder but the exact timing of breeding varies due to a number of factors, most importantly location. Most breeding occurs between January and September. In Europe the breeding season usually begins after March The amount of sunlight and daytime temperatures also affects the timing of breeding as does the peak abundance of caterpillar prey which itself is correlated to temperature. The Great Tit is a cavity nester and occupies a hole that is usually inside a tree, although occasionally in a wall or rock face. It also readily takes to nest boxes. The nest inside the cavity is built by the female and is made of plant fibres, grasses, moss, hair, wool and feathers. The female often lays a very large clutch of eggs, as many as 18 although 5 to 12 is more common. Clutch size is smaller when females start laying later and it is also lower when the density of competitors is higher. Second broods also tend to have smaller clutches. The female undertakes all incubation duties and is fed by the male during this time. The timing of hatching, which is synchronised with peak availability of food, can be manipulated when environmental conditions change after the laying of the first egg by delaying the beginning of incubation, laying more eggs or pausing during incubation. The incubation period is between 12 and 15 days. The chicks are fed by both parents and the nestling period is between 16 and 22 days. The chicks become independent of the parents 8 days after fledging although feeding may continue after independence and last up to a further 25 days. The Great Tit is primarily insectivorous in the summer and feeds on a wide range of insects and spiders. During the breeding season, protein-rich caterpillars are fed to the young. In autumn and winter, when insect prey becomes scarcer, berries and seeds are added to the diet. Where it is available, it will also readily take table scraps, peanuts and sunflower seeds from bird tables. The Great Tit, along with other tits, joins winter mixed-species foraging flocks. The Great Tit has generally adjusted to human modifications of the environment. Whilst it is more common and has better breeding success in areas with undisturbed forest cover, it has adapted well to human modified habitats and can be very common in urban and suburban areas. While there have been some localised declines in population in areas with poorer quality habitats, its large range and high numbers mean that the Great Tit is not considered to be threatened and it is classed as “Least Concern” by the IUCN. Date: 4th January 2009 Location: Dungeness RSPB reserve, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5325515.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13197713994c1dc70f35500.jpgHerring Gull Herring Gulls are large, noisy gulls and can be found throughout the year around coasts. During winter they can also be found inland around rubbish tips, fields, large reservoirs and lakes. Herring Gulls usually breed in colonies at coastal sites around the UK including cliffs with grassy slopes, shingle beaches, small islands and rooftops in seaside towns. Date: 13th June 2010 Location: Aldeburgh, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623047.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17812131626117d353484a7.jpgCommon Guillemot The Common Guillemot, also known as the Common Murre or Thin-billed Murre, is a large species of auk. The auks are a family of seabirds which includes the Brunnich's Guillemot or Thick-billed Murre, Razorbill, Little Auk and the extinct Great Auk. The Common Guillemot is 15 to 18 inches in length with a 24 to 29 inches wingspan. In breeding plumage, it is black or dark brown on the head, back and wings with white underparts. It has a thin dark pointed bill and a small rounded dark tail. Legs are grey and the bill is dark grey. Males and females are identical. Some individuals in the North Atlantic, known as "Bridled Guillemots", have a white ring around the eye extending back as a white line. This is not a distinct subspecies but a polymorphism that becomes more common the farther north the birds breed. The Common Guillemot flies with fast wing beats and has a flight speed of around 50 mph. Groups of birds are often seen flying together in a line just above the surface of the sea. However, it is not a very agile bird and take-off is often difficult. The Common Guillemot becomes flightless for 45 to 60 days while moulting its primary feathers. The Common Guillemot is a pursuit diver that forages for food by swimming underwater using its wings for propulsion. Dives usually last less than one minute but the bird swims underwater for distances of over 100 feet on a regular basis. Diving depths up to 590 feet have been recorded. The Common Guillemot has a circumpolar distribution and it occurs in low Arctic and boreal waters in the north Atlantic and north Pacific. It spends most of its time at sea and only comes to land to breed on rocky cliffs, sea stacks and islands. Some birds are permanent residents but northern birds migrate south to open waters off New England, southern California, Japan, Korea and the western Mediterranean. The Common Guillemot breeds in colonies at high densities and nesting pairs may be in bodily contact with their neighbours. No nest is made and the single egg is laid and incubated on a bare rock ledge on a cliff face. The egg hatches after 30 days incubation and the chick is born downy and can regulate its body temperature after 10 days. Some 20 days after hatching the chick jumps off its nesting ledge and heads for the sea unable to fly but gliding for some distance with fluttering wings and accompanied by its male parent. The chicks are capable of diving as soon as they hit the water. The female stays at the nest site for some 14 days after the chick has left. The Common Guillemot can venture far from its breeding grounds to forage and distances of 60 miles or more are often observed although if sufficient food is available closer by, birds will only travel much shorter distances. It mainly eats small schooling fish 8 inches long or less such as Polar Cod, Capelin, Sand Lances, Sprats, Sandeels, Atlantic Cod and Atlantic Herring. It also eats some molluscs, marine worms, squid and crustaceans. It is often seen carrying fish in its bill with the tail hanging out. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28887500.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_87010797057cc40a8ad558.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 10th May 2016 Location: Puise, Matsalu National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26541462.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_142979233456acecc05cc52.jpgFieldfare The Fieldfare is a member of the thrush family which is very similar to a Mistle Thrush in general size, shape and behaviour. It has a slate grey crown, neck and rump, a plain brown back, dark wings, blackish tail and white underwings. The breast and flanks are heavily speckled. The breast has a reddish wash and the rest of the underparts are white. The sexes are similar in appearance but the females are slightly more brown. The male has a simple chattering song and the birds have various guttural flight and alarm calls. The Fieldfare is a migratory species with a Palearctic distribution. It breeds in north Norway, north Sweden, Finland, the Baltic states, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland and in to Asia. In the summer the Fieldfare frequents mixed woodland of birch, alder, pine, spruce and fir, often near marshes, moorland or other open ground. It does not avoid the vicinity of humans and can be seen in cultivated areas, orchards, parks and gardens. It also inhabits open tundra and the slopes of hills above the tree line. It often breeds in small colonies, possibly for protection from predators. The first known breeding of the Fieldfare in the UK was in 1967 when a pair nested in Orkney. Very small numbers have continued nesting fairly regularly in Scotland. The winter range extends through west Europe, including the UK, south Europe and north Africa although it is uncommon in the Mediterranean region. Eastern populations migrate to Anatolia, Israel, Iran and north west India. Migrating and wintering Fieldfares often form large flocks, often in the company of Redwings. In the winter, the Fieldfare can be found in open country, agricultural land, orchards, open woodland and gardens. It is nomadic, wandering wherever there is an abundance of berries and insects. Later in the year it moves on to pastureland and cultivated fields. The Fieldfare is omnivorous. Animal food in the diet includes snails and slugs, earthworms, spiders and insects such as beetles and their larvae, flies and grasshoppers. In the autumn ripened berries such as hawthorn, holly, rowan, yew, juniper, dog rose, cotoneaster, pyracantha and berberis are eaten. In addition, windfall apples, grain and seeds are eaten. When these are exhausted, or in particularly harsh weather, the birds may move to marshes or even the foreshore where molluscs can be found. Date: 17th January 2016 Location: Southerness area, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26033359.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_121262597156378d694941a.jpgEider The Eider is a large sea duck that is distributed over the northern coasts of Europe, north America and eastern Siberia. It breeds in the Arctic and some northern temperate regions but winters somewhat further south in temperate zones when it can form large flocks on coastal waters. The Eider is both the largest of the 4 eider species and the largest duck found in Europe and in north America (except for the Muscovy duck which only reaches north America in a wild state in southernmost Texas and south Florida). The Eider is characterized by its bulky shape and large, wedge-shaped bill. The male is unmistakable with its black and white plumage and green nape. The female is a brown bird but can still be readily distinguished from all ducks, except other eider species, on the basis of size and head shape. The drake's display call is a strange almost human-like "ah-ooo" while the duck utters hoarse quacks. The Eider dives for crustaceans and molluscs, with mussels being a favoured food. The Eider will eat mussels by swallowing them whole. The shells are then crushed in their gizzard and excreted. When eating a crab, the Eider will remove all of its claws and legs and then eat the body in a similar fashion. The Eider is abundant with populations of about 1.5 to 2 million birds in both Europe and north America and also large but unknown numbers in eastern Siberia. The Eider is a colonial breeder nesting on coastal islands in colonies ranging in size of less than 100 to upwards of 10,000 to 15,000 individuals. Female Eiders frequently exhibit a high degree of natal philopatry where they return to breed on the same island where they were hatched. This can lead to a high degree of relatedness between individuals nesting on the same island as well as the development of kin-based female social structures. This relatedness has likely played a role in the evolution of co-operative breeding behaviours amongst Eiders. Examples of these behaviours include laying eggs in the nests of related individuals and crèching where female Eiders team up and share the work of rearing ducklings. The Eider's nest is built close to the sea and is lined with the celebrated eiderdown plucked from the female's breast. This soft and warm lining has long been harvested for filling pillows and quilts but in more recent years has been largely replaced by down from domestic farm geese and synthetic alternatives. Although eiderdown pillows or quilts are now a rarity, eiderdown harvesting continues and is sustainable as it can be done after the ducklings leave the nest with no harm to the birds. Date: 1st June 2015 Location: Sauðárkrókur, north west Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/humpback-whale https://images.on-this.website/4752_17665756195634ba0720a5f.jpgHumpback Whale The Humpback Whale is a rorqual, the largest group of the baleen whales which includes the Blue Whale, the Fin Whale, the Bryde's Whale, the Sei Whale and the Minke Whale. The common name of Humpback Whale is derived from the curving of the back when diving. The generic name <i>Megaptera</i> from the Greek <i>mega</i> means "giant" and <i>ptera</i> means “wing" and refers to the large front flippers. The specific name <i>novaeangliae</i> means "New Englander" and was probably given due to the regular sightings of Humpback Whales off the coast of New England. One of the larger rorqual species, an adult Humpback Whale ranges in length from 39 to 52 feet and weighs approximately 79,000 pounds. It has a distinctive body shape with unusually long pectoral fins and a knobbly head. An acrobatic animal known for breaching and slapping the water with its tail and pectoral fins, it is popular with whale watchers The Humpback Whale can easily be identified by its stocky body with an obvious hump and black dorsal colouring. The head and lower jaw are covered with knobs called tubercles which are hair follicles and are characteristic of the species. The fluked tail, which it lifts above the surface in some dive sequences, has wavy trailing edges. The long black and white tail fin, which can be up to a third of the body length, and the pectoral fins have unique patterns which make individual whales identifiable. Several hypotheses attempt to explain the pectoral fins which are proportionally the longest fins of any cetacean. The two most enduring mention the higher manoeuverability afforded by long fins and the usefulness of the increased surface area for temperature control when migrating between warm and cold climates. The stubby dorsal fin is visible soon after the blow when the whale surfaces but disappears by the time the flukes emerge. The Humpback Whale has a 9.8 feet, heart-shaped to bushy blow or exhalation of water through the blowholes. The Humpback Whale is found in oceans and seas around the world in a wide band running from the Antarctic ice edge to 77° N latitude. It is migratory and spends summers in cooler, high-latitude waters and mates and calves in tropical and subtropical waters. Annual migrations of up to 16,000 miles are typical. The Humpback Whale social structure is loose-knit and it is not excessively social. Individuals normally live alone or in small, transient groups that disband after a few hours. Groups may stay together a little longer in summer to forage and feed cooperatively. Longer-term relationships between pairs or small groups, lasting months or even years, have rarely been observed. The Humpback Whale's range overlaps considerably with other whale and dolphin species although they rarely interact socially with them. Courtship rituals take place during the winter months following migration towards the equator from the summer feeding grounds closer to the poles. Competition is usually fierce and unrelated males frequently trail females as well as mothers with calves. Males gather into competitive groups and fight for females. Group size ebbs and flows as unsuccessful males retreat and others arrive to try their luck. Behaviours include breaching, spyhopping, lob-tailing, tail-slapping, fin-slapping, peduncle throws, charging and parrying. Whale songs are assumed to have an important role in mate selection although they may also be used between males to establish dominance. Females reach sexual maturity at the age of 5 years whilst males reach sexual maturity at approximately 7 years of age. Females typically breed every 2 or 3 years. The gestation period is 11.5 months and the peak months for birth are January, February, July, and August. Newborn calves are roughly the length of their mother's head and measure around 20 feet. They nurse for approximately 6 months and then mix nursing and independent feeding for possibly 6 months more. The Humpback Whale feeds primarily in the summer and lives off fat reserves during the winter. It feeds only rarely and opportunistically in its wintering waters. The Humpback Whale is an energetic hunter and takes krill and small schooling fish such as herring, salmon, mackerel, pollock, and haddock . It hunts by direct attack or by stunning its prey by hitting the water with its pectoral fins or tail flukes. The Humpback Whale has the most diverse feeding repertoire of all baleen whales. Its most inventive technique is known as bubble net feeding. A group of whales swims in a shrinking circle blowing bubbles below a school of prey. The shrinking ring of bubbles encircles the school and confines it in an ever-smaller cylinder. This ring can begin at up to 100 feet in diameter and involve the cooperation of a dozen animals. The whales then suddenly swim upward through the "net", mouths agape, swallowing thousands of fish in one gulp. Pleated grooves in the whale's mouth allow the creature to easily drain all the water initially taken in. Both male and female Humpback Whales vocalize but only males produce the long, loud, complex "songs" for which the species is famous. Each “song” consists of several sounds in a low register, varying in amplitude and frequency and typically lasting from 10 to 20 minutes. Cetaceans have no vocal cords so whales generate their “songs” by forcing air through their massive nasal cavities. Humpback Whales within a large area sing the same “song”. All north Atlantic Humpback Whales sing the same “song” and those of the north Pacific sing a different “song”. Each population's “song” changes slowly over a period of years. Scientists are unsure of the purpose of whale “songs”. Only males “sing”, suggesting one purpose is to attract females. However, many of the whales observed to approach a “singer” are other males, often resulting in conflict, and “singing” may therefore be a challenge to other males. Some scientists have hypothesized the song may serve an echo location function. Like other large whales, the Humpback Whale was and is a target for the whaling industry. Once hunted to the brink of extinction, its population fell by an estimated 90% before a moratorium was introduced in 1966. While stocks have since partially recovered, entanglement in fishing gear, collisions with ships and noise pollution continue to have an impact worldwide. The worldwide population is at least 80,000 with 18,000 to 20,000 in the north Pacific, about 12,000 in the north Atlantic and over 50,000 in the Southern Hemisphere, down from a pre-whaling population of 125,000. The Humpback Whale is considered "least concern" from a conservation standpoint as of 2008. This is an improvement from “vulnerable” in 1996 and “endangered” as recently as 1988. Most monitored stocks of Humpback Whales have rebounded well since the end of commercial whaling, such as the north Atlantic population where stocks are now believed to be approaching levels similar to those before hunting began. However, the species is still considered “endangered” in some countries. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Ísafjarðardjúp from Ogur, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/otter https://images.on-this.website/4752_16791514444e48d04a8d9af.jpgOtter The Eurasian Otter, also known as the European Otter, Eurasian River Otter, Common Otter and Old World Otter and commonly known as the Otter, is a semi-aquatic mammal and the most widely distributed member of the Otter sub-family of the Weasel family (Mustelidae). The Otter is a typical species of the Otter sub-family and is brown above and cream below. It is 22.5 to 37.5 inches long excluding a tail of 14 to 17.5 inches. The female is shorter than the male. The Otter's average body weight is 15 to 26 pounds, although occasionally a large old male may reach up to 37 pounds. The Otter differs from the North American River Otter by its shorter neck, broader face, the greater space between the ears and its longer tail. However, it is the only Otter species in much of its range so it is rarely confused for any other animal. The Otter is the most widely distributed Otter species and its range including parts of Asia and Africa as well as being widespread across Europe. The Otter can be found throughout most of the UK with the highest densities in Scotland, especially the islands and the north west coast, Wales, parts of East Anglia and the West Country. The Otter declined across its range in the second half of the 20th century primarily due to pollution, habitat loss and hunting. However, populations are now recovering in many parts of Europe. In the UK the number of sites with an Otter presence increased by 55% between 1994 and 2002. In August 2011, the Environment Agency announced that the Otter had returned to every county in England since vanishing from every county except the West Country and parts of Northern England. The recovery of the Otter population in Europe is due to a ban on the most harmful pesticides that has been in place since 1979, improvements in water quality leading to increases in prey populations and direct legal protection under the European Union Habitats Directive and national legislation in several European countries. In general, the Otter’s varied and adaptable diet means that it can be found on any unpolluted body of fresh water, including lakes, streams, rivers and ponds, as long as the food supply is adequate. It can also be found along the coast in salt water but it requires regular access to fresh water to clean its fur. When living in the sea it is sometimes referred to as a "Sea Otter" but it should not be confused with the true Sea Otter which is a North American species much more strongly adapted to a marine existence. The Otter's diet mainly consists of fish. However, during the winter and in colder environments, fish consumption is significantly lower and other sources of food are eaten including amphibians, crustaceans, insects, birds and small mammals. Hunting mainly takes place at night whilst the day is usually spent in the Otter's holt (den). The Otter is strongly territorial and is primarily solitary. An individual's territory may vary between 1 and 25 miles with the length of the territory depending on the density of food available and the width of the water suitable for hunting (it is shorter on coasts, where the available width is much wider and longer on narrower rivers). The Otter uses its spraints to mark its territory. Territories are only held against members of the same sex so those of males and females may overlap. The Otter is a non-seasonal breeder and males and females will breed at any time of the year. It has been found that their mating season is most likely determined simply by the Otters' reproductive maturity and physiological state. Female Otters are sexually mature between 18 and 24 months old and the average age of first breeding is found to be 2.5 years old. Gestation is 60 to 64 days and after the gestation period, 1 to 4 pups are born which remain dependent on the mother for about 13 months. The male plays no direct role in parental care although the territory of a female with her pups is usually entirely within that of the male. Date: 6th November 2008 Location: Loch Scridain, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/brown-hare https://images.on-this.website/4752_20359527474f3e179f3ccaf.jpgBrown Hare The Brown Hare resembles the Rabbit but obvious differences include the Brown Hare's longer, larger body, much longer hind legs and longer ears with black tips. Generally, they are a brown-russet colour with a white underside. The tail is black on the upper surface and white underneath. In contrast to Rabbits, which have a brown iris, the Brown Hare has a golden iris and a black pupil. Brown Hares are the fastest land animals in the UK and can run at speeds of up to 45 mph to evade predators. Brown Hares are widespread in central and western Europe including the UK but they are absent in southern Europe. It is thought that they were introduced in to the UK during Roman times, probably from Asia. They have little legal protection, partly because they are game animals and can be managed by farmers and landowners and partly because they are also a minor pest and can damage crops and young tree plantations. Numbers have substantially declined in the UK and most of Europe since the 1960s mainly due to the intensification of agricultural practices as well as shooting, poaching and coursing and an increase in the number of Foxes. Brown Hares prefer temperate open habitats and can be found in most flat country among open grassland and arable farms. Unlike Rabbits, they do not burrow but rest in a shallow depression in fields or long grass known as a form where only their back and head are visible. An adult occupies a range of 300 hectares which it may share with other hares as they are not territorially aggressive. Courtship involves boxing …. the traditional “mad March hare” behaviour. This is actually unreceptive females fending off males rather than fighting between males. Date: 4th June 2006 Location: Upper Spey Valley west of Laggan, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43622992.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13471451016117cde3b993f.jpgHerring Gull The Herring Gull is one of the best known of all gulls along the shores of Europe. Adults in breeding plumage have a grey back and upperwings and white head and underparts. The wingtips are black with white spots known as "mirrors". The bill is yellow with a red spot and there is a ring of bare yellow skin around the pale eye. The legs are normally pink at all ages but can be yellowish. Non-breeding adults have brown streaks on the head and neck. Male and female plumage is identical at all stages of development although adult males are often larger. Juvenile and first-winter birds are mainly brown with darker streaks and have a dark bill and eyes. Second-winter birds have a whiter head and underparts with less streaking and the back is grey. Third-winter individuals are similar to adults but retain some of the features of immature birds such as brown feathers in the wings and dark markings on the bill. The Herring Gull attains adult plumage and reaches sexual maturity at an average age of 4 years. The loud laughing call of the Herring Gull is well known and is often seen as a symbol of the seaside in countries such as the UK. It also has a yelping alarm call and a low barking anxiety call. Chicks and fledglings emit a distinctive, repetitive high-pitched 'peep', accompanied by a head-flicking gesture when begging for food from or calling to their parents. Adult gulls in urban areas will also exhibit this behaviour when fed by humans. The Herring Gull breeds across northern Europe, western Europe, central Europe, eastern Europe, Scandinavia and the Baltic states. Some, especially those resident in colder areas, migrate further south in winter but many are permanent residents such as in the UK or on the North Sea shores. While Herring Gull numbers appear to have been decreased in recent years, possibly by fish population declines and competition, they have proved able to survive in human-adapted areas and can often be seen in towns acting as a scavenger. The Herring Gull, like most gulls, is an omnivore and opportunist and will scavenge from garbage dumps, landfill sites and sewage outflows with refuse comprising up to half of the bird's diet. In addition, it will eat fish, crustaceans and dead animals as well as some plants and it will steal the eggs and young of other birds (including those of other gulls). The Herring Gull may also dive from the surface of the water or engage in plunge diving in the pursuit of aquatic prey although they are typically unable to reach any great depth due to their natural buoyancy. Date: 23rd June 2021 Location: Rhossili, Gower peninsula, Swansea http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21955337.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_179898766953da173198e77.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14247074.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21299088354f4e03b360623.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 25th February 2012 Location: Verulamium Park, St Albans, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/arctic-tern-chick https://images.on-this.website/4752_47892977153da76fb0b277.jpgArctic Tern chick The Arctic Tern is a seabird of the tern family. The adult plumage is grey above with a black nape and crown and white cheeks. The upperwings are pale grey with the area near the wingtip being translucent. The tail is white and the underparts pale grey. The beak is dark red as are the short legs and webbed feet. Like most terns, the Arctic Tern has high aspect ratio wings and a tail with a deep fork and long tail streamers. Both sexes are similar in appearance. The winter plumage is similar but the crown is whiter and the bills are darker. Juveniles differ from adults having black bill and legs, "scaly" appearing wings and mantle with dark feather tips, dark carpal wing bar and short tail streamers. During their first summer, juveniles also have a whiter forecrown. Whilst the Arctic Tern is similar to the Common and the Roseate Tern, its colouring, profile and call are slightly different. Compared to the Common Tern, it has a longer tail and mono-coloured bill, whilst the main differences from the Roseate Tern are its slightly darker colour and longer wings. The Arctic Tern has a circumpolar breeding distribution covering the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of Europe, Asia and north America. It is strongly migratory and sees 2 summers each year and more daylight than any other creature on the planet. It migrates along a convoluted route from its northern summer breeding grounds to the northern edge of the Antarctic coast for the southern summer and back again about 6 months later. In the UK, breeding Arctic Terns can best be seen on islands such as the Farne Islands in Northumberland or Orkney and Shetland in northern Scotland where the greatest densities occur. Recent studies have shown average annual roundtrip lengths of 25000 to 50000 miles depending on the route taken and weather and wind conditions. The Arctic Tern is a long-lived bird with many reaching 30 years of age and based on this average it will travel some 1.5 million miles during its lifetime. This is by far the longest migration known in the animal kingdom. Breeding takes place in colonies on coasts, islands and occasionally inland on tundra near water. The Arctic Tern often forms mixed colonies with the Common Tern and Sandwich Tern. As it nests on the ground, the Arctic Tern is vulnerable to predation but it is one of the most aggressive terns and it is fiercely defensive of its nest and young. It will attack humans and large predators, usually striking the top or back of the head. Although it is too small to cause serious injury, it is still capable of drawing blood and repelling many raptorial birds and smaller mammalian predators such as foxes and cats. Other nesting birds, such as auks, often incidentally benefit from the protection provided by nesting in an area defended by Arctic Terns. The diet of the Arctic Tern varies depending on location and time but it usually eats small fish or marine crustaceans by dipping down to the surface of the water to catch prey. While feeding, skuas, gulls and other tern species will often harass the birds and steal their food. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Inner Farne, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo440774.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1826435347467ea886ce743.jpgMigrant Hawker Flight period: August to October The Migrant Hawker is common in the south of the UK and has spread north and west in recent decades. The breeding population is boosted by continental migrants in the autumn and they are most easily seen hawking for insects along sheltered woodland rides or hedgerows. Date: 10th September 2006 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41249229.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6285307475f00b5c96e5da.jpgCommon Guillemots The Common Guillemot, also known as the Common Murre or Thin-billed Murre, is a large species of auk. The auks are a family of seabirds which includes the Brunnich's Guillemot or Thick-billed Murre, Razorbill, Little Auk and the extinct Great Auk. The Common Guillemot is 15 to 18 inches in length with a 24 to 29 inches wingspan. In breeding plumage, it is black or dark brown on the head, back and wings with white underparts. It has a thin dark pointed bill and a small rounded dark tail. Legs are grey and the bill is dark grey. Males and females are identical. Some individuals in the North Atlantic, known as "Bridled Guillemots", have a white ring around the eye extending back as a white line. This is not a distinct subspecies but a polymorphism that becomes more common the farther north the birds breed. The Common Guillemot flies with fast wing beats and has a flight speed of around 50 mph. Groups of birds are often seen flying together in a line just above the surface of the sea. However, it is not a very agile bird and take-off is often difficult. The Common Guillemot becomes flightless for 45 to 60 days while moulting its primary feathers. The Common Guillemot is a pursuit diver that forages for food by swimming underwater using its wings for propulsion. Dives usually last less than one minute but the bird swims underwater for distances of over 100 feet on a regular basis. Diving depths up to 590 feet have been recorded. The Common Guillemot has a circumpolar distribution and it occurs in low Arctic and boreal waters in the north Atlantic and north Pacific. It spends most of its time at sea and only comes to land to breed on rocky cliffs, sea stacks and islands. Some birds are permanent residents but northern birds migrate south to open waters off New England, southern California, Japan, Korea and the western Mediterranean. The Common Guillemot breeds in colonies at high densities and nesting pairs may be in bodily contact with their neighbours. No nest is made and the single egg is laid and incubated on a bare rock ledge on a cliff face. The egg hatches after 30 days incubation and the chick is born downy and can regulate its body temperature after 10 days. Some 20 days after hatching the chick jumps off its nesting ledge and heads for the sea unable to fly but gliding for some distance with fluttering wings and accompanied by its male parent. The chicks are capable of diving as soon as they hit the water. The female stays at the nest site for some 14 days after the chick has left. The Common Guillemot can venture far from its breeding grounds to forage and distances of 60 miles or more are often observed although if sufficient food is available closer by, birds will only travel much shorter distances. It mainly eats small schooling fish 8 inches long or less such as Polar Cod, Capelin, Sand Lances, Sprats, Sandeels, Atlantic Cod and Atlantic Herring. It also eats some molluscs, marine worms, squid and crustaceans. It is often seen carrying fish in its bill with the tail hanging out. Date: 22nd June 2020 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26270367.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16938568135665529b2fdbe.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 4th December 2015 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072382.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7399211264bf6e192c933c.jpgKongsfjord to Berlevåg, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway Date: 14th April 2010 Location: view from road 890 between Kongsfjord and Berlevåg, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49001657.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20491984356468de676941f.jpgMallards The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 15th March 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/house-martin https://images.on-this.website/4752_5822554485d3083d351640.jpgHouse Martin The Common House Martin, sometimes called the Northern House Martin or, particularly in Europe, just House Martin, is a passerine bird and member of the swallow family [I]Hirundininae[/I]. There are two geographical sub-species, the western nominate sub-species and the eastern sub-species. The adult House Martin of the western nominate sub-species is 5.1 inches long with a wing span of 10 to 11 inches. It is steel-blue above with a white rump and white underparts including the underwings. Even its short legs have white downy feathering. It has brown eyes and a small black bill and its toes and exposed parts of the legs are pink. The sexes are similar but the juvenile bird is sooty black and some of its wing coverts and quills have white tips and edgings. The white rump and underparts of the House Martin are very noticeable in flight and prevent confusion with the other widespread Palearctic swallows such as the Barn Swallow, Sand Martin and Red-rumped Swallow. The eastern sub-species differs from the western nominate sub-species in that its white rump extends much further on to the tail and the fork of its tail is intermediate in depth between that of the western nominate sub-species and that of the Asian House Martin. The House Martin is a noisy species, especially at its breeding colonies. The male's song, given throughout the year, is a soft twitter of melodious chirps. The western nominate sub-species of the House Martin breeds across temperate Eurasia east to central Mongolia and the River Yenisei in Siberia and in north Africa in Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria. It migrates on a broad front (i.e. birds are not funnelled through the short sea crossings used by large soaring birds but cross the Mediterranean and the Sahara) to winter in sub-Saharan Africa. The eastern sub-species breeds east of the River Yenisei in Siberia to Kolyma in the Russian Far East and south to north Mongolia and north China. It winters in south China and south east Asia. As would be expected for a long distance migrant, the House Martin has occurred as a vagrant east to Alaska and west to Newfoundland, Bermuda and the Azores. The preferred habitat of the House Martin is open country with low vegetation, such as pasture, meadows and farmland, preferably near water. It is also found in mountains up to at least 7200 feet. It is much more urban than the Barn Swallow and it will nest even in towns and city centres if the air is clean enough. The House Martin does not normally use the reed-bed roosts favoured by the Barn Swallow on migration. The House Martin returns to its breeding areas in Europe between April and May and nest building starts between late March in north Africa and mid-June in north Scandinavia. It typically returns a few days after the first Barn Swallows. However, like that species, it seldom goes straight to its nesting sites but instead hunts for food over large fresh water bodies, particularly when the weather is poor. The House Martin was originally a cliff and cave nester and some cliff-nesting colonies still exist with the nests built below an overhanging rock. It now largely uses human structures such as bridges and houses. Unlike the Barn Swallow, it uses the outside of inhabited buildings rather than the inside of buildings such as barns or stables. The nests are built at the junction of a vertical surface and an overhang, such as on house eaves, so that they may be strengthened by attachment to both planes. The nest is a neat closed convex cup fixed below a suitable ledge with a narrow opening at the top. It is constructed by both sexes with mud pellets collected in their beaks and lined with grasses, hair or other soft materials. The mud, added in successive layers, is collected from ponds, streams or puddles. The House Martin tends to breed colonially and nests may be built in contact with each other. A colony size of less than 10 nests is typical but there are records of colonies with thousands of nests. The female lays 4 or 5 eggs and undertakes most of the incubation which normally lasts 14 to 16 days. The young chicks leave the nest after 22 to 32 days depending on the weather and the fledged young stay with and are fed by the parents for a further week. There are normally 2 broods each year and the same nest is reused for the second brood and repaired and used again in subsequent years. Hatching success is 90% and fledging survival 60 to 80%. The average annual mortality for adults is around 40 to 60% with most deaths outside the breeding season. Although individuals aged 10 and 14 years have been recorded, most survive less than 5 years. For weeks after leaving the nest, the young congregate in ever-increasing flocks and, as summer progresses to autumn, birds may be seen gathering in trees or on rooftops or on telephone wires with Barn Swallows. By the end of October, most House Martins have left their breeding areas in west and central Europe although late birds in November and December are not uncommon and further south migration finishes later anyway. The House Martin is similar in habits to other aerial insectivores, including other swallows and martins and the unrelated swifts, and it catches insects in flight. In the breeding areas, flies and aphids make up much of the diet and the House Martin takes a larger proportion of such insects than the Barn Swallow. During the winter, other insects such as sawflies, wasps, bees and ants are eaten. The House Martin typically hunts at an average height of around 70 feet during the breeding season but at lower heights in wet conditions. In winter, it tends to hunt at greater heights of over 160 feet. The hunting grounds are usually located within about 1500 feet of the nest with a preference for open ground or water, the latter especially in poor weather. However, the House Martin will also follow agricultural vehicles and large animals to catch disturbed insects. Date: 29th May 2018 Location: Hotel Melnik, Melnik, Blagoevgrad Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37431279.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3346546135c6bec2dccc89.jpgBewick's Swan The Tundra Swan is a small Holarctic swan. The 2 taxa within it are usually regarded as conspecific but are also sometimes split into 2 species: the Bewick's Swan of the Palaearctic and the Whistling Swan of the Nearctic. The Bewick's Swan was named in 1830 by William Yarrell after the engraver Thomas Bewick who specialised in illustrations of birds and animals. The Bewick's Swan measures 45 to 55 inches in length with a wing span of 18.5 to 21.5 inches. Males are slightly larger and heavier than females. It is similar in appearance to the Whooper Swan but is smaller, shorter-necked and has a more rounded head shape. It has a variable bill pattern but always shows more black than yellow and having a blunt forward edge of the yellow base patch. The Whooper Swan has a bill that has more yellow than black and the forward edge of the yellow patch is usually pointed. The bill pattern for every individual Bewick's Swan is unique and scientists often make detailed drawings of each bill and assign names to the swans to assist with studying these birds. As their common name implies, the Tundra Swan breeds in the Arctic and sub-Arctic tundra where they inhabit shallow pools, lakes and rivers. Unlike the Mute Swan, but like the other Arctic swans, it is a migratory bird. The winter habitat is mainly grassland and marshland, often near the coast. The breeding range of the Bewick’s Swan extends across the coastal lowlands of Siberia from the Kola Peninsula east to the Pacific. It starts to arrive in its breeding range around mid-May and leaves for its winter range around the end of September. The populations west of the Taimyr Peninsula migrate via the White Sea, Baltic Sea and the Elbe estuary to winter in Denmark, the Netherlands and the UK where it is common in winter on a few RSPB and WWT reserves. Some birds also winter elsewhere on the southern shores of the North Sea. The Bewick’s Swans that breed in eastern Russia migrate via Mongolia and north China to winter in the coastal regions of Korea, Japan and south China, south to Guangdong and occasionally as far as Taiwan. A few birds from the central Siberian range also winter in Iran at the south of the Caspian Sea. Arrival in the winter range starts about mid-October although most birds spend weeks or even months at favourite resting locations and will only arrive in the winter range in November or even as late as January. Departure from the winter range starts in mid-February. Bewick’s Swans mate in the late spring, usually after they have returned to the breeding range. As is usual for swans, they pair monogamously until one partner dies. Should one partner die long before the other, the surviving bird often will not mate again for several years or even for the rest of its life. The nesting season starts at the end of May. The pair build the large mound-shaped nest from plant material at an elevated site near open water and they defend a large territory around it. The pen (female) lays and incubates a clutch of 2 to 7 (usually 3 to 5) eggs whilst the cob (male) keeps a steady lookout for potential predators heading towards his mate and offspring. The time from egg laying to hatching is 29 to 30 days. Since they nest in cold regions, Bewick’s Swan cygnets grow faster than those of swans breeding in warmer climates and they may fledge in 40 to 45 days. Cygnets stay with their parents for the first winter migration and the family is sometimes even joined by their offspring from previous breeding seasons while on the wintering grounds. Bewick’s Swans do not reach sexual maturity until 3 or 4 years of age. In summer, the diet of the Bewick’s Swan consists mainly of aquatic vegetation which it finds by sticking its head underwater or upending while swimming. It will also eat some grass growing on dry land. At other times of the year, leftover grains and other crops such as potatoes, picked up in open fields after harvest, make up much of the diet. Healthy adult Bewick’s Swans have few natural predators. The Arctic Fox may threaten breeding females and particular the eggs and hatchlings. Adults typically can stand their ground and displace foxes but occasionally the foxes are successful. Other potential nest predators include the Red Fox, the Brown Bear, the Golden Eagle, the Arctic Skua and the Glaucous Gull. The Brown Bear, the Golden Eagle and the Wolf may occasionally succeed at capturing and killing an adult. About 15% adults die each year from various causes and the average lifespan in the wild is about 10 years. The status of the Bewick's Swan is not well known although its population is in decline in north west Europe for largely unexplained reasons. It is increasingly dependent on agricultural crops to supplement its winter diet as aquatic vegetation in its winter habitat declines due to habitat destruction and water pollution. However, the main cause of adult mortality is hunting and, whilst the Bewick's Swan can not be hunted legally, almost half the birds studied contain lead shot in their bodies, indicating that they were shot at by poachers. Lead poisoning by ingestion of lead shot is also a very significant cause of mortality. The Bewick's Swan is one of the birds to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 8th January 2019 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40755792.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9505408815e2043e055849.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle Goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 8th December 2019 Location: Workum area, Friesland, Netherlands http://www.richardchewphotography.com/strumpshaw-norfolk https://images.on-this.website/4752_132853009650e02dbdb70cc.jpgDate: 26th December 2012 Location: Strumpshaw, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37190319.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6471659155c2a1950d90df.jpgCommon Seals The Common or Harbour Seal is the most widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. The Common Seal possesses a unique pattern of spots, either dark on a light background or light on a dark background. It varies in colour from brownish black to tan or grey although underparts are generally lighter. The body and flippers are short, the head is rounded and the nostrils appear distinctively V-shaped. Blubber under the skin helps to maintain body temperature. Including the head and flippers, the Common Seal may reach an adult length of 6.1 feet and a weight of 120 to 370 pounds. Females are generally smaller than males. There are an estimated 350,000 to 500,000 Common Seals worldwide. While the population is not threatened as a whole, the Greenland, Hokkaidō and Baltic Sea populations are exceptions. Local populations have been reduced or eliminated through disease and unintentional and intentional conflict with humans. It is legal to kill seals perceived to threaten fisheries in the UK, Norway and Canada but commercial hunting is illegal. Seals are also taken in subsistence hunting and accidentally as bycatch. The Common Seal sticks to familiar resting spots or haul out sites, generally rocky areas (although ice, sand and mud may also be used), where it is protected from adverse weather conditions and predation, near a foraging area. It may spend several days at sea and travel up to 30 miles in search of feeding grounds although it will also congregate in harbours, sandy intertidal zones and estuaries and swim some distance upstream into fresh water in large rivers. The Common Seal feeds primarily on fish and occasionally shrimps, crabs, molluscs and squid. The Common Seal is often solitary but it is gregarious when hauled out and during the breeding season although it does not form groups as large as some other seals. Both courtship and mating occur underwater and females give birth annually with a gestation period of approximately 9 months. The timing of the pupping season varies with location, occurring in February for populations in lower latitudes and as late as July in the sub Arctic zone. The mothers are the sole providers of care and the single pups are born well developed, capable of swimming and diving within hours. Suckling for 3 to 4 weeks, pups feed on the mother's rich, fatty milk and grow rapidly and doubling their weight by the time of weaning. Date: 25th June 2018 Location: Loch Fleet, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39083869.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10229955155d30826e9f43b.jpgWestern Rhodopes Mountains, Smolyan Province, Bulgaria The Rhodopes Mountains are a mountain range in south east Europe. They are spread over 5689 square miles of which 4723 square miles are located in south Bulgaria and the remainder in north Greece. The Rhodopes Mountains are about 149 miles long and about 62 to 75 miles wide with an average altitude of 2575 feet. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 7188 feet and is situated 12 miles to the west of Smolyan. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rhodopes Mountains gives its name to the terrestrial eco-region Rodope montane mixed forests that belong in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The area is particularly notable for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans plus its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms such as the Trigrad Gorge. The Rhodopes Mountains can be sub-divided in to 3 sections: The Western Rhodopes are spread over 66% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and they are higher, the most infrastructurally developed and the most visited part of the mountains. The highest and best known peaks are located in this section with more than 10 over 6562 feet high including the highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7188 feet). Some of the deepest river gorges in the Rhodopes Mountains are located in the west as well as several large lakes. The Eastern Rhodopes are spread over a territory of about 34% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and are much lower in height. The large artificial dams of Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets are located in this part of the mountains. Almost every species of European bird of prey nests in the Eastern Rhodopes including the rare Black Vulture and Egyptian Vulture. The Southern Rhodopes are the part of the mountain range that is located in Greece and they are characterized by numerous peaks of relatively low altitude. The River Buynovska is situated in the western Rhodopes Mountains and it is one of the source rivers of the River Vacha, the second largest river that has its source in the Rhodopes Mountains after the River Arda. The river has formed the Buynovo Gorge, the longest gorge in Bulgaria, located between the villages of Yagodina and Teshel. Formed by erosion as the River Buynovo flows through layers of marble rock, the gorge has developed in to an impressive natural phenomenon. The cliffs on both sides of the gorge rise hundreds of feet and can be visited on foot or by car on an extremely narrow single track road which winds along the base of the cliffs with sheer drops and hairpin turns. The narrowest point of the gorge is called Vuclhi Skok (“The Wolf’s Leap”). Folklore says that during winter wolves would leap the chasm to attack the sheepfolds. While this is only a legend, it is plain to see that the gorge is so narrow at this point that the cliffs practically touch each other at height of just 10 to 13 feet above the road. The beauty of the Buynovo Gorge can be appreciated from “a bird’s-eye view” from “The Eagle’s Eye”, a metal platform built on the precipitous cliff face of the Saint Iliya Peak at a height of 5128 feet. This provides impressive views of the entire surrounding area and, during good weather, the entire Rhodopes Mountains and even parts of north Greece are visible. Several hiking trails have been created in the area and the Buynovo Gorge was designated as a nature reserve in 1971. It is now one of Bulgaria’s top 100 tourist destinations. The limestone sediment has been eroded throughout the entire area and in the vicinity of the village Yagodina alone there are 36 caves, the most famous of which is the Yagodina Cave itself, a multi-level complex of primarily marble. This is the 4th longest cave in Bulgaria and the longest cave in the Rhodopes Mountains at around 5 miles, of which just under 1 mile is open to tourists. Date: 28th May 2018 Location: Buynovo Gorge, Teshel to Yagodina, Western Rhodopes Mountains, Smolyan Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/may-2015-roller https://images.on-this.website/4752_32512808456768f1231ef9.jpgMay 2015 - Roller Please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/photo24833939.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/claggain-bay-islay-argyll https://images.on-this.website/4752_16834053734923113a715b6.jpgClaggain Bay, Islay, Argyll Claggain Bay is located on the east coast of the island of Islay and faces east towards the island of Gigha. Date: 3rd November 2008 Location: view from the south http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37399585.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17132122475c66972d15d16.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 9th December 2018 Location: Winterton-Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833232.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_361760254559ce93791a2b.jpgHermann's Tortoise The Hermann's Tortoise, one of five species, is a small to medium-sized tortoise in the family [/I]Testudinidae[/I]. Young animals, and some adults, have attractive black and yellow-patterned carapaces, although the brightness may fade with age to a less distinct grey, straw, or yellow coloration. They have slightly hooked upper jaws and, like other tortoises, possess no teeth just strong, horny beaks. The scaly limbs are greyish to brown with some yellow markings and their tails bear a spur (a horny spike) at the tip. Adult males have particularly long and thick tails and well-developed spurs, distinguishing them from females. The Hermann's Tortoise can be found throughout southern Europe. The western sub-species is found in eastern Spain, southern France, the Balearic islands, Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily, south and central Italy and the eastern sub-species is found Serbia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Romania, Bulgaria, Albania and Greece. The eastern sub-species is generally much larger than the western sub-species, reaching sizes up to 11 inches in length. The Hermann's Tortoise is restricted to areas with hot summers and can be found in a variety of habitats including lush meadows, scrub-covered hillsides, light woodland, dune areas and even rubbish dumps. Males may have home ranges of about 2 hectares and females half this. Early in the morning, the Hermann's Tortoise will leave its nightly shelter, which are usually hollows protected by thick bushes or hedges, to bask in the sun and warm their bodies. They then roam about their habitat in search of food and determine which plants to eat by the sense of smell. In addition to leaves and flowers, the Hermann's Tortoise eats small amounts fruits as supplementary nutrition. When the sun becomes too hot the Hermann's Tortoise returns to its shelter, before emerging again in the late afternoon and evening to feed. In late February, the Hermann's Tortoise emerges from under bushes or old rotting wood, where it spends the winter months hibernating, buried in a bed of dead leaves. Immediately after surfacing from their winter resting place, the Hermann’s Tortoise commences courtship and mating. Courtship is a rough affair for the female, which is pursued, rammed and bitten by the male before being mounted. Aggression is also seen between rival males during the breeding season which can result in ramming contests. Between May and July, a female Hermann’s Tortoise will deposit between 2 and 12 eggs into flask-shaped nests dug into the soil up to 4 inches deep. Most females lay more than one clutch each season. The pinkish-white eggs are incubated for around 90 days. Young Hermann’s Tortoises emerge just after the start of the heavy autumn rains in early September and spend the first 4 or 5 years of their lives close to their nests. If the rains do not come, or if nesting took place late in the year, the eggs will still hatch but the young will remain underground and not emerge until the following spring. Until the age of 6 or 8 years, when the hard shell becomes fully developed, the young tortoises are very vulnerable to predators but if they survive these threats, the longevity of Hermann’s Tortoises is around 30 years. The longevity might be underestimated and many sources are reporting they might live 90 years or more. Date: 14th May 2015 Location: Great Prespa Lake (Megali Prespa), West Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308872.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_132155945163ee38020dd94.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 21st January 2022 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/moose https://images.on-this.website/4752_6696472135f10b20af2bc1.jpgElk (Moose) The Elk (Eurasia) or Moose (north America) is the largest living deer species and the second largest land animal. The Elk is easily recognised by its humped shoulders, broad and overhanging muzzle and the pendulous flap of skin and hair beneath the throat. The body is heavy and deep, with long, rather gangly legs and wide hooves which aid in walking over mud or soft snow. The coat ranges from blackish to reddish brown in colour and lighter on the underparts and lower legs. It provides excellent insulation, consisting of a fine wool undercoat interspersed with long guard hairs. On average, an adult Elk stands 4.6 to 6.9 feet high at the shoulder, which is more than a foot higher than the next largest deer. The head and body length is 7.9 to 10.2 feet with a small tail adding only a further 2 to 5 inches. Males ("bulls") normally weigh from 838 to 1,543 pounds and females ("cows") typically weigh 441 to 1,080 pounds. The male Elk, as other deer, bears bony, hornlike antlers which are shed each winter and re-grown through the summer. The antlers are massive and palmate (broad and flattened at the base with short projecting branches), measuring up to 6.5 feet across and over 65 pounds in weight, making them the largest of any deer. In Europe, the Elk is currently found in large numbers throughout Norway, Sweden, Finland, Latvia, Estonia and Poland with more modest numbers in the Czech Republic, Belarus and north Ukraine. They are also widespread through Russia on up through the borders with Finland, south towards the border with Estonia, Belarus and Ukraine and east towards Siberia. The Elk was native to most temperate areas with suitable habitat on the continent and even Scotland from the end of the last Ice Age since Europe had a mix of temperate boreal and deciduous forest. However, from medieval times, it slowly disappeared. By the early 20th century, the very last strongholds of the Elk appeared to be in Scandinavian countries and patchy tracts of Russia with a few migrants found in what is now Estonia and Lithuania. The former Soviet Union and Poland managed to restore parts of the range within its borders in the 1950s but political complications obviously limited the ability to reintroduce it to other parts of its range. Attempts in 1930 and again in 1967 in marshland north of Berlin in Germany were unsuccessful. At present in Poland, populations are recorded in the Biebrza river valley, Kampinos National Park and in the Białowieża Forest. It has migrated in to other parts of eastern Europe and has been recorded in east and south Germany. The Elk is fairly adaptable in its habitat requirements but it prefers a mosaic of boreal or broad-leaved forest, lakes, swamps and wetlands, requiring forest for cover and water bodies for foraging. The Elk is often associated with spruce, fir and pine forest and it may also occupy tundra and mountains, often in areas characterised by seasonal snow cover. The Elk may be active by both day and night but activity usually peaks at dawn and dusk. It is a herbivore and is capable of consuming many types of plant or fruit. The diet includes various tree, shrub, grass and herb species as well as twigs and bark in winter. The Elk may markedly alter the structure and dynamics of forest ecosystems through their foraging behaviour. Aquatic vegetation is also taken, the Elk often wading into lakes and streams and sometimes submerging entirely to feed. Some populations migrate in search of food, moving between distinct seasonal home ranges. In winter, Elk are often drawn to roadways, to lick salt that is used as a snow and ice melter. The Elk is essentially solitary although small, loose groups may form during the mating season and during winter. Mating occurs in September and October. The males are polygamous and will seek several females to breed with. During this time both sexes will call to each other. Males produce heavy grunting sounds whilst females produce wail-like sounds. Males will fight for access to females. They either assess which is larger with the smaller bull retreating or they may engage in battles usually only involving the antlers. The female Elk has an 8 month gestation period, usually bearing a single calf, or twins if food is plentiful, in May or June. The young will stay with the mother until just before the next young are born. The life span of an average moose is about 15 to 25 years. A full grown Elk has few enemies except Siberian Tigers which regularly prey on adults but a pack of Wolves can still pose a threat especially to females with calves. The Brown Bear is also known to prey on Elk of various sizes and are the only predator besides the Wolf to attack them although they are more likely to take over a Wolf kill or to take young moose than to hunt an adult Elk on their own. The Wolverine is most likely to eat Elk as carrion but it has been known to kill them when they are weakened by harsh winter conditions. The Killer Whale is the Elk's only known marine predator. The Elk is hunted as a game species in many of the countries where it is found and in addition it is a regular casualty of road traffic and train collisions. Date: 29th June 2019 Location: near Storskog, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/great-tit https://images.on-this.website/4752_17658269244daeaf2e8fdde.jpgGreat Tit The Great Tit is a passerine bird in the tit family. It is large for a tit species at 4.9 to 5.5 inches in length and it has a distinctive appearance that makes it easy to recognise. The nominate race, which is found throughout much of Europe, Asia Minor, north and east Kazakhstan, south Siberia and north Mongolia, has a bluish-black crown, black neck, throat, bib and head and white cheeks and ear coverts. The breast is bright lemon-yellow and there is a broad black mid-line stripe running from the bib to the vent. There is a dull white spot on the neck turning to greenish yellow on the upper nape. The rest of the nape and back are green tinged with olive. The wing-coverts are green and the rest of the wing is bluish-grey with a white-wing-bar. The tail is bluish grey with white outer tips. The plumage of the female is similar to that of the male except that the colours are generally duller and the bib is less intensely black, as is the line running down the belly which is also narrower and sometimes broken. There is some variation in the UK sub-species. It is broadly similar to the nominate race but has a slightly longer bill, the mantle is slightly deeper green, there is less white on the tail tips and the ventral mid-line stripe is broader on the belly. The Great Tit has a wide distribution across much of Eurasia. It is found across all of Europe except for Iceland and northern Scandinavia. In North Africa it is found in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. It also occurs across the Middle East and parts of central Asia from north Iran and Afghanistan to Mongolia, as well as across north Asia from the Urals as far east as north China and the Amur Valley. The Great Tit can be found in a range of habitats but most commonly in open deciduous woodland, mixed forests, forest edges and gardens. In dense forests, including conifer forests, it is usually found in forest clearings. In north Siberia it is found in the boreal taiga. In north Africa it prefers oak forests as well as stands of Atlas cedar and even palm groves. In the east of its range, it favours riverine willow and birch forest. At higher altitudes it occupies habitats ranging from dense deciduous and coniferous forests to open areas with scattered trees. The Great Tit is generally not migratory. Pairs will usually remain near or in their territory all year round even in the northern parts of their range. Young birds will disperse from their parents' territory but usually not far. Populations may become irruptive in poor or harsh winters and very large groups may unpredictably move from north Europe to the Baltic, the Netherlands, the UK and even as far as the south Balkans. The Great Tit is monogamous and establish breeding territories in late January. Territories are usually reoccupied in successive years even if one of the pair dies so long as the brood is raised successfully. Females are likely to disperse to new territories if their nest is predated the previous year. The Great Tit is a seasonal breeder but the exact timing of breeding varies due to a number of factors, most importantly location. Most breeding occurs between January and September. In Europe the breeding season usually begins after March The amount of sunlight and daytime temperatures also affects the timing of breeding as does the peak abundance of caterpillar prey which itself is correlated to temperature. The Great Tit is a cavity nester and occupies a hole that is usually inside a tree, although occasionally in a wall or rock face. It also readily takes to nest boxes. The nest inside the cavity is built by the female and is made of plant fibres, grasses, moss, hair, wool and feathers. The female often lays a very large clutch of eggs, as many as 18 although 5 to 12 is more common. Clutch size is smaller when females start laying later and it is also lower when the density of competitors is higher. Second broods also tend to have smaller clutches. The female undertakes all incubation duties and is fed by the male during this time. The timing of hatching, which is synchronised with peak availability of food, can be manipulated when environmental conditions change after the laying of the first egg by delaying the beginning of incubation, laying more eggs or pausing during incubation. The incubation period is between 12 and 15 days. The chicks are fed by both parents and the nestling period is between 16 and 22 days. The chicks become independent of the parents 8 days after fledging although feeding may continue after independence and last up to a further 25 days. The Great Tit is primarily insectivorous in the summer and feeds on a wide range of insects and spiders. During the breeding season, protein-rich caterpillars are fed to the young. In autumn and winter, when insect prey becomes scarcer, berries and seeds are added to the diet. Where it is available, it will also readily take table scraps, peanuts and sunflower seeds from bird tables. The Great Tit, along with other tits, joins winter mixed-species foraging flocks. The Great Tit has generally adjusted to human modifications of the environment. Whilst it is more common and has better breeding success in areas with undisturbed forest cover, it has adapted well to human modified habitats and can be very common in urban and suburban areas. While there have been some localised declines in population in areas with poorer quality habitats, its large range and high numbers mean that the Great Tit is not considered to be threatened and it is classed as “Least Concern” by the IUCN. Date: 4th January 2009 Location: Dungeness RSPB reserve, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13683336.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4017082964ed7304e00c54.jpgPolecat The Polecat is a member of the Mustelid group of mammals which also includes the Weasel, Stoat, Otter and Pine Marten. It has blackish guard hairs and yellow underfur on the body giving a “black and tan” appearance, a “bandit” face with a pale muzzle, ear tips and eyebrows and a broad dark band around the eyes, darker legs and belly and a short fluffy tail. The Polecat is found throughout Wales, the Midlands and parts of central southern England and is spreading steadily from these areas. There are isolated populations in Cumbria and Caithness which probably result from unofficial releases. At one time the Polecat was widespread throughout the UK but it was nearly exterminated by 1915. They have never occurred in Ireland or on the outer islands of Scotland. Although it occurs in a wide range of habitats, the Polecat prefers lowland areas. When it was confined to Wales, valleys and farms were favoured, but as it has spread out into England, farmland with hedgerows and small woods are preferred. Polecat dens are commonly in rabbit burrows, especially in summer, but they frequently move into farmyards in winter when they may den in hay bales, under sheds and in rubbish tips. This change of habitat reflects their changing diet through the year. In summer, Rabbits are a major food and the Polecat is slender enough to hunt them within their burrows. In winter, Brown Rats become a favoured food and sites like farmyards and rubbish tips that have good populations become more usual habitats. The Polecat does however kill a wide range of prey. Frogs may be important in spring, when they have gathered to spawn, and birds may also be taken. Polecats have lived up to 14 years in captivity but in the wild most probably die before they are 5 years old. In addition to its protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, the Polecat was added to the list of UK BAP (Biodiveristy Action Plan) mammals in 2007and protected as a species of principal importance for the conservation of biological diversity in England. Until the 19th Century, the Polecat was found throughout much of mainland UK and the Isle of Wight. Habitat fragmentation, persecution by gamekeepers and being killed for their fur drastically reduced this distribution. The Polecat population was reduced to about 5,000 but is now more than 46,000. One worrying problem is the extent to which they might suffer from secondary poisoning from rodenticides. Brown Rats are commonly killed by anticoagulant poisons when they infest homes and farms but there is an evident risk to Polecats from eating sick, dying rats. It is not known how serious this might be at the level of the Polecat population. As they spread further into England, the increasing density of roads and road traffic is also a threat and seems to be slowing the Polecat’s spread into both northern and south east England. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12076192.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11766865084e48d06dd7ddf.jpgOtter The Eurasian Otter, also known as the European Otter, Eurasian River Otter, Common Otter and Old World Otter and commonly known as the Otter, is a semi-aquatic mammal and the most widely distributed member of the Otter sub-family of the Weasel family (Mustelidae). The Otter is a typical species of the Otter sub-family and is brown above and cream below. It is 22.5 to 37.5 inches long excluding a tail of 14 to 17.5 inches. The female is shorter than the male. The Otter's average body weight is 15 to 26 pounds, although occasionally a large old male may reach up to 37 pounds. The Otter differs from the North American River Otter by its shorter neck, broader face, the greater space between the ears and its longer tail. However, it is the only Otter species in much of its range so it is rarely confused for any other animal. The Otter is the most widely distributed Otter species and its range including parts of Asia and Africa as well as being widespread across Europe. The Otter can be found throughout most of the UK with the highest densities in Scotland, especially the islands and the north west coast, Wales, parts of East Anglia and the West Country. The Otter declined across its range in the second half of the 20th century primarily due to pollution, habitat loss and hunting. However, populations are now recovering in many parts of Europe. In the UK the number of sites with an Otter presence increased by 55% between 1994 and 2002. In August 2011, the Environment Agency announced that the Otter had returned to every county in England since vanishing from every county except the West Country and parts of Northern England. The recovery of the Otter population in Europe is due to a ban on the most harmful pesticides that has been in place since 1979, improvements in water quality leading to increases in prey populations and direct legal protection under the European Union Habitats Directive and national legislation in several European countries. In general, the Otter’s varied and adaptable diet means that it can be found on any unpolluted body of fresh water, including lakes, streams, rivers and ponds, as long as the food supply is adequate. It can also be found along the coast in salt water but it requires regular access to fresh water to clean its fur. When living in the sea it is sometimes referred to as a "Sea Otter" but it should not be confused with the true Sea Otter which is a North American species much more strongly adapted to a marine existence. The Otter's diet mainly consists of fish. However, during the winter and in colder environments, fish consumption is significantly lower and other sources of food are eaten including amphibians, crustaceans, insects, birds and small mammals. Hunting mainly takes place at night whilst the day is usually spent in the Otter's holt (den). The Otter is strongly territorial and is primarily solitary. An individual's territory may vary between 1 and 25 miles with the length of the territory depending on the density of food available and the width of the water suitable for hunting (it is shorter on coasts, where the available width is much wider and longer on narrower rivers). The Otter uses its spraints to mark its territory. Territories are only held against members of the same sex so those of males and females may overlap. The Otter is a non-seasonal breeder and males and females will breed at any time of the year. It has been found that their mating season is most likely determined simply by the Otters' reproductive maturity and physiological state. Female Otters are sexually mature between 18 and 24 months old and the average age of first breeding is found to be 2.5 years old. Gestation is 60 to 64 days and after the gestation period, 1 to 4 pups are born which remain dependent on the mother for about 13 months. The male plays no direct role in parental care although the territory of a female with her pups is usually entirely within that of the male. Date: 6th November 2007 Location: Bunnahabhain, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/red-kites https://images.on-this.website/4752_86207993562c9999e15949.jpgRed Kites The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 9th May 2022 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28102083.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5089442035777a37ccfb51.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include [url=http://www.gigrin.co.uk/]Gigrin Farm feeding centre[/url] near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 12th June 2016 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493277.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16357859815f326f5cb17b3.jpgShag The European Shag, Common Shag or simply Shag is a species of cormorant. It is 27 to 31 inches in length with a 37 to 43 inches wingspan. It is mainly black in colour but with a glossy green-tinged sheen in adults. It has a longish tail and a yellow throat-patch. Adults have a small recurved crest in the breeding season. It is distinguished from the Cormorant by its smaller size, lighter build, thinner and narrower bill, and, in breeding adults, by the crest and metallic green-tinged sheen. The Shag breeds around the rocky coasts of west and south Europe, north Africa and south west Asia, mainly wintering in its breeding range except for the northernmost birds. It nests on rocky ledges or in crevices or small caves and the nests are untidy heaps of rotting seaweed or twigs cemented together by the bird's own guano. The nesting season is long and begins in late February although some nests are not started until May or even later. The female lays 3 eggs and the chicks hatch without down and so they rely totally on their parents for warmth, often for a period of 2 months before they can fly. Fledging may occur at any time from early June to late August and exceptionally to mid-October. In the UK, the Shag breeds at coastal sites, mainly in the north and west of the country, and more than half of the population is found at fewer than 10 sites. It can be seen during the breeding season at the large Scottish colonies on Orkney, Shetland, the Inner Hebrides and in the Firth of Forth. Elsewhere it can be seen commonly around the coasts of Wales and south west England, especially in Devon and Cornwall. The Shag feeds in the sea and, unlike the Cormorant, it is rare inland. It is one of the deepest pursuit divers among the cormorant family and it has been shown to dive to at least 150 feet. When it dives, it jumps out of the water first to give extra impetus to the dive. The Shag forages for food on the sea bed and eats a wide range of fish although the commonest prey is the sand eel. It will travel long distances from its breeding and roosting sites in order to feed. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39083895.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1568950375d3082a2b58fc.jpgWestern Rhodopes Mountains, Smolyan Province, Bulgaria The Rhodopes Mountains are a mountain range in south east Europe. They are spread over 5689 square miles of which 4723 square miles are located in south Bulgaria and the remainder in north Greece. The Rhodopes Mountains are about 149 miles long and about 62 to 75 miles wide with an average altitude of 2575 feet. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 7188 feet and is situated 12 miles to the west of Smolyan. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rhodopes Mountains gives its name to the terrestrial eco-region Rodope montane mixed forests that belong in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The area is particularly notable for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans plus its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms such as the Trigrad Gorge. The Rhodopes Mountains can be sub-divided in to 3 sections: The Western Rhodopes are spread over 66% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and they are higher, the most infrastructurally developed and the most visited part of the mountains. The highest and best known peaks are located in this section with more than 10 over 6562 feet high including the highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7188 feet). Some of the deepest river gorges in the Rhodopes Mountains are located in the west as well as several large lakes. The Eastern Rhodopes are spread over a territory of about 34% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and are much lower in height. The large artificial dams of Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets are located in this part of the mountains. Almost every species of European bird of prey nests in the Eastern Rhodopes including the rare Black Vulture and Egyptian Vulture. The Southern Rhodopes are the part of the mountain range that is located in Greece and they are characterized by numerous peaks of relatively low altitude. The Trigrad Gorge is a canyon of vertical marble rock cliffs in the western Rhodope Mountains. It is the third longest gorge in Bulgaria. The gorge encloses the course of the River Trigrad which plunges into the Devil's Throat Cave and 1740 feet further emerges as a large karst spring. It later flows into the River Buynovska. The west wall of the Trigrad Gorge reaches 980 feet in height whilst the east wall reaches 980 to 1150 feet in height. Initially, the 2 walls are about 985 feet apart but the gorge narrows to about 330 feet in the northern section. The gorge is situated just north of the village of Trigrad at 4760 feet above sea level. It has a total length of 4.3 miles, of which the gorge proper comprises 1.2 to 1.9 miles. It can be visited on the narrow single track road from Teshel to Trigrad which follows the River Trigrad for about 7.5 miles. The Trigrad area was a restricted border zone in the past (it is less than 4 miles from the border with Greece) so access was very limited during the Communist era but it is now a popular tourist destination. The area is considered as one of the most beautiful in the Rhodopes Mountains with numerous designated routes for hiking, mountain biking and horse riding routes. Date: 28th May 2018 Location: Teshel to Trigrad via Trigrad Gorge, Western Rhodopes Mountains, Smolyan Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/azure-damsefly https://images.on-this.website/4752_88096872966d33d02d39be.jpgAzure Damsefly Flight period: May to August The Azure Damselfly is one of the two commonest blue damselflies and is a common and widespread species of lowland UK. They can be found around most standing water, preferring small, sheltered sites including ditches and garden ponds. Date: 19th July 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51983682.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_80067092566d343ad178db.jpgAzure Damselflies Flight period: May to August The Azure Damselfly is one of the two commonest blue damselflies and is a common and widespread species of lowland UK. They can be found around most standing water, preferring small, sheltered sites including ditches and garden ponds. Date: 26th July 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37431281.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9750713585c6bec35a0099.jpgBewick's Swans The Tundra Swan is a small Holarctic swan. The 2 taxa within it are usually regarded as conspecific but are also sometimes split into 2 species: the Bewick's Swan of the Palaearctic and the Whistling Swan of the Nearctic. The Bewick's Swan was named in 1830 by William Yarrell after the engraver Thomas Bewick who specialised in illustrations of birds and animals. The Bewick's Swan measures 45 to 55 inches in length with a wing span of 18.5 to 21.5 inches. Males are slightly larger and heavier than females. It is similar in appearance to the Whooper Swan but is smaller, shorter-necked and has a more rounded head shape. It has a variable bill pattern but always shows more black than yellow and having a blunt forward edge of the yellow base patch. The Whooper Swan has a bill that has more yellow than black and the forward edge of the yellow patch is usually pointed. The bill pattern for every individual Bewick's Swan is unique and scientists often make detailed drawings of each bill and assign names to the swans to assist with studying these birds. As their common name implies, the Tundra Swan breeds in the Arctic and sub-Arctic tundra where they inhabit shallow pools, lakes and rivers. Unlike the Mute Swan, but like the other Arctic swans, it is a migratory bird. The winter habitat is mainly grassland and marshland, often near the coast. The breeding range of the Bewick’s Swan extends across the coastal lowlands of Siberia from the Kola Peninsula east to the Pacific. It starts to arrive in its breeding range around mid-May and leaves for its winter range around the end of September. The populations west of the Taimyr Peninsula migrate via the White Sea, Baltic Sea and the Elbe estuary to winter in Denmark, the Netherlands and the UK where it is common in winter on a few RSPB and WWT reserves. Some birds also winter elsewhere on the southern shores of the North Sea. The Bewick’s Swans that breed in eastern Russia migrate via Mongolia and north China to winter in the coastal regions of Korea, Japan and south China, south to Guangdong and occasionally as far as Taiwan. A few birds from the central Siberian range also winter in Iran at the south of the Caspian Sea. Arrival in the winter range starts about mid-October although most birds spend weeks or even months at favourite resting locations and will only arrive in the winter range in November or even as late as January. Departure from the winter range starts in mid-February. Bewick’s Swans mate in the late spring, usually after they have returned to the breeding range. As is usual for swans, they pair monogamously until one partner dies. Should one partner die long before the other, the surviving bird often will not mate again for several years or even for the rest of its life. The nesting season starts at the end of May. The pair build the large mound-shaped nest from plant material at an elevated site near open water and they defend a large territory around it. The pen (female) lays and incubates a clutch of 2 to 7 (usually 3 to 5) eggs whilst the cob (male) keeps a steady lookout for potential predators heading towards his mate and offspring. The time from egg laying to hatching is 29 to 30 days. Since they nest in cold regions, Bewick’s Swan cygnets grow faster than those of swans breeding in warmer climates and they may fledge in 40 to 45 days. Cygnets stay with their parents for the first winter migration and the family is sometimes even joined by their offspring from previous breeding seasons while on the wintering grounds. Bewick’s Swans do not reach sexual maturity until 3 or 4 years of age. In summer, the diet of the Bewick’s Swan consists mainly of aquatic vegetation which it finds by sticking its head underwater or upending while swimming. It will also eat some grass growing on dry land. At other times of the year, leftover grains and other crops such as potatoes, picked up in open fields after harvest, make up much of the diet. Healthy adult Bewick’s Swans have few natural predators. The Arctic Fox may threaten breeding females and particular the eggs and hatchlings. Adults typically can stand their ground and displace foxes but occasionally the foxes are successful. Other potential nest predators include the Red Fox, the Brown Bear, the Golden Eagle, the Arctic Skua and the Glaucous Gull. The Brown Bear, the Golden Eagle and the Wolf may occasionally succeed at capturing and killing an adult. About 15% adults die each year from various causes and the average lifespan in the wild is about 10 years. The status of the Bewick's Swan is not well known although its population is in decline in north west Europe for largely unexplained reasons. It is increasingly dependent on agricultural crops to supplement its winter diet as aquatic vegetation in its winter habitat declines due to habitat destruction and water pollution. However, the main cause of adult mortality is hunting and, whilst the Bewick's Swan can not be hunted legally, almost half the birds studied contain lead shot in their bodies, indicating that they were shot at by poachers. Lead poisoning by ingestion of lead shot is also a very significant cause of mortality. The Bewick's Swan is one of the birds to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 8th January 2019 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11159456.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8416197304e15838e26061.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 5th November 2007 Location: Loch Gruinart, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37399608.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20905081835c6697954ee23.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 9th December 2018 Location: Winterton-Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11806232.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12840252214e3a78759402c.jpgMarsh Frogs The Marsh Frog is the largest European frog. It is very similar in appearance to the closely related Edible Frog and Pool Frog. These 3 species are often referred to as "green frogs" to distinguish them from the more terrestrial European species which are known as "brown frogs" (best exemplified by the Common Frog). Marsh Frogs show a large variation in colour and pattern, ranging from dark green to brown or grey. The Western European populations are generally dark green to black with dark spots on the back and sides and 3 clear green lines on the back. Females can reach a maximum length of around 6.5 inches but males are smaller at around 4.5 inches. The head is proportionally large and the hind legs are long which gives them excellent jumping abilities. The Marsh Frog is usually gregarious and diurnal and more tied to aquatic habitats than the Common Frog. It is tolerant of brackish conditions and typically it is found on or in the water of its favoured drainage channels and pools throughout the year. Marsh Frogs frequently sunbathe on the bank of the water body where they are often inconspicuous until disturbed when they will jump in to the water with a characteristic “plop”. They can often be seen on lily pads or floating at the surface amongst vegetation with only their heads exposed. During the breeding season (and sometimes beyond) the male Marsh Frog calls very loudly with a sound reminiscent of a loud chuckle which is often very raucous and can be heard all day and night. Dominant males establish territories from which they call. After mating a female may produce up to 16,000 eggs in a season, laying them in clumps of a few hundred in aquatic vegetation below the surface. They hatch in about a week, tadpoles being rather solitary and living in deep water with vegetation. Newly metamorphosed frogs are up to 1 inch in length and take 2 years to mature. The diet of the Marsh Frog consists of dragonflies and other insects, spiders, earthworms and slugs. Larger frogs also eat small rodents and sometimes smaller amphibians and fish. The Marsh Frog is not a native species of the UK. It was first introduced to Walland Marsh, Kent in 1935 and is now found in several areas of Kent and East Sussex. Other introductions exist, including colonies in London. Date: 31st July 2011 Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/marsh-frogs https://images.on-this.website/4752_4862672434e3a789f5bee5.jpgMarsh Frogs The Marsh Frog is the largest European frog. It is very similar in appearance to the closely related Edible Frog and Pool Frog. These 3 species are often referred to as "green frogs" to distinguish them from the more terrestrial European species which are known as "brown frogs" (best exemplified by the Common Frog). Marsh Frogs show a large variation in colour and pattern, ranging from dark green to brown or grey. The Western European populations are generally dark green to black with dark spots on the back and sides and 3 clear green lines on the back. Females can reach a maximum length of around 6.5 inches but males are smaller at around 4.5 inches. The head is proportionally large and the hind legs are long which gives them excellent jumping abilities. The Marsh Frog is usually gregarious and diurnal and more tied to aquatic habitats than the Common Frog. It is tolerant of brackish conditions and typically it is found on or in the water of its favoured drainage channels and pools throughout the year. Marsh Frogs frequently sunbathe on the bank of the water body where they are often inconspicuous until disturbed when they will jump in to the water with a characteristic “plop”. They can often be seen on lily pads or floating at the surface amongst vegetation with only their heads exposed. During the breeding season (and sometimes beyond) the male Marsh Frog calls very loudly with a sound reminiscent of a loud chuckle which is often very raucous and can be heard all day and night. Dominant males establish territories from which they call. After mating a female may produce up to 16,000 eggs in a season, laying them in clumps of a few hundred in aquatic vegetation below the surface. They hatch in about a week, tadpoles being rather solitary and living in deep water with vegetation. Newly metamorphosed frogs are up to 1 inch in length and take 2 years to mature. The diet of the Marsh Frog consists of dragonflies and other insects, spiders, earthworms and slugs. Larger frogs also eat small rodents and sometimes smaller amphibians and fish. The Marsh Frog is not a native species of the UK. It was first introduced to Walland Marsh, Kent in 1935 and is now found in several areas of Kent and East Sussex. Other introductions exist, including colonies in London. Date: 31st July 2011 Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21230079.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_109758352353804a77c5b06.jpgMarsh Frog The Marsh Frog is the largest European frog. It is very similar in appearance to the closely related Edible Frog and Pool Frog. These 3 species are often referred to as "green frogs" to distinguish them from the more terrestrial European species which are known as "brown frogs" (best exemplified by the Common Frog). Marsh Frogs show a large variation in colour and pattern, ranging from dark green to brown or grey. The Western European populations are generally dark green to black with dark spots on the back and sides and 3 clear green lines on the back. Females can reach a maximum length of around 6.5 inches but males are smaller at around 4.5 inches. The head is proportionally large and the hind legs are long which gives them excellent jumping abilities. The Marsh Frog is usually gregarious and diurnal and more tied to aquatic habitats than the Common Frog. It is tolerant of brackish conditions and typically it is found on or in the water of its favoured drainage channels and pools throughout the year. Marsh Frogs frequently sunbathe on the bank of the water body where they are often inconspicuous until disturbed when they will jump in to the water with a characteristic “plop”. They can often be seen on lily pads or floating at the surface amongst vegetation with only their heads exposed. During the breeding season (and sometimes beyond) the male Marsh Frog calls very loudly with a sound reminiscent of a loud chuckle which is often very raucous and can be heard all day and night. Dominant males establish territories from which they call. After mating a female may produce up to 16,000 eggs in a season, laying them in clumps of a few hundred in aquatic vegetation below the surface. They hatch in about a week, tadpoles being rather solitary and living in deep water with vegetation. Newly metamorphosed frogs are up to 1 inch in length and take 2 years to mature. The diet of the Marsh Frog consists of dragonflies and other insects, spiders, earthworms and slugs. Larger frogs also eat small rodents and sometimes smaller amphibians and fish. The Marsh Frog is not a native species of the UK. It was first introduced to Walland Marsh, Kent in 1935 and is now found in several areas of Kent and East Sussex. Other introductions exist, including colonies in London. Date: 18th May 2014 Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48483010.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1650375091640a400c394a1.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 1st February 2023 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11177754.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20615897344e16bc477f50d.jpgMute Swan The Mute Swan is a species of swan native to much of Eurasia. Despite its Eurasian origin, its closest relatives are the Black Swan of Australia and the Black-necked Swan of south America, not the other Northern Hemisphere swans such as the Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan. The name “mute” derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. The adult Mute Swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob at the top of the beak. All Mute Swans are white at maturity although the feathers (particularly on the head and neck) are often stained orange-brown by iron and tannins in the water. Young birds (cygnets) are not the bright white colour of mature adults and their bill is dull greyish-black for the first year. The plumage may range from pure white to grey to buff with grey/buff being the most common. Cygnets typically retain their grey/buff feathers until they are at least 1 year old. On average, the Mute Swan is the second largest waterfowl species after the Trumpeter Swan although the male Mute Swan can easily match or even exceed a male Trumpeter Swan in mass. The adult Mute Swan typically ranges from 55 to 63 inches in length (although it can range in extreme cases from 49 to 67 inches) with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. Males (cobs) are larger than females (pens) and have a larger knob on their bill. The Mute Swan is one of the heaviest flying birds. In several studies from the UK, males were found to average from about 23.4 to 26.2 pounds, with a weight range of 20 to 32 pounds, while the slightly smaller females were found to average about 18.7 to 21.3 pounds, with a weight range of 17 to 23 pounds. The Mute Swan is less vocal than the noisy Bewick's Swan and Whooper Swan although it does make a variety of grunting, hoarse whistling and snorting noises, especially in communicating with their cygnets and threatening competitors or intruders trying to enter their territory. The most familiar sound associated with the Mute Swan is the vibrant throbbing of the wings in flight which is unique to the species and this can be heard from a range of up to 1 mile. The Mute Swan is found naturally mainly in the temperate areas of Europe across west Asia and as far east as Primorsky Krai in the far east of Russia. It is partially migratory throughout the northern latitudes in Europe and Asia as far south as north Africa and the Mediterranean. It is also often kept in captivity outside its natural range as a decoration for parks and ponds and escapes have occurred. The descendants of such birds have become naturalised in east USA and the Great Lakes region across the USA and Canada border. The Mute Swan population in the UK has increased recently probably due to better protection of this species. Some birds are resident all year whilst others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into east England. Mute Swans nest on large mounds that they build with waterside vegetation in shallow water on islands in the middle or at the very edge of a lake. It is a monogamous species and often reuses the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Males and females share the care of the nest. The female lays from 4 to 10 eggs and broods for around 36 days. Cygnets are unable to fly before an age of 120 to 150 days and this limits the distribution of the species in the northern edge of its range since the cygnets must learn to fly before the water freezes. The Mute Swan is usually strongly territorial with just a single pair on smaller lakes although in a few locations where a large area of suitable feeding habitat is found they can be colonial. The largest colonies can hold over 100 pairs such as that at the colony at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset in the UK. Non-mated juveniles up to 3 to 4 years old commonly form larger flocks often at regular traditional sites and these can total several hundred birds. The Mute Swan can be very aggressive in defence of its nest and it is highly protective of its mate and offspring. Most defensive attacks from a Mute Swan begin with a loud hiss and, if this is not sufficient to drive off the predator, are followed by a physical attack. It attacks by smashing at its enemy with bony spurs in the wings accompanied by biting with its large bill. Smaller waterbirds such as ducks are normally grabbed with the bill and dragged or thrown clear. Large waterfowl, such as the Canada Goose, more likely out of competition than in response to potential predation, may be aggressively driven off. The wings of the Mute Swan are very powerful although not strong enough to break an adult man's leg as has been claimed anecdotally. The Mute Swan feeds on a wide range of vegetation, both submerged aquatic plants which they reach with their long necks and by grazing on land. The food commonly includes agricultural crop plants such as oilseed rape and wheat and feeding flocks in the winter may cause significant crop damage, often as much through trampling with their large webbed feet as through direct consumption. Date: 6th January 2008 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847423.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_120837381759bd4feb09652.jpgLow Tatras, Slovakia The Low Tatras (Nízke Tatry) are a mountain range of the Inner Western Carpathians situated in central Slovakia. They are located south of the High Tatras (Vysoké Tatry) from which they are separated by the valleys of the Váh River and Poprad River. The ridge runs west to east and is about 50 miles long. The Čertovica pass divides the range into 2 parts. The highest peaks of the Low Tatras are located in its western part. Ďumbier is the highest mountain at 6703 feet. Its neighbour Chopok at 6640 feet is accessible by a chairlift and it is the most visited place in the Low Tatras. Other peaks in the western part include Dereše at 6575 feet and Chabenec at 6414 feet. The highest peak in the eastern part is Kráľova hoľa at 6385 feet. The lower elevations are mostly blanketed in dense forest with prevailing coniferous forests in the northern part and mixed forests in the south. At higher elevations there are tarns, deep valleys, limestone cliffs and impressive granite formations. Most of the Low Tatras are protected by the Low Tatras National Park (Národný park Nízke Tatry). This comprises an area of 281 square miles and a buffer zone covering an area of 425 square miles. This makes it the largest National Park in Slovakia. The protection of the Low Tatras started with the first attempts during the period 1918 to 1921 and continuing after World War 2. In 1963, a proposal was made for the establishment of a National Park under the name Central Slovakia National Park. During the period between 1965 and 1966 and right before the completion of the last proposal, a draft for a National Park Ďumbier was proposed. The aim of this draft was to include the north and south part of the central territory of the Low Tatras. From 1967 until 1968 the draft was reformulated with the goal to establish the National Park on the 25th anniversary of the Slovak National Uprising. However, it took another 10 years to overcome various obstacles that prevented the establishment of the National Park. In 1978 the National Park was finally created with the Regulation 119/1978 of the Slovak Socialistic Republic. The area of the national park was set at 313 square miles and its protection zone at 479 square miles. The status of the National Park was published in the same year by the Ministry of Culture of the Slovak Socialistic Republic in Regulation 120/1978. This regulation set out the conditions for the protection of particular areas. The borders of the National Park and the protection zones were revised in June 1997 by Regulation 182/1997 of the government of the Slovak Republic. The revised area of the National Park was adjusted to 281 square miles which is 32 square miles less than the original area. The revised area of the protection zones was adjusted to 425 square miles which is 53 square miles less than the original area. Currently, the following protected areas are established in the Low Tatras National Park or its buffer zone: 10 National Nature Reserves, 10 Nature Reserves, 5 National Nature Monuments, 6 Nature Monuments and 1 Protected Site. The Low Tatras are the second most visited mountains in Slovakia after the High Tatras. Tourism is very popular and during the winter there are several ski resorts such as Jasná and Tále. There are also a range of summer activities such as hiking, trekking, rafting, kayaking, fishing and other outdoor pursuits. Date: 28th May 2017 Location: Low Tatras, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46534271.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_111648369662ca9458f2521.jpgBlack-browed Albatross The Black-browed Albatross, also known as the Black-browed Mollymawk, is a large seabird in the albatross family [i]Diomedeidae[/i] and it is the most widespread and common member of its family. The albatrosses are classified in the order [i]Procellariiformes[/i] which also includes shearwaters, fulmars, storm petrels and diving petrels. All these birds share certain identifying features. They have nasal passages that attach to the upper bill called naricorns although the nostrils on the albatross are on the sides of the bill. The bills of [i]Procellariiformes[/i] are also unique in that they are split into between 7 and 9 horny plates and they have a salt gland above the nasal passage which helps to remove salt from the ocean water that they imbibe. The gland excretes a high saline solution through the bird's nose. The Black-browed Albatross is a medium-sized albatross at 31 to 37 inches in length with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. It has a dark grey saddle and upperwings that contrast with the white rump and underparts. The underwing is predominantly white with broad and irregular black margins. It has a dark eyebrow and a yellow-orange bill with a darker reddish-orange tip. Juveniles have dark horn-coloured bills with dark tips and a grey head and collar. They also have dark underwings. The features that distinguish it from other albatrosses are the dark eyestripe which gives it its name, a broad black edging to the white underside of its wings, white head and orange bill tipped darker orange. The Black-browed Albatross is circumpolar in the southern oceans and it breeds on 12 islands throughout that range. In the Atlantic Ocean, it breeds on the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, and the Cape Horn Islands. In the Pacific Ocean it breeds on Islas Ildefonso, Diego de Almagro, Islas Evangelistas, Campbell Island, Antipodes Islands, Snares Islands and Macquarie Island. In the Indian Ocean it breeds on the Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island and McDonald Island. There are an estimated 1,220,000 birds alive with 600,853 breeding pairs as estimated by a 2005 count. Of these birds, 402,571 breed in the Falklands, 72,102 breed on South Georgia Island and 120,171 breed on the Chilean islands of Islas Ildefonso, Diego de Almagro, Islas Evangelistas and Islas Diego Ramírez. Birds from the Falkland Islands winter near the Patagonian Shelf and birds from South Georgia forage in South African waters. It is the most likely albatross to be found in the North Atlantic due to this northerly migratory tendency. The Black-browed Albatross normally nests on steep slopes covered with tussock grass and sometimes on cliffs although on the Falkland Islands it nests on flat grassland on the coast. It is an annual breeder with the female laying a single egg from between 20th September and 1st November although the Falkland Islands breeders lay about 3 weeks earlier. Incubation of the egg is undertaken by both sexes and lasts 68 to 71 days. After hatching, the chicks take 120 to 130 days to fledge. Juveniles will return to the colony after 2 to 3 years but only to practice courtship rituals as they will only start breeding around their 10th year. The Black-browed Albatross can have a natural lifespan of over 70 years. The Black-browed Albatross feeds on fish, squid, crustaceans, carrion, and fishery discards but it has also been observed stealing food from other species. Until 2013, the IUCN classified the Black-browed Albatross as endangered due to a drastic reduction in its population. There has been a 67% decline in the population over 64 years. Increased longline fishing in the southern oceans, especially around the Patagonian Shelf and around South Georgia, has been attributed as a major cause of the decline of this bird and the Black-browed Albatross has been found to be the most common bird killed by fisheries. Trawl fishing, especially around the Patagonian Shelf and off South Africa, is also a large cause of deaths. Conservation efforts underway start with this species being placed on the Convention on Migratory Species and the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels. It is being monitored on half of the islands and most of the breeding sites are reserves and some are World Heritage Sites. Although a very rare occurrence, vagrancy into the North Atlantic has occurred including a bird which returned to the Gannet colony on Shetland for several decades from 1967. From 2014, another bird has been seen around the Heligoland archipelago off the Germany and Denmark coast and what is believed to be the same bird has summered at or around RSPB Bempton Cliffs in east Yorkshire since 2019. Date: 27th June 2022 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26541006.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_68538861356ace9ed1298e.jpgMute Swan The Mute Swan is a species of swan native to much of Eurasia. Despite its Eurasian origin, its closest relatives are the Black Swan of Australia and the Black-necked Swan of south America, not the other Northern Hemisphere swans such as the Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan. The name “mute” derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. The adult Mute Swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob at the top of the beak. All Mute Swans are white at maturity although the feathers (particularly on the head and neck) are often stained orange-brown by iron and tannins in the water. Young birds (cygnets) are not the bright white colour of mature adults and their bill is dull greyish-black for the first year. The plumage may range from pure white to grey to buff with grey/buff being the most common. Cygnets typically retain their grey/buff feathers until they are at least 1 year old. On average, the Mute Swan is the second largest waterfowl species after the Trumpeter Swan although the male Mute Swan can easily match or even exceed a male Trumpeter Swan in mass. The adult Mute Swan typically ranges from 55 to 63 inches in length (although it can range in extreme cases from 49 to 67 inches) with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. Males (cobs) are larger than females (pens) and have a larger knob on their bill. The Mute Swan is one of the heaviest flying birds. In several studies from the UK, males were found to average from about 23.4 to 26.2 pounds, with a weight range of 20 to 32 pounds, while the slightly smaller females were found to average about 18.7 to 21.3 pounds, with a weight range of 17 to 23 pounds. The Mute Swan is less vocal than the noisy Bewick's Swan and Whooper Swan although it does make a variety of grunting, hoarse whistling and snorting noises, especially in communicating with their cygnets and threatening competitors or intruders trying to enter their territory. The most familiar sound associated with the Mute Swan is the vibrant throbbing of the wings in flight which is unique to the species and this can be heard from a range of up to 1 mile. The Mute Swan is found naturally mainly in the temperate areas of Europe across west Asia and as far east as Primorsky Krai in the far east of Russia. It is partially migratory throughout the northern latitudes in Europe and Asia as far south as north Africa and the Mediterranean. It is also often kept in captivity outside its natural range as a decoration for parks and ponds and escapes have occurred. The descendants of such birds have become naturalised in east USA and the Great Lakes region across the USA and Canada border. The Mute Swan population in the UK has increased recently probably due to better protection of this species. Some birds are resident all year whilst others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into east England. Mute Swans nest on large mounds that they build with waterside vegetation in shallow water on islands in the middle or at the very edge of a lake. It is a monogamous species and often reuses the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Males and females share the care of the nest. The female lays from 4 to 10 eggs and broods for around 36 days. Cygnets are unable to fly before an age of 120 to 150 days and this limits the distribution of the species in the northern edge of its range since the cygnets must learn to fly before the water freezes. The Mute Swan is usually strongly territorial with just a single pair on smaller lakes although in a few locations where a large area of suitable feeding habitat is found they can be colonial. The largest colonies can hold over 100 pairs such as that at the colony at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset in the UK. Non-mated juveniles up to 3 to 4 years old commonly form larger flocks often at regular traditional sites and these can total several hundred birds. The Mute Swan can be very aggressive in defence of its nest and it is highly protective of its mate and offspring. Most defensive attacks from a Mute Swan begin with a loud hiss and, if this is not sufficient to drive off the predator, are followed by a physical attack. It attacks by smashing at its enemy with bony spurs in the wings accompanied by biting with its large bill. Smaller waterbirds such as ducks are normally grabbed with the bill and dragged or thrown clear. Large waterfowl, such as the Canada Goose, more likely out of competition than in response to potential predation, may be aggressively driven off. The wings of the Mute Swan are very powerful although not strong enough to break an adult man's leg as has been claimed anecdotally. The Mute Swan feeds on a wide range of vegetation, both submerged aquatic plants which they reach with their long necks and by grazing on land. The food commonly includes agricultural crop plants such as oilseed rape and wheat and feeding flocks in the winter may cause significant crop damage, often as much through trampling with their large webbed feet as through direct consumption. Date: 13th January 2016 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/dunajec-river-pieniny-mountains-poland https://images.on-this.website/4752_124022693659bd515386422.jpgDunajec River, Pieniny Mountains, Poland The Pieniny Mountains are a mountain range in the Małopolska province in the south of Poland and the Prešov region in the north of Slovakia. The range is divided in to 3 parts: Pieniny Spiskie and Pieniny Właściwe in Poland and Małe Pieniny in Poland and Slovakia. The Pieniny mountains consist mainly of limestone and dolomite. The highest peak is Wysoka at 3445 feet but the most famous peak is Trzy Korony (Three Crowns), the summit of the Three Crowns Massif at 3222 feet. The massif is an independent but central portion of the Pieniny Mountains consisting of 5 sharp peaks. The summit of Trzy Korony is separated from the surrounding peaks by the Wyżni Łazek Pass which descends in to deep valleys with streams surrounded by forested slopes. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Pieniny Mountains and an observation deck hangs over a 1600 foot precipice with extensive views of the Dunajec River Gorge (Przełom Dunajca) and the vast area of the Pieniny National Park (Pieniński Park Narodowy) and the Tatra National Park (Tatrzański Park Narodowy). Caves are few and rather small in the Pieniny Mountains but rivers and streams are often deeply indented in the rock, creating approximately 15 ravines and gorges. The most famous gorges of the Pieniny mountains are the Dunajec River Gorge (Przełom Dunajca) and the Homole Ravine (Wąwóz Homole). The Dunajec River Gorge (Przełom Dunajca) forms the border between Poland and Slovakia. It is another popular tourist destination in the Pieniny Mountains and wooden raft trips have been organized daily by the Pieniny Gorals ethnic group since the early 19th century when their customers consisted mostly of guests of the nearby Czorsztyn Castle and Niedzica Castle. The trip begins in Sromowce Wyżne-Kąty and ends in Szczawnica, 5 miles downstream and taking 2 to 3 hours. The second leg of the trip is only 3 miles long. It begins in Szczawnica and ends in Krościenko nad Dunajcem. The Dunajec River Gorge makes 7 loops in its length and the surrounding rock cliffs reach 985 feet in height throughout most of its length. The Dunajec River includes a chain of 13 medieval castles dating back to the early 12th century. Most of the castles are in ruin now and some no longer exist at all. The most well known are Czorsztyn Castle and Niedzica Castle, both located on Lake Czorsztyn (Jezioro Czorsztyńskie), a man-made reservoir in the Dunajec river valley. Pieniny National Park (Pieniński Park Narodowy) is a protected area located in the heart of the Pieniny Mountains. It covers an area of 9.06 square miles, of which around 70% is forested. On the Slovakian side of the mountains there is a parallel national park (Pieninský národný park). The idea for the creation of Pieniny National Park arose in 1921 and in the same year a private preserve was created around the ruins of Czorsztyn Castle. In 1928 the Polish government made its first land purchases and in May 1932 a “National Park in the Pieniny” was created covering an area of 2.8 square miles. In 1954, Pieniny National Park was created. Date: 30th May 2017 Location: Dunajec River, Pieniny Mountains, Małopolska province, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/p5030467-edit https://images.on-this.website/4752_12846171966433017c1fc9.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 3rd May 2024 Location: Dingle Local Nature Reserve, Llangefni, Anglesey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40713562.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14826450445e16f76918a3a.jpgGoosander The Goosander (or Common Merganser in north America) is a large “sawbill” duck, so called because of its long, serrated bill which is used for catching fish. The Goosander is 23 to 28 inches long with a 31 to 38 inches wingspan and the male is generally slightly larger than the female. The adult male in breeding plumage has a white body with a variable salmon-pink tinge, a black head with an iridescent green gloss, a grey rump and tail and wings which are largely white on the inner half and black on the outer half. Females, and males in "eclipse" non-breeding plumage, are largely grey with a reddish-brown head, white chin and white secondary feathers on the wing. Juveniles are similar to adult females but also show a short black-edged white stripe between the eye and the bill. The bill and legs are red to brownish-red which are brightest on adult males and dullest on juveniles. The Goosander can be found on rivers and lakes in forested areas of Europe, north and central Asia and north America. It is a partial migrant and moves away from areas where rivers and major lakes freeze in the winter but it is a resident where waters remain open. Within Europe, a marked southward spread has occurred from Scandinavia in the breeding range since about 1850, colonising Scotland in 1871 and England in 1941. Since 1970 it has spread across northern England and in to Wales and south west England. In the UK, it can be found all year round in the breeding range but only in winter on lakes, gravel pits and reservoirs across England south of the Humber. Nesting normally occurs in a tree cavity so the Goosander requires mature forest as its breeding habitat. It will also readily use large nest boxes where provided. In places where trees are absent, it will use holes in cliffs and steep, high banks, sometimes at considerable distances from water. The female lays 6 to 17 eggs, but normally 8 to 12, and raises a single brood in a season. The ducklings are taken by the female in her bill to rivers or lakes immediately after hatching where they feed on freshwater invertebrates and small fish fry, fledging when 60 to 70 days old. The Goosander primarily feeds on fish with the serrated edge to its bill helping it to grip its prey. In addition to fish, it will take a wide range of other aquatic prey such as molluscs, crustaceans, worms, insect larvae and amphibians and, more rarely, small mammals and birds. The salmon-pink tinge shown variably by males is probably diet-related and obtained from the carotenoid pigments present in some crustaceans and fish. When feeding, the Goosander will float down a stream or river for a few miles and either fly back again or more commonly fish their way back, diving incessantly the whole way. It will often fish in a group, forming a semicircle and driving the fish into shallow water where they are captured easily. When floating leisurely, it will position itself in the water similar to ducks but it will also swim deep in the water like a Cormorant. When not diving for food, it is usually seen swimming on the water surface, resting on rocks in midstream or hidden among riverbank vegetation or (in winter) resting on the edge of floating ice. Date: 23rd December 2019 Location: Abberton Reservoir, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/breivikeidet-area-troms-north-norway https://images.on-this.website/4752_352447044f743c8edf315.jpgBreivikeidet area, Troms, north Norway Location: view from the road south west of Breivikeidet Date: 18th March 2012 http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21956509.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7021071553da2ba88812b.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Staple Island, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4639672.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5193891604baf08bd14863.jpgRed Grouse The Red Grouse is a medium-sized bird of the grouse family which is found in heather moorland in the UK and Ireland. It is endemic to the UK and has developed in isolation. It is usually classified as a sub-species of the Willow Ptarmigan or Willow Grouse which is found in birch and other forests and moorlands in north Europe, the tundra of Scandinavia, Siberia, Alaska and north Canada. The Red Grouse is differentiated from the Willow Ptarmigan and Rock Ptarmigan by its plumage being reddish brown and not having a white winter plumage. The tail is black and the legs are white. There are white stripes on the underwing and red combs over the eye. Females are less reddish than the males and have less conspicuous combs. Young birds are duller and lack the red combs. The Red Grouse is found across most parts of Scotland, including Orkney, Shetland and most of the Outer Hebrides. It is only absent from urban areas such as in the Central Belt. In Wales there are strong populations of Red Grouse in some places but the range has retracted. It is now largely absent from the far south and the main strongholds are Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons and the Cambrian Mountains. In England the Red Grouse is mainly found in the north in areas such as the Lake District, Northumberland, County Durham, much of Yorkshire, the Pennines and the Peak District as far south as the Staffordshire Moorlands. There is an isolated introduced population on Dartmoor and overspill Welsh birds visit the Shropshire Hills.The typical habitat is upland heather moors away from trees. It can also be found in some low-lying bogs and birds may visit farmland during hard weather. The UK population of the Red Grouse is estimated at about 250,000 pairs. Numbers have declined in recent years and it is now absent in areas where it was once common. Reasons for the decline include disease, loss of heather due to overgrazing, creation of new conifer plantations and a decline in the number of upland gamekeepers. Some predators feed on Red Grouse and there is ongoing controversy as to what effect these have on numbers. The Red Grouse is herbivorous and feeds mainly on the shoots, seeds and flowers of heather. It will also feed on berries, cereal crops and sometimes insects. The Red Grouse is considered a game bird and is shot in large numbers during the shooting season which traditionally starts on August 12th (known as the Glorious Twelfth). Shooting can take the form of “walked up” (where shooters walk across the moor to flush grouse and take a shot) or “driven” (where grouse are driven, often in large numbers, by “beaters” towards the shooters who are hiding behind a line of “butts”). Many moors are managed to increase the density of Red Grouse. Areas of heather are subjected to controlled burning since this allows fresh young shoots to regenerate which are favoured by Red Grouse. In addition, extensive predator control is a feature of grouse moor management and the extent and legality to which it occurs is hotly contested between conservation groups and shooting interests and the subject generates a lot of media attention. The Red Grouse is widely known as the logo of The Famous Grouse whisky and an animated bird is a character in a series of its adverts. It is also the emblem of the magazine “British Birds”. Date: 11th March 2010 Location: Grinton Moor, Yorkshire Dales National Park, North Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31837521.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_123729489059562479457165.49056152.jpgBlack-throated Diver The Black-throated Diver, known as the Black-throated Loon or Arctic Loon in north America, is an aquatic bird of the diver family found in the Northern Hemisphere. The adult Black-throated Diver is 23 to 30 inches in length with a 39 to 51 inches wingspan and it is shaped like a smaller, sleeker version of the Great Northern Diver. The breeding adult has a grey head and hindneck with a black throat and a large black patch on the foreneck, both of which have a soft purple gloss. The lower throat has a necklace-shaped patch of short parallel white lines. The sides of the throat have about 5 long parallel white lines that start at the side of the patch on the lower throat and run down to the chest which also has a pattern of parallel white and black lines. The rest of the underparts, including the centre of the chest, are a pure white. The upperparts are blackish down to the base of the wing where there are a few rows of high contrast white squares that cover the mantle and scapulars. There are small white spots on both the lesser and median coverts. The rest of the upperwing is a blackish colour. The underwing is paler than the upperwing and the underwing coverts are white. The tail is blackish. The bill and legs are black. The sexes are alike. The non-breeding adult differs from the breeding adult in that the cap and the back of the neck are more brownish. The non-breeding adult also lacks the patterned upperparts of the breeding adult although some of the upperwing coverts do not lose their white spots. This results in the upperparts being an almost unpatterned black from above. The sides of the throat are usually darker at the white border separating the sides of the throat and the front of the throat. Most of the time a thin dark necklace between these areas can be seen. There is white on the sides of the head that are below the eye. The bill is a steel-grey with, similar to the breeding adult, a blackish tip. The Black-throated Diver breeds in Eurasia and occasionally in western Alaska. It winters at sea as well as on large lakes over a much wider range. In the UK, the Black-throated Diver can be found on lochs in the Scottish Highlands in summer and around sheltered coasts in winter, especially the Moray Firth in north east Scotland, the west coast of Scotland and the north east and south west coasts of England. In addition, it is sometimes seen on inland reservoirs and lakes. In the breeding season, the Black-throated Diver can be found on isolated, deep freshwater lakes especially those with inlets since it prefers to face small stretches of open water. It protects this territory and will often return to the site to nest near it. The oval-shaped nest is usually located within 3 feet of the body of water it nests near and is made out of heaped plant material, leaves and sticks. It also sometimes nests on vegetation that has emerged from lakes. In the southern part of its range, the Black-throated Diver starts to breed in April whereas in the northern part of its range, it waits until the spring thaw. It will usually arrive before the lake thaws in the latter case. The Black-throated Diver lays a clutch of 2, very rarely 1 or 3, eggs which are incubated by both parents for a period of 27 to 29 days, with the female spending the most time out of the sexes incubating. The hatched, mobile chicks are fed by both parents for a period of several weeks and fledge about 60 to 65 days after hatching. Nesting success (i.e. whether or not at least a single chick will hatch from any given nest) is variable with the rate of success ranging from just under 30% to just over 90%. The nesting success is influenced primarily by predation and flooding as well as disturbance and this makes the Black-throated Diver a vulnerable as well as a rare breeding species. The Black-throated Diver feeds on fish and sometimes insects, molluscs, crustaceans and plant matter. It usually forages by itself or in pairs but sometimes in small groups. It dives with consummate ease from the surface into the water at depths of no more than about 15 feet. These dives are frequent and most are successful. Those that are successful are usually shorter than those that are unsuccessful with an average of 17 seconds for each successful dive and 27 seconds for each unsuccessful dive. These dives usually result in only small food items being caught and those that are more profitable are usually more than 40 seconds where the bird catches quick-swimming fish. When they are breeding, the adults will usually feed away from the nest, either at the end of the breeding lake away from the nest or at lakes near the breeding lake. When foraging for newly hatched chicks, one of the adults will forage in the lake that the nest is at or in nearby lakes, returning to the nest after a prey item has been caught. When the chicks are older, they will usually accompany both of the parents, and swim a short distance behind them. Date: 21st June 2017 Location: Loch Shin, Lairg, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40713552.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4038795165e16f74139407.jpgGoosander The Goosander (or Common Merganser in north America) is a large “sawbill” duck, so called because of its long, serrated bill which is used for catching fish. The Goosander is 23 to 28 inches long with a 31 to 38 inches wingspan and the male is generally slightly larger than the female. The adult male in breeding plumage has a white body with a variable salmon-pink tinge, a black head with an iridescent green gloss, a grey rump and tail and wings which are largely white on the inner half and black on the outer half. Females, and males in "eclipse" non-breeding plumage, are largely grey with a reddish-brown head, white chin and white secondary feathers on the wing. Juveniles are similar to adult females but also show a short black-edged white stripe between the eye and the bill. The bill and legs are red to brownish-red which are brightest on adult males and dullest on juveniles. The Goosander can be found on rivers and lakes in forested areas of Europe, north and central Asia and north America. It is a partial migrant and moves away from areas where rivers and major lakes freeze in the winter but it is a resident where waters remain open. Within Europe, a marked southward spread has occurred from Scandinavia in the breeding range since about 1850, colonising Scotland in 1871 and England in 1941. Since 1970 it has spread across northern England and in to Wales and south west England. In the UK, it can be found all year round in the breeding range but only in winter on lakes, gravel pits and reservoirs across England south of the Humber. Nesting normally occurs in a tree cavity so the Goosander requires mature forest as its breeding habitat. It will also readily use large nest boxes where provided. In places where trees are absent, it will use holes in cliffs and steep, high banks, sometimes at considerable distances from water. The female lays 6 to 17 eggs, but normally 8 to 12, and raises a single brood in a season. The ducklings are taken by the female in her bill to rivers or lakes immediately after hatching where they feed on freshwater invertebrates and small fish fry, fledging when 60 to 70 days old. The Goosander primarily feeds on fish with the serrated edge to its bill helping it to grip its prey. In addition to fish, it will take a wide range of other aquatic prey such as molluscs, crustaceans, worms, insect larvae and amphibians and, more rarely, small mammals and birds. The salmon-pink tinge shown variably by males is probably diet-related and obtained from the carotenoid pigments present in some crustaceans and fish. When feeding, the Goosander will float down a stream or river for a few miles and either fly back again or more commonly fish their way back, diving incessantly the whole way. It will often fish in a group, forming a semicircle and driving the fish into shallow water where they are captured easily. When floating leisurely, it will position itself in the water similar to ducks but it will also swim deep in the water like a Cormorant. When not diving for food, it is usually seen swimming on the water surface, resting on rocks in midstream or hidden among riverbank vegetation or (in winter) resting on the edge of floating ice. Date: 23rd December 2019 Location: Abberton Reservoir, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/water-buffalo https://images.on-this.website/4752_137249562559cedba61f6d.jpgWater Buffalo The Water Buffalo is a large bovid originating in south Asia, south east Asia and China. Today, it is also found in Europe, Australia and some American countries. Two types of Water Buffalo are recognized: the River Buffalo of south Asia and further west to the Balkans, Egypt and Italy and the Swamp Buffalo found from Assam in the west through south east Asia to the Yangtze valley of China in the east. The origins of the domestic Water Buffalo types are debated, although studies indicate that the swamp type may have originated in China and was domesticated about 4,000 years ago while the river type may have originated from India and was domesticated about 5,000 years ago. European buffalo are all of the river type and considered to be of the same breed named Mediterranean buffalo. In Italy the Mediterranean type was particularly selected and is called Mediterranean Italian to distinguish it from other European breeds which differ genetically. Mediterranean buffalos are also found in Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, Albania, Kosovo and Republic of Macedonia and a few hundred in the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Hungary. In the early 1950s northern Greece alone was home to over 70,000 Water Buffalos. Their numbers begin to diminish rapidly with the import of enhanced cattle stock, the contraction of the buffalo habitat as the wetlands were dredged and the loss of almost half the agricultural population between 1961 and 1991 as farmers abandoned the countryside to move to the cities or emigrate abroad. It is not exactly clear when and how the turnaround started. The buffalo ranchers were undoubtedly helped when the European Commission granted the Water Buffalo the status of a livestock animal in 1997, a decision that made breeders eligible for EU agricultural subsidies. Another factor was likely the establishment of a buffalo ranchers collective that would advocate for the adoption of common production and hygienic standards and lobby for the interests of its members. Lake Kerkini in northern Greece is now home to over 2500 Water Buffalos, a noteworthy population when one considers that the entire population of the species in the whole of Greece in 1984 was just under 400 animals. The Water Buffalo has begun to recover and is once again bred and raised for milk and meat. The free-range grass-grazing animals, for all intents and purposes organically raised, yield meat rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and with more protein but with 50% less cholesterol and an eighth of the saturated fat of beef. Demand far outstrips supply. Date: 12th May 2015 Location: Lake Kerkini, Central Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/blue-tit https://images.on-this.website/4752_5946239104daead2e478c6.jpgBlue Tit The Blue Tit is a small passerine bird in the tit family. It is easily recognisable by its generally blue and yellow plumage and its small size. The Blue Tit is about 4.7 inches long with a wingspan of 7.1 inches. It has an azure blue crown and a dark blue line passing through the eye and encircling the white cheeks to the chin, giving the bird a very distinctive appearance. The forehead and a bar on the wing are white. The nape, wings and tail are blue and the back is yellowish green. The underparts are mostly sulphur-yellow with a dark line down the abdomen. The bill is black and the legs bluish grey. The sexes are similar whilst young birds are noticeably more yellow. The Blue Tit is very agile and it can cling to the outermost branches and hang upside down when searching for food such as insects, caterpillars and seeds. The Blue Tit can be found throughout areas of the European continent with a mainly temperate or Mediterranean climate and in parts of the Middle East. In the UK it is common in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens and widespread across the whole of the country with the exception of some Scottish islands. The Blue Tit will nest in any suitable hole in a tree, wall or stump, often competing with other birds such as the House Sparrow or Great Tit for the site. In addition, it will readily accept an artificial nesting box. The same hole is returned to year after year and when one pair dies another takes possession. The nesting material is usually moss, wool, hair and feathers and the eggs are laid in April or May. The number in the clutch is often very large but 7 or 8 is normal. It is not unusual for a single bird to feed the chicks in the nest at a rate of one feed every 90 seconds during the height of the breeding season. Successful breeding is dependent on a sufficient supply of caterpillars as well as satisfactory weather. Breeding may be affected badly if the weather is cold and wet between May and July, particularly if this coincides with the emergence of the caterpillars on which the nestlings are fed. The small size of the Blue Tit makes it vulnerable to predation by larger birds and the typical lifespan is 3 years or less. The most significant predator is probably the Sparrowhawk, closely followed by the domestic cat. Nests may also be robbed by mammals such as the Weasel and Red and Grey Squirrels. Date: 23/09/06 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37399628.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_746963665c6697e35fcf0.jpgAtlantic Grey Seals The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 9th December 2018 Location: Winterton-Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/minke-whale https://images.on-this.website/4752_1534026189561cca322c960.jpgMinke Whale The Minke Whale is a rorqual, the largest group of the baleen whales which includes the Blue Whale, the Fin Whale, the Bryde's Whale, the Sei Whale and the Humpback Whale. The name Minke is possibly derived from a Norwegian whaler named Meincke who mistook a Minke Whale for a Blue Whale. Most modern classifications split the Minke Whale in to 2 species: Common or Northern Minke Whale and Antarctic or Southern Minke Whale. Taxonomists further categorize the Common Minke Whale in to 2 or 3 subspecies: the North Atlantic Minke Whale, the North Pacific Minke Whale and the Dwarf Minke Whale. The Common Minke Whale is the smallest of the rorquals and one of the smallest baleen whales (second smallest only to the Pygmy Right Whale). In the north Atlantic, Norwegian whaling vessels in 1940 allegedly caught individuals of up to 35 feet in length but they were likely only measured visually in comparison to objects of known dimensions aboard the ships themselves. The longest caught in subsequent years were only up to 30 to 33 feet in length. At sexual maturity, the Common Minke Whale in the north Atlantic averages between 20 to 23 feet in length whilst at physical maturity it averages between 26 to 28 feet long. At birth, the calf is estimated to be 8 to 9 feet in length. The Common Minke Whale is dark grey dorsally and clean white ventrally. It is among the most robust members of the rorqual group, the greatest height of its body being one fifth its total length. It has a narrow, pointed and triangular rostrum (beak) and its prominent, upright, falcate dorsal fin averages about 12 inches in height and is set about two-thirds the way along the back. The pectoral fins are relatively small, averaging about 2.4 feet in length, and they have a transverse, white band on their outer margins which is the most distinguishing feature of the species. The smooth-sided tail flukes average about 6.6 feet in width but can be over 9 feet wide and they are light grey or white ventrally and bordered by dark grey. The Common Minke Whales has a disjointed distribution. In the north Atlantic it occurs as far north as Baffin Bay, Svalbard, Franz Josef Land and Novaya Zemlya and as far south as 40°N (New Jersey, USA), the Hebrides and the central North Sea during the summer. It has been recorded off Madeira and it occurs all year off the Canary Islands. There are occasional sightings and strandings off Spain and Portugal, the western Sahara, Mauritania and Senegal. It is rare off the Azores and a vagrant in the Gulf of Mexico and the Mediterranean. During the winter it has been recorded off Bermuda, the Bahamas, the Antilles, the east coast of the USA south of 40°N and in the south eastern north Atlantic. There are estimated to be over 180,000 Common Minke Whales in the North Atlantic. The Common Minke Whale is sexually mature at about 6 to 8 years old for females and about 6 to 7 years old for males. Peak conception is in February in the north Atlantic and peak calving is in December after a gestation period of 10 months. A single calf is normally born and is weaned after a period of 6 months. It is thought that growth ceases for both sexes when they have reached 15 to 20 years old and both sexes can live to about 50 years of age. In the North Atlantic, the Common Minke Whale primarily eats small schooling fish, pelagic crustaceans and molluscs and krill but its diet varies by region and season. The Common Minke Whale is normally seen as a single individual. It also exhibits a great degree of spatial and temporal segregation by sex, age and reproductive condition. When a Common Minke Whale first comes to the surface to breathe its pointed rostrum (beak) is the first to break the surface when a narrow or low, diffuse blow is visible. It then arches its back in a quick motion, exaggerating this arch during its terminal deep dive. Although first ignored by whalers due to its small size and low oil yield, the Common Minke Whale began to be exploited by various countries in the early 20th century. As other species declined, larger numbers of Common Minke Whales were caught largely for their meat. It is now one of the primary targets of the north Atlantic whaling industry in Norway and Iceland. In spite of the whaling industry, the Common Minke Whale is still considered "Least Concern" from a conservation standpoint and due to its relative abundance it is often the focus of whale watching trips in locations such as Iceland, Norway, north west Scotland. Date: 10th June 2015 Location: Faxaflói, Reykjavík, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29951153.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_313424550586641f984e05.jpgBlackbird The Common Blackbird is a species of true thrush. It is also called Eurasian Blackbird (especially in North America in order to distinguish it from the unrelated New World blackbirds) or simply Blackbird where this does not lead to confusion with a similar-looking local species. The Blackbird’s name derives form 2 Latin words: <i>turdus</i> meaning “thrush” and <i>merula</i> meaning “blackbird”. It may not immediately be clear why the name "blackbird", first recorded in 1486, was applied to this species but not to one of the various other common black English birds, such as the Carrion Crow, Raven, Rook or Jackdaw. However, in Old English and in modern English up to about the 18th century, "bird" was used only for smaller or young birds and larger ones such as crows were called "fowl". At that time, the Blackbird was therefore the only widespread and conspicuous black bird in the UK. The Blackbird is around 9.25 to 11.5 inches in length including a long tail. The adult male has glossy black plumage, blackish-brown legs, a yellow eye-ring and an orange-yellow bill. The bill darkens somewhat in winter. The adult female is sooty-brown with a dull yellowish-brownish bill, a brownish-white throat and some weak mottling on the breast. The juvenile is similar to the female but has pale spots on the upperparts and the very young juvenile also has a speckled breast. Young birds vary in the shade of brown, with darker birds presumably males. The first year male resembles the adult male but has a dark bill and weaker eye ring and its folded wing is brown rather than black like the body plumage. The Blackbird breeds in temperate Eurasia, north Africa, the Canary Islands and south Asia. Populations are sedentary in the south and west of the range although northern birds migrate south as far as north Africa and tropical Asia in winter. Common over most of its range in woodland, the Blackbird has a preference for deciduous trees with dense undergrowth. However, gardens provide the most successful breeding habitat. It occurs up to around 3300 feet in Europe and is often replaced by the related Ring Ousel in areas of higher altitude. The Blackbird has an extensive range and a large population which is generally stable or increasing. However, there have been local declines, especially on farmland, which may be due to agricultural policies that encouraged farmers to remove hedgerows (which provide nesting places) and to drain damp grassland and increase the use of pesticides, both of which could have reduced the availability of invertebrate food. The Blackbird may commence breeding in March when the breeding pair prospect for a suitable nest site in a creeper or bush, favouring evergreen or thorny species such as ivy, holly, hawthorn, honeysuckle or pyracantha. Sometimes they will nest in sheds or outbuildings where a ledge or cavity is used. The cup-shaped nest is made with grasses, leaves and other vegetation and bound together with mud. It is built by the female alone. The nest is often ill-concealed compared with those of other species and many breeding attempts fail due to predation. The female lays 3 to 5 (average 4) bluish-green eggs marked with reddish-brown blotches which are incubated for 12 to 14 days before the chicks are hatched naked and blind. Fledging takes another 10 to 19 (average 13.6) days, with both parents feeding the young. The young are fed by the parents for up to 3 weeks after leaving the nest and they will follow the adults begging for food. If the female starts another nest, the male alone will feed the fledged young. Second broods are common with the female reusing the same nest if the brood was successful. The first-year male Blackbird may start singing as early as late January in fine weather in order to establish a territory, followed in late March by the adult male. The male's song is a varied and melodious low-pitched fluted warble which is given from trees, rooftops or other elevated perches mainly in the period from March to June and sometimes into the beginning of July. During the winter, the Blackbird can be heard quietly singing to itself, so much so that September and October are the only months which the song cannot be heard. The Blackbird is omnivorous, eating a wide range of insects, earthworms, seeds and berries. It feeds mainly on the ground, running and hopping with a start-stop-start progress. It pulls earthworms from the soil, usually finding them by sight but sometimes by hearing, and roots through leaf litter for other invertebrates. Small amphibians and lizards are occasionally hunted. The Blackbird will also perch in bushes to take berries and collect caterpillars and other active insects. Animal prey predominates and this is particularly important during the breeding season with windfall apples and berries taken more in the autumn and winter. Near human habitation the main predator of the Blackbird is the domestic cat, with newly fledged young especially vulnerable. Foxes and predatory birds, such as the Sparrowhawk, also predate the Blackbird when the opportunity arises. Eggs and chicks are also taken by corvids, such as the Magpie or Jay. Date: 29th December 2016 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28884657.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_162203535457cc29497c3d8.jpgAardla polder, Estonia Aardla polder is an area of wet meadows, pastures, grazing land and ponds just south of Tartu. Despite its inland location, these wetlands are almost as impressive as those on the coast. This site is well known for its breeding Citrine Wagtails. Date: 17th May 2016 Location: Aardla polder, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/may-2010-chough https://images.on-this.website/4752_17111437744c2ed45c1995d.jpgMay 2010 - Chough Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5015780.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/lesser-grey-shrike https://images.on-this.website/4752_18419387785d30768a02936.jpgLesser Grey Shrike The Lesser Grey Shrike is a member of the shrike family. It is around 7.9 inches in length with a wing span of 5.1 inches. It is similar in appearance to the Great Grey Shrike and the Iberian Grey Shrike being predominantly black, white and grey, with the males having pink-flushed underparts. However, it is slightly smaller and has a black forehead and relatively longer wings The adult male has a black nape, cheeks, ear and eye coverts and front part of the crown. The hind part of the crown and the back is a pale bluish-grey and the rump is a similar but rather paler colour. The underparts are white with the lower breast and belly suffused with pink. The axillaries are greyish-white and the underwing coverts are brownish-black. The 2 central tail feathers are black with a white tip and base and the other pairs have increasing areas of white and less black. The primaries are black with a buff tip and white base. The secondaries are black with broader, paler tips but no white bases. The wing coverts are black with the lesser coverts being fringed with grey. The female has similar plumage but the head is dark grey rather than black, the ear coverts brownish-black, the upperparts a brownish-grey and the underparts less pink than the male. The juvenile is similar to the adults but is generally more brown. It lacks the grey back and rump which are instead pale brown and faintly barred and the underparts are white and cream without any pink. All birds have a brownish-black beak with a paler base to the lower mandible, brown irises and black legs and feet. The flight of the Lesser Grey Shrike is low and somewhat undulating and it occasionally glides with extended wings. At the end of the flight it swoops upward to land on a new hunting perch. It then turns its head from side to side searching for prey. When on the ground it hops but it normally only stays there for long enough to pick up an item of food. Like other shrikes, when excited it fans its tail and moves it up and down or from side to side. The Lesser Grey Shrike summers in south and central Europe and west Asia where it can be found in open countryside, the edges of cultivated areas, heathland with scattered bushes and trees, gardens, coppices, woodland and roadside trees. It breeds in south France, Switzerland, Austria, Czech Republic, Italy, the former Yugoslavia, Albania, Greece, Romania, Bulgaria and south Russia. In Asia it breeds in the Middle East, its range extending as far as east Turkey and Iran. The nest is often built in a roadside tree with good all-round visibility. It is built by both birds out of the stems of various flowering plants and lined with wool, hairs, roots and feathers. The female lays 5 to 7 eggs and incubation, which is undertaken mainly by the female, lasts about 15 days. Both the male and the female feed the young which are ready to leave the nest after about 14 days. There is usually a single brood. The Lesser Grey Shrike is a migratory species and it winters in a broad belt across tropical south Africa where it can be found in scrubland and among thorn trees. It is also a vagrant to more northerly parts of Europe including the UK and it is usually recorded in spring or autumn. The Lesser Grey Shrike hunts from a strategic post, wire or branch and primarily feeds on insects which it catches in the air or on the ground. The diet includes beetles, moths and butterflies, large flies, grasshoppers, crickets and millipedes. Some fruits such as cherries and figs are eaten to a limited extent. The Lesser Grey Shrike occasionally impales freshly caught prey on thorns for use later but this is done to a much lesser extent than by some other shrike species. Date: 13th May 2018 Lcoation: Belene to Svishtov, Pleven Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37431221.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8551880745c6be97db3ae2.jpgStarlings The Common Starling, also known as the European starling or in the UK just as the Starling, is a medium-sized passerine bird in the starling family. There are several sub-species of the Starling which vary in size and the colour tone of the adult plumage. The gradual variation over geographic range and extensive intergradation means that acceptance of the various sub-species varies between different authorities. The Starling is 7.5 to 9.1 inches in length with a wingspan of 12 to 17 inches. The plumage is iridescent black, glossed purple or green and spangled with white, especially in winter. The underparts of the adult male Starlings are generally less spotted than those of adult females. The throat feathers of the males are long and loose and are used in display while those of the females are smaller and more pointed. The legs are stout and pinkish-red or greyish-red. The bill is narrow and conical with a sharp tip. In the winter it is brownish-black but in summer the females have lemon yellow beaks whilst the males have yellow bills with blue-grey bases. Moulting occurs once a year in late summer after the breeding season and the fresh feathers are prominently tipped white (breast feathers) or buff (wing and back feathers) giving a speckled appearance. The reduction in the spotting in the breeding season is achieved through the white feather tips largely wearing off. Juveniles are grey-brown and by their first winter they resemble adults although they often retain some brown juvenile feathering especially on the head. In flight, the Starling’s strongly pointed wings and dark colouration are distinctive whilst on the ground its strange waddling gait is also characteristic. The colouring and build usually distinguish the Starling from other starling species although the closely related Spotless Starling from Iberia and north Africa may be physically distinguished by the lack of iridescent spots in the adult breeding plumage. Like most terrestrial starlings, the Starling moves by walking or running rather than hopping. Their flight is quite strong and direct and their triangular-shaped wings beat very rapidly. They periodically glide for a short way without losing much height before resuming powered flight. When in a flock, the birds take off almost simultaneously, wheel and turn in unison, form a compact mass or trail off into a wispy stream, bunch up again and the land in a co-ordinated fashion. The Starling is a noisy bird. Its song consists of a wide variety of both melodic and mechanical-sounding noises as part of a ritual succession of sounds. The male is the main songster and engages in bouts of song lasting for a minute or more. Each of these typically includes 4 varieties of song type which follow each other in a regular order without pause. The bout starts with a series of pure tone whistles and these are followed by the main part of the song, a number of variable sequences that often incorporate snatches of song mimicked from other species of bird and various naturally occurring or man-made noises. The structure and simplicity of the sound mimicked is of greater importance than the frequency with which it occurs. Each sound clip is repeated several times before the bird moves on to the next. After this variable section comes a number of types of repeated clicks followed by a final burst of high frequency song, again formed of several types. Each bird has its own repertoire with more proficient birds having a range of up to 35 variable song types and as many as 14 types of clicks. Males sing constantly as the breeding period approaches and perform less often once pairs have bonded. In the presence of a female, a male sometimes flies to his nest and sings from the entrance, apparently attempting to entice the female in. Having a complex song is also useful in defending a territory and deterring less experienced males from encroaching. Singing also occurs outside the breeding season and takes place throughout the year apart from the moulting period. The songsters are more commonly males although females also sing on occasion. The function of such out-of-season song is poorly understood. Starlings chatter while roosting and bathing and make a great deal of noise that can cause irritation to some people living nearby. When a flock of Starlings is flying together, the synchronised movements of their wings make a distinctive whooshing sound that can be heard hundred yards away. The global population of the Starling was estimated to be 310 million birds in 2004, occupying a total area of 3.4 million square miles. Its numbers are not thought to be declining significantly so it is classified by the IUCN as being of “Least Concern”. It had shown a marked increase in numbers throughout Europe from the 19th century to around the 1950s and 1960s. However, declines in populations have been observed since 1980, including in the UK. This seems to be due to the low survival rate of young birds which may be caused by changes in agricultural practices. The intensive farming methods used in north Europe mean there is less pasture and meadow habitat available and the supply of grassland invertebrates needed for the nestlings to thrive is correspondingly reduced. The Starling remains widespread throughout the Northern Hemisphere and it is native to Eurasia. It is found throughout Europe, north Africa from Morocco to Egypt, India (mainly in the north but regularly extending further south) and extending into the Maldives, Nepal, the Middle East including Syria, Iran and Iraq and north west China. Starlings in the south and west of Europe and south of latitude 40°N are mainly resident although other populations migrate from regions where the winter is harsh, the ground frozen and food scarce. Large numbers of birds from northern Europe, Russia and Ukraine migrate south westwards or south eastwards. In the autumn, when immigrants are arriving from eastern Europe, many of the UK's Starlings are setting off for Iberia and north Africa. Other groups of birds are in passage across the country and the pathways of these different streams of bird may cross. The Starling prefers urban or suburban areas where artificial structures and trees provide adequate nesting and roosting sites. Reedbeds are also favoured for roosting and Starlings commonly feed in grassy areas such as farmland, grazing pastures, playing fields, golf courses and airfields where short grass makes foraging easy. The Starling occasionally inhabits open forests and woodlands although it is rarely found in dense, wet forests. It can also be found in coastal areas where it nests and roosts on cliffs and forages amongst seaweed. The Starling’s ability to adapt to a large variety of habitats has allowed it to disperse and establish the species in diverse locations around the world and resulting in a habitat range from coastal wetlands to alpine forests and from sea cliffs to mountain ranges. The Starling has been introduced to and has successfully established itself in New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, north America, Fiji and several Caribbean islands. As a result, it has also been able to migrate to Thailand, south east Asia and New Guinea. Breeding takes place during the spring and summer. Unpaired males find a suitable cavity and begin to build nests in order to attract single females, often decorating the nest with ornaments such as flowers and fresh green material, which the female later disassembles when accepting the male as a mate. The males sing throughout much of the construction and even more so when a female approaches his nest. Following mating, the male and female continue to build the nest. Nests may be located in any type of hole and common locations include inside hollowed trees, buildings, tree stumps and man-made nest-boxes. Nests are typically made out of straw, dry grass and twigs with an inner lining made up of feathers, wool and soft leaves. Construction usually takes 4 or 5 days and may continue through incubation.[29] The Starling is both monogamous and polygamous. Although broods are generally brought up by a single male and a single female, occasionally the pair may have an extra helper. Pairs may be part of a colony, in which case several other nests may occupy the same or nearby trees. Males may mate with a second female while the first is still on the nest. The reproductive success of the bird is poorer in the second nest than it is in the primary nest and is better when the male remains monogamous. Following mating, the female lays eggs on a daily basis over a period of several days. There are normally 4 or 5 eggs which are pale blue or occasionally white and they commonly have a glossy appearance. Incubation lasts 13 days and both parents share this responsibility although the female spends more time incubating than the male. The female is the only parent to do so at night when the male returns to the communal roost. Nestlings remain in the nest for 3 weeks where they are fed continuously by both parents. Fledglings continue to be fed by their parents for another 1 or 2 weeks. A pair can raise up to 3 broods per year although 2 broods is typical and just a single one is normal north of 48°N. Within 2 months most juveniles will have moulted and gained their first basic plumage. They acquire their adult plumage the following year. Starling nests have a 48% to 79% rate of successful fledging although only 20% of nestlings survive to breeding age. The adult survival rate is closer to 60%. The average life span is about 2 to 3 years. A majority of starling predators are avian, in particular birds of prey The Starling is a highly gregarious species, especially in autumn and winter. Although flock size is highly variable, huge noisy flocks (murmurations) may form near roosts. These dense concentrations of birds are thought to be a defence against attacks by birds of prey. Flocks form a tight sphere-like formation in flight, frequently expanding and contracting and changing shape, seemingly without any sort of leader. Each Starling changes its course and speed as a result of the movement of its closest neighbours. Very large roosts, exceptionally up to 1.5 million birds, can form in city centres, woodlands or reedbeds. The Starling is largely insectivorous and feeds on a wide range of invertebrates in both the adult and larvae stages of development. It will also feed on earthworms, snails, small amphibians and lizards. While the consumption of invertebrates is necessary for successful breeding, the Starling is omnivorous and will also eat grains, seeds, fruits, nectar and food waste if the opportunity arises. Although this image of the winter pre-roost murmuration at RSPB Ham Wall is blurred due to the movement of the birds and the poor light, it does convey something of the impact of the huge numbers of birds arriving at the site. Date: 10th January 2019 Location: RSPB Ham Wall, Somerset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28884658.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_133684954257cc29683a5c9.jpgAardla polder, Estonia Aardla polder is an area of wet meadows, pastures, grazing land and ponds just south of Tartu. Despite its inland location, these wetlands are almost as impressive as those on the coast. This site is well known for its breeding Citrine Wagtails. Date: 17th May 2016 Location: Aardla polder, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/june-2020-gannet https://images.on-this.website/4752_1105401005f8d6c4514f50.jpgJune 2020 - Gannet Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41249302.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/red-grouse-chick https://images.on-this.website/4752_14358626544687c47cb41f3.jpgRed Grouse chick The Red Grouse is a medium-sized bird of the grouse family which is found in heather moorland in the UK and Ireland. It is endemic to the UK and has developed in isolation. It is usually classified as a sub-species of the Willow Ptarmigan or Willow Grouse which is found in birch and other forests and moorlands in north Europe, the tundra of Scandinavia, Siberia, Alaska and north Canada. The Red Grouse is differentiated from the Willow Ptarmigan and Rock Ptarmigan by its plumage being reddish brown and not having a white winter plumage. The tail is black and the legs are white. There are white stripes on the underwing and red combs over the eye. Females are less reddish than the males and have less conspicuous combs. Young birds are duller and lack the red combs. The Red Grouse is found across most parts of Scotland, including Orkney, Shetland and most of the Outer Hebrides. It is only absent from urban areas such as in the Central Belt. In Wales there are strong populations of Red Grouse in some places but the range has retracted. It is now largely absent from the far south and the main strongholds are Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons and the Cambrian Mountains. In England the Red Grouse is mainly found in the north in areas such as the Lake District, Northumberland, County Durham, much of Yorkshire, the Pennines and the Peak District as far south as the Staffordshire Moorlands. There is an isolated introduced population on Dartmoor and overspill Welsh birds visit the Shropshire Hills.The typical habitat is upland heather moors away from trees. It can also be found in some low-lying bogs and birds may visit farmland during hard weather. The UK population of the Red Grouse is estimated at about 250,000 pairs. Numbers have declined in recent years and it is now absent in areas where it was once common. Reasons for the decline include disease, loss of heather due to overgrazing, creation of new conifer plantations and a decline in the number of upland gamekeepers. Some predators feed on Red Grouse and there is ongoing controversy as to what effect these have on numbers. The Red Grouse is herbivorous and feeds mainly on the shoots, seeds and flowers of heather. It will also feed on berries, cereal crops and sometimes insects. The Red Grouse is considered a game bird and is shot in large numbers during the shooting season which traditionally starts on August 12th (known as the Glorious Twelfth). Shooting can take the form of “walked up” (where shooters walk across the moor to flush grouse and take a shot) or “driven” (where grouse are driven, often in large numbers, by “beaters” towards the shooters who are hiding behind a line of “butts”). Many moors are managed to increase the density of Red Grouse. Areas of heather are subjected to controlled burning since this allows fresh young shoots to regenerate which are favoured by Red Grouse. In addition, extensive predator control is a feature of grouse moor management and the extent and legality to which it occurs is hotly contested between conservation groups and shooting interests and the subject generates a lot of media attention. The Red Grouse is widely known as the logo of The Famous Grouse whisky and an animated bird is a character in a series of its adverts. It is also the emblem of the magazine “British Birds”. Date: 1st June 2001 Location: Handa, Sutherland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41255239.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18329043985f06f55762994.jpgSiskin The Siskin is a small passerine bird in the finch family. It is known as the European Siskin, Common Siskin or just Siskin. The Siskin is a small, short-tailed bird around 4.3 to 4.9 inches in length with a wingspan that ranges from 7.9 to 9.1 inches. The male has a greyish green back and yellow rump. The sides of the tail are yellow and the end is black, the wings are black with a distinctive yellow wing stripe and the breast is yellowish becoming whiter and striped. It has a black bib and a black cap. The amount of black on the bib is very variable between males and the size of the bib has been related to dominance within a flock. The female is more olive-coloured than the male, the cap is greenish, the bib is white and the rump is slightly striped and whitish yellow. The shape of the Siskin's beak is determined by its feeding habits. It is strong although it is also slender in order to pick up the seeds on which they feed. The legs and feet are dark brown and the eyes are black. The Siskin has a rapid and bounding flight pattern that is similar to other finches. It is easy to recognise but it can be confused with other finches such as the Citril Finch, the Greenfinch or the European Serin. The Siskin is a very active and restless bird. It is also very social and forms small cohesive flocks especially in autumn and winter. During the breeding season it is much more timid, solitary and difficult to observe. The Siskin can be found across the greater part of Eurasia and the north of Africa. It can be found throughout the year in central Europe and some mountain ranges in the south of the continent. It is also present in the north of Scandinavia and in Russia as a summer visitor and over-winters in the Mediterranean basin and around the Black Sea. The Siskin does not remain for long in one area but varies the areas it uses for breeding, feeding and over-wintering from one year to the next. It breeds in coniferous and mixed forested areas at a particular altitude on a hillside or mountain side whilst in winter it prefers stubble and crops and areas containing trees with seeds. The Siskin is mainly a seed eater although it varies its diet depending on the season. It feeds in trees and usually avoids eating on the ground. In autumn and winter its diet is based on the seeds of deciduous trees such as birch and alder. At this time it will also visit cultivated areas and pasture where it joins with other finches in eating the seeds of various plants. In spring and during the breeding season when it is found mainly in coniferous forests, it will eat the seeds of fir, spruce and larch trees. The Siskin will also readily visit garden bird feeding stations. Date: 28th June 2019 Location: Neljan Tuulen Tupa near Kaamanen, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/siskin https://images.on-this.website/4752_1451241565591823c84f1fb9.10170974.jpgSiskin The Siskin is a small passerine bird in the finch family. It is known as the European Siskin, Common Siskin or just Siskin. The Siskin is a small, short-tailed bird around 4.3 to 4.9 inches in length with a wingspan that ranges from 7.9 to 9.1 inches. The male has a greyish green back and yellow rump. The sides of the tail are yellow and the end is black, the wings are black with a distinctive yellow wing stripe and the breast is yellowish becoming whiter and striped. It has a black bib and a black cap. The amount of black on the bib is very variable between males and the size of the bib has been related to dominance within a flock. The female is more olive-coloured than the male, the cap is greenish, the bib is white and the rump is slightly striped and whitish yellow. The shape of the Siskin's beak is determined by its feeding habits. It is strong although it is also slender in order to pick up the seeds on which they feed. The legs and feet are dark brown and the eyes are black. The Siskin has a rapid and bounding flight pattern that is similar to other finches. It is easy to recognise but it can be confused with other finches such as the Citril Finch, the Greenfinch or the European Serin. The Siskin is a very active and restless bird. It is also very social and forms small cohesive flocks especially in autumn and winter. During the breeding season it is much more timid, solitary and difficult to observe. The Siskin can be found across the greater part of Eurasia and the north of Africa. It can be found throughout the year in central Europe and some mountain ranges in the south of the continent. It is also present in the north of Scandinavia and in Russia as a summer visitor and over-winters in the Mediterranean basin and around the Black Sea. The Siskin does not remain for long in one area but varies the areas it uses for breeding, feeding and over-wintering from one year to the next. It breeds in coniferous and mixed forested areas at a particular altitude on a hillside or mountain side whilst in winter it prefers stubble and crops and areas containing trees with seeds. The Siskin is mainly a seed eater although it varies its diet depending on the season. It feeds in trees and usually avoids eating on the ground. In autumn and winter its diet is based on the seeds of deciduous trees such as birch and alder. At this time it will also visit cultivated areas and pasture where it joins with other finches in eating the seeds of various plants. In spring and during the breeding season when it is found mainly in coniferous forests, it will eat the seeds of fir, spruce and larch trees. The Siskin will also readily visit garden bird feeding stations. Date: 7th May 2017 Location: RSPB Ynys-hir, Ceredigion http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080624.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_147688309463a459c91acef.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 1st December 2022 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42222538.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12495492706023b8fe89958.jpgCanada Goose The Canada Goose belongs to the Branta genus of geese which contains species with largely black plumage distinguishing it from the grey species of the genus Anser. The black head and neck with a white "chinstrap" distinguish the Canada Goose from all other goose species with the exception of the Cackling Goose from north America and the Barnacle Goose which has a black breast and grey rather than brownish body plumage. The 7 sub-species of the Canada Goose vary widely in size and plumage details but all are recognizable as Canada Geese. Of the "true geese" (i.e. the genera Anser, Branta or Chen), the Canada Goose is on average the largest living species. It ranges from 30 to 43 inches in length and with a 50 to 73 inches wingspan. The male usually weighs 5.7 to 14.3 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 8.6 pounds. The female looks virtually identical but is slightly lighter at 5.3 to 12.1 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 7.9 pounds. It is also generally 10% smaller in linear dimensions than the male. The Canada Goose is native to north America where it breeds in Canada and the north USA in a wide range of habitats. The Great Lakes region maintains a very large population. It occurs all year round in the southern part of its breeding range, including most of the eastern seaboard and the Pacific coast. Between California and South Carolina in the south USA and north Mexico, it is primarily present as a migrant from further north during the winter. Outside north America, the Canada Goose has reached north Europe naturally as has been proved by ringing recoveries. It has also been introduced in to Europe and had established populations in the UK in the middle of the 18th century, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany and Scandinavia. Most European populations are not migratory but those in more northerly parts of Sweden and Finland migrate to the North Sea and Baltic coasts. Semi-tame feral birds are common in parks and have become a pest in some areas. In the early 17th century, explorer Samuel de Champlain sent several pairs of Canada Geese to France as a present for King Louis XIII. Canada Geese were first introduced in to the UK in the late 17th century as an addition to King James II's waterfowl collection in St. James's Park. They were also introduced in to Germany and Scandinavia during the 20th century. During the second year of its life, the Canada Goose finds a mate. It is a monogamous species and most couples stay together all of their lives. If one dies, the other may find a new mate. The female lays from 2 to 9 eggs with an average of 5. Both parents protect the nest while the eggs incubate but the female spends more time at the nest than the male. The nest is usually located in an elevated area near water such as streams, lakes and ponds and the eggs are laid in a shallow depression lined with plant material and down. The incubation period, in which the female incubates the eggs while the male remains nearby, lasts for 24 to 28 days after laying. As soon as the goslings hatch, they are immediately capable of walking, swimming and finding their own food (a diet similar to the adults). Parents are often seen leading their goslings in a line, usually with one adult at the front and the other at the back. While protecting their goslings, parents often violently chase away anything from small birds to lone humans who approach, after warning them by giving off a hissing sound and then attacking with bites and slaps of the wings if the threat does not retreat. Although parents are hostile to unfamiliar geese, they may form groups (crèches) of a number of goslings and a few adults. The goslings enter the fledgling stage any time from 6 to 9 weeks of age. Once it reaches adulthood, due to its large size and often aggressive behaviour, the Canada Goose is rarely preyed on although prior injury may make it more vulnerable to natural predators. The lifespan in the wild of birds that survive to adulthood ranges from 10 to 24 years. The UK longevity record is held by a specimen tagged as a nestling which was observed alive at the age of 31. The Canada Goose is primarily a herbivore although it will sometimes eat small insects and fish. Their diet includes grasses, aquatic plants, beans and grains such as wheat, rice, and corn when they are available. In urban areas, it is also known to pick food out of rubbish bins and it will readily take a variety of food from humans in parks. Date: 21st January 2021 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38397303.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10736868815ce127ae52efe.jpgYellowhammer The Yellowhammer is a passerine bird in the bunting family. The bird family [I]Emberizidae[/I] contains around 300 seed-eating species, the majority of which are found in the Americas, although the genus [I]Emberiza[/I], with more than 40 members, is confined to the Old World. Within its genus [I]Emberiza[/I], the Yellowhammer is most closely related to the Pine Bunting and at times they have been considered as one species. Where their ranges meet, the Yellowhammer and Pine Bunting interbreed and the hybrid zone is thought to be moving further east. The Yellowhammer is also closely related to the Cirl Bunting. The Yellowhammer’s scientific name [I]Emberiza citronella[/I] is derived from the Old German [I]embritz[/I] meaning “bunting” and the Italian [I]citronella[/I] meaning “small yellow bird”. The Yellowhammer is a large bunting around 6.3 to 6.5 inches long with a wingspan of 9.1 to 11.6 inches. The male has a bright yellow head, heavily streaked brown back, rufous rump, yellow underparts and white outer tail feathers. The female is less brightly coloured and more streaked on the crown, breast and flanks. Both sexes are less strongly marked outside the breeding season when the dark fringes on new feathers obscure the yellow plumage. The juvenile is much duller and less yellow than the adults and often has a paler rump. The Yellowhammer breeds across Eurasia and it is the commonest and most widespread European bunting although it is absent from high mountains, Arctic regions, most of Iberia and Greece and low-lying regions of other countries adjoining the Mediterranean Sea. It also breeds in Russia east to Irkutsk and in most of Ukraine and the Asian range extends into north west Turkey, the Caucasus and northern Kazakhstan. Populations have declined in recent decades in western Europe but in eastern Europe numbers appear to be stable. Changes to agricultural practices are thought to be responsible for reduced breeding densities. The Yellowhammer can be found throughout most of the UK but it is least abundant in the north and west and absent from some upland areas such as the Pennines and the Scottish Highlands as well as some lowland areas. Its recent sharp population decline make it a Red List species. Within its range, the Yellowhammer is a bird of dry open country, preferably with a range of vegetation types and some trees from which to sing. It is absent from urban areas, forests and wetlands. Probably originally found at forest edges and large clearings, it has benefited from traditional agriculture which created extensive open areas with hedges and clumps of trees. The Yellowhammer usually starts breeding in late April or early May. The males establish territories along hedges or woodland fringes and sing from a tree or bush, often continuing well into July or August. The nest is built by the female on or near the ground and is typically well hidden in tussocks against a bank or low in a bush. It is constructed from nearby plant material such as leaves, dry grass and stalks and lined with fine grasses and sometimes animal hair. The clutch is usually 3 to 5 eggs and the female incubates the eggs for 12 to 14 days to hatching and broods the chicks until they fledge 11 to 13 days later. Both adults feed the chicks in the nest and 2 or 3 broods are raised each year. The Yellowhammer forages mainly on the ground and its diet consists mainly of seeds. Grasses are also important, particularly cereals, and grain makes up a significant part of the food consumed in autumn and winter. Invertebrates are added to its diet during the breeding season, particularly as food for its growing chicks, and a wide range of species is taken including springtails, grasshoppers, flies, beetles, caterpillars, earthworms, spiders and snails. Outside of the breeding season, the Yellowhammer forages in flocks which can occasionally number hundreds of birds and often contain other buntings and finches. The Yellowhammer is a conspicuous, vocal and formerly common country bird and it has attracted human interest. Yellowham Wood and Yellowham Hill, near Dorchester in the UK, both derive their names from the bird. Robbie Burns' poem "The Yellow, Yellow Yorlin'" gets its title from a Scottish name for the Yellowhammer. Enid Blyton helped to popularise the bird's song as "a little bit of bread and no cheese" in some of her books and she wrote a poem called "The Yellow-hammer". Beethoven's student, Carl Czerny, and biographer Anton Schindler, both suggested that the composer got the idea for the first 4 notes of his 5th symphony from the song of the Yellowhammer although it is more likely that the opening of the 4th Piano Concerto was actually the work in question. Beethoven also used the Yellowhammer theme in 2 piano sonatas. Date: 7th May 2019 Location: Weeting Heath NWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41176054.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1941656975e9306e035998.jpgMagpie The Eurasian Magpie, often simply known as the Magpie, is one of several birds in the crow family [i] Corvidae[/i] designated as a Magpie. In Europe, Magpie is generally used by English speakers to describe the Eurasian Magpie. The only other species in Europe is the Iberian Magpie or Azure-winged Magpie which is limited to the Iberian peninsula. The adult male Magpie is 17 to 18 inches in length, of which more than half is the tail. The wingspan is 20 to 24 inches. The head, neck and breast are glossy black with a metallic green and violet sheen, the belly and scapulars are pure white, the wings are black glossed with green or purple and the primaries have white inner webs, conspicuous when the wing is open. The graduated tail is black, glossed with green and reddish purple. The legs and bill are black and the iris is dark brown. The plumage of the sexes is similar but the female is slightly smaller. The young resemble the adults but are at first without much of the gloss on the sooty plumage and the tail is much shorter. The Magpie can be found across temperate Eurasia from Spain and Ireland in the west to the Kamchatka Peninsula in the east. It has also been introduced in Japan on the island of Kyushu. The preferred habitat of the Magpie is open countryside with scattered trees and it is normally absent from treeless areas and dense forests. It sometimes breeds at high densities in suburban settings such as parks and gardens and it can often be found close to the centre of cities. The Magpie is normally sedentary and spends winters close to its breeding areas but birds living near the northern limit of their range in Scandinavia and Russia can move south in harsh weather. Some Magpies breed after their first year whilst others remain in non-breeding flocks and first breed in their second year. The Magpie is monogamous and pairs often remain together from one breeding season to the next and generally occupy the same territory in successive years. Mating takes place in spring. In the courtship display, males rapidly raise and depress their head feathers, uplift, open and close their tails like fans and call in soft tones quite distinct from their usual chatter. The loose feathers of the flanks are brought over the primaries, and the shoulder patch is spread so the white is conspicuous, presumably to attract females. Short buoyant flights and chases follow. The Magpie prefers tall trees for their bulky nest, firmly attaching them to a central fork in the upper branches. A framework of sticks is cemented with earth and clay and a lining of the same is covered with fine roots. Above is a stout though loosely built dome of prickly branches with a single well concealed entrance. These huge nests are conspicuous when the leaves fall. Where trees are scarce, though even in well-wooded country, nests are at times built in bushes and hedgerows. In Europe, the eggs are typically laid in April and clutches usually contain 5 or 6 eggs. The eggs are incubated for 21 to 22 days by the female who is fed on the nest by the male. The chicks are brooded by the female for the first 5 to 10 days and fed by both parents. The nestlings open their eyes 7 to 8 days after hatching and their body feathers start to appear after around 8 days and the primary wing feathers after 10 days. Fledging takes place at around 27 days and the parents then continue to feed the young for several more weeks. The parents also protect the young from predators since their ability to fly is poor, making them vulnerable. On average, only 3 or 4 chicks survive to fledge successfully. Some nests are lost to predators but an important factor causing nestling mortality is starvation. Eggs hatch asynchronously and if the parents have difficulty finding sufficient food, the last chicks to hatch are unlikely to survive. The Magpie is omnivorous, eating young birds and eggs, small mammals, insects, scraps and carrion, acorns, grain and other vegetable substances. The Magpie is believed not only to be among the most intelligent of birds but among the most intelligent of all animals. Along with the Jackdaw, the Magpie's nidopallium area of the brain is approximately the same relative size as those in Chimpanzees and humans. Like other corvids, such as the Raven and Carrion crow, the total brain-to-body mass ratio is equal to most great apes and cetaceans. A 2004 review suggests that the intelligence of the corvid family to which the Magpie belongs is equivalent to that of great apes (Chimpanzees, Orangutans and Gorillas) in terms of social cognition, causal reasoning, flexibility, imagination and prospection. The Magpie has an extremely large range and a very large population. The population trend in Europe has been stable since 1980 and there is no evidence of any serious overall decline in numbers so the species is classified by the IUCN as being of “Least Concern”. In Europe, the Magpie has been historically demonized by humans, mainly as a result of folklore, superstition and myth and its reputation as an omen of ill fortune. The Magpie has also been attacked for their role as a predator which includes eating other birds' eggs and their young. However, different studies have reached different conclusions on their impact on the populations of other birds. Date: 5th April 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/burra-firth-unst-shetland https://images.on-this.website/4752_19953714154866c53c0f1b0.jpgBurra Firth, Unst, Shetland Burrafirth on the island of Unst, Shetland, is a small settlement north west of Haroldswick between Loch of Cliff and the southern end of Burra Firth. Burrafirth is where the shore station for the Muckle Flugga Lighthouse was located. The building now houses the Hermaness Visitor Centre, the starting point for a visit to the nearby Hermaness nature reserve. Date: 2nd June 2008 Location: view from the unclassified road to Hermaness http://www.richardchewphotography.com/muddusjarvi-finland https://images.on-this.website/4752_12697560124eff20c600854.jpgMuddusjärvi, Finland Date: 29th May 2009 Location: Muddusjärvi, north of Inari, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33820943.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6960938535a3d07a8107b1.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 12th December 2017 Location: Kensington Gardens, London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31192379.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1332118437591824297b1813.51566096.jpgGreat Tit The Great Tit is a passerine bird in the tit family. It is large for a tit species at 4.9 to 5.5 inches in length and it has a distinctive appearance that makes it easy to recognise. The nominate race, which is found throughout much of Europe, Asia Minor, north and east Kazakhstan, south Siberia and north Mongolia, has a bluish-black crown, black neck, throat, bib and head and white cheeks and ear coverts. The breast is bright lemon-yellow and there is a broad black mid-line stripe running from the bib to the vent. There is a dull white spot on the neck turning to greenish yellow on the upper nape. The rest of the nape and back are green tinged with olive. The wing-coverts are green and the rest of the wing is bluish-grey with a white-wing-bar. The tail is bluish grey with white outer tips. The plumage of the female is similar to that of the male except that the colours are generally duller and the bib is less intensely black, as is the line running down the belly which is also narrower and sometimes broken. There is some variation in the UK sub-species. It is broadly similar to the nominate race but has a slightly longer bill, the mantle is slightly deeper green, there is less white on the tail tips and the ventral mid-line stripe is broader on the belly. The Great Tit has a wide distribution across much of Eurasia. It is found across all of Europe except for Iceland and northern Scandinavia. In North Africa it is found in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. It also occurs across the Middle East and parts of central Asia from north Iran and Afghanistan to Mongolia, as well as across north Asia from the Urals as far east as north China and the Amur Valley. The Great Tit can be found in a range of habitats but most commonly in open deciduous woodland, mixed forests, forest edges and gardens. In dense forests, including conifer forests, it is usually found in forest clearings. In north Siberia it is found in the boreal taiga. In north Africa it prefers oak forests as well as stands of Atlas cedar and even palm groves. In the east of its range, it favours riverine willow and birch forest. At higher altitudes it occupies habitats ranging from dense deciduous and coniferous forests to open areas with scattered trees. The Great Tit is generally not migratory. Pairs will usually remain near or in their territory all year round even in the northern parts of their range. Young birds will disperse from their parents' territory but usually not far. Populations may become irruptive in poor or harsh winters and very large groups may unpredictably move from north Europe to the Baltic, the Netherlands, the UK and even as far as the south Balkans. The Great Tit is monogamous and establish breeding territories in late January. Territories are usually reoccupied in successive years even if one of the pair dies so long as the brood is raised successfully. Females are likely to disperse to new territories if their nest is predated the previous year. The Great Tit is a seasonal breeder but the exact timing of breeding varies due to a number of factors, most importantly location. Most breeding occurs between January and September. In Europe the breeding season usually begins after March The amount of sunlight and daytime temperatures also affects the timing of breeding as does the peak abundance of caterpillar prey which itself is correlated to temperature. The Great Tit is a cavity nester and occupies a hole that is usually inside a tree, although occasionally in a wall or rock face. It also readily takes to nest boxes. The nest inside the cavity is built by the female and is made of plant fibres, grasses, moss, hair, wool and feathers. The female often lays a very large clutch of eggs, as many as 18 although 5 to 12 is more common. Clutch size is smaller when females start laying later and it is also lower when the density of competitors is higher. Second broods also tend to have smaller clutches. The female undertakes all incubation duties and is fed by the male during this time. The timing of hatching, which is synchronised with peak availability of food, can be manipulated when environmental conditions change after the laying of the first egg by delaying the beginning of incubation, laying more eggs or pausing during incubation. The incubation period is between 12 and 15 days. The chicks are fed by both parents and the nestling period is between 16 and 22 days. The chicks become independent of the parents 8 days after fledging although feeding may continue after independence and last up to a further 25 days. The Great Tit is primarily insectivorous in the summer and feeds on a wide range of insects and spiders. During the breeding season, protein-rich caterpillars are fed to the young. In autumn and winter, when insect prey becomes scarcer, berries and seeds are added to the diet. Where it is available, it will also readily take table scraps, peanuts and sunflower seeds from bird tables. The Great Tit, along with other tits, joins winter mixed-species foraging flocks. The Great Tit has generally adjusted to human modifications of the environment. Whilst it is more common and has better breeding success in areas with undisturbed forest cover, it has adapted well to human modified habitats and can be very common in urban and suburban areas. While there have been some localised declines in population in areas with poorer quality habitats, its large range and high numbers mean that the Great Tit is not considered to be threatened and it is classed as “Least Concern” by the IUCN. Date: 9th May 2017 Location: Weeting Heath NWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874887.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2119247198561cd1ba04750.jpgKolgrafafjörður, Snæfellsnes peninsula, west Iceland Kolgrafafjörður is a fjord situated between Stykkishólmur and Grundarfjörður on the north coast of the Snæfellsnes peninsula in west Iceland. Date: 6th June 2015 Location: view from road 54 west of Stykkishólmur http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo440782.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1458917814467ea897541f4.jpgFour-spotted Chaser Flight period: mid May to end August. Four-spotted Chasers are a common and widespread species of dragonfly throughout most of the UK. They can be found around sheltered lowland lakes and ponds and around acidic moorland bogs and sheltered upland lakes. Date: 30th May 2006 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874762.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_506111945561ccbe2cb546.jpgEyjafjallajökull, south Iceland Eyjafjallajökull is located to the north of Skógar and to the west of Mýrdalsjökull in south Iceland. Eyjafjallajökull consists of a volcano completely covered by an ice cap. The ice cap covers an area of about 39 square miles and feeds many outlet glaciers mainly to the north. The mountain itself is a stratovolcano and stands 5417 feet at its highest point. It has a crater 1.9 to 2.5 miles in diameter which is open to the north. The crater rim has 3 main peaks: Guðnasteinn, Hámundur and Goðasteinn. The south face of the mountain was once part of Iceland's Atlantic coastline but over thousands of years the sea has retreated some 3 miles. The former coastline now consists of sheer cliffs with many waterfalls (of which the best known is Skógafoss) but the area between Eyjafjallajökull and the present coast is a relatively flat strand, 1 to 3 miles wide, called Eyjafjöll. Eyjafjallajökull has erupted relatively frequently since the last glacial period, most recently and notably in 2010. On 26th February 2010, unusual seismic activity along with rapid expansion of the Earth's crust was registered by the Meteorological Institute of Iceland. This gave geophysicists evidence that magma was pouring from underneath the crust into the magma chamber of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano. Pressure stemming from the process caused the huge crustal displacement at Þorvaldseyri farm. The seismic activity continued to increase and from 3rd to 5th March 2010 almost 3000 earthquakes were measured at the epicentre of the volcano. The eruption is thought to have begun on 20th March 2010 about 5 miles east of the top crater of Eyjafjallajökull on Fimmvörðuháls, the high neck between Eyjafjallajökull and the neighbouring icecap of Mýrdalsjökull. This first eruption, in the form of a fissure vent, did not occur under the glacier and was smaller in scale than had been expected by some geologists. On 14th April 2010 Eyjafjallajökull resumed erupting after a brief pause, this time from the top crater in the centre of the glacier, causing meltwater floods to rush down the nearby rivers and requiring 800 people to be evacuated. This eruption was explosive in nature due to melt water getting into the volcanic vent. It was estimated to be 10 to 20 times larger than the previous one in Fimmvörðuháls. This second eruption threw volcanic ash several miles up in the atmosphere which led to the closure of airspace and air travel disruption in north west Europe for 6 days from 15th April to 21st April 2010. It caused a significant delay in my own return from a [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/trip-report-north-finland-and]trip to north Norway and north Finland[/url] On 23rd May 2010, the eruption was declared to have stopped but monitoring continued. The volcano continued to have several earthquakes daily but since August 2010 Eyjafjallajökull has been considered dormant. Date: 8th June 2015 Location: Þorvaldseyri Visitor Centre at Hvolsvöllur near Eyjafjallajökull http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41623479.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11589429115f4d267b3881c.jpgGednje, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Gednje is located at the road intersection between the 890 and 891 roads to Berlevåg and Båtsfjord. This upland area includes many lakes, pools and bogs which hold a wide range of Arctic species. Date: 6th July 2019 Location: Gednje, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/hoopoes https://images.on-this.website/4752_55300852852528c08a8e7e.jpgHoopoes The Hoopoe is a colourful and exotic looking bird about the size of a Mistle Thrush with a pinkish-brown body, striking black and white wings, a long black down-curved bill and a long pinkish-brown crest which it raises when excited. It has broad and rounded wings and a characteristic undulating flight which is like that of a giant butterfly and is caused by the wings half closing at the end of each beat or short sequence of beats. The Hoopoe’s call is typically a trisyllabic and onomatopoetic"oop-oop-oop" which gives rise to its English and scientific names although two and four syllables are also common. The Hoopoe is widespread in Europe, Asia, and North Africa, sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar. Most European and north Asian birds migrate to the tropics in winter whilst the African populations are sedentary all year round. Hoopoes have been known to breed north of their European range, including southern England during warm and dry summers that provide plenty of grasshoppers and similar insects. The Hoopoe has two basic requirements in its habitat: bare or lightly vegetated ground on which to forage and vertical surfaces with cavities (such as trees, cliffs or even walls, nestboxes, haystacks and abandoned burrows) in which to nest. These requirements can be provided in a wide range of ecosystems and as a consequence they inhabit a wide range of habitats from heathland, wooded steppes, savannas and grasslands as well as glades inside forests. The modification of natural habitats by humans for various agricultural purposes has led to them becoming common in olive groves, orchards, vineyards, parkland and farmland, although they are less common and declining in intensively farmed areas. Date: 9th September 2013 Location: La Janda, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14155774.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_708124054f3ccd4b84817.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 10th February 2012 Location: EWT Langdon Conservation Centre, Dunton, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26006865.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12374993455634bfe483d62.jpgEiders The Eider is a large sea duck that is distributed over the northern coasts of Europe, north America and eastern Siberia. It breeds in the Arctic and some northern temperate regions but winters somewhat further south in temperate zones when it can form large flocks on coastal waters. The Eider is both the largest of the 4 eider species and the largest duck found in Europe and in north America (except for the Muscovy duck which only reaches north America in a wild state in southernmost Texas and south Florida). The Eider is characterized by its bulky shape and large, wedge-shaped bill. The male is unmistakable with its black and white plumage and green nape. The female is a brown bird but can still be readily distinguished from all ducks, except other eider species, on the basis of size and head shape. The drake's display call is a strange almost human-like "ah-ooo" while the duck utters hoarse quacks. The Eider dives for crustaceans and molluscs, with mussels being a favoured food. The Eider will eat mussels by swallowing them whole. The shells are then crushed in their gizzard and excreted. When eating a crab, the Eider will remove all of its claws and legs and then eat the body in a similar fashion. The Eider is abundant with populations of about 1.5 to 2 million birds in both Europe and north America and also large but unknown numbers in eastern Siberia. The Eider is a colonial breeder nesting on coastal islands in colonies ranging in size of less than 100 to upwards of 10,000 to 15,000 individuals. Female Eiders frequently exhibit a high degree of natal philopatry where they return to breed on the same island where they were hatched. This can lead to a high degree of relatedness between individuals nesting on the same island as well as the development of kin-based female social structures. This relatedness has likely played a role in the evolution of co-operative breeding behaviours amongst Eiders. Examples of these behaviours include laying eggs in the nests of related individuals and crèching where female Eiders team up and share the work of rearing ducklings. The Eider's nest is built close to the sea and is lined with the celebrated eiderdown plucked from the female's breast. This soft and warm lining has long been harvested for filling pillows and quilts but in more recent years has been largely replaced by down from domestic farm geese and synthetic alternatives. Although eiderdown pillows or quilts are now a rarity, eiderdown harvesting continues and is sustainable as it can be done after the ducklings leave the nest with no harm to the birds. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Steingrímsfjarðarheiði to Ísafjörður, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801026.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_202132249264ed9bd67836f.jpgAzure Damselfly Flight period: May to August The Azure Damselfly is one of the two commonest blue damselflies and is a common and widespread species of lowland UK. They can be found around most standing water, preferring small, sheltered sites including ditches and garden ponds. Date: 7th July 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29486402.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12248168585810774c13952.jpgKajaani to Kuhmo, Kainuu, Finland Kainuu region borders the regions of Pohjois-Pohjanmaa (Northern Ostrobothnia) to the north and Pohjois-Karjala (North Karelia) and Pohjois-Savo (Northern Savonia) to the south. In the east it also borders Russia. The landscape of Kainuu region consists of lakes, hills and vast uninhabited forest areas. Boreal forest makes up most of the region and consists of birches, pines and spruces. Date: 23rd May 2016 Location: view from road 76 between Kajaani and Kuhmo, Kainuu, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28592757.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_132856342057ab05802181d.jpgRed Admiral Flight period: April to November. The Red Admiral is a familiar and widespread butterfly in the UK although numbers depend on immigration from Europe. It can be found in any flower-rich habitat. Date: 5th August 2016 Location: Minsmere, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9588754.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4354467964db159d7a16bf.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 10th February 2008 Location: Verulanium Park, St Albans, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39081926.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18972122485d3077948a991.jpgGolden Jackal The Golden Jackal is a canid within the family [i]Canidae[/i] which includes the South American canids, the fox-like canids and the wolf-like canids. Within the wolf-like canids is the jackal group which includes the 3 jackals: the Golden Jackal, the Black-backed Jackal and the Side-striped Jackal. These 3 species are approximately the same size, possess similar dental and skeletal morphology and are identified from each other primarily by their coat colour. The Golden Jackal is similar to the Grey Wolf but it is distinguished by its smaller size, lighter weight, more elongated torso, less prominent forehead, shorter legs and tail and a muzzle that is narrower and more pointed. The legs are long in relation to its body and the feet are slender with small pads. Males measure 28 to 33 inches in body length and females 27 to 29 inches. Males weigh 13 to 31 pounds and females 15 to 24 pounds. The shoulder height is 18 to 20 inches for both. In comparison, the smallest wolf is the Arabian Wolf which weighs on average 44 pounds. The fur of the Golden Jackal is coarse and relatively short with the base colour golden but varying seasonally from a pale creamy yellow to a dark tawny. The fur on the back is composed of a mixture of black, brown and white hairs, sometimes giving the appearance of the dark saddle like that seen on the Black-backed Jackal. The underparts are a light pale ginger to cream colour. Individuals can be distinguished by their unique light markings on the throat and chest. The coats of Golden Jackals from high elevations tend to be more buff-coloured than those of their lowland counterparts while those of Golden Jackals in rocky and mountainous areas may exhibit a greyer shade. The bushy tail has a tan to black tip. Melanism can cause a dark-coloured coat in some Golden Jackals. The Golden Jackal moults twice a year in spring and in autumn. The spring moult starts in the middle of February to as late as the middle of March and lasts for around 60 days. The spring moult commences with the head and limbs, extends to the flanks, chest, belly and rump, and ends at the tail. Fur on the underparts is absent. The autumn moult occurs from mid-September with the shedding of the summer fur and the growth of the winter fur. The development of the autumn coat starts with the rump and tail and spreads to the back, flanks, belly, chest, limbs and head with full winter fur being attained at the end of November. The Golden Jackal is native to south east Europe, south west Asia, south Asia and parts of south east Asia. The current European range mostly encompasses the Balkan region where habitat loss and mass poisoning caused it to become extinct in many areas during the 1960s with core populations only occurring in scattered regions such as Strandja in south east Bulgaria, the Dalmatian coast of Croatia, the Macedonian region of north Greece and the Peloponnese peninsula in south Greece. It recolonised its former territories in Bulgaria during the early 1960s when a large increase arose from the replacement of natural forests with dense scrub, an increase in animal carcasses from state game farms, reductions in wolf populations and the abandonment of poisoning campaigns. Bulgaria now has the largest population in Europe. It subsequently expanded its range into Romania and Serbia and thereafter in to Italy, Slovenia, Austria, Hungary and Slovakia during the 1980s. The Golden Jackal is continuing to expand beyond south east Europe in to central Europe by occupying areas where there are few or no wolves. Recently, an isolated Golden Jackal population was confirmed in west Estonia, much further north than the principal range. Whether this is an introduced population or a natural migration is unknown. To the east, the Golden Jackal’s range extends through Turkey, Syria, Iraq, Iran, central Asia and the entire Indian sub-continent and then east and south to Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand and parts of Indochina. The Golden Jackal is listed as “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List due to its widespread distribution and with it being common throughout its range and with high densities in those areas where food and shelter are abundant. In Europe, the Golden Jackal is not listed under the 1973 Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora nor the 1979 Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals. It does fall under various international legal instruments. These include the 1979 Berne Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats, the 1992 Convention on Biological Diversity and the 1992 European Union Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora. The Council Directive provides both guidance and limits on what participating governments can do when responding to the arrival of expanding Golden Jackals. These legislative instruments aim to contribute to conserving native wildlife although some governments argue that the Golden Jackal is not native wildlife but an invading species. The Golden Jackal's omnivorous diet allows it to eat a large range of foods and this diet, together with its tolerance of dry conditions, enables it to live in different habitats. It is both a predator and a scavenger and an omnivorous and opportunistic forager with a diet that varies according to its habitat and the season. The Golden Jackal often hunts or forages alone, sometimes in pairs but rarely in a pack. When hunting alone, it trots around an area and occasionally stops to sniff and listen. Once prey is located, it conceals itself, quickly approaches its prey and then pounces on it. When hunting in pairs or packs, Golden Jackals run parallel to their prey and overtake it in unison. The peak times for hunting and foraging are the early morning and the late evening. The Golden Jackal exhibits flexible social organization depending on the availability of food. The breeding pair is the basic social unit and they are sometimes accompanied by their current litter of pups. Family groups of up to 4 to 5 individuals have been recorded. The hunting ranges of several Golden Jackals can overlap. Individuals can travel up to around 10 miles during a single night in search of either food or more suitable habitat. Non-breeding members of a pack may stay near a distant food source, such as a carcass, for up to several days before returning to their home range. Home range sizes can vary between 0.4 to 7.75 square miles depending on the available food supply. Social interactions such as greetings, grooming and group howling are common in the Golden Jackal. Howling is more frequent between December and April when pair bonds are being formed and breeding occurs suggesting that howling has a role in the delineation of territory and for defence. Adults howl standing and the young or subordinates howl sitting. The Golden Jackal is easily induced to howl and a single howl may solicit replies from several others in the vicinity. Howling begins with 2 to 3 low-pitched calls that rise to high-pitched calls. The howl consists of a wail repeated 3 to 4 times on an ascending scale followed by 3 short yelps. The Golden Jackal typically howls at dawn and in the evening. Social canids such as jackals, wolves and coyotes readily respond to human imitations of their howls. The Golden Jackal is monogamous and it will remain with the one partner until death. Females have only one breeding cycle each year with the mating period lasting up to 26 to 28 days. Females are often pursued by several males that may quarrel among themselves. Mating results in a copulatory tie that lasts for several minutes as it does with all other canids. Gestation lasts 63 days and the timing of the births coincides with the annual abundance of food. In Europe, pups are generally born from late March to late April. The number of pups born in a single litter varies geographically but usually ranges from 3 to 8. The pups are born with closed eyes that open after 8 to 11 days with the ears erecting after 10 to 13 days. Their teeth erupt at 11 days after birth and the eruption of adult dentition is completed after 5 months. Pups are born with soft fur that ranges in colour from light grey to dark brown. At the age of 1 month, the fur is shed and replaced with a new reddish-coloured pelt with black speckles. Females possess 4 pairs of teats and lactation lasts for up to 8 to 10 weeks. The pups begin to eat meat at the age of 15 to 20 days. Once the lactation period concludes, the female drives off the pups. Pups born late remain with their mother until early autumn at which time they leave either singly or in groups of 2 to 4 individuals. Females reach sexual maturity after 10 to 11 months and males at 21 to 22 months. Date: 16th May 2018 Location: Vetren, Silistra Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26270171.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_915359174566550efc84e4.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 4th December 2015 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/stone-curlew https://images.on-this.website/4752_168676729162ca7aef74fb8.jpgStone Curlew The Stone Curlews, also known as Dikkops or Thick-knees, consist of 10 species within the family [i]Burhinidae[/i] and are found throughout the tropical and temperate parts of the world with 2 or more species occurring in some areas of Africa, Asia and Australia. Despite the group being classified as waders, most species have a preference for arid or semi-arid habitats. The Eurasian Stone Curlew, or simply Stone Curlew is a northern species in the family. It is a fairly large wader although it is mid-sized compared with other members of its family. It ranges in length from 38 to 15 to 18 inches with a wingspan from 30 to 35 inches. It has a strong yellow and black beak, large yellow eyes (which give it a "reptilian" or "goggle-eyed" appearance) and cryptic plumage. The bird is striking in flight with black and white wing markings. The Stone Curlew can be found throughout Europe, north Africa and south west Asia. It is a summer migrant in the more temperate European and Asian parts of its range, wintering in Africa. Despite being classed as a wader, this species prefers dry open habitats with some bare ground. In the UK, the Stone Curlew is a bird of dry, open places with bare, stony ground or very short vegetation. Its strongholds are in Wiltshire, around Salisbury Plain, and in the Brecks in Norfolk. The best place to see them is at NWT Weeting Heath in Norfolk where the Norfolk Wildlife Trust has established visitor and viewing facilities. The Stone Curlew is largely nocturnal, particularly when singing its loud wailing songs which are reminiscent of that of the Curlew. The Stone Curlew probably first breeds when 3 years old. The female usually lays 2 eggs in a scrape on open ground. Both sexes incubate the eggs beginning after the last egg is laid. The eggs hatch after 24 to 26 days. The precocial young leave the nest soon after hatching and are then cared for by both parents for 36 to 42 days. Normally only a single brood is raised each year but a replacement clutch is sometimes laid after the loss of eggs or the loss of small young. The Stone Curlew feeds on insects and other small invertebrates and occasionally small reptiles, frogs and rodents. Although categorized by the IUCN as of “Least Concern”, some populations are showing declines due to agricultural intensification. The UK population is estimated to be around 400 pairs and many breed within the protection of nature reserves. Date: 13th June 2022 Location: NWT Weeting Heath, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4267059.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21471101564b52213d9ebc2.jpgOtters The Eurasian Otter, also known as the European Otter, Eurasian River Otter, Common Otter and Old World Otter and commonly known as the Otter, is a semi-aquatic mammal and the most widely distributed member of the Otter sub-family of the Weasel family (Mustelidae). The Otter is a typical species of the Otter sub-family and is brown above and cream below. It is 22.5 to 37.5 inches long excluding a tail of 14 to 17.5 inches. The female is shorter than the male. The Otter's average body weight is 15 to 26 pounds, although occasionally a large old male may reach up to 37 pounds. The Otter differs from the North American River Otter by its shorter neck, broader face, the greater space between the ears and its longer tail. However, it is the only Otter species in much of its range so it is rarely confused for any other animal. The Otter is the most widely distributed Otter species and its range including parts of Asia and Africa as well as being widespread across Europe. The Otter can be found throughout most of the UK with the highest densities in Scotland, especially the islands and the north west coast, Wales, parts of East Anglia and the West Country. The Otter declined across its range in the second half of the 20th century primarily due to pollution, habitat loss and hunting. However, populations are now recovering in many parts of Europe. In the UK the number of sites with an Otter presence increased by 55% between 1994 and 2002. In August 2011, the Environment Agency announced that the Otter had returned to every county in England since vanishing from every county except the West Country and parts of Northern England. The recovery of the Otter population in Europe is due to a ban on the most harmful pesticides that has been in place since 1979, improvements in water quality leading to increases in prey populations and direct legal protection under the European Union Habitats Directive and national legislation in several European countries. In general, the Otter’s varied and adaptable diet means that it can be found on any unpolluted body of fresh water, including lakes, streams, rivers and ponds, as long as the food supply is adequate. It can also be found along the coast in salt water but it requires regular access to fresh water to clean its fur. When living in the sea it is sometimes referred to as a "Sea Otter" but it should not be confused with the true Sea Otter which is a North American species much more strongly adapted to a marine existence. The Otter's diet mainly consists of fish. However, during the winter and in colder environments, fish consumption is significantly lower and other sources of food are eaten including amphibians, crustaceans, insects, birds and small mammals. Hunting mainly takes place at night whilst the day is usually spent in the Otter's holt (den). The Otter is strongly territorial and is primarily solitary. An individual's territory may vary between 1 and 25 miles with the length of the territory depending on the density of food available and the width of the water suitable for hunting (it is shorter on coasts, where the available width is much wider and longer on narrower rivers). The Otter uses its spraints to mark its territory. Territories are only held against members of the same sex so those of males and females may overlap. The Otter is a non-seasonal breeder and males and females will breed at any time of the year. It has been found that their mating season is most likely determined simply by the Otters' reproductive maturity and physiological state. Female Otters are sexually mature between 18 and 24 months old and the average age of first breeding is found to be 2.5 years old. Gestation is 60 to 64 days and after the gestation period, 1 to 4 pups are born which remain dependent on the mother for about 13 months. The male plays no direct role in parental care although the territory of a female with her pups is usually entirely within that of the male. Date: 2nd January 2010 Location: Loch Scridain, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21958776.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_37763566453da4fe1411e5.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Staple Island, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26270337.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_70457932356655258c2c71.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 4th December 2015 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/pieniny-mountains-poland https://images.on-this.website/4752_37354477159bd514e76904.jpgPieniny Mountains, Poland The Pieniny Mountains are a mountain range in the Małopolska province in the south of Poland and the Prešov region in the north of Slovakia. The range is divided in to 3 parts: Pieniny Spiskie and Pieniny Właściwe in Poland and Małe Pieniny in Poland and Slovakia. The Pieniny mountains consist mainly of limestone and dolomite. The highest peak is Wysoka at 3445 feet but the most famous peak is Trzy Korony (Three Crowns), the summit of the Three Crowns Massif at 3222 feet. The massif is an independent but central portion of the Pieniny Mountains consisting of 5 sharp peaks. The summit of Trzy Korony is separated from the surrounding peaks by the Wyżni Łazek Pass which descends in to deep valleys with streams surrounded by forested slopes. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Pieniny Mountains and an observation deck hangs over a 1600 foot precipice with extensive views of the Dunajec River Gorge (Przełom Dunajca) and the vast area of the Pieniny National Park (Pieniński Park Narodowy) and the Tatra National Park (Tatrzański Park Narodowy). Caves are few and rather small in the Pieniny Mountains but rivers and streams are often deeply indented in the rock, creating approximately 15 ravines and gorges. The most famous gorges of the Pieniny mountains are the Dunajec River Gorge (Przełom Dunajca) and the Homole Ravine (Wąwóz Homole). The Dunajec River Gorge (Przełom Dunajca) forms the border between Poland and Slovakia. It is another popular tourist destination in the Pieniny Mountains and wooden raft trips have been organized daily by the Pieniny Gorals ethnic group since the early 19th century when their customers consisted mostly of guests of the nearby Czorsztyn Castle and Niedzica Castle. The trip begins in Sromowce Wyżne-Kąty and ends in Szczawnica, 5 miles downstream and taking 2 to 3 hours. The second leg of the trip is only 3 miles long. It begins in Szczawnica and ends in Krościenko nad Dunajcem. The Dunajec River Gorge makes 7 loops in its length and the surrounding rock cliffs reach 985 feet in height throughout most of its length. The Dunajec River includes a chain of 13 medieval castles dating back to the early 12th century. Most of the castles are in ruin now and some no longer exist at all. The most well known are Czorsztyn Castle and Niedzica Castle, both located on Lake Czorsztyn (Jezioro Czorsztyńskie), a man-made reservoir in the Dunajec river valley. Pieniny National Park (Pieniński Park Narodowy) is a protected area located in the heart of the Pieniny Mountains. It covers an area of 9.06 square miles, of which around 70% is forested. On the Slovakian side of the mountains there is a parallel national park (Pieninský národný park). The idea for the creation of Pieniny National Park arose in 1921 and in the same year a private preserve was created around the ruins of Czorsztyn Castle. In 1928 the Polish government made its first land purchases and in May 1932 a “National Park in the Pieniny” was created covering an area of 2.8 square miles. In 1954, Pieniny National Park was created. Date: 30th May 2017 Location: view from road 969 looking towards Lake Czorsztyn (Jezioro Czorsztyńskie) and Czorsztyn Castle, Małopolska province, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084490.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7173349395d30874ecd2bc.jpgMarsh Warbler The Marsh Warbler is a medium-sized Old World warbler in the genus [I]Acrocephalus[/I]. It has olive green-brown upperparts, yellowish-white underparts, a white throat, a pale stripe in front of the eye and pale legs The Marsh Warbler is very similar in appearance to several other [I]Acrocephalus[/I] warblers such as the Reed Warbler which also occurs in wetlands and has a similar breeding range. The male's distinctive song is useful for identification since no other member of the genus mimics other birds to any significant extent. The Marsh Warbler also tends to avoid large reedbeds which are the Reed Warbler's favoured habitat. The Marsh Warbler breeds in the middle latitudes of Europe and west Asia from the English Channel to about 70 degrees east. It mainly occupies areas with a continental climate but breeds, or has bred, in the UK and northern France as well. In recent decades it has expanded its range to the north, with increasing numbers of birds breeding in Scandinavia and north west Russia. In west Europe the Marsh Warbler breeds mainly in rank vegetation on damp or seasonally flooded soils and it is particularly attracted to tall herbaceous vegetation and to young osiers and other low woody plants. It may breed in urban brownfield sites with suitable vegetation and also occasionally in arable crops. In the east, it breeds on dry hillsides with shrubs and in open woodland as well as the kind of damper habitats it frequents in the west. The Marsh Warbler is a summer migrant and winters mainly in south east Africa where it can be found in a range of well-vegetated habitats from moist scrub to dense thickets and woodland edge. In the UK, the Marsh Warbler was never widespread and it disappeared from many areas from the 1930s onwards. By the 1970s, it bred in significant numbers only in Worcestershire where around 40 to 70 pairs were recorded each year during that decade. This population was effectively extinct by the end of the 1990s. From the 1970s and 1980s onwards, a very small population slowly developed in south east England, particularly in Kent. However, this population is also now close to extinction. The reasons for the population decline in the UK are not completely understood especially as there appears to be much suitable habitat. The Biodiversity Action Plan for the Marsh Warbler further comments that it is not clear what can be done to conserve the species apart from protecting habitat at known breeding sites and protecting birds from egg collectors and from disturbance. The Marsh Warbler is best known for the highly imitative song given by males and very occasionally by females. Each male incorporates imitations of a wide range of other birds into its song. Other passerines are most commonly imitated but the calls of other species have been noted too. On average, each male bird incorporates imitations of 75 other species into its song with rather more African than northern species mimicked. Learning seems to take place in the summer the bird is hatched in Europe or Asia and in its first winter in Africa. The calls of birds heard in subsequent years are not added to the warbler's repertoire. The Marsh Warbler is mostly insectivorous and generally takes insects from vegetation but sometimes catches them on the ground or in mid-air. In autumn small numbers of berries may be eaten. Date: 3rd June 2018 Location: Sânpaul Fishponds, Harghita County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17408542.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12019683265133282154491.jpgMagpie The Eurasian Magpie, often simply known as the Magpie, is one of several birds in the crow family [i] Corvidae[/i] designated as a Magpie. In Europe, Magpie is generally used by English speakers to describe the Eurasian Magpie. The only other species in Europe is the Iberian Magpie or Azure-winged Magpie which is limited to the Iberian peninsula. The adult male Magpie is 17 to 18 inches in length, of which more than half is the tail. The wingspan is 20 to 24 inches. The head, neck and breast are glossy black with a metallic green and violet sheen, the belly and scapulars are pure white, the wings are black glossed with green or purple and the primaries have white inner webs, conspicuous when the wing is open. The graduated tail is black, glossed with green and reddish purple. The legs and bill are black and the iris is dark brown. The plumage of the sexes is similar but the female is slightly smaller. The young resemble the adults but are at first without much of the gloss on the sooty plumage and the tail is much shorter. The Magpie can be found across temperate Eurasia from Spain and Ireland in the west to the Kamchatka Peninsula in the east. It has also been introduced in Japan on the island of Kyushu. The preferred habitat of the Magpie is open countryside with scattered trees and it is normally absent from treeless areas and dense forests. It sometimes breeds at high densities in suburban settings such as parks and gardens and it can often be found close to the centre of cities. The Magpie is normally sedentary and spends winters close to its breeding areas but birds living near the northern limit of their range in Scandinavia and Russia can move south in harsh weather. Some Magpies breed after their first year whilst others remain in non-breeding flocks and first breed in their second year. The Magpie is monogamous and pairs often remain together from one breeding season to the next and generally occupy the same territory in successive years. Mating takes place in spring. In the courtship display, males rapidly raise and depress their head feathers, uplift, open and close their tails like fans and call in soft tones quite distinct from their usual chatter. The loose feathers of the flanks are brought over the primaries, and the shoulder patch is spread so the white is conspicuous, presumably to attract females. Short buoyant flights and chases follow. The Magpie prefers tall trees for their bulky nest, firmly attaching them to a central fork in the upper branches. A framework of sticks is cemented with earth and clay and a lining of the same is covered with fine roots. Above is a stout though loosely built dome of prickly branches with a single well concealed entrance. These huge nests are conspicuous when the leaves fall. Where trees are scarce, though even in well-wooded country, nests are at times built in bushes and hedgerows. In Europe, the eggs are typically laid in April and clutches usually contain 5 or 6 eggs. The eggs are incubated for 21 to 22 days by the female who is fed on the nest by the male. The chicks are brooded by the female for the first 5 to 10 days and fed by both parents. The nestlings open their eyes 7 to 8 days after hatching and their body feathers start to appear after around 8 days and the primary wing feathers after 10 days. Fledging takes place at around 27 days and the parents then continue to feed the young for several more weeks. The parents also protect the young from predators since their ability to fly is poor, making them vulnerable. On average, only 3 or 4 chicks survive to fledge successfully. Some nests are lost to predators but an important factor causing nestling mortality is starvation. Eggs hatch asynchronously and if the parents have difficulty finding sufficient food, the last chicks to hatch are unlikely to survive. The Magpie is omnivorous, eating young birds and eggs, small mammals, insects, scraps and carrion, acorns, grain and other vegetable substances. The Magpie is believed not only to be among the most intelligent of birds but among the most intelligent of all animals. Along with the Jackdaw, the Magpie's nidopallium area of the brain is approximately the same relative size as those in Chimpanzees and humans. Like other corvids, such as the Raven and Carrion crow, the total brain-to-body mass ratio is equal to most great apes and cetaceans. A 2004 review suggests that the intelligence of the corvid family to which the Magpie belongs is equivalent to that of great apes (Chimpanzees, Orangutans and Gorillas) in terms of social cognition, causal reasoning, flexibility, imagination and prospection. The Magpie has an extremely large range and a very large population. The population trend in Europe has been stable since 1980 and there is no evidence of any serious overall decline in numbers so the species is classified by the IUCN as being of “Least Concern”. In Europe, the Magpie has been historically demonized by humans, mainly as a result of folklore, superstition and myth and its reputation as an omen of ill fortune. The Magpie has also been attacked for their role as a predator which includes eating other birds' eggs and their young. However, different studies have reached different conclusions on their impact on the populations of other birds. Date: 13th January 2013 Location: Pennington Flash, Greater Manchester http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21957050.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5067316053da31d1ea3e2.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Staple Island, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/barnacle-geese https://images.on-this.website/4752_21274412544b522af15cbff.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 3rd January 2010 Location: Southerness, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37399614.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9146957405c6697b14f0c3.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 9th December 2018 Location: Winterton-Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/juvenile-tree-sparrow https://images.on-this.website/4752_149193936762ca9ebad96fb.jpgJuvenile Tree Sparrow The Tree Sparrow is a member of the sparrow family Passer, a group of small passerine birds that is believed to have originated in Africa and which contains 15 to 25 species. The Tree Sparrow's name is derived from 2 Latin words: passer meaning "sparrow" and montanus meaning "of the mountains". The common name is given to suggest the preference for tree holes for nesting. However, this name and the scientific name montanus do not appropriately describe the Tree Sparrow’s habitat preferences: the German name Feldsperling meaning "field sparrow" comes closer to doing so. The Tree Sparrow is around 5 to 5.5 inches in length with a wingspan of about 8.3 inches, making it roughly 10% smaller than the House Sparrow. The adult's crown and nape are a rich chestnut and there is a kidney-shaped black ear patch on each pure white cheek. The chin, throat and the area between the bill and throat are black. The upperparts are light brown streaked with black and the brown wings have 2 distinct narrow white bars. The legs are pale brown and the bill is lead-blue in summer becoming almost black in winter. The Tree Sparrow is distinctive even within its own family in that there are no plumage differences between the sexes. The juvenile resembles the adult although the colours tend to be duller. The contrasting face pattern makes the Tree Sparrow easily identifiable in all plumages and the smaller size and chestnut (not grey) crown are additional differences from the male House Sparrow. The Tree Sparrow's breeding range comprises most of temperate Europe and Asia south of about latitude 68°N (north of this the summers are too cold) and through south east Asia to Java and Bali. It is sedentary over most of its extensive range but northernmost breeding populations migrate south for the winter and small numbers leave south Europe for north Africa and the Middle East. The Tree Sparrow has been introduced outside its native range but it has not always become successfully established, possibly due to competition with the House Sparrow. Ship-carried birds have colonised some areas and birds have also occurred as vagrants. Despite its scientific name, the Tree Sparrow is not typically a mountain species and reaches only 2300 feet in Switzerland although it has bred at 5600 feet in the northern Caucasus and as high as 14010 feet in Nepal. In Europe, the Tree Sparrow is frequently found in open countryside with small isolated patches of woodland but also on coasts with cliffs, in woodland along slow water courses and in empty buildings. It shows a strong preference for nest sites near wetland habitats and avoids breeding on intensively managed farmland. In Europe, where the Tree Sparrow and the House Sparrow occur in the same region, the House Sparrow generally nests in urban areas while the Tree Sparrow nests in rural areas. Where trees are in short supply, both species may utilise man-made structures as nest sites. Whilst the Tree Sparrow is mainly a rural bird in Europe, it tends to be an urban bird in Asia and Australia. In the UK, the Tree Sparrow is scarcer in upland areas and the far north and west of the and the main populations are now found across the Midlands and south and east England. The Tree Sparrow may breed in isolated pairs or in loose colonies. The male calls from near the nest site in spring to proclaim ownership and attract a mate and he may also carry nest material in to the nest hole. The Tree Sparrow typically builds its nest in a cavity in an old tree or rock face. Some nests are not in holes as such but are built among roots of overhanging bushes. Roof cavities in houses and nest boxes are also readily used. In addition, the Tree Sparrow will breed in the disused nest of a Magpie or other crow species or an active or unused nest of a large bird such as the White Stork or a heron or raptor species. It will sometimes attempt to take over the nest of other birds that breed in holes or enclosed spaces such as tit species, flycatcher species, Swallow, House Martin, Sand Martin or European Bee-eater. The untidy nest is composed of hay, grass, wool or other material and lined with feathers which improve thermal insulation. The female lays 5 or 6 eggs which are incubated by both parents for 12 to 13 days and the chicks fledge after a further 15 to 18 days. There are 2 or 3 broods each year. Hybridisation between the Tree Sparrow and the House Sparrow has been recorded in many parts of the world with male hybrids tending to resemble the Tree Sparrow while female hybrids are more similar to the House Sparrow. The Tree Sparrow is a predominantly seed and grain eating bird which feeds on the ground in flocks and often with House Sparrows, finches and buntings. It may also visit feeding stations. It additionally feeds on invertebrates including insects, woodlice, millipedes, centipedes, spiders, etc. especially during the breeding season when the young are fed mainly on animal food. Adults use a variety of wetlands when foraging for invertebrate prey to feed chicks and aquatic sites play a key role in providing adequate diversity and availability of suitable invertebrate prey to allow successful chick rearing. Large areas of formerly occupied farmland no longer provide these invertebrate resources due to the effects of intensive farming. The Tree Sparrow has a large range and a large population. Although the population is declining, the species is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List. For this reason, the Tree Sparrow is designated as being of “Least Concern”. Although the Tree Sparrow has been expanding its range in Fennoscandia and east Europe, its population has been declining in much of west Europe, a trend reflected in other farmland birds such as the Skylark and Corn Bunting. The collapse in population seems to have been particularly severe in the UK where there was a 93% decline between 1970 and 2008. However, recent Breeding Bird Survey data is encouraging and suggests that numbers may have started to increase albeit from a very low point. The decrease in population is probably the result of agricultural intensification and specialisation, particularly the increased use of herbicides and a trend towards autumn-sown crops at the expense of spring-sown crops that produce stubble fields in winter. The change from mixed to specialised farming and the increased use of insecticides has reduced the amount of insect food available for chicks. Date: 27th June 2022 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28102063.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6024141257779d0118939.jpgRed Kites The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include [url=http://www.gigrin.co.uk/]Gigrin Farm feeding centre[/url] near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 12th June 2016 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo16538244.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_111580057350827eec9a375.jpgRuff The Ruff is a medium-sized wading bird in the sandpiper family, [i]Scolopacidae[/i]. The original English name for this bird, dating back to at least 1465, is the [i]ree[/i], perhaps derived from a dialectical term meaning "frenzied". A later name [I]reeve[/I], which is still used for the female, is of unknown origin but may be derived from the shire-reeve, a feudal officer, likening the male's flamboyant plumage to the official's robes. The current name was first recorded in 1634 and is derived from the ruff, an exaggerated collar fashionable from the mid-16th century to the mid-17th century, since the male bird's neck ornamental feathers resemble the neck wear. The Ruff has a distinctive appearance with a small head, medium-length bill, longish neck and pot-bellied body. It has long legs that are variable in colour but usually yellow or orange. In flight, it has a deeper, slower wing stroke than other waders of a similar size and it displays a thin, indistinct white bar on the wing and white ovals on the sides of the tail. The Ruff shows very distinctive sexual dimorphism. Although a small percentage of males resemble females, the typical male is much larger than the female and has an elaborate breeding plumage. The male is 11 to 13 inches in length with a 21 to 24 inches wingspan. During the May to June breeding season, the typical male's legs, bill and warty bare facial skin are orange and he has distinctive head tufts and a neck ruff. These ornaments vary on individual birds and are black, chestnut or white with the colouring solid, barred or irregular. The grey-brown back has a scale-like pattern, often with black or chestnut feathers, and the underparts are white with extensive black on the breast. The extreme variability of the main breeding plumage is thought to have developed to aid individual recognition in a species that has communal breeding displays but is usually mute. Outside the breeding season, the typical male's head and neck decorations and the bare facial skin are lost and the legs and bill become duller. The upperparts are grey-brown and the underparts are white with grey mottling on the breast and flanks. The female, or "reeve", is 9 to 10 inches in length with a 18 to 19 inches wingspan. In the breeding plumage, the female has grey-brown upperparts with white-fringed, dark-centred feathers. The breast and flanks are variably blotched with black. In winter, her plumage is similar to that of the male but the sexes are distinguishable on size. The plumage of the juvenile Ruff resembles the non-breeding adult but has upperparts with a neat, scale-like pattern with dark feather centres and a strong buff tinge to the underparts. The Ruff is a migratory species, breeding in wetlands in the colder regions of northern Eurasia and wintering in the tropics, mainly in Africa. There is a limited overlap of the summer and winter ranges in the UK and parts of coastal western Europe and birds may be present throughout the year. The Ruff breeds in Europe and Asia from Scandinavia and the UK almost to the Pacific. In Europe, it is found in cool temperate areas but over its Russian range it is an Arctic species and occurs mainly north of about 65°N. The largest numbers breed in Russia, Sweden, Finland and Norway. Although it also breeds from the UK east through the Low Countries to Poland, Germany and Denmark, the populations are much lower in these more southerly areas. The Ruff is highly gregarious on migration and it travels in large flocks that can contain hundreds or thousands of individuals. Huge dense groups form on the wintering grounds. The males, which play no part in nesting or chick care, leave the breeding grounds in late June or early July followed later in July by the females and juveniles. Males typically make shorter flights and winter further north than females. Many migratory species use this differential wintering strategy since it reduces feeding competition between the sexes and enables territorial males to reach the breeding grounds as early as possible thereby improving their chances of successful mating. Males may also be able to tolerate colder winter conditions because they are larger than females. The Ruff breeds in extensive lowland freshwater marshes and damp grasslands. It avoids barren tundra and areas badly affected by severe weather, preferring hummocky marshes and deltas with shallow water. The wetter areas provide a source of food, the mounds and slopes may be used for leks and dry areas with sedge or low scrub offer nesting sites. When it is not breeding, it can be found in a wider range of shallow wetlands. Dry grassland, tidal mudflats and the seashore are less frequently used. Male Ruffs display during the breeding season at a lek in a traditional open grassy arena. The Ruff is one of the few lekking species in which the display is primarily directed at other males rather than to the females and it is among a small percentage of birds in which the males have well-marked and inherited variations in plumage and mating behaviour. There are 3 male forms: the typical territorial males, satellite males which have a white neck ruff and a very rare variant with female-like plumage. The behaviour and appearance for an individual male remain constant through its adult life and are determined by its genes. The territorial males, about 84% of the total, have strongly coloured black or chestnut ruffs and stake out and occupy small mating territories in the lek. They actively court females and display a high degree of aggression towards other resident males. Between 5 and 20 territorial males each hold an area of the lek about 3 feet across and usually with bare soil in the centre. They perform an elaborate display that includes wing fluttering, jumping, standing upright, crouching with ruff erect or lunging at rivals. They are typically silent even when displaying. Territorial males are very site faithful and 90% return to the same lekking sites in subsequent seasons, the most dominant males being the most likely to reappear. Site faithful males can acquire accurate information about the competitive abilities of other males, leading to well-developed dominance relationships. Such stable relationships reduce conflict and the risk of injury and the consequent lower levels of male aggression are less likely to scare off females. Lower-ranked territorial males also benefit from site fidelity since they can remain on the leks while waiting for the top males eventually to drop out. Satellite males, about 16% of the total number, have white or mottled ruffs and do not occupy territories. Instead, they enter leks and attempt to mate with the females visiting the territories occupied by the resident territorial males. Resident territorial males tolerate the satellite birds because, although they are competitors for mating with the females, the presence of both types of male on a territory attracts additional females. A third type of male was first described in 2006. This is a permanent female mimic, the first such reported for a bird. About 1% of males are small, intermediate in size between males and females and do not grow the elaborate breeding plumage of the territorial and satellite males. This cryptic male obtains access to mating territories together with the females and "steals" matings when the females crouch to solicit copulation. It moults into the prenuptial male plumage with striped feathers but does not go on to develop the ornamental feathers of the normal male. Not all mating takes place at the lek since only a minority of the males attend an active lek. As alternative strategies, males can also directly pursue females or wait for them as they approach good feeding sites. The level of polyandry in the Ruff is the highest known for any avian lekking species and for any shorebird. More than half of females mate with and have clutches fertilised by more than one male. In lekking species, females can choose mates without risking the loss of support from males in nesting and rearing chicks since the males take no part in raising the brood anyway. The nest of the Ruff is a shallow ground scrape lined with grass leaves and stems and concealed in marsh plants or tall grass up to 450 yards from the lek. Nesting is solitary although several females may lay in the general vicinity of a lek. The female lays typically 4 eggs from mid-March to early June depending on latitude. Incubation is undertaken by the female alone and the time to hatching is 20 to 23 days with a further 25 to 28 days to fledging. The precocial chicks have buff and chestnut down, streaked and barred with black and frosted with white. They feed themselves on a variety of small invertebrates. The Ruff normally feeds using a steady walk and pecking action, selecting food items by sight, but it will also wade deeply and submerge its head. During the breeding season, the Ruff’s diet consists almost exclusively of the adults and larva of terrestrial and aquatic insects such as beetles and flies. On migration and during the winter, it eats insects, crustaceans, spiders, molluscs, worms, frogs, small fish and also the seeds of rice and other cereals, sedges, grasses and aquatic plants. The Ruff has a large range and a large population although there is some evidence of a decrease in the population in some regions and countries. However, the species as a whole is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List (i.e. declining more than 30 percent in 10 years or 3 generations). For these reasons, the Ruff is classified as "least concern". However, the range in much of Europe is contracting because of land drainage, increased fertiliser use, the loss of mown or grazed breeding sites and over-hunting. Therefore the Ruff is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 1st October 2012 Location: Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/dalmatian-pelicans https://images.on-this.website/4752_196266604559ceaf166b69.jpgDalmatian Pelicans The somewhat similar-looking White Pelican broadly overlaps in size but has greater size sexual dimorphism. Female White Pelicans can be noticeably smaller than female Dalmatian Pelicans but male individuals of the two species are essentially the same size and weight. The Dalmatian Pelican differs from the White Pelican in that it has curly nape feathers, grey legs and silvery-white (rather than pure white) plumage. In winter, the adult Dalmatian Pelican goes from silvery-grey to a dingier brownish-grey cream colour. Immature birds are grey and lack the pink facial patch of immature White Pelicans. The bare skin around the eye can vary from yellow to purplish in colour. In the breeding season the Dalmatian Pelican has an orange-red lower mandible and pouch against a yellow upper mandible but in winter the whole bill is a somewhat dull yellow. The bill, at 14 to 18 inches long, is the second largest of any bird after the Australian Pelican. In flight, the Dalmatian Pelican is an elegant soaring bird, with the head held close to and aligned with the body by a downward bend in the neck. Unlike other pelicans, its wings are solid greyish-white with black tips. The Dalmatian Pelican can be found in lakes, rivers, deltas and estuaries from south east Europe to India and China. Compared to the White Pelican, the Dalmatian Pelican is not as tied to lowland areas and will nest in suitable wetlands at many elevations. It is less opportunistic in breeding habitat selection than the White Pelican, usually returning to a traditional breeding site year after year unless it becomes completely unsuitable. The Dalmatian Pelican usually migrates short distances. It is dispersive in Europe, based on feeding opportunities, with most western birds staying through the winter in the Mediterranean region. It is more actively migratory in Asia, where most of the birds that breed in Russia fly down for the winter to the central Middle East, largely around Iran through to the Indian Subcontinent from Nepal to central India. The Dalmatian Pelican has declined greatly throughout its range, more so than the White Pelican. During the 20th century, the species' numbers underwent a dramatic decline for reasons that are not entirely understood. The most likely reason was habitat loss due to human activities such as the drainage of wetlands and land development. Colonies are regularly disturbed by human activity, and, like all pelicans, the parents may temporarily leave their nest if threatened which then exposes the chicks to the risk of predation. Occasionally, Dalmatian Pelicans may be shot by fishermen who believe the birds are dangerously depleting the fish population and hence threatening their livelihood. Dalmatian Pelicans also regularly fly into power-lines and are killed by electrocution. The largest single remaining colony of Dalmatian Pelicans in Europe is at the Prespa lakes shared between Albania and Greece with around 1400 pairs. Approximately 450 pairs breed in the Danube Delta in Romania. The country with the largest breeding population today, including about 70% of pairs or possibly over 3,000 pairs, is Russia. Conservation efforts have been undertaken on behalf of the Dalmatian Pelican especially in Europe. Although they normally nest on the ground, Dalmatian Pelicans have nested on platforms put out in Turkey, Greece, Bulgaria and Romania in order to encourage them to breed. Rafts over water have also been set up for the species to use in Greece and Bulgaria. Power-lines have also been marked or dismantled in areas adjacent to colonies in these countries. Additionally, water-level management and educational programs may be aiding them at a local level. The Dalmatian Pelican feeds almost entirely on fish. It usually forages alone or in groups of only 2 or 3 birds. It normally swims along, placidly and slowly, until it quickly dunks its head underwater and scoops the fish out along with great masses of water. The water is dumped out of the sides of the pouch and the fish is swallowed. Occasionally it may feed cooperatively with other pelicans by corralling fish into shallow waters and may even co-operate similarly while fishing alongside Cormorants. Among a highly social family in general, the Dalmatian Pelican may have the least social inclinations. It naturally nests in relatively small groups compared to most other pelican species and sometimes may even nest alone. However, small colonies are usually formed, which regularly include upwards of 250 pairs. Occasionally, Dalmatian Pelicans may mix in with colonies of White Pelicans. Nesting sites selected are usually either islands in large bodies of water (typically lagoons or river deltas) or dense mats of aquatic vegetation. The nest is a moderately-sized pile of grass, reeds, sticks and feathers and is usually located on or near the ground, often being placed on dense floating vegetation. Breeding commences in March or April, about a month before the White Pelican breeds. Date: 13th May 2015 Location: Great Prespa Lake (Megali Prespa), West Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo441581.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1363918238467eeaf2d0777.jpgDate: June 1998 Location: Pentland Firth, Caithness http://www.richardchewphotography.com/mallards https://images.on-this.website/4752_1330763674db16902d8e2f.jpgMallards The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 6th January 2008 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/fieldfare https://images.on-this.website/4752_18199501274f3cc5b7655d0.jpgFieldfare The Fieldfare is a member of the thrush family which is very similar to a Mistle Thrush in general size, shape and behaviour. It has a slate grey crown, neck and rump, a plain brown back, dark wings, blackish tail and white underwings. The breast and flanks are heavily speckled. The breast has a reddish wash and the rest of the underparts are white. The sexes are similar in appearance but the females are slightly more brown. The male has a simple chattering song and the birds have various guttural flight and alarm calls. The Fieldfare is a migratory species with a Palearctic distribution. It breeds in north Norway, north Sweden, Finland, the Baltic states, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland and in to Asia. In the summer the Fieldfare frequents mixed woodland of birch, alder, pine, spruce and fir, often near marshes, moorland or other open ground. It does not avoid the vicinity of humans and can be seen in cultivated areas, orchards, parks and gardens. It also inhabits open tundra and the slopes of hills above the tree line. It often breeds in small colonies, possibly for protection from predators. The first known breeding of the Fieldfare in the UK was in 1967 when a pair nested in Orkney. Very small numbers have continued nesting fairly regularly in Scotland. The winter range extends through west Europe, including the UK, south Europe and north Africa although it is uncommon in the Mediterranean region. Eastern populations migrate to Anatolia, Israel, Iran and north west India. Migrating and wintering Fieldfares often form large flocks, often in the company of Redwings. In the winter, the Fieldfare can be found in open country, agricultural land, orchards, open woodland and gardens. It is nomadic, wandering wherever there is an abundance of berries and insects. Later in the year it moves on to pastureland and cultivated fields. The Fieldfare is omnivorous. Animal food in the diet includes snails and slugs, earthworms, spiders and insects such as beetles and their larvae, flies and grasshoppers. In the autumn ripened berries such as hawthorn, holly, rowan, yew, juniper, dog rose, cotoneaster, pyracantha and berberis are eaten. In addition, windfall apples, grain and seeds are eaten. When these are exhausted, or in particularly harsh weather, the birds may move to marshes or even the foreshore where molluscs can be found. Date: 7th February 2012 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31194351.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1161674296591872d689e261.14352831.jpgCommon Redstart The Common Redstart, or often simply Redstart, is a small passerine bird. Like its relatives, it was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family but it is now known to be an Old World flycatcher. The Common Redstart shows some affinity to the Robin in many of its habits and actions. It has the same general carriage and chat-like behaviour and it is the same length but slightly slimmer and not quite as heavy. The orange-red tail, from which it and other redstarts get their names ("start" is an old word for "tail"), is frequently quivered. Among common European birds, only the Black Redstart has a similarly coloured tail. In summer, the male Common Redstart has a slate-grey head and upperparts, except the rump and tail, which, like the flanks, underwing coverts and axillaries, are orange-chestnut. The forehead is white and the sides of the face and throat are black. The wings and the two central tail feathers are brown and the other tail feathers are bright orange-red. The orange on the flanks shades to almost white on the belly. The bill and legs are black. In autumn, pale feather fringes on the body feathering obscures the colours of the male and gives it a washed-out appearance. The female is browner with paler underparts and it lacks the black and slate head. The Common Redstart is a summer visitor throughout most of Europe and west Asia (east to Lake Baikal) and also in north west Africa in Morocco. It can be found in open mature birch and oak woodland with low amounts of shrub and understorey especially where the trees are old enough to have holes suitable for its nest. It prefers to nest on the edge of woodland clearings in natural tree holes so dead trees or those with dead limbs are beneficial to it. It also nests in mature open conifer woodland, particularly in the north of the breeding range, and nestboxes are sometimes used. In the UK, the Common Redstart occurs primarily in broadleaf woodlands in upland areas in the north and west with the greatest concentrations in Wales. Further east in Europe it also commonly occurs in lowland areas including parks and old gardens in urban areas. The Common Redstart winters in central Africa and Arabia, south of the Sahara Desert but north of the Equator and from Senegal east to Yemen. It first arrives in its breeding areas in early to mid April, the males often a few days in advance of the females. Following breeding, return migration to Africa occurs between mid August and early October. The Common Redstart is insectivorous and eats a wide variety of small insects and spiders but additionally fruit and berries in the autumn. It often feeds like a flycatcher and makes aerial sallies after passing insects. Date: 8th May 2017 Location: Gilfach RWT reserve, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11204056.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14638388324e186e1387e61.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 31st May 2008 Location: Sumburgh Head, South Mainland, Shetland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37431198.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_758966705c6be834c5c65.jpgBlue Tit The Blue Tit is a small passerine bird in the tit family. It is easily recognisable by its generally blue and yellow plumage and its small size. The Blue Tit is about 4.7 inches long with a wingspan of 7.1 inches. It has an azure blue crown and a dark blue line passing through the eye and encircling the white cheeks to the chin, giving the bird a very distinctive appearance. The forehead and a bar on the wing are white. The nape, wings and tail are blue and the back is yellowish green. The underparts are mostly sulphur-yellow with a dark line down the abdomen. The bill is black and the legs bluish grey. The sexes are similar whilst young birds are noticeably more yellow. The Blue Tit is very agile and it can cling to the outermost branches and hang upside down when searching for food such as insects, caterpillars and seeds. The Blue Tit can be found throughout areas of the European continent with a mainly temperate or Mediterranean climate and in parts of the Middle East. In the UK it is common in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens and widespread across the whole of the country with the exception of some Scottish islands. The Blue Tit will nest in any suitable hole in a tree, wall or stump, often competing with other birds such as the House Sparrow or Great Tit for the site. In addition, it will readily accept an artificial nesting box. The same hole is returned to year after year and when one pair dies another takes possession. The nesting material is usually moss, wool, hair and feathers and the eggs are laid in April or May. The number in the clutch is often very large but 7 or 8 is normal. It is not unusual for a single bird to feed the chicks in the nest at a rate of one feed every 90 seconds during the height of the breeding season. Successful breeding is dependent on a sufficient supply of caterpillars as well as satisfactory weather. Breeding may be affected badly if the weather is cold and wet between May and July, particularly if this coincides with the emergence of the caterpillars on which the nestlings are fed. The small size of the Blue Tit makes it vulnerable to predation by larger birds and the typical lifespan is 3 years or less. The most significant predator is probably the Sparrowhawk, closely followed by the domestic cat. Nests may also be robbed by mammals such as the Weasel and Red and Grey Squirrels. Date: 10th January 2019 Location: RSPB Greylake, Somerset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33568409.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9797451755a106b11d789e.jpgDate: 4th November 2017 Location: Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11159404.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9854502314e1582e5185f4.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 3rd November 2008 Location: Loch Gruinart, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/unknown-location-lappi-finland https://images.on-this.website/4752_12386711114eff209371a9b.jpgUnknown location, Lappi, Finland Date: 28th May 2009 Location: unknown http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7950432.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19225811824d03cfb83d359.jpgGreylag Goose The Greylag Goose is the ancestor of most domestic geese but is also the largest and bulkiest of the wild geese native to the UK and Europe. In many parts of the UK it has been re-established by releasing birds in suitable areas but the resulting flocks found around gravel pits, lakes and reservoirs all year round in southern Britain tend to be semi-tame. The native birds and wintering flocks found on lochs in northern Scotland and on some Scottish islands retain the special appeal of truly wild geese. Date: 15th November 2010 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo44044226.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_479622182614f0dc94e469.jpgRed Admiral Flight period: April to November. The Red Admiral is a familiar and widespread butterfly in the UK although numbers depend on immigration from Europe. It can be found in any flower-rich habitat. Date: 27th August 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/eastern-rhodopes-mountains-haskovo-province https://images.on-this.website/4752_14717763355d307d8463add.jpgEastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria The Rhodopes Mountains are a mountain range in south east Europe. They are spread over 5689 square miles of which 4723 square miles are located in south Bulgaria and the remainder in north Greece. The Rhodopes Mountains are about 149 miles long and about 62 to 75 miles wide with an average altitude of 2575 feet. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 7188 feet and is situated 12 miles to the west of Smolyan. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rhodopes Mountains give their name to the terrestrial eco-region Rodope montane mixed forests that belong in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The area is particularly notable for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans plus its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms such as the Trigrad Gorge. The Rhodopes Mountains can be sub-divided in to 3 sections: The Western Rhodopes are spread over 66% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and they are higher, the most infrastructurally developed and the most visited part of the mountains. The highest and best known peaks are located in this section with more than 10 over 6562 feet high including the highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7188 feet). Some of the deepest river gorges in the Rhodopes Mountains are located in the west as well as several large lakes. The Eastern Rhodopes are spread over a territory of about 34% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and are much lower in height. The large artificial dams of Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets are located in this part of the mountains. Almost every species of European bird of prey nests in the Eastern Rhodopes including 3 species of vulture. The Southern Rhodopes are the part of the mountain range that is located in Greece and they are characterized by numerous peaks of relatively low altitude. In the Eastern Rhodopes, the Madzharovo Special Protection Area located between village of Borislavtsi and the town of Madzharovo is one of the most popular destinations for birding in Bulgaria. The area covers a part of the narrow valley of the River Arda and is surrounded by rugged mountain slopes, rock massifs, rocky pinnacles, dry scrub and wooded hillsides. The unique micro-climate and the diverse relief are the reason for the wealth of bird species which can be found here. Around 175 bird species have been recorded of which 40 have been included in the Red Book of Bulgaria (a list of endangered species in the country), 78 are of European environmental protection significance and 6 are globally endangered. The Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB) has established a Nature Conservation Centre in Madzharovo which provides an exhibition, conducts educational programs and provides information for various routes and landmarks. It particularly focuses on the many birds of prey which can be found in the area, especially the 3 species of vulture (Griffon, Black and Egyptian). Date: 24th May 2018 Location: River Arda valley and Kovan Kaya near Madzharovo, eastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51980676.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_112247435566d3343a16c10.jpgAzure Damselfly Flight period: May to August The Azure Damselfly is one of the two commonest blue damselflies and is a common and widespread species of lowland UK. They can be found around most standing water, preferring small, sheltered sites including ditches and garden ponds. Date: 29th June 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21956445.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_180801984053da2a840f604.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Staple Island, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29240066.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21324581357eb956c4a852.jpgPine Marten The Pine Marten is a member of the mustelid family which also includes the Mink, the Otter, the Badger, the Stoat and the Weasel. It is the only mustelid with semi-retractable claws which enables it to lead a more arboreal lifestyle such as climbing or running in trees. The Pine Marten is about the size of a domestic cat and males are slightly larger than females. The fur is usually light to dark brown and grows longer and silkier during the winter months. It has a cream to yellow coloured "bib" marking on their throats and a long fluffy tail. The Pine Marten is usually found in deciduous and coniferous woodland with plenty of cover and it is mainly active at dusk and at night. It has small rounded, highly sensitive ears and sharp teeth adapted for eating small mammals, birds, insects, frogs and carrion although it also eats berries, nuts, fungi, birds' eggs and honey. Pine Marten dens are commonly found in hollow trees or the fallen root masses of Scots Pines, an association that probably earned them their name. Cairns and cliffs covered with scrub are frequently used as alternative den sites. Territories vary in size according to habitat and food availability. The Pine Marten is one of the rarest native mammals in the UK. Until the 19th century, it was found throughout much of mainland UK, the Isle of Wight and some of the Scottish islands although habitat fragmentation, persecution by gamekeepers and hunting for their fur drastically reduced this distribution. By the 1920s, the main Pine Marten population in the UK was restricted to a small area of north west Scotland. Until recently it remained only at all common in this region where some individuals have lost their fear of man and come to take food provided for them, particularly enjoying jam and peanut butter. A study in 2012 found that the Pine Marten has spread from its Scottish Highland stronghold, north into east Sutherland and Caithness and south east from the Great Glen into Moray, Aberdeenshire, Perthshire, Tayside and the Stirling area with some also occurring in the Central Belt and on the Kintyre and Cowal peninsulas. Expansion in south Scotland has been limited and despite reintroduction to the Glen Trool Forest there has only been a restricted spread from there. In England, the Pine Marten is extremely rare with scattered reports from Cumbria, Northumberland and mid Wales. In July 2015 the [url=http://www.shropshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/pine-marten-appeal] first confirmed sighting of a Pine Marten in England for over a century[/url] was recorded by an amateur photographer in woodland in Shropshire. In Wales, the Vincent Wildlife Trust is implementing a [url=http://www.pine-marten-recovery-project.org.uk/news/pine-martens-arrive-in-wales]reintroduction project[/url] through translocations of Pine Martens from Scotland. The Pine Marten is still quite rare in Ireland but the population is recovering and spreading. The traditional strongholds are in the west and south, especially the Burren, but the population in the Midlands has significantly increased in recent years. A study published in 2015 showed that the Pine Marten was distributed across every county in Northern Ireland. Although they are preyed upon occasionally by Golden Eagles and Red Foxes, humans are the largest threat to the Pine Marten. It is vulnerable from conflict with humans, arising from predator control for other species and the use of inhabited buildings for denning. The Pine Marten is also affected by persecution (illegal poisoning and shooting) by gamekeepers and loss of habitat. This photo was taken in very low light and through a window and the Pine Marten was encouraged to visit every evening during a week long stay at Mingarry Lodges with a supply of jam, peanuts, suet pellets and grapes! Date: 23rd September 2016 Location: Mingarry Lodges, Mingarry, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/herring-gulls https://images.on-this.website/4752_17788127644e313ab5e0d53.jpgHerring Gulls Herring gulls are large, noisy gulls and can be found throughout the year around coasts. During winter they can also be found inland around rubbish tips, fields, large reservoirs and lakes. Herring Gulls usually breed in colonies at coastal sites around the UK including cliffs with grassy slopes, shingle beaches, small islands and rooftops in seaside towns. Date: 23rd November 2007 Location: Leysdown, Sheppey, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32708807.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_102138040659ad25625fb456.41461630.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 18th May 2017 Location: Csaj-tó, Csanytelek, Csongrád county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41349698.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13129530705f20181f43975.jpgPeacock Flight period: March to September. The Peacock is a familiar and widespread butterfly which is continuing to expand its range in the UK. It is a highly adaptable species that can be found almost anywhere but the best sites are where favoured nectar plants are available. Date: 13th July 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51984020.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_119746392366d34770ab317.jpgCommon Blue Flight period: June to September. The Common Blue is the UK’s most widespread and common blue butterfly although it has suffered some local declines due to habitat loss. They can be found in sunny, sheltered areas including downland, roadside verges, woodland clearings and rural gardens. Date: 28th July 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/june-2013-red-grouse https://images.on-this.website/4752_15144408795252879211fe3.jpgJune 2013 - Red Grouse Please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/photo18776280.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/bspb-poda-protected-area-burgas https://images.on-this.website/4752_15139212065d307bdf38046.jpgBSPB Poda Protected Area, Burgas Province, Bulgaria The Burgas lakes or Burgas wetlands are a group of coastal lakes of varying salinity located around the city of Burgas (the fourth largest city in Bulgaria) on the Black Sea coast. They constitute the largest group of lakes in the country and comprise some of Bulgaria's biggest and most important lakes. The total area of the lakes and wetlands (including swamps, marshes, ponds and other reservoirs) amounts to 59 square miles of which 21 square miles are either designated or proposed protected areas that are inhabited by a large number of locally or globally endangered species of birds, mammals and fish. Apart from this, the Burgas lakes are also of economic importance and they are used to obtain sea salt and curative mud as well as to supply the local economy with fresh water in the case of Lake Mandra. The lakes comprise (in north to south order): Lake Pomorie: an ultra-saline lagoon Lake Atanasovsko: a nature reserve and Ramsar site Lake Burgas or Lake Vaya: the largest natural lake in Bulgaria by area Lake Poda: sometimes regarded as a part of Lake Mandra Lake Mandra or Lake Mandrensko: now a fresh water reservoir and the largest of the group The Poda Protected Area is situated in the centre of the Burgas wetlands. It was declared as Poda Protected Area in 1989 when it was the first protected area in Bulgaria to be completely managed and maintained by a non-governmental organization, the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB). Over the years, Poda has proved itself to be a successful model for protected area management. In 2002 it was designated as a Ramsar site and in 2007 it was included in the European Natura 2000 network as the Mandra-Poda Protected Area. Poda is situated on the Via Pontica bird migration flyway and despite occupying a relatively small area (0.6 square miles), around 275 bird species have been recorded and it is an important site for breeding, migrating and wintering birds. The rich biodiversity is attributed to the 3 different types of water habitats it contains: brackish, fresh and hyper-saline salt water. Poda is the only location on the Black Sea coast with a mixed heron breeding colony of Spoonbill, Purple Heron, Grey Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron, Squacco Heron, Great White Egret and Little Egret. Large numbers of Cormorants are also notable and they have forsaken their usual breeding sites in reed beds and made their nests on the abandoned electrical pylons in the area. At Poda, BSPB created the first Nature Conservation Centre in Bulgaria in 1997. This has served as a focal point for environmental protection and conservation, education, information and visitor activities, not just for Poda but also for the rest of the Burgas lakes. The Nature Conservation Centre is open all year and it receives around 15,000 visitors a year, mostly during the spring and summer. Date: 22nd May 2018 Location: BSPB Poda Protected Area, Burgas Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28592739.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_149676562057ab04745a954.jpgBittern The Bittern, Eurasian Bittern or Great Bittern is a bird in the bittern sub-family of the heron family. Its folk names, often local, include many variations on the themes of "barrel-maker", "bog-bull", "bog hen", "bog-trotter", "bog-bumper", "mire drum(ble)", "butter bump", "bitter bum", "bog blutter", "bog drum", "boom bird", "bottle-bump", "bull of the bog", "bull of the mire", "bumpy cors" and "heather blutter". Most of these were onomatopoeic colloquial names for the bird. The call was described as "bumping" or "booming" and mire and bog denoted the bird's habitat. As its alternative name of Great Bittern suggests, the Bittern is the largest of the bitterns with males being slightly larger than females. It is 27 to 32 inches in length with a 39 to 51 inches wingspan. The crown and nape are black with the individual feathers rather long and loosely arranged and tipped with buff narrowly barred with black. The sides of the head and neck are a more uniform tawny-buff and irregularly barred with black. The mantle, scapulars and back are of a similar colour but are more heavily barred, the individual feathers having black centres and barring. The head has a yellowish-buff superciliary stripe and a brownish-black moustachial stripe. The sides of the neck are a rusty-brown with faint barring. The chin and throat are buff, the central feathers on the throat having longitudinal stripes of rusty-brown. The breast and belly are yellowish-buff with broad stripes of brown at the side and narrow stripes in the centre. The tail is rusty-buff with black streaks in the centre and black mottling near the edge. The wings are pale rusty-brown and irregularly barred, streaked and mottled with black. The plumage has a loose texture and elongated feathers on the crown, neck and breast can be erected. The powerful bill is greenish-yellow with a darker tip to the upper mandible. The eye has a yellow iris and is surrounded by a ring of greenish or bluish bare skin. The legs and feet are greenish, with some yellow on the tarsal joint and yellow soles to the feet. Juveniles have similar plumage to adults but are somewhat paler with less distinct markings. The mating call or contact call of the male Bittern is a deep, fog-horn or bull-like boom with a quick rise and an only slightly longer fall, easily audible from a distance of 3 miles on a calm night. The call is mainly given between January and April during the mating season. Surveys of Bitterns are carried out by noting the number of distinct male booms in a given area. Prior to modern science, it was unknown how such a small bird produced a call so low-pitched. Common explanations suggested that the bird made its call into a straw or that it blew directly into the water. It is now known that the sound is produced by expelling air from the oesophagus with the aid of powerful muscles surrounding it. Usually solitary, the Bittern forages in reed beds by walking stealthily or remaining still above a body of water where prey may occur. It is a shy bird and if it is disturbed it will often point its bill directly upwards and freezes in that position, causing its cryptic plumage to blend into the surrounding reeds. The Bittern has a secretive nature and keeps largely hidden in reeds and coarse vegetation. Occasionally, especially in hard winter weather, it will stand in the open beside the water's edge, although usually close to cover to facilitate a hasty retreat. In flight, the Bittern’s wings can be seen to be broad and rounded and its legs trail behind it in typical heron fashion. Its neck is extended when it takes off but is retracted when it has picked up speed. It seldom flies however and prefers to move through the vegetation stealthily on foot. Its gait is slow and deliberate and it can clamber over reeds by gripping several at a time with its toes. It is most active at dawn and dusk but also sometimes forages by day. The breeding range of the Bittern extends across temperate parts of Europe and Asia from the UK, Sweden and Finland eastwards to Sakhalin Island in eastern Siberia and Hokkaido Island in Japan. The northern limit of its range is in the Ural Mountains and eastern Siberia whilst the southern limit is the Mediterranean Sea, the Black Sea, Iran, Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia and northern China. Small resident populations also breed in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. Some populations are sedentary and stay in the same areas throughout the year. More northerly populations usually migrate to warmer regions but some birds often remain. Birds in northern Europe tend to move south and west to southern Europe, north and central Africa and northern Asian birds migrate to parts of the Arabian peninsula, the Indian sub-continent and eastern China. In the UK, the Bittern can be found all year round at suitable wetlands, particularly in East Anglia, south east England and south west England. It is most visible in winter. In recent years, the Bittern has become a regular winter visitor to the London Wetland Centre, enabling city residents to view this scare bird. The Bittern is typically found in reed beds and swamps as well as lakes, lagoons and sluggish rivers fringed by rank vegetation. It sometimes nests by ponds in agricultural areas and even quite near habitations where suitable habitat exists but it prefers large reed beds of at least 50 acres in which to breed. Outside the breeding season it has less restrictive habitat requirements and, in addition to reed beds, it can also be found in rice fields, watercress beds, fish farms, gravel pits, sewage works, ditches, flooded areas and marshes. Males are polygamous and mate with up to 5 females. The nest is built in the previous year's standing reeds and consists of an untidy platform some 12 inches across. It may be on a tussock surrounded by water or on matted roots close to water and it is built by the female using bits of reed, sedges and grass stalks with a lining of finer fragments. The clutch of 4 to 6 eggs is laid in late March and April and incubated by the female for about 26 days. After hatching, the chicks spend about 2 weeks in the nest before leaving to swim amongst the reeds. The female rears them without help from the male, regurgitating food from her crop. The chicks become fully fledged at about 8 weeks. The Bittern feeds on fish, small mammals, amphibians and invertebrates, hunting along the reed margins in shallow water. Some vegetable matter such as aquatic plants is also consumed. The Bittern has a very wide range and a large total population and therefore the IUCN has assessed its overall conservation status as being of "Least Concern” because although the population trend is downward, the rate of decline is insufficient to justify rating it in a more threatened category. The chief threat that the Bittern faces is the drainage and disturbance of its wetland habitats. Date: 5th August 2016 Location: Minsmere, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25774289.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_259948337560fe2818373f.jpgRed Squirrel The Red Squirrel or Eurasian Red Squirrel is a species of tree squirrel in the genus [i]Sciurus[/i]. It is an arboreal and primarily herbivorous rodent. The Red Squirrel has a typical head and body length of 7.5 to 9 inches, a tail length of 6 to 8 inches and a weight of 9 to 12 ounces. Males and females are the same size. The Red Squirrel is smaller and lighter in weight than the Grey Squirrel The coat of the Red Squirrel varies in colour with the time of year and its location and there are several different coat colour morphs ranging from black to red. Red coats are most common in the UK but in other parts of Europe and Asia different coat colours co-exist within populations. The underside of the Red Squirrel is always creamy-white in colour. The Red Squirrel sheds its coat twice a year, switching from a thinner summer coat to a thicker, darker winter coat with noticeably larger ear-tufts (a prominent distinguishing feature of this species) between August and November. A lighter, redder overall coat colour, along with the ear-tufts (in adults) and smaller size, distinguish the Red Squirrel from the Grey Squirrel. The long tail helps the Red Squirrel to balance and steer when jumping from tree to tree and running along branches and it may also keep it warm during sleep. The Red Squirrel, like most tree squirrels, has sharp and curved claws to enable it to climb and descend broad tree trunks, thin branches and even house walls and its strong hind legs enable it to leap gaps between trees. The Red Squirrel can be found in the boreal coniferous woods in north Europe and Siberia where it prefers Scots Pine, Norway Spruce and Siberian Pine. In west and south Europe it can be found in broad-leaved woods where the mixture of tree and shrub species provides a better year round source of food. In most of the UK and in Italy, broad-leaved woodlands are now less suitable for it due to the better competitive feeding strategy of the introduced Grey Squirrel. The Red Squirrel makes a drey (nest) out of twigs in a branch-fork, forming a domed structure about 9 to 12 inches in diameter. This is lined with moss, leaves, grass and bark. Tree hollows and woodpecker holes are also used. The Red Squirrel is generally a solitary animal and is shy and reluctant to share food with others. However, outside the breeding season and particularly in winter, several Red Squirrels may share a drey to keep warm. Social organisation is based on dominance hierarchies within and between sexes. Although males are not necessarily dominant towards females, the dominant animals tend to be larger and older than subordinate animals and dominant males tend to have larger home ranges than subordinate males or females. Mating can occur in late winter during February and March and in summer between June and July. During mating, males detect females that are in oestrus by an odour that they produce and, although there is no courtship, the male will chase the female for up to an hour prior to mating. Usually multiple males will chase a single female until the dominant male, usually the largest in the group, mates with the female. Males and females will mate multiple times with many partners. Females must reach a minimum body mass before they enter oestrus and heavy females on average produce more young. If food is scarce breeding may be delayed. Typically a female will produce her first litter in her second year. Up to 2 litters a year per female are possible. Each litter averages 3 young and these are known as kits. Gestation is about 38 to 39 days and the young are looked after by the mother alone and are born helpless, blind and deaf. Their body is covered by hair at 21 days, their eyes and ears open after 3 to 4 weeks and they develop all their teeth by 42 days. Juveniles can eat solids around 40 days following birth and from that point they can leave the nest on their own to find food. However, they still suckle from their mother until weaning occurs at 8 to 10 weeks. The Red Squirrel eats mostly the seeds of trees, fungi, nuts (especially hazelnuts but also beech and chestnuts), berries and young shoots. More rarely, it may also eat bird eggs or nestlings and may occasionally exhibit opportunistic omnivory similar to other rodents. Excess food is put into caches, either buried or in nooks or holes in trees, and eaten when food is scarce. Although the Red Squirrel remembers where it created caches at a better than chance level, its spatial memory is believed to be substantially less accurate and durable than that of the Grey Squirrel. Therefore it will often have to search for them when in need and many caches are never found again. Between 60% and 80% of the active time of a Red Squirrel may be spent foraging and feeding. The active period is generally in the morning and in the late afternoon and evening. It often rests in its nest in the middle of the day to avoid the heat and the high visibility to birds of prey that are dangers during these hours. During the winter, this midday rest is often much more brief or absent entirely although harsh weather may cause it to stay in its nest for days at a time. No territories are claimed between Red Squirrels and the feeding areas of individuals overlap considerably. A Red Squirrel that survives its first winter has a life expectancy of 3 years. Individuals may reach 7 years of age and 10 years in captivity. Survival is positively related to the availability of autumn and winter tree seeds. On average, 75 to 85% of juveniles die during their first winter and mortality is approximately 50% for winters following the first. Predators include small mammals such as the Pine Marten, the Wildcat and the Stoat which all prey on juveniles. Birds, including owls and raptors such as the Goshawk and Common Buzzard, may also prey on the Red Squirrel as will the Red Fox and domestic cats and dogs when it is on the ground. Humans influence the population size and mortality of the Red Squirrel by destroying or altering habitats, by causing road casualties and by introducing non-native populations of the Grey Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel and the Red Squirrel are not directly antagonistic and violent conflict between these species is not a factor in the decline in Red Squirrel populations. However, the Grey Squirrel appears to contribute to the decrease in the Red Squirrel population for several reasons: it carries a disease, the squirrel parapoxvirus, that does not appear to affect its own health but will often kill the Red Squirrel, it can better digest acorns whilst the Red Squirrel cannot access the proteins and fats in acorns as easily and it can put the Red Squirrel under pressure for food resources resulting in it not breeding as often. In the UK, due to the above circumstances, the population has today fallen to 160,000 Red Squirrels or fewer with the majority of these in Scotland. Outside the UK and Ireland, the impact of competition from the Grey Squirrel has also been observed in Italy where 2 pairs escaped from captivity in 1948. A significant drop in the Red Squirrel population has been observed since 1970 and it is feared that the Grey Squirrel may expand into the rest of Europe. The Red Squirrel is protected in most of Europe although in some areas it is abundant and is hunted for its fur. In the UK there are several active projects to protect the Red Squirrel and its native woodland habitat, introduce or re-introduce it in to areas where it is absent and eradicate and prevent the spread of the Grey Squirrel. Research undertaken in 2007 in the UK credits the Pine Marten with reducing the population of the invasive Grey Squirrel. Where the range of the expanding Pine Marten population meets that of the Grey Squirrel, the population of the latter retreats. It is theorised that, because the Grey Squirrel spends more time on the ground than the Red Squirrel, it is far more likely to come in contact with the Pine Marten. Date: 21st September 2015 Location: Mingarry Lodges, Mingarry, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28102050.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_93810237057779a1125808.jpgRed Kites The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include [url=http://www.gigrin.co.uk/]Gigrin Farm feeding centre[/url] near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 12th June 2016 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41254068.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20218558905f059e462be6e.jpgView from the m/s J.L. Runeberg between Porvoo and Helsinki, Finland Date: 26th June 2019 Location: view from the m/s J.L. Runeberg between Porvoo and Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51980692.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_66363311966d33474711f2.jpgAzure Damselfly Flight period: May to August The Azure Damselfly is one of the two commonest blue damselflies and is a common and widespread species of lowland UK. They can be found around most standing water, preferring small, sheltered sites including ditches and garden ponds. Date: 29th June 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/drafjrur-westfjords-iceland https://images.on-this.website/4752_317286354563899a3e1711.jpgDýrafjörður, Westfjords, Iceland Dýrafjörður is a 20 mile long fjord on the west coast of the Westfjords. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: view from road 60 south of Þingeyri http://www.richardchewphotography.com/wood-duck https://images.on-this.website/4752_8024518125909a17cbd01b1.23856432.jpgWood Duck The Wood Duck is one of the most colourful North American waterfowl. A typical adult is about 19 to 21 inches in length with a wingspan of between 26 to 29 inches. This is about three-quarters of the length of an adult Mallard. The adult male has distinctive multicolored iridescent plumage and red eyes with a distinctive white flare down the neck. The female is less colorful and has a white eye-ring and a whitish throat. Both adults have crested heads. The Wood Duck is a year-round resident in parts of its southern range in the USA but the northern populations migrate south for the winter where it overwinters in the southern USA near the Atlantic coast. The Wood Duck is also popular, due to its attractive plumage, in waterfowl collections and as such it is frequently recorded in the UK as an escape. Populations have become temporarily established in the past but are not considered to be self-sustaining in the fashion of the closely related Mandarin. Given its native distribution the Wood Duck is also a potential natural vagrant to western Europe and there have been records in areas such as Cornwall, Scotland and the Isles of Scilly which some observers consider may relate to wild birds. However, given the Wood Duck's popularity in captivity it would be extremely difficult to prove their provenance one way or the other. The Wood Duck’s breeding habitat is wooded swamps, shallow lakes, marshes or ponds and creeks in eastern North America, the west coast of the USA and west Mexico. It usually nests in cavities in trees close to water although they will take advantage of nesting boxes in wetland locations if available. The Wood Duck feeds by dabbling or walking on land where it mainly eats berries, acorns and seeds but also insects. The population of the Wood Duck was in serious decline in the late 19th century due to severe habitat loss and hunting both for its meat and its plumage for the ladies' hat market in Europe. By the beginning of the 20th century it had virtually disappeared from much of its former range. In response to the enactment of the USA Migratory Bird Treaty Act 1918, the population began to recover slowly. By ending unregulated hunting and taking measures to protect remaining habitat, Wood Duck populations began to rebound in the 1920s and the development of the artificial nesting box in the 1930s gave an additional boost. Expanding Beaver populations throughout the Wood duck's range have also helped the population rebound since Beavers create an ideal forested wetland habitat. This bird was part of the captive collection at the WWT London Wetland Centre. Date: 19th April 2017 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51980700.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_91044245066d3349548ed7.jpgMeadow Brown Flight period: June to August. The Meadow Brown is one of the most widespread and abundant of the UK's butterflies. It can be found typically in open grasslands but also other habitats such as roadside verges, woodland rides and urban parks and cemeteries. Date: 29th June 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21215578.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2139536664537dc0272d532.jpgCommon Buzzard The Common Buzzard is a member of the genus [I]Buteo[/I] and the family [i]Accipitridae[/i], a group of medium-sized raptors with robust bodies and broad wings. The [I]Buteo[/I] species of Eurasia and Africa are usually commonly referred to as buzzards whilst those in the Americas are called hawks. Under current classification, the genus [I]Buteo[/I] includes approximately 28 species. The Common Buzzard includes between 7 to 16 sub-species and the western [i]Buteo[/i] group includes [i]Buteo buteo buteo[/i] which is found more or less continuously throughout Europe including the UK. The Common Buzzard is a medium-sized raptor that is highly variable in plumage. It is distinctly round headed with a somewhat slender bill and it has relatively long wings that either reach or fall slightly short of the tail tip when perched, a fairly short tail and somewhat short and mainly bare tarsi. It can appear fairly compact in overall appearance but may also appear large relative to other commoner raptors such as the Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. The Common Buzzard measures between 16 and 23 inches in length with a 3 feet 7 inches to 4 feet 7 inches wingspan. Females average about 2 to 7% larger than males in length and weigh about 15% more. Body mass can show considerable variation from 0.94 to 2.6 pounds in males and 1.07 to 3.02 pounds in females. In Europe, the Common Buzzard is typically dark brown above and on the upperside of the head and mantle but this can become paler and warmer brown with worn plumage. Usually the tail will be narrowly barred grey-brown and dark brown with a pale tip and a broad dark subterminal band but the tail in the palest birds can show a varying amount of white and a reduced sub-terminal band or even appear almost all white. The underside colouring can be variable but typically shows a brown-streaked white throat with a somewhat darker chest. A pale U across the breast is often present followed by a pale line running down the belly which separates the dark areas on the breast side and flanks. These pale areas tend to have highly variable markings that form irregular bars. Juveniles are quite similar to adults and are best told apart by having a paler eye, a narrower sub-terminal band on the tail and underside markings that appear as streaks rather than bars. Beyond the typical mid-range brownish Common Buzzard, birds in Europe can range from almost uniform black-brown above to mainly white. Extreme dark individuals may range from chocolate-brown to blackish with almost no pale colour showing but with a variable or faded U on the breast and with or without faint lighter brown throat streaks. Extreme pale individuals are largely whitish with variable widely spaced streaks or arrowheads of light brown about the mid-chest and flanks and may or may not show dark feather-centres on the head, wing-coverts and sometimes all but part of the mantle. Individuals can show nearly endless variation of colours and hues in between these extremes and the Common Buzzard is among the most variably plumaged diurnal raptors for this reason. The Common Buzzard is often confused with other raptors especially in flight or at a distance including other [i]Buteo[/i] species such as Rough-legged Buzzard and Long-legged Buzzard and also Honey Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, Golden Eagle, Booted Eagle and Short-toed Eagle. The Common Buzzard is found throughout several islands in the eastern Atlantic islands, including the Canary Islands and the Azores, and almost throughout Europe. In the UK, it is found in Northern Ireland and in nearly every part of Scotland and England. In mainland Europe, there are no substantial gaps in the range from Portugal and Spain to Greece, Estonia, Belarus and the Ukraine, although it is present mainly only in the breeding season in much of the eastern half of the latter 3 countries. It is also present in all larger Mediterranean islands such as Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily and Crete. Further north in to Scandinavia, it is found mainly in south Norway, the southern half of Sweden and in the southern two-thirds of Finland. The Common Buzzard reaches its northern limit as a breeder in far eastern Finland and over the border in to European Russia and nearly to the Kola Peninsula. In these northern limits, the Common Buzzard is present typically only in summer. The Common Buzzard generally inhabits the interface of woodlands and open ground and typically lives in forest edge, small broad-leaved, coniferous or mixed woodlands with adjacent grassland, arable fields or other farmland and open moorland as long as there are some trees. It is absent from treeless tundra and sporadic or rare in treeless steppe. The Common Buzzard can be found from sea level to elevations of 6600 feet although it breeds mostly below 3300 feet. It can winter to an elevation of 8200 feet and migrates easily at 14,800 feet. The Common Buzzard is a partial migrant. Autumn and spring movements are subject to extensive variation, even down to the individual level, based on a region's food resources, competition (both from other Common Buzzards and other predators), the extent of human disturbance and weather conditions. Short distance movements are the norm for juveniles and some adults in autumn and winter but more adults in central and south Europe and the UK remain in their year-around areas than do not. The Common Buzzard is a typical [I]Buteo[/I] in much of its behaviour. It is most often seen effortlessly soaring for extended periods at varying heights although it can appear laborious and heavy in level flight. It is also often seen perched prominently on tree tops, bare branches, telegraph poles, fence posts, rocks or ledges or alternatively well inside the tree canopy. It will also stand and forage on the ground. The Common Buzzard is a generalist predator which hunts a wide variety of prey given the opportunity. The prey extents to a wide variety of vertebrates including mammals, birds (from any age from eggs to adult birds), reptiles, amphibians and fish as well as to various invertebrates, mostly insects. In total, well over 300 prey species are known to be taken by the Common Buzzard. However, dietary studies have shown that it mostly preys upon small mammals, mainly small rodents. Furthermore, prey size can vary from tiny beetles, caterpillars and ants to large adult grouse and Rabbits up to nearly twice their body mass. At times, the Common Buzzard will also subsist partially on carrion, usually of dead mammals or fish. Hunting in relatively open areas has been found to increase hunting success whereas more complete shrub cover lowered success. A majority of prey is taken by dropping from a perch and is normally taken on the ground. Prey may also be hunted in a low flight, by random glides or soars or by foraging on the ground. The home range of the Common Buzzard is generally 0.19 to 0.77 square miles and the size of the breeding territory seems to be correlated with food supply. The territory is maintained through flight displays and in Europe territorial behaviour usually starts in February. However, displays are not uncommon throughout the year in resident pairs, especially by males, and can elicit similar displays by their neighbours. In the display, the Common Buzzard generally engages in high circling, spiraling upward on slightly raised wings. Mutual high circling by pairs sometimes goes on at length, especially during the period prior to or during breeding season. During the mutual displays, the male may engage in exaggerated deep flapping or zig-zag tumbling, apparently in response to the female being too distant. Several pairs may circle together at times and as many as 14 individual adults have been recorded over established display sites. Sky-dancing by the Common Buzzard has been recorded in spring and autumn, typically by the male but sometimes by the female, nearly always with much calling. Sky-dances are of the rollercoaster type, with an upward sweep of up to 100 feet until the bird starts start to stall but sometimes embellished with loops or rolls at the top. Next in the sky-dance, the bird will dive at least 200 feet on more or less closed wings before spreading them and shooting up again. These sky-dances may be repeated in series of 10 to 20. In the climax of the sky-dance, the undulations become progressively shallower, often slowing and terminating directly on to a perch. Various other aerial displays include low contour flight or weaving among trees, frequently with deep beats and exaggerated upstrokes which show underwing pattern to rivals perched below. Talon grappling and occasionally cartwheeling downward with feet interlocked has also been recorded. The Common Buzzard tends to build a bulky nest of sticks, twigs and often heather and lined with broad-leaved foliage. Nests are up to 3.3 to 3.9 feet across and 24 inches deep. With reuse over years, the diameter of a nest can reach or exceed 5 feet. Trees are generally used for a nesting location but crags or cliffs are used if trees are unavailable. Nests in trees are usually located by the main trunk at a height of around 10 to 82 feet. Pairs often have 2 to 4 nests in a territory but some pairs may use a single nest over several consecutive years. The breeding season of the Common Buzzard commences at differing times based on latitude. It may fall as early as January to April but typically it is March to July in most of Europe. In the northern limits of the range the breeding season may occur from May to August. Mating usually occurs on or near the nest and eggs are usually laid in 2 to 3 day intervals. The clutch size can range from to 2 to 6 and it appears that local factors such as habitat and food supply are relevant. Eggs are generally laid in late March to early April in the extreme south, sometime in April in most of Europe and in to May and possibly even early June in the extreme north. If eggs are lost to a predator or fail in some other way, replacement clutches are not usually laid although this has been recorded. Incubation lasts for 33 to 35 days and is mostly, but not solely, undertaken by the female. Hatching may take place over 3 to 7 days. Often the youngest nestling dies from starvation, especially in broods of 3 or more. The female remains at the nest brooding the young in the early stages with the male bringing all prey. At about 8 to 12 days, both the male and female will bring prey but the female continues to do all feeding until the young can tear up their own prey. The young are nearly fully feathered rather than downy at about a month of age and can start to feed themselves as well. The first attempts to leave the nest are often at about 40 to 50 days. Fledging occurs typically at 43 to 54 days but in extreme cases as late 62 days. After leaving the nest, the young generally stay close by until full independence 6 to 8 weeks after fledging. Numerous factors may influence the breeding success of the Common Buzzard including the availability of prey populations, habitat, disturbance and persecution levels and competition. The Common Buzzard is one of the most numerous birds of prey in its range and it is the most numerous diurnal bird of prey throughout much of Europe. Date: 8th May 2014 Location: Nant Ffrancon, Gwynedd http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11805596.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20064034084e3a69bd8d335.jpgSmall Copper Flight period: April to October. The Small Copper is a common and widespread butterfly in the UK but has suffered a population decline due to change in land use and habitat loss. They are fond of warm and dry locations and can be found in a variety of habitats including heathland, unimproved grassland, woodland clearings, waste ground and gardens. Date: 2nd August 2011 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33568404.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9189571605a106afcaf505.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 4th November 2017 Location: Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30017224.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12883960858754fcdbca46.jpgDate: 2nd January 2017 Location: Ham Wall RSPB reserve, Somerset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31837544.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1973926944595624e7101f38.18173459.jpgOtter The Eurasian Otter, also known as the European Otter, Eurasian River Otter, Common Otter and Old World Otter and commonly known as the Otter, is a semi-aquatic mammal and the most widely distributed member of the Otter sub-family of the Weasel family (Mustelidae). The Otter is a typical species of the Otter sub-family and is brown above and cream below. It is 22.5 to 37.5 inches long excluding a tail of 14 to 17.5 inches. The female is shorter than the male. The Otter's average body weight is 15 to 26 pounds, although occasionally a large old male may reach up to 37 pounds. The Otter differs from the North American River Otter by its shorter neck, broader face, the greater space between the ears and its longer tail. However, it is the only Otter species in much of its range so it is rarely confused for any other animal. The Otter is the most widely distributed Otter species and its range including parts of Asia and Africa as well as being widespread across Europe. The Otter can be found throughout most of the UK with the highest densities in Scotland, especially the islands and the north west coast, Wales, parts of East Anglia and the West Country. The Otter declined across its range in the second half of the 20th century primarily due to pollution, habitat loss and hunting. However, populations are now recovering in many parts of Europe. In the UK the number of sites with an Otter presence increased by 55% between 1994 and 2002. In August 2011, the Environment Agency announced that the Otter had returned to every county in England since vanishing from every county except the West Country and parts of Northern England. The recovery of the Otter population in Europe is due to a ban on the most harmful pesticides that has been in place since 1979, improvements in water quality leading to increases in prey populations and direct legal protection under the European Union Habitats Directive and national legislation in several European countries. In general, the Otter’s varied and adaptable diet means that it can be found on any unpolluted body of fresh water, including lakes, streams, rivers and ponds, as long as the food supply is adequate. It can also be found along the coast in salt water but it requires regular access to fresh water to clean its fur. When living in the sea it is sometimes referred to as a "Sea Otter" but it should not be confused with the true Sea Otter which is a North American species much more strongly adapted to a marine existence. The Otter's diet mainly consists of fish. However, during the winter and in colder environments, fish consumption is significantly lower and other sources of food are eaten including amphibians, crustaceans, insects, birds and small mammals. Hunting mainly takes place at night whilst the day is usually spent in the Otter's holt (den). The Otter is strongly territorial and is primarily solitary. An individual's territory may vary between 1 and 25 miles with the length of the territory depending on the density of food available and the width of the water suitable for hunting (it is shorter on coasts, where the available width is much wider and longer on narrower rivers). The Otter uses its spraints to mark its territory. Territories are only held against members of the same sex so those of males and females may overlap. The Otter is a non-seasonal breeder and males and females will breed at any time of the year. It has been found that their mating season is most likely determined simply by the Otters' reproductive maturity and physiological state. Female Otters are sexually mature between 18 and 24 months old and the average age of first breeding is found to be 2.5 years old. Gestation is 60 to 64 days and after the gestation period, 1 to 4 pups are born which remain dependent on the mother for about 13 months. The male plays no direct role in parental care although the territory of a female with her pups is usually entirely within that of the male. Date: 25th June 2017 Location: Loch na Keal, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/december-2008-night-heron https://images.on-this.website/4752_16435725624e3a54ca4d3d2.jpgDecember 2008 - Night Heron Please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/photo9588724.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457583.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1669786964668572520b3a4.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11639808.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_162306674e2fdc501f45f.jpgRed Grouse The Red Grouse is a medium-sized bird of the grouse family which is found in heather moorland in the UK and Ireland. It is endemic to the UK and has developed in isolation. It is usually classified as a sub-species of the Willow Ptarmigan or Willow Grouse which is found in birch and other forests and moorlands in north Europe, the tundra of Scandinavia, Siberia, Alaska and north Canada. The Red Grouse is differentiated from the Willow Ptarmigan and Rock Ptarmigan by its plumage being reddish brown and not having a white winter plumage. The tail is black and the legs are white. There are white stripes on the underwing and red combs over the eye. Females are less reddish than the males and have less conspicuous combs. Young birds are duller and lack the red combs. The Red Grouse is found across most parts of Scotland, including Orkney, Shetland and most of the Outer Hebrides. It is only absent from urban areas such as in the Central Belt. In Wales there are strong populations of Red Grouse in some places but the range has retracted. It is now largely absent from the far south and the main strongholds are Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons and the Cambrian Mountains. In England the Red Grouse is mainly found in the north in areas such as the Lake District, Northumberland, County Durham, much of Yorkshire, the Pennines and the Peak District as far south as the Staffordshire Moorlands. There is an isolated introduced population on Dartmoor and overspill Welsh birds visit the Shropshire Hills.The typical habitat is upland heather moors away from trees. It can also be found in some low-lying bogs and birds may visit farmland during hard weather. The UK population of the Red Grouse is estimated at about 250,000 pairs. Numbers have declined in recent years and it is now absent in areas where it was once common. Reasons for the decline include disease, loss of heather due to overgrazing, creation of new conifer plantations and a decline in the number of upland gamekeepers. Some predators feed on Red Grouse and there is ongoing controversy as to what effect these have on numbers. The Red Grouse is herbivorous and feeds mainly on the shoots, seeds and flowers of heather. It will also feed on berries, cereal crops and sometimes insects. The Red Grouse is considered a game bird and is shot in large numbers during the shooting season which traditionally starts on August 12th (known as the Glorious Twelfth). Shooting can take the form of “walked up” (where shooters walk across the moor to flush grouse and take a shot) or “driven” (where grouse are driven, often in large numbers, by “beaters” towards the shooters who are hiding behind a line of “butts”). Many moors are managed to increase the density of Red Grouse. Areas of heather are subjected to controlled burning since this allows fresh young shoots to regenerate which are favoured by Red Grouse. In addition, extensive predator control is a feature of grouse moor management and the extent and legality to which it occurs is hotly contested between conservation groups and shooting interests and the subject generates a lot of media attention. The Red Grouse is widely known as the logo of The Famous Grouse whisky and an animated bird is a character in a series of its adverts. It is also the emblem of the magazine “British Birds”. Date: 11th April 2009 Location: Lochindorb, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/july-2019-brown-bear https://images.on-this.website/4752_1187578764603e0cf1cc6ea.jpgJuly 2019 - Brown Bear Please see [url=https://rlchew1.photium.com/photo42202644.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9564926.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6636688224daeca33779d7.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 16/04/06 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11159434.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18116059894e15833074425.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 5th November 2007 Location: Loch Gruinart, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21959281.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5649561353da716495be3.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Inner Farne, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082950.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12443347605d307eaf948ea.jpgEastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria The Rhodopes Mountains are a mountain range in south east Europe. They are spread over 5689 square miles of which 4723 square miles are located in south Bulgaria and the remainder in north Greece. The Rhodopes Mountains are about 149 miles long and about 62 to 75 miles wide with an average altitude of 2575 feet. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 7188 feet and is situated 12 miles to the west of Smolyan. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rhodopes Mountains give their name to the terrestrial eco-region Rodope montane mixed forests that belong in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The area is particularly notable for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans plus its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms such as the Trigrad Gorge. The Rhodopes Mountains can be sub-divided in to 3 sections: The Western Rhodopes are spread over 66% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and they are higher, the most infrastructurally developed and the most visited part of the mountains. The highest and best known peaks are located in this section with more than 10 over 6562 feet high including the highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7188 feet). Some of the deepest river gorges in the Rhodopes Mountains are located in the west as well as several large lakes. The Eastern Rhodopes are spread over a territory of about 34% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and are much lower in height. The large artificial dams of Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets are located in this part of the mountains. Almost every species of European bird of prey nests in the Eastern Rhodopes including 3 species of vulture. The Southern Rhodopes are the part of the mountain range that is located in Greece and they are characterized by numerous peaks of relatively low altitude. In the Eastern Rhodopes, the Madzharovo Special Protection Area located between village of Borislavtsi and the town of Madzharovo is one of the most popular destinations for birding in Bulgaria. The area covers a part of the narrow valley of the River Arda and is surrounded by rugged mountain slopes, rock massifs, rocky pinnacles, dry scrub and wooded hillsides. The unique micro-climate and the diverse relief are the reason for the wealth of bird species which can be found here. Around 175 bird species have been recorded of which 40 have been included in the Red Book of Bulgaria (a list of endangered species in the country), 78 are of European environmental protection significance and 6 are globally endangered. The Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB) has established a Nature Conservation Centre in Madzharovo which provides an exhibition, conducts educational programs and provides information for various routes and landmarks. It particularly focuses on the many birds of prey which can be found in the area, especially the 3 species of vulture (Griffon, Black and Egyptian). Date: 25th May 2018 Location: River Arda valley and Kovan Kaya near Madzharovo, eastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25774131.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1290308145560fb854daf80.jpgOtter The Eurasian Otter, also known as the European Otter, Eurasian River Otter, Common Otter and Old World Otter and commonly known as the Otter, is a semi-aquatic mammal and the most widely distributed member of the Otter sub-family of the Weasel family (Mustelidae). The Otter is a typical species of the Otter sub-family and is brown above and cream below. It is 22.5 to 37.5 inches long excluding a tail of 14 to 17.5 inches. The female is shorter than the male. The Otter's average body weight is 15 to 26 pounds, although occasionally a large old male may reach up to 37 pounds. The Otter differs from the North American River Otter by its shorter neck, broader face, the greater space between the ears and its longer tail. However, it is the only Otter species in much of its range so it is rarely confused for any other animal. The Otter is the most widely distributed Otter species and its range including parts of Asia and Africa as well as being widespread across Europe. The Otter can be found throughout most of the UK with the highest densities in Scotland, especially the islands and the north west coast, Wales, parts of East Anglia and the West Country. The Otter declined across its range in the second half of the 20th century primarily due to pollution, habitat loss and hunting. However, populations are now recovering in many parts of Europe. In the UK the number of sites with an Otter presence increased by 55% between 1994 and 2002. In August 2011, the Environment Agency announced that the Otter had returned to every county in England since vanishing from every county except the West Country and parts of Northern England. The recovery of the Otter population in Europe is due to a ban on the most harmful pesticides that has been in place since 1979, improvements in water quality leading to increases in prey populations and direct legal protection under the European Union Habitats Directive and national legislation in several European countries. In general, the Otter’s varied and adaptable diet means that it can be found on any unpolluted body of fresh water, including lakes, streams, rivers and ponds, as long as the food supply is adequate. It can also be found along the coast in salt water but it requires regular access to fresh water to clean its fur. When living in the sea it is sometimes referred to as a "Sea Otter" but it should not be confused with the true Sea Otter which is a North American species much more strongly adapted to a marine existence. The Otter's diet mainly consists of fish. However, during the winter and in colder environments, fish consumption is significantly lower and other sources of food are eaten including amphibians, crustaceans, insects, birds and small mammals. Hunting mainly takes place at night whilst the day is usually spent in the Otter's holt (den). The Otter is strongly territorial and is primarily solitary. An individual's territory may vary between 1 and 25 miles with the length of the territory depending on the density of food available and the width of the water suitable for hunting (it is shorter on coasts, where the available width is much wider and longer on narrower rivers). The Otter uses its spraints to mark its territory. Territories are only held against members of the same sex so those of males and females may overlap. The Otter is a non-seasonal breeder and males and females will breed at any time of the year. It has been found that their mating season is most likely determined simply by the Otters' reproductive maturity and physiological state. Female Otters are sexually mature between 18 and 24 months old and the average age of first breeding is found to be 2.5 years old. Gestation is 60 to 64 days and after the gestation period, 1 to 4 pups are born which remain dependent on the mother for about 13 months. The male plays no direct role in parental care although the territory of a female with her pups is usually entirely within that of the male. Date: 25th September 2015 Location: Broadford Bay, Skye, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28140439.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_102551117577a384b2ab66.jpgLoch an Eilean, Highland Loch an Eilean is a small loch in the Rothiemurchus Forest located 3 miles south of Aviemore on Speyside. On a small island in the loch stand the remains of a 15th century castle which is believed to have been a property of Alexander Stewart, the Wolf of Badenoch. A nature trail circuits the loch and passes through the typical Caledonian pine forest of this part of Scotland. Date: 22nd June 2016 Location: view from the south side of the loch http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31192395.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7425557959182441bfe6b4.17732022.jpgGoldfinch The European Goldfinch or simply the Goldfinch is a small passerine bird in the finch family. The Goldfinch is 4.7 to 5.1 inches in length with a wingspan of 8.3 to 9.8 inches. The sexes are broadly similar, with a red face, black and white head, warm brown upper parts, white underparts with buff flanks and breast patches and black and yellow wings. On closer inspection, males can often be distinguished by a larger, darker red mask that extends just behind the eye. The shoulder feathers are black, whereas they are brown on the female. In females, the red face does not extend past the eye. The ivory-coloured bill is long and pointed and the tail is forked. Juveniles have a plain head and a greyer back but are unmistakable due to the yellow wing stripe. The Goldfinch is native to Europe, north Africa and west and central Asia. It is found in open, partially wooded lowlands and it is a resident in the milder west of its range but migrates from colder regions. It will also make local movements, even in the west, to escape bad weather. It has been introduced to many areas of the world. In the UK, the Goldfinch can be seen anywhere there are scattered bushes and trees, rough ground with thistles and other seeding plants, including orchards, parks, gardens, heathland and commons. It is less common in upland areas and most numerous in the south of England. The nest is built entirely by the female Goldfinch and is generally completed within a week. It is neat and compact and constructed of mosses and lichens and lined with plant down such as that from thistles. It is generally located several feet above the ground, hidden by leaves in the twigs at the end of a branch. The female typically lays 4 to 6 eggs which are incubated for 11 to 13 days. The chicks are fed by both parents. Initially they receive a mixture of seeds and insects but as they grow the proportion of insect material decreases. For the first 7 to 9 days the young are brooded by the female. The nestlings fledge 13 to 18 days after hatching. The young birds are fed by both parents for a further 7 to 9 days. The parents typically raise 2 broods each year and occasionally 3. The Goldfinch's preferred food is small seeds such as those from thistles and teasels but insects are also taken when feeding young. It also regularly visits bird feeders in winter. The Goldfinch is commonly kept and bred in captivity around the world because of its distinctive appearance and pleasant song. In the UK during the 19th century, many thousands of Goldfinches were trapped each year to be sold as cage birds. One of the earliest campaigns of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was directed against this trade. Date: 9th May 2017 Location: Weeting Heath NWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512498.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_103919017962c99a004a38c.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 9th May 2022 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31837501.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1912022438595624263f5d64.32682618.jpgRed Grouse The Red Grouse is a medium-sized bird of the grouse family which is found in heather moorland in the UK and Ireland. It is endemic to the UK and has developed in isolation. It is usually classified as a sub-species of the Willow Ptarmigan or Willow Grouse which is found in birch and other forests and moorlands in north Europe, the tundra of Scandinavia, Siberia, Alaska and north Canada. The Red Grouse is differentiated from the Willow Ptarmigan and Rock Ptarmigan by its plumage being reddish brown and not having a white winter plumage. The tail is black and the legs are white. There are white stripes on the underwing and red combs over the eye. Females are less reddish than the males and have less conspicuous combs. Young birds are duller and lack the red combs. The Red Grouse is found across most parts of Scotland, including Orkney, Shetland and most of the Outer Hebrides. It is only absent from urban areas such as in the Central Belt. In Wales there are strong populations of Red Grouse in some places but the range has retracted. It is now largely absent from the far south and the main strongholds are Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons and the Cambrian Mountains. In England the Red Grouse is mainly found in the north in areas such as the Lake District, Northumberland, County Durham, much of Yorkshire, the Pennines and the Peak District as far south as the Staffordshire Moorlands. There is an isolated introduced population on Dartmoor and overspill Welsh birds visit the Shropshire Hills.The typical habitat is upland heather moors away from trees. It can also be found in some low-lying bogs and birds may visit farmland during hard weather. The UK population of the Red Grouse is estimated at about 250,000 pairs. Numbers have declined in recent years and it is now absent in areas where it was once common. Reasons for the decline include disease, loss of heather due to overgrazing, creation of new conifer plantations and a decline in the number of upland gamekeepers. Some predators feed on Red Grouse and there is ongoing controversy as to what effect these have on numbers. The Red Grouse is herbivorous and feeds mainly on the shoots, seeds and flowers of heather. It will also feed on berries, cereal crops and sometimes insects. The Red Grouse is considered a game bird and is shot in large numbers during the shooting season which traditionally starts on August 12th (known as the Glorious Twelfth). Shooting can take the form of “walked up” (where shooters walk across the moor to flush grouse and take a shot) or “driven” (where grouse are driven, often in large numbers, by “beaters” towards the shooters who are hiding behind a line of “butts”). Many moors are managed to increase the density of Red Grouse. Areas of heather are subjected to controlled burning since this allows fresh young shoots to regenerate which are favoured by Red Grouse. In addition, extensive predator control is a feature of grouse moor management and the extent and legality to which it occurs is hotly contested between conservation groups and shooting interests and the subject generates a lot of media attention. The Red Grouse is widely known as the logo of The Famous Grouse whisky and an animated bird is a character in a series of its adverts. It is also the emblem of the magazine “British Birds”. Date: 20th June 2017 Location: Glen Quaich, Perthshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/newgrange-comeath-ireland https://images.on-this.website/4752_2567256875e539448c1523.jpgNewgrange, Brú na Bóinne, Co.Meath, Ireland Newgrange is a prehistoric monument in the Brú na Bóinne area of Co. Meath located about 5 miles west of Drogheda on the north side of the River Boyne. It is an exceptionally grand passage tomb built during the Neolithic period around 3200 BC, making it older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids. Newgrange is the most famous monument within the Neolithic Brú na Bóinne area along with the similar passage tomb mounds of Knowth and Dowth and as such is a part of the Brú na Bóinne UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site consists of a large circular mound with an inner stone passageway and chambers. Human bones and possible grave goods or votive offerings were found in these chambers. The mound has a retaining wall at the front made mostly of white quartz cobblestones and it is ringed by engraved kerbstones. Many of the larger stones of Newgrange are covered in megalithic art. The mound is also ringed by a stone circle. Some of the material that makes up the monument came from as far away as the Mourne Mountains in Co. Down in the south east of Northern Ireland and the Wicklow Mountains principally in Co. Wicklow in the east of Ireland. There is not complete agreement about what the site was used for but it is believed that it had religious significance. Its entrance is aligned with the rising sun on the winter solstice when sunlight shines through a “roofbox” and floods the inner chamber for a few minutes. In this respect, Newgrange also shares many similarities with other Neolithic constructions in Europe, especially Gavrinis in Brittany, Maeshowe in Orkney in Scotland and Bryn Celli Ddu in Wales. After its initial use, Newgrange was sealed for several millennia. It continued to feature in Irish mythology and folklore in which it is said to be a dwelling of the deities, particularly The Dagda and his son Aengus. Antiquarians first began studying the site in the 17th century and archaeological excavations took place in the years that followed. Archaeologist Michael J. O'Kelly led the most extensive of these and also reconstructed the frontage of the site in the 1970s. Newgrange is a popular tourist site and is regarded as one of the most important megalithic structures in Europe. According to the archaeologist Colin Renfrew, it is [i]"unhesitatingly regarded by the prehistorian as the great national monument of Ireland"[/i]. Date: 3rd February 2020 Location: view from the Brú na Bóinne visitor centre, Co. Meath, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/common-frog https://images.on-this.website/4752_176450046358f34322c4a3e4.80810781.jpgCommon Frog The Common Frog is a semi-aquatic amphibian. The adult Common Frog has a body length of 2.5 to 3.5 inches with females usually slightly larger than males. The back and flanks vary in colour from olive green to grey-brown, brown, olive brown, grey, yellowish and rufous. However, it can lighten and darken its skin to match its surroundings. The flanks, limbs and backs are covered with irregular dark blotches and they usually sport a chevron-shaped spot on the back of their neck and a dark spot behind the eye. Unlike other amphibians, the Common Frog generally lacks a mid-dorsal band but, when they have one, it is comparatively faint. The Common Frogs is often confused with the Common Toad but the former can easily be distinguished as it has longer legs, hops and has a moist skin, whereas the latter crawls and has a dry warty skin. The Common Frog can be found throughout much of Europe as far north as northern Scandinavia inside the Arctic Circle and as far east as the Urals, except for most of Iberia, southern Italy, and the southern Balkans. It is also found in Asia and east to Japan. Outside the breeding season, the Common Frog lives a solitary life in damp places near ponds or marshes or in long grass. It is normally active for much of the year and only hibernates in the coldest months. Hibernation occurs in running waters, muddy burrows or in layers of decaying leaves and mud at the bottom of ponds or lakes primarily with a current. The oxygen uptake through the skin suffices to sustain the needs of the cold and motionless frogs during hibernation. In the most northern extremities of their range the Common Frog may be trapped under ice for up to 9 months of the year. In the UK, the Common Frog typically hibernates from late October to January. It will re-emerge as early as February if conditions are favourable and migrate to bodies of water such as garden ponds to spawn. During the spring the Common Frog's pituitary gland is stimulated by changes in external factors, such as rainfall, day length and temperature, to produce hormones which, in turn, stimulate the production of sex cells: eggs in the females and sperm in the male. Breeding takes place in shallow, still, fresh water such as ponds. Spawning commences sometime between March and late June but usually in April over the main part of its range. The adults congregate in the ponds where the males compete for females. The courtship ritual involves noisy vocalisations (croaking) by large "choirs" of males. The females are attracted to the males that produce the loudest and longest calls and enter the water where the males mill around and try to grasp them with their front legs. The successful male climbs on the back of the female and grasps her under the forelegs with his nuptial pads, in a position known as amplexus, and kicks away any other males that try to grasp her. He then stays attached in this position until she lays her eggs which he fertilises by spraying sperm over them as they are released from the female's cloaca. The courtship rituals are performed throughout the day and night but spawning typically takes place at night. Females lay between 1,000 and 2,000 eggs which float in large clusters near the surface of the water. After mating the pairs separate, the females will leave the water and the males will try to find another mate. Within 3 or 4 days all the females will have laid their eggs and left the water and the males disperse. In common with other amphibia the rate of development of eggs and tadpoles is influenced by temperature, with those in ponds at higher temperatures developing faster than those at lower temperatures. Newly hatched tadpoles are mainly herbivorous and feed on algae, detritus, plants and some small invertebrates. They become fully carnivorous once their back legs develop and feed on small water animals or even other tadpoles when food is scarce. Juveniles feed on invertebrates both on land and in water but their feeding habits change significantly throughout their lives and older frogs will eat only on land. Adults will feed on any invertebrate of a suitable size and catch their prey on their long, sticky tongues, although they do not feed at all during the short breeding season. Preferred foods include insects (especially flies), snails, slugs and worms. The Common Frog is susceptible to a number of diseases and parasitic fungus infections which have been implicated in extinctions of amphibian species around the world. Loss of habitat and the effect of these diseases and infections have caused the decline of populations across Europe in recent years. In addition, tadpoles are eaten by fish, beetles, dragonfly larvae and birds. Adult frogs have many predators including a range of birds, mammals and reptiles. Some frogs are killed by domestic cats and large numbers are killed on the roads by motor vehicles. Date: 8th April 2017 Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45174851.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18905689986232fa0130eee.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 31st December 2021 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4639668.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16945345594baf08acc3086.jpgRed Grouse The Red Grouse is a medium-sized bird of the grouse family which is found in heather moorland in the UK and Ireland. It is endemic to the UK and has developed in isolation. It is usually classified as a sub-species of the Willow Ptarmigan or Willow Grouse which is found in birch and other forests and moorlands in north Europe, the tundra of Scandinavia, Siberia, Alaska and north Canada. The Red Grouse is differentiated from the Willow Ptarmigan and Rock Ptarmigan by its plumage being reddish brown and not having a white winter plumage. The tail is black and the legs are white. There are white stripes on the underwing and red combs over the eye. Females are less reddish than the males and have less conspicuous combs. Young birds are duller and lack the red combs. The Red Grouse is found across most parts of Scotland, including Orkney, Shetland and most of the Outer Hebrides. It is only absent from urban areas such as in the Central Belt. In Wales there are strong populations of Red Grouse in some places but the range has retracted. It is now largely absent from the far south and the main strongholds are Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons and the Cambrian Mountains. In England the Red Grouse is mainly found in the north in areas such as the Lake District, Northumberland, County Durham, much of Yorkshire, the Pennines and the Peak District as far south as the Staffordshire Moorlands. There is an isolated introduced population on Dartmoor and overspill Welsh birds visit the Shropshire Hills.The typical habitat is upland heather moors away from trees. It can also be found in some low-lying bogs and birds may visit farmland during hard weather. The UK population of the Red Grouse is estimated at about 250,000 pairs. Numbers have declined in recent years and it is now absent in areas where it was once common. Reasons for the decline include disease, loss of heather due to overgrazing, creation of new conifer plantations and a decline in the number of upland gamekeepers. Some predators feed on Red Grouse and there is ongoing controversy as to what effect these have on numbers. The Red Grouse is herbivorous and feeds mainly on the shoots, seeds and flowers of heather. It will also feed on berries, cereal crops and sometimes insects. The Red Grouse is considered a game bird and is shot in large numbers during the shooting season which traditionally starts on August 12th (known as the Glorious Twelfth). Shooting can take the form of “walked up” (where shooters walk across the moor to flush grouse and take a shot) or “driven” (where grouse are driven, often in large numbers, by “beaters” towards the shooters who are hiding behind a line of “butts”). Many moors are managed to increase the density of Red Grouse. Areas of heather are subjected to controlled burning since this allows fresh young shoots to regenerate which are favoured by Red Grouse. In addition, extensive predator control is a feature of grouse moor management and the extent and legality to which it occurs is hotly contested between conservation groups and shooting interests and the subject generates a lot of media attention. The Red Grouse is widely known as the logo of The Famous Grouse whisky and an animated bird is a character in a series of its adverts. It is also the emblem of the magazine “British Birds”. Date: 11th March 2010 Location: Grinton Moor, Yorkshire Dales National Park, North Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084506.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18785807175d30875a6de85.jpgSânpaul Fishponds, Harghita County, Romania Date: 3rd June 2018 Location: Sânpaul Fishponds, Harghita County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12744406.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14284633934e705b205784e.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 4th November 2008 Location: Portnahaven, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37399609.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1760427465c669796aa015.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 9th December 2018 Location: Winterton-Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/clestrain-sound-orkney https://images.on-this.website/4752_20225284324681c4be53fd0.jpgClestrain Sound, Orkney Clestrain Sound lies to the east of Stromness and on the western side is the island of Graemsay and its lighthouse. Date: 21st May 2005 Location: view from the A964 road near Ophir http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49002796.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14017048696468f7aa1932c.jpgMallards The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 25th April 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37399617.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10409921375c6697bb9bab1.jpgAtlantic Grey Seals The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 9th December 2018 Location: Winterton-Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405514.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18297929316586f2965d4a4.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 15th November 2023 Location: Fishers Green, Lee Valley Regional Park, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/loch-caolisport-argyll https://images.on-this.website/4752_39213912849230ecba3aed.jpgLoch Caolisport, Argyll Loch Caolisport is a sea loch on the coast of Knapdale in Argyll and extends 5 miles south west in to the Sound of Jura from Achahoish. There are fine views from the mainland over to the islands of Islay and Jura. Date: 2nd November 2008 Location: view from the B8024 road http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4088230.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12252030434b193dd3f3570.jpgLapwings The Northern Lapwing, also known as the peewit, pewit, tuit or tew-it (imitative of its cry), Green Plover (emphasising the colour of the plumage) or (in the UK) just Lapwing (which refers to its peculiar, erratic way of flying), is a bird in the lapwing family. The Lapwing has rounded wings and a crest. It is also the shortest-legged of the lapwing species. It is mainly black and white but the back is tinted green. The male has a long crest and a black crown, throat and breast contrasting with an otherwise white face. Females and young birds have shorter crests and have less strongly marked heads but plumages are otherwise quite similar. The Lapwing is a vocal bird in the breeding season with constant calling as the crazed tumbling display flight is performed by the male. The typical contact call is a loud, shrill "pee-wit" from which they get their other name of peewit. The Lapwing is common through temperate Eurasia and breeds on cultivated land and other short vegetation habitats. The ground scrape nest and young are defended noisily and aggressively against all intruders. It is highly migratory over most of its extensive range, wintering further south as far as north Africa, north India, Pakistan and parts of China. It migrates mainly by day, often in large flocks. Lowland breeders in the westernmost areas of Europe are resident. In winter, it forms huge flocks on open land, particularly arable land and mud-flats. In the UK, the Lapwing has suffered a significant decline in the last 25 years and is an Amber List species because of the importance of its UK wintering population. It breeds on farmland throughout the UK, particularly in lowland areas of north England, the Borders and east Scotland, and prefers fields of spring sown cereals and root crops, permanent unimproved pasture, meadows and fallow fields but also wet grassland and marshes. During the winter, the Lapwing can be seen on flooded grassland, estuaries, coastal wetlands, short grassy fields and ploughed fields. In addition to the UK population, large numbers of north European birds arrive in the autumn for the winter. The Lapwing feeds primarily on insects and other small invertebrates. It often feeds in mixed flocks with Golden Plovers and Black-headed Gulls, the latter often robbing the plovers, but providing a degree of protection against predators. Date: 8th November 2009 Location: Aiguamolls de l'Emporda, Catalunya, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/savis-warbler https://images.on-this.website/4752_79574681559ad26570dc102.62051013.jpgSavi's Warbler The Savi's Warbler is a species of warbler in the genus [i]Locustella[/i]. The common name of this bird recognises the Italian ornithologist Paolo Savi. In 1821, Savi was given specimens of an unstreaked, dark, rufous-brown warbler which was new to science. He published a full description of the bird in 1824 and it became known by the common name of Savi's Warbler. The genus name [i]Locustella[/i] is from Latin and is a diminutive of [i]locusta[/i], meaning "grasshopper". This refers to the song of the Grasshopper Warbler and some others in this genus. The song of the Savi’s Warbler is a monotonous mechanical insect-like reeling with open beak and vibrating throat. The bird usually sings from high on a reed head and the song is often given at dusk. It is similar to the song of other species in the [i]Locustella[/i] genus but is generally faster and deeper and bears a strong resemblance to that of Roesel's Bush Cricket. It is very similar to that of the Grasshopper Warbler but slightly lower pitched and less prolonged. The upperparts of the Savi's Warbler are a uniform dark reddish-brown, sometimes with a slight greenish tinge. It has indistinct buff eye-stripes, dark lores and pale brown ear-coverts. The chin, throat and belly are whitish-buff and the rest of the underparts are sandy brown. In the breeding season, both the upperparts and underparts are slightly paler. The legs are brown. The sexes are identical, as with most warblers, but young birds are yellower below. The Savi's Warbler breeds in north Africa, south and east Europe, parts of north Europe and Russia as far east as the River Volga. It winters in Algeria, Morocco, Sudan and Ethiopia. It is known as an occasional summer visitor to east and south east England where it is right on the edge of its range and a few pairs breed sporadically. The Savi's Warbler can be found in reed beds, marshes and lagoons with reeds, sedges and other marsh vegetation perhaps with scattered sallows or bushes. It climbs stems in order to sing in full view but is otherwise difficult to see as it flits with agility through the stems and tangled growth and is seldom seen on open ground. It occupies similar habitats in its winter range but it may also be found in fens or marshy locations with open water away from reeds. The breeding season for the Savi's Warbler starts in mid-April in the southern part of its range and at the end of May in north Europe. On returning to its summer range, the Savi’s Warbler flits among the reeds and undergrowth and is rarely seen. The first males to arrive take up occupation of the best territories which are judged by the density of the reeds and sedges. On establishing territories, males will climb to the top of reeds and sing from prominent positions. As the females arrive, they successively pair with the males with the best territories. Late arrivals have poorer quality territories and their breeding success is impaired, usually because fewer clutches are successfully reared. The nest is built by the female on a little reed platform which is well concealed among dead reeds and clumps of vegetation. It is not usually visible from above. The female lays 4 to 6 eggs and she exclusively incubates them for about 12 days. She also feeds the chicks when they first hatch with the male joining in as they grow. The young fledge in about 12 days and there are normally 2 broods. After breeding the birds tend to disperse to less densely vegetated habitat, moult into their winter plumage and depart on their migration to their winter range. The Savi’s Warbler is insectivorous and feeds on insects such as flies, beetles, moths and damselflies. Small worms are also believed to be taken. Date: 19th May 2017 Location: south of Hortobágy towards Szásztelek, Hortobágy National Park, Hajdú-Bihar county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/loch-tuath-mull-argyll https://images.on-this.website/4752_45817578560fb515a84be.jpgLoch Tuath, Mull, Argyll Loch Tuath is a sea loch off the west coast of Mull that separates that island and the island of Ulva. Date: 22nd September 2015 Location: view from the B8073 road http://www.richardchewphotography.com/beaver-and-white-tailed-eagle https://images.on-this.website/4752_160825968557cc39b20bee6.jpgBeaver and White-tailed Eagle The Eurasian Beaver or European Beaver is one of the largest living species of rodents and it is the largest rodent native to Eurasia. It weighs around 24 to 66 pounds with an average of 40 pounds. Typically the head and body length is 31 to 39 inches and the tail length is 9.8 to 19.7 inches. The fur colour of the Beaver varies geographically from light chestnut-rust to blackish-brown. The Beaver was once widespread in Eurasia. It was hunted to near-extinction for both its fur and castoreum (a secretion of its scent gland believed to have medicinal properties) and by 1900 only 1200 beavers survived in 8 relict populations in Europe and Asia. In many European nations, the Beaver became extinct but reintroduction and protection has led to gradual recovery to about 639,000 individuals by 2003 and it now occurs from the UK to China and Mongolia although it is absent from Italy, Portugal, the southern Balkans and the Middle East. About 83% can be found in the former Soviet Union. In the UK, the Beaver became extinct in the 16th century but, as a former native species, interest in reintroducing it to the wild across the UK has been shown. It has been suggested that Beaver dams could retain water in upland areas, reducing flood volumes and creating new habitats for wildlife. Currently, Beaver populations are found in a number of large enclosures in wildlife parks, as well as free-living populations around the River Tay and Knapdale areas in Scotland and the River Otter in Devon. The Knapdale population was deliberately released whilst the other populations are of unknown origin. The Beaver is a keystone species helping support the ecosystem of which they are a part. It creates wetlands which increase biodiversity and provide habitat for many rare species such as Water Voles, Otters, and Water Shrews. It coppices waterside trees and shrubs so that they regrow as dense shrubs which provide cover for birds and other animals. Beaver dams trap sediment and improve water quality and recharge groundwater tables and increase cover for trout and salmon. The Beaver has a single litter of young per year, coming into oestrus for only 12 to 24 hours between late December and May and peaking in January. Unlike most other rodents, Beaver pairs are monogamous and stay together for multiple breeding seasons. Gestation averages 107 days and litters average 3 kits with a range of 2 to 6 kits. Most Beavers do not reproduce until they are 3 years of age. The White-tailed Eagle is a very large bird with a 72 to 96 inch wingspan and is the fourth largest eagle in the world. It has broad "barn door" wings, a large head and a thick "meat-cleaver" beak. The adult is mainly brown except for the paler head and neck, blackish flight feathers, distinctive white tail, and yellow bill and legs. In juvenile birds the tail and bill are darker, with the tail becoming white with a dark terminal band in sub-adults. The White-tailed Eagle breeds in northern Europe and northern Asia. The largest population in Europe is found along the coast of Norway. In the UK it became extinct during the early 20th century and the present population in Scotland has arisen from a reintroduction programme which commenced on the island of Rhum in 1975. It is still a rare breeding bird which was previously confined to the west coast of Scotland, although a reintroduction programme is now taking place in east Scotland. This photo was taken from a long distance and has been tightly cropped. Date: 11th May 2016 Location: Haeska, Matsalu National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31045343.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15149791035909a18c29a536.54994551.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 19th April 2017 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30017149.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_987841880587540a40f199.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 29th December 2016 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo44044930.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1063148321614f10d916503.jpgLittle Egret The Little Egret is a species of small heron. The genus name comes from the Provençal French Aigrette (egret), a diminutive of Aigron (heron). The adult Little Egret is 22 to 26 inches long with a 35 to 42 inches wingspan. Its plumage is normally entirely white although there are dark forms with largely bluish-grey plumage. In the breeding season, the adult has 2 long plumes on the nape that form a crest. These plumes are about 6 inches in length and are pointed and very narrow. There are similar feathers on the breast but the barbs are more widely spread. There are also several elongated scapular feathers that have long loose barbs around 8 inches long. During the winter the plumage is similar but the scapulars are shorter and more normal in appearance. The bill is long and slender and both it and the lores are black. There is an area of greenish-grey bare skin at the base of the lower mandible and around the eye which has a yellow iris. The legs are black and the feet yellow. Juveniles are similar to non-breeding adults but have greenish-black legs and duller yellow feet and may have a certain proportion of greyish or brownish feathers. The Little Egret is mostly silent but it does make various croaking and bubbling calls at its breeding colonies and it produces a harsh alarm call when disturbed. The breeding range of the western race of the Little Egret includes south Europe, the Middle East, much of Africa and south Asia. European populations are migratory and mostly travel to Africa although some remain in southern Europe. During the late 20th century, the range of the Little Egret expanded northwards in Europe and into the New World. The Little Egret's habitat varies widely and includes the shores of lakes, rivers, canals, ponds, lagoons, marshes and flooded land, the bird preferring open locations to dense cover. On the coast it inhabits mudflats, sandy beaches, mangrove areas, swamps and reefs. The Little Egret is a sociable bird and can be seen in small flocks. However, individual birds do not tolerate others coming too close to their chosen feeding site although this depends on the abundance of prey. The Little Egret uses a variety of methods to find its food. It stalks its prey in shallow water, often running with raised wings or shuffling its feet to disturb small fish, or it may stand still and wait to ambush prey. It also makes use of opportunities provided by Cormorants disturbing fish or humans attracting fish by throwing bread into water. On land, it walks or runs while chasing its prey, often feeding on creatures disturbed by grazing livestock. The diet is mainly fish but amphibians, small reptiles, mammals and birds are also eaten as well as crustaceans, molluscs, insects, spiders and worms. The Little Egret nests in colonies, often with other wading birds such as Cattle Egret, Black-crowned Night Heron, Squacco Heron and Glossy Ibis. The nests are usually platforms of sticks built in trees or shrubs or in reed beds or bamboo groves. Pairs defend a small breeding territory, usually extending around 10 to 13 feet from the nest. The 3 to 5 eggs are incubated by both adults for 21 to 25 days before hatching. The young birds are covered in white down feathers are cared for by both parents and fledge after 40 to 45 days. Globally, the Little Egret is not listed as a threatened species and has in fact expanded its range over the last few decades.[5] The IUCN states that their wide distribution and large total population means that they are a species that cause them "least concern". Historical research has shown that the Little Egret was once present, and probably common, in the UK but became extinct there through a combination of over-hunting in the late mediaeval period and climate change at the start of the Little Ice Age. Further declines occurred throughout Europe as the plumes of the Little Egret and other egrets were in demand for decorating hats. They had been used in the plume trade since at least the 17th century but in the 19th century it became a major craze and the number of egret skins passing through dealers reached into the millions. Hunting, which reduced the population of the species to dangerously low levels, stimulated the establishment of Britain's Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in 1889. By the 1950s, the Little Egret had become restricted to south Europe and conservation laws protecting the species were introduced. This allowed the population to rebound strongly and over the next few decades it became increasingly common in western France and later on the north coast. It bred in the Netherlands in 1979 with further breeding from the 1990s onward. Populations are now mostly stable or increasing in Europe. In the UK, the Little Egret was a rare vagrant from its 16th century extinction until the late 20th century. It has, however, recently become a regular breeding species and is commonly present, often in large numbers, at favoured coastal sites. The first recent breeding record in England was on Brownsea Island in Dorset in 1996 and it bred in Wales for the first time in 2002. The population increase has been rapid subsequently with over 750 pairs breeding in nearly 70 colonies in 2008 and a post-breeding total of 4,540 birds in September 2008. Severe winter weather proves only to be a temporary setback and the Little Egret continues to expand both its numbers and range in the UK. Date: 6th September 2021 Location: RSPB Blacktoft Sands, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623355.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2410691326117dc28404d6.jpgJackdaw The Western Jackdaw, also known as the Eurasian Jackdaw, European Jackdaw or simply Jackdaw, is a passerine bird in the crow family. Measuring 13 to 15 inches in length, the Jackdaw is the second smallest member of the crow family. Most of the plumage is a shiny black with a purple or blue sheen on the crown, forehead and secondaries and a green-blue sheen on the throat, primaries and tail. The cheeks, nape and neck are light grey to greyish-silver and the underparts are slate-grey. The legs are black as is the short stout bill. The irises of adults are greyish or silvery white while those of juveniles are light blue, becoming brownish before whitening at around one year of age. The sexes look alike although the head and neck plumage of male birds fades more with age and wear, particularly just before moulting. Immature birds have duller and less demarcated plumage. The head is a sooty black, sometimes with a faint greenish sheen and brown feather bases visible, the back and side of the neck are dark grey and the underparts greyish or sooty black. The tail has narrower feathers and a greenish sheen. There are 4 recognised geographical subspecies of the Jackdaw, each with slight plumage variations. Within its range, the Jackdaw is generally unmistakable and its short bill and grey nape are distinguishing features. In flight, the Jackdaw is distinguishable from other crows by its smaller size, faster and deeper wingbeats and proportionately narrower and less fingered wing tips. It also has a shorter and thicker neck and a much shorter bill and it frequently flies in tighter flocks. The Jackdaw is a skilled flyer and can manoeuvre tightly as well as tumble and glide. It has characteristic jerky wing beats when flying. On the ground, the Jackdaw has an upright posture and struts briskly with its short legs giving it a rapid gait. The Jackdaw is found from north west Africa, throughout all of Europe, except for the extreme north, and east through central Asia to the east Himalayas and Lake Baikal. To the east, it occurs throughout Turkey, the Caucasus, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and north west India. A small number of Jackdaws reached the north east of North America in the 1980s and have been found from Atlantic Canada to Pennsylvania. The range is vast and there is a large global population. Most populations are resident but the north and east populations are more migratory and relocate to wintering areas between September and November and return between February and early May. The Jackdaw can be found in wooded steppes, pastures, cultivated land, coastal cliffs and towns. It thrives when forested areas are cleared and converted to fields and open areas. Habitats with a mix of large trees, buildings and open ground are preferred. Open fields are left to the Rook and more wooded areas to the Jay. The Jackdaw is highly gregarious and is generally seen in flocks of varying sizes. Flocks increase in size in autumn and birds congregate at dusk for communal roosting with up to several thousand individuals gathering at one site. Males and females pair bond for life and pairs stay together within flocks. Jackdaws will frequently congregate with other crows such as Carrion Crows, Hooded Crows or Rooks. Foraging takes place mostly on the ground in open areas and to some extent in trees. Landfill sites, bins, streets and gardens are also visited, more often early in the morning when there are fewer people about. Various feeding methods are employed, such as jumping, pecking, clod-turning and scattering, probing the soil and occasional digging. The Jackdaw will also ride on the backs of sheep and other mammals such as deer, seeking ticks as well as actively gathering wool or hair for nests. Compared with other crows, the Jackdaw spends more time exploring and turning over objects with its bill. It also has a straighter and less downturned bill and increased binocular vision which are advantageous for this foraging strategy. The Jackdaw is opportunistic and highly adaptable and varies its diet markedly depending on available food sources. It tends to feed on small invertebrates that are found above ground, including various species of beetle as well as snails and spiders. It will also eat small rodents, bats, the eggs and chicks of birds and carrion such as roadkill. Vegetable items consumed include farm grains, weed seeds, elderberries, acorns and various cultivated fruits. The Jackdaw practices active food sharing with a number of individuals regardless of sex or kinship. It also shares more of a preferred food than a less preferred food. The active giving of food by most birds is found mainly in the context of parental care and courtship although the Jackdaw shows much higher levels of active giving than has been documented for other species. The function of this behaviour is not fully understood and several theories have been advanced. Genetic analysis of Jackdaw pairs and offspring shows no evidence of extra-pair copulation and there is little evidence for couple separation even after multiple instances of reproductive failure. Some pairs do separate in the first few months but almost all pairings of over 6 months' duration are lifelong and end only when a partner dies. Widowed or separated birds fare badly and are often ousted from nests or territories and are unable to rear broods alone. The Jackdaw usually breeds in colonies with pairs collaborating to find a nest site which they then defend from other pairs and predators during most of the year. It will nest in cavities in trees or cliffs, in ruined or occupied buildings and in chimneys, the common feature being a sheltered site for the nest. A mated pair usually constructs a nest by improving a crevice by dropping sticks into it. The nest is then built on top of the platform formed. Nest platforms can attain a great size. Nests are lined with hair, wool, dead grass and many other materials. Clutches usually contain 4 or 5 eggs which are incubated by the female for 17 to 18 days until hatching as naked altricial chicks which are completely dependent on the adults for food. The chicks fledge after 28 to 35 days and the parents continue to feed them for another 4 weeks or so. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230756.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_373379836491735374ece.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 14th May 2023 Location: Llanddeusant Red Kite feeding station, Carmarthenshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21957337.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_28773793153da3bd7c05d9.jpgCommon Guillemots The Common Guillemot, also known as the Common Murre or Thin-billed Murre, is a large species of auk. The auks are a family of seabirds which includes the Brunnich's Guillemot or Thick-billed Murre, Razorbill, Little Auk and the extinct Great Auk. The Common Guillemot is 15 to 18 inches in length with a 24 to 29 inches wingspan. In breeding plumage, it is black or dark brown on the head, back and wings with white underparts. It has a thin dark pointed bill and a small rounded dark tail. Legs are grey and the bill is dark grey. Males and females are identical. Some individuals in the North Atlantic, known as "Bridled Guillemots", have a white ring around the eye extending back as a white line. This is not a distinct subspecies but a polymorphism that becomes more common the farther north the birds breed. The Common Guillemot flies with fast wing beats and has a flight speed of around 50 mph. Groups of birds are often seen flying together in a line just above the surface of the sea. However, it is not a very agile bird and take-off is often difficult. The Common Guillemot becomes flightless for 45 to 60 days while moulting its primary feathers. The Common Guillemot is a pursuit diver that forages for food by swimming underwater using its wings for propulsion. Dives usually last less than one minute but the bird swims underwater for distances of over 100 feet on a regular basis. Diving depths up to 590 feet have been recorded. The Common Guillemot has a circumpolar distribution and it occurs in low Arctic and boreal waters in the north Atlantic and north Pacific. It spends most of its time at sea and only comes to land to breed on rocky cliffs, sea stacks and islands. Some birds are permanent residents but northern birds migrate south to open waters off New England, southern California, Japan, Korea and the western Mediterranean. The Common Guillemot breeds in colonies at high densities and nesting pairs may be in bodily contact with their neighbours. No nest is made and the single egg is laid and incubated on a bare rock ledge on a cliff face. The egg hatches after 30 days incubation and the chick is born downy and can regulate its body temperature after 10 days. Some 20 days after hatching the chick jumps off its nesting ledge and heads for the sea unable to fly but gliding for some distance with fluttering wings and accompanied by its male parent. The chicks are capable of diving as soon as they hit the water. The female stays at the nest site for some 14 days after the chick has left. The Common Guillemot can venture far from its breeding grounds to forage and distances of 60 miles or more are often observed although if sufficient food is available closer by, birds will only travel much shorter distances. It mainly eats small schooling fish 8 inches long or less such as Polar Cod, Capelin, Sand Lances, Sprats, Sandeels, Atlantic Cod and Atlantic Herring. It also eats some molluscs, marine worms, squid and crustaceans. It is often seen carrying fish in its bill with the tail hanging out. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Staple Island, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/march-2015-tufted-duck https://images.on-this.website/4752_512386357559e56995a371.jpgMarch 2015 - Tufted Duck Please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/photo23806419.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/carrion-crows https://images.on-this.website/4752_7273916845faa5bf1bfbdf.jpgCarrion Crows The Carrion Crow is a passerine bird in the crow family [i]Corvidae[/i]. The Hooded Crow was formerly regarded as a sub-species but it has now been split off as a separate species The plumage of the Carrion Crow is black with a green or purple sheen. The bill, legs and feet are also black. It can be distinguished from the Raven by its smaller size (19 to 20 inches in length as compared to an average of 25 inches for the Raven) and from the Hooded Crow by its all black plumage. There is frequent confusion between the Carrion Crow and the Rook, another black corvid species found within its range. The beak of the Carrion Crow is stouter and in consequence it looks shorter and whereas in the adult Rook the nostrils are bare, those of the Carrion Crow are covered at all ages with bristle-like feathers. As well as this, the wings of a Carrion Crow are proportionally shorter and broader than those of the Rook when seen in flight. Unlike the Rook which is generally gregarious, the Carrion Crow is usually solitary or seen in breeding pairs. The Carrion Crow is a noisy bird, perching on a vantage point such as a building or the top of a tree and calling 3 or 4 times in quick succession with a slight pause between each series of calls. During each series of calls, the bird may perform an accompanying gesture, bowing its head and neck downwards with each call. The Carrion Crow can become tame near humans and can often be found in or around areas of human activity or habitation where they compete with other social birds such as gulls and ducks for food. The Carrion Crow breeds in west and central Europe with an allied form or race occurring in east Asia with the closely allied Hooded Crow filling the gap between. Fertile hybrids occur along the boundary between these 2 forms indicating their close genetic relationship. Across its range, it can be seen all year round in a wide range of habitats such as urban areas, farmland, woodlands, mountains, moorlands and seashores. The Carrion Crow reaches sexual maturity around the age of 3 years for females and 5 years for males and birds often mate for life. The Carrion Crow builds a bulky stick nest which is usually placed in a tall tree although cliff ledges, old buildings and pylons may be used as well. Nests are also occasionally placed on or near the ground. The nest resembles that of the Raven but is less bulky. The female lays 3 to 4 eggs which are incubated for 18 to 20 days by the female alone who is fed by the male. The young fledge after 29 to 30 days. It is not uncommon for offspring from the previous year to stay around and help rear the new hatchlings. Instead of seeking out a mate, these birds look for food and assist the parents in feeding the young. Although an eater of carrion of all kinds, the Carrion Crow will eat insects, earthworms, grain, fruits, seeds, small mammals, amphibians and scraps and it will also steal eggs of other birds. It is a scavenger by nature which is why it tends to frequent sites inhabited by humans in order to feed on household waste. The Carrion Crow will also harass birds of prey or even Foxes for their kills. The Carrion Crow has few natural predators although powerful raptors such as the Northern Goshawk, the Peregrine, the Eurasian Eagle Owl and the Golden Eagle will readily hunt them and they can become an important prey item locally. Date: 22nd October 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26006813.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10048436275634a9921aa95.jpgArctic Terns The Arctic Tern is a seabird of the tern family. The adult plumage is grey above with a black nape and crown and white cheeks. The upperwings are pale grey with the area near the wingtip being translucent. The tail is white and the underparts pale grey. The beak is dark red as are the short legs and webbed feet. Like most terns, the Arctic Tern has high aspect ratio wings and a tail with a deep fork and long tail streamers. Both sexes are similar in appearance. The winter plumage is similar but the crown is whiter and the bills are darker. Juveniles differ from adults having black bill and legs, "scaly" appearing wings and mantle with dark feather tips, dark carpal wing bar and short tail streamers. During their first summer, juveniles also have a whiter forecrown. Whilst the Arctic Tern is similar to the Common and the Roseate Tern, its colouring, profile and call are slightly different. Compared to the Common Tern, it has a longer tail and mono-coloured bill, whilst the main differences from the Roseate Tern are its slightly darker colour and longer wings. The Arctic Tern has a circumpolar breeding distribution covering the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of Europe, Asia and north America. It is strongly migratory and sees 2 summers each year and more daylight than any other creature on the planet. It migrates along a convoluted route from its northern summer breeding grounds to the northern edge of the Antarctic coast for the southern summer and back again about 6 months later. Recent studies have shown average annual roundtrip lengths of 25000 to 50000 miles depending on the route taken and weather and wind conditions. The Arctic Tern is a long-lived bird with many reaching 30 years of age and based on this average it will travel some 1.5 million miles during its lifetime. This is by far the longest migration known in the animal kingdom. Breeding takes place in colonies on coasts, islands and occasionally inland on tundra near water. The Arctic Tern often forms mixed colonies with the Common Tern and Sandwich Tern. As it nests on the ground, the Arctic Tern is vulnerable to predation but it is one of the most aggressive terns and it is fiercely defensive of its nest and young. It will attack humans and large predators, usually striking the top or back of the head. Although it is too small to cause serious injury, it is still capable of drawing blood and repelling many raptorial birds and smaller mammalian predators such as foxes and cats. Other nesting birds, such as auks, often incidentally benefit from the protection provided by nesting in an area defended by Arctic Terns. The diet of the Arctic Tern varies depending on location and time but it usually eats small fish or marine crustaceans by dipping down to the surface of the water to catch prey. While feeding, skuas, gulls and other tern species will often harass the birds and steal their food. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Steingrímsfjarðarheiði to Ísafjörður, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46511673.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_123163180462c992358832f.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 8th May 2022 Location: RSPB Ynys-hir, Ceredigion http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081472.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_70056926163a857a1200cf.jpgTeal The Eurasian Teal or Common Teal is often called simply the Teal due to being the only one of these small [i]Anas[/i] dabbling ducks in much of its range. The Teal is the smallest dabbling duck at 7.9 to 11.8 inches in length and with a wingspan of 21 to 23 inches. From a distance, the male Teal in breeding plumage appears grey with a dark head, a yellowish behind and a white stripe running along the flanks. Their head and upper neck is chestnut with a wide and iridescent dark green patch of half-moon or teardrop-shape that starts immediately before the eye and arcs to the upper hindneck. This patch is bordered with thin yellowish-white lines and a single line of that colour extends from the patch's forward end and curving along the base of the bill. The breast is buff with small round brown spots. The centre of the belly is white and the rest of the body plumage is mostly white with thin and dense blackish vermiculations, appearing medium grey even at a short distance. The outer scapular feathers are white with a black border to the outer vanes and these form the white side-stripe when the bird is in resting position. The tail and tail coverts are black with a bright yellowish-buff triangular patch in the centre of the coverts at each side. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female. It is more uniform in colour with a dark head and vestigial facial markings. The female Teal is yellowish-brown but somewhat darker on the wings and back. It has a dark greyish-brown upper head, hindneck, eyestripe and feather pattern. The pattern is dense short streaks on the head and neck and scaly spots on the rest of the body. Overall it looks much like a tiny Mallard. Immatures are coloured much like the adult females but they have a stronger pattern. The downy young are coloured like other dabbling ducks, brown above and yellow below with a yellow supercilium. The male's bill is dark grey but in the eclipse plumage it often shows some light greenish or brownish hue at the base. The bill of the females and immatures is pinkish or yellowish at the base, becoming dark grey towards the tip. The feet are dark grey in the males and greyish olive or greyish-brown in females and immatures. The Teal breeds across north Eurasia where it occupies sheltered freshwater wetlands with some tall vegetation such as taiga bogs or small lakes and ponds with extensive reedbeds. It mostly winters well south of its breeding range in the Mediterranean region, south Asia and some parts of Africa where it is often seen in large flocks in brackish waters and even in sheltered inlets and lagoons along the seashore. It is also regularly recorded on the north American coasts south to California and South Carolina. In the milder climate of temperate Europe, such as in the UK, the summer and winter ranges overlap. In the UK, the Teal can be found all year round but it is thinly distributed as a breeding species. In winter, birds congregate in larger numbers on low-lying wetlands both on the coast and inland in the south and west of the UK. Of these, many are continental birds from around the Baltic and Siberia. At this time, the UK is home to a significant percentage of the north west European wintering population. The Teal is much less abundant than the very similar Green-winged Teal from north America although it is still common and widespread. It appears to be holding its own currently with perhaps a slow decline due to drainage and pollution of wetlands. The IUCN and BirdLife International classify the Teal as a species of “Least Concern”. However, it is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. The Teal nests on the ground near water. Pairs form in the winter range and arrive on the breeding range together from about March. Breeding starts some weeks thereafter and not until May in the most northerly locations. The nest is a deep hollow lined with dry leaves and down feathers which is built in dense vegetation near water. After the females have started laying their eggs, the males leave them and move away and assemble in flocks on particular lakes where they moult into their eclipse plumage. The female lays 5 to 16 eggs but usually 8 to 11. Incubation lasts for 21 to 23 days and the young leave the nest soon after hatching and are cared for by the female for about 25 to 30 days. The males and the females with young generally move to the winter range separately. After the first winter, the young moult in to their adult plumage. The Teal usually feeds by dabbling, upending or grazing. In the breeding season it eats mainly aquatic invertebrates, such as crustaceans, insects and their larvae, molluscs and worms. In winter, it shifts to a largely granivorous diet, feeding on seeds of aquatic plants and grasses including sedges and grains. Date: 9th January 2022 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21215565.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1799090779537dbfedb91b7.jpgLittle Egret The Little Egret is a species of small heron. The genus name comes from the Provençal French [i]Aigrette[/i] (egret), a diminutive of [i]Aigron [/i] (heron). The adult Little Egret is 22 to 26 inches long with a 35 to 42 inches wingspan. Its plumage is normally entirely white although there are dark forms with largely bluish-grey plumage. In the breeding season, the adult has 2 long plumes on the nape that form a crest. These plumes are about 6 inches in length and are pointed and very narrow. There are similar feathers on the breast but the barbs are more widely spread. There are also several elongated scapular feathers that have long loose barbs around 8 inches long. During the winter the plumage is similar but the scapulars are shorter and more normal in appearance. The bill is long and slender and both it and the lores are black. There is an area of greenish-grey bare skin at the base of the lower mandible and around the eye which has a yellow iris. The legs are black and the feet yellow. Juveniles are similar to non-breeding adults but have greenish-black legs and duller yellow feet and may have a certain proportion of greyish or brownish feathers. The Little Egret is mostly silent but it does make various croaking and bubbling calls at its breeding colonies and it produces a harsh alarm call when disturbed. The breeding range of the western race of the Little Egret includes south Europe, the Middle East, much of Africa and south Asia. European populations are migratory and mostly travel to Africa although some remain in south Europe. During the late 20th century, the range of the Little Egret expanded northwards in Europe and into the New World. The Little Egret's habitat varies widely and includes the shores of lakes, rivers, canals, ponds, lagoons, marshes and flooded land, the bird preferring open locations to dense cover. On the coast it inhabits mudflats, sandy beaches, mangrove areas, swamps and reefs. The Little Egret is a sociable bird and can be seen in small flocks. However, individual birds do not tolerate others coming too close to their chosen feeding site although this depends on the abundance of prey. The Little Egret uses a variety of methods to find its food. It stalks its prey in shallow water, often running with raised wings or shuffling its feet to disturb small fish, or it may stand still and wait to ambush prey. It also makes use of opportunities provided by Cormorants disturbing fish or humans attracting fish by throwing bread into water. On land, it walks or runs while chasing its prey, often feeding on creatures disturbed by grazing livestock. The diet is mainly fish but amphibians, small reptiles, mammals and birds are also eaten as well as crustaceans, molluscs, insects, spiders and worms. The Little Egret nests in colonies, often with other wading birds such as Cattle Egret, Black-crowned Night Heron, Squacco Heron and Glossy Ibis. The nests are usually platforms of sticks built in trees or shrubs or in reed beds or bamboo groves. Pairs defend a small breeding territory, usually extending around 10 to 13 feet from the nest. The 3 to 5 eggs are incubated by both adults for 21 to 25 days before hatching. The young birds are covered in white down feathers and are cared for by both parents fledging after 40 to 45 days. Globally, the Little Egret is not listed as a threatened species and has in fact expanded its range over the last few decades. The IUCN states that their wide distribution and large total population means that they are a species that cause them "least concern". Historical research has shown that the Little Egret was once present and probably common in the UK but became extinct through a combination of over-hunting in the late mediaeval period and climate change at the start of the Little Ice Age. Further declines occurred throughout Europe as the plumes of the Little Egret and other egrets were in demand for decorating hats. They had been used in the plume trade since at least the 17th century but in the 19th century it became a major craze and the number of egret skins passing through dealers reached into the millions. Hunting, which reduced the population of the species to dangerously low levels, stimulated the establishment of Britain's Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in 1889. By the 1950s, the Little Egret had become restricted to south Europe and conservation laws protecting the species were introduced. This allowed the population to rebound strongly and over the next few decades it became increasingly common in western France and later on the north coast. It bred in the Netherlands in 1979 with further breeding from the 1990s onward. Populations are now mostly stable or increasing in Europe. In the UK, the Little Egret was a rare vagrant from its 16th century extinction until the late 20th century. It has, however, recently become a regular breeding species and is commonly present, often in large numbers, at favoured coastal sites. The first recent breeding record in England was on Brownsea Island in Dorset in 1996 and it bred in Wales for the first time in 2002. The population increase has been rapid subsequently with over 750 pairs breeding in nearly 70 colonies in 2008 and a post-breeding total of 4540 birds in September 2008. Severe winter weather proves only to be a temporary setback and the Little Egret continues to expand both its numbers and range in the UK. Date: 7th May 2014 Location: Conwy RSPB reserve, Conwy http://www.richardchewphotography.com/nuthtach https://images.on-this.website/4752_353608405591823e9ae5483.50449087.jpgNuthtach The Nuthatches are a family of similar looking birds with short tails and wings, compact bodies, longish pointed bills, grey or bluish upperparts, a black eyestripe and strong feet. There are more than 20 subspecies in 3 main groups. The Eurasian Nuthatch is found throughout temperate Asia and in Europe where it is known simply as the Nuthatch. The adult male Nuthatch is 5.5 inches long. It has blue-grey upperparts, a black eye-stripe and whitish throat and underparts. The flanks and lower belly are orange-red and mottled with white on the undertail. The stout bill is dark grey with a paler area on the base of the lower mandible, the iris is dark brown and the legs and feet are pale brown or greyish. The female is similar in appearance to the male but may be identified by her slightly paler upperparts, a browner eyestripe and a more washed out tone to the flanks and lower belly. Young birds resemble the female although their plumage is duller and they have paler legs. The Nuthatch's breeding range extends across temperate Eurasia from the UK (but not Ireland) to Japan. It breeds south to the Mediterranean in Europe (although it is absent from the islands other than Sicily) and in most of Russia. In the east, the range includes most of China and Taiwan and much of Korea. Most populations are sedentary, apart from some post-breeding dispersal of young birds, and there is a reluctance to cross even short stretches of open water. The Nuthatch can be found in mature woodland with large, old trees which provide extensive growth for foraging and nesting holes. In Europe, deciduous or mixed forest is favoured, particularly when containing oak. Parks, old orchards and other wooded habitats may be occupied as long as they have at least a 2.5 acre block of suitable trees. Particularly in mountains, the Nuthatch can be found in old spruce and pine forests. The Nuthatch is primarily a lowland bird in the north of its range but reaches the tree-line in Switzerland at 3,900 feet or higher and it breeds occasionally at 5,900 to 6,900 feet in Austria. It breeds at similar levels in the mountains of Turkey, the Middle East, central Asia and Japan. The Nuthatch is common throughout much of its range although densities are lower in the far north and in coniferous forests. Fragmentation of woodland can lead to local losses of breeding birds but the range is still expanding. In recent decades, the Nuthatch has colonised Scotland and expanded its range in Wales and northern England. Across most of its European range, the most important predator of the Nuthatch is the Sparrowhawk. Other species known to prey on the Nuthatch include the Goshawk, Hobby and Tawny Owl. Pairs of Nuthatches hold permanent territories and nest in tree holes, usually old woodpecker nests but sometimes natural cavities. The nest site is typically 5 to 65 feet above the ground. If the entrance to the hole is too large, the female plasters it with mud to reduce its size and often coats the inside of the cavity too. The 6 to 9 red-speckled white eggs are laid on a deep base of pine or other wood chips. The female incubates the eggs for 13 to 18 days to hatching and broods the chicks until they fledge 20 to 26 days later. Both adults feed the chicks in the nest and continue to do so after they fledge until they become independent after about 8 to 14 days. Normally only a single brood is raised each year. The Nuthatch eats mainly insects, particularly caterpillars and beetles, although in autumn and winter its diet is supplemented with nuts and seeds. Food items are found mainly on tree trunks and large branches but smaller branches may also be investigated. Food may also be taken from the ground especially outside the breeding season. The Nuthatch can forage when descending trees head first as well as when climbing upwards. The Nuthatch readily visits bird tables and will eat fatty man-made food items as well as seeds. It is a hoarder and will store food all year round. Date: 8th May 2017 Location: Gilfach RWT reserve, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/ruffs https://images.on-this.website/4752_1185867171614f0f6ff08f5.jpgRuffs The Ruff is a medium-sized wading bird in the sandpiper family, Scolopacidae. The original English name for this bird, dating back to at least 1465, is the ree, perhaps derived from a dialectical term meaning "frenzied". A later name reeve, which is still used for the female, is of unknown origin but may be derived from the shire-reeve, a feudal officer, likening the male's flamboyant plumage to the official's robes. The current name was first recorded in 1634 and is derived from the ruff, an exaggerated collar fashionable from the mid-16th century to the mid-17th century, since the male bird's neck ornamental feathers resemble the neck wear. The Ruff has a distinctive appearance with a small head, medium-length bill, longish neck and pot-bellied body. It has long legs that are variable in colour but usually yellow or orange. In flight, it has a deeper, slower wing stroke than other waders of a similar size and it displays a thin, indistinct white bar on the wing and white ovals on the sides of the tail. The Ruff shows very distinctive sexual dimorphism. Although a small percentage of males resemble females, the typical male is much larger than the female and has an elaborate breeding plumage. The male is 11 to 13 inches in length with a 21 to 24 inches wingspan. During the May to June breeding season, the typical male's legs, bill and warty bare facial skin are orange and he has distinctive head tufts and a neck ruff. These ornaments vary on individual birds and are black, chestnut or white with the colouring solid, barred or irregular. The grey-brown back has a scale-like pattern, often with black or chestnut feathers, and the underparts are white with extensive black on the breast. The extreme variability of the main breeding plumage is thought to have developed to aid individual recognition in a species that has communal breeding displays but is usually mute. Outside the breeding season, the typical male's head and neck decorations and the bare facial skin are lost and the legs and bill become duller. The upperparts are grey-brown and the underparts are white with grey mottling on the breast and flanks. The female, or "reeve", is 9 to 10 inches in length with a 18 to 19 inches wingspan. In the breeding plumage, the female has grey-brown upperparts with white-fringed, dark-centred feathers. The breast and flanks are variably blotched with black. In winter, her plumage is similar to that of the male but the sexes are distinguishable on size. The plumage of the juvenile Ruff resembles the non-breeding adult but has upperparts with a neat, scale-like pattern with dark feather centres and a strong buff tinge to the underparts. The Ruff is a migratory species, breeding in wetlands in the colder regions of northern Eurasia and wintering in the tropics, mainly in Africa. There is a limited overlap of the summer and winter ranges in the UK and parts of coastal western Europe and birds may be present throughout the year. The Ruff breeds in Europe and Asia from Scandinavia and the UK almost to the Pacific. In Europe, it is found in cool temperate areas but over its Russian range it is an Arctic species and occurs mainly north of about 65°N. The largest numbers breed in Russia, Sweden, Finland and Norway. Although it also breeds from the UK east through the Low Countries to Poland, Germany and Denmark, the populations are much lower in these more southerly areas. The Ruff is highly gregarious on migration and it travels in large flocks that can contain hundreds or thousands of individuals. Huge dense groups form on the wintering grounds. The males, which play no part in nesting or chick care, leave the breeding grounds in late June or early July followed later in July by the females and juveniles. Males typically make shorter flights and winter further north than females. Many migratory species use this differential wintering strategy since it reduces feeding competition between the sexes and enables territorial males to reach the breeding grounds as early as possible thereby improving their chances of successful mating. Males may also be able to tolerate colder winter conditions because they are larger than females. The Ruff breeds in extensive lowland freshwater marshes and damp grasslands. It avoids barren tundra and areas badly affected by severe weather, preferring hummocky marshes and deltas with shallow water. The wetter areas provide a source of food, the mounds and slopes may be used for leks and dry areas with sedge or low scrub offer nesting sites. When it is not breeding, it can be found in a wider range of shallow wetlands. Dry grassland, tidal mudflats and the seashore are less frequently used. Male Ruffs display during the breeding season at a lek in a traditional open grassy arena. The Ruff is one of the few lekking species in which the display is primarily directed at other males rather than to the females and it is among a small percentage of birds in which the males have well-marked and inherited variations in plumage and mating behaviour. There are 3 male forms: the typical territorial males, satellite males which have a white neck ruff and a very rare variant with female-like plumage. The behaviour and appearance for an individual male remain constant through its adult life and are determined by its genes. The territorial males, about 84% of the total, have strongly coloured black or chestnut ruffs and stake out and occupy small mating territories in the lek. They actively court females and display a high degree of aggression towards other resident males. Between 5 and 20 territorial males each hold an area of the lek about 3 feet across and usually with bare soil in the centre. They perform an elaborate display that includes wing fluttering, jumping, standing upright, crouching with ruff erect or lunging at rivals. They are typically silent even when displaying. Territorial males are very site faithful and 90% return to the same lekking sites in subsequent seasons, the most dominant males being the most likely to reappear. Site faithful males can acquire accurate information about the competitive abilities of other males, leading to well-developed dominance relationships. Such stable relationships reduce conflict and the risk of injury and the consequent lower levels of male aggression are less likely to scare off females. Lower-ranked territorial males also benefit from site fidelity since they can remain on the leks while waiting for the top males eventually to drop out. Satellite males, about 16% of the total number, have white or mottled ruffs and do not occupy territories. Instead, they enter leks and attempt to mate with the females visiting the territories occupied by the resident territorial males. Resident territorial males tolerate the satellite birds because, although they are competitors for mating with the females, the presence of both types of male on a territory attracts additional females. A third type of male was first described in 2006. This is a permanent female mimic, the first such reported for a bird. About 1% of males are small, intermediate in size between males and females and do not grow the elaborate breeding plumage of the territorial and satellite males. This cryptic male obtains access to mating territories together with the females and "steals" matings when the females crouch to solicit copulation. It moults into the prenuptial male plumage with striped feathers but does not go on to develop the ornamental feathers of the normal male. Not all mating takes place at the lek since only a minority of the males attend an active lek. As alternative strategies, males can also directly pursue females or wait for them as they approach good feeding sites. The level of polyandry in the Ruff is the highest known for any avian lekking species and for any shorebird. More than half of females mate with and have clutches fertilised by more than one male. In lekking species, females can choose mates without risking the loss of support from males in nesting and rearing chicks since the males take no part in raising the brood anyway. The nest of the Ruff is a shallow ground scrape lined with grass leaves and stems and concealed in marsh plants or tall grass up to 450 yards from the lek. Nesting is solitary although several females may lay in the general vicinity of a lek. The female lays typically 4 eggs from mid-March to early June depending on latitude. Incubation is undertaken by the female alone and the time to hatching is 20 to 23 days with a further 25 to 28 days to fledging. The precocial chicks have buff and chestnut down, streaked and barred with black and frosted with white. They feed themselves on a variety of small invertebrates. The Ruff normally feeds using a steady walk and pecking action, selecting food items by sight, but it will also wade deeply and submerge its head. During the breeding season, the Ruff’s diet consists almost exclusively of the adults and larva of terrestrial and aquatic insects such as beetles and flies. On migration and during the winter, it eats insects, crustaceans, spiders, molluscs, worms, frogs, small fish and also the seeds of rice and other cereals, sedges, grasses and aquatic plants. The Ruff has a large range and a large population although there is some evidence of a decrease in the population in some regions and countries. However, the species as a whole is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List (i.e. declining more than 30 percent in 10 years or 3 generations). For these reasons, the Ruff is classified as "least concern". However, the range in much of Europe is contracting because of land drainage, increased fertiliser use, the loss of mown or grazed breeding sites and over-hunting. Therefore the Ruff is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 5th September 2021 Location: RSPB Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871728.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12852142484eff214487d25.jpgBrown Bear The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, <i>Ursus arctos arctos</i>. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an overnight stay in a Brown Bear watching hide at [url=http://www.martinselkonen.fi/index.php?id=1&la=en]Martinselkosen Eräkeskus[/url] Date: 1st June 2009 Location: Martinselkosen Eräkeskus, Pirttivaara, Kainuu, Finland <iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/10143012?autoplay=1" width="600" height="450" frameborder="0"></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/10143012">Brown Bears of Martinselkonen</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user3372484">Richard Chew</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>. Music: Jean Sibelius - Andante festivo<br /> </p> http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457686.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9710205256685789ac15de.jpgPuffins The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/high-tatras-national-park-poland https://images.on-this.website/4752_129587371159bd510f6960b.jpgHigh Tatras, Poland The High Tatras (Vysoké Tatry in Slovakia and Tatry Wysokie in Poland) are a mountain range along the border of northern Slovakia in the Prešov region and southern Poland in the Małopolska province. The High Tatras should not be confused with the Low Tatras which are located south of the High Tatras in Slovakia. The High Tatras occupy an area of 303 square miles, of which about 236 square miles (77.7%) lie within Slovakia and about 68 square miles (22.3%) within Poland. The High Tatras' length, measured in a straight line from the eastern foothills of the Kobylí vrch at 3638 feet to the south western foot of Ostrý vrch at 3700 feet, is 35 miles and strictly along the main ridge, 50 miles. The range is only 12 miles wide. The main ridge of the High Tatras runs from the Slovakian villages of Huty at the western end to the village of Ždiar at the eastern end. The High Tatras, having 29 peaks over 8,200 feet are, with the Southern Carpathians, the only mountain range with an alpine character and habitats in the entire 750 mile length of the Carpathian Mountains system. The 15 highest peaks of the High Tatras are all located in Slovakia with the highest peaks being Gerlachovský štít at 8711 feet, Gerlachovská veža at 8668 feet and Lomnický štít at 8638 feet. Other notable peaks include Kriváň and Rysy. Multiple surveys have ranked Kriváň (8168 feet) as Slovakia's most beautiful peak and it has also been a major symbol in Slovakian ethnic and national activism for the past 2 centuries. A country-wide vote in 2005 selected it to be one of the images on Slovakia's euro coins. Rysy lies on the border between Poland and Slovakia. It has 3 summits: the middle at 8,212 feet, the north western at 8,199 feet and the south eastern at 8,114 feet. The north western summit is the highest point in Poland whilst the other 2 summits are in Slovakia. Since the accession of Poland and Slovakia to the Schengen Agreement in 2007, the border between the countries may be easily crossed at this point. Two thirds of the High Tatras are covered with coniferous and deciduous forests. Alpine meadows, rocky terrain and habitats and extensively used pastures in the foothills occur in the non-forested areas. The High Tatras are protected by law by the establishment of the Tatra National Park, Slovakia (Tatranský národný park) and the Tatra National Park, Poland (Tatrzański Park Narodowy), the first European cross-border national park. In 1992 the Polish and Slovakian national parks were jointly designated a trans-boundary Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. Tatra National Park, Poland (Tatrzański Park Narodowy) protects the Polish areas of the High Tatras mountain range and it is situated in the Małopolska province. Tatra National Park covers an area of 81.7 square miles, of which 58.6 square miles is forest and the remainder mainly meadows. Strictly protected zones account for 44.5 square miles, of which 23.7 square miles are forests. The first calls for protection of the Tatras came at the end of the 19th century and in 1925 the first efforts to create a national park, in co-operation with Slovakia, took place. Tatra National Park was created in 1954. Date: 29th May 2017 Location: view from road 960 from Lysá Poľana, Prešov region, Slovakia to Bukowina Tatrzańska, Małopolska province, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42202667.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18425177395ff3111424d5a.jpgBrown Bear cub The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, Ursus arctos arctos. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an evening visit with [url=https://www.karhujenkatselu.fi/en-gb]Karhu-Kuusamo[/url] Date: 7th July 2019 Location: Kuntilampi, near Kuusamo, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26270673.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6872239805665553b5d783.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 4th December 2015 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813363.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11770870965d0dde26ebb99.jpgFulmar The (Northern) Fulmar is a highly abundant seabird found primarily in subarctic regions of the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans. Though similar in appearance to gulls, the 2 species of fulmars (Northern and Southern) are in fact members of a different seabird family which include petrels and shearwaters. The Fulmar’s latin name, Fulmarus glacialis can be broken down to the Old Norse word full meaning "foul" and mar meaning "gull". "Foul-gull" is in reference to its stomach oil and also its superficial similarity to gulls. Finally, glacialis is Latin for "glacial" reflecting its extreme northern range. The Fulmar is generally grey and white with a pale yellow and thick bill and bluish legs. However there is both a light morph and a dark morph. Like other petrels, their walking ability is limited but they are strong fliers with a stiff wing action quite unlike the gulls. The Fulmar also looks bull-necked compared to gulls and it has a short stubby bill. The Fulmar is estimated to have between 15 to 30 million mature individuals that occupy a range of around 11 million square miles. Its range increased greatly last century due to the availability of fish offal from commercial fleets but may contract because of less food from this source and climate change. The population increase has been especially notable in the UK. The Fulmar starts breeding at between 6 and 12 years old. It is monogamous, forms long term pair bonds, returns to the same nest site year after year and nests in large colonies. The nest is a scrape on a grassy cliff ledge or a saucer of vegetation on the ground lined with softer material and recently they have started nesting on rooftops and buildings. The Fulmar feeds on shrimp, fish, squid, plankton, jellyfish and carrion as well as refuse. When eating fish, it will dive up to several feet deep to retrieve its prey. Date: 10th June 2019 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41225574.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10149669755eda00258a22e.jpgDunnock The Dunnock is a small passerine bird and the most widespread member of the genus Prunella, the accentor family which otherwise consists of mountain species. Other common names for the Dunnock include the Hedge Sparrow or Hedge Accentor. The Dunnock is about the size of a Robin. It has a generally drab brown streaked appearance with a grey head and a fine pointed bill. Both sexes are similar. It is quiet and unobtrusive and is frequently seen on its own, creeping along and moving with a rather nervous, shuffling gait often flicking its wings. The Dunnock is native to large areas of Eurasia where it is the only commonly found accentor in lowland areas. It can be found throughout the UK all the year round in any well vegetated areas with scrub, brambles and hedges and also in deciduous woodland, farmland edges, parks and gardens. The Dunnock is territorial and may engage in conflict with other birds that encroach upon their nesting areas. The Dunnock possesses variable mating systems. Females are often polyandrous, breeding with 2 or more males at once which is quite rare among birds. This multiple mating system leads to the development of sperm competition amongst the male suitors. DNA fingerprinting has shown that chicks within a brood often have different fathers depending on the success of the males at monopolising the female. Males try to ensure their paternity by pecking at the cloaca of the female to stimulate ejection of rival males' sperm. Males provide parental care in proportion to their mating success so 2 males and a female can commonly be seen provisioning nestlings at one nest. Other mating systems also exist within Dunnock populations depending on the ratio of male to females and the overlap of territories. When only a single female and a single male territory overlap, monogamy is preferred. Sometimes, 2 or 3 adjacent female territories overlap a single male territory and so polygyny is favoured with the male monopolising several females. Polygynandry also exists in which 2 males jointly defend a territory containing several females. Polyandry, however, is the most common mating system of the Dunnock. Depending on the population, males generally have the best reproductive success in polygynous populations whilst females have the advantage during polyandry. Studies have illustrated the fluidity of Dunnock mating systems. When food is in abundance, female territory size is reduced drastically. Consequently, males can more easily monopolise the females. Thus, the mating system can be shifted from one that favours female success (polyandry) to one that favours male success (monogamy, polygynandry or polygyny). The Dunnock builds a neat nest predominantly from twigs and moss and lined with soft materials such as wool or feathers which is located low in a bush. The female typically lays 3 to 5 eggs. Broods, depending on the population, can be raised by a lone female, multiple females with the part-time help of a male, multiple females with full-time help by a male or by multiple females and multiple males. Parental care varies according to the type of relationship. Date: 23rd May 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15367541.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6876407264fec1c91adba2.jpgBrown Hare The Brown Hare resembles the Rabbit but obvious differences include the Brown Hare's longer, larger body, much longer hind legs and longer ears with black tips. Generally, they are a brown-russet colour with a white underside. The tail is black on the upper surface and white underneath. In contrast to Rabbits, which have a brown iris, the Brown Hare has a golden iris and a black pupil. Brown Hares are the fastest land animals in the UK and can run at speeds of up to 45 mph to evade predators. Brown Hares are widespread in central and western Europe including the UK but they are absent in southern Europe. It is thought that they were introduced in to the UK during Roman times, probably from Asia. They have little legal protection, partly because they are game animals and can be managed by farmers and landowners and partly because they are also a minor pest and can damage crops and young tree plantations. Numbers have substantially declined in the UK and most of Europe since the 1960s mainly due to the intensification of agricultural practices as well as shooting, poaching and coursing and an increase in the number of Foxes. Brown Hares prefer temperate open habitats and can be found in most flat country among open grassland and arable farms. Unlike Rabbits, they do not burrow but rest in a shallow depression in fields or long grass known as a form where only their back and head are visible. An adult occupies a range of 300 hectares which it may share with other hares as they are not territorially aggressive. Courtship involves boxing …. the traditional “mad March hare” behaviour. This is actually unreceptive females fending off males rather than fighting between males. Date: 8th June 2012 Location: Glen Quaich, Perthsire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084469.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7072927205d308741e6fdf.jpgMarsh Warbler The Marsh Warbler is a medium-sized Old World warbler in the genus [I]Acrocephalus[/I]. It has olive green-brown upperparts, yellowish-white underparts, a white throat, a pale stripe in front of the eye and pale legs The Marsh Warbler is very similar in appearance to several other [I]Acrocephalus[/I] warblers such as the Reed Warbler which also occurs in wetlands and has a similar breeding range. The male's distinctive song is useful for identification since no other member of the genus mimics other birds to any significant extent. The Marsh Warbler also tends to avoid large reedbeds which are the Reed Warbler's favoured habitat. The Marsh Warbler breeds in the middle latitudes of Europe and west Asia from the English Channel to about 70 degrees east. It mainly occupies areas with a continental climate but breeds, or has bred, in the UK and northern France as well. In recent decades it has expanded its range to the north, with increasing numbers of birds breeding in Scandinavia and north west Russia. In west Europe the Marsh Warbler breeds mainly in rank vegetation on damp or seasonally flooded soils and it is particularly attracted to tall herbaceous vegetation and to young osiers and other low woody plants. It may breed in urban brownfield sites with suitable vegetation and also occasionally in arable crops. In the east, it breeds on dry hillsides with shrubs and in open woodland as well as the kind of damper habitats it frequents in the west. The Marsh Warbler is a summer migrant and winters mainly in south east Africa where it can be found in a range of well-vegetated habitats from moist scrub to dense thickets and woodland edge. In the UK, the Marsh Warbler was never widespread and it disappeared from many areas from the 1930s onwards. By the 1970s, it bred in significant numbers only in Worcestershire where around 40 to 70 pairs were recorded each year during that decade. This population was effectively extinct by the end of the 1990s. From the 1970s and 1980s onwards, a very small population slowly developed in south east England, particularly in Kent. However, this population is also now close to extinction. The reasons for the population decline in the UK are not completely understood especially as there appears to be much suitable habitat. The Biodiversity Action Plan for the Marsh Warbler further comments that it is not clear what can be done to conserve the species apart from protecting habitat at known breeding sites and protecting birds from egg collectors and from disturbance. The Marsh Warbler is best known for the highly imitative song given by males and very occasionally by females. Each male incorporates imitations of a wide range of other birds into its song. Other passerines are most commonly imitated but the calls of other species have been noted too. On average, each male bird incorporates imitations of 75 other species into its song with rather more African than northern species mimicked. Learning seems to take place in the summer the bird is hatched in Europe or Asia and in its first winter in Africa. The calls of birds heard in subsequent years are not added to the warbler's repertoire. The Marsh Warbler is mostly insectivorous and generally takes insects from vegetation but sometimes catches them on the ground or in mid-air. In autumn small numbers of berries may be eaten. Date: 3rd June 2018 Location: Sânpaul Fishponds, Harghita County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230769.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_195663958864917369470ed.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 14th May 2023 Location: Llanddeusant Red Kite feeding station, Carmarthenshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623038.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1988689476117d3202df83.jpgRazorbill The Razorbill is a seabird and a member of the auk family which also includes the Common Guillemot, Brunnich's Guillemot and Little Auk. It is also the closest living relative to the Great Auk which is now extinct. The Razorbill has white underparts and a black head, neck, back and feet during the breeding season. A thin white line also extends from the eyes to the end of the bill. Its head is darker than that of the CommonGuillemot. Outside the breeding season, the throat and face behind the eye become white and the white line on the face becomes less prominent. The thick black bill has a blunt end. The adult male and female female are very much alike having only small differences such as wing length. The Razorbill has a horizontal stance and the tail feathers are slightly longer in the centre in comparison to other auks making it have a distinctly long tail which is not common for an auk. The Razorbill is distributed across the sub-arctic and boreal waters of the north Atlantic where water surface temperature are typically below 15°c. The world population is estimated to be less than 1 million breeding pairs, making it among the rarest auks in the world. Approximately 60 to 70% of the entire Razorbill population breeds in Iceland., including over 200,000 pairs at Látrabjarg. The breeding habitat is islands, rocky shores and cliffs on north Atlantic coasts, in eastern North America as far south as Maine and in western Europe from north west Russia to northern France. Eurasian birds winter at sea with some moving south as far as the western Mediterranean. North American birds migrate offshore and south. The Razorbill is a colonial breeder and only comes to land to breed. Individuals only breed at 3 to 5 years of age. Females select their mate and will often encourage competition between males before choosing a partner. Once a male is chosen, the pair will usually stay together for life. Nest site determination is very important to ensure protection of young from predators. Unlike Common Guillemots, nest sites are not immediately alongside the sea on open cliff ledges but at least 4 to 6 inches away in crevices on cliffs or among boulders. Generally a nest is not built although some pairs often use their bills to drag material upon which to lay their single egg. The mating pair will often reuse the same site every year. The Razorbill feeds mainly on schooling fish and crustaceans and it will dive deep into the sea using its wings and its streamlined body to propel itself toward their prey. Whilst diving, it rarely stays in groups but instead spreads out to feed. The majority of feeding occurs at a depth of about 80 feet but it has the ability to dive up to 400 feet below the surface. During a single dive the Razorbill can capture and swallow many schooling fish depending on their size. The Razorbill spends approximately 45% of its time foraging at sea and it may well fly more than 60 miles out to sea to feed. However, when feeding chicks it will forage much closer to the nesting grounds and often in shallower water. The Razorbill and its eggs and chicks have several predators which include Great Black-backed Gulls, Peregrines, Ravens and other crows, Arctic Foxes and Polar Bears. In the early 20th century, Razorbills were harvested for their eggs, meat and feathers and this greatly decreased their population. In 1917 they were finally protected which reduced hunting. Other current threats include oil pollution, unintentional bycatch arising from commercial fishing and overfishing which decreases the abundance of prey. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30825167.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_117361376358f342ee382bb7.83939153.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 8th April 2017 Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/kongsfjordfjellet-varanger-peninsula-finnmark-norway https://images.on-this.website/4752_9680793574bf6e11a9aa17.jpgKongsfjordfjellet, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway Kongsfjordfjellet is a bare mountain tundra area in the north west of the Varanger peninsula in Finnmark county in north east Norway. Date: 14th April 2010 Location: view from road 890 over Kongsfjordfjellet, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30825759.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_90207546158f349f8ebd635.15487115.jpgMute Swan The Mute Swan is a species of swan native to much of Eurasia. Despite its Eurasian origin, its closest relatives are the Black Swan of Australia and the Black-necked Swan of south America, not the other Northern Hemisphere swans such as the Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan. The name “mute” derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. The adult Mute Swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob at the top of the beak. All Mute Swans are white at maturity although the feathers (particularly on the head and neck) are often stained orange-brown by iron and tannins in the water. Young birds (cygnets) are not the bright white colour of mature adults and their bill is dull greyish-black for the first year. The plumage may range from pure white to grey to buff with grey/buff being the most common. Cygnets typically retain their grey/buff feathers until they are at least 1 year old. On average, the Mute Swan is the second largest waterfowl species after the Trumpeter Swan although the male Mute Swan can easily match or even exceed a male Trumpeter Swan in mass. The adult Mute Swan typically ranges from 55 to 63 inches in length (although it can range in extreme cases from 49 to 67 inches) with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. Males (cobs) are larger than females (pens) and have a larger knob on their bill. The Mute Swan is one of the heaviest flying birds. In several studies from the UK, males were found to average from about 23.4 to 26.2 pounds, with a weight range of 20 to 32 pounds, while the slightly smaller females were found to average about 18.7 to 21.3 pounds, with a weight range of 17 to 23 pounds. The Mute Swan is less vocal than the noisy Bewick's Swan and Whooper Swan although it does make a variety of grunting, hoarse whistling and snorting noises, especially in communicating with their cygnets and threatening competitors or intruders trying to enter their territory. The most familiar sound associated with the Mute Swan is the vibrant throbbing of the wings in flight which is unique to the species and this can be heard from a range of up to 1 mile. The Mute Swan is found naturally mainly in the temperate areas of Europe across west Asia and as far east as Primorsky Krai in the far east of Russia. It is partially migratory throughout the northern latitudes in Europe and Asia as far south as north Africa and the Mediterranean. It is also often kept in captivity outside its natural range as a decoration for parks and ponds and escapes have occurred. The descendants of such birds have become naturalised in east USA and the Great Lakes region across the USA and Canada border. The Mute Swan population in the UK has increased recently probably due to better protection of this species. Some birds are resident all year whilst others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into east England. Mute Swans nest on large mounds that they build with waterside vegetation in shallow water on islands in the middle or at the very edge of a lake. It is a monogamous species and often reuses the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Males and females share the care of the nest. The female lays from 4 to 10 eggs and broods for around 36 days. Cygnets are unable to fly before an age of 120 to 150 days and this limits the distribution of the species in the northern edge of its range since the cygnets must learn to fly before the water freezes. The Mute Swan is usually strongly territorial with just a single pair on smaller lakes although in a few locations where a large area of suitable feeding habitat is found they can be colonial. The largest colonies can hold over 100 pairs such as that at the colony at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset in the UK. Non-mated juveniles up to 3 to 4 years old commonly form larger flocks often at regular traditional sites and these can total several hundred birds. The Mute Swan can be very aggressive in defence of its nest and it is highly protective of its mate and offspring. Most defensive attacks from a Mute Swan begin with a loud hiss and, if this is not sufficient to drive off the predator, are followed by a physical attack. It attacks by smashing at its enemy with bony spurs in the wings accompanied by biting with its large bill. Smaller waterbirds such as ducks are normally grabbed with the bill and dragged or thrown clear. Large waterfowl, such as the Canada Goose, more likely out of competition than in response to potential predation, may be aggressively driven off. The wings of the Mute Swan are very powerful although not strong enough to break an adult man's leg as has been claimed anecdotally. The Mute Swan feeds on a wide range of vegetation, both submerged aquatic plants which they reach with their long necks and by grazing on land. The food commonly includes agricultural crop plants such as oilseed rape and wheat and feeding flocks in the winter may cause significant crop damage, often as much through trampling with their large webbed feet as through direct consumption. Date: 9th April 2017 Location: EWT Blue House Farm, North Fambridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9952196.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4149749614dca3d9d4a02e.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 7th May 2011 Location: Ynys-hir RSPB reserve, Ceredigion http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42524837.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18762238786098f28b85856.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 25th March 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25774134.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1043232382560fb875e83e7.jpgOtter The Eurasian Otter, also known as the European Otter, Eurasian River Otter, Common Otter and Old World Otter and commonly known as the Otter, is a semi-aquatic mammal and the most widely distributed member of the Otter sub-family of the Weasel family (Mustelidae). The Otter is a typical species of the Otter sub-family and is brown above and cream below. It is 22.5 to 37.5 inches long excluding a tail of 14 to 17.5 inches. The female is shorter than the male. The Otter's average body weight is 15 to 26 pounds, although occasionally a large old male may reach up to 37 pounds. The Otter differs from the North American River Otter by its shorter neck, broader face, the greater space between the ears and its longer tail. However, it is the only Otter species in much of its range so it is rarely confused for any other animal. The Otter is the most widely distributed Otter species and its range including parts of Asia and Africa as well as being widespread across Europe. The Otter can be found throughout most of the UK with the highest densities in Scotland, especially the islands and the north west coast, Wales, parts of East Anglia and the West Country. The Otter declined across its range in the second half of the 20th century primarily due to pollution, habitat loss and hunting. However, populations are now recovering in many parts of Europe. In the UK the number of sites with an Otter presence increased by 55% between 1994 and 2002. In August 2011, the Environment Agency announced that the Otter had returned to every county in England since vanishing from every county except the West Country and parts of Northern England. The recovery of the Otter population in Europe is due to a ban on the most harmful pesticides that has been in place since 1979, improvements in water quality leading to increases in prey populations and direct legal protection under the European Union Habitats Directive and national legislation in several European countries. In general, the Otter’s varied and adaptable diet means that it can be found on any unpolluted body of fresh water, including lakes, streams, rivers and ponds, as long as the food supply is adequate. It can also be found along the coast in salt water but it requires regular access to fresh water to clean its fur. When living in the sea it is sometimes referred to as a "Sea Otter" but it should not be confused with the true Sea Otter which is a North American species much more strongly adapted to a marine existence. The Otter's diet mainly consists of fish. However, during the winter and in colder environments, fish consumption is significantly lower and other sources of food are eaten including amphibians, crustaceans, insects, birds and small mammals. Hunting mainly takes place at night whilst the day is usually spent in the Otter's holt (den). The Otter is strongly territorial and is primarily solitary. An individual's territory may vary between 1 and 25 miles with the length of the territory depending on the density of food available and the width of the water suitable for hunting (it is shorter on coasts, where the available width is much wider and longer on narrower rivers). The Otter uses its spraints to mark its territory. Territories are only held against members of the same sex so those of males and females may overlap. The Otter is a non-seasonal breeder and males and females will breed at any time of the year. It has been found that their mating season is most likely determined simply by the Otters' reproductive maturity and physiological state. Female Otters are sexually mature between 18 and 24 months old and the average age of first breeding is found to be 2.5 years old. Gestation is 60 to 64 days and after the gestation period, 1 to 4 pups are born which remain dependent on the mother for about 13 months. The male plays no direct role in parental care although the territory of a female with her pups is usually entirely within that of the male. Date: 25th September 2015 Location: Broadford Bay, Skye, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/bewicks-swan https://images.on-this.website/4752_12905865514f213ced565e4.jpgBewick's Swan The Tundra Swan is a small Holarctic swan. The 2 taxa within it are usually regarded as conspecific but are also sometimes split into 2 species: the Bewick's Swan of the Palaearctic and the Whistling Swan of the Nearctic. The Bewick's Swan was named in 1830 by William Yarrell after the engraver Thomas Bewick who specialised in illustrations of birds and animals. The Bewick's Swan measures 45 to 55 inches in length with a wing span of 18.5 to 21.5 inches. Males are slightly larger and heavier than females. It is similar in appearance to the Whooper Swan but is smaller, shorter-necked and has a more rounded head shape. It has a variable bill pattern but always shows more black than yellow and having a blunt forward edge of the yellow base patch. The Whooper Swan has a bill that has more yellow than black and the forward edge of the yellow patch is usually pointed. The bill pattern for every individual Bewick's Swan is unique and scientists often make detailed drawings of each bill and assign names to the swans to assist with studying these birds. As their common name implies, the Tundra Swan breeds in the Arctic and sub-Arctic tundra where they inhabit shallow pools, lakes and rivers. Unlike the Mute Swan, but like the other Arctic swans, it is a migratory bird. The winter habitat is mainly grassland and marshland, often near the coast. The breeding range of the Bewick’s Swan extends across the coastal lowlands of Siberia from the Kola Peninsula east to the Pacific. It starts to arrive in its breeding range around mid-May and leaves for its winter range around the end of September. The populations west of the Taimyr Peninsula migrate via the White Sea, Baltic Sea and the Elbe estuary to winter in Denmark, the Netherlands and the UK where it is common in winter on a few RSPB and WWT reserves. Some birds also winter elsewhere on the southern shores of the North Sea. The Bewick’s Swans that breed in eastern Russia migrate via Mongolia and north China to winter in the coastal regions of Korea, Japan and south China, south to Guangdong and occasionally as far as Taiwan. A few birds from the central Siberian range also winter in Iran at the south of the Caspian Sea. Arrival in the winter range starts about mid-October although most birds spend weeks or even months at favourite resting locations and will only arrive in the winter range in November or even as late as January. Departure from the winter range starts in mid-February. Bewick’s Swans mate in the late spring, usually after they have returned to the breeding range. As is usual for swans, they pair monogamously until one partner dies. Should one partner die long before the other, the surviving bird often will not mate again for several years or even for the rest of its life. The nesting season starts at the end of May. The pair build the large mound-shaped nest from plant material at an elevated site near open water and they defend a large territory around it. The pen (female) lays and incubates a clutch of 2 to 7 (usually 3 to 5) eggs whilst the cob (male) keeps a steady lookout for potential predators heading towards his mate and offspring. The time from egg laying to hatching is 29 to 30 days. Since they nest in cold regions, Bewick’s Swan cygnets grow faster than those of swans breeding in warmer climates and they may fledge in 40 to 45 days. Cygnets stay with their parents for the first winter migration and the family is sometimes even joined by their offspring from previous breeding seasons while on the wintering grounds. Bewick’s Swans do not reach sexual maturity until 3 or 4 years of age. In summer, the diet of the Bewick’s Swan consists mainly of aquatic vegetation which it finds by sticking its head underwater or upending while swimming. It will also eat some grass growing on dry land. At other times of the year, leftover grains and other crops such as potatoes, picked up in open fields after harvest, make up much of the diet. Healthy adult Bewick’s Swans have few natural predators. The Arctic Fox may threaten breeding females and particular the eggs and hatchlings. Adults typically can stand their ground and displace foxes but occasionally the foxes are successful. Other potential nest predators include the Red Fox, the Brown Bear, the Golden Eagle, the Arctic Skua and the Glaucous Gull. The Brown Bear, the Golden Eagle and the Wolf may occasionally succeed at capturing and killing an adult. About 15% adults die each year from various causes and the average lifespan in the wild is about 10 years. The status of the Bewick's Swan is not well known although its population is in decline in north west Europe for largely unexplained reasons. It is increasingly dependent on agricultural crops to supplement its winter diet as aquatic vegetation in its winter habitat declines due to habitat destruction and water pollution. However, the main cause of adult mortality is hunting and, whilst the Bewick's Swan can not be hunted legally, almost half the birds studied contain lead shot in their bodies, indicating that they were shot at by poachers. Lead poisoning by ingestion of lead shot is also a very significant cause of mortality. The Bewick's Swan is one of the birds to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 6th January 2012 Location: Walland Marsh, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48483006.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_216383724640a4008b44e8.jpgBlackbird The Common Blackbird is a species of true thrush. It is also called Eurasian Blackbird (especially in North America in order to distinguish it from the unrelated New World blackbirds) or simply Blackbird where this does not lead to confusion with a similar-looking local species. The Blackbird’s name derives form 2 Latin words: turdus meaning “thrush” and merula meaning “blackbird”. It may not immediately be clear why the name "blackbird", first recorded in 1486, was applied to this species but not to one of the various other common black English birds, such as the Carrion Crow, Raven, Rook or Jackdaw. However, in Old English and in modern English up to about the 18th century, "bird" was used only for smaller or young birds and larger ones such as crows were called "fowl". At that time, the Blackbird was therefore the only widespread and conspicuous black bird in the UK. The Blackbird is around 9.25 to 11.5 inches in length including a long tail. The adult male has glossy black plumage, blackish-brown legs, a yellow eye-ring and an orange-yellow bill. The bill darkens somewhat in winter. The adult female is sooty-brown with a dull yellowish-brownish bill, a brownish-white throat and some weak mottling on the breast. The juvenile is similar to the female but has pale spots on the upperparts and the very young juvenile also has a speckled breast. Young birds vary in the shade of brown, with darker birds presumably males. The first year male resembles the adult male but has a dark bill and weaker eye ring and its folded wing is brown rather than black like the body plumage. The Blackbird breeds in temperate Eurasia, north Africa, the Canary Islands and south Asia. Populations are sedentary in the south and west of the range although northern birds migrate south as far as north Africa and tropical Asia in winter. Common over most of its range in woodland, the Blackbird has a preference for deciduous trees with dense undergrowth. However, gardens provide the most successful breeding habitat. It occurs up to around 3300 feet in Europe and is often replaced by the related Ring Ousel in areas of higher altitude. The Blackbird has an extensive range and a large population which is generally stable or increasing. However, there have been local declines, especially on farmland, which may be due to agricultural policies that encouraged farmers to remove hedgerows (which provide nesting places) and to drain damp grassland and increase the use of pesticides, both of which could have reduced the availability of invertebrate food. The Blackbird may commence breeding in March when the breeding pair prospect for a suitable nest site in a creeper or bush, favouring evergreen or thorny species such as ivy, holly, hawthorn, honeysuckle or pyracantha. Sometimes they will nest in sheds or outbuildings where a ledge or cavity is used. The cup-shaped nest is made with grasses, leaves and other vegetation and bound together with mud. It is built by the female alone. The nest is often ill-concealed compared with those of other species and many breeding attempts fail due to predation. The female lays 3 to 5 (average 4) bluish-green eggs marked with reddish-brown blotches which are incubated for 12 to 14 days before the chicks are hatched naked and blind. Fledging takes another 10 to 19 (average 13.6) days, with both parents feeding the young. The young are fed by the parents for up to 3 weeks after leaving the nest and they will follow the adults begging for food. If the female starts another nest, the male alone will feed the fledged young. Second broods are common with the female reusing the same nest if the brood was successful. The first-year male Blackbird may start singing as early as late January in fine weather in order to establish a territory, followed in late March by the adult male. The male's song is a varied and melodious low-pitched fluted warble which is given from trees, rooftops or other elevated perches mainly in the period from March to June and sometimes into the beginning of July. During the winter, the Blackbird can be heard quietly singing to itself, so much so that September and October are the only months which the song cannot be heard. The Blackbird is omnivorous, eating a wide range of insects, earthworms, seeds and berries. It feeds mainly on the ground, running and hopping with a start-stop-start progress. It pulls earthworms from the soil, usually finding them by sight but sometimes by hearing, and roots through leaf litter for other invertebrates. Small amphibians and lizards are occasionally hunted. The Blackbird will also perch in bushes to take berries and collect caterpillars and other active insects. Animal prey predominates and this is particularly important during the breeding season with windfall apples and berries taken more in the autumn and winter. Near human habitation the main predator of the Blackbird is the domestic cat, with newly fledged young especially vulnerable. Foxes and predatory birds, such as the Sparrowhawk, also predate the Blackbird when the opportunity arises. Eggs and chicks are also taken by corvids, such as the Magpie or Jay. Date: 1st February 2023 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49797309.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_166623369464ec9d1b0fd37.jpgYellowhammer The Yellowhammer is a passerine bird in the bunting family. The bird family Emberizidae contains around 300 seed-eating species, the majority of which are found in the Americas, although the genus Emberiza, with more than 40 members, is confined to the Old World. Within its genus Emberiza, the Yellowhammer is most closely related to the Pine Bunting and at times they have been considered as one species. Where their ranges meet, the Yellowhammer and Pine Bunting interbreed and the hybrid zone is thought to be moving further east. The Yellowhammer is also closely related to the Cirl Bunting. The Yellowhammer’s scientific name Emberiza citronella is derived from the Old German embritz meaning “bunting” and the Italian citronella meaning “small yellow bird”. The Yellowhammer is a large bunting around 6.3 to 6.5 inches long with a wingspan of 9.1 to 11.6 inches. The male has a bright yellow head, heavily streaked brown back, rufous rump, yellow underparts and white outer tail feathers. The female is less brightly coloured and more streaked on the crown, breast and flanks. Both sexes are less strongly marked outside the breeding season when the dark fringes on new feathers obscure the yellow plumage. The juvenile is much duller and less yellow than the adults and often has a paler rump. The Yellowhammer breeds across Eurasia and it is the commonest and most widespread European bunting although it is absent from high mountains, Arctic regions, most of Iberia and Greece and low-lying regions of other countries adjoining the Mediterranean Sea. It also breeds in Russia east to Irkutsk and in most of Ukraine and the Asian range extends into north west Turkey, the Caucasus and northern Kazakhstan. Populations have declined in recent decades in western Europe but in eastern Europe numbers appear to be stable. Changes to agricultural practices are thought to be responsible for reduced breeding densities. The Yellowhammer can be found throughout most of the UK but it is least abundant in the north and west and absent from some upland areas such as the Pennines and the Scottish Highlands as well as some lowland areas. Its recent sharp population decline make it a Red List species. Within its range, the Yellowhammer is a bird of dry open country, preferably with a range of vegetation types and some trees from which to sing. It is absent from urban areas, forests and wetlands. Probably originally found at forest edges and large clearings, it has benefited from traditional agriculture which created extensive open areas with hedges and clumps of trees. The Yellowhammer usually starts breeding in late April or early May. The males establish territories along hedges or woodland fringes and sing from a tree or bush, often continuing well into July or August. The nest is built by the female on or near the ground and is typically well hidden in tussocks against a bank or low in a bush. It is constructed from nearby plant material such as leaves, dry grass and stalks and lined with fine grasses and sometimes animal hair. The clutch is usually 3 to 5 eggs and the female incubates the eggs for 12 to 14 days to hatching and broods the chicks until they fledge 11 to 13 days later. Both adults feed the chicks in the nest and 2 or 3 broods are raised each year. The Yellowhammer forages mainly on the ground and its diet consists mainly of seeds. Grasses are also important, particularly cereals, and grain makes up a significant part of the food consumed in autumn and winter. Invertebrates are added to its diet during the breeding season, particularly as food for its growing chicks, and a wide range of species is taken including springtails, grasshoppers, flies, beetles, caterpillars, earthworms, spiders and snails. Outside of the breeding season, the Yellowhammer forages in flocks which can occasionally number hundreds of birds and often contain other buntings and finches. The Yellowhammer is a conspicuous, vocal and formerly common country bird and it has attracted human interest. Yellowham Wood and Yellowham Hill, near Dorchester in the UK, both derive their names from the bird. Robbie Burns' poem "The Yellow, Yellow Yorlin'" gets its title from a Scottish name for the Yellowhammer. Enid Blyton helped to popularise the bird's song as "a little bit of bread and no cheese" in some of her books and she wrote a poem called "The Yellow-hammer". Beethoven's student, Carl Czerny, and biographer Anton Schindler, both suggested that the composer got the idea for the first 4 notes of his 5th symphony from the song of the Yellowhammer although it is more likely that the opening of the 4th Piano Concerto was actually the work in question. Beethoven also used the Yellowhammer theme in 2 piano sonatas. Date: 2nd July 2023 Location: Great Ovens NNR, Wareham Forest, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37399619.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7134236505c6697c33ee4f.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 9th December 2018 Location: Winterton-Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12076206.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21299203954e48d07ae31e9.jpgOtter The Eurasian Otter, also known as the European Otter, Eurasian River Otter, Common Otter and Old World Otter and commonly known as the Otter, is a semi-aquatic mammal and the most widely distributed member of the Otter sub-family of the Weasel family (Mustelidae). The Otter is a typical species of the Otter sub-family and is brown above and cream below. It is 22.5 to 37.5 inches long excluding a tail of 14 to 17.5 inches. The female is shorter than the male. The Otter's average body weight is 15 to 26 pounds, although occasionally a large old male may reach up to 37 pounds. The Otter differs from the North American River Otter by its shorter neck, broader face, the greater space between the ears and its longer tail. However, it is the only Otter species in much of its range so it is rarely confused for any other animal. The Otter is the most widely distributed Otter species and its range including parts of Asia and Africa as well as being widespread across Europe. The Otter can be found throughout most of the UK with the highest densities in Scotland, especially the islands and the north west coast, Wales, parts of East Anglia and the West Country. The Otter declined across its range in the second half of the 20th century primarily due to pollution, habitat loss and hunting. However, populations are now recovering in many parts of Europe. In the UK the number of sites with an Otter presence increased by 55% between 1994 and 2002. In August 2011, the Environment Agency announced that the Otter had returned to every county in England since vanishing from every county except the West Country and parts of Northern England. The recovery of the Otter population in Europe is due to a ban on the most harmful pesticides that has been in place since 1979, improvements in water quality leading to increases in prey populations and direct legal protection under the European Union Habitats Directive and national legislation in several European countries. In general, the Otter’s varied and adaptable diet means that it can be found on any unpolluted body of fresh water, including lakes, streams, rivers and ponds, as long as the food supply is adequate. It can also be found along the coast in salt water but it requires regular access to fresh water to clean its fur. When living in the sea it is sometimes referred to as a "Sea Otter" but it should not be confused with the true Sea Otter which is a North American species much more strongly adapted to a marine existence. The Otter's diet mainly consists of fish. However, during the winter and in colder environments, fish consumption is significantly lower and other sources of food are eaten including amphibians, crustaceans, insects, birds and small mammals. Hunting mainly takes place at night whilst the day is usually spent in the Otter's holt (den). The Otter is strongly territorial and is primarily solitary. An individual's territory may vary between 1 and 25 miles with the length of the territory depending on the density of food available and the width of the water suitable for hunting (it is shorter on coasts, where the available width is much wider and longer on narrower rivers). The Otter uses its spraints to mark its territory. Territories are only held against members of the same sex so those of males and females may overlap. The Otter is a non-seasonal breeder and males and females will breed at any time of the year. It has been found that their mating season is most likely determined simply by the Otters' reproductive maturity and physiological state. Female Otters are sexually mature between 18 and 24 months old and the average age of first breeding is found to be 2.5 years old. Gestation is 60 to 64 days and after the gestation period, 1 to 4 pups are born which remain dependent on the mother for about 13 months. The male plays no direct role in parental care although the territory of a female with her pups is usually entirely within that of the male. Date: 4th June 2008 Location: Billister, Nesting, East Mainland, Shetland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512527.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_212082897662c99a3c657a5.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 9th May 2022 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14247086.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7356757634f4e0403dab70.jpgMute Swan The Mute Swan is a species of swan native to much of Eurasia. Despite its Eurasian origin, its closest relatives are the Black Swan of Australia and the Black-necked Swan of south America, not the other Northern Hemisphere swans such as the Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan. The name “mute” derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. The adult Mute Swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob at the top of the beak. All Mute Swans are white at maturity although the feathers (particularly on the head and neck) are often stained orange-brown by iron and tannins in the water. Young birds (cygnets) are not the bright white colour of mature adults and their bill is dull greyish-black for the first year. The plumage may range from pure white to grey to buff with grey/buff being the most common. Cygnets typically retain their grey/buff feathers until they are at least 1 year old. On average, the Mute Swan is the second largest waterfowl species after the Trumpeter Swan although the male Mute Swan can easily match or even exceed a male Trumpeter Swan in mass. The adult Mute Swan typically ranges from 55 to 63 inches in length (although it can range in extreme cases from 49 to 67 inches) with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. Males (cobs) are larger than females (pens) and have a larger knob on their bill. The Mute Swan is one of the heaviest flying birds. In several studies from the UK, males were found to average from about 23.4 to 26.2 pounds, with a weight range of 20 to 32 pounds, while the slightly smaller females were found to average about 18.7 to 21.3 pounds, with a weight range of 17 to 23 pounds. The Mute Swan is less vocal than the noisy Bewick's Swan and Whooper Swan although it does make a variety of grunting, hoarse whistling and snorting noises, especially in communicating with their cygnets and threatening competitors or intruders trying to enter their territory. The most familiar sound associated with the Mute Swan is the vibrant throbbing of the wings in flight which is unique to the species and this can be heard from a range of up to 1 mile. The Mute Swan is found naturally mainly in the temperate areas of Europe across west Asia and as far east as Primorsky Krai in the far east of Russia. It is partially migratory throughout the northern latitudes in Europe and Asia as far south as north Africa and the Mediterranean. It is also often kept in captivity outside its natural range as a decoration for parks and ponds and escapes have occurred. The descendants of such birds have become naturalised in east USA and the Great Lakes region across the USA and Canada border. The Mute Swan population in the UK has increased recently probably due to better protection of this species. Some birds are resident all year whilst others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into east England. Mute Swans nest on large mounds that they build with waterside vegetation in shallow water on islands in the middle or at the very edge of a lake. It is a monogamous species and often reuses the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Males and females share the care of the nest. The female lays from 4 to 10 eggs and broods for around 36 days. Cygnets are unable to fly before an age of 120 to 150 days and this limits the distribution of the species in the northern edge of its range since the cygnets must learn to fly before the water freezes. The Mute Swan is usually strongly territorial with just a single pair on smaller lakes although in a few locations where a large area of suitable feeding habitat is found they can be colonial. The largest colonies can hold over 100 pairs such as that at the colony at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset in the UK. Non-mated juveniles up to 3 to 4 years old commonly form larger flocks often at regular traditional sites and these can total several hundred birds. The Mute Swan can be very aggressive in defence of its nest and it is highly protective of its mate and offspring. Most defensive attacks from a Mute Swan begin with a loud hiss and, if this is not sufficient to drive off the predator, are followed by a physical attack. It attacks by smashing at its enemy with bony spurs in the wings accompanied by biting with its large bill. Smaller waterbirds such as ducks are normally grabbed with the bill and dragged or thrown clear. Large waterfowl, such as the Canada Goose, more likely out of competition than in response to potential predation, may be aggressively driven off. The wings of the Mute Swan are very powerful although not strong enough to break an adult man's leg as has been claimed anecdotally. The Mute Swan feeds on a wide range of vegetation, both submerged aquatic plants which they reach with their long necks and by grazing on land. The food commonly includes agricultural crop plants such as oilseed rape and wheat and feeding flocks in the winter may cause significant crop damage, often as much through trampling with their large webbed feet as through direct consumption. Date: 25th February 2012 Location: Verulamium Park, St Albans, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37431255.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17700733015c6bebcf13f08.jpgLapwing The Northern Lapwing, also known as the peewit, pewit, tuit or tew-it (imitative of its cry), Green Plover (emphasising the colour of the plumage) or (in the UK) just Lapwing (which refers to its peculiar, erratic way of flying), is a bird in the lapwing family. The Lapwing has rounded wings and a crest. It is also the shortest-legged of the lapwing species. It is mainly black and white but the back is tinted green. The male has a long crest and a black crown, throat and breast contrasting with an otherwise white face. Females and young birds have shorter crests and have less strongly marked heads but plumages are otherwise quite similar. The Lapwing is a vocal bird in the breeding season with constant calling as the crazed tumbling display flight is performed by the male. The typical contact call is a loud, shrill "pee-wit" from which they get their other name of peewit. The Lapwing is common through temperate Eurasia and breeds on cultivated land and other short vegetation habitats. The ground scrape nest and young are defended noisily and aggressively against all intruders. It is highly migratory over most of its extensive range, wintering further south as far as north Africa, north India, Pakistan and parts of China. It migrates mainly by day, often in large flocks. Lowland breeders in the westernmost areas of Europe are resident. In winter, it forms huge flocks on open land, particularly arable land and mud-flats. In the UK, the Lapwing has suffered a significant decline in the last 25 years and is an Amber List species because of the importance of its UK wintering population. It breeds on farmland throughout the UK, particularly in lowland areas of north England, the Borders and east Scotland, and prefers fields of spring sown cereals and root crops, permanent unimproved pasture, meadows and fallow fields but also wet grassland and marshes. During the winter, the Lapwing can be seen on flooded grassland, estuaries, coastal wetlands, short grassy fields and ploughed fields. In addition to the UK population, large numbers of north European birds arrive in the autumn for the winter. The Lapwing feeds primarily on insects and other small invertebrates. It often feeds in mixed flocks with Golden Plovers and Black-headed Gulls, the latter often robbing the plovers, but providing a degree of protection against predators. Date: 8th January 2019 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/marsh-frog https://images.on-this.website/4752_13839558234e3a7827d82f7.jpgMarsh Frog The Marsh Frog is the largest European frog. It is very similar in appearance to the closely related Edible Frog and Pool Frog. These 3 species are often referred to as "green frogs" to distinguish them from the more terrestrial European species which are known as "brown frogs" (best exemplified by the Common Frog). Marsh Frogs show a large variation in colour and pattern, ranging from dark green to brown or grey. The Western European populations are generally dark green to black with dark spots on the back and sides and 3 clear green lines on the back. Females can reach a maximum length of around 6.5 inches but males are smaller at around 4.5 inches. The head is proportionally large and the hind legs are long which gives them excellent jumping abilities. The Marsh Frog is usually gregarious and diurnal and more tied to aquatic habitats than the Common Frog. It is tolerant of brackish conditions and typically it is found on or in the water of its favoured drainage channels and pools throughout the year. Marsh Frogs frequently sunbathe on the bank of the water body where they are often inconspicuous until disturbed when they will jump in to the water with a characteristic “plop”. They can often be seen on lily pads or floating at the surface amongst vegetation with only their heads exposed. During the breeding season (and sometimes beyond) the male Marsh Frog calls very loudly with a sound reminiscent of a loud chuckle which is often very raucous and can be heard all day and night. Dominant males establish territories from which they call. After mating a female may produce up to 16,000 eggs in a season, laying them in clumps of a few hundred in aquatic vegetation below the surface. They hatch in about a week, tadpoles being rather solitary and living in deep water with vegetation. Newly metamorphosed frogs are up to 1 inch in length and take 2 years to mature. The diet of the Marsh Frog consists of dragonflies and other insects, spiders, earthworms and slugs. Larger frogs also eat small rodents and sometimes smaller amphibians and fish. The Marsh Frog is not a native species of the UK. It was first introduced to Walland Marsh, Kent in 1935 and is now found in several areas of Kent and East Sussex. Other introductions exist, including colonies in London. Date: 31st July 2011 Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080561.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_27262092063a45910e832b.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 1st December 2022 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/march-to-april-2016-blue https://images.on-this.website/4752_2072516257a8604e05789.jpgMarch to April 2016 - Blue Tit Please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/photo27293543.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11639760.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15113906584e2fdc2450bcf.jpgRed Grouse The Red Grouse is a medium-sized bird of the grouse family which is found in heather moorland in the UK and Ireland. It is endemic to the UK and has developed in isolation. It is usually classified as a sub-species of the Willow Ptarmigan or Willow Grouse which is found in birch and other forests and moorlands in north Europe, the tundra of Scandinavia, Siberia, Alaska and north Canada. The Red Grouse is differentiated from the Willow Ptarmigan and Rock Ptarmigan by its plumage being reddish brown and not having a white winter plumage. The tail is black and the legs are white. There are white stripes on the underwing and red combs over the eye. Females are less reddish than the males and have less conspicuous combs. Young birds are duller and lack the red combs. The Red Grouse is found across most parts of Scotland, including Orkney, Shetland and most of the Outer Hebrides. It is only absent from urban areas such as in the Central Belt. In Wales there are strong populations of Red Grouse in some places but the range has retracted. It is now largely absent from the far south and the main strongholds are Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons and the Cambrian Mountains. In England the Red Grouse is mainly found in the north in areas such as the Lake District, Northumberland, County Durham, much of Yorkshire, the Pennines and the Peak District as far south as the Staffordshire Moorlands. There is an isolated introduced population on Dartmoor and overspill Welsh birds visit the Shropshire Hills.The typical habitat is upland heather moors away from trees. It can also be found in some low-lying bogs and birds may visit farmland during hard weather. The UK population of the Red Grouse is estimated at about 250,000 pairs. Numbers have declined in recent years and it is now absent in areas where it was once common. Reasons for the decline include disease, loss of heather due to overgrazing, creation of new conifer plantations and a decline in the number of upland gamekeepers. Some predators feed on Red Grouse and there is ongoing controversy as to what effect these have on numbers. The Red Grouse is herbivorous and feeds mainly on the shoots, seeds and flowers of heather. It will also feed on berries, cereal crops and sometimes insects. The Red Grouse is considered a game bird and is shot in large numbers during the shooting season which traditionally starts on August 12th (known as the Glorious Twelfth). Shooting can take the form of “walked up” (where shooters walk across the moor to flush grouse and take a shot) or “driven” (where grouse are driven, often in large numbers, by “beaters” towards the shooters who are hiding behind a line of “butts”). Many moors are managed to increase the density of Red Grouse. Areas of heather are subjected to controlled burning since this allows fresh young shoots to regenerate which are favoured by Red Grouse. In addition, extensive predator control is a feature of grouse moor management and the extent and legality to which it occurs is hotly contested between conservation groups and shooting interests and the subject generates a lot of media attention. The Red Grouse is widely known as the logo of The Famous Grouse whisky and an animated bird is a character in a series of its adverts. It is also the emblem of the magazine “British Birds”. Date: 17th April 2007 Location: Grinton Moor, Yorkshire Dales National Park, North Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13656945.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15033280554ed3688a280f1.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the [i]Canidae[/i] family and is a part of the order [i]Carnivora[/i] within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38397298.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10218495945ce127a05073f.jpgYellowhammer The Yellowhammer is a passerine bird in the bunting family. The bird family [I]Emberizidae[/I] contains around 300 seed-eating species, the majority of which are found in the Americas, although the genus [I]Emberiza[/I], with more than 40 members, is confined to the Old World. Within its genus [I]Emberiza[/I], the Yellowhammer is most closely related to the Pine Bunting and at times they have been considered as one species. Where their ranges meet, the Yellowhammer and Pine Bunting interbreed and the hybrid zone is thought to be moving further east. The Yellowhammer is also closely related to the Cirl Bunting. The Yellowhammer’s scientific name [I]Emberiza citronella[/I] is derived from the Old German [I]embritz[/I] meaning “bunting” and the Italian [I]citronella[/I] meaning “small yellow bird”. The Yellowhammer is a large bunting around 6.3 to 6.5 inches long with a wingspan of 9.1 to 11.6 inches. The male has a bright yellow head, heavily streaked brown back, rufous rump, yellow underparts and white outer tail feathers. The female is less brightly coloured and more streaked on the crown, breast and flanks. Both sexes are less strongly marked outside the breeding season when the dark fringes on new feathers obscure the yellow plumage. The juvenile is much duller and less yellow than the adults and often has a paler rump. The Yellowhammer breeds across Eurasia and it is the commonest and most widespread European bunting although it is absent from high mountains, Arctic regions, most of Iberia and Greece and low-lying regions of other countries adjoining the Mediterranean Sea. It also breeds in Russia east to Irkutsk and in most of Ukraine and the Asian range extends into north west Turkey, the Caucasus and northern Kazakhstan. Populations have declined in recent decades in western Europe but in eastern Europe numbers appear to be stable. Changes to agricultural practices are thought to be responsible for reduced breeding densities. The Yellowhammer can be found throughout most of the UK but it is least abundant in the north and west and absent from some upland areas such as the Pennines and the Scottish Highlands as well as some lowland areas. Its recent sharp population decline make it a Red List species. Within its range, the Yellowhammer is a bird of dry open country, preferably with a range of vegetation types and some trees from which to sing. It is absent from urban areas, forests and wetlands. Probably originally found at forest edges and large clearings, it has benefited from traditional agriculture which created extensive open areas with hedges and clumps of trees. The Yellowhammer usually starts breeding in late April or early May. The males establish territories along hedges or woodland fringes and sing from a tree or bush, often continuing well into July or August. The nest is built by the female on or near the ground and is typically well hidden in tussocks against a bank or low in a bush. It is constructed from nearby plant material such as leaves, dry grass and stalks and lined with fine grasses and sometimes animal hair. The clutch is usually 3 to 5 eggs and the female incubates the eggs for 12 to 14 days to hatching and broods the chicks until they fledge 11 to 13 days later. Both adults feed the chicks in the nest and 2 or 3 broods are raised each year. The Yellowhammer forages mainly on the ground and its diet consists mainly of seeds. Grasses are also important, particularly cereals, and grain makes up a significant part of the food consumed in autumn and winter. Invertebrates are added to its diet during the breeding season, particularly as food for its growing chicks, and a wide range of species is taken including springtails, grasshoppers, flies, beetles, caterpillars, earthworms, spiders and snails. Outside of the breeding season, the Yellowhammer forages in flocks which can occasionally number hundreds of birds and often contain other buntings and finches. The Yellowhammer is a conspicuous, vocal and formerly common country bird and it has attracted human interest. Yellowham Wood and Yellowham Hill, near Dorchester in the UK, both derive their names from the bird. Robbie Burns' poem "The Yellow, Yellow Yorlin'" gets its title from a Scottish name for the Yellowhammer. Enid Blyton helped to popularise the bird's song as "a little bit of bread and no cheese" in some of her books and she wrote a poem called "The Yellow-hammer". Beethoven's student, Carl Czerny, and biographer Anton Schindler, both suggested that the composer got the idea for the first 4 notes of his 5th symphony from the song of the Yellowhammer although it is more likely that the opening of the 4th Piano Concerto was actually the work in question. Beethoven also used the Yellowhammer theme in 2 piano sonatas. Date: 7th May 2019 Location: Weeting Heath NWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/barnacle-goose https://images.on-this.website/4752_8075566974e15832b3331a.jpgBarnacle Goose The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 3rd November 2008 Location: Loch Gruinart, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31192299.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_52323744591823be4d0666.54047323.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 7th May 2017 Location: RSPB Ynys-hir, Ceredigion http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40755800.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7987117045e204415d21fb.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 8th December 2019 Location: Joure to Terherne area, Friesland, Netherlands http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49276696.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15457971806499629066a4a.jpgSwallow The Barn Swallow is the most widespread species of swallow in the world. In Europe it is just called the Swallow and in Northern Europe it is the only common species called a "swallow" rather than a "martin". The male Swallow has steel blue upperparts and a rufous forehead, chin and throat which are separated from the off-white underparts by a broad dark blue breast band. The outer tail feathers are elongated to give the distinctive deeply forked "swallow tail." There is a line of white spots across the outer end of the upper tail. The female is similar in appearance to the male but the tail streamers are shorter, the blue of the upperparts and breast band is less glossy and the underparts more pale. The juvenile is browner and has a paler rufous face and whiter underparts. It also lacks the long tail streamers of the adult. The Swallow has an enormous range with an estimated global extent of 20 million square miles and a population of 190 million individuals. It breeds in the Northern Hemisphere from sea level to typically 8,900 feet but up 9,800 feet in the Caucasus and North America and it is absent only from deserts and the cold northernmost parts of the continents. Over much of its range it avoids towns and in Europe is replaced in urban areas by the House Martin. There are 6 subspecies of the Swallow which breed across the Northern Hemisphere, of which 4 are strongly migratory with their wintering grounds covering much of the Southern Hemisphere as far south as central Argentina, the Cape Province of South Africa and northern Australia. The Swallow can be found in open country with low vegetation such as pasture, meadows and farmland, preferably with nearby water. It avoids heavily wooded or precipitous areas and densely built-up locations. The presence of accessible open structures such as barns, stables or culverts to provide nesting sites and exposed locations such as wires, roof ridges or bare branches for perching are also important in the bird's selection of its breeding range. This species lives in close association with humans and its insect-eating habits mean that it is tolerated by man. This acceptance was reinforced in the past by superstitions regarding the bird and its nest. There are frequent cultural references to the Swallow in literary and religious works due to both its living in close proximity to humans and its annual migration. The Swallow is the national bird of Austria and Estonia. In winter, the Swallow is cosmopolitan in its choice of habitat, avoiding only dense forests and deserts. It is most common in open, low vegetation habitats such as savanna and ranch land. Individual birds tend to return to the same wintering locality each year and congregate from a large area to roost in reed beds. These roosts can be extremely large with one in Nigeria holding an estimated 1.5 million birds. Date: 7th June 2023 Location: Rhosson campsite near St. David's, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49001832.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8785996116468e3018e898.jpgBlackcap The Eurasian Blackcap, usually known simply as the Blackcap, is a typical warbler in the Sylvia genus. It is a mainly grey warbler with distinct male and female plumages. It is about 5.1 inches long with a 2.8 to 3.1 inches wing span. The adult male has olive-grey upperparts, other than a paler grey nape, and a neat black cap on the head. The underparts are light grey, becoming silvery white on the chin, throat and upper breast. The tail is dark grey with an olive tint to the outer edge of each feather. The bill and long legs are grey and the iris is reddish brown. The female resembles the male but has a reddish-brown cap and a slightly browner tone to the grey of the upperparts. Juveniles are similar to the female but their upperparts have a slight rufous tinge and the breast and flanks have a more olive tone. Young males have a darker brown cap than their female counterparts. The Blackcap is unmistakable and other dark-headed Sylvia species, such as the Sardinian Warbler and the Orphean Warbler, have extensive black on the head instead of a small cap and they are also larger and have white edges on the tail. The male Blackcap's song is a rich musical warbling, often ending in a loud high-pitched crescendo, which is given in bursts of up to 30 seconds. The song is repeated for about 2 minutes with a short pause before each repetition. The main song can be confused with that of the Garden Warbler but it is slightly higher pitched than in that species, more broken into discrete song segments and less mellow. Both species have a quiet sub-song, a muted version of the full song, which is even harder to separate. The Blackcap also occasionally mimics the song of other birds, the most frequently copied including the Garden Warbler and the Nightingale. The Blackcap’s breeding range includes much of Europe, west Asia and north west Africa and its preferred habitat is mature deciduous woodland. Birds on the Mediterranean and Atlantic islands and in the milder west and south of the main Eurasian distribution often winter within the breeding range but populations elsewhere are migratory. The Blackcap is a “leap-frog migrant” meaning that birds from the north of the breeding range travel furthest south whereas Mediterranean breeders move much shorter distances. The wintering areas overlap with the breeding range but also include extensive areas in west Africa, east Africa south to Lake Malawi and further north in Ethiopia, South Sudan and Eritrea. There is a migratory divide in Europe at longitude 10 to 11°E. Birds to the west of this line migrate south west towards Iberia or west Africa whereas populations to the east migrate to the east Mediterranean and on to east Africa. Climate change appears to be affecting the migration pattern of the Blackcap. It is arriving in Europe earlier than previously and departing nearly 2 weeks later than in the 1980s. In recent decades, some central European birds have taken to wintering in gardens in the UK and, to a lesser extent, in Ireland, where the Blackcap was formerly just a summer visitor. Although the UK climate is sub-optimal, compensatory factors include the ready availability of food (particularly from bird tables), a shorter migration distance and the avoidance of the Alps and the Sahara Desert. The Blackcap's main breeding habitat is mature deciduous woodland with good scrub cover below the trees. Other habitats, such as parks, large gardens and overgrown hedges, are used as long as they meet the essential requirements of tall trees for song posts and an established under-story. Where other Sylvia warblers also breed, the Blackcap tends to use taller trees than its relatives, preferably those with a good canopy such as pedunculate oak. The preferred winter habitat around the Mediterranean is scrub and olive orchards. In Africa, habitats include cultivated land, acacia scrub, mangroves and forest. When the male Blackcap returns to its breeding range, it establishes a territory. Adults that have previously bred return to the site they have used in previous summers whereas inexperienced birds either wander until they find a suitable area or establish a very large initial territory which contracts under pressure from neighbours. Territorial boundaries are established initially by loud singing which is performed while the male displays with its crown raised, tail fanned and slow wingbeats. Sylvia warblers are unusual in that they vigorously defend their territories against other members of their genus. Blackcaps and Garden Warblers use almost identical habitats yet aggressive interactions mean that their territories rarely overlap. The Blackcap first breeds at 1 year old. It is mainly monogamous although both sexes may sometimes deviate from this. A male attracts a female to his territory through song and a display involving raising the black crown feathers, fluffing the tail, slow wingbeats and a short flapping flight. He also builds one or more simple nests (cock nests) usually near his song post. The final nest, which may be one of the cock nests or built from scratch, is a neat cup of roots, stems and grasses lined with fine material such as hair. The nest is built in the cover of bramble, scrub or trees and it is constructed mainly by the female and may be up to 15 feet above the ground although lower than 3 feet is more typical. The clutch is 2 to 7 eggs (typically 4 to 6) which are incubated by both adults for 10 to 16 days (average 11 days). The chicks are fed by both parents and fledge about 11 to 12 days after hatching, leaving the nest shortly before they are able to fly. They are assisted with feeding for a further 2 or 3 weeks. The Blackcap normally raises just 1 brood but second broods are sometimes recorded, particularly in the milder climate of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic islands. The Blackcap feeds mainly on insects during the breeding season and then switches to fruit in late summer, the change being triggered by an internal biological rhythm. When migrants arrive on their breeding territories they initially take berries, pollen and nectar if there are insufficient insects available but then soon switch to their preferred diet. The Blackcap mainly picks prey off foliage and twigs but it may occasionally hover, flycatch or feed on the ground. It eats a wide range of invertebrate prey, although aphids are particularly important early in the season, and flies, beetles and caterpillars are also taken in large numbers. In July, the diet switches increasingly to a wide range of small fruit. The protein needed for egg-laying and for the chicks to grow is replaced by fruit sugar which helps the birds to fatten for migration. Aphids are still taken while they are available since they often contain sugars from the plant sap on which they feed. The Blackcap has a very large range and a very large population. It is therefore classified by the IUCN as being of “Least Concern”. The Blackcap and other small birds are illegally trapped and hunted in large numbers in Mediterranean countries, particularly in Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, Malta, Libya, Egypt and Cyprus, where they are considered as a delicacy. Despite hunting and natural hazards, the European population of the Blackcap has been increasing for several decades as the range extends northwards. There are occasional nesting records from outside the main range such as in north Israel and the Faroe Islands and wandering birds may appear further afield in Iceland or on the islands of Arctic Russia. In the Baltic region, the spread of the Blackcap appears to have been helped by the availability of territories formerly occupied by the declining Barred Warbler. Date: 3rd April 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21959206.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_64396806553da64e6aa727.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Inner Farne, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/red-kite https://images.on-this.website/4752_88932725762c999b4c0965.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 9th May 2022 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230777.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_174007818364917f6cdb1c0.jpgAzure Damselfly Flight period: May to August The Azure Damselfly is one of the two commonest blue damselflies and is a common and widespread species of lowland UK. They can be found around most standing water, preferring small, sheltered sites including ditches and garden ponds. Date: 24th May 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/early-bumblebee https://images.on-this.website/4752_180752996467ee3488070b.jpgEarly Bumblebee This photo is of the Bombus pratorum species, one of the commoner Bumblebees in the UK. Date: 29th May 2006 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31192351.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_55521515759182401849972.92007113.jpgCommon Redstart The Common Redstart, or often simply Redstart, is a small passerine bird. Like its relatives, it was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family but it is now known to be an Old World flycatcher. The Common Redstart shows some affinity to the Robin in many of its habits and actions. It has the same general carriage and chat-like behaviour and it is the same length but slightly slimmer and not quite as heavy. The orange-red tail, from which it and other redstarts get their names ("start" is an old word for "tail"), is frequently quivered. Among common European birds, only the Black Redstart has a similarly coloured tail. In summer, the male Common Redstart has a slate-grey head and upperparts, except the rump and tail, which, like the flanks, underwing coverts and axillaries, are orange-chestnut. The forehead is white and the sides of the face and throat are black. The wings and the two central tail feathers are brown and the other tail feathers are bright orange-red. The orange on the flanks shades to almost white on the belly. The bill and legs are black. In autumn, pale feather fringes on the body feathering obscures the colours of the male and gives it a washed-out appearance. The female is browner with paler underparts and it lacks the black and slate head. The Common Redstart is a summer visitor throughout most of Europe and west Asia (east to Lake Baikal) and also in north west Africa in Morocco. It can be found in open mature birch and oak woodland with low amounts of shrub and understorey especially where the trees are old enough to have holes suitable for its nest. It prefers to nest on the edge of woodland clearings in natural tree holes so dead trees or those with dead limbs are beneficial to it. It also nests in mature open conifer woodland, particularly in the north of the breeding range, and nestboxes are sometimes used. In the UK, the Common Redstart occurs primarily in broadleaf woodlands in upland areas in the north and west with the greatest concentrations in Wales. Further east in Europe it also commonly occurs in lowland areas including parks and old gardens in urban areas. The Common Redstart winters in central Africa and Arabia, south of the Sahara Desert but north of the Equator and from Senegal east to Yemen. It first arrives in its breeding areas in early to mid April, the males often a few days in advance of the females. Following breeding, return migration to Africa occurs between mid August and early October. The Common Redstart is insectivorous and eats a wide variety of small insects and spiders but additionally fruit and berries in the autumn. It often feeds like a flycatcher and makes aerial sallies after passing insects. Date: 8th May 2017 Location: Gilfach RWT reserve, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo47645628.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10258428076347d470cc3fc.jpgCarrion Crow The Carrion Crow is a passerine bird in the crow family Corvidae. The Hooded Crow was formerly regarded as a sub-species but it has now been split off as a separate species The plumage of the Carrion Crow is black with a green or purple sheen. The bill, legs and feet are also black. It can be distinguished from the Raven by its smaller size (19 to 20 inches in length as compared to an average of 25 inches for the Raven) and from the Hooded Crow by its all black plumage. There is frequent confusion between the Carrion Crow and the Rook, another black corvid species found within its range. The beak of the Carrion Crow is stouter and in consequence it looks shorter and whereas in the adult Rook the nostrils are bare, those of the Carrion Crow are covered at all ages with bristle-like feathers. As well as this, the wings of a Carrion Crow are proportionally shorter and broader than those of the Rook when seen in flight. Unlike the Rook which is generally gregarious, the Carrion Crow is usually solitary or seen in breeding pairs. The Carrion Crow is a noisy bird, perching on a vantage point such as a building or the top of a tree and calling 3 or 4 times in quick succession with a slight pause between each series of calls. During each series of calls, the bird may perform an accompanying gesture, bowing its head and neck downwards with each call. The Carrion Crow can become tame near humans and can often be found in or around areas of human activity or habitation where they compete with other social birds such as gulls and ducks for food. The Carrion Crow breeds in west and central Europe with an allied form or race occurring in east Asia with the closely allied Hooded Crow filling the gap between. Fertile hybrids occur along the boundary between these 2 forms indicating their close genetic relationship. Across its range, it can be seen all year round in a wide range of habitats such as urban areas, farmland, woodlands, mountains, moorlands and seashores. The Carrion Crow reaches sexual maturity around the age of 3 years for females and 5 years for males and birds often mate for life. The Carrion Crow builds a bulky stick nest which is usually placed in a tall tree although cliff ledges, old buildings and pylons may be used as well. Nests are also occasionally placed on or near the ground. The nest resembles that of the Raven but is less bulky. The female lays 3 to 4 eggs which are incubated for 18 to 20 days by the female alone who is fed by the male. The young fledge after 29 to 30 days. It is not uncommon for offspring from the previous year to stay around and help rear the new hatchlings. Instead of seeking out a mate, these birds look for food and assist the parents in feeding the young. Although an eater of carrion of all kinds, the Carrion Crow will eat insects, earthworms, grain, fruits, seeds, small mammals, amphibians and scraps and it will also steal eggs of other birds. It is a scavenger by nature which is why it tends to frequent sites inhabited by humans in order to feed on household waste. The Carrion Crow will also harass birds of prey or even Foxes for their kills. The Carrion Crow has few natural predators although powerful raptors such as the Northern Goshawk, the Peregrine, the Eurasian Eagle Owl and the Golden Eagle will readily hunt them and they can become an important prey item locally. Date: 12th September 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51387305.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_314612564667e7d45d329c.jpgEmerald Damselfly Flight period: June to September The Emerald Damselfly is widely distributed in uplands and lowlands throughout the UK. They can be found around small, shallow standing water with luxuriant vegetation such as rushes and sedges. Date: 23rd June 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo3119804.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11364648564a6c3ab650e9b.jpgCommon Seal Common Seals feed at sea but regularly haul out on to rocky shores or inter-tidal sandbanks to rest, to give birth and to suckle their pups. The most important haul-out areas are around the coast of Scotland, particularly in the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland, and on the east coast of England in the Wash. Date: 13th July 2009 Location: Blakeney Point, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405552.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_915795616586fbb20b9db.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the Canidae family and is a part of the order Carnivora within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 6th December 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453980.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13389536434ff54727a36aa.jpgBlack Vulture The Black Vulture is also known as the Cinereous Vulture, Monk Vulture or Eurasian Black Vulture. It is an Old World vulture and is only distantly related to the New World vultures and is therefore not directly related to the much smaller American Black Vulture despite the similar name and colouration. The Black Vulture is believed to be the largest true bird of prey in the world.[5] The condors which are slightly larger are now generally considered to be unrelated to the true raptors. This huge bird measures 39 to 47 inches long with a 8 to 10 feet wingspan. The body mass can range from 15 to 31 pounds making it one of the world's heaviest flying birds. The Black Vulture is distinctly dark with the whole body being dark brown except the pale head in adults which is covered in fine down. The massive blue-grey bill is the largest of any bird of prey, a feature enhanced by the relatively small skull of the species. The wings, with serrated leading edges are held straight or slightly arched in flight and are very broad. Flight is slow and buoyant with deep, heavy flaps when necessary. The Black Vulture is a Eurasian species. The western limits of its range are in Spain and Portugal with a reintroduced population in south France. They are also found discontinuously to Greece, Turkey and throughout the central Middle East. Their range continues through Pakistan and northern India to its eastern limits in central Asia where they breed in northern China, Manchuria, Mongolia and Korea. The Black Vulture is generally a permanent resident except in those parts of its range where hard winters cause limited altitudinal movement and for juveniles when they reach breeding maturity. The Black Vulture can be found in hilly and mountainous areas, especially favouring dry semi-open habitats such as meadows at high altitudes. They are always associated with undisturbed, remote areas with limited human disturbance. They forage for carcasses over various kinds of terrain including steppe, grasslands, open woodlands, along riparian habitats or any kind of mountainous habitat. In their current European range and through the Middle East, Black Vultures can be found from 2,300 to 6,600 feet in elevation while in their Asian distribution they are typically found at higher elevations. The Black Vulture is a largely solitary bird, being found alone or in pairs much more frequently than most other Old World vultures. At large carcasses or feeding sites, small groups of less than 10 birds may congregate. The Black Vulture breeds in loose colonies although nests are rarely found in the same tree or rock formation, unlike other Old World vultures which often nest in tight-knit colonies. It breeds in high mountains and large forests, nesting in trees or occasionally on cliff ledges. The breeding season lasts from February until August or September. The huge nest is 4½ to 6½ feet across and 3½ to 10 feet deep and increases in size as a pair uses it repeatedly over the years. Like all vultures, the Black Vulture eats mostly carrion, ranging from the largest mammals available to fish and reptiles and it is well equipped to tear open tough carcass skins thanks to its powerful bill. It can even break apart bone such as ribs to access the flesh of large animals. It is dominant over other scavengers including other large vultures such as the Griffon Vulture. The Black Vulture has declined over most of its range in the last 200 years in part due to eating poisoned bait and also due to higher hygiene standards reducing the amount of available carrion. Trapping and hunting is also particularly prevalent in China and Russia. An even greater threat to this desolation-loving species is development and habitat destruction. The decline has been the greatest in the western half of the range with extinction in many European countries (France, Italy, Austria, Poland, Slovakia, Albania, Moldovia, Romania) and its entire breeding range in north west Africa (Morocco and Algeria). More recently, protection and deliberate feeding schemes have allowed some local recoveries in numbers, particularly in Spain where numbers increased to about 1,000 pairs by 1992 after an earlier decline to 200 pairs in 1970. Elsewhere in Europe, very small but increasing numbers breed in Bulgaria and Greece and a re-introduction scheme is under way in France. Date: 30th April 2012 Location: south of Brozas, western Cáceres, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21956418.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_131855729953da29ab45472.jpgPuffins The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Staple Island, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49001660.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2446906676468de6a00e5e.jpgCommon Buzzard The Common Buzzard is a member of the genus Buteo and the family Accipitridae, a group of medium-sized raptors with robust bodies and broad wings. The Buteo species of Eurasia and Africa are usually commonly referred to as buzzards whilst those in the Americas are called hawks. Under current classification, the genus Buteo includes approximately 28 species. The Common Buzzard includes between 7 to 16 sub-species and the western Buteo group includes Buteo buteo buteo which is found more or less continuously throughout Europe including the UK. The Common Buzzard is a medium-sized raptor that is highly variable in plumage. It is distinctly round headed with a somewhat slender bill and it has relatively long wings that either reach or fall slightly short of the tail tip when perched, a fairly short tail and somewhat short and mainly bare tarsi. It can appear fairly compact in overall appearance but may also appear large relative to other commoner raptors such as the Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. The Common Buzzard measures between 16 and 23 inches in length with a 3 feet 7 inches to 4 feet 7 inches wingspan. Females average about 2 to 7% larger than males in length and weigh about 15% more. Body mass can show considerable variation from 0.94 to 2.6 pounds in males and 1.07 to 3.02 pounds in females. In Europe, the Common Buzzard is typically dark brown above and on the upperside of the head and mantle but this can become paler and warmer brown with worn plumage. Usually the tail will be narrowly barred grey-brown and dark brown with a pale tip and a broad dark subterminal band but the tail in the palest birds can show a varying amount of white and a reduced sub-terminal band or even appear almost all white. The underside colouring can be variable but typically shows a brown-streaked white throat with a somewhat darker chest. A pale U across the breast is often present followed by a pale line running down the belly which separates the dark areas on the breast side and flanks. These pale areas tend to have highly variable markings that form irregular bars. Juveniles are quite similar to adults and are best told apart by having a paler eye, a narrower sub-terminal band on the tail and underside markings that appear as streaks rather than bars. Beyond the typical mid-range brownish Common Buzzard, birds in Europe can range from almost uniform black-brown above to mainly white. Extreme dark individuals may range from chocolate-brown to blackish with almost no pale colour showing but with a variable or faded U on the breast and with or without faint lighter brown throat streaks. Extreme pale individuals are largely whitish with variable widely spaced streaks or arrowheads of light brown about the mid-chest and flanks and may or may not show dark feather-centres on the head, wing-coverts and sometimes all but part of the mantle. Individuals can show nearly endless variation of colours and hues in between these extremes and the Common Buzzard is among the most variably plumaged diurnal raptors for this reason. The Common Buzzard is often confused with other raptors especially in flight or at a distance including other Buteo species such as Rough-legged Buzzard and Long-legged Buzzard and also Honey Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, Golden Eagle, Booted Eagle and Short-toed Eagle. The Common Buzzard is found throughout several islands in the eastern Atlantic islands, including the Canary Islands and the Azores, and almost throughout Europe. In the UK, it is found in Northern Ireland and in nearly every part of Scotland and England. In mainland Europe, there are no substantial gaps in the range from Portugal and Spain to Greece, Estonia, Belarus and the Ukraine, although it is present mainly only in the breeding season in much of the eastern half of the latter 3 countries. It is also present in all larger Mediterranean islands such as Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily and Crete. Further north in to Scandinavia, it is found mainly in south Norway, the southern half of Sweden and in the southern two-thirds of Finland. The Common Buzzard reaches its northern limit as a breeder in far eastern Finland and over the border in to European Russia and nearly to the Kola Peninsula. In these northern limits, the Common Buzzard is present typically only in summer. The Common Buzzard generally inhabits the interface of woodlands and open ground and typically lives in forest edge, small broad-leaved, coniferous or mixed woodlands with adjacent grassland, arable fields or other farmland and open moorland as long as there are some trees. It is absent from treeless tundra and sporadic or rare in treeless steppe. The Common Buzzard can be found from sea level to elevations of 6600 feet although it breeds mostly below 3300 feet. It can winter to an elevation of 8200 feet and migrates easily at 14,800 feet. The Common Buzzard is a partial migrant. Autumn and spring movements are subject to extensive variation, even down to the individual level, based on a region's food resources, competition (both from other Common Buzzards and other predators), the extent of human disturbance and weather conditions. Short distance movements are the norm for juveniles and some adults in autumn and winter but more adults in central and south Europe and the UK remain in their year-around areas than do not. The Common Buzzard is a typical Buteo in much of its behaviour. It is most often seen effortlessly soaring for extended periods at varying heights although it can appear laborious and heavy in level flight. It is also often seen perched prominently on tree tops, bare branches, telegraph poles, fence posts, rocks or ledges or alternatively well inside the tree canopy. It will also stand and forage on the ground. The Common Buzzard is a generalist predator which hunts a wide variety of prey given the opportunity. The prey extents to a wide variety of vertebrates including mammals, birds (from any age from eggs to adult birds), reptiles, amphibians and fish as well as to various invertebrates, mostly insects. In total, well over 300 prey species are known to be taken by the Common Buzzard. However, dietary studies have shown that it mostly preys upon small mammals, mainly small rodents. Furthermore, prey size can vary from tiny beetles, caterpillars and ants to large adult grouse and Rabbits up to nearly twice their body mass. At times, the Common Buzzard will also subsist partially on carrion, usually of dead mammals or fish. Hunting in relatively open areas has been found to increase hunting success whereas more complete shrub cover lowered success. A majority of prey is taken by dropping from a perch and is normally taken on the ground. Prey may also be hunted in a low flight, by random glides or soars or by foraging on the ground. The home range of the Common Buzzard is generally 0.19 to 0.77 square miles and the size of the breeding territory seems to be correlated with food supply. The territory is maintained through flight displays and in Europe territorial behaviour usually starts in February. However, displays are not uncommon throughout the year in resident pairs, especially by males, and can elicit similar displays by their neighbours. In the display, the Common Buzzard generally engages in high circling, spiraling upward on slightly raised wings. Mutual high circling by pairs sometimes goes on at length, especially during the period prior to or during breeding season. During the mutual displays, the male may engage in exaggerated deep flapping or zig-zag tumbling, apparently in response to the female being too distant. Several pairs may circle together at times and as many as 14 individual adults have been recorded over established display sites. Sky-dancing by the Common Buzzard has been recorded in spring and autumn, typically by the male but sometimes by the female, nearly always with much calling. Sky-dances are of the rollercoaster type, with an upward sweep of up to 100 feet until the bird starts start to stall but sometimes embellished with loops or rolls at the top. Next in the sky-dance, the bird will dive at least 200 feet on more or less closed wings before spreading them and shooting up again. These sky-dances may be repeated in series of 10 to 20. In the climax of the sky-dance, the undulations become progressively shallower, often slowing and terminating directly on to a perch. Various other aerial displays include low contour flight or weaving among trees, frequently with deep beats and exaggerated upstrokes which show underwing pattern to rivals perched below. Talon grappling and occasionally cartwheeling downward with feet interlocked has also been recorded. The Common Buzzard tends to build a bulky nest of sticks, twigs and often heather and lined with broad-leaved foliage. Nests are up to 3.3 to 3.9 feet across and 24 inches deep. With reuse over years, the diameter of a nest can reach or exceed 5 feet. Trees are generally used for a nesting location but crags or cliffs are used if trees are unavailable. Nests in trees are usually located by the main trunk at a height of around 10 to 82 feet. Pairs often have 2 to 4 nests in a territory but some pairs may use a single nest over several consecutive years. The breeding season of the Common Buzzard commences at differing times based on latitude. It may fall as early as January to April but typically it is March to July in most of Europe. In the northern limits of the range the breeding season may occur from May to August. Mating usually occurs on or near the nest and eggs are usually laid in 2 to 3 day intervals. The clutch size can range from to 2 to 6 and it appears that local factors such as habitat and food supply are relevant. Eggs are generally laid in late March to early April in the extreme south, sometime in April in most of Europe and in to May and possibly even early June in the extreme north. If eggs are lost to a predator or fail in some other way, replacement clutches are not usually laid although this has been recorded. Incubation lasts for 33 to 35 days and is mostly, but not solely, undertaken by the female. Hatching may take place over 3 to 7 days. Often the youngest nestling dies from starvation, especially in broods of 3 or more. The female remains at the nest brooding the young in the early stages with the male bringing all prey. At about 8 to 12 days, both the male and female will bring prey but the female continues to do all feeding until the young can tear up their own prey. The young are nearly fully feathered rather than downy at about a month of age and can start to feed themselves as well. The first attempts to leave the nest are often at about 40 to 50 days. Fledging occurs typically at 43 to 54 days but in extreme cases as late 62 days. After leaving the nest, the young generally stay close by until full independence 6 to 8 weeks after fledging. Numerous factors may influence the breeding success of the Common Buzzard including the availability of prey populations, habitat, disturbance and persecution levels and competition. The Common Buzzard is one of the most numerous birds of prey in its range and it is the most numerous diurnal bird of prey throughout much of Europe. Date: 15th March 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42202625.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19191887815ff31012a4a0b.jpgBrown Bear The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, Ursus arctos arctos. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an evening visit with [url=https://www.karhujenkatselu.fi/en-gb]Karhu-Kuusamo[/url] Date: 7th July 2019 Location: Kuntilampi, near Kuusamo, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080567.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_146474461963a45924046f9.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 1st December 2022 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084041.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11654568895d3083a0f0f13.jpgPirin Mountains, Blagoevgrad Province, Bulgaria The Pirin Mountains are a mountain range in south west Bulgaria spreading over 1000 square miles. They extend about 50 miles from the north west to the south east and they are about 25 miles wide. Vihren at 9560 feet is the highest peak in the Pirin Mountains, the second highest in Bulgaria and the third highest in the Balkans. To the north, the Pirin Mountains are separated from Bulgaria's highest mountain range, the Rila Mountains, by the Paril Saddle whilst to the south they extend towards the mountain of Slavyanka Mountain located on the border of south west Bulgaria and north Greece. To the west is the valley of the River Struma and to the east the valley of the River Mesta which separates the Pirin Mountains from the Rhodopes Mountains. The Pirin Mountains are dotted with 118 glacial lakes, the largest and the deepest of them being Popovo Lake. They also contain Europe's most southern glaciers, Snezhnika and Banski Suhodol. The Snezhnika glacier is a remnant of the former Vihren glacier. It lies at a height of between 7956 feet and 8140 feet in the deep Golemiya Kazan cirque at the steep northern foot of Vihren. The Banski Suhodol glacier is a small glacier which lies below the peak of Kutelo peak (9540 feet) in the upper Banski Suhodol valley. The northern part of the Pirin Mountains is protected by the Pirin National Park (originally named Vihren National Park). It encompasses the larger part of the Pirin Mountains and covers an area of around 155 square miles. It is one of the 3 national parks in Bulgaria, the others being Rila National Park and Central Balkan National Park. Pirin National Park was established in 1962 and its territory has expanded several times since then. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and it is also part of Natura 2000, the network of nature protection areas of the European Union. Pirin National Park falls within the Rodope montane mixed forests terrestrial eco-region of the Palearctic temperate broadleaf and mixed forest. Forests cover 57.3% of the area of Pirin National Park and almost 95% of them are coniferous forests. The average age of the forests is 85 years. Bulgaria's oldest tree, Baikushev's pine, is located in Pirin National Park and it has an approximate age of about 1,300 years. Pirin National Park is noted for its rich and diverse flora and fauna which includes 45 species of mammals, 159 species of birds, 11 species of reptiles, 8 species of amphibia and 6 species of fish. The Pirin Mountains are an important tourist destination. The town of Bansko, situated on the north east slopes of the mountain range, has grown to be the primary ski and winter sports centre in the Balkans. A number of settlements in the foothills have mineral springs and are spa resorts e.g. Banya, Dobrinishte, Gotse Delchev, Sandanski, etc. Melnik is situated in the south west foothills of the mountain. With a population of around 385, it is Bulgaria's smallest town and retains its town status today for historical reasons. The town is an architectural reserve and 96 of its buildings are designated as cultural monuments. It is among the “100 Tourist Sites of Bulgaria” programme which promotes tourism among Bulgaria's most significant cultural, historic and natural landmarks. The town is also a centre of red wine production with numerous vineyards and cellars dug in to the local sandstone rock. The area around Melnik is strikingly eroded, particularly the enormous area of sandstone cliff that serves as a backdrop to the town. This area, covering some 6.5 square miles around Melnik, Kurlanovo and Rozhen has been called the Melnik Earth Pyramids. The hills in this area can rise up to 330 feet high and the unique formations, which can resemble giant mushrooms, ancient towers and obelisks, were formed when heavy rain eroded the sandstone and clay which the hills are composed of. The Melnik Earth Pyramids are a geological phenomenon of global importance and they were declared a natural landmark in 1960 with a total protected area of 5 square miles. Date: 29th May 2018 Location: view from near Melnik, Blagoevgrad Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405451.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1802557006586e0c502203.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 9th October 2023 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7950420.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17294535274d03ce889838c.jpgPheasant The Common Pheasant is native to Asia but it has been widely introduced elsewhere as a game bird. In parts of its range, namely in places where none of its relatives occur such as in Europe (where it is naturalised), it is simply known as the Pheasant. Body weight of the Pheasant can range from 1.1 to 6.6 pounds, with males averaging 2.6 pounds and females averaging 2 pounds The adult male Pheasant is 24 to 35 inches in length with a long brown streaked black tail, accounting for almost 20 inches of the total length. The body plumage is barred bright gold or fiery copper-red and chestnut-brown with an iridescent sheen of green and purple. The wings are white or cream and black-barred markings are common on the tail. The head is bottle green with a small crest and distinctive red wattling. The female Pheasant is much less showy with a duller mottled brown plumage all over and measuring 20 to 25 inches long including a tail of around 8 inches. Juveniles have the appearance of the female with a shorter tail until young males begin to grow characteristic bright feathers on the breast, head and back at about 10 weeks after hatching. There are many colour forms of the male Pheasant, ranging in colour from nearly white to almost black in some melanistic examples. These are due to captive breeding and hybridisation between sub-species reinforced by continual releases of stock from varying sources to the wild. The Pheasant is native to Asia with its original range extending from between the Black and Caspian Seas to Manchuria, Siberia, Korea, mainland China and Taiwan. It can now be found across the globe due to its readiness to breed in captivity and the fact it can naturalise in many climates. At least since the Roman Empire, the Pheasant has been extensively introduced in many places and it has become a naturalised species in Europe, including throughout most of the UK where successive introductions have led to it becoming well adapted to the climate and able to breed naturally in the wild without human supervision on farmland and in copses, heaths, scrub, commons and wetlands. The Pheasant nests solely on the ground in scrapes lined with some grass and leaves, frequently under dense cover or a hedge. Occasionally it will nest in a haystack or in an old nest left by other birds. The male is polygynous and is often accompanied by a harem of several females. A clutch of around 8 to 15 eggs is laid during April to June, sometimes as many as 18 but usually 10 to 12. The incubation period is about 22 to 27 days. The chicks stay near the female for several weeks although they leave the nest when only a few hours old. After hatching they grow quickly, flying after 12 to 14 days and resembling adults by only 15 weeks of age. The Pheasant eats a wide variety of animal and vegetable food including fruit, seeds, grain, mast, berries and leaves as well as a wide range of invertebrates and insects. Small vertebrates like lizards, small mammals and small birds are occasionally taken. The Pheasant is a well-known gamebird and perhaps the most widespread and ancient one in the world. It is one of the world's most hunted birds. The Pheasant is bred to be hunted and it is shot in great numbers in Europe, especially in the UK where they are shot in the open season from 1st October to 1st February. Generally they are shot by hunters employing gun dogs to help find, flush and retrieve shot birds. Pheasant farming is also a common practice and it is sometimes done intensively. Birds are supplied both to hunting preserves/estates and to restaurants. Date: 1st November 2010 Location: Fairburn Ings RSPB reserve, South Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/loch-shiel-highland https://images.on-this.website/4752_3647223385dc6ae00d64e3.jpgLoch Shiel, Highland Loch Shiel is a freshwater loch located 12 miles west of Fort William in Lochaber. At 17.5 miles in length it is the 4th longest loch in Scotland. It acts as the boundary between Moidart to the west, Sunart to the south and Ardgour to the east. Loch Shiel was formed at the end of the last Ice Age when glacial deposits blocked what was formerly a sea loch. At the northern end of Loch Shiel lies Glenfinnan, where the Glenfinnan Monument stands, while at its south west end lies Acharacle where the River Shiel flows northwards to Shielfoot before draining in to the sea in Loch Moidart near Castle Tioram. The surrounding landscape changes considerably along the length of Loch Shiel, being deep and enclosed by mountains in the north east and shallow surrounded by bog and rough pasture in the south west. Patches of woodland along its shore comprise ancient Caledonian forest of birch, pine and oak trees. The view of the loch looking south from the Glenfinnan Monument, showing wooded hillsides with bare summits rising steeply from a fjord-like loch, has become one of the most famous images of the Scottish Highlands. Several major films have used the loch for location shooting. Loch Shiel is a Special Protection Area (SPA) due to its importance for breeding Black-throated Divers and the area surrounding the loch is also designated as an SPA due to the presence of breeding Golden Eagles. Other bird species living around the loch include White-tailed Eagles, Red-throated Divers, Peregrines, Ospreys and Hen Harriers. There are areas of remnant ancient Caledonian forest on the islands of the loch such as Eilean Camas and Eilean Ghleann Fhoinainn, as well as at Meall na h-Airigh at the northern end of the loch. There are also areas of oak and alder woodlands (Celtic rain forest) on the shoreline of the loch which have been designated a Special Area of Conservation by Scottish Natural Heritage. Claish Moss, to the south of Loch Shiel, is one of the best examples of a raised bog in the UK. The bog has developed over the past 8000 years, with pollen grains preserved by the peat forming a record of the bog’s plant life since the bog first began to form. The bog is designated as a Special Area of Conservation. The loch gives its name to Loch Shiel National Scenic Area, one of 40 such areas in Scotland which are designated so as to identify areas of exceptional scenery and to ensure their protection via the planning system by the restriction of certain forms of development. The Loch Shiel National Scenic Area covers 13,045 hectares and it extends to the summits of the hills on either side of the loch as well as the hills surrounding Glen Hurich and the monument at Glenfinnan. Prior to the construction of the A861 road, Loch Shiel served as a main transport route in the area linking the communities at the south end of the loch to the West Highland railway line at Glenfinnan. The regular service carrying mail and passengers was operated by David MacBrayne shipping company between 1953 and 1967 but it ceased with the construction of the new road between Lochailort and Kinlochmoidart. The West Highland railway line and the A830 road both pass the north end of Loch Shiel at Glenfinnan whilst the A861 road also runs close to the lochside for about 2.5 miles at the south end near Acharacle. There are no public roads that run the full length of Loch Shiel although a forestry track runs along the south side between Polloch and Glenfinnan. Cruises on the loch are available from Glenfinnan, Acharacle and Polloch. Date: 2nd October 2019 Location: view from loch cruise from Glenfinnan to Acharacle http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11203374.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19785368424e1865d0a45f7.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 17th May 2009 Location: Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11265442.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16479838564e1ad4824dada.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 11th May 2008 Location: Skomer, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32708779.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_61610386059ad24f9922ab4.01462492.jpgSwallow The Barn Swallow is the most widespread species of swallow in the world. In Europe it is just called the Swallow and in northern Europe it is the only common species called a "swallow" rather than a "martin". The male Swallow has steel blue upperparts and a rufous forehead, chin and throat which are separated from the off-white underparts by a broad dark blue breast band. The outer tail feathers are elongated to give the distinctive deeply forked "swallow tail." There is a line of white spots across the outer end of the upper tail. The female is similar in appearance to the male but the tail streamers are shorter, the blue of the upperparts and breast band is less glossy and the underparts more pale. The juvenile is browner and has a paler rufous face and whiter underparts. It also lacks the long tail streamers of the adult. The Swallow has an enormous range with an estimated global extent of 20 million square miles and a population of 190 million individuals. It breeds in the Northern Hemisphere from sea level to typically 8,900 feet but up 9,800 feet in the Caucasus and North America and it is absent only from deserts and the cold northernmost parts of the continents. Over much of its range it avoids towns and in Europe is replaced in urban areas by the House Martin. There are 6 subspecies of the Swallow which breed across the Northern Hemisphere, of which 4 are strongly migratory with their wintering grounds covering much of the Southern Hemisphere as far south as central Argentina, the Cape Province of South Africa and northern Australia. The Swallow can be found in open country with low vegetation such as pasture, meadows and farmland, preferably with nearby water. It avoids heavily wooded or precipitous areas and densely built-up locations. The presence of accessible open structures such as barns, stables or culverts to provide nesting sites and exposed locations such as wires, roof ridges or bare branches for perching are also important in the bird's selection of its breeding range. This species lives in close association with humans and its insect-eating habits mean that it is tolerated by man. This acceptance was reinforced in the past by superstitions regarding the bird and its nest. There are frequent cultural references to the Swallow in literary and religious works due to both its living in close proximity to humans and its annual migration. The Swallow is the national bird of Austria and Estonia. In winter, the Swallow is cosmopolitan in its choice of habitat, avoiding only dense forests and deserts. It is most common in open, low vegetation habitats such as savanna and ranch land. Individual birds tend to return to the same wintering locality each year and congregate from a large area to roost in reed beds. These roosts can be extremely large with one in Nigeria holding an estimated 1.5 million birds. Date: 18th May 2017 Location: Csaj-tó, Csanytelek, Csongrád county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo44605449.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_190180308161acbbdae3661.jpgBlackbird The Common Blackbird is a species of true thrush. It is also called Eurasian Blackbird (especially in North America in order to distinguish it from the unrelated New World blackbirds) or simply Blackbird where this does not lead to confusion with a similar-looking local species. The Blackbird’s name derives form 2 Latin words: turdus meaning “thrush” and merula meaning “blackbird”. It may not immediately be clear why the name "blackbird", first recorded in 1486, was applied to this species but not to one of the various other common black English birds, such as the Carrion Crow, Raven, Rook or Jackdaw. However, in Old English and in modern English up to about the 18th century, "bird" was used only for smaller or young birds and larger ones such as crows were called "fowl". At that time, the Blackbird was therefore the only widespread and conspicuous black bird in the UK. The Blackbird is around 9.25 to 11.5 inches in length including a long tail. The adult male has glossy black plumage, blackish-brown legs, a yellow eye-ring and an orange-yellow bill. The bill darkens somewhat in winter. The adult female is sooty-brown with a dull yellowish-brownish bill, a brownish-white throat and some weak mottling on the breast. The juvenile is similar to the female but has pale spots on the upperparts and the very young juvenile also has a speckled breast. Young birds vary in the shade of brown, with darker birds presumably males. The first year male resembles the adult male but has a dark bill and weaker eye ring and its folded wing is brown rather than black like the body plumage. The Blackbird breeds in temperate Eurasia, north Africa, the Canary Islands and south Asia. Populations are sedentary in the south and west of the range although northern birds migrate south as far as north Africa and tropical Asia in winter. Common over most of its range in woodland, the Blackbird has a preference for deciduous trees with dense undergrowth. However, gardens provide the most successful breeding habitat. It occurs up to around 3300 feet in Europe and is often replaced by the related Ring Ousel in areas of higher altitude. The Blackbird has an extensive range and a large population which is generally stable or increasing. However, there have been local declines, especially on farmland, which may be due to agricultural policies that encouraged farmers to remove hedgerows (which provide nesting places) and to drain damp grassland and increase the use of pesticides, both of which could have reduced the availability of invertebrate food. The Blackbird may commence breeding in March when the breeding pair prospect for a suitable nest site in a creeper or bush, favouring evergreen or thorny species such as ivy, holly, hawthorn, honeysuckle or pyracantha. Sometimes they will nest in sheds or outbuildings where a ledge or cavity is used. The cup-shaped nest is made with grasses, leaves and other vegetation and bound together with mud. It is built by the female alone. The nest is often ill-concealed compared with those of other species and many breeding attempts fail due to predation. The female lays 3 to 5 (average 4) bluish-green eggs marked with reddish-brown blotches which are incubated for 12 to 14 days before the chicks are hatched naked and blind. Fledging takes another 10 to 19 (average 13.6) days, with both parents feeding the young. The young are fed by the parents for up to 3 weeks after leaving the nest and they will follow the adults begging for food. If the female starts another nest, the male alone will feed the fledged young. Second broods are common with the female reusing the same nest if the brood was successful. The first-year male Blackbird may start singing as early as late January in fine weather in order to establish a territory, followed in late March by the adult male. The male's song is a varied and melodious low-pitched fluted warble which is given from trees, rooftops or other elevated perches mainly in the period from March to June and sometimes into the beginning of July. During the winter, the Blackbird can be heard quietly singing to itself, so much so that September and October are the only months which the song cannot be heard. The Blackbird is omnivorous, eating a wide range of insects, earthworms, seeds and berries. It feeds mainly on the ground, running and hopping with a start-stop-start progress. It pulls earthworms from the soil, usually finding them by sight but sometimes by hearing, and roots through leaf litter for other invertebrates. Small amphibians and lizards are occasionally hunted. The Blackbird will also perch in bushes to take berries and collect caterpillars and other active insects. Animal prey predominates and this is particularly important during the breeding season with windfall apples and berries taken more in the autumn and winter. Near human habitation the main predator of the Blackbird is the domestic cat, with newly fledged young especially vulnerable. Foxes and predatory birds, such as the Sparrowhawk, also predate the Blackbird when the opportunity arises. Eggs and chicks are also taken by corvids, such as the Magpie or Jay. Date: 25th October 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081451.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_198762787763a84568e70ce.jpgMute Swan The Mute Swan is a species of swan native to much of Eurasia. Despite its Eurasian origin, its closest relatives are the Black Swan of Australia and the Black-necked Swan of south America, not the other Northern Hemisphere swans such as the Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan. The name “mute” derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. The adult Mute Swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob at the top of the beak. All Mute Swans are white at maturity although the feathers (particularly on the head and neck) are often stained orange-brown by iron and tannins in the water. Young birds (cygnets) are not the bright white colour of mature adults and their bill is dull greyish-black for the first year. The plumage may range from pure white to grey to buff with grey/buff being the most common. Cygnets typically retain their grey/buff feathers until they are at least 1 year old. On average, the Mute Swan is the second largest waterfowl species after the Trumpeter Swan although the male Mute Swan can easily match or even exceed a male Trumpeter Swan in mass. The adult Mute Swan typically ranges from 55 to 63 inches in length (although it can range in extreme cases from 49 to 67 inches) with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. Males (cobs) are larger than females (pens) and have a larger knob on their bill. The Mute Swan is one of the heaviest flying birds. In several studies from the UK, males were found to average from about 23.4 to 26.2 pounds, with a weight range of 20 to 32 pounds, while the slightly smaller females were found to average about 18.7 to 21.3 pounds, with a weight range of 17 to 23 pounds. The Mute Swan is less vocal than the noisy Bewick's Swan and Whooper Swan although it does make a variety of grunting, hoarse whistling and snorting noises, especially in communicating with their cygnets and threatening competitors or intruders trying to enter their territory. The most familiar sound associated with the Mute Swan is the vibrant throbbing of the wings in flight which is unique to the species and this can be heard from a range of up to 1 mile. The Mute Swan is found naturally mainly in the temperate areas of Europe across west Asia and as far east as Primorsky Krai in the far east of Russia. It is partially migratory throughout the northern latitudes in Europe and Asia as far south as north Africa and the Mediterranean. It is also often kept in captivity outside its natural range as a decoration for parks and ponds and escapes have occurred. The descendants of such birds have become naturalised in east USA and the Great Lakes region across the USA and Canada border. The Mute Swan population in the UK has increased recently probably due to better protection of this species. Some birds are resident all year whilst others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into east England. Mute Swans nest on large mounds that they build with waterside vegetation in shallow water on islands in the middle or at the very edge of a lake. It is a monogamous species and often reuses the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Males and females share the care of the nest. The female lays from 4 to 10 eggs and broods for around 36 days. Cygnets are unable to fly before an age of 120 to 150 days and this limits the distribution of the species in the northern edge of its range since the cygnets must learn to fly before the water freezes. The Mute Swan is usually strongly territorial with just a single pair on smaller lakes although in a few locations where a large area of suitable feeding habitat is found they can be colonial. The largest colonies can hold over 100 pairs such as that at the colony at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset in the UK. Non-mated juveniles up to 3 to 4 years old commonly form larger flocks often at regular traditional sites and these can total several hundred birds. The Mute Swan can be very aggressive in defence of its nest and it is highly protective of its mate and offspring. Most defensive attacks from a Mute Swan begin with a loud hiss and, if this is not sufficient to drive off the predator, are followed by a physical attack. It attacks by smashing at its enemy with bony spurs in the wings accompanied by biting with its large bill. Smaller waterbirds such as ducks are normally grabbed with the bill and dragged or thrown clear. Large waterfowl, such as the Canada Goose, more likely out of competition than in response to potential predation, may be aggressively driven off. The wings of the Mute Swan are very powerful although not strong enough to break an adult man's leg as has been claimed anecdotally. The Mute Swan feeds on a wide range of vegetation, both submerged aquatic plants which they reach with their long necks and by grazing on land. The food commonly includes agricultural crop plants such as oilseed rape and wheat and feeding flocks in the winter may cause significant crop damage, often as much through trampling with their large webbed feet as through direct consumption. Date: 9th January 2022 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/marchapril-2014-woodlark https://images.on-this.website/4752_103503425953b67d71a4324.jpgMarch to April 2014 - Woodlark Please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/woodlark]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230771.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18025191096491736c91f5f.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 14th May 2023 Location: Llanddeusant Red Kite feeding station, Carmarthenshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26024369.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9576491525637371f5e592.jpgFulmar The (Northern) Fulmar is a highly abundant seabird found primarily in subarctic regions of the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans. Though similar in appearance to gulls, the 2 species of fulmars (Northern and Southern) are in fact members of a different seabird family which include petrels and shearwaters. The Fulmar’s latin name, <i>Fulmarus glacialis</i> can be broken down to the Old Norse word <i>full</i> meaning "foul" and <i>mar</i> meaning "gull". "Foul-gull" is in reference to its stomach oil and also its superficial similarity to gulls. Finally, <i>glacialis</i> is Latin for "glacial" reflecting its extreme northern range. The Fulmar is generally grey and white with a pale yellow and thick bill and bluish legs. However there is both a light morph and a dark morph. Like other petrels, their walking ability is limited but they are strong fliers with a stiff wing action quite unlike the gulls. The Fulmar also looks bull-necked compared to gulls and it has a short stubby bill. The Fulmar is estimated to have between 15 to 30 million mature individuals that occupy a range of around 11 million square miles. Its range increased greatly last century due to the availability of fish offal from commercial fleets but may contract because of less food from this source and climate change. The population increase has been especially notable in the UK. The Fulmar starts breeding at between 6 and 12 years old. It is monogamous, forms long term pair bonds, returns to the same nest site year after year and nests in large colonies. The nest is a scrape on a grassy cliff ledge or a saucer of vegetation on the ground lined with softer material and recently they have started nesting on rooftops and buildings. The Fulmar feeds on shrimp, fish, squid, plankton, jellyfish and carrion as well as refuse. When eating fish, it will dive up to several feet deep to retrieve its prey. Date: 3rd June 2015 Location: Húsavík, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26041709.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3449590965638b11e7fba8.jpgRazorbills The Razorbill is a seabird and a member of the auk family which also includes the Common Guillemot, Brunnich's Guillemot, Puffin and Little Auk. It is also the closest living relative to the Great Auk which is now extinct. The Razorbill has white underparts and a black head, neck, back and feet during the breeding season. A thin white line also extends from the eyes to the end of the bill. Its head is darker than that of the Common Guillemot. Outside the breeding season, the throat and face behind the eye become white and the white line on the face becomes less prominent. The thick black bill has a blunt end. The adult male and female female are very much alike having only small differences such as wing length. The Razorbill has a horizontal stance and the tail feathers are slightly longer in the centre in comparison to other auks making it have a distinctly long tail which is not common for an auk. The Razorbill is distributed across the sub-Arctic and boreal waters of the north Atlantic where water surface temperature are typically below 15°c. The world population is estimated to be less than 1 million breeding pairs, making it among the rarest auks in the world. Approximately 60 to 70% of the entire Razorbill population breeds in Iceland, including over 200,000 pairs at Látrabjarg. It breeds on islands, rocky shores and cliffs on north Atlantic coasts, in eastern North America as far south as Maine and in western Europe from north west Russia to northern France. Eurasian birds winter at sea with some moving south as far as the western Mediterranean. North American birds migrate offshore and south. The Razorbill is a colonial breeder and only comes to land to breed. Adults breed at 3 to 5 years of age. Females select their mate and will often encourage competition between males before choosing a partner. Once a male is chosen, the pair will usually stay together for life. Nest site determination is very important to ensure protection of young from predators. Unlike Common Guillemots, nest sites are not immediately alongside the sea on open cliff ledges but at least 4 to 6 inches away in crevices on cliffs or among boulders. Generally a nest is not built although some pairs often use their bills to drag material upon which to lay their single egg. The mating pair will often reuse the same site every year. The Razorbill feeds mainly on schooling fish and crustaceans and it will dive deep into the sea using its wings and its streamlined body to propel itself toward their prey. Whilst diving, it rarely stays in groups but instead spreads out to feed. The majority of feeding occurs at a depth of about 80 feet but it has the ability to dive up to 400 feet below the surface. During a single dive the Razorbill can capture and swallow many schooling fish depending on their size. The Razorbill spends approximately 45% of its time foraging at sea and it may well fly more than 60 miles out to sea to feed. However, when feeding chicks it will forage much closer to the nesting grounds and often in shallower water. The Razorbill and its eggs and chicks have several predators which include Great Black-backed Gulls, Peregrines, Ravens and other crows, Arctic Foxes and Polar Bears. In the early 20th century, Razorbills were harvested for their eggs, meat and feathers and this greatly decreased their population. In 1917 they were finally protected which reduced hunting. Other current threats include oil pollution, unintentional bycatch arising from commercial fishing and overfishing which decreases the abundance of prey. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Látrabjarg, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32709128.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_104755052559ad280668f0b2.77241746.jpgHortobágy National Park, Hajdú-Bihar county, Hungary Hortobágy National Park (Hortobágy Nemzeti Park) is a national park in eastern Hungary. It is part of the vast Great Hungarian Plain which occupies southern and eastern Hungary, some parts of the eastern Slovakian lowlands, south west Ukraine, western Romania, northern Serbia and eastern Croatia. Hortobágy National Park was designated as a national park in 1972 (the first in Hungary), and as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. It is Hungary's largest protected area. At the time of designation, the area of the National Park was 289 square miles but since then it has been extended to almost 315 square miles. Around 25% of its area has international protection under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance. The entire Hortobágy National Park is part of the Natura 2000 network of the European Union in which Special Protected Areas and Special Areas of Conservation have been designated in a way that they contain and encompass the area of the National Park including organically connected or separate grassland mosaic areas that are outside the National Park. The protection thus ensured by the Natura 2000 areas provides an appropriate basis for the establishment of a buffer zone. A conservation management plan for the Hortobágy National Park was prepared in 1997. Hortobágy National Park contains the largest continuous natural grassland in Europe and the second largest steppe area west of the Ural Mountains. It has outstanding natural features and maintains great biological diversity in respect of species and habitats. It is a unique example of the harmonious coexistence of people and nature based on the considerate use of the land. A major part of the area of the Hortobágy National Park is formed by natural habitats, principally alkaline grasslands (puszta), meadows and the marshes lying between them. From the point of view of nature conservation, the artificial wetlands, which cover a much smaller area, are of considerable importance. These are the fish ponds created during the last century on the worst quality grazing lands and marshes. The Hortobágy National Park is one of Europe’s greatest lowland birding areas containing nesting habitats and migration sites of European significance. The Hortobágyi-Halastó complex just to the west of Hortobágy village is arguably the best site to explore and contains waterbodies of various sizes from small fish ponds to huge lakes. Over 340 bird species have been recorded in the Hortobágy National Park, of which over 150 species breed. For UK birders, it is particularly exciting since several “eastern” species can be found which are at the westernmost extent of their range. These are joined by a large number of temperate European and Mediterranean species. The symbol of the Hortobágy National Park is the Crane. One of the most spectacular sights is the autumn migration when tens of thousands of Cranes can be seen every October as they fly above the grasslands to their overnight roosting places. For thousands of years the wild animals grazing on the grasslands of the Hortobágy National Park, the Aurochs and wild horses, were gradually replaced by domesticated animals. A large number of Long-haired Sheep and Hungarian Grey Cattle can now be found here. Less ancient species are the Mangalica Pig and the Nonius Horse. In the Visitor Centre in Hortobágy village, visitors and tourists can get information and advice on what to see and what to do in the Hortobágy National Park and can also learn about its natural and cultural assets: its flora and fauna, the different natural phenomena, herdsmen’s traditions, craftsmen’s skills and local rare breeds. The Visitor Centre also sells the mandatory permits that are required to visit most of the protected areas. The Hortobágy-halastavi Kisvasút is a narrow gauge railway which runs through Hortobágyi-Halastó. It was built and commissioned in 1915 for the purpose of transporting fish food from the silo in Hortobágyi-Halastó to the fish ponds and transporting freshly caught fish in the opposite direction. The track formerly had a length of 22 miles and was temporarily decommissioned in 1960. Since 2007, the railway has been used as a tourist train. The track now runs for just 3 miles and provides access to the northern end of Hortobágyi-Halastó. A one-way trip lasts 23 minutes. Date: 20th May 2017 Location: northern end of Hortobágy-Halastó, Hortobágy National Park, Hajdú-Bihar county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25774286.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1044850466560fe2592c319.jpgRed Squirrel The Red Squirrel or Eurasian Red Squirrel is a species of tree squirrel in the genus [i]Sciurus[/i]. It is an arboreal and primarily herbivorous rodent. The Red Squirrel has a typical head and body length of 7.5 to 9 inches, a tail length of 6 to 8 inches and a weight of 9 to 12 ounces. Males and females are the same size. The Red Squirrel is smaller and lighter in weight than the Grey Squirrel The coat of the Red Squirrel varies in colour with the time of year and its location and there are several different coat colour morphs ranging from black to red. Red coats are most common in the UK but in other parts of Europe and Asia different coat colours co-exist within populations. The underside of the Red Squirrel is always creamy-white in colour. The Red Squirrel sheds its coat twice a year, switching from a thinner summer coat to a thicker, darker winter coat with noticeably larger ear-tufts (a prominent distinguishing feature of this species) between August and November. A lighter, redder overall coat colour, along with the ear-tufts (in adults) and smaller size, distinguish the Red Squirrel from the Grey Squirrel. The long tail helps the Red Squirrel to balance and steer when jumping from tree to tree and running along branches and it may also keep it warm during sleep. The Red Squirrel, like most tree squirrels, has sharp and curved claws to enable it to climb and descend broad tree trunks, thin branches and even house walls and its strong hind legs enable it to leap gaps between trees. The Red Squirrel can be found in the boreal coniferous woods in north Europe and Siberia where it prefers Scots Pine, Norway Spruce and Siberian Pine. In west and south Europe it can be found in broad-leaved woods where the mixture of tree and shrub species provides a better year round source of food. In most of the UK and in Italy, broad-leaved woodlands are now less suitable for it due to the better competitive feeding strategy of the introduced Grey Squirrel. The Red Squirrel makes a drey (nest) out of twigs in a branch-fork, forming a domed structure about 9 to 12 inches in diameter. This is lined with moss, leaves, grass and bark. Tree hollows and woodpecker holes are also used. The Red Squirrel is generally a solitary animal and is shy and reluctant to share food with others. However, outside the breeding season and particularly in winter, several Red Squirrels may share a drey to keep warm. Social organisation is based on dominance hierarchies within and between sexes. Although males are not necessarily dominant towards females, the dominant animals tend to be larger and older than subordinate animals and dominant males tend to have larger home ranges than subordinate males or females. Mating can occur in late winter during February and March and in summer between June and July. During mating, males detect females that are in oestrus by an odour that they produce and, although there is no courtship, the male will chase the female for up to an hour prior to mating. Usually multiple males will chase a single female until the dominant male, usually the largest in the group, mates with the female. Males and females will mate multiple times with many partners. Females must reach a minimum body mass before they enter oestrus and heavy females on average produce more young. If food is scarce breeding may be delayed. Typically a female will produce her first litter in her second year. Up to 2 litters a year per female are possible. Each litter averages 3 young and these are known as kits. Gestation is about 38 to 39 days and the young are looked after by the mother alone and are born helpless, blind and deaf. Their body is covered by hair at 21 days, their eyes and ears open after 3 to 4 weeks and they develop all their teeth by 42 days. Juveniles can eat solids around 40 days following birth and from that point they can leave the nest on their own to find food. However, they still suckle from their mother until weaning occurs at 8 to 10 weeks. The Red Squirrel eats mostly the seeds of trees, fungi, nuts (especially hazelnuts but also beech and chestnuts), berries and young shoots. More rarely, it may also eat bird eggs or nestlings and may occasionally exhibit opportunistic omnivory similar to other rodents. Excess food is put into caches, either buried or in nooks or holes in trees, and eaten when food is scarce. Although the Red Squirrel remembers where it created caches at a better than chance level, its spatial memory is believed to be substantially less accurate and durable than that of the Grey Squirrel. Therefore it will often have to search for them when in need and many caches are never found again. Between 60% and 80% of the active time of a Red Squirrel may be spent foraging and feeding. The active period is generally in the morning and in the late afternoon and evening. It often rests in its nest in the middle of the day to avoid the heat and the high visibility to birds of prey that are dangers during these hours. During the winter, this midday rest is often much more brief or absent entirely although harsh weather may cause it to stay in its nest for days at a time. No territories are claimed between Red Squirrels and the feeding areas of individuals overlap considerably. A Red Squirrel that survives its first winter has a life expectancy of 3 years. Individuals may reach 7 years of age and 10 years in captivity. Survival is positively related to the availability of autumn and winter tree seeds. On average, 75 to 85% of juveniles die during their first winter and mortality is approximately 50% for winters following the first. Predators include small mammals such as the Pine Marten, the Wildcat and the Stoat which all prey on juveniles. Birds, including owls and raptors such as the Goshawk and Common Buzzard, may also prey on the Red Squirrel as will the Red Fox and domestic cats and dogs when it is on the ground. Humans influence the population size and mortality of the Red Squirrel by destroying or altering habitats, by causing road casualties and by introducing non-native populations of the Grey Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel and the Red Squirrel are not directly antagonistic and violent conflict between these species is not a factor in the decline in Red Squirrel populations. However, the Grey Squirrel appears to contribute to the decrease in the Red Squirrel population for several reasons: it carries a disease, the squirrel parapoxvirus, that does not appear to affect its own health but will often kill the Red Squirrel, it can better digest acorns whilst the Red Squirrel cannot access the proteins and fats in acorns as easily and it can put the Red Squirrel under pressure for food resources resulting in it not breeding as often. In the UK, due to the above circumstances, the population has today fallen to 160,000 Red Squirrels or fewer with the majority of these in Scotland. Outside the UK and Ireland, the impact of competition from the Grey Squirrel has also been observed in Italy where 2 pairs escaped from captivity in 1948. A significant drop in the Red Squirrel population has been observed since 1970 and it is feared that the Grey Squirrel may expand into the rest of Europe. The Red Squirrel is protected in most of Europe although in some areas it is abundant and is hunted for its fur. In the UK there are several active projects to protect the Red Squirrel and its native woodland habitat, introduce or re-introduce it in to areas where it is absent and eradicate and prevent the spread of the Grey Squirrel. Research undertaken in 2007 in the UK credits the Pine Marten with reducing the population of the invasive Grey Squirrel. Where the range of the expanding Pine Marten population meets that of the Grey Squirrel, the population of the latter retreats. It is theorised that, because the Grey Squirrel spends more time on the ground than the Red Squirrel, it is far more likely to come in contact with the Pine Marten. Date: 20th September 2015 Location: Mingarry Lodges, Mingarry, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37431283.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6299784645c6bec3a32ca4.jpgBewick's Swans The Tundra Swan is a small Holarctic swan. The 2 taxa within it are usually regarded as conspecific but are also sometimes split into 2 species: the Bewick's Swan of the Palaearctic and the Whistling Swan of the Nearctic. The Bewick's Swan was named in 1830 by William Yarrell after the engraver Thomas Bewick who specialised in illustrations of birds and animals. The Bewick's Swan measures 45 to 55 inches in length with a wing span of 18.5 to 21.5 inches. Males are slightly larger and heavier than females. It is similar in appearance to the Whooper Swan but is smaller, shorter-necked and has a more rounded head shape. It has a variable bill pattern but always shows more black than yellow and having a blunt forward edge of the yellow base patch. The Whooper Swan has a bill that has more yellow than black and the forward edge of the yellow patch is usually pointed. The bill pattern for every individual Bewick's Swan is unique and scientists often make detailed drawings of each bill and assign names to the swans to assist with studying these birds. As their common name implies, the Tundra Swan breeds in the Arctic and sub-Arctic tundra where they inhabit shallow pools, lakes and rivers. Unlike the Mute Swan, but like the other Arctic swans, it is a migratory bird. The winter habitat is mainly grassland and marshland, often near the coast. The breeding range of the Bewick’s Swan extends across the coastal lowlands of Siberia from the Kola Peninsula east to the Pacific. It starts to arrive in its breeding range around mid-May and leaves for its winter range around the end of September. The populations west of the Taimyr Peninsula migrate via the White Sea, Baltic Sea and the Elbe estuary to winter in Denmark, the Netherlands and the UK where it is common in winter on a few RSPB and WWT reserves. Some birds also winter elsewhere on the southern shores of the North Sea. The Bewick’s Swans that breed in eastern Russia migrate via Mongolia and north China to winter in the coastal regions of Korea, Japan and south China, south to Guangdong and occasionally as far as Taiwan. A few birds from the central Siberian range also winter in Iran at the south of the Caspian Sea. Arrival in the winter range starts about mid-October although most birds spend weeks or even months at favourite resting locations and will only arrive in the winter range in November or even as late as January. Departure from the winter range starts in mid-February. Bewick’s Swans mate in the late spring, usually after they have returned to the breeding range. As is usual for swans, they pair monogamously until one partner dies. Should one partner die long before the other, the surviving bird often will not mate again for several years or even for the rest of its life. The nesting season starts at the end of May. The pair build the large mound-shaped nest from plant material at an elevated site near open water and they defend a large territory around it. The pen (female) lays and incubates a clutch of 2 to 7 (usually 3 to 5) eggs whilst the cob (male) keeps a steady lookout for potential predators heading towards his mate and offspring. The time from egg laying to hatching is 29 to 30 days. Since they nest in cold regions, Bewick’s Swan cygnets grow faster than those of swans breeding in warmer climates and they may fledge in 40 to 45 days. Cygnets stay with their parents for the first winter migration and the family is sometimes even joined by their offspring from previous breeding seasons while on the wintering grounds. Bewick’s Swans do not reach sexual maturity until 3 or 4 years of age. In summer, the diet of the Bewick’s Swan consists mainly of aquatic vegetation which it finds by sticking its head underwater or upending while swimming. It will also eat some grass growing on dry land. At other times of the year, leftover grains and other crops such as potatoes, picked up in open fields after harvest, make up much of the diet. Healthy adult Bewick’s Swans have few natural predators. The Arctic Fox may threaten breeding females and particular the eggs and hatchlings. Adults typically can stand their ground and displace foxes but occasionally the foxes are successful. Other potential nest predators include the Red Fox, the Brown Bear, the Golden Eagle, the Arctic Skua and the Glaucous Gull. The Brown Bear, the Golden Eagle and the Wolf may occasionally succeed at capturing and killing an adult. About 15% adults die each year from various causes and the average lifespan in the wild is about 10 years. The status of the Bewick's Swan is not well known although its population is in decline in north west Europe for largely unexplained reasons. It is increasingly dependent on agricultural crops to supplement its winter diet as aquatic vegetation in its winter habitat declines due to habitat destruction and water pollution. However, the main cause of adult mortality is hunting and, whilst the Bewick's Swan can not be hunted legally, almost half the birds studied contain lead shot in their bodies, indicating that they were shot at by poachers. Lead poisoning by ingestion of lead shot is also a very significant cause of mortality. The Bewick's Swan is one of the birds to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 8th January 2019 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38397306.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13080415875ce127ba91560.jpgYellowhammer The Yellowhammer is a passerine bird in the bunting family. The bird family [I]Emberizidae[/I] contains around 300 seed-eating species, the majority of which are found in the Americas, although the genus [I]Emberiza[/I], with more than 40 members, is confined to the Old World. Within its genus [I]Emberiza[/I], the Yellowhammer is most closely related to the Pine Bunting and at times they have been considered as one species. Where their ranges meet, the Yellowhammer and Pine Bunting interbreed and the hybrid zone is thought to be moving further east. The Yellowhammer is also closely related to the Cirl Bunting. The Yellowhammer’s scientific name [I]Emberiza citronella[/I] is derived from the Old German [I]embritz[/I] meaning “bunting” and the Italian [I]citronella[/I] meaning “small yellow bird”. The Yellowhammer is a large bunting around 6.3 to 6.5 inches long with a wingspan of 9.1 to 11.6 inches. The male has a bright yellow head, heavily streaked brown back, rufous rump, yellow underparts and white outer tail feathers. The female is less brightly coloured and more streaked on the crown, breast and flanks. Both sexes are less strongly marked outside the breeding season when the dark fringes on new feathers obscure the yellow plumage. The juvenile is much duller and less yellow than the adults and often has a paler rump. The Yellowhammer breeds across Eurasia and it is the commonest and most widespread European bunting although it is absent from high mountains, Arctic regions, most of Iberia and Greece and low-lying regions of other countries adjoining the Mediterranean Sea. It also breeds in Russia east to Irkutsk and in most of Ukraine and the Asian range extends into north west Turkey, the Caucasus and northern Kazakhstan. Populations have declined in recent decades in western Europe but in eastern Europe numbers appear to be stable. Changes to agricultural practices are thought to be responsible for reduced breeding densities. The Yellowhammer can be found throughout most of the UK but it is least abundant in the north and west and absent from some upland areas such as the Pennines and the Scottish Highlands as well as some lowland areas. Its recent sharp population decline make it a Red List species. Within its range, the Yellowhammer is a bird of dry open country, preferably with a range of vegetation types and some trees from which to sing. It is absent from urban areas, forests and wetlands. Probably originally found at forest edges and large clearings, it has benefited from traditional agriculture which created extensive open areas with hedges and clumps of trees. The Yellowhammer usually starts breeding in late April or early May. The males establish territories along hedges or woodland fringes and sing from a tree or bush, often continuing well into July or August. The nest is built by the female on or near the ground and is typically well hidden in tussocks against a bank or low in a bush. It is constructed from nearby plant material such as leaves, dry grass and stalks and lined with fine grasses and sometimes animal hair. The clutch is usually 3 to 5 eggs and the female incubates the eggs for 12 to 14 days to hatching and broods the chicks until they fledge 11 to 13 days later. Both adults feed the chicks in the nest and 2 or 3 broods are raised each year. The Yellowhammer forages mainly on the ground and its diet consists mainly of seeds. Grasses are also important, particularly cereals, and grain makes up a significant part of the food consumed in autumn and winter. Invertebrates are added to its diet during the breeding season, particularly as food for its growing chicks, and a wide range of species is taken including springtails, grasshoppers, flies, beetles, caterpillars, earthworms, spiders and snails. Outside of the breeding season, the Yellowhammer forages in flocks which can occasionally number hundreds of birds and often contain other buntings and finches. The Yellowhammer is a conspicuous, vocal and formerly common country bird and it has attracted human interest. Yellowham Wood and Yellowham Hill, near Dorchester in the UK, both derive their names from the bird. Robbie Burns' poem "The Yellow, Yellow Yorlin'" gets its title from a Scottish name for the Yellowhammer. Enid Blyton helped to popularise the bird's song as "a little bit of bread and no cheese" in some of her books and she wrote a poem called "The Yellow-hammer". Beethoven's student, Carl Czerny, and biographer Anton Schindler, both suggested that the composer got the idea for the first 4 notes of his 5th symphony from the song of the Yellowhammer although it is more likely that the opening of the 4th Piano Concerto was actually the work in question. Beethoven also used the Yellowhammer theme in 2 piano sonatas. Date: 7th May 2019 Location: Weeting Heath NWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15747134.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12477179485017a6fb4fe33.jpgMarsh Frog The Marsh Frog is the largest European frog. It is very similar in appearance to the closely related Edible Frog and Pool Frog. These 3 species are often referred to as "green frogs" to distinguish them from the more terrestrial European species which are known as "brown frogs" (best exemplified by the Common Frog). Marsh Frogs show a large variation in colour and pattern, ranging from dark green to brown or grey. The Western European populations are generally dark green to black with dark spots on the back and sides and 3 clear green lines on the back. Females can reach a maximum length of around 6.5 inches but males are smaller at around 4.5 inches. The head is proportionally large and the hind legs are long which gives them excellent jumping abilities. The Marsh Frog is usually gregarious and diurnal and more tied to aquatic habitats than the Common Frog. It is tolerant of brackish conditions and typically it is found on or in the water of its favoured drainage channels and pools throughout the year. Marsh Frogs frequently sunbathe on the bank of the water body where they are often inconspicuous until disturbed when they will jump in to the water with a characteristic “plop”. They can often be seen on lily pads or floating at the surface amongst vegetation with only their heads exposed. During the breeding season (and sometimes beyond) the male Marsh Frog calls very loudly with a sound reminiscent of a loud chuckle which is often very raucous and can be heard all day and night. Dominant males establish territories from which they call. After mating a female may produce up to 16,000 eggs in a season, laying them in clumps of a few hundred in aquatic vegetation below the surface. They hatch in about a week, tadpoles being rather solitary and living in deep water with vegetation. Newly metamorphosed frogs are up to 1 inch in length and take 2 years to mature. The diet of the Marsh Frog consists of dragonflies and other insects, spiders, earthworms and slugs. Larger frogs also eat small rodents and sometimes smaller amphibians and fish. The Marsh Frog is not a native species of the UK. It was first introduced to Walland Marsh, Kent in 1935 and is now found in several areas of Kent and East Sussex. Other introductions exist, including colonies in London. Date: 23rd July 2012 Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25774288.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1174115243560fe26aebb59.jpgPine Marten The Pine Marten is a member of the mustelid family which also includes the Mink, the Otter, the Badger, the Stoat and the Weasel. It is the only mustelid with semi-retractable claws which enables it to lead a more arboreal lifestyle such as climbing or running in trees. The Pine Marten is about the size of a domestic cat and males are slightly larger than females. The fur is usually light to dark brown and grows longer and silkier during the winter months. It has a cream to yellow coloured "bib" marking on their throats and a long fluffy tail. The Pine Marten is usually found in deciduous and coniferous woodland with plenty of cover and it is mainly active at dusk and at night. It has small rounded, highly sensitive ears and sharp teeth adapted for eating small mammals, birds, insects, frogs and carrion although it also eats berries, nuts, fungi, birds' eggs and honey. Pine Marten dens are commonly found in hollow trees or the fallen root masses of Scots Pines, an association that probably earned them their name. Cairns and cliffs covered with scrub are frequently used as alternative den sites. Territories vary in size according to habitat and food availability. The Pine Marten is one of the rarest native mammals in the UK. Until the 19th century, it was found throughout much of mainland UK, the Isle of Wight and some of the Scottish islands although habitat fragmentation, persecution by gamekeepers and hunting for their fur drastically reduced this distribution. By the 1920s, the main Pine Marten population in the UK was restricted to a small area of north west Scotland. Until recently it remained only at all common in this region where some individuals have lost their fear of man and come to take food provided for them, particularly enjoying jam and peanut butter. A study in 2012 found that the Pine Marten has spread from its Scottish Highland stronghold, north into east Sutherland and Caithness and south east from the Great Glen into Moray, Aberdeenshire, Perthshire, Tayside and the Stirling area with some also occurring in the Central Belt and on the Kintyre and Cowal peninsulas. Expansion in south Scotland has been limited and despite reintroduction to the Glen Trool Forest there has only been a restricted spread from there. In England, the Pine Marten is extremely rare with scattered reports from Cumbria, Northumberland and mid Wales. In July 2015 the [url=http://www.shropshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/pine-marten-appeal] first confirmed sighting of a Pine Marten in England for over a century[/url] was recorded by an amateur photographer in woodland in Shropshire. In Wales, the Vincent Wildlife Trust is implementing a [url=http://www.pine-marten-recovery-project.org.uk/news/pine-martens-arrive-in-wales]reintroduction project[/url] through translocations of Pine Martens from Scotland. The Pine Marten is still quite rare in Ireland but the population is recovering and spreading. The traditional strongholds are in the west and south, especially the Burren, but the population in the Midlands has significantly increased in recent years. A study published in 2015 showed that the Pine Marten was distributed across every county in Northern Ireland. Although they are preyed upon occasionally by Golden Eagles and Red Foxes, humans are the largest threat to the Pine Marten. It is vulnerable from conflict with humans, arising from predator control for other species and the use of inhabited buildings for denning. The Pine Marten is also affected by persecution (illegal poisoning and shooting) by gamekeepers and loss of habitat. This record shot of poor quality was taken in very low light and through a window and the Pine Marten was encouraged to visit every evening during a week long stay at Mingarry Lodges with a supply of jam, peanut butter, suet pellets and grapes! Date: 23rd September 2015 Location: Mingarry Lodges, Mingarry, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084496.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11560222115d3087513484c.jpgMarsh Warbler The Marsh Warbler is a medium-sized Old World warbler in the genus [I]Acrocephalus[/I]. It has olive green-brown upperparts, yellowish-white underparts, a white throat, a pale stripe in front of the eye and pale legs The Marsh Warbler is very similar in appearance to several other [I]Acrocephalus[/I] warblers such as the Reed Warbler which also occurs in wetlands and has a similar breeding range. The male's distinctive song is useful for identification since no other member of the genus mimics other birds to any significant extent. The Marsh Warbler also tends to avoid large reedbeds which are the Reed Warbler's favoured habitat. The Marsh Warbler breeds in the middle latitudes of Europe and west Asia from the English Channel to about 70 degrees east. It mainly occupies areas with a continental climate but breeds, or has bred, in the UK and northern France as well. In recent decades it has expanded its range to the north, with increasing numbers of birds breeding in Scandinavia and north west Russia. In west Europe the Marsh Warbler breeds mainly in rank vegetation on damp or seasonally flooded soils and it is particularly attracted to tall herbaceous vegetation and to young osiers and other low woody plants. It may breed in urban brownfield sites with suitable vegetation and also occasionally in arable crops. In the east, it breeds on dry hillsides with shrubs and in open woodland as well as the kind of damper habitats it frequents in the west. The Marsh Warbler is a summer migrant and winters mainly in south east Africa where it can be found in a range of well-vegetated habitats from moist scrub to dense thickets and woodland edge. In the UK, the Marsh Warbler was never widespread and it disappeared from many areas from the 1930s onwards. By the 1970s, it bred in significant numbers only in Worcestershire where around 40 to 70 pairs were recorded each year during that decade. This population was effectively extinct by the end of the 1990s. From the 1970s and 1980s onwards, a very small population slowly developed in south east England, particularly in Kent. However, this population is also now close to extinction. The reasons for the population decline in the UK are not completely understood especially as there appears to be much suitable habitat. The Biodiversity Action Plan for the Marsh Warbler further comments that it is not clear what can be done to conserve the species apart from protecting habitat at known breeding sites and protecting birds from egg collectors and from disturbance. The Marsh Warbler is best known for the highly imitative song given by males and very occasionally by females. Each male incorporates imitations of a wide range of other birds into its song. Other passerines are most commonly imitated but the calls of other species have been noted too. On average, each male bird incorporates imitations of 75 other species into its song with rather more African than northern species mimicked. Learning seems to take place in the summer the bird is hatched in Europe or Asia and in its first winter in Africa. The calls of birds heard in subsequent years are not added to the warbler's repertoire. The Marsh Warbler is mostly insectivorous and generally takes insects from vegetation but sometimes catches them on the ground or in mid-air. In autumn small numbers of berries may be eaten. Date: 3rd June 2018 Location: Sânpaul Fishponds, Harghita County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11204076.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7737717994e186e6d27353.jpgPuffins The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 31st May 2008 Location: Sumburgh Head, South Mainland, Shetland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42202659.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11937288285ff310f332a3a.jpgBrown Bear cubs The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, Ursus arctos arctos. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an evening visit with [url=https://www.karhujenkatselu.fi/en-gb]Karhu-Kuusamo[/url] Date: 7th July 2019 Location: Kuntilampi, near Kuusamo, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/august-2024-migrant-hawker https://images.on-this.website/4752_72970930567544f731815b.jpgAugust 2024 - Migrant Hawker Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51984698.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/pirin-mountains-blagoevgrad-province-bulgaria https://images.on-this.website/4752_4100822525d3083985822c.jpgPirin Mountains, Blagoevgrad Province, Bulgaria The Pirin Mountains are a mountain range in south west Bulgaria spreading over 1000 square miles. They extend about 50 miles from the north west to the south east and they are about 25 miles wide. Vihren at 9560 feet is the highest peak in the Pirin Mountains, the second highest in Bulgaria and the third highest in the Balkans. To the north, the Pirin Mountains are separated from Bulgaria's highest mountain range, the Rila Mountains, by the Paril Saddle whilst to the south they extend towards the mountain of Slavyanka Mountain located on the border of south west Bulgaria and north Greece. To the west is the valley of the River Struma and to the east the valley of the River Mesta which separates the Pirin Mountains from the Rhodopes Mountains. The Pirin Mountains are dotted with 118 glacial lakes, the largest and the deepest of them being Popovo Lake. They also contain Europe's most southern glaciers, Snezhnika and Banski Suhodol. The Snezhnika glacier is a remnant of the former Vihren glacier. It lies at a height of between 7956 feet and 8140 feet in the deep Golemiya Kazan cirque at the steep northern foot of Vihren. The Banski Suhodol glacier is a small glacier which lies below the peak of Kutelo peak (9540 feet) in the upper Banski Suhodol valley. The northern part of the Pirin Mountains is protected by the Pirin National Park (originally named Vihren National Park). It encompasses the larger part of the Pirin Mountains and covers an area of around 155 square miles. It is one of the 3 national parks in Bulgaria, the others being Rila National Park and Central Balkan National Park. Pirin National Park was established in 1962 and its territory has expanded several times since then. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and it is also part of Natura 2000, the network of nature protection areas of the European Union. Pirin National Park falls within the Rodope montane mixed forests terrestrial eco-region of the Palearctic temperate broadleaf and mixed forest. Forests cover 57.3% of the area of Pirin National Park and almost 95% of them are coniferous forests. The average age of the forests is 85 years. Bulgaria's oldest tree, Baikushev's pine, is located in Pirin National Park and it has an approximate age of about 1,300 years. Pirin National Park is noted for its rich and diverse flora and fauna which includes 45 species of mammals, 159 species of birds, 11 species of reptiles, 8 species of amphibia and 6 species of fish. The Pirin Mountains are an important tourist destination. The town of Bansko, situated on the north east slopes of the mountain range, has grown to be the primary ski and winter sports centre in the Balkans. A number of settlements in the foothills have mineral springs and are spa resorts e.g. Banya, Dobrinishte, Gotse Delchev, Sandanski, etc. Melnik is situated in the south west foothills of the mountain. With a population of around 385, it is Bulgaria's smallest town and retains its town status today for historical reasons. The town is an architectural reserve and 96 of its buildings are designated as cultural monuments. It is among the “100 Tourist Sites of Bulgaria” programme which promotes tourism among Bulgaria's most significant cultural, historic and natural landmarks. The town is also a centre of red wine production with numerous vineyards and cellars dug in to the local sandstone rock. The area around Melnik is strikingly eroded, particularly the enormous area of sandstone cliff that serves as a backdrop to the town. This area, covering some 6.5 square miles around Melnik, Kurlanovo and Rozhen has been called the Melnik Earth Pyramids. The hills in this area can rise up to 330 feet high and the unique formations, which can resemble giant mushrooms, ancient towers and obelisks, were formed when heavy rain eroded the sandstone and clay which the hills are composed of. The Melnik Earth Pyramids are a geological phenomenon of global importance and they were declared a natural landmark in 1960 with a total protected area of 5 square miles. Date: 29th May 2018 Location: view from near Melnik, Blagoevgrad Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512795.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_97932196062c99fc9b9ebe.jpgTufted Duck The Tufted Duck is a small diving duck. The adult male is all black except for white flanks and a blue-grey bill. It has an obvious head tuft that gives the species its name. The adult female is brown with paler flanks and is more easily confused with other diving ducks. In particular, some have white around the bill base which resembles the Scaup although the white is never as extensive as in that species. The Tufted Duck breeds widely throughout temperate and northern Eurasia. It occasionally can be found as a winter visitor along both coasts of the United States and Canada. It is migratory in most of its range and winters in the milder south and west of Europe and southern Asia where large flocks form on open water. The Tufted Duck breeds close to marshes and lakes with plenty of vegetation to conceal the nest. It is also found on coastal lagoons and sheltered ponds. The Tufted Duck feeds mainly by diving for molluscs, aquatic insects and aquatic plants. Date: 10th May 2022 Location: WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre, Carmarthenshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081379.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_161979324763a71482b4e4b.jpgDate: 12th January 2022 Location: Holkham Marsh, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084052.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10115682895d30851e1b812.jpgPirin Mountains, Blagoevgrad Province, Bulgaria The Pirin Mountains are a mountain range in south west Bulgaria spreading over 1000 square miles. They extend about 50 miles from the north west to the south east and they are about 25 miles wide. Vihren at 9560 feet is the highest peak in the Pirin Mountains, the second highest in Bulgaria and the third highest in the Balkans. To the north, the Pirin Mountains are separated from Bulgaria's highest mountain range, the Rila Mountains, by the Paril Saddle whilst to the south they extend towards the mountain of Slavyanka Mountain located on the border of south west Bulgaria and north Greece. To the west is the valley of the River Struma and to the east the valley of the River Mesta which separates the Pirin Mountains from the Rhodopes Mountains. The Pirin Mountains are dotted with 118 glacial lakes, the largest and the deepest of them being Popovo Lake. They also contain Europe's most southern glaciers, Snezhnika and Banski Suhodol. The Snezhnika glacier is a remnant of the former Vihren glacier. It lies at a height of between 7956 feet and 8140 feet in the deep Golemiya Kazan cirque at the steep northern foot of Vihren. The Banski Suhodol glacier is a small glacier which lies below the peak of Kutelo peak (9540 feet) in the upper Banski Suhodol valley. The northern part of the Pirin Mountains is protected by the Pirin National Park (originally named Vihren National Park). It encompasses the larger part of the Pirin Mountains and covers an area of around 155 square miles. It is one of the 3 national parks in Bulgaria, the others being Rila National Park and Central Balkan National Park. Pirin National Park was established in 1962 and its territory has expanded several times since then. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and it is also part of Natura 2000, the network of nature protection areas of the European Union. Pirin National Park falls within the Rodope montane mixed forests terrestrial eco-region of the Palearctic temperate broadleaf and mixed forest. Forests cover 57.3% of the area of Pirin National Park and almost 95% of them are coniferous forests. The average age of the forests is 85 years. Bulgaria's oldest tree, Baikushev's pine, is located in Pirin National Park and it has an approximate age of about 1,300 years. Pirin National Park is noted for its rich and diverse flora and fauna which includes 45 species of mammals, 159 species of birds, 11 species of reptiles, 8 species of amphibia and 6 species of fish. The Pirin Mountains are an important tourist destination. The town of Bansko, situated on the north east slopes of the mountain range, has grown to be the primary ski and winter sports centre in the Balkans. A number of settlements in the foothills have mineral springs and are spa resorts e.g. Banya, Dobrinishte, Gotse Delchev, Sandanski, etc. Melnik is situated in the south west foothills of the mountain. With a population of around 385, it is Bulgaria's smallest town and retains its town status today for historical reasons. The town is an architectural reserve and 96 of its buildings are designated as cultural monuments. It is among the “100 Tourist Sites of Bulgaria” programme which promotes tourism among Bulgaria's most significant cultural, historic and natural landmarks. The town is also a centre of red wine production with numerous vineyards and cellars dug in to the local sandstone rock. The area around Melnik is strikingly eroded, particularly the enormous area of sandstone cliff that serves as a backdrop to the town. This area, covering some 6.5 square miles around Melnik, Kurlanovo and Rozhen has been called the Melnik Earth Pyramids. The hills in this area can rise up to 330 feet high and the unique formations, which can resemble giant mushrooms, ancient towers and obelisks, were formed when heavy rain eroded the sandstone and clay which the hills are composed of. The Melnik Earth Pyramids are a geological phenomenon of global importance and they were declared a natural landmark in 1960 with a total protected area of 5 square miles. Date: 29th May 2018 Location: view from between Kresna and Ostrava, Blagoevgrad Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37190313.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6212942665c2a1548036df.jpgAssynt mountains, Highland Date: 24th June 2018 Location: sunset view from the minor road between Drumrunie and Achiltibuie http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874742.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_388630580561cca67138c9.jpgMinke Whale The Minke Whale is a rorqual, the largest group of the baleen whales which includes the Blue Whale, the Fin Whale, the Bryde's Whale, the Sei Whale and the Humpback Whale. The name Minke is possibly derived from a Norwegian whaler named Meincke who mistook a Minke Whale for a Blue Whale. Most modern classifications split the Minke Whale in to 2 species: Common or Northern Minke Whale and Antarctic or Southern Minke Whale. Taxonomists further categorize the Common Minke Whale in to 2 or 3 subspecies: the North Atlantic Minke Whale, the North Pacific Minke Whale and the Dwarf Minke Whale. The Common Minke Whale is the smallest of the rorquals and one of the smallest baleen whales (second smallest only to the Pygmy Right Whale). In the north Atlantic, Norwegian whaling vessels in 1940 allegedly caught individuals of up to 35 feet in length but they were likely only measured visually in comparison to objects of known dimensions aboard the ships themselves. The longest caught in subsequent years were only up to 30 to 33 feet in length. At sexual maturity, the Common Minke Whale in the north Atlantic averages between 20 to 23 feet in length whilst at physical maturity it averages between 26 to 28 feet long. At birth, the calf is estimated to be 8 to 9 feet in length. The Common Minke Whale is dark grey dorsally and clean white ventrally. It is among the most robust members of the rorqual group, the greatest height of its body being one fifth its total length. It has a narrow, pointed and triangular rostrum (beak) and its prominent, upright, falcate dorsal fin averages about 12 inches in height and is set about two-thirds the way along the back. The pectoral fins are relatively small, averaging about 2.4 feet in length, and they have a transverse, white band on their outer margins which is the most distinguishing feature of the species. The smooth-sided tail flukes average about 6.6 feet in width but can be over 9 feet wide and they are light grey or white ventrally and bordered by dark grey. The Common Minke Whales has a disjointed distribution. In the north Atlantic it occurs as far north as Baffin Bay, Svalbard, Franz Josef Land and Novaya Zemlya and as far south as 40°N (New Jersey, USA), the Hebrides and the central North Sea during the summer. It has been recorded off Madeira and it occurs all year off the Canary Islands. There are occasional sightings and strandings off Spain and Portugal, the western Sahara, Mauritania and Senegal. It is rare off the Azores and a vagrant in the Gulf of Mexico and the Mediterranean. During the winter it has been recorded off Bermuda, the Bahamas, the Antilles, the east coast of the USA south of 40°N and in the south eastern north Atlantic. There are estimated to be over 180,000 Common Minke Whales in the North Atlantic. The Common Minke Whale is sexually mature at about 6 to 8 years old for females and about 6 to 7 years old for males. Peak conception is in February in the north Atlantic and peak calving is in December after a gestation period of 10 months. A single calf is normally born and is weaned after a period of 6 months. It is thought that growth ceases for both sexes when they have reached 15 to 20 years old and both sexes can live to about 50 years of age. In the North Atlantic, the Common Minke Whale primarily eats small schooling fish, pelagic crustaceans and molluscs and krill but its diet varies by region and season. The Common Minke Whale is normally seen as a single individual. It also exhibits a great degree of spatial and temporal segregation by sex, age and reproductive condition. When a Common Minke Whale first comes to the surface to breathe its pointed rostrum (beak) is the first to break the surface when a narrow or low, diffuse blow is visible. It then arches its back in a quick motion, exaggerating this arch during its terminal deep dive. Although first ignored by whalers due to its small size and low oil yield, the Common Minke Whale began to be exploited by various countries in the early 20th century. As other species declined, larger numbers of Common Minke Whales were caught largely for their meat. It is now one of the primary targets of the north Atlantic whaling industry in Norway and Iceland. In spite of the whaling industry, the Common Minke Whale is still considered "Least Concern" from a conservation standpoint and due to its relative abundance it is often the focus of whale watching trips in locations such as Iceland, Norway, north west Scotland. Date: 10th June 2015 Location: Faxaflói, Reykjavík, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32709015.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_47727580359ad272819bd45.38256274.jpgHortobágy National Park, Hajdú-Bihar county, Hungary Hortobágy National Park (Hortobágy Nemzeti Park) is a national park in eastern Hungary. It is part of the vast Great Hungarian Plain which occupies southern and eastern Hungary, some parts of the eastern Slovakian lowlands, south west Ukraine, western Romania, northern Serbia and eastern Croatia. Hortobágy National Park was designated as a national park in 1972 (the first in Hungary), and as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. It is Hungary's largest protected area. At the time of designation, the area of the National Park was 289 square miles but since then it has been extended to almost 315 square miles. Around 25% of its area has international protection under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance. The entire Hortobágy National Park is part of the Natura 2000 network of the European Union in which Special Protected Areas and Special Areas of Conservation have been designated in a way that they contain and encompass the area of the National Park including organically connected or separate grassland mosaic areas that are outside the National Park. The protection thus ensured by the Natura 2000 areas provides an appropriate basis for the establishment of a buffer zone. A conservation management plan for the Hortobágy National Park was prepared in 1997. Hortobágy National Park contains the largest continuous natural grassland in Europe and the second largest steppe area west of the Ural Mountains. It has outstanding natural features and maintains great biological diversity in respect of species and habitats. It is a unique example of the harmonious coexistence of people and nature based on the considerate use of the land. A major part of the area of the Hortobágy National Park is formed by natural habitats, principally alkaline grasslands (puszta), meadows and the marshes lying between them. From the point of view of nature conservation, the artificial wetlands, which cover a much smaller area, are of considerable importance. These are the fish ponds created during the last century on the worst quality grazing lands and marshes. The Hortobágy National Park is one of Europe’s greatest lowland birding areas containing nesting habitats and migration sites of European significance. The Hortobágyi-Halastó complex just to the west of Hortobágy village is arguably the best site to explore and contains waterbodies of various sizes from small fish ponds to huge lakes. Over 340 bird species have been recorded in the Hortobágy National Park, of which over 150 species breed. For UK birders, it is particularly exciting since several “eastern” species can be found which are at the westernmost extent of their range. These are joined by a large number of temperate European and Mediterranean species. The symbol of the Hortobágy National Park is the Crane. One of the most spectacular sights is the autumn migration when tens of thousands of Cranes can be seen every October as they fly above the grasslands to their overnight roosting places. For thousands of years the wild animals grazing on the grasslands of the Hortobágy National Park, the Aurochs and wild horses, were gradually replaced by domesticated animals. A large number of Long-haired Sheep and Hungarian Grey Cattle can now be found here. Less ancient species are the Mangalica Pig and the Nonius Horse. In the Visitor Centre in Hortobágy village, visitors and tourists can get information and advice on what to see and what to do in the Hortobágy National Park and can also learn about its natural and cultural assets: its flora and fauna, the different natural phenomena, herdsmen’s traditions, craftsmen’s skills and local rare breeds. The Visitor Centre also sells the mandatory permits that are required to visit most of the protected areas. The Hortobágy-halastavi Kisvasút is a narrow gauge railway which runs through Hortobágyi-Halastó. It was built and commissioned in 1915 for the purpose of transporting fish food from the silo in Hortobágyi-Halastó to the fish ponds and transporting freshly caught fish in the opposite direction. The track formerly had a length of 22 miles and was temporarily decommissioned in 1960. Since 2007, the railway has been used as a tourist train. The track now runs for just 3 miles and provides access to the northern end of Hortobágyi-Halastó. A one-way trip lasts 23 minutes. Date: 19th May 2017 Location: Hortobágy to Balmazújváros, Hortobágy National Park, Hajdú-Bihar county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45948264.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_103041056162849fcb52bec.jpgChiffchaff The (Common) Chiffchaff is a common and widespread leaf warbler which is named onomatopoeically for its simple and repetitive chiff-chaff song. The British naturalist Gilbert White was one of the first people to separate the similar looking Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler and Wood Warbler by their songs, as detailed in 1789 in “The Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne. The Chiffchaff is a small, dumpy, 4 inch long leaf warbler. The spring adult has brown-washed dull green upperparts, off-white underparts becoming yellowish on the flanks and a short whitish supercilium. It has dark legs, a fine dark bill and short primary projection (extension of the flight feathers beyond the folded wing). As the plumage wears, it gets duller and browner and the yellow on the flanks tends to be lost and after the breeding season there is a prolonged complete moult before migration. After moulting, both the adult and the juvenile have brighter and greener upperparts and a paler supercilium. When not singing, the Chiffchaff can be difficult to distinguish from other leaf warblers with greenish upperparts and whitish underparts, particularly the Willow Warbler. However, that species has a longer primary projection, a sleeker, brighter appearance and generally pale legs. The Chiffchaff breeds across Europe and Asia east to eastern Siberia and north to about 70°N, with isolated populations in north west Africa, north and west Turkey and north west Iran. It is a migratory species but one of the first passerine birds to return to its breeding areas in the spring and amongst the last to leave in late autumn. When breeding, the Chiffchaff is a bird of open woodlands with some taller trees and ground cover for nesting purposes. In winter, the Chiffchaff uses a wider range of habitats and is not so dependent on trees and is often found near water. There is an increasing tendency to winter in western Europe well north of the traditional areas, especially in coastal south England and the mild urban microclimate of London. The male Chiffchaff returns to its breeding territory 2 or 3 weeks before the female and immediately starts singing to establish ownership and attract a female. When a female is located, the male will use a slow butterfly-like flight as part of the courtship ritual but, once a pair-bond has been established, other females will be driven from the territory. The male has little involvement in the nesting process other than defending the territory. The female's nest is built on or near the ground in a concealed site in brambles, nettles or other dense low vegetation. The domed nest has a side entrance and is constructed from coarse plant material such as dead leaves and grass with finer material used on the interior before the addition of a lining of feathers. The clutch is 2 to 7 (normally 5 or 6) cream-coloured eggs which are incubated by the female for 13 to 14 days before hatching as naked, blind chicks. The female broods and feeds the chicks for another 14 to 15 days until they fledge. The male rarely participates in feeding although this sometimes occurs, especially when bad weather limits insect supplies or if the female disappears. After fledging, the young stay in the vicinity of the nest for 3 to 4 weeks where they are fed by and roost with the female. In the north of the range there is only time to raise one brood due to the short summer but a second brood is common in central and southern areas. Like most leaf warblers, the Chiffchaff is insectivorous and moves restlessly though foliage or briefly hovering. It has been recorded as taking insects, mainly flies, from more than 50 families, along with other small and medium-sized invertebrates. It will also take the eggs and larvae of butterflies and moths. The Chiffchaff has been estimated to require about one third of its weight in insects daily and it feeds almost continuously in the autumn to put on extra fat as fuel for its long migration flight. As with most small birds, mortality in the first year of life is high but adults aged 3 to 4 years are regularly recorded and the record is more than 7 years. Eggs, chicks and fledglings are taken by Stoats, Weasels and crows such as the Magpie and adults are hunted by birds of prey, particularly the Sparrowhawk. The Chiifchaff is also susceptible to poor weather, particularly when migrating, but also on the breeding and wintering grounds. The main effect of humans on the Chiffchaff is indirect through woodland clearance which affects the habitat, predation by cats and collisions with windows, buildings and cars. Date: 31st March 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/treecreeper https://images.on-this.website/4752_8507006136284b3ff102c3.jpgTreecreeper The Eurasian Treecreeper is a small passerine bird, also known in the UK, where it is the only member of its genus, simply as the Treecreeper. Similar in appearance, all treecreeper species are small birds with streaked and spotted brown upperparts, rufous rumps and whitish underparts. They have long decurved bills and long rigid tail feathers that provide support as they creep up tree trunks looking for insects. The Treecreeper is 4.9 inches and has warm brown upperparts intricately patterned with black, buff and white and a plain brown tail. The belly, flanks and vent area are tinged with buff. The sexes are similar but the juvenile has duller upperparts than the adult and the underparts are dull white with dark fine spotting on the flanks. The range of the Treecreeper overlaps with that of several other treecreeper species which can present local identification problems. In Europe, the Treecreeper shares much of its range with the Short-toed Treecreeper. Compared to that species, it is whiter below, warmer and more spotted above and has a whiter supercilium and slightly shorter bill. Visual identification, even in the hand, may be impossible for poorly marked birds. As a small woodland bird with cryptic plumage and a quiet call and song, the Treecreeper is easily overlooked as it hops mouse-like up a vertical trunk, progressing in short hops and using its stiff tail and widely splayed feet as support. However, it is not wary and it is largely indifferent to the presence of humans. It has a distinctive erratic and undulating flight, alternating fluttering butterfly-like wing beats with side-slips and tumbles. The Treecreeper is the most widespread member of its genus and it breeds in temperate woodlands across the Palearctic from Ireland to Japan. It has an extensive range and a large population. It is common through much of its range but in the northernmost areas it is rare since it is vulnerable to hard winters. The Treecreeper is non-migratory in the milder west and south of its breeding range but some northern birds move south in winter and individuals breeding on mountains may descend to a lower altitude in winter. Winter movements and post-breeding dispersal may lead to vagrancy outside the normal range. The Treecreeper prefers mature trees and in most of Europe, where it shares its range with Short-toed Treecreeper, it tends to be found mainly in coniferous forest, especially spruce and fir. However, where it is the only treecreeper species, such as in the UK, it frequents broadleaved or mixed woodland in preference to conifers. It is also found in parks and large gardens. The Treecreeper nests in tree crevices or behind bark flakes. Crevices in buildings or walls are sometimes used and artificial nest boxes may be used in coniferous woodland. The nest has a base of twigs, pine needles, grass or bark and a lining of finer material such as feathers, wool, moss, lichen or spider webs. The typical clutch of 5 to 6 eggs is laid between March and June and incubated by the female alone for 13 to 17 days. The chicks are fed by both parents but brooded by the female alone for a further 15 to 17 days to fledging. About 20% of pairs, mainly in the south and west, raise a second brood. Predators of nests and young include the Great Spotted Woodpecker, Red and Grey Squirrels and small mustelids. The juvenile survival rate is unknown but around 50% of adults survive each year. The typical lifespan is 2 years but the maximum recorded age is 8 years and 10 months. The Treecreeper typically seeks invertebrate food on tree trunks, starting near the tree base and working its way up using its stiff tail feathers for support. Unlike the Nuthatch, it does not come down trees head first but flies to the base of another nearby tree. It uses its long thin bill to extract insects and spiders from crevices in the bark. Although normally found on trees, it will occasionally hunt prey items on walls, bare ground or amongst fallen pine needles and it may add some conifer seeds to its diet in the colder months. The Treecreeper may sometimes join mixed-species feeding flocks in winter but it does not appear to share the resources found by accompanying tit species and Goldcrests and may just be benefiting from the extra vigilance of a flock. Date: 25th April 2022 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871750.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15056782334eff21c36a8d9.jpgBrown Bear The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, <i>Ursus arctos arctos</i>. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an overnight stay in a Brown Bear watching hide at [url=http://www.martinselkonen.fi/index.php?id=1&la=en]Martinselkosen Eräkeskus[/url] Date: 1st June 2009 Location: Martinselkosen Eräkeskus, Pirttivaara, Kainuu, Finland <iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/10143012?autoplay=1" width="600" height="450" frameborder="0"></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/10143012">Brown Bears of Martinselkonen</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user3372484">Richard Chew</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>. Music: Jean Sibelius - Andante festivo<br /> </p> http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37159141.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5930601015c1e645d8593a.jpgBittern The Bittern, Eurasian Bittern or Great Bittern is a bird in the bittern sub-family of the heron family. Its folk names, often local, include many variations on the themes of "barrel-maker", "bog-bull", "bog hen", "bog-trotter", "bog-bumper", "mire drum(ble)", "butter bump", "bitter bum", "bog blutter", "bog drum", "boom bird", "bottle-bump", "bull of the bog", "bull of the mire", "bumpy cors" and "heather blutter". Most of these were onomatopoeic colloquial names for the bird. The call was described as "bumping" or "booming" and mire and bog denoted the bird's habitat. As its alternative name of Great Bittern suggests, the Bittern is the largest of the bitterns with males being slightly larger than females. It is 27 to 32 inches in length with a 39 to 51 inches wingspan. The crown and nape are black with the individual feathers rather long and loosely arranged and tipped with buff narrowly barred with black. The sides of the head and neck are a more uniform tawny-buff and irregularly barred with black. The mantle, scapulars and back are of a similar colour but are more heavily barred, the individual feathers having black centres and barring. The head has a yellowish-buff superciliary stripe and a brownish-black moustachial stripe. The sides of the neck are a rusty-brown with faint barring. The chin and throat are buff, the central feathers on the throat having longitudinal stripes of rusty-brown. The breast and belly are yellowish-buff with broad stripes of brown at the side and narrow stripes in the centre. The tail is rusty-buff with black streaks in the centre and black mottling near the edge. The wings are pale rusty-brown and irregularly barred, streaked and mottled with black. The plumage has a loose texture and elongated feathers on the crown, neck and breast can be erected. The powerful bill is greenish-yellow with a darker tip to the upper mandible. The eye has a yellow iris and is surrounded by a ring of greenish or bluish bare skin. The legs and feet are greenish, with some yellow on the tarsal joint and yellow soles to the feet. Juveniles have similar plumage to adults but are somewhat paler with less distinct markings. The mating call or contact call of the male Bittern is a deep, fog-horn or bull-like boom with a quick rise and an only slightly longer fall, easily audible from a distance of 3 miles on a calm night. The call is mainly given between January and April during the mating season. Surveys of Bitterns are carried out by noting the number of distinct male booms in a given area. Prior to modern science, it was unknown how such a small bird produced a call so low-pitched. Common explanations suggested that the bird made its call into a straw or that it blew directly into the water. It is now known that the sound is produced by expelling air from the oesophagus with the aid of powerful muscles surrounding it. Usually solitary, the Bittern forages in reed beds by walking stealthily or remaining still above a body of water where prey may occur. It is a shy bird and if it is disturbed it will often point its bill directly upwards and freezes in that position, causing its cryptic plumage to blend into the surrounding reeds. The Bittern has a secretive nature and keeps largely hidden in reeds and coarse vegetation. Occasionally, especially in hard winter weather, it will stand in the open beside the water's edge, although usually close to cover to facilitate a hasty retreat. In flight, the Bittern’s wings can be seen to be broad and rounded and its legs trail behind it in typical heron fashion. Its neck is extended when it takes off but is retracted when it has picked up speed. It seldom flies however and prefers to move through the vegetation stealthily on foot. Its gait is slow and deliberate and it can clamber over reeds by gripping several at a time with its toes. It is most active at dawn and dusk but also sometimes forages by day. The breeding range of the Bittern extends across temperate parts of Europe and Asia from the UK, Sweden and Finland eastwards to Sakhalin Island in eastern Siberia and Hokkaido Island in Japan. The northern limit of its range is in the Ural Mountains and eastern Siberia whilst the southern limit is the Mediterranean Sea, the Black Sea, Iran, Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia and northern China. Small resident populations also breed in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. Some populations are sedentary and stay in the same areas throughout the year. More northerly populations usually migrate to warmer regions but some birds often remain. Birds in northern Europe tend to move south and west to southern Europe, north and central Africa and northern Asian birds migrate to parts of the Arabian peninsula, the Indian sub-continent and eastern China. In the UK, the Bittern can be found all year round at suitable wetlands, particularly in East Anglia, south east England and south west England. It is most visible in winter. In recent years, the Bittern has become a regular winter visitor to the London Wetland Centre, enabling city residents to view this scare bird. The Bittern is typically found in reed beds and swamps as well as lakes, lagoons and sluggish rivers fringed by rank vegetation. It sometimes nests by ponds in agricultural areas and even quite near habitations where suitable habitat exists but it prefers large reed beds of at least 50 acres in which to breed. Outside the breeding season it has less restrictive habitat requirements and, in addition to reed beds, it can also be found in rice fields, watercress beds, fish farms, gravel pits, sewage works, ditches, flooded areas and marshes. Males are polygamous and mate with up to 5 females. The nest is built in the previous year's standing reeds and consists of an untidy platform some 12 inches across. It may be on a tussock surrounded by water or on matted roots close to water and it is built by the female using bits of reed, sedges and grass stalks with a lining of finer fragments. The clutch of 4 to 6 eggs is laid in late March and April and incubated by the female for about 26 days. After hatching, the chicks spend about 2 weeks in the nest before leaving to swim amongst the reeds. The female rears them without help from the male, regurgitating food from her crop. The chicks become fully fledged at about 8 weeks. The Bittern feeds on fish, small mammals, amphibians and invertebrates, hunting along the reed margins in shallow water. Some vegetable matter such as aquatic plants is also consumed. The Bittern has a very wide range and a large total population and therefore the IUCN has assessed its overall conservation status as being of "Least Concern” because although the population trend is downward, the rate of decline is insufficient to justify rating it in a more threatened category. The chief threat that the Bittern faces is the drainage and disturbance of its wetland habitats. Date: 7th May 2018 Location: Ham Wall RSPB reserve, Somerset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14155781.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13958231144f3cd256a6b12.jpgMagpie The Eurasian Magpie, often simply known as the Magpie, is one of several birds in the crow family [i] Corvidae[/i] designated as a Magpie. In Europe, Magpie is generally used by English speakers to describe the Eurasian Magpie. The only other species in Europe is the Iberian Magpie or Azure-winged Magpie which is limited to the Iberian peninsula. The adult male Magpie is 17 to 18 inches in length, of which more than half is the tail. The wingspan is 20 to 24 inches. The head, neck and breast are glossy black with a metallic green and violet sheen, the belly and scapulars are pure white, the wings are black glossed with green or purple and the primaries have white inner webs, conspicuous when the wing is open. The graduated tail is black, glossed with green and reddish purple. The legs and bill are black and the iris is dark brown. The plumage of the sexes is similar but the female is slightly smaller. The young resemble the adults but are at first without much of the gloss on the sooty plumage and the tail is much shorter. The Magpie can be found across temperate Eurasia from Spain and Ireland in the west to the Kamchatka Peninsula in the east. It has also been introduced in Japan on the island of Kyushu. The preferred habitat of the Magpie is open countryside with scattered trees and it is normally absent from treeless areas and dense forests. It sometimes breeds at high densities in suburban settings such as parks and gardens and it can often be found close to the centre of cities. The Magpie is normally sedentary and spends winters close to its breeding areas but birds living near the northern limit of their range in Scandinavia and Russia can move south in harsh weather. Some Magpies breed after their first year whilst others remain in non-breeding flocks and first breed in their second year. The Magpie is monogamous and pairs often remain together from one breeding season to the next and generally occupy the same territory in successive years. Mating takes place in spring. In the courtship display, males rapidly raise and depress their head feathers, uplift, open and close their tails like fans and call in soft tones quite distinct from their usual chatter. The loose feathers of the flanks are brought over the primaries, and the shoulder patch is spread so the white is conspicuous, presumably to attract females. Short buoyant flights and chases follow. The Magpie prefers tall trees for their bulky nest, firmly attaching them to a central fork in the upper branches. A framework of sticks is cemented with earth and clay and a lining of the same is covered with fine roots. Above is a stout though loosely built dome of prickly branches with a single well concealed entrance. These huge nests are conspicuous when the leaves fall. Where trees are scarce, though even in well-wooded country, nests are at times built in bushes and hedgerows. In Europe, the eggs are typically laid in April and clutches usually contain 5 or 6 eggs. The eggs are incubated for 21 to 22 days by the female who is fed on the nest by the male. The chicks are brooded by the female for the first 5 to 10 days and fed by both parents. The nestlings open their eyes 7 to 8 days after hatching and their body feathers start to appear after around 8 days and the primary wing feathers after 10 days. Fledging takes place at around 27 days and the parents then continue to feed the young for several more weeks. The parents also protect the young from predators since their ability to fly is poor, making them vulnerable. On average, only 3 or 4 chicks survive to fledge successfully. Some nests are lost to predators but an important factor causing nestling mortality is starvation. Eggs hatch asynchronously and if the parents have difficulty finding sufficient food, the last chicks to hatch are unlikely to survive. The Magpie is omnivorous, eating young birds and eggs, small mammals, insects, scraps and carrion, acorns, grain and other vegetable substances. The Magpie is believed not only to be among the most intelligent of birds but among the most intelligent of all animals. Along with the Jackdaw, the Magpie's nidopallium area of the brain is approximately the same relative size as those in Chimpanzees and humans. Like other corvids, such as the Raven and Carrion crow, the total brain-to-body mass ratio is equal to most great apes and cetaceans. A 2004 review suggests that the intelligence of the corvid family to which the Magpie belongs is equivalent to that of great apes (Chimpanzees, Orangutans and Gorillas) in terms of social cognition, causal reasoning, flexibility, imagination and prospection. The Magpie has an extremely large range and a very large population. The population trend in Europe has been stable since 1980 and there is no evidence of any serious overall decline in numbers so the species is classified by the IUCN as being of “Least Concern”. In Europe, the Magpie has been historically demonized by humans, mainly as a result of folklore, superstition and myth and its reputation as an omen of ill fortune. The Magpie has also been attacked for their role as a predator which includes eating other birds' eggs and their young. However, different studies have reached different conclusions on their impact on the populations of other birds. Date: 12th February 2012 Location: Pennington Flash, Greater Manchester http://www.richardchewphotography.com/ben-more-coigach-highland https://images.on-this.website/4752_6356111245c2a16a716a66.jpgBen More Coigach, Highland Height: Ben More Coigach 2493 feet The Coigach mountains are located at the eastern end of the peninsula north of Ullapool and Loch Broom. Date: 24th June 2018 Location: sunset view from the minor road between Drumrunie and Achiltibuie http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41254033.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10653488255f05998ced7b9.jpgHerring Gull The Herring Gull is one of the best known of all gulls along the shores of Europe. Adults in breeding plumage have a grey back and upperwings and white head and underparts. The wingtips are black with white spots known as "mirrors". The bill is yellow with a red spot and there is a ring of bare yellow skin around the pale eye. The legs are normally pink at all ages but can be yellowish. Non-breeding adults have brown streaks on the head and neck. Male and female plumage is identical at all stages of development although adult males are often larger. Juvenile and first-winter birds are mainly brown with darker streaks and have a dark bill and eyes. Second-winter birds have a whiter head and underparts with less streaking and the back is grey. Third-winter individuals are similar to adults but retain some of the features of immature birds such as brown feathers in the wings and dark markings on the bill. The Herring Gull attains adult plumage and reaches sexual maturity at an average age of 4 years. The loud laughing call of the Herring Gull is well known and is often seen as a symbol of the seaside in countries such as the UK. It also has a yelping alarm call and a low barking anxiety call. Chicks and fledglings emit a distinctive, repetitive high-pitched 'peep', accompanied by a head-flicking gesture when begging for food from or calling to their parents. Adult gulls in urban areas will also exhibit this behaviour when fed by humans. The Herring Gull breeds across northern Europe, western Europe, central Europe, eastern Europe, Scandinavia and the Baltic states. Some, especially those resident in colder areas, migrate further south in winter but many are permanent residents such as in the UK or on the North Sea shores. While Herring Gull numbers appear to have been decreased in recent years, possibly by fish population declines and competition, they have proved able to survive in human-adapted areas and can often be seen in towns acting as a scavenger. The Herring Gull, like most gulls, is an omnivore and opportunist and will scavenge from garbage dumps, landfill sites and sewage outflows with refuse comprising up to half of the bird's diet. In addition, it will eat fish, crustaceans and dead animals as well as some plants and it will steal the eggs and young of other birds (including those of other gulls). The Herring Gull may also dive from the surface of the water or engage in plunge diving in the pursuit of aquatic prey although they are typically unable to reach any great depth due to their natural buoyancy. Date: 26th June 2019 Location: Tallinn harbour, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871738.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15402551284eff217b6dae8.jpgBrown Bear The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, <i>Ursus arctos arctos</i>. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an overnight stay in a Brown Bear watching hide at [url=http://www.martinselkonen.fi/index.php?id=1&la=en]Martinselkosen Eräkeskus[/url] Date: 1st June 2009 Location: Martinselkosen Eräkeskus, Pirttivaara, Kainuu, Finland <iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/10143012?autoplay=1" width="600" height="450" frameborder="0"></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/10143012">Brown Bears of Martinselkonen</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user3372484">Richard Chew</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>. Music: Jean Sibelius - Andante festivo<br /> </p> http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19905529.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1973338226529089bb2e099.jpgLapwing The Northern Lapwing, also known as the peewit, pewit, tuit or tew-it (imitative of its cry), Green Plover (emphasising the colour of the plumage) or (in the UK) just Lapwing (which refers to its peculiar, erratic way of flying), is a bird in the lapwing family. The Lapwing has rounded wings and a crest. It is also the shortest-legged of the lapwing species. It is mainly black and white but the back is tinted green. The male has a long crest and a black crown, throat and breast contrasting with an otherwise white face. Females and young birds have shorter crests and have less strongly marked heads but plumages are otherwise quite similar. The Lapwing is a vocal bird in the breeding season with constant calling as the crazed tumbling display flight is performed by the male. The typical contact call is a loud, shrill "pee-wit" from which they get their other name of peewit. The Lapwing is common through temperate Eurasia and breeds on cultivated land and other short vegetation habitats. The ground scrape nest and young are defended noisily and aggressively against all intruders. It is highly migratory over most of its extensive range, wintering further south as far as north Africa, north India, Pakistan and parts of China. It migrates mainly by day, often in large flocks. Lowland breeders in the westernmost areas of Europe are resident. In winter, it forms huge flocks on open land, particularly arable land and mud-flats. In the UK, the Lapwing has suffered a significant decline in the last 25 years and is an Amber List species because of the importance of its UK wintering population. It breeds on farmland throughout the UK, particularly in lowland areas of north England, the Borders and east Scotland, and prefers fields of spring sown cereals and root crops, permanent unimproved pasture, meadows and fallow fields but also wet grassland and marshes. During the winter, the Lapwing can be seen on flooded grassland, estuaries, coastal wetlands, short grassy fields and ploughed fields. In addition to the UK population, large numbers of north European birds arrive in the autumn for the winter. The Lapwing feeds primarily on insects and other small invertebrates. It often feeds in mixed flocks with Golden Plovers and Black-headed Gulls, the latter often robbing the plovers, but providing a degree of protection against predators. Date: 30th September 2013 Location: Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072370.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6743145674bf6e12b17641.jpgKongsfjordfjellet, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway Kongsfjordfjellet is a bare mountain tundra area in the north west of the Varanger peninsula in Finnmark county in north east Norway. Date: 14th April 2010 Location: view from road 890 over Kongsfjordfjellet, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41205487.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_722224035eb979791154b.jpgCanada Goose and goslings The Canada Goose belongs to the Branta genus of geese which contains species with largely black plumage distinguishing it from the grey species of the genus Anser. The black head and neck with a white "chinstrap" distinguish the Canada Goose from all other goose species with the exception of the Cackling Goose from north America and the Barnacle Goose which has a black breast and grey rather than brownish body plumage. The 7 sub-species of the Canada Goose vary widely in size and plumage details but all are recognizable as Canada Geese. Of the "true geese" (i.e. the genera Anser, Branta or Chen), the Canada Goose is on average the largest living species. It ranges from 30 to 43 inches in length and with a 50 to 73 inches wingspan. The male usually weighs 5.7 to 14.3 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 8.6 pounds. The female looks virtually identical but is slightly lighter at 5.3 to 12.1 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 7.9 pounds. It is also generally 10% smaller in linear dimensions than the male. The Canada Goose is native to north America where it breeds in Canada and the north USA in a wide range of habitats. The Great Lakes region maintains a very large population. It occurs all year round in the southern part of its breeding range, including most of the eastern seaboard and the Pacific coast. Between California and South Carolina in the south USA and north Mexico, it is primarily present as a migrant from further north during the winter. Outside north America, the Canada Goose has reached north Europe naturally as has been proved by ringing recoveries. It has also been introduced in to Europe and had established populations in the UK in the middle of the 18th century, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany and Scandinavia. Most European populations are not migratory but those in more northerly parts of Sweden and Finland migrate to the North Sea and Baltic coasts. Semi-tame feral birds are common in parks and have become a pest in some areas. In the early 17th century, explorer Samuel de Champlain sent several pairs of Canada Geese to France as a present for King Louis XIII. Canada Geese were first introduced in to the UK in the late 17th century as an addition to King James II's waterfowl collection in St. James's Park. They were also introduced in to Germany and Scandinavia during the 20th century. During the second year of its life, the Canada Goose finds a mate. It is a monogamous species and most couples stay together all of their lives. If one dies, the other may find a new mate. The female lays from 2 to 9 eggs with an average of 5. Both parents protect the nest while the eggs incubate but the female spends more time at the nest than the male. The nest is usually located in an elevated area near water such as streams, lakes and ponds and the eggs are laid in a shallow depression lined with plant material and down. The incubation period, in which the female incubates the eggs while the male remains nearby, lasts for 24 to 28 days after laying. As soon as the goslings hatch, they are immediately capable of walking, swimming and finding their own food (a diet similar to the adults). Parents are often seen leading their goslings in a line, usually with one adult at the front and the other at the back. While protecting their goslings, parents often violently chase away anything from small birds to lone humans who approach, after warning them by giving off a hissing sound and then attacking with bites and slaps of the wings if the threat does not retreat. Although parents are hostile to unfamiliar geese, they may form groups (crèches) of a number of goslings and a few adults. The goslings enter the fledgling stage any time from 6 to 9 weeks of age. Once it reaches adulthood, due to its large size and often aggressive behaviour, the Canada Goose is rarely preyed on although prior injury may make it more vulnerable to natural predators. The lifespan in the wild of birds that survive to adulthood ranges from 10 to 24 years. The UK longevity record is held by a specimen tagged as a nestling which was observed alive at the age of 31. The Canada Goose is primarily a herbivore although it will sometimes eat small insects and fish. Their diet includes grasses, aquatic plants, beans and grains such as wheat, rice, and corn when they are available. In urban areas, it is also known to pick food out of rubbish bins and it will readily take a variety of food from humans in parks. Date: 10th May 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26540926.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_152287371056ace93aee52d.jpgMute Swan The Mute Swan is a species of swan native to much of Eurasia. Despite its Eurasian origin, its closest relatives are the Black Swan of Australia and the Black-necked Swan of south America, not the other Northern Hemisphere swans such as the Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan. The name “mute” derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. The adult Mute Swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob at the top of the beak. All Mute Swans are white at maturity although the feathers (particularly on the head and neck) are often stained orange-brown by iron and tannins in the water. Young birds (cygnets) are not the bright white colour of mature adults and their bill is dull greyish-black for the first year. The plumage may range from pure white to grey to buff with grey/buff being the most common. Cygnets typically retain their grey/buff feathers until they are at least 1 year old. On average, the Mute Swan is the second largest waterfowl species after the Trumpeter Swan although the male Mute Swan can easily match or even exceed a male Trumpeter Swan in mass. The adult Mute Swan typically ranges from 55 to 63 inches in length (although it can range in extreme cases from 49 to 67 inches) with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. Males (cobs) are larger than females (pens) and have a larger knob on their bill. The Mute Swan is one of the heaviest flying birds. In several studies from the UK, males were found to average from about 23.4 to 26.2 pounds, with a weight range of 20 to 32 pounds, while the slightly smaller females were found to average about 18.7 to 21.3 pounds, with a weight range of 17 to 23 pounds. The Mute Swan is less vocal than the noisy Bewick's Swan and Whooper Swan although it does make a variety of grunting, hoarse whistling and snorting noises, especially in communicating with their cygnets and threatening competitors or intruders trying to enter their territory. The most familiar sound associated with the Mute Swan is the vibrant throbbing of the wings in flight which is unique to the species and this can be heard from a range of up to 1 mile. The Mute Swan is found naturally mainly in the temperate areas of Europe across west Asia and as far east as Primorsky Krai in the far east of Russia. It is partially migratory throughout the northern latitudes in Europe and Asia as far south as north Africa and the Mediterranean. It is also often kept in captivity outside its natural range as a decoration for parks and ponds and escapes have occurred. The descendants of such birds have become naturalised in east USA and the Great Lakes region across the USA and Canada border. The Mute Swan population in the UK has increased recently probably due to better protection of this species. Some birds are resident all year whilst others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into east England. Mute Swans nest on large mounds that they build with waterside vegetation in shallow water on islands in the middle or at the very edge of a lake. It is a monogamous species and often reuses the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Males and females share the care of the nest. The female lays from 4 to 10 eggs and broods for around 36 days. Cygnets are unable to fly before an age of 120 to 150 days and this limits the distribution of the species in the northern edge of its range since the cygnets must learn to fly before the water freezes. The Mute Swan is usually strongly territorial with just a single pair on smaller lakes although in a few locations where a large area of suitable feeding habitat is found they can be colonial. The largest colonies can hold over 100 pairs such as that at the colony at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset in the UK. Non-mated juveniles up to 3 to 4 years old commonly form larger flocks often at regular traditional sites and these can total several hundred birds. The Mute Swan can be very aggressive in defence of its nest and it is highly protective of its mate and offspring. Most defensive attacks from a Mute Swan begin with a loud hiss and, if this is not sufficient to drive off the predator, are followed by a physical attack. It attacks by smashing at its enemy with bony spurs in the wings accompanied by biting with its large bill. Smaller waterbirds such as ducks are normally grabbed with the bill and dragged or thrown clear. Large waterfowl, such as the Canada Goose, more likely out of competition than in response to potential predation, may be aggressively driven off. The wings of the Mute Swan are very powerful although not strong enough to break an adult man's leg as has been claimed anecdotally. The Mute Swan feeds on a wide range of vegetation, both submerged aquatic plants which they reach with their long necks and by grazing on land. The food commonly includes agricultural crop plants such as oilseed rape and wheat and feeding flocks in the winter may cause significant crop damage, often as much through trampling with their large webbed feet as through direct consumption. Date: 13th January 2016 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42222543.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13666341126023b91a77e0e.jpgMute Swan The Mute Swan is a species of swan native to much of Eurasia. Despite its Eurasian origin, its closest relatives are the Black Swan of Australia and the Black-necked Swan of south America, not the other Northern Hemisphere swans such as the Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan. The name “mute” derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. The adult Mute Swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob at the top of the beak. All Mute Swans are white at maturity although the feathers (particularly on the head and neck) are often stained orange-brown by iron and tannins in the water. Young birds (cygnets) are not the bright white colour of mature adults and their bill is dull greyish-black for the first year. The plumage may range from pure white to grey to buff with grey/buff being the most common. Cygnets typically retain their grey/buff feathers until they are at least 1 year old. On average, the Mute Swan is the second largest waterfowl species after the Trumpeter Swan although the male Mute Swan can easily match or even exceed a male Trumpeter Swan in mass. The adult Mute Swan typically ranges from 55 to 63 inches in length (although it can range in extreme cases from 49 to 67 inches) with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. Males (cobs) are larger than females (pens) and have a larger knob on their bill. The Mute Swan is one of the heaviest flying birds. In several studies from the UK, males were found to average from about 23.4 to 26.2 pounds, with a weight range of 20 to 32 pounds, while the slightly smaller females were found to average about 18.7 to 21.3 pounds, with a weight range of 17 to 23 pounds. The Mute Swan is less vocal than the noisy Bewick's Swan and Whooper Swan although it does make a variety of grunting, hoarse whistling and snorting noises, especially in communicating with their cygnets and threatening competitors or intruders trying to enter their territory. The most familiar sound associated with the Mute Swan is the vibrant throbbing of the wings in flight which is unique to the species and this can be heard from a range of up to 1 mile. The Mute Swan is found naturally mainly in the temperate areas of Europe across west Asia and as far east as Primorsky Krai in the far east of Russia. It is partially migratory throughout the northern latitudes in Europe and Asia as far south as north Africa and the Mediterranean. It is also often kept in captivity outside its natural range as a decoration for parks and ponds and escapes have occurred. The descendants of such birds have become naturalised in east USA and the Great Lakes region across the USA and Canada border. The Mute Swan population in the UK has increased recently probably due to better protection of this species. Some birds are resident all year whilst others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into east England. Mute Swans nest on large mounds that they build with waterside vegetation in shallow water on islands in the middle or at the very edge of a lake. It is a monogamous species and often reuses the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Males and females share the care of the nest. The female lays from 4 to 10 eggs and broods for around 36 days. Cygnets are unable to fly before an age of 120 to 150 days and this limits the distribution of the species in the northern edge of its range since the cygnets must learn to fly before the water freezes. The Mute Swan is usually strongly territorial with just a single pair on smaller lakes although in a few locations where a large area of suitable feeding habitat is found they can be colonial. The largest colonies can hold over 100 pairs such as that at the colony at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset in the UK. Non-mated juveniles up to 3 to 4 years old commonly form larger flocks often at regular traditional sites and these can total several hundred birds. The Mute Swan can be very aggressive in defence of its nest and it is highly protective of its mate and offspring. Most defensive attacks from a Mute Swan begin with a loud hiss and, if this is not sufficient to drive off the predator, are followed by a physical attack. It attacks by smashing at its enemy with bony spurs in the wings accompanied by biting with its large bill. Smaller waterbirds such as ducks are normally grabbed with the bill and dragged or thrown clear. Large waterfowl, such as the Canada Goose, more likely out of competition than in response to potential predation, may be aggressively driven off. The wings of the Mute Swan are very powerful although not strong enough to break an adult man's leg as has been claimed anecdotally. The Mute Swan feeds on a wide range of vegetation, both submerged aquatic plants which they reach with their long necks and by grazing on land. The food commonly includes agricultural crop plants such as oilseed rape and wheat and feeding flocks in the winter may cause significant crop damage, often as much through trampling with their large webbed feet as through direct consumption. Date: 21st January 2021 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41205443.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11224681425eb97046ba691.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 2nd May 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46830573.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_137402116162e8fad00eadc.jpgCommon Blue Flight period: June to September. The Common Blue is the UK’s most widespread and common blue butterfly although it has suffered some local declines due to habitat loss. They can be found in sunny, sheltered areas including downland, roadside verges, woodland clearings and rural gardens. Date: 30th July 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14160682.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4583915324f3e1919560fd.jpgRabbit The (European) Rabbit ranges from 13 to 20 inches in length, not counting a tail of 1.6 to 3.1 inches. It has grey/brown fur, white underparts, long ears, large hind legs and a short, white fluffy tail. As a lagomorph, it has four sharp incisors (two on top, two on bottom) that grow continuously throughout its life. The Rabbit moves move by hopping, using its long and powerful hind legs. To facilitate quick movement, the hind feet have a thick padding of fur to dampen the shock of rapid hopping. The toes are long and are webbed to keep from spreading apart as the animal jumps. The Rabbit is native to south west Europe (Spain and Portugal) and north west Africa (Morocco and Algeria). It is known as an invasive species because it has been introduced to countries on all continents, with the exception of Antarctica and sub-Saharan Africa, where it has often caused many problems within the environment and ecosystems. The Rabbit was brought to England in the 12th century by the Normans and kept in captivity in warrens as a source of meat and fur. Many escaped into the wild and eventually become so common that farming them was no longer economic. Helped by fast breeding, a diet of virtually any vegetable matter and human persecution of their predators, the Rabbit slowly established itself in the wild in the UK despite originally favouring a warmer, drier climate. It is now widespread throughout the UK but absent from the Isles of Scilly and a few smaller islands and can be found almost anywhere that it can burrow. The most suitable areas are those where the burrow area and food supply are side-by-side, such as woodland edge and hedgerows. Open warrens are maintained where good burrowing conditions exist on areas of short grass, sand dunes, railway verges and even in urban areas. It is rarely found above the tree-line and it avoids damp conditions and areas deep in conifer woodland. The Rabbit is a social animal and lives in medium-sized colonies comprising of a network of burrows known as warrens. It is largely crepuscular, being most active around dawn and dusk, although it is not infrequently seen and active during the day. During the day, it prefers to reside in vegetated patches which are used for protection from predators. The Rabbit is essentially a mixed feeder, both grazing and browsing, but grass is the primary food source. However, it has a diverse diet of grasses, leaves, buds, tree bark and roots and will also eat lettuce, cabbage, root vegetables and grains. The Rabbit is famed for its reproductive capabilities and the inspiration for the phrase "breeding like rabbits". The breeding season is mainly from January to August when 4 to 8 litters of 2 to 12 kittens are produced. The gestation period averages 31 days. The doe constructs a nest inside a burrow from grass bedding and lines it with soft fur from her chest and belly. The young kittens are born blind, deaf and almost hairless. Their eyes open at 10 days, they begin to appear at the burrow entrance at 18 days and are weaned at 21 to 25 days. They are self-supporting in one month but 90% die in the first year. Bucks are able to mate at 4 months, does at 3.5 months. Birds of prey and carnivores such as the Fox, Stoat and Weasel are the primary predators of the Rabbit. Date: 3rd June 2008 Location: West Mainland, Shetland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15747144.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19980248145017a73097b97.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 25th July 2012 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13657335.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7233018344ed36e069ff82.jpgOtter The Eurasian Otter, also known as the European Otter, Eurasian River Otter, Common Otter and Old World Otter and commonly known as the Otter, is a semi-aquatic mammal and the most widely distributed member of the Otter sub-family of the Weasel family (Mustelidae). The Otter is a typical species of the Otter sub-family and is brown above and cream below. It is 22.5 to 37.5 inches long excluding a tail of 14 to 17.5 inches. The female is shorter than the male. The Otter's average body weight is 15 to 26 pounds, although occasionally a large old male may reach up to 37 pounds. The Otter differs from the North American River Otter by its shorter neck, broader face, the greater space between the ears and its longer tail. However, it is the only Otter species in much of its range so it is rarely confused for any other animal. The Otter is the most widely distributed Otter species and its range including parts of Asia and Africa as well as being widespread across Europe. The Otter can be found throughout most of the UK with the highest densities in Scotland, especially the islands and the north west coast, Wales, parts of East Anglia and the West Country. The Otter declined across its range in the second half of the 20th century primarily due to pollution, habitat loss and hunting. However, populations are now recovering in many parts of Europe. In the UK the number of sites with an Otter presence increased by 55% between 1994 and 2002. In August 2011, the Environment Agency announced that the Otter had returned to every county in England since vanishing from every county except the West Country and parts of Northern England. The recovery of the Otter population in Europe is due to a ban on the most harmful pesticides that has been in place since 1979, improvements in water quality leading to increases in prey populations and direct legal protection under the European Union Habitats Directive and national legislation in several European countries. In general, the Otter’s varied and adaptable diet means that it can be found on any unpolluted body of fresh water, including lakes, streams, rivers and ponds, as long as the food supply is adequate. It can also be found along the coast in salt water but it requires regular access to fresh water to clean its fur. When living in the sea it is sometimes referred to as a "Sea Otter" but it should not be confused with the true Sea Otter which is a North American species much more strongly adapted to a marine existence. The Otter's diet mainly consists of fish. However, during the winter and in colder environments, fish consumption is significantly lower and other sources of food are eaten including amphibians, crustaceans, insects, birds and small mammals. Hunting mainly takes place at night whilst the day is usually spent in the Otter's holt (den). The Otter is strongly territorial and is primarily solitary. An individual's territory may vary between 1 and 25 miles with the length of the territory depending on the density of food available and the width of the water suitable for hunting (it is shorter on coasts, where the available width is much wider and longer on narrower rivers). The Otter uses its spraints to mark its territory. Territories are only held against members of the same sex so those of males and females may overlap. The Otter is a non-seasonal breeder and males and females will breed at any time of the year. It has been found that their mating season is most likely determined simply by the Otters' reproductive maturity and physiological state. Female Otters are sexually mature between 18 and 24 months old and the average age of first breeding is found to be 2.5 years old. Gestation is 60 to 64 days and after the gestation period, 1 to 4 pups are born which remain dependent on the mother for about 13 months. The male plays no direct role in parental care although the territory of a female with her pups is usually entirely within that of the male. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32709034.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_179327773359ad27493af747.83526165.jpgSavi's Warbler The Savi's Warbler is a species of warbler in the genus [i]Locustella[/i]. The common name of this bird recognises the Italian ornithologist Paolo Savi. In 1821, Savi was given specimens of an unstreaked, dark, rufous-brown warbler which was new to science. He published a full description of the bird in 1824 and it became known by the common name of Savi's Warbler. The genus name [i]Locustella[/i] is from Latin and is a diminutive of [i]locusta[/i], meaning "grasshopper". This refers to the song of the Grasshopper Warbler and some others in this genus. The song of the Savi’s Warbler is a monotonous mechanical insect-like reeling with open beak and vibrating throat. The bird usually sings from high on a reed head and the song is often given at dusk. It is similar to the song of other species in the [i]Locustella[/i] genus but is generally faster and deeper and bears a strong resemblance to that of Roesel's Bush Cricket. It is very similar to that of the Grasshopper Warbler but slightly lower pitched and less prolonged. The upperparts of the Savi's Warbler are a uniform dark reddish-brown, sometimes with a slight greenish tinge. It has indistinct buff eye-stripes, dark lores and pale brown ear-coverts. The chin, throat and belly are whitish-buff and the rest of the underparts are sandy brown. In the breeding season, both the upperparts and underparts are slightly paler. The legs are brown. The sexes are identical, as with most warblers, but young birds are yellower below. The Savi's Warbler breeds in north Africa, south and east Europe, parts of north Europe and Russia as far east as the River Volga. It winters in Algeria, Morocco, Sudan and Ethiopia. It is known as an occasional summer visitor to east and south east England where it is right on the edge of its range and a few pairs breed sporadically. The Savi's Warbler can be found in reed beds, marshes and lagoons with reeds, sedges and other marsh vegetation perhaps with scattered sallows or bushes. It climbs stems in order to sing in full view but is otherwise difficult to see as it flits with agility through the stems and tangled growth and is seldom seen on open ground. It occupies similar habitats in its winter range but it may also be found in fens or marshy locations with open water away from reeds. The breeding season for the Savi's Warbler starts in mid-April in the southern part of its range and at the end of May in north Europe. On returning to its summer range, the Savi’s Warbler flits among the reeds and undergrowth and is rarely seen. The first males to arrive take up occupation of the best territories which are judged by the density of the reeds and sedges. On establishing territories, males will climb to the top of reeds and sing from prominent positions. As the females arrive, they successively pair with the males with the best territories. Late arrivals have poorer quality territories and their breeding success is impaired, usually because fewer clutches are successfully reared. The nest is built by the female on a little reed platform which is well concealed among dead reeds and clumps of vegetation. It is not usually visible from above. The female lays 4 to 6 eggs and she exclusively incubates them for about 12 days. She also feeds the chicks when they first hatch with the male joining in as they grow. The young fledge in about 12 days and there are normally 2 broods. After breeding the birds tend to disperse to less densely vegetated habitat, moult into their winter plumage and depart on their migration to their winter range. The Savi’s Warbler is insectivorous and feeds on insects such as flies, beetles, moths and damselflies. Small worms are also believed to be taken. Date: 19th May 2017 Location: Hortobágy-Halastó, Hortobágy National Park, Hajdú-Bihar county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082282.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8281623995d307ba977b15.jpgMiddle Spotted Woodpeckers The Middle Spotted Woodpecker is a member of the woodpecker family [i]Picidae[/i]. It is around 8 inches in length with a wingspan of around 13 inches and it has a plumage similar to the Great Spotted Woodpecker. As with that species, the upperparts are predominantly black with white oval wing patches, there is white barring on the wings and the underparts are white. The main differences are that the Middle Spotted Woodpecker has a red crown, no black moustachial stripe, a pink vent and dark streaks on the flanks. The Middle Spotted Woodpecker differs from all its European relatives in being almost totally monomorphic, i.e. males and females are almost identical in appearance. Despite its name, the Middle Spotted Woodpecker is not mid-way in size between its relatives, the smaller Lesser Spotted Woodpecker and the larger Great Spotted Woodpecker and Syrian Woodpecker. The Middle Spotted Woodpecker is much closer to the 2 larger species in all measurements being just 15% smaller but it is around 40% larger than Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. The Middle Spotted Woodpecker can be found in much of west and east Europe and south west Asia and is locally common in the right habitat but with varying and often quite low population densities. Its range extends from France east to European Russia, mainly in the temperate continental zone, but also north to the Baltic states. It is absent from Finland and Norway and extinct in Sweden and Denmark. Due to its sedentary nature it has never been recorded in the UK and Ireland. The range extends south and east in to the Mediterranean Basin, the Balkan peninsula, Turkey, the Caucasus, Iraq and Iran. The Middle Spotted Woodpecker prefers deciduous forest, especially areas with old oak, hornbeam and elm, and a patchwork of clearings, pasture and dense woodland. In the breeding season the Middle Spotted Woodpecker excavates a nest hole about 2 inches wide in a decaying tree trunk or thick branch. The female lays 4 to 7 eggs which are incubated for 11 to 14 days. The Middle Spotted Woodpecker likes to feed high in the trees on a diet of insects and their larvae which it finds by picking them from branches and twigs rather than hacking them from beneath the bark. It will also feed on tree sap. Unlike most of its European relatives, the Middle Spotted Woodpecker does not regularly drum and females probably do not drum at all. Any drumming is rather mild and limited to early spring and it is usually made in response to competition from another male. Both adults do however tap loudly at the nest hole in spring. This tapping is a communicative signal and not part of hole excavation and it is not drumming. The Middle Spotted Woodpecker seems to rely more on its “song” when announcing its territory rather than drumming. Date: 22nd May 2018 Location: Ropotamo, Burgas Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28571473.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_165735846457a874761ee2e.jpg(Western) Purple Swamphen The Western Purple Swamphen is a chicken-sized bird and a member of the rail family which includes the Coot and Moorhen. With its large feet, bright plumage and red bill and frontal shield it is easily recognisable in its native range of Spain, Portugal, southern France, Sardinia and north Africa to Tunisia. It used to be considered the nominate subspecies of the Purple Swamphen which has now been split in to 6 separate species since 2015. The Western Purple Swamphen makes loud, quick, bleating and hooting calls, which are hardly bird-like in tone, and it is particularly noisy during the breeding season. Despite being clumsy in flight it can fly long distances and it is also a good swimmer, especially for a bird without webbed feet. The Western Purple Swamphen can be found in wet areas such as reedbeds, swamps, lake edges and damp pastures. It often lives in pairs and larger communities. It clambers through the reeds, eating the tender shoots and vegetable-like matter, although it has been known to eat eggs, ducklings, small fish and invertebrates such as snails. It will often use one foot to bring food to their mouth rather than eat it on the ground. The Western Purple Swamphen in the Mediterranean region has declined due to habitat loss, hunting and pesticide use, and requires strict protection. This bird at the RSPB reserve at Minsmere in Suffolk has been claimed as a first record for the UK .... please see [url=http://www.birdguides.com/webzine/article.asp?a=5831]here[/url] and [url=http://www.rspb.org.uk/community/placestovisit/minsmere/b/minsmere-blog/archive/2016/08/02/a-blue-chicken-arrives.aspx]here[/url]. My photos are of poor quality due to the distance of the bird plus tight cropping but they are acceptable as record shots of this remarkable and exceptionally rare bird. My best photo of a Western Purple Swamphen was that taken at Delta de l’Ebre in Catalunya in north east Spain in 2009 .... please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/photo4088350.html]here[/url]. Date: 5th August 2016 Location: Minsmere, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230738.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1609728685649170bc53aca.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 14th May 2023 Location: RWT Gilfach, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26541504.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_184969212856aced5a10342.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 17th January 2016 Location: Caerlaverock WWT reserve, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512528.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_23297121562c99a3e8bc8a.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 9th May 2022 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30017287.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_844702017587552c0e502a.jpgBewick's Swan The Tundra Swan is a small Holarctic swan. The 2 taxa within it are usually regarded as conspecific but are also sometimes split into 2 species: the Bewick's Swan of the Palaearctic and the Whistling Swan of the Nearctic. The Bewick's Swan was named in 1830 by William Yarrell after the engraver Thomas Bewick who specialised in illustrations of birds and animals. The Bewick's Swan measures 45 to 55 inches in length with a wing span of 18.5 to 21.5 inches. Males are slightly larger and heavier than females. It is similar in appearance to the Whooper Swan but is smaller, shorter-necked and has a more rounded head shape. It has a variable bill pattern but always shows more black than yellow and having a blunt forward edge of the yellow base patch. The Whooper Swan has a bill that has more yellow than black and the forward edge of the yellow patch is usually pointed. The bill pattern for every individual Bewick's Swan is unique and scientists often make detailed drawings of each bill and assign names to the swans to assist with studying these birds. As their common name implies, the Tundra Swan breeds in the Arctic and sub-Arctic tundra where they inhabit shallow pools, lakes and rivers. Unlike the Mute Swan, but like the other Arctic swans, it is a migratory bird. The winter habitat is mainly grassland and marshland, often near the coast. The breeding range of the Bewick’s Swan extends across the coastal lowlands of Siberia from the Kola Peninsula east to the Pacific. It starts to arrive in its breeding range around mid-May and leaves for its winter range around the end of September. The populations west of the Taimyr Peninsula migrate via the White Sea, Baltic Sea and the Elbe estuary to winter in Denmark, the Netherlands and the UK where it is common in winter on a few RSPB and WWT reserves. Some birds also winter elsewhere on the southern shores of the North Sea. The Bewick’s Swans that breed in eastern Russia migrate via Mongolia and north China to winter in the coastal regions of Korea, Japan and south China, south to Guangdong and occasionally as far as Taiwan. A few birds from the central Siberian range also winter in Iran at the south of the Caspian Sea. Arrival in the winter range starts about mid-October although most birds spend weeks or even months at favourite resting locations and will only arrive in the winter range in November or even as late as January. Departure from the winter range starts in mid-February. Bewick’s Swans mate in the late spring, usually after they have returned to the breeding range. As is usual for swans, they pair monogamously until one partner dies. Should one partner die long before the other, the surviving bird often will not mate again for several years or even for the rest of its life. The nesting season starts at the end of May. The pair build the large mound-shaped nest from plant material at an elevated site near open water and they defend a large territory around it. The pen (female) lays and incubates a clutch of 2 to 7 (usually 3 to 5) eggs whilst the cob (male) keeps a steady lookout for potential predators heading towards his mate and offspring. The time from egg laying to hatching is 29 to 30 days. Since they nest in cold regions, Bewick’s Swan cygnets grow faster than those of swans breeding in warmer climates and they may fledge in 40 to 45 days. Cygnets stay with their parents for the first winter migration and the family is sometimes even joined by their offspring from previous breeding seasons while on the wintering grounds. Bewick’s Swans do not reach sexual maturity until 3 or 4 years of age. In summer, the diet of the Bewick’s Swan consists mainly of aquatic vegetation which it finds by sticking its head underwater or upending while swimming. It will also eat some grass growing on dry land. At other times of the year, leftover grains and other crops such as potatoes, picked up in open fields after harvest, make up much of the diet. Healthy adult Bewick’s Swans have few natural predators. The Arctic Fox may threaten breeding females and particular the eggs and hatchlings. Adults typically can stand their ground and displace foxes but occasionally the foxes are successful. Other potential nest predators include the Red Fox, the Brown Bear, the Golden Eagle, the Arctic Skua and the Glaucous Gull. The Brown Bear, the Golden Eagle and the Wolf may occasionally succeed at capturing and killing an adult. About 15% adults die each year from various causes and the average lifespan in the wild is about 10 years. The status of the Bewick's Swan is not well known although its population is in decline in north west Europe for largely unexplained reasons. It is increasingly dependent on agricultural crops to supplement its winter diet as aquatic vegetation in its winter habitat declines due to habitat destruction and water pollution. However, the main cause of adult mortality is hunting and, whilst the Bewick's Swan can not be hunted legally, almost half the birds studied contain lead shot in their bodies, indicating that they were shot at by poachers. Lead poisoning by ingestion of lead shot is also a very significant cause of mortality. The Bewick's Swan is one of the birds to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 2nd January 2017 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49002006.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15754224196468e62046d14.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 7th April 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41234273.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9393993445ee76c8c3d414.jpgLittle Egret The Little Egret is a species of small heron. The genus name comes from the Provençal French Aigrette (egret), a diminutive of Aigron (heron). The adult Little Egret is 22 to 26 inches long with a 35 to 42 inches wingspan. Its plumage is normally entirely white although there are dark forms with largely bluish-grey plumage. In the breeding season, the adult has 2 long plumes on the nape that form a crest. These plumes are about 6 inches in length and are pointed and very narrow. There are similar feathers on the breast but the barbs are more widely spread. There are also several elongated scapular feathers that have long loose barbs around 8 inches long. During the winter the plumage is similar but the scapulars are shorter and more normal in appearance. The bill is long and slender and both it and the lores are black. There is an area of greenish-grey bare skin at the base of the lower mandible and around the eye which has a yellow iris. The legs are black and the feet yellow. Juveniles are similar to non-breeding adults but have greenish-black legs and duller yellow feet and may have a certain proportion of greyish or brownish feathers. The Little Egret is mostly silent but it does make various croaking and bubbling calls at its breeding colonies and it produces a harsh alarm call when disturbed. The breeding range of the western race of the Little Egret includes south Europe, the Middle East, much of Africa and south Asia. European populations are migratory and mostly travel to Africa although some remain in southern Europe. During the late 20th century, the range of the Little Egret expanded northwards in Europe and into the New World. The Little Egret's habitat varies widely and includes the shores of lakes, rivers, canals, ponds, lagoons, marshes and flooded land, the bird preferring open locations to dense cover. On the coast it inhabits mudflats, sandy beaches, mangrove areas, swamps and reefs. The Little Egret is a sociable bird and can be seen in small flocks. However, individual birds do not tolerate others coming too close to their chosen feeding site although this depends on the abundance of prey. The Little Egret uses a variety of methods to find its food. It stalks its prey in shallow water, often running with raised wings or shuffling its feet to disturb small fish, or it may stand still and wait to ambush prey. It also makes use of opportunities provided by Cormorants disturbing fish or humans attracting fish by throwing bread into water. On land, it walks or runs while chasing its prey, often feeding on creatures disturbed by grazing livestock. The diet is mainly fish but amphibians, small reptiles, mammals and birds are also eaten as well as crustaceans, molluscs, insects, spiders and worms. The Little Egret nests in colonies, often with other wading birds such as Cattle Egret, Black-crowned Night Heron, Squacco Heron and Glossy Ibis. The nests are usually platforms of sticks built in trees or shrubs or in reed beds or bamboo groves. Pairs defend a small breeding territory, usually extending around 10 to 13 feet from the nest. The 3 to 5 eggs are incubated by both adults for 21 to 25 days before hatching. The young birds are covered in white down feathers are cared for by both parents and fledge after 40 to 45 days. Globally, the Little Egret is not listed as a threatened species and has in fact expanded its range over the last few decades.[5] The IUCN states that their wide distribution and large total population means that they are a species that cause them "least concern". Historical research has shown that the Little Egret was once present, and probably common, in the UK but became extinct there through a combination of over-hunting in the late mediaeval period and climate change at the start of the Little Ice Age. Further declines occurred throughout Europe as the plumes of the Little Egret and other egrets were in demand for decorating hats. They had been used in the plume trade since at least the 17th century but in the 19th century it became a major craze and the number of egret skins passing through dealers reached into the millions. Hunting, which reduced the population of the species to dangerously low levels, stimulated the establishment of Britain's Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in 1889. By the 1950s, the Little Egret had become restricted to south Europe and conservation laws protecting the species were introduced. This allowed the population to rebound strongly and over the next few decades it became increasingly common in western France and later on the north coast. It bred in the Netherlands in 1979 with further breeding from the 1990s onward. Populations are now mostly stable or increasing in Europe. In the UK, the Little Egret was a rare vagrant from its 16th century extinction until the late 20th century. It has, however, recently become a regular breeding species and is commonly present, often in large numbers, at favoured coastal sites. The first recent breeding record in England was on Brownsea Island in Dorset in 1996 and it bred in Wales for the first time in 2002. The population increase has been rapid subsequently with over 750 pairs breeding in nearly 70 colonies in 2008 and a post-breeding total of 4,540 birds in September 2008. Severe winter weather proves only to be a temporary setback and the Little Egret continues to expand both its numbers and range in the UK. Date: 31st May 2020 Location: Abberton Reservoir, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4466092.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19476785264b8a2511b64bd.jpgReindeer Reindeer are the northernmost species of deer being found throughout the tundra (frozen arctic plain with lichens, mosses and dwarfed vegetation) and taiga (marshy pine forest) zones of the Northern Hemisphere. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52518219.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_393917833675457f603356.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 7th October 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13656909.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14740830824ed3683ae77d2.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the [i]Canidae[/i] family and is a part of the order [i]Carnivora[/i] within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14036887.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12602358234f213cf46e558.jpgBewick's Swan The Tundra Swan is a small Holarctic swan. The 2 taxa within it are usually regarded as conspecific but are also sometimes split into 2 species: the Bewick's Swan of the Palaearctic and the Whistling Swan of the Nearctic. The Bewick's Swan was named in 1830 by William Yarrell after the engraver Thomas Bewick who specialised in illustrations of birds and animals. The Bewick's Swan measures 45 to 55 inches in length with a wing span of 18.5 to 21.5 inches. Males are slightly larger and heavier than females. It is similar in appearance to the Whooper Swan but is smaller, shorter-necked and has a more rounded head shape. It has a variable bill pattern but always shows more black than yellow and having a blunt forward edge of the yellow base patch. The Whooper Swan has a bill that has more yellow than black and the forward edge of the yellow patch is usually pointed. The bill pattern for every individual Bewick's Swan is unique and scientists often make detailed drawings of each bill and assign names to the swans to assist with studying these birds. As their common name implies, the Tundra Swan breeds in the Arctic and sub-Arctic tundra where they inhabit shallow pools, lakes and rivers. Unlike the Mute Swan, but like the other Arctic swans, it is a migratory bird. The winter habitat is mainly grassland and marshland, often near the coast. The breeding range of the Bewick’s Swan extends across the coastal lowlands of Siberia from the Kola Peninsula east to the Pacific. It starts to arrive in its breeding range around mid-May and leaves for its winter range around the end of September. The populations west of the Taimyr Peninsula migrate via the White Sea, Baltic Sea and the Elbe estuary to winter in Denmark, the Netherlands and the UK where it is common in winter on a few RSPB and WWT reserves. Some birds also winter elsewhere on the southern shores of the North Sea. The Bewick’s Swans that breed in eastern Russia migrate via Mongolia and north China to winter in the coastal regions of Korea, Japan and south China, south to Guangdong and occasionally as far as Taiwan. A few birds from the central Siberian range also winter in Iran at the south of the Caspian Sea. Arrival in the winter range starts about mid-October although most birds spend weeks or even months at favourite resting locations and will only arrive in the winter range in November or even as late as January. Departure from the winter range starts in mid-February. Bewick’s Swans mate in the late spring, usually after they have returned to the breeding range. As is usual for swans, they pair monogamously until one partner dies. Should one partner die long before the other, the surviving bird often will not mate again for several years or even for the rest of its life. The nesting season starts at the end of May. The pair build the large mound-shaped nest from plant material at an elevated site near open water and they defend a large territory around it. The pen (female) lays and incubates a clutch of 2 to 7 (usually 3 to 5) eggs whilst the cob (male) keeps a steady lookout for potential predators heading towards his mate and offspring. The time from egg laying to hatching is 29 to 30 days. Since they nest in cold regions, Bewick’s Swan cygnets grow faster than those of swans breeding in warmer climates and they may fledge in 40 to 45 days. Cygnets stay with their parents for the first winter migration and the family is sometimes even joined by their offspring from previous breeding seasons while on the wintering grounds. Bewick’s Swans do not reach sexual maturity until 3 or 4 years of age. In summer, the diet of the Bewick’s Swan consists mainly of aquatic vegetation which it finds by sticking its head underwater or upending while swimming. It will also eat some grass growing on dry land. At other times of the year, leftover grains and other crops such as potatoes, picked up in open fields after harvest, make up much of the diet. Healthy adult Bewick’s Swans have few natural predators. The Arctic Fox may threaten breeding females and particular the eggs and hatchlings. Adults typically can stand their ground and displace foxes but occasionally the foxes are successful. Other potential nest predators include the Red Fox, the Brown Bear, the Golden Eagle, the Arctic Skua and the Glaucous Gull. The Brown Bear, the Golden Eagle and the Wolf may occasionally succeed at capturing and killing an adult. About 15% adults die each year from various causes and the average lifespan in the wild is about 10 years. The status of the Bewick's Swan is not well known although its population is in decline in north west Europe for largely unexplained reasons. It is increasingly dependent on agricultural crops to supplement its winter diet as aquatic vegetation in its winter habitat declines due to habitat destruction and water pollution. However, the main cause of adult mortality is hunting and, whilst the Bewick's Swan can not be hunted legally, almost half the birds studied contain lead shot in their bodies, indicating that they were shot at by poachers. Lead poisoning by ingestion of lead shot is also a very significant cause of mortality. The Bewick's Swan is one of the birds to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 6th January 2012 Location: Walland Marsh, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49278753.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21403955506499badd55823.jpgAzure Damselfly Flight period: May to August The Azure Damselfly is one of the two commonest blue damselflies and is a common and widespread species of lowland UK. They can be found around most standing water, preferring small, sheltered sites including ditches and garden ponds. Date: 16th June 2023 Location: RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11305438.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10534584654e1c01a2a1eb1.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 14/06/06 Location: Handa Island, Sutherland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/juvenile-blackbird https://images.on-this.website/4752_6948539649170b5c00f0.jpgJuvenile Blackbird The Common Blackbird is a species of true thrush. It is also called Eurasian Blackbird (especially in North America in order to distinguish it from the unrelated New World blackbirds) or simply Blackbird where this does not lead to confusion with a similar-looking local species. The Blackbird’s name derives form 2 Latin words: turdus meaning “thrush” and merula meaning “blackbird”. It may not immediately be clear why the name "blackbird", first recorded in 1486, was applied to this species but not to one of the various other common black English birds, such as the Carrion Crow, Raven, Rook or Jackdaw. However, in Old English and in modern English up to about the 18th century, "bird" was used only for smaller or young birds and larger ones such as crows were called "fowl". At that time, the Blackbird was therefore the only widespread and conspicuous black bird in the UK. The Blackbird is around 9.25 to 11.5 inches in length including a long tail. The adult male has glossy black plumage, blackish-brown legs, a yellow eye-ring and an orange-yellow bill. The bill darkens somewhat in winter. The adult female is sooty-brown with a dull yellowish-brownish bill, a brownish-white throat and some weak mottling on the breast. The juvenile is similar to the female but has pale spots on the upperparts and the very young juvenile also has a speckled breast. Young birds vary in the shade of brown, with darker birds presumably males. The first year male resembles the adult male but has a dark bill and weaker eye ring and its folded wing is brown rather than black like the body plumage. The Blackbird breeds in temperate Eurasia, north Africa, the Canary Islands and south Asia. Populations are sedentary in the south and west of the range although northern birds migrate south as far as north Africa and tropical Asia in winter. Common over most of its range in woodland, the Blackbird has a preference for deciduous trees with dense undergrowth. However, gardens provide the most successful breeding habitat. It occurs up to around 3300 feet in Europe and is often replaced by the related Ring Ousel in areas of higher altitude. The Blackbird has an extensive range and a large population which is generally stable or increasing. However, there have been local declines, especially on farmland, which may be due to agricultural policies that encouraged farmers to remove hedgerows (which provide nesting places) and to drain damp grassland and increase the use of pesticides, both of which could have reduced the availability of invertebrate food. The Blackbird may commence breeding in March when the breeding pair prospect for a suitable nest site in a creeper or bush, favouring evergreen or thorny species such as ivy, holly, hawthorn, honeysuckle or pyracantha. Sometimes they will nest in sheds or outbuildings where a ledge or cavity is used. The cup-shaped nest is made with grasses, leaves and other vegetation and bound together with mud. It is built by the female alone. The nest is often ill-concealed compared with those of other species and many breeding attempts fail due to predation. The female lays 3 to 5 (average 4) bluish-green eggs marked with reddish-brown blotches which are incubated for 12 to 14 days before the chicks are hatched naked and blind. Fledging takes another 10 to 19 (average 13.6) days, with both parents feeding the young. The young are fed by the parents for up to 3 weeks after leaving the nest and they will follow the adults begging for food. If the female starts another nest, the male alone will feed the fledged young. Second broods are common with the female reusing the same nest if the brood was successful. The first-year male Blackbird may start singing as early as late January in fine weather in order to establish a territory, followed in late March by the adult male. The male's song is a varied and melodious low-pitched fluted warble which is given from trees, rooftops or other elevated perches mainly in the period from March to June and sometimes into the beginning of July. During the winter, the Blackbird can be heard quietly singing to itself, so much so that September and October are the only months which the song cannot be heard. The Blackbird is omnivorous, eating a wide range of insects, earthworms, seeds and berries. It feeds mainly on the ground, running and hopping with a start-stop-start progress. It pulls earthworms from the soil, usually finding them by sight but sometimes by hearing, and roots through leaf litter for other invertebrates. Small amphibians and lizards are occasionally hunted. The Blackbird will also perch in bushes to take berries and collect caterpillars and other active insects. Animal prey predominates and this is particularly important during the breeding season with windfall apples and berries taken more in the autumn and winter. Near human habitation the main predator of the Blackbird is the domestic cat, with newly fledged young especially vulnerable. Foxes and predatory birds, such as the Sparrowhawk, also predate the Blackbird when the opportunity arises. Eggs and chicks are also taken by corvids, such as the Magpie or Jay. Date: 14th May 2023 Location: RWT Gilfach, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42229290.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_112348063603e5ef91fd43.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 26th February 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45949041.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10408948236284b3ec595bc.jpgNuthatch The Nuthatches are a family of similar looking birds with short tails and wings, compact bodies, longish pointed bills, grey or bluish upperparts, a black eyestripe and strong feet. There are more than 20 subspecies in 3 main groups. The Eurasian Nuthatch is found throughout temperate Asia and in Europe where it is known simply as the Nuthatch. The adult male Nuthatch is 5.5 inches long. It has blue-grey upperparts, a black eye-stripe and whitish throat and underparts. The flanks and lower belly are orange-red and mottled with white on the undertail. The stout bill is dark grey with a paler area on the base of the lower mandible, the iris is dark brown and the legs and feet are pale brown or greyish. The female is similar in appearance to the male but may be identified by her slightly paler upperparts, a browner eyestripe and a more washed out tone to the flanks and lower belly. Young birds resemble the female although their plumage is duller and they have paler legs. The Nuthatch's breeding range extends across temperate Eurasia from the UK (but not Ireland) to Japan. It breeds south to the Mediterranean in Europe (although it is absent from the islands other than Sicily) and in most of Russia. In the east, the range includes most of China and Taiwan and much of Korea. Most populations are sedentary, apart from some post-breeding dispersal of young birds, and there is a reluctance to cross even short stretches of open water. The Nuthatch can be found in mature woodland with large, old trees which provide extensive growth for foraging and nesting holes. In Europe, deciduous or mixed forest is favoured, particularly when containing oak. Parks, old orchards and other wooded habitats may be occupied as long as they have at least a 2.5 acre block of suitable trees. Particularly in mountains, the Nuthatch can be found in old spruce and pine forests. The Nuthatch is primarily a lowland bird in the north of its range but reaches the tree-line in Switzerland at 3,900 feet or higher and it breeds occasionally at 5,900 to 6,900 feet in Austria. It breeds at similar levels in the mountains of Turkey, the Middle East, central Asia and Japan. The Nuthatch is common throughout much of its range although densities are lower in the far north and in coniferous forests. Fragmentation of woodland can lead to local losses of breeding birds but the range is still expanding. In recent decades, the Nuthatch has colonised Scotland and expanded its range in Wales and northern England. Across most of its European range, the most important predator of the Nuthatch is the Sparrowhawk. Other species known to prey on the Nuthatch include the Goshawk, Hobby and Tawny Owl. Pairs of Nuthatches hold permanent territories and nest in tree holes, usually old woodpecker nests but sometimes natural cavities. The nest site is typically 5 to 65 feet above the ground. If the entrance to the hole is too large, the female plasters it with mud to reduce its size and often coats the inside of the cavity too. The 6 to 9 red-speckled white eggs are laid on a deep base of pine or other wood chips. The female incubates the eggs for 13 to 18 days to hatching and broods the chicks until they fledge 20 to 26 days later. Both adults feed the chicks in the nest and continue to do so after they fledge until they become independent after about 8 to 14 days. Normally only a single brood is raised each year. The Nuthatch eats mainly insects, particularly caterpillars and beetles, although in autumn and winter its diet is supplemented with nuts and seeds. Food items are found mainly on tree trunks and large branches but smaller branches may also be investigated. Food may also be taken from the ground especially outside the breeding season. The Nuthatch can forage when descending trees head first as well as when climbing upwards. The Nuthatch readily visits bird tables and will eat fatty man-made food items as well as seeds. It is a hoarder and will store food all year round. Date: 25th April 2022 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/otters https://images.on-this.website/4752_9458246584b52224988bbb.jpgOtters The Eurasian Otter, also known as the European Otter, Eurasian River Otter, Common Otter and Old World Otter and commonly known as the Otter, is a semi-aquatic mammal and the most widely distributed member of the Otter sub-family of the Weasel family (Mustelidae). The Otter is a typical species of the Otter sub-family and is brown above and cream below. It is 22.5 to 37.5 inches long excluding a tail of 14 to 17.5 inches. The female is shorter than the male. The Otter's average body weight is 15 to 26 pounds, although occasionally a large old male may reach up to 37 pounds. The Otter differs from the North American River Otter by its shorter neck, broader face, the greater space between the ears and its longer tail. However, it is the only Otter species in much of its range so it is rarely confused for any other animal. The Otter is the most widely distributed Otter species and its range including parts of Asia and Africa as well as being widespread across Europe. The Otter can be found throughout most of the UK with the highest densities in Scotland, especially the islands and the north west coast, Wales, parts of East Anglia and the West Country. The Otter declined across its range in the second half of the 20th century primarily due to pollution, habitat loss and hunting. However, populations are now recovering in many parts of Europe. In the UK the number of sites with an Otter presence increased by 55% between 1994 and 2002. In August 2011, the Environment Agency announced that the Otter had returned to every county in England since vanishing from every county except the West Country and parts of Northern England. The recovery of the Otter population in Europe is due to a ban on the most harmful pesticides that has been in place since 1979, improvements in water quality leading to increases in prey populations and direct legal protection under the European Union Habitats Directive and national legislation in several European countries. In general, the Otter’s varied and adaptable diet means that it can be found on any unpolluted body of fresh water, including lakes, streams, rivers and ponds, as long as the food supply is adequate. It can also be found along the coast in salt water but it requires regular access to fresh water to clean its fur. When living in the sea it is sometimes referred to as a "Sea Otter" but it should not be confused with the true Sea Otter which is a North American species much more strongly adapted to a marine existence. The Otter's diet mainly consists of fish. However, during the winter and in colder environments, fish consumption is significantly lower and other sources of food are eaten including amphibians, crustaceans, insects, birds and small mammals. Hunting mainly takes place at night whilst the day is usually spent in the Otter's holt (den). The Otter is strongly territorial and is primarily solitary. An individual's territory may vary between 1 and 25 miles with the length of the territory depending on the density of food available and the width of the water suitable for hunting (it is shorter on coasts, where the available width is much wider and longer on narrower rivers). The Otter uses its spraints to mark its territory. Territories are only held against members of the same sex so those of males and females may overlap. The Otter is a non-seasonal breeder and males and females will breed at any time of the year. It has been found that their mating season is most likely determined simply by the Otters' reproductive maturity and physiological state. Female Otters are sexually mature between 18 and 24 months old and the average age of first breeding is found to be 2.5 years old. Gestation is 60 to 64 days and after the gestation period, 1 to 4 pups are born which remain dependent on the mother for about 13 months. The male plays no direct role in parental care although the territory of a female with her pups is usually entirely within that of the male. Date: 1st January 2010 Location: Loch Scridain, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/black-vulture https://images.on-this.website/4752_5588277394cd5723497cb1.jpgBlack Vulture The Black Vulture is also known as the Cinereous Vulture, Monk Vulture or Eurasian Black Vulture. The Black Vulture is a huge bird, 39 to 47 inches long with a 99 to 119 inch wingspan, and is one of the largest birds of prey in the world. It has all dark blackish-brown plumage and even at a distance can be distinguished from the Griffon Vulture by its evenly broad "barn door" wings. It has the typical vulture unfeathered bald head (actually covered in fine down) and dark markings around the eye give it a menacing skull-like appearance. The beak is brown, with a blue-grey cere and the legs and feet are grey. The Black Vulture breeds across southern Europe and Asia from Spain to Korea but is endangered throughout its European range. It is resident except in those parts of its range where hard winters cause limited movement and breeds in high mountains and large forests, nesting in trees or occasionally on cliff ledges. The Black Vulture has declined over most of its range in the last 200 years due to eating poisoned and due to higher hygiene standards reducing the amount of available carrion. It is currently listed as near threatened. The decline has been the greatest in the western half of the range with extinction in many European countries (France, Italy, Austria, Poland, Slovakia, Romania) and north west Africa (Morocco, Algeria). More recently, protection and deliberate feeding schemes have allowed some local recoveries in numbers, particularly in Spain, where numbers increased to about 1,000 pairs by 1992 after an earlier decline to 200 pairs in 1970. This colony has now spread its breeding grounds to Portugal. Elsewhere in Europe, very small but increasing numbers breed in Bulgaria and Greece and a re-introduction scheme is under way in France. Trends in the small populations in Ukraine and European Russia and in Asian populations are not well recorded. Date: 8th September 2010 Location: Sierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain - road to La Lancha and Embalse del Jándula http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21959218.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_46564642353da6a87dcad3.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Inner Farne, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/grey-herons https://images.on-this.website/4752_12833262659ad25305b9642.63817386.jpgGrey Herons The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 18th May 2017 Location: Csaj-tó, Csanytelek, Csongrád county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/salen-bay-and-sound-of https://images.on-this.website/4752_33770241450ded0b50b8ee.jpgSound of Mull, Mull, Argyll The Sound of Mull is the body of water that separates the island of Mull in Argyll and Bute from the Scottish mainland at Morven and stretches for a distance of approximately 18 miles with a maximum width of 3 miles. It is an important waterway for CalMac ferries sailing from Oban to Mull and the Western Isles. Ferries also cross the Sound of Mull from Kilchoan to Tobermory and from Lochaline to Fishnish. Date: 18th November 2012 Location: view from the southern shore between Salen and Aros Mains http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493284.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16719362585f326f73d8f36.jpgPuffins The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/hoopoe https://images.on-this.website/4752_16027016744b1945e40704f.jpgHoopoe The Hoopoe is a colourful and exotic looking bird about the size of a Mistle Thrush with a pinkish-brown body, striking black and white wings, a long black down-curved bill and a long pinkish-brown crest which it raises when excited. It has broad and rounded wings and a characteristic undulating flight which is like that of a giant butterfly and is caused by the wings half closing at the end of each beat or short sequence of beats. The Hoopoe’s call is typically a trisyllabic and onomatopoetic"oop-oop-oop" which gives rise to its English and scientific names although two and four syllables are also common. The Hoopoe is widespread in Europe, Asia, and North Africa, sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar. Most European and north Asian birds migrate to the tropics in winter whilst the African populations are sedentary all year round. Hoopoes have been known to breed north of their European range, including southern England during warm and dry summers that provide plenty of grasshoppers and similar insects. The Hoopoe has two basic requirements in its habitat: bare or lightly vegetated ground on which to forage and vertical surfaces with cavities (such as trees, cliffs or even walls, nestboxes, haystacks and abandoned burrows) in which to nest. These requirements can be provided in a wide range of ecosystems and as a consequence they inhabit a wide range of habitats from heathland, wooded steppes, savannas and grasslands as well as glades inside forests. The modification of natural habitats by humans for various agricultural purposes has led to them becoming common in olive groves, orchards, vineyards, parkland and farmland, although they are less common and declining in intensively farmed areas. Date: 9th November 2009 Location: Delta de l’Ebre, Catalunya, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/wild-boar https://images.on-this.website/4752_9405496852528a4729b70.jpgWild Boar The Wild Boar is a species of wild pig which includes many subspecies. It is the wild ancestor of the domestic pig, an animal with which it freely hybridises. The term "boar" is used to denote an adult male of certain species, including domestic pigs. However, for Wild Boar, it applies to the whole species. The body of the Wild Boar is compact. The head is large and the legs relatively short. The fur consists of stiff bristles and usually finer fur. The colour usually varies from dark grey to black or brown but there are great regional differences in colour. During winter the fur is much more dense. Wild boar piglets are coloured differently from adults, having marbled chocolate and cream stripes lengthwise over their bodies. The stripes fade by the time the piglet is about 6 months old, when the animal takes on the adult's grizzled grey or brown colour. The Wild Boar is quite a variably sized mammal. Adult boars can measure from 35 to 79 inches in length, not counting a tail of 6 to 16 inches, and have a shoulder height of 22 to 43 inches. Their average weight is 110 to 200 pounds, although Wild Boars show a great deal of weight variation within their geographical ranges. Adult males develop tusks, continuously growing teeth that protrude from the mouth, from their upper and lower canine teeth. These serve as weapons and tools. The upper tusks are bent upwards in males and are regularly ground against the lower ones to produce sharp edges. Females also have sharp canines but they are smaller and do not protrude like the males' tusks. Adult males are usually solitary outside of the breeding season but females and their offspring (both sub-adult males and females) live in groups of typically around 20 animals although groups of over 50 have been seen. Group structure changes with the coming and going of farrowing females, the migration of maturing males (usually when they reach around 20 months) and the arrival of unrelated sexually active males. Wild Boar are generally crepuscular or nocturnal, foraging in early morning and late afternoon or at night but resting for periods during both night and day. They are omnivorous scavengers, eating almost anything they come across, including grass, nuts, berries, carrion, nests of ground nesting birds, roots, tubers, refuse, insects and small reptiles. Wild Boar are native across much of northern and central Europe, the Mediterranean region (including north Africa's Atlas Mountains) and much of Asia, including Japan and as far south as Indonesia. Populations have also been artificially introduced in some parts of the world, most notably the Americas and Australasia. Elsewhere, populations have also become established after escapes of Wild Boar from captivity. Date: 13th September 2013 Location: view from road to Embalse del Jándula, Sierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42222541.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14183227456023b90db7d0c.jpgMute Swan The Mute Swan is a species of swan native to much of Eurasia. Despite its Eurasian origin, its closest relatives are the Black Swan of Australia and the Black-necked Swan of south America, not the other Northern Hemisphere swans such as the Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan. The name “mute” derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. The adult Mute Swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob at the top of the beak. All Mute Swans are white at maturity although the feathers (particularly on the head and neck) are often stained orange-brown by iron and tannins in the water. Young birds (cygnets) are not the bright white colour of mature adults and their bill is dull greyish-black for the first year. The plumage may range from pure white to grey to buff with grey/buff being the most common. Cygnets typically retain their grey/buff feathers until they are at least 1 year old. On average, the Mute Swan is the second largest waterfowl species after the Trumpeter Swan although the male Mute Swan can easily match or even exceed a male Trumpeter Swan in mass. The adult Mute Swan typically ranges from 55 to 63 inches in length (although it can range in extreme cases from 49 to 67 inches) with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. Males (cobs) are larger than females (pens) and have a larger knob on their bill. The Mute Swan is one of the heaviest flying birds. In several studies from the UK, males were found to average from about 23.4 to 26.2 pounds, with a weight range of 20 to 32 pounds, while the slightly smaller females were found to average about 18.7 to 21.3 pounds, with a weight range of 17 to 23 pounds. The Mute Swan is less vocal than the noisy Bewick's Swan and Whooper Swan although it does make a variety of grunting, hoarse whistling and snorting noises, especially in communicating with their cygnets and threatening competitors or intruders trying to enter their territory. The most familiar sound associated with the Mute Swan is the vibrant throbbing of the wings in flight which is unique to the species and this can be heard from a range of up to 1 mile. The Mute Swan is found naturally mainly in the temperate areas of Europe across west Asia and as far east as Primorsky Krai in the far east of Russia. It is partially migratory throughout the northern latitudes in Europe and Asia as far south as north Africa and the Mediterranean. It is also often kept in captivity outside its natural range as a decoration for parks and ponds and escapes have occurred. The descendants of such birds have become naturalised in east USA and the Great Lakes region across the USA and Canada border. The Mute Swan population in the UK has increased recently probably due to better protection of this species. Some birds are resident all year whilst others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into east England. Mute Swans nest on large mounds that they build with waterside vegetation in shallow water on islands in the middle or at the very edge of a lake. It is a monogamous species and often reuses the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Males and females share the care of the nest. The female lays from 4 to 10 eggs and broods for around 36 days. Cygnets are unable to fly before an age of 120 to 150 days and this limits the distribution of the species in the northern edge of its range since the cygnets must learn to fly before the water freezes. The Mute Swan is usually strongly territorial with just a single pair on smaller lakes although in a few locations where a large area of suitable feeding habitat is found they can be colonial. The largest colonies can hold over 100 pairs such as that at the colony at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset in the UK. Non-mated juveniles up to 3 to 4 years old commonly form larger flocks often at regular traditional sites and these can total several hundred birds. The Mute Swan can be very aggressive in defence of its nest and it is highly protective of its mate and offspring. Most defensive attacks from a Mute Swan begin with a loud hiss and, if this is not sufficient to drive off the predator, are followed by a physical attack. It attacks by smashing at its enemy with bony spurs in the wings accompanied by biting with its large bill. Smaller waterbirds such as ducks are normally grabbed with the bill and dragged or thrown clear. Large waterfowl, such as the Canada Goose, more likely out of competition than in response to potential predation, may be aggressively driven off. The wings of the Mute Swan are very powerful although not strong enough to break an adult man's leg as has been claimed anecdotally. The Mute Swan feeds on a wide range of vegetation, both submerged aquatic plants which they reach with their long necks and by grazing on land. The food commonly includes agricultural crop plants such as oilseed rape and wheat and feeding flocks in the winter may cause significant crop damage, often as much through trampling with their large webbed feet as through direct consumption. Date: 21st January 2021 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39083837.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5396881645d30823bb84ec.jpgWestern Rhodopes Mountains, Smolyan Province, Bulgaria The Rhodopes Mountains are a mountain range in south east Europe. They are spread over 5689 square miles of which 4723 square miles are located in south Bulgaria and the remainder in north Greece. The Rhodopes Mountains are about 149 miles long and about 62 to 75 miles wide with an average altitude of 2575 feet. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 7188 feet and is situated 12 miles to the west of Smolyan. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rhodopes Mountains gives its name to the terrestrial eco-region Rodope montane mixed forests that belong in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The area is particularly notable for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans plus its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms such as the Trigrad Gorge. The Rhodopes Mountains can be sub-divided in to 3 sections: The Western Rhodopes are spread over 66% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and they are higher, the most infrastructurally developed and the most visited part of the mountains. The highest and best known peaks are located in this section with more than 10 over 6562 feet high including the highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7188 feet). Some of the deepest river gorges in the Rhodopes Mountains are located in the west as well as several large lakes. The Eastern Rhodopes are spread over a territory of about 34% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and are much lower in height. The large artificial dams of Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets are located in this part of the mountains. Almost every species of European bird of prey nests in the Eastern Rhodopes including the rare Black Vulture and Egyptian Vulture. The Southern Rhodopes are the part of the mountain range that is located in Greece and they are characterized by numerous peaks of relatively low altitude. The River Buynovska is situated in the western Rhodopes Mountains and it is one of the source rivers of the River Vacha, the second largest river that has its source in the Rhodopes Mountains after the River Arda. The river has formed the Buynovo Gorge, the longest gorge in Bulgaria, located between the villages of Yagodina and Teshel. Formed by erosion as the River Buynovo flows through layers of marble rock, the gorge has developed in to an impressive natural phenomenon. The cliffs on both sides of the gorge rise hundreds of feet and can be visited on foot or by car on an extremely narrow single track road which winds along the base of the cliffs with sheer drops and hairpin turns. The narrowest point of the gorge is called Vuclhi Skok (“The Wolf’s Leap”). Folklore says that during winter wolves would leap the chasm to attack the sheepfolds. While this is only a legend, it is plain to see that the gorge is so narrow at this point that the cliffs practically touch each other at height of just 10 to 13 feet above the road. The beauty of the Buynovo Gorge can be appreciated from “a bird’s-eye view” from “The Eagle’s Eye”, a metal platform built on the precipitous cliff face of the Saint Iliya Peak at a height of 5128 feet. This provides impressive views of the entire surrounding area and, during good weather, the entire Rhodopes Mountains and even parts of north Greece are visible. Several hiking trails have been created in the area and the Buynovo Gorge was designated as a nature reserve in 1971. It is now one of Bulgaria’s top 100 tourist destinations. The limestone sediment has been eroded throughout the entire area and in the vicinity of the village Yagodina alone there are 36 caves, the most famous of which is the Yagodina Cave itself, a multi-level complex of primarily marble. This is the 4th longest cave in Bulgaria and the longest cave in the Rhodopes Mountains at around 5 miles, of which just under 1 mile is open to tourists. Date: 28th May 2018 Location: River Buynovska and Buynovo Gorge, Teshel to Yagodina, Western Rhodopes Mountains, Smolyan Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45201504.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_51499873262371e90ae8c2.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 23rd February 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42222548.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2554563936023b9335de15.jpgMute Swan The Mute Swan is a species of swan native to much of Eurasia. Despite its Eurasian origin, its closest relatives are the Black Swan of Australia and the Black-necked Swan of south America, not the other Northern Hemisphere swans such as the Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan. The name “mute” derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. The adult Mute Swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob at the top of the beak. All Mute Swans are white at maturity although the feathers (particularly on the head and neck) are often stained orange-brown by iron and tannins in the water. Young birds (cygnets) are not the bright white colour of mature adults and their bill is dull greyish-black for the first year. The plumage may range from pure white to grey to buff with grey/buff being the most common. Cygnets typically retain their grey/buff feathers until they are at least 1 year old. On average, the Mute Swan is the second largest waterfowl species after the Trumpeter Swan although the male Mute Swan can easily match or even exceed a male Trumpeter Swan in mass. The adult Mute Swan typically ranges from 55 to 63 inches in length (although it can range in extreme cases from 49 to 67 inches) with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. Males (cobs) are larger than females (pens) and have a larger knob on their bill. The Mute Swan is one of the heaviest flying birds. In several studies from the UK, males were found to average from about 23.4 to 26.2 pounds, with a weight range of 20 to 32 pounds, while the slightly smaller females were found to average about 18.7 to 21.3 pounds, with a weight range of 17 to 23 pounds. The Mute Swan is less vocal than the noisy Bewick's Swan and Whooper Swan although it does make a variety of grunting, hoarse whistling and snorting noises, especially in communicating with their cygnets and threatening competitors or intruders trying to enter their territory. The most familiar sound associated with the Mute Swan is the vibrant throbbing of the wings in flight which is unique to the species and this can be heard from a range of up to 1 mile. The Mute Swan is found naturally mainly in the temperate areas of Europe across west Asia and as far east as Primorsky Krai in the far east of Russia. It is partially migratory throughout the northern latitudes in Europe and Asia as far south as north Africa and the Mediterranean. It is also often kept in captivity outside its natural range as a decoration for parks and ponds and escapes have occurred. The descendants of such birds have become naturalised in east USA and the Great Lakes region across the USA and Canada border. The Mute Swan population in the UK has increased recently probably due to better protection of this species. Some birds are resident all year whilst others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into east England. Mute Swans nest on large mounds that they build with waterside vegetation in shallow water on islands in the middle or at the very edge of a lake. It is a monogamous species and often reuses the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Males and females share the care of the nest. The female lays from 4 to 10 eggs and broods for around 36 days. Cygnets are unable to fly before an age of 120 to 150 days and this limits the distribution of the species in the northern edge of its range since the cygnets must learn to fly before the water freezes. The Mute Swan is usually strongly territorial with just a single pair on smaller lakes although in a few locations where a large area of suitable feeding habitat is found they can be colonial. The largest colonies can hold over 100 pairs such as that at the colony at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset in the UK. Non-mated juveniles up to 3 to 4 years old commonly form larger flocks often at regular traditional sites and these can total several hundred birds. The Mute Swan can be very aggressive in defence of its nest and it is highly protective of its mate and offspring. Most defensive attacks from a Mute Swan begin with a loud hiss and, if this is not sufficient to drive off the predator, are followed by a physical attack. It attacks by smashing at its enemy with bony spurs in the wings accompanied by biting with its large bill. Smaller waterbirds such as ducks are normally grabbed with the bill and dragged or thrown clear. Large waterfowl, such as the Canada Goose, more likely out of competition than in response to potential predation, may be aggressively driven off. The wings of the Mute Swan are very powerful although not strong enough to break an adult man's leg as has been claimed anecdotally. The Mute Swan feeds on a wide range of vegetation, both submerged aquatic plants which they reach with their long necks and by grazing on land. The food commonly includes agricultural crop plants such as oilseed rape and wheat and feeding flocks in the winter may cause significant crop damage, often as much through trampling with their large webbed feet as through direct consumption. Date: 21st January 2021 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37403981.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20370113525c6828f216038.jpgBlue Tit The Blue Tit is a small passerine bird in the tit family. It is easily recognisable by its generally blue and yellow plumage and its small size. The Blue Tit is about 4.7 inches long with a wingspan of 7.1 inches. It has an azure blue crown and a dark blue line passing through the eye and encircling the white cheeks to the chin, giving the bird a very distinctive appearance. The forehead and a bar on the wing are white. The nape, wings and tail are blue and the back is yellowish green. The underparts are mostly sulphur-yellow with a dark line down the abdomen. The bill is black and the legs bluish grey. The sexes are similar whilst young birds are noticeably more yellow. The Blue Tit is very agile and it can cling to the outermost branches and hang upside down when searching for food such as insects, caterpillars and seeds. The Blue Tit can be found throughout areas of the European continent with a mainly temperate or Mediterranean climate and in parts of the Middle East. In the UK it is common in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens and widespread across the whole of the country with the exception of some Scottish islands. The Blue Tit will nest in any suitable hole in a tree, wall or stump, often competing with other birds such as the House Sparrow or Great Tit for the site. In addition, it will readily accept an artificial nesting box. The same hole is returned to year after year and when one pair dies another takes possession. The nesting material is usually moss, wool, hair and feathers and the eggs are laid in April or May. The number in the clutch is often very large but 7 or 8 is normal. It is not unusual for a single bird to feed the chicks in the nest at a rate of one feed every 90 seconds during the height of the breeding season. Successful breeding is dependent on a sufficient supply of caterpillars as well as satisfactory weather. Breeding may be affected badly if the weather is cold and wet between May and July, particularly if this coincides with the emergence of the caterpillars on which the nestlings are fed. The small size of the Blue Tit makes it vulnerable to predation by larger birds and the typical lifespan is 3 years or less. The most significant predator is probably the Sparrowhawk, closely followed by the domestic cat. Nests may also be robbed by mammals such as the Weasel and Red and Grey Squirrels. Date: 11th February 2019 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15367550.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9828416154fec1cceeddff.jpgRed Grouse The Red Grouse is a medium-sized bird of the grouse family which is found in heather moorland in the UK and Ireland. It is endemic to the UK and has developed in isolation. It is usually classified as a sub-species of the Willow Ptarmigan or Willow Grouse which is found in birch and other forests and moorlands in north Europe, the tundra of Scandinavia, Siberia, Alaska and north Canada. The Red Grouse is differentiated from the Willow Ptarmigan and Rock Ptarmigan by its plumage being reddish brown and not having a white winter plumage. The tail is black and the legs are white. There are white stripes on the underwing and red combs over the eye. Females are less reddish than the males and have less conspicuous combs. Young birds are duller and lack the red combs. The Red Grouse is found across most parts of Scotland, including Orkney, Shetland and most of the Outer Hebrides. It is only absent from urban areas such as in the Central Belt. In Wales there are strong populations of Red Grouse in some places but the range has retracted. It is now largely absent from the far south and the main strongholds are Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons and the Cambrian Mountains. In England the Red Grouse is mainly found in the north in areas such as the Lake District, Northumberland, County Durham, much of Yorkshire, the Pennines and the Peak District as far south as the Staffordshire Moorlands. There is an isolated introduced population on Dartmoor and overspill Welsh birds visit the Shropshire Hills.The typical habitat is upland heather moors away from trees. It can also be found in some low-lying bogs and birds may visit farmland during hard weather. The UK population of the Red Grouse is estimated at about 250,000 pairs. Numbers have declined in recent years and it is now absent in areas where it was once common. Reasons for the decline include disease, loss of heather due to overgrazing, creation of new conifer plantations and a decline in the number of upland gamekeepers. Some predators feed on Red Grouse and there is ongoing controversy as to what effect these have on numbers. The Red Grouse is herbivorous and feeds mainly on the shoots, seeds and flowers of heather. It will also feed on berries, cereal crops and sometimes insects. The Red Grouse is considered a game bird and is shot in large numbers during the shooting season which traditionally starts on August 12th (known as the Glorious Twelfth). Shooting can take the form of “walked up” (where shooters walk across the moor to flush grouse and take a shot) or “driven” (where grouse are driven, often in large numbers, by “beaters” towards the shooters who are hiding behind a line of “butts”). Many moors are managed to increase the density of Red Grouse. Areas of heather are subjected to controlled burning since this allows fresh young shoots to regenerate which are favoured by Red Grouse. In addition, extensive predator control is a feature of grouse moor management and the extent and legality to which it occurs is hotly contested between conservation groups and shooting interests and the subject generates a lot of media attention. The Red Grouse is widely known as the logo of The Famous Grouse whisky and an animated bird is a character in a series of its adverts. It is also the emblem of the magazine “British Birds”. Date: 8th June 2012 Location: Lochindorb, Inverness-shire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25774117.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_970308058560fb751bd30a.jpgDate: 25th September 2015 Location: Loch Eishort, Skye, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48108181.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_143468952263b3fd50a7359.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 1st January 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11265380.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17004526514e1ad44d4df37.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 11th May 2008 Location: Skomer, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081421.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_160427307363a82ab29328d.jpgBewick's Swan The Tundra Swan is a small Holarctic swan. The 2 taxa within it are usually regarded as conspecific but are also sometimes split into 2 species: the Bewick's Swan of the Palaearctic and the Whistling Swan of the Nearctic. The Bewick's Swan was named in 1830 by William Yarrell after the engraver Thomas Bewick who specialised in illustrations of birds and animals. The Bewick's Swan measures 45 to 55 inches in length with a wing span of 18.5 to 21.5 inches. Males are slightly larger and heavier than females. It is similar in appearance to the Whooper Swan but is smaller, shorter-necked and has a more rounded head shape. It has a variable bill pattern but always shows more black than yellow and having a blunt forward edge of the yellow base patch. The Whooper Swan has a bill that has more yellow than black and the forward edge of the yellow patch is usually pointed. The bill pattern for every individual Bewick's Swan is unique and scientists often make detailed drawings of each bill and assign names to the swans to assist with studying these birds. As their common name implies, the Tundra Swan breeds in the Arctic and sub-Arctic tundra where they inhabit shallow pools, lakes and rivers. Unlike the Mute Swan, but like the other Arctic swans, it is a migratory bird. The winter habitat is mainly grassland and marshland, often near the coast. The breeding range of the Bewick’s Swan extends across the coastal lowlands of Siberia from the Kola Peninsula east to the Pacific. It starts to arrive in its breeding range around mid-May and leaves for its winter range around the end of September. The populations west of the Taimyr Peninsula migrate via the White Sea, Baltic Sea and the Elbe estuary to winter in Denmark, the Netherlands and the UK where it is common in winter on a few RSPB and WWT reserves. Some birds also winter elsewhere on the southern shores of the North Sea. The Bewick’s Swans that breed in eastern Russia migrate via Mongolia and north China to winter in the coastal regions of Korea, Japan and south China, south to Guangdong and occasionally as far as Taiwan. A few birds from the central Siberian range also winter in Iran at the south of the Caspian Sea. Arrival in the winter range starts about mid-October although most birds spend weeks or even months at favourite resting locations and will only arrive in the winter range in November or even as late as January. Departure from the winter range starts in mid-February. Bewick’s Swans mate in the late spring, usually after they have returned to the breeding range. As is usual for swans, they pair monogamously until one partner dies. Should one partner die long before the other, the surviving bird often will not mate again for several years or even for the rest of its life. The nesting season starts at the end of May. The pair build the large mound-shaped nest from plant material at an elevated site near open water and they defend a large territory around it. The pen (female) lays and incubates a clutch of 2 to 7 (usually 3 to 5) eggs whilst the cob (male) keeps a steady lookout for potential predators heading towards his mate and offspring. The time from egg laying to hatching is 29 to 30 days. Since they nest in cold regions, Bewick’s Swan cygnets grow faster than those of swans breeding in warmer climates and they may fledge in 40 to 45 days. Cygnets stay with their parents for the first winter migration and the family is sometimes even joined by their offspring from previous breeding seasons while on the wintering grounds. Bewick’s Swans do not reach sexual maturity until 3 or 4 years of age. In summer, the diet of the Bewick’s Swan consists mainly of aquatic vegetation which it finds by sticking its head underwater or upending while swimming. It will also eat some grass growing on dry land. At other times of the year, leftover grains and other crops such as potatoes, picked up in open fields after harvest, make up much of the diet. Healthy adult Bewick’s Swans have few natural predators. The Arctic Fox may threaten breeding females and particular the eggs and hatchlings. Adults typically can stand their ground and displace foxes but occasionally the foxes are successful. Other potential nest predators include the Red Fox, the Brown Bear, the Golden Eagle, the Arctic Skua and the Glaucous Gull. The Brown Bear, the Golden Eagle and the Wolf may occasionally succeed at capturing and killing an adult. About 15% adults die each year from various causes and the average lifespan in the wild is about 10 years. The status of the Bewick's Swan is not well known although its population is in decline in north west Europe for largely unexplained reasons. It is increasingly dependent on agricultural crops to supplement its winter diet as aquatic vegetation in its winter habitat declines due to habitat destruction and water pollution. However, the main cause of adult mortality is hunting and, whilst the Bewick's Swan can not be hunted legally, almost half the birds studied contain lead shot in their bodies, indicating that they were shot at by poachers. Lead poisoning by ingestion of lead shot is also a very significant cause of mortality. The Bewick's Swan is one of the birds to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 9th January 2022 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41254071.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15278170665f059e57792d0.jpgView from the m/s J.L. Runeberg between Porvoo and Helsinki, Finland Date: 26th June 2019 Location: view from the m/s J.L. Runeberg between Porvoo and Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32723066.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_81947954659ae6f0c29bef5.02125219.jpgRoller The European Roller is the only member of the Roller family to breed in Europe. It is a stocky bird, the size of a Jackdaw, and it is mainly blue with an orange-brown back. It is striking in its strong direct flight with the brilliant blue contrasting with black flight feathers. Sexes are similar but the juvenile is a drabber version of the adult. The European Roller often perches prominently on trees, posts or overhead wires whilst watching for the large insects, small reptiles, rodents and frogs that they eat. They have a Lapwing-like display with the twisting and turning display flight giving the bird its English name. The European Roller breeds in north Africa from Morocco east to Tunisia, in south west and south central Europe and in Asia Minor east through north west Iran to south west Siberia. It is a long-distance migrant, wintering in southern Africa in two distinct regions, from Senegal east to Cameroon and from Ethiopia west to Congo and south to South Africa. The European Roller can be found in warm, dry, open country with scattered trees, preferring lowland open countryside with patches of oak forest, mature pine woodland with heathery clearings, orchards, mixed farmland, river valleys and plains with scattered thorny or leafy trees. It winters primarily in dry wooded savanna and bushy plains. The European Roller has a large global population of an estimated 100,000 to 220,000 individuals in Europe. However, following a moderate decline during 1970 to 1990, the species has continued to decline especially in Europe with a decrease in the overall European population exceeding 30% in 15 years. Threats include persecution on migration in some Mediterranean countries, the use of pesticides which reduces food availability and sensitivity to changing farming and forestry practices. Date: 21st May 2017 Location: Borsodi-Mezoseg ("Little Hortobagy"), Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46830567.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_91183907262e8fac610811.jpgLarge White Flight period: April to September. The Large White is a highly successful species which is common and widespread in the UK. They can be found almost anywhere including in towns and gardens. Date: 30th July 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084057.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16823950645d308535d8d91.jpgRila Mountains, Kyustendil Province, Bulgaria The Rila Mountains are a mountain range in south west Bulgaria and constitute the highest mountain range in the country and the Balkans. It is the sixth highest mountain range in Europe after the Caucasus, the Alps, the Sierra Nevada, the Pyrenees and Mount Etna and the highest one between the Alps and the Caucasus. The Rila Mountains are spread over an area of 1015 square miles with an average altitude of 4879 feet. Musala is its highest peak at 9596 feet. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rila-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rila Mountains have abundant water resources and some of the Balkans' longest and deepest rivers originate here including the longest river entirely in the Balkans, the River Maritsa, and the longest river entirely in Bulgaria, the River Iskar. Bulgaria's main water divide separating the Black Sea and the Aegean Sea drainage systems follows the main ridge of the Rila Mountains. The mountain range is dotted with almost 200 glacial lakes such as the renowned Seven Rila Lakes. It is also rich in hot springs in the fault areas at the foothills including the hottest spring in south east Europe in Sapareva Banya. The Rila Mountains have typical layers of montane habitat ranging from river and stream valleys at lower altitudes to mixed deciduous woodland, coniferous forests and Alpine meadows and lakes at higher altitudes and finally to rocky ridges and bare rugged peaks. The biodiversity and the pristine landscapes are protected by the Rila National Park which is among the largest and most valuable protected areas in Europe. It is the largest national park in Bulgaria covering an area of 313 square miles and it was established in February 1992 to protect several ecosystems of national importance. Its altitude varies from 2600 feet near Blagoevgrad to 9596 feet at the peak of Musala. It occupies territory from 4 of the 28 provinces of the country (Sofia, Kyustendil, Blagoevgrad and Pazardzhik) and it includes 4 nature reserves (Parangalitsa, Central Rila Reserve, Ibar and Skakavitsa). The Rila National Park falls within the Rodope montane mixed forests terrestrial eco-region of the Palearctic temperate broadleaf and mixed forest. Forests occupy 206.5 square miles or 66% of the total area. The Rila Mountains also contain the Rila Monastery Nature Park which is among the largest nature parks in Bulgaria covering an area of 97.5 square miles at an altitude between 2460 and 8901 feet. It was established in 1992 as part of the newly founded Rila National Park. In 2000 some territory of the Rila National Park was re-assigned to the Rila Monastery Nature Park and was recategorized as a nature park because by law all lands in national parks are exclusively state owned. Today most of the Rila Monastery Nature Park is owned by the Rila Monastery. The Rila Monastery Nature Park includes one nature reserve, namely the Rila Monastery Forest with an area of 14 square miles or 14% of its total area. The most recognisable landmark in the Rila Mountains is the Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila, better known as the Rila Monastery. This is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria and is situated in the deep valley of the River Rilska River within the Rila Monastery Nature Park at a height of 3763 feet. The monastery is named after its founder, the hermit Ivan of Rila (876 to 946 AD) and houses around 60 monks. Founded in the 10th century, the Rila Monastery is regarded as one of Bulgaria's most important cultural, historical and architectural monuments and is a key tourist attraction for both Bulgaria and south Europe. Due to its outstanding cultural and spiritual value it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. The Rila Mountains are also a popular destination for hiking, winter sports and spa tourism, hosting the nation's oldest ski resort at Borovets as well as numerous hiking trails. Date: 30th May 2018 Location: Rila to Rila Monastery, Kyustendil Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/brown-bear-cubs https://images.on-this.website/4752_16889204145ff310e382971.jpgBrown Bear cubs The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, Ursus arctos arctos. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an evening visit with [url=https://www.karhujenkatselu.fi/en-gb]Karhu-Kuusamo[/url] Date: 7th July 2019 Location: Kuntilampi, near Kuusamo, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/april-2021-great-crested-grebes https://images.on-this.website/4752_139049549260b63293c8ad0.jpgApril 2021 - Great Crested Grebes Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42626780.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28102080.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_410697255777a2526a4ca.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include [url=http://www.gigrin.co.uk/]Gigrin Farm feeding centre[/url] near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 12th June 2016 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/golden-jackal https://images.on-this.website/4752_21438460335d307793a4f7c.jpgGolden Jackal The Golden Jackal is a canid within the family [i]Canidae[/i] which includes the South American canids, the fox-like canids and the wolf-like canids. Within the wolf-like canids is the jackal group which includes the 3 jackals: the Golden Jackal, the Black-backed Jackal and the Side-striped Jackal. These 3 species are approximately the same size, possess similar dental and skeletal morphology and are identified from each other primarily by their coat colour. The Golden Jackal is similar to the Grey Wolf but it is distinguished by its smaller size, lighter weight, more elongated torso, less prominent forehead, shorter legs and tail and a muzzle that is narrower and more pointed. The legs are long in relation to its body and the feet are slender with small pads. Males measure 28 to 33 inches in body length and females 27 to 29 inches. Males weigh 13 to 31 pounds and females 15 to 24 pounds. The shoulder height is 18 to 20 inches for both. In comparison, the smallest wolf is the Arabian Wolf which weighs on average 44 pounds. The fur of the Golden Jackal is coarse and relatively short with the base colour golden but varying seasonally from a pale creamy yellow to a dark tawny. The fur on the back is composed of a mixture of black, brown and white hairs, sometimes giving the appearance of the dark saddle like that seen on the Black-backed Jackal. The underparts are a light pale ginger to cream colour. Individuals can be distinguished by their unique light markings on the throat and chest. The coats of Golden Jackals from high elevations tend to be more buff-coloured than those of their lowland counterparts while those of Golden Jackals in rocky and mountainous areas may exhibit a greyer shade. The bushy tail has a tan to black tip. Melanism can cause a dark-coloured coat in some Golden Jackals. The Golden Jackal moults twice a year in spring and in autumn. The spring moult starts in the middle of February to as late as the middle of March and lasts for around 60 days. The spring moult commences with the head and limbs, extends to the flanks, chest, belly and rump, and ends at the tail. Fur on the underparts is absent. The autumn moult occurs from mid-September with the shedding of the summer fur and the growth of the winter fur. The development of the autumn coat starts with the rump and tail and spreads to the back, flanks, belly, chest, limbs and head with full winter fur being attained at the end of November. The Golden Jackal is native to south east Europe, south west Asia, south Asia and parts of south east Asia. The current European range mostly encompasses the Balkan region where habitat loss and mass poisoning caused it to become extinct in many areas during the 1960s with core populations only occurring in scattered regions such as Strandja in south east Bulgaria, the Dalmatian coast of Croatia, the Macedonian region of north Greece and the Peloponnese peninsula in south Greece. It recolonised its former territories in Bulgaria during the early 1960s when a large increase arose from the replacement of natural forests with dense scrub, an increase in animal carcasses from state game farms, reductions in wolf populations and the abandonment of poisoning campaigns. Bulgaria now has the largest population in Europe. It subsequently expanded its range into Romania and Serbia and thereafter in to Italy, Slovenia, Austria, Hungary and Slovakia during the 1980s. The Golden Jackal is continuing to expand beyond south east Europe in to central Europe by occupying areas where there are few or no wolves. Recently, an isolated Golden Jackal population was confirmed in west Estonia, much further north than the principal range. Whether this is an introduced population or a natural migration is unknown. To the east, the Golden Jackal’s range extends through Turkey, Syria, Iraq, Iran, central Asia and the entire Indian sub-continent and then east and south to Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand and parts of Indochina. The Golden Jackal is listed as “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List due to its widespread distribution and with it being common throughout its range and with high densities in those areas where food and shelter are abundant. In Europe, the Golden Jackal is not listed under the 1973 Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora nor the 1979 Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals. It does fall under various international legal instruments. These include the 1979 Berne Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats, the 1992 Convention on Biological Diversity and the 1992 European Union Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora. The Council Directive provides both guidance and limits on what participating governments can do when responding to the arrival of expanding Golden Jackals. These legislative instruments aim to contribute to conserving native wildlife although some governments argue that the Golden Jackal is not native wildlife but an invading species. The Golden Jackal's omnivorous diet allows it to eat a large range of foods and this diet, together with its tolerance of dry conditions, enables it to live in different habitats. It is both a predator and a scavenger and an omnivorous and opportunistic forager with a diet that varies according to its habitat and the season. The Golden Jackal often hunts or forages alone, sometimes in pairs but rarely in a pack. When hunting alone, it trots around an area and occasionally stops to sniff and listen. Once prey is located, it conceals itself, quickly approaches its prey and then pounces on it. When hunting in pairs or packs, Golden Jackals run parallel to their prey and overtake it in unison. The peak times for hunting and foraging are the early morning and the late evening. The Golden Jackal exhibits flexible social organization depending on the availability of food. The breeding pair is the basic social unit and they are sometimes accompanied by their current litter of pups. Family groups of up to 4 to 5 individuals have been recorded. The hunting ranges of several Golden Jackals can overlap. Individuals can travel up to around 10 miles during a single night in search of either food or more suitable habitat. Non-breeding members of a pack may stay near a distant food source, such as a carcass, for up to several days before returning to their home range. Home range sizes can vary between 0.4 to 7.75 square miles depending on the available food supply. Social interactions such as greetings, grooming and group howling are common in the Golden Jackal. Howling is more frequent between December and April when pair bonds are being formed and breeding occurs suggesting that howling has a role in the delineation of territory and for defence. Adults howl standing and the young or subordinates howl sitting. The Golden Jackal is easily induced to howl and a single howl may solicit replies from several others in the vicinity. Howling begins with 2 to 3 low-pitched calls that rise to high-pitched calls. The howl consists of a wail repeated 3 to 4 times on an ascending scale followed by 3 short yelps. The Golden Jackal typically howls at dawn and in the evening. Social canids such as jackals, wolves and coyotes readily respond to human imitations of their howls. The Golden Jackal is monogamous and it will remain with the one partner until death. Females have only one breeding cycle each year with the mating period lasting up to 26 to 28 days. Females are often pursued by several males that may quarrel among themselves. Mating results in a copulatory tie that lasts for several minutes as it does with all other canids. Gestation lasts 63 days and the timing of the births coincides with the annual abundance of food. In Europe, pups are generally born from late March to late April. The number of pups born in a single litter varies geographically but usually ranges from 3 to 8. The pups are born with closed eyes that open after 8 to 11 days with the ears erecting after 10 to 13 days. Their teeth erupt at 11 days after birth and the eruption of adult dentition is completed after 5 months. Pups are born with soft fur that ranges in colour from light grey to dark brown. At the age of 1 month, the fur is shed and replaced with a new reddish-coloured pelt with black speckles. Females possess 4 pairs of teats and lactation lasts for up to 8 to 10 weeks. The pups begin to eat meat at the age of 15 to 20 days. Once the lactation period concludes, the female drives off the pups. Pups born late remain with their mother until early autumn at which time they leave either singly or in groups of 2 to 4 individuals. Females reach sexual maturity after 10 to 11 months and males at 21 to 22 months. Date: 16th May 2018 Location: Vetren, Silistra Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19905543.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_67516099652908a01b871a.jpgRuff The Ruff is a medium-sized wading bird in the sandpiper family, [i]Scolopacidae[/i]. The original English name for this bird, dating back to at least 1465, is the [i]ree[/i], perhaps derived from a dialectical term meaning "frenzied". A later name [I]reeve[/I], which is still used for the female, is of unknown origin but may be derived from the shire-reeve, a feudal officer, likening the male's flamboyant plumage to the official's robes. The current name was first recorded in 1634 and is derived from the ruff, an exaggerated collar fashionable from the mid-16th century to the mid-17th century, since the male bird's neck ornamental feathers resemble the neck wear. The Ruff has a distinctive appearance with a small head, medium-length bill, longish neck and pot-bellied body. It has long legs that are variable in colour but usually yellow or orange. In flight, it has a deeper, slower wing stroke than other waders of a similar size and it displays a thin, indistinct white bar on the wing and white ovals on the sides of the tail. The Ruff shows very distinctive sexual dimorphism. Although a small percentage of males resemble females, the typical male is much larger than the female and has an elaborate breeding plumage. The male is 11 to 13 inches in length with a 21 to 24 inches wingspan. During the May to June breeding season, the typical male's legs, bill and warty bare facial skin are orange and he has distinctive head tufts and a neck ruff. These ornaments vary on individual birds and are black, chestnut or white with the colouring solid, barred or irregular. The grey-brown back has a scale-like pattern, often with black or chestnut feathers, and the underparts are white with extensive black on the breast. The extreme variability of the main breeding plumage is thought to have developed to aid individual recognition in a species that has communal breeding displays but is usually mute. Outside the breeding season, the typical male's head and neck decorations and the bare facial skin are lost and the legs and bill become duller. The upperparts are grey-brown and the underparts are white with grey mottling on the breast and flanks. The female, or "reeve", is 9 to 10 inches in length with a 18 to 19 inches wingspan. In the breeding plumage, the female has grey-brown upperparts with white-fringed, dark-centred feathers. The breast and flanks are variably blotched with black. In winter, her plumage is similar to that of the male but the sexes are distinguishable on size. The plumage of the juvenile Ruff resembles the non-breeding adult but has upperparts with a neat, scale-like pattern with dark feather centres and a strong buff tinge to the underparts. The Ruff is a migratory species, breeding in wetlands in the colder regions of northern Eurasia and wintering in the tropics, mainly in Africa. There is a limited overlap of the summer and winter ranges in the UK and parts of coastal western Europe and birds may be present throughout the year. The Ruff breeds in Europe and Asia from Scandinavia and the UK almost to the Pacific. In Europe, it is found in cool temperate areas but over its Russian range it is an Arctic species and occurs mainly north of about 65°N. The largest numbers breed in Russia, Sweden, Finland and Norway. Although it also breeds from the UK east through the Low Countries to Poland, Germany and Denmark, the populations are much lower in these more southerly areas. The Ruff is highly gregarious on migration and it travels in large flocks that can contain hundreds or thousands of individuals. Huge dense groups form on the wintering grounds. The males, which play no part in nesting or chick care, leave the breeding grounds in late June or early July followed later in July by the females and juveniles. Males typically make shorter flights and winter further north than females. Many migratory species use this differential wintering strategy since it reduces feeding competition between the sexes and enables territorial males to reach the breeding grounds as early as possible thereby improving their chances of successful mating. Males may also be able to tolerate colder winter conditions because they are larger than females. The Ruff breeds in extensive lowland freshwater marshes and damp grasslands. It avoids barren tundra and areas badly affected by severe weather, preferring hummocky marshes and deltas with shallow water. The wetter areas provide a source of food, the mounds and slopes may be used for leks and dry areas with sedge or low scrub offer nesting sites. When it is not breeding, it can be found in a wider range of shallow wetlands. Dry grassland, tidal mudflats and the seashore are less frequently used. Male Ruffs display during the breeding season at a lek in a traditional open grassy arena. The Ruff is one of the few lekking species in which the display is primarily directed at other males rather than to the females and it is among a small percentage of birds in which the males have well-marked and inherited variations in plumage and mating behaviour. There are 3 male forms: the typical territorial males, satellite males which have a white neck ruff and a very rare variant with female-like plumage. The behaviour and appearance for an individual male remain constant through its adult life and are determined by its genes. The territorial males, about 84% of the total, have strongly coloured black or chestnut ruffs and stake out and occupy small mating territories in the lek. They actively court females and display a high degree of aggression towards other resident males. Between 5 and 20 territorial males each hold an area of the lek about 3 feet across and usually with bare soil in the centre. They perform an elaborate display that includes wing fluttering, jumping, standing upright, crouching with ruff erect or lunging at rivals. They are typically silent even when displaying. Territorial males are very site faithful and 90% return to the same lekking sites in subsequent seasons, the most dominant males being the most likely to reappear. Site faithful males can acquire accurate information about the competitive abilities of other males, leading to well-developed dominance relationships. Such stable relationships reduce conflict and the risk of injury and the consequent lower levels of male aggression are less likely to scare off females. Lower-ranked territorial males also benefit from site fidelity since they can remain on the leks while waiting for the top males eventually to drop out. Satellite males, about 16% of the total number, have white or mottled ruffs and do not occupy territories. Instead, they enter leks and attempt to mate with the females visiting the territories occupied by the resident territorial males. Resident territorial males tolerate the satellite birds because, although they are competitors for mating with the females, the presence of both types of male on a territory attracts additional females. A third type of male was first described in 2006. This is a permanent female mimic, the first such reported for a bird. About 1% of males are small, intermediate in size between males and females and do not grow the elaborate breeding plumage of the territorial and satellite males. This cryptic male obtains access to mating territories together with the females and "steals" matings when the females crouch to solicit copulation. It moults into the prenuptial male plumage with striped feathers but does not go on to develop the ornamental feathers of the normal male. Not all mating takes place at the lek since only a minority of the males attend an active lek. As alternative strategies, males can also directly pursue females or wait for them as they approach good feeding sites. The level of polyandry in the Ruff is the highest known for any avian lekking species and for any shorebird. More than half of females mate with and have clutches fertilised by more than one male. In lekking species, females can choose mates without risking the loss of support from males in nesting and rearing chicks since the males take no part in raising the brood anyway. The nest of the Ruff is a shallow ground scrape lined with grass leaves and stems and concealed in marsh plants or tall grass up to 450 yards from the lek. Nesting is solitary although several females may lay in the general vicinity of a lek. The female lays typically 4 eggs from mid-March to early June depending on latitude. Incubation is undertaken by the female alone and the time to hatching is 20 to 23 days with a further 25 to 28 days to fledging. The precocial chicks have buff and chestnut down, streaked and barred with black and frosted with white. They feed themselves on a variety of small invertebrates. The Ruff normally feeds using a steady walk and pecking action, selecting food items by sight, but it will also wade deeply and submerge its head. During the breeding season, the Ruff’s diet consists almost exclusively of the adults and larva of terrestrial and aquatic insects such as beetles and flies. On migration and during the winter, it eats insects, crustaceans, spiders, molluscs, worms, frogs, small fish and also the seeds of rice and other cereals, sedges, grasses and aquatic plants. The Ruff has a large range and a large population although there is some evidence of a decrease in the population in some regions and countries. However, the species as a whole is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List (i.e. declining more than 30 percent in 10 years or 3 generations). For these reasons, the Ruff is classified as "least concern". However, the range in much of Europe is contracting because of land drainage, increased fertiliser use, the loss of mown or grazed breeding sites and over-hunting. Therefore the Ruff is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 30th September 2013 Location: Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/black-sea-bulgaria https://images.on-this.website/4752_3757586755d307b89ee3ba.jpgBlack Sea, Bulgaria The Bulgarian Black Sea Coast covers the entire eastern boundary of Bulgaria stretching 235 miles from the Romanian Black Sea resorts in the north to European Turkey in the south. White and golden sandy beaches occupy approximately 81 miles of the 235 miles long coast. The region is an important centre of tourism during the summer season and draws millions of foreign and local tourists. Prior to 1989 the Bulgarian Black Sea coast was internationally known as the "Red Riviera". However, since the fall of Communism in Bulgaria, it has been known as the "Bulgarian Riviera". The Bulgarian Black Sea Coast has a humid sub-tropical climate with considerable maritime and continental influences. The area's average air temperature in the summer is around 28°C with an average water temperature of 26°C. There are more than 240 hours of sunshine in May and September and more than 300 hours in July and August. The Balkan Mountains cross Bulgaria reaching to the edge of the Black Sea at Cape Emine and they divide the coastline in to southern and northern sections. Parts of the northern coast feature rocky headlands where the sea abuts cliffs up to 230 feet in height. The southern coast is known for its wide sandy beaches. The most southern section is included in Strandzha Nature Park, the largest protected area in Bulgaria covering 721 square miles and stretching to the border with Turkey. The 2 largest cities and main seaports on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast are Varna (the third largest in the country) and Burgas (the fourth largest in the country). Varna is located on the northern coast and Burgas is located on the southern coast. Varna Airport and Burgas Airport are the main hubs servicing the region. In addition, the Trakia motorway (A1) was completed in 2013 providing fast access between Burgas and Sofia (the capital of Bulgaria) and Plovdiv (the second largest city). The Hemus motorway (A2), scheduled to be completed after 2020, would make the trip from Sofia to Varna substantially easier and faster while the Cherno More motorway (A5) is planned to connect Varna and Burgas. Major road I-9 runs along the length of the Black Sea coast between the border with Romania at the village of Durankulak and the border with Turkey at Malko Tarnovo. Sozopol is an ancient town located 22 miles south of Burgas on the southern coast of the Black Sea. Today it is one of the major seaside resorts in Bulgaria and it is known for the Apollonia art and film festival which takes place in early September and which is named after one of the town's ancient names. The busiest times of the year in Sozopol are the summer months from May to September as tourists visit from around the world. Date: 22nd May 2018 Location: view at sunrise from Sozopol, Burgas Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813398.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19280492225d0ddec7e031d.jpgHerring Gull The Herring Gull is one of the best known of all gulls along the shores of Europe. Adults in breeding plumage have a grey back and upperwings and white head and underparts. The wingtips are black with white spots known as "mirrors". The bill is yellow with a red spot and there is a ring of bare yellow skin around the pale eye. The legs are normally pink at all ages but can be yellowish. Non-breeding adults have brown streaks on the head and neck. Male and female plumage is identical at all stages of development although adult males are often larger. Juvenile and first-winter birds are mainly brown with darker streaks and have a dark bill and eyes. Second-winter birds have a whiter head and underparts with less streaking and the back is grey. Third-winter individuals are similar to adults but retain some of the features of immature birds such as brown feathers in the wings and dark markings on the bill. The Herring Gull attains adult plumage and reaches sexual maturity at an average age of 4 years. The loud laughing call of the Herring Gull is well known and is often seen as a symbol of the seaside in countries such as the UK. It also has a yelping alarm call and a low barking anxiety call. Chicks and fledglings emit a distinctive, repetitive high-pitched 'peep', accompanied by a head-flicking gesture when begging for food from or calling to their parents. Adult gulls in urban areas will also exhibit this behaviour when fed by humans. The Herring Gull breeds across northern Europe, western Europe, central Europe, eastern Europe, Scandinavia and the Baltic states. Some, especially those resident in colder areas, migrate further south in winter but many are permanent residents such as in the UK or on the North Sea shores. While Herring Gull numbers appear to have been decreased in recent years, possibly by fish population declines and competition, they have proved able to survive in human-adapted areas and can often be seen in towns acting as a scavenger. The Herring Gull, like most gulls, is an omnivore and opportunist and will scavenge from garbage dumps, landfill sites and sewage outflows with refuse comprising up to half of the bird's diet. In addition, it will eat fish, crustaceans and dead animals as well as some plants and it will steal the eggs and young of other birds (including those of other gulls). The Herring Gull may also dive from the surface of the water or engage in plunge diving in the pursuit of aquatic prey although they are typically unable to reach any great depth due to their natural buoyancy. Date: 10th June 2019 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26541022.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_68090012956acea00cbc58.jpgMute Swan The Mute Swan is a species of swan native to much of Eurasia. Despite its Eurasian origin, its closest relatives are the Black Swan of Australia and the Black-necked Swan of south America, not the other Northern Hemisphere swans such as the Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan. The name “mute” derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. The adult Mute Swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob at the top of the beak. All Mute Swans are white at maturity although the feathers (particularly on the head and neck) are often stained orange-brown by iron and tannins in the water. Young birds (cygnets) are not the bright white colour of mature adults and their bill is dull greyish-black for the first year. The plumage may range from pure white to grey to buff with grey/buff being the most common. Cygnets typically retain their grey/buff feathers until they are at least 1 year old. On average, the Mute Swan is the second largest waterfowl species after the Trumpeter Swan although the male Mute Swan can easily match or even exceed a male Trumpeter Swan in mass. The adult Mute Swan typically ranges from 55 to 63 inches in length (although it can range in extreme cases from 49 to 67 inches) with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. Males (cobs) are larger than females (pens) and have a larger knob on their bill. The Mute Swan is one of the heaviest flying birds. In several studies from the UK, males were found to average from about 23.4 to 26.2 pounds, with a weight range of 20 to 32 pounds, while the slightly smaller females were found to average about 18.7 to 21.3 pounds, with a weight range of 17 to 23 pounds. The Mute Swan is less vocal than the noisy Bewick's Swan and Whooper Swan although it does make a variety of grunting, hoarse whistling and snorting noises, especially in communicating with their cygnets and threatening competitors or intruders trying to enter their territory. The most familiar sound associated with the Mute Swan is the vibrant throbbing of the wings in flight which is unique to the species and this can be heard from a range of up to 1 mile. The Mute Swan is found naturally mainly in the temperate areas of Europe across west Asia and as far east as Primorsky Krai in the far east of Russia. It is partially migratory throughout the northern latitudes in Europe and Asia as far south as north Africa and the Mediterranean. It is also often kept in captivity outside its natural range as a decoration for parks and ponds and escapes have occurred. The descendants of such birds have become naturalised in east USA and the Great Lakes region across the USA and Canada border. The Mute Swan population in the UK has increased recently probably due to better protection of this species. Some birds are resident all year whilst others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into east England. Mute Swans nest on large mounds that they build with waterside vegetation in shallow water on islands in the middle or at the very edge of a lake. It is a monogamous species and often reuses the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Males and females share the care of the nest. The female lays from 4 to 10 eggs and broods for around 36 days. Cygnets are unable to fly before an age of 120 to 150 days and this limits the distribution of the species in the northern edge of its range since the cygnets must learn to fly before the water freezes. The Mute Swan is usually strongly territorial with just a single pair on smaller lakes although in a few locations where a large area of suitable feeding habitat is found they can be colonial. The largest colonies can hold over 100 pairs such as that at the colony at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset in the UK. Non-mated juveniles up to 3 to 4 years old commonly form larger flocks often at regular traditional sites and these can total several hundred birds. The Mute Swan can be very aggressive in defence of its nest and it is highly protective of its mate and offspring. Most defensive attacks from a Mute Swan begin with a loud hiss and, if this is not sufficient to drive off the predator, are followed by a physical attack. It attacks by smashing at its enemy with bony spurs in the wings accompanied by biting with its large bill. Smaller waterbirds such as ducks are normally grabbed with the bill and dragged or thrown clear. Large waterfowl, such as the Canada Goose, more likely out of competition than in response to potential predation, may be aggressively driven off. The wings of the Mute Swan are very powerful although not strong enough to break an adult man's leg as has been claimed anecdotally. The Mute Swan feeds on a wide range of vegetation, both submerged aquatic plants which they reach with their long necks and by grazing on land. The food commonly includes agricultural crop plants such as oilseed rape and wheat and feeding flocks in the winter may cause significant crop damage, often as much through trampling with their large webbed feet as through direct consumption. Date: 13th January 2016 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12759468.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12310291474e71b9d1779b1.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 21st October 2007 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32709017.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_214424719159ad272b363254.20246353.jpgHortobágy National Park, Hajdú-Bihar county, Hungary Hortobágy National Park (Hortobágy Nemzeti Park) is a national park in eastern Hungary. It is part of the vast Great Hungarian Plain which occupies southern and eastern Hungary, some parts of the eastern Slovakian lowlands, south west Ukraine, western Romania, northern Serbia and eastern Croatia. Hortobágy National Park was designated as a national park in 1972 (the first in Hungary), and as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. It is Hungary's largest protected area. At the time of designation, the area of the National Park was 289 square miles but since then it has been extended to almost 315 square miles. Around 25% of its area has international protection under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance. The entire Hortobágy National Park is part of the Natura 2000 network of the European Union in which Special Protected Areas and Special Areas of Conservation have been designated in a way that they contain and encompass the area of the National Park including organically connected or separate grassland mosaic areas that are outside the National Park. The protection thus ensured by the Natura 2000 areas provides an appropriate basis for the establishment of a buffer zone. A conservation management plan for the Hortobágy National Park was prepared in 1997. Hortobágy National Park contains the largest continuous natural grassland in Europe and the second largest steppe area west of the Ural Mountains. It has outstanding natural features and maintains great biological diversity in respect of species and habitats. It is a unique example of the harmonious coexistence of people and nature based on the considerate use of the land. A major part of the area of the Hortobágy National Park is formed by natural habitats, principally alkaline grasslands (puszta), meadows and the marshes lying between them. From the point of view of nature conservation, the artificial wetlands, which cover a much smaller area, are of considerable importance. These are the fish ponds created during the last century on the worst quality grazing lands and marshes. The Hortobágy National Park is one of Europe’s greatest lowland birding areas containing nesting habitats and migration sites of European significance. The Hortobágyi-Halastó complex just to the west of Hortobágy village is arguably the best site to explore and contains waterbodies of various sizes from small fish ponds to huge lakes. Over 340 bird species have been recorded in the Hortobágy National Park, of which over 150 species breed. For UK birders, it is particularly exciting since several “eastern” species can be found which are at the westernmost extent of their range. These are joined by a large number of temperate European and Mediterranean species. The symbol of the Hortobágy National Park is the Crane. One of the most spectacular sights is the autumn migration when tens of thousands of Cranes can be seen every October as they fly above the grasslands to their overnight roosting places. For thousands of years the wild animals grazing on the grasslands of the Hortobágy National Park, the Aurochs and wild horses, were gradually replaced by domesticated animals. A large number of Long-haired Sheep and Hungarian Grey Cattle can now be found here. Less ancient species are the Mangalica Pig and the Nonius Horse. In the Visitor Centre in Hortobágy village, visitors and tourists can get information and advice on what to see and what to do in the Hortobágy National Park and can also learn about its natural and cultural assets: its flora and fauna, the different natural phenomena, herdsmen’s traditions, craftsmen’s skills and local rare breeds. The Visitor Centre also sells the mandatory permits that are required to visit most of the protected areas. The Hortobágy-halastavi Kisvasút is a narrow gauge railway which runs through Hortobágyi-Halastó. It was built and commissioned in 1915 for the purpose of transporting fish food from the silo in Hortobágyi-Halastó to the fish ponds and transporting freshly caught fish in the opposite direction. The track formerly had a length of 22 miles and was temporarily decommissioned in 1960. Since 2007, the railway has been used as a tourist train. The track now runs for just 3 miles and provides access to the northern end of Hortobágyi-Halastó. A one-way trip lasts 23 minutes. Date: 19th May 2017 Location: Hortobágy to Balmazújváros, Hortobágy National Park, Hajdú-Bihar county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080560.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_32719986863a4590f7d269.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 1st December 2022 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5325792.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5412384784c1dd5d726d80.jpgSango Bay, Sutherland Sango Bay is a beautiful sandy bay on the north coast of Sutherland and located by the village of Durness 4 miles west of Loch Eriboll. The bay is approximately half a mile in width and surrounded by low cliffs. Date: 3rd June 2010 Location: view from the A838 road east of Durness http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28102073.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16942488935777a07b16479.jpgRed Kites The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include [url=http://www.gigrin.co.uk/]Gigrin Farm feeding centre[/url] near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 12th June 2016 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801033.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_146345440164ed9be73e46a.jpgPeacock Flight period: March to September. The Peacock is a familiar and widespread butterfly which is continuing to expand its range in the UK. It is a highly adaptable species that can be found almost anywhere but the best sites are where favoured nectar plants are available. Date: 7th July 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42229309.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2141949215603e640d8a84d.jpgMoorhen The Moorhen is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird that is usually found near water. From a distance it looks black with a ragged white line along its body. However, closer up it is olive-brown on the back and the head and blue-grey underneath. It has a red bill with a yellow tip. The Moorhen can be found all year round almost anywhere where there is water. They breed in lowland areas particularly in central and eastern England but are scarce in northern Scotland and the uplands of Wales and northern England. UK breeding birds are residents and seldom travel far. Date: 13th February 2021 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14155787.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19144024344f3cd28108226.jpgBlackbird The Common Blackbird is a species of true thrush. It is also called Eurasian Blackbird (especially in North America in order to distinguish it from the unrelated New World blackbirds) or simply Blackbird where this does not lead to confusion with a similar-looking local species. The Blackbird’s name derives form 2 Latin words: <i>turdus</i> meaning “thrush” and <i>merula</i> meaning “blackbird”. It may not immediately be clear why the name "blackbird", first recorded in 1486, was applied to this species but not to one of the various other common black English birds, such as the Carrion Crow, Raven, Rook or Jackdaw. However, in Old English and in modern English up to about the 18th century, "bird" was used only for smaller or young birds and larger ones such as crows were called "fowl". At that time, the Blackbird was therefore the only widespread and conspicuous black bird in the UK. The Blackbird is around 9.25 to 11.5 inches in length including a long tail. The adult male has glossy black plumage, blackish-brown legs, a yellow eye-ring and an orange-yellow bill. The bill darkens somewhat in winter. The adult female is sooty-brown with a dull yellowish-brownish bill, a brownish-white throat and some weak mottling on the breast. The juvenile is similar to the female but has pale spots on the upperparts and the very young juvenile also has a speckled breast. Young birds vary in the shade of brown, with darker birds presumably males. The first year male resembles the adult male but has a dark bill and weaker eye ring and its folded wing is brown rather than black like the body plumage. The Blackbird breeds in temperate Eurasia, north Africa, the Canary Islands and south Asia. Populations are sedentary in the south and west of the range although northern birds migrate south as far as north Africa and tropical Asia in winter. Common over most of its range in woodland, the Blackbird has a preference for deciduous trees with dense undergrowth. However, gardens provide the most successful breeding habitat. It occurs up to around 3300 feet in Europe and is often replaced by the related Ring Ousel in areas of higher altitude. The Blackbird has an extensive range and a large population which is generally stable or increasing. However, there have been local declines, especially on farmland, which may be due to agricultural policies that encouraged farmers to remove hedgerows (which provide nesting places) and to drain damp grassland and increase the use of pesticides, both of which could have reduced the availability of invertebrate food. The Blackbird may commence breeding in March when the breeding pair prospect for a suitable nest site in a creeper or bush, favouring evergreen or thorny species such as ivy, holly, hawthorn, honeysuckle or pyracantha. Sometimes they will nest in sheds or outbuildings where a ledge or cavity is used. The cup-shaped nest is made with grasses, leaves and other vegetation and bound together with mud. It is built by the female alone. The nest is often ill-concealed compared with those of other species and many breeding attempts fail due to predation. The female lays 3 to 5 (average 4) bluish-green eggs marked with reddish-brown blotches which are incubated for 12 to 14 days before the chicks are hatched naked and blind. Fledging takes another 10 to 19 (average 13.6) days, with both parents feeding the young. The young are fed by the parents for up to 3 weeks after leaving the nest and they will follow the adults begging for food. If the female starts another nest, the male alone will feed the fledged young. Second broods are common with the female reusing the same nest if the brood was successful. The first-year male Blackbird may start singing as early as late January in fine weather in order to establish a territory, followed in late March by the adult male. The male's song is a varied and melodious low-pitched fluted warble which is given from trees, rooftops or other elevated perches mainly in the period from March to June and sometimes into the beginning of July. During the winter, the Blackbird can be heard quietly singing to itself, so much so that September and October are the only months which the song cannot be heard. The Blackbird is omnivorous, eating a wide range of insects, earthworms, seeds and berries. It feeds mainly on the ground, running and hopping with a start-stop-start progress. It pulls earthworms from the soil, usually finding them by sight but sometimes by hearing, and roots through leaf litter for other invertebrates. Small amphibians and lizards are occasionally hunted. The Blackbird will also perch in bushes to take berries and collect caterpillars and other active insects. Animal prey predominates and this is particularly important during the breeding season with windfall apples and berries taken more in the autumn and winter. Near human habitation the main predator of the Blackbird is the domestic cat, with newly fledged young especially vulnerable. Foxes and predatory birds, such as the Sparrowhawk, also predate the Blackbird when the opportunity arises. Eggs and chicks are also taken by corvids, such as the Magpie or Jay. Date: 12th February 2012 Location: Pennington Flash, Greater Manchester http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28102074.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7776815815777a0ed13b14.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include [url=http://www.gigrin.co.uk/]Gigrin Farm feeding centre[/url] near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 12th June 2016 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41187502.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1343475635ea6e02940df2.jpgMagpie The Eurasian Magpie, often simply known as the Magpie, is one of several birds in the crow family [i] Corvidae[/i] designated as a Magpie. In Europe, Magpie is generally used by English speakers to describe the Eurasian Magpie. The only other species in Europe is the Iberian Magpie or Azure-winged Magpie which is limited to the Iberian peninsula. The adult male Magpie is 17 to 18 inches in length, of which more than half is the tail. The wingspan is 20 to 24 inches. The head, neck and breast are glossy black with a metallic green and violet sheen, the belly and scapulars are pure white, the wings are black glossed with green or purple and the primaries have white inner webs, conspicuous when the wing is open. The graduated tail is black, glossed with green and reddish purple. The legs and bill are black and the iris is dark brown. The plumage of the sexes is similar but the female is slightly smaller. The young resemble the adults but are at first without much of the gloss on the sooty plumage and the tail is much shorter. The Magpie can be found across temperate Eurasia from Spain and Ireland in the west to the Kamchatka Peninsula in the east. It has also been introduced in Japan on the island of Kyushu. The preferred habitat of the Magpie is open countryside with scattered trees and it is normally absent from treeless areas and dense forests. It sometimes breeds at high densities in suburban settings such as parks and gardens and it can often be found close to the centre of cities. The Magpie is normally sedentary and spends winters close to its breeding areas but birds living near the northern limit of their range in Scandinavia and Russia can move south in harsh weather. Some Magpies breed after their first year whilst others remain in non-breeding flocks and first breed in their second year. The Magpie is monogamous and pairs often remain together from one breeding season to the next and generally occupy the same territory in successive years. Mating takes place in spring. In the courtship display, males rapidly raise and depress their head feathers, uplift, open and close their tails like fans and call in soft tones quite distinct from their usual chatter. The loose feathers of the flanks are brought over the primaries, and the shoulder patch is spread so the white is conspicuous, presumably to attract females. Short buoyant flights and chases follow. The Magpie prefers tall trees for their bulky nest, firmly attaching them to a central fork in the upper branches. A framework of sticks is cemented with earth and clay and a lining of the same is covered with fine roots. Above is a stout though loosely built dome of prickly branches with a single well concealed entrance. These huge nests are conspicuous when the leaves fall. Where trees are scarce, though even in well-wooded country, nests are at times built in bushes and hedgerows. In Europe, the eggs are typically laid in April and clutches usually contain 5 or 6 eggs. The eggs are incubated for 21 to 22 days by the female who is fed on the nest by the male. The chicks are brooded by the female for the first 5 to 10 days and fed by both parents. The nestlings open their eyes 7 to 8 days after hatching and their body feathers start to appear after around 8 days and the primary wing feathers after 10 days. Fledging takes place at around 27 days and the parents then continue to feed the young for several more weeks. The parents also protect the young from predators since their ability to fly is poor, making them vulnerable. On average, only 3 or 4 chicks survive to fledge successfully. Some nests are lost to predators but an important factor causing nestling mortality is starvation. Eggs hatch asynchronously and if the parents have difficulty finding sufficient food, the last chicks to hatch are unlikely to survive. The Magpie is omnivorous, eating young birds and eggs, small mammals, insects, scraps and carrion, acorns, grain and other vegetable substances. The Magpie is believed not only to be among the most intelligent of birds but among the most intelligent of all animals. Along with the Jackdaw, the Magpie's nidopallium area of the brain is approximately the same relative size as those in Chimpanzees and humans. Like other corvids, such as the Raven and Carrion crow, the total brain-to-body mass ratio is equal to most great apes and cetaceans. A 2004 review suggests that the intelligence of the corvid family to which the Magpie belongs is equivalent to that of great apes (Chimpanzees, Orangutans and Gorillas) in terms of social cognition, causal reasoning, flexibility, imagination and prospection. The Magpie has an extremely large range and a very large population. The population trend in Europe has been stable since 1980 and there is no evidence of any serious overall decline in numbers so the species is classified by the IUCN as being of “Least Concern”. In Europe, the Magpie has been historically demonized by humans, mainly as a result of folklore, superstition and myth and its reputation as an omen of ill fortune. The Magpie has also been attacked for their role as a predator which includes eating other birds' eggs and their young. However, different studies have reached different conclusions on their impact on the populations of other birds. Date: 26th April 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512878.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_187212337262c9a899cf6b1.jpgEurasian Beaver The Eurasian Beaver or European Beaver is one of the largest living species of rodents and it is the largest rodent native to Eurasia. It weighs around 24 to 66 pounds with an average of 40 pounds. Typically the head and body length is 31 to 39 inches and the tail length is 9.8 to 19.7 inches. The fur colour of the Beaver varies geographically from light chestnut-rust to blackish-brown. The Beaver was once widespread in Eurasia. It was hunted to near-extinction for both its fur and castoreum (a secretion of its scent gland believed to have medicinal properties) and by 1900 only 1200 beavers survived in 8 relict populations in Europe and Asia. In many European nations, the Beaver became extinct but reintroduction and protection has led to gradual recovery to about 639,000 individuals by 2003 and it now occurs from the UK to China and Mongolia although it is absent from Italy, Portugal, the southern Balkans and the Middle East. About 83% can be found in the former Soviet Union. In the UK, the Beaver became extinct in the 16th century but, as a former native species, interest in reintroducing it to the wild across the UK has been shown. It has been suggested that Beaver dams could retain water in upland areas, reducing flood volumes and creating new habitats for wildlife. Currently, Beaver populations are found in a number of large enclosures in wildlife parks, as well as free-living populations around the River Tay and Knapdale areas in Scotland and the River Otter in Devon. The Knapdale population was deliberately released whilst the other populations are of unknown origin. The Beaver is a keystone species helping support the ecosystem of which they are a part. It creates wetlands which increase biodiversity and provide habitat for many rare species such as Water Voles, Otters, and Water Shrews. It coppices waterside trees and shrubs so that they regrow as dense shrubs which provide cover for birds and other animals. Beaver dams trap sediment and improve water quality and recharge groundwater tables and increase cover for trout and salmon. The Beaver has a single litter of young per year, coming into oestrus for only 12 to 24 hours between late December and May and peaking in January. Unlike most other rodents, Beaver pairs are monogamous and stay together for multiple breeding seasons. Gestation averages 107 days and litters average 3 kits with a range of 2 to 6 kits. Most Beavers do not reproduce until they are 3 years of age. Date: 12th June 2022 Location: River Otter near Otterton, Devon http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42202654.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13718211645ff310823a023.jpgBrown Bear The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, Ursus arctos arctos. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an evening visit with [url=https://www.karhujenkatselu.fi/en-gb]Karhu-Kuusamo[/url] Date: 7th July 2019 Location: Kuntilampi, near Kuusamo, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46511785.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_206321661362c993a208abc.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 9th May 2022 Location: RWT Gilfach, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081395.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2437509763a71a27e2e31.jpgMute Swan The Mute Swan is a species of swan native to much of Eurasia. Despite its Eurasian origin, its closest relatives are the Black Swan of Australia and the Black-necked Swan of south America, not the other Northern Hemisphere swans such as the Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan. The name “mute” derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. The adult Mute Swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob at the top of the beak. All Mute Swans are white at maturity although the feathers (particularly on the head and neck) are often stained orange-brown by iron and tannins in the water. Young birds (cygnets) are not the bright white colour of mature adults and their bill is dull greyish-black for the first year. The plumage may range from pure white to grey to buff with grey/buff being the most common. Cygnets typically retain their grey/buff feathers until they are at least 1 year old. On average, the Mute Swan is the second largest waterfowl species after the Trumpeter Swan although the male Mute Swan can easily match or even exceed a male Trumpeter Swan in mass. The adult Mute Swan typically ranges from 55 to 63 inches in length (although it can range in extreme cases from 49 to 67 inches) with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. Males (cobs) are larger than females (pens) and have a larger knob on their bill. The Mute Swan is one of the heaviest flying birds. In several studies from the UK, males were found to average from about 23.4 to 26.2 pounds, with a weight range of 20 to 32 pounds, while the slightly smaller females were found to average about 18.7 to 21.3 pounds, with a weight range of 17 to 23 pounds. The Mute Swan is less vocal than the noisy Bewick's Swan and Whooper Swan although it does make a variety of grunting, hoarse whistling and snorting noises, especially in communicating with their cygnets and threatening competitors or intruders trying to enter their territory. The most familiar sound associated with the Mute Swan is the vibrant throbbing of the wings in flight which is unique to the species and this can be heard from a range of up to 1 mile. The Mute Swan is found naturally mainly in the temperate areas of Europe across west Asia and as far east as Primorsky Krai in the far east of Russia. It is partially migratory throughout the northern latitudes in Europe and Asia as far south as north Africa and the Mediterranean. It is also often kept in captivity outside its natural range as a decoration for parks and ponds and escapes have occurred. The descendants of such birds have become naturalised in east USA and the Great Lakes region across the USA and Canada border. The Mute Swan population in the UK has increased recently probably due to better protection of this species. Some birds are resident all year whilst others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into east England. Mute Swans nest on large mounds that they build with waterside vegetation in shallow water on islands in the middle or at the very edge of a lake. It is a monogamous species and often reuses the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Males and females share the care of the nest. The female lays from 4 to 10 eggs and broods for around 36 days. Cygnets are unable to fly before an age of 120 to 150 days and this limits the distribution of the species in the northern edge of its range since the cygnets must learn to fly before the water freezes. The Mute Swan is usually strongly territorial with just a single pair on smaller lakes although in a few locations where a large area of suitable feeding habitat is found they can be colonial. The largest colonies can hold over 100 pairs such as that at the colony at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset in the UK. Non-mated juveniles up to 3 to 4 years old commonly form larger flocks often at regular traditional sites and these can total several hundred birds. The Mute Swan can be very aggressive in defence of its nest and it is highly protective of its mate and offspring. Most defensive attacks from a Mute Swan begin with a loud hiss and, if this is not sufficient to drive off the predator, are followed by a physical attack. It attacks by smashing at its enemy with bony spurs in the wings accompanied by biting with its large bill. Smaller waterbirds such as ducks are normally grabbed with the bill and dragged or thrown clear. Large waterfowl, such as the Canada Goose, more likely out of competition than in response to potential predation, may be aggressively driven off. The wings of the Mute Swan are very powerful although not strong enough to break an adult man's leg as has been claimed anecdotally. The Mute Swan feeds on a wide range of vegetation, both submerged aquatic plants which they reach with their long necks and by grazing on land. The food commonly includes agricultural crop plants such as oilseed rape and wheat and feeding flocks in the winter may cause significant crop damage, often as much through trampling with their large webbed feet as through direct consumption. Date: 12th January 2022 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5325779.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8890448364c1dd559a9757.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 3rd June 2010 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21959267.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_70464427753da6eecc3472.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Inner Farne, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49001833.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17256479156468e302dcd76.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 3rd April 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41176066.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15954389635e9312d0a41e2.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 10th April 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40952851.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1730364675e5393db46031.jpgPale-bellied Brent Geese The Brent Goose belongs to the [I]Branta[/I] genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the [I]Anser[/I] genus of grey geese. [I]Branta[/I] is a Latinised form of Old Norse [I]brandgás[/I], meaning "burnt (black) goose", and [i]bernicla[/i] is the medieval Latin name for the barnacle. The Brent Goose and the similar Barnacle Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be the same creature as the crustacean, a myth that can be dated back to at least the 12th century. The Brent Goose, [I]Branta bernicla[/I] is divided into 3 sub-species: Dark-bellied Brent Goose [I]B. b. bernicla[/I], Pale-bellied Brent Goose [i]B. b. hrota[/i] (sometimes also known as Light-bellied Brent Goose) and Black Brant [i]B. b. nigricans[/i]. Some DNA evidence suggests that these forms are genetically distinct and a split into 3 separate species has been proposed. However, other evidence upholds their maintenance as a single species. The Brent Goose is a small goose, 22 to 26 inches long with a wingspan of 42 to 48 inches. The under-tail is pure white and the tail black and very short (the shortest of any goose). The Dark-bellied Brent Goose is fairly uniformly dark grey-brown all over and the flanks and belly are not significantly paler than the back. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds on the Arctic coasts of central and west Siberia and winters in west Europe with over half the population in south England and the rest between north Germany and north west France. The Pale-bellied Brent Goose appears blackish-brown and light grey in colour and the flanks and belly are significantly paler than the back and present a marked contrast. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds in Franz Josef Land, Svalbard, Greenland and north east Canada and winters in Denmark, north east England, Ireland and the Atlantic coast of the USA from Maine to Georgia as well as in a small but significant area in north France. The Black Brant appears blackish-brown and white in colour. This sub-species is very contrastingly black and white with a uniformly dark sooty-brown back, similarly-coloured underparts (with the dark colour extending furthest back of the 3 sub-species) and a prominent white flank patch. It also has a larger white neck patch which forms an almost complete collar. It breeds in north west Canada, Alaska and east Siberia and winters mostly on the west coast of north America from south Alaska to California but also in east Asia, mainly Japan. It sometimes appears as a vagrant in Europe when it associates with the other Brent Goose species. The Brent Goose used to be a strictly coastal bird in winter, seldom leaving tidal estuaries where it feeds on eel-grass and seaweed. In recent decades, it has started using agricultural land a short distance inland, feeding extensively on grass and winter-sown cereals. This may be behaviour learned by following other species of geese. Food resource pressure may also be important in forcing this change since the world population increased over 10-fold by the mid-1980s, possibly reaching the carrying capacity of the estuaries. In the breeding season, the Brent Goose uses low-lying wet coastal tundra for both breeding and feeding. The nest is bowl-shaped, lined with grass and down and located in an elevated position often near a small pond. The Brent Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds applies. Date: 2nd February 2020 Location: Barnawee Bridge, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/puffins https://images.on-this.website/4752_9600119944e186e5c06b21.jpgPuffins The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 31st May 2008 Location: Sumburgh Head, South Mainland, Shetland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/rila-mountains-kyustendil-province-bulgaria https://images.on-this.website/4752_2916662015d30852f32a99.jpgRila Mountains, Kyustendil Province, Bulgaria The Rila Mountains are a mountain range in south west Bulgaria and constitute the highest mountain range in the country and the Balkans. It is the sixth highest mountain range in Europe after the Caucasus, the Alps, the Sierra Nevada, the Pyrenees and Mount Etna and the highest one between the Alps and the Caucasus. The Rila Mountains are spread over an area of 1015 square miles with an average altitude of 4879 feet. Musala is its highest peak at 9596 feet. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rila-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rila Mountains have abundant water resources and some of the Balkans' longest and deepest rivers originate here including the longest river entirely in the Balkans, the River Maritsa, and the longest river entirely in Bulgaria, the River Iskar. Bulgaria's main water divide separating the Black Sea and the Aegean Sea drainage systems follows the main ridge of the Rila Mountains. The mountain range is dotted with almost 200 glacial lakes such as the renowned Seven Rila Lakes. It is also rich in hot springs in the fault areas at the foothills including the hottest spring in south east Europe in Sapareva Banya. The Rila Mountains have typical layers of montane habitat ranging from river and stream valleys at lower altitudes to mixed deciduous woodland, coniferous forests and Alpine meadows and lakes at higher altitudes and finally to rocky ridges and bare rugged peaks. The biodiversity and the pristine landscapes are protected by the Rila National Park which is among the largest and most valuable protected areas in Europe. It is the largest national park in Bulgaria covering an area of 313 square miles and it was established in February 1992 to protect several ecosystems of national importance. Its altitude varies from 2600 feet near Blagoevgrad to 9596 feet at the peak of Musala. It occupies territory from 4 of the 28 provinces of the country (Sofia, Kyustendil, Blagoevgrad and Pazardzhik) and it includes 4 nature reserves (Parangalitsa, Central Rila Reserve, Ibar and Skakavitsa). The Rila National Park falls within the Rodope montane mixed forests terrestrial eco-region of the Palearctic temperate broadleaf and mixed forest. Forests occupy 206.5 square miles or 66% of the total area. The Rila Mountains also contain the Rila Monastery Nature Park which is among the largest nature parks in Bulgaria covering an area of 97.5 square miles at an altitude between 2460 and 8901 feet. It was established in 1992 as part of the newly founded Rila National Park. In 2000 some territory of the Rila National Park was re-assigned to the Rila Monastery Nature Park and was recategorized as a nature park because by law all lands in national parks are exclusively state owned. Today most of the Rila Monastery Nature Park is owned by the Rila Monastery. The Rila Monastery Nature Park includes one nature reserve, namely the Rila Monastery Forest with an area of 14 square miles or 14% of its total area. The most recognisable landmark in the Rila Mountains is the Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila, better known as the Rila Monastery. This is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria and is situated in the deep valley of the River Rilska River within the Rila Monastery Nature Park at a height of 3763 feet. The monastery is named after its founder, the hermit Ivan of Rila (876 to 946 AD) and houses around 60 monks. Founded in the 10th century, the Rila Monastery is regarded as one of Bulgaria's most important cultural, historical and architectural monuments and is a key tourist attraction for both Bulgaria and south Europe. Due to its outstanding cultural and spiritual value it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. The Rila Mountains are also a popular destination for hiking, winter sports and spa tourism, hosting the nation's oldest ski resort at Borovets as well as numerous hiking trails. Date: 30th May 2018 Location: Rila to Rila Monastery, Kyustendil Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42202663.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_105534595ff3110460912.jpgBrown Bear The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, Ursus arctos arctos. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an evening visit with [url=https://www.karhujenkatselu.fi/en-gb]Karhu-Kuusamo[/url] Date: 7th July 2019 Location: Kuntilampi, near Kuusamo, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45291015.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_307713752623acfbb4daf6.jpgDunnock The Dunnock is a small passerine bird and the most widespread member of the genus Prunella, the accentor family which otherwise consists of mountain species. Other common names for the Dunnock include the Hedge Sparrow or Hedge Accentor. The Dunnock is about the size of a Robin. It has a generally drab brown streaked appearance with a grey head and a fine pointed bill. Both sexes are similar. It is quiet and unobtrusive and is frequently seen on its own, creeping along and moving with a rather nervous, shuffling gait often flicking its wings. The Dunnock is native to large areas of Eurasia where it is the only commonly found accentor in lowland areas. It can be found throughout the UK all the year round in any well vegetated areas with scrub, brambles and hedges and also in deciduous woodland, farmland edges, parks and gardens. The Dunnock is territorial and may engage in conflict with other birds that encroach upon their nesting areas. The Dunnock possesses variable mating systems. Females are often polyandrous, breeding with 2 or more males at once which is quite rare among birds. This multiple mating system leads to the development of sperm competition amongst the male suitors. DNA fingerprinting has shown that chicks within a brood often have different fathers depending on the success of the males at monopolising the female. Males try to ensure their paternity by pecking at the cloaca of the female to stimulate ejection of rival males' sperm. Males provide parental care in proportion to their mating success so 2 males and a female can commonly be seen provisioning nestlings at one nest. Other mating systems also exist within Dunnock populations depending on the ratio of male to females and the overlap of territories. When only a single female and a single male territory overlap, monogamy is preferred. Sometimes, 2 or 3 adjacent female territories overlap a single male territory and so polygyny is favoured with the male monopolising several females. Polygynandry also exists in which 2 males jointly defend a territory containing several females. Polyandry, however, is the most common mating system of the Dunnock. Depending on the population, males generally have the best reproductive success in polygynous populations whilst females have the advantage during polyandry. Studies have illustrated the fluidity of Dunnock mating systems. When food is in abundance, female territory size is reduced drastically. Consequently, males can more easily monopolise the females. Thus, the mating system can be shifted from one that favours female success (polyandry) to one that favours male success (monogamy, polygynandry or polygyny). The Dunnock builds a neat nest predominantly from twigs and moss and lined with soft materials such as wool or feathers which is located low in a bush. The female typically lays 3 to 5 eggs. Broods, depending on the population, can be raised by a lone female, multiple females with the part-time help of a male, multiple females with full-time help by a male or by multiple females and multiple males. Parental care varies according to the type of relationship. Date: 14th March 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17942854.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_404612285518cb0879fa52.jpgWater Rail The Water Rail is a member of the rail family. The adult is about 9 to 11 inches long with a 15 to 18 inches wingspan. The upper parts from the forehead to tail are olive-brown with black streaks, especially on the shoulders. The sides of the head and the underparts down to the upper belly are dark slate-blue, except for a blackish area between bill and eye and brownish sides to the upper breast. The flanks are barred black and white and the undertail is white with some darker streaks. The long bill and the iris are red and the legs are flesh-brown. The sexes are similar although the female averages slightly smaller than the male with a more slender bill. Individual adults can be identified by the markings on the undertail which are unique to each bird. Adult males have the strongest black undertail streaks. It has been suggested that the dark barring on the undertail of this species is a compromise between the signalling function of a pure white undertail, as found in open water or gregarious species like the Moorhen, and the need to avoid being too conspicuous. The Water Rail can readily be distinguished from most other reed bed rails by the white undertail and the red bill which is a little longer than the rest of the head and slightly down-curved. The Water Rail is a vocal species which gives its main call, known as "sharming", throughout the year. This is a series of grunts followed by a high-pitched piglet-like squeal and ending in more grunts. It is used as a territorial call, alarm and announcement. Members of a pair may call alternately, the male giving lower and slower notes than the female. Birds are most vocal when setting up a territory and early in the breeding season when calling may continue at night. The Water Rail is a skulking species, its streaked plumage making it difficult to see in its wetland habitat. Its laterally compressed body allows it to slip though the densest vegetation and it will "freeze" if surprised in the open. It walks with a high-stepping gait although it adopts a crouch when it runs for cover. It swims, when necessary, with the jerky motion typical of rails and it flies short distances low with its long legs dangling. Although its flight looks weak, the Water Rail is capable of long sustained flights during its nocturnal migration. The Water Rail breeds across temperate Eurasia from Iceland and the UK discontinuously to north Africa, Saudi Arabia and western China. Its distribution in Asia is poorly studied. It is resident in the milder south and west of its range but migrates south from areas that are subject to harsh winters. It winters within its breeding range and also further south in north Africa, the Middle East and the Caspian Sea area. The peak migration period is September to October with most birds returning to the breeding grounds from March to mid-April. The Water Rail is widely but thinly distributed as a breeding bird across the UK but it is absent from upland areas. It is most abundant in eastern England and suitable habitat along the south coast. Numbers are higher in winter when many birds arrive from Europe. The breeding habitat of the Water Rail is permanent wetland with still or slow-moving fresh or brackish water and dense, tall vegetation. On migration and in winter, a wider range of wet habitats may be used such as flooded thickets or bracken. Freezing condition may force birds into more open locations such as ditches, rubbish dumps and gardens or even out on to exposed ice. The Water Rail is monogamous and highly territorial when breeding. The birds pair off after arriving at their nesting areas or possibly even before spring migration. The pair give courting and contact calls throughout the breeding season. The nest is well hidden and made from whatever wetland vegetation is available. It is built mostly by the male and usually in a single day. It is raised 6 inches or more above water level and is generally constructed on clumps of roots, tree stumps or similar support. It may be built up higher if water levels start to rise. The typical clutch is 6 to 11 eggs across most of the range and the clutch size may be smaller early or late in the breeding season. The breeding season can be extended by replacement and second clutches. Both parents incubate the eggs although the female takes the larger share of this duty. The eggs are incubated for 19 to 22 days to hatching. The downy chicks leave the nest within 2 days of hatching but continue to be fed by their parents, although the chicks also find some of their own food after about 5 days. The chicks are independent of their parents after 20 to 30 days and can fly when aged 7 to 9 weeks. Average survival after fledging has been estimated as between 17 and 20 months with an annual survival rate slightly less than 50% per year for the first 3 years and somewhat higher thereafter. The maximum recorded age is 8 years 10 months. The Water Rail is a versatile and opportunistic forager although it follows definite routes when feeding, frequently returning to good hunting areas. It is omnivorous although it mainly feeds on animals such as leeches, worms, gastropods, small crustaceans, spiders and a wide range of both terrestrial and aquatic insects and their larvae. Small vertebrates such as amphibians, fish, birds and mammals may be killed or eaten as carrion. Plant food, which is consumed more in autumn and winter, includes the buds, flowers, shoots and seeds of water plants, berries and fruit. The Water Rail's numbers are declining but it has a large population and a huge breeding range. In most European countries, the population is either stable or decreasing slightly due to loss of habitat arising from the drainage of marshes, canalisation of water courses, urban encroachment and pollution. Introduced predators such as American Mink are a threat to vulnerable island populations. Date: 1st April 2013 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080589.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16932359563a45987d7836.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 1st December 2022 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/marsh-warbler https://images.on-this.website/4752_60237942159ae6f7ed650b4.17343231.jpgMarsh Warbler The Marsh Warbler is a medium-sized Old World warbler in the genus [i]Acrocephalus[/i]. It has olive green-brown upperparts, yellowish-white underparts, a white throat, a pale stripe in front of the eye and pale legs The Marsh Warbler is very similar in appearance to several other [i]Acrocephalus[/i] warblers such as the Reed Warbler which also occurs in wetlands and has a similar breeding range. The male's distinctive song is useful for identification since no other member of the genus mimics other birds to any significant extent. The Marsh Warbler also tends to avoid large reedbeds which are the Reed Warbler's favoured habitat. The Marsh Warbler breeds in the middle latitudes of Europe and west Asia from the English Channel to about 70 degrees east. It mainly occupies areas with a continental climate but breeds, or has bred, in the UK and northern France as well. In recent decades it has expanded its range to the north, with increasing numbers of birds breeding in Scandinavia and north west Russia. In west Europe the Marsh Warbler breeds mainly in rank vegetation on damp or seasonally flooded soils and it is particularly attracted to tall herbaceous vegetation and to young osiers and other low woody plants. It may breed in urban brownfield sites with suitable vegetation and also occasionally in arable crops. In the east, it breeds on dry hillsides with shrubs and in open woodland as well as the kind of damper habitats it frequents in the west. The Marsh Warbler is a summer migrant and winters mainly in south east Africa where it can be found in a range of well-vegetated habitats from moist scrub to dense thickets and woodland edge. In the UK, the Marsh Warbler was never widespread and it disappeared from many areas from the 1930s onwards. By the 1970s, it bred in significant numbers only in Worcestershire where around 40 to 70 pairs were recorded each year during that decade. This population was effectively extinct by the end of the 1990s. From the 1970s and 1980s onwards, a very small population slowly developed in south east England, particularly in Kent. However, this population is also now close to extinction. The reasons for the population decline in the UK are not completely understood especially as there appears to be much suitable habitat. The Biodiversity Action Plan for the Marsh Warbler further comments that it is not clear what can be done to conserve the species apart from protecting habitat at known breeding sites and protecting birds from egg collectors and from disturbance. The Marsh Warbler is best known for the highly imitative song given by males and very occasionally by females. Each male incorporates imitations of a wide range of other birds into its song. Other passerines are most commonly imitated but the calls of other species have been noted too. On average, each male bird incorporates imitations of 75 other species into its song with rather more African than northern species mimicked. Learning seems to take place in the summer the bird is hatched in Europe or Asia and in its first winter in Africa. The calls of birds heard in subsequent years are not added to the warbler's repertoire. The Marsh Warbler is mostly insectivorous and generally takes insects from vegetation but sometimes catches them on the ground or in mid-air. In autumn small numbers of berries may be eaten. Date: 22nd May 2017 Location: Borsodi-Mezoseg ("Little Hortobagy"), Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo22527827.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_185158935054228f74ac254.jpgBeinn Dearg Mhor and Beinn Dearg Bheag, Skye Height: Beinn Dearg Mhor 2325 feet and Beinn Dearg Bheag 1909 feet. Beinn Dearg Mhor and Beinn Dearg Bheag are located to the north east of Loch Slapin and Torrin. Date: 11th September 2014 Location: view from the B8083 road on the west side of Loch Slapin http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42222309.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12328989826023a2ce6eee1.jpgKuusamo to Iivaara, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland Date: 9th July 2019 Location: view from road 866 between Kuusamo and Iivaara, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31192307.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1854249347591823c9b01205.52298909.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 7th May 2017 Location: Elan valley, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/montes-de-jimena-de-la https://images.on-this.website/4752_136788407852528c5e5f31e.jpgMontes de Jimena de la Frontera, Andalucia, Spain The Montes de Jimena de la Frontera are part of the Los Alcornocales Natural Park in the province of Cadiz in Andalucia. These hills rise west of the "white town" of Jimena de la Frontera Date: 10th September 2013 Location: view in the Montes de Jimena de la Frontera, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42670657.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_41281803260b204e245cce.jpgDunnock The Dunnock is a small passerine bird and the most widespread member of the genus Prunella, the accentor family which otherwise consists of mountain species. Other common names for the Dunnock include the Hedge Sparrow or Hedge Accentor. The Dunnock is about the size of a Robin. It has a generally drab brown streaked appearance with a grey head and a fine pointed bill. Both sexes are similar. It is quiet and unobtrusive and is frequently seen on its own, creeping along and moving with a rather nervous, shuffling gait often flicking its wings. The Dunnock is native to large areas of Eurasia where it is the only commonly found accentor in lowland areas. It can be found throughout the UK all the year round in any well vegetated areas with scrub, brambles and hedges and also in deciduous woodland, farmland edges, parks and gardens. The Dunnock is territorial and may engage in conflict with other birds that encroach upon their nesting areas. The Dunnock possesses variable mating systems. Females are often polyandrous, breeding with 2 or more males at once which is quite rare among birds. This multiple mating system leads to the development of sperm competition amongst the male suitors. DNA fingerprinting has shown that chicks within a brood often have different fathers depending on the success of the males at monopolising the female. Males try to ensure their paternity by pecking at the cloaca of the female to stimulate ejection of rival males' sperm. Males provide parental care in proportion to their mating success so 2 males and a female can commonly be seen provisioning nestlings at one nest. Other mating systems also exist within Dunnock populations depending on the ratio of male to females and the overlap of territories. When only a single female and a single male territory overlap, monogamy is preferred. Sometimes, 2 or 3 adjacent female territories overlap a single male territory and so polygyny is favoured with the male monopolising several females. Polygynandry also exists in which 2 males jointly defend a territory containing several females. Polyandry, however, is the most common mating system of the Dunnock. Depending on the population, males generally have the best reproductive success in polygynous populations whilst females have the advantage during polyandry. Studies have illustrated the fluidity of Dunnock mating systems. When food is in abundance, female territory size is reduced drastically. Consequently, males can more easily monopolise the females. Thus, the mating system can be shifted from one that favours female success (polyandry) to one that favours male success (monogamy, polygynandry or polygyny). The Dunnock builds a neat nest predominantly from twigs and moss and lined with soft materials such as wool or feathers which is located low in a bush. The female typically lays 3 to 5 eggs. Broods, depending on the population, can be raised by a lone female, multiple females with the part-time help of a male, multiple females with full-time help by a male or by multiple females and multiple males. Parental care varies according to the type of relationship. Date: 18th May 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24834010.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1281403960559cf31206b1e.jpgWhite Pelicans The White Pelican is a huge bird, with only the Dalmatian Pelican averaging larger amongst the pelicans. The wingspan of the White Pelican can range from 7.41 to 11.8 feet, with the latter measurement the largest recorded among flying animals outside of the great albatrosses. The total length can range from 55 to 71 inches with the enormous bill comprising 11.5 to 18.5 inches of that length. The immature White Pelican is grey with dark flight feathers. In breeding condition the male has pinkish skin on its face and the female has orangey skin. It differs from the Dalmatian pelican by its pure white, rather than greyish-white, plumage, a bare pink facial patch around the eye and pinkish legs. Males are larger than females, and have a long beak that grows in a downwards arc, as opposed to the shorter, straighter beak of the female. In flight, it is an elegant soaring bird, with the head held close to and aligned with the body by a downward bend in the neck. The White Pelican is well adapted for aquatic life. The short strong legs and webbed feet propel it in water and aid the rather awkward takeoff from the water surface. Once aloft, the long-winged pelicans are powerful fliers, however, and often travel in spectacular V-formation groups. The White Pelican is usually found in and around shallow warm fresh water. Well scattered groups of breeding pelicans occur through Eurasia from the eastern Mediterranean to Vietnam. In Eurasia, fresh or brackish waters may be inhabited and the White Pelican may be found in lakes, deltas, lagoons and marshes, usually with dense reed beds nearby for nesting purposes. Additionally, sedentary populations are found year-round in Africa, south of the Sahara Desert although these are patchy. Migratory populations are found from Eastern Europe to Kazakhstan during the breeding season. They arrive in late March or early April and depart after breeding from September to late November. Wintering locations for European White Pelicans are not exactly known but wintering birds may occur in north east Africa through Iraq to north India, with a particularly large number of breeders from Asia wintering around Pakistan. The diet of the White Pelican consists mainly of fish and they leave their roost to feed early in the mornings and may fly over 60 miles in search of food. The White Pelican's pouch serves simply as a scoop. As it pushes its bill underwater, the lower bill bows out creating a large pouch which fills with water and fish. As the bird lifts its head, the pouch contracts and forces out the water but retaining the fish. A group of 6 to 8 White Pelicans will gather in a horseshoe formation in the water to feed together. They dip their bills in unison, creating a circle of open pouches, ready to trap every fish in the area. Most feeding is co-operative and done in groups, especially in shallow waters where fish schools can be corralled easily. White Pelicans are not restricted to fish, however, and are often opportunistic foragers. In addition, they also eat crustaceans, tadpoles and even turtles and will readily accept handouts from humans. The White Pelican breeding season commences in April or May in temperate zones, essentially all year round in Africa and begins in February through April in India. Large numbers of White Pelicans breed together in colonies. Nest locations are variable with some populations making stick nests in trees but a majority nest in scrapes on the ground lined with grass, sticks, feathers and other material. Date: 8th May 2015 Location: Evros Delta (east), East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/common-guillemots https://images.on-this.website/4752_9294497125f326dac38cad.jpgCommon Guillemots The Common Guillemot, also known as the Common Murre or Thin-billed Murre, is a large species of auk. The auks are a family of seabirds which includes the Brunnich's Guillemot or Thick-billed Murre, Razorbill, Little Auk and the extinct Great Auk. The Common Guillemot is 15 to 18 inches in length with a 24 to 29 inches wingspan. In breeding plumage, it is black or dark brown on the head, back and wings with white underparts. It has a thin dark pointed bill and a small rounded dark tail. Legs are grey and the bill is dark grey. Males and females are identical. Some individuals in the North Atlantic, known as "Bridled Guillemots", have a white ring around the eye extending back as a white line. This is not a distinct subspecies but a polymorphism that becomes more common the farther north the birds breed. The Common Guillemot flies with fast wing beats and has a flight speed of around 50 mph. Groups of birds are often seen flying together in a line just above the surface of the sea. However, it is not a very agile bird and take-off is often difficult. The Common Guillemot becomes flightless for 45 to 60 days while moulting its primary feathers. The Common Guillemot is a pursuit diver that forages for food by swimming underwater using its wings for propulsion. Dives usually last less than one minute but the bird swims underwater for distances of over 100 feet on a regular basis. Diving depths up to 590 feet have been recorded. The Common Guillemot has a circumpolar distribution and it occurs in low Arctic and boreal waters in the north Atlantic and north Pacific. It spends most of its time at sea and only comes to land to breed on rocky cliffs, sea stacks and islands. Some birds are permanent residents but northern birds migrate south to open waters off New England, southern California, Japan, Korea and the western Mediterranean. The Common Guillemot breeds in colonies at high densities and nesting pairs may be in bodily contact with their neighbours. No nest is made and the single egg is laid and incubated on a bare rock ledge on a cliff face. The egg hatches after 30 days incubation and the chick is born downy and can regulate its body temperature after 10 days. Some 20 days after hatching the chick jumps off its nesting ledge and heads for the sea unable to fly but gliding for some distance with fluttering wings and accompanied by its male parent. The chicks are capable of diving as soon as they hit the water. The female stays at the nest site for some 14 days after the chick has left. The Common Guillemot can venture far from its breeding grounds to forage and distances of 60 miles or more are often observed although if sufficient food is available closer by, birds will only travel much shorter distances. It mainly eats small schooling fish 8 inches long or less such as Polar Cod, Capelin, Sand Lances, Sprats, Sandeels, Atlantic Cod and Atlantic Herring. It also eats some molluscs, marine worms, squid and crustaceans. It is often seen carrying fish in its bill with the tail hanging out. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40713550.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5385103545e16f73948c8a.jpgGoosander The Goosander (or Common Merganser in north America) is a large “sawbill” duck, so called because of its long, serrated bill which is used for catching fish. The Goosander is 23 to 28 inches long with a 31 to 38 inches wingspan and the male is generally slightly larger than the female. The adult male in breeding plumage has a white body with a variable salmon-pink tinge, a black head with an iridescent green gloss, a grey rump and tail and wings which are largely white on the inner half and black on the outer half. Females, and males in "eclipse" non-breeding plumage, are largely grey with a reddish-brown head, white chin and white secondary feathers on the wing. Juveniles are similar to adult females but also show a short black-edged white stripe between the eye and the bill. The bill and legs are red to brownish-red which are brightest on adult males and dullest on juveniles. The Goosander can be found on rivers and lakes in forested areas of Europe, north and central Asia and north America. It is a partial migrant and moves away from areas where rivers and major lakes freeze in the winter but it is a resident where waters remain open. Within Europe, a marked southward spread has occurred from Scandinavia in the breeding range since about 1850, colonising Scotland in 1871 and England in 1941. Since 1970 it has spread across northern England and in to Wales and south west England. In the UK, it can be found all year round in the breeding range but only in winter on lakes, gravel pits and reservoirs across England south of the Humber. Nesting normally occurs in a tree cavity so the Goosander requires mature forest as its breeding habitat. It will also readily use large nest boxes where provided. In places where trees are absent, it will use holes in cliffs and steep, high banks, sometimes at considerable distances from water. The female lays 6 to 17 eggs, but normally 8 to 12, and raises a single brood in a season. The ducklings are taken by the female in her bill to rivers or lakes immediately after hatching where they feed on freshwater invertebrates and small fish fry, fledging when 60 to 70 days old. The Goosander primarily feeds on fish with the serrated edge to its bill helping it to grip its prey. In addition to fish, it will take a wide range of other aquatic prey such as molluscs, crustaceans, worms, insect larvae and amphibians and, more rarely, small mammals and birds. The salmon-pink tinge shown variably by males is probably diet-related and obtained from the carotenoid pigments present in some crustaceans and fish. When feeding, the Goosander will float down a stream or river for a few miles and either fly back again or more commonly fish their way back, diving incessantly the whole way. It will often fish in a group, forming a semicircle and driving the fish into shallow water where they are captured easily. When floating leisurely, it will position itself in the water similar to ducks but it will also swim deep in the water like a Cormorant. When not diving for food, it is usually seen swimming on the water surface, resting on rocks in midstream or hidden among riverbank vegetation or (in winter) resting on the edge of floating ice. Date: 23rd December 2019 Location: Abberton Reservoir, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo47645719.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4508993376347d9d4d1934.jpgGreen Woodpecker The (European) Green Woodpecker is a large green woodpecker species. There are 3 sub-species with subtle differences between them whilst the Iberian Green Woodpecker found in Spain and Portugal and the Levaillant's Woodpecker found in north west Africa were formerly considered as sub-species but are now treated as separate species based on the results of studies published in 2011 The Green Woodpecker measures 12 to 14 inches in length with a 18 to 20 inches wingspan. Both sexes are green above and pale yellowish green below with a yellow rump and red crown and nape. The moustachial stripe has a red centre in the male but is solid black in the female. The lores and around the white eye are black in both male and female. Juveniles are spotty and streaked all over with a dark moustachial stripe initially although juvenile males can show some red feathers by early June or usually by July or August. Although the Green Woodpecker is shy and wary, it is usually its loud calls known as “yaffling” which first draw attention. Unlike many other woodpecker species, it rarely “drums” but often gives noisy calls while flying. The flight is undulating with 3 to 4 wingbeats followed by a short glide when the wings are held by the body. More than 75% of the range of the Green Woodpecker is in Europe although it is absent from the extreme north and east and also from Ireland, Greenland and the Macaronesian islands. Otherwise it is distributed widely with over 50% of the European population thought to be in France and Germany with substantial numbers also in the UK. It also occurs in west Asia. The Green Woodpecker is highly sedentary and individuals rarely move far from where they were born. The Green Woodpecker is generally found in semi-open landscapes with small woodlands, hedges, scattered old trees, edges of forests and floodplain forests. Suitable habitats for feeding include grassland, heaths, plantations, orchards and lawns. The Green Woodpecker is the largest of the 3 woodpecker species that breed in the UK. It can be found all year round and it is mainly a lowland species that breeds in open deciduous woodland, parks, orchards and farmland in England, Wales and Scotland although it is absent from the far north and west of the UK. The nest hole of the Green Woodpecker is larger but similar to those of other woodpecker species. It may be a few feet above the ground or at the top of a tall tree. Oaks, beeches, willows, aspens and fruit trees are the preferred nest trees. The hole may be excavated in sound or rotten wood with an entrance hole of 2.5 to 3 inches. The cavity inside may be up to 16 inches deep and excavation work is performed mostly by the male over 15 to 30 days. Some tree holes are used for breeding for more than 10 years but not necessarily by the same pair. The female lays 4 to 6 eggs and, after the last egg is laid, they are incubated for 19 to 20 days by both parents. The chicks fledge 21 to 24 days after hatching. The Green Woodpecker's diet consists primarily of various ant species and it spends much of its time foraging on the ground in grassland areas where the availability of ant nests is high. At ant nests, it probes into the ground and licks up adult ants and their larvae with its long tongue that wraps up and around the back of its head. Other insects and small reptiles are also taken occasionally. Date: 3rd October 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084079.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18321139475d3085766cd33.jpgRila Mountains, Kyustendil Province, Bulgaria The Rila Mountains are a mountain range in south west Bulgaria and constitute the highest mountain range in the country and the Balkans. It is the sixth highest mountain range in Europe after the Caucasus, the Alps, the Sierra Nevada, the Pyrenees and Mount Etna and the highest one between the Alps and the Caucasus. The Rila Mountains are spread over an area of 1015 square miles with an average altitude of 4879 feet. Musala is its highest peak at 9596 feet. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rila-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rila Mountains have abundant water resources and some of the Balkans' longest and deepest rivers originate here including the longest river entirely in the Balkans, the River Maritsa, and the longest river entirely in Bulgaria, the River Iskar. Bulgaria's main water divide separating the Black Sea and the Aegean Sea drainage systems follows the main ridge of the Rila Mountains. The mountain range is dotted with almost 200 glacial lakes such as the renowned Seven Rila Lakes. It is also rich in hot springs in the fault areas at the foothills including the hottest spring in south east Europe in Sapareva Banya. The Rila Mountains have typical layers of montane habitat ranging from river and stream valleys at lower altitudes to mixed deciduous woodland, coniferous forests and Alpine meadows and lakes at higher altitudes and finally to rocky ridges and bare rugged peaks. The biodiversity and the pristine landscapes are protected by the Rila National Park which is among the largest and most valuable protected areas in Europe. It is the largest national park in Bulgaria covering an area of 313 square miles and it was established in February 1992 to protect several ecosystems of national importance. Its altitude varies from 2600 feet near Blagoevgrad to 9596 feet at the peak of Musala. It occupies territory from 4 of the 28 provinces of the country (Sofia, Kyustendil, Blagoevgrad and Pazardzhik) and it includes 4 nature reserves (Parangalitsa, Central Rila Reserve, Ibar and Skakavitsa). The Rila National Park falls within the Rodope montane mixed forests terrestrial eco-region of the Palearctic temperate broadleaf and mixed forest. Forests occupy 206.5 square miles or 66% of the total area. The Rila Mountains also contain the Rila Monastery Nature Park which is among the largest nature parks in Bulgaria covering an area of 97.5 square miles at an altitude between 2460 and 8901 feet. It was established in 1992 as part of the newly founded Rila National Park. In 2000 some territory of the Rila National Park was re-assigned to the Rila Monastery Nature Park and was recategorized as a nature park because by law all lands in national parks are exclusively state owned. Today most of the Rila Monastery Nature Park is owned by the Rila Monastery. The Rila Monastery Nature Park includes one nature reserve, namely the Rila Monastery Forest with an area of 14 square miles or 14% of its total area. The most recognisable landmark in the Rila Mountains is the Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila, better known as the Rila Monastery. This is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria and is situated in the deep valley of the River Rilska River within the Rila Monastery Nature Park at a height of 3763 feet. The monastery is named after its founder, the hermit Ivan of Rila (876 to 946 AD) and houses around 60 monks. Founded in the 10th century, the Rila Monastery is regarded as one of Bulgaria's most important cultural, historical and architectural monuments and is a key tourist attraction for both Bulgaria and south Europe. Due to its outstanding cultural and spiritual value it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. The Rila Mountains are also a popular destination for hiking, winter sports and spa tourism, hosting the nation's oldest ski resort at Borovets as well as numerous hiking trails. Date: 30th May 2018 Location: Kocherinovo-Stob area, Kyustendil Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13593638.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_358896994ec8da7902078.jpgLoch Scridain, Mull, Argyll Loch Scridain is located on the western coastline of the island of Mull in Argyll and is a large sea loch 12 miles in length and 2½ miles at its widest. Extending as far inland as Glen More, the area to the north is known as Ardmeanach while to the south lies the Ross of Mull. Date: 10th November 2011 Location: view from the northern shore http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45949773.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17876584466284ba1fbe98d.jpgCuckoo The Common Cuckoo, or simply Cuckoo in the UK, is a member of the Cuculiformes or cuckoo order of birds. The Common Cuckoo’s name is derived from the Latin cuculus (the cuckoo) and canorus (melodious, from canere, meaning to sing). The cuckoo family gets its common name and genus name from onomatopoeia for the call of the male Common Cuckoo. The Cuckoo is around 13 inches long from bill to tail with a tail of 5.1 to 5.9 inches and a wingspan of 22 to 24 inches. It has a greyish, slender body and long tail, similar to a Sparrowhawk in flight, where the wingbeats are regular. During the breeding season, the Cuckoo will often settle on an open perch with drooped wings and raised tail. All adult males are slate-grey and the grey throat extends well down the bird's breast with a sharp demarcation to the barred underparts. The iris, orbital ring, the base of the bill and feet are yellow. Grey adult females have a pinkish-buff or buff background to the barring and neck sides and sometimes small rufous spots on the median and greater coverts and the outer webs of the secondary feathers. Rufous morph adult females have reddish-brown upperparts with dark grey or black bars. The male Cuckoo's song is usually given from an open perch. During the breeding season the male typically gives the well-known vocalisation with intervals of 1 to 1.5 seconds and in groups of 10 to 20 with a rest of a few seconds between groups. The female has a loud bubbling call. The wings are drooped when the male Cuckoo is calling intensely and when in the vicinity of a potential female and it often wags its tail from side to side or the body may pivot from side to side. The Cuckoo is essentially a bird of open land and a widespread summer migrant to Europe and Asia. Birds arrive in Europe in April and leave between June and September for their wintering grounds in Africa. Between 1995 and 2015, the distribution of the Cuckoo within the UK has shifted towards the north with a decline by 69% in England but an increase by 33% in Scotland. The Cuckoo is a brood parasite, meaning that it lays its eggs in the nests of other birds. A female may visit up to 50 nests during a breeding season. More than 100 host species have been recorded: Meadow Pipit, Dunnock and Reed Warbler are the most common hosts in northern Europe; Garden Warbler, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail and Robin in central Europe; Brambling and Common Redstart in Finland; and Great Reed Warbler in Hungary. Female Cuckoos are divided into gentes i.e. groups of females favouring a particular host species' nest and laying eggs that match those of that species in colour and pattern. As the Cuckoo evolves to lay eggs that better imitate the host's eggs, the host species adapts and is more able to distinguish the Cuckoo egg. Research has shown that the female Cuckoo is able to keep its egg inside its body for an extra 24 hours before laying it in a host's nest. This means the Cuckoo chick can hatch before the host's chicks do and then it can eject the unhatched eggs from the nest. The Cuckoo chick hatches after 11 to 13 days and it methodically evicts all host eggs or chicks from the nest. It is a much larger bird than its host and it needs to monopolize the food supplied by the parents. The chick will roll the other eggs out of the nest by pushing them with its back over the edge. If the host's eggs hatch before the Cuckoo's, the Cuckoo chick will push the other chicks out of the nest in a similar way. At 14 days old, the Cuckoo chick is about 3 times the size of an adult Reed Warbler. Cuckoo chicks fledge about 17 to 21 days after hatching compared to 12 to 13 days for the Reed Warbler. The Cuckoo's diet consists of insects, with hairy caterpillars which are distasteful to many birds, being a specialty of preference. It will also occasionally eat eggs and chicks. Date: 3rd May 2022 Location: RSPB Canvey Wick, Canvey Island, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/black-throated-diver https://images.on-this.website/4752_1487417796595624765d74b0.55235796.jpgBlack-throated Diver The Black-throated Diver, known as the Black-throated Loon or Arctic Loon in north America, is an aquatic bird of the diver family found in the Northern Hemisphere. The adult Black-throated Diver is 23 to 30 inches in length with a 39 to 51 inches wingspan and it is shaped like a smaller, sleeker version of the Great Northern Diver. The breeding adult has a grey head and hindneck with a black throat and a large black patch on the foreneck, both of which have a soft purple gloss. The lower throat has a necklace-shaped patch of short parallel white lines. The sides of the throat have about 5 long parallel white lines that start at the side of the patch on the lower throat and run down to the chest which also has a pattern of parallel white and black lines. The rest of the underparts, including the centre of the chest, are a pure white. The upperparts are blackish down to the base of the wing where there are a few rows of high contrast white squares that cover the mantle and scapulars. There are small white spots on both the lesser and median coverts. The rest of the upperwing is a blackish colour. The underwing is paler than the upperwing and the underwing coverts are white. The tail is blackish. The bill and legs are black. The sexes are alike. The non-breeding adult differs from the breeding adult in that the cap and the back of the neck are more brownish. The non-breeding adult also lacks the patterned upperparts of the breeding adult although some of the upperwing coverts do not lose their white spots. This results in the upperparts being an almost unpatterned black from above. The sides of the throat are usually darker at the white border separating the sides of the throat and the front of the throat. Most of the time a thin dark necklace between these areas can be seen. There is white on the sides of the head that are below the eye. The bill is a steel-grey with, similar to the breeding adult, a blackish tip. The Black-throated Diver breeds in Eurasia and occasionally in western Alaska. It winters at sea as well as on large lakes over a much wider range. In the UK, the Black-throated Diver can be found on lochs in the Scottish Highlands in summer and around sheltered coasts in winter, especially the Moray Firth in north east Scotland, the west coast of Scotland and the north east and south west coasts of England. In addition, it is sometimes seen on inland reservoirs and lakes. In the breeding season, the Black-throated Diver can be found on isolated, deep freshwater lakes especially those with inlets since it prefers to face small stretches of open water. It protects this territory and will often return to the site to nest near it. The oval-shaped nest is usually located within 3 feet of the body of water it nests near and is made out of heaped plant material, leaves and sticks. It also sometimes nests on vegetation that has emerged from lakes. In the southern part of its range, the Black-throated Diver starts to breed in April whereas in the northern part of its range, it waits until the spring thaw. It will usually arrive before the lake thaws in the latter case. The Black-throated Diver lays a clutch of 2, very rarely 1 or 3, eggs which are incubated by both parents for a period of 27 to 29 days, with the female spending the most time out of the sexes incubating. The hatched, mobile chicks are fed by both parents for a period of several weeks and fledge about 60 to 65 days after hatching. Nesting success (i.e. whether or not at least a single chick will hatch from any given nest) is variable with the rate of success ranging from just under 30% to just over 90%. The nesting success is influenced primarily by predation and flooding as well as disturbance and this makes the Black-throated Diver a vulnerable as well as a rare breeding species. The Black-throated Diver feeds on fish and sometimes insects, molluscs, crustaceans and plant matter. It usually forages by itself or in pairs but sometimes in small groups. It dives with consummate ease from the surface into the water at depths of no more than about 15 feet. These dives are frequent and most are successful. Those that are successful are usually shorter than those that are unsuccessful with an average of 17 seconds for each successful dive and 27 seconds for each unsuccessful dive. These dives usually result in only small food items being caught and those that are more profitable are usually more than 40 seconds where the bird catches quick-swimming fish. When they are breeding, the adults will usually feed away from the nest, either at the end of the breeding lake away from the nest or at lakes near the breeding lake. When foraging for newly hatched chicks, one of the adults will forage in the lake that the nest is at or in nearby lakes, returning to the nest after a prey item has been caught. When the chicks are older, they will usually accompany both of the parents, and swim a short distance behind them. Date: 21st June 2017 Location: Loch Shin, Lairg, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50809814.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_810170186660bd81480410.jpgDunnock The Dunnock is a small passerine bird and the most widespread member of the genus Prunella, the accentor family which otherwise consists of mountain species. Other common names for the Dunnock include the Hedge Sparrow or Hedge Accentor. The Dunnock is about the size of a Robin. It has a generally drab brown streaked appearance with a grey head and a fine pointed bill. Both sexes are similar. It is quiet and unobtrusive and is frequently seen on its own, creeping along and moving with a rather nervous, shuffling gait often flicking its wings. The Dunnock is native to large areas of Eurasia where it is the only commonly found accentor in lowland areas. It can be found throughout the UK all the year round in any well vegetated areas with scrub, brambles and hedges and also in deciduous woodland, farmland edges, parks and gardens. The Dunnock is territorial and may engage in conflict with other birds that encroach upon their nesting areas. The Dunnock possesses variable mating systems. Females are often polyandrous, breeding with 2 or more males at once which is quite rare among birds. This multiple mating system leads to the development of sperm competition amongst the male suitors. DNA fingerprinting has shown that chicks within a brood often have different fathers depending on the success of the males at monopolising the female. Males try to ensure their paternity by pecking at the cloaca of the female to stimulate ejection of rival males' sperm. Males provide parental care in proportion to their mating success so 2 males and a female can commonly be seen provisioning nestlings at one nest. Other mating systems also exist within Dunnock populations depending on the ratio of male to females and the overlap of territories. When only a single female and a single male territory overlap, monogamy is preferred. Sometimes, 2 or 3 adjacent female territories overlap a single male territory and so polygyny is favoured with the male monopolising several females. Polygynandry also exists in which 2 males jointly defend a territory containing several females. Polyandry, however, is the most common mating system of the Dunnock. Depending on the population, males generally have the best reproductive success in polygynous populations whilst females have the advantage during polyandry. Studies have illustrated the fluidity of Dunnock mating systems. When food is in abundance, female territory size is reduced drastically. Consequently, males can more easily monopolise the females. Thus, the mating system can be shifted from one that favours female success (polyandry) to one that favours male success (monogamy, polygynandry or polygyny). The Dunnock builds a neat nest predominantly from twigs and moss and lined with soft materials such as wool or feathers which is located low in a bush. The female typically lays 3 to 5 eggs. Broods, depending on the population, can be raised by a lone female, multiple females with the part-time help of a male, multiple females with full-time help by a male or by multiple females and multiple males. Parental care varies according to the type of relationship. Date: 1st April 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26270297.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2108114625566551e7245ee.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 4th December 2015 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42524873.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1467073986098f9c83b7ac.jpgCanada Goose The Canada Goose belongs to the Branta genus of geese which contains species with largely black plumage distinguishing it from the grey species of the genus Anser. The black head and neck with a white "chinstrap" distinguish the Canada Goose from all other goose species with the exception of the Cackling Goose from north America and the Barnacle Goose which has a black breast and grey rather than brownish body plumage. The 7 sub-species of the Canada Goose vary widely in size and plumage details but all are recognizable as Canada Geese. Of the "true geese" (i.e. the genera Anser, Branta or Chen), the Canada Goose is on average the largest living species. It ranges from 30 to 43 inches in length and with a 50 to 73 inches wingspan. The male usually weighs 5.7 to 14.3 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 8.6 pounds. The female looks virtually identical but is slightly lighter at 5.3 to 12.1 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 7.9 pounds. It is also generally 10% smaller in linear dimensions than the male. The Canada Goose is native to north America where it breeds in Canada and the north USA in a wide range of habitats. The Great Lakes region maintains a very large population. It occurs all year round in the southern part of its breeding range, including most of the eastern seaboard and the Pacific coast. Between California and South Carolina in the south USA and north Mexico, it is primarily present as a migrant from further north during the winter. Outside north America, the Canada Goose has reached north Europe naturally as has been proved by ringing recoveries. It has also been introduced in to Europe and had established populations in the UK in the middle of the 18th century, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany and Scandinavia. Most European populations are not migratory but those in more northerly parts of Sweden and Finland migrate to the North Sea and Baltic coasts. Semi-tame feral birds are common in parks and have become a pest in some areas. In the early 17th century, explorer Samuel de Champlain sent several pairs of Canada Geese to France as a present for King Louis XIII. Canada Geese were first introduced in to the UK in the late 17th century as an addition to King James II's waterfowl collection in St. James's Park. They were also introduced in to Germany and Scandinavia during the 20th century. During the second year of its life, the Canada Goose finds a mate. It is a monogamous species and most couples stay together all of their lives. If one dies, the other may find a new mate. The female lays from 2 to 9 eggs with an average of 5. Both parents protect the nest while the eggs incubate but the female spends more time at the nest than the male. The nest is usually located in an elevated area near water such as streams, lakes and ponds and the eggs are laid in a shallow depression lined with plant material and down. The incubation period, in which the female incubates the eggs while the male remains nearby, lasts for 24 to 28 days after laying. As soon as the goslings hatch, they are immediately capable of walking, swimming and finding their own food (a diet similar to the adults). Parents are often seen leading their goslings in a line, usually with one adult at the front and the other at the back. While protecting their goslings, parents often violently chase away anything from small birds to lone humans who approach, after warning them by giving off a hissing sound and then attacking with bites and slaps of the wings if the threat does not retreat. Although parents are hostile to unfamiliar geese, they may form groups (crèches) of a number of goslings and a few adults. The goslings enter the fledgling stage any time from 6 to 9 weeks of age. Once it reaches adulthood, due to its large size and often aggressive behaviour, the Canada Goose is rarely preyed on although prior injury may make it more vulnerable to natural predators. The lifespan in the wild of birds that survive to adulthood ranges from 10 to 24 years. The UK longevity record is held by a specimen tagged as a nestling which was observed alive at the age of 31. The Canada Goose is primarily a herbivore although it will sometimes eat small insects and fish. Their diet includes grasses, aquatic plants, beans and grains such as wheat, rice, and corn when they are available. In urban areas, it is also known to pick food out of rubbish bins and it will readily take a variety of food from humans in parks. Date: 7th April 2021 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071688.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_103491313366433583ea76c.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 4th May 2023 Location: Bwlch Nant yr Arian, Llywernog, Ceredigion http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17408546.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13488114745133283d2ada8.jpgMagpie The Eurasian Magpie, often simply known as the Magpie, is one of several birds in the crow family [i] Corvidae[/i] designated as a Magpie. In Europe, Magpie is generally used by English speakers to describe the Eurasian Magpie. The only other species in Europe is the Iberian Magpie or Azure-winged Magpie which is limited to the Iberian peninsula. The adult male Magpie is 17 to 18 inches in length, of which more than half is the tail. The wingspan is 20 to 24 inches. The head, neck and breast are glossy black with a metallic green and violet sheen, the belly and scapulars are pure white, the wings are black glossed with green or purple and the primaries have white inner webs, conspicuous when the wing is open. The graduated tail is black, glossed with green and reddish purple. The legs and bill are black and the iris is dark brown. The plumage of the sexes is similar but the female is slightly smaller. The young resemble the adults but are at first without much of the gloss on the sooty plumage and the tail is much shorter. The Magpie can be found across temperate Eurasia from Spain and Ireland in the west to the Kamchatka Peninsula in the east. It has also been introduced in Japan on the island of Kyushu. The preferred habitat of the Magpie is open countryside with scattered trees and it is normally absent from treeless areas and dense forests. It sometimes breeds at high densities in suburban settings such as parks and gardens and it can often be found close to the centre of cities. The Magpie is normally sedentary and spends winters close to its breeding areas but birds living near the northern limit of their range in Scandinavia and Russia can move south in harsh weather. Some Magpies breed after their first year whilst others remain in non-breeding flocks and first breed in their second year. The Magpie is monogamous and pairs often remain together from one breeding season to the next and generally occupy the same territory in successive years. Mating takes place in spring. In the courtship display, males rapidly raise and depress their head feathers, uplift, open and close their tails like fans and call in soft tones quite distinct from their usual chatter. The loose feathers of the flanks are brought over the primaries, and the shoulder patch is spread so the white is conspicuous, presumably to attract females. Short buoyant flights and chases follow. The Magpie prefers tall trees for their bulky nest, firmly attaching them to a central fork in the upper branches. A framework of sticks is cemented with earth and clay and a lining of the same is covered with fine roots. Above is a stout though loosely built dome of prickly branches with a single well concealed entrance. These huge nests are conspicuous when the leaves fall. Where trees are scarce, though even in well-wooded country, nests are at times built in bushes and hedgerows. In Europe, the eggs are typically laid in April and clutches usually contain 5 or 6 eggs. The eggs are incubated for 21 to 22 days by the female who is fed on the nest by the male. The chicks are brooded by the female for the first 5 to 10 days and fed by both parents. The nestlings open their eyes 7 to 8 days after hatching and their body feathers start to appear after around 8 days and the primary wing feathers after 10 days. Fledging takes place at around 27 days and the parents then continue to feed the young for several more weeks. The parents also protect the young from predators since their ability to fly is poor, making them vulnerable. On average, only 3 or 4 chicks survive to fledge successfully. Some nests are lost to predators but an important factor causing nestling mortality is starvation. Eggs hatch asynchronously and if the parents have difficulty finding sufficient food, the last chicks to hatch are unlikely to survive. The Magpie is omnivorous, eating young birds and eggs, small mammals, insects, scraps and carrion, acorns, grain and other vegetable substances. The Magpie is believed not only to be among the most intelligent of birds but among the most intelligent of all animals. Along with the Jackdaw, the Magpie's nidopallium area of the brain is approximately the same relative size as those in Chimpanzees and humans. Like other corvids, such as the Raven and Carrion crow, the total brain-to-body mass ratio is equal to most great apes and cetaceans. A 2004 review suggests that the intelligence of the corvid family to which the Magpie belongs is equivalent to that of great apes (Chimpanzees, Orangutans and Gorillas) in terms of social cognition, causal reasoning, flexibility, imagination and prospection. The Magpie has an extremely large range and a very large population. The population trend in Europe has been stable since 1980 and there is no evidence of any serious overall decline in numbers so the species is classified by the IUCN as being of “Least Concern”. In Europe, the Magpie has been historically demonized by humans, mainly as a result of folklore, superstition and myth and its reputation as an omen of ill fortune. The Magpie has also been attacked for their role as a predator which includes eating other birds' eggs and their young. However, different studies have reached different conclusions on their impact on the populations of other birds. Date: 13th January 2013 Location: Pennington Flash, Greater Manchester http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49276694.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18294183896499628eb1738.jpgGoldfinch The European Goldfinch or simply the Goldfinch is a small passerine bird in the finch family. The Goldfinch is 4.7 to 5.1 inches in length with a wingspan of 8.3 to 9.8 inches. The sexes are broadly similar, with a red face, black and white head, warm brown upper parts, white underparts with buff flanks and breast patches and black and yellow wings. On closer inspection, males can often be distinguished by a larger, darker red mask that extends just behind the eye. The shoulder feathers are black, whereas they are brown on the female. In females, the red face does not extend past the eye. The ivory-coloured bill is long and pointed and the tail is forked. Juveniles have a plain head and a greyer back but are unmistakable due to the yellow wing stripe. The Goldfinch is native to Europe, north Africa and west and central Asia. It is found in open, partially wooded lowlands and it is a resident in the milder west of its range but migrates from colder regions. It will also make local movements, even in the west, to escape bad weather. It has been introduced to many areas of the world. In the UK, the Goldfinch can be seen anywhere there are scattered bushes and trees, rough ground with thistles and other seeding plants, including orchards, parks, gardens, heathland and commons. It is less common in upland areas and most numerous in the south of England. The nest is built entirely by the female Goldfinch and is generally completed within a week. It is neat and compact and constructed of mosses and lichens and lined with plant down such as that from thistles. It is generally located several feet above the ground, hidden by leaves in the twigs at the end of a branch. The female typically lays 4 to 6 eggs which are incubated for 11 to 13 days. The chicks are fed by both parents. Initially they receive a mixture of seeds and insects but as they grow the proportion of insect material decreases. For the first 7 to 9 days the young are brooded by the female. The nestlings fledge 13 to 18 days after hatching. The young birds are fed by both parents for a further 7 to 9 days. The parents typically raise 2 broods each year and occasionally 3. The Goldfinch's preferred food is small seeds such as those from thistles and teasels but insects are also taken when feeding young. It also regularly visits bird feeders in winter. The Goldfinch is commonly kept and bred in captivity around the world because of its distinctive appearance and pleasant song. In the UK during the 19th century, many thousands of Goldfinches were trapped each year to be sold as cage birds. One of the earliest campaigns of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was directed against this trade. Date: 7th June 2023 Location: Rhosson campsite near St. David's, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/eyjafjallajkull-south-iceland https://images.on-this.website/4752_1262293104561ccbfe106df.jpgEyjafjallajökull, south Iceland Eyjafjallajökull is located to the north of Skógar and to the west of Mýrdalsjökull in south Iceland. Eyjafjallajökull consists of a volcano completely covered by an ice cap. The ice cap covers an area of about 39 square miles and feeds many outlet glaciers mainly to the north. The mountain itself is a stratovolcano and stands 5417 feet at its highest point. It has a crater 1.9 to 2.5 miles in diameter which is open to the north. The crater rim has 3 main peaks: Guðnasteinn, Hámundur and Goðasteinn. The south face of the mountain was once part of Iceland's Atlantic coastline but over thousands of years the sea has retreated some 3 miles. The former coastline now consists of sheer cliffs with many waterfalls (of which the best known is Skógafoss) but the area between Eyjafjallajökull and the present coast is a relatively flat strand, 1 to 3 miles wide, called Eyjafjöll. Eyjafjallajökull has erupted relatively frequently since the last glacial period, most recently and notably in 2010. On 26th February 2010, unusual seismic activity along with rapid expansion of the Earth's crust was registered by the Meteorological Institute of Iceland. This gave geophysicists evidence that magma was pouring from underneath the crust into the magma chamber of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano. Pressure stemming from the process caused the huge crustal displacement at Þorvaldseyri farm. The seismic activity continued to increase and from 3rd to 5th March 2010 almost 3000 earthquakes were measured at the epicentre of the volcano. The eruption is thought to have begun on 20th March 2010 about 5 miles east of the top crater of Eyjafjallajökull on Fimmvörðuháls, the high neck between Eyjafjallajökull and the neighbouring icecap of Mýrdalsjökull. This first eruption, in the form of a fissure vent, did not occur under the glacier and was smaller in scale than had been expected by some geologists. On 14th April 2010 Eyjafjallajökull resumed erupting after a brief pause, this time from the top crater in the centre of the glacier, causing meltwater floods to rush down the nearby rivers and requiring 800 people to be evacuated. This eruption was explosive in nature due to melt water getting into the volcanic vent. It was estimated to be 10 to 20 times larger than the previous one in Fimmvörðuháls. This second eruption threw volcanic ash several miles up in the atmosphere which led to the closure of airspace and air travel disruption in north west Europe for 6 days from 15th April to 21st April 2010. It caused a significant delay in my own return from a [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/trip-report-north-finland-and]trip to north Norway and north Finland[/url] On 23rd May 2010, the eruption was declared to have stopped but monitoring continued. The volcano continued to have several earthquakes daily but since August 2010 Eyjafjallajökull has been considered dormant. Date: 8th June 2015 Location: Þorvaldseyri Visitor Centre at Hvolsvöllur near Eyjafjallajökull http://www.richardchewphotography.com/barnacle-geese-13 https://images.on-this.website/4752_119632152c0035442bd7.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 9th December 2013 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41352921.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17427605265f215743e9e90.jpgRed Admiral Flight period: April to November. The Red Admiral is a familiar and widespread butterfly in the UK although numbers depend on immigration from Europe. It can be found in any flower-rich habitat. Date: 21st July 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17408541.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18529624285133281a1b7f9.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 13th January 2013 Location: Pennington Flash, Greater Manchester http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21959308.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_157036703153da78288c87a.jpgArctic Tern The Arctic Tern is a seabird of the tern family. The adult plumage is grey above with a black nape and crown and white cheeks. The upperwings are pale grey with the area near the wingtip being translucent. The tail is white and the underparts pale grey. The beak is dark red as are the short legs and webbed feet. Like most terns, the Arctic Tern has high aspect ratio wings and a tail with a deep fork and long tail streamers. Both sexes are similar in appearance. The winter plumage is similar but the crown is whiter and the bills are darker. Juveniles differ from adults having black bill and legs, "scaly" appearing wings and mantle with dark feather tips, dark carpal wing bar and short tail streamers. During their first summer, juveniles also have a whiter forecrown. Whilst the Arctic Tern is similar to the Common and the Roseate Tern, its colouring, profile and call are slightly different. Compared to the Common Tern, it has a longer tail and mono-coloured bill, whilst the main differences from the Roseate Tern are its slightly darker colour and longer wings. The Arctic Tern has a circumpolar breeding distribution covering the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of Europe, Asia and north America. It is strongly migratory and sees 2 summers each year and more daylight than any other creature on the planet. It migrates along a convoluted route from its northern summer breeding grounds to the northern edge of the Antarctic coast for the southern summer and back again about 6 months later. In the UK, breeding Arctic Terns can best be seen on islands such as the Farne Islands in Northumberland or Orkney and Shetland in northern Scotland where the greatest densities occur. Recent studies have shown average annual roundtrip lengths of 25000 to 50000 miles depending on the route taken and weather and wind conditions. The Arctic Tern is a long-lived bird with many reaching 30 years of age and based on this average it will travel some 1.5 million miles during its lifetime. This is by far the longest migration known in the animal kingdom. Breeding takes place in colonies on coasts, islands and occasionally inland on tundra near water. The Arctic Tern often forms mixed colonies with the Common Tern and Sandwich Tern. As it nests on the ground, the Arctic Tern is vulnerable to predation but it is one of the most aggressive terns and it is fiercely defensive of its nest and young. It will attack humans and large predators, usually striking the top or back of the head. Although it is too small to cause serious injury, it is still capable of drawing blood and repelling many raptorial birds and smaller mammalian predators such as foxes and cats. Other nesting birds, such as auks, often incidentally benefit from the protection provided by nesting in an area defended by Arctic Terns. The diet of the Arctic Tern varies depending on location and time but it usually eats small fish or marine crustaceans by dipping down to the surface of the water to catch prey. While feeding, skuas, gulls and other tern species will often harass the birds and steal their food. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Inner Farne, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46511678.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_160508613062c9923ed818f.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 8th May 2022 Location: RSPB Ynys-hir, Ceredigion http://www.richardchewphotography.com/raven https://images.on-this.website/4752_2656722384e0974fcd9967.jpgRaven The Common Raven, also known as the Northern Raven or simply as the Raven, is a large passerine bird in the crow family [i]Corvidae[/i]. There are considered to be 8 to 11 geographical sub-species. The closest relatives of the Raven are the Brown-necked Raven found in north Africa and the Middle East, the Pied Crow found from sub-Saharan Africa down to south Africa and the Chihuahuan Raven found in south west and mid west USA and north Mexico. The adult Raven ranges from 21 inches to 26 inches in length with a wingspan of 45 to 51 inches. Recorded weights range from 1.5 to 4.5 pounds making the Raven one of the heaviest passerines. Birds from colder regions are generally larger and heavier compared with those from warmer regions. The Raven has a mostly black iridescent plumage. The bill is large and slightly curved and it is one of the largest bills amongst passerines. It has a longish, strongly graduated tail at 8 to 10.5 inches. The throat feathers are elongated and pointed and the base of the neck feathers are pale brownish-grey. Juvenile plumage is similar but duller. Apart from its greater size, the Raven differs from other crows by having a larger and heavier black beak, shaggy feathers around the throat and above the beak and a wedge-shaped tail. Flying Ravens are distinguished from crows by their tail shape, larger wing area and more stable soaring style which generally involves less wing flapping. Despite their bulk, the Raven is easily as agile in flight as the smaller crows. Between 15 to 30 categories of vocalization have been recorded for the Raven, most of which are used for social interaction. Apart from its wide and complex vocabulary, the Raven can mimic sounds from their environment including human speech. Non-vocal sounds produced by the Raven include wing whistles and bill snapping. If a member of a pair is lost, its mate reproduces the calls of its lost partner to encourage its return. The Raven can thrive in varied climates and it has the largest range of any member of the crow family and one of the largest of any passerine. It ranges throughout the Holarctic region from the Arctic and temperate habitats in north America and Eurasia to the deserts of north Africa and to the islands in the Pacific Ocean. In the UK, the Raven is most common in the upland areas of south west England, Wales, the north Pennines and the Lake District and much of Scotland. The Raven is generally resident within its range for the whole year although some birds may move south from the Arctic regions in winter. It can be found in a wide variety of environments but it prefers wooded areas with large expanses of open land nearby or coastal regions for their nesting sites and feeding grounds. The Raven is usually seen in mated pairs although young birds may form flocks. Relationships between Ravens are often quarrelsome yet they demonstrate considerable devotion to their families. Juvenile Ravens begin to court at a very early age but may not bond for another 2 or 3 years. Aerial acrobatics, demonstrations of intelligence and the ability to provide food are key behaviours of courting. Once paired, Ravens tend to nest together for life and usually in the same location. Breeding pairs must have a territory of their own before they begin nest building and reproduction and thus they aggressively defend a territory and its food resources. Nesting territories vary in size according to the availability of food resources in the area. The nest is a deep bowl made of large sticks and twigs bound with an inner layer of roots, mud and bark and lined with a softer material such as deer fur. It is usually built in a large tree or on a cliff ledge or less frequently in old buildings or utility poles. The female lays between 3 to 7 eggs and incubation by the female only is about 18 to 21 days. In most of the range, egg laying begins in late February although in colder climates it is as late as April. The young are fed by both parents and fledge after 35 to 42 days. They stay with their parents for another 6 months after fledging. Owing to its size, gregariousness and its defensive abilities, the Raven has few natural predators. The eggs and young are preyed on, albeit rarely, by large hawks and eagles, large owls, martens and canids. The adults are often successful in defending their young and drive off predators by flying at them and lunging with their large bills. The Raven can be very long-lived especially in captive or protected conditions. Individuals at the Tower of London have lived for more than 40 years but lifespans in the wild are considerably shorter at typically 10 to 15 years. The Raven is omnivorous and highly opportunistic and its diet may vary widely with location, season and luck. It will prey on small invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, small mammals and birds and scavenge by feeding on carrion as well as the associated maggots and carrion beetles. Plant food includes cereal grains, berries and fruit. It may also consume the undigested portions of animal faeces and human food waste. The Raven will store surplus food items, especially those containing fat, and it will learn to hide such food out of the sight of other Ravens. It will also raid the food caches of other species such as the Arctic Fox and it will sometimes associate with another canine, such as the Wolf, as a kleptoparasite, following them to scavenge kills in winter. The crow family is well known for its intelligence and the brain of the Raven is among the largest of any bird species. Through extensive scientific experimentation, it has been proven that the Raven displays ability in problem-solving as well as other cognitive processes such as imitation and insight. In addition, there has been increasing recognition of the extent to which the Raven engages in play with others of its own species or with other mammals and birds. Juveniles are among the most playful of bird species. The Raven is also known for spectacular aerobatic displays such as flying in loops or interlocking talons with each other in flight. Over the centuries, the Raven has been the subject of mythology, folklore, art and literature. In many cultures, including the indigenous cultures of Scandinavia, ancient Ireland and Wales, Bhutan, the north west coast of north America, Siberia and north east Asia, the Raven has been revered as a spiritual figure or god-like creature. Date: 11th June 2011 Location: Dunnet Head, Caithness http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50570903.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_183685575565ccce5898008.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 17th January 2024 Location: Lee Navigation Canal, Lee Valley Regional Park, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/magpie https://images.on-this.website/4752_108633443260a9316881cf3.jpgMagpie The Eurasian Magpie, often simply known as the Magpie, is one of several birds in the crow family Corvidae designated as a Magpie. In Europe, Magpie is generally used by English speakers to describe the Eurasian Magpie. The only other species in Europe is the Iberian Magpie or Azure-winged Magpie which is limited to the Iberian peninsula. The adult male Magpie is 17 to 18 inches in length, of which more than half is the tail. The wingspan is 20 to 24 inches. The head, neck and breast are glossy black with a metallic green and violet sheen, the belly and scapulars are pure white, the wings are black glossed with green or purple and the primaries have white inner webs, conspicuous when the wing is open. The graduated tail is black, glossed with green and reddish purple. The legs and bill are black and the iris is dark brown. The plumage of the sexes is similar but the female is slightly smaller. The young resemble the adults but are at first without much of the gloss on the sooty plumage and the tail is much shorter. The Magpie can be found across temperate Eurasia from Spain and Ireland in the west to the Kamchatka Peninsula in the east. It has also been introduced in Japan on the island of Kyushu. The preferred habitat of the Magpie is open countryside with scattered trees and it is normally absent from treeless areas and dense forests. It sometimes breeds at high densities in suburban settings such as parks and gardens and it can often be found close to the centre of cities. The Magpie is normally sedentary and spends winters close to its breeding areas but birds living near the northern limit of their range in Scandinavia and Russia can move south in harsh weather. Some Magpies breed after their first year whilst others remain in non-breeding flocks and first breed in their second year. The Magpie is monogamous and pairs often remain together from one breeding season to the next and generally occupy the same territory in successive years. Mating takes place in spring. In the courtship display, males rapidly raise and depress their head feathers, uplift, open and close their tails like fans and call in soft tones quite distinct from their usual chatter. The loose feathers of the flanks are brought over the primaries, and the shoulder patch is spread so the white is conspicuous, presumably to attract females. Short buoyant flights and chases follow. The Magpie prefers tall trees for their bulky nest, firmly attaching them to a central fork in the upper branches. A framework of sticks is cemented with earth and clay and a lining of the same is covered with fine roots. Above is a stout though loosely built dome of prickly branches with a single well concealed entrance. These huge nests are conspicuous when the leaves fall. Where trees are scarce, though even in well-wooded country, nests are at times built in bushes and hedgerows. In Europe, the eggs are typically laid in April and clutches usually contain 5 or 6 eggs. The eggs are incubated for 21 to 22 days by the female who is fed on the nest by the male. The chicks are brooded by the female for the first 5 to 10 days and fed by both parents. The nestlings open their eyes 7 to 8 days after hatching and their body feathers start to appear after around 8 days and the primary wing feathers after 10 days. Fledging takes place at around 27 days and the parents then continue to feed the young for several more weeks. The parents also protect the young from predators since their ability to fly is poor, making them vulnerable. On average, only 3 or 4 chicks survive to fledge successfully. Some nests are lost to predators but an important factor causing nestling mortality is starvation. Eggs hatch asynchronously and if the parents have difficulty finding sufficient food, the last chicks to hatch are unlikely to survive. The Magpie is omnivorous, eating young birds and eggs, small mammals, insects, scraps and carrion, acorns, grain and other vegetable substances. The Magpie is believed not only to be among the most intelligent of birds but among the most intelligent of all animals. Along with the Jackdaw, the Magpie's nidopallium area of the brain is approximately the same relative size as those in Chimpanzees and humans. Like other corvids, such as the Raven and Carrion crow, the total brain-to-body mass ratio is equal to most great apes and cetaceans. A 2004 review suggests that the intelligence of the corvid family to which the Magpie belongs is equivalent to that of great apes (Chimpanzees, Orangutans and Gorillas) in terms of social cognition, causal reasoning, flexibility, imagination and prospection. The Magpie has an extremely large range and a very large population. The population trend in Europe has been stable since 1980 and there is no evidence of any serious overall decline in numbers so the species is classified by the IUCN as being of “Least Concern”. In Europe, the Magpie has been historically demonized by humans, mainly as a result of folklore, superstition and myth and its reputation as an omen of ill fortune. The Magpie has also been attacked for their role as a predator which includes eating other birds' eggs and their young. However, different studies have reached different conclusions on their impact on the populations of other birds. Date: 18th April 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50809809.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_693962973660bce95cd4bd.jpgMale Blackcap The Eurasian Blackcap, usually known simply as the Blackcap, is a typical warbler in the Sylvia genus. It is a mainly grey warbler with distinct male and female plumages. It is about 5.1 inches long with a 2.8 to 3.1 inches wing span. The adult male has olive-grey upperparts, other than a paler grey nape, and a neat black cap on the head. The underparts are light grey, becoming silvery white on the chin, throat and upper breast. The tail is dark grey with an olive tint to the outer edge of each feather. The bill and long legs are grey and the iris is reddish brown. The female resembles the male but has a reddish-brown cap and a slightly browner tone to the grey of the upperparts. Juveniles are similar to the female but their upperparts have a slight rufous tinge and the breast and flanks have a more olive tone. Young males have a darker brown cap than their female counterparts. The Blackcap is unmistakable and other dark-headed Sylvia species, such as the Sardinian Warbler and the Orphean Warbler, have extensive black on the head instead of a small cap and they are also larger and have white edges on the tail. The male Blackcap's song is a rich musical warbling, often ending in a loud high-pitched crescendo, which is given in bursts of up to 30 seconds. The song is repeated for about 2 minutes with a short pause before each repetition. The main song can be confused with that of the Garden Warbler but it is slightly higher pitched than in that species, more broken into discrete song segments and less mellow. Both species have a quiet sub-song, a muted version of the full song, which is even harder to separate. The Blackcap also occasionally mimics the song of other birds, the most frequently copied including the Garden Warbler and the Nightingale. The Blackcap’s breeding range includes much of Europe, west Asia and north west Africa and its preferred habitat is mature deciduous woodland. Birds on the Mediterranean and Atlantic islands and in the milder west and south of the main Eurasian distribution often winter within the breeding range but populations elsewhere are migratory. The Blackcap is a “leap-frog migrant” meaning that birds from the north of the breeding range travel furthest south whereas Mediterranean breeders move much shorter distances. The wintering areas overlap with the breeding range but also include extensive areas in west Africa, east Africa south to Lake Malawi and further north in Ethiopia, South Sudan and Eritrea. There is a migratory divide in Europe at longitude 10 to 11°E. Birds to the west of this line migrate south west towards Iberia or west Africa whereas populations to the east migrate to the east Mediterranean and on to east Africa. Climate change appears to be affecting the migration pattern of the Blackcap. It is arriving in Europe earlier than previously and departing nearly 2 weeks later than in the 1980s. In recent decades, some central European birds have taken to wintering in gardens in the UK and, to a lesser extent, in Ireland, where the Blackcap was formerly just a summer visitor. Although the UK climate is sub-optimal, compensatory factors include the ready availability of food (particularly from bird tables), a shorter migration distance and the avoidance of the Alps and the Sahara Desert. The Blackcap's main breeding habitat is mature deciduous woodland with good scrub cover below the trees. Other habitats, such as parks, large gardens and overgrown hedges, are used as long as they meet the essential requirements of tall trees for song posts and an established under-story. Where other Sylvia warblers also breed, the Blackcap tends to use taller trees than its relatives, preferably those with a good canopy such as pedunculate oak. The preferred winter habitat around the Mediterranean is scrub and olive orchards. In Africa, habitats include cultivated land, acacia scrub, mangroves and forest. When the male Blackcap returns to its breeding range, it establishes a territory. Adults that have previously bred return to the site they have used in previous summers whereas inexperienced birds either wander until they find a suitable area or establish a very large initial territory which contracts under pressure from neighbours. Territorial boundaries are established initially by loud singing which is performed while the male displays with its crown raised, tail fanned and slow wingbeats. Sylvia warblers are unusual in that they vigorously defend their territories against other members of their genus. Blackcaps and Garden Warblers use almost identical habitats yet aggressive interactions mean that their territories rarely overlap. The Blackcap first breeds at 1 year old. It is mainly monogamous although both sexes may sometimes deviate from this. A male attracts a female to his territory through song and a display involving raising the black crown feathers, fluffing the tail, slow wingbeats and a short flapping flight. He also builds one or more simple nests (cock nests) usually near his song post. The final nest, which may be one of the cock nests or built from scratch, is a neat cup of roots, stems and grasses lined with fine material such as hair. The nest is built in the cover of bramble, scrub or trees and it is constructed mainly by the female and may be up to 15 feet above the ground although lower than 3 feet is more typical. The clutch is 2 to 7 eggs (typically 4 to 6) which are incubated by both adults for 10 to 16 days (average 11 days). The chicks are fed by both parents and fledge about 11 to 12 days after hatching, leaving the nest shortly before they are able to fly. They are assisted with feeding for a further 2 or 3 weeks. The Blackcap normally raises just 1 brood but second broods are sometimes recorded, particularly in the milder climate of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic islands. The Blackcap feeds mainly on insects during the breeding season and then switches to fruit in late summer, the change being triggered by an internal biological rhythm. When migrants arrive on their breeding territories they initially take berries, pollen and nectar if there are insufficient insects available but then soon switch to their preferred diet. The Blackcap mainly picks prey off foliage and twigs but it may occasionally hover, flycatch or feed on the ground. It eats a wide range of invertebrate prey, although aphids are particularly important early in the season, and flies, beetles and caterpillars are also taken in large numbers. In July, the diet switches increasingly to a wide range of small fruit. The protein needed for egg-laying and for the chicks to grow is replaced by fruit sugar which helps the birds to fatten for migration. Aphids are still taken while they are available since they often contain sugars from the plant sap on which they feed. The Blackcap has a very large range and a very large population. It is therefore classified by the IUCN as being of “Least Concern”. The Blackcap and other small birds are illegally trapped and hunted in large numbers in Mediterranean countries, particularly in Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, Malta, Libya, Egypt and Cyprus, where they are considered as a delicacy. Despite hunting and natural hazards, the European population of the Blackcap has been increasing for several decades as the range extends northwards. There are occasional nesting records from outside the main range such as in north Israel and the Faroe Islands and wandering birds may appear further afield in Iceland or on the islands of Arctic Russia. In the Baltic region, the spread of the Blackcap appears to have been helped by the availability of territories formerly occupied by the declining Barred Warbler. Date: 30th March 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12744418.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5834503384e705b3b4e44e.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal Common Seals feed at sea but regularly haul out on to rocky shores or inter-tidal sandbanks to rest, to give birth and to suckle their pups. The most important haul-out areas are around the coast of Scotland, particularly in the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland, and on the east coast of England in the Wash. The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 1st June 2008 Location: Noss, Shetland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/yellowhammer https://images.on-this.website/4752_3482749824daea1f1749d8.jpgYellowhammer The Yellowhammer is a passerine bird in the bunting family. The bird family [i]Emberizidae[/i] contains around 300 seed-eating species, the majority of which are found in the Americas, although the genus [i]Emberiza[/i], with more than 40 members, is confined to the Old World. Within its genus [i]Emberiza[/i], the Yellowhammer is most closely related to the Pine Bunting and at times they have been considered as one species. Where their ranges meet, the Yellowhammer and Pine Bunting interbreed and the hybrid zone is thought to be moving further east. The Yellowhammer is also closely related to the Cirl Bunting. The Yellowhammer’s scientific name [i]Emberiza citrinella[/i] is derived from the Old German [i]embritz[/i] meaning “bunting” and the Italian [i]citrinella[/i] meaning “small yellow bird”. The Yellowhammer is a large bunting around 6.3 to 6.5 inches long with a wingspan of 9.1 to 11.6 inches. The male has a bright yellow head, heavily streaked brown back, rufous rump, yellow underparts and white outer tail feathers. The female is less brightly coloured and more streaked on the crown, breast and flanks. Both sexes are less strongly marked outside the breeding season when the dark fringes on new feathers obscure the yellow plumage. The juvenile is much duller and less yellow than the adults and often has a paler rump. The Yellowhammer breeds across Eurasia and it is the commonest and most widespread European bunting although it is absent from high mountains, Arctic regions, most of Iberia and Greece and low-lying regions of other countries adjoining the Mediterranean Sea. It also breeds in Russia east to Irkutsk and in most of Ukraine and the Asian range extends into north west Turkey, the Caucasus and northern Kazakhstan. Populations have declined in recent decades in western Europe but in eastern Europe numbers appear to be stable. Changes to agricultural practices are thought to be responsible for reduced breeding densities. The Yellowhammer can be found throughout most of the UK but it is least abundant in the north and west and absent from some upland areas such as the Pennines and the Scottish Highlands as well as some lowland areas. Its recent sharp population decline make it a Red List species. Within its range, the Yellowhammer is a bird of dry open country, preferably with a range of vegetation types and some trees from which to sing. It is absent from urban areas, forests and wetlands. Probably originally found at forest edges and large clearings, it has benefited from traditional agriculture which created extensive open areas with hedges and clumps of trees. The Yellowhammer usually starts breeding in late April or early May. The males establish territories along hedges or woodland fringes and sing from a tree or bush, often continuing well into July or August. The nest is built by the female on or near the ground and is typically well hidden in tussocks against a bank or low in a bush. It is constructed from nearby plant material such as leaves, dry grass and stalks and lined with fine grasses and sometimes animal hair. The clutch is usually 3 to 5 eggs and the female incubates the eggs for 12 to 14 days to hatching and broods the chicks until they fledge 11 to 13 days later. Both adults feed the chicks in the nest and 2 or 3 broods are raised each year. The Yellowhammer forages mainly on the ground and its diet consists mainly of seeds. Grasses are also important, particularly cereals, and grain makes up a significant part of the food consumed in autumn and winter. Invertebrates are added to its diet during the breeding season, particularly as food for its growing chicks, and a wide range of species is taken including springtails, grasshoppers, flies, beetles, caterpillars, earthworms, spiders and snails. Outside of the breeding season, the Yellowhammer forages in flocks which can occasionally number hundreds of birds and often contain other buntings and finches. The Yellowhammer is a conspicuous, vocal and formerly common country bird and it has attracted human interest. Yellowham Wood and Yellowham Hill, near Dorchester in the UK, both derive their names from the bird. Robbie Burns' poem "The Yellow, Yellow Yorlin'" gets its title from a Scottish name for the Yellowhammer. Enid Blyton helped to popularise the bird's song as "a little bit of bread and no cheese" in some of her books and she wrote a poem called "The Yellow-hammer". Beethoven's student, Carl Czerny, and biographer Anton Schindler, both suggested that the composer got the idea for the first 4 notes of his 5th symphony from the song of the Yellowhammer although it is more likely that the opening of the 4th Piano Concerto was actually the work in question. Beethoven also used the Yellowhammer theme in 2 piano sonatas. Date: 7th July 2005 Location: near Great Waltham, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4466068.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20364580384b8a24521fb95.jpg http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49002009.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18113398866468e62382dcf.jpgChiffchaff The (Common) Chiffchaff is a common and widespread leaf warbler which is named onomatopoeically for its simple and repetitive chiff-chaff song. The British naturalist Gilbert White was one of the first people to separate the similar looking Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler and Wood Warbler by their songs, as detailed in 1789 in “The Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne. The Chiffchaff is a small, dumpy, 4 inch long leaf warbler. The spring adult has brown-washed dull green upperparts, off-white underparts becoming yellowish on the flanks and a short whitish supercilium. It has dark legs, a fine dark bill and short primary projection (extension of the flight feathers beyond the folded wing). As the plumage wears, it gets duller and browner and the yellow on the flanks tends to be lost and after the breeding season there is a prolonged complete moult before migration. After moulting, both the adult and the juvenile have brighter and greener upperparts and a paler supercilium. When not singing, the Chiffchaff can be difficult to distinguish from other leaf warblers with greenish upperparts and whitish underparts, particularly the Willow Warbler. However, that species has a longer primary projection, a sleeker, brighter appearance and generally pale legs. The Chiffchaff breeds across Europe and Asia east to eastern Siberia and north to about 70°N, with isolated populations in north west Africa, north and west Turkey and north west Iran. It is a migratory species but one of the first passerine birds to return to its breeding areas in the spring and amongst the last to leave in late autumn. When breeding, the Chiffchaff is a bird of open woodlands with some taller trees and ground cover for nesting purposes. In winter, the Chiffchaff uses a wider range of habitats and is not so dependent on trees and is often found near water. There is an increasing tendency to winter in western Europe well north of the traditional areas, especially in coastal south England and the mild urban microclimate of London. The male Chiffchaff returns to its breeding territory 2 or 3 weeks before the female and immediately starts singing to establish ownership and attract a female. When a female is located, the male will use a slow butterfly-like flight as part of the courtship ritual but, once a pair-bond has been established, other females will be driven from the territory. The male has little involvement in the nesting process other than defending the territory. The female's nest is built on or near the ground in a concealed site in brambles, nettles or other dense low vegetation. The domed nest has a side entrance and is constructed from coarse plant material such as dead leaves and grass with finer material used on the interior before the addition of a lining of feathers. The clutch is 2 to 7 (normally 5 or 6) cream-coloured eggs which are incubated by the female for 13 to 14 days before hatching as naked, blind chicks. The female broods and feeds the chicks for another 14 to 15 days until they fledge. The male rarely participates in feeding although this sometimes occurs, especially when bad weather limits insect supplies or if the female disappears. After fledging, the young stay in the vicinity of the nest for 3 to 4 weeks where they are fed by and roost with the female. In the north of the range there is only time to raise one brood due to the short summer but a second brood is common in central and southern areas. Like most leaf warblers, the Chiffchaff is insectivorous and moves restlessly though foliage or briefly hovering. It has been recorded as taking insects, mainly flies, from more than 50 families, along with other small and medium-sized invertebrates. It will also take the eggs and larvae of butterflies and moths. The Chiffchaff has been estimated to require about one third of its weight in insects daily and it feeds almost continuously in the autumn to put on extra fat as fuel for its long migration flight. As with most small birds, mortality in the first year of life is high but adults aged 3 to 4 years are regularly recorded and the record is more than 7 years. Eggs, chicks and fledglings are taken by Stoats, Weasels and crows such as the Magpie and adults are hunted by birds of prey, particularly the Sparrowhawk. The Chiffchaff is also susceptible to poor weather, particularly when migrating, but also on the breeding and wintering grounds. The main effect of humans on the Chiffchaff is indirect through woodland clearance which affects the habitat, predation by cats and collisions with windows, buildings and cars. Date: 7th April 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26032455.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11966238025637889f44f68.jpgEider The Eider is a large sea duck that is distributed over the northern coasts of Europe, north America and eastern Siberia. It breeds in the Arctic and some northern temperate regions but winters somewhat further south in temperate zones when it can form large flocks on coastal waters. The Eider is both the largest of the 4 eider species and the largest duck found in Europe and in north America (except for the Muscovy duck which only reaches north America in a wild state in southernmost Texas and south Florida). The Eider is characterized by its bulky shape and large, wedge-shaped bill. The male is unmistakable with its black and white plumage and green nape. The female is a brown bird but can still be readily distinguished from all ducks, except other eider species, on the basis of size and head shape. The drake's display call is a strange almost human-like "ah-ooo" while the duck utters hoarse quacks. The Eider dives for crustaceans and molluscs, with mussels being a favoured food. The Eider will eat mussels by swallowing them whole. The shells are then crushed in their gizzard and excreted. When eating a crab, the Eider will remove all of its claws and legs and then eat the body in a similar fashion. The Eider is abundant with populations of about 1.5 to 2 million birds in both Europe and north America and also large but unknown numbers in eastern Siberia. The Eider is a colonial breeder nesting on coastal islands in colonies ranging in size of less than 100 to upwards of 10,000 to 15,000 individuals. Female Eiders frequently exhibit a high degree of natal philopatry where they return to breed on the same island where they were hatched. This can lead to a high degree of relatedness between individuals nesting on the same island as well as the development of kin-based female social structures. This relatedness has likely played a role in the evolution of co-operative breeding behaviours amongst Eiders. Examples of these behaviours include laying eggs in the nests of related individuals and crèching where female Eiders team up and share the work of rearing ducklings. The Eider's nest is built close to the sea and is lined with the celebrated eiderdown plucked from the female's breast. This soft and warm lining has long been harvested for filling pillows and quilts but in more recent years has been largely replaced by down from domestic farm geese and synthetic alternatives. Although eiderdown pillows or quilts are now a rarity, eiderdown harvesting continues and is sustainable as it can be done after the ducklings leave the nest with no harm to the birds. Date: 1st June 2015 Location: Hvammstangi, Vatnsnes peninsula, north west Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26270439.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_547005588566553342b944.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 4th December 2015 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/may-2017-roe-deer https://images.on-this.website/4752_8819050335c5709a6c5e48.jpgMay 2017 - Roe Deer Please see [url=https://rlchew1.photium.com/photo32723051.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37159136.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9789785045c1e625526c67.jpgBittern The Bittern, Eurasian Bittern or Great Bittern is a bird in the bittern sub-family of the heron family. Its folk names, often local, include many variations on the themes of "barrel-maker", "bog-bull", "bog hen", "bog-trotter", "bog-bumper", "mire drum(ble)", "butter bump", "bitter bum", "bog blutter", "bog drum", "boom bird", "bottle-bump", "bull of the bog", "bull of the mire", "bumpy cors" and "heather blutter". Most of these were onomatopoeic colloquial names for the bird. The call was described as "bumping" or "booming" and mire and bog denoted the bird's habitat. As its alternative name of Great Bittern suggests, the Bittern is the largest of the bitterns with males being slightly larger than females. It is 27 to 32 inches in length with a 39 to 51 inches wingspan. The crown and nape are black with the individual feathers rather long and loosely arranged and tipped with buff narrowly barred with black. The sides of the head and neck are a more uniform tawny-buff and irregularly barred with black. The mantle, scapulars and back are of a similar colour but are more heavily barred, the individual feathers having black centres and barring. The head has a yellowish-buff superciliary stripe and a brownish-black moustachial stripe. The sides of the neck are a rusty-brown with faint barring. The chin and throat are buff, the central feathers on the throat having longitudinal stripes of rusty-brown. The breast and belly are yellowish-buff with broad stripes of brown at the side and narrow stripes in the centre. The tail is rusty-buff with black streaks in the centre and black mottling near the edge. The wings are pale rusty-brown and irregularly barred, streaked and mottled with black. The plumage has a loose texture and elongated feathers on the crown, neck and breast can be erected. The powerful bill is greenish-yellow with a darker tip to the upper mandible. The eye has a yellow iris and is surrounded by a ring of greenish or bluish bare skin. The legs and feet are greenish, with some yellow on the tarsal joint and yellow soles to the feet. Juveniles have similar plumage to adults but are somewhat paler with less distinct markings. The mating call or contact call of the male Bittern is a deep, fog-horn or bull-like boom with a quick rise and an only slightly longer fall, easily audible from a distance of 3 miles on a calm night. The call is mainly given between January and April during the mating season. Surveys of Bitterns are carried out by noting the number of distinct male booms in a given area. Prior to modern science, it was unknown how such a small bird produced a call so low-pitched. Common explanations suggested that the bird made its call into a straw or that it blew directly into the water. It is now known that the sound is produced by expelling air from the oesophagus with the aid of powerful muscles surrounding it. Usually solitary, the Bittern forages in reed beds by walking stealthily or remaining still above a body of water where prey may occur. It is a shy bird and if it is disturbed it will often point its bill directly upwards and freezes in that position, causing its cryptic plumage to blend into the surrounding reeds. The Bittern has a secretive nature and keeps largely hidden in reeds and coarse vegetation. Occasionally, especially in hard winter weather, it will stand in the open beside the water's edge, although usually close to cover to facilitate a hasty retreat. In flight, the Bittern’s wings can be seen to be broad and rounded and its legs trail behind it in typical heron fashion. Its neck is extended when it takes off but is retracted when it has picked up speed. It seldom flies however and prefers to move through the vegetation stealthily on foot. Its gait is slow and deliberate and it can clamber over reeds by gripping several at a time with its toes. It is most active at dawn and dusk but also sometimes forages by day. The breeding range of the Bittern extends across temperate parts of Europe and Asia from the UK, Sweden and Finland eastwards to Sakhalin Island in eastern Siberia and Hokkaido Island in Japan. The northern limit of its range is in the Ural Mountains and eastern Siberia whilst the southern limit is the Mediterranean Sea, the Black Sea, Iran, Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia and northern China. Small resident populations also breed in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. Some populations are sedentary and stay in the same areas throughout the year. More northerly populations usually migrate to warmer regions but some birds often remain. Birds in northern Europe tend to move south and west to southern Europe, north and central Africa and northern Asian birds migrate to parts of the Arabian peninsula, the Indian sub-continent and eastern China. In the UK, the Bittern can be found all year round at suitable wetlands, particularly in East Anglia, south east England and south west England. It is most visible in winter. In recent years, the Bittern has become a regular winter visitor to the London Wetland Centre, enabling city residents to view this scare bird. The Bittern is typically found in reed beds and swamps as well as lakes, lagoons and sluggish rivers fringed by rank vegetation. It sometimes nests by ponds in agricultural areas and even quite near habitations where suitable habitat exists but it prefers large reed beds of at least 50 acres in which to breed. Outside the breeding season it has less restrictive habitat requirements and, in addition to reed beds, it can also be found in rice fields, watercress beds, fish farms, gravel pits, sewage works, ditches, flooded areas and marshes. Males are polygamous and mate with up to 5 females. The nest is built in the previous year's standing reeds and consists of an untidy platform some 12 inches across. It may be on a tussock surrounded by water or on matted roots close to water and it is built by the female using bits of reed, sedges and grass stalks with a lining of finer fragments. The clutch of 4 to 6 eggs is laid in late March and April and incubated by the female for about 26 days. After hatching, the chicks spend about 2 weeks in the nest before leaving to swim amongst the reeds. The female rears them without help from the male, regurgitating food from her crop. The chicks become fully fledged at about 8 weeks. The Bittern feeds on fish, small mammals, amphibians and invertebrates, hunting along the reed margins in shallow water. Some vegetable matter such as aquatic plants is also consumed. The Bittern has a very wide range and a large total population and therefore the IUCN has assessed its overall conservation status as being of "Least Concern” because although the population trend is downward, the rate of decline is insufficient to justify rating it in a more threatened category. The chief threat that the Bittern faces is the drainage and disturbance of its wetland habitats. Date: 7th May 2018 Location: Ham Wall RSPB reserve, Somerset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/azure-damselfly https://images.on-this.website/4752_7336608706291f5a786e40.jpgAzure Damselfly Flight period: May to August The Azure Damselfly is one of the two commonest blue damselflies and is a common and widespread species of lowland UK. They can be found around most standing water, preferring small, sheltered sites including ditches and garden ponds. Date: 26th May 2022 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37431193.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19273369495c6be8283fa99.jpgStarling The Common Starling, also known as the European starling or in the UK just as the Starling, is a medium-sized passerine bird in the starling family. There are several sub-species of the Starling which vary in size and the colour tone of the adult plumage. The gradual variation over geographic range and extensive intergradation means that acceptance of the various sub-species varies between different authorities. The Starling is 7.5 to 9.1 inches in length with a wingspan of 12 to 17 inches. The plumage is iridescent black, glossed purple or green and spangled with white, especially in winter. The underparts of the adult male Starlings are generally less spotted than those of adult females. The throat feathers of the males are long and loose and are used in display while those of the females are smaller and more pointed. The legs are stout and pinkish-red or greyish-red. The bill is narrow and conical with a sharp tip. In the winter it is brownish-black but in summer the females have lemon yellow beaks whilst the males have yellow bills with blue-grey bases. Moulting occurs once a year in late summer after the breeding season and the fresh feathers are prominently tipped white (breast feathers) or buff (wing and back feathers) giving a speckled appearance. The reduction in the spotting in the breeding season is achieved through the white feather tips largely wearing off. Juveniles are grey-brown and by their first winter they resemble adults although they often retain some brown juvenile feathering especially on the head. In flight, the Starling’s strongly pointed wings and dark colouration are distinctive whilst on the ground its strange waddling gait is also characteristic. The colouring and build usually distinguish the Starling from other starling species although the closely related Spotless Starling from Iberia and north Africa may be physically distinguished by the lack of iridescent spots in the adult breeding plumage. Like most terrestrial starlings, the Starling moves by walking or running rather than hopping. Their flight is quite strong and direct and their triangular-shaped wings beat very rapidly. They periodically glide for a short way without losing much height before resuming powered flight. When in a flock, the birds take off almost simultaneously, wheel and turn in unison, form a compact mass or trail off into a wispy stream, bunch up again and the land in a co-ordinated fashion. The Starling is a noisy bird. Its song consists of a wide variety of both melodic and mechanical-sounding noises as part of a ritual succession of sounds. The male is the main songster and engages in bouts of song lasting for a minute or more. Each of these typically includes 4 varieties of song type which follow each other in a regular order without pause. The bout starts with a series of pure tone whistles and these are followed by the main part of the song, a number of variable sequences that often incorporate snatches of song mimicked from other species of bird and various naturally occurring or man-made noises. The structure and simplicity of the sound mimicked is of greater importance than the frequency with which it occurs. Each sound clip is repeated several times before the bird moves on to the next. After this variable section comes a number of types of repeated clicks followed by a final burst of high frequency song, again formed of several types. Each bird has its own repertoire with more proficient birds having a range of up to 35 variable song types and as many as 14 types of clicks. Males sing constantly as the breeding period approaches and perform less often once pairs have bonded. In the presence of a female, a male sometimes flies to his nest and sings from the entrance, apparently attempting to entice the female in. Having a complex song is also useful in defending a territory and deterring less experienced males from encroaching. Singing also occurs outside the breeding season and takes place throughout the year apart from the moulting period. The songsters are more commonly males although females also sing on occasion. The function of such out-of-season song is poorly understood. Starlings chatter while roosting and bathing and make a great deal of noise that can cause irritation to some people living nearby. When a flock of Starlings is flying together, the synchronised movements of their wings make a distinctive whooshing sound that can be heard hundred yards away. The global population of the Starling was estimated to be 310 million birds in 2004, occupying a total area of 3.4 million square miles. Its numbers are not thought to be declining significantly so it is classified by the IUCN as being of “Least Concern”. It had shown a marked increase in numbers throughout Europe from the 19th century to around the 1950s and 1960s. However, declines in populations have been observed since 1980, including in the UK. This seems to be due to the low survival rate of young birds which may be caused by changes in agricultural practices. The intensive farming methods used in north Europe mean there is less pasture and meadow habitat available and the supply of grassland invertebrates needed for the nestlings to thrive is correspondingly reduced. The Starling remains widespread throughout the Northern Hemisphere and it is native to Eurasia. It is found throughout Europe, north Africa from Morocco to Egypt, India (mainly in the north but regularly extending further south) and extending into the Maldives, Nepal, the Middle East including Syria, Iran and Iraq and north west China. Starlings in the south and west of Europe and south of latitude 40°N are mainly resident although other populations migrate from regions where the winter is harsh, the ground frozen and food scarce. Large numbers of birds from northern Europe, Russia and Ukraine migrate south westwards or south eastwards. In the autumn, when immigrants are arriving from eastern Europe, many of the UK's Starlings are setting off for Iberia and north Africa. Other groups of birds are in passage across the country and the pathways of these different streams of bird may cross. The Starling prefers urban or suburban areas where artificial structures and trees provide adequate nesting and roosting sites. Reedbeds are also favoured for roosting and Starlings commonly feed in grassy areas such as farmland, grazing pastures, playing fields, golf courses and airfields where short grass makes foraging easy. The Starling occasionally inhabits open forests and woodlands although it is rarely found in dense, wet forests. It can also be found in coastal areas where it nests and roosts on cliffs and forages amongst seaweed. The Starling’s ability to adapt to a large variety of habitats has allowed it to disperse and establish the species in diverse locations around the world and resulting in a habitat range from coastal wetlands to alpine forests and from sea cliffs to mountain ranges. The Starling has been introduced to and has successfully established itself in New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, north America, Fiji and several Caribbean islands. As a result, it has also been able to migrate to Thailand, south east Asia and New Guinea. Breeding takes place during the spring and summer. Unpaired males find a suitable cavity and begin to build nests in order to attract single females, often decorating the nest with ornaments such as flowers and fresh green material, which the female later disassembles when accepting the male as a mate. The males sing throughout much of the construction and even more so when a female approaches his nest. Following mating, the male and female continue to build the nest. Nests may be located in any type of hole and common locations include inside hollowed trees, buildings, tree stumps and man-made nest-boxes. Nests are typically made out of straw, dry grass and twigs with an inner lining made up of feathers, wool and soft leaves. Construction usually takes 4 or 5 days and may continue through incubation.[29] The Starling is both monogamous and polygamous. Although broods are generally brought up by a single male and a single female, occasionally the pair may have an extra helper. Pairs may be part of a colony, in which case several other nests may occupy the same or nearby trees. Males may mate with a second female while the first is still on the nest. The reproductive success of the bird is poorer in the second nest than it is in the primary nest and is better when the male remains monogamous. Following mating, the female lays eggs on a daily basis over a period of several days. There are normally 4 or 5 eggs which are pale blue or occasionally white and they commonly have a glossy appearance. Incubation lasts 13 days and both parents share this responsibility although the female spends more time incubating than the male. The female is the only parent to do so at night when the male returns to the communal roost. Nestlings remain in the nest for 3 weeks where they are fed continuously by both parents. Fledglings continue to be fed by their parents for another 1 or 2 weeks. A pair can raise up to 3 broods per year although 2 broods is typical and just a single one is normal north of 48°N. Within 2 months most juveniles will have moulted and gained their first basic plumage. They acquire their adult plumage the following year. Starling nests have a 48% to 79% rate of successful fledging although only 20% of nestlings survive to breeding age. The adult survival rate is closer to 60%. The average life span is about 2 to 3 years. A majority of starling predators are avian, in particular birds of prey The Starling is a highly gregarious species, especially in autumn and winter. Although flock size is highly variable, huge noisy flocks (murmurations) may form near roosts. These dense concentrations of birds are thought to be a defence against attacks by birds of prey. Flocks form a tight sphere-like formation in flight, frequently expanding and contracting and changing shape, seemingly without any sort of leader. Each Starling changes its course and speed as a result of the movement of its closest neighbours. Very large roosts, exceptionally up to 1.5 million birds, can form in city centres, woodlands or reedbeds. The Starling is largely insectivorous and feeds on a wide range of invertebrates in both the adult and larvae stages of development. It will also feed on earthworms, snails, small amphibians and lizards. While the consumption of invertebrates is necessary for successful breeding, the Starling is omnivorous and will also eat grains, seeds, fruits, nectar and food waste if the opportunity arises. Date: 10th January 2019 Location: RSPB Greylake, Somerset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/sedge-warbler https://images.on-this.website/4752_1935581904bfaac56e0179.jpgSedge Warbler The Sedge Warbler is a medium-sized Old World warbler in the genus Acrocephalus. It has a streaked brown back and wings and pale underparts. The rump is warm brown and unstreaked, contrasting with the duller wings. The forehead is flattened, there is a prominent whitish supercilium, the crown is streaked with black and the bill is strong and pointed. The plumage of the sexes is identical. Juvenile birds have dark spots on the breast. The Sedge Warbler’s song is varied, rushed and chattering with sweeter phrases and some mimicry, all typical of the Acrocephalus warblers. It is composed of phrases in random order so that it is never the same. Male Sedge Warblers which have the widest repertoire mate with the largest number of females. Male Sedge Warblers commence singing only a few hours after arriving on their breeding territory. The song is given from a bare perch such as a reed stem or bush or from cover and during routine flights within their territory. Song flights are also performed. Whilst singing, the bird takes off, rises to a height of up to 10 feet and then after a short circling flight, it makes a slow, parachuting descent, often with the wings held up in a “v” shape. The song has the function of attracting a mate rather than keeping other males away and it is stopped as soon as a mate is found. The Sedge Warbler has a large range and it breeds across Europe and western and central Asia. Unlike other members of the Acrocephalus genus, the Sedge Warbler's range stretches from the Arctic to mid-latitudes since it is adapted to live in cool, cloudy and moist conditions. It is a migratory species and winters in sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal in the west to Ethiopia in the east and as far south as the eastern Cape Province of South Africa and north Namibia. Birds begin leaving Africa in late February, fatten up at wetlands before and probably after crossing the Sahara and arrive in Europe from March onwards. During the breeding season, the Sedge Warbler can be found in reedbeds, often with scrub, ditches and habitats away from water including hedgerows, patches of stinging nettles and arable crops. On the African wintering grounds, habitats such as reeds in wetlands, papyrus, grass, sedge and reedmace and tall elephant grass are used. Loss of wetland areas for feeding on migration and the expansion of the Sahara desert pose threats to the Sedge Warbler's breeding population. The Sedge Warbler is mostly insectivorous and the diet includes mayflies, dragonflies and damselflies, grasshoppers, bugs, lacewings, moths, beetles and flies. Vegetable material includes elderberries and blackberries. On their wintering grounds food includes non-biting midges and flowers and berries. It feeds in low, thick vegetation, especially reeds and rushes, but also in arable fields and around bushes. Feeding techniques include picking insects from vegetation while perched or sometimes hovering and “leap-catching” where the bird grabs flying insects as it flies between perches. The Sedge Warbler tends to hop between plant stems and pick insects from underneath leaves and it takes advantage of the low temperatures around dusk and dawn which make their prey less mobile. Date: 23rd May 2010 Location: Lakenheath Fen, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37431148.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1391557205c6be5d10db67.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 10th January 2019 Location: RSPB Greylake, Somerset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14155767.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9057249794f3ccd1f36ae1.jpgDunnock The Dunnock is a small passerine bird and the most widespread member of the genus [i]Prunella[/i], the accentor family which otherwise consists of mountain species. Other common names for the Dunnock include the Hedge Sparrow or Hedge Accentor. The Dunnock is about the size of a Robin. It has a generally drab brown streaked appearance with a grey head and a fine pointed bill. Both sexes are similar. It is quiet and unobtrusive and is frequently seen on its own, creeping along and moving with a rather nervous, shuffling gait often flicking its wings. The Dunnock is native to large areas of Eurasia where it is the only commonly found accentor in lowland areas. It can be found throughout the UK all the year round in any well vegetated areas with scrub, brambles and hedges and also in deciduous woodland, farmland edges, parks and gardens. The Dunnock is territorial and may engage in conflict with other birds that encroach upon their nesting areas. The Dunnock possesses variable mating systems. Females are often polyandrous, breeding with 2 or more males at once which is quite rare among birds. This multiple mating system leads to the development of sperm competition amongst the male suitors. DNA fingerprinting has shown that chicks within a brood often have different fathers depending on the success of the males at monopolising the female. Males try to ensure their paternity by pecking at the cloaca of the female to stimulate ejection of rival males' sperm. Males provide parental care in proportion to their mating success so 2 males and a female can commonly be seen provisioning nestlings at one nest. Other mating systems also exist within Dunnock populations depending on the ratio of male to females and the overlap of territories. When only a single female and a single male territory overlap, monogamy is preferred. Sometimes, 2 or 3 adjacent female territories overlap a single male territory and so polygyny is favoured with the male monopolising several females. Polygynandry also exists in which 2 males jointly defend a territory containing several females. Polyandry, however, is the most common mating system of the Dunnock. Depending on the population, males generally have the best reproductive success in polygynous populations whilst females have the advantage during polyandry. Studies have illustrated the fluidity of Dunnock mating systems. When food is in abundance, female territory size is reduced drastically. Consequently, males can more easily monopolise the females. Thus, the mating system can be shifted from one that favours female success (polyandry) to one that favours male success (monogamy, polygynandry or polygyny). The Dunnock builds a neat nest predominantly from twigs and moss and lined with soft materials such as wool or feathers which is located low in a bush. The female typically lays 3 to 5 eggs. Broods, depending on the population, can be raised by a lone female, multiple females with the part-time help of a male, multiple females with full-time help by a male or by multiple females and multiple males. Parental care varies according to the type of relationship. Date: 10th February 2012 Location: EWT Langdon Conservation Centre, Dunton, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/november-2024-jay https://images.on-this.website/4752_163156147675463ac1aa5e.jpgNovember 2024 - Jay Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52518251.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13656960.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5181663104ed368af6f88a.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the [i]Canidae[/i] family and is a part of the order [i]Carnivora[/i] within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23806326.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_638809328551294b3e44f7.jpgBewick's Swan The Tundra Swan is a small Holarctic swan. The 2 taxa within it are usually regarded as conspecific but are also sometimes split into 2 species: the Bewick's Swan of the Palaearctic and the Whistling Swan of the Nearctic. The Bewick's Swan was named in 1830 by William Yarrell after the engraver Thomas Bewick who specialised in illustrations of birds and animals. The Bewick's Swan measures 45 to 55 inches in length with a wing span of 18.5 to 21.5 inches. Males are slightly larger and heavier than females. It is similar in appearance to the Whooper Swan but is smaller, shorter-necked and has a more rounded head shape. It has a variable bill pattern but always shows more black than yellow and having a blunt forward edge of the yellow base patch. The Whooper Swan has a bill that has more yellow than black and the forward edge of the yellow patch is usually pointed. The bill pattern for every individual Bewick's Swan is unique and scientists often make detailed drawings of each bill and assign names to the swans to assist with studying these birds. As their common name implies, the Tundra Swan breeds in the Arctic and sub-Arctic tundra where they inhabit shallow pools, lakes and rivers. Unlike the Mute Swan, but like the other Arctic swans, it is a migratory bird. The winter habitat is mainly grassland and marshland, often near the coast. The breeding range of the Bewick’s Swan extends across the coastal lowlands of Siberia from the Kola Peninsula east to the Pacific. It starts to arrive in its breeding range around mid-May and leaves for its winter range around the end of September. The populations west of the Taimyr Peninsula migrate via the White Sea, Baltic Sea and the Elbe estuary to winter in Denmark, the Netherlands and the UK where it is common in winter on a few RSPB and WWT reserves. Some birds also winter elsewhere on the southern shores of the North Sea. The Bewick’s Swans that breed in eastern Russia migrate via Mongolia and north China to winter in the coastal regions of Korea, Japan and south China, south to Guangdong and occasionally as far as Taiwan. A few birds from the central Siberian range also winter in Iran at the south of the Caspian Sea. Arrival in the winter range starts about mid-October although most birds spend weeks or even months at favourite resting locations and will only arrive in the winter range in November or even as late as January. Departure from the winter range starts in mid-February. Bewick’s Swans mate in the late spring, usually after they have returned to the breeding range. As is usual for swans, they pair monogamously until one partner dies. Should one partner die long before the other, the surviving bird often will not mate again for several years or even for the rest of its life. The nesting season starts at the end of May. The pair build the large mound-shaped nest from plant material at an elevated site near open water and they defend a large territory around it. The pen (female) lays and incubates a clutch of 2 to 7 (usually 3 to 5) eggs whilst the cob (male) keeps a steady lookout for potential predators heading towards his mate and offspring. The time from egg laying to hatching is 29 to 30 days. Since they nest in cold regions, Bewick’s Swan cygnets grow faster than those of swans breeding in warmer climates and they may fledge in 40 to 45 days. Cygnets stay with their parents for the first winter migration and the family is sometimes even joined by their offspring from previous breeding seasons while on the wintering grounds. Bewick’s Swans do not reach sexual maturity until 3 or 4 years of age. In summer, the diet of the Bewick’s Swan consists mainly of aquatic vegetation which it finds by sticking its head underwater or upending while swimming. It will also eat some grass growing on dry land. At other times of the year, leftover grains and other crops such as potatoes, picked up in open fields after harvest, make up much of the diet. Healthy adult Bewick’s Swans have few natural predators. The Arctic Fox may threaten breeding females and particular the eggs and hatchlings. Adults typically can stand their ground and displace foxes but occasionally the foxes are successful. Other potential nest predators include the Red Fox, the Brown Bear, the Golden Eagle, the Arctic Skua and the Glaucous Gull. The Brown Bear, the Golden Eagle and the Wolf may occasionally succeed at capturing and killing an adult. About 15% adults die each year from various causes and the average lifespan in the wild is about 10 years. The status of the Bewick's Swan is not well known although its population is in decline in north west Europe for largely unexplained reasons. It is increasingly dependent on agricultural crops to supplement its winter diet as aquatic vegetation in its winter habitat declines due to habitat destruction and water pollution. However, the main cause of adult mortality is hunting and, whilst the Bewick's Swan can not be hunted legally, almost half the birds studied contain lead shot in their bodies, indicating that they were shot at by poachers. Lead poisoning by ingestion of lead shot is also a very significant cause of mortality. The Bewick's Swan is one of the birds to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. This bird was part of the captive collection at the WWT Wetland Centre. Date: 7th March 2015 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/tree-sparrow https://images.on-this.website/4752_896522984d03ce90bf040.jpgTree Sparrow The Tree Sparrow is a member of the sparrow family [i]Passer[/i], a group of small passerine birds that is believed to have originated in Africa and which contains 15 to 25 species. The Tree Sparrow's name is derived from 2 Latin words: [I]passer[/I] meaning "sparrow" and [I]montanus[/I] meaning "of the mountains". The common name is given to suggest the preference for tree holes for nesting. However, this name and the scientific name [i]montanus[/i] do not appropriately describe the Tree Sparrow’s habitat preferences: the German name [i]Feldsperling[/i] meaning "field sparrow"[/i] comes closer to doing so. The Tree Sparrow is around 5 to 5.5 inches in length with a wingspan of about 8.3 inches, making it roughly 10% smaller than the House Sparrow. The adult's crown and nape are a rich chestnut and there is a kidney-shaped black ear patch on each pure white cheek. The chin, throat and the area between the bill and throat are black. The upperparts are light brown streaked with black and the brown wings have 2 distinct narrow white bars. The legs are pale brown and the bill is lead-blue in summer becoming almost black in winter. The Tree Sparrow is distinctive even within its own family in that there are no plumage differences between the sexes. The juvenile resembles the adult although the colours tend to be duller. The contrasting face pattern makes the Tree Sparrow easily identifiable in all plumages and the smaller size and chestnut (not grey) crown are additional differences from the male House Sparrow. The Tree Sparrow's breeding range comprises most of temperate Europe and Asia south of about latitude 68°N (north of this the summers are too cold) and through south east Asia to Java and Bali. It is sedentary over most of its extensive range but northernmost breeding populations migrate south for the winter and small numbers leave south Europe for north Africa and the Middle East. The Tree Sparrow has been introduced outside its native range but it has not always become successfully established, possibly due to competition with the House Sparrow. Ship-carried birds have colonised some areas and birds have also occurred as vagrants. Despite its scientific name, the Tree Sparrow is not typically a mountain species and reaches only 2300 feet in Switzerland although it has bred at 5600 feet in the northern Caucasus and as high as 14010 feet in Nepal. In Europe, the Tree Sparrow is frequently found in open countryside with small isolated patches of woodland but also on coasts with cliffs, in woodland along slow water courses and in empty buildings. It shows a strong preference for nest sites near wetland habitats and avoids breeding on intensively managed farmland. In Europe, where the Tree Sparrow and the House Sparrow occur in the same region, the House Sparrow generally nests in urban areas while the Tree Sparrow nests in rural areas. Where trees are in short supply, both species may utilise man-made structures as nest sites. Whilst the Tree Sparrow is mainly a rural bird in Europe, it tends to be an urban bird in Asia and Australia. In the UK, the Tree Sparrow is scarcer in upland areas and the far north and west of the and the main populations are now found across the Midlands and south and east England. The Tree Sparrow may breed in isolated pairs or in loose colonies. The male calls from near the nest site in spring to proclaim ownership and attract a mate and he may also carry nest material in to the nest hole. The Tree Sparrow typically builds its nest in a cavity in an old tree or rock face. Some nests are not in holes as such but are built among roots of overhanging bushes. Roof cavities in houses and nest boxes are also readily used. In addition, the Tree Sparrow will breed in the disused nest of a Magpie or other crow species or an active or unused nest of a large bird such as the White Stork or a heron or raptor species. It will sometimes attempt to take over the nest of other birds that breed in holes or enclosed spaces such as tit species, flycatcher species, Swallow, House Martin, Sand Martin or European Bee-eater. The untidy nest is composed of hay, grass, wool or other material and lined with feathers which improve thermal insulation. The female lays 5 or 6 eggs which are incubated by both parents for 12 to 13 days and the chicks fledge after a further 15 to 18 days. There are 2 or 3 broods each year. Hybridisation between the Tree Sparrow and the House Sparrow has been recorded in many parts of the world with male hybrids tending to resemble the Tree Sparrow while female hybrids are more similar to the House Sparrow. The Tree Sparrow is a predominantly seed and grain eating bird which feeds on the ground in flocks and often with House Sparrows, finches and buntings. It may also visit feeding stations. It additionally feeds on invertebrates including insects, woodlice, millipedes, centipedes, spiders, etc. especially during the breeding season when the young are fed mainly on animal food. Adults use a variety of wetlands when foraging for invertebrate prey to feed chicks and aquatic sites play a key role in providing adequate diversity and availability of suitable invertebrate prey to allow successful chick rearing. Large areas of formerly occupied farmland no longer provide these invertebrate resources due to the effects of intensive farming. The Tree Sparrow has a large range and a large population. Although the population is declining, the species is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List. For this reason, the Tree Sparrow is designated as being of “Least Concern”. Although the Tree Sparrow has been expanding its range in Fennoscandia and east Europe, its population has been declining in much of west Europe, a trend reflected in other farmland birds such as the Skylark and Corn Bunting. The collapse in population seems to have been particularly severe in the UK where there was a 93% decline between 1970 and 2008. However, recent Breeding Bird Survey data is encouraging and suggests that numbers may have started to increase albeit from a very low point. The decrease in population is probably the result of agricultural intensification and specialisation, particularly the increased use of herbicides and a trend towards autumn-sown crops at the expense of spring-sown crops that produce stubble fields in winter. The change from mixed to specialised farming and the increased use of insecticides has reduced the amount of insect food available for chicks. Date: 1st November 2010 Location: Fairburn Ings RSPB reserve, South Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42082970.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3589728505faa5c815137f.jpgGreen Woodpecker The (European) Green Woodpecker is a large green woodpecker species. There are 3 sub-species with subtle differences between them whilst the Iberian Green Woodpecker found in Spain and Portugal and the Levaillant's Woodpecker found in north west Africa were formerly considered as sub-species but are now treated as separate species based on the results of studies published in 2011 The Green Woodpecker measures 12 to 14 inches in length with a 18 to 20 inches wingspan. Both sexes are green above and pale yellowish green below with a yellow rump and red crown and nape. The moustachial stripe has a red centre in the male but is solid black in the female. The lores and around the white eye are black in both male and female. Juveniles are spotty and streaked all over with a dark moustachial stripe initially although juvenile males can show some red feathers by early June or usually by July or August. Although the Green Woodpecker is shy and wary, it is usually its loud calls known as “yaffling” which first draw attention. Unlike many other woodpecker species, it rarely “drums” but often gives noisy calls while flying. The flight is undulating with 3 to 4 wingbeats followed by a short glide when the wings are held by the body. More than 75% of the range of the Green Woodpecker is in Europe although it is absent from the extreme north and east and also from Ireland, Greenland and the Macaronesian islands. Otherwise it is distributed widely with over 50% of the European population thought to be in France and Germany with substantial numbers also in the UK. It also occurs in west Asia. The Green Woodpecker is highly sedentary and individuals rarely move far from where they were born. The Green Woodpecker is generally found in semi-open landscapes with small woodlands, hedges, scattered old trees, edges of forests and floodplain forests. Suitable habitats for feeding include grassland, heaths, plantations, orchards and lawns. The Green Woodpecker is the largest of the 3 woodpecker species that breed in the UK. It can be found all year round and it is mainly a lowland species that breeds in open deciduous woodland, parks, orchards and farmland in England, Wales and Scotland although it is absent from the far north and west of the UK. The nest hole of the Green Woodpecker is larger but similar to those of other woodpecker species. It may be a few feet above the ground or at the top of a tall tree. Oaks, beeches, willows, aspens and fruit trees are the preferred nest trees. The hole may be excavated in sound or rotten wood with an entrance hole of 2.5 to 3 inches. The cavity inside may be up to 16 inches deep and excavation work is performed mostly by the male over 15 to 30 days. Some tree holes are used for breeding for more than 10 years but not necessarily by the same pair. The female lays 4 to 6 eggs and, after the last egg is laid, they are incubated for 19 to 20 days by both parents. The chicks fledge 21 to 24 days after hatching. The Green Woodpecker's diet consists primarily of various ant species and it spends much of its time foraging on the ground in grassland areas where the availability of ant nests is high. At ant nests, it probes into the ground and licks up adult ants and their larvae with its long tongue that wraps up and around the back of its head. Other insects and small reptiles are also taken occasionally. Date: 26th October 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50569758.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_36613198665ccb53a87fda.jpgGreat Northern Diver The Great Northern Diver is the largest of the UK's divers with a bigger, heavier head and bill than its commoner relatives. The Great Northern Diver is largely a winter visitor to the UK coast although some non-breeding birds stay off northern coasts in the summer. They start to arrive offshore in August and birds move back to their largely Icelandic breeding grounds in April and May. The largest numbers can be found off the northern and western islands of Scotland. Date: 8th December 2023 Location: Great Notley Country Park, Braintree, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/march-to-april-2019-northern https://images.on-this.website/4752_20685720045db6cd2a4b2c7.jpgMarch to April 2019 - Northern Wheatear Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38116641.htmll]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39085277.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20092151615d308aa4cfc09.jpgFăgăraș Mountains, Sibiu County, Romania The Făgăraș Mountains, commonly known as the “Transylvanian Alps”, are a mountain range in the Southern Carpathians in central Romania. Spread over 43.5 miles from east to west and 28 miles from north to south, the range resembles an immense spine with steep peaks facing north and more gentle ones to the south. The steep north face of the Făgăraș Mountains rises above 8,000 feet and overlooks the Făgăraş Depression or Făgăraş Hollow through which flows the River Olt. The range is bordered to the east by the Piatra Craiului Mountains and by the Oltului Gorge to the west. The mountains are heavily glaciated with lakes, fretted peaks and morainic deposits. The highest peaks, which are also the highest mountains in Romania, are Moldoveanu (8346 feet), Negoiu (8317 feet) and Viștea Mare (8291 feet) and they are covered by snow for 8 to 9 months of the year. There are several other peaks over 8000 feet. Bâlea is the largest lake, Podragu is the deepest lake and the highest lake is in the Hărtopul Leaotei glacial valley. Other lakes include Urlea and Capra. A road known as the Transfăgărășan (road DN7C) runs across the Făgăraș Mountains. It has been described as the "Road to the Sky", the "Road to the Clouds" and the "Best Driving Road in the World" and it is a stunning scenic drive. The road climbs to a height of 6699 feet at Pasul Bâlea, making it the second highest mountain pass in Romania after the Transalpina. It starts at Bascov near Pitești and follows the valley of the River Argea. After mounting the highest point, between the high peaks of Moldoveanu and Negoiu, it descends to Cârțișoara in the valley of the River Olt. It is a winding road and is dotted with steep hairpin turns, long S-curves and sharp descents and it is usually closed from late October until late June because of snow. Depending on the weather, it may remain open until as late as November or it may close even in the summer. The Transfăgărășan has more tunnels (5) and viaducts (27) than any other road in Romania. Near the highest point, at Bâlea Lake, the road passes through Bâlea Tunnel, the longest road tunnel in Romania at 2900 feet. The Transfăgărășan was constructed between 1970 and 1974 during the rule of Nicolae Ceaușescu as a response to the 1968 invasion of Czechoslovakia by the Soviet Union. Ceaușescu wanted to ensure quick military access across the mountains in case of a Soviet Union invasion. At the time, Romania already had several strategic mountain passes through the Southern Carpathians, whether inherited from the pre-Communist era (road DN1 and road DN67C) or built during the initial years of the Communist regime (road DN66). These passes, however, were mainly through river valleys and they would have been easy for the Soviet Union to block and attack. Ceauşescu therefore ordered the construction of a road across the Făgăraş Mountains. Built mainly by junior military forces, the road had a high financial and human cost since work was carried out in an alpine climate at an elevation of 6600 feet. The road was officially opened on 20th September 1974 although work continued until 1980. Date: 7th June 2018 Location: Făgăraș Mountains from near Cârțișoara, Sibiu County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4267127.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1455517144b522235d5bc8.jpgOtters The Eurasian Otter, also known as the European Otter, Eurasian River Otter, Common Otter and Old World Otter and commonly known as the Otter, is a semi-aquatic mammal and the most widely distributed member of the Otter sub-family of the Weasel family (Mustelidae). The Otter is a typical species of the Otter sub-family and is brown above and cream below. It is 22.5 to 37.5 inches long excluding a tail of 14 to 17.5 inches. The female is shorter than the male. The Otter's average body weight is 15 to 26 pounds, although occasionally a large old male may reach up to 37 pounds. The Otter differs from the North American River Otter by its shorter neck, broader face, the greater space between the ears and its longer tail. However, it is the only Otter species in much of its range so it is rarely confused for any other animal. The Otter is the most widely distributed Otter species and its range including parts of Asia and Africa as well as being widespread across Europe. The Otter can be found throughout most of the UK with the highest densities in Scotland, especially the islands and the north west coast, Wales, parts of East Anglia and the West Country. The Otter declined across its range in the second half of the 20th century primarily due to pollution, habitat loss and hunting. However, populations are now recovering in many parts of Europe. In the UK the number of sites with an Otter presence increased by 55% between 1994 and 2002. In August 2011, the Environment Agency announced that the Otter had returned to every county in England since vanishing from every county except the West Country and parts of Northern England. The recovery of the Otter population in Europe is due to a ban on the most harmful pesticides that has been in place since 1979, improvements in water quality leading to increases in prey populations and direct legal protection under the European Union Habitats Directive and national legislation in several European countries. In general, the Otter’s varied and adaptable diet means that it can be found on any unpolluted body of fresh water, including lakes, streams, rivers and ponds, as long as the food supply is adequate. It can also be found along the coast in salt water but it requires regular access to fresh water to clean its fur. When living in the sea it is sometimes referred to as a "Sea Otter" but it should not be confused with the true Sea Otter which is a North American species much more strongly adapted to a marine existence. The Otter's diet mainly consists of fish. However, during the winter and in colder environments, fish consumption is significantly lower and other sources of food are eaten including amphibians, crustaceans, insects, birds and small mammals. Hunting mainly takes place at night whilst the day is usually spent in the Otter's holt (den). The Otter is strongly territorial and is primarily solitary. An individual's territory may vary between 1 and 25 miles with the length of the territory depending on the density of food available and the width of the water suitable for hunting (it is shorter on coasts, where the available width is much wider and longer on narrower rivers). The Otter uses its spraints to mark its territory. Territories are only held against members of the same sex so those of males and females may overlap. The Otter is a non-seasonal breeder and males and females will breed at any time of the year. It has been found that their mating season is most likely determined simply by the Otters' reproductive maturity and physiological state. Female Otters are sexually mature between 18 and 24 months old and the average age of first breeding is found to be 2.5 years old. Gestation is 60 to 64 days and after the gestation period, 1 to 4 pups are born which remain dependent on the mother for about 13 months. The male plays no direct role in parental care although the territory of a female with her pups is usually entirely within that of the male. Date: 1st January 2010 Location: Loch Scridain, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623014.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_335787166117ce8402caa.jpgRhossili Bay, Gower peninsula, Swansea Description to follow .... Date: 23rd June 2021 Location: Rhossili, Gower peninsula, Swansea http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50809802.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1008564688660bce8a1ac45.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 30th March 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623048.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8783849316117d356b3885.jpgCommon Guillemot The Common Guillemot, also known as the Common Murre or Thin-billed Murre, is a large species of auk. The auks are a family of seabirds which includes the Brunnich's Guillemot or Thick-billed Murre, Razorbill, Little Auk and the extinct Great Auk. The Common Guillemot is 15 to 18 inches in length with a 24 to 29 inches wingspan. In breeding plumage, it is black or dark brown on the head, back and wings with white underparts. It has a thin dark pointed bill and a small rounded dark tail. Legs are grey and the bill is dark grey. Males and females are identical. Some individuals in the North Atlantic, known as "Bridled Guillemots", have a white ring around the eye extending back as a white line. This is not a distinct subspecies but a polymorphism that becomes more common the farther north the birds breed. The Common Guillemot flies with fast wing beats and has a flight speed of around 50 mph. Groups of birds are often seen flying together in a line just above the surface of the sea. However, it is not a very agile bird and take-off is often difficult. The Common Guillemot becomes flightless for 45 to 60 days while moulting its primary feathers. The Common Guillemot is a pursuit diver that forages for food by swimming underwater using its wings for propulsion. Dives usually last less than one minute but the bird swims underwater for distances of over 100 feet on a regular basis. Diving depths up to 590 feet have been recorded. The Common Guillemot has a circumpolar distribution and it occurs in low Arctic and boreal waters in the north Atlantic and north Pacific. It spends most of its time at sea and only comes to land to breed on rocky cliffs, sea stacks and islands. Some birds are permanent residents but northern birds migrate south to open waters off New England, southern California, Japan, Korea and the western Mediterranean. The Common Guillemot breeds in colonies at high densities and nesting pairs may be in bodily contact with their neighbours. No nest is made and the single egg is laid and incubated on a bare rock ledge on a cliff face. The egg hatches after 30 days incubation and the chick is born downy and can regulate its body temperature after 10 days. Some 20 days after hatching the chick jumps off its nesting ledge and heads for the sea unable to fly but gliding for some distance with fluttering wings and accompanied by its male parent. The chicks are capable of diving as soon as they hit the water. The female stays at the nest site for some 14 days after the chick has left. The Common Guillemot can venture far from its breeding grounds to forage and distances of 60 miles or more are often observed although if sufficient food is available closer by, birds will only travel much shorter distances. It mainly eats small schooling fish 8 inches long or less such as Polar Cod, Capelin, Sand Lances, Sprats, Sandeels, Atlantic Cod and Atlantic Herring. It also eats some molluscs, marine worms, squid and crustaceans. It is often seen carrying fish in its bill with the tail hanging out. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26540710.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_82540655256ace64c1ff20.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 31st December 2015 Location: Winterton-Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11177782.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7105252204e16bc9791d12.jpgMute Swan The Mute Swan is a species of swan native to much of Eurasia. Despite its Eurasian origin, its closest relatives are the Black Swan of Australia and the Black-necked Swan of south America, not the other Northern Hemisphere swans such as the Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan. The name “mute” derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. The adult Mute Swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob at the top of the beak. All Mute Swans are white at maturity although the feathers (particularly on the head and neck) are often stained orange-brown by iron and tannins in the water. Young birds (cygnets) are not the bright white colour of mature adults and their bill is dull greyish-black for the first year. The plumage may range from pure white to grey to buff with grey/buff being the most common. Cygnets typically retain their grey/buff feathers until they are at least 1 year old. On average, the Mute Swan is the second largest waterfowl species after the Trumpeter Swan although the male Mute Swan can easily match or even exceed a male Trumpeter Swan in mass. The adult Mute Swan typically ranges from 55 to 63 inches in length (although it can range in extreme cases from 49 to 67 inches) with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. Males (cobs) are larger than females (pens) and have a larger knob on their bill. The Mute Swan is one of the heaviest flying birds. In several studies from the UK, males were found to average from about 23.4 to 26.2 pounds, with a weight range of 20 to 32 pounds, while the slightly smaller females were found to average about 18.7 to 21.3 pounds, with a weight range of 17 to 23 pounds. The Mute Swan is less vocal than the noisy Bewick's Swan and Whooper Swan although it does make a variety of grunting, hoarse whistling and snorting noises, especially in communicating with their cygnets and threatening competitors or intruders trying to enter their territory. The most familiar sound associated with the Mute Swan is the vibrant throbbing of the wings in flight which is unique to the species and this can be heard from a range of up to 1 mile. The Mute Swan is found naturally mainly in the temperate areas of Europe across west Asia and as far east as Primorsky Krai in the far east of Russia. It is partially migratory throughout the northern latitudes in Europe and Asia as far south as north Africa and the Mediterranean. It is also often kept in captivity outside its natural range as a decoration for parks and ponds and escapes have occurred. The descendants of such birds have become naturalised in east USA and the Great Lakes region across the USA and Canada border. The Mute Swan population in the UK has increased recently probably due to better protection of this species. Some birds are resident all year whilst others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into east England. Mute Swans nest on large mounds that they build with waterside vegetation in shallow water on islands in the middle or at the very edge of a lake. It is a monogamous species and often reuses the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Males and females share the care of the nest. The female lays from 4 to 10 eggs and broods for around 36 days. Cygnets are unable to fly before an age of 120 to 150 days and this limits the distribution of the species in the northern edge of its range since the cygnets must learn to fly before the water freezes. The Mute Swan is usually strongly territorial with just a single pair on smaller lakes although in a few locations where a large area of suitable feeding habitat is found they can be colonial. The largest colonies can hold over 100 pairs such as that at the colony at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset in the UK. Non-mated juveniles up to 3 to 4 years old commonly form larger flocks often at regular traditional sites and these can total several hundred birds. The Mute Swan can be very aggressive in defence of its nest and it is highly protective of its mate and offspring. Most defensive attacks from a Mute Swan begin with a loud hiss and, if this is not sufficient to drive off the predator, are followed by a physical attack. It attacks by smashing at its enemy with bony spurs in the wings accompanied by biting with its large bill. Smaller waterbirds such as ducks are normally grabbed with the bill and dragged or thrown clear. Large waterfowl, such as the Canada Goose, more likely out of competition than in response to potential predation, may be aggressively driven off. The wings of the Mute Swan are very powerful although not strong enough to break an adult man's leg as has been claimed anecdotally. The Mute Swan feeds on a wide range of vegetation, both submerged aquatic plants which they reach with their long necks and by grazing on land. The food commonly includes agricultural crop plants such as oilseed rape and wheat and feeding flocks in the winter may cause significant crop damage, often as much through trampling with their large webbed feet as through direct consumption. Date: 10/12/06 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/spansih-sparrow https://images.on-this.website/4752_18394659755d30769c1d1a4.jpgSpanish Sparrow The Spanish Sparrow is a passerine in the sparrow family. It is a rather large sparrow at 6 to 6.5 inches in length. It is slightly larger and heavier than the House Sparrows and it also has a slightly longer and stouter bill. The male is similar to the House Sparrow in plumage but it differs in that its underparts are heavily streaked with black, it has a chestnut rather than grey crown and it has white rather than grey cheeks. The female is effectively inseparable from the House Sparrow in its plumage which is grey-brown overall but more boldly marked. The female has light streaking on its sides, a pale cream supercilium and broad cream streaks on its back. The Spanish Sparrow's vocalisations are similar to those of the House Sparrow. The Spanish Sparrow is a close relative of the House Sparrow. Its taxonomy is greatly complicated by the "biological mix-up" it forms with the House Sparrow in the Mediterranean. In most of the Mediterranean, one or both of the species occurs, with only a limited degree of hybridisation. On the Italian peninsula and on Corsica, the 2 species are replaced by the Italian Sparrow, a puzzling type of sparrow apparently intermediate between the Spanish Sparrow and the House Sparrow. The Italian Sparrow has been classified as a hybrid with the House Sparrow, the same species as the Spanish Sparrow, the same species as the House Sparrow and as a separate species. The Spanish Sparrow also hybridises freely with the House Sparrow in parts of north Africa (north east Algeria, Tunisia and north west Libya), forming highly variable mixed populations with a full range of characters from pure House Sparrow to pure Spanish Sparrow. The Spanish Sparrow has a highly complex distribution in the Mediterranean region, Macaronesia and south west to central Asia. It breeds mostly in a band of latitude about 15 degrees wide from the Danube valley and the Aral Sea in the north to Libya and central Iran in the south. Its range has expanded greatly by natural colonisation over the last 2 centuries. Vagrants occur widely as far north as Scotland and Norway. Two sub-species of Spanish Sparrow are usually recognised: the western sub-species [i]hispaniolensis[/i] and the eastern sub-species [i]transcaspicus[/i]. The western sub-species hispaniolensis breeds in parts of Iberia and north Africa, some islands and the Balkans whilst the eastern sub-species transcaspicus breeds from Anatolia and Cyprus through the Middle East and central Asia to far west China. In most of its range, the Spanish Sparrow can be found alongside the House Sparrow. In such areas, both species breed in farmland and open woodland with the Spanish Sparrow preferring moister habitats. In areas where the House Sparrow is absent, the Spanish Sparrow may live in urban habitats. The Spanish Sparrow is strongly gregarious and nests in large colonies of closely spaced or even multiple shared nests. Nests are usually placed in trees or bushes either amongst branches or underneath the nests of larger birds such as the White Stork. Colonies may hold from 10 pairs to hundreds of thousands of pairs. Each pair lays 3 to 8 eggs which hatch after 12 days with the chicks fledging when about 14 days old. Like other sparrows, the Spanish Sparrow feeds principally on the seeds of grains and other grasses but it also eats leaves, fruits and other plant materials. Young birds are fed mostly on insects and adults also feed on insects and other animals during and before the breeding season. Date: 13th May 2018 Location: Nisovo to Pisanec, Ruse Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801044.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4153362764eda26be5019.jpgMarbled White Flight period: July to August The Marbled White is a very distinctive black and white butterfly that is widespread in southern England and expanding its range northwards and eastwards. They can be found in unimproved grassland, coastal grassland, roadside verges and railway embankments. Date: 8th July 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9564612.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20070199144daec2ed22dcb.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 3rd February 2009 Location: Northlands Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11204086.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20285609754e186e8fa21ad.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 31st May 2008 Location: Sumburgh Head, South Mainland, Shetland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29487200.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10661017558107e498d3ad.jpgSuomussalmi to Kuusamo, Kainuu/Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland Date: 24th May 2016 Location: view from road 5 between Suomussalmi and Kuusamo, Kainuu/Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/april-2007-red-grouse https://images.on-this.website/4752_5439445444e6b842ed77e2.jpgApril 2007 - Red Grouse Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11639738.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42082969.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19733465705faa5c7450e9b.jpgMagpie The Eurasian Magpie, often simply known as the Magpie, is one of several birds in the crow family Corvidae designated as a Magpie. In Europe, Magpie is generally used by English speakers to describe the Eurasian Magpie. The only other species in Europe is the Iberian Magpie or Azure-winged Magpie which is limited to the Iberian peninsula. The adult male Magpie is 17 to 18 inches in length, of which more than half is the tail. The wingspan is 20 to 24 inches. The head, neck and breast are glossy black with a metallic green and violet sheen, the belly and scapulars are pure white, the wings are black glossed with green or purple and the primaries have white inner webs, conspicuous when the wing is open. The graduated tail is black, glossed with green and reddish purple. The legs and bill are black and the iris is dark brown. The plumage of the sexes is similar but the female is slightly smaller. The young resemble the adults but are at first without much of the gloss on the sooty plumage and the tail is much shorter. The Magpie can be found across temperate Eurasia from Spain and Ireland in the west to the Kamchatka Peninsula in the east. It has also been introduced in Japan on the island of Kyushu. The preferred habitat of the Magpie is open countryside with scattered trees and it is normally absent from treeless areas and dense forests. It sometimes breeds at high densities in suburban settings such as parks and gardens and it can often be found close to the centre of cities. The Magpie is normally sedentary and spends winters close to its breeding areas but birds living near the northern limit of their range in Scandinavia and Russia can move south in harsh weather. Some Magpies breed after their first year whilst others remain in non-breeding flocks and first breed in their second year. The Magpie is monogamous and pairs often remain together from one breeding season to the next and generally occupy the same territory in successive years. Mating takes place in spring. In the courtship display, males rapidly raise and depress their head feathers, uplift, open and close their tails like fans and call in soft tones quite distinct from their usual chatter. The loose feathers of the flanks are brought over the primaries, and the shoulder patch is spread so the white is conspicuous, presumably to attract females. Short buoyant flights and chases follow. The Magpie prefers tall trees for their bulky nest, firmly attaching them to a central fork in the upper branches. A framework of sticks is cemented with earth and clay and a lining of the same is covered with fine roots. Above is a stout though loosely built dome of prickly branches with a single well concealed entrance. These huge nests are conspicuous when the leaves fall. Where trees are scarce, though even in well-wooded country, nests are at times built in bushes and hedgerows. In Europe, the eggs are typically laid in April and clutches usually contain 5 or 6 eggs. The eggs are incubated for 21 to 22 days by the female who is fed on the nest by the male. The chicks are brooded by the female for the first 5 to 10 days and fed by both parents. The nestlings open their eyes 7 to 8 days after hatching and their body feathers start to appear after around 8 days and the primary wing feathers after 10 days. Fledging takes place at around 27 days and the parents then continue to feed the young for several more weeks. The parents also protect the young from predators since their ability to fly is poor, making them vulnerable. On average, only 3 or 4 chicks survive to fledge successfully. Some nests are lost to predators but an important factor causing nestling mortality is starvation. Eggs hatch asynchronously and if the parents have difficulty finding sufficient food, the last chicks to hatch are unlikely to survive. The Magpie is omnivorous, eating young birds and eggs, small mammals, insects, scraps and carrion, acorns, grain and other vegetable substances. The Magpie is believed not only to be among the most intelligent of birds but among the most intelligent of all animals. Along with the Jackdaw, the Magpie's nidopallium area of the brain is approximately the same relative size as those in Chimpanzees and humans. Like other corvids, such as the Raven and Carrion crow, the total brain-to-body mass ratio is equal to most great apes and cetaceans. A 2004 review suggests that the intelligence of the corvid family to which the Magpie belongs is equivalent to that of great apes (Chimpanzees, Orangutans and Gorillas) in terms of social cognition, causal reasoning, flexibility, imagination and prospection. The Magpie has an extremely large range and a very large population. The population trend in Europe has been stable since 1980 and there is no evidence of any serious overall decline in numbers so the species is classified by the IUCN as being of “Least Concern”. In Europe, the Magpie has been historically demonized by humans, mainly as a result of folklore, superstition and myth and its reputation as an omen of ill fortune. The Magpie has also been attacked for their role as a predator which includes eating other birds' eggs and their young. However, different studies have reached different conclusions on their impact on the populations of other birds. Date: 26th October 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52518247.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_181648222167545f5c7d692.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 11th November 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623349.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5832315316117dc17e6ab6.jpgJackdaw The Western Jackdaw, also known as the Eurasian Jackdaw, European Jackdaw or simply Jackdaw, is a passerine bird in the crow family. Measuring 13 to 15 inches in length, the Jackdaw is the second smallest member of the crow family. Most of the plumage is a shiny black with a purple or blue sheen on the crown, forehead and secondaries and a green-blue sheen on the throat, primaries and tail. The cheeks, nape and neck are light grey to greyish-silver and the underparts are slate-grey. The legs are black as is the short stout bill. The irises of adults are greyish or silvery white while those of juveniles are light blue, becoming brownish before whitening at around one year of age. The sexes look alike although the head and neck plumage of male birds fades more with age and wear, particularly just before moulting. Immature birds have duller and less demarcated plumage. The head is a sooty black, sometimes with a faint greenish sheen and brown feather bases visible, the back and side of the neck are dark grey and the underparts greyish or sooty black. The tail has narrower feathers and a greenish sheen. There are 4 recognised geographical subspecies of the Jackdaw, each with slight plumage variations. Within its range, the Jackdaw is generally unmistakable and its short bill and grey nape are distinguishing features. In flight, the Jackdaw is distinguishable from other crows by its smaller size, faster and deeper wingbeats and proportionately narrower and less fingered wing tips. It also has a shorter and thicker neck and a much shorter bill and it frequently flies in tighter flocks. The Jackdaw is a skilled flyer and can manoeuvre tightly as well as tumble and glide. It has characteristic jerky wing beats when flying. On the ground, the Jackdaw has an upright posture and struts briskly with its short legs giving it a rapid gait. The Jackdaw is found from north west Africa, throughout all of Europe, except for the extreme north, and east through central Asia to the east Himalayas and Lake Baikal. To the east, it occurs throughout Turkey, the Caucasus, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and north west India. A small number of Jackdaws reached the north east of North America in the 1980s and have been found from Atlantic Canada to Pennsylvania. The range is vast and there is a large global population. Most populations are resident but the north and east populations are more migratory and relocate to wintering areas between September and November and return between February and early May. The Jackdaw can be found in wooded steppes, pastures, cultivated land, coastal cliffs and towns. It thrives when forested areas are cleared and converted to fields and open areas. Habitats with a mix of large trees, buildings and open ground are preferred. Open fields are left to the Rook and more wooded areas to the Jay. The Jackdaw is highly gregarious and is generally seen in flocks of varying sizes. Flocks increase in size in autumn and birds congregate at dusk for communal roosting with up to several thousand individuals gathering at one site. Males and females pair bond for life and pairs stay together within flocks. Jackdaws will frequently congregate with other crows such as Carrion Crows, Hooded Crows or Rooks. Foraging takes place mostly on the ground in open areas and to some extent in trees. Landfill sites, bins, streets and gardens are also visited, more often early in the morning when there are fewer people about. Various feeding methods are employed, such as jumping, pecking, clod-turning and scattering, probing the soil and occasional digging. The Jackdaw will also ride on the backs of sheep and other mammals such as deer, seeking ticks as well as actively gathering wool or hair for nests. Compared with other crows, the Jackdaw spends more time exploring and turning over objects with its bill. It also has a straighter and less downturned bill and increased binocular vision which are advantageous for this foraging strategy. The Jackdaw is opportunistic and highly adaptable and varies its diet markedly depending on available food sources. It tends to feed on small invertebrates that are found above ground, including various species of beetle as well as snails and spiders. It will also eat small rodents, bats, the eggs and chicks of birds and carrion such as roadkill. Vegetable items consumed include farm grains, weed seeds, elderberries, acorns and various cultivated fruits. The Jackdaw practices active food sharing with a number of individuals regardless of sex or kinship. It also shares more of a preferred food than a less preferred food. The active giving of food by most birds is found mainly in the context of parental care and courtship although the Jackdaw shows much higher levels of active giving than has been documented for other species. The function of this behaviour is not fully understood and several theories have been advanced. Genetic analysis of Jackdaw pairs and offspring shows no evidence of extra-pair copulation and there is little evidence for couple separation even after multiple instances of reproductive failure. Some pairs do separate in the first few months but almost all pairings of over 6 months' duration are lifelong and end only when a partner dies. Widowed or separated birds fare badly and are often ousted from nests or territories and are unable to rear broods alone. The Jackdaw usually breeds in colonies with pairs collaborating to find a nest site which they then defend from other pairs and predators during most of the year. It will nest in cavities in trees or cliffs, in ruined or occupied buildings and in chimneys, the common feature being a sheltered site for the nest. A mated pair usually constructs a nest by improving a crevice by dropping sticks into it. The nest is then built on top of the platform formed. Nest platforms can attain a great size. Nests are lined with hair, wool, dead grass and many other materials. Clutches usually contain 4 or 5 eggs which are incubated by the female for 17 to 18 days until hatching as naked altricial chicks which are completely dependent on the adults for food. The chicks fledge after 28 to 35 days and the parents continue to feed them for another 4 weeks or so. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/newgrange-br-na-binne-comeath https://images.on-this.website/4752_7393756165e53940a1d478.jpgNewgrange, Brú na Bóinne, Co.Meath, Ireland Newgrange is a prehistoric monument in the Brú na Bóinne area of Co. Meath located about 5 miles west of Drogheda on the north side of the River Boyne. It is an exceptionally grand passage tomb built during the Neolithic period around 3200 BC, making it older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids. Newgrange is the most famous monument within the Neolithic Brú na Bóinne area along with the similar passage tomb mounds of Knowth and Dowth and as such is a part of the Brú na Bóinne UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site consists of a large circular mound with an inner stone passageway and chambers. Human bones and possible grave goods or votive offerings were found in these chambers. The mound has a retaining wall at the front made mostly of white quartz cobblestones and it is ringed by engraved kerbstones. Many of the larger stones of Newgrange are covered in megalithic art. The mound is also ringed by a stone circle. Some of the material that makes up the monument came from as far away as the Mourne Mountains in Co. Down in the south east of Northern Ireland and the Wicklow Mountains principally in Co. Wicklow in the east of Ireland. There is not complete agreement about what the site was used for but it is believed that it had religious significance. Its entrance is aligned with the rising sun on the winter solstice when sunlight shines through a “roofbox” and floods the inner chamber for a few minutes. In this respect, Newgrange also shares many similarities with other Neolithic constructions in Europe, especially Gavrinis in Brittany, Maeshowe in Orkney in Scotland and Bryn Celli Ddu in Wales. After its initial use, Newgrange was sealed for several millennia. It continued to feature in Irish mythology and folklore in which it is said to be a dwelling of the deities, particularly The Dagda and his son Aengus. Antiquarians first began studying the site in the 17th century and archaeological excavations took place in the years that followed. Archaeologist Michael J. O'Kelly led the most extensive of these and also reconstructed the frontage of the site in the 1970s. Newgrange is a popular tourist site and is regarded as one of the most important megalithic structures in Europe. According to the archaeologist Colin Renfrew, it is [i]"unhesitatingly regarded by the prehistorian as the great national monument of Ireland"[/i]. Date: 3rd February 2020 Location: Newgrange, Brú na Bóinne, Co.Meath, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13656924.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19435673204ed3685a19c59.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the [i]Canidae[/i] family and is a part of the order [i]Carnivora[/i] within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082709.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20509441905d307da9127e7.jpgEastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria The Rhodopes Mountains are a mountain range in south east Europe. They are spread over 5689 square miles of which 4723 square miles are located in south Bulgaria and the remainder in north Greece. The Rhodopes Mountains are about 149 miles long and about 62 to 75 miles wide with an average altitude of 2575 feet. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 7188 feet and is situated 12 miles to the west of Smolyan. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rhodopes Mountains give their name to the terrestrial eco-region Rodope montane mixed forests that belong in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The area is particularly notable for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans plus its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms such as the Trigrad Gorge. The Rhodopes Mountains can be sub-divided in to 3 sections: The Western Rhodopes are spread over 66% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and they are higher, the most infrastructurally developed and the most visited part of the mountains. The highest and best known peaks are located in this section with more than 10 over 6562 feet high including the highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7188 feet). Some of the deepest river gorges in the Rhodopes Mountains are located in the west as well as several large lakes. The Eastern Rhodopes are spread over a territory of about 34% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and are much lower in height. The large artificial dams of Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets are located in this part of the mountains. Almost every species of European bird of prey nests in the Eastern Rhodopes including 3 species of vulture. The Southern Rhodopes are the part of the mountain range that is located in Greece and they are characterized by numerous peaks of relatively low altitude. In the Eastern Rhodopes, the Madzharovo Special Protection Area located between village of Borislavtsi and the town of Madzharovo is one of the most popular destinations for birding in Bulgaria. The area covers a part of the narrow valley of the River Arda and is surrounded by rugged mountain slopes, rock massifs, rocky pinnacles, dry scrub and wooded hillsides. The unique micro-climate and the diverse relief are the reason for the wealth of bird species which can be found here. Around 175 bird species have been recorded of which 40 have been included in the Red Book of Bulgaria (a list of endangered species in the country), 78 are of European environmental protection significance and 6 are globally endangered. The Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB) has established a Nature Conservation Centre in Madzharovo which provides an exhibition, conducts educational programs and provides information for various routes and landmarks. It particularly focuses on the many birds of prey which can be found in the area, especially the 3 species of vulture (Griffon, Black and Egyptian). Date: 24th May 2018 Location: River Arda valley and Kovan Kaya near Madzharovo, eastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/july-2023-ruddy-darter https://images.on-this.website/4752_109441345765ce22c561892.jpgJuly 2023 - Ruddy Darter Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801282.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/p5030524-edit https://images.on-this.website/4752_1888691007664330719b17c.jpgRed Squirrel The Red Squirrel or Eurasian Red Squirrel is a species of tree squirrel in the genus Sciurus. It is an arboreal and primarily herbivorous rodent. The Red Squirrel has a typical head and body length of 7.5 to 9 inches, a tail length of 6 to 8 inches and a weight of 9 to 12 ounces. Males and females are the same size. The Red Squirrel is smaller and lighter in weight than the Grey Squirrel The coat of the Red Squirrel varies in colour with the time of year and its location and there are several different coat colour morphs ranging from black to red. Red coats are most common in the UK but in other parts of Europe and Asia different coat colours co-exist within populations. The underside of the Red Squirrel is always creamy-white in colour. The Red Squirrel sheds its coat twice a year, switching from a thinner summer coat to a thicker, darker winter coat with noticeably larger ear-tufts (a prominent distinguishing feature of this species) between August and November. A lighter, redder overall coat colour, along with the ear-tufts (in adults) and smaller size, distinguish the Red Squirrel from the Grey Squirrel. The long tail helps the Red Squirrel to balance and steer when jumping from tree to tree and running along branches and it may also keep it warm during sleep. The Red Squirrel, like most tree squirrels, has sharp and curved claws to enable it to climb and descend broad tree trunks, thin branches and even house walls and its strong hind legs enable it to leap gaps between trees. The Red Squirrel can be found in the boreal coniferous woods in north Europe and Siberia where it prefers Scots Pine, Norway Spruce and Siberian Pine. In west and south Europe it can be found in broad-leaved woods where the mixture of tree and shrub species provides a better year round source of food. In most of the UK and in Italy, broad-leaved woodlands are now less suitable for it due to the better competitive feeding strategy of the introduced Grey Squirrel. The Red Squirrel makes a drey (nest) out of twigs in a branch-fork, forming a domed structure about 9 to 12 inches in diameter. This is lined with moss, leaves, grass and bark. Tree hollows and woodpecker holes are also used. The Red Squirrel is generally a solitary animal and is shy and reluctant to share food with others. However, outside the breeding season and particularly in winter, several Red Squirrels may share a drey to keep warm. Social organisation is based on dominance hierarchies within and between sexes. Although males are not necessarily dominant towards females, the dominant animals tend to be larger and older than subordinate animals and dominant males tend to have larger home ranges than subordinate males or females. Mating can occur in late winter during February and March and in summer between June and July. During mating, males detect females that are in oestrus by an odour that they produce and, although there is no courtship, the male will chase the female for up to an hour prior to mating. Usually multiple males will chase a single female until the dominant male, usually the largest in the group, mates with the female. Males and females will mate multiple times with many partners. Females must reach a minimum body mass before they enter oestrus and heavy females on average produce more young. If food is scarce breeding may be delayed. Typically a female will produce her first litter in her second year. Up to 2 litters a year per female are possible. Each litter averages 3 young and these are known as kits. Gestation is about 38 to 39 days and the young are looked after by the mother alone and are born helpless, blind and deaf. Their body is covered by hair at 21 days, their eyes and ears open after 3 to 4 weeks and they develop all their teeth by 42 days. Juveniles can eat solids around 40 days following birth and from that point they can leave the nest on their own to find food. However, they still suckle from their mother until weaning occurs at 8 to 10 weeks. The Red Squirrel eats mostly the seeds of trees, fungi, nuts (especially hazelnuts but also beech and chestnuts), berries and young shoots. More rarely, it may also eat bird eggs or nestlings and may occasionally exhibit opportunistic omnivory similar to other rodents. Excess food is put into caches, either buried or in nooks or holes in trees, and eaten when food is scarce. Although the Red Squirrel remembers where it created caches at a better than chance level, its spatial memory is believed to be substantially less accurate and durable than that of the Grey Squirrel. Therefore it will often have to search for them when in need and many caches are never found again. Between 60% and 80% of the active time of a Red Squirrel may be spent foraging and feeding. The active period is generally in the morning and in the late afternoon and evening. It often rests in its nest in the middle of the day to avoid the heat and the high visibility to birds of prey that are dangers during these hours. During the winter, this midday rest is often much more brief or absent entirely although harsh weather may cause it to stay in its nest for days at a time. No territories are claimed between Red Squirrels and the feeding areas of individuals overlap considerably. A Red Squirrel that survives its first winter has a life expectancy of 3 years. Individuals may reach 7 years of age and 10 years in captivity. Survival is positively related to the availability of autumn and winter tree seeds. On average, 75 to 85% of juveniles die during their first winter and mortality is approximately 50% for winters following the first. Predators include small mammals such as the Pine Marten, the Wildcat and the Stoat which all prey on juveniles. Birds, including owls and raptors such as the Goshawk and Common Buzzard, may also prey on the Red Squirrel as will the Red Fox and domestic cats and dogs when it is on the ground. Humans influence the population size and mortality of the Red Squirrel by destroying or altering habitats, by causing road casualties and by introducing non-native populations of the Grey Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel and the Red Squirrel are not directly antagonistic and violent conflict between these species is not a factor in the decline in Red Squirrel populations. However, the Grey Squirrel appears to contribute to the decrease in the Red Squirrel population for several reasons: it carries a disease, the squirrel parapoxvirus, that does not appear to affect its own health but will often kill the Red Squirrel, it can better digest acorns whilst the Red Squirrel cannot access the proteins and fats in acorns as easily and it can put the Red Squirrel under pressure for food resources resulting in it not breeding as often. In the UK, due to the above circumstances, the population has today fallen to 160,000 Red Squirrels or fewer with the majority of these in Scotland. Outside the UK and Ireland, the impact of competition from the Grey Squirrel has also been observed in Italy where 2 pairs escaped from captivity in 1948. A significant drop in the Red Squirrel population has been observed since 1970 and it is feared that the Grey Squirrel may expand into the rest of Europe. The Red Squirrel is protected in most of Europe although in some areas it is abundant and is hunted for its fur. In the UK there are several active projects to protect the Red Squirrel and its native woodland habitat, introduce or re-introduce it in to areas where it is absent and eradicate and prevent the spread of the Grey Squirrel. Research undertaken in 2007 in the UK credits the Pine Marten with reducing the population of the invasive Grey Squirrel. Where the range of the expanding Pine Marten population meets that of the Grey Squirrel, the population of the latter retreats. It is theorised that, because the Grey Squirrel spends more time on the ground than the Red Squirrel, it is far more likely to come in contact with the Pine Marten. Date: 3rd May 2024 Location: Dingle Local Nature Reserve, Llangefni, Anglesey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37399625.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16967379565c6697d952070.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 9th December 2018 Location: Winterton-Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/mistle-thrush https://images.on-this.website/4752_1489307385640a3ccebc560.jpgMistle Thrush The Mistle Thrush is the largest European thrush species, measuring 11 inches in length with a 18 inches wingspan and being slightly larger than a Blackbird and noticeably larger than the Song Thrush. The Mistle Thrush has a stocky upright posture when on the ground. It has pale grey-brown upperparts, the chin and throat are greyish-white and the yellowish-buff breast and off-white belly are marked with round black spots. The spotting becomes denser on the lower chest, giving the appearance of a breast-band. The long tail has white tips on the outer feathers and the underwing coverts are white. The eyes are dark brown and the bill is blackish with a yellowish base to the lower mandible. The legs and feet are yellowish-brown. There are no plumage differences between the sexes. Juveniles are similar to adults but they have paler upperparts with creamy centres to many of the feathers and smaller spots on the yellowish underparts. By their first winter they are very similar to adults but the underparts are usually more buff-toned. The male Mistle Thrush has a loud melodious song with fluted whistles, repeated 3 to 6 times and used to advertise his territory, attract a mate and maintain the pair bond. The tone resembles that of the Song Thrush or Blackbird but compared to its relatives the Mistle Thrush's repertoire is less varied and the delivery is slower. However, the song is much louder and often audible up to 2000 yards away. The song is given from a treetop or other elevated position mainly from November to early June. The male is most vocal in the early morning and its tendency to sing after, and sometimes during, wet and windy weather led to the old name "stormcock". The Mistle Thrush is quite a terrestrial bird, hopping with its head held up and body erect. When excited, it will flick its wings and tail. The flight consists of undulating bounds interspersed with glides. The Mistle Thrush breeds in much of Europe and temperate Asia, although it is absent from the treeless far north and its range becomes discontinuous in south east Europe, Turkey and the Middle East. In these warmer southern areas, it tends to be found in the milder uplands and coastal regions. It is a partial migrant with birds from the north and east of the range wintering in the milder areas of Europe and North Africa. Scandinavian and Russian birds start moving south from mid-September onwards, most birds wintering in Europe, west Turkey and the Middle East. Between mid-October and November, large numbers cross the Strait of Gibraltar and others pass through Cyprus but there is hardly any migration across the North Sea. Return migration starts mainly from late March, although it can be a month earlier in the Middle East and northern breeders may not arrive back on their territories until late April or early May. Migration may be by day or night and typically involves individuals or small groups. The Mistle Thrush is a widespread bird in the UK and can be found almost everywhere except the highest upland areas and the northern and western isles of Scotland. Breeding birds in the UK are resident or move only short distances. The Mistle Thrush can be found in a wide range of habitats containing trees, including forests, plantations, hedges and town parks. In the south and east of its range, it inhabits upland coniferous woodland and the range extends above the main tree line where dwarf juniper is present. Breeding occurs at up to 2000 feet in the mountains of north Africa and occasionally much higher up to 5600 feet. In the uplands of Europe, its preferred altitude is from 2600 to 5900 feet. More open habitats, such as agricultural land, moors and grassy hills are extensively used in winter or on migration. The Mistle Thrush is usually found as an individuals or in a pair for much of the year although families forage together in late summer and groups may merge to form large flocks when food sources are plentiful. It is not uncommon for up to 50 birds to feed together at that time of year. They roost at night in trees or bushes, again typically as individuals or pairs, except in late summer or autumn when families may roost together. The Mistle Thrush forms monogamous pairs and stay as a pair throughout the year in areas where they are not migratory. Their territories are much larger than those of Blackbirds or Song Thrushes and larger in woodland than in farmland. The male will attack intruders into its breeding territory, including much larger birds such as birds of prey and corvids. Breeding typically commences in mid-March in the south and west of Europe, late February in the UK but not till early May in Scandinavia. The nest is usually built in a tree in the fork of a branch or against the trunk although hedges, ledges on buildings and cliff faces may also be used. The nest site may be up to 60 feet above the ground although 6 to 30 feet is more typical. The nest is a large cup of sticks, dry grass, roots and moss, coated on the inside with a layer of mud and lined with fine grass and leaves. The nest is built by the female although the male may help. The female Mistle Thrush typically lays 3 to 5 eggs which are incubated for 12 to 15 days, mainly by the female. The chicks are fed by both parents and fledge about 14 to 16 days after hatching. There are normally 2 broods, the male feeding the fledglings from the first brood while the female sits on the second clutch of eggs. The fledglings are dependent on their parents for 15 to 20 days after leaving the nest. The Mistle Thrush feeds mainly on invertebrates, fruit and berries. Animal prey include earthworms, insects and other arthropods, slugs and snails. Snails are sometimes smashed on a stone "anvil", a technique also used by the Song Thrush. Plant food includes the fruits and seeds of bushes and trees, mainly holly, yew, ivy and mistletoe but also blackberry, cherry, elder, hawthorn, olive and rose. It may eat the flowers and shoots of grasses and other plants and it will take fallen apples and plums. It forages within its breeding habitat and in open fields, sometimes sharing these feeding areas with other thrush species. Individuals or pairs will often defend one or more fruit-bearing trees throughout the winter, with preference shown for trees which host mistletoe, the parasitic plant from which the Mistle Thrush derives its name. Where mistletoe is not present, holly is the most common tree chosen. The Mistle Thrush has an extensive distribution in Europe and western Asia and although the population now appears to be declining, the decrease is not rapid or large enough to trigger conservation vulnerability criteria. Given its high numbers and very large range, the Mistle Thrush is therefore classified by the IUCN as being of Least Concern. The perceived population decline may be due to the loss of invertebrate-rich pastures and mixed farms through conversion to arable agriculture or more intensively managed grassland. Adult survival, clutch size and fledging success are all lower in arable landscapes than in areas with extensive pasture. Date: 31st January 2023 Location: Holkham, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/fgra-mountains-sibiu-county-romania https://images.on-this.website/4752_1636135845d308a7d653be.jpgFăgăraș Mountains, Sibiu County, Romania The Făgăraș Mountains, commonly known as the “Transylvanian Alps”, are a mountain range in the Southern Carpathians in central Romania. Spread over 43.5 miles from east to west and 28 miles from north to south, the range resembles an immense spine with steep peaks facing north and more gentle ones to the south. The steep north face of the Făgăraș Mountains rises above 8,000 feet and overlooks the Făgăraş Depression or Făgăraş Hollow through which flows the River Olt. The range is bordered to the east by the Piatra Craiului Mountains and by the Oltului Gorge to the west. The mountains are heavily glaciated with lakes, fretted peaks and morainic deposits. The highest peaks, which are also the highest mountains in Romania, are Moldoveanu (8346 feet), Negoiu (8317 feet) and Viștea Mare (8291 feet) and they are covered by snow for 8 to 9 months of the year. There are several other peaks over 8000 feet. Bâlea is the largest lake, Podragu is the deepest lake and the highest lake is in the Hărtopul Leaotei glacial valley. Other lakes include Urlea and Capra. A road known as the Transfăgărășan (road DN7C) runs across the Făgăraș Mountains. It has been described as the "Road to the Sky", the "Road to the Clouds" and the "Best Driving Road in the World" and it is a stunning scenic drive. The road climbs to a height of 6699 feet at Pasul Bâlea, making it the second highest mountain pass in Romania after the Transalpina. It starts at Bascov near Pitești and follows the valley of the River Argea. After mounting the highest point, between the high peaks of Moldoveanu and Negoiu, it descends to Cârțișoara in the valley of the River Olt. It is a winding road and is dotted with steep hairpin turns, long S-curves and sharp descents and it is usually closed from late October until late June because of snow. Depending on the weather, it may remain open until as late as November or it may close even in the summer. The Transfăgărășan has more tunnels (5) and viaducts (27) than any other road in Romania. Near the highest point, at Bâlea Lake, the road passes through Bâlea Tunnel, the longest road tunnel in Romania at 2900 feet. The Transfăgărășan was constructed between 1970 and 1974 during the rule of Nicolae Ceaușescu as a response to the 1968 invasion of Czechoslovakia by the Soviet Union. Ceaușescu wanted to ensure quick military access across the mountains in case of a Soviet Union invasion. At the time, Romania already had several strategic mountain passes through the Southern Carpathians, whether inherited from the pre-Communist era (road DN1 and road DN67C) or built during the initial years of the Communist regime (road DN66). These passes, however, were mainly through river valleys and they would have been easy for the Soviet Union to block and attack. Ceauşescu therefore ordered the construction of a road across the Făgăraş Mountains. Built mainly by junior military forces, the road had a high financial and human cost since work was carried out in an alpine climate at an elevation of 6600 feet. The road was officially opened on 20th September 1974 although work continued until 1980. Date: 7th June 2018 Location: Făgăraș Mountains between Făgăraș and Cârțișoara, Sibiu County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/barnacle-geese-15 https://images.on-this.website/4752_15298088454c20b2528c85.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 3rd January 2015 Location: Mersehead RSPB reserve, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/port-uisken-mull-argyll https://images.on-this.website/4752_6386570734ec8daac036eb.jpgPort Uisken, Mull, Argyll Port Uisken is a sandy bay located on the southern shore of the Ross of Mull. Date: 10th November 2011 Location: view from the end of the unclassified road from Bunessan http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46535255.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_196908183062caa733b3c48.jpgRinglet Flight period: July to mid August. The Ringlet is a widespread and successful species which has been extending its range in in the UK in recent years. They can be found in in tall, lush grasslands particularly in woodland rides and glades and also around scrub and hedgerows. Date: 6th July 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo3119944.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10530751634a6c3c79988ce.jpgCommon Seal Common Seals feed at sea but regularly haul out on to rocky shores or inter-tidal sandbanks to rest, to give birth and to suckle their pups. The most important haul-out areas are around the coast of Scotland, particularly in the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland, and on the east coast of England in the Wash. Date: 13th July 2009 Location: Blakeney Point, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/april-2022-nightingale https://images.on-this.website/4752_99036337962c97cac06cdc.jpgApril 2022 - Nightingale Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45948489.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493283.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20848886245f326f703f2dc.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49903308.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_115036287065042f6839fba.jpgRed Admiral Flight period: April to November. The Red Admiral is a familiar and widespread butterfly in the UK although numbers depend on immigration from Europe. It can be found in any flower-rich habitat. Date: 15th August 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41352923.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13497567465f215748440ab.jpgRed Admiral Flight period: April to November. The Red Admiral is a familiar and widespread butterfly in the UK although numbers depend on immigration from Europe. It can be found in any flower-rich habitat. Date: 21st July 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813392.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3889718195d0ddead58553.jpgRazorbills The Razorbill is a seabird and a member of the auk family which also includes the Common Guillemot, Brunnich's Guillemot and Little Auk. It is also the closest living relative to the Great Auk which is now extinct. The Razorbill has white underparts and a black head, neck, back and feet during the breeding season. A thin white line also extends from the eyes to the end of the bill. Its head is darker than that of the CommonGuillemot. Outside the breeding season, the throat and face behind the eye become white and the white line on the face becomes less prominent. The thick black bill has a blunt end. The adult male and female female are very much alike having only small differences such as wing length. The Razorbill has a horizontal stance and the tail feathers are slightly longer in the centre in comparison to other auks making it have a distinctly long tail which is not common for an auk. The Razorbill is distributed across the sub-arctic and boreal waters of the north Atlantic where water surface temperature are typically below 15°c. The world population is estimated to be less than 1 million breeding pairs, making it among the rarest auks in the world. Approximately 60 to 70% of the entire Razorbill population breeds in Iceland., including over 200,000 pairs at Látrabjarg. The breeding habitat is islands, rocky shores and cliffs on north Atlantic coasts, in eastern North America as far south as Maine and in western Europe from north west Russia to northern France. Eurasian birds winter at sea with some moving south as far as the western Mediterranean. North American birds migrate offshore and south. The Razorbill is a colonial breeder and only comes to land to breed. Individuals only breed at 3 to 5 years of age. Females select their mate and will often encourage competition between males before choosing a partner. Once a male is chosen, the pair will usually stay together for life. Nest site determination is very important to ensure protection of young from predators. Unlike Common Guillemots, nest sites are not immediately alongside the sea on open cliff ledges but at least 4 to 6 inches away in crevices on cliffs or among boulders. Generally a nest is not built although some pairs often use their bills to drag material upon which to lay their single egg. The mating pair will often reuse the same site every year. The Razorbill feeds mainly on schooling fish and crustaceans and it will dive deep into the sea using its wings and its streamlined body to propel itself toward their prey. Whilst diving, it rarely stays in groups but instead spreads out to feed. The majority of feeding occurs at a depth of about 80 feet but it has the ability to dive up to 400 feet below the surface. During a single dive the Razorbill can capture and swallow many schooling fish depending on their size. The Razorbill spends approximately 45% of its time foraging at sea and it may well fly more than 60 miles out to sea to feed. However, when feeding chicks it will forage much closer to the nesting grounds and often in shallower water. The Razorbill and its eggs and chicks have several predators which include Great Black-backed Gulls, Peregrines, Ravens and other crows, Arctic Foxes and Polar Bears. In the early 20th century, Razorbills were harvested for their eggs, meat and feathers and this greatly decreased their population. In 1917 they were finally protected which reduced hunting. Other current threats include oil pollution, unintentional bycatch arising from commercial fishing and overfishing which decreases the abundance of prey. Date: 10th June 2019 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/six-spot-burnet https://images.on-this.website/4752_879579573467dc95a9629c.jpgSix-Spot Burnet Flight period: June to August. The Six-Spot Burnet is one of the commonest of the UK's day-flying moths. They can be found in meadows and woodland clearings. Date: 30th July 2006 Location: EWT Langdon Conservation Centre, Dunton, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9564642.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2702419224daec6c054701.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 27th January 2008 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17408534.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1956109418513327e5402ee.jpgReed Bunting The Reed Bunting is a sparrow-sized but slimmer and with a long, deeply notched tail. The male has a black head, white collar and a drooping “moustache”. Females and winter males are browner and have a streaked head. In flight the tail looks black with broad, white edges. When singing, the male can usually be seen perched on top of a bush or reed. Reed Buntings can be found all year round in the UK, typically in areas of wet vegetation but also farmland and gardens in winter. Date: 13th January 2013 Location: Pennington Flash, Greater Manchester http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21828826.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_150914723353cb95e11ead0.jpgTree Sparrow The Tree Sparrow is a member of the sparrow family [i]Passer[/i], a group of small passerine birds that is believed to have originated in Africa and which contains 15 to 25 species. The Tree Sparrow's name is derived from 2 Latin words: [I]passer[/I] meaning "sparrow" and [I]montanus[/I] meaning "of the mountains". The common name is given to suggest the preference for tree holes for nesting. However, this name and the scientific name [i]montanus[/i] do not appropriately describe the Tree Sparrow’s habitat preferences: the German name [i]Feldsperling[/i] meaning "field sparrow"[/i] comes closer to doing so. The Tree Sparrow is around 5 to 5.5 inches in length with a wingspan of about 8.3 inches, making it roughly 10% smaller than the House Sparrow. The adult's crown and nape are a rich chestnut and there is a kidney-shaped black ear patch on each pure white cheek. The chin, throat and the area between the bill and throat are black. The upperparts are light brown streaked with black and the brown wings have 2 distinct narrow white bars. The legs are pale brown and the bill is lead-blue in summer becoming almost black in winter. The Tree Sparrow is distinctive even within its own family in that there are no plumage differences between the sexes. The juvenile resembles the adult although the colours tend to be duller. The contrasting face pattern makes the Tree Sparrow easily identifiable in all plumages and the smaller size and chestnut (not grey) crown are additional differences from the male House Sparrow. The Tree Sparrow's breeding range comprises most of temperate Europe and Asia south of about latitude 68°N (north of this the summers are too cold) and through south east Asia to Java and Bali. It is sedentary over most of its extensive range but northernmost breeding populations migrate south for the winter and small numbers leave south Europe for north Africa and the Middle East. The Tree Sparrow has been introduced outside its native range but it has not always become successfully established, possibly due to competition with the House Sparrow. Ship-carried birds have colonised some areas and birds have also occurred as vagrants. Despite its scientific name, the Tree Sparrow is not typically a mountain species and reaches only 2300 feet in Switzerland although it has bred at 5600 feet in the northern Caucasus and as high as 14010 feet in Nepal. In Europe, the Tree Sparrow is frequently found in open countryside with small isolated patches of woodland but also on coasts with cliffs, in woodland along slow water courses and in empty buildings. It shows a strong preference for nest sites near wetland habitats and avoids breeding on intensively managed farmland. In Europe, where the Tree Sparrow and the House Sparrow occur in the same region, the House Sparrow generally nests in urban areas while the Tree Sparrow nests in rural areas. Where trees are in short supply, both species may utilise man-made structures as nest sites. Whilst the Tree Sparrow is mainly a rural bird in Europe, it tends to be an urban bird in Asia and Australia. In the UK, the Tree Sparrow is scarcer in upland areas and the far north and west of the and the main populations are now found across the Midlands and south and east England. The Tree Sparrow may breed in isolated pairs or in loose colonies. The male calls from near the nest site in spring to proclaim ownership and attract a mate and he may also carry nest material in to the nest hole. The Tree Sparrow typically builds its nest in a cavity in an old tree or rock face. Some nests are not in holes as such but are built among roots of overhanging bushes. Roof cavities in houses and nest boxes are also readily used. In addition, the Tree Sparrow will breed in the disused nest of a Magpie or other crow species or an active or unused nest of a large bird such as the White Stork or a heron or raptor species. It will sometimes attempt to take over the nest of other birds that breed in holes or enclosed spaces such as tit species, flycatcher species, Swallow, House Martin, Sand Martin or European Bee-eater. The untidy nest is composed of hay, grass, wool or other material and lined with feathers which improve thermal insulation. The female lays 5 or 6 eggs which are incubated by both parents for 12 to 13 days and the chicks fledge after a further 15 to 18 days. There are 2 or 3 broods each year. Hybridisation between the Tree Sparrow and the House Sparrow has been recorded in many parts of the world with male hybrids tending to resemble the Tree Sparrow while female hybrids are more similar to the House Sparrow. The Tree Sparrow is a predominantly seed and grain eating bird which feeds on the ground in flocks and often with House Sparrows, finches and buntings. It may also visit feeding stations. It additionally feeds on invertebrates including insects, woodlice, millipedes, centipedes, spiders, etc. especially during the breeding season when the young are fed mainly on animal food. Adults use a variety of wetlands when foraging for invertebrate prey to feed chicks and aquatic sites play a key role in providing adequate diversity and availability of suitable invertebrate prey to allow successful chick rearing. Large areas of formerly occupied farmland no longer provide these invertebrate resources due to the effects of intensive farming. The Tree Sparrow has a large range and a large population. Although the population is declining, the species is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List. For this reason, the Tree Sparrow is designated as being of “Least Concern”. Although the Tree Sparrow has been expanding its range in Fennoscandia and east Europe, its population has been declining in much of west Europe, a trend reflected in other farmland birds such as the Skylark and Corn Bunting. The collapse in population seems to have been particularly severe in the UK where there was a 93% decline between 1970 and 2008. However, recent Breeding Bird Survey data is encouraging and suggests that numbers may have started to increase albeit from a very low point. The decrease in population is probably the result of agricultural intensification and specialisation, particularly the increased use of herbicides and a trend towards autumn-sown crops at the expense of spring-sown crops that produce stubble fields in winter. The change from mixed to specialised farming and the increased use of insecticides has reduced the amount of insect food available for chicks. Date: 11th June 2014 Location: Bempton Cliifs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/pasvikdalen-troms-og-finnmark-norway https://images.on-this.website/4752_9125398755f10b22f98aee.jpgPasvikdalen, Troms og Finnmark, Norway The Pasvik valley (Norwegian: [i]Pasvikdalen[/i]) is a river valley located in Norway and Russia. The Norwegian side of the valley is situated in Sør-Varanger municipality in Troms og Finnmark and the Russian side is located in the Pechengsky district in Murmansk Oblast. Øvre Pasvik National Park (Norwegian: [i]Øvre Pasvik Nasjonalpark[/i]) is located in the south eastern part of the valley and covers an area of 46 square miles. It is dominated by Siberian-like taiga consisting of old-growth forests of Scots pine, shallow lakes and bogs. Proposals for a national park in Øvre Pasvik were first launched in 1936 but it was not created until February 1970. It originally covered 25 square miles but was expanded in August 2003. Øvre Pasvik National Park is part of the larger Pasvik–Inari Trilateral Park along with the adjacent Øvre Pasvik Landscape Protection Area, the joint Norwegian and Russian Pasvik Nature Reserve and Finland's Vätsäri Wilderness Area. The fauna and flora of the Øvre Pasvik National Park is typical of the Siberian taiga. This includes Brown Bear, Wolverine, Wolf, Lynx and Elk and a very interesting diversity of northern and eastern species of birds which breed on the lakes and rivers and in the forests. The River Pasvikelva runs through the valley (giving it the name) and the river defines part of the border between Norway and Russia. It is the outlet from the large Lake Inari in Finland and flows through Norway and Russia to discharge into the Bøkfjorden (which later flows into the Varangerfjorden and then the Barents Sea) not far from the town of Kirkenes. The river has a watershed of 7106 square miles and is 90 miles long. A series of hydroelectric power stations are situated along its course. Since 1826, the River Pasvikelva has marked parts of the border between Norway and Russia, except from 1920 to 1944 when it was along the border between Norway and Finland. The southern part of the valley is also the location of the Treriksrøysa (Three-Country Cairn), a cairn which marks the tripoint where the borders between Norway, Finland and Russia meet. The site is on a hill called Muotkavaara situated west of the River Pasvikelva. It is the only place where 3 time zones meet: Central European Time, Eastern European Time and Further-Eastern European Time. The tripoint can only be approached by the public from the Norwegian side since both Finland and Russia maintain extensive border zones where public access is prohibited. Date: 29th June 2019 Location: view from Birk Husky, Melkefoss, Pasvikdalen, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4639670.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17642266144baf08b509c33.jpgRed Grouse The Red Grouse is a medium-sized bird of the grouse family which is found in heather moorland in the UK and Ireland. It is endemic to the UK and has developed in isolation. It is usually classified as a sub-species of the Willow Ptarmigan or Willow Grouse which is found in birch and other forests and moorlands in north Europe, the tundra of Scandinavia, Siberia, Alaska and north Canada. The Red Grouse is differentiated from the Willow Ptarmigan and Rock Ptarmigan by its plumage being reddish brown and not having a white winter plumage. The tail is black and the legs are white. There are white stripes on the underwing and red combs over the eye. Females are less reddish than the males and have less conspicuous combs. Young birds are duller and lack the red combs. The Red Grouse is found across most parts of Scotland, including Orkney, Shetland and most of the Outer Hebrides. It is only absent from urban areas such as in the Central Belt. In Wales there are strong populations of Red Grouse in some places but the range has retracted. It is now largely absent from the far south and the main strongholds are Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons and the Cambrian Mountains. In England the Red Grouse is mainly found in the north in areas such as the Lake District, Northumberland, County Durham, much of Yorkshire, the Pennines and the Peak District as far south as the Staffordshire Moorlands. There is an isolated introduced population on Dartmoor and overspill Welsh birds visit the Shropshire Hills.The typical habitat is upland heather moors away from trees. It can also be found in some low-lying bogs and birds may visit farmland during hard weather. The UK population of the Red Grouse is estimated at about 250,000 pairs. Numbers have declined in recent years and it is now absent in areas where it was once common. Reasons for the decline include disease, loss of heather due to overgrazing, creation of new conifer plantations and a decline in the number of upland gamekeepers. Some predators feed on Red Grouse and there is ongoing controversy as to what effect these have on numbers. The Red Grouse is herbivorous and feeds mainly on the shoots, seeds and flowers of heather. It will also feed on berries, cereal crops and sometimes insects. The Red Grouse is considered a game bird and is shot in large numbers during the shooting season which traditionally starts on August 12th (known as the Glorious Twelfth). Shooting can take the form of “walked up” (where shooters walk across the moor to flush grouse and take a shot) or “driven” (where grouse are driven, often in large numbers, by “beaters” towards the shooters who are hiding behind a line of “butts”). Many moors are managed to increase the density of Red Grouse. Areas of heather are subjected to controlled burning since this allows fresh young shoots to regenerate which are favoured by Red Grouse. In addition, extensive predator control is a feature of grouse moor management and the extent and legality to which it occurs is hotly contested between conservation groups and shooting interests and the subject generates a lot of media attention. The Red Grouse is widely known as the logo of The Famous Grouse whisky and an animated bird is a character in a series of its adverts. It is also the emblem of the magazine “British Birds”. Date: 11th March 2010 Location: Grinton Moor, Yorkshire Dales National Park, North Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26006870.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3538164415634c4d0b7f54.jpgHumpback Whale The Humpback Whale is a rorqual, the largest group of the baleen whales which includes the Blue Whale, the Fin Whale, the Bryde's Whale, the Sei Whale and the Minke Whale. The common name of Humpback Whale is derived from the curving of the back when diving. The generic name <i>Megaptera</i> from the Greek <i>mega</i> means "giant" and <i>ptera</i> means “wing" and refers to the large front flippers. The specific name <i>novaeangliae</i> means "New Englander" and was probably given due to the regular sightings of Humpback Whales off the coast of New England. One of the larger rorqual species, an adult Humpback Whale ranges in length from 39 to 52 feet and weighs approximately 79,000 pounds. It has a distinctive body shape with unusually long pectoral fins and a knobbly head. An acrobatic animal known for breaching and slapping the water with its tail and pectoral fins, it is popular with whale watchers The Humpback Whale can easily be identified by its stocky body with an obvious hump and black dorsal colouring. The head and lower jaw are covered with knobs called tubercles which are hair follicles and are characteristic of the species. The fluked tail, which it lifts above the surface in some dive sequences, has wavy trailing edges. The long black and white tail fin, which can be up to a third of the body length, and the pectoral fins have unique patterns which make individual whales identifiable. Several hypotheses attempt to explain the pectoral fins which are proportionally the longest fins of any cetacean. The two most enduring mention the higher manoeuverability afforded by long fins and the usefulness of the increased surface area for temperature control when migrating between warm and cold climates. The stubby dorsal fin is visible soon after the blow when the whale surfaces but disappears by the time the flukes emerge. The Humpback Whale has a 9.8 feet, heart-shaped to bushy blow or exhalation of water through the blowholes. The Humpback Whale is found in oceans and seas around the world in a wide band running from the Antarctic ice edge to 77° N latitude. It is migratory and spends summers in cooler, high-latitude waters and mates and calves in tropical and subtropical waters. Annual migrations of up to 16,000 miles are typical. The Humpback Whale social structure is loose-knit and it is not excessively social. Individuals normally live alone or in small, transient groups that disband after a few hours. Groups may stay together a little longer in summer to forage and feed cooperatively. Longer-term relationships between pairs or small groups, lasting months or even years, have rarely been observed. The Humpback Whale's range overlaps considerably with other whale and dolphin species although they rarely interact socially with them. Courtship rituals take place during the winter months following migration towards the equator from the summer feeding grounds closer to the poles. Competition is usually fierce and unrelated males frequently trail females as well as mothers with calves. Males gather into competitive groups and fight for females. Group size ebbs and flows as unsuccessful males retreat and others arrive to try their luck. Behaviours include breaching, spyhopping, lob-tailing, tail-slapping, fin-slapping, peduncle throws, charging and parrying. Whale songs are assumed to have an important role in mate selection although they may also be used between males to establish dominance. Females reach sexual maturity at the age of 5 years whilst males reach sexual maturity at approximately 7 years of age. Females typically breed every 2 or 3 years. The gestation period is 11.5 months and the peak months for birth are January, February, July, and August. Newborn calves are roughly the length of their mother's head and measure around 20 feet. They nurse for approximately 6 months and then mix nursing and independent feeding for possibly 6 months more. The Humpback Whale feeds primarily in the summer and lives off fat reserves during the winter. It feeds only rarely and opportunistically in its wintering waters. The Humpback Whale is an energetic hunter and takes krill and small schooling fish such as herring, salmon, mackerel, pollock, and haddock . It hunts by direct attack or by stunning its prey by hitting the water with its pectoral fins or tail flukes. The Humpback Whale has the most diverse feeding repertoire of all baleen whales. Its most inventive technique is known as bubble net feeding. A group of whales swims in a shrinking circle blowing bubbles below a school of prey. The shrinking ring of bubbles encircles the school and confines it in an ever-smaller cylinder. This ring can begin at up to 100 feet in diameter and involve the cooperation of a dozen animals. The whales then suddenly swim upward through the "net", mouths agape, swallowing thousands of fish in one gulp. Pleated grooves in the whale's mouth allow the creature to easily drain all the water initially taken in. Both male and female Humpback Whales vocalize but only males produce the long, loud, complex "songs" for which the species is famous. Each “song” consists of several sounds in a low register, varying in amplitude and frequency and typically lasting from 10 to 20 minutes. Cetaceans have no vocal cords so whales generate their “songs” by forcing air through their massive nasal cavities. Humpback Whales within a large area sing the same “song”. All north Atlantic Humpback Whales sing the same “song” and those of the north Pacific sing a different “song”. Each population's “song” changes slowly over a period of years. Scientists are unsure of the purpose of whale “songs”. Only males “sing”, suggesting one purpose is to attract females. However, many of the whales observed to approach a “singer” are other males, often resulting in conflict, and “singing” may therefore be a challenge to other males. Some scientists have hypothesized the song may serve an echo location function. Like other large whales, the Humpback Whale was and is a target for the whaling industry. Once hunted to the brink of extinction, its population fell by an estimated 90% before a moratorium was introduced in 1966. While stocks have since partially recovered, entanglement in fishing gear, collisions with ships and noise pollution continue to have an impact worldwide. The worldwide population is at least 80,000 with 18,000 to 20,000 in the north Pacific, about 12,000 in the north Atlantic and over 50,000 in the Southern Hemisphere, down from a pre-whaling population of 125,000. The Humpback Whale is considered "least concern" from a conservation standpoint as of 2008. This is an improvement from “vulnerable” in 1996 and “endangered” as recently as 1988. Most monitored stocks of Humpback Whales have rebounded well since the end of commercial whaling, such as the north Atlantic population where stocks are now believed to be approaching levels similar to those before hunting began. However, the species is still considered “endangered” in some countries. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Ísafjarðardjúp, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo445693.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6558616114681c75775a64.jpgAn Teallach, Highland Height: Bidean a'Ghlas Thuill 3483 feet and Sgurr Fiona 3477 feet. Towering above Little Loch Broom and Dundonnell village, the jagged outline of An Teallach is a well known mountain maasif in Wester Ross. Date: 12th June 2006 Location: view from the A832 road south of Dundonnell http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081435.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_128415633363a83b739b490.jpgCommon Buzzard The Common Buzzard is a member of the genus Buteo and the family Accipitridae, a group of medium-sized raptors with robust bodies and broad wings. The Buteo species of Eurasia and Africa are usually commonly referred to as buzzards whilst those in the Americas are called hawks. Under current classification, the genus Buteo includes approximately 28 species. The Common Buzzard includes between 7 to 16 sub-species and the western Buteo group includes Buteo buteo buteo which is found more or less continuously throughout Europe including the UK. The Common Buzzard is a medium-sized raptor that is highly variable in plumage. It is distinctly round headed with a somewhat slender bill and it has relatively long wings that either reach or fall slightly short of the tail tip when perched, a fairly short tail and somewhat short and mainly bare tarsi. It can appear fairly compact in overall appearance but may also appear large relative to other commoner raptors such as the Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. The Common Buzzard measures between 16 and 23 inches in length with a 3 feet 7 inches to 4 feet 7 inches wingspan. Females average about 2 to 7% larger than males in length and weigh about 15% more. Body mass can show considerable variation from 0.94 to 2.6 pounds in males and 1.07 to 3.02 pounds in females. In Europe, the Common Buzzard is typically dark brown above and on the upperside of the head and mantle but this can become paler and warmer brown with worn plumage. Usually the tail will be narrowly barred grey-brown and dark brown with a pale tip and a broad dark subterminal band but the tail in the palest birds can show a varying amount of white and a reduced sub-terminal band or even appear almost all white. The underside colouring can be variable but typically shows a brown-streaked white throat with a somewhat darker chest. A pale U across the breast is often present followed by a pale line running down the belly which separates the dark areas on the breast side and flanks. These pale areas tend to have highly variable markings that form irregular bars. Juveniles are quite similar to adults and are best told apart by having a paler eye, a narrower sub-terminal band on the tail and underside markings that appear as streaks rather than bars. Beyond the typical mid-range brownish Common Buzzard, birds in Europe can range from almost uniform black-brown above to mainly white. Extreme dark individuals may range from chocolate-brown to blackish with almost no pale colour showing but with a variable or faded U on the breast and with or without faint lighter brown throat streaks. Extreme pale individuals are largely whitish with variable widely spaced streaks or arrowheads of light brown about the mid-chest and flanks and may or may not show dark feather-centres on the head, wing-coverts and sometimes all but part of the mantle. Individuals can show nearly endless variation of colours and hues in between these extremes and the Common Buzzard is among the most variably plumaged diurnal raptors for this reason. The Common Buzzard is often confused with other raptors especially in flight or at a distance including other Buteo species such as Rough-legged Buzzard and Long-legged Buzzard and also Honey Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, Golden Eagle, Booted Eagle and Short-toed Eagle. The Common Buzzard is found throughout several islands in the eastern Atlantic islands, including the Canary Islands and the Azores, and almost throughout Europe. In the UK, it is found in Northern Ireland and in nearly every part of Scotland and England. In mainland Europe, there are no substantial gaps in the range from Portugal and Spain to Greece, Estonia, Belarus and the Ukraine, although it is present mainly only in the breeding season in much of the eastern half of the latter 3 countries. It is also present in all larger Mediterranean islands such as Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily and Crete. Further north in to Scandinavia, it is found mainly in south Norway, the southern half of Sweden and in the southern two-thirds of Finland. The Common Buzzard reaches its northern limit as a breeder in far eastern Finland and over the border in to European Russia and nearly to the Kola Peninsula. In these northern limits, the Common Buzzard is present typically only in summer. The Common Buzzard generally inhabits the interface of woodlands and open ground and typically lives in forest edge, small broad-leaved, coniferous or mixed woodlands with adjacent grassland, arable fields or other farmland and open moorland as long as there are some trees. It is absent from treeless tundra and sporadic or rare in treeless steppe. The Common Buzzard can be found from sea level to elevations of 6600 feet although it breeds mostly below 3300 feet. It can winter to an elevation of 8200 feet and migrates easily at 14,800 feet. The Common Buzzard is a partial migrant. Autumn and spring movements are subject to extensive variation, even down to the individual level, based on a region's food resources, competition (both from other Common Buzzards and other predators), the extent of human disturbance and weather conditions. Short distance movements are the norm for juveniles and some adults in autumn and winter but more adults in central and south Europe and the UK remain in their year-around areas than do not. The Common Buzzard is a typical Buteo in much of its behaviour. It is most often seen effortlessly soaring for extended periods at varying heights although it can appear laborious and heavy in level flight. It is also often seen perched prominently on tree tops, bare branches, telegraph poles, fence posts, rocks or ledges or alternatively well inside the tree canopy. It will also stand and forage on the ground. The Common Buzzard is a generalist predator which hunts a wide variety of prey given the opportunity. The prey extents to a wide variety of vertebrates including mammals, birds (from any age from eggs to adult birds), reptiles, amphibians and fish as well as to various invertebrates, mostly insects. In total, well over 300 prey species are known to be taken by the Common Buzzard. However, dietary studies have shown that it mostly preys upon small mammals, mainly small rodents. Furthermore, prey size can vary from tiny beetles, caterpillars and ants to large adult grouse and Rabbits up to nearly twice their body mass. At times, the Common Buzzard will also subsist partially on carrion, usually of dead mammals or fish. Hunting in relatively open areas has been found to increase hunting success whereas more complete shrub cover lowered success. A majority of prey is taken by dropping from a perch and is normally taken on the ground. Prey may also be hunted in a low flight, by random glides or soars or by foraging on the ground. The home range of the Common Buzzard is generally 0.19 to 0.77 square miles and the size of the breeding territory seems to be correlated with food supply. The territory is maintained through flight displays and in Europe territorial behaviour usually starts in February. However, displays are not uncommon throughout the year in resident pairs, especially by males, and can elicit similar displays by their neighbours. In the display, the Common Buzzard generally engages in high circling, spiraling upward on slightly raised wings. Mutual high circling by pairs sometimes goes on at length, especially during the period prior to or during breeding season. During the mutual displays, the male may engage in exaggerated deep flapping or zig-zag tumbling, apparently in response to the female being too distant. Several pairs may circle together at times and as many as 14 individual adults have been recorded over established display sites. Sky-dancing by the Common Buzzard has been recorded in spring and autumn, typically by the male but sometimes by the female, nearly always with much calling. Sky-dances are of the rollercoaster type, with an upward sweep of up to 100 feet until the bird starts start to stall but sometimes embellished with loops or rolls at the top. Next in the sky-dance, the bird will dive at least 200 feet on more or less closed wings before spreading them and shooting up again. These sky-dances may be repeated in series of 10 to 20. In the climax of the sky-dance, the undulations become progressively shallower, often slowing and terminating directly on to a perch. Various other aerial displays include low contour flight or weaving among trees, frequently with deep beats and exaggerated upstrokes which show underwing pattern to rivals perched below. Talon grappling and occasionally cartwheeling downward with feet interlocked has also been recorded. The Common Buzzard tends to build a bulky nest of sticks, twigs and often heather and lined with broad-leaved foliage. Nests are up to 3.3 to 3.9 feet across and 24 inches deep. With reuse over years, the diameter of a nest can reach or exceed 5 feet. Trees are generally used for a nesting location but crags or cliffs are used if trees are unavailable. Nests in trees are usually located by the main trunk at a height of around 10 to 82 feet. Pairs often have 2 to 4 nests in a territory but some pairs may use a single nest over several consecutive years. The breeding season of the Common Buzzard commences at differing times based on latitude. It may fall as early as January to April but typically it is March to July in most of Europe. In the northern limits of the range the breeding season may occur from May to August. Mating usually occurs on or near the nest and eggs are usually laid in 2 to 3 day intervals. The clutch size can range from to 2 to 6 and it appears that local factors such as habitat and food supply are relevant. Eggs are generally laid in late March to early April in the extreme south, sometime in April in most of Europe and in to May and possibly even early June in the extreme north. If eggs are lost to a predator or fail in some other way, replacement clutches are not usually laid although this has been recorded. Incubation lasts for 33 to 35 days and is mostly, but not solely, undertaken by the female. Hatching may take place over 3 to 7 days. Often the youngest nestling dies from starvation, especially in broods of 3 or more. The female remains at the nest brooding the young in the early stages with the male bringing all prey. At about 8 to 12 days, both the male and female will bring prey but the female continues to do all feeding until the young can tear up their own prey. The young are nearly fully feathered rather than downy at about a month of age and can start to feed themselves as well. The first attempts to leave the nest are often at about 40 to 50 days. Fledging occurs typically at 43 to 54 days but in extreme cases as late 62 days. After leaving the nest, the young generally stay close by until full independence 6 to 8 weeks after fledging. Numerous factors may influence the breeding success of the Common Buzzard including the availability of prey populations, habitat, disturbance and persecution levels and competition. The Common Buzzard is one of the most numerous birds of prey in its range and it is the most numerous diurnal bird of prey throughout much of Europe. Date: 9th January 2022 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21956245.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_112027984053da25d1e04fc.jpgPuffins The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Staple Island, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084769.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2328037215d30880324037.jpgLake Izvorul Muntelui, Neamț County, Romania Lake Izvorul Muntelui, also known as Lake Bicaz, is the largest artificial lake in Romania. It was created after the completion of a dam built between 1950 and 1960 on the River Bistrița. The dam is located just north of the town of Bicaz and is used to generate hydroelectricity at the Bicaz-Stejaru hydro-plant. Lake Izvorul Muntelui has a length of 25 miles an area of 12 square miles and it is an important tourist destination in the area, especially during the summer when boat trips operate. Date: 4th June 2018 Location: view from near Ruginești, Neamț County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42626670.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_95008526460a922cf85360.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 13th April 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45201503.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_102678011962371e8faa875.jpgCarrion Crow The Carrion Crow is a passerine bird in the crow family Corvidae. The Hooded Crow was formerly regarded as a sub-species but it has now been split off as a separate species The plumage of the Carrion Crow is black with a green or purple sheen. The bill, legs and feet are also black. It can be distinguished from the Raven by its smaller size (19 to 20 inches in length as compared to an average of 25 inches for the Raven) and from the Hooded Crow by its all black plumage. There is frequent confusion between the Carrion Crow and the Rook, another black corvid species found within its range. The beak of the Carrion Crow is stouter and in consequence it looks shorter and whereas in the adult Rook the nostrils are bare, those of the Carrion Crow are covered at all ages with bristle-like feathers. As well as this, the wings of a Carrion Crow are proportionally shorter and broader than those of the Rook when seen in flight. Unlike the Rook which is generally gregarious, the Carrion Crow is usually solitary or seen in breeding pairs. The Carrion Crow is a noisy bird, perching on a vantage point such as a building or the top of a tree and calling 3 or 4 times in quick succession with a slight pause between each series of calls. During each series of calls, the bird may perform an accompanying gesture, bowing its head and neck downwards with each call. The Carrion Crow can become tame near humans and can often be found in or around areas of human activity or habitation where they compete with other social birds such as gulls and ducks for food. The Carrion Crow breeds in west and central Europe with an allied form or race occurring in east Asia with the closely allied Hooded Crow filling the gap between. Fertile hybrids occur along the boundary between these 2 forms indicating their close genetic relationship. Across its range, it can be seen all year round in a wide range of habitats such as urban areas, farmland, woodlands, mountains, moorlands and seashores. The Carrion Crow reaches sexual maturity around the age of 3 years for females and 5 years for males and birds often mate for life. The Carrion Crow builds a bulky stick nest which is usually placed in a tall tree although cliff ledges, old buildings and pylons may be used as well. Nests are also occasionally placed on or near the ground. The nest resembles that of the Raven but is less bulky. The female lays 3 to 4 eggs which are incubated for 18 to 20 days by the female alone who is fed by the male. The young fledge after 29 to 30 days. It is not uncommon for offspring from the previous year to stay around and help rear the new hatchlings. Instead of seeking out a mate, these birds look for food and assist the parents in feeding the young. Although an eater of carrion of all kinds, the Carrion Crow will eat insects, earthworms, grain, fruits, seeds, small mammals, amphibians and scraps and it will also steal eggs of other birds. It is a scavenger by nature which is why it tends to frequent sites inhabited by humans in order to feed on household waste. The Carrion Crow will also harass birds of prey or even Foxes for their kills. The Carrion Crow has few natural predators although powerful raptors such as the Northern Goshawk, the Peregrine, the Eurasian Eagle Owl and the Golden Eagle will readily hunt them and they can become an important prey item locally. Date: 23rd February 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21830306.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_182081186653cbbac04da38.jpgTree Sparrow The Tree Sparrow is a member of the sparrow family [i]Passer[/i], a group of small passerine birds that is believed to have originated in Africa and which contains 15 to 25 species. The Tree Sparrow's name is derived from 2 Latin words: [I]passer[/I] meaning "sparrow" and [I]montanus[/I] meaning "of the mountains". The common name is given to suggest the preference for tree holes for nesting. However, this name and the scientific name [i]montanus[/i] do not appropriately describe the Tree Sparrow’s habitat preferences: the German name [i]Feldsperling[/i] meaning "field sparrow"[/i] comes closer to doing so. The Tree Sparrow is around 5 to 5.5 inches in length with a wingspan of about 8.3 inches, making it roughly 10% smaller than the House Sparrow. The adult's crown and nape are a rich chestnut and there is a kidney-shaped black ear patch on each pure white cheek. The chin, throat and the area between the bill and throat are black. The upperparts are light brown streaked with black and the brown wings have 2 distinct narrow white bars. The legs are pale brown and the bill is lead-blue in summer becoming almost black in winter. The Tree Sparrow is distinctive even within its own family in that there are no plumage differences between the sexes. The juvenile resembles the adult although the colours tend to be duller. The contrasting face pattern makes the Tree Sparrow easily identifiable in all plumages and the smaller size and chestnut (not grey) crown are additional differences from the male House Sparrow. The Tree Sparrow's breeding range comprises most of temperate Europe and Asia south of about latitude 68°N (north of this the summers are too cold) and through south east Asia to Java and Bali. It is sedentary over most of its extensive range but northernmost breeding populations migrate south for the winter and small numbers leave south Europe for north Africa and the Middle East. The Tree Sparrow has been introduced outside its native range but it has not always become successfully established, possibly due to competition with the House Sparrow. Ship-carried birds have colonised some areas and birds have also occurred as vagrants. Despite its scientific name, the Tree Sparrow is not typically a mountain species and reaches only 2300 feet in Switzerland although it has bred at 5600 feet in the northern Caucasus and as high as 14010 feet in Nepal. In Europe, the Tree Sparrow is frequently found in open countryside with small isolated patches of woodland but also on coasts with cliffs, in woodland along slow water courses and in empty buildings. It shows a strong preference for nest sites near wetland habitats and avoids breeding on intensively managed farmland. In Europe, where the Tree Sparrow and the House Sparrow occur in the same region, the House Sparrow generally nests in urban areas while the Tree Sparrow nests in rural areas. Where trees are in short supply, both species may utilise man-made structures as nest sites. Whilst the Tree Sparrow is mainly a rural bird in Europe, it tends to be an urban bird in Asia and Australia. In the UK, the Tree Sparrow is scarcer in upland areas and the far north and west of the and the main populations are now found across the Midlands and south and east England. The Tree Sparrow may breed in isolated pairs or in loose colonies. The male calls from near the nest site in spring to proclaim ownership and attract a mate and he may also carry nest material in to the nest hole. The Tree Sparrow typically builds its nest in a cavity in an old tree or rock face. Some nests are not in holes as such but are built among roots of overhanging bushes. Roof cavities in houses and nest boxes are also readily used. In addition, the Tree Sparrow will breed in the disused nest of a Magpie or other crow species or an active or unused nest of a large bird such as the White Stork or a heron or raptor species. It will sometimes attempt to take over the nest of other birds that breed in holes or enclosed spaces such as tit species, flycatcher species, Swallow, House Martin, Sand Martin or European Bee-eater. The untidy nest is composed of hay, grass, wool or other material and lined with feathers which improve thermal insulation. The female lays 5 or 6 eggs which are incubated by both parents for 12 to 13 days and the chicks fledge after a further 15 to 18 days. There are 2 or 3 broods each year. Hybridisation between the Tree Sparrow and the House Sparrow has been recorded in many parts of the world with male hybrids tending to resemble the Tree Sparrow while female hybrids are more similar to the House Sparrow. The Tree Sparrow is a predominantly seed and grain eating bird which feeds on the ground in flocks and often with House Sparrows, finches and buntings. It may also visit feeding stations. It additionally feeds on invertebrates including insects, woodlice, millipedes, centipedes, spiders, etc. especially during the breeding season when the young are fed mainly on animal food. Adults use a variety of wetlands when foraging for invertebrate prey to feed chicks and aquatic sites play a key role in providing adequate diversity and availability of suitable invertebrate prey to allow successful chick rearing. Large areas of formerly occupied farmland no longer provide these invertebrate resources due to the effects of intensive farming. The Tree Sparrow has a large range and a large population. Although the population is declining, the species is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List. For this reason, the Tree Sparrow is designated as being of “Least Concern”. Although the Tree Sparrow has been expanding its range in Fennoscandia and east Europe, its population has been declining in much of west Europe, a trend reflected in other farmland birds such as the Skylark and Corn Bunting. The collapse in population seems to have been particularly severe in the UK where there was a 93% decline between 1970 and 2008. However, recent Breeding Bird Survey data is encouraging and suggests that numbers may have started to increase albeit from a very low point. The decrease in population is probably the result of agricultural intensification and specialisation, particularly the increased use of herbicides and a trend towards autumn-sown crops at the expense of spring-sown crops that produce stubble fields in winter. The change from mixed to specialised farming and the increased use of insecticides has reduced the amount of insect food available for chicks. Date: 11th June 2014 Location: Bempton Cliifs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28140564.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_121064339577a3a3ba1215.jpgLoch an Eilean, Highland Loch an Eilean is a small loch in the Rothiemurchus Forest located 3 miles south of Aviemore on Speyside. On a small island in the loch stand the remains of a 15th century castle which is believed to have been a property of Alexander Stewart, the Wolf of Badenoch. A nature trail circuits the loch and passes through the typical Caledonian pine forest of this part of Scotland. Date: 22nd June 2016 Location: view from the south side of the loch http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49001822.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12542115776468e2fb0a66d.jpgSong Thrush The Song Thrush is a familiar and popular songbird, smaller and browner than the Mistle Thrush with smaller spotting on the breast. The Song Thrush can be found all year round in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens across the UK. Numbers are declining seriously making it a Red List species. Date: 3rd April 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/blue-tailed-damselfly https://images.on-this.website/4752_20763701786291f58665122.jpgBlue-tailed Damselfly Flight period: mid May to early September. Blue-tailed Damselflies are a widespread and common species of damselfly in much of England, Wales and southern Scotland. They can be found around lakes, ponds, canals and ditches, being less common on flowing water and in exposed and upland sites. They can also tolerate some saline and polluted waters. Date: 26th May 2022 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13657344.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17461677544ed36e2d13fb8.jpgOtter The Eurasian Otter, also known as the European Otter, Eurasian River Otter, Common Otter and Old World Otter and commonly known as the Otter, is a semi-aquatic mammal and the most widely distributed member of the Otter sub-family of the Weasel family (Mustelidae). The Otter is a typical species of the Otter sub-family and is brown above and cream below. It is 22.5 to 37.5 inches long excluding a tail of 14 to 17.5 inches. The female is shorter than the male. The Otter's average body weight is 15 to 26 pounds, although occasionally a large old male may reach up to 37 pounds. The Otter differs from the North American River Otter by its shorter neck, broader face, the greater space between the ears and its longer tail. However, it is the only Otter species in much of its range so it is rarely confused for any other animal. The Otter is the most widely distributed Otter species and its range including parts of Asia and Africa as well as being widespread across Europe. The Otter can be found throughout most of the UK with the highest densities in Scotland, especially the islands and the north west coast, Wales, parts of East Anglia and the West Country. The Otter declined across its range in the second half of the 20th century primarily due to pollution, habitat loss and hunting. However, populations are now recovering in many parts of Europe. In the UK the number of sites with an Otter presence increased by 55% between 1994 and 2002. In August 2011, the Environment Agency announced that the Otter had returned to every county in England since vanishing from every county except the West Country and parts of Northern England. The recovery of the Otter population in Europe is due to a ban on the most harmful pesticides that has been in place since 1979, improvements in water quality leading to increases in prey populations and direct legal protection under the European Union Habitats Directive and national legislation in several European countries. In general, the Otter’s varied and adaptable diet means that it can be found on any unpolluted body of fresh water, including lakes, streams, rivers and ponds, as long as the food supply is adequate. It can also be found along the coast in salt water but it requires regular access to fresh water to clean its fur. When living in the sea it is sometimes referred to as a "Sea Otter" but it should not be confused with the true Sea Otter which is a North American species much more strongly adapted to a marine existence. The Otter's diet mainly consists of fish. However, during the winter and in colder environments, fish consumption is significantly lower and other sources of food are eaten including amphibians, crustaceans, insects, birds and small mammals. Hunting mainly takes place at night whilst the day is usually spent in the Otter's holt (den). The Otter is strongly territorial and is primarily solitary. An individual's territory may vary between 1 and 25 miles with the length of the territory depending on the density of food available and the width of the water suitable for hunting (it is shorter on coasts, where the available width is much wider and longer on narrower rivers). The Otter uses its spraints to mark its territory. Territories are only held against members of the same sex so those of males and females may overlap. The Otter is a non-seasonal breeder and males and females will breed at any time of the year. It has been found that their mating season is most likely determined simply by the Otters' reproductive maturity and physiological state. Female Otters are sexually mature between 18 and 24 months old and the average age of first breeding is found to be 2.5 years old. Gestation is 60 to 64 days and after the gestation period, 1 to 4 pups are born which remain dependent on the mother for about 13 months. The male plays no direct role in parental care although the territory of a female with her pups is usually entirely within that of the male. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/july-2011-marsh-frog https://images.on-this.website/4752_16335257904ec4fe3f7535f.jpgJuly 2011 - Marsh Frog Please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/photo11806262.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19507347.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_159875821552528a37c6aec.jpgRabbit The (European) Rabbit ranges from 13 to 20 inches in length, not counting a tail of 1.6 to 3.1 inches. It has grey/brown fur, white underparts, long ears, large hind legs and a short, white fluffy tail. As a lagomorph, it has four sharp incisors (two on top, two on bottom) that grow continuously throughout its life. The Rabbit moves move by hopping, using its long and powerful hind legs. To facilitate quick movement, the hind feet have a thick padding of fur to dampen the shock of rapid hopping. The toes are long and are webbed to keep from spreading apart as the animal jumps. The Rabbit is native to south west Europe (Spain and Portugal) and north west Africa (Morocco and Algeria). It is known as an invasive species because it has been introduced to countries on all continents, with the exception of Antarctica and sub-Saharan Africa, where it has often caused many problems within the environment and ecosystems. The Rabbit was brought to England in the 12th century by the Normans and kept in captivity in warrens as a source of meat and fur. Many escaped into the wild and eventually become so common that farming them was no longer economic. Helped by fast breeding, a diet of virtually any vegetable matter and human persecution of their predators, the Rabbit slowly established itself in the wild in the UK despite originally favouring a warmer, drier climate. It is now widespread throughout the UK but absent from the Isles of Scilly and a few smaller islands and can be found almost anywhere that it can burrow. The most suitable areas are those where the burrow area and food supply are side-by-side, such as woodland edge and hedgerows. Open warrens are maintained where good burrowing conditions exist on areas of short grass, sand dunes, railway verges and even in urban areas. It is rarely found above the tree-line and it avoids damp conditions and areas deep in conifer woodland. The Rabbit is a social animal and lives in medium-sized colonies comprising of a network of burrows known as warrens. It is largely crepuscular, being most active around dawn and dusk, although it is not infrequently seen and active during the day. During the day, it prefers to reside in vegetated patches which are used for protection from predators. The Rabbit is essentially a mixed feeder, both grazing and browsing, but grass is the primary food source. However, it has a diverse diet of grasses, leaves, buds, tree bark and roots and will also eat lettuce, cabbage, root vegetables and grains. The Rabbit is famed for its reproductive capabilities and the inspiration for the phrase "breeding like rabbits". The breeding season is mainly from January to August when 4 to 8 litters of 2 to 12 kittens are produced. The gestation period averages 31 days. The doe constructs a nest inside a burrow from grass bedding and lines it with soft fur from her chest and belly. The young kittens are born blind, deaf and almost hairless. Their eyes open at 10 days, they begin to appear at the burrow entrance at 18 days and are weaned at 21 to 25 days. They are self-supporting in one month but 90% die in the first year. Bucks are able to mate at 4 months, does at 3.5 months. Birds of prey and carnivores such as the Fox, Stoat and Weasel are the primary predators of the Rabbit. Date: 13th September 2013 Location: view from road to Embalse del Jándula, Sierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/pelican https://images.on-this.website/4752_1604069440559ce83882155.jpgDalmatian Pelican The somewhat similar-looking White Pelican broadly overlaps in size but has greater size sexual dimorphism. Female White Pelicans can be noticeably smaller than female Dalmatian Pelicans but male individuals of the two species are essentially the same size and weight. The Dalmatian Pelican differs from the White Pelican in that it has curly nape feathers, grey legs and silvery-white (rather than pure white) plumage. In winter, the adult Dalmatian Pelican goes from silvery-grey to a dingier brownish-grey cream colour. Immature birds are grey and lack the pink facial patch of immature White Pelicans. The bare skin around the eye can vary from yellow to purplish in colour. In the breeding season the Dalmatian Pelican has an orange-red lower mandible and pouch against a yellow upper mandible but in winter the whole bill is a somewhat dull yellow. The bill, at 14 to 18 inches long, is the second largest of any bird after the Australian Pelican. In flight, the Dalmatian Pelican is an elegant soaring bird, with the head held close to and aligned with the body by a downward bend in the neck. Unlike other pelicans, its wings are solid greyish-white with black tips. The Dalmatian Pelican can be found in lakes, rivers, deltas and estuaries from south east Europe to India and China. Compared to the White Pelican, the Dalmatian Pelican is not as tied to lowland areas and will nest in suitable wetlands at many elevations. It is less opportunistic in breeding habitat selection than the White Pelican, usually returning to a traditional breeding site year after year unless it becomes completely unsuitable. The Dalmatian Pelican usually migrates short distances. It is dispersive in Europe, based on feeding opportunities, with most western birds staying through the winter in the Mediterranean region. It is more actively migratory in Asia, where most of the birds that breed in Russia fly down for the winter to the central Middle East, largely around Iran through to the Indian Subcontinent from Nepal to central India. The Dalmatian Pelican has declined greatly throughout its range, more so than the White Pelican. During the 20th century, the species' numbers underwent a dramatic decline for reasons that are not entirely understood. The most likely reason was habitat loss due to human activities such as the drainage of wetlands and land development. Colonies are regularly disturbed by human activity, and, like all pelicans, the parents may temporarily leave their nest if threatened which then exposes the chicks to the risk of predation. Occasionally, Dalmatian Pelicans may be shot by fishermen who believe the birds are dangerously depleting the fish population and hence threatening their livelihood. Dalmatian Pelicans also regularly fly into power-lines and are killed by electrocution. The largest single remaining colony of Dalmatian Pelicans in Europe is at the Prespa lakes shared between Albania and Greece with around 1400 pairs. Approximately 450 pairs breed in the Danube Delta in Romania. The country with the largest breeding population today, including about 70% of pairs or possibly over 3,000 pairs, is Russia. Conservation efforts have been undertaken on behalf of the Dalmatian Pelican especially in Europe. Although they normally nest on the ground, Dalmatian Pelicans have nested on platforms put out in Turkey, Greece, Bulgaria and Romania in order to encourage them to breed. Rafts over water have also been set up for the species to use in Greece and Bulgaria. Power-lines have also been marked or dismantled in areas adjacent to colonies in these countries. Additionally, water-level management and educational programs may be aiding them at a local level. The Dalmatian Pelican feeds almost entirely on fish. It usually forages alone or in groups of only 2 or 3 birds. It normally swims along, placidly and slowly, until it quickly dunks its head underwater and scoops the fish out along with great masses of water. The water is dumped out of the sides of the pouch and the fish is swallowed. Occasionally it may feed cooperatively with other pelicans by corralling fish into shallow waters and may even co-operate similarly while fishing alongside Cormorants. Among a highly social family in general, the Dalmatian Pelican may have the least social inclinations. It naturally nests in relatively small groups compared to most other pelican species and sometimes may even nest alone. However, small colonies are usually formed, which regularly include upwards of 250 pairs. Occasionally, Dalmatian Pelicans may mix in with colonies of White Pelicans. Nesting sites selected are usually either islands in large bodies of water (typically lagoons or river deltas) or dense mats of aquatic vegetation. The nest is a moderately-sized pile of grass, reeds, sticks and feathers and is usually located on or near the ground, often being placed on dense floating vegetation. Breeding commences in March or April, about a month before the White Pelican breeds. Date: 13th May 2015 Location: Great Prespa Lake (Megali Prespa), West Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/house-sparrows https://images.on-this.website/4752_18164545755c6be811a5107.jpgHouse Sparrows The House Sparrow is a member of the sparrow family [i]Passeridae[/i]. The House Sparrow is typically about 6.3 inches long, ranging from 5.5 to 7.1 inches, and it is a compact bird with a full chest and a large, rounded head. Its bill is stout and conical. The plumage is mostly different shades of grey and brown and the sexes exhibit strong dimorphism. The female is mostly buffish above and below whilst the male has boldly coloured head markings, a reddish back and grey underparts. The male has a dark grey crown from the top of its bill to its back and chestnut brown flanking its crown on the sides of its head. It has black around its bill, on its throat and on the lores between the bill and the eyes. It has a small white stripe between the lores and crown and small white spots immediately behind the eyes with black patches below and above them. The underparts are pale grey or white, as are the cheeks, ear coverts and stripes at the base of the head. The upper back and mantle are a warm brown, with broad black streaks whilst the lower back, rump and upper tail coverts are greyish brown. The male's bill is black in the breeding season and dark grey during the rest of the year. The female has no black markings or grey crown. Its upperparts and head are brown with darker streaks around the mantle and a distinct pale supercilium. Its underparts are pale grey-brown. The female's bill is brownish-grey and becomes darker in breeding plumage approaching the black of the male's bill. Juveniles are similar to the adult female but deeper brown below and paler above and with paler and less defined supercilia. Juveniles have broader buff feather edges and tend to have looser, scruffier plumage similar to moulting adults. The House Sparrow can be confused with a number of other seed-eating birds, especially its relatives in the sparrow family [i]Passeridae[/i]. The dull coloured female House Sparrow can often not be distinguished from other female sparrows and is nearly identical to those of the Spanish and Italian Sparrows. The Tree Sparrow is smaller and more slender with a chestnut crown and a black patch on each cheek. The male Spanish Sparrow and Italian Sparrow are distinguished by their chestnut crowns. The House Sparrow's flight is direct rather than undulating. On the ground, it typically hops rather than walks. The House Sparrow originated in the Middle East and spread, along with agriculture, to most of Eurasia and parts of north Africa. Since the mid-19th century, it has reached most of the world, mainly due to deliberate introductions but also through natural and shipborne dispersal. Its introduced range encompasses most of north America, central America, south America, south Africa, parts of West Africa, Australia, New Zealand and islands throughout the world. It has become highly successful in most parts of the world where it has been introduced. This is mostly due to its early adaptation to living with humans and its adaptability to a wide range of conditions. It has also greatly extended its range in northern Eurasia since the 1850s and continues to do so. The extent of its range makes the House Sparrow the most widely distributed wild bird on the planet. The House Sparrow is closely associated with human habitation and cultivation. It is believed to have become associated with humans around 10,000 years ago. The only terrestrial habitats that the House Sparrow does not inhabit are dense forest and tundra. Well adapted to living around humans, it frequently lives and even breeds indoors, especially in factories, warehouses and zoos. It reaches its greatest densities in urban centres but its reproductive success is greater in suburbs where insects are more abundant. In most of its range, the House Sparrow is extremely common despite some declines but in more marginal habitats its distribution can be patchy. Most House Sparrows do not move more than a few miles during their lifetimes. However, limited migration occurs in all regions. Some young birds disperse long distances and mountain birds move to lower elevations in winter. The House Sparrow is a very social bird and it is gregarious during all seasons when feeding, often forming flocks with other species of birds. It roosts communally in trees or shrubs, its nests are usually grouped together in clumps and it engages in social activities such as dust or water bathing and "social singing" in which birds call together in bushes. The House Sparrow can breed in the breeding season immediately following its hatching and sometimes it will attempt to do so. However, birds breeding for the first time are rarely successful in raising young and reproductive success increases with age as older birds breed earlier in the breeding season and fledge more young. The timing of mating and egg-laying varies geographically and between specific locations and years because a sufficient supply of insects is needed for egg formation and feeding nestlings. Males take up nesting sites before the breeding season by frequently calling beside them. Unmated males start nest construction and call particularly frequently to attract females. The House Sparrow is monogamous and typically mates for life but birds from pairs often engage in extra-pair copulations. Many birds do not find a nest and a mate and instead may serve as helpers around the nest for mated pairs, a role which increases the chances of being chosen to replace a lost mate. Lost mates of both sexes can be replaced quickly during the breeding season. The formation of a pair and the bond between the 2 birds is tied to the holding of a nest site. Nest sites are varied although cavities are preferred. Nests are most frequently built in the eaves and other crevices of houses. Holes in cliffs and banks or tree hollows are also used and sometimes a nest will be excavated in sandy banks or rotten branches. Especially in warmer areas, the House Sparrow may build its nest in the open, such as on the branches of trees or in the nests of large birds such as storks, although breeding success tends to be lower. The nest is usually domed although it may lack a roof in enclosed sites. It has an outer layer of stems and roots, a middle layer of dead grass and leaves and a lining of feathers as well as of paper and other soft materials. The building of the nest is initiated by the unmated male while displaying to females. The female assists in building but is less active than the male. The female House Sparrow usually lays 4 or 5 eggs although numbers from 1 to 10 have been recorded. At least 2 clutches are usually laid and up to 7 a year may be laid in the tropics or 4 a year in temperate latitudes. When fewer clutches are laid in a year, especially at higher latitudes, the number of eggs per clutch is greater. The female plays the main role in incubating the eggs. The male helps but can only cover the eggs rather than truly incubate them. The female spends the night incubating while the male roosts near the nest. Eggs hatch at the same time, after a short incubation period lasting 11 to 14 days. Young House Sparrows remain in the nest for 11 to 23 days but normally 14 to 16 days. During this time, they are fed by both parents. All the young leave the nest during the same period of a few hours. At this stage, they are normally able to fly. They start feeding themselves partly after 1 or 2 days and sustain themselves completely after 7 to 10 days. In adult House Sparrows, annual survival is 45% to 65%. After fledging and leaving the care of their parents, young House Sparrows have a high mortality rate which lessens as they grow older and more experienced. Only about 20 to 25% of birds hatched survive to their first breeding season. The oldest known wild House Sparrow lived for nearly 20 years and the oldest recorded captive House Sparrow lived for 23 years. The House Sparrow's main predators are cats and birds of prey but many other animals prey on them, including corvids, squirrels and even humans (it has been consumed in the past by people in many parts of the world and it still is in parts of the Mediterranean). As an adult, the House Sparrow mostly feeds on the seeds of grains and weeds but it is opportunistic and adaptable and eats whatever foods are available. In urban areas, it scavenges and feeds largely on food provided directly or indirectly by humans such as bread and leftover food. It will also eat some plant matter including buds, berries and fruits such as grapes and cherries. Animals form another important part of the diet, including beetles, caterpillars, flies, aphids, molluscs, crustaceans earthworms and even vertebrates such as lizards and frogs. Young House Sparrows are fed mostly on insects until about 15 days after hatching. They are also given small quantities of seeds and spiders. The House Sparrow has an extremely large range and population and is not seriously threatened by human activities so it is assessed as “Least Concern” by the IUCN. However, populations have been declining in many parts of the world. These declines were first noticed in north America but have been most severe in west Europe. In the UK, populations peaked in the early 1970s but have since declined by 70% overall and about 90% in some regions. Substantial declines have been noted in both rural and urban populations and the House Sparrow is designated as a “Red List” species. While the decline in England continues, Breeding Bird Survey data indicate recent population increases in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Various causes for the dramatic decreases in population have been suggested. A shortage of nesting sites caused by changes in urban building design is probably a factor together with an insufficient supply of insect food for nestlings arising from an increase of monoculture crops, the heavy use of pesticides and the replacement of native plants in cities with introduced plants and parking areas. Date: 10th January 2019 Location: RSPB Greylake, Somerset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31192319.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1532525415591823db8a6a02.29377893.jpgNuthtach The Nuthatches are a family of similar looking birds with short tails and wings, compact bodies, longish pointed bills, grey or bluish upperparts, a black eyestripe and strong feet. There are more than 20 subspecies in 3 main groups. The Eurasian Nuthatch is found throughout temperate Asia and in Europe where it is known simply as the Nuthatch. The adult male Nuthatch is 5.5 inches long. It has blue-grey upperparts, a black eye-stripe and whitish throat and underparts. The flanks and lower belly are orange-red and mottled with white on the undertail. The stout bill is dark grey with a paler area on the base of the lower mandible, the iris is dark brown and the legs and feet are pale brown or greyish. The female is similar in appearance to the male but may be identified by her slightly paler upperparts, a browner eyestripe and a more washed out tone to the flanks and lower belly. Young birds resemble the female although their plumage is duller and they have paler legs. The Nuthatch's breeding range extends across temperate Eurasia from the UK (but not Ireland) to Japan. It breeds south to the Mediterranean in Europe (although it is absent from the islands other than Sicily) and in most of Russia. In the east, the range includes most of China and Taiwan and much of Korea. Most populations are sedentary, apart from some post-breeding dispersal of young birds, and there is a reluctance to cross even short stretches of open water. The Nuthatch can be found in mature woodland with large, old trees which provide extensive growth for foraging and nesting holes. In Europe, deciduous or mixed forest is favoured, particularly when containing oak. Parks, old orchards and other wooded habitats may be occupied as long as they have at least a 2.5 acre block of suitable trees. Particularly in mountains, the Nuthatch can be found in old spruce and pine forests. The Nuthatch is primarily a lowland bird in the north of its range but reaches the tree-line in Switzerland at 3,900 feet or higher and it breeds occasionally at 5,900 to 6,900 feet in Austria. It breeds at similar levels in the mountains of Turkey, the Middle East, central Asia and Japan. The Nuthatch is common throughout much of its range although densities are lower in the far north and in coniferous forests. Fragmentation of woodland can lead to local losses of breeding birds but the range is still expanding. In recent decades, the Nuthatch has colonised Scotland and expanded its range in Wales and northern England. Across most of its European range, the most important predator of the Nuthatch is the Sparrowhawk. Other species known to prey on the Nuthatch include the Goshawk, Hobby and Tawny Owl. Pairs of Nuthatches hold permanent territories and nest in tree holes, usually old woodpecker nests but sometimes natural cavities. The nest site is typically 5 to 65 feet above the ground. If the entrance to the hole is too large, the female plasters it with mud to reduce its size and often coats the inside of the cavity too. The 6 to 9 red-speckled white eggs are laid on a deep base of pine or other wood chips. The female incubates the eggs for 13 to 18 days to hatching and broods the chicks until they fledge 20 to 26 days later. Both adults feed the chicks in the nest and continue to do so after they fledge until they become independent after about 8 to 14 days. Normally only a single brood is raised each year. The Nuthatch eats mainly insects, particularly caterpillars and beetles, although in autumn and winter its diet is supplemented with nuts and seeds. Food items are found mainly on tree trunks and large branches but smaller branches may also be investigated. Food may also be taken from the ground especially outside the breeding season. The Nuthatch can forage when descending trees head first as well as when climbing upwards. The Nuthatch readily visits bird tables and will eat fatty man-made food items as well as seeds. It is a hoarder and will store food all year round. Date: 8th May 2017 Location: Gilfach RWT reserve, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11806184.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6257592654e3a785b27332.jpgMarsh Frog The Marsh Frog is the largest European frog. It is very similar in appearance to the closely related Edible Frog and Pool Frog. These 3 species are often referred to as "green frogs" to distinguish them from the more terrestrial European species which are known as "brown frogs" (best exemplified by the Common Frog). Marsh Frogs show a large variation in colour and pattern, ranging from dark green to brown or grey. The Western European populations are generally dark green to black with dark spots on the back and sides and 3 clear green lines on the back. Females can reach a maximum length of around 6.5 inches but males are smaller at around 4.5 inches. The head is proportionally large and the hind legs are long which gives them excellent jumping abilities. The Marsh Frog is usually gregarious and diurnal and more tied to aquatic habitats than the Common Frog. It is tolerant of brackish conditions and typically it is found on or in the water of its favoured drainage channels and pools throughout the year. Marsh Frogs frequently sunbathe on the bank of the water body where they are often inconspicuous until disturbed when they will jump in to the water with a characteristic “plop”. They can often be seen on lily pads or floating at the surface amongst vegetation with only their heads exposed. During the breeding season (and sometimes beyond) the male Marsh Frog calls very loudly with a sound reminiscent of a loud chuckle which is often very raucous and can be heard all day and night. Dominant males establish territories from which they call. After mating a female may produce up to 16,000 eggs in a season, laying them in clumps of a few hundred in aquatic vegetation below the surface. They hatch in about a week, tadpoles being rather solitary and living in deep water with vegetation. Newly metamorphosed frogs are up to 1 inch in length and take 2 years to mature. The diet of the Marsh Frog consists of dragonflies and other insects, spiders, earthworms and slugs. Larger frogs also eat small rodents and sometimes smaller amphibians and fish. The Marsh Frog is not a native species of the UK. It was first introduced to Walland Marsh, Kent in 1935 and is now found in several areas of Kent and East Sussex. Other introductions exist, including colonies in London. Date: 31st July 2011 Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32708829.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_183005390259ad25965c2530.77526170.jpgJackdaw The Western Jackdaw, also known as the Eurasian Jackdaw, European Jackdaw or simply Jackdaw, is a passerine bird in the crow family. Measuring 13 to 15 inches in length, the Jackdaw is the second smallest member of the crow family. Most of the plumage is a shiny black with a purple or blue sheen on the crown, forehead and secondaries and a green-blue sheen on the throat, primaries and tail. The cheeks, nape and neck are light grey to greyish-silver and the underparts are slate-grey. The legs are black as is the short stout bill. The irises of adults are greyish or silvery white while those of juveniles are light blue, becoming brownish before whitening at around one year of age. The sexes look alike although the head and neck plumage of male birds fades more with age and wear, particularly just before moulting. Immature birds have duller and less demarcated plumage. The head is a sooty black, sometimes with a faint greenish sheen and brown feather bases visible, the back and side of the neck are dark grey and the underparts greyish or sooty black. The tail has narrower feathers and a greenish sheen. There are 4 recognised geographical subspecies of the Jackdaw, each with slight plumage variations. Within its range, the Jackdaw is generally unmistakable and its short bill and grey nape are distinguishing features. In flight, the Jackdaw is distinguishable from other crows by its smaller size, faster and deeper wingbeats and proportionately narrower and less fingered wing tips. It also has a shorter and thicker neck and a much shorter bill and it frequently flies in tighter flocks. The Jackdaw is a skilled flyer and can manoeuvre tightly as well as tumble and glide. It has characteristic jerky wing beats when flying. On the ground, the Jackdaw has an upright posture and struts briskly with its short legs giving it a rapid gait. The Jackdaw is found from north west Africa, throughout all of Europe, except for the extreme north, and east through central Asia to the east Himalayas and Lake Baikal. To the east, it occurs throughout Turkey, the Caucasus, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and north west India. A small number of Jackdaws reached the north east of North America in the 1980s and have been found from Atlantic Canada to Pennsylvania. The range is vast and there is a large global population. Most populations are resident but the north and east populations are more migratory and relocate to wintering areas between September and November and return between February and early May. The Jackdaw can be found in wooded steppes, pastures, cultivated land, coastal cliffs and towns. It thrives when forested areas are cleared and converted to fields and open areas. Habitats with a mix of large trees, buildings and open ground are preferred. Open fields are left to the Rook and more wooded areas to the Jay. The Jackdaw is highly gregarious and is generally seen in flocks of varying sizes. Flocks increase in size in autumn and birds congregate at dusk for communal roosting with up to several thousand individuals gathering at one site. Males and females pair bond for life and pairs stay together within flocks. Jackdaws will frequently congregate with other crows such as Carrion Crows, Hooded Crows or Rooks. Foraging takes place mostly on the ground in open areas and to some extent in trees. Landfill sites, bins, streets and gardens are also visited, more often early in the morning when there are fewer people about. Various feeding methods are employed, such as jumping, pecking, clod-turning and scattering, probing the soil and occasional digging. The Jackdaw will also ride on the backs of sheep and other mammals such as deer, seeking ticks as well as actively gathering wool or hair for nests. Compared with other crows, the Jackdaw spends more time exploring and turning over objects with its bill. It also has a straighter and less downturned bill and increased binocular vision which are advantageous for this foraging strategy. The Jackdaw is opportunistic and highly adaptable and varies its diet markedly depending on available food sources. It tends to feed on small invertebrates that are found above ground, including various species of beetle as well as snails and spiders. It will also eat small rodents, bats, the eggs and chicks of birds and carrion such as roadkill. Vegetable items consumed include farm grains, weed seeds, elderberries, acorns and various cultivated fruits. The Jackdaw practices active food sharing with a number of individuals regardless of sex or kinship. It also shares more of a preferred food than a less preferred food. The active giving of food by most birds is found mainly in the context of parental care and courtship although the Jackdaw shows much higher levels of active giving than has been documented for other species. The function of this behaviour is not fully understood and several theories have been advanced. Genetic analysis of Jackdaw pairs and offspring shows no evidence of extra-pair copulation and there is little evidence for couple separation even after multiple instances of reproductive failure. Some pairs do separate in the first few months but almost all pairings of over 6 months' duration are lifelong and end only when a partner dies. Widowed or separated birds fare badly and are often ousted from nests or territories and are unable to rear broods alone. The Jackdaw usually breeds in colonies with pairs collaborating to find a nest site which they then defend from other pairs and predators during most of the year. It will nest in cavities in trees or cliffs, in ruined or occupied buildings and in chimneys, the common feature being a sheltered site for the nest. A mated pair usually constructs a nest by improving a crevice by dropping sticks into it. The nest is then built on top of the platform formed. Nest platforms can attain a great size. Nests are lined with hair, wool, dead grass and many other materials. Clutches usually contain 4 or 5 eggs which are incubated by the female for 17 to 18 days until hatching as naked altricial chicks which are completely dependent on the adults for food. The chicks fledge after 28 to 35 days and the parents continue to feed them for another 4 weeks or so. Date: 18th May 2017 Location: east of Hortobágy, Hortobágy National Park, Hajdú-Bihar county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26270446.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1238121487566553422ce5a.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 4th December 2015 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/hamningberg-to-sandfjord-varanger-peninsula https://images.on-this.website/4752_14969849124eff1fde63135.jpgHamningberg to Sandfjord, Varanger peninsula, Norway Date: 27th May 2009 Location: view from coastal road between Hamningberg and Sandfjord, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17408538.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_137673125651332803737e6.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 13th January 2013 Location: Pennington Flash, Greater Manchester http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41254076.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20008821275f059e73069bf.jpgView from the m/s J.L. Runeberg between Porvoo and Helsinki, Finland Date: 26th June 2019 Location: view from the m/s J.L. Runeberg between Porvoo and Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24901261.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_150203232955a4c79da8003.jpgBrown Hare The Brown Hare resembles the Rabbit but obvious differences include the Brown Hare's longer, larger body, much longer hind legs and longer ears with black tips. Generally, they are a brown-russet colour with a white underside. The tail is black on the upper surface and white underneath. In contrast to Rabbits, which have a brown iris, the Brown Hare has a golden iris and a black pupil. Brown Hares are the fastest land animals in the UK and can run at speeds of up to 45 mph to evade predators. Brown Hares are widespread in central and western Europe including the UK but they are absent in southern Europe. It is thought that they were introduced in to the UK during Roman times, probably from Asia. They have little legal protection, partly because they are game animals and can be managed by farmers and landowners and partly because they are also a minor pest and can damage crops and young tree plantations. Numbers have substantially declined in the UK and most of Europe since the 1960s mainly due to the intensification of agricultural practices as well as shooting, poaching and coursing and an increase in the number of Foxes. Brown Hares prefer temperate open habitats and can be found in most flat country among open grassland and arable farms. Unlike Rabbits, they do not burrow but rest in a shallow depression in fields or long grass known as a form where only their back and head are visible. An adult occupies a range of 300 hectares which it may share with other hares as they are not territorially aggressive. Courtship involves boxing …. the traditional “mad March hare” behaviour. This is actually unreceptive females fending off males rather than fighting between males. Date: 21st June 2015 Location: Glen Quaich, Perthshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42229299.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_821491413603e62b994462.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 13th February 2021 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28102097.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17963122205777a59d5decb.jpgRed Kites The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include [url=http://www.gigrin.co.uk/]Gigrin Farm feeding centre[/url] near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 12th June 2016 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/arctic-terns https://images.on-this.website/4752_84845694553da58b04114e.jpgArctic Terns The Arctic Tern is a seabird of the tern family. The adult plumage is grey above with a black nape and crown and white cheeks. The upperwings are pale grey with the area near the wingtip being translucent. The tail is white and the underparts pale grey. The beak is dark red as are the short legs and webbed feet. Like most terns, the Arctic Tern has high aspect ratio wings and a tail with a deep fork and long tail streamers. Both sexes are similar in appearance. The winter plumage is similar but the crown is whiter and the bills are darker. Juveniles differ from adults having black bill and legs, "scaly" appearing wings and mantle with dark feather tips, dark carpal wing bar and short tail streamers. During their first summer, juveniles also have a whiter forecrown. Whilst the Arctic Tern is similar to the Common and the Roseate Tern, its colouring, profile and call are slightly different. Compared to the Common Tern, it has a longer tail and mono-coloured bill, whilst the main differences from the Roseate Tern are its slightly darker colour and longer wings. The Arctic Tern has a circumpolar breeding distribution covering the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of Europe, Asia and north America. It is strongly migratory and sees 2 summers each year and more daylight than any other creature on the planet. It migrates along a convoluted route from its northern summer breeding grounds to the northern edge of the Antarctic coast for the southern summer and back again about 6 months later. In the UK, breeding Arctic Terns can best be seen on islands such as the Farne Islands in Northumberland or Orkney and Shetland in northern Scotland where the greatest densities occur. Recent studies have shown average annual roundtrip lengths of 25000 to 50000 miles depending on the route taken and weather and wind conditions. The Arctic Tern is a long-lived bird with many reaching 30 years of age and based on this average it will travel some 1.5 million miles during its lifetime. This is by far the longest migration known in the animal kingdom. Breeding takes place in colonies on coasts, islands and occasionally inland on tundra near water. The Arctic Tern often forms mixed colonies with the Common Tern and Sandwich Tern. As it nests on the ground, the Arctic Tern is vulnerable to predation but it is one of the most aggressive terns and it is fiercely defensive of its nest and young. It will attack humans and large predators, usually striking the top or back of the head. Although it is too small to cause serious injury, it is still capable of drawing blood and repelling many raptorial birds and smaller mammalian predators such as foxes and cats. Other nesting birds, such as auks, often incidentally benefit from the protection provided by nesting in an area defended by Arctic Terns. The diet of the Arctic Tern varies depending on location and time but it usually eats small fish or marine crustaceans by dipping down to the surface of the water to catch prey. While feeding, skuas, gulls and other tern species will often harass the birds and steal their food. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Inner Farne, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/blue-tailed-damselflies https://images.on-this.website/4752_182468129562ca751b23fa4.jpgBlue-tailed Damselflies Flight period: mid May to early September. Blue-tailed Damselflies are a widespread and common species of damselfly in much of England, Wales and southern Scotland. They can be found around lakes, ponds, canals and ditches, being less common on flowing water and in exposed and upland sites. They can also tolerate some saline and polluted waters. Date: 12th June 2022 Location: RSPB Ham Wall, Somerset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18776582.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1618394951f4df7f427da.jpgSmall Tortoiseshell Flight period: March to October. The Small Tortoiseshell is a familiar widespread butterfly throughout the UK. It is a highly adaptable species that can be found in any flowery areas where nettles occur including in gardens and urban areas. Date: 1st July 2013 Location: Stow Maries Halt EWT reserve, Stow Maries, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/skylark https://images.on-this.website/4752_4999377685ce127dfaca6a.jpgSkylark The Skylark is a passerine bird in the lark family. Like most other larks, the Skylark is a rather dull-looking species, being streaked greyish-brown above and on the breast and buff-white below. It has a short blunt crest on the head which can be raised and lowered. In flight it shows a short tail and short broad wings. The tail and the rear edge of the wings are edged with white which are visible when the bird is flying away. The male has broader wings than the female. This adaptation for more efficient hovering flight may have evolved because of the female's preference for males that sing and hover for longer periods and so demonstrate that they are likely to have good overall fitness. The Skylark is known for the song of the male which is delivered in hovering flight from heights of 160 to 330 feet when the singing bird may appear as just a dot in the sky from the ground. The long, unbroken song is a clear, bubbling warble delivered high in the air while the bird is rising, circling or hovering. The song generally lasts 2 to 3 minutes but it tends to last longer later in the mating season when songs can last for 20 minutes or more. The Skylark can be found across most of Europe and Asia and in the mountains of north Africa. It is mainly resident in the west of its range but eastern populations are more migratory and move further south in winter. Even in the milder west of its range, many birds move to the lowlands and the coast in winter. In the 19th century, the Skylark was introduced to New Zealand, Australia and the Hawaiian Islands. The Skylark breeds on open farmland, moorland and heathland and starts nesting in late March or early April. The nest is usually built by the female alone and is a shallow depression in the ground lined with grasses. The female lays and incubates a clutch 3 to 5 eggs which hatch after 11 days. The young are cared for by both parents and for the first week are fed almost exclusively on insects. The nestlings fledge after 18 to 20 days but they usually leave the nest after 8 to 10 days. They are independent of their parents after around 25 days. The parents can have up to 4 broods in a season. The Skylark can be found throughout the UK but numbers have declined over the last 30 years as determined by the Common Bird Census started in the early 1960s by the British Trust for Ornithology. There are now only 10% of the numbers that were present 30 years ago. The RSPB have shown that this large decline is mainly due to changes in farming practices and only partly due to pesticides. In the past cereals were planted in the spring, grown through the summer and harvested in the early autumn. Cereals are now planted in the autumn, grown through the winter and are harvested in the early summer. The winter grown fields are much too dense in summer for the Skylark to be able to walk and run between the cereal stems to find its food. The Skylark walks over the ground searching for food on the soil surface. Its diet consists of insects and plant material such as seeds and young leaves. When the word "lark" is used without specification, it usually refers to the Skylark. The collective noun for the Skylark is an "exaltation". The Skylark is the subject of poems by Percy Bysshe Shelley, George Meredith, Ted Hughes and numerous others, a play by Henrik Ibsen and pieces of music including The Lark Ascending by Ralph Vaughan Williams. Date: 10th May 2019 Location: World's End, Denbighshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42202661.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20832483055ff310fd543c0.jpgBrown Bear The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, Ursus arctos arctos. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an evening visit with [url=https://www.karhujenkatselu.fi/en-gb]Karhu-Kuusamo[/url] Date: 7th July 2019 Location: Kuntilampi, near Kuusamo, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46511681.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_192746977062c99245c4627.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 8th May 2022 Location: RSPB Ynys-hir, Ceredigion http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9580356.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13582579094db028412ce9e.jpgCommon Redshank The Redshank is a medium-sized wading bird with longish red legs and a long, straight bill. It is grey-brown above and whitish below. In flight it shows very obvious white rear edges to the wings and a white “V” shape up its back. The Redshank can be found all year round and is common and widespread wading bird on coasts and inland wet grassland. The greatest concentrations of breeding birds are in parts of Scotland and north west England. Due to the drainage of farmland and overgrazing of coastal marshes, breeding birds are increasingly dependent on nature reserves. In winter as many as half of the birds in the UK may originate from Iceland. Date: 26th December 2008 Location: Thornham, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623041.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6366951346117d32a47559.jpgRazorbill The Razorbill is a seabird and a member of the auk family which also includes the Common Guillemot, Brunnich's Guillemot and Little Auk. It is also the closest living relative to the Great Auk which is now extinct. The Razorbill has white underparts and a black head, neck, back and feet during the breeding season. A thin white line also extends from the eyes to the end of the bill. Its head is darker than that of the CommonGuillemot. Outside the breeding season, the throat and face behind the eye become white and the white line on the face becomes less prominent. The thick black bill has a blunt end. The adult male and female female are very much alike having only small differences such as wing length. The Razorbill has a horizontal stance and the tail feathers are slightly longer in the centre in comparison to other auks making it have a distinctly long tail which is not common for an auk. The Razorbill is distributed across the sub-arctic and boreal waters of the north Atlantic where water surface temperature are typically below 15°c. The world population is estimated to be less than 1 million breeding pairs, making it among the rarest auks in the world. Approximately 60 to 70% of the entire Razorbill population breeds in Iceland., including over 200,000 pairs at Látrabjarg. The breeding habitat is islands, rocky shores and cliffs on north Atlantic coasts, in eastern North America as far south as Maine and in western Europe from north west Russia to northern France. Eurasian birds winter at sea with some moving south as far as the western Mediterranean. North American birds migrate offshore and south. The Razorbill is a colonial breeder and only comes to land to breed. Individuals only breed at 3 to 5 years of age. Females select their mate and will often encourage competition between males before choosing a partner. Once a male is chosen, the pair will usually stay together for life. Nest site determination is very important to ensure protection of young from predators. Unlike Common Guillemots, nest sites are not immediately alongside the sea on open cliff ledges but at least 4 to 6 inches away in crevices on cliffs or among boulders. Generally a nest is not built although some pairs often use their bills to drag material upon which to lay their single egg. The mating pair will often reuse the same site every year. The Razorbill feeds mainly on schooling fish and crustaceans and it will dive deep into the sea using its wings and its streamlined body to propel itself toward their prey. Whilst diving, it rarely stays in groups but instead spreads out to feed. The majority of feeding occurs at a depth of about 80 feet but it has the ability to dive up to 400 feet below the surface. During a single dive the Razorbill can capture and swallow many schooling fish depending on their size. The Razorbill spends approximately 45% of its time foraging at sea and it may well fly more than 60 miles out to sea to feed. However, when feeding chicks it will forage much closer to the nesting grounds and often in shallower water. The Razorbill and its eggs and chicks have several predators which include Great Black-backed Gulls, Peregrines, Ravens and other crows, Arctic Foxes and Polar Bears. In the early 20th century, Razorbills were harvested for their eggs, meat and feathers and this greatly decreased their population. In 1917 they were finally protected which reduced hunting. Other current threats include oil pollution, unintentional bycatch arising from commercial fishing and overfishing which decreases the abundance of prey. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46535129.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_55264532962caa2ad60ec7.jpgAzure Damselfly Flight period: May to August The Azure Damselfly is one of the two commonest blue damselflies and is a common and widespread species of lowland UK. They can be found around most standing water, preferring small, sheltered sites including ditches and garden ponds. Date: 3rd July 2022 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32723062.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_45601017259ae6f06ef2db9.91412223.jpgRoller The European Roller is the only member of the Roller family to breed in Europe. It is a stocky bird, the size of a Jackdaw, and it is mainly blue with an orange-brown back. It is striking in its strong direct flight with the brilliant blue contrasting with black flight feathers. Sexes are similar but the juvenile is a drabber version of the adult. The European Roller often perches prominently on trees, posts or overhead wires whilst watching for the large insects, small reptiles, rodents and frogs that they eat. They have a Lapwing-like display with the twisting and turning display flight giving the bird its English name. The European Roller breeds in north Africa from Morocco east to Tunisia, in south west and south central Europe and in Asia Minor east through north west Iran to south west Siberia. It is a long-distance migrant, wintering in southern Africa in two distinct regions, from Senegal east to Cameroon and from Ethiopia west to Congo and south to South Africa. The European Roller can be found in warm, dry, open country with scattered trees, preferring lowland open countryside with patches of oak forest, mature pine woodland with heathery clearings, orchards, mixed farmland, river valleys and plains with scattered thorny or leafy trees. It winters primarily in dry wooded savanna and bushy plains. The European Roller has a large global population of an estimated 100,000 to 220,000 individuals in Europe. However, following a moderate decline during 1970 to 1990, the species has continued to decline especially in Europe with a decrease in the overall European population exceeding 30% in 15 years. Threats include persecution on migration in some Mediterranean countries, the use of pesticides which reduces food availability and sensitivity to changing farming and forestry practices. Date: 21st May 2017 Location: Borsodi-Mezoseg ("Little Hortobagy"), Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405435.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17749104006586e05c79131.jpgMigrant Hawker Flight period: August to October The Migrant Hawker is common in the south of the UK and has spread north and west in recent decades. The breeding population is boosted by continental migrants in the autumn and they are most easily seen hawking for insects along sheltered woodland rides or hedgerows. Date: 9th October 2023 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11265420.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6504846704e1ad46f27525.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 11th May 2008 Location: Skomer, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48483014.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1741454134640a40105f7f6.jpgWater Rail The Water Rail is a member of the rail family. The adult is about 9 to 11 inches long with a 15 to 18 inches wingspan. The upper parts from the forehead to tail are olive-brown with black streaks, especially on the shoulders. The sides of the head and the underparts down to the upper belly are dark slate-blue, except for a blackish area between bill and eye and brownish sides to the upper breast. The flanks are barred black and white and the undertail is white with some darker streaks. The long bill and the iris are red and the legs are flesh-brown. The sexes are similar although the female averages slightly smaller than the male with a more slender bill. Individual adults can be identified by the markings on the undertail which are unique to each bird. Adult males have the strongest black undertail streaks. It has been suggested that the dark barring on the undertail of this species is a compromise between the signalling function of a pure white undertail, as found in open water or gregarious species like the Moorhen, and the need to avoid being too conspicuous. The Water Rail can readily be distinguished from most other reed bed rails by the white undertail and the red bill which is a little longer than the rest of the head and slightly down-curved. The Water Rail is a vocal species which gives its main call, known as "sharming", throughout the year. This is a series of grunts followed by a high-pitched piglet-like squeal and ending in more grunts. It is used as a territorial call, alarm and announcement. Members of a pair may call alternately, the male giving lower and slower notes than the female. Birds are most vocal when setting up a territory and early in the breeding season when calling may continue at night. The Water Rail is a skulking species, its streaked plumage making it difficult to see in its wetland habitat. Its laterally compressed body allows it to slip though the densest vegetation and it will "freeze" if surprised in the open. It walks with a high-stepping gait although it adopts a crouch when it runs for cover. It swims, when necessary, with the jerky motion typical of rails and it flies short distances low with its long legs dangling. Although its flight looks weak, the Water Rail is capable of long sustained flights during its nocturnal migration. The Water Rail breeds across temperate Eurasia from Iceland and the UK discontinuously to north Africa, Saudi Arabia and western China. Its distribution in Asia is poorly studied. It is resident in the milder south and west of its range but migrates south from areas that are subject to harsh winters. It winters within its breeding range and also further south in north Africa, the Middle East and the Caspian Sea area. The peak migration period is September to October with most birds returning to the breeding grounds from March to mid-April. The Water Rail is widely but thinly distributed as a breeding bird across the UK but it is absent from upland areas. It is most abundant in eastern England and suitable habitat along the south coast. Numbers are higher in winter when many birds arrive from Europe. The breeding habitat of the Water Rail is permanent wetland with still or slow-moving fresh or brackish water and dense, tall vegetation. On migration and in winter, a wider range of wet habitats may be used such as flooded thickets or bracken. Freezing condition may force birds into more open locations such as ditches, rubbish dumps and gardens or even out on to exposed ice. The Water Rail is monogamous and highly territorial when breeding. The birds pair off after arriving at their nesting areas or possibly even before spring migration. The pair give courting and contact calls throughout the breeding season. The nest is well hidden and made from whatever wetland vegetation is available. It is built mostly by the male and usually in a single day. It is raised 6 inches or more above water level and is generally constructed on clumps of roots, tree stumps or similar support. It may be built up higher if water levels start to rise. The typical clutch is 6 to 11 eggs across most of the range and the clutch size may be smaller early or late in the breeding season. The breeding season can be extended by replacement and second clutches. Both parents incubate the eggs although the female takes the larger share of this duty. The eggs are incubated for 19 to 22 days to hatching. The downy chicks leave the nest within 2 days of hatching but continue to be fed by their parents, although the chicks also find some of their own food after about 5 days. The chicks are independent of their parents after 20 to 30 days and can fly when aged 7 to 9 weeks. Average survival after fledging has been estimated as between 17 and 20 months with an annual survival rate slightly less than 50% per year for the first 3 years and somewhat higher thereafter. The maximum recorded age is 8 years 10 months. The Water Rail is a versatile and opportunistic forager although it follows definite routes when feeding, frequently returning to good hunting areas. It is omnivorous although it mainly feeds on animals such as leeches, worms, gastropods, small crustaceans, spiders and a wide range of both terrestrial and aquatic insects and their larvae. Small vertebrates such as amphibians, fish, birds and mammals may be killed or eaten as carrion. Plant food, which is consumed more in autumn and winter, includes the buds, flowers, shoots and seeds of water plants, berries and fruit. The Water Rail's numbers are declining but it has a large population and a huge breeding range. In most European countries, the population is either stable or decreasing slightly due to loss of habitat arising from the drainage of marshes, canalisation of water courses, urban encroachment and pollution. Introduced predators such as American Mink are a threat to vulnerable island populations. Date: 1st February 2023 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42524852.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4499604516098f5d318ce4.jpgCanada Goose The Canada Goose belongs to the Branta genus of geese which contains species with largely black plumage distinguishing it from the grey species of the genus Anser. The black head and neck with a white "chinstrap" distinguish the Canada Goose from all other goose species with the exception of the Cackling Goose from north America and the Barnacle Goose which has a black breast and grey rather than brownish body plumage. The 7 sub-species of the Canada Goose vary widely in size and plumage details but all are recognizable as Canada Geese. Of the "true geese" (i.e. the genera Anser, Branta or Chen), the Canada Goose is on average the largest living species. It ranges from 30 to 43 inches in length and with a 50 to 73 inches wingspan. The male usually weighs 5.7 to 14.3 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 8.6 pounds. The female looks virtually identical but is slightly lighter at 5.3 to 12.1 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 7.9 pounds. It is also generally 10% smaller in linear dimensions than the male. The Canada Goose is native to north America where it breeds in Canada and the north USA in a wide range of habitats. The Great Lakes region maintains a very large population. It occurs all year round in the southern part of its breeding range, including most of the eastern seaboard and the Pacific coast. Between California and South Carolina in the south USA and north Mexico, it is primarily present as a migrant from further north during the winter. Outside north America, the Canada Goose has reached north Europe naturally as has been proved by ringing recoveries. It has also been introduced in to Europe and had established populations in the UK in the middle of the 18th century, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany and Scandinavia. Most European populations are not migratory but those in more northerly parts of Sweden and Finland migrate to the North Sea and Baltic coasts. Semi-tame feral birds are common in parks and have become a pest in some areas. In the early 17th century, explorer Samuel de Champlain sent several pairs of Canada Geese to France as a present for King Louis XIII. Canada Geese were first introduced in to the UK in the late 17th century as an addition to King James II's waterfowl collection in St. James's Park. They were also introduced in to Germany and Scandinavia during the 20th century. During the second year of its life, the Canada Goose finds a mate. It is a monogamous species and most couples stay together all of their lives. If one dies, the other may find a new mate. The female lays from 2 to 9 eggs with an average of 5. Both parents protect the nest while the eggs incubate but the female spends more time at the nest than the male. The nest is usually located in an elevated area near water such as streams, lakes and ponds and the eggs are laid in a shallow depression lined with plant material and down. The incubation period, in which the female incubates the eggs while the male remains nearby, lasts for 24 to 28 days after laying. As soon as the goslings hatch, they are immediately capable of walking, swimming and finding their own food (a diet similar to the adults). Parents are often seen leading their goslings in a line, usually with one adult at the front and the other at the back. While protecting their goslings, parents often violently chase away anything from small birds to lone humans who approach, after warning them by giving off a hissing sound and then attacking with bites and slaps of the wings if the threat does not retreat. Although parents are hostile to unfamiliar geese, they may form groups (crèches) of a number of goslings and a few adults. The goslings enter the fledgling stage any time from 6 to 9 weeks of age. Once it reaches adulthood, due to its large size and often aggressive behaviour, the Canada Goose is rarely preyed on although prior injury may make it more vulnerable to natural predators. The lifespan in the wild of birds that survive to adulthood ranges from 10 to 24 years. The UK longevity record is held by a specimen tagged as a nestling which was observed alive at the age of 31. The Canada Goose is primarily a herbivore although it will sometimes eat small insects and fish. Their diet includes grasses, aquatic plants, beans and grains such as wheat, rice, and corn when they are available. In urban areas, it is also known to pick food out of rubbish bins and it will readily take a variety of food from humans in parks. Date: 27th March 2021 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41249119.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7353891075f00b23701d12.jpgJackdaw The Western Jackdaw, also known as the Eurasian Jackdaw, European Jackdaw or simply Jackdaw, is a passerine bird in the crow family. Measuring 13 to 15 inches in length, the Jackdaw is the second smallest member of the crow family. Most of the plumage is a shiny black with a purple or blue sheen on the crown, forehead and secondaries and a green-blue sheen on the throat, primaries and tail. The cheeks, nape and neck are light grey to greyish-silver and the underparts are slate-grey. The legs are black as is the short stout bill. The irises of adults are greyish or silvery white while those of juveniles are light blue, becoming brownish before whitening at around one year of age. The sexes look alike although the head and neck plumage of male birds fades more with age and wear, particularly just before moulting. Immature birds have duller and less demarcated plumage. The head is a sooty black, sometimes with a faint greenish sheen and brown feather bases visible, the back and side of the neck are dark grey and the underparts greyish or sooty black. The tail has narrower feathers and a greenish sheen. There are 4 recognised geographical subspecies of the Jackdaw, each with slight plumage variations. Within its range, the Jackdaw is generally unmistakable and its short bill and grey nape are distinguishing features. In flight, the Jackdaw is distinguishable from other crows by its smaller size, faster and deeper wingbeats and proportionately narrower and less fingered wing tips. It also has a shorter and thicker neck and a much shorter bill and it frequently flies in tighter flocks. The Jackdaw is a skilled flyer and can manoeuvre tightly as well as tumble and glide. It has characteristic jerky wing beats when flying. On the ground, the Jackdaw has an upright posture and struts briskly with its short legs giving it a rapid gait. The Jackdaw is found from north west Africa, throughout all of Europe, except for the extreme north, and east through central Asia to the east Himalayas and Lake Baikal. To the east, it occurs throughout Turkey, the Caucasus, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and north west India. A small number of Jackdaws reached the north east of North America in the 1980s and have been found from Atlantic Canada to Pennsylvania. The range is vast and there is a large global population. Most populations are resident but the north and east populations are more migratory and relocate to wintering areas between September and November and return between February and early May. The Jackdaw can be found in wooded steppes, pastures, cultivated land, coastal cliffs and towns. It thrives when forested areas are cleared and converted to fields and open areas. Habitats with a mix of large trees, buildings and open ground are preferred. Open fields are left to the Rook and more wooded areas to the Jay. The Jackdaw is highly gregarious and is generally seen in flocks of varying sizes. Flocks increase in size in autumn and birds congregate at dusk for communal roosting with up to several thousand individuals gathering at one site. Males and females pair bond for life and pairs stay together within flocks. Jackdaws will frequently congregate with other crows such as Carrion Crows, Hooded Crows or Rooks. Foraging takes place mostly on the ground in open areas and to some extent in trees. Landfill sites, bins, streets and gardens are also visited, more often early in the morning when there are fewer people about. Various feeding methods are employed, such as jumping, pecking, clod-turning and scattering, probing the soil and occasional digging. The Jackdaw will also ride on the backs of sheep and other mammals such as deer, seeking ticks as well as actively gathering wool or hair for nests. Compared with other crows, the Jackdaw spends more time exploring and turning over objects with its bill. It also has a straighter and less downturned bill and increased binocular vision which are advantageous for this foraging strategy. The Jackdaw is opportunistic and highly adaptable and varies its diet markedly depending on available food sources. It tends to feed on small invertebrates that are found above ground, including various species of beetle as well as snails and spiders. It will also eat small rodents, bats, the eggs and chicks of birds and carrion such as roadkill. Vegetable items consumed include farm grains, weed seeds, elderberries, acorns and various cultivated fruits. The Jackdaw practices active food sharing with a number of individuals regardless of sex or kinship. It also shares more of a preferred food than a less preferred food. The active giving of food by most birds is found mainly in the context of parental care and courtship although the Jackdaw shows much higher levels of active giving than has been documented for other species. The function of this behaviour is not fully understood and several theories have been advanced. Genetic analysis of Jackdaw pairs and offspring shows no evidence of extra-pair copulation and there is little evidence for couple separation even after multiple instances of reproductive failure. Some pairs do separate in the first few months but almost all pairings of over 6 months' duration are lifelong and end only when a partner dies. Widowed or separated birds fare badly and are often ousted from nests or territories and are unable to rear broods alone. The Jackdaw usually breeds in colonies with pairs collaborating to find a nest site which they then defend from other pairs and predators during most of the year. It will nest in cavities in trees or cliffs, in ruined or occupied buildings and in chimneys, the common feature being a sheltered site for the nest. A mated pair usually constructs a nest by improving a crevice by dropping sticks into it. The nest is then built on top of the platform formed. Nest platforms can attain a great size. Nests are lined with hair, wool, dead grass and many other materials. Clutches usually contain 4 or 5 eggs which are incubated by the female for 17 to 18 days until hatching as naked altricial chicks which are completely dependent on the adults for food. The chicks fledge after 28 to 35 days and the parents continue to feed them for another 4 weeks or so. Date: 22nd June 2020 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/mute-swans https://images.on-this.website/4752_637706265649971b3755be.jpgMute Swans The Mute Swan is a species of swan native to much of Eurasia. Despite its Eurasian origin, its closest relatives are the Black Swan of Australia and the Black-necked Swan of south America, not the other Northern Hemisphere swans such as the Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan. The name “mute” derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. The adult Mute Swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob at the top of the beak. All Mute Swans are white at maturity although the feathers (particularly on the head and neck) are often stained orange-brown by iron and tannins in the water. Young birds (cygnets) are not the bright white colour of mature adults and their bill is dull greyish-black for the first year. The plumage may range from pure white to grey to buff with grey/buff being the most common. Cygnets typically retain their grey/buff feathers until they are at least 1 year old. On average, the Mute Swan is the second largest waterfowl species after the Trumpeter Swan although the male Mute Swan can easily match or even exceed a male Trumpeter Swan in mass. The adult Mute Swan typically ranges from 55 to 63 inches in length (although it can range in extreme cases from 49 to 67 inches) with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. Males (cobs) are larger than females (pens) and have a larger knob on their bill. The Mute Swan is one of the heaviest flying birds. In several studies from the UK, males were found to average from about 23.4 to 26.2 pounds, with a weight range of 20 to 32 pounds, while the slightly smaller females were found to average about 18.7 to 21.3 pounds, with a weight range of 17 to 23 pounds. The Mute Swan is less vocal than the noisy Bewick's Swan and Whooper Swan although it does make a variety of grunting, hoarse whistling and snorting noises, especially in communicating with their cygnets and threatening competitors or intruders trying to enter their territory. The most familiar sound associated with the Mute Swan is the vibrant throbbing of the wings in flight which is unique to the species and this can be heard from a range of up to 1 mile. The Mute Swan is found naturally mainly in the temperate areas of Europe across west Asia and as far east as Primorsky Krai in the far east of Russia. It is partially migratory throughout the northern latitudes in Europe and Asia as far south as north Africa and the Mediterranean. It is also often kept in captivity outside its natural range as a decoration for parks and ponds and escapes have occurred. The descendants of such birds have become naturalised in east USA and the Great Lakes region across the USA and Canada border. The Mute Swan population in the UK has increased recently probably due to better protection of this species. Some birds are resident all year whilst others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into east England. Mute Swans nest on large mounds that they build with waterside vegetation in shallow water on islands in the middle or at the very edge of a lake. It is a monogamous species and often reuses the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Males and females share the care of the nest. The female lays from 4 to 10 eggs and broods for around 36 days. Cygnets are unable to fly before an age of 120 to 150 days and this limits the distribution of the species in the northern edge of its range since the cygnets must learn to fly before the water freezes. The Mute Swan is usually strongly territorial with just a single pair on smaller lakes although in a few locations where a large area of suitable feeding habitat is found they can be colonial. The largest colonies can hold over 100 pairs such as that at the colony at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset in the UK. Non-mated juveniles up to 3 to 4 years old commonly form larger flocks often at regular traditional sites and these can total several hundred birds. The Mute Swan can be very aggressive in defence of its nest and it is highly protective of its mate and offspring. Most defensive attacks from a Mute Swan begin with a loud hiss and, if this is not sufficient to drive off the predator, are followed by a physical attack. It attacks by smashing at its enemy with bony spurs in the wings accompanied by biting with its large bill. Smaller waterbirds such as ducks are normally grabbed with the bill and dragged or thrown clear. Large waterfowl, such as the Canada Goose, more likely out of competition than in response to potential predation, may be aggressively driven off. The wings of the Mute Swan are very powerful although not strong enough to break an adult man's leg as has been claimed anecdotally. The Mute Swan feeds on a wide range of vegetation, both submerged aquatic plants which they reach with their long necks and by grazing on land. The food commonly includes agricultural crop plants such as oilseed rape and wheat and feeding flocks in the winter may cause significant crop damage, often as much through trampling with their large webbed feet as through direct consumption. Date: 9th June 2023 Location: Bosherston Lily Ponds, Bosherton, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/hoyholmen-varanger-peninsula-finnmark-norway https://images.on-this.website/4752_14166063164bf6e111c792a.jpgHoyholmen, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway Date: 14th April 2010 Location: view from road 890 at Hoyholmen, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/chalkhill-blue https://images.on-this.website/4752_10314023994f3e3448e1f67.jpgChalkhill Blue Flight period: July to September The male Chalkhill Blue is easily identified by its pale blue/silver wings whilst the females are brown. They can be found on unimproved and unfertilised grassland on chalk and limestone hills but their range is highly restricted to sites in southern England. Date: 11th August 2007 Location: Denbies Hillside, near Dorking, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41349654.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_241616375f200eea47107.jpgBlackbird The Common Blackbird is a species of true thrush. It is also called Eurasian Blackbird (especially in North America in order to distinguish it from the unrelated New World blackbirds) or simply Blackbird where this does not lead to confusion with a similar-looking local species. The Blackbird’s name derives form 2 Latin words: turdus meaning “thrush” and merula meaning “blackbird”. It may not immediately be clear why the name "blackbird", first recorded in 1486, was applied to this species but not to one of the various other common black English birds, such as the Carrion Crow, Raven, Rook or Jackdaw. However, in Old English and in modern English up to about the 18th century, "bird" was used only for smaller or young birds and larger ones such as crows were called "fowl". At that time, the Blackbird was therefore the only widespread and conspicuous black bird in the UK. The Blackbird is around 9.25 to 11.5 inches in length including a long tail. The adult male has glossy black plumage, blackish-brown legs, a yellow eye-ring and an orange-yellow bill. The bill darkens somewhat in winter. The adult female is sooty-brown with a dull yellowish-brownish bill, a brownish-white throat and some weak mottling on the breast. The juvenile is similar to the female but has pale spots on the upperparts and the very young juvenile also has a speckled breast. Young birds vary in the shade of brown, with darker birds presumably males. The first year male resembles the adult male but has a dark bill and weaker eye ring and its folded wing is brown rather than black like the body plumage. The Blackbird breeds in temperate Eurasia, north Africa, the Canary Islands and south Asia. Populations are sedentary in the south and west of the range although northern birds migrate south as far as north Africa and tropical Asia in winter. Common over most of its range in woodland, the Blackbird has a preference for deciduous trees with dense undergrowth. However, gardens provide the most successful breeding habitat. It occurs up to around 3300 feet in Europe and is often replaced by the related Ring Ousel in areas of higher altitude. The Blackbird has an extensive range and a large population which is generally stable or increasing. However, there have been local declines, especially on farmland, which may be due to agricultural policies that encouraged farmers to remove hedgerows (which provide nesting places) and to drain damp grassland and increase the use of pesticides, both of which could have reduced the availability of invertebrate food. The Blackbird may commence breeding in March when the breeding pair prospect for a suitable nest site in a creeper or bush, favouring evergreen or thorny species such as ivy, holly, hawthorn, honeysuckle or pyracantha. Sometimes they will nest in sheds or outbuildings where a ledge or cavity is used. The cup-shaped nest is made with grasses, leaves and other vegetation and bound together with mud. It is built by the female alone. The nest is often ill-concealed compared with those of other species and many breeding attempts fail due to predation. The female lays 3 to 5 (average 4) bluish-green eggs marked with reddish-brown blotches which are incubated for 12 to 14 days before the chicks are hatched naked and blind. Fledging takes another 10 to 19 (average 13.6) days, with both parents feeding the young. The young are fed by the parents for up to 3 weeks after leaving the nest and they will follow the adults begging for food. If the female starts another nest, the male alone will feed the fledged young. Second broods are common with the female reusing the same nest if the brood was successful. The first-year male Blackbird may start singing as early as late January in fine weather in order to establish a territory, followed in late March by the adult male. The male's song is a varied and melodious low-pitched fluted warble which is given from trees, rooftops or other elevated perches mainly in the period from March to June and sometimes into the beginning of July. During the winter, the Blackbird can be heard quietly singing to itself, so much so that September and October are the only months which the song cannot be heard. The Blackbird is omnivorous, eating a wide range of insects, earthworms, seeds and berries. It feeds mainly on the ground, running and hopping with a start-stop-start progress. It pulls earthworms from the soil, usually finding them by sight but sometimes by hearing, and roots through leaf litter for other invertebrates. Small amphibians and lizards are occasionally hunted. The Blackbird will also perch in bushes to take berries and collect caterpillars and other active insects. Animal prey predominates and this is particularly important during the breeding season with windfall apples and berries taken more in the autumn and winter. Near human habitation the main predator of the Blackbird is the domestic cat, with newly fledged young especially vulnerable. Foxes and predatory birds, such as the Sparrowhawk, also predate the Blackbird when the opportunity arises. Eggs and chicks are also taken by corvids, such as the Magpie or Jay. Date: 7th July 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4267555.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11561177794b522b3f2a93a.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 3rd January 2010 Location: Southerness, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41349609.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16083701005f20022b51a7d.jpgCommon Blue Damselfly Flight period: early May to end September. As the name suggests, the Common Blue Damselfly is one of the commonest species in the UK. They can be confused with other blue damselflies, particularly since the markings on this species are rather variable. Common Blue Damselflies are found across most of the UK and are probably the most widespread member of the "blue" damselflies. They can be found around open lakes and ponds, along river and canal banks and streams, provided there is plenty of bankside vegetation. Date: 16th June 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/january-2018-turnstone https://images.on-this.website/4752_13865568335c57133a4e2da.jpgJanuary 2018 - Turnstone Please see [url=https://rlchew1.photium.com/photo34006638.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45291002.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1848297965623acb8acd205.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 10th March 2022 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871763.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16411529834eff220f08348.jpgCommon Tern The Common Tern is a seabird of the tern family. Breeding adults have pale grey upperparts, very pale grey underparts, a black cap, orange-red legs and a narrow pointed bill that can be mostly red with a black tip. The upperwings are pale grey but as the summer wears on the dark feather shafts of the outer flight feathers become exposed and a grey wedge appears on the wings. The rump and tail are white and on a standing bird the long tail extends no further than the folded wingtips unlike the Arctic and Roseate Terns in which the tail protrudes beyond the wings. There are no significant differences between the sexes. In non-breeding adults the forehead and underparts become white, the bill is all black or black with a red base and the legs are dark red or black. The upperwings have an obvious dark area at the front edge of the wing. Terns that have not bred successfully may start moulting into non-breeding adult plumage from June but late July is more typical with the moult suspended during migration. Juveniles have pale grey upperwings with a dark carpal bar. The crown and nape are brown and the forehead is ginger wearing to white by autumn. The upperparts are ginger with brown and white scaling and the tail lacks the adult's long outer feathers. Birds in their first post-juvenile plumage resemble non-breeding adults but have a duskier crown, dark carpal bar and often very worn plumage. By their second year, most young terns are either indistinguishable from adults or show only minor differences such as a darker bill or white forehead. There are several terns of a similar size and general appearance to the Common Tern. A traditionally difficult species to separate is the Arctic Tern and, until the key characteristics were clarified, distant or flying birds of the 2 species were often jointly recorded as "commic terns". Although similar in size, the two terns differ in structure and flight. The Common Tern has a larger head, thicker neck, longer legs and more triangular and stiffer wings than the Arctic Tern and has a more powerful and direct flight. The Arctic Tern has greyer underparts than the Common Tern which make its white cheeks more obvious whereas the rump of the Common Tern can be greyish in non-breeding plumage compared to the white of the Arctic Tern. The Common Tern develops a dark wedge on the wings as the breeding season progresses but the wings of the Arctic Tern stay white throughout the northern summer. All the flight feathers of the Arctic Tern are translucent against a bright sky but only the 4 innermost wing feathers of the Common Tern share this characteristic. The trailing edge of the outer flight feathers is a thin black line in the Arctic Tern but it is thicker and less defined in the Common Tern. The bill of an adult Common Tern is orange-red with a black tip and its legs are bright red while both are a darker red colour in the Arctic Tern which also lacks the black bill tip. The Common Tern is an agile flyer, capable of rapid turns and swoops, hovering and vertical take-off. When commuting with fish, it flies close to the surface in a strong head wind but up to 100 feet above the water in a following wind. The Common Tern has a circumpolar distribution and breeds in temperate and sub-arctic regions of Europe, Asia and north America. It is strongly migratory and winters in coastal tropical and subtropical regions. Breeding in a wider range of habitats than any of its relatives, the Common Tern nests on any flat, poorly vegetated surface close to water including beaches and islands. It also readily adapts to artificial floating rafts. The nest may be a bare scrape in sand or gravel but it is often lined or edged with whatever debris is available. Eggs and young are vulnerable to predation by mammals such as rats and American Mink and large birds including gulls, owls and herons. Like most terns, the Common Tern feeds by plunge-diving for fish, either in the sea or in freshwater, but molluscs, crustaceans and other invertebrate prey may form a significant part of the diet in some areas. Date: 7th June 2009 Location: Siikalahti near Parikkala, Etelä-Karjala, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405528.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18050254566586f4723f7e0.jpgShort-eared Owl The Short-eared Owl is a species of the typical owl family Strigidae. Owls belonging to the genus Asio, such as the Short-eared Owl, are known as the eared owls since they have tufts of feathers resembling mammalian ears. These "ear" tufts may or may not be visible. The Short-eared Owl will display its tufts when in a defensive pose although its very short tufts are usually not visible. The Short-eared Owl is a medium-sized owl 13 to 17 inches in length with a 33 to 43 inches wingspan. Females are slightly larger than males. It has large yellow eyes with black encircling rings, a big head, a short neck and broad wings. The bill is short, strong, hooked and black. The plumage is mottled tawny to brown with a barred tail and wings. The upper breast is significantly streaked. The flight is characteristically floppy due to the irregular wingbeats and the Short-eared Owl is often described as "moth-like” or bat-like" in flight. Through much of its range, the Short-eared Owl occurs with the similar looking Long-eared Owl. At rest, the ear-tufts of the Long-eared Owl serve to easily distinguish the 2 species although the Long-eared Owl can sometimes hold its ear-tufts flat. The iris colour also differs: yellow in the Short-eared Owl and orange in the Long-eared Owl plus the black surrounding the eyes is vertical on the Long-eared Owl and horizontal on the Short-eared Owl. Overall, the Short-eared Owl tends to be a paler, sandier coloured bird than the Long-eared Owl. There are 10 recognized sub-species of the Short-eared Owl and its range covers all continents except Antarctica and Australia. It therefore has one of the most widespread distributions of any bird. It is partially migratory and moves south in winter from the northern parts of its range. The Short-eared Owl is also known to relocate to areas of higher rodent populations and it will also wander nomadically in search of better food supplies during years when vole populations are low. In the UK, the Short-eared Owl breeds primarily in north England and Scotland but it is seen more widely in winter when there is an influx of continental birds from Scandinavia, Russia and Iceland to north, east and parts of central south England, especially around coastal marshes and wetlands. The breeding season of the Short-eared Owl in the northern hemisphere lasts from March to June but peaks in April. During the breeding season, the male makes a great spectacle of itself in flight to attract a female. The male swoops down over the potential nest site flapping its wings in a courtship display. The Short-eared Owl is generally monogamous and nests on the ground in prairie, tundra, savanna or meadow habitats. The nest is concealed by low vegetation and may be lightly lined by weeds, grass or feathers. The female lays 4 to 7 eggs but clutch size can reach up to 12 eggs in years when voles are abundant. There is a single brood per year. The eggs are incubated mostly by the female for 21 to 37 days and the young fledge at a little over 4 weeks. The Short-eared Owl hunts mostly at night but it is known as a diurnal and crepuscular hunter as well. Its daylight hunting seems to coincide with the high activity periods of voles, its preferred prey. It tends to fly only a few feet above the ground in open fields and grasslands until swooping down upon its prey feet first. Several owls may hunt over the same open area. The diet of the Short-eared Owl consists mainly of rodents, especially voles, but it will eat other small mammals such as mice, ground squirrels, shrews, rats, bats, muskrats and moles. It will also occasionally predate smaller birds especially when near sea coasts and adjacent wetlands at which time they may attack waders, terns and small gulls and seabirds. Avian prey is more infrequently preyed on inland and includes small passerines. Insects also supplement the diet. Date: 25th November 2023 Location: RSPB Wallasea Island, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24901653.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_39630378655a4d02b67766.jpgQuinag, Assynt, Highland Height: Sail Gharbh 2650 feet, Sail Ghorm 2545 feet and Spidean Coinich 2507 feet. Quinag is a "Y" shaped mountain mass that fills the area north of Loch Assynt and south of Loch a Chairn Bhain at Kylesku. This photograph is of Sail Gharbh and Sail Ghorm. Date: 23rd June 2015 Location: view from the A894 road near Kylesku http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51982680.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_76538332866d33d19e2b49.jpgGatekeeper Flight period: mid-July to early September. The Gatekeeper or Hedge Brown is common and widespread throughout the southern half of the UK. They can be found in areas with hedgerows or in scrubby woodland with wide and sunny rides. Date: 19th July 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9564312.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7965608654daeb7fce8f4b.jpgDunnock The Dunnock is a small passerine bird and the most widespread member of the genus [i]Prunella[/i], the accentor family which otherwise consists of mountain species. Other common names for the Dunnock include the Hedge Sparrow or Hedge Accentor. The Dunnock is about the size of a Robin. It has a generally drab brown streaked appearance with a grey head and a fine pointed bill. Both sexes are similar. It is quiet and unobtrusive and is frequently seen on its own, creeping along and moving with a rather nervous, shuffling gait often flicking its wings. The Dunnock is native to large areas of Eurasia where it is the only commonly found accentor in lowland areas. It can be found throughout the UK all the year round in any well vegetated areas with scrub, brambles and hedges and also in deciduous woodland, farmland edges, parks and gardens. The Dunnock is territorial and may engage in conflict with other birds that encroach upon their nesting areas. The Dunnock possesses variable mating systems. Females are often polyandrous, breeding with 2 or more males at once which is quite rare among birds. This multiple mating system leads to the development of sperm competition amongst the male suitors. DNA fingerprinting has shown that chicks within a brood often have different fathers depending on the success of the males at monopolising the female. Males try to ensure their paternity by pecking at the cloaca of the female to stimulate ejection of rival males' sperm. Males provide parental care in proportion to their mating success so 2 males and a female can commonly be seen provisioning nestlings at one nest. Other mating systems also exist within Dunnock populations depending on the ratio of male to females and the overlap of territories. When only a single female and a single male territory overlap, monogamy is preferred. Sometimes, 2 or 3 adjacent female territories overlap a single male territory and so polygyny is favoured with the male monopolising several females. Polygynandry also exists in which 2 males jointly defend a territory containing several females. Polyandry, however, is the most common mating system of the Dunnock. Depending on the population, males generally have the best reproductive success in polygynous populations whilst females have the advantage during polyandry. Studies have illustrated the fluidity of Dunnock mating systems. When food is in abundance, female territory size is reduced drastically. Consequently, males can more easily monopolise the females. Thus, the mating system can be shifted from one that favours female success (polyandry) to one that favours male success (monogamy, polygynandry or polygyny). The Dunnock builds a neat nest predominantly from twigs and moss and lined with soft materials such as wool or feathers which is located low in a bush. The female typically lays 3 to 5 eggs. Broods, depending on the population, can be raised by a lone female, multiple females with the part-time help of a male, multiple females with full-time help by a male or by multiple females and multiple males. Parental care varies according to the type of relationship. This photo received a BBC Wildlife magazine photo masterclass commended award in the “Urban and Garden Wildlife” category for April 2007. Please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/news3552.html]here[/url] for further information. Date: 23/09/06 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49277085.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_798098314649971c1bc09a.jpgMute Swan The Mute Swan is a species of swan native to much of Eurasia. Despite its Eurasian origin, its closest relatives are the Black Swan of Australia and the Black-necked Swan of south America, not the other Northern Hemisphere swans such as the Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan. The name “mute” derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. The adult Mute Swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob at the top of the beak. All Mute Swans are white at maturity although the feathers (particularly on the head and neck) are often stained orange-brown by iron and tannins in the water. Young birds (cygnets) are not the bright white colour of mature adults and their bill is dull greyish-black for the first year. The plumage may range from pure white to grey to buff with grey/buff being the most common. Cygnets typically retain their grey/buff feathers until they are at least 1 year old. On average, the Mute Swan is the second largest waterfowl species after the Trumpeter Swan although the male Mute Swan can easily match or even exceed a male Trumpeter Swan in mass. The adult Mute Swan typically ranges from 55 to 63 inches in length (although it can range in extreme cases from 49 to 67 inches) with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. Males (cobs) are larger than females (pens) and have a larger knob on their bill. The Mute Swan is one of the heaviest flying birds. In several studies from the UK, males were found to average from about 23.4 to 26.2 pounds, with a weight range of 20 to 32 pounds, while the slightly smaller females were found to average about 18.7 to 21.3 pounds, with a weight range of 17 to 23 pounds. The Mute Swan is less vocal than the noisy Bewick's Swan and Whooper Swan although it does make a variety of grunting, hoarse whistling and snorting noises, especially in communicating with their cygnets and threatening competitors or intruders trying to enter their territory. The most familiar sound associated with the Mute Swan is the vibrant throbbing of the wings in flight which is unique to the species and this can be heard from a range of up to 1 mile. The Mute Swan is found naturally mainly in the temperate areas of Europe across west Asia and as far east as Primorsky Krai in the far east of Russia. It is partially migratory throughout the northern latitudes in Europe and Asia as far south as north Africa and the Mediterranean. It is also often kept in captivity outside its natural range as a decoration for parks and ponds and escapes have occurred. The descendants of such birds have become naturalised in east USA and the Great Lakes region across the USA and Canada border. The Mute Swan population in the UK has increased recently probably due to better protection of this species. Some birds are resident all year whilst others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into east England. Mute Swans nest on large mounds that they build with waterside vegetation in shallow water on islands in the middle or at the very edge of a lake. It is a monogamous species and often reuses the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Males and females share the care of the nest. The female lays from 4 to 10 eggs and broods for around 36 days. Cygnets are unable to fly before an age of 120 to 150 days and this limits the distribution of the species in the northern edge of its range since the cygnets must learn to fly before the water freezes. The Mute Swan is usually strongly territorial with just a single pair on smaller lakes although in a few locations where a large area of suitable feeding habitat is found they can be colonial. The largest colonies can hold over 100 pairs such as that at the colony at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset in the UK. Non-mated juveniles up to 3 to 4 years old commonly form larger flocks often at regular traditional sites and these can total several hundred birds. The Mute Swan can be very aggressive in defence of its nest and it is highly protective of its mate and offspring. Most defensive attacks from a Mute Swan begin with a loud hiss and, if this is not sufficient to drive off the predator, are followed by a physical attack. It attacks by smashing at its enemy with bony spurs in the wings accompanied by biting with its large bill. Smaller waterbirds such as ducks are normally grabbed with the bill and dragged or thrown clear. Large waterfowl, such as the Canada Goose, more likely out of competition than in response to potential predation, may be aggressively driven off. The wings of the Mute Swan are very powerful although not strong enough to break an adult man's leg as has been claimed anecdotally. The Mute Swan feeds on a wide range of vegetation, both submerged aquatic plants which they reach with their long necks and by grazing on land. The food commonly includes agricultural crop plants such as oilseed rape and wheat and feeding flocks in the winter may cause significant crop damage, often as much through trampling with their large webbed feet as through direct consumption. Date: 9th June 2023 Location: Bosherston Lily Ponds, Bosherton, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo22527687.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_42513506654228648f1db4.jpgLoch Linnhe, Highland Loch Linnhe is a large sea loch in the Western Highlands separating the areas of Morvern and Ardgour to the west from the areas of Appin, Benderloch and Lochaber to the east. Loch Linnhe stretches some 30 miles from north east to south west and forms a southern extension of the Great Glen that opens out into the Firth of Lorn. Its greatest width is nearly 6 miles while its narrowest width lies just north of the mouth of Loch Leven at the Corran Narrows. Fort William stands at the head of the loch, at the junction with Loch Eil and the beginning of the Caledonian Canal system. Date: 10th September 2014 Location: view from the A861 at Sallachan, Ardnamurchan, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/oslofjord https://images.on-this.website/4752_20328272424b8a26d9a2a8e.jpgOslofjord http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21828780.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_148767089753cb951ecf590.jpgTree Sparrow The Tree Sparrow is a member of the sparrow family [i]Passer[/i], a group of small passerine birds that is believed to have originated in Africa and which contains 15 to 25 species. The Tree Sparrow's name is derived from 2 Latin words: [I]passer[/I] meaning "sparrow" and [I]montanus[/I] meaning "of the mountains". The common name is given to suggest the preference for tree holes for nesting. However, this name and the scientific name [i]montanus[/i] do not appropriately describe the Tree Sparrow’s habitat preferences: the German name [i]Feldsperling[/i] meaning "field sparrow"[/i] comes closer to doing so. The Tree Sparrow is around 5 to 5.5 inches in length with a wingspan of about 8.3 inches, making it roughly 10% smaller than the House Sparrow. The adult's crown and nape are a rich chestnut and there is a kidney-shaped black ear patch on each pure white cheek. The chin, throat and the area between the bill and throat are black. The upperparts are light brown streaked with black and the brown wings have 2 distinct narrow white bars. The legs are pale brown and the bill is lead-blue in summer becoming almost black in winter. The Tree Sparrow is distinctive even within its own family in that there are no plumage differences between the sexes. The juvenile resembles the adult although the colours tend to be duller. The contrasting face pattern makes the Tree Sparrow easily identifiable in all plumages and the smaller size and chestnut (not grey) crown are additional differences from the male House Sparrow. The Tree Sparrow's breeding range comprises most of temperate Europe and Asia south of about latitude 68°N (north of this the summers are too cold) and through south east Asia to Java and Bali. It is sedentary over most of its extensive range but northernmost breeding populations migrate south for the winter and small numbers leave south Europe for north Africa and the Middle East. The Tree Sparrow has been introduced outside its native range but it has not always become successfully established, possibly due to competition with the House Sparrow. Ship-carried birds have colonised some areas and birds have also occurred as vagrants. Despite its scientific name, the Tree Sparrow is not typically a mountain species and reaches only 2300 feet in Switzerland although it has bred at 5600 feet in the northern Caucasus and as high as 14010 feet in Nepal. In Europe, the Tree Sparrow is frequently found in open countryside with small isolated patches of woodland but also on coasts with cliffs, in woodland along slow water courses and in empty buildings. It shows a strong preference for nest sites near wetland habitats and avoids breeding on intensively managed farmland. In Europe, where the Tree Sparrow and the House Sparrow occur in the same region, the House Sparrow generally nests in urban areas while the Tree Sparrow nests in rural areas. Where trees are in short supply, both species may utilise man-made structures as nest sites. Whilst the Tree Sparrow is mainly a rural bird in Europe, it tends to be an urban bird in Asia and Australia. In the UK, the Tree Sparrow is scarcer in upland areas and the far north and west of the and the main populations are now found across the Midlands and south and east England. The Tree Sparrow may breed in isolated pairs or in loose colonies. The male calls from near the nest site in spring to proclaim ownership and attract a mate and he may also carry nest material in to the nest hole. The Tree Sparrow typically builds its nest in a cavity in an old tree or rock face. Some nests are not in holes as such but are built among roots of overhanging bushes. Roof cavities in houses and nest boxes are also readily used. In addition, the Tree Sparrow will breed in the disused nest of a Magpie or other crow species or an active or unused nest of a large bird such as the White Stork or a heron or raptor species. It will sometimes attempt to take over the nest of other birds that breed in holes or enclosed spaces such as tit species, flycatcher species, Swallow, House Martin, Sand Martin or European Bee-eater. The untidy nest is composed of hay, grass, wool or other material and lined with feathers which improve thermal insulation. The female lays 5 or 6 eggs which are incubated by both parents for 12 to 13 days and the chicks fledge after a further 15 to 18 days. There are 2 or 3 broods each year. Hybridisation between the Tree Sparrow and the House Sparrow has been recorded in many parts of the world with male hybrids tending to resemble the Tree Sparrow while female hybrids are more similar to the House Sparrow. The Tree Sparrow is a predominantly seed and grain eating bird which feeds on the ground in flocks and often with House Sparrows, finches and buntings. It may also visit feeding stations. It additionally feeds on invertebrates including insects, woodlice, millipedes, centipedes, spiders, etc. especially during the breeding season when the young are fed mainly on animal food. Adults use a variety of wetlands when foraging for invertebrate prey to feed chicks and aquatic sites play a key role in providing adequate diversity and availability of suitable invertebrate prey to allow successful chick rearing. Large areas of formerly occupied farmland no longer provide these invertebrate resources due to the effects of intensive farming. The Tree Sparrow has a large range and a large population. Although the population is declining, the species is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List. For this reason, the Tree Sparrow is designated as being of “Least Concern”. Although the Tree Sparrow has been expanding its range in Fennoscandia and east Europe, its population has been declining in much of west Europe, a trend reflected in other farmland birds such as the Skylark and Corn Bunting. The collapse in population seems to have been particularly severe in the UK where there was a 93% decline between 1970 and 2008. However, recent Breeding Bird Survey data is encouraging and suggests that numbers may have started to increase albeit from a very low point. The decrease in population is probably the result of agricultural intensification and specialisation, particularly the increased use of herbicides and a trend towards autumn-sown crops at the expense of spring-sown crops that produce stubble fields in winter. The change from mixed to specialised farming and the increased use of insecticides has reduced the amount of insect food available for chicks. Date: 11th June 2014 Location: Bempton Cliifs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17054608.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_181945919350dec319d3733.jpgGreat Tit The Great Tit is a passerine bird in the tit family. It is large for a tit species at 4.9 to 5.5 inches in length and it has a distinctive appearance that makes it easy to recognise. The nominate race, which is found throughout much of Europe, Asia Minor, north and east Kazakhstan, south Siberia and north Mongolia, has a bluish-black crown, black neck, throat, bib and head and white cheeks and ear coverts. The breast is bright lemon-yellow and there is a broad black mid-line stripe running from the bib to the vent. There is a dull white spot on the neck turning to greenish yellow on the upper nape. The rest of the nape and back are green tinged with olive. The wing-coverts are green and the rest of the wing is bluish-grey with a white-wing-bar. The tail is bluish grey with white outer tips. The plumage of the female is similar to that of the male except that the colours are generally duller and the bib is less intensely black, as is the line running down the belly which is also narrower and sometimes broken. There is some variation in the UK sub-species. It is broadly similar to the nominate race but has a slightly longer bill, the mantle is slightly deeper green, there is less white on the tail tips and the ventral mid-line stripe is broader on the belly. The Great Tit has a wide distribution across much of Eurasia. It is found across all of Europe except for Iceland and northern Scandinavia. In North Africa it is found in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. It also occurs across the Middle East and parts of central Asia from north Iran and Afghanistan to Mongolia, as well as across north Asia from the Urals as far east as north China and the Amur Valley. The Great Tit can be found in a range of habitats but most commonly in open deciduous woodland, mixed forests, forest edges and gardens. In dense forests, including conifer forests, it is usually found in forest clearings. In north Siberia it is found in the boreal taiga. In north Africa it prefers oak forests as well as stands of Atlas cedar and even palm groves. In the east of its range, it favours riverine willow and birch forest. At higher altitudes it occupies habitats ranging from dense deciduous and coniferous forests to open areas with scattered trees. The Great Tit is generally not migratory. Pairs will usually remain near or in their territory all year round even in the northern parts of their range. Young birds will disperse from their parents' territory but usually not far. Populations may become irruptive in poor or harsh winters and very large groups may unpredictably move from north Europe to the Baltic, the Netherlands, the UK and even as far as the south Balkans. The Great Tit is monogamous and establish breeding territories in late January. Territories are usually reoccupied in successive years even if one of the pair dies so long as the brood is raised successfully. Females are likely to disperse to new territories if their nest is predated the previous year. The Great Tit is a seasonal breeder but the exact timing of breeding varies due to a number of factors, most importantly location. Most breeding occurs between January and September. In Europe the breeding season usually begins after March The amount of sunlight and daytime temperatures also affects the timing of breeding as does the peak abundance of caterpillar prey which itself is correlated to temperature. The Great Tit is a cavity nester and occupies a hole that is usually inside a tree, although occasionally in a wall or rock face. It also readily takes to nest boxes. The nest inside the cavity is built by the female and is made of plant fibres, grasses, moss, hair, wool and feathers. The female often lays a very large clutch of eggs, as many as 18 although 5 to 12 is more common. Clutch size is smaller when females start laying later and it is also lower when the density of competitors is higher. Second broods also tend to have smaller clutches. The female undertakes all incubation duties and is fed by the male during this time. The timing of hatching, which is synchronised with peak availability of food, can be manipulated when environmental conditions change after the laying of the first egg by delaying the beginning of incubation, laying more eggs or pausing during incubation. The incubation period is between 12 and 15 days. The chicks are fed by both parents and the nestling period is between 16 and 22 days. The chicks become independent of the parents 8 days after fledging although feeding may continue after independence and last up to a further 25 days. The Great Tit is primarily insectivorous in the summer and feeds on a wide range of insects and spiders. During the breeding season, protein-rich caterpillars are fed to the young. In autumn and winter, when insect prey becomes scarcer, berries and seeds are added to the diet. Where it is available, it will also readily take table scraps, peanuts and sunflower seeds from bird tables. The Great Tit, along with other tits, joins winter mixed-species foraging flocks. The Great Tit has generally adjusted to human modifications of the environment. Whilst it is more common and has better breeding success in areas with undisturbed forest cover, it has adapted well to human modified habitats and can be very common in urban and suburban areas. While there have been some localised declines in population in areas with poorer quality habitats, its large range and high numbers mean that the Great Tit is not considered to be threatened and it is classed as “Least Concern” by the IUCN. Date: 29th October 2012 Location: Strumpshaw Fen RSPB reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23408453.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_67081285154c20b8d9dd35.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 3rd January 2015 Location: Mersehead RSPB reserve, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39083796.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10862319575d30821523100.jpgWestern Rhodopes Mountains, Smolyan Province, Bulgaria The Rhodopes Mountains are a mountain range in south east Europe. They are spread over 5689 square miles of which 4723 square miles are located in south Bulgaria and the remainder in north Greece. The Rhodopes Mountains are about 149 miles long and about 62 to 75 miles wide with an average altitude of 2575 feet. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 7188 feet and is situated 12 miles to the west of Smolyan. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rhodopes Mountains gives its name to the terrestrial eco-region Rodope montane mixed forests that belong in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The area is particularly notable for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans plus its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms such as the Trigrad Gorge. The Rhodopes Mountains can be sub-divided in to 3 sections: The Western Rhodopes are spread over 66% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and they are higher, the most infrastructurally developed and the most visited part of the mountains. The highest and best known peaks are located in this section with more than 10 over 6562 feet high including the highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7188 feet). Some of the deepest river gorges in the Rhodopes Mountains are located in the west as well as several large lakes. The Eastern Rhodopes are spread over a territory of about 34% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and are much lower in height. The large artificial dams of Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets are located in this part of the mountains. Almost every species of European bird of prey nests in the Eastern Rhodopes including the rare Black Vulture and Egyptian Vulture. The Southern Rhodopes are the part of the mountain range that is located in Greece and they are characterized by numerous peaks of relatively low altitude. The River Buynovska is situated in the western Rhodopes Mountains and it is one of the source rivers of the River Vacha, the second largest river that has its source in the Rhodopes Mountains after the River Arda. The river has formed the Buynovo Gorge, the longest gorge in Bulgaria, located between the villages of Yagodina and Teshel. Formed by erosion as the River Buynovo flows through layers of marble rock, the gorge has developed in to an impressive natural phenomenon. The cliffs on both sides of the gorge rise hundreds of feet and can be visited on foot or by car on an extremely narrow single track road which winds along the base of the cliffs with sheer drops and hairpin turns. The narrowest point of the gorge is called Vuclhi Skok (“The Wolf’s Leap”). Folklore says that during winter wolves would leap the chasm to attack the sheepfolds. While this is only a legend, it is plain to see that the gorge is so narrow at this point that the cliffs practically touch each other at height of just 10 to 13 feet above the road. The beauty of the Buynovo Gorge can be appreciated from “a bird’s-eye view” from “The Eagle’s Eye”, a metal platform built on the precipitous cliff face of the Saint Iliya Peak at a height of 5128 feet. This provides impressive views of the entire surrounding area and, during good weather, the entire Rhodopes Mountains and even parts of north Greece are visible. Several hiking trails have been created in the area and the Buynovo Gorge was designated as a nature reserve in 1971. It is now one of Bulgaria’s top 100 tourist destinations. The limestone sediment has been eroded throughout the entire area and in the vicinity of the village Yagodina alone there are 36 caves, the most famous of which is the Yagodina Cave itself, a multi-level complex of primarily marble. This is the 4th longest cave in Bulgaria and the longest cave in the Rhodopes Mountains at around 5 miles, of which just under 1 mile is open to tourists. Date: 28th May 2018 Location: River Buynovska, Teshel to Yagodina, Western Rhodopes Mountains, Smolyan Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12076158.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7171818484e48d0510717b.jpgOtter The Eurasian Otter, also known as the European Otter, Eurasian River Otter, Common Otter and Old World Otter and commonly known as the Otter, is a semi-aquatic mammal and the most widely distributed member of the Otter sub-family of the Weasel family (Mustelidae). The Otter is a typical species of the Otter sub-family and is brown above and cream below. It is 22.5 to 37.5 inches long excluding a tail of 14 to 17.5 inches. The female is shorter than the male. The Otter's average body weight is 15 to 26 pounds, although occasionally a large old male may reach up to 37 pounds. The Otter differs from the North American River Otter by its shorter neck, broader face, the greater space between the ears and its longer tail. However, it is the only Otter species in much of its range so it is rarely confused for any other animal. The Otter is the most widely distributed Otter species and its range including parts of Asia and Africa as well as being widespread across Europe. The Otter can be found throughout most of the UK with the highest densities in Scotland, especially the islands and the north west coast, Wales, parts of East Anglia and the West Country. The Otter declined across its range in the second half of the 20th century primarily due to pollution, habitat loss and hunting. However, populations are now recovering in many parts of Europe. In the UK the number of sites with an Otter presence increased by 55% between 1994 and 2002. In August 2011, the Environment Agency announced that the Otter had returned to every county in England since vanishing from every county except the West Country and parts of Northern England. The recovery of the Otter population in Europe is due to a ban on the most harmful pesticides that has been in place since 1979, improvements in water quality leading to increases in prey populations and direct legal protection under the European Union Habitats Directive and national legislation in several European countries. In general, the Otter’s varied and adaptable diet means that it can be found on any unpolluted body of fresh water, including lakes, streams, rivers and ponds, as long as the food supply is adequate. It can also be found along the coast in salt water but it requires regular access to fresh water to clean its fur. When living in the sea it is sometimes referred to as a "Sea Otter" but it should not be confused with the true Sea Otter which is a North American species much more strongly adapted to a marine existence. The Otter's diet mainly consists of fish. However, during the winter and in colder environments, fish consumption is significantly lower and other sources of food are eaten including amphibians, crustaceans, insects, birds and small mammals. Hunting mainly takes place at night whilst the day is usually spent in the Otter's holt (den). The Otter is strongly territorial and is primarily solitary. An individual's territory may vary between 1 and 25 miles with the length of the territory depending on the density of food available and the width of the water suitable for hunting (it is shorter on coasts, where the available width is much wider and longer on narrower rivers). The Otter uses its spraints to mark its territory. Territories are only held against members of the same sex so those of males and females may overlap. The Otter is a non-seasonal breeder and males and females will breed at any time of the year. It has been found that their mating season is most likely determined simply by the Otters' reproductive maturity and physiological state. Female Otters are sexually mature between 18 and 24 months old and the average age of first breeding is found to be 2.5 years old. Gestation is 60 to 64 days and after the gestation period, 1 to 4 pups are born which remain dependent on the mother for about 13 months. The male plays no direct role in parental care although the territory of a female with her pups is usually entirely within that of the male. Date: 6th November 2008 Location: Loch Scridain, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17408579.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_454914705513328fba4c15.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 15th January 2013 Location: Mersehead RSPB reserve, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080562.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_114965643063a45913393b8.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 1st December 2022 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26270529.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1406369221566553f5008cb.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 4th December 2015 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14184422.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9508947324f421b1d1623c.jpgCommon Blue Flight period: June to September. The Common Blue is the UK’s most widespread and common blue butterfly although it has suffered some local declines due to habitat loss. They can be found in sunny, sheltered areas including downland, roadside verges, woodland clearings and rural gardens. Date: 28th August 2006 Location: Stow Maries Halt EWT reserve, Stow Maries, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/red-grouse https://images.on-this.website/4752_2770759944e2fdc4149685.jpgRed Grouse The Red Grouse is a medium-sized bird of the grouse family which is found in heather moorland in the UK and Ireland. It is endemic to the UK and has developed in isolation. It is usually classified as a sub-species of the Willow Ptarmigan or Willow Grouse which is found in birch and other forests and moorlands in north Europe, the tundra of Scandinavia, Siberia, Alaska and north Canada. The Red Grouse is differentiated from the Willow Ptarmigan and Rock Ptarmigan by its plumage being reddish brown and not having a white winter plumage. The tail is black and the legs are white. There are white stripes on the underwing and red combs over the eye. Females are less reddish than the males and have less conspicuous combs. Young birds are duller and lack the red combs. The Red Grouse is found across most parts of Scotland, including Orkney, Shetland and most of the Outer Hebrides. It is only absent from urban areas such as in the Central Belt. In Wales there are strong populations of Red Grouse in some places but the range has retracted. It is now largely absent from the far south and the main strongholds are Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons and the Cambrian Mountains. In England the Red Grouse is mainly found in the north in areas such as the Lake District, Northumberland, County Durham, much of Yorkshire, the Pennines and the Peak District as far south as the Staffordshire Moorlands. There is an isolated introduced population on Dartmoor and overspill Welsh birds visit the Shropshire Hills.The typical habitat is upland heather moors away from trees. It can also be found in some low-lying bogs and birds may visit farmland during hard weather. The UK population of the Red Grouse is estimated at about 250,000 pairs. Numbers have declined in recent years and it is now absent in areas where it was once common. Reasons for the decline include disease, loss of heather due to overgrazing, creation of new conifer plantations and a decline in the number of upland gamekeepers. Some predators feed on Red Grouse and there is ongoing controversy as to what effect these have on numbers. The Red Grouse is herbivorous and feeds mainly on the shoots, seeds and flowers of heather. It will also feed on berries, cereal crops and sometimes insects. The Red Grouse is considered a game bird and is shot in large numbers during the shooting season which traditionally starts on August 12th (known as the Glorious Twelfth). Shooting can take the form of “walked up” (where shooters walk across the moor to flush grouse and take a shot) or “driven” (where grouse are driven, often in large numbers, by “beaters” towards the shooters who are hiding behind a line of “butts”). Many moors are managed to increase the density of Red Grouse. Areas of heather are subjected to controlled burning since this allows fresh young shoots to regenerate which are favoured by Red Grouse. In addition, extensive predator control is a feature of grouse moor management and the extent and legality to which it occurs is hotly contested between conservation groups and shooting interests and the subject generates a lot of media attention. The Red Grouse is widely known as the logo of The Famous Grouse whisky and an animated bird is a character in a series of its adverts. It is also the emblem of the magazine “British Birds”. Date: 17th April 2007 Location: Grinton Moor, Yorkshire Dales National Park, North Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo44044208.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_402750550614f0db41cc98.jpgRed Admiral Flight period: April to November. The Red Admiral is a familiar and widespread butterfly in the UK although numbers depend on immigration from Europe. It can be found in any flower-rich habitat. Date: 27th August 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19905538.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1008507558529089e70a373.jpgRuff The Ruff is a medium-sized wading bird in the sandpiper family, [i]Scolopacidae[/i]. The original English name for this bird, dating back to at least 1465, is the [i]ree[/i], perhaps derived from a dialectical term meaning "frenzied". A later name [I]reeve[/I], which is still used for the female, is of unknown origin but may be derived from the shire-reeve, a feudal officer, likening the male's flamboyant plumage to the official's robes. The current name was first recorded in 1634 and is derived from the ruff, an exaggerated collar fashionable from the mid-16th century to the mid-17th century, since the male bird's neck ornamental feathers resemble the neck wear. The Ruff has a distinctive appearance with a small head, medium-length bill, longish neck and pot-bellied body. It has long legs that are variable in colour but usually yellow or orange. In flight, it has a deeper, slower wing stroke than other waders of a similar size and it displays a thin, indistinct white bar on the wing and white ovals on the sides of the tail. The Ruff shows very distinctive sexual dimorphism. Although a small percentage of males resemble females, the typical male is much larger than the female and has an elaborate breeding plumage. The male is 11 to 13 inches in length with a 21 to 24 inches wingspan. During the May to June breeding season, the typical male's legs, bill and warty bare facial skin are orange and he has distinctive head tufts and a neck ruff. These ornaments vary on individual birds and are black, chestnut or white with the colouring solid, barred or irregular. The grey-brown back has a scale-like pattern, often with black or chestnut feathers, and the underparts are white with extensive black on the breast. The extreme variability of the main breeding plumage is thought to have developed to aid individual recognition in a species that has communal breeding displays but is usually mute. Outside the breeding season, the typical male's head and neck decorations and the bare facial skin are lost and the legs and bill become duller. The upperparts are grey-brown and the underparts are white with grey mottling on the breast and flanks. The female, or "reeve", is 9 to 10 inches in length with a 18 to 19 inches wingspan. In the breeding plumage, the female has grey-brown upperparts with white-fringed, dark-centred feathers. The breast and flanks are variably blotched with black. In winter, her plumage is similar to that of the male but the sexes are distinguishable on size. The plumage of the juvenile Ruff resembles the non-breeding adult but has upperparts with a neat, scale-like pattern with dark feather centres and a strong buff tinge to the underparts. The Ruff is a migratory species, breeding in wetlands in the colder regions of northern Eurasia and wintering in the tropics, mainly in Africa. There is a limited overlap of the summer and winter ranges in the UK and parts of coastal western Europe and birds may be present throughout the year. The Ruff breeds in Europe and Asia from Scandinavia and the UK almost to the Pacific. In Europe, it is found in cool temperate areas but over its Russian range it is an Arctic species and occurs mainly north of about 65°N. The largest numbers breed in Russia, Sweden, Finland and Norway. Although it also breeds from the UK east through the Low Countries to Poland, Germany and Denmark, the populations are much lower in these more southerly areas. The Ruff is highly gregarious on migration and it travels in large flocks that can contain hundreds or thousands of individuals. Huge dense groups form on the wintering grounds. The males, which play no part in nesting or chick care, leave the breeding grounds in late June or early July followed later in July by the females and juveniles. Males typically make shorter flights and winter further north than females. Many migratory species use this differential wintering strategy since it reduces feeding competition between the sexes and enables territorial males to reach the breeding grounds as early as possible thereby improving their chances of successful mating. Males may also be able to tolerate colder winter conditions because they are larger than females. The Ruff breeds in extensive lowland freshwater marshes and damp grasslands. It avoids barren tundra and areas badly affected by severe weather, preferring hummocky marshes and deltas with shallow water. The wetter areas provide a source of food, the mounds and slopes may be used for leks and dry areas with sedge or low scrub offer nesting sites. When it is not breeding, it can be found in a wider range of shallow wetlands. Dry grassland, tidal mudflats and the seashore are less frequently used. Male Ruffs display during the breeding season at a lek in a traditional open grassy arena. The Ruff is one of the few lekking species in which the display is primarily directed at other males rather than to the females and it is among a small percentage of birds in which the males have well-marked and inherited variations in plumage and mating behaviour. There are 3 male forms: the typical territorial males, satellite males which have a white neck ruff and a very rare variant with female-like plumage. The behaviour and appearance for an individual male remain constant through its adult life and are determined by its genes. The territorial males, about 84% of the total, have strongly coloured black or chestnut ruffs and stake out and occupy small mating territories in the lek. They actively court females and display a high degree of aggression towards other resident males. Between 5 and 20 territorial males each hold an area of the lek about 3 feet across and usually with bare soil in the centre. They perform an elaborate display that includes wing fluttering, jumping, standing upright, crouching with ruff erect or lunging at rivals. They are typically silent even when displaying. Territorial males are very site faithful and 90% return to the same lekking sites in subsequent seasons, the most dominant males being the most likely to reappear. Site faithful males can acquire accurate information about the competitive abilities of other males, leading to well-developed dominance relationships. Such stable relationships reduce conflict and the risk of injury and the consequent lower levels of male aggression are less likely to scare off females. Lower-ranked territorial males also benefit from site fidelity since they can remain on the leks while waiting for the top males eventually to drop out. Satellite males, about 16% of the total number, have white or mottled ruffs and do not occupy territories. Instead, they enter leks and attempt to mate with the females visiting the territories occupied by the resident territorial males. Resident territorial males tolerate the satellite birds because, although they are competitors for mating with the females, the presence of both types of male on a territory attracts additional females. A third type of male was first described in 2006. This is a permanent female mimic, the first such reported for a bird. About 1% of males are small, intermediate in size between males and females and do not grow the elaborate breeding plumage of the territorial and satellite males. This cryptic male obtains access to mating territories together with the females and "steals" matings when the females crouch to solicit copulation. It moults into the prenuptial male plumage with striped feathers but does not go on to develop the ornamental feathers of the normal male. Not all mating takes place at the lek since only a minority of the males attend an active lek. As alternative strategies, males can also directly pursue females or wait for them as they approach good feeding sites. The level of polyandry in the Ruff is the highest known for any avian lekking species and for any shorebird. More than half of females mate with and have clutches fertilised by more than one male. In lekking species, females can choose mates without risking the loss of support from males in nesting and rearing chicks since the males take no part in raising the brood anyway. The nest of the Ruff is a shallow ground scrape lined with grass leaves and stems and concealed in marsh plants or tall grass up to 450 yards from the lek. Nesting is solitary although several females may lay in the general vicinity of a lek. The female lays typically 4 eggs from mid-March to early June depending on latitude. Incubation is undertaken by the female alone and the time to hatching is 20 to 23 days with a further 25 to 28 days to fledging. The precocial chicks have buff and chestnut down, streaked and barred with black and frosted with white. They feed themselves on a variety of small invertebrates. The Ruff normally feeds using a steady walk and pecking action, selecting food items by sight, but it will also wade deeply and submerge its head. During the breeding season, the Ruff’s diet consists almost exclusively of the adults and larva of terrestrial and aquatic insects such as beetles and flies. On migration and during the winter, it eats insects, crustaceans, spiders, molluscs, worms, frogs, small fish and also the seeds of rice and other cereals, sedges, grasses and aquatic plants. The Ruff has a large range and a large population although there is some evidence of a decrease in the population in some regions and countries. However, the species as a whole is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List (i.e. declining more than 30 percent in 10 years or 3 generations). For these reasons, the Ruff is classified as "least concern". However, the range in much of Europe is contracting because of land drainage, increased fertiliser use, the loss of mown or grazed breeding sites and over-hunting. Therefore the Ruff is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 30th September 2013 Location: Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/red-grouse-juvenile https://images.on-this.website/4752_2865029775956242e0dea70.92653771.jpgRed Grouse juvenile The Red Grouse is a medium-sized bird of the grouse family which is found in heather moorland in the UK and Ireland. It is endemic to the UK and has developed in isolation. It is usually classified as a sub-species of the Willow Ptarmigan or Willow Grouse which is found in birch and other forests and moorlands in north Europe, the tundra of Scandinavia, Siberia, Alaska and north Canada. The Red Grouse is differentiated from the Willow Ptarmigan and Rock Ptarmigan by its plumage being reddish brown and not having a white winter plumage. The tail is black and the legs are white. There are white stripes on the underwing and red combs over the eye. Females are less reddish than the males and have less conspicuous combs. Young birds are duller and lack the red combs. The Red Grouse is found across most parts of Scotland, including Orkney, Shetland and most of the Outer Hebrides. It is only absent from urban areas such as in the Central Belt. In Wales there are strong populations of Red Grouse in some places but the range has retracted. It is now largely absent from the far south and the main strongholds are Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons and the Cambrian Mountains. In England the Red Grouse is mainly found in the north in areas such as the Lake District, Northumberland, County Durham, much of Yorkshire, the Pennines and the Peak District as far south as the Staffordshire Moorlands. There is an isolated introduced population on Dartmoor and overspill Welsh birds visit the Shropshire Hills.The typical habitat is upland heather moors away from trees. It can also be found in some low-lying bogs and birds may visit farmland during hard weather. The UK population of the Red Grouse is estimated at about 250,000 pairs. Numbers have declined in recent years and it is now absent in areas where it was once common. Reasons for the decline include disease, loss of heather due to overgrazing, creation of new conifer plantations and a decline in the number of upland gamekeepers. Some predators feed on Red Grouse and there is ongoing controversy as to what effect these have on numbers. The Red Grouse is herbivorous and feeds mainly on the shoots, seeds and flowers of heather. It will also feed on berries, cereal crops and sometimes insects. The Red Grouse is considered a game bird and is shot in large numbers during the shooting season which traditionally starts on August 12th (known as the Glorious Twelfth). Shooting can take the form of “walked up” (where shooters walk across the moor to flush grouse and take a shot) or “driven” (where grouse are driven, often in large numbers, by “beaters” towards the shooters who are hiding behind a line of “butts”). Many moors are managed to increase the density of Red Grouse. Areas of heather are subjected to controlled burning since this allows fresh young shoots to regenerate which are favoured by Red Grouse. In addition, extensive predator control is a feature of grouse moor management and the extent and legality to which it occurs is hotly contested between conservation groups and shooting interests and the subject generates a lot of media attention. The Red Grouse is widely known as the logo of The Famous Grouse whisky and an animated bird is a character in a series of its adverts. It is also the emblem of the magazine “British Birds”. Date: 20th June 2017 Location: Glen Quaich, Perthshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38397338.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13611822735ce1282754e66.jpgPheasant The Common Pheasant is native to Asia but it has been widely introduced elsewhere as a game bird. In parts of its range, namely in places where none of its relatives occur such as in Europe (where it is naturalised), it is simply known as the Pheasant. Body weight of the Pheasant can range from 1.1 to 6.6 pounds, with males averaging 2.6 pounds and females averaging 2 pounds The adult male Pheasant is 24 to 35 inches in length with a long brown streaked black tail, accounting for almost 20 inches of the total length. The body plumage is barred bright gold or fiery copper-red and chestnut-brown with an iridescent sheen of green and purple. The wings are white or cream and black-barred markings are common on the tail. The head is bottle green with a small crest and distinctive red wattling. The female Pheasant is much less showy with a duller mottled brown plumage all over and measuring 20 to 25 inches long including a tail of around 8 inches. Juveniles have the appearance of the female with a shorter tail until young males begin to grow characteristic bright feathers on the breast, head and back at about 10 weeks after hatching. There are many colour forms of the male Pheasant, ranging in colour from nearly white to almost black in some melanistic examples. These are due to captive breeding and hybridisation between sub-species reinforced by continual releases of stock from varying sources to the wild. The Pheasant is native to Asia with its original range extending from between the Black and Caspian Seas to Manchuria, Siberia, Korea, mainland China and Taiwan. It can now be found across the globe due to its readiness to breed in captivity and the fact it can naturalise in many climates. At least since the Roman Empire, the Pheasant has been extensively introduced in many places and it has become a naturalised species in Europe, including throughout most of the UK where successive introductions have led to it becoming well adapted to the climate and able to breed naturally in the wild without human supervision on farmland and in copses, heaths, scrub, commons and wetlands. The Pheasant nests solely on the ground in scrapes lined with some grass and leaves, frequently under dense cover or a hedge. Occasionally it will nest in a haystack or in an old nest left by other birds. The male is polygynous and is often accompanied by a harem of several females. A clutch of around 8 to 15 eggs is laid during April to June, sometimes as many as 18 but usually 10 to 12. The incubation period is about 22 to 27 days. The chicks stay near the female for several weeks although they leave the nest when only a few hours old. After hatching they grow quickly, flying after 12 to 14 days and resembling adults by only 15 weeks of age. The Pheasant eats a wide variety of animal and vegetable food including fruit, seeds, grain, mast, berries and leaves as well as a wide range of invertebrates and insects. Small vertebrates like lizards, small mammals and small birds are occasionally taken. The Pheasant is a well-known gamebird and perhaps the most widespread and ancient one in the world. It is one of the world's most hunted birds. The Pheasant is bred to be hunted and it is shot in great numbers in Europe, especially in the UK where they are shot in the open season from 1st October to 1st February. Generally they are shot by hunters employing gun dogs to help find, flush and retrieve shot birds. Pheasant farming is also a common practice and it is sometimes done intensively. Birds are supplied both to hunting preserves/estates and to restaurants. Date: 11th May 2019 Location: Ynys-hir RSPB reserve, Ceredigion http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5325669.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15678595754c1dd37c49ae9.jpgSound of Handa, Sutherland Handa is an island located just offshore from Scourie with one of the largest seabird colonies in north west Europe. The Sound of Handa lies between the tiny mainland settlement of Tarbet and the island of Handa itself. A small passenger ferry crosses the Sound of Handa during the summer months to take visitors to see the huge seabird colonies. Date: 3rd June 2010 Location: view from Tarbet http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13657325.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16512097004ed36ddf793f1.jpgOtter The Eurasian Otter, also known as the European Otter, Eurasian River Otter, Common Otter and Old World Otter and commonly known as the Otter, is a semi-aquatic mammal and the most widely distributed member of the Otter sub-family of the Weasel family (Mustelidae). The Otter is a typical species of the Otter sub-family and is brown above and cream below. It is 22.5 to 37.5 inches long excluding a tail of 14 to 17.5 inches. The female is shorter than the male. The Otter's average body weight is 15 to 26 pounds, although occasionally a large old male may reach up to 37 pounds. The Otter differs from the North American River Otter by its shorter neck, broader face, the greater space between the ears and its longer tail. However, it is the only Otter species in much of its range so it is rarely confused for any other animal. The Otter is the most widely distributed Otter species and its range including parts of Asia and Africa as well as being widespread across Europe. The Otter can be found throughout most of the UK with the highest densities in Scotland, especially the islands and the north west coast, Wales, parts of East Anglia and the West Country. The Otter declined across its range in the second half of the 20th century primarily due to pollution, habitat loss and hunting. However, populations are now recovering in many parts of Europe. In the UK the number of sites with an Otter presence increased by 55% between 1994 and 2002. In August 2011, the Environment Agency announced that the Otter had returned to every county in England since vanishing from every county except the West Country and parts of Northern England. The recovery of the Otter population in Europe is due to a ban on the most harmful pesticides that has been in place since 1979, improvements in water quality leading to increases in prey populations and direct legal protection under the European Union Habitats Directive and national legislation in several European countries. In general, the Otter’s varied and adaptable diet means that it can be found on any unpolluted body of fresh water, including lakes, streams, rivers and ponds, as long as the food supply is adequate. It can also be found along the coast in salt water but it requires regular access to fresh water to clean its fur. When living in the sea it is sometimes referred to as a "Sea Otter" but it should not be confused with the true Sea Otter which is a North American species much more strongly adapted to a marine existence. The Otter's diet mainly consists of fish. However, during the winter and in colder environments, fish consumption is significantly lower and other sources of food are eaten including amphibians, crustaceans, insects, birds and small mammals. Hunting mainly takes place at night whilst the day is usually spent in the Otter's holt (den). The Otter is strongly territorial and is primarily solitary. An individual's territory may vary between 1 and 25 miles with the length of the territory depending on the density of food available and the width of the water suitable for hunting (it is shorter on coasts, where the available width is much wider and longer on narrower rivers). The Otter uses its spraints to mark its territory. Territories are only held against members of the same sex so those of males and females may overlap. The Otter is a non-seasonal breeder and males and females will breed at any time of the year. It has been found that their mating season is most likely determined simply by the Otters' reproductive maturity and physiological state. Female Otters are sexually mature between 18 and 24 months old and the average age of first breeding is found to be 2.5 years old. Gestation is 60 to 64 days and after the gestation period, 1 to 4 pups are born which remain dependent on the mother for about 13 months. The male plays no direct role in parental care although the territory of a female with her pups is usually entirely within that of the male. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11265414.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10669366694e1ad469e3d3f.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 11th May 2008 Location: Skomer, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801027.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_25921756064ed9bd837cf1.jpgBlue-tailed Damselfly Flight period: mid May to early September. Blue-tailed Damselflies are a widespread and common species of damselfly in much of England, Wales and southern Scotland. They can be found around lakes, ponds, canals and ditches, being less common on flowing water and in exposed and upland sites. They can also tolerate some saline and polluted waters. Date: 7th July 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41352917.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_308444135f21573bb5175.jpgRed Admiral Flight period: April to November. The Red Admiral is a familiar and widespread butterfly in the UK although numbers depend on immigration from Europe. It can be found in any flower-rich habitat. Date: 21st July 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/psarades https://images.on-this.website/4752_1945864190559ce9e936969.jpgPsarades, West Macedonia, Greece Psarades is a small port and fishing village on the shore of Great Prespa Lake (Megali Prespa). Date: 14th May 2015 Location: view at Psarades, West Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49797786.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_209384069564eca5a23635b.jpgCommon Darter Flight period: end May to early October. Common Darters are the most widespread of the dragonflies over lowland UK but they are absent from upland areas. They can be found in a wide range of habitats including ponds, lakes, ditches, canals, slow flowing rivers and brackish water. They can also be frequently seen some way from water. Date: 2nd July 2023 Location: Creech Heath NR, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41349666.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4677772725f2010a764569.jpgSmall White Flight period: April to September. The Small White is a highly successful species which is common and widespread in the UK. They can be found almost anywhere including in towns and gardens. Date: 12th July 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813394.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17388438065d0ddeb46cba2.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 10th June 2019 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21830170.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_176680246153cbb4d4b271d.jpgRazorbill The Razorbill is a medium-sized seabird and breeds around the coast of the UK with the largest colonies in northern Scotland. They breed on rocky cliffs and among boulder scree close to the sea. Birds only come to shore to breed from March to July and they winter in the northern Atlantic. Date: 11th June 2014 Location: Bempton Cliifs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21830211.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16520657653cbb5be5fcae.jpgTree Sparrow The Tree Sparrow is a member of the sparrow family [i]Passer[/i], a group of small passerine birds that is believed to have originated in Africa and which contains 15 to 25 species. The Tree Sparrow's name is derived from 2 Latin words: [I]passer[/I] meaning "sparrow" and [I]montanus[/I] meaning "of the mountains". The common name is given to suggest the preference for tree holes for nesting. However, this name and the scientific name [i]montanus[/i] do not appropriately describe the Tree Sparrow’s habitat preferences: the German name [i]Feldsperling[/i] meaning "field sparrow"[/i] comes closer to doing so. The Tree Sparrow is around 5 to 5.5 inches in length with a wingspan of about 8.3 inches, making it roughly 10% smaller than the House Sparrow. The adult's crown and nape are a rich chestnut and there is a kidney-shaped black ear patch on each pure white cheek. The chin, throat and the area between the bill and throat are black. The upperparts are light brown streaked with black and the brown wings have 2 distinct narrow white bars. The legs are pale brown and the bill is lead-blue in summer becoming almost black in winter. The Tree Sparrow is distinctive even within its own family in that there are no plumage differences between the sexes. The juvenile resembles the adult although the colours tend to be duller. The contrasting face pattern makes the Tree Sparrow easily identifiable in all plumages and the smaller size and chestnut (not grey) crown are additional differences from the male House Sparrow. The Tree Sparrow's breeding range comprises most of temperate Europe and Asia south of about latitude 68°N (north of this the summers are too cold) and through south east Asia to Java and Bali. It is sedentary over most of its extensive range but northernmost breeding populations migrate south for the winter and small numbers leave south Europe for north Africa and the Middle East. The Tree Sparrow has been introduced outside its native range but it has not always become successfully established, possibly due to competition with the House Sparrow. Ship-carried birds have colonised some areas and birds have also occurred as vagrants. Despite its scientific name, the Tree Sparrow is not typically a mountain species and reaches only 2300 feet in Switzerland although it has bred at 5600 feet in the northern Caucasus and as high as 14010 feet in Nepal. In Europe, the Tree Sparrow is frequently found in open countryside with small isolated patches of woodland but also on coasts with cliffs, in woodland along slow water courses and in empty buildings. It shows a strong preference for nest sites near wetland habitats and avoids breeding on intensively managed farmland. In Europe, where the Tree Sparrow and the House Sparrow occur in the same region, the House Sparrow generally nests in urban areas while the Tree Sparrow nests in rural areas. Where trees are in short supply, both species may utilise man-made structures as nest sites. Whilst the Tree Sparrow is mainly a rural bird in Europe, it tends to be an urban bird in Asia and Australia. In the UK, the Tree Sparrow is scarcer in upland areas and the far north and west of the and the main populations are now found across the Midlands and south and east England. The Tree Sparrow may breed in isolated pairs or in loose colonies. The male calls from near the nest site in spring to proclaim ownership and attract a mate and he may also carry nest material in to the nest hole. The Tree Sparrow typically builds its nest in a cavity in an old tree or rock face. Some nests are not in holes as such but are built among roots of overhanging bushes. Roof cavities in houses and nest boxes are also readily used. In addition, the Tree Sparrow will breed in the disused nest of a Magpie or other crow species or an active or unused nest of a large bird such as the White Stork or a heron or raptor species. It will sometimes attempt to take over the nest of other birds that breed in holes or enclosed spaces such as tit species, flycatcher species, Swallow, House Martin, Sand Martin or European Bee-eater. The untidy nest is composed of hay, grass, wool or other material and lined with feathers which improve thermal insulation. The female lays 5 or 6 eggs which are incubated by both parents for 12 to 13 days and the chicks fledge after a further 15 to 18 days. There are 2 or 3 broods each year. Hybridisation between the Tree Sparrow and the House Sparrow has been recorded in many parts of the world with male hybrids tending to resemble the Tree Sparrow while female hybrids are more similar to the House Sparrow. The Tree Sparrow is a predominantly seed and grain eating bird which feeds on the ground in flocks and often with House Sparrows, finches and buntings. It may also visit feeding stations. It additionally feeds on invertebrates including insects, woodlice, millipedes, centipedes, spiders, etc. especially during the breeding season when the young are fed mainly on animal food. Adults use a variety of wetlands when foraging for invertebrate prey to feed chicks and aquatic sites play a key role in providing adequate diversity and availability of suitable invertebrate prey to allow successful chick rearing. Large areas of formerly occupied farmland no longer provide these invertebrate resources due to the effects of intensive farming. The Tree Sparrow has a large range and a large population. Although the population is declining, the species is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List. For this reason, the Tree Sparrow is designated as being of “Least Concern”. Although the Tree Sparrow has been expanding its range in Fennoscandia and east Europe, its population has been declining in much of west Europe, a trend reflected in other farmland birds such as the Skylark and Corn Bunting. The collapse in population seems to have been particularly severe in the UK where there was a 93% decline between 1970 and 2008. However, recent Breeding Bird Survey data is encouraging and suggests that numbers may have started to increase albeit from a very low point. The decrease in population is probably the result of agricultural intensification and specialisation, particularly the increased use of herbicides and a trend towards autumn-sown crops at the expense of spring-sown crops that produce stubble fields in winter. The change from mixed to specialised farming and the increased use of insecticides has reduced the amount of insect food available for chicks. Date: 11th June 2014 Location: Bempton Cliifs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo453458.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2715736446883f0fb42b9.jpgLoch Eil, Inverness-shire Loch Eil is a sea loch which extends almost 7 miles from west to east before opening in to the northern end of Loch Linnhe opposite Fort William. Date: 6th June 2007 Location: view from the A861 road along the south shore looking east towards Ben Nevis http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52518230.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_53713454367545c5438e42.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the Canidae family and is a part of the order Carnivora within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 17th October 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405438.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17312082696586e06e90bff.jpgMigrant Hawker Flight period: August to October The Migrant Hawker is common in the south of the UK and has spread north and west in recent decades. The breeding population is boosted by continental migrants in the autumn and they are most easily seen hawking for insects along sheltered woodland rides or hedgerows. Date: 9th October 2023 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5325798.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4700729304c1dd60bb3097.jpgSango Bay, Sutherland Sango Bay is a beautiful sandy bay on the north coast of Sutherland and located by the village of Durness 4 miles west of Loch Eriboll. The bay is approximately half a mile in width and surrounded by low cliffs. Date: 3rd June 2010 Location: view from the A838 road east of Durness http://www.richardchewphotography.com/loch-doire-a-bhraghaid-argyll https://images.on-this.website/4752_387895387467f22cb23380.jpgLoch Doire a Bhraghaid, Argyll The small Lochan Doire a Bhraghaid is located alongside the single track road through the lonely wilderness region of Kingairloch to the east of Morven. Date: 25th December 2005 Location: view from the B8043 road south of Inversanda http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41225598.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14351401565eda02f3a92e4.jpgFour-spotted Chaser Flight period: mid May to end August. Four-spotted Chasers are a common and widespread species of dragonfly throughout most of the UK. They can be found around sheltered lowland lakes and ponds and around acidic moorland bogs and sheltered upland lakes. Date: 29th May 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39083139.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1785426975d307fbd49b06.jpgEastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria The Rhodopes Mountains are a mountain range in south east Europe. They are spread over 5689 square miles of which 4723 square miles are located in south Bulgaria and the remainder in north Greece. The Rhodopes Mountains are about 149 miles long and about 62 to 75 miles wide with an average altitude of 2575 feet. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 7188 feet and is situated 12 miles to the west of Smolyan. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rhodopes Mountains gives its name to the terrestrial eco-region Rodope montane mixed forests that belong in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The area is particularly notable for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans plus its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms such as the Trigrad Gorge. The Rhodopes Mountains can be sub-divided in to 3 sections: The Western Rhodopes are spread over 66% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and they are higher, the most infrastructurally developed and the most visited part of the mountains. The highest and best known peaks are located in this section with more than 10 over 6562 feet high including the highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7188 feet). Some of the deepest river gorges in the Rhodopes Mountains are located in the west as well as several large lakes. The Eastern Rhodopes are spread over a territory of about 34% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and are much lower in height. The large artificial dams of Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets are located in this part of the mountains. Almost every species of European bird of prey nests in the Eastern Rhodopes including the rare Black Vulture and Egyptian Vulture. The Southern Rhodopes are the part of the mountain range that is located in Greece and they are characterized by numerous peaks of relatively low altitude. The River Borovitsa is a tributary of the River Arda and is located in the eastern Rhodopes Mountains. The river valley is stony and surrounded by rough grassland, scrub and forested hillsides. There are many tiny hamlets along the valley, many of them abandoned or semi-abandoned. This little visited area and its wild environment with only the tiny hamlets and patches of traditional agriculture form a great contrast with the town of Kardzhali. Nenkovo, 17.5 miles north west of Kardzhali, is one of the hamlets in the river valley with no electricity or car access. The access to the village is via a rope bridge over the River Borovitsa. The lack of cars has preserved the narrow village streets which wind between the houses built about 100 to 150 years ago. According to the census of 2011, the village has 129 inhabitants which is down from its peak of 883 people shortly after the Second World War. The village is almost exclusively inhabited by ethnic Bulgarian Turks. Near the village of Nenkovo there is a medieval bridge over the River Borovitsa. It is a large asymmetric bridge with 5 arches each of a different size. The road over the bridge is about 65 yards long. The bridge has been partly destroyed on a number of occasions by the rough waters of the river. It has been rebuilt in the past but after repeated damage it is no longer used. The area around Nenkovo village and the bridge is an excellent one for a wide range of bird species. Date: 26th May 2018 Location: River Borovitsa valley near Nenkovo, Eastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31045340.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17030557205909a18914c5e7.55125072.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 19th April 2017 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13593633.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_981707624ec8da6989325.jpgOtter The Eurasian Otter, also known as the European Otter, Eurasian River Otter, Common Otter and Old World Otter and commonly known as the Otter, is a semi-aquatic mammal and the most widely distributed member of the Otter sub-family of the Weasel family (Mustelidae). The Otter is a typical species of the Otter sub-family and is brown above and cream below. It is 22.5 to 37.5 inches long excluding a tail of 14 to 17.5 inches. The female is shorter than the male. The Otter's average body weight is 15 to 26 pounds, although occasionally a large old male may reach up to 37 pounds. The Otter differs from the North American River Otter by its shorter neck, broader face, the greater space between the ears and its longer tail. However, it is the only Otter species in much of its range so it is rarely confused for any other animal. The Otter is the most widely distributed Otter species and its range including parts of Asia and Africa as well as being widespread across Europe. The Otter can be found throughout most of the UK with the highest densities in Scotland, especially the islands and the north west coast, Wales, parts of East Anglia and the West Country. The Otter declined across its range in the second half of the 20th century primarily due to pollution, habitat loss and hunting. However, populations are now recovering in many parts of Europe. In the UK the number of sites with an Otter presence increased by 55% between 1994 and 2002. In August 2011, the Environment Agency announced that the Otter had returned to every county in England since vanishing from every county except the West Country and parts of Northern England. The recovery of the Otter population in Europe is due to a ban on the most harmful pesticides that has been in place since 1979, improvements in water quality leading to increases in prey populations and direct legal protection under the European Union Habitats Directive and national legislation in several European countries. In general, the Otter’s varied and adaptable diet means that it can be found on any unpolluted body of fresh water, including lakes, streams, rivers and ponds, as long as the food supply is adequate. It can also be found along the coast in salt water but it requires regular access to fresh water to clean its fur. When living in the sea it is sometimes referred to as a "Sea Otter" but it should not be confused with the true Sea Otter which is a North American species much more strongly adapted to a marine existence. The Otter's diet mainly consists of fish. However, during the winter and in colder environments, fish consumption is significantly lower and other sources of food are eaten including amphibians, crustaceans, insects, birds and small mammals. Hunting mainly takes place at night whilst the day is usually spent in the Otter's holt (den). The Otter is strongly territorial and is primarily solitary. An individual's territory may vary between 1 and 25 miles with the length of the territory depending on the density of food available and the width of the water suitable for hunting (it is shorter on coasts, where the available width is much wider and longer on narrower rivers). The Otter uses its spraints to mark its territory. Territories are only held against members of the same sex so those of males and females may overlap. The Otter is a non-seasonal breeder and males and females will breed at any time of the year. It has been found that their mating season is most likely determined simply by the Otters' reproductive maturity and physiological state. Female Otters are sexually mature between 18 and 24 months old and the average age of first breeding is found to be 2.5 years old. Gestation is 60 to 64 days and after the gestation period, 1 to 4 pups are born which remain dependent on the mother for about 13 months. The male plays no direct role in parental care although the territory of a female with her pups is usually entirely within that of the male. Date: 10th November 2011 Location: Loch Scridain, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833939.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2000823237559cf201adb56.jpgRoller The European Roller is the only member of the Roller family to breed in Europe. It is a stocky bird, the size of a Jackdaw, and it is mainly blue with an orange-brown back. It is striking in its strong direct flight with the brilliant blue contrasting with black flight feathers. Sexes are similar but the juvenile is a drabber version of the adult. The European Roller often perches prominently on trees, posts or overhead wires whilst watching for the large insects, small reptiles, rodents and frogs that they eat. They have a Lapwing-like display with the twisting and turning display flight giving the bird its English name. The European Roller breeds in north Africa from Morocco east to Tunisia, in south west and south central Europe and in Asia Minor east through north west Iran to south west Siberia. It is a long-distance migrant, wintering in southern Africa in two distinct regions, from Senegal east to Cameroon and from Ethiopia west to Congo and south to South Africa. The European Roller can be found in warm, dry, open country with scattered trees, preferring lowland open countryside with patches of oak forest, mature pine woodland with heathery clearings, orchards, mixed farmland, river valleys and plains with scattered thorny or leafy trees. It winters primarily in dry wooded savanna and bushy plains. The European Roller has a large global population of an estimated 100,000 to 220,000 individuals in Europe. However, following a moderate decline during 1970 to 1990, the species has continued to decline especially in Europe with a decrease in the overall European population exceeding 30% in 15 years. Threats include persecution on migration in some Mediterranean countries, the use of pesticides which reduces food availability and sensitivity to changing farming and forestry practices. Date: 10th May 2015 Location: near Mandra, East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25774114.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1317081494560fb717b67a4.jpgDate: 25th September 2015 Location: Loch Eishort, Skye, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42202626.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11542746635ff310165e5b7.jpgBrown Bear The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, Ursus arctos arctos. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an evening visit with [url=https://www.karhujenkatselu.fi/en-gb]Karhu-Kuusamo[/url] Date: 7th July 2019 Location: Kuntilampi, near Kuusamo, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40755761.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13733867005e20434916a5e.jpgCommon Buzzard The Common Buzzard is a member of the genus [I]Buteo[/I] and the family [i]Accipitridae[/i], a group of medium-sized raptors with robust bodies and broad wings. The [I]Buteo[/I] species of Eurasia and Africa are usually commonly referred to as buzzards whilst those in the Americas are called hawks. Under current classification, the genus [I]Buteo[/I] includes approximately 28 species. The Common Buzzard includes between 7 to 16 sub-species and the western [i]Buteo[/i] group includes [i]Buteo buteo buteo[/i] which is found more or less continuously throughout Europe including the UK. The Common Buzzard is a medium-sized raptor that is highly variable in plumage. It is distinctly round headed with a somewhat slender bill and it has relatively long wings that either reach or fall slightly short of the tail tip when perched, a fairly short tail and somewhat short and mainly bare tarsi. It can appear fairly compact in overall appearance but may also appear large relative to other commoner raptors such as the Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. The Common Buzzard measures between 16 and 23 inches in length with a 3 feet 7 inches to 4 feet 7 inches wingspan. Females average about 2 to 7% larger than males in length and weigh about 15% more. Body mass can show considerable variation from 0.94 to 2.6 pounds in males and 1.07 to 3.02 pounds in females. In Europe, the Common Buzzard is typically dark brown above and on the upperside of the head and mantle but this can become paler and warmer brown with worn plumage. Usually the tail will be narrowly barred grey-brown and dark brown with a pale tip and a broad dark subterminal band but the tail in the palest birds can show a varying amount of white and a reduced sub-terminal band or even appear almost all white. The underside colouring can be variable but typically shows a brown-streaked white throat with a somewhat darker chest. A pale U across the breast is often present followed by a pale line running down the belly which separates the dark areas on the breast side and flanks. These pale areas tend to have highly variable markings that form irregular bars. Juveniles are quite similar to adults and are best told apart by having a paler eye, a narrower sub-terminal band on the tail and underside markings that appear as streaks rather than bars. Beyond the typical mid-range brownish Common Buzzard, birds in Europe can range from almost uniform black-brown above to mainly white. Extreme dark individuals may range from chocolate-brown to blackish with almost no pale colour showing but with a variable or faded U on the breast and with or without faint lighter brown throat streaks. Extreme pale individuals are largely whitish with variable widely spaced streaks or arrowheads of light brown about the mid-chest and flanks and may or may not show dark feather-centres on the head, wing-coverts and sometimes all but part of the mantle. Individuals can show nearly endless variation of colours and hues in between these extremes and the Common Buzzard is among the most variably plumaged diurnal raptors for this reason. The Common Buzzard is often confused with other raptors especially in flight or at a distance including other [i]Buteo[/i] species such as Rough-legged Buzzard and Long-legged Buzzard and also Honey Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, Golden Eagle, Booted Eagle and Short-toed Eagle. The Common Buzzard is found throughout several islands in the eastern Atlantic islands, including the Canary Islands and the Azores, and almost throughout Europe. In the UK, it is found in Northern Ireland and in nearly every part of Scotland and England. In mainland Europe, there are no substantial gaps in the range from Portugal and Spain to Greece, Estonia, Belarus and the Ukraine, although it is present mainly only in the breeding season in much of the eastern half of the latter 3 countries. It is also present in all larger Mediterranean islands such as Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily and Crete. Further north in to Scandinavia, it is found mainly in south Norway, the southern half of Sweden and in the southern two-thirds of Finland. The Common Buzzard reaches its northern limit as a breeder in far eastern Finland and over the border in to European Russia and nearly to the Kola Peninsula. In these northern limits, the Common Buzzard is present typically only in summer. The Common Buzzard generally inhabits the interface of woodlands and open ground and typically lives in forest edge, small broad-leaved, coniferous or mixed woodlands with adjacent grassland, arable fields or other farmland and open moorland as long as there are some trees. It is absent from treeless tundra and sporadic or rare in treeless steppe. The Common Buzzard can be found from sea level to elevations of 6600 feet although it breeds mostly below 3300 feet. It can winter to an elevation of 8200 feet and migrates easily at 14,800 feet. The Common Buzzard is a partial migrant. Autumn and spring movements are subject to extensive variation, even down to the individual level, based on a region's food resources, competition (both from other Common Buzzards and other predators), the extent of human disturbance and weather conditions. Short distance movements are the norm for juveniles and some adults in autumn and winter but more adults in central and south Europe and the UK remain in their year-around areas than do not. The Common Buzzard is a typical [I]Buteo[/I] in much of its behaviour. It is most often seen effortlessly soaring for extended periods at varying heights although it can appear laborious and heavy in level flight. It is also often seen perched prominently on tree tops, bare branches, telegraph poles, fence posts, rocks or ledges or alternatively well inside the tree canopy. It will also stand and forage on the ground. The Common Buzzard is a generalist predator which hunts a wide variety of prey given the opportunity. The prey extents to a wide variety of vertebrates including mammals, birds (from any age from eggs to adult birds), reptiles, amphibians and fish as well as to various invertebrates, mostly insects. In total, well over 300 prey species are known to be taken by the Common Buzzard. However, dietary studies have shown that it mostly preys upon small mammals, mainly small rodents. Furthermore, prey size can vary from tiny beetles, caterpillars and ants to large adult grouse and Rabbits up to nearly twice their body mass. At times, the Common Buzzard will also subsist partially on carrion, usually of dead mammals or fish. Hunting in relatively open areas has been found to increase hunting success whereas more complete shrub cover lowered success. A majority of prey is taken by dropping from a perch and is normally taken on the ground. Prey may also be hunted in a low flight, by random glides or soars or by foraging on the ground. The home range of the Common Buzzard is generally 0.19 to 0.77 square miles and the size of the breeding territory seems to be correlated with food supply. The territory is maintained through flight displays and in Europe territorial behaviour usually starts in February. However, displays are not uncommon throughout the year in resident pairs, especially by males, and can elicit similar displays by their neighbours. In the display, the Common Buzzard generally engages in high circling, spiraling upward on slightly raised wings. Mutual high circling by pairs sometimes goes on at length, especially during the period prior to or during breeding season. During the mutual displays, the male may engage in exaggerated deep flapping or zig-zag tumbling, apparently in response to the female being too distant. Several pairs may circle together at times and as many as 14 individual adults have been recorded over established display sites. Sky-dancing by the Common Buzzard has been recorded in spring and autumn, typically by the male but sometimes by the female, nearly always with much calling. Sky-dances are of the rollercoaster type, with an upward sweep of up to 100 feet until the bird starts start to stall but sometimes embellished with loops or rolls at the top. Next in the sky-dance, the bird will dive at least 200 feet on more or less closed wings before spreading them and shooting up again. These sky-dances may be repeated in series of 10 to 20. In the climax of the sky-dance, the undulations become progressively shallower, often slowing and terminating directly on to a perch. Various other aerial displays include low contour flight or weaving among trees, frequently with deep beats and exaggerated upstrokes which show underwing pattern to rivals perched below. Talon grappling and occasionally cartwheeling downward with feet interlocked has also been recorded. The Common Buzzard tends to build a bulky nest of sticks, twigs and often heather and lined with broad-leaved foliage. Nests are up to 3.3 to 3.9 feet across and 24 inches deep. With reuse over years, the diameter of a nest can reach or exceed 5 feet. Trees are generally used for a nesting location but crags or cliffs are used if trees are unavailable. Nests in trees are usually located by the main trunk at a height of around 10 to 82 feet. Pairs often have 2 to 4 nests in a territory but some pairs may use a single nest over several consecutive years. The breeding season of the Common Buzzard commences at differing times based on latitude. It may fall as early as January to April but typically it is March to July in most of Europe. In the northern limits of the range the breeding season may occur from May to August. Mating usually occurs on or near the nest and eggs are usually laid in 2 to 3 day intervals. The clutch size can range from to 2 to 6 and it appears that local factors such as habitat and food supply are relevant. Eggs are generally laid in late March to early April in the extreme south, sometime in April in most of Europe and in to May and possibly even early June in the extreme north. If eggs are lost to a predator or fail in some other way, replacement clutches are not usually laid although this has been recorded. Incubation lasts for 33 to 35 days and is mostly, but not solely, undertaken by the female. Hatching may take place over 3 to 7 days. Often the youngest nestling dies from starvation, especially in broods of 3 or more. The female remains at the nest brooding the young in the early stages with the male bringing all prey. At about 8 to 12 days, both the male and female will bring prey but the female continues to do all feeding until the young can tear up their own prey. The young are nearly fully feathered rather than downy at about a month of age and can start to feed themselves as well. The first attempts to leave the nest are often at about 40 to 50 days. Fledging occurs typically at 43 to 54 days but in extreme cases as late 62 days. After leaving the nest, the young generally stay close by until full independence 6 to 8 weeks after fledging. Numerous factors may influence the breeding success of the Common Buzzard including the availability of prey populations, habitat, disturbance and persecution levels and competition. The Common Buzzard is one of the most numerous birds of prey in its range and it is the most numerous diurnal bird of prey throughout much of Europe. Date: 6th December 2019 Location: Oudeland van Strijen, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230741.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1873546350649170bea954f.jpgBrown Hare The Brown Hare resembles the Rabbit but obvious differences include the Brown Hare's longer, larger body, much longer hind legs and longer ears with black tips. Generally, they are a brown-russet colour with a white underside. The tail is black on the upper surface and white underneath. In contrast to Rabbits, which have a brown iris, the Brown Hare has a golden iris and a black pupil. Brown Hares are the fastest land animals in the UK and can run at speeds of up to 45 mph to evade predators. Brown Hares are widespread in central and western Europe including the UK but they are absent in southern Europe. It is thought that they were introduced in to the UK during Roman times, probably from Asia. They have little legal protection, partly because they are game animals and can be managed by farmers and landowners and partly because they are also a minor pest and can damage crops and young tree plantations. Numbers have substantially declined in the UK and most of Europe since the 1960s mainly due to the intensification of agricultural practices as well as shooting, poaching and coursing and an increase in the number of Foxes. Brown Hares prefer temperate open habitats and can be found in most flat country among open grassland and arable farms. Unlike Rabbits, they do not burrow but rest in a shallow depression in fields or long grass known as a form where only their back and head are visible. An adult occupies a range of 300 hectares which it may share with other hares as they are not territorially aggressive. Courtship involves boxing …. the traditional “mad March hare” behaviour. This is actually unreceptive females fending off males rather than fighting between males. Date: 14th May 2023 Location: RWT Gilfach, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072296.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_312472744bf6d9919a6f7.jpgVarangerfjord, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway Varangerfjord is the easternmost fjord in Norway and is located in Finnmark county between the Varanger peninsula and the mainland of Norway. Varangerfjord flows through the municipalities of Vardø, Vadsø, Nesseby and Sør-Varanger. The fjord is approximately 62 miles long and empties in to the Barents Sea. The mouth is about 43 miles wide and is located between the town of Vardø in the north west and the village of Grense Jakobselv in the south east. The fjord stretches westwards inland past the town of Vadsø to the village of Varangerbotn in Nesseby municipality. Date: 12th April 2010 Location: view from route E75 between Vardø and Ekkerøy, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/black-necked-grebe https://images.on-this.website/4752_5866470564e1d66ea57b23.jpgBlack-necked Grebe The Black-necked Grebe is a member of the grebe family of water birds. It usually measures between 11 and 13 inches in length with a wingspan of 20.5 to 21.5 inches. The common name for this species refers to features visible when the bird is in its breeding plumage. In breeding plumage, the Black-necked Grebe has a black or blackish-brown coloured head, neck, breast and upper parts with the exception of the golden or ochre-coloured fan or spray of feathers extending behind the eye over the ear coverts and the sides of the nape. The flanks are tawny-rufous to maroon-chestnut and the abdomen is white. The eye is mostly red with a narrow and paler yellow ring on the inner parts of the eye and an orange-yellow to pinkish-red orbital ring. The thin and slightly upturned bill is black and is connected to the eye by a blackish line starting at the gape. The upperwing is blackish to drab brown in colour and has a white patch formed by the secondaries and part of the inner primaries. The underwing is white except the dark tertials and the mostly pale grey-brown outer primaries. The legs are a dark greenish grey. The sexes are similar. In non-breeding plumage, the Black-necked Grebe has greyish-black upper parts, cap, nape and hindneck. The dark colour of the cap reaches below the eye and can be seen diffused to the ear-coverts. The rest of the neck is grey to brownish-grey in colour and has some white that varies in amount. The breast is white and the abdomen is whitish. The flanks are coloured in a mix of blackish-grey with white flecks. The juvenile Black-necked Grebe is very similar to the non-breeding adult. The Black-necked Grebe breeds in vegetated areas of freshwater lakes across Europe, Asia, Africa, northern South America and the south west and west USA. After breeding, it migrates to saline lakes and coastal estuaries to moult and over-winter. In the UK, the Black-necked Grebe can be found all year round although here are only a small number of breeding locations. It is best looked for in winter on reservoirs, gravel pits, estuaries and off the coast. In the Northern Hemisphere, the Black-necked Grebe breeds from April to August. The male and female build a floating nest of plant matter in the usually shallow water of open lakes and the nest itself is also anchored to the lake by plants. Most of the nest is submerged with the bottom of the shallow cup usually being level with the water. The Black-necked Grebe nests both in colonies and by itself. When it does not nest by itself, it will often nest in mixed-species colonies made up of Black-headed Gulls, ducks and various other waterbirds. Pair formation in the Black-necked Grebe usually starts during pauses in the migration to the breeding grounds although it occasionally occurs before in wintering pairs. This pair formation continues after arrival on the breeding grounds. Courtship occurs when the bird arrives at the breeding lake and elaborate displays are performed in the middle of the lake. There is no territory involved in courting and birds use the whole area of the lake. The Black-necked Grebe is socially monogamous but conspecific or intraspecific brood parasitism, where the female lays eggs in the nest of others of their own species, is common with nearly 40% of nests being parasitized on average. However, in terms of territory, breeding pairs will only defend their own nest site. The female lays a clutch, although sometimes 2 clutches, of 3 to 4 eggs but nests that have been parasitised will have 2 more eggs on average even though the number the host lays is about the same no matter if it has been parasitized or not. The eggs are incubated by both parents for about 21 days. After the chicks hatch, the birds will desert their nest. Even though the young can swim and dive during this time, they rarely do, instead staying on the parents' backs for 4 days after hatching. This behaviour is present in all grebes and is likely to have evolved because it reduces travel, specifically back to the nest to brood the chicks and give them food. After about 10 days, the parents split the chicks up with each parent taking care of about half of the brood. After this split, the chicks are independent in about 10 days and fledge in about 3 weeks. The Black-necked Grebe forages mainly by diving from the water with dives usually lasting less than 30 seconds. These dives are usually shorter in time when in more shallow water. In between dives, it rests for an average of 15 seconds. The Black-necked Grebe also forages by gleaning foliage, plucking objects off of the surface of water, having its head submerged while swimming and sometimes by capturing flying insects. It eats mostly insects, of both adult and larval stages, as well as crustaceans, molluscs, tadpoles and small frogs and fish. The Black-necked Grebe is classified as “least concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, the population trend is uncertain since some populations are decreasing whereas others are stable, have an uncertain trend or are increasing. The justification for the current classification of the Black-necked Grebe is its very large population (estimated around 3.9 to 4.2 million individuals) combined with a large estimated extent of occurrence (about 60 million square miles). It is probably the most numerous grebe in the world. Date: 18th September 2021 Location: Alexandra Lake, Wanstead Flats, London Date: 18/02/07 Location: Blackmoorfoot Reservoir, West Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33568402.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5897473125a106af6bf382.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 4th November 2017 Location: Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11328606.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3933343034e1d678126913.jpgCoot The Coot is an all black bird with a distinctive white beak and “shield” above the beak from which earns it the title “bald”. Its feet have distinctive lobed flaps of skin on the toes which act instead of webs when swimming. It patters noisily over the water before taking off and can be very aggressive towards other birds. Coot can be found all the year round mainly on freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers and town park lakes. Sometimes they can be seen offshore, especially in winter if freshwater areas are frozen. They breed in areas of fairly shallow standing freshwater with a muddy bottom and plenty of vegetation at the sides, usually in lowland areas. Date: 2nd February 2008 Location: Northlands Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/p5030522-edit https://images.on-this.website/4752_1926956266664330555d49c.jpgRed Squirrel The Red Squirrel or Eurasian Red Squirrel is a species of tree squirrel in the genus Sciurus. It is an arboreal and primarily herbivorous rodent. The Red Squirrel has a typical head and body length of 7.5 to 9 inches, a tail length of 6 to 8 inches and a weight of 9 to 12 ounces. Males and females are the same size. The Red Squirrel is smaller and lighter in weight than the Grey Squirrel The coat of the Red Squirrel varies in colour with the time of year and its location and there are several different coat colour morphs ranging from black to red. Red coats are most common in the UK but in other parts of Europe and Asia different coat colours co-exist within populations. The underside of the Red Squirrel is always creamy-white in colour. The Red Squirrel sheds its coat twice a year, switching from a thinner summer coat to a thicker, darker winter coat with noticeably larger ear-tufts (a prominent distinguishing feature of this species) between August and November. A lighter, redder overall coat colour, along with the ear-tufts (in adults) and smaller size, distinguish the Red Squirrel from the Grey Squirrel. The long tail helps the Red Squirrel to balance and steer when jumping from tree to tree and running along branches and it may also keep it warm during sleep. The Red Squirrel, like most tree squirrels, has sharp and curved claws to enable it to climb and descend broad tree trunks, thin branches and even house walls and its strong hind legs enable it to leap gaps between trees. The Red Squirrel can be found in the boreal coniferous woods in north Europe and Siberia where it prefers Scots Pine, Norway Spruce and Siberian Pine. In west and south Europe it can be found in broad-leaved woods where the mixture of tree and shrub species provides a better year round source of food. In most of the UK and in Italy, broad-leaved woodlands are now less suitable for it due to the better competitive feeding strategy of the introduced Grey Squirrel. The Red Squirrel makes a drey (nest) out of twigs in a branch-fork, forming a domed structure about 9 to 12 inches in diameter. This is lined with moss, leaves, grass and bark. Tree hollows and woodpecker holes are also used. The Red Squirrel is generally a solitary animal and is shy and reluctant to share food with others. However, outside the breeding season and particularly in winter, several Red Squirrels may share a drey to keep warm. Social organisation is based on dominance hierarchies within and between sexes. Although males are not necessarily dominant towards females, the dominant animals tend to be larger and older than subordinate animals and dominant males tend to have larger home ranges than subordinate males or females. Mating can occur in late winter during February and March and in summer between June and July. During mating, males detect females that are in oestrus by an odour that they produce and, although there is no courtship, the male will chase the female for up to an hour prior to mating. Usually multiple males will chase a single female until the dominant male, usually the largest in the group, mates with the female. Males and females will mate multiple times with many partners. Females must reach a minimum body mass before they enter oestrus and heavy females on average produce more young. If food is scarce breeding may be delayed. Typically a female will produce her first litter in her second year. Up to 2 litters a year per female are possible. Each litter averages 3 young and these are known as kits. Gestation is about 38 to 39 days and the young are looked after by the mother alone and are born helpless, blind and deaf. Their body is covered by hair at 21 days, their eyes and ears open after 3 to 4 weeks and they develop all their teeth by 42 days. Juveniles can eat solids around 40 days following birth and from that point they can leave the nest on their own to find food. However, they still suckle from their mother until weaning occurs at 8 to 10 weeks. The Red Squirrel eats mostly the seeds of trees, fungi, nuts (especially hazelnuts but also beech and chestnuts), berries and young shoots. More rarely, it may also eat bird eggs or nestlings and may occasionally exhibit opportunistic omnivory similar to other rodents. Excess food is put into caches, either buried or in nooks or holes in trees, and eaten when food is scarce. Although the Red Squirrel remembers where it created caches at a better than chance level, its spatial memory is believed to be substantially less accurate and durable than that of the Grey Squirrel. Therefore it will often have to search for them when in need and many caches are never found again. Between 60% and 80% of the active time of a Red Squirrel may be spent foraging and feeding. The active period is generally in the morning and in the late afternoon and evening. It often rests in its nest in the middle of the day to avoid the heat and the high visibility to birds of prey that are dangers during these hours. During the winter, this midday rest is often much more brief or absent entirely although harsh weather may cause it to stay in its nest for days at a time. No territories are claimed between Red Squirrels and the feeding areas of individuals overlap considerably. A Red Squirrel that survives its first winter has a life expectancy of 3 years. Individuals may reach 7 years of age and 10 years in captivity. Survival is positively related to the availability of autumn and winter tree seeds. On average, 75 to 85% of juveniles die during their first winter and mortality is approximately 50% for winters following the first. Predators include small mammals such as the Pine Marten, the Wildcat and the Stoat which all prey on juveniles. Birds, including owls and raptors such as the Goshawk and Common Buzzard, may also prey on the Red Squirrel as will the Red Fox and domestic cats and dogs when it is on the ground. Humans influence the population size and mortality of the Red Squirrel by destroying or altering habitats, by causing road casualties and by introducing non-native populations of the Grey Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel and the Red Squirrel are not directly antagonistic and violent conflict between these species is not a factor in the decline in Red Squirrel populations. However, the Grey Squirrel appears to contribute to the decrease in the Red Squirrel population for several reasons: it carries a disease, the squirrel parapoxvirus, that does not appear to affect its own health but will often kill the Red Squirrel, it can better digest acorns whilst the Red Squirrel cannot access the proteins and fats in acorns as easily and it can put the Red Squirrel under pressure for food resources resulting in it not breeding as often. In the UK, due to the above circumstances, the population has today fallen to 160,000 Red Squirrels or fewer with the majority of these in Scotland. Outside the UK and Ireland, the impact of competition from the Grey Squirrel has also been observed in Italy where 2 pairs escaped from captivity in 1948. A significant drop in the Red Squirrel population has been observed since 1970 and it is feared that the Grey Squirrel may expand into the rest of Europe. The Red Squirrel is protected in most of Europe although in some areas it is abundant and is hunted for its fur. In the UK there are several active projects to protect the Red Squirrel and its native woodland habitat, introduce or re-introduce it in to areas where it is absent and eradicate and prevent the spread of the Grey Squirrel. Research undertaken in 2007 in the UK credits the Pine Marten with reducing the population of the invasive Grey Squirrel. Where the range of the expanding Pine Marten population meets that of the Grey Squirrel, the population of the latter retreats. It is theorised that, because the Grey Squirrel spends more time on the ground than the Red Squirrel, it is far more likely to come in contact with the Pine Marten. Date: 3rd May 2024 Location: Dingle Local Nature Reserve, Llangefni, Anglesey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/water-rail https://images.on-this.website/4752_1226091813518cb098c9fe6.jpgWater Rail The Water Rail is a member of the rail family. The adult is about 9 to 11 inches long with a 15 to 18 inches wingspan. The upper parts from the forehead to tail are olive-brown with black streaks, especially on the shoulders. The sides of the head and the underparts down to the upper belly are dark slate-blue, except for a blackish area between bill and eye and brownish sides to the upper breast. The flanks are barred black and white and the undertail is white with some darker streaks. The long bill and the iris are red and the legs are flesh-brown. The sexes are similar although the female averages slightly smaller than the male with a more slender bill. Individual adults can be identified by the markings on the undertail which are unique to each bird. Adult males have the strongest black undertail streaks. It has been suggested that the dark barring on the undertail of this species is a compromise between the signalling function of a pure white undertail, as found in open water or gregarious species like the Moorhen, and the need to avoid being too conspicuous. The Water Rail can readily be distinguished from most other reed bed rails by the white undertail and the red bill which is a little longer than the rest of the head and slightly down-curved. The Water Rail is a vocal species which gives its main call, known as "sharming", throughout the year. This is a series of grunts followed by a high-pitched piglet-like squeal and ending in more grunts. It is used as a territorial call, alarm and announcement. Members of a pair may call alternately, the male giving lower and slower notes than the female. Birds are most vocal when setting up a territory and early in the breeding season when calling may continue at night. The Water Rail is a skulking species, its streaked plumage making it difficult to see in its wetland habitat. Its laterally compressed body allows it to slip though the densest vegetation and it will "freeze" if surprised in the open. It walks with a high-stepping gait although it adopts a crouch when it runs for cover. It swims, when necessary, with the jerky motion typical of rails and it flies short distances low with its long legs dangling. Although its flight looks weak, the Water Rail is capable of long sustained flights during its nocturnal migration. The Water Rail breeds across temperate Eurasia from Iceland and the UK discontinuously to north Africa, Saudi Arabia and western China. Its distribution in Asia is poorly studied. It is resident in the milder south and west of its range but migrates south from areas that are subject to harsh winters. It winters within its breeding range and also further south in north Africa, the Middle East and the Caspian Sea area. The peak migration period is September to October with most birds returning to the breeding grounds from March to mid-April. The Water Rail is widely but thinly distributed as a breeding bird across the UK but it is absent from upland areas. It is most abundant in eastern England and suitable habitat along the south coast. Numbers are higher in winter when many birds arrive from Europe. The breeding habitat of the Water Rail is permanent wetland with still or slow-moving fresh or brackish water and dense, tall vegetation. On migration and in winter, a wider range of wet habitats may be used such as flooded thickets or bracken. Freezing condition may force birds into more open locations such as ditches, rubbish dumps and gardens or even out on to exposed ice. The Water Rail is monogamous and highly territorial when breeding. The birds pair off after arriving at their nesting areas or possibly even before spring migration. The pair give courting and contact calls throughout the breeding season. The nest is well hidden and made from whatever wetland vegetation is available. It is built mostly by the male and usually in a single day. It is raised 6 inches or more above water level and is generally constructed on clumps of roots, tree stumps or similar support. It may be built up higher if water levels start to rise. The typical clutch is 6 to 11 eggs across most of the range and the clutch size may be smaller early or late in the breeding season. The breeding season can be extended by replacement and second clutches. Both parents incubate the eggs although the female takes the larger share of this duty. The eggs are incubated for 19 to 22 days to hatching. The downy chicks leave the nest within 2 days of hatching but continue to be fed by their parents, although the chicks also find some of their own food after about 5 days. The chicks are independent of their parents after 20 to 30 days and can fly when aged 7 to 9 weeks. Average survival after fledging has been estimated as between 17 and 20 months with an annual survival rate slightly less than 50% per year for the first 3 years and somewhat higher thereafter. The maximum recorded age is 8 years 10 months. The Water Rail is a versatile and opportunistic forager although it follows definite routes when feeding, frequently returning to good hunting areas. It is omnivorous although it mainly feeds on animals such as leeches, worms, gastropods, small crustaceans, spiders and a wide range of both terrestrial and aquatic insects and their larvae. Small vertebrates such as amphibians, fish, birds and mammals may be killed or eaten as carrion. Plant food, which is consumed more in autumn and winter, includes the buds, flowers, shoots and seeds of water plants, berries and fruit. The Water Rail's numbers are declining but it has a large population and a huge breeding range. In most European countries, the population is either stable or decreasing slightly due to loss of habitat arising from the drainage of marshes, canalisation of water courses, urban encroachment and pollution. Introduced predators such as American Mink are a threat to vulnerable island populations. Date: 1st April 2013 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32709123.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_193904157759ad27ffee2ec5.05627194.jpgHortobágy National Park, Hajdú-Bihar county, Hungary Hortobágy National Park (Hortobágy Nemzeti Park) is a national park in eastern Hungary. It is part of the vast Great Hungarian Plain which occupies southern and eastern Hungary, some parts of the eastern Slovakian lowlands, south west Ukraine, western Romania, northern Serbia and eastern Croatia. Hortobágy National Park was designated as a national park in 1972 (the first in Hungary), and as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. It is Hungary's largest protected area. At the time of designation, the area of the National Park was 289 square miles but since then it has been extended to almost 315 square miles. Around 25% of its area has international protection under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance. The entire Hortobágy National Park is part of the Natura 2000 network of the European Union in which Special Protected Areas and Special Areas of Conservation have been designated in a way that they contain and encompass the area of the National Park including organically connected or separate grassland mosaic areas that are outside the National Park. The protection thus ensured by the Natura 2000 areas provides an appropriate basis for the establishment of a buffer zone. A conservation management plan for the Hortobágy National Park was prepared in 1997. Hortobágy National Park contains the largest continuous natural grassland in Europe and the second largest steppe area west of the Ural Mountains. It has outstanding natural features and maintains great biological diversity in respect of species and habitats. It is a unique example of the harmonious coexistence of people and nature based on the considerate use of the land. A major part of the area of the Hortobágy National Park is formed by natural habitats, principally alkaline grasslands (puszta), meadows and the marshes lying between them. From the point of view of nature conservation, the artificial wetlands, which cover a much smaller area, are of considerable importance. These are the fish ponds created during the last century on the worst quality grazing lands and marshes. The Hortobágy National Park is one of Europe’s greatest lowland birding areas containing nesting habitats and migration sites of European significance. The Hortobágyi-Halastó complex just to the west of Hortobágy village is arguably the best site to explore and contains waterbodies of various sizes from small fish ponds to huge lakes. Over 340 bird species have been recorded in the Hortobágy National Park, of which over 150 species breed. For UK birders, it is particularly exciting since several “eastern” species can be found which are at the westernmost extent of their range. These are joined by a large number of temperate European and Mediterranean species. The symbol of the Hortobágy National Park is the Crane. One of the most spectacular sights is the autumn migration when tens of thousands of Cranes can be seen every October as they fly above the grasslands to their overnight roosting places. For thousands of years the wild animals grazing on the grasslands of the Hortobágy National Park, the Aurochs and wild horses, were gradually replaced by domesticated animals. A large number of Long-haired Sheep and Hungarian Grey Cattle can now be found here. Less ancient species are the Mangalica Pig and the Nonius Horse. In the Visitor Centre in Hortobágy village, visitors and tourists can get information and advice on what to see and what to do in the Hortobágy National Park and can also learn about its natural and cultural assets: its flora and fauna, the different natural phenomena, herdsmen’s traditions, craftsmen’s skills and local rare breeds. The Visitor Centre also sells the mandatory permits that are required to visit most of the protected areas. The Hortobágy-halastavi Kisvasút is a narrow gauge railway which runs through Hortobágyi-Halastó. It was built and commissioned in 1915 for the purpose of transporting fish food from the silo in Hortobágyi-Halastó to the fish ponds and transporting freshly caught fish in the opposite direction. The track formerly had a length of 22 miles and was temporarily decommissioned in 1960. Since 2007, the railway has been used as a tourist train. The track now runs for just 3 miles and provides access to the northern end of Hortobágyi-Halastó. A one-way trip lasts 23 minutes. Date: 20th May 2017 Location: Hortobágy-halastavi Kisvasút, Hortobágy National Park, Hajdú-Bihar county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/elk-moose https://images.on-this.website/4752_87986718057cc374b40870.jpgElk (Moose) The Elk (Eurasia) or Moose (north America) is the largest living deer species and the second largest land animal. The Elk is easily recognised by its humped shoulders, broad and overhanging muzzle and the pendulous flap of skin and hair beneath the throat. The body is heavy and deep, with long, rather gangly legs and wide hooves which aid in walking over mud or soft snow. The coat ranges from blackish to reddish brown in colour and lighter on the underparts and lower legs. It provides excellent insulation, consisting of a fine wool undercoat interspersed with long guard hairs. On average, an adult Elk stands 4.6 to 6.9 feet high at the shoulder, which is more than a foot higher than the next largest deer. The head and body length is 7.9 to 10.2 feet with a small tail adding only a further 2 to 5 inches. Males ("bulls") normally weigh from 838 to 1,543 pounds and females ("cows") typically weigh 441 to 1,080 pounds. The male Elk, as other deer, bears bony, hornlike antlers which are shed each winter and re-grown through the summer. The antlers are massive and palmate (broad and flattened at the base with short projecting branches), measuring up to 6.5 feet across and over 65 pounds in weight, making them the largest of any deer. In Europe, the Elk is currently found in large numbers throughout Norway, Sweden, Finland, Latvia, Estonia and Poland with more modest numbers in the Czech Republic, Belarus and north Ukraine. They are also widespread through Russia on up through the borders with Finland, south towards the border with Estonia, Belarus and Ukraine and east towards Siberia. The Elk was native to most temperate areas with suitable habitat on the continent and even Scotland from the end of the last Ice Age since Europe had a mix of temperate boreal and deciduous forest. However, from medieval times, it slowly disappeared. By the early 20th century, the very last strongholds of the Elk appeared to be in Scandinavian countries and patchy tracts of Russia with a few migrants found in what is now Estonia and Lithuania. The former Soviet Union and Poland managed to restore parts of the range within its borders in the 1950s but political complications obviously limited the ability to reintroduce it to other parts of its range. Attempts in 1930 and again in 1967 in marshland north of Berlin in Germany were unsuccessful. At present in Poland, populations are recorded in the Biebrza river valley, Kampinos National Park and in the Białowieża Forest. It has migrated in to other parts of eastern Europe and has been recorded in east and south Germany. The Elk is fairly adaptable in its habitat requirements but it prefers a mosaic of boreal or broad-leaved forest, lakes, swamps and wetlands, requiring forest for cover and water bodies for foraging. The Elk is often associated with spruce, fir and pine forest and it may also occupy tundra and mountains, often in areas characterised by seasonal snow cover. The Elk may be active by both day and night but activity usually peaks at dawn and dusk. It is a herbivore and is capable of consuming many types of plant or fruit. The diet includes various tree, shrub, grass and herb species as well as twigs and bark in winter. The Elk may markedly alter the structure and dynamics of forest ecosystems through their foraging behaviour. Aquatic vegetation is also taken, the Elk often wading into lakes and streams and sometimes submerging entirely to feed. Some populations migrate in search of food, moving between distinct seasonal home ranges. In winter, Elk are often drawn to roadways, to lick salt that is used as a snow and ice melter. The Elk is essentially solitary although small, loose groups may form during the mating season and during winter. Mating occurs in September and October. The males are polygamous and will seek several females to breed with. During this time both sexes will call to each other. Males produce heavy grunting sounds whilst females produce wail-like sounds. Males will fight for access to females. They either assess which is larger with the smaller bull retreating or they may engage in battles usually only involving the antlers. The female Elk has an 8 month gestation period, usually bearing a single calf, or twins if food is plentiful, in May or June. The young will stay with the mother until just before the next young are born. The life span of an average moose is about 15 to 25 years. A full grown Elk has few enemies except Siberian Tigers which regularly prey on adults but a pack of Wolves can still pose a threat especially to females with calves. The Brown Bear is also known to prey on Elk of various sizes and are the only predator besides the Wolf to attack them although they are more likely to take over a Wolf kill or to take young moose than to hunt an adult Elk on their own. The Wolverine is most likely to eat Elk as carrion but it has been known to kill them when they are weakened by harsh winter conditions. The Killer Whale is the Elk's only known marine predator. The Elk is hunted as a game species in many of the countries where it is found and in addition it is a regular casualty of road traffic and train collisions. This photo was taken from a long distance and has been tightly cropped. Date: 12th May 2016 Location: Rannajoe, Matsalu National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7439578.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11952326034cd571e5e1efd.jpgSierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain This Natural Park (Parque Natural) includes a large sector of the central Sierra Morena, the east-west line of mountains which divides Andalucia from the rest of Spain. The Sierra de Andújar stretches for 45 miles with a highest point of 4230 feet and it is densely wooded boasting one of Andalucia's best preserved expanses of Mediterranean woodland and scrubland. The Sierra de Andújar is one of two of Spain's last refuges for the elusive and highly endangered Iberian Lynx. Date: 8th September 2010 Location: view from road along River Andújar to Jándula Dam http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41349661.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12752042045f201097064ee.jpgSmall White Flight period: April to September. The Small White is a highly successful species which is common and widespread in the UK. They can be found almost anywhere including in towns and gardens. Date: 12th July 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37190322.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9632377375c2a1b50db5b7.jpgCommon Seals The Common or Harbour Seal is the most widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. The Common Seal possesses a unique pattern of spots, either dark on a light background or light on a dark background. It varies in colour from brownish black to tan or grey although underparts are generally lighter. The body and flippers are short, the head is rounded and the nostrils appear distinctively V-shaped. Blubber under the skin helps to maintain body temperature. Including the head and flippers, the Common Seal may reach an adult length of 6.1 feet and a weight of 120 to 370 pounds. Females are generally smaller than males. There are an estimated 350,000 to 500,000 Common Seals worldwide. While the population is not threatened as a whole, the Greenland, Hokkaidō and Baltic Sea populations are exceptions. Local populations have been reduced or eliminated through disease and unintentional and intentional conflict with humans. It is legal to kill seals perceived to threaten fisheries in the UK, Norway and Canada but commercial hunting is illegal. Seals are also taken in subsistence hunting and accidentally as bycatch. The Common Seal sticks to familiar resting spots or haul out sites, generally rocky areas (although ice, sand and mud may also be used), where it is protected from adverse weather conditions and predation, near a foraging area. It may spend several days at sea and travel up to 30 miles in search of feeding grounds although it will also congregate in harbours, sandy intertidal zones and estuaries and swim some distance upstream into fresh water in large rivers. The Common Seal feeds primarily on fish and occasionally shrimps, crabs, molluscs and squid. The Common Seal is often solitary but it is gregarious when hauled out and during the breeding season although it does not form groups as large as some other seals. Both courtship and mating occur underwater and females give birth annually with a gestation period of approximately 9 months. The timing of the pupping season varies with location, occurring in February for populations in lower latitudes and as late as July in the sub Arctic zone. The mothers are the sole providers of care and the single pups are born well developed, capable of swimming and diving within hours. Suckling for 3 to 4 weeks, pups feed on the mother's rich, fatty milk and grow rapidly and doubling their weight by the time of weaning. Date: 25th June 2018 Location: Loch Fleet, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13683330.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6668303764ed72ef032370.jpgScottish Wildcat The Wildcat is the UK’s only native cat. It looks very similar to a domestic tabby cat but it is larger with a stockier build and a thick bushy tail which has 3 to 5 broad black bands of fur and a rounded and blunt black tip. The colour of the coat varies from greyish to yellowish-brown. The Wildcat is confined to Scotland north of Glasgow and Edinburgh but it is absent from the Scottish Islands. It prefers areas with varied habitats on the edge of moorland with pasture, scrub and forests. High mountains where prey is scarce and intensively farmed lowland regions are avoided. In winter, bad weather drives the Wildcat from mountains and moorlands into more sheltered wooded valleys. The Wildcat is a shy and wary animal which is active at night, mainly around dawn and dusk. The diet consists of Rabbits, Hares and small mammals but quite large birds and animals freshly killed on roads may also be taken. It sometimes stores or caches uneaten prey by hiding it under vegetation. During the day, and in periods of heavy rain and snow, the Wildcat lies up in dens located amongst boulders and rocky cairns or in old Fox earths, Badgers setts, peat hags or tree roots. The Wildcat is also a solitary and territorial animal living at a low population density. There may be one cat to three square kilometres in good habitats but only one cat to 10 square kilometres in less favourable areas. Urine sprayed on boulders and tree trunks and droppings deposited in prominent places, are used by the Wildcat to mark its territory. Although the Wildcat may live for 10 to 12 years in the wild, most seem to die at an early age. The Wildcat used to be found throughout mainland UK but due to persecution and clearance of wooded land it declined over several centuries. It disappeared from southern England in the 16th century and the last one recorded from northern England was shot in 1849. The Wildcat almost became extinct in the UK in the early years of last century but, following reduced persecution at the time of the First World War and helped by more forestry plantations, it recolonised parts of Scotland. However, this recovery now seems to have slowed down. The urbanised habitat of the central lowlands of Scotland seems to be a barrier to further dispersal. A recent survey failed to find any evidence of Wildcats south of the industrial belt of Scotland. Although increasing afforestation helped the spread of the Wildcat, as forest plantations mature they become less suitable for the small mammals on which the Wildcat preys. Forestry management to encourage Wildcats should therefore aim to diversify the age of plantations. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and 1988 now gives strict legal protection to Wildcats and their dens and it is an offence to take or kill one except under licence. Despite this protection, illegal trapping and shooting are still major causes of death of Wildcats whilst others die in road traffic accidents and there is still a risk from illegal poisoning. Inter-breeding with domestic cats gone wild (known as feral cats) could pose an insidious threat to the Wildcat’s survival in the UK by changing the species' genetic identity. The Wildcat is also at risk from diseases of domestic cats such as feline leukaemia. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33820927.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13182422975a3d0771266dd.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 12th December 2017 Location: Kensington Gardens, London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49903680.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_193186326165043880e2ce9.jpgCommon Darter Flight period: end May to early October. Common Darters are the most widespread of the dragonflies over lowland UK but they are absent from upland areas. They can be found in a wide range of habitats including ponds, lakes, ditches, canals, slow flowing rivers and brackish water. They can also be frequently seen some way from water. Date: 21st August 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11806256.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16470539264e3a787e5197a.jpgMarsh Frog The Marsh Frog is the largest European frog. It is very similar in appearance to the closely related Edible Frog and Pool Frog. These 3 species are often referred to as "green frogs" to distinguish them from the more terrestrial European species which are known as "brown frogs" (best exemplified by the Common Frog). Marsh Frogs show a large variation in colour and pattern, ranging from dark green to brown or grey. The Western European populations are generally dark green to black with dark spots on the back and sides and 3 clear green lines on the back. Females can reach a maximum length of around 6.5 inches but males are smaller at around 4.5 inches. The head is proportionally large and the hind legs are long which gives them excellent jumping abilities. The Marsh Frog is usually gregarious and diurnal and more tied to aquatic habitats than the Common Frog. It is tolerant of brackish conditions and typically it is found on or in the water of its favoured drainage channels and pools throughout the year. Marsh Frogs frequently sunbathe on the bank of the water body where they are often inconspicuous until disturbed when they will jump in to the water with a characteristic “plop”. They can often be seen on lily pads or floating at the surface amongst vegetation with only their heads exposed. During the breeding season (and sometimes beyond) the male Marsh Frog calls very loudly with a sound reminiscent of a loud chuckle which is often very raucous and can be heard all day and night. Dominant males establish territories from which they call. After mating a female may produce up to 16,000 eggs in a season, laying them in clumps of a few hundred in aquatic vegetation below the surface. They hatch in about a week, tadpoles being rather solitary and living in deep water with vegetation. Newly metamorphosed frogs are up to 1 inch in length and take 2 years to mature. The diet of the Marsh Frog consists of dragonflies and other insects, spiders, earthworms and slugs. Larger frogs also eat small rodents and sometimes smaller amphibians and fish. The Marsh Frog is not a native species of the UK. It was first introduced to Walland Marsh, Kent in 1935 and is now found in several areas of Kent and East Sussex. Other introductions exist, including colonies in London. Date: 31st July 2011 Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874763.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2132889952561ccbf0636bc.jpgEyjafjallajökull, south Iceland Eyjafjallajökull is located to the north of Skógar and to the west of Mýrdalsjökull in south Iceland. Eyjafjallajökull consists of a volcano completely covered by an ice cap. The ice cap covers an area of about 39 square miles and feeds many outlet glaciers mainly to the north. The mountain itself is a stratovolcano and stands 5417 feet at its highest point. It has a crater 1.9 to 2.5 miles in diameter which is open to the north. The crater rim has 3 main peaks: Guðnasteinn, Hámundur and Goðasteinn. The south face of the mountain was once part of Iceland's Atlantic coastline but over thousands of years the sea has retreated some 3 miles. The former coastline now consists of sheer cliffs with many waterfalls (of which the best known is Skógafoss) but the area between Eyjafjallajökull and the present coast is a relatively flat strand, 1 to 3 miles wide, called Eyjafjöll. Eyjafjallajökull has erupted relatively frequently since the last glacial period, most recently and notably in 2010. On 26th February 2010, unusual seismic activity along with rapid expansion of the Earth's crust was registered by the Meteorological Institute of Iceland. This gave geophysicists evidence that magma was pouring from underneath the crust into the magma chamber of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano. Pressure stemming from the process caused the huge crustal displacement at Þorvaldseyri farm. The seismic activity continued to increase and from 3rd to 5th March 2010 almost 3000 earthquakes were measured at the epicentre of the volcano. The eruption is thought to have begun on 20th March 2010 about 5 miles east of the top crater of Eyjafjallajökull on Fimmvörðuháls, the high neck between Eyjafjallajökull and the neighbouring icecap of Mýrdalsjökull. This first eruption, in the form of a fissure vent, did not occur under the glacier and was smaller in scale than had been expected by some geologists. On 14th April 2010 Eyjafjallajökull resumed erupting after a brief pause, this time from the top crater in the centre of the glacier, causing meltwater floods to rush down the nearby rivers and requiring 800 people to be evacuated. This eruption was explosive in nature due to melt water getting into the volcanic vent. It was estimated to be 10 to 20 times larger than the previous one in Fimmvörðuháls. This second eruption threw volcanic ash several miles up in the atmosphere which led to the closure of airspace and air travel disruption in north west Europe for 6 days from 15th April to 21st April 2010. It caused a significant delay in my own return from a [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/trip-report-north-finland-and]trip to north Norway and north Finland[/url] On 23rd May 2010, the eruption was declared to have stopped but monitoring continued. The volcano continued to have several earthquakes daily but since August 2010 Eyjafjallajökull has been considered dormant. Date: 8th June 2015 Location: view of farms below Eyjafjallajökull near Hvolsvöllur http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45174885.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21394453606233064fa1013.jpgRed-breasted Goose The Red-breasted Goose is a brightly marked species of goose in the genus Branta. It is an unmistakable red, black and white goose with a chestnut-red foreneck, breast and sides of the head. It has a broad white flank stripe and black belly, white rear belly and black tail. The juveniles are generally duller than the adults. The short neck and dark belly stand out in flight. All the species of the Branta genus are distinguished by their dark sooty colour relieved by white and are distinct from the grey geese of the genus Anser. Among the species from these 2 genera, the Red-breasted Goose is the smallest at 21 to 22 inches in length. Although brightly marked and unmistakable, it can be surprisingly difficult to find amongst flocks of Brent Geese. The Red-breasted Goose breeds in Arctic Siberia, mainly on the Taymyr Peninsula and with smaller populations in the Gydan and Yamal peninsulas. Most winter along the north west shore of the Black Sea in Bulgaria, Romania and Ukraine (occasionally moving further south west to Greece) but some winter in Azerbaijan. The Red-breasted Goose is a rare vagrant to the UK and other western European countries where it is sometimes found with flocks of Brent or Barnacle Geese. However, since it is common in captive wildfowl collections, escapees outside its usual range are fairly frequent. The Red-breasted Goose often nests close to the nests of birds of prey, such as the Snowy Owl, Peregrine and Rough-legged Buzzard, and this helps to protect this small goose from mammalian predators such as the Arctic Fox. The closer the nest to the eyrie bird of prey nest, the safer it is from predation. In addition to nesting close to birds of prey, the Red-breasted Goose nests on islands on rivers which also protects it from land-based predators. A typical Red-breasted Goose colony is around 4 pairs depending on nest location, food abundance and bird of prey density. In the autumn of 1997 the population of the Red-breasted Goose was estimated to be around 88,000 individuals but in the winter these numbers can shrink to around 70,000. The Red-breasted Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. It is legally protected in many states although hunting still continues. The AEWA is monitoring the species and providing up to date information on the status of the species, its habitat, migrations, ecology and conservation needs. Over 80% of the Red-breasted Goose population roost during the winter at just 5 sites with nearby feeding areas threatened by changes in land use. In addition, there has been a strong decline in numbers in the last few decades. However, it is possible that this decline may have been exaggerated as it is possible that some birds may winter at unknown sites. As it is not clear to what extent the known population fluctuates and given the worsening outlook as a whole, the Red-breasted Goose was uplisted from a species of Least Concern to Endangered status in the 2007 IUCN Red List. In 2015 it was relisted as Vulnerable. There have been attempts to conserve the species. In 2005 to 2008 an EU LIFE project in Romania was implemented so that the habitat quality of an important salt water lake used by the species was increased. The EU LIFE Programme and AEWA hosted a workshop in February 2009 for the species that aimed to draft a new International Species Action Plan and report the results of the EU LIFE project. In 2011 the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB/BirdLife in Bulgaria) and the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust in the UK launched a project that will lead to a greater understanding of the Red-breasted Goose's migration patterns. A number of geese were branded and given miniature GPS transmitters to enable satellite tracking. Scientist and conservationists hope that learning about the Red-breasted Goose's migration patterns will lead to proper conservation policies. Date: 25th January 2022 Location: Marsh Farm Country Park, South Woodham Ferrers, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12744416.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17843227424e705b36ea21f.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 4th November 2008 Location: Portnahaven, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801070.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_43110307464eda29f779df.jpgSmall White Flight period: April to September. The Small White is a highly successful species which is common and widespread in the UK. They can be found almost anywhere including in towns and gardens. Date: 8th July 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50637287.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_87861187565e05e5a994ac.jpgMallards The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 24th February 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/red-breasted-goose https://images.on-this.website/4752_45558013587a091e5f597.jpgRed-breasted Goose The Red-breasted Goose is a brightly marked species of goose in the genus Branta. It is an unmistakable red, black and white goose with a chestnut-red foreneck, breast and sides of the head. It has a broad white flank stripe and black belly, white rear belly and black tail. The juveniles are generally duller than the adults. The short neck and dark belly stand out in flight. All the species of the Branta genus are distinguished by their dark sooty colour relieved by white and are distinct from the grey geese of the genus Anser. Among the species from these 2 genera, the Red-breasted Goose is the smallest at 21 to 22 inches in length. Although brightly marked and unmistakable, it can be surprisingly difficult to find amongst flocks of Brent Geese. The Red-breasted Goose breeds in Arctic Siberia, mainly on the Taymyr Peninsula and with smaller populations in the Gydan and Yamal peninsulas. Most winter along the north west shore of the Black Sea in Bulgaria, Romania and Ukraine (occasionally moving further south west to Greece) but some winter in Azerbaijan. The Red-breasted Goose is a rare vagrant to the UK and other western European countries where it is sometimes found with flocks of Brent or Barnacle Geese. However, since it is common in captive wildfowl collections, escapees outside its usual range are fairly frequent. The Red-breasted Goose often nests close to the nests of birds of prey, such as the Snowy Owl, Peregrine and Rough-legged Buzzard, and this helps to protect this small goose from mammalian predators such as the Arctic Fox. The closer the nest to the eyrie bird of prey nest, the safer it is from predation. In addition to nesting close to birds of prey, the Red-breasted Goose nests on islands on rivers which also protects it from land-based predators. A typical Red-breasted Goose colony is around 4 pairs depending on nest location, food abundance and bird of prey density. In the autumn of 1997 the population of the Red-breasted Goose was estimated to be around 88,000 individuals but in the winter these numbers can shrink to around 70,000. The Red-breasted Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. It is legally protected in many states although hunting still continues. The AEWA is monitoring the species and providing up to date information on the status of the species, its habitat, migrations, ecology and conservation needs. Over 80% of the Red-breasted Goose population roost during the winter at just 5 sites with nearby feeding areas threatened by changes in land use. In addition, there has been a strong decline in numbers in the last few decades. However, it is possible that this decline may have been exaggerated as it is possible that some birds may winter at unknown sites. As it is not clear to what extent the known population fluctuates and given the worsening outlook as a whole, the Red-breasted Goose was uplisted from a species of Least Concern to Endangered status in the 2007 IUCN Red List. In 2015 it was relisted as Vulnerable. There have been attempts to conserve the species. In 2005 to 2008 an EU LIFE project in Romania was implemented so that the habitat quality of an important salt water lake used by the species was increased. The EU LIFE Programme and AEWA hosted a workshop in February 2009 for the species that aimed to draft a new International Species Action Plan and report the results of the EU LIFE project. In 2011 the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB/BirdLife in Bulgaria) and the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust in the UK launched a project that will lead to a greater understanding of the Red-breasted Goose's migration patterns. A number of geese were branded and given miniature GPS transmitters to enable satellite tracking. Scientist and conservationists hope that learning about the Red-breasted Goose's migration patterns will lead to proper conservation policies. This bird was part of the captive collection at the WWT Wetland Centre. Date: 5th January 2017 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13656906.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11112075484ed36832ef17d.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the [i]Canidae[/i] family and is a part of the order [i]Carnivora[/i] within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533256.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_63409879362ca813d90902.jpgCommon Blue Damselfly Flight period: early May to end September. As the name suggests, the Common Blue Damselfly is one of the commonest species in the UK. They can be confused with other blue damselflies, particularly since the markings on this species are rather variable. Common Blue Damselflies are found across most of the UK and are probably the most widespread member of the "blue" damselflies. They can be found around open lakes and ponds, along river and canal banks and streams, provided there is plenty of bankside vegetation. Date: 15th June 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/starling-roost https://images.on-this.website/4752_4238965474b522aab74020.jpgStarling roost The Common Starling, also known as the European starling or in the UK just as the Starling, is a medium-sized passerine bird in the starling family. There are several sub-species of the Starling which vary in size and the colour tone of the adult plumage. The gradual variation over geographic range and extensive intergradation means that acceptance of the various sub-species varies between different authorities. The Starling is 7.5 to 9.1 inches in length with a wingspan of 12 to 17 inches. The plumage is iridescent black, glossed purple or green and spangled with white, especially in winter. The underparts of the adult male Starlings are generally less spotted than those of adult females. The throat feathers of the males are long and loose and are used in display while those of the females are smaller and more pointed. The legs are stout and pinkish-red or greyish-red. The bill is narrow and conical with a sharp tip. In the winter it is brownish-black but in summer the females have lemon yellow beaks whilst the males have yellow bills with blue-grey bases. Moulting occurs once a year in late summer after the breeding season and the fresh feathers are prominently tipped white (breast feathers) or buff (wing and back feathers) giving a speckled appearance. The reduction in the spotting in the breeding season is achieved through the white feather tips largely wearing off. Juveniles are grey-brown and by their first winter they resemble adults although they often retain some brown juvenile feathering especially on the head. In flight, the Starling’s strongly pointed wings and dark colouration are distinctive whilst on the ground its strange waddling gait is also characteristic. The colouring and build usually distinguish the Starling from other starling species although the closely related Spotless Starling from Iberia and north Africa may be physically distinguished by the lack of iridescent spots in the adult breeding plumage. Like most terrestrial starlings, the Starling moves by walking or running rather than hopping. Their flight is quite strong and direct and their triangular-shaped wings beat very rapidly. They periodically glide for a short way without losing much height before resuming powered flight. When in a flock, the birds take off almost simultaneously, wheel and turn in unison, form a compact mass or trail off into a wispy stream, bunch up again and the land in a co-ordinated fashion. The Starling is a noisy bird. Its song consists of a wide variety of both melodic and mechanical-sounding noises as part of a ritual succession of sounds. The male is the main songster and engages in bouts of song lasting for a minute or more. Each of these typically includes 4 varieties of song type which follow each other in a regular order without pause. The bout starts with a series of pure tone whistles and these are followed by the main part of the song, a number of variable sequences that often incorporate snatches of song mimicked from other species of bird and various naturally occurring or man-made noises. The structure and simplicity of the sound mimicked is of greater importance than the frequency with which it occurs. Each sound clip is repeated several times before the bird moves on to the next. After this variable section comes a number of types of repeated clicks followed by a final burst of high frequency song, again formed of several types. Each bird has its own repertoire with more proficient birds having a range of up to 35 variable song types and as many as 14 types of clicks. Males sing constantly as the breeding period approaches and perform less often once pairs have bonded. In the presence of a female, a male sometimes flies to his nest and sings from the entrance, apparently attempting to entice the female in. Having a complex song is also useful in defending a territory and deterring less experienced males from encroaching. Singing also occurs outside the breeding season and takes place throughout the year apart from the moulting period. The songsters are more commonly males although females also sing on occasion. The function of such out-of-season song is poorly understood. Starlings chatter while roosting and bathing and make a great deal of noise that can cause irritation to some people living nearby. When a flock of Starlings is flying together, the synchronised movements of their wings make a distinctive whooshing sound that can be heard hundred yards away. The global population of the Starling was estimated to be 310 million birds in 2004, occupying a total area of 3.4 million square miles. Its numbers are not thought to be declining significantly so it is classified by the IUCN as being of “Least Concern”. It had shown a marked increase in numbers throughout Europe from the 19th century to around the 1950s and 1960s. However, declines in populations have been observed since 1980, including in the UK. This seems to be due to the low survival rate of young birds which may be caused by changes in agricultural practices. The intensive farming methods used in north Europe mean there is less pasture and meadow habitat available and the supply of grassland invertebrates needed for the nestlings to thrive is correspondingly reduced. The Starling remains widespread throughout the Northern Hemisphere and it is native to Eurasia. It is found throughout Europe, north Africa from Morocco to Egypt, India (mainly in the north but regularly extending further south) and extending into the Maldives, Nepal, the Middle East including Syria, Iran and Iraq and north west China. Starlings in the south and west of Europe and south of latitude 40°N are mainly resident although other populations migrate from regions where the winter is harsh, the ground frozen and food scarce. Large numbers of birds from northern Europe, Russia and Ukraine migrate south westwards or south eastwards. In the autumn, when immigrants are arriving from eastern Europe, many of the UK's Starlings are setting off for Iberia and north Africa. Other groups of birds are in passage across the country and the pathways of these different streams of bird may cross. The Starling prefers urban or suburban areas where artificial structures and trees provide adequate nesting and roosting sites. Reedbeds are also favoured for roosting and Starlings commonly feed in grassy areas such as farmland, grazing pastures, playing fields, golf courses and airfields where short grass makes foraging easy. The Starling occasionally inhabits open forests and woodlands although it is rarely found in dense, wet forests. It can also be found in coastal areas where it nests and roosts on cliffs and forages amongst seaweed. The Starling’s ability to adapt to a large variety of habitats has allowed it to disperse and establish the species in diverse locations around the world and resulting in a habitat range from coastal wetlands to alpine forests and from sea cliffs to mountain ranges. The Starling has been introduced to and has successfully established itself in New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, north America, Fiji and several Caribbean islands. As a result, it has also been able to migrate to Thailand, south east Asia and New Guinea. Breeding takes place during the spring and summer. Unpaired males find a suitable cavity and begin to build nests in order to attract single females, often decorating the nest with ornaments such as flowers and fresh green material, which the female later disassembles when accepting the male as a mate. The males sing throughout much of the construction and even more so when a female approaches his nest. Following mating, the male and female continue to build the nest. Nests may be located in any type of hole and common locations include inside hollowed trees, buildings, tree stumps and man-made nest-boxes. Nests are typically made out of straw, dry grass and twigs with an inner lining made up of feathers, wool and soft leaves. Construction usually takes 4 or 5 days and may continue through incubation.[29] The Starling is both monogamous and polygamous. Although broods are generally brought up by a single male and a single female, occasionally the pair may have an extra helper. Pairs may be part of a colony, in which case several other nests may occupy the same or nearby trees. Males may mate with a second female while the first is still on the nest. The reproductive success of the bird is poorer in the second nest than it is in the primary nest and is better when the male remains monogamous. Following mating, the female lays eggs on a daily basis over a period of several days. There are normally 4 or 5 eggs which are pale blue or occasionally white and they commonly have a glossy appearance. Incubation lasts 13 days and both parents share this responsibility although the female spends more time incubating than the male. The female is the only parent to do so at night when the male returns to the communal roost. Nestlings remain in the nest for 3 weeks where they are fed continuously by both parents. Fledglings continue to be fed by their parents for another 1 or 2 weeks. A pair can raise up to 3 broods per year although 2 broods is typical and just a single one is normal north of 48°N. Within 2 months most juveniles will have moulted and gained their first basic plumage. They acquire their adult plumage the following year. Starling nests have a 48% to 79% rate of successful fledging although only 20% of nestlings survive to breeding age. The adult survival rate is closer to 60%. The average life span is about 2 to 3 years. A majority of starling predators are avian, in particular birds of prey The Starling is a highly gregarious species, especially in autumn and winter. Although flock size is highly variable, huge noisy flocks (murmurations) may form near roosts. These dense concentrations of birds are thought to be a defence against attacks by birds of prey. Flocks form a tight sphere-like formation in flight, frequently expanding and contracting and changing shape, seemingly without any sort of leader. Each Starling changes its course and speed as a result of the movement of its closest neighbours. Very large roosts, exceptionally up to 1.5 million birds, can form in city centres, woodlands or reedbeds. The Starling is largely insectivorous and feeds on a wide range of invertebrates in both the adult and larvae stages of development. It will also feed on earthworms, snails, small amphibians and lizards. While the consumption of invertebrates is necessary for successful breeding, the Starling is omnivorous and will also eat grains, seeds, fruits, nectar and food waste if the opportunity arises. Date: 3rd January 2010 Location: Gretna, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/solway-firth-dumfries-and-galloway https://images.on-this.website/4752_67958428054c20c463a3f7.jpgDate: 3rd January 2015 Location: view from Carsethorn, Solway Firth, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37403988.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2198058875c6828fa83edc.jpgMarsh Tit The Marsh Tit is a member of the tit family and is mainly brown with a shiny black cap, dark “bib” and pale belly. In the UK its identification is made tricky by the very similar appearance of our race of the Willow Tit. The 2 birds are so hard to identify that ornithologists didn't realise there were 2 species until 1897! The Marsh Tit can be seen all year round across England and Wales and also in southern Scotland and despite its name it is most often found in broadleaf woodland and also copses, parks and gardens. Date: 11th February 2019 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308834.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_157104061263ee2f5906aa3.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 17th January 2023 Location: EWT Langdon Conservation Centre, Dunton, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49276689.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_651185076499627e70192.jpgHouse Martin The Common House Martin, sometimes called the Northern House Martin or, particularly in Europe, just House Martin, is a passerine bird and member of the swallow family Hirundininae. There are two geographical sub-species, the western nominate sub-species and the eastern sub-species. The adult House Martin of the western nominate sub-species is 5.1 inches long with a wing span of 10 to 11 inches. It is steel-blue above with a white rump and white underparts including the underwings. Even its short legs have white downy feathering. It has brown eyes and a small black bill and its toes and exposed parts of the legs are pink. The sexes are similar but the juvenile bird is sooty black and some of its wing coverts and quills have white tips and edgings. The white rump and underparts of the House Martin are very noticeable in flight and prevent confusion with the other widespread Palearctic swallows such as the Barn Swallow, Sand Martin and Red-rumped Swallow. The eastern sub-species differs from the western nominate sub-species in that its white rump extends much further on to the tail and the fork of its tail is intermediate in depth between that of the western nominate sub-species and that of the Asian House Martin. The House Martin is a noisy species, especially at its breeding colonies. The male's song, given throughout the year, is a soft twitter of melodious chirps. The western nominate sub-species of the House Martin breeds across temperate Eurasia east to central Mongolia and the River Yenisei in Siberia and in north Africa in Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria. It migrates on a broad front (i.e. birds are not funnelled through the short sea crossings used by large soaring birds but cross the Mediterranean and the Sahara) to winter in sub-Saharan Africa. The eastern sub-species breeds east of the River Yenisei in Siberia to Kolyma in the Russian Far East and south to north Mongolia and north China. It winters in south China and south east Asia. As would be expected for a long distance migrant, the House Martin has occurred as a vagrant east to Alaska and west to Newfoundland, Bermuda and the Azores. The preferred habitat of the House Martin is open country with low vegetation, such as pasture, meadows and farmland, preferably near water. It is also found in mountains up to at least 7200 feet. It is much more urban than the Barn Swallow and it will nest even in towns and city centres if the air is clean enough. The House Martin does not normally use the reed-bed roosts favoured by the Barn Swallow on migration. The House Martin returns to its breeding areas in Europe between April and May and nest building starts between late March in north Africa and mid-June in north Scandinavia. It typically returns a few days after the first Barn Swallows. However, like that species, it seldom goes straight to its nesting sites but instead hunts for food over large fresh water bodies, particularly when the weather is poor. The House Martin was originally a cliff and cave nester and some cliff-nesting colonies still exist with the nests built below an overhanging rock. It now largely uses human structures such as bridges and houses. Unlike the Barn Swallow, it uses the outside of inhabited buildings rather than the inside of buildings such as barns or stables. The nests are built at the junction of a vertical surface and an overhang, such as on house eaves, so that they may be strengthened by attachment to both planes. The nest is a neat closed convex cup fixed below a suitable ledge with a narrow opening at the top. It is constructed by both sexes with mud pellets collected in their beaks and lined with grasses, hair or other soft materials. The mud, added in successive layers, is collected from ponds, streams or puddles. The House Martin tends to breed colonially and nests may be built in contact with each other. A colony size of less than 10 nests is typical but there are records of colonies with thousands of nests. The female lays 4 or 5 eggs and undertakes most of the incubation which normally lasts 14 to 16 days. The young chicks leave the nest after 22 to 32 days depending on the weather and the fledged young stay with and are fed by the parents for a further week. There are normally 2 broods each year and the same nest is reused for the second brood and repaired and used again in subsequent years. Hatching success is 90% and fledging survival 60 to 80%. The average annual mortality for adults is around 40 to 60% with most deaths outside the breeding season. Although individuals aged 10 and 14 years have been recorded, most survive less than 5 years. For weeks after leaving the nest, the young congregate in ever-increasing flocks and, as summer progresses to autumn, birds may be seen gathering in trees or on rooftops or on telephone wires with Barn Swallows. By the end of October, most House Martins have left their breeding areas in west and central Europe although late birds in November and December are not uncommon and further south migration finishes later anyway. The House Martin is similar in habits to other aerial insectivores, including other swallows and martins and the unrelated swifts, and it catches insects in flight. In the breeding areas, flies and aphids make up much of the diet and the House Martin takes a larger proportion of such insects than the Barn Swallow. During the winter, other insects such as sawflies, wasps, bees and ants are eaten. The House Martin typically hunts at an average height of around 70 feet during the breeding season but at lower heights in wet conditions. In winter, it tends to hunt at greater heights of over 160 feet. The hunting grounds are usually located within about 1500 feet of the nest with a preference for open ground or water, the latter especially in poor weather. However, the House Martin will also follow agricultural vehicles and large animals to catch disturbed insects. Date: 7th June 2023 Location: Rhosson campsite near St. David's, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46535132.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_158963076762caa2b596836.jpgAzure Damselfly Flight period: May to August The Azure Damselfly is one of the two commonest blue damselflies and is a common and widespread species of lowland UK. They can be found around most standing water, preferring small, sheltered sites including ditches and garden ponds. Date: 3rd July 2022 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5325724.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13439426444c1dd3fb00634.jpgRazorbills The Razorbill is a medium-sized seabird and breeds around the coast of the UK with the largest colonies in northern Scotland. They breed on rocky cliffs and among boulder scree close to the sea. Birds only come to shore to breed from March to July and they winter in the northern Atlantic. Date: 3rd June 2010 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28887212.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_66831698157cc3e77b5dce.jpgNõva Recreation and Landscape Protection Area, Estonia The Nõva Recreation and Landscape Protection Area was established in north west Estonia to protect the coastal landscapes, wildlife and plant communities. It covers vast bogs, forests, sand beaches and coastal dunes. Date: 10th May 2016 Location: Nõva Recreation and Landscape Protection Area, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/kaamanen-to-utsjoki-lappi-finland https://images.on-this.website/4752_9950741384bf6d7748fd90.jpgKaamanen to Utsjoki, Lappi, Finland Date: 11th April 2010 Location: view from road E75 between Kaamanen and Utsjoki, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230683.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_131745139564916e0481898.jpgRed Grouse The Red Grouse is a medium-sized bird of the grouse family which is found in heather moorland in the UK and Ireland. It is endemic to the UK and has developed in isolation. It is usually classified as a sub-species of the Willow Ptarmigan or Willow Grouse which is found in birch and other forests and moorlands in north Europe, the tundra of Scandinavia, Siberia, Alaska and north Canada. The Red Grouse is differentiated from the Willow Ptarmigan and Rock Ptarmigan by its plumage being reddish brown and not having a white winter plumage. The tail is black and the legs are white. There are white stripes on the underwing and red combs over the eye. Females are less reddish than the males and have less conspicuous combs. Young birds are duller and lack the red combs. The Red Grouse is found across most parts of Scotland, including Orkney, Shetland and most of the Outer Hebrides. It is only absent from urban areas such as in the Central Belt. In Wales there are strong populations of Red Grouse in some places but the range has retracted. It is now largely absent from the far south and the main strongholds are Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons and the Cambrian Mountains. In England the Red Grouse is mainly found in the north in areas such as the Lake District, Northumberland, County Durham, much of Yorkshire, the Pennines and the Peak District as far south as the Staffordshire Moorlands. There is an isolated introduced population on Dartmoor and overspill Welsh birds visit the Shropshire Hills.The typical habitat is upland heather moors away from trees. It can also be found in some low-lying bogs and birds may visit farmland during hard weather. The UK population of the Red Grouse is estimated at about 250,000 pairs. Numbers have declined in recent years and it is now absent in areas where it was once common. Reasons for the decline include disease, loss of heather due to overgrazing, creation of new conifer plantations and a decline in the number of upland gamekeepers. Some predators feed on Red Grouse and there is ongoing controversy as to what effect these have on numbers. The Red Grouse is herbivorous and feeds mainly on the shoots, seeds and flowers of heather. It will also feed on berries, cereal crops and sometimes insects. The Red Grouse is considered a game bird and is shot in large numbers during the shooting season which traditionally starts on August 12th (known as the Glorious Twelfth). Shooting can take the form of “walked up” (where shooters walk across the moor to flush grouse and take a shot) or “driven” (where grouse are driven, often in large numbers, by “beaters” towards the shooters who are hiding behind a line of “butts”). Many moors are managed to increase the density of Red Grouse. Areas of heather are subjected to controlled burning since this allows fresh young shoots to regenerate which are favoured by Red Grouse. In addition, extensive predator control is a feature of grouse moor management and the extent and legality to which it occurs is hotly contested between conservation groups and shooting interests and the subject generates a lot of media attention. The Red Grouse is widely known as the logo of The Famous Grouse whisky and an animated bird is a character in a series of its adverts. It is also the emblem of the magazine “British Birds”. Date: 13th May 2023 Location: World's End, Denbighshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/canada-goose https://images.on-this.website/4752_783065674a4a5e2d94827.jpgCanada Goose The Canada Goose belongs to the [i]Branta[/i] genus of geese which contains species with largely black plumage distinguishing it from the grey species of the genus [i]Anser[/i]. The black head and neck with a white "chinstrap" distinguish the Canada Goose from all other goose species with the exception of the Cackling Goose from north America and the Barnacle Goose which has a black breast and grey rather than brownish body plumage. The 7 sub-species of the Canada Goose vary widely in size and plumage details but all are recognizable as Canada Geese. Of the "true geese" (i.e. the genera [i]Anser[/i], [i]Branta[/i] or [i]Chen[/i]), the Canada Goose is on average the largest living species. It ranges from 30 to 43 inches in length and with a 50 to 73 inches wingspan. The male usually weighs 5.7 to 14.3 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 8.6 pounds. The female looks virtually identical but is slightly lighter at 5.3 to 12.1 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 7.9 pounds. It is also generally 10% smaller in linear dimensions than the male. The Canada Goose is native to north America where it breeds in Canada and the north USA in a wide range of habitats. The Great Lakes region maintains a very large population. It occurs all year round in the southern part of its breeding range, including most of the eastern seaboard and the Pacific coast. Between California and South Carolina in the south USA and north Mexico, it is primarily present as a migrant from further north during the winter. Outside north America, the Canada Goose has reached north Europe naturally as has been proved by ringing recoveries. It has also been introduced in to Europe and had established populations in the UK in the middle of the 18th century, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany and Scandinavia. Most European populations are not migratory but those in more northerly parts of Sweden and Finland migrate to the North Sea and Baltic coasts. Semi-tame feral birds are common in parks and have become a pest in some areas. In the early 17th century, explorer Samuel de Champlain sent several pairs of Canada Geese to France as a present for King Louis XIII. Canada Geese were first introduced in to the UK in the late 17th century as an addition to King James II's waterfowl collection in St. James's Park. They were also introduced in to Germany and Scandinavia during the 20th century. During the second year of its life, the Canada Goose finds a mate. It is a monogamous species and most couples stay together all of their lives. If one dies, the other may find a new mate. The female lays from 2 to 9 eggs with an average of 5. Both parents protect the nest while the eggs incubate but the female spends more time at the nest than the male. The nest is usually located in an elevated area near water such as streams, lakes and ponds and the eggs are laid in a shallow depression lined with plant material and down. The incubation period, in which the female incubates the eggs while the male remains nearby, lasts for 24 to 28 days after laying. As soon as the goslings hatch, they are immediately capable of walking, swimming and finding their own food (a diet similar to the adults). Parents are often seen leading their goslings in a line, usually with one adult at the front and the other at the back. While protecting their goslings, parents often violently chase away anything from small birds to lone humans who approach, after warning them by giving off a hissing sound and then attacking with bites and slaps of the wings if the threat does not retreat. Although parents are hostile to unfamiliar geese, they may form groups (crèches) of a number of goslings and a few adults. The goslings enter the fledgling stage any time from 6 to 9 weeks of age. Once it reaches adulthood, due to its large size and often aggressive behaviour, the Canada Goose is rarely preyed on although prior injury may make it more vulnerable to natural predators. The lifespan in the wild of birds that survive to adulthood ranges from 10 to 24 years. The UK longevity record is held by a specimen tagged as a nestling which was observed alive at the age of 31. The Canada Goose is primarily a herbivore although it will sometimes eat small insects and fish. Their diet includes grasses, aquatic plants, beans and grains such as wheat, rice, and corn when they are available. In urban areas, it is also known to pick food out of rubbish bins and it will readily take a variety of food from humans in parks. Date: 9th May 2009 Location: Conwy RSPB reserve, Gwynedd http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813361.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15582326305d0dde2357a00.jpgFulmar The (Northern) Fulmar is a highly abundant seabird found primarily in subarctic regions of the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans. Though similar in appearance to gulls, the 2 species of fulmars (Northern and Southern) are in fact members of a different seabird family which include petrels and shearwaters. The Fulmar’s latin name, Fulmarus glacialis can be broken down to the Old Norse word full meaning "foul" and mar meaning "gull". "Foul-gull" is in reference to its stomach oil and also its superficial similarity to gulls. Finally, glacialis is Latin for "glacial" reflecting its extreme northern range. The Fulmar is generally grey and white with a pale yellow and thick bill and bluish legs. However there is both a light morph and a dark morph. Like other petrels, their walking ability is limited but they are strong fliers with a stiff wing action quite unlike the gulls. The Fulmar also looks bull-necked compared to gulls and it has a short stubby bill. The Fulmar is estimated to have between 15 to 30 million mature individuals that occupy a range of around 11 million square miles. Its range increased greatly last century due to the availability of fish offal from commercial fleets but may contract because of less food from this source and climate change. The population increase has been especially notable in the UK. The Fulmar starts breeding at between 6 and 12 years old. It is monogamous, forms long term pair bonds, returns to the same nest site year after year and nests in large colonies. The nest is a scrape on a grassy cliff ledge or a saucer of vegetation on the ground lined with softer material and recently they have started nesting on rooftops and buildings. The Fulmar feeds on shrimp, fish, squid, plankton, jellyfish and carrion as well as refuse. When eating fish, it will dive up to several feet deep to retrieve its prey. Date: 10th June 2019 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13593629.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12458694554ec8da554ba32.jpgOtter The Eurasian Otter, also known as the European Otter, Eurasian River Otter, Common Otter and Old World Otter and commonly known as the Otter, is a semi-aquatic mammal and the most widely distributed member of the Otter sub-family of the Weasel family (Mustelidae). The Otter is a typical species of the Otter sub-family and is brown above and cream below. It is 22.5 to 37.5 inches long excluding a tail of 14 to 17.5 inches. The female is shorter than the male. The Otter's average body weight is 15 to 26 pounds, although occasionally a large old male may reach up to 37 pounds. The Otter differs from the North American River Otter by its shorter neck, broader face, the greater space between the ears and its longer tail. However, it is the only Otter species in much of its range so it is rarely confused for any other animal. The Otter is the most widely distributed Otter species and its range including parts of Asia and Africa as well as being widespread across Europe. The Otter can be found throughout most of the UK with the highest densities in Scotland, especially the islands and the north west coast, Wales, parts of East Anglia and the West Country. The Otter declined across its range in the second half of the 20th century primarily due to pollution, habitat loss and hunting. However, populations are now recovering in many parts of Europe. In the UK the number of sites with an Otter presence increased by 55% between 1994 and 2002. In August 2011, the Environment Agency announced that the Otter had returned to every county in England since vanishing from every county except the West Country and parts of Northern England. The recovery of the Otter population in Europe is due to a ban on the most harmful pesticides that has been in place since 1979, improvements in water quality leading to increases in prey populations and direct legal protection under the European Union Habitats Directive and national legislation in several European countries. In general, the Otter’s varied and adaptable diet means that it can be found on any unpolluted body of fresh water, including lakes, streams, rivers and ponds, as long as the food supply is adequate. It can also be found along the coast in salt water but it requires regular access to fresh water to clean its fur. When living in the sea it is sometimes referred to as a "Sea Otter" but it should not be confused with the true Sea Otter which is a North American species much more strongly adapted to a marine existence. The Otter's diet mainly consists of fish. However, during the winter and in colder environments, fish consumption is significantly lower and other sources of food are eaten including amphibians, crustaceans, insects, birds and small mammals. Hunting mainly takes place at night whilst the day is usually spent in the Otter's holt (den). The Otter is strongly territorial and is primarily solitary. An individual's territory may vary between 1 and 25 miles with the length of the territory depending on the density of food available and the width of the water suitable for hunting (it is shorter on coasts, where the available width is much wider and longer on narrower rivers). The Otter uses its spraints to mark its territory. Territories are only held against members of the same sex so those of males and females may overlap. The Otter is a non-seasonal breeder and males and females will breed at any time of the year. It has been found that their mating season is most likely determined simply by the Otters' reproductive maturity and physiological state. Female Otters are sexually mature between 18 and 24 months old and the average age of first breeding is found to be 2.5 years old. Gestation is 60 to 64 days and after the gestation period, 1 to 4 pups are born which remain dependent on the mother for about 13 months. The male plays no direct role in parental care although the territory of a female with her pups is usually entirely within that of the male. Date: 10th November 2011 Location: Loch Scridain, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21959297.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_98118649253da7612db656.jpgArctic Tern The Arctic Tern is a seabird of the tern family. The adult plumage is grey above with a black nape and crown and white cheeks. The upperwings are pale grey with the area near the wingtip being translucent. The tail is white and the underparts pale grey. The beak is dark red as are the short legs and webbed feet. Like most terns, the Arctic Tern has high aspect ratio wings and a tail with a deep fork and long tail streamers. Both sexes are similar in appearance. The winter plumage is similar but the crown is whiter and the bills are darker. Juveniles differ from adults having black bill and legs, "scaly" appearing wings and mantle with dark feather tips, dark carpal wing bar and short tail streamers. During their first summer, juveniles also have a whiter forecrown. Whilst the Arctic Tern is similar to the Common and the Roseate Tern, its colouring, profile and call are slightly different. Compared to the Common Tern, it has a longer tail and mono-coloured bill, whilst the main differences from the Roseate Tern are its slightly darker colour and longer wings. The Arctic Tern has a circumpolar breeding distribution covering the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of Europe, Asia and north America. It is strongly migratory and sees 2 summers each year and more daylight than any other creature on the planet. It migrates along a convoluted route from its northern summer breeding grounds to the northern edge of the Antarctic coast for the southern summer and back again about 6 months later. In the UK, breeding Arctic Terns can best be seen on islands such as the Farne Islands in Northumberland or Orkney and Shetland in northern Scotland where the greatest densities occur. Recent studies have shown average annual roundtrip lengths of 25000 to 50000 miles depending on the route taken and weather and wind conditions. The Arctic Tern is a long-lived bird with many reaching 30 years of age and based on this average it will travel some 1.5 million miles during its lifetime. This is by far the longest migration known in the animal kingdom. Breeding takes place in colonies on coasts, islands and occasionally inland on tundra near water. The Arctic Tern often forms mixed colonies with the Common Tern and Sandwich Tern. As it nests on the ground, the Arctic Tern is vulnerable to predation but it is one of the most aggressive terns and it is fiercely defensive of its nest and young. It will attack humans and large predators, usually striking the top or back of the head. Although it is too small to cause serious injury, it is still capable of drawing blood and repelling many raptorial birds and smaller mammalian predators such as foxes and cats. Other nesting birds, such as auks, often incidentally benefit from the protection provided by nesting in an area defended by Arctic Terns. The diet of the Arctic Tern varies depending on location and time but it usually eats small fish or marine crustaceans by dipping down to the surface of the water to catch prey. While feeding, skuas, gulls and other tern species will often harass the birds and steal their food. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Inner Farne, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230682.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_89009708264916e03611a3.jpgRed Grouse The Red Grouse is a medium-sized bird of the grouse family which is found in heather moorland in the UK and Ireland. It is endemic to the UK and has developed in isolation. It is usually classified as a sub-species of the Willow Ptarmigan or Willow Grouse which is found in birch and other forests and moorlands in north Europe, the tundra of Scandinavia, Siberia, Alaska and north Canada. The Red Grouse is differentiated from the Willow Ptarmigan and Rock Ptarmigan by its plumage being reddish brown and not having a white winter plumage. The tail is black and the legs are white. There are white stripes on the underwing and red combs over the eye. Females are less reddish than the males and have less conspicuous combs. Young birds are duller and lack the red combs. The Red Grouse is found across most parts of Scotland, including Orkney, Shetland and most of the Outer Hebrides. It is only absent from urban areas such as in the Central Belt. In Wales there are strong populations of Red Grouse in some places but the range has retracted. It is now largely absent from the far south and the main strongholds are Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons and the Cambrian Mountains. In England the Red Grouse is mainly found in the north in areas such as the Lake District, Northumberland, County Durham, much of Yorkshire, the Pennines and the Peak District as far south as the Staffordshire Moorlands. There is an isolated introduced population on Dartmoor and overspill Welsh birds visit the Shropshire Hills.The typical habitat is upland heather moors away from trees. It can also be found in some low-lying bogs and birds may visit farmland during hard weather. The UK population of the Red Grouse is estimated at about 250,000 pairs. Numbers have declined in recent years and it is now absent in areas where it was once common. Reasons for the decline include disease, loss of heather due to overgrazing, creation of new conifer plantations and a decline in the number of upland gamekeepers. Some predators feed on Red Grouse and there is ongoing controversy as to what effect these have on numbers. The Red Grouse is herbivorous and feeds mainly on the shoots, seeds and flowers of heather. It will also feed on berries, cereal crops and sometimes insects. The Red Grouse is considered a game bird and is shot in large numbers during the shooting season which traditionally starts on August 12th (known as the Glorious Twelfth). Shooting can take the form of “walked up” (where shooters walk across the moor to flush grouse and take a shot) or “driven” (where grouse are driven, often in large numbers, by “beaters” towards the shooters who are hiding behind a line of “butts”). Many moors are managed to increase the density of Red Grouse. Areas of heather are subjected to controlled burning since this allows fresh young shoots to regenerate which are favoured by Red Grouse. In addition, extensive predator control is a feature of grouse moor management and the extent and legality to which it occurs is hotly contested between conservation groups and shooting interests and the subject generates a lot of media attention. The Red Grouse is widely known as the logo of The Famous Grouse whisky and an animated bird is a character in a series of its adverts. It is also the emblem of the magazine “British Birds”. Date: 13th May 2023 Location: World's End, Denbighshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874740.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_194593641561cca4a53669.jpgMinke Whale The Minke Whale is a rorqual, the largest group of the baleen whales which includes the Blue Whale, the Fin Whale, the Bryde's Whale, the Sei Whale and the Humpback Whale. The name Minke is possibly derived from a Norwegian whaler named Meincke who mistook a Minke Whale for a Blue Whale. Most modern classifications split the Minke Whale in to 2 species: Common or Northern Minke Whale and Antarctic or Southern Minke Whale. Taxonomists further categorize the Common Minke Whale in to 2 or 3 subspecies: the North Atlantic Minke Whale, the North Pacific Minke Whale and the Dwarf Minke Whale. The Common Minke Whale is the smallest of the rorquals and one of the smallest baleen whales (second smallest only to the Pygmy Right Whale). In the north Atlantic, Norwegian whaling vessels in 1940 allegedly caught individuals of up to 35 feet in length but they were likely only measured visually in comparison to objects of known dimensions aboard the ships themselves. The longest caught in subsequent years were only up to 30 to 33 feet in length. At sexual maturity, the Common Minke Whale in the north Atlantic averages between 20 to 23 feet in length whilst at physical maturity it averages between 26 to 28 feet long. At birth, the calf is estimated to be 8 to 9 feet in length. The Common Minke Whale is dark grey dorsally and clean white ventrally. It is among the most robust members of the rorqual group, the greatest height of its body being one fifth its total length. It has a narrow, pointed and triangular rostrum (beak) and its prominent, upright, falcate dorsal fin averages about 12 inches in height and is set about two-thirds the way along the back. The pectoral fins are relatively small, averaging about 2.4 feet in length, and they have a transverse, white band on their outer margins which is the most distinguishing feature of the species. The smooth-sided tail flukes average about 6.6 feet in width but can be over 9 feet wide and they are light grey or white ventrally and bordered by dark grey. The Common Minke Whales has a disjointed distribution. In the north Atlantic it occurs as far north as Baffin Bay, Svalbard, Franz Josef Land and Novaya Zemlya and as far south as 40°N (New Jersey, USA), the Hebrides and the central North Sea during the summer. It has been recorded off Madeira and it occurs all year off the Canary Islands. There are occasional sightings and strandings off Spain and Portugal, the western Sahara, Mauritania and Senegal. It is rare off the Azores and a vagrant in the Gulf of Mexico and the Mediterranean. During the winter it has been recorded off Bermuda, the Bahamas, the Antilles, the east coast of the USA south of 40°N and in the south eastern north Atlantic. There are estimated to be over 180,000 Common Minke Whales in the North Atlantic. The Common Minke Whale is sexually mature at about 6 to 8 years old for females and about 6 to 7 years old for males. Peak conception is in February in the north Atlantic and peak calving is in December after a gestation period of 10 months. A single calf is normally born and is weaned after a period of 6 months. It is thought that growth ceases for both sexes when they have reached 15 to 20 years old and both sexes can live to about 50 years of age. In the North Atlantic, the Common Minke Whale primarily eats small schooling fish, pelagic crustaceans and molluscs and krill but its diet varies by region and season. The Common Minke Whale is normally seen as a single individual. It also exhibits a great degree of spatial and temporal segregation by sex, age and reproductive condition. When a Common Minke Whale first comes to the surface to breathe its pointed rostrum (beak) is the first to break the surface when a narrow or low, diffuse blow is visible. It then arches its back in a quick motion, exaggerating this arch during its terminal deep dive. Although first ignored by whalers due to its small size and low oil yield, the Common Minke Whale began to be exploited by various countries in the early 20th century. As other species declined, larger numbers of Common Minke Whales were caught largely for their meat. It is now one of the primary targets of the north Atlantic whaling industry in Norway and Iceland. In spite of the whaling industry, the Common Minke Whale is still considered "Least Concern" from a conservation standpoint and due to its relative abundance it is often the focus of whale watching trips in locations such as Iceland, Norway, north west Scotland. Date: 10th June 2015 Location: Faxaflói, Reykjavík, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21959262.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_172245005453da6bff6fa7c.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Inner Farne, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41349689.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18002789535f2017b8e4d2d.jpgGatekeeper Flight period: mid-July to early September. The Gatekeeper or Hedge Brown is common and widespread throughout the southern half of the UK. They can be found in areas with hedgerows or in scrubby woodland with wide and sunny rides. Date: 12th July 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52518229.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_92968462267545ab4bc3bb.jpgSpeckled Wood Flight period: April to September. The Speckled Wood is widespread in the southern half of England and in Wales and is expanding its range northwards. They can be found in woodland rides and glades and also along hedgerows and in gardens. Date: 11th October 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38397344.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7878757645ce12834bcfee.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 12th May 2019 Location: Gilfach RWT reserve, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45949016.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16284402316284b3c6b78f5.jpgDunnock The Dunnock is a small passerine bird and the most widespread member of the genus Prunella, the accentor family which otherwise consists of mountain species. Other common names for the Dunnock include the Hedge Sparrow or Hedge Accentor. The Dunnock is about the size of a Robin. It has a generally drab brown streaked appearance with a grey head and a fine pointed bill. Both sexes are similar. It is quiet and unobtrusive and is frequently seen on its own, creeping along and moving with a rather nervous, shuffling gait often flicking its wings. The Dunnock is native to large areas of Eurasia where it is the only commonly found accentor in lowland areas. It can be found throughout the UK all the year round in any well vegetated areas with scrub, brambles and hedges and also in deciduous woodland, farmland edges, parks and gardens. The Dunnock is territorial and may engage in conflict with other birds that encroach upon their nesting areas. The Dunnock possesses variable mating systems. Females are often polyandrous, breeding with 2 or more males at once which is quite rare among birds. This multiple mating system leads to the development of sperm competition amongst the male suitors. DNA fingerprinting has shown that chicks within a brood often have different fathers depending on the success of the males at monopolising the female. Males try to ensure their paternity by pecking at the cloaca of the female to stimulate ejection of rival males' sperm. Males provide parental care in proportion to their mating success so 2 males and a female can commonly be seen provisioning nestlings at one nest. Other mating systems also exist within Dunnock populations depending on the ratio of male to females and the overlap of territories. When only a single female and a single male territory overlap, monogamy is preferred. Sometimes, 2 or 3 adjacent female territories overlap a single male territory and so polygyny is favoured with the male monopolising several females. Polygynandry also exists in which 2 males jointly defend a territory containing several females. Polyandry, however, is the most common mating system of the Dunnock. Depending on the population, males generally have the best reproductive success in polygynous populations whilst females have the advantage during polyandry. Studies have illustrated the fluidity of Dunnock mating systems. When food is in abundance, female territory size is reduced drastically. Consequently, males can more easily monopolise the females. Thus, the mating system can be shifted from one that favours female success (polyandry) to one that favours male success (monogamy, polygynandry or polygyny). The Dunnock builds a neat nest predominantly from twigs and moss and lined with soft materials such as wool or feathers which is located low in a bush. The female typically lays 3 to 5 eggs. Broods, depending on the population, can be raised by a lone female, multiple females with the part-time help of a male, multiple females with full-time help by a male or by multiple females and multiple males. Parental care varies according to the type of relationship. Date: 25th April 2022 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/april-2015-water-vole https://images.on-this.website/4752_181924109559e4e0b9f24e.jpgApril 2015 - Water Vole Please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/photo24302970.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31192344.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_117845435591823f91a8db7.21819067.jpgDipper The White-throated Dipper, also known as the European Dipper or simply as the Dipper, is an aquatic passerine bird. It is divided into several sub-species based primarily on colour differences, particularly of the pectoral band. These include the Black-bellied Dipper found in Scandinavia, west France, north west Spain, Corsica and Sardinia and an infrequent migrant to the UK and the “British” Dipper found in England, Wales and Scotland excluding the west and north west and the islands. The Dipper is about 7.1 inches long, rotund and short tailed. The head of the adult is brown, the back slate-grey mottled with black (looking black from a distance) and the wings and tail are brown. The throat and upper breast are white followed by a band of warm chestnut (“British” Dipper) or black (Black-bellied Dipper ) which merges into black on the belly and flanks. The young are greyish brown and have no chestnut band. The Dipper can be found in Europe, the Middle East, central Asia and the Indian Subcontinent and it is closely associated with swiftly running rivers and streams or the lakes in to which these fall. It often perches and bobs spasmodically with its short tail uplifted on the rocks around which the water swirls and tumbles. It acquired its name from these sudden dips and not from its diving habit, although it dives as well as walks into the water. It flies rapidly and straight with its short wings whirring swiftly and without pauses or glides and will then either drop on the water and dive or plunge in with a small splash. In addition, it will walk into the water and deliberately submerge from a perch. In this way the Dipper finds its food which includes aquatic invertebrates, aquatic insect larvae, beetles, freshwater molluscs, fish and small amphibians. It will also walk and run on the banks and rocks seeking terrestrial invertebrates. The winter habits of the Dipper vary considerably and apparently individually. When the swift hill rivers and streams are frozen it is forced to descend to the lowlands and even visit the coasts but some will remain if there is any open water. The Dipper breeds close to water and the nest is large, globular or oval (similar to a large Wren's nest) built into a crack or hollow in the rock or in the masonry or on the supports of a bridge. It is composed of moss, dead grass and leaves. This ball, however, is just a shelter. Usually hidden beneath a lip is the entrance to the real nest inside which is a cup of grass or sedge lined with leaves of oak, beech or other trees. Eggs are laid (3 to 6) are laid between March and May and 1 or 2 broods are raised. Date: 8th May 2017 Location: Gilfach RWT reserve, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38397346.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2709942955ce128392cfa9.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 12th May 2019 Location: Gilfach RWT reserve, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/emperor-dragonfly https://images.on-this.website/4752_199659704046865adaa8948.jpgEmperor Dragonfly Flight period: June to August. The Emperor Dragonfly is the largest UK dragonfly species and apart from its size it can easily be recognized by its bright colouration and highly territorial behaviour as it flies endlessly well above the water’s surface. The Emperor Dragonfly has expanded its range in to northern England in recent years and has now been recorded in Scotland. They can be found around well-vegetated ponds, lakes, large ditches, canals and slow-moving rivers Date: 2nd June 2007 Location: Chafford Gorges EWT reserve, Grays, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49277072.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2110761803649971a555bfe.jpgBosherston Lily Ponds, Bosherton, Pembrokeshire Bosherston Lily Ponds are part of the National Trust Stackpole Estate. The renowned water lilies are best seen in June. The marshy edges and reedbeds provide a good habitat for common breeding water birds. Date: 9th June 2023 Location: Bosherston Lily Ponds, Bosherton, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533126.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_75286451562ca752ad90f3.jpgFour-spotted Chaser Flight period: mid May to end August. Four-spotted Chasers are a common and widespread species of dragonfly throughout most of the UK. They can be found around sheltered lowland lakes and ponds and around acidic moorland bogs and sheltered upland lakes. Date: 12th June 2022 Location: RSPB Ham Wall, Somerset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31837514.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_41052095759562456687322.68111355.jpgCanada Goose The Canada Goose belongs to the [i]Branta[/i] genus of geese which contains species with largely black plumage distinguishing it from the grey species of the genus [i]Anser[/i]. The black head and neck with a white "chinstrap" distinguish the Canada Goose from all other goose species with the exception of the Cackling Goose from north America and the Barnacle Goose which has a black breast and grey rather than brownish body plumage. The 7 sub-species of the Canada Goose vary widely in size and plumage details but all are recognizable as Canada Geese. Of the "true geese" (i.e. the genera [i]Anser[/i], [i]Branta[/i] or [i]Chen[/i]), the Canada Goose is on average the largest living species. It ranges from 30 to 43 inches in length and with a 50 to 73 inches wingspan. The male usually weighs 5.7 to 14.3 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 8.6 pounds. The female looks virtually identical but is slightly lighter at 5.3 to 12.1 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 7.9 pounds. It is also generally 10% smaller in linear dimensions than the male. The Canada Goose is native to north America where it breeds in Canada and the north USA in a wide range of habitats. The Great Lakes region maintains a very large population. It occurs all year round in the southern part of its breeding range, including most of the eastern seaboard and the Pacific coast. Between California and South Carolina in the south USA and north Mexico, it is primarily present as a migrant from further north during the winter. Outside north America, the Canada Goose has reached north Europe naturally as has been proved by ringing recoveries. It has also been introduced in to Europe and had established populations in the UK in the middle of the 18th century, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany and Scandinavia. Most European populations are not migratory but those in more northerly parts of Sweden and Finland migrate to the North Sea and Baltic coasts. Semi-tame feral birds are common in parks and have become a pest in some areas. In the early 17th century, explorer Samuel de Champlain sent several pairs of Canada Geese to France as a present for King Louis XIII. Canada Geese were first introduced in to the UK in the late 17th century as an addition to King James II's waterfowl collection in St. James's Park. They were also introduced in to Germany and Scandinavia during the 20th century. During the second year of its life, the Canada Goose finds a mate. It is a monogamous species and most couples stay together all of their lives. If one dies, the other may find a new mate. The female lays from 2 to 9 eggs with an average of 5. Both parents protect the nest while the eggs incubate but the female spends more time at the nest than the male. The nest is usually located in an elevated area near water such as streams, lakes and ponds and the eggs are laid in a shallow depression lined with plant material and down. The incubation period, in which the female incubates the eggs while the male remains nearby, lasts for 24 to 28 days after laying. As soon as the goslings hatch, they are immediately capable of walking, swimming and finding their own food (a diet similar to the adults). Parents are often seen leading their goslings in a line, usually with one adult at the front and the other at the back. While protecting their goslings, parents often violently chase away anything from small birds to lone humans who approach, after warning them by giving off a hissing sound and then attacking with bites and slaps of the wings if the threat does not retreat. Although parents are hostile to unfamiliar geese, they may form groups (crèches) of a number of goslings and a few adults. The goslings enter the fledgling stage any time from 6 to 9 weeks of age. Once it reaches adulthood, due to its large size and often aggressive behaviour, the Canada Goose is rarely preyed on although prior injury may make it more vulnerable to natural predators. The lifespan in the wild of birds that survive to adulthood ranges from 10 to 24 years. The UK longevity record is held by a specimen tagged as a nestling which was observed alive at the age of 31. The Canada Goose is primarily a herbivore although it will sometimes eat small insects and fish. Their diet includes grasses, aquatic plants, beans and grains such as wheat, rice, and corn when they are available. In urban areas, it is also known to pick food out of rubbish bins and it will readily take a variety of food from humans in parks. Date: 20th June 2017 Location: Loch of the Lowes, Perthshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40952853.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4937162855e5393e5963e6.jpgPale-bellied Brent Geese The Brent Goose belongs to the [I]Branta[/I] genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the [I]Anser[/I] genus of grey geese. [I]Branta[/I] is a Latinised form of Old Norse [I]brandgás[/I], meaning "burnt (black) goose", and [i]bernicla[/i] is the medieval Latin name for the barnacle. The Brent Goose and the similar Barnacle Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be the same creature as the crustacean, a myth that can be dated back to at least the 12th century. The Brent Goose, [I]Branta bernicla[/I] is divided into 3 sub-species: Dark-bellied Brent Goose [I]B. b. bernicla[/I], Pale-bellied Brent Goose [i]B. b. hrota[/i] (sometimes also known as Light-bellied Brent Goose) and Black Brant [i]B. b. nigricans[/i]. Some DNA evidence suggests that these forms are genetically distinct and a split into 3 separate species has been proposed. However, other evidence upholds their maintenance as a single species. The Brent Goose is a small goose, 22 to 26 inches long with a wingspan of 42 to 48 inches. The under-tail is pure white and the tail black and very short (the shortest of any goose). The Dark-bellied Brent Goose is fairly uniformly dark grey-brown all over and the flanks and belly are not significantly paler than the back. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds on the Arctic coasts of central and west Siberia and winters in west Europe with over half the population in south England and the rest between north Germany and north west France. The Pale-bellied Brent Goose appears blackish-brown and light grey in colour and the flanks and belly are significantly paler than the back and present a marked contrast. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds in Franz Josef Land, Svalbard, Greenland and north east Canada and winters in Denmark, north east England, Ireland and the Atlantic coast of the USA from Maine to Georgia as well as in a small but significant area in north France. The Black Brant appears blackish-brown and white in colour. This sub-species is very contrastingly black and white with a uniformly dark sooty-brown back, similarly-coloured underparts (with the dark colour extending furthest back of the 3 sub-species) and a prominent white flank patch. It also has a larger white neck patch which forms an almost complete collar. It breeds in north west Canada, Alaska and east Siberia and winters mostly on the west coast of north America from south Alaska to California but also in east Asia, mainly Japan. It sometimes appears as a vagrant in Europe when it associates with the other Brent Goose species. The Brent Goose used to be a strictly coastal bird in winter, seldom leaving tidal estuaries where it feeds on eel-grass and seaweed. In recent decades, it has started using agricultural land a short distance inland, feeding extensively on grass and winter-sown cereals. This may be behaviour learned by following other species of geese. Food resource pressure may also be important in forcing this change since the world population increased over 10-fold by the mid-1980s, possibly reaching the carrying capacity of the estuaries. In the breeding season, the Brent Goose uses low-lying wet coastal tundra for both breeding and feeding. The nest is bowl-shaped, lined with grass and down and located in an elevated position often near a small pond. The Brent Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds applies. Date: 2nd February 2020 Location: Barnawee Bridge, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7950304.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17972463664d03cd46ac50c.jpgPheasant The Common Pheasant is native to Asia but it has been widely introduced elsewhere as a game bird. In parts of its range, namely in places where none of its relatives occur such as in Europe (where it is naturalised), it is simply known as the Pheasant. Body weight of the Pheasant can range from 1.1 to 6.6 pounds, with males averaging 2.6 pounds and females averaging 2 pounds The adult male Pheasant is 24 to 35 inches in length with a long brown streaked black tail, accounting for almost 20 inches of the total length. The body plumage is barred bright gold or fiery copper-red and chestnut-brown with an iridescent sheen of green and purple. The wings are white or cream and black-barred markings are common on the tail. The head is bottle green with a small crest and distinctive red wattling. The female Pheasant is much less showy with a duller mottled brown plumage all over and measuring 20 to 25 inches long including a tail of around 8 inches. Juveniles have the appearance of the female with a shorter tail until young males begin to grow characteristic bright feathers on the breast, head and back at about 10 weeks after hatching. There are many colour forms of the male Pheasant, ranging in colour from nearly white to almost black in some melanistic examples. These are due to captive breeding and hybridisation between sub-species reinforced by continual releases of stock from varying sources to the wild. The Pheasant is native to Asia with its original range extending from between the Black and Caspian Seas to Manchuria, Siberia, Korea, mainland China and Taiwan. It can now be found across the globe due to its readiness to breed in captivity and the fact it can naturalise in many climates. At least since the Roman Empire, the Pheasant has been extensively introduced in many places and it has become a naturalised species in Europe, including throughout most of the UK where successive introductions have led to it becoming well adapted to the climate and able to breed naturally in the wild without human supervision on farmland and in copses, heaths, scrub, commons and wetlands. The Pheasant nests solely on the ground in scrapes lined with some grass and leaves, frequently under dense cover or a hedge. Occasionally it will nest in a haystack or in an old nest left by other birds. The male is polygynous and is often accompanied by a harem of several females. A clutch of around 8 to 15 eggs is laid during April to June, sometimes as many as 18 but usually 10 to 12. The incubation period is about 22 to 27 days. The chicks stay near the female for several weeks although they leave the nest when only a few hours old. After hatching they grow quickly, flying after 12 to 14 days and resembling adults by only 15 weeks of age. The Pheasant eats a wide variety of animal and vegetable food including fruit, seeds, grain, mast, berries and leaves as well as a wide range of invertebrates and insects. Small vertebrates like lizards, small mammals and small birds are occasionally taken. The Pheasant is a well-known gamebird and perhaps the most widespread and ancient one in the world. It is one of the world's most hunted birds. The Pheasant is bred to be hunted and it is shot in great numbers in Europe, especially in the UK where they are shot in the open season from 1st October to 1st February. Generally they are shot by hunters employing gun dogs to help find, flush and retrieve shot birds. Pheasant farming is also a common practice and it is sometimes done intensively. Birds are supplied both to hunting preserves/estates and to restaurants. Date: 31st October 2010 Location: Leighton Moss RSPB reserve, Lancashire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623031.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19086320106117d2f85bb0a.jpgFulmar The (Northern) Fulmar is a highly abundant seabird found primarily in subarctic regions of the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans. Though similar in appearance to gulls, the 2 species of fulmars (Northern and Southern) are in fact members of a different seabird family which include petrels and shearwaters. The Fulmar’s latin name, Fulmarus glacialis can be broken down to the Old Norse word full meaning "foul" and mar meaning "gull". "Foul-gull" is in reference to its stomach oil and also its superficial similarity to gulls. Finally, glacialis is Latin for "glacial" reflecting its extreme northern range. The Fulmar is generally grey and white with a pale yellow and thick bill and bluish legs. However there is both a light morph and a dark morph. Like other petrels, their walking ability is limited but they are strong fliers with a stiff wing action quite unlike the gulls. The Fulmar also looks bull-necked compared to gulls and it has a short stubby bill. The Fulmar is estimated to have between 15 to 30 million mature individuals that occupy a range of around 11 million square miles. Its range increased greatly last century due to the availability of fish offal from commercial fleets but may contract because of less food from this source and climate change. The population increase has been especially notable in the UK. The Fulmar starts breeding at between 6 and 12 years old. It is monogamous, forms long term pair bonds, returns to the same nest site year after year and nests in large colonies. The nest is a scrape on a grassy cliff ledge or a saucer of vegetation on the ground lined with softer material and recently they have started nesting on rooftops and buildings. The Fulmar feeds on shrimp, fish, squid, plankton, jellyfish and carrion as well as refuse. When eating fish, it will dive up to several feet deep to retrieve its prey. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623354.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19157656656117dc257a36e.jpgJackdaw The Western Jackdaw, also known as the Eurasian Jackdaw, European Jackdaw or simply Jackdaw, is a passerine bird in the crow family. Measuring 13 to 15 inches in length, the Jackdaw is the second smallest member of the crow family. Most of the plumage is a shiny black with a purple or blue sheen on the crown, forehead and secondaries and a green-blue sheen on the throat, primaries and tail. The cheeks, nape and neck are light grey to greyish-silver and the underparts are slate-grey. The legs are black as is the short stout bill. The irises of adults are greyish or silvery white while those of juveniles are light blue, becoming brownish before whitening at around one year of age. The sexes look alike although the head and neck plumage of male birds fades more with age and wear, particularly just before moulting. Immature birds have duller and less demarcated plumage. The head is a sooty black, sometimes with a faint greenish sheen and brown feather bases visible, the back and side of the neck are dark grey and the underparts greyish or sooty black. The tail has narrower feathers and a greenish sheen. There are 4 recognised geographical subspecies of the Jackdaw, each with slight plumage variations. Within its range, the Jackdaw is generally unmistakable and its short bill and grey nape are distinguishing features. In flight, the Jackdaw is distinguishable from other crows by its smaller size, faster and deeper wingbeats and proportionately narrower and less fingered wing tips. It also has a shorter and thicker neck and a much shorter bill and it frequently flies in tighter flocks. The Jackdaw is a skilled flyer and can manoeuvre tightly as well as tumble and glide. It has characteristic jerky wing beats when flying. On the ground, the Jackdaw has an upright posture and struts briskly with its short legs giving it a rapid gait. The Jackdaw is found from north west Africa, throughout all of Europe, except for the extreme north, and east through central Asia to the east Himalayas and Lake Baikal. To the east, it occurs throughout Turkey, the Caucasus, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and north west India. A small number of Jackdaws reached the north east of North America in the 1980s and have been found from Atlantic Canada to Pennsylvania. The range is vast and there is a large global population. Most populations are resident but the north and east populations are more migratory and relocate to wintering areas between September and November and return between February and early May. The Jackdaw can be found in wooded steppes, pastures, cultivated land, coastal cliffs and towns. It thrives when forested areas are cleared and converted to fields and open areas. Habitats with a mix of large trees, buildings and open ground are preferred. Open fields are left to the Rook and more wooded areas to the Jay. The Jackdaw is highly gregarious and is generally seen in flocks of varying sizes. Flocks increase in size in autumn and birds congregate at dusk for communal roosting with up to several thousand individuals gathering at one site. Males and females pair bond for life and pairs stay together within flocks. Jackdaws will frequently congregate with other crows such as Carrion Crows, Hooded Crows or Rooks. Foraging takes place mostly on the ground in open areas and to some extent in trees. Landfill sites, bins, streets and gardens are also visited, more often early in the morning when there are fewer people about. Various feeding methods are employed, such as jumping, pecking, clod-turning and scattering, probing the soil and occasional digging. The Jackdaw will also ride on the backs of sheep and other mammals such as deer, seeking ticks as well as actively gathering wool or hair for nests. Compared with other crows, the Jackdaw spends more time exploring and turning over objects with its bill. It also has a straighter and less downturned bill and increased binocular vision which are advantageous for this foraging strategy. The Jackdaw is opportunistic and highly adaptable and varies its diet markedly depending on available food sources. It tends to feed on small invertebrates that are found above ground, including various species of beetle as well as snails and spiders. It will also eat small rodents, bats, the eggs and chicks of birds and carrion such as roadkill. Vegetable items consumed include farm grains, weed seeds, elderberries, acorns and various cultivated fruits. The Jackdaw practices active food sharing with a number of individuals regardless of sex or kinship. It also shares more of a preferred food than a less preferred food. The active giving of food by most birds is found mainly in the context of parental care and courtship although the Jackdaw shows much higher levels of active giving than has been documented for other species. The function of this behaviour is not fully understood and several theories have been advanced. Genetic analysis of Jackdaw pairs and offspring shows no evidence of extra-pair copulation and there is little evidence for couple separation even after multiple instances of reproductive failure. Some pairs do separate in the first few months but almost all pairings of over 6 months' duration are lifelong and end only when a partner dies. Widowed or separated birds fare badly and are often ousted from nests or territories and are unable to rear broods alone. The Jackdaw usually breeds in colonies with pairs collaborating to find a nest site which they then defend from other pairs and predators during most of the year. It will nest in cavities in trees or cliffs, in ruined or occupied buildings and in chimneys, the common feature being a sheltered site for the nest. A mated pair usually constructs a nest by improving a crevice by dropping sticks into it. The nest is then built on top of the platform formed. Nest platforms can attain a great size. Nests are lined with hair, wool, dead grass and many other materials. Clutches usually contain 4 or 5 eggs which are incubated by the female for 17 to 18 days until hatching as naked altricial chicks which are completely dependent on the adults for food. The chicks fledge after 28 to 35 days and the parents continue to feed them for another 4 weeks or so. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11204062.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7374139894e186e2d757f0.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 31st May 2008 Location: Sumburgh Head, South Mainland, Shetland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/small-chapel-near-gotse-delchev https://images.on-this.website/4752_12945213005d30836c7751b.jpgSmall chapel near Gotse Delchev, Blagoevgrad Province, Bulgaria Date: 29th May 2018 Location: near Gotse Delchev, Blagoevgrad Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41205450.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8490560605eb971dff2698.jpgBlackcap The Eurasian Blackcap, usually known simply as the Blackcap, is a typical warbler in the Sylvia genus. It is a mainly grey warbler with distinct male and female plumages. It is about 5.1 inches long with a 2.8 to 3.1 inches wing span. The adult male has olive-grey upperparts, other than a paler grey nape, and a neat black cap on the head. The underparts are light grey, becoming silvery white on the chin, throat and upper breast. The tail is dark grey with an olive tint to the outer edge of each feather. The bill and long legs are grey and the iris is reddish brown. The female resembles the male but has a reddish-brown cap and a slightly browner tone to the grey of the upperparts. Juveniles are similar to the female but their upperparts have a slight rufous tinge and the breast and flanks have a more olive tone. Young males have a darker brown cap than their female counterparts. The Blackcap is unmistakable and other dark-headed Sylvia species, such as the Sardinian Warbler and the Orphean Warbler, have extensive black on the head instead of a small cap and they are also larger and have white edges on the tail. The male Blackcap's song is a rich musical warbling, often ending in a loud high-pitched crescendo, which is given in bursts of up to 30 seconds. The song is repeated for about 2 minutes with a short pause before each repetition. The main song can be confused with that of the Garden Warbler but it is slightly higher pitched than in that species, more broken into discrete song segments and less mellow. Both species have a quiet sub-song, a muted version of the full song, which is even harder to separate. The Blackcap also occasionally mimics the song of other birds, the most frequently copied including the Garden Warbler and the Nightingale. The Blackcap’s breeding range includes much of Europe, west Asia and north west Africa and its preferred habitat is mature deciduous woodland. Birds on the Mediterranean and Atlantic islands and in the milder west and south of the main Eurasian distribution often winter within the breeding range but populations elsewhere are migratory. The Blackcap is a “leap-frog migrant” meaning that birds from the north of the breeding range travel furthest south whereas Mediterranean breeders move much shorter distances. The wintering areas overlap with the breeding range but also include extensive areas in west Africa, east Africa south to Lake Malawi and further north in Ethiopia, South Sudan and Eritrea. There is a migratory divide in Europe at longitude 10 to 11°E. Birds to the west of this line migrate south west towards Iberia or west Africa whereas populations to the east migrate to the east Mediterranean and on to east Africa. Climate change appears to be affecting the migration pattern of the Blackcap. It is arriving in Europe earlier than previously and departing nearly 2 weeks later than in the 1980s. In recent decades, some central European birds have taken to wintering in gardens in the UK and, to a lesser extent, in Ireland, where the Blackcap was formerly just a summer visitor. Although the UK climate is sub-optimal, compensatory factors include the ready availability of food (particularly from bird tables), a shorter migration distance and the avoidance of the Alps and the Sahara Desert. The Blackcap's main breeding habitat is mature deciduous woodland with good scrub cover below the trees. Other habitats, such as parks, large gardens and overgrown hedges, are used as long as they meet the essential requirements of tall trees for song posts and an established under-story. Where other Sylvia warblers also breed, the Blackcap tends to use taller trees than its relatives, preferably those with a good canopy such as pedunculate oak. The preferred winter habitat around the Mediterranean is scrub and olive orchards. In Africa, habitats include cultivated land, acacia scrub, mangroves and forest. When the male Blackcap returns to its breeding range, it establishes a territory. Adults that have previously bred return to the site they have used in previous summers whereas inexperienced birds either wander until they find a suitable area or establish a very large initial territory which contracts under pressure from neighbours. Territorial boundaries are established initially by loud singing which is performed while the male displays with its crown raised, tail fanned and slow wingbeats. Sylvia warblers are unusual in that they vigorously defend their territories against other members of their genus. Blackcaps and Garden Warblers use almost identical habitats yet aggressive interactions mean that their territories rarely overlap. The Blackcap first breeds at 1 year old. It is mainly monogamous although both sexes may sometimes deviate from this. A male attracts a female to his territory through song and a display involving raising the black crown feathers, fluffing the tail, slow wingbeats and a short flapping flight. He also builds one or more simple nests (cock nests) usually near his song post. The final nest, which may be one of the cock nests or built from scratch, is a neat cup of roots, stems and grasses lined with fine material such as hair. The nest is built in the cover of bramble, scrub or trees and it is constructed mainly by the female and may be up to 15 feet above the ground although lower than 3 feet is more typical. The clutch is 2 to 7 eggs (typically 4 to 6) which are incubated by both adults for 10 to 16 days (average 11 days). The chicks are fed by both parents and fledge about 11 to 12 days after hatching, leaving the nest shortly before they are able to fly. They are assisted with feeding for a further 2 or 3 weeks. The Blackcap normally raises just 1 brood but second broods are sometimes recorded, particularly in the milder climate of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic islands. The Blackcap feeds mainly on insects during the breeding season and then switches to fruit in late summer, the change being triggered by an internal biological rhythm. When migrants arrive on their breeding territories they initially take berries, pollen and nectar if there are insufficient insects available but then soon switch to their preferred diet. The Blackcap mainly picks prey off foliage and twigs but it may occasionally hover, flycatch or feed on the ground. It eats a wide range of invertebrate prey, although aphids are particularly important early in the season, and flies, beetles and caterpillars are also taken in large numbers. In July, the diet switches increasingly to a wide range of small fruit. The protein needed for egg-laying and for the chicks to grow is replaced by fruit sugar which helps the birds to fatten for migration. Aphids are still taken while they are available since they often contain sugars from the plant sap on which they feed. The Blackcap has a very large range and a very large population. It is therefore classified by the IUCN as being of “Least Concern”. The Blackcap and other small birds are illegally trapped and hunted in large numbers in Mediterranean countries, particularly in Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, Malta, Libya, Egypt and Cyprus, where they are considered as a delicacy. Despite hunting and natural hazards, the European population of the Blackcap has been increasing for several decades as the range extends northwards. There are occasional nesting records from outside the main range such as in north Israel and the Faroe Islands and wandering birds may appear further afield in Iceland or on the islands of Arctic Russia. In the Baltic region, the spread of the Blackcap appears to have been helped by the availability of territories formerly occupied by the declining Barred Warbler. Date: 6th May 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533677.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_178675709962ca8fbec81ad.jpgFour-spotted Chaser Flight period: mid May to end August. Four-spotted Chasers are a common and widespread species of dragonfly throughout most of the UK. They can be found around sheltered lowland lakes and ponds and around acidic moorland bogs and sheltered upland lakes. Date: 26th June 2022 Location: RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/wood-ducks https://images.on-this.website/4752_3818362895909a16bcf9b06.05021616.jpgWood Ducks The Wood Duck is one of the most colourful North American waterfowl. A typical adult is about 19 to 21 inches in length with a wingspan of between 26 to 29 inches. This is about three-quarters of the length of an adult Mallard. The adult male has distinctive multicolored iridescent plumage and red eyes with a distinctive white flare down the neck. The female is less colorful and has a white eye-ring and a whitish throat. Both adults have crested heads. The Wood Duck is a year-round resident in parts of its southern range in the USA but the northern populations migrate south for the winter where it overwinters in the southern USA near the Atlantic coast. The Wood Duck is also popular, due to its attractive plumage, in waterfowl collections and as such it is frequently recorded in the UK as an escape. Populations have become temporarily established in the past but are not considered to be self-sustaining in the fashion of the closely related Mandarin. Given its native distribution the Wood Duck is also a potential natural vagrant to western Europe and there have been records in areas such as Cornwall, Scotland and the Isles of Scilly which some observers consider may relate to wild birds. However, given the Wood Duck's popularity in captivity it would be extremely difficult to prove their provenance one way or the other. The Wood Duck’s breeding habitat is wooded swamps, shallow lakes, marshes or ponds and creeks in eastern North America, the west coast of the USA and west Mexico. It usually nests in cavities in trees close to water although they will take advantage of nesting boxes in wetland locations if available. The Wood Duck feeds by dabbling or walking on land where it mainly eats berries, acorns and seeds but also insects. The population of the Wood Duck was in serious decline in the late 19th century due to severe habitat loss and hunting both for its meat and its plumage for the ladies' hat market in Europe. By the beginning of the 20th century it had virtually disappeared from much of its former range. In response to the enactment of the USA Migratory Bird Treaty Act 1918, the population began to recover slowly. By ending unregulated hunting and taking measures to protect remaining habitat, Wood Duck populations began to rebound in the 1920s and the development of the artificial nesting box in the 1930s gave an additional boost. Expanding Beaver populations throughout the Wood duck's range have also helped the population rebound since Beavers create an ideal forested wetland habitat. These birds were part of the captive collection at the WWT London Wetland Centre. Date: 19th April 2017 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41352931.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6392993185f215754e19b1.jpgSmall Copper Flight period: April to October. The Small Copper is a common and widespread butterfly in the UK but has suffered a population decline due to change in land use and habitat loss. They are fond of warm and dry locations and can be found in a variety of habitats including heathland, unimproved grassland, woodland clearings, waste ground and gardens. Date: 21st July 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28883730.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_73815105557cc0ba6f29ce.jpgTaevaskoja, Estonia Taevaskoja is part of the Ahja River Landscape Reserve situated about 20 miles south east of Tartu and is an area of old pine and deciduous forest, fast flowing river, rapids and craggy outcrops. Date: 18th May 2016 Location: Taevaskoja, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43629180.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19499992536118b24c03568.jpgPurple Hairstreak Description to follow .... Date: 4th August 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42203324.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9530604745ff44a192854e.jpgMuojärvi, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland Muojärvi is a lake located to the east of the town of Kuusamo and the lake Kuusamojärvi in the Pohjois-Pohjanmaa region of Finland. Date: 8th July 2019 Location: view from Ollilan Lomamajat cabins near Kuusamo, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801275.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_62217944464edb32c972ff.jpgCommon Blue Flight period: June to September. The Common Blue is the UK’s most widespread and common blue butterfly although it has suffered some local declines due to habitat loss. They can be found in sunny, sheltered areas including downland, roadside verges, woodland clearings and rural gardens. Date: 26th July 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49276535.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_72186703364995d048418b.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 5th June 2023 Location: NWT Weeting Heath, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801256.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_172746192164edb2f81f125.jpgGatekeeper Flight period: mid-July to early September. The Gatekeeper or Hedge Brown is common and widespread throughout the southern half of the UK. They can be found in areas with hedgerows or in scrubby woodland with wide and sunny rides. Date: 26th July 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/ospreys https://images.on-this.website/4752_9765905714fec1d4790fdb.jpgOspreys The Osprey is a large diurnal fish-eating bird of prey. The upperparts are a deep, glossy brown whilst the breast is white and sometimes streaked with brown and the underparts are pure white. The head is white with a dark mask across the eyes reaching to the sides of the neck. A short tail and long, narrow wings with 4 long, finger-like feathers and a shorter 5th give it a very distinctive appearance. The sexes appear fairly similar but the adult male can be distinguished from the female by its slimmer body and narrower wings. Fish make up 99% of the Osprey's diet and it typically takes fish weighing 5 to 10 ounces and about 10 to 14 inches in length. Virtually any type of fish in that weight and size range are taken. The Osprey possesses specialised physical characteristics and exhibits unique behaviour to assist in hunting and catching prey. Ospreys have vision that is well adapted to detecting underwater objects from the air. Prey is first sighted when the Osprey is 30 to 130 feet above the water, after which the bird hovers momentarily then plunges feet first into the water. Occasionally the Osprey may prey on rodents, rabbits, hares, amphibians, other birds and small reptiles. The Osprey is a summer visitor to the UK and birds arrive back from Africa in late March and April and leave again in August and September. They can also be seen at almost any large body of freshwater during spring and autumn migration. The Osprey’s main UK stronghold is in Scotland where you can visit many nest sites with public viewing facilities, including the RSPB reserve at Loch Garten (Highland) and the SWT reserve at Loch of the Lowes (Perthshire). In addition, Ospreys have begun breeding at a small number of locations in England and Wales. In 2012 an Osprey thought to be the UK's oldest breeding female returned to its nest at the Loch of the Lowes in Perthshire.The bird, known affectionately as “Lady” has nested at this site near Dunkeld for 22 consecutive years. Ospreys live on average for 10-15 years in the wild. In 2010 “Lady” fell ill and experts feared the bird would die after she stopped eating. However, thousands of people watching via webcam witnessed the Osprey's sudden recovery days later. In 2011 “Lady” returned to her nest but her eggs failed to hatch. Ospreys would once have been widespread throughout most of the UK. During the middle ages almost every big house and monastic establishment had a fishpond. These fishponds, as they do now, attracted this magnificent fish-eating bird of prey leading to many of them being hunted and killed. Later on in the 18th and 19th centuries, the remaining pairs of UK Ospreys were severely persecuted by gamekeepers, egg collectors and trophy hunters. With the additional pressures of habitat loss during this time, by 1916 they had become totally extinct as a breeding species in the UK. The last known pair of Ospreys nested in 1916 on an island on Loch Loyne. In 1954 an Osprey pair was reported to have nested at Loch Garten in the Scottish Highlands. They are believed to have successfully raised 2 chicks that year. They returned to their eyrie in 1955 but persecution by egg collectors proved to be a big problem still. A small group of RSPB staff and volunteers attempted to protect the nest but despite their valiant efforts it was not until 1959 that young Ospreys were raised in the area once more. Since those early days, numbers have slowly increased and there are now over 200 breeding pairs of Osprey in Scotland. During the 1980's and 1990's migrating Ospreys were regularly seen stopping off at Rutland Water in the East Midlands. In an aim to encourage the spread of Ospreys throughout the UK, the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust in collaboration with Anglian Water began a translocation project at Rutland Water Nature Reserve in 1996. During each year between 1996 and 2001 up to 12 Scottish Osprey chicks were taken from nests containing 3 young. These youngsters were then released from pens to fledge at Rutland Water. Out of 64 birds released in the original programme, at least 13 are known to have returned to the UK, 10 of these to Rutland Water. The translocation project has subsequently proved critical to the establishment of the Welsh Osprey breeding population. Date: 11th June 2012 Location: Loch of the Lowes SWT reserve, Perthshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40952857.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12630386905e5393f35e34f.jpgPale-bellied Brent Geese The Brent Goose belongs to the [I]Branta[/I] genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the [I]Anser[/I] genus of grey geese. [I]Branta[/I] is a Latinised form of Old Norse [I]brandgás[/I], meaning "burnt (black) goose", and [i]bernicla[/i] is the medieval Latin name for the barnacle. The Brent Goose and the similar Barnacle Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be the same creature as the crustacean, a myth that can be dated back to at least the 12th century. The Brent Goose, [I]Branta bernicla[/I] is divided into 3 sub-species: Dark-bellied Brent Goose [I]B. b. bernicla[/I], Pale-bellied Brent Goose [i]B. b. hrota[/i] (sometimes also known as Light-bellied Brent Goose) and Black Brant [i]B. b. nigricans[/i]. Some DNA evidence suggests that these forms are genetically distinct and a split into 3 separate species has been proposed. However, other evidence upholds their maintenance as a single species. The Brent Goose is a small goose, 22 to 26 inches long with a wingspan of 42 to 48 inches. The under-tail is pure white and the tail black and very short (the shortest of any goose). The Dark-bellied Brent Goose is fairly uniformly dark grey-brown all over and the flanks and belly are not significantly paler than the back. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds on the Arctic coasts of central and west Siberia and winters in west Europe with over half the population in south England and the rest between north Germany and north west France. The Pale-bellied Brent Goose appears blackish-brown and light grey in colour and the flanks and belly are significantly paler than the back and present a marked contrast. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds in Franz Josef Land, Svalbard, Greenland and north east Canada and winters in Denmark, north east England, Ireland and the Atlantic coast of the USA from Maine to Georgia as well as in a small but significant area in north France. The Black Brant appears blackish-brown and white in colour. This sub-species is very contrastingly black and white with a uniformly dark sooty-brown back, similarly-coloured underparts (with the dark colour extending furthest back of the 3 sub-species) and a prominent white flank patch. It also has a larger white neck patch which forms an almost complete collar. It breeds in north west Canada, Alaska and east Siberia and winters mostly on the west coast of north America from south Alaska to California but also in east Asia, mainly Japan. It sometimes appears as a vagrant in Europe when it associates with the other Brent Goose species. The Brent Goose used to be a strictly coastal bird in winter, seldom leaving tidal estuaries where it feeds on eel-grass and seaweed. In recent decades, it has started using agricultural land a short distance inland, feeding extensively on grass and winter-sown cereals. This may be behaviour learned by following other species of geese. Food resource pressure may also be important in forcing this change since the world population increased over 10-fold by the mid-1980s, possibly reaching the carrying capacity of the estuaries. In the breeding season, the Brent Goose uses low-lying wet coastal tundra for both breeding and feeding. The nest is bowl-shaped, lined with grass and down and located in an elevated position often near a small pond. The Brent Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds applies. Date: 2nd February 2020 Location: Barnawee Bridge, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41292161.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14975499425f10b20ebdf50.jpgElk (Moose) The Elk (Eurasia) or Moose (north America) is the largest living deer species and the second largest land animal. The Elk is easily recognised by its humped shoulders, broad and overhanging muzzle and the pendulous flap of skin and hair beneath the throat. The body is heavy and deep, with long, rather gangly legs and wide hooves which aid in walking over mud or soft snow. The coat ranges from blackish to reddish brown in colour and lighter on the underparts and lower legs. It provides excellent insulation, consisting of a fine wool undercoat interspersed with long guard hairs. On average, an adult Elk stands 4.6 to 6.9 feet high at the shoulder, which is more than a foot higher than the next largest deer. The head and body length is 7.9 to 10.2 feet with a small tail adding only a further 2 to 5 inches. Males ("bulls") normally weigh from 838 to 1,543 pounds and females ("cows") typically weigh 441 to 1,080 pounds. The male Elk, as other deer, bears bony, hornlike antlers which are shed each winter and re-grown through the summer. The antlers are massive and palmate (broad and flattened at the base with short projecting branches), measuring up to 6.5 feet across and over 65 pounds in weight, making them the largest of any deer. In Europe, the Elk is currently found in large numbers throughout Norway, Sweden, Finland, Latvia, Estonia and Poland with more modest numbers in the Czech Republic, Belarus and north Ukraine. They are also widespread through Russia on up through the borders with Finland, south towards the border with Estonia, Belarus and Ukraine and east towards Siberia. The Elk was native to most temperate areas with suitable habitat on the continent and even Scotland from the end of the last Ice Age since Europe had a mix of temperate boreal and deciduous forest. However, from medieval times, it slowly disappeared. By the early 20th century, the very last strongholds of the Elk appeared to be in Scandinavian countries and patchy tracts of Russia with a few migrants found in what is now Estonia and Lithuania. The former Soviet Union and Poland managed to restore parts of the range within its borders in the 1950s but political complications obviously limited the ability to reintroduce it to other parts of its range. Attempts in 1930 and again in 1967 in marshland north of Berlin in Germany were unsuccessful. At present in Poland, populations are recorded in the Biebrza river valley, Kampinos National Park and in the Białowieża Forest. It has migrated in to other parts of eastern Europe and has been recorded in east and south Germany. The Elk is fairly adaptable in its habitat requirements but it prefers a mosaic of boreal or broad-leaved forest, lakes, swamps and wetlands, requiring forest for cover and water bodies for foraging. The Elk is often associated with spruce, fir and pine forest and it may also occupy tundra and mountains, often in areas characterised by seasonal snow cover. The Elk may be active by both day and night but activity usually peaks at dawn and dusk. It is a herbivore and is capable of consuming many types of plant or fruit. The diet includes various tree, shrub, grass and herb species as well as twigs and bark in winter. The Elk may markedly alter the structure and dynamics of forest ecosystems through their foraging behaviour. Aquatic vegetation is also taken, the Elk often wading into lakes and streams and sometimes submerging entirely to feed. Some populations migrate in search of food, moving between distinct seasonal home ranges. In winter, Elk are often drawn to roadways, to lick salt that is used as a snow and ice melter. The Elk is essentially solitary although small, loose groups may form during the mating season and during winter. Mating occurs in September and October. The males are polygamous and will seek several females to breed with. During this time both sexes will call to each other. Males produce heavy grunting sounds whilst females produce wail-like sounds. Males will fight for access to females. They either assess which is larger with the smaller bull retreating or they may engage in battles usually only involving the antlers. The female Elk has an 8 month gestation period, usually bearing a single calf, or twins if food is plentiful, in May or June. The young will stay with the mother until just before the next young are born. The life span of an average moose is about 15 to 25 years. A full grown Elk has few enemies except Siberian Tigers which regularly prey on adults but a pack of Wolves can still pose a threat especially to females with calves. The Brown Bear is also known to prey on Elk of various sizes and are the only predator besides the Wolf to attack them although they are more likely to take over a Wolf kill or to take young moose than to hunt an adult Elk on their own. The Wolverine is most likely to eat Elk as carrion but it has been known to kill them when they are weakened by harsh winter conditions. The Killer Whale is the Elk's only known marine predator. The Elk is hunted as a game species in many of the countries where it is found and in addition it is a regular casualty of road traffic and train collisions. Date: 29th June 2019 Location: near Storskog, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/worlds-end-denbighshire https://images.on-this.website/4752_56778973262c98e15c31ec.jpgWorld's End, Denbighshire World's End is a narrow vale located between Wrexham and Llangollen. It lies at the head of the Eglwyseg Valley enclosed by the cliffs of Craig y Forwyn, Craig y Cythraul and Craig yr Adar. A remote 11 mile single track road with panoramic views between the small village of Minera and Llangollen crosses Esclusham Mountain and the Ruabon Moors to a public car park at the top of the Eglwyseg valley. Date: 7th May 2022 Location: view from the minor road between Minera and Llangollen http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37431188.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16858738575c6be819be724.jpgCommon Snipe The Common Snipe is a small, stocky wader native to the Old World. It is the most widespread of several similar snipe species. It most closely resembles the Wilson's Snipe of north America which was previously considered to be a sub-species of the Common Snipe. It is also very similar to the Pin-tailed Snipe and Swinhoe's Snipe of east Asia. A sub-species of Common Snipe can be found in Iceland, the Faroe Islands, Shetland and Orkney. This sub-species winters in the UK and Ireland. The Common Snipe is 9.8 to 10.6 inches in length with a 17 to 19 inches wingspan. The body is mottled brown with straw-yellow stripes on top and pale underneath. It has a dark stripe through the eye with light stripes above and below it. The wings are pointed. It has short greenish-grey legs and a very long (2.2 to 2.8 inches) straight dark bill. The Common Snipe can be found in the marshes, bogs, tundra and wet meadows throughout north Europe and north Asia. It is migratory with European birds wintering in south and west Europe and Africa (south to the Equator) and Asian birds wintering in tropical south Asia. The male Common Snipe performs a "winnowing" display during courtship, flying high in circles and then taking shallow dives to produce a "drumming" sound by vibrating its tail feathers. The nest is located in a well hidden location on the ground. The female lays 4 eggs which are incubated for 18 to 21 days. The young are covered in dark maroon down, variegated with black, white and buff and are cared for by both parents with fledging occurring in 10 to 20 days. The Common Snipe is a well camouflaged bird and it is usually shy and conceals itself close to ground vegetation and flushes only when approached closely. When flushed, it utters a sharp call and flies off in a series of aerial zig-zags to confuse predators. The Common Snipe forages in soft mud, probing or picking up food by sight. It mainly eats insects and earthworms but also some plant material. Overall, the Common Snipe is not a threatened species although populations on the southern fringes of the breeding range in Europe are declining with local extinction in some areas (including in the UK) mainly due to field drainage and agricultural intensification. The Common Snipe is a species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 10th January 2019 Location: RSPB Greylake, Somerset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7950518.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11288171134d03d4b33d489.jpgDate: 15th November 2010 Location: View from Horsey staithe, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28887189.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_75023818857cc3e56d2ed7.jpgNõva Recreation and Landscape Protection Area, Estonia The Nõva Recreation and Landscape Protection Area was established in north west Estonia to protect the coastal landscapes, wildlife and plant communities. It covers vast bogs, forests, sand beaches and coastal dunes. Date: 10th May 2016 Location: Nõva Recreation and Landscape Protection Area, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26541449.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_198214949956acec8378cbe.jpgFieldfare The Fieldfare is a member of the thrush family which is very similar to a Mistle Thrush in general size, shape and behaviour. It has a slate grey crown, neck and rump, a plain brown back, dark wings, blackish tail and white underwings. The breast and flanks are heavily speckled. The breast has a reddish wash and the rest of the underparts are white. The sexes are similar in appearance but the females are slightly more brown. The male has a simple chattering song and the birds have various guttural flight and alarm calls. The Fieldfare is a migratory species with a Palearctic distribution. It breeds in north Norway, north Sweden, Finland, the Baltic states, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland and in to Asia. In the summer the Fieldfare frequents mixed woodland of birch, alder, pine, spruce and fir, often near marshes, moorland or other open ground. It does not avoid the vicinity of humans and can be seen in cultivated areas, orchards, parks and gardens. It also inhabits open tundra and the slopes of hills above the tree line. It often breeds in small colonies, possibly for protection from predators. The first known breeding of the Fieldfare in the UK was in 1967 when a pair nested in Orkney. Very small numbers have continued nesting fairly regularly in Scotland. The winter range extends through west Europe, including the UK, south Europe and north Africa although it is uncommon in the Mediterranean region. Eastern populations migrate to Anatolia, Israel, Iran and north west India. Migrating and wintering Fieldfares often form large flocks, often in the company of Redwings. In the winter, the Fieldfare can be found in open country, agricultural land, orchards, open woodland and gardens. It is nomadic, wandering wherever there is an abundance of berries and insects. Later in the year it moves on to pastureland and cultivated fields. The Fieldfare is omnivorous. Animal food in the diet includes snails and slugs, earthworms, spiders and insects such as beetles and their larvae, flies and grasshoppers. In the autumn ripened berries such as hawthorn, holly, rowan, yew, juniper, dog rose, cotoneaster, pyracantha and berberis are eaten. In addition, windfall apples, grain and seeds are eaten. When these are exhausted, or in particularly harsh weather, the birds may move to marshes or even the foreshore where molluscs can be found. Date: 17th January 2016 Location: Southerness area, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31837500.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1547140796595624211400b8.18545852.jpgRed Grouse The Red Grouse is a medium-sized bird of the grouse family which is found in heather moorland in the UK and Ireland. It is endemic to the UK and has developed in isolation. It is usually classified as a sub-species of the Willow Ptarmigan or Willow Grouse which is found in birch and other forests and moorlands in north Europe, the tundra of Scandinavia, Siberia, Alaska and north Canada. The Red Grouse is differentiated from the Willow Ptarmigan and Rock Ptarmigan by its plumage being reddish brown and not having a white winter plumage. The tail is black and the legs are white. There are white stripes on the underwing and red combs over the eye. Females are less reddish than the males and have less conspicuous combs. Young birds are duller and lack the red combs. The Red Grouse is found across most parts of Scotland, including Orkney, Shetland and most of the Outer Hebrides. It is only absent from urban areas such as in the Central Belt. In Wales there are strong populations of Red Grouse in some places but the range has retracted. It is now largely absent from the far south and the main strongholds are Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons and the Cambrian Mountains. In England the Red Grouse is mainly found in the north in areas such as the Lake District, Northumberland, County Durham, much of Yorkshire, the Pennines and the Peak District as far south as the Staffordshire Moorlands. There is an isolated introduced population on Dartmoor and overspill Welsh birds visit the Shropshire Hills.The typical habitat is upland heather moors away from trees. It can also be found in some low-lying bogs and birds may visit farmland during hard weather. The UK population of the Red Grouse is estimated at about 250,000 pairs. Numbers have declined in recent years and it is now absent in areas where it was once common. Reasons for the decline include disease, loss of heather due to overgrazing, creation of new conifer plantations and a decline in the number of upland gamekeepers. Some predators feed on Red Grouse and there is ongoing controversy as to what effect these have on numbers. The Red Grouse is herbivorous and feeds mainly on the shoots, seeds and flowers of heather. It will also feed on berries, cereal crops and sometimes insects. The Red Grouse is considered a game bird and is shot in large numbers during the shooting season which traditionally starts on August 12th (known as the Glorious Twelfth). Shooting can take the form of “walked up” (where shooters walk across the moor to flush grouse and take a shot) or “driven” (where grouse are driven, often in large numbers, by “beaters” towards the shooters who are hiding behind a line of “butts”). Many moors are managed to increase the density of Red Grouse. Areas of heather are subjected to controlled burning since this allows fresh young shoots to regenerate which are favoured by Red Grouse. In addition, extensive predator control is a feature of grouse moor management and the extent and legality to which it occurs is hotly contested between conservation groups and shooting interests and the subject generates a lot of media attention. The Red Grouse is widely known as the logo of The Famous Grouse whisky and an animated bird is a character in a series of its adverts. It is also the emblem of the magazine “British Birds”. Date: 20th June 2017 Location: Glen Quaich, Perthshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/night-heron https://images.on-this.website/4752_6111756294db15347f2cc8.jpgNight Heron The Black-crowned Night Heron, commonly shortened to just Night Heron in Eurasia, is a medium-sized heron. The adult is around 25 inches in length and has a black crown and back, pale grey wings and white underparts, red eyes and short yellow legs. Long white plumes which are erected in greeting and courtship displays extend from the back of the head. The sexes are similar in appearance although males are slightly larger than females. Immature birds have dull grey-brown plumage on their heads, wings and backs with numerous pale spots and the underparts are paler and streaked with brown. The eyes are orange and the legs dull yellowish-green. The Black-crowned Night Heron does not fit the typical body form of the heron family. It is relatively stocky with a shorter bill, shorter legs and a shorter neck than other herons. Its resting posture is normally somewhat hunched but when hunting it extends its neck and looks more like other wading birds. The Black-crowned Night Heron breeds in fresh and salt water wetlands throughout much of the world where it nests in colonies on platforms of sticks in a group of trees or on the ground in protected locations such as islands or reedbeds. It is migratory in the most northern part of its range but otherwise resident. The north American population winters in Mexico, south USA, central America and the West Indies whilst the Old World population winters in tropical Africa and south Asia. There are 2 archaeological specimens of the Black-crowned Night Heron in the UK. The oldest is from the Roman London Wall and the more recent from the Royal Navy's late medieval yards in Greenwich. It may have bred in the far wetter and wilder landscape of pre-modern Britain. In modern times the Black-crowned Night Heron is a rare but increasing vagrant. Feral breeding colonies were established at Edinburgh Zoo from 1950 into the 21st century and at Great Witchingham in Norfolk where there were 8 pairs in 2003 although breeding was not repeated in 2004 or 2005. A pair of adults were seen with 2 recently fledged juveniles on the Somerset Levels in 2017 and this was the first proven breeding record of wild birds in the UK. The Black-crowned Night Heron hunts by standing still at the water’s edge, especially at night or early morning. It primarily eats small fish, crustaceans, frogs, aquatic insects, small mammals and small birds. It is among the very few heron species observed to engage in bait fishing by luring or distracting fish by tossing edible or inedible buoyant objects in to the water within their striking range, a rare example of tool use among birds. During the day the Black-crowned Night Heron mainly rests in waterside trees or bushes. Date: 28th December 2008 Location: Hythe, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo441570.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1347089856467eeae21ffbf.jpgDate: 6th February 2007 Location: Abberton Reservoir, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39083907.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17703664995d3082b816d1d.jpgWestern Rhodopes Mountains, Smolyan Province, Bulgaria The Rhodopes Mountains are a mountain range in south east Europe. They are spread over 5689 square miles of which 4723 square miles are located in south Bulgaria and the remainder in north Greece. The Rhodopes Mountains are about 149 miles long and about 62 to 75 miles wide with an average altitude of 2575 feet. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 7188 feet and is situated 12 miles to the west of Smolyan. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rhodopes Mountains gives its name to the terrestrial eco-region Rodope montane mixed forests that belong in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The area is particularly notable for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans plus its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms such as the Trigrad Gorge. The Rhodopes Mountains can be sub-divided in to 3 sections: The Western Rhodopes are spread over 66% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and they are higher, the most infrastructurally developed and the most visited part of the mountains. The highest and best known peaks are located in this section with more than 10 over 6562 feet high including the highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7188 feet). Some of the deepest river gorges in the Rhodopes Mountains are located in the west as well as several large lakes. The Eastern Rhodopes are spread over a territory of about 34% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and are much lower in height. The large artificial dams of Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets are located in this part of the mountains. Almost every species of European bird of prey nests in the Eastern Rhodopes including the rare Black Vulture and Egyptian Vulture. The Southern Rhodopes are the part of the mountain range that is located in Greece and they are characterized by numerous peaks of relatively low altitude. The Trigrad Gorge is a canyon of vertical marble rock cliffs in the western Rhodope Mountains. It is the third longest gorge in Bulgaria. The gorge encloses the course of the River Trigrad which plunges into the Devil's Throat Cave and 1740 feet further emerges as a large karst spring. It later flows into the River Buynovska. The west wall of the Trigrad Gorge reaches 980 feet in height whilst the east wall reaches 980 to 1150 feet in height. Initially, the 2 walls are about 985 feet apart but the gorge narrows to about 330 feet in the northern section. The gorge is situated just north of the village of Trigrad at 4760 feet above sea level. It has a total length of 4.3 miles, of which the gorge proper comprises 1.2 to 1.9 miles. It can be visited on the narrow single track road from Teshel to Trigrad which follows the River Trigrad for about 7.5 miles. The Trigrad area was a restricted border zone in the past (it is less than 4 miles from the border with Greece) so access was very limited during the Communist era but it is now a popular tourist destination. The area is considered as one of the most beautiful in the Rhodopes Mountains with numerous designated routes for hiking, mountain biking and horse riding routes. Date: 28th May 2018 Location: Teshel to Trigrad via Trigrad Gorge, Western Rhodopes Mountains, Smolyan Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49797310.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_126769283464ec9d22d9940.jpgCommon Darter Flight period: end May to early October. Common Darters are the most widespread of the dragonflies over lowland UK but they are absent from upland areas. They can be found in a wide range of habitats including ponds, lakes, ditches, canals, slow flowing rivers and brackish water. They can also be frequently seen some way from water. Date: 2nd July 2023 Location: Great Ovens NNR, Wareham Forest, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/beinn-eighe-wester-ross https://images.on-this.website/4752_14462632374e0975a588627.jpgBeinn Eighe, Wester Ross Height: Ruadh Stac Mor 3313 feet, Sail Mhor 3215 feet, Coinneach Mhor 3202 feet and Spidean Coire nan Clach 3189 feet. The name Beinn Eighe originates from Gaelic and means "ice mountain" or "file mountain". The complete range, which dominates the north side of Glen Torridon, is made up of 9 peaks covering almost 6 miles with white quartzite upper reaches and scree-covered flanks. Beinn Eighe was the UK’s first National Nature Reserve and features wonderful mountain scenery and ancient pinewood fragments overlooking Loch Maree. Date: 12th June 2011 Location: view from the A896 road between Kinlochewe and Torridon http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493245.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5420064675f326eb5aebe2.jpgRazorbill The Razorbill is a seabird and a member of the auk family which also includes the Common Guillemot, Brunnich's Guillemot and Little Auk. It is also the closest living relative to the Great Auk which is now extinct. The Razorbill has white underparts and a black head, neck, back and feet during the breeding season. A thin white line also extends from the eyes to the end of the bill. Its head is darker than that of the CommonGuillemot. Outside the breeding season, the throat and face behind the eye become white and the white line on the face becomes less prominent. The thick black bill has a blunt end. The adult male and female female are very much alike having only small differences such as wing length. The Razorbill has a horizontal stance and the tail feathers are slightly longer in the centre in comparison to other auks making it have a distinctly long tail which is not common for an auk. The Razorbill is distributed across the sub-arctic and boreal waters of the north Atlantic where water surface temperature are typically below 15°c. The world population is estimated to be less than 1 million breeding pairs, making it among the rarest auks in the world. Approximately 60 to 70% of the entire Razorbill population breeds in Iceland., including over 200,000 pairs at Látrabjarg. The breeding habitat is islands, rocky shores and cliffs on north Atlantic coasts, in eastern North America as far south as Maine and in western Europe from north west Russia to northern France. Eurasian birds winter at sea with some moving south as far as the western Mediterranean. North American birds migrate offshore and south. The Razorbill is a colonial breeder and only comes to land to breed. Individuals only breed at 3 to 5 years of age. Females select their mate and will often encourage competition between males before choosing a partner. Once a male is chosen, the pair will usually stay together for life. Nest site determination is very important to ensure protection of young from predators. Unlike Common Guillemots, nest sites are not immediately alongside the sea on open cliff ledges but at least 4 to 6 inches away in crevices on cliffs or among boulders. Generally a nest is not built although some pairs often use their bills to drag material upon which to lay their single egg. The mating pair will often reuse the same site every year. The Razorbill feeds mainly on schooling fish and crustaceans and it will dive deep into the sea using its wings and its streamlined body to propel itself toward their prey. Whilst diving, it rarely stays in groups but instead spreads out to feed. The majority of feeding occurs at a depth of about 80 feet but it has the ability to dive up to 400 feet below the surface. During a single dive the Razorbill can capture and swallow many schooling fish depending on their size. The Razorbill spends approximately 45% of its time foraging at sea and it may well fly more than 60 miles out to sea to feed. However, when feeding chicks it will forage much closer to the nesting grounds and often in shallower water. The Razorbill and its eggs and chicks have several predators which include Great Black-backed Gulls, Peregrines, Ravens and other crows, Arctic Foxes and Polar Bears. In the early 20th century, Razorbills were harvested for their eggs, meat and feathers and this greatly decreased their population. In 1917 they were finally protected which reduced hunting. Other current threats include oil pollution, unintentional bycatch arising from commercial fishing and overfishing which decreases the abundance of prey. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871757.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15250154864eff21ee4df0c.jpgBrown Bear The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, <i>Ursus arctos arctos</i>. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an overnight stay in a Brown Bear watching hide at [url=http://www.martinselkonen.fi/index.php?id=1&la=en]Martinselkosen Eräkeskus[/url] Date: 1st June 2009 Location: Martinselkosen Eräkeskus, Pirttivaara, Kainuu, Finland <iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/10143012?autoplay=1" width="600" height="450" frameborder="0"></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/10143012">Brown Bears of Martinselkonen</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user3372484">Richard Chew</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>. Music: Jean Sibelius - Andante festivo<br /> </p> http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49278710.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4967462666499ba969f5c5.jpgFour-spotted Chaser Flight period: mid May to end August. Four-spotted Chasers are a common and widespread species of dragonfly throughout most of the UK. They can be found around sheltered lowland lakes and ponds and around acidic moorland bogs and sheltered upland lakes. Date: 16th June 2023 Location: RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33568405.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4755865395a106b0119810.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 4th November 2017 Location: Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405439.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3842084536586e077d6b4d.jpgMigrant Hawker Flight period: August to October The Migrant Hawker is common in the south of the UK and has spread north and west in recent decades. The breeding population is boosted by continental migrants in the autumn and they are most easily seen hawking for insects along sheltered woodland rides or hedgerows. Date: 9th October 2023 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41349613.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11705613275f20025586b16.jpgComma Flight period: March to October. The Comma was a rarity 100 years ago but is now a common and widespread butterfly in England and Wales and is on the point of recolonising Scotland. They are one of the first butterflies to be seen in spring and can be found in open woodland, woodland edges and gardens. Date: 16th June 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/october-2010-red-deer https://images.on-this.website/4752_10663932524d0dcd654ee78.jpgOctober 2010 - Red Deer Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7190726.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/kolgrafafjrur-west-iceland https://images.on-this.website/4752_1280865797561cd1924816c.jpgKolgrafafjörður, Snæfellsnes peninsula, west Iceland Kolgrafafjörður is a fjord situated between Stykkishólmur and Grundarfjörður on the north coast of the Snæfellsnes peninsula in west Iceland. Date: 6th June 2015 Location: view from road 54 west of Stykkishólmur http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42175423.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10090461995fdbc03f1ce20.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 18th November 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45182492.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_208605006235c90fa0efa.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 11th February 2022 Location: EWT Warley Place, Brentwood, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41234307.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12377849885ee7752518e6c.jpgLarge Skipper Flight period: June to July. The Large Skipper is a small golden butterfly which is widespread throughout England and Wales and it is also extending its range northwards in to southern Scotland. They can be found in areas of tall, uncut grassland, woodland rides, roadside verges and hedgerows. Date: 12th June 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49278551.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19834479106499b1a03a5c7.jpgBlue-tailed Damselfly Flight period: mid May to early September. Blue-tailed Damselflies are a widespread and common species of damselfly in much of England, Wales and southern Scotland. They can be found around lakes, ponds, canals and ditches, being less common on flowing water and in exposed and upland sites. They can also tolerate some saline and polluted waters. Date: 12th June 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/common-buzzard https://images.on-this.website/4752_11027117834e1f0588bb4d5.jpgCommon Buzzard The Common Buzzard is a member of the genus [I]Buteo[/I] and the family [i]Accipitridae[/i], a group of medium-sized raptors with robust bodies and broad wings. The [I]Buteo[/I] species of Eurasia and Africa are usually commonly referred to as buzzards whilst those in the Americas are called hawks. Under current classification, the genus [I]Buteo[/I] includes approximately 28 species. The Common Buzzard includes between 7 to 16 sub-species and the western [i]Buteo[/i] group includes [i]Buteo buteo buteo[/i] which is found more or less continuously throughout Europe including the UK. The Common Buzzard is a medium-sized raptor that is highly variable in plumage. It is distinctly round headed with a somewhat slender bill and it has relatively long wings that either reach or fall slightly short of the tail tip when perched, a fairly short tail and somewhat short and mainly bare tarsi. It can appear fairly compact in overall appearance but may also appear large relative to other commoner raptors such as the Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. The Common Buzzard measures between 16 and 23 inches in length with a 3 feet 7 inches to 4 feet 7 inches wingspan. Females average about 2 to 7% larger than males in length and weigh about 15% more. Body mass can show considerable variation from 0.94 to 2.6 pounds in males and 1.07 to 3.02 pounds in females. In Europe, the Common Buzzard is typically dark brown above and on the upperside of the head and mantle but this can become paler and warmer brown with worn plumage. Usually the tail will be narrowly barred grey-brown and dark brown with a pale tip and a broad dark subterminal band but the tail in the palest birds can show a varying amount of white and a reduced sub-terminal band or even appear almost all white. The underside colouring can be variable but typically shows a brown-streaked white throat with a somewhat darker chest. A pale U across the breast is often present followed by a pale line running down the belly which separates the dark areas on the breast side and flanks. These pale areas tend to have highly variable markings that form irregular bars. Juveniles are quite similar to adults and are best told apart by having a paler eye, a narrower sub-terminal band on the tail and underside markings that appear as streaks rather than bars. Beyond the typical mid-range brownish Common Buzzard, birds in Europe can range from almost uniform black-brown above to mainly white. Extreme dark individuals may range from chocolate-brown to blackish with almost no pale colour showing but with a variable or faded U on the breast and with or without faint lighter brown throat streaks. Extreme pale individuals are largely whitish with variable widely spaced streaks or arrowheads of light brown about the mid-chest and flanks and may or may not show dark feather-centres on the head, wing-coverts and sometimes all but part of the mantle. Individuals can show nearly endless variation of colours and hues in between these extremes and the Common Buzzard is among the most variably plumaged diurnal raptors for this reason. The Common Buzzard is often confused with other raptors especially in flight or at a distance including other [i]Buteo[/i] species such as Rough-legged Buzzard and Long-legged Buzzard and also Honey Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, Golden Eagle, Booted Eagle and Short-toed Eagle. The Common Buzzard is found throughout several islands in the eastern Atlantic islands, including the Canary Islands and the Azores, and almost throughout Europe. In the UK, it is found in Northern Ireland and in nearly every part of Scotland and England. In mainland Europe, there are no substantial gaps in the range from Portugal and Spain to Greece, Estonia, Belarus and the Ukraine, although it is present mainly only in the breeding season in much of the eastern half of the latter 3 countries. It is also present in all larger Mediterranean islands such as Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily and Crete. Further north in to Scandinavia, it is found mainly in south Norway, the southern half of Sweden and in the southern two-thirds of Finland. The Common Buzzard reaches its northern limit as a breeder in far eastern Finland and over the border in to European Russia and nearly to the Kola Peninsula. In these northern limits, the Common Buzzard is present typically only in summer. The Common Buzzard generally inhabits the interface of woodlands and open ground and typically lives in forest edge, small broad-leaved, coniferous or mixed woodlands with adjacent grassland, arable fields or other farmland and open moorland as long as there are some trees. It is absent from treeless tundra and sporadic or rare in treeless steppe. The Common Buzzard can be found from sea level to elevations of 6600 feet although it breeds mostly below 3300 feet. It can winter to an elevation of 8200 feet and migrates easily at 14,800 feet. The Common Buzzard is a partial migrant. Autumn and spring movements are subject to extensive variation, even down to the individual level, based on a region's food resources, competition (both from other Common Buzzards and other predators), the extent of human disturbance and weather conditions. Short distance movements are the norm for juveniles and some adults in autumn and winter but more adults in central and south Europe and the UK remain in their year-around areas than do not. The Common Buzzard is a typical [I]Buteo[/I] in much of its behaviour. It is most often seen effortlessly soaring for extended periods at varying heights although it can appear laborious and heavy in level flight. It is also often seen perched prominently on tree tops, bare branches, telegraph poles, fence posts, rocks or ledges or alternatively well inside the tree canopy. It will also stand and forage on the ground. The Common Buzzard is a generalist predator which hunts a wide variety of prey given the opportunity. The prey extents to a wide variety of vertebrates including mammals, birds (from any age from eggs to adult birds), reptiles, amphibians and fish as well as to various invertebrates, mostly insects. In total, well over 300 prey species are known to be taken by the Common Buzzard. However, dietary studies have shown that it mostly preys upon small mammals, mainly small rodents. Furthermore, prey size can vary from tiny beetles, caterpillars and ants to large adult grouse and Rabbits up to nearly twice their body mass. At times, the Common Buzzard will also subsist partially on carrion, usually of dead mammals or fish. Hunting in relatively open areas has been found to increase hunting success whereas more complete shrub cover lowered success. A majority of prey is taken by dropping from a perch and is normally taken on the ground. Prey may also be hunted in a low flight, by random glides or soars or by foraging on the ground. The home range of the Common Buzzard is generally 0.19 to 0.77 square miles and the size of the breeding territory seems to be correlated with food supply. The territory is maintained through flight displays and in Europe territorial behaviour usually starts in February. However, displays are not uncommon throughout the year in resident pairs, especially by males, and can elicit similar displays by their neighbours. In the display, the Common Buzzard generally engages in high circling, spiraling upward on slightly raised wings. Mutual high circling by pairs sometimes goes on at length, especially during the period prior to or during breeding season. During the mutual displays, the male may engage in exaggerated deep flapping or zig-zag tumbling, apparently in response to the female being too distant. Several pairs may circle together at times and as many as 14 individual adults have been recorded over established display sites. Sky-dancing by the Common Buzzard has been recorded in spring and autumn, typically by the male but sometimes by the female, nearly always with much calling. Sky-dances are of the rollercoaster type, with an upward sweep of up to 100 feet until the bird starts start to stall but sometimes embellished with loops or rolls at the top. Next in the sky-dance, the bird will dive at least 200 feet on more or less closed wings before spreading them and shooting up again. These sky-dances may be repeated in series of 10 to 20. In the climax of the sky-dance, the undulations become progressively shallower, often slowing and terminating directly on to a perch. Various other aerial displays include low contour flight or weaving among trees, frequently with deep beats and exaggerated upstrokes which show underwing pattern to rivals perched below. Talon grappling and occasionally cartwheeling downward with feet interlocked has also been recorded. The Common Buzzard tends to build a bulky nest of sticks, twigs and often heather and lined with broad-leaved foliage. Nests are up to 3.3 to 3.9 feet across and 24 inches deep. With reuse over years, the diameter of a nest can reach or exceed 5 feet. Trees are generally used for a nesting location but crags or cliffs are used if trees are unavailable. Nests in trees are usually located by the main trunk at a height of around 10 to 82 feet. Pairs often have 2 to 4 nests in a territory but some pairs may use a single nest over several consecutive years. The breeding season of the Common Buzzard commences at differing times based on latitude. It may fall as early as January to April but typically it is March to July in most of Europe. In the northern limits of the range the breeding season may occur from May to August. Mating usually occurs on or near the nest and eggs are usually laid in 2 to 3 day intervals. The clutch size can range from to 2 to 6 and it appears that local factors such as habitat and food supply are relevant. Eggs are generally laid in late March to early April in the extreme south, sometime in April in most of Europe and in to May and possibly even early June in the extreme north. If eggs are lost to a predator or fail in some other way, replacement clutches are not usually laid although this has been recorded. Incubation lasts for 33 to 35 days and is mostly, but not solely, undertaken by the female. Hatching may take place over 3 to 7 days. Often the youngest nestling dies from starvation, especially in broods of 3 or more. The female remains at the nest brooding the young in the early stages with the male bringing all prey. At about 8 to 12 days, both the male and female will bring prey but the female continues to do all feeding until the young can tear up their own prey. The young are nearly fully feathered rather than downy at about a month of age and can start to feed themselves as well. The first attempts to leave the nest are often at about 40 to 50 days. Fledging occurs typically at 43 to 54 days but in extreme cases as late 62 days. After leaving the nest, the young generally stay close by until full independence 6 to 8 weeks after fledging. Numerous factors may influence the breeding success of the Common Buzzard including the availability of prey populations, habitat, disturbance and persecution levels and competition. The Common Buzzard is one of the most numerous birds of prey in its range and it is the most numerous diurnal bird of prey throughout much of Europe. Date: 02/10/06 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayder, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14467410.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18853074884f743c2d7e415.jpgUllsfjorden at Svensby, Troms, north Norway Ullsfjorden is a sea fjord located east of Tromsø and west of the Lyngenalpen which can be crossed by the Breivikeidet to Svensby ferry. Location: view from east shore at Svensby Date: 17th March 2012 http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230779.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_125366698564917f6ec49c5.jpgLarge Red Damselflies Flight period: April to August The Large Red Damselfly is one of the three most widespread dragonflies in the UK and one of the first to emerge in spring. They can be found in most wetland habitats from acidic moorland bog pools to brackish ditches but they avoid fast flowing waters. Date: 24th May 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/canada-goose-goslings https://images.on-this.website/4752_9447506664e1582bb2b471.jpgCanada Goose goslings The Canada Goose belongs to the [i]Branta[/i] genus of geese which contains species with largely black plumage distinguishing it from the grey species of the genus [i]Anser[/i]. The black head and neck with a white "chinstrap" distinguish the Canada Goose from all other goose species with the exception of the Cackling Goose from north America and the Barnacle Goose which has a black breast and grey rather than brownish body plumage. The 7 sub-species of the Canada Goose vary widely in size and plumage details but all are recognizable as Canada Geese. Of the "true geese" (i.e. the genera [i]Anser[/i], [i]Branta[/i] or [i]Chen[/i]), the Canada Goose is on average the largest living species. It ranges from 30 to 43 inches in length and with a 50 to 73 inches wingspan. The male usually weighs 5.7 to 14.3 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 8.6 pounds. The female looks virtually identical but is slightly lighter at 5.3 to 12.1 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 7.9 pounds. It is also generally 10% smaller in linear dimensions than the male. The Canada Goose is native to north America where it breeds in Canada and the north USA in a wide range of habitats. The Great Lakes region maintains a very large population. It occurs all year round in the southern part of its breeding range, including most of the eastern seaboard and the Pacific coast. Between California and South Carolina in the south USA and north Mexico, it is primarily present as a migrant from further north during the winter. Outside north America, the Canada Goose has reached north Europe naturally as has been proved by ringing recoveries. It has also been introduced in to Europe and had established populations in the UK in the middle of the 18th century, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany and Scandinavia. Most European populations are not migratory but those in more northerly parts of Sweden and Finland migrate to the North Sea and Baltic coasts. Semi-tame feral birds are common in parks and have become a pest in some areas. In the early 17th century, explorer Samuel de Champlain sent several pairs of Canada Geese to France as a present for King Louis XIII. Canada Geese were first introduced in to the UK in the late 17th century as an addition to King James II's waterfowl collection in St. James's Park. They were also introduced in to Germany and Scandinavia during the 20th century. During the second year of its life, the Canada Goose finds a mate. It is a monogamous species and most couples stay together all of their lives. If one dies, the other may find a new mate. The female lays from 2 to 9 eggs with an average of 5. Both parents protect the nest while the eggs incubate but the female spends more time at the nest than the male. The nest is usually located in an elevated area near water such as streams, lakes and ponds and the eggs are laid in a shallow depression lined with plant material and down. The incubation period, in which the female incubates the eggs while the male remains nearby, lasts for 24 to 28 days after laying. As soon as the goslings hatch, they are immediately capable of walking, swimming and finding their own food (a diet similar to the adults). Parents are often seen leading their goslings in a line, usually with one adult at the front and the other at the back. While protecting their goslings, parents often violently chase away anything from small birds to lone humans who approach, after warning them by giving off a hissing sound and then attacking with bites and slaps of the wings if the threat does not retreat. Although parents are hostile to unfamiliar geese, they may form groups (crèches) of a number of goslings and a few adults. The goslings enter the fledgling stage any time from 6 to 9 weeks of age. Once it reaches adulthood, due to its large size and often aggressive behaviour, the Canada Goose is rarely preyed on although prior injury may make it more vulnerable to natural predators. The lifespan in the wild of birds that survive to adulthood ranges from 10 to 24 years. The UK longevity record is held by a specimen tagged as a nestling which was observed alive at the age of 31. The Canada Goose is primarily a herbivore although it will sometimes eat small insects and fish. Their diet includes grasses, aquatic plants, beans and grains such as wheat, rice, and corn when they are available. In urban areas, it is also known to pick food out of rubbish bins and it will readily take a variety of food from humans in parks. Date: 3rd May 2008 Location: Abberton Reservoir, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/loch-arkaig-highland https://images.on-this.website/4752_1590724615467f22e068014.jpgLoch Arkaig, Highland Loch Arkaig extends for 12 miles in an east-west direction to the west of Loch Lochy. It lies 10 miles north of Fort William. Date: 6th June 2006 Location: view from the unclassified near Clunes west of Spean Bridge http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21955525.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21182884853da1cd87beed.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14160971.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16161333174f3e36ed05f05.jpgCommon Blue Flight period: June to September. The Common Blue is the UK’s most widespread and common blue butterfly although it has suffered some local declines due to habitat loss. They can be found in sunny, sheltered areas including downland, roadside verges, woodland clearings and rural gardens. Date: 26th August 2007 Location: Stow Maries Halt EWT reserve, Stow Maries, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533681.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_49682339862ca8fc679509.jpgAzure Damselfly Flight period: May to August The Azure Damselfly is one of the two commonest blue damselflies and is a common and widespread species of lowland UK. They can be found around most standing water, preferring small, sheltered sites including ditches and garden ponds. Date: 26th June 2022 Location: RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49279133.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11676930876499ca2cb7ecd.jpgAzure Damselflies Flight period: May to August The Azure Damselfly is one of the two commonest blue damselflies and is a common and widespread species of lowland UK. They can be found around most standing water, preferring small, sheltered sites including ditches and garden ponds. Date: 22nd June 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46534352.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_91184645762ca96155654a.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 27th June 2022 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46535273.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_86368460762caa75cd146e.jpgGreen-veined White Flight period: April to September The Green-veined White is a widespread buttterfly throughout the UK and is often the commonest white butterfly in the north of the UK. They can be found in a variety of habitats but damp, lush vegetation is an essential requirement. Date: 6th July 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082277.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11261366265d307b9cc3e9e.jpgMiddle Spotted Woodpecker The Middle Spotted Woodpecker is a member of the woodpecker family [i]Picidae[/i]. It is around 8 inches in length with a wingspan of around 13 inches and it has a plumage similar to the Great Spotted Woodpecker. As with that species, the upperparts are predominantly black with white oval wing patches, there is white barring on the wings and the underparts are white. The main differences are that the Middle Spotted Woodpecker has a red crown, no black moustachial stripe, a pink vent and dark streaks on the flanks. The Middle Spotted Woodpecker differs from all its European relatives in being almost totally monomorphic, i.e. males and females are almost identical in appearance. Despite its name, the Middle Spotted Woodpecker is not mid-way in size between its relatives, the smaller Lesser Spotted Woodpecker and the larger Great Spotted Woodpecker and Syrian Woodpecker. The Middle Spotted Woodpecker is much closer to the 2 larger species in all measurements being just 15% smaller but it is around 40% larger than Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. The Middle Spotted Woodpecker can be found in much of west and east Europe and south west Asia and is locally common in the right habitat but with varying and often quite low population densities. Its range extends from France east to European Russia, mainly in the temperate continental zone, but also north to the Baltic states. It is absent from Finland and Norway and extinct in Sweden and Denmark. Due to its sedentary nature it has never been recorded in the UK and Ireland. The range extends south and east in to the Mediterranean Basin, the Balkan peninsula, Turkey, the Caucasus, Iraq and Iran. The Middle Spotted Woodpecker prefers deciduous forest, especially areas with old oak, hornbeam and elm, and a patchwork of clearings, pasture and dense woodland. In the breeding season the Middle Spotted Woodpecker excavates a nest hole about 2 inches wide in a decaying tree trunk or thick branch. The female lays 4 to 7 eggs which are incubated for 11 to 14 days. The Middle Spotted Woodpecker likes to feed high in the trees on a diet of insects and their larvae which it finds by picking them from branches and twigs rather than hacking them from beneath the bark. It will also feed on tree sap. Unlike most of its European relatives, the Middle Spotted Woodpecker does not regularly drum and females probably do not drum at all. Any drumming is rather mild and limited to early spring and it is usually made in response to competition from another male. Both adults do however tap loudly at the nest hole in spring. This tapping is a communicative signal and not part of hole excavation and it is not drumming. The Middle Spotted Woodpecker seems to rely more on its “song” when announcing its territory rather than drumming. Date: 22nd May 2018 Location: Ropotamo, Burgas Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42082964.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5405375225faa5bf492932.jpgMagpie The Eurasian Magpie, often simply known as the Magpie, is one of several birds in the crow family Corvidae designated as a Magpie. In Europe, Magpie is generally used by English speakers to describe the Eurasian Magpie. The only other species in Europe is the Iberian Magpie or Azure-winged Magpie which is limited to the Iberian peninsula. The adult male Magpie is 17 to 18 inches in length, of which more than half is the tail. The wingspan is 20 to 24 inches. The head, neck and breast are glossy black with a metallic green and violet sheen, the belly and scapulars are pure white, the wings are black glossed with green or purple and the primaries have white inner webs, conspicuous when the wing is open. The graduated tail is black, glossed with green and reddish purple. The legs and bill are black and the iris is dark brown. The plumage of the sexes is similar but the female is slightly smaller. The young resemble the adults but are at first without much of the gloss on the sooty plumage and the tail is much shorter. The Magpie can be found across temperate Eurasia from Spain and Ireland in the west to the Kamchatka Peninsula in the east. It has also been introduced in Japan on the island of Kyushu. The preferred habitat of the Magpie is open countryside with scattered trees and it is normally absent from treeless areas and dense forests. It sometimes breeds at high densities in suburban settings such as parks and gardens and it can often be found close to the centre of cities. The Magpie is normally sedentary and spends winters close to its breeding areas but birds living near the northern limit of their range in Scandinavia and Russia can move south in harsh weather. Some Magpies breed after their first year whilst others remain in non-breeding flocks and first breed in their second year. The Magpie is monogamous and pairs often remain together from one breeding season to the next and generally occupy the same territory in successive years. Mating takes place in spring. In the courtship display, males rapidly raise and depress their head feathers, uplift, open and close their tails like fans and call in soft tones quite distinct from their usual chatter. The loose feathers of the flanks are brought over the primaries, and the shoulder patch is spread so the white is conspicuous, presumably to attract females. Short buoyant flights and chases follow. The Magpie prefers tall trees for their bulky nest, firmly attaching them to a central fork in the upper branches. A framework of sticks is cemented with earth and clay and a lining of the same is covered with fine roots. Above is a stout though loosely built dome of prickly branches with a single well concealed entrance. These huge nests are conspicuous when the leaves fall. Where trees are scarce, though even in well-wooded country, nests are at times built in bushes and hedgerows. In Europe, the eggs are typically laid in April and clutches usually contain 5 or 6 eggs. The eggs are incubated for 21 to 22 days by the female who is fed on the nest by the male. The chicks are brooded by the female for the first 5 to 10 days and fed by both parents. The nestlings open their eyes 7 to 8 days after hatching and their body feathers start to appear after around 8 days and the primary wing feathers after 10 days. Fledging takes place at around 27 days and the parents then continue to feed the young for several more weeks. The parents also protect the young from predators since their ability to fly is poor, making them vulnerable. On average, only 3 or 4 chicks survive to fledge successfully. Some nests are lost to predators but an important factor causing nestling mortality is starvation. Eggs hatch asynchronously and if the parents have difficulty finding sufficient food, the last chicks to hatch are unlikely to survive. The Magpie is omnivorous, eating young birds and eggs, small mammals, insects, scraps and carrion, acorns, grain and other vegetable substances. The Magpie is believed not only to be among the most intelligent of birds but among the most intelligent of all animals. Along with the Jackdaw, the Magpie's nidopallium area of the brain is approximately the same relative size as those in Chimpanzees and humans. Like other corvids, such as the Raven and Carrion crow, the total brain-to-body mass ratio is equal to most great apes and cetaceans. A 2004 review suggests that the intelligence of the corvid family to which the Magpie belongs is equivalent to that of great apes (Chimpanzees, Orangutans and Gorillas) in terms of social cognition, causal reasoning, flexibility, imagination and prospection. The Magpie has an extremely large range and a very large population. The population trend in Europe has been stable since 1980 and there is no evidence of any serious overall decline in numbers so the species is classified by the IUCN as being of “Least Concern”. In Europe, the Magpie has been historically demonized by humans, mainly as a result of folklore, superstition and myth and its reputation as an omen of ill fortune. The Magpie has also been attacked for their role as a predator which includes eating other birds' eggs and their young. However, different studies have reached different conclusions on their impact on the populations of other birds. Date: 22nd October 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26540689.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_213012915656ace62dc4b6a.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 31st December 2015 Location: Winterton-Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31837529.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_874964339595624a0bd7e82.66802564.jpgSango Bay, Sutherland Sango Bay is a beautiful sandy bay on the north coast of Sutherland and located by the village of Durness 4 miles west of Loch Eriboll. The bay is approximately half a mile in width and surrounded by low cliffs. Date: 22nd June 2017 Location: view from the A838 road east of Durness http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46028404.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4398391376291f59a591a6.jpgAzure Damselfly Flight period: May to August The Azure Damselfly is one of the two commonest blue damselflies and is a common and widespread species of lowland UK. They can be found around most standing water, preferring small, sheltered sites including ditches and garden ponds. Date: 26th May 2022 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40755780.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10145737855e2043a8ad4f0.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 6th December 2019 Location: Brouwersdam, Zeeland, Netherlands http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5325705.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5556664104c1dd3cad844b.jpgCommon Guillemot The Common Guillemot, also known as the Common Murre or Thin-billed Murre, is a large species of auk. The auks are a family of seabirds which includes the Brunnich's Guillemot or Thick-billed Murre, Razorbill, Little Auk and the extinct Great Auk. The Common Guillemot is 15 to 18 inches in length with a 24 to 29 inches wingspan. In breeding plumage, it is black or dark brown on the head, back and wings with white underparts. It has a thin dark pointed bill and a small rounded dark tail. Legs are grey and the bill is dark grey. Males and females are identical. Some individuals in the North Atlantic, known as "Bridled Guillemots", have a white ring around the eye extending back as a white line. This is not a distinct subspecies but a polymorphism that becomes more common the farther north the birds breed. The Common Guillemot flies with fast wing beats and has a flight speed of around 50 mph. Groups of birds are often seen flying together in a line just above the surface of the sea. However, it is not a very agile bird and take-off is often difficult. The Common Guillemot becomes flightless for 45 to 60 days while moulting its primary feathers. The Common Guillemot is a pursuit diver that forages for food by swimming underwater using its wings for propulsion. Dives usually last less than one minute but the bird swims underwater for distances of over 100 feet on a regular basis. Diving depths up to 590 feet have been recorded. The Common Guillemot has a circumpolar distribution and it occurs in low Arctic and boreal waters in the north Atlantic and north Pacific. It spends most of its time at sea and only comes to land to breed on rocky cliffs, sea stacks and islands. Some birds are permanent residents but northern birds migrate south to open waters off New England, southern California, Japan, Korea and the western Mediterranean. The Common Guillemot breeds in colonies at high densities and nesting pairs may be in bodily contact with their neighbours. No nest is made and the single egg is laid and incubated on a bare rock ledge on a cliff face. The egg hatches after 30 days incubation and the chick is born downy and can regulate its body temperature after 10 days. Some 20 days after hatching the chick jumps off its nesting ledge and heads for the sea unable to fly but gliding for some distance with fluttering wings and accompanied by its male parent. The chicks are capable of diving as soon as they hit the water. The female stays at the nest site for some 14 days after the chick has left. The Common Guillemot can venture far from its breeding grounds to forage and distances of 60 miles or more are often observed although if sufficient food is available closer by, birds will only travel much shorter distances. It mainly eats small schooling fish 8 inches long or less such as Polar Cod, Capelin, Sand Lances, Sprats, Sandeels, Atlantic Cod and Atlantic Herring. It also eats some molluscs, marine worms, squid and crustaceans. It is often seen carrying fish in its bill with the tail hanging out. Date: 3rd June 2010 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11654870.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7927372164e313ab07a35c.jpgHerring Gull Herring Gulls are large, noisy gulls and can be found throughout the year around coasts. During winter they can also be found inland around rubbish tips, fields, large reservoirs and lakes. Herring Gulls usually breed in colonies at coastal sites around the UK including cliffs with grassy slopes, shingle beaches, small islands and rooftops in seaside towns. Date: 23rd November 2007 Location: Leysdown, Sheppey, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/sound-of-handa-highland https://images.on-this.website/4752_1930111751f4cf10deaee.jpgSound of Handa, Highland Handa is an island located just offshore from Scourie with one of the largest seabird colonies in north west Europe. The Sound of Handa on the east side of the island contains 2 small sandy bays which are the places where the small ferry boat from Tarbet lands. Date: 20th June 2013 Location: view looking south from Handa Island http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084855.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6754683875d308855b47d7.jpgLake Izvorul Muntelui, Neamț County, Romania Lake Izvorul Muntelui, also known as Lake Bicaz, is the largest artificial lake in Romania. It was created after the completion of a dam built between 1950 and 1960 on the River Bistrița. The dam is located just north of the town of Bicaz and is used to generate hydroelectricity at the Bicaz-Stejaru hydro-plant. Lake Izvorul Muntelui has a length of 25 miles an area of 12 square miles and it is an important tourist destination in the area, especially during the summer when boat trips operate. Date: 5th June 2018 Location: view from near Ruginești, Neamț County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49797632.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_133701799564eca2234e850.jpgSilver Y Flight period: April to October. The Silver Y is a well-known immigrant moth which can turn up in thousands under the right conditions especially at coastal migration watch-points. They can be seen by day as well as at night and can occur anywhere in the UK. In autumn the breeding population from spring migrants is swelled by further immigration. Date: 2nd July 2023 Location: Hartland Moor NNR, Purbeck Heaths NNR, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084489.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17656800985d30874d6d49e.jpgMarsh Warbler The Marsh Warbler is a medium-sized Old World warbler in the genus [I]Acrocephalus[/I]. It has olive green-brown upperparts, yellowish-white underparts, a white throat, a pale stripe in front of the eye and pale legs The Marsh Warbler is very similar in appearance to several other [I]Acrocephalus[/I] warblers such as the Reed Warbler which also occurs in wetlands and has a similar breeding range. The male's distinctive song is useful for identification since no other member of the genus mimics other birds to any significant extent. The Marsh Warbler also tends to avoid large reedbeds which are the Reed Warbler's favoured habitat. The Marsh Warbler breeds in the middle latitudes of Europe and west Asia from the English Channel to about 70 degrees east. It mainly occupies areas with a continental climate but breeds, or has bred, in the UK and northern France as well. In recent decades it has expanded its range to the north, with increasing numbers of birds breeding in Scandinavia and north west Russia. In west Europe the Marsh Warbler breeds mainly in rank vegetation on damp or seasonally flooded soils and it is particularly attracted to tall herbaceous vegetation and to young osiers and other low woody plants. It may breed in urban brownfield sites with suitable vegetation and also occasionally in arable crops. In the east, it breeds on dry hillsides with shrubs and in open woodland as well as the kind of damper habitats it frequents in the west. The Marsh Warbler is a summer migrant and winters mainly in south east Africa where it can be found in a range of well-vegetated habitats from moist scrub to dense thickets and woodland edge. In the UK, the Marsh Warbler was never widespread and it disappeared from many areas from the 1930s onwards. By the 1970s, it bred in significant numbers only in Worcestershire where around 40 to 70 pairs were recorded each year during that decade. This population was effectively extinct by the end of the 1990s. From the 1970s and 1980s onwards, a very small population slowly developed in south east England, particularly in Kent. However, this population is also now close to extinction. The reasons for the population decline in the UK are not completely understood especially as there appears to be much suitable habitat. The Biodiversity Action Plan for the Marsh Warbler further comments that it is not clear what can be done to conserve the species apart from protecting habitat at known breeding sites and protecting birds from egg collectors and from disturbance. The Marsh Warbler is best known for the highly imitative song given by males and very occasionally by females. Each male incorporates imitations of a wide range of other birds into its song. Other passerines are most commonly imitated but the calls of other species have been noted too. On average, each male bird incorporates imitations of 75 other species into its song with rather more African than northern species mimicked. Learning seems to take place in the summer the bird is hatched in Europe or Asia and in its first winter in Africa. The calls of birds heard in subsequent years are not added to the warbler's repertoire. The Marsh Warbler is mostly insectivorous and generally takes insects from vegetation but sometimes catches them on the ground or in mid-air. In autumn small numbers of berries may be eaten. Date: 3rd June 2018 Location: Sânpaul Fishponds, Harghita County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46535265.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_116129717462caa74d35c4f.jpgMarbled White Flight period: July to August The Marbled White is a very distinctive black and white butterfly that is widespread in southern England and expanding its range northwards and eastwards. They can be found in unimproved grassland, coastal grassland, roadside verges and railway embankments. Date: 6th July 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/rock-pipit https://images.on-this.website/4752_35057253351f4cf380f8cc.jpgRock Pipit The Rock Pipit is a large stocky pipit which is larger than the Meadow Pipit. It is streaky olive-brown above and dirty white underneath with dark streaking. The Rock Pipit breeds around the coast where there are rocky beaches and most of the birds that breed in the UK are residents. Date: 20th June 2013 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41187501.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11705991985ea6e0258f794.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 26th April 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21215557.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1955396859537dbfad917f6.jpgHerring Gull Herring Gulls are large, noisy gulls and can be found throughout the year around coasts. During winter they can also be found inland around rubbish tips, fields, large reservoirs and lakes. Herring Gulls usually breed in colonies at coastal sites around the UK including cliffs with grassy slopes, shingle beaches, small islands and rooftops in seaside towns. Date: 9th May 2014 Location: Fishguard, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/june-2018-marsh-warbler https://images.on-this.website/4752_2284181615dcd5282d79b4.jpgJune 2018 - Marsh Warbler Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084496.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21955615.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_24830799953da1e5514c39.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32723061.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_202974277659ae6f004a4b06.47662354.jpgRoller The European Roller is the only member of the Roller family to breed in Europe. It is a stocky bird, the size of a Jackdaw, and it is mainly blue with an orange-brown back. It is striking in its strong direct flight with the brilliant blue contrasting with black flight feathers. Sexes are similar but the juvenile is a drabber version of the adult. The European Roller often perches prominently on trees, posts or overhead wires whilst watching for the large insects, small reptiles, rodents and frogs that they eat. They have a Lapwing-like display with the twisting and turning display flight giving the bird its English name. The European Roller breeds in north Africa from Morocco east to Tunisia, in south west and south central Europe and in Asia Minor east through north west Iran to south west Siberia. It is a long-distance migrant, wintering in southern Africa in two distinct regions, from Senegal east to Cameroon and from Ethiopia west to Congo and south to South Africa. The European Roller can be found in warm, dry, open country with scattered trees, preferring lowland open countryside with patches of oak forest, mature pine woodland with heathery clearings, orchards, mixed farmland, river valleys and plains with scattered thorny or leafy trees. It winters primarily in dry wooded savanna and bushy plains. The European Roller has a large global population of an estimated 100,000 to 220,000 individuals in Europe. However, following a moderate decline during 1970 to 1990, the species has continued to decline especially in Europe with a decrease in the overall European population exceeding 30% in 15 years. Threats include persecution on migration in some Mediterranean countries, the use of pesticides which reduces food availability and sensitivity to changing farming and forestry practices. Date: 21st May 2017 Location: Borsodi-Mezoseg ("Little Hortobagy"), Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31837528.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15901592995956249b996850.54863817.jpgSango Bay, Sutherland Sango Bay is a beautiful sandy bay on the north coast of Sutherland and located by the village of Durness 4 miles west of Loch Eriboll. The bay is approximately half a mile in width and surrounded by low cliffs. Date: 22nd June 2017 Location: view from the A838 road east of Durness http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41623188.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9075150625f4d1f198d777.jpgSandfjord, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Date: 6th July 2019 Location: view from road Fv890 between Kongsfjord and Berlevåg, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/april-2012-european-bee-eater https://images.on-this.website/4752_10336762425018057571564.jpgApril 2012 - European Bee-eater Please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/photo15453984.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39081983.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6834654815d3078eb844f2.jpgLake Srebarna, Silistra Province, Bulgaria Lake Srebarna is a freshwater lake periodically flooded by the River Danube just over 1 mile to the north. It is located in north east Bulgaria near the village of the same name and 11 miles west of Silistra. Lake Srebarna is a remnant of the once numerous lakes that lined the River Danube’s route to the Black Sea. The lake has large reedbeds and there is adjacent steppe, vineyards and agricultural land. A belt of woodland separates it from the River Danube. Lake Srebarna was the first wetland in Bulgaria to receive legal protection status and also the first to achieve international recognition. The lake was designated as a nature reserve in 1948 to protect the biodiversity that it hosts. In 1985 it was included on the UNESCO World Heritage List of Natural Properties. Lake Srebarna is also protected as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention and as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. In 1989 the lake was designated as an lmportant Bird Area by BirdLife International. It is also recognised and protected at the European level and included in 2 Natura 2000 sites: the Srebarna Special Protection Area and Ludogorie-Srebarna Special Area of Conservation. The nature reserve includes 3.7 square miles of protected area and a buffer zone of 3.4 square miles. It comprises Lake Srebarna itself, which has a fluctuating water level dependent on the River Danube, plus the former agricultural lands north of the lake, a belt of woodland along the River Danube, the island of Komluka and the aquatic area locked between the island and the riverbank. The reserve is an important wetland on the Via Pontica bird migration flyway. The basis for the nature reserve’s international significance is that it is an important breeding, migration and wintering site for a large number of birds. Floating reedbed islands and flooded willow woodlands provide important bird breeding areas. At the northern end, the reedbeds gradually give way to wet meadows. At the north west end of Lake Srebarna and along the River Danube, there are belts of riverine forest. The nature reserve holds populations of birds that are considered critical to species survival. It hosts the only colony of Dalmatian Pelican in Bulgaria as well as the largest breeding populations of 4 more globally threatened species: Pygmy Cormorant, Ferruginous Duck, White-tailed Eagle and Corncrake. The nature reserve is also of European value and importance in supporting Little Bittern, Night Heron, Squacco Heron, Purple Heron, Little Egret, Great White Egret, Glossy lbis, Spoonbill and Ruddy Shelduck. Globally threatened Pygmy Cormorant and Red-breasted Goose also winter on the nature reserve. In total, the nature reserve supports over 200 bird species, 41 mammal species, 21 reptile and amphibian species and 10 fish species. Date: 17th May 2018 Location: view from the visitor centre, Srebarna, Silistra Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo445709.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11519306634681c77d6572c.jpgQuinag, Assynt, Highland Height: Sail Gharbh 2650 feet, Sail Gorm 2545 feet and Spidean Coinich 2507 feet. Quinag is a "Y" shaped mountain mass that fills the area north of Loch Assynt and south of Loch a Chairn Bhain at Kylesku. This photograph is of Spidean Coinich. Date: June 1998 Location: view from Loch Assynt at Inchnadamph http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo441583.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1780642470467eeb24bba33.jpgDate: 21st May 2005 Location: Bay of Ireland, Mainland, Orkney http://www.richardchewphotography.com/western-rhodopes-mountains-smoylan-province https://images.on-this.website/4752_1390177055d308206503e2.jpgWestern Rhodopes Mountains, Smoylan Province, Bulgaria The Rhodopes Mountains are a mountain range in south east Europe. They are spread over 5689 square miles of which 4723 square miles are located in south Bulgaria and the remainder in north Greece. The Rhodopes Mountains are about 149 miles long and about 62 to 75 miles wide with an average altitude of 2575 feet. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 7188 feet and is situated 12 miles to the west of Smolyan. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rhodopes Mountains gives its name to the terrestrial eco-region Rodope montane mixed forests that belong in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The area is particularly notable for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans plus its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms such as the Trigrad Gorge. The Rhodopes Mountains can be sub-divided in to 3 sections: The Western Rhodopes are spread over 66% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and they are higher, the most infrastructurally developed and the most visited part of the mountains. The highest and best known peaks are located in this section with more than 10 over 6562 feet high including the highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7188 feet). Some of the deepest river gorges in the Rhodopes Mountains are located in the west as well as several large lakes. The Eastern Rhodopes are spread over a territory of about 34% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and are much lower in height. The large artificial dams of Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets are located in this part of the mountains. Almost every species of European bird of prey nests in the Eastern Rhodopes including the rare Black Vulture and Egyptian Vulture. The Southern Rhodopes are the part of the mountain range that is located in Greece and they are characterized by numerous peaks of relatively low altitude. The River Buynovska is situated in the western Rhodopes Mountains and it is one of the source rivers of the River Vacha, the second largest river that has its source in the Rhodopes Mountains after the River Arda. The river has formed the Buynovo Gorge, the longest gorge in Bulgaria, located between the villages of Yagodina and Teshel. Formed by erosion as the River Buynovo flows through layers of marble rock, the gorge has developed in to an impressive natural phenomenon. The cliffs on both sides of the gorge rise hundreds of feet and can be visited on foot or by car on an extremely narrow single track road which winds along the base of the cliffs with sheer drops and hairpin turns. The narrowest point of the gorge is called Vuclhi Skok (“The Wolf’s Leap”). Folklore says that during winter wolves would leap the chasm to attack the sheepfolds. While this is only a legend, it is plain to see that the gorge is so narrow at this point that the cliffs practically touch each other at height of just 10 to 13 feet above the road. The beauty of the Buynovo Gorge can be appreciated from “a bird’s-eye view” from “The Eagle’s Eye”, a metal platform built on the precipitous cliff face of the Saint Iliya Peak at a height of 5128 feet. This provides impressive views of the entire surrounding area and, during good weather, the entire Rhodopes Mountains and even parts of north Greece are visible. Several hiking trails have been created in the area and the Buynovo Gorge was designated as a nature reserve in 1971. It is now one of Bulgaria’s top 100 tourist destinations. The limestone sediment has been eroded throughout the entire area and in the vicinity of the village Yagodina alone there are 36 caves, the most famous of which is the Yagodina Cave itself, a multi-level complex of primarily marble. This is the 4th longest cave in Bulgaria and the longest cave in the Rhodopes Mountains at around 5 miles, of which just under 1 mile is open to tourists. Date: 28th May 2018 Location: Teshel to Yagodina, Western Rhodopes Mountains, Smolyan Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51984204.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_143025091366d34b8b4a76a.jpgEdible Frog The Edible Frog is a species of frog found across Europe that is also known as the Common Water Frog and the Green Frog. The Edible Frog is one of the few animals in the world that is a fertile hybrid of 2 different species, as although similar but genetically different species are known to mate, it is very rare that their offspring will be able to breed. The Edible Frog is a fertile hybrid of 2 other European frogs, namely the Pool Frog and the Marsh Frog, that inter-bred when populations where isolated close to one another during the Ice Age. It was first described in 1758 and is known as the Edible Frog due to the fact that it is now seen as a culinary delicacy across Europe but especially in France where frog’s legs are often served as a national dish. The reason for humans favouring this frog over others is not really known but it may have something to do with their abundance. The Edible Frog is a medium sized frog growing to around 3.5 to 4.5 inches in length. Adults are mainly green in colour with light patches of brown on their backs, yellow eyes and a white underside covered in a few dark spots. There are number of distinct differences between males and females including the fact that males become much lighter and greener during the mating season. Males also have vocal sacs on the outside of their cheeks and extra skin patches on their feet, both of which are primarily used for mating. The Edible Frog is endemic to Europe and it naturally occurs across central Europe as far north as Germany and Estonia. Southern populations are found from Croatia, through northern Italy and into the south of France. There are also isolated populations in Sweden and Bulgaria which are thought to have migrated from the countries nearby. It has also been introduced to the UK. The Edible Frog spends all of its time either in or very close to water and it is most commonly found in calmer parts of rivers and streams where there is a slow but constant flow of fresh water. It tends to prefer more open areas and can also be commonly found around lakes, ponds and marshes. Unlike many other species of frog, the Edible Frog is a diurnal animal and is therefore most active during the day. This is when it is most likely to move away from the water so that it can find a better supply of food or move to a different part of the water if it needs to. The Edible Frog is a relatively solitary animal so there is less competition for food but males are often seen sitting together in groups during the breeding season when they are trying to out-compete each other to find a mate. The breeding season for the Edible Frog begins during March and generally lasts for around 2 months. Males sing by drawing air in and out of their vocal sacs to produce the highest-pitched sound possible since females are most attracted to the loudest males. After courting her in a lake, pond or swamp, the male lets the female lay up to 10,000 eggs in a sticky mass into the water before he fertilises them. Tadpoles can be as small as 0.2 inches long when they hatch and are a grey/brown colour. They then grow up to 2 to 3 inches in length before metamorphoses occurs and they leave the water as 0.75 inches long young frogs. The Edible Frog reaches sexual maturity at the age of 2 years and can live until it is 15 years old. The Edible Frog is a carnivorous amphibian but the tadpoles mainly eat vegetation although they are known to occasionally supplement their diet with aquatic micro-organisms. Adults eat small invertebrates such as insects, spiders and flies, which make up the majority of their diet, along with larger aquatic animals like fish, newts and other frogs. The Edible Frog hunts for food during the day and can be seen catching food both in water and on land. The Edible Frog remains very still when it is sitting on the banks of its water habitat and this, along with its camouflage, makes it very difficult for predators to spot. Its eyes are positioned near the top of the head meaning that it can also see danger coming whilst the body is mainly hidden. Snakes, owls and water birds are the main predators of the Edible Frog. The Edible Frog will jump into the water and hide if it senses approaching danger and it will make a loud screeching sound if caught. Edible Frog populations are under threat from habitat destruction mainly caused by deforestation and water pollution. Date: 30th July 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo10926794.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6487077984e0974c57e329.jpgRed Squirrel The Red Squirrel or Eurasian Red Squirrel is a species of tree squirrel in the genus [i]Sciurus[/i]. It is an arboreal and primarily herbivorous rodent. The Red Squirrel has a typical head and body length of 7.5 to 9 inches, a tail length of 6 to 8 inches and a weight of 9 to 12 ounces. Males and females are the same size. The Red Squirrel is smaller and lighter in weight than the Grey Squirrel The coat of the Red Squirrel varies in colour with the time of year and its location and there are several different coat colour morphs ranging from black to red. Red coats are most common in the UK but in other parts of Europe and Asia different coat colours co-exist within populations. The underside of the Red Squirrel is always creamy-white in colour. The Red Squirrel sheds its coat twice a year, switching from a thinner summer coat to a thicker, darker winter coat with noticeably larger ear-tufts (a prominent distinguishing feature of this species) between August and November. A lighter, redder overall coat colour, along with the ear-tufts (in adults) and smaller size, distinguish the Red Squirrel from the Grey Squirrel. The long tail helps the Red Squirrel to balance and steer when jumping from tree to tree and running along branches and it may also keep it warm during sleep. The Red Squirrel, like most tree squirrels, has sharp and curved claws to enable it to climb and descend broad tree trunks, thin branches and even house walls and its strong hind legs enable it to leap gaps between trees. The Red Squirrel can be found in the boreal coniferous woods in north Europe and Siberia where it prefers Scots Pine, Norway Spruce and Siberian Pine. In west and south Europe it can be found in broad-leaved woods where the mixture of tree and shrub species provides a better year round source of food. In most of the UK and in Italy, broad-leaved woodlands are now less suitable for it due to the better competitive feeding strategy of the introduced Grey Squirrel. The Red Squirrel makes a drey (nest) out of twigs in a branch-fork, forming a domed structure about 9 to 12 inches in diameter. This is lined with moss, leaves, grass and bark. Tree hollows and woodpecker holes are also used. The Red Squirrel is generally a solitary animal and is shy and reluctant to share food with others. However, outside the breeding season and particularly in winter, several Red Squirrels may share a drey to keep warm. Social organisation is based on dominance hierarchies within and between sexes. Although males are not necessarily dominant towards females, the dominant animals tend to be larger and older than subordinate animals and dominant males tend to have larger home ranges than subordinate males or females. Mating can occur in late winter during February and March and in summer between June and July. During mating, males detect females that are in oestrus by an odour that they produce and, although there is no courtship, the male will chase the female for up to an hour prior to mating. Usually multiple males will chase a single female until the dominant male, usually the largest in the group, mates with the female. Males and females will mate multiple times with many partners. Females must reach a minimum body mass before they enter oestrus and heavy females on average produce more young. If food is scarce breeding may be delayed. Typically a female will produce her first litter in her second year. Up to 2 litters a year per female are possible. Each litter averages 3 young and these are known as kits. Gestation is about 38 to 39 days and the young are looked after by the mother alone and are born helpless, blind and deaf. Their body is covered by hair at 21 days, their eyes and ears open after 3 to 4 weeks and they develop all their teeth by 42 days. Juveniles can eat solids around 40 days following birth and from that point they can leave the nest on their own to find food. However, they still suckle from their mother until weaning occurs at 8 to 10 weeks. The Red Squirrel eats mostly the seeds of trees, fungi, nuts (especially hazelnuts but also beech and chestnuts), berries and young shoots. More rarely, it may also eat bird eggs or nestlings and may occasionally exhibit opportunistic omnivory similar to other rodents. Excess food is put into caches, either buried or in nooks or holes in trees, and eaten when food is scarce. Although the Red Squirrel remembers where it created caches at a better than chance level, its spatial memory is believed to be substantially less accurate and durable than that of the Grey Squirrel. Therefore it will often have to search for them when in need and many caches are never found again. Between 60% and 80% of the active time of a Red Squirrel may be spent foraging and feeding. The active period is generally in the morning and in the late afternoon and evening. It often rests in its nest in the middle of the day to avoid the heat and the high visibility to birds of prey that are dangers during these hours. During the winter, this midday rest is often much more brief or absent entirely although harsh weather may cause it to stay in its nest for days at a time. No territories are claimed between Red Squirrels and the feeding areas of individuals overlap considerably. A Red Squirrel that survives its first winter has a life expectancy of 3 years. Individuals may reach 7 years of age and 10 years in captivity. Survival is positively related to the availability of autumn and winter tree seeds. On average, 75 to 85% of juveniles die during their first winter and mortality is approximately 50% for winters following the first. Predators include small mammals such as the Pine Marten, the Wildcat and the Stoat which all prey on juveniles. Birds, including owls and raptors such as the Goshawk and Common Buzzard, may also prey on the Red Squirrel as will the Red Fox and domestic cats and dogs when it is on the ground. Humans influence the population size and mortality of the Red Squirrel by destroying or altering habitats, by causing road casualties and by introducing non-native populations of the Grey Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel and the Red Squirrel are not directly antagonistic and violent conflict between these species is not a factor in the decline in Red Squirrel populations. However, the Grey Squirrel appears to contribute to the decrease in the Red Squirrel population for several reasons: it carries a disease, the squirrel parapoxvirus, that does not appear to affect its own health but will often kill the Red Squirrel, it can better digest acorns whilst the Red Squirrel cannot access the proteins and fats in acorns as easily and it can put the Red Squirrel under pressure for food resources resulting in it not breeding as often. In the UK, due to the above circumstances, the population has today fallen to 160,000 Red Squirrels or fewer with the majority of these in Scotland. Outside the UK and Ireland, the impact of competition from the Grey Squirrel has also been observed in Italy where 2 pairs escaped from captivity in 1948. A significant drop in the Red Squirrel population has been observed since 1970 and it is feared that the Grey Squirrel may expand into the rest of Europe. The Red Squirrel is protected in most of Europe although in some areas it is abundant and is hunted for its fur. In the UK there are several active projects to protect the Red Squirrel and its native woodland habitat, introduce or re-introduce it in to areas where it is absent and eradicate and prevent the spread of the Grey Squirrel. Research undertaken in 2007 in the UK credits the Pine Marten with reducing the population of the invasive Grey Squirrel. Where the range of the expanding Pine Marten population meets that of the Grey Squirrel, the population of the latter retreats. It is theorised that, because the Grey Squirrel spends more time on the ground than the Red Squirrel, it is far more likely to come in contact with the Pine Marten. Date: 10th June 2011 Location: Abernethy Forest, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/december-2007-atlantic-grey-seal https://images.on-this.website/4752_842793944a4a58d5a7d6b.jpgDecember 2007 - Atlantic Grey Seal Please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/photo12744822.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813385.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7093304245d0dde92860f1.jpgRazorbills The Razorbill is a seabird and a member of the auk family which also includes the Common Guillemot, Brunnich's Guillemot and Little Auk. It is also the closest living relative to the Great Auk which is now extinct. The Razorbill has white underparts and a black head, neck, back and feet during the breeding season. A thin white line also extends from the eyes to the end of the bill. Its head is darker than that of the CommonGuillemot. Outside the breeding season, the throat and face behind the eye become white and the white line on the face becomes less prominent. The thick black bill has a blunt end. The adult male and female female are very much alike having only small differences such as wing length. The Razorbill has a horizontal stance and the tail feathers are slightly longer in the centre in comparison to other auks making it have a distinctly long tail which is not common for an auk. The Razorbill is distributed across the sub-arctic and boreal waters of the north Atlantic where water surface temperature are typically below 15°c. The world population is estimated to be less than 1 million breeding pairs, making it among the rarest auks in the world. Approximately 60 to 70% of the entire Razorbill population breeds in Iceland., including over 200,000 pairs at Látrabjarg. The breeding habitat is islands, rocky shores and cliffs on north Atlantic coasts, in eastern North America as far south as Maine and in western Europe from north west Russia to northern France. Eurasian birds winter at sea with some moving south as far as the western Mediterranean. North American birds migrate offshore and south. The Razorbill is a colonial breeder and only comes to land to breed. Individuals only breed at 3 to 5 years of age. Females select their mate and will often encourage competition between males before choosing a partner. Once a male is chosen, the pair will usually stay together for life. Nest site determination is very important to ensure protection of young from predators. Unlike Common Guillemots, nest sites are not immediately alongside the sea on open cliff ledges but at least 4 to 6 inches away in crevices on cliffs or among boulders. Generally a nest is not built although some pairs often use their bills to drag material upon which to lay their single egg. The mating pair will often reuse the same site every year. The Razorbill feeds mainly on schooling fish and crustaceans and it will dive deep into the sea using its wings and its streamlined body to propel itself toward their prey. Whilst diving, it rarely stays in groups but instead spreads out to feed. The majority of feeding occurs at a depth of about 80 feet but it has the ability to dive up to 400 feet below the surface. During a single dive the Razorbill can capture and swallow many schooling fish depending on their size. The Razorbill spends approximately 45% of its time foraging at sea and it may well fly more than 60 miles out to sea to feed. However, when feeding chicks it will forage much closer to the nesting grounds and often in shallower water. The Razorbill and its eggs and chicks have several predators which include Great Black-backed Gulls, Peregrines, Ravens and other crows, Arctic Foxes and Polar Bears. In the early 20th century, Razorbills were harvested for their eggs, meat and feathers and this greatly decreased their population. In 1917 they were finally protected which reduced hunting. Other current threats include oil pollution, unintentional bycatch arising from commercial fishing and overfishing which decreases the abundance of prey. Date: 10th June 2019 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072384.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1735113964bf6e1a62405c.jpgSandfjord, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway Date: 14th April 2010 Location: view from road 890 between Kongsfjord and Berlevåg, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/glencoe-to-rannoch-moor-argyll https://images.on-this.website/4752_162776847552908d4f9015f.jpgDate: 28th October 2013 Location: view from the A82 between Glencoe and Rannoch Moor, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39081974.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14565652485d3078d2e8021.jpgDalmatian Pelican The Dalmatian Pelican is by a slight margin the largest of the pelican species and one of the largest living bird species. It measures 5 feet 3 inches to 6 feet in length with a wingspan of 9 feet 6 inches to 11 feet 4 inches. Its median weight is around 25 pounds which makes it perhaps the world's heaviest flying bird species, although the largest individuals among some male bustard and swan species may be heavier than the largest individual Dalmatian Pelican. The somewhat similar-looking White Pelican broadly overlaps in size but has greater size sexual dimorphism. Female White Pelicans can be noticeably smaller than female Dalmatian Pelicans but male individuals of the two species are essentially the same size and weight. The Dalmatian Pelican differs from the White Pelican in that it has curly nape feathers, grey legs and silvery-white (rather than pure white) plumage. In winter, the adult Dalmatian Pelican goes from silvery-grey to a dingier brownish-grey cream colour. Immature birds are grey and lack the pink facial patch of immature White Pelicans. The bare skin around the eye can vary from yellow to purplish in colour. In the breeding season the Dalmatian Pelican has an orange-red lower mandible and pouch against a yellow upper mandible but in winter the whole bill is a somewhat dull yellow. The bill, at 14 to 18 inches long, is the second largest of any bird after the Australian Pelican. In flight, the Dalmatian Pelican is an elegant soaring bird, with the head held close to and aligned with the body by a downward bend in the neck. Unlike other pelicans, its wings are solid greyish-white with black tips. The Dalmatian Pelican can be found in lakes, rivers, deltas and estuaries from south east Europe to India and China. Compared to the White Pelican, the Dalmatian Pelican is not as tied to lowland areas and will nest in suitable wetlands at many elevations. It is less opportunistic in breeding habitat selection than the White Pelican, usually returning to a traditional breeding site year after year unless it becomes completely unsuitable. The Dalmatian Pelican usually migrates short distances. It is dispersive in Europe, based on feeding opportunities, with most western birds staying through the winter in the Mediterranean region. It is more actively migratory in Asia, where most of the birds that breed in Russia fly down for the winter to the central Middle East, largely around Iran through to the Indian Subcontinent from Nepal to central India. The Dalmatian Pelican has declined greatly throughout its range, more so than the White Pelican. During the 20th century, the species' numbers underwent a dramatic decline for reasons that are not entirely understood. The most likely reason was habitat loss due to human activities such as the drainage of wetlands and land development. Colonies are regularly disturbed by human activity, and, like all pelicans, the parents may temporarily leave their nest if threatened which then exposes the chicks to the risk of predation. Occasionally, Dalmatian Pelicans may be shot by fishermen who believe the birds are dangerously depleting the fish population and hence threatening their livelihood. Dalmatian Pelicans also regularly fly into power-lines and are killed by electrocution. The largest single remaining colony of Dalmatian Pelicans in Europe is at the Prespa lakes shared between Albania and Greece with around 1400 pairs. Approximately 450 pairs breed in the Danube Delta in Romania. The country with the largest breeding population today, including about 70% of pairs or possibly over 3,000 pairs, is Russia. Conservation efforts have been undertaken on behalf of the Dalmatian Pelican especially in Europe. Although they normally nest on the ground, Dalmatian Pelicans have nested on platforms put out in Turkey, Greece, Bulgaria and Romania in order to encourage them to breed. Rafts over water have also been set up for the species to use in Greece and Bulgaria. Power-lines have also been marked or dismantled in areas adjacent to colonies in these countries. Additionally, water-level management and educational programs may be aiding them at a local level. The Dalmatian Pelican feeds almost entirely on fish. It usually forages alone or in groups of only 2 or 3 birds. It normally swims along, placidly and slowly, until it quickly dunks its head underwater and scoops the fish out along with great masses of water. The water is dumped out of the sides of the pouch and the fish is swallowed. Occasionally it may feed cooperatively with other pelicans by corralling fish into shallow waters and may even co-operate similarly while fishing alongside Cormorants. Among a highly social family in general, the Dalmatian Pelican may have the least social inclinations. It naturally nests in relatively small groups compared to most other pelican species and sometimes may even nest alone. However, small colonies are usually formed, which regularly include upwards of 250 pairs. Occasionally, Dalmatian Pelicans may mix in with colonies of White Pelicans. Nesting sites selected are usually either islands in large bodies of water (typically lagoons or river deltas) or dense mats of aquatic vegetation. The nest is a moderately-sized pile of grass, reeds, sticks and feathers and is usually located on or near the ground, often being placed on dense floating vegetation. Breeding commences in March or April, about a month before the White Pelican breeds. Date: 17th May 2018 Location: Lake Srebarna, Silistra Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18198862.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_44956360751ac5ce8d1046.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 12th May 2013 Location: Ynys-hir RSPB reserve, Ceredigion http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11349488.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1957475714e1eef5e0e65a.jpgRazorbills The Razorbill is a medium-sized seabird and breeds around the coast of the UK with the largest colonies in northern Scotland. They breed on rocky cliffs and among boulder scree close to the sea. Birds only come to shore to breed from March to July and they winter in the northern Atlantic. Date: 08/05/06 Location: Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/july-2015-razorbills https://images.on-this.website/4752_88684366156769561c9fb1.jpgJuly 2015 - Razorbills Please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/photo24902658.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12076144.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4799608934e48d04428890.jpgOtter The Eurasian Otter, also known as the European Otter, Eurasian River Otter, Common Otter and Old World Otter and commonly known as the Otter, is a semi-aquatic mammal and the most widely distributed member of the Otter sub-family of the Weasel family (Mustelidae). The Otter is a typical species of the Otter sub-family and is brown above and cream below. It is 22.5 to 37.5 inches long excluding a tail of 14 to 17.5 inches. The female is shorter than the male. The Otter's average body weight is 15 to 26 pounds, although occasionally a large old male may reach up to 37 pounds. The Otter differs from the North American River Otter by its shorter neck, broader face, the greater space between the ears and its longer tail. However, it is the only Otter species in much of its range so it is rarely confused for any other animal. The Otter is the most widely distributed Otter species and its range including parts of Asia and Africa as well as being widespread across Europe. The Otter can be found throughout most of the UK with the highest densities in Scotland, especially the islands and the north west coast, Wales, parts of East Anglia and the West Country. The Otter declined across its range in the second half of the 20th century primarily due to pollution, habitat loss and hunting. However, populations are now recovering in many parts of Europe. In the UK the number of sites with an Otter presence increased by 55% between 1994 and 2002. In August 2011, the Environment Agency announced that the Otter had returned to every county in England since vanishing from every county except the West Country and parts of Northern England. The recovery of the Otter population in Europe is due to a ban on the most harmful pesticides that has been in place since 1979, improvements in water quality leading to increases in prey populations and direct legal protection under the European Union Habitats Directive and national legislation in several European countries. In general, the Otter’s varied and adaptable diet means that it can be found on any unpolluted body of fresh water, including lakes, streams, rivers and ponds, as long as the food supply is adequate. It can also be found along the coast in salt water but it requires regular access to fresh water to clean its fur. When living in the sea it is sometimes referred to as a "Sea Otter" but it should not be confused with the true Sea Otter which is a North American species much more strongly adapted to a marine existence. The Otter's diet mainly consists of fish. However, during the winter and in colder environments, fish consumption is significantly lower and other sources of food are eaten including amphibians, crustaceans, insects, birds and small mammals. Hunting mainly takes place at night whilst the day is usually spent in the Otter's holt (den). The Otter is strongly territorial and is primarily solitary. An individual's territory may vary between 1 and 25 miles with the length of the territory depending on the density of food available and the width of the water suitable for hunting (it is shorter on coasts, where the available width is much wider and longer on narrower rivers). The Otter uses its spraints to mark its territory. Territories are only held against members of the same sex so those of males and females may overlap. The Otter is a non-seasonal breeder and males and females will breed at any time of the year. It has been found that their mating season is most likely determined simply by the Otters' reproductive maturity and physiological state. Female Otters are sexually mature between 18 and 24 months old and the average age of first breeding is found to be 2.5 years old. Gestation is 60 to 64 days and after the gestation period, 1 to 4 pups are born which remain dependent on the mother for about 13 months. The male plays no direct role in parental care although the territory of a female with her pups is usually entirely within that of the male. Date: 6th November 2008 Location: Loch Scridain, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo748151.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12578597954749cbe0d46b3.jpgDate: 5th November 2007 Location: Loch Gruinart, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41389653.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14703525915f269442a4a08.jpgEiders The Eider is a large sea duck that is distributed over the northern coasts of Europe, north America and eastern Siberia. It breeds in the Arctic and some northern temperate regions but winters somewhat further south in temperate zones when it can form large flocks on coastal waters. The Eider is both the largest of the 4 eider species and the largest duck found in Europe and in north America (except for the Muscovy duck which only reaches north America in a wild state in southernmost Texas and south Florida). The Eider is characterized by its bulky shape and large, wedge-shaped bill. The male is unmistakable with its black and white plumage and green nape. The female is a brown bird but can still be readily distinguished from all ducks, except other eider species, on the basis of size and head shape. The drake's display call is a strange almost human-like "ah-ooo" while the duck utters hoarse quacks. The Eider dives for crustaceans and molluscs, with mussels being a favoured food. The Eider will eat mussels by swallowing them whole. The shells are then crushed in their gizzard and excreted. When eating a crab, the Eider will remove all of its claws and legs and then eat the body in a similar fashion. The Eider is abundant with populations of about 1.5 to 2 million birds in both Europe and north America and also large but unknown numbers in eastern Siberia. The Eider is a colonial breeder nesting on coastal islands in colonies ranging in size of less than 100 to upwards of 10,000 to 15,000 individuals. Female Eiders frequently exhibit a high degree of natal philopatry where they return to breed on the same island where they were hatched. This can lead to a high degree of relatedness between individuals nesting on the same island as well as the development of kin-based female social structures. This relatedness has likely played a role in the evolution of co-operative breeding behaviours amongst Eiders. Examples of these behaviours include laying eggs in the nests of related individuals and crèching where female Eiders team up and share the work of rearing ducklings. The Eider's nest is built close to the sea and is lined with the celebrated eiderdown plucked from the female's breast. This soft and warm lining has long been harvested for filling pillows and quilts but in more recent years has been largely replaced by down from domestic farm geese and synthetic alternatives. Although eiderdown pillows or quilts are now a rarity, eiderdown harvesting continues and is sustainable as it can be done after the ducklings leave the nest with no harm to the birds. Date: 1st July 2019 Location: Munkefjord, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/july-2020-gatekeeper https://images.on-this.website/4752_3819821455f8d68df40762.jpgJuly 2020 - Gatekeeper Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41392941.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072385.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_542548584bf6e1b2ece11.jpgSandfjord, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway Date: 14th April 2010 Location: view from road 890 between Kongsfjord and Berlevåg, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/barnacle-goose-13 https://images.on-this.website/4752_1426113214513328ee9615b.jpgBarnacle Goose The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 15th January 2013 Location: Mersehead RSPB reserve, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo445683.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4978212404681c7434d5c4.jpgQuinag, Assynt, Highland Height: Sail Gharbh 2650 feet, Sail Ghorm 2545 feet and Spidean Coinich 2507 feet. Quinag is a "Y" shaped mountain mass that fills the area north of Loch Assynt and south of Loch a Chairn Bhain at Kylesku. Date: June 1999 Location: view from the B869 road between Kylesku and Drumbeg http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801035.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_57636491064ed9bebb644e.jpgRed Admiral Flight period: April to November. The Red Admiral is a familiar and widespread butterfly in the UK although numbers depend on immigration from Europe. It can be found in any flower-rich habitat. Date: 7th July 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874875.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_402275196561cd129a7249.jpgArctic Fox The Arctic Fox, also known as the White Fox, Polar Fox or Snow Fox, is a true fox belonging to the genus Vulpes. A number of subspecies are recognised including the Iceland Arctic Fox. The Arctic Fox is a small fox. The average body length of the male is 22 inches with a range of 18 to 27 inches. The average body length of the female is 20 inches with a range of 16 to 22 inches. In some regions, no difference in size is seen between males and females. The tail is about 12 inches long in both sexes and the height at the shoulder is 10 to 12 inches. On average males weigh 7.7 pounds while females average 6.4 pounds. The Arctic Fox has a deep thick fur which is white in winter and generally brown-grey in summer. It has a beautiful white (sometimes blue-grey) coat that acts as very effective winter camouflage allowing it to blend into the tundra's ubiquitous snow and ice. When the seasons change, the coat adopts a brown-grey appearance that provides cover among the summer tundra's rocks and plants. The Arctic Fox lives in some of the coldest extremes on the planet and amongst its adaptations for survival in the cold is its dense, multilayered pelage providing excellent insulation and a good supply of body fat. The fur is considered to provide the best insulation of any mammal. It also has a low surface area to volume ratio, as evidenced by its generally compact body shape, short muzzle and legs and short, thick ears. Since less of its surface area is exposed to the cold, less heat escapes from its body. Its paws have fur on the soles for additional insulation and to help it walk on ice. The Arctic Fox has a circumpolar distribution and occurs in Arctic tundra habitats in northern Europe, northern Asia and north America. Its range includes Greenland, Iceland, Fennoscandia, Svalbard, Jan Mayen and other islands in the Barents Sea, northern Russia, islands in the Bering Sea, Alaska and Canada as far south as Hudson Bay. It mostly inhabits tundra and pack ice but it is also present in boreal forests in Canada and Alaska. It is found at elevations up to 9,800 feet above sea level and it has been seen on sea ice close to the North Pole. The range of the Arctic Fox during the last Ice Age was much more extensive than it is now and fossil remains have been found over much of northern Europe and Siberia. The Arctic Fox is the only land mammal native to Iceland when it arrived on the isolated north Atlantic island at the end of the last Ice Age walking over the frozen sea. The excellent [url=http://www.arcticfoxcenter.com/]Arctic Fox Centre[/url] in Súðavík in the Westfjords region of Iceland contains an exhibition on the ecology and conservation of the Arctic Fox. The Arctic Fox does not hibernate and it is active all year round. It builds up its fat reserves in the autumn and sometimes increases its body weight by more than 50%. This provides greater insulation during the winter and a source of energy when food is scarce. It lives in large dens in frost-free and slightly raised ground. These are complex systems of tunnels which have multiple entrances and may have been in existence for many decades and used by many generations of foxes. The Arctic Fox generally eats any small animal that it can find, including lemmings, voles, other rodents, hares, birds, eggs, fish and carrion. It also scavenges on carcasses left by larger predators such as Wolves and Polar Bears. In areas where they are present, lemmings are the most common prey. On the coast of Iceland and other islands, the diet consists predominantly of birds and their eggs. The Arctic Fox also consumes berries and seaweed so it may be considered an omnivore. When food is over-abundant, the Arctic Fox buries the surplus as a reserve. The abundance of the Arctic Fox itself tends to fluctuate in a cycle along with the population of lemmings and voles (a 3 to 4 year cycle). The populations are especially vulnerable during the years when the prey population crashes. Arctic Foxes tend to form monogamous pairs in the breeding season and maintain a territory around the den. Breeding usually takes place in April and May and the gestation period is about 52 days. Litters tend to average 5 to 8 cubs but very exceptionally they contain as many as 25. Both the mother and father help to raise the cubs which emerge from the den when 3 to 4 weeks old and are weaned by 9 weeks of age. The conservation status of the Arctic Fox is generally good and the IUCN has assessed it as being of "least concern". The world population is thus not endangered but 2 Arctic Fox subpopulations are. One is on Medny Island (Commander Islands, Russia) and the other is in Fennoscandia (Norway, Sweden, Finland and the Kola Peninsula). The latter is acutely endangered despite being legally protected from hunting and persecution for several decades. The estimate of the adult population in all of Norway, Sweden, and Finland is fewer than 200 individuals. The Arctic Fox is losing ground to the larger Red Fox. This has been attributed to climate change since the camouflage value of the Arctic Fox's lighter coat decreases with less snow cover. The Red Fox dominates where their ranges begin to overlap and it is known to kill Arctic Foxes and their cubs. An alternate explanation of the Red Fox's gains involves the Wolf. Historically, the Wolf has kept Red Fox numbers down but as the Wolf has been hunted to near extinction in much of its former range, the Red Fox population has grown larger and it has taken over the niche of top predator. Date: 6th June 2015 Location: Kjálkafjörður area, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49797841.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_46682530564eca75b0f0aa.jpgGatekeeper Flight period: mid-July to early September. The Gatekeeper or Hedge Brown is common and widespread throughout the southern half of the UK. They can be found in areas with hedgerows or in scrubby woodland with wide and sunny rides. Date: 3rd July 2023 Location: Broadcroft Quarry, Isle of Portland, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/ruff https://images.on-this.website/4752_10233515204db7ec5975844.jpgRuff The Ruff is a medium-sized wading bird in the sandpiper family, [i]Scolopacidae[/i]. The original English name for this bird, dating back to at least 1465, is the [i]ree[/i], perhaps derived from a dialectical term meaning "frenzied". A later name [I]reeve[/I], which is still used for the female, is of unknown origin but may be derived from the shire-reeve, a feudal officer, likening the male's flamboyant plumage to the official's robes. The current name was first recorded in 1634 and is derived from the ruff, an exaggerated collar fashionable from the mid-16th century to the mid-17th century, since the male bird's neck ornamental feathers resemble the neck wear. The Ruff has a distinctive appearance with a small head, medium-length bill, longish neck and pot-bellied body. It has long legs that are variable in colour but usually yellow or orange. In flight, it has a deeper, slower wing stroke than other waders of a similar size and it displays a thin, indistinct white bar on the wing and white ovals on the sides of the tail. The Ruff shows very distinctive sexual dimorphism. Although a small percentage of males resemble females, the typical male is much larger than the female and has an elaborate breeding plumage. The male is 11 to 13 inches in length with a 21 to 24 inches wingspan. During the May to June breeding season, the typical male's legs, bill and warty bare facial skin are orange and he has distinctive head tufts and a neck ruff. These ornaments vary on individual birds and are black, chestnut or white with the colouring solid, barred or irregular. The grey-brown back has a scale-like pattern, often with black or chestnut feathers, and the underparts are white with extensive black on the breast. The extreme variability of the main breeding plumage is thought to have developed to aid individual recognition in a species that has communal breeding displays but is usually mute. Outside the breeding season, the typical male's head and neck decorations and the bare facial skin are lost and the legs and bill become duller. The upperparts are grey-brown and the underparts are white with grey mottling on the breast and flanks. The female, or "reeve", is 9 to 10 inches in length with a 18 to 19 inches wingspan. In the breeding plumage, the female has grey-brown upperparts with white-fringed, dark-centred feathers. The breast and flanks are variably blotched with black. In winter, her plumage is similar to that of the male but the sexes are distinguishable on size. The plumage of the juvenile Ruff resembles the non-breeding adult but has upperparts with a neat, scale-like pattern with dark feather centres and a strong buff tinge to the underparts. The Ruff is a migratory species, breeding in wetlands in the colder regions of northern Eurasia and wintering in the tropics, mainly in Africa. There is a limited overlap of the summer and winter ranges in the UK and parts of coastal western Europe and birds may be present throughout the year. The Ruff breeds in Europe and Asia from Scandinavia and the UK almost to the Pacific. In Europe, it is found in cool temperate areas but over its Russian range it is an Arctic species and occurs mainly north of about 65°N. The largest numbers breed in Russia, Sweden, Finland and Norway. Although it also breeds from the UK east through the Low Countries to Poland, Germany and Denmark, the populations are much lower in these more southerly areas. The Ruff is highly gregarious on migration and it travels in large flocks that can contain hundreds or thousands of individuals. Huge dense groups form on the wintering grounds. The males, which play no part in nesting or chick care, leave the breeding grounds in late June or early July followed later in July by the females and juveniles. Males typically make shorter flights and winter further north than females. Many migratory species use this differential wintering strategy since it reduces feeding competition between the sexes and enables territorial males to reach the breeding grounds as early as possible thereby improving their chances of successful mating. Males may also be able to tolerate colder winter conditions because they are larger than females. The Ruff breeds in extensive lowland freshwater marshes and damp grasslands. It avoids barren tundra and areas badly affected by severe weather, preferring hummocky marshes and deltas with shallow water. The wetter areas provide a source of food, the mounds and slopes may be used for leks and dry areas with sedge or low scrub offer nesting sites. When it is not breeding, it can be found in a wider range of shallow wetlands. Dry grassland, tidal mudflats and the seashore are less frequently used. Male Ruffs display during the breeding season at a lek in a traditional open grassy arena. The Ruff is one of the few lekking species in which the display is primarily directed at other males rather than to the females and it is among a small percentage of birds in which the males have well-marked and inherited variations in plumage and mating behaviour. There are 3 male forms: the typical territorial males, satellite males which have a white neck ruff and a very rare variant with female-like plumage. The behaviour and appearance for an individual male remain constant through its adult life and are determined by its genes. The territorial males, about 84% of the total, have strongly coloured black or chestnut ruffs and stake out and occupy small mating territories in the lek. They actively court females and display a high degree of aggression towards other resident males. Between 5 and 20 territorial males each hold an area of the lek about 3 feet across and usually with bare soil in the centre. They perform an elaborate display that includes wing fluttering, jumping, standing upright, crouching with ruff erect or lunging at rivals. They are typically silent even when displaying. Territorial males are very site faithful and 90% return to the same lekking sites in subsequent seasons, the most dominant males being the most likely to reappear. Site faithful males can acquire accurate information about the competitive abilities of other males, leading to well-developed dominance relationships. Such stable relationships reduce conflict and the risk of injury and the consequent lower levels of male aggression are less likely to scare off females. Lower-ranked territorial males also benefit from site fidelity since they can remain on the leks while waiting for the top males eventually to drop out. Satellite males, about 16% of the total number, have white or mottled ruffs and do not occupy territories. Instead, they enter leks and attempt to mate with the females visiting the territories occupied by the resident territorial males. Resident territorial males tolerate the satellite birds because, although they are competitors for mating with the females, the presence of both types of male on a territory attracts additional females. A third type of male was first described in 2006. This is a permanent female mimic, the first such reported for a bird. About 1% of males are small, intermediate in size between males and females and do not grow the elaborate breeding plumage of the territorial and satellite males. This cryptic male obtains access to mating territories together with the females and "steals" matings when the females crouch to solicit copulation. It moults into the prenuptial male plumage with striped feathers but does not go on to develop the ornamental feathers of the normal male. Not all mating takes place at the lek since only a minority of the males attend an active lek. As alternative strategies, males can also directly pursue females or wait for them as they approach good feeding sites. The level of polyandry in the Ruff is the highest known for any avian lekking species and for any shorebird. More than half of females mate with and have clutches fertilised by more than one male. In lekking species, females can choose mates without risking the loss of support from males in nesting and rearing chicks since the males take no part in raising the brood anyway. The nest of the Ruff is a shallow ground scrape lined with grass leaves and stems and concealed in marsh plants or tall grass up to 450 yards from the lek. Nesting is solitary although several females may lay in the general vicinity of a lek. The female lays typically 4 eggs from mid-March to early June depending on latitude. Incubation is undertaken by the female alone and the time to hatching is 20 to 23 days with a further 25 to 28 days to fledging. The precocial chicks have buff and chestnut down, streaked and barred with black and frosted with white. They feed themselves on a variety of small invertebrates. The Ruff normally feeds using a steady walk and pecking action, selecting food items by sight, but it will also wade deeply and submerge its head. During the breeding season, the Ruff’s diet consists almost exclusively of the adults and larva of terrestrial and aquatic insects such as beetles and flies. On migration and during the winter, it eats insects, crustaceans, spiders, molluscs, worms, frogs, small fish and also the seeds of rice and other cereals, sedges, grasses and aquatic plants. The Ruff has a large range and a large population although there is some evidence of a decrease in the population in some regions and countries. However, the species as a whole is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List (i.e. declining more than 30 percent in 10 years or 3 generations). For these reasons, the Ruff is classified as "least concern". However, the range in much of Europe is contracting because of land drainage, increased fertiliser use, the loss of mown or grazed breeding sites and over-hunting. Therefore the Ruff is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 25th April 2011 Location: Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533655.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3380510362ca8f8507c0a.jpgSmall Tortoiseshell Flight period: March to October. The Small Tortoiseshell is a familiar widespread butterfly throughout the UK. It is a highly adaptable species that can be found in any flowery areas where nettles occur including in gardens and urban areas. Date: 26th June 2022 Location: RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41292163.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7875071625f10b21596c79.jpgElk (Moose) The Elk (Eurasia) or Moose (north America) is the largest living deer species and the second largest land animal. The Elk is easily recognised by its humped shoulders, broad and overhanging muzzle and the pendulous flap of skin and hair beneath the throat. The body is heavy and deep, with long, rather gangly legs and wide hooves which aid in walking over mud or soft snow. The coat ranges from blackish to reddish brown in colour and lighter on the underparts and lower legs. It provides excellent insulation, consisting of a fine wool undercoat interspersed with long guard hairs. On average, an adult Elk stands 4.6 to 6.9 feet high at the shoulder, which is more than a foot higher than the next largest deer. The head and body length is 7.9 to 10.2 feet with a small tail adding only a further 2 to 5 inches. Males ("bulls") normally weigh from 838 to 1,543 pounds and females ("cows") typically weigh 441 to 1,080 pounds. The male Elk, as other deer, bears bony, hornlike antlers which are shed each winter and re-grown through the summer. The antlers are massive and palmate (broad and flattened at the base with short projecting branches), measuring up to 6.5 feet across and over 65 pounds in weight, making them the largest of any deer. In Europe, the Elk is currently found in large numbers throughout Norway, Sweden, Finland, Latvia, Estonia and Poland with more modest numbers in the Czech Republic, Belarus and north Ukraine. They are also widespread through Russia on up through the borders with Finland, south towards the border with Estonia, Belarus and Ukraine and east towards Siberia. The Elk was native to most temperate areas with suitable habitat on the continent and even Scotland from the end of the last Ice Age since Europe had a mix of temperate boreal and deciduous forest. However, from medieval times, it slowly disappeared. By the early 20th century, the very last strongholds of the Elk appeared to be in Scandinavian countries and patchy tracts of Russia with a few migrants found in what is now Estonia and Lithuania. The former Soviet Union and Poland managed to restore parts of the range within its borders in the 1950s but political complications obviously limited the ability to reintroduce it to other parts of its range. Attempts in 1930 and again in 1967 in marshland north of Berlin in Germany were unsuccessful. At present in Poland, populations are recorded in the Biebrza river valley, Kampinos National Park and in the Białowieża Forest. It has migrated in to other parts of eastern Europe and has been recorded in east and south Germany. The Elk is fairly adaptable in its habitat requirements but it prefers a mosaic of boreal or broad-leaved forest, lakes, swamps and wetlands, requiring forest for cover and water bodies for foraging. The Elk is often associated with spruce, fir and pine forest and it may also occupy tundra and mountains, often in areas characterised by seasonal snow cover. The Elk may be active by both day and night but activity usually peaks at dawn and dusk. It is a herbivore and is capable of consuming many types of plant or fruit. The diet includes various tree, shrub, grass and herb species as well as twigs and bark in winter. The Elk may markedly alter the structure and dynamics of forest ecosystems through their foraging behaviour. Aquatic vegetation is also taken, the Elk often wading into lakes and streams and sometimes submerging entirely to feed. Some populations migrate in search of food, moving between distinct seasonal home ranges. In winter, Elk are often drawn to roadways, to lick salt that is used as a snow and ice melter. The Elk is essentially solitary although small, loose groups may form during the mating season and during winter. Mating occurs in September and October. The males are polygamous and will seek several females to breed with. During this time both sexes will call to each other. Males produce heavy grunting sounds whilst females produce wail-like sounds. Males will fight for access to females. They either assess which is larger with the smaller bull retreating or they may engage in battles usually only involving the antlers. The female Elk has an 8 month gestation period, usually bearing a single calf, or twins if food is plentiful, in May or June. The young will stay with the mother until just before the next young are born. The life span of an average moose is about 15 to 25 years. A full grown Elk has few enemies except Siberian Tigers which regularly prey on adults but a pack of Wolves can still pose a threat especially to females with calves. The Brown Bear is also known to prey on Elk of various sizes and are the only predator besides the Wolf to attack them although they are more likely to take over a Wolf kill or to take young moose than to hunt an adult Elk on their own. The Wolverine is most likely to eat Elk as carrion but it has been known to kill them when they are weakened by harsh winter conditions. The Killer Whale is the Elk's only known marine predator. The Elk is hunted as a game species in many of the countries where it is found and in addition it is a regular casualty of road traffic and train collisions. Date: 29th June 2019 Location: near Storskog, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14247104.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18336761114f4e048339ce7.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the [i]Canidae[/i] family and is a part of the order [i]Carnivora[/i] within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 25th February 2012 Location: Rye Meads RSPB reserve, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512531.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_115773082862c99a4298c44.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 9th May 2022 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/loch-scridain-mull-argyll https://images.on-this.website/4752_15858499504b5223e4a189f.jpgLoch Scridain, Mull, Argyll Loch Scridain is located on the western coastline of the island of Mull in Argyll and is a large sea loch 12 miles in length and 2½ miles at its widest. Extending as far inland as Glen More, the area to the north is known as Ardmeanach while to the south lies the Ross of Mull. Date: 31st December 2009 Location: view from the northern shore http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14467407.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7231904164f743c19dac44.jpgUllsfjorden at Svensby, Troms, north Norway Ullsfjorden is a sea fjord located east of Tromsø and west of the Lyngenalpen which can be crossed by the Breivikeidet to Svensby ferry. Location: view from east shore at Svensby Date: 17th March 2012 http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645617.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_36293515251e3cfa7a470e.jpgYellowhammer The Yellowhammer is a passerine bird in the bunting family. The bird family [i]Emberizidae[/i] contains around 300 seed-eating species, the majority of which are found in the Americas, although the genus [i]Emberiza[/i], with more than 40 members, is confined to the Old World. Within its genus [i]Emberiza[/i], the Yellowhammer is most closely related to the Pine Bunting and at times they have been considered as one species. Where their ranges meet, the Yellowhammer and Pine Bunting interbreed and the hybrid zone is thought to be moving further east. The Yellowhammer is also closely related to the Cirl Bunting. The Yellowhammer’s scientific name [i]Emberiza citrinella[/i] is derived from the Old German [i]embritz[/i] meaning “bunting” and the Italian [i]citrinella[/i] meaning “small yellow bird”. The Yellowhammer is a large bunting around 6.3 to 6.5 inches long with a wingspan of 9.1 to 11.6 inches. The male has a bright yellow head, heavily streaked brown back, rufous rump, yellow underparts and white outer tail feathers. The female is less brightly coloured and more streaked on the crown, breast and flanks. Both sexes are less strongly marked outside the breeding season when the dark fringes on new feathers obscure the yellow plumage. The juvenile is much duller and less yellow than the adults and often has a paler rump. The Yellowhammer breeds across Eurasia and it is the commonest and most widespread European bunting although it is absent from high mountains, Arctic regions, most of Iberia and Greece and low-lying regions of other countries adjoining the Mediterranean Sea. It also breeds in Russia east to Irkutsk and in most of Ukraine and the Asian range extends into north west Turkey, the Caucasus and northern Kazakhstan. Populations have declined in recent decades in western Europe but in eastern Europe numbers appear to be stable. Changes to agricultural practices are thought to be responsible for reduced breeding densities. The Yellowhammer can be found throughout most of the UK but it is least abundant in the north and west and absent from some upland areas such as the Pennines and the Scottish Highlands as well as some lowland areas. Its recent sharp population decline make it a Red List species. Within its range, the Yellowhammer is a bird of dry open country, preferably with a range of vegetation types and some trees from which to sing. It is absent from urban areas, forests and wetlands. Probably originally found at forest edges and large clearings, it has benefited from traditional agriculture which created extensive open areas with hedges and clumps of trees. The Yellowhammer usually starts breeding in late April or early May. The males establish territories along hedges or woodland fringes and sing from a tree or bush, often continuing well into July or August. The nest is built by the female on or near the ground and is typically well hidden in tussocks against a bank or low in a bush. It is constructed from nearby plant material such as leaves, dry grass and stalks and lined with fine grasses and sometimes animal hair. The clutch is usually 3 to 5 eggs and the female incubates the eggs for 12 to 14 days to hatching and broods the chicks until they fledge 11 to 13 days later. Both adults feed the chicks in the nest and 2 or 3 broods are raised each year. The Yellowhammer forages mainly on the ground and its diet consists mainly of seeds. Grasses are also important, particularly cereals, and grain makes up a significant part of the food consumed in autumn and winter. Invertebrates are added to its diet during the breeding season, particularly as food for its growing chicks, and a wide range of species is taken including springtails, grasshoppers, flies, beetles, caterpillars, earthworms, spiders and snails. Outside of the breeding season, the Yellowhammer forages in flocks which can occasionally number hundreds of birds and often contain other buntings and finches. The Yellowhammer is a conspicuous, vocal and formerly common country bird and it has attracted human interest. Yellowham Wood and Yellowham Hill, near Dorchester in the UK, both derive their names from the bird. Robbie Burns' poem "The Yellow, Yellow Yorlin'" gets its title from a Scottish name for the Yellowhammer. Enid Blyton helped to popularise the bird's song as "a little bit of bread and no cheese" in some of her books and she wrote a poem called "The Yellow-hammer". Beethoven's student, Carl Czerny, and biographer Anton Schindler, both suggested that the composer got the idea for the first 4 notes of his 5th symphony from the song of the Yellowhammer although it is more likely that the opening of the 4th Piano Concerto was actually the work in question. Beethoven also used the Yellowhammer theme in 2 piano sonatas. Date: 23rd May 2013 Location: Białowieża area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/fidden-mull-argyll https://images.on-this.website/4752_118165871546883f3842a50.jpgFidden, Mull, Argyll Fidden is situated at the western end of the Ross of Mull, the peninsula located on the west of the island of Mull. There are some beautiful sandy bays here and beyond these lies the Sound of Iona and the island of Iona itself. Date: 8th June 2007 Location: view from Fidden Farm http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4466058.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4136343964b8a23f67ee17.jpg http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21959265.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_116376643353da6de64fdb9.jpgCommon Guillemots The Common Guillemot, also known as the Common Murre or Thin-billed Murre, is a large species of auk. The auks are a family of seabirds which includes the Brunnich's Guillemot or Thick-billed Murre, Razorbill, Little Auk and the extinct Great Auk. The Common Guillemot is 15 to 18 inches in length with a 24 to 29 inches wingspan. In breeding plumage, it is black or dark brown on the head, back and wings with white underparts. It has a thin dark pointed bill and a small rounded dark tail. Legs are grey and the bill is dark grey. Males and females are identical. Some individuals in the North Atlantic, known as "Bridled Guillemots", have a white ring around the eye extending back as a white line. This is not a distinct subspecies but a polymorphism that becomes more common the farther north the birds breed. The Common Guillemot flies with fast wing beats and has a flight speed of around 50 mph. Groups of birds are often seen flying together in a line just above the surface of the sea. However, it is not a very agile bird and take-off is often difficult. The Common Guillemot becomes flightless for 45 to 60 days while moulting its primary feathers. The Common Guillemot is a pursuit diver that forages for food by swimming underwater using its wings for propulsion. Dives usually last less than one minute but the bird swims underwater for distances of over 100 feet on a regular basis. Diving depths up to 590 feet have been recorded. The Common Guillemot has a circumpolar distribution and it occurs in low Arctic and boreal waters in the north Atlantic and north Pacific. It spends most of its time at sea and only comes to land to breed on rocky cliffs, sea stacks and islands. Some birds are permanent residents but northern birds migrate south to open waters off New England, southern California, Japan, Korea and the western Mediterranean. The Common Guillemot breeds in colonies at high densities and nesting pairs may be in bodily contact with their neighbours. No nest is made and the single egg is laid and incubated on a bare rock ledge on a cliff face. The egg hatches after 30 days incubation and the chick is born downy and can regulate its body temperature after 10 days. Some 20 days after hatching the chick jumps off its nesting ledge and heads for the sea unable to fly but gliding for some distance with fluttering wings and accompanied by its male parent. The chicks are capable of diving as soon as they hit the water. The female stays at the nest site for some 14 days after the chick has left. The Common Guillemot can venture far from its breeding grounds to forage and distances of 60 miles or more are often observed although if sufficient food is available closer by, birds will only travel much shorter distances. It mainly eats small schooling fish 8 inches long or less such as Polar Cod, Capelin, Sand Lances, Sprats, Sandeels, Atlantic Cod and Atlantic Herring. It also eats some molluscs, marine worms, squid and crustaceans. It is often seen carrying fish in its bill with the tail hanging out. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Staple Island, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49278719.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9101308436499ba9f23382.jpgMeadow Brown Flight period: June to August. The Meadow Brown is one of the most widespread and abundant of the UK's butterflies. It can be found typically in open grasslands but also other habitats such as roadside verges, woodland rides and urban parks and cemeteries. Date: 16th June 2023 Location: RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/river-dynjandis-westfjords-iceland https://images.on-this.website/4752_16497703965638a32af24d7.jpgRiver Dynjandisá, Westfjords, Iceland The Dynjandisá river flows from Lake Eyjavatn and over the Dynjandi waterfalls. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: view from road 60 at the eastern end of Arnarfjörður http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43629100.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1969516436118ac57a91ab.jpgCommon Darter Flight period: end May to early October. Common Darters are the most widespread of the dragonflies over lowland UK but they are absent from upland areas. They can be found in a wide range of habitats including ponds, lakes, ditches, canals, slow flowing rivers and brackish water. They can also be frequently seen some way from water. Date: 18th July 2021 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833675.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_296808757559cf074bc947.jpgGreat Crested Grebe The Great Crested Grebe is an elegant water bird which has ornate head plumes during the breeding season and an elaborate courtship display. The Great Crested Grebe can be found across Europe and Asia and it breeds on shallow, reed-fringed freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs and slow rivers. It is resident in the milder west of its range but migrates from the colder regions of its range to sheltered coastal areas in winter. Date: 12th May 2015 Location: Lake Kerkini, Central Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25774107.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_694453111560fb68bf26eb.jpgLoch Sunart, Ardnamurchan, Highland Loch Sunart is a sea loch in the Western Highlands extending almost 20 miles westwards from Glen Tarbert before opening out into the Sound of Mull. Loch Sunart separates the areas of Ardnamurchan and Sunart to the north from Morvern in the south. Date: 24th September 2015 Location: view from the Garbh Eilean wildlife hide near Strontian http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084144.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6145585015d30860935122.jpgRila Mountains, Sofia Province, Bulgaria The Rila Mountains are a mountain range in south west Bulgaria and constitute the highest mountain range in the country and the Balkans. It is the sixth highest mountain range in Europe after the Caucasus, the Alps, the Sierra Nevada, the Pyrenees and Mount Etna and the highest one between the Alps and the Caucasus. The Rila Mountains are spread over an area of 1015 square miles with an average altitude of 4879 feet. Musala is its highest peak at 9596 feet. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rila-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rila Mountains have abundant water resources and some of the Balkans' longest and deepest rivers originate here including the longest river entirely in the Balkans, the River Maritsa, and the longest river entirely in Bulgaria, the River Iskar. Bulgaria's main water divide separating the Black Sea and the Aegean Sea drainage systems follows the main ridge of the Rila Mountains. The mountain range is dotted with almost 200 glacial lakes such as the renowned Seven Rila Lakes. It is also rich in hot springs in the fault areas at the foothills including the hottest spring in south east Europe in Sapareva Banya. The Rila Mountains have typical layers of montane habitat ranging from river and stream valleys at lower altitudes to mixed deciduous woodland, coniferous forests and Alpine meadows and lakes at higher altitudes and finally to rocky ridges and bare rugged peaks. The biodiversity and the pristine landscapes are protected by the Rila National Park which is among the largest and most valuable protected areas in Europe. It is the largest national park in Bulgaria covering an area of 313 square miles and it was established in February 1992 to protect several ecosystems of national importance. Its altitude varies from 2600 feet near Blagoevgrad to 9596 feet at the peak of Musala. It occupies territory from 4 of the 28 provinces of the country (Sofia, Kyustendil, Blagoevgrad and Pazardzhik) and it includes 4 nature reserves (Parangalitsa, Central Rila Reserve, Ibar and Skakavitsa). The Rila National Park falls within the Rodope montane mixed forests terrestrial eco-region of the Palearctic temperate broadleaf and mixed forest. Forests occupy 206.5 square miles or 66% of the total area. The Rila Mountains also contain the Rila Monastery Nature Park which is among the largest nature parks in Bulgaria covering an area of 97.5 square miles at an altitude between 2460 and 8901 feet. It was established in 1992 as part of the newly founded Rila National Park. In 2000 some territory of the Rila National Park was re-assigned to the Rila Monastery Nature Park and was recategorized as a nature park because by law all lands in national parks are exclusively state owned. Today most of the Rila Monastery Nature Park is owned by the Rila Monastery. The Rila Monastery Nature Park includes one nature reserve, namely the Rila Monastery Forest with an area of 14 square miles or 14% of its total area. The most recognisable landmark in the Rila Mountains is the Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila, better known as the Rila Monastery. This is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria and is situated in the deep valley of the River Rilska River within the Rila Monastery Nature Park at a height of 3763 feet. The monastery is named after its founder, the hermit Ivan of Rila (876 to 946 AD) and houses around 60 monks. Founded in the 10th century, the Rila Monastery is regarded as one of Bulgaria's most important cultural, historical and architectural monuments and is a key tourist attraction for both Bulgaria and south Europe. Due to its outstanding cultural and spiritual value it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. The Rila Mountains are also a popular destination for hiking, winter sports and spa tourism, hosting the nation's oldest ski resort at Borovets as well as numerous hiking trails. Date: 30th May 2018 Location: Malyovitsa, Sofia Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42202638.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12964207195ff31041b1564.jpgBrown Bear The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, Ursus arctos arctos. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an evening visit with [url=https://www.karhujenkatselu.fi/en-gb]Karhu-Kuusamo[/url] Date: 7th July 2019 Location: Kuntilampi, near Kuusamo, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41234319.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7157149435ee77834d613b.jpgComma Flight period: March to October. The Comma was a rarity 100 years ago but is now a common and widespread butterfly in England and Wales and is on the point of recolonising Scotland. They are one of the first butterflies to be seen in spring and can be found in open woodland, woodland edges and gardens. Date: 13th June 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41187464.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10430282305ea6da41ec596.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 20th April 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/common-guillemot https://images.on-this.website/4752_14630446825f326f577be55.jpgCommon Guillemot The Common Guillemot, also known as the Common Murre or Thin-billed Murre, is a large species of auk. The auks are a family of seabirds which includes the Brunnich's Guillemot or Thick-billed Murre, Razorbill, Little Auk and the extinct Great Auk. The Common Guillemot is 15 to 18 inches in length with a 24 to 29 inches wingspan. In breeding plumage, it is black or dark brown on the head, back and wings with white underparts. It has a thin dark pointed bill and a small rounded dark tail. Legs are grey and the bill is dark grey. Males and females are identical. Some individuals in the North Atlantic, known as "Bridled Guillemots", have a white ring around the eye extending back as a white line. This is not a distinct subspecies but a polymorphism that becomes more common the farther north the birds breed. The Common Guillemot flies with fast wing beats and has a flight speed of around 50 mph. Groups of birds are often seen flying together in a line just above the surface of the sea. However, it is not a very agile bird and take-off is often difficult. The Common Guillemot becomes flightless for 45 to 60 days while moulting its primary feathers. The Common Guillemot is a pursuit diver that forages for food by swimming underwater using its wings for propulsion. Dives usually last less than one minute but the bird swims underwater for distances of over 100 feet on a regular basis. Diving depths up to 590 feet have been recorded. The Common Guillemot has a circumpolar distribution and it occurs in low Arctic and boreal waters in the north Atlantic and north Pacific. It spends most of its time at sea and only comes to land to breed on rocky cliffs, sea stacks and islands. Some birds are permanent residents but northern birds migrate south to open waters off New England, southern California, Japan, Korea and the western Mediterranean. The Common Guillemot breeds in colonies at high densities and nesting pairs may be in bodily contact with their neighbours. No nest is made and the single egg is laid and incubated on a bare rock ledge on a cliff face. The egg hatches after 30 days incubation and the chick is born downy and can regulate its body temperature after 10 days. Some 20 days after hatching the chick jumps off its nesting ledge and heads for the sea unable to fly but gliding for some distance with fluttering wings and accompanied by its male parent. The chicks are capable of diving as soon as they hit the water. The female stays at the nest site for some 14 days after the chick has left. The Common Guillemot can venture far from its breeding grounds to forage and distances of 60 miles or more are often observed although if sufficient food is available closer by, birds will only travel much shorter distances. It mainly eats small schooling fish 8 inches long or less such as Polar Cod, Capelin, Sand Lances, Sprats, Sandeels, Atlantic Cod and Atlantic Herring. It also eats some molluscs, marine worms, squid and crustaceans. It is often seen carrying fish in its bill with the tail hanging out. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21215575.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_177454089537dc01b78406.jpgCommon Buzzard The Common Buzzard is a member of the genus [I]Buteo[/I] and the family [i]Accipitridae[/i], a group of medium-sized raptors with robust bodies and broad wings. The [I]Buteo[/I] species of Eurasia and Africa are usually commonly referred to as buzzards whilst those in the Americas are called hawks. Under current classification, the genus [I]Buteo[/I] includes approximately 28 species. The Common Buzzard includes between 7 to 16 sub-species and the western [i]Buteo[/i] group includes [i]Buteo buteo buteo[/i] which is found more or less continuously throughout Europe including the UK. The Common Buzzard is a medium-sized raptor that is highly variable in plumage. It is distinctly round headed with a somewhat slender bill and it has relatively long wings that either reach or fall slightly short of the tail tip when perched, a fairly short tail and somewhat short and mainly bare tarsi. It can appear fairly compact in overall appearance but may also appear large relative to other commoner raptors such as the Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. The Common Buzzard measures between 16 and 23 inches in length with a 3 feet 7 inches to 4 feet 7 inches wingspan. Females average about 2 to 7% larger than males in length and weigh about 15% more. Body mass can show considerable variation from 0.94 to 2.6 pounds in males and 1.07 to 3.02 pounds in females. In Europe, the Common Buzzard is typically dark brown above and on the upperside of the head and mantle but this can become paler and warmer brown with worn plumage. Usually the tail will be narrowly barred grey-brown and dark brown with a pale tip and a broad dark subterminal band but the tail in the palest birds can show a varying amount of white and a reduced sub-terminal band or even appear almost all white. The underside colouring can be variable but typically shows a brown-streaked white throat with a somewhat darker chest. A pale U across the breast is often present followed by a pale line running down the belly which separates the dark areas on the breast side and flanks. These pale areas tend to have highly variable markings that form irregular bars. Juveniles are quite similar to adults and are best told apart by having a paler eye, a narrower sub-terminal band on the tail and underside markings that appear as streaks rather than bars. Beyond the typical mid-range brownish Common Buzzard, birds in Europe can range from almost uniform black-brown above to mainly white. Extreme dark individuals may range from chocolate-brown to blackish with almost no pale colour showing but with a variable or faded U on the breast and with or without faint lighter brown throat streaks. Extreme pale individuals are largely whitish with variable widely spaced streaks or arrowheads of light brown about the mid-chest and flanks and may or may not show dark feather-centres on the head, wing-coverts and sometimes all but part of the mantle. Individuals can show nearly endless variation of colours and hues in between these extremes and the Common Buzzard is among the most variably plumaged diurnal raptors for this reason. The Common Buzzard is often confused with other raptors especially in flight or at a distance including other [i]Buteo[/i] species such as Rough-legged Buzzard and Long-legged Buzzard and also Honey Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, Golden Eagle, Booted Eagle and Short-toed Eagle. The Common Buzzard is found throughout several islands in the eastern Atlantic islands, including the Canary Islands and the Azores, and almost throughout Europe. In the UK, it is found in Northern Ireland and in nearly every part of Scotland and England. In mainland Europe, there are no substantial gaps in the range from Portugal and Spain to Greece, Estonia, Belarus and the Ukraine, although it is present mainly only in the breeding season in much of the eastern half of the latter 3 countries. It is also present in all larger Mediterranean islands such as Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily and Crete. Further north in to Scandinavia, it is found mainly in south Norway, the southern half of Sweden and in the southern two-thirds of Finland. The Common Buzzard reaches its northern limit as a breeder in far eastern Finland and over the border in to European Russia and nearly to the Kola Peninsula. In these northern limits, the Common Buzzard is present typically only in summer. The Common Buzzard generally inhabits the interface of woodlands and open ground and typically lives in forest edge, small broad-leaved, coniferous or mixed woodlands with adjacent grassland, arable fields or other farmland and open moorland as long as there are some trees. It is absent from treeless tundra and sporadic or rare in treeless steppe. The Common Buzzard can be found from sea level to elevations of 6600 feet although it breeds mostly below 3300 feet. It can winter to an elevation of 8200 feet and migrates easily at 14,800 feet. The Common Buzzard is a partial migrant. Autumn and spring movements are subject to extensive variation, even down to the individual level, based on a region's food resources, competition (both from other Common Buzzards and other predators), the extent of human disturbance and weather conditions. Short distance movements are the norm for juveniles and some adults in autumn and winter but more adults in central and south Europe and the UK remain in their year-around areas than do not. The Common Buzzard is a typical [I]Buteo[/I] in much of its behaviour. It is most often seen effortlessly soaring for extended periods at varying heights although it can appear laborious and heavy in level flight. It is also often seen perched prominently on tree tops, bare branches, telegraph poles, fence posts, rocks or ledges or alternatively well inside the tree canopy. It will also stand and forage on the ground. The Common Buzzard is a generalist predator which hunts a wide variety of prey given the opportunity. The prey extents to a wide variety of vertebrates including mammals, birds (from any age from eggs to adult birds), reptiles, amphibians and fish as well as to various invertebrates, mostly insects. In total, well over 300 prey species are known to be taken by the Common Buzzard. However, dietary studies have shown that it mostly preys upon small mammals, mainly small rodents. Furthermore, prey size can vary from tiny beetles, caterpillars and ants to large adult grouse and Rabbits up to nearly twice their body mass. At times, the Common Buzzard will also subsist partially on carrion, usually of dead mammals or fish. Hunting in relatively open areas has been found to increase hunting success whereas more complete shrub cover lowered success. A majority of prey is taken by dropping from a perch and is normally taken on the ground. Prey may also be hunted in a low flight, by random glides or soars or by foraging on the ground. The home range of the Common Buzzard is generally 0.19 to 0.77 square miles and the size of the breeding territory seems to be correlated with food supply. The territory is maintained through flight displays and in Europe territorial behaviour usually starts in February. However, displays are not uncommon throughout the year in resident pairs, especially by males, and can elicit similar displays by their neighbours. In the display, the Common Buzzard generally engages in high circling, spiraling upward on slightly raised wings. Mutual high circling by pairs sometimes goes on at length, especially during the period prior to or during breeding season. During the mutual displays, the male may engage in exaggerated deep flapping or zig-zag tumbling, apparently in response to the female being too distant. Several pairs may circle together at times and as many as 14 individual adults have been recorded over established display sites. Sky-dancing by the Common Buzzard has been recorded in spring and autumn, typically by the male but sometimes by the female, nearly always with much calling. Sky-dances are of the rollercoaster type, with an upward sweep of up to 100 feet until the bird starts start to stall but sometimes embellished with loops or rolls at the top. Next in the sky-dance, the bird will dive at least 200 feet on more or less closed wings before spreading them and shooting up again. These sky-dances may be repeated in series of 10 to 20. In the climax of the sky-dance, the undulations become progressively shallower, often slowing and terminating directly on to a perch. Various other aerial displays include low contour flight or weaving among trees, frequently with deep beats and exaggerated upstrokes which show underwing pattern to rivals perched below. Talon grappling and occasionally cartwheeling downward with feet interlocked has also been recorded. The Common Buzzard tends to build a bulky nest of sticks, twigs and often heather and lined with broad-leaved foliage. Nests are up to 3.3 to 3.9 feet across and 24 inches deep. With reuse over years, the diameter of a nest can reach or exceed 5 feet. Trees are generally used for a nesting location but crags or cliffs are used if trees are unavailable. Nests in trees are usually located by the main trunk at a height of around 10 to 82 feet. Pairs often have 2 to 4 nests in a territory but some pairs may use a single nest over several consecutive years. The breeding season of the Common Buzzard commences at differing times based on latitude. It may fall as early as January to April but typically it is March to July in most of Europe. In the northern limits of the range the breeding season may occur from May to August. Mating usually occurs on or near the nest and eggs are usually laid in 2 to 3 day intervals. The clutch size can range from to 2 to 6 and it appears that local factors such as habitat and food supply are relevant. Eggs are generally laid in late March to early April in the extreme south, sometime in April in most of Europe and in to May and possibly even early June in the extreme north. If eggs are lost to a predator or fail in some other way, replacement clutches are not usually laid although this has been recorded. Incubation lasts for 33 to 35 days and is mostly, but not solely, undertaken by the female. Hatching may take place over 3 to 7 days. Often the youngest nestling dies from starvation, especially in broods of 3 or more. The female remains at the nest brooding the young in the early stages with the male bringing all prey. At about 8 to 12 days, both the male and female will bring prey but the female continues to do all feeding until the young can tear up their own prey. The young are nearly fully feathered rather than downy at about a month of age and can start to feed themselves as well. The first attempts to leave the nest are often at about 40 to 50 days. Fledging occurs typically at 43 to 54 days but in extreme cases as late 62 days. After leaving the nest, the young generally stay close by until full independence 6 to 8 weeks after fledging. Numerous factors may influence the breeding success of the Common Buzzard including the availability of prey populations, habitat, disturbance and persecution levels and competition. The Common Buzzard is one of the most numerous birds of prey in its range and it is the most numerous diurnal bird of prey throughout much of Europe. Date: 8th May 2014 Location: Nant Ffrancon, Gwynedd http://www.richardchewphotography.com/river-svarfaardals-dalvik-north-iceland https://images.on-this.website/4752_200175703156350fbe9f357.jpgRiver Svarfaðardalsá, Dalvik, north east Iceland The Svarfaðardalsá river flows down the Svarfaðardalur, a large valley in north east Iceland, and in to Eyjafjörður just south of Dalvík. Date: 4th June 2015 Location: view from road 82 just outside Dalvik http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405563.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15413366196586fc1bf3e3d.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the Canidae family and is a part of the order Carnivora within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 6th December 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11267340.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_720316444e1ad904f348a.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 11th May 2008 Location: Skomer, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41352919.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3684739245f2157401c55b.jpgGatekeeper Flight period: mid-July to early September. The Gatekeeper or Hedge Brown is common and widespread throughout the southern half of the UK. They can be found in areas with hedgerows or in scrubby woodland with wide and sunny rides. Date: 21st July 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/black-browed-albatross https://images.on-this.website/4752_120378053362ca9457c3077.jpgBlack-browed Albatross The Black-browed Albatross, also known as the Black-browed Mollymawk, is a large seabird in the albatross family [i]Diomedeidae[/i] and it is the most widespread and common member of its family. The albatrosses are classified in the order [i]Procellariiformes[/i] which also includes shearwaters, fulmars, storm petrels and diving petrels. All these birds share certain identifying features. They have nasal passages that attach to the upper bill called naricorns although the nostrils on the albatross are on the sides of the bill. The bills of [i]Procellariiformes[/i] are also unique in that they are split into between 7 and 9 horny plates and they have a salt gland above the nasal passage which helps to remove salt from the ocean water that they imbibe. The gland excretes a high saline solution through the bird's nose. The Black-browed Albatross is a medium-sized albatross at 31 to 37 inches in length with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. It has a dark grey saddle and upperwings that contrast with the white rump and underparts. The underwing is predominantly white with broad and irregular black margins. It has a dark eyebrow and a yellow-orange bill with a darker reddish-orange tip. Juveniles have dark horn-coloured bills with dark tips and a grey head and collar. They also have dark underwings. The features that distinguish it from other albatrosses are the dark eyestripe which gives it its name, a broad black edging to the white underside of its wings, white head and orange bill tipped darker orange. The Black-browed Albatross is circumpolar in the southern oceans and it breeds on 12 islands throughout that range. In the Atlantic Ocean, it breeds on the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, and the Cape Horn Islands. In the Pacific Ocean it breeds on Islas Ildefonso, Diego de Almagro, Islas Evangelistas, Campbell Island, Antipodes Islands, Snares Islands and Macquarie Island. In the Indian Ocean it breeds on the Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island and McDonald Island. There are an estimated 1,220,000 birds alive with 600,853 breeding pairs as estimated by a 2005 count. Of these birds, 402,571 breed in the Falklands, 72,102 breed on South Georgia Island and 120,171 breed on the Chilean islands of Islas Ildefonso, Diego de Almagro, Islas Evangelistas and Islas Diego Ramírez. Birds from the Falkland Islands winter near the Patagonian Shelf and birds from South Georgia forage in South African waters. It is the most likely albatross to be found in the North Atlantic due to this northerly migratory tendency. The Black-browed Albatross normally nests on steep slopes covered with tussock grass and sometimes on cliffs although on the Falkland Islands it nests on flat grassland on the coast. It is an annual breeder with the female laying a single egg from between 20th September and 1st November although the Falkland Islands breeders lay about 3 weeks earlier. Incubation of the egg is undertaken by both sexes and lasts 68 to 71 days. After hatching, the chicks take 120 to 130 days to fledge. Juveniles will return to the colony after 2 to 3 years but only to practice courtship rituals as they will only start breeding around their 10th year. The Black-browed Albatross can have a natural lifespan of over 70 years. The Black-browed Albatross feeds on fish, squid, crustaceans, carrion, and fishery discards but it has also been observed stealing food from other species. Until 2013, the IUCN classified the Black-browed Albatross as endangered due to a drastic reduction in its population. There has been a 67% decline in the population over 64 years. Increased longline fishing in the southern oceans, especially around the Patagonian Shelf and around South Georgia, has been attributed as a major cause of the decline of this bird and the Black-browed Albatross has been found to be the most common bird killed by fisheries. Trawl fishing, especially around the Patagonian Shelf and off South Africa, is also a large cause of deaths. Conservation efforts underway start with this species being placed on the Convention on Migratory Species and the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels. It is being monitored on half of the islands and most of the breeding sites are reserves and some are World Heritage Sites. Although a very rare occurrence, vagrancy into the North Atlantic has occurred including a bird which returned to the Gannet colony on Shetland for several decades from 1967. From 2014, another bird has been seen around the Heligoland archipelago off the Germany and Denmark coast and what is believed to be the same bird has summered at or around RSPB Bempton Cliffs in east Yorkshire since 2019. Date: 27th June 2022 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/puffin https://images.on-this.website/4752_15535992774e1ad40747927.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 11th May 2008 Location: Skomer, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/beinn-dearg-mhor-and-beinn https://images.on-this.website/4752_209838871754229091eaefd.jpgBeinn Dearg Mhor and Beinn Dearg Bheag, Skye Height: Beinn Dearg Mhor 2325 feet and Beinn Dearg Bheag 1909 feet. Beinn Dearg Mhor and Beinn Dearg Bheag are located to the north east of Loch Slapin and Torrin. Date: 11th September 2014 Location: view from the B8083 road on the west side of Loch Slapin http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533678.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_130944082462ca8fc0d2533.jpgLarge Skipper Flight period: June to July. The Large Skipper is a small golden butterfly which is widespread throughout England and Wales and it is also extending its range northwards in to southern Scotland. They can be found in areas of tall, uncut grassland, woodland rides, roadside verges and hedgerows. Date: 26th June 2022 Location: RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623244.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13941984876117d9af21a2a.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/june-2021-edible-frog https://images.on-this.website/4752_190413249961600dc0a4fba.jpgJune 2021 - Edible Frog Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43082701.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18198880.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_73785391251ac5d129508a.jpgMallards The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 13th May 2013 Location: Spinnies NR, Aberogwen, Gwynedd http://www.richardchewphotography.com/karatza-lagoon-near-arogi-eastern https://images.on-this.website/4752_670850932559cf21c01778.jpgKaratza lagoon near Arogi, East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece Karatza lagoon is one of five saline coastal lagoons located east of Porto Lagos. Date: 10th May 2015 Location: view from track east of Arogi, East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25774074.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_53767936560fb44a86806.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 20th September 2015 Location: Loch Sunart, Ardnamurchan, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42203322.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3681320015ff44a10aa457.jpgAla-Kitka, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland Ala-Kitka is a medium-sized lake located towards the north west of Ruka in the Pohjois-Pohjanmaa region of Finland. It is connected with a bigger lake Yli-Kitka by the Raappanansalmi strait. They are usually considered together to be part of Kitkajärvi, the 14th largest lake in Finland. Date: 8th July 2019 Location: view from Ala-Kitka bird tower near Ruka, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41225570.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7526778735ed9ffedee953.jpgRed Admiral Flight period: April to November. The Red Admiral is a familiar and widespread butterfly in the UK although numbers depend on immigration from Europe. It can be found in any flower-rich habitat. Date: 18th May 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/pied-wagtail https://images.on-this.website/4752_17162143014dca3dea11ba4.jpgPied Wagtail The White Wagtail, [i]Motacilla alba[/i], is a small passerine bird in the wagtail family. A number of sub-species are recognised including [i]Motacilla alba alba[/I] found in Europe from the Iberian Peninsula to the Ural Mountains, Turkey, the Levant, Iceland, the Faroe Islands and Greenland's east coast and [I]Motacilla alba yarrellii[/I] (Pied Wagtail) found in the UK and Ireland and which has a much blacker back than the nominate race. The nominate sub-species [I]Motacilla alba alba[/I] is basically grey above and white below with a white face, black cap and black throat. It is a slender bird with a characteristic long tail. The most conspicuous habit of the White Wagtail is a near-constant tail wagging, a trait that has given the bird its common name. In spite of the ubiquity of this behaviour, the reasons for it are poorly understood. It has been suggested that it may flush prey or signal submissiveness to other wagtails. A recent study has suggested instead that it is a signal of vigilance to potential predators. The White Wagtail breeds throughout Eurasia up to latitudes 75°N, only being absent in the Arctic from areas where summer temperatures are less than 4 °C. It also breeds in the mountains of Morocco and western Alaska. It is resident in the milder parts of its range such as western Europe and the Mediterranean but migratory in much of the rest of its range. Northern European breeders winter around the Mediterranean and in tropical and subtropical Africa, Asiatic birds move to the Middle East, India and south east Asia and birds from the north American population also winter in tropical Asia. The White Wagtail has a wide range and whilst the population size is unknown it is believed to be large since the species is described as "common" in at least parts of its range. Population trends have not been quantified but the population in Europe appears to be stable and it has adapted well to human changes to the environment and has exploited human changes such as man-made structures that are used for nesting sites and increased open areas that are used for foraging. The White Wagtail is an insectivorous bird of open country, often near habitation and water. It prefers bare areas for feeding where it can see and pursue its prey. In urban areas it has adapted to foraging on paved areas such as car parks. It nests in crevices and holes in stone walls and similar natural and man-made structures such as bridges and buildings. The diet of the White Wagtail varies by location but terrestrial and aquatic insects and other small invertebrates form the major part of the diet. These range from beetles, dragonflies, small snails, spiders, worms and crustaceans to maggots found in carcasses and flies. It is somewhat unusual in the parts of its range where it is non-migratory as it is an insectivorous bird that continues to feed on insects during the winter when most other insectivorous birds in temperate climates migrate or switch to more vegetable matter. Though it is known to be a host species for the Cuckoo, the White Wagtail typically deserts its nest if it has been parasitised. Date: 7th May 2011 Location: Afon Nadroedd, near Lake Vyrnwy, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37159144.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2833422055c1e658e89b03.jpgWater Rail The Water Rail is a member of the rail family. The adult is about 9 to 11 inches long with a 15 to 18 inches wingspan. The upper parts from the forehead to tail are olive-brown with black streaks, especially on the shoulders. The sides of the head and the underparts down to the upper belly are dark slate-blue, except for a blackish area between bill and eye and brownish sides to the upper breast. The flanks are barred black and white and the undertail is white with some darker streaks. The long bill and the iris are red and the legs are flesh-brown. The sexes are similar although the female averages slightly smaller than the male with a more slender bill. Individual adults can be identified by the markings on the undertail which are unique to each bird. Adult males have the strongest black undertail streaks. It has been suggested that the dark barring on the undertail of this species is a compromise between the signalling function of a pure white undertail, as found in open water or gregarious species like the Moorhen, and the need to avoid being too conspicuous. The Water Rail can readily be distinguished from most other reed bed rails by the white undertail and the red bill which is a little longer than the rest of the head and slightly down-curved. The Water Rail is a vocal species which gives its main call, known as "sharming", throughout the year. This is a series of grunts followed by a high-pitched piglet-like squeal and ending in more grunts. It is used as a territorial call, alarm and announcement. Members of a pair may call alternately, the male giving lower and slower notes than the female. Birds are most vocal when setting up a territory and early in the breeding season when calling may continue at night. The Water Rail is a skulking species, its streaked plumage making it difficult to see in its wetland habitat. Its laterally compressed body allows it to slip though the densest vegetation and it will "freeze" if surprised in the open. It walks with a high-stepping gait although it adopts a crouch when it runs for cover. It swims, when necessary, with the jerky motion typical of rails and it flies short distances low with its long legs dangling. Although its flight looks weak, the Water Rail is capable of long sustained flights during its nocturnal migration. The Water Rail breeds across temperate Eurasia from Iceland and the UK discontinuously to north Africa, Saudi Arabia and western China. Its distribution in Asia is poorly studied. It is resident in the milder south and west of its range but migrates south from areas that are subject to harsh winters. It winters within its breeding range and also further south in north Africa, the Middle East and the Caspian Sea area. The peak migration period is September to October with most birds returning to the breeding grounds from March to mid-April. The Water Rail is widely but thinly distributed as a breeding bird across the UK but it is absent from upland areas. It is most abundant in eastern England and suitable habitat along the south coast. Numbers are higher in winter when many birds arrive from Europe. The breeding habitat of the Water Rail is permanent wetland with still or slow-moving fresh or brackish water and dense, tall vegetation. On migration and in winter, a wider range of wet habitats may be used such as flooded thickets or bracken. Freezing condition may force birds into more open locations such as ditches, rubbish dumps and gardens or even out on to exposed ice. The Water Rail is monogamous and highly territorial when breeding. The birds pair off after arriving at their nesting areas or possibly even before spring migration. The pair give courting and contact calls throughout the breeding season. The nest is well hidden and made from whatever wetland vegetation is available. It is built mostly by the male and usually in a single day. It is raised 6 inches or more above water level and is generally constructed on clumps of roots, tree stumps or similar support. It may be built up higher if water levels start to rise. The typical clutch is 6 to 11 eggs across most of the range and the clutch size may be smaller early or late in the breeding season. The breeding season can be extended by replacement and second clutches. Both parents incubate the eggs although the female takes the larger share of this duty. The eggs are incubated for 19 to 22 days to hatching. The downy chicks leave the nest within 2 days of hatching but continue to be fed by their parents, although the chicks also find some of their own food after about 5 days. The chicks are independent of their parents after 20 to 30 days and can fly when aged 7 to 9 weeks. Average survival after fledging has been estimated as between 17 and 20 months with an annual survival rate slightly less than 50% per year for the first 3 years and somewhat higher thereafter. The maximum recorded age is 8 years 10 months. The Water Rail is a versatile and opportunistic forager although it follows definite routes when feeding, frequently returning to good hunting areas. It is omnivorous although it mainly feeds on animals such as leeches, worms, gastropods, small crustaceans, spiders and a wide range of both terrestrial and aquatic insects and their larvae. Small vertebrates such as amphibians, fish, birds and mammals may be killed or eaten as carrion. Plant food, which is consumed more in autumn and winter, includes the buds, flowers, shoots and seeds of water plants, berries and fruit. The Water Rail's numbers are declining but it has a large population and a huge breeding range. In most European countries, the population is either stable or decreasing slightly due to loss of habitat arising from the drainage of marshes, canalisation of water courses, urban encroachment and pollution. Introduced predators such as American Mink are a threat to vulnerable island populations. Date: 7th May 2018 Location: Ham Wall RSPB reserve, Somerset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37159145.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3910774525c1e65c849681.jpgWater Rail The Water Rail is a member of the rail family. The adult is about 9 to 11 inches long with a 15 to 18 inches wingspan. The upper parts from the forehead to tail are olive-brown with black streaks, especially on the shoulders. The sides of the head and the underparts down to the upper belly are dark slate-blue, except for a blackish area between bill and eye and brownish sides to the upper breast. The flanks are barred black and white and the undertail is white with some darker streaks. The long bill and the iris are red and the legs are flesh-brown. The sexes are similar although the female averages slightly smaller than the male with a more slender bill. Individual adults can be identified by the markings on the undertail which are unique to each bird. Adult males have the strongest black undertail streaks. It has been suggested that the dark barring on the undertail of this species is a compromise between the signalling function of a pure white undertail, as found in open water or gregarious species like the Moorhen, and the need to avoid being too conspicuous. The Water Rail can readily be distinguished from most other reed bed rails by the white undertail and the red bill which is a little longer than the rest of the head and slightly down-curved. The Water Rail is a vocal species which gives its main call, known as "sharming", throughout the year. This is a series of grunts followed by a high-pitched piglet-like squeal and ending in more grunts. It is used as a territorial call, alarm and announcement. Members of a pair may call alternately, the male giving lower and slower notes than the female. Birds are most vocal when setting up a territory and early in the breeding season when calling may continue at night. The Water Rail is a skulking species, its streaked plumage making it difficult to see in its wetland habitat. Its laterally compressed body allows it to slip though the densest vegetation and it will "freeze" if surprised in the open. It walks with a high-stepping gait although it adopts a crouch when it runs for cover. It swims, when necessary, with the jerky motion typical of rails and it flies short distances low with its long legs dangling. Although its flight looks weak, the Water Rail is capable of long sustained flights during its nocturnal migration. The Water Rail breeds across temperate Eurasia from Iceland and the UK discontinuously to north Africa, Saudi Arabia and western China. Its distribution in Asia is poorly studied. It is resident in the milder south and west of its range but migrates south from areas that are subject to harsh winters. It winters within its breeding range and also further south in north Africa, the Middle East and the Caspian Sea area. The peak migration period is September to October with most birds returning to the breeding grounds from March to mid-April. The Water Rail is widely but thinly distributed as a breeding bird across the UK but it is absent from upland areas. It is most abundant in eastern England and suitable habitat along the south coast. Numbers are higher in winter when many birds arrive from Europe. The breeding habitat of the Water Rail is permanent wetland with still or slow-moving fresh or brackish water and dense, tall vegetation. On migration and in winter, a wider range of wet habitats may be used such as flooded thickets or bracken. Freezing condition may force birds into more open locations such as ditches, rubbish dumps and gardens or even out on to exposed ice. The Water Rail is monogamous and highly territorial when breeding. The birds pair off after arriving at their nesting areas or possibly even before spring migration. The pair give courting and contact calls throughout the breeding season. The nest is well hidden and made from whatever wetland vegetation is available. It is built mostly by the male and usually in a single day. It is raised 6 inches or more above water level and is generally constructed on clumps of roots, tree stumps or similar support. It may be built up higher if water levels start to rise. The typical clutch is 6 to 11 eggs across most of the range and the clutch size may be smaller early or late in the breeding season. The breeding season can be extended by replacement and second clutches. Both parents incubate the eggs although the female takes the larger share of this duty. The eggs are incubated for 19 to 22 days to hatching. The downy chicks leave the nest within 2 days of hatching but continue to be fed by their parents, although the chicks also find some of their own food after about 5 days. The chicks are independent of their parents after 20 to 30 days and can fly when aged 7 to 9 weeks. Average survival after fledging has been estimated as between 17 and 20 months with an annual survival rate slightly less than 50% per year for the first 3 years and somewhat higher thereafter. The maximum recorded age is 8 years 10 months. The Water Rail is a versatile and opportunistic forager although it follows definite routes when feeding, frequently returning to good hunting areas. It is omnivorous although it mainly feeds on animals such as leeches, worms, gastropods, small crustaceans, spiders and a wide range of both terrestrial and aquatic insects and their larvae. Small vertebrates such as amphibians, fish, birds and mammals may be killed or eaten as carrion. Plant food, which is consumed more in autumn and winter, includes the buds, flowers, shoots and seeds of water plants, berries and fruit. The Water Rail's numbers are declining but it has a large population and a huge breeding range. In most European countries, the population is either stable or decreasing slightly due to loss of habitat arising from the drainage of marshes, canalisation of water courses, urban encroachment and pollution. Introduced predators such as American Mink are a threat to vulnerable island populations. Date: 7th May 2018 Location: Ham Wall RSPB reserve, Somerset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813391.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1518659575d0ddeacce9f4.jpgRazorbill The Razorbill is a seabird and a member of the auk family which also includes the Common Guillemot, Brunnich's Guillemot and Little Auk. It is also the closest living relative to the Great Auk which is now extinct. The Razorbill has white underparts and a black head, neck, back and feet during the breeding season. A thin white line also extends from the eyes to the end of the bill. Its head is darker than that of the CommonGuillemot. Outside the breeding season, the throat and face behind the eye become white and the white line on the face becomes less prominent. The thick black bill has a blunt end. The adult male and female female are very much alike having only small differences such as wing length. The Razorbill has a horizontal stance and the tail feathers are slightly longer in the centre in comparison to other auks making it have a distinctly long tail which is not common for an auk. The Razorbill is distributed across the sub-arctic and boreal waters of the north Atlantic where water surface temperature are typically below 15°c. The world population is estimated to be less than 1 million breeding pairs, making it among the rarest auks in the world. Approximately 60 to 70% of the entire Razorbill population breeds in Iceland., including over 200,000 pairs at Látrabjarg. The breeding habitat is islands, rocky shores and cliffs on north Atlantic coasts, in eastern North America as far south as Maine and in western Europe from north west Russia to northern France. Eurasian birds winter at sea with some moving south as far as the western Mediterranean. North American birds migrate offshore and south. The Razorbill is a colonial breeder and only comes to land to breed. Individuals only breed at 3 to 5 years of age. Females select their mate and will often encourage competition between males before choosing a partner. Once a male is chosen, the pair will usually stay together for life. Nest site determination is very important to ensure protection of young from predators. Unlike Common Guillemots, nest sites are not immediately alongside the sea on open cliff ledges but at least 4 to 6 inches away in crevices on cliffs or among boulders. Generally a nest is not built although some pairs often use their bills to drag material upon which to lay their single egg. The mating pair will often reuse the same site every year. The Razorbill feeds mainly on schooling fish and crustaceans and it will dive deep into the sea using its wings and its streamlined body to propel itself toward their prey. Whilst diving, it rarely stays in groups but instead spreads out to feed. The majority of feeding occurs at a depth of about 80 feet but it has the ability to dive up to 400 feet below the surface. During a single dive the Razorbill can capture and swallow many schooling fish depending on their size. The Razorbill spends approximately 45% of its time foraging at sea and it may well fly more than 60 miles out to sea to feed. However, when feeding chicks it will forage much closer to the nesting grounds and often in shallower water. The Razorbill and its eggs and chicks have several predators which include Great Black-backed Gulls, Peregrines, Ravens and other crows, Arctic Foxes and Polar Bears. In the early 20th century, Razorbills were harvested for their eggs, meat and feathers and this greatly decreased their population. In 1917 they were finally protected which reduced hunting. Other current threats include oil pollution, unintentional bycatch arising from commercial fishing and overfishing which decreases the abundance of prey. Date: 10th June 2019 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42202648.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_204568615ff31067d4bda.jpgBrown Bear The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, Ursus arctos arctos. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an evening visit with [url=https://www.karhujenkatselu.fi/en-gb]Karhu-Kuusamo[/url] Date: 7th July 2019 Location: Kuntilampi, near Kuusamo, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/marchapril-2020-common-lizard https://images.on-this.website/4752_5298250655efef194775e9.jpgMarch/April 2020 - Common Lizard Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41183547.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46535140.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_197225815262caa2c7dc39b.jpgLarge Skipper Flight period: June to July. The Large Skipper is a small golden butterfly which is widespread throughout England and Wales and it is also extending its range northwards in to southern Scotland. They can be found in areas of tall, uncut grassland, woodland rides, roadside verges and hedgerows. Date: 3rd July 2022 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/rhossili-bay-gower-peninsula-swansea https://images.on-this.website/4752_10338846596117ce8b217b1.jpgRhossili Bay, Gower peninsula, Swansea Description to follow .... Date: 23rd June 2021 Location: Rhossili, Gower peninsula, Swansea http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40952865.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13941431305e539428832e5.jpgNewgrange, Brú na Bóinne, Co.Meath, Ireland Newgrange is a prehistoric monument in the Brú na Bóinne area of Co. Meath located about 5 miles west of Drogheda on the north side of the River Boyne. It is an exceptionally grand passage tomb built during the Neolithic period around 3200 BC, making it older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids. Newgrange is the most famous monument within the Neolithic Brú na Bóinne area along with the similar passage tomb mounds of Knowth and Dowth and as such is a part of the Brú na Bóinne UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site consists of a large circular mound with an inner stone passageway and chambers. Human bones and possible grave goods or votive offerings were found in these chambers. The mound has a retaining wall at the front made mostly of white quartz cobblestones and it is ringed by engraved kerbstones. Many of the larger stones of Newgrange are covered in megalithic art. The mound is also ringed by a stone circle. Some of the material that makes up the monument came from as far away as the Mourne Mountains in Co. Down in the south east of Northern Ireland and the Wicklow Mountains principally in Co. Wicklow in the east of Ireland. There is not complete agreement about what the site was used for but it is believed that it had religious significance. Its entrance is aligned with the rising sun on the winter solstice when sunlight shines through a “roofbox” and floods the inner chamber for a few minutes. In this respect, Newgrange also shares many similarities with other Neolithic constructions in Europe, especially Gavrinis in Brittany, Maeshowe in Orkney in Scotland and Bryn Celli Ddu in Wales. After its initial use, Newgrange was sealed for several millennia. It continued to feature in Irish mythology and folklore in which it is said to be a dwelling of the deities, particularly The Dagda and his son Aengus. Antiquarians first began studying the site in the 17th century and archaeological excavations took place in the years that followed. Archaeologist Michael J. O'Kelly led the most extensive of these and also reconstructed the frontage of the site in the 1970s. Newgrange is a popular tourist site and is regarded as one of the most important megalithic structures in Europe. According to the archaeologist Colin Renfrew, it is [i]"unhesitatingly regarded by the prehistorian as the great national monument of Ireland"[/i]. Date: 3rd February 2020 Location: Newgrange, Brú na Bóinne, Co.Meath, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46830576.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_89616964862e8fad8477c9.jpgGatekeeper Flight period: mid-July to early September. The Gatekeeper or Hedge Brown is common and widespread throughout the southern half of the UK. They can be found in areas with hedgerows or in scrubby woodland with wide and sunny rides. Date: 30th July 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533653.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_87997648762ca8f7e2adf4.jpgSmall Tortoiseshell Flight period: March to October. The Small Tortoiseshell is a familiar widespread butterfly throughout the UK. It is a highly adaptable species that can be found in any flowery areas where nettles occur including in gardens and urban areas. Date: 26th June 2022 Location: RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/stack-rocks-pembrokeshire https://images.on-this.website/4752_12333594576499628c57f51.jpgStack Rocks, Pembrokeshire Stack Rocks is a spectacular stretch of the south Pembrokeshire coast but unfortunately it is frequently inaccessible since the minor road that reaches it crosses the Castlemartin MOD firing range that has been in use since the 1940s. Stack Rocks, also known as Elegug Stacks (elegug is the Welsh name for the Guillemot), are 2 detached pillars of limestone. The tops of the stacks and the ledges below provide breeding sites for Guillemots and Razorbills which can easily be seen from the cliff-top path. Date: 7th June 2023 Location: view from Pembrokeshire Coast Path http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533672.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_33695567862ca8fafd6143.jpgBlack-tailed Skimmer Flight period: May to August. The Black-tailed Skimmer is a common dragonfly in south east England and it is expanding its range northwards. They can be found around lowland lakes, ponds, sand and gravel workings, slow flowing rivers and brackish water. Date: 26th June 2022 Location: RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14036890.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15105305994f213d062e9f9.jpgReed Bunting The Reed Bunting is a sparrow-sized but slimmer and with a long, deeply notched tail. The male has a black head, white collar and a drooping “moustache”. Females and winter males are browner and have a streaked head. In flight the tail looks black with broad, white edges. When singing, the male can usually be seen perched on top of a bush or reed. Reed Buntings can be found all year round in the UK, typically in areas of wet vegetation but also farmland and gardens in winter. Date: 6th January 2012 Location: Dungeness RSPB reserve, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/brown-bear-and-cub https://images.on-this.website/4752_20212810715ff3100f22223.jpgBrown Bear and cub The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, Ursus arctos arctos. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an evening visit with [url=https://www.karhujenkatselu.fi/en-gb]Karhu-Kuusamo[/url] Date: 7th July 2019 Location: Kuntilampi, near Kuusamo, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21959216.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_51730250453da697fdb029.jpgPuffins The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Inner Farne, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/cliffs-of-moher-co-clare https://images.on-this.website/4752_18553862075e53949e2f91d.jpgCliffs of Moher, Co. Clare, Ireland The Cliffs of Moher are located at the south western edge of the Burren region in Co. Clare and stretch for about 9 miles. At their southern end, they rise 390 feet above the Atlantic Ocean at Hag's Head and 5 miles to the north they reach their maximum height of 702 feet just north of O'Brien's Tower, a round stone tower near the midpoint of the cliffs built in 1835 by Sir Cornelius O'Brien, and then continue at lower heights. The closest villages are Liscannor, 4 miles to the south, and Doolin, 4 miles, to the north. From the Cliffs of Moher, visitors can see the Aran Islands in Galway Bay, the mountain ranges of the Maumturks and Twelve Pins in Connemara in Co. Galway to the north and Loop Head in Co. Clare to the south. The official Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk runs for about 11 miles from Hag's Head to Doolin. This passes the Visitor Centre and O'Brien's Tower with good viewing throughout subject to rain or sea fog. There are 2 paths near the Visitor Centre, the official one being set back a little for safety whilst an unofficial path runs closer to the edge. In July 2016 the so-called Cliff Walk, outside the official Cliffs of Moher amenities, was temporarily closed because of the risk of rock falls. People were warned to stay on the official path further away from the cliff edge instead of the unofficial path. Since 2011, the Cliffs of Moher have formed a part of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark, one of a family of geotourism destinations throughout Europe that are members of the European Geoparks Network and also recognized by UNESCO. The cliffs are also a "signature point" on the official Wild Atlantic Way tourist trail. The Cliffs of Moher rank among the most visited tourist sites in Ireland with around 1.5 million visits per year. In the 1990s the local authority, Clare County Council, initiated development plans to enable visitors to experience the cliffs without significant intrusive man-made amenities. In keeping with this approach, a modern visitor centre, the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience, was built into a hillside approaching the cliffs. The centre was planned to be environmentally sensitive in its use of renewable energy systems including geothermal heating and cooling, solar panels and grey water recycling. The €32 million facility was planned and built over a 17 year period and officially opened in February 2007. Exhibits include interactive media displays covering the geology, history, flora and fauna of the Cliffs of Moher. The Cliffs of Moher consist mainly of beds of Namurian shale and sandstone with the oldest rocks being found at the bottom of the cliffs. During the time of their formation between 313 and 326 million years ago, a river dumped sand, silt and clay in to an ancient marine basin. Over millions of years, the sediments collecting at the mouth of this ancient delta were compacted and lithified in to the sedimentary strata preserved in the now exposed cliffs. Today the Cliffs of Moher are subject to erosion by wave action which undermines the base of support causing the cliffs to collapse under their own weight. This process creates a variety of coastal landforms characteristic of eroded coasts such as sea caves, sea stacks and sea stumps. Branaunmore, a 220 feet high sea stack at the foot below O'Brien's Tower, was once part of the Cliffs of Moher but coastal erosion gradually removed the layers of rock that joined it with the mainland. A large sea arch can also be seen at Hag's Head below the Napoleonic signal tower and many smaller sea arches can be seen from sea level. During the peak summer breeding season, there are an estimated 30,000 pairs of birds of more than 20 species and the Cliffs of Moher are designated as an Important Bird Area. A wide range of sea life can also be seen from the Cliffs of Moher including Atlantic Grey Seals, various species of whales and dolphins and Basking Sharks. Date: 6th February 2020 Location: area around Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre, Co. Clare, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42524849.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20986713106098f4df4c3e6.jpgMagpie The Eurasian Magpie, often simply known as the Magpie, is one of several birds in the crow family Corvidae designated as a Magpie. In Europe, Magpie is generally used by English speakers to describe the Eurasian Magpie. The only other species in Europe is the Iberian Magpie or Azure-winged Magpie which is limited to the Iberian peninsula. The adult male Magpie is 17 to 18 inches in length, of which more than half is the tail. The wingspan is 20 to 24 inches. The head, neck and breast are glossy black with a metallic green and violet sheen, the belly and scapulars are pure white, the wings are black glossed with green or purple and the primaries have white inner webs, conspicuous when the wing is open. The graduated tail is black, glossed with green and reddish purple. The legs and bill are black and the iris is dark brown. The plumage of the sexes is similar but the female is slightly smaller. The young resemble the adults but are at first without much of the gloss on the sooty plumage and the tail is much shorter. The Magpie can be found across temperate Eurasia from Spain and Ireland in the west to the Kamchatka Peninsula in the east. It has also been introduced in Japan on the island of Kyushu. The preferred habitat of the Magpie is open countryside with scattered trees and it is normally absent from treeless areas and dense forests. It sometimes breeds at high densities in suburban settings such as parks and gardens and it can often be found close to the centre of cities. The Magpie is normally sedentary and spends winters close to its breeding areas but birds living near the northern limit of their range in Scandinavia and Russia can move south in harsh weather. Some Magpies breed after their first year whilst others remain in non-breeding flocks and first breed in their second year. The Magpie is monogamous and pairs often remain together from one breeding season to the next and generally occupy the same territory in successive years. Mating takes place in spring. In the courtship display, males rapidly raise and depress their head feathers, uplift, open and close their tails like fans and call in soft tones quite distinct from their usual chatter. The loose feathers of the flanks are brought over the primaries, and the shoulder patch is spread so the white is conspicuous, presumably to attract females. Short buoyant flights and chases follow. The Magpie prefers tall trees for their bulky nest, firmly attaching them to a central fork in the upper branches. A framework of sticks is cemented with earth and clay and a lining of the same is covered with fine roots. Above is a stout though loosely built dome of prickly branches with a single well concealed entrance. These huge nests are conspicuous when the leaves fall. Where trees are scarce, though even in well-wooded country, nests are at times built in bushes and hedgerows. In Europe, the eggs are typically laid in April and clutches usually contain 5 or 6 eggs. The eggs are incubated for 21 to 22 days by the female who is fed on the nest by the male. The chicks are brooded by the female for the first 5 to 10 days and fed by both parents. The nestlings open their eyes 7 to 8 days after hatching and their body feathers start to appear after around 8 days and the primary wing feathers after 10 days. Fledging takes place at around 27 days and the parents then continue to feed the young for several more weeks. The parents also protect the young from predators since their ability to fly is poor, making them vulnerable. On average, only 3 or 4 chicks survive to fledge successfully. Some nests are lost to predators but an important factor causing nestling mortality is starvation. Eggs hatch asynchronously and if the parents have difficulty finding sufficient food, the last chicks to hatch are unlikely to survive. The Magpie is omnivorous, eating young birds and eggs, small mammals, insects, scraps and carrion, acorns, grain and other vegetable substances. The Magpie is believed not only to be among the most intelligent of birds but among the most intelligent of all animals. Along with the Jackdaw, the Magpie's nidopallium area of the brain is approximately the same relative size as those in Chimpanzees and humans. Like other corvids, such as the Raven and Carrion crow, the total brain-to-body mass ratio is equal to most great apes and cetaceans. A 2004 review suggests that the intelligence of the corvid family to which the Magpie belongs is equivalent to that of great apes (Chimpanzees, Orangutans and Gorillas) in terms of social cognition, causal reasoning, flexibility, imagination and prospection. The Magpie has an extremely large range and a very large population. The population trend in Europe has been stable since 1980 and there is no evidence of any serious overall decline in numbers so the species is classified by the IUCN as being of “Least Concern”. In Europe, the Magpie has been historically demonized by humans, mainly as a result of folklore, superstition and myth and its reputation as an omen of ill fortune. The Magpie has also been attacked for their role as a predator which includes eating other birds' eggs and their young. However, different studies have reached different conclusions on their impact on the populations of other birds. Date: 27th March 2021 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26891962.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_136529739856e7d602a3686.jpgChaffinch The Chaffinch is a common UK resident bird and is a colourful member of the finch family. Chaffinches breed anywhere with trees and bushes, including coniferous and deciduous woodland, farmland hedgerows, parks and rural and suburban gardens. Date: 28th February 2016 Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26891956.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_60933862356e7d5b0bfd9f.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 28th February 2016 Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo10926920.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15170183074e09790aed3db.jpgRed Squirrel The Red Squirrel or Eurasian Red Squirrel is a species of tree squirrel in the genus [i]Sciurus[/i]. It is an arboreal and primarily herbivorous rodent. The Red Squirrel has a typical head and body length of 7.5 to 9 inches, a tail length of 6 to 8 inches and a weight of 9 to 12 ounces. Males and females are the same size. The Red Squirrel is smaller and lighter in weight than the Grey Squirrel The coat of the Red Squirrel varies in colour with the time of year and its location and there are several different coat colour morphs ranging from black to red. Red coats are most common in the UK but in other parts of Europe and Asia different coat colours co-exist within populations. The underside of the Red Squirrel is always creamy-white in colour. The Red Squirrel sheds its coat twice a year, switching from a thinner summer coat to a thicker, darker winter coat with noticeably larger ear-tufts (a prominent distinguishing feature of this species) between August and November. A lighter, redder overall coat colour, along with the ear-tufts (in adults) and smaller size, distinguish the Red Squirrel from the Grey Squirrel. The long tail helps the Red Squirrel to balance and steer when jumping from tree to tree and running along branches and it may also keep it warm during sleep. The Red Squirrel, like most tree squirrels, has sharp and curved claws to enable it to climb and descend broad tree trunks, thin branches and even house walls and its strong hind legs enable it to leap gaps between trees. The Red Squirrel can be found in the boreal coniferous woods in north Europe and Siberia where it prefers Scots Pine, Norway Spruce and Siberian Pine. In west and south Europe it can be found in broad-leaved woods where the mixture of tree and shrub species provides a better year round source of food. In most of the UK and in Italy, broad-leaved woodlands are now less suitable for it due to the better competitive feeding strategy of the introduced Grey Squirrel. The Red Squirrel makes a drey (nest) out of twigs in a branch-fork, forming a domed structure about 9 to 12 inches in diameter. This is lined with moss, leaves, grass and bark. Tree hollows and woodpecker holes are also used. The Red Squirrel is generally a solitary animal and is shy and reluctant to share food with others. However, outside the breeding season and particularly in winter, several Red Squirrels may share a drey to keep warm. Social organisation is based on dominance hierarchies within and between sexes. Although males are not necessarily dominant towards females, the dominant animals tend to be larger and older than subordinate animals and dominant males tend to have larger home ranges than subordinate males or females. Mating can occur in late winter during February and March and in summer between June and July. During mating, males detect females that are in oestrus by an odour that they produce and, although there is no courtship, the male will chase the female for up to an hour prior to mating. Usually multiple males will chase a single female until the dominant male, usually the largest in the group, mates with the female. Males and females will mate multiple times with many partners. Females must reach a minimum body mass before they enter oestrus and heavy females on average produce more young. If food is scarce breeding may be delayed. Typically a female will produce her first litter in her second year. Up to 2 litters a year per female are possible. Each litter averages 3 young and these are known as kits. Gestation is about 38 to 39 days and the young are looked after by the mother alone and are born helpless, blind and deaf. Their body is covered by hair at 21 days, their eyes and ears open after 3 to 4 weeks and they develop all their teeth by 42 days. Juveniles can eat solids around 40 days following birth and from that point they can leave the nest on their own to find food. However, they still suckle from their mother until weaning occurs at 8 to 10 weeks. The Red Squirrel eats mostly the seeds of trees, fungi, nuts (especially hazelnuts but also beech and chestnuts), berries and young shoots. More rarely, it may also eat bird eggs or nestlings and may occasionally exhibit opportunistic omnivory similar to other rodents. Excess food is put into caches, either buried or in nooks or holes in trees, and eaten when food is scarce. Although the Red Squirrel remembers where it created caches at a better than chance level, its spatial memory is believed to be substantially less accurate and durable than that of the Grey Squirrel. Therefore it will often have to search for them when in need and many caches are never found again. Between 60% and 80% of the active time of a Red Squirrel may be spent foraging and feeding. The active period is generally in the morning and in the late afternoon and evening. It often rests in its nest in the middle of the day to avoid the heat and the high visibility to birds of prey that are dangers during these hours. During the winter, this midday rest is often much more brief or absent entirely although harsh weather may cause it to stay in its nest for days at a time. No territories are claimed between Red Squirrels and the feeding areas of individuals overlap considerably. A Red Squirrel that survives its first winter has a life expectancy of 3 years. Individuals may reach 7 years of age and 10 years in captivity. Survival is positively related to the availability of autumn and winter tree seeds. On average, 75 to 85% of juveniles die during their first winter and mortality is approximately 50% for winters following the first. Predators include small mammals such as the Pine Marten, the Wildcat and the Stoat which all prey on juveniles. Birds, including owls and raptors such as the Goshawk and Common Buzzard, may also prey on the Red Squirrel as will the Red Fox and domestic cats and dogs when it is on the ground. Humans influence the population size and mortality of the Red Squirrel by destroying or altering habitats, by causing road casualties and by introducing non-native populations of the Grey Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel and the Red Squirrel are not directly antagonistic and violent conflict between these species is not a factor in the decline in Red Squirrel populations. However, the Grey Squirrel appears to contribute to the decrease in the Red Squirrel population for several reasons: it carries a disease, the squirrel parapoxvirus, that does not appear to affect its own health but will often kill the Red Squirrel, it can better digest acorns whilst the Red Squirrel cannot access the proteins and fats in acorns as easily and it can put the Red Squirrel under pressure for food resources resulting in it not breeding as often. In the UK, due to the above circumstances, the population has today fallen to 160,000 Red Squirrels or fewer with the majority of these in Scotland. Outside the UK and Ireland, the impact of competition from the Grey Squirrel has also been observed in Italy where 2 pairs escaped from captivity in 1948. A significant drop in the Red Squirrel population has been observed since 1970 and it is feared that the Grey Squirrel may expand into the rest of Europe. The Red Squirrel is protected in most of Europe although in some areas it is abundant and is hunted for its fur. In the UK there are several active projects to protect the Red Squirrel and its native woodland habitat, introduce or re-introduce it in to areas where it is absent and eradicate and prevent the spread of the Grey Squirrel. Research undertaken in 2007 in the UK credits the Pine Marten with reducing the population of the invasive Grey Squirrel. Where the range of the expanding Pine Marten population meets that of the Grey Squirrel, the population of the latter retreats. It is theorised that, because the Grey Squirrel spends more time on the ground than the Red Squirrel, it is far more likely to come in contact with the Pine Marten. Date: 13th June 2011 Location: Abernethy Forest, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41349615.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13856193805f20025d7c039.jpgLarge Skipper Flight period: June to July. The Large Skipper is a small golden butterfly which is widespread throughout England and Wales and it is also extending its range northwards in to southern Scotland. They can be found in areas of tall, uncut grassland, woodland rides, roadside verges and hedgerows. Date: 16th June 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17061283.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_121442775650e02de5a083c.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 26th December 2012 Location: Caister-on-Sea, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46028410.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9757343376291f5ade4c1b.jpgLarge Red Damselfly Flight period: April to August The Large Red Damselfly is one of the three most widespread dragonflies in the UK and one of the first to emerge in spring. They can be found in most wetland habitats from acidic moorland bog pools to brackish ditches but they avoid fast flowing waters. Date: 26th May 2022 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12744404.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1191478834e705b19ca9cf.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 4th November 2008 Location: Portnahaven, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37399624.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16162469865c6697d687017.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 9th December 2018 Location: Winterton-Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41824229.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12963955565f6b4ae13e77d.jpgGoldcrest The Goldcrest is a very small passerine bird in the kinglet family. Its colourful golden crest feathers, as well as being called the "king of the birds" in European folklore, gives rise to its English and scientific names. The scientific name, [I]Regulus regulus[/I], means king or knight. Several subspecies of the Goldcrest have been described. In continental Eurasia, there are 9 generally accepted and very similar sub-species, differing only in details such as plumage shade. The nominate sub-species [i]R. r. regulus[/i] breeds in most of Europe. The Goldcrest is one of the smallest European birds, measuring 3.3 to 3.7 inches in length with a 5.3 to 6.1 inches wingspan and a weight of 0.16 to 0.25 ounces. It is similar in appearance to many warblers, with olive-green upperparts, buff-white underparts, 2 white wing bars and a plain face with conspicuous black irises. The crown of the head has black sides and a narrow black front and a bright crest, yellow with an orange centre in the male and entirely yellow in the female. The crest is erected in display, making the distinctive orange stripe of the male much more conspicuous. The small, thin bill is black and the legs are dark flesh-brown. Apart from the crest colour, the sexes are alike although in fresh plumage, the female may have very slightly paler upperparts and greyer underparts than the adult male. The juvenile is similar to the adult but it has duller upperparts and lacks the coloured crown. The Goldcrest is usually easily distinguished from other small birds in its range but poor views could possibly lead to confusion with the Firecrest or the Yellow-browed Warbler. The adult Firecrest has a distinguishing face pattern showing a bright white supercilium and black eye-stripe and the juvenile usually shows enough of this face pattern to be readily distinguished from the plain-faced Goldcrest. The Yellow-browed Warbler has a yellowish supercilium and a pale crown stripe so it also shows a different head pattern to the Goldcrest. The flight of the Goldcrest is distinctive and consists of whirring wing-beats with occasional sudden changes of direction. Shorter flights while feeding are a mix of dashing and fluttering with frequent hovering. It moves restlessly among foliage and regularly creeps on branches and up and down tree trunks. The typical contact call of the Goldcrest is thin and high-pitched and given at intervals of 1 to 4 seconds with all the notes at the same pitch. The song of the male Goldcrest is a very high, thin double repeated note ending in a flourish. The entire song lasts 3 to 4 seconds and is repeated 5 to 7 times a minute. This song, often uttered while the male is foraging, can be heard in most months of the year. The Goldcrest has a huge range in Eurasia, breeding from Macaronesia to Japan. It is common in middle and northern temperate and boreal latitudes of Europe between the 13 to 24 °C July isotherms and thus predominantly in cooler climates than the Firecrest. Further east it occurs discontinuously through southern Siberia to Sakhalin and Japan, in the Tian Shan mountains, northern Iran and from the Himalayas east to central China. The Goldcrest has bred in Iceland since about 1999 and was widespread by 2004 although numbers are affected by hard winters. Breeding occurs intermittently in the Faroe Islands. The Goldcrest is partly migratory with northernmost populations deserting their breeding areas in winter. Birds winter in Europe and Asia south of the breeding range. The Goldcrest breeds at considerable densities in mature lowland and mountain coniferous woodlands, mainly up to 9,800 feet, and occasionally to 15,700 feet. It uses Spruce, Larch, Scots Pine, Silver Fir and Mountain Pine and in man-made landscapes it also uses introduced conifers such as Douglas Fir. Broad-leaved woods are used only when some coniferous trees are also present and sites such as gardens, parks and cemeteries are used only when they offer suitable conifers that are not otherwise locally available. Unlike more specialised birds such as the Nuthatch and the Treecreeper, both of which forage on tree trunks, the Goldcrest does not need large woodlands and population density is not related to woodland size. Once the breeding season is over, the Goldcrest will readily move into deciduous trees and shrubs, heathland and similar more open habitats. The Goldcrest is a monogamous species. The male sings during the breeding season, usually while foraging rather than from a perch. It has a display involving bowing its head towards another bird and raising the coloured crest. The nest, constructed by both sexes, is a well-insulated cup-shaped structure built in 3 layers and often suspended from a hanging branch. The outer layer is made from moss, small twigs, cobwebs and lichen, the cobwebs also being used to attach the nest to the thin branches that support it. The middle layer is moss which is lined by an inner layer of feathers and hair. Egg laying starts at the end of April into early May with 9 to 11 eggs laid but ranging from 6 to 13. Second clutches, which are common, are laid usually while the first nest still has young. The male generally builds the second nest, then feeds the young in the first nest while the female is incubating in the second. When the first brood has fledged, the male joins the female in feeding the second brood. The female incubates the eggs for 16 to 19 days to hatching and she also broods the chicks which fledge in a further 17 to 22 days later. Both parents feed the chicks and fledged young. The Goldcrest becomes sexually mature after 1 year and it has an annual adult mortality of over 80% giving a life expectancy of around 8 months which is one of the shortest for any bird. There are nonetheless records of an individual surviving to 4 years 10 months and even a report of a bird ringed in Winchester in 1989 and found dead in Morocco 7 years and 7 months later. The Goldcrest feeds in trees, frequently foraging on the undersides of branches and leaves. It is almost exclusively insectivorous and takes a wide variety of prey, especially spiders, caterpillars, bugs, springtails and flies. Flying insects are taken in hovering flight but are not normally pursued. Non-animal food is rare although the Goldcrest has been seen drinking sap from broken birch twigs together with other birds. Outside the breeding season, small groups of Goldcrests maintain exclusive winter feeding territories which they defend against neighbouring groups. As they roam around their territory, they frequently join loose flocks of other wanderers such as tits and warblers. In some areas, wintering birds have developed the habit of coming to feeding stations and bird tables to take fat, sometimes with warblers such as the Chiffchaff and the Blackcap. The Goldcrest has a very large range and a very large population and it is therefore classed as “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List. There was some northward range expansion in Scotland, Belgium, Norway, and Finland during the 20th century, assisted by the spread of conifer plantations. The population is currently stable although there may be temporary marked and heavy declines in harsh winters. However, populations can recover and expand rapidly after a series of mild winters. Date: 15th September 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4169397.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8114810834b2be54d0dd46.jpgDunnock The Dunnock is a small passerine bird and the most widespread member of the genus [i]Prunella[/i], the accentor family which otherwise consists of mountain species. Other common names for the Dunnock include the Hedge Sparrow or Hedge Accentor. The Dunnock is about the size of a Robin. It has a generally drab brown streaked appearance with a grey head and a fine pointed bill. Both sexes are similar. It is quiet and unobtrusive and is frequently seen on its own, creeping along and moving with a rather nervous, shuffling gait often flicking its wings. The Dunnock is native to large areas of Eurasia where it is the only commonly found accentor in lowland areas. It can be found throughout the UK all the year round in any well vegetated areas with scrub, brambles and hedges and also in deciduous woodland, farmland edges, parks and gardens. The Dunnock is territorial and may engage in conflict with other birds that encroach upon their nesting areas. The Dunnock possesses variable mating systems. Females are often polyandrous, breeding with 2 or more males at once which is quite rare among birds. This multiple mating system leads to the development of sperm competition amongst the male suitors. DNA fingerprinting has shown that chicks within a brood often have different fathers depending on the success of the males at monopolising the female. Males try to ensure their paternity by pecking at the cloaca of the female to stimulate ejection of rival males' sperm. Males provide parental care in proportion to their mating success so 2 males and a female can commonly be seen provisioning nestlings at one nest. Other mating systems also exist within Dunnock populations depending on the ratio of male to females and the overlap of territories. When only a single female and a single male territory overlap, monogamy is preferred. Sometimes, 2 or 3 adjacent female territories overlap a single male territory and so polygyny is favoured with the male monopolising several females. Polygynandry also exists in which 2 males jointly defend a territory containing several females. Polyandry, however, is the most common mating system of the Dunnock. Depending on the population, males generally have the best reproductive success in polygynous populations whilst females have the advantage during polyandry. Studies have illustrated the fluidity of Dunnock mating systems. When food is in abundance, female territory size is reduced drastically. Consequently, males can more easily monopolise the females. Thus, the mating system can be shifted from one that favours female success (polyandry) to one that favours male success (monogamy, polygynandry or polygyny). The Dunnock builds a neat nest predominantly from twigs and moss and lined with soft materials such as wool or feathers which is located low in a bush. The female typically lays 3 to 5 eggs. Broods, depending on the population, can be raised by a lone female, multiple females with the part-time help of a male, multiple females with full-time help by a male or by multiple females and multiple males. Parental care varies according to the type of relationship. Date: 18th December 2009 Location: EWT Langdon Conservation Centre, Dunton, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13656938.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_709750564ed3687939098.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the [i]Canidae[/i] family and is a part of the order [i]Carnivora[/i] within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26541447.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_72133153156acec7c6908f.jpgFieldfare The Fieldfare is a member of the thrush family which is very similar to a Mistle Thrush in general size, shape and behaviour. It has a slate grey crown, neck and rump, a plain brown back, dark wings, blackish tail and white underwings. The breast and flanks are heavily speckled. The breast has a reddish wash and the rest of the underparts are white. The sexes are similar in appearance but the females are slightly more brown. The male has a simple chattering song and the birds have various guttural flight and alarm calls. The Fieldfare is a migratory species with a Palearctic distribution. It breeds in north Norway, north Sweden, Finland, the Baltic states, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland and in to Asia. In the summer the Fieldfare frequents mixed woodland of birch, alder, pine, spruce and fir, often near marshes, moorland or other open ground. It does not avoid the vicinity of humans and can be seen in cultivated areas, orchards, parks and gardens. It also inhabits open tundra and the slopes of hills above the tree line. It often breeds in small colonies, possibly for protection from predators. The first known breeding of the Fieldfare in the UK was in 1967 when a pair nested in Orkney. Very small numbers have continued nesting fairly regularly in Scotland. The winter range extends through west Europe, including the UK, south Europe and north Africa although it is uncommon in the Mediterranean region. Eastern populations migrate to Anatolia, Israel, Iran and north west India. Migrating and wintering Fieldfares often form large flocks, often in the company of Redwings. In the winter, the Fieldfare can be found in open country, agricultural land, orchards, open woodland and gardens. It is nomadic, wandering wherever there is an abundance of berries and insects. Later in the year it moves on to pastureland and cultivated fields. The Fieldfare is omnivorous. Animal food in the diet includes snails and slugs, earthworms, spiders and insects such as beetles and their larvae, flies and grasshoppers. In the autumn ripened berries such as hawthorn, holly, rowan, yew, juniper, dog rose, cotoneaster, pyracantha and berberis are eaten. In addition, windfall apples, grain and seeds are eaten. When these are exhausted, or in particularly harsh weather, the birds may move to marshes or even the foreshore where molluscs can be found. Date: 17th January 2016 Location: Southerness area, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/october-2019-red-deer https://images.on-this.website/4752_14293152385e60c81c3d638.jpgOctober 2019 - Red Deer Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40399554.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41349655.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6184928225f200eed5de16.jpgBlackbird The Common Blackbird is a species of true thrush. It is also called Eurasian Blackbird (especially in North America in order to distinguish it from the unrelated New World blackbirds) or simply Blackbird where this does not lead to confusion with a similar-looking local species. The Blackbird’s name derives form 2 Latin words: turdus meaning “thrush” and merula meaning “blackbird”. It may not immediately be clear why the name "blackbird", first recorded in 1486, was applied to this species but not to one of the various other common black English birds, such as the Carrion Crow, Raven, Rook or Jackdaw. However, in Old English and in modern English up to about the 18th century, "bird" was used only for smaller or young birds and larger ones such as crows were called "fowl". At that time, the Blackbird was therefore the only widespread and conspicuous black bird in the UK. The Blackbird is around 9.25 to 11.5 inches in length including a long tail. The adult male has glossy black plumage, blackish-brown legs, a yellow eye-ring and an orange-yellow bill. The bill darkens somewhat in winter. The adult female is sooty-brown with a dull yellowish-brownish bill, a brownish-white throat and some weak mottling on the breast. The juvenile is similar to the female but has pale spots on the upperparts and the very young juvenile also has a speckled breast. Young birds vary in the shade of brown, with darker birds presumably males. The first year male resembles the adult male but has a dark bill and weaker eye ring and its folded wing is brown rather than black like the body plumage. The Blackbird breeds in temperate Eurasia, north Africa, the Canary Islands and south Asia. Populations are sedentary in the south and west of the range although northern birds migrate south as far as north Africa and tropical Asia in winter. Common over most of its range in woodland, the Blackbird has a preference for deciduous trees with dense undergrowth. However, gardens provide the most successful breeding habitat. It occurs up to around 3300 feet in Europe and is often replaced by the related Ring Ousel in areas of higher altitude. The Blackbird has an extensive range and a large population which is generally stable or increasing. However, there have been local declines, especially on farmland, which may be due to agricultural policies that encouraged farmers to remove hedgerows (which provide nesting places) and to drain damp grassland and increase the use of pesticides, both of which could have reduced the availability of invertebrate food. The Blackbird may commence breeding in March when the breeding pair prospect for a suitable nest site in a creeper or bush, favouring evergreen or thorny species such as ivy, holly, hawthorn, honeysuckle or pyracantha. Sometimes they will nest in sheds or outbuildings where a ledge or cavity is used. The cup-shaped nest is made with grasses, leaves and other vegetation and bound together with mud. It is built by the female alone. The nest is often ill-concealed compared with those of other species and many breeding attempts fail due to predation. The female lays 3 to 5 (average 4) bluish-green eggs marked with reddish-brown blotches which are incubated for 12 to 14 days before the chicks are hatched naked and blind. Fledging takes another 10 to 19 (average 13.6) days, with both parents feeding the young. The young are fed by the parents for up to 3 weeks after leaving the nest and they will follow the adults begging for food. If the female starts another nest, the male alone will feed the fledged young. Second broods are common with the female reusing the same nest if the brood was successful. The first-year male Blackbird may start singing as early as late January in fine weather in order to establish a territory, followed in late March by the adult male. The male's song is a varied and melodious low-pitched fluted warble which is given from trees, rooftops or other elevated perches mainly in the period from March to June and sometimes into the beginning of July. During the winter, the Blackbird can be heard quietly singing to itself, so much so that September and October are the only months which the song cannot be heard. The Blackbird is omnivorous, eating a wide range of insects, earthworms, seeds and berries. It feeds mainly on the ground, running and hopping with a start-stop-start progress. It pulls earthworms from the soil, usually finding them by sight but sometimes by hearing, and roots through leaf litter for other invertebrates. Small amphibians and lizards are occasionally hunted. The Blackbird will also perch in bushes to take berries and collect caterpillars and other active insects. Animal prey predominates and this is particularly important during the breeding season with windfall apples and berries taken more in the autumn and winter. Near human habitation the main predator of the Blackbird is the domestic cat, with newly fledged young especially vulnerable. Foxes and predatory birds, such as the Sparrowhawk, also predate the Blackbird when the opportunity arises. Eggs and chicks are also taken by corvids, such as the Magpie or Jay. Date: 7th July 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/snpaul-fishponds-harghita-county-romania https://images.on-this.website/4752_14067264385d3087582f321.jpgSânpaul Fishponds, Harghita County, Romania Date: 3rd June 2018 Location: Sânpaul Fishponds, Harghita County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623037.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6296465566117d31eae0cc.jpgRazorbill The Razorbill is a seabird and a member of the auk family which also includes the Common Guillemot, Brunnich's Guillemot and Little Auk. It is also the closest living relative to the Great Auk which is now extinct. The Razorbill has white underparts and a black head, neck, back and feet during the breeding season. A thin white line also extends from the eyes to the end of the bill. Its head is darker than that of the CommonGuillemot. Outside the breeding season, the throat and face behind the eye become white and the white line on the face becomes less prominent. The thick black bill has a blunt end. The adult male and female female are very much alike having only small differences such as wing length. The Razorbill has a horizontal stance and the tail feathers are slightly longer in the centre in comparison to other auks making it have a distinctly long tail which is not common for an auk. The Razorbill is distributed across the sub-arctic and boreal waters of the north Atlantic where water surface temperature are typically below 15°c. The world population is estimated to be less than 1 million breeding pairs, making it among the rarest auks in the world. Approximately 60 to 70% of the entire Razorbill population breeds in Iceland., including over 200,000 pairs at Látrabjarg. The breeding habitat is islands, rocky shores and cliffs on north Atlantic coasts, in eastern North America as far south as Maine and in western Europe from north west Russia to northern France. Eurasian birds winter at sea with some moving south as far as the western Mediterranean. North American birds migrate offshore and south. The Razorbill is a colonial breeder and only comes to land to breed. Individuals only breed at 3 to 5 years of age. Females select their mate and will often encourage competition between males before choosing a partner. Once a male is chosen, the pair will usually stay together for life. Nest site determination is very important to ensure protection of young from predators. Unlike Common Guillemots, nest sites are not immediately alongside the sea on open cliff ledges but at least 4 to 6 inches away in crevices on cliffs or among boulders. Generally a nest is not built although some pairs often use their bills to drag material upon which to lay their single egg. The mating pair will often reuse the same site every year. The Razorbill feeds mainly on schooling fish and crustaceans and it will dive deep into the sea using its wings and its streamlined body to propel itself toward their prey. Whilst diving, it rarely stays in groups but instead spreads out to feed. The majority of feeding occurs at a depth of about 80 feet but it has the ability to dive up to 400 feet below the surface. During a single dive the Razorbill can capture and swallow many schooling fish depending on their size. The Razorbill spends approximately 45% of its time foraging at sea and it may well fly more than 60 miles out to sea to feed. However, when feeding chicks it will forage much closer to the nesting grounds and often in shallower water. The Razorbill and its eggs and chicks have several predators which include Great Black-backed Gulls, Peregrines, Ravens and other crows, Arctic Foxes and Polar Bears. In the early 20th century, Razorbills were harvested for their eggs, meat and feathers and this greatly decreased their population. In 1917 they were finally protected which reduced hunting. Other current threats include oil pollution, unintentional bycatch arising from commercial fishing and overfishing which decreases the abundance of prey. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13657365.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18807818854ed36f8716c62.jpgBadger The European Badger is a species of badger in the mustelid family (which in the UK includes the Otter, Pine Marten, Stoat and Weasel) and it is native to almost all of Europe. The source of the word "badger" is uncertain. The Oxford English Dictionary states it probably dates from the 16th century and derives from "badge", referring to the white mark borne like a badge on the Badger’s forehead. The French word [i]bêcheur[/i] (digger) has also been suggested as a source. The far older name "brock" derives from the Gaelic [i]broc[/i] or Welsh [i]broch[/i] and appears in Old English as [i]brocc[/i]. The Badger is a powerfully built animal with a small head, a thick, short neck, a stocky, wedge-shaped body and a short tail. Its feet are short with 5 toes on each foot. The limbs are short and massive with naked lower surfaces on the feet. The claws are strong, elongated and have an obtuse end which assists in digging. The snout, which is used for digging and probing, is muscular and flexible. The eyes are small and the ears short and tipped with white. Whiskers are present on the snout and above the eyes. Boars (males) typically have broader heads, thicker necks and narrower tails than sows (females) which are sleeker and have narrower, less domed heads and fluffier tails. Adults measure 9.8 to 11.8 inches in shoulder height, 24 to 35 inches in body length and 4.7 to 9.4 inches in tail length. Boars slightly exceed sows in measurements but can weigh considerably more. Weight varies seasonally, growing from spring to autumn and reaching a peak just before the winter. During the summer, the Badger weighs 15 to 29 pounds but this increases to 33 to 37 pounds in the autumn. Sows can attain a top weight of around 38 pounds, while exceptionally large boars have been reported in the autumn with the heaviest verified at 60 pounds. The contrasting black, white, brown and grey markings of the Badger’s fur serve to warn off attackers rather than camouflage as they are conspicuous at night. The colour, coarseness and density of the fur varies seasonally. Although the Badger’s sense of smell is acute, eyesight is monochromatic as has been shown by their lack of reaction to red light. Only moving objects attract their attention. The European Badger is the most social of badgers, forming groups of 6 adults on average, although larger associations of over 20 individuals have been recorded. Group size may be related to habitat composition. Under optimal conditions, Badger territories can be as small as 30 hectares but may be as large as 150 hectares in marginal areas. Badger territories can be identified by the presence of communal latrines and well-worn paths. It is mainly male Badgers that are involved in territorial aggression. A hierarchical social system is thought to exist and large powerful boars seem to assert dominance over smaller males. Large boars sometimes intrude into neighbouring territories during the main mating season in early spring. Sparring and more vicious fights generally result from territorial defence in the breeding season. When fighting, Badgers bite each other on the neck and rump while running and chasing each other and injuries incurred in such fights can be severe and sometimes fatal. However, in general, animals within and outside a group show considerable tolerance of each other. The Badger is usually monogamous and boars typically mate with a single female for life, whereas sows have been known to mate with more than one male. The oestrus cycle in the Badger lasts 4 to 6 days and may occur throughout the year, although there is a peak in spring. Sexual maturity in boars is usually attained at the age of 12 to 15 months but this can range from 9 months to 2 years. Sows usually begin ovulating in their second year, although some exceptionally begin at 9 months. Badgers can mate at any time of the year, although the main peak occurs in February to May. Matings occurring outside this period typically occur in sows which either failed to mate earlier in the year or matured slowly. Delayed implantation following mating can last 2 to 9 months although matings in December can result in immediate implantation. Ordinarily, implantation happens in December with a gestation period lasting 7 weeks. Cubs are usually born in mid-January to mid-March within underground chambers containing bedding. In areas where the countryside is waterlogged, cubs may be born above ground in buildings. The average litter consists of 1 to 5 cubs. Cubs are born pink with greyish, silvery fur and fused eyelids. Newborn Badgers are 5 inches in body length on average and weigh 2.6 to 4.7 ounces, with cubs from large litters being smaller. By 3 to 5 days, claws become pigmented and individual dark hairs begin to appear. Eyes open at 4 to 5 weeks and milk teeth erupt about the same time. Cubs emerge from their setts at 8 weeks of age and begin to be weaned at 12 weeks, although they may still suckle until they are 4 to 5 months old. Subordinate females may assist the mother in guarding, feeding and grooming the cubs. Cubs fully develop their adult coats at 6 to 9 weeks. The Badger can live for up to about 15 years in the wild. The Badger is a burrowing animal. However, the dens it constructs (setts) are complex and are passed on from generation to generation. A sett is almost invariably located near a tree which is used by badgers for stretching or claw scraping. Badgers defecate in latrines which are located near the sett and at strategic locations on territorial boundaries or near places with abundant food supplies. The number of exits in a sett can vary from just a few to 50. Setts can be vast and can sometimes accommodate multiple families. When this happens, each family occupies its own passages and sleeping and nesting chambers. Badgers dig and collect bedding throughout the year, particularly in autumn and spring, and the chambers are frequently lined with bedding brought in on dry nights consisting of grass, bracken, straw, leaves and moss. The Badger is a fastidiously clean animal which regularly clears out and discards old bedding. Along with the Brown Bear, the Badger is among the least carnivorous members of the carnivorous mammals. It is a highly adaptable and opportunistic omnivore whose diet encompasses a wide range of animals and plants. Earthworms are their most important food source, followed by large insects, carrion, cereals, fruit and small mammals including rabbits, mice, shrews, moles and hedgehogs. In addition, a wide variety of insect prey, cereal food, windfall fruit and berries is eaten. Occasionally, the Badger feeds on medium to large birds, amphibians, small reptiles, snails, slugs, fungi, and green food such as clover and grass. The Badger typically eats prey on the spot and rarely transports it to the sett. The Badger has few natural enemies. Wolves, lynxes and dogs can pose a threat although deaths caused by them are rare. It may live alongside the Red Fox in isolated sections of large burrows and the 2 species possibly tolerate each other through the Red Fox providing food scraps to the Badger and the Badger maintaining the shared burrow’s cleanliness. The Badger is native to most of Europe and parts of western Asia west of the Volga river in Russia. The International Union for Conservation of Nature rates the Badger as being of “least concern”. It is abundant and increasing throughout its range, partly due to a reduction in rabies in central Europe. In the UK, the Badger experienced a 77% increase in numbers during the 1980s and 1990s and the population is estimated to be around 300,000. The Badger is found in deciduous and mixed woodlands, clearings, spinneys, pastureland and scrub, including Mediterranean maquis shrubland. It has also adapted to life in suburban areas and urban parks, although not to the extent of the Red Fox. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife, Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19905537.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_940580977529089e305252.jpgRuff The Ruff is a medium-sized wading bird in the sandpiper family, [i]Scolopacidae[/i]. The original English name for this bird, dating back to at least 1465, is the [i]ree[/i], perhaps derived from a dialectical term meaning "frenzied". A later name [I]reeve[/I], which is still used for the female, is of unknown origin but may be derived from the shire-reeve, a feudal officer, likening the male's flamboyant plumage to the official's robes. The current name was first recorded in 1634 and is derived from the ruff, an exaggerated collar fashionable from the mid-16th century to the mid-17th century, since the male bird's neck ornamental feathers resemble the neck wear. The Ruff has a distinctive appearance with a small head, medium-length bill, longish neck and pot-bellied body. It has long legs that are variable in colour but usually yellow or orange. In flight, it has a deeper, slower wing stroke than other waders of a similar size and it displays a thin, indistinct white bar on the wing and white ovals on the sides of the tail. The Ruff shows very distinctive sexual dimorphism. Although a small percentage of males resemble females, the typical male is much larger than the female and has an elaborate breeding plumage. The male is 11 to 13 inches in length with a 21 to 24 inches wingspan. During the May to June breeding season, the typical male's legs, bill and warty bare facial skin are orange and he has distinctive head tufts and a neck ruff. These ornaments vary on individual birds and are black, chestnut or white with the colouring solid, barred or irregular. The grey-brown back has a scale-like pattern, often with black or chestnut feathers, and the underparts are white with extensive black on the breast. The extreme variability of the main breeding plumage is thought to have developed to aid individual recognition in a species that has communal breeding displays but is usually mute. Outside the breeding season, the typical male's head and neck decorations and the bare facial skin are lost and the legs and bill become duller. The upperparts are grey-brown and the underparts are white with grey mottling on the breast and flanks. The female, or "reeve", is 9 to 10 inches in length with a 18 to 19 inches wingspan. In the breeding plumage, the female has grey-brown upperparts with white-fringed, dark-centred feathers. The breast and flanks are variably blotched with black. In winter, her plumage is similar to that of the male but the sexes are distinguishable on size. The plumage of the juvenile Ruff resembles the non-breeding adult but has upperparts with a neat, scale-like pattern with dark feather centres and a strong buff tinge to the underparts. The Ruff is a migratory species, breeding in wetlands in the colder regions of northern Eurasia and wintering in the tropics, mainly in Africa. There is a limited overlap of the summer and winter ranges in the UK and parts of coastal western Europe and birds may be present throughout the year. The Ruff breeds in Europe and Asia from Scandinavia and the UK almost to the Pacific. In Europe, it is found in cool temperate areas but over its Russian range it is an Arctic species and occurs mainly north of about 65°N. The largest numbers breed in Russia, Sweden, Finland and Norway. Although it also breeds from the UK east through the Low Countries to Poland, Germany and Denmark, the populations are much lower in these more southerly areas. The Ruff is highly gregarious on migration and it travels in large flocks that can contain hundreds or thousands of individuals. Huge dense groups form on the wintering grounds. The males, which play no part in nesting or chick care, leave the breeding grounds in late June or early July followed later in July by the females and juveniles. Males typically make shorter flights and winter further north than females. Many migratory species use this differential wintering strategy since it reduces feeding competition between the sexes and enables territorial males to reach the breeding grounds as early as possible thereby improving their chances of successful mating. Males may also be able to tolerate colder winter conditions because they are larger than females. The Ruff breeds in extensive lowland freshwater marshes and damp grasslands. It avoids barren tundra and areas badly affected by severe weather, preferring hummocky marshes and deltas with shallow water. The wetter areas provide a source of food, the mounds and slopes may be used for leks and dry areas with sedge or low scrub offer nesting sites. When it is not breeding, it can be found in a wider range of shallow wetlands. Dry grassland, tidal mudflats and the seashore are less frequently used. Male Ruffs display during the breeding season at a lek in a traditional open grassy arena. The Ruff is one of the few lekking species in which the display is primarily directed at other males rather than to the females and it is among a small percentage of birds in which the males have well-marked and inherited variations in plumage and mating behaviour. There are 3 male forms: the typical territorial males, satellite males which have a white neck ruff and a very rare variant with female-like plumage. The behaviour and appearance for an individual male remain constant through its adult life and are determined by its genes. The territorial males, about 84% of the total, have strongly coloured black or chestnut ruffs and stake out and occupy small mating territories in the lek. They actively court females and display a high degree of aggression towards other resident males. Between 5 and 20 territorial males each hold an area of the lek about 3 feet across and usually with bare soil in the centre. They perform an elaborate display that includes wing fluttering, jumping, standing upright, crouching with ruff erect or lunging at rivals. They are typically silent even when displaying. Territorial males are very site faithful and 90% return to the same lekking sites in subsequent seasons, the most dominant males being the most likely to reappear. Site faithful males can acquire accurate information about the competitive abilities of other males, leading to well-developed dominance relationships. Such stable relationships reduce conflict and the risk of injury and the consequent lower levels of male aggression are less likely to scare off females. Lower-ranked territorial males also benefit from site fidelity since they can remain on the leks while waiting for the top males eventually to drop out. Satellite males, about 16% of the total number, have white or mottled ruffs and do not occupy territories. Instead, they enter leks and attempt to mate with the females visiting the territories occupied by the resident territorial males. Resident territorial males tolerate the satellite birds because, although they are competitors for mating with the females, the presence of both types of male on a territory attracts additional females. A third type of male was first described in 2006. This is a permanent female mimic, the first such reported for a bird. About 1% of males are small, intermediate in size between males and females and do not grow the elaborate breeding plumage of the territorial and satellite males. This cryptic male obtains access to mating territories together with the females and "steals" matings when the females crouch to solicit copulation. It moults into the prenuptial male plumage with striped feathers but does not go on to develop the ornamental feathers of the normal male. Not all mating takes place at the lek since only a minority of the males attend an active lek. As alternative strategies, males can also directly pursue females or wait for them as they approach good feeding sites. The level of polyandry in the Ruff is the highest known for any avian lekking species and for any shorebird. More than half of females mate with and have clutches fertilised by more than one male. In lekking species, females can choose mates without risking the loss of support from males in nesting and rearing chicks since the males take no part in raising the brood anyway. The nest of the Ruff is a shallow ground scrape lined with grass leaves and stems and concealed in marsh plants or tall grass up to 450 yards from the lek. Nesting is solitary although several females may lay in the general vicinity of a lek. The female lays typically 4 eggs from mid-March to early June depending on latitude. Incubation is undertaken by the female alone and the time to hatching is 20 to 23 days with a further 25 to 28 days to fledging. The precocial chicks have buff and chestnut down, streaked and barred with black and frosted with white. They feed themselves on a variety of small invertebrates. The Ruff normally feeds using a steady walk and pecking action, selecting food items by sight, but it will also wade deeply and submerge its head. During the breeding season, the Ruff’s diet consists almost exclusively of the adults and larva of terrestrial and aquatic insects such as beetles and flies. On migration and during the winter, it eats insects, crustaceans, spiders, molluscs, worms, frogs, small fish and also the seeds of rice and other cereals, sedges, grasses and aquatic plants. The Ruff has a large range and a large population although there is some evidence of a decrease in the population in some regions and countries. However, the species as a whole is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List (i.e. declining more than 30 percent in 10 years or 3 generations). For these reasons, the Ruff is classified as "least concern". However, the range in much of Europe is contracting because of land drainage, increased fertiliser use, the loss of mown or grazed breeding sites and over-hunting. Therefore the Ruff is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 30th September 2013 Location: Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42626689.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_158819834660a92426e4f6e.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 14th April 2021 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801063.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_106761720264eda294b9ab7.jpgEmerald Damselfly Flight period: June to September The Emerald Damselfly is widely distributed in uplands and lowlands throughout the UK. They can be found around small, shallow standing water with luxuriant vegetation such as rushes and sedges. Date: 8th July 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31837547.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1915043282595625012819a1.31236520.jpgOtter The Eurasian Otter, also known as the European Otter, Eurasian River Otter, Common Otter and Old World Otter and commonly known as the Otter, is a semi-aquatic mammal and the most widely distributed member of the Otter sub-family of the Weasel family (Mustelidae). The Otter is a typical species of the Otter sub-family and is brown above and cream below. It is 22.5 to 37.5 inches long excluding a tail of 14 to 17.5 inches. The female is shorter than the male. The Otter's average body weight is 15 to 26 pounds, although occasionally a large old male may reach up to 37 pounds. The Otter differs from the North American River Otter by its shorter neck, broader face, the greater space between the ears and its longer tail. However, it is the only Otter species in much of its range so it is rarely confused for any other animal. The Otter is the most widely distributed Otter species and its range including parts of Asia and Africa as well as being widespread across Europe. The Otter can be found throughout most of the UK with the highest densities in Scotland, especially the islands and the north west coast, Wales, parts of East Anglia and the West Country. The Otter declined across its range in the second half of the 20th century primarily due to pollution, habitat loss and hunting. However, populations are now recovering in many parts of Europe. In the UK the number of sites with an Otter presence increased by 55% between 1994 and 2002. In August 2011, the Environment Agency announced that the Otter had returned to every county in England since vanishing from every county except the West Country and parts of Northern England. The recovery of the Otter population in Europe is due to a ban on the most harmful pesticides that has been in place since 1979, improvements in water quality leading to increases in prey populations and direct legal protection under the European Union Habitats Directive and national legislation in several European countries. In general, the Otter’s varied and adaptable diet means that it can be found on any unpolluted body of fresh water, including lakes, streams, rivers and ponds, as long as the food supply is adequate. It can also be found along the coast in salt water but it requires regular access to fresh water to clean its fur. When living in the sea it is sometimes referred to as a "Sea Otter" but it should not be confused with the true Sea Otter which is a North American species much more strongly adapted to a marine existence. The Otter's diet mainly consists of fish. However, during the winter and in colder environments, fish consumption is significantly lower and other sources of food are eaten including amphibians, crustaceans, insects, birds and small mammals. Hunting mainly takes place at night whilst the day is usually spent in the Otter's holt (den). The Otter is strongly territorial and is primarily solitary. An individual's territory may vary between 1 and 25 miles with the length of the territory depending on the density of food available and the width of the water suitable for hunting (it is shorter on coasts, where the available width is much wider and longer on narrower rivers). The Otter uses its spraints to mark its territory. Territories are only held against members of the same sex so those of males and females may overlap. The Otter is a non-seasonal breeder and males and females will breed at any time of the year. It has been found that their mating season is most likely determined simply by the Otters' reproductive maturity and physiological state. Female Otters are sexually mature between 18 and 24 months old and the average age of first breeding is found to be 2.5 years old. Gestation is 60 to 64 days and after the gestation period, 1 to 4 pups are born which remain dependent on the mother for about 13 months. The male plays no direct role in parental care although the territory of a female with her pups is usually entirely within that of the male. Date: 25th June 2017 Location: Loch na Keal, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405385.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19098959476586d06529b21.jpgRed Admiral Flight period: April to November. The Red Admiral is a familiar and widespread butterfly in the UK although numbers depend on immigration from Europe. It can be found in any flower-rich habitat. Date: 30th September 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31192372.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2112676664591824202a3919.26777353.jpgYellowhammer The Yellowhammer is a passerine bird in the bunting family. The bird family [i]Emberizidae[/i] contains around 300 seed-eating species, the majority of which are found in the Americas, although the genus [i]Emberiza[/i], with more than 40 members, is confined to the Old World. Within its genus [i]Emberiza[/i], the Yellowhammer is most closely related to the Pine Bunting and at times they have been considered as one species. Where their ranges meet, the Yellowhammer and Pine Bunting interbreed and the hybrid zone is thought to be moving further east. The Yellowhammer is also closely related to the Cirl Bunting. The Yellowhammer’s scientific name [i]Emberiza citrinella[/i] is derived from the Old German [i]embritz[/i] meaning “bunting” and the Italian [i]citrinella[/i] meaning “small yellow bird”. The Yellowhammer is a large bunting around 6.3 to 6.5 inches long with a wingspan of 9.1 to 11.6 inches. The male has a bright yellow head, heavily streaked brown back, rufous rump, yellow underparts and white outer tail feathers. The female is less brightly coloured and more streaked on the crown, breast and flanks. Both sexes are less strongly marked outside the breeding season when the dark fringes on new feathers obscure the yellow plumage. The juvenile is much duller and less yellow than the adults and often has a paler rump. The Yellowhammer breeds across Eurasia and it is the commonest and most widespread European bunting although it is absent from high mountains, Arctic regions, most of Iberia and Greece and low-lying regions of other countries adjoining the Mediterranean Sea. It also breeds in Russia east to Irkutsk and in most of Ukraine and the Asian range extends into north west Turkey, the Caucasus and northern Kazakhstan. Populations have declined in recent decades in western Europe but in eastern Europe numbers appear to be stable. Changes to agricultural practices are thought to be responsible for reduced breeding densities. The Yellowhammer can be found throughout most of the UK but it is least abundant in the north and west and absent from some upland areas such as the Pennines and the Scottish Highlands as well as some lowland areas. Its recent sharp population decline make it a Red List species. Within its range, the Yellowhammer is a bird of dry open country, preferably with a range of vegetation types and some trees from which to sing. It is absent from urban areas, forests and wetlands. Probably originally found at forest edges and large clearings, it has benefited from traditional agriculture which created extensive open areas with hedges and clumps of trees. The Yellowhammer usually starts breeding in late April or early May. The males establish territories along hedges or woodland fringes and sing from a tree or bush, often continuing well into July or August. The nest is built by the female on or near the ground and is typically well hidden in tussocks against a bank or low in a bush. It is constructed from nearby plant material such as leaves, dry grass and stalks and lined with fine grasses and sometimes animal hair. The clutch is usually 3 to 5 eggs and the female incubates the eggs for 12 to 14 days to hatching and broods the chicks until they fledge 11 to 13 days later. Both adults feed the chicks in the nest and 2 or 3 broods are raised each year. The Yellowhammer forages mainly on the ground and its diet consists mainly of seeds. Grasses are also important, particularly cereals, and grain makes up a significant part of the food consumed in autumn and winter. Invertebrates are added to its diet during the breeding season, particularly as food for its growing chicks, and a wide range of species is taken including springtails, grasshoppers, flies, beetles, caterpillars, earthworms, spiders and snails. Outside of the breeding season, the Yellowhammer forages in flocks which can occasionally number hundreds of birds and often contain other buntings and finches. The Yellowhammer is a conspicuous, vocal and formerly common country bird and it has attracted human interest. Yellowham Wood and Yellowham Hill, near Dorchester in the UK, both derive their names from the bird. Robbie Burns' poem "The Yellow, Yellow Yorlin'" gets its title from a Scottish name for the Yellowhammer. Enid Blyton helped to popularise the bird's song as "a little bit of bread and no cheese" in some of her books and she wrote a poem called "The Yellow-hammer". Beethoven's student, Carl Czerny, and biographer Anton Schindler, both suggested that the composer got the idea for the first 4 notes of his 5th symphony from the song of the Yellowhammer although it is more likely that the opening of the 4th Piano Concerto was actually the work in question. Beethoven also used the Yellowhammer theme in 2 piano sonatas. Date: 9th May 2017 Location: Weeting Heath NWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11177772.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5541790424e16bc7ab08f3.jpgMute Swan The Mute Swan is a species of swan native to much of Eurasia. Despite its Eurasian origin, its closest relatives are the Black Swan of Australia and the Black-necked Swan of south America, not the other Northern Hemisphere swans such as the Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan. The name “mute” derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. The adult Mute Swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob at the top of the beak. All Mute Swans are white at maturity although the feathers (particularly on the head and neck) are often stained orange-brown by iron and tannins in the water. Young birds (cygnets) are not the bright white colour of mature adults and their bill is dull greyish-black for the first year. The plumage may range from pure white to grey to buff with grey/buff being the most common. Cygnets typically retain their grey/buff feathers until they are at least 1 year old. On average, the Mute Swan is the second largest waterfowl species after the Trumpeter Swan although the male Mute Swan can easily match or even exceed a male Trumpeter Swan in mass. The adult Mute Swan typically ranges from 55 to 63 inches in length (although it can range in extreme cases from 49 to 67 inches) with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. Males (cobs) are larger than females (pens) and have a larger knob on their bill. The Mute Swan is one of the heaviest flying birds. In several studies from the UK, males were found to average from about 23.4 to 26.2 pounds, with a weight range of 20 to 32 pounds, while the slightly smaller females were found to average about 18.7 to 21.3 pounds, with a weight range of 17 to 23 pounds. The Mute Swan is less vocal than the noisy Bewick's Swan and Whooper Swan although it does make a variety of grunting, hoarse whistling and snorting noises, especially in communicating with their cygnets and threatening competitors or intruders trying to enter their territory. The most familiar sound associated with the Mute Swan is the vibrant throbbing of the wings in flight which is unique to the species and this can be heard from a range of up to 1 mile. The Mute Swan is found naturally mainly in the temperate areas of Europe across west Asia and as far east as Primorsky Krai in the far east of Russia. It is partially migratory throughout the northern latitudes in Europe and Asia as far south as north Africa and the Mediterranean. It is also often kept in captivity outside its natural range as a decoration for parks and ponds and escapes have occurred. The descendants of such birds have become naturalised in east USA and the Great Lakes region across the USA and Canada border. The Mute Swan population in the UK has increased recently probably due to better protection of this species. Some birds are resident all year whilst others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into east England. Mute Swans nest on large mounds that they build with waterside vegetation in shallow water on islands in the middle or at the very edge of a lake. It is a monogamous species and often reuses the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Males and females share the care of the nest. The female lays from 4 to 10 eggs and broods for around 36 days. Cygnets are unable to fly before an age of 120 to 150 days and this limits the distribution of the species in the northern edge of its range since the cygnets must learn to fly before the water freezes. The Mute Swan is usually strongly territorial with just a single pair on smaller lakes although in a few locations where a large area of suitable feeding habitat is found they can be colonial. The largest colonies can hold over 100 pairs such as that at the colony at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset in the UK. Non-mated juveniles up to 3 to 4 years old commonly form larger flocks often at regular traditional sites and these can total several hundred birds. The Mute Swan can be very aggressive in defence of its nest and it is highly protective of its mate and offspring. Most defensive attacks from a Mute Swan begin with a loud hiss and, if this is not sufficient to drive off the predator, are followed by a physical attack. It attacks by smashing at its enemy with bony spurs in the wings accompanied by biting with its large bill. Smaller waterbirds such as ducks are normally grabbed with the bill and dragged or thrown clear. Large waterfowl, such as the Canada Goose, more likely out of competition than in response to potential predation, may be aggressively driven off. The wings of the Mute Swan are very powerful although not strong enough to break an adult man's leg as has been claimed anecdotally. The Mute Swan feeds on a wide range of vegetation, both submerged aquatic plants which they reach with their long necks and by grazing on land. The food commonly includes agricultural crop plants such as oilseed rape and wheat and feeding flocks in the winter may cause significant crop damage, often as much through trampling with their large webbed feet as through direct consumption. Date: 3rd February 2009 Location: Northlands Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49278721.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_752269126499baa15bd33.jpgFour-spotted Chaser Flight period: mid May to end August. Four-spotted Chasers are a common and widespread species of dragonfly throughout most of the UK. They can be found around sheltered lowland lakes and ponds and around acidic moorland bogs and sheltered upland lakes. Date: 16th June 2023 Location: RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo453483.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_103373102746883f47ab6d8.jpgFidden, Mull, Argyll Fidden is situated at the western end of the Ross of Mull, the peninsula located on the west of the island of Mull. There are some beautiful sandy bays here and beyond these lies the Sound of Iona and the island of Iona itself. Date: 8th June 2007 Location: view from Fidden Farm http://www.richardchewphotography.com/ullsfjorden-svensby-troms-north-norway https://images.on-this.website/4752_18950583384f743bf5eb036.jpgUllsfjorden at Svensby, Troms, north Norway Ullsfjorden is a sea fjord located east of Tromsø and west of the Lyngenalpen which can be crossed by the Breivikeidet to Svensby ferry. Location: view from east shore at Svensby Date: 17th March 2012 http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48482963.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_569164146640a3cd2d5028.jpgMistle Thrush The Mistle Thrush is the largest European thrush species, measuring 11 inches in length with a 18 inches wingspan and being slightly larger than a Blackbird and noticeably larger than the Song Thrush. The Mistle Thrush has a stocky upright posture when on the ground. It has pale grey-brown upperparts, the chin and throat are greyish-white and the yellowish-buff breast and off-white belly are marked with round black spots. The spotting becomes denser on the lower chest, giving the appearance of a breast-band. The long tail has white tips on the outer feathers and the underwing coverts are white. The eyes are dark brown and the bill is blackish with a yellowish base to the lower mandible. The legs and feet are yellowish-brown. There are no plumage differences between the sexes. Juveniles are similar to adults but they have paler upperparts with creamy centres to many of the feathers and smaller spots on the yellowish underparts. By their first winter they are very similar to adults but the underparts are usually more buff-toned. The male Mistle Thrush has a loud melodious song with fluted whistles, repeated 3 to 6 times and used to advertise his territory, attract a mate and maintain the pair bond. The tone resembles that of the Song Thrush or Blackbird but compared to its relatives the Mistle Thrush's repertoire is less varied and the delivery is slower. However, the song is much louder and often audible up to 2000 yards away. The song is given from a treetop or other elevated position mainly from November to early June. The male is most vocal in the early morning and its tendency to sing after, and sometimes during, wet and windy weather led to the old name "stormcock". The Mistle Thrush is quite a terrestrial bird, hopping with its head held up and body erect. When excited, it will flick its wings and tail. The flight consists of undulating bounds interspersed with glides. The Mistle Thrush breeds in much of Europe and temperate Asia, although it is absent from the treeless far north and its range becomes discontinuous in south east Europe, Turkey and the Middle East. In these warmer southern areas, it tends to be found in the milder uplands and coastal regions. It is a partial migrant with birds from the north and east of the range wintering in the milder areas of Europe and North Africa. Scandinavian and Russian birds start moving south from mid-September onwards, most birds wintering in Europe, west Turkey and the Middle East. Between mid-October and November, large numbers cross the Strait of Gibraltar and others pass through Cyprus but there is hardly any migration across the North Sea. Return migration starts mainly from late March, although it can be a month earlier in the Middle East and northern breeders may not arrive back on their territories until late April or early May. Migration may be by day or night and typically involves individuals or small groups. The Mistle Thrush is a widespread bird in the UK and can be found almost everywhere except the highest upland areas and the northern and western isles of Scotland. Breeding birds in the UK are resident or move only short distances. The Mistle Thrush can be found in a wide range of habitats containing trees, including forests, plantations, hedges and town parks. In the south and east of its range, it inhabits upland coniferous woodland and the range extends above the main tree line where dwarf juniper is present. Breeding occurs at up to 2000 feet in the mountains of north Africa and occasionally much higher up to 5600 feet. In the uplands of Europe, its preferred altitude is from 2600 to 5900 feet. More open habitats, such as agricultural land, moors and grassy hills are extensively used in winter or on migration. The Mistle Thrush is usually found as an individuals or in a pair for much of the year although families forage together in late summer and groups may merge to form large flocks when food sources are plentiful. It is not uncommon for up to 50 birds to feed together at that time of year. They roost at night in trees or bushes, again typically as individuals or pairs, except in late summer or autumn when families may roost together. The Mistle Thrush forms monogamous pairs and stay as a pair throughout the year in areas where they are not migratory. Their territories are much larger than those of Blackbirds or Song Thrushes and larger in woodland than in farmland. The male will attack intruders into its breeding territory, including much larger birds such as birds of prey and corvids. Breeding typically commences in mid-March in the south and west of Europe, late February in the UK but not till early May in Scandinavia. The nest is usually built in a tree in the fork of a branch or against the trunk although hedges, ledges on buildings and cliff faces may also be used. The nest site may be up to 60 feet above the ground although 6 to 30 feet is more typical. The nest is a large cup of sticks, dry grass, roots and moss, coated on the inside with a layer of mud and lined with fine grass and leaves. The nest is built by the female although the male may help. The female Mistle Thrush typically lays 3 to 5 eggs which are incubated for 12 to 15 days, mainly by the female. The chicks are fed by both parents and fledge about 14 to 16 days after hatching. There are normally 2 broods, the male feeding the fledglings from the first brood while the female sits on the second clutch of eggs. The fledglings are dependent on their parents for 15 to 20 days after leaving the nest. The Mistle Thrush feeds mainly on invertebrates, fruit and berries. Animal prey include earthworms, insects and other arthropods, slugs and snails. Snails are sometimes smashed on a stone "anvil", a technique also used by the Song Thrush. Plant food includes the fruits and seeds of bushes and trees, mainly holly, yew, ivy and mistletoe but also blackberry, cherry, elder, hawthorn, olive and rose. It may eat the flowers and shoots of grasses and other plants and it will take fallen apples and plums. It forages within its breeding habitat and in open fields, sometimes sharing these feeding areas with other thrush species. Individuals or pairs will often defend one or more fruit-bearing trees throughout the winter, with preference shown for trees which host mistletoe, the parasitic plant from which the Mistle Thrush derives its name. Where mistletoe is not present, holly is the most common tree chosen. The Mistle Thrush has an extensive distribution in Europe and western Asia and although the population now appears to be declining, the decrease is not rapid or large enough to trigger conservation vulnerability criteria. Given its high numbers and very large range, the Mistle Thrush is therefore classified by the IUCN as being of Least Concern. The perceived population decline may be due to the loss of invertebrate-rich pastures and mixed farms through conversion to arable agriculture or more intensively managed grassland. Adult survival, clutch size and fledging success are all lower in arable landscapes than in areas with extensive pasture. Date: 31st January 2023 Location: Holkham, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46535127.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8603751662caa2a9130f5.jpgEdible Frog The Edible Frog is a species of frog found across Europe that is also known as the Common Water Frog and the Green Frog. The Edible Frog is one of the few animals in the world that is a fertile hybrid of 2 different species, as although similar but genetically different species are known to mate, it is very rare that their offspring will be able to breed. The Edible Frog is a fertile hybrid of 2 other European frogs, namely the Pool Frog and the Marsh Frog, that inter-bred when populations where isolated close to one another during the Ice Age. It was first described in 1758 and is known as the Edible Frog due to the fact that it is now seen as a culinary delicacy across Europe but especially in France where frog’s legs are often served as a national dish. The reason for humans favouring this frog over others is not really known but it may have something to do with their abundance. The Edible Frog is a medium sized frog growing to around 3.5 to 4.5 inches in length. Adults are mainly green in colour with light patches of brown on their backs, yellow eyes and a white underside covered in a few dark spots. There are number of distinct differences between males and females including the fact that males become much lighter and greener during the mating season. Males also have vocal sacs on the outside of their cheeks and extra skin patches on their feet, both of which are primarily used for mating. The Edible Frog is endemic to Europe and it naturally occurs across central Europe as far north as Germany and Estonia. Southern populations are found from Croatia, through northern Italy and into the south of France. There are also isolated populations in Sweden and Bulgaria which are thought to have migrated from the countries nearby. It has also been introduced to the UK. The Edible Frog spends all of its time either in or very close to water and it is most commonly found in calmer parts of rivers and streams where there is a slow but constant flow of fresh water. It tends to prefer more open areas and can also be commonly found around lakes, ponds and marshes. Unlike many other species of frog, the Edible Frog is a diurnal animal and is therefore most active during the day. This is when it is most likely to move away from the water so that it can find a better supply of food or move to a different part of the water if it needs to. The Edible Frog is a relatively solitary animal so there is less competition for food but males are often seen sitting together in groups during the breeding season when they are trying to out-compete each other to find a mate. The breeding season for the Edible Frog begins during March and generally lasts for around 2 months. Males sing by drawing air in and out of their vocal sacs to produce the highest-pitched sound possible since females are most attracted to the loudest males. After courting her in a lake, pond or swamp, the male lets the female lay up to 10,000 eggs in a sticky mass into the water before he fertilises them. Tadpoles can be as small as 0.2 inches long when they hatch and are a grey/brown colour. They then grow up to 2 to 3 inches in length before metamorphoses occurs and they leave the water as 0.75 inches long young frogs. The Edible Frog reaches sexual maturity at the age of 2 years and can live until it is 15 years old. The Edible Frog is a carnivorous amphibian but the tadpoles mainly eat vegetation although they are known to occasionally supplement their diet with aquatic micro-organisms. Adults eat small invertebrates such as insects, spiders and flies, which make up the majority of their diet, along with larger aquatic animals like fish, newts and other frogs. The Edible Frog hunts for food during the day and can be seen catching food both in water and on land. The Edible Frog remains very still when it is sitting on the banks of its water habitat and this, along with its camouflage, makes it very difficult for predators to spot. Its eyes are positioned near the top of the head meaning that it can also see danger coming whilst the body is mainly hidden. Snakes, owls and water birds are the main predators of the Edible Frog. The Edible Frog will jump into the water and hide if it senses approaching danger and it will make a loud screeching sound if caught. Edible Frog populations are under threat from habitat destruction mainly caused by deforestation and water pollution. Date: 3rd July 2022 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12744854.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_497783614e706de0f08ac.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 7th December 2007 Location: Donna Nook, Lincolnshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21955342.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_45049133853da190b11b7f.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49279124.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6174518226499ca1dd3d16.jpgAzure Damselflies Flight period: May to August The Azure Damselfly is one of the two commonest blue damselflies and is a common and widespread species of lowland UK. They can be found around most standing water, preferring small, sheltered sites including ditches and garden ponds. Date: 22nd June 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41352924.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3285768385f215749f203d.jpgSmall Copper Flight period: April to October. The Small Copper is a common and widespread butterfly in the UK but has suffered a population decline due to change in land use and habitat loss. They are fond of warm and dry locations and can be found in a variety of habitats including heathland, unimproved grassland, woodland clearings, waste ground and gardens. Date: 21st July 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46830564.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_46144354962e8fabce2168.jpgGatekeeper Flight period: mid-July to early September. The Gatekeeper or Hedge Brown is common and widespread throughout the southern half of the UK. They can be found in areas with hedgerows or in scrubby woodland with wide and sunny rides. Date: 30th July 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo1907553.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1504967866492311a517b51.jpgDate: 3rd November 2008 Location: Loch Indaal, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9593860.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7729793744db185c76fdef.jpgGreen Woodpecker The (European) Green Woodpecker is a large green woodpecker species. There are 3 sub-species with subtle differences between them whilst the Iberian Green Woodpecker found in Spain and Portugal and the Levaillant's Woodpecker found in north west Africa were formerly considered as sub-species but are now treated as separate species based on the results of studies published in 2011 The Green Woodpecker measures 12 to 14 inches in length with a 18 to 20 inches wingspan. Both sexes are green above and pale yellowish green below with a yellow rump and red crown and nape. The moustachial stripe has a red centre in the male but is solid black in the female. The lores and around the white eye are black in both male and female. Juveniles are spotty and streaked all over with a dark moustachial stripe initially although juvenile males can show some red feathers by early June or usually by July or August. Although the Green Woodpecker is shy and wary, it is usually its loud calls known as “yaffling” which first draw attention. Unlike many other woodpecker species, it rarely “drums” but often gives noisy calls while flying. The flight is undulating with 3 to 4 wingbeats followed by a short glide when the wings are held by the body. More than 75% of the range of the Green Woodpecker is in Europe although it is absent from the extreme north and east and also from Ireland, Greenland and the Macaronesian islands. Otherwise it is distributed widely with over 50% of the European population thought to be in France and Germany with substantial numbers also in the UK. It also occurs in west Asia. The Green Woodpecker is highly sedentary and individuals rarely move far from where they were born. The Green Woodpecker is generally found in semi-open landscapes with small woodlands, hedges, scattered old trees, edges of forests and floodplain forests. Suitable habitats for feeding include grassland, heaths, plantations, orchards and lawns. The Green Woodpecker is the largest of the 3 woodpecker species that breed in the UK. It can be found all year round and it is mainly a lowland species that breeds in open deciduous woodland, parks, orchards and farmland in England, Wales and Scotland although it is absent from the far north and west of the UK. The nest hole of the Green Woodpecker is larger but similar to those of other woodpecker species. It may be a few feet above the ground or at the top of a tall tree. Oaks, beeches, willows, aspens and fruit trees are the preferred nest trees. The hole may be excavated in sound or rotten wood with an entrance hole of 2.5 to 3 inches. The cavity inside may be up to 16 inches deep and excavation work is performed mostly by the male over 15 to 30 days. Some tree holes are used for breeding for more than 10 years but not necessarily by the same pair. The female lays 4 to 6 eggs and, after the last egg is laid, they are incubated for 19 to 20 days by both parents. The chicks fledge 21 to 24 days after hatching. The Green Woodpecker's diet consists primarily of various ant species and it spends much of its time foraging on the ground in grassland areas where the availability of ant nests is high. At ant nests, it probes into the ground and licks up adult ants and their larvae with its long tongue that wraps up and around the back of its head. Other insects and small reptiles are also taken occasionally. Date: 04/11/06 Location: Two Tree Island, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49278581.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8986559996499b4d056920.jpgBlack-tailed Skimmer Flight period: May to August. The Black-tailed Skimmer is a common dragonfly in south east England and its is expanding its range northwards. They can be found around lowland lakes, ponds, sand and gravel workings, slow flowing rivers and brackish water. Date: 13th June 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39083245.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13871525865d308085844d2.jpgEastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria The Rhodopes Mountains are a mountain range in south east Europe. They are spread over 5689 square miles of which 4723 square miles are located in south Bulgaria and the remainder in north Greece. The Rhodopes Mountains are about 149 miles long and about 62 to 75 miles wide with an average altitude of 2575 feet. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 7188 feet and is situated 12 miles to the west of Smolyan. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rhodopes Mountains gives its name to the terrestrial eco-region Rodope montane mixed forests that belong in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The area is particularly notable for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans plus its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms such as the Trigrad Gorge. The Rhodopes Mountains can be sub-divided in to 3 sections: The Western Rhodopes are spread over 66% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and they are higher, the most infrastructurally developed and the most visited part of the mountains. The highest and best known peaks are located in this section with more than 10 over 6562 feet high including the highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7188 feet). Some of the deepest river gorges in the Rhodopes Mountains are located in the west as well as several large lakes. The Eastern Rhodopes are spread over a territory of about 34% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and are much lower in height. The large artificial dams of Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets are located in this part of the mountains. Almost every species of European bird of prey nests in the Eastern Rhodopes including the rare Black Vulture and Egyptian Vulture. The Southern Rhodopes are the part of the mountain range that is located in Greece and they are characterized by numerous peaks of relatively low altitude. The River Krumovitsa is located in the eastern Rhodopes Mountains and flows through deep canyons and open valleys. It has a strongly fluctuating water level, typically very high in February to March and almost none in July to August except in isolated pools. In the middle section of the River Krumovitsa around Gorna Kula and Dolna Kula, the river valley in this region is between 330 and 1095 yards wide and in places it is occupied entirely by the sandy riverbed itself. Vegetation along the riverbank is dominated by alder, willow, poplar, dog rose and tamarisk. Dry grassland, scrub and broad-leaved forests cover the neighbouring hills and ridges. The forests are dominated by oak, hornbeam and various Mediterranean tree species whilst juniper is predominant in the scrub areas. Land use includes extensive rearing of sheep and cattle, hunting and forestry but the area is becoming progressively depopulated due to local emigration. In 1997 the area was designated as Important Bird Area by BirdLife International. It supports around 135 bird species of which 64 are species of European conservation concern and 2 of them are globally threatened. However, in spite of this, the area is not protected by any national nature conservation legislation. The area is of conservation concern for a number of reasons. Rural depopulation has led to a decrease in available food resources (livestock carrion) for vultures. Poaching and use of poison against wolves directly affects raptors and especially vultures. Uncontrolled hunting and fishing are further threats. Forest habitats are threatened by burning and natural fires, afforestation with non-indigenous species as well as illegal cutting of trees especially along the rivers. Reduction in grazing and conversion of pastures to arable lands cause loss of grassland habitats for birds. Direct threats to birds are also caused by intensive tourism and recreation activities such as rock climbing, gliding and hang-gliding and by the taking of chicks and eggs from nests. Existing electrical power lines are dangerous for raptors, especially for young birds, and one of the potential threats both to the habitats and to the birds is the development of wind turbine farms. Date: 27th May 2018 Location: River Krumovitsa near Gorna Kula, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/september-2020-goldcrest https://images.on-this.website/4752_10145287345ff83e2a66b5b.jpgSeptember 2020 - Goldcrest Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41824228.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51980685.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_59463212066d3345540c97.jpgEmerald Damselfly Flight period: June to September The Emerald Damselfly is widely distributed in uplands and lowlands throughout the UK. They can be found around small, shallow standing water with luxuriant vegetation such as rushes and sedges. Date: 29th June 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33568456.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15864851265a106bbc3ef3d.jpgDate: 7th November 2017 Location: Loch Scridain, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo494886.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_126454699446a4c2711c8b2.jpgMeadow Grasshopper The Meadow Grasshopper is a typically predominantly green species which is widespread and common in the UK. Adults can be seen from June to October in short and long grassland which are both dry and sunny. Date: 22nd July 2007 Location: Stow Maries Halt EWT reserve, Stow Maries, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo494885.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_202020224246a4c26dbe1f1.jpgMeadow Grasshopper The Meadow Grasshopper is a typically predominantly green species which is widespread and common in the UK. Adults can be seen from June to October in short and long grassland which are both dry and sunny. Date: 22nd July 2007 Location: Stow Maries Halt EWT reserve, Stow Maries, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33568455.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4853847525a106bb5c7647.jpgDate: 7th November 2017 Location: Loch Scridain, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46535128.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_214239551862caa2ac21941.jpgAzure Damselfly Flight period: May to August The Azure Damselfly is one of the two commonest blue damselflies and is a common and widespread species of lowland UK. They can be found around most standing water, preferring small, sheltered sites including ditches and garden ponds. Date: 3rd July 2022 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo20140125.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_177863921452c002f3c13bb.jpgMute Swan The Mute Swan is a species of swan native to much of Eurasia. Despite its Eurasian origin, its closest relatives are the Black Swan of Australia and the Black-necked Swan of south America, not the other Northern Hemisphere swans such as the Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan. The name “mute” derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. The adult Mute Swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob at the top of the beak. All Mute Swans are white at maturity although the feathers (particularly on the head and neck) are often stained orange-brown by iron and tannins in the water. Young birds (cygnets) are not the bright white colour of mature adults and their bill is dull greyish-black for the first year. The plumage may range from pure white to grey to buff with grey/buff being the most common. Cygnets typically retain their grey/buff feathers until they are at least 1 year old. On average, the Mute Swan is the second largest waterfowl species after the Trumpeter Swan although the male Mute Swan can easily match or even exceed a male Trumpeter Swan in mass. The adult Mute Swan typically ranges from 55 to 63 inches in length (although it can range in extreme cases from 49 to 67 inches) with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. Males (cobs) are larger than females (pens) and have a larger knob on their bill. The Mute Swan is one of the heaviest flying birds. In several studies from the UK, males were found to average from about 23.4 to 26.2 pounds, with a weight range of 20 to 32 pounds, while the slightly smaller females were found to average about 18.7 to 21.3 pounds, with a weight range of 17 to 23 pounds. The Mute Swan is less vocal than the noisy Bewick's Swan and Whooper Swan although it does make a variety of grunting, hoarse whistling and snorting noises, especially in communicating with their cygnets and threatening competitors or intruders trying to enter their territory. The most familiar sound associated with the Mute Swan is the vibrant throbbing of the wings in flight which is unique to the species and this can be heard from a range of up to 1 mile. The Mute Swan is found naturally mainly in the temperate areas of Europe across west Asia and as far east as Primorsky Krai in the far east of Russia. It is partially migratory throughout the northern latitudes in Europe and Asia as far south as north Africa and the Mediterranean. It is also often kept in captivity outside its natural range as a decoration for parks and ponds and escapes have occurred. The descendants of such birds have become naturalised in east USA and the Great Lakes region across the USA and Canada border. The Mute Swan population in the UK has increased recently probably due to better protection of this species. Some birds are resident all year whilst others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into east England. Mute Swans nest on large mounds that they build with waterside vegetation in shallow water on islands in the middle or at the very edge of a lake. It is a monogamous species and often reuses the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Males and females share the care of the nest. The female lays from 4 to 10 eggs and broods for around 36 days. Cygnets are unable to fly before an age of 120 to 150 days and this limits the distribution of the species in the northern edge of its range since the cygnets must learn to fly before the water freezes. The Mute Swan is usually strongly territorial with just a single pair on smaller lakes although in a few locations where a large area of suitable feeding habitat is found they can be colonial. The largest colonies can hold over 100 pairs such as that at the colony at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset in the UK. Non-mated juveniles up to 3 to 4 years old commonly form larger flocks often at regular traditional sites and these can total several hundred birds. The Mute Swan can be very aggressive in defence of its nest and it is highly protective of its mate and offspring. Most defensive attacks from a Mute Swan begin with a loud hiss and, if this is not sufficient to drive off the predator, are followed by a physical attack. It attacks by smashing at its enemy with bony spurs in the wings accompanied by biting with its large bill. Smaller waterbirds such as ducks are normally grabbed with the bill and dragged or thrown clear. Large waterfowl, such as the Canada Goose, more likely out of competition than in response to potential predation, may be aggressively driven off. The wings of the Mute Swan are very powerful although not strong enough to break an adult man's leg as has been claimed anecdotally. The Mute Swan feeds on a wide range of vegetation, both submerged aquatic plants which they reach with their long necks and by grazing on land. The food commonly includes agricultural crop plants such as oilseed rape and wheat and feeding flocks in the winter may cause significant crop damage, often as much through trampling with their large webbed feet as through direct consumption. Date: 9th December 2013 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230776.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_195683284464917f6b9f8eb.jpgLarge Red Damselflies Flight period: April to August The Large Red Damselfly is one of the three most widespread dragonflies in the UK and one of the first to emerge in spring. They can be found in most wetland habitats from acidic moorland bog pools to brackish ditches but they avoid fast flowing waters. Date: 24th May 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21829404.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_303487753cba2cf7327f.jpgRazorbill The Razorbill is a medium-sized seabird and breeds around the coast of the UK with the largest colonies in northern Scotland. They breed on rocky cliffs and among boulder scree close to the sea. Birds only come to shore to breed from March to July and they winter in the northern Atlantic. Date: 11th June 2014 Location: Bempton Cliifs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/sound-of-islay-and-jura https://images.on-this.website/4752_17622543425a106b559600d.jpgDate: 4th November 2017 Location: Sound of Islay and Jura, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo47645620.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2780244696347d08a4b0a4.jpgCommon Darter Flight period: end May to early October. Common Darters are the most widespread of the dragonflies over lowland UK but they are absent from upland areas. They can be found in a wide range of habitats including ponds, lakes, ditches, canals, slow flowing rivers and brackish water. They can also be frequently seen some way from water. Date: 7th August 2022 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32708992.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7963417559ad2700117972.22208338.jpgHortobágy National Park, Hajdú-Bihar county, Hungary Hortobágy National Park (Hortobágy Nemzeti Park) is a national park in eastern Hungary. It is part of the vast Great Hungarian Plain which occupies southern and eastern Hungary, some parts of the eastern Slovakian lowlands, south west Ukraine, western Romania, northern Serbia and eastern Croatia. Hortobágy National Park was designated as a national park in 1972 (the first in Hungary), and as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. It is Hungary's largest protected area. At the time of designation, the area of the National Park was 289 square miles but since then it has been extended to almost 315 square miles. Around 25% of its area has international protection under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance. The entire Hortobágy National Park is part of the Natura 2000 network of the European Union in which Special Protected Areas and Special Areas of Conservation have been designated in a way that they contain and encompass the area of the National Park including organically connected or separate grassland mosaic areas that are outside the National Park. The protection thus ensured by the Natura 2000 areas provides an appropriate basis for the establishment of a buffer zone. A conservation management plan for the Hortobágy National Park was prepared in 1997. Hortobágy National Park contains the largest continuous natural grassland in Europe and the second largest steppe area west of the Ural Mountains. It has outstanding natural features and maintains great biological diversity in respect of species and habitats. It is a unique example of the harmonious coexistence of people and nature based on the considerate use of the land. A major part of the area of the Hortobágy National Park is formed by natural habitats, principally alkaline grasslands (puszta), meadows and the marshes lying between them. From the point of view of nature conservation, the artificial wetlands, which cover a much smaller area, are of considerable importance. These are the fish ponds created during the last century on the worst quality grazing lands and marshes. The Hortobágy National Park is one of Europe’s greatest lowland birding areas containing nesting habitats and migration sites of European significance. The Hortobágyi-Halastó complex just to the west of Hortobágy village is arguably the best site to explore and contains waterbodies of various sizes from small fish ponds to huge lakes. Over 340 bird species have been recorded in the Hortobágy National Park, of which over 150 species breed. For UK birders, it is particularly exciting since several “eastern” species can be found which are at the westernmost extent of their range. These are joined by a large number of temperate European and Mediterranean species. The symbol of the Hortobágy National Park is the Crane. One of the most spectacular sights is the autumn migration when tens of thousands of Cranes can be seen every October as they fly above the grasslands to their overnight roosting places. For thousands of years the wild animals grazing on the grasslands of the Hortobágy National Park, the Aurochs and wild horses, were gradually replaced by domesticated animals. A large number of Long-haired Sheep and Hungarian Grey Cattle can now be found here. Less ancient species are the Mangalica Pig and the Nonius Horse. In the Visitor Centre in Hortobágy village, visitors and tourists can get information and advice on what to see and what to do in the Hortobágy National Park and can also learn about its natural and cultural assets: its flora and fauna, the different natural phenomena, herdsmen’s traditions, craftsmen’s skills and local rare breeds. The Visitor Centre also sells the mandatory permits that are required to visit most of the protected areas. The Hortobágy-halastavi Kisvasút is a narrow gauge railway which runs through Hortobágyi-Halastó. It was built and commissioned in 1915 for the purpose of transporting fish food from the silo in Hortobágyi-Halastó to the fish ponds and transporting freshly caught fish in the opposite direction. The track formerly had a length of 22 miles and was temporarily decommissioned in 1960. Since 2007, the railway has been used as a tourist train. The track now runs for just 3 miles and provides access to the northern end of Hortobágyi-Halastó. A one-way trip lasts 23 minutes. Date: 19th May 2017 Location: east of Hortobágy, Hortobágy National Park, Hajdú-Bihar county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41349604.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10506456985f20021bd059b.jpgBlack-tailed Skimmer Flight period: May to August. The Black-tailed Skimmer is a common dragonfly in south east England and it is expanding its range northwards. They can be found around lowland lakes, ponds, sand and gravel workings, slow flowing rivers and brackish water. Date: 16th June 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33820931.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13519585285a3d077fbe697.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 12th December 2017 Location: Kensington Gardens, London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/august-2021-red-admiral https://images.on-this.website/4752_20747714156160118a689a5.jpgAugust 2021 - Red Admiral Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo44044216.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21808736.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_94225745753c78ed8e6f5d.jpgCommon Seal Common Seals feed at sea but regularly haul out on to rocky shores or inter-tidal sandbanks to rest, to give birth and to suckle their pups. The most important haul-out areas are around the coast of Scotland, particularly in the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland, and on the east coast of England in the Wash. Date: 14th July 2014 Location: Blakeney Point, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12759414.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16848557264e71b0bc84236.jpgRed Squirrel The Red Squirrel or Eurasian Red Squirrel is a species of tree squirrel in the genus [i]Sciurus[/i]. It is an arboreal and primarily herbivorous rodent. The Red Squirrel has a typical head and body length of 7.5 to 9 inches, a tail length of 6 to 8 inches and a weight of 9 to 12 ounces. Males and females are the same size. The Red Squirrel is smaller and lighter in weight than the Grey Squirrel The coat of the Red Squirrel varies in colour with the time of year and its location and there are several different coat colour morphs ranging from black to red. Red coats are most common in the UK but in other parts of Europe and Asia different coat colours co-exist within populations. The underside of the Red Squirrel is always creamy-white in colour. The Red Squirrel sheds its coat twice a year, switching from a thinner summer coat to a thicker, darker winter coat with noticeably larger ear-tufts (a prominent distinguishing feature of this species) between August and November. A lighter, redder overall coat colour, along with the ear-tufts (in adults) and smaller size, distinguish the Red Squirrel from the Grey Squirrel. The long tail helps the Red Squirrel to balance and steer when jumping from tree to tree and running along branches and it may also keep it warm during sleep. The Red Squirrel, like most tree squirrels, has sharp and curved claws to enable it to climb and descend broad tree trunks, thin branches and even house walls and its strong hind legs enable it to leap gaps between trees. The Red Squirrel can be found in the boreal coniferous woods in north Europe and Siberia where it prefers Scots Pine, Norway Spruce and Siberian Pine. In west and south Europe it can be found in broad-leaved woods where the mixture of tree and shrub species provides a better year round source of food. In most of the UK and in Italy, broad-leaved woodlands are now less suitable for it due to the better competitive feeding strategy of the introduced Grey Squirrel. The Red Squirrel makes a drey (nest) out of twigs in a branch-fork, forming a domed structure about 9 to 12 inches in diameter. This is lined with moss, leaves, grass and bark. Tree hollows and woodpecker holes are also used. The Red Squirrel is generally a solitary animal and is shy and reluctant to share food with others. However, outside the breeding season and particularly in winter, several Red Squirrels may share a drey to keep warm. Social organisation is based on dominance hierarchies within and between sexes. Although males are not necessarily dominant towards females, the dominant animals tend to be larger and older than subordinate animals and dominant males tend to have larger home ranges than subordinate males or females. Mating can occur in late winter during February and March and in summer between June and July. During mating, males detect females that are in oestrus by an odour that they produce and, although there is no courtship, the male will chase the female for up to an hour prior to mating. Usually multiple males will chase a single female until the dominant male, usually the largest in the group, mates with the female. Males and females will mate multiple times with many partners. Females must reach a minimum body mass before they enter oestrus and heavy females on average produce more young. If food is scarce breeding may be delayed. Typically a female will produce her first litter in her second year. Up to 2 litters a year per female are possible. Each litter averages 3 young and these are known as kits. Gestation is about 38 to 39 days and the young are looked after by the mother alone and are born helpless, blind and deaf. Their body is covered by hair at 21 days, their eyes and ears open after 3 to 4 weeks and they develop all their teeth by 42 days. Juveniles can eat solids around 40 days following birth and from that point they can leave the nest on their own to find food. However, they still suckle from their mother until weaning occurs at 8 to 10 weeks. The Red Squirrel eats mostly the seeds of trees, fungi, nuts (especially hazelnuts but also beech and chestnuts), berries and young shoots. More rarely, it may also eat bird eggs or nestlings and may occasionally exhibit opportunistic omnivory similar to other rodents. Excess food is put into caches, either buried or in nooks or holes in trees, and eaten when food is scarce. Although the Red Squirrel remembers where it created caches at a better than chance level, its spatial memory is believed to be substantially less accurate and durable than that of the Grey Squirrel. Therefore it will often have to search for them when in need and many caches are never found again. Between 60% and 80% of the active time of a Red Squirrel may be spent foraging and feeding. The active period is generally in the morning and in the late afternoon and evening. It often rests in its nest in the middle of the day to avoid the heat and the high visibility to birds of prey that are dangers during these hours. During the winter, this midday rest is often much more brief or absent entirely although harsh weather may cause it to stay in its nest for days at a time. No territories are claimed between Red Squirrels and the feeding areas of individuals overlap considerably. A Red Squirrel that survives its first winter has a life expectancy of 3 years. Individuals may reach 7 years of age and 10 years in captivity. Survival is positively related to the availability of autumn and winter tree seeds. On average, 75 to 85% of juveniles die during their first winter and mortality is approximately 50% for winters following the first. Predators include small mammals such as the Pine Marten, the Wildcat and the Stoat which all prey on juveniles. Birds, including owls and raptors such as the Goshawk and Common Buzzard, may also prey on the Red Squirrel as will the Red Fox and domestic cats and dogs when it is on the ground. Humans influence the population size and mortality of the Red Squirrel by destroying or altering habitats, by causing road casualties and by introducing non-native populations of the Grey Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel and the Red Squirrel are not directly antagonistic and violent conflict between these species is not a factor in the decline in Red Squirrel populations. However, the Grey Squirrel appears to contribute to the decrease in the Red Squirrel population for several reasons: it carries a disease, the squirrel parapoxvirus, that does not appear to affect its own health but will often kill the Red Squirrel, it can better digest acorns whilst the Red Squirrel cannot access the proteins and fats in acorns as easily and it can put the Red Squirrel under pressure for food resources resulting in it not breeding as often. In the UK, due to the above circumstances, the population has today fallen to 160,000 Red Squirrels or fewer with the majority of these in Scotland. Outside the UK and Ireland, the impact of competition from the Grey Squirrel has also been observed in Italy where 2 pairs escaped from captivity in 1948. A significant drop in the Red Squirrel population has been observed since 1970 and it is feared that the Grey Squirrel may expand into the rest of Europe. The Red Squirrel is protected in most of Europe although in some areas it is abundant and is hunted for its fur. In the UK there are several active projects to protect the Red Squirrel and its native woodland habitat, introduce or re-introduce it in to areas where it is absent and eradicate and prevent the spread of the Grey Squirrel. Research undertaken in 2007 in the UK credits the Pine Marten with reducing the population of the invasive Grey Squirrel. Where the range of the expanding Pine Marten population meets that of the Grey Squirrel, the population of the latter retreats. It is theorised that, because the Grey Squirrel spends more time on the ground than the Red Squirrel, it is far more likely to come in contact with the Pine Marten. Date: 10th May 2006 Location: Freshfield National Trust reserve, Formby Point, Merseyside http://www.richardchewphotography.com/september-2008-corys-shearwater https://images.on-this.website/4752_14349527254e3a56363d4d5.jpgSeptember 2008 - Cory's Shearwater Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11350196.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46534353.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21668832962ca9617638d8.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 27th June 2022 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4639666.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8743991604baf08a49ad11.jpgRed Grouse The Red Grouse is a medium-sized bird of the grouse family which is found in heather moorland in the UK and Ireland. It is endemic to the UK and has developed in isolation. It is usually classified as a sub-species of the Willow Ptarmigan or Willow Grouse which is found in birch and other forests and moorlands in north Europe, the tundra of Scandinavia, Siberia, Alaska and north Canada. The Red Grouse is differentiated from the Willow Ptarmigan and Rock Ptarmigan by its plumage being reddish brown and not having a white winter plumage. The tail is black and the legs are white. There are white stripes on the underwing and red combs over the eye. Females are less reddish than the males and have less conspicuous combs. Young birds are duller and lack the red combs. The Red Grouse is found across most parts of Scotland, including Orkney, Shetland and most of the Outer Hebrides. It is only absent from urban areas such as in the Central Belt. In Wales there are strong populations of Red Grouse in some places but the range has retracted. It is now largely absent from the far south and the main strongholds are Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons and the Cambrian Mountains. In England the Red Grouse is mainly found in the north in areas such as the Lake District, Northumberland, County Durham, much of Yorkshire, the Pennines and the Peak District as far south as the Staffordshire Moorlands. There is an isolated introduced population on Dartmoor and overspill Welsh birds visit the Shropshire Hills.The typical habitat is upland heather moors away from trees. It can also be found in some low-lying bogs and birds may visit farmland during hard weather. The UK population of the Red Grouse is estimated at about 250,000 pairs. Numbers have declined in recent years and it is now absent in areas where it was once common. Reasons for the decline include disease, loss of heather due to overgrazing, creation of new conifer plantations and a decline in the number of upland gamekeepers. Some predators feed on Red Grouse and there is ongoing controversy as to what effect these have on numbers. The Red Grouse is herbivorous and feeds mainly on the shoots, seeds and flowers of heather. It will also feed on berries, cereal crops and sometimes insects. The Red Grouse is considered a game bird and is shot in large numbers during the shooting season which traditionally starts on August 12th (known as the Glorious Twelfth). Shooting can take the form of “walked up” (where shooters walk across the moor to flush grouse and take a shot) or “driven” (where grouse are driven, often in large numbers, by “beaters” towards the shooters who are hiding behind a line of “butts”). Many moors are managed to increase the density of Red Grouse. Areas of heather are subjected to controlled burning since this allows fresh young shoots to regenerate which are favoured by Red Grouse. In addition, extensive predator control is a feature of grouse moor management and the extent and legality to which it occurs is hotly contested between conservation groups and shooting interests and the subject generates a lot of media attention. The Red Grouse is widely known as the logo of The Famous Grouse whisky and an animated bird is a character in a series of its adverts. It is also the emblem of the magazine “British Birds”. Date: 11th March 2010 Location: Grinton Moor, Yorkshire Dales National Park, North Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533674.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_73878062662ca8fb4bdd91.jpgBlack-tailed Skimmer Flight period: May to August. The Black-tailed Skimmer is a common dragonfly in south east England and it is expanding its range northwards. They can be found around lowland lakes, ponds, sand and gravel workings, slow flowing rivers and brackish water. Date: 26th June 2022 Location: RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12082016.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11153664094e48e9d30ac58.jpgCommon Seal Common Seals feed at sea but regularly haul out on to rocky shores or inter-tidal sandbanks to rest, to give birth and to suckle their pups. The most important haul-out areas are around the coast of Scotland, particularly in the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland, and on the east coast of England in the Wash. Date: 7th September 2005 Location: Blakeney Point, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33820944.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5542618575a3d07ac7311d.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 12th December 2017 Location: Kensington Gardens, London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43629102.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5268882376118ac5da419b.jpgCommon Darter Flight period: end May to early October. Common Darters are the most widespread of the dragonflies over lowland UK but they are absent from upland areas. They can be found in a wide range of habitats including ponds, lakes, ditches, canals, slow flowing rivers and brackish water. They can also be frequently seen some way from water. Date: 18th July 2021 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/february-2009-robin https://images.on-this.website/4752_873286144e3a534d2e75c.jpgFebruary 2009 - Robin Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9564614.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46534714.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_122242917162ca98b15c1de.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 27th June 2022 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/february-2918-spotted-sandpiper https://images.on-this.website/4752_17121447265c57114b62f42.jpgFebruary to April 2018 - Spotted Sandpiper Please see [url=https://rlchew1.photium.com/photo34209776.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37399589.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2387810475c66973b74ad4.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 9th December 2018 Location: Winterton-Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/october-december-2015-atlantic-grey https://images.on-this.website/4752_115650543456b9c16160e66.jpgOctober to December 2015 - Atlantic Grey Seal Please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/photo26540662.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11639778.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4061096704e2fdc3617c41.jpgRed Grouse The Red Grouse is a medium-sized bird of the grouse family which is found in heather moorland in the UK and Ireland. It is endemic to the UK and has developed in isolation. It is usually classified as a sub-species of the Willow Ptarmigan or Willow Grouse which is found in birch and other forests and moorlands in north Europe, the tundra of Scandinavia, Siberia, Alaska and north Canada. The Red Grouse is differentiated from the Willow Ptarmigan and Rock Ptarmigan by its plumage being reddish brown and not having a white winter plumage. The tail is black and the legs are white. There are white stripes on the underwing and red combs over the eye. Females are less reddish than the males and have less conspicuous combs. Young birds are duller and lack the red combs. The Red Grouse is found across most parts of Scotland, including Orkney, Shetland and most of the Outer Hebrides. It is only absent from urban areas such as in the Central Belt. In Wales there are strong populations of Red Grouse in some places but the range has retracted. It is now largely absent from the far south and the main strongholds are Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons and the Cambrian Mountains. In England the Red Grouse is mainly found in the north in areas such as the Lake District, Northumberland, County Durham, much of Yorkshire, the Pennines and the Peak District as far south as the Staffordshire Moorlands. There is an isolated introduced population on Dartmoor and overspill Welsh birds visit the Shropshire Hills.The typical habitat is upland heather moors away from trees. It can also be found in some low-lying bogs and birds may visit farmland during hard weather. The UK population of the Red Grouse is estimated at about 250,000 pairs. Numbers have declined in recent years and it is now absent in areas where it was once common. Reasons for the decline include disease, loss of heather due to overgrazing, creation of new conifer plantations and a decline in the number of upland gamekeepers. Some predators feed on Red Grouse and there is ongoing controversy as to what effect these have on numbers. The Red Grouse is herbivorous and feeds mainly on the shoots, seeds and flowers of heather. It will also feed on berries, cereal crops and sometimes insects. The Red Grouse is considered a game bird and is shot in large numbers during the shooting season which traditionally starts on August 12th (known as the Glorious Twelfth). Shooting can take the form of “walked up” (where shooters walk across the moor to flush grouse and take a shot) or “driven” (where grouse are driven, often in large numbers, by “beaters” towards the shooters who are hiding behind a line of “butts”). Many moors are managed to increase the density of Red Grouse. Areas of heather are subjected to controlled burning since this allows fresh young shoots to regenerate which are favoured by Red Grouse. In addition, extensive predator control is a feature of grouse moor management and the extent and legality to which it occurs is hotly contested between conservation groups and shooting interests and the subject generates a lot of media attention. The Red Grouse is widely known as the logo of The Famous Grouse whisky and an animated bird is a character in a series of its adverts. It is also the emblem of the magazine “British Birds”. Date: 10th April 2006 Location: Grinton Moor, Yorkshire Dales National Park, North Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25774080.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1404673354560fb4be4b995.jpgHerring Gull Herring Gulls are large, noisy gulls and can be found throughout the year around coasts. During winter they can also be found inland around rubbish tips, fields, large reservoirs and lakes. Herring Gulls usually breed in colonies at coastal sites around the UK including cliffs with grassy slopes, shingle beaches, small islands and rooftops in seaside towns. Date: 22nd September 2015 Location: Loch Spelve, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41623160.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10609862325f4d1ebe64de8.jpgVaranger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Date: 6th July 2019 Location: view from road Fv890 between Kongsfjord and Berlevåg, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081373.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_166632998263a71342404a1.jpgDate: 10th January 2022 Location: fenland landscape near RSPB Ouse Washes, Cambridgeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/march-2007-adder https://images.on-this.website/4752_3238909484a4a58c2266ad.jpgMarch 2007 - Adder Please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/photo440184.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12081902.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16797432714e48e9769ba0a.jpgCommon Seals Common Seals feed at sea but regularly haul out on to rocky shores or inter-tidal sandbanks to rest, to give birth and to suckle their pups. The most important haul-out areas are around the coast of Scotland, particularly in the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland, and on the east coast of England in the Wash. Date: 7th September 2005 Location: Blakeney Point, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11265246.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14305538574e1ad3ecb1de6.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 11th May 2008 Location: Skomer, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51387306.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1640667534667e7d4a49b30.jpgLarge Skipper Flight period: June to July. The Large Skipper is a small golden butterfly which is widespread throughout England and Wales and it is also extending its range northwards in to southern Scotland. They can be found in areas of tall, uncut grassland, woodland rides, roadside verges and hedgerows. Date: 23rd June 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17054596.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_152599502650dec2f667ccd.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 29th October 2012 Location: Strumpshaw Fen RSPB reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50569764.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_109745050465ccb546a6d9b.jpgGreat Northern Diver The Great Northern Diver is the largest of the UK's divers with a bigger, heavier head and bill than its commoner relatives. The Great Northern Diver is largely a winter visitor to the UK coast although some non-breeding birds stay off northern coasts in the summer. They start to arrive offshore in August and birds move back to their largely Icelandic breeding grounds in April and May. The largest numbers can be found off the northern and western islands of Scotland. Date: 8th December 2023 Location: Great Notley Country Park, Braintree, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/blackcap https://images.on-this.website/4752_1253608235e9c2edc74cdb.jpgBlackcap The Eurasian Blackcap, usually known simply as the Blackcap, is a typical warbler in the [i]Sylvia[/i] genus. It is a mainly grey warbler with distinct male and female plumages. It is about 5.1 inches long with a 2.8 to 3.1 inches wing span. The adult male has olive-grey upperparts, other than a paler grey nape, and a neat black cap on the head. The underparts are light grey, becoming silvery white on the chin, throat and upper breast. The tail is dark grey with an olive tint to the outer edge of each feather. The bill and long legs are grey and the iris is reddish brown. The female resembles the male but has a reddish-brown cap and a slightly browner tone to the grey of the upperparts. Juveniles are similar to the female but their upperparts have a slight rufous tinge and the breast and flanks have a more olive tone. Young males have a darker brown cap than their female counterparts. The Blackcap is unmistakable and other dark-headed [i]Sylvia[/i] species, such as the Sardinian Warbler and the Orphean Warbler, have extensive black on the head instead of a small cap and they are also larger and have white edges on the tail. The male Blackcap's song is a rich musical warbling, often ending in a loud high-pitched crescendo, which is given in bursts of up to 30 seconds. The song is repeated for about 2 minutes with a short pause before each repetition. The main song can be confused with that of the Garden Warbler but it is slightly higher pitched than in that species, more broken into discrete song segments and less mellow. Both species have a quiet sub-song, a muted version of the full song, which is even harder to separate. The Blackcap also occasionally mimics the song of other birds, the most frequently copied including the Garden Warbler and the Nightingale. The Blackcap’s breeding range includes much of Europe, west Asia and north west Africa and its preferred habitat is mature deciduous woodland. Birds on the Mediterranean and Atlantic islands and in the milder west and south of the main Eurasian distribution often winter within the breeding range but populations elsewhere are migratory. The Blackcap is a “leap-frog migrant” meaning that birds from the north of the breeding range travel furthest south whereas Mediterranean breeders move much shorter distances. The wintering areas overlap with the breeding range but also include extensive areas in west Africa, east Africa south to Lake Malawi and further north in Ethiopia, South Sudan and Eritrea. There is a migratory divide in Europe at longitude 10 to 11°E. Birds to the west of this line migrate south west towards Iberia or west Africa whereas populations to the east migrate to the east Mediterranean and on to east Africa. Climate change appears to be affecting the migration pattern of the Blackcap. It is arriving in Europe earlier than previously and departing nearly 2 weeks later than in the 1980s. In recent decades, some central European birds have taken to wintering in gardens in the UK and, to a lesser extent, in Ireland, where the Blackcap was formerly just a summer visitor. Although the UK climate is sub-optimal, compensatory factors include the ready availability of food (particularly from bird tables), a shorter migration distance and the avoidance of the Alps and the Sahara Desert. The Blackcap's main breeding habitat is mature deciduous woodland with good scrub cover below the trees. Other habitats, such as parks, large gardens and overgrown hedges, are used as long as they meet the essential requirements of tall trees for song posts and an established under-story. Where other [i]Sylvia[/i] warblers also breed, the Blackcap tends to use taller trees than its relatives, preferably those with a good canopy such as pedunculate oak. The preferred winter habitat around the Mediterranean is scrub and olive orchards. In Africa, habitats include cultivated land, acacia scrub, mangroves and forest. When the male Blackcap returns to its breeding range, it establishes a territory. Adults that have previously bred return to the site they have used in previous summers whereas inexperienced birds either wander until they find a suitable area or establish a very large initial territory which contracts under pressure from neighbours. Territorial boundaries are established initially by loud singing which is performed while the male displays with its crown raised, tail fanned and slow wingbeats. [i]Sylvia[/i] warblers are unusual in that they vigorously defend their territories against other members of their genus. Blackcaps and Garden Warblers use almost identical habitats yet aggressive interactions mean that their territories rarely overlap. The Blackcap first breeds at 1 year old. It is mainly monogamous although both sexes may sometimes deviate from this. A male attracts a female to his territory through song and a display involving raising the black crown feathers, fluffing the tail, slow wingbeats and a short flapping flight. He also builds one or more simple nests (cock nests) usually near his song post. The final nest, which may be one of the cock nests or built from scratch, is a neat cup of roots, stems and grasses lined with fine material such as hair. The nest is built in the cover of bramble, scrub or trees and it is constructed mainly by the female and may be up to 15 feet above the ground although lower than 3 feet is more typical. The clutch is 2 to 7 eggs (typically 4 to 6) which are incubated by both adults for 10 to 16 days (average 11 days). The chicks are fed by both parents and fledge about 11 to 12 days after hatching, leaving the nest shortly before they are able to fly. They are assisted with feeding for a further 2 or 3 weeks. The Blackcap normally raises just 1 brood but second broods are sometimes recorded, particularly in the milder climate of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic islands. The Blackcap feeds mainly on insects during the breeding season and then switches to fruit in late summer, the change being triggered by an internal biological rhythm. When migrants arrive on their breeding territories they initially take berries, pollen and nectar if there are insufficient insects available but then soon switch to their preferred diet. The Blackcap mainly picks prey off foliage and twigs but it may occasionally hover, flycatch or feed on the ground. It eats a wide range of invertebrate prey, although aphids are particularly important early in the season, and flies, beetles and caterpillars are also taken in large numbers. In July, the diet switches increasingly to a wide range of small fruit. The protein needed for egg-laying and for the chicks to grow is replaced by fruit sugar which helps the birds to fatten for migration. Aphids are still taken while they are available since they often contain sugars from the plant sap on which they feed. The Blackcap has a very large range and a very large population. It is therefore classified by the IUCN as being of “Least Concern”. The Blackcap and other small birds are illegally trapped and hunted in large numbers in Mediterranean countries, particularly in Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, Malta, Libya, Egypt and Cyprus, where they are considered as a delicacy. Despite hunting and natural hazards, the European population of the Blackcap has been increasing for several decades as the range extends northwards. There are occasional nesting records from outside the main range such as in north Israel and the Faroe Islands and wandering birds may appear further afield in Iceland or on the islands of Arctic Russia. In the Baltic region, the spread of the Blackcap appears to have been helped by the availability of territories formerly occupied by the declining Barred Warbler. Date: 15th April 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/august-2009-hoverfly-species https://images.on-this.website/4752_2472446064ae441a773735.jpgAugust 2009 - Hoverfly species Please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/photo3228240.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/-pelicans https://images.on-this.website/4752_1382359147559ceb3484eb2.jpgDalmatian Pelicans The somewhat similar-looking White Pelican broadly overlaps in size but has greater size sexual dimorphism. Female White Pelicans can be noticeably smaller than female Dalmatian Pelicans but male individuals of the two species are essentially the same size and weight. The Dalmatian Pelican differs from the White Pelican in that it has curly nape feathers, grey legs and silvery-white (rather than pure white) plumage. In winter, the adult Dalmatian Pelican goes from silvery-grey to a dingier brownish-grey cream colour. Immature birds are grey and lack the pink facial patch of immature White Pelicans. The bare skin around the eye can vary from yellow to purplish in colour. In the breeding season the Dalmatian Pelican has an orange-red lower mandible and pouch against a yellow upper mandible but in winter the whole bill is a somewhat dull yellow. The bill, at 14 to 18 inches long, is the second largest of any bird after the Australian Pelican. In flight, the Dalmatian Pelican is an elegant soaring bird, with the head held close to and aligned with the body by a downward bend in the neck. Unlike other pelicans, its wings are solid greyish-white with black tips. The Dalmatian Pelican can be found in lakes, rivers, deltas and estuaries from south east Europe to India and China. Compared to the White Pelican, the Dalmatian Pelican is not as tied to lowland areas and will nest in suitable wetlands at many elevations. It is less opportunistic in breeding habitat selection than the White Pelican, usually returning to a traditional breeding site year after year unless it becomes completely unsuitable. The Dalmatian Pelican usually migrates short distances. It is dispersive in Europe, based on feeding opportunities, with most western birds staying through the winter in the Mediterranean region. It is more actively migratory in Asia, where most of the birds that breed in Russia fly down for the winter to the central Middle East, largely around Iran through to the Indian Subcontinent from Nepal to central India. The Dalmatian Pelican has declined greatly throughout its range, more so than the White Pelican. During the 20th century, the species' numbers underwent a dramatic decline for reasons that are not entirely understood. The most likely reason was habitat loss due to human activities such as the drainage of wetlands and land development. Colonies are regularly disturbed by human activity, and, like all pelicans, the parents may temporarily leave their nest if threatened which then exposes the chicks to the risk of predation. Occasionally, Dalmatian Pelicans may be shot by fishermen who believe the birds are dangerously depleting the fish population and hence threatening their livelihood. Dalmatian Pelicans also regularly fly into power-lines and are killed by electrocution. The largest single remaining colony of Dalmatian Pelicans in Europe is at the Prespa lakes shared between Albania and Greece with around 1400 pairs. Approximately 450 pairs breed in the Danube Delta in Romania. The country with the largest breeding population today, including about 70% of pairs or possibly over 3,000 pairs, is Russia. Conservation efforts have been undertaken on behalf of the Dalmatian Pelican especially in Europe. Although they normally nest on the ground, Dalmatian Pelicans have nested on platforms put out in Turkey, Greece, Bulgaria and Romania in order to encourage them to breed. Rafts over water have also been set up for the species to use in Greece and Bulgaria. Power-lines have also been marked or dismantled in areas adjacent to colonies in these countries. Additionally, water-level management and educational programs may be aiding them at a local level. The Dalmatian Pelican feeds almost entirely on fish. It usually forages alone or in groups of only 2 or 3 birds. It normally swims along, placidly and slowly, until it quickly dunks its head underwater and scoops the fish out along with great masses of water. The water is dumped out of the sides of the pouch and the fish is swallowed. Occasionally it may feed cooperatively with other pelicans by corralling fish into shallow waters and may even co-operate similarly while fishing alongside Cormorants. Among a highly social family in general, the Dalmatian Pelican may have the least social inclinations. It naturally nests in relatively small groups compared to most other pelican species and sometimes may even nest alone. However, small colonies are usually formed, which regularly include upwards of 250 pairs. Occasionally, Dalmatian Pelicans may mix in with colonies of White Pelicans. Nesting sites selected are usually either islands in large bodies of water (typically lagoons or river deltas) or dense mats of aquatic vegetation. The nest is a moderately-sized pile of grass, reeds, sticks and feathers and is usually located on or near the ground, often being placed on dense floating vegetation. Breeding commences in March or April, about a month before the White Pelican breeds. Date: 13th May 2015 Location: Great Prespa Lake (Megali Prespa), West Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24901656.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_175185463055a4d0e7e8590.jpgOtter The Eurasian Otter, also known as the European Otter, Eurasian River Otter, Common Otter and Old World Otter and commonly known as the Otter, is a semi-aquatic mammal and the most widely distributed member of the Otter sub-family of the Weasel family (Mustelidae). The Otter is a typical species of the Otter sub-family and is brown above and cream below. It is 22.5 to 37.5 inches long excluding a tail of 14 to 17.5 inches. The female is shorter than the male. The Otter's average body weight is 15 to 26 pounds, although occasionally a large old male may reach up to 37 pounds. The Otter differs from the North American River Otter by its shorter neck, broader face, the greater space between the ears and its longer tail. However, it is the only Otter species in much of its range so it is rarely confused for any other animal. The Otter is the most widely distributed Otter species and its range including parts of Asia and Africa as well as being widespread across Europe. The Otter can be found throughout most of the UK with the highest densities in Scotland, especially the islands and the north west coast, Wales, parts of East Anglia and the West Country. The Otter declined across its range in the second half of the 20th century primarily due to pollution, habitat loss and hunting. However, populations are now recovering in many parts of Europe. In the UK the number of sites with an Otter presence increased by 55% between 1994 and 2002. In August 2011, the Environment Agency announced that the Otter had returned to every county in England since vanishing from every county except the West Country and parts of Northern England. The recovery of the Otter population in Europe is due to a ban on the most harmful pesticides that has been in place since 1979, improvements in water quality leading to increases in prey populations and direct legal protection under the European Union Habitats Directive and national legislation in several European countries. In general, the Otter’s varied and adaptable diet means that it can be found on any unpolluted body of fresh water, including lakes, streams, rivers and ponds, as long as the food supply is adequate. It can also be found along the coast in salt water but it requires regular access to fresh water to clean its fur. When living in the sea it is sometimes referred to as a "Sea Otter" but it should not be confused with the true Sea Otter which is a North American species much more strongly adapted to a marine existence. The Otter's diet mainly consists of fish. However, during the winter and in colder environments, fish consumption is significantly lower and other sources of food are eaten including amphibians, crustaceans, insects, birds and small mammals. Hunting mainly takes place at night whilst the day is usually spent in the Otter's holt (den). The Otter is strongly territorial and is primarily solitary. An individual's territory may vary between 1 and 25 miles with the length of the territory depending on the density of food available and the width of the water suitable for hunting (it is shorter on coasts, where the available width is much wider and longer on narrower rivers). The Otter uses its spraints to mark its territory. Territories are only held against members of the same sex so those of males and females may overlap. The Otter is a non-seasonal breeder and males and females will breed at any time of the year. It has been found that their mating season is most likely determined simply by the Otters' reproductive maturity and physiological state. Female Otters are sexually mature between 18 and 24 months old and the average age of first breeding is found to be 2.5 years old. Gestation is 60 to 64 days and after the gestation period, 1 to 4 pups are born which remain dependent on the mother for about 13 months. The male plays no direct role in parental care although the territory of a female with her pups is usually entirely within that of the male. Date: 25th June 2015 Location: Loch Sunart, Ardnamurchan, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43629178.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12561333306118b246294f9.jpgGatekeeper Flight period: mid-July to early September. The Gatekeeper or Hedge Brown is common and widespread throughout the southern half of the UK. They can be found in areas with hedgerows or in scrubby woodland with wide and sunny rides. Date: 4th August 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/november-2016-purple-sandpiper https://images.on-this.website/4752_7441627155875417bdb84b.jpgNovember 2016 - Purple Sandpiper Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29870216.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46511079.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_130641631462c98fb40b1fc.jpgSouth Stack, Anglesey South Stack is situated at the westernmost point of Anglesey 2 miles west of Holyhead. The cliffs contain some of the oldest rocks in Wales dating back nearly 600 million years to the Precambrian period. The extensive folds in the cliff face bear witness to some of the earth movements and forces that have shaped Wales. More than 4,000 seabirds breed on the cliffs at South Stack each year and live pictures are relayed by CCTV to the visitor centre in Ellins Tower. Date: 7th May 2022 Location: view from the cliff path at South Stack http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17408585.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2085888817513329179f535.jpgBarnacle Goose The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 15th January 2013 Location: Mersehead RSPB reserve, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26270480.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15875509285665538a62bbc.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 4th December 2015 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801024.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_75913433964ed9bd28b86f.jpgEmerald Damselfly Flight period: June to September The Emerald Damselfly is widely distributed in uplands and lowlands throughout the UK. They can be found around small, shallow standing water with luxuriant vegetation such as rushes and sedges. Date: 7th July 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46534344.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_141851471962ca9605c086a.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 27th June 2022 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52518216.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_111356475675456a438bdb.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the Canidae family and is a part of the order Carnivora within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 4th October 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7439638.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20610002284cd572d76650c.jpgArribes del Duero, Castille y Leon, Spain Arribes del Duero is a Natural Park in north west Spain where the river Duero forms the national boundary between Spain and Portugal. The river has eroded deep gorges for over 6o miles of its course resulting in steep cliffs and rock faces. Date: 11th September 2010 Location: view from near Fermoselle, Castille y Leon, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24902658.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_193666756855a4e15d6ff44.jpgRazorbill The Razorbill is a medium-sized seabird and breeds around the coast of the UK with the largest colonies in northern Scotland. They breed on rocky cliffs and among boulder scree close to the sea. Birds only come to shore to breed from March to July and they winter in the northern Atlantic. Date: 4th July 2015 Location: Bempton Cliifs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072375.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16861533414bf6e1562d4d1.jpgKongsfjordfjellet, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway Kongsfjordfjellet is a bare mountain tundra area in the north west of the Varanger peninsula in Finnmark county in north east Norway. Date: 14th April 2010 Location: view from road 890 over Kongsfjordfjellet, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13657011.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8588669304ed3692bd1de8.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the [i]Canidae[/i] family and is a part of the order [i]Carnivora[/i] within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623466.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11935201266117e08809108.jpgLittle Egret The Little Egret is a species of small heron. The genus name comes from the Provençal French Aigrette (egret), a diminutive of Aigron (heron). The adult Little Egret is 22 to 26 inches long with a 35 to 42 inches wingspan. Its plumage is normally entirely white although there are dark forms with largely bluish-grey plumage. In the breeding season, the adult has 2 long plumes on the nape that form a crest. These plumes are about 6 inches in length and are pointed and very narrow. There are similar feathers on the breast but the barbs are more widely spread. There are also several elongated scapular feathers that have long loose barbs around 8 inches long. During the winter the plumage is similar but the scapulars are shorter and more normal in appearance. The bill is long and slender and both it and the lores are black. There is an area of greenish-grey bare skin at the base of the lower mandible and around the eye which has a yellow iris. The legs are black and the feet yellow. Juveniles are similar to non-breeding adults but have greenish-black legs and duller yellow feet and may have a certain proportion of greyish or brownish feathers. The Little Egret is mostly silent but it does make various croaking and bubbling calls at its breeding colonies and it produces a harsh alarm call when disturbed. The breeding range of the western race of the Little Egret includes south Europe, the Middle East, much of Africa and south Asia. European populations are migratory and mostly travel to Africa although some remain in southern Europe. During the late 20th century, the range of the Little Egret expanded northwards in Europe and into the New World. The Little Egret's habitat varies widely and includes the shores of lakes, rivers, canals, ponds, lagoons, marshes and flooded land, the bird preferring open locations to dense cover. On the coast it inhabits mudflats, sandy beaches, mangrove areas, swamps and reefs. The Little Egret is a sociable bird and can be seen in small flocks. However, individual birds do not tolerate others coming too close to their chosen feeding site although this depends on the abundance of prey. The Little Egret uses a variety of methods to find its food. It stalks its prey in shallow water, often running with raised wings or shuffling its feet to disturb small fish, or it may stand still and wait to ambush prey. It also makes use of opportunities provided by Cormorants disturbing fish or humans attracting fish by throwing bread into water. On land, it walks or runs while chasing its prey, often feeding on creatures disturbed by grazing livestock. The diet is mainly fish but amphibians, small reptiles, mammals and birds are also eaten as well as crustaceans, molluscs, insects, spiders and worms. The Little Egret nests in colonies, often with other wading birds such as Cattle Egret, Black-crowned Night Heron, Squacco Heron and Glossy Ibis. The nests are usually platforms of sticks built in trees or shrubs or in reed beds or bamboo groves. Pairs defend a small breeding territory, usually extending around 10 to 13 feet from the nest. The 3 to 5 eggs are incubated by both adults for 21 to 25 days before hatching. The young birds are covered in white down feathers are cared for by both parents and fledge after 40 to 45 days. Globally, the Little Egret is not listed as a threatened species and has in fact expanded its range over the last few decades.[5] The IUCN states that their wide distribution and large total population means that they are a species that cause them "least concern". Historical research has shown that the Little Egret was once present, and probably common, in the UK but became extinct there through a combination of over-hunting in the late mediaeval period and climate change at the start of the Little Ice Age. Further declines occurred throughout Europe as the plumes of the Little Egret and other egrets were in demand for decorating hats. They had been used in the plume trade since at least the 17th century but in the 19th century it became a major craze and the number of egret skins passing through dealers reached into the millions. Hunting, which reduced the population of the species to dangerously low levels, stimulated the establishment of Britain's Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in 1889. By the 1950s, the Little Egret had become restricted to south Europe and conservation laws protecting the species were introduced. This allowed the population to rebound strongly and over the next few decades it became increasingly common in western France and later on the north coast. It bred in the Netherlands in 1979 with further breeding from the 1990s onward. Populations are now mostly stable or increasing in Europe. In the UK, the Little Egret was a rare vagrant from its 16th century extinction until the late 20th century. It has, however, recently become a regular breeding species and is commonly present, often in large numbers, at favoured coastal sites. The first recent breeding record in England was on Brownsea Island in Dorset in 1996 and it bred in Wales for the first time in 2002. The population increase has been rapid subsequently with over 750 pairs breeding in nearly 70 colonies in 2008 and a post-breeding total of 4,540 birds in September 2008. Severe winter weather proves only to be a temporary setback and the Little Egret continues to expand both its numbers and range in the UK. Date: 5th July 2021 Location: RSPB Old Moor, Dearne Valley, South Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11805602.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1549324234e3a69c5e5f68.jpgSmall Copper Flight period: April to October. The Small Copper is a common and widespread butterfly in the UK but has suffered a population decline due to change in land use and habitat loss. They are fond of warm and dry locations and can be found in a variety of habitats including heathland, unimproved grassland, woodland clearings, waste ground and gardens. Date: 2nd August 2011 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13683338.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5914397794ed7305c7a255.jpgPolecat The Polecat is a member of the Mustelid group of mammals which also includes the Weasel, Stoat, Otter and Pine Marten. It has blackish guard hairs and yellow underfur on the body giving a “black and tan” appearance, a “bandit” face with a pale muzzle, ear tips and eyebrows and a broad dark band around the eyes, darker legs and belly and a short fluffy tail. The Polecat is found throughout Wales, the Midlands and parts of central southern England and is spreading steadily from these areas. There are isolated populations in Cumbria and Caithness which probably result from unofficial releases. At one time the Polecat was widespread throughout the UK but it was nearly exterminated by 1915. They have never occurred in Ireland or on the outer islands of Scotland. Although it occurs in a wide range of habitats, the Polecat prefers lowland areas. When it was confined to Wales, valleys and farms were favoured, but as it has spread out into England, farmland with hedgerows and small woods are preferred. Polecat dens are commonly in rabbit burrows, especially in summer, but they frequently move into farmyards in winter when they may den in hay bales, under sheds and in rubbish tips. This change of habitat reflects their changing diet through the year. In summer, Rabbits are a major food and the Polecat is slender enough to hunt them within their burrows. In winter, Brown Rats become a favoured food and sites like farmyards and rubbish tips that have good populations become more usual habitats. The Polecat does however kill a wide range of prey. Frogs may be important in spring, when they have gathered to spawn, and birds may also be taken. Polecats have lived up to 14 years in captivity but in the wild most probably die before they are 5 years old. In addition to its protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, the Polecat was added to the list of UK BAP (Biodiveristy Action Plan) mammals in 2007and protected as a species of principal importance for the conservation of biological diversity in England. Until the 19th Century, the Polecat was found throughout much of mainland UK and the Isle of Wight. Habitat fragmentation, persecution by gamekeepers and being killed for their fur drastically reduced this distribution. The Polecat population was reduced to about 5,000 but is now more than 46,000. One worrying problem is the extent to which they might suffer from secondary poisoning from rodenticides. Brown Rats are commonly killed by anticoagulant poisons when they infest homes and farms but there is an evident risk to Polecats from eating sick, dying rats. It is not known how serious this might be at the level of the Polecat population. As they spread further into England, the increasing density of roads and road traffic is also a threat and seems to be slowing the Polecat’s spread into both northern and south east England. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/yellow-wagtail https://images.on-this.website/4752_2295135934db7e1259a8d9.jpgYellow Wagtail The Yellow Wagtail is a small graceful yellow and green bird with a medium-length tail and slender black legs. Yellow Wagtails can be found from late March to September in lowland grassland and marshland habitat in central and eastern England, eastern Wales and southern Scotland. The Yellow Wagtail has been in decline since at least the 1980s, most likely due to loss of habitat for breeding and feeding, and it is therefore a Red List species. Date: 23rd April 2011 Location: Wallasea Island, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9580580.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21106272794db02cf4d0cf3.jpgDunlin The Dunlin is the commonest small wader found along the coast and can be seen on all UK estuaries with the largest numbers in winter. During winter they feed in large flocks on estuaries with mudflats, saltmarsh and coastal lagoons as well as inland lakes and sewage farms. Dunlin breed on the wet upland moors of Scotland, Wales and England and also the wet grassland machair of the Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland and the Flow Country of Caithness and Sutherland. Date: 26th December 2008 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/p5030538-edit https://images.on-this.website/4752_191258546866433071ef1b7.jpgBlackbird The Common Blackbird is a species of true thrush. It is also called Eurasian Blackbird (especially in North America in order to distinguish it from the unrelated New World blackbirds) or simply Blackbird where this does not lead to confusion with a similar-looking local species. The Blackbird’s name derives form 2 Latin words: turdus meaning “thrush” and merula meaning “blackbird”. It may not immediately be clear why the name "blackbird", first recorded in 1486, was applied to this species but not to one of the various other common black English birds, such as the Carrion Crow, Raven, Rook or Jackdaw. However, in Old English and in modern English up to about the 18th century, "bird" was used only for smaller or young birds and larger ones such as crows were called "fowl". At that time, the Blackbird was therefore the only widespread and conspicuous black bird in the UK. The Blackbird is around 9.25 to 11.5 inches in length including a long tail. The adult male has glossy black plumage, blackish-brown legs, a yellow eye-ring and an orange-yellow bill. The bill darkens somewhat in winter. The adult female is sooty-brown with a dull yellowish-brownish bill, a brownish-white throat and some weak mottling on the breast. The juvenile is similar to the female but has pale spots on the upperparts and the very young juvenile also has a speckled breast. Young birds vary in the shade of brown, with darker birds presumably males. The first year male resembles the adult male but has a dark bill and weaker eye ring and its folded wing is brown rather than black like the body plumage. The Blackbird breeds in temperate Eurasia, north Africa, the Canary Islands and south Asia. Populations are sedentary in the south and west of the range although northern birds migrate south as far as north Africa and tropical Asia in winter. Common over most of its range in woodland, the Blackbird has a preference for deciduous trees with dense undergrowth. However, gardens provide the most successful breeding habitat. It occurs up to around 3300 feet in Europe and is often replaced by the related Ring Ousel in areas of higher altitude. The Blackbird has an extensive range and a large population which is generally stable or increasing. However, there have been local declines, especially on farmland, which may be due to agricultural policies that encouraged farmers to remove hedgerows (which provide nesting places) and to drain damp grassland and increase the use of pesticides, both of which could have reduced the availability of invertebrate food. The Blackbird may commence breeding in March when the breeding pair prospect for a suitable nest site in a creeper or bush, favouring evergreen or thorny species such as ivy, holly, hawthorn, honeysuckle or pyracantha. Sometimes they will nest in sheds or outbuildings where a ledge or cavity is used. The cup-shaped nest is made with grasses, leaves and other vegetation and bound together with mud. It is built by the female alone. The nest is often ill-concealed compared with those of other species and many breeding attempts fail due to predation. The female lays 3 to 5 (average 4) bluish-green eggs marked with reddish-brown blotches which are incubated for 12 to 14 days before the chicks are hatched naked and blind. Fledging takes another 10 to 19 (average 13.6) days, with both parents feeding the young. The young are fed by the parents for up to 3 weeks after leaving the nest and they will follow the adults begging for food. If the female starts another nest, the male alone will feed the fledged young. Second broods are common with the female reusing the same nest if the brood was successful. The first-year male Blackbird may start singing as early as late January in fine weather in order to establish a territory, followed in late March by the adult male. The male's song is a varied and melodious low-pitched fluted warble which is given from trees, rooftops or other elevated perches mainly in the period from March to June and sometimes into the beginning of July. During the winter, the Blackbird can be heard quietly singing to itself, so much so that September and October are the only months which the song cannot be heard. The Blackbird is omnivorous, eating a wide range of insects, earthworms, seeds and berries. It feeds mainly on the ground, running and hopping with a start-stop-start progress. It pulls earthworms from the soil, usually finding them by sight but sometimes by hearing, and roots through leaf litter for other invertebrates. Small amphibians and lizards are occasionally hunted. The Blackbird will also perch in bushes to take berries and collect caterpillars and other active insects. Animal prey predominates and this is particularly important during the breeding season with windfall apples and berries taken more in the autumn and winter. Near human habitation the main predator of the Blackbird is the domestic cat, with newly fledged young especially vulnerable. Foxes and predatory birds, such as the Sparrowhawk, also predate the Blackbird when the opportunity arises. Eggs and chicks are also taken by corvids, such as the Magpie or Jay. Date: 3rd May 2024 Location: Dingle Local Nature Reserve, Llangefni, Anglesey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo442198.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2011256744467f22eac07e0.jpgLoch Sunart, Argyll Loch Sunart is a sea loch in the Western Highlands extending almost 20 miles westwards from Glen Tarbert before opening out into the Sound of Mull. Loch Sunart separates the areas of Ardnamurchan and Sunart to the north from Morvern in the south. Date: 8th June 2006 Location: view from the B8007 road at Salen http://www.richardchewphotography.com/p5030617-edit https://images.on-this.website/4752_1084229910664330bcc0bab.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 3rd May 2024 Location: Dingle Local Nature Reserve, Llangefni, Anglesey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37399584.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15669649745c6697267b634.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 9th December 2018 Location: Winterton-Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo445662.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1654742544681c50163f7b.jpgScourie Bay, Sutherland Scourie is situated on the A894 road between Ullapool and Durness. Here there is a rocky bay which stretches north west towards Handa Island. On the south side of Scourie Bay is a stretch of sand bounded by seaweed covered rocks. Date: June 2003 Location: view from the A894 road at Scourie http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874768.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1220248611561ccc39661f9.jpgEyjafjallajökull, south Iceland Eyjafjallajökull is located to the north of Skógar and to the west of Mýrdalsjökull in south Iceland. Eyjafjallajökull consists of a volcano completely covered by an ice cap. The ice cap covers an area of about 39 square miles and feeds many outlet glaciers mainly to the north. The mountain itself is a stratovolcano and stands 5417 feet at its highest point. It has a crater 1.9 to 2.5 miles in diameter which is open to the north. The crater rim has 3 main peaks: Guðnasteinn, Hámundur and Goðasteinn. The south face of the mountain was once part of Iceland's Atlantic coastline but over thousands of years the sea has retreated some 3 miles. The former coastline now consists of sheer cliffs with many waterfalls (of which the best known is Skógafoss) but the area between Eyjafjallajökull and the present coast is a relatively flat strand, 1 to 3 miles wide, called Eyjafjöll. Eyjafjallajökull has erupted relatively frequently since the last glacial period, most recently and notably in 2010. On 26th February 2010, unusual seismic activity along with rapid expansion of the Earth's crust was registered by the Meteorological Institute of Iceland. This gave geophysicists evidence that magma was pouring from underneath the crust into the magma chamber of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano. Pressure stemming from the process caused the huge crustal displacement at Þorvaldseyri farm. The seismic activity continued to increase and from 3rd to 5th March 2010 almost 3000 earthquakes were measured at the epicentre of the volcano. The eruption is thought to have begun on 20th March 2010 about 5 miles east of the top crater of Eyjafjallajökull on Fimmvörðuháls, the high neck between Eyjafjallajökull and the neighbouring icecap of Mýrdalsjökull. This first eruption, in the form of a fissure vent, did not occur under the glacier and was smaller in scale than had been expected by some geologists. On 14th April 2010 Eyjafjallajökull resumed erupting after a brief pause, this time from the top crater in the centre of the glacier, causing meltwater floods to rush down the nearby rivers and requiring 800 people to be evacuated. This eruption was explosive in nature due to melt water getting into the volcanic vent. It was estimated to be 10 to 20 times larger than the previous one in Fimmvörðuháls. This second eruption threw volcanic ash several miles up in the atmosphere which led to the closure of airspace and air travel disruption in north west Europe for 6 days from 15th April to 21st April 2010. It caused a significant delay in my own return from a [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/trip-report-north-finland-and]trip to north Norway and north Finland[/url] On 23rd May 2010, the eruption was declared to have stopped but monitoring continued. The volcano continued to have several earthquakes daily but since August 2010 Eyjafjallajökull has been considered dormant. Date: 8th June 2015 Location: noticeboard near Hvolsvöllur showing erupting Eyjafjallajökull http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13683381.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20540121154ed737f5a64ab.jpgBarn Owl With a heart shaped face, buff back and wings and pure white under-parts the Barn Owl is a distinctive and much-loved bird of the countryside. Barn Owls are widely distributed across the UK and can be seen all year round sometimes during the day but normally at dusk in open country and along field edges, riverbanks and roadside verges. Barn owls have suffered population declines over the past 50 years as a result of habitat degradation following increasing intensive agricultural practices. However, that decline has stopped in many areas and their population may now be increasing. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7950488.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16452222604d03d04b1134a.jpgGreylag Goose The Greylag Goose is the ancestor of most domestic geese but is also the largest and bulkiest of the wild geese native to the UK and Europe. In many parts of the UK it has been re-established by releasing birds in suitable areas but the resulting flocks found around gravel pits, lakes and reservoirs all year round in southern Britain tend to be semi-tame. The native birds and wintering flocks found on lochs in northern Scotland and on some Scottish islands retain the special appeal of truly wild geese. Date: 15th November 2010 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12744822.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_219604944e706d9d87259.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 7th December 2007 Location: Donna Nook, Lincolnshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28592762.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_163154347757ab05cfb59af.jpgRed Admiral Flight period: April to November. The Red Admiral is a familiar and widespread butterfly in the UK although numbers depend on immigration from Europe. It can be found in any flower-rich habitat. Date: 5th August 2016 Location: Minsmere, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo1278892.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8108612834866c931d0b3b.jpgSango Bay, Sutherland Sango Bay is a beautiful sandy bay on the north coast of Sutherland and located by the village of Durness 4 miles west of Loch Eriboll. The bay is approximately half a mile in width and surrounded by low cliffs. Date: 5th June 2008 Location: view from the A838 road east of Durness http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13657377.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17873289784ed37039c98aa.jpgBadger The European Badger is a species of badger in the mustelid family (which in the UK includes the Otter, Pine Marten, Stoat and Weasel) and it is native to almost all of Europe. The source of the word "badger" is uncertain. The Oxford English Dictionary states it probably dates from the 16th century and derives from "badge", referring to the white mark borne like a badge on the Badger’s forehead. The French word [i]bêcheur[/i] (digger) has also been suggested as a source. The far older name "brock" derives from the Gaelic [i]broc[/i] or Welsh [i]broch[/i] and appears in Old English as [i]brocc[/i]. The Badger is a powerfully built animal with a small head, a thick, short neck, a stocky, wedge-shaped body and a short tail. Its feet are short with 5 toes on each foot. The limbs are short and massive with naked lower surfaces on the feet. The claws are strong, elongated and have an obtuse end which assists in digging. The snout, which is used for digging and probing, is muscular and flexible. The eyes are small and the ears short and tipped with white. Whiskers are present on the snout and above the eyes. Boars (males) typically have broader heads, thicker necks and narrower tails than sows (females) which are sleeker and have narrower, less domed heads and fluffier tails. Adults measure 9.8 to 11.8 inches in shoulder height, 24 to 35 inches in body length and 4.7 to 9.4 inches in tail length. Boars slightly exceed sows in measurements but can weigh considerably more. Weight varies seasonally, growing from spring to autumn and reaching a peak just before the winter. During the summer, the Badger weighs 15 to 29 pounds but this increases to 33 to 37 pounds in the autumn. Sows can attain a top weight of around 38 pounds, while exceptionally large boars have been reported in the autumn with the heaviest verified at 60 pounds. The contrasting black, white, brown and grey markings of the Badger’s fur serve to warn off attackers rather than camouflage as they are conspicuous at night. The colour, coarseness and density of the fur varies seasonally. Although the Badger’s sense of smell is acute, eyesight is monochromatic as has been shown by their lack of reaction to red light. Only moving objects attract their attention. The European Badger is the most social of badgers, forming groups of 6 adults on average, although larger associations of over 20 individuals have been recorded. Group size may be related to habitat composition. Under optimal conditions, Badger territories can be as small as 30 hectares but may be as large as 150 hectares in marginal areas. Badger territories can be identified by the presence of communal latrines and well-worn paths. It is mainly male Badgers that are involved in territorial aggression. A hierarchical social system is thought to exist and large powerful boars seem to assert dominance over smaller males. Large boars sometimes intrude into neighbouring territories during the main mating season in early spring. Sparring and more vicious fights generally result from territorial defence in the breeding season. When fighting, Badgers bite each other on the neck and rump while running and chasing each other and injuries incurred in such fights can be severe and sometimes fatal. However, in general, animals within and outside a group show considerable tolerance of each other. The Badger is usually monogamous and boars typically mate with a single female for life, whereas sows have been known to mate with more than one male. The oestrus cycle in the Badger lasts 4 to 6 days and may occur throughout the year, although there is a peak in spring. Sexual maturity in boars is usually attained at the age of 12 to 15 months but this can range from 9 months to 2 years. Sows usually begin ovulating in their second year, although some exceptionally begin at 9 months. Badgers can mate at any time of the year, although the main peak occurs in February to May. Matings occurring outside this period typically occur in sows which either failed to mate earlier in the year or matured slowly. Delayed implantation following mating can last 2 to 9 months although matings in December can result in immediate implantation. Ordinarily, implantation happens in December with a gestation period lasting 7 weeks. Cubs are usually born in mid-January to mid-March within underground chambers containing bedding. In areas where the countryside is waterlogged, cubs may be born above ground in buildings. The average litter consists of 1 to 5 cubs. Cubs are born pink with greyish, silvery fur and fused eyelids. Newborn Badgers are 5 inches in body length on average and weigh 2.6 to 4.7 ounces, with cubs from large litters being smaller. By 3 to 5 days, claws become pigmented and individual dark hairs begin to appear. Eyes open at 4 to 5 weeks and milk teeth erupt about the same time. Cubs emerge from their setts at 8 weeks of age and begin to be weaned at 12 weeks, although they may still suckle until they are 4 to 5 months old. Subordinate females may assist the mother in guarding, feeding and grooming the cubs. Cubs fully develop their adult coats at 6 to 9 weeks. The Badger can live for up to about 15 years in the wild. The Badger is a burrowing animal. However, the dens it constructs (setts) are complex and are passed on from generation to generation. A sett is almost invariably located near a tree which is used by badgers for stretching or claw scraping. Badgers defecate in latrines which are located near the sett and at strategic locations on territorial boundaries or near places with abundant food supplies. The number of exits in a sett can vary from just a few to 50. Setts can be vast and can sometimes accommodate multiple families. When this happens, each family occupies its own passages and sleeping and nesting chambers. Badgers dig and collect bedding throughout the year, particularly in autumn and spring, and the chambers are frequently lined with bedding brought in on dry nights consisting of grass, bracken, straw, leaves and moss. The Badger is a fastidiously clean animal which regularly clears out and discards old bedding. Along with the Brown Bear, the Badger is among the least carnivorous members of the carnivorous mammals. It is a highly adaptable and opportunistic omnivore whose diet encompasses a wide range of animals and plants. Earthworms are their most important food source, followed by large insects, carrion, cereals, fruit and small mammals including rabbits, mice, shrews, moles and hedgehogs. In addition, a wide variety of insect prey, cereal food, windfall fruit and berries is eaten. Occasionally, the Badger feeds on medium to large birds, amphibians, small reptiles, snails, slugs, fungi, and green food such as clover and grass. The Badger typically eats prey on the spot and rarely transports it to the sett. The Badger has few natural enemies. Wolves, lynxes and dogs can pose a threat although deaths caused by them are rare. It may live alongside the Red Fox in isolated sections of large burrows and the 2 species possibly tolerate each other through the Red Fox providing food scraps to the Badger and the Badger maintaining the shared burrow’s cleanliness. The Badger is native to most of Europe and parts of western Asia west of the Volga river in Russia. The International Union for Conservation of Nature rates the Badger as being of “least concern”. It is abundant and increasing throughout its range, partly due to a reduction in rabies in central Europe. In the UK, the Badger experienced a 77% increase in numbers during the 1980s and 1990s and the population is estimated to be around 300,000. The Badger is found in deciduous and mixed woodlands, clearings, spinneys, pastureland and scrub, including Mediterranean maquis shrubland. It has also adapted to life in suburban areas and urban parks, although not to the extent of the Red Fox. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife, Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871617.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1114618654eff1f70d46e6.jpgBar-tailed Godwit The Bar-tailed Godwit is a long-billed, long-legged wading bird. In winter, the Bar-tailed Godwit is grey-brown in colour but in summer they have a chestnut breeding plumage. Bar-tailed Godwits breed on the coastal tundra of Arctic northern Scandinavia, northern Asia and Alaska and winter further south in Europe, south Asia, Africa and Australia. Date: 26th May 2009 Location: Store Ekkerøy, Varangerfjord, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645489.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_198885281451e3cee69f724.jpgBiebrza, Poland The Biebrza marshes are a complex series of habitats located in the Biebrza river valley. The area encompasses river channels, lakes, extensive marshes, fenland, reed beds, peat bogs and fields and meadows with woods and forests on higher ground. The Biebrza National Park, which covers much of the area, is the largest of Poland’s 23 National Parks and was created in 1993. Covering a total area of 228 square miles, it protects the vast and relatively untouched habitats with their unique variety of several communities of plants and species of wetland birds and mammals. Date: 20th May 2013 Location: view from Mocarze, Biebrza area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645502.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_101521978951e3cf008cc4b.jpgWhite-winged Black Tern The White-winged Black Tern is a small “marsh” tern. Adult birds in summer have short red legs and a short black bill, a black neck and belly, a very dark grey back, a white rump and light grey almost white tail. The wings, as the name implies, are mainly white. In non-breeding plumage, most of the black is replaced by white or pale grey although a few blackish feathers may be retained mixed with white underparts. The White-winged Black Tern breeds on freshwater marshes and lakes from central and eastern Europe to central Asia. Date: 21st May 2013 Location: Biebrza area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813365.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2447215265d0dde330cb9f.jpgCommon Guillemots The Common Guillemot, also known as the Common Murre or Thin-billed Murre, is a large species of auk. The auks are a family of seabirds which includes the Brunnich's Guillemot or Thick-billed Murre, Razorbill, Little Auk and the extinct Great Auk. The Common Guillemot is 15 to 18 inches in length with a 24 to 29 inches wingspan. In breeding plumage, it is black or dark brown on the head, back and wings with white underparts. It has a thin dark pointed bill and a small rounded dark tail. Legs are grey and the bill is dark grey. Males and females are identical. Some individuals in the North Atlantic, known as "Bridled Guillemots", have a white ring around the eye extending back as a white line. This is not a distinct subspecies but a polymorphism that becomes more common the farther north the birds breed. The Common Guillemot flies with fast wing beats and has a flight speed of around 50 mph. Groups of birds are often seen flying together in a line just above the surface of the sea. However, it is not a very agile bird and take-off is often difficult. The Common Guillemot becomes flightless for 45 to 60 days while moulting its primary feathers. The Common Guillemot is a pursuit diver that forages for food by swimming underwater using its wings for propulsion. Dives usually last less than one minute but the bird swims underwater for distances of over 100 feet on a regular basis. Diving depths up to 590 feet have been recorded. The Common Guillemot has a circumpolar distribution and it occurs in low Arctic and boreal waters in the north Atlantic and north Pacific. It spends most of its time at sea and only comes to land to breed on rocky cliffs, sea stacks and islands. Some birds are permanent residents but northern birds migrate south to open waters off New England, southern California, Japan, Korea and the western Mediterranean. The Common Guillemot breeds in colonies at high densities and nesting pairs may be in bodily contact with their neighbours. No nest is made and the single egg is laid and incubated on a bare rock ledge on a cliff face. The egg hatches after 30 days incubation and the chick is born downy and can regulate its body temperature after 10 days. Some 20 days after hatching the chick jumps off its nesting ledge and heads for the sea unable to fly but gliding for some distance with fluttering wings and accompanied by its male parent. The chicks are capable of diving as soon as they hit the water. The female stays at the nest site for some 14 days after the chick has left. The Common Guillemot can venture far from its breeding grounds to forage and distances of 60 miles or more are often observed although if sufficient food is available closer by, birds will only travel much shorter distances. It mainly eats small schooling fish 8 inches long or less such as Polar Cod, Capelin, Sand Lances, Sprats, Sandeels, Atlantic Cod and Atlantic Herring. It also eats some molluscs, marine worms, squid and crustaceans. It is often seen carrying fish in its bill with the tail hanging out. Date: 10th June 2019 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645463.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_162160992851e3ce8a8ff20.jpgBiebrza, Poland The Biebrza marshes are a complex series of habitats located in the Biebrza river valley. The area encompasses river channels, lakes, extensive marshes, fenland, reed beds, peat bogs and fields and meadows with woods and forests on higher ground. The Biebrza National Park, which covers much of the area, is the largest of Poland’s 23 National Parks and was created in 1993. Covering a total area of 228 square miles, it protects the vast and relatively untouched habitats with their unique variety of several communities of plants and species of wetland birds and mammals. Date: 20th May 2013 Location: view from Carska Droga ("Czars Road"), Biebrza area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25774533.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_349083054560fea9bca41c.jpgRed Squirrel The Red Squirrel or Eurasian Red Squirrel is a species of tree squirrel in the genus [i]Sciurus[/i]. It is an arboreal and primarily herbivorous rodent. The Red Squirrel has a typical head and body length of 7.5 to 9 inches, a tail length of 6 to 8 inches and a weight of 9 to 12 ounces. Males and females are the same size. The Red Squirrel is smaller and lighter in weight than the Grey Squirrel The coat of the Red Squirrel varies in colour with the time of year and its location and there are several different coat colour morphs ranging from black to red. Red coats are most common in the UK but in other parts of Europe and Asia different coat colours co-exist within populations. The underside of the Red Squirrel is always creamy-white in colour. The Red Squirrel sheds its coat twice a year, switching from a thinner summer coat to a thicker, darker winter coat with noticeably larger ear-tufts (a prominent distinguishing feature of this species) between August and November. A lighter, redder overall coat colour, along with the ear-tufts (in adults) and smaller size, distinguish the Red Squirrel from the Grey Squirrel. The long tail helps the Red Squirrel to balance and steer when jumping from tree to tree and running along branches and it may also keep it warm during sleep. The Red Squirrel, like most tree squirrels, has sharp and curved claws to enable it to climb and descend broad tree trunks, thin branches and even house walls and its strong hind legs enable it to leap gaps between trees. The Red Squirrel can be found in the boreal coniferous woods in north Europe and Siberia where it prefers Scots Pine, Norway Spruce and Siberian Pine. In west and south Europe it can be found in broad-leaved woods where the mixture of tree and shrub species provides a better year round source of food. In most of the UK and in Italy, broad-leaved woodlands are now less suitable for it due to the better competitive feeding strategy of the introduced Grey Squirrel. The Red Squirrel makes a drey (nest) out of twigs in a branch-fork, forming a domed structure about 9 to 12 inches in diameter. This is lined with moss, leaves, grass and bark. Tree hollows and woodpecker holes are also used. The Red Squirrel is generally a solitary animal and is shy and reluctant to share food with others. However, outside the breeding season and particularly in winter, several Red Squirrels may share a drey to keep warm. Social organisation is based on dominance hierarchies within and between sexes. Although males are not necessarily dominant towards females, the dominant animals tend to be larger and older than subordinate animals and dominant males tend to have larger home ranges than subordinate males or females. Mating can occur in late winter during February and March and in summer between June and July. During mating, males detect females that are in oestrus by an odour that they produce and, although there is no courtship, the male will chase the female for up to an hour prior to mating. Usually multiple males will chase a single female until the dominant male, usually the largest in the group, mates with the female. Males and females will mate multiple times with many partners. Females must reach a minimum body mass before they enter oestrus and heavy females on average produce more young. If food is scarce breeding may be delayed. Typically a female will produce her first litter in her second year. Up to 2 litters a year per female are possible. Each litter averages 3 young and these are known as kits. Gestation is about 38 to 39 days and the young are looked after by the mother alone and are born helpless, blind and deaf. Their body is covered by hair at 21 days, their eyes and ears open after 3 to 4 weeks and they develop all their teeth by 42 days. Juveniles can eat solids around 40 days following birth and from that point they can leave the nest on their own to find food. However, they still suckle from their mother until weaning occurs at 8 to 10 weeks. The Red Squirrel eats mostly the seeds of trees, fungi, nuts (especially hazelnuts but also beech and chestnuts), berries and young shoots. More rarely, it may also eat bird eggs or nestlings and may occasionally exhibit opportunistic omnivory similar to other rodents. Excess food is put into caches, either buried or in nooks or holes in trees, and eaten when food is scarce. Although the Red Squirrel remembers where it created caches at a better than chance level, its spatial memory is believed to be substantially less accurate and durable than that of the Grey Squirrel. Therefore it will often have to search for them when in need and many caches are never found again. Between 60% and 80% of the active time of a Red Squirrel may be spent foraging and feeding. The active period is generally in the morning and in the late afternoon and evening. It often rests in its nest in the middle of the day to avoid the heat and the high visibility to birds of prey that are dangers during these hours. During the winter, this midday rest is often much more brief or absent entirely although harsh weather may cause it to stay in its nest for days at a time. No territories are claimed between Red Squirrels and the feeding areas of individuals overlap considerably. A Red Squirrel that survives its first winter has a life expectancy of 3 years. Individuals may reach 7 years of age and 10 years in captivity. Survival is positively related to the availability of autumn and winter tree seeds. On average, 75 to 85% of juveniles die during their first winter and mortality is approximately 50% for winters following the first. Predators include small mammals such as the Pine Marten, the Wildcat and the Stoat which all prey on juveniles. Birds, including owls and raptors such as the Goshawk and Common Buzzard, may also prey on the Red Squirrel as will the Red Fox and domestic cats and dogs when it is on the ground. Humans influence the population size and mortality of the Red Squirrel by destroying or altering habitats, by causing road casualties and by introducing non-native populations of the Grey Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel and the Red Squirrel are not directly antagonistic and violent conflict between these species is not a factor in the decline in Red Squirrel populations. However, the Grey Squirrel appears to contribute to the decrease in the Red Squirrel population for several reasons: it carries a disease, the squirrel parapoxvirus, that does not appear to affect its own health but will often kill the Red Squirrel, it can better digest acorns whilst the Red Squirrel cannot access the proteins and fats in acorns as easily and it can put the Red Squirrel under pressure for food resources resulting in it not breeding as often. In the UK, due to the above circumstances, the population has today fallen to 160,000 Red Squirrels or fewer with the majority of these in Scotland. Outside the UK and Ireland, the impact of competition from the Grey Squirrel has also been observed in Italy where 2 pairs escaped from captivity in 1948. A significant drop in the Red Squirrel population has been observed since 1970 and it is feared that the Grey Squirrel may expand into the rest of Europe. The Red Squirrel is protected in most of Europe although in some areas it is abundant and is hunted for its fur. In the UK there are several active projects to protect the Red Squirrel and its native woodland habitat, introduce or re-introduce it in to areas where it is absent and eradicate and prevent the spread of the Grey Squirrel. Research undertaken in 2007 in the UK credits the Pine Marten with reducing the population of the invasive Grey Squirrel. Where the range of the expanding Pine Marten population meets that of the Grey Squirrel, the population of the latter retreats. It is theorised that, because the Grey Squirrel spends more time on the ground than the Red Squirrel, it is far more likely to come in contact with the Pine Marten. Date: 21st September 2015 Location: Mingarry Lodges, Mingarry, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/december-2020-reeves-muntjac https://images.on-this.website/4752_13192238376023c21a1b983.jpgDecember 2020 - Reeves' Muntjac Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42175419.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41539273.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3609606405f3e4aa2e0386.jpgShort-eared Owl The Short-eared Owl is a species of the typical owl family [i]Strigidae[/i]. Owls belonging to the genus [i]Asio[/i], such as the Short-eared Owl, are known as the eared owls since they have tufts of feathers resembling mammalian ears. These "ear" tufts may or may not be visible. The Short-eared Owl will display its tufts when in a defensive pose although its very short tufts are usually not visible. The Short-eared Owl is a medium-sized owl 13 to 17 inches in length with a 33 to 43 inches wingspan. Females are slightly larger than males. It has large yellow eyes with black encircling rings, a big head, a short neck and broad wings. The bill is short, strong, hooked and black. The plumage is mottled tawny to brown with a barred tail and wings. The upper breast is significantly streaked. The flight is characteristically floppy due to the irregular wingbeats and the Short-eared Owl is often described as "moth-like” or bat-like" in flight. Through much of its range, the Short-eared Owl occurs with the similar looking Long-eared Owl. At rest, the ear-tufts of the Long-eared Owl serve to easily distinguish the 2 species although the Long-eared Owl can sometimes hold its ear-tufts flat. The iris colour also differs: yellow in the Short-eared Owl and orange in the Long-eared Owl plus the black surrounding the eyes is vertical on the Long-eared Owl and horizontal on the Short-eared Owl. Overall, the Short-eared Owl tends to be a paler, sandier coloured bird than the Long-eared Owl. There are 10 recognized sub-species of the Short-eared Owl and its range covers all continents except Antarctica and Australia. It therefore has one of the most widespread distributions of any bird. It is partially migratory and moves south in winter from the northern parts of its range. The Short-eared Owl is also known to relocate to areas of higher rodent populations and it will also wander nomadically in search of better food supplies during years when vole populations are low. In the UK, the Short-eared Owl breeds primarily in north England and Scotland but it is seen more widely in winter when there is an influx of continental birds from Scandinavia, Russia and Iceland to north, east and parts of central south England, especially around coastal marshes and wetlands. The breeding season of the Short-eared Owl in the northern hemisphere lasts from March to June but peaks in April. During the breeding season, the male makes a great spectacle of itself in flight to attract a female. The male swoops down over the potential nest site flapping its wings in a courtship display. The Short-eared Owl is generally monogamous and nests on the ground in prairie, tundra, savanna or meadow habitats. The nest is concealed by low vegetation and may be lightly lined by weeds, grass or feathers. The female lays 4 to 7 eggs but clutch size can reach up to 12 eggs in years when voles are abundant. There is a single brood per year. The eggs are incubated mostly by the female for 21 to 37 days and the young fledge at a little over 4 weeks. The Short-eared Owl hunts mostly at night but it is known as a diurnal and crepuscular hunter as well. Its daylight hunting seems to coincide with the high activity periods of voles, its preferred prey. It tends to fly only a few feet above the ground in open fields and grasslands until swooping down upon its prey feet first. Several owls may hunt over the same open area. The diet of the Short-eared Owl consists mainly of rodents, especially voles, but it will eat other small mammals such as mice, ground squirrels, shrews, rats, bats, muskrats and moles. It will also occasionally predate smaller birds especially when near sea coasts and adjacent wetlands at which time they may attack waders, terns and small gulls and seabirds. Avian prey is more infrequently preyed on inland and includes small passerines. Insects also supplement the diet. Date: 5th July 2019 Location: Vestre Jakobslev, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/dore-holm-north-mainland-shetland https://images.on-this.website/4752_17699457534866c2c464632.jpgDore Holm, North Mainland, Shetland Dore Holm is a small islet in St Magnus Bay off the south coast of Eshaness and is notable for the finest natural arch on Shetland. Date: 1st June 2008 Location: view from the B9078 road http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39083813.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19775357625d308224caa15.jpgWestern Rhodopes Mountains, Smolyan Province, Bulgaria The Rhodopes Mountains are a mountain range in south east Europe. They are spread over 5689 square miles of which 4723 square miles are located in south Bulgaria and the remainder in north Greece. The Rhodopes Mountains are about 149 miles long and about 62 to 75 miles wide with an average altitude of 2575 feet. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 7188 feet and is situated 12 miles to the west of Smolyan. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rhodopes Mountains gives its name to the terrestrial eco-region Rodope montane mixed forests that belong in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The area is particularly notable for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans plus its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms such as the Trigrad Gorge. The Rhodopes Mountains can be sub-divided in to 3 sections: The Western Rhodopes are spread over 66% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and they are higher, the most infrastructurally developed and the most visited part of the mountains. The highest and best known peaks are located in this section with more than 10 over 6562 feet high including the highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7188 feet). Some of the deepest river gorges in the Rhodopes Mountains are located in the west as well as several large lakes. The Eastern Rhodopes are spread over a territory of about 34% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and are much lower in height. The large artificial dams of Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets are located in this part of the mountains. Almost every species of European bird of prey nests in the Eastern Rhodopes including the rare Black Vulture and Egyptian Vulture. The Southern Rhodopes are the part of the mountain range that is located in Greece and they are characterized by numerous peaks of relatively low altitude. The River Buynovska is situated in the western Rhodopes Mountains and it is one of the source rivers of the River Vacha, the second largest river that has its source in the Rhodopes Mountains after the River Arda. The river has formed the Buynovo Gorge, the longest gorge in Bulgaria, located between the villages of Yagodina and Teshel. Formed by erosion as the River Buynovo flows through layers of marble rock, the gorge has developed in to an impressive natural phenomenon. The cliffs on both sides of the gorge rise hundreds of feet and can be visited on foot or by car on an extremely narrow single track road which winds along the base of the cliffs with sheer drops and hairpin turns. The narrowest point of the gorge is called Vuclhi Skok (“The Wolf’s Leap”). Folklore says that during winter wolves would leap the chasm to attack the sheepfolds. While this is only a legend, it is plain to see that the gorge is so narrow at this point that the cliffs practically touch each other at height of just 10 to 13 feet above the road. The beauty of the Buynovo Gorge can be appreciated from “a bird’s-eye view” from “The Eagle’s Eye”, a metal platform built on the precipitous cliff face of the Saint Iliya Peak at a height of 5128 feet. This provides impressive views of the entire surrounding area and, during good weather, the entire Rhodopes Mountains and even parts of north Greece are visible. Several hiking trails have been created in the area and the Buynovo Gorge was designated as a nature reserve in 1971. It is now one of Bulgaria’s top 100 tourist destinations. The limestone sediment has been eroded throughout the entire area and in the vicinity of the village Yagodina alone there are 36 caves, the most famous of which is the Yagodina Cave itself, a multi-level complex of primarily marble. This is the 4th longest cave in Bulgaria and the longest cave in the Rhodopes Mountains at around 5 miles, of which just under 1 mile is open to tourists. Date: 28th May 2018 Location: River Buynovska, Teshel to Yagodina, Western Rhodopes Mountains, Smolyan Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49797839.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_79889001164eca752a34b5.jpgMeadow Brown Flight period: June to August. The Meadow Brown is one of the most widespread and abundant of the UK's butterflies. It can be found typically in open grasslands but also other habitats such as roadside verges, woodland rides and urban parks and cemeteries. Date: 3rd July 2023 Location: Broadcroft Quarry, Isle of Portland, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9588764.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1670792984db15a03bbc3b.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 8th June 2007 Location: Loch na Keal, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21892244.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_70783500653d0f6c8a74e4.jpgFindhorn valley, Highland The Findhorn Valley or Strathdearn runs along an unclassified road for nearly 10 miles westwards from the village of Tomatin on the A9 and 15 miles south of Inverness. Vehicle access terminates at Coignafearn, a remote settlement, lodge and deer forest in the Monadhliath Mountains. The Findhorn Valley is well known amongst birdwatchers for the impressive variety of birds of prey that can be seen with patience and luck. Date: 17th June 2014 Location: view from Coignafearn at the end of the unclassified road down the Findhorn Valley http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230780.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_132693774564917f6fa6482.jpgLarge Red Damselflies Flight period: April to August The Large Red Damselfly is one of the three most widespread dragonflies in the UK and one of the first to emerge in spring. They can be found in most wetland habitats from acidic moorland bog pools to brackish ditches but they avoid fast flowing waters. Date: 24th May 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533671.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_146191845062ca8fac500af.jpgBlack-tailed Skimmer Flight period: May to August. The Black-tailed Skimmer is a common dragonfly in south east England and it is expanding its range northwards. They can be found around lowland lakes, ponds, sand and gravel workings, slow flowing rivers and brackish water. Date: 26th June 2022 Location: RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42229283.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_193306909603e5d6fa4422.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 27th February 2021 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21957041.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_175846470353da317b9af56.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Staple Island, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49278578.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8089384466499b4c8b933f.jpgLarge Red Damselfly Flight period: April to August The Large Red Damselfly is one of the three most widespread dragonflies in the UK and one of the first to emerge in spring. They can be found in most wetland habitats from acidic moorland bog pools to brackish ditches but they avoid fast flowing waters. Date: 13th June 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/emerald-damselfly https://images.on-this.website/4752_12904746686499ca26e8eac.jpgEmerald Damselfly Flight period: June to September The Emerald Damselfly is widely distributed in uplands and lowlands throughout the UK. They can be found around small, shallow standing water with luxuriant vegetation such as rushes and sedges. Date: 22nd June 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801028.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15910091364ed9bda192a2.jpgEmerald Damselfly Flight period: June to September The Emerald Damselfly is widely distributed in uplands and lowlands throughout the UK. They can be found around small, shallow standing water with luxuriant vegetation such as rushes and sedges. Date: 7th July 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo8135922.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21380802674d1d9ce830403.jpgTurnstone The Turnstone has a mottled appearance with brown or chestnut and black upperparts, brown and white or black and white head pattern, white underparts and orange legs. Turnstones can be found around most of the UK coastline including rocky, sandy and muddy shores and particularly like feeding on seaweed covered rocks, seawalls and jetties. They are present for most of the year. Birds from Northern Europe pass through in July and August and again in spring and birds from Canada and Greenland arrive in August and September and remain until April and May. Non-breeding birds may stay throughout the summer. Date: 26th December 2010 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/june-2019-elk-moose https://images.on-this.website/4752_186554760603e08f865f09.jpgJune 2019 - Elk (Moose) Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41292161.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21955388.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_131851026453da19ed956d7.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49797316.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_36096084164ec9d3766266.jpgBlack-tailed Skimmer Flight period: May to August. The Black-tailed Skimmer is a common dragonfly in south east England and it is expanding its range northwards. They can be found around lowland lakes, ponds, sand and gravel workings, slow flowing rivers and brackish water. Date: 2nd July 2023 Location: Great Ovens NNR, Wareham Forest, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801258.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_42822287464edb3036d344.jpgMeadow Brown Flight period: June to August. The Meadow Brown is one of the most widespread and abundant of the UK's butterflies. It can be found typically in open grasslands but also other habitats such as roadside verges, woodland rides and urban parks and cemeteries. Date: 26th July 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49278576.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4413503896499b4c66d30a.jpgAzure Damselfly Flight period: May to August The Azure Damselfly is one of the two commonest blue damselflies and is a common and widespread species of lowland UK. They can be found around most standing water, preferring small, sheltered sites including ditches and garden ponds. Date: 13th June 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457591.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_71229888066857257b3f40.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/june-2014-puffins https://images.on-this.website/4752_1587092306548c1948ed6db.jpgJune 2014 - Puffins Please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/photo21959279.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo472308.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7703893924698b646cf927.jpgCommon Darter Flight period: end May to early October. Common Darters are the most widespread of the dragonflies over lowland UK but they are absent from upland areas. They can be found in a wide range of habitats including ponds, lakes, ditches, canals, slow flowing rivers and brackish water. They can also be frequently seen some way from water. Date: 8th July 2007 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo440777.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_711088152467ea88d4364f.jpgGolden-ringed Dragonfly Flight period: May to September. The Golden-ringed Dragonfly is a distinctive, large dragonfly with black and yellow patterning. They are widely distibuted in the north and west of the UK and can be found around swiftly flowing acidic running water. Date: 12th June 2006 Location: Near Dundonnell, Wester Ross http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11351016.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1076190694e1f057b33124.jpgCommon Buzzard The Common Buzzard is a member of the genus [I]Buteo[/I] and the family [i]Accipitridae[/i], a group of medium-sized raptors with robust bodies and broad wings. The [I]Buteo[/I] species of Eurasia and Africa are usually commonly referred to as buzzards whilst those in the Americas are called hawks. Under current classification, the genus [I]Buteo[/I] includes approximately 28 species. The Common Buzzard includes between 7 to 16 sub-species and the western [i]Buteo[/i] group includes [i]Buteo buteo buteo[/i] which is found more or less continuously throughout Europe including the UK. The Common Buzzard is a medium-sized raptor that is highly variable in plumage. It is distinctly round headed with a somewhat slender bill and it has relatively long wings that either reach or fall slightly short of the tail tip when perched, a fairly short tail and somewhat short and mainly bare tarsi. It can appear fairly compact in overall appearance but may also appear large relative to other commoner raptors such as the Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. The Common Buzzard measures between 16 and 23 inches in length with a 3 feet 7 inches to 4 feet 7 inches wingspan. Females average about 2 to 7% larger than males in length and weigh about 15% more. Body mass can show considerable variation from 0.94 to 2.6 pounds in males and 1.07 to 3.02 pounds in females. In Europe, the Common Buzzard is typically dark brown above and on the upperside of the head and mantle but this can become paler and warmer brown with worn plumage. Usually the tail will be narrowly barred grey-brown and dark brown with a pale tip and a broad dark subterminal band but the tail in the palest birds can show a varying amount of white and a reduced sub-terminal band or even appear almost all white. The underside colouring can be variable but typically shows a brown-streaked white throat with a somewhat darker chest. A pale U across the breast is often present followed by a pale line running down the belly which separates the dark areas on the breast side and flanks. These pale areas tend to have highly variable markings that form irregular bars. Juveniles are quite similar to adults and are best told apart by having a paler eye, a narrower sub-terminal band on the tail and underside markings that appear as streaks rather than bars. Beyond the typical mid-range brownish Common Buzzard, birds in Europe can range from almost uniform black-brown above to mainly white. Extreme dark individuals may range from chocolate-brown to blackish with almost no pale colour showing but with a variable or faded U on the breast and with or without faint lighter brown throat streaks. Extreme pale individuals are largely whitish with variable widely spaced streaks or arrowheads of light brown about the mid-chest and flanks and may or may not show dark feather-centres on the head, wing-coverts and sometimes all but part of the mantle. Individuals can show nearly endless variation of colours and hues in between these extremes and the Common Buzzard is among the most variably plumaged diurnal raptors for this reason. The Common Buzzard is often confused with other raptors especially in flight or at a distance including other [i]Buteo[/i] species such as Rough-legged Buzzard and Long-legged Buzzard and also Honey Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, Golden Eagle, Booted Eagle and Short-toed Eagle. The Common Buzzard is found throughout several islands in the eastern Atlantic islands, including the Canary Islands and the Azores, and almost throughout Europe. In the UK, it is found in Northern Ireland and in nearly every part of Scotland and England. In mainland Europe, there are no substantial gaps in the range from Portugal and Spain to Greece, Estonia, Belarus and the Ukraine, although it is present mainly only in the breeding season in much of the eastern half of the latter 3 countries. It is also present in all larger Mediterranean islands such as Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily and Crete. Further north in to Scandinavia, it is found mainly in south Norway, the southern half of Sweden and in the southern two-thirds of Finland. The Common Buzzard reaches its northern limit as a breeder in far eastern Finland and over the border in to European Russia and nearly to the Kola Peninsula. In these northern limits, the Common Buzzard is present typically only in summer. The Common Buzzard generally inhabits the interface of woodlands and open ground and typically lives in forest edge, small broad-leaved, coniferous or mixed woodlands with adjacent grassland, arable fields or other farmland and open moorland as long as there are some trees. It is absent from treeless tundra and sporadic or rare in treeless steppe. The Common Buzzard can be found from sea level to elevations of 6600 feet although it breeds mostly below 3300 feet. It can winter to an elevation of 8200 feet and migrates easily at 14,800 feet. The Common Buzzard is a partial migrant. Autumn and spring movements are subject to extensive variation, even down to the individual level, based on a region's food resources, competition (both from other Common Buzzards and other predators), the extent of human disturbance and weather conditions. Short distance movements are the norm for juveniles and some adults in autumn and winter but more adults in central and south Europe and the UK remain in their year-around areas than do not. The Common Buzzard is a typical [I]Buteo[/I] in much of its behaviour. It is most often seen effortlessly soaring for extended periods at varying heights although it can appear laborious and heavy in level flight. It is also often seen perched prominently on tree tops, bare branches, telegraph poles, fence posts, rocks or ledges or alternatively well inside the tree canopy. It will also stand and forage on the ground. The Common Buzzard is a generalist predator which hunts a wide variety of prey given the opportunity. The prey extents to a wide variety of vertebrates including mammals, birds (from any age from eggs to adult birds), reptiles, amphibians and fish as well as to various invertebrates, mostly insects. In total, well over 300 prey species are known to be taken by the Common Buzzard. However, dietary studies have shown that it mostly preys upon small mammals, mainly small rodents. Furthermore, prey size can vary from tiny beetles, caterpillars and ants to large adult grouse and Rabbits up to nearly twice their body mass. At times, the Common Buzzard will also subsist partially on carrion, usually of dead mammals or fish. Hunting in relatively open areas has been found to increase hunting success whereas more complete shrub cover lowered success. A majority of prey is taken by dropping from a perch and is normally taken on the ground. Prey may also be hunted in a low flight, by random glides or soars or by foraging on the ground. The home range of the Common Buzzard is generally 0.19 to 0.77 square miles and the size of the breeding territory seems to be correlated with food supply. The territory is maintained through flight displays and in Europe territorial behaviour usually starts in February. However, displays are not uncommon throughout the year in resident pairs, especially by males, and can elicit similar displays by their neighbours. In the display, the Common Buzzard generally engages in high circling, spiraling upward on slightly raised wings. Mutual high circling by pairs sometimes goes on at length, especially during the period prior to or during breeding season. During the mutual displays, the male may engage in exaggerated deep flapping or zig-zag tumbling, apparently in response to the female being too distant. Several pairs may circle together at times and as many as 14 individual adults have been recorded over established display sites. Sky-dancing by the Common Buzzard has been recorded in spring and autumn, typically by the male but sometimes by the female, nearly always with much calling. Sky-dances are of the rollercoaster type, with an upward sweep of up to 100 feet until the bird starts start to stall but sometimes embellished with loops or rolls at the top. Next in the sky-dance, the bird will dive at least 200 feet on more or less closed wings before spreading them and shooting up again. These sky-dances may be repeated in series of 10 to 20. In the climax of the sky-dance, the undulations become progressively shallower, often slowing and terminating directly on to a perch. Various other aerial displays include low contour flight or weaving among trees, frequently with deep beats and exaggerated upstrokes which show underwing pattern to rivals perched below. Talon grappling and occasionally cartwheeling downward with feet interlocked has also been recorded. The Common Buzzard tends to build a bulky nest of sticks, twigs and often heather and lined with broad-leaved foliage. Nests are up to 3.3 to 3.9 feet across and 24 inches deep. With reuse over years, the diameter of a nest can reach or exceed 5 feet. Trees are generally used for a nesting location but crags or cliffs are used if trees are unavailable. Nests in trees are usually located by the main trunk at a height of around 10 to 82 feet. Pairs often have 2 to 4 nests in a territory but some pairs may use a single nest over several consecutive years. The breeding season of the Common Buzzard commences at differing times based on latitude. It may fall as early as January to April but typically it is March to July in most of Europe. In the northern limits of the range the breeding season may occur from May to August. Mating usually occurs on or near the nest and eggs are usually laid in 2 to 3 day intervals. The clutch size can range from to 2 to 6 and it appears that local factors such as habitat and food supply are relevant. Eggs are generally laid in late March to early April in the extreme south, sometime in April in most of Europe and in to May and possibly even early June in the extreme north. If eggs are lost to a predator or fail in some other way, replacement clutches are not usually laid although this has been recorded. Incubation lasts for 33 to 35 days and is mostly, but not solely, undertaken by the female. Hatching may take place over 3 to 7 days. Often the youngest nestling dies from starvation, especially in broods of 3 or more. The female remains at the nest brooding the young in the early stages with the male bringing all prey. At about 8 to 12 days, both the male and female will bring prey but the female continues to do all feeding until the young can tear up their own prey. The young are nearly fully feathered rather than downy at about a month of age and can start to feed themselves as well. The first attempts to leave the nest are often at about 40 to 50 days. Fledging occurs typically at 43 to 54 days but in extreme cases as late 62 days. After leaving the nest, the young generally stay close by until full independence 6 to 8 weeks after fledging. Numerous factors may influence the breeding success of the Common Buzzard including the availability of prey populations, habitat, disturbance and persecution levels and competition. The Common Buzzard is one of the most numerous birds of prey in its range and it is the most numerous diurnal bird of prey throughout much of Europe. Date: 02/10/06 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayder, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/comma https://images.on-this.website/4752_19269084754f3e2daea4a7f.jpgComma Flight period: March to October. The Comma was a rarity 100 years ago but is now a common and widespread butterfly in England and Wales and is on the point of recolonising Scotland. They are one of the first butterflies to be seen in spring and can be found in open woodland, woodland edges and gardens. Date: 25th July 2006 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21957886.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_86356248153da407eaba2b.jpgKittiwakes The Kittiwake is a gentle looking, medium sized gull with a small yellow bill and a dark eye. It has a grey back and is white underneath. Its legs are short and black. In flight the black wing-tips show no white, unlike other gulls, and look as if they have been “dipped in ink”. The population is declining in some areas, perhaps due to a shortage of sand eels. Kittiwakes are strictly coastal gulls. In the breeding season, they can be found on rocky, steep sea-cliffs at the major seabird colonies around the UK from February until August. From August to October they can be seen flying past offshore and they spend the winter months out at sea. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Staple Island, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25774086.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6104558560fb531eeef2.jpgLoch Tuath, Mull, Argyll Loch Tuath is a sea loch off the west coast of Mull that separates that island and the island of Ulva. Date: 22nd September 2015 Location: view from the B8073 road http://www.richardchewphotography.com/rhossili-bay-and-worms-head https://images.on-this.website/4752_1438142276117ce880a6a6.jpgRhossili Bay and Worms Head, Gower peninsula, Swansea Description to follow .... Date: 23rd June 2021 Location: Rhossili, Gower peninsula, Swansea http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623254.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15250755676117d9be7a378.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42222521.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6423064656023b5a963b49.jpgGreat Tit The Great Tit is a passerine bird in the tit family. It is large for a tit species at 4.9 to 5.5 inches in length and it has a distinctive appearance that makes it easy to recognise. The nominate race, which is found throughout much of Europe, Asia Minor, north and east Kazakhstan, south Siberia and north Mongolia, has a bluish-black crown, black neck, throat, bib and head and white cheeks and ear coverts. The breast is bright lemon-yellow and there is a broad black mid-line stripe running from the bib to the vent. There is a dull white spot on the neck turning to greenish yellow on the upper nape. The rest of the nape and back are green tinged with olive. The wing-coverts are green and the rest of the wing is bluish-grey with a white-wing-bar. The tail is bluish grey with white outer tips. The plumage of the female is similar to that of the male except that the colours are generally duller and the bib is less intensely black, as is the line running down the belly which is also narrower and sometimes broken. There is some variation in the UK sub-species. It is broadly similar to the nominate race but has a slightly longer bill, the mantle is slightly deeper green, there is less white on the tail tips and the ventral mid-line stripe is broader on the belly. The Great Tit has a wide distribution across much of Eurasia. It is found across all of Europe except for Iceland and northern Scandinavia. In North Africa it is found in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. It also occurs across the Middle East and parts of central Asia from north Iran and Afghanistan to Mongolia, as well as across north Asia from the Urals as far east as north China and the Amur Valley. The Great Tit can be found in a range of habitats but most commonly in open deciduous woodland, mixed forests, forest edges and gardens. In dense forests, including conifer forests, it is usually found in forest clearings. In north Siberia it is found in the boreal taiga. In north Africa it prefers oak forests as well as stands of Atlas cedar and even palm groves. In the east of its range, it favours riverine willow and birch forest. At higher altitudes it occupies habitats ranging from dense deciduous and coniferous forests to open areas with scattered trees. The Great Tit is generally not migratory. Pairs will usually remain near or in their territory all year round even in the northern parts of their range. Young birds will disperse from their parents' territory but usually not far. Populations may become irruptive in poor or harsh winters and very large groups may unpredictably move from north Europe to the Baltic, the Netherlands, the UK and even as far as the south Balkans. The Great Tit is monogamous and establish breeding territories in late January. Territories are usually reoccupied in successive years even if one of the pair dies so long as the brood is raised successfully. Females are likely to disperse to new territories if their nest is predated the previous year. The Great Tit is a seasonal breeder but the exact timing of breeding varies due to a number of factors, most importantly location. Most breeding occurs between January and September. In Europe the breeding season usually begins after March The amount of sunlight and daytime temperatures also affects the timing of breeding as does the peak abundance of caterpillar prey which itself is correlated to temperature. The Great Tit is a cavity nester and occupies a hole that is usually inside a tree, although occasionally in a wall or rock face. It also readily takes to nest boxes. The nest inside the cavity is built by the female and is made of plant fibres, grasses, moss, hair, wool and feathers. The female often lays a very large clutch of eggs, as many as 18 although 5 to 12 is more common. Clutch size is smaller when females start laying later and it is also lower when the density of competitors is higher. Second broods also tend to have smaller clutches. The female undertakes all incubation duties and is fed by the male during this time. The timing of hatching, which is synchronised with peak availability of food, can be manipulated when environmental conditions change after the laying of the first egg by delaying the beginning of incubation, laying more eggs or pausing during incubation. The incubation period is between 12 and 15 days. The chicks are fed by both parents and the nestling period is between 16 and 22 days. The chicks become independent of the parents 8 days after fledging although feeding may continue after independence and last up to a further 25 days. The Great Tit is primarily insectivorous in the summer and feeds on a wide range of insects and spiders. During the breeding season, protein-rich caterpillars are fed to the young. In autumn and winter, when insect prey becomes scarcer, berries and seeds are added to the diet. Where it is available, it will also readily take table scraps, peanuts and sunflower seeds from bird tables. The Great Tit, along with other tits, joins winter mixed-species foraging flocks. The Great Tit has generally adjusted to human modifications of the environment. Whilst it is more common and has better breeding success in areas with undisturbed forest cover, it has adapted well to human modified habitats and can be very common in urban and suburban areas. While there have been some localised declines in population in areas with poorer quality habitats, its large range and high numbers mean that the Great Tit is not considered to be threatened and it is classed as “Least Concern” by the IUCN. Date: 25th December 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/guillemot-chick https://images.on-this.website/4752_69592430153da4c1a2858d.jpgCommon Guillemot chick The Common Guillemot, also known as the Common Murre or Thin-billed Murre, is a large species of auk. The auks are a family of seabirds which includes the Brunnich's Guillemot or Thick-billed Murre, Razorbill, Little Auk and the extinct Great Auk. The Common Guillemot is 15 to 18 inches in length with a 24 to 29 inches wingspan. In breeding plumage, it is black or dark brown on the head, back and wings with white underparts. It has a thin dark pointed bill and a small rounded dark tail. Legs are grey and the bill is dark grey. Males and females are identical. Some individuals in the North Atlantic, known as "Bridled Guillemots", have a white ring around the eye extending back as a white line. This is not a distinct subspecies but a polymorphism that becomes more common the farther north the birds breed. The Common Guillemot flies with fast wing beats and has a flight speed of around 50 mph. Groups of birds are often seen flying together in a line just above the surface of the sea. However, it is not a very agile bird and take-off is often difficult. The Common Guillemot becomes flightless for 45 to 60 days while moulting its primary feathers. The Common Guillemot is a pursuit diver that forages for food by swimming underwater using its wings for propulsion. Dives usually last less than one minute but the bird swims underwater for distances of over 100 feet on a regular basis. Diving depths up to 590 feet have been recorded. The Common Guillemot has a circumpolar distribution and it occurs in low Arctic and boreal waters in the north Atlantic and north Pacific. It spends most of its time at sea and only comes to land to breed on rocky cliffs, sea stacks and islands. Some birds are permanent residents but northern birds migrate south to open waters off New England, southern California, Japan, Korea and the western Mediterranean. The Common Guillemot breeds in colonies at high densities and nesting pairs may be in bodily contact with their neighbours. No nest is made and the single egg is laid and incubated on a bare rock ledge on a cliff face. The egg hatches after 30 days incubation and the chick is born downy and can regulate its body temperature after 10 days. Some 20 days after hatching the chick jumps off its nesting ledge and heads for the sea unable to fly but gliding for some distance with fluttering wings and accompanied by its male parent. The chicks are capable of diving as soon as they hit the water. The female stays at the nest site for some 14 days after the chick has left. The Common Guillemot can venture far from its breeding grounds to forage and distances of 60 miles or more are often observed although if sufficient food is available closer by, birds will only travel much shorter distances. It mainly eats small schooling fish 8 inches long or less such as Polar Cod, Capelin, Sand Lances, Sprats, Sandeels, Atlantic Cod and Atlantic Herring. It also eats some molluscs, marine worms, squid and crustaceans. It is often seen carrying fish in its bill with the tail hanging out. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Staple Island, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14185269.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6128315214f42298905bb0.jpgLarge Skipper Flight period: June to July. The Large Skipper is a small golden butterfly which is widespread throughout England and Wales and it is also extending its range northwards in to southern Scotland. They can be found in areas of tall, uncut grassland, woodland rides, roadside verges and hedgerows. Date: 3rd July 2006 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11159440.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12163283534e15833f79d1b.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 4th November 2007 Location: Loch Indaal, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41187455.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7438659315ea6d5459c3ba.jpgCanada Goose The Canada Goose belongs to the Branta genus of geese which contains species with largely black plumage distinguishing it from the grey species of the genus Anser. The black head and neck with a white "chinstrap" distinguish the Canada Goose from all other goose species with the exception of the Cackling Goose from north America and the Barnacle Goose which has a black breast and grey rather than brownish body plumage. The 7 sub-species of the Canada Goose vary widely in size and plumage details but all are recognizable as Canada Geese. Of the "true geese" (i.e. the genera Anser, Branta or Chen), the Canada Goose is on average the largest living species. It ranges from 30 to 43 inches in length and with a 50 to 73 inches wingspan. The male usually weighs 5.7 to 14.3 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 8.6 pounds. The female looks virtually identical but is slightly lighter at 5.3 to 12.1 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 7.9 pounds. It is also generally 10% smaller in linear dimensions than the male. The Canada Goose is native to north America where it breeds in Canada and the north USA in a wide range of habitats. The Great Lakes region maintains a very large population. It occurs all year round in the southern part of its breeding range, including most of the eastern seaboard and the Pacific coast. Between California and South Carolina in the south USA and north Mexico, it is primarily present as a migrant from further north during the winter. Outside north America, the Canada Goose has reached north Europe naturally as has been proved by ringing recoveries. It has also been introduced in to Europe and had established populations in the UK in the middle of the 18th century, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany and Scandinavia. Most European populations are not migratory but those in more northerly parts of Sweden and Finland migrate to the North Sea and Baltic coasts. Semi-tame feral birds are common in parks and have become a pest in some areas. In the early 17th century, explorer Samuel de Champlain sent several pairs of Canada Geese to France as a present for King Louis XIII. Canada Geese were first introduced in to the UK in the late 17th century as an addition to King James II's waterfowl collection in St. James's Park. They were also introduced in to Germany and Scandinavia during the 20th century. During the second year of its life, the Canada Goose finds a mate. It is a monogamous species and most couples stay together all of their lives. If one dies, the other may find a new mate. The female lays from 2 to 9 eggs with an average of 5. Both parents protect the nest while the eggs incubate but the female spends more time at the nest than the male. The nest is usually located in an elevated area near water such as streams, lakes and ponds and the eggs are laid in a shallow depression lined with plant material and down. The incubation period, in which the female incubates the eggs while the male remains nearby, lasts for 24 to 28 days after laying. As soon as the goslings hatch, they are immediately capable of walking, swimming and finding their own food (a diet similar to the adults). Parents are often seen leading their goslings in a line, usually with one adult at the front and the other at the back. While protecting their goslings, parents often violently chase away anything from small birds to lone humans who approach, after warning them by giving off a hissing sound and then attacking with bites and slaps of the wings if the threat does not retreat. Although parents are hostile to unfamiliar geese, they may form groups (crèches) of a number of goslings and a few adults. The goslings enter the fledgling stage any time from 6 to 9 weeks of age. Once it reaches adulthood, due to its large size and often aggressive behaviour, the Canada Goose is rarely preyed on although prior injury may make it more vulnerable to natural predators. The lifespan in the wild of birds that survive to adulthood ranges from 10 to 24 years. The UK longevity record is held by a specimen tagged as a nestling which was observed alive at the age of 31. The Canada Goose is primarily a herbivore although it will sometimes eat small insects and fish. Their diet includes grasses, aquatic plants, beans and grains such as wheat, rice, and corn when they are available. In urban areas, it is also known to pick food out of rubbish bins and it will readily take a variety of food from humans in parks. Date: 21st April 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41225557.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7321715195ed9ff3e722cf.jpgMagpie The Eurasian Magpie, often simply known as the Magpie, is one of several birds in the crow family Corvidae designated as a Magpie. In Europe, Magpie is generally used by English speakers to describe the Eurasian Magpie. The only other species in Europe is the Iberian Magpie or Azure-winged Magpie which is limited to the Iberian peninsula. The adult male Magpie is 17 to 18 inches in length, of which more than half is the tail. The wingspan is 20 to 24 inches. The head, neck and breast are glossy black with a metallic green and violet sheen, the belly and scapulars are pure white, the wings are black glossed with green or purple and the primaries have white inner webs, conspicuous when the wing is open. The graduated tail is black, glossed with green and reddish purple. The legs and bill are black and the iris is dark brown. The plumage of the sexes is similar but the female is slightly smaller. The young resemble the adults but are at first without much of the gloss on the sooty plumage and the tail is much shorter. The Magpie can be found across temperate Eurasia from Spain and Ireland in the west to the Kamchatka Peninsula in the east. It has also been introduced in Japan on the island of Kyushu. The preferred habitat of the Magpie is open countryside with scattered trees and it is normally absent from treeless areas and dense forests. It sometimes breeds at high densities in suburban settings such as parks and gardens and it can often be found close to the centre of cities. The Magpie is normally sedentary and spends winters close to its breeding areas but birds living near the northern limit of their range in Scandinavia and Russia can move south in harsh weather. Some Magpies breed after their first year whilst others remain in non-breeding flocks and first breed in their second year. The Magpie is monogamous and pairs often remain together from one breeding season to the next and generally occupy the same territory in successive years. Mating takes place in spring. In the courtship display, males rapidly raise and depress their head feathers, uplift, open and close their tails like fans and call in soft tones quite distinct from their usual chatter. The loose feathers of the flanks are brought over the primaries, and the shoulder patch is spread so the white is conspicuous, presumably to attract females. Short buoyant flights and chases follow. The Magpie prefers tall trees for their bulky nest, firmly attaching them to a central fork in the upper branches. A framework of sticks is cemented with earth and clay and a lining of the same is covered with fine roots. Above is a stout though loosely built dome of prickly branches with a single well concealed entrance. These huge nests are conspicuous when the leaves fall. Where trees are scarce, though even in well-wooded country, nests are at times built in bushes and hedgerows. In Europe, the eggs are typically laid in April and clutches usually contain 5 or 6 eggs. The eggs are incubated for 21 to 22 days by the female who is fed on the nest by the male. The chicks are brooded by the female for the first 5 to 10 days and fed by both parents. The nestlings open their eyes 7 to 8 days after hatching and their body feathers start to appear after around 8 days and the primary wing feathers after 10 days. Fledging takes place at around 27 days and the parents then continue to feed the young for several more weeks. The parents also protect the young from predators since their ability to fly is poor, making them vulnerable. On average, only 3 or 4 chicks survive to fledge successfully. Some nests are lost to predators but an important factor causing nestling mortality is starvation. Eggs hatch asynchronously and if the parents have difficulty finding sufficient food, the last chicks to hatch are unlikely to survive. The Magpie is omnivorous, eating young birds and eggs, small mammals, insects, scraps and carrion, acorns, grain and other vegetable substances. The Magpie is believed not only to be among the most intelligent of birds but among the most intelligent of all animals. Along with the Jackdaw, the Magpie's nidopallium area of the brain is approximately the same relative size as those in Chimpanzees and humans. Like other corvids, such as the Raven and Carrion crow, the total brain-to-body mass ratio is equal to most great apes and cetaceans. A 2004 review suggests that the intelligence of the corvid family to which the Magpie belongs is equivalent to that of great apes (Chimpanzees, Orangutans and Gorillas) in terms of social cognition, causal reasoning, flexibility, imagination and prospection. The Magpie has an extremely large range and a very large population. The population trend in Europe has been stable since 1980 and there is no evidence of any serious overall decline in numbers so the species is classified by the IUCN as being of “Least Concern”. In Europe, the Magpie has been historically demonized by humans, mainly as a result of folklore, superstition and myth and its reputation as an omen of ill fortune. The Magpie has also been attacked for their role as a predator which includes eating other birds' eggs and their young. However, different studies have reached different conclusions on their impact on the populations of other birds. Date: 17th May 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7439632.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15785363694cd572b7595b6.jpgGriffon Vultures The Griffon Vulture is a typical Old World vulture in appearance with a white bald head, very broad wings and short tail feathers. It has a white neck ruff and yellow bill. The buff body and wing coverts contrast with the dark flight feathers. They are very large birds around 37 to 43 inches long with a 91 to 106 inches wingspan. Like other vultures, the Griffon Vulture is a scavenger, feeding mostly from carcasses of dead animals which it finds by soaring over open areas, often moving in flocks. The population is mostly resident in its breeding range in the mountains of southern Europe, north Africa, and Asia. In Spain, there are tens of thousands of birds from a low of a few thousand around 1980 although the Pyrenees population has apparently been affected by an EU ruling that due to danger of BSE transmission, no carcasses must be left on the fields for the time being. Although the Griffon Vulture does not normally attack larger living prey, there are reports of Spanish Griffon Vultures killing weak, young or unhealthy living animals as they do not find enough carrion to eat. Date: 11th September 2010 Location: Arribes del Duero, Castille y Leon, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13683377.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20679239784ed737db20674.jpgBarn Owl With a heart shaped face, buff back and wings and pure white under-parts the Barn Owl is a distinctive and much-loved bird of the countryside. Barn Owls are widely distributed across the UK and can be seen all year round sometimes during the day but normally at dusk in open country and along field edges, riverbanks and roadside verges. Barn owls have suffered population declines over the past 50 years as a result of habitat degradation following increasing intensive agricultural practices. However, that decline has stopped in many areas and their population may now be increasing. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13683383.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19376755234ed738031f430.jpgBarn Owl With a heart shaped face, buff back and wings and pure white under-parts the Barn Owl is a distinctive and much-loved bird of the countryside. Barn Owls are widely distributed across the UK and can be seen all year round sometimes during the day but normally at dusk in open country and along field edges, riverbanks and roadside verges. Barn owls have suffered population declines over the past 50 years as a result of habitat degradation following increasing intensive agricultural practices. However, that decline has stopped in many areas and their population may now be increasing. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/vartius-to-suomussalmi-kainuu-finland https://images.on-this.website/4752_149150063258107dce9b78d.jpgVartius to Suomussalmi, Kainuu, Finland Kainuu region borders the regions of Pohjois-Pohjanmaa (Northern Ostrobothnia) to the north and Pohjois-Karjala (North Karelia) and Pohjois-Savo (Northern Savonia) to the south. In the east it also borders Russia. The landscape of Kainuu region consists of lakes, hills and vast uninhabited forest areas. Boreal forest makes up most of the region and consists of birches, pines and spruces. Date: 24th May 2016 Location: view from road 912 between Vartius and Suomussalmi, Kainuu, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512879.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21438408962c9a89e2f572.jpgEurasian Beaver The Eurasian Beaver or European Beaver is one of the largest living species of rodents and it is the largest rodent native to Eurasia. It weighs around 24 to 66 pounds with an average of 40 pounds. Typically the head and body length is 31 to 39 inches and the tail length is 9.8 to 19.7 inches. The fur colour of the Beaver varies geographically from light chestnut-rust to blackish-brown. The Beaver was once widespread in Eurasia. It was hunted to near-extinction for both its fur and castoreum (a secretion of its scent gland believed to have medicinal properties) and by 1900 only 1200 beavers survived in 8 relict populations in Europe and Asia. In many European nations, the Beaver became extinct but reintroduction and protection has led to gradual recovery to about 639,000 individuals by 2003 and it now occurs from the UK to China and Mongolia although it is absent from Italy, Portugal, the southern Balkans and the Middle East. About 83% can be found in the former Soviet Union. In the UK, the Beaver became extinct in the 16th century but, as a former native species, interest in reintroducing it to the wild across the UK has been shown. It has been suggested that Beaver dams could retain water in upland areas, reducing flood volumes and creating new habitats for wildlife. Currently, Beaver populations are found in a number of large enclosures in wildlife parks, as well as free-living populations around the River Tay and Knapdale areas in Scotland and the River Otter in Devon. The Knapdale population was deliberately released whilst the other populations are of unknown origin. The Beaver is a keystone species helping support the ecosystem of which they are a part. It creates wetlands which increase biodiversity and provide habitat for many rare species such as Water Voles, Otters, and Water Shrews. It coppices waterside trees and shrubs so that they regrow as dense shrubs which provide cover for birds and other animals. Beaver dams trap sediment and improve water quality and recharge groundwater tables and increase cover for trout and salmon. The Beaver has a single litter of young per year, coming into oestrus for only 12 to 24 hours between late December and May and peaking in January. Unlike most other rodents, Beaver pairs are monogamous and stay together for multiple breeding seasons. Gestation averages 107 days and litters average 3 kits with a range of 2 to 6 kits. Most Beavers do not reproduce until they are 3 years of age. Date: 12th June 2022 Location: River Otter near Otterton, Devon http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21829660.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_56112291253cba91cb0867.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 11th June 2014 Location: Bempton Cliifs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46535272.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_35736373862caa75aee26d.jpgGatekeeper Flight period: mid-July to early September. The Gatekeeper or Hedge Brown is common and widespread throughout the southern half of the UK. They can be found in areas with hedgerows or in scrubby woodland with wide and sunny rides. Date: 6th July 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/parque-nacional-de-monfrage-extremadura https://images.on-this.website/4752_18587514744ff545f955668.jpgParque Nacional de Monfragüe, Extremadura, Spain At the south west entrance to Monfragüe from Trujillo, there is an amazing view of the rocky escarpment of Peña Falcón from Salto de Gitano. It is the most symbolic and most-photographed spot in Monfragüe and supports an equally amazing community of birds, especially vultures and eagles. Date: 27th April 2012 Location: Peña Falcón from Salto del Gitano, Parque Nacional de Monfragüe, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/unknown-lake-near-vallioniemi-pohjois https://images.on-this.website/4752_13504051525ff44a0386f13.jpgUnknown lake near Vallioniemi, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland Date: 8th July 2019 Location: view from road E63 west of Vallioniemi, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37190316.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1298690905c2a176ee21b9.jpgStac Pollaidh, Highland Height: 2009 feet. Stac Pollaidh is a mountain located north of Ullapool, rising up immediately to the north of the single track road from the A835 to Achiltibuie. The peak displays a rocky crest of Torridonian sandstone with many pinnacles and steep gullies. Stac Pollaidh means "peak of the peat moss" and its name is often anglicised to Stack Polly. Due to its relatively low height, fine views and ease of access from a road it has become a very popular peak to climb. Consequently it has suffered from a great deal of erosion. Date: 24th June 2018 Location: sunset view from the minor road from Lochinver through Inverpolly http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo47645630.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12641703506347d72364ee7.jpgTurnstone The Turnstone has a mottled appearance with brown or chestnut and black upperparts, brown and white or black and white head pattern, white underparts and orange legs. Turnstones can be found around most of the UK coastline including rocky, sandy and muddy shores and particularly like feeding on seaweed covered rocks, seawalls and jetties. They are present for most of the year. Birds from Northern Europe pass through in July and August and again in spring and birds from Canada and Greenland arrive in August and September and remain until April and May. Non-breeding birds may stay throughout the summer. Date: 19th September 2022 Location: Walcott, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37190317.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14254333645c2a181be4c32.jpgStac Pollaidh, Highland Height: 2009 feet. Stac Pollaidh is a mountain located north of Ullapool, rising up immediately to the north of the single track road from the A835 to Achiltibuie. The peak displays a rocky crest of Torridonian sandstone with many pinnacles and steep gullies. Stac Pollaidh means "peak of the peat moss" and its name is often anglicised to Stack Polly. Due to its relatively low height, fine views and ease of access from a road it has become a very popular peak to climb. Consequently it has suffered from a great deal of erosion. Date: 24th June 2018 Location: sunset view from the minor road from Lochinver through Inverpolly http://www.richardchewphotography.com/assynt-mountains-highland https://images.on-this.website/4752_1425420746468840f45cdea.jpgAssynt mountains, Highland [i]"Glaciers, grinding West, gouged out these valleys, rasping the brown sandstone, and left, on the hard rock below — the ruffled foreland — this frieze of mountains, filed on the blue air — Stac Polly, Cul Beag, Cul Mor, Suilven, Canisp — a frieze and a litany."[/i] [b]Norman McCaig[/b] – [i]“A Man in Assynt”[/i] A classic view of Canisp, Suilven, Cul Mor and Cul Beag. Date: 9th June 2007 Location: view from the B869 road near Achmelvich http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39083850.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2406106545d30824adf373.jpgWestern Rhodopes Mountains, Smolyan Province, Bulgaria The Rhodopes Mountains are a mountain range in south east Europe. They are spread over 5689 square miles of which 4723 square miles are located in south Bulgaria and the remainder in north Greece. The Rhodopes Mountains are about 149 miles long and about 62 to 75 miles wide with an average altitude of 2575 feet. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 7188 feet and is situated 12 miles to the west of Smolyan. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rhodopes Mountains gives its name to the terrestrial eco-region Rodope montane mixed forests that belong in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The area is particularly notable for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans plus its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms such as the Trigrad Gorge. The Rhodopes Mountains can be sub-divided in to 3 sections: The Western Rhodopes are spread over 66% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and they are higher, the most infrastructurally developed and the most visited part of the mountains. The highest and best known peaks are located in this section with more than 10 over 6562 feet high including the highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7188 feet). Some of the deepest river gorges in the Rhodopes Mountains are located in the west as well as several large lakes. The Eastern Rhodopes are spread over a territory of about 34% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and are much lower in height. The large artificial dams of Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets are located in this part of the mountains. Almost every species of European bird of prey nests in the Eastern Rhodopes including the rare Black Vulture and Egyptian Vulture. The Southern Rhodopes are the part of the mountain range that is located in Greece and they are characterized by numerous peaks of relatively low altitude. The River Buynovska is situated in the western Rhodopes Mountains and it is one of the source rivers of the River Vacha, the second largest river that has its source in the Rhodopes Mountains after the River Arda. The river has formed the Buynovo Gorge, the longest gorge in Bulgaria, located between the villages of Yagodina and Teshel. Formed by erosion as the River Buynovo flows through layers of marble rock, the gorge has developed in to an impressive natural phenomenon. The cliffs on both sides of the gorge rise hundreds of feet and can be visited on foot or by car on an extremely narrow single track road which winds along the base of the cliffs with sheer drops and hairpin turns. The narrowest point of the gorge is called Vuclhi Skok (“The Wolf’s Leap”). Folklore says that during winter wolves would leap the chasm to attack the sheepfolds. While this is only a legend, it is plain to see that the gorge is so narrow at this point that the cliffs practically touch each other at height of just 10 to 13 feet above the road. The beauty of the Buynovo Gorge can be appreciated from “a bird’s-eye view” from “The Eagle’s Eye”, a metal platform built on the precipitous cliff face of the Saint Iliya Peak at a height of 5128 feet. This provides impressive views of the entire surrounding area and, during good weather, the entire Rhodopes Mountains and even parts of north Greece are visible. Several hiking trails have been created in the area and the Buynovo Gorge was designated as a nature reserve in 1971. It is now one of Bulgaria’s top 100 tourist destinations. The limestone sediment has been eroded throughout the entire area and in the vicinity of the village Yagodina alone there are 36 caves, the most famous of which is the Yagodina Cave itself, a multi-level complex of primarily marble. This is the 4th longest cave in Bulgaria and the longest cave in the Rhodopes Mountains at around 5 miles, of which just under 1 mile is open to tourists. Date: 28th May 2018 Location: Buynovo Gorge, Teshel to Yagodina, Western Rhodopes Mountains, Smolyan Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/april-2011-grasshopper-warbler https://images.on-this.website/4752_6894149894e0853d8de060.jpgApril 2011 - Grasshopper Warbler Please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/photo9548032.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/teal https://images.on-this.website/4752_10482351864db15d7fe3e32.jpgTeal The Eurasian Teal or Common Teal is often called simply the Teal due to being the only one of these small [i]Anas[/i] dabbling ducks in much of its range. The Teal is the smallest dabbling duck at 7.9 to 11.8 inches in length and with a wingspan of 21 to 23 inches. From a distance, the male Teal in breeding plumage appears grey with a dark head, a yellowish behind and a white stripe running along the flanks. Their head and upper neck is chestnut with a wide and iridescent dark green patch of half-moon or teardrop-shape that starts immediately before the eye and arcs to the upper hindneck. This patch is bordered with thin yellowish-white lines and a single line of that colour extends from the patch's forward end and curving along the base of the bill. The breast is buff with small round brown spots. The centre of the belly is white and the rest of the body plumage is mostly white with thin and dense blackish vermiculations, appearing medium grey even at a short distance. The outer scapular feathers are white with a black border to the outer vanes and these form the white side-stripe when the bird is in resting position. The tail and tail coverts are black with a bright yellowish-buff triangular patch in the centre of the coverts at each side. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female. It is more uniform in colour with a dark head and vestigial facial markings. The female Teal is yellowish-brown but somewhat darker on the wings and back. It has a dark greyish-brown upper head, hindneck, eyestripe and feather pattern. The pattern is dense short streaks on the head and neck and scaly spots on the rest of the body. Overall it looks much like a tiny Mallard. Immatures are coloured much like the adult females but they have a stronger pattern. The downy young are coloured like other dabbling ducks, brown above and yellow below with a yellow supercilium. The male's bill is dark grey but in the eclipse plumage it often shows some light greenish or brownish hue at the base. The bill of the females and immatures is pinkish or yellowish at the base, becoming dark grey towards the tip. The feet are dark grey in the males and greyish olive or greyish-brown in females and immatures. The Teal breeds across north Eurasia where it occupies sheltered freshwater wetlands with some tall vegetation such as taiga bogs or small lakes and ponds with extensive reedbeds. It mostly winters well south of its breeding range in the Mediterranean region, south Asia and some parts of Africa where it is often seen in large flocks in brackish waters and even in sheltered inlets and lagoons along the seashore. It is also regularly recorded on the north American coasts south to California and South Carolina. In the milder climate of temperate Europe, such as in the UK, the summer and winter ranges overlap. In the UK, the Teal can be found all year round but it is thinly distributed as a breeding species. In winter, birds congregate in larger numbers on low-lying wetlands both on the coast and inland in the south and west of the UK. Of these, many are continental birds from around the Baltic and Siberia. At this time, the UK is home to a significant percentage of the north west European wintering population. The Teal is much less abundant than the very similar Green-winged Teal from north America although it is still common and widespread. It appears to be holding its own currently with perhaps a slow decline due to drainage and pollution of wetlands. The IUCN and BirdLife International classify the Teal as a species of “Least Concern”. However, it is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. The Teal nests on the ground near water. Pairs form in the winter range and arrive on the breeding range together from about March. Breeding starts some weeks thereafter and not until May in the most northerly locations. The nest is a deep hollow lined with dry leaves and down feathers which is built in dense vegetation near water. After the females have started laying their eggs, the males leave them and move away and assemble in flocks on particular lakes where they moult into their eclipse plumage. The female lays 5 to 16 eggs but usually 8 to 11. Incubation lasts for 21 to 23 days and the young leave the nest soon after hatching and are cared for by the female for about 25 to 30 days. The males and the females with young generally move to the winter range separately. After the first winter, the young moult in to their adult plumage. The Teal usually feeds by dabbling, upending or grazing. In the breeding season it eats mainly aquatic invertebrates, such as crustaceans, insects and their larvae, molluscs and worms. In winter, it shifts to a largely granivorous diet, feeding on seeds of aquatic plants and grasses including sedges and grains. Date: 26th December 2008 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/chough https://images.on-this.website/4752_12700180474beed12b216e2.jpgChough Whilst its black plumage identifies it as a crow, the Chough has a red bill and legs unlike any other member of the crow family. It readily displays its mastery of flight with wonderful aerial displays of diving and swooping and can be found in flocks in autumn and winter. The Chough has a restricted westerly distribution in the UK and because of its small population size and historically declining populations it is an Amber List species. The best places to see Chough are north and west Wales, Islay in west Scotland and the Isle of Man, although they have also recently recolonised Cornwall. Date: 9th May 2010 Location: South Stack, Anglesey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52635530.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7492454496798c20cacb91.jpgGreat White Egret The Great White Egret is a large bird with all white plumage. Apart from size, the Great White Egret can be distinguished from other white egrets by its yellow bill and black legs and feet although the bill may become darker and the lower legs lighter in the breeding season. In breeding plumage, delicate ornamental feathers are borne on the back. It has a slow flight with its neck retracted. The Great White Egret is distributed across most of the tropical and warmer temperate regions of the world favouring all kinds of wetland habitats and it is a familiar species in southern Europe. Expanding populations in Europe mean that the Great White Egret is now seen more frequently in the UK and it can turn up in almost any part of the country with the majority of records in south east England and East Anglia. Date: 4th January 2025 Location: RSPB Dungeness, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7439634.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4227234544cd572c24ab22.jpgArribes del Duero, Castille y Leon, Spain Arribes del Duero is a Natural Park in north west Spain where the river Duero forms the national boundary between Spain and Portugal. The river has eroded deep gorges for over 6o miles of its course resulting in steep cliffs and rock faces. Date: 11th September 2010 Location: view from near Fermoselle, Castille y Leon, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49278552.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16208089316499b1a197570.jpgBlue-tailed Damselfly Flight period: mid May to early September. Blue-tailed Damselflies are a widespread and common species of damselfly in much of England, Wales and southern Scotland. They can be found around lakes, ponds, canals and ditches, being less common on flowing water and in exposed and upland sites. They can also tolerate some saline and polluted waters. Date: 12th June 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7950316.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6017506524d03cd787692d.jpgBearded Tit The Bearded Tit is a brown, long-tailed bird, usually seen flying rapidly across the top of a reedbed. Males have black “moustaches” rather than “beards”. They are sociable and noisy with their “pinging” calls often being the first clue to their presence. Bearded Tits can be found all year round in areas with reedbeds although they may move away from their breeding areas in winter.They are particularly vulnerable to severe winters and their population has declined in recent years making them an Amber List species. Date: 31st October 2010 Location: Leighton Moss RSPB reserve, Lancashire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43629185.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18570731486118b259cfdee.jpgMeadow Brown Flight period: June to August. The Meadow Brown is one of the most widespread and abundant of the UK's butterflies. It can be found typically in open grasslands but also other habitats such as roadside verges, woodland rides and urban parks and cemeteries. Date: 4th August 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871599.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5837262974eff1f11674d4.jpgWaxwing The Waxwing is a plump bird which is slightly smaller than a starling. It is reddish-brown with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings, a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest. Waxwings breed in the dense forests of northern Europe but they occur in varying numbers in the UK from October to March. In some years they can occur in large numbers (known as irruptions) when the population in the breeding areas gets too big for the food available. Waxwings make an easily recognisable high-pitched trilling sound like a bell. Date: 26th May 2009 Location: Inari to Utsjoki, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52518220.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19146848306754595dbdba4.jpgMoorhen The Moorhen is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird that is usually found near water. From a distance it looks black with a ragged white line along its body. However, closer up it is olive-brown on the back and the head and blue-grey underneath. It has a red bill with a yellow tip. The Moorhen can be found all year round almost anywhere where there is water. They breed in lowland areas particularly in central and eastern England but are scarce in northern Scotland and the uplands of Wales and northern England. UK breeding birds are residents and seldom travel far. Date: 9th October 2024 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/kuusamo-to-iivaara-pohjois-pohjanmaa https://images.on-this.website/4752_9478497506023a2c3abc78.jpgKuusamo to Iivaara, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland Date: 9th July 2019 Location: view from road 866 between Kuusamo and Iivaara, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14185355.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14814698914f422f685686f.jpgSmall White Flight period: April to September. The Small White is a highly successful species which is common and widespread in the UK. They can be found almost anywhere including in towns and gardens. Date: 7th July 2007 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21958948.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_57919530953da5ac16eb33.jpgArctic Tern The Arctic Tern is a seabird of the tern family. The adult plumage is grey above with a black nape and crown and white cheeks. The upperwings are pale grey with the area near the wingtip being translucent. The tail is white and the underparts pale grey. The beak is dark red as are the short legs and webbed feet. Like most terns, the Arctic Tern has high aspect ratio wings and a tail with a deep fork and long tail streamers. Both sexes are similar in appearance. The winter plumage is similar but the crown is whiter and the bills are darker. Juveniles differ from adults having black bill and legs, "scaly" appearing wings and mantle with dark feather tips, dark carpal wing bar and short tail streamers. During their first summer, juveniles also have a whiter forecrown. Whilst the Arctic Tern is similar to the Common and the Roseate Tern, its colouring, profile and call are slightly different. Compared to the Common Tern, it has a longer tail and mono-coloured bill, whilst the main differences from the Roseate Tern are its slightly darker colour and longer wings. The Arctic Tern has a circumpolar breeding distribution covering the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of Europe, Asia and north America. It is strongly migratory and sees 2 summers each year and more daylight than any other creature on the planet. It migrates along a convoluted route from its northern summer breeding grounds to the northern edge of the Antarctic coast for the southern summer and back again about 6 months later. In the UK, breeding Arctic Terns can best be seen on islands such as the Farne Islands in Northumberland or Orkney and Shetland in northern Scotland where the greatest densities occur. Recent studies have shown average annual roundtrip lengths of 25000 to 50000 miles depending on the route taken and weather and wind conditions. The Arctic Tern is a long-lived bird with many reaching 30 years of age and based on this average it will travel some 1.5 million miles during its lifetime. This is by far the longest migration known in the animal kingdom. Breeding takes place in colonies on coasts, islands and occasionally inland on tundra near water. The Arctic Tern often forms mixed colonies with the Common Tern and Sandwich Tern. As it nests on the ground, the Arctic Tern is vulnerable to predation but it is one of the most aggressive terns and it is fiercely defensive of its nest and young. It will attack humans and large predators, usually striking the top or back of the head. Although it is too small to cause serious injury, it is still capable of drawing blood and repelling many raptorial birds and smaller mammalian predators such as foxes and cats. Other nesting birds, such as auks, often incidentally benefit from the protection provided by nesting in an area defended by Arctic Terns. The diet of the Arctic Tern varies depending on location and time but it usually eats small fish or marine crustaceans by dipping down to the surface of the water to catch prey. While feeding, skuas, gulls and other tern species will often harass the birds and steal their food. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Inner Farne, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21215566.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_951946272537dbff54f186.jpgLittle Egret The Little Egret is a species of small heron. The genus name comes from the Provençal French [i]Aigrette[/i] (egret), a diminutive of [i]Aigron [/i] (heron). The adult Little Egret is 22 to 26 inches long with a 35 to 42 inches wingspan. Its plumage is normally entirely white although there are dark forms with largely bluish-grey plumage. In the breeding season, the adult has 2 long plumes on the nape that form a crest. These plumes are about 6 inches in length and are pointed and very narrow. There are similar feathers on the breast but the barbs are more widely spread. There are also several elongated scapular feathers that have long loose barbs around 8 inches long. During the winter the plumage is similar but the scapulars are shorter and more normal in appearance. The bill is long and slender and both it and the lores are black. There is an area of greenish-grey bare skin at the base of the lower mandible and around the eye which has a yellow iris. The legs are black and the feet yellow. Juveniles are similar to non-breeding adults but have greenish-black legs and duller yellow feet and may have a certain proportion of greyish or brownish feathers. The Little Egret is mostly silent but it does make various croaking and bubbling calls at its breeding colonies and it produces a harsh alarm call when disturbed. The breeding range of the western race of the Little Egret includes south Europe, the Middle East, much of Africa and south Asia. European populations are migratory and mostly travel to Africa although some remain in south Europe. During the late 20th century, the range of the Little Egret expanded northwards in Europe and into the New World. The Little Egret's habitat varies widely and includes the shores of lakes, rivers, canals, ponds, lagoons, marshes and flooded land, the bird preferring open locations to dense cover. On the coast it inhabits mudflats, sandy beaches, mangrove areas, swamps and reefs. The Little Egret is a sociable bird and can be seen in small flocks. However, individual birds do not tolerate others coming too close to their chosen feeding site although this depends on the abundance of prey. The Little Egret uses a variety of methods to find its food. It stalks its prey in shallow water, often running with raised wings or shuffling its feet to disturb small fish, or it may stand still and wait to ambush prey. It also makes use of opportunities provided by Cormorants disturbing fish or humans attracting fish by throwing bread into water. On land, it walks or runs while chasing its prey, often feeding on creatures disturbed by grazing livestock. The diet is mainly fish but amphibians, small reptiles, mammals and birds are also eaten as well as crustaceans, molluscs, insects, spiders and worms. The Little Egret nests in colonies, often with other wading birds such as Cattle Egret, Black-crowned Night Heron, Squacco Heron and Glossy Ibis. The nests are usually platforms of sticks built in trees or shrubs or in reed beds or bamboo groves. Pairs defend a small breeding territory, usually extending around 10 to 13 feet from the nest. The 3 to 5 eggs are incubated by both adults for 21 to 25 days before hatching. The young birds are covered in white down feathers and are cared for by both parents fledging after 40 to 45 days. Globally, the Little Egret is not listed as a threatened species and has in fact expanded its range over the last few decades. The IUCN states that their wide distribution and large total population means that they are a species that cause them "least concern". Historical research has shown that the Little Egret was once present and probably common in the UK but became extinct through a combination of over-hunting in the late mediaeval period and climate change at the start of the Little Ice Age. Further declines occurred throughout Europe as the plumes of the Little Egret and other egrets were in demand for decorating hats. They had been used in the plume trade since at least the 17th century but in the 19th century it became a major craze and the number of egret skins passing through dealers reached into the millions. Hunting, which reduced the population of the species to dangerously low levels, stimulated the establishment of Britain's Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in 1889. By the 1950s, the Little Egret had become restricted to south Europe and conservation laws protecting the species were introduced. This allowed the population to rebound strongly and over the next few decades it became increasingly common in western France and later on the north coast. It bred in the Netherlands in 1979 with further breeding from the 1990s onward. Populations are now mostly stable or increasing in Europe. In the UK, the Little Egret was a rare vagrant from its 16th century extinction until the late 20th century. It has, however, recently become a regular breeding species and is commonly present, often in large numbers, at favoured coastal sites. The first recent breeding record in England was on Brownsea Island in Dorset in 1996 and it bred in Wales for the first time in 2002. The population increase has been rapid subsequently with over 750 pairs breeding in nearly 70 colonies in 2008 and a post-breeding total of 4540 birds in September 2008. Severe winter weather proves only to be a temporary setback and the Little Egret continues to expand both its numbers and range in the UK. Date: 7th May 2014 Location: Conwy RSPB reserve, Conwy http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51333225.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20989042176676e0a45d62f.jpgLarge Skipper Flight period: June to July. The Large Skipper is a small golden butterfly which is widespread throughout England and Wales and it is also extending its range northwards in to southern Scotland. They can be found in areas of tall, uncut grassland, woodland rides, roadside verges and hedgerows. Date: 14th June 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14247075.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_284422064f4e03bae918e.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 25th February 2012 Location: Verulamium Park, St Albans, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493263.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1513416815f326f3397d1c.jpgCommon Guillemots The Common Guillemot, also known as the Common Murre or Thin-billed Murre, is a large species of auk. The auks are a family of seabirds which includes the Brunnich's Guillemot or Thick-billed Murre, Razorbill, Little Auk and the extinct Great Auk. The Common Guillemot is 15 to 18 inches in length with a 24 to 29 inches wingspan. In breeding plumage, it is black or dark brown on the head, back and wings with white underparts. It has a thin dark pointed bill and a small rounded dark tail. Legs are grey and the bill is dark grey. Males and females are identical. Some individuals in the North Atlantic, known as "Bridled Guillemots", have a white ring around the eye extending back as a white line. This is not a distinct subspecies but a polymorphism that becomes more common the farther north the birds breed. The Common Guillemot flies with fast wing beats and has a flight speed of around 50 mph. Groups of birds are often seen flying together in a line just above the surface of the sea. However, it is not a very agile bird and take-off is often difficult. The Common Guillemot becomes flightless for 45 to 60 days while moulting its primary feathers. The Common Guillemot is a pursuit diver that forages for food by swimming underwater using its wings for propulsion. Dives usually last less than one minute but the bird swims underwater for distances of over 100 feet on a regular basis. Diving depths up to 590 feet have been recorded. The Common Guillemot has a circumpolar distribution and it occurs in low Arctic and boreal waters in the north Atlantic and north Pacific. It spends most of its time at sea and only comes to land to breed on rocky cliffs, sea stacks and islands. Some birds are permanent residents but northern birds migrate south to open waters off New England, southern California, Japan, Korea and the western Mediterranean. The Common Guillemot breeds in colonies at high densities and nesting pairs may be in bodily contact with their neighbours. No nest is made and the single egg is laid and incubated on a bare rock ledge on a cliff face. The egg hatches after 30 days incubation and the chick is born downy and can regulate its body temperature after 10 days. Some 20 days after hatching the chick jumps off its nesting ledge and heads for the sea unable to fly but gliding for some distance with fluttering wings and accompanied by its male parent. The chicks are capable of diving as soon as they hit the water. The female stays at the nest site for some 14 days after the chick has left. The Common Guillemot can venture far from its breeding grounds to forage and distances of 60 miles or more are often observed although if sufficient food is available closer by, birds will only travel much shorter distances. It mainly eats small schooling fish 8 inches long or less such as Polar Cod, Capelin, Sand Lances, Sprats, Sandeels, Atlantic Cod and Atlantic Herring. It also eats some molluscs, marine worms, squid and crustaceans. It is often seen carrying fish in its bill with the tail hanging out. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493291.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8398129695f326f89350c4.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41349672.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18510237695f20113d0c897.jpgRinglet Flight period: July to mid August. The Ringlet is a widespread and successful species which has been extending its range in in the UK in recent years. They can be found in in tall, lush grasslands particularly in woodland rides and glades and also around scrub and hedgerows. Date: 12th July 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49278739.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3625855826499babbf40b8.jpgScarce Chaser Flight period: end May to early August Male Scarce Chasers are dark grey with a light blue abdomen which has a dark grey tip. Females have an orange-brown abdomen with a line of elongated black triangles along the top. The Scarce Chaser can be found in lowland slow-flowing and meandering rivers, large dykes, ponds, lakes and gravel pits with plenty of aquatic vegetation The Scarce Chaser is very localised species in the south and east of the UK and is considered a species of special concern in the UK due to THE loss of its specific ideal habitat. Date: 16th June 2023 Location: RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14185303.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18574948824f422c66c7f94.jpgRinglet Flight period: July to mid August. The Ringlet is a widespread and successful species which has been extending its range in in the UK in recent years. They can be found in in tall, lush grasslands particularly in woodland rides and glades and also around scrub and hedgerows. Date: 22nd July 2007 Location: Stow Maries Halt EWT reserve, Stow Maries, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41349705.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4689881295f20182e4f53f.jpgPeacock Flight period: March to September. The Peacock is a familiar and widespread butterfly which is continuing to expand its range in the UK. It is a highly adaptable species that can be found almost anywhere but the best sites are where favoured nectar plants are available. Date: 13th July 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43629183.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4747904226118b254f0abf.jpgComma Flight period: March to October. The Comma was a rarity 100 years ago but is now a common and widespread butterfly in England and Wales and is on the point of recolonising Scotland. They are one of the first butterflies to be seen in spring and can be found in open woodland, woodland edges and gardens. Date: 4th August 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/green-veined-white https://images.on-this.website/4752_1932914114f422f5339589.jpgSmall White Flight period: April to September. The Small White is a highly successful species which is common and widespread in the UK. They can be found almost anywhere including in towns and gardens. Date: 12th August 2007 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14185348.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1883074264f422f4dd63aa.jpgGreen-veined White Flight period: April to September The Green-veined White is a widespread buttterfly throughout the UK and is often the commonest white butterfly in the north of the UK. They can be found in a variety of habitats but damp, lush vegetation is an essential requirement. Date: 7th June 2006 Location: Loch Laide near Abriachan, Inverness-shire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41524251.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3351604905f3a6eb988bff.jpgGatekeeper Flight period: mid-July to early September. The Gatekeeper or Hedge Brown is common and widespread throughout the southern half of the UK. They can be found in areas with hedgerows or in scrubby woodland with wide and sunny rides. Date: 12th August 2020 Location, Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49903307.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_82056421665042f653c33d.jpgBrown Argus Flight period: May to September. The Brown Argus is always brown but confusingly belongs to the group of "blue" butterflies! They are usually found on chalk and limestone grassland in south east England but may also occur in a wide variety of other habitats such as heathland, coastal dunes, woodland clearings and road verges. Date: 15th August 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/river-swale-north-yorkshire https://images.on-this.website/4752_1617981464467f1c228024b.jpgRiver Swale, North Yorkshire The River Swale flows through Swaledale, one of the more remote northern dales in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Date: 10th April 2006 Location: view from the minor road near West Stonesdale http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7950502.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16004716784d03d09059e35.jpgBittern The Bittern, Eurasian Bittern or Great Bittern is a bird in the bittern sub-family of the heron family. Its folk names, often local, include many variations on the themes of "barrel-maker", "bog-bull", "bog hen", "bog-trotter", "bog-bumper", "mire drum(ble)", "butter bump", "bitter bum", "bog blutter", "bog drum", "boom bird", "bottle-bump", "bull of the bog", "bull of the mire", "bumpy cors" and "heather blutter". Most of these were onomatopoeic colloquial names for the bird. The call was described as "bumping" or "booming" and mire and bog denoted the bird's habitat. As its alternative name of Great Bittern suggests, the Bittern is the largest of the bitterns with males being slightly larger than females. It is 27 to 32 inches in length with a 39 to 51 inches wingspan. The crown and nape are black with the individual feathers rather long and loosely arranged and tipped with buff narrowly barred with black. The sides of the head and neck are a more uniform tawny-buff and irregularly barred with black. The mantle, scapulars and back are of a similar colour but are more heavily barred, the individual feathers having black centres and barring. The head has a yellowish-buff superciliary stripe and a brownish-black moustachial stripe. The sides of the neck are a rusty-brown with faint barring. The chin and throat are buff, the central feathers on the throat having longitudinal stripes of rusty-brown. The breast and belly are yellowish-buff with broad stripes of brown at the side and narrow stripes in the centre. The tail is rusty-buff with black streaks in the centre and black mottling near the edge. The wings are pale rusty-brown and irregularly barred, streaked and mottled with black. The plumage has a loose texture and elongated feathers on the crown, neck and breast can be erected. The powerful bill is greenish-yellow with a darker tip to the upper mandible. The eye has a yellow iris and is surrounded by a ring of greenish or bluish bare skin. The legs and feet are greenish, with some yellow on the tarsal joint and yellow soles to the feet. Juveniles have similar plumage to adults but are somewhat paler with less distinct markings. The mating call or contact call of the male Bittern is a deep, fog-horn or bull-like boom with a quick rise and an only slightly longer fall, easily audible from a distance of 3 miles on a calm night. The call is mainly given between January and April during the mating season. Surveys of Bitterns are carried out by noting the number of distinct male booms in a given area. Prior to modern science, it was unknown how such a small bird produced a call so low-pitched. Common explanations suggested that the bird made its call into a straw or that it blew directly into the water. It is now known that the sound is produced by expelling air from the oesophagus with the aid of powerful muscles surrounding it. Usually solitary, the Bittern forages in reed beds by walking stealthily or remaining still above a body of water where prey may occur. It is a shy bird and if it is disturbed it will often point its bill directly upwards and freezes in that position, causing its cryptic plumage to blend into the surrounding reeds. The Bittern has a secretive nature and keeps largely hidden in reeds and coarse vegetation. Occasionally, especially in hard winter weather, it will stand in the open beside the water's edge, although usually close to cover to facilitate a hasty retreat. In flight, the Bittern’s wings can be seen to be broad and rounded and its legs trail behind it in typical heron fashion. Its neck is extended when it takes off but is retracted when it has picked up speed. It seldom flies however and prefers to move through the vegetation stealthily on foot. Its gait is slow and deliberate and it can clamber over reeds by gripping several at a time with its toes. It is most active at dawn and dusk but also sometimes forages by day. The breeding range of the Bittern extends across temperate parts of Europe and Asia from the UK, Sweden and Finland eastwards to Sakhalin Island in eastern Siberia and Hokkaido Island in Japan. The northern limit of its range is in the Ural Mountains and eastern Siberia whilst the southern limit is the Mediterranean Sea, the Black Sea, Iran, Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia and northern China. Small resident populations also breed in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. Some populations are sedentary and stay in the same areas throughout the year. More northerly populations usually migrate to warmer regions but some birds often remain. Birds in northern Europe tend to move south and west to southern Europe, north and central Africa and northern Asian birds migrate to parts of the Arabian peninsula, the Indian sub-continent and eastern China. In the UK, the Bittern can be found all year round at suitable wetlands, particularly in East Anglia, south east England and south west England. It is most visible in winter. In recent years, the Bittern has become a regular winter visitor to the London Wetland Centre, enabling city residents to view this scare bird. The Bittern is typically found in reed beds and swamps as well as lakes, lagoons and sluggish rivers fringed by rank vegetation. It sometimes nests by ponds in agricultural areas and even quite near habitations where suitable habitat exists but it prefers large reed beds of at least 50 acres in which to breed. Outside the breeding season it has less restrictive habitat requirements and, in addition to reed beds, it can also be found in rice fields, watercress beds, fish farms, gravel pits, sewage works, ditches, flooded areas and marshes. Males are polygamous and mate with up to 5 females. The nest is built in the previous year's standing reeds and consists of an untidy platform some 12 inches across. It may be on a tussock surrounded by water or on matted roots close to water and it is built by the female using bits of reed, sedges and grass stalks with a lining of finer fragments. The clutch of 4 to 6 eggs is laid in late March and April and incubated by the female for about 26 days. After hatching, the chicks spend about 2 weeks in the nest before leaving to swim amongst the reeds. The female rears them without help from the male, regurgitating food from her crop. The chicks become fully fledged at about 8 weeks. The Bittern feeds on fish, small mammals, amphibians and invertebrates, hunting along the reed margins in shallow water. Some vegetable matter such as aquatic plants is also consumed. The Bittern has a very wide range and a large total population and therefore the IUCN has assessed its overall conservation status as being of "Least Concern” because although the population trend is downward, the rate of decline is insufficient to justify rating it in a more threatened category. The chief threat that the Bittern faces is the drainage and disturbance of its wetland habitats. Date: 15th November 2010 Location: Strumpshaw Fen RSPB reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14247107.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12773538914f4e0494d29ea.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the [i]Canidae[/i] family and is a part of the order [i]Carnivora[/i] within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 25th February 2012 Location: Rye Meads RSPB reserve, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12082044.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17368514164e48e9ee20004.jpgCommon Seal Common Seals feed at sea but regularly haul out on to rocky shores or inter-tidal sandbanks to rest, to give birth and to suckle their pups. The most important haul-out areas are around the coast of Scotland, particularly in the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland, and on the east coast of England in the Wash. Date: 3rd November 2008 Location: Ardlistry Bay, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12081980.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13434469894e48e9af5ee81.jpgCommon Seals Common Seals feed at sea but regularly haul out on to rocky shores or inter-tidal sandbanks to rest, to give birth and to suckle their pups. The most important haul-out areas are around the coast of Scotland, particularly in the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland, and on the east coast of England in the Wash. Date: 7th September 2005 Location: Blakeney Point, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12082030.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13073171054e48e9e0b6d40.jpgCommon Seals Common Seals feed at sea but regularly haul out on to rocky shores or inter-tidal sandbanks to rest, to give birth and to suckle their pups. The most important haul-out areas are around the coast of Scotland, particularly in the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland, and on the east coast of England in the Wash. Date: 7th September 2005 Location: Blakeney Point, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21829924.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11191561653cbaccfe4f32.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a gentle looking, medium sized gull with a small yellow bill and a dark eye. It has a grey back and is white underneath. Its legs are short and black. In flight the black wing-tips show no white, unlike other gulls, and look as if they have been “dipped in ink”. The population is declining in some areas, perhaps due to a shortage of sand eels. Kittiwakes are strictly coastal gulls. In the breeding season, they can be found on rocky, steep sea-cliffs at the major seabird colonies around the UK from February until August. From August to October they can be seen flying past offshore and they spend the winter months out at sea. Date: 11th June 2014 Location: Bempton Cliifs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49797849.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_95899793564eca76514558.jpgLulworth Skipper Description to follow .... Date: 3rd July 2023 Location: Broadcroft Quarry, Isle of Portland, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49278556.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14959705896499b1a49ec1f.jpgFour-spotted Chaser Flight period: mid May to end August. Four-spotted Chasers are a common and widespread species of dragonfly throughout most of the UK. They can be found around sheltered lowland lakes and ponds and around acidic moorland bogs and sheltered upland lakes. Date: 12th June 2023 Location: Laindon http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51387298.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_201588394667e7d24f0bfa.jpgLarge Skipper Flight period: June to July. The Large Skipper is a small golden butterfly which is widespread throughout England and Wales and it is also extending its range northwards in to southern Scotland. They can be found in areas of tall, uncut grassland, woodland rides, roadside verges and hedgerows. Date: 23rd June 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801272.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_61278150064edb32697b29.jpgComma Flight period: March to October. The Comma was a rarity 100 years ago but is now a common and widespread butterfly in England and Wales and is on the point of recolonising Scotland. They are one of the first butterflies to be seen in spring and can be found in open woodland, woodland edges and gardens. Date: 26th July 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11805592.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3693752434e3a69b6eb200.jpgGatekeeper Flight period: mid-July to early September. The Gatekeeper or Hedge Brown is common and widespread throughout the southern half of the UK. They can be found in areas with hedgerows or in scrubby woodland with wide and sunny rides. Date: 2nd August 2011 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21959215.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_199350605253da68c8710f4.jpgPuffins The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Inner Farne, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49903309.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_200731704865042f6a92f31.jpgGatekeepers Flight period: mid-July to early September. The Gatekeeper or Hedge Brown is common and widespread throughout the southern half of the UK. They can be found in areas with hedgerows or in scrubby woodland with wide and sunny rides. Date: 15th August 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801269.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_100909587964edb31d398b7.jpgCommon Darter Flight period: end May to early October. Common Darters are the most widespread of the dragonflies over lowland UK but they are absent from upland areas. They can be found in a wide range of habitats including ponds, lakes, ditches, canals, slow flowing rivers and brackish water. They can also be frequently seen some way from water. Date: 26th July 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4267172.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1399220184b5222982d153.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 29th December 2009 Location: Cairngorm Reindeer Centre, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801043.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_122081147164eda2693a11b.jpgMarbled White Flight period: July to August The Marbled White is a very distinctive black and white butterfly that is widespread in southern England and expanding its range northwards and eastwards. They can be found in unimproved grassland, coastal grassland, roadside verges and railway embankments. Date: 8th July 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4466191.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11776494794b8a2c459c794.jpg http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29486446.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_606585172581077aca56f5.jpgKajaani to Kuhmo, Kainuu, Finland Kainuu region borders the regions of Pohjois-Pohjanmaa (Northern Ostrobothnia) to the north and Pohjois-Karjala (North Karelia) and Pohjois-Savo (Northern Savonia) to the south. In the east it also borders Russia. The landscape of Kainuu region consists of lakes, hills and vast uninhabited forest areas. Boreal forest makes up most of the region and consists of birches, pines and spruces. Date: 23rd May 2016 Location: view from road 76 between Kajaani and Kuhmo, Kainuu, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49002524.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8976634076468f176a79ec.jpgWoodlark The Woodlark is a streaky brown bird with a buffy-white eye-stripe which meets across the nape. It has a well developed crest on its crown which is not always conspicuous. In flight the peculiarly short tail and broad, rounded wings are noticeable and the deeply undulating flight with closed wing glides is characteristic. The Woodlark can be found all year round and breeds mainly in eastern and southern England on the heathlands of Hampshire, Surrey, Berkshire, Norfolk and Suffolk. Date: 17th April 2023 Location: Westleton Heath, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/december-2010-waxwing https://images.on-this.website/4752_5278402844da2c898e337b.jpgDecember 2010 - Waxwing Please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/photo8048506.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24902549.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_106884314155a4df1363c23.jpgRazorbill The Razorbill is a medium-sized seabird and breeds around the coast of the UK with the largest colonies in northern Scotland. They breed on rocky cliffs and among boulder scree close to the sea. Birds only come to shore to breed from March to July and they winter in the northern Atlantic. Date: 4th July 2015 Location: Bempton Cliifs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25774112.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_224692269560fb6f3e8c00.jpgDate: 24th September 2015 Location: Loch Sunart, Ardnamurchan, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40755822.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5444923095e2044870c646.jpgCommon Buzzard The Common Buzzard is a member of the genus [I]Buteo[/I] and the family [i]Accipitridae[/i], a group of medium-sized raptors with robust bodies and broad wings. The [I]Buteo[/I] species of Eurasia and Africa are usually commonly referred to as buzzards whilst those in the Americas are called hawks. Under current classification, the genus [I]Buteo[/I] includes approximately 28 species. The Common Buzzard includes between 7 to 16 sub-species and the western [i]Buteo[/i] group includes [i]Buteo buteo buteo[/i] which is found more or less continuously throughout Europe including the UK. The Common Buzzard is a medium-sized raptor that is highly variable in plumage. It is distinctly round headed with a somewhat slender bill and it has relatively long wings that either reach or fall slightly short of the tail tip when perched, a fairly short tail and somewhat short and mainly bare tarsi. It can appear fairly compact in overall appearance but may also appear large relative to other commoner raptors such as the Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. The Common Buzzard measures between 16 and 23 inches in length with a 3 feet 7 inches to 4 feet 7 inches wingspan. Females average about 2 to 7% larger than males in length and weigh about 15% more. Body mass can show considerable variation from 0.94 to 2.6 pounds in males and 1.07 to 3.02 pounds in females. In Europe, the Common Buzzard is typically dark brown above and on the upperside of the head and mantle but this can become paler and warmer brown with worn plumage. Usually the tail will be narrowly barred grey-brown and dark brown with a pale tip and a broad dark subterminal band but the tail in the palest birds can show a varying amount of white and a reduced sub-terminal band or even appear almost all white. The underside colouring can be variable but typically shows a brown-streaked white throat with a somewhat darker chest. A pale U across the breast is often present followed by a pale line running down the belly which separates the dark areas on the breast side and flanks. These pale areas tend to have highly variable markings that form irregular bars. Juveniles are quite similar to adults and are best told apart by having a paler eye, a narrower sub-terminal band on the tail and underside markings that appear as streaks rather than bars. Beyond the typical mid-range brownish Common Buzzard, birds in Europe can range from almost uniform black-brown above to mainly white. Extreme dark individuals may range from chocolate-brown to blackish with almost no pale colour showing but with a variable or faded U on the breast and with or without faint lighter brown throat streaks. Extreme pale individuals are largely whitish with variable widely spaced streaks or arrowheads of light brown about the mid-chest and flanks and may or may not show dark feather-centres on the head, wing-coverts and sometimes all but part of the mantle. Individuals can show nearly endless variation of colours and hues in between these extremes and the Common Buzzard is among the most variably plumaged diurnal raptors for this reason. The Common Buzzard is often confused with other raptors especially in flight or at a distance including other [i]Buteo[/i] species such as Rough-legged Buzzard and Long-legged Buzzard and also Honey Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, Golden Eagle, Booted Eagle and Short-toed Eagle. The Common Buzzard is found throughout several islands in the eastern Atlantic islands, including the Canary Islands and the Azores, and almost throughout Europe. In the UK, it is found in Northern Ireland and in nearly every part of Scotland and England. In mainland Europe, there are no substantial gaps in the range from Portugal and Spain to Greece, Estonia, Belarus and the Ukraine, although it is present mainly only in the breeding season in much of the eastern half of the latter 3 countries. It is also present in all larger Mediterranean islands such as Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily and Crete. Further north in to Scandinavia, it is found mainly in south Norway, the southern half of Sweden and in the southern two-thirds of Finland. The Common Buzzard reaches its northern limit as a breeder in far eastern Finland and over the border in to European Russia and nearly to the Kola Peninsula. In these northern limits, the Common Buzzard is present typically only in summer. The Common Buzzard generally inhabits the interface of woodlands and open ground and typically lives in forest edge, small broad-leaved, coniferous or mixed woodlands with adjacent grassland, arable fields or other farmland and open moorland as long as there are some trees. It is absent from treeless tundra and sporadic or rare in treeless steppe. The Common Buzzard can be found from sea level to elevations of 6600 feet although it breeds mostly below 3300 feet. It can winter to an elevation of 8200 feet and migrates easily at 14,800 feet. The Common Buzzard is a partial migrant. Autumn and spring movements are subject to extensive variation, even down to the individual level, based on a region's food resources, competition (both from other Common Buzzards and other predators), the extent of human disturbance and weather conditions. Short distance movements are the norm for juveniles and some adults in autumn and winter but more adults in central and south Europe and the UK remain in their year-around areas than do not. The Common Buzzard is a typical [I]Buteo[/I] in much of its behaviour. It is most often seen effortlessly soaring for extended periods at varying heights although it can appear laborious and heavy in level flight. It is also often seen perched prominently on tree tops, bare branches, telegraph poles, fence posts, rocks or ledges or alternatively well inside the tree canopy. It will also stand and forage on the ground. The Common Buzzard is a generalist predator which hunts a wide variety of prey given the opportunity. The prey extents to a wide variety of vertebrates including mammals, birds (from any age from eggs to adult birds), reptiles, amphibians and fish as well as to various invertebrates, mostly insects. In total, well over 300 prey species are known to be taken by the Common Buzzard. However, dietary studies have shown that it mostly preys upon small mammals, mainly small rodents. Furthermore, prey size can vary from tiny beetles, caterpillars and ants to large adult grouse and Rabbits up to nearly twice their body mass. At times, the Common Buzzard will also subsist partially on carrion, usually of dead mammals or fish. Hunting in relatively open areas has been found to increase hunting success whereas more complete shrub cover lowered success. A majority of prey is taken by dropping from a perch and is normally taken on the ground. Prey may also be hunted in a low flight, by random glides or soars or by foraging on the ground. The home range of the Common Buzzard is generally 0.19 to 0.77 square miles and the size of the breeding territory seems to be correlated with food supply. The territory is maintained through flight displays and in Europe territorial behaviour usually starts in February. However, displays are not uncommon throughout the year in resident pairs, especially by males, and can elicit similar displays by their neighbours. In the display, the Common Buzzard generally engages in high circling, spiraling upward on slightly raised wings. Mutual high circling by pairs sometimes goes on at length, especially during the period prior to or during breeding season. During the mutual displays, the male may engage in exaggerated deep flapping or zig-zag tumbling, apparently in response to the female being too distant. Several pairs may circle together at times and as many as 14 individual adults have been recorded over established display sites. Sky-dancing by the Common Buzzard has been recorded in spring and autumn, typically by the male but sometimes by the female, nearly always with much calling. Sky-dances are of the rollercoaster type, with an upward sweep of up to 100 feet until the bird starts start to stall but sometimes embellished with loops or rolls at the top. Next in the sky-dance, the bird will dive at least 200 feet on more or less closed wings before spreading them and shooting up again. These sky-dances may be repeated in series of 10 to 20. In the climax of the sky-dance, the undulations become progressively shallower, often slowing and terminating directly on to a perch. Various other aerial displays include low contour flight or weaving among trees, frequently with deep beats and exaggerated upstrokes which show underwing pattern to rivals perched below. Talon grappling and occasionally cartwheeling downward with feet interlocked has also been recorded. The Common Buzzard tends to build a bulky nest of sticks, twigs and often heather and lined with broad-leaved foliage. Nests are up to 3.3 to 3.9 feet across and 24 inches deep. With reuse over years, the diameter of a nest can reach or exceed 5 feet. Trees are generally used for a nesting location but crags or cliffs are used if trees are unavailable. Nests in trees are usually located by the main trunk at a height of around 10 to 82 feet. Pairs often have 2 to 4 nests in a territory but some pairs may use a single nest over several consecutive years. The breeding season of the Common Buzzard commences at differing times based on latitude. It may fall as early as January to April but typically it is March to July in most of Europe. In the northern limits of the range the breeding season may occur from May to August. Mating usually occurs on or near the nest and eggs are usually laid in 2 to 3 day intervals. The clutch size can range from to 2 to 6 and it appears that local factors such as habitat and food supply are relevant. Eggs are generally laid in late March to early April in the extreme south, sometime in April in most of Europe and in to May and possibly even early June in the extreme north. If eggs are lost to a predator or fail in some other way, replacement clutches are not usually laid although this has been recorded. Incubation lasts for 33 to 35 days and is mostly, but not solely, undertaken by the female. Hatching may take place over 3 to 7 days. Often the youngest nestling dies from starvation, especially in broods of 3 or more. The female remains at the nest brooding the young in the early stages with the male bringing all prey. At about 8 to 12 days, both the male and female will bring prey but the female continues to do all feeding until the young can tear up their own prey. The young are nearly fully feathered rather than downy at about a month of age and can start to feed themselves as well. The first attempts to leave the nest are often at about 40 to 50 days. Fledging occurs typically at 43 to 54 days but in extreme cases as late 62 days. After leaving the nest, the young generally stay close by until full independence 6 to 8 weeks after fledging. Numerous factors may influence the breeding success of the Common Buzzard including the availability of prey populations, habitat, disturbance and persecution levels and competition. The Common Buzzard is one of the most numerous birds of prey in its range and it is the most numerous diurnal bird of prey throughout much of Europe. Date: 10th December 2019 Location: De Putten and Pettemerpolder area near Camperduin, Noord-Holland, Netherlands http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26270324.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_150651999656655224bf70d.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 4th December 2015 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18776283.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_177013829151f4cf09dd484.jpgRed Grouse The Red Grouse is a medium-sized bird of the grouse family which is found in heather moorland in the UK and Ireland. It is endemic to the UK and has developed in isolation. It is usually classified as a sub-species of the Willow Ptarmigan or Willow Grouse which is found in birch and other forests and moorlands in north Europe, the tundra of Scandinavia, Siberia, Alaska and north Canada. The Red Grouse is differentiated from the Willow Ptarmigan and Rock Ptarmigan by its plumage being reddish brown and not having a white winter plumage. The tail is black and the legs are white. There are white stripes on the underwing and red combs over the eye. Females are less reddish than the males and have less conspicuous combs. Young birds are duller and lack the red combs. The Red Grouse is found across most parts of Scotland, including Orkney, Shetland and most of the Outer Hebrides. It is only absent from urban areas such as in the Central Belt. In Wales there are strong populations of Red Grouse in some places but the range has retracted. It is now largely absent from the far south and the main strongholds are Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons and the Cambrian Mountains. In England the Red Grouse is mainly found in the north in areas such as the Lake District, Northumberland, County Durham, much of Yorkshire, the Pennines and the Peak District as far south as the Staffordshire Moorlands. There is an isolated introduced population on Dartmoor and overspill Welsh birds visit the Shropshire Hills.The typical habitat is upland heather moors away from trees. It can also be found in some low-lying bogs and birds may visit farmland during hard weather. The UK population of the Red Grouse is estimated at about 250,000 pairs. Numbers have declined in recent years and it is now absent in areas where it was once common. Reasons for the decline include disease, loss of heather due to overgrazing, creation of new conifer plantations and a decline in the number of upland gamekeepers. Some predators feed on Red Grouse and there is ongoing controversy as to what effect these have on numbers. The Red Grouse is herbivorous and feeds mainly on the shoots, seeds and flowers of heather. It will also feed on berries, cereal crops and sometimes insects. The Red Grouse is considered a game bird and is shot in large numbers during the shooting season which traditionally starts on August 12th (known as the Glorious Twelfth). Shooting can take the form of “walked up” (where shooters walk across the moor to flush grouse and take a shot) or “driven” (where grouse are driven, often in large numbers, by “beaters” towards the shooters who are hiding behind a line of “butts”). Many moors are managed to increase the density of Red Grouse. Areas of heather are subjected to controlled burning since this allows fresh young shoots to regenerate which are favoured by Red Grouse. In addition, extensive predator control is a feature of grouse moor management and the extent and legality to which it occurs is hotly contested between conservation groups and shooting interests and the subject generates a lot of media attention. The Red Grouse is widely known as the logo of The Famous Grouse whisky and an animated bird is a character in a series of its adverts. It is also the emblem of the magazine “British Birds”. Date: 20th June 2013 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo1907517.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5468650949231119e1d34.jpgDate: 3rd November 2008 Location: Loch Indaal, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo455454.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14177263794689b8cc785c9.jpg[i]"Waves fall quietly on the shore. Daylight fades into deepening shades. And nature's throng and clamour is no more. Evensong spreads over the land of Nedd."[/i] Date: June 1995 Location: Loch Nedd, Assynt, Sutherland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14185426.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20417818224f423343dd66a.jpgGatekeeper Flight period: mid-July to early September. The Gatekeeper or Hedge Brown is common and widespread throughout the southern half of the UK. They can be found in areas with hedgerows or in scrubby woodland with wide and sunny rides. Date: 21st July 2007 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo44044225.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_267585403614f0dc6e2d47.jpgRed Admiral Flight period: April to November. The Red Admiral is a familiar and widespread butterfly in the UK although numbers depend on immigration from Europe. It can be found in any flower-rich habitat. Date: 27th August 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo2463047.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_115588369249f2045a9d94e.jpgSlioch, Highland Height: 3218 feet. Slioch is a solitary Torridonian sandstone mountain on the north side of Loch Maree about 4 miles north of Kinlochewe. Its isolated position and formidable appearance are well seen in views of the mountain across Loch Maree. Slioch's name originates from the Gaelic word "sleagh" and means "spear". Date: 13th April 2009 Location: view from the A832 road between Gairloch and Kinlochewe http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo10926796.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2010054954e0974cc3f345.jpgRed Squirrel The Red Squirrel or Eurasian Red Squirrel is a species of tree squirrel in the genus [i]Sciurus[/i]. It is an arboreal and primarily herbivorous rodent. The Red Squirrel has a typical head and body length of 7.5 to 9 inches, a tail length of 6 to 8 inches and a weight of 9 to 12 ounces. Males and females are the same size. The Red Squirrel is smaller and lighter in weight than the Grey Squirrel The coat of the Red Squirrel varies in colour with the time of year and its location and there are several different coat colour morphs ranging from black to red. Red coats are most common in the UK but in other parts of Europe and Asia different coat colours co-exist within populations. The underside of the Red Squirrel is always creamy-white in colour. The Red Squirrel sheds its coat twice a year, switching from a thinner summer coat to a thicker, darker winter coat with noticeably larger ear-tufts (a prominent distinguishing feature of this species) between August and November. A lighter, redder overall coat colour, along with the ear-tufts (in adults) and smaller size, distinguish the Red Squirrel from the Grey Squirrel. The long tail helps the Red Squirrel to balance and steer when jumping from tree to tree and running along branches and it may also keep it warm during sleep. The Red Squirrel, like most tree squirrels, has sharp and curved claws to enable it to climb and descend broad tree trunks, thin branches and even house walls and its strong hind legs enable it to leap gaps between trees. The Red Squirrel can be found in the boreal coniferous woods in north Europe and Siberia where it prefers Scots Pine, Norway Spruce and Siberian Pine. In west and south Europe it can be found in broad-leaved woods where the mixture of tree and shrub species provides a better year round source of food. In most of the UK and in Italy, broad-leaved woodlands are now less suitable for it due to the better competitive feeding strategy of the introduced Grey Squirrel. The Red Squirrel makes a drey (nest) out of twigs in a branch-fork, forming a domed structure about 9 to 12 inches in diameter. This is lined with moss, leaves, grass and bark. Tree hollows and woodpecker holes are also used. The Red Squirrel is generally a solitary animal and is shy and reluctant to share food with others. However, outside the breeding season and particularly in winter, several Red Squirrels may share a drey to keep warm. Social organisation is based on dominance hierarchies within and between sexes. Although males are not necessarily dominant towards females, the dominant animals tend to be larger and older than subordinate animals and dominant males tend to have larger home ranges than subordinate males or females. Mating can occur in late winter during February and March and in summer between June and July. During mating, males detect females that are in oestrus by an odour that they produce and, although there is no courtship, the male will chase the female for up to an hour prior to mating. Usually multiple males will chase a single female until the dominant male, usually the largest in the group, mates with the female. Males and females will mate multiple times with many partners. Females must reach a minimum body mass before they enter oestrus and heavy females on average produce more young. If food is scarce breeding may be delayed. Typically a female will produce her first litter in her second year. Up to 2 litters a year per female are possible. Each litter averages 3 young and these are known as kits. Gestation is about 38 to 39 days and the young are looked after by the mother alone and are born helpless, blind and deaf. Their body is covered by hair at 21 days, their eyes and ears open after 3 to 4 weeks and they develop all their teeth by 42 days. Juveniles can eat solids around 40 days following birth and from that point they can leave the nest on their own to find food. However, they still suckle from their mother until weaning occurs at 8 to 10 weeks. The Red Squirrel eats mostly the seeds of trees, fungi, nuts (especially hazelnuts but also beech and chestnuts), berries and young shoots. More rarely, it may also eat bird eggs or nestlings and may occasionally exhibit opportunistic omnivory similar to other rodents. Excess food is put into caches, either buried or in nooks or holes in trees, and eaten when food is scarce. Although the Red Squirrel remembers where it created caches at a better than chance level, its spatial memory is believed to be substantially less accurate and durable than that of the Grey Squirrel. Therefore it will often have to search for them when in need and many caches are never found again. Between 60% and 80% of the active time of a Red Squirrel may be spent foraging and feeding. The active period is generally in the morning and in the late afternoon and evening. It often rests in its nest in the middle of the day to avoid the heat and the high visibility to birds of prey that are dangers during these hours. During the winter, this midday rest is often much more brief or absent entirely although harsh weather may cause it to stay in its nest for days at a time. No territories are claimed between Red Squirrels and the feeding areas of individuals overlap considerably. A Red Squirrel that survives its first winter has a life expectancy of 3 years. Individuals may reach 7 years of age and 10 years in captivity. Survival is positively related to the availability of autumn and winter tree seeds. On average, 75 to 85% of juveniles die during their first winter and mortality is approximately 50% for winters following the first. Predators include small mammals such as the Pine Marten, the Wildcat and the Stoat which all prey on juveniles. Birds, including owls and raptors such as the Goshawk and Common Buzzard, may also prey on the Red Squirrel as will the Red Fox and domestic cats and dogs when it is on the ground. Humans influence the population size and mortality of the Red Squirrel by destroying or altering habitats, by causing road casualties and by introducing non-native populations of the Grey Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel and the Red Squirrel are not directly antagonistic and violent conflict between these species is not a factor in the decline in Red Squirrel populations. However, the Grey Squirrel appears to contribute to the decrease in the Red Squirrel population for several reasons: it carries a disease, the squirrel parapoxvirus, that does not appear to affect its own health but will often kill the Red Squirrel, it can better digest acorns whilst the Red Squirrel cannot access the proteins and fats in acorns as easily and it can put the Red Squirrel under pressure for food resources resulting in it not breeding as often. In the UK, due to the above circumstances, the population has today fallen to 160,000 Red Squirrels or fewer with the majority of these in Scotland. Outside the UK and Ireland, the impact of competition from the Grey Squirrel has also been observed in Italy where 2 pairs escaped from captivity in 1948. A significant drop in the Red Squirrel population has been observed since 1970 and it is feared that the Grey Squirrel may expand into the rest of Europe. The Red Squirrel is protected in most of Europe although in some areas it is abundant and is hunted for its fur. In the UK there are several active projects to protect the Red Squirrel and its native woodland habitat, introduce or re-introduce it in to areas where it is absent and eradicate and prevent the spread of the Grey Squirrel. Research undertaken in 2007 in the UK credits the Pine Marten with reducing the population of the invasive Grey Squirrel. Where the range of the expanding Pine Marten population meets that of the Grey Squirrel, the population of the latter retreats. It is theorised that, because the Grey Squirrel spends more time on the ground than the Red Squirrel, it is far more likely to come in contact with the Pine Marten. Date: 10th June 2011 Location: Abernethy Forest, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17061277.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_214701054050e02dc240b32.jpgOtter The Eurasian Otter, also known as the European Otter, Eurasian River Otter, Common Otter and Old World Otter and commonly known as the Otter, is a semi-aquatic mammal and the most widely distributed member of the Otter sub-family of the Weasel family (Mustelidae). The Otter is a typical species of the Otter sub-family and is brown above and cream below. It is 22.5 to 37.5 inches long excluding a tail of 14 to 17.5 inches. The female is shorter than the male. The Otter's average body weight is 15 to 26 pounds, although occasionally a large old male may reach up to 37 pounds. The Otter differs from the North American River Otter by its shorter neck, broader face, the greater space between the ears and its longer tail. However, it is the only Otter species in much of its range so it is rarely confused for any other animal. The Otter is the most widely distributed Otter species and its range including parts of Asia and Africa as well as being widespread across Europe. The Otter can be found throughout most of the UK with the highest densities in Scotland, especially the islands and the north west coast, Wales, parts of East Anglia and the West Country. The Otter declined across its range in the second half of the 20th century primarily due to pollution, habitat loss and hunting. However, populations are now recovering in many parts of Europe. In the UK the number of sites with an Otter presence increased by 55% between 1994 and 2002. In August 2011, the Environment Agency announced that the Otter had returned to every county in England since vanishing from every county except the West Country and parts of Northern England. The recovery of the Otter population in Europe is due to a ban on the most harmful pesticides that has been in place since 1979, improvements in water quality leading to increases in prey populations and direct legal protection under the European Union Habitats Directive and national legislation in several European countries. In general, the Otter’s varied and adaptable diet means that it can be found on any unpolluted body of fresh water, including lakes, streams, rivers and ponds, as long as the food supply is adequate. It can also be found along the coast in salt water but it requires regular access to fresh water to clean its fur. When living in the sea it is sometimes referred to as a "Sea Otter" but it should not be confused with the true Sea Otter which is a North American species much more strongly adapted to a marine existence. The Otter's diet mainly consists of fish. However, during the winter and in colder environments, fish consumption is significantly lower and other sources of food are eaten including amphibians, crustaceans, insects, birds and small mammals. Hunting mainly takes place at night whilst the day is usually spent in the Otter's holt (den). The Otter is strongly territorial and is primarily solitary. An individual's territory may vary between 1 and 25 miles with the length of the territory depending on the density of food available and the width of the water suitable for hunting (it is shorter on coasts, where the available width is much wider and longer on narrower rivers). The Otter uses its spraints to mark its territory. Territories are only held against members of the same sex so those of males and females may overlap. The Otter is a non-seasonal breeder and males and females will breed at any time of the year. It has been found that their mating season is most likely determined simply by the Otters' reproductive maturity and physiological state. Female Otters are sexually mature between 18 and 24 months old and the average age of first breeding is found to be 2.5 years old. Gestation is 60 to 64 days and after the gestation period, 1 to 4 pups are born which remain dependent on the mother for about 13 months. The male plays no direct role in parental care although the territory of a female with her pups is usually entirely within that of the male. Date: 29th October 2012 Location: Strumpshaw Fen RSPB reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46535139.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_43219851562caa2c4981b0.jpgLarge Skipper Flight period: June to July. The Large Skipper is a small golden butterfly which is widespread throughout England and Wales and it is also extending its range northwards in to southern Scotland. They can be found in areas of tall, uncut grassland, woodland rides, roadside verges and hedgerows. Date: 3rd July 2022 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801021.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_22055474364ed9bce576ef.jpgRinglet Flight period: July to mid August. The Ringlet is a widespread and successful species which has been extending its range in in the UK in recent years. They can be found in in tall, lush grasslands particularly in woodland rides and glades and also around scrub and hedgerows. Date: 7th July 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5325790.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14090666964c1dd5c20d77d.jpgSango Bay, Sutherland Sango Bay is a beautiful sandy bay on the north coast of Sutherland and located by the village of Durness 4 miles west of Loch Eriboll. The bay is approximately half a mile in width and surrounded by low cliffs. Date: 3rd June 2010 Location: view from the A838 road east of Durness http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50569765.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_185638423365ccb54917871.jpgGreat Northern Diver The Great Northern Diver is the largest of the UK's divers with a bigger, heavier head and bill than its commoner relatives. The Great Northern Diver is largely a winter visitor to the UK coast although some non-breeding birds stay off northern coasts in the summer. They start to arrive offshore in August and birds move back to their largely Icelandic breeding grounds in April and May. The largest numbers can be found off the northern and western islands of Scotland. Date: 8th December 2023 Location: Great Notley Country Park, Braintree, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23408460.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_122288488354c20be5e0c8d.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 3rd January 2015 Location: Mersehead RSPB reserve, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/september-roesels-bush-cricket https://images.on-this.website/4752_19263013205ff83216a75ca.jpgAugust 2020 - Roesel's Bush-cricket Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41524256.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46028415.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21310769456291f5b919889.jpgBlue-tailed Damselfly Flight period: mid May to early September. Blue-tailed Damselflies are a widespread and common species of damselfly in much of England, Wales and southern Scotland. They can be found around lakes, ponds, canals and ditches, being less common on flowing water and in exposed and upland sites. They can also tolerate some saline and polluted waters. Date: 26th May 2022 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42202649.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18823072225ff31069e2d07.jpgBrown Bear The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, Ursus arctos arctos. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an evening visit with [url=https://www.karhujenkatselu.fi/en-gb]Karhu-Kuusamo[/url] Date: 7th July 2019 Location: Kuntilampi, near Kuusamo, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801067.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_73426614364eda299e03eb.jpgAzure Damselfly Flight period: May to August The Azure Damselfly is one of the two commonest blue damselflies and is a common and widespread species of lowland UK. They can be found around most standing water, preferring small, sheltered sites including ditches and garden ponds. Date: 8th July 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533124.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_111197270162ca75254b979.jpgAzure Damselfly Flight period: May to August The Azure Damselfly is one of the two commonest blue damselflies and is a common and widespread species of lowland UK. They can be found around most standing water, preferring small, sheltered sites including ditches and garden ponds. Date: 12th June 2022 Location: RSPB Ham Wall, Somerset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12744804.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15311317934e706d6376933.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 7th December 2007 Location: Donna Nook, Lincolnshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41183534.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19106625745e9c2e6d6c8e5.jpgWoodpigeon The Woodpigeon is the UK's largest and commonest pigeon and is largely grey with a white neck patch and white wing patches which are clearly visible in flight. Although shy in the countryside, it can be tame and approachable in towns and cities. Its cooing call is a familiar sound in woodlands as is the loud clatter of its wings when it flies away. Woodpigeons can be found across the UK. In the countryside they breed on farmland with hedges, trees and copses and in towns and cities they breed in parks and gardens. In winter, Woodpigeons form large flocks on farmland fields. Date: 14th April 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/january-2010-crested-tit https://images.on-this.website/4752_15219043844bb78a95e840f.jpgJanuary 2010 - Crested Tit Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4267157.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457420.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1803038059668571d2abb28.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/october-2012-grey-squirrel https://images.on-this.website/4752_114238746550debd91e5b43.jpgOctober 2012 - Grey Squirrel Please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/photo16548216.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41225584.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2122333345eda013b884c5.jpgLarge Red Damselfly Flight period: April to August The Large Red Damselfly is one of the three most widespread dragonflies in the UK and one of the first to emerge in spring. They can be found in most wetland habitats from acidic moorland bog pools to brackish ditches but they avoid fast flowing waters. Date: 25th May 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41254078.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13406203615f059e7b58ca7.jpgView from the m/s J.L. Runeberg between Porvoo and Helsinki, Finland Date: 26th June 2019 Location: view from the m/s J.L. Runeberg between Porvoo and Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/ivaylovgrad-reservoir-haskovo-province-bulgaria https://images.on-this.website/4752_15151138775d307cd5a5313.jpgIvaylovgrad reservoir, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria The Ivaylovgrad reservoir is located in the eastern Rhodopes Mountains and it is one of the largest reservoirs in Bulgaria. The reservoir was created by the Ivaylovgrad dam on the River Arda and it was built between 1959 and 1964 for the purpose of electricity generation. There are 2 other large dams on the River Arda: the Kardzhali dam and the Studen Kladenets dam. The whole area offers opportunities for birding, hiking, water sport and other outdoor recreation. Date: 23rd May 2018 Location: view from near Borislavtsi, eastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14185267.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_627829124f422982d605a.jpgLarge Skipper Flight period: June to July. The Large Skipper is a small golden butterfly which is widespread throughout England and Wales and it is also extending its range northwards in to southern Scotland. They can be found in areas of tall, uncut grassland, woodland rides, roadside verges and hedgerows. Date: 22nd July 2007 Location: Stow Maries Halt EWT reserve, Stow Maries, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11349498.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4137789344e1eef7ad928b.jpgRazorbills The Razorbill is a medium-sized seabird and breeds around the coast of the UK with the largest colonies in northern Scotland. They breed on rocky cliffs and among boulder scree close to the sea. Birds only come to shore to breed from March to July and they winter in the northern Atlantic. Date: 16/04/07 Location: Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo445660.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_124559964681c4fcca4b6.jpgSands of Meal, Shetland Near Hamnavoe on the island of Trondra are the Sands of Meal, one of Shetland's finest beaches. Date: June 2003 Location: view from Meal on the unclassified road south of Hamnavoe http://www.richardchewphotography.com/adonis-blue https://images.on-this.website/4752_14312130634f3e355103afa.jpgAdonis Blue Flight period: May to June and August to September The male Adonis Blue is a brilliant sky blue butterfly whilst the females are brown. They can be found on warm, south-facing slopes on dry chalk or limestone grassland but their range is highly restricted to sites in southern England. Date: 11th August 2007 Location: Denbies Hillside, near Dorking, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533206.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_134373292862ca7f4fd9681.jpgEmperor Dragonfly Flight period: June to August. The Emperor Dragonfly is the largest UK dragonfly species and apart from its size it can easily be recognized by its bright colouration and highly territorial behaviour as it flies endlessly well above the water’s surface. The Emperor Dragonfly has expanded its range in to northern England in recent years and has now been recorded in Scotland. They can be found around well-vegetated ponds, lakes, large ditches, canals and slow-moving rivers. Date: 15th June 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/sound-of-iona-argyll https://images.on-this.website/4752_11486114224688400a8c66d.jpgSound of Iona, Argyll The Sound Of Iona is the stretch of water between Fionnphort, a village at the western end of the Ross of Mull, and the island of Iona which is crossed several times a day by the CalMac passenger ferry. Date: 8th June 2007 Location: view from Fionnphort by the ferry terminal http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49278720.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3891790046499baa045913.jpgFour-spotted Chaser Flight period: mid May to end August. Four-spotted Chasers are a common and widespread species of dragonfly throughout most of the UK. They can be found around sheltered lowland lakes and ponds and around acidic moorland bogs and sheltered upland lakes. Date: 16th June 2023 Location: RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/december-2011-black-headed-gull https://images.on-this.website/4752_12413251614f7d54dd1460c.jpgDecember 2011 - Black-headed Gull Please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/photo13871550.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12744842.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12581934274e706dd34f0bf.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 7th December 2007 Location: Donna Nook, Lincolnshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512535.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_142619913462c99a4b96118.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 9th May 2022 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14185499.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12836000714f42350cab471.jpgGatekeeper Flight period: mid-July to early September. The Gatekeeper or Hedge Brown is common and widespread throughout the southern half of the UK. They can be found in areas with hedgerows or in scrubby woodland with wide and sunny rides. Date: 26th July 2008 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32709001.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_83387937259ad2712609063.83996153.jpgHortobágy National Park, Hajdú-Bihar county, Hungary Hortobágy National Park (Hortobágy Nemzeti Park) is a national park in eastern Hungary. It is part of the vast Great Hungarian Plain which occupies southern and eastern Hungary, some parts of the eastern Slovakian lowlands, south west Ukraine, western Romania, northern Serbia and eastern Croatia. Hortobágy National Park was designated as a national park in 1972 (the first in Hungary), and as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. It is Hungary's largest protected area. At the time of designation, the area of the National Park was 289 square miles but since then it has been extended to almost 315 square miles. Around 25% of its area has international protection under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance. The entire Hortobágy National Park is part of the Natura 2000 network of the European Union in which Special Protected Areas and Special Areas of Conservation have been designated in a way that they contain and encompass the area of the National Park including organically connected or separate grassland mosaic areas that are outside the National Park. The protection thus ensured by the Natura 2000 areas provides an appropriate basis for the establishment of a buffer zone. A conservation management plan for the Hortobágy National Park was prepared in 1997. Hortobágy National Park contains the largest continuous natural grassland in Europe and the second largest steppe area west of the Ural Mountains. It has outstanding natural features and maintains great biological diversity in respect of species and habitats. It is a unique example of the harmonious coexistence of people and nature based on the considerate use of the land. A major part of the area of the Hortobágy National Park is formed by natural habitats, principally alkaline grasslands (puszta), meadows and the marshes lying between them. From the point of view of nature conservation, the artificial wetlands, which cover a much smaller area, are of considerable importance. These are the fish ponds created during the last century on the worst quality grazing lands and marshes. The Hortobágy National Park is one of Europe’s greatest lowland birding areas containing nesting habitats and migration sites of European significance. The Hortobágyi-Halastó complex just to the west of Hortobágy village is arguably the best site to explore and contains waterbodies of various sizes from small fish ponds to huge lakes. Over 340 bird species have been recorded in the Hortobágy National Park, of which over 150 species breed. For UK birders, it is particularly exciting since several “eastern” species can be found which are at the westernmost extent of their range. These are joined by a large number of temperate European and Mediterranean species. The symbol of the Hortobágy National Park is the Crane. One of the most spectacular sights is the autumn migration when tens of thousands of Cranes can be seen every October as they fly above the grasslands to their overnight roosting places. For thousands of years the wild animals grazing on the grasslands of the Hortobágy National Park, the Aurochs and wild horses, were gradually replaced by domesticated animals. A large number of Long-haired Sheep and Hungarian Grey Cattle can now be found here. Less ancient species are the Mangalica Pig and the Nonius Horse. In the Visitor Centre in Hortobágy village, visitors and tourists can get information and advice on what to see and what to do in the Hortobágy National Park and can also learn about its natural and cultural assets: its flora and fauna, the different natural phenomena, herdsmen’s traditions, craftsmen’s skills and local rare breeds. The Visitor Centre also sells the mandatory permits that are required to visit most of the protected areas. The Hortobágy-halastavi Kisvasút is a narrow gauge railway which runs through Hortobágyi-Halastó. It was built and commissioned in 1915 for the purpose of transporting fish food from the silo in Hortobágyi-Halastó to the fish ponds and transporting freshly caught fish in the opposite direction. The track formerly had a length of 22 miles and was temporarily decommissioned in 1960. Since 2007, the railway has been used as a tourist train. The track now runs for just 3 miles and provides access to the northern end of Hortobágyi-Halastó. A one-way trip lasts 23 minutes. Date: 19th May 2017 Location: east of Hortobágy, Hortobágy National Park, Hajdú-Bihar county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12081922.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3010918604e48e9810f7b3.jpgCommon Seals Common Seals feed at sea but regularly haul out on to rocky shores or inter-tidal sandbanks to rest, to give birth and to suckle their pups. The most important haul-out areas are around the coast of Scotland, particularly in the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland, and on the east coast of England in the Wash. Date: 7th September 2005 Location: Blakeney Point, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084938.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1561663825d3089b5f0ff9.jpgDipper The White-throated Dipper, also known as the European Dipper or simply as the Dipper, is an aquatic passerine bird. It is divided into several sub-species based primarily on colour differences, particularly of the pectoral band. These include the Black-bellied Dipper found in Scandinavia, west France, north west Spain, Corsica and Sardinia and an infrequent migrant to the UK and the “British” Dipper found in England, Wales and Scotland excluding the west and north west and the islands. The Dipper is about 7.1 inches long, rotund and short tailed. The head of the adult is brown, the back slate-grey mottled with black (looking black from a distance) and the wings and tail are brown. The throat and upper breast are white followed by a band of warm chestnut (“British” Dipper) or black (Black-bellied Dipper ) which merges into black on the belly and flanks. The young are greyish brown and have no chestnut band. The Dipper can be found in Europe, the Middle East, central Asia and the Indian Subcontinent and it is closely associated with swiftly running rivers and streams or the lakes in to which these fall. It often perches and bobs spasmodically with its short tail uplifted on the rocks around which the water swirls and tumbles. It acquired its name from these sudden dips and not from its diving habit, although it dives as well as walks into the water. It flies rapidly and straight with its short wings whirring swiftly and without pauses or glides and will then either drop on the water and dive or plunge in with a small splash. In addition, it will walk into the water and deliberately submerge from a perch. In this way the Dipper finds its food which includes aquatic invertebrates, aquatic insect larvae, beetles, freshwater molluscs, fish and small amphibians. It will also walk and run on the banks and rocks seeking terrestrial invertebrates. The winter habits of the Dipper vary considerably and apparently individually. When the swift hill rivers and streams are frozen it is forced to descend to the lowlands and even visit the coasts but some will remain if there is any open water. The Dipper breeds close to water and the nest is large, globular or oval (similar to a large Wren's nest) built into a crack or hollow in the rock or in the masonry or on the supports of a bridge. It is composed of moss, dead grass and leaves. This ball, however, is just a shelter. Usually hidden beneath a lip is the entrance to the real nest inside which is a cup of grass or sedge lined with leaves of oak, beech or other trees. Eggs are laid (3 to 6) are laid between March and May and 1 or 2 broods are raised. Date: 6th June 2018 Location: Zărnești area, Brașov County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/stoat https://images.on-this.website/4752_151968327595624486d31a1.11197102.jpgStoat The Stoat is a mammal of the Mustelidae family which includes other carnivorous mammals such as the Weasel, Badger, Otter and Pine Marten. The name ermine is often but not always used for the Stoat in its pure white winter coat. The Stoat is similar to the Weasel in general proportions, manner of posture and movement although the tail is relatively longer and has a prominent black tip, always exceeding a third of the body length. The dimensions of the Stoat are variable, but not as significantly as the Weasel's, and its size tends to decrease proportionally with latitude. Sexual dimorphism in size is pronounced with males being roughly 25% larger than females and 1.5 to 2 times their weight. On average, males measure 7.4 to 12.8 inches in body length whilst females measure 6.7 to 10.6 inches. The tail measures 3 to 4.7 inches in males and 2.6 to 4.2 inches in females. Males weigh around 9.1 ounces whilst females weigh less than 6.3 ounces. The Stoat has an elongated neck with the head being set exceptionally far in front of the shoulders. The trunk is nearly cylindrical and it does not bulge at the abdomen. The greatest circumference of the body is little more than half its length. The eyes are round, black and protrude slightly. The whiskers are brown or white in colour and very long. The ears are short, rounded and lie almost flattened against the skull. The claws are not retractable and are large in proportion to the digits. Each foot has 5 toes. The Stoat’s winter fur is very dense and silky but quite short whilst the summer fur is rougher, shorter and sparse. In summer, the fur is sandy-brown on the back and head and white below. In the Stoat's northern range, it adopts a completely white coat (save for the black tail tip) during the winter period. Differences in the winter and summer coats are less apparent in southern forms. In the southern range, the coat remains brown but is denser and sometimes paler than in summer. The Stoat can be found throughout north America, Europe and Asia from Greenland and the Canadian and Siberian Arctic islands south to about 35°N. In Europe it is found as far south as 41ºN in Portugal and inhabits most islands with the exception of Iceland, Svalbard, the Mediterranean islands and some small North Atlantic islands. In north America it is found throughout Alaska and Canada south through most of the north USA to central California, north Arizona, north New Mexico, Iowa, the Great Lakes region, New England and Pennsylvania but it is absent from most of the Great Plains and south east USA. In the late 19th century, the Stoat was introduced to New Zealand to control rabbits where it has had a devastating effect on native bird populations. Mating occurs in April to July. The Stoat is not monogamous and litters are often of mixed paternity. The gestation period lasts around 280 days. Males play no part in rearing the young which are born blind, deaf, toothless and covered in fine white or pinkish down. The milk teeth erupt after 3 weeks and solid food is eaten after 4 weeks. The eyes open after 5 to 6 weeks with the black tail tip appearing a week later. Lactation ends after 12 weeks. The territories of male Stoats encompass smaller female territories which they defend from other males. The size of the territory and the ranging behaviour varies seasonally and depends on the abundance of food and mates. During the breeding season, the ranges of females remain unchanged whilst males either become roamers, strayers or transients. Dominant older males can have territories 50 times larger than those of younger, socially inferior males. Both sexes mark their territories with urine, faeces and scent marks. Males and females typically live apart but close to each other. Each Stoat has several dens dispersed within its range. A single den has several galleries, mainly within 12 inches of the surface. The Stoat does not dig its own den but instead uses the burrows and nest chambers of the rodents it kills. The skins and underfur of rodent prey are used to line the den. The den is sometimes located in seemingly unsuitable places such as among logs piled against the walls of houses. The Stoat also inhabits old and rotting stumps, tree roots, heaps of brushwood, haystacks, bog hummocks, cracks of vacant buildings, rock piles and rock clefts. As with the Weasel, rodents predominate in the Stoat's diet. However, unlike the Weasel, which almost exclusively feeds on small voles, the Stoat regularly preys on larger rodent and rabbit and hare species and it will kill prey far larger than itself. It is an opportunistic predator and moves rapidly checking every available burrow or crevice for food. Because of its larger size, the male is less successful than the female in pursuing rodents far into tunnels. The Stoat will regularly climb trees to gain access to birds' nests and it is a common raider of nest boxes. The Stoat seeks to immobilize large prey such with a bite to the spine at the back of the neck. Small prey typically dies instantly from a bite to the back of the neck whilst larger prey typically dies of shock since the Stoat's canine teeth are too short to reach the spinal column or major arteries. Date: 20th June 2017 Location: Glen Quaich, Perthshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/loch-eil-argyll https://images.on-this.website/4752_192596513846883f16a2e87.jpgLoch Eil, Argyll Loch Eil is a sea loch which extends almost 7 miles from west to east before opening in to the northern end of Loch Linnhe opposite Fort William. Date: 6th June 2007 Location: view from the A861 road along the south shore looking east towards Ben Nevis http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41524233.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8819743685f3a6aca930d2.jpgCommon Blue Flight period: June to September. The Common Blue is the UK’s most widespread and common blue butterfly although it has suffered some local declines due to habitat loss. They can be found in sunny, sheltered areas including downland, roadside verges, woodland clearings and rural gardens. Date: 1st August 2020 Location, Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo445639.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11361363594681c4d1d4f08.jpgHanda, Sutherland Handa is an island located just offshore from Scourie with one of the largest seabird colonies in north west Europe. The Sound of Handa on the east side of the island contains 2 small sandy bays which are the places where the small ferry boat from Tarbet lands. Date: June 1999 Location: view from the east side of Handa http://www.richardchewphotography.com/kongsfjord-to-berlevg-varanger-peninsula https://images.on-this.website/4752_3912622104bf6e17ad9acd.jpgKongsfjord to Berlevåg, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway Date: 14th April 2010 Location: view from road 890 between Kongsfjord and Berlevåg, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12744414.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7413182034e705b3126025.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 4th November 2008 Location: Portnahaven, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37190336.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15306288565c2a23aea0be2.jpgLoch Sunart, Ardnamurchan, Highland Loch Sunart is a sea loch in the Western Highlands extending almost 20 miles westwards from Glen Tarbert before opening out into the Sound of Mull. Loch Sunart separates the areas of Ardnamurchan and Sunart to the north from Morvern in the south. Date: 26th June 2018 Location: view from the Garbh Eilean wildlife hide near Strontian http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11349510.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12649552274e1eefa404a91.jpgRazorbill The Razorbill is a medium-sized seabird and breeds around the coast of the UK with the largest colonies in northern Scotland. They breed on rocky cliffs and among boulder scree close to the sea. Birds only come to shore to breed from March to July and they winter in the northern Atlantic. Date: 11th May 2008 Location: Skomer, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41349680.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_342089135f201148c0eb7.jpgBrimstone Flight period: March to October. The Brimstone is a butter-coloured butterfly which is widespread throughout most of England and parts of Wales. They are one of the first butterflies to be seen in spring and can be found in scrubby woodland and hedgerows. Date: 12th July 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15082445.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4475823904fc791935556a.jpgBrimstone Flight period: March to October. The Brimstone is a butter-coloured butterfly which is widespread throughout most of England and parts of Wales. They are one of the first butterflies to be seen in spring and can be found in scrubby woodland and hedgerows. Date: 28th May 2012 Location: Wheatfen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41349631.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5222881405f2008e58069c.jpgLarge White Flight period: April to September. The Large White is a highly successful species which is common and widespread in the UK. They can be found almost anywhere including in towns and gardens. Date: 25th June 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/large-white https://images.on-this.website/4752_3140107565e9c306074b8d.jpgLarge White Flight period: April to September. The Large White is a highly successful species which is common and widespread in the UK. They can be found almost anywhere including in towns and gardens. Date: 16th April 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/small-white https://images.on-this.website/4752_4955453874a7e8f0bcfd59.jpgSmall White Flight period: April to September. The Small White is a highly successful species which is common and widespread in the UK. They can be found almost anywhere including in towns and gardens. Date: 2nd August 2009 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49002528.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16878912616468f182a0ee2.jpgWoodlark The Woodlark is a streaky brown bird with a buffy-white eye-stripe which meets across the nape. It has a well developed crest on its crown which is not always conspicuous. In flight the peculiarly short tail and broad, rounded wings are noticeable and the deeply undulating flight with closed wing glides is characteristic. The Woodlark can be found all year round and breeds mainly in eastern and southern England on the heathlands of Hampshire, Surrey, Berkshire, Norfolk and Suffolk. Date: 17th April 2023 Location: Westleton Heath, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45174869.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14982553336232ffb7bbc41.jpgSong Thrush The Song Thrush is a familiar and popular songbird, smaller and browner than the Mistle Thrush with smaller spotting on the breast. The Song Thrush can be found all year round in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens across the UK. Numbers are declining seriously making it a Red List species. Date: 17th January 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26006864.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8349616615634bf97f1a45.jpgEiders The Eider is a large sea duck that is distributed over the northern coasts of Europe, north America and eastern Siberia. It breeds in the Arctic and some northern temperate regions but winters somewhat further south in temperate zones when it can form large flocks on coastal waters. The Eider is both the largest of the 4 eider species and the largest duck found in Europe and in north America (except for the Muscovy duck which only reaches north America in a wild state in southernmost Texas and south Florida). The Eider is characterized by its bulky shape and large, wedge-shaped bill. The male is unmistakable with its black and white plumage and green nape. The female is a brown bird but can still be readily distinguished from all ducks, except other eider species, on the basis of size and head shape. The drake's display call is a strange almost human-like "ah-ooo" while the duck utters hoarse quacks. The Eider dives for crustaceans and molluscs, with mussels being a favoured food. The Eider will eat mussels by swallowing them whole. The shells are then crushed in their gizzard and excreted. When eating a crab, the Eider will remove all of its claws and legs and then eat the body in a similar fashion. The Eider is abundant with populations of about 1.5 to 2 million birds in both Europe and north America and also large but unknown numbers in eastern Siberia. The Eider is a colonial breeder nesting on coastal islands in colonies ranging in size of less than 100 to upwards of 10,000 to 15,000 individuals. Female Eiders frequently exhibit a high degree of natal philopatry where they return to breed on the same island where they were hatched. This can lead to a high degree of relatedness between individuals nesting on the same island as well as the development of kin-based female social structures. This relatedness has likely played a role in the evolution of co-operative breeding behaviours amongst Eiders. Examples of these behaviours include laying eggs in the nests of related individuals and crèching where female Eiders team up and share the work of rearing ducklings. The Eider's nest is built close to the sea and is lined with the celebrated eiderdown plucked from the female's breast. This soft and warm lining has long been harvested for filling pillows and quilts but in more recent years has been largely replaced by down from domestic farm geese and synthetic alternatives. Although eiderdown pillows or quilts are now a rarity, eiderdown harvesting continues and is sustainable as it can be done after the ducklings leave the nest with no harm to the birds. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Steingrímsfjarðarheiði to Ísafjörður, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/loch-morlich-highland https://images.on-this.website/4752_6324356594813be3775dfc.jpgLoch Morlich, Highland Loch Morlich is located in the Glenmore Forest Park in the Badenoch and Strathspey district and lies 4 miles north west of Cairn Gorm mountain and 5 miles south east of Aviemore. At the head of the loch is the highest beach in the UK at over 1000 feet. Date: 26th March 2008 Location: view from the road to Cairngorm http://www.richardchewphotography.com/dunnock https://images.on-this.website/4752_8446833194d1d99413e451.jpgDunnock The Dunnock is a small passerine bird and the most widespread member of the genus [i]Prunella[/i], the accentor family which otherwise consists of mountain species. Other common names for the Dunnock include the Hedge Sparrow or Hedge Accentor. The Dunnock is about the size of a Robin. It has a generally drab brown streaked appearance with a grey head and a fine pointed bill. Both sexes are similar. It is quiet and unobtrusive and is frequently seen on its own, creeping along and moving with a rather nervous, shuffling gait often flicking its wings. The Dunnock is native to large areas of Eurasia where it is the only commonly found accentor in lowland areas. It can be found throughout the UK all the year round in any well vegetated areas with scrub, brambles and hedges and also in deciduous woodland, farmland edges, parks and gardens. The Dunnock is territorial and may engage in conflict with other birds that encroach upon their nesting areas. The Dunnock possesses variable mating systems. Females are often polyandrous, breeding with 2 or more males at once which is quite rare among birds. This multiple mating system leads to the development of sperm competition amongst the male suitors. DNA fingerprinting has shown that chicks within a brood often have different fathers depending on the success of the males at monopolising the female. Males try to ensure their paternity by pecking at the cloaca of the female to stimulate ejection of rival males' sperm. Males provide parental care in proportion to their mating success so 2 males and a female can commonly be seen provisioning nestlings at one nest. Other mating systems also exist within Dunnock populations depending on the ratio of male to females and the overlap of territories. When only a single female and a single male territory overlap, monogamy is preferred. Sometimes, 2 or 3 adjacent female territories overlap a single male territory and so polygyny is favoured with the male monopolising several females. Polygynandry also exists in which 2 males jointly defend a territory containing several females. Polyandry, however, is the most common mating system of the Dunnock. Depending on the population, males generally have the best reproductive success in polygynous populations whilst females have the advantage during polyandry. Studies have illustrated the fluidity of Dunnock mating systems. When food is in abundance, female territory size is reduced drastically. Consequently, males can more easily monopolise the females. Thus, the mating system can be shifted from one that favours female success (polyandry) to one that favours male success (monogamy, polygynandry or polygyny). The Dunnock builds a neat nest predominantly from twigs and moss and lined with soft materials such as wool or feathers which is located low in a bush. The female typically lays 3 to 5 eggs. Broods, depending on the population, can be raised by a lone female, multiple females with the part-time help of a male, multiple females with full-time help by a male or by multiple females and multiple males. Parental care varies according to the type of relationship. Date: 20th December 2010 Location: EWT Langdon Conservation Centre, Dunton, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533658.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_25184044862ca8f8e26baf.jpgMarsh Harrier The Marsh Harrier is the largest of the harrier species in the UK. It can be recognised by its long tail and light flight with wings held in a shallow “V” and is distinguishable from other harriers by its larger size, heavier build, broader wings and absence of white on the rump. The Marsh Harrier’s future in the UK is now more secure than at any time during the last century but historical declines and subsequent recovery means it is an Amber List species. Marsh Harriers are mainly found in reedbed and marshland habitat in eastern and south east England with others in north west and south-west England and in parts of Scotland. Elmley and Stodmarsh in Kent, Leighton Moss in Lancashire, Minsmere in Suffolk, Titchwell Marsh and Strumpshaw Fen in Norfolk, the Ouse and Nene Washes and Wicken Fen in Cambridgeshire, Blacktoft Sands in south Yorkshire are all reliable locations for Marsh Harriers. Date: 26th June 2022 Location: RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/quinag-and-loch-assynt-assynt https://images.on-this.website/4752_21131893475d0dddfac8604.jpgQuinag and Loch Assynt, Assynt, Highland The area east of Lochinver is a remote wilderness of mountains and moorland dotted with lochs and lochans. Loch Assynt extends for 6 miles north west from Inchnadamph with the River Inver flowing out of its western end and down to the sea at Lochinver. To the north lies Quinag, to the south Suilven and Cansip and to the east Ben More Assynt. Quinag is a "Y" shaped mountain mass that fills the area north of Loch Assynt and south of Loch a Chairn Bhain at Kylesku. Date: 9th June 2019 Location: view from the A835 road at Inchnadamph http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29951152.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_388819341586641e45c6fd.jpgBlackbird The Common Blackbird is a species of true thrush. It is also called Eurasian Blackbird (especially in North America in order to distinguish it from the unrelated New World blackbirds) or simply Blackbird where this does not lead to confusion with a similar-looking local species. The Blackbird’s name derives form 2 Latin words: <i>turdus</i> meaning “thrush” and <i>merula</i> meaning “blackbird”. It may not immediately be clear why the name "blackbird", first recorded in 1486, was applied to this species but not to one of the various other common black English birds, such as the Carrion Crow, Raven, Rook or Jackdaw. However, in Old English and in modern English up to about the 18th century, "bird" was used only for smaller or young birds and larger ones such as crows were called "fowl". At that time, the Blackbird was therefore the only widespread and conspicuous black bird in the UK. The Blackbird is around 9.25 to 11.5 inches in length including a long tail. The adult male has glossy black plumage, blackish-brown legs, a yellow eye-ring and an orange-yellow bill. The bill darkens somewhat in winter. The adult female is sooty-brown with a dull yellowish-brownish bill, a brownish-white throat and some weak mottling on the breast. The juvenile is similar to the female but has pale spots on the upperparts and the very young juvenile also has a speckled breast. Young birds vary in the shade of brown, with darker birds presumably males. The first year male resembles the adult male but has a dark bill and weaker eye ring and its folded wing is brown rather than black like the body plumage. The Blackbird breeds in temperate Eurasia, north Africa, the Canary Islands and south Asia. Populations are sedentary in the south and west of the range although northern birds migrate south as far as north Africa and tropical Asia in winter. Common over most of its range in woodland, the Blackbird has a preference for deciduous trees with dense undergrowth. However, gardens provide the most successful breeding habitat. It occurs up to around 3300 feet in Europe and is often replaced by the related Ring Ousel in areas of higher altitude. The Blackbird has an extensive range and a large population which is generally stable or increasing. However, there have been local declines, especially on farmland, which may be due to agricultural policies that encouraged farmers to remove hedgerows (which provide nesting places) and to drain damp grassland and increase the use of pesticides, both of which could have reduced the availability of invertebrate food. The Blackbird may commence breeding in March when the breeding pair prospect for a suitable nest site in a creeper or bush, favouring evergreen or thorny species such as ivy, holly, hawthorn, honeysuckle or pyracantha. Sometimes they will nest in sheds or outbuildings where a ledge or cavity is used. The cup-shaped nest is made with grasses, leaves and other vegetation and bound together with mud. It is built by the female alone. The nest is often ill-concealed compared with those of other species and many breeding attempts fail due to predation. The female lays 3 to 5 (average 4) bluish-green eggs marked with reddish-brown blotches which are incubated for 12 to 14 days before the chicks are hatched naked and blind. Fledging takes another 10 to 19 (average 13.6) days, with both parents feeding the young. The young are fed by the parents for up to 3 weeks after leaving the nest and they will follow the adults begging for food. If the female starts another nest, the male alone will feed the fledged young. Second broods are common with the female reusing the same nest if the brood was successful. The first-year male Blackbird may start singing as early as late January in fine weather in order to establish a territory, followed in late March by the adult male. The male's song is a varied and melodious low-pitched fluted warble which is given from trees, rooftops or other elevated perches mainly in the period from March to June and sometimes into the beginning of July. During the winter, the Blackbird can be heard quietly singing to itself, so much so that September and October are the only months which the song cannot be heard. The Blackbird is omnivorous, eating a wide range of insects, earthworms, seeds and berries. It feeds mainly on the ground, running and hopping with a start-stop-start progress. It pulls earthworms from the soil, usually finding them by sight but sometimes by hearing, and roots through leaf litter for other invertebrates. Small amphibians and lizards are occasionally hunted. The Blackbird will also perch in bushes to take berries and collect caterpillars and other active insects. Animal prey predominates and this is particularly important during the breeding season with windfall apples and berries taken more in the autumn and winter. Near human habitation the main predator of the Blackbird is the domestic cat, with newly fledged young especially vulnerable. Foxes and predatory birds, such as the Sparrowhawk, also predate the Blackbird when the opportunity arises. Eggs and chicks are also taken by corvids, such as the Magpie or Jay. Date: 29th December 2016 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49277062.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_66257670164997142a8f46.jpgBosherston Lily Ponds, Bosherton, Pembrokeshire Bosherston Lily Ponds are part of the National Trust Stackpole Estate. The renowned water lilies are best seen in June. The marshy edges and reedbeds provide a good habitat for common breeding water birds. Date: 9th June 2023 Location: Bosherston Lily Ponds, Bosherton, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51984698.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_32119342466d356f1014c9.jpgMigrant Hawker Flight period: August to October The Migrant Hawker is common in the south of the UK and has spread north and west in recent decades. The breeding population is boosted by continental migrants in the autumn and they are most easily seen hawking for insects along sheltered woodland rides or hedgerows. Date: 27th August 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871639.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1608740834eff1fe95af46.jpgSandfjord, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway Date: 26th May 2009 Location: view from coastal road at Sandfjord, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/januaryfebruary-2020 https://images.on-this.website/4752_13432301125eeb27b109e33.jpgJanuary/February 2020 - Rook Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40952842.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/september-2012-mute-swan https://images.on-this.website/4752_187760488350debd93f25f5.jpgSeptember 2012 - Mute Swan Please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/photo16220760.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42524836.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20976471316098f285e0129.jpgPheasant The Common Pheasant is native to Asia but it has been widely introduced elsewhere as a game bird. In parts of its range, namely in places where none of its relatives occur such as in Europe (where it is naturalised), it is simply known as the Pheasant. Body weight of the Pheasant can range from 1.1 to 6.6 pounds, with males averaging 2.6 pounds and females averaging 2 pounds The adult male Pheasant is 24 to 35 inches in length with a long brown streaked black tail, accounting for almost 20 inches of the total length. The body plumage is barred bright gold or fiery copper-red and chestnut-brown with an iridescent sheen of green and purple. The wings are white or cream and black-barred markings are common on the tail. The head is bottle green with a small crest and distinctive red wattling. The female Pheasant is much less showy with a duller mottled brown plumage all over and measuring 20 to 25 inches long including a tail of around 8 inches. Juveniles have the appearance of the female with a shorter tail until young males begin to grow characteristic bright feathers on the breast, head and back at about 10 weeks after hatching. There are many colour forms of the male Pheasant, ranging in colour from nearly white to almost black in some melanistic examples. These are due to captive breeding and hybridisation between sub-species reinforced by continual releases of stock from varying sources to the wild. The Pheasant is native to Asia with its original range extending from between the Black and Caspian Seas to Manchuria, Siberia, Korea, mainland China and Taiwan. It can now be found across the globe due to its readiness to breed in captivity and the fact it can naturalise in many climates. At least since the Roman Empire, the Pheasant has been extensively introduced in many places and it has become a naturalised species in Europe, including throughout most of the UK where successive introductions have led to it becoming well adapted to the climate and able to breed naturally in the wild without human supervision on farmland and in copses, heaths, scrub, commons and wetlands. The Pheasant nests solely on the ground in scrapes lined with some grass and leaves, frequently under dense cover or a hedge. Occasionally it will nest in a haystack or in an old nest left by other birds. The male is polygynous and is often accompanied by a harem of several females. A clutch of around 8 to 15 eggs is laid during April to June, sometimes as many as 18 but usually 10 to 12. The incubation period is about 22 to 27 days. The chicks stay near the female for several weeks although they leave the nest when only a few hours old. After hatching they grow quickly, flying after 12 to 14 days and resembling adults by only 15 weeks of age. The Pheasant eats a wide variety of animal and vegetable food including fruit, seeds, grain, mast, berries and leaves as well as a wide range of invertebrates and insects. Small vertebrates like lizards, small mammals and small birds are occasionally taken. The Pheasant is a well-known gamebird and perhaps the most widespread and ancient one in the world. It is one of the world's most hunted birds. The Pheasant is bred to be hunted and it is shot in great numbers in Europe, especially in the UK where they are shot in the open season from 1st October to 1st February. Generally they are shot by hunters employing gun dogs to help find, flush and retrieve shot birds. Pheasant farming is also a common practice and it is sometimes done intensively. Birds are supplied both to hunting preserves/estates and to restaurants. Date: 25th March 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49903304.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_72681211265042f5fec6e0.jpgMigrant Hawker Flight period: August to October The Migrant Hawker is common in the south of the UK and has spread north and west in recent decades. The breeding population is boosted by continental migrants in the autumn and they are most easily seen hawking for insects along sheltered woodland rides or hedgerows. Date: 15th August 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41249307.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15700325425f00b7dab4824.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 22nd June 2020 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/loch-eishort-skye-highland https://images.on-this.website/4752_933149226560fb705ce4fd.jpgDate: 25th September 2015 Location: Loch Eishort, Skye, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072284.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3303356824bf6d8348d6bb.jpgVestre Jakobselv, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway Vestre Jakobselv is a small village located on the southern coast of the Varanger peninsula at the mouth of the river Jakobselva in Vadsø municipality in Finnmark county in north east Norway. The village lies along the European route E75 about 11 miles west of Vadsø and the same distance east of the village of Nesseby in neighboring Nesseby municipality. Date: 11th April 2010 Location: Vestre Jakobselv harbour, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41205434.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11190949895eb96e45776f1.jpgMagpie The Eurasian Magpie, often simply known as the Magpie, is one of several birds in the crow family Corvidae designated as a Magpie. In Europe, Magpie is generally used by English speakers to describe the Eurasian Magpie. The only other species in Europe is the Iberian Magpie or Azure-winged Magpie which is limited to the Iberian peninsula. The adult male Magpie is 17 to 18 inches in length, of which more than half is the tail. The wingspan is 20 to 24 inches. The head, neck and breast are glossy black with a metallic green and violet sheen, the belly and scapulars are pure white, the wings are black glossed with green or purple and the primaries have white inner webs, conspicuous when the wing is open. The graduated tail is black, glossed with green and reddish purple. The legs and bill are black and the iris is dark brown. The plumage of the sexes is similar but the female is slightly smaller. The young resemble the adults but are at first without much of the gloss on the sooty plumage and the tail is much shorter. The Magpie can be found across temperate Eurasia from Spain and Ireland in the west to the Kamchatka Peninsula in the east. It has also been introduced in Japan on the island of Kyushu. The preferred habitat of the Magpie is open countryside with scattered trees and it is normally absent from treeless areas and dense forests. It sometimes breeds at high densities in suburban settings such as parks and gardens and it can often be found close to the centre of cities. The Magpie is normally sedentary and spends winters close to its breeding areas but birds living near the northern limit of their range in Scandinavia and Russia can move south in harsh weather. Some Magpies breed after their first year whilst others remain in non-breeding flocks and first breed in their second year. The Magpie is monogamous and pairs often remain together from one breeding season to the next and generally occupy the same territory in successive years. Mating takes place in spring. In the courtship display, males rapidly raise and depress their head feathers, uplift, open and close their tails like fans and call in soft tones quite distinct from their usual chatter. The loose feathers of the flanks are brought over the primaries, and the shoulder patch is spread so the white is conspicuous, presumably to attract females. Short buoyant flights and chases follow. The Magpie prefers tall trees for their bulky nest, firmly attaching them to a central fork in the upper branches. A framework of sticks is cemented with earth and clay and a lining of the same is covered with fine roots. Above is a stout though loosely built dome of prickly branches with a single well concealed entrance. These huge nests are conspicuous when the leaves fall. Where trees are scarce, though even in well-wooded country, nests are at times built in bushes and hedgerows. In Europe, the eggs are typically laid in April and clutches usually contain 5 or 6 eggs. The eggs are incubated for 21 to 22 days by the female who is fed on the nest by the male. The chicks are brooded by the female for the first 5 to 10 days and fed by both parents. The nestlings open their eyes 7 to 8 days after hatching and their body feathers start to appear after around 8 days and the primary wing feathers after 10 days. Fledging takes place at around 27 days and the parents then continue to feed the young for several more weeks. The parents also protect the young from predators since their ability to fly is poor, making them vulnerable. On average, only 3 or 4 chicks survive to fledge successfully. Some nests are lost to predators but an important factor causing nestling mortality is starvation. Eggs hatch asynchronously and if the parents have difficulty finding sufficient food, the last chicks to hatch are unlikely to survive. The Magpie is omnivorous, eating young birds and eggs, small mammals, insects, scraps and carrion, acorns, grain and other vegetable substances. The Magpie is believed not only to be among the most intelligent of birds but among the most intelligent of all animals. Along with the Jackdaw, the Magpie's nidopallium area of the brain is approximately the same relative size as those in Chimpanzees and humans. Like other corvids, such as the Raven and Carrion crow, the total brain-to-body mass ratio is equal to most great apes and cetaceans. A 2004 review suggests that the intelligence of the corvid family to which the Magpie belongs is equivalent to that of great apes (Chimpanzees, Orangutans and Gorillas) in terms of social cognition, causal reasoning, flexibility, imagination and prospection. The Magpie has an extremely large range and a very large population. The population trend in Europe has been stable since 1980 and there is no evidence of any serious overall decline in numbers so the species is classified by the IUCN as being of “Least Concern”. In Europe, the Magpie has been historically demonized by humans, mainly as a result of folklore, superstition and myth and its reputation as an omen of ill fortune. The Magpie has also been attacked for their role as a predator which includes eating other birds' eggs and their young. However, different studies have reached different conclusions on their impact on the populations of other birds. Date: 30th April 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24901652.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_74379403955a4cf300918c.jpgCommon Seals Common Seals feed at sea but regularly haul out on to rocky shores or inter-tidal sandbanks to rest, to give birth and to suckle their pups. The most important haul-out areas are around the coast of Scotland, particularly in the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland, and on the east coast of England in the Wash. Date: 22nd June 2015 Location: Loch Fleet, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24901491.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9990256655a4cca122f2e.jpgHerring Gull Herring Gulls are large, noisy gulls and can be found throughout the year around coasts. During winter they can also be found inland around rubbish tips, fields, large reservoirs and lakes. Herring Gulls usually breed in colonies at coastal sites around the UK including cliffs with grassy slopes, shingle beaches, small islands and rooftops in seaside towns. Date: 22nd June 2015 Location: Loch Fleet, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/silver-y https://images.on-this.website/4752_953394464467ea642f2d9a.jpgSilver Y Flight period: April to October. The Silver Y is a well-known immigrant moth which can turn up in thousands under the right conditions especially at coastal migration watch-points. They can be seen by day as well as at night and can occur anywhere in the UK. In autumn the breeding population from spring migrants is swelled by further immigration. Date: 31st July 2006 Location: EWT Langdon Conservation Centre, Dunton, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/libearty-bear-sanctuary-zrneti-braov https://images.on-this.website/4752_1205095285d3089d13894d.jpgLibearty Bear Sanctuary, Zărneşti, Brașov County, Romania Libearty Bear Sanctuary covers an area of around 0.25 square miles of oak and hazel forest 6 miles north east of the town of Zărnești in central Romania. Libearty Bear Sanctuary is dedicated to Maya, a Brown Bear discovered by a Romanian woman, Cristina Lapis, in 1998 in a filthy cage with metal bars and cement floor in the courtyard of a hotel near Bran Castle. For 4 years, Cristina and her husband travelled around 40 miles every day to feed Maya and spend time with her. Although her health improved, Maya sadly died in March 2002 but Cristina’s experience inspired her to create Libearty Bear Sanctuary. Libearty Bear Sanctuary was created because of the need to rescue over 50 bears found suffering in small and rusted cages around the country where they had been used as pets or as attractions for restaurants and petrol stations. The bears were all caught from the wild as cubs and had lived all their lives in confined cages with a poor diet and little or no veterinary care. This practice of keeping captive bears was illegal in Romania but until the sanctuary was created the authorities were unable to confiscate these bears due to the lack of facilities available to care for such rescued animals. The land for Libearty Bear Sanctuary was donated by the Municipality of Zarnesti and funding was provided from a variety of sources, including from the World Society for the Protection of Animals (now renamed as World Animal Protection) who also designed the sanctuary and helped train the staff. The construction of Libearty Bear Sanctuary started in 2005 and today there are around 70 to 100 rescued Brown Bears living in several large forested enclosures. These forested areas contain large fresh water pools, hibernation dens and hundreds of trees with lush natural vegetation. The bears have a choice whether to stay inside the forested areas or come out to rest or forage in the open meadow areas and pools. For many of them, having been caught from the wild as cubs, this is a new and stimulating experience. The day-to-day management of the sanctuary, including the rescue and care of the bears and all general maintenance around the sanctuary, is undertaken by Cristina Lapis’s organisation, Milioane de Prieteni (Millions of Friends), which is based in Brașov. A large central building contains staff areas, storage and preparation areas for food for the bears, the veterinary clinic and a number of quarantine dens for new or sick bears. Although the bears feed on the natural vegetation, nuts and berries available in the forest they do need additional food and the sanctuary staff distribute a large amount of fruit and vegetables each day around the enclosures. Organised tours of visitors can be guided around the sanctuary while being told the story of the Brown Bear rescues. The sanctuary is not a zoo and the welfare of the bears is the priority but many bears can be seen by visitors near to the enclosure fences. The Libearty Bear Sanctuary has helped to create better awareness of the issues affecting Brown Bears in Romania and the public, the media and also the authorities have now taken this project to their hearts. The sanctuary has given new life to once captive bears and it is a symbol of optimism for the protection of Romania’s rich natural environment. In 2007 Romania joined the European Union and that brought new laws to the country including the EU Zoos Directive. This required that all zoos in Romania had to comply with certain standards of animal management. Many zoos could not comply and the bears in these zoos faced euthanasia but were saved by being re-homed at the Libearty Bear Sanctuary. Date: 6th June 2018 Location: tribute to Maya, Libearty Bear Sanctuary, Zărneşti, Brașov County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41524228.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5015430975f3a6ac486c59.jpgCommon Blue Flight period: June to September. The Common Blue is the UK’s most widespread and common blue butterfly although it has suffered some local declines due to habitat loss. They can be found in sunny, sheltered areas including downland, roadside verges, woodland clearings and rural gardens. Date: 1st August 2020 Location, Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072361.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14356544044bf6e0df9855f.jpgTana bru to Hoyholmen, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway Date: 14th April 2010 Location: view from road 890 between Tana bru and Hoyholmen, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871638.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19047240774eff1fe3efd53.jpgHamningberg to Sandfjord, Varanger peninsula, Norway Date: 27th May 2009 Location: view from coastal road between Hamningberg and Sandfjord, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29487052.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_191157452758107d8799e3d.jpgWild Brown Bear Centre, near Vartius, Kainuu, Finland The [url=http://www.wildbrownbear.fi/]Wild Brown Bear Centre[/url] is located in the wilderness taiga forest area near Vartius close to the Finland-Russia border. During May, June, July and August, 22 photography and observation hides can be occupied between 5 p.m. and 7 a.m. The hides are approached by about a half mile walk through the forest from the main lodge and they each accommodate 2 to 3 people. They are situated in a small open wetland area, near a small pond and inside a pine forest clearing. Please see my [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/trip-report-estonia-and-north]trip report[/url] for further information. Date: 24th May 2016 Location: Wild Brown Bear Centre, near Vartius, Kainuu, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/portuairk-highland https://images.on-this.website/4752_1428411780542279b3d805e.jpgPortuairk, Ardnamurchan, Highland Portuairk is a crofting township at the western end of the Ardnamurchan peninsula overlooking Sanna Bay and the islands of Skye, Rhum, Eigg and Muck and the most westerly settlement on the UK mainland. Date: 7th September 2014 Location: view from the unclassified road north from Kilchoan http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29240088.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_61859828157eb966d5567f.jpgCamas Rubha a' Mhurain, Portnaluchaig, Highland The B8008 coastal road north from Arisaig passes through Portnaluchaig and offers views of the sandy bay of Camas Rubha a' Mhurain and the islands of Eigg and Rhum beyond. Date: 22nd September 2016 Location: view from B8008 road north of Arisaig http://www.richardchewphotography.com/bittern https://images.on-this.website/4752_12337075584d03d07e8d486.jpgBittern The Bittern, Eurasian Bittern or Great Bittern is a bird in the bittern sub-family of the heron family. Its folk names, often local, include many variations on the themes of "barrel-maker", "bog-bull", "bog hen", "bog-trotter", "bog-bumper", "mire drum(ble)", "butter bump", "bitter bum", "bog blutter", "bog drum", "boom bird", "bottle-bump", "bull of the bog", "bull of the mire", "bumpy cors" and "heather blutter". Most of these were onomatopoeic colloquial names for the bird. The call was described as "bumping" or "booming" and mire and bog denoted the bird's habitat. As its alternative name of Great Bittern suggests, the Bittern is the largest of the bitterns with males being slightly larger than females. It is 27 to 32 inches in length with a 39 to 51 inches wingspan. The crown and nape are black with the individual feathers rather long and loosely arranged and tipped with buff narrowly barred with black. The sides of the head and neck are a more uniform tawny-buff and irregularly barred with black. The mantle, scapulars and back are of a similar colour but are more heavily barred, the individual feathers having black centres and barring. The head has a yellowish-buff superciliary stripe and a brownish-black moustachial stripe. The sides of the neck are a rusty-brown with faint barring. The chin and throat are buff, the central feathers on the throat having longitudinal stripes of rusty-brown. The breast and belly are yellowish-buff with broad stripes of brown at the side and narrow stripes in the centre. The tail is rusty-buff with black streaks in the centre and black mottling near the edge. The wings are pale rusty-brown and irregularly barred, streaked and mottled with black. The plumage has a loose texture and elongated feathers on the crown, neck and breast can be erected. The powerful bill is greenish-yellow with a darker tip to the upper mandible. The eye has a yellow iris and is surrounded by a ring of greenish or bluish bare skin. The legs and feet are greenish, with some yellow on the tarsal joint and yellow soles to the feet. Juveniles have similar plumage to adults but are somewhat paler with less distinct markings. The mating call or contact call of the male Bittern is a deep, fog-horn or bull-like boom with a quick rise and an only slightly longer fall, easily audible from a distance of 3 miles on a calm night. The call is mainly given between January and April during the mating season. Surveys of Bitterns are carried out by noting the number of distinct male booms in a given area. Prior to modern science, it was unknown how such a small bird produced a call so low-pitched. Common explanations suggested that the bird made its call into a straw or that it blew directly into the water. It is now known that the sound is produced by expelling air from the oesophagus with the aid of powerful muscles surrounding it. Usually solitary, the Bittern forages in reed beds by walking stealthily or remaining still above a body of water where prey may occur. It is a shy bird and if it is disturbed it will often point its bill directly upwards and freezes in that position, causing its cryptic plumage to blend into the surrounding reeds. The Bittern has a secretive nature and keeps largely hidden in reeds and coarse vegetation. Occasionally, especially in hard winter weather, it will stand in the open beside the water's edge, although usually close to cover to facilitate a hasty retreat. In flight, the Bittern’s wings can be seen to be broad and rounded and its legs trail behind it in typical heron fashion. Its neck is extended when it takes off but is retracted when it has picked up speed. It seldom flies however and prefers to move through the vegetation stealthily on foot. Its gait is slow and deliberate and it can clamber over reeds by gripping several at a time with its toes. It is most active at dawn and dusk but also sometimes forages by day. The breeding range of the Bittern extends across temperate parts of Europe and Asia from the UK, Sweden and Finland eastwards to Sakhalin Island in eastern Siberia and Hokkaido Island in Japan. The northern limit of its range is in the Ural Mountains and eastern Siberia whilst the southern limit is the Mediterranean Sea, the Black Sea, Iran, Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia and northern China. Small resident populations also breed in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. Some populations are sedentary and stay in the same areas throughout the year. More northerly populations usually migrate to warmer regions but some birds often remain. Birds in northern Europe tend to move south and west to southern Europe, north and central Africa and northern Asian birds migrate to parts of the Arabian peninsula, the Indian sub-continent and eastern China. In the UK, the Bittern can be found all year round at suitable wetlands, particularly in East Anglia, south east England and south west England. It is most visible in winter. In recent years, the Bittern has become a regular winter visitor to the London Wetland Centre, enabling city residents to view this scare bird. The Bittern is typically found in reed beds and swamps as well as lakes, lagoons and sluggish rivers fringed by rank vegetation. It sometimes nests by ponds in agricultural areas and even quite near habitations where suitable habitat exists but it prefers large reed beds of at least 50 acres in which to breed. Outside the breeding season it has less restrictive habitat requirements and, in addition to reed beds, it can also be found in rice fields, watercress beds, fish farms, gravel pits, sewage works, ditches, flooded areas and marshes. Males are polygamous and mate with up to 5 females. The nest is built in the previous year's standing reeds and consists of an untidy platform some 12 inches across. It may be on a tussock surrounded by water or on matted roots close to water and it is built by the female using bits of reed, sedges and grass stalks with a lining of finer fragments. The clutch of 4 to 6 eggs is laid in late March and April and incubated by the female for about 26 days. After hatching, the chicks spend about 2 weeks in the nest before leaving to swim amongst the reeds. The female rears them without help from the male, regurgitating food from her crop. The chicks become fully fledged at about 8 weeks. The Bittern feeds on fish, small mammals, amphibians and invertebrates, hunting along the reed margins in shallow water. Some vegetable matter such as aquatic plants is also consumed. The Bittern has a very wide range and a large total population and therefore the IUCN has assessed its overall conservation status as being of "Least Concern” because although the population trend is downward, the rate of decline is insufficient to justify rating it in a more threatened category. The chief threat that the Bittern faces is the drainage and disturbance of its wetland habitats. Date: 15th November 2010 Location: Strumpshaw Fen RSPB reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41524238.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4778121675f3a6ae2c2b52.jpgGatekeeper Flight period: mid-July to early September. The Gatekeeper or Hedge Brown is common and widespread throughout the southern half of the UK. They can be found in areas with hedgerows or in scrubby woodland with wide and sunny rides. Date: 1st August 2020 Location, Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/xxx https://images.on-this.website/4752_8110881694ec8da3c6e089.jpgDate: 9th November 2011 Location: Loch Scridain, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42202653.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9188700845ff310798a4f2.jpgBrown Bear The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, Ursus arctos arctos. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an evening visit with [url=https://www.karhujenkatselu.fi/en-gb]Karhu-Kuusamo[/url] Date: 7th July 2019 Location: Kuntilampi, near Kuusamo, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29487285.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_197397659658107ee05d91a.jpgHelsinki archipelago, Helsinki, Finland Known as the "Daughter of the Baltic", Helsinki is located on the tip of a peninsula facing south to an archipelago of around 330 islands. Major islands include Pihlajasaari, Seurasaari, Vallisaari, Lauttasaari and Korkeasaari. Other noteworthy islands are the fortress island of Suomenlinna, the military island of Santahamina and Isosaari. The Helsinki archipelago provides a getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city for both residents and tourists. Date: 29th May 2016 Location: view from the Strömma archipelago and canal boat trip from Helsinki, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11805624.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_558573434e3a69e676aa6.jpgCommon Blue Flight period: June to September. The Common Blue is the UK’s most widespread and common blue butterfly although it has suffered some local declines due to habitat loss. They can be found in sunny, sheltered areas including downland, roadside verges, woodland clearings and rural gardens. Date: 2nd August 2011 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/valtavaara-near-kuusamo-finland https://images.on-this.website/4752_12048538564eff20f16930e.jpgValtavaara, near Kuusamo, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland Date: 31st May 2009 Location: Valtavaara, near Kuusamo, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13593652.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3683545164ec8dabbce3ff.jpgSound of Iona, Argyll The Sound Of Iona is the stretch of water between Fionnphort, a village at the western end of the Ross of Mull, and the island of Iona which is crossed several times a day by the CalMac passenger ferry. Date: 10th November 2011 Location: view from Fionnphort http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41249165.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4889998955f00b388dc8ad.jpgFulmar The (Northern) Fulmar is a highly abundant seabird found primarily in subarctic regions of the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans. Though similar in appearance to gulls, the 2 species of fulmars (Northern and Southern) are in fact members of a different seabird family which include petrels and shearwaters. The Fulmar’s latin name, Fulmarus glacialis can be broken down to the Old Norse word full meaning "foul" and mar meaning "gull". "Foul-gull" is in reference to its stomach oil and also its superficial similarity to gulls. Finally, glacialis is Latin for "glacial" reflecting its extreme northern range. The Fulmar is generally grey and white with a pale yellow and thick bill and bluish legs. However there is both a light morph and a dark morph. Like other petrels, their walking ability is limited but they are strong fliers with a stiff wing action quite unlike the gulls. The Fulmar also looks bull-necked compared to gulls and it has a short stubby bill. The Fulmar is estimated to have between 15 to 30 million mature individuals that occupy a range of around 11 million square miles. Its range increased greatly last century due to the availability of fish offal from commercial fleets but may contract because of less food from this source and climate change. The population increase has been especially notable in the UK. The Fulmar starts breeding at between 6 and 12 years old. It is monogamous, forms long term pair bonds, returns to the same nest site year after year and nests in large colonies. The nest is a scrape on a grassy cliff ledge or a saucer of vegetation on the ground lined with softer material and recently they have started nesting on rooftops and buildings. The Fulmar feeds on shrimp, fish, squid, plankton, jellyfish and carrion as well as refuse. When eating fish, it will dive up to several feet deep to retrieve its prey. Date: 22nd June 2020 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871700.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2132664224eff20cbbba96.jpgToivoniemi area, Lappi, Finland Date: 30th May 2009 Location: north of Kaamanen, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41249164.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6847285595f00b38000ec5.jpgFulmar The (Northern) Fulmar is a highly abundant seabird found primarily in subarctic regions of the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans. Though similar in appearance to gulls, the 2 species of fulmars (Northern and Southern) are in fact members of a different seabird family which include petrels and shearwaters. The Fulmar’s latin name, Fulmarus glacialis can be broken down to the Old Norse word full meaning "foul" and mar meaning "gull". "Foul-gull" is in reference to its stomach oil and also its superficial similarity to gulls. Finally, glacialis is Latin for "glacial" reflecting its extreme northern range. The Fulmar is generally grey and white with a pale yellow and thick bill and bluish legs. However there is both a light morph and a dark morph. Like other petrels, their walking ability is limited but they are strong fliers with a stiff wing action quite unlike the gulls. The Fulmar also looks bull-necked compared to gulls and it has a short stubby bill. The Fulmar is estimated to have between 15 to 30 million mature individuals that occupy a range of around 11 million square miles. Its range increased greatly last century due to the availability of fish offal from commercial fleets but may contract because of less food from this source and climate change. The population increase has been especially notable in the UK. The Fulmar starts breeding at between 6 and 12 years old. It is monogamous, forms long term pair bonds, returns to the same nest site year after year and nests in large colonies. The nest is a scrape on a grassy cliff ledge or a saucer of vegetation on the ground lined with softer material and recently they have started nesting on rooftops and buildings. The Fulmar feeds on shrimp, fish, squid, plankton, jellyfish and carrion as well as refuse. When eating fish, it will dive up to several feet deep to retrieve its prey. Date: 22nd June 2020 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21955721.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_183608340053da22b82f956.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Staple Island, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071714.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_715862628664339a362a5e.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 5th May 2024 Location: RWT Gilfach, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/sands-of-meal-shetland https://images.on-this.website/4752_309424464681c4fb07559.jpgSands of Meal, Shetland Near Hamnavoe on the island of Trondra are the Sands of Meal, one of Shetland's finest beaches. Date: June 2003 Location: view from Meal on the unclassified road south of Hamnavoe http://www.richardchewphotography.com/coigach-mountains-wester-ross https://images.on-this.website/4752_18753505274e09757176376.jpgCoigach mountains, Wester Ross Height: Ben More Coigach 2493 feet. The Coigach mountains are located at the eastern end of the peninsula north of Ullapool and Loch Broom. Date: 12th June 2011 Location: view from the A835 road at Drumrunie http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46535276.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_46642100862caa764853cf.jpgMarbled White Flight period: July to August The Marbled White is a very distinctive black and white butterfly that is widespread in southern England and expanding its range northwards and eastwards. They can be found in unimproved grassland, coastal grassland, roadside verges and railway embankments. Date: 6th July 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26270499.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1129863527566553b675ebc.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 4th December 2015 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14155715.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12005571324f3cc5de0ade0.jpgFieldfare The Fieldfare is a member of the thrush family which is very similar to a Mistle Thrush in general size, shape and behaviour. It has a slate grey crown, neck and rump, a plain brown back, dark wings, blackish tail and white underwings. The breast and flanks are heavily speckled. The breast has a reddish wash and the rest of the underparts are white. The sexes are similar in appearance but the females are slightly more brown. The male has a simple chattering song and the birds have various guttural flight and alarm calls. The Fieldfare is a migratory species with a Palearctic distribution. It breeds in north Norway, north Sweden, Finland, the Baltic states, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland and in to Asia. In the summer the Fieldfare frequents mixed woodland of birch, alder, pine, spruce and fir, often near marshes, moorland or other open ground. It does not avoid the vicinity of humans and can be seen in cultivated areas, orchards, parks and gardens. It also inhabits open tundra and the slopes of hills above the tree line. It often breeds in small colonies, possibly for protection from predators. The first known breeding of the Fieldfare in the UK was in 1967 when a pair nested in Orkney. Very small numbers have continued nesting fairly regularly in Scotland. The winter range extends through west Europe, including the UK, south Europe and north Africa although it is uncommon in the Mediterranean region. Eastern populations migrate to Anatolia, Israel, Iran and north west India. Migrating and wintering Fieldfares often form large flocks, often in the company of Redwings. In the winter, the Fieldfare can be found in open country, agricultural land, orchards, open woodland and gardens. It is nomadic, wandering wherever there is an abundance of berries and insects. Later in the year it moves on to pastureland and cultivated fields. The Fieldfare is omnivorous. Animal food in the diet includes snails and slugs, earthworms, spiders and insects such as beetles and their larvae, flies and grasshoppers. In the autumn ripened berries such as hawthorn, holly, rowan, yew, juniper, dog rose, cotoneaster, pyracantha and berberis are eaten. In addition, windfall apples, grain and seeds are eaten. When these are exhausted, or in particularly harsh weather, the birds may move to marshes or even the foreshore where molluscs can be found. Date: 7th February 2012 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801030.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_84813330164ed9be29b945.jpgRed Admiral Flight period: April to November. The Red Admiral is a familiar and widespread butterfly in the UK although numbers depend on immigration from Europe. It can be found in any flower-rich habitat. Date: 7th July 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/loch-sunart-argyll https://images.on-this.website/4752_924258380467f22e88c229.jpgLoch Sunart, Argyll Loch Sunart is a sea loch in the Western Highlands extending almost 20 miles westwards from Glen Tarbert before opening out into the Sound of Mull. Loch Sunart separates the areas of Ardnamurchan and Sunart to the north from Morvern in the south. Date: 25th December 2005 Location: view from the B8007 road near Glenmore http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081449.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_103409211963a8456501399.jpgMute Swan The Mute Swan is a species of swan native to much of Eurasia. Despite its Eurasian origin, its closest relatives are the Black Swan of Australia and the Black-necked Swan of south America, not the other Northern Hemisphere swans such as the Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan. The name “mute” derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. The adult Mute Swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob at the top of the beak. All Mute Swans are white at maturity although the feathers (particularly on the head and neck) are often stained orange-brown by iron and tannins in the water. Young birds (cygnets) are not the bright white colour of mature adults and their bill is dull greyish-black for the first year. The plumage may range from pure white to grey to buff with grey/buff being the most common. Cygnets typically retain their grey/buff feathers until they are at least 1 year old. On average, the Mute Swan is the second largest waterfowl species after the Trumpeter Swan although the male Mute Swan can easily match or even exceed a male Trumpeter Swan in mass. The adult Mute Swan typically ranges from 55 to 63 inches in length (although it can range in extreme cases from 49 to 67 inches) with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. Males (cobs) are larger than females (pens) and have a larger knob on their bill. The Mute Swan is one of the heaviest flying birds. In several studies from the UK, males were found to average from about 23.4 to 26.2 pounds, with a weight range of 20 to 32 pounds, while the slightly smaller females were found to average about 18.7 to 21.3 pounds, with a weight range of 17 to 23 pounds. The Mute Swan is less vocal than the noisy Bewick's Swan and Whooper Swan although it does make a variety of grunting, hoarse whistling and snorting noises, especially in communicating with their cygnets and threatening competitors or intruders trying to enter their territory. The most familiar sound associated with the Mute Swan is the vibrant throbbing of the wings in flight which is unique to the species and this can be heard from a range of up to 1 mile. The Mute Swan is found naturally mainly in the temperate areas of Europe across west Asia and as far east as Primorsky Krai in the far east of Russia. It is partially migratory throughout the northern latitudes in Europe and Asia as far south as north Africa and the Mediterranean. It is also often kept in captivity outside its natural range as a decoration for parks and ponds and escapes have occurred. The descendants of such birds have become naturalised in east USA and the Great Lakes region across the USA and Canada border. The Mute Swan population in the UK has increased recently probably due to better protection of this species. Some birds are resident all year whilst others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into east England. Mute Swans nest on large mounds that they build with waterside vegetation in shallow water on islands in the middle or at the very edge of a lake. It is a monogamous species and often reuses the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Males and females share the care of the nest. The female lays from 4 to 10 eggs and broods for around 36 days. Cygnets are unable to fly before an age of 120 to 150 days and this limits the distribution of the species in the northern edge of its range since the cygnets must learn to fly before the water freezes. The Mute Swan is usually strongly territorial with just a single pair on smaller lakes although in a few locations where a large area of suitable feeding habitat is found they can be colonial. The largest colonies can hold over 100 pairs such as that at the colony at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset in the UK. Non-mated juveniles up to 3 to 4 years old commonly form larger flocks often at regular traditional sites and these can total several hundred birds. The Mute Swan can be very aggressive in defence of its nest and it is highly protective of its mate and offspring. Most defensive attacks from a Mute Swan begin with a loud hiss and, if this is not sufficient to drive off the predator, are followed by a physical attack. It attacks by smashing at its enemy with bony spurs in the wings accompanied by biting with its large bill. Smaller waterbirds such as ducks are normally grabbed with the bill and dragged or thrown clear. Large waterfowl, such as the Canada Goose, more likely out of competition than in response to potential predation, may be aggressively driven off. The wings of the Mute Swan are very powerful although not strong enough to break an adult man's leg as has been claimed anecdotally. The Mute Swan feeds on a wide range of vegetation, both submerged aquatic plants which they reach with their long necks and by grazing on land. The food commonly includes agricultural crop plants such as oilseed rape and wheat and feeding flocks in the winter may cause significant crop damage, often as much through trampling with their large webbed feet as through direct consumption. Date: 9th January 2022 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/ben-more-coigach-stac-pollaidh https://images.on-this.website/4752_139632967553d108b1edd27.jpgBen More Coigach, Stac Pollaidh and Cul Beag, Highland Height: Ben More Coigach 2493 feet, Stac Pollaidh 2009 feet and Cul Beag 2523 feet The Coigach mountains are located at the eastern end of the peninsula north of Ullapool and Loch Broom. Date: 19th June 2014 Location: view from the A835 between Drumrunie and Ullapool http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801265.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_58538151564edb31551eac.jpgBrown Argus Flight period: May to September. The Brown Argus is always brown but confusingly belongs to the group of "blue" butterflies! They are usually found on chalk and limestone grassland in south east England but may also occur in a wide variety of other habitats such as heathland, coastal dunes, woodland clearings and road verges. Date: 26th July 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40755781.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10097554855e2043af6474b.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle Goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 8th December 2019 Location: Workum area, Friesland, Netherlands http://www.richardchewphotography.com/suomussalmi-to-kuusamo-kainuupohjois-pohjanmaa https://images.on-this.website/4752_182819699158107e3286c23.jpgSuomussalmi to Kuusamo, Kainuu/Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland Date: 24th May 2016 Location: view from road 5 between Suomussalmi and Kuusamo, Kainuu/Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45949010.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10744273976284b3bd4e3d6.jpgBullfinch The male Bullfinch is unmistakable with a bright pinkish-red breast and cheeks, grey back, black cap and tail and bright white rump. The flash of the rump in flight and the sad call note are usually the first signs of Bullfinches being present. Bullfinches can be found throughout most of the UK but their localised and declining populations make it a Red List species. Bullfinches can be seen all the year round and breed in broad-leaved woodland, thickets, hedgerows, orchards and mature gardens. Date: 25th April 2022 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17408583.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19254902035133290f0e35e.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 15th January 2013 Location: Mersehead RSPB reserve, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32708947.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1085052659ad26a16a2ba0.98615122.jpgHortobágy National Park, Hajdú-Bihar county, Hungary Hortobágy National Park (Hortobágy Nemzeti Park) is a national park in eastern Hungary. It is part of the vast Great Hungarian Plain which occupies southern and eastern Hungary, some parts of the eastern Slovakian lowlands, south west Ukraine, western Romania, northern Serbia and eastern Croatia. Hortobágy National Park was designated as a national park in 1972 (the first in Hungary), and as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. It is Hungary's largest protected area. At the time of designation, the area of the National Park was 289 square miles but since then it has been extended to almost 315 square miles. Around 25% of its area has international protection under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance. The entire Hortobágy National Park is part of the Natura 2000 network of the European Union in which Special Protected Areas and Special Areas of Conservation have been designated in a way that they contain and encompass the area of the National Park including organically connected or separate grassland mosaic areas that are outside the National Park. The protection thus ensured by the Natura 2000 areas provides an appropriate basis for the establishment of a buffer zone. A conservational management plan for the Hortobágy National Park was prepared in 1997. Hortobágy National Park contains the largest continuous natural grassland in Europe and the second largest steppe area west of the Ural Mountains. It has outstanding natural features and maintains great biological diversity in respect of species and habitats. It is a unique example of the harmonious coexistence of people and nature based on the considerate use of the land. A major part of the area of the Hortobágy National Park is formed by natural habitats, principally alkaline grasslands (puszta), meadows and the marshes lying between them. From the point of view of nature conservation, the artificial wetlands, which cover a much smaller area, are of considerable importance. These are the fish ponds created during the last century on the worst quality grazing lands and marshes. The Hortobágy National Park is one of Europe’s greatest lowland birding areas containing nesting habitats and migration sites of European significance. The Hortobágyi-Halastó complex just to the west of Hortobágy village is arguably the best site to explore and contains waterbodies of various sizes from small fish ponds to huge lakes. Over 340 bird species have been recorded in the Hortobágy National Park, of which over 150 species breed. For UK birders, it is particularly exciting since several “eastern” species can be found which are at the westernmost extent of their range. These are joined by a large number of temperate European and Mediterranean species. The symbol of the Hortobágy National Park is the Crane. One of the most spectacular sights is the autumn migration when tens of thousands of Cranes can be seen every October as they fly above the grasslands to their overnight roosting places. For thousands of years the wild animals grazing on the grasslands of the Hortobágy National Park, the Aurochs and wild horses, were gradually replaced by domesticated animals. A large number of Long-haired Sheep and Hungarian Grey Cattle can now be found here. Less ancient species are the Mangalica Pig and the Nonius Horse. In the Visitor Centre in Hortobágy village, visitors and tourists can get information and advice on what to see and what to do in the Hortobágy National Park and can also learn about its natural and cultural assets: its flora and fauna, the different natural phenomena, herdsmen’s traditions, craftsmen’s skills and local rare breeds. The Visitor Centre also sells the mandatory permits that are required to visit most of the protected areas. The Hortobágy-halastavi Kisvasút is a narrow gauge railway which runs through Hortobágyi-Halastó. It was built and commissioned in 1915 for the purpose of transporting fish food from the silo in Hortobágyi-Halastó to the fish ponds and transporting freshly caught fish in the opposite direction. The track formerly had a length of 22 miles and was temporarily decommissioned in 1960. Since 2007, the railway has been used as a tourist train. The track now runs for just 3 miles and provides access to the northern end of Hortobágyi-Halastó. A one-way trip lasts 23 minutes. Date: 19th May 2017 Location: south of Hortobágy towards Szásztelek, Hortobágy National Park, Hajdú-Bihar county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405386.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14770820646586d065c1b1e.jpgSmall Copper Flight period: April to October. The Small Copper is a common and widespread butterfly in the UK but has suffered a population decline due to change in land use and habitat loss. They are fond of warm and dry locations and can be found in a variety of habitats including heathland, unimproved grassland, woodland clearings, waste ground and gardens. Date: 30th September 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23526651.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11966212354ddc456e42a7.jpgDark-bellied Brent Geese The Brent Goose belongs to the [I]Branta[/I] genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the [I]Anser[/I] genus of grey geese. [I]Branta[/I] is a Latinised form of Old Norse [I]brandgás[/I], meaning "burnt (black) goose", and [i]bernicla[/i] is the medieval Latin name for the barnacle. The Brent Goose and the similar Barnacle Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be the same creature as the crustacean, a myth that can be dated back to at least the 12th century. The Brent Goose, [I]Branta bernicla[/I] is divided into 3 sub-species: Dark-bellied Brent Goose [I]B. b. bernicla[/I], Pale-bellied Brent Goose [i]B. b. hrota[/i] (sometimes also known as Light-bellied Brent Goose) and Black Brant [i]B. b. nigricans[/i]. Some DNA evidence suggests that these forms are genetically distinct and a split into 3 separate species has been proposed. However, other evidence upholds their maintenance as a single species. The Brent Goose is a small goose, 22 to 26 inches long with a wingspan of 42 to 48 inches. The under-tail is pure white and the tail black and very short (the shortest of any goose). The Dark-bellied Brent Goose is fairly uniformly dark grey-brown all over and the flanks and belly are not significantly paler than the back. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds on the Arctic coasts of central and west Siberia and winters in west Europe with over half the population in south England and the rest between north Germany and north west France. The Pale-bellied Brent Goose appears blackish-brown and light grey in colour and the flanks and belly are significantly paler than the back and present a marked contrast. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds in Franz Josef Land, Svalbard, Greenland and north east Canada and winters in Denmark, north east England, Ireland and the Atlantic coast of the USA from Maine to Georgia as well as in a small but significant area in north France. The Black Brant appears blackish-brown and white in colour. This sub-species is very contrastingly black and white with a uniformly dark sooty-brown back, similarly-coloured underparts (with the dark colour extending furthest back of the 3 sub-species) and a prominent white flank patch. It also has a larger white neck patch which forms an almost complete collar. It breeds in north west Canada, Alaska and east Siberia and winters mostly on the west coast of north America from south Alaska to California but also in east Asia, mainly Japan. It sometimes appears as a vagrant in Europe when it associates with the other Brent Goose species. The Brent Goose used to be a strictly coastal bird in winter, seldom leaving tidal estuaries where it feeds on eel-grass and seaweed. In recent decades, it has started using agricultural land a short distance inland, feeding extensively on grass and winter-sown cereals. This may be behaviour learned by following other species of geese. Food resource pressure may also be important in forcing this change since the world population increased over 10-fold by the mid-1980s, possibly reaching the carrying capacity of the estuaries. In the breeding season, the Brent Goose uses low-lying wet coastal tundra for both breeding and feeding. The nest is bowl-shaped, lined with grass and down and located in an elevated position often near a small pond. The Brent Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds applies. Date: 26th January 2015 Location: Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23408454.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_38585456154c20b9ab0d23.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 3rd January 2015 Location: Mersehead RSPB reserve, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11159450.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20764429354e15836fdd0b5.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 3rd November 2008 Location: Loch Gruinart, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41349643.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6560474325f20091aa5f1a.jpgMarbled White Flight period: July to August The Marbled White is a very distinctive black and white butterfly that is widespread in southern England and expanding its range northwards and eastwards. They can be found in unimproved grassland, coastal grassland, roadside verges and railway embankments. Date: 25th June 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42524844.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12922786016098f42cd7dd8.jpgBlue Tit The Blue Tit is a small passerine bird in the tit family. It is easily recognisable by its generally blue and yellow plumage and its small size. The Blue Tit is about 4.7 inches long with a wingspan of 7.1 inches. It has an azure blue crown and a dark blue line passing through the eye and encircling the white cheeks to the chin, giving the bird a very distinctive appearance. The forehead and a bar on the wing are white. The nape, wings and tail are blue and the back is yellowish green. The underparts are mostly sulphur-yellow with a dark line down the abdomen. The bill is black and the legs bluish grey. The sexes are similar whilst young birds are noticeably more yellow. The Blue Tit is very agile and it can cling to the outermost branches and hang upside down when searching for food such as insects, caterpillars and seeds. The Blue Tit can be found throughout areas of the European continent with a mainly temperate or Mediterranean climate and in parts of the Middle East. In the UK it is common in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens and widespread across the whole of the country with the exception of some Scottish islands. The Blue Tit will nest in any suitable hole in a tree, wall or stump, often competing with other birds such as the House Sparrow or Great Tit for the site. In addition, it will readily accept an artificial nesting box. The same hole is returned to year after year and when one pair dies another takes possession. The nesting material is usually moss, wool, hair and feathers and the eggs are laid in April or May. The number in the clutch is often very large but 7 or 8 is normal. It is not unusual for a single bird to feed the chicks in the nest at a rate of one feed every 90 seconds during the height of the breeding season. Successful breeding is dependent on a sufficient supply of caterpillars as well as satisfactory weather. Breeding may be affected badly if the weather is cold and wet between May and July, particularly if this coincides with the emergence of the caterpillars on which the nestlings are fed. The small size of the Blue Tit makes it vulnerable to predation by larger birds and the typical lifespan is 3 years or less. The most significant predator is probably the Sparrowhawk, closely followed by the domestic cat. Nests may also be robbed by mammals such as the Weasel and Red and Grey Squirrels. Date: 27th March 2021 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42229284.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_548342387603e5d70c97b2.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 27th February 2021 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9588752.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7415138884db159cb1c4b0.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 10th February 2008 Location: Verulanium Park, St Albans, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40952814.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17751215875e5393226ebd9.jpgHerring Gull The Herring Gull is one of the best known of all gulls along the shores of Europe. Adults in breeding plumage have a grey back and upperwings and white head and underparts. The wingtips are black with white spots known as "mirrors". The bill is yellow with a red spot and there is a ring of bare yellow skin around the pale eye. The legs are normally pink at all ages but can be yellowish. Non-breeding adults have brown streaks on the head and neck. Male and female plumage is identical at all stages of development although adult males are often larger. Juvenile and first-winter birds are mainly brown with darker streaks and have a dark bill and eyes. Second-winter birds have a whiter head and underparts with less streaking and the back is grey. Third-winter individuals are similar to adults but retain some of the features of immature birds such as brown feathers in the wings and dark markings on the bill. The Herring Gull attains adult plumage and reaches sexual maturity at an average age of 4 years. The loud laughing call of the Herring Gull is well known and is often seen as a symbol of the seaside in countries such as the UK. It also has a yelping alarm call and a low barking anxiety call. Chicks and fledglings emit a distinctive, repetitive high-pitched 'peep', accompanied by a head-flicking gesture when begging for food from or calling to their parents. Adult gulls in urban areas will also exhibit this behaviour when fed by humans. The Herring Gull breeds across northern Europe, western Europe, central Europe, eastern Europe, Scandinavia and the Baltic states. Some, especially those resident in colder areas, migrate further south in winter but many are permanent residents such as in the UK or on the North Sea shores. While Herring Gull numbers appear to have been decreased in recent years, possibly by fish population declines and competition, they have proved able to survive in human-adapted areas and can often be seen in towns acting as a scavenger. The Herring Gull, like most gulls, is an omnivore and opportunist and will scavenge from garbage dumps, landfill sites and sewage outflows with refuse comprising up to half of the bird's diet. In addition, it will eat fish, crustaceans and dead animals as well as some plants and it will steal the eggs and young of other birds (including those of other gulls). The Herring Gull may also dive from the surface of the water or engage in plunge diving in the pursuit of aquatic prey although they are typically unable to reach any great depth due to their natural buoyancy. Date: 31st January 2020 Location: Kilmore Quay, Co. Wexford, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo441544.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_370650603467ee8939d66a.jpgDate: June 2003 Location: Duisdalebeg, Sleat, Skye http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18776278.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_64770197051f4cee71ce83.jpgRed Grouse The Red Grouse is a medium-sized bird of the grouse family which is found in heather moorland in the UK and Ireland. It is endemic to the UK and has developed in isolation. It is usually classified as a sub-species of the Willow Ptarmigan or Willow Grouse which is found in birch and other forests and moorlands in north Europe, the tundra of Scandinavia, Siberia, Alaska and north Canada. The Red Grouse is differentiated from the Willow Ptarmigan and Rock Ptarmigan by its plumage being reddish brown and not having a white winter plumage. The tail is black and the legs are white. There are white stripes on the underwing and red combs over the eye. Females are less reddish than the males and have less conspicuous combs. Young birds are duller and lack the red combs. The Red Grouse is found across most parts of Scotland, including Orkney, Shetland and most of the Outer Hebrides. It is only absent from urban areas such as in the Central Belt. In Wales there are strong populations of Red Grouse in some places but the range has retracted. It is now largely absent from the far south and the main strongholds are Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons and the Cambrian Mountains. In England the Red Grouse is mainly found in the north in areas such as the Lake District, Northumberland, County Durham, much of Yorkshire, the Pennines and the Peak District as far south as the Staffordshire Moorlands. There is an isolated introduced population on Dartmoor and overspill Welsh birds visit the Shropshire Hills.The typical habitat is upland heather moors away from trees. It can also be found in some low-lying bogs and birds may visit farmland during hard weather. The UK population of the Red Grouse is estimated at about 250,000 pairs. Numbers have declined in recent years and it is now absent in areas where it was once common. Reasons for the decline include disease, loss of heather due to overgrazing, creation of new conifer plantations and a decline in the number of upland gamekeepers. Some predators feed on Red Grouse and there is ongoing controversy as to what effect these have on numbers. The Red Grouse is herbivorous and feeds mainly on the shoots, seeds and flowers of heather. It will also feed on berries, cereal crops and sometimes insects. The Red Grouse is considered a game bird and is shot in large numbers during the shooting season which traditionally starts on August 12th (known as the Glorious Twelfth). Shooting can take the form of “walked up” (where shooters walk across the moor to flush grouse and take a shot) or “driven” (where grouse are driven, often in large numbers, by “beaters” towards the shooters who are hiding behind a line of “butts”). Many moors are managed to increase the density of Red Grouse. Areas of heather are subjected to controlled burning since this allows fresh young shoots to regenerate which are favoured by Red Grouse. In addition, extensive predator control is a feature of grouse moor management and the extent and legality to which it occurs is hotly contested between conservation groups and shooting interests and the subject generates a lot of media attention. The Red Grouse is widely known as the logo of The Famous Grouse whisky and an animated bird is a character in a series of its adverts. It is also the emblem of the magazine “British Birds”. Date: 20th June 2013 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37190335.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9055585455c2a230ad068c.jpgLoch Sunart, Ardnamurchan, Highland Loch Sunart is a sea loch in the Western Highlands extending almost 20 miles westwards from Glen Tarbert before opening out into the Sound of Mull. Loch Sunart separates the areas of Ardnamurchan and Sunart to the north from Morvern in the south. Date: 26th June 2018 Location: view from the Garbh Eilean wildlife hide near Strontian http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21959204.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_123127271453da640af31e2.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Inner Farne, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/handa-sutherland https://images.on-this.website/4752_10381127964681c4cd18431.jpgHanda, Sutherland Handa is an island located just offshore from Scourie with one of the largest seabird colonies in north west Europe. The Sound of Handa on the east side of the island contains 2 small sandy bays which are the places where the small ferry boat from Tarbet lands. Date: June 1999 Location: view from the east side of Handa http://www.richardchewphotography.com/october-2013-loch-sunart-ardnamurchan https://images.on-this.website/4752_175697683252cbcd6aa9ed1.jpgOctober 2013 - Loch Sunart, Ardnamurchan, Argyll Please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/photo19905592.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46830577.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_87620437962e8fadb1ece5.jpgGatekeeper Flight period: mid-July to early September. The Gatekeeper or Hedge Brown is common and widespread throughout the southern half of the UK. They can be found in areas with hedgerows or in scrubby woodland with wide and sunny rides. Date: 30th July 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11159400.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10717094524e1582d7d1f79.jpgCanada Goose gosling The Canada Goose belongs to the [i]Branta[/i] genus of geese which contains species with largely black plumage distinguishing it from the grey species of the genus [i]Anser[/i]. The black head and neck with a white "chinstrap" distinguish the Canada Goose from all other goose species with the exception of the Cackling Goose from north America and the Barnacle Goose which has a black breast and grey rather than brownish body plumage. The 7 sub-species of the Canada Goose vary widely in size and plumage details but all are recognizable as Canada Geese. Of the "true geese" (i.e. the genera [i]Anser[/i], [i]Branta[/i] or [i]Chen[/i]), the Canada Goose is on average the largest living species. It ranges from 30 to 43 inches in length and with a 50 to 73 inches wingspan. The male usually weighs 5.7 to 14.3 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 8.6 pounds. The female looks virtually identical but is slightly lighter at 5.3 to 12.1 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 7.9 pounds. It is also generally 10% smaller in linear dimensions than the male. The Canada Goose is native to north America where it breeds in Canada and the north USA in a wide range of habitats. The Great Lakes region maintains a very large population. It occurs all year round in the southern part of its breeding range, including most of the eastern seaboard and the Pacific coast. Between California and South Carolina in the south USA and north Mexico, it is primarily present as a migrant from further north during the winter. Outside north America, the Canada Goose has reached north Europe naturally as has been proved by ringing recoveries. It has also been introduced in to Europe and had established populations in the UK in the middle of the 18th century, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany and Scandinavia. Most European populations are not migratory but those in more northerly parts of Sweden and Finland migrate to the North Sea and Baltic coasts. Semi-tame feral birds are common in parks and have become a pest in some areas. In the early 17th century, explorer Samuel de Champlain sent several pairs of Canada Geese to France as a present for King Louis XIII. Canada Geese were first introduced in to the UK in the late 17th century as an addition to King James II's waterfowl collection in St. James's Park. They were also introduced in to Germany and Scandinavia during the 20th century. During the second year of its life, the Canada Goose finds a mate. It is a monogamous species and most couples stay together all of their lives. If one dies, the other may find a new mate. The female lays from 2 to 9 eggs with an average of 5. Both parents protect the nest while the eggs incubate but the female spends more time at the nest than the male. The nest is usually located in an elevated area near water such as streams, lakes and ponds and the eggs are laid in a shallow depression lined with plant material and down. The incubation period, in which the female incubates the eggs while the male remains nearby, lasts for 24 to 28 days after laying. As soon as the goslings hatch, they are immediately capable of walking, swimming and finding their own food (a diet similar to the adults). Parents are often seen leading their goslings in a line, usually with one adult at the front and the other at the back. While protecting their goslings, parents often violently chase away anything from small birds to lone humans who approach, after warning them by giving off a hissing sound and then attacking with bites and slaps of the wings if the threat does not retreat. Although parents are hostile to unfamiliar geese, they may form groups (crèches) of a number of goslings and a few adults. The goslings enter the fledgling stage any time from 6 to 9 weeks of age. Once it reaches adulthood, due to its large size and often aggressive behaviour, the Canada Goose is rarely preyed on although prior injury may make it more vulnerable to natural predators. The lifespan in the wild of birds that survive to adulthood ranges from 10 to 24 years. The UK longevity record is held by a specimen tagged as a nestling which was observed alive at the age of 31. The Canada Goose is primarily a herbivore although it will sometimes eat small insects and fish. Their diet includes grasses, aquatic plants, beans and grains such as wheat, rice, and corn when they are available. In urban areas, it is also known to pick food out of rubbish bins and it will readily take a variety of food from humans in parks. Date: 3rd May 2008 Location: Abberton Reservoir, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/sgorr-tuath-wester-ross https://images.on-this.website/4752_5354652344e09756a3faa2.jpgSgorr Tuath, Wester Ross Height: 1932 feet. Sgorr Tuath is a mountain located north of Ullapool, rising up immediately to the south of Loch Lurgainn along the single track road from the A835 to Achiltibuie. Date: 12th June 2011 Location: view from the minor road between Drumrunie and Achnahaird http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072364.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15476710554bf6e0f90e9f2.jpgHoyholmen, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway Date: 14th April 2010 Location: view from road 890 at Hoyholmen, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453976.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1707830374ff547103b05f.jpgRio Salor, western Cáceres, Extremadura, Spain The Rio Salor is a tributary of the Rio Tajo (Tagus) in western Extremadura. Date: 30th April 2012 Location: view from the bridge over the Rio Salor between Aliseda and Brozas, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/hamningberg-to-sandfjord-norway https://images.on-this.website/4752_10678709654eff1fd8a1ca8.jpgHamningberg to Sandfjord, Varanger peninsula, Norway Date: 27th May 2009 Location: view from coastal road between Hamningberg and Sandfjord, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo445682.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16460165524681c74129d85.jpgFoinaven and Arkle, Highland Height: Foinaven 2999 feet and Arkle 2582 feet. The impressive quartzite massifs of Foinaven and Arkle lie to the north of Loch Stack in the far north of Sutherland. Date: June 1999 Location: view from the B801 road between Rhiconich and Kinlochbervie http://www.richardchewphotography.com/river-coe-glencoe-argyll https://images.on-this.website/4752_79498403646883fd1bc03e.jpgRiver Coe, Glencoe, Argyll The River Coe flows through the valley of Glencoe which extends for about 10 miles west from Rannoch Moor to the shores of Loch Leven. Date: 6th June 2007 Location: view from the A82 road near Loch Achtriochtan http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30017291.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_338995016587552daf3f7c.jpgBewick's Swan The Tundra Swan is a small Holarctic swan. The 2 taxa within it are usually regarded as conspecific but are also sometimes split into 2 species: the Bewick's Swan of the Palaearctic and the Whistling Swan of the Nearctic. The Bewick's Swan was named in 1830 by William Yarrell after the engraver Thomas Bewick who specialised in illustrations of birds and animals. The Bewick's Swan measures 45 to 55 inches in length with a wing span of 18.5 to 21.5 inches. Males are slightly larger and heavier than females. It is similar in appearance to the Whooper Swan but is smaller, shorter-necked and has a more rounded head shape. It has a variable bill pattern but always shows more black than yellow and having a blunt forward edge of the yellow base patch. The Whooper Swan has a bill that has more yellow than black and the forward edge of the yellow patch is usually pointed. The bill pattern for every individual Bewick's Swan is unique and scientists often make detailed drawings of each bill and assign names to the swans to assist with studying these birds. As their common name implies, the Tundra Swan breeds in the Arctic and sub-Arctic tundra where they inhabit shallow pools, lakes and rivers. Unlike the Mute Swan, but like the other Arctic swans, it is a migratory bird. The winter habitat is mainly grassland and marshland, often near the coast. The breeding range of the Bewick’s Swan extends across the coastal lowlands of Siberia from the Kola Peninsula east to the Pacific. It starts to arrive in its breeding range around mid-May and leaves for its winter range around the end of September. The populations west of the Taimyr Peninsula migrate via the White Sea, Baltic Sea and the Elbe estuary to winter in Denmark, the Netherlands and the UK where it is common in winter on a few RSPB and WWT reserves. Some birds also winter elsewhere on the southern shores of the North Sea. The Bewick’s Swans that breed in eastern Russia migrate via Mongolia and north China to winter in the coastal regions of Korea, Japan and south China, south to Guangdong and occasionally as far as Taiwan. A few birds from the central Siberian range also winter in Iran at the south of the Caspian Sea. Arrival in the winter range starts about mid-October although most birds spend weeks or even months at favourite resting locations and will only arrive in the winter range in November or even as late as January. Departure from the winter range starts in mid-February. Bewick’s Swans mate in the late spring, usually after they have returned to the breeding range. As is usual for swans, they pair monogamously until one partner dies. Should one partner die long before the other, the surviving bird often will not mate again for several years or even for the rest of its life. The nesting season starts at the end of May. The pair build the large mound-shaped nest from plant material at an elevated site near open water and they defend a large territory around it. The pen (female) lays and incubates a clutch of 2 to 7 (usually 3 to 5) eggs whilst the cob (male) keeps a steady lookout for potential predators heading towards his mate and offspring. The time from egg laying to hatching is 29 to 30 days. Since they nest in cold regions, Bewick’s Swan cygnets grow faster than those of swans breeding in warmer climates and they may fledge in 40 to 45 days. Cygnets stay with their parents for the first winter migration and the family is sometimes even joined by their offspring from previous breeding seasons while on the wintering grounds. Bewick’s Swans do not reach sexual maturity until 3 or 4 years of age. In summer, the diet of the Bewick’s Swan consists mainly of aquatic vegetation which it finds by sticking its head underwater or upending while swimming. It will also eat some grass growing on dry land. At other times of the year, leftover grains and other crops such as potatoes, picked up in open fields after harvest, make up much of the diet. Healthy adult Bewick’s Swans have few natural predators. The Arctic Fox may threaten breeding females and particular the eggs and hatchlings. Adults typically can stand their ground and displace foxes but occasionally the foxes are successful. Other potential nest predators include the Red Fox, the Brown Bear, the Golden Eagle, the Arctic Skua and the Glaucous Gull. The Brown Bear, the Golden Eagle and the Wolf may occasionally succeed at capturing and killing an adult. About 15% adults die each year from various causes and the average lifespan in the wild is about 10 years. The status of the Bewick's Swan is not well known although its population is in decline in north west Europe for largely unexplained reasons. It is increasingly dependent on agricultural crops to supplement its winter diet as aquatic vegetation in its winter habitat declines due to habitat destruction and water pollution. However, the main cause of adult mortality is hunting and, whilst the Bewick's Swan can not be hunted legally, almost half the birds studied contain lead shot in their bodies, indicating that they were shot at by poachers. Lead poisoning by ingestion of lead shot is also a very significant cause of mortality. The Bewick's Swan is one of the birds to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 2nd January 2017 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41352922.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20041830655f21574654996.jpgRed Admiral Flight period: April to November. The Red Admiral is a familiar and widespread butterfly in the UK although numbers depend on immigration from Europe. It can be found in any flower-rich habitat. Date: 21st July 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230718.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_91433681364916f23a595c.jpgRock Pipit The Rock Pipit is a large stocky pipit which is larger than the Meadow Pipit. It is streaky olive-brown above and dirty white underneath with dark streaking. The Rock Pipit breeds around the coast where there are rocky beaches and most of the birds that breed in the UK are residents. Date: 13th May 2023 Location: RSPB South Stack, Anglesey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623035.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10502449916117d31901057.jpgRazorbill The Razorbill is a seabird and a member of the auk family which also includes the Common Guillemot, Brunnich's Guillemot and Little Auk. It is also the closest living relative to the Great Auk which is now extinct. The Razorbill has white underparts and a black head, neck, back and feet during the breeding season. A thin white line also extends from the eyes to the end of the bill. Its head is darker than that of the CommonGuillemot. Outside the breeding season, the throat and face behind the eye become white and the white line on the face becomes less prominent. The thick black bill has a blunt end. The adult male and female female are very much alike having only small differences such as wing length. The Razorbill has a horizontal stance and the tail feathers are slightly longer in the centre in comparison to other auks making it have a distinctly long tail which is not common for an auk. The Razorbill is distributed across the sub-arctic and boreal waters of the north Atlantic where water surface temperature are typically below 15°c. The world population is estimated to be less than 1 million breeding pairs, making it among the rarest auks in the world. Approximately 60 to 70% of the entire Razorbill population breeds in Iceland., including over 200,000 pairs at Látrabjarg. The breeding habitat is islands, rocky shores and cliffs on north Atlantic coasts, in eastern North America as far south as Maine and in western Europe from north west Russia to northern France. Eurasian birds winter at sea with some moving south as far as the western Mediterranean. North American birds migrate offshore and south. The Razorbill is a colonial breeder and only comes to land to breed. Individuals only breed at 3 to 5 years of age. Females select their mate and will often encourage competition between males before choosing a partner. Once a male is chosen, the pair will usually stay together for life. Nest site determination is very important to ensure protection of young from predators. Unlike Common Guillemots, nest sites are not immediately alongside the sea on open cliff ledges but at least 4 to 6 inches away in crevices on cliffs or among boulders. Generally a nest is not built although some pairs often use their bills to drag material upon which to lay their single egg. The mating pair will often reuse the same site every year. The Razorbill feeds mainly on schooling fish and crustaceans and it will dive deep into the sea using its wings and its streamlined body to propel itself toward their prey. Whilst diving, it rarely stays in groups but instead spreads out to feed. The majority of feeding occurs at a depth of about 80 feet but it has the ability to dive up to 400 feet below the surface. During a single dive the Razorbill can capture and swallow many schooling fish depending on their size. The Razorbill spends approximately 45% of its time foraging at sea and it may well fly more than 60 miles out to sea to feed. However, when feeding chicks it will forage much closer to the nesting grounds and often in shallower water. The Razorbill and its eggs and chicks have several predators which include Great Black-backed Gulls, Peregrines, Ravens and other crows, Arctic Foxes and Polar Bears. In the early 20th century, Razorbills were harvested for their eggs, meat and feathers and this greatly decreased their population. In 1917 they were finally protected which reduced hunting. Other current threats include oil pollution, unintentional bycatch arising from commercial fishing and overfishing which decreases the abundance of prey. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/meadow-grasshopper https://images.on-this.website/4752_21048004546d95fb224cd8.jpgMeadow Grasshopper The Meadow Grasshopper is a typically predominantly green species which is widespread and common in the UK. Adults can be seen from June to October in short and long grassland which are both dry and sunny. Date: 26th August 2007 Location: Stow Maries Halt EWT reserve, Stow Maries, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/stoats https://images.on-this.website/4752_11058026825956244304d870.73874559.jpgStoats The Stoat is a mammal of the Mustelidae family which includes other carnivorous mammals such as the Weasel, Badger, Otter and Pine Marten. The name ermine is often but not always used for the Stoat in its pure white winter coat. The Stoat is similar to the Weasel in general proportions, manner of posture and movement although the tail is relatively longer and has a prominent black tip, always exceeding a third of the body length. The dimensions of the Stoat are variable, but not as significantly as the Weasel's, and its size tends to decrease proportionally with latitude. Sexual dimorphism in size is pronounced with males being roughly 25% larger than females and 1.5 to 2 times their weight. On average, males measure 7.4 to 12.8 inches in body length whilst females measure 6.7 to 10.6 inches. The tail measures 3 to 4.7 inches in males and 2.6 to 4.2 inches in females. Males weigh around 9.1 ounces whilst females weigh less than 6.3 ounces. The Stoat has an elongated neck with the head being set exceptionally far in front of the shoulders. The trunk is nearly cylindrical and it does not bulge at the abdomen. The greatest circumference of the body is little more than half its length. The eyes are round, black and protrude slightly. The whiskers are brown or white in colour and very long. The ears are short, rounded and lie almost flattened against the skull. The claws are not retractable and are large in proportion to the digits. Each foot has 5 toes. The Stoat’s winter fur is very dense and silky but quite short whilst the summer fur is rougher, shorter and sparse. In summer, the fur is sandy-brown on the back and head and white below. In the Stoat's northern range, it adopts a completely white coat (save for the black tail tip) during the winter period. Differences in the winter and summer coats are less apparent in southern forms. In the southern range, the coat remains brown but is denser and sometimes paler than in summer. The Stoat can be found throughout north America, Europe and Asia from Greenland and the Canadian and Siberian Arctic islands south to about 35°N. In Europe it is found as far south as 41ºN in Portugal and inhabits most islands with the exception of Iceland, Svalbard, the Mediterranean islands and some small North Atlantic islands. In north America it is found throughout Alaska and Canada south through most of the north USA to central California, north Arizona, north New Mexico, Iowa, the Great Lakes region, New England and Pennsylvania but it is absent from most of the Great Plains and south east USA. In the late 19th century, the Stoat was introduced to New Zealand to control rabbits where it has had a devastating effect on native bird populations. Mating occurs in April to July. The Stoat is not monogamous and litters are often of mixed paternity. The gestation period lasts around 280 days. Males play no part in rearing the young which are born blind, deaf, toothless and covered in fine white or pinkish down. The milk teeth erupt after 3 weeks and solid food is eaten after 4 weeks. The eyes open after 5 to 6 weeks with the black tail tip appearing a week later. Lactation ends after 12 weeks. The territories of male Stoats encompass smaller female territories which they defend from other males. The size of the territory and the ranging behaviour varies seasonally and depends on the abundance of food and mates. During the breeding season, the ranges of females remain unchanged whilst males either become roamers, strayers or transients. Dominant older males can have territories 50 times larger than those of younger, socially inferior males. Both sexes mark their territories with urine, faeces and scent marks. Males and females typically live apart but close to each other. Each Stoat has several dens dispersed within its range. A single den has several galleries, mainly within 12 inches of the surface. The Stoat does not dig its own den but instead uses the burrows and nest chambers of the rodents it kills. The skins and underfur of rodent prey are used to line the den. The den is sometimes located in seemingly unsuitable places such as among logs piled against the walls of houses. The Stoat also inhabits old and rotting stumps, tree roots, heaps of brushwood, haystacks, bog hummocks, cracks of vacant buildings, rock piles and rock clefts. As with the Weasel, rodents predominate in the Stoat's diet. However, unlike the Weasel, which almost exclusively feeds on small voles, the Stoat regularly preys on larger rodent and rabbit and hare species and it will kill prey far larger than itself. It is an opportunistic predator and moves rapidly checking every available burrow or crevice for food. Because of its larger size, the male is less successful than the female in pursuing rodents far into tunnels. The Stoat will regularly climb trees to gain access to birds' nests and it is a common raider of nest boxes. The Stoat seeks to immobilize large prey such with a bite to the spine at the back of the neck. Small prey typically dies instantly from a bite to the back of the neck whilst larger prey typically dies of shock since the Stoat's canine teeth are too short to reach the spinal column or major arteries. Date: 20th June 2017 Location: Glen Quaich, Perthshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21830162.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_143048935853cbb2f0c53dd.jpgRazorbills The Razorbill is a medium-sized seabird and breeds around the coast of the UK with the largest colonies in northern Scotland. They breed on rocky cliffs and among boulder scree close to the sea. Birds only come to shore to breed from March to July and they winter in the northern Atlantic. Date: 11th June 2014 Location: Bempton Cliifs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51332407.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19608828066676dd27454b8.jpgLarge Skipper Flight period: June to July. The Large Skipper is a small golden butterfly which is widespread throughout England and Wales and it is also extending its range northwards in to southern Scotland. They can be found in areas of tall, uncut grassland, woodland rides, roadside verges and hedgerows. Date: 9th June 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9681654.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_825262404db7f14a8f957.jpgTeal The Eurasian Teal or Common Teal is often called simply the Teal due to being the only one of these small [i]Anas[/i] dabbling ducks in much of its range. The Teal is the smallest dabbling duck at 7.9 to 11.8 inches in length and with a wingspan of 21 to 23 inches. From a distance, the male Teal in breeding plumage appears grey with a dark head, a yellowish behind and a white stripe running along the flanks. Their head and upper neck is chestnut with a wide and iridescent dark green patch of half-moon or teardrop-shape that starts immediately before the eye and arcs to the upper hindneck. This patch is bordered with thin yellowish-white lines and a single line of that colour extends from the patch's forward end and curving along the base of the bill. The breast is buff with small round brown spots. The centre of the belly is white and the rest of the body plumage is mostly white with thin and dense blackish vermiculations, appearing medium grey even at a short distance. The outer scapular feathers are white with a black border to the outer vanes and these form the white side-stripe when the bird is in resting position. The tail and tail coverts are black with a bright yellowish-buff triangular patch in the centre of the coverts at each side. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female. It is more uniform in colour with a dark head and vestigial facial markings. The female Teal is yellowish-brown but somewhat darker on the wings and back. It has a dark greyish-brown upper head, hindneck, eyestripe and feather pattern. The pattern is dense short streaks on the head and neck and scaly spots on the rest of the body. Overall it looks much like a tiny Mallard. Immatures are coloured much like the adult females but they have a stronger pattern. The downy young are coloured like other dabbling ducks, brown above and yellow below with a yellow supercilium. The male's bill is dark grey but in the eclipse plumage it often shows some light greenish or brownish hue at the base. The bill of the females and immatures is pinkish or yellowish at the base, becoming dark grey towards the tip. The feet are dark grey in the males and greyish olive or greyish-brown in females and immatures. The Teal breeds across north Eurasia where it occupies sheltered freshwater wetlands with some tall vegetation such as taiga bogs or small lakes and ponds with extensive reedbeds. It mostly winters well south of its breeding range in the Mediterranean region, south Asia and some parts of Africa where it is often seen in large flocks in brackish waters and even in sheltered inlets and lagoons along the seashore. It is also regularly recorded on the north American coasts south to California and South Carolina. In the milder climate of temperate Europe, such as in the UK, the summer and winter ranges overlap. In the UK, the Teal can be found all year round but it is thinly distributed as a breeding species. In winter, birds congregate in larger numbers on low-lying wetlands both on the coast and inland in the south and west of the UK. Of these, many are continental birds from around the Baltic and Siberia. At this time, the UK is home to a significant percentage of the north west European wintering population. The Teal is much less abundant than the very similar Green-winged Teal from north America although it is still common and widespread. It appears to be holding its own currently with perhaps a slow decline due to drainage and pollution of wetlands. The IUCN and BirdLife International classify the Teal as a species of “Least Concern”. However, it is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. The Teal nests on the ground near water. Pairs form in the winter range and arrive on the breeding range together from about March. Breeding starts some weeks thereafter and not until May in the most northerly locations. The nest is a deep hollow lined with dry leaves and down feathers which is built in dense vegetation near water. After the females have started laying their eggs, the males leave them and move away and assemble in flocks on particular lakes where they moult into their eclipse plumage. The female lays 5 to 16 eggs but usually 8 to 11. Incubation lasts for 21 to 23 days and the young leave the nest soon after hatching and are cared for by the female for about 25 to 30 days. The males and the females with young generally move to the winter range separately. After the first winter, the young moult in to their adult plumage. The Teal usually feeds by dabbling, upending or grazing. In the breeding season it eats mainly aquatic invertebrates, such as crustaceans, insects and their larvae, molluscs and worms. In winter, it shifts to a largely granivorous diet, feeding on seeds of aquatic plants and grasses including sedges and grains. Date: 25th April 2011 Location: Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40713557.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10854450725e16f75570b78.jpgGoosander The Goosander (or Common Merganser in north America) is a large “sawbill” duck, so called because of its long, serrated bill which is used for catching fish. The Goosander is 23 to 28 inches long with a 31 to 38 inches wingspan and the male is generally slightly larger than the female. The adult male in breeding plumage has a white body with a variable salmon-pink tinge, a black head with an iridescent green gloss, a grey rump and tail and wings which are largely white on the inner half and black on the outer half. Females, and males in "eclipse" non-breeding plumage, are largely grey with a reddish-brown head, white chin and white secondary feathers on the wing. Juveniles are similar to adult females but also show a short black-edged white stripe between the eye and the bill. The bill and legs are red to brownish-red which are brightest on adult males and dullest on juveniles. The Goosander can be found on rivers and lakes in forested areas of Europe, north and central Asia and north America. It is a partial migrant and moves away from areas where rivers and major lakes freeze in the winter but it is a resident where waters remain open. Within Europe, a marked southward spread has occurred from Scandinavia in the breeding range since about 1850, colonising Scotland in 1871 and England in 1941. Since 1970 it has spread across northern England and in to Wales and south west England. In the UK, it can be found all year round in the breeding range but only in winter on lakes, gravel pits and reservoirs across England south of the Humber. Nesting normally occurs in a tree cavity so the Goosander requires mature forest as its breeding habitat. It will also readily use large nest boxes where provided. In places where trees are absent, it will use holes in cliffs and steep, high banks, sometimes at considerable distances from water. The female lays 6 to 17 eggs, but normally 8 to 12, and raises a single brood in a season. The ducklings are taken by the female in her bill to rivers or lakes immediately after hatching where they feed on freshwater invertebrates and small fish fry, fledging when 60 to 70 days old. The Goosander primarily feeds on fish with the serrated edge to its bill helping it to grip its prey. In addition to fish, it will take a wide range of other aquatic prey such as molluscs, crustaceans, worms, insect larvae and amphibians and, more rarely, small mammals and birds. The salmon-pink tinge shown variably by males is probably diet-related and obtained from the carotenoid pigments present in some crustaceans and fish. When feeding, the Goosander will float down a stream or river for a few miles and either fly back again or more commonly fish their way back, diving incessantly the whole way. It will often fish in a group, forming a semicircle and driving the fish into shallow water where they are captured easily. When floating leisurely, it will position itself in the water similar to ducks but it will also swim deep in the water like a Cormorant. When not diving for food, it is usually seen swimming on the water surface, resting on rocks in midstream or hidden among riverbank vegetation or (in winter) resting on the edge of floating ice. Date: 23rd December 2019 Location: Abberton Reservoir, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo453463.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_176663190446883f1ae50ea.jpgDate: 6th June 2007 Location: view of Rhum, Eigg and Loch Mudle from the B8007 road between Ardslignish and Kilchoan on the Ardnamurchan peninsula http://www.richardchewphotography.com/river-ure-north-yorkshire https://images.on-this.website/4752_396320500467f1c1c99280.jpgRiver Ure, North Yorkshire Near the village of Aysgarth, the River Ure tumbles over a series of broad limestone steps which are known as the Aysgarth Falls. Although not particularly high the waterfalls are one of Wensleydale's most famous beauty spots. Date: 10th April 2006 Location: view from the bridge at Aysgarth http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo20140140.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5000109352c0034843792.jpgMute Swans The Mute Swan is a species of swan native to much of Eurasia. Despite its Eurasian origin, its closest relatives are the Black Swan of Australia and the Black-necked Swan of south America, not the other Northern Hemisphere swans such as the Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan. The name “mute” derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. The adult Mute Swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob at the top of the beak. All Mute Swans are white at maturity although the feathers (particularly on the head and neck) are often stained orange-brown by iron and tannins in the water. Young birds (cygnets) are not the bright white colour of mature adults and their bill is dull greyish-black for the first year. The plumage may range from pure white to grey to buff with grey/buff being the most common. Cygnets typically retain their grey/buff feathers until they are at least 1 year old. On average, the Mute Swan is the second largest waterfowl species after the Trumpeter Swan although the male Mute Swan can easily match or even exceed a male Trumpeter Swan in mass. The adult Mute Swan typically ranges from 55 to 63 inches in length (although it can range in extreme cases from 49 to 67 inches) with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. Males (cobs) are larger than females (pens) and have a larger knob on their bill. The Mute Swan is one of the heaviest flying birds. In several studies from the UK, males were found to average from about 23.4 to 26.2 pounds, with a weight range of 20 to 32 pounds, while the slightly smaller females were found to average about 18.7 to 21.3 pounds, with a weight range of 17 to 23 pounds. The Mute Swan is less vocal than the noisy Bewick's Swan and Whooper Swan although it does make a variety of grunting, hoarse whistling and snorting noises, especially in communicating with their cygnets and threatening competitors or intruders trying to enter their territory. The most familiar sound associated with the Mute Swan is the vibrant throbbing of the wings in flight which is unique to the species and this can be heard from a range of up to 1 mile. The Mute Swan is found naturally mainly in the temperate areas of Europe across west Asia and as far east as Primorsky Krai in the far east of Russia. It is partially migratory throughout the northern latitudes in Europe and Asia as far south as north Africa and the Mediterranean. It is also often kept in captivity outside its natural range as a decoration for parks and ponds and escapes have occurred. The descendants of such birds have become naturalised in east USA and the Great Lakes region across the USA and Canada border. The Mute Swan population in the UK has increased recently probably due to better protection of this species. Some birds are resident all year whilst others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into east England. Mute Swans nest on large mounds that they build with waterside vegetation in shallow water on islands in the middle or at the very edge of a lake. It is a monogamous species and often reuses the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Males and females share the care of the nest. The female lays from 4 to 10 eggs and broods for around 36 days. Cygnets are unable to fly before an age of 120 to 150 days and this limits the distribution of the species in the northern edge of its range since the cygnets must learn to fly before the water freezes. The Mute Swan is usually strongly territorial with just a single pair on smaller lakes although in a few locations where a large area of suitable feeding habitat is found they can be colonial. The largest colonies can hold over 100 pairs such as that at the colony at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset in the UK. Non-mated juveniles up to 3 to 4 years old commonly form larger flocks often at regular traditional sites and these can total several hundred birds. The Mute Swan can be very aggressive in defence of its nest and it is highly protective of its mate and offspring. Most defensive attacks from a Mute Swan begin with a loud hiss and, if this is not sufficient to drive off the predator, are followed by a physical attack. It attacks by smashing at its enemy with bony spurs in the wings accompanied by biting with its large bill. Smaller waterbirds such as ducks are normally grabbed with the bill and dragged or thrown clear. Large waterfowl, such as the Canada Goose, more likely out of competition than in response to potential predation, may be aggressively driven off. The wings of the Mute Swan are very powerful although not strong enough to break an adult man's leg as has been claimed anecdotally. The Mute Swan feeds on a wide range of vegetation, both submerged aquatic plants which they reach with their long necks and by grazing on land. The food commonly includes agricultural crop plants such as oilseed rape and wheat and feeding flocks in the winter may cause significant crop damage, often as much through trampling with their large webbed feet as through direct consumption. Date: 9th December 2013 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21955307.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_45865099953da11ab0b13f.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: view from the Farne Islands boat trip from Seahouses Harbour, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813325.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13307841885d0ddda6d4434.jpgRed Squirrel The Red Squirrel or Eurasian Red Squirrel is a species of tree squirrel in the genus [i]Sciurus[/i]. It is an arboreal and primarily herbivorous rodent. The Red Squirrel has a typical head and body length of 7.5 to 9 inches, a tail length of 6 to 8 inches and a weight of 9 to 12 ounces. Males and females are the same size. The Red Squirrel is smaller and lighter in weight than the Grey Squirrel The coat of the Red Squirrel varies in colour with the time of year and its location and there are several different coat colour morphs ranging from black to red. Red coats are most common in the UK but in other parts of Europe and Asia different coat colours co-exist within populations. The underside of the Red Squirrel is always creamy-white in colour. The Red Squirrel sheds its coat twice a year, switching from a thinner summer coat to a thicker, darker winter coat with noticeably larger ear-tufts (a prominent distinguishing feature of this species) between August and November. A lighter, redder overall coat colour, along with the ear-tufts (in adults) and smaller size, distinguish the Red Squirrel from the Grey Squirrel. The long tail helps the Red Squirrel to balance and steer when jumping from tree to tree and running along branches and it may also keep it warm during sleep. The Red Squirrel, like most tree squirrels, has sharp and curved claws to enable it to climb and descend broad tree trunks, thin branches and even house walls and its strong hind legs enable it to leap gaps between trees. The Red Squirrel can be found in the boreal coniferous woods in north Europe and Siberia where it prefers Scots Pine, Norway Spruce and Siberian Pine. In west and south Europe it can be found in broad-leaved woods where the mixture of tree and shrub species provides a better year round source of food. In most of the UK and in Italy, broad-leaved woodlands are now less suitable for it due to the better competitive feeding strategy of the introduced Grey Squirrel. The Red Squirrel makes a drey (nest) out of twigs in a branch-fork, forming a domed structure about 9 to 12 inches in diameter. This is lined with moss, leaves, grass and bark. Tree hollows and woodpecker holes are also used. The Red Squirrel is generally a solitary animal and is shy and reluctant to share food with others. However, outside the breeding season and particularly in winter, several Red Squirrels may share a drey to keep warm. Social organisation is based on dominance hierarchies within and between sexes. Although males are not necessarily dominant towards females, the dominant animals tend to be larger and older than subordinate animals and dominant males tend to have larger home ranges than subordinate males or females. Mating can occur in late winter during February and March and in summer between June and July. During mating, males detect females that are in oestrus by an odour that they produce and, although there is no courtship, the male will chase the female for up to an hour prior to mating. Usually multiple males will chase a single female until the dominant male, usually the largest in the group, mates with the female. Males and females will mate multiple times with many partners. Females must reach a minimum body mass before they enter oestrus and heavy females on average produce more young. If food is scarce breeding may be delayed. Typically a female will produce her first litter in her second year. Up to 2 litters a year per female are possible. Each litter averages 3 young and these are known as kits. Gestation is about 38 to 39 days and the young are looked after by the mother alone and are born helpless, blind and deaf. Their body is covered by hair at 21 days, their eyes and ears open after 3 to 4 weeks and they develop all their teeth by 42 days. Juveniles can eat solids around 40 days following birth and from that point they can leave the nest on their own to find food. However, they still suckle from their mother until weaning occurs at 8 to 10 weeks. The Red Squirrel eats mostly the seeds of trees, fungi, nuts (especially hazelnuts but also beech and chestnuts), berries and young shoots. More rarely, it may also eat bird eggs or nestlings and may occasionally exhibit opportunistic omnivory similar to other rodents. Excess food is put into caches, either buried or in nooks or holes in trees, and eaten when food is scarce. Although the Red Squirrel remembers where it created caches at a better than chance level, its spatial memory is believed to be substantially less accurate and durable than that of the Grey Squirrel. Therefore it will often have to search for them when in need and many caches are never found again. Between 60% and 80% of the active time of a Red Squirrel may be spent foraging and feeding. The active period is generally in the morning and in the late afternoon and evening. It often rests in its nest in the middle of the day to avoid the heat and the high visibility to birds of prey that are dangers during these hours. During the winter, this midday rest is often much more brief or absent entirely although harsh weather may cause it to stay in its nest for days at a time. No territories are claimed between Red Squirrels and the feeding areas of individuals overlap considerably. A Red Squirrel that survives its first winter has a life expectancy of 3 years. Individuals may reach 7 years of age and 10 years in captivity. Survival is positively related to the availability of autumn and winter tree seeds. On average, 75 to 85% of juveniles die during their first winter and mortality is approximately 50% for winters following the first. Predators include small mammals such as the Pine Marten, the Wildcat and the Stoat which all prey on juveniles. Birds, including owls and raptors such as the Goshawk and Common Buzzard, may also prey on the Red Squirrel as will the Red Fox and domestic cats and dogs when it is on the ground. Humans influence the population size and mortality of the Red Squirrel by destroying or altering habitats, by causing road casualties and by introducing non-native populations of the Grey Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel and the Red Squirrel are not directly antagonistic and violent conflict between these species is not a factor in the decline in Red Squirrel populations. However, the Grey Squirrel appears to contribute to the decrease in the Red Squirrel population for several reasons: it carries a disease, the squirrel parapoxvirus, that does not appear to affect its own health but will often kill the Red Squirrel, it can better digest acorns whilst the Red Squirrel cannot access the proteins and fats in acorns as easily and it can put the Red Squirrel under pressure for food resources resulting in it not breeding as often. In the UK, due to the above circumstances, the population has today fallen to 160,000 Red Squirrels or fewer with the majority of these in Scotland. Outside the UK and Ireland, the impact of competition from the Grey Squirrel has also been observed in Italy where 2 pairs escaped from captivity in 1948. A significant drop in the Red Squirrel population has been observed since 1970 and it is feared that the Grey Squirrel may expand into the rest of Europe. The Red Squirrel is protected in most of Europe although in some areas it is abundant and is hunted for its fur. In the UK there are several active projects to protect the Red Squirrel and its native woodland habitat, introduce or re-introduce it in to areas where it is absent and eradicate and prevent the spread of the Grey Squirrel. Research undertaken in 2007 in the UK credits the Pine Marten with reducing the population of the invasive Grey Squirrel. Where the range of the expanding Pine Marten population meets that of the Grey Squirrel, the population of the latter retreats. It is theorised that, because the Grey Squirrel spends more time on the ground than the Red Squirrel, it is far more likely to come in contact with the Pine Marten. Date: 6th June 2019 Location: SWT reserve, Loch of the Lowes, Perthshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/river-feshie-highland https://images.on-this.website/4752_175936744349f204c039360.jpgRiver Feshie, Highland The River Feshie rises in the Grampian Mountains near the border between Highland and Perth and Kinross and flows 23 miles northwards through Glen Feshie to join the River Spey just north east of Kincraig. Date: 12th April 2009 Location: view from the B970 road at Feshiebridge http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30017254.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19160015745875513614eb5.jpgEider The Eider is a large sea duck that is distributed over the northern coasts of Europe, north America and eastern Siberia. It breeds in the Arctic and some northern temperate regions but winters somewhat further south in temperate zones when it can form large flocks on coastal waters. The Eider is both the largest of the 4 eider species and the largest duck found in Europe and in north America (except for the Muscovy duck which only reaches north America in a wild state in southernmost Texas and south Florida). The Eider is characterized by its bulky shape and large, wedge-shaped bill. The male is unmistakable with its black and white plumage and green nape. The female is a brown bird but can still be readily distinguished from all ducks, except other eider species, on the basis of size and head shape. The drake's display call is a strange almost human-like "ah-ooo" while the duck utters hoarse quacks. The Eider dives for crustaceans and molluscs, with mussels being a favoured food. The Eider will eat mussels by swallowing them whole. The shells are then crushed in their gizzard and excreted. When eating a crab, the Eider will remove all of its claws and legs and then eat the body in a similar fashion. The Eider is abundant with populations of about 1.5 to 2 million birds in both Europe and north America and also large but unknown numbers in eastern Siberia. The Eider is a colonial breeder nesting on coastal islands in colonies ranging in size of less than 100 to upwards of 10,000 to 15,000 individuals. Female Eiders frequently exhibit a high degree of natal philopatry where they return to breed on the same island where they were hatched. This can lead to a high degree of relatedness between individuals nesting on the same island as well as the development of kin-based female social structures. This relatedness has likely played a role in the evolution of co-operative breeding behaviours amongst Eiders. Examples of these behaviours include laying eggs in the nests of related individuals and crèching where female Eiders team up and share the work of rearing ducklings. The Eider's nest is built close to the sea and is lined with the celebrated eiderdown plucked from the female's breast. This soft and warm lining has long been harvested for filling pillows and quilts but in more recent years has been largely replaced by down from domestic farm geese and synthetic alternatives. Although eiderdown pillows or quilts are now a rarity, eiderdown harvesting continues and is sustainable as it can be done after the ducklings leave the nest with no harm to the birds. This bird was part of the captive collection at WWT Slimbridge. Date: 2nd January 2017 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41524231.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19472982505f3a6ac7ad78b.jpgCommon Blue Flight period: June to September. The Common Blue is the UK’s most widespread and common blue butterfly although it has suffered some local declines due to habitat loss. They can be found in sunny, sheltered areas including downland, roadside verges, woodland clearings and rural gardens. Date: 1st August 2020 Location, Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12081966.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4783859144e48e9a3b3d12.jpgCommon Seal Common Seals feed at sea but regularly haul out on to rocky shores or inter-tidal sandbanks to rest, to give birth and to suckle their pups. The most important haul-out areas are around the coast of Scotland, particularly in the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland, and on the east coast of England in the Wash. Date: 7th September 2005 Location: Blakeney Point, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/pale-bellied-brent-geese https://images.on-this.website/4752_14577173325e5392d98dfd0.jpgPale-bellied Brent Geese The Brent Goose belongs to the [I]Branta[/I] genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the [I]Anser[/I] genus of grey geese. [I]Branta[/I] is a Latinised form of Old Norse [I]brandgás[/I], meaning "burnt (black) goose", and [i]bernicla[/i] is the medieval Latin name for the barnacle. The Brent Goose and the similar Barnacle Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be the same creature as the crustacean, a myth that can be dated back to at least the 12th century. The Brent Goose, [I]Branta bernicla[/I] is divided into 3 sub-species: Dark-bellied Brent Goose [I]B. b. bernicla[/I], Pale-bellied Brent Goose [i]B. b. hrota[/i] (sometimes also known as Light-bellied Brent Goose) and Black Brant [i]B. b. nigricans[/i]. Some DNA evidence suggests that these forms are genetically distinct and a split into 3 separate species has been proposed. However, other evidence upholds their maintenance as a single species. The Brent Goose is a small goose, 22 to 26 inches long with a wingspan of 42 to 48 inches. The under-tail is pure white and the tail black and very short (the shortest of any goose). The Dark-bellied Brent Goose is fairly uniformly dark grey-brown all over and the flanks and belly are not significantly paler than the back. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds on the Arctic coasts of central and west Siberia and winters in west Europe with over half the population in south England and the rest between north Germany and north west France. The Pale-bellied Brent Goose appears blackish-brown and light grey in colour and the flanks and belly are significantly paler than the back and present a marked contrast. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds in Franz Josef Land, Svalbard, Greenland and north east Canada and winters in Denmark, north east England, Ireland and the Atlantic coast of the USA from Maine to Georgia as well as in a small but significant area in north France. The Black Brant appears blackish-brown and white in colour. This sub-species is very contrastingly black and white with a uniformly dark sooty-brown back, similarly-coloured underparts (with the dark colour extending furthest back of the 3 sub-species) and a prominent white flank patch. It also has a larger white neck patch which forms an almost complete collar. It breeds in north west Canada, Alaska and east Siberia and winters mostly on the west coast of north America from south Alaska to California but also in east Asia, mainly Japan. It sometimes appears as a vagrant in Europe when it associates with the other Brent Goose species. The Brent Goose used to be a strictly coastal bird in winter, seldom leaving tidal estuaries where it feeds on eel-grass and seaweed. In recent decades, it has started using agricultural land a short distance inland, feeding extensively on grass and winter-sown cereals. This may be behaviour learned by following other species of geese. Food resource pressure may also be important in forcing this change since the world population increased over 10-fold by the mid-1980s, possibly reaching the carrying capacity of the estuaries. In the breeding season, the Brent Goose uses low-lying wet coastal tundra for both breeding and feeding. The nest is bowl-shaped, lined with grass and down and located in an elevated position often near a small pond. The Brent Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds applies. Date: 30th January 2020 Location: Rosslare Bank Strand, Co. Wexford, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453978.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9524028684ff5471bd1bff.jpgBlack Vulture The Black Vulture is also known as the Cinereous Vulture, Monk Vulture or Eurasian Black Vulture. It is an Old World vulture and is only distantly related to the New World vultures and is therefore not directly related to the much smaller American Black Vulture despite the similar name and colouration. The Black Vulture is believed to be the largest true bird of prey in the world.[5] The condors which are slightly larger are now generally considered to be unrelated to the true raptors. This huge bird measures 39 to 47 inches long with a 8 to 10 feet wingspan. The body mass can range from 15 to 31 pounds making it one of the world's heaviest flying birds. The Black Vulture is distinctly dark with the whole body being dark brown except the pale head in adults which is covered in fine down. The massive blue-grey bill is the largest of any bird of prey, a feature enhanced by the relatively small skull of the species. The wings, with serrated leading edges are held straight or slightly arched in flight and are very broad. Flight is slow and buoyant with deep, heavy flaps when necessary. The Black Vulture is a Eurasian species. The western limits of its range are in Spain and Portugal with a reintroduced population in south France. They are also found discontinuously to Greece, Turkey and throughout the central Middle East. Their range continues through Pakistan and northern India to its eastern limits in central Asia where they breed in northern China, Manchuria, Mongolia and Korea. The Black Vulture is generally a permanent resident except in those parts of its range where hard winters cause limited altitudinal movement and for juveniles when they reach breeding maturity. The Black Vulture can be found in hilly and mountainous areas, especially favouring dry semi-open habitats such as meadows at high altitudes. They are always associated with undisturbed, remote areas with limited human disturbance. They forage for carcasses over various kinds of terrain including steppe, grasslands, open woodlands, along riparian habitats or any kind of mountainous habitat. In their current European range and through the Middle East, Black Vultures can be found from 2,300 to 6,600 feet in elevation while in their Asian distribution they are typically found at higher elevations. The Black Vulture is a largely solitary bird, being found alone or in pairs much more frequently than most other Old World vultures. At large carcasses or feeding sites, small groups of less than 10 birds may congregate. The Black Vulture breeds in loose colonies although nests are rarely found in the same tree or rock formation, unlike other Old World vultures which often nest in tight-knit colonies. It breeds in high mountains and large forests, nesting in trees or occasionally on cliff ledges. The breeding season lasts from February until August or September. The huge nest is 4½ to 6½ feet across and 3½ to 10 feet deep and increases in size as a pair uses it repeatedly over the years. Like all vultures, the Black Vulture eats mostly carrion, ranging from the largest mammals available to fish and reptiles and it is well equipped to tear open tough carcass skins thanks to its powerful bill. It can even break apart bone such as ribs to access the flesh of large animals. It is dominant over other scavengers including other large vultures such as the Griffon Vulture. The Black Vulture has declined over most of its range in the last 200 years in part due to eating poisoned bait and also due to higher hygiene standards reducing the amount of available carrion. Trapping and hunting is also particularly prevalent in China and Russia. An even greater threat to this desolation-loving species is development and habitat destruction. The decline has been the greatest in the western half of the range with extinction in many European countries (France, Italy, Austria, Poland, Slovakia, Albania, Moldovia, Romania) and its entire breeding range in north west Africa (Morocco and Algeria). More recently, protection and deliberate feeding schemes have allowed some local recoveries in numbers, particularly in Spain where numbers increased to about 1,000 pairs by 1992 after an earlier decline to 200 pairs in 1970. Elsewhere in Europe, very small but increasing numbers breed in Bulgaria and Greece and a re-introduction scheme is under way in France. Date: 30th April 2012 Location: south of Brozas, western Cáceres, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/finnvikdalen-kvalya-troms-north-norway https://images.on-this.website/4752_9149466954f743c9633cf5.jpgFinnvikdalen, Kvaløya, Troms, north Norway Finnvikdalen is a valley on the island of Kvaløya which runs north west to the shore of the Kaldfjorden at Lyfjord and Skulsfjord. Location: view from the road along Finnvikdalen Date: 18th March 2012 http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801038.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_119293538164ed9bf27b1ac.jpgRed Admiral Flight period: April to November. The Red Admiral is a familiar and widespread butterfly in the UK although numbers depend on immigration from Europe. It can be found in any flower-rich habitat. Date: 7th July 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645382.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_35480120151e3cd62b0f00.jpgSiemianówka area, Poland The Siemianówka lake is a large reservoir on the upper Narew river with vast reedbeds surrounded by old woods and wet meadows. The lake extends from north west to south east, crossed at its eastern part by a railway track (reaching the most remote railway station in Poland) that divides the reservoir into two parts. To the south, the lake touches the northern edges of the Bialowieza Forest. Date: 26th May 2013 Location: Siemianówka area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26541368.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_128605966856acebb0a36f4.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 16th January 2016 Location: Caerlaverock WWT reserve, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49278554.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16943208026499b1a313bde.jpgEmperor Dragonfly Flight period: June to August. The Emperor Dragonfly is the largest UK dragonfly species and apart from its size it can easily be recognized by its bright colouration and highly territorial behaviour as it flies endlessly well above the water’s surface. The Emperor Dragonfly has expanded its range in to northern England in recent years and has now been recorded in Scotland. They can be found around well-vegetated ponds, lakes, large ditches, canals and slow-moving rivers. Date: 12th June 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/fieldfares https://images.on-this.website/4752_11928761344f3cc5bf505c2.jpgFieldfares The Fieldfare is a member of the thrush family which is very similar to a Mistle Thrush in general size, shape and behaviour. It has a slate grey crown, neck and rump, a plain brown back, dark wings, blackish tail and white underwings. The breast and flanks are heavily speckled. The breast has a reddish wash and the rest of the underparts are white. The sexes are similar in appearance but the females are slightly more brown. The male has a simple chattering song and the birds have various guttural flight and alarm calls. The Fieldfare is a migratory species with a Palearctic distribution. It breeds in north Norway, north Sweden, Finland, the Baltic states, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland and in to Asia. In the summer the Fieldfare frequents mixed woodland of birch, alder, pine, spruce and fir, often near marshes, moorland or other open ground. It does not avoid the vicinity of humans and can be seen in cultivated areas, orchards, parks and gardens. It also inhabits open tundra and the slopes of hills above the tree line. It often breeds in small colonies, possibly for protection from predators. The first known breeding of the Fieldfare in the UK was in 1967 when a pair nested in Orkney. Very small numbers have continued nesting fairly regularly in Scotland. The winter range extends through west Europe, including the UK, south Europe and north Africa although it is uncommon in the Mediterranean region. Eastern populations migrate to Anatolia, Israel, Iran and north west India. Migrating and wintering Fieldfares often form large flocks, often in the company of Redwings. In the winter, the Fieldfare can be found in open country, agricultural land, orchards, open woodland and gardens. It is nomadic, wandering wherever there is an abundance of berries and insects. Later in the year it moves on to pastureland and cultivated fields. The Fieldfare is omnivorous. Animal food in the diet includes snails and slugs, earthworms, spiders and insects such as beetles and their larvae, flies and grasshoppers. In the autumn ripened berries such as hawthorn, holly, rowan, yew, juniper, dog rose, cotoneaster, pyracantha and berberis are eaten. In addition, windfall apples, grain and seeds are eaten. When these are exhausted, or in particularly harsh weather, the birds may move to marshes or even the foreshore where molluscs can be found. Date: 7th February 2012 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/river-inver-sutherland https://images.on-this.website/4752_2145079009467f1c0be079a.jpgRiver Inver, Sutherland The River Inver flows westwards out of Loch Assynt and in to the sea at Lochinver. For much of its course it rushes through rocky terrain. Date: June 2003 Location: view from a track adjacent to the A837 road between Skiag Bridge and Lochinver and looking east towards Quinag http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43629184.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13473365586118b2576cd4f.jpgCommon Blue Flight period: June to September. The Common Blue is the UK’s most widespread and common blue butterfly although it has suffered some local declines due to habitat loss. They can be found in sunny, sheltered areas including downland, roadside verges, woodland clearings and rural gardens. Date: 4th August 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41183544.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19858995065e9c304f45b8a.jpgOrange Tip Flight period: April to June The Orange Tip is a common and widespread, medium sized butterfly of gardens and hedgerows. The males are unmistakeable with bright orange wing tips whilst the females are white with black wing tips. Both have mottled green underwings. Date: 16th April 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9564600.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9159381704daebf6c64865.jpgPied Wagtail The White Wagtail, [i]Motacilla alba[/i], is a small passerine bird in the wagtail family. A number of sub-species are recognised including [i]Motacilla alba alba[/I] found in Europe from the Iberian Peninsula to the Ural Mountains, Turkey, the Levant, Iceland, the Faroe Islands and Greenland's east coast and [I]Motacilla alba yarrellii[/I] (Pied Wagtail) found in the UK and Ireland and which has a much blacker back than the nominate race. The nominate sub-species [I]Motacilla alba alba[/I] is basically grey above and white below with a white face, black cap and black throat. It is a slender bird with a characteristic long tail. The most conspicuous habit of the White Wagtail is a near-constant tail wagging, a trait that has given the bird its common name. In spite of the ubiquity of this behaviour, the reasons for it are poorly understood. It has been suggested that it may flush prey or signal submissiveness to other wagtails. A recent study has suggested instead that it is a signal of vigilance to potential predators. The White Wagtail breeds throughout Eurasia up to latitudes 75°N, only being absent in the Arctic from areas where summer temperatures are less than 4 °C. It also breeds in the mountains of Morocco and western Alaska. It is resident in the milder parts of its range such as western Europe and the Mediterranean but migratory in much of the rest of its range. Northern European breeders winter around the Mediterranean and in tropical and subtropical Africa, Asiatic birds move to the Middle East, India and south east Asia and birds from the north American population also winter in tropical Asia. The White Wagtail has a wide range and whilst the population size is unknown it is believed to be large since the species is described as "common" in at least parts of its range. Population trends have not been quantified but the population in Europe appears to be stable and it has adapted well to human changes to the environment and has exploited human changes such as man-made structures that are used for nesting sites and increased open areas that are used for foraging. The White Wagtail is an insectivorous bird of open country, often near habitation and water. It prefers bare areas for feeding where it can see and pursue its prey. In urban areas it has adapted to foraging on paved areas such as car parks. It nests in crevices and holes in stone walls and similar natural and man-made structures such as bridges and buildings. The diet of the White Wagtail varies by location but terrestrial and aquatic insects and other small invertebrates form the major part of the diet. These range from beetles, dragonflies, small snails, spiders, worms and crustaceans to maggots found in carcasses and flies. It is somewhat unusual in the parts of its range where it is non-migratory as it is an insectivorous bird that continues to feed on insects during the winter when most other insectivorous birds in temperate climates migrate or switch to more vegetable matter. Though it is known to be a host species for the Cuckoo, the White Wagtail typically deserts its nest if it has been parasitised. Date: 5th November 2007 Location: Bruichladdich, Loch Indaal, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49001646.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12292567266468dbb85ca1f.jpgSong Thrush The Song Thrush is a familiar and popular songbird, smaller and browner than the Mistle Thrush with smaller spotting on the breast. The Song Thrush can be found all year round in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens across the UK. Numbers are declining seriously making it a Red List species. Date: 11th March 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45948299.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5550475316284a978e2eac.jpgWoodpigeon The Woodpigeon is the UK's largest and commonest pigeon and is largely grey with a white neck patch and white wing patches which are clearly visible in flight. Although shy in the countryside, it can be tame and approachable in towns and cities. Its cooing call is a familiar sound in woodlands as is the loud clatter of its wings when it flies away. Woodpigeons can be found across the UK. In the countryside they breed on farmland with hedges, trees and copses and in towns and cities they breed in parks and gardens. In winter, Woodpigeons form large flocks on farmland fields. Date: 14th April 2022 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12744426.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2647784444e705f7ab72a8.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 14th November 2005 Location: Donna Nook, Lincolnshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49903303.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_50270152765042f5e5d7a4.jpgMigrant Hawker Flight period: August to October The Migrant Hawker is common in the south of the UK and has spread north and west in recent decades. The breeding population is boosted by continental migrants in the autumn and they are most easily seen hawking for insects along sheltered woodland rides or hedgerows. Date: 15th August 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11265216.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16011327774e1ad3d4ddbb4.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 11th May 2008 Location: Skomer, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo2463034.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_160252338349f203ef1a49a.jpgLoch Milton, Highland Loch Milton is a small loch on the edge of the village of Boat of Garten on Speyside. The loch has a small heronry and other breeding birds can also be seen. Date: 12th April 2009 Location: view from Boat of Garten http://www.richardchewphotography.com/july-2013-small-tortoiseshells https://images.on-this.website/4752_93793767152cbc7fe008be.jpgJuly to August 2013 - Small Tortoiseshells Please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/small-tortoiseshell]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14185071.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1341068314f422324d34a0.jpgSmall Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Small Skipper has a rusty orange colour to the wings, upper body and the tips of the antennae. The body is silvery white below and it has a wingspan of 25 to 30 mm. It is very similar in appearance to the Essex Skipper but the undersides of the tips of the antennae are yellow orange in the Small Skipper whereas they are black in the Essex Skipper. The Small Skipper is a common and widespread butterfly in most parts of England and has been expanding its range northwards. It can be found in rough grassland, roadside verges, edges of fields and woodland clearings where it is often seen basking on vegetation or making short buzzing flights among tall grass stems. Date: 8th July 2007 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41349746.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21186836925f201ff0c403c.jpgComma Flight period: March to October. The Comma was a rarity 100 years ago but is now a common and widespread butterfly in England and Wales and is on the point of recolonising Scotland. They are one of the first butterflies to be seen in spring and can be found in open woodland, woodland edges and gardens. Date: 17th July 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813402.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3465108725d0ddedbc0ac4.jpgBen More, Mull, Argyll Height: 3168 feet. Ben More is the highest peak on the island of Mull and is a prominent feature of many views on the island. It is situated to the west of Mull's main central range of hills to the north of Loch Scridain and to the south of Loch na Keal. Ben More is a massive grey bulk whose upper slopes are covered in a mantle of angular scree. Its north eastern corrie is particularly craggy and often contains snow well into the spring. The Gaelic name Beinn Mhòr means "big hill" or “great mountain”. Date: 12th June 2019 Location: view from the A849 road overlooking Loch Beg http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080583.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_208453765263a4596d1a254.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 1st December 2022 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30017223.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6759790658754fba2d942.jpgStarlings The Common Starling, also known as the European starling or in the UK just as the Starling, is a medium-sized passerine bird in the starling family. There are several sub-species of the Starling which vary in size and the colour tone of the adult plumage. The gradual variation over geographic range and extensive intergradation means that acceptance of the various sub-species varies between different authorities. The Starling is 7.5 to 9.1 inches in length with a wingspan of 12 to 17 inches. The plumage is iridescent black, glossed purple or green and spangled with white, especially in winter. The underparts of the adult male Starlings are generally less spotted than those of adult females. The throat feathers of the males are long and loose and are used in display while those of the females are smaller and more pointed. The legs are stout and pinkish-red or greyish-red. The bill is narrow and conical with a sharp tip. In the winter it is brownish-black but in summer the females have lemon yellow beaks whilst the males have yellow bills with blue-grey bases. Moulting occurs once a year in late summer after the breeding season and the fresh feathers are prominently tipped white (breast feathers) or buff (wing and back feathers) giving a speckled appearance. The reduction in the spotting in the breeding season is achieved through the white feather tips largely wearing off. Juveniles are grey-brown and by their first winter they resemble adults although they often retain some brown juvenile feathering especially on the head. In flight, the Starling’s strongly pointed wings and dark colouration are distinctive whilst on the ground its strange waddling gait is also characteristic. The colouring and build usually distinguish the Starling from other starling species although the closely related Spotless Starling from Iberia and north Africa may be physically distinguished by the lack of iridescent spots in the adult breeding plumage. Like most terrestrial starlings, the Starling moves by walking or running rather than hopping. Their flight is quite strong and direct and their triangular-shaped wings beat very rapidly. They periodically glide for a short way without losing much height before resuming powered flight. When in a flock, the birds take off almost simultaneously, wheel and turn in unison, form a compact mass or trail off into a wispy stream, bunch up again and the land in a co-ordinated fashion. The Starling is a noisy bird. Its song consists of a wide variety of both melodic and mechanical-sounding noises as part of a ritual succession of sounds. The male is the main songster and engages in bouts of song lasting for a minute or more. Each of these typically includes 4 varieties of song type which follow each other in a regular order without pause. The bout starts with a series of pure tone whistles and these are followed by the main part of the song, a number of variable sequences that often incorporate snatches of song mimicked from other species of bird and various naturally occurring or man-made noises. The structure and simplicity of the sound mimicked is of greater importance than the frequency with which it occurs. Each sound clip is repeated several times before the bird moves on to the next. After this variable section comes a number of types of repeated clicks followed by a final burst of high frequency song, again formed of several types. Each bird has its own repertoire with more proficient birds having a range of up to 35 variable song types and as many as 14 types of clicks. Males sing constantly as the breeding period approaches and perform less often once pairs have bonded. In the presence of a female, a male sometimes flies to his nest and sings from the entrance, apparently attempting to entice the female in. Having a complex song is also useful in defending a territory and deterring less experienced males from encroaching. Singing also occurs outside the breeding season and takes place throughout the year apart from the moulting period. The songsters are more commonly males although females also sing on occasion. The function of such out-of-season song is poorly understood. Starlings chatter while roosting and bathing and make a great deal of noise that can cause irritation to some people living nearby. When a flock of Starlings is flying together, the synchronised movements of their wings make a distinctive whooshing sound that can be heard hundred yards away. The global population of the Starling was estimated to be 310 million birds in 2004, occupying a total area of 3.4 million square miles. Its numbers are not thought to be declining significantly so it is classified by the IUCN as being of “Least Concern”. It had shown a marked increase in numbers throughout Europe from the 19th century to around the 1950s and 1960s. However, declines in populations have been observed since 1980, including in the UK. This seems to be due to the low survival rate of young birds which may be caused by changes in agricultural practices. The intensive farming methods used in north Europe mean there is less pasture and meadow habitat available and the supply of grassland invertebrates needed for the nestlings to thrive is correspondingly reduced. The Starling remains widespread throughout the Northern Hemisphere and it is native to Eurasia. It is found throughout Europe, north Africa from Morocco to Egypt, India (mainly in the north but regularly extending further south) and extending into the Maldives, Nepal, the Middle East including Syria, Iran and Iraq and north west China. Starlings in the south and west of Europe and south of latitude 40°N are mainly resident although other populations migrate from regions where the winter is harsh, the ground frozen and food scarce. Large numbers of birds from northern Europe, Russia and Ukraine migrate south westwards or south eastwards. In the autumn, when immigrants are arriving from eastern Europe, many of the UK's Starlings are setting off for Iberia and north Africa. Other groups of birds are in passage across the country and the pathways of these different streams of bird may cross. The Starling prefers urban or suburban areas where artificial structures and trees provide adequate nesting and roosting sites. Reedbeds are also favoured for roosting and Starlings commonly feed in grassy areas such as farmland, grazing pastures, playing fields, golf courses and airfields where short grass makes foraging easy. The Starling occasionally inhabits open forests and woodlands although it is rarely found in dense, wet forests. It can also be found in coastal areas where it nests and roosts on cliffs and forages amongst seaweed. The Starling’s ability to adapt to a large variety of habitats has allowed it to disperse and establish the species in diverse locations around the world and resulting in a habitat range from coastal wetlands to alpine forests and from sea cliffs to mountain ranges. The Starling has been introduced to and has successfully established itself in New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, north America, Fiji and several Caribbean islands. As a result, it has also been able to migrate to Thailand, south east Asia and New Guinea. Breeding takes place during the spring and summer. Unpaired males find a suitable cavity and begin to build nests in order to attract single females, often decorating the nest with ornaments such as flowers and fresh green material, which the female later disassembles when accepting the male as a mate. The males sing throughout much of the construction and even more so when a female approaches his nest. Following mating, the male and female continue to build the nest. Nests may be located in any type of hole and common locations include inside hollowed trees, buildings, tree stumps and man-made nest-boxes. Nests are typically made out of straw, dry grass and twigs with an inner lining made up of feathers, wool and soft leaves. Construction usually takes 4 or 5 days and may continue through incubation.[29] The Starling is both monogamous and polygamous. Although broods are generally brought up by a single male and a single female, occasionally the pair may have an extra helper. Pairs may be part of a colony, in which case several other nests may occupy the same or nearby trees. Males may mate with a second female while the first is still on the nest. The reproductive success of the bird is poorer in the second nest than it is in the primary nest and is better when the male remains monogamous. Following mating, the female lays eggs on a daily basis over a period of several days. There are normally 4 or 5 eggs which are pale blue or occasionally white and they commonly have a glossy appearance. Incubation lasts 13 days and both parents share this responsibility although the female spends more time incubating than the male. The female is the only parent to do so at night when the male returns to the communal roost. Nestlings remain in the nest for 3 weeks where they are fed continuously by both parents. Fledglings continue to be fed by their parents for another 1 or 2 weeks. A pair can raise up to 3 broods per year although 2 broods is typical and just a single one is normal north of 48°N. Within 2 months most juveniles will have moulted and gained their first basic plumage. They acquire their adult plumage the following year. Starling nests have a 48% to 79% rate of successful fledging although only 20% of nestlings survive to breeding age. The adult survival rate is closer to 60%. The average life span is about 2 to 3 years. A majority of starling predators are avian, in particular birds of prey The Starling is a highly gregarious species, especially in autumn and winter. Although flock size is highly variable, huge noisy flocks (murmurations) may form near roosts. These dense concentrations of birds are thought to be a defence against attacks by birds of prey. Flocks form a tight sphere-like formation in flight, frequently expanding and contracting and changing shape, seemingly without any sort of leader. Each Starling changes its course and speed as a result of the movement of its closest neighbours. Very large roosts, exceptionally up to 1.5 million birds, can form in city centres, woodlands or reedbeds. The Starling is largely insectivorous and feeds on a wide range of invertebrates in both the adult and larvae stages of development. It will also feed on earthworms, snails, small amphibians and lizards. While the consumption of invertebrates is necessary for successful breeding, the Starling is omnivorous and will also eat grains, seeds, fruits, nectar and food waste if the opportunity arises. Date: 2nd January 2017 Location: Ham Wall RSPB reserve, Somerset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39083854.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11929687685d3082510b840.jpgWestern Rhodopes Mountains, Smolyan Province, Bulgaria The Rhodopes Mountains are a mountain range in south east Europe. They are spread over 5689 square miles of which 4723 square miles are located in south Bulgaria and the remainder in north Greece. The Rhodopes Mountains are about 149 miles long and about 62 to 75 miles wide with an average altitude of 2575 feet. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 7188 feet and is situated 12 miles to the west of Smolyan. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rhodopes Mountains gives its name to the terrestrial eco-region Rodope montane mixed forests that belong in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The area is particularly notable for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans plus its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms such as the Trigrad Gorge. The Rhodopes Mountains can be sub-divided in to 3 sections: The Western Rhodopes are spread over 66% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and they are higher, the most infrastructurally developed and the most visited part of the mountains. The highest and best known peaks are located in this section with more than 10 over 6562 feet high including the highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7188 feet). Some of the deepest river gorges in the Rhodopes Mountains are located in the west as well as several large lakes. The Eastern Rhodopes are spread over a territory of about 34% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and are much lower in height. The large artificial dams of Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets are located in this part of the mountains. Almost every species of European bird of prey nests in the Eastern Rhodopes including the rare Black Vulture and Egyptian Vulture. The Southern Rhodopes are the part of the mountain range that is located in Greece and they are characterized by numerous peaks of relatively low altitude. The River Buynovska is situated in the western Rhodopes Mountains and it is one of the source rivers of the River Vacha, the second largest river that has its source in the Rhodopes Mountains after the River Arda. The river has formed the Buynovo Gorge, the longest gorge in Bulgaria, located between the villages of Yagodina and Teshel. Formed by erosion as the River Buynovo flows through layers of marble rock, the gorge has developed in to an impressive natural phenomenon. The cliffs on both sides of the gorge rise hundreds of feet and can be visited on foot or by car on an extremely narrow single track road which winds along the base of the cliffs with sheer drops and hairpin turns. The narrowest point of the gorge is called Vuclhi Skok (“The Wolf’s Leap”). Folklore says that during winter wolves would leap the chasm to attack the sheepfolds. While this is only a legend, it is plain to see that the gorge is so narrow at this point that the cliffs practically touch each other at height of just 10 to 13 feet above the road. The beauty of the Buynovo Gorge can be appreciated from “a bird’s-eye view” from “The Eagle’s Eye”, a metal platform built on the precipitous cliff face of the Saint Iliya Peak at a height of 5128 feet. This provides impressive views of the entire surrounding area and, during good weather, the entire Rhodopes Mountains and even parts of north Greece are visible. Several hiking trails have been created in the area and the Buynovo Gorge was designated as a nature reserve in 1971. It is now one of Bulgaria’s top 100 tourist destinations. The limestone sediment has been eroded throughout the entire area and in the vicinity of the village Yagodina alone there are 36 caves, the most famous of which is the Yagodina Cave itself, a multi-level complex of primarily marble. This is the 4th longest cave in Bulgaria and the longest cave in the Rhodopes Mountains at around 5 miles, of which just under 1 mile is open to tourists. Date: 28th May 2018 Location: Buynovo Gorge, Teshel to Yagodina, Western Rhodopes Mountains, Smolyan Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41524234.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13881639715f3a6acc60737.jpgCommon Blue Flight period: June to September. The Common Blue is the UK’s most widespread and common blue butterfly although it has suffered some local declines due to habitat loss. They can be found in sunny, sheltered areas including downland, roadside verges, woodland clearings and rural gardens. Date: 1st August 2020 Location, Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12744410.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1256528814e705b28b7601.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 4th November 2008 Location: Portnahaven, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/skagi-peninsula-north-west-iceland https://images.on-this.website/4752_130849583556378c048dae3.jpgVatnsnes peninsula to Skagi peninsula, north west Iceland Date: 1st June 2015 Location: view from road 1 between Hvammstangi and Blönduós http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453969.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14405630984ff546dd27995.jpgCáceres-Trujillo steppes, Extremadura, Spain The Cáceres-Trujillo steppes, located north and south of the main Cáceres to Trujillo road, consist of a steppe-like habitat of mainly gently undulating country given over to sheep grazing on rough pastures with areas of wheat cultivation. Many of the pastures have a varied and colourful flora in spring. The Cáceres-Trujillo steppes are one of the prime regions for steppe birds in Extremadura with high breeding densities of many species. Date: 29th April 2012 Location: Trujillo to Santa Marta de Magasca to Cáceres, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13657331.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_384601494ed36df6c25f6.jpgOtter The Eurasian Otter, also known as the European Otter, Eurasian River Otter, Common Otter and Old World Otter and commonly known as the Otter, is a semi-aquatic mammal and the most widely distributed member of the Otter sub-family of the Weasel family (Mustelidae). The Otter is a typical species of the Otter sub-family and is brown above and cream below. It is 22.5 to 37.5 inches long excluding a tail of 14 to 17.5 inches. The female is shorter than the male. The Otter's average body weight is 15 to 26 pounds, although occasionally a large old male may reach up to 37 pounds. The Otter differs from the North American River Otter by its shorter neck, broader face, the greater space between the ears and its longer tail. However, it is the only Otter species in much of its range so it is rarely confused for any other animal. The Otter is the most widely distributed Otter species and its range including parts of Asia and Africa as well as being widespread across Europe. The Otter can be found throughout most of the UK with the highest densities in Scotland, especially the islands and the north west coast, Wales, parts of East Anglia and the West Country. The Otter declined across its range in the second half of the 20th century primarily due to pollution, habitat loss and hunting. However, populations are now recovering in many parts of Europe. In the UK the number of sites with an Otter presence increased by 55% between 1994 and 2002. In August 2011, the Environment Agency announced that the Otter had returned to every county in England since vanishing from every county except the West Country and parts of Northern England. The recovery of the Otter population in Europe is due to a ban on the most harmful pesticides that has been in place since 1979, improvements in water quality leading to increases in prey populations and direct legal protection under the European Union Habitats Directive and national legislation in several European countries. In general, the Otter’s varied and adaptable diet means that it can be found on any unpolluted body of fresh water, including lakes, streams, rivers and ponds, as long as the food supply is adequate. It can also be found along the coast in salt water but it requires regular access to fresh water to clean its fur. When living in the sea it is sometimes referred to as a "Sea Otter" but it should not be confused with the true Sea Otter which is a North American species much more strongly adapted to a marine existence. The Otter's diet mainly consists of fish. However, during the winter and in colder environments, fish consumption is significantly lower and other sources of food are eaten including amphibians, crustaceans, insects, birds and small mammals. Hunting mainly takes place at night whilst the day is usually spent in the Otter's holt (den). The Otter is strongly territorial and is primarily solitary. An individual's territory may vary between 1 and 25 miles with the length of the territory depending on the density of food available and the width of the water suitable for hunting (it is shorter on coasts, where the available width is much wider and longer on narrower rivers). The Otter uses its spraints to mark its territory. Territories are only held against members of the same sex so those of males and females may overlap. The Otter is a non-seasonal breeder and males and females will breed at any time of the year. It has been found that their mating season is most likely determined simply by the Otters' reproductive maturity and physiological state. Female Otters are sexually mature between 18 and 24 months old and the average age of first breeding is found to be 2.5 years old. Gestation is 60 to 64 days and after the gestation period, 1 to 4 pups are born which remain dependent on the mother for about 13 months. The male plays no direct role in parental care although the territory of a female with her pups is usually entirely within that of the male. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49278553.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10364930206499b1a22460d.jpgEmperor Dragonfly Flight period: June to August. The Emperor Dragonfly is the largest UK dragonfly species and apart from its size it can easily be recognized by its bright colouration and highly territorial behaviour as it flies endlessly well above the water’s surface. The Emperor Dragonfly has expanded its range in to northern England in recent years and has now been recorded in Scotland. They can be found around well-vegetated ponds, lakes, large ditches, canals and slow-moving rivers. Date: 12th June 2023 Location: Laindon http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49277065.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14866238664997167810a2.jpgBosherston Lily Ponds, Bosherton, Pembrokeshire Bosherston Lily Ponds are part of the National Trust Stackpole Estate. The renowned water lilies are best seen in June. The marshy edges and reedbeds provide a good habitat for common breeding water birds. Date: 9th June 2023 Location: Bosherston Lily Ponds, Bosherton, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28883732.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_199146548857cc0ccbc5228.jpgTaevaskoja, Estonia Taevaskoja is part of the Ahja River Landscape Reserve situated about 20 miles south east of Tartu and is an area of old pine and deciduous forest, fast flowing river, rapids and craggy outcrops. Date: 18th May 2016 Location: Taevaskoja, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42202650.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9122387825ff3106e2f41a.jpgBrown Bear The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, Ursus arctos arctos. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an evening visit with [url=https://www.karhujenkatselu.fi/en-gb]Karhu-Kuusamo[/url] Date: 7th July 2019 Location: Kuntilampi, near Kuusamo, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26040354.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_174679049556388dc4341ff.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name <i>Fratercula</i> comes from the Medieval Latin <i>fratercula</i> meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name <i>arctica</i> refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek <i>άρκτος</i> ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name <i>puffin</i> (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Látrabjarg, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4466116.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17258255584b8a263d50436.jpgFløyfjellet, Bergen Fløyfjellet or Fløyen is the most visited of the 7 mountains that surround the city centre of Bergen, Norway. It has a funicular railway system (Fløibanen) that transports passengers from the centre of Bergen to a height of 1050 feet in roughly 8 minutes. The actual highest point on Fløifjellet at 1394 feet is approximately 1/2 mile to the north east. From Fløyfjellet there are stunning views of the city of Bergen and the surrounding area. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45456923.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1650802107624ffef6c7a72.jpgSanderling The Sanderling is a small, plump, energetic wading bird. It has a short straight black bill and medium length black legs and is pale grey above and white underneath. Sanderlings breed in the high Arctic but can be seen in the UK during the winter months and as a passage migrant in spring and autumn. They can be found where there are long, sandy beaches around most of the coast other than in south west England and the rocky coasts of mainland Scotland. Date: 9th November 2021 Location: Shoeburyness, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49001824.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2272986866468e2fb4ef9f.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 3rd April 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4466069.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6521920364b8a245ac3ca5.jpg http://www.richardchewphotography.com/edible-frog https://images.on-this.website/4752_156569810860dd84da0ea4e.jpgEdible Frogs The Edible Frog is a species of frog found across Europe that is also known as the Common Water Frog and the Green Frog. The Edible Frog is one of the few animals in the world that is a fertile hybrid of 2 different species, as although similar but genetically different species are known to mate, it is very rare that their offspring will be able to breed. The Edible Frog is a fertile hybrid of 2 other European frogs, namely the Pool Frog and the Marsh Frog, that inter-bred when populations where isolated close to one another during the Ice Age. It was first described in 1758 and is known as the Edible Frog due to the fact that it is now seen as a culinary delicacy across Europe but especially in France where frog’s legs are often served as a national dish. The reason for humans favouring this frog over others is not really known but it may have something to do with their abundance. The Edible Frog is a medium sized frog growing to around 3.5 to 4.5 inches in length. Adults are mainly green in colour with light patches of brown on their backs, yellow eyes and a white underside covered in a few dark spots. There are number of distinct differences between males and females including the fact that males become much lighter and greener during the mating season. Males also have vocal sacs on the outside of their cheeks and extra skin patches on their feet, both of which are primarily used for mating. The Edible Frog is endemic to Europe and it naturally occurs across central Europe as far north as Germany and Estonia. Southern populations are found from Croatia, through northern Italy and into the south of France. There are also isolated populations in Sweden and Bulgaria which are thought to have migrated from the countries nearby. It has also been introduced to the UK. The Edible Frog spends all of its time either in or very close to water and it is most commonly found in calmer parts of rivers and streams where there is a slow but constant flow of fresh water. It tends to prefer more open areas and can also be commonly found around lakes, ponds and marshes. Unlike many other species of frog, the Edible Frog is a diurnal animal and is therefore most active during the day. This is when it is most likely to move away from the water so that it can find a better supply of food or move to a different part of the water if it needs to. The Edible Frog is a relatively solitary animal so there is less competition for food but males are often seen sitting together in groups during the breeding season when they are trying to out-compete each other to find a mate. The breeding season for the Edible Frog begins during March and generally lasts for around 2 months. Males sing by drawing air in and out of their vocal sacs to produce the highest-pitched sound possible since females are most attracted to the loudest males. After courting her in a lake, pond or swamp, the male lets the female lay up to 10,000 eggs in a sticky mass into the water before he fertilises them. Tadpoles can be as small as 0.2 inches long when they hatch and are a grey/brown colour. They then grow up to 2 to 3 inches in length before metamorphoses occurs and they leave the water as 0.75 inches long young frogs. The Edible Frog reaches sexual maturity at the age of 2 years and can live until it is 15 years old. The Edible Frog is a carnivorous amphibian but the tadpoles mainly eat vegetation although they are known to occasionally supplement their diet with aquatic micro-organisms. Adults eat small invertebrates such as insects, spiders and flies, which make up the majority of their diet, along with larger aquatic animals like fish, newts and other frogs. The Edible Frog hunts for food during the day and can be seen catching food both in water and on land. The Edible Frog remains very still when it is sitting on the banks of its water habitat and this, along with its camouflage, makes it very difficult for predators to spot. Its eyes are positioned near the top of the head meaning that it can also see danger coming whilst the body is mainly hidden. Snakes, owls and water birds are the main predators of the Edible Frog. The Edible Frog will jump into the water and hide if it senses approaching danger and it will make a loud screeching sound if caught. Edible Frog populations are under threat from habitat destruction mainly caused by deforestation and water pollution. Date: 2nd June 2021 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17942853.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_342351492518cb080184c5.jpgWater Rail The Water Rail is a member of the rail family. The adult is about 9 to 11 inches long with a 15 to 18 inches wingspan. The upper parts from the forehead to tail are olive-brown with black streaks, especially on the shoulders. The sides of the head and the underparts down to the upper belly are dark slate-blue, except for a blackish area between bill and eye and brownish sides to the upper breast. The flanks are barred black and white and the undertail is white with some darker streaks. The long bill and the iris are red and the legs are flesh-brown. The sexes are similar although the female averages slightly smaller than the male with a more slender bill. Individual adults can be identified by the markings on the undertail which are unique to each bird. Adult males have the strongest black undertail streaks. It has been suggested that the dark barring on the undertail of this species is a compromise between the signalling function of a pure white undertail, as found in open water or gregarious species like the Moorhen, and the need to avoid being too conspicuous. The Water Rail can readily be distinguished from most other reed bed rails by the white undertail and the red bill which is a little longer than the rest of the head and slightly down-curved. The Water Rail is a vocal species which gives its main call, known as "sharming", throughout the year. This is a series of grunts followed by a high-pitched piglet-like squeal and ending in more grunts. It is used as a territorial call, alarm and announcement. Members of a pair may call alternately, the male giving lower and slower notes than the female. Birds are most vocal when setting up a territory and early in the breeding season when calling may continue at night. The Water Rail is a skulking species, its streaked plumage making it difficult to see in its wetland habitat. Its laterally compressed body allows it to slip though the densest vegetation and it will "freeze" if surprised in the open. It walks with a high-stepping gait although it adopts a crouch when it runs for cover. It swims, when necessary, with the jerky motion typical of rails and it flies short distances low with its long legs dangling. Although its flight looks weak, the Water Rail is capable of long sustained flights during its nocturnal migration. The Water Rail breeds across temperate Eurasia from Iceland and the UK discontinuously to north Africa, Saudi Arabia and western China. Its distribution in Asia is poorly studied. It is resident in the milder south and west of its range but migrates south from areas that are subject to harsh winters. It winters within its breeding range and also further south in north Africa, the Middle East and the Caspian Sea area. The peak migration period is September to October with most birds returning to the breeding grounds from March to mid-April. The Water Rail is widely but thinly distributed as a breeding bird across the UK but it is absent from upland areas. It is most abundant in eastern England and suitable habitat along the south coast. Numbers are higher in winter when many birds arrive from Europe. The breeding habitat of the Water Rail is permanent wetland with still or slow-moving fresh or brackish water and dense, tall vegetation. On migration and in winter, a wider range of wet habitats may be used such as flooded thickets or bracken. Freezing condition may force birds into more open locations such as ditches, rubbish dumps and gardens or even out on to exposed ice. The Water Rail is monogamous and highly territorial when breeding. The birds pair off after arriving at their nesting areas or possibly even before spring migration. The pair give courting and contact calls throughout the breeding season. The nest is well hidden and made from whatever wetland vegetation is available. It is built mostly by the male and usually in a single day. It is raised 6 inches or more above water level and is generally constructed on clumps of roots, tree stumps or similar support. It may be built up higher if water levels start to rise. The typical clutch is 6 to 11 eggs across most of the range and the clutch size may be smaller early or late in the breeding season. The breeding season can be extended by replacement and second clutches. Both parents incubate the eggs although the female takes the larger share of this duty. The eggs are incubated for 19 to 22 days to hatching. The downy chicks leave the nest within 2 days of hatching but continue to be fed by their parents, although the chicks also find some of their own food after about 5 days. The chicks are independent of their parents after 20 to 30 days and can fly when aged 7 to 9 weeks. Average survival after fledging has been estimated as between 17 and 20 months with an annual survival rate slightly less than 50% per year for the first 3 years and somewhat higher thereafter. The maximum recorded age is 8 years 10 months. The Water Rail is a versatile and opportunistic forager although it follows definite routes when feeding, frequently returning to good hunting areas. It is omnivorous although it mainly feeds on animals such as leeches, worms, gastropods, small crustaceans, spiders and a wide range of both terrestrial and aquatic insects and their larvae. Small vertebrates such as amphibians, fish, birds and mammals may be killed or eaten as carrion. Plant food, which is consumed more in autumn and winter, includes the buds, flowers, shoots and seeds of water plants, berries and fruit. The Water Rail's numbers are declining but it has a large population and a huge breeding range. In most European countries, the population is either stable or decreasing slightly due to loss of habitat arising from the drainage of marshes, canalisation of water courses, urban encroachment and pollution. Introduced predators such as American Mink are a threat to vulnerable island populations. Date: 1st April 2013 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49277056.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_78871681264996cea982d0.jpgRock Pipit The Rock Pipit is a large stocky pipit which is larger than the Meadow Pipit. It is streaky olive-brown above and dirty white underneath with dark streaking. The Rock Pipit breeds around the coast where there are rocky beaches and most of the birds that breed in the UK are residents. Date: 9th June 2023 Location: Stackpole Head, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo16538249.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6822733850827ef9b1ef1.jpgRuff The Ruff is a medium-sized wading bird in the sandpiper family, [i]Scolopacidae[/i]. The original English name for this bird, dating back to at least 1465, is the [i]ree[/i], perhaps derived from a dialectical term meaning "frenzied". A later name [I]reeve[/I], which is still used for the female, is of unknown origin but may be derived from the shire-reeve, a feudal officer, likening the male's flamboyant plumage to the official's robes. The current name was first recorded in 1634 and is derived from the ruff, an exaggerated collar fashionable from the mid-16th century to the mid-17th century, since the male bird's neck ornamental feathers resemble the neck wear. The Ruff has a distinctive appearance with a small head, medium-length bill, longish neck and pot-bellied body. It has long legs that are variable in colour but usually yellow or orange. In flight, it has a deeper, slower wing stroke than other waders of a similar size and it displays a thin, indistinct white bar on the wing and white ovals on the sides of the tail. The Ruff shows very distinctive sexual dimorphism. Although a small percentage of males resemble females, the typical male is much larger than the female and has an elaborate breeding plumage. The male is 11 to 13 inches in length with a 21 to 24 inches wingspan. During the May to June breeding season, the typical male's legs, bill and warty bare facial skin are orange and he has distinctive head tufts and a neck ruff. These ornaments vary on individual birds and are black, chestnut or white with the colouring solid, barred or irregular. The grey-brown back has a scale-like pattern, often with black or chestnut feathers, and the underparts are white with extensive black on the breast. The extreme variability of the main breeding plumage is thought to have developed to aid individual recognition in a species that has communal breeding displays but is usually mute. Outside the breeding season, the typical male's head and neck decorations and the bare facial skin are lost and the legs and bill become duller. The upperparts are grey-brown and the underparts are white with grey mottling on the breast and flanks. The female, or "reeve", is 9 to 10 inches in length with a 18 to 19 inches wingspan. In the breeding plumage, the female has grey-brown upperparts with white-fringed, dark-centred feathers. The breast and flanks are variably blotched with black. In winter, her plumage is similar to that of the male but the sexes are distinguishable on size. The plumage of the juvenile Ruff resembles the non-breeding adult but has upperparts with a neat, scale-like pattern with dark feather centres and a strong buff tinge to the underparts. The Ruff is a migratory species, breeding in wetlands in the colder regions of northern Eurasia and wintering in the tropics, mainly in Africa. There is a limited overlap of the summer and winter ranges in the UK and parts of coastal western Europe and birds may be present throughout the year. The Ruff breeds in Europe and Asia from Scandinavia and the UK almost to the Pacific. In Europe, it is found in cool temperate areas but over its Russian range it is an Arctic species and occurs mainly north of about 65°N. The largest numbers breed in Russia, Sweden, Finland and Norway. Although it also breeds from the UK east through the Low Countries to Poland, Germany and Denmark, the populations are much lower in these more southerly areas. The Ruff is highly gregarious on migration and it travels in large flocks that can contain hundreds or thousands of individuals. Huge dense groups form on the wintering grounds. The males, which play no part in nesting or chick care, leave the breeding grounds in late June or early July followed later in July by the females and juveniles. Males typically make shorter flights and winter further north than females. Many migratory species use this differential wintering strategy since it reduces feeding competition between the sexes and enables territorial males to reach the breeding grounds as early as possible thereby improving their chances of successful mating. Males may also be able to tolerate colder winter conditions because they are larger than females. The Ruff breeds in extensive lowland freshwater marshes and damp grasslands. It avoids barren tundra and areas badly affected by severe weather, preferring hummocky marshes and deltas with shallow water. The wetter areas provide a source of food, the mounds and slopes may be used for leks and dry areas with sedge or low scrub offer nesting sites. When it is not breeding, it can be found in a wider range of shallow wetlands. Dry grassland, tidal mudflats and the seashore are less frequently used. Male Ruffs display during the breeding season at a lek in a traditional open grassy arena. The Ruff is one of the few lekking species in which the display is primarily directed at other males rather than to the females and it is among a small percentage of birds in which the males have well-marked and inherited variations in plumage and mating behaviour. There are 3 male forms: the typical territorial males, satellite males which have a white neck ruff and a very rare variant with female-like plumage. The behaviour and appearance for an individual male remain constant through its adult life and are determined by its genes. The territorial males, about 84% of the total, have strongly coloured black or chestnut ruffs and stake out and occupy small mating territories in the lek. They actively court females and display a high degree of aggression towards other resident males. Between 5 and 20 territorial males each hold an area of the lek about 3 feet across and usually with bare soil in the centre. They perform an elaborate display that includes wing fluttering, jumping, standing upright, crouching with ruff erect or lunging at rivals. They are typically silent even when displaying. Territorial males are very site faithful and 90% return to the same lekking sites in subsequent seasons, the most dominant males being the most likely to reappear. Site faithful males can acquire accurate information about the competitive abilities of other males, leading to well-developed dominance relationships. Such stable relationships reduce conflict and the risk of injury and the consequent lower levels of male aggression are less likely to scare off females. Lower-ranked territorial males also benefit from site fidelity since they can remain on the leks while waiting for the top males eventually to drop out. Satellite males, about 16% of the total number, have white or mottled ruffs and do not occupy territories. Instead, they enter leks and attempt to mate with the females visiting the territories occupied by the resident territorial males. Resident territorial males tolerate the satellite birds because, although they are competitors for mating with the females, the presence of both types of male on a territory attracts additional females. A third type of male was first described in 2006. This is a permanent female mimic, the first such reported for a bird. About 1% of males are small, intermediate in size between males and females and do not grow the elaborate breeding plumage of the territorial and satellite males. This cryptic male obtains access to mating territories together with the females and "steals" matings when the females crouch to solicit copulation. It moults into the prenuptial male plumage with striped feathers but does not go on to develop the ornamental feathers of the normal male. Not all mating takes place at the lek since only a minority of the males attend an active lek. As alternative strategies, males can also directly pursue females or wait for them as they approach good feeding sites. The level of polyandry in the Ruff is the highest known for any avian lekking species and for any shorebird. More than half of females mate with and have clutches fertilised by more than one male. In lekking species, females can choose mates without risking the loss of support from males in nesting and rearing chicks since the males take no part in raising the brood anyway. The nest of the Ruff is a shallow ground scrape lined with grass leaves and stems and concealed in marsh plants or tall grass up to 450 yards from the lek. Nesting is solitary although several females may lay in the general vicinity of a lek. The female lays typically 4 eggs from mid-March to early June depending on latitude. Incubation is undertaken by the female alone and the time to hatching is 20 to 23 days with a further 25 to 28 days to fledging. The precocial chicks have buff and chestnut down, streaked and barred with black and frosted with white. They feed themselves on a variety of small invertebrates. The Ruff normally feeds using a steady walk and pecking action, selecting food items by sight, but it will also wade deeply and submerge its head. During the breeding season, the Ruff’s diet consists almost exclusively of the adults and larva of terrestrial and aquatic insects such as beetles and flies. On migration and during the winter, it eats insects, crustaceans, spiders, molluscs, worms, frogs, small fish and also the seeds of rice and other cereals, sedges, grasses and aquatic plants. The Ruff has a large range and a large population although there is some evidence of a decrease in the population in some regions and countries. However, the species as a whole is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List (i.e. declining more than 30 percent in 10 years or 3 generations). For these reasons, the Ruff is classified as "least concern". However, the range in much of Europe is contracting because of land drainage, increased fertiliser use, the loss of mown or grazed breeding sites and over-hunting. Therefore the Ruff is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 1st October 2012 Location: Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45182248.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17607003736235c37e8f01f.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 21st January 2022 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41255219.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5276205825f06f5038e843.jpgSiberian Tits The Siberian Tit or Gray-headed Chickadee is a member of the tit family. The head is dark brown with white cheeks, the mantle brown, the wing feathers blackish with pale fringes, and the underparts whitish with pale brown flanks. The Siberian Tit is a widespread resident throughout subarctic Fennoscandia, northern Asia, Alaska and the far north west of Canada and can be found in conifer forests, mostly of old-growth spruce, especially in areas with dead trees. Date: 28th June 2019 Location: Neljan Tuulen Tupa near Kaamanen, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45948992.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20698610166284b3a4cc409.jpgWoodlark The Woodlark is a streaky brown bird with a buffy-white eye-stripe which meets across the nape. It has a well developed crest on its crown which is not always conspicuous. In flight the peculiarly short tail and broad, rounded wings are noticeable and the deeply undulating flight with closed wing glides is characteristic. The Woodlark can be found all year round and breeds mainly in eastern and southern England on the heathlands of Hampshire, Surrey, Berkshire, Norfolk and Suffolk. Date: 24th April 2022 Location: Westleton Heath, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41225562.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10204953845ed9ff47656dc.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 17th May 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42222312.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13095309366023a2dd1cb56.jpgKuusamo to Iivaara, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland Date: 9th July 2019 Location: view from road 866 between Kuusamo and Iivaara, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41349765.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4213778675f20200632d2a.jpgMarbled White Flight period: July to August The Marbled White is a very distinctive black and white butterfly that is widespread in southern England and expanding its range northwards and eastwards. They can be found in unimproved grassland, coastal grassland, roadside verges and railway embankments. Date: 17th July 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo453674.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1708032358468841c1df4f4.jpgLoch Doire nam Mart, Morvern Loch Doire nam Mart is a small loch on the Ardtornish Estate in the Morvern area of the Ardnamurchan peninsula to the north of Lochaline and the Fiunary Forest. Date: 9th June 2007 Location: view from the unclassified road off the A884 road http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41225602.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6177070465eda02fb0eb06.jpgSmall Tortoiseshell Flight period: March to October. The Small Tortoiseshell is a familiar widespread butterfly throughout the UK. It is a highly adaptable species that can be found in any flowery areas where nettles occur including in gardens and urban areas. Date: 29th May 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833242.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1532702441559ce99843d53.jpgDalmatian Pelicans The somewhat similar-looking White Pelican broadly overlaps in size but has greater size sexual dimorphism. Female White Pelicans can be noticeably smaller than female Dalmatian Pelicans but male individuals of the two species are essentially the same size and weight. The Dalmatian Pelican differs from the White Pelican in that it has curly nape feathers, grey legs and silvery-white (rather than pure white) plumage. In winter, the adult Dalmatian Pelican goes from silvery-grey to a dingier brownish-grey cream colour. Immature birds are grey and lack the pink facial patch of immature White Pelicans. The bare skin around the eye can vary from yellow to purplish in colour. In the breeding season the Dalmatian Pelican has an orange-red lower mandible and pouch against a yellow upper mandible but in winter the whole bill is a somewhat dull yellow. The bill, at 14 to 18 inches long, is the second largest of any bird after the Australian Pelican. In flight, the Dalmatian Pelican is an elegant soaring bird, with the head held close to and aligned with the body by a downward bend in the neck. Unlike other pelicans, its wings are solid greyish-white with black tips. The Dalmatian Pelican can be found in lakes, rivers, deltas and estuaries from south east Europe to India and China. Compared to the White Pelican, the Dalmatian Pelican is not as tied to lowland areas and will nest in suitable wetlands at many elevations. It is less opportunistic in breeding habitat selection than the White Pelican, usually returning to a traditional breeding site year after year unless it becomes completely unsuitable. The Dalmatian Pelican usually migrates short distances. It is dispersive in Europe, based on feeding opportunities, with most western birds staying through the winter in the Mediterranean region. It is more actively migratory in Asia, where most of the birds that breed in Russia fly down for the winter to the central Middle East, largely around Iran through to the Indian Subcontinent from Nepal to central India. The Dalmatian Pelican has declined greatly throughout its range, more so than the White Pelican. During the 20th century, the species' numbers underwent a dramatic decline for reasons that are not entirely understood. The most likely reason was habitat loss due to human activities such as the drainage of wetlands and land development. Colonies are regularly disturbed by human activity, and, like all pelicans, the parents may temporarily leave their nest if threatened which then exposes the chicks to the risk of predation. Occasionally, Dalmatian Pelicans may be shot by fishermen who believe the birds are dangerously depleting the fish population and hence threatening their livelihood. Dalmatian Pelicans also regularly fly into power-lines and are killed by electrocution. The largest single remaining colony of Dalmatian Pelicans in Europe is at the Prespa lakes shared between Albania and Greece with around 1400 pairs. Approximately 450 pairs breed in the Danube Delta in Romania. The country with the largest breeding population today, including about 70% of pairs or possibly over 3,000 pairs, is Russia. Conservation efforts have been undertaken on behalf of the Dalmatian Pelican especially in Europe. Although they normally nest on the ground, Dalmatian Pelicans have nested on platforms put out in Turkey, Greece, Bulgaria and Romania in order to encourage them to breed. Rafts over water have also been set up for the species to use in Greece and Bulgaria. Power-lines have also been marked or dismantled in areas adjacent to colonies in these countries. Additionally, water-level management and educational programs may be aiding them at a local level. The Dalmatian Pelican feeds almost entirely on fish. It usually forages alone or in groups of only 2 or 3 birds. It normally swims along, placidly and slowly, until it quickly dunks its head underwater and scoops the fish out along with great masses of water. The water is dumped out of the sides of the pouch and the fish is swallowed. Occasionally it may feed cooperatively with other pelicans by corralling fish into shallow waters and may even co-operate similarly while fishing alongside Cormorants. Among a highly social family in general, the Dalmatian Pelican may have the least social inclinations. It naturally nests in relatively small groups compared to most other pelican species and sometimes may even nest alone. However, small colonies are usually formed, which regularly include upwards of 250 pairs. Occasionally, Dalmatian Pelicans may mix in with colonies of White Pelicans. Nesting sites selected are usually either islands in large bodies of water (typically lagoons or river deltas) or dense mats of aquatic vegetation. The nest is a moderately-sized pile of grass, reeds, sticks and feathers and is usually located on or near the ground, often being placed on dense floating vegetation. Breeding commences in March or April, about a month before the White Pelican breeds. Date: 13th May 2015 Location: Great Prespa Lake (Megali Prespa), West Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41255254.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16723452145f06f5a2eaefc.jpgSiberian Tit The Siberian Tit or Gray-headed Chickadee is a member of the tit family. The head is dark brown with white cheeks, the mantle brown, the wing feathers blackish with pale fringes, and the underparts whitish with pale brown flanks. The Siberian Tit is a widespread resident throughout subarctic Fennoscandia, northern Asia, Alaska and the far north west of Canada and can be found in conifer forests, mostly of old-growth spruce, especially in areas with dead trees. Date: 28th June 2019 Location: Neljan Tuulen Tupa near Kaamanen, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5325510.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6518558454c1dc6e59149a.jpgHerring Gull Herring Gulls are large, noisy gulls and can be found throughout the year around coasts. During winter they can also be found inland around rubbish tips, fields, large reservoirs and lakes. Herring Gulls usually breed in colonies at coastal sites around the UK including cliffs with grassy slopes, shingle beaches, small islands and rooftops in seaside towns. Date: 13th June 2010 Location: Aldeburgh, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/mount-devas-west-macedonia-greece https://images.on-this.website/4752_1838692228559cea38706a3.jpgMount Devas, West Macedonia, Greece Mount Devas is situated between Great Prespa Lake (Megali Prespa) and Small Prespa Lake (Mikri Prespa) and is characterised by juniper and oak woodland and an extremely rich shrub and flowering plant community. The route to the summit provides excellent views of the Prespa lakes and surrounding mountains. Date: 14th May 2015 Location: view from the track running south from Agios Georgios between Psarades and Laimos, West Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/winter-convoy-signage-varanger-peninsula https://images.on-this.website/4752_13027215365f3e4b1f8c6e7.jpgWinter convoy signage, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway During the winter months of heavy snow and ice on the high tundra mountain plateaus of the Varanger peninsula, vehicles using the Fv890 road over Kongsfjordfjellet to Berlevåg and the Fv891 road over Båtsfjordfjellet to Båtsfjord are escorted in convoy at specified times. Date: 5th July 2019 Location: approach to Kongsfjordfjellet and Båtsfjordfjellet, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28102085.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18194841525777a3e93db62.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include [url=http://www.gigrin.co.uk/]Gigrin Farm feeding centre[/url] near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 12th June 2016 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43082717.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_203215311060dd8927e3c79.jpgAzure Damselfly Flight period: May to August The Azure Damselfly is one of the two commonest blue damselflies and is a common and widespread species of lowland UK. They can be found around most standing water, preferring small, sheltered sites including ditches and garden ponds. Date: 15th June 2021 Location: Broadwater Warren RSPB reserve, High Weald, East Sussex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18776271.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_98880697351f4cec067611.jpgOspreys The Osprey is a large diurnal fish-eating bird of prey. The upperparts are a deep, glossy brown whilst the breast is white and sometimes streaked with brown and the underparts are pure white. The head is white with a dark mask across the eyes reaching to the sides of the neck. A short tail and long, narrow wings with 4 long, finger-like feathers and a shorter 5th give it a very distinctive appearance. The sexes appear fairly similar but the adult male can be distinguished from the female by its slimmer body and narrower wings. Fish make up 99% of the Osprey's diet and it typically takes fish weighing 5 to 10 ounces and about 10 to 14 inches in length. Virtually any type of fish in that weight and size range are taken. The Osprey possesses specialised physical characteristics and exhibits unique behaviour to assist in hunting and catching prey. Ospreys have vision that is well adapted to detecting underwater objects from the air. Prey is first sighted when the Osprey is 30 to 130 feet above the water, after which the bird hovers momentarily then plunges feet first into the water. Occasionally the Osprey may prey on rodents, rabbits, hares, amphibians, other birds and small reptiles. The Osprey is a summer visitor to the UK and birds arrive back from Africa in late March and April and leave again in August and September. They can also be seen at almost any large body of freshwater during spring and autumn migration. The Osprey’s main UK stronghold is in Scotland where you can visit many nest sites with public viewing facilities, including the RSPB reserve at Loch Garten (Highland) and the SWT reserve at Loch of the Lowes (Perthshire). In addition, Ospreys have begun breeding at a small number of locations in England and Wales. In 2012 an Osprey thought to be the UK's oldest breeding female returned to its nest at the Loch of the Lowes in Perthshire.The bird, known affectionately as “Lady” has nested at this site near Dunkeld for 22 consecutive years. Ospreys live on average for 10-15 years in the wild. In 2010 “Lady” fell ill and experts feared the bird would die after she stopped eating. However, thousands of people watching via webcam witnessed the Osprey's sudden recovery days later. In 2011 “Lady” returned to her nest but her eggs failed to hatch. Ospreys would once have been widespread throughout most of the UK. During the middle ages almost every big house and monastic establishment had a fishpond. These fishponds, as they do now, attracted this magnificent fish-eating bird of prey leading to many of them being hunted and killed. Later on in the 18th and 19th centuries, the remaining pairs of UK Ospreys were severely persecuted by gamekeepers, egg collectors and trophy hunters. With the additional pressures of habitat loss during this time, by 1916 they had become totally extinct as a breeding species in the UK. The last known pair of Ospreys nested in 1916 on an island on Loch Loyne. In 1954 an Osprey pair was reported to have nested at Loch Garten in the Scottish Highlands. They are believed to have successfully raised 2 chicks that year. They returned to their eyrie in 1955 but persecution by egg collectors proved to be a big problem still. A small group of RSPB staff and volunteers attempted to protect the nest but despite their valiant efforts it was not until 1959 that young Ospreys were raised in the area once more. Since those early days, numbers have slowly increased and there are now over 200 breeding pairs of Osprey in Scotland. During the 1980's and 1990's migrating Ospreys were regularly seen stopping off at Rutland Water in the East Midlands. In an aim to encourage the spread of Ospreys throughout the UK, the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust in collaboration with Anglian Water began a translocation project at Rutland Water Nature Reserve in 1996. During each year between 1996 and 2001 up to 12 Scottish Osprey chicks were taken from nests containing 3 young. These youngsters were then released from pens to fledge at Rutland Water. Out of 64 birds released in the original programme, at least 13 are known to have returned to the UK, 10 of these to Rutland Water. The translocation project has subsequently proved critical to the establishment of the Welsh Osprey breeding population. Date: 19th June 2013 Location: Loch of the Lowes SWT reserve, Perthshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46028407.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15997531406291f5a6c6661.jpgBlue-tailed Damselfly Flight period: mid May to early September. Blue-tailed Damselflies are a widespread and common species of damselfly in much of England, Wales and southern Scotland. They can be found around lakes, ponds, canals and ditches, being less common on flowing water and in exposed and upland sites. They can also tolerate some saline and polluted waters. Date: 26th May 2022 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41623356.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3971362695f4d20a934b86.jpgSandfjord, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Date: 6th July 2019 Location: view from road Fv890 between Kongsfjord and Berlevåg, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813327.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_199267695d0dddad0af02.jpgRed Squirrel The Red Squirrel or Eurasian Red Squirrel is a species of tree squirrel in the genus [i]Sciurus[/i]. It is an arboreal and primarily herbivorous rodent. The Red Squirrel has a typical head and body length of 7.5 to 9 inches, a tail length of 6 to 8 inches and a weight of 9 to 12 ounces. Males and females are the same size. The Red Squirrel is smaller and lighter in weight than the Grey Squirrel The coat of the Red Squirrel varies in colour with the time of year and its location and there are several different coat colour morphs ranging from black to red. Red coats are most common in the UK but in other parts of Europe and Asia different coat colours co-exist within populations. The underside of the Red Squirrel is always creamy-white in colour. The Red Squirrel sheds its coat twice a year, switching from a thinner summer coat to a thicker, darker winter coat with noticeably larger ear-tufts (a prominent distinguishing feature of this species) between August and November. A lighter, redder overall coat colour, along with the ear-tufts (in adults) and smaller size, distinguish the Red Squirrel from the Grey Squirrel. The long tail helps the Red Squirrel to balance and steer when jumping from tree to tree and running along branches and it may also keep it warm during sleep. The Red Squirrel, like most tree squirrels, has sharp and curved claws to enable it to climb and descend broad tree trunks, thin branches and even house walls and its strong hind legs enable it to leap gaps between trees. The Red Squirrel can be found in the boreal coniferous woods in north Europe and Siberia where it prefers Scots Pine, Norway Spruce and Siberian Pine. In west and south Europe it can be found in broad-leaved woods where the mixture of tree and shrub species provides a better year round source of food. In most of the UK and in Italy, broad-leaved woodlands are now less suitable for it due to the better competitive feeding strategy of the introduced Grey Squirrel. The Red Squirrel makes a drey (nest) out of twigs in a branch-fork, forming a domed structure about 9 to 12 inches in diameter. This is lined with moss, leaves, grass and bark. Tree hollows and woodpecker holes are also used. The Red Squirrel is generally a solitary animal and is shy and reluctant to share food with others. However, outside the breeding season and particularly in winter, several Red Squirrels may share a drey to keep warm. Social organisation is based on dominance hierarchies within and between sexes. Although males are not necessarily dominant towards females, the dominant animals tend to be larger and older than subordinate animals and dominant males tend to have larger home ranges than subordinate males or females. Mating can occur in late winter during February and March and in summer between June and July. During mating, males detect females that are in oestrus by an odour that they produce and, although there is no courtship, the male will chase the female for up to an hour prior to mating. Usually multiple males will chase a single female until the dominant male, usually the largest in the group, mates with the female. Males and females will mate multiple times with many partners. Females must reach a minimum body mass before they enter oestrus and heavy females on average produce more young. If food is scarce breeding may be delayed. Typically a female will produce her first litter in her second year. Up to 2 litters a year per female are possible. Each litter averages 3 young and these are known as kits. Gestation is about 38 to 39 days and the young are looked after by the mother alone and are born helpless, blind and deaf. Their body is covered by hair at 21 days, their eyes and ears open after 3 to 4 weeks and they develop all their teeth by 42 days. Juveniles can eat solids around 40 days following birth and from that point they can leave the nest on their own to find food. However, they still suckle from their mother until weaning occurs at 8 to 10 weeks. The Red Squirrel eats mostly the seeds of trees, fungi, nuts (especially hazelnuts but also beech and chestnuts), berries and young shoots. More rarely, it may also eat bird eggs or nestlings and may occasionally exhibit opportunistic omnivory similar to other rodents. Excess food is put into caches, either buried or in nooks or holes in trees, and eaten when food is scarce. Although the Red Squirrel remembers where it created caches at a better than chance level, its spatial memory is believed to be substantially less accurate and durable than that of the Grey Squirrel. Therefore it will often have to search for them when in need and many caches are never found again. Between 60% and 80% of the active time of a Red Squirrel may be spent foraging and feeding. The active period is generally in the morning and in the late afternoon and evening. It often rests in its nest in the middle of the day to avoid the heat and the high visibility to birds of prey that are dangers during these hours. During the winter, this midday rest is often much more brief or absent entirely although harsh weather may cause it to stay in its nest for days at a time. No territories are claimed between Red Squirrels and the feeding areas of individuals overlap considerably. A Red Squirrel that survives its first winter has a life expectancy of 3 years. Individuals may reach 7 years of age and 10 years in captivity. Survival is positively related to the availability of autumn and winter tree seeds. On average, 75 to 85% of juveniles die during their first winter and mortality is approximately 50% for winters following the first. Predators include small mammals such as the Pine Marten, the Wildcat and the Stoat which all prey on juveniles. Birds, including owls and raptors such as the Goshawk and Common Buzzard, may also prey on the Red Squirrel as will the Red Fox and domestic cats and dogs when it is on the ground. Humans influence the population size and mortality of the Red Squirrel by destroying or altering habitats, by causing road casualties and by introducing non-native populations of the Grey Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel and the Red Squirrel are not directly antagonistic and violent conflict between these species is not a factor in the decline in Red Squirrel populations. However, the Grey Squirrel appears to contribute to the decrease in the Red Squirrel population for several reasons: it carries a disease, the squirrel parapoxvirus, that does not appear to affect its own health but will often kill the Red Squirrel, it can better digest acorns whilst the Red Squirrel cannot access the proteins and fats in acorns as easily and it can put the Red Squirrel under pressure for food resources resulting in it not breeding as often. In the UK, due to the above circumstances, the population has today fallen to 160,000 Red Squirrels or fewer with the majority of these in Scotland. Outside the UK and Ireland, the impact of competition from the Grey Squirrel has also been observed in Italy where 2 pairs escaped from captivity in 1948. A significant drop in the Red Squirrel population has been observed since 1970 and it is feared that the Grey Squirrel may expand into the rest of Europe. The Red Squirrel is protected in most of Europe although in some areas it is abundant and is hunted for its fur. In the UK there are several active projects to protect the Red Squirrel and its native woodland habitat, introduce or re-introduce it in to areas where it is absent and eradicate and prevent the spread of the Grey Squirrel. Research undertaken in 2007 in the UK credits the Pine Marten with reducing the population of the invasive Grey Squirrel. Where the range of the expanding Pine Marten population meets that of the Grey Squirrel, the population of the latter retreats. It is theorised that, because the Grey Squirrel spends more time on the ground than the Red Squirrel, it is far more likely to come in contact with the Pine Marten. Date: 6th June 2019 Location: SWT reserve, Loch of the Lowes, Perthshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405543.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7372759496586f7c965be5.jpgGreat Northern Diver The Great Northern Diver is the largest of the UK's divers with a bigger, heavier head and bill than its commoner relatives. The Great Northern Diver is largely a winter visitor to the UK coast although some non-breeding birds stay off northern coasts in the summer. They start to arrive offshore in August and birds move back to their largely Icelandic breeding grounds in April and May. The largest numbers can be found off the northern and western islands of Scotland. Date: 8th December 2023 Location: Great Notley Country Park, Braintree, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493281.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12325716925f326f6a145aa.jpgKittiwakes The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457649.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_160706467666857761d4af7.jpgRazorbill The Razorbill is a seabird and a member of the auk family which also includes the Common Guillemot, Brunnich's Guillemot and Little Auk. It is also the closest living relative to the Great Auk which is now extinct. The Razorbill has white underparts and a black head, neck, back and feet during the breeding season. A thin white line also extends from the eyes to the end of the bill. Its head is darker than that of the CommonGuillemot. Outside the breeding season, the throat and face behind the eye become white and the white line on the face becomes less prominent. The thick black bill has a blunt end. The adult male and female female are very much alike having only small differences such as wing length. The Razorbill has a horizontal stance and the tail feathers are slightly longer in the centre in comparison to other auks making it have a distinctly long tail which is not common for an auk. The Razorbill is distributed across the sub-arctic and boreal waters of the north Atlantic where water surface temperature are typically below 15°c. The world population is estimated to be less than 1 million breeding pairs, making it among the rarest auks in the world. Approximately 60 to 70% of the entire Razorbill population breeds in Iceland., including over 200,000 pairs at Látrabjarg. The breeding habitat is islands, rocky shores and cliffs on north Atlantic coasts, in eastern North America as far south as Maine and in western Europe from north west Russia to northern France. Eurasian birds winter at sea with some moving south as far as the western Mediterranean. North American birds migrate offshore and south. The Razorbill is a colonial breeder and only comes to land to breed. Individuals only breed at 3 to 5 years of age. Females select their mate and will often encourage competition between males before choosing a partner. Once a male is chosen, the pair will usually stay together for life. Nest site determination is very important to ensure protection of young from predators. Unlike Common Guillemots, nest sites are not immediately alongside the sea on open cliff ledges but at least 4 to 6 inches away in crevices on cliffs or among boulders. Generally a nest is not built although some pairs often use their bills to drag material upon which to lay their single egg. The mating pair will often reuse the same site every year. The Razorbill feeds mainly on schooling fish and crustaceans and it will dive deep into the sea using its wings and its streamlined body to propel itself toward their prey. Whilst diving, it rarely stays in groups but instead spreads out to feed. The majority of feeding occurs at a depth of about 80 feet but it has the ability to dive up to 400 feet below the surface. During a single dive the Razorbill can capture and swallow many schooling fish depending on their size. The Razorbill spends approximately 45% of its time foraging at sea and it may well fly more than 60 miles out to sea to feed. However, when feeding chicks it will forage much closer to the nesting grounds and often in shallower water. The Razorbill and its eggs and chicks have several predators which include Great Black-backed Gulls, Peregrines, Ravens and other crows, Arctic Foxes and Polar Bears. In the early 20th century, Razorbills were harvested for their eggs, meat and feathers and this greatly decreased their population. In 1917 they were finally protected which reduced hunting. Other current threats include oil pollution, unintentional bycatch arising from commercial fishing and overfishing which decreases the abundance of prey. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41505240.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19938961865f37b3c37ad71.jpgSkallelv, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Skallelv is a small village in Troms og Finnmark in north east Norway. It is located on the Varanger peninsula along the shore of the Varangerfjord. The village lies along the European route E75 about halfway between the villages of Komagvær and Krampenes. Skallelv is one of very few places that was not burnt and destroyed under Operation Nordlicht in 1944 and 1945, the German “scorched earth” retreat from Finnmark. Date: 3rd July 2019 Location: Skallelv, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51332410.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1301695796676dd2e377d7.jpgAzure Damselfly Flight period: May to August The Azure Damselfly is one of the two commonest blue damselflies and is a common and widespread species of lowland UK. They can be found around most standing water, preferring small, sheltered sites including ditches and garden ponds. Date: 9th June 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52518217.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_582309481675456a67e984.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 4th October 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/p5030579-edit https://images.on-this.website/4752_21364837466433098429b9.jpgRed Squirrel The Red Squirrel or Eurasian Red Squirrel is a species of tree squirrel in the genus Sciurus. It is an arboreal and primarily herbivorous rodent. The Red Squirrel has a typical head and body length of 7.5 to 9 inches, a tail length of 6 to 8 inches and a weight of 9 to 12 ounces. Males and females are the same size. The Red Squirrel is smaller and lighter in weight than the Grey Squirrel The coat of the Red Squirrel varies in colour with the time of year and its location and there are several different coat colour morphs ranging from black to red. Red coats are most common in the UK but in other parts of Europe and Asia different coat colours co-exist within populations. The underside of the Red Squirrel is always creamy-white in colour. The Red Squirrel sheds its coat twice a year, switching from a thinner summer coat to a thicker, darker winter coat with noticeably larger ear-tufts (a prominent distinguishing feature of this species) between August and November. A lighter, redder overall coat colour, along with the ear-tufts (in adults) and smaller size, distinguish the Red Squirrel from the Grey Squirrel. The long tail helps the Red Squirrel to balance and steer when jumping from tree to tree and running along branches and it may also keep it warm during sleep. The Red Squirrel, like most tree squirrels, has sharp and curved claws to enable it to climb and descend broad tree trunks, thin branches and even house walls and its strong hind legs enable it to leap gaps between trees. The Red Squirrel can be found in the boreal coniferous woods in north Europe and Siberia where it prefers Scots Pine, Norway Spruce and Siberian Pine. In west and south Europe it can be found in broad-leaved woods where the mixture of tree and shrub species provides a better year round source of food. In most of the UK and in Italy, broad-leaved woodlands are now less suitable for it due to the better competitive feeding strategy of the introduced Grey Squirrel. The Red Squirrel makes a drey (nest) out of twigs in a branch-fork, forming a domed structure about 9 to 12 inches in diameter. This is lined with moss, leaves, grass and bark. Tree hollows and woodpecker holes are also used. The Red Squirrel is generally a solitary animal and is shy and reluctant to share food with others. However, outside the breeding season and particularly in winter, several Red Squirrels may share a drey to keep warm. Social organisation is based on dominance hierarchies within and between sexes. Although males are not necessarily dominant towards females, the dominant animals tend to be larger and older than subordinate animals and dominant males tend to have larger home ranges than subordinate males or females. Mating can occur in late winter during February and March and in summer between June and July. During mating, males detect females that are in oestrus by an odour that they produce and, although there is no courtship, the male will chase the female for up to an hour prior to mating. Usually multiple males will chase a single female until the dominant male, usually the largest in the group, mates with the female. Males and females will mate multiple times with many partners. Females must reach a minimum body mass before they enter oestrus and heavy females on average produce more young. If food is scarce breeding may be delayed. Typically a female will produce her first litter in her second year. Up to 2 litters a year per female are possible. Each litter averages 3 young and these are known as kits. Gestation is about 38 to 39 days and the young are looked after by the mother alone and are born helpless, blind and deaf. Their body is covered by hair at 21 days, their eyes and ears open after 3 to 4 weeks and they develop all their teeth by 42 days. Juveniles can eat solids around 40 days following birth and from that point they can leave the nest on their own to find food. However, they still suckle from their mother until weaning occurs at 8 to 10 weeks. The Red Squirrel eats mostly the seeds of trees, fungi, nuts (especially hazelnuts but also beech and chestnuts), berries and young shoots. More rarely, it may also eat bird eggs or nestlings and may occasionally exhibit opportunistic omnivory similar to other rodents. Excess food is put into caches, either buried or in nooks or holes in trees, and eaten when food is scarce. Although the Red Squirrel remembers where it created caches at a better than chance level, its spatial memory is believed to be substantially less accurate and durable than that of the Grey Squirrel. Therefore it will often have to search for them when in need and many caches are never found again. Between 60% and 80% of the active time of a Red Squirrel may be spent foraging and feeding. The active period is generally in the morning and in the late afternoon and evening. It often rests in its nest in the middle of the day to avoid the heat and the high visibility to birds of prey that are dangers during these hours. During the winter, this midday rest is often much more brief or absent entirely although harsh weather may cause it to stay in its nest for days at a time. No territories are claimed between Red Squirrels and the feeding areas of individuals overlap considerably. A Red Squirrel that survives its first winter has a life expectancy of 3 years. Individuals may reach 7 years of age and 10 years in captivity. Survival is positively related to the availability of autumn and winter tree seeds. On average, 75 to 85% of juveniles die during their first winter and mortality is approximately 50% for winters following the first. Predators include small mammals such as the Pine Marten, the Wildcat and the Stoat which all prey on juveniles. Birds, including owls and raptors such as the Goshawk and Common Buzzard, may also prey on the Red Squirrel as will the Red Fox and domestic cats and dogs when it is on the ground. Humans influence the population size and mortality of the Red Squirrel by destroying or altering habitats, by causing road casualties and by introducing non-native populations of the Grey Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel and the Red Squirrel are not directly antagonistic and violent conflict between these species is not a factor in the decline in Red Squirrel populations. However, the Grey Squirrel appears to contribute to the decrease in the Red Squirrel population for several reasons: it carries a disease, the squirrel parapoxvirus, that does not appear to affect its own health but will often kill the Red Squirrel, it can better digest acorns whilst the Red Squirrel cannot access the proteins and fats in acorns as easily and it can put the Red Squirrel under pressure for food resources resulting in it not breeding as often. In the UK, due to the above circumstances, the population has today fallen to 160,000 Red Squirrels or fewer with the majority of these in Scotland. Outside the UK and Ireland, the impact of competition from the Grey Squirrel has also been observed in Italy where 2 pairs escaped from captivity in 1948. A significant drop in the Red Squirrel population has been observed since 1970 and it is feared that the Grey Squirrel may expand into the rest of Europe. The Red Squirrel is protected in most of Europe although in some areas it is abundant and is hunted for its fur. In the UK there are several active projects to protect the Red Squirrel and its native woodland habitat, introduce or re-introduce it in to areas where it is absent and eradicate and prevent the spread of the Grey Squirrel. Research undertaken in 2007 in the UK credits the Pine Marten with reducing the population of the invasive Grey Squirrel. Where the range of the expanding Pine Marten population meets that of the Grey Squirrel, the population of the latter retreats. It is theorised that, because the Grey Squirrel spends more time on the ground than the Red Squirrel, it is far more likely to come in contact with the Pine Marten. Date: 3rd May 2024 Location: Dingle Local Nature Reserve, Llangefni, Anglesey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45949001.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17778779766284b3b0862ec.jpgDunnock The Dunnock is a small passerine bird and the most widespread member of the genus Prunella, the accentor family which otherwise consists of mountain species. Other common names for the Dunnock include the Hedge Sparrow or Hedge Accentor. The Dunnock is about the size of a Robin. It has a generally drab brown streaked appearance with a grey head and a fine pointed bill. Both sexes are similar. It is quiet and unobtrusive and is frequently seen on its own, creeping along and moving with a rather nervous, shuffling gait often flicking its wings. The Dunnock is native to large areas of Eurasia where it is the only commonly found accentor in lowland areas. It can be found throughout the UK all the year round in any well vegetated areas with scrub, brambles and hedges and also in deciduous woodland, farmland edges, parks and gardens. The Dunnock is territorial and may engage in conflict with other birds that encroach upon their nesting areas. The Dunnock possesses variable mating systems. Females are often polyandrous, breeding with 2 or more males at once which is quite rare among birds. This multiple mating system leads to the development of sperm competition amongst the male suitors. DNA fingerprinting has shown that chicks within a brood often have different fathers depending on the success of the males at monopolising the female. Males try to ensure their paternity by pecking at the cloaca of the female to stimulate ejection of rival males' sperm. Males provide parental care in proportion to their mating success so 2 males and a female can commonly be seen provisioning nestlings at one nest. Other mating systems also exist within Dunnock populations depending on the ratio of male to females and the overlap of territories. When only a single female and a single male territory overlap, monogamy is preferred. Sometimes, 2 or 3 adjacent female territories overlap a single male territory and so polygyny is favoured with the male monopolising several females. Polygynandry also exists in which 2 males jointly defend a territory containing several females. Polyandry, however, is the most common mating system of the Dunnock. Depending on the population, males generally have the best reproductive success in polygynous populations whilst females have the advantage during polyandry. Studies have illustrated the fluidity of Dunnock mating systems. When food is in abundance, female territory size is reduced drastically. Consequently, males can more easily monopolise the females. Thus, the mating system can be shifted from one that favours female success (polyandry) to one that favours male success (monogamy, polygynandry or polygyny). The Dunnock builds a neat nest predominantly from twigs and moss and lined with soft materials such as wool or feathers which is located low in a bush. The female typically lays 3 to 5 eggs. Broods, depending on the population, can be raised by a lone female, multiple females with the part-time help of a male, multiple females with full-time help by a male or by multiple females and multiple males. Parental care varies according to the type of relationship. Date: 25th April 2022 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/an-teallach-highland https://images.on-this.website/4752_93748471449f204538f93b.jpgAn Teallach, Highland Height: Bidean a'Ghlas Thuill 3483 feet and Sgurr Fiona 3477 feet. Towering above Little Loch Broom and Dundonnell village, the jagged outline of An Teallach is a well known mountain maasif in Wester Ross. Date: 13th April 2009 Location: view from the A832 road between Braemore and Dundonnell http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26040401.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_206362165156388ed0f3841.jpgCommon Seal The Common or Harbour Seal is the most widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. The Common Seal possesses a unique pattern of spots, either dark on a light background or light on a dark background. It varies in colour from brownish black to tan or grey although underparts are generally lighter. The body and flippers are short, the head is rounded and the nostrils appear distinctively V-shaped. Blubber under the skin helps to maintain body temperature. Including the head and flippers, the Common Seal may reach an adult length of 6.1 feet and a weight of 120 to 370 pounds. Females are generally smaller than males. There are an estimated 350,000 to 500,000 Common Seals worldwide. While the population is not threatened as a whole, the Greenland, Hokkaidō and Baltic Sea populations are exceptions. Local populations have been reduced or eliminated through disease and unintentional and intentional conflict with humans. It is legal to kill seals perceived to threaten fisheries in the UK, Norway and Canada but commercial hunting is illegal. Seals are also taken in subsistence hunting and accidentally as bycatch. The Common Seal sticks to familiar resting spots or haul out sites, generally rocky areas (although ice, sand and mud may also be used), where it is protected from adverse weather conditions and predation, near a foraging area. It may spend several days at sea and travel up to 30 miles in search of feeding grounds although it will also congregate in harbours, sandy intertidal zones and estuaries and swim some distance upstream into fresh water in large rivers. The Common Seal feeds primarily on fish and occasionally shrimps, crabs, molluscs and squid. The Common Seal is often solitary but it is gregarious when hauled out and during the breeding season although it does not form groups as large as some other seals. Both courtship and mating occur underwater and females give birth annually with a gestation period of approximately 9 months. The timing of the pupping season varies with location, occurring in February for populations in lower latitudes and as late as July in the sub Arctic zone. The mothers are the sole providers of care and the single pups are born well developed, capable of swimming and diving within hours. Suckling for 3 to 4 weeks, pups feed on the mother's rich, fatty milk and grow rapidly and doubling their weight by the time of weaning. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Hvítanes, Skötufjörður, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51984027.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_128255880366d3478214155.jpgComma Flight period: March to October. The Comma was a rarity 100 years ago but is now a common and widespread butterfly in England and Wales and is on the point of recolonising Scotland. They are one of the first butterflies to be seen in spring and can be found in open woodland, woodland edges and gardens. Date: 28th July 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9952162.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16989095794dca3d61d28ed.jpgCregennan Lakes, Gwynedd Cregennan Lakes are owned by the National Trust and are situated on the northern slopes of Cader ldris, some 800 feet above sea level overlooking the beautiful Mawddach Estuary. They are approached from the village of Arthog by a very steep, narrow and gated road. Date: 6th May 2011 Location: Cregennan Lakes, Gwynedd http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52635540.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7772046306798c24247321.jpgShort-eared Owl The Short-eared Owl is a species of the typical owl family Strigidae. Owls belonging to the genus Asio, such as the Short-eared Owl, are known as the eared owls since they have tufts of feathers resembling mammalian ears. These "ear" tufts may or may not be visible. The Short-eared Owl will display its tufts when in a defensive pose although its very short tufts are usually not visible. The Short-eared Owl is a medium-sized owl 13 to 17 inches in length with a 33 to 43 inches wingspan. Females are slightly larger than males. It has large yellow eyes with black encircling rings, a big head, a short neck and broad wings. The bill is short, strong, hooked and black. The plumage is mottled tawny to brown with a barred tail and wings. The upper breast is significantly streaked. The flight is characteristically floppy due to the irregular wingbeats and the Short-eared Owl is often described as "moth-like” or bat-like" in flight. Through much of its range, the Short-eared Owl occurs with the similar looking Long-eared Owl. At rest, the ear-tufts of the Long-eared Owl serve to easily distinguish the 2 species although the Long-eared Owl can sometimes hold its ear-tufts flat. The iris colour also differs: yellow in the Short-eared Owl and orange in the Long-eared Owl plus the black surrounding the eyes is vertical on the Long-eared Owl and horizontal on the Short-eared Owl. Overall, the Short-eared Owl tends to be a paler, sandier coloured bird than the Long-eared Owl. There are 10 recognized sub-species of the Short-eared Owl and its range covers all continents except Antarctica and Australia. It therefore has one of the most widespread distributions of any bird. It is partially migratory and moves south in winter from the northern parts of its range. The Short-eared Owl is also known to relocate to areas of higher rodent populations and it will also wander nomadically in search of better food supplies during years when vole populations are low. In the UK, the Short-eared Owl breeds primarily in north England and Scotland but it is seen more widely in winter when there is an influx of continental birds from Scandinavia, Russia and Iceland to north, east and parts of central south England, especially around coastal marshes and wetlands. The breeding season of the Short-eared Owl in the northern hemisphere lasts from March to June but peaks in April. During the breeding season, the male makes a great spectacle of itself in flight to attract a female. The male swoops down over the potential nest site flapping its wings in a courtship display. The Short-eared Owl is generally monogamous and nests on the ground in prairie, tundra, savanna or meadow habitats. The nest is concealed by low vegetation and may be lightly lined by weeds, grass or feathers. The female lays 4 to 7 eggs but clutch size can reach up to 12 eggs in years when voles are abundant. There is a single brood per year. The eggs are incubated mostly by the female for 21 to 37 days and the young fledge at a little over 4 weeks. The Short-eared Owl hunts mostly at night but it is known as a diurnal and crepuscular hunter as well. Its daylight hunting seems to coincide with the high activity periods of voles, its preferred prey. It tends to fly only a few feet above the ground in open fields and grasslands until swooping down upon its prey feet first. Several owls may hunt over the same open area. The diet of the Short-eared Owl consists mainly of rodents, especially voles, but it will eat other small mammals such as mice, ground squirrels, shrews, rats, bats, muskrats and moles. It will also occasionally predate smaller birds especially when near sea coasts and adjacent wetlands at which time they may attack waders, terns and small gulls and seabirds. Avian prey is more infrequently preyed on inland and includes small passerines. Insects also supplement the diet. Date: 4th January 2025 Location: Elmley, Isle of Sheppey, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26041740.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7770085365638b3e9c9c6c.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name <i>Fratercula</i> comes from the Medieval Latin <i>fratercula</i> meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name <i>arctica</i> refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek <i>άρκτος</i> ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name <i>puffin</i> (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Látrabjarg, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52635532.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19877504876798c230e2910.jpgLapwing The Northern Lapwing, also known as the peewit, pewit, tuit or tew-it (imitative of its cry), Green Plover (emphasising the colour of the plumage) or (in the UK) just Lapwing (which refers to its peculiar, erratic way of flying), is a bird in the lapwing family. The Lapwing has rounded wings and a crest. It is also the shortest-legged of the lapwing species. It is mainly black and white but the back is tinted green. The male has a long crest and a black crown, throat and breast contrasting with an otherwise white face. Females and young birds have shorter crests and have less strongly marked heads but plumages are otherwise quite similar. The Lapwing is a vocal bird in the breeding season with constant calling as the crazed tumbling display flight is performed by the male. The typical contact call is a loud, shrill "pee-wit" from which they get their other name of peewit. The Lapwing is common through temperate Eurasia and breeds on cultivated land and other short vegetation habitats. The ground scrape nest and young are defended noisily and aggressively against all intruders. It is highly migratory over most of its extensive range, wintering further south as far as north Africa, north India, Pakistan and parts of China. It migrates mainly by day, often in large flocks. Lowland breeders in the westernmost areas of Europe are resident. In winter, it forms huge flocks on open land, particularly arable land and mud-flats. In the UK, the Lapwing has suffered a significant decline in the last 25 years and is an Amber List species because of the importance of its UK wintering population. It breeds on farmland throughout the UK, particularly in lowland areas of north England, the Borders and east Scotland, and prefers fields of spring sown cereals and root crops, permanent unimproved pasture, meadows and fallow fields but also wet grassland and marshes. During the winter, the Lapwing can be seen on flooded grassland, estuaries, coastal wetlands, short grassy fields and ploughed fields. In addition to the UK population, large numbers of north European birds arrive in the autumn for the winter. The Lapwing feeds primarily on insects and other small invertebrates. It often feeds in mixed flocks with Golden Plovers and Black-headed Gulls, the latter often robbing the plovers, but providing a degree of protection against predators. Date: 4th January 2025 Location: Elmley, Isle of Sheppey, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49797869.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_106511943164eca781ec097.jpgRinglet Flight period: July to mid August. The Ringlet is a widespread and successful species which has been extending its range in in the UK in recent years. They can be found in in tall, lush grasslands particularly in woodland rides and glades and also around scrub and hedgerows. Date: 3rd July 2023 Location: Broadcroft Quarry, Isle of Portland, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41187441.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9249035725ea6d51e638a7.jpgDunnock The Dunnock is a small passerine bird and the most widespread member of the genus Prunella, the accentor family which otherwise consists of mountain species. Other common names for the Dunnock include the Hedge Sparrow or Hedge Accentor. The Dunnock is about the size of a Robin. It has a generally drab brown streaked appearance with a grey head and a fine pointed bill. Both sexes are similar. It is quiet and unobtrusive and is frequently seen on its own, creeping along and moving with a rather nervous, shuffling gait often flicking its wings. The Dunnock is native to large areas of Eurasia where it is the only commonly found accentor in lowland areas. It can be found throughout the UK all the year round in any well vegetated areas with scrub, brambles and hedges and also in deciduous woodland, farmland edges, parks and gardens. The Dunnock is territorial and may engage in conflict with other birds that encroach upon their nesting areas. The Dunnock possesses variable mating systems. Females are often polyandrous, breeding with 2 or more males at once which is quite rare among birds. This multiple mating system leads to the development of sperm competition amongst the male suitors. DNA fingerprinting has shown that chicks within a brood often have different fathers depending on the success of the males at monopolising the female. Males try to ensure their paternity by pecking at the cloaca of the female to stimulate ejection of rival males' sperm. Males provide parental care in proportion to their mating success so 2 males and a female can commonly be seen provisioning nestlings at one nest. Other mating systems also exist within Dunnock populations depending on the ratio of male to females and the overlap of territories. When only a single female and a single male territory overlap, monogamy is preferred. Sometimes, 2 or 3 adjacent female territories overlap a single male territory and so polygyny is favoured with the male monopolising several females. Polygynandry also exists in which 2 males jointly defend a territory containing several females. Polyandry, however, is the most common mating system of the Dunnock. Depending on the population, males generally have the best reproductive success in polygynous populations whilst females have the advantage during polyandry. Studies have illustrated the fluidity of Dunnock mating systems. When food is in abundance, female territory size is reduced drastically. Consequently, males can more easily monopolise the females. Thus, the mating system can be shifted from one that favours female success (polyandry) to one that favours male success (monogamy, polygynandry or polygyny). The Dunnock builds a neat nest predominantly from twigs and moss and lined with soft materials such as wool or feathers which is located low in a bush. The female typically lays 3 to 5 eggs. Broods, depending on the population, can be raised by a lone female, multiple females with the part-time help of a male, multiple females with full-time help by a male or by multiple females and multiple males. Parental care varies according to the type of relationship. Date: 21st April 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32709139.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2545822259ad281bc729e4.09958150.jpgHortobágy National Park, Hajdú-Bihar county, Hungary Hortobágy National Park (Hortobágy Nemzeti Park) is a national park in eastern Hungary. It is part of the vast Great Hungarian Plain which occupies southern and eastern Hungary, some parts of the eastern Slovakian lowlands, south west Ukraine, western Romania, northern Serbia and eastern Croatia. Hortobágy National Park was designated as a national park in 1972 (the first in Hungary), and as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. It is Hungary's largest protected area. At the time of designation, the area of the National Park was 289 square miles but since then it has been extended to almost 315 square miles. Around 25% of its area has international protection under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance. The entire Hortobágy National Park is part of the Natura 2000 network of the European Union in which Special Protected Areas and Special Areas of Conservation have been designated in a way that they contain and encompass the area of the National Park including organically connected or separate grassland mosaic areas that are outside the National Park. The protection thus ensured by the Natura 2000 areas provides an appropriate basis for the establishment of a buffer zone. A conservation management plan for the Hortobágy National Park was prepared in 1997. Hortobágy National Park contains the largest continuous natural grassland in Europe and the second largest steppe area west of the Ural Mountains. It has outstanding natural features and maintains great biological diversity in respect of species and habitats. It is a unique example of the harmonious coexistence of people and nature based on the considerate use of the land. A major part of the area of the Hortobágy National Park is formed by natural habitats, principally alkaline grasslands (puszta), meadows and the marshes lying between them. From the point of view of nature conservation, the artificial wetlands, which cover a much smaller area, are of considerable importance. These are the fish ponds created during the last century on the worst quality grazing lands and marshes. The Hortobágy National Park is one of Europe’s greatest lowland birding areas containing nesting habitats and migration sites of European significance. The Hortobágyi-Halastó complex just to the west of Hortobágy village is arguably the best site to explore and contains waterbodies of various sizes from small fish ponds to huge lakes. Over 340 bird species have been recorded in the Hortobágy National Park, of which over 150 species breed. For UK birders, it is particularly exciting since several “eastern” species can be found which are at the westernmost extent of their range. These are joined by a large number of temperate European and Mediterranean species. The symbol of the Hortobágy National Park is the Crane. One of the most spectacular sights is the autumn migration when tens of thousands of Cranes can be seen every October as they fly above the grasslands to their overnight roosting places. For thousands of years the wild animals grazing on the grasslands of the Hortobágy National Park, the Aurochs and wild horses, were gradually replaced by domesticated animals. A large number of Long-haired Sheep and Hungarian Grey Cattle can now be found here. Less ancient species are the Mangalica Pig and the Nonius Horse. In the Visitor Centre in Hortobágy village, visitors and tourists can get information and advice on what to see and what to do in the Hortobágy National Park and can also learn about its natural and cultural assets: its flora and fauna, the different natural phenomena, herdsmen’s traditions, craftsmen’s skills and local rare breeds. The Visitor Centre also sells the mandatory permits that are required to visit most of the protected areas. The Hortobágy-halastavi Kisvasút is a narrow gauge railway which runs through Hortobágyi-Halastó. It was built and commissioned in 1915 for the purpose of transporting fish food from the silo in Hortobágyi-Halastó to the fish ponds and transporting freshly caught fish in the opposite direction. The track formerly had a length of 22 miles and was temporarily decommissioned in 1960. Since 2007, the railway has been used as a tourist train. The track now runs for just 3 miles and provides access to the northern end of Hortobágyi-Halastó. A one-way trip lasts 23 minutes. Date: 20th May 2017 Location: northern end of Hortobágy-Halastó, Hortobágy National Park, Hajdú-Bihar county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52635533.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14134337796798c2314fff6.jpgLapwing The Northern Lapwing, also known as the peewit, pewit, tuit or tew-it (imitative of its cry), Green Plover (emphasising the colour of the plumage) or (in the UK) just Lapwing (which refers to its peculiar, erratic way of flying), is a bird in the lapwing family. The Lapwing has rounded wings and a crest. It is also the shortest-legged of the lapwing species. It is mainly black and white but the back is tinted green. The male has a long crest and a black crown, throat and breast contrasting with an otherwise white face. Females and young birds have shorter crests and have less strongly marked heads but plumages are otherwise quite similar. The Lapwing is a vocal bird in the breeding season with constant calling as the crazed tumbling display flight is performed by the male. The typical contact call is a loud, shrill "pee-wit" from which they get their other name of peewit. The Lapwing is common through temperate Eurasia and breeds on cultivated land and other short vegetation habitats. The ground scrape nest and young are defended noisily and aggressively against all intruders. It is highly migratory over most of its extensive range, wintering further south as far as north Africa, north India, Pakistan and parts of China. It migrates mainly by day, often in large flocks. Lowland breeders in the westernmost areas of Europe are resident. In winter, it forms huge flocks on open land, particularly arable land and mud-flats. In the UK, the Lapwing has suffered a significant decline in the last 25 years and is an Amber List species because of the importance of its UK wintering population. It breeds on farmland throughout the UK, particularly in lowland areas of north England, the Borders and east Scotland, and prefers fields of spring sown cereals and root crops, permanent unimproved pasture, meadows and fallow fields but also wet grassland and marshes. During the winter, the Lapwing can be seen on flooded grassland, estuaries, coastal wetlands, short grassy fields and ploughed fields. In addition to the UK population, large numbers of north European birds arrive in the autumn for the winter. The Lapwing feeds primarily on insects and other small invertebrates. It often feeds in mixed flocks with Golden Plovers and Black-headed Gulls, the latter often robbing the plovers, but providing a degree of protection against predators. Date: 4th January 2025 Location: Elmley, Isle of Sheppey, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52635539.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4795221196798c23f31ea4.jpgShort-eared Owl The Short-eared Owl is a species of the typical owl family Strigidae. Owls belonging to the genus Asio, such as the Short-eared Owl, are known as the eared owls since they have tufts of feathers resembling mammalian ears. These "ear" tufts may or may not be visible. The Short-eared Owl will display its tufts when in a defensive pose although its very short tufts are usually not visible. The Short-eared Owl is a medium-sized owl 13 to 17 inches in length with a 33 to 43 inches wingspan. Females are slightly larger than males. It has large yellow eyes with black encircling rings, a big head, a short neck and broad wings. The bill is short, strong, hooked and black. The plumage is mottled tawny to brown with a barred tail and wings. The upper breast is significantly streaked. The flight is characteristically floppy due to the irregular wingbeats and the Short-eared Owl is often described as "moth-like” or bat-like" in flight. Through much of its range, the Short-eared Owl occurs with the similar looking Long-eared Owl. At rest, the ear-tufts of the Long-eared Owl serve to easily distinguish the 2 species although the Long-eared Owl can sometimes hold its ear-tufts flat. The iris colour also differs: yellow in the Short-eared Owl and orange in the Long-eared Owl plus the black surrounding the eyes is vertical on the Long-eared Owl and horizontal on the Short-eared Owl. Overall, the Short-eared Owl tends to be a paler, sandier coloured bird than the Long-eared Owl. There are 10 recognized sub-species of the Short-eared Owl and its range covers all continents except Antarctica and Australia. It therefore has one of the most widespread distributions of any bird. It is partially migratory and moves south in winter from the northern parts of its range. The Short-eared Owl is also known to relocate to areas of higher rodent populations and it will also wander nomadically in search of better food supplies during years when vole populations are low. In the UK, the Short-eared Owl breeds primarily in north England and Scotland but it is seen more widely in winter when there is an influx of continental birds from Scandinavia, Russia and Iceland to north, east and parts of central south England, especially around coastal marshes and wetlands. The breeding season of the Short-eared Owl in the northern hemisphere lasts from March to June but peaks in April. During the breeding season, the male makes a great spectacle of itself in flight to attract a female. The male swoops down over the potential nest site flapping its wings in a courtship display. The Short-eared Owl is generally monogamous and nests on the ground in prairie, tundra, savanna or meadow habitats. The nest is concealed by low vegetation and may be lightly lined by weeds, grass or feathers. The female lays 4 to 7 eggs but clutch size can reach up to 12 eggs in years when voles are abundant. There is a single brood per year. The eggs are incubated mostly by the female for 21 to 37 days and the young fledge at a little over 4 weeks. The Short-eared Owl hunts mostly at night but it is known as a diurnal and crepuscular hunter as well. Its daylight hunting seems to coincide with the high activity periods of voles, its preferred prey. It tends to fly only a few feet above the ground in open fields and grasslands until swooping down upon its prey feet first. Several owls may hunt over the same open area. The diet of the Short-eared Owl consists mainly of rodents, especially voles, but it will eat other small mammals such as mice, ground squirrels, shrews, rats, bats, muskrats and moles. It will also occasionally predate smaller birds especially when near sea coasts and adjacent wetlands at which time they may attack waders, terns and small gulls and seabirds. Avian prey is more infrequently preyed on inland and includes small passerines. Insects also supplement the diet. Date: 4th January 2025 Location: Elmley, Isle of Sheppey, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833904.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1604102968559cf1c835c9c.jpgMount Paggeo, East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece Mount Paggeo is located west of Kavala and is easily reached by the road which rises to the ski centre. At around 6500 feet high, the route and summit areas are excellent for mountain birds. Date: 11th May 2015 Location: view from road from Eleftheroupoli to Mount Panggeo summit, East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52635541.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_798884516798c24312436.jpgShort-eared Owl The Short-eared Owl is a species of the typical owl family Strigidae. Owls belonging to the genus Asio, such as the Short-eared Owl, are known as the eared owls since they have tufts of feathers resembling mammalian ears. These "ear" tufts may or may not be visible. The Short-eared Owl will display its tufts when in a defensive pose although its very short tufts are usually not visible. The Short-eared Owl is a medium-sized owl 13 to 17 inches in length with a 33 to 43 inches wingspan. Females are slightly larger than males. It has large yellow eyes with black encircling rings, a big head, a short neck and broad wings. The bill is short, strong, hooked and black. The plumage is mottled tawny to brown with a barred tail and wings. The upper breast is significantly streaked. The flight is characteristically floppy due to the irregular wingbeats and the Short-eared Owl is often described as "moth-like” or bat-like" in flight. Through much of its range, the Short-eared Owl occurs with the similar looking Long-eared Owl. At rest, the ear-tufts of the Long-eared Owl serve to easily distinguish the 2 species although the Long-eared Owl can sometimes hold its ear-tufts flat. The iris colour also differs: yellow in the Short-eared Owl and orange in the Long-eared Owl plus the black surrounding the eyes is vertical on the Long-eared Owl and horizontal on the Short-eared Owl. Overall, the Short-eared Owl tends to be a paler, sandier coloured bird than the Long-eared Owl. There are 10 recognized sub-species of the Short-eared Owl and its range covers all continents except Antarctica and Australia. It therefore has one of the most widespread distributions of any bird. It is partially migratory and moves south in winter from the northern parts of its range. The Short-eared Owl is also known to relocate to areas of higher rodent populations and it will also wander nomadically in search of better food supplies during years when vole populations are low. In the UK, the Short-eared Owl breeds primarily in north England and Scotland but it is seen more widely in winter when there is an influx of continental birds from Scandinavia, Russia and Iceland to north, east and parts of central south England, especially around coastal marshes and wetlands. The breeding season of the Short-eared Owl in the northern hemisphere lasts from March to June but peaks in April. During the breeding season, the male makes a great spectacle of itself in flight to attract a female. The male swoops down over the potential nest site flapping its wings in a courtship display. The Short-eared Owl is generally monogamous and nests on the ground in prairie, tundra, savanna or meadow habitats. The nest is concealed by low vegetation and may be lightly lined by weeds, grass or feathers. The female lays 4 to 7 eggs but clutch size can reach up to 12 eggs in years when voles are abundant. There is a single brood per year. The eggs are incubated mostly by the female for 21 to 37 days and the young fledge at a little over 4 weeks. The Short-eared Owl hunts mostly at night but it is known as a diurnal and crepuscular hunter as well. Its daylight hunting seems to coincide with the high activity periods of voles, its preferred prey. It tends to fly only a few feet above the ground in open fields and grasslands until swooping down upon its prey feet first. Several owls may hunt over the same open area. The diet of the Short-eared Owl consists mainly of rodents, especially voles, but it will eat other small mammals such as mice, ground squirrels, shrews, rats, bats, muskrats and moles. It will also occasionally predate smaller birds especially when near sea coasts and adjacent wetlands at which time they may attack waders, terns and small gulls and seabirds. Avian prey is more infrequently preyed on inland and includes small passerines. Insects also supplement the diet. Date: 4th January 2025 Location: Elmley, Isle of Sheppey, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52635542.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20809130936798c24850c73.jpgShort-eared Owl The Short-eared Owl is a species of the typical owl family Strigidae. Owls belonging to the genus Asio, such as the Short-eared Owl, are known as the eared owls since they have tufts of feathers resembling mammalian ears. These "ear" tufts may or may not be visible. The Short-eared Owl will display its tufts when in a defensive pose although its very short tufts are usually not visible. The Short-eared Owl is a medium-sized owl 13 to 17 inches in length with a 33 to 43 inches wingspan. Females are slightly larger than males. It has large yellow eyes with black encircling rings, a big head, a short neck and broad wings. The bill is short, strong, hooked and black. The plumage is mottled tawny to brown with a barred tail and wings. The upper breast is significantly streaked. The flight is characteristically floppy due to the irregular wingbeats and the Short-eared Owl is often described as "moth-like” or bat-like" in flight. Through much of its range, the Short-eared Owl occurs with the similar looking Long-eared Owl. At rest, the ear-tufts of the Long-eared Owl serve to easily distinguish the 2 species although the Long-eared Owl can sometimes hold its ear-tufts flat. The iris colour also differs: yellow in the Short-eared Owl and orange in the Long-eared Owl plus the black surrounding the eyes is vertical on the Long-eared Owl and horizontal on the Short-eared Owl. Overall, the Short-eared Owl tends to be a paler, sandier coloured bird than the Long-eared Owl. There are 10 recognized sub-species of the Short-eared Owl and its range covers all continents except Antarctica and Australia. It therefore has one of the most widespread distributions of any bird. It is partially migratory and moves south in winter from the northern parts of its range. The Short-eared Owl is also known to relocate to areas of higher rodent populations and it will also wander nomadically in search of better food supplies during years when vole populations are low. In the UK, the Short-eared Owl breeds primarily in north England and Scotland but it is seen more widely in winter when there is an influx of continental birds from Scandinavia, Russia and Iceland to north, east and parts of central south England, especially around coastal marshes and wetlands. The breeding season of the Short-eared Owl in the northern hemisphere lasts from March to June but peaks in April. During the breeding season, the male makes a great spectacle of itself in flight to attract a female. The male swoops down over the potential nest site flapping its wings in a courtship display. The Short-eared Owl is generally monogamous and nests on the ground in prairie, tundra, savanna or meadow habitats. The nest is concealed by low vegetation and may be lightly lined by weeds, grass or feathers. The female lays 4 to 7 eggs but clutch size can reach up to 12 eggs in years when voles are abundant. There is a single brood per year. The eggs are incubated mostly by the female for 21 to 37 days and the young fledge at a little over 4 weeks. The Short-eared Owl hunts mostly at night but it is known as a diurnal and crepuscular hunter as well. Its daylight hunting seems to coincide with the high activity periods of voles, its preferred prey. It tends to fly only a few feet above the ground in open fields and grasslands until swooping down upon its prey feet first. Several owls may hunt over the same open area. The diet of the Short-eared Owl consists mainly of rodents, especially voles, but it will eat other small mammals such as mice, ground squirrels, shrews, rats, bats, muskrats and moles. It will also occasionally predate smaller birds especially when near sea coasts and adjacent wetlands at which time they may attack waders, terns and small gulls and seabirds. Avian prey is more infrequently preyed on inland and includes small passerines. Insects also supplement the diet. Date: 4th January 2025 Location: Elmley, Isle of Sheppey, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533673.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_110101814362ca8fb343402.jpgSmall Tortoiseshell Flight period: March to October. The Small Tortoiseshell is a familiar widespread butterfly throughout the UK. It is a highly adaptable species that can be found in any flowery areas where nettles occur including in gardens and urban areas. Date: 26th June 2022 Location: RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072365.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9254287854bf6e100e017c.jpgHoyholmen, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway Date: 14th April 2010 Location: view from road 890 at Hoyholmen, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52635543.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5940861146798c248c819e.jpgShort-eared Owl The Short-eared Owl is a species of the typical owl family Strigidae. Owls belonging to the genus Asio, such as the Short-eared Owl, are known as the eared owls since they have tufts of feathers resembling mammalian ears. These "ear" tufts may or may not be visible. The Short-eared Owl will display its tufts when in a defensive pose although its very short tufts are usually not visible. The Short-eared Owl is a medium-sized owl 13 to 17 inches in length with a 33 to 43 inches wingspan. Females are slightly larger than males. It has large yellow eyes with black encircling rings, a big head, a short neck and broad wings. The bill is short, strong, hooked and black. The plumage is mottled tawny to brown with a barred tail and wings. The upper breast is significantly streaked. The flight is characteristically floppy due to the irregular wingbeats and the Short-eared Owl is often described as "moth-like” or bat-like" in flight. Through much of its range, the Short-eared Owl occurs with the similar looking Long-eared Owl. At rest, the ear-tufts of the Long-eared Owl serve to easily distinguish the 2 species although the Long-eared Owl can sometimes hold its ear-tufts flat. The iris colour also differs: yellow in the Short-eared Owl and orange in the Long-eared Owl plus the black surrounding the eyes is vertical on the Long-eared Owl and horizontal on the Short-eared Owl. Overall, the Short-eared Owl tends to be a paler, sandier coloured bird than the Long-eared Owl. There are 10 recognized sub-species of the Short-eared Owl and its range covers all continents except Antarctica and Australia. It therefore has one of the most widespread distributions of any bird. It is partially migratory and moves south in winter from the northern parts of its range. The Short-eared Owl is also known to relocate to areas of higher rodent populations and it will also wander nomadically in search of better food supplies during years when vole populations are low. In the UK, the Short-eared Owl breeds primarily in north England and Scotland but it is seen more widely in winter when there is an influx of continental birds from Scandinavia, Russia and Iceland to north, east and parts of central south England, especially around coastal marshes and wetlands. The breeding season of the Short-eared Owl in the northern hemisphere lasts from March to June but peaks in April. During the breeding season, the male makes a great spectacle of itself in flight to attract a female. The male swoops down over the potential nest site flapping its wings in a courtship display. The Short-eared Owl is generally monogamous and nests on the ground in prairie, tundra, savanna or meadow habitats. The nest is concealed by low vegetation and may be lightly lined by weeds, grass or feathers. The female lays 4 to 7 eggs but clutch size can reach up to 12 eggs in years when voles are abundant. There is a single brood per year. The eggs are incubated mostly by the female for 21 to 37 days and the young fledge at a little over 4 weeks. The Short-eared Owl hunts mostly at night but it is known as a diurnal and crepuscular hunter as well. Its daylight hunting seems to coincide with the high activity periods of voles, its preferred prey. It tends to fly only a few feet above the ground in open fields and grasslands until swooping down upon its prey feet first. Several owls may hunt over the same open area. The diet of the Short-eared Owl consists mainly of rodents, especially voles, but it will eat other small mammals such as mice, ground squirrels, shrews, rats, bats, muskrats and moles. It will also occasionally predate smaller birds especially when near sea coasts and adjacent wetlands at which time they may attack waders, terns and small gulls and seabirds. Avian prey is more infrequently preyed on inland and includes small passerines. Insects also supplement the diet. Date: 4th January 2025 Location: Elmley, Isle of Sheppey, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9580876.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10596088154db0307797b65.jpgRinged Plover The Ringed Plover is a small, dumpy, short-legged wading bird. Many UK birds live here all year round but birds from Europe winter in Britain and birds from Greenland and Canada pass through on migration. Ringed Plovers breed on sandy and shingle beaches and on inland gravel pits. They can be found in winter on sandy and shingle beaches, estuaries and coastal lagoons and marshes. Date: 5th November 2007 Location: Bruichladdich, Loch Indaal, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52635544.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6356832386798c24cdbc0e.jpgShort-eared Owl The Short-eared Owl is a species of the typical owl family Strigidae. Owls belonging to the genus Asio, such as the Short-eared Owl, are known as the eared owls since they have tufts of feathers resembling mammalian ears. These "ear" tufts may or may not be visible. The Short-eared Owl will display its tufts when in a defensive pose although its very short tufts are usually not visible. The Short-eared Owl is a medium-sized owl 13 to 17 inches in length with a 33 to 43 inches wingspan. Females are slightly larger than males. It has large yellow eyes with black encircling rings, a big head, a short neck and broad wings. The bill is short, strong, hooked and black. The plumage is mottled tawny to brown with a barred tail and wings. The upper breast is significantly streaked. The flight is characteristically floppy due to the irregular wingbeats and the Short-eared Owl is often described as "moth-like” or bat-like" in flight. Through much of its range, the Short-eared Owl occurs with the similar looking Long-eared Owl. At rest, the ear-tufts of the Long-eared Owl serve to easily distinguish the 2 species although the Long-eared Owl can sometimes hold its ear-tufts flat. The iris colour also differs: yellow in the Short-eared Owl and orange in the Long-eared Owl plus the black surrounding the eyes is vertical on the Long-eared Owl and horizontal on the Short-eared Owl. Overall, the Short-eared Owl tends to be a paler, sandier coloured bird than the Long-eared Owl. There are 10 recognized sub-species of the Short-eared Owl and its range covers all continents except Antarctica and Australia. It therefore has one of the most widespread distributions of any bird. It is partially migratory and moves south in winter from the northern parts of its range. The Short-eared Owl is also known to relocate to areas of higher rodent populations and it will also wander nomadically in search of better food supplies during years when vole populations are low. In the UK, the Short-eared Owl breeds primarily in north England and Scotland but it is seen more widely in winter when there is an influx of continental birds from Scandinavia, Russia and Iceland to north, east and parts of central south England, especially around coastal marshes and wetlands. The breeding season of the Short-eared Owl in the northern hemisphere lasts from March to June but peaks in April. During the breeding season, the male makes a great spectacle of itself in flight to attract a female. The male swoops down over the potential nest site flapping its wings in a courtship display. The Short-eared Owl is generally monogamous and nests on the ground in prairie, tundra, savanna or meadow habitats. The nest is concealed by low vegetation and may be lightly lined by weeds, grass or feathers. The female lays 4 to 7 eggs but clutch size can reach up to 12 eggs in years when voles are abundant. There is a single brood per year. The eggs are incubated mostly by the female for 21 to 37 days and the young fledge at a little over 4 weeks. The Short-eared Owl hunts mostly at night but it is known as a diurnal and crepuscular hunter as well. Its daylight hunting seems to coincide with the high activity periods of voles, its preferred prey. It tends to fly only a few feet above the ground in open fields and grasslands until swooping down upon its prey feet first. Several owls may hunt over the same open area. The diet of the Short-eared Owl consists mainly of rodents, especially voles, but it will eat other small mammals such as mice, ground squirrels, shrews, rats, bats, muskrats and moles. It will also occasionally predate smaller birds especially when near sea coasts and adjacent wetlands at which time they may attack waders, terns and small gulls and seabirds. Avian prey is more infrequently preyed on inland and includes small passerines. Insects also supplement the diet. Date: 4th January 2025 Location: Elmley, Isle of Sheppey, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52635545.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19802288616798c252c165e.jpgShort-eared Owl The Short-eared Owl is a species of the typical owl family Strigidae. Owls belonging to the genus Asio, such as the Short-eared Owl, are known as the eared owls since they have tufts of feathers resembling mammalian ears. These "ear" tufts may or may not be visible. The Short-eared Owl will display its tufts when in a defensive pose although its very short tufts are usually not visible. The Short-eared Owl is a medium-sized owl 13 to 17 inches in length with a 33 to 43 inches wingspan. Females are slightly larger than males. It has large yellow eyes with black encircling rings, a big head, a short neck and broad wings. The bill is short, strong, hooked and black. The plumage is mottled tawny to brown with a barred tail and wings. The upper breast is significantly streaked. The flight is characteristically floppy due to the irregular wingbeats and the Short-eared Owl is often described as "moth-like” or bat-like" in flight. Through much of its range, the Short-eared Owl occurs with the similar looking Long-eared Owl. At rest, the ear-tufts of the Long-eared Owl serve to easily distinguish the 2 species although the Long-eared Owl can sometimes hold its ear-tufts flat. The iris colour also differs: yellow in the Short-eared Owl and orange in the Long-eared Owl plus the black surrounding the eyes is vertical on the Long-eared Owl and horizontal on the Short-eared Owl. Overall, the Short-eared Owl tends to be a paler, sandier coloured bird than the Long-eared Owl. There are 10 recognized sub-species of the Short-eared Owl and its range covers all continents except Antarctica and Australia. It therefore has one of the most widespread distributions of any bird. It is partially migratory and moves south in winter from the northern parts of its range. The Short-eared Owl is also known to relocate to areas of higher rodent populations and it will also wander nomadically in search of better food supplies during years when vole populations are low. In the UK, the Short-eared Owl breeds primarily in north England and Scotland but it is seen more widely in winter when there is an influx of continental birds from Scandinavia, Russia and Iceland to north, east and parts of central south England, especially around coastal marshes and wetlands. The breeding season of the Short-eared Owl in the northern hemisphere lasts from March to June but peaks in April. During the breeding season, the male makes a great spectacle of itself in flight to attract a female. The male swoops down over the potential nest site flapping its wings in a courtship display. The Short-eared Owl is generally monogamous and nests on the ground in prairie, tundra, savanna or meadow habitats. The nest is concealed by low vegetation and may be lightly lined by weeds, grass or feathers. The female lays 4 to 7 eggs but clutch size can reach up to 12 eggs in years when voles are abundant. There is a single brood per year. The eggs are incubated mostly by the female for 21 to 37 days and the young fledge at a little over 4 weeks. The Short-eared Owl hunts mostly at night but it is known as a diurnal and crepuscular hunter as well. Its daylight hunting seems to coincide with the high activity periods of voles, its preferred prey. It tends to fly only a few feet above the ground in open fields and grasslands until swooping down upon its prey feet first. Several owls may hunt over the same open area. The diet of the Short-eared Owl consists mainly of rodents, especially voles, but it will eat other small mammals such as mice, ground squirrels, shrews, rats, bats, muskrats and moles. It will also occasionally predate smaller birds especially when near sea coasts and adjacent wetlands at which time they may attack waders, terns and small gulls and seabirds. Avian prey is more infrequently preyed on inland and includes small passerines. Insects also supplement the diet. Date: 4th January 2025 Location: Elmley, Isle of Sheppey, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52635537.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14848103566798c23d2ba14.jpgShort-eared Owl The Short-eared Owl is a species of the typical owl family Strigidae. Owls belonging to the genus Asio, such as the Short-eared Owl, are known as the eared owls since they have tufts of feathers resembling mammalian ears. These "ear" tufts may or may not be visible. The Short-eared Owl will display its tufts when in a defensive pose although its very short tufts are usually not visible. The Short-eared Owl is a medium-sized owl 13 to 17 inches in length with a 33 to 43 inches wingspan. Females are slightly larger than males. It has large yellow eyes with black encircling rings, a big head, a short neck and broad wings. The bill is short, strong, hooked and black. The plumage is mottled tawny to brown with a barred tail and wings. The upper breast is significantly streaked. The flight is characteristically floppy due to the irregular wingbeats and the Short-eared Owl is often described as "moth-like” or bat-like" in flight. Through much of its range, the Short-eared Owl occurs with the similar looking Long-eared Owl. At rest, the ear-tufts of the Long-eared Owl serve to easily distinguish the 2 species although the Long-eared Owl can sometimes hold its ear-tufts flat. The iris colour also differs: yellow in the Short-eared Owl and orange in the Long-eared Owl plus the black surrounding the eyes is vertical on the Long-eared Owl and horizontal on the Short-eared Owl. Overall, the Short-eared Owl tends to be a paler, sandier coloured bird than the Long-eared Owl. There are 10 recognized sub-species of the Short-eared Owl and its range covers all continents except Antarctica and Australia. It therefore has one of the most widespread distributions of any bird. It is partially migratory and moves south in winter from the northern parts of its range. The Short-eared Owl is also known to relocate to areas of higher rodent populations and it will also wander nomadically in search of better food supplies during years when vole populations are low. In the UK, the Short-eared Owl breeds primarily in north England and Scotland but it is seen more widely in winter when there is an influx of continental birds from Scandinavia, Russia and Iceland to north, east and parts of central south England, especially around coastal marshes and wetlands. The breeding season of the Short-eared Owl in the northern hemisphere lasts from March to June but peaks in April. During the breeding season, the male makes a great spectacle of itself in flight to attract a female. The male swoops down over the potential nest site flapping its wings in a courtship display. The Short-eared Owl is generally monogamous and nests on the ground in prairie, tundra, savanna or meadow habitats. The nest is concealed by low vegetation and may be lightly lined by weeds, grass or feathers. The female lays 4 to 7 eggs but clutch size can reach up to 12 eggs in years when voles are abundant. There is a single brood per year. The eggs are incubated mostly by the female for 21 to 37 days and the young fledge at a little over 4 weeks. The Short-eared Owl hunts mostly at night but it is known as a diurnal and crepuscular hunter as well. Its daylight hunting seems to coincide with the high activity periods of voles, its preferred prey. It tends to fly only a few feet above the ground in open fields and grasslands until swooping down upon its prey feet first. Several owls may hunt over the same open area. The diet of the Short-eared Owl consists mainly of rodents, especially voles, but it will eat other small mammals such as mice, ground squirrels, shrews, rats, bats, muskrats and moles. It will also occasionally predate smaller birds especially when near sea coasts and adjacent wetlands at which time they may attack waders, terns and small gulls and seabirds. Avian prey is more infrequently preyed on inland and includes small passerines. Insects also supplement the diet. Date: 4th January 2025 Location: Elmley, Isle of Sheppey, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52635546.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15872648456798c253acfa0.jpgShort-eared Owl The Short-eared Owl is a species of the typical owl family Strigidae. Owls belonging to the genus Asio, such as the Short-eared Owl, are known as the eared owls since they have tufts of feathers resembling mammalian ears. These "ear" tufts may or may not be visible. The Short-eared Owl will display its tufts when in a defensive pose although its very short tufts are usually not visible. The Short-eared Owl is a medium-sized owl 13 to 17 inches in length with a 33 to 43 inches wingspan. Females are slightly larger than males. It has large yellow eyes with black encircling rings, a big head, a short neck and broad wings. The bill is short, strong, hooked and black. The plumage is mottled tawny to brown with a barred tail and wings. The upper breast is significantly streaked. The flight is characteristically floppy due to the irregular wingbeats and the Short-eared Owl is often described as "moth-like” or bat-like" in flight. Through much of its range, the Short-eared Owl occurs with the similar looking Long-eared Owl. At rest, the ear-tufts of the Long-eared Owl serve to easily distinguish the 2 species although the Long-eared Owl can sometimes hold its ear-tufts flat. The iris colour also differs: yellow in the Short-eared Owl and orange in the Long-eared Owl plus the black surrounding the eyes is vertical on the Long-eared Owl and horizontal on the Short-eared Owl. Overall, the Short-eared Owl tends to be a paler, sandier coloured bird than the Long-eared Owl. There are 10 recognized sub-species of the Short-eared Owl and its range covers all continents except Antarctica and Australia. It therefore has one of the most widespread distributions of any bird. It is partially migratory and moves south in winter from the northern parts of its range. The Short-eared Owl is also known to relocate to areas of higher rodent populations and it will also wander nomadically in search of better food supplies during years when vole populations are low. In the UK, the Short-eared Owl breeds primarily in north England and Scotland but it is seen more widely in winter when there is an influx of continental birds from Scandinavia, Russia and Iceland to north, east and parts of central south England, especially around coastal marshes and wetlands. The breeding season of the Short-eared Owl in the northern hemisphere lasts from March to June but peaks in April. During the breeding season, the male makes a great spectacle of itself in flight to attract a female. The male swoops down over the potential nest site flapping its wings in a courtship display. The Short-eared Owl is generally monogamous and nests on the ground in prairie, tundra, savanna or meadow habitats. The nest is concealed by low vegetation and may be lightly lined by weeds, grass or feathers. The female lays 4 to 7 eggs but clutch size can reach up to 12 eggs in years when voles are abundant. There is a single brood per year. The eggs are incubated mostly by the female for 21 to 37 days and the young fledge at a little over 4 weeks. The Short-eared Owl hunts mostly at night but it is known as a diurnal and crepuscular hunter as well. Its daylight hunting seems to coincide with the high activity periods of voles, its preferred prey. It tends to fly only a few feet above the ground in open fields and grasslands until swooping down upon its prey feet first. Several owls may hunt over the same open area. The diet of the Short-eared Owl consists mainly of rodents, especially voles, but it will eat other small mammals such as mice, ground squirrels, shrews, rats, bats, muskrats and moles. It will also occasionally predate smaller birds especially when near sea coasts and adjacent wetlands at which time they may attack waders, terns and small gulls and seabirds. Avian prey is more infrequently preyed on inland and includes small passerines. Insects also supplement the diet. Date: 4th January 2025 Location: Elmley, Isle of Sheppey, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41524232.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18324121475f3a6ac95294b.jpgCommon Blue Flight period: June to September. The Common Blue is the UK’s most widespread and common blue butterfly although it has suffered some local declines due to habitat loss. They can be found in sunny, sheltered areas including downland, roadside verges, woodland clearings and rural gardens. Date: 1st August 2020 Location, Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43629105.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13451965036118ac64f1ea0.jpgCommon Darter Flight period: end May to early October. Common Darters are the most widespread of the dragonflies over lowland UK but they are absent from upland areas. They can be found in a wide range of habitats including ponds, lakes, ditches, canals, slow flowing rivers and brackish water. They can also be frequently seen some way from water. Date: 18th July 2021 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41392934.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20008314535f26c06be5b71.jpgGatekeeper Flight period: mid-July to early September. The Gatekeeper or Hedge Brown is common and widespread throughout the southern half of the UK. They can be found in areas with hedgerows or in scrubby woodland with wide and sunny rides. Date: 30th July 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084053.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19360509405d3085212044c.jpgPirin Mountains, Blagoevgrad Province, Bulgaria The Pirin Mountains are a mountain range in south west Bulgaria spreading over 1000 square miles. They extend about 50 miles from the north west to the south east and they are about 25 miles wide. Vihren at 9560 feet is the highest peak in the Pirin Mountains, the second highest in Bulgaria and the third highest in the Balkans. To the north, the Pirin Mountains are separated from Bulgaria's highest mountain range, the Rila Mountains, by the Paril Saddle whilst to the south they extend towards the mountain of Slavyanka Mountain located on the border of south west Bulgaria and north Greece. To the west is the valley of the River Struma and to the east the valley of the River Mesta which separates the Pirin Mountains from the Rhodopes Mountains. The Pirin Mountains are dotted with 118 glacial lakes, the largest and the deepest of them being Popovo Lake. They also contain Europe's most southern glaciers, Snezhnika and Banski Suhodol. The Snezhnika glacier is a remnant of the former Vihren glacier. It lies at a height of between 7956 feet and 8140 feet in the deep Golemiya Kazan cirque at the steep northern foot of Vihren. The Banski Suhodol glacier is a small glacier which lies below the peak of Kutelo peak (9540 feet) in the upper Banski Suhodol valley. The northern part of the Pirin Mountains is protected by the Pirin National Park (originally named Vihren National Park). It encompasses the larger part of the Pirin Mountains and covers an area of around 155 square miles. It is one of the 3 national parks in Bulgaria, the others being Rila National Park and Central Balkan National Park. Pirin National Park was established in 1962 and its territory has expanded several times since then. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and it is also part of Natura 2000, the network of nature protection areas of the European Union. Pirin National Park falls within the Rodope montane mixed forests terrestrial eco-region of the Palearctic temperate broadleaf and mixed forest. Forests cover 57.3% of the area of Pirin National Park and almost 95% of them are coniferous forests. The average age of the forests is 85 years. Bulgaria's oldest tree, Baikushev's pine, is located in Pirin National Park and it has an approximate age of about 1,300 years. Pirin National Park is noted for its rich and diverse flora and fauna which includes 45 species of mammals, 159 species of birds, 11 species of reptiles, 8 species of amphibia and 6 species of fish. The Pirin Mountains are an important tourist destination. The town of Bansko, situated on the north east slopes of the mountain range, has grown to be the primary ski and winter sports centre in the Balkans. A number of settlements in the foothills have mineral springs and are spa resorts e.g. Banya, Dobrinishte, Gotse Delchev, Sandanski, etc. Melnik is situated in the south west foothills of the mountain. With a population of around 385, it is Bulgaria's smallest town and retains its town status today for historical reasons. The town is an architectural reserve and 96 of its buildings are designated as cultural monuments. It is among the “100 Tourist Sites of Bulgaria” programme which promotes tourism among Bulgaria's most significant cultural, historic and natural landmarks. The town is also a centre of red wine production with numerous vineyards and cellars dug in to the local sandstone rock. The area around Melnik is strikingly eroded, particularly the enormous area of sandstone cliff that serves as a backdrop to the town. This area, covering some 6.5 square miles around Melnik, Kurlanovo and Rozhen has been called the Melnik Earth Pyramids. The hills in this area can rise up to 330 feet high and the unique formations, which can resemble giant mushrooms, ancient towers and obelisks, were formed when heavy rain eroded the sandstone and clay which the hills are composed of. The Melnik Earth Pyramids are a geological phenomenon of global importance and they were declared a natural landmark in 1960 with a total protected area of 5 square miles. Date: 29th May 2018 Location: view from between Kresna and Ostrava, Blagoevgrad Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/loch-milton-highland https://images.on-this.website/4752_208907443849f2050c2a522.jpgLoch Milton, Highland Loch Milton is a small loch on the edge of the village of Boat of Garten on Speyside. The loch has a small heronry and other breeding birds can also be seen. Date: 12th April 2009 Location: view from Boat of Garten http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833892.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1529471488559cf1af1cc5b.jpgMount Paggeo, East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece Mount Paggeo is located west of Kavala and is easily reached by the road which rises to the ski centre. At around 6500 feet high, the route and summit areas are excellent for mountain birds. Date: 11th May 2015 Location: view from road from Eleftheroupoli to Mount Panggeo summit, East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/golden-ringed-dragonfly https://images.on-this.website/4752_183674832467ea889612b6.jpgGolden-ringed Dragonfly Flight period: May to September. The Golden-ringed Dragonfly is a distinctive, large dragonfly with black and yellow patterning. They are widely distibuted in the north and west of the UK and can be found around swiftly flowing acidic running water. Date: 12th June 2006 Location: Near Dundonnell, Wester Ross http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo20140122.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_86213063352c002dc334ab.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 9th December 2013 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/ms-jl-runeberg-at-porvoo https://images.on-this.website/4752_15142282975f059e249313e.jpgm/s J.L. Runeberg at Porvoo, Uusimaa, Finland The city of Porvoo can be easily reached by a main road from Helsinki in about 50 minutes but also by a much more leisurely 3.5 hour trip on the steamship m/s J. L. Runeberg along the Porvoonjoki river, the coast and through the Helsinki Archipelago. The m/s J.L. Runeberg was built in Helsinki in 1912. Originally she sailed under the name s/s Helsingfors Skärgård (”Helsinki Archipelago”). In the beginning this steamer cruised west from Helsinki to Porkkala but in the 1930’s the name was changed to s/s J.L. Runeberg and the ship cruised to Porvoo for the first time. Date: 26th June 2019 Location: m/s J.L. Runeberg at Porvoo harbour, Uusimaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo472296.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5192647394698b589dedc5.jpgCommon Darter Flight period: end May to early October. Common Darters are the most widespread of the dragonflies over lowland UK but they are absent from upland areas. They can be found in a wide range of habitats including ponds, lakes, ditches, canals, slow flowing rivers and brackish water. They can also be frequently seen some way from water. Date: 7th July 2007 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo440793.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1235307907467ea8ab0ba55.jpgCommon Blue Damselfly Flight period: early May to end September. As the name suggests, the Common Blue Damselfly is one of the commonest species in the UK. They can be confused with other blue damselflies, particularly since the markings on this species are rather variable. Common Blue Damselflies are found across most of the UK and are probably the most widespread member of the "blue" damselflies. They can be found around open lakes and ponds, along river and canal banks and streams, provided there is plenty of bankside vegetation. Date: 9th July 2006 Location: Stow Maries Halt EWT reserve, Stow Maries, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26541440.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_112352244156acec5a4d441.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 16th January 2016 Location: Caerlaverock WWT reserve, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17408512.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4509838085133276620f1a.jpgWhooper Swan The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 12th January 2013 Location: Martin Mere WWT reserve, Lancashire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo1025477.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6858574534813be5c3ee92.jpgLoch Eil, Inverness-shire Loch Eil is a sea loch which extends almost 7 miles from west to east before opening in to the northern end of Loch Linnhe opposite Fort William. Date: 27th March 2008 Location: view from the A861 road along the south shore http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52518249.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1235288732675460e6898a6.jpgRedwing The Redwing is most commonly encountered as a winter visitor and is the UK's smallest true thrush. The creamy stripe above the eye and the orange-red flank patches make it distinctive. Redwings arrive in the UK from September but most arrive in October and November. They leave again in March and April, although occasionally birds stay later including a few pairs to nest in northern Scotland. Redwings can be found across the UK's countryside feeding in fields and hedgerows and also in parks and gardens in the coldest weather when snow covers the fields. They often associate with flocks of Fieldfares, the other wintering thrush. Date: 20th November 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28887486.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_64463752757cc408a45f1a.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 10th May 2016 Location: Puise, Matsalu National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/september-to-october-2016-pine https://images.on-this.website/4752_69805890858754175eff8a.jpgSeptember to October 2016 - Pine Marten Please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/photo29240099.html#photo]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/marchapril-2013-water-rail https://images.on-this.website/4752_124026982551e3cacb972fb.jpgMarch to April 2013 - Water Rail Please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/water-rail#photo]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457629.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_656191548668574f788737.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457355.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8166472146685719183ed1.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/southern-migrant-hawker https://images.on-this.website/4752_13546151246676e6212dbd0.jpgSouthern Migrant Hawker Flight period: June to September The Southern Migrant Hawker is small migratory hawker species. The male has blue eyes, a green/blue thorax and a dark abdomen with blue markings whilst the female has brown eyes, a yellow/brown thorax and a brown abdomen with yellow markings. The Southern Migrant Hawker is a species found in southern and central Europe, in North Africa and the Middle East and across Asia to China. However, its range is expanding north west and it has been breeding around the Thames estuary since 2010 and over the past 2 decades reports of migrant influxes have become more frequent with most sightings coming from the south-east coast. Date: 21st June 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51387309.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1171280120667e7d5e406bf.jpgLarge Skipper Flight period: June to July. The Large Skipper is a small golden butterfly which is widespread throughout England and Wales and it is also extending its range northwards in to southern Scotland. They can be found in areas of tall, uncut grassland, woodland rides, roadside verges and hedgerows. Date: 23rd June 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28592743.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_199829252857ab04cf43fb7.jpgPeacock Flight period: March to September. The Peacock is a familiar and widespread butterfly which is continuing to expand its range in the UK. It is a highly adaptable species that can be found almost anywhere but the best sites are where favoured nectar plants are available. Date: 5th August 2016 Location: Minsmere, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41349704.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10175494895f20182d07c42.jpgPeacock Flight period: March to September. The Peacock is a familiar and widespread butterfly which is continuing to expand its range in the UK. It is a highly adaptable species that can be found almost anywhere but the best sites are where favoured nectar plants are available. Date: 13th July 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28885463.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_176775413257cc316b6be61.jpgYellowhammer The Yellowhammer is a passerine bird in the bunting family. The bird family [i]Emberizidae[/i] contains around 300 seed-eating species, the majority of which are found in the Americas, although the genus [i]Emberiza[/i], with more than 40 members, is confined to the Old World. Within its genus [i]Emberiza[/i], the Yellowhammer is most closely related to the Pine Bunting and at times they have been considered as one species. Where their ranges meet, the Yellowhammer and Pine Bunting interbreed and the hybrid zone is thought to be moving further east. The Yellowhammer is also closely related to the Cirl Bunting. The Yellowhammer’s scientific name [i]Emberiza citrinella[/i] is derived from the Old German [i]embritz[/i] meaning “bunting” and the Italian [i]citrinella[/i] meaning “small yellow bird”. The Yellowhammer is a large bunting around 6.3 to 6.5 inches long with a wingspan of 9.1 to 11.6 inches. The male has a bright yellow head, heavily streaked brown back, rufous rump, yellow underparts and white outer tail feathers. The female is less brightly coloured and more streaked on the crown, breast and flanks. Both sexes are less strongly marked outside the breeding season when the dark fringes on new feathers obscure the yellow plumage. The juvenile is much duller and less yellow than the adults and often has a paler rump. The Yellowhammer breeds across Eurasia and it is the commonest and most widespread European bunting although it is absent from high mountains, Arctic regions, most of Iberia and Greece and low-lying regions of other countries adjoining the Mediterranean Sea. It also breeds in Russia east to Irkutsk and in most of Ukraine and the Asian range extends into north west Turkey, the Caucasus and northern Kazakhstan. Populations have declined in recent decades in western Europe but in eastern Europe numbers appear to be stable. Changes to agricultural practices are thought to be responsible for reduced breeding densities. The Yellowhammer can be found throughout most of the UK but it is least abundant in the north and west and absent from some upland areas such as the Pennines and the Scottish Highlands as well as some lowland areas. Its recent sharp population decline make it a Red List species. Within its range, the Yellowhammer is a bird of dry open country, preferably with a range of vegetation types and some trees from which to sing. It is absent from urban areas, forests and wetlands. Probably originally found at forest edges and large clearings, it has benefited from traditional agriculture which created extensive open areas with hedges and clumps of trees. The Yellowhammer usually starts breeding in late April or early May. The males establish territories along hedges or woodland fringes and sing from a tree or bush, often continuing well into July or August. The nest is built by the female on or near the ground and is typically well hidden in tussocks against a bank or low in a bush. It is constructed from nearby plant material such as leaves, dry grass and stalks and lined with fine grasses and sometimes animal hair. The clutch is usually 3 to 5 eggs and the female incubates the eggs for 12 to 14 days to hatching and broods the chicks until they fledge 11 to 13 days later. Both adults feed the chicks in the nest and 2 or 3 broods are raised each year. The Yellowhammer forages mainly on the ground and its diet consists mainly of seeds. Grasses are also important, particularly cereals, and grain makes up a significant part of the food consumed in autumn and winter. Invertebrates are added to its diet during the breeding season, particularly as food for its growing chicks, and a wide range of species is taken including springtails, grasshoppers, flies, beetles, caterpillars, earthworms, spiders and snails. Outside of the breeding season, the Yellowhammer forages in flocks which can occasionally number hundreds of birds and often contain other buntings and finches. The Yellowhammer is a conspicuous, vocal and formerly common country bird and it has attracted human interest. Yellowham Wood and Yellowham Hill, near Dorchester in the UK, both derive their names from the bird. Robbie Burns' poem "The Yellow, Yellow Yorlin'" gets its title from a Scottish name for the Yellowhammer. Enid Blyton helped to popularise the bird's song as "a little bit of bread and no cheese" in some of her books and she wrote a poem called "The Yellow-hammer". Beethoven's student, Carl Czerny, and biographer Anton Schindler, both suggested that the composer got the idea for the first 4 notes of his 5th symphony from the song of the Yellowhammer although it is more likely that the opening of the 4th Piano Concerto was actually the work in question. Beethoven also used the Yellowhammer theme in 2 piano sonatas. Date: 15th May 2016 Location: Tõramaa to Kõrtsi road, Soomaa National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405436.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4788487186586e063981cc.jpgMigrant Hawker Flight period: August to October The Migrant Hawker is common in the south of the UK and has spread north and west in recent decades. The breeding population is boosted by continental migrants in the autumn and they are most easily seen hawking for insects along sheltered woodland rides or hedgerows. Date: 9th October 2023 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49279120.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2733750056499ca179c2f8.jpgHolly Blue Flight period: late April to end of August. The Holly Blue is easily identified in early spring as it emerges well before other blue butterflies. It tends to fly high around bushes and trees whereas other grassland blues usually stay near ground level. It is the commonest blue butterfly found in parks and gardens where it congregates around Holly (in spring) and Ivy (in late summer). The Holly Blue is widespread but undergoes large fluctuations in numbers from year to year. It has expanded northwards in recent years and has now colonised parts of north England and the extreme south of Scotland. Date: 22nd June 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/camas-rubha-a-mhurain-portnaluchaig https://images.on-this.website/4752_138317314657eb96135e536.jpgCamas Rubha a' Mhurain, Portnaluchaig, Highland The B8008 coastal road north from Arisaig passes through Portnaluchaig and offers views of the sandy bay of Camas Rubha a' Mhurain and the islands of Eigg and Rhum beyond. Date: 22nd September 2016 Location: view from B8008 road north of Arisaig http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41349699.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_553900705f20182087144.jpgPeacock Flight period: March to September. The Peacock is a familiar and widespread butterfly which is continuing to expand its range in the UK. It is a highly adaptable species that can be found almost anywhere but the best sites are where favoured nectar plants are available. Date: 13th July 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41524250.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16971343405f3a6d99028ff.jpgCommon Blue Flight period: June to September. The Common Blue is the UK’s most widespread and common blue butterfly although it has suffered some local declines due to habitat loss. They can be found in sunny, sheltered areas including downland, roadside verges, woodland clearings and rural gardens. Date: 4th August 2020 Location, Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14467412.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21019983824f743c3c65cba.jpgReindeer Reindeer are the northernmost species of deer being found throughout the tundra (frozen arctic plain with lichens, mosses and dwarfed vegetation) and taiga (marshy pine forest) zones of the Northern Hemisphere. Date: 17th March 2012 Location: near Tisnes, Kvaløya, Troms, north Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45201924.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_186438575862372c4751343.jpgMoorhens The Moorhen is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird that is usually found near water. From a distance it looks black with a ragged white line along its body. However, closer up it is olive-brown on the back and the head and blue-grey underneath. It has a red bill with a yellow tip. The Moorhen can be found all year round almost anywhere where there is water. They breed in lowland areas particularly in central and eastern England but are scarce in northern Scotland and the uplands of Wales and northern England. UK breeding birds are residents and seldom travel far. Date: 26th February 2022 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/november-2010-turnstone https://images.on-this.website/4752_1544619604da2c701b7488.jpgNovember 2010 - Turnstone Please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/photo7950440.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/january-2009-blue-tit https://images.on-this.website/4752_39547404e3a5410d6b44.jpgJanuary 2009 - Blue Tit Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9563842.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41352932.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20745379735f2157576865f.jpgSmall Copper Flight period: April to October. The Small Copper is a common and widespread butterfly in the UK but has suffered a population decline due to change in land use and habitat loss. They are fond of warm and dry locations and can be found in a variety of habitats including heathland, unimproved grassland, woodland clearings, waste ground and gardens. Date: 21st July 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52635547.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3833786996798c25883dd4.jpgShort-eared Owl The Short-eared Owl is a species of the typical owl family Strigidae. Owls belonging to the genus Asio, such as the Short-eared Owl, are known as the eared owls since they have tufts of feathers resembling mammalian ears. These "ear" tufts may or may not be visible. The Short-eared Owl will display its tufts when in a defensive pose although its very short tufts are usually not visible. The Short-eared Owl is a medium-sized owl 13 to 17 inches in length with a 33 to 43 inches wingspan. Females are slightly larger than males. It has large yellow eyes with black encircling rings, a big head, a short neck and broad wings. The bill is short, strong, hooked and black. The plumage is mottled tawny to brown with a barred tail and wings. The upper breast is significantly streaked. The flight is characteristically floppy due to the irregular wingbeats and the Short-eared Owl is often described as "moth-like” or bat-like" in flight. Through much of its range, the Short-eared Owl occurs with the similar looking Long-eared Owl. At rest, the ear-tufts of the Long-eared Owl serve to easily distinguish the 2 species although the Long-eared Owl can sometimes hold its ear-tufts flat. The iris colour also differs: yellow in the Short-eared Owl and orange in the Long-eared Owl plus the black surrounding the eyes is vertical on the Long-eared Owl and horizontal on the Short-eared Owl. Overall, the Short-eared Owl tends to be a paler, sandier coloured bird than the Long-eared Owl. There are 10 recognized sub-species of the Short-eared Owl and its range covers all continents except Antarctica and Australia. It therefore has one of the most widespread distributions of any bird. It is partially migratory and moves south in winter from the northern parts of its range. The Short-eared Owl is also known to relocate to areas of higher rodent populations and it will also wander nomadically in search of better food supplies during years when vole populations are low. In the UK, the Short-eared Owl breeds primarily in north England and Scotland but it is seen more widely in winter when there is an influx of continental birds from Scandinavia, Russia and Iceland to north, east and parts of central south England, especially around coastal marshes and wetlands. The breeding season of the Short-eared Owl in the northern hemisphere lasts from March to June but peaks in April. During the breeding season, the male makes a great spectacle of itself in flight to attract a female. The male swoops down over the potential nest site flapping its wings in a courtship display. The Short-eared Owl is generally monogamous and nests on the ground in prairie, tundra, savanna or meadow habitats. The nest is concealed by low vegetation and may be lightly lined by weeds, grass or feathers. The female lays 4 to 7 eggs but clutch size can reach up to 12 eggs in years when voles are abundant. There is a single brood per year. The eggs are incubated mostly by the female for 21 to 37 days and the young fledge at a little over 4 weeks. The Short-eared Owl hunts mostly at night but it is known as a diurnal and crepuscular hunter as well. Its daylight hunting seems to coincide with the high activity periods of voles, its preferred prey. It tends to fly only a few feet above the ground in open fields and grasslands until swooping down upon its prey feet first. Several owls may hunt over the same open area. The diet of the Short-eared Owl consists mainly of rodents, especially voles, but it will eat other small mammals such as mice, ground squirrels, shrews, rats, bats, muskrats and moles. It will also occasionally predate smaller birds especially when near sea coasts and adjacent wetlands at which time they may attack waders, terns and small gulls and seabirds. Avian prey is more infrequently preyed on inland and includes small passerines. Insects also supplement the diet. Date: 4th January 2025 Location: Elmley, Isle of Sheppey, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42626747.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_41003078660a9272989767.jpgMoorhen The Moorhen is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird that is usually found near water. From a distance it looks black with a ragged white line along its body. However, closer up it is olive-brown on the back and the head and blue-grey underneath. It has a red bill with a yellow tip. The Moorhen can be found all year round almost anywhere where there is water. They breed in lowland areas particularly in central and eastern England but are scarce in northern Scotland and the uplands of Wales and northern England. UK breeding birds are residents and seldom travel far. Date: 15th April 2021 Location: Lake Meadows, Billericay, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533254.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_58916503462ca813b632c3.jpgCommon Blue Damselfly Flight period: early May to end September. As the name suggests, the Common Blue Damselfly is one of the commonest species in the UK. They can be confused with other blue damselflies, particularly since the markings on this species are rather variable. Common Blue Damselflies are found across most of the UK and are probably the most widespread member of the "blue" damselflies. They can be found around open lakes and ponds, along river and canal banks and streams, provided there is plenty of bankside vegetation. Date: 15th June 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41352926.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9953283095f21574c8a75a.jpgSmall Copper Flight period: April to October. The Small Copper is a common and widespread butterfly in the UK but has suffered a population decline due to change in land use and habitat loss. They are fond of warm and dry locations and can be found in a variety of habitats including heathland, unimproved grassland, woodland clearings, waste ground and gardens. Date: 21st July 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28883734.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_206719879157cc0efd1e56d.jpgTaevaskoja, Estonia Taevaskoja is part of the Ahja River Landscape Reserve situated about 20 miles south east of Tartu and is an area of old pine and deciduous forest, fast flowing river, rapids and craggy outcrops. Date: 18th May 2016 Location: Taevaskoja, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41225572.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10936272815ed9fff1e3088.jpgOrange Tip Flight period: April to June The Orange Tip is a common and widespread, medium sized butterfly of gardens and hedgerows. The males are unmistakeable with bright orange wing tips whilst the females are white with black wing tips. Both have mottled green underwings. Date: 18th May 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41234303.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_407190585ee77518e798e.jpgLarge Skipper Flight period: June to July. The Large Skipper is a small golden butterfly which is widespread throughout England and Wales and it is also extending its range northwards in to southern Scotland. They can be found in areas of tall, uncut grassland, woodland rides, roadside verges and hedgerows. Date: 12th June 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071708.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1744272589664339882474d.jpgSong Thrush The Song Thrush is a familiar and popular songbird, smaller and browner than the Mistle Thrush with smaller spotting on the breast. The Song Thrush can be found all year round in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens across the UK. Numbers are declining seriously making it a Red List species. Date: 5th May 2024 Location: RWT Gilfach, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26270286.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1748724182566551ce50980.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 4th December 2015 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26270267.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2145440839566551a11a70c.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 4th December 2015 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52635538.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5400456226798c23d89812.jpgShort-eared Owl The Short-eared Owl is a species of the typical owl family Strigidae. Owls belonging to the genus Asio, such as the Short-eared Owl, are known as the eared owls since they have tufts of feathers resembling mammalian ears. These "ear" tufts may or may not be visible. The Short-eared Owl will display its tufts when in a defensive pose although its very short tufts are usually not visible. The Short-eared Owl is a medium-sized owl 13 to 17 inches in length with a 33 to 43 inches wingspan. Females are slightly larger than males. It has large yellow eyes with black encircling rings, a big head, a short neck and broad wings. The bill is short, strong, hooked and black. The plumage is mottled tawny to brown with a barred tail and wings. The upper breast is significantly streaked. The flight is characteristically floppy due to the irregular wingbeats and the Short-eared Owl is often described as "moth-like” or bat-like" in flight. Through much of its range, the Short-eared Owl occurs with the similar looking Long-eared Owl. At rest, the ear-tufts of the Long-eared Owl serve to easily distinguish the 2 species although the Long-eared Owl can sometimes hold its ear-tufts flat. The iris colour also differs: yellow in the Short-eared Owl and orange in the Long-eared Owl plus the black surrounding the eyes is vertical on the Long-eared Owl and horizontal on the Short-eared Owl. Overall, the Short-eared Owl tends to be a paler, sandier coloured bird than the Long-eared Owl. There are 10 recognized sub-species of the Short-eared Owl and its range covers all continents except Antarctica and Australia. It therefore has one of the most widespread distributions of any bird. It is partially migratory and moves south in winter from the northern parts of its range. The Short-eared Owl is also known to relocate to areas of higher rodent populations and it will also wander nomadically in search of better food supplies during years when vole populations are low. In the UK, the Short-eared Owl breeds primarily in north England and Scotland but it is seen more widely in winter when there is an influx of continental birds from Scandinavia, Russia and Iceland to north, east and parts of central south England, especially around coastal marshes and wetlands. The breeding season of the Short-eared Owl in the northern hemisphere lasts from March to June but peaks in April. During the breeding season, the male makes a great spectacle of itself in flight to attract a female. The male swoops down over the potential nest site flapping its wings in a courtship display. The Short-eared Owl is generally monogamous and nests on the ground in prairie, tundra, savanna or meadow habitats. The nest is concealed by low vegetation and may be lightly lined by weeds, grass or feathers. The female lays 4 to 7 eggs but clutch size can reach up to 12 eggs in years when voles are abundant. There is a single brood per year. The eggs are incubated mostly by the female for 21 to 37 days and the young fledge at a little over 4 weeks. The Short-eared Owl hunts mostly at night but it is known as a diurnal and crepuscular hunter as well. Its daylight hunting seems to coincide with the high activity periods of voles, its preferred prey. It tends to fly only a few feet above the ground in open fields and grasslands until swooping down upon its prey feet first. Several owls may hunt over the same open area. The diet of the Short-eared Owl consists mainly of rodents, especially voles, but it will eat other small mammals such as mice, ground squirrels, shrews, rats, bats, muskrats and moles. It will also occasionally predate smaller birds especially when near sea coasts and adjacent wetlands at which time they may attack waders, terns and small gulls and seabirds. Avian prey is more infrequently preyed on inland and includes small passerines. Insects also supplement the diet. Date: 4th January 2025 Location: Elmley, Isle of Sheppey, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/september-2023-willow-emerald-damselfly https://images.on-this.website/4752_27956148965ce275618867.jpgSeptember 2023 - Willow Emerald Damselfly Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49903162.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/ham-wall-rspb-reserve-somerset https://images.on-this.website/4752_98593022058754fdeab550.jpgDate: 2nd January 2017 Location: Ham Wall RSPB reserve, Somerset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo1278884.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7866902954866c8f1db5c7.jpgKyle of Tongue, Sutherland The Kyle of Tongue is a large inlet on the north coast of Sutherland and extends 6 miles south west from Tongue Bay. The village of Tongue lies to the east. A passenger ferry across the Kyle of Tongue remained until 1971 when a bridge causeway finally replaced the narrow road that still makes its way around the southern end of the Kyle. Looking south from the causeway there are magnificent views of Ben Loyal and Ben Hope. Date: 5th June 2008 Location: view from just outside Tongue looking north west http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7950414.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11905916854d03ce7538a4a.jpgTree Sparrow The Tree Sparrow is a member of the sparrow family [i]Passer[/i], a group of small passerine birds that is believed to have originated in Africa and which contains 15 to 25 species. The Tree Sparrow's name is derived from 2 Latin words: [I]passer[/I] meaning "sparrow" and [I]montanus[/I] meaning "of the mountains". The common name is given to suggest the preference for tree holes for nesting. However, this name and the scientific name [i]montanus[/i] do not appropriately describe the Tree Sparrow’s habitat preferences: the German name [i]Feldsperling[/i] meaning "field sparrow"[/i] comes closer to doing so. The Tree Sparrow is around 5 to 5.5 inches in length with a wingspan of about 8.3 inches, making it roughly 10% smaller than the House Sparrow. The adult's crown and nape are a rich chestnut and there is a kidney-shaped black ear patch on each pure white cheek. The chin, throat and the area between the bill and throat are black. The upperparts are light brown streaked with black and the brown wings have 2 distinct narrow white bars. The legs are pale brown and the bill is lead-blue in summer becoming almost black in winter. The Tree Sparrow is distinctive even within its own family in that there are no plumage differences between the sexes. The juvenile resembles the adult although the colours tend to be duller. The contrasting face pattern makes the Tree Sparrow easily identifiable in all plumages and the smaller size and chestnut (not grey) crown are additional differences from the male House Sparrow. The Tree Sparrow's breeding range comprises most of temperate Europe and Asia south of about latitude 68°N (north of this the summers are too cold) and through south east Asia to Java and Bali. It is sedentary over most of its extensive range but northernmost breeding populations migrate south for the winter and small numbers leave south Europe for north Africa and the Middle East. The Tree Sparrow has been introduced outside its native range but it has not always become successfully established, possibly due to competition with the House Sparrow. Ship-carried birds have colonised some areas and birds have also occurred as vagrants. Despite its scientific name, the Tree Sparrow is not typically a mountain species and reaches only 2300 feet in Switzerland although it has bred at 5600 feet in the northern Caucasus and as high as 14010 feet in Nepal. In Europe, the Tree Sparrow is frequently found in open countryside with small isolated patches of woodland but also on coasts with cliffs, in woodland along slow water courses and in empty buildings. It shows a strong preference for nest sites near wetland habitats and avoids breeding on intensively managed farmland. In Europe, where the Tree Sparrow and the House Sparrow occur in the same region, the House Sparrow generally nests in urban areas while the Tree Sparrow nests in rural areas. Where trees are in short supply, both species may utilise man-made structures as nest sites. Whilst the Tree Sparrow is mainly a rural bird in Europe, it tends to be an urban bird in Asia and Australia. In the UK, the Tree Sparrow is scarcer in upland areas and the far north and west of the and the main populations are now found across the Midlands and south and east England. The Tree Sparrow may breed in isolated pairs or in loose colonies. The male calls from near the nest site in spring to proclaim ownership and attract a mate and he may also carry nest material in to the nest hole. The Tree Sparrow typically builds its nest in a cavity in an old tree or rock face. Some nests are not in holes as such but are built among roots of overhanging bushes. Roof cavities in houses and nest boxes are also readily used. In addition, the Tree Sparrow will breed in the disused nest of a Magpie or other crow species or an active or unused nest of a large bird such as the White Stork or a heron or raptor species. It will sometimes attempt to take over the nest of other birds that breed in holes or enclosed spaces such as tit species, flycatcher species, Swallow, House Martin, Sand Martin or European Bee-eater. The untidy nest is composed of hay, grass, wool or other material and lined with feathers which improve thermal insulation. The female lays 5 or 6 eggs which are incubated by both parents for 12 to 13 days and the chicks fledge after a further 15 to 18 days. There are 2 or 3 broods each year. Hybridisation between the Tree Sparrow and the House Sparrow has been recorded in many parts of the world with male hybrids tending to resemble the Tree Sparrow while female hybrids are more similar to the House Sparrow. The Tree Sparrow is a predominantly seed and grain eating bird which feeds on the ground in flocks and often with House Sparrows, finches and buntings. It may also visit feeding stations. It additionally feeds on invertebrates including insects, woodlice, millipedes, centipedes, spiders, etc. especially during the breeding season when the young are fed mainly on animal food. Adults use a variety of wetlands when foraging for invertebrate prey to feed chicks and aquatic sites play a key role in providing adequate diversity and availability of suitable invertebrate prey to allow successful chick rearing. Large areas of formerly occupied farmland no longer provide these invertebrate resources due to the effects of intensive farming. The Tree Sparrow has a large range and a large population. Although the population is declining, the species is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List. For this reason, the Tree Sparrow is designated as being of “Least Concern”. Although the Tree Sparrow has been expanding its range in Fennoscandia and east Europe, its population has been declining in much of west Europe, a trend reflected in other farmland birds such as the Skylark and Corn Bunting. The collapse in population seems to have been particularly severe in the UK where there was a 93% decline between 1970 and 2008. However, recent Breeding Bird Survey data is encouraging and suggests that numbers may have started to increase albeit from a very low point. The decrease in population is probably the result of agricultural intensification and specialisation, particularly the increased use of herbicides and a trend towards autumn-sown crops at the expense of spring-sown crops that produce stubble fields in winter. The change from mixed to specialised farming and the increased use of insecticides has reduced the amount of insect food available for chicks. Date: 1st November 2010 Location: Fairburn Ings RSPB reserve, South Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo44044215.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1218355215614f0dbae6019.jpgRed Admiral Flight period: April to November. The Red Admiral is a familiar and widespread butterfly in the UK although numbers depend on immigration from Europe. It can be found in any flower-rich habitat. Date: 27th August 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo10926826.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8947101174e09753b831b6.jpgSango Bay, Sutherland Sango Bay is a beautiful sandy bay on the north coast of Sutherland and located by the village of Durness 4 miles west of Loch Eriboll. The bay is approximately half a mile in width and surrounded by low cliffs. Date: 11th June 2011 Location: view from the A838 road east of Durness http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493268.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8166769555f326f427d1b0.jpgKittiwakes The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/red-cuillin-skye https://images.on-this.website/4752_3501504604681c7733d49f.jpgRed Cuillin, Skye The Red Cuillin are located to the east of Glen Sligachan and are volcanic in origin. They take their colour from magma which has cooled slowly underground forming crystals which ultimately became speckled red granite. Through processes of uplift and erosion, this has resulted in rounded red granite mountains. Date: June 2002 Location: view from the island of Raasay http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51333222.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2006989686676e09777a24.jpgAzure Damselfly Flight period: May to August The Azure Damselfly is one of the two commonest blue damselflies and is a common and widespread species of lowland UK. They can be found around most standing water, preferring small, sheltered sites including ditches and garden ponds. Date: 14th June 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13683332.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2124151644ed7302ea2578.jpgPolecat The Polecat is a member of the Mustelid group of mammals which also includes the Weasel, Stoat, Otter and Pine Marten. It has blackish guard hairs and yellow underfur on the body giving a “black and tan” appearance, a “bandit” face with a pale muzzle, ear tips and eyebrows and a broad dark band around the eyes, darker legs and belly and a short fluffy tail. The Polecat is found throughout Wales, the Midlands and parts of central southern England and is spreading steadily from these areas. There are isolated populations in Cumbria and Caithness which probably result from unofficial releases. At one time the Polecat was widespread throughout the UK but it was nearly exterminated by 1915. They have never occurred in Ireland or on the outer islands of Scotland. Although it occurs in a wide range of habitats, the Polecat prefers lowland areas. When it was confined to Wales, valleys and farms were favoured, but as it has spread out into England, farmland with hedgerows and small woods are preferred. Polecat dens are commonly in rabbit burrows, especially in summer, but they frequently move into farmyards in winter when they may den in hay bales, under sheds and in rubbish tips. This change of habitat reflects their changing diet through the year. In summer, Rabbits are a major food and the Polecat is slender enough to hunt them within their burrows. In winter, Brown Rats become a favoured food and sites like farmyards and rubbish tips that have good populations become more usual habitats. The Polecat does however kill a wide range of prey. Frogs may be important in spring, when they have gathered to spawn, and birds may also be taken. Polecats have lived up to 14 years in captivity but in the wild most probably die before they are 5 years old. In addition to its protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, the Polecat was added to the list of UK BAP (Biodiveristy Action Plan) mammals in 2007and protected as a species of principal importance for the conservation of biological diversity in England. Until the 19th Century, the Polecat was found throughout much of mainland UK and the Isle of Wight. Habitat fragmentation, persecution by gamekeepers and being killed for their fur drastically reduced this distribution. The Polecat population was reduced to about 5,000 but is now more than 46,000. One worrying problem is the extent to which they might suffer from secondary poisoning from rodenticides. Brown Rats are commonly killed by anticoagulant poisons when they infest homes and farms but there is an evident risk to Polecats from eating sick, dying rats. It is not known how serious this might be at the level of the Polecat population. As they spread further into England, the increasing density of roads and road traffic is also a threat and seems to be slowing the Polecat’s spread into both northern and south east England. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45456920.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1399602167624ffeecb2be7.jpgSanderlings The Sanderling is a small, plump, energetic wading bird. It has a short straight black bill and medium length black legs and is pale grey above and white underneath. Sanderlings breed in the high Arctic but can be seen in the UK during the winter months and as a passage migrant in spring and autumn. They can be found where there are long, sandy beaches around most of the coast other than in south west England and the rocky coasts of mainland Scotland. Date: 9th November 2021 Location: Shoeburyness, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46534482.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2218045362ca9852a533f.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 27th June 2022 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14467426.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12931463684f743c9dbd523.jpgFinnvikdalen, Kvaløya, Troms, north Norway Finnvikdalen is a valley on the island of Kvaløya which runs north west to the shore of the Kaldfjorden at Lyfjord and Skulsfjord. Location: view from the road along Finnvikdalen Date: 18th March 2012 http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17055193.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_59167974650ded0c6529c3.jpgGreat Northern Diver The Great Northern Diver is the largest of the UK's divers with a bigger, heavier head and bill than its commoner relatives. The Great Northern Diver is largely a winter visitor to the UK coast although some non-breeding birds stay off northern coasts in the summer. They start to arrive offshore in August and birds move back to their largely Icelandic breeding grounds in April and May. The largest numbers can be found off the northern and western islands of Scotland. Date: 18th November 2012 Location: Loch Scridain, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21830153.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_87403218753cbb1a1d35f1.jpgRazorbills The Razorbill is a medium-sized seabird and breeds around the coast of the UK with the largest colonies in northern Scotland. They breed on rocky cliffs and among boulder scree close to the sea. Birds only come to shore to breed from March to July and they winter in the northern Atlantic. Date: 11th June 2014 Location: Bempton Cliifs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/salttjern-to-ekkery-varanger-peninsula https://images.on-this.website/4752_3070754834eff1fa81596a.jpgSalttjern to Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Norway Date: 26th May 2009 Location: Salttjern to Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26041225.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_304152511563898bbc883c.jpgDýrafjörður, Westfjords, Iceland Dýrafjörður is a 20 mile long fjord on the west coast of the Westfjords. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: view from road 60 south of Þingeyri http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14467406.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18782467424f743c13030ce.jpgUllsfjorden at Svensby, Troms, north Norway Ullsfjorden is a sea fjord located east of Tromsø and west of the Lyngenalpen which can be crossed by the Breivikeidet to Svensby ferry. Location: view from east shore at Svensby Date: 17th March 2012 http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41349605.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18863893295f2002211ecab.jpgBlack-tailed Skimmer Flight period: May to August. The Black-tailed Skimmer is a common dragonfly in south east England and it is expanding its range northwards. They can be found around lowland lakes, ponds, sand and gravel workings, slow flowing rivers and brackish water. Date: 16th June 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230778.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_201457113764917f6db3ae6.jpgAzure Damselflies Flight period: May to August The Azure Damselfly is one of the two commonest blue damselflies and is a common and widespread species of lowland UK. They can be found around most standing water, preferring small, sheltered sites including ditches and garden ponds. Date: 24th May 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45456925.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1669046594624ffeff383b2.jpgSanderling The Sanderling is a small, plump, energetic wading bird. It has a short straight black bill and medium length black legs and is pale grey above and white underneath. Sanderlings breed in the high Arctic but can be seen in the UK during the winter months and as a passage migrant in spring and autumn. They can be found where there are long, sandy beaches around most of the coast other than in south west England and the rocky coasts of mainland Scotland. Date: 9th November 2021 Location: Shoeburyness, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39083983.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5108070525d308347ec232.jpgWestern Rhodopes Mountains, Smolyan Province, Bulgaria The Rhodopes Mountains are a mountain range in south east Europe. They are spread over 5689 square miles of which 4723 square miles are located in south Bulgaria and the remainder in north Greece. The Rhodopes Mountains are about 149 miles long and about 62 to 75 miles wide with an average altitude of 2575 feet. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 7188 feet and is situated 12 miles to the west of Smolyan. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rhodopes Mountains gives its name to the terrestrial eco-region Rodope montane mixed forests that belong in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The area is particularly notable for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans plus its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms such as the Trigrad Gorge. The Rhodopes Mountains can be sub-divided in to 3 sections: The Western Rhodopes are spread over 66% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and they are higher, the most infrastructurally developed and the most visited part of the mountains. The highest and best known peaks are located in this section with more than 10 over 6562 feet high including the highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7188 feet). Some of the deepest river gorges in the Rhodopes Mountains are located in the west as well as several large lakes. The Eastern Rhodopes are spread over a territory of about 34% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and are much lower in height. The large artificial dams of Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets are located in this part of the mountains. Almost every species of European bird of prey nests in the Eastern Rhodopes including the rare Black Vulture and Egyptian Vulture. The Southern Rhodopes are the part of the mountain range that is located in Greece and they are characterized by numerous peaks of relatively low altitude. The Trigrad Gorge is a canyon of vertical marble rock cliffs in the western Rhodope Mountains. It is the third longest gorge in Bulgaria. The gorge encloses the course of the River Trigrad which plunges into the Devil's Throat Cave and 1740 feet further emerges as a large karst spring. It later flows into the River Buynovska. The west wall of the Trigrad Gorge reaches 980 feet in height whilst the east wall reaches 980 to 1150 feet in height. Initially, the 2 walls are about 985 feet apart but the gorge narrows to about 330 feet in the northern section. The gorge is situated just north of the village of Trigrad at 4760 feet above sea level. It has a total length of 4.3 miles, of which the gorge proper comprises 1.2 to 1.9 miles. It can be visited on the narrow single track road from Teshel to Trigrad which follows the River Trigrad for about 7.5 miles. The Trigrad area was a restricted border zone in the past (it is less than 4 miles from the border with Greece) so access was very limited during the Communist era but it is now a popular tourist destination. The area is considered as one of the most beautiful in the Rhodopes Mountains with numerous designated routes for hiking, mountain biking and horse riding routes. Date: 29th May 2018 Location: Trigrad to Teshel via Trigrad Gorge, Western Rhodopes Mountains, Smolyan Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21829405.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_136551406153cba365b7338.jpgRazorbills The Razorbill is a medium-sized seabird and breeds around the coast of the UK with the largest colonies in northern Scotland. They breed on rocky cliffs and among boulder scree close to the sea. Birds only come to shore to breed from March to July and they winter in the northern Atlantic. Date: 11th June 2014 Location: Bempton Cliifs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37190300.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18144931685c2a0fa96b322.jpgAn Teallach, Wester Ross Height: Bidean a'Ghlas Thuill 3483 feet and Sgurr Fiona 3477 feet. Towering above Little Loch Broom and Dundonnell village, the jagged outline of An Teallach is a well known mountain maasif in Wester Ross. Date: 24th June 2018 Location: view from the A832 road between Braemore and Dundonnell http://www.richardchewphotography.com/western-purple-swamphen https://images.on-this.website/4752_122051431757a873e3e8a03.jpg(Western) Purple Swamphen The Western Purple Swamphen is a chicken-sized bird and a member of the rail family which includes the Coot and Moorhen. With its large feet, bright plumage and red bill and frontal shield it is easily recognisable in its native range of Spain, Portugal, southern France, Sardinia and north Africa to Tunisia. It used to be considered the nominate subspecies of the Purple Swamphen which has now been split in to 6 separate species since 2015. The Western Purple Swamphen makes loud, quick, bleating and hooting calls, which are hardly bird-like in tone, and it is particularly noisy during the breeding season. Despite being clumsy in flight it can fly long distances and it is also a good swimmer, especially for a bird without webbed feet. The Western Purple Swamphen can be found in wet areas such as reedbeds, swamps, lake edges and damp pastures. It often lives in pairs and larger communities. It clambers through the reeds, eating the tender shoots and vegetable-like matter, although it has been known to eat eggs, ducklings, small fish and invertebrates such as snails. It will often use one foot to bring food to their mouth rather than eat it on the ground. The Western Purple Swamphen in the Mediterranean region has declined due to habitat loss, hunting and pesticide use, and requires strict protection. This bird at the RSPB reserve at Minsmere in Suffolk has been claimed as a first record for the UK .... please see [url=http://www.birdguides.com/webzine/article.asp?a=5831]here[/url] and [url=http://www.rspb.org.uk/community/placestovisit/minsmere/b/minsmere-blog/archive/2016/08/02/a-blue-chicken-arrives.aspx]here[/url]. My photos are of poor quality due to the distance of the bird plus tight cropping but they are acceptable as record shots of this remarkable and exceptionally rare bird. My best photo of a Western Purple Swamphen was that taken at Delta de l’Ebre in Catalunya in north east Spain in 2009 .... please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/photo4088350.html]here[/url]. Date: 5th August 2016 Location: Minsmere, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14160968.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6182484114f3e36e108761.jpgCommon Blue Flight period: June to September. The Common Blue is the UK’s most widespread and common blue butterfly although it has suffered some local declines due to habitat loss. They can be found in sunny, sheltered areas including downland, roadside verges, woodland clearings and rural gardens. Date: 26th August 2007 Location: Stow Maries Halt EWT reserve, Stow Maries, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26041544.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13832957075638aa2579e21.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name <i>Fratercula</i> comes from the Medieval Latin <i>fratercula</i> meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name <i>arctica</i> refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek <i>άρκτος</i> ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name <i>puffin</i> (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Látrabjarg, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084028.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4055116045d30838cab29d.jpgPirin Mountains, Blagoevgrad Province, Bulgaria The Pirin Mountains are a mountain range in south west Bulgaria spreading over 1000 square miles. They extend about 50 miles from the north west to the south east and they are about 25 miles wide. Vihren at 9560 feet is the highest peak in the Pirin Mountains, the second highest in Bulgaria and the third highest in the Balkans. To the north, the Pirin Mountains are separated from Bulgaria's highest mountain range, the Rila Mountains, by the Paril Saddle whilst to the south they extend towards the mountain of Slavyanka Mountain located on the border of south west Bulgaria and north Greece. To the west is the valley of the River Struma and to the east the valley of the River Mesta which separates the Pirin Mountains from the Rhodopes Mountains. The Pirin Mountains are dotted with 118 glacial lakes, the largest and the deepest of them being Popovo Lake. They also contain Europe's most southern glaciers, Snezhnika and Banski Suhodol. The Snezhnika glacier is a remnant of the former Vihren glacier. It lies at a height of between 7956 feet and 8140 feet in the deep Golemiya Kazan cirque at the steep northern foot of Vihren. The Banski Suhodol glacier is a small glacier which lies below the peak of Kutelo peak (9540 feet) in the upper Banski Suhodol valley. The northern part of the Pirin Mountains is protected by the Pirin National Park (originally named Vihren National Park). It encompasses the larger part of the Pirin Mountains and covers an area of around 155 square miles. It is one of the 3 national parks in Bulgaria, the others being Rila National Park and Central Balkan National Park. Pirin National Park was established in 1962 and its territory has expanded several times since then. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and it is also part of Natura 2000, the network of nature protection areas of the European Union. Pirin National Park falls within the Rodope montane mixed forests terrestrial eco-region of the Palearctic temperate broadleaf and mixed forest. Forests cover 57.3% of the area of Pirin National Park and almost 95% of them are coniferous forests. The average age of the forests is 85 years. Bulgaria's oldest tree, Baikushev's pine, is located in Pirin National Park and it has an approximate age of about 1,300 years. Pirin National Park is noted for its rich and diverse flora and fauna which includes 45 species of mammals, 159 species of birds, 11 species of reptiles, 8 species of amphibia and 6 species of fish. The Pirin Mountains are an important tourist destination. The town of Bansko, situated on the north east slopes of the mountain range, has grown to be the primary ski and winter sports centre in the Balkans. A number of settlements in the foothills have mineral springs and are spa resorts e.g. Banya, Dobrinishte, Gotse Delchev, Sandanski, etc. Melnik is situated in the south west foothills of the mountain. With a population of around 385, it is Bulgaria's smallest town and retains its town status today for historical reasons. The town is an architectural reserve and 96 of its buildings are designated as cultural monuments. It is among the “100 Tourist Sites of Bulgaria” programme which promotes tourism among Bulgaria's most significant cultural, historic and natural landmarks. The town is also a centre of red wine production with numerous vineyards and cellars dug in to the local sandstone rock. The area around Melnik is strikingly eroded, particularly the enormous area of sandstone cliff that serves as a backdrop to the town. This area, covering some 6.5 square miles around Melnik, Kurlanovo and Rozhen has been called the Melnik Earth Pyramids. The hills in this area can rise up to 330 feet high and the unique formations, which can resemble giant mushrooms, ancient towers and obelisks, were formed when heavy rain eroded the sandstone and clay which the hills are composed of. The Melnik Earth Pyramids are a geological phenomenon of global importance and they were declared a natural landmark in 1960 with a total protected area of 5 square miles. Date: 29th May 2018 Location: view from near Melnik, Blagoevgrad Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11350984.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15050790834e1f05524ef26.jpgCommon Buzzard The Common Buzzard is a member of the genus [I]Buteo[/I] and the family [i]Accipitridae[/i], a group of medium-sized raptors with robust bodies and broad wings. The [I]Buteo[/I] species of Eurasia and Africa are usually commonly referred to as buzzards whilst those in the Americas are called hawks. Under current classification, the genus [I]Buteo[/I] includes approximately 28 species. The Common Buzzard includes between 7 to 16 sub-species and the western [i]Buteo[/i] group includes [i]Buteo buteo buteo[/i] which is found more or less continuously throughout Europe including the UK. The Common Buzzard is a medium-sized raptor that is highly variable in plumage. It is distinctly round headed with a somewhat slender bill and it has relatively long wings that either reach or fall slightly short of the tail tip when perched, a fairly short tail and somewhat short and mainly bare tarsi. It can appear fairly compact in overall appearance but may also appear large relative to other commoner raptors such as the Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. The Common Buzzard measures between 16 and 23 inches in length with a 3 feet 7 inches to 4 feet 7 inches wingspan. Females average about 2 to 7% larger than males in length and weigh about 15% more. Body mass can show considerable variation from 0.94 to 2.6 pounds in males and 1.07 to 3.02 pounds in females. In Europe, the Common Buzzard is typically dark brown above and on the upperside of the head and mantle but this can become paler and warmer brown with worn plumage. Usually the tail will be narrowly barred grey-brown and dark brown with a pale tip and a broad dark subterminal band but the tail in the palest birds can show a varying amount of white and a reduced sub-terminal band or even appear almost all white. The underside colouring can be variable but typically shows a brown-streaked white throat with a somewhat darker chest. A pale U across the breast is often present followed by a pale line running down the belly which separates the dark areas on the breast side and flanks. These pale areas tend to have highly variable markings that form irregular bars. Juveniles are quite similar to adults and are best told apart by having a paler eye, a narrower sub-terminal band on the tail and underside markings that appear as streaks rather than bars. Beyond the typical mid-range brownish Common Buzzard, birds in Europe can range from almost uniform black-brown above to mainly white. Extreme dark individuals may range from chocolate-brown to blackish with almost no pale colour showing but with a variable or faded U on the breast and with or without faint lighter brown throat streaks. Extreme pale individuals are largely whitish with variable widely spaced streaks or arrowheads of light brown about the mid-chest and flanks and may or may not show dark feather-centres on the head, wing-coverts and sometimes all but part of the mantle. Individuals can show nearly endless variation of colours and hues in between these extremes and the Common Buzzard is among the most variably plumaged diurnal raptors for this reason. The Common Buzzard is often confused with other raptors especially in flight or at a distance including other [i]Buteo[/i] species such as Rough-legged Buzzard and Long-legged Buzzard and also Honey Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, Golden Eagle, Booted Eagle and Short-toed Eagle. The Common Buzzard is found throughout several islands in the eastern Atlantic islands, including the Canary Islands and the Azores, and almost throughout Europe. In the UK, it is found in Northern Ireland and in nearly every part of Scotland and England. In mainland Europe, there are no substantial gaps in the range from Portugal and Spain to Greece, Estonia, Belarus and the Ukraine, although it is present mainly only in the breeding season in much of the eastern half of the latter 3 countries. It is also present in all larger Mediterranean islands such as Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily and Crete. Further north in to Scandinavia, it is found mainly in south Norway, the southern half of Sweden and in the southern two-thirds of Finland. The Common Buzzard reaches its northern limit as a breeder in far eastern Finland and over the border in to European Russia and nearly to the Kola Peninsula. In these northern limits, the Common Buzzard is present typically only in summer. The Common Buzzard generally inhabits the interface of woodlands and open ground and typically lives in forest edge, small broad-leaved, coniferous or mixed woodlands with adjacent grassland, arable fields or other farmland and open moorland as long as there are some trees. It is absent from treeless tundra and sporadic or rare in treeless steppe. The Common Buzzard can be found from sea level to elevations of 6600 feet although it breeds mostly below 3300 feet. It can winter to an elevation of 8200 feet and migrates easily at 14,800 feet. The Common Buzzard is a partial migrant. Autumn and spring movements are subject to extensive variation, even down to the individual level, based on a region's food resources, competition (both from other Common Buzzards and other predators), the extent of human disturbance and weather conditions. Short distance movements are the norm for juveniles and some adults in autumn and winter but more adults in central and south Europe and the UK remain in their year-around areas than do not. The Common Buzzard is a typical [I]Buteo[/I] in much of its behaviour. It is most often seen effortlessly soaring for extended periods at varying heights although it can appear laborious and heavy in level flight. It is also often seen perched prominently on tree tops, bare branches, telegraph poles, fence posts, rocks or ledges or alternatively well inside the tree canopy. It will also stand and forage on the ground. The Common Buzzard is a generalist predator which hunts a wide variety of prey given the opportunity. The prey extents to a wide variety of vertebrates including mammals, birds (from any age from eggs to adult birds), reptiles, amphibians and fish as well as to various invertebrates, mostly insects. In total, well over 300 prey species are known to be taken by the Common Buzzard. However, dietary studies have shown that it mostly preys upon small mammals, mainly small rodents. Furthermore, prey size can vary from tiny beetles, caterpillars and ants to large adult grouse and Rabbits up to nearly twice their body mass. At times, the Common Buzzard will also subsist partially on carrion, usually of dead mammals or fish. Hunting in relatively open areas has been found to increase hunting success whereas more complete shrub cover lowered success. A majority of prey is taken by dropping from a perch and is normally taken on the ground. Prey may also be hunted in a low flight, by random glides or soars or by foraging on the ground. The home range of the Common Buzzard is generally 0.19 to 0.77 square miles and the size of the breeding territory seems to be correlated with food supply. The territory is maintained through flight displays and in Europe territorial behaviour usually starts in February. However, displays are not uncommon throughout the year in resident pairs, especially by males, and can elicit similar displays by their neighbours. In the display, the Common Buzzard generally engages in high circling, spiraling upward on slightly raised wings. Mutual high circling by pairs sometimes goes on at length, especially during the period prior to or during breeding season. During the mutual displays, the male may engage in exaggerated deep flapping or zig-zag tumbling, apparently in response to the female being too distant. Several pairs may circle together at times and as many as 14 individual adults have been recorded over established display sites. Sky-dancing by the Common Buzzard has been recorded in spring and autumn, typically by the male but sometimes by the female, nearly always with much calling. Sky-dances are of the rollercoaster type, with an upward sweep of up to 100 feet until the bird starts start to stall but sometimes embellished with loops or rolls at the top. Next in the sky-dance, the bird will dive at least 200 feet on more or less closed wings before spreading them and shooting up again. These sky-dances may be repeated in series of 10 to 20. In the climax of the sky-dance, the undulations become progressively shallower, often slowing and terminating directly on to a perch. Various other aerial displays include low contour flight or weaving among trees, frequently with deep beats and exaggerated upstrokes which show underwing pattern to rivals perched below. Talon grappling and occasionally cartwheeling downward with feet interlocked has also been recorded. The Common Buzzard tends to build a bulky nest of sticks, twigs and often heather and lined with broad-leaved foliage. Nests are up to 3.3 to 3.9 feet across and 24 inches deep. With reuse over years, the diameter of a nest can reach or exceed 5 feet. Trees are generally used for a nesting location but crags or cliffs are used if trees are unavailable. Nests in trees are usually located by the main trunk at a height of around 10 to 82 feet. Pairs often have 2 to 4 nests in a territory but some pairs may use a single nest over several consecutive years. The breeding season of the Common Buzzard commences at differing times based on latitude. It may fall as early as January to April but typically it is March to July in most of Europe. In the northern limits of the range the breeding season may occur from May to August. Mating usually occurs on or near the nest and eggs are usually laid in 2 to 3 day intervals. The clutch size can range from to 2 to 6 and it appears that local factors such as habitat and food supply are relevant. Eggs are generally laid in late March to early April in the extreme south, sometime in April in most of Europe and in to May and possibly even early June in the extreme north. If eggs are lost to a predator or fail in some other way, replacement clutches are not usually laid although this has been recorded. Incubation lasts for 33 to 35 days and is mostly, but not solely, undertaken by the female. Hatching may take place over 3 to 7 days. Often the youngest nestling dies from starvation, especially in broods of 3 or more. The female remains at the nest brooding the young in the early stages with the male bringing all prey. At about 8 to 12 days, both the male and female will bring prey but the female continues to do all feeding until the young can tear up their own prey. The young are nearly fully feathered rather than downy at about a month of age and can start to feed themselves as well. The first attempts to leave the nest are often at about 40 to 50 days. Fledging occurs typically at 43 to 54 days but in extreme cases as late 62 days. After leaving the nest, the young generally stay close by until full independence 6 to 8 weeks after fledging. Numerous factors may influence the breeding success of the Common Buzzard including the availability of prey populations, habitat, disturbance and persecution levels and competition. The Common Buzzard is one of the most numerous birds of prey in its range and it is the most numerous diurnal bird of prey throughout much of Europe. Date: 3rd November 2008 Location: Ardbeg, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/loch-linnhe-inverness-shire https://images.on-this.website/4752_300564580467f22c2b9a04.jpgLoch Linnhe, Inverness-shire Loch Linnhe is a large sea loch in the Western Highlands separating the areas of Morvern and Ardgour to the west from the areas of Appin, Benderloch and Lochaber to the east. Loch Linnhe stretches some 30 miles from north east to south west and forms a southern extension of the Great Glen that opens out into the Firth of Lorn. Its greatest width is nearly 6 miles while its narrowest width lies just north of the mouth of Loch Leven at the Corran Narrows. Fort William stands at the head of the loch, at the junction with Loch Eil and the beginning of the Caledonian Canal system. Date: 4th June 2006 Location: view looking towards Ballachulish from the A861 road between Inversanda and Sallachan, Ardnamurchan http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457402.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_159305979668571b8b965f.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41524236.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16833510235f3a6adff2851.jpgGatekeeper Flight period: mid-July to early September. The Gatekeeper or Hedge Brown is common and widespread throughout the southern half of the UK. They can be found in areas with hedgerows or in scrubby woodland with wide and sunny rides. Date: 1st August 2020 Location, Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405583.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19936813476586fcc882b9b.jpgRed Foxes The Red Fox is a member of the Canidae family and is a part of the order Carnivora within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 6th December 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/lochindorb-highland https://images.on-this.website/4752_20147023504813be435529d.jpgLochindorb, Highland Lochindorb lies 6 miles north west of Grantown-on-Spey and 8 miles north east of Carrbridge. The ruins of a 13th century medieval castle lie on an island within the loch. Date: 26th March 2008 Location: view from minor road to east of the loch http://www.richardchewphotography.com/quinag-highland https://images.on-this.website/4752_145266903746884116d3271.jpgQuinag, Highland Height: Sail Gharbh 2650 feet, Sail Ghorm 2545 feet and Spidean Coinich 2507 feet. Quinag is a "Y" shaped mountain mass that fills the area north of Loch Assynt and south of Loch a Chairn Bhain at Kylesku. This photograph is of Sail Gharbh and Sail Ghorm. Date: 10th June 2007 Location: view from the B869 road near the junction with the A894 road near Kylesku http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405477.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15089109066586e7fe0f73e.jpgRed Deer The Red Deer is the largest native land animal to occur in the UK. Stags (males) are larger in size than hinds (females) and have magnificent branched antlers. The coat is reddish-brown in colour in summer but becomes brown or grey in winter and there is a cream coloured rump patch. Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK and occupy a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors. They are widespread and locally common in northern Scotland. Populations in Scotland and northern England represent native stock whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. In many areas, populations of this species are thought to be on the increase. Stags and hinds prefer to stay in separate groups for most of the year. Stags live in unrelated “bachelor herds” and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters. Red Deer are active throughout the day but they tend to be more easily seen in the evening and at night due to human disturbance during the day. Their diet consists of shrub and tree browse, grasses, sedges and rushes and heather. Mating occurs between late September and November and during this time, known as “the rut”, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas. After the rutting period, stags and hinds go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single calf, occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June. Male calves disperse when they reach one or two years of age but female calves usually stay with their mother. The Red Deer is culled to restrict the damage it causes to forestry, agriculture and the natural environment and trophy hunting and hunting for meat (venison) are also common. Date: 14th October 2023 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071715.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_76123736566433d0157dcd.jpgChough Whilst its black plumage identifies it as a crow, the Chough has a red bill and legs unlike any other member of the crow family. It readily displays its mastery of flight with wonderful aerial displays of diving and swooping and can be found in flocks in autumn and winter. The Chough has a restricted westerly distribution in the UK and because of its small population size and historically declining populations it is an Amber List species. The best places to see Chough are north and west Wales, Islay in west Scotland and the Isle of Man, although they have also recently recolonised Cornwall. Date: 6th May 2024 Location: St. Govan's Head, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26270146.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1450112286566550bd5ee4c.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 4th December 2015 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52518188.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1494686477675450e81d273.jpgRed Admiral Flight period: April to November. The Red Admiral is a familiar and widespread butterfly in the UK although numbers depend on immigration from Europe. It can be found in any flower-rich habitat. Date: 13th September 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo44605469.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_141411094261acbf57c23c4.jpgHouse Sparrow The House Sparrow is a member of the sparrow family Passeridae. The House Sparrow is typically about 6.3 inches long, ranging from 5.5 to 7.1 inches, and it is a compact bird with a full chest and a large, rounded head. Its bill is stout and conical. The plumage is mostly different shades of grey and brown and the sexes exhibit strong dimorphism. The female is mostly buffish above and below whilst the male has boldly coloured head markings, a reddish back and grey underparts. The male has a dark grey crown from the top of its bill to its back and chestnut brown flanking its crown on the sides of its head. It has black around its bill, on its throat and on the lores between the bill and the eyes. It has a small white stripe between the lores and crown and small white spots immediately behind the eyes with black patches below and above them. The underparts are pale grey or white, as are the cheeks, ear coverts and stripes at the base of the head. The upper back and mantle are a warm brown, with broad black streaks whilst the lower back, rump and upper tail coverts are greyish brown. The male's bill is black in the breeding season and dark grey during the rest of the year. The female has no black markings or grey crown. Its upperparts and head are brown with darker streaks around the mantle and a distinct pale supercilium. Its underparts are pale grey-brown. The female's bill is brownish-grey and becomes darker in breeding plumage approaching the black of the male's bill. Juveniles are similar to the adult female but deeper brown below and paler above and with paler and less defined supercilia. Juveniles have broader buff feather edges and tend to have looser, scruffier plumage similar to moulting adults. The House Sparrow can be confused with a number of other seed-eating birds, especially its relatives in the sparrow family Passeridae. The dull coloured female House Sparrow can often not be distinguished from other female sparrows and is nearly identical to those of the Spanish and Italian Sparrows. The Tree Sparrow is smaller and more slender with a chestnut crown and a black patch on each cheek. The male Spanish Sparrow and Italian Sparrow are distinguished by their chestnut crowns. The House Sparrow's flight is direct rather than undulating. On the ground, it typically hops rather than walks. The House Sparrow originated in the Middle East and spread, along with agriculture, to most of Eurasia and parts of north Africa. Since the mid-19th century, it has reached most of the world, mainly due to deliberate introductions but also through natural and shipborne dispersal. Its introduced range encompasses most of north America, central America, south America, south Africa, parts of West Africa, Australia, New Zealand and islands throughout the world. It has become highly successful in most parts of the world where it has been introduced. This is mostly due to its early adaptation to living with humans and its adaptability to a wide range of conditions. It has also greatly extended its range in northern Eurasia since the 1850s and continues to do so. The extent of its range makes the House Sparrow the most widely distributed wild bird on the planet. The House Sparrow is closely associated with human habitation and cultivation. It is believed to have become associated with humans around 10,000 years ago. The only terrestrial habitats that the House Sparrow does not inhabit are dense forest and tundra. Well adapted to living around humans, it frequently lives and even breeds indoors, especially in factories, warehouses and zoos. It reaches its greatest densities in urban centres but its reproductive success is greater in suburbs where insects are more abundant. In most of its range, the House Sparrow is extremely common despite some declines but in more marginal habitats its distribution can be patchy. Most House Sparrows do not move more than a few miles during their lifetimes. However, limited migration occurs in all regions. Some young birds disperse long distances and mountain birds move to lower elevations in winter. The House Sparrow is a very social bird and it is gregarious during all seasons when feeding, often forming flocks with other species of birds. It roosts communally in trees or shrubs, its nests are usually grouped together in clumps and it engages in social activities such as dust or water bathing and "social singing" in which birds call together in bushes. The House Sparrow can breed in the breeding season immediately following its hatching and sometimes it will attempt to do so. However, birds breeding for the first time are rarely successful in raising young and reproductive success increases with age as older birds breed earlier in the breeding season and fledge more young. The timing of mating and egg-laying varies geographically and between specific locations and years because a sufficient supply of insects is needed for egg formation and feeding nestlings. Males take up nesting sites before the breeding season by frequently calling beside them. Unmated males start nest construction and call particularly frequently to attract females. The House Sparrow is monogamous and typically mates for life but birds from pairs often engage in extra-pair copulations. Many birds do not find a nest and a mate and instead may serve as helpers around the nest for mated pairs, a role which increases the chances of being chosen to replace a lost mate. Lost mates of both sexes can be replaced quickly during the breeding season. The formation of a pair and the bond between the 2 birds is tied to the holding of a nest site. Nest sites are varied although cavities are preferred. Nests are most frequently built in the eaves and other crevices of houses. Holes in cliffs and banks or tree hollows are also used and sometimes a nest will be excavated in sandy banks or rotten branches. Especially in warmer areas, the House Sparrow may build its nest in the open, such as on the branches of trees or in the nests of large birds such as storks, although breeding success tends to be lower. The nest is usually domed although it may lack a roof in enclosed sites. It has an outer layer of stems and roots, a middle layer of dead grass and leaves and a lining of feathers as well as of paper and other soft materials. The building of the nest is initiated by the unmated male while displaying to females. The female assists in building but is less active than the male. The female House Sparrow usually lays 4 or 5 eggs although numbers from 1 to 10 have been recorded. At least 2 clutches are usually laid and up to 7 a year may be laid in the tropics or 4 a year in temperate latitudes. When fewer clutches are laid in a year, especially at higher latitudes, the number of eggs per clutch is greater. The female plays the main role in incubating the eggs. The male helps but can only cover the eggs rather than truly incubate them. The female spends the night incubating while the male roosts near the nest. Eggs hatch at the same time, after a short incubation period lasting 11 to 14 days. Young House Sparrows remain in the nest for 11 to 23 days but normally 14 to 16 days. During this time, they are fed by both parents. All the young leave the nest during the same period of a few hours. At this stage, they are normally able to fly. They start feeding themselves partly after 1 or 2 days and sustain themselves completely after 7 to 10 days. In adult House Sparrows, annual survival is 45% to 65%. After fledging and leaving the care of their parents, young House Sparrows have a high mortality rate which lessens as they grow older and more experienced. Only about 20 to 25% of birds hatched survive to their first breeding season. The oldest known wild House Sparrow lived for nearly 20 years and the oldest recorded captive House Sparrow lived for 23 years. The House Sparrow's main predators are cats and birds of prey but many other animals prey on them, including corvids, squirrels and even humans (it has been consumed in the past by people in many parts of the world and it still is in parts of the Mediterranean). As an adult, the House Sparrow mostly feeds on the seeds of grains and weeds but it is opportunistic and adaptable and eats whatever foods are available. In urban areas, it scavenges and feeds largely on food provided directly or indirectly by humans such as bread and leftover food. It will also eat some plant matter including buds, berries and fruits such as grapes and cherries. Animals form another important part of the diet, including beetles, caterpillars, flies, aphids, molluscs, crustaceans earthworms and even vertebrates such as lizards and frogs. Young House Sparrows are fed mostly on insects until about 15 days after hatching. They are also given small quantities of seeds and spiders. The House Sparrow has an extremely large range and population and is not seriously threatened by human activities so it is assessed as “Least Concern” by the IUCN. However, populations have been declining in many parts of the world. These declines were first noticed in north America but have been most severe in west Europe. In the UK, populations peaked in the early 1970s but have since declined by 70% overall and about 90% in some regions. Substantial declines have been noted in both rural and urban populations and the House Sparrow is designated as a “Red List” species. While the decline in England continues, Breeding Bird Survey data indicate recent population increases in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Various causes for the dramatic decreases in population have been suggested. A shortage of nesting sites caused by changes in urban building design is probably a factor together with an insufficient supply of insect food for nestlings arising from an increase of monoculture crops, the heavy use of pesticides and the replacement of native plants in cities with introduced plants and parking areas. Date: 16th November 2021 Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51984566.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_104002200366d353c85766d.jpgGatekeeper Flight period: mid-July to early September. The Gatekeeper or Hedge Brown is common and widespread throughout the southern half of the UK. They can be found in areas with hedgerows or in scrubby woodland with wide and sunny rides. Date: 8th August 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46534268.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_120253284462ca945195bd1.jpgBlack-browed Albatross The Black-browed Albatross, also known as the Black-browed Mollymawk, is a large seabird in the albatross family [i]Diomedeidae[/i] and it is the most widespread and common member of its family. The albatrosses are classified in the order [i]Procellariiformes[/i] which also includes shearwaters, fulmars, storm petrels and diving petrels. All these birds share certain identifying features. They have nasal passages that attach to the upper bill called naricorns although the nostrils on the albatross are on the sides of the bill. The bills of [i]Procellariiformes[/i] are also unique in that they are split into between 7 and 9 horny plates and they have a salt gland above the nasal passage which helps to remove salt from the ocean water that they imbibe. The gland excretes a high saline solution through the bird's nose. The Black-browed Albatross is a medium-sized albatross at 31 to 37 inches in length with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. It has a dark grey saddle and upperwings that contrast with the white rump and underparts. The underwing is predominantly white with broad and irregular black margins. It has a dark eyebrow and a yellow-orange bill with a darker reddish-orange tip. Juveniles have dark horn-coloured bills with dark tips and a grey head and collar. They also have dark underwings. The features that distinguish it from other albatrosses are the dark eyestripe which gives it its name, a broad black edging to the white underside of its wings, white head and orange bill tipped darker orange. The Black-browed Albatross is circumpolar in the southern oceans and it breeds on 12 islands throughout that range. In the Atlantic Ocean, it breeds on the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, and the Cape Horn Islands. In the Pacific Ocean it breeds on Islas Ildefonso, Diego de Almagro, Islas Evangelistas, Campbell Island, Antipodes Islands, Snares Islands and Macquarie Island. In the Indian Ocean it breeds on the Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island and McDonald Island. There are an estimated 1,220,000 birds alive with 600,853 breeding pairs as estimated by a 2005 count. Of these birds, 402,571 breed in the Falklands, 72,102 breed on South Georgia Island and 120,171 breed on the Chilean islands of Islas Ildefonso, Diego de Almagro, Islas Evangelistas and Islas Diego Ramírez. Birds from the Falkland Islands winter near the Patagonian Shelf and birds from South Georgia forage in South African waters. It is the most likely albatross to be found in the North Atlantic due to this northerly migratory tendency. The Black-browed Albatross normally nests on steep slopes covered with tussock grass and sometimes on cliffs although on the Falkland Islands it nests on flat grassland on the coast. It is an annual breeder with the female laying a single egg from between 20th September and 1st November although the Falkland Islands breeders lay about 3 weeks earlier. Incubation of the egg is undertaken by both sexes and lasts 68 to 71 days. After hatching, the chicks take 120 to 130 days to fledge. Juveniles will return to the colony after 2 to 3 years but only to practice courtship rituals as they will only start breeding around their 10th year. The Black-browed Albatross can have a natural lifespan of over 70 years. The Black-browed Albatross feeds on fish, squid, crustaceans, carrion, and fishery discards but it has also been observed stealing food from other species. Until 2013, the IUCN classified the Black-browed Albatross as endangered due to a drastic reduction in its population. There has been a 67% decline in the population over 64 years. Increased longline fishing in the southern oceans, especially around the Patagonian Shelf and around South Georgia, has been attributed as a major cause of the decline of this bird and the Black-browed Albatross has been found to be the most common bird killed by fisheries. Trawl fishing, especially around the Patagonian Shelf and off South Africa, is also a large cause of deaths. Conservation efforts underway start with this species being placed on the Convention on Migratory Species and the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels. It is being monitored on half of the islands and most of the breeding sites are reserves and some are World Heritage Sites. Although a very rare occurrence, vagrancy into the North Atlantic has occurred including a bird which returned to the Gannet colony on Shetland for several decades from 1967. From 2014, another bird has been seen around the Heligoland archipelago off the Germany and Denmark coast and what is believed to be the same bird has summered at or around RSPB Bempton Cliffs in east Yorkshire since 2019. Date: 27th June 2022 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/november-2011-loch-beg-mull https://images.on-this.website/4752_8695536774f213c2c0e625.jpgNovember 2011 - Loch Beg, Mull Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/xxx]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41539277.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12754599075f3e4ab3b1bc2.jpgHoyholmen, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Date: 5th July 2019 Location: view from road 890 at Hoyholmen, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847556.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10307997159bd52c7dc083.jpgEuropean Chub The European Chub is a European species of freshwater fish in the carp family. It frequents both slow and moderate rivers, as well as canals and still waters of various kinds, throughout most of Europe and preys on insects and other fish. Date: 1st June 2017 Location: Morské oko, Vihorlat Mountains, Košice region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26541481.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_135747535656aced0620f99.jpgChaffinch The Chaffinch is a common UK resident bird and is a colorful member of the finch family. Chaffinches breed anywhere with trees and bushes, including coniferous and deciduous woodland, farmland hedgerows, parks and rural and suburban gardens. Date: 17th January 2016 Location: Caerlaverock WWT reserve, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29486515.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_817492845810781a930ce.jpgGoldeneye The Goldeneye is a medium-sized diving duck, named for its golden-yellow eye. Adult males have a dark head with a greenish gloss and a circular white patch below the eye, a dark back and a white neck and belly. Adult females have a brown head and a mostly grey body. The Goldeneye breeds on the lakes and in the rivers of boreal forests in Scandinavia, Canada, north USA and north Russia. Naturally it will nest in cavities in large trees but it will also readily use nestboxes put up on trees close to water. This has enabled a healthy breeding population to establish in the Scottish Highlands from 1970 where it is increasing and slowly spreading. The Goldeneye is migratory and most winter in protected coastal waters or open inland waters at more temperate latitudes. The Goldeneye forages by diving underwater for crustaceans, aquatic insects and molluscs. Insects are the predominant prey while nesting and crustaceans are the predominant prey during migration and winter. Date: 23rd May 2016 Location: Wild Brown Bear Centre, near Vartius, Kainuu, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13683340.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9846188934ed7306b704a1.jpgPolecat The Polecat is a member of the Mustelid group of mammals which also includes the Weasel, Stoat, Otter and Pine Marten. It has blackish guard hairs and yellow underfur on the body giving a “black and tan” appearance, a “bandit” face with a pale muzzle, ear tips and eyebrows and a broad dark band around the eyes, darker legs and belly and a short fluffy tail. The Polecat is found throughout Wales, the Midlands and parts of central southern England and is spreading steadily from these areas. There are isolated populations in Cumbria and Caithness which probably result from unofficial releases. At one time the Polecat was widespread throughout the UK but it was nearly exterminated by 1915. They have never occurred in Ireland or on the outer islands of Scotland. Although it occurs in a wide range of habitats, the Polecat prefers lowland areas. When it was confined to Wales, valleys and farms were favoured, but as it has spread out into England, farmland with hedgerows and small woods are preferred. Polecat dens are commonly in rabbit burrows, especially in summer, but they frequently move into farmyards in winter when they may den in hay bales, under sheds and in rubbish tips. This change of habitat reflects their changing diet through the year. In summer, Rabbits are a major food and the Polecat is slender enough to hunt them within their burrows. In winter, Brown Rats become a favoured food and sites like farmyards and rubbish tips that have good populations become more usual habitats. The Polecat does however kill a wide range of prey. Frogs may be important in spring, when they have gathered to spawn, and birds may also be taken. Polecats have lived up to 14 years in captivity but in the wild most probably die before they are 5 years old. In addition to its protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, the Polecat was added to the list of UK BAP (Biodiveristy Action Plan) mammals in 2007and protected as a species of principal importance for the conservation of biological diversity in England. Until the 19th Century, the Polecat was found throughout much of mainland UK and the Isle of Wight. Habitat fragmentation, persecution by gamekeepers and being killed for their fur drastically reduced this distribution. The Polecat population was reduced to about 5,000 but is now more than 46,000. One worrying problem is the extent to which they might suffer from secondary poisoning from rodenticides. Brown Rats are commonly killed by anticoagulant poisons when they infest homes and farms but there is an evident risk to Polecats from eating sick, dying rats. It is not known how serious this might be at the level of the Polecat population. As they spread further into England, the increasing density of roads and road traffic is also a threat and seems to be slowing the Polecat’s spread into both northern and south east England. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453999.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15201627344ff547cb0c9e3.jpgGreater Flamingos The Greater Flamingo is a largely pinkish-white bird but the wing coverts are red and the primary and secondary flight feathers are black. The bill is pink with a black tip and the legs are entirely pink. The Greater Flamingo is the most widespread species of the flamingo family and can be found in parts of Africa, southern Asia and southern Europe (including Spain, Sardinia, Albania, Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Portugal and the Camargue region of France). Some populations are short distance migrants, and records north of the breeding range are relatively frequent. However, given the species' popularity in captivity, whether these are truly wild individuals is a matter of some debate. Date: 1st May 2012 Location: La Madre de las Marismas, El Rocío, Coto Doñana, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42202643.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3923629735ff31053ab7a7.jpgBrown Bear The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, Ursus arctos arctos. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an evening visit with [url=https://www.karhujenkatselu.fi/en-gb]Karhu-Kuusamo[/url] Date: 7th July 2019 Location: Kuntilampi, near Kuusamo, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801049.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_82288537164eda279d3009.jpgSmall Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Small Skipper has a rusty orange colour to the wings, upper body and the tips of the antennae. The body is silvery white below and it has a wingspan of 25 to 30 mm. It is very similar in appearance to the Essex Skipper but the undersides of the tips of the antennae are yellow orange in the Small Skipper whereas they are black in the Essex Skipper. The Small Skipper is a common and widespread butterfly in most parts of England and has been expanding its range northwards. It can be found in rough grassland, roadside verges, edges of fields and woodland clearings where it is often seen basking on vegetation or making short buzzing flights among tall grass stems. Date: 8th July 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43629099.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10729601016118ac5594370.jpgCommon Darter Flight period: end May to early October. Common Darters are the most widespread of the dragonflies over lowland UK but they are absent from upland areas. They can be found in a wide range of habitats including ponds, lakes, ditches, canals, slow flowing rivers and brackish water. They can also be frequently seen some way from water. Date: 18th July 2021 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo472307.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6575702534698b63fb2376.jpgCommon Darter Flight period: end May to early October. Common Darters are the most widespread of the dragonflies over lowland UK but they are absent from upland areas. They can be found in a wide range of habitats including ponds, lakes, ditches, canals, slow flowing rivers and brackish water. They can also be frequently seen some way from water. Date: 8th July 2007 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41349625.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5598522495f20089ddd12f.jpgMeadow Brown Flight period: June to August. The Meadow Brown is one of the most widespread and abundant of the UK's butterflies. It can be found typically in open grasslands but also other habitats such as roadside verges, woodland rides and urban parks and cemeteries. Date: 25th June 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo34006627.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_668461805a72f9978749b.jpgJackdaw The Western Jackdaw, also known as the Eurasian Jackdaw, European Jackdaw or simply Jackdaw, is a passerine bird in the crow family. Measuring 13 to 15 inches in length, the Jackdaw is the second smallest member of the crow family. Most of the plumage is a shiny black with a purple or blue sheen on the crown, forehead and secondaries and a green-blue sheen on the throat, primaries and tail. The cheeks, nape and neck are light grey to greyish-silver and the underparts are slate-grey. The legs are black as is the short stout bill. The irises of adults are greyish or silvery white while those of juveniles are light blue, becoming brownish before whitening at around one year of age. The sexes look alike although the head and neck plumage of male birds fades more with age and wear, particularly just before moulting. Immature birds have duller and less demarcated plumage. The head is a sooty black, sometimes with a faint greenish sheen and brown feather bases visible, the back and side of the neck are dark grey and the underparts greyish or sooty black. The tail has narrower feathers and a greenish sheen. There are 4 recognised geographical subspecies of the Jackdaw, each with slight plumage variations. Within its range, the Jackdaw is generally unmistakable and its short bill and grey nape are distinguishing features. In flight, the Jackdaw is distinguishable from other crows by its smaller size, faster and deeper wingbeats and proportionately narrower and less fingered wing tips. It also has a shorter and thicker neck and a much shorter bill and it frequently flies in tighter flocks. The Jackdaw is a skilled flyer and can manoeuvre tightly as well as tumble and glide. It has characteristic jerky wing beats when flying. On the ground, the Jackdaw has an upright posture and struts briskly with its short legs giving it a rapid gait. The Jackdaw is found from north west Africa, throughout all of Europe, except for the extreme north, and east through central Asia to the east Himalayas and Lake Baikal. To the east, it occurs throughout Turkey, the Caucasus, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and north west India. A small number of Jackdaws reached the north east of North America in the 1980s and have been found from Atlantic Canada to Pennsylvania. The range is vast and there is a large global population. Most populations are resident but the north and east populations are more migratory and relocate to wintering areas between September and November and return between February and early May. The Jackdaw can be found in wooded steppes, pastures, cultivated land, coastal cliffs and towns. It thrives when forested areas are cleared and converted to fields and open areas. Habitats with a mix of large trees, buildings and open ground are preferred. Open fields are left to the Rook and more wooded areas to the Jay. The Jackdaw is highly gregarious and is generally seen in flocks of varying sizes. Flocks increase in size in autumn and birds congregate at dusk for communal roosting with up to several thousand individuals gathering at one site. Males and females pair bond for life and pairs stay together within flocks. Jackdaws will frequently congregate with other crows such as Carrion Crows, Hooded Crows or Rooks. Foraging takes place mostly on the ground in open areas and to some extent in trees. Landfill sites, bins, streets and gardens are also visited, more often early in the morning when there are fewer people about. Various feeding methods are employed, such as jumping, pecking, clod-turning and scattering, probing the soil and occasional digging. The Jackdaw will also ride on the backs of sheep and other mammals such as deer, seeking ticks as well as actively gathering wool or hair for nests. Compared with other crows, the Jackdaw spends more time exploring and turning over objects with its bill. It also has a straighter and less downturned bill and increased binocular vision which are advantageous for this foraging strategy. The Jackdaw is opportunistic and highly adaptable and varies its diet markedly depending on available food sources. It tends to feed on small invertebrates that are found above ground, including various species of beetle as well as snails and spiders. It will also eat small rodents, bats, the eggs and chicks of birds and carrion such as roadkill. Vegetable items consumed include farm grains, weed seeds, elderberries, acorns and various cultivated fruits. The Jackdaw practices active food sharing with a number of individuals regardless of sex or kinship. It also shares more of a preferred food than a less preferred food. The active giving of food by most birds is found mainly in the context of parental care and courtship although the Jackdaw shows much higher levels of active giving than has been documented for other species. The function of this behaviour is not fully understood and several theories have been advanced. Genetic analysis of Jackdaw pairs and offspring shows no evidence of extra-pair copulation and there is little evidence for couple separation even after multiple instances of reproductive failure. Some pairs do separate in the first few months but almost all pairings of over 6 months' duration are lifelong and end only when a partner dies. Widowed or separated birds fare badly and are often ousted from nests or territories and are unable to rear broods alone. The Jackdaw usually breeds in colonies with pairs collaborating to find a nest site which they then defend from other pairs and predators during most of the year. It will nest in cavities in trees or cliffs, in ruined or occupied buildings and in chimneys, the common feature being a sheltered site for the nest. A mated pair usually constructs a nest by improving a crevice by dropping sticks into it. The nest is then built on top of the platform formed. Nest platforms can attain a great size. Nests are lined with hair, wool, dead grass and many other materials. Clutches usually contain 4 or 5 eggs which are incubated by the female for 17 to 18 days until hatching as naked altricial chicks which are completely dependent on the adults for food. The chicks fledge after 28 to 35 days and the parents continue to feed them for another 4 weeks or so. Date: 5th January 2018 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/april-2023-woodlark https://images.on-this.website/4752_151412717864ea1ab60a0a6.jpgApril 2023 - Woodlark Please see [url=https://rlchew1.photium.com/photo49002522.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/loch-toscaig https://images.on-this.website/4752_25909444653d113c0693fb.jpgLoch Toscaig, Highland Toscaig is a small, remote village at the southern end of the Applecross peninsula on the north west coast of Scotland and lies at the head of the south facing sea loch, Loch Toscaig, which in turn links with the Inner Sound. The village of Applecross lies 5 miles to the north of Toscaig, along the coastal road via the hamlets of Camusterrach and Camusteel. Toscaig once had a ferry service linking it to Kyle of Lochalsh. This service operated between 1955 and 1978 and was the only route into Applecross when the road over the Bealach na Bà mountain road was closed. Date: 20th June 2014 Location: view from the pier south of Toscaig http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49279122.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12368077446499ca1aeefd1.jpgFour-spotted Chaser Flight period: mid May to end August. Four-spotted Chasers are a common and widespread species of dragonfly throughout most of the UK. They can be found around sheltered lowland lakes and ponds and around acidic moorland bogs and sheltered upland lakes. Date: 22nd June 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41292189.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8525844345f10b915b599e.jpgGjøkåsen bear den, Pasvikdalen, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Date: 30th June 2019 Location: Gjøkåsen, Pasvikdalen, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33568387.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15839995635a106ad338266.jpgLoch Gruinart, Islay, Argyll Loch Gruinart is a shallow sea loch on the northern coast of the island of Islay in Argyll. It is 4 miles in length and there are a few houses but no significant settlements around its shores. There are extensive sand dune systems around Ardnave Point and Killinallan Point at the mouth of the loch. Date: 4th November 2017 Location: view from the east side from the minor road to Killinallan http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623036.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16902540276117d31a5cd7e.jpgRazorbill The Razorbill is a seabird and a member of the auk family which also includes the Common Guillemot, Brunnich's Guillemot and Little Auk. It is also the closest living relative to the Great Auk which is now extinct. The Razorbill has white underparts and a black head, neck, back and feet during the breeding season. A thin white line also extends from the eyes to the end of the bill. Its head is darker than that of the CommonGuillemot. Outside the breeding season, the throat and face behind the eye become white and the white line on the face becomes less prominent. The thick black bill has a blunt end. The adult male and female female are very much alike having only small differences such as wing length. The Razorbill has a horizontal stance and the tail feathers are slightly longer in the centre in comparison to other auks making it have a distinctly long tail which is not common for an auk. The Razorbill is distributed across the sub-arctic and boreal waters of the north Atlantic where water surface temperature are typically below 15°c. The world population is estimated to be less than 1 million breeding pairs, making it among the rarest auks in the world. Approximately 60 to 70% of the entire Razorbill population breeds in Iceland., including over 200,000 pairs at Látrabjarg. The breeding habitat is islands, rocky shores and cliffs on north Atlantic coasts, in eastern North America as far south as Maine and in western Europe from north west Russia to northern France. Eurasian birds winter at sea with some moving south as far as the western Mediterranean. North American birds migrate offshore and south. The Razorbill is a colonial breeder and only comes to land to breed. Individuals only breed at 3 to 5 years of age. Females select their mate and will often encourage competition between males before choosing a partner. Once a male is chosen, the pair will usually stay together for life. Nest site determination is very important to ensure protection of young from predators. Unlike Common Guillemots, nest sites are not immediately alongside the sea on open cliff ledges but at least 4 to 6 inches away in crevices on cliffs or among boulders. Generally a nest is not built although some pairs often use their bills to drag material upon which to lay their single egg. The mating pair will often reuse the same site every year. The Razorbill feeds mainly on schooling fish and crustaceans and it will dive deep into the sea using its wings and its streamlined body to propel itself toward their prey. Whilst diving, it rarely stays in groups but instead spreads out to feed. The majority of feeding occurs at a depth of about 80 feet but it has the ability to dive up to 400 feet below the surface. During a single dive the Razorbill can capture and swallow many schooling fish depending on their size. The Razorbill spends approximately 45% of its time foraging at sea and it may well fly more than 60 miles out to sea to feed. However, when feeding chicks it will forage much closer to the nesting grounds and often in shallower water. The Razorbill and its eggs and chicks have several predators which include Great Black-backed Gulls, Peregrines, Ravens and other crows, Arctic Foxes and Polar Bears. In the early 20th century, Razorbills were harvested for their eggs, meat and feathers and this greatly decreased their population. In 1917 they were finally protected which reduced hunting. Other current threats include oil pollution, unintentional bycatch arising from commercial fishing and overfishing which decreases the abundance of prey. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41234305.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12628873175ee77520e3d05.jpgMeadow Brown Flight period: June to August. The Meadow Brown is one of the most widespread and abundant of the UK's butterflies. It can be found typically in open grasslands but also other habitats such as roadside verges, woodland rides and urban parks and cemeteries. Date: 12th June 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11805586.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17148709234e3a69af75be8.jpgGatekeeper Flight period: mid-July to early September. The Gatekeeper or Hedge Brown is common and widespread throughout the southern half of the UK. They can be found in areas with hedgerows or in scrubby woodland with wide and sunny rides. Date: 2nd August 2011 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46535921.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_95088480562caab30ecc13.jpgEssex Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Essex Skipper is a small butterfly with a darting flight. It has bright orange-brown wings which are held with the forewings angled above the hind wings. The males have a thin black scent brand line running through the centre of the forewing and parallel to the leading edge. The Small Skipper appears very similar but it lacks the black tips to the antenna and it has a longer scent brand which is angled to the edge of the forewing. Since the Essex Skipper and the Small Skipper closely resemble each other and are often found in the same company, the Essex Skipper has been overlooked both in terms of recording and ecological study and it was the last UK resident species to be described (in 1889). The Essex Skipper can be found in tall, dry grasslands in open sunny situations, especially roadside verges, woodland rides and acid grasslands as well as coastal marshes. The distribution of the Essex Skipper in the UK has more than doubled in the last few decades. It is a widespread species in southern and central England but not in the far south-west Date: 6th July 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/humpback-whales https://images.on-this.website/4752_4635834225634ce0cc46ce.jpgHumpback Whales The Humpback Whale is a rorqual, the largest group of the baleen whales which includes the Blue Whale, the Fin Whale, the Bryde's Whale, the Sei Whale and the Minke Whale. The common name of Humpback Whale is derived from the curving of the back when diving. The generic name <i>Megaptera</i> from the Greek <i>mega</i> means "giant" and <i>ptera</i> means “wing" and refers to the large front flippers. The specific name <i>novaeangliae</i> means "New Englander" and was probably given due to the regular sightings of Humpback Whales off the coast of New England. One of the larger rorqual species, an adult Humpback Whale ranges in length from 39 to 52 feet and weighs approximately 79,000 pounds. It has a distinctive body shape with unusually long pectoral fins and a knobbly head. An acrobatic animal known for breaching and slapping the water with its tail and pectoral fins, it is popular with whale watchers The Humpback Whale can easily be identified by its stocky body with an obvious hump and black dorsal colouring. The head and lower jaw are covered with knobs called tubercles which are hair follicles and are characteristic of the species. The fluked tail, which it lifts above the surface in some dive sequences, has wavy trailing edges. The long black and white tail fin, which can be up to a third of the body length, and the pectoral fins have unique patterns which make individual whales identifiable. Several hypotheses attempt to explain the pectoral fins which are proportionally the longest fins of any cetacean. The two most enduring mention the higher manoeuverability afforded by long fins and the usefulness of the increased surface area for temperature control when migrating between warm and cold climates. The stubby dorsal fin is visible soon after the blow when the whale surfaces but disappears by the time the flukes emerge. The Humpback Whale has a 9.8 feet, heart-shaped to bushy blow or exhalation of water through the blowholes. The Humpback Whale is found in oceans and seas around the world in a wide band running from the Antarctic ice edge to 77° N latitude. It is migratory and spends summers in cooler, high-latitude waters and mates and calves in tropical and subtropical waters. Annual migrations of up to 16,000 miles are typical. The Humpback Whale social structure is loose-knit and it is not excessively social. Individuals normally live alone or in small, transient groups that disband after a few hours. Groups may stay together a little longer in summer to forage and feed cooperatively. Longer-term relationships between pairs or small groups, lasting months or even years, have rarely been observed. The Humpback Whale's range overlaps considerably with other whale and dolphin species although they rarely interact socially with them. Courtship rituals take place during the winter months following migration towards the equator from the summer feeding grounds closer to the poles. Competition is usually fierce and unrelated males frequently trail females as well as mothers with calves. Males gather into competitive groups and fight for females. Group size ebbs and flows as unsuccessful males retreat and others arrive to try their luck. Behaviours include breaching, spyhopping, lob-tailing, tail-slapping, fin-slapping, peduncle throws, charging and parrying. Whale songs are assumed to have an important role in mate selection although they may also be used between males to establish dominance. Females reach sexual maturity at the age of 5 years whilst males reach sexual maturity at approximately 7 years of age. Females typically breed every 2 or 3 years. The gestation period is 11.5 months and the peak months for birth are January, February, July, and August. Newborn calves are roughly the length of their mother's head and measure around 20 feet. They nurse for approximately 6 months and then mix nursing and independent feeding for possibly 6 months more. The Humpback Whale feeds primarily in the summer and lives off fat reserves during the winter. It feeds only rarely and opportunistically in its wintering waters. The Humpback Whale is an energetic hunter and takes krill and small schooling fish such as herring, salmon, mackerel, pollock, and haddock . It hunts by direct attack or by stunning its prey by hitting the water with its pectoral fins or tail flukes. The Humpback Whale has the most diverse feeding repertoire of all baleen whales. Its most inventive technique is known as bubble net feeding. A group of whales swims in a shrinking circle blowing bubbles below a school of prey. The shrinking ring of bubbles encircles the school and confines it in an ever-smaller cylinder. This ring can begin at up to 100 feet in diameter and involve the cooperation of a dozen animals. The whales then suddenly swim upward through the "net", mouths agape, swallowing thousands of fish in one gulp. Pleated grooves in the whale's mouth allow the creature to easily drain all the water initially taken in. Both male and female Humpback Whales vocalize but only males produce the long, loud, complex "songs" for which the species is famous. Each “song” consists of several sounds in a low register, varying in amplitude and frequency and typically lasting from 10 to 20 minutes. Cetaceans have no vocal cords so whales generate their “songs” by forcing air through their massive nasal cavities. Humpback Whales within a large area sing the same “song”. All north Atlantic Humpback Whales sing the same “song” and those of the north Pacific sing a different “song”. Each population's “song” changes slowly over a period of years. Scientists are unsure of the purpose of whale “songs”. Only males “sing”, suggesting one purpose is to attract females. However, many of the whales observed to approach a “singer” are other males, often resulting in conflict, and “singing” may therefore be a challenge to other males. Some scientists have hypothesized the song may serve an echo location function. Like other large whales, the Humpback Whale was and is a target for the whaling industry. Once hunted to the brink of extinction, its population fell by an estimated 90% before a moratorium was introduced in 1966. While stocks have since partially recovered, entanglement in fishing gear, collisions with ships and noise pollution continue to have an impact worldwide. The worldwide population is at least 80,000 with 18,000 to 20,000 in the north Pacific, about 12,000 in the north Atlantic and over 50,000 in the Southern Hemisphere, down from a pre-whaling population of 125,000. The Humpback Whale is considered "least concern" from a conservation standpoint as of 2008. This is an improvement from “vulnerable” in 1996 and “endangered” as recently as 1988. Most monitored stocks of Humpback Whales have rebounded well since the end of commercial whaling, such as the north Atlantic population where stocks are now believed to be approaching levels similar to those before hunting began. However, the species is still considered “endangered” in some countries. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Skötufjörður, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084863.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13860146775d30887bec7ae.jpgLacu Roșu, Harghita County, Romania Lacu Roșu or Red Lake (also known as Lake Ghilcoş) is a natural dam lake formed following the collapse of a slope at the foot of Hasmasul Mare Mountain following an earthquake in January 1838. Lacu Roșu is located 3 miles south of the Bicaz Gorge and covers an area of around 1240 square feet. It is included within the Cheile Bicazului-Hășmaș National Park and it is an important tourist destination including for recreational spa tourism. Date: 5th June 2018 Location: Lacu Roșu, Harghita County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41539280.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9242219945f3e4b108585d.jpgHoyholmen, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Date: 5th July 2019 Location: view from road Fv890 at Hoyholmen, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26270577.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_956125568566554617bb95.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 4th December 2015 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29951157.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_296353676586642363ced1.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the [i]Canidae[/i] family and is a part of the order [i]Carnivora[/i] within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 29th December 2016 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21959342.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_152311739553da79b091432.jpgArctic Terns The Arctic Tern is a seabird of the tern family. The adult plumage is grey above with a black nape and crown and white cheeks. The upperwings are pale grey with the area near the wingtip being translucent. The tail is white and the underparts pale grey. The beak is dark red as are the short legs and webbed feet. Like most terns, the Arctic Tern has high aspect ratio wings and a tail with a deep fork and long tail streamers. Both sexes are similar in appearance. The winter plumage is similar but the crown is whiter and the bills are darker. Juveniles differ from adults having black bill and legs, "scaly" appearing wings and mantle with dark feather tips, dark carpal wing bar and short tail streamers. During their first summer, juveniles also have a whiter forecrown. Whilst the Arctic Tern is similar to the Common and the Roseate Tern, its colouring, profile and call are slightly different. Compared to the Common Tern, it has a longer tail and mono-coloured bill, whilst the main differences from the Roseate Tern are its slightly darker colour and longer wings. The Arctic Tern has a circumpolar breeding distribution covering the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of Europe, Asia and north America. It is strongly migratory and sees 2 summers each year and more daylight than any other creature on the planet. It migrates along a convoluted route from its northern summer breeding grounds to the northern edge of the Antarctic coast for the southern summer and back again about 6 months later. In the UK, breeding Arctic Terns can best be seen on islands such as the Farne Islands in Northumberland or Orkney and Shetland in northern Scotland where the greatest densities occur. Recent studies have shown average annual roundtrip lengths of 25000 to 50000 miles depending on the route taken and weather and wind conditions. The Arctic Tern is a long-lived bird with many reaching 30 years of age and based on this average it will travel some 1.5 million miles during its lifetime. This is by far the longest migration known in the animal kingdom. Breeding takes place in colonies on coasts, islands and occasionally inland on tundra near water. The Arctic Tern often forms mixed colonies with the Common Tern and Sandwich Tern. As it nests on the ground, the Arctic Tern is vulnerable to predation but it is one of the most aggressive terns and it is fiercely defensive of its nest and young. It will attack humans and large predators, usually striking the top or back of the head. Although it is too small to cause serious injury, it is still capable of drawing blood and repelling many raptorial birds and smaller mammalian predators such as foxes and cats. Other nesting birds, such as auks, often incidentally benefit from the protection provided by nesting in an area defended by Arctic Terns. The diet of the Arctic Tern varies depending on location and time but it usually eats small fish or marine crustaceans by dipping down to the surface of the water to catch prey. While feeding, skuas, gulls and other tern species will often harass the birds and steal their food. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Inner Farne, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26023599.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2074379367563731ab88828.jpgRiver Laxá, Lake Mývatn area, north east Iceland The Laxá river originates in Lake Mývatn and flows northwards to Skjálfandi Flói south of Húsavík and in to the Greenland Sea. The Laxá river supports good numbers of Harlequin Ducks and Barrow’s Goldeneyes. It is also among the best salmon and trout fishing rivers in the world. Date: 3rd June 2015 Location: view from the bridge over road 1 http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45201923.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_123052348662372c44eb429.jpgMoorhen The Moorhen is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird that is usually found near water. From a distance it looks black with a ragged white line along its body. However, closer up it is olive-brown on the back and the head and blue-grey underneath. It has a red bill with a yellow tip. The Moorhen can be found all year round almost anywhere where there is water. They breed in lowland areas particularly in central and eastern England but are scarce in northern Scotland and the uplands of Wales and northern England. UK breeding birds are residents and seldom travel far. Date: 26th February 2022 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42524860.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14019895296098f731e25b5.jpgMoorhen The Moorhen is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird that is usually found near water. From a distance it looks black with a ragged white line along its body. However, closer up it is olive-brown on the back and the head and blue-grey underneath. It has a red bill with a yellow tip. The Moorhen can be found all year round almost anywhere where there is water. They breed in lowland areas particularly in central and eastern England but are scarce in northern Scotland and the uplands of Wales and northern England. UK breeding birds are residents and seldom travel far. Date: 27th March 2021 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/ringlet https://images.on-this.website/4752_13654865104f422cf145102.jpgRinglet Flight period: July to mid August. The Ringlet is a widespread and successful species which has been extending its range in in the UK in recent years. They can be found in in tall, lush grasslands particularly in woodland rides and glades and also around scrub and hedgerows. Date: 13th July 2006 Location: Thrift Wood EWT reserve, Bicknacre, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7205670.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20243458774cc3dc9aa6ec4.jpgGreen Woodpecker The (European) Green Woodpecker is a large green woodpecker species. There are 3 sub-species with subtle differences between them whilst the Iberian Green Woodpecker found in Spain and Portugal and the Levaillant's Woodpecker found in north west Africa were formerly considered as sub-species but are now treated as separate species based on the results of studies published in 2011 The Green Woodpecker measures 12 to 14 inches in length with a 18 to 20 inches wingspan. Both sexes are green above and pale yellowish green below with a yellow rump and red crown and nape. The moustachial stripe has a red centre in the male but is solid black in the female. The lores and around the white eye are black in both male and female. Juveniles are spotty and streaked all over with a dark moustachial stripe initially although juvenile males can show some red feathers by early June or usually by July or August. Although the Green Woodpecker is shy and wary, it is usually its loud calls known as “yaffling” which first draw attention. Unlike many other woodpecker species, it rarely “drums” but often gives noisy calls while flying. The flight is undulating with 3 to 4 wingbeats followed by a short glide when the wings are held by the body. More than 75% of the range of the Green Woodpecker is in Europe although it is absent from the extreme north and east and also from Ireland, Greenland and the Macaronesian islands. Otherwise it is distributed widely with over 50% of the European population thought to be in France and Germany with substantial numbers also in the UK. It also occurs in west Asia. The Green Woodpecker is highly sedentary and individuals rarely move far from where they were born. The Green Woodpecker is generally found in semi-open landscapes with small woodlands, hedges, scattered old trees, edges of forests and floodplain forests. Suitable habitats for feeding include grassland, heaths, plantations, orchards and lawns. The Green Woodpecker is the largest of the 3 woodpecker species that breed in the UK. It can be found all year round and it is mainly a lowland species that breeds in open deciduous woodland, parks, orchards and farmland in England, Wales and Scotland although it is absent from the far north and west of the UK. The nest hole of the Green Woodpecker is larger but similar to those of other woodpecker species. It may be a few feet above the ground or at the top of a tall tree. Oaks, beeches, willows, aspens and fruit trees are the preferred nest trees. The hole may be excavated in sound or rotten wood with an entrance hole of 2.5 to 3 inches. The cavity inside may be up to 16 inches deep and excavation work is performed mostly by the male over 15 to 30 days. Some tree holes are used for breeding for more than 10 years but not necessarily by the same pair. The female lays 4 to 6 eggs and, after the last egg is laid, they are incubated for 19 to 20 days by both parents. The chicks fledge 21 to 24 days after hatching. The Green Woodpecker's diet consists primarily of various ant species and it spends much of its time foraging on the ground in grassland areas where the availability of ant nests is high. At ant nests, it probes into the ground and licks up adult ants and their larvae with its long tongue that wraps up and around the back of its head. Other insects and small reptiles are also taken occasionally. Date: 17th October 2010 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871674.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2928839814eff20718bb7e.jpgVarangerfjord, Finnmark, Norway Varangerfjord is the easternmost fjord in Norway and is located in Finnmark county between the Varanger peninsula and the mainland of Norway. Varangerfjord flows through the municipalities of Vardø, Vadsø, Nesseby and Sør-Varanger. The fjord is approximately 62 miles long and empties in to the Barents Sea. The mouth is about 43 miles wide and is located between the town of Vardø in the north west and the village of Grense Jakobselv in the south east. The fjord stretches westwards inland past the town of Vadsø to the village of Varangerbotn in Nesseby municipality. Date: 28th May 2009 Location: Vestre Jakobselv, Varangerfjord, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871685.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16447670614eff208e08f66.jpgWhite-tailed Eagle The White-tailed Eagle is a very large bird with a 72 to 96 inch wingspan and is the fourth largest eagle in the world. It has broad "barn door" wings, a large head and a thick "meat-cleaver" beak. The adult is mainly brown except for the paler head and neck, blackish flight feathers, distinctive white tail, and yellow bill and legs. In juvenile birds the tail and bill are darker, with the tail becoming white with a dark terminal band in sub-adults. The White-tailed Eagle breeds in northern Europe and northern Asia. The largest population in Europe is found along the coast of Norway. They are mostly resident with only the northernmost birds such as the eastern Scandinavian and Siberian population migrating south in winter. Date: 28th May 2009 Location: near Nesseby, Varangerfjord, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42524867.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5954530586098f83f109f6.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 31st March 2021 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14160941.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19653447014f3e2f9fde50e.jpgPainted Lady Flight period: April to October. The Painted Lady is a highly migratory butterfly which can be found almost throughout the UK although its numbers vary greatly from year to year. It is thought that the entire population dies each winter and re-colonisation through immigration occurs each spring. As a migrant, they can be found almost anywhere but do prefer dry, open areas. Date: 26th August 2007 Location: Stow Maries Halt EWT reserve, Stow Maries, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21955563.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_25699847853da1d8f6dfa7.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14160940.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16297180884f3e2f9b9df34.jpgPainted Lady Flight period: April to October. The Painted Lady is a highly migratory butterfly which can be found almost throughout the UK although its numbers vary greatly from year to year. It is thought that the entire population dies each winter and re-colonisation through immigration occurs each spring. As a migrant, they can be found almost anywhere but do prefer dry, open areas. Date: 26th August 2007 Location: Stow Maries Halt EWT reserve, Stow Maries, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45948423.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17750839286284b000b6dd3.jpgOrange Tip Flight period: April to June The Orange Tip is a common and widespread, medium sized butterfly of gardens and hedgerows. The males are unmistakeable with bright orange wing tips whilst the females are white with black wing tips. Both have mottled green underwings. Date: 18th April 2022 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41349693.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4736901025f2017e0031ea.jpgGreen-veined White Flight period: April to September The Green-veined White is a widespread buttterfly throughout the UK and is often the commonest white butterfly in the north of the UK. They can be found in a variety of habitats but damp, lush vegetation is an essential requirement. Date: 12th July 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41524229.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19732628655f3a6ac54eabf.jpgCommon Blue Flight period: June to September. The Common Blue is the UK’s most widespread and common blue butterfly although it has suffered some local declines due to habitat loss. They can be found in sunny, sheltered areas including downland, roadside verges, woodland clearings and rural gardens. Date: 1st August 2020 Location, Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32708812.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_86596331159ad256d77e741.31029770.jpgTree Sparrow The Tree Sparrow is a member of the sparrow family [i]Passer[/i], a group of small passerine birds that is believed to have originated in Africa and which contains 15 to 25 species. The Tree Sparrow's name is derived from 2 Latin words: [I]passer[/I] meaning "sparrow" and [I]montanus[/I] meaning "of the mountains". The common name is given to suggest the preference for tree holes for nesting. However, this name and the scientific name [i]montanus[/i] do not appropriately describe the Tree Sparrow’s habitat preferences: the German name [i]Feldsperling[/i] meaning "field sparrow"[/i] comes closer to doing so. The Tree Sparrow is around 5 to 5.5 inches in length with a wingspan of about 8.3 inches, making it roughly 10% smaller than the House Sparrow. The adult's crown and nape are a rich chestnut and there is a kidney-shaped black ear patch on each pure white cheek. The chin, throat and the area between the bill and throat are black. The upperparts are light brown streaked with black and the brown wings have 2 distinct narrow white bars. The legs are pale brown and the bill is lead-blue in summer becoming almost black in winter. The Tree Sparrow is distinctive even within its own family in that there are no plumage differences between the sexes. The juvenile resembles the adult although the colours tend to be duller. The contrasting face pattern makes the Tree Sparrow easily identifiable in all plumages and the smaller size and chestnut (not grey) crown are additional differences from the male House Sparrow. The Tree Sparrow's breeding range comprises most of temperate Europe and Asia south of about latitude 68°N (north of this the summers are too cold) and through south east Asia to Java and Bali. It is sedentary over most of its extensive range but northernmost breeding populations migrate south for the winter and small numbers leave south Europe for north Africa and the Middle East. The Tree Sparrow has been introduced outside its native range but it has not always become successfully established, possibly due to competition with the House Sparrow. Ship-carried birds have colonised some areas and birds have also occurred as vagrants. Despite its scientific name, the Tree Sparrow is not typically a mountain species and reaches only 2300 feet in Switzerland although it has bred at 5600 feet in the northern Caucasus and as high as 14010 feet in Nepal. In Europe, the Tree Sparrow is frequently found in open countryside with small isolated patches of woodland but also on coasts with cliffs, in woodland along slow water courses and in empty buildings. It shows a strong preference for nest sites near wetland habitats and avoids breeding on intensively managed farmland. In Europe, where the Tree Sparrow and the House Sparrow occur in the same region, the House Sparrow generally nests in urban areas while the Tree Sparrow nests in rural areas. Where trees are in short supply, both species may utilise man-made structures as nest sites. Whilst the Tree Sparrow is mainly a rural bird in Europe, it tends to be an urban bird in Asia and Australia. In the UK, the Tree Sparrow is scarcer in upland areas and the far north and west of the and the main populations are now found across the Midlands and south and east England. The Tree Sparrow may breed in isolated pairs or in loose colonies. The male calls from near the nest site in spring to proclaim ownership and attract a mate and he may also carry nest material in to the nest hole. The Tree Sparrow typically builds its nest in a cavity in an old tree or rock face. Some nests are not in holes as such but are built among roots of overhanging bushes. Roof cavities in houses and nest boxes are also readily used. In addition, the Tree Sparrow will breed in the disused nest of a Magpie or other crow species or an active or unused nest of a large bird such as the White Stork or a heron or raptor species. It will sometimes attempt to take over the nest of other birds that breed in holes or enclosed spaces such as tit species, flycatcher species, Swallow, House Martin, Sand Martin or European Bee-eater. The untidy nest is composed of hay, grass, wool or other material and lined with feathers which improve thermal insulation. The female lays 5 or 6 eggs which are incubated by both parents for 12 to 13 days and the chicks fledge after a further 15 to 18 days. There are 2 or 3 broods each year. Hybridisation between the Tree Sparrow and the House Sparrow has been recorded in many parts of the world with male hybrids tending to resemble the Tree Sparrow while female hybrids are more similar to the House Sparrow. The Tree Sparrow is a predominantly seed and grain eating bird which feeds on the ground in flocks and often with House Sparrows, finches and buntings. It may also visit feeding stations. It additionally feeds on invertebrates including insects, woodlice, millipedes, centipedes, spiders, etc. especially during the breeding season when the young are fed mainly on animal food. Adults use a variety of wetlands when foraging for invertebrate prey to feed chicks and aquatic sites play a key role in providing adequate diversity and availability of suitable invertebrate prey to allow successful chick rearing. Large areas of formerly occupied farmland no longer provide these invertebrate resources due to the effects of intensive farming. The Tree Sparrow has a large range and a large population. Although the population is declining, the species is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List. For this reason, the Tree Sparrow is designated as being of “Least Concern”. Although the Tree Sparrow has been expanding its range in Fennoscandia and east Europe, its population has been declining in much of west Europe, a trend reflected in other farmland birds such as the Skylark and Corn Bunting. The collapse in population seems to have been particularly severe in the UK where there was a 93% decline between 1970 and 2008. However, recent Breeding Bird Survey data is encouraging and suggests that numbers may have started to increase albeit from a very low point. The decrease in population is probably the result of agricultural intensification and specialisation, particularly the increased use of herbicides and a trend towards autumn-sown crops at the expense of spring-sown crops that produce stubble fields in winter. The change from mixed to specialised farming and the increased use of insecticides has reduced the amount of insect food available for chicks. Date: 18th May 2017 Location: east of Hortobágy, Hortobágy National Park, Hajdú-Bihar county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/ulisk-kriv-preov-region-slovakia https://images.on-this.website/4752_47281692359bd529541023.jpgUličské Krivé, Prešov region, Slovakia Uličské Krivé is a small village in the Prešov region of north east Slovakia. It is located in the buffer zone of the Poloniny National Park (Národný park Poloniny). In historical records the village was first mentioned in 1478. The wooden Greek Catholic church in the village dates back to 1718 and is dedicated to the Archangel Michael. The Poloniny National Park (Národný park Poloniny) was created in October 1997 with a protected area of 115 square miles and a buffer zone of 42 square miles. The highest point of the national park lies at 3,963 feet at a point where the borders of Slovakia, Poland and Ukraine meet near the summit of Kremenec. The national park is the easternmost and the least populated area of Slovakia but there are many winter (cross-country skiing) and summer hiking trails. Besides the several mountain trails, there is also one connecting outstanding wooden churches from the 18th century at Topoľa, Uličské Krivé and Ruský Potok Date: 1st June 2017 Location: Uličské Krivé, Prešov region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405437.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2259446406586e0693faeb.jpgMigrant Hawker Flight period: August to October The Migrant Hawker is common in the south of the UK and has spread north and west in recent decades. The breeding population is boosted by continental migrants in the autumn and they are most easily seen hawking for insects along sheltered woodland rides or hedgerows. Date: 9th October 2023 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14467408.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16522266314f743c1fe4327.jpgUllsfjorden at Svensby, Troms, north Norway Ullsfjorden is a sea fjord located east of Tromsø and west of the Lyngenalpen which can be crossed by the Breivikeidet to Svensby ferry. Location: view from east shore at Svensby Date: 17th March 2012 http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813374.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_560593525d0dde586a4e1.jpgFulmars The (Northern) Fulmar is a highly abundant seabird found primarily in subarctic regions of the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans. Though similar in appearance to gulls, the 2 species of fulmars (Northern and Southern) are in fact members of a different seabird family which include petrels and shearwaters. The Fulmar’s latin name, Fulmarus glacialis can be broken down to the Old Norse word full meaning "foul" and mar meaning "gull". "Foul-gull" is in reference to its stomach oil and also its superficial similarity to gulls. Finally, glacialis is Latin for "glacial" reflecting its extreme northern range. The Fulmar is generally grey and white with a pale yellow and thick bill and bluish legs. However there is both a light morph and a dark morph. Like other petrels, their walking ability is limited but they are strong fliers with a stiff wing action quite unlike the gulls. The Fulmar also looks bull-necked compared to gulls and it has a short stubby bill. The Fulmar is estimated to have between 15 to 30 million mature individuals that occupy a range of around 11 million square miles. Its range increased greatly last century due to the availability of fish offal from commercial fleets but may contract because of less food from this source and climate change. The population increase has been especially notable in the UK. The Fulmar starts breeding at between 6 and 12 years old. It is monogamous, forms long term pair bonds, returns to the same nest site year after year and nests in large colonies. The nest is a scrape on a grassy cliff ledge or a saucer of vegetation on the ground lined with softer material and recently they have started nesting on rooftops and buildings. The Fulmar feeds on shrimp, fish, squid, plankton, jellyfish and carrion as well as refuse. When eating fish, it will dive up to several feet deep to retrieve its prey. Date: 10th June 2019 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52698443.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_33473163367b0be684df89.jpgCommon Snipe The Common Snipe is a small, stocky wader native to the Old World. It is the most widespread of several similar snipe species. It most closely resembles the Wilson's Snipe of north America which was previously considered to be a sub-species of the Common Snipe. It is also very similar to the Pin-tailed Snipe and Swinhoe's Snipe of east Asia. A sub-species of Common Snipe can be found in Iceland, the Faroe Islands, Shetland and Orkney. This sub-species winters in the UK and Ireland. The Common Snipe is 9.8 to 10.6 inches in length with a 17 to 19 inches wingspan. The body is mottled brown with straw-yellow stripes on top and pale underneath. It has a dark stripe through the eye with light stripes above and below it. The wings are pointed. It has short greenish-grey legs and a very long (2.2 to 2.8 inches) straight dark bill. The Common Snipe can be found in the marshes, bogs, tundra and wet meadows throughout north Europe and north Asia. It is migratory with European birds wintering in south and west Europe and Africa (south to the Equator) and Asian birds wintering in tropical south Asia. The male Common Snipe performs a "winnowing" display during courtship, flying high in circles and then taking shallow dives to produce a "drumming" sound by vibrating its tail feathers. The nest is located in a well hidden location on the ground. The female lays 4 eggs which are incubated for 18 to 21 days. The young are covered in dark maroon down, variegated with black, white and buff and are cared for by both parents with fledging occurring in 10 to 20 days. The Common Snipe is a well camouflaged bird and it is usually shy and conceals itself close to ground vegetation and flushes only when approached closely. When flushed, it utters a sharp call and flies off in a series of aerial zig-zags to confuse predators. The Common Snipe forages in soft mud, probing or picking up food by sight. It mainly eats insects and earthworms but also some plant material. Overall, the Common Snipe is not a threatened species although populations on the southern fringes of the breeding range in Europe are declining with local extinction in some areas (including in the UK) mainly due to field drainage and agricultural intensification. The Common Snipe is a species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 29th January 2025 Location: EWT Two Tree Island, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52698167.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_76511921467b0bc254ff8e.jpgDunnock The Dunnock is a small passerine bird and the most widespread member of the genus Prunella, the accentor family which otherwise consists of mountain species. Other common names for the Dunnock include the Hedge Sparrow or Hedge Accentor. The Dunnock is about the size of a Robin. It has a generally drab brown streaked appearance with a grey head and a fine pointed bill. Both sexes are similar. It is quiet and unobtrusive and is frequently seen on its own, creeping along and moving with a rather nervous, shuffling gait often flicking its wings. The Dunnock is native to large areas of Eurasia where it is the only commonly found accentor in lowland areas. It can be found throughout the UK all the year round in any well vegetated areas with scrub, brambles and hedges and also in deciduous woodland, farmland edges, parks and gardens. The Dunnock is territorial and may engage in conflict with other birds that encroach upon their nesting areas. The Dunnock possesses variable mating systems. Females are often polyandrous, breeding with 2 or more males at once which is quite rare among birds. This multiple mating system leads to the development of sperm competition amongst the male suitors. DNA fingerprinting has shown that chicks within a brood often have different fathers depending on the success of the males at monopolising the female. Males try to ensure their paternity by pecking at the cloaca of the female to stimulate ejection of rival males' sperm. Males provide parental care in proportion to their mating success so 2 males and a female can commonly be seen provisioning nestlings at one nest. Other mating systems also exist within Dunnock populations depending on the ratio of male to females and the overlap of territories. When only a single female and a single male territory overlap, monogamy is preferred. Sometimes, 2 or 3 adjacent female territories overlap a single male territory and so polygyny is favoured with the male monopolising several females. Polygynandry also exists in which 2 males jointly defend a territory containing several females. Polyandry, however, is the most common mating system of the Dunnock. Depending on the population, males generally have the best reproductive success in polygynous populations whilst females have the advantage during polyandry. Studies have illustrated the fluidity of Dunnock mating systems. When food is in abundance, female territory size is reduced drastically. Consequently, males can more easily monopolise the females. Thus, the mating system can be shifted from one that favours female success (polyandry) to one that favours male success (monogamy, polygynandry or polygyny). The Dunnock builds a neat nest predominantly from twigs and moss and lined with soft materials such as wool or feathers which is located low in a bush. The female typically lays 3 to 5 eggs. Broods, depending on the population, can be raised by a lone female, multiple females with the part-time help of a male, multiple females with full-time help by a male or by multiple females and multiple males. Parental care varies according to the type of relationship. Date: 25th January 2025 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071679.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17495898806643355d85e78.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 4th May 2023 Location: Bwlch Nant yr Arian, Llywernog, Ceredigion http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071675.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1781537812664335521f174.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 4th May 2023 Location: Bwlch Nant yr Arian, Llywernog, Ceredigion http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071709.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2977583876643398d8438f.jpgCommon Redstart The Common Redstart, or often simply Redstart, is a small passerine bird. Like its relatives, it was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family but it is now known to be an Old World flycatcher. The Common Redstart shows some affinity to the Robin in many of its habits and actions. It has the same general carriage and chat-like behaviour and it is the same length but slightly slimmer and not quite as heavy. The orange-red tail, from which it and other redstarts get their names ("start" is an old word for "tail"), is frequently quivered. Among common European birds, only the Black Redstart has a similarly coloured tail. In summer, the male Common Redstart has a slate-grey head and upperparts, except the rump and tail, which, like the flanks, underwing coverts and axillaries, are orange-chestnut. The forehead is white and the sides of the face and throat are black. The wings and the two central tail feathers are brown and the other tail feathers are bright orange-red. The orange on the flanks shades to almost white on the belly. The bill and legs are black. In autumn, pale feather fringes on the body feathering obscures the colours of the male and gives it a washed-out appearance. The female is browner with paler underparts and it lacks the black and slate head. The Common Redstart is a summer visitor throughout most of Europe and west Asia (east to Lake Baikal) and also in north west Africa in Morocco. It can be found in open mature birch and oak woodland with low amounts of shrub and understorey especially where the trees are old enough to have holes suitable for its nest. It prefers to nest on the edge of woodland clearings in natural tree holes so dead trees or those with dead limbs are beneficial to it. It also nests in mature open conifer woodland, particularly in the north of the breeding range, and nestboxes are sometimes used. In the UK, the Common Redstart occurs primarily in broadleaf woodlands in upland areas in the north and west with the greatest concentrations in Wales. Further east in Europe it also commonly occurs in lowland areas including parks and old gardens in urban areas. The Common Redstart winters in central Africa and Arabia, south of the Sahara Desert but north of the Equator and from Senegal east to Yemen. It first arrives in its breeding areas in early to mid April, the males often a few days in advance of the females. Following breeding, return migration to Africa occurs between mid August and early October. The Common Redstart is insectivorous and eats a wide variety of small insects and spiders but additionally fruit and berries in the autumn. It often feeds like a flycatcher and makes aerial sallies after passing insects. Date: 5th May 2024 Location: RWT Gilfach, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51387303.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_812441717667e7d3c47d0e.jpgEmerald Damselfly Flight period: June to September The Emerald Damselfly is widely distributed in uplands and lowlands throughout the UK. They can be found around small, shallow standing water with luxuriant vegetation such as rushes and sedges. Date: 23rd June 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52518189.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_389355881675450f36074a.jpgComma Flight period: March to October. The Comma was a rarity 100 years ago but is now a common and widespread butterfly in England and Wales and is on the point of recolonising Scotland. They are one of the first butterflies to be seen in spring and can be found in open woodland, woodland edges and gardens. Date: 13th September 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41234272.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7540793945ee76c879a6cb.jpgLittle Egret The Little Egret is a species of small heron. The genus name comes from the Provençal French Aigrette (egret), a diminutive of Aigron (heron). The adult Little Egret is 22 to 26 inches long with a 35 to 42 inches wingspan. Its plumage is normally entirely white although there are dark forms with largely bluish-grey plumage. In the breeding season, the adult has 2 long plumes on the nape that form a crest. These plumes are about 6 inches in length and are pointed and very narrow. There are similar feathers on the breast but the barbs are more widely spread. There are also several elongated scapular feathers that have long loose barbs around 8 inches long. During the winter the plumage is similar but the scapulars are shorter and more normal in appearance. The bill is long and slender and both it and the lores are black. There is an area of greenish-grey bare skin at the base of the lower mandible and around the eye which has a yellow iris. The legs are black and the feet yellow. Juveniles are similar to non-breeding adults but have greenish-black legs and duller yellow feet and may have a certain proportion of greyish or brownish feathers. The Little Egret is mostly silent but it does make various croaking and bubbling calls at its breeding colonies and it produces a harsh alarm call when disturbed. The breeding range of the western race of the Little Egret includes south Europe, the Middle East, much of Africa and south Asia. European populations are migratory and mostly travel to Africa although some remain in southern Europe. During the late 20th century, the range of the Little Egret expanded northwards in Europe and into the New World. The Little Egret's habitat varies widely and includes the shores of lakes, rivers, canals, ponds, lagoons, marshes and flooded land, the bird preferring open locations to dense cover. On the coast it inhabits mudflats, sandy beaches, mangrove areas, swamps and reefs. The Little Egret is a sociable bird and can be seen in small flocks. However, individual birds do not tolerate others coming too close to their chosen feeding site although this depends on the abundance of prey. The Little Egret uses a variety of methods to find its food. It stalks its prey in shallow water, often running with raised wings or shuffling its feet to disturb small fish, or it may stand still and wait to ambush prey. It also makes use of opportunities provided by Cormorants disturbing fish or humans attracting fish by throwing bread into water. On land, it walks or runs while chasing its prey, often feeding on creatures disturbed by grazing livestock. The diet is mainly fish but amphibians, small reptiles, mammals and birds are also eaten as well as crustaceans, molluscs, insects, spiders and worms. The Little Egret nests in colonies, often with other wading birds such as Cattle Egret, Black-crowned Night Heron, Squacco Heron and Glossy Ibis. The nests are usually platforms of sticks built in trees or shrubs or in reed beds or bamboo groves. Pairs defend a small breeding territory, usually extending around 10 to 13 feet from the nest. The 3 to 5 eggs are incubated by both adults for 21 to 25 days before hatching. The young birds are covered in white down feathers are cared for by both parents and fledge after 40 to 45 days. Globally, the Little Egret is not listed as a threatened species and has in fact expanded its range over the last few decades.[5] The IUCN states that their wide distribution and large total population means that they are a species that cause them "least concern". Historical research has shown that the Little Egret was once present, and probably common, in the UK but became extinct there through a combination of over-hunting in the late mediaeval period and climate change at the start of the Little Ice Age. Further declines occurred throughout Europe as the plumes of the Little Egret and other egrets were in demand for decorating hats. They had been used in the plume trade since at least the 17th century but in the 19th century it became a major craze and the number of egret skins passing through dealers reached into the millions. Hunting, which reduced the population of the species to dangerously low levels, stimulated the establishment of Britain's Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in 1889. By the 1950s, the Little Egret had become restricted to south Europe and conservation laws protecting the species were introduced. This allowed the population to rebound strongly and over the next few decades it became increasingly common in western France and later on the north coast. It bred in the Netherlands in 1979 with further breeding from the 1990s onward. Populations are now mostly stable or increasing in Europe. In the UK, the Little Egret was a rare vagrant from its 16th century extinction until the late 20th century. It has, however, recently become a regular breeding species and is commonly present, often in large numbers, at favoured coastal sites. The first recent breeding record in England was on Brownsea Island in Dorset in 1996 and it bred in Wales for the first time in 2002. The population increase has been rapid subsequently with over 750 pairs breeding in nearly 70 colonies in 2008 and a post-breeding total of 4,540 birds in September 2008. Severe winter weather proves only to be a temporary setback and the Little Egret continues to expand both its numbers and range in the UK. Date: 31st May 2020 Location: Abberton Reservoir, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49278549.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8081578096499b19e031cd.jpgBlue-tailed Damselfly Flight period: mid May to early September. Blue-tailed Damselflies are a widespread and common species of damselfly in much of England, Wales and southern Scotland. They can be found around lakes, ponds, canals and ditches, being less common on flowing water and in exposed and upland sites. They can also tolerate some saline and polluted waters. Date: 12th June 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52698166.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20280116367b0bc2512908.jpgDunnock The Dunnock is a small passerine bird and the most widespread member of the genus Prunella, the accentor family which otherwise consists of mountain species. Other common names for the Dunnock include the Hedge Sparrow or Hedge Accentor. The Dunnock is about the size of a Robin. It has a generally drab brown streaked appearance with a grey head and a fine pointed bill. Both sexes are similar. It is quiet and unobtrusive and is frequently seen on its own, creeping along and moving with a rather nervous, shuffling gait often flicking its wings. The Dunnock is native to large areas of Eurasia where it is the only commonly found accentor in lowland areas. It can be found throughout the UK all the year round in any well vegetated areas with scrub, brambles and hedges and also in deciduous woodland, farmland edges, parks and gardens. The Dunnock is territorial and may engage in conflict with other birds that encroach upon their nesting areas. The Dunnock possesses variable mating systems. Females are often polyandrous, breeding with 2 or more males at once which is quite rare among birds. This multiple mating system leads to the development of sperm competition amongst the male suitors. DNA fingerprinting has shown that chicks within a brood often have different fathers depending on the success of the males at monopolising the female. Males try to ensure their paternity by pecking at the cloaca of the female to stimulate ejection of rival males' sperm. Males provide parental care in proportion to their mating success so 2 males and a female can commonly be seen provisioning nestlings at one nest. Other mating systems also exist within Dunnock populations depending on the ratio of male to females and the overlap of territories. When only a single female and a single male territory overlap, monogamy is preferred. Sometimes, 2 or 3 adjacent female territories overlap a single male territory and so polygyny is favoured with the male monopolising several females. Polygynandry also exists in which 2 males jointly defend a territory containing several females. Polyandry, however, is the most common mating system of the Dunnock. Depending on the population, males generally have the best reproductive success in polygynous populations whilst females have the advantage during polyandry. Studies have illustrated the fluidity of Dunnock mating systems. When food is in abundance, female territory size is reduced drastically. Consequently, males can more easily monopolise the females. Thus, the mating system can be shifted from one that favours female success (polyandry) to one that favours male success (monogamy, polygynandry or polygyny). The Dunnock builds a neat nest predominantly from twigs and moss and lined with soft materials such as wool or feathers which is located low in a bush. The female typically lays 3 to 5 eggs. Broods, depending on the population, can be raised by a lone female, multiple females with the part-time help of a male, multiple females with full-time help by a male or by multiple females and multiple males. Parental care varies according to the type of relationship. Date: 25th January 2025 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo2463036.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5000214749f204003349a.jpgLoch Morlich, Highland Loch Morlich is located in the Glenmore Forest Park in the Badenoch and Strathspey district and lies 4 miles north west of Cairn Gorm mountain and 5 miles south east of Aviemore. At the head of the loch is the highest beach in the UK at over 1000 feet. Date: 12th April 2009 Location: view from the road to Cairngorm http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo583497.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_23189435946d9601e49419.jpgMigrant Hawker Flight period: August to October The Migrant Hawker is common in the south of the UK and has spread north and west in recent decades. The breeding population is boosted by continental migrants in the autumn and they are most easily seen hawking for insects along sheltered woodland rides or hedgerows. Date: 26th August 2007 Location: Stow Maries Halt EWT reserve, Stow Maries, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4088284.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21456666974b1941857c718.jpgLittle Egret The Little Egret is a species of small heron. The genus name comes from the Provençal French [i]Aigrette[/i] (egret), a diminutive of [i]Aigron [/i] (heron). The adult Little Egret is 22 to 26 inches long with a 35 to 42 inches wingspan. Its plumage is normally entirely white although there are dark forms with largely bluish-grey plumage. In the breeding season, the adult has 2 long plumes on the nape that form a crest. These plumes are about 6 inches in length and are pointed and very narrow. There are similar feathers on the breast but the barbs are more widely spread. There are also several elongated scapular feathers that have long loose barbs around 8 inches long. During the winter the plumage is similar but the scapulars are shorter and more normal in appearance. The bill is long and slender and both it and the lores are black. There is an area of greenish-grey bare skin at the base of the lower mandible and around the eye which has a yellow iris. The legs are black and the feet yellow. Juveniles are similar to non-breeding adults but have greenish-black legs and duller yellow feet and may have a certain proportion of greyish or brownish feathers. The Little Egret is mostly silent but it does make various croaking and bubbling calls at its breeding colonies and it produces a harsh alarm call when disturbed. The breeding range of the western race of the Little Egret includes south Europe, the Middle East, much of Africa and south Asia. European populations are migratory and mostly travel to Africa although some remain in southern Europe. During the late 20th century, the range of the Little Egret expanded northwards in Europe and into the New World. The Little Egret's habitat varies widely and includes the shores of lakes, rivers, canals, ponds, lagoons, marshes and flooded land, the bird preferring open locations to dense cover. On the coast it inhabits mudflats, sandy beaches, mangrove areas, swamps and reefs. The Little Egret is a sociable bird and can be seen in small flocks. However, individual birds do not tolerate others coming too close to their chosen feeding site although this depends on the abundance of prey. The Little Egret uses a variety of methods to find its food. It stalks its prey in shallow water, often running with raised wings or shuffling its feet to disturb small fish, or it may stand still and wait to ambush prey. It also makes use of opportunities provided by Cormorants disturbing fish or humans attracting fish by throwing bread into water. On land, it walks or runs while chasing its prey, often feeding on creatures disturbed by grazing livestock. The diet is mainly fish but amphibians, small reptiles, mammals and birds are also eaten as well as crustaceans, molluscs, insects, spiders and worms. The Little Egret nests in colonies, often with other wading birds such as Cattle Egret, Black-crowned Night Heron, Squacco Heron and Glossy Ibis. The nests are usually platforms of sticks built in trees or shrubs or in reed beds or bamboo groves. Pairs defend a small breeding territory, usually extending around 10 to 13 feet from the nest. The 3 to 5 eggs are incubated by both adults for 21 to 25 days before hatching. The young birds are covered in white down feathers are cared for by both parents and fledge after 40 to 45 days. Globally, the Little Egret is not listed as a threatened species and has in fact expanded its range over the last few decades.[5] The IUCN states that their wide distribution and large total population means that they are a species that cause them "least concern". Historical research has shown that the Little Egret was once present, and probably common, in the UK but became extinct there through a combination of over-hunting in the late mediaeval period and climate change at the start of the Little Ice Age. Further declines occurred throughout Europe as the plumes of the Little Egret and other egrets were in demand for decorating hats. They had been used in the plume trade since at least the 17th century but in the 19th century it became a major craze and the number of egret skins passing through dealers reached into the millions. Hunting, which reduced the population of the species to dangerously low levels, stimulated the establishment of Britain's Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in 1889. By the 1950s, the Little Egret had become restricted to south Europe and conservation laws protecting the species were introduced. This allowed the population to rebound strongly and over the next few decades it became increasingly common in western France and later on the north coast. It bred in the Netherlands in 1979 with further breeding from the 1990s onward. Populations are now mostly stable or increasing in Europe. In the UK, the Little Egret was a rare vagrant from its 16th century extinction until the late 20th century. It has, however, recently become a regular breeding species and is commonly present, often in large numbers, at favoured coastal sites. The first recent breeding record in England was on Brownsea Island in Dorset in 1996 and it bred in Wales for the first time in 2002. The population increase has been rapid subsequently with over 750 pairs breeding in nearly 70 colonies in 2008 and a post-breeding total of 4,540 birds in September 2008. Severe winter weather proves only to be a temporary setback and the Little Egret continues to expand both its numbers and range in the UK. Date: 9th November 2009 Location: Delta de l’Ebre, Catalunya, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/atlantic-grey-seal https://images.on-this.website/4752_1780966374e706da3542b6.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 7th December 2007 Location: Donna Nook, Lincolnshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45456914.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1373167643624ffc5f0cb11.jpgDunlin The Dunlin is the commonest small wader found along the coast and can be seen on all UK estuaries with the largest numbers in winter. During winter they feed in large flocks on estuaries with mudflats, saltmarsh and coastal lagoons as well as inland lakes and sewage farms. Dunlin breed on the wet upland moors of Scotland, Wales and England and also the wet grassland machair of the Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland and the Flow Country of Caithness and Sutherland. Date: 9th November 2021 Location: Shoeburyness, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40713561.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4953208155e16f766cfac3.jpgGoosander The Goosander (or Common Merganser in north America) is a large “sawbill” duck, so called because of its long, serrated bill which is used for catching fish. The Goosander is 23 to 28 inches long with a 31 to 38 inches wingspan and the male is generally slightly larger than the female. The adult male in breeding plumage has a white body with a variable salmon-pink tinge, a black head with an iridescent green gloss, a grey rump and tail and wings which are largely white on the inner half and black on the outer half. Females, and males in "eclipse" non-breeding plumage, are largely grey with a reddish-brown head, white chin and white secondary feathers on the wing. Juveniles are similar to adult females but also show a short black-edged white stripe between the eye and the bill. The bill and legs are red to brownish-red which are brightest on adult males and dullest on juveniles. The Goosander can be found on rivers and lakes in forested areas of Europe, north and central Asia and north America. It is a partial migrant and moves away from areas where rivers and major lakes freeze in the winter but it is a resident where waters remain open. Within Europe, a marked southward spread has occurred from Scandinavia in the breeding range since about 1850, colonising Scotland in 1871 and England in 1941. Since 1970 it has spread across northern England and in to Wales and south west England. In the UK, it can be found all year round in the breeding range but only in winter on lakes, gravel pits and reservoirs across England south of the Humber. Nesting normally occurs in a tree cavity so the Goosander requires mature forest as its breeding habitat. It will also readily use large nest boxes where provided. In places where trees are absent, it will use holes in cliffs and steep, high banks, sometimes at considerable distances from water. The female lays 6 to 17 eggs, but normally 8 to 12, and raises a single brood in a season. The ducklings are taken by the female in her bill to rivers or lakes immediately after hatching where they feed on freshwater invertebrates and small fish fry, fledging when 60 to 70 days old. The Goosander primarily feeds on fish with the serrated edge to its bill helping it to grip its prey. In addition to fish, it will take a wide range of other aquatic prey such as molluscs, crustaceans, worms, insect larvae and amphibians and, more rarely, small mammals and birds. The salmon-pink tinge shown variably by males is probably diet-related and obtained from the carotenoid pigments present in some crustaceans and fish. When feeding, the Goosander will float down a stream or river for a few miles and either fly back again or more commonly fish their way back, diving incessantly the whole way. It will often fish in a group, forming a semicircle and driving the fish into shallow water where they are captured easily. When floating leisurely, it will position itself in the water similar to ducks but it will also swim deep in the water like a Cormorant. When not diving for food, it is usually seen swimming on the water surface, resting on rocks in midstream or hidden among riverbank vegetation or (in winter) resting on the edge of floating ice. Date: 23rd December 2019 Location: Abberton Reservoir, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/grayling https://images.on-this.website/4752_143922108564ec9d42a47bb.jpgGrayling Description to follow .... Date: 2nd July 2023 Location: Great Ovens NNR, Wareham Forest, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/september-2013-cattle-egret https://images.on-this.website/4752_80408234952cbd51501712.jpgSeptember 2013 - Cattle Egret Please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/photo19507479.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13683329.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9942463994ed72ee8aa3a6.jpgScottish Wildcat The Wildcat is the UK’s only native cat. It looks very similar to a domestic tabby cat but it is larger with a stockier build and a thick bushy tail which has 3 to 5 broad black bands of fur and a rounded and blunt black tip. The colour of the coat varies from greyish to yellowish-brown. The Wildcat is confined to Scotland north of Glasgow and Edinburgh but it is absent from the Scottish Islands. It prefers areas with varied habitats on the edge of moorland with pasture, scrub and forests. High mountains where prey is scarce and intensively farmed lowland regions are avoided. In winter, bad weather drives the Wildcat from mountains and moorlands into more sheltered wooded valleys. The Wildcat is a shy and wary animal which is active at night, mainly around dawn and dusk. The diet consists of Rabbits, Hares and small mammals but quite large birds and animals freshly killed on roads may also be taken. It sometimes stores or caches uneaten prey by hiding it under vegetation. During the day, and in periods of heavy rain and snow, the Wildcat lies up in dens located amongst boulders and rocky cairns or in old Fox earths, Badgers setts, peat hags or tree roots. The Wildcat is also a solitary and territorial animal living at a low population density. There may be one cat to three square kilometres in good habitats but only one cat to 10 square kilometres in less favourable areas. Urine sprayed on boulders and tree trunks and droppings deposited in prominent places, are used by the Wildcat to mark its territory. Although the Wildcat may live for 10 to 12 years in the wild, most seem to die at an early age. The Wildcat used to be found throughout mainland UK but due to persecution and clearance of wooded land it declined over several centuries. It disappeared from southern England in the 16th century and the last one recorded from northern England was shot in 1849. The Wildcat almost became extinct in the UK in the early years of last century but, following reduced persecution at the time of the First World War and helped by more forestry plantations, it recolonised parts of Scotland. However, this recovery now seems to have slowed down. The urbanised habitat of the central lowlands of Scotland seems to be a barrier to further dispersal. A recent survey failed to find any evidence of Wildcats south of the industrial belt of Scotland. Although increasing afforestation helped the spread of the Wildcat, as forest plantations mature they become less suitable for the small mammals on which the Wildcat preys. Forestry management to encourage Wildcats should therefore aim to diversify the age of plantations. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and 1988 now gives strict legal protection to Wildcats and their dens and it is an offence to take or kill one except under licence. Despite this protection, illegal trapping and shooting are still major causes of death of Wildcats whilst others die in road traffic accidents and there is still a risk from illegal poisoning. Inter-breeding with domestic cats gone wild (known as feral cats) could pose an insidious threat to the Wildcat’s survival in the UK by changing the species' genetic identity. The Wildcat is also at risk from diseases of domestic cats such as feline leukaemia. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo47764311.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_205786841635e54903f681.jpgMute Swan The Mute Swan is a species of swan native to much of Eurasia. Despite its Eurasian origin, its closest relatives are the Black Swan of Australia and the Black-necked Swan of south America, not the other Northern Hemisphere swans such as the Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan. The name “mute” derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. The adult Mute Swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob at the top of the beak. All Mute Swans are white at maturity although the feathers (particularly on the head and neck) are often stained orange-brown by iron and tannins in the water. Young birds (cygnets) are not the bright white colour of mature adults and their bill is dull greyish-black for the first year. The plumage may range from pure white to grey to buff with grey/buff being the most common. Cygnets typically retain their grey/buff feathers until they are at least 1 year old. On average, the Mute Swan is the second largest waterfowl species after the Trumpeter Swan although the male Mute Swan can easily match or even exceed a male Trumpeter Swan in mass. The adult Mute Swan typically ranges from 55 to 63 inches in length (although it can range in extreme cases from 49 to 67 inches) with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. Males (cobs) are larger than females (pens) and have a larger knob on their bill. The Mute Swan is one of the heaviest flying birds. In several studies from the UK, males were found to average from about 23.4 to 26.2 pounds, with a weight range of 20 to 32 pounds, while the slightly smaller females were found to average about 18.7 to 21.3 pounds, with a weight range of 17 to 23 pounds. The Mute Swan is less vocal than the noisy Bewick's Swan and Whooper Swan although it does make a variety of grunting, hoarse whistling and snorting noises, especially in communicating with their cygnets and threatening competitors or intruders trying to enter their territory. The most familiar sound associated with the Mute Swan is the vibrant throbbing of the wings in flight which is unique to the species and this can be heard from a range of up to 1 mile. The Mute Swan is found naturally mainly in the temperate areas of Europe across west Asia and as far east as Primorsky Krai in the far east of Russia. It is partially migratory throughout the northern latitudes in Europe and Asia as far south as north Africa and the Mediterranean. It is also often kept in captivity outside its natural range as a decoration for parks and ponds and escapes have occurred. The descendants of such birds have become naturalised in east USA and the Great Lakes region across the USA and Canada border. The Mute Swan population in the UK has increased recently probably due to better protection of this species. Some birds are resident all year whilst others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into east England. Mute Swans nest on large mounds that they build with waterside vegetation in shallow water on islands in the middle or at the very edge of a lake. It is a monogamous species and often reuses the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Males and females share the care of the nest. The female lays from 4 to 10 eggs and broods for around 36 days. Cygnets are unable to fly before an age of 120 to 150 days and this limits the distribution of the species in the northern edge of its range since the cygnets must learn to fly before the water freezes. The Mute Swan is usually strongly territorial with just a single pair on smaller lakes although in a few locations where a large area of suitable feeding habitat is found they can be colonial. The largest colonies can hold over 100 pairs such as that at the colony at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset in the UK. Non-mated juveniles up to 3 to 4 years old commonly form larger flocks often at regular traditional sites and these can total several hundred birds. The Mute Swan can be very aggressive in defence of its nest and it is highly protective of its mate and offspring. Most defensive attacks from a Mute Swan begin with a loud hiss and, if this is not sufficient to drive off the predator, are followed by a physical attack. It attacks by smashing at its enemy with bony spurs in the wings accompanied by biting with its large bill. Smaller waterbirds such as ducks are normally grabbed with the bill and dragged or thrown clear. Large waterfowl, such as the Canada Goose, more likely out of competition than in response to potential predation, may be aggressively driven off. The wings of the Mute Swan are very powerful although not strong enough to break an adult man's leg as has been claimed anecdotally. The Mute Swan feeds on a wide range of vegetation, both submerged aquatic plants which they reach with their long necks and by grazing on land. The food commonly includes agricultural crop plants such as oilseed rape and wheat and feeding flocks in the winter may cause significant crop damage, often as much through trampling with their large webbed feet as through direct consumption. Date: 27th October 2022 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512522.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_45792439862c99a34ed6ba.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 9th May 2022 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49903669.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2007517256650438760bab4.jpgSmall Copper Flight period: April to October. The Small Copper is a common and widespread butterfly in the UK but has suffered a population decline due to change in land use and habitat loss. They are fond of warm and dry locations and can be found in a variety of habitats including heathland, unimproved grassland, woodland clearings, waste ground and gardens. Date: 21st August 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49903310.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_56106066965042f6cc8201.jpgGatekeeper Flight period: mid-July to early September. The Gatekeeper or Hedge Brown is common and widespread throughout the southern half of the UK. They can be found in areas with hedgerows or in scrubby woodland with wide and sunny rides. Date: 15th August 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9563848.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4309148854daea94a91a80.jpgBlue Tit The Blue Tit is a small passerine bird in the tit family. It is easily recognisable by its generally blue and yellow plumage and its small size. The Blue Tit is about 4.7 inches long with a wingspan of 7.1 inches. It has an azure blue crown and a dark blue line passing through the eye and encircling the white cheeks to the chin, giving the bird a very distinctive appearance. The forehead and a bar on the wing are white. The nape, wings and tail are blue and the back is yellowish green. The underparts are mostly sulphur-yellow with a dark line down the abdomen. The bill is black and the legs bluish grey. The sexes are similar whilst young birds are noticeably more yellow. The Blue Tit is very agile and it can cling to the outermost branches and hang upside down when searching for food such as insects, caterpillars and seeds. The Blue Tit can be found throughout areas of the European continent with a mainly temperate or Mediterranean climate and in parts of the Middle East. In the UK it is common in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens and widespread across the whole of the country with the exception of some Scottish islands. The Blue Tit will nest in any suitable hole in a tree, wall or stump, often competing with other birds such as the House Sparrow or Great Tit for the site. In addition, it will readily accept an artificial nesting box. The same hole is returned to year after year and when one pair dies another takes possession. The nesting material is usually moss, wool, hair and feathers and the eggs are laid in April or May. The number in the clutch is often very large but 7 or 8 is normal. It is not unusual for a single bird to feed the chicks in the nest at a rate of one feed every 90 seconds during the height of the breeding season. Successful breeding is dependent on a sufficient supply of caterpillars as well as satisfactory weather. Breeding may be affected badly if the weather is cold and wet between May and July, particularly if this coincides with the emergence of the caterpillars on which the nestlings are fed. The small size of the Blue Tit makes it vulnerable to predation by larger birds and the typical lifespan is 3 years or less. The most significant predator is probably the Sparrowhawk, closely followed by the domestic cat. Nests may also be robbed by mammals such as the Weasel and Red and Grey Squirrels. Date: 4th January 2009 Location: Dungeness RSPB reserve, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072449.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19203495354bf6e3a12fc4d.jpgSunrise over the Baltic Sea (Helsinki to Stockholm) The Baltic Sea is a semi-enclosed inland sea located in northern Europe. Considered an arm of the Atlantic Ocean, it is connected to it via the Kattegat Strait, Skagerrak Strait and the North Sea. It is the youngest sea on our planet, emerging from the retreating ice masses only some 10,000 to 15,000 years ago. The Baltic Sea has a total surface area of around 150,000 square miles and a coastline of almost 5,000 miles. It has an average depth of only 175 feet. The deepest area of the sea is found off the south east coast of Sweden where it measures a depth of 1,506 feet. Its shallowest area is the continental shelf in the area of the Danish archipelago. The Baltic Sea includes the Gulf of Bothnia, the Bay of Bothnia, the Gulf of Finland, the Gulf of Riga and the Bay of Gdańsk and it stretches from 53°N to 66°N latitude and from 10°E to 30°E longitude. It drains through the Danish islands into the Kattegat by way of the straits of Øresund, the Great Belt and the Little Belt. Governed by special hydrographical and climatic conditions, the Baltic Sea is one of the planet’s largest bodies of brackish water. It is composed of salt water from the north east Atlantic and fresh water from rivers and streams draining from an area 4 times larger than the Baltic Sea itself. This highly sensitive and interdependent marine ecosystem gives rise to unique flora and fauna. Surrounding the Baltic Sea are 9 countries: Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Germany, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Russia. The region is home to more than 85 million people, of whom 15 million live within 5 miles of the coast. The Baltic region includes eight of the 28 European Union member states and the Baltic Sea provides a critical connection between the European Union and the Russian Federation. The region’s diversity can translate into a challenge for decision makers to find common ground on complex issues such as environmental protection, sustainable use and management. As a result, the surrounding coastal countries have not been particularly successful in balancing economic and social uses with the protection of the sea. Nonetheless, the political frameworks in the region are advanced. In the 1950s, environmental scientists in the Baltic region began to note negative effects of large-scale industrial development and chemical runoffs from agriculture. Concern over threats to the region's plant and animal life enabled cooperation between the region's countries. Cooperation over environmental issues led to the 1974 signing by the Baltic countries of the Helsinki Convention on the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Baltic Sea Area. Although the agreement was signed in 1974, due to political wrangling and consensus building, it was enacted in May 1980. Political changes and developments in environmental and maritime law caused a new convention to be signed in 1992. All the states bordering on the Baltic Sea and the European Community joined in the agreement. The 1992 Convention covers the entire Baltic Sea region, including all the inland waters, the Baltic Sea's water and its seabed. Measures were also taken in the whole catchment area of the Baltic Sea to reduce land-based pollution. The revised Convention on the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Baltic Sea Area became enforceable in January 2000. Most recently, the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region, was the first EU macro-regional strategy. It was created to address “the urgent environmental challenges arising from the increasingly visible degradation of the Baltic Sea” and was adopted by the European Council in October 2009. Date: 19th April 2010 Location: view from the Helsinki to Stockholm ferry http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51387299.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_997435613667e7d2828720.jpgLarge Skipper Flight period: June to July. The Large Skipper is a small golden butterfly which is widespread throughout England and Wales and it is also extending its range northwards in to southern Scotland. They can be found in areas of tall, uncut grassland, woodland rides, roadside verges and hedgerows. Date: 23rd June 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51333227.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18008102086676e0aaa0cd8.jpgCommon Blue Flight period: June to September. The Common Blue is the UK’s most widespread and common blue butterfly although it has suffered some local declines due to habitat loss. They can be found in sunny, sheltered areas including downland, roadside verges, woodland clearings and rural gardens. Date: 14th June 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/lulworth-skipper https://images.on-this.website/4752_56968633464eca779d9d47.jpgLulworth Skipper Description to follow .... Date: 3rd July 2023 Location: Broadcroft Quarry, Isle of Portland, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29240086.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_134775913157eb965802179.jpgCamas Rubha a' Mhurain, Portnaluchaig, Highland The B8008 coastal road north from Arisaig passes through Portnaluchaig and offers views of the sandy bay of Camas Rubha a' Mhurain and the islands of Eigg and Rhum beyond. Date: 22nd September 2016 Location: view from B8008 road north of Arisaig http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50809807.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_156594741660bce92cb5c6.jpgPeacock Flight period: March to September. The Peacock is a familiar and widespread butterfly which is continuing to expand its range in the UK. It is a highly adaptable species that can be found almost anywhere but the best sites are where favoured nectar plants are available. Date: 30th March 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32708775.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_196462323359ad24e8be0803.37566157.jpgGreat White Egret The Great White Egret is a large bird with all white plumage. Apart from size, the Great White Egret can be distinguished from other white egrets by its yellow bill and black legs and feet although the bill may become darker and the lower legs lighter in the breeding season. In breeding plumage, delicate ornamental feathers are borne on the back. It has a slow flight with its neck retracted. The Great White Egret is distributed across most of the tropical and warmer temperate regions of the world favouring all kinds of wetland habitats and it is a familiar species in southern Europe. Expanding populations in Europe mean that the Great White Egret is now seen more frequently in the UK and it can turn up in almost any part of the country with the majority of records in south east England and East Anglia. Date: 18th May 2017 Location: Csaj-tó, Csanytelek, Csongrád county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50637283.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_118357879365e05e54b9f51.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the Canidae family and is a part of the order Carnivora within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 24th February 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405444.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13353911946586e09ccad89.jpgLittle Egret The Little Egret is a species of small heron. The genus name comes from the Provençal French Aigrette (egret), a diminutive of Aigron (heron). The adult Little Egret is 22 to 26 inches long with a 35 to 42 inches wingspan. Its plumage is normally entirely white although there are dark forms with largely bluish-grey plumage. In the breeding season, the adult has 2 long plumes on the nape that form a crest. These plumes are about 6 inches in length and are pointed and very narrow. There are similar feathers on the breast but the barbs are more widely spread. There are also several elongated scapular feathers that have long loose barbs around 8 inches long. During the winter the plumage is similar but the scapulars are shorter and more normal in appearance. The bill is long and slender and both it and the lores are black. There is an area of greenish-grey bare skin at the base of the lower mandible and around the eye which has a yellow iris. The legs are black and the feet yellow. Juveniles are similar to non-breeding adults but have greenish-black legs and duller yellow feet and may have a certain proportion of greyish or brownish feathers. The Little Egret is mostly silent but it does make various croaking and bubbling calls at its breeding colonies and it produces a harsh alarm call when disturbed. The breeding range of the western race of the Little Egret includes south Europe, the Middle East, much of Africa and south Asia. European populations are migratory and mostly travel to Africa although some remain in southern Europe. During the late 20th century, the range of the Little Egret expanded northwards in Europe and into the New World. The Little Egret's habitat varies widely and includes the shores of lakes, rivers, canals, ponds, lagoons, marshes and flooded land, the bird preferring open locations to dense cover. On the coast it inhabits mudflats, sandy beaches, mangrove areas, swamps and reefs. The Little Egret is a sociable bird and can be seen in small flocks. However, individual birds do not tolerate others coming too close to their chosen feeding site although this depends on the abundance of prey. The Little Egret uses a variety of methods to find its food. It stalks its prey in shallow water, often running with raised wings or shuffling its feet to disturb small fish, or it may stand still and wait to ambush prey. It also makes use of opportunities provided by Cormorants disturbing fish or humans attracting fish by throwing bread into water. On land, it walks or runs while chasing its prey, often feeding on creatures disturbed by grazing livestock. The diet is mainly fish but amphibians, small reptiles, mammals and birds are also eaten as well as crustaceans, molluscs, insects, spiders and worms. The Little Egret nests in colonies, often with other wading birds such as Cattle Egret, Black-crowned Night Heron, Squacco Heron and Glossy Ibis. The nests are usually platforms of sticks built in trees or shrubs or in reed beds or bamboo groves. Pairs defend a small breeding territory, usually extending around 10 to 13 feet from the nest. The 3 to 5 eggs are incubated by both adults for 21 to 25 days before hatching. The young birds are covered in white down feathers are cared for by both parents and fledge after 40 to 45 days. Globally, the Little Egret is not listed as a threatened species and has in fact expanded its range over the last few decades.[5] The IUCN states that their wide distribution and large total population means that they are a species that cause them "least concern". Historical research has shown that the Little Egret was once present, and probably common, in the UK but became extinct there through a combination of over-hunting in the late mediaeval period and climate change at the start of the Little Ice Age. Further declines occurred throughout Europe as the plumes of the Little Egret and other egrets were in demand for decorating hats. They had been used in the plume trade since at least the 17th century but in the 19th century it became a major craze and the number of egret skins passing through dealers reached into the millions. Hunting, which reduced the population of the species to dangerously low levels, stimulated the establishment of Britain's Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in 1889. By the 1950s, the Little Egret had become restricted to south Europe and conservation laws protecting the species were introduced. This allowed the population to rebound strongly and over the next few decades it became increasingly common in western France and later on the north coast. It bred in the Netherlands in 1979 with further breeding from the 1990s onward. Populations are now mostly stable or increasing in Europe. In the UK, the Little Egret was a rare vagrant from its 16th century extinction until the late 20th century. It has, however, recently become a regular breeding species and is commonly present, often in large numbers, at favoured coastal sites. The first recent breeding record in England was on Brownsea Island in Dorset in 1996 and it bred in Wales for the first time in 2002. The population increase has been rapid subsequently with over 750 pairs breeding in nearly 70 colonies in 2008 and a post-breeding total of 4,540 birds in September 2008. Severe winter weather proves only to be a temporary setback and the Little Egret continues to expand both its numbers and range in the UK. Date: 9th October 2023 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457687.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_313033535668578a1bd8cd.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51387310.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_896453428667e7d624609c.jpgLarge Skipper Flight period: June to July. The Large Skipper is a small golden butterfly which is widespread throughout England and Wales and it is also extending its range northwards in to southern Scotland. They can be found in areas of tall, uncut grassland, woodland rides, roadside verges and hedgerows. Date: 23rd June 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51982672.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_122536278866d33d0c109d4.jpgEmerald Damselfly Flight period: June to September The Emerald Damselfly is widely distributed in uplands and lowlands throughout the UK. They can be found around small, shallow standing water with luxuriant vegetation such as rushes and sedges. Date: 19th July 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51335114.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9528076376676e60bb3341.jpgEdible Frog The Edible Frog is a species of frog found across Europe that is also known as the Common Water Frog and the Green Frog. The Edible Frog is one of the few animals in the world that is a fertile hybrid of 2 different species, as although similar but genetically different species are known to mate, it is very rare that their offspring will be able to breed. The Edible Frog is a fertile hybrid of 2 other European frogs, namely the Pool Frog and the Marsh Frog, that inter-bred when populations where isolated close to one another during the Ice Age. It was first described in 1758 and is known as the Edible Frog due to the fact that it is now seen as a culinary delicacy across Europe but especially in France where frog’s legs are often served as a national dish. The reason for humans favouring this frog over others is not really known but it may have something to do with their abundance. The Edible Frog is a medium sized frog growing to around 3.5 to 4.5 inches in length. Adults are mainly green in colour with light patches of brown on their backs, yellow eyes and a white underside covered in a few dark spots. There are number of distinct differences between males and females including the fact that males become much lighter and greener during the mating season. Males also have vocal sacs on the outside of their cheeks and extra skin patches on their feet, both of which are primarily used for mating. The Edible Frog is endemic to Europe and it naturally occurs across central Europe as far north as Germany and Estonia. Southern populations are found from Croatia, through northern Italy and into the south of France. There are also isolated populations in Sweden and Bulgaria which are thought to have migrated from the countries nearby. It has also been introduced to the UK. The Edible Frog spends all of its time either in or very close to water and it is most commonly found in calmer parts of rivers and streams where there is a slow but constant flow of fresh water. It tends to prefer more open areas and can also be commonly found around lakes, ponds and marshes. Unlike many other species of frog, the Edible Frog is a diurnal animal and is therefore most active during the day. This is when it is most likely to move away from the water so that it can find a better supply of food or move to a different part of the water if it needs to. The Edible Frog is a relatively solitary animal so there is less competition for food but males are often seen sitting together in groups during the breeding season when they are trying to out-compete each other to find a mate. The breeding season for the Edible Frog begins during March and generally lasts for around 2 months. Males sing by drawing air in and out of their vocal sacs to produce the highest-pitched sound possible since females are most attracted to the loudest males. After courting her in a lake, pond or swamp, the male lets the female lay up to 10,000 eggs in a sticky mass into the water before he fertilises them. Tadpoles can be as small as 0.2 inches long when they hatch and are a grey/brown colour. They then grow up to 2 to 3 inches in length before metamorphoses occurs and they leave the water as 0.75 inches long young frogs. The Edible Frog reaches sexual maturity at the age of 2 years and can live until it is 15 years old. The Edible Frog is a carnivorous amphibian but the tadpoles mainly eat vegetation although they are known to occasionally supplement their diet with aquatic micro-organisms. Adults eat small invertebrates such as insects, spiders and flies, which make up the majority of their diet, along with larger aquatic animals like fish, newts and other frogs. The Edible Frog hunts for food during the day and can be seen catching food both in water and on land. The Edible Frog remains very still when it is sitting on the banks of its water habitat and this, along with its camouflage, makes it very difficult for predators to spot. Its eyes are positioned near the top of the head meaning that it can also see danger coming whilst the body is mainly hidden. Snakes, owls and water birds are the main predators of the Edible Frog. The Edible Frog will jump into the water and hide if it senses approaching danger and it will make a loud screeching sound if caught. Edible Frog populations are under threat from habitat destruction mainly caused by deforestation and water pollution. Date: 21st June 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51980705.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_63731459666d334a1c5b3f.jpgAzure Damselfly Flight period: May to August The Azure Damselfly is one of the two commonest blue damselflies and is a common and widespread species of lowland UK. They can be found around most standing water, preferring small, sheltered sites including ditches and garden ponds. Date: 29th June 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12744906.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20307318484e706e33b6908.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 7th December 2007 Location: Donna Nook, Lincolnshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51980690.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_178803224166d33469c16ff.jpgLarge Skipper Flight period: June to July. The Large Skipper is a small golden butterfly which is widespread throughout England and Wales and it is also extending its range northwards in to southern Scotland. They can be found in areas of tall, uncut grassland, woodland rides, roadside verges and hedgerows. Date: 29th June 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40952883.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1825294995e5394d18eae9.jpgCliffs of Moher, Co. Clare, Ireland The Cliffs of Moher are located at the south western edge of the Burren region in Co. Clare and stretch for about 9 miles. At their southern end, they rise 390 feet above the Atlantic Ocean at Hag's Head and 5 miles to the north they reach their maximum height of 702 feet just north of O'Brien's Tower, a round stone tower near the midpoint of the cliffs built in 1835 by Sir Cornelius O'Brien, and then continue at lower heights. The closest villages are Liscannor, 4 miles to the south, and Doolin, 4 miles, to the north. From the Cliffs of Moher, visitors can see the Aran Islands in Galway Bay, the mountain ranges of the Maumturks and Twelve Pins in Connemara in Co. Galway to the north and Loop Head in Co. Clare to the south. The official Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk runs for about 11 miles from Hag's Head to Doolin. This passes the Visitor Centre and O'Brien's Tower with good viewing throughout subject to rain or sea fog. There are 2 paths near the Visitor Centre, the official one being set back a little for safety whilst an unofficial path runs closer to the edge. In July 2016 the so-called Cliff Walk, outside the official Cliffs of Moher amenities, was temporarily closed because of the risk of rock falls. People were warned to stay on the official path further away from the cliff edge instead of the unofficial path. Since 2011, the Cliffs of Moher have formed a part of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark, one of a family of geotourism destinations throughout Europe that are members of the European Geoparks Network and also recognized by UNESCO. The cliffs are also a "signature point" on the official Wild Atlantic Way tourist trail. The Cliffs of Moher rank among the most visited tourist sites in Ireland with around 1.5 million visits per year. In the 1990s the local authority, Clare County Council, initiated development plans to enable visitors to experience the cliffs without significant intrusive man-made amenities. In keeping with this approach, a modern visitor centre, the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience, was built into a hillside approaching the cliffs. The centre was planned to be environmentally sensitive in its use of renewable energy systems including geothermal heating and cooling, solar panels and grey water recycling. The €32 million facility was planned and built over a 17 year period and officially opened in February 2007. Exhibits include interactive media displays covering the geology, history, flora and fauna of the Cliffs of Moher. The Cliffs of Moher consist mainly of beds of Namurian shale and sandstone with the oldest rocks being found at the bottom of the cliffs. During the time of their formation between 313 and 326 million years ago, a river dumped sand, silt and clay in to an ancient marine basin. Over millions of years, the sediments collecting at the mouth of this ancient delta were compacted and lithified in to the sedimentary strata preserved in the now exposed cliffs. Today the Cliffs of Moher are subject to erosion by wave action which undermines the base of support causing the cliffs to collapse under their own weight. This process creates a variety of coastal landforms characteristic of eroded coasts such as sea caves, sea stacks and sea stumps. Branaunmore, a 220 feet high sea stack at the foot below O'Brien's Tower, was once part of the Cliffs of Moher but coastal erosion gradually removed the layers of rock that joined it with the mainland. A large sea arch can also be seen at Hag's Head below the Napoleonic signal tower and many smaller sea arches can be seen from sea level. During the peak summer breeding season, there are an estimated 30,000 pairs of birds of more than 20 species and the Cliffs of Moher are designated as an Important Bird Area. A wide range of sea life can also be seen from the Cliffs of Moher including Atlantic Grey Seals, various species of whales and dolphins and Basking Sharks. Date: 6th February 2020 Location: view from Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk near Visitor Centre http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23806396.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6999079955129a8a7a1be.jpgTufted Duck The Tufted Duck is a medium-sized diving duck. Males are black on the head, neck, breast and back and white on the sides with a small crest and a yellow eye. Females are browner in colour. Tufted Ducks breed in the UK across the lowland areas of England, Scotland and Ireland but less commonly in Wales. Numbers increase in the UK in winter due to birds moving to the UK from Iceland and northern Europe. Tufted Ducks can be found all year round in suitable habitats such as a reservoirs, gravel pits or lakes. Date: 7th March 2015 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14160684.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_866742814f3e1a060f145.jpgRabbit The (European) Rabbit ranges from 13 to 20 inches in length, not counting a tail of 1.6 to 3.1 inches. It has grey/brown fur, white underparts, long ears, large hind legs and a short, white fluffy tail. As a lagomorph, it has four sharp incisors (two on top, two on bottom) that grow continuously throughout its life. The Rabbit moves move by hopping, using its long and powerful hind legs. To facilitate quick movement, the hind feet have a thick padding of fur to dampen the shock of rapid hopping. The toes are long and are webbed to keep from spreading apart as the animal jumps. The Rabbit is native to south west Europe (Spain and Portugal) and north west Africa (Morocco and Algeria). It is known as an invasive species because it has been introduced to countries on all continents, with the exception of Antarctica and sub-Saharan Africa, where it has often caused many problems within the environment and ecosystems. The Rabbit was brought to England in the 12th century by the Normans and kept in captivity in warrens as a source of meat and fur. Many escaped into the wild and eventually become so common that farming them was no longer economic. Helped by fast breeding, a diet of virtually any vegetable matter and human persecution of their predators, the Rabbit slowly established itself in the wild in the UK despite originally favouring a warmer, drier climate. It is now widespread throughout the UK but absent from the Isles of Scilly and a few smaller islands and can be found almost anywhere that it can burrow. The most suitable areas are those where the burrow area and food supply are side-by-side, such as woodland edge and hedgerows. Open warrens are maintained where good burrowing conditions exist on areas of short grass, sand dunes, railway verges and even in urban areas. It is rarely found above the tree-line and it avoids damp conditions and areas deep in conifer woodland. The Rabbit is a social animal and lives in medium-sized colonies comprising of a network of burrows known as warrens. It is largely crepuscular, being most active around dawn and dusk, although it is not infrequently seen and active during the day. During the day, it prefers to reside in vegetated patches which are used for protection from predators. The Rabbit is essentially a mixed feeder, both grazing and browsing, but grass is the primary food source. However, it has a diverse diet of grasses, leaves, buds, tree bark and roots and will also eat lettuce, cabbage, root vegetables and grains. The Rabbit is famed for its reproductive capabilities and the inspiration for the phrase "breeding like rabbits". The breeding season is mainly from January to August when 4 to 8 litters of 2 to 12 kittens are produced. The gestation period averages 31 days. The doe constructs a nest inside a burrow from grass bedding and lines it with soft fur from her chest and belly. The young kittens are born blind, deaf and almost hairless. Their eyes open at 10 days, they begin to appear at the burrow entrance at 18 days and are weaned at 21 to 25 days. They are self-supporting in one month but 90% die in the first year. Bucks are able to mate at 4 months, does at 3.5 months. Birds of prey and carnivores such as the Fox, Stoat and Weasel are the primary predators of the Rabbit. Date: 31st May 2008 Location: Quendale, South Mainland, Shetland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52698169.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_180410865967b0bc2c8759d.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the Canidae family and is a part of the order Carnivora within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 25th January 2025 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14185417.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17209540464f42332bc565a.jpgGatekeeper Flight period: mid-July to early September. The Gatekeeper or Hedge Brown is common and widespread throughout the southern half of the UK. They can be found in areas with hedgerows or in scrubby woodland with wide and sunny rides. Date: 12th August 2007 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51984009.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_193040008066d3474d6f484.jpgSmall White Flight period: April to September. The Small White is a highly successful species which is common and widespread in the UK. They can be found almost anywhere including in towns and gardens. Date: 28th July 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071705.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7236823606643397f4b150.jpgNuthatch The Nuthatches are a family of similar looking birds with short tails and wings, compact bodies, longish pointed bills, grey or bluish upperparts, a black eyestripe and strong feet. There are more than 20 subspecies in 3 main groups. The Eurasian Nuthatch is found throughout temperate Asia and in Europe where it is known simply as the Nuthatch. The adult male Nuthatch is 5.5 inches long. It has blue-grey upperparts, a black eye-stripe and whitish throat and underparts. The flanks and lower belly are orange-red and mottled with white on the undertail. The stout bill is dark grey with a paler area on the base of the lower mandible, the iris is dark brown and the legs and feet are pale brown or greyish. The female is similar in appearance to the male but may be identified by her slightly paler upperparts, a browner eyestripe and a more washed out tone to the flanks and lower belly. Young birds resemble the female although their plumage is duller and they have paler legs. The Nuthatch's breeding range extends across temperate Eurasia from the UK (but not Ireland) to Japan. It breeds south to the Mediterranean in Europe (although it is absent from the islands other than Sicily) and in most of Russia. In the east, the range includes most of China and Taiwan and much of Korea. Most populations are sedentary, apart from some post-breeding dispersal of young birds, and there is a reluctance to cross even short stretches of open water. The Nuthatch can be found in mature woodland with large, old trees which provide extensive growth for foraging and nesting holes. In Europe, deciduous or mixed forest is favoured, particularly when containing oak. Parks, old orchards and other wooded habitats may be occupied as long as they have at least a 2.5 acre block of suitable trees. Particularly in mountains, the Nuthatch can be found in old spruce and pine forests. The Nuthatch is primarily a lowland bird in the north of its range but reaches the tree-line in Switzerland at 3,900 feet or higher and it breeds occasionally at 5,900 to 6,900 feet in Austria. It breeds at similar levels in the mountains of Turkey, the Middle East, central Asia and Japan. The Nuthatch is common throughout much of its range although densities are lower in the far north and in coniferous forests. Fragmentation of woodland can lead to local losses of breeding birds but the range is still expanding. In recent decades, the Nuthatch has colonised Scotland and expanded its range in Wales and northern England. Across most of its European range, the most important predator of the Nuthatch is the Sparrowhawk. Other species known to prey on the Nuthatch include the Goshawk, Hobby and Tawny Owl. Pairs of Nuthatches hold permanent territories and nest in tree holes, usually old woodpecker nests but sometimes natural cavities. The nest site is typically 5 to 65 feet above the ground. If the entrance to the hole is too large, the female plasters it with mud to reduce its size and often coats the inside of the cavity too. The 6 to 9 red-speckled white eggs are laid on a deep base of pine or other wood chips. The female incubates the eggs for 13 to 18 days to hatching and broods the chicks until they fledge 20 to 26 days later. Both adults feed the chicks in the nest and continue to do so after they fledge until they become independent after about 8 to 14 days. Normally only a single brood is raised each year. The Nuthatch eats mainly insects, particularly caterpillars and beetles, although in autumn and winter its diet is supplemented with nuts and seeds. Food items are found mainly on tree trunks and large branches but smaller branches may also be investigated. Food may also be taken from the ground especially outside the breeding season. The Nuthatch can forage when descending trees head first as well as when climbing upwards. The Nuthatch readily visits bird tables and will eat fatty man-made food items as well as seeds. It is a hoarder and will store food all year round. Date: 5th May 2024 Location: RWT Gilfach, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405513.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4958179016586f28e04fcc.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 15th November 2023 Location: Fishers Green, Lee Valley Regional Park, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13683380.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8782172904ed737ef42ab4.jpgBarn Owl With a heart shaped face, buff back and wings and pure white under-parts the Barn Owl is a distinctive and much-loved bird of the countryside. Barn Owls are widely distributed across the UK and can be seen all year round sometimes during the day but normally at dusk in open country and along field edges, riverbanks and roadside verges. Barn owls have suffered population declines over the past 50 years as a result of habitat degradation following increasing intensive agricultural practices. However, that decline has stopped in many areas and their population may now be increasing. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28102088.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18563354355777a49da5d3d.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include [url=http://www.gigrin.co.uk/]Gigrin Farm feeding centre[/url] near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 12th June 2016 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41524240.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3643512945f3a6ae61291c.jpgGatekeeper Flight period: mid-July to early September. The Gatekeeper or Hedge Brown is common and widespread throughout the southern half of the UK. They can be found in areas with hedgerows or in scrubby woodland with wide and sunny rides. Date: 1st August 2020 Location, Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26024150.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_143523749356373572b7f1d.jpgCommon Snipe The Common Snipe is a medium sized, skulking wading bird with short legs and a long straight bill. Both sexes are mottled brown above with paler buff stripes on the back, dark streaks on the chest and pale underparts. The Common Snipe breeds in marshes, bogs, tundra and wet meadows throughout northern Europe and northern Asia. It is a migratory bird, with European birds wintering in southern and western Europe and Africa. Date: 3rd June 2015 Location: Kaldbakur near Húsavík, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072261.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7779035264bf6d769ca309.jpgKaamanen to Utsjoki, Lappi, Finland Date: 11th April 2010 Location: view from road E75 between Kaamanen and Utsjoki, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405576.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13946549806586fc8f1dd51.jpgRed Foxes The Red Fox is a member of the Canidae family and is a part of the order Carnivora within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 6th December 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51982657.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2227588866d33cf3bbab0.jpgEmerald Damselfly Flight period: June to September The Emerald Damselfly is widely distributed in uplands and lowlands throughout the UK. They can be found around small, shallow standing water with luxuriant vegetation such as rushes and sedges. Date: 19th July 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51982649.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_170037403266d33ce6bdc94.jpgBlue-tailed Damselfly Flight period: mid May to early September. Blue-tailed Damselflies are a widespread and common species of damselfly in much of England, Wales and southern Scotland. They can be found around lakes, ponds, canals and ditches, being less common on flowing water and in exposed and upland sites. They can also tolerate some saline and polluted waters. Date: 19th July 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51980706.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_114062110866d334acb1905.jpgBlack-tailed Skimmer Flight period: May to August. The Black-tailed Skimmer is a common dragonfly in south east England and it is expanding its range northwards. They can be found around lowland lakes, ponds, sand and gravel workings, slow flowing rivers and brackish water. Date: 29th June 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/los-mallos-de-riglos-aragon https://images.on-this.website/4752_3857026074b1580e1de30b.jpgLos Mallos de Riglos, Aragon, Spain Los Mallos de Riglos are a set of conglomerate rock formations in the region of Aragon. They are located near Riglos 28 miles north east of Huesca. Rising to approximately 980 feet high at 3300 feet above sea level, they form part of the foothills of the Pyrenees. Date: 14th November 2009 http://www.richardchewphotography.com/arribes-del-duero-castille-y https://images.on-this.website/4752_10087222834cd572cd35333.jpgArribes del Duero, Castille y Leon, Spain Arribes del Duero is a Natural Park in north west Spain where the river Duero forms the national boundary between Spain and Portugal. The river has eroded deep gorges for over 6o miles of its course resulting in steep cliffs and rock faces. Date: 11th September 2010 Location: view from near Fermoselle, Castille y Leon, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46535133.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_181511479062caa2b6baee3.jpgAzure Damselfly Flight period: May to August The Azure Damselfly is one of the two commonest blue damselflies and is a common and widespread species of lowland UK. They can be found around most standing water, preferring small, sheltered sites including ditches and garden ponds. Date: 3rd July 2022 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo47645636.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6887793386347d74d24dc6.jpgTurnstone The Turnstone has a mottled appearance with brown or chestnut and black upperparts, brown and white or black and white head pattern, white underparts and orange legs. Turnstones can be found around most of the UK coastline including rocky, sandy and muddy shores and particularly like feeding on seaweed covered rocks, seawalls and jetties. They are present for most of the year. Birds from Northern Europe pass through in July and August and again in spring and birds from Canada and Greenland arrive in August and September and remain until April and May. Non-breeding birds may stay throughout the summer. Date: 19th September 2022 Location: Walcott, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4352157.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3721561674b687b2da9784.jpgTurnstone The Turnstone has a mottled appearance with brown or chestnut and black upperparts, brown and white or black and white head pattern, white underparts and orange legs. Turnstones can be found around most of the UK coastline including rocky, sandy and muddy shores and particularly like feeding on seaweed covered rocks, seawalls and jetties. They are present for most of the year. Birds from Northern Europe pass through in July and August and again in spring and birds from Canada and Greenland arrive in August and September and remain until April and May. Non-breeding birds may stay throughout the summer. Date: 1st February 2010 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45456937.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1062606806250016a4c242.jpgTurnstone The Turnstone has a mottled appearance with brown or chestnut and black upperparts, brown and white or black and white head pattern, white underparts and orange legs. Turnstones can be found around most of the UK coastline including rocky, sandy and muddy shores and particularly like feeding on seaweed covered rocks, seawalls and jetties. They are present for most of the year. Birds from Northern Europe pass through in July and August and again in spring and birds from Canada and Greenland arrive in August and September and remain until April and May. Non-breeding birds may stay throughout the summer. Date: 9th November 2021 Location: Shoeburyness, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37399598.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9070640485c66975eb4123.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 9th December 2018 Location: Winterton-Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/port-ellen-islay-argyll https://images.on-this.website/4752_16284407945a106b600c1b6.jpgDate: 5th November 2017 Location: Port Ellen, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41524226.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7811193225f3a6ac13f20f.jpgCommon Blue Flight period: June to September. The Common Blue is the UK’s most widespread and common blue butterfly although it has suffered some local declines due to habitat loss. They can be found in sunny, sheltered areas including downland, roadside verges, woodland clearings and rural gardens. Date: 1st August 2020 Location, Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28883585.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_98371970157cc041ebcc98.jpgLahemaa National Park, Estonia Lahemaa National Park was established in 1971 and was the first area to be designated as a National Park of the former Soviet Union. It is located about 40 miles east of Tallinn with the Gulf of Finland to the north and the Tallinn to Narva road to the south. It covers an area of 280 square miles including almost 100 square miles of sea and it is the largest National Park in Estonia. Forest covers around 70% of the Lahemaa National Park and much of the remainder includes raised bogs. The area is rich in flora and fauna including a population of Wolves, Brown Bears and Lynx. Date: 19th May 2016 Location: Beaver Trail" near Ouanda, Lahemaa National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/an-teallach-wester-ross https://images.on-this.website/4752_21157415684e09758fe482a.jpgAn Teallach, Wester Ross Height: Bidean a'Ghlas Thuill 3483 feet and Sgurr Fiona 3477 feet. Towering above Little Loch Broom and Dundonnell village, the jagged outline of An Teallach is a well known mountain maasif in Wester Ross. Date: 12th June 2011 Location: view from the A832 road between Braemore and Dundonnell http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41349692.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5399677395f2017de6f560.jpgGreen-veined White Flight period: April to September The Green-veined White is a widespread buttterfly throughout the UK and is often the commonest white butterfly in the north of the UK. They can be found in a variety of habitats but damp, lush vegetation is an essential requirement. Date: 12th July 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/kaamasjoki-lappi-finland https://images.on-this.website/4752_4887273794bf6e2b218659.jpgKaamasjoki, Lappi, Finland Date: 15th April 2010 http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17054588.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15706034650dec2b9d03ec.jpgOtter The Eurasian Otter, also known as the European Otter, Eurasian River Otter, Common Otter and Old World Otter and commonly known as the Otter, is a semi-aquatic mammal and the most widely distributed member of the Otter sub-family of the Weasel family (Mustelidae). The Otter is a typical species of the Otter sub-family and is brown above and cream below. It is 22.5 to 37.5 inches long excluding a tail of 14 to 17.5 inches. The female is shorter than the male. The Otter's average body weight is 15 to 26 pounds, although occasionally a large old male may reach up to 37 pounds. The Otter differs from the North American River Otter by its shorter neck, broader face, the greater space between the ears and its longer tail. However, it is the only Otter species in much of its range so it is rarely confused for any other animal. The Otter is the most widely distributed Otter species and its range including parts of Asia and Africa as well as being widespread across Europe. The Otter can be found throughout most of the UK with the highest densities in Scotland, especially the islands and the north west coast, Wales, parts of East Anglia and the West Country. The Otter declined across its range in the second half of the 20th century primarily due to pollution, habitat loss and hunting. However, populations are now recovering in many parts of Europe. In the UK the number of sites with an Otter presence increased by 55% between 1994 and 2002. In August 2011, the Environment Agency announced that the Otter had returned to every county in England since vanishing from every county except the West Country and parts of Northern England. The recovery of the Otter population in Europe is due to a ban on the most harmful pesticides that has been in place since 1979, improvements in water quality leading to increases in prey populations and direct legal protection under the European Union Habitats Directive and national legislation in several European countries. In general, the Otter’s varied and adaptable diet means that it can be found on any unpolluted body of fresh water, including lakes, streams, rivers and ponds, as long as the food supply is adequate. It can also be found along the coast in salt water but it requires regular access to fresh water to clean its fur. When living in the sea it is sometimes referred to as a "Sea Otter" but it should not be confused with the true Sea Otter which is a North American species much more strongly adapted to a marine existence. The Otter's diet mainly consists of fish. However, during the winter and in colder environments, fish consumption is significantly lower and other sources of food are eaten including amphibians, crustaceans, insects, birds and small mammals. Hunting mainly takes place at night whilst the day is usually spent in the Otter's holt (den). The Otter is strongly territorial and is primarily solitary. An individual's territory may vary between 1 and 25 miles with the length of the territory depending on the density of food available and the width of the water suitable for hunting (it is shorter on coasts, where the available width is much wider and longer on narrower rivers). The Otter uses its spraints to mark its territory. Territories are only held against members of the same sex so those of males and females may overlap. The Otter is a non-seasonal breeder and males and females will breed at any time of the year. It has been found that their mating season is most likely determined simply by the Otters' reproductive maturity and physiological state. Female Otters are sexually mature between 18 and 24 months old and the average age of first breeding is found to be 2.5 years old. Gestation is 60 to 64 days and after the gestation period, 1 to 4 pups are born which remain dependent on the mother for about 13 months. The male plays no direct role in parental care although the territory of a female with her pups is usually entirely within that of the male. Date: 29th October 2012 Location: Strumpshaw Fen RSPB reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/strathmore-and-river-broom-wester https://images.on-this.website/4752_849184274e097587ded6b.jpgStrathmore and River Broom, Wester Ross Strathmore is a broad and steep sided valley containing the River Broom which runs northwards and seawards towards Loch Broom from Braemore. Date: 12th June 2011 Location: view from the A832 road looking north towards Loch Broom http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28885488.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_204358117957cc321843fca.jpgCommon Rosefinch The Common Rosefinch is the most widespread and common rosefinch species of Europe and Asia. The male has brilliant rosy-carmine head, breast and rump, heavy bill, dark brown wings with two indistinct bars and a white belly. Females and young males are dull-coloured with yellowish-brown above, brighter on the rump and greyer on the head and buff below. The Common Rosefinch can be found in summer in thickets, woodland and forest edges near rivers and in winter in gardens and orchards, wetlands and locally in dry oak woods. The Common Rosefinch breeds throughout eastern Europe and north, central and east Asia and has spread westward through Europe in recent decades. It is a fairly regular passage visitor to the UK and a scare breeder. Date: 15th May 2016 Location: Tõramaa to Tipu road, Soomaa National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49279110.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16514822526499ca0385c0f.jpgMarbled White Flight period: July to August The Marbled White is a very distinctive black and white butterfly that is widespread in southern England and expanding its range northwards and eastwards. They can be found in unimproved grassland, coastal grassland, roadside verges and railway embankments. Date: 22nd June 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26270414.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14740005065665530157515.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 4th December 2015 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/cadiz-province-andalucia-spain https://images.on-this.website/4752_70183087652528bb390b8d.jpgCadiz province, Andalucia, Spain Date: 8th September 2013 Location: view from the service road south of Laguna de Medina towards Medina Sidonia, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/loch-eil-inverness-shire https://images.on-this.website/4752_8849021074813be6478315.jpgLoch Eil, Inverness-shire Loch Eil is a sea loch which extends almost 7 miles from west to east before opening in to the northern end of Loch Linnhe opposite Fort William. Date: 27th March 2008 Location: view from the A861 road along the south shore http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26024024.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1084372315563734a134338.jpgCommon Snipe The Common Snipe is a medium sized, skulking wading bird with short legs and a long straight bill. Both sexes are mottled brown above with paler buff stripes on the back, dark streaks on the chest and pale underparts. The Common Snipe breeds in marshes, bogs, tundra and wet meadows throughout northern Europe and northern Asia. It is a migratory bird, with European birds wintering in southern and western Europe and Africa. Date: 3rd June 2015 Location: Kaldbakur near Húsavík, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41524227.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11180859385f3a6ac25dbcc.jpgCommon Blue Flight period: June to September. The Common Blue is the UK’s most widespread and common blue butterfly although it has suffered some local declines due to habitat loss. They can be found in sunny, sheltered areas including downland, roadside verges, woodland clearings and rural gardens. Date: 1st August 2020 Location, Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082040.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16879540655d3079ee28a16.jpgBlack-headed Bunting The Black-headed Bunting is a member of the bunting family but larger and longer tailed than the Reed Bunting. The breeding male has bright yellow underparts, chestnut upperparts and a black hood. The female is a washed-out version of the male with paler underparts, a grey-brown back and a greyish head. The Black-headed Bunting breeds in open scrubby areas including agricultural land from south east Europe to central Asia. The wintering grounds are mainly in India although vagrants have been found wintering as far east as Japan, China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Laos, South Korea and Malaysia. Summer vagrants may occur as far north in Europe as Norway. Date: 18th May 2018 Location: Nos Kaliakra, Dobrich Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/near-riglos-aragon-spain https://images.on-this.website/4752_8948934754b1580eba91fc.jpgLos Mallos de Riglos, Aragon, Spain Los Mallos de Riglos are a set of conglomerate rock formations in the region of Aragon. They are located near Riglos 28 miles north east of Huesca. Rising to approximately 980 feet high at 3300 feet above sea level, they form part of the foothills of the Pyrenees. Date: 14th November 2009 http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084001.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18003857015d30836329c21.jpgCommon Wall Lizard The Common (European) Wall Lizard is a small, thin lizard which can grow to about 7.9 inches in total length and whose small scales are highly variable in colour and pattern. Its colouration is generally brownish or greyish and may occasionally be tinged with green. In some individuals, the row of spots along their backs may form a line whilst others may have a reticulated pattern with dark spots on the side and scattered white spots that can be blue in the shoulder region. The tail is brown, grey or rust in colour and may also have light bars on the sides. The belly region has six rows of larger rectangular scales that are generally reddish, pink or orangish. There may also be dark markings on the throat. The Common Wall Lizard has 6 distinct morphological forms which are identified by the colouration of its throat and underbelly. The Common Wall Lizard can be found in rocky environments, including urban settings, where it can scurry between rock, rubble, debris and buildings. Its natural range spans mainland Europe but it also occurs as an introduced species in southern UK and north America. Date: 29th May 2018 Location: near Teshel, Smolyan Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49276627.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_29448443064995f363c488.jpgWhitesands Bay to St. David's Head, Pembrokeshire The wide sandy expanse of Whitesands Beach curves north towards the rocky headland of St David's Head which can be reached via the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. From here, there is an excellent view of RSPB Ramsey Island. Date: 6th June 2023 Location: view from Pembrokeshire Coast Path http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52698405.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_61664782667b0be53f3d59.jpgTeal The Eurasian Teal or Common Teal is often called simply the Teal due to being the only one of these small Anas dabbling ducks in much of its range. The Teal is the smallest dabbling duck at 7.9 to 11.8 inches in length and with a wingspan of 21 to 23 inches. From a distance, the male Teal in breeding plumage appears grey with a dark head, a yellowish behind and a white stripe running along the flanks. Their head and upper neck is chestnut with a wide and iridescent dark green patch of half-moon or teardrop-shape that starts immediately before the eye and arcs to the upper hindneck. This patch is bordered with thin yellowish-white lines and a single line of that colour extends from the patch's forward end and curving along the base of the bill. The breast is buff with small round brown spots. The centre of the belly is white and the rest of the body plumage is mostly white with thin and dense blackish vermiculations, appearing medium grey even at a short distance. The outer scapular feathers are white with a black border to the outer vanes and these form the white side-stripe when the bird is in resting position. The tail and tail coverts are black with a bright yellowish-buff triangular patch in the centre of the coverts at each side. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female. It is more uniform in colour with a dark head and vestigial facial markings. The female Teal is yellowish-brown but somewhat darker on the wings and back. It has a dark greyish-brown upper head, hindneck, eyestripe and feather pattern. The pattern is dense short streaks on the head and neck and scaly spots on the rest of the body. Overall it looks much like a tiny Mallard. Immatures are coloured much like the adult females but they have a stronger pattern. The downy young are coloured like other dabbling ducks, brown above and yellow below with a yellow supercilium. The male's bill is dark grey but in the eclipse plumage it often shows some light greenish or brownish hue at the base. The bill of the females and immatures is pinkish or yellowish at the base, becoming dark grey towards the tip. The feet are dark grey in the males and greyish olive or greyish-brown in females and immatures. The Teal breeds across north Eurasia where it occupies sheltered freshwater wetlands with some tall vegetation such as taiga bogs or small lakes and ponds with extensive reedbeds. It mostly winters well south of its breeding range in the Mediterranean region, south Asia and some parts of Africa where it is often seen in large flocks in brackish waters and even in sheltered inlets and lagoons along the seashore. It is also regularly recorded on the north American coasts south to California and South Carolina. In the milder climate of temperate Europe, such as in the UK, the summer and winter ranges overlap. In the UK, the Teal can be found all year round but it is thinly distributed as a breeding species. In winter, birds congregate in larger numbers on low-lying wetlands both on the coast and inland in the south and west of the UK. Of these, many are continental birds from around the Baltic and Siberia. At this time, the UK is home to a significant percentage of the north west European wintering population. The Teal is much less abundant than the very similar Green-winged Teal from north America although it is still common and widespread. It appears to be holding its own currently with perhaps a slow decline due to drainage and pollution of wetlands. The IUCN and BirdLife International classify the Teal as a species of “Least Concern”. However, it is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. The Teal nests on the ground near water. Pairs form in the winter range and arrive on the breeding range together from about March. Breeding starts some weeks thereafter and not until May in the most northerly locations. The nest is a deep hollow lined with dry leaves and down feathers which is built in dense vegetation near water. After the females have started laying their eggs, the males leave them and move away and assemble in flocks on particular lakes where they moult into their eclipse plumage. The female lays 5 to 16 eggs but usually 8 to 11. Incubation lasts for 21 to 23 days and the young leave the nest soon after hatching and are cared for by the female for about 25 to 30 days. The males and the females with young generally move to the winter range separately. After the first winter, the young moult in to their adult plumage. The Teal usually feeds by dabbling, upending or grazing. In the breeding season it eats mainly aquatic invertebrates, such as crustaceans, insects and their larvae, molluscs and worms. In winter, it shifts to a largely granivorous diet, feeding on seeds of aquatic plants and grasses including sedges and grains. Date: 29th January 2025 Location: EWT Two Tree Island, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18198856.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_114441746251ac5cd309ff2.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 12th May 2013 Location: Ynys-hir RSPB reserve, Ceredigion http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51984018.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_148684013166d347668ee41.jpgComma Flight period: March to October. The Comma was a rarity 100 years ago but is now a common and widespread butterfly in England and Wales and is on the point of recolonising Scotland. They are one of the first butterflies to be seen in spring and can be found in open woodland, woodland edges and gardens. Date: 28th July 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo16538241.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_73681431150827ee2d0f2e.jpgLapwing The Northern Lapwing, also known as the peewit, pewit, tuit or tew-it (imitative of its cry), Green Plover (emphasising the colour of the plumage) or (in the UK) just Lapwing (which refers to its peculiar, erratic way of flying), is a bird in the lapwing family. The Lapwing has rounded wings and a crest. It is also the shortest-legged of the lapwing species. It is mainly black and white but the back is tinted green. The male has a long crest and a black crown, throat and breast contrasting with an otherwise white face. Females and young birds have shorter crests and have less strongly marked heads but plumages are otherwise quite similar. The Lapwing is a vocal bird in the breeding season with constant calling as the crazed tumbling display flight is performed by the male. The typical contact call is a loud, shrill "pee-wit" from which they get their other name of peewit. The Lapwing is common through temperate Eurasia and breeds on cultivated land and other short vegetation habitats. The ground scrape nest and young are defended noisily and aggressively against all intruders. It is highly migratory over most of its extensive range, wintering further south as far as north Africa, north India, Pakistan and parts of China. It migrates mainly by day, often in large flocks. Lowland breeders in the westernmost areas of Europe are resident. In winter, it forms huge flocks on open land, particularly arable land and mud-flats. In the UK, the Lapwing has suffered a significant decline in the last 25 years and is an Amber List species because of the importance of its UK wintering population. It breeds on farmland throughout the UK, particularly in lowland areas of north England, the Borders and east Scotland, and prefers fields of spring sown cereals and root crops, permanent unimproved pasture, meadows and fallow fields but also wet grassland and marshes. During the winter, the Lapwing can be seen on flooded grassland, estuaries, coastal wetlands, short grassy fields and ploughed fields. In addition to the UK population, large numbers of north European birds arrive in the autumn for the winter. The Lapwing feeds primarily on insects and other small invertebrates. It often feeds in mixed flocks with Golden Plovers and Black-headed Gulls, the latter often robbing the plovers, but providing a degree of protection against predators. Date: 1st October 2012 Location: Titchwell RSPB reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071677.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15692484166433557b6d59.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 4th May 2023 Location: Bwlch Nant yr Arian, Llywernog, Ceredigion http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405521.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8369906336586f447bf448.jpgShort-eared Owl The Short-eared Owl is a species of the typical owl family Strigidae. Owls belonging to the genus Asio, such as the Short-eared Owl, are known as the eared owls since they have tufts of feathers resembling mammalian ears. These "ear" tufts may or may not be visible. The Short-eared Owl will display its tufts when in a defensive pose although its very short tufts are usually not visible. The Short-eared Owl is a medium-sized owl 13 to 17 inches in length with a 33 to 43 inches wingspan. Females are slightly larger than males. It has large yellow eyes with black encircling rings, a big head, a short neck and broad wings. The bill is short, strong, hooked and black. The plumage is mottled tawny to brown with a barred tail and wings. The upper breast is significantly streaked. The flight is characteristically floppy due to the irregular wingbeats and the Short-eared Owl is often described as "moth-like” or bat-like" in flight. Through much of its range, the Short-eared Owl occurs with the similar looking Long-eared Owl. At rest, the ear-tufts of the Long-eared Owl serve to easily distinguish the 2 species although the Long-eared Owl can sometimes hold its ear-tufts flat. The iris colour also differs: yellow in the Short-eared Owl and orange in the Long-eared Owl plus the black surrounding the eyes is vertical on the Long-eared Owl and horizontal on the Short-eared Owl. Overall, the Short-eared Owl tends to be a paler, sandier coloured bird than the Long-eared Owl. There are 10 recognized sub-species of the Short-eared Owl and its range covers all continents except Antarctica and Australia. It therefore has one of the most widespread distributions of any bird. It is partially migratory and moves south in winter from the northern parts of its range. The Short-eared Owl is also known to relocate to areas of higher rodent populations and it will also wander nomadically in search of better food supplies during years when vole populations are low. In the UK, the Short-eared Owl breeds primarily in north England and Scotland but it is seen more widely in winter when there is an influx of continental birds from Scandinavia, Russia and Iceland to north, east and parts of central south England, especially around coastal marshes and wetlands. The breeding season of the Short-eared Owl in the northern hemisphere lasts from March to June but peaks in April. During the breeding season, the male makes a great spectacle of itself in flight to attract a female. The male swoops down over the potential nest site flapping its wings in a courtship display. The Short-eared Owl is generally monogamous and nests on the ground in prairie, tundra, savanna or meadow habitats. The nest is concealed by low vegetation and may be lightly lined by weeds, grass or feathers. The female lays 4 to 7 eggs but clutch size can reach up to 12 eggs in years when voles are abundant. There is a single brood per year. The eggs are incubated mostly by the female for 21 to 37 days and the young fledge at a little over 4 weeks. The Short-eared Owl hunts mostly at night but it is known as a diurnal and crepuscular hunter as well. Its daylight hunting seems to coincide with the high activity periods of voles, its preferred prey. It tends to fly only a few feet above the ground in open fields and grasslands until swooping down upon its prey feet first. Several owls may hunt over the same open area. The diet of the Short-eared Owl consists mainly of rodents, especially voles, but it will eat other small mammals such as mice, ground squirrels, shrews, rats, bats, muskrats and moles. It will also occasionally predate smaller birds especially when near sea coasts and adjacent wetlands at which time they may attack waders, terns and small gulls and seabirds. Avian prey is more infrequently preyed on inland and includes small passerines. Insects also supplement the diet. Date: 25th November 2023 Location: RSPB Wallasea Island, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51387304.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_762379996667e7d4293016.jpgEmerald Damselfly Flight period: June to September The Emerald Damselfly is widely distributed in uplands and lowlands throughout the UK. They can be found around small, shallow standing water with luxuriant vegetation such as rushes and sedges. Date: 23rd June 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51333226.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3280180746676e0a4d0840.jpgFour-spotted Chaser Flight period: mid May to end August. Four-spotted Chasers are a common and widespread species of dragonfly throughout most of the UK. They can be found around sheltered lowland lakes and ponds and around acidic moorland bogs and sheltered upland lakes. Date: 14th June 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15367548.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20096729994fec1cbf788ec.jpgRed Grouse The Red Grouse is a medium-sized bird of the grouse family which is found in heather moorland in the UK and Ireland. It is endemic to the UK and has developed in isolation. It is usually classified as a sub-species of the Willow Ptarmigan or Willow Grouse which is found in birch and other forests and moorlands in north Europe, the tundra of Scandinavia, Siberia, Alaska and north Canada. The Red Grouse is differentiated from the Willow Ptarmigan and Rock Ptarmigan by its plumage being reddish brown and not having a white winter plumage. The tail is black and the legs are white. There are white stripes on the underwing and red combs over the eye. Females are less reddish than the males and have less conspicuous combs. Young birds are duller and lack the red combs. The Red Grouse is found across most parts of Scotland, including Orkney, Shetland and most of the Outer Hebrides. It is only absent from urban areas such as in the Central Belt. In Wales there are strong populations of Red Grouse in some places but the range has retracted. It is now largely absent from the far south and the main strongholds are Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons and the Cambrian Mountains. In England the Red Grouse is mainly found in the north in areas such as the Lake District, Northumberland, County Durham, much of Yorkshire, the Pennines and the Peak District as far south as the Staffordshire Moorlands. There is an isolated introduced population on Dartmoor and overspill Welsh birds visit the Shropshire Hills.The typical habitat is upland heather moors away from trees. It can also be found in some low-lying bogs and birds may visit farmland during hard weather. The UK population of the Red Grouse is estimated at about 250,000 pairs. Numbers have declined in recent years and it is now absent in areas where it was once common. Reasons for the decline include disease, loss of heather due to overgrazing, creation of new conifer plantations and a decline in the number of upland gamekeepers. Some predators feed on Red Grouse and there is ongoing controversy as to what effect these have on numbers. The Red Grouse is herbivorous and feeds mainly on the shoots, seeds and flowers of heather. It will also feed on berries, cereal crops and sometimes insects. The Red Grouse is considered a game bird and is shot in large numbers during the shooting season which traditionally starts on August 12th (known as the Glorious Twelfth). Shooting can take the form of “walked up” (where shooters walk across the moor to flush grouse and take a shot) or “driven” (where grouse are driven, often in large numbers, by “beaters” towards the shooters who are hiding behind a line of “butts”). Many moors are managed to increase the density of Red Grouse. Areas of heather are subjected to controlled burning since this allows fresh young shoots to regenerate which are favoured by Red Grouse. In addition, extensive predator control is a feature of grouse moor management and the extent and legality to which it occurs is hotly contested between conservation groups and shooting interests and the subject generates a lot of media attention. The Red Grouse is widely known as the logo of The Famous Grouse whisky and an animated bird is a character in a series of its adverts. It is also the emblem of the magazine “British Birds”. Date: 8th June 2012 Location: Lochindorb, Inverness-shire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405534.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16519175026586f616915a0.jpgGreat Northern Diver The Great Northern Diver is the largest of the UK's divers with a bigger, heavier head and bill than its commoner relatives. The Great Northern Diver is largely a winter visitor to the UK coast although some non-breeding birds stay off northern coasts in the summer. They start to arrive offshore in August and birds move back to their largely Icelandic breeding grounds in April and May. The largest numbers can be found off the northern and western islands of Scotland. Date: 25th November 2023 Location: RSPB Dungeness, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17054593.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_94007159350dec2dedd605.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 29th October 2012 Location: Strumpshaw Fen RSPB reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51984703.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_208136751166d356fc637a1.jpgCommon Darter Flight period: end May to early October. Common Darters are the most widespread of the dragonflies over lowland UK but they are absent from upland areas. They can be found in a wide range of habitats including ponds, lakes, ditches, canals, slow flowing rivers and brackish water. They can also be frequently seen some way from water. Date: 27th August 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813324.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8862161685d0ddda02305e.jpgLoch of the Lowes, Perthshire Loch of the Lowes is a small loch at the northern edge of the valley of Strathmore in Perth and Kinross, 1 mile north east of Dunkeld. The loch is noted for its breeding Ospreys and is managed as a nature reserve by the Scottish Wildlife Trust Date: 6th June 2019 Location: view from the SWT reserve hide http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51984705.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_123868685366d3570292ef6.jpgCommon Darter Flight period: end May to early October. Common Darters are the most widespread of the dragonflies over lowland UK but they are absent from upland areas. They can be found in a wide range of habitats including ponds, lakes, ditches, canals, slow flowing rivers and brackish water. They can also be frequently seen some way from water. Date: 27th August 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51333221.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14879709806676e096bc547.jpgLarge Skipper Flight period: June to July. The Large Skipper is a small golden butterfly which is widespread throughout England and Wales and it is also extending its range northwards in to southern Scotland. They can be found in areas of tall, uncut grassland, woodland rides, roadside verges and hedgerows. Date: 14th June 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51332414.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8259209336676dd4289eac.jpgSpeckled Wood Flight period: April to September. The Speckled Wood is widespread in the southern half of England and in Wales and is expanding its range northwards. They can be found in woodland rides and glades and also along hedgerows and in gardens. Date: 9th June 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14155768.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5990793464f3ccd2433dea.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 10th February 2012 Location: EWT Langdon Conservation Centre, Dunton, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51984564.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_27870758066d353b9c3ea9.jpgGatekeeper Flight period: mid-July to early September. The Gatekeeper or Hedge Brown is common and widespread throughout the southern half of the UK. They can be found in areas with hedgerows or in scrubby woodland with wide and sunny rides. Date: 8th August 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13656985.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6532366754ed368f12d767.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the [i]Canidae[/i] family and is a part of the order [i]Carnivora[/i] within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo445653.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19491201674681c4eee05fc.jpgTraigh Allt Chailgeag, Sutherland Traigh Allt Chailgeag is a stunning and remote sandy beach hemmed in by cliffs and headlands located to the east of Durness and just before the A838 road turns south along the eastern shore of Loch Eriboll. Date: June 1995 Location: view from the A838 road between Durness and Tongue http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405541.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_878152626586f7bc83a84.jpgGreat Northern Diver The Great Northern Diver is the largest of the UK's divers with a bigger, heavier head and bill than its commoner relatives. The Great Northern Diver is largely a winter visitor to the UK coast although some non-breeding birds stay off northern coasts in the summer. They start to arrive offshore in August and birds move back to their largely Icelandic breeding grounds in April and May. The largest numbers can be found off the northern and western islands of Scotland. Date: 8th December 2023 Location: Great Notley Country Park, Braintree, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071683.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_699859256643356db3125.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 4th May 2023 Location: Bwlch Nant yr Arian, Llywernog, Ceredigion http://www.richardchewphotography.com/sound-of-handa-sutherland https://images.on-this.website/4752_15670417494c1dd5acb5f23.jpgSound of Handa, Sutherland Handa is an island located just offshore from Scourie with one of the largest seabird colonies in north west Europe. The Sound of Handa on the east side of the island contains 2 small sandy bays which are the places where the small ferry boat from Tarbet lands. Date: 3rd June 2010 Location: view from the east side of Handa http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51387297.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_84432319667e7d1e9f5e3.jpgAzure Damselfly Flight period: May to August The Azure Damselfly is one of the two commonest blue damselflies and is a common and widespread species of lowland UK. They can be found around most standing water, preferring small, sheltered sites including ditches and garden ponds. Date: 23rd June 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29240091.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_133585568857eb9685b12c8.jpgLoch Eil, Highland Loch Eil is a sea loch which extends almost 7 miles from west to east before opening in to the northern end of Loch Linnhe opposite Fort William. Date: 22nd September 2016 Location: view from the A861 road along the south shore looking east towards Ben Nevis http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52698931.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_32194679167b0c2854ad35.jpgBlue Tit The Blue Tit is a small passerine bird in the tit family. It is easily recognisable by its generally blue and yellow plumage and its small size. The Blue Tit is about 4.7 inches long with a wingspan of 7.1 inches. It has an azure blue crown and a dark blue line passing through the eye and encircling the white cheeks to the chin, giving the bird a very distinctive appearance. The forehead and a bar on the wing are white. The nape, wings and tail are blue and the back is yellowish green. The underparts are mostly sulphur-yellow with a dark line down the abdomen. The bill is black and the legs bluish grey. The sexes are similar whilst young birds are noticeably more yellow. The Blue Tit is very agile and it can cling to the outermost branches and hang upside down when searching for food such as insects, caterpillars and seeds. The Blue Tit can be found throughout areas of the European continent with a mainly temperate or Mediterranean climate and in parts of the Middle East. In the UK it is common in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens and widespread across the whole of the country with the exception of some Scottish islands. The Blue Tit will nest in any suitable hole in a tree, wall or stump, often competing with other birds such as the House Sparrow or Great Tit for the site. In addition, it will readily accept an artificial nesting box. The same hole is returned to year after year and when one pair dies another takes possession. The nesting material is usually moss, wool, hair and feathers and the eggs are laid in April or May. The number in the clutch is often very large but 7 or 8 is normal. It is not unusual for a single bird to feed the chicks in the nest at a rate of one feed every 90 seconds during the height of the breeding season. Successful breeding is dependent on a sufficient supply of caterpillars as well as satisfactory weather. Breeding may be affected badly if the weather is cold and wet between May and July, particularly if this coincides with the emergence of the caterpillars on which the nestlings are fed. The small size of the Blue Tit makes it vulnerable to predation by larger birds and the typical lifespan is 3 years or less. The most significant predator is probably the Sparrowhawk, closely followed by the domestic cat. Nests may also be robbed by mammals such as the Weasel and Red and Grey Squirrels. Date: 30th January 2025 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46535262.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4528114362caa74532fb6.jpgMarbled White Flight period: July to August The Marbled White is a very distinctive black and white butterfly that is widespread in southern England and expanding its range northwards and eastwards. They can be found in unimproved grassland, coastal grassland, roadside verges and railway embankments. Date: 6th July 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52698932.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_35730857567b0c28615f44.jpgBlue Tit The Blue Tit is a small passerine bird in the tit family. It is easily recognisable by its generally blue and yellow plumage and its small size. The Blue Tit is about 4.7 inches long with a wingspan of 7.1 inches. It has an azure blue crown and a dark blue line passing through the eye and encircling the white cheeks to the chin, giving the bird a very distinctive appearance. The forehead and a bar on the wing are white. The nape, wings and tail are blue and the back is yellowish green. The underparts are mostly sulphur-yellow with a dark line down the abdomen. The bill is black and the legs bluish grey. The sexes are similar whilst young birds are noticeably more yellow. The Blue Tit is very agile and it can cling to the outermost branches and hang upside down when searching for food such as insects, caterpillars and seeds. The Blue Tit can be found throughout areas of the European continent with a mainly temperate or Mediterranean climate and in parts of the Middle East. In the UK it is common in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens and widespread across the whole of the country with the exception of some Scottish islands. The Blue Tit will nest in any suitable hole in a tree, wall or stump, often competing with other birds such as the House Sparrow or Great Tit for the site. In addition, it will readily accept an artificial nesting box. The same hole is returned to year after year and when one pair dies another takes possession. The nesting material is usually moss, wool, hair and feathers and the eggs are laid in April or May. The number in the clutch is often very large but 7 or 8 is normal. It is not unusual for a single bird to feed the chicks in the nest at a rate of one feed every 90 seconds during the height of the breeding season. Successful breeding is dependent on a sufficient supply of caterpillars as well as satisfactory weather. Breeding may be affected badly if the weather is cold and wet between May and July, particularly if this coincides with the emergence of the caterpillars on which the nestlings are fed. The small size of the Blue Tit makes it vulnerable to predation by larger birds and the typical lifespan is 3 years or less. The most significant predator is probably the Sparrowhawk, closely followed by the domestic cat. Nests may also be robbed by mammals such as the Weasel and Red and Grey Squirrels. Date: 30th January 2025 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52698998.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_141676431767b0c46a8276d.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 2nd February 2025 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52699003.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16135346467b0c47dc9c45.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 2nd February 2025 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12082004.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10461752764e48e9c7b3f4d.jpgCommon Seals Common Seals feed at sea but regularly haul out on to rocky shores or inter-tidal sandbanks to rest, to give birth and to suckle their pups. The most important haul-out areas are around the coast of Scotland, particularly in the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland, and on the east coast of England in the Wash. Date: 7th September 2005 Location: Blakeney Point, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52699008.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_41446381567b0c48bc2f03.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 2nd February 2025 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52699097.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_139232673167b0c9230b3d5.jpgDark-bellied Brent Goose The Brent Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. Branta is a Latinised form of Old Norse brandgás, meaning "burnt (black) goose", and bernicla is the medieval Latin name for the barnacle. The Brent Goose and the similar Barnacle Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be the same creature as the crustacean, a myth that can be dated back to at least the 12th century. The Brent Goose, Branta bernicla is divided into 3 sub-species: Dark-bellied Brent Goose B. b. bernicla, Pale-bellied Brent Goose B. b. hrota (sometimes also known as Light-bellied Brent Goose) and Black Brant B. b. nigricans. Some DNA evidence suggests that these forms are genetically distinct and a split into 3 separate species has been proposed. However, other evidence upholds their maintenance as a single species. The Brent Goose is a small goose, 22 to 26 inches long with a wingspan of 42 to 48 inches. The under-tail is pure white and the tail black and very short (the shortest of any goose). The Dark-bellied Brent Goose is fairly uniformly dark grey-brown all over and the flanks and belly are not significantly paler than the back. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds on the Arctic coasts of central and west Siberia and winters in west Europe with over half the population in south England and the rest between north Germany and north west France. The Pale-bellied Brent Goose appears blackish-brown and light grey in colour and the flanks and belly are significantly paler than the back and present a marked contrast. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds in Franz Josef Land, Svalbard, Greenland and north east Canada and winters in Denmark, north east England, Ireland and the Atlantic coast of the USA from Maine to Georgia as well as in a small but significant area in north France. The Black Brant appears blackish-brown and white in colour. This sub-species is very contrastingly black and white with a uniformly dark sooty-brown back, similarly-coloured underparts (with the dark colour extending furthest back of the 3 sub-species) and a prominent white flank patch. It also has a larger white neck patch which forms an almost complete collar. It breeds in north west Canada, Alaska and east Siberia and winters mostly on the west coast of north America from south Alaska to California but also in east Asia, mainly Japan. It sometimes appears as a vagrant in Europe when it associates with the other Brent Goose species. The Brent Goose used to be a strictly coastal bird in winter, seldom leaving tidal estuaries where it feeds on eel-grass and seaweed. In recent decades, it has started using agricultural land a short distance inland, feeding extensively on grass and winter-sown cereals. This may be behaviour learned by following other species of geese. Food resource pressure may also be important in forcing this change since the world population increased over 10-fold by the mid-1980s, possibly reaching the carrying capacity of the estuaries. In the breeding season, the Brent Goose uses low-lying wet coastal tundra for both breeding and feeding. The nest is bowl-shaped, lined with grass and down and located in an elevated position often near a small pond. The Brent Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds applies. Date: 14th February 2025 Location: Shoeburyness, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52699099.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_24862063967b0c9272e677.jpgDark-bellied Brent Goose The Brent Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. Branta is a Latinised form of Old Norse brandgás, meaning "burnt (black) goose", and bernicla is the medieval Latin name for the barnacle. The Brent Goose and the similar Barnacle Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be the same creature as the crustacean, a myth that can be dated back to at least the 12th century. The Brent Goose, Branta bernicla is divided into 3 sub-species: Dark-bellied Brent Goose B. b. bernicla, Pale-bellied Brent Goose B. b. hrota (sometimes also known as Light-bellied Brent Goose) and Black Brant B. b. nigricans. Some DNA evidence suggests that these forms are genetically distinct and a split into 3 separate species has been proposed. However, other evidence upholds their maintenance as a single species. The Brent Goose is a small goose, 22 to 26 inches long with a wingspan of 42 to 48 inches. The under-tail is pure white and the tail black and very short (the shortest of any goose). The Dark-bellied Brent Goose is fairly uniformly dark grey-brown all over and the flanks and belly are not significantly paler than the back. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds on the Arctic coasts of central and west Siberia and winters in west Europe with over half the population in south England and the rest between north Germany and north west France. The Pale-bellied Brent Goose appears blackish-brown and light grey in colour and the flanks and belly are significantly paler than the back and present a marked contrast. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds in Franz Josef Land, Svalbard, Greenland and north east Canada and winters in Denmark, north east England, Ireland and the Atlantic coast of the USA from Maine to Georgia as well as in a small but significant area in north France. The Black Brant appears blackish-brown and white in colour. This sub-species is very contrastingly black and white with a uniformly dark sooty-brown back, similarly-coloured underparts (with the dark colour extending furthest back of the 3 sub-species) and a prominent white flank patch. It also has a larger white neck patch which forms an almost complete collar. It breeds in north west Canada, Alaska and east Siberia and winters mostly on the west coast of north America from south Alaska to California but also in east Asia, mainly Japan. It sometimes appears as a vagrant in Europe when it associates with the other Brent Goose species. The Brent Goose used to be a strictly coastal bird in winter, seldom leaving tidal estuaries where it feeds on eel-grass and seaweed. In recent decades, it has started using agricultural land a short distance inland, feeding extensively on grass and winter-sown cereals. This may be behaviour learned by following other species of geese. Food resource pressure may also be important in forcing this change since the world population increased over 10-fold by the mid-1980s, possibly reaching the carrying capacity of the estuaries. In the breeding season, the Brent Goose uses low-lying wet coastal tundra for both breeding and feeding. The nest is bowl-shaped, lined with grass and down and located in an elevated position often near a small pond. The Brent Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds applies. Date: 14th February 2025 Location: Shoeburyness, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46534445.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14370386962ca98297e218.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 27th June 2022 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/common-seal-pup https://images.on-this.website/4752_19053208094e48e9cdee91a.jpgCommon Seal pup Common Seals feed at sea but regularly haul out on to rocky shores or inter-tidal sandbanks to rest, to give birth and to suckle their pups. The most important haul-out areas are around the coast of Scotland, particularly in the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland, and on the east coast of England in the Wash. Date: 1st June 2008 Location: Noss, Shetland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11349492.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_231391814e1eef6a9030b.jpgRazorbill The Razorbill is a medium-sized seabird and breeds around the coast of the UK with the largest colonies in northern Scotland. They breed on rocky cliffs and among boulder scree close to the sea. Birds only come to shore to breed from March to July and they winter in the northern Atlantic. Date: 16/04/07 Location: Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30017273.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_48343442358755269d4809.jpgBewick's Swans The Tundra Swan is a small Holarctic swan. The 2 taxa within it are usually regarded as conspecific but are also sometimes split into 2 species: the Bewick's Swan of the Palaearctic and the Whistling Swan of the Nearctic. The Bewick's Swan was named in 1830 by William Yarrell after the engraver Thomas Bewick who specialised in illustrations of birds and animals. The Bewick's Swan measures 45 to 55 inches in length with a wing span of 18.5 to 21.5 inches. Males are slightly larger and heavier than females. It is similar in appearance to the Whooper Swan but is smaller, shorter-necked and has a more rounded head shape. It has a variable bill pattern but always shows more black than yellow and having a blunt forward edge of the yellow base patch. The Whooper Swan has a bill that has more yellow than black and the forward edge of the yellow patch is usually pointed. The bill pattern for every individual Bewick's Swan is unique and scientists often make detailed drawings of each bill and assign names to the swans to assist with studying these birds. As their common name implies, the Tundra Swan breeds in the Arctic and sub-Arctic tundra where they inhabit shallow pools, lakes and rivers. Unlike the Mute Swan, but like the other Arctic swans, it is a migratory bird. The winter habitat is mainly grassland and marshland, often near the coast. The breeding range of the Bewick’s Swan extends across the coastal lowlands of Siberia from the Kola Peninsula east to the Pacific. It starts to arrive in its breeding range around mid-May and leaves for its winter range around the end of September. The populations west of the Taimyr Peninsula migrate via the White Sea, Baltic Sea and the Elbe estuary to winter in Denmark, the Netherlands and the UK where it is common in winter on a few RSPB and WWT reserves. Some birds also winter elsewhere on the southern shores of the North Sea. The Bewick’s Swans that breed in eastern Russia migrate via Mongolia and north China to winter in the coastal regions of Korea, Japan and south China, south to Guangdong and occasionally as far as Taiwan. A few birds from the central Siberian range also winter in Iran at the south of the Caspian Sea. Arrival in the winter range starts about mid-October although most birds spend weeks or even months at favourite resting locations and will only arrive in the winter range in November or even as late as January. Departure from the winter range starts in mid-February. Bewick’s Swans mate in the late spring, usually after they have returned to the breeding range. As is usual for swans, they pair monogamously until one partner dies. Should one partner die long before the other, the surviving bird often will not mate again for several years or even for the rest of its life. The nesting season starts at the end of May. The pair build the large mound-shaped nest from plant material at an elevated site near open water and they defend a large territory around it. The pen (female) lays and incubates a clutch of 2 to 7 (usually 3 to 5) eggs whilst the cob (male) keeps a steady lookout for potential predators heading towards his mate and offspring. The time from egg laying to hatching is 29 to 30 days. Since they nest in cold regions, Bewick’s Swan cygnets grow faster than those of swans breeding in warmer climates and they may fledge in 40 to 45 days. Cygnets stay with their parents for the first winter migration and the family is sometimes even joined by their offspring from previous breeding seasons while on the wintering grounds. Bewick’s Swans do not reach sexual maturity until 3 or 4 years of age. In summer, the diet of the Bewick’s Swan consists mainly of aquatic vegetation which it finds by sticking its head underwater or upending while swimming. It will also eat some grass growing on dry land. At other times of the year, leftover grains and other crops such as potatoes, picked up in open fields after harvest, make up much of the diet. Healthy adult Bewick’s Swans have few natural predators. The Arctic Fox may threaten breeding females and particular the eggs and hatchlings. Adults typically can stand their ground and displace foxes but occasionally the foxes are successful. Other potential nest predators include the Red Fox, the Brown Bear, the Golden Eagle, the Arctic Skua and the Glaucous Gull. The Brown Bear, the Golden Eagle and the Wolf may occasionally succeed at capturing and killing an adult. About 15% adults die each year from various causes and the average lifespan in the wild is about 10 years. The status of the Bewick's Swan is not well known although its population is in decline in north west Europe for largely unexplained reasons. It is increasingly dependent on agricultural crops to supplement its winter diet as aquatic vegetation in its winter habitat declines due to habitat destruction and water pollution. However, the main cause of adult mortality is hunting and, whilst the Bewick's Swan can not be hunted legally, almost half the birds studied contain lead shot in their bodies, indicating that they were shot at by poachers. Lead poisoning by ingestion of lead shot is also a very significant cause of mortality. The Bewick's Swan is one of the birds to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 2nd January 2017 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/bay-of-culkein-sutherland https://images.on-this.website/4752_8437378754681c4c8e1edd.jpgBay of Culkein, Sutherland The Bay of Culkein is situated on the eastern side of the Stoer peninsula. From the disused pier there are distant views across the bay to northern Sutherland. Date: June 1999 Location: view from Culkein at the end of the unclassified road off the B869 road between Lochinver and Drumbeg http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18198868.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8474561351ac5cf216f28.jpgCommon Redshank The Redshank is a medium-sized wading bird with longish red legs and a long, straight bill. It is grey-brown above and whitish below. In flight it shows very obvious white rear edges to the wings and a white “V” shape up its back. The Redshank can be found all year round and is common and widespread wading bird on coasts and inland wet grassland. The greatest concentrations of breeding birds are in parts of Scotland and north west England. Due to the drainage of farmland and overgrazing of coastal marshes, breeding birds are increasingly dependent on nature reserves. In winter as many as half of the birds in the UK may originate from Iceland. Date: 13th May 2013 Location: Spinnies NR, Aberogwen, Gwynedd http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41234317.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15297508495ee7783052b84.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 13th June 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/dynjandisheii-westfjords-iceland https://images.on-this.website/4752_19002606285638a3eb8a7ab.jpgDynjandisheiði, Westfjords, Iceland Dynjandisheiði is the mountain area south of the Dynjandi waterfalls. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: view from road 60 south of the Dynjandi waterfalls http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33820930.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11905090085a3d077cd1015.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 12th December 2017 Location: Kensington Gardens, London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11654474.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13953523494e31299adc308.jpgArctic Tern The Arctic Tern is a seabird of the tern family. The adult plumage is grey above with a black nape and crown and white cheeks. The upperwings are pale grey with the area near the wingtip being translucent. The tail is white and the underparts pale grey. The beak is dark red as are the short legs and webbed feet. Like most terns, the Arctic Tern has high aspect ratio wings and a tail with a deep fork and long tail streamers. Both sexes are similar in appearance. The winter plumage is similar but the crown is whiter and the bills are darker. Juveniles differ from adults having black bill and legs, "scaly" appearing wings and mantle with dark feather tips, dark carpal wing bar and short tail streamers. During their first summer, juveniles also have a whiter forecrown. Whilst the Arctic Tern is similar to the Common and the Roseate Tern, its colouring, profile and call are slightly different. Compared to the Common Tern, it has a longer tail and mono-coloured bill, whilst the main differences from the Roseate Tern are its slightly darker colour and longer wings. The Arctic Tern has a circumpolar breeding distribution covering the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of Europe, Asia and north America. It is strongly migratory and sees 2 summers each year and more daylight than any other creature on the planet. It migrates along a convoluted route from its northern summer breeding grounds to the northern edge of the Antarctic coast for the southern summer and back again about 6 months later. In the UK, breeding Arctic Terns can best be seen on islands such as the Farne Islands in Northumberland or Orkney and Shetland in northern Scotland where the greatest densities occur. Recent studies have shown average annual roundtrip lengths of 25000 to 50000 miles depending on the route taken and weather and wind conditions. The Arctic Tern is a long-lived bird with many reaching 30 years of age and based on this average it will travel some 1.5 million miles during its lifetime. This is by far the longest migration known in the animal kingdom. Breeding takes place in colonies on coasts, islands and occasionally inland on tundra near water. The Arctic Tern often forms mixed colonies with the Common Tern and Sandwich Tern. As it nests on the ground, the Arctic Tern is vulnerable to predation but it is one of the most aggressive terns and it is fiercely defensive of its nest and young. It will attack humans and large predators, usually striking the top or back of the head. Although it is too small to cause serious injury, it is still capable of drawing blood and repelling many raptorial birds and smaller mammalian predators such as foxes and cats. Other nesting birds, such as auks, often incidentally benefit from the protection provided by nesting in an area defended by Arctic Terns. The diet of the Arctic Tern varies depending on location and time but it usually eats small fish or marine crustaceans by dipping down to the surface of the water to catch prey. While feeding, skuas, gulls and other tern species will often harass the birds and steal their food. Date: 1st June 2008 Location: Lunnasting, East Mainland, Shetland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46534261.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_177271676962ca9442995d1.jpgBlack-browed Albatross The Black-browed Albatross, also known as the Black-browed Mollymawk, is a large seabird in the albatross family [i]Diomedeidae[/i] and it is the most widespread and common member of its family. The albatrosses are classified in the order [i]Procellariiformes[/i] which also includes shearwaters, fulmars, storm petrels and diving petrels. All these birds share certain identifying features. They have nasal passages that attach to the upper bill called naricorns although the nostrils on the albatross are on the sides of the bill. The bills of [i]Procellariiformes[/i] are also unique in that they are split into between 7 and 9 horny plates and they have a salt gland above the nasal passage which helps to remove salt from the ocean water that they imbibe. The gland excretes a high saline solution through the bird's nose. The Black-browed Albatross is a medium-sized albatross at 31 to 37 inches in length with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. It has a dark grey saddle and upperwings that contrast with the white rump and underparts. The underwing is predominantly white with broad and irregular black margins. It has a dark eyebrow and a yellow-orange bill with a darker reddish-orange tip. Juveniles have dark horn-coloured bills with dark tips and a grey head and collar. They also have dark underwings. The features that distinguish it from other albatrosses are the dark eyestripe which gives it its name, a broad black edging to the white underside of its wings, white head and orange bill tipped darker orange. The Black-browed Albatross is circumpolar in the southern oceans and it breeds on 12 islands throughout that range. In the Atlantic Ocean, it breeds on the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, and the Cape Horn Islands. In the Pacific Ocean it breeds on Islas Ildefonso, Diego de Almagro, Islas Evangelistas, Campbell Island, Antipodes Islands, Snares Islands and Macquarie Island. In the Indian Ocean it breeds on the Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island and McDonald Island. There are an estimated 1,220,000 birds alive with 600,853 breeding pairs as estimated by a 2005 count. Of these birds, 402,571 breed in the Falklands, 72,102 breed on South Georgia Island and 120,171 breed on the Chilean islands of Islas Ildefonso, Diego de Almagro, Islas Evangelistas and Islas Diego Ramírez. Birds from the Falkland Islands winter near the Patagonian Shelf and birds from South Georgia forage in South African waters. It is the most likely albatross to be found in the North Atlantic due to this northerly migratory tendency. The Black-browed Albatross normally nests on steep slopes covered with tussock grass and sometimes on cliffs although on the Falkland Islands it nests on flat grassland on the coast. It is an annual breeder with the female laying a single egg from between 20th September and 1st November although the Falkland Islands breeders lay about 3 weeks earlier. Incubation of the egg is undertaken by both sexes and lasts 68 to 71 days. After hatching, the chicks take 120 to 130 days to fledge. Juveniles will return to the colony after 2 to 3 years but only to practice courtship rituals as they will only start breeding around their 10th year. The Black-browed Albatross can have a natural lifespan of over 70 years. The Black-browed Albatross feeds on fish, squid, crustaceans, carrion, and fishery discards but it has also been observed stealing food from other species. Until 2013, the IUCN classified the Black-browed Albatross as endangered due to a drastic reduction in its population. There has been a 67% decline in the population over 64 years. Increased longline fishing in the southern oceans, especially around the Patagonian Shelf and around South Georgia, has been attributed as a major cause of the decline of this bird and the Black-browed Albatross has been found to be the most common bird killed by fisheries. Trawl fishing, especially around the Patagonian Shelf and off South Africa, is also a large cause of deaths. Conservation efforts underway start with this species being placed on the Convention on Migratory Species and the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels. It is being monitored on half of the islands and most of the breeding sites are reserves and some are World Heritage Sites. Although a very rare occurrence, vagrancy into the North Atlantic has occurred including a bird which returned to the Gannet colony on Shetland for several decades from 1967. From 2014, another bird has been seen around the Heligoland archipelago off the Germany and Denmark coast and what is believed to be the same bird has summered at or around RSPB Bempton Cliffs in east Yorkshire since 2019. Date: 27th June 2022 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50809818.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1509356910660bd819454c1.jpgMale Blackcap The Eurasian Blackcap, usually known simply as the Blackcap, is a typical warbler in the Sylvia genus. It is a mainly grey warbler with distinct male and female plumages. It is about 5.1 inches long with a 2.8 to 3.1 inches wing span. The adult male has olive-grey upperparts, other than a paler grey nape, and a neat black cap on the head. The underparts are light grey, becoming silvery white on the chin, throat and upper breast. The tail is dark grey with an olive tint to the outer edge of each feather. The bill and long legs are grey and the iris is reddish brown. The female resembles the male but has a reddish-brown cap and a slightly browner tone to the grey of the upperparts. Juveniles are similar to the female but their upperparts have a slight rufous tinge and the breast and flanks have a more olive tone. Young males have a darker brown cap than their female counterparts. The Blackcap is unmistakable and other dark-headed Sylvia species, such as the Sardinian Warbler and the Orphean Warbler, have extensive black on the head instead of a small cap and they are also larger and have white edges on the tail. The male Blackcap's song is a rich musical warbling, often ending in a loud high-pitched crescendo, which is given in bursts of up to 30 seconds. The song is repeated for about 2 minutes with a short pause before each repetition. The main song can be confused with that of the Garden Warbler but it is slightly higher pitched than in that species, more broken into discrete song segments and less mellow. Both species have a quiet sub-song, a muted version of the full song, which is even harder to separate. The Blackcap also occasionally mimics the song of other birds, the most frequently copied including the Garden Warbler and the Nightingale. The Blackcap’s breeding range includes much of Europe, west Asia and north west Africa and its preferred habitat is mature deciduous woodland. Birds on the Mediterranean and Atlantic islands and in the milder west and south of the main Eurasian distribution often winter within the breeding range but populations elsewhere are migratory. The Blackcap is a “leap-frog migrant” meaning that birds from the north of the breeding range travel furthest south whereas Mediterranean breeders move much shorter distances. The wintering areas overlap with the breeding range but also include extensive areas in west Africa, east Africa south to Lake Malawi and further north in Ethiopia, South Sudan and Eritrea. There is a migratory divide in Europe at longitude 10 to 11°E. Birds to the west of this line migrate south west towards Iberia or west Africa whereas populations to the east migrate to the east Mediterranean and on to east Africa. Climate change appears to be affecting the migration pattern of the Blackcap. It is arriving in Europe earlier than previously and departing nearly 2 weeks later than in the 1980s. In recent decades, some central European birds have taken to wintering in gardens in the UK and, to a lesser extent, in Ireland, where the Blackcap was formerly just a summer visitor. Although the UK climate is sub-optimal, compensatory factors include the ready availability of food (particularly from bird tables), a shorter migration distance and the avoidance of the Alps and the Sahara Desert. The Blackcap's main breeding habitat is mature deciduous woodland with good scrub cover below the trees. Other habitats, such as parks, large gardens and overgrown hedges, are used as long as they meet the essential requirements of tall trees for song posts and an established under-story. Where other Sylvia warblers also breed, the Blackcap tends to use taller trees than its relatives, preferably those with a good canopy such as pedunculate oak. The preferred winter habitat around the Mediterranean is scrub and olive orchards. In Africa, habitats include cultivated land, acacia scrub, mangroves and forest. When the male Blackcap returns to its breeding range, it establishes a territory. Adults that have previously bred return to the site they have used in previous summers whereas inexperienced birds either wander until they find a suitable area or establish a very large initial territory which contracts under pressure from neighbours. Territorial boundaries are established initially by loud singing which is performed while the male displays with its crown raised, tail fanned and slow wingbeats. Sylvia warblers are unusual in that they vigorously defend their territories against other members of their genus. Blackcaps and Garden Warblers use almost identical habitats yet aggressive interactions mean that their territories rarely overlap. The Blackcap first breeds at 1 year old. It is mainly monogamous although both sexes may sometimes deviate from this. A male attracts a female to his territory through song and a display involving raising the black crown feathers, fluffing the tail, slow wingbeats and a short flapping flight. He also builds one or more simple nests (cock nests) usually near his song post. The final nest, which may be one of the cock nests or built from scratch, is a neat cup of roots, stems and grasses lined with fine material such as hair. The nest is built in the cover of bramble, scrub or trees and it is constructed mainly by the female and may be up to 15 feet above the ground although lower than 3 feet is more typical. The clutch is 2 to 7 eggs (typically 4 to 6) which are incubated by both adults for 10 to 16 days (average 11 days). The chicks are fed by both parents and fledge about 11 to 12 days after hatching, leaving the nest shortly before they are able to fly. They are assisted with feeding for a further 2 or 3 weeks. The Blackcap normally raises just 1 brood but second broods are sometimes recorded, particularly in the milder climate of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic islands. The Blackcap feeds mainly on insects during the breeding season and then switches to fruit in late summer, the change being triggered by an internal biological rhythm. When migrants arrive on their breeding territories they initially take berries, pollen and nectar if there are insufficient insects available but then soon switch to their preferred diet. The Blackcap mainly picks prey off foliage and twigs but it may occasionally hover, flycatch or feed on the ground. It eats a wide range of invertebrate prey, although aphids are particularly important early in the season, and flies, beetles and caterpillars are also taken in large numbers. In July, the diet switches increasingly to a wide range of small fruit. The protein needed for egg-laying and for the chicks to grow is replaced by fruit sugar which helps the birds to fatten for migration. Aphids are still taken while they are available since they often contain sugars from the plant sap on which they feed. The Blackcap has a very large range and a very large population. It is therefore classified by the IUCN as being of “Least Concern”. The Blackcap and other small birds are illegally trapped and hunted in large numbers in Mediterranean countries, particularly in Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, Malta, Libya, Egypt and Cyprus, where they are considered as a delicacy. Despite hunting and natural hazards, the European population of the Blackcap has been increasing for several decades as the range extends northwards. There are occasional nesting records from outside the main range such as in north Israel and the Faroe Islands and wandering birds may appear further afield in Iceland or on the islands of Arctic Russia. In the Baltic region, the spread of the Blackcap appears to have been helped by the availability of territories formerly occupied by the declining Barred Warbler. Date: 1st April 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/traigh-allt-chailgeag-sutherland https://images.on-this.website/4752_13875644774681c508bc641.jpgTraigh Allt Chailgeag, Sutherland Traigh Allt Chailgeag is a stunning and remote sandy beach hemmed in by cliffs and headlands located to the east of Durness and just before the A838 road turns south along the eastern shore of Loch Eriboll. Date: June 2003 Location: view from the A838 road between Durness and Tongue http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37399618.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6640138835c6697c22f5e0.jpgAtlantic Grey Seals The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 9th December 2018 Location: Winterton-Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457628.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2083904926668574eea58cc.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/muojrvi-pohjois-pohjanmaa-finland https://images.on-this.website/4752_8127722455ff44a14d5522.jpgMuojärvi, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland Muojärvi is a lake located to the east of the town of Kuusamo and the lake Kuusamojärvi in the Pohjois-Pohjanmaa region of Finland. Date: 8th July 2019 Location: view from Ollilan Lomamajat cabins near Kuusamo, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26270469.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1039352696566553708dca1.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 4th December 2015 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11177786.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21448667034e16bca4a38a8.jpgMute Swan The Mute Swan is a species of swan native to much of Eurasia. Despite its Eurasian origin, its closest relatives are the Black Swan of Australia and the Black-necked Swan of south America, not the other Northern Hemisphere swans such as the Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan. The name “mute” derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. The adult Mute Swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob at the top of the beak. All Mute Swans are white at maturity although the feathers (particularly on the head and neck) are often stained orange-brown by iron and tannins in the water. Young birds (cygnets) are not the bright white colour of mature adults and their bill is dull greyish-black for the first year. The plumage may range from pure white to grey to buff with grey/buff being the most common. Cygnets typically retain their grey/buff feathers until they are at least 1 year old. On average, the Mute Swan is the second largest waterfowl species after the Trumpeter Swan although the male Mute Swan can easily match or even exceed a male Trumpeter Swan in mass. The adult Mute Swan typically ranges from 55 to 63 inches in length (although it can range in extreme cases from 49 to 67 inches) with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. Males (cobs) are larger than females (pens) and have a larger knob on their bill. The Mute Swan is one of the heaviest flying birds. In several studies from the UK, males were found to average from about 23.4 to 26.2 pounds, with a weight range of 20 to 32 pounds, while the slightly smaller females were found to average about 18.7 to 21.3 pounds, with a weight range of 17 to 23 pounds. The Mute Swan is less vocal than the noisy Bewick's Swan and Whooper Swan although it does make a variety of grunting, hoarse whistling and snorting noises, especially in communicating with their cygnets and threatening competitors or intruders trying to enter their territory. The most familiar sound associated with the Mute Swan is the vibrant throbbing of the wings in flight which is unique to the species and this can be heard from a range of up to 1 mile. The Mute Swan is found naturally mainly in the temperate areas of Europe across west Asia and as far east as Primorsky Krai in the far east of Russia. It is partially migratory throughout the northern latitudes in Europe and Asia as far south as north Africa and the Mediterranean. It is also often kept in captivity outside its natural range as a decoration for parks and ponds and escapes have occurred. The descendants of such birds have become naturalised in east USA and the Great Lakes region across the USA and Canada border. The Mute Swan population in the UK has increased recently probably due to better protection of this species. Some birds are resident all year whilst others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into east England. Mute Swans nest on large mounds that they build with waterside vegetation in shallow water on islands in the middle or at the very edge of a lake. It is a monogamous species and often reuses the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Males and females share the care of the nest. The female lays from 4 to 10 eggs and broods for around 36 days. Cygnets are unable to fly before an age of 120 to 150 days and this limits the distribution of the species in the northern edge of its range since the cygnets must learn to fly before the water freezes. The Mute Swan is usually strongly territorial with just a single pair on smaller lakes although in a few locations where a large area of suitable feeding habitat is found they can be colonial. The largest colonies can hold over 100 pairs such as that at the colony at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset in the UK. Non-mated juveniles up to 3 to 4 years old commonly form larger flocks often at regular traditional sites and these can total several hundred birds. The Mute Swan can be very aggressive in defence of its nest and it is highly protective of its mate and offspring. Most defensive attacks from a Mute Swan begin with a loud hiss and, if this is not sufficient to drive off the predator, are followed by a physical attack. It attacks by smashing at its enemy with bony spurs in the wings accompanied by biting with its large bill. Smaller waterbirds such as ducks are normally grabbed with the bill and dragged or thrown clear. Large waterfowl, such as the Canada Goose, more likely out of competition than in response to potential predation, may be aggressively driven off. The wings of the Mute Swan are very powerful although not strong enough to break an adult man's leg as has been claimed anecdotally. The Mute Swan feeds on a wide range of vegetation, both submerged aquatic plants which they reach with their long necks and by grazing on land. The food commonly includes agricultural crop plants such as oilseed rape and wheat and feeding flocks in the winter may cause significant crop damage, often as much through trampling with their large webbed feet as through direct consumption. Date: 10th February 2008 Location: Verulanium Park, St Albans, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9566398.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21297117244daed7d388536.jpgWaxwing The Waxwing is a plump bird which is slightly smaller than a starling. It is reddish-brown with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings, a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest. Waxwings breed in the dense forests of northern Europe but they occur in varying numbers in the UK from October to March. In some years they can occur in large numbers (known as irruptions) when the population in the breeding areas gets too big for the food available. The first UK arrivals each winter are usually seen on the east coast from Scotland to East Anglia but birds then move inland in search of food. They can be found in parks and gardens and even busy public places, typically where there are berry-bearing trees and bushes such as rowan, hawthorn, cotoneaster and rose. Waxwings make an easily recognisable high-pitched trilling sound like a bell. Date: 28th December 2008 Location: Folkestone, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19507422.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_165707082452528b53b7629.jpgLos Llanos de Libar, Sierra de Grazalema, Andalucia, Spain The Sierra de Libar lies between the Sierra de Grazalema and the Guadiaro river valley. The Sierra de Libar range itself consists of two karst limestone ridges running in a north-south direction separated by the fertile valley of Los Llanos de Libar. The Los Llanos de Libar track starting at the mountain village of Montejaque west of Ronda allows access to open pasture, oak woodlands limestone pavements and craggy cliffs.. Date: 8th September 2013 Location: view from the track running south west out of Montejaque, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51387296.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1369574821667e7d1cdea87.jpgAzure Damselfly Flight period: May to August The Azure Damselfly is one of the two commonest blue damselflies and is a common and widespread species of lowland UK. They can be found around most standing water, preferring small, sheltered sites including ditches and garden ponds. Date: 23rd June 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26540700.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_161663701056ace63d5f02c.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 31st December 2015 Location: Winterton-Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo583473.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_150094027746d95f878230b.jpgMigrant Hawker Flight period: August to October The Migrant Hawker is common in the south of the UK and has spread north and west in recent decades. The breeding population is boosted by continental migrants in the autumn and they are most easily seen hawking for insects along sheltered woodland rides or hedgerows. Date: 26th August 2007 Location: Stow Maries Halt EWT reserve, Stow Maries, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28140768.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1233198246577a3b3805f33.jpgLoch an Eilean, Highland Loch an Eilean is a small loch in the Rothiemurchus Forest located 3 miles south of Aviemore on Speyside. On a small island in the loch stand the remains of a 15th century castle which is believed to have been a property of Alexander Stewart, the Wolf of Badenoch. A nature trail circuits the loch and passes through the typical Caledonian pine forest of this part of Scotland. Date: 22nd June 2016 Location: view from the south side of the loch http://www.richardchewphotography.com/blaven-skye https://images.on-this.website/4752_7484026484681c73aac9af.jpgBlaven, Skye Height: 3044 feet. The meaning of the name Blaven or Bla Bhienn is confused and is variously documented as "blue mountain", "warm mountain", "sunny mountain", "mount of the blast" or "hill of bloom". Blaven is the eastern most peak of the Black Cuillin and is separated from the Cuillin range by Glen Sligachan. Blaven is the highest of the surrounding mountains and is managed by the John Muir Trust. [i]".... and even if I came in sight of Paradise, what price it's moon without Blaven?"[/i] - [b]Sorley Maclean[/b] - "The Island" Date: June 2000 Location: view from the B8083 Broadford to Elgol road near Torrin http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41292188.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2947816655f10b90ec88cb.jpgGjøkåsen bear den, Pasvikdalen, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Date: 30th June 2019 Location: Gjøkåsen, Pasvikdalen, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9590618.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17548392754db16ca322175.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. This photo received a BBC Wildlife magazine photo masterclass commended award in the “Bird Portraits” category for October 2006. Please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/news3552.html]here[/url] for further information. Date: 04/03/06 Location: Northlands Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25774133.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_680021485560fb86b3bc83.jpgOtter The Eurasian Otter, also known as the European Otter, Eurasian River Otter, Common Otter and Old World Otter and commonly known as the Otter, is a semi-aquatic mammal and the most widely distributed member of the Otter sub-family of the Weasel family (Mustelidae). The Otter is a typical species of the Otter sub-family and is brown above and cream below. It is 22.5 to 37.5 inches long excluding a tail of 14 to 17.5 inches. The female is shorter than the male. The Otter's average body weight is 15 to 26 pounds, although occasionally a large old male may reach up to 37 pounds. The Otter differs from the North American River Otter by its shorter neck, broader face, the greater space between the ears and its longer tail. However, it is the only Otter species in much of its range so it is rarely confused for any other animal. The Otter is the most widely distributed Otter species and its range including parts of Asia and Africa as well as being widespread across Europe. The Otter can be found throughout most of the UK with the highest densities in Scotland, especially the islands and the north west coast, Wales, parts of East Anglia and the West Country. The Otter declined across its range in the second half of the 20th century primarily due to pollution, habitat loss and hunting. However, populations are now recovering in many parts of Europe. In the UK the number of sites with an Otter presence increased by 55% between 1994 and 2002. In August 2011, the Environment Agency announced that the Otter had returned to every county in England since vanishing from every county except the West Country and parts of Northern England. The recovery of the Otter population in Europe is due to a ban on the most harmful pesticides that has been in place since 1979, improvements in water quality leading to increases in prey populations and direct legal protection under the European Union Habitats Directive and national legislation in several European countries. In general, the Otter’s varied and adaptable diet means that it can be found on any unpolluted body of fresh water, including lakes, streams, rivers and ponds, as long as the food supply is adequate. It can also be found along the coast in salt water but it requires regular access to fresh water to clean its fur. When living in the sea it is sometimes referred to as a "Sea Otter" but it should not be confused with the true Sea Otter which is a North American species much more strongly adapted to a marine existence. The Otter's diet mainly consists of fish. However, during the winter and in colder environments, fish consumption is significantly lower and other sources of food are eaten including amphibians, crustaceans, insects, birds and small mammals. Hunting mainly takes place at night whilst the day is usually spent in the Otter's holt (den). The Otter is strongly territorial and is primarily solitary. An individual's territory may vary between 1 and 25 miles with the length of the territory depending on the density of food available and the width of the water suitable for hunting (it is shorter on coasts, where the available width is much wider and longer on narrower rivers). The Otter uses its spraints to mark its territory. Territories are only held against members of the same sex so those of males and females may overlap. The Otter is a non-seasonal breeder and males and females will breed at any time of the year. It has been found that their mating season is most likely determined simply by the Otters' reproductive maturity and physiological state. Female Otters are sexually mature between 18 and 24 months old and the average age of first breeding is found to be 2.5 years old. Gestation is 60 to 64 days and after the gestation period, 1 to 4 pups are born which remain dependent on the mother for about 13 months. The male plays no direct role in parental care although the territory of a female with her pups is usually entirely within that of the male. Date: 25th September 2015 Location: Broadford Bay, Skye, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51982659.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_27233512066d33cf59b3ab.jpgGatekeeper Flight period: mid-July to early September. The Gatekeeper or Hedge Brown is common and widespread throughout the southern half of the UK. They can be found in areas with hedgerows or in scrubby woodland with wide and sunny rides. Date: 19th July 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230731.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_166030435064916fe36f203.jpgRWT Gilfach, Powys RWT Gilfach is located just 4 miles north of Rhayader. For centuries, it was a working hill farm but now it is a spectacular nature reserve tucked away in the Marteg valley in the heart of rural mid-Wales. The old farm buildings are used as visitor facilities and a series of way-marked trails provide access to the woodlands, rough grazing areas and heather moorland. A hide close to the reserve entrance overlooks the River Marteg. Date: 14th May 2023 Location: RWT Gilfach, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533192.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_121215736262ca7f2a65ecb.jpgMarbled White Flight period: July to August The Marbled White is a very distinctive black and white butterfly that is widespread in southern England and expanding its range northwards and eastwards. They can be found in unimproved grassland, coastal grassland, roadside verges and railway embankments. Date: 22nd June 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/pale-bellied-brent-goose https://images.on-this.website/4752_9912661955e5393d2b513d.jpgPale-bellied Brent Goose The Brent Goose belongs to the [I]Branta[/I] genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the [I]Anser[/I] genus of grey geese. [I]Branta[/I] is a Latinised form of Old Norse [I]brandgás[/I], meaning "burnt (black) goose", and [i]bernicla[/i] is the medieval Latin name for the barnacle. The Brent Goose and the similar Barnacle Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be the same creature as the crustacean, a myth that can be dated back to at least the 12th century. The Brent Goose, [I]Branta bernicla[/I] is divided into 3 sub-species: Dark-bellied Brent Goose [I]B. b. bernicla[/I], Pale-bellied Brent Goose [i]B. b. hrota[/i] (sometimes also known as Light-bellied Brent Goose) and Black Brant [i]B. b. nigricans[/i]. Some DNA evidence suggests that these forms are genetically distinct and a split into 3 separate species has been proposed. However, other evidence upholds their maintenance as a single species. The Brent Goose is a small goose, 22 to 26 inches long with a wingspan of 42 to 48 inches. The under-tail is pure white and the tail black and very short (the shortest of any goose). The Dark-bellied Brent Goose is fairly uniformly dark grey-brown all over and the flanks and belly are not significantly paler than the back. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds on the Arctic coasts of central and west Siberia and winters in west Europe with over half the population in south England and the rest between north Germany and north west France. The Pale-bellied Brent Goose appears blackish-brown and light grey in colour and the flanks and belly are significantly paler than the back and present a marked contrast. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds in Franz Josef Land, Svalbard, Greenland and north east Canada and winters in Denmark, north east England, Ireland and the Atlantic coast of the USA from Maine to Georgia as well as in a small but significant area in north France. The Black Brant appears blackish-brown and white in colour. This sub-species is very contrastingly black and white with a uniformly dark sooty-brown back, similarly-coloured underparts (with the dark colour extending furthest back of the 3 sub-species) and a prominent white flank patch. It also has a larger white neck patch which forms an almost complete collar. It breeds in north west Canada, Alaska and east Siberia and winters mostly on the west coast of north America from south Alaska to California but also in east Asia, mainly Japan. It sometimes appears as a vagrant in Europe when it associates with the other Brent Goose species. The Brent Goose used to be a strictly coastal bird in winter, seldom leaving tidal estuaries where it feeds on eel-grass and seaweed. In recent decades, it has started using agricultural land a short distance inland, feeding extensively on grass and winter-sown cereals. This may be behaviour learned by following other species of geese. Food resource pressure may also be important in forcing this change since the world population increased over 10-fold by the mid-1980s, possibly reaching the carrying capacity of the estuaries. In the breeding season, the Brent Goose uses low-lying wet coastal tundra for both breeding and feeding. The nest is bowl-shaped, lined with grass and down and located in an elevated position often near a small pond. The Brent Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds applies. Date: 2nd February 2020 Location: Barnawee Bridge, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11265230.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19771615364e1ad3e084509.jpgPuffins The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 11th May 2008 Location: Skomer, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41176055.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8214940375e9307873f0aa.jpgCanada Goose The Canada Goose belongs to the [i]Branta[/i] genus of geese which contains species with largely black plumage distinguishing it from the grey species of the genus [i]Anser[/i]. The black head and neck with a white "chinstrap" distinguish the Canada Goose from all other goose species with the exception of the Cackling Goose from north America and the Barnacle Goose which has a black breast and grey rather than brownish body plumage. The 7 sub-species of the Canada Goose vary widely in size and plumage details but all are recognizable as Canada Geese. Of the "true geese" (i.e. the genera [i]Anser[/i], [i]Branta[/i] or [i]Chen[/i]), the Canada Goose is on average the largest living species. It ranges from 30 to 43 inches in length and with a 50 to 73 inches wingspan. The male usually weighs 5.7 to 14.3 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 8.6 pounds. The female looks virtually identical but is slightly lighter at 5.3 to 12.1 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 7.9 pounds. It is also generally 10% smaller in linear dimensions than the male. The Canada Goose is native to north America where it breeds in Canada and the north USA in a wide range of habitats. The Great Lakes region maintains a very large population. It occurs all year round in the southern part of its breeding range, including most of the eastern seaboard and the Pacific coast. Between California and South Carolina in the south USA and north Mexico, it is primarily present as a migrant from further north during the winter. Outside north America, the Canada Goose has reached north Europe naturally as has been proved by ringing recoveries. It has also been introduced in to Europe and had established populations in the UK in the middle of the 18th century, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany and Scandinavia. Most European populations are not migratory but those in more northerly parts of Sweden and Finland migrate to the North Sea and Baltic coasts. Semi-tame feral birds are common in parks and have become a pest in some areas. In the early 17th century, explorer Samuel de Champlain sent several pairs of Canada Geese to France as a present for King Louis XIII. Canada Geese were first introduced in to the UK in the late 17th century as an addition to King James II's waterfowl collection in St. James's Park. They were also introduced in to Germany and Scandinavia during the 20th century. During the second year of its life, the Canada Goose finds a mate. It is a monogamous species and most couples stay together all of their lives. If one dies, the other may find a new mate. The female lays from 2 to 9 eggs with an average of 5. Both parents protect the nest while the eggs incubate but the female spends more time at the nest than the male. The nest is usually located in an elevated area near water such as streams, lakes and ponds and the eggs are laid in a shallow depression lined with plant material and down. The incubation period, in which the female incubates the eggs while the male remains nearby, lasts for 24 to 28 days after laying. As soon as the goslings hatch, they are immediately capable of walking, swimming and finding their own food (a diet similar to the adults). Parents are often seen leading their goslings in a line, usually with one adult at the front and the other at the back. While protecting their goslings, parents often violently chase away anything from small birds to lone humans who approach, after warning them by giving off a hissing sound and then attacking with bites and slaps of the wings if the threat does not retreat. Although parents are hostile to unfamiliar geese, they may form groups (crèches) of a number of goslings and a few adults. The goslings enter the fledgling stage any time from 6 to 9 weeks of age. Once it reaches adulthood, due to its large size and often aggressive behaviour, the Canada Goose is rarely preyed on although prior injury may make it more vulnerable to natural predators. The lifespan in the wild of birds that survive to adulthood ranges from 10 to 24 years. The UK longevity record is held by a specimen tagged as a nestling which was observed alive at the age of 31. The Canada Goose is primarily a herbivore although it will sometimes eat small insects and fish. Their diet includes grasses, aquatic plants, beans and grains such as wheat, rice, and corn when they are available. In urban areas, it is also known to pick food out of rubbish bins and it will readily take a variety of food from humans in parks. Date: 5th April 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874850.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1306616977561ccfe7b510a.jpgHaukadalur, south Iceland The Haukadalur geothermal area is located in south west Iceland to the north east of the Reykjanes peninsula and Reykjavík. Here can be seen some of the most famous sights of Iceland: the geysers and other geothermal features which have developed on the Laugarfjall rhyolitic dome. The biggest geysers of Haukadalur are Strokkur and Geysir. There are also more than 40 other hot springs, mud pots and fumaroles nearby. The oldest accounts of hot springs at Haukadalur date back to 1294 when earthquakes in the area caused significant changes in the local neighbouring landscape creating several new hot springs. Changes in the activity of Geysir and the surrounding geysers are still strongly related to earthquake activity. Strokkur is a fountain geyser and is one of Iceland's most famous geysers. It is very dependable and erupts about every 5 to 10 minutes with boiling water reaching a height of 50 to 65 feet and sometimes up to 130 feet. Geysir, sometimes known as The Great Geysir, was the first geyser described in a printed source in the 18th century and the first known to modern Europeans. Since unusual natural phenomena were of high interest to society during the Age of Enlightenment, the term became popular and has been used for similar hydrothermal features worldwide since then. The English word geyser derives from Geysir whilst Geysir itself is derived from the Icelandic verb <i>geysa</i> ("to gush"). Eruptions at Geysir can hurl boiling water up to 230 feet in the air but eruptions are now very infrequent and have in the past stopped altogether for years at a time. The Haukadalur geothermal area, usually referred to as Geysir, is popular with tourists and, together with the magnificent waterfall at Gulfoss and Þingvellir, it is part of a group of the most famous sights of Iceland known as the "Golden Circle". Date: 7th June 2015 Location: geothermal area at Haukadalur http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13657001.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20424558174ed369167c1de.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the [i]Canidae[/i] family and is a part of the order [i]Carnivora[/i] within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29487329.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10046405758107f4d81130.jpgNuuksio National Park, Uusimaa, Finland Nuuksio National Park was established in 1994 and covers an area of 20 square miles of forests and lakes around Espoo, Kirkkonummi and Vihti. About 20 miles north west of Helsinki, it is the second closest National Park to the capital after Sipoonkorpi National Park. The [url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siberian_flying_squirrel]Siberian Flying Squirrel[/url] is the emblem of the Nuuksio National Park due to the density of its population. Date: 30th May 2016 Location: Kattila, Nuuksio National Park, Uusimaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/audru-polder-estonia https://images.on-this.website/4752_202326515957cc3680a79fa.jpgAudru polder, Estonia The Audru polder is situated just west of Pärnu between the town of Audru and Pärnu Bay. It is an extensive area of nearly 8 square miles including wet meadows, pastures, grazing land and ponds which is usually flooded in spring when it provides a stopover for large numbers of wildfowl. Date: 13th May 2016 Location: Audru polder, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48309163.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_201635745663ee455f9bb96.jpgCoot The Coot is an all black bird with a distinctive white beak and “shield” above the beak from which earns it the title “bald”. Its feet have distinctive lobed flaps of skin on the toes which act instead of webs when swimming. It patters noisily over the water before taking off and can be very aggressive towards other birds. Coot can be found all the year round mainly on freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers and town park lakes. Sometimes they can be seen offshore, especially in winter if freshwater areas are frozen. They breed in areas of fairly shallow standing freshwater with a muddy bottom and plenty of vegetation at the sides, usually in lowland areas. Date: 6th February 2022 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072378.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_450699794bf6e171ea755.jpgKongsfjord, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway Kongsfjord is a small fishing village in Berlevåg municipality in Finnmark county in north east Norway. Date: 14th April 2010 Location: view from road 890 south of Kongsfjord, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/herring-gull-and-chicks https://images.on-this.website/4752_19682561764e313ad5b70eb.jpgHerring Gull and chicks Herring Gulls are large, noisy gulls and can be found throughout the year around coasts. During winter they can also be found inland around rubbish tips, fields, large reservoirs and lakes. Herring Gulls usually breed in colonies at coastal sites around the UK including cliffs with grassy slopes, shingle beaches, small islands and rooftops in seaside towns. Date: 10th June 2007 Location: Balnakeil, Sutherland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo27293542.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_94931021357232f6d9665b.jpgBlue Tit The Blue Tit is a small passerine bird in the tit family. It is easily recognisable by its generally blue and yellow plumage and its small size. The Blue Tit is about 4.7 inches long with a wingspan of 7.1 inches. It has an azure blue crown and a dark blue line passing through the eye and encircling the white cheeks to the chin, giving the bird a very distinctive appearance. The forehead and a bar on the wing are white. The nape, wings and tail are blue and the back is yellowish green. The underparts are mostly sulphur-yellow with a dark line down the abdomen. The bill is black and the legs bluish grey. The sexes are similar whilst young birds are noticeably more yellow. The Blue Tit is very agile and it can cling to the outermost branches and hang upside down when searching for food such as insects, caterpillars and seeds. The Blue Tit can be found throughout areas of the European continent with a mainly temperate or Mediterranean climate and in parts of the Middle East. In the UK it is common in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens and widespread across the whole of the country with the exception of some Scottish islands. The Blue Tit will nest in any suitable hole in a tree, wall or stump, often competing with other birds such as the House Sparrow or Great Tit for the site. In addition, it will readily accept an artificial nesting box. The same hole is returned to year after year and when one pair dies another takes possession. The nesting material is usually moss, wool, hair and feathers and the eggs are laid in April or May. The number in the clutch is often very large but 7 or 8 is normal. It is not unusual for a single bird to feed the chicks in the nest at a rate of one feed every 90 seconds during the height of the breeding season. Successful breeding is dependent on a sufficient supply of caterpillars as well as satisfactory weather. Breeding may be affected badly if the weather is cold and wet between May and July, particularly if this coincides with the emergence of the caterpillars on which the nestlings are fed. The small size of the Blue Tit makes it vulnerable to predation by larger birds and the typical lifespan is 3 years or less. The most significant predator is probably the Sparrowhawk, closely followed by the domestic cat. Nests may also be robbed by mammals such as the Weasel and Red and Grey Squirrels. Date: 23rd April 2016 Location: Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve, Sevenoaks, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13657014.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6467910924ed369341eb13.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the [i]Canidae[/i] family and is a part of the order [i]Carnivora[/i] within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41249198.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17788262755f00b463eea66.jpgRazorbill The Razorbill is a seabird and a member of the auk family which also includes the Common Guillemot, Brunnich's Guillemot and Little Auk. It is also the closest living relative to the Great Auk which is now extinct. The Razorbill has white underparts and a black head, neck, back and feet during the breeding season. A thin white line also extends from the eyes to the end of the bill. Its head is darker than that of the CommonGuillemot. Outside the breeding season, the throat and face behind the eye become white and the white line on the face becomes less prominent. The thick black bill has a blunt end. The adult male and female female are very much alike having only small differences such as wing length. The Razorbill has a horizontal stance and the tail feathers are slightly longer in the centre in comparison to other auks making it have a distinctly long tail which is not common for an auk. The Razorbill is distributed across the sub-arctic and boreal waters of the north Atlantic where water surface temperature are typically below 15°c. The world population is estimated to be less than 1 million breeding pairs, making it among the rarest auks in the world. Approximately 60 to 70% of the entire Razorbill population breeds in Iceland., including over 200,000 pairs at Látrabjarg. The breeding habitat is islands, rocky shores and cliffs on north Atlantic coasts, in eastern North America as far south as Maine and in western Europe from north west Russia to northern France. Eurasian birds winter at sea with some moving south as far as the western Mediterranean. North American birds migrate offshore and south. The Razorbill is a colonial breeder and only comes to land to breed. Individuals only breed at 3 to 5 years of age. Females select their mate and will often encourage competition between males before choosing a partner. Once a male is chosen, the pair will usually stay together for life. Nest site determination is very important to ensure protection of young from predators. Unlike Common Guillemots, nest sites are not immediately alongside the sea on open cliff ledges but at least 4 to 6 inches away in crevices on cliffs or among boulders. Generally a nest is not built although some pairs often use their bills to drag material upon which to lay their single egg. The mating pair will often reuse the same site every year. The Razorbill feeds mainly on schooling fish and crustaceans and it will dive deep into the sea using its wings and its streamlined body to propel itself toward their prey. Whilst diving, it rarely stays in groups but instead spreads out to feed. The majority of feeding occurs at a depth of about 80 feet but it has the ability to dive up to 400 feet below the surface. During a single dive the Razorbill can capture and swallow many schooling fish depending on their size. The Razorbill spends approximately 45% of its time foraging at sea and it may well fly more than 60 miles out to sea to feed. However, when feeding chicks it will forage much closer to the nesting grounds and often in shallower water. The Razorbill and its eggs and chicks have several predators which include Great Black-backed Gulls, Peregrines, Ravens and other crows, Arctic Foxes and Polar Bears. In the early 20th century, Razorbills were harvested for their eggs, meat and feathers and this greatly decreased their population. In 1917 they were finally protected which reduced hunting. Other current threats include oil pollution, unintentional bycatch arising from commercial fishing and overfishing which decreases the abundance of prey. Date: 22nd June 2020 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23408452.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14044232654c20b86c6a59.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 3rd January 2015 Location: Mersehead RSPB reserve, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082285.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1635377005d307bb0befb2.jpgMiddle Spotted Woodpecker The Middle Spotted Woodpecker is a member of the woodpecker family [i]Picidae[/i]. It is around 8 inches in length with a wingspan of around 13 inches and it has a plumage similar to the Great Spotted Woodpecker. As with that species, the upperparts are predominantly black with white oval wing patches, there is white barring on the wings and the underparts are white. The main differences are that the Middle Spotted Woodpecker has a red crown, no black moustachial stripe, a pink vent and dark streaks on the flanks. The Middle Spotted Woodpecker differs from all its European relatives in being almost totally monomorphic, i.e. males and females are almost identical in appearance. Despite its name, the Middle Spotted Woodpecker is not mid-way in size between its relatives, the smaller Lesser Spotted Woodpecker and the larger Great Spotted Woodpecker and Syrian Woodpecker. The Middle Spotted Woodpecker is much closer to the 2 larger species in all measurements being just 15% smaller but it is around 40% larger than Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. The Middle Spotted Woodpecker can be found in much of west and east Europe and south west Asia and is locally common in the right habitat but with varying and often quite low population densities. Its range extends from France east to European Russia, mainly in the temperate continental zone, but also north to the Baltic states. It is absent from Finland and Norway and extinct in Sweden and Denmark. Due to its sedentary nature it has never been recorded in the UK and Ireland. The range extends south and east in to the Mediterranean Basin, the Balkan peninsula, Turkey, the Caucasus, Iraq and Iran. The Middle Spotted Woodpecker prefers deciduous forest, especially areas with old oak, hornbeam and elm, and a patchwork of clearings, pasture and dense woodland. In the breeding season the Middle Spotted Woodpecker excavates a nest hole about 2 inches wide in a decaying tree trunk or thick branch. The female lays 4 to 7 eggs which are incubated for 11 to 14 days. The Middle Spotted Woodpecker likes to feed high in the trees on a diet of insects and their larvae which it finds by picking them from branches and twigs rather than hacking them from beneath the bark. It will also feed on tree sap. Unlike most of its European relatives, the Middle Spotted Woodpecker does not regularly drum and females probably do not drum at all. Any drumming is rather mild and limited to early spring and it is usually made in response to competition from another male. Both adults do however tap loudly at the nest hole in spring. This tapping is a communicative signal and not part of hole excavation and it is not drumming. The Middle Spotted Woodpecker seems to rely more on its “song” when announcing its territory rather than drumming. Date: 22nd May 2018 Location: Ropotamo, Burgas Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/marchapril-2009-loch-morlich-highland https://images.on-this.website/4752_6315478424a49171696fc5.jpgMarch to April 2009 - Loch Morlich, Highland Please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/photo2463036.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12076174.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13290472384e48d05fa718b.jpgOtter The Eurasian Otter, also known as the European Otter, Eurasian River Otter, Common Otter and Old World Otter and commonly known as the Otter, is a semi-aquatic mammal and the most widely distributed member of the Otter sub-family of the Weasel family (Mustelidae). The Otter is a typical species of the Otter sub-family and is brown above and cream below. It is 22.5 to 37.5 inches long excluding a tail of 14 to 17.5 inches. The female is shorter than the male. The Otter's average body weight is 15 to 26 pounds, although occasionally a large old male may reach up to 37 pounds. The Otter differs from the North American River Otter by its shorter neck, broader face, the greater space between the ears and its longer tail. However, it is the only Otter species in much of its range so it is rarely confused for any other animal. The Otter is the most widely distributed Otter species and its range including parts of Asia and Africa as well as being widespread across Europe. The Otter can be found throughout most of the UK with the highest densities in Scotland, especially the islands and the north west coast, Wales, parts of East Anglia and the West Country. The Otter declined across its range in the second half of the 20th century primarily due to pollution, habitat loss and hunting. However, populations are now recovering in many parts of Europe. In the UK the number of sites with an Otter presence increased by 55% between 1994 and 2002. In August 2011, the Environment Agency announced that the Otter had returned to every county in England since vanishing from every county except the West Country and parts of Northern England. The recovery of the Otter population in Europe is due to a ban on the most harmful pesticides that has been in place since 1979, improvements in water quality leading to increases in prey populations and direct legal protection under the European Union Habitats Directive and national legislation in several European countries. In general, the Otter’s varied and adaptable diet means that it can be found on any unpolluted body of fresh water, including lakes, streams, rivers and ponds, as long as the food supply is adequate. It can also be found along the coast in salt water but it requires regular access to fresh water to clean its fur. When living in the sea it is sometimes referred to as a "Sea Otter" but it should not be confused with the true Sea Otter which is a North American species much more strongly adapted to a marine existence. The Otter's diet mainly consists of fish. However, during the winter and in colder environments, fish consumption is significantly lower and other sources of food are eaten including amphibians, crustaceans, insects, birds and small mammals. Hunting mainly takes place at night whilst the day is usually spent in the Otter's holt (den). The Otter is strongly territorial and is primarily solitary. An individual's territory may vary between 1 and 25 miles with the length of the territory depending on the density of food available and the width of the water suitable for hunting (it is shorter on coasts, where the available width is much wider and longer on narrower rivers). The Otter uses its spraints to mark its territory. Territories are only held against members of the same sex so those of males and females may overlap. The Otter is a non-seasonal breeder and males and females will breed at any time of the year. It has been found that their mating season is most likely determined simply by the Otters' reproductive maturity and physiological state. Female Otters are sexually mature between 18 and 24 months old and the average age of first breeding is found to be 2.5 years old. Gestation is 60 to 64 days and after the gestation period, 1 to 4 pups are born which remain dependent on the mother for about 13 months. The male plays no direct role in parental care although the territory of a female with her pups is usually entirely within that of the male. Date: 6th November 2007 Location: Bunnahabhain, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49903670.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_48736483965043876ed023.jpgBrown Argus Flight period: May to September. The Brown Argus is always brown but confusingly belongs to the group of "blue" butterflies! They are usually found on chalk and limestone grassland in south east England but may also occur in a wide variety of other habitats such as heathland, coastal dunes, woodland clearings and road verges. Date: 21st August 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51984695.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_181737432466d356e84a13d.jpgGreen-veined White Flight period: April to September The Green-veined White is a widespread butterfly throughout the UK and is often the commonest white butterfly in the north of the UK. They can be found in a variety of habitats but damp, lush vegetation is an essential requirement. Date: 27th August 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072228.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18840916844bf6d4d091cf0.jpgGreat Spotted Woodpecker The Great Spotted Woodpecker is a Blackbird-sized bird with striking black and white plumage. The male has a distinctive red patch on the back of the head and young birds have a red crown. Great Spotted Woodpeckers have a very distinctive bouncing flight and spend most of their time clinging to tree trunks and branches. Their presence is often announced by its loud call or by its distinctive spring “drumming” display. Great Spotted Woodpeckers are widely distributed throughout Europe and northern Asia and are usually resident all year round except in the colder parts of its range. Date: 10th April 2010 Location: Neljan Tuulen Tupa near Kaamanen, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847509.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_70011279759bd520036f82.jpgHigh Tatras, Slovakia The High Tatras (Vysoké Tatry in Slovakia and Tatry Wysokie in Poland) are a mountain range along the border of northern Slovakia in the Prešov region and southern Poland in the Małopolska province. The High Tatras should not be confused with the Low Tatras which are located south of the High Tatras in Slovakia. The High Tatras occupy an area of 303 square miles, of which about 236 square miles (77.7%) lie within Slovakia and about 68 square miles (22.3%) within Poland. The High Tatras' length, measured in a straight line from the eastern foothills of the Kobylí vrch at 3638 feet to the south western foot of Ostrý vrch at 3700 feet, is 35 miles and strictly along the main ridge, 50 miles. The range is only 12 miles wide. The main ridge of the High Tatras runs from the Slovakian villages of Huty at the western end to the village of Ždiar at the eastern end. The High Tatras, having 29 peaks over 8,200 feet are, with the Southern Carpathians, the only mountain range with an alpine character and habitats in the entire 750 mile length of the Carpathian Mountains system. The 15 highest peaks of the High Tatras are all located in Slovakia with the highest peaks being Gerlachovský štít at 8711 feet, Gerlachovská veža at 8668 feet and Lomnický štít at 8638 feet. Other notable peaks include Kriváň and Rysy. Multiple surveys have ranked Kriváň (8168 feet) as Slovakia's most beautiful peak and it has also been a major symbol in Slovakian ethnic and national activism for the past 2 centuries. A country-wide vote in 2005 selected it to be one of the images on Slovakia's euro coins. Rysy lies on the border between Poland and Slovakia. It has 3 summits: the middle at 8,212 feet, the north western at 8,199 feet and the south eastern at 8,114 feet. The north western summit is the highest point in Poland whilst the other 2 summits are in Slovakia. Since the accession of Poland and Slovakia to the Schengen Agreement in 2007, the border between the countries may be easily crossed at this point. Two thirds of the High Tatras are covered with coniferous and deciduous forests. Alpine meadows, rocky terrain and habitats and extensively used pastures in the foothills occur in the non-forested areas. The High Tatras are one of the most popular places in Slovakia with over 5 million people visiting each year to walk, climb, cycle, ski or snowboard. There are around 375 miles of hiking trails, chairlifts and cable cars, offering breathtaking views of alpine scenery. The High Tatras are protected by law by the establishment of the Tatra National Park, Slovakia (Tatranský národný park) and the Tatra National Park, Poland (Tatrzański Park Narodowy), the first European cross-border national park. In 1992 the Polish and Slovakian national parks were jointly designated a trans-boundary Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. Tatra National Park, Slovakia (Tatranský národný park) is one of the 9 national parks in Slovakia. It protects the Slovakian areas of the High Tatras mountain range in the Eastern Tatras (Východné Tatry) and areas of the Western Tatras (Západné Tatry). The western part of Tatra National Park is situated in the Žilina region and the eastern part in the Prešov region. Tatra National Park covers an area of 284.9 square miles and the surrounding buffer zone covers an area of 118.5 square miles. The highest peak in Slovakia, Gerlachovský štít at 8711 feet, is located within Tatra National Park. Tatra National Park was established in January 1949 and it is the oldest national park in Slovakia. In 1987, a section of the Western Tatras was added to the national park. Since 2004, the national park has been included in the Natura 2000 ecological network, the network of nature protection areas within the European Union. Date: 29th May 2017 Location: view from Podlesok, Slovak Paradise National Park, Košice region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46534266.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_54510730762ca944a020ca.jpgBlack-browed Albatross The Black-browed Albatross, also known as the Black-browed Mollymawk, is a large seabird in the albatross family [i]Diomedeidae[/i] and it is the most widespread and common member of its family. The albatrosses are classified in the order [i]Procellariiformes[/i] which also includes shearwaters, fulmars, storm petrels and diving petrels. All these birds share certain identifying features. They have nasal passages that attach to the upper bill called naricorns although the nostrils on the albatross are on the sides of the bill. The bills of [i]Procellariiformes[/i] are also unique in that they are split into between 7 and 9 horny plates and they have a salt gland above the nasal passage which helps to remove salt from the ocean water that they imbibe. The gland excretes a high saline solution through the bird's nose. The Black-browed Albatross is a medium-sized albatross at 31 to 37 inches in length with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. It has a dark grey saddle and upperwings that contrast with the white rump and underparts. The underwing is predominantly white with broad and irregular black margins. It has a dark eyebrow and a yellow-orange bill with a darker reddish-orange tip. Juveniles have dark horn-coloured bills with dark tips and a grey head and collar. They also have dark underwings. The features that distinguish it from other albatrosses are the dark eyestripe which gives it its name, a broad black edging to the white underside of its wings, white head and orange bill tipped darker orange. The Black-browed Albatross is circumpolar in the southern oceans and it breeds on 12 islands throughout that range. In the Atlantic Ocean, it breeds on the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, and the Cape Horn Islands. In the Pacific Ocean it breeds on Islas Ildefonso, Diego de Almagro, Islas Evangelistas, Campbell Island, Antipodes Islands, Snares Islands and Macquarie Island. In the Indian Ocean it breeds on the Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island and McDonald Island. There are an estimated 1,220,000 birds alive with 600,853 breeding pairs as estimated by a 2005 count. Of these birds, 402,571 breed in the Falklands, 72,102 breed on South Georgia Island and 120,171 breed on the Chilean islands of Islas Ildefonso, Diego de Almagro, Islas Evangelistas and Islas Diego Ramírez. Birds from the Falkland Islands winter near the Patagonian Shelf and birds from South Georgia forage in South African waters. It is the most likely albatross to be found in the North Atlantic due to this northerly migratory tendency. The Black-browed Albatross normally nests on steep slopes covered with tussock grass and sometimes on cliffs although on the Falkland Islands it nests on flat grassland on the coast. It is an annual breeder with the female laying a single egg from between 20th September and 1st November although the Falkland Islands breeders lay about 3 weeks earlier. Incubation of the egg is undertaken by both sexes and lasts 68 to 71 days. After hatching, the chicks take 120 to 130 days to fledge. Juveniles will return to the colony after 2 to 3 years but only to practice courtship rituals as they will only start breeding around their 10th year. The Black-browed Albatross can have a natural lifespan of over 70 years. The Black-browed Albatross feeds on fish, squid, crustaceans, carrion, and fishery discards but it has also been observed stealing food from other species. Until 2013, the IUCN classified the Black-browed Albatross as endangered due to a drastic reduction in its population. There has been a 67% decline in the population over 64 years. Increased longline fishing in the southern oceans, especially around the Patagonian Shelf and around South Georgia, has been attributed as a major cause of the decline of this bird and the Black-browed Albatross has been found to be the most common bird killed by fisheries. Trawl fishing, especially around the Patagonian Shelf and off South Africa, is also a large cause of deaths. Conservation efforts underway start with this species being placed on the Convention on Migratory Species and the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels. It is being monitored on half of the islands and most of the breeding sites are reserves and some are World Heritage Sites. Although a very rare occurrence, vagrancy into the North Atlantic has occurred including a bird which returned to the Gannet colony on Shetland for several decades from 1967. From 2014, another bird has been seen around the Heligoland archipelago off the Germany and Denmark coast and what is believed to be the same bird has summered at or around RSPB Bempton Cliffs in east Yorkshire since 2019. Date: 27th June 2022 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230786.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14396830164917f7b6279b.jpgBlue-tailed Damselfly Flight period: mid May to early September. Blue-tailed Damselflies are a widespread and common species of damselfly in much of England, Wales and southern Scotland. They can be found around lakes, ponds, canals and ditches, being less common on flowing water and in exposed and upland sites. They can also tolerate some saline and polluted waters. Date: 24th May 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533125.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_143751855362ca752923d14.jpgCommon Blue Damselfly Flight period: early May to end September. As the name suggests, the Common Blue Damselfly is one of the commonest species in the UK. They can be confused with other blue damselflies, particularly since the markings on this species are rather variable. Common Blue Damselflies are found across most of the UK and are probably the most widespread member of the "blue" damselflies. They can be found around open lakes and ponds, along river and canal banks and streams, provided there is plenty of bankside vegetation. Date: 12th June 2022 Location: RSPB Ham Wall, Somerset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230782.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_147239851964917f737dd04.jpgLarge Red Damselflies Flight period: April to August The Large Red Damselfly is one of the three most widespread dragonflies in the UK and one of the first to emerge in spring. They can be found in most wetland habitats from acidic moorland bog pools to brackish ditches but they avoid fast flowing waters. Date: 24th May 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51984559.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_174877076766d353b24bb62.jpgMeadow Brown Flight period: June to August. The Meadow Brown is one of the most widespread and abundant of the UK's butterflies. It can be found typically in open grasslands but also other habitats such as roadside verges, woodland rides and urban parks and cemeteries. Date: 8th August 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46830579.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_106380243662e8fadfce9b0.jpgCommon Blue Flight period: June to September. The Common Blue is the UK’s most widespread and common blue butterfly although it has suffered some local declines due to habitat loss. They can be found in sunny, sheltered areas including downland, roadside verges, woodland clearings and rural gardens. Date: 30th July 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230672.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_74653609264916df9cb5e7.jpgBlack Grouse The Black Grouse is a large game bird in the grouse family. The male has all black plumage with distinctive red wattles over the eyes and striking white stripes along each wing in flight. It has a lyre-shaped tail which is fanned out and raised to show white under-tail feathers when displaying. The female is smaller and grey-brown in colour. The Black Grouse is a sedentary species and breeds across northern Eurasia in moorland and bog areas near to mostly boreal woodland. Although it is declining, it is not considered to be vulnerable globally due to the large population and slow rate of decline. Its decline is due to loss of habitat, disturbance, predation by foxes, crows, etc., and small populations gradually dying out. In the UK, the Black Grouse are found in upland areas of Wales, the Pennines and most of Scotland, especially on farmland and moorland with nearby forestry or scattered trees. Habitat loss and overgrazing have resulted in severe population declines which make the Black Grouse a Red List species. Positive habitat management and re-introduction programmes are helping it to increase in some areas. The Black Grouse has a very distinctive and well-recorded courtship. At dawn in the spring, the males strut around in a traditional area (lek) and display whilst making a highly distinctive and bubbling mating call. This photo was taken at a well known roadside lekking site. If visiting, please remain in your car to avoid disturbance to these vulnerable breeding birds. Date: 13th May 2023 Location: World's End, Denbighshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49278545.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3761157466499b19813ad7.jpgAzure Damselfly Flight period: May to August The Azure Damselfly is one of the two commonest blue damselflies and is a common and widespread species of lowland UK. They can be found around most standing water, preferring small, sheltered sites including ditches and garden ponds. Date: 12th June 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29240082.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_47502758357eb962be5fdb.jpgCamas Rubha a' Mhurain, Portnaluchaig, Highland The B8008 coastal road north from Arisaig passes through Portnaluchaig and offers views of the sandy bay of Camas Rubha a' Mhurain and the islands of Eigg and Rhum beyond. Date: 22nd September 2016 Location: view from B8008 road north of Arisaig http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533190.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_52115891662ca7f24b3536.jpgMarbled White Flight period: July to August The Marbled White is a very distinctive black and white butterfly that is widespread in southern England and expanding its range northwards and eastwards. They can be found in unimproved grassland, coastal grassland, roadside verges and railway embankments. Date: 22nd June 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4088282.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_666956054b1941721fe87.jpgLittle Egret The Little Egret is a species of small heron. The genus name comes from the Provençal French [i]Aigrette[/i] (egret), a diminutive of [i]Aigron [/i] (heron). The adult Little Egret is 22 to 26 inches long with a 35 to 42 inches wingspan. Its plumage is normally entirely white although there are dark forms with largely bluish-grey plumage. In the breeding season, the adult has 2 long plumes on the nape that form a crest. These plumes are about 6 inches in length and are pointed and very narrow. There are similar feathers on the breast but the barbs are more widely spread. There are also several elongated scapular feathers that have long loose barbs around 8 inches long. During the winter the plumage is similar but the scapulars are shorter and more normal in appearance. The bill is long and slender and both it and the lores are black. There is an area of greenish-grey bare skin at the base of the lower mandible and around the eye which has a yellow iris. The legs are black and the feet yellow. Juveniles are similar to non-breeding adults but have greenish-black legs and duller yellow feet and may have a certain proportion of greyish or brownish feathers. The Little Egret is mostly silent but it does make various croaking and bubbling calls at its breeding colonies and it produces a harsh alarm call when disturbed. The breeding range of the western race of the Little Egret includes south Europe, the Middle East, much of Africa and south Asia. European populations are migratory and mostly travel to Africa although some remain in southern Europe. During the late 20th century, the range of the Little Egret expanded northwards in Europe and into the New World. The Little Egret's habitat varies widely and includes the shores of lakes, rivers, canals, ponds, lagoons, marshes and flooded land, the bird preferring open locations to dense cover. On the coast it inhabits mudflats, sandy beaches, mangrove areas, swamps and reefs. The Little Egret is a sociable bird and can be seen in small flocks. However, individual birds do not tolerate others coming too close to their chosen feeding site although this depends on the abundance of prey. The Little Egret uses a variety of methods to find its food. It stalks its prey in shallow water, often running with raised wings or shuffling its feet to disturb small fish, or it may stand still and wait to ambush prey. It also makes use of opportunities provided by Cormorants disturbing fish or humans attracting fish by throwing bread into water. On land, it walks or runs while chasing its prey, often feeding on creatures disturbed by grazing livestock. The diet is mainly fish but amphibians, small reptiles, mammals and birds are also eaten as well as crustaceans, molluscs, insects, spiders and worms. The Little Egret nests in colonies, often with other wading birds such as Cattle Egret, Black-crowned Night Heron, Squacco Heron and Glossy Ibis. The nests are usually platforms of sticks built in trees or shrubs or in reed beds or bamboo groves. Pairs defend a small breeding territory, usually extending around 10 to 13 feet from the nest. The 3 to 5 eggs are incubated by both adults for 21 to 25 days before hatching. The young birds are covered in white down feathers are cared for by both parents and fledge after 40 to 45 days. Globally, the Little Egret is not listed as a threatened species and has in fact expanded its range over the last few decades.[5] The IUCN states that their wide distribution and large total population means that they are a species that cause them "least concern". Historical research has shown that the Little Egret was once present, and probably common, in the UK but became extinct there through a combination of over-hunting in the late mediaeval period and climate change at the start of the Little Ice Age. Further declines occurred throughout Europe as the plumes of the Little Egret and other egrets were in demand for decorating hats. They had been used in the plume trade since at least the 17th century but in the 19th century it became a major craze and the number of egret skins passing through dealers reached into the millions. Hunting, which reduced the population of the species to dangerously low levels, stimulated the establishment of Britain's Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in 1889. By the 1950s, the Little Egret had become restricted to south Europe and conservation laws protecting the species were introduced. This allowed the population to rebound strongly and over the next few decades it became increasingly common in western France and later on the north coast. It bred in the Netherlands in 1979 with further breeding from the 1990s onward. Populations are now mostly stable or increasing in Europe. In the UK, the Little Egret was a rare vagrant from its 16th century extinction until the late 20th century. It has, however, recently become a regular breeding species and is commonly present, often in large numbers, at favoured coastal sites. The first recent breeding record in England was on Brownsea Island in Dorset in 1996 and it bred in Wales for the first time in 2002. The population increase has been rapid subsequently with over 750 pairs breeding in nearly 70 colonies in 2008 and a post-breeding total of 4,540 birds in September 2008. Severe winter weather proves only to be a temporary setback and the Little Egret continues to expand both its numbers and range in the UK. Date: 9th November 2009 Location: Delta de l’Ebre, Catalunya, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/brown-bear-and-cubs https://images.on-this.website/4752_15037418805ff3100666a95.jpgBrown Bear and cubs The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, Ursus arctos arctos. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an evening visit with [url=https://www.karhujenkatselu.fi/en-gb]Karhu-Kuusamo[/url] Date: 7th July 2019 Location: Kuntilampi, near Kuusamo, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28102081.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9584154755777a2c46d1d6.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include [url=http://www.gigrin.co.uk/]Gigrin Farm feeding centre[/url] near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 12th June 2016 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49276684.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11343806864996266b4ea1.jpgRSPB Ramsey Island, Pembrokeshire RSPB Ramsey Island is recognised as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Special Protection Area (SPA) and a Natura 2000 site. RSPB Ramsey Island is located just 1 mile off the St David's peninsula and a 3.5 mile trail, tough going and rugged in some places, provides a route around it. The summits of Carn Ysgubor and Carn Llundain give amazing views east to the mainland, south to Skomer Island and, on the clearest of days, west to Ireland. At nearly 400 feet high in some places, the western cliffs on RSPB Ramsey Island are among the highest in Wales. These provide nesting sites for breeding Guillemots, Razorbills, Kittiwakes, Fulmars, Choughs and Ravens. A large Atlantic Grey Seal colony lives around the island, with pups born in September and October, and Harbour Porpoise often feed in Ramsey Sound. Other habitats in the interior of the island include grassland and heathland providing breeding habitat for Wheatears, Stonechats, Meadow Pipits, Linnets and Skylarks. In 1999/2000 RSPB Ramsey Island was finally cleared of the Brown Rats that had decimated the island's bird populations for 100 years. The highest standards of bio-security are still maintained in order to ensure rats and mice, which have disastrous impacts on seabird colonies, are never re-introduced to the island again. Date: 7th June 2023 Location: view from the trail around RSPB Ramsey Island, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo10926858.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6407053224e0975acf1b93.jpgBeinn Eighe, Wester Ross Height: Ruadh Stac Mor 3313 feet, Sail Mhor 3215 feet, Coinneach Mhor 3202 feet and Spidean Coire nan Clach 3189 feet. The name Beinn Eighe originates from Gaelic and means "ice mountain" or "file mountain". The complete range, which dominates the north side of Glen Torridon, is made up of 9 peaks covering almost 6 miles with white quartzite upper reaches and scree-covered flanks. Beinn Eighe was the UK’s first National Nature Reserve and features wonderful mountain scenery and ancient pinewood fragments overlooking Loch Maree. Date: 12th June 2011 Location: view from the A896 road between Kinlochewe and Torridon http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo1024673.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_184157538148130b72b8de3.jpgLoch Garten, Highland Loch Garten lies between the River Spey and the Cairngorm Mountains just to the north east of Aviemore and became famous in 1954 when a pair of Ospreys returned to nest here, the first since 1910. Loch Garten is situated in the Abernethy Forest, part of the largest native Caledonian pine forest in the UK. It offers a unique mix of woodland and northern bog with a great variety of birds and other wildlife. The loch and surrounding areas are managed by the RSPB as a nature reserve. Date: 26th March 2008 Location: view from the north shore near the RSPB visitor centre http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41249117.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5843429195f00b22d76cc9.jpgJackdaw The Western Jackdaw, also known as the Eurasian Jackdaw, European Jackdaw or simply Jackdaw, is a passerine bird in the crow family. Measuring 13 to 15 inches in length, the Jackdaw is the second smallest member of the crow family. Most of the plumage is a shiny black with a purple or blue sheen on the crown, forehead and secondaries and a green-blue sheen on the throat, primaries and tail. The cheeks, nape and neck are light grey to greyish-silver and the underparts are slate-grey. The legs are black as is the short stout bill. The irises of adults are greyish or silvery white while those of juveniles are light blue, becoming brownish before whitening at around one year of age. The sexes look alike although the head and neck plumage of male birds fades more with age and wear, particularly just before moulting. Immature birds have duller and less demarcated plumage. The head is a sooty black, sometimes with a faint greenish sheen and brown feather bases visible, the back and side of the neck are dark grey and the underparts greyish or sooty black. The tail has narrower feathers and a greenish sheen. There are 4 recognised geographical subspecies of the Jackdaw, each with slight plumage variations. Within its range, the Jackdaw is generally unmistakable and its short bill and grey nape are distinguishing features. In flight, the Jackdaw is distinguishable from other crows by its smaller size, faster and deeper wingbeats and proportionately narrower and less fingered wing tips. It also has a shorter and thicker neck and a much shorter bill and it frequently flies in tighter flocks. The Jackdaw is a skilled flyer and can manoeuvre tightly as well as tumble and glide. It has characteristic jerky wing beats when flying. On the ground, the Jackdaw has an upright posture and struts briskly with its short legs giving it a rapid gait. The Jackdaw is found from north west Africa, throughout all of Europe, except for the extreme north, and east through central Asia to the east Himalayas and Lake Baikal. To the east, it occurs throughout Turkey, the Caucasus, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and north west India. A small number of Jackdaws reached the north east of North America in the 1980s and have been found from Atlantic Canada to Pennsylvania. The range is vast and there is a large global population. Most populations are resident but the north and east populations are more migratory and relocate to wintering areas between September and November and return between February and early May. The Jackdaw can be found in wooded steppes, pastures, cultivated land, coastal cliffs and towns. It thrives when forested areas are cleared and converted to fields and open areas. Habitats with a mix of large trees, buildings and open ground are preferred. Open fields are left to the Rook and more wooded areas to the Jay. The Jackdaw is highly gregarious and is generally seen in flocks of varying sizes. Flocks increase in size in autumn and birds congregate at dusk for communal roosting with up to several thousand individuals gathering at one site. Males and females pair bond for life and pairs stay together within flocks. Jackdaws will frequently congregate with other crows such as Carrion Crows, Hooded Crows or Rooks. Foraging takes place mostly on the ground in open areas and to some extent in trees. Landfill sites, bins, streets and gardens are also visited, more often early in the morning when there are fewer people about. Various feeding methods are employed, such as jumping, pecking, clod-turning and scattering, probing the soil and occasional digging. The Jackdaw will also ride on the backs of sheep and other mammals such as deer, seeking ticks as well as actively gathering wool or hair for nests. Compared with other crows, the Jackdaw spends more time exploring and turning over objects with its bill. It also has a straighter and less downturned bill and increased binocular vision which are advantageous for this foraging strategy. The Jackdaw is opportunistic and highly adaptable and varies its diet markedly depending on available food sources. It tends to feed on small invertebrates that are found above ground, including various species of beetle as well as snails and spiders. It will also eat small rodents, bats, the eggs and chicks of birds and carrion such as roadkill. Vegetable items consumed include farm grains, weed seeds, elderberries, acorns and various cultivated fruits. The Jackdaw practices active food sharing with a number of individuals regardless of sex or kinship. It also shares more of a preferred food than a less preferred food. The active giving of food by most birds is found mainly in the context of parental care and courtship although the Jackdaw shows much higher levels of active giving than has been documented for other species. The function of this behaviour is not fully understood and several theories have been advanced. Genetic analysis of Jackdaw pairs and offspring shows no evidence of extra-pair copulation and there is little evidence for couple separation even after multiple instances of reproductive failure. Some pairs do separate in the first few months but almost all pairings of over 6 months' duration are lifelong and end only when a partner dies. Widowed or separated birds fare badly and are often ousted from nests or territories and are unable to rear broods alone. The Jackdaw usually breeds in colonies with pairs collaborating to find a nest site which they then defend from other pairs and predators during most of the year. It will nest in cavities in trees or cliffs, in ruined or occupied buildings and in chimneys, the common feature being a sheltered site for the nest. A mated pair usually constructs a nest by improving a crevice by dropping sticks into it. The nest is then built on top of the platform formed. Nest platforms can attain a great size. Nests are lined with hair, wool, dead grass and many other materials. Clutches usually contain 4 or 5 eggs which are incubated by the female for 17 to 18 days until hatching as naked altricial chicks which are completely dependent on the adults for food. The chicks fledge after 28 to 35 days and the parents continue to feed them for another 4 weeks or so. Date: 22nd June 2020 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52518187.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1134315361675450e6acaeb.jpgRed Admiral Flight period: April to November. The Red Admiral is a familiar and widespread butterfly in the UK although numbers depend on immigration from Europe. It can be found in any flower-rich habitat. Date: 13th September 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50931112.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16232488376627dcf8eef52.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 17th April 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21808743.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_153465229253c78f11c08de.jpgCommon Seal Common Seals feed at sea but regularly haul out on to rocky shores or inter-tidal sandbanks to rest, to give birth and to suckle their pups. The most important haul-out areas are around the coast of Scotland, particularly in the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland, and on the east coast of England in the Wash. Date: 14th July 2014 Location: Blakeney Point, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/meadow-browns https://images.on-this.website/4752_10056239965ee7751319f67.jpgMeadow Browns Flight period: June to August. The Meadow Brown is one of the most widespread and abundant of the UK's butterflies. It can be found typically in open grasslands but also other habitats such as roadside verges, woodland rides and urban parks and cemeteries. Date: 12th June 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084073.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19759902915d30856f8c53d.jpgRila Mountains, Kyustendil Province, Bulgaria The Rila Mountains are a mountain range in south west Bulgaria and constitute the highest mountain range in the country and the Balkans. It is the sixth highest mountain range in Europe after the Caucasus, the Alps, the Sierra Nevada, the Pyrenees and Mount Etna and the highest one between the Alps and the Caucasus. The Rila Mountains are spread over an area of 1015 square miles with an average altitude of 4879 feet. Musala is its highest peak at 9596 feet. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rila-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rila Mountains have abundant water resources and some of the Balkans' longest and deepest rivers originate here including the longest river entirely in the Balkans, the River Maritsa, and the longest river entirely in Bulgaria, the River Iskar. Bulgaria's main water divide separating the Black Sea and the Aegean Sea drainage systems follows the main ridge of the Rila Mountains. The mountain range is dotted with almost 200 glacial lakes such as the renowned Seven Rila Lakes. It is also rich in hot springs in the fault areas at the foothills including the hottest spring in south east Europe in Sapareva Banya. The Rila Mountains have typical layers of montane habitat ranging from river and stream valleys at lower altitudes to mixed deciduous woodland, coniferous forests and Alpine meadows and lakes at higher altitudes and finally to rocky ridges and bare rugged peaks. The biodiversity and the pristine landscapes are protected by the Rila National Park which is among the largest and most valuable protected areas in Europe. It is the largest national park in Bulgaria covering an area of 313 square miles and it was established in February 1992 to protect several ecosystems of national importance. Its altitude varies from 2600 feet near Blagoevgrad to 9596 feet at the peak of Musala. It occupies territory from 4 of the 28 provinces of the country (Sofia, Kyustendil, Blagoevgrad and Pazardzhik) and it includes 4 nature reserves (Parangalitsa, Central Rila Reserve, Ibar and Skakavitsa). The Rila National Park falls within the Rodope montane mixed forests terrestrial eco-region of the Palearctic temperate broadleaf and mixed forest. Forests occupy 206.5 square miles or 66% of the total area. The Rila Mountains also contain the Rila Monastery Nature Park which is among the largest nature parks in Bulgaria covering an area of 97.5 square miles at an altitude between 2460 and 8901 feet. It was established in 1992 as part of the newly founded Rila National Park. In 2000 some territory of the Rila National Park was re-assigned to the Rila Monastery Nature Park and was recategorized as a nature park because by law all lands in national parks are exclusively state owned. Today most of the Rila Monastery Nature Park is owned by the Rila Monastery. The Rila Monastery Nature Park includes one nature reserve, namely the Rila Monastery Forest with an area of 14 square miles or 14% of its total area. The most recognisable landmark in the Rila Mountains is the Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila, better known as the Rila Monastery. This is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria and is situated in the deep valley of the River Rilska River within the Rila Monastery Nature Park at a height of 3763 feet. The monastery is named after its founder, the hermit Ivan of Rila (876 to 946 AD) and houses around 60 monks. Founded in the 10th century, the Rila Monastery is regarded as one of Bulgaria's most important cultural, historical and architectural monuments and is a key tourist attraction for both Bulgaria and south Europe. Due to its outstanding cultural and spiritual value it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. The Rila Mountains are also a popular destination for hiking, winter sports and spa tourism, hosting the nation's oldest ski resort at Borovets as well as numerous hiking trails. Date: 30th May 2018 Location: Kocherinovo-Stob area, Kyustendil Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457550.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1957606616685723462f7e.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623096.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13507145956117d770659aa.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51334419.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14922403876676e3db93939.jpgHeath Fritillary Flight period: June to July. The Heath Fritillary is at the north west extreme of its range in the southern UK and its numbers have greatly reduced this century due to changes in woodland management. It is now one of our rarest and most localised butterflies and can only be found at a few sites in Essex and Kent and in south west England. In Essex and Kent, they can be found in coppiced woodland with acid soils where Common Cow Wheat, the preferred foodplant, is available. On Exmoor they favour sheltered combes (valleys) and in Devon and Cornwall abandoned hay meadows are preferred. Detailed study has determined the Heath Fritillary’s precise habitat requirements and its future in the UK depends on deliberate conservation and habitat management. Date: 20th June 2024 Location: EWT Pound Wood, Hadleigh, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645384.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_31431239651e3cd6c717b9.jpgSiemianówka area, Poland The Siemianówka lake is a large reservoir on the upper Narew river with vast reedbeds surrounded by old woods and wet meadows. The lake extends from north west to south east, crossed at its eastern part by a railway track (reaching the most remote railway station in Poland) that divides the reservoir into two parts. To the south, the lake touches the northern edges of the Bialowieza Forest. Date: 26th May 2013 Location: Siemianówka area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12081986.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3798661074e48e9b5419f7.jpgCommon Seals Common Seals feed at sea but regularly haul out on to rocky shores or inter-tidal sandbanks to rest, to give birth and to suckle their pups. The most important haul-out areas are around the coast of Scotland, particularly in the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland, and on the east coast of England in the Wash. Date: 7th September 2005 Location: Blakeney Point, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/parque-nacional-de-monfrage https://images.on-this.website/4752_12543340114ff545ad4fde5.jpgParque Nacional de Monfragüe, Extremadura, Spain La Higuerilla is a high observation point overlooking a wide meander of the river Tiétar. Date: 27th April 2012 Location: La Higuerilla, Parque Nacional de Monfragüe, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/aardla-polder-estonia https://images.on-this.website/4752_94611025257cc28f09cbb1.jpgAardla polder, Estonia Aardla polder is an area of wet meadows, pastures, grazing land and ponds just south of Tartu. Despite its inland location, these wetlands are almost as impressive as those on the coast. This site is well known for its breeding Citrine Wagtails. Date: 17th May 2016 Location: Aardla polder, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39083164.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9866167945d307fe7d2253.jpgEastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria The Rhodopes Mountains are a mountain range in south east Europe. They are spread over 5689 square miles of which 4723 square miles are located in south Bulgaria and the remainder in north Greece. The Rhodopes Mountains are about 149 miles long and about 62 to 75 miles wide with an average altitude of 2575 feet. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 7188 feet and is situated 12 miles to the west of Smolyan. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rhodopes Mountains gives its name to the terrestrial eco-region Rodope montane mixed forests that belong in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The area is particularly notable for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans plus its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms such as the Trigrad Gorge. The Rhodopes Mountains can be sub-divided in to 3 sections: The Western Rhodopes are spread over 66% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and they are higher, the most infrastructurally developed and the most visited part of the mountains. The highest and best known peaks are located in this section with more than 10 over 6562 feet high including the highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7188 feet). Some of the deepest river gorges in the Rhodopes Mountains are located in the west as well as several large lakes. The Eastern Rhodopes are spread over a territory of about 34% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and are much lower in height. The large artificial dams of Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets are located in this part of the mountains. Almost every species of European bird of prey nests in the Eastern Rhodopes including the rare Black Vulture and Egyptian Vulture. The Southern Rhodopes are the part of the mountain range that is located in Greece and they are characterized by numerous peaks of relatively low altitude. The River Borovitsa is a tributary of the River Arda and is located in the eastern Rhodopes Mountains. The river valley is stony and surrounded by rough grassland, scrub and forested hillsides. There are many tiny hamlets along the valley, many of them abandoned or semi-abandoned. This little visited area and its wild environment with only the tiny hamlets and patches of traditional agriculture form a great contrast with the town of Kardzhali. Nenkovo, 17.5 miles north west of Kardzhali, is one of the hamlets in the river valley with no electricity or car access. The access to the village is via a rope bridge over the River Borovitsa. The lack of cars has preserved the narrow village streets which wind between the houses built about 100 to 150 years ago. According to the census of 2011, the village has 129 inhabitants which is down from its peak of 883 people shortly after the Second World War. The village is almost exclusively inhabited by ethnic Bulgarian Turks. Near the village of Nenkovo there is a medieval bridge over the River Borovitsa. It is a large asymmetric bridge with 5 arches each of a different size. The road over the bridge is about 65 yards long. The bridge has been partly destroyed on a number of occasions by the rough waters of the river. It has been rebuilt in the past but after repeated damage it is no longer used. The area around Nenkovo village and the bridge is an excellent one for a wide range of bird species. Date: 26th May 2018 Location: River Borovitsa valley near Nenkovo, Eastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084049.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20918075735d3083c828c7d.jpgPirin Mountains, Blagoevgrad Province, Bulgaria The Pirin Mountains are a mountain range in south west Bulgaria spreading over 1000 square miles. They extend about 50 miles from the north west to the south east and they are about 25 miles wide. Vihren at 9560 feet is the highest peak in the Pirin Mountains, the second highest in Bulgaria and the third highest in the Balkans. To the north, the Pirin Mountains are separated from Bulgaria's highest mountain range, the Rila Mountains, by the Paril Saddle whilst to the south they extend towards the mountain of Slavyanka Mountain located on the border of south west Bulgaria and north Greece. To the west is the valley of the River Struma and to the east the valley of the River Mesta which separates the Pirin Mountains from the Rhodopes Mountains. The Pirin Mountains are dotted with 118 glacial lakes, the largest and the deepest of them being Popovo Lake. They also contain Europe's most southern glaciers, Snezhnika and Banski Suhodol. The Snezhnika glacier is a remnant of the former Vihren glacier. It lies at a height of between 7956 feet and 8140 feet in the deep Golemiya Kazan cirque at the steep northern foot of Vihren. The Banski Suhodol glacier is a small glacier which lies below the peak of Kutelo peak (9540 feet) in the upper Banski Suhodol valley. The northern part of the Pirin Mountains is protected by the Pirin National Park (originally named Vihren National Park). It encompasses the larger part of the Pirin Mountains and covers an area of around 155 square miles. It is one of the 3 national parks in Bulgaria, the others being Rila National Park and Central Balkan National Park. Pirin National Park was established in 1962 and its territory has expanded several times since then. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and it is also part of Natura 2000, the network of nature protection areas of the European Union. Pirin National Park falls within the Rodope montane mixed forests terrestrial eco-region of the Palearctic temperate broadleaf and mixed forest. Forests cover 57.3% of the area of Pirin National Park and almost 95% of them are coniferous forests. The average age of the forests is 85 years. Bulgaria's oldest tree, Baikushev's pine, is located in Pirin National Park and it has an approximate age of about 1,300 years. Pirin National Park is noted for its rich and diverse flora and fauna which includes 45 species of mammals, 159 species of birds, 11 species of reptiles, 8 species of amphibia and 6 species of fish. The Pirin Mountains are an important tourist destination. The town of Bansko, situated on the north east slopes of the mountain range, has grown to be the primary ski and winter sports centre in the Balkans. A number of settlements in the foothills have mineral springs and are spa resorts e.g. Banya, Dobrinishte, Gotse Delchev, Sandanski, etc. Melnik is situated in the south west foothills of the mountain. With a population of around 385, it is Bulgaria's smallest town and retains its town status today for historical reasons. The town is an architectural reserve and 96 of its buildings are designated as cultural monuments. It is among the “100 Tourist Sites of Bulgaria” programme which promotes tourism among Bulgaria's most significant cultural, historic and natural landmarks. The town is also a centre of red wine production with numerous vineyards and cellars dug in to the local sandstone rock. The area around Melnik is strikingly eroded, particularly the enormous area of sandstone cliff that serves as a backdrop to the town. This area, covering some 6.5 square miles around Melnik, Kurlanovo and Rozhen has been called the Melnik Earth Pyramids. The hills in this area can rise up to 330 feet high and the unique formations, which can resemble giant mushrooms, ancient towers and obelisks, were formed when heavy rain eroded the sandstone and clay which the hills are composed of. The Melnik Earth Pyramids are a geological phenomenon of global importance and they were declared a natural landmark in 1960 with a total protected area of 5 square miles. Date: 29th May 2018 Location: view from near Melnik, Blagoevgrad Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/black-crowned-night-heron https://images.on-this.website/4752_12902327355d307bcc16abc.jpgBlack-crowned Night Heron The Black-crowned Night Heron, commonly shortened to just Night Heron in Eurasia, is a medium-sized heron. The adult is around 25 inches in length and has a black crown and back, pale grey wings and white underparts, red eyes and short yellow legs. Long white plumes which are erected in greeting and courtship displays extend from the back of the head. The sexes are similar in appearance although males are slightly larger than females. Immature birds have dull grey-brown plumage on their heads, wings and backs with numerous pale spots and the underparts are paler and streaked with brown. The eyes are orange and the legs dull yellowish-green. The Black-crowned Night Heron does not fit the typical body form of the heron family. It is relatively stocky with a shorter bill, shorter legs and a shorter neck than other herons. Its resting posture is normally somewhat hunched but when hunting it extends its neck and looks more like other wading birds. The Black-crowned Night Heron breeds in fresh and salt water wetlands throughout much of the world where it nests in colonies on platforms of sticks in a group of trees or on the ground in protected locations such as islands or reedbeds. It is migratory in the most northern part of its range but otherwise resident. The north American population winters in Mexico, south USA, central America and the West Indies whilst the Old World population winters in tropical Africa and south Asia. There are 2 archaeological specimens of the Black-crowned Night Heron in the UK. The oldest is from the Roman London Wall and the more recent from the Royal Navy's late medieval yards in Greenwich. It may have bred in the far wetter and wilder landscape of pre-modern Britain. In modern times the Black-crowned Night Heron is a rare but increasing vagrant. Feral breeding colonies were established at Edinburgh Zoo from 1950 into the 21st century and at Great Witchingham in Norfolk where there were 8 pairs in 2003 although breeding was not repeated in 2004 or 2005. A pair of adults were seen with 2 recently fledged juveniles on the Somerset Levels in 2017 and this was the first proven breeding record of wild birds in the UK. The Black-crowned Night Heron hunts by standing still at the water’s edge, especially at night or early morning. It primarily eats small fish, crustaceans, frogs, aquatic insects, small mammals and small birds. It is among the very few heron species observed to engage in bait fishing by luring or distracting fish by tossing edible or inedible buoyant objects in to the water within their striking range, a rare example of tool use among birds. During the day the Black-crowned Night Heron mainly rests in waterside trees or bushes. Date: 22nd May 2018 Location: BSPB Poda Protected Area, Burgas Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4088276.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14429632344b194134eae1c.jpgLittle Egret The Little Egret is a species of small heron. The genus name comes from the Provençal French [i]Aigrette[/i] (egret), a diminutive of [i]Aigron [/i] (heron). The adult Little Egret is 22 to 26 inches long with a 35 to 42 inches wingspan. Its plumage is normally entirely white although there are dark forms with largely bluish-grey plumage. In the breeding season, the adult has 2 long plumes on the nape that form a crest. These plumes are about 6 inches in length and are pointed and very narrow. There are similar feathers on the breast but the barbs are more widely spread. There are also several elongated scapular feathers that have long loose barbs around 8 inches long. During the winter the plumage is similar but the scapulars are shorter and more normal in appearance. The bill is long and slender and both it and the lores are black. There is an area of greenish-grey bare skin at the base of the lower mandible and around the eye which has a yellow iris. The legs are black and the feet yellow. Juveniles are similar to non-breeding adults but have greenish-black legs and duller yellow feet and may have a certain proportion of greyish or brownish feathers. The Little Egret is mostly silent but it does make various croaking and bubbling calls at its breeding colonies and it produces a harsh alarm call when disturbed. The breeding range of the western race of the Little Egret includes south Europe, the Middle East, much of Africa and south Asia. European populations are migratory and mostly travel to Africa although some remain in southern Europe. During the late 20th century, the range of the Little Egret expanded northwards in Europe and into the New World. The Little Egret's habitat varies widely and includes the shores of lakes, rivers, canals, ponds, lagoons, marshes and flooded land, the bird preferring open locations to dense cover. On the coast it inhabits mudflats, sandy beaches, mangrove areas, swamps and reefs. The Little Egret is a sociable bird and can be seen in small flocks. However, individual birds do not tolerate others coming too close to their chosen feeding site although this depends on the abundance of prey. The Little Egret uses a variety of methods to find its food. It stalks its prey in shallow water, often running with raised wings or shuffling its feet to disturb small fish, or it may stand still and wait to ambush prey. It also makes use of opportunities provided by Cormorants disturbing fish or humans attracting fish by throwing bread into water. On land, it walks or runs while chasing its prey, often feeding on creatures disturbed by grazing livestock. The diet is mainly fish but amphibians, small reptiles, mammals and birds are also eaten as well as crustaceans, molluscs, insects, spiders and worms. The Little Egret nests in colonies, often with other wading birds such as Cattle Egret, Black-crowned Night Heron, Squacco Heron and Glossy Ibis. The nests are usually platforms of sticks built in trees or shrubs or in reed beds or bamboo groves. Pairs defend a small breeding territory, usually extending around 10 to 13 feet from the nest. The 3 to 5 eggs are incubated by both adults for 21 to 25 days before hatching. The young birds are covered in white down feathers are cared for by both parents and fledge after 40 to 45 days. Globally, the Little Egret is not listed as a threatened species and has in fact expanded its range over the last few decades.[5] The IUCN states that their wide distribution and large total population means that they are a species that cause them "least concern". Historical research has shown that the Little Egret was once present, and probably common, in the UK but became extinct there through a combination of over-hunting in the late mediaeval period and climate change at the start of the Little Ice Age. Further declines occurred throughout Europe as the plumes of the Little Egret and other egrets were in demand for decorating hats. They had been used in the plume trade since at least the 17th century but in the 19th century it became a major craze and the number of egret skins passing through dealers reached into the millions. Hunting, which reduced the population of the species to dangerously low levels, stimulated the establishment of Britain's Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in 1889. By the 1950s, the Little Egret had become restricted to south Europe and conservation laws protecting the species were introduced. This allowed the population to rebound strongly and over the next few decades it became increasingly common in western France and later on the north coast. It bred in the Netherlands in 1979 with further breeding from the 1990s onward. Populations are now mostly stable or increasing in Europe. In the UK, the Little Egret was a rare vagrant from its 16th century extinction until the late 20th century. It has, however, recently become a regular breeding species and is commonly present, often in large numbers, at favoured coastal sites. The first recent breeding record in England was on Brownsea Island in Dorset in 1996 and it bred in Wales for the first time in 2002. The population increase has been rapid subsequently with over 750 pairs breeding in nearly 70 colonies in 2008 and a post-breeding total of 4,540 birds in September 2008. Severe winter weather proves only to be a temporary setback and the Little Egret continues to expand both its numbers and range in the UK. Date: 9th November 2009 Location: Delta de l’Ebre, Catalunya, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52699095.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_104901117167b0c7a79cc3b.jpgSong Thrush The Song Thrush is a familiar and popular songbird, smaller and browner than the Mistle Thrush with smaller spotting on the breast. The Song Thrush can be found all year round in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens across the UK. Numbers are declining seriously making it a Red List species. Date: 5th February 2025 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7439584.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1126692794cd571f955a34.jpgHoopoe The Hoopoe is a colourful and exotic looking bird about the size of a Mistle Thrush with a pinkish-brown body, striking black and white wings, a long black down-curved bill and a long pinkish-brown crest which it raises when excited. It has broad and rounded wings and a characteristic undulating flight which is like that of a giant butterfly and is caused by the wings half closing at the end of each beat or short sequence of beats. The Hoopoe’s call is typically a trisyllabic and onomatopoetic"oop-oop-oop" which gives rise to its English and scientific names although two and four syllables are also common. The Hoopoe is widespread in Europe, Asia, and North Africa, sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar. Most European and north Asian birds migrate to the tropics in winter whilst the African populations are sedentary all year round. Hoopoes have been known to breed north of their European range, including southern England during warm and dry summers that provide plenty of grasshoppers and similar insects. The Hoopoe has two basic requirements in its habitat: bare or lightly vegetated ground on which to forage and vertical surfaces with cavities (such as trees, cliffs or even walls, nestboxes, haystacks and abandoned burrows) in which to nest. These requirements can be provided in a wide range of ecosystems and as a consequence they inhabit a wide range of habitats from heathland, wooded steppes, savannas and grasslands as well as glades inside forests. The modification of natural habitats by humans for various agricultural purposes has led to them becoming common in olive groves, orchards, vineyards, parkland and farmland, although they are less common and declining in intensively farmed areas. Date: 8th September 2010 Location: Sierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain - road to La Lancha and Embalse del Jándula http://www.richardchewphotography.com/dokkum-area-friesland-netherlands https://images.on-this.website/4752_7528178345e20442f71bf5.jpgDokkum area, Friesland, Netherlands Date: 9th December 2019 Location: Dokkum area, Friesland, Netherlands http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32709144.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15484982959ad282409aba7.90726408.jpgHortobágy National Park, Hajdú-Bihar county, Hungary Hortobágy National Park (Hortobágy Nemzeti Park) is a national park in eastern Hungary. It is part of the vast Great Hungarian Plain which occupies southern and eastern Hungary, some parts of the eastern Slovakian lowlands, south west Ukraine, western Romania, northern Serbia and eastern Croatia. Hortobágy National Park was designated as a national park in 1972 (the first in Hungary), and as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. It is Hungary's largest protected area. At the time of designation, the area of the National Park was 289 square miles but since then it has been extended to almost 315 square miles. Around 25% of its area has international protection under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance. The entire Hortobágy National Park is part of the Natura 2000 network of the European Union in which Special Protected Areas and Special Areas of Conservation have been designated in a way that they contain and encompass the area of the National Park including organically connected or separate grassland mosaic areas that are outside the National Park. The protection thus ensured by the Natura 2000 areas provides an appropriate basis for the establishment of a buffer zone. A conservation management plan for the Hortobágy National Park was prepared in 1997. Hortobágy National Park contains the largest continuous natural grassland in Europe and the second largest steppe area west of the Ural Mountains. It has outstanding natural features and maintains great biological diversity in respect of species and habitats. It is a unique example of the harmonious coexistence of people and nature based on the considerate use of the land. A major part of the area of the Hortobágy National Park is formed by natural habitats, principally alkaline grasslands (puszta), meadows and the marshes lying between them. From the point of view of nature conservation, the artificial wetlands, which cover a much smaller area, are of considerable importance. These are the fish ponds created during the last century on the worst quality grazing lands and marshes. The Hortobágy National Park is one of Europe’s greatest lowland birding areas containing nesting habitats and migration sites of European significance. The Hortobágyi-Halastó complex just to the west of Hortobágy village is arguably the best site to explore and contains waterbodies of various sizes from small fish ponds to huge lakes. Over 340 bird species have been recorded in the Hortobágy National Park, of which over 150 species breed. For UK birders, it is particularly exciting since several “eastern” species can be found which are at the westernmost extent of their range. These are joined by a large number of temperate European and Mediterranean species. The symbol of the Hortobágy National Park is the Crane. One of the most spectacular sights is the autumn migration when tens of thousands of Cranes can be seen every October as they fly above the grasslands to their overnight roosting places. For thousands of years the wild animals grazing on the grasslands of the Hortobágy National Park, the Aurochs and wild horses, were gradually replaced by domesticated animals. A large number of Long-haired Sheep and Hungarian Grey Cattle can now be found here. Less ancient species are the Mangalica Pig and the Nonius Horse. In the Visitor Centre in Hortobágy village, visitors and tourists can get information and advice on what to see and what to do in the Hortobágy National Park and can also learn about its natural and cultural assets: its flora and fauna, the different natural phenomena, herdsmen’s traditions, craftsmen’s skills and local rare breeds. The Visitor Centre also sells the mandatory permits that are required to visit most of the protected areas. The Hortobágy-halastavi Kisvasút is a narrow gauge railway which runs through Hortobágyi-Halastó. It was built and commissioned in 1915 for the purpose of transporting fish food from the silo in Hortobágyi-Halastó to the fish ponds and transporting freshly caught fish in the opposite direction. The track formerly had a length of 22 miles and was temporarily decommissioned in 1960. Since 2007, the railway has been used as a tourist train. The track now runs for just 3 miles and provides access to the northern end of Hortobágyi-Halastó. A one-way trip lasts 23 minutes. Date: 20th May 2017 Location: northern end of Hortobágy-Halastó, Hortobágy National Park, Hajdú-Bihar county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/high-tatras-national-park-slovakia https://images.on-this.website/4752_75032825559bd568fcb5d6.jpgHigh Tatras, Slovakia The High Tatras (Vysoké Tatry in Slovakia and Tatry Wysokie in Poland) are a mountain range along the border of northern Slovakia in the Prešov region and southern Poland in the Małopolska province. The High Tatras should not be confused with the Low Tatras which are located south of the High Tatras in Slovakia. The High Tatras occupy an area of 303 square miles, of which about 236 square miles (77.7%) lie within Slovakia and about 68 square miles (22.3%) within Poland. The High Tatras' length, measured in a straight line from the eastern foothills of the Kobylí vrch at 3638 feet to the south western foot of Ostrý vrch at 3700 feet, is 35 miles and strictly along the main ridge, 50 miles. The range is only 12 miles wide. The main ridge of the High Tatras runs from the Slovakian villages of Huty at the western end to the village of Ždiar at the eastern end. The High Tatras, having 29 peaks over 8,200 feet are, with the Southern Carpathians, the only mountain range with an alpine character and habitats in the entire 750 mile length of the Carpathian Mountains system. The 15 highest peaks of the High Tatras are all located in Slovakia with the highest peaks being Gerlachovský štít at 8711 feet, Gerlachovská veža at 8668 feet and Lomnický štít at 8638 feet. Other notable peaks include Kriváň and Rysy. Multiple surveys have ranked Kriváň (8168 feet) as Slovakia's most beautiful peak and it has also been a major symbol in Slovakian ethnic and national activism for the past 2 centuries. A country-wide vote in 2005 selected it to be one of the images on Slovakia's euro coins. Rysy lies on the border between Poland and Slovakia. It has 3 summits: the middle at 8,212 feet, the north western at 8,199 feet and the south eastern at 8,114 feet. The north western summit is the highest point in Poland whilst the other 2 summits are in Slovakia. Since the accession of Poland and Slovakia to the Schengen Agreement in 2007, the border between the countries may be easily crossed at this point. Two thirds of the High Tatras are covered with coniferous and deciduous forests. Alpine meadows, rocky terrain and habitats and extensively used pastures in the foothills occur in the non-forested areas. The High Tatras are one of the most popular places in Slovakia with over 5 million people visiting each year to walk, climb, cycle, ski or snowboard. There are around 375 miles of hiking trails, chairlifts and cable cars, offering breathtaking views of alpine scenery. The High Tatras are protected by law by the establishment of the Tatra National Park, Slovakia (Tatranský národný park) and the Tatra National Park, Poland (Tatrzański Park Narodowy), the first European cross-border national park. In 1992 the Polish and Slovakian national parks were jointly designated a trans-boundary Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. Tatra National Park, Slovakia (Tatranský národný park) is one of the 9 national parks in Slovakia. It protects the Slovakian areas of the High Tatras mountain range in the Eastern Tatras (Východné Tatry) and areas of the Western Tatras (Západné Tatry). The western part of Tatra National Park is situated in the Žilina region and the eastern part in the Prešov region. Tatra National Park covers an area of 284.9 square miles and the surrounding buffer zone covers an area of 118.5 square miles. The highest peak in Slovakia, Gerlachovský štít at 8711 feet, is located within Tatra National Park. Tatra National Park was established in January 1949 and it is the oldest national park in Slovakia. In 1987, a section of the Western Tatras was added to the national park. Since 2004, the national park has been included in the Natura 2000 ecological network, the network of nature protection areas within the European Union. Date: 29th May 2017 Location: High Tatras, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51982695.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_140959807366d33d33e7101.jpgAzure Damselflies Flight period: May to August The Azure Damselfly is one of the two commonest blue damselflies and is a common and widespread species of lowland UK. They can be found around most standing water, preferring small, sheltered sites including ditches and garden ponds. Date: 19th July 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7950408.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18791142804d03ce6140711.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 1st November 2010 Location: Fairburn Ings RSPB reserve, South Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30017229.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_161464873158755018d854b.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 2nd January 2017 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4169396.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3117072514b2be547664a7.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 18th December 2009 Location: EWT Langdon Conservation Centre, Dunton, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/november-2020-red-fox https://images.on-this.website/4752_17500655816023c03ff3a3a.jpgNovember 2020 - Red Fox http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo512775.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_27443421946ad1408ee224.jpgSix-Spot Burnet Flight period: June to August. The Six-Spot Burnet is one of the commonest of the UK's day-flying moths. They can be found in meadows and woodland clearings. Date: 28th July 2007 Location: EWT Langdon Conservation Centre, Dunton, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/bay-of-noup-westray-orkney https://images.on-this.website/4752_18476582034681c4d59dc7a.jpgBay of Noup, Westray, Orkney The north west point of the island of Westray is Noup Head with its spectacular cliffs, huge seabird colonies and lighthouse. The last stretch of the road to Noup Head passes close to the rocky shores of the Bay of Noup. Date: 24th May 2005 Location: view from the unclassified road to Noup Head http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43629176.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2026725306118b23b5a16b.jpgWoodpigeon The Woodpigeon is the UK's largest and commonest pigeon and is largely grey with a white neck patch and white wing patches which are clearly visible in flight. Although shy in the countryside, it can be tame and approachable in towns and cities. Its cooing call is a familiar sound in woodlands as is the loud clatter of its wings when it flies away. Woodpigeons can be found across the UK. In the countryside they breed on farmland with hedges, trees and copses and in towns and cities they breed in parks and gardens. In winter, Woodpigeons form large flocks on farmland fields. Date: 4th August 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5325803.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5322588964c1dd637ce615.jpgTraigh Allt Chailgeag, Sutherland Traigh Allt Chailgeag is a stunning and remote sandy beach hemmed in by cliffs and headlands located to the east of Durness and just before the A838 road turns south along the eastern shore of Loch Eriboll. Date: 3rd June 2010 Location: view from the A838 road between Durness and Tongue http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo1278890.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6064748964866c92114a9b.jpgTraigh Allt Chailgeag, Sutherland Traigh Allt Chailgeag is a stunning and remote sandy beach hemmed in by cliffs and headlands located to the east of Durness and just before the A838 road turns south along the eastern shore of Loch Eriboll. Date: 5th June 2008 Location: view from the A838 road between Durness and Tongue http://www.richardchewphotography.com/august-2023-small-copper https://images.on-this.website/4752_169882089765ce249c76fe1.jpgAugust 2023 - Small Copper Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49903669.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51982688.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_192742321566d33d26d20ca.jpgEmerald Damselfly Flight period: June to September The Emerald Damselfly is widely distributed in uplands and lowlands throughout the UK. They can be found around small, shallow standing water with luxuriant vegetation such as rushes and sedges. Date: 19th July 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23408440.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_192750355354c20ae78f7f8.jpgDate: 24th December 2014 Location: NWT Hickling Broad reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40755766.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17744732135e20436299e13.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle Goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 6th December 2019 Location: Oudeland van Strijen, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39083866.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6517959405d308269c26ab.jpgWestern Rhodopes Mountains, Smolyan Province, Bulgaria The Rhodopes Mountains are a mountain range in south east Europe. They are spread over 5689 square miles of which 4723 square miles are located in south Bulgaria and the remainder in north Greece. The Rhodopes Mountains are about 149 miles long and about 62 to 75 miles wide with an average altitude of 2575 feet. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 7188 feet and is situated 12 miles to the west of Smolyan. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rhodopes Mountains gives its name to the terrestrial eco-region Rodope montane mixed forests that belong in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The area is particularly notable for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans plus its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms such as the Trigrad Gorge. The Rhodopes Mountains can be sub-divided in to 3 sections: The Western Rhodopes are spread over 66% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and they are higher, the most infrastructurally developed and the most visited part of the mountains. The highest and best known peaks are located in this section with more than 10 over 6562 feet high including the highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7188 feet). Some of the deepest river gorges in the Rhodopes Mountains are located in the west as well as several large lakes. The Eastern Rhodopes are spread over a territory of about 34% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and are much lower in height. The large artificial dams of Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets are located in this part of the mountains. Almost every species of European bird of prey nests in the Eastern Rhodopes including the rare Black Vulture and Egyptian Vulture. The Southern Rhodopes are the part of the mountain range that is located in Greece and they are characterized by numerous peaks of relatively low altitude. The River Buynovska is situated in the western Rhodopes Mountains and it is one of the source rivers of the River Vacha, the second largest river that has its source in the Rhodopes Mountains after the River Arda. The river has formed the Buynovo Gorge, the longest gorge in Bulgaria, located between the villages of Yagodina and Teshel. Formed by erosion as the River Buynovo flows through layers of marble rock, the gorge has developed in to an impressive natural phenomenon. The cliffs on both sides of the gorge rise hundreds of feet and can be visited on foot or by car on an extremely narrow single track road which winds along the base of the cliffs with sheer drops and hairpin turns. The narrowest point of the gorge is called Vuclhi Skok (“The Wolf’s Leap”). Folklore says that during winter wolves would leap the chasm to attack the sheepfolds. While this is only a legend, it is plain to see that the gorge is so narrow at this point that the cliffs practically touch each other at height of just 10 to 13 feet above the road. The beauty of the Buynovo Gorge can be appreciated from “a bird’s-eye view” from “The Eagle’s Eye”, a metal platform built on the precipitous cliff face of the Saint Iliya Peak at a height of 5128 feet. This provides impressive views of the entire surrounding area and, during good weather, the entire Rhodopes Mountains and even parts of north Greece are visible. Several hiking trails have been created in the area and the Buynovo Gorge was designated as a nature reserve in 1971. It is now one of Bulgaria’s top 100 tourist destinations. The limestone sediment has been eroded throughout the entire area and in the vicinity of the village Yagodina alone there are 36 caves, the most famous of which is the Yagodina Cave itself, a multi-level complex of primarily marble. This is the 4th longest cave in Bulgaria and the longest cave in the Rhodopes Mountains at around 5 miles, of which just under 1 mile is open to tourists. Date: 28th May 2018 Location: Buynovo Gorge, Teshel to Yagodina, Western Rhodopes Mountains, Smolyan Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/findhorn-valley-highland https://images.on-this.website/4752_213522699853d0f5c41a4ac.jpgFindhorn valley, Highland The Findhorn Valley or Strathdearn runs along an unclassified road for nearly 10 miles westwards from the village of Tomatin on the A9 and 15 miles south of Inverness. Vehicle access terminates at Coignafearn, a remote settlement, lodge and deer forest in the Monadhliath Mountains. The Findhorn Valley is well known amongst birdwatchers for the impressive variety of birds of prey that can be seen with patience and luck. Date: 17th June 2014 Location: view from Coignafearn at the end of the unclassified road down the Findhorn Valley http://www.richardchewphotography.com/sanderling https://images.on-this.website/4752_810346504624fff0f776f0.jpgSanderling The Sanderling is a small, plump, energetic wading bird. It has a short straight black bill and medium length black legs and is pale grey above and white underneath. Sanderlings breed in the high Arctic but can be seen in the UK during the winter months and as a passage migrant in spring and autumn. They can be found where there are long, sandy beaches around most of the coast other than in south west England and the rocky coasts of mainland Scotland. Date: 9th November 2021 Location: Shoeburyness, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11351030.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1435662344e1f058f1cd88.jpgCommon Buzzard The Common Buzzard is a member of the genus [I]Buteo[/I] and the family [i]Accipitridae[/i], a group of medium-sized raptors with robust bodies and broad wings. The [I]Buteo[/I] species of Eurasia and Africa are usually commonly referred to as buzzards whilst those in the Americas are called hawks. Under current classification, the genus [I]Buteo[/I] includes approximately 28 species. The Common Buzzard includes between 7 to 16 sub-species and the western [i]Buteo[/i] group includes [i]Buteo buteo buteo[/i] which is found more or less continuously throughout Europe including the UK. The Common Buzzard is a medium-sized raptor that is highly variable in plumage. It is distinctly round headed with a somewhat slender bill and it has relatively long wings that either reach or fall slightly short of the tail tip when perched, a fairly short tail and somewhat short and mainly bare tarsi. It can appear fairly compact in overall appearance but may also appear large relative to other commoner raptors such as the Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. The Common Buzzard measures between 16 and 23 inches in length with a 3 feet 7 inches to 4 feet 7 inches wingspan. Females average about 2 to 7% larger than males in length and weigh about 15% more. Body mass can show considerable variation from 0.94 to 2.6 pounds in males and 1.07 to 3.02 pounds in females. In Europe, the Common Buzzard is typically dark brown above and on the upperside of the head and mantle but this can become paler and warmer brown with worn plumage. Usually the tail will be narrowly barred grey-brown and dark brown with a pale tip and a broad dark subterminal band but the tail in the palest birds can show a varying amount of white and a reduced sub-terminal band or even appear almost all white. The underside colouring can be variable but typically shows a brown-streaked white throat with a somewhat darker chest. A pale U across the breast is often present followed by a pale line running down the belly which separates the dark areas on the breast side and flanks. These pale areas tend to have highly variable markings that form irregular bars. Juveniles are quite similar to adults and are best told apart by having a paler eye, a narrower sub-terminal band on the tail and underside markings that appear as streaks rather than bars. Beyond the typical mid-range brownish Common Buzzard, birds in Europe can range from almost uniform black-brown above to mainly white. Extreme dark individuals may range from chocolate-brown to blackish with almost no pale colour showing but with a variable or faded U on the breast and with or without faint lighter brown throat streaks. Extreme pale individuals are largely whitish with variable widely spaced streaks or arrowheads of light brown about the mid-chest and flanks and may or may not show dark feather-centres on the head, wing-coverts and sometimes all but part of the mantle. Individuals can show nearly endless variation of colours and hues in between these extremes and the Common Buzzard is among the most variably plumaged diurnal raptors for this reason. The Common Buzzard is often confused with other raptors especially in flight or at a distance including other [i]Buteo[/i] species such as Rough-legged Buzzard and Long-legged Buzzard and also Honey Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, Golden Eagle, Booted Eagle and Short-toed Eagle. The Common Buzzard is found throughout several islands in the eastern Atlantic islands, including the Canary Islands and the Azores, and almost throughout Europe. In the UK, it is found in Northern Ireland and in nearly every part of Scotland and England. In mainland Europe, there are no substantial gaps in the range from Portugal and Spain to Greece, Estonia, Belarus and the Ukraine, although it is present mainly only in the breeding season in much of the eastern half of the latter 3 countries. It is also present in all larger Mediterranean islands such as Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily and Crete. Further north in to Scandinavia, it is found mainly in south Norway, the southern half of Sweden and in the southern two-thirds of Finland. The Common Buzzard reaches its northern limit as a breeder in far eastern Finland and over the border in to European Russia and nearly to the Kola Peninsula. In these northern limits, the Common Buzzard is present typically only in summer. The Common Buzzard generally inhabits the interface of woodlands and open ground and typically lives in forest edge, small broad-leaved, coniferous or mixed woodlands with adjacent grassland, arable fields or other farmland and open moorland as long as there are some trees. It is absent from treeless tundra and sporadic or rare in treeless steppe. The Common Buzzard can be found from sea level to elevations of 6600 feet although it breeds mostly below 3300 feet. It can winter to an elevation of 8200 feet and migrates easily at 14,800 feet. The Common Buzzard is a partial migrant. Autumn and spring movements are subject to extensive variation, even down to the individual level, based on a region's food resources, competition (both from other Common Buzzards and other predators), the extent of human disturbance and weather conditions. Short distance movements are the norm for juveniles and some adults in autumn and winter but more adults in central and south Europe and the UK remain in their year-around areas than do not. The Common Buzzard is a typical [I]Buteo[/I] in much of its behaviour. It is most often seen effortlessly soaring for extended periods at varying heights although it can appear laborious and heavy in level flight. It is also often seen perched prominently on tree tops, bare branches, telegraph poles, fence posts, rocks or ledges or alternatively well inside the tree canopy. It will also stand and forage on the ground. The Common Buzzard is a generalist predator which hunts a wide variety of prey given the opportunity. The prey extents to a wide variety of vertebrates including mammals, birds (from any age from eggs to adult birds), reptiles, amphibians and fish as well as to various invertebrates, mostly insects. In total, well over 300 prey species are known to be taken by the Common Buzzard. However, dietary studies have shown that it mostly preys upon small mammals, mainly small rodents. Furthermore, prey size can vary from tiny beetles, caterpillars and ants to large adult grouse and Rabbits up to nearly twice their body mass. At times, the Common Buzzard will also subsist partially on carrion, usually of dead mammals or fish. Hunting in relatively open areas has been found to increase hunting success whereas more complete shrub cover lowered success. A majority of prey is taken by dropping from a perch and is normally taken on the ground. Prey may also be hunted in a low flight, by random glides or soars or by foraging on the ground. The home range of the Common Buzzard is generally 0.19 to 0.77 square miles and the size of the breeding territory seems to be correlated with food supply. The territory is maintained through flight displays and in Europe territorial behaviour usually starts in February. However, displays are not uncommon throughout the year in resident pairs, especially by males, and can elicit similar displays by their neighbours. In the display, the Common Buzzard generally engages in high circling, spiraling upward on slightly raised wings. Mutual high circling by pairs sometimes goes on at length, especially during the period prior to or during breeding season. During the mutual displays, the male may engage in exaggerated deep flapping or zig-zag tumbling, apparently in response to the female being too distant. Several pairs may circle together at times and as many as 14 individual adults have been recorded over established display sites. Sky-dancing by the Common Buzzard has been recorded in spring and autumn, typically by the male but sometimes by the female, nearly always with much calling. Sky-dances are of the rollercoaster type, with an upward sweep of up to 100 feet until the bird starts start to stall but sometimes embellished with loops or rolls at the top. Next in the sky-dance, the bird will dive at least 200 feet on more or less closed wings before spreading them and shooting up again. These sky-dances may be repeated in series of 10 to 20. In the climax of the sky-dance, the undulations become progressively shallower, often slowing and terminating directly on to a perch. Various other aerial displays include low contour flight or weaving among trees, frequently with deep beats and exaggerated upstrokes which show underwing pattern to rivals perched below. Talon grappling and occasionally cartwheeling downward with feet interlocked has also been recorded. The Common Buzzard tends to build a bulky nest of sticks, twigs and often heather and lined with broad-leaved foliage. Nests are up to 3.3 to 3.9 feet across and 24 inches deep. With reuse over years, the diameter of a nest can reach or exceed 5 feet. Trees are generally used for a nesting location but crags or cliffs are used if trees are unavailable. Nests in trees are usually located by the main trunk at a height of around 10 to 82 feet. Pairs often have 2 to 4 nests in a territory but some pairs may use a single nest over several consecutive years. The breeding season of the Common Buzzard commences at differing times based on latitude. It may fall as early as January to April but typically it is March to July in most of Europe. In the northern limits of the range the breeding season may occur from May to August. Mating usually occurs on or near the nest and eggs are usually laid in 2 to 3 day intervals. The clutch size can range from to 2 to 6 and it appears that local factors such as habitat and food supply are relevant. Eggs are generally laid in late March to early April in the extreme south, sometime in April in most of Europe and in to May and possibly even early June in the extreme north. If eggs are lost to a predator or fail in some other way, replacement clutches are not usually laid although this has been recorded. Incubation lasts for 33 to 35 days and is mostly, but not solely, undertaken by the female. Hatching may take place over 3 to 7 days. Often the youngest nestling dies from starvation, especially in broods of 3 or more. The female remains at the nest brooding the young in the early stages with the male bringing all prey. At about 8 to 12 days, both the male and female will bring prey but the female continues to do all feeding until the young can tear up their own prey. The young are nearly fully feathered rather than downy at about a month of age and can start to feed themselves as well. The first attempts to leave the nest are often at about 40 to 50 days. Fledging occurs typically at 43 to 54 days but in extreme cases as late 62 days. After leaving the nest, the young generally stay close by until full independence 6 to 8 weeks after fledging. Numerous factors may influence the breeding success of the Common Buzzard including the availability of prey populations, habitat, disturbance and persecution levels and competition. The Common Buzzard is one of the most numerous birds of prey in its range and it is the most numerous diurnal bird of prey throughout much of Europe. Date: 02/10/06 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayder, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/tana-bru-to-hoyholmen-varanger https://images.on-this.website/4752_8101464274bf6e0e8b32e9.jpgTana bru to Hoyholmen, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway Date: 14th April 2010 Location: view from road 890 between Tana bru and Hoyholmen, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/december-2019-great-white-egret https://images.on-this.website/4752_17946026665eeb28b839667.jpgDecember 2019 - Great White Egret Please see [url=https://rlchew1.photium.com/photo40755763.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453998.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6901327234ff547c4646f3.jpgGreater Flamingos TThe Greater Flamingo is a largely pinkish-white bird but the wing coverts are red and the primary and secondary flight feathers are black. The bill is pink with a black tip and the legs are entirely pink. The Greater Flamingo is the most widespread species of the flamingo family and can be found in parts of Africa, southern Asia and southern Europe (including Spain, Sardinia, Albania, Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Portugal and the Camargue region of France). Some populations are short distance migrants, and records north of the breeding range are relatively frequent. However, given the species' popularity in captivity, whether these are truly wild individuals is a matter of some debate. Date: 1st May 2012 Location: La Madre de las Marismas, El Rocío, Coto Doñana, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39083237.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5969083445d308076856c6.jpgEastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria The Rhodopes Mountains are a mountain range in south east Europe. They are spread over 5689 square miles of which 4723 square miles are located in south Bulgaria and the remainder in north Greece. The Rhodopes Mountains are about 149 miles long and about 62 to 75 miles wide with an average altitude of 2575 feet. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 7188 feet and is situated 12 miles to the west of Smolyan. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rhodopes Mountains gives its name to the terrestrial eco-region Rodope montane mixed forests that belong in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The area is particularly notable for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans plus its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms such as the Trigrad Gorge. The Rhodopes Mountains can be sub-divided in to 3 sections: The Western Rhodopes are spread over 66% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and they are higher, the most infrastructurally developed and the most visited part of the mountains. The highest and best known peaks are located in this section with more than 10 over 6562 feet high including the highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7188 feet). Some of the deepest river gorges in the Rhodopes Mountains are located in the west as well as several large lakes. The Eastern Rhodopes are spread over a territory of about 34% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and are much lower in height. The large artificial dams of Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets are located in this part of the mountains. Almost every species of European bird of prey nests in the Eastern Rhodopes including the rare Black Vulture and Egyptian Vulture. The Southern Rhodopes are the part of the mountain range that is located in Greece and they are characterized by numerous peaks of relatively low altitude. The River Krumovitsa is located in the eastern Rhodopes Mountains and flows through deep canyons and open valleys. It has a strongly fluctuating water level, typically very high in February to March and almost none in July to August except in isolated pools. In the middle section of the River Krumovitsa around Gorna Kula and Dolna Kula, the river valley in this region is between 330 and 1095 yards wide and in places it is occupied entirely by the sandy riverbed itself. Vegetation along the riverbank is dominated by alder, willow, poplar, dog rose and tamarisk. Dry grassland, scrub and broad-leaved forests cover the neighbouring hills and ridges. The forests are dominated by oak, hornbeam and various Mediterranean tree species whilst juniper is predominant in the scrub areas. Land use includes extensive rearing of sheep and cattle, hunting and forestry but the area is becoming progressively depopulated due to local emigration. In 1997 the area was designated as Important Bird Area by BirdLife International. It supports around 135 bird species of which 64 are species of European conservation concern and 2 of them are globally threatened. However, in spite of this, the area is not protected by any national nature conservation legislation. The area is of conservation concern for a number of reasons. Rural depopulation has led to a decrease in available food resources (livestock carrion) for vultures. Poaching and use of poison against wolves directly affects raptors and especially vultures. Uncontrolled hunting and fishing are further threats. Forest habitats are threatened by burning and natural fires, afforestation with non-indigenous species as well as illegal cutting of trees especially along the rivers. Reduction in grazing and conversion of pastures to arable lands cause loss of grassland habitats for birds. Direct threats to birds are also caused by intensive tourism and recreation activities such as rock climbing, gliding and hang-gliding and by the taking of chicks and eggs from nests. Existing electrical power lines are dangerous for raptors, especially for young birds, and one of the potential threats both to the habitats and to the birds is the development of wind turbine farms. Date: 27th May 2018 Location: River Krumovitsa valley between Gorna Kula and Dolna Kula, Eastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41234320.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6723491725ee77837058fe.jpgLarge Skipper Flight period: June to July. The Large Skipper is a small golden butterfly which is widespread throughout England and Wales and it is also extending its range northwards in to southern Scotland. They can be found in areas of tall, uncut grassland, woodland rides, roadside verges and hedgerows. Date: 13th June 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39439628.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16271323425d528d6d3d32f.jpgBrown Bear, Libearty Bear Sanctuary, Zărneşti, Brașov County, Romania For more information on Brown Bear, please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871734.html]here[/url]. Libearty Bear Sanctuary covers an area of around 0.25 square miles of oak and hazel forest 6 miles north east of the town of Zărnești in central Romania. Libearty Bear Sanctuary is dedicated to Maya, a Brown Bear discovered by a Romanian woman, Cristina Lapis, in 1998 in a filthy cage with metal bars and cement floor in the courtyard of a hotel near Bran Castle. For 4 years, Cristina and her husband travelled around 40 miles every day to feed Maya and spend time with her. Although her health improved, Maya sadly died in March 2002 but Cristina’s experience inspired her to create Libearty Bear Sanctuary. Libearty Bear Sanctuary was created because of the need to rescue over 50 bears found suffering in small and rusted cages around the country where they had been used as pets or as attractions for restaurants and petrol stations. The bears were all caught from the wild as cubs and had lived all their lives in confined cages with a poor diet and little or no veterinary care. This practice of keeping captive bears was illegal in Romania but until the sanctuary was created the authorities were unable to confiscate these bears due to the lack of facilities available to care for such rescued animals. The land for Libearty Bear Sanctuary was donated by the Municipality of Zarnesti and funding was provided from a variety of sources, including from the World Society for the Protection of Animals (now renamed as World Animal Protection) who also designed the sanctuary and helped train the staff. The construction of Libearty Bear Sanctuary started in 2005 and today there are around 70 to 100 rescued Brown Bears living in several large forested enclosures. These forested areas contain large fresh water pools, hibernation dens and hundreds of trees with lush natural vegetation. The bears have a choice whether to stay inside the forested areas or come out to rest or forage in the open meadow areas and pools. For many of them, having been caught from the wild as cubs, this is a new and stimulating experience. The day-to-day management of the sanctuary, including the rescue and care of the bears and all general maintenance around the sanctuary, is undertaken by Cristina Lapis’s organisation, Milioane de Prieteni (Millions of Friends), which is based in Brașov. A large central building contains staff areas, storage and preparation areas for food for the bears, the veterinary clinic and a number of quarantine dens for new or sick bears. Although the bears feed on the natural vegetation, nuts and berries available in the forest they do need additional food and the sanctuary staff distribute a large amount of fruit and vegetables each day around the enclosures. Organised tours of visitors can be guided around the sanctuary while being told the story of the Brown Bear rescues. The sanctuary is not a zoo and the welfare of the bears is the priority but many bears can be seen by visitors near to the enclosure fences. The Libearty Bear Sanctuary has helped to create better awareness of the issues affecting Brown Bears in Romania and the public, the media and also the authorities have now taken this project to their hearts. The sanctuary has given new life to once captive bears and it is a symbol of optimism for the protection of Romania’s rich natural environment. In 2007 Romania joined the European Union and that brought new laws to the country including the EU Zoos Directive. This required that all zoos in Romania had to comply with certain standards of animal management. Many zoos could not comply and the bears in these zoos faced euthanasia but were saved by being re-homed at the Libearty Bear Sanctuary. Date: 6th June 2018 Location: Libearty Bear Sanctuary, Zărneşti, Brașov County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18776580.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_196188037551f4df7a9292a.jpgSmall Tortoiseshell Flight period: March to October. The Small Tortoiseshell is a familiar widespread butterfly throughout the UK. It is a highly adaptable species that can be found in any flowery areas where nettles occur including in gardens and urban areas. Date: 1st July 2013 Location: Stow Maries Halt EWT reserve, Stow Maries, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12759394.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20002887464e71b08d9ac13.jpgRed Squirrel The Red Squirrel or Eurasian Red Squirrel is a species of tree squirrel in the genus [i]Sciurus[/i]. It is an arboreal and primarily herbivorous rodent. The Red Squirrel has a typical head and body length of 7.5 to 9 inches, a tail length of 6 to 8 inches and a weight of 9 to 12 ounces. Males and females are the same size. The Red Squirrel is smaller and lighter in weight than the Grey Squirrel The coat of the Red Squirrel varies in colour with the time of year and its location and there are several different coat colour morphs ranging from black to red. Red coats are most common in the UK but in other parts of Europe and Asia different coat colours co-exist within populations. The underside of the Red Squirrel is always creamy-white in colour. The Red Squirrel sheds its coat twice a year, switching from a thinner summer coat to a thicker, darker winter coat with noticeably larger ear-tufts (a prominent distinguishing feature of this species) between August and November. A lighter, redder overall coat colour, along with the ear-tufts (in adults) and smaller size, distinguish the Red Squirrel from the Grey Squirrel. The long tail helps the Red Squirrel to balance and steer when jumping from tree to tree and running along branches and it may also keep it warm during sleep. The Red Squirrel, like most tree squirrels, has sharp and curved claws to enable it to climb and descend broad tree trunks, thin branches and even house walls and its strong hind legs enable it to leap gaps between trees. The Red Squirrel can be found in the boreal coniferous woods in north Europe and Siberia where it prefers Scots Pine, Norway Spruce and Siberian Pine. In west and south Europe it can be found in broad-leaved woods where the mixture of tree and shrub species provides a better year round source of food. In most of the UK and in Italy, broad-leaved woodlands are now less suitable for it due to the better competitive feeding strategy of the introduced Grey Squirrel. The Red Squirrel makes a drey (nest) out of twigs in a branch-fork, forming a domed structure about 9 to 12 inches in diameter. This is lined with moss, leaves, grass and bark. Tree hollows and woodpecker holes are also used. The Red Squirrel is generally a solitary animal and is shy and reluctant to share food with others. However, outside the breeding season and particularly in winter, several Red Squirrels may share a drey to keep warm. Social organisation is based on dominance hierarchies within and between sexes. Although males are not necessarily dominant towards females, the dominant animals tend to be larger and older than subordinate animals and dominant males tend to have larger home ranges than subordinate males or females. Mating can occur in late winter during February and March and in summer between June and July. During mating, males detect females that are in oestrus by an odour that they produce and, although there is no courtship, the male will chase the female for up to an hour prior to mating. Usually multiple males will chase a single female until the dominant male, usually the largest in the group, mates with the female. Males and females will mate multiple times with many partners. Females must reach a minimum body mass before they enter oestrus and heavy females on average produce more young. If food is scarce breeding may be delayed. Typically a female will produce her first litter in her second year. Up to 2 litters a year per female are possible. Each litter averages 3 young and these are known as kits. Gestation is about 38 to 39 days and the young are looked after by the mother alone and are born helpless, blind and deaf. Their body is covered by hair at 21 days, their eyes and ears open after 3 to 4 weeks and they develop all their teeth by 42 days. Juveniles can eat solids around 40 days following birth and from that point they can leave the nest on their own to find food. However, they still suckle from their mother until weaning occurs at 8 to 10 weeks. The Red Squirrel eats mostly the seeds of trees, fungi, nuts (especially hazelnuts but also beech and chestnuts), berries and young shoots. More rarely, it may also eat bird eggs or nestlings and may occasionally exhibit opportunistic omnivory similar to other rodents. Excess food is put into caches, either buried or in nooks or holes in trees, and eaten when food is scarce. Although the Red Squirrel remembers where it created caches at a better than chance level, its spatial memory is believed to be substantially less accurate and durable than that of the Grey Squirrel. Therefore it will often have to search for them when in need and many caches are never found again. Between 60% and 80% of the active time of a Red Squirrel may be spent foraging and feeding. The active period is generally in the morning and in the late afternoon and evening. It often rests in its nest in the middle of the day to avoid the heat and the high visibility to birds of prey that are dangers during these hours. During the winter, this midday rest is often much more brief or absent entirely although harsh weather may cause it to stay in its nest for days at a time. No territories are claimed between Red Squirrels and the feeding areas of individuals overlap considerably. A Red Squirrel that survives its first winter has a life expectancy of 3 years. Individuals may reach 7 years of age and 10 years in captivity. Survival is positively related to the availability of autumn and winter tree seeds. On average, 75 to 85% of juveniles die during their first winter and mortality is approximately 50% for winters following the first. Predators include small mammals such as the Pine Marten, the Wildcat and the Stoat which all prey on juveniles. Birds, including owls and raptors such as the Goshawk and Common Buzzard, may also prey on the Red Squirrel as will the Red Fox and domestic cats and dogs when it is on the ground. Humans influence the population size and mortality of the Red Squirrel by destroying or altering habitats, by causing road casualties and by introducing non-native populations of the Grey Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel and the Red Squirrel are not directly antagonistic and violent conflict between these species is not a factor in the decline in Red Squirrel populations. However, the Grey Squirrel appears to contribute to the decrease in the Red Squirrel population for several reasons: it carries a disease, the squirrel parapoxvirus, that does not appear to affect its own health but will often kill the Red Squirrel, it can better digest acorns whilst the Red Squirrel cannot access the proteins and fats in acorns as easily and it can put the Red Squirrel under pressure for food resources resulting in it not breeding as often. In the UK, due to the above circumstances, the population has today fallen to 160,000 Red Squirrels or fewer with the majority of these in Scotland. Outside the UK and Ireland, the impact of competition from the Grey Squirrel has also been observed in Italy where 2 pairs escaped from captivity in 1948. A significant drop in the Red Squirrel population has been observed since 1970 and it is feared that the Grey Squirrel may expand into the rest of Europe. The Red Squirrel is protected in most of Europe although in some areas it is abundant and is hunted for its fur. In the UK there are several active projects to protect the Red Squirrel and its native woodland habitat, introduce or re-introduce it in to areas where it is absent and eradicate and prevent the spread of the Grey Squirrel. Research undertaken in 2007 in the UK credits the Pine Marten with reducing the population of the invasive Grey Squirrel. Where the range of the expanding Pine Marten population meets that of the Grey Squirrel, the population of the latter retreats. It is theorised that, because the Grey Squirrel spends more time on the ground than the Red Squirrel, it is far more likely to come in contact with the Pine Marten. Date: 30th May 2008 Location: Abernethy Forest, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9563228.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11338779724dae9ea43f837.jpgSnow Bunting Snow Buntings breed in far northern Europe and migrate south in winter. They are a very scarce breeding species in the UK and can be found on the highest mountain peaks in Scotland where they nest in rocky crevices. Snow Buntings are best looked for in winter (from late September to early March) where they can sometimes be seen in large flocks on the seashore or on adjacent short rough grassland at coastal sites in Scotland and eastern England. Date: 12/11/06 Location: Snettisham, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/green-woodpecker https://images.on-this.website/4752_5800634334db185ce92dcd.jpgGreen Woodpecker The (European) Green Woodpecker is a large green woodpecker species. There are 3 sub-species with subtle differences between them whilst the Iberian Green Woodpecker found in Spain and Portugal and the Levaillant's Woodpecker found in north west Africa were formerly considered as sub-species but are now treated as separate species based on the results of studies published in 2011 The Green Woodpecker measures 12 to 14 inches in length with a 18 to 20 inches wingspan. Both sexes are green above and pale yellowish green below with a yellow rump and red crown and nape. The moustachial stripe has a red centre in the male but is solid black in the female. The lores and around the white eye are black in both male and female. Juveniles are spotty and streaked all over with a dark moustachial stripe initially although juvenile males can show some red feathers by early June or usually by July or August. Although the Green Woodpecker is shy and wary, it is usually its loud calls known as “yaffling” which first draw attention. Unlike many other woodpecker species, it rarely “drums” but often gives noisy calls while flying. The flight is undulating with 3 to 4 wingbeats followed by a short glide when the wings are held by the body. More than 75% of the range of the Green Woodpecker is in Europe although it is absent from the extreme north and east and also from Ireland, Greenland and the Macaronesian islands. Otherwise it is distributed widely with over 50% of the European population thought to be in France and Germany with substantial numbers also in the UK. It also occurs in west Asia. The Green Woodpecker is highly sedentary and individuals rarely move far from where they were born. The Green Woodpecker is generally found in semi-open landscapes with small woodlands, hedges, scattered old trees, edges of forests and floodplain forests. Suitable habitats for feeding include grassland, heaths, plantations, orchards and lawns. The Green Woodpecker is the largest of the 3 woodpecker species that breed in the UK. It can be found all year round and it is mainly a lowland species that breeds in open deciduous woodland, parks, orchards and farmland in England, Wales and Scotland although it is absent from the far north and west of the UK. The nest hole of the Green Woodpecker is larger but similar to those of other woodpecker species. It may be a few feet above the ground or at the top of a tall tree. Oaks, beeches, willows, aspens and fruit trees are the preferred nest trees. The hole may be excavated in sound or rotten wood with an entrance hole of 2.5 to 3 inches. The cavity inside may be up to 16 inches deep and excavation work is performed mostly by the male over 15 to 30 days. Some tree holes are used for breeding for more than 10 years but not necessarily by the same pair. The female lays 4 to 6 eggs and, after the last egg is laid, they are incubated for 19 to 20 days by both parents. The chicks fledge 21 to 24 days after hatching. The Green Woodpecker's diet consists primarily of various ant species and it spends much of its time foraging on the ground in grassland areas where the availability of ant nests is high. At ant nests, it probes into the ground and licks up adult ants and their larvae with its long tongue that wraps up and around the back of its head. Other insects and small reptiles are also taken occasionally. Date: 04/11/06 Location: Two Tree Island, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo1025502.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12515727994813be7f92ad2.jpgDate: 28th March 2008 Location: Loch na Keal, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28883603.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_177668763957cc06279be05.jpgEndla Nature Reserve, Estonia The Endla Nature Reserve is located in central Estonia about 40 miles north west of Tartu and it was established in 1981 to protect a complex of bogs, fens, pools, lakes, rivers, reedbeds, meadows and wet and dry forests. It is also included in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance. The Endla Nature Reserve is a large wilderness area of over 31 square miles and much of it is very difficult to access but it can mainly be explored from the visitor centre at Tooma which is about 20 miles north west of Jõgeva. Date: 19th May 2016 Location: Tooma, Endla Nature Reserve, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082701.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16869046345d307da37a3b2.jpgEastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria The Rhodopes Mountains are a mountain range in south east Europe. They are spread over 5689 square miles of which 4723 square miles are located in south Bulgaria and the remainder in north Greece. The Rhodopes Mountains are about 149 miles long and about 62 to 75 miles wide with an average altitude of 2575 feet. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 7188 feet and is situated 12 miles to the west of Smolyan. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rhodopes Mountains give their name to the terrestrial eco-region Rodope montane mixed forests that belong in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The area is particularly notable for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans plus its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms such as the Trigrad Gorge. The Rhodopes Mountains can be sub-divided in to 3 sections: The Western Rhodopes are spread over 66% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and they are higher, the most infrastructurally developed and the most visited part of the mountains. The highest and best known peaks are located in this section with more than 10 over 6562 feet high including the highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7188 feet). Some of the deepest river gorges in the Rhodopes Mountains are located in the west as well as several large lakes. The Eastern Rhodopes are spread over a territory of about 34% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and are much lower in height. The large artificial dams of Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets are located in this part of the mountains. Almost every species of European bird of prey nests in the Eastern Rhodopes including 3 species of vulture. The Southern Rhodopes are the part of the mountain range that is located in Greece and they are characterized by numerous peaks of relatively low altitude. In the Eastern Rhodopes, the Madzharovo Special Protection Area located between village of Borislavtsi and the town of Madzharovo is one of the most popular destinations for birding in Bulgaria. The area covers a part of the narrow valley of the River Arda and is surrounded by rugged mountain slopes, rock massifs, rocky pinnacles, dry scrub and wooded hillsides. The unique micro-climate and the diverse relief are the reason for the wealth of bird species which can be found here. Around 175 bird species have been recorded of which 40 have been included in the Red Book of Bulgaria (a list of endangered species in the country), 78 are of European environmental protection significance and 6 are globally endangered. The Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB) has established a Nature Conservation Centre in Madzharovo which provides an exhibition, conducts educational programs and provides information for various routes and landmarks. It particularly focuses on the many birds of prey which can be found in the area, especially the 3 species of vulture (Griffon, Black and Egyptian). Date: 24th May 2018 Location: River Arda valley and Kovan Kaya near Madzharovo, eastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493280.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6480453715f326f65aaa7f.jpgCommon Guillemot The Common Guillemot, also known as the Common Murre or Thin-billed Murre, is a large species of auk. The auks are a family of seabirds which includes the Brunnich's Guillemot or Thick-billed Murre, Razorbill, Little Auk and the extinct Great Auk. The Common Guillemot is 15 to 18 inches in length with a 24 to 29 inches wingspan. In breeding plumage, it is black or dark brown on the head, back and wings with white underparts. It has a thin dark pointed bill and a small rounded dark tail. Legs are grey and the bill is dark grey. Males and females are identical. Some individuals in the North Atlantic, known as "Bridled Guillemots", have a white ring around the eye extending back as a white line. This is not a distinct subspecies but a polymorphism that becomes more common the farther north the birds breed. The Common Guillemot flies with fast wing beats and has a flight speed of around 50 mph. Groups of birds are often seen flying together in a line just above the surface of the sea. However, it is not a very agile bird and take-off is often difficult. The Common Guillemot becomes flightless for 45 to 60 days while moulting its primary feathers. The Common Guillemot is a pursuit diver that forages for food by swimming underwater using its wings for propulsion. Dives usually last less than one minute but the bird swims underwater for distances of over 100 feet on a regular basis. Diving depths up to 590 feet have been recorded. The Common Guillemot has a circumpolar distribution and it occurs in low Arctic and boreal waters in the north Atlantic and north Pacific. It spends most of its time at sea and only comes to land to breed on rocky cliffs, sea stacks and islands. Some birds are permanent residents but northern birds migrate south to open waters off New England, southern California, Japan, Korea and the western Mediterranean. The Common Guillemot breeds in colonies at high densities and nesting pairs may be in bodily contact with their neighbours. No nest is made and the single egg is laid and incubated on a bare rock ledge on a cliff face. The egg hatches after 30 days incubation and the chick is born downy and can regulate its body temperature after 10 days. Some 20 days after hatching the chick jumps off its nesting ledge and heads for the sea unable to fly but gliding for some distance with fluttering wings and accompanied by its male parent. The chicks are capable of diving as soon as they hit the water. The female stays at the nest site for some 14 days after the chick has left. The Common Guillemot can venture far from its breeding grounds to forage and distances of 60 miles or more are often observed although if sufficient food is available closer by, birds will only travel much shorter distances. It mainly eats small schooling fish 8 inches long or less such as Polar Cod, Capelin, Sand Lances, Sprats, Sandeels, Atlantic Cod and Atlantic Herring. It also eats some molluscs, marine worms, squid and crustaceans. It is often seen carrying fish in its bill with the tail hanging out. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/white-tailed-bumblebee https://images.on-this.website/4752_599984615467ee36b351ba.jpgWhite-tailed Bumblebee This photo is of the Bombus lucorum species, one of the commoner Bumblebees in the UK. Date: 15th July 2006 Location: Thrift Wood EWT reserve, Bicknacre, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/loch-restil-argyll https://images.on-this.website/4752_109077922449230fbb2b91e.jpgLoch Restil, Argyll Loch Restil is a small loch located at the junction of the A83 and B828 in Argyll at the “Rest-and-be-Thankful” summit and viewpoint west of Arrochar. Date: 2nd November 2008 Location: view from the A83 road http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084476.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17754263105d30874527368.jpgMarsh Warbler The Marsh Warbler is a medium-sized Old World warbler in the genus [I]Acrocephalus[/I]. It has olive green-brown upperparts, yellowish-white underparts, a white throat, a pale stripe in front of the eye and pale legs The Marsh Warbler is very similar in appearance to several other [I]Acrocephalus[/I] warblers such as the Reed Warbler which also occurs in wetlands and has a similar breeding range. The male's distinctive song is useful for identification since no other member of the genus mimics other birds to any significant extent. The Marsh Warbler also tends to avoid large reedbeds which are the Reed Warbler's favoured habitat. The Marsh Warbler breeds in the middle latitudes of Europe and west Asia from the English Channel to about 70 degrees east. It mainly occupies areas with a continental climate but breeds, or has bred, in the UK and northern France as well. In recent decades it has expanded its range to the north, with increasing numbers of birds breeding in Scandinavia and north west Russia. In west Europe the Marsh Warbler breeds mainly in rank vegetation on damp or seasonally flooded soils and it is particularly attracted to tall herbaceous vegetation and to young osiers and other low woody plants. It may breed in urban brownfield sites with suitable vegetation and also occasionally in arable crops. In the east, it breeds on dry hillsides with shrubs and in open woodland as well as the kind of damper habitats it frequents in the west. The Marsh Warbler is a summer migrant and winters mainly in south east Africa where it can be found in a range of well-vegetated habitats from moist scrub to dense thickets and woodland edge. In the UK, the Marsh Warbler was never widespread and it disappeared from many areas from the 1930s onwards. By the 1970s, it bred in significant numbers only in Worcestershire where around 40 to 70 pairs were recorded each year during that decade. This population was effectively extinct by the end of the 1990s. From the 1970s and 1980s onwards, a very small population slowly developed in south east England, particularly in Kent. However, this population is also now close to extinction. The reasons for the population decline in the UK are not completely understood especially as there appears to be much suitable habitat. The Biodiversity Action Plan for the Marsh Warbler further comments that it is not clear what can be done to conserve the species apart from protecting habitat at known breeding sites and protecting birds from egg collectors and from disturbance. The Marsh Warbler is best known for the highly imitative song given by males and very occasionally by females. Each male incorporates imitations of a wide range of other birds into its song. Other passerines are most commonly imitated but the calls of other species have been noted too. On average, each male bird incorporates imitations of 75 other species into its song with rather more African than northern species mimicked. Learning seems to take place in the summer the bird is hatched in Europe or Asia and in its first winter in Africa. The calls of birds heard in subsequent years are not added to the warbler's repertoire. The Marsh Warbler is mostly insectivorous and generally takes insects from vegetation but sometimes catches them on the ground or in mid-air. In autumn small numbers of berries may be eaten. Date: 3rd June 2018 Location: Sânpaul Fishponds, Harghita County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/july-to-november-2017-loch https://images.on-this.website/4752_6068364505c570c7d09b67.jpgJuly to November 2017 - Loch na Keal, Mull, Argyll Please see [url=https://rlchew1.photium.com/photo33568461.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/clashnessie-bay-sutherland https://images.on-this.website/4752_6708953494688410901c8b.jpgClashnessie Bay, Sutherland North of Lochinver, the single track B869 road makes its winding way along the Assynt coast to the north before turning east towards Kylesku. Between Stoer and Drumbeg lies Clashnessie Bay with its sweeping sandy shore. Date: 10th June 2007 Location: view from the B869 road http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39083188.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12907769995d30800b102ff.jpgEastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria The Rhodopes Mountains are a mountain range in south east Europe. They are spread over 5689 square miles of which 4723 square miles are located in south Bulgaria and the remainder in north Greece. The Rhodopes Mountains are about 149 miles long and about 62 to 75 miles wide with an average altitude of 2575 feet. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 7188 feet and is situated 12 miles to the west of Smolyan. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rhodopes Mountains gives its name to the terrestrial eco-region Rodope montane mixed forests that belong in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The area is particularly notable for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans plus its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms such as the Trigrad Gorge. The Rhodopes Mountains can be sub-divided in to 3 sections: The Western Rhodopes are spread over 66% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and they are higher, the most infrastructurally developed and the most visited part of the mountains. The highest and best known peaks are located in this section with more than 10 over 6562 feet high including the highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7188 feet). Some of the deepest river gorges in the Rhodopes Mountains are located in the west as well as several large lakes. The Eastern Rhodopes are spread over a territory of about 34% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and are much lower in height. The large artificial dams of Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets are located in this part of the mountains. Almost every species of European bird of prey nests in the Eastern Rhodopes including the rare Black Vulture and Egyptian Vulture. The Southern Rhodopes are the part of the mountain range that is located in Greece and they are characterized by numerous peaks of relatively low altitude. The River Borovitsa is a tributary of the River Arda and is located in the eastern Rhodopes Mountains. The river valley is stony and surrounded by rough grassland, scrub and forested hillsides. There are many tiny hamlets along the valley, many of them abandoned or semi-abandoned. This little visited area and its wild environment with only the tiny hamlets and patches of traditional agriculture form a great contrast with the town of Kardzhali. Nenkovo, 17.5 miles north west of Kardzhali, is one of the hamlets in the river valley with no electricity or car access. The access to the village is via a rope bridge over the River Borovitsa. The lack of cars has preserved the narrow village streets which wind between the houses built about 100 to 150 years ago. According to the census of 2011, the village has 129 inhabitants which is down from its peak of 883 people shortly after the Second World War. The village is almost exclusively inhabited by ethnic Bulgarian Turks. Near the village of Nenkovo there is a medieval bridge over the River Borovitsa. It is a large asymmetric bridge with 5 arches each of a different size. The road over the bridge is about 65 yards long. The bridge has been partly destroyed on a number of occasions by the rough waters of the river. It has been rebuilt in the past but after repeated damage it is no longer used. The area around Nenkovo village and the bridge is an excellent one for a wide range of bird species. Date: 26th May 2018 Location: River Borovitsa valley near Nenkovo, Eastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51335107.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7314289626676e5f0c16ef.jpgComma Flight period: March to October. The Comma was a rarity 100 years ago but is now a common and widespread butterfly in England and Wales and is on the point of recolonising Scotland. They are one of the first butterflies to be seen in spring and can be found in open woodland, woodland edges and gardens. Date: 21st June 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31837527.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3319823745956249698d279.19934877.jpgSango Bay, Sutherland Sango Bay is a beautiful sandy bay on the north coast of Sutherland and located by the village of Durness 4 miles west of Loch Eriboll. The bay is approximately half a mile in width and surrounded by low cliffs. Date: 22nd June 2017 Location: view from the A838 road east of Durness http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49797633.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_32105224364eca22407576.jpgSilver-studded Blue Description to follow .... Date: 2nd July 2023 Location: Hartland Moor NNR, Purbeck Heaths NNR, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43629182.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18622373186118b2517a814.jpgGatekeeper Flight period: mid-July to early September. The Gatekeeper or Hedge Brown is common and widespread throughout the southern half of the UK. They can be found in areas with hedgerows or in scrubby woodland with wide and sunny rides. Date: 4th August 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42222552.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13670814576023b94a19bcb.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 21st January 2021 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41352933.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6675874035f215759a8503.jpgSmall Copper Flight period: April to October. The Small Copper is a common and widespread butterfly in the UK but has suffered a population decline due to change in land use and habitat loss. They are fond of warm and dry locations and can be found in a variety of habitats including heathland, unimproved grassland, woodland clearings, waste ground and gardens. Date: 21st July 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13593630.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11030441794ec8da5bd81e1.jpgOtter The Eurasian Otter, also known as the European Otter, Eurasian River Otter, Common Otter and Old World Otter and commonly known as the Otter, is a semi-aquatic mammal and the most widely distributed member of the Otter sub-family of the Weasel family (Mustelidae). The Otter is a typical species of the Otter sub-family and is brown above and cream below. It is 22.5 to 37.5 inches long excluding a tail of 14 to 17.5 inches. The female is shorter than the male. The Otter's average body weight is 15 to 26 pounds, although occasionally a large old male may reach up to 37 pounds. The Otter differs from the North American River Otter by its shorter neck, broader face, the greater space between the ears and its longer tail. However, it is the only Otter species in much of its range so it is rarely confused for any other animal. The Otter is the most widely distributed Otter species and its range including parts of Asia and Africa as well as being widespread across Europe. The Otter can be found throughout most of the UK with the highest densities in Scotland, especially the islands and the north west coast, Wales, parts of East Anglia and the West Country. The Otter declined across its range in the second half of the 20th century primarily due to pollution, habitat loss and hunting. However, populations are now recovering in many parts of Europe. In the UK the number of sites with an Otter presence increased by 55% between 1994 and 2002. In August 2011, the Environment Agency announced that the Otter had returned to every county in England since vanishing from every county except the West Country and parts of Northern England. The recovery of the Otter population in Europe is due to a ban on the most harmful pesticides that has been in place since 1979, improvements in water quality leading to increases in prey populations and direct legal protection under the European Union Habitats Directive and national legislation in several European countries. In general, the Otter’s varied and adaptable diet means that it can be found on any unpolluted body of fresh water, including lakes, streams, rivers and ponds, as long as the food supply is adequate. It can also be found along the coast in salt water but it requires regular access to fresh water to clean its fur. When living in the sea it is sometimes referred to as a "Sea Otter" but it should not be confused with the true Sea Otter which is a North American species much more strongly adapted to a marine existence. The Otter's diet mainly consists of fish. However, during the winter and in colder environments, fish consumption is significantly lower and other sources of food are eaten including amphibians, crustaceans, insects, birds and small mammals. Hunting mainly takes place at night whilst the day is usually spent in the Otter's holt (den). The Otter is strongly territorial and is primarily solitary. An individual's territory may vary between 1 and 25 miles with the length of the territory depending on the density of food available and the width of the water suitable for hunting (it is shorter on coasts, where the available width is much wider and longer on narrower rivers). The Otter uses its spraints to mark its territory. Territories are only held against members of the same sex so those of males and females may overlap. The Otter is a non-seasonal breeder and males and females will breed at any time of the year. It has been found that their mating season is most likely determined simply by the Otters' reproductive maturity and physiological state. Female Otters are sexually mature between 18 and 24 months old and the average age of first breeding is found to be 2.5 years old. Gestation is 60 to 64 days and after the gestation period, 1 to 4 pups are born which remain dependent on the mother for about 13 months. The male plays no direct role in parental care although the territory of a female with her pups is usually entirely within that of the male. Date: 10th November 2011 Location: Loch Scridain, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41352879.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_24501825f2151f3aa20f.jpgCommon Blue Flight period: June to September. The Common Blue is the UK’s most widespread and common blue butterfly although it has suffered some local declines due to habitat loss. They can be found in sunny, sheltered areas including downland, roadside verges, woodland clearings and rural gardens. Date: 20th July 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/may-2020-red-fox-cub https://images.on-this.website/4752_18761172065eff1e4702839.jpgMay 2020 - Red Fox cub http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41524239.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13174850105f3a6ae4bf04f.jpgGatekeeper Flight period: mid-July to early September. The Gatekeeper or Hedge Brown is common and widespread throughout the southern half of the UK. They can be found in areas with hedgerows or in scrubby woodland with wide and sunny rides. Date: 1st August 2020 Location, Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/p5030483-edit https://images.on-this.website/4752_329378101664330300f7fe.jpgRed Squirrel The Red Squirrel or Eurasian Red Squirrel is a species of tree squirrel in the genus Sciurus. It is an arboreal and primarily herbivorous rodent. The Red Squirrel has a typical head and body length of 7.5 to 9 inches, a tail length of 6 to 8 inches and a weight of 9 to 12 ounces. Males and females are the same size. The Red Squirrel is smaller and lighter in weight than the Grey Squirrel The coat of the Red Squirrel varies in colour with the time of year and its location and there are several different coat colour morphs ranging from black to red. Red coats are most common in the UK but in other parts of Europe and Asia different coat colours co-exist within populations. The underside of the Red Squirrel is always creamy-white in colour. The Red Squirrel sheds its coat twice a year, switching from a thinner summer coat to a thicker, darker winter coat with noticeably larger ear-tufts (a prominent distinguishing feature of this species) between August and November. A lighter, redder overall coat colour, along with the ear-tufts (in adults) and smaller size, distinguish the Red Squirrel from the Grey Squirrel. The long tail helps the Red Squirrel to balance and steer when jumping from tree to tree and running along branches and it may also keep it warm during sleep. The Red Squirrel, like most tree squirrels, has sharp and curved claws to enable it to climb and descend broad tree trunks, thin branches and even house walls and its strong hind legs enable it to leap gaps between trees. The Red Squirrel can be found in the boreal coniferous woods in north Europe and Siberia where it prefers Scots Pine, Norway Spruce and Siberian Pine. In west and south Europe it can be found in broad-leaved woods where the mixture of tree and shrub species provides a better year round source of food. In most of the UK and in Italy, broad-leaved woodlands are now less suitable for it due to the better competitive feeding strategy of the introduced Grey Squirrel. The Red Squirrel makes a drey (nest) out of twigs in a branch-fork, forming a domed structure about 9 to 12 inches in diameter. This is lined with moss, leaves, grass and bark. Tree hollows and woodpecker holes are also used. The Red Squirrel is generally a solitary animal and is shy and reluctant to share food with others. However, outside the breeding season and particularly in winter, several Red Squirrels may share a drey to keep warm. Social organisation is based on dominance hierarchies within and between sexes. Although males are not necessarily dominant towards females, the dominant animals tend to be larger and older than subordinate animals and dominant males tend to have larger home ranges than subordinate males or females. Mating can occur in late winter during February and March and in summer between June and July. During mating, males detect females that are in oestrus by an odour that they produce and, although there is no courtship, the male will chase the female for up to an hour prior to mating. Usually multiple males will chase a single female until the dominant male, usually the largest in the group, mates with the female. Males and females will mate multiple times with many partners. Females must reach a minimum body mass before they enter oestrus and heavy females on average produce more young. If food is scarce breeding may be delayed. Typically a female will produce her first litter in her second year. Up to 2 litters a year per female are possible. Each litter averages 3 young and these are known as kits. Gestation is about 38 to 39 days and the young are looked after by the mother alone and are born helpless, blind and deaf. Their body is covered by hair at 21 days, their eyes and ears open after 3 to 4 weeks and they develop all their teeth by 42 days. Juveniles can eat solids around 40 days following birth and from that point they can leave the nest on their own to find food. However, they still suckle from their mother until weaning occurs at 8 to 10 weeks. The Red Squirrel eats mostly the seeds of trees, fungi, nuts (especially hazelnuts but also beech and chestnuts), berries and young shoots. More rarely, it may also eat bird eggs or nestlings and may occasionally exhibit opportunistic omnivory similar to other rodents. Excess food is put into caches, either buried or in nooks or holes in trees, and eaten when food is scarce. Although the Red Squirrel remembers where it created caches at a better than chance level, its spatial memory is believed to be substantially less accurate and durable than that of the Grey Squirrel. Therefore it will often have to search for them when in need and many caches are never found again. Between 60% and 80% of the active time of a Red Squirrel may be spent foraging and feeding. The active period is generally in the morning and in the late afternoon and evening. It often rests in its nest in the middle of the day to avoid the heat and the high visibility to birds of prey that are dangers during these hours. During the winter, this midday rest is often much more brief or absent entirely although harsh weather may cause it to stay in its nest for days at a time. No territories are claimed between Red Squirrels and the feeding areas of individuals overlap considerably. A Red Squirrel that survives its first winter has a life expectancy of 3 years. Individuals may reach 7 years of age and 10 years in captivity. Survival is positively related to the availability of autumn and winter tree seeds. On average, 75 to 85% of juveniles die during their first winter and mortality is approximately 50% for winters following the first. Predators include small mammals such as the Pine Marten, the Wildcat and the Stoat which all prey on juveniles. Birds, including owls and raptors such as the Goshawk and Common Buzzard, may also prey on the Red Squirrel as will the Red Fox and domestic cats and dogs when it is on the ground. Humans influence the population size and mortality of the Red Squirrel by destroying or altering habitats, by causing road casualties and by introducing non-native populations of the Grey Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel and the Red Squirrel are not directly antagonistic and violent conflict between these species is not a factor in the decline in Red Squirrel populations. However, the Grey Squirrel appears to contribute to the decrease in the Red Squirrel population for several reasons: it carries a disease, the squirrel parapoxvirus, that does not appear to affect its own health but will often kill the Red Squirrel, it can better digest acorns whilst the Red Squirrel cannot access the proteins and fats in acorns as easily and it can put the Red Squirrel under pressure for food resources resulting in it not breeding as often. In the UK, due to the above circumstances, the population has today fallen to 160,000 Red Squirrels or fewer with the majority of these in Scotland. Outside the UK and Ireland, the impact of competition from the Grey Squirrel has also been observed in Italy where 2 pairs escaped from captivity in 1948. A significant drop in the Red Squirrel population has been observed since 1970 and it is feared that the Grey Squirrel may expand into the rest of Europe. The Red Squirrel is protected in most of Europe although in some areas it is abundant and is hunted for its fur. In the UK there are several active projects to protect the Red Squirrel and its native woodland habitat, introduce or re-introduce it in to areas where it is absent and eradicate and prevent the spread of the Grey Squirrel. Research undertaken in 2007 in the UK credits the Pine Marten with reducing the population of the invasive Grey Squirrel. Where the range of the expanding Pine Marten population meets that of the Grey Squirrel, the population of the latter retreats. It is theorised that, because the Grey Squirrel spends more time on the ground than the Red Squirrel, it is far more likely to come in contact with the Pine Marten. Date: 3rd May 2024 Location: Dingle Local Nature Reserve, Llangefni, Anglesey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/wryneck https://images.on-this.website/4752_7976767194cd5743e6cd66.jpgWryneck The Eurasian Wryneck is a species of wryneck in the woodpecker family. It is about 6.7 inches in length and is a slim, elongated-looking bird with a body shape more like a thrush than a woodpecker. The upperparts are barred and mottled in shades of pale brown with rufous and blackish bars and wider black streaks. The rump and upper tail coverts are grey with speckles and irregular bands of brown. The rounded tail is grey, speckled with brown, with faint bands of greyish-brown and a few more clearly defined bands of brownish-black. The cheeks and throat are buff barred with brown. The underparts are creamy white with brown markings shaped like arrow-heads which are reduced to spots on the lower breast and belly. The flanks are buff with similar markings and the under-tail coverts are buff with narrow brown bars. The primaries and secondaries are brown with rufous-buff markings. The beak is brown, long and slender with a broad base and sharp tip. The slender legs and feet are pale brown. The first and second toes are shorter than the others. The first and fourth toes point backwards and the second and third point forwards, a good arrangement for clinging to vertical surfaces. The Wryneck gets its English name from its ability to turn its head through almost 180 degrees. It characteristically holds its head high with its beak pointing slightly upwards. A mutual display that occurs at any time of year involves two birds perched facing each other with their heads far back and beaks wide open, bobbing their heads up and down. Sometimes the head is allowed to slump sideways and hang limply. On other occasions, when excited, the head is shaken and twisted about violently. When disturbed on the nest or held in the hand, the neck contorts and twists in all directions. The bird sometimes feigns death and hangs limply with eyes closed. The Wryneck mainly breeds in temperate regions of Europe and Asia. In continental Europe, the largest populations are in Spain, Italy, Germany, Poland, Romania, Hungary, Belarus and Ukraine, and only in Romania is the population trend believed to be upward. Most populations are migratory, wintering in tropical Africa and in southern Asia from Iran to the Indian Subcontinent, but some are resident in north west Africa. In the UK, the Wryneck is an extremely rare breeding bird but it is still a regular passage migrant in small numbers in August and September with a small number additionally seen in May. During the summer the Wryneck can be found in open countryside, parkland, gardens, orchards, heaths and hedgerows, especially where there are some old trees. It may also inhabit deciduous woodland and in Scandinavia it also occurs in coniferous forests. The diet of the Wryneck consists chiefly of ants but beetles and their larvae, moths, spiders and woodlice are also eaten. Although much time is spent in the upper branches of trees, the Wryneck sometimes perches in low bushes and mostly forages on the ground, moving around with short hops with its tail held in a raised position. It can cling to tree trunks, often moving obliquely, and sometimes pressing its tail against the surface as a prop. It does not make holes in bark with its beak but picks up prey with a rapid extension and retraction of its tongue and it sometimes catches insects while on the wing. Date: 12th September 2010 Location: Laguna del Oso, Castille y Leon, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9564296.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14471885434daeb6a085db0.jpgBlackbird The Common Blackbird is a species of true thrush. It is also called Eurasian Blackbird (especially in North America in order to distinguish it from the unrelated New World blackbirds) or simply Blackbird where this does not lead to confusion with a similar-looking local species. The Blackbird’s name derives form 2 Latin words: <i>turdus</i> meaning “thrush” and <i>merula</i> meaning “blackbird”. It may not immediately be clear why the name "blackbird", first recorded in 1486, was applied to this species but not to one of the various other common black English birds, such as the Carrion Crow, Raven, Rook or Jackdaw. However, in Old English and in modern English up to about the 18th century, "bird" was used only for smaller or young birds and larger ones such as crows were called "fowl". At that time, the Blackbird was therefore the only widespread and conspicuous black bird in the UK. The Blackbird is around 9.25 to 11.5 inches in length including a long tail. The adult male has glossy black plumage, blackish-brown legs, a yellow eye-ring and an orange-yellow bill. The bill darkens somewhat in winter. The adult female is sooty-brown with a dull yellowish-brownish bill, a brownish-white throat and some weak mottling on the breast. The juvenile is similar to the female but has pale spots on the upperparts and the very young juvenile also has a speckled breast. Young birds vary in the shade of brown, with darker birds presumably males. The first year male resembles the adult male but has a dark bill and weaker eye ring and its folded wing is brown rather than black like the body plumage. The Blackbird breeds in temperate Eurasia, north Africa, the Canary Islands and south Asia. Populations are sedentary in the south and west of the range although northern birds migrate south as far as north Africa and tropical Asia in winter. Common over most of its range in woodland, the Blackbird has a preference for deciduous trees with dense undergrowth. However, gardens provide the most successful breeding habitat. It occurs up to around 3300 feet in Europe and is often replaced by the related Ring Ousel in areas of higher altitude. The Blackbird has an extensive range and a large population which is generally stable or increasing. However, there have been local declines, especially on farmland, which may be due to agricultural policies that encouraged farmers to remove hedgerows (which provide nesting places) and to drain damp grassland and increase the use of pesticides, both of which could have reduced the availability of invertebrate food. The Blackbird may commence breeding in March when the breeding pair prospect for a suitable nest site in a creeper or bush, favouring evergreen or thorny species such as ivy, holly, hawthorn, honeysuckle or pyracantha. Sometimes they will nest in sheds or outbuildings where a ledge or cavity is used. The cup-shaped nest is made with grasses, leaves and other vegetation and bound together with mud. It is built by the female alone. The nest is often ill-concealed compared with those of other species and many breeding attempts fail due to predation. The female lays 3 to 5 (average 4) bluish-green eggs marked with reddish-brown blotches which are incubated for 12 to 14 days before the chicks are hatched naked and blind. Fledging takes another 10 to 19 (average 13.6) days, with both parents feeding the young. The young are fed by the parents for up to 3 weeks after leaving the nest and they will follow the adults begging for food. If the female starts another nest, the male alone will feed the fledged young. Second broods are common with the female reusing the same nest if the brood was successful. The first-year male Blackbird may start singing as early as late January in fine weather in order to establish a territory, followed in late March by the adult male. The male's song is a varied and melodious low-pitched fluted warble which is given from trees, rooftops or other elevated perches mainly in the period from March to June and sometimes into the beginning of July. During the winter, the Blackbird can be heard quietly singing to itself, so much so that September and October are the only months which the song cannot be heard. The Blackbird is omnivorous, eating a wide range of insects, earthworms, seeds and berries. It feeds mainly on the ground, running and hopping with a start-stop-start progress. It pulls earthworms from the soil, usually finding them by sight but sometimes by hearing, and roots through leaf litter for other invertebrates. Small amphibians and lizards are occasionally hunted. The Blackbird will also perch in bushes to take berries and collect caterpillars and other active insects. Animal prey predominates and this is particularly important during the breeding season with windfall apples and berries taken more in the autumn and winter. Near human habitation the main predator of the Blackbird is the domestic cat, with newly fledged young especially vulnerable. Foxes and predatory birds, such as the Sparrowhawk, also predate the Blackbird when the opportunity arises. Eggs and chicks are also taken by corvids, such as the Magpie or Jay. Date: 3rd February 2007 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082279.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19230066695d307ba229ad1.jpgMiddle Spotted Woodpecker The Middle Spotted Woodpecker is a member of the woodpecker family [i]Picidae[/i]. It is around 8 inches in length with a wingspan of around 13 inches and it has a plumage similar to the Great Spotted Woodpecker. As with that species, the upperparts are predominantly black with white oval wing patches, there is white barring on the wings and the underparts are white. The main differences are that the Middle Spotted Woodpecker has a red crown, no black moustachial stripe, a pink vent and dark streaks on the flanks. The Middle Spotted Woodpecker differs from all its European relatives in being almost totally monomorphic, i.e. males and females are almost identical in appearance. Despite its name, the Middle Spotted Woodpecker is not mid-way in size between its relatives, the smaller Lesser Spotted Woodpecker and the larger Great Spotted Woodpecker and Syrian Woodpecker. The Middle Spotted Woodpecker is much closer to the 2 larger species in all measurements being just 15% smaller but it is around 40% larger than Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. The Middle Spotted Woodpecker can be found in much of west and east Europe and south west Asia and is locally common in the right habitat but with varying and often quite low population densities. Its range extends from France east to European Russia, mainly in the temperate continental zone, but also north to the Baltic states. It is absent from Finland and Norway and extinct in Sweden and Denmark. Due to its sedentary nature it has never been recorded in the UK and Ireland. The range extends south and east in to the Mediterranean Basin, the Balkan peninsula, Turkey, the Caucasus, Iraq and Iran. The Middle Spotted Woodpecker prefers deciduous forest, especially areas with old oak, hornbeam and elm, and a patchwork of clearings, pasture and dense woodland. In the breeding season the Middle Spotted Woodpecker excavates a nest hole about 2 inches wide in a decaying tree trunk or thick branch. The female lays 4 to 7 eggs which are incubated for 11 to 14 days. The Middle Spotted Woodpecker likes to feed high in the trees on a diet of insects and their larvae which it finds by picking them from branches and twigs rather than hacking them from beneath the bark. It will also feed on tree sap. Unlike most of its European relatives, the Middle Spotted Woodpecker does not regularly drum and females probably do not drum at all. Any drumming is rather mild and limited to early spring and it is usually made in response to competition from another male. Both adults do however tap loudly at the nest hole in spring. This tapping is a communicative signal and not part of hole excavation and it is not drumming. The Middle Spotted Woodpecker seems to rely more on its “song” when announcing its territory rather than drumming. Date: 22nd May 2018 Location: Ropotamo, Burgas Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26891966.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_162757950756e7d651a3735.jpgReed Bunting The Reed Bunting is a sparrow-sized but slimmer and with a long, deeply notched tail. The male has a black head, white collar and a drooping “moustache”. Females and winter males are browner and have a streaked head. In flight the tail looks black with broad, white edges. When singing, the male can usually be seen perched on top of a bush or reed. Reed Buntings can be found all year round in the UK, typically in areas of wet vegetation but also farmland and gardens in winter. Date: 28th February 2016 Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084067.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17190632835d30856634a93.jpgRila Mountains, Kyustendil Province, Bulgaria The Rila Mountains are a mountain range in south west Bulgaria and constitute the highest mountain range in the country and the Balkans. It is the sixth highest mountain range in Europe after the Caucasus, the Alps, the Sierra Nevada, the Pyrenees and Mount Etna and the highest one between the Alps and the Caucasus. The Rila Mountains are spread over an area of 1015 square miles with an average altitude of 4879 feet. Musala is its highest peak at 9596 feet. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rila-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rila Mountains have abundant water resources and some of the Balkans' longest and deepest rivers originate here including the longest river entirely in the Balkans, the River Maritsa, and the longest river entirely in Bulgaria, the River Iskar. Bulgaria's main water divide separating the Black Sea and the Aegean Sea drainage systems follows the main ridge of the Rila Mountains. The mountain range is dotted with almost 200 glacial lakes such as the renowned Seven Rila Lakes. It is also rich in hot springs in the fault areas at the foothills including the hottest spring in south east Europe in Sapareva Banya. The Rila Mountains have typical layers of montane habitat ranging from river and stream valleys at lower altitudes to mixed deciduous woodland, coniferous forests and Alpine meadows and lakes at higher altitudes and finally to rocky ridges and bare rugged peaks. The biodiversity and the pristine landscapes are protected by the Rila National Park which is among the largest and most valuable protected areas in Europe. It is the largest national park in Bulgaria covering an area of 313 square miles and it was established in February 1992 to protect several ecosystems of national importance. Its altitude varies from 2600 feet near Blagoevgrad to 9596 feet at the peak of Musala. It occupies territory from 4 of the 28 provinces of the country (Sofia, Kyustendil, Blagoevgrad and Pazardzhik) and it includes 4 nature reserves (Parangalitsa, Central Rila Reserve, Ibar and Skakavitsa). The Rila National Park falls within the Rodope montane mixed forests terrestrial eco-region of the Palearctic temperate broadleaf and mixed forest. Forests occupy 206.5 square miles or 66% of the total area. The Rila Mountains also contain the Rila Monastery Nature Park which is among the largest nature parks in Bulgaria covering an area of 97.5 square miles at an altitude between 2460 and 8901 feet. It was established in 1992 as part of the newly founded Rila National Park. In 2000 some territory of the Rila National Park was re-assigned to the Rila Monastery Nature Park and was recategorized as a nature park because by law all lands in national parks are exclusively state owned. Today most of the Rila Monastery Nature Park is owned by the Rila Monastery. The Rila Monastery Nature Park includes one nature reserve, namely the Rila Monastery Forest with an area of 14 square miles or 14% of its total area. The most recognisable landmark in the Rila Mountains is the Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila, better known as the Rila Monastery. This is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria and is situated in the deep valley of the River Rilska River within the Rila Monastery Nature Park at a height of 3763 feet. The monastery is named after its founder, the hermit Ivan of Rila (876 to 946 AD) and houses around 60 monks. Founded in the 10th century, the Rila Monastery is regarded as one of Bulgaria's most important cultural, historical and architectural monuments and is a key tourist attraction for both Bulgaria and south Europe. Due to its outstanding cultural and spiritual value it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. The Rila Mountains are also a popular destination for hiking, winter sports and spa tourism, hosting the nation's oldest ski resort at Borovets as well as numerous hiking trails. Date: 30th May 2018 Location: Kocherinovo-Stob area, Kyustendil Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/azure-damselflies https://images.on-this.website/4752_182710379564917f7c89fba.jpgAzure Damselflies Flight period: May to August The Azure Damselfly is one of the two commonest blue damselflies and is a common and widespread species of lowland UK. They can be found around most standing water, preferring small, sheltered sites including ditches and garden ponds. Date: 24th May 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/grey-squirrel https://images.on-this.website/4752_13990530994e71b9c760c5f.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 21st October 2007 Location: Richmond Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/june-2010-fulmar https://images.on-this.website/4752_11434279484cc2bd2707943.jpgJune 2010 - Fulmar Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5325720.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5325801.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16235929124c1dd620ba144.jpgTraigh Allt Chailgeag, Sutherland Traigh Allt Chailgeag is a stunning and remote sandy beach hemmed in by cliffs and headlands located to the east of Durness and just before the A838 road turns south along the eastern shore of Loch Eriboll. Date: 3rd June 2010 Location: view from the A838 road between Durness and Tongue http://www.richardchewphotography.com/february-2016-reed-bunting https://images.on-this.website/4752_5151815657a85f89ae43b.jpgFebruary 2016 - Reed Bunting Please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/photo26891966.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49278544.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13284141136499b19840e12.jpgAzure Damselfly Flight period: May to August The Azure Damselfly is one of the two commonest blue damselflies and is a common and widespread species of lowland UK. They can be found around most standing water, preferring small, sheltered sites including ditches and garden ponds. Date: 12th June 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/short-eared-owl https://images.on-this.website/4752_523237432513328a4f1adc.jpgShort-eared Owl The Short-eared Owl is a species of the typical owl family [i]Strigidae[/i]. Owls belonging to the genus [i]Asio[/i], such as the Short-eared Owl, are known as the eared owls since they have tufts of feathers resembling mammalian ears. These "ear" tufts may or may not be visible. The Short-eared Owl will display its tufts when in a defensive pose although its very short tufts are usually not visible. The Short-eared Owl is a medium-sized owl 13 to 17 inches in length with a 33 to 43 inches wingspan. Females are slightly larger than males. It has large yellow eyes with black encircling rings, a big head, a short neck and broad wings. The bill is short, strong, hooked and black. The plumage is mottled tawny to brown with a barred tail and wings. The upper breast is significantly streaked. The flight is characteristically floppy due to the irregular wingbeats and the Short-eared Owl is often described as "moth-like” or bat-like" in flight. Through much of its range, the Short-eared Owl occurs with the similar looking Long-eared Owl. At rest, the ear-tufts of the Long-eared Owl serve to easily distinguish the 2 species although the Long-eared Owl can sometimes hold its ear-tufts flat. The iris colour also differs: yellow in the Short-eared Owl and orange in the Long-eared Owl plus the black surrounding the eyes is vertical on the Long-eared Owl and horizontal on the Short-eared Owl. Overall, the Short-eared Owl tends to be a paler, sandier coloured bird than the Long-eared Owl. There are 10 recognized sub-species of the Short-eared Owl and its range covers all continents except Antarctica and Australia. It therefore has one of the most widespread distributions of any bird. It is partially migratory and moves south in winter from the northern parts of its range. The Short-eared Owl is also known to relocate to areas of higher rodent populations and it will also wander nomadically in search of better food supplies during years when vole populations are low. In the UK, the Short-eared Owl breeds primarily in north England and Scotland but it is seen more widely in winter when there is an influx of continental birds from Scandinavia, Russia and Iceland to north, east and parts of central south England, especially around coastal marshes and wetlands. The breeding season of the Short-eared Owl in the northern hemisphere lasts from March to June but peaks in April. During the breeding season, the male makes a great spectacle of itself in flight to attract a female. The male swoops down over the potential nest site flapping its wings in a courtship display. The Short-eared Owl is generally monogamous and nests on the ground in prairie, tundra, savanna or meadow habitats. The nest is concealed by low vegetation and may be lightly lined by weeds, grass or feathers. The female lays 4 to 7 eggs but clutch size can reach up to 12 eggs in years when voles are abundant. There is a single brood per year. The eggs are incubated mostly by the female for 21 to 37 days and the young fledge at a little over 4 weeks. The Short-eared Owl hunts mostly at night but it is known as a diurnal and crepuscular hunter as well. Its daylight hunting seems to coincide with the high activity periods of voles, its preferred prey. It tends to fly only a few feet above the ground in open fields and grasslands until swooping down upon its prey feet first. Several owls may hunt over the same open area. The diet of the Short-eared Owl consists mainly of rodents, especially voles, but it will eat other small mammals such as mice, ground squirrels, shrews, rats, bats, muskrats and moles. It will also occasionally predate smaller birds especially when near sea coasts and adjacent wetlands at which time they may attack waders, terns and small gulls and seabirds. Avian prey is more infrequently preyed on inland and includes small passerines. Insects also supplement the diet. Date: 14th January 2013 Location: Cummertrees, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41187448.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16950054765ea6d52b93835.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 21st April 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/glamaig-skye https://images.on-this.website/4752_16770907254681c7859d596.jpgGlamaig, Skye Height: Sgurr Mhairi 2542 feet and An Coileach 2208 feet. Glamaig is a cone shaped mountain with 2 peaks rising to the east of Loch Sligachan. Every year there is a race from by the Sligachan Hotel to the summit of Glamaig and back - the record stands at just under 50 minutes! Date: February 2003 Location: view from Sligachan Bridge http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13657346.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16238254014ed36e34b2756.jpgOtter The Eurasian Otter, also known as the European Otter, Eurasian River Otter, Common Otter and Old World Otter and commonly known as the Otter, is a semi-aquatic mammal and the most widely distributed member of the Otter sub-family of the Weasel family (Mustelidae). The Otter is a typical species of the Otter sub-family and is brown above and cream below. It is 22.5 to 37.5 inches long excluding a tail of 14 to 17.5 inches. The female is shorter than the male. The Otter's average body weight is 15 to 26 pounds, although occasionally a large old male may reach up to 37 pounds. The Otter differs from the North American River Otter by its shorter neck, broader face, the greater space between the ears and its longer tail. However, it is the only Otter species in much of its range so it is rarely confused for any other animal. The Otter is the most widely distributed Otter species and its range including parts of Asia and Africa as well as being widespread across Europe. The Otter can be found throughout most of the UK with the highest densities in Scotland, especially the islands and the north west coast, Wales, parts of East Anglia and the West Country. The Otter declined across its range in the second half of the 20th century primarily due to pollution, habitat loss and hunting. However, populations are now recovering in many parts of Europe. In the UK the number of sites with an Otter presence increased by 55% between 1994 and 2002. In August 2011, the Environment Agency announced that the Otter had returned to every county in England since vanishing from every county except the West Country and parts of Northern England. The recovery of the Otter population in Europe is due to a ban on the most harmful pesticides that has been in place since 1979, improvements in water quality leading to increases in prey populations and direct legal protection under the European Union Habitats Directive and national legislation in several European countries. In general, the Otter’s varied and adaptable diet means that it can be found on any unpolluted body of fresh water, including lakes, streams, rivers and ponds, as long as the food supply is adequate. It can also be found along the coast in salt water but it requires regular access to fresh water to clean its fur. When living in the sea it is sometimes referred to as a "Sea Otter" but it should not be confused with the true Sea Otter which is a North American species much more strongly adapted to a marine existence. The Otter's diet mainly consists of fish. However, during the winter and in colder environments, fish consumption is significantly lower and other sources of food are eaten including amphibians, crustaceans, insects, birds and small mammals. Hunting mainly takes place at night whilst the day is usually spent in the Otter's holt (den). The Otter is strongly territorial and is primarily solitary. An individual's territory may vary between 1 and 25 miles with the length of the territory depending on the density of food available and the width of the water suitable for hunting (it is shorter on coasts, where the available width is much wider and longer on narrower rivers). The Otter uses its spraints to mark its territory. Territories are only held against members of the same sex so those of males and females may overlap. The Otter is a non-seasonal breeder and males and females will breed at any time of the year. It has been found that their mating season is most likely determined simply by the Otters' reproductive maturity and physiological state. Female Otters are sexually mature between 18 and 24 months old and the average age of first breeding is found to be 2.5 years old. Gestation is 60 to 64 days and after the gestation period, 1 to 4 pups are born which remain dependent on the mother for about 13 months. The male plays no direct role in parental care although the territory of a female with her pups is usually entirely within that of the male. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41349696.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5527090975f201800b03ac.jpgComma Flight period: March to October. The Comma was a rarity 100 years ago but is now a common and widespread butterfly in England and Wales and is on the point of recolonising Scotland. They are one of the first butterflies to be seen in spring and can be found in open woodland, woodland edges and gardens. Date: 13th July 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11265270.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4140082884e1ad3ff8c7ec.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 11th May 2008 Location: Skomer, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41234302.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20159419915ee775185d503.jpgLarge Skipper Flight period: June to July. The Large Skipper is a small golden butterfly which is widespread throughout England and Wales and it is also extending its range northwards in to southern Scotland. They can be found in areas of tall, uncut grassland, woodland rides, roadside verges and hedgerows. Date: 12th June 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/loch-laggan-highland https://images.on-this.website/4752_6624820124813be4f1729d.jpgLoch Laggan, Highland Loch Laggan lies in Glen Spean between Kingussie and Fort William and extends for around 10 miles south west from Kinloch Laggan. The loch has the largest beach on a freshwater loch in Britain. Laggan Dam was completed in 1934 by the British Aluminium Company Ltd and Loch Laggan serves as a reservoir forming part of the Lochaber hydro-electric power scheme which powers the aluminium smelter at Fort William. Date: 27th March 2008 Location: view from the A86 road along the north shore http://www.richardchewphotography.com/curlew-sandpiper https://images.on-this.website/4752_19014248734ff54911854ae.jpgCurlew Sandpiper The Curlew Sandpiper is a small wader which is slightly larger than the Dunlin but differing from the Dunlin in having a longer down-curved bill, longer neck and legs and a white rump. The breeding adult has patterned dark grey upperparts and brick-red underparts. In winter, it is pale grey above and white below and shows an obvious white supercilium. Juveniles have a grey and brown back, a white belly and a peach-coloured breast. Of all shorebird species, the Curlew Sandpiper has the smallest breeding range in relation to its non-breeding range. After breeding on the tundra of Arctic Siberia, these birds migrate south to Africa, Australasia or India. This Curlew Sandpiper is highly gregarious and will form flocks with other calidrid waders, particularly Dunlin. Despite its easterly breeding range, the Curlew Sandpiper is a regular passage migrant to coastal marshes in western Europe, including the UK. Date: 2nd May 2012 Location: Salinas de Bonanza near Jerez de la Frontera, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847560.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_84260557259bd52d24b827.jpgMorské oko, Vihorlat Mountains, Košice region, Slovakia Morské oko (literally Sea Eye) is the largest lake in the Vihorlat Mountains (Vihorlatské vrchy) in eastern Slovakia and the third largest natural lake in Slovakia after the Štrbské pleso lake and the Veľké Hincovo pleso lake in the High Tatras. It is situated at 2027 feet high with a maximum length of 0.47 miles and a maximum width of 0.19 miles. It covers an area of 0.05 square miles and has a maximum depth of 82 feet. Morské oko has been designated as a wider National Nature Reserve covering 0.42 square miles since 1984 and it is part of the Vihorlat Protected Landscape Area within the Vihorlat Mountains. There is a walking trail around the lake but recreational activities such as fishing, swimming and boating are prohibited. Morské oko contains many species of fish, of which the most numerous is the European Chub. The Vihorlat Mountains (Vihorlatské vrchy) are a volcanic mountain range in eastern Slovakia and western Ukraine. They form part of the Inner Eastern Carpathian Mountains. The Slovakian section is 34 miles long and up to 9 miles wide. The highest peak is Vihorlat at 3530 feet and the largest lake is Morské oko. It is a mountainous and mostly forested area with a predominance of beech and forests in addition to hornbeam, ash, maple and some conifers. Arable land and unused pastures and meadows can be found in the non-forested and foothill areas. The middle part of the Vihorlat Mountains in the Humenné, Sobrance and Snina districts was designated as the Vihorlat Protected Landscape Area in December 1973 and they were also designated a Special Protection Area in April 2010. Kyjovský prales, a primeval beech forest in the Vihorlat Mountains, was designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in June 2007. Date: 1st June 2017 Location: Morské oko, Vihorlat Mountains, Košice region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21894409.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_192754499053d10f2c2efc0.jpgInner Sound, Raasay and Skye, Highland The Inner Sound is a strait separating the Inner Hebridean islands of Skye, Raasay and South Rona from the Applecross peninsula on the Scottish mainland. Raasay is an island 14 miles north to south and 3 miles east to west at its widest located between the Isle of Skye and the mainland of Scotland. It is separated from Skye by the Sound of Raasay and from Applecross by the Inner Sound. Skye is the largest and most northerly large island in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. The island's peninsulas radiate from a mountainous centre dominated by the Cuillins, the rocky slopes of which provide some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the country. At 639 sq miles, Skye is the second-largest island in Scotland after Lewis and Harris. Date: 20th June 2014 Location: view from the unclassified road between Lonbain and Applecross http://www.richardchewphotography.com/hrtafjrur-and-prestbakki-church-westfjords https://images.on-this.website/4752_191734551056348e62f255c.jpgHrútafjörður and Prestbakki church, Westfjords, Iceland The inlet of Hrútafjörður marks the divide between north west Iceland and the Westfjords. At Staðarskáli there is a junction between road 1 and road 61 which then moves north along the west side of Hrútafjörður and onwards to Hólmavík. Date: 4th June 2015 Location: view from road 61 http://www.richardchewphotography.com/hornya-varanger-peninsula-finnmark-norway https://images.on-this.website/4752_14905973424bf6d98a5dd34.jpgHornøya, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway Hornøya is a small island located to the north east of the island of Vardøya and the town of Vardø in Vardø municipality in Finnmark county in north east Norway. It is the site of the Vardø lighthouse, the easternmost lighthouse in Norway. Date: 12th April 2010 Location: view looking towards Hornøya from Vardø, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/migrant-hawker https://images.on-this.website/4752_141285279446d96017978a3.jpgMigrant Hawker Flight period: August to October The Migrant Hawker is common in the south of the UK and has spread north and west in recent decades. The breeding population is boosted by continental migrants in the autumn and they are most easily seen hawking for insects along sheltered woodland rides or hedgerows. Date: 26th August 2007 Location: Stow Maries Halt EWT reserve, Stow Maries, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo3119958.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14818161024a6c3c9e52647.jpgCommon Seals Common Seals feed at sea but regularly haul out on to rocky shores or inter-tidal sandbanks to rest, to give birth and to suckle their pups. The most important haul-out areas are around the coast of Scotland, particularly in the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland, and on the east coast of England in the Wash. Date: 13th July 2009 Location: Blakeney Point, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645466.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_147319296251e3ce96e9942.jpgBiebrza, Poland The Biebrza marshes are a complex series of habitats located in the Biebrza river valley. The area encompasses river channels, lakes, extensive marshes, fenland, reed beds, peat bogs and fields and meadows with woods and forests on higher ground. The Biebrza National Park, which covers much of the area, is the largest of Poland’s 23 National Parks and was created in 1993. Covering a total area of 228 square miles, it protects the vast and relatively untouched habitats with their unique variety of several communities of plants and species of wetland birds and mammals. Date: 20th May 2013 Location: view from Carska Droga ("Czars Road"), Biebrza area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/skrytnes-pasvikdalen-troms-og-finnmark https://images.on-this.website/4752_9538533915f26942471d5a.jpgSkrøytnes, Pasvikdalen, Troms og Finnmark, Norway The Skrøytnes area is located between Melkefoss and Svanvik in the Pasvik valley. It includes Skrøytnesmyra, a large and inaccessible bog, and Svanvannet and Lille Skogøy, a large lake and island overlooked by a bird tower. The whole area is excellent for breeding birds including divers, grebes, ducks, geese, waders and raptors. Date: 1st July 2019 Location: Skrøytnes bird tower, Pasvikdalen, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/reindeer https://images.on-this.website/4752_14176007734b8a24c30197f.jpgReindeer Reindeer are the northernmost species of deer being found throughout the tundra (frozen arctic plain with lichens, mosses and dwarfed vegetation) and taiga (marshy pine forest) zones of the Northern Hemisphere. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48483025.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1412607111640a401aaff76.jpgChaffinch The Chaffinch is a common UK resident bird and is a colourful member of the finch family. Chaffinches breed anywhere with trees and bushes, including coniferous and deciduous woodland, farmland hedgerows, parks and rural and suburban gardens. Date: 1st February 2023 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49278550.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17011402906499b19f4d3cb.jpgBlue-tailed Damselfly Flight period: mid May to early September. Blue-tailed Damselflies are a widespread and common species of damselfly in much of England, Wales and southern Scotland. They can be found around lakes, ponds, canals and ditches, being less common on flowing water and in exposed and upland sites. They can also tolerate some saline and polluted waters. Date: 12th June 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21808733.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_23214081553c78ec7d58b4.jpgCommon Seals Common Seals feed at sea but regularly haul out on to rocky shores or inter-tidal sandbanks to rest, to give birth and to suckle their pups. The most important haul-out areas are around the coast of Scotland, particularly in the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland, and on the east coast of England in the Wash. Date: 14th July 2014 Location: Blakeney Point, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11349490.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12551265884e1eef6318b53.jpgRazorbills The Razorbill is a medium-sized seabird and breeds around the coast of the UK with the largest colonies in northern Scotland. They breed on rocky cliffs and among boulder scree close to the sea. Birds only come to shore to breed from March to July and they winter in the northern Atlantic. Date: 16/04/07 Location: Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11349496.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14845536044e1eef7599d66.jpgRazorbills The Razorbill is a medium-sized seabird and breeds around the coast of the UK with the largest colonies in northern Scotland. They breed on rocky cliffs and among boulder scree close to the sea. Birds only come to shore to breed from March to July and they winter in the northern Atlantic. Date: 16/04/07 Location: Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33568416.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14932086555a106b2857727.jpgDate: 4th November 2017 Location: Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072297.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8802570234bf6d99aef480.jpgVarangerfjord, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway Varangerfjord is the easternmost fjord in Norway and is located in Finnmark county between the Varanger peninsula and the mainland of Norway. Varangerfjord flows through the municipalities of Vardø, Vadsø, Nesseby and Sør-Varanger. The fjord is approximately 62 miles long and empties in to the Barents Sea. The mouth is about 43 miles wide and is located between the town of Vardø in the north west and the village of Grense Jakobselv in the south east. The fjord stretches westwards inland past the town of Vadsø to the village of Varangerbotn in Nesseby municipality. Date: 12th April 2010 Location: view from route E75 between Vardø and Ekkerøy, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12082024.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14041217134e48e9dc0ce4d.jpgCommon Seal Common Seals feed at sea but regularly haul out on to rocky shores or inter-tidal sandbanks to rest, to give birth and to suckle their pups. The most important haul-out areas are around the coast of Scotland, particularly in the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland, and on the east coast of England in the Wash. Date: 7th September 2005 Location: Blakeney Point, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/june-2017-marsh-frog https://images.on-this.website/4752_19672962835c570b84a63e5.jpgJune 2017 - Marsh Frog Please see [url=https://rlchew1.photium.com/photo37339297.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41249190.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19032937785f00b44c8de96.jpgRazorbill The Razorbill is a seabird and a member of the auk family which also includes the Common Guillemot, Brunnich's Guillemot and Little Auk. It is also the closest living relative to the Great Auk which is now extinct. The Razorbill has white underparts and a black head, neck, back and feet during the breeding season. A thin white line also extends from the eyes to the end of the bill. Its head is darker than that of the CommonGuillemot. Outside the breeding season, the throat and face behind the eye become white and the white line on the face becomes less prominent. The thick black bill has a blunt end. The adult male and female female are very much alike having only small differences such as wing length. The Razorbill has a horizontal stance and the tail feathers are slightly longer in the centre in comparison to other auks making it have a distinctly long tail which is not common for an auk. The Razorbill is distributed across the sub-arctic and boreal waters of the north Atlantic where water surface temperature are typically below 15°c. The world population is estimated to be less than 1 million breeding pairs, making it among the rarest auks in the world. Approximately 60 to 70% of the entire Razorbill population breeds in Iceland., including over 200,000 pairs at Látrabjarg. The breeding habitat is islands, rocky shores and cliffs on north Atlantic coasts, in eastern North America as far south as Maine and in western Europe from north west Russia to northern France. Eurasian birds winter at sea with some moving south as far as the western Mediterranean. North American birds migrate offshore and south. The Razorbill is a colonial breeder and only comes to land to breed. Individuals only breed at 3 to 5 years of age. Females select their mate and will often encourage competition between males before choosing a partner. Once a male is chosen, the pair will usually stay together for life. Nest site determination is very important to ensure protection of young from predators. Unlike Common Guillemots, nest sites are not immediately alongside the sea on open cliff ledges but at least 4 to 6 inches away in crevices on cliffs or among boulders. Generally a nest is not built although some pairs often use their bills to drag material upon which to lay their single egg. The mating pair will often reuse the same site every year. The Razorbill feeds mainly on schooling fish and crustaceans and it will dive deep into the sea using its wings and its streamlined body to propel itself toward their prey. Whilst diving, it rarely stays in groups but instead spreads out to feed. The majority of feeding occurs at a depth of about 80 feet but it has the ability to dive up to 400 feet below the surface. During a single dive the Razorbill can capture and swallow many schooling fish depending on their size. The Razorbill spends approximately 45% of its time foraging at sea and it may well fly more than 60 miles out to sea to feed. However, when feeding chicks it will forage much closer to the nesting grounds and often in shallower water. The Razorbill and its eggs and chicks have several predators which include Great Black-backed Gulls, Peregrines, Ravens and other crows, Arctic Foxes and Polar Bears. In the early 20th century, Razorbills were harvested for their eggs, meat and feathers and this greatly decreased their population. In 1917 they were finally protected which reduced hunting. Other current threats include oil pollution, unintentional bycatch arising from commercial fishing and overfishing which decreases the abundance of prey. Date: 22nd June 2020 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072371.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14205195824bf6e133b39dc.jpgKongsfjordfjellet, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway Kongsfjordfjellet is a bare mountain tundra area in the north west of the Varanger peninsula in Finnmark county in north east Norway. Date: 14th April 2010 Location: view from road 890 over Kongsfjordfjellet, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41524253.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10988861955f3a6ebc5a5dd.jpgGatekeeper Flight period: mid-July to early September. The Gatekeeper or Hedge Brown is common and widespread throughout the southern half of the UK. They can be found in areas with hedgerows or in scrubby woodland with wide and sunny rides. Date: 12th August 2020 Location, Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46534535.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19628882662ca98682e5cb.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 27th June 2022 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11202894.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15307159104e18604414ea8.jpgWhooper Swans The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 5th November 2008 Location: Ardnave Loch, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40713549.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6471768195e16f7369f313.jpgGoosander The Goosander (or Common Merganser in north America) is a large “sawbill” duck, so called because of its long, serrated bill which is used for catching fish. The Goosander is 23 to 28 inches long with a 31 to 38 inches wingspan and the male is generally slightly larger than the female. The adult male in breeding plumage has a white body with a variable salmon-pink tinge, a black head with an iridescent green gloss, a grey rump and tail and wings which are largely white on the inner half and black on the outer half. Females, and males in "eclipse" non-breeding plumage, are largely grey with a reddish-brown head, white chin and white secondary feathers on the wing. Juveniles are similar to adult females but also show a short black-edged white stripe between the eye and the bill. The bill and legs are red to brownish-red which are brightest on adult males and dullest on juveniles. The Goosander can be found on rivers and lakes in forested areas of Europe, north and central Asia and north America. It is a partial migrant and moves away from areas where rivers and major lakes freeze in the winter but it is a resident where waters remain open. Within Europe, a marked southward spread has occurred from Scandinavia in the breeding range since about 1850, colonising Scotland in 1871 and England in 1941. Since 1970 it has spread across northern England and in to Wales and south west England. In the UK, it can be found all year round in the breeding range but only in winter on lakes, gravel pits and reservoirs across England south of the Humber. Nesting normally occurs in a tree cavity so the Goosander requires mature forest as its breeding habitat. It will also readily use large nest boxes where provided. In places where trees are absent, it will use holes in cliffs and steep, high banks, sometimes at considerable distances from water. The female lays 6 to 17 eggs, but normally 8 to 12, and raises a single brood in a season. The ducklings are taken by the female in her bill to rivers or lakes immediately after hatching where they feed on freshwater invertebrates and small fish fry, fledging when 60 to 70 days old. The Goosander primarily feeds on fish with the serrated edge to its bill helping it to grip its prey. In addition to fish, it will take a wide range of other aquatic prey such as molluscs, crustaceans, worms, insect larvae and amphibians and, more rarely, small mammals and birds. The salmon-pink tinge shown variably by males is probably diet-related and obtained from the carotenoid pigments present in some crustaceans and fish. When feeding, the Goosander will float down a stream or river for a few miles and either fly back again or more commonly fish their way back, diving incessantly the whole way. It will often fish in a group, forming a semicircle and driving the fish into shallow water where they are captured easily. When floating leisurely, it will position itself in the water similar to ducks but it will also swim deep in the water like a Cormorant. When not diving for food, it is usually seen swimming on the water surface, resting on rocks in midstream or hidden among riverbank vegetation or (in winter) resting on the edge of floating ice. Date: 23rd December 2019 Location: Abberton Reservoir, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/cormorants-and-dalmatian-pelicans https://images.on-this.website/4752_1487960039559cef1914c16.jpgCormorants and Dalmatian Pelicans For descriptions, please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/photo24833627.html]Cormorant[/url] and [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/dalmatian-pelican]Dalmatian Pelican[/url] Date: 12th May 2015 Location: Lake Kerkini, Central Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14160960.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19740651284f3e3555e0484.jpgAdonis Blue Flight period: May to June and August to September The male Adonis Blue is a brilliant sky blue butterfly whilst the females are brown. They can be found on warm, south-facing slopes on dry chalk or limestone grassland but their range is highly restricted to sites in southern England. Date: 11th August 2007 Location: Denbies Hillside, near Dorking, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14184426.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4000517964f421b209db5c.jpgCommon Blue Flight period: June to September. The Common Blue is the UK’s most widespread and common blue butterfly although it has suffered some local declines due to habitat loss. They can be found in sunny, sheltered areas including downland, roadside verges, woodland clearings and rural gardens. Date: 31st July 2006 Location: EWT Langdon Conservation Centre, Dunton, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37190333.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6266980585c2a21f936c55.jpgSanna Bay, Ardnamurchan, Highland The small settlement of Sanna lies 6 miles north west of Kilchoan, close to the tip of the Ardnamurchan Peninsula. Sanna Bay lies between Sanna Point to the north and Ardnamurchan Point to the south and is dominated by impressive sand dunes, beautiful white shell sand bays and a stunning turquoise sea. It is one of the most beautiful beaches in Scotland. From Sanna Point there are superb views, extending from the islands of Eigg and Rhum to the north with Skye beyond, round to Ardnamurchan Point and its lighthouse to the south west and the island of Coll beyond that. The Western Isles can be seen to the north west but due west there is nothing but sea until the continent of North America is reached. Date: 27th June 2018 Location: view from Sanna Bay http://www.richardchewphotography.com/river-etive-argyll https://images.on-this.website/4752_28292214046883f7f0020a.jpgRiver Etive, Argyll From its source on Rannoch Moor, the River Etive flows just over 15 miles to enter the head of lonely Loch Etive. On its passage through the beautiful Glen Etive, it passes the peak of Buachaille Etive Mor at the entrance to Glencoe. Date: 6th June 2007 Location: view from the unclassified road through Glen Etive http://www.richardchewphotography.com/gruinard-bay-wester-ross https://images.on-this.website/4752_17444031184681c4c4b15b1.jpgGruinard Bay, Wester Ross Gruinard Bay is situated along the rocky Wester Ross coastline and has 3 beautiful beaches with pink sand derived from the Torridonian sandstone rocks. It is surrounded by magnificent rocky scenery. Offshore lies Gruinard Island which in 1942 became the focus of the UK's secret effort to find a weapon capable of defeating the Nazis. To test the potency of their biological arsenal, War Office scientists took a flock of 60 sheep to Gruinard Island and exposed them to a bomb packed with anthrax spores. The island was so contaminated that it was deemed out of bounds for almost 50 years. Date: June 2004 Location: view from near Little Gruinard on the A832 road between Poolewe and Ullapool http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15454010.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11310291184ff5481449617.jpgLa Rocina, El Rocío, Coto Doñana, Andalucia, Spain La Rocina is a visitor centre for the Parque Nacional de Doñana located close to El Rocío. It has information on the park and a nature trail through woodland and scrub and along the freshwater lake and marshland of Charco de la Boca which feeds into the Madres de la Marismas at El Rocío. Date: 1st May 2012 Location: La Rocina, Coto Doñana, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31837523.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_296636774595624813554f9.75775153.jpgClashnessie Bay, Sutherland North of Lochinver, the single track B869 road makes its winding way along the Assynt coast to the north before turning east towards Kylesku. Between Stoer and Drumbeg lies Clashnessie Bay with its sweeping sandy shore. Date: 22nd June 2017 Location: view from the B869 road http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23225863.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_90544383548d536cd45ec.jpgCattle Egret The Cattle Egret is a stocky white bird adorned with buff plumes in the breeding season. The easiest way to separate them from Little Egrets is by their short, yellow rather than long, black bills but Cattle Egrets are also smaller, stockier and more squat in shape with shorter, thicker necks and less elegant heads. The Cattle Egret is a cosmopolitan species of heron found in the tropics, subtropics and warm temperate zones. Originally native to parts of Asia, Africa and Europe, it has undergone a rapid expansion in its distribution and successfully colonised much of the rest of the world. Cattle Egrets breed and roost in trees usually close to fresh water and feed in shallow wetlands, especially rice-paddies, but also dry grasslands. They can often be seen feeding around cattle waiting to pick off disturbed insects, including riding on the backs of animals. Cattle Egrets are visiting the UK in increasing numbers and are most likely to be seen in the south of England and Wales. In winter 2007/08, a large influx of Cattle Egrets occurred in the UK, with the largest numbers in south-west England although birds did get as far north as Scotland. This influx led to the first ever pair breeding successfully in Somerset. Date: 8th December 2014 Location: Denge Marsh, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/blue-tailed-damselfies https://images.on-this.website/4752_9489497576499b1a3b3148.jpgBlue-tailed Damselfies Flight period: mid May to early September. Blue-tailed Damselflies are a widespread and common species of damselfly in much of England, Wales and southern Scotland. They can be found around lakes, ponds, canals and ditches, being less common on flowing water and in exposed and upland sites. They can also tolerate some saline and polluted waters. Date: 12th June 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072380.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3112412474bf6e182be577.jpgKongsfjord to Berlevåg, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway Date: 14th April 2010 Location: view from road 890 between Kongsfjord and Berlevåg, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4466124.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16240811904b8a268e91b27.jpgFløyfjellet, Bergen Fløyfjellet or Fløyen is the most visited of the 7 mountains that surround the city centre of Bergen, Norway. It has a funicular railway system (Fløibanen) that transports passengers from the centre of Bergen to a height of 1050 feet in roughly 8 minutes. The actual highest point on Fløifjellet at 1394 feet is approximately 1/2 mile to the north east. From Fløyfjellet there are stunning views of the city of Bergen and the surrounding area. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/st-ninians-bay-shetland https://images.on-this.website/4752_19742935134681c4f784ca9.jpgSt Ninian's Bay, Shetland St Ninian's Isle is a small island lying off the south west coast of Shetland Mainland to which it is linked by a tombola of pure white sand dividing St Ninian's Bay and Bigton Wick. St Ninian's Isle was an early Christian monastic settlement and in 1958 during an excavation a Shetland school boy uncovered a hoard of Celtic monastic silver comprising 28 objects. Date: June 2003 Location: view looking west from Bigton http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37431108.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12888121795c6be384b04e3.jpgLesser Yellowlegs The Lesser Yellowlegs is a large sandpiper with brown-streaked upperparts, white underparts and streaked upper breast and sides. A white lower rump and dark-barred tail are visible in flight. The bill is straight and uniformly dark grey and the legs are long and yellow. The Lesser Yellowlegs breeds from western Alaska and Canada east to western Quebec. They spend winters on coasts from southern California and Virginia southward and along the Gulf coast. The preferred habitats include coastal mudflats and lagoons, inland lakes, ponds, rivers, sewage works and flooded grasslands. In the UK, the Lesser Yellowlegs is a very scarce visitor with typically 5 records per year. This photo is of a first winter bird that took up residence at RSPB Lodmoor for several months from mid-September 2018. Date: 13th January 2019 Location: RSPB Lodmoor, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7950510.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19170845244d03d4993ecc8.jpgDate: 15th November 2010 Location: View from Horsey staithe, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645505.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_176014598351e3cf077e93e.jpgMute Swans The Mute Swan is a very large white water bird with a long S-shaped neck and an orange bill with black at the base of it. The Mute Swan can be found in much of Europe and Asia and as as a rare winter visitor in the far north of Africa. It is also an introduced species in north America, Australasia and southern Africa. Date: 21st May 2013 Location: Biebrza area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12744850.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11898108434e706ddc80044.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 7th December 2007 Location: Donna Nook, Lincolnshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5325794.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6548431874c1dd5ed113aa.jpgSango Bay, Sutherland Sango Bay is a beautiful sandy bay on the north coast of Sutherland and located by the village of Durness 4 miles west of Loch Eriboll. The bay is approximately half a mile in width and surrounded by low cliffs. Date: 3rd June 2010 Location: view from the A838 road east of Durness http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17055191.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_57889697650ded0bb7ef0c.jpgDate: 18th November 2012 Location: Loch Scridain, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533207.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_136553160062ca7f51cc41e.jpgEmperor Dragonfly Flight period: June to August. The Emperor Dragonfly is the largest UK dragonfly species and apart from its size it can easily be recognized by its bright colouration and highly territorial behaviour as it flies endlessly well above the water’s surface. The Emperor Dragonfly has expanded its range in to northern England in recent years and has now been recorded in Scotland. They can be found around well-vegetated ponds, lakes, large ditches, canals and slow-moving rivers. Date: 15th June 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/cceres-trujillo-steppes-extremadura-spain https://images.on-this.website/4752_2870530714ff546c83a237.jpgCáceres-Trujillo steppes, Extremadura, Spain The Cáceres-Trujillo steppes, located north and south of the main Cáceres to Trujillo road, consist of a steppe-like habitat of mainly gently undulating country given over to sheep grazing on rough pastures with areas of wheat cultivation. Many of the pastures have a varied and colourful flora in spring. The Cáceres-Trujillo steppes are one of the prime regions for steppe birds in Extremadura with high breeding densities of many species. Date: 29th April 2012 Location: Trujillo to Santa Marta de Magasca to Cáceres, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51984192.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_82167555966d34b641281e.jpgWillow Emerald Damselfly Description to follow .... Date: 30th July 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49797843.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_182076431064eca75d44b01.jpgSmall Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Small Skipper has a rusty orange colour to the wings, upper body and the tips of the antennae. The body is silvery white below and it has a wingspan of 25 to 30 mm. It is very similar in appearance to the Essex Skipper but the undersides of the tips of the antennae are yellow orange in the Small Skipper whereas they are black in the Essex Skipper. The Small Skipper is a common and widespread butterfly in most parts of England and has been expanding its range northwards. It can be found in rough grassland, roadside verges, edges of fields and woodland clearings where it is often seen basking on vegetation or making short buzzing flights among tall grass stems. Date: 3rd July 2023 Location: Broadcroft Quarry, Isle of Portland, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/pettemerpolder-near-camperduin-noord-holland https://images.on-this.website/4752_402169005e20449bd93b1.jpgPettemerpolder near Camperduin, Noord-Holland, Netherlands Date: 10th December 2019 Location: Pettemerpolder near Camperduin, Noord-Holland, Netherlands http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo3119929.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16010110934a6c3c339312f.jpgCommon Seals Common Seals feed at sea but regularly haul out on to rocky shores or inter-tidal sandbanks to rest, to give birth and to suckle their pups. The most important haul-out areas are around the coast of Scotland, particularly in the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland, and on the east coast of England in the Wash. Date: 13th July 2009 Location: Blakeney Point, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533121.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_165595420962ca751a51af3.jpgCommon Blue Damselfly Flight period: early May to end September. As the name suggests, the Common Blue Damselfly is one of the commonest species in the UK. They can be confused with other blue damselflies, particularly since the markings on this species are rather variable. Common Blue Damselflies are found across most of the UK and are probably the most widespread member of the "blue" damselflies. They can be found around open lakes and ponds, along river and canal banks and streams, provided there is plenty of bankside vegetation. Date: 12th June 2022 Location: RSPB Ham Wall, Somerset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/liathach-highland https://images.on-this.website/4752_13206355024681c75da8c9f.jpgLiathach, Highland Height: Spidean a'Choire Leith 3456 feet and Mullach an Rathain 3356 feet. The Torridon area, consisting of Loch Torridon, Upper Loch Torridon and Loch Shieldaig, is situated on the west coast of Scotland in Wester Ross. The magnificent mountains here such as Liathach and Beinn Alligin are some of the highest in the UK, rising in places almost vertically to 3500 feet from the deep sea lochs. Liathach is one of the most formidable mountains on the west coast of Scotland. The range covers some 5 miles and takes in six main summits along its length. The mountain dominates the terrain at the head of Upper Loch Torridon and dwarfs the village of Torridon below it. Date: 11th June 2006 Location: view from the A896 road between Torridon and Shieldaig http://www.richardchewphotography.com/little-stint https://images.on-this.website/4752_9798603714db0222d352b4.jpgLittle Stint The Little Stint is a tiny wading bird and is a passage migrant with most birds being juveniles seen in August and September on the east coast of England. They can be found along the edges of lakes and reservoirs where there is exposed mud and sheltered estuaries and brackish and marshy pools near the coast. Little Stints are much scarcer in April and May when small numbers of adults are seen en route to their breeding grounds in the Arctic tundra. Date: 07/09/05 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645726.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_152580642551e3d03c7597c.jpgBiałowieża, Poland The Białowieża forest is an ancient mixed forest that straddles the border between Poland and Belarus. It is one of the largest remaining parts of the immense primaeval forest that once stretched across the Great European Plain. On the Polish side, the central part of the Białowieża forest is protected as the Białowieża National Park with an area of about 39 square miles. The National Park, created in 1932, is under strict preservation and has been declared by UNESCO a World Biosphere Reserve and put on the World Heritage List. The Białowieża forest is home to many species of forest birds plus large mammals such as Wolf, Lynx, Moose and European Bison. Date: 25th May 2013 Location: south of Białowieża around Narewka bridge, Białowieża area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21808707.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17066902153c78e4944bdf.jpgCommon Seal Common Seals feed at sea but regularly haul out on to rocky shores or inter-tidal sandbanks to rest, to give birth and to suckle their pups. The most important haul-out areas are around the coast of Scotland, particularly in the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland, and on the east coast of England in the Wash. Date: 14th July 2014 Location: Blakeney Point, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/large-red-damselflies https://images.on-this.website/4752_119447966564917f7b04388.jpgLarge Red Damselflies Flight period: April to August The Large Red Damselfly is one of the three most widespread dragonflies in the UK and one of the first to emerge in spring. They can be found in most wetland habitats from acidic moorland bog pools to brackish ditches but they avoid fast flowing waters. Date: 24th May 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/curlew-sandpiper-and-ruff https://images.on-this.website/4752_82166627452908a0d5a2aa.jpgCurlew Sandpiper and Ruff The Curlew Sandpiper is a small wader which is slightly larger than the Dunlin but differing from the Dunlin in having a longer down-curved bill, longer neck and legs and a white rump. The breeding adult has patterned dark grey upperparts and brick-red underparts. In winter, it is pale grey above and white below and shows an obvious white supercilium. Juveniles have a grey and brown back, a white belly and a peach-coloured breast. Of all shorebird species, the Curlew Sandpiper has the smallest breeding range in relation to its non-breeding range. After breeding on the tundra of Arctic Siberia, these birds migrate south to Africa, Australasia or India. This Curlew Sandpiper is highly gregarious and will form flocks with other calidrid waders, particularly Dunlin. Despite its easterly breeding range, the Curlew Sandpiper is a regular passage migrant to coastal marshes in western Europe, including the UK. The Ruff is a medium-sized wading bird in the sandpiper family, [i]Scolopacidae[/i]. The original English name for this bird, dating back to at least 1465, is the [i]ree[/i], perhaps derived from a dialectical term meaning "frenzied". A later name [I]reeve[/I], which is still used for the female, is of unknown origin but may be derived from the shire-reeve, a feudal officer, likening the male's flamboyant plumage to the official's robes. The current name was first recorded in 1634 and is derived from the ruff, an exaggerated collar fashionable from the mid-16th century to the mid-17th century, since the male bird's neck ornamental feathers resemble the neck wear. The Ruff has a distinctive appearance with a small head, medium-length bill, longish neck and pot-bellied body. It has long legs that are variable in colour but usually yellow or orange. In flight, it has a deeper, slower wing stroke than other waders of a similar size and it displays a thin, indistinct white bar on the wing and white ovals on the sides of the tail. The Ruff shows very distinctive sexual dimorphism. Although a small percentage of males resemble females, the typical male is much larger than the female and has an elaborate breeding plumage. The male is 11 to 13 inches in length with a 21 to 24 inches wingspan. During the May to June breeding season, the typical male's legs, bill and warty bare facial skin are orange and he has distinctive head tufts and a neck ruff. These ornaments vary on individual birds and are black, chestnut or white with the colouring solid, barred or irregular. The grey-brown back has a scale-like pattern, often with black or chestnut feathers, and the underparts are white with extensive black on the breast. The extreme variability of the main breeding plumage is thought to have developed to aid individual recognition in a species that has communal breeding displays but is usually mute. Outside the breeding season, the typical male's head and neck decorations and the bare facial skin are lost and the legs and bill become duller. The upperparts are grey-brown and the underparts are white with grey mottling on the breast and flanks. The female, or "reeve", is 9 to 10 inches in length with a 18 to 19 inches wingspan. In the breeding plumage, the female has grey-brown upperparts with white-fringed, dark-centred feathers. The breast and flanks are variably blotched with black. In winter, her plumage is similar to that of the male but the sexes are distinguishable on size. The plumage of the juvenile Ruff resembles the non-breeding adult but has upperparts with a neat, scale-like pattern with dark feather centres and a strong buff tinge to the underparts. The Ruff is a migratory species, breeding in wetlands in the colder regions of northern Eurasia and wintering in the tropics, mainly in Africa. There is a limited overlap of the summer and winter ranges in the UK and parts of coastal western Europe and birds may be present throughout the year. The Ruff breeds in Europe and Asia from Scandinavia and the UK almost to the Pacific. In Europe, it is found in cool temperate areas but over its Russian range it is an Arctic species and occurs mainly north of about 65°N. The largest numbers breed in Russia, Sweden, Finland and Norway. Although it also breeds from the UK east through the Low Countries to Poland, Germany and Denmark, the populations are much lower in these more southerly areas. The Ruff is highly gregarious on migration and it travels in large flocks that can contain hundreds or thousands of individuals. Huge dense groups form on the wintering grounds. The males, which play no part in nesting or chick care, leave the breeding grounds in late June or early July followed later in July by the females and juveniles. Males typically make shorter flights and winter further north than females. Many migratory species use this differential wintering strategy since it reduces feeding competition between the sexes and enables territorial males to reach the breeding grounds as early as possible thereby improving their chances of successful mating. Males may also be able to tolerate colder winter conditions because they are larger than females. The Ruff breeds in extensive lowland freshwater marshes and damp grasslands. It avoids barren tundra and areas badly affected by severe weather, preferring hummocky marshes and deltas with shallow water. The wetter areas provide a source of food, the mounds and slopes may be used for leks and dry areas with sedge or low scrub offer nesting sites. When it is not breeding, it can be found in a wider range of shallow wetlands. Dry grassland, tidal mudflats and the seashore are less frequently used. Male Ruffs display during the breeding season at a lek in a traditional open grassy arena. The Ruff is one of the few lekking species in which the display is primarily directed at other males rather than to the females and it is among a small percentage of birds in which the males have well-marked and inherited variations in plumage and mating behaviour. There are 3 male forms: the typical territorial males, satellite males which have a white neck ruff and a very rare variant with female-like plumage. The behaviour and appearance for an individual male remain constant through its adult life and are determined by its genes. The territorial males, about 84% of the total, have strongly coloured black or chestnut ruffs and stake out and occupy small mating territories in the lek. They actively court females and display a high degree of aggression towards other resident males. Between 5 and 20 territorial males each hold an area of the lek about 3 feet across and usually with bare soil in the centre. They perform an elaborate display that includes wing fluttering, jumping, standing upright, crouching with ruff erect or lunging at rivals. They are typically silent even when displaying. Territorial males are very site faithful and 90% return to the same lekking sites in subsequent seasons, the most dominant males being the most likely to reappear. Site faithful males can acquire accurate information about the competitive abilities of other males, leading to well-developed dominance relationships. Such stable relationships reduce conflict and the risk of injury and the consequent lower levels of male aggression are less likely to scare off females. Lower-ranked territorial males also benefit from site fidelity since they can remain on the leks while waiting for the top males eventually to drop out. Satellite males, about 16% of the total number, have white or mottled ruffs and do not occupy territories. Instead, they enter leks and attempt to mate with the females visiting the territories occupied by the resident territorial males. Resident territorial males tolerate the satellite birds because, although they are competitors for mating with the females, the presence of both types of male on a territory attracts additional females. A third type of male was first described in 2006. This is a permanent female mimic, the first such reported for a bird. About 1% of males are small, intermediate in size between males and females and do not grow the elaborate breeding plumage of the territorial and satellite males. This cryptic male obtains access to mating territories together with the females and "steals" matings when the females crouch to solicit copulation. It moults into the prenuptial male plumage with striped feathers but does not go on to develop the ornamental feathers of the normal male. Not all mating takes place at the lek since only a minority of the males attend an active lek. As alternative strategies, males can also directly pursue females or wait for them as they approach good feeding sites. The level of polyandry in the Ruff is the highest known for any avian lekking species and for any shorebird. More than half of females mate with and have clutches fertilised by more than one male. In lekking species, females can choose mates without risking the loss of support from males in nesting and rearing chicks since the males take no part in raising the brood anyway. The nest of the Ruff is a shallow ground scrape lined with grass leaves and stems and concealed in marsh plants or tall grass up to 450 yards from the lek. Nesting is solitary although several females may lay in the general vicinity of a lek. The female lays typically 4 eggs from mid-March to early June depending on latitude. Incubation is undertaken by the female alone and the time to hatching is 20 to 23 days with a further 25 to 28 days to fledging. The precocial chicks have buff and chestnut down, streaked and barred with black and frosted with white. They feed themselves on a variety of small invertebrates. The Ruff normally feeds using a steady walk and pecking action, selecting food items by sight, but it will also wade deeply and submerge its head. During the breeding season, the Ruff’s diet consists almost exclusively of the adults and larva of terrestrial and aquatic insects such as beetles and flies. On migration and during the winter, it eats insects, crustaceans, spiders, molluscs, worms, frogs, small fish and also the seeds of rice and other cereals, sedges, grasses and aquatic plants. The Ruff has a large range and a large population although there is some evidence of a decrease in the population in some regions and countries. However, the species as a whole is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List (i.e. declining more than 30 percent in 10 years or 3 generations). For these reasons, the Ruff is classified as "least concern". However, the range in much of Europe is contracting because of land drainage, increased fertiliser use, the loss of mown or grazed breeding sites and over-hunting. Therefore the Ruff is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 30th September 2013 Location: Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32709035.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_172068653559ad274b6ba4d4.93650380.jpgSavi's Warbler The Savi's Warbler is a species of warbler in the genus [i]Locustella[/i]. The common name of this bird recognises the Italian ornithologist Paolo Savi. In 1821, Savi was given specimens of an unstreaked, dark, rufous-brown warbler which was new to science. He published a full description of the bird in 1824 and it became known by the common name of Savi's Warbler. The genus name [i]Locustella[/i] is from Latin and is a diminutive of [i]locusta[/i], meaning "grasshopper". This refers to the song of the Grasshopper Warbler and some others in this genus. The song of the Savi’s Warbler is a monotonous mechanical insect-like reeling with open beak and vibrating throat. The bird usually sings from high on a reed head and the song is often given at dusk. It is similar to the song of other species in the [i]Locustella[/i] genus but is generally faster and deeper and bears a strong resemblance to that of Roesel's Bush Cricket. It is very similar to that of the Grasshopper Warbler but slightly lower pitched and less prolonged. The upperparts of the Savi's Warbler are a uniform dark reddish-brown, sometimes with a slight greenish tinge. It has indistinct buff eye-stripes, dark lores and pale brown ear-coverts. The chin, throat and belly are whitish-buff and the rest of the underparts are sandy brown. In the breeding season, both the upperparts and underparts are slightly paler. The legs are brown. The sexes are identical, as with most warblers, but young birds are yellower below. The Savi's Warbler breeds in north Africa, south and east Europe, parts of north Europe and Russia as far east as the River Volga. It winters in Algeria, Morocco, Sudan and Ethiopia. It is known as an occasional summer visitor to east and south east England where it is right on the edge of its range and a few pairs breed sporadically. The Savi's Warbler can be found in reed beds, marshes and lagoons with reeds, sedges and other marsh vegetation perhaps with scattered sallows or bushes. It climbs stems in order to sing in full view but is otherwise difficult to see as it flits with agility through the stems and tangled growth and is seldom seen on open ground. It occupies similar habitats in its winter range but it may also be found in fens or marshy locations with open water away from reeds. The breeding season for the Savi's Warbler starts in mid-April in the southern part of its range and at the end of May in north Europe. On returning to its summer range, the Savi’s Warbler flits among the reeds and undergrowth and is rarely seen. The first males to arrive take up occupation of the best territories which are judged by the density of the reeds and sedges. On establishing territories, males will climb to the top of reeds and sing from prominent positions. As the females arrive, they successively pair with the males with the best territories. Late arrivals have poorer quality territories and their breeding success is impaired, usually because fewer clutches are successfully reared. The nest is built by the female on a little reed platform which is well concealed among dead reeds and clumps of vegetation. It is not usually visible from above. The female lays 4 to 6 eggs and she exclusively incubates them for about 12 days. She also feeds the chicks when they first hatch with the male joining in as they grow. The young fledge in about 12 days and there are normally 2 broods. After breeding the birds tend to disperse to less densely vegetated habitat, moult into their winter plumage and depart on their migration to their winter range. The Savi’s Warbler is insectivorous and feeds on insects such as flies, beetles, moths and damselflies. Small worms are also believed to be taken. Date: 19th May 2017 Location: Hortobágy-Halastó, Hortobágy National Park, Hajdú-Bihar county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081402.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_71250589663a71e3c79610.jpgTurnstones The Turnstone has a mottled appearance with brown or chestnut and black upperparts, brown and white or black and white head pattern, white underparts and orange legs. Turnstones can be found around most of the UK coastline including rocky, sandy and muddy shores and particularly like feeding on seaweed covered rocks, seawalls and jetties. They are present for most of the year. Birds from Northern Europe pass through in July and August and again in spring and birds from Canada and Greenland arrive in August and September and remain until April and May. Non-breeding birds may stay throughout the summer. Date: 12th January 2022 Location: Lowestoft Ness, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874896.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1140576793561cd23072e32.jpgGolden Plover The Golden Plover is a medium sized plover with a distinctive gold and black summer plumage. In winter the black is replaced by buff and white. It typically stands upright and runs in short bursts. The Golden Plover breeds on the ground in a dry open area on moorland, mountains and fells, tundra and marshland in northern Europe and western Asia. It is migratory and winters in western and southern Europe and in north Africa. Date: 6th June 2015 Location: gravel road to Snæfellsjökull, Snæfellsnes peninsula, west Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26006773.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7842042155634a070c9fba.jpgRinged Plover The Ringed Plover is a small plover with a grey-brown back and wings, a white belly and a white breast with a single black neck band. It has a brown cap, a white forehead, a black mask around the eyes and a short orange and black bill. The legs are orange and only the outer two toes are slightly webbed. The juvenile Ringed Plover is duller than the adult in colour with an often incomplete grey-brown breast band, a dark bill and dull yellowish-grey legs. The Ringed Plover breeds on open ground on beaches or sandflats across northern Eurasia and in Arctic north east Canada. Some birds breed inland and in western Europe they nest as far south as northern France. It is migratory and winters in coastal areas south to Africa. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Steingrímsfjarðarheiði to Ísafjörður, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26023754.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19042883345637329a7d82e.jpgCommon Snipe The Common Snipe is a medium sized, skulking wading bird with short legs and a long straight bill. Both sexes are mottled brown above with paler buff stripes on the back, dark streaks on the chest and pale underparts. The Common Snipe breeds in marshes, bogs, tundra and wet meadows throughout northern Europe and northern Asia. It is a migratory bird, with European birds wintering in southern and western Europe and Africa. Date: 3rd June 2015 Location: Kaldbakur near Húsavík, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21956941.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_196434484153da2f7b067f9.jpgPuffins The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Staple Island, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29486454.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_65379174581077c4a2214.jpgKajaani to Kuhmo, Kainuu, Finland Kainuu region borders the regions of Pohjois-Pohjanmaa (Northern Ostrobothnia) to the north and Pohjois-Karjala (North Karelia) and Pohjois-Savo (Northern Savonia) to the south. In the east it also borders Russia. The landscape of Kainuu region consists of lakes, hills and vast uninhabited forest areas. Boreal forest makes up most of the region and consists of birches, pines and spruces. Date: 23rd May 2016 Location: view from road 76 between Kajaani and Kuhmo, Kainuu, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4267286.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14892552304b5223f3f1438.jpgDate: 31st December 2009 Location: Loch Scridain, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084016.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7706563695d30837a5f2a0.jpgPirin Mountains, Blagoevgrad Province, Bulgaria The Pirin Mountains are a mountain range in south west Bulgaria spreading over 1000 square miles. They extend about 50 miles from the north west to the south east and they are about 25 miles wide. Vihren at 9560 feet is the highest peak in the Pirin Mountains, the second highest in Bulgaria and the third highest in the Balkans. To the north, the Pirin Mountains are separated from Bulgaria's highest mountain range, the Rila Mountains, by the Paril Saddle whilst to the south they extend towards the mountain of Slavyanka Mountain located on the border of south west Bulgaria and north Greece. To the west is the valley of the River Struma and to the east the valley of the River Mesta which separates the Pirin Mountains from the Rhodopes Mountains. The Pirin Mountains are dotted with 118 glacial lakes, the largest and the deepest of them being Popovo Lake. They also contain Europe's most southern glaciers, Snezhnika and Banski Suhodol. The Snezhnika glacier is a remnant of the former Vihren glacier. It lies at a height of between 7956 feet and 8140 feet in the deep Golemiya Kazan cirque at the steep northern foot of Vihren. The Banski Suhodol glacier is a small glacier which lies below the peak of Kutelo peak (9540 feet) in the upper Banski Suhodol valley. The northern part of the Pirin Mountains is protected by the Pirin National Park (originally named Vihren National Park). It encompasses the larger part of the Pirin Mountains and covers an area of around 155 square miles. It is one of the 3 national parks in Bulgaria, the others being Rila National Park and Central Balkan National Park. Pirin National Park was established in 1962 and its territory has expanded several times since then. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and it is also part of Natura 2000, the network of nature protection areas of the European Union. Pirin National Park falls within the Rodope montane mixed forests terrestrial eco-region of the Palearctic temperate broadleaf and mixed forest. Forests cover 57.3% of the area of Pirin National Park and almost 95% of them are coniferous forests. The average age of the forests is 85 years. Bulgaria's oldest tree, Baikushev's pine, is located in Pirin National Park and it has an approximate age of about 1,300 years. Pirin National Park is noted for its rich and diverse flora and fauna which includes 45 species of mammals, 159 species of birds, 11 species of reptiles, 8 species of amphibia and 6 species of fish. The Pirin Mountains are an important tourist destination. The town of Bansko, situated on the north east slopes of the mountain range, has grown to be the primary ski and winter sports centre in the Balkans. A number of settlements in the foothills have mineral springs and are spa resorts e.g. Banya, Dobrinishte, Gotse Delchev, Sandanski, etc. Melnik is situated in the south west foothills of the mountain. With a population of around 385, it is Bulgaria's smallest town and retains its town status today for historical reasons. The town is an architectural reserve and 96 of its buildings are designated as cultural monuments. It is among the “100 Tourist Sites of Bulgaria” programme which promotes tourism among Bulgaria's most significant cultural, historic and natural landmarks. The town is also a centre of red wine production with numerous vineyards and cellars dug in to the local sandstone rock. The area around Melnik is strikingly eroded, particularly the enormous area of sandstone cliff that serves as a backdrop to the town. This area, covering some 6.5 square miles around Melnik, Kurlanovo and Rozhen has been called the Melnik Earth Pyramids. The hills in this area can rise up to 330 feet high and the unique formations, which can resemble giant mushrooms, ancient towers and obelisks, were formed when heavy rain eroded the sandstone and clay which the hills are composed of. The Melnik Earth Pyramids are a geological phenomenon of global importance and they were declared a natural landmark in 1960 with a total protected area of 5 square miles. Date: 29th May 2018 Location: view from near Melnik, Blagoevgrad Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28566625.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_97447958457a85736b4f81.jpgGreen Woodpecker The (European) Green Woodpecker is a large green woodpecker species. There are 3 sub-species with subtle differences between them whilst the Iberian Green Woodpecker found in Spain and Portugal and the Levaillant's Woodpecker found in north west Africa were formerly considered as sub-species but are now treated as separate species based on the results of studies published in 2011 The Green Woodpecker measures 12 to 14 inches in length with a 18 to 20 inches wingspan. Both sexes are green above and pale yellowish green below with a yellow rump and red crown and nape. The moustachial stripe has a red centre in the male but is solid black in the female. The lores and around the white eye are black in both male and female. Juveniles are spotty and streaked all over with a dark moustachial stripe initially although juvenile males can show some red feathers by early June or usually by July or August. Although the Green Woodpecker is shy and wary, it is usually its loud calls known as “yaffling” which first draw attention. Unlike many other woodpecker species, it rarely “drums” but often gives noisy calls while flying. The flight is undulating with 3 to 4 wingbeats followed by a short glide when the wings are held by the body. More than 75% of the range of the Green Woodpecker is in Europe although it is absent from the extreme north and east and also from Ireland, Greenland and the Macaronesian islands. Otherwise it is distributed widely with over 50% of the European population thought to be in France and Germany with substantial numbers also in the UK. It also occurs in west Asia. The Green Woodpecker is highly sedentary and individuals rarely move far from where they were born. The Green Woodpecker is generally found in semi-open landscapes with small woodlands, hedges, scattered old trees, edges of forests and floodplain forests. Suitable habitats for feeding include grassland, heaths, plantations, orchards and lawns. The Green Woodpecker is the largest of the 3 woodpecker species that breed in the UK. It can be found all year round and it is mainly a lowland species that breeds in open deciduous woodland, parks, orchards and farmland in England, Wales and Scotland although it is absent from the far north and west of the UK. The nest hole of the Green Woodpecker is larger but similar to those of other woodpecker species. It may be a few feet above the ground or at the top of a tall tree. Oaks, beeches, willows, aspens and fruit trees are the preferred nest trees. The hole may be excavated in sound or rotten wood with an entrance hole of 2.5 to 3 inches. The cavity inside may be up to 16 inches deep and excavation work is performed mostly by the male over 15 to 30 days. Some tree holes are used for breeding for more than 10 years but not necessarily by the same pair. The female lays 4 to 6 eggs and, after the last egg is laid, they are incubated for 19 to 20 days by both parents. The chicks fledge 21 to 24 days after hatching. The Green Woodpecker's diet consists primarily of various ant species and it spends much of its time foraging on the ground in grassland areas where the availability of ant nests is high. At ant nests, it probes into the ground and licks up adult ants and their larvae with its long tongue that wraps up and around the back of its head. Other insects and small reptiles are also taken occasionally. Date: 27th July 2016 Location: Laindon, Essex (from the window of my flat!) http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo440765.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_248832554467ea8748ab50.jpgCommon Blue Damselfly Flight period: early May to end September. As the name suggests, the Common Blue Damselfly is one of the commonest species in the UK. They can be confused with other blue damselflies, particularly since the markings on this species are rather variable. Common Blue Damselflies are found across most of the UK and are probably the most widespread member of the "blue" damselflies. They can be found around open lakes and ponds, along river and canal banks and streams, provided there is plenty of bankside vegetation. Date: 1st July 2006 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11328580.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12693504934e1d676899115.jpgCoot The Coot is an all black bird with a distinctive white beak and “shield” above the beak from which earns it the title “bald”. Its feet have distinctive lobed flaps of skin on the toes which act instead of webs when swimming. It patters noisily over the water before taking off and can be very aggressive towards other birds. Coot can be found all the year round mainly on freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers and town park lakes. Sometimes they can be seen offshore, especially in winter if freshwater areas are frozen. They breed in areas of fairly shallow standing freshwater with a muddy bottom and plenty of vegetation at the sides, usually in lowland areas. Date: 2nd February 2008 Location: Northlands Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11481804.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11313583694e26a31147065.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 16/04/07 Location: Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41205492.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20386715915eb9798b197e4.jpgGreylag Geese and goslings The Greylag Goose is the ancestor of most domestic geese but is also the largest and bulkiest of the wild geese native to the UK and Europe. In many parts of the UK it has been re-established by releasing birds in suitable areas but the resulting flocks found around gravel pits, lakes and reservoirs all year round in southern Britain tend to be semi-tame. The native birds and wintering flocks found on lochs in northern Scotland and on some Scottish islands retain the special appeal of truly wild geese. Date: 10th May 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230792.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_188774005564917f8126a3e.jpgAzure Damselflies Flight period: May to August The Azure Damselfly is one of the two commonest blue damselflies and is a common and widespread species of lowland UK. They can be found around most standing water, preferring small, sheltered sites including ditches and garden ponds. Date: 24th May 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4466089.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14709890384b8a24fbc5cee.jpgReindeer Reindeer are the northernmost species of deer being found throughout the tundra (frozen arctic plain with lichens, mosses and dwarfed vegetation) and taiga (marshy pine forest) zones of the Northern Hemisphere. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41254088.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1417025755f059ea687305.jpgm/s J.L. Runeberg at Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland The city of Porvoo can be easily reached by a main road from Helsinki in about 50 minutes but also by a much more leisurely 3.5 hour trip on the steamship m/s J. L. Runeberg along the Porvoonjoki river, the coast and through the Helsinki Archipelago. The m/s J.L. Runeberg was built in Helsinki in 1912. Originally she sailed under the name s/s Helsingfors Skärgård (”Helsinki Archipelago”). In the beginning this steamer cruised west from Helsinki to Porkkala but in the 1930’s the name was changed to s/s J.L. Runeberg and the ship cruised to Porvoo for the first time. Date: 26th June 2019 Location: m/s J.L. Runeberg at Katajanokka harbour, Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41255227.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20822410915f06f5260f4d6.jpgPine Grosbeak The Pine Grosbeak is a large member of the finch family. Adults have a long forked black tail, black wings with white wing bars and a large bill. Adult males have a rose-red head, back and rump. Adult females are olive-yellow on the head and rump and grey on the back and underparts. Young birds have a less contrasting plumage overall, appearing shaggy when they moult their colored head plumage. The Pine Grosbeak is a permanent resident through most of its range and can be found in coniferous woods in subarctic Fennoscandia and Siberia and across Alaska, the western mountains of the United States and Canada. In the extreme north or when food sources are scarce, they may migrate further south. It is a very rare vagrant to temperate Europe. The Pine Grosbeak forages in trees and bushes. It mainly eats seeds, buds, berries and insects. Outside of the nesting season, it often feeds in flocks. Date: 28th June 2019 Location: Neljan Tuulen Tupa near Kaamanen, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41255246.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13311126305f06f57649d97.jpgPine Grosbeak The Pine Grosbeak is a large member of the finch family. Adults have a long forked black tail, black wings with white wing bars and a large bill. Adult males have a rose-red head, back and rump. Adult females are olive-yellow on the head and rump and grey on the back and underparts. Young birds have a less contrasting plumage overall, appearing shaggy when they moult their colored head plumage. The Pine Grosbeak is a permanent resident through most of its range and can be found in coniferous woods in subarctic Fennoscandia and Siberia and across Alaska, the western mountains of the United States and Canada. In the extreme north or when food sources are scarce, they may migrate further south. It is a very rare vagrant to temperate Europe. The Pine Grosbeak forages in trees and bushes. It mainly eats seeds, buds, berries and insects. Outside of the nesting season, it often feeds in flocks. Date: 28th June 2019 Location: Neljan Tuulen Tupa near Kaamanen, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41292145.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19625291975f10ade49b8f5.jpgWhooper Swans The Whooper Swan is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the Trumpeter Swan which is found in north America. The Whooper Swan is similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan but it is larger and heavier and has a more angular head shape and a more variable bill pattern that always shows more yellow than black (Bewick's Swans show more black than yellow). The Whooper Swan is very noisy and it has a deep honking call. Despite its size, the Whooper Swan is a powerful flyer. The Whooper Swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to its wintering sites in western and southern Europe and eastern Asia. It breeds in subarctic Eurasia (further south than the Bewick’s Swan) in the taiga zone. It is a rare breeder in northern Scotland, particularly in Orkney. A handful of pairs have also bred in Ireland in recent years. Icelandic breeders overwinter in the UK and Ireland, especially in the wildfowl nature reserves of the RSPB and WWT. The Whooper Swan requires large areas of water to live in, especially when they are still growing, because their body weight can not be supported by their legs for extended periods of time. It spends much of its time swimming, straining the water for food or eating plants that grow on the bottom. The Whooper Swan pairs for life and the cygnets stay with their parents all winter when they are sometimes joined by offspring from previous years. The preferred breeding habitat is wetland. Both the male and female help build the nest and the male will stand guard over the nest while the female incubates. The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland. Date: 28th June 2019 Location: River Ivalojoki valley between Ivalo and Repojoki, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41349650.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3633151915f200dca8c04e.jpgSmall Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Small Skipper has a rusty orange colour to the wings, upper body and the tips of the antennae. The body is silvery white below and it has a wingspan of 25 to 30 mm. It is very similar in appearance to the Essex Skipper but the undersides of the tips of the antennae are yellow orange in the Small Skipper whereas they are black in the Essex Skipper. The Small Skipper is a common and widespread butterfly in most parts of England and has been expanding its range northwards. It can be found in rough grassland, roadside verges, edges of fields and woodland clearings where it is often seen basking on vegetation or making short buzzing flights among tall grass stems. Date: 1st July 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41349694.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9275564995f2017ee684f4.jpgSmall Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Small Skipper has a rusty orange colour to the wings, upper body and the tips of the antennae. The body is silvery white below and it has a wingspan of 25 to 30 mm. It is very similar in appearance to the Essex Skipper but the undersides of the tips of the antennae are yellow orange in the Small Skipper whereas they are black in the Essex Skipper. The Small Skipper is a common and widespread butterfly in most parts of England and has been expanding its range northwards. It can be found in rough grassland, roadside verges, edges of fields and woodland clearings where it is often seen basking on vegetation or making short buzzing flights among tall grass stems. Date: 12th July 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072447.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13466188514bf6e399a16bb.jpgSunrise over the Baltic Sea (Helsinki to Stockholm) The Baltic Sea is a semi-enclosed inland sea located in northern Europe. Considered an arm of the Atlantic Ocean, it is connected to it via the Kattegat Strait, Skagerrak Strait and the North Sea. It is the youngest sea on our planet, emerging from the retreating ice masses only some 10,000 to 15,000 years ago. The Baltic Sea has a total surface area of around 150,000 square miles and a coastline of almost 5,000 miles. It has an average depth of only 175 feet. The deepest area of the sea is found off the south east coast of Sweden where it measures a depth of 1,506 feet. Its shallowest area is the continental shelf in the area of the Danish archipelago. The Baltic Sea includes the Gulf of Bothnia, the Bay of Bothnia, the Gulf of Finland, the Gulf of Riga and the Bay of Gdańsk and it stretches from 53°N to 66°N latitude and from 10°E to 30°E longitude. It drains through the Danish islands into the Kattegat by way of the straits of Øresund, the Great Belt and the Little Belt. Governed by special hydrographical and climatic conditions, the Baltic Sea is one of the planet’s largest bodies of brackish water. It is composed of salt water from the north east Atlantic and fresh water from rivers and streams draining from an area 4 times larger than the Baltic Sea itself. This highly sensitive and interdependent marine ecosystem gives rise to unique flora and fauna. Surrounding the Baltic Sea are 9 countries: Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Germany, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Russia. The region is home to more than 85 million people, of whom 15 million live within 5 miles of the coast. The Baltic region includes eight of the 28 European Union member states and the Baltic Sea provides a critical connection between the European Union and the Russian Federation. The region’s diversity can translate into a challenge for decision makers to find common ground on complex issues such as environmental protection, sustainable use and management. As a result, the surrounding coastal countries have not been particularly successful in balancing economic and social uses with the protection of the sea. Nonetheless, the political frameworks in the region are advanced. In the 1950s, environmental scientists in the Baltic region began to note negative effects of large-scale industrial development and chemical runoffs from agriculture. Concern over threats to the region's plant and animal life enabled cooperation between the region's countries. Cooperation over environmental issues led to the 1974 signing by the Baltic countries of the Helsinki Convention on the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Baltic Sea Area. Although the agreement was signed in 1974, due to political wrangling and consensus building, it was enacted in May 1980. Political changes and developments in environmental and maritime law caused a new convention to be signed in 1992. All the states bordering on the Baltic Sea and the European Community joined in the agreement. The 1992 Convention covers the entire Baltic Sea region, including all the inland waters, the Baltic Sea's water and its seabed. Measures were also taken in the whole catchment area of the Baltic Sea to reduce land-based pollution. The revised Convention on the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Baltic Sea Area became enforceable in January 2000. Most recently, the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region, was the first EU macro-regional strategy. It was created to address “the urgent environmental challenges arising from the increasingly visible degradation of the Baltic Sea” and was adopted by the European Council in October 2009. Date: 19th April 2010 Location: view from the Helsinki to Stockholm ferry http://www.richardchewphotography.com/may-2012-common-blue-damselflies https://images.on-this.website/4752_112027335450826d44074cb.jpgMay 2012 - Common Blue Damselflies Please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/photo15082450.html#photo]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801274.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_199598421864edb32ae89e2.jpgGatekeeper Flight period: mid-July to early September. The Gatekeeper or Hedge Brown is common and widespread throughout the southern half of the UK. They can be found in areas with hedgerows or in scrubby woodland with wide and sunny rides. Date: 26th July 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26021707.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_177101335756372325b9d61.jpgNamafjall geothermal field, north east Iceland The Namafjall geothermal field is located in north east Iceland to the east of Lake Mývatn and to the south of the Krafla volcano. At the foothills of this spectacular volcanic mountain with various strange hues is an expanse of hot springs, steaming fumaroles, mud pools and mud pots called Hveraröndor Hverir. Date: 3rd June 2015 Location: view from road 1 east of Lake Mývatn http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo441542.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1888988883467ee88e5c49d.jpgDate: 20th May 2005 Location: Ruthven Barracks, Kingussie, Inverness-shire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37399620.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2286105865c6697c915497.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 9th December 2018 Location: Winterton-Horsey, NorfolkThe Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 9th December 2018 Location: Winterton-Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49002522.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21110382766468f16f2a132.jpgWoodlark The Woodlark is a streaky brown bird with a buffy-white eye-stripe which meets across the nape. It has a well developed crest on its crown which is not always conspicuous. In flight the peculiarly short tail and broad, rounded wings are noticeable and the deeply undulating flight with closed wing glides is characteristic. The Woodlark can be found all year round and breeds mainly in eastern and southern England on the heathlands of Hampshire, Surrey, Berkshire, Norfolk and Suffolk. Date: 17th April 2023 Location: Westleton Heath, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/road-82-to-dettifoss-vatnajkull https://images.on-this.website/4752_136816087156371d0132990.jpgRoad 862 to Dettifoss, Vatnajökull National Park, north east Iceland Road 862 lies east of Lake Mývatn and runs north from road 1 to the Dettifoss waterfall and onwards to the Ásbyrgi canyon. Whilst it is a new, paved road which is passable for all vehicles, the road is not in service every day during winter and it is often closed during snowy periods. Date: 3rd June 2015 Location: Road 862 north to Dettifoss, Vatnajökull National Park, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo3228254.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2413552884a7e8ef43e2d7.jpgGatekeeper Flight period: mid-July to early September. The Gatekeeper or Hedge Brown is common and widespread throughout the southern half of the UK. They can be found in areas with hedgerows or in scrubby woodland with wide and sunny rides. Date: 2nd August 2009 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14184754.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3417196704f421dab82526.jpgCommon Blue Flight period: June to September. The Common Blue is the UK’s most widespread and common blue butterfly although it has suffered some local declines due to habitat loss. They can be found in sunny, sheltered areas including downland, roadside verges, woodland clearings and rural gardens. Date: 30th July 2006 Location: EWT Langdon Conservation Centre, Dunton, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/iivaara-jousivaara-nature-reserve-pohjois https://images.on-this.website/4752_5621607056023a2fb59cc0.jpgIivaara-Jousivaara Nature Reserve, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland Iivaara-Jousivaara Nature Reserve is located 19 miles south of Kuusamo. It consists of 2 hilly sections, Iivaara-Penikkavaara hill and Laihanvaara-Jousivaara hill, and adjacent herb-rich old forest, mire, flood meadow and the lake of Ahvenjärvi. Date: 9th July 2019 Location: Iivaara-Jousivaara Nature Reserve, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623483.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19649851166117e0c4a18c9.jpgJuvenile Black-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 5th July 2021 Location: RSPB Old Moor, Dearne Valley, South Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813389.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12790264695d0ddea174454.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 10th June 2019 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14184755.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7318630194f421daf3ffe4.jpgCommon Blue Flight period: June to September. The Common Blue is the UK’s most widespread and common blue butterfly although it has suffered some local declines due to habitat loss. They can be found in sunny, sheltered areas including downland, roadside verges, woodland clearings and rural gardens. Date: 30th July 2006 Location: EWT Langdon Conservation Centre, Dunton, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo44044211.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1884774581614f0db924d50.jpgRed Admiral Flight period: April to November. The Red Admiral is a familiar and widespread butterfly in the UK although numbers depend on immigration from Europe. It can be found in any flower-rich habitat. Date: 27th August 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/scousburgh-sands-and-loch-of https://images.on-this.website/4752_12156596524866be1be5403.jpgScousburgh Sands and Loch of Spiggie, Mainland, Shetland Scousburgh Sands are located in a small bay on the south west coast of mainland Shetland. Immediately adjacent to it is the fresh water Loch of Spiggie, part of which is managed by the RSPB as a reserve for wintering wildfowl. Date: 31st May 2008 Location: view from the B9122 road http://www.richardchewphotography.com/camas-nan-geall-and-ben https://images.on-this.website/4752_208524523952908d56b44d2.jpgCamas nan Geall and Ben Hiant, Ardnamurchan, Argyll Date: 27th October 2013 Location: view from the B8007 between Glenmore and Kilchoan http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26270329.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12530851465665523f7d566.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 4th December 2015 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51335121.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1427738046676e62342859.jpgSpeckled Wood Flight period: April to September. The Speckled Wood is widespread in the southern half of England and in Wales and is expanding its range northwards. They can be found in woodland rides and glades and also along hedgerows and in gardens. Date: 21st June 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230753.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13303720216491734da3398.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 14th May 2023 Location: Llanddeusant Red Kite feeding station, Carmarthenshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40952864.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12500964345e5394214e341.jpgNewgrange, Brú na Bóinne, Co.Meath, Ireland Newgrange is a prehistoric monument in the Brú na Bóinne area of Co. Meath located about 5 miles west of Drogheda on the north side of the River Boyne. It is an exceptionally grand passage tomb built during the Neolithic period around 3200 BC, making it older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids. Newgrange is the most famous monument within the Neolithic Brú na Bóinne area along with the similar passage tomb mounds of Knowth and Dowth and as such is a part of the Brú na Bóinne UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site consists of a large circular mound with an inner stone passageway and chambers. Human bones and possible grave goods or votive offerings were found in these chambers. The mound has a retaining wall at the front made mostly of white quartz cobblestones and it is ringed by engraved kerbstones. Many of the larger stones of Newgrange are covered in megalithic art. The mound is also ringed by a stone circle. Some of the material that makes up the monument came from as far away as the Mourne Mountains in Co. Down in the south east of Northern Ireland and the Wicklow Mountains principally in Co. Wicklow in the east of Ireland. There is not complete agreement about what the site was used for but it is believed that it had religious significance. Its entrance is aligned with the rising sun on the winter solstice when sunlight shines through a “roofbox” and floods the inner chamber for a few minutes. In this respect, Newgrange also shares many similarities with other Neolithic constructions in Europe, especially Gavrinis in Brittany, Maeshowe in Orkney in Scotland and Bryn Celli Ddu in Wales. After its initial use, Newgrange was sealed for several millennia. It continued to feature in Irish mythology and folklore in which it is said to be a dwelling of the deities, particularly The Dagda and his son Aengus. Antiquarians first began studying the site in the 17th century and archaeological excavations took place in the years that followed. Archaeologist Michael J. O'Kelly led the most extensive of these and also reconstructed the frontage of the site in the 1970s. Newgrange is a popular tourist site and is regarded as one of the most important megalithic structures in Europe. According to the archaeologist Colin Renfrew, it is [i]"unhesitatingly regarded by the prehistorian as the great national monument of Ireland"[/i]. Date: 3rd February 2020 Location: Newgrange, Brú na Bóinne, Co.Meath, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41234276.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7389508155ee76c96ee18b.jpgSwallow The Barn Swallow is the most widespread species of swallow in the world. In Europe it is just called the Swallow and in northern Europe it is the only common species called a "swallow" rather than a "martin". The male Swallow has steel blue upperparts and a rufous forehead, chin and throat which are separated from the off-white underparts by a broad dark blue breast band. The outer tail feathers are elongated to give the distinctive deeply forked "swallow tail." There is a line of white spots across the outer end of the upper tail. The female is similar in appearance to the male but the tail streamers are shorter, the blue of the upperparts and breast band is less glossy and the underparts more pale. The juvenile is browner and has a paler rufous face and whiter underparts. It also lacks the long tail streamers of the adult. The Swallow has an enormous range with an estimated global extent of 20 million square miles and a population of 190 million individuals. It breeds in the Northern Hemisphere from sea level to typically 8,900 feet but up 9,800 feet in the Caucasus and North America and it is absent only from deserts and the cold northernmost parts of the continents. Over much of its range it avoids towns and in Europe is replaced in urban areas by the House Martin. There are 6 subspecies of the Swallow which breed across the Northern Hemisphere, of which 4 are strongly migratory with their wintering grounds covering much of the Southern Hemisphere as far south as central Argentina, the Cape Province of South Africa and northern Australia. The Swallow can be found in open country with low vegetation such as pasture, meadows and farmland, preferably with nearby water. It avoids heavily wooded or precipitous areas and densely built-up locations. The presence of accessible open structures such as barns, stables or culverts to provide nesting sites and exposed locations such as wires, roof ridges or bare branches for perching are also important in the bird's selection of its breeding range. This species lives in close association with humans and its insect-eating habits mean that it is tolerated by man. This acceptance was reinforced in the past by superstitions regarding the bird and its nest. There are frequent cultural references to the Swallow in literary and religious works due to both its living in close proximity to humans and its annual migration. The Swallow is the national bird of Austria and Estonia. In winter, the Swallow is cosmopolitan in its choice of habitat, avoiding only dense forests and deserts. It is most common in open, low vegetation habitats such as savanna and ranch land. Individual birds tend to return to the same wintering locality each year and congregate from a large area to roost in reed beds. These roosts can be extremely large with one in Nigeria holding an estimated 1.5 million birds. Date: 31st May 2020 Location: EWT Wrabness, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21891730.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_193237760453d0f00375786.jpgUath Lochans, Highland Uath Lochans are located in the Inshriach Forest just off the road in to Glen Feshie south of Kincraig. They are little known by many visitors and are referred to as Speyside’s hidden secret. There is a walk around 4 small lochans through Caledonian pine trees, heather moorland and bogland. Date: 17th June 2014 Location: view of the northern lochan http://www.richardchewphotography.com/loch-of-the-lowes-perthshire https://images.on-this.website/4752_135353204e0974977ef3f.jpgLoch of the Lowes, Perthshire Loch of the Lowes is a small loch at the northern edge of the valley of Strathmore in Perth and Kinross, 1 mile north east of Dunkeld. The loch is noted for its breeding Ospreys and is managed as a nature reserve by the Scottish Wildlife Trust Date: 10th June 2011 Location: view from the SWT reserve hide http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080578.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_174471912563a4595943b10.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 1st December 2022 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21957006.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_167615882653da30674e244.jpgPuffins The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Staple Island, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15747130.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_596962905017a6e77e8ce.jpgMarsh Frog The Marsh Frog is the largest European frog. It is very similar in appearance to the closely related Edible Frog and Pool Frog. These 3 species are often referred to as "green frogs" to distinguish them from the more terrestrial European species which are known as "brown frogs" (best exemplified by the Common Frog). Marsh Frogs show a large variation in colour and pattern, ranging from dark green to brown or grey. The Western European populations are generally dark green to black with dark spots on the back and sides and 3 clear green lines on the back. Females can reach a maximum length of around 6.5 inches but males are smaller at around 4.5 inches. The head is proportionally large and the hind legs are long which gives them excellent jumping abilities. The Marsh Frog is usually gregarious and diurnal and more tied to aquatic habitats than the Common Frog. It is tolerant of brackish conditions and typically it is found on or in the water of its favoured drainage channels and pools throughout the year. Marsh Frogs frequently sunbathe on the bank of the water body where they are often inconspicuous until disturbed when they will jump in to the water with a characteristic “plop”. They can often be seen on lily pads or floating at the surface amongst vegetation with only their heads exposed. During the breeding season (and sometimes beyond) the male Marsh Frog calls very loudly with a sound reminiscent of a loud chuckle which is often very raucous and can be heard all day and night. Dominant males establish territories from which they call. After mating a female may produce up to 16,000 eggs in a season, laying them in clumps of a few hundred in aquatic vegetation below the surface. They hatch in about a week, tadpoles being rather solitary and living in deep water with vegetation. Newly metamorphosed frogs are up to 1 inch in length and take 2 years to mature. The diet of the Marsh Frog consists of dragonflies and other insects, spiders, earthworms and slugs. Larger frogs also eat small rodents and sometimes smaller amphibians and fish. The Marsh Frog is not a native species of the UK. It was first introduced to Walland Marsh, Kent in 1935 and is now found in several areas of Kent and East Sussex. Other introductions exist, including colonies in London. Date: 23rd July 2012 Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41352874.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4209584065f2151ea3495b.jpgGatekeeper Flight period: mid-July to early September. The Gatekeeper or Hedge Brown is common and widespread throughout the southern half of the UK. They can be found in areas with hedgerows or in scrubby woodland with wide and sunny rides. Date: 20th July 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo453480.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_191733177346883f3fb379f.jpgFidden, Mull, Argyll Fidden is situated at the western end of the Ross of Mull, the peninsula located on the west of the island of Mull. There are some beautiful sandy bays here and beyond these lies the Sound of Iona and the island of Iona itself. Date: 8th June 2007 Location: view from Fidden Farm http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21808716.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_162790116953c78e6ce6a83.jpgCommon Seal Common Seals feed at sea but regularly haul out on to rocky shores or inter-tidal sandbanks to rest, to give birth and to suckle their pups. The most important haul-out areas are around the coast of Scotland, particularly in the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland, and on the east coast of England in the Wash. Date: 14th July 2014 Location: Blakeney Point, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/gatekeeper https://images.on-this.website/4752_891111434f4233352bb71.jpgGatekeeper Flight period: mid-July to early September. The Gatekeeper or Hedge Brown is common and widespread throughout the southern half of the UK. They can be found in areas with hedgerows or in scrubby woodland with wide and sunny rides. Date: 12th August 2007 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230717.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_161211111064916f22b3764.jpgRock Pipit The Rock Pipit is a large stocky pipit which is larger than the Meadow Pipit. It is streaky olive-brown above and dirty white underneath with dark streaking. The Rock Pipit breeds around the coast where there are rocky beaches and most of the birds that breed in the UK are residents. Date: 13th May 2023 Location: RSPB South Stack, Anglesey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50809805.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_55168447660bce8f4550b.jpgPeacock Flight period: March to September. The Peacock is a familiar and widespread butterfly which is continuing to expand its range in the UK. It is a highly adaptable species that can be found almost anywhere but the best sites are where favoured nectar plants are available. Date: 30th March 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17055192.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_162219911650ded0c25e513.jpgDate: 18th November 2012 Location: Loch Scridain, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15454006.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_962710774ff547f527b0c.jpgLa Rocina, Coto Doñana, Andalucia, Spain La Rocina is a visitor centre for the Parque Nacional de Doñana located close to El Rocío. It has information on the park and a nature trail through woodland and scrub and along the freshwater lake and marshland of Charco de la Boca which feeds into the Madres de la Marismas at El Rocío. Date: 1st May 2012 Location: La Rocina, Coto Doñana, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26270221.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12063058785665514d64a2a.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 4th December 2015 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645446.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_85138787351e3ce4bc084f.jpgWhite Wagtail The White Wagtail, <i>Motacilla alba</i>, is a small passerine bird in the wagtail family. A number of sub-species are recognised including <i>Motacilla alba alba</i> found in Europe from the Iberian Peninsula to the Ural Mountains, Turkey, the Levant, Iceland, the Faroe Islands and Greenland's east coast and <i>Motacilla alba yarrellii</i> (Pied Wagtail) found in the UK and Ireland and which has a much blacker back than the nominate race. The nominate sub-species <i>Motacilla alba alba</i> is basically grey above and white below with a white face, black cap and black throat. It is a slender bird with a characteristic long tail. The most conspicuous habit of the White Wagtail is a near-constant tail wagging, a trait that has given the bird its common name. In spite of the ubiquity of this behaviour, the reasons for it are poorly understood. It has been suggested that it may flush prey or signal submissiveness to other wagtails. A recent study has suggested instead that it is a signal of vigilance to potential predators. The White Wagtail breeds throughout Eurasia up to latitudes 75°N, only being absent in the Arctic from areas where summer temperatures are less than 4 °C. It also breeds in the mountains of Morocco and western Alaska. It is resident in the milder parts of its range such as western Europe and the Mediterranean but migratory in much of the rest of its range. Northern European breeders winter around the Mediterranean and in tropical and subtropical Africa, Asiatic birds move to the Middle East, India and south east Asia and birds from the north American population also winter in tropical Asia. The White Wagtail has a wide range and whilst the population size is unknown it is believed to be large since the species is described as "common" in at least parts of its range. Population trends have not been quantified but the population in Europe appears to be stable and it has adapted well to human changes to the environment and has exploited human changes such as man-made structures that are used for nesting sites and increased open areas that are used for foraging. The White Wagtail is an insectivorous bird of open country, often near habitation and water. It prefers bare areas for feeding where it can see and pursue its prey. In urban areas it has adapted to foraging on paved areas such as car parks. It nests in crevices and holes in stone walls and similar natural and man-made structures such as bridges and buildings. The diet of the White Wagtail varies by location but terrestrial and aquatic insects and other small invertebrates form the major part of the diet. These range from beetles, dragonflies, small snails, spiders, worms and crustaceans to maggots found in carcasses and flies. It is somewhat unusual in the parts of its range where it is non-migratory as it is an insectivorous bird that continues to feed on insects during the winter when most other insectivorous birds in temperate climates migrate or switch to more vegetable matter. Though it is known to be a host species for the Cuckoo, the White Wagtail typically deserts its nest if it has been parasitised. Date: 20th May 2013 Location: Biebrza area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/voe-of-browland-shetland https://images.on-this.website/4752_634196718467f2306d5bfd.jpgVoe of Browland, Shetland The Voe of Browland is situated in the western Shetland Mainland and is a tranquil inlet of the sea. Date: June 2003 Location: view from the A971 road near Bridge of Walls http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41176051.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10849835665e9306d21b50c.jpgCarrion Crow The Carrion Crow is a passerine bird in the crow family [i]Corvidae[/i]. The Hooded Crow was formerly regarded as a sub-species but it has now been split off as a separate species The plumage of the Carrion Crow is black with a green or purple sheen. The bill, legs and feet are also black. It can be distinguished from the Raven by its smaller size (19 to 20 inches in length as compared to an average of 25 inches for the Raven) and from the Hooded Crow by its all black plumage. There is frequent confusion between the Carrion Crow and the Rook, another black corvid species found within its range. The beak of the Carrion Crow is stouter and in consequence it looks shorter and whereas in the adult Rook the nostrils are bare, those of the Carrion Crow are covered at all ages with bristle-like feathers. As well as this, the wings of a Carrion Crow are proportionally shorter and broader than those of the Rook when seen in flight. Unlike the Rook which is generally gregarious, the Carrion Crow is usually solitary or seen in breeding pairs. The Carrion Crow is a noisy bird, perching on a vantage point such as a building or the top of a tree and calling 3 or 4 times in quick succession with a slight pause between each series of calls. During each series of calls, the bird may perform an accompanying gesture, bowing its head and neck downwards with each call. The Carrion Crow can become tame near humans and can often be found in or around areas of human activity or habitation where they compete with other social birds such as gulls and ducks for food. The Carrion Crow breeds in west and central Europe with an allied form or race occurring in east Asia with the closely allied Hooded Crow filling the gap between. Fertile hybrids occur along the boundary between these 2 forms indicating their close genetic relationship. Across its range, it can be seen all year round in a wide range of habitats such as urban areas, farmland, woodlands, mountains, moorlands and seashores. The Carrion Crow reaches sexual maturity around the age of 3 years for females and 5 years for males and birds often mate for life. The Carrion Crow builds a bulky stick nest which is usually placed in a tall tree although cliff ledges, old buildings and pylons may be used as well. Nests are also occasionally placed on or near the ground. The nest resembles that of the Raven but is less bulky. The female lays 3 to 4 eggs which are incubated for 18 to 20 days by the female alone who is fed by the male. The young fledge after 29 to 30 days. It is not uncommon for offspring from the previous year to stay around and help rear the new hatchlings. Instead of seeking out a mate, these birds look for food and assist the parents in feeding the young. Although an eater of carrion of all kinds, the Carrion Crow will eat insects, earthworms, grain, fruits, seeds, small mammals, amphibians and scraps and it will also steal eggs of other birds. It is a scavenger by nature which is why it tends to frequent sites inhabited by humans in order to feed on household waste. The Carrion Crow will also harass birds of prey or even Foxes for their kills. The Carrion Crow has few natural predators although powerful raptors such as the Northern Goshawk, the Peregrine, the Eurasian Eagle Owl and the Golden Eagle will readily hunt them and they can become an important prey item locally. Date: 5th April 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081473.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_44430367763a857a24169d.jpgTeal The Eurasian Teal or Common Teal is often called simply the Teal due to being the only one of these small [i]Anas[/i] dabbling ducks in much of its range. The Teal is the smallest dabbling duck at 7.9 to 11.8 inches in length and with a wingspan of 21 to 23 inches. From a distance, the male Teal in breeding plumage appears grey with a dark head, a yellowish behind and a white stripe running along the flanks. Their head and upper neck is chestnut with a wide and iridescent dark green patch of half-moon or teardrop-shape that starts immediately before the eye and arcs to the upper hindneck. This patch is bordered with thin yellowish-white lines and a single line of that colour extends from the patch's forward end and curving along the base of the bill. The breast is buff with small round brown spots. The centre of the belly is white and the rest of the body plumage is mostly white with thin and dense blackish vermiculations, appearing medium grey even at a short distance. The outer scapular feathers are white with a black border to the outer vanes and these form the white side-stripe when the bird is in resting position. The tail and tail coverts are black with a bright yellowish-buff triangular patch in the centre of the coverts at each side. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female. It is more uniform in colour with a dark head and vestigial facial markings. The female Teal is yellowish-brown but somewhat darker on the wings and back. It has a dark greyish-brown upper head, hindneck, eyestripe and feather pattern. The pattern is dense short streaks on the head and neck and scaly spots on the rest of the body. Overall it looks much like a tiny Mallard. Immatures are coloured much like the adult females but they have a stronger pattern. The downy young are coloured like other dabbling ducks, brown above and yellow below with a yellow supercilium. The male's bill is dark grey but in the eclipse plumage it often shows some light greenish or brownish hue at the base. The bill of the females and immatures is pinkish or yellowish at the base, becoming dark grey towards the tip. The feet are dark grey in the males and greyish olive or greyish-brown in females and immatures. The Teal breeds across north Eurasia where it occupies sheltered freshwater wetlands with some tall vegetation such as taiga bogs or small lakes and ponds with extensive reedbeds. It mostly winters well south of its breeding range in the Mediterranean region, south Asia and some parts of Africa where it is often seen in large flocks in brackish waters and even in sheltered inlets and lagoons along the seashore. It is also regularly recorded on the north American coasts south to California and South Carolina. In the milder climate of temperate Europe, such as in the UK, the summer and winter ranges overlap. In the UK, the Teal can be found all year round but it is thinly distributed as a breeding species. In winter, birds congregate in larger numbers on low-lying wetlands both on the coast and inland in the south and west of the UK. Of these, many are continental birds from around the Baltic and Siberia. At this time, the UK is home to a significant percentage of the north west European wintering population. The Teal is much less abundant than the very similar Green-winged Teal from north America although it is still common and widespread. It appears to be holding its own currently with perhaps a slow decline due to drainage and pollution of wetlands. The IUCN and BirdLife International classify the Teal as a species of “Least Concern”. However, it is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. The Teal nests on the ground near water. Pairs form in the winter range and arrive on the breeding range together from about March. Breeding starts some weeks thereafter and not until May in the most northerly locations. The nest is a deep hollow lined with dry leaves and down feathers which is built in dense vegetation near water. After the females have started laying their eggs, the males leave them and move away and assemble in flocks on particular lakes where they moult into their eclipse plumage. The female lays 5 to 16 eggs but usually 8 to 11. Incubation lasts for 21 to 23 days and the young leave the nest soon after hatching and are cared for by the female for about 25 to 30 days. The males and the females with young generally move to the winter range separately. After the first winter, the young moult in to their adult plumage. The Teal usually feeds by dabbling, upending or grazing. In the breeding season it eats mainly aquatic invertebrates, such as crustaceans, insects and their larvae, molluscs and worms. In winter, it shifts to a largely granivorous diet, feeding on seeds of aquatic plants and grasses including sedges and grains. Date: 9th January 2022 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45291016.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_121516430623acfd575b18.jpgSong Thrush The Song Thrush is a familiar and popular songbird, smaller and browner than the Mistle Thrush with smaller spotting on the breast. The Song Thrush can be found all year round in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens across the UK. Numbers are declining seriously making it a Red List species. Date: 14th March 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17054589.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_105117744450dec2c11e770.jpgBlackbird The Common Blackbird is a species of true thrush. It is also called Eurasian Blackbird (especially in North America in order to distinguish it from the unrelated New World blackbirds) or simply Blackbird where this does not lead to confusion with a similar-looking local species. The Blackbird’s name derives form 2 Latin words: <i>turdus</i> meaning “thrush” and <i>merula</i> meaning “blackbird”. It may not immediately be clear why the name "blackbird", first recorded in 1486, was applied to this species but not to one of the various other common black English birds, such as the Carrion Crow, Raven, Rook or Jackdaw. However, in Old English and in modern English up to about the 18th century, "bird" was used only for smaller or young birds and larger ones such as crows were called "fowl". At that time, the Blackbird was therefore the only widespread and conspicuous black bird in the UK. The Blackbird is around 9.25 to 11.5 inches in length including a long tail. The adult male has glossy black plumage, blackish-brown legs, a yellow eye-ring and an orange-yellow bill. The bill darkens somewhat in winter. The adult female is sooty-brown with a dull yellowish-brownish bill, a brownish-white throat and some weak mottling on the breast. The juvenile is similar to the female but has pale spots on the upperparts and the very young juvenile also has a speckled breast. Young birds vary in the shade of brown, with darker birds presumably males. The first year male resembles the adult male but has a dark bill and weaker eye ring and its folded wing is brown rather than black like the body plumage. The Blackbird breeds in temperate Eurasia, north Africa, the Canary Islands and south Asia. Populations are sedentary in the south and west of the range although northern birds migrate south as far as north Africa and tropical Asia in winter. Common over most of its range in woodland, the Blackbird has a preference for deciduous trees with dense undergrowth. However, gardens provide the most successful breeding habitat. It occurs up to around 3300 feet in Europe and is often replaced by the related Ring Ousel in areas of higher altitude. The Blackbird has an extensive range and a large population which is generally stable or increasing. However, there have been local declines, especially on farmland, which may be due to agricultural policies that encouraged farmers to remove hedgerows (which provide nesting places) and to drain damp grassland and increase the use of pesticides, both of which could have reduced the availability of invertebrate food. The Blackbird may commence breeding in March when the breeding pair prospect for a suitable nest site in a creeper or bush, favouring evergreen or thorny species such as ivy, holly, hawthorn, honeysuckle or pyracantha. Sometimes they will nest in sheds or outbuildings where a ledge or cavity is used. The cup-shaped nest is made with grasses, leaves and other vegetation and bound together with mud. It is built by the female alone. The nest is often ill-concealed compared with those of other species and many breeding attempts fail due to predation. The female lays 3 to 5 (average 4) bluish-green eggs marked with reddish-brown blotches which are incubated for 12 to 14 days before the chicks are hatched naked and blind. Fledging takes another 10 to 19 (average 13.6) days, with both parents feeding the young. The young are fed by the parents for up to 3 weeks after leaving the nest and they will follow the adults begging for food. If the female starts another nest, the male alone will feed the fledged young. Second broods are common with the female reusing the same nest if the brood was successful. The first-year male Blackbird may start singing as early as late January in fine weather in order to establish a territory, followed in late March by the adult male. The male's song is a varied and melodious low-pitched fluted warble which is given from trees, rooftops or other elevated perches mainly in the period from March to June and sometimes into the beginning of July. During the winter, the Blackbird can be heard quietly singing to itself, so much so that September and October are the only months which the song cannot be heard. The Blackbird is omnivorous, eating a wide range of insects, earthworms, seeds and berries. It feeds mainly on the ground, running and hopping with a start-stop-start progress. It pulls earthworms from the soil, usually finding them by sight but sometimes by hearing, and roots through leaf litter for other invertebrates. Small amphibians and lizards are occasionally hunted. The Blackbird will also perch in bushes to take berries and collect caterpillars and other active insects. Animal prey predominates and this is particularly important during the breeding season with windfall apples and berries taken more in the autumn and winter. Near human habitation the main predator of the Blackbird is the domestic cat, with newly fledged young especially vulnerable. Foxes and predatory birds, such as the Sparrowhawk, also predate the Blackbird when the opportunity arises. Eggs and chicks are also taken by corvids, such as the Magpie or Jay. Date: 29th October 2012 Location: Strumpshaw Fen RSPB reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801283.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17067194764edb339b3203.jpgCommon Blue Flight period: June to September. The Common Blue is the UK’s most widespread and common blue butterfly although it has suffered some local declines due to habitat loss. They can be found in sunny, sheltered areas including downland, roadside verges, woodland clearings and rural gardens. Date: 26th July 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/sangobeg-sutherland https://images.on-this.website/4752_18921704544c1dd64300f46.jpgSangobeg, Sutherland Sangobeg is a remote coastal crofting township located 2 miles south east of Durness overlooking the beautiful Sangobeg Sands. Date: 3rd June 2010 Location: view from the A838 road between Durness and Tongue http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14185271.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14618922654f422990eb762.jpgLarge Skipper Flight period: June to July. The Large Skipper is a small golden butterfly which is widespread throughout England and Wales and it is also extending its range northwards in to southern Scotland. They can be found in areas of tall, uncut grassland, woodland rides, roadside verges and hedgerows. Date: 22nd July 2007 Location: Stow Maries Halt EWT reserve, Stow Maries, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46534263.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_155796600762ca944788d03.jpgBlack-browed Albatross The Black-browed Albatross, also known as the Black-browed Mollymawk, is a large seabird in the albatross family [i]Diomedeidae[/i] and it is the most widespread and common member of its family. The albatrosses are classified in the order [i]Procellariiformes[/i] which also includes shearwaters, fulmars, storm petrels and diving petrels. All these birds share certain identifying features. They have nasal passages that attach to the upper bill called naricorns although the nostrils on the albatross are on the sides of the bill. The bills of [i]Procellariiformes[/i] are also unique in that they are split into between 7 and 9 horny plates and they have a salt gland above the nasal passage which helps to remove salt from the ocean water that they imbibe. The gland excretes a high saline solution through the bird's nose. The Black-browed Albatross is a medium-sized albatross at 31 to 37 inches in length with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. It has a dark grey saddle and upperwings that contrast with the white rump and underparts. The underwing is predominantly white with broad and irregular black margins. It has a dark eyebrow and a yellow-orange bill with a darker reddish-orange tip. Juveniles have dark horn-coloured bills with dark tips and a grey head and collar. They also have dark underwings. The features that distinguish it from other albatrosses are the dark eyestripe which gives it its name, a broad black edging to the white underside of its wings, white head and orange bill tipped darker orange. The Black-browed Albatross is circumpolar in the southern oceans and it breeds on 12 islands throughout that range. In the Atlantic Ocean, it breeds on the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, and the Cape Horn Islands. In the Pacific Ocean it breeds on Islas Ildefonso, Diego de Almagro, Islas Evangelistas, Campbell Island, Antipodes Islands, Snares Islands and Macquarie Island. In the Indian Ocean it breeds on the Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island and McDonald Island. There are an estimated 1,220,000 birds alive with 600,853 breeding pairs as estimated by a 2005 count. Of these birds, 402,571 breed in the Falklands, 72,102 breed on South Georgia Island and 120,171 breed on the Chilean islands of Islas Ildefonso, Diego de Almagro, Islas Evangelistas and Islas Diego Ramírez. Birds from the Falkland Islands winter near the Patagonian Shelf and birds from South Georgia forage in South African waters. It is the most likely albatross to be found in the North Atlantic due to this northerly migratory tendency. The Black-browed Albatross normally nests on steep slopes covered with tussock grass and sometimes on cliffs although on the Falkland Islands it nests on flat grassland on the coast. It is an annual breeder with the female laying a single egg from between 20th September and 1st November although the Falkland Islands breeders lay about 3 weeks earlier. Incubation of the egg is undertaken by both sexes and lasts 68 to 71 days. After hatching, the chicks take 120 to 130 days to fledge. Juveniles will return to the colony after 2 to 3 years but only to practice courtship rituals as they will only start breeding around their 10th year. The Black-browed Albatross can have a natural lifespan of over 70 years. The Black-browed Albatross feeds on fish, squid, crustaceans, carrion, and fishery discards but it has also been observed stealing food from other species. Until 2013, the IUCN classified the Black-browed Albatross as endangered due to a drastic reduction in its population. There has been a 67% decline in the population over 64 years. Increased longline fishing in the southern oceans, especially around the Patagonian Shelf and around South Georgia, has been attributed as a major cause of the decline of this bird and the Black-browed Albatross has been found to be the most common bird killed by fisheries. Trawl fishing, especially around the Patagonian Shelf and off South Africa, is also a large cause of deaths. Conservation efforts underway start with this species being placed on the Convention on Migratory Species and the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels. It is being monitored on half of the islands and most of the breeding sites are reserves and some are World Heritage Sites. Although a very rare occurrence, vagrancy into the North Atlantic has occurred including a bird which returned to the Gannet colony on Shetland for several decades from 1967. From 2014, another bird has been seen around the Heligoland archipelago off the Germany and Denmark coast and what is believed to be the same bird has summered at or around RSPB Bempton Cliffs in east Yorkshire since 2019. Date: 27th June 2022 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo47900598.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_999625905637364c7e030d.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 4th November 2022 Location: Bushy Park, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo3119896.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10094681614a6c3bd664219.jpgCommon Seals Common Seals feed at sea but regularly haul out on to rocky shores or inter-tidal sandbanks to rest, to give birth and to suckle their pups. The most important haul-out areas are around the coast of Scotland, particularly in the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland, and on the east coast of England in the Wash. Date: 13th July 2009 Location: Blakeney Point, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/small-heath https://images.on-this.website/4752_1466141790667e7d69b0292.jpgSmall Heath Flight period: May to September The Small Heath is a relatively widespread but declining butterfly which can be found across the UK in a variety of habitats including grassland, heathland, downland, moorland, woodland rides, coastal dunes and road verges. Date: 23rd June 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo441582.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1923724608467eeb14c4e69.jpgDate: 24th December 2006 Location: Loch Sunart, Ardnamurchan, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/nva-recreation-and-landscape-protection https://images.on-this.website/4752_151154449457cc3e33451e5.jpgNõva Recreation and Landscape Protection Area, Estonia The Nõva Recreation and Landscape Protection Area was established in north west Estonia to protect the coastal landscapes, wildlife and plant communities. It covers vast bogs, forests, sand beaches and coastal dunes. Date: 10th May 2016 Location: Nõva Recreation and Landscape Protection Area, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/loch-uisg-mull-argyll https://images.on-this.website/4752_548621895467f22efaa395.jpgLoch Uisg, Mull, Argyll Loch Uisg is a small fresh water loch situated in south east Mull between the sea lochs Loch Spelve and Loch Buie. Date: 5th June 2006 Location: view from the unclassified road along the northern shore http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11265320.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14646704234e1ad421024f3.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 11th May 2008 Location: Skomer, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/common-redshank https://images.on-this.website/4752_7180748874db0284d46d32.jpgCommon Redshank The Redshank is a medium-sized wading bird with longish red legs and a long, straight bill. It is grey-brown above and whitish below. In flight it shows very obvious white rear edges to the wings and a white “V” shape up its back. The Redshank can be found all year round and is common and widespread wading bird on coasts and inland wet grassland. The greatest concentrations of breeding birds are in parts of Scotland and north west England. Due to the drainage of farmland and overgrazing of coastal marshes, breeding birds are increasingly dependent on nature reserves. In winter as many as half of the birds in the UK may originate from Iceland. Date: 26th December 2008 Location: Thornham, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308542.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_120896553663ee2c92d2438.jpgGreen Woodpecker The (European) Green Woodpecker is a large green woodpecker species. There are 3 sub-species with subtle differences between them whilst the Iberian Green Woodpecker found in Spain and Portugal and the Levaillant's Woodpecker found in north west Africa were formerly considered as sub-species but are now treated as separate species based on the results of studies published in 2011 The Green Woodpecker measures 12 to 14 inches in length with a 18 to 20 inches wingspan. Both sexes are green above and pale yellowish green below with a yellow rump and red crown and nape. The moustachial stripe has a red centre in the male but is solid black in the female. The lores and around the white eye are black in both male and female. Juveniles are spotty and streaked all over with a dark moustachial stripe initially although juvenile males can show some red feathers by early June or usually by July or August. Although the Green Woodpecker is shy and wary, it is usually its loud calls known as “yaffling” which first draw attention. Unlike many other woodpecker species, it rarely “drums” but often gives noisy calls while flying. The flight is undulating with 3 to 4 wingbeats followed by a short glide when the wings are held by the body. More than 75% of the range of the Green Woodpecker is in Europe although it is absent from the extreme north and east and also from Ireland, Greenland and the Macaronesian islands. Otherwise it is distributed widely with over 50% of the European population thought to be in France and Germany with substantial numbers also in the UK. It also occurs in west Asia. The Green Woodpecker is highly sedentary and individuals rarely move far from where they were born. The Green Woodpecker is generally found in semi-open landscapes with small woodlands, hedges, scattered old trees, edges of forests and floodplain forests. Suitable habitats for feeding include grassland, heaths, plantations, orchards and lawns. The Green Woodpecker is the largest of the 3 woodpecker species that breed in the UK. It can be found all year round and it is mainly a lowland species that breeds in open deciduous woodland, parks, orchards and farmland in England, Wales and Scotland although it is absent from the far north and west of the UK. The nest hole of the Green Woodpecker is larger but similar to those of other woodpecker species. It may be a few feet above the ground or at the top of a tall tree. Oaks, beeches, willows, aspens and fruit trees are the preferred nest trees. The hole may be excavated in sound or rotten wood with an entrance hole of 2.5 to 3 inches. The cavity inside may be up to 16 inches deep and excavation work is performed mostly by the male over 15 to 30 days. Some tree holes are used for breeding for more than 10 years but not necessarily by the same pair. The female lays 4 to 6 eggs and, after the last egg is laid, they are incubated for 19 to 20 days by both parents. The chicks fledge 21 to 24 days after hatching. The Green Woodpecker's diet consists primarily of various ant species and it spends much of its time foraging on the ground in grassland areas where the availability of ant nests is high. At ant nests, it probes into the ground and licks up adult ants and their larvae with its long tongue that wraps up and around the back of its head. Other insects and small reptiles are also taken occasionally. Date: 11th January 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21661319.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_145168290553b6815c3e12c.jpgRinglet Flight period: July to mid August. The Ringlet is a widespread and successful species which has been extending its range in in the UK in recent years. They can be found in in tall, lush grasslands particularly in woodland rides and glades and also around scrub and hedgerows. Date: 1st July 2014 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51387300.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_643941892667e7d2d7b49f.jpgLarge Skipper Flight period: June to July. The Large Skipper is a small golden butterfly which is widespread throughout England and Wales and it is also extending its range northwards in to southern Scotland. They can be found in areas of tall, uncut grassland, woodland rides, roadside verges and hedgerows. Date: 23rd June 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/november-2019-common-pochard https://images.on-this.website/4752_4969977245e60c97c46793.jpgNovember 2019 - Common Pochard Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40648548.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41234304.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6589228355ee7751e7b94d.jpgMeadow Brown Flight period: June to August. The Meadow Brown is one of the most widespread and abundant of the UK's butterflies. It can be found typically in open grasslands but also other habitats such as roadside verges, woodland rides and urban parks and cemeteries. Date: 12th June 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29487161.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_27495966058107e1921e0b.jpgVartius to Suomussalmi, Kainuu, Finland Kainuu region borders the regions of Pohjois-Pohjanmaa (Northern Ostrobothnia) to the north and Pohjois-Karjala (North Karelia) and Pohjois-Savo (Northern Savonia) to the south. In the east it also borders Russia. The landscape of Kainuu region consists of lakes, hills and vast uninhabited forest areas. Boreal forest makes up most of the region and consists of birches, pines and spruces. Date: 24th May 2016 Location: view from road 912 between Vartius and Suomussalmi, Kainuu, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo2463037.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_192942889349f20409cef3d.jpgRiver Feshie, Highland The River Feshie rises in the Grampian Mountains near the border between Highland and Perth and Kinross and flows 23 miles northwards through Glen Feshie to join the River Spey just north east of Kincraig. Date: 12th April 2009 Location: view from the B970 road at Feshiebridge http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072366.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9766361754bf6e109e214c.jpgHoyholmen, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway Date: 14th April 2010 Location: view from road 890 at Hoyholmen, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42203317.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6076361835ff449fdc88d1.jpgAla-Kitka, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland Ala-Kitka is a medium-sized lake located towards the north west of Ruka in the Pohjois-Pohjanmaa region of Finland. It is connected with a bigger lake Yli-Kitka by the Raappanansalmi strait. They are usually considered together to be part of Kitkajärvi, the 14th largest lake in Finland. Date: 8th July 2019 Location: view from Villa Iglu near Vallioniemi, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/loch-spelve-mull-argyll https://images.on-this.website/4752_170933070150ded091f0736.jpgLoch Spelve, Mull, Argyll Loch Spelve is a sea loch situated at the south eastern end of the island of Mull. With a narrow inlet at the settlement of Croggan, the loch extends both north east and south west, extending from Kinlochspelve in the south to Ardachoil in the north. Date: 17th November 2012 Location: view from the unclassified road south of Stathcoil at the northern end of the loch http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26041333.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_151425010156389d8f01e32.jpgGlaucous Gull The Glaucous Gull is a large and powerful gull which is very pale in all plumages with no black on either the wings or the tail. The term “glaucous” describes its colouration. Adults are pale grey above with a thick yellow bill. Immatures are very pale grey with a pink and black bill. The Glaucous Gull is considerably larger, bulkier and thicker-billed than the similar Iceland Gull and it can sometimes equal the size of the Great Black-backed Gull. The Glaucous Gull breeds colonially or singly on coasts and cliffs in the Arctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere and the Atlantic coasts of Europe. It is migratory and winters in the north Atlantic and north Pacific as far south as the UK and the northernmost states of the USA and the Great Lakes. Like most gulls, the Glaucous Gull is an omnivore and it eats fish, molluscs, offal, scraps, eggs, small birds, small mammals and carrion. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Arnarfjörður, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/common-darters https://images.on-this.website/4752_1552680164467ea8a92b40b.jpgCommon Darters Flight period: end May to early October. Common Darters are the most widespread of the dragonflies over lowland UK but they are absent from upland areas. They can be found in a wide range of habitats including ponds, lakes, ditches, canals, slow flowing rivers and brackish water. They can also be frequently seen some way from water. Date: 9th July 2006 Location: Stow Maries Halt EWT reserve, Stow Maries, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30017294.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_404391791587552eca6f2c.jpgBewick's Swans The Tundra Swan is a small Holarctic swan. The 2 taxa within it are usually regarded as conspecific but are also sometimes split into 2 species: the Bewick's Swan of the Palaearctic and the Whistling Swan of the Nearctic. The Bewick's Swan was named in 1830 by William Yarrell after the engraver Thomas Bewick who specialised in illustrations of birds and animals. The Bewick's Swan measures 45 to 55 inches in length with a wing span of 18.5 to 21.5 inches. Males are slightly larger and heavier than females. It is similar in appearance to the Whooper Swan but is smaller, shorter-necked and has a more rounded head shape. It has a variable bill pattern but always shows more black than yellow and having a blunt forward edge of the yellow base patch. The Whooper Swan has a bill that has more yellow than black and the forward edge of the yellow patch is usually pointed. The bill pattern for every individual Bewick's Swan is unique and scientists often make detailed drawings of each bill and assign names to the swans to assist with studying these birds. As their common name implies, the Tundra Swan breeds in the Arctic and sub-Arctic tundra where they inhabit shallow pools, lakes and rivers. Unlike the Mute Swan, but like the other Arctic swans, it is a migratory bird. The winter habitat is mainly grassland and marshland, often near the coast. The breeding range of the Bewick’s Swan extends across the coastal lowlands of Siberia from the Kola Peninsula east to the Pacific. It starts to arrive in its breeding range around mid-May and leaves for its winter range around the end of September. The populations west of the Taimyr Peninsula migrate via the White Sea, Baltic Sea and the Elbe estuary to winter in Denmark, the Netherlands and the UK where it is common in winter on a few RSPB and WWT reserves. Some birds also winter elsewhere on the southern shores of the North Sea. The Bewick’s Swans that breed in eastern Russia migrate via Mongolia and north China to winter in the coastal regions of Korea, Japan and south China, south to Guangdong and occasionally as far as Taiwan. A few birds from the central Siberian range also winter in Iran at the south of the Caspian Sea. Arrival in the winter range starts about mid-October although most birds spend weeks or even months at favourite resting locations and will only arrive in the winter range in November or even as late as January. Departure from the winter range starts in mid-February. Bewick’s Swans mate in the late spring, usually after they have returned to the breeding range. As is usual for swans, they pair monogamously until one partner dies. Should one partner die long before the other, the surviving bird often will not mate again for several years or even for the rest of its life. The nesting season starts at the end of May. The pair build the large mound-shaped nest from plant material at an elevated site near open water and they defend a large territory around it. The pen (female) lays and incubates a clutch of 2 to 7 (usually 3 to 5) eggs whilst the cob (male) keeps a steady lookout for potential predators heading towards his mate and offspring. The time from egg laying to hatching is 29 to 30 days. Since they nest in cold regions, Bewick’s Swan cygnets grow faster than those of swans breeding in warmer climates and they may fledge in 40 to 45 days. Cygnets stay with their parents for the first winter migration and the family is sometimes even joined by their offspring from previous breeding seasons while on the wintering grounds. Bewick’s Swans do not reach sexual maturity until 3 or 4 years of age. In summer, the diet of the Bewick’s Swan consists mainly of aquatic vegetation which it finds by sticking its head underwater or upending while swimming. It will also eat some grass growing on dry land. At other times of the year, leftover grains and other crops such as potatoes, picked up in open fields after harvest, make up much of the diet. Healthy adult Bewick’s Swans have few natural predators. The Arctic Fox may threaten breeding females and particular the eggs and hatchlings. Adults typically can stand their ground and displace foxes but occasionally the foxes are successful. Other potential nest predators include the Red Fox, the Brown Bear, the Golden Eagle, the Arctic Skua and the Glaucous Gull. The Brown Bear, the Golden Eagle and the Wolf may occasionally succeed at capturing and killing an adult. About 15% adults die each year from various causes and the average lifespan in the wild is about 10 years. The status of the Bewick's Swan is not well known although its population is in decline in north west Europe for largely unexplained reasons. It is increasingly dependent on agricultural crops to supplement its winter diet as aquatic vegetation in its winter habitat declines due to habitat destruction and water pollution. However, the main cause of adult mortality is hunting and, whilst the Bewick's Swan can not be hunted legally, almost half the birds studied contain lead shot in their bodies, indicating that they were shot at by poachers. Lead poisoning by ingestion of lead shot is also a very significant cause of mortality. The Bewick's Swan is one of the birds to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 2nd January 2017 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51984574.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_59940355066d353e2019ac.jpgGatekeeper Flight period: mid-July to early September. The Gatekeeper or Hedge Brown is common and widespread throughout the southern half of the UK. They can be found in areas with hedgerows or in scrubby woodland with wide and sunny rides. Date: 8th August 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo16220760.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12146867415055945a1ff11.jpgMute Swan The Mute Swan is a species of swan native to much of Eurasia. Despite its Eurasian origin, its closest relatives are the Black Swan of Australia and the Black-necked Swan of south America, not the other Northern Hemisphere swans such as the Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan. The name “mute” derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. The adult Mute Swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob at the top of the beak. All Mute Swans are white at maturity although the feathers (particularly on the head and neck) are often stained orange-brown by iron and tannins in the water. Young birds (cygnets) are not the bright white colour of mature adults and their bill is dull greyish-black for the first year. The plumage may range from pure white to grey to buff with grey/buff being the most common. Cygnets typically retain their grey/buff feathers until they are at least 1 year old. On average, the Mute Swan is the second largest waterfowl species after the Trumpeter Swan although the male Mute Swan can easily match or even exceed a male Trumpeter Swan in mass. The adult Mute Swan typically ranges from 55 to 63 inches in length (although it can range in extreme cases from 49 to 67 inches) with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. Males (cobs) are larger than females (pens) and have a larger knob on their bill. The Mute Swan is one of the heaviest flying birds. In several studies from the UK, males were found to average from about 23.4 to 26.2 pounds, with a weight range of 20 to 32 pounds, while the slightly smaller females were found to average about 18.7 to 21.3 pounds, with a weight range of 17 to 23 pounds. The Mute Swan is less vocal than the noisy Bewick's Swan and Whooper Swan although it does make a variety of grunting, hoarse whistling and snorting noises, especially in communicating with their cygnets and threatening competitors or intruders trying to enter their territory. The most familiar sound associated with the Mute Swan is the vibrant throbbing of the wings in flight which is unique to the species and this can be heard from a range of up to 1 mile. The Mute Swan is found naturally mainly in the temperate areas of Europe across west Asia and as far east as Primorsky Krai in the far east of Russia. It is partially migratory throughout the northern latitudes in Europe and Asia as far south as north Africa and the Mediterranean. It is also often kept in captivity outside its natural range as a decoration for parks and ponds and escapes have occurred. The descendants of such birds have become naturalised in east USA and the Great Lakes region across the USA and Canada border. The Mute Swan population in the UK has increased recently probably due to better protection of this species. Some birds are resident all year whilst others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into east England. Mute Swans nest on large mounds that they build with waterside vegetation in shallow water on islands in the middle or at the very edge of a lake. It is a monogamous species and often reuses the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Males and females share the care of the nest. The female lays from 4 to 10 eggs and broods for around 36 days. Cygnets are unable to fly before an age of 120 to 150 days and this limits the distribution of the species in the northern edge of its range since the cygnets must learn to fly before the water freezes. The Mute Swan is usually strongly territorial with just a single pair on smaller lakes although in a few locations where a large area of suitable feeding habitat is found they can be colonial. The largest colonies can hold over 100 pairs such as that at the colony at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset in the UK. Non-mated juveniles up to 3 to 4 years old commonly form larger flocks often at regular traditional sites and these can total several hundred birds. The Mute Swan can be very aggressive in defence of its nest and it is highly protective of its mate and offspring. Most defensive attacks from a Mute Swan begin with a loud hiss and, if this is not sufficient to drive off the predator, are followed by a physical attack. It attacks by smashing at its enemy with bony spurs in the wings accompanied by biting with its large bill. Smaller waterbirds such as ducks are normally grabbed with the bill and dragged or thrown clear. Large waterfowl, such as the Canada Goose, more likely out of competition than in response to potential predation, may be aggressively driven off. The wings of the Mute Swan are very powerful although not strong enough to break an adult man's leg as has been claimed anecdotally. The Mute Swan feeds on a wide range of vegetation, both submerged aquatic plants which they reach with their long necks and by grazing on land. The food commonly includes agricultural crop plants such as oilseed rape and wheat and feeding flocks in the winter may cause significant crop damage, often as much through trampling with their large webbed feet as through direct consumption. Date: 9th September 2012 Location: Elmley, Isle of Sheppey, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/december-2017-coot https://images.on-this.website/4752_4491082425c570f3b2ae1f.jpgDecember 2017 - Coot Please see [url=https://rlchew1.photium.com/photo33820952.html ]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457102.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1136304438668570b84fb4a.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457359.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_298886869668571936c1bf.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52518185.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_678619442675450db1a315.jpgRed Admiral Flight period: April to November. The Red Admiral is a familiar and widespread butterfly in the UK although numbers depend on immigration from Europe. It can be found in any flower-rich habitat. Date: 13th September 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/brown-bear-libearty-bear-sanctuary https://images.on-this.website/4752_3946132755d528d66045ef.jpgBrown Bear, Libearty Bear Sanctuary, Zărneşti, Brașov County, Romania For more information on Brown Bear, please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871734.html]here[/url]. Libearty Bear Sanctuary covers an area of around 0.25 square miles of oak and hazel forest 6 miles north east of the town of Zărnești in central Romania. Libearty Bear Sanctuary is dedicated to Maya, a Brown Bear discovered by a Romanian woman, Cristina Lapis, in 1998 in a filthy cage with metal bars and cement floor in the courtyard of a hotel near Bran Castle. For 4 years, Cristina and her husband travelled around 40 miles every day to feed Maya and spend time with her. Although her health improved, Maya sadly died in March 2002 but Cristina’s experience inspired her to create Libearty Bear Sanctuary. Libearty Bear Sanctuary was created because of the need to rescue over 50 bears found suffering in small and rusted cages around the country where they had been used as pets or as attractions for restaurants and petrol stations. The bears were all caught from the wild as cubs and had lived all their lives in confined cages with a poor diet and little or no veterinary care. This practice of keeping captive bears was illegal in Romania but until the sanctuary was created the authorities were unable to confiscate these bears due to the lack of facilities available to care for such rescued animals. The land for Libearty Bear Sanctuary was donated by the Municipality of Zarnesti and funding was provided from a variety of sources, including from the World Society for the Protection of Animals (now renamed as World Animal Protection) who also designed the sanctuary and helped train the staff. The construction of Libearty Bear Sanctuary started in 2005 and today there are around 70 to 100 rescued Brown Bears living in several large forested enclosures. These forested areas contain large fresh water pools, hibernation dens and hundreds of trees with lush natural vegetation. The bears have a choice whether to stay inside the forested areas or come out to rest or forage in the open meadow areas and pools. For many of them, having been caught from the wild as cubs, this is a new and stimulating experience. The day-to-day management of the sanctuary, including the rescue and care of the bears and all general maintenance around the sanctuary, is undertaken by Cristina Lapis’s organisation, Milioane de Prieteni (Millions of Friends), which is based in Brașov. A large central building contains staff areas, storage and preparation areas for food for the bears, the veterinary clinic and a number of quarantine dens for new or sick bears. Although the bears feed on the natural vegetation, nuts and berries available in the forest they do need additional food and the sanctuary staff distribute a large amount of fruit and vegetables each day around the enclosures. Organised tours of visitors can be guided around the sanctuary while being told the story of the Brown Bear rescues. The sanctuary is not a zoo and the welfare of the bears is the priority but many bears can be seen by visitors near to the enclosure fences. The Libearty Bear Sanctuary has helped to create better awareness of the issues affecting Brown Bears in Romania and the public, the media and also the authorities have now taken this project to their hearts. The sanctuary has given new life to once captive bears and it is a symbol of optimism for the protection of Romania’s rich natural environment. In 2007 Romania joined the European Union and that brought new laws to the country including the EU Zoos Directive. This required that all zoos in Romania had to comply with certain standards of animal management. Many zoos could not comply and the bears in these zoos faced euthanasia but were saved by being re-homed at the Libearty Bear Sanctuary. Date: 6th June 2018 Location: Libearty Bear Sanctuary, Zărneşti, Brașov County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/january-2023-bittern https://images.on-this.website/4752_204658806864ea13c878e88.jpgJanuary 2023 - Bittern Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308905.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/ness-of-hillswick-and-the https://images.on-this.website/4752_1695917964866c2cba67f9.jpgNess of Hillswick and The Drongs, North Mainland, Shetland The Drongs are a group of rocks that rise steeply from the sea at the northern end of St Magnus Bay in the north west of mainland Shetland. They lie half a mile west of the Ness of Hillswick and 2 miles south east of Tangwick. Date: 1st June 2008 Location: view from the B9078 road http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18776293.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_163247182751f4cf47e6363.jpgRock Pipit The Rock Pipit is a large stocky pipit which is larger than the Meadow Pipit. It is streaky olive-brown above and dirty white underneath with dark streaking. The Rock Pipit breeds around the coast where there are rocky beaches and most of the birds that breed in the UK are residents. Date: 20th June 2013 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41225597.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2154317205eda02f28859a.jpgFour-spotted Chaser Flight period: mid May to end August. Four-spotted Chasers are a common and widespread species of dragonfly throughout most of the UK. They can be found around sheltered lowland lakes and ponds and around acidic moorland bogs and sheltered upland lakes. Date: 29th May 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623359.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13460714796117dd04248a0.jpgReed Bunting The Reed Bunting is a sparrow-sized but slimmer and with a long, deeply notched tail. The male has a black head, white collar and a drooping “moustache”. Females and winter males are browner and have a streaked head. In flight the tail looks black with broad, white edges. When singing, the male can usually be seen perched on top of a bush or reed. Reed Buntings can be found all year round in the UK, typically in areas of wet vegetation but also farmland and gardens in winter. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46535112.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_112455230662caa282570b0.jpgBlue-tailed Damselfly Flight period: mid May to early September. Blue-tailed Damselflies are a widespread and common species of damselfly in much of England, Wales and southern Scotland. They can be found around lakes, ponds, canals and ditches, being less common on flowing water and in exposed and upland sites. They can also tolerate some saline and polluted waters. Date: 3rd July 2022 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41234306.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9314113195ee775238272b.jpgLarge Skipper Flight period: June to July. The Large Skipper is a small golden butterfly which is widespread throughout England and Wales and it is also extending its range northwards in to southern Scotland. They can be found in areas of tall, uncut grassland, woodland rides, roadside verges and hedgerows. Date: 12th June 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29487126.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_75300543258107de8f29b5.jpgVartius to Suomussalmi, Kainuu, Finland Kainuu region borders the regions of Pohjois-Pohjanmaa (Northern Ostrobothnia) to the north and Pohjois-Karjala (North Karelia) and Pohjois-Savo (Northern Savonia) to the south. In the east it also borders Russia. The landscape of Kainuu region consists of lakes, hills and vast uninhabited forest areas. Boreal forest makes up most of the region and consists of birches, pines and spruces. Date: 24th May 2016 Location: view from road 912 between Vartius and Suomussalmi, Kainuu, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26541498.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_38487567856aced463a38d.jpgChaffinch The Chaffinch is a common UK resident bird and is a colorful member of the finch family. Chaffinches breed anywhere with trees and bushes, including coniferous and deciduous woodland, farmland hedgerows, parks and rural and suburban gardens. Date: 17th January 2016 Location: Caerlaverock WWT reserve, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41505244.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_455896545f37b46f57f0f.jpgVarangerfjord, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway The Varanger peninsula is situated in Troms og Finnmark in the extreme north east of Norway. With an area of 800 square miles, it is the largest area within the Arctic climate zone in mainland Norway and is bordered by Tanafjord to the west, Varangerfjord to the south and the Barents Sea to the north and east. The area has a rugged mountain terrain with altitudes up to 2077 feet and it has an Arctic tundra climate. The coast of the Varanger peninsula is an important area for breeding, migrating and wintering birds, especially some notable Arctic species. The Norwegian Directorate for Nature Management has a project on the Varanger peninsula to reintroduce and protect the Arctic Fox which is critically endangered on the Norwegian mainland. The Varangerhalvøya National Park (Norwegian: [I]Varangerhalvøya Nasjonalpark[/I]) lies to the west of road Fv341 and protects a majority of the land on the Varanger peninsula. Varangerfjord is the easternmost fjord in Norway and is located between the Varanger peninsula and the mainland of Norway. Varangerfjord flows through the municipalities of Vardø, Vadsø, Nesseby and Sør-Varanger. The fjord is approximately 62 miles long and empties in to the Barents Sea. The mouth is about 43 miles wide and is located between the town of Vardø in the north west and the village of Grense Jakobselv in the south east. The fjord stretches westwards inland past the town of Vadsø to the village of Varangerbotn in Nesseby municipality. Date: 3rd July 2019 Location: view near Krampenes, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41349695.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6622266535f2018002158b.jpgComma Flight period: March to October. The Comma was a rarity 100 years ago but is now a common and widespread butterfly in England and Wales and is on the point of recolonising Scotland. They are one of the first butterflies to be seen in spring and can be found in open woodland, woodland edges and gardens. Date: 13th July 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39083176.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3089518245d307ff773a7e.jpgEastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria The Rhodopes Mountains are a mountain range in south east Europe. They are spread over 5689 square miles of which 4723 square miles are located in south Bulgaria and the remainder in north Greece. The Rhodopes Mountains are about 149 miles long and about 62 to 75 miles wide with an average altitude of 2575 feet. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 7188 feet and is situated 12 miles to the west of Smolyan. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rhodopes Mountains gives its name to the terrestrial eco-region Rodope montane mixed forests that belong in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The area is particularly notable for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans plus its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms such as the Trigrad Gorge. The Rhodopes Mountains can be sub-divided in to 3 sections: The Western Rhodopes are spread over 66% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and they are higher, the most infrastructurally developed and the most visited part of the mountains. The highest and best known peaks are located in this section with more than 10 over 6562 feet high including the highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7188 feet). Some of the deepest river gorges in the Rhodopes Mountains are located in the west as well as several large lakes. The Eastern Rhodopes are spread over a territory of about 34% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and are much lower in height. The large artificial dams of Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets are located in this part of the mountains. Almost every species of European bird of prey nests in the Eastern Rhodopes including the rare Black Vulture and Egyptian Vulture. The Southern Rhodopes are the part of the mountain range that is located in Greece and they are characterized by numerous peaks of relatively low altitude. The River Borovitsa is a tributary of the River Arda and is located in the eastern Rhodopes Mountains. The river valley is stony and surrounded by rough grassland, scrub and forested hillsides. There are many tiny hamlets along the valley, many of them abandoned or semi-abandoned. This little visited area and its wild environment with only the tiny hamlets and patches of traditional agriculture form a great contrast with the town of Kardzhali. Nenkovo, 17.5 miles north west of Kardzhali, is one of the hamlets in the river valley with no electricity or car access. The access to the village is via a rope bridge over the River Borovitsa. The lack of cars has preserved the narrow village streets which wind between the houses built about 100 to 150 years ago. According to the census of 2011, the village has 129 inhabitants which is down from its peak of 883 people shortly after the Second World War. The village is almost exclusively inhabited by ethnic Bulgarian Turks. Near the village of Nenkovo there is a medieval bridge over the River Borovitsa. It is a large asymmetric bridge with 5 arches each of a different size. The road over the bridge is about 65 yards long. The bridge has been partly destroyed on a number of occasions by the rough waters of the river. It has been rebuilt in the past but after repeated damage it is no longer used. The area around Nenkovo village and the bridge is an excellent one for a wide range of bird species. Date: 26th May 2018 Location: River Borovitsa valley near Nenkovo, Eastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11328522.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13000552584e1d673548e2f.jpgMoorhen The Moorhen is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird that is usually found near water. From a distance it looks black with a ragged white line along its body. However, closer up it is olive-brown on the back and the head and blue-grey underneath. It has a red bill with a yellow tip. The Moorhen can be found all year round almost anywhere where there is water. They breed in lowland areas particularly in central and eastern England but are scarce in northern Scotland and the uplands of Wales and northern England. UK breeding birds are residents and seldom travel far. Date: 9th February 2008 Location: Northlands Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/marbled-white https://images.on-this.website/4752_18751067444f3e2843e6667.jpgMarbled White Flight period: July to August The Marbled White is a very distinctive black and white butterfly that is widespread in southern England and expanding its range northwards and eastwards. They can be found in unimproved grassland, coastal grassland, roadside verges and railway embankments. Date: 8th July 2007 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41524246.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19387537635f3a6d927a28d.jpgCommon Darter Flight period: end May to early October. Common Darters are the most widespread of the dragonflies over lowland UK but they are absent from upland areas. They can be found in a wide range of habitats including ponds, lakes, ditches, canals, slow flowing rivers and brackish water. They can also be frequently seen some way from water. Date: 4th August 2020 Location, Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo442199.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_436967745467f22ed17686.jpgLoch Morlich, Highland Loch Morlich is located in the Glenmore Forest Park in the Badenoch and Strathspey district and lies 4 miles north west of Cairn Gorm mountain and 5 miles south east of Aviemore. At the head of the loch is the highest beach in the UK at over 1000 feet. Date: 25th December 2006 Location: view from the Cairn Gorm mountain car park http://www.richardchewphotography.com/black-vultures https://images.on-this.website/4752_13833798664ff547172b033.jpgBlack Vultures The Black Vulture is also known as the Cinereous Vulture, Monk Vulture or Eurasian Black Vulture. It is an Old World vulture and is only distantly related to the New World vultures and is therefore not directly related to the much smaller American Black Vulture despite the similar name and colouration. The Black Vulture is believed to be the largest true bird of prey in the world.[5] The condors which are slightly larger are now generally considered to be unrelated to the true raptors. This huge bird measures 39 to 47 inches long with a 8 to 10 feet wingspan. The body mass can range from 15 to 31 pounds making it one of the world's heaviest flying birds. The Black Vulture is distinctly dark with the whole body being dark brown except the pale head in adults which is covered in fine down. The massive blue-grey bill is the largest of any bird of prey, a feature enhanced by the relatively small skull of the species. The wings, with serrated leading edges are held straight or slightly arched in flight and are very broad. Flight is slow and buoyant with deep, heavy flaps when necessary. The Black Vulture is a Eurasian species. The western limits of its range are in Spain and Portugal with a reintroduced population in south France. They are also found discontinuously to Greece, Turkey and throughout the central Middle East. Their range continues through Pakistan and northern India to its eastern limits in central Asia where they breed in northern China, Manchuria, Mongolia and Korea. The Black Vulture is generally a permanent resident except in those parts of its range where hard winters cause limited altitudinal movement and for juveniles when they reach breeding maturity. The Black Vulture can be found in hilly and mountainous areas, especially favouring dry semi-open habitats such as meadows at high altitudes. They are always associated with undisturbed, remote areas with limited human disturbance. They forage for carcasses over various kinds of terrain including steppe, grasslands, open woodlands, along riparian habitats or any kind of mountainous habitat. In their current European range and through the Middle East, Black Vultures can be found from 2,300 to 6,600 feet in elevation while in their Asian distribution they are typically found at higher elevations. The Black Vulture is a largely solitary bird, being found alone or in pairs much more frequently than most other Old World vultures. At large carcasses or feeding sites, small groups of less than 10 birds may congregate. The Black Vulture breeds in loose colonies although nests are rarely found in the same tree or rock formation, unlike other Old World vultures which often nest in tight-knit colonies. It breeds in high mountains and large forests, nesting in trees or occasionally on cliff ledges. The breeding season lasts from February until August or September. The huge nest is 4½ to 6½ feet across and 3½ to 10 feet deep and increases in size as a pair uses it repeatedly over the years. Like all vultures, the Black Vulture eats mostly carrion, ranging from the largest mammals available to fish and reptiles and it is well equipped to tear open tough carcass skins thanks to its powerful bill. It can even break apart bone such as ribs to access the flesh of large animals. It is dominant over other scavengers including other large vultures such as the Griffon Vulture. The Black Vulture has declined over most of its range in the last 200 years in part due to eating poisoned bait and also due to higher hygiene standards reducing the amount of available carrion. Trapping and hunting is also particularly prevalent in China and Russia. An even greater threat to this desolation-loving species is development and habitat destruction. The decline has been the greatest in the western half of the range with extinction in many European countries (France, Italy, Austria, Poland, Slovakia, Albania, Moldovia, Romania) and its entire breeding range in north west Africa (Morocco and Algeria). More recently, protection and deliberate feeding schemes have allowed some local recoveries in numbers, particularly in Spain where numbers increased to about 1,000 pairs by 1992 after an earlier decline to 200 pairs in 1970. Elsewhere in Europe, very small but increasing numbers breed in Bulgaria and Greece and a re-introduction scheme is under way in France. Date: 30th April 2012 Location: south of Brozas, western Cáceres, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo3119853.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9304575814a6c3b5aaecc8.jpgCommon Seals Common Seals feed at sea but regularly haul out on to rocky shores or inter-tidal sandbanks to rest, to give birth and to suckle their pups. The most important haul-out areas are around the coast of Scotland, particularly in the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland, and on the east coast of England in the Wash. Date: 13th July 2009 Location: Blakeney Point, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/october-2020-green-woodpecker https://images.on-this.website/4752_6297727275ff83f0e94a81.jpgOctober 2020 - Green Woodpecker Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42082971.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25774082.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_281735938560fb4e6d91e2.jpgLoch Scridain, Mull, Argyll Loch Scridain is located on the western coastline of the island of Mull in Argyll and is a large sea loch 12 miles in length and 2½ miles at its widest. Extending as far inland as Glen More, the area to the north is known as Ardmeanach while to the south lies the Ross of Mull. Date: 22nd September 2015 Location: view from the northern shore http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49279111.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20874092366499ca0780548.jpgMarbled White Flight period: July to August The Marbled White is a very distinctive black and white butterfly that is widespread in southern England and expanding its range northwards and eastwards. They can be found in unimproved grassland, coastal grassland, roadside verges and railway embankments. Date: 22nd June 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41349761.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7330362315f202001d982e.jpgLarge Skipper Flight period: June to July. The Large Skipper is a small golden butterfly which is widespread throughout England and Wales and it is also extending its range northwards in to southern Scotland. They can be found in areas of tall, uncut grassland, woodland rides, roadside verges and hedgerows. Date: 17th July 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41537234.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12124127165f3cfdb1d00e8.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 4th July 2019 Location: Flåget, Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493311.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4129873755f326fceb8f9d.jpgCommon Guillemot The Common Guillemot, also known as the Common Murre or Thin-billed Murre, is a large species of auk. The auks are a family of seabirds which includes the Brunnich's Guillemot or Thick-billed Murre, Razorbill, Little Auk and the extinct Great Auk. The Common Guillemot is 15 to 18 inches in length with a 24 to 29 inches wingspan. In breeding plumage, it is black or dark brown on the head, back and wings with white underparts. It has a thin dark pointed bill and a small rounded dark tail. Legs are grey and the bill is dark grey. Males and females are identical. Some individuals in the North Atlantic, known as "Bridled Guillemots", have a white ring around the eye extending back as a white line. This is not a distinct subspecies but a polymorphism that becomes more common the farther north the birds breed. The Common Guillemot flies with fast wing beats and has a flight speed of around 50 mph. Groups of birds are often seen flying together in a line just above the surface of the sea. However, it is not a very agile bird and take-off is often difficult. The Common Guillemot becomes flightless for 45 to 60 days while moulting its primary feathers. The Common Guillemot is a pursuit diver that forages for food by swimming underwater using its wings for propulsion. Dives usually last less than one minute but the bird swims underwater for distances of over 100 feet on a regular basis. Diving depths up to 590 feet have been recorded. The Common Guillemot has a circumpolar distribution and it occurs in low Arctic and boreal waters in the north Atlantic and north Pacific. It spends most of its time at sea and only comes to land to breed on rocky cliffs, sea stacks and islands. Some birds are permanent residents but northern birds migrate south to open waters off New England, southern California, Japan, Korea and the western Mediterranean. The Common Guillemot breeds in colonies at high densities and nesting pairs may be in bodily contact with their neighbours. No nest is made and the single egg is laid and incubated on a bare rock ledge on a cliff face. The egg hatches after 30 days incubation and the chick is born downy and can regulate its body temperature after 10 days. Some 20 days after hatching the chick jumps off its nesting ledge and heads for the sea unable to fly but gliding for some distance with fluttering wings and accompanied by its male parent. The chicks are capable of diving as soon as they hit the water. The female stays at the nest site for some 14 days after the chick has left. The Common Guillemot can venture far from its breeding grounds to forage and distances of 60 miles or more are often observed although if sufficient food is available closer by, birds will only travel much shorter distances. It mainly eats small schooling fish 8 inches long or less such as Polar Cod, Capelin, Sand Lances, Sprats, Sandeels, Atlantic Cod and Atlantic Herring. It also eats some molluscs, marine worms, squid and crustaceans. It is often seen carrying fish in its bill with the tail hanging out. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/la-rocina-el-roco-coto https://images.on-this.website/4752_15293317434ff547fceb667.jpgLa Rocina, El Rocío, Coto Doñana, Andalucia, Spain La Rocina is a visitor centre for the Parque Nacional de Doñana located close to El Rocío. It has information on the park and a nature trail through woodland and scrub and along the freshwater lake and marshland of Charco de la Boca which feeds into the Madres de la Marismas at El Rocío. Date: 1st May 2012 Location: La Rocina, Coto Doñana, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41524243.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9394455025f3a6afc239e6.jpgSmall Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Small Skipper has a rusty orange colour to the wings, upper body and the tips of the antennae. The body is silvery white below and it has a wingspan of 25 to 30 mm. It is very similar in appearance to the Essex Skipper but the undersides of the tips of the antennae are yellow orange in the Small Skipper whereas they are black in the Essex Skipper. The Small Skipper is a common and widespread butterfly in most parts of England and has been expanding its range northwards. It can be found in rough grassland, roadside verges, edges of fields and woodland clearings where it is often seen basking on vegetation or making short buzzing flights among tall grass stems. Date: 1st August 2020 Location, Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46534262.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_38443764562ca9443d0170.jpgBlack-browed Albatross The Black-browed Albatross, also known as the Black-browed Mollymawk, is a large seabird in the albatross family [i]Diomedeidae[/i] and it is the most widespread and common member of its family. The albatrosses are classified in the order [i]Procellariiformes[/i] which also includes shearwaters, fulmars, storm petrels and diving petrels. All these birds share certain identifying features. They have nasal passages that attach to the upper bill called naricorns although the nostrils on the albatross are on the sides of the bill. The bills of [i]Procellariiformes[/i] are also unique in that they are split into between 7 and 9 horny plates and they have a salt gland above the nasal passage which helps to remove salt from the ocean water that they imbibe. The gland excretes a high saline solution through the bird's nose. The Black-browed Albatross is a medium-sized albatross at 31 to 37 inches in length with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. It has a dark grey saddle and upperwings that contrast with the white rump and underparts. The underwing is predominantly white with broad and irregular black margins. It has a dark eyebrow and a yellow-orange bill with a darker reddish-orange tip. Juveniles have dark horn-coloured bills with dark tips and a grey head and collar. They also have dark underwings. The features that distinguish it from other albatrosses are the dark eyestripe which gives it its name, a broad black edging to the white underside of its wings, white head and orange bill tipped darker orange. The Black-browed Albatross is circumpolar in the southern oceans and it breeds on 12 islands throughout that range. In the Atlantic Ocean, it breeds on the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, and the Cape Horn Islands. In the Pacific Ocean it breeds on Islas Ildefonso, Diego de Almagro, Islas Evangelistas, Campbell Island, Antipodes Islands, Snares Islands and Macquarie Island. In the Indian Ocean it breeds on the Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island and McDonald Island. There are an estimated 1,220,000 birds alive with 600,853 breeding pairs as estimated by a 2005 count. Of these birds, 402,571 breed in the Falklands, 72,102 breed on South Georgia Island and 120,171 breed on the Chilean islands of Islas Ildefonso, Diego de Almagro, Islas Evangelistas and Islas Diego Ramírez. Birds from the Falkland Islands winter near the Patagonian Shelf and birds from South Georgia forage in South African waters. It is the most likely albatross to be found in the North Atlantic due to this northerly migratory tendency. The Black-browed Albatross normally nests on steep slopes covered with tussock grass and sometimes on cliffs although on the Falkland Islands it nests on flat grassland on the coast. It is an annual breeder with the female laying a single egg from between 20th September and 1st November although the Falkland Islands breeders lay about 3 weeks earlier. Incubation of the egg is undertaken by both sexes and lasts 68 to 71 days. After hatching, the chicks take 120 to 130 days to fledge. Juveniles will return to the colony after 2 to 3 years but only to practice courtship rituals as they will only start breeding around their 10th year. The Black-browed Albatross can have a natural lifespan of over 70 years. The Black-browed Albatross feeds on fish, squid, crustaceans, carrion, and fishery discards but it has also been observed stealing food from other species. Until 2013, the IUCN classified the Black-browed Albatross as endangered due to a drastic reduction in its population. There has been a 67% decline in the population over 64 years. Increased longline fishing in the southern oceans, especially around the Patagonian Shelf and around South Georgia, has been attributed as a major cause of the decline of this bird and the Black-browed Albatross has been found to be the most common bird killed by fisheries. Trawl fishing, especially around the Patagonian Shelf and off South Africa, is also a large cause of deaths. Conservation efforts underway start with this species being placed on the Convention on Migratory Species and the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels. It is being monitored on half of the islands and most of the breeding sites are reserves and some are World Heritage Sites. Although a very rare occurrence, vagrancy into the North Atlantic has occurred including a bird which returned to the Gannet colony on Shetland for several decades from 1967. From 2014, another bird has been seen around the Heligoland archipelago off the Germany and Denmark coast and what is believed to be the same bird has summered at or around RSPB Bempton Cliffs in east Yorkshire since 2019. Date: 27th June 2022 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41176052.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19750290835e9306d8895db.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 5th April 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50776402.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16974995006606e54154d00.jpgMallards The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 8th March 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41524230.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19711771685f3a6ac666966.jpgCommon Blue Flight period: June to September. The Common Blue is the UK’s most widespread and common blue butterfly although it has suffered some local declines due to habitat loss. They can be found in sunny, sheltered areas including downland, roadside verges, woodland clearings and rural gardens. Date: 1st August 2020 Location, Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14155717.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13619718004f3cc5e3398e8.jpgFieldfare The Fieldfare is a member of the thrush family which is very similar to a Mistle Thrush in general size, shape and behaviour. It has a slate grey crown, neck and rump, a plain brown back, dark wings, blackish tail and white underwings. The breast and flanks are heavily speckled. The breast has a reddish wash and the rest of the underparts are white. The sexes are similar in appearance but the females are slightly more brown. The male has a simple chattering song and the birds have various guttural flight and alarm calls. The Fieldfare is a migratory species with a Palearctic distribution. It breeds in north Norway, north Sweden, Finland, the Baltic states, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland and in to Asia. In the summer the Fieldfare frequents mixed woodland of birch, alder, pine, spruce and fir, often near marshes, moorland or other open ground. It does not avoid the vicinity of humans and can be seen in cultivated areas, orchards, parks and gardens. It also inhabits open tundra and the slopes of hills above the tree line. It often breeds in small colonies, possibly for protection from predators. The first known breeding of the Fieldfare in the UK was in 1967 when a pair nested in Orkney. Very small numbers have continued nesting fairly regularly in Scotland. The winter range extends through west Europe, including the UK, south Europe and north Africa although it is uncommon in the Mediterranean region. Eastern populations migrate to Anatolia, Israel, Iran and north west India. Migrating and wintering Fieldfares often form large flocks, often in the company of Redwings. In the winter, the Fieldfare can be found in open country, agricultural land, orchards, open woodland and gardens. It is nomadic, wandering wherever there is an abundance of berries and insects. Later in the year it moves on to pastureland and cultivated fields. The Fieldfare is omnivorous. Animal food in the diet includes snails and slugs, earthworms, spiders and insects such as beetles and their larvae, flies and grasshoppers. In the autumn ripened berries such as hawthorn, holly, rowan, yew, juniper, dog rose, cotoneaster, pyracantha and berberis are eaten. In addition, windfall apples, grain and seeds are eaten. When these are exhausted, or in particularly harsh weather, the birds may move to marshes or even the foreshore where molluscs can be found. Date: 7th February 2012 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871751.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14621032194eff21ca200c8.jpgBrown Bear The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, <i>Ursus arctos arctos</i>. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an overnight stay in a Brown Bear watching hide at [url=http://www.martinselkonen.fi/index.php?id=1&la=en]Martinselkosen Eräkeskus[/url] Date: 1st June 2009 Location: Martinselkosen Eräkeskus, Pirttivaara, Kainuu, Finland <iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/10143012?autoplay=1" width="600" height="450" frameborder="0"></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/10143012">Brown Bears of Martinselkonen</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user3372484">Richard Chew</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>. Music: Jean Sibelius - Andante festivo<br /> </p> http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9378298.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14632989354da1f08a757a8.jpgGoldfinch The European Goldfinch or simply the Goldfinch is a small passerine bird in the finch family. The Goldfinch is 4.7 to 5.1 inches in length with a wingspan of 8.3 to 9.8 inches. The sexes are broadly similar, with a red face, black and white head, warm brown upper parts, white underparts with buff flanks and breast patches and black and yellow wings. On closer inspection, males can often be distinguished by a larger, darker red mask that extends just behind the eye. The shoulder feathers are black, whereas they are brown on the female. In females, the red face does not extend past the eye. The ivory-coloured bill is long and pointed and the tail is forked. Juveniles have a plain head and a greyer back but are unmistakable due to the yellow wing stripe. The Goldfinch is native to Europe, north Africa and west and central Asia. It is found in open, partially wooded lowlands and it is a resident in the milder west of its range but migrates from colder regions. It will also make local movements, even in the west, to escape bad weather. It has been introduced to many areas of the world. In the UK, the Goldfinch can be seen anywhere there are scattered bushes and trees, rough ground with thistles and other seeding plants, including orchards, parks, gardens, heathland and commons. It is less common in upland areas and most numerous in the south of England. The nest is built entirely by the female Goldfinch and is generally completed within a week. It is neat and compact and constructed of mosses and lichens and lined with plant down such as that from thistles. It is generally located several feet above the ground, hidden by leaves in the twigs at the end of a branch. The female typically lays 4 to 6 eggs which are incubated for 11 to 13 days. The chicks are fed by both parents. Initially they receive a mixture of seeds and insects but as they grow the proportion of insect material decreases. For the first 7 to 9 days the young are brooded by the female. The nestlings fledge 13 to 18 days after hatching. The young birds are fed by both parents for a further 7 to 9 days. The parents typically raise 2 broods each year and occasionally 3. The Goldfinch's preferred food is small seeds such as those from thistles and teasels but insects are also taken when feeding young. It also regularly visits bird feeders in winter. The Goldfinch is commonly kept and bred in captivity around the world because of its distinctive appearance and pleasant song. In the UK during the 19th century, many thousands of Goldfinches were trapped each year to be sold as cage birds. One of the earliest campaigns of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was directed against this trade. Date: 8th April 2011 Location: Way Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/canada-geese-goslings https://images.on-this.website/4752_12454502875ea6dfe3ddeb1.jpgCanada Geese goslings The Canada Goose belongs to the Branta genus of geese which contains species with largely black plumage distinguishing it from the grey species of the genus Anser. The black head and neck with a white "chinstrap" distinguish the Canada Goose from all other goose species with the exception of the Cackling Goose from north America and the Barnacle Goose which has a black breast and grey rather than brownish body plumage. The 7 sub-species of the Canada Goose vary widely in size and plumage details but all are recognizable as Canada Geese. Of the "true geese" (i.e. the genera Anser, Branta or Chen), the Canada Goose is on average the largest living species. It ranges from 30 to 43 inches in length and with a 50 to 73 inches wingspan. The male usually weighs 5.7 to 14.3 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 8.6 pounds. The female looks virtually identical but is slightly lighter at 5.3 to 12.1 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 7.9 pounds. It is also generally 10% smaller in linear dimensions than the male. The Canada Goose is native to north America where it breeds in Canada and the north USA in a wide range of habitats. The Great Lakes region maintains a very large population. It occurs all year round in the southern part of its breeding range, including most of the eastern seaboard and the Pacific coast. Between California and South Carolina in the south USA and north Mexico, it is primarily present as a migrant from further north during the winter. Outside north America, the Canada Goose has reached north Europe naturally as has been proved by ringing recoveries. It has also been introduced in to Europe and had established populations in the UK in the middle of the 18th century, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany and Scandinavia. Most European populations are not migratory but those in more northerly parts of Sweden and Finland migrate to the North Sea and Baltic coasts. Semi-tame feral birds are common in parks and have become a pest in some areas. In the early 17th century, explorer Samuel de Champlain sent several pairs of Canada Geese to France as a present for King Louis XIII. Canada Geese were first introduced in to the UK in the late 17th century as an addition to King James II's waterfowl collection in St. James's Park. They were also introduced in to Germany and Scandinavia during the 20th century. During the second year of its life, the Canada Goose finds a mate. It is a monogamous species and most couples stay together all of their lives. If one dies, the other may find a new mate. The female lays from 2 to 9 eggs with an average of 5. Both parents protect the nest while the eggs incubate but the female spends more time at the nest than the male. The nest is usually located in an elevated area near water such as streams, lakes and ponds and the eggs are laid in a shallow depression lined with plant material and down. The incubation period, in which the female incubates the eggs while the male remains nearby, lasts for 24 to 28 days after laying. As soon as the goslings hatch, they are immediately capable of walking, swimming and finding their own food (a diet similar to the adults). Parents are often seen leading their goslings in a line, usually with one adult at the front and the other at the back. While protecting their goslings, parents often violently chase away anything from small birds to lone humans who approach, after warning them by giving off a hissing sound and then attacking with bites and slaps of the wings if the threat does not retreat. Although parents are hostile to unfamiliar geese, they may form groups (crèches) of a number of goslings and a few adults. The goslings enter the fledgling stage any time from 6 to 9 weeks of age. Once it reaches adulthood, due to its large size and often aggressive behaviour, the Canada Goose is rarely preyed on although prior injury may make it more vulnerable to natural predators. The lifespan in the wild of birds that survive to adulthood ranges from 10 to 24 years. The UK longevity record is held by a specimen tagged as a nestling which was observed alive at the age of 31. The Canada Goose is primarily a herbivore although it will sometimes eat small insects and fish. Their diet includes grasses, aquatic plants, beans and grains such as wheat, rice, and corn when they are available. In urban areas, it is also known to pick food out of rubbish bins and it will readily take a variety of food from humans in parks. Date: 26th April 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo440657.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1465086338467e980160410.jpgMeadow Brown Flight period: June to August. The Meadow Brown is one of the most widespread and abundant of the UK's butterflies. It can be found typically in open grasslands but also other habitats such as roadside verges, woodland rides and urban parks and cemeteries. Date: 15th July 2006 Location: Thrift Wood EWT reserve, Bicknacre, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40404971.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_381662395dc7be600f2dc.jpgRed Admiral Flight period: April to November. The Red Admiral is a familiar and widespread butterfly in the UK although numbers depend on immigration from Europe. They can be found in any flower-rich habitat. Date: 26th August 2019 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14185270.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10437313494f42298d55b6b.jpgLarge Skipper Flight period: June to July. The Large Skipper is a small golden butterfly which is widespread throughout England and Wales and it is also extending its range northwards in to southern Scotland. They can be found in areas of tall, uncut grassland, woodland rides, roadside verges and hedgerows. Date: 22nd July 2007 Location: Stow Maries Halt EWT reserve, Stow Maries, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33568423.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3380405105a106b41539a1.jpgBarnacle Goose The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 4th November 2017 Location: Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46511053.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_41821315062c98ebb9d92c.jpgNant Ffrancon, Snowdonia National Park, Gwynedd Nant Ffrancon in the Snowdonia National Park is located between Bethesda and Llyn Ogwen. It contains the A5 Holyhead to London trunk road, which was re-engineered by Thomas Telford between 1810 and 1826, but a parallel minor single track road also provides access to some very good habitat for upland birds. Nant Ffrancon itself is a steep-sided glacial valley dropping to Bethesda between the Glyderau and Carneddau mountains of Snowdonia. Date: 7th May 2022 Location: view from the minor road north of Llyn Ogwen http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50931107.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3607303736627d68bb9831.jpgReed Bunting The Reed Bunting is a sparrow-sized but slimmer and with a long, deeply notched tail. The male has a black head, white collar and a drooping “moustache”. Females and winter males are browner and have a streaked head. In flight the tail looks black with broad, white edges. When singing, the male can usually be seen perched on top of a bush or reed. Reed Buntings can be found all year round in the UK, typically in areas of wet vegetation but also farmland and gardens in winter. Date: 14th April 2024 Location: RSPB Rainham Marshes, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/four-spotted-chaser https://images.on-this.website/4752_846744665467ea88031a0b.jpgFour-spotted Chaser Flight period: mid May to end August. Four-spotted Chasers are a common and widespread species of dragonfly throughout most of the UK. They can be found around sheltered lowland lakes and ponds and around acidic moorland bogs and sheltered upland lakes. Date: 11th June 2006 Location: Near Shieldaig, Wester Ross http://www.richardchewphotography.com/atlantic-grey-and-common-seals https://images.on-this.website/4752_15178271924e48ea03ae96f.jpgAtlantic Grey and Common Seals Common Seals feed at sea but regularly haul out on to rocky shores or inter-tidal sandbanks to rest, to give birth and to suckle their pups. The most important haul-out areas are around the coast of Scotland, particularly in the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland, and on the east coast of England in the Wash. The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 1st June 2008 Location: Noss, Shetland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41349606.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18024105735f200221c4437.jpgBlue-tailed Damselfly Flight period: mid May to early September. Blue-tailed Damselflies are a widespread and common species of damselfly in much of England, Wales and southern Scotland. They can be found around lakes, ponds, canals and ditches, being less common on flowing water and in exposed and upland sites. They can also tolerate some saline and polluted waters. Date: 16th June 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871662.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17104882784eff204fd46d3.jpgRaven The Common Raven, also known as the Northern Raven or simply as the Raven, is a large passerine bird in the crow family [i]Corvidae[/i]. There are considered to be 8 to 11 geographical sub-species. The closest relatives of the Raven are the Brown-necked Raven found in north Africa and the Middle East, the Pied Crow found from sub-Saharan Africa down to south Africa and the Chihuahuan Raven found in south west and mid west USA and north Mexico. The adult Raven ranges from 21 inches to 26 inches in length with a wingspan of 45 to 51 inches. Recorded weights range from 1.5 to 4.5 pounds making the Raven one of the heaviest passerines. Birds from colder regions are generally larger and heavier compared with those from warmer regions. The Raven has a mostly black iridescent plumage. The bill is large and slightly curved and it is one of the largest bills amongst passerines. It has a longish, strongly graduated tail at 8 to 10.5 inches. The throat feathers are elongated and pointed and the base of the neck feathers are pale brownish-grey. Juvenile plumage is similar but duller. Apart from its greater size, the Raven differs from other crows by having a larger and heavier black beak, shaggy feathers around the throat and above the beak and a wedge-shaped tail. Flying Ravens are distinguished from crows by their tail shape, larger wing area and more stable soaring style which generally involves less wing flapping. Despite their bulk, the Raven is easily as agile in flight as the smaller crows. Between 15 to 30 categories of vocalization have been recorded for the Raven, most of which are used for social interaction. Apart from its wide and complex vocabulary, the Raven can mimic sounds from their environment including human speech. Non-vocal sounds produced by the Raven include wing whistles and bill snapping. If a member of a pair is lost, its mate reproduces the calls of its lost partner to encourage its return. The Raven can thrive in varied climates and it has the largest range of any member of the crow family and one of the largest of any passerine. It ranges throughout the Holarctic region from the Arctic and temperate habitats in north America and Eurasia to the deserts of north Africa and to the islands in the Pacific Ocean. In the UK, the Raven is most common in the upland areas of south west England, Wales, the north Pennines and the Lake District and much of Scotland. The Raven is generally resident within its range for the whole year although some birds may move south from the Arctic regions in winter. It can be found in a wide variety of environments but it prefers wooded areas with large expanses of open land nearby or coastal regions for their nesting sites and feeding grounds. The Raven is usually seen in mated pairs although young birds may form flocks. Relationships between Ravens are often quarrelsome yet they demonstrate considerable devotion to their families. Juvenile Ravens begin to court at a very early age but may not bond for another 2 or 3 years. Aerial acrobatics, demonstrations of intelligence and the ability to provide food are key behaviours of courting. Once paired, Ravens tend to nest together for life and usually in the same location. Breeding pairs must have a territory of their own before they begin nest building and reproduction and thus they aggressively defend a territory and its food resources. Nesting territories vary in size according to the availability of food resources in the area. The nest is a deep bowl made of large sticks and twigs bound with an inner layer of roots, mud and bark and lined with a softer material such as deer fur. It is usually built in a large tree or on a cliff ledge or less frequently in old buildings or utility poles. The female lays between 3 to 7 eggs and incubation by the female only is about 18 to 21 days. In most of the range, egg laying begins in late February although in colder climates it is as late as April. The young are fed by both parents and fledge after 35 to 42 days. They stay with their parents for another 6 months after fledging. Owing to its size, gregariousness and its defensive abilities, the Raven has few natural predators. The eggs and young are preyed on, albeit rarely, by large hawks and eagles, large owls, martens and canids. The adults are often successful in defending their young and drive off predators by flying at them and lunging with their large bills. The Raven can be very long-lived especially in captive or protected conditions. Individuals at the Tower of London have lived for more than 40 years but lifespans in the wild are considerably shorter at typically 10 to 15 years. The Raven is omnivorous and highly opportunistic and its diet may vary widely with location, season and luck. It will prey on small invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, small mammals and birds and scavenge by feeding on carrion as well as the associated maggots and carrion beetles. Plant food includes cereal grains, berries and fruit. It may also consume the undigested portions of animal faeces and human food waste. The Raven will store surplus food items, especially those containing fat, and it will learn to hide such food out of the sight of other Ravens. It will also raid the food caches of other species such as the Arctic Fox and it will sometimes associate with another canine, such as the Wolf, as a kleptoparasite, following them to scavenge kills in winter. The crow family is well known for its intelligence and the brain of the Raven is among the largest of any bird species. Through extensive scientific experimentation, it has been proven that the Raven displays ability in problem-solving as well as other cognitive processes such as imitation and insight. In addition, there has been increasing recognition of the extent to which the Raven engages in play with others of its own species or with other mammals and birds. Juveniles are among the most playful of bird species. The Raven is also known for spectacular aerobatic displays such as flying in loops or interlocking talons with each other in flight. Over the centuries, the Raven has been the subject of mythology, folklore, art and literature. In many cultures, including the indigenous cultures of Scandinavia, ancient Ireland and Wales, Bhutan, the north west coast of north America, Siberia and north east Asia, the Raven has been revered as a spiritual figure or god-like creature. Date: 27th May 2009 Location: Store Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33820953.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19974191755a3d07c7bc9c4.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 12th December 2017 Location: Kensington Gardens, London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33820946.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19529941865a3d07b2e4368.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 12th December 2017 Location: Kensington Gardens, London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/avas-east-macedonia-and-thrace https://images.on-this.website/4752_443107029559cf47005ddf.jpgAvas, East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece Avas is a small village in the southern part of the Evros region located 6 miles north of Alexandroupoli. The nearby Avas gorge, a rugged ravine with steep rock-faces and riverine woodland, is famed for its raptors. Date: 8th May 2015 Location: approach road to Avas, East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41524237.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2441810285f3a6ae101251.jpgGatekeeper Flight period: mid-July to early September. The Gatekeeper or Hedge Brown is common and widespread throughout the southern half of the UK. They can be found in areas with hedgerows or in scrubby woodland with wide and sunny rides. Date: 1st August 2020 Location, Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo442114.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_252041213467f1c0eb5179.jpgRiver Wharfe, North Yorkshire The River Wharfe is one of the most famous rivers in Yorkshire. Between Bolton Abbey and Barden Bridge are the Strid Woods which are well known for the variety of birds, animals and insects that frequent them. The Strid itself is a notorious stretch of water where the River Wharfe is forced into a deep and narrow thundering channel. Date: 10th May 2005 Location: view from Strid Woods off the B6160 road north of Bolton Abbey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/august-2007-meadow-grasshopper https://images.on-this.website/4752_13680069524a4a58b0de56b.jpgAugust 2007 - Meadow Grasshopper Please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/photo583480.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/dalmatian-pelican https://images.on-this.website/4752_1113951099559ceec287cfe.jpgDalmatian Pelican The Dalmatian Pelican is by a slight margin the largest of the pelican species and one of the largest living bird species. It measures 5 feet 3 inches to 6 feet in length with a wingspan of 9 feet 6 inches to 11 feet 4 inches. Its median weight is around 25 pounds which makes it perhaps the world's heaviest flying bird species, although the largest individuals among some male bustard and swan species may be heavier than the largest individual Dalmatian Pelican. The somewhat similar-looking White Pelican broadly overlaps in size but has greater size sexual dimorphism. Female White Pelicans can be noticeably smaller than female Dalmatian Pelicans but male individuals of the two species are essentially the same size and weight. The Dalmatian Pelican differs from the White Pelican in that it has curly nape feathers, grey legs and silvery-white (rather than pure white) plumage. In winter, the adult Dalmatian Pelican goes from silvery-grey to a dingier brownish-grey cream colour. Immature birds are grey and lack the pink facial patch of immature White Pelicans. The bare skin around the eye can vary from yellow to purplish in colour. In the breeding season the Dalmatian Pelican has an orange-red lower mandible and pouch against a yellow upper mandible but in winter the whole bill is a somewhat dull yellow. The bill, at 14 to 18 inches long, is the second largest of any bird after the Australian Pelican. In flight, the Dalmatian Pelican is an elegant soaring bird, with the head held close to and aligned with the body by a downward bend in the neck. Unlike other pelicans, its wings are solid greyish-white with black tips. The Dalmatian Pelican can be found in lakes, rivers, deltas and estuaries from south east Europe to India and China. Compared to the White Pelican, the Dalmatian Pelican is not as tied to lowland areas and will nest in suitable wetlands at many elevations. It is less opportunistic in breeding habitat selection than the White Pelican, usually returning to a traditional breeding site year after year unless it becomes completely unsuitable. The Dalmatian Pelican usually migrates short distances. It is dispersive in Europe, based on feeding opportunities, with most western birds staying through the winter in the Mediterranean region. It is more actively migratory in Asia, where most of the birds that breed in Russia fly down for the winter to the central Middle East, largely around Iran through to the Indian Subcontinent from Nepal to central India. The Dalmatian Pelican has declined greatly throughout its range, more so than the White Pelican. During the 20th century, the species' numbers underwent a dramatic decline for reasons that are not entirely understood. The most likely reason was habitat loss due to human activities such as the drainage of wetlands and land development. Colonies are regularly disturbed by human activity, and, like all pelicans, the parents may temporarily leave their nest if threatened which then exposes the chicks to the risk of predation. Occasionally, Dalmatian Pelicans may be shot by fishermen who believe the birds are dangerously depleting the fish population and hence threatening their livelihood. Dalmatian Pelicans also regularly fly into power-lines and are killed by electrocution. The largest single remaining colony of Dalmatian Pelicans in Europe is at the Prespa lakes shared between Albania and Greece with around 1400 pairs. Approximately 450 pairs breed in the Danube Delta in Romania. The country with the largest breeding population today, including about 70% of pairs or possibly over 3,000 pairs, is Russia. Conservation efforts have been undertaken on behalf of the Dalmatian Pelican especially in Europe. Although they normally nest on the ground, Dalmatian Pelicans have nested on platforms put out in Turkey, Greece, Bulgaria and Romania in order to encourage them to breed. Rafts over water have also been set up for the species to use in Greece and Bulgaria. Power-lines have also been marked or dismantled in areas adjacent to colonies in these countries. Additionally, water-level management and educational programs may be aiding them at a local level. The Dalmatian Pelican feeds almost entirely on fish. It usually forages alone or in groups of only 2 or 3 birds. It normally swims along, placidly and slowly, until it quickly dunks its head underwater and scoops the fish out along with great masses of water. The water is dumped out of the sides of the pouch and the fish is swallowed. Occasionally it may feed cooperatively with other pelicans by corralling fish into shallow waters and may even co-operate similarly while fishing alongside Cormorants. Among a highly social family in general, the Dalmatian Pelican may have the least social inclinations. It naturally nests in relatively small groups compared to most other pelican species and sometimes may even nest alone. However, small colonies are usually formed, which regularly include upwards of 250 pairs. Occasionally, Dalmatian Pelicans may mix in with colonies of White Pelicans. Nesting sites selected are usually either islands in large bodies of water (typically lagoons or river deltas) or dense mats of aquatic vegetation. The nest is a moderately-sized pile of grass, reeds, sticks and feathers and is usually located on or near the ground, often being placed on dense floating vegetation. Breeding commences in March or April, about a month before the White Pelican breeds. Date: 12th May 2015 Location: Lake Kerkini, Central Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50776411.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8937875236606e8d3cb419.jpgMoorhen The Moorhen is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird that is usually found near water. From a distance it looks black with a ragged white line along its body. However, closer up it is olive-brown on the back and the head and blue-grey underneath. It has a red bill with a yellow tip. The Moorhen can be found all year round almost anywhere where there is water. They breed in lowland areas particularly in central and eastern England but are scarce in northern Scotland and the uplands of Wales and northern England. UK breeding birds are residents and seldom travel far. Date: 27th March 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28884635.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_67817914257cc22fcac976.jpgBlue-headed Wagtail The Western Yellow Wagtail is a small passerine in the wagtail family. The breeding adult male is basically olive above and yellow below. In other plumages, the yellow may be diluted by white. The heads of breeding males come in a variety of colours and patterns depending on the subspecies. The male Blue-headed Wagtail has a blue-grey head with white supercilium and malar stripe in males, much washed with buffish green in females. The Blue-headed Wagtail breeds in much of temperate Europe and Asia. It is resident in the milder parts of its range, such as western Europe, but northern and eastern populations migrate to sub-Saharan Africa and south Asia. Date: 18th May 2016 Location: Aardla polder, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/june-2008-red-necked-phalarope https://images.on-this.website/4752_2424501304e3a56ecba677.jpgJune 2008 - Red-necked Phalarope Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9578726.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453974.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11012341124ff546f77a2eb.jpgCorn Bunting The Corn Bunting is a rather non-descript stout and dumpy brown bird which is the largest of the bunting family. The Corn Bunting breeds across southern and central Europe, north Africa and Asia across to Kazahkstan. It is mainly resident but some birds from the colder regions of central Europe and Asia migrate southwards in winter. The Corn Bunting is a bird of open country with trees such as farmland and weedy wasteland. It has declined greatly in north west Europe due to intensive agricultural practices depriving it of its food supply of weed seeds and insects, the latter especially when feeding young. Date: 29th April 2012 Location: Santa Marta de Magasca to Cáceres, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51982671.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_186730781566d33d0a22645.jpgEmerald Damselfly Flight period: June to September The Emerald Damselfly is widely distributed in uplands and lowlands throughout the UK. They can be found around small, shallow standing water with luxuriant vegetation such as rushes and sedges. Date: 19th July 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4267534.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6078197444b522afcd5b5d.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 3rd January 2010 Location: Southerness, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405539.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2770541236586f7ac8ef33.jpgGreat Northern Diver The Great Northern Diver is the largest of the UK's divers with a bigger, heavier head and bill than its commoner relatives. The Great Northern Diver is largely a winter visitor to the UK coast although some non-breeding birds stay off northern coasts in the summer. They start to arrive offshore in August and birds move back to their largely Icelandic breeding grounds in April and May. The largest numbers can be found off the northern and western islands of Scotland. Date: 8th December 2023 Location: Great Notley Country Park, Braintree, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25774100.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1535631517560fb60c0cc30.jpgHerring Gull Herring Gulls are large, noisy gulls and can be found throughout the year around coasts. During winter they can also be found inland around rubbish tips, fields, large reservoirs and lakes. Herring Gulls usually breed in colonies at coastal sites around the UK including cliffs with grassy slopes, shingle beaches, small islands and rooftops in seaside towns. Date: 23rd September 2015 Location: Chanonry Point, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42202635.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3275494705ff3103640766.jpgBrown Bear The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, Ursus arctos arctos. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an evening visit with [url=https://www.karhujenkatselu.fi/en-gb]Karhu-Kuusamo[/url] Date: 7th July 2019 Location: Kuntilampi, near Kuusamo, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo440770.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2083952017467ea87e4ecb2.jpgGolden-ringed Dragonfly Flight period: May to September. The Golden-ringed Dragonfly is a distinctive, large dragonfly with black and yellow patterning. They are widely distibuted in the north and west of the UK and can be found around swiftly flowing acidic running water. Date: 12th June 2006 Location: Near Dundonnell, Wester Ross http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14160967.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10144563024f3e36dd40050.jpgCommon Blue Flight period: June to September. The Common Blue is the UK’s most widespread and common blue butterfly although it has suffered some local declines due to habitat loss. They can be found in sunny, sheltered areas including downland, roadside verges, woodland clearings and rural gardens. Date: 26th August 2007 Location: Stow Maries Halt EWT reserve, Stow Maries, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21808748.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_103849583453c78f50ba61a.jpgCommon Seal Common Seals feed at sea but regularly haul out on to rocky shores or inter-tidal sandbanks to rest, to give birth and to suckle their pups. The most important haul-out areas are around the coast of Scotland, particularly in the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland, and on the east coast of England in the Wash. Date: 14th July 2014 Location: Blakeney Point, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25774102.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_998618185560fb62d342f9.jpgHerring Gull Herring Gulls are large, noisy gulls and can be found throughout the year around coasts. During winter they can also be found inland around rubbish tips, fields, large reservoirs and lakes. Herring Gulls usually breed in colonies at coastal sites around the UK including cliffs with grassy slopes, shingle beaches, small islands and rooftops in seaside towns. Date: 23rd September 2015 Location: Chanonry Point, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/waulkmill-bay-orkney https://images.on-this.website/4752_10494728154681c510c1477.jpgWaulkmill Bay, Orkney Waulkmill Bay is located on the northern side of Scapa Flow in the west Mainland of Orkney and is regarded as one of Orkney’s most beautiful beaches. Date: May 2005 Location: view from the unclassified road along the northern shore adjacent to the Hobbister RSPB reserve http://www.richardchewphotography.com/may-2007-gadwall https://images.on-this.website/4752_14878338174e3a5af70f8f0.jpgMay 2007 - Gadwall Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9593538.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23806477.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13129084725512bbd3f382b.jpgBarnacle Goose The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. This bird was part of the captive collection at the WWT Wetland Centre. Date: 7th March 2015 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49903677.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8014234366504387e3e1fb.jpgCommon Darter Flight period: end May to early October. Common Darters are the most widespread of the dragonflies over lowland UK but they are absent from upland areas. They can be found in a wide range of habitats including ponds, lakes, ditches, canals, slow flowing rivers and brackish water. They can also be frequently seen some way from water. Date: 21st August 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/purple-hairstreak https://images.on-this.website/4752_6451604286118b24de5e94.jpgPurple Hairstreak Description to follow .... Date: 4th August 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084054.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20348797445d308526cc272.jpgPirin Mountains, Blagoevgrad Province, Bulgaria The Pirin Mountains are a mountain range in south west Bulgaria spreading over 1000 square miles. They extend about 50 miles from the north west to the south east and they are about 25 miles wide. Vihren at 9560 feet is the highest peak in the Pirin Mountains, the second highest in Bulgaria and the third highest in the Balkans. To the north, the Pirin Mountains are separated from Bulgaria's highest mountain range, the Rila Mountains, by the Paril Saddle whilst to the south they extend towards the mountain of Slavyanka Mountain located on the border of south west Bulgaria and north Greece. To the west is the valley of the River Struma and to the east the valley of the River Mesta which separates the Pirin Mountains from the Rhodopes Mountains. The Pirin Mountains are dotted with 118 glacial lakes, the largest and the deepest of them being Popovo Lake. They also contain Europe's most southern glaciers, Snezhnika and Banski Suhodol. The Snezhnika glacier is a remnant of the former Vihren glacier. It lies at a height of between 7956 feet and 8140 feet in the deep Golemiya Kazan cirque at the steep northern foot of Vihren. The Banski Suhodol glacier is a small glacier which lies below the peak of Kutelo peak (9540 feet) in the upper Banski Suhodol valley. The northern part of the Pirin Mountains is protected by the Pirin National Park (originally named Vihren National Park). It encompasses the larger part of the Pirin Mountains and covers an area of around 155 square miles. It is one of the 3 national parks in Bulgaria, the others being Rila National Park and Central Balkan National Park. Pirin National Park was established in 1962 and its territory has expanded several times since then. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and it is also part of Natura 2000, the network of nature protection areas of the European Union. Pirin National Park falls within the Rodope montane mixed forests terrestrial eco-region of the Palearctic temperate broadleaf and mixed forest. Forests cover 57.3% of the area of Pirin National Park and almost 95% of them are coniferous forests. The average age of the forests is 85 years. Bulgaria's oldest tree, Baikushev's pine, is located in Pirin National Park and it has an approximate age of about 1,300 years. Pirin National Park is noted for its rich and diverse flora and fauna which includes 45 species of mammals, 159 species of birds, 11 species of reptiles, 8 species of amphibia and 6 species of fish. The Pirin Mountains are an important tourist destination. The town of Bansko, situated on the north east slopes of the mountain range, has grown to be the primary ski and winter sports centre in the Balkans. A number of settlements in the foothills have mineral springs and are spa resorts e.g. Banya, Dobrinishte, Gotse Delchev, Sandanski, etc. Melnik is situated in the south west foothills of the mountain. With a population of around 385, it is Bulgaria's smallest town and retains its town status today for historical reasons. The town is an architectural reserve and 96 of its buildings are designated as cultural monuments. It is among the “100 Tourist Sites of Bulgaria” programme which promotes tourism among Bulgaria's most significant cultural, historic and natural landmarks. The town is also a centre of red wine production with numerous vineyards and cellars dug in to the local sandstone rock. The area around Melnik is strikingly eroded, particularly the enormous area of sandstone cliff that serves as a backdrop to the town. This area, covering some 6.5 square miles around Melnik, Kurlanovo and Rozhen has been called the Melnik Earth Pyramids. The hills in this area can rise up to 330 feet high and the unique formations, which can resemble giant mushrooms, ancient towers and obelisks, were formed when heavy rain eroded the sandstone and clay which the hills are composed of. The Melnik Earth Pyramids are a geological phenomenon of global importance and they were declared a natural landmark in 1960 with a total protected area of 5 square miles. Date: 29th May 2018 Location: view from between Kresna and Ostrava, Blagoevgrad Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/speckled-wood https://images.on-this.website/4752_16649452086284affc94124.jpgSpeckled Wood Flight period: April to September. The Speckled Wood is widespread in the southern half of England and in Wales and is expanding its range northwards. They can be found in woodland rides and glades and also along hedgerows and in gardens. Date: 18th April 2022 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40399580.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6713650805dc6adf714271.jpgGolden Eagle The Golden Eagle is a very large raptor, 26 to 40 inches in length and with a wingspan of 5 ft 11 inches to 7 ft 8 inches. The wingspan is the fifth largest among living eagle species. Females are larger than males with a bigger difference in larger sub-species. In the species overall, males average around 7.9 pounds and females around 11 pounds. The maximum size of the Golden Eagle is debated. Large sub-species are the heaviest and the species is on average the seventh heaviest living eagle species. The Golden Eagle is the second heaviest breeding eagle in north America, Europe and Africa and the fourth heaviest in Asia. Adults of both sexes have similar plumage and are primarily dark brown with some grey on the inner wing and tail and a paler, typically golden, colour on the back of the crown and nape that gives the species its common name. Unlike other eagle species, where the tarsal feathers are typically similar in colour to the rest of the plumage, the tarsal feathers of the Golden Eagle tend to be paler and range from light golden to white. In addition, some full-grown birds have white "epaulettes". The bill is dark at the tip, fading to a lighter horn colour, with a yellow cere. The bare portion of the feet is yellow. Juveniles are similar to adults but tend to be darker and can appear black on the back. About two thirds of their tail length is white, ending with a broad, black band. Compared to the relatively consistently white tail, the white patches on the wings are extremely variable. Juveniles of less than 12 months of age tend to have the most white in their plumage and this is gradually replaced by a characteristic rusty brown colour. Due to the variability between individuals, juveniles cannot be reliably aged by sight alone. The final adult plumage is not fully attained until the birds are between 5.5 and 6.5 years old. The Golden Eagle is sometimes considered to be the best flyer among eagles and perhaps amongst all raptors. It is equipped with broad, long wings with finger-like indentations on the tips of the wings. It is unique amongst the eagle species in that it often flies with the wings held in a slight, upturned V-shape. When it needs to flap, the Golden Eagle appears at its most laboured but flapping is less common than soaring or gliding. Flapping flight usually consists of 6 to 8 deep wing-beats interspersed with 2 to 3 second glides. While soaring, the wings and tail are held in one plane with the primary tips often spread. A typical, unhurried soaring speed is around 28 to 32 mph. When hunting or displaying, the Golden Eagle can glide very fast, reaching speeds of up to 120 mph. When stooping (diving) in the direction of prey or during territorial displays, it holds its legs up against its tail and holds its wings tight and partially closed against its body. When diving after prey, it can reach 150 to 200 mph. Although less agile and manoeuvrable, the Golden Eagle is apparently equal to and possibly even the superior of the Peregrine Falcon’s stooping and gliding speeds. This makes the Golden Eagle one of the fastest living animals. Size readily distinguishes the Golden Eagle from most other raptors when it is seen well. Most other raptors are considerably smaller. Among raptors that share the Golden Eagle's range, only some Old World vultures and the California Condor are distinctly larger with longer, broader wings which are typically held more evenly in a slower, less forceful flight. These birds also have dramatically different colour patterns. Distinguishing the Golden Eagle from other eagle species in Eurasia is more difficult. Identification may rely on the Golden Eagle's relatively long tail and patterns of white or grey on the wings and tail. Unlike the Golden Eagle, other eagles do not generally fly with the wings held in a slight, upturned V-shape. At close range, the golden to rufous nape of the Golden Eagle is distinctive and most other eagles have darker plumage. Among Eurasian eagles, the adult Eastern Imperial Eagle and the Spanish Imperial Eagle come closest to reaching the size of the Golden Eagle but both are distinguished by their longer necks, flatter wings in flight, white markings on their shoulder forewing-coverts, paler cream-straw coloured nape patch and generally darker colouration. The Steppe Eagle can also approach the Golden Eagle in size but it is more compact and smaller headed with little colour variation to the dark earth-brown plumage The nominate sub-species, [I]Aquila chrysaetos chrysaetos[/I] or European Golden Eagle, is found throughout most of Europe. In the UK, there are estimated to be 400 to 500 breeding pairs which can be found in the wild, open moorlands and mountains of Scotland, in particular the Scottish Highlands. The Golden Eagle is also found in European Russia, reportedly reaching an eastern limit around the Yenisei River, and further south at a similar longitude into west Kazakhstan and north Iran. At one time, the Golden Eagle was found in a great majority of temperate Europe, north Asia, north America, north Africa and Japan. Although widespread and quite secure in some areas, in many parts of the range the Golden Eagle has experienced a sharp population decline and it has become extinct in some areas. The total number of individuals is estimated to range somewhere between 170,000 and 250,000 whilst the estimated total number of breeding pairs ranges from 60,000 to 100,000. It has the largest known range of any member of its family with a range estimated at about 55 million square miles and it is the second most wide ranging species after the Osprey. On a global scale, the Golden Eagle is not considered threatened by the IUCN. The Golden Eagle is fairly adaptable in its habitat requirements but it often found in areas with a few shared ecological characteristics. It is best suited to hunting in open or semi-open areas and native vegetation seems to be attractive to it. It typically avoids developed areas of any type from urban to agricultural as well as heavily forested regions. The largest numbers are found in mountainous regions although it is not solely tied to high elevations and it can breed in lowlands if the local habitats are suitable. The majority of Golden Eagle populations are sedentary but it is also a partial migrant in the north of its range. Whilst it is a very hardy species and well adapted to cold climates, it can not tolerate declining food sources and birds which breed at latitudes greater than 60°N are usually migratory and a short migration may also be undertaken by birds which breed at about 50°N. The Golden Eagle usually mates for life although if one of the pair dies, the survivor will readily accept a new mate. Adults occupy a hunting and nesting area all year and they can be seen soaring and advertising their ownership of their home range at any time. However, their spectacular undulating display flight is most often seen from February to May. Each home range contains several night roosts and often a choice of 2 or 3 alternative nest sites (eyries) usually on cliff ledges. Both adults build the nest which is a substantial structure of branches, twigs and heather and lined with grasses and decorated with green foliage. The eyries are traditional and can be used for many years by the same or successive birds. The eyrie is added to each year it is used and it can end up quite a remarkable size. Cliff nests are 3 to 5 feet across and up to 6.5 feet high whilst tree nests can be twice this size. The female generally lays 2 eggs 3 to 4 days apart in March and incubates them for 43 to 45 days. Incubation starts with the first egg and the chicks hatch a few days apart. The first chick to hatch is dominant over the younger one which has only a 20% chance of surviving the crucial first weeks. The female does most of the brooding and feeding of the young whilst the male provides the female and the young with all the food, especially during the early stages. The female broods the chicks almost continuously for the first 2 weeks. After this, she will regularly leave the nest and share the hunting with the male. The young will fledge when they are 65 to 70 days old and will become independent after a further 90 to 100 days. Juveniles occasionally stay with their parents until November or December but are usually driven away by October. The young birds will breed for the first time at 3 to 4 years of age. The average life span of a Golden Eagle is around 14 years although it is thought that 75% of young birds die before reaching maturity. The oldest known Golden Eagle reached an age of 32 years. Natural sources of mortality are largely reported anecdotally. Date: 11st October 2019 Location: Tobermory to Dervaig, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/arctic-tern https://images.on-this.website/4752_21296251144e3129a02088a.jpgArctic Tern The Arctic Tern is a seabird of the tern family. The adult plumage is grey above with a black nape and crown and white cheeks. The upperwings are pale grey with the area near the wingtip being translucent. The tail is white and the underparts pale grey. The beak is dark red as are the short legs and webbed feet. Like most terns, the Arctic Tern has high aspect ratio wings and a tail with a deep fork and long tail streamers. Both sexes are similar in appearance. The winter plumage is similar but the crown is whiter and the bills are darker. Juveniles differ from adults having black bill and legs, "scaly" appearing wings and mantle with dark feather tips, dark carpal wing bar and short tail streamers. During their first summer, juveniles also have a whiter forecrown. Whilst the Arctic Tern is similar to the Common and the Roseate Tern, its colouring, profile and call are slightly different. Compared to the Common Tern, it has a longer tail and mono-coloured bill, whilst the main differences from the Roseate Tern are its slightly darker colour and longer wings. The Arctic Tern has a circumpolar breeding distribution covering the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of Europe, Asia and north America. It is strongly migratory and sees 2 summers each year and more daylight than any other creature on the planet. It migrates along a convoluted route from its northern summer breeding grounds to the northern edge of the Antarctic coast for the southern summer and back again about 6 months later. In the UK, breeding Arctic Terns can best be seen on islands such as the Farne Islands in Northumberland or Orkney and Shetland in northern Scotland where the greatest densities occur. Recent studies have shown average annual roundtrip lengths of 25000 to 50000 miles depending on the route taken and weather and wind conditions. The Arctic Tern is a long-lived bird with many reaching 30 years of age and based on this average it will travel some 1.5 million miles during its lifetime. This is by far the longest migration known in the animal kingdom. Breeding takes place in colonies on coasts, islands and occasionally inland on tundra near water. The Arctic Tern often forms mixed colonies with the Common Tern and Sandwich Tern. As it nests on the ground, the Arctic Tern is vulnerable to predation but it is one of the most aggressive terns and it is fiercely defensive of its nest and young. It will attack humans and large predators, usually striking the top or back of the head. Although it is too small to cause serious injury, it is still capable of drawing blood and repelling many raptorial birds and smaller mammalian predators such as foxes and cats. Other nesting birds, such as auks, often incidentally benefit from the protection provided by nesting in an area defended by Arctic Terns. The diet of the Arctic Tern varies depending on location and time but it usually eats small fish or marine crustaceans by dipping down to the surface of the water to catch prey. While feeding, skuas, gulls and other tern species will often harass the birds and steal their food. Date: 1st June 2008 Location: Lunnasting, East Mainland, Shetland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48482998.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1173208502640a400172f2c.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 1st February 2023 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874880.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1679584490561cd15f018e6.jpgGolden Plover The Golden Plover is a medium sized plover with a distinctive gold and black summer plumage. In winter the black is replaced by buff and white. It typically stands upright and runs in short bursts. The Golden Plover breeds on the ground in a dry open area on moorland, mountains and fells, tundra and marshland in northern Europe and western Asia. It is migratory and winters in western and southern Europe and in north Africa. Date: 6th June 2015 Location: Reykhólar area, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/white-pelican-and-dalmatian-pelicans https://images.on-this.website/4752_1897800164559ceb07102a2.jpgWhite Pelican and Dalmatian Pelicans For descriptions, please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/photo24834012.html]White Pelican[/url] and [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/dalmatian-pelican]Dalmatian Pelican[/url] Date: 13th May 2015 Location: Great Prespa Lake (Megali Prespa), West Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo440253.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_769793314467dceac27d1f.jpgIn memory of my Dad .... 10th May 1929 to 20th December 2005 .... may you now be at peace. [i]”May the road rise up to meet you May the wind always be at your back May the sun shine warm upon your face May the rains fall soft upon your fields And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand."[/i] Date: 26th December 2005 Location: Loch Awe, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo22527664.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9832359725422845a9af2a.jpgLoch Eil, Highland Loch Eil is a sea loch which extends almost 7 miles from west to east before opening in to the northern end of Loch Linnhe opposite Fort William. Date: 10th September 2014 Location: view from the A861 road along the south shore http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17942871.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1057129643518cb6274daff.jpgGreylag Goose The Greylag Goose is the ancestor of most domestic geese but is also the largest and bulkiest of the wild geese native to the UK and Europe. In many parts of the UK it has been re-established by releasing birds in suitable areas but the resulting flocks found around gravel pits, lakes and reservoirs all year round in southern Britain tend to be semi-tame. The native birds and wintering flocks found on lochs in northern Scotland and on some Scottish islands retain the special appeal of truly wild geese. Date: 28th April 2013 Location: Abberton Reservoir, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31045366.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12571765445909a1a504caa7.40039409.jpgMoorhen The Moorhen is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird that is usually found near water. From a distance it looks black with a ragged white line along its body. However, closer up it is olive-brown on the back and the head and blue-grey underneath. It has a red bill with a yellow tip. The Moorhen can be found all year round almost anywhere where there is water. They breed in lowland areas particularly in central and eastern England but are scarce in northern Scotland and the uplands of Wales and northern England. UK breeding birds are residents and seldom travel far. Date: 19th April 2017 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26026805.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_30717850756374a935bb7e.jpgKnot The Knot is a dumpy, short-legged, stocky wading bird. In winter, the Knot is grey above and white below but in summer the chest, belly and face are brick red, hence the name Red Knot in north America. The Knot breeds in the tundra areas of the far Arctic north of Europe, Russia and Canada. During migration periods, it can be seen on tidal flats, rocky shores and beaches. The Knot undertakes one of the longest migrations of any bird flying from their Arctic breeding grounds to the coasts and estuaries of Europe, Africa and Australia where they spend the winter. During winter, the Knot forms large, wheeling flocks that contain in excess of 100,000 birds. Date: 3rd June 2015 Location: Melrakkaslétta, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26026917.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_51786589256374b4e453f4.jpgKnot The Knot is a dumpy, short-legged, stocky wading bird. In winter, the Knot is grey above and white below but in summer the chest, belly and face are brick red, hence the name Red Knot in north America. The Knot breeds in the tundra areas of the far Arctic north of Europe, Russia and Canada. During migration periods, it can be seen on tidal flats, rocky shores and beaches. The Knot undertakes one of the longest migrations of any bird flying from their Arctic breeding grounds to the coasts and estuaries of Europe, Africa and Australia where they spend the winter. During winter, the Knot forms large, wheeling flocks that contain in excess of 100,000 birds. Date: 3rd June 2015 Location: Melrakkaslétta, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26026363.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14840912875637477864959.jpgRed-necked Phalarope The Red-necked Phalarope is a small wader with lobed toes to assist swimming and a straight, fine bill. The breeding female is predominantly dark grey above with a chestnut neck and upper breast, black face and white throat. The breeding male is a duller version of the female. In winter, the plumage is essentially grey above and white below but the black eyepatch is always present. When feeding, a Red-necked Phalarope will often swim in a small, rapid circle, forming a small whirlpool. This behaviour is thought to aid feeding by raising food from the bottom of shallow water. The bird will reach into the centre of the vortex with its bill, plucking small insects or crustaceans caught up therein. On the open ocean, they are often found where converging currents produce upwellings. The Red-necked Phalarope breeds in the Arctic regions of north America and Eurasia. It is migratory and, unusually for a wader, it winters at sea on tropical oceans. Date: 3rd June 2015 Location: Kópasker, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26041705.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10103875515638af04be4d1.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill <i>"kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake"</i>. The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Látrabjarg, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52518186.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_30138551675450e02557e.jpgCommon Darter Flight period: end May to early October. Common Darters are the most widespread of the dragonflies over lowland UK but they are absent from upland areas. They can be found in a wide range of habitats including ponds, lakes, ditches, canals, slow flowing rivers and brackish water. They can also be frequently seen some way from water. Date: 13th September 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493258.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8387590405f326f2336260.jpgShag The European Shag, Common Shag or simply Shag is a species of cormorant. It is 27 to 31 inches in length with a 37 to 43 inches wingspan. It is mainly black in colour but with a glossy green-tinged sheen in adults. It has a longish tail and a yellow throat-patch. Adults have a small recurved crest in the breeding season. It is distinguished from the Cormorant by its smaller size, lighter build, thinner and narrower bill, and, in breeding adults, by the crest and metallic green-tinged sheen. The Shag breeds around the rocky coasts of west and south Europe, north Africa and south west Asia, mainly wintering in its breeding range except for the northernmost birds. It nests on rocky ledges or in crevices or small caves and the nests are untidy heaps of rotting seaweed or twigs cemented together by the bird's own guano. The nesting season is long and begins in late February although some nests are not started until May or even later. The female lays 3 eggs and the chicks hatch without down and so they rely totally on their parents for warmth, often for a period of 2 months before they can fly. Fledging may occur at any time from early June to late August and exceptionally to mid-October. In the UK, the Shag breeds at coastal sites, mainly in the north and west of the country, and more than half of the population is found at fewer than 10 sites. It can be seen during the breeding season at the large Scottish colonies on Orkney, Shetland, the Inner Hebrides and in the Firth of Forth. Elsewhere it can be seen commonly around the coasts of Wales and south west England, especially in Devon and Cornwall. The Shag feeds in the sea and, unlike the Cormorant, it is rare inland. It is one of the deepest pursuit divers among the cormorant family and it has been shown to dive to at least 150 feet. When it dives, it jumps out of the water first to give extra impetus to the dive. The Shag forages for food on the sea bed and eats a wide range of fish although the commonest prey is the sand eel. It will travel long distances from its breeding and roosting sites in order to feed. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493271.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10812552065f326f4bcea6a.jpgKittiwakes The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493249.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_497099935f326ec3c5a58.jpgCommon Guillemots The Common Guillemot, also known as the Common Murre or Thin-billed Murre, is a large species of auk. The auks are a family of seabirds which includes the Brunnich's Guillemot or Thick-billed Murre, Razorbill, Little Auk and the extinct Great Auk. The Common Guillemot is 15 to 18 inches in length with a 24 to 29 inches wingspan. In breeding plumage, it is black or dark brown on the head, back and wings with white underparts. It has a thin dark pointed bill and a small rounded dark tail. Legs are grey and the bill is dark grey. Males and females are identical. Some individuals in the North Atlantic, known as "Bridled Guillemots", have a white ring around the eye extending back as a white line. This is not a distinct subspecies but a polymorphism that becomes more common the farther north the birds breed. The Common Guillemot flies with fast wing beats and has a flight speed of around 50 mph. Groups of birds are often seen flying together in a line just above the surface of the sea. However, it is not a very agile bird and take-off is often difficult. The Common Guillemot becomes flightless for 45 to 60 days while moulting its primary feathers. The Common Guillemot is a pursuit diver that forages for food by swimming underwater using its wings for propulsion. Dives usually last less than one minute but the bird swims underwater for distances of over 100 feet on a regular basis. Diving depths up to 590 feet have been recorded. The Common Guillemot has a circumpolar distribution and it occurs in low Arctic and boreal waters in the north Atlantic and north Pacific. It spends most of its time at sea and only comes to land to breed on rocky cliffs, sea stacks and islands. Some birds are permanent residents but northern birds migrate south to open waters off New England, southern California, Japan, Korea and the western Mediterranean. The Common Guillemot breeds in colonies at high densities and nesting pairs may be in bodily contact with their neighbours. No nest is made and the single egg is laid and incubated on a bare rock ledge on a cliff face. The egg hatches after 30 days incubation and the chick is born downy and can regulate its body temperature after 10 days. Some 20 days after hatching the chick jumps off its nesting ledge and heads for the sea unable to fly but gliding for some distance with fluttering wings and accompanied by its male parent. The chicks are capable of diving as soon as they hit the water. The female stays at the nest site for some 14 days after the chick has left. The Common Guillemot can venture far from its breeding grounds to forage and distances of 60 miles or more are often observed although if sufficient food is available closer by, birds will only travel much shorter distances. It mainly eats small schooling fish 8 inches long or less such as Polar Cod, Capelin, Sand Lances, Sprats, Sandeels, Atlantic Cod and Atlantic Herring. It also eats some molluscs, marine worms, squid and crustaceans. It is often seen carrying fish in its bill with the tail hanging out. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42222308.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18990869486023a2ca1cc33.jpgKuusamo to Iivaara, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland Date: 9th July 2019 Location: view from road 866 between Kuusamo and Iivaara, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41537263.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1387141465f3cfe1f7aa99.jpgKittiwakes The Kittiwake is a seabird and a member of the gull family. In north America it is known as Black-legged Kittiwake to differentiate it from Red-legged Kittiwake but in Europe it is usually known just as Kittiwake. The Kittiwake's name is derived from its call, a shrill "kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake". The adult Kittiwake has a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black, black legs and a yellow bill. In winter it acquires a dark grey smudge behind the eye and a grey hind-neck collar. At fledging, the juveniles differ from the adults in having a black "W" band across the length of the wings and whiter secondary and primary feathers behind the black "W", a black hind-neck collar and a black terminal band on the tail. The Kittiwake breeds in large colonies on sheer coastal cliffs around the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans, found most commonly in northern Europe and north America. The Kittiwake is a fish feeder and it is more pelagic than other gulls outside the breeding season. Date: 4th July 2019 Location: Flåget, Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo44044216.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1395927166614f0dbd6e515.jpgRed Admiral Flight period: April to November. The Red Admiral is a familiar and widespread butterfly in the UK although numbers depend on immigration from Europe. It can be found in any flower-rich habitat. Date: 27th August 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41623278.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11677794715f4d1ff77c1a5.jpgWhite-tailed Eagle The White-tailed Eagle is a very large bird with a 72 to 96 inch wingspan and is the fourth largest eagle in the world. It has broad "barn door" wings, a large head and a thick "meat-cleaver" beak. The adult is mainly brown except for the paler head and neck, blackish flight feathers, distinctive white tail, and yellow bill and legs. In juvenile birds the tail and bill are darker, with the tail becoming white with a dark terminal band in sub-adults. The White-tailed Eagle breeds in northern Europe and northern Asia. The largest population in Europe is found along the coast of Norway. In the UK it became extinct during the early 20th century and the present population in Scotland has arisen from a reintroduction programme which commenced on the island of Rhum in 1975. It is still a rare breeding bird which was previously confined to the west coast of Scotland, although a reintroduction programme is now taking place in east Scotland. Date: 6th July 2019 Location: Sandfjord, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41539331.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14520926155f3e4ba2c3f85.jpgKongsfjordfjellet, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Kongsfjordfjellet is a sparsely vegetated high tundra mountain plateau situated in the north west of the Varanger peninsula in Troms og Finnmark in north east Norway. It is crossed by the Fv890 road to Berlevåg where traffic is escorted in convoy at specified times. This upland area includes many lakes, pools and bogs which hold a wide range of Arctic species. Kongsfjordfjellet is almost invariably cold and largely covered in snow well into mid-summer. Date: 5th July 2019 Location: Kongsfjordfjellet, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/december-2018-atlantic-grey-seal https://images.on-this.website/4752_6361648315cee2d5cd8a60.jpgDecember 2018 - Atlantic Grey Seal Please see [url=https://rlchew1.photium.com/photo37399622.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/european-chub https://images.on-this.website/4752_144508992259bd52c285eef.jpgEuropean Chub The European Chub is a European species of freshwater fish in the carp family. It frequents both slow and moderate rivers, as well as canals and still waters of various kinds, throughout most of Europe and preys on insects and other fish. Date: 1st June 2017 Location: Morské oko, Vihorlat Mountains, Košice region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13439455.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13174669764eb264a5d6db9.jpgCommon Snipe The Common Snipe is a small, stocky wader native to the Old World. It is the most widespread of several similar snipe species. It most closely resembles the Wilson's Snipe of north America which was previously considered to be a sub-species of the Common Snipe. It is also very similar to the Pin-tailed Snipe and Swinhoe's Snipe of east Asia. A sub-species of Common Snipe can be found in Iceland, the Faroe Islands, Shetland and Orkney. This sub-species winters in the UK and Ireland. The Common Snipe is 9.8 to 10.6 inches in length with a 17 to 19 inches wingspan. The body is mottled brown with straw-yellow stripes on top and pale underneath. It has a dark stripe through the eye with light stripes above and below it. The wings are pointed. It has short greenish-grey legs and a very long (2.2 to 2.8 inches) straight dark bill. The Common Snipe can be found in the marshes, bogs, tundra and wet meadows throughout north Europe and north Asia. It is migratory with European birds wintering in south and west Europe and Africa (south to the Equator) and Asian birds wintering in tropical south Asia. The male Common Snipe performs a "winnowing" display during courtship, flying high in circles and then taking shallow dives to produce a "drumming" sound by vibrating its tail feathers. The nest is located in a well hidden location on the ground. The female lays 4 eggs which are incubated for 18 to 21 days. The young are covered in dark maroon down, variegated with black, white and buff and are cared for by both parents with fledging occurring in 10 to 20 days. The Common Snipe is a well camouflaged bird and it is usually shy and conceals itself close to ground vegetation and flushes only when approached closely. When flushed, it utters a sharp call and flies off in a series of aerial zig-zags to confuse predators. The Common Snipe forages in soft mud, probing or picking up food by sight. It mainly eats insects and earthworms but also some plant material. Overall, the Common Snipe is not a threatened species although populations on the southern fringes of the breeding range in Europe are declining with local extinction in some areas (including in the UK) mainly due to field drainage and agricultural intensification. The Common Snipe is a species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 21st October 2011 Location: Cudmore Grove Country Park, East Mersea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081311.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_80887164263a5af9599fd0.jpgRedwing The Redwing is most commonly encountered as a winter visitor and is the UK's smallest true thrush. The creamy stripe above the eye and the orange-red flank patches make it distinctive. Redwings arrive in the UK from September but most arrive in October and November. They leave again in March and April, although occasionally birds stay later including a few pairs to nest in northern Scotland. Redwings can be found across the UK's countryside feeding in fields and hedgerows and also in parks and gardens in the coldest weather when snow covers the fields. They often associate with flocks of Fieldfares, the other wintering thrush. Date: 15th December 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/may-2021-grey-squirrel https://images.on-this.website/4752_112994760861275d86eb5f1.jpgMay 2021 - Grey Squirrel Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42670664.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072259.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14847222924bf6d755bd5d6.jpgKaamanen to Utsjoki, Lappi, Finland Date: 11th April 2010 Location: view from road E75 between Kaamanen and Utsjoki, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50569763.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_172013232965ccb5455fafe.jpgGreat Northern Diver The Great Northern Diver is the largest of the UK's divers with a bigger, heavier head and bill than its commoner relatives. The Great Northern Diver is largely a winter visitor to the UK coast although some non-breeding birds stay off northern coasts in the summer. They start to arrive offshore in August and birds move back to their largely Icelandic breeding grounds in April and May. The largest numbers can be found off the northern and western islands of Scotland. Date: 8th December 2023 Location: Great Notley Country Park, Braintree, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48482989.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1520487594640a3ffab738f.jpgBullfinch The male Bullfinch is unmistakable with a bright pinkish-red breast and cheeks, grey back, black cap and tail and bright white rump. The flash of the rump in flight and the sad call note are usually the first signs of Bullfinches being present. Bullfinches can be found throughout most of the UK but their localised and declining populations make it a Red List species. Bullfinches can be seen all the year round and breed in broad-leaved woodland, thickets, hedgerows, orchards and mature gardens. Date: 1st February 2023 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51984706.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_79477117166d357038caa0.jpgComma Flight period: March to October. The Comma was a rarity 100 years ago but is now a common and widespread butterfly in England and Wales and is on the point of recolonising Scotland. They are one of the first butterflies to be seen in spring and can be found in open woodland, woodland edges and gardens. Date: 27th August 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4466074.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13191963624b8a2488207b5.jpg http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41349619.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19285893305f20026b00f87.jpgLarge Skipper Flight period: June to July. The Large Skipper is a small golden butterfly which is widespread throughout England and Wales and it is also extending its range northwards in to southern Scotland. They can be found in areas of tall, uncut grassland, woodland rides, roadside verges and hedgerows. Date: 16th June 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45456912.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_678546194624ffc57bbf07.jpgDunlin The Dunlin is the commonest small wader found along the coast and can be seen on all UK estuaries with the largest numbers in winter. During winter they feed in large flocks on estuaries with mudflats, saltmarsh and coastal lagoons as well as inland lakes and sewage farms. Dunlin breed on the wet upland moors of Scotland, Wales and England and also the wet grassland machair of the Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland and the Flow Country of Caithness and Sutherland. Date: 9th November 2021 Location: Shoeburyness, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49277067.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17841312826499717ebc5ca.jpgBosherston Lily Ponds, Bosherton, Pembrokeshire Bosherston Lily Ponds are part of the National Trust Stackpole Estate. The renowned water lilies are best seen in June. The marshy edges and reedbeds provide a good habitat for common breeding water birds. Date: 9th June 2023 Location: Bosherston Lily Ponds, Bosherton, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230805.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1812143927649184a2e696d.jpgPainted Lady Flight period: April to October. The Painted Lady is a highly migratory butterfly which can be found almost throughout the UK although its numbers vary greatly from year to year. It is thought that the entire population dies each winter and re-colonisation through immigration occurs each spring. As a migrant, they can be found almost anywhere but do prefer dry, open areas. Date: 28th May 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801055.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_130802373064eda285cbd87.jpgBlack-tailed Skimmer Flight period: May to August. The Black-tailed Skimmer is a common dragonfly in south east England and it is expanding its range northwards. They can be found around lowland lakes, ponds, sand and gravel workings, slow flowing rivers and brackish water. Date: 8th July 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23806583.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5164824465512bef54d43d.jpgRing-necked Parakeet The Ring-necked Parakeet is the UK's only naturalised parrot. It is large, long-tailed and green with a red beak and a pink and black ring around its face and neck. In flight it has pointed wings, a long tail and a steady, direct flight. Ring-necked Parakeets can be seen all year round at a number of locations in south east England, particularly Surrey, Kent and Sussex. They can often be found in flocks sometimes numbering hundreds of birds at roost sites. Parks, orchards and gardens with mature trees to provide nest holes are favoured habitats. In its native India it is found in jungle and around farms and gardens. Date: 7th March 2015 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18776577.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_68411413551f4df727916c.jpgLarge Skipper Flight period: June to July. The Large Skipper is a small golden butterfly which is widespread throughout England and Wales and it is also extending its range northwards in to southern Scotland. They can be found in areas of tall, uncut grassland, woodland rides, roadside verges and hedgerows. Date: 1st July 2013 Location: Stow Maries Halt EWT reserve, Stow Maries, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801260.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_154700069764edb307ad50b.jpgLarge White Flight period: April to September. The Large White is a highly successful species which is common and widespread in the UK. They can be found almost anywhere including in towns and gardens. Date: 26th July 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/january-2015-barnacle-goose https://images.on-this.website/4752_1640765591559e4bd86ae81.jpgJanuary 2015 - Barnacle Goose Please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/photo23408459.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21959352.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7288020053da7c904d3f4.jpgRed Grouse The Red Grouse is a medium-sized bird of the grouse family which is found in heather moorland in the UK and Ireland. It is endemic to the UK and has developed in isolation. It is usually classified as a sub-species of the Willow Ptarmigan or Willow Grouse which is found in birch and other forests and moorlands in north Europe, the tundra of Scandinavia, Siberia, Alaska and north Canada. The Red Grouse is differentiated from the Willow Ptarmigan and Rock Ptarmigan by its plumage being reddish brown and not having a white winter plumage. The tail is black and the legs are white. There are white stripes on the underwing and red combs over the eye. Females are less reddish than the males and have less conspicuous combs. Young birds are duller and lack the red combs. The Red Grouse is found across most parts of Scotland, including Orkney, Shetland and most of the Outer Hebrides. It is only absent from urban areas such as in the Central Belt. In Wales there are strong populations of Red Grouse in some places but the range has retracted. It is now largely absent from the far south and the main strongholds are Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons and the Cambrian Mountains. In England the Red Grouse is mainly found in the north in areas such as the Lake District, Northumberland, County Durham, much of Yorkshire, the Pennines and the Peak District as far south as the Staffordshire Moorlands. There is an isolated introduced population on Dartmoor and overspill Welsh birds visit the Shropshire Hills.The typical habitat is upland heather moors away from trees. It can also be found in some low-lying bogs and birds may visit farmland during hard weather. The UK population of the Red Grouse is estimated at about 250,000 pairs. Numbers have declined in recent years and it is now absent in areas where it was once common. Reasons for the decline include disease, loss of heather due to overgrazing, creation of new conifer plantations and a decline in the number of upland gamekeepers. Some predators feed on Red Grouse and there is ongoing controversy as to what effect these have on numbers. The Red Grouse is herbivorous and feeds mainly on the shoots, seeds and flowers of heather. It will also feed on berries, cereal crops and sometimes insects. The Red Grouse is considered a game bird and is shot in large numbers during the shooting season which traditionally starts on August 12th (known as the Glorious Twelfth). Shooting can take the form of “walked up” (where shooters walk across the moor to flush grouse and take a shot) or “driven” (where grouse are driven, often in large numbers, by “beaters” towards the shooters who are hiding behind a line of “butts”). Many moors are managed to increase the density of Red Grouse. Areas of heather are subjected to controlled burning since this allows fresh young shoots to regenerate which are favoured by Red Grouse. In addition, extensive predator control is a feature of grouse moor management and the extent and legality to which it occurs is hotly contested between conservation groups and shooting interests and the subject generates a lot of media attention. The Red Grouse is widely known as the logo of The Famous Grouse whisky and an animated bird is a character in a series of its adverts. It is also the emblem of the magazine “British Birds”. Date: 13th June 2014 Location: Grinton Moor, Yorkshire Dales National Park, North Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49279119.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16966744126499ca1772bd8.jpgBlack-tailed Skimmer Flight period: May to August. The Black-tailed Skimmer is a common dragonfly in south east England and it is expanding its range northwards. They can be found around lowland lakes, ponds, sand and gravel workings, slow flowing rivers and brackish water. Date: 22nd June 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28885484.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_120620634057cc31fc8e04a.jpgCommon Snipe The Common Snipe is a medium sized, skulking wading bird with short legs and a long straight bill. Both sexes are mottled brown above with paler buff stripes on the back, dark streaks on the chest and pale underparts. The Common Snipe breeds in marshes, bogs, tundra and wet meadows throughout northern Europe and northern Asia. It is a migratory bird, with European birds wintering in southern and western Europe and Africa. Date: 15th May 2016 Location: Tõramaa to Tipu road, Soomaa National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/faxafli-reykjavk-iceland https://images.on-this.website/4752_99154551561cca067b07e.jpgFaxaflói, Reykjavík, Iceland Faxaflói, formerly known in English as Faxa Bay or Faxe Bay, is a large bay located in south west Iceland between the Snæfellsnes peninsula and the Reykjanes peninsula. The capital of Iceland, Reykjavík, is situated on the southern shore of Faxaflói. Faxaflói has always been a source of nourishment of the people living on its shore. Historically, fishermen went out in small boats to fish near the shore but today the ships are much bigger but have to go farther out to sea if they wish to catch anything. Faxaflói is a popular destination for whale watching trips from Reykjavík which set off in search of Minke Whales, Humpback Whales, White-beaked Dolphins and Harbour Porpoises. Date: 10th June 2015 Location: Elding whale watching boat in Faxaflói http://www.richardchewphotography.com/slovak-karst-koice-region-slovakia https://images.on-this.website/4752_13672125659bd54bbc4d19.jpgSlovak Karst, Košice region, Slovakia The Slovak Karst (Slovenský kras) is one of the mountain ranges of the Slovenské Rudohorie Mountains which are part of the Inner Western Carpathians. It is located in the Košice Region of southern Slovakia and forms a single limestone karst region with the Aggtelek National Park across the border in Hungary. It is the largest karstic area in central Europe, covering an area of almost 160 square miles. The highest peak is Jelení vrch at 3107 feet. The Slovak Karst is composed of several layers of Mesozoic limestone and dolomite, beneath which there is non-permeable sandstone, limestone and slate. The huge plains and plateaus have many karst formations, such as karst pits with diameters of up to 820 feet and depths of about 150 feet, conical hills and blind valleys, and subterranean features such as deep vertical abysses and a large number of caves. The area also includes karst lakes, the largest of which is Jašteričie jazero (literally Lizard Lake). The area is characterised by rolling hills, limestone gorges, rocky plateaus, oak, hornbeam and beech forests, wet meadows, scrubby grasslands and stream valleys. The activities that dominate the Slovak Karst region are mountain climbing, hiking, cycling, horse riding, winter cross-country skiing and other outdoor activities. Very well signed walking and cycling trails cover the area. One of the most visited places is the Zádiel gorge (Zádielska tiesňava), a National Nautre Resreve in the Slovak Karst National Park (Národný park Slovenský kras) where the Zádielska stream has gouged the mighty karst gorge. The Zadielska gorge is almost 2 miles long, between 985 and 1315 feet deep and the narrowest places in its bottom are only around 30 feet wide. A walking trail (Zádielska dolina) begins near the village of Zadiel and leads up the gorge surrounded by high rock cliffs, caves and waterfalls. The Slovak Karst National Park (Národný park Slovenský kras) was established in March 2002, after being a Protected Landscape Area since 1973. The National Park covers an area of 134 square miles and its buffer zone covers 45 square miles. The Slovak Karst was also the first Slovakian UNESCO Biosphere Reserve when it was included in the UNESCO's Programme on Man and the Biosphere in March 1997. In addition, in 1995, 12 out of 700 caves in the Slovak Karst National Park were recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst). Date: 3rd June 2017 Location: Zádielska dolina, Zádiel gorge (Zádielska tiesňava), Slovak Karst, Košice region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25774099.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_485569817560fb5f54c547.jpgHerring Gull Herring Gulls are large, noisy gulls and can be found throughout the year around coasts. During winter they can also be found inland around rubbish tips, fields, large reservoirs and lakes. Herring Gulls usually breed in colonies at coastal sites around the UK including cliffs with grassy slopes, shingle beaches, small islands and rooftops in seaside towns. Date: 23rd September 2015 Location: Chanonry Point, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405536.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1979126666586f79979d31.jpgGreat Northern Diver The Great Northern Diver is the largest of the UK's divers with a bigger, heavier head and bill than its commoner relatives. The Great Northern Diver is largely a winter visitor to the UK coast although some non-breeding birds stay off northern coasts in the summer. They start to arrive offshore in August and birds move back to their largely Icelandic breeding grounds in April and May. The largest numbers can be found off the northern and western islands of Scotland. Date: 8th December 2023 Location: Great Notley Country Park, Braintree, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533486.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_63836537662ca8a71a2a01.jpgCommon Tern The Common Tern is a silvery-grey and white sea bird with a black cap, a black tipped red bill, red legs and long tail streamers. It has a buoyant, graceful flight and frequently hovers over water before plunging down for fish. The Common Tern breeds in colonies along coasts with shingle beaches and rocky islands, on rivers with shingle bars and at inland gravel pits and reservoirs. The Common Tern occurs throughout the summer, arriving in April and leaving in August and September. Date: 25th June 2022 Location: RSPB Minsmere, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51980693.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_168430676266d334750bb8a.jpgComma Flight period: March to October. The Comma was a rarity 100 years ago but is now a common and widespread butterfly in England and Wales and is on the point of recolonising Scotland. They are one of the first butterflies to be seen in spring and can be found in open woodland, woodland edges and gardens. Date: 29th June 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41524241.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19012214055f3a6ae811d08.jpgGatekeepers Flight period: mid-July to early September. The Gatekeeper or Hedge Brown is common and widespread throughout the southern half of the UK. They can be found in areas with hedgerows or in scrubby woodland with wide and sunny rides. Date: 1st August 2020 Location, Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21892713.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_45239785253d0fba99e2a3.jpgLoch Garten, Highland Loch Garten lies between the River Spey and the Cairngorm Mountains just to the north east of Aviemore and became famous in 1954 when a pair of Ospreys returned to nest here, the first since 1910. Loch Garten is situated in the Abernethy Forest, part of the largest native Caledonian pine forest in the UK. It offers a unique mix of woodland and northern bog with a great variety of birds and other wildlife. The loch and surrounding areas are managed by the RSPB as a nature reserve. Date: 18th June 2014 Location: view from the north shore near the RSPB visitor centre http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51335106.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8667586626676e5f0d8665.jpgRinglet Flight period: July to mid August. The Ringlet is a widespread and successful species which has been extending its range in in the UK in recent years. They can be found in in tall, lush grasslands particularly in woodland rides and glades and also around scrub and hedgerows. Date: 21st June 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51387311.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1232139923667e7d6849354.jpgLarge Skipper Flight period: June to July. The Large Skipper is a small golden butterfly which is widespread throughout England and Wales and it is also extending its range northwards in to southern Scotland. They can be found in areas of tall, uncut grassland, woodland rides, roadside verges and hedgerows. Date: 23rd June 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42202632.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10713945315ff31029bdea7.jpgBrown Bear and cub The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, Ursus arctos arctos. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an evening visit with [url=https://www.karhujenkatselu.fi/en-gb]Karhu-Kuusamo[/url] Date: 7th July 2019 Location: Kuntilampi, near Kuusamo, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21829564.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_213917594753cba817444a1.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 11th June 2014 Location: Bempton Cliifs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/cregennan-lakes-gwynedd https://images.on-this.website/4752_13505029194dca3d6a3c6fd.jpgCregennan Lakes, Gwynedd Cregennan Lakes are owned by the National Trust and are situated on the northern slopes of Cader ldris, some 800 feet above sea level overlooking the beautiful Mawddach Estuary. They are approached from the village of Arthog by a very steep, narrow and gated road. Date: 6th May 2011 Location: Cregennan Lakes, Gwynedd http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52635525.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1650775706798c1c7ea3d7.jpgRock Pipit The Rock Pipit is a large stocky pipit which is larger than the Meadow Pipit. It is streaky olive-brown above and dirty white underneath with dark streaking. The Rock Pipit breeds around the coast where there are rocky beaches and most of the birds that breed in the UK are residents. Date: 3rd January 2025 Location: EWT Abberton Reservoir, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46830575.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_66704888162e8fad4e43df.jpgCommon Blue Flight period: June to September. The Common Blue is the UK’s most widespread and common blue butterfly although it has suffered some local declines due to habitat loss. They can be found in sunny, sheltered areas including downland, roadside verges, woodland clearings and rural gardens. Date: 30th July 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52699103.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_139043738967b0c92f1534e.jpgSanderling The Sanderling is a small, plump, energetic wading bird. It has a short straight black bill and medium length black legs and is pale grey above and white underneath. Sanderlings breed in the high Arctic but can be seen in the UK during the winter months and as a passage migrant in spring and autumn. They can be found where there are long, sandy beaches around most of the coast other than in south west England and the rocky coasts of mainland Scotland. Date: 14th February 2025 Location: Shoeburyness, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49279126.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8035198986499ca21592f2.jpgAzure Damselfly Flight period: May to August The Azure Damselfly is one of the two commonest blue damselflies and is a common and widespread species of lowland UK. They can be found around most standing water, preferring small, sheltered sites including ditches and garden ponds. Date: 22nd June 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/kaldfjorden-kvalya-troms-north-norway https://images.on-this.website/4752_11378990914f743cab6b4c8.jpgKaldfjorden, Kvaløya, Troms, north Norway Kaldfjorden is a fjord off the island of Kvaløya. The fjord is 10 miles long and begins at the east end of Vengsøyfjorden and just south east of the island of Vengsøy. The fjord heads south for most of its length until it suddenly turns straight east for the last stretch before the head of the fjord. Location: view from Skulsfjord Date: 18th March 2012 http://www.richardchewphotography.com/slavonian-grebes https://images.on-this.website/4752_2017365488563517ad0a0e5.jpgSlavonian Grebes The Slavonian Grebe is a member of the grebe family of water birds. It is also known as the Horned Grebe in north America. Unmistakable in summer, the plumage of both the male and female Slavonian Grebe shows a black head with golden puffy earlike tufts along the sides of its face. It shows a deep rusty red neck, scarlet eyes and a small, straight black bill tipped with white. During the winter, the Slavonian Grebe is mainly white with a sharply defined black cap. The Slavonian Grebe breeds in vegetated areas of freshwater lakes across Europe and Asia. It also breeds in remote inland parts of the United States and much of Canada. Like all grebes, it builds a nest on the water's edge, since its legs are set very far back and it can not walk well. Most birds migrate in winter to the coast. Date: 4th June 2015 Location: Vestmannsvatn, north Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo440192.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1890300918467dc9bd5e29f.jpgFour-spotted Chaser Flight period: mid May to end August. Four-spotted Chasers are a common and widespread species of dragonfly throughout most of the UK. They can be found around sheltered lowland lakes and ponds and around acidic moorland bogs and sheltered upland lakes. Date: 12th June 2006 Location: Near Dundonnell, Wester Ross http://www.richardchewphotography.com/la-rocina-coto-doana-andalucia https://images.on-this.website/4752_20853395104ff547ed4ae7b.jpgLa Rocina, Coto Doñana, Andalucia, Spain La Rocina is a visitor centre for the Parque Nacional de Doñana located close to El Rocío. It has information on the park and a nature trail through woodland and scrub and along the freshwater lake and marshland of Charco de la Boca which feeds into the Madres de la Marismas at El Rocío. Date: 1st May 2012 Location: La Rocina, Coto Doñana, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12082060.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2771815744e48e9f9dd9b5.jpgCommon Seal Common Seals feed at sea but regularly haul out on to rocky shores or inter-tidal sandbanks to rest, to give birth and to suckle their pups. The most important haul-out areas are around the coast of Scotland, particularly in the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland, and on the east coast of England in the Wash. Date: 1st June 2008 Location: Noss, Shetland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29487395.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_35275853058107fde4a47d.jpgNuuksio National Park, Uusimaa, Finland Nuuksio National Park was established in 1994 and covers an area of 20 square miles of forests and lakes around Espoo, Kirkkonummi and Vihti. About 20 miles north west of Helsinki, it is the second closest National Park to the capital after Sipoonkorpi National Park. The [url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siberian_flying_squirrel]Siberian Flying Squirrel[/url] is the emblem of the Nuuksio National Park due to the density of its population. Date: 30th May 2016 Location: Hogbacka, Nuuksio National Park, Uusimaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533257.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_56569326562ca813ede864.jpgCommon Blue Damselfly Flight period: early May to end September. As the name suggests, the Common Blue Damselfly is one of the commonest species in the UK. They can be confused with other blue damselflies, particularly since the markings on this species are rather variable. Common Blue Damselflies are found across most of the UK and are probably the most widespread member of the "blue" damselflies. They can be found around open lakes and ponds, along river and canal banks and streams, provided there is plenty of bankside vegetation. Date: 15th June 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13683334.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21104994464ed7303e73c74.jpgPolecat The Polecat is a member of the Mustelid group of mammals which also includes the Weasel, Stoat, Otter and Pine Marten. It has blackish guard hairs and yellow underfur on the body giving a “black and tan” appearance, a “bandit” face with a pale muzzle, ear tips and eyebrows and a broad dark band around the eyes, darker legs and belly and a short fluffy tail. The Polecat is found throughout Wales, the Midlands and parts of central southern England and is spreading steadily from these areas. There are isolated populations in Cumbria and Caithness which probably result from unofficial releases. At one time the Polecat was widespread throughout the UK but it was nearly exterminated by 1915. They have never occurred in Ireland or on the outer islands of Scotland. Although it occurs in a wide range of habitats, the Polecat prefers lowland areas. When it was confined to Wales, valleys and farms were favoured, but as it has spread out into England, farmland with hedgerows and small woods are preferred. Polecat dens are commonly in rabbit burrows, especially in summer, but they frequently move into farmyards in winter when they may den in hay bales, under sheds and in rubbish tips. This change of habitat reflects their changing diet through the year. In summer, Rabbits are a major food and the Polecat is slender enough to hunt them within their burrows. In winter, Brown Rats become a favoured food and sites like farmyards and rubbish tips that have good populations become more usual habitats. The Polecat does however kill a wide range of prey. Frogs may be important in spring, when they have gathered to spawn, and birds may also be taken. Polecats have lived up to 14 years in captivity but in the wild most probably die before they are 5 years old. In addition to its protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, the Polecat was added to the list of UK BAP (Biodiveristy Action Plan) mammals in 2007and protected as a species of principal importance for the conservation of biological diversity in England. Until the 19th Century, the Polecat was found throughout much of mainland UK and the Isle of Wight. Habitat fragmentation, persecution by gamekeepers and being killed for their fur drastically reduced this distribution. The Polecat population was reduced to about 5,000 but is now more than 46,000. One worrying problem is the extent to which they might suffer from secondary poisoning from rodenticides. Brown Rats are commonly killed by anticoagulant poisons when they infest homes and farms but there is an evident risk to Polecats from eating sick, dying rats. It is not known how serious this might be at the level of the Polecat population. As they spread further into England, the increasing density of roads and road traffic is also a threat and seems to be slowing the Polecat’s spread into both northern and south east England. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43629110.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11907065636118accce4350.jpgEdible Frog The Edible Frog is a species of frog found across Europe that is also known as the Common Water Frog and the Green Frog. The Edible Frog is one of the few animals in the world that is a fertile hybrid of 2 different species, as although similar but genetically different species are known to mate, it is very rare that their offspring will be able to breed. The Edible Frog is a fertile hybrid of 2 other European frogs, namely the Pool Frog and the Marsh Frog, that inter-bred when populations where isolated close to one another during the Ice Age. It was first described in 1758 and is known as the Edible Frog due to the fact that it is now seen as a culinary delicacy across Europe but especially in France where frog’s legs are often served as a national dish. The reason for humans favouring this frog over others is not really known but it may have something to do with their abundance. The Edible Frog is a medium sized frog growing to around 3.5 to 4.5 inches in length. Adults are mainly green in colour with light patches of brown on their backs, yellow eyes and a white underside covered in a few dark spots. There are number of distinct differences between males and females including the fact that males become much lighter and greener during the mating season. Males also have vocal sacs on the outside of their cheeks and extra skin patches on their feet, both of which are primarily used for mating. The Edible Frog is endemic to Europe and it naturally occurs across central Europe as far north as Germany and Estonia. Southern populations are found from Croatia, through northern Italy and into the south of France. There are also isolated populations in Sweden and Bulgaria which are thought to have migrated from the countries nearby. It has also been introduced to the UK. The Edible Frog spends all of its time either in or very close to water and it is most commonly found in calmer parts of rivers and streams where there is a slow but constant flow of fresh water. It tends to prefer more open areas and can also be commonly found around lakes, ponds and marshes. Unlike many other species of frog, the Edible Frog is a diurnal animal and is therefore most active during the day. This is when it is most likely to move away from the water so that it can find a better supply of food or move to a different part of the water if it needs to. The Edible Frog is a relatively solitary animal so there is less competition for food but males are often seen sitting together in groups during the breeding season when they are trying to out-compete each other to find a mate. The breeding season for the Edible Frog begins during March and generally lasts for around 2 months. Males sing by drawing air in and out of their vocal sacs to produce the highest-pitched sound possible since females are most attracted to the loudest males. After courting her in a lake, pond or swamp, the male lets the female lay up to 10,000 eggs in a sticky mass into the water before he fertilises them. Tadpoles can be as small as 0.2 inches long when they hatch and are a grey/brown colour. They then grow up to 2 to 3 inches in length before metamorphoses occurs and they leave the water as 0.75 inches long young frogs. The Edible Frog reaches sexual maturity at the age of 2 years and can live until it is 15 years old. The Edible Frog is a carnivorous amphibian but the tadpoles mainly eat vegetation although they are known to occasionally supplement their diet with aquatic micro-organisms. Adults eat small invertebrates such as insects, spiders and flies, which make up the majority of their diet, along with larger aquatic animals like fish, newts and other frogs. The Edible Frog hunts for food during the day and can be seen catching food both in water and on land. The Edible Frog remains very still when it is sitting on the banks of its water habitat and this, along with its camouflage, makes it very difficult for predators to spot. Its eyes are positioned near the top of the head meaning that it can also see danger coming whilst the body is mainly hidden. Snakes, owls and water birds are the main predators of the Edible Frog. The Edible Frog will jump into the water and hide if it senses approaching danger and it will make a loud screeching sound if caught. Edible Frog populations are under threat from habitat destruction mainly caused by deforestation and water pollution. Date: 18th July 2021 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21955418.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_171776235553da1ad152eb6.jpgAtlantic Grey Seals The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14185422.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15572278714f423338d888f.jpgGatekeeper Flight period: mid-July to early September. The Gatekeeper or Hedge Brown is common and widespread throughout the southern half of the UK. They can be found in areas with hedgerows or in scrubby woodland with wide and sunny rides. Date: 9th July 2006 Location: Stow Maries Halt EWT reserve, Stow Maries, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41249291.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_943915305f00b7a98d40d.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 22nd June 2020 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/small-red-damselfly https://images.on-this.website/4752_14670388084fc791dddaccf.jpgLarge Red Damselfly Flight period: April to August The Large Red Damselfly is one of the three most widespread dragonflies in the UK and one of the first to emerge in spring. They can be found in most wetland habitats from acidic moorland bog pools to brackish ditches but they avoid fast flowing waters. Date: 28th May 2012 Location: How Hill, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52698934.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_56592910567b0c28a54aba.jpgLong-tailed Tit The Long-tailed Tit is easily recognisable with its distinctive colouring, a tail that is bigger than its body, and undulating flight. They are most usually noticed in small, excitable flocks of about 20 birds as they rove the woods, hedgerows and gardens often with other tit species. Long-tailed Tits can be seen all year round and throughout the UK except the far north and west of Scotland. Date: 30th January 2025 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4466125.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12279515764b8a2696b1c0d.jpgFløyfjellet, Bergen Fløyfjellet or Fløyen is the most visited of the 7 mountains that surround the city centre of Bergen, Norway. It has a funicular railway system (Fløibanen) that transports passengers from the centre of Bergen to a height of 1050 feet in roughly 8 minutes. The actual highest point on Fløifjellet at 1394 feet is approximately 1/2 mile to the north east. From Fløyfjellet there are stunning views of the city of Bergen and the surrounding area. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7439640.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1374030964cd572e05cda7.jpgArribes del Duero, Castille y Leon, Spain Arribes del Duero is a Natural Park in north west Spain where the river Duero forms the national boundary between Spain and Portugal. The river has eroded deep gorges for over 6o miles of its course resulting in steep cliffs and rock faces. Date: 11th September 2010 Location: view from near Villadepera, Castille y Leon, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo3119747.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5770470514a6c39dfa7cc3.jpgCommon Seals Common Seals feed at sea but regularly haul out on to rocky shores or inter-tidal sandbanks to rest, to give birth and to suckle their pups. The most important haul-out areas are around the coast of Scotland, particularly in the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland, and on the east coast of England in the Wash. Date: 13th July 2009 Location: Blakeney Point, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21957280.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_123244586353da3a7de62c0.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a gentle looking, medium sized gull with a small yellow bill and a dark eye. It has a grey back and is white underneath. Its legs are short and black. In flight the black wing-tips show no white, unlike other gulls, and look as if they have been “dipped in ink”. The population is declining in some areas, perhaps due to a shortage of sand eels. Kittiwakes are strictly coastal gulls. In the breeding season, they can be found on rocky, steep sea-cliffs at the major seabird colonies around the UK from February until August. From August to October they can be seen flying past offshore and they spend the winter months out at sea. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Staple Island, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/alcal-de-henares-castellar-de https://images.on-this.website/4752_1434733081525289c815f1b.jpgAlcalá de los Gazules, Andalucia, Spain Alcalá de los Gazules is a historic town located in the province of Cádiz, Andalucia. The town is surrounded by the Los Alcornocales Natural Park. Date: 10th September 2013 Location: Alcalá de los Gazules, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo22527612.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_107136720654227eab9ddbd.jpgSanna Bay, Ardnamurchan, Highland The small settlement of Sanna lies 6 miles north west of Kilchoan, close to the tip of the Ardnamurchan Peninsula. Sanna Bay lies between Sanna Point to the north and Ardnamurchan Point to the south and is dominated by impressive sand dunes, beautiful white shell sand bays and a stunning turquoise sea. It is one of the most beautiful beaches in Scotland. From Sanna Point there are superb views, extending from the islands of Eigg and Rhum to the north with Skye beyond, round to Ardnamurchan Point and its lighthouse to the south west and the island of Coll beyond that. The Western Isles can be seen to the north west but due west there is nothing but sea until the continent of North America is reached. Date: 9th September 2014 Location: view from Sanna Bay http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41392938.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5670418985f26c06f100f7.jpgGatekeeper Flight period: mid-July to early September. The Gatekeeper or Hedge Brown is common and widespread throughout the southern half of the UK. They can be found in areas with hedgerows or in scrubby woodland with wide and sunny rides. Date: 30th July 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42626759.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_76453710360a92779b573f.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 15th April 2021 Location: Lake Meadows, Billericay, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21808744.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_190216582653c78f23766a7.jpgCommon Seals Common Seals feed at sea but regularly haul out on to rocky shores or inter-tidal sandbanks to rest, to give birth and to suckle their pups. The most important haul-out areas are around the coast of Scotland, particularly in the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland, and on the east coast of England in the Wash. Date: 14th July 2014 Location: Blakeney Point, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230716.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_148723966864916f217db55.jpgSouth Stack, Anglesey South Stack is situated at the westernmost point of Anglesey 2 miles west of Holyhead. The cliffs contain some of the oldest rocks in Wales dating back nearly 600 million years to the Precambrian period. The extensive folds in the cliff face bear witness to some of the earth movements and forces that have shaped Wales. More than 4,000 seabirds breed on the cliffs at South Stack each year and live pictures are relayed by CCTV to the visitor centre in Ellins Tower. Date: 13th May 2023 Location: view from the cliff path at South Stack http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41352930.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17758387005f215752e8541.jpgGatekeeper Flight period: mid-July to early September. The Gatekeeper or Hedge Brown is common and widespread throughout the southern half of the UK. They can be found in areas with hedgerows or in scrubby woodland with wide and sunny rides. Date: 21st July 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41349674.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14055049935f20113fc086d.jpgLarge Skipper Flight period: June to July. The Large Skipper is a small golden butterfly which is widespread throughout England and Wales and it is also extending its range northwards in to southern Scotland. They can be found in areas of tall, uncut grassland, woodland rides, roadside verges and hedgerows. Date: 12th July 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833848.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_996139203559cf1627c737.jpgMount Vrontou foothills, Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, Greece Mount Vrontou is located north of Serres and is a site easily reached by the road which rises to the ski centre. At around 5900 feet high, the route and summit areas are excellent for mountain birds. Date: 11th May 2015 Location: view from road from Serres to Mount Vrontou summit, East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4267049.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20481597264b5221182e3a9.jpgLoch Scridain, Mull, Argyll Loch Scridain is located on the western coastline of the island of Mull in Argyll and is a large sea loch 12 miles in length and 2½ miles at its widest. Extending as far inland as Glen More, the area to the north is known as Ardmeanach while to the south lies the Ross of Mull. Date: 2nd January 2010 Location: view from the southern shore near Pennyghael http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28883586.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_37234815857cc0437112b0.jpgLahemaa National Park, Estonia Lahemaa National Park was established in 1971 and was the first area to be designated as a National Park of the former Soviet Union. It is located about 40 miles east of Tallinn with the Gulf of Finland to the north and the Tallinn to Narva road to the south. It covers an area of 280 square miles including almost 100 square miles of sea and it is the largest National Park in Estonia. Forest covers around 70% of the Lahemaa National Park and much of the remainder includes raised bogs. The area is rich in flora and fauna including a population of Wolves, Brown Bears and Lynx. Date: 19th May 2016 Location: Altja, Lahemaa National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453989.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13818252154ff547610a94c.jpgExtremadura dehesa Dehesa is a multifunctional agropastoral system and cultural landscape of southern and central Spain and southern Portugal where it covers around 12500 square miles. Dehesas may be private or communal property (usually belonging to the municipality). The dehesa is derived from the Mediterranean forest ecosystem consisting of pastureland featuring herbaceous species for grazing and tree species such as holm and cork oak. Dehesas are used primarily for grazing by cattle, sheep and goats and they also produce a variety of products including non-timber forest products such as wild game, mushrooms, honey, cork, and firewood. Oaks are protected and pruned to produce acorns which the famous black Iberian pigs feed on in the autumn. Ham produced from Iberian pigs fattened with acorns and then air dried at high elevations is known as jamon which sells for premium prices. Dehesa is an agropastoral system that not only provides a variety of foods and other products but it also a very important wildlife habitat supporting many rare species. Date: 30th April 2012 Location: western Cáceres, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33568450.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5983837985a106ba3bccb0.jpgLoch Don, Mull, Argyll Loch Don is located on the east coast of Mull to the south of Craignure where it forms a significant inlet of the Firth of Lorne. To the south of the mouth of Loch Don is the headland of Grass Point, with Gorten to the north, whilst at its head is the hamlet of Lochdon on the A849 Craignure to Fionnphort road. Loch Don itself is a tidal estuarine body of water that transforms the appearance of the village depending on the state of the tide. An unclassified road at the north end of the village passes several houses before running alongside the shores of Loch Don towards Gorsten where it ends. Date: 7th November 2017 Location: view from the unclassified road at Gorsten looking west across Loch Don towards Lochdon http://www.richardchewphotography.com/sierra-de-andjar-andalucia-spain https://images.on-this.website/4752_20482293524cd5714c6ed61.jpgSierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain This Natural Park (Parque Natural) includes a large sector of the central Sierra Morena, the east-west line of mountains which divides Andalucia from the rest of Spain. The Sierra de Andújar stretches for 45 miles with a highest point of 4230 feet and it is densely wooded boasting one of Andalucia's best preserved expanses of Mediterranean woodland and scrubland. The Sierra de Andújar is one of two of Spain's last refuges for the elusive and highly endangered Iberian Lynx. Date: 7th September 2010 http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801065.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_61277469964eda29748174.jpgEmperor Dragonfly Flight period: June to August. The Emperor Dragonfly is the largest UK dragonfly species and apart from its size it can easily be recognized by its bright colouration and highly territorial behaviour as it flies endlessly well above the water’s surface. The Emperor Dragonfly has expanded its range in to northern England in recent years and has now been recorded in Scotland. They can be found around well-vegetated ponds, lakes, large ditches, canals and slow-moving rivers. Date: 8th July 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37399591.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4300294165c66974450ecc.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 9th December 2018 Location: Winterton-Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39081927.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11360712085d30779796f1a.jpgGolden Jackal The Golden Jackal is a canid within the family [i]Canidae[/i] which includes the South American canids, the fox-like canids and the wolf-like canids. Within the wolf-like canids is the jackal group which includes the 3 jackals: the Golden Jackal, the Black-backed Jackal and the Side-striped Jackal. These 3 species are approximately the same size, possess similar dental and skeletal morphology and are identified from each other primarily by their coat colour. The Golden Jackal is similar to the Grey Wolf but it is distinguished by its smaller size, lighter weight, more elongated torso, less prominent forehead, shorter legs and tail and a muzzle that is narrower and more pointed. The legs are long in relation to its body and the feet are slender with small pads. Males measure 28 to 33 inches in body length and females 27 to 29 inches. Males weigh 13 to 31 pounds and females 15 to 24 pounds. The shoulder height is 18 to 20 inches for both. In comparison, the smallest wolf is the Arabian Wolf which weighs on average 44 pounds. The fur of the Golden Jackal is coarse and relatively short with the base colour golden but varying seasonally from a pale creamy yellow to a dark tawny. The fur on the back is composed of a mixture of black, brown and white hairs, sometimes giving the appearance of the dark saddle like that seen on the Black-backed Jackal. The underparts are a light pale ginger to cream colour. Individuals can be distinguished by their unique light markings on the throat and chest. The coats of Golden Jackals from high elevations tend to be more buff-coloured than those of their lowland counterparts while those of Golden Jackals in rocky and mountainous areas may exhibit a greyer shade. The bushy tail has a tan to black tip. Melanism can cause a dark-coloured coat in some Golden Jackals. The Golden Jackal moults twice a year in spring and in autumn. The spring moult starts in the middle of February to as late as the middle of March and lasts for around 60 days. The spring moult commences with the head and limbs, extends to the flanks, chest, belly and rump, and ends at the tail. Fur on the underparts is absent. The autumn moult occurs from mid-September with the shedding of the summer fur and the growth of the winter fur. The development of the autumn coat starts with the rump and tail and spreads to the back, flanks, belly, chest, limbs and head with full winter fur being attained at the end of November. The Golden Jackal is native to south east Europe, south west Asia, south Asia and parts of south east Asia. The current European range mostly encompasses the Balkan region where habitat loss and mass poisoning caused it to become extinct in many areas during the 1960s with core populations only occurring in scattered regions such as Strandja in south east Bulgaria, the Dalmatian coast of Croatia, the Macedonian region of north Greece and the Peloponnese peninsula in south Greece. It recolonised its former territories in Bulgaria during the early 1960s when a large increase arose from the replacement of natural forests with dense scrub, an increase in animal carcasses from state game farms, reductions in wolf populations and the abandonment of poisoning campaigns. Bulgaria now has the largest population in Europe. It subsequently expanded its range into Romania and Serbia and thereafter in to Italy, Slovenia, Austria, Hungary and Slovakia during the 1980s. The Golden Jackal is continuing to expand beyond south east Europe in to central Europe by occupying areas where there are few or no wolves. Recently, an isolated Golden Jackal population was confirmed in west Estonia, much further north than the principal range. Whether this is an introduced population or a natural migration is unknown. To the east, the Golden Jackal’s range extends through Turkey, Syria, Iraq, Iran, central Asia and the entire Indian sub-continent and then east and south to Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand and parts of Indochina. The Golden Jackal is listed as “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List due to its widespread distribution and with it being common throughout its range and with high densities in those areas where food and shelter are abundant. In Europe, the Golden Jackal is not listed under the 1973 Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora nor the 1979 Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals. It does fall under various international legal instruments. These include the 1979 Berne Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats, the 1992 Convention on Biological Diversity and the 1992 European Union Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora. The Council Directive provides both guidance and limits on what participating governments can do when responding to the arrival of expanding Golden Jackals. These legislative instruments aim to contribute to conserving native wildlife although some governments argue that the Golden Jackal is not native wildlife but an invading species. The Golden Jackal's omnivorous diet allows it to eat a large range of foods and this diet, together with its tolerance of dry conditions, enables it to live in different habitats. It is both a predator and a scavenger and an omnivorous and opportunistic forager with a diet that varies according to its habitat and the season. The Golden Jackal often hunts or forages alone, sometimes in pairs but rarely in a pack. When hunting alone, it trots around an area and occasionally stops to sniff and listen. Once prey is located, it conceals itself, quickly approaches its prey and then pounces on it. When hunting in pairs or packs, Golden Jackals run parallel to their prey and overtake it in unison. The peak times for hunting and foraging are the early morning and the late evening. The Golden Jackal exhibits flexible social organization depending on the availability of food. The breeding pair is the basic social unit and they are sometimes accompanied by their current litter of pups. Family groups of up to 4 to 5 individuals have been recorded. The hunting ranges of several Golden Jackals can overlap. Individuals can travel up to around 10 miles during a single night in search of either food or more suitable habitat. Non-breeding members of a pack may stay near a distant food source, such as a carcass, for up to several days before returning to their home range. Home range sizes can vary between 0.4 to 7.75 square miles depending on the available food supply. Social interactions such as greetings, grooming and group howling are common in the Golden Jackal. Howling is more frequent between December and April when pair bonds are being formed and breeding occurs suggesting that howling has a role in the delineation of territory and for defence. Adults howl standing and the young or subordinates howl sitting. The Golden Jackal is easily induced to howl and a single howl may solicit replies from several others in the vicinity. Howling begins with 2 to 3 low-pitched calls that rise to high-pitched calls. The howl consists of a wail repeated 3 to 4 times on an ascending scale followed by 3 short yelps. The Golden Jackal typically howls at dawn and in the evening. Social canids such as jackals, wolves and coyotes readily respond to human imitations of their howls. The Golden Jackal is monogamous and it will remain with the one partner until death. Females have only one breeding cycle each year with the mating period lasting up to 26 to 28 days. Females are often pursued by several males that may quarrel among themselves. Mating results in a copulatory tie that lasts for several minutes as it does with all other canids. Gestation lasts 63 days and the timing of the births coincides with the annual abundance of food. In Europe, pups are generally born from late March to late April. The number of pups born in a single litter varies geographically but usually ranges from 3 to 8. The pups are born with closed eyes that open after 8 to 11 days with the ears erecting after 10 to 13 days. Their teeth erupt at 11 days after birth and the eruption of adult dentition is completed after 5 months. Pups are born with soft fur that ranges in colour from light grey to dark brown. At the age of 1 month, the fur is shed and replaced with a new reddish-coloured pelt with black speckles. Females possess 4 pairs of teats and lactation lasts for up to 8 to 10 weeks. The pups begin to eat meat at the age of 15 to 20 days. Once the lactation period concludes, the female drives off the pups. Pups born late remain with their mother until early autumn at which time they leave either singly or in groups of 2 to 4 individuals. Females reach sexual maturity after 10 to 11 months and males at 21 to 22 months. Date: 16th May 2018 Location: Vetren, Silistra Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847434.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_77477194259bd5011ca282.jpgLow Tatras, Slovakia The Low Tatras (Nízke Tatry) are a mountain range of the Inner Western Carpathians situated in central Slovakia. They are located south of the High Tatras (Vysoké Tatry) from which they are separated by the valleys of the Váh River and Poprad River. The ridge runs west to east and is about 50 miles long. The Čertovica pass divides the range into 2 parts. The highest peaks of the Low Tatras are located in its western part. Ďumbier is the highest mountain at 6703 feet. Its neighbour Chopok at 6640 feet is accessible by a chairlift and it is the most visited place in the Low Tatras. Other peaks in the western part include Dereše at 6575 feet and Chabenec at 6414 feet. The highest peak in the eastern part is Kráľova hoľa at 6385 feet. The lower elevations are mostly blanketed in dense forest with prevailing coniferous forests in the northern part and mixed forests in the south. At higher elevations there are tarns, deep valleys, limestone cliffs and impressive granite formations. Most of the Low Tatras are protected by the Low Tatras National Park (Národný park Nízke Tatry). This comprises an area of 281 square miles and a buffer zone covering an area of 425 square miles. This makes it the largest National Park in Slovakia. The protection of the Low Tatras started with the first attempts during the period 1918 to 1921 and continuing after World War 2. In 1963, a proposal was made for the establishment of a National Park under the name Central Slovakia National Park. During the period between 1965 and 1966 and right before the completion of the last proposal, a draft for a National Park Ďumbier was proposed. The aim of this draft was to include the north and south part of the central territory of the Low Tatras. From 1967 until 1968 the draft was reformulated with the goal to establish the National Park on the 25th anniversary of the Slovak National Uprising. However, it took another 10 years to overcome various obstacles that prevented the establishment of the National Park. In 1978 the National Park was finally created with the Regulation 119/1978 of the Slovak Socialistic Republic. The area of the national park was set at 313 square miles and its protection zone at 479 square miles. The status of the National Park was published in the same year by the Ministry of Culture of the Slovak Socialistic Republic in Regulation 120/1978. This regulation set out the conditions for the protection of particular areas. The borders of the National Park and the protection zones were revised in June 1997 by Regulation 182/1997 of the government of the Slovak Republic. The revised area of the National Park was adjusted to 281 square miles which is 32 square miles less than the original area. The revised area of the protection zones was adjusted to 425 square miles which is 53 square miles less than the original area. Currently, the following protected areas are established in the Low Tatras National Park or its buffer zone: 10 National Nature Reserves, 10 Nature Reserves, 5 National Nature Monuments, 6 Nature Monuments and 1 Protected Site. The Low Tatras are the second most visited mountains in Slovakia after the High Tatras. Tourism is very popular and during the winter there are several ski resorts such as Jasná and Tále. There are also a range of summer activities such as hiking, trekking, rafting, kayaking, fishing and other outdoor pursuits. Date: 28th May 2017 Location: Low Tatras, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405535.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20748533156586f7948ba7b.jpgGreat Northern Diver The Great Northern Diver is the largest of the UK's divers with a bigger, heavier head and bill than its commoner relatives. The Great Northern Diver is largely a winter visitor to the UK coast although some non-breeding birds stay off northern coasts in the summer. They start to arrive offshore in August and birds move back to their largely Icelandic breeding grounds in April and May. The largest numbers can be found off the northern and western islands of Scotland. Date: 8th December 2023 Location: Great Notley Country Park, Braintree, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084064.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18522128825d3085585dead.jpgRila Mountains, Kyustendil Province, Bulgaria The Rila Mountains are a mountain range in south west Bulgaria and constitute the highest mountain range in the country and the Balkans. It is the sixth highest mountain range in Europe after the Caucasus, the Alps, the Sierra Nevada, the Pyrenees and Mount Etna and the highest one between the Alps and the Caucasus. The Rila Mountains are spread over an area of 1015 square miles with an average altitude of 4879 feet. Musala is its highest peak at 9596 feet. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rila-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. The Rila Mountains have abundant water resources and some of the Balkans' longest and deepest rivers originate here including the longest river entirely in the Balkans, the River Maritsa, and the longest river entirely in Bulgaria, the River Iskar. Bulgaria's main water divide separating the Black Sea and the Aegean Sea drainage systems follows the main ridge of the Rila Mountains. The mountain range is dotted with almost 200 glacial lakes such as the renowned Seven Rila Lakes. It is also rich in hot springs in the fault areas at the foothills including the hottest spring in south east Europe in Sapareva Banya. The Rila Mountains have typical layers of montane habitat ranging from river and stream valleys at lower altitudes to mixed deciduous woodland, coniferous forests and Alpine meadows and lakes at higher altitudes and finally to rocky ridges and bare rugged peaks. The biodiversity and the pristine landscapes are protected by the Rila National Park which is among the largest and most valuable protected areas in Europe. It is the largest national park in Bulgaria covering an area of 313 square miles and it was established in February 1992 to protect several ecosystems of national importance. Its altitude varies from 2600 feet near Blagoevgrad to 9596 feet at the peak of Musala. It occupies territory from 4 of the 28 provinces of the country (Sofia, Kyustendil, Blagoevgrad and Pazardzhik) and it includes 4 nature reserves (Parangalitsa, Central Rila Reserve, Ibar and Skakavitsa). The Rila National Park falls within the Rodope montane mixed forests terrestrial eco-region of the Palearctic temperate broadleaf and mixed forest. Forests occupy 206.5 square miles or 66% of the total area. The Rila Mountains also contain the Rila Monastery Nature Park which is among the largest nature parks in Bulgaria covering an area of 97.5 square miles at an altitude between 2460 and 8901 feet. It was established in 1992 as part of the newly founded Rila National Park. In 2000 some territory of the Rila National Park was re-assigned to the Rila Monastery Nature Park and was recategorized as a nature park because by law all lands in national parks are exclusively state owned. Today most of the Rila Monastery Nature Park is owned by the Rila Monastery. The Rila Monastery Nature Park includes one nature reserve, namely the Rila Monastery Forest with an area of 14 square miles or 14% of its total area. The most recognisable landmark in the Rila Mountains is the Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila, better known as the Rila Monastery. This is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria and is situated in the deep valley of the River Rilska River within the Rila Monastery Nature Park at a height of 3763 feet. The monastery is named after its founder, the hermit Ivan of Rila (876 to 946 AD) and houses around 60 monks. Founded in the 10th century, the Rila Monastery is regarded as one of Bulgaria's most important cultural, historical and architectural monuments and is a key tourist attraction for both Bulgaria and south Europe. Due to its outstanding cultural and spiritual value it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. The Rila Mountains are also a popular destination for hiking, winter sports and spa tourism, hosting the nation's oldest ski resort at Borovets as well as numerous hiking trails. Date: 30th May 2018 Location: Kocherinovo-Stob area, Kyustendil Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21893324.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_53546792853d1099ecd657.jpgBen More Coigach, Stac Pollaidh and Cul Beag, Highland Height: Ben More Coigach 2493 feet, Stac Pollaidh 2009 feet and Cul Beag 2523 feet The Coigach mountains are located at the eastern end of the peninsula north of Ullapool and Loch Broom. Date: 19th June 2014 Location: view from the A835 between Drumrunie and Ullapool http://www.richardchewphotography.com/barnacle-goose-15 https://images.on-this.website/4752_138863807154c20bd06ac5b.jpgBarnacle Goose The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 3rd January 2015 Location: Mersehead RSPB reserve, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230762.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1841913346491735cd1bbb.jpgRed Kites The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 14th May 2023 Location: Llanddeusant Red Kite feeding station, Carmarthenshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49278735.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7745597346499bab5292e0.jpgBlue-tailed Damselfly Flight period: mid May to early September. Blue-tailed Damselflies are a widespread and common species of damselfly in much of England, Wales and southern Scotland. They can be found around lakes, ponds, canals and ditches, being less common on flowing water and in exposed and upland sites. They can also tolerate some saline and polluted waters. Date: 16th June 2023 Location: RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23408456.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_40404333054c20bb19e926.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 3rd January 2015 Location: Mersehead RSPB reserve, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12081930.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15424353244e48e985d4d2e.jpgCommon Seals Common Seals feed at sea but regularly haul out on to rocky shores or inter-tidal sandbanks to rest, to give birth and to suckle their pups. The most important haul-out areas are around the coast of Scotland, particularly in the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland, and on the east coast of England in the Wash. Date: 7th September 2005 Location: Blakeney Point, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/route-over-kongsfjordfjellet-varanger-peninsula https://images.on-this.website/4752_14140063454bf6e123a8fcb.jpgKongsfjordfjellet, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway Kongsfjordfjellet is a bare mountain tundra area in the north west of the Varanger peninsula in Finnmark county in north east Norway. Date: 14th April 2010 Location: view from road 890 over Kongsfjordfjellet, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/chaffinch https://images.on-this.website/4752_17819564944c1dd32af2d78.jpgChaffinch The Chaffinch is a common UK resident bird and is a colorful member of the finch family. Chaffinches breed anywhere with trees and bushes, including coniferous and deciduous woodland, farmland hedgerows, parks and rural and suburban gardens. Date: 2nd June 2010 Location: Loch Garten, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24902642.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_35901487555a4e0d302e57.jpgRazorbills The Razorbill is a medium-sized seabird and breeds around the coast of the UK with the largest colonies in northern Scotland. They breed on rocky cliffs and among boulder scree close to the sea. Birds only come to shore to breed from March to July and they winter in the northern Atlantic. Date: 4th July 2015 Location: Bempton Cliifs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo440776.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1098792908467ea88b4e7fa.jpgCommon Darter Flight period: end May to early October. Common Darters are the most widespread of the dragonflies over lowland UK but they are absent from upland areas. They can be found in a wide range of habitats including ponds, lakes, ditches, canals, slow flowing rivers and brackish water. They can also be frequently seen some way from water. Date: 1st July 2006 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9588748.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15412399594db159b5b8fca.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 28th March 2008 Location: Loch na Keal, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23526652.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_83152283154ddc46c49821.jpgDark-bellied Brent Geese The Brent Goose belongs to the [I]Branta[/I] genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the [I]Anser[/I] genus of grey geese. [I]Branta[/I] is a Latinised form of Old Norse [I]brandgás[/I], meaning "burnt (black) goose", and [i]bernicla[/i] is the medieval Latin name for the barnacle. The Brent Goose and the similar Barnacle Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be the same creature as the crustacean, a myth that can be dated back to at least the 12th century. The Brent Goose, [I]Branta bernicla[/I] is divided into 3 sub-species: Dark-bellied Brent Goose [I]B. b. bernicla[/I], Pale-bellied Brent Goose [i]B. b. hrota[/i] (sometimes also known as Light-bellied Brent Goose) and Black Brant [i]B. b. nigricans[/i]. Some DNA evidence suggests that these forms are genetically distinct and a split into 3 separate species has been proposed. However, other evidence upholds their maintenance as a single species. The Brent Goose is a small goose, 22 to 26 inches long with a wingspan of 42 to 48 inches. The under-tail is pure white and the tail black and very short (the shortest of any goose). The Dark-bellied Brent Goose is fairly uniformly dark grey-brown all over and the flanks and belly are not significantly paler than the back. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds on the Arctic coasts of central and west Siberia and winters in west Europe with over half the population in south England and the rest between north Germany and north west France. The Pale-bellied Brent Goose appears blackish-brown and light grey in colour and the flanks and belly are significantly paler than the back and present a marked contrast. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds in Franz Josef Land, Svalbard, Greenland and north east Canada and winters in Denmark, north east England, Ireland and the Atlantic coast of the USA from Maine to Georgia as well as in a small but significant area in north France. The Black Brant appears blackish-brown and white in colour. This sub-species is very contrastingly black and white with a uniformly dark sooty-brown back, similarly-coloured underparts (with the dark colour extending furthest back of the 3 sub-species) and a prominent white flank patch. It also has a larger white neck patch which forms an almost complete collar. It breeds in north west Canada, Alaska and east Siberia and winters mostly on the west coast of north America from south Alaska to California but also in east Asia, mainly Japan. It sometimes appears as a vagrant in Europe when it associates with the other Brent Goose species. The Brent Goose used to be a strictly coastal bird in winter, seldom leaving tidal estuaries where it feeds on eel-grass and seaweed. In recent decades, it has started using agricultural land a short distance inland, feeding extensively on grass and winter-sown cereals. This may be behaviour learned by following other species of geese. Food resource pressure may also be important in forcing this change since the world population increased over 10-fold by the mid-1980s, possibly reaching the carrying capacity of the estuaries. In the breeding season, the Brent Goose uses low-lying wet coastal tundra for both breeding and feeding. The nest is bowl-shaped, lined with grass and down and located in an elevated position often near a small pond. The Brent Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds applies. Date: 26th January 2015 Location: Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405434.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2952387016586e05637632.jpgMoorhen The Moorhen is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird that is usually found near water. From a distance it looks black with a ragged white line along its body. However, closer up it is olive-brown on the back and the head and blue-grey underneath. It has a red bill with a yellow tip. The Moorhen can be found all year round almost anywhere where there is water. They breed in lowland areas particularly in central and eastern England but are scarce in northern Scotland and the uplands of Wales and northern England. UK breeding birds are residents and seldom travel far. Date: 9th October 2023 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37190302.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8178969175c2a105bd6c8e.jpgAn Teallach, Wester Ross Height: Bidean a'Ghlas Thuill 3483 feet and Sgurr Fiona 3477 feet. Towering above Little Loch Broom and Dundonnell village, the jagged outline of An Teallach is a well known mountain maasif in Wester Ross. Date: 24th June 2018 Location: view from the A832 road between Braemore and Dundonnell http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41225599.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16107798635eda02f55a0d1.jpgFour-spotted Chaser Flight period: mid May to end August. Four-spotted Chasers are a common and widespread species of dragonfly throughout most of the UK. They can be found around sheltered lowland lakes and ponds and around acidic moorland bogs and sheltered upland lakes. Date: 29th May 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/julyaugust-2010-ruddy-darter https://images.on-this.website/4752_16233247574cc2bd2d4f8d5.jpgJuly to August 2010 - Ruddy Darter Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5472458.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/llyn-gwynant-gwynedd https://images.on-this.website/4752_687276664beed116193b3.jpgLlyn Gwynant, Gwynedd Llyn Gwynant is a lake in Snowdonia in the Nant Gwynant valley. The lake is natural having been formed by glacial action and is 50 hectares in size. Date: 9th May 2010 Location: view from the A498 road http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49278750.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12415953776499bad61e99a.jpgAzure Damselfly Flight period: May to August The Azure Damselfly is one of the two commonest blue damselflies and is a common and widespread species of lowland UK. They can be found around most standing water, preferring small, sheltered sites including ditches and garden ponds. Date: 16th June 2023 Location: RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49002523.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12999767926468f16fbaab5.jpgWoodlark The Woodlark is a streaky brown bird with a buffy-white eye-stripe which meets across the nape. It has a well developed crest on its crown which is not always conspicuous. In flight the peculiarly short tail and broad, rounded wings are noticeable and the deeply undulating flight with closed wing glides is characteristic. The Woodlark can be found all year round and breeds mainly in eastern and southern England on the heathlands of Hampshire, Surrey, Berkshire, Norfolk and Suffolk. Date: 17th April 2023 Location: Westleton Heath, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13657373.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15741053344ed36fa7a4abe.jpgBadger The European Badger is a species of badger in the mustelid family (which in the UK includes the Otter, Pine Marten, Stoat and Weasel) and it is native to almost all of Europe. The source of the word "badger" is uncertain. The Oxford English Dictionary states it probably dates from the 16th century and derives from "badge", referring to the white mark borne like a badge on the Badger’s forehead. The French word [i]bêcheur[/i] (digger) has also been suggested as a source. The far older name "brock" derives from the Gaelic [i]broc[/i] or Welsh [i]broch[/i] and appears in Old English as [i]brocc[/i]. The Badger is a powerfully built animal with a small head, a thick, short neck, a stocky, wedge-shaped body and a short tail. Its feet are short with 5 toes on each foot. The limbs are short and massive with naked lower surfaces on the feet. The claws are strong, elongated and have an obtuse end which assists in digging. The snout, which is used for digging and probing, is muscular and flexible. The eyes are small and the ears short and tipped with white. Whiskers are present on the snout and above the eyes. Boars (males) typically have broader heads, thicker necks and narrower tails than sows (females) which are sleeker and have narrower, less domed heads and fluffier tails. Adults measure 9.8 to 11.8 inches in shoulder height, 24 to 35 inches in body length and 4.7 to 9.4 inches in tail length. Boars slightly exceed sows in measurements but can weigh considerably more. Weight varies seasonally, growing from spring to autumn and reaching a peak just before the winter. During the summer, the Badger weighs 15 to 29 pounds but this increases to 33 to 37 pounds in the autumn. Sows can attain a top weight of around 38 pounds, while exceptionally large boars have been reported in the autumn with the heaviest verified at 60 pounds. The contrasting black, white, brown and grey markings of the Badger’s fur serve to warn off attackers rather than camouflage as they are conspicuous at night. The colour, coarseness and density of the fur varies seasonally. Although the Badger’s sense of smell is acute, eyesight is monochromatic as has been shown by their lack of reaction to red light. Only moving objects attract their attention. The European Badger is the most social of badgers, forming groups of 6 adults on average, although larger associations of over 20 individuals have been recorded. Group size may be related to habitat composition. Under optimal conditions, Badger territories can be as small as 30 hectares but may be as large as 150 hectares in marginal areas. Badger territories can be identified by the presence of communal latrines and well-worn paths. It is mainly male Badgers that are involved in territorial aggression. A hierarchical social system is thought to exist and large powerful boars seem to assert dominance over smaller males. Large boars sometimes intrude into neighbouring territories during the main mating season in early spring. Sparring and more vicious fights generally result from territorial defence in the breeding season. When fighting, Badgers bite each other on the neck and rump while running and chasing each other and injuries incurred in such fights can be severe and sometimes fatal. However, in general, animals within and outside a group show considerable tolerance of each other. The Badger is usually monogamous and boars typically mate with a single female for life, whereas sows have been known to mate with more than one male. The oestrus cycle in the Badger lasts 4 to 6 days and may occur throughout the year, although there is a peak in spring. Sexual maturity in boars is usually attained at the age of 12 to 15 months but this can range from 9 months to 2 years. Sows usually begin ovulating in their second year, although some exceptionally begin at 9 months. Badgers can mate at any time of the year, although the main peak occurs in February to May. Matings occurring outside this period typically occur in sows which either failed to mate earlier in the year or matured slowly. Delayed implantation following mating can last 2 to 9 months although matings in December can result in immediate implantation. Ordinarily, implantation happens in December with a gestation period lasting 7 weeks. Cubs are usually born in mid-January to mid-March within underground chambers containing bedding. In areas where the countryside is waterlogged, cubs may be born above ground in buildings. The average litter consists of 1 to 5 cubs. Cubs are born pink with greyish, silvery fur and fused eyelids. Newborn Badgers are 5 inches in body length on average and weigh 2.6 to 4.7 ounces, with cubs from large litters being smaller. By 3 to 5 days, claws become pigmented and individual dark hairs begin to appear. Eyes open at 4 to 5 weeks and milk teeth erupt about the same time. Cubs emerge from their setts at 8 weeks of age and begin to be weaned at 12 weeks, although they may still suckle until they are 4 to 5 months old. Subordinate females may assist the mother in guarding, feeding and grooming the cubs. Cubs fully develop their adult coats at 6 to 9 weeks. The Badger can live for up to about 15 years in the wild. The Badger is a burrowing animal. However, the dens it constructs (setts) are complex and are passed on from generation to generation. A sett is almost invariably located near a tree which is used by badgers for stretching or claw scraping. Badgers defecate in latrines which are located near the sett and at strategic locations on territorial boundaries or near places with abundant food supplies. The number of exits in a sett can vary from just a few to 50. Setts can be vast and can sometimes accommodate multiple families. When this happens, each family occupies its own passages and sleeping and nesting chambers. Badgers dig and collect bedding throughout the year, particularly in autumn and spring, and the chambers are frequently lined with bedding brought in on dry nights consisting of grass, bracken, straw, leaves and moss. The Badger is a fastidiously clean animal which regularly clears out and discards old bedding. Along with the Brown Bear, the Badger is among the least carnivorous members of the carnivorous mammals. It is a highly adaptable and opportunistic omnivore whose diet encompasses a wide range of animals and plants. Earthworms are their most important food source, followed by large insects, carrion, cereals, fruit and small mammals including rabbits, mice, shrews, moles and hedgehogs. In addition, a wide variety of insect prey, cereal food, windfall fruit and berries is eaten. Occasionally, the Badger feeds on medium to large birds, amphibians, small reptiles, snails, slugs, fungi, and green food such as clover and grass. The Badger typically eats prey on the spot and rarely transports it to the sett. The Badger has few natural enemies. Wolves, lynxes and dogs can pose a threat although deaths caused by them are rare. It may live alongside the Red Fox in isolated sections of large burrows and the 2 species possibly tolerate each other through the Red Fox providing food scraps to the Badger and the Badger maintaining the shared burrow’s cleanliness. The Badger is native to most of Europe and parts of western Asia west of the Volga river in Russia. The International Union for Conservation of Nature rates the Badger as being of “least concern”. It is abundant and increasing throughout its range, partly due to a reduction in rabies in central Europe. In the UK, the Badger experienced a 77% increase in numbers during the 1980s and 1990s and the population is estimated to be around 300,000. The Badger is found in deciduous and mixed woodlands, clearings, spinneys, pastureland and scrub, including Mediterranean maquis shrubland. It has also adapted to life in suburban areas and urban parks, although not to the extent of the Red Fox. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife, Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/mount-paggeo-east-macedonia-and https://images.on-this.website/4752_1380779432559cf1e6d8a0c.jpgMount Paggeo, East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece Mount Paggeo is located west of Kavala and is easily reached by the road which rises to the ski centre. At around 6500 feet high, the route and summit areas are excellent for mountain birds. Date: 11th May 2015 Location: view from road from Eleftheroupoli to Mount Panggeo summit, East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21830160.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_49410219753cbb2708f67a.jpgBempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire The hard chalk cliffs of Bempton Cliffs are located in East Yorkshire and run about 6 miles from Flamborough Head north towards Filey and are over 330 feet high at some points. Bempton Cliffs are managed as a nature reserve by the RSPB and they are best known for their colonies of over 200,000 breeding seabirds including Gannet, Kittiwake, Guillemot, Razorbill, Puffin and Fulmar. Date: 11th June 2014 Location: Bempton Cliifs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo442116.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_828428507467f1c147f089.jpgRiver Wharfe, North Yorkshire The River Wharfe is one of the most famous rivers in Yorkshire. Between Bolton Abbey and Barden Bridge are the Strid Woods which are well known for the variety of birds, animals and insects that frequent them. The Strid itself is a notorious stretch of water where the River Wharfe is forced into a deep and narrow thundering channel Date: 8th May 2006 Location: view from Strid Woods off the B6160 road north of Bolton Abbey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45949046.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14595487776284b3f341618.jpgChaffinch The Chaffinch is a common UK resident bird and is a colourful member of the finch family. Chaffinches breed anywhere with trees and bushes, including coniferous and deciduous woodland, farmland hedgerows, parks and rural and suburban gardens. Date: 25th April 2022 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/peacock https://images.on-this.website/4752_264024434f3e2956c9393.jpgPeacock Flight period: March to September. The Peacock is a familiar and widespread butterfly which is continuing to expand its range in the UK. It is a highly adaptable species that can be found almost anywhere but the best sites are where favoured nectar plants are available. Date: 7th July 2007 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48483008.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1422680526640a4009f0f99.jpgRedwing The Redwing is most commonly encountered as a winter visitor and is the UK's smallest true thrush. The creamy stripe above the eye and the orange-red flank patches make it distinctive. Redwings arrive in the UK from September but most arrive in October and November. They leave again in March and April, although occasionally birds stay later including a few pairs to nest in northern Scotland. Redwings can be found across the UK's countryside feeding in fields and hedgerows and also in parks and gardens in the coldest weather when snow covers the fields. They often associate with flocks of Fieldfares, the other wintering thrush. Date: 1st February 2023 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/mount-vrontou-foothills-eastern-macedonia https://images.on-this.website/4752_1066458388559cf17b1c1d0.jpgMount Vrontou foothills, East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece Mount Vrontou is located north of Serres and is a site easily reached by the road which rises to the ski centre. At around 5900 feet high, the route and summit areas are excellent for mountain birds. Date: 11th May 2015 Location: view from road from Serres to Mount Vrontou summit, East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5325664.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7174253884c1dd35228969.jpgOldshoremore, Sutherland Beyond Kinlochbervie is Oldshoremore and one of the most beautiful sandy beaches in Sutherland. Formed from eroded sandstone and seashells, the white sandy beach is surrounded by marram grass dunes (machair). The water is beautifully clear and often a stunning turquoise colour. Oldshoremore is a remote crofting township in the far north west of Scotland and the bay has always been a personal favourite. Date: 3rd June 2010 Location: view from Oldshoremore at the end of the unclassified road leading from the B801 at Kinlochbervie http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26006816.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14236654305634abe047df0.jpgArctic Tern The Arctic Tern is a seabird of the tern family. The adult plumage is grey above with a black nape and crown and white cheeks. The upperwings are pale grey with the area near the wingtip being translucent. The tail is white and the underparts pale grey. The beak is dark red as are the short legs and webbed feet. Like most terns, the Arctic Tern has high aspect ratio wings and a tail with a deep fork and long tail streamers. Both sexes are similar in appearance. The winter plumage is similar but the crown is whiter and the bills are darker. Juveniles differ from adults having black bill and legs, "scaly" appearing wings and mantle with dark feather tips, dark carpal wing bar and short tail streamers. During their first summer, juveniles also have a whiter forecrown. Whilst the Arctic Tern is similar to the Common and the Roseate Tern, its colouring, profile and call are slightly different. Compared to the Common Tern, it has a longer tail and mono-coloured bill, whilst the main differences from the Roseate Tern are its slightly darker colour and longer wings. The Arctic Tern has a circumpolar breeding distribution covering the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of Europe, Asia and north America. It is strongly migratory and sees 2 summers each year and more daylight than any other creature on the planet. It migrates along a convoluted route from its northern summer breeding grounds to the northern edge of the Antarctic coast for the southern summer and back again about 6 months later. Recent studies have shown average annual roundtrip lengths of 25000 to 50000 miles depending on the route taken and weather and wind conditions. The Arctic Tern is a long-lived bird with many reaching 30 years of age and based on this average it will travel some 1.5 million miles during its lifetime. This is by far the longest migration known in the animal kingdom. Breeding takes place in colonies on coasts, islands and occasionally inland on tundra near water. The Arctic Tern often forms mixed colonies with the Common Tern and Sandwich Tern. As it nests on the ground, the Arctic Tern is vulnerable to predation but it is one of the most aggressive terns and it is fiercely defensive of its nest and young. It will attack humans and large predators, usually striking the top or back of the head. Although it is too small to cause serious injury, it is still capable of drawing blood and repelling many raptorial birds and smaller mammalian predators such as foxes and cats. Other nesting birds, such as auks, often incidentally benefit from the protection provided by nesting in an area defended by Arctic Terns. The diet of the Arctic Tern varies depending on location and time but it usually eats small fish or marine crustaceans by dipping down to the surface of the water to catch prey. While feeding, skuas, gulls and other tern species will often harass the birds and steal their food. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Steingrímsfjarðarheiði to Ísafjörður, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14247100.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18845350894f4e04650a70d.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the [i]Canidae[/i] family and is a part of the order [i]Carnivora[/i] within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 25th February 2012 Location: Rye Meads RSPB reserve, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49001725.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14416685396468e13d5a7c4.jpgCommon Buzzard The Common Buzzard is a member of the genus Buteo and the family Accipitridae, a group of medium-sized raptors with robust bodies and broad wings. The Buteo species of Eurasia and Africa are usually commonly referred to as buzzards whilst those in the Americas are called hawks. Under current classification, the genus Buteo includes approximately 28 species. The Common Buzzard includes between 7 to 16 sub-species and the western Buteo group includes Buteo buteo buteo which is found more or less continuously throughout Europe including the UK. The Common Buzzard is a medium-sized raptor that is highly variable in plumage. It is distinctly round headed with a somewhat slender bill and it has relatively long wings that either reach or fall slightly short of the tail tip when perched, a fairly short tail and somewhat short and mainly bare tarsi. It can appear fairly compact in overall appearance but may also appear large relative to other commoner raptors such as the Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. The Common Buzzard measures between 16 and 23 inches in length with a 3 feet 7 inches to 4 feet 7 inches wingspan. Females average about 2 to 7% larger than males in length and weigh about 15% more. Body mass can show considerable variation from 0.94 to 2.6 pounds in males and 1.07 to 3.02 pounds in females. In Europe, the Common Buzzard is typically dark brown above and on the upperside of the head and mantle but this can become paler and warmer brown with worn plumage. Usually the tail will be narrowly barred grey-brown and dark brown with a pale tip and a broad dark subterminal band but the tail in the palest birds can show a varying amount of white and a reduced sub-terminal band or even appear almost all white. The underside colouring can be variable but typically shows a brown-streaked white throat with a somewhat darker chest. A pale U across the breast is often present followed by a pale line running down the belly which separates the dark areas on the breast side and flanks. These pale areas tend to have highly variable markings that form irregular bars. Juveniles are quite similar to adults and are best told apart by having a paler eye, a narrower sub-terminal band on the tail and underside markings that appear as streaks rather than bars. Beyond the typical mid-range brownish Common Buzzard, birds in Europe can range from almost uniform black-brown above to mainly white. Extreme dark individuals may range from chocolate-brown to blackish with almost no pale colour showing but with a variable or faded U on the breast and with or without faint lighter brown throat streaks. Extreme pale individuals are largely whitish with variable widely spaced streaks or arrowheads of light brown about the mid-chest and flanks and may or may not show dark feather-centres on the head, wing-coverts and sometimes all but part of the mantle. Individuals can show nearly endless variation of colours and hues in between these extremes and the Common Buzzard is among the most variably plumaged diurnal raptors for this reason. The Common Buzzard is often confused with other raptors especially in flight or at a distance including other Buteo species such as Rough-legged Buzzard and Long-legged Buzzard and also Honey Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, Golden Eagle, Booted Eagle and Short-toed Eagle. The Common Buzzard is found throughout several islands in the eastern Atlantic islands, including the Canary Islands and the Azores, and almost throughout Europe. In the UK, it is found in Northern Ireland and in nearly every part of Scotland and England. In mainland Europe, there are no substantial gaps in the range from Portugal and Spain to Greece, Estonia, Belarus and the Ukraine, although it is present mainly only in the breeding season in much of the eastern half of the latter 3 countries. It is also present in all larger Mediterranean islands such as Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily and Crete. Further north in to Scandinavia, it is found mainly in south Norway, the southern half of Sweden and in the southern two-thirds of Finland. The Common Buzzard reaches its northern limit as a breeder in far eastern Finland and over the border in to European Russia and nearly to the Kola Peninsula. In these northern limits, the Common Buzzard is present typically only in summer. The Common Buzzard generally inhabits the interface of woodlands and open ground and typically lives in forest edge, small broad-leaved, coniferous or mixed woodlands with adjacent grassland, arable fields or other farmland and open moorland as long as there are some trees. It is absent from treeless tundra and sporadic or rare in treeless steppe. The Common Buzzard can be found from sea level to elevations of 6600 feet although it breeds mostly below 3300 feet. It can winter to an elevation of 8200 feet and migrates easily at 14,800 feet. The Common Buzzard is a partial migrant. Autumn and spring movements are subject to extensive variation, even down to the individual level, based on a region's food resources, competition (both from other Common Buzzards and other predators), the extent of human disturbance and weather conditions. Short distance movements are the norm for juveniles and some adults in autumn and winter but more adults in central and south Europe and the UK remain in their year-around areas than do not. The Common Buzzard is a typical Buteo in much of its behaviour. It is most often seen effortlessly soaring for extended periods at varying heights although it can appear laborious and heavy in level flight. It is also often seen perched prominently on tree tops, bare branches, telegraph poles, fence posts, rocks or ledges or alternatively well inside the tree canopy. It will also stand and forage on the ground. The Common Buzzard is a generalist predator which hunts a wide variety of prey given the opportunity. The prey extents to a wide variety of vertebrates including mammals, birds (from any age from eggs to adult birds), reptiles, amphibians and fish as well as to various invertebrates, mostly insects. In total, well over 300 prey species are known to be taken by the Common Buzzard. However, dietary studies have shown that it mostly preys upon small mammals, mainly small rodents. Furthermore, prey size can vary from tiny beetles, caterpillars and ants to large adult grouse and Rabbits up to nearly twice their body mass. At times, the Common Buzzard will also subsist partially on carrion, usually of dead mammals or fish. Hunting in relatively open areas has been found to increase hunting success whereas more complete shrub cover lowered success. A majority of prey is taken by dropping from a perch and is normally taken on the ground. Prey may also be hunted in a low flight, by random glides or soars or by foraging on the ground. The home range of the Common Buzzard is generally 0.19 to 0.77 square miles and the size of the breeding territory seems to be correlated with food supply. The territory is maintained through flight displays and in Europe territorial behaviour usually starts in February. However, displays are not uncommon throughout the year in resident pairs, especially by males, and can elicit similar displays by their neighbours. In the display, the Common Buzzard generally engages in high circling, spiraling upward on slightly raised wings. Mutual high circling by pairs sometimes goes on at length, especially during the period prior to or during breeding season. During the mutual displays, the male may engage in exaggerated deep flapping or zig-zag tumbling, apparently in response to the female being too distant. Several pairs may circle together at times and as many as 14 individual adults have been recorded over established display sites. Sky-dancing by the Common Buzzard has been recorded in spring and autumn, typically by the male but sometimes by the female, nearly always with much calling. Sky-dances are of the rollercoaster type, with an upward sweep of up to 100 feet until the bird starts start to stall but sometimes embellished with loops or rolls at the top. Next in the sky-dance, the bird will dive at least 200 feet on more or less closed wings before spreading them and shooting up again. These sky-dances may be repeated in series of 10 to 20. In the climax of the sky-dance, the undulations become progressively shallower, often slowing and terminating directly on to a perch. Various other aerial displays include low contour flight or weaving among trees, frequently with deep beats and exaggerated upstrokes which show underwing pattern to rivals perched below. Talon grappling and occasionally cartwheeling downward with feet interlocked has also been recorded. The Common Buzzard tends to build a bulky nest of sticks, twigs and often heather and lined with broad-leaved foliage. Nests are up to 3.3 to 3.9 feet across and 24 inches deep. With reuse over years, the diameter of a nest can reach or exceed 5 feet. Trees are generally used for a nesting location but crags or cliffs are used if trees are unavailable. Nests in trees are usually located by the main trunk at a height of around 10 to 82 feet. Pairs often have 2 to 4 nests in a territory but some pairs may use a single nest over several consecutive years. The breeding season of the Common Buzzard commences at differing times based on latitude. It may fall as early as January to April but typically it is March to July in most of Europe. In the northern limits of the range the breeding season may occur from May to August. Mating usually occurs on or near the nest and eggs are usually laid in 2 to 3 day intervals. The clutch size can range from to 2 to 6 and it appears that local factors such as habitat and food supply are relevant. Eggs are generally laid in late March to early April in the extreme south, sometime in April in most of Europe and in to May and possibly even early June in the extreme north. If eggs are lost to a predator or fail in some other way, replacement clutches are not usually laid although this has been recorded. Incubation lasts for 33 to 35 days and is mostly, but not solely, undertaken by the female. Hatching may take place over 3 to 7 days. Often the youngest nestling dies from starvation, especially in broods of 3 or more. The female remains at the nest brooding the young in the early stages with the male bringing all prey. At about 8 to 12 days, both the male and female will bring prey but the female continues to do all feeding until the young can tear up their own prey. The young are nearly fully feathered rather than downy at about a month of age and can start to feed themselves as well. The first attempts to leave the nest are often at about 40 to 50 days. Fledging occurs typically at 43 to 54 days but in extreme cases as late 62 days. After leaving the nest, the young generally stay close by until full independence 6 to 8 weeks after fledging. Numerous factors may influence the breeding success of the Common Buzzard including the availability of prey populations, habitat, disturbance and persecution levels and competition. The Common Buzzard is one of the most numerous birds of prey in its range and it is the most numerous diurnal bird of prey throughout much of Europe. Date: 2nd April 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26541491.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_194468771756aced2a3547e.jpgChaffinch The Chaffinch is a common UK resident bird and is a colorful member of the finch family. Chaffinches breed anywhere with trees and bushes, including coniferous and deciduous woodland, farmland hedgerows, parks and rural and suburban gardens. Date: 17th January 2016 Location: Caerlaverock WWT reserve, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41349614.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1865941405f2002565e7e9.jpgComma Flight period: March to October. The Comma was a rarity 100 years ago but is now a common and widespread butterfly in England and Wales and is on the point of recolonising Scotland. They are one of the first butterflies to be seen in spring and can be found in open woodland, woodland edges and gardens. Date: 16th June 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52635526.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12640264916798c1cc3c893.jpgRock Pipit The Rock Pipit is a large stocky pipit which is larger than the Meadow Pipit. It is streaky olive-brown above and dirty white underneath with dark streaking. The Rock Pipit breeds around the coast where there are rocky beaches and most of the birds that breed in the UK are residents. Date: 3rd January 2025 Location: EWT Abberton Reservoir, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26041741.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19619248735638b4944ce1d.jpgPuffins The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name <i>Fratercula</i> comes from the Medieval Latin <i>fratercula</i> meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name <i>arctica</i> refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek <i>άρκτος</i> ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name <i>puffin</i> (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Látrabjarg, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/beaver https://images.on-this.website/4752_188414389057cc394e16b76.jpgBeaver The Eurasian Beaver or European Beaver is one of the largest living species of rodents and it is the largest rodent native to Eurasia. It weighs around 24 to 66 pounds with an average of 40 pounds. Typically the head and body length is 31 to 39 inches and the tail length is 9.8 to 19.7 inches. The fur colour of the Beaver varies geographically from light chestnut-rust to blackish-brown. The Beaver was once widespread in Eurasia. It was hunted to near-extinction for both its fur and castoreum (a secretion of its scent gland believed to have medicinal properties) and by 1900 only 1200 beavers survived in 8 relict populations in Europe and Asia. In many European nations, the Beaver became extinct but reintroduction and protection has led to gradual recovery to about 639,000 individuals by 2003 and it now occurs from the UK to China and Mongolia although it is absent from Italy, Portugal, the southern Balkans and the Middle East. About 83% can be found in the former Soviet Union. In the UK, the Beaver became extinct in the 16th century but, as a former native species, interest in reintroducing it to the wild across the UK has been shown. It has been suggested that Beaver dams could retain water in upland areas, reducing flood volumes and creating new habitats for wildlife. Currently, Beaver populations are found in a number of large enclosures in wildlife parks, as well as free-living populations around the River Tay and Knapdale areas in Scotland and the River Otter in Devon. The Knapdale population was deliberately released whilst the other populations are of unknown origin. The Beaver is a keystone species helping support the ecosystem of which they are a part. It creates wetlands which increase biodiversity and provide habitat for many rare species such as Water Voles, Otters, and Water Shrews. It coppices waterside trees and shrubs so that they regrow as dense shrubs which provide cover for birds and other animals. Beaver dams trap sediment and improve water quality and recharge groundwater tables and increase cover for trout and salmon. The Beaver has a single litter of young per year, coming into oestrus for only 12 to 24 hours between late December and May and peaking in January. Unlike most other rodents, Beaver pairs are monogamous and stay together for multiple breeding seasons. Gestation averages 107 days and litters average 3 kits with a range of 2 to 6 kits. Most Beavers do not reproduce until they are 3 years of age. This photo was taken from a long distance and has been tightly cropped. Date: 11th May 2016 Location: Haeska, Matsalu National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51984195.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_35833757166d34b72a80ec.jpgSmall White Flight period: April to September. The Small White is a highly successful species which is common and widespread in the UK. They can be found almost anywhere including in towns and gardens. Date: 30th July 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/mute-swan https://images.on-this.website/4752_7108092294e16bc9ded423.jpgMute Swan The Mute Swan is a species of swan native to much of Eurasia. Despite its Eurasian origin, its closest relatives are the Black Swan of Australia and the Black-necked Swan of south America, not the other Northern Hemisphere swans such as the Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan. The name “mute” derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. The adult Mute Swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob at the top of the beak. All Mute Swans are white at maturity although the feathers (particularly on the head and neck) are often stained orange-brown by iron and tannins in the water. Young birds (cygnets) are not the bright white colour of mature adults and their bill is dull greyish-black for the first year. The plumage may range from pure white to grey to buff with grey/buff being the most common. Cygnets typically retain their grey/buff feathers until they are at least 1 year old. On average, the Mute Swan is the second largest waterfowl species after the Trumpeter Swan although the male Mute Swan can easily match or even exceed a male Trumpeter Swan in mass. The adult Mute Swan typically ranges from 55 to 63 inches in length (although it can range in extreme cases from 49 to 67 inches) with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. Males (cobs) are larger than females (pens) and have a larger knob on their bill. The Mute Swan is one of the heaviest flying birds. In several studies from the UK, males were found to average from about 23.4 to 26.2 pounds, with a weight range of 20 to 32 pounds, while the slightly smaller females were found to average about 18.7 to 21.3 pounds, with a weight range of 17 to 23 pounds. The Mute Swan is less vocal than the noisy Bewick's Swan and Whooper Swan although it does make a variety of grunting, hoarse whistling and snorting noises, especially in communicating with their cygnets and threatening competitors or intruders trying to enter their territory. The most familiar sound associated with the Mute Swan is the vibrant throbbing of the wings in flight which is unique to the species and this can be heard from a range of up to 1 mile. The Mute Swan is found naturally mainly in the temperate areas of Europe across west Asia and as far east as Primorsky Krai in the far east of Russia. It is partially migratory throughout the northern latitudes in Europe and Asia as far south as north Africa and the Mediterranean. It is also often kept in captivity outside its natural range as a decoration for parks and ponds and escapes have occurred. The descendants of such birds have become naturalised in east USA and the Great Lakes region across the USA and Canada border. The Mute Swan population in the UK has increased recently probably due to better protection of this species. Some birds are resident all year whilst others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into east England. Mute Swans nest on large mounds that they build with waterside vegetation in shallow water on islands in the middle or at the very edge of a lake. It is a monogamous species and often reuses the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Males and females share the care of the nest. The female lays from 4 to 10 eggs and broods for around 36 days. Cygnets are unable to fly before an age of 120 to 150 days and this limits the distribution of the species in the northern edge of its range since the cygnets must learn to fly before the water freezes. The Mute Swan is usually strongly territorial with just a single pair on smaller lakes although in a few locations where a large area of suitable feeding habitat is found they can be colonial. The largest colonies can hold over 100 pairs such as that at the colony at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset in the UK. Non-mated juveniles up to 3 to 4 years old commonly form larger flocks often at regular traditional sites and these can total several hundred birds. The Mute Swan can be very aggressive in defence of its nest and it is highly protective of its mate and offspring. Most defensive attacks from a Mute Swan begin with a loud hiss and, if this is not sufficient to drive off the predator, are followed by a physical attack. It attacks by smashing at its enemy with bony spurs in the wings accompanied by biting with its large bill. Smaller waterbirds such as ducks are normally grabbed with the bill and dragged or thrown clear. Large waterfowl, such as the Canada Goose, more likely out of competition than in response to potential predation, may be aggressively driven off. The wings of the Mute Swan are very powerful although not strong enough to break an adult man's leg as has been claimed anecdotally. The Mute Swan feeds on a wide range of vegetation, both submerged aquatic plants which they reach with their long necks and by grazing on land. The food commonly includes agricultural crop plants such as oilseed rape and wheat and feeding flocks in the winter may cause significant crop damage, often as much through trampling with their large webbed feet as through direct consumption. Date: 24th December 2007 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/ekkery-varanger-peninsula-finnmark-norway https://images.on-this.website/4752_135719594bf6e2170bc23.jpgEkkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway Ekkerøy is one of the oldest fishing villages on the Varanger peninsula in Finnmark county in north east Norway. The village lies along the European route E75 about 9 miles east of the town of Vadsø. Ekkerøy is one of very few places in Finnmark that was not burnt and destroyed under Operation Nordlicht, a German operation during the Lapland War at the end of World War 2. Date: 14th April 2010 Location: view from route E75 looking towards Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49279127.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1114384346499ca228db44.jpgEmperor Dragonfly Flight period: June to August. The Emperor Dragonfly is the largest UK dragonfly species and apart from its size it can easily be recognized by its bright colouration and highly territorial behaviour as it flies endlessly well above the water’s surface. The Emperor Dragonfly has expanded its range in to northern England in recent years and has now been recorded in Scotland. They can be found around well-vegetated ponds, lakes, large ditches, canals and slow-moving rivers. Date: 22nd June 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29951158.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_190520477658664246425d6.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the [i]Canidae[/i] family and is a part of the order [i]Carnivora[/i] within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 29th December 2016 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49276711.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1394044783649962d376143.jpgCommon Guillemots The Common Guillemot, also known as the Common Murre or Thin-billed Murre, is a large species of auk. The auks are a family of seabirds which includes the Brunnich's Guillemot or Thick-billed Murre, Razorbill, Little Auk and the extinct Great Auk. The Common Guillemot is 15 to 18 inches in length with a 24 to 29 inches wingspan. In breeding plumage, it is black or dark brown on the head, back and wings with white underparts. It has a thin dark pointed bill and a small rounded dark tail. Legs are grey and the bill is dark grey. Males and females are identical. Some individuals in the North Atlantic, known as "Bridled Guillemots", have a white ring around the eye extending back as a white line. This is not a distinct subspecies but a polymorphism that becomes more common the farther north the birds breed. The Common Guillemot flies with fast wing beats and has a flight speed of around 50 mph. Groups of birds are often seen flying together in a line just above the surface of the sea. However, it is not a very agile bird and take-off is often difficult. The Common Guillemot becomes flightless for 45 to 60 days while moulting its primary feathers. The Common Guillemot is a pursuit diver that forages for food by swimming underwater using its wings for propulsion. Dives usually last less than one minute but the bird swims underwater for distances of over 100 feet on a regular basis. Diving depths up to 590 feet have been recorded. The Common Guillemot has a circumpolar distribution and it occurs in low Arctic and boreal waters in the north Atlantic and north Pacific. It spends most of its time at sea and only comes to land to breed on rocky cliffs, sea stacks and islands. Some birds are permanent residents but northern birds migrate south to open waters off New England, southern California, Japan, Korea and the western Mediterranean. The Common Guillemot breeds in colonies at high densities and nesting pairs may be in bodily contact with their neighbours. No nest is made and the single egg is laid and incubated on a bare rock ledge on a cliff face. The egg hatches after 30 days incubation and the chick is born downy and can regulate its body temperature after 10 days. Some 20 days after hatching the chick jumps off its nesting ledge and heads for the sea unable to fly but gliding for some distance with fluttering wings and accompanied by its male parent. The chicks are capable of diving as soon as they hit the water. The female stays at the nest site for some 14 days after the chick has left. The Common Guillemot can venture far from its breeding grounds to forage and distances of 60 miles or more are often observed although if sufficient food is available closer by, birds will only travel much shorter distances. It mainly eats small schooling fish 8 inches long or less such as Polar Cod, Capelin, Sand Lances, Sprats, Sandeels, Atlantic Cod and Atlantic Herring. It also eats some molluscs, marine worms, squid and crustaceans. It is often seen carrying fish in its bill with the tail hanging out. Date: 7th June 2023 Location: Stack Rocks, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48483023.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1460989987640a4017eb28a.jpgChaffinch The Chaffinch is a common UK resident bird and is a colourful member of the finch family. Chaffinches breed anywhere with trees and bushes, including coniferous and deciduous woodland, farmland hedgerows, parks and rural and suburban gardens. Date: 1st February 2023 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7950512.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4477777554d03d4a001b71.jpgDate: 15th November 2010 Location: View from Horsey staithe, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo3119882.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3728584164a6c3bafc8bfe.jpgCommon Seal Common Seals feed at sea but regularly haul out on to rocky shores or inter-tidal sandbanks to rest, to give birth and to suckle their pups. The most important haul-out areas are around the coast of Scotland, particularly in the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland, and on the east coast of England in the Wash. Date: 13th July 2009 Location: Blakeney Point, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo536185.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_125839021346b91605e1c89.jpgBlack-tailed Skimmer Flight period: May to August. The Black-tailed Skimmer is a common dragonfly in south east England and it is expanding its range northwards. They can be found around lowland lakes, ponds, sand and gravel workings, slow flowing rivers and brackish water. Date: 4th August 2007 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51980694.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_84105921666d3348137321.jpgComma Flight period: March to October. The Comma was a rarity 100 years ago but is now a common and widespread butterfly in England and Wales and is on the point of recolonising Scotland. They are one of the first butterflies to be seen in spring and can be found in open woodland, woodland edges and gardens. Date: 29th June 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41349642.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4236237685f200916e32a9.jpgMarbled White Flight period: July to August The Marbled White is a very distinctive black and white butterfly that is widespread in southern England and expanding its range northwards and eastwards. They can be found in unimproved grassland, coastal grassland, roadside verges and railway embankments. Date: 25th June 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14160932.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8525254324f3e2ac08069e.jpgSmall Copper Flight period: April to October. The Small Copper is a common and widespread butterfly in the UK but has suffered a population decline due to change in land use and habitat loss. They are fond of warm and dry locations and can be found in a variety of habitats including heathland, unimproved grassland, woodland clearings, waste ground and gardens. Date: 26th August 2007 Location: Stow Maries Halt EWT reserve, Stow Maries, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230729.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19823139864916fe16e087.jpgRWT Gilfach, Powys RWT Gilfach is located just 4 miles north of Rhayader. For centuries, it was a working hill farm but now it is a spectacular nature reserve tucked away in the Marteg valley in the heart of rural mid-Wales. The old farm buildings are used as visitor facilities and a series of way-marked trails provide access to the woodlands, rough grazing areas and heather moorland. A hide close to the reserve entrance overlooks the River Marteg. Date: 14th May 2023 Location: RWT Gilfach, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/song-thrush https://images.on-this.website/4752_5104639734dca3d940604a.jpgSong Thrush The Song Thrush is a familiar and popular songbird, smaller and browner than the Mistle Thrush with smaller spotting on the breast. The Song Thrush can be found all year round in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens across the UK. Numbers are declining seriously making it a Red List species. Date: 7th May 2011 Location: Ynys-hir RSPB reserve, Ceredigion http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo445681.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21402200194681c73f0f1e5.jpgQuinag, Assynt, Highland Height: Sail Gharbh 2650 feet, Sail Ghorm 2545 feet and Spidean Coinich 2507 feet. Quinag is a "Y" shaped mountain mass that fills the area north of Loch Assynt and south of Loch a Chairn Bhain at Kylesku. This photograph is of Sail Gharbh. Date: June 1999 Location: view from Loch Glencoul at Kylesku http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14036884.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11533760314f213ce095045.jpgBewick's Swan The Tundra Swan is a small Holarctic swan. The 2 taxa within it are usually regarded as conspecific but are also sometimes split into 2 species: the Bewick's Swan of the Palaearctic and the Whistling Swan of the Nearctic. The Bewick's Swan was named in 1830 by William Yarrell after the engraver Thomas Bewick who specialised in illustrations of birds and animals. The Bewick's Swan measures 45 to 55 inches in length with a wing span of 18.5 to 21.5 inches. Males are slightly larger and heavier than females. It is similar in appearance to the Whooper Swan but is smaller, shorter-necked and has a more rounded head shape. It has a variable bill pattern but always shows more black than yellow and having a blunt forward edge of the yellow base patch. The Whooper Swan has a bill that has more yellow than black and the forward edge of the yellow patch is usually pointed. The bill pattern for every individual Bewick's Swan is unique and scientists often make detailed drawings of each bill and assign names to the swans to assist with studying these birds. As their common name implies, the Tundra Swan breeds in the Arctic and sub-Arctic tundra where they inhabit shallow pools, lakes and rivers. Unlike the Mute Swan, but like the other Arctic swans, it is a migratory bird. The winter habitat is mainly grassland and marshland, often near the coast. The breeding range of the Bewick’s Swan extends across the coastal lowlands of Siberia from the Kola Peninsula east to the Pacific. It starts to arrive in its breeding range around mid-May and leaves for its winter range around the end of September. The populations west of the Taimyr Peninsula migrate via the White Sea, Baltic Sea and the Elbe estuary to winter in Denmark, the Netherlands and the UK where it is common in winter on a few RSPB and WWT reserves. Some birds also winter elsewhere on the southern shores of the North Sea. The Bewick’s Swans that breed in eastern Russia migrate via Mongolia and north China to winter in the coastal regions of Korea, Japan and south China, south to Guangdong and occasionally as far as Taiwan. A few birds from the central Siberian range also winter in Iran at the south of the Caspian Sea. Arrival in the winter range starts about mid-October although most birds spend weeks or even months at favourite resting locations and will only arrive in the winter range in November or even as late as January. Departure from the winter range starts in mid-February. Bewick’s Swans mate in the late spring, usually after they have returned to the breeding range. As is usual for swans, they pair monogamously until one partner dies. Should one partner die long before the other, the surviving bird often will not mate again for several years or even for the rest of its life. The nesting season starts at the end of May. The pair build the large mound-shaped nest from plant material at an elevated site near open water and they defend a large territory around it. The pen (female) lays and incubates a clutch of 2 to 7 (usually 3 to 5) eggs whilst the cob (male) keeps a steady lookout for potential predators heading towards his mate and offspring. The time from egg laying to hatching is 29 to 30 days. Since they nest in cold regions, Bewick’s Swan cygnets grow faster than those of swans breeding in warmer climates and they may fledge in 40 to 45 days. Cygnets stay with their parents for the first winter migration and the family is sometimes even joined by their offspring from previous breeding seasons while on the wintering grounds. Bewick’s Swans do not reach sexual maturity until 3 or 4 years of age. In summer, the diet of the Bewick’s Swan consists mainly of aquatic vegetation which it finds by sticking its head underwater or upending while swimming. It will also eat some grass growing on dry land. At other times of the year, leftover grains and other crops such as potatoes, picked up in open fields after harvest, make up much of the diet. Healthy adult Bewick’s Swans have few natural predators. The Arctic Fox may threaten breeding females and particular the eggs and hatchlings. Adults typically can stand their ground and displace foxes but occasionally the foxes are successful. Other potential nest predators include the Red Fox, the Brown Bear, the Golden Eagle, the Arctic Skua and the Glaucous Gull. The Brown Bear, the Golden Eagle and the Wolf may occasionally succeed at capturing and killing an adult. About 15% adults die each year from various causes and the average lifespan in the wild is about 10 years. The status of the Bewick's Swan is not well known although its population is in decline in north west Europe for largely unexplained reasons. It is increasingly dependent on agricultural crops to supplement its winter diet as aquatic vegetation in its winter habitat declines due to habitat destruction and water pollution. However, the main cause of adult mortality is hunting and, whilst the Bewick's Swan can not be hunted legally, almost half the birds studied contain lead shot in their bodies, indicating that they were shot at by poachers. Lead poisoning by ingestion of lead shot is also a very significant cause of mortality. The Bewick's Swan is one of the birds to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 6th January 2012 Location: Walland Marsh, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo34209781.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2390903675a99793c61ea5.jpgSong Thrush The Song Thrush is a familiar and popular songbird, smaller and browner than the Mistle Thrush with smaller spotting on the breast. The Song Thrush can be found all year round in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens across the UK. Numbers are declining seriously making it a Red List species. Date: 25th February 2018 Location: Cromford Canal, Derbyshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28139846.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_500829918577a31df1330c.jpgLoch of the Lowes, Perthshire Loch of the Lowes is a small loch at the northern edge of the valley of Strathmore in Perth and Kinross, 1 mile north east of Dunkeld. The loch is noted for its breeding Ospreys and is managed as a nature reserve by the Scottish Wildlife Trust Date: 18th June 2016 Location: view from the SWT reserve hide http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14185347.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20413263934f422f4b3ebb5.jpgSmall White Flight period: April to September. The Small White is a highly successful species which is common and widespread in the UK. They can be found almost anywhere including in towns and gardens. Date: 23rd July 2006 Location: Thompson Common, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12081992.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7265868614e48e9bc79400.jpgCommon Seal Common Seals feed at sea but regularly haul out on to rocky shores or inter-tidal sandbanks to rest, to give birth and to suckle their pups. The most important haul-out areas are around the coast of Scotland, particularly in the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland, and on the east coast of England in the Wash. Date: 4th November 2008 Location: Portnahaven, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072452.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11317448134bf6e3b10d032.jpgSunrise over the Baltic Sea (Helsinki to Stockholm) The Baltic Sea is a semi-enclosed inland sea located in northern Europe. Considered an arm of the Atlantic Ocean, it is connected to it via the Kattegat Strait, Skagerrak Strait and the North Sea. It is the youngest sea on our planet, emerging from the retreating ice masses only some 10,000 to 15,000 years ago. The Baltic Sea has a total surface area of around 150,000 square miles and a coastline of almost 5,000 miles. It has an average depth of only 175 feet. The deepest area of the sea is found off the south east coast of Sweden where it measures a depth of 1,506 feet. Its shallowest area is the continental shelf in the area of the Danish archipelago. The Baltic Sea includes the Gulf of Bothnia, the Bay of Bothnia, the Gulf of Finland, the Gulf of Riga and the Bay of Gdańsk and it stretches from 53°N to 66°N latitude and from 10°E to 30°E longitude. It drains through the Danish islands into the Kattegat by way of the straits of Øresund, the Great Belt and the Little Belt. Governed by special hydrographical and climatic conditions, the Baltic Sea is one of the planet’s largest bodies of brackish water. It is composed of salt water from the north east Atlantic and fresh water from rivers and streams draining from an area 4 times larger than the Baltic Sea itself. This highly sensitive and interdependent marine ecosystem gives rise to unique flora and fauna. Surrounding the Baltic Sea are 9 countries: Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Germany, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Russia. The region is home to more than 85 million people, of whom 15 million live within 5 miles of the coast. The Baltic region includes eight of the 28 European Union member states and the Baltic Sea provides a critical connection between the European Union and the Russian Federation. The region’s diversity can translate into a challenge for decision makers to find common ground on complex issues such as environmental protection, sustainable use and management. As a result, the surrounding coastal countries have not been particularly successful in balancing economic and social uses with the protection of the sea. Nonetheless, the political frameworks in the region are advanced. In the 1950s, environmental scientists in the Baltic region began to note negative effects of large-scale industrial development and chemical runoffs from agriculture. Concern over threats to the region's plant and animal life enabled cooperation between the region's countries. Cooperation over environmental issues led to the 1974 signing by the Baltic countries of the Helsinki Convention on the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Baltic Sea Area. Although the agreement was signed in 1974, due to political wrangling and consensus building, it was enacted in May 1980. Political changes and developments in environmental and maritime law caused a new convention to be signed in 1992. All the states bordering on the Baltic Sea and the European Community joined in the agreement. The 1992 Convention covers the entire Baltic Sea region, including all the inland waters, the Baltic Sea's water and its seabed. Measures were also taken in the whole catchment area of the Baltic Sea to reduce land-based pollution. The revised Convention on the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Baltic Sea Area became enforceable in January 2000. Most recently, the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region, was the first EU macro-regional strategy. It was created to address “the urgent environmental challenges arising from the increasingly visible degradation of the Baltic Sea” and was adopted by the European Council in October 2009. Date: 19th April 2010 Location: view from the Helsinki to Stockholm ferry http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46535280.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_191186126762caa768db7f5.jpgMarbled White Flight period: July to August The Marbled White is a very distinctive black and white butterfly that is widespread in southern England and expanding its range northwards and eastwards. They can be found in unimproved grassland, coastal grassland, roadside verges and railway embankments. Date: 6th July 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo3119940.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2572508674a6c3c680ae16.jpgCommon Seal Common Seals feed at sea but regularly haul out on to rocky shores or inter-tidal sandbanks to rest, to give birth and to suckle their pups. The most important haul-out areas are around the coast of Scotland, particularly in the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland, and on the east coast of England in the Wash. Date: 13th July 2009 Location: Blakeney Point, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26541143.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8400879256acea9d4cdc5.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 16th January 2016 Location: Caerlaverock WWT reserve, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4267113.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13725196454b522218dd3f1.jpgOtter The Eurasian Otter, also known as the European Otter, Eurasian River Otter, Common Otter and Old World Otter and commonly known as the Otter, is a semi-aquatic mammal and the most widely distributed member of the Otter sub-family of the Weasel family (Mustelidae). The Otter is a typical species of the Otter sub-family and is brown above and cream below. It is 22.5 to 37.5 inches long excluding a tail of 14 to 17.5 inches. The female is shorter than the male. The Otter's average body weight is 15 to 26 pounds, although occasionally a large old male may reach up to 37 pounds. The Otter differs from the North American River Otter by its shorter neck, broader face, the greater space between the ears and its longer tail. However, it is the only Otter species in much of its range so it is rarely confused for any other animal. The Otter is the most widely distributed Otter species and its range including parts of Asia and Africa as well as being widespread across Europe. The Otter can be found throughout most of the UK with the highest densities in Scotland, especially the islands and the north west coast, Wales, parts of East Anglia and the West Country. The Otter declined across its range in the second half of the 20th century primarily due to pollution, habitat loss and hunting. However, populations are now recovering in many parts of Europe. In the UK the number of sites with an Otter presence increased by 55% between 1994 and 2002. In August 2011, the Environment Agency announced that the Otter had returned to every county in England since vanishing from every county except the West Country and parts of Northern England. The recovery of the Otter population in Europe is due to a ban on the most harmful pesticides that has been in place since 1979, improvements in water quality leading to increases in prey populations and direct legal protection under the European Union Habitats Directive and national legislation in several European countries. In general, the Otter’s varied and adaptable diet means that it can be found on any unpolluted body of fresh water, including lakes, streams, rivers and ponds, as long as the food supply is adequate. It can also be found along the coast in salt water but it requires regular access to fresh water to clean its fur. When living in the sea it is sometimes referred to as a "Sea Otter" but it should not be confused with the true Sea Otter which is a North American species much more strongly adapted to a marine existence. The Otter's diet mainly consists of fish. However, during the winter and in colder environments, fish consumption is significantly lower and other sources of food are eaten including amphibians, crustaceans, insects, birds and small mammals. Hunting mainly takes place at night whilst the day is usually spent in the Otter's holt (den). The Otter is strongly territorial and is primarily solitary. An individual's territory may vary between 1 and 25 miles with the length of the territory depending on the density of food available and the width of the water suitable for hunting (it is shorter on coasts, where the available width is much wider and longer on narrower rivers). The Otter uses its spraints to mark its territory. Territories are only held against members of the same sex so those of males and females may overlap. The Otter is a non-seasonal breeder and males and females will breed at any time of the year. It has been found that their mating season is most likely determined simply by the Otters' reproductive maturity and physiological state. Female Otters are sexually mature between 18 and 24 months old and the average age of first breeding is found to be 2.5 years old. Gestation is 60 to 64 days and after the gestation period, 1 to 4 pups are born which remain dependent on the mother for about 13 months. The male plays no direct role in parental care although the territory of a female with her pups is usually entirely within that of the male. Date: 1st January 2010 Location: Loch Scridain, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/orange-tip https://images.on-this.website/4752_147576622058f3414536e4a7.66698671.jpgOrange Tip Flight period: April to June The Orange Tip is a common and widespread, medium sized butterfly of gardens and hedgerows. The males are unmistakeable with bright orange wing tips whilst the females are white with black wing tips. Both have mottled green underwings. Date: 7th April 2017 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/konttainen-and-konttaisjrvi-pohjois-pohjanmaa https://images.on-this.website/4752_2493141245ff44a0e479b1.jpgKonttainen and Konttaisjärvi, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland Date: 8th July 2019 Location: Valtavaara-Pyhävaara nature reserve from road 8692 between Ruka and Virkkula, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40713547.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6680198185e16f7326ba35.jpgGoosander The Goosander (or Common Merganser in north America) is a large “sawbill” duck, so called because of its long, serrated bill which is used for catching fish. The Goosander is 23 to 28 inches long with a 31 to 38 inches wingspan and the male is generally slightly larger than the female. The adult male in breeding plumage has a white body with a variable salmon-pink tinge, a black head with an iridescent green gloss, a grey rump and tail and wings which are largely white on the inner half and black on the outer half. Females, and males in "eclipse" non-breeding plumage, are largely grey with a reddish-brown head, white chin and white secondary feathers on the wing. Juveniles are similar to adult females but also show a short black-edged white stripe between the eye and the bill. The bill and legs are red to brownish-red which are brightest on adult males and dullest on juveniles. The Goosander can be found on rivers and lakes in forested areas of Europe, north and central Asia and north America. It is a partial migrant and moves away from areas where rivers and major lakes freeze in the winter but it is a resident where waters remain open. Within Europe, a marked southward spread has occurred from Scandinavia in the breeding range since about 1850, colonising Scotland in 1871 and England in 1941. Since 1970 it has spread across northern England and in to Wales and south west England. In the UK, it can be found all year round in the breeding range but only in winter on lakes, gravel pits and reservoirs across England south of the Humber. Nesting normally occurs in a tree cavity so the Goosander requires mature forest as its breeding habitat. It will also readily use large nest boxes where provided. In places where trees are absent, it will use holes in cliffs and steep, high banks, sometimes at considerable distances from water. The female lays 6 to 17 eggs, but normally 8 to 12, and raises a single brood in a season. The ducklings are taken by the female in her bill to rivers or lakes immediately after hatching where they feed on freshwater invertebrates and small fish fry, fledging when 60 to 70 days old. The Goosander primarily feeds on fish with the serrated edge to its bill helping it to grip its prey. In addition to fish, it will take a wide range of other aquatic prey such as molluscs, crustaceans, worms, insect larvae and amphibians and, more rarely, small mammals and birds. The salmon-pink tinge shown variably by males is probably diet-related and obtained from the carotenoid pigments present in some crustaceans and fish. When feeding, the Goosander will float down a stream or river for a few miles and either fly back again or more commonly fish their way back, diving incessantly the whole way. It will often fish in a group, forming a semicircle and driving the fish into shallow water where they are captured easily. When floating leisurely, it will position itself in the water similar to ducks but it will also swim deep in the water like a Cormorant. When not diving for food, it is usually seen swimming on the water surface, resting on rocks in midstream or hidden among riverbank vegetation or (in winter) resting on the edge of floating ice. Date: 23rd December 2019 Location: Abberton Reservoir, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28592775.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_208500716957ab0691ca0de.jpgRed Admiral Flight period: April to November. The Red Admiral is a familiar and widespread butterfly in the UK although numbers depend on immigration from Europe. It can be found in any flower-rich habitat. Date: 5th August 2016 Location: Minsmere, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493272.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5996726345f326f4e87e47.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50569760.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_65302769665ccb53e9e731.jpgGreat Northern Diver The Great Northern Diver is the largest of the UK's divers with a bigger, heavier head and bill than its commoner relatives. The Great Northern Diver is largely a winter visitor to the UK coast although some non-breeding birds stay off northern coasts in the summer. They start to arrive offshore in August and birds move back to their largely Icelandic breeding grounds in April and May. The largest numbers can be found off the northern and western islands of Scotland. Date: 8th December 2023 Location: Great Notley Country Park, Braintree, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/speckled-bush-cricket https://images.on-this.website/4752_1311979200467ee366cf6c9.jpgSpeckled Bush Cricket The Speckled Bush Cricket is grass green in colour with the entire body minutely speckled black which gives rise to its common name. It is common in southern England and Wales but scarce or absent elsewhere. Adults can be seen from May to August in hedgerows, around the margins of woodlands and also in gardens and parks. Date: 15th July 2006 Location: Thrift Wood EWT reserve, Bicknacre, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo440563.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_262525246467e872560fb6.jpgPine Marten The Pine Marten is a member of the mustelid family which also includes the Mink, the Otter, the Badger, the Stoat and the Weasel. It is the only mustelid with semi-retractable claws which enables it to lead a more arboreal lifestyle such as climbing or running in trees. The Pine Marten is about the size of a domestic cat and males are slightly larger than females. The fur is usually light to dark brown and grows longer and silkier during the winter months. It has a cream to yellow coloured "bib" marking on their throats and a long fluffy tail. The Pine Marten is usually found in deciduous and coniferous woodland with plenty of cover and it is mainly active at dusk and at night. It has small rounded, highly sensitive ears and sharp teeth adapted for eating small mammals, birds, insects, frogs and carrion although it also eats berries, nuts, fungi, birds' eggs and honey. Pine Marten dens are commonly found in hollow trees or the fallen root masses of Scots Pines, an association that probably earned them their name. Cairns and cliffs covered with scrub are frequently used as alternative den sites. Territories vary in size according to habitat and food availability. The Pine Marten is one of the rarest native mammals in the UK. Until the 19th century, it was found throughout much of mainland UK, the Isle of Wight and some of the Scottish islands although habitat fragmentation, persecution by gamekeepers and hunting for their fur drastically reduced this distribution. By the 1920s, the main Pine Marten population in the UK was restricted to a small area of north west Scotland. Until recently it remained only at all common in this region where some individuals have lost their fear of man and come to take food provided for them, particularly enjoying jam and peanut butter. A study in 2012 found that the Pine Marten has spread from its Scottish Highland stronghold, north into east Sutherland and Caithness and south east from the Great Glen into Moray, Aberdeenshire, Perthshire, Tayside and the Stirling area with some also occurring in the Central Belt and on the Kintyre and Cowal peninsulas. Expansion in south Scotland has been limited and despite reintroduction to the Glen Trool Forest there has only been a restricted spread from there. In England, the Pine Marten is extremely rare with scattered reports from Cumbria, Northumberland and mid Wales. In July 2015 [url=http://www.shropshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/pine-marten-appeal] first confirmed sighting of a Pine Marten in England for over a century[/url] was recorded by an amateur photographer in woodland in Shropshire. In Wales, the Vincent Wildlife Trust is implementing a [url=http://www.pine-marten-recovery-project.org.uk/news/pine-martens-arrive-in-wales]reintroduction project[/url] through translocations from Scotland. The Pine Marten is still quite rare in Ireland but the population is recovering and spreading. The traditional strongholds are in the west and south, especially the Burren, but the population in the Midlands has significantly increased in recent years. A study published in 2015 showed that the Pine Marten was distributed across every county in Northern Ireland. Although they are preyed upon occasionally by Golden Eagles and Red Foxes, humans are the largest threat to the Pine Marten. It is vulnerable from conflict with humans, arising from predator control for other species and the use of inhabited buildings for denning. The Pine Marten is also affected by persecution (illegal poisoning and shooting) by gamekeepers and loss of habitat. This Pine Marten was photographed at a "wildlife watch" arranged by Speyside Wildlife in Rothiemurchus in the Scottish Highlands. Date: 18th May 2005 Location: Rothiemurchus, Inverness-shire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21892951.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_135772148353d0fea3782d7.jpgCommon Seals Common Seals feed at sea but regularly haul out on to rocky shores or inter-tidal sandbanks to rest, to give birth and to suckle their pups. The most important haul-out areas are around the coast of Scotland, particularly in the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland, and on the east coast of England in the Wash. Date: 18th June 2014 Location: Loch Fleet, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46535266.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_61834916262caa74f1dd00.jpgMarbled White Flight period: July to August The Marbled White is a very distinctive black and white butterfly that is widespread in southern England and expanding its range northwards and eastwards. They can be found in unimproved grassland, coastal grassland, roadside verges and railway embankments. Date: 6th July 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19399529.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12523386385244089c02ec8.jpgGreen Woodpecker The (European) Green Woodpecker is a large green woodpecker species. There are 3 sub-species with subtle differences between them whilst the Iberian Green Woodpecker found in Spain and Portugal and the Levaillant's Woodpecker found in north west Africa were formerly considered as sub-species but are now treated as separate species based on the results of studies published in 2011 The Green Woodpecker measures 12 to 14 inches in length with a 18 to 20 inches wingspan. Both sexes are green above and pale yellowish green below with a yellow rump and red crown and nape. The moustachial stripe has a red centre in the male but is solid black in the female. The lores and around the white eye are black in both male and female. Juveniles are spotty and streaked all over with a dark moustachial stripe initially although juvenile males can show some red feathers by early June or usually by July or August. Although the Green Woodpecker is shy and wary, it is usually its loud calls known as “yaffling” which first draw attention. Unlike many other woodpecker species, it rarely “drums” but often gives noisy calls while flying. The flight is undulating with 3 to 4 wingbeats followed by a short glide when the wings are held by the body. More than 75% of the range of the Green Woodpecker is in Europe although it is absent from the extreme north and east and also from Ireland, Greenland and the Macaronesian islands. Otherwise it is distributed widely with over 50% of the European population thought to be in France and Germany with substantial numbers also in the UK. It also occurs in west Asia. The Green Woodpecker is highly sedentary and individuals rarely move far from where they were born. The Green Woodpecker is generally found in semi-open landscapes with small woodlands, hedges, scattered old trees, edges of forests and floodplain forests. Suitable habitats for feeding include grassland, heaths, plantations, orchards and lawns. The Green Woodpecker is the largest of the 3 woodpecker species that breed in the UK. It can be found all year round and it is mainly a lowland species that breeds in open deciduous woodland, parks, orchards and farmland in England, Wales and Scotland although it is absent from the far north and west of the UK. The nest hole of the Green Woodpecker is larger but similar to those of other woodpecker species. It may be a few feet above the ground or at the top of a tall tree. Oaks, beeches, willows, aspens and fruit trees are the preferred nest trees. The hole may be excavated in sound or rotten wood with an entrance hole of 2.5 to 3 inches. The cavity inside may be up to 16 inches deep and excavation work is performed mostly by the male over 15 to 30 days. Some tree holes are used for breeding for more than 10 years but not necessarily by the same pair. The female lays 4 to 6 eggs and, after the last egg is laid, they are incubated for 19 to 20 days by both parents. The chicks fledge 21 to 24 days after hatching. The Green Woodpecker's diet consists primarily of various ant species and it spends much of its time foraging on the ground in grassland areas where the availability of ant nests is high. At ant nests, it probes into the ground and licks up adult ants and their larvae with its long tongue that wraps up and around the back of its head. Other insects and small reptiles are also taken occasionally. Date: 17th July 2013 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12081952.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13034931804e48e99ad82ef.jpgCommon Seals Common Seals feed at sea but regularly haul out on to rocky shores or inter-tidal sandbanks to rest, to give birth and to suckle their pups. The most important haul-out areas are around the coast of Scotland, particularly in the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland, and on the east coast of England in the Wash. Date: 7th September 2005 Location: Blakeney Point, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21958517.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_38627978253da4925406ee.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Staple Island, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/stac-pollaidh-highland https://images.on-this.website/4752_9278260534681c74a0cfd6.jpgStac Pollaidh, Highland Height: 2009 feet. Stac Pollaidh means "peak of the peat moss" and it has a character out of all proportion to its mere 2009ft height. It is located immediately to the north of Loch Lurgainn and to the south of Loch Sionascaig in the Inverpolly Forest. Date: June 1999 Location: view from the unclassified road between the A835 at Drumrunie and Achiltibuie http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4466117.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1271817224b8a26492d480.jpgFløyfjellet, Bergen Fløyfjellet or Fløyen is the most visited of the 7 mountains that surround the city centre of Bergen, Norway. It has a funicular railway system (Fløibanen) that transports passengers from the centre of Bergen to a height of 1050 feet in roughly 8 minutes. The actual highest point on Fløifjellet at 1394 feet is approximately 1/2 mile to the north east. From Fløyfjellet there are stunning views of the city of Bergen and the surrounding area. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49903668.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_410661119650438747491f.jpgSmall Copper Flight period: April to October. The Small Copper is a common and widespread butterfly in the UK but has suffered a population decline due to change in land use and habitat loss. They are fond of warm and dry locations and can be found in a variety of habitats including heathland, unimproved grassland, woodland clearings, waste ground and gardens. Date: 21st August 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813323.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14952908255d0ddd9f34132.jpgLoch of the Lowes, Perthshire Loch of the Lowes is a small loch at the northern edge of the valley of Strathmore in Perth and Kinross, 1 mile north east of Dunkeld. The loch is noted for its breeding Ospreys and is managed as a nature reserve by the Scottish Wildlife Trust Date: 6th June 2019 Location: view from the SWT reserve hide http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo442192.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1882897675467f22da4094c.jpgLoch Sunart, Argyll Loch Sunart is a sea loch in the Western Highlands extending almost 20 miles westwards from Glen Tarbert before opening out into the Sound of Mull. Loch Sunart separates the areas of Ardnamurchan and Sunart to the north from Morvern in the south. Date: 25th December 2005 Location: view from the A884 Morvern road looking north east http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405538.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8004756526586f7a619605.jpgGreat Northern Diver The Great Northern Diver is the largest of the UK's divers with a bigger, heavier head and bill than its commoner relatives. The Great Northern Diver is largely a winter visitor to the UK coast although some non-breeding birds stay off northern coasts in the summer. They start to arrive offshore in August and birds move back to their largely Icelandic breeding grounds in April and May. The largest numbers can be found off the northern and western islands of Scotland. Date: 8th December 2023 Location: Great Notley Country Park, Braintree, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21958257.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_97795668153da45946f720.jpgCommon Guillemot The Common Guillemot, also known as the Common Murre or Thin-billed Murre, is a large species of auk. The auks are a family of seabirds which includes the Brunnich's Guillemot or Thick-billed Murre, Razorbill, Little Auk and the extinct Great Auk. The Common Guillemot is 15 to 18 inches in length with a 24 to 29 inches wingspan. In breeding plumage, it is black or dark brown on the head, back and wings with white underparts. It has a thin dark pointed bill and a small rounded dark tail. Legs are grey and the bill is dark grey. Males and females are identical. Some individuals in the North Atlantic, known as "Bridled Guillemots", have a white ring around the eye extending back as a white line. This is not a distinct subspecies but a polymorphism that becomes more common the farther north the birds breed. The Common Guillemot flies with fast wing beats and has a flight speed of around 50 mph. Groups of birds are often seen flying together in a line just above the surface of the sea. However, it is not a very agile bird and take-off is often difficult. The Common Guillemot becomes flightless for 45 to 60 days while moulting its primary feathers. The Common Guillemot is a pursuit diver that forages for food by swimming underwater using its wings for propulsion. Dives usually last less than one minute but the bird swims underwater for distances of over 100 feet on a regular basis. Diving depths up to 590 feet have been recorded. The Common Guillemot has a circumpolar distribution and it occurs in low Arctic and boreal waters in the north Atlantic and north Pacific. It spends most of its time at sea and only comes to land to breed on rocky cliffs, sea stacks and islands. Some birds are permanent residents but northern birds migrate south to open waters off New England, southern California, Japan, Korea and the western Mediterranean. The Common Guillemot breeds in colonies at high densities and nesting pairs may be in bodily contact with their neighbours. No nest is made and the single egg is laid and incubated on a bare rock ledge on a cliff face. The egg hatches after 30 days incubation and the chick is born downy and can regulate its body temperature after 10 days. Some 20 days after hatching the chick jumps off its nesting ledge and heads for the sea unable to fly but gliding for some distance with fluttering wings and accompanied by its male parent. The chicks are capable of diving as soon as they hit the water. The female stays at the nest site for some 14 days after the chick has left. The Common Guillemot can venture far from its breeding grounds to forage and distances of 60 miles or more are often observed although if sufficient food is available closer by, birds will only travel much shorter distances. It mainly eats small schooling fish 8 inches long or less such as Polar Cod, Capelin, Sand Lances, Sprats, Sandeels, Atlantic Cod and Atlantic Herring. It also eats some molluscs, marine worms, squid and crustaceans. It is often seen carrying fish in its bill with the tail hanging out. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Staple Island, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41249234.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18845220675f00b5d62ddca.jpgCommon Guillemot The Common Guillemot, also known as the Common Murre or Thin-billed Murre, is a large species of auk. The auks are a family of seabirds which includes the Brunnich's Guillemot or Thick-billed Murre, Razorbill, Little Auk and the extinct Great Auk. The Common Guillemot is 15 to 18 inches in length with a 24 to 29 inches wingspan. In breeding plumage, it is black or dark brown on the head, back and wings with white underparts. It has a thin dark pointed bill and a small rounded dark tail. Legs are grey and the bill is dark grey. Males and females are identical. Some individuals in the North Atlantic, known as "Bridled Guillemots", have a white ring around the eye extending back as a white line. This is not a distinct subspecies but a polymorphism that becomes more common the farther north the birds breed. The Common Guillemot flies with fast wing beats and has a flight speed of around 50 mph. Groups of birds are often seen flying together in a line just above the surface of the sea. However, it is not a very agile bird and take-off is often difficult. The Common Guillemot becomes flightless for 45 to 60 days while moulting its primary feathers. The Common Guillemot is a pursuit diver that forages for food by swimming underwater using its wings for propulsion. Dives usually last less than one minute but the bird swims underwater for distances of over 100 feet on a regular basis. Diving depths up to 590 feet have been recorded. The Common Guillemot has a circumpolar distribution and it occurs in low Arctic and boreal waters in the north Atlantic and north Pacific. It spends most of its time at sea and only comes to land to breed on rocky cliffs, sea stacks and islands. Some birds are permanent residents but northern birds migrate south to open waters off New England, southern California, Japan, Korea and the western Mediterranean. The Common Guillemot breeds in colonies at high densities and nesting pairs may be in bodily contact with their neighbours. No nest is made and the single egg is laid and incubated on a bare rock ledge on a cliff face. The egg hatches after 30 days incubation and the chick is born downy and can regulate its body temperature after 10 days. Some 20 days after hatching the chick jumps off its nesting ledge and heads for the sea unable to fly but gliding for some distance with fluttering wings and accompanied by its male parent. The chicks are capable of diving as soon as they hit the water. The female stays at the nest site for some 14 days after the chick has left. The Common Guillemot can venture far from its breeding grounds to forage and distances of 60 miles or more are often observed although if sufficient food is available closer by, birds will only travel much shorter distances. It mainly eats small schooling fish 8 inches long or less such as Polar Cod, Capelin, Sand Lances, Sprats, Sandeels, Atlantic Cod and Atlantic Herring. It also eats some molluscs, marine worms, squid and crustaceans. It is often seen carrying fish in its bill with the tail hanging out. Date: 22nd June 2020 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41349621.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12041536915f200272434d5.jpgLarge Skipper Flight period: June to July. The Large Skipper is a small golden butterfly which is widespread throughout England and Wales and it is also extending its range northwards in to southern Scotland. They can be found in areas of tall, uncut grassland, woodland rides, roadside verges and hedgerows. Date: 16th June 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51980691.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_173894117366d33469a0dd4.jpgGreen-veined White Flight period: April to September The Green-veined White is a widespread buttterfly throughout the UK and is often the commonest white butterfly in the north of the UK. They can be found in a variety of habitats but damp, lush vegetation is an essential requirement. Date: 29th June 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14247111.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4609528234f4e06fa873ea.jpgTufted Duck The Tufted Duck is a medium-sized diving duck. Males are black on the head, neck, breast and back and white on the sides with a small crest and a yellow eye. Females are browner in colour. Tufted Ducks breed in the UK across the lowland areas of England, Scotland and Ireland but less commonly in Wales. Numbers increase in the UK in winter due to birds moving to the UK from Iceland and northern Europe. Tufted Ducks can be found all year round in suitable habitats such as a reservoirs, gravel pits or lakes. Date: 25th February 2012 Location: Rye Meads RSPB reserve, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38397350.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8018737675ce12849102a7.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 14th May 2019 Location: Arne RSPB reserve, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/machir-bay-islay-argyll https://images.on-this.website/4752_1775989096492314a6439c5.jpgMachir Bay, Islay, Argyll Machir Bay is a wide, sandy bay bordered by large sand dunes located on the west coast of the the island of Islay to the south of Coul Point. Date: 4th November 2008 Location: view looking north http://www.richardchewphotography.com/blaven-skye-highland https://images.on-this.website/4752_380712101560fb7676d15d.jpgDate: 25th September 2015 Location: Blaven, Skye, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/the-storr-skye https://images.on-this.website/4752_11843435994681c735095f7.jpgThe Storr, Skye Height: 2358 feet. The Storr is the highest point on the Trotternish ridge in north east Skye and is located 7 miles north of Portree. Trotternish is the most northerly of Skye's peninsulas extending north from Portree to its eventual end at Rubha Hunish and containing some of the most striking landscapes in Scotland. Date: June 2000 Location: view from the A855 Portree to Staffin road near Loch Fada http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405547.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4032227716586f7e63fbc6.jpgGreat Northern Diver The Great Northern Diver is the largest of the UK's divers with a bigger, heavier head and bill than its commoner relatives. The Great Northern Diver is largely a winter visitor to the UK coast although some non-breeding birds stay off northern coasts in the summer. They start to arrive offshore in August and birds move back to their largely Icelandic breeding grounds in April and May. The largest numbers can be found off the northern and western islands of Scotland. Date: 8th December 2023 Location: Great Notley Country Park, Braintree, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26270347.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_296357179566552726c688.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 4th December 2015 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/ben-loyal-sutherland https://images.on-this.website/4752_3886883874866c8fa904d3.jpgBen Loyal, Sutherland Height: 2507 feet. Ben Loyal is a magnificent mountain rising dramatically from the Kyle of Tongue in north Sutherland. It is located 2 miles west of Loch Loyal and 5 miles south of the village of Tongue. Date: 5th June 2008 Location: view from the A838 road at the Kyle of Tongue causeway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/march-2010-snow-bunting https://images.on-this.website/4752_3096861064beed5e250825.jpgMarch 2010 - Snow Bunting Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4352178.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405545.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21307525256586f7d66b708.jpgGreat Northern Diver The Great Northern Diver is the largest of the UK's divers with a bigger, heavier head and bill than its commoner relatives. The Great Northern Diver is largely a winter visitor to the UK coast although some non-breeding birds stay off northern coasts in the summer. They start to arrive offshore in August and birds move back to their largely Icelandic breeding grounds in April and May. The largest numbers can be found off the northern and western islands of Scotland. Date: 8th December 2023 Location: Great Notley Country Park, Braintree, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26033252.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_194281338156378cb1af0bc.jpgEider The Eider is a large sea duck that is distributed over the northern coasts of Europe, north America and eastern Siberia. It breeds in the Arctic and some northern temperate regions but winters somewhat further south in temperate zones when it can form large flocks on coastal waters. The Eider is both the largest of the 4 eider species and the largest duck found in Europe and in north America (except for the Muscovy duck which only reaches north America in a wild state in southernmost Texas and south Florida). The Eider is characterized by its bulky shape and large, wedge-shaped bill. The male is unmistakable with its black and white plumage and green nape. The female is a brown bird but can still be readily distinguished from all ducks, except other eider species, on the basis of size and head shape. The drake's display call is a strange almost human-like "ah-ooo" while the duck utters hoarse quacks. The Eider dives for crustaceans and molluscs, with mussels being a favoured food. The Eider will eat mussels by swallowing them whole. The shells are then crushed in their gizzard and excreted. When eating a crab, the Eider will remove all of its claws and legs and then eat the body in a similar fashion. The Eider is abundant with populations of about 1.5 to 2 million birds in both Europe and north America and also large but unknown numbers in eastern Siberia. The Eider is a colonial breeder nesting on coastal islands in colonies ranging in size of less than 100 to upwards of 10,000 to 15,000 individuals. Female Eiders frequently exhibit a high degree of natal philopatry where they return to breed on the same island where they were hatched. This can lead to a high degree of relatedness between individuals nesting on the same island as well as the development of kin-based female social structures. This relatedness has likely played a role in the evolution of co-operative breeding behaviours amongst Eiders. Examples of these behaviours include laying eggs in the nests of related individuals and crèching where female Eiders team up and share the work of rearing ducklings. The Eider's nest is built close to the sea and is lined with the celebrated eiderdown plucked from the female's breast. This soft and warm lining has long been harvested for filling pillows and quilts but in more recent years has been largely replaced by down from domestic farm geese and synthetic alternatives. Although eiderdown pillows or quilts are now a rarity, eiderdown harvesting continues and is sustainable as it can be done after the ducklings leave the nest with no harm to the birds. Date: 1st June 2015 Location: Sauðárkrókur, north west Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/september-2014-blaven-skye https://images.on-this.website/4752_16031537548c18e9cd5e8.jpgAugust to September 2014 - Blaven, Skye Please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/photo22527824.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42670666.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_170994494860b2054cacb26.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 18th May 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/slioch-highland https://images.on-this.website/4752_1155818968468840dfdb1a3.jpgSlioch, Highland Height: 3218 feet. Slioch is a solitary Torridonian sandstone mountain on the north side of Loch Maree about 4 miles north of Kinlochewe. Its isolated position and formidable appearance are well seen in views of the mountain across Loch Maree. Slioch's name originates from the Gaelic word "sleagh" and means "spear". Date: 9th June 2007 Location: view from the A832 road between Gairloch and Kinlochewe http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14160687.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1103556194f3e1b62dff29.jpgRabbit The (European) Rabbit ranges from 13 to 20 inches in length, not counting a tail of 1.6 to 3.1 inches. It has grey/brown fur, white underparts, long ears, large hind legs and a short, white fluffy tail. As a lagomorph, it has four sharp incisors (two on top, two on bottom) that grow continuously throughout its life. The Rabbit moves move by hopping, using its long and powerful hind legs. To facilitate quick movement, the hind feet have a thick padding of fur to dampen the shock of rapid hopping. The toes are long and are webbed to keep from spreading apart as the animal jumps. The Rabbit is native to south west Europe (Spain and Portugal) and north west Africa (Morocco and Algeria). It is known as an invasive species because it has been introduced to countries on all continents, with the exception of Antarctica and sub-Saharan Africa, where it has often caused many problems within the environment and ecosystems. The Rabbit was brought to England in the 12th century by the Normans and kept in captivity in warrens as a source of meat and fur. Many escaped into the wild and eventually become so common that farming them was no longer economic. Helped by fast breeding, a diet of virtually any vegetable matter and human persecution of their predators, the Rabbit slowly established itself in the wild in the UK despite originally favouring a warmer, drier climate. It is now widespread throughout the UK but absent from the Isles of Scilly and a few smaller islands and can be found almost anywhere that it can burrow. The most suitable areas are those where the burrow area and food supply are side-by-side, such as woodland edge and hedgerows. Open warrens are maintained where good burrowing conditions exist on areas of short grass, sand dunes, railway verges and even in urban areas. It is rarely found above the tree-line and it avoids damp conditions and areas deep in conifer woodland. The Rabbit is a social animal and lives in medium-sized colonies comprising of a network of burrows known as warrens. It is largely crepuscular, being most active around dawn and dusk, although it is not infrequently seen and active during the day. During the day, it prefers to reside in vegetated patches which are used for protection from predators. The Rabbit is essentially a mixed feeder, both grazing and browsing, but grass is the primary food source. However, it has a diverse diet of grasses, leaves, buds, tree bark and roots and will also eat lettuce, cabbage, root vegetables and grains. The Rabbit is famed for its reproductive capabilities and the inspiration for the phrase "breeding like rabbits". The breeding season is mainly from January to August when 4 to 8 litters of 2 to 12 kittens are produced. The gestation period averages 31 days. The doe constructs a nest inside a burrow from grass bedding and lines it with soft fur from her chest and belly. The young kittens are born blind, deaf and almost hairless. Their eyes open at 10 days, they begin to appear at the burrow entrance at 18 days and are weaned at 21 to 25 days. They are self-supporting in one month but 90% die in the first year. Bucks are able to mate at 4 months, does at 3.5 months. Birds of prey and carnivores such as the Fox, Stoat and Weasel are the primary predators of the Rabbit. Date: 7th February 2007 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43629143.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8113568736118b018389a3.jpgWoodpigeon The Woodpigeon is the UK's largest and commonest pigeon and is largely grey with a white neck patch and white wing patches which are clearly visible in flight. Although shy in the countryside, it can be tame and approachable in towns and cities. Its cooing call is a familiar sound in woodlands as is the loud clatter of its wings when it flies away. Woodpigeons can be found across the UK. In the countryside they breed on farmland with hedges, trees and copses and in towns and cities they breed in parks and gardens. In winter, Woodpigeons form large flocks on farmland fields. Date: 1st August 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19507537.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_206991616452528c6502ec3.jpgMontes de Jimena de la Frontera, Andalucia, Spain The Montes de Jimena de la Frontera are part of the Los Alcornocales Natural Park in the province of Cadiz in Andalucia. These hills rise west of the "white town" of Jimena de la Frontera Date: 10th September 2013 Location: view in the Montes de Jimena de la Frontera, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/january-2021-mute-swan https://images.on-this.website/4752_213529684860b62da839686.jpgJanuary 2021 - Mute Swan Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42222548.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14155793.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19187458224f3cd2aaeb8b0.jpgBullfinch The male Bullfinch is unmistakable with a bright pinkish-red breast and cheeks, grey back, black cap and tail and bright white rump. The flash of the rump in flight and the sad call note are usually the first signs of Bullfinches being present. Bullfinches can be found throughout most of the UK but their localised and declining populations make it a Red List species. Bullfinches can be seen all the year round and breed in broad-leaved woodland, thickets, hedgerows, orchards and mature gardens. Date: 12th February 2012 Location: Pennington Flash, Greater Manchester http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45456921.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_113109830624ffeee94520.jpgSanderlings The Sanderling is a small, plump, energetic wading bird. It has a short straight black bill and medium length black legs and is pale grey above and white underneath. Sanderlings breed in the high Arctic but can be seen in the UK during the winter months and as a passage migrant in spring and autumn. They can be found where there are long, sandy beaches around most of the coast other than in south west England and the rocky coasts of mainland Scotland. Date: 9th November 2021 Location: Shoeburyness, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21955210.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_78518590953da0ce48f91d.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: view from the Farne Islands boat trip from Seahouses Harbour, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41349750.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_622302795f201ff4de2f3.jpgComma Flight period: March to October. The Comma was a rarity 100 years ago but is now a common and widespread butterfly in England and Wales and is on the point of recolonising Scotland. They are one of the first butterflies to be seen in spring and can be found in open woodland, woodland edges and gardens. Date: 17th July 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/small-tortoiseshell https://images.on-this.website/4752_101251499051f4df8a3e7ce.jpgSmall Tortoiseshell Flight period: March to October. The Small Tortoiseshell is a familiar widespread butterfly throughout the UK. It is a highly adaptable species that can be found in any flowery areas where nettles occur including in gardens and urban areas. Date: 1st July 2013 Location: Stow Maries Halt EWT reserve, Stow Maries, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/route-over-domen-near-vard https://images.on-this.website/4752_13377252934bf6dfe99254f.jpgRoute 75 over Domen near Vardø, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway Domen is a mountain on the Varanger peninsula in Finnmark county in north east Norway. The 538 feet tall mountain is located near the coast between the small fishing village of Kiberg and the island of Vardøya. Domen is bare and flat-topped with a steep slope towards the Barents Sea below. The European route E75 runs along the western side of the mountain from Svartnes to Kiberg. The road is often closed in the winter due to bad weather. Date: 13th April 2010 Location: Route 75 over Domen near Vardø, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/sango-bay-sutherland https://images.on-this.website/4752_9053079704c1dd5f6cce95.jpgSango Bay, Sutherland Sango Bay is a beautiful sandy bay on the north coast of Sutherland and located by the village of Durness 4 miles west of Loch Eriboll. The bay is approximately half a mile in width and surrounded by low cliffs. Date: 3rd June 2010 Location: view from the A838 road east of Durness http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37431282.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15140036005c6bec364ae67.jpgBewick's Swans The Tundra Swan is a small Holarctic swan. The 2 taxa within it are usually regarded as conspecific but are also sometimes split into 2 species: the Bewick's Swan of the Palaearctic and the Whistling Swan of the Nearctic. The Bewick's Swan was named in 1830 by William Yarrell after the engraver Thomas Bewick who specialised in illustrations of birds and animals. The Bewick's Swan measures 45 to 55 inches in length with a wing span of 18.5 to 21.5 inches. Males are slightly larger and heavier than females. It is similar in appearance to the Whooper Swan but is smaller, shorter-necked and has a more rounded head shape. It has a variable bill pattern but always shows more black than yellow and having a blunt forward edge of the yellow base patch. The Whooper Swan has a bill that has more yellow than black and the forward edge of the yellow patch is usually pointed. The bill pattern for every individual Bewick's Swan is unique and scientists often make detailed drawings of each bill and assign names to the swans to assist with studying these birds. As their common name implies, the Tundra Swan breeds in the Arctic and sub-Arctic tundra where they inhabit shallow pools, lakes and rivers. Unlike the Mute Swan, but like the other Arctic swans, it is a migratory bird. The winter habitat is mainly grassland and marshland, often near the coast. The breeding range of the Bewick’s Swan extends across the coastal lowlands of Siberia from the Kola Peninsula east to the Pacific. It starts to arrive in its breeding range around mid-May and leaves for its winter range around the end of September. The populations west of the Taimyr Peninsula migrate via the White Sea, Baltic Sea and the Elbe estuary to winter in Denmark, the Netherlands and the UK where it is common in winter on a few RSPB and WWT reserves. Some birds also winter elsewhere on the southern shores of the North Sea. The Bewick’s Swans that breed in eastern Russia migrate via Mongolia and north China to winter in the coastal regions of Korea, Japan and south China, south to Guangdong and occasionally as far as Taiwan. A few birds from the central Siberian range also winter in Iran at the south of the Caspian Sea. Arrival in the winter range starts about mid-October although most birds spend weeks or even months at favourite resting locations and will only arrive in the winter range in November or even as late as January. Departure from the winter range starts in mid-February. Bewick’s Swans mate in the late spring, usually after they have returned to the breeding range. As is usual for swans, they pair monogamously until one partner dies. Should one partner die long before the other, the surviving bird often will not mate again for several years or even for the rest of its life. The nesting season starts at the end of May. The pair build the large mound-shaped nest from plant material at an elevated site near open water and they defend a large territory around it. The pen (female) lays and incubates a clutch of 2 to 7 (usually 3 to 5) eggs whilst the cob (male) keeps a steady lookout for potential predators heading towards his mate and offspring. The time from egg laying to hatching is 29 to 30 days. Since they nest in cold regions, Bewick’s Swan cygnets grow faster than those of swans breeding in warmer climates and they may fledge in 40 to 45 days. Cygnets stay with their parents for the first winter migration and the family is sometimes even joined by their offspring from previous breeding seasons while on the wintering grounds. Bewick’s Swans do not reach sexual maturity until 3 or 4 years of age. In summer, the diet of the Bewick’s Swan consists mainly of aquatic vegetation which it finds by sticking its head underwater or upending while swimming. It will also eat some grass growing on dry land. At other times of the year, leftover grains and other crops such as potatoes, picked up in open fields after harvest, make up much of the diet. Healthy adult Bewick’s Swans have few natural predators. The Arctic Fox may threaten breeding females and particular the eggs and hatchlings. Adults typically can stand their ground and displace foxes but occasionally the foxes are successful. Other potential nest predators include the Red Fox, the Brown Bear, the Golden Eagle, the Arctic Skua and the Glaucous Gull. The Brown Bear, the Golden Eagle and the Wolf may occasionally succeed at capturing and killing an adult. About 15% adults die each year from various causes and the average lifespan in the wild is about 10 years. The status of the Bewick's Swan is not well known although its population is in decline in north west Europe for largely unexplained reasons. It is increasingly dependent on agricultural crops to supplement its winter diet as aquatic vegetation in its winter habitat declines due to habitat destruction and water pollution. However, the main cause of adult mortality is hunting and, whilst the Bewick's Swan can not be hunted legally, almost half the birds studied contain lead shot in their bodies, indicating that they were shot at by poachers. Lead poisoning by ingestion of lead shot is also a very significant cause of mortality. The Bewick's Swan is one of the birds to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 8th January 2019 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41183537.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19779001595e9c2ed67af5c.jpgBlackcap The Eurasian Blackcap, usually known simply as the Blackcap, is a typical warbler in the [i]Sylvia[/i] genus. It is a mainly grey warbler with distinct male and female plumages. It is about 5.1 inches long with a 2.8 to 3.1 inches wing span. The adult male has olive-grey upperparts, other than a paler grey nape, and a neat black cap on the head. The underparts are light grey, becoming silvery white on the chin, throat and upper breast. The tail is dark grey with an olive tint to the outer edge of each feather. The bill and long legs are grey and the iris is reddish brown. The female resembles the male but has a reddish-brown cap and a slightly browner tone to the grey of the upperparts. Juveniles are similar to the female but their upperparts have a slight rufous tinge and the breast and flanks have a more olive tone. Young males have a darker brown cap than their female counterparts. The Blackcap is unmistakable and other dark-headed [i]Sylvia[/i] species, such as the Sardinian Warbler and the Orphean Warbler, have extensive black on the head instead of a small cap and they are also larger and have white edges on the tail. The male Blackcap's song is a rich musical warbling, often ending in a loud high-pitched crescendo, which is given in bursts of up to 30 seconds. The song is repeated for about 2 minutes with a short pause before each repetition. The main song can be confused with that of the Garden Warbler but it is slightly higher pitched than in that species, more broken into discrete song segments and less mellow. Both species have a quiet sub-song, a muted version of the full song, which is even harder to separate. The Blackcap also occasionally mimics the song of other birds, the most frequently copied including the Garden Warbler and the Nightingale. The Blackcap’s breeding range includes much of Europe, west Asia and north west Africa and its preferred habitat is mature deciduous woodland. Birds on the Mediterranean and Atlantic islands and in the milder west and south of the main Eurasian distribution often winter within the breeding range but populations elsewhere are migratory. The Blackcap is a “leap-frog migrant” meaning that birds from the north of the breeding range travel furthest south whereas Mediterranean breeders move much shorter distances. The wintering areas overlap with the breeding range but also include extensive areas in west Africa, east Africa south to Lake Malawi and further north in Ethiopia, South Sudan and Eritrea. There is a migratory divide in Europe at longitude 10 to 11°E. Birds to the west of this line migrate south west towards Iberia or west Africa whereas populations to the east migrate to the east Mediterranean and on to east Africa. Climate change appears to be affecting the migration pattern of the Blackcap. It is arriving in Europe earlier than previously and departing nearly 2 weeks later than in the 1980s. In recent decades, some central European birds have taken to wintering in gardens in the UK and, to a lesser extent, in Ireland, where the Blackcap was formerly just a summer visitor. Although the UK climate is sub-optimal, compensatory factors include the ready availability of food (particularly from bird tables), a shorter migration distance and the avoidance of the Alps and the Sahara Desert. The Blackcap's main breeding habitat is mature deciduous woodland with good scrub cover below the trees. Other habitats, such as parks, large gardens and overgrown hedges, are used as long as they meet the essential requirements of tall trees for song posts and an established under-story. Where other [i]Sylvia[/i] warblers also breed, the Blackcap tends to use taller trees than its relatives, preferably those with a good canopy such as pedunculate oak. The preferred winter habitat around the Mediterranean is scrub and olive orchards. In Africa, habitats include cultivated land, acacia scrub, mangroves and forest. When the male Blackcap returns to its breeding range, it establishes a territory. Adults that have previously bred return to the site they have used in previous summers whereas inexperienced birds either wander until they find a suitable area or establish a very large initial territory which contracts under pressure from neighbours. Territorial boundaries are established initially by loud singing which is performed while the male displays with its crown raised, tail fanned and slow wingbeats. [i]Sylvia[/i] warblers are unusual in that they vigorously defend their territories against other members of their genus. Blackcaps and Garden Warblers use almost identical habitats yet aggressive interactions mean that their territories rarely overlap. The Blackcap first breeds at 1 year old. It is mainly monogamous although both sexes may sometimes deviate from this. A male attracts a female to his territory through song and a display involving raising the black crown feathers, fluffing the tail, slow wingbeats and a short flapping flight. He also builds one or more simple nests (cock nests) usually near his song post. The final nest, which may be one of the cock nests or built from scratch, is a neat cup of roots, stems and grasses lined with fine material such as hair. The nest is built in the cover of bramble, scrub or trees and it is constructed mainly by the female and may be up to 15 feet above the ground although lower than 3 feet is more typical. The clutch is 2 to 7 eggs (typically 4 to 6) which are incubated by both adults for 10 to 16 days (average 11 days). The chicks are fed by both parents and fledge about 11 to 12 days after hatching, leaving the nest shortly before they are able to fly. They are assisted with feeding for a further 2 or 3 weeks. The Blackcap normally raises just 1 brood but second broods are sometimes recorded, particularly in the milder climate of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic islands. The Blackcap feeds mainly on insects during the breeding season and then switches to fruit in late summer, the change being triggered by an internal biological rhythm. When migrants arrive on their breeding territories they initially take berries, pollen and nectar if there are insufficient insects available but then soon switch to their preferred diet. The Blackcap mainly picks prey off foliage and twigs but it may occasionally hover, flycatch or feed on the ground. It eats a wide range of invertebrate prey, although aphids are particularly important early in the season, and flies, beetles and caterpillars are also taken in large numbers. In July, the diet switches increasingly to a wide range of small fruit. The protein needed for egg-laying and for the chicks to grow is replaced by fruit sugar which helps the birds to fatten for migration. Aphids are still taken while they are available since they often contain sugars from the plant sap on which they feed. The Blackcap has a very large range and a very large population. It is therefore classified by the IUCN as being of “Least Concern”. The Blackcap and other small birds are illegally trapped and hunted in large numbers in Mediterranean countries, particularly in Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, Malta, Libya, Egypt and Cyprus, where they are considered as a delicacy. Despite hunting and natural hazards, the European population of the Blackcap has been increasing for several decades as the range extends northwards. There are occasional nesting records from outside the main range such as in north Israel and the Faroe Islands and wandering birds may appear further afield in Iceland or on the islands of Arctic Russia. In the Baltic region, the spread of the Blackcap appears to have been helped by the availability of territories formerly occupied by the declining Barred Warbler. Date: 15th April 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/february-2015-greylag-goose https://images.on-this.website/4752_1895338927559e4cb895f94.jpgFebruary 2015 - Greylag Goose Please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/photo23526666.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/handa-island-sutherland https://images.on-this.website/4752_4590146784681c4e20339f.jpgHanda Island, Sutherland Handa is an island located just offshore from Scourie with one of the largest seabird colonies in north west Europe. The Sound of Handa on the east side of the island contains 2 small sandy bays which are the places where the small ferry boat from Tarbet lands. Date: 14th June 2006 Location: view from the east side of Handa http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14160907.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11389636664f3e29d57c41e.jpgPeacock Flight period: March to September. The Peacock is a familiar and widespread butterfly which is continuing to expand its range in the UK. It is a highly adaptable species that can be found almost anywhere but the best sites are where favoured nectar plants are available. Date: 25th July 2006 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/loch-arienas-morvern-argyll https://images.on-this.website/4752_396413803468841a2374bf.jpgLoch Arienas, Morvern, Argyll Loch Arienas is a small loch on the Ardtornish Estate in the Morvern area of the Ardnamurchan peninsula to the north of Lochaline and the Fiunary Forest. Date: 9th June 2007 Location: view from the unclassified road off the A884 road http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12744878.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12846899394e706dfc81ec3.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 7th December 2007 Location: Donna Nook, Lincolnshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801271.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_122490206464edb3240b612.jpgPeacock Flight period: March to September. The Peacock is a familiar and widespread butterfly which is continuing to expand its range in the UK. It is a highly adaptable species that can be found almost anywhere but the best sites are where favoured nectar plants are available. Date: 26th July 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14185304.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8929032824f422c698a78a.jpgRinglet Flight period: July to mid August. The Ringlet is a widespread and successful species which has been extending its range in in the UK in recent years. They can be found in in tall, lush grasslands particularly in woodland rides and glades and also around scrub and hedgerows. Date: 23rd July 2006 Location: Thompson Common, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50569762.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_196023547865ccb541e76f9.jpgGreat Northern Diver The Great Northern Diver is the largest of the UK's divers with a bigger, heavier head and bill than its commoner relatives. The Great Northern Diver is largely a winter visitor to the UK coast although some non-breeding birds stay off northern coasts in the summer. They start to arrive offshore in August and birds move back to their largely Icelandic breeding grounds in April and May. The largest numbers can be found off the northern and western islands of Scotland. Date: 8th December 2023 Location: Great Notley Country Park, Braintree, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18776584.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_212891892251f4df84c717b.jpgSmall Tortoiseshell Flight period: March to October. The Small Tortoiseshell is a familiar widespread butterfly throughout the UK. It is a highly adaptable species that can be found in any flowery areas where nettles occur including in gardens and urban areas. Date: 1st July 2013 Location: Stow Maries Halt EWT reserve, Stow Maries, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25774120.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_607622481560fb795dadb6.jpgDate: 25th September 2015 Location: Blaven, Skye, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21959212.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_149398593153da673d59f50.jpgRazorbill The Razorbill is a medium-sized seabird and breeds around the coast of the UK with the largest colonies in northern Scotland. They breed on rocky cliffs and among boulder scree close to the sea. Birds only come to shore to breed from March to July and they winter in the northern Atlantic. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Inner Farne, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21959205.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_23489582953da64c349f2c.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Inner Farne, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833300.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1482420951559cea03f1d45.jpgMount Devas, West Macedonia, Greece Mount Devas is situated between Great Prespa Lake (Megali Prespa) and Small Prespa Lake (Mikri Prespa) and is characterised by juniper and oak woodland and an extremely rich shrub and flowering plant community. The route to the summit provides excellent views of the Prespa lakes and surrounding mountains. Date: 14th May 2015 Location: view from the track running south from Agios Georgios between Psarades and Laimos, West Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/augustseptember-2015-otter https://images.on-this.website/4752_214549356056b9c1357014e.jpgAugust to September 2015 - Otter Please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/photo25774134.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41392935.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11926763255f26c06c70742.jpgGatekeeper Flight period: mid-July to early September. The Gatekeeper or Hedge Brown is common and widespread throughout the southern half of the UK. They can be found in areas with hedgerows or in scrubby woodland with wide and sunny rides. Date: 30th July 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/marbled-whites https://images.on-this.website/4752_18572342295f20092d34899.jpgMarbled Whites Flight period: July to August The Marbled White is a very distinctive black and white butterfly that is widespread in southern England and expanding its range northwards and eastwards. They can be found in unimproved grassland, coastal grassland, roadside verges and railway embankments. Date: 25th June 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo441576.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_836236672467eeaeb0af05.jpgDate: 10th December 2006 Location: Hundred Foot Washes, Welney, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo20951317.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1289874312535e13ed41e93.jpgWoodlark The Woodlark is a streaky brown bird with a buffy-white eye-stripe which meets across the nape. It has a well developed crest on its crown which is not always conspicuous. In flight the peculiarly short tail and broad, rounded wings are noticeable and the deeply undulating flight with closed wing glides is characteristic. The Woodlark can be found all year round and breeds mainly in eastern and southern England on the heathlands of Hampshire, Surrey, Berkshire, Norfolk and Suffolk. Date: 14th April 2014 Location: Santon Downham, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45182252.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11527473926235c38c1da3a.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 21st January 2022 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/seljalandsfoss-south-iceland https://images.on-this.website/4752_338536473561ccbd3e3f33.jpgSeljalandsfoss, south Iceland Seljalandsfoss is located between Selfoss and Skógafoss in south Iceland and is one of the best known waterfalls in the country. The Seljalandsá river drops 200 feet over the cliffs of the former coastline and it is possible to walk behind the waterfall. Date: 8th June 2015 Location: view from the car park at Seljalandsfoss http://www.richardchewphotography.com/tortoise-sp https://images.on-this.website/4752_985614029559cf4cb85261.jpgHermann's Tortoise The Hermann's Tortoise, one of five species, is a small to medium-sized tortoise in the family [I]Testudinidae[/I] . Young animals, and some adults, have attractive black and yellow-patterned carapaces, although the brightness may fade with age to a less distinct grey, straw, or yellow coloration. They have slightly hooked upper jaws and, like other tortoises, possess no teeth just strong, horny beaks. The scaly limbs are greyish to brown with some yellow markings and their tails bear a spur (a horny spike) at the tip. Adult males have particularly long and thick tails and well-developed spurs, distinguishing them from females. The Hermann's Tortoise can be found throughout southern Europe. The western sub-species is found in eastern Spain, southern France, the Balearic islands, Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily, south and central Italy and the eastern sub-species is found Serbia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Romania, Bulgaria, Albania and Greece. The eastern sub-species is generally much larger than the western sub-species, reaching sizes up to 11 inches in length. The Hermann's Tortoise is restricted to areas with hot summers and can be found in a variety of habitats including lush meadows, scrub-covered hillsides, light woodland, dune areas and even rubbish dumps. Males may have home ranges of about 2 hectares and females half this. Early in the morning, the Hermann's Tortoise will leave its nightly shelter, which are usually hollows protected by thick bushes or hedges, to bask in the sun and warm their bodies. They then roam about their habitat in search of food and determine which plants to eat by the sense of smell. In addition to leaves and flowers, the Hermann's Tortoise eats small amounts fruits as supplementary nutrition. When the sun becomes too hot the Hermann's Tortoise returns to its shelter, before emerging again in the late afternoon and evening to feed. In late February, the Hermann's Tortoise emerges from under bushes or old rotting wood, where it spends the winter months hibernating, buried in a bed of dead leaves. Immediately after surfacing from their winter resting place, the Hermann’s Tortoise commences courtship and mating. Courtship is a rough affair for the female, which is pursued, rammed and bitten by the male before being mounted. Aggression is also seen between rival males during the breeding season which can result in ramming contests. Between May and July, a female Hermann’s Tortoise will deposit between 2 and 12 eggs into flask-shaped nests dug into the soil up to 4 inches deep. Most females lay more than one clutch each season. The pinkish-white eggs are incubated for around 90 days. Young Hermann’s Tortoises emerge just after the start of the heavy autumn rains in early September and spend the first 4 or 5 years of their lives close to their nests. If the rains do not come, or if nesting took place late in the year, the eggs will still hatch but the young will remain underground and not emerge until the following spring. Until the age of 6 or 8 years, when the hard shell becomes fully developed, the young tortoises are very vulnerable to predators but if they survive these threats, the longevity of Hermann’s Tortoises is around 30 years. The longevity might be underestimated and many sources are reporting they might live 90 years or more. Date: 7th May 2015 Location: Evros Delta (west), East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12744814.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4108052634e706d84cb66f.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 7th December 2007 Location: Donna Nook, Lincolnshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43629113.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5575070166118ad0bb4ef4.jpgGreen-veined White Flight period: April to September The Green-veined White is a widespread buttterfly throughout the UK and is often the commonest white butterfly in the north of the UK. They can be found in a variety of habitats but damp, lush vegetation is an essential requirement. Date: 18th July 2021 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801263.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_203897451064edb3108224b.jpgBrown Argus Flight period: May to September. The Brown Argus is always brown but confusingly belongs to the group of "blue" butterflies! They are usually found on chalk and limestone grassland in south east England but may also occur in a wide variety of other habitats such as heathland, coastal dunes, woodland clearings and road verges. Date: 26th July 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/green-veined-whites https://images.on-this.website/4752_17324214434f422f5e8752f.jpgGreen-veined Whites Flight period: April to September The Green-veined White is a widespread buttterfly throughout the UK and is often the commonest white butterfly in the north of the UK. They can be found in a variety of habitats but damp, lush vegetation is an essential requirement. Date: 8th July 2007 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512511.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_25965427662c99a237e0ec.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 9th May 2022 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46512537.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_172528306062c99a4d62794.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 9th May 2022 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41249189.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15957957105f00b44642b48.jpgRazorbills The Razorbill is a seabird and a member of the auk family which also includes the Common Guillemot, Brunnich's Guillemot and Little Auk. It is also the closest living relative to the Great Auk which is now extinct. The Razorbill has white underparts and a black head, neck, back and feet during the breeding season. A thin white line also extends from the eyes to the end of the bill. Its head is darker than that of the CommonGuillemot. Outside the breeding season, the throat and face behind the eye become white and the white line on the face becomes less prominent. The thick black bill has a blunt end. The adult male and female female are very much alike having only small differences such as wing length. The Razorbill has a horizontal stance and the tail feathers are slightly longer in the centre in comparison to other auks making it have a distinctly long tail which is not common for an auk. The Razorbill is distributed across the sub-arctic and boreal waters of the north Atlantic where water surface temperature are typically below 15°c. The world population is estimated to be less than 1 million breeding pairs, making it among the rarest auks in the world. Approximately 60 to 70% of the entire Razorbill population breeds in Iceland., including over 200,000 pairs at Látrabjarg. The breeding habitat is islands, rocky shores and cliffs on north Atlantic coasts, in eastern North America as far south as Maine and in western Europe from north west Russia to northern France. Eurasian birds winter at sea with some moving south as far as the western Mediterranean. North American birds migrate offshore and south. The Razorbill is a colonial breeder and only comes to land to breed. Individuals only breed at 3 to 5 years of age. Females select their mate and will often encourage competition between males before choosing a partner. Once a male is chosen, the pair will usually stay together for life. Nest site determination is very important to ensure protection of young from predators. Unlike Common Guillemots, nest sites are not immediately alongside the sea on open cliff ledges but at least 4 to 6 inches away in crevices on cliffs or among boulders. Generally a nest is not built although some pairs often use their bills to drag material upon which to lay their single egg. The mating pair will often reuse the same site every year. The Razorbill feeds mainly on schooling fish and crustaceans and it will dive deep into the sea using its wings and its streamlined body to propel itself toward their prey. Whilst diving, it rarely stays in groups but instead spreads out to feed. The majority of feeding occurs at a depth of about 80 feet but it has the ability to dive up to 400 feet below the surface. During a single dive the Razorbill can capture and swallow many schooling fish depending on their size. The Razorbill spends approximately 45% of its time foraging at sea and it may well fly more than 60 miles out to sea to feed. However, when feeding chicks it will forage much closer to the nesting grounds and often in shallower water. The Razorbill and its eggs and chicks have several predators which include Great Black-backed Gulls, Peregrines, Ravens and other crows, Arctic Foxes and Polar Bears. In the early 20th century, Razorbills were harvested for their eggs, meat and feathers and this greatly decreased their population. In 1917 they were finally protected which reduced hunting. Other current threats include oil pollution, unintentional bycatch arising from commercial fishing and overfishing which decreases the abundance of prey. Date: 22nd June 2020 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo440762.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_782774983467ea640d4b5f.jpgSix-Spot Burnet Flight period: June to August. The Six-Spot Burnet is one of the commonest of the UK's day-flying moths. They can be found in meadows and woodland clearings. Date: 30th July 2006 Location: EWT Langdon Conservation Centre, Dunton, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871731.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11842826434eff2154d9a55.jpgBrown Bear The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, <i>Ursus arctos arctos</i>. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an overnight stay in a Brown Bear watching hide at [url=http://www.martinselkonen.fi/index.php?id=1&la=en]Martinselkosen Eräkeskus[/url] Date: 1st June 2009 Location: Martinselkosen Eräkeskus, Pirttivaara, Kainuu, Finland <iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/10143012?autoplay=1" width="600" height="450" frameborder="0"></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/10143012">Brown Bears of Martinselkonen</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user3372484">Richard Chew</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>. Music: Jean Sibelius - Andante festivo<br /> </p> http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49278712.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5936962456499ba980b579.jpgAzure Damselfly Flight period: May to August The Azure Damselfly is one of the two commonest blue damselflies and is a common and widespread species of lowland UK. They can be found around most standing water, preferring small, sheltered sites including ditches and garden ponds. Date: 16th June 2023 Location: RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49279129.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12422186026499ca257b481.jpgEmerald Damselfly Flight period: June to September The Emerald Damselfly is widely distributed in uplands and lowlands throughout the UK. They can be found around small, shallow standing water with luxuriant vegetation such as rushes and sedges. Date: 22nd June 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46830563.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_73266646662e8fab983b8a.jpgCommon Darter Flight period: end May to early October. Common Darters are the most widespread of the dragonflies over lowland UK but they are absent from upland areas. They can be found in a wide range of habitats including ponds, lakes, ditches, canals, slow flowing rivers and brackish water. They can also be frequently seen some way from water. Date: 30th July 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48080573.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_156375248263a4594220899.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 1st December 2022 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46535130.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_163989236962caa2b17b843.jpgEdible Frog The Edible Frog is a species of frog found across Europe that is also known as the Common Water Frog and the Green Frog. The Edible Frog is one of the few animals in the world that is a fertile hybrid of 2 different species, as although similar but genetically different species are known to mate, it is very rare that their offspring will be able to breed. The Edible Frog is a fertile hybrid of 2 other European frogs, namely the Pool Frog and the Marsh Frog, that inter-bred when populations where isolated close to one another during the Ice Age. It was first described in 1758 and is known as the Edible Frog due to the fact that it is now seen as a culinary delicacy across Europe but especially in France where frog’s legs are often served as a national dish. The reason for humans favouring this frog over others is not really known but it may have something to do with their abundance. The Edible Frog is a medium sized frog growing to around 3.5 to 4.5 inches in length. Adults are mainly green in colour with light patches of brown on their backs, yellow eyes and a white underside covered in a few dark spots. There are number of distinct differences between males and females including the fact that males become much lighter and greener during the mating season. Males also have vocal sacs on the outside of their cheeks and extra skin patches on their feet, both of which are primarily used for mating. The Edible Frog is endemic to Europe and it naturally occurs across central Europe as far north as Germany and Estonia. Southern populations are found from Croatia, through northern Italy and into the south of France. There are also isolated populations in Sweden and Bulgaria which are thought to have migrated from the countries nearby. It has also been introduced to the UK. The Edible Frog spends all of its time either in or very close to water and it is most commonly found in calmer parts of rivers and streams where there is a slow but constant flow of fresh water. It tends to prefer more open areas and can also be commonly found around lakes, ponds and marshes. Unlike many other species of frog, the Edible Frog is a diurnal animal and is therefore most active during the day. This is when it is most likely to move away from the water so that it can find a better supply of food or move to a different part of the water if it needs to. The Edible Frog is a relatively solitary animal so there is less competition for food but males are often seen sitting together in groups during the breeding season when they are trying to out-compete each other to find a mate. The breeding season for the Edible Frog begins during March and generally lasts for around 2 months. Males sing by drawing air in and out of their vocal sacs to produce the highest-pitched sound possible since females are most attracted to the loudest males. After courting her in a lake, pond or swamp, the male lets the female lay up to 10,000 eggs in a sticky mass into the water before he fertilises them. Tadpoles can be as small as 0.2 inches long when they hatch and are a grey/brown colour. They then grow up to 2 to 3 inches in length before metamorphoses occurs and they leave the water as 0.75 inches long young frogs. The Edible Frog reaches sexual maturity at the age of 2 years and can live until it is 15 years old. The Edible Frog is a carnivorous amphibian but the tadpoles mainly eat vegetation although they are known to occasionally supplement their diet with aquatic micro-organisms. Adults eat small invertebrates such as insects, spiders and flies, which make up the majority of their diet, along with larger aquatic animals like fish, newts and other frogs. The Edible Frog hunts for food during the day and can be seen catching food both in water and on land. The Edible Frog remains very still when it is sitting on the banks of its water habitat and this, along with its camouflage, makes it very difficult for predators to spot. Its eyes are positioned near the top of the head meaning that it can also see danger coming whilst the body is mainly hidden. Snakes, owls and water birds are the main predators of the Edible Frog. The Edible Frog will jump into the water and hide if it senses approaching danger and it will make a loud screeching sound if caught. Edible Frog populations are under threat from habitat destruction mainly caused by deforestation and water pollution. Date: 3rd July 2022 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46534914.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_196087601162ca9bbf94a48.jpgCommon Guillemot The Common Guillemot, also known as the Common Murre or Thin-billed Murre, is a large species of auk. The auks are a family of seabirds which includes the Brunnich's Guillemot or Thick-billed Murre, Razorbill, Little Auk and the extinct Great Auk. The Common Guillemot is 15 to 18 inches in length with a 24 to 29 inches wingspan. In breeding plumage, it is black or dark brown on the head, back and wings with white underparts. It has a thin dark pointed bill and a small rounded dark tail. Legs are grey and the bill is dark grey. Males and females are identical. Some individuals in the North Atlantic, known as "Bridled Guillemots", have a white ring around the eye extending back as a white line. This is not a distinct subspecies but a polymorphism that becomes more common the farther north the birds breed. The Common Guillemot flies with fast wing beats and has a flight speed of around 50 mph. Groups of birds are often seen flying together in a line just above the surface of the sea. However, it is not a very agile bird and take-off is often difficult. The Common Guillemot becomes flightless for 45 to 60 days while moulting its primary feathers. The Common Guillemot is a pursuit diver that forages for food by swimming underwater using its wings for propulsion. Dives usually last less than one minute but the bird swims underwater for distances of over 100 feet on a regular basis. Diving depths up to 590 feet have been recorded. The Common Guillemot has a circumpolar distribution and it occurs in low Arctic and boreal waters in the north Atlantic and north Pacific. It spends most of its time at sea and only comes to land to breed on rocky cliffs, sea stacks and islands. Some birds are permanent residents but northern birds migrate south to open waters off New England, southern California, Japan, Korea and the western Mediterranean. The Common Guillemot breeds in colonies at high densities and nesting pairs may be in bodily contact with their neighbours. No nest is made and the single egg is laid and incubated on a bare rock ledge on a cliff face. The egg hatches after 30 days incubation and the chick is born downy and can regulate its body temperature after 10 days. Some 20 days after hatching the chick jumps off its nesting ledge and heads for the sea unable to fly but gliding for some distance with fluttering wings and accompanied by its male parent. The chicks are capable of diving as soon as they hit the water. The female stays at the nest site for some 14 days after the chick has left. The Common Guillemot can venture far from its breeding grounds to forage and distances of 60 miles or more are often observed although if sufficient food is available closer by, birds will only travel much shorter distances. It mainly eats small schooling fish 8 inches long or less such as Polar Cod, Capelin, Sand Lances, Sprats, Sandeels, Atlantic Cod and Atlantic Herring. It also eats some molluscs, marine worms, squid and crustaceans. It is often seen carrying fish in its bill with the tail hanging out. Date: 27th June 2022 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21958738.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_30936133653da4ccb8c4d8.jpgPuffin The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Staple Island, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/uath-lochans-highland https://images.on-this.website/4752_18832759294e0974a9759e4.jpgUath Lochans, Highland Uath Lochans are located in the Inshriach Forest just off the road in to Glen Feshie south of Kincraig. They are little known by many visitors and are referred to as Speyside’s hidden secret. There is a walk around 4 small lochans through Caledonian pine trees, heather moorland and bogland. Date: 10th June 2011 Location: view of the northern lochan http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40755774.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1938147145e204395da794.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle Goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 6th December 2019 Location: Oudeland van Strijen, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40755776.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4693921285e20439e976e9.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle Goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 6th December 2019 Location: Oudeland van Strijen, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42626762.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_69686452660a9277d3ae10.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 15th April 2021 Location: Lake Meadows, Billericay, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41187495.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16292420705ea6e00d5d48b.jpgWren The Eurasian Wren is a very small passerine bird and the only member of the wren family, [i]Troglodytidae[/i], found in Eurasia and Africa. In Europe, it is commonly known simply as the Wren. The scientific name is taken from the Greek word [I]troglodytes[/I] meaning "cave-dweller" and referring to its habit of disappearing into cavities or crevices whilst hunting invertebrates or to roost. The Wren is a tiny bird at just 3.5 to 4.1 inches long although it is heavier and not as slim as the even smaller Goldcrest. It is dumpy, almost rounded, with a fine bill, very short round wings and a short, narrow tail which is sometimes cocked up vertically. It is rufous brown above, greyer beneath and barred with darker brown and grey. The bill is dark brown and the legs are pale brown. Young birds are less distinctly barred. The plumage is subject to considerable variation and, where populations have been isolated, the variation has become fixed in one minor form or another. There are around 27 sub-species of this taxonomically complex bird e.g. in Scotland, in addition to the typical bird, there are 3 distinct sub-species confined to St. Kilda, Shetland and Fair Isle. The Wren occurs throughout Europe and across the Palearctic including a belt of Asia from north Iran and Afghanistan across to Japan. It is migratory in only the northern parts of its range. It is almost as familiar in Europe as the Robin. It can be found in a wide range of habitats including woodland, farmland, heathland, moorland, mountains, coastal areas and islands. It is also a regular visitor to gardens. The Wren is the most common UK breeding bird although it suffers declines during prolonged and severely cold winters. For such a small bird, the Wren has a remarkably loud voice. Its song is very loud, trilling, gushing and emphatic and may sometimes be confused with that of the Dunnock although that species has a warble that is shorter and weaker. The Wren's song also incorporates repeated trill sounds whilst the Dunnock's does not. Individuals vary in quality as well as the volume of their song. The song begins with a few preliminary notes, then runs into a slightly ascending trill and ends in full clear notes or another trill. The song may be heard during any season although it is most noticeable during the spring. Despite its generally mouse-like behaviour, the male Wren may sing from an exposed perch as its whole body quivers from the effort. The male Wren builds several nests called "cock nests" but they are never lined until the female chooses one to use. The normal round nest of grass, moss, lichens or leaves is tucked into a hole in a wall, tree trunk, crack in a rock or corner of a building but it is often built in bushes, overhanging boughs or the litter which accumulates in branches washed by floods. The female lays 5 to 8 eggs in April and second broods are generally reared. The Wren is a highly polygamous species meaning that a male can have, at any one time, more than a single female with an active nest on his territory. An active nest is one in which there are eggs or nestlings. A male has been recorded with 4 females breeding on his territory. Bigamy and trigamy are the most common forms of polygamy. The Wren is an insectivorous bird and mostly eats insects and spiders but in winter it will also take pupae and seeds. Date: 26th April 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46534891.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_110221633962ca9b629065f.jpgFulmar The (Northern) Fulmar is a highly abundant seabird found primarily in subarctic regions of the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans. Though similar in appearance to gulls, the 2 species of fulmars (Northern and Southern) are in fact members of a different seabird family which include petrels and shearwaters. The Fulmar’s latin name, Fulmarus glacialis can be broken down to the Old Norse word full meaning "foul" and mar meaning "gull". "Foul-gull" is in reference to its stomach oil and also its superficial similarity to gulls. Finally, glacialis is Latin for "glacial" reflecting its extreme northern range. The Fulmar is generally grey and white with a pale yellow and thick bill and bluish legs. However there is both a light morph and a dark morph. Like other petrels, their walking ability is limited but they are strong fliers with a stiff wing action quite unlike the gulls. The Fulmar also looks bull-necked compared to gulls and it has a short stubby bill. The Fulmar is estimated to have between 15 to 30 million mature individuals that occupy a range of around 11 million square miles. Its range increased greatly last century due to the availability of fish offal from commercial fleets but may contract because of less food from this source and climate change. The population increase has been especially notable in the UK. The Fulmar starts breeding at between 6 and 12 years old. It is monogamous, forms long term pair bonds, returns to the same nest site year after year and nests in large colonies. The nest is a scrape on a grassy cliff ledge or a saucer of vegetation on the ground lined with softer material and recently they have started nesting on rooftops and buildings. The Fulmar feeds on shrimp, fish, squid, plankton, jellyfish and carrion as well as refuse. When eating fish, it will dive up to several feet deep to retrieve its prey. Date: 27th June 2022 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49797861.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_83989440964eca7786f100.jpgMarbled White Flight period: July to August The Marbled White is a very distinctive black and white butterfly that is widespread in southern England and expanding its range northwards and eastwards. They can be found in unimproved grassland, coastal grassland, roadside verges and railway embankments. Date: 3rd July 2023 Location: Broadcroft Quarry, Isle of Portland, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo44044217.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_734087230614f0dbed85ba.jpgRed Admiral Flight period: April to November. The Red Admiral is a familiar and widespread butterfly in the UK although numbers depend on immigration from Europe. It can be found in any flower-rich habitat. Date: 27th August 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13683331.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4560171514ed72ef75ee6d.jpgScottish Wildcat The Wildcat is the UK’s only native cat. It looks very similar to a domestic tabby cat but it is larger with a stockier build and a thick bushy tail which has 3 to 5 broad black bands of fur and a rounded and blunt black tip. The colour of the coat varies from greyish to yellowish-brown. The Wildcat is confined to Scotland north of Glasgow and Edinburgh but it is absent from the Scottish Islands. It prefers areas with varied habitats on the edge of moorland with pasture, scrub and forests. High mountains where prey is scarce and intensively farmed lowland regions are avoided. In winter, bad weather drives the Wildcat from mountains and moorlands into more sheltered wooded valleys. The Wildcat is a shy and wary animal which is active at night, mainly around dawn and dusk. The diet consists of Rabbits, Hares and small mammals but quite large birds and animals freshly killed on roads may also be taken. It sometimes stores or caches uneaten prey by hiding it under vegetation. During the day, and in periods of heavy rain and snow, the Wildcat lies up in dens located amongst boulders and rocky cairns or in old Fox earths, Badgers setts, peat hags or tree roots. The Wildcat is also a solitary and territorial animal living at a low population density. There may be one cat to three square kilometres in good habitats but only one cat to 10 square kilometres in less favourable areas. Urine sprayed on boulders and tree trunks and droppings deposited in prominent places, are used by the Wildcat to mark its territory. Although the Wildcat may live for 10 to 12 years in the wild, most seem to die at an early age. The Wildcat used to be found throughout mainland UK but due to persecution and clearance of wooded land it declined over several centuries. It disappeared from southern England in the 16th century and the last one recorded from northern England was shot in 1849. The Wildcat almost became extinct in the UK in the early years of last century but, following reduced persecution at the time of the First World War and helped by more forestry plantations, it recolonised parts of Scotland. However, this recovery now seems to have slowed down. The urbanised habitat of the central lowlands of Scotland seems to be a barrier to further dispersal. A recent survey failed to find any evidence of Wildcats south of the industrial belt of Scotland. Although increasing afforestation helped the spread of the Wildcat, as forest plantations mature they become less suitable for the small mammals on which the Wildcat preys. Forestry management to encourage Wildcats should therefore aim to diversify the age of plantations. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and 1988 now gives strict legal protection to Wildcats and their dens and it is an offence to take or kill one except under licence. Despite this protection, illegal trapping and shooting are still major causes of death of Wildcats whilst others die in road traffic accidents and there is still a risk from illegal poisoning. Inter-breeding with domestic cats gone wild (known as feral cats) could pose an insidious threat to the Wildcat’s survival in the UK by changing the species' genetic identity. The Wildcat is also at risk from diseases of domestic cats such as feline leukaemia. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4267096.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17244309154b5221f02f74f.jpgDate: 1st January 2010 Location: Loch Scridain, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29487341.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_198806396758107f6d6a219.jpgNuuksio National Park, Uusimaa, Finland Nuuksio National Park was established in 1994 and covers an area of 20 square miles of forests and lakes around Espoo, Kirkkonummi and Vihti. About 20 miles north west of Helsinki, it is the second closest National Park to the capital after Sipoonkorpi National Park. The [url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siberian_flying_squirrel]Siberian Flying Squirrel[/url] is the emblem of the Nuuksio National Park due to the density of its population. Date: 30th May 2016 Location: Kattila, Nuuksio National Park, Uusimaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41234277.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2096649155ee76c9b8fd7e.jpgSwallow The Barn Swallow is the most widespread species of swallow in the world. In Europe it is just called the Swallow and in northern Europe it is the only common species called a "swallow" rather than a "martin". The male Swallow has steel blue upperparts and a rufous forehead, chin and throat which are separated from the off-white underparts by a broad dark blue breast band. The outer tail feathers are elongated to give the distinctive deeply forked "swallow tail." There is a line of white spots across the outer end of the upper tail. The female is similar in appearance to the male but the tail streamers are shorter, the blue of the upperparts and breast band is less glossy and the underparts more pale. The juvenile is browner and has a paler rufous face and whiter underparts. It also lacks the long tail streamers of the adult. The Swallow has an enormous range with an estimated global extent of 20 million square miles and a population of 190 million individuals. It breeds in the Northern Hemisphere from sea level to typically 8,900 feet but up 9,800 feet in the Caucasus and North America and it is absent only from deserts and the cold northernmost parts of the continents. Over much of its range it avoids towns and in Europe is replaced in urban areas by the House Martin. There are 6 subspecies of the Swallow which breed across the Northern Hemisphere, of which 4 are strongly migratory with their wintering grounds covering much of the Southern Hemisphere as far south as central Argentina, the Cape Province of South Africa and northern Australia. The Swallow can be found in open country with low vegetation such as pasture, meadows and farmland, preferably with nearby water. It avoids heavily wooded or precipitous areas and densely built-up locations. The presence of accessible open structures such as barns, stables or culverts to provide nesting sites and exposed locations such as wires, roof ridges or bare branches for perching are also important in the bird's selection of its breeding range. This species lives in close association with humans and its insect-eating habits mean that it is tolerated by man. This acceptance was reinforced in the past by superstitions regarding the bird and its nest. There are frequent cultural references to the Swallow in literary and religious works due to both its living in close proximity to humans and its annual migration. The Swallow is the national bird of Austria and Estonia. In winter, the Swallow is cosmopolitan in its choice of habitat, avoiding only dense forests and deserts. It is most common in open, low vegetation habitats such as savanna and ranch land. Individual birds tend to return to the same wintering locality each year and congregate from a large area to roost in reed beds. These roosts can be extremely large with one in Nigeria holding an estimated 1.5 million birds. Date: 31st May 2020 Location: EWT Wrabness, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9564608.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4329013444daec2d9a839c.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 3rd February 2009 Location: Northlands Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9564624.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2550399494daec5100ed61.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 4th January 2009 Location: Dungeness RSPB reserve, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871729.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5800883384eff214a1a016.jpgBrown Bear The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, <i>Ursus arctos arctos</i>. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an overnight stay in a Brown Bear watching hide at [url=http://www.martinselkonen.fi/index.php?id=1&la=en]Martinselkosen Eräkeskus[/url] Date: 1st June 2009 Location: Martinselkosen Eräkeskus, Pirttivaara, Kainuu, Finland <iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/10143012?autoplay=1" width="600" height="450" frameborder="0"></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/10143012">Brown Bears of Martinselkonen</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user3372484">Richard Chew</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>. Music: Jean Sibelius - Andante festivo<br /> </p> http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4466082.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16990574344b8a24cb41c71.jpgReindeer Reindeer are the northernmost species of deer being found throughout the tundra (frozen arctic plain with lichens, mosses and dwarfed vegetation) and taiga (marshy pine forest) zones of the Northern Hemisphere. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41176064.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10001737625e93120d6ee54.jpgOrange Tip Flight period: April to June The Orange Tip is a common and widespread, medium sized butterfly of gardens and hedgerows. The males are unmistakeable with bright orange wing tips whilst the females are white with black wing tips. Both have mottled green underwings. Date: 9th April 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50809803.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_862676462660bce8bde606.jpgMallards The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 30th March 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49279132.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5969350056499ca2c12dda.jpgLarge Skipper Flight period: June to July. The Large Skipper is a small golden butterfly which is widespread throughout England and Wales and it is also extending its range northwards in to southern Scotland. They can be found in areas of tall, uncut grassland, woodland rides, roadside verges and hedgerows. Date: 22nd June 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49903306.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_59716215765042f6311c46.jpgBrown Argus Flight period: May to September. The Brown Argus is always brown but confusingly belongs to the group of "blue" butterflies! They are usually found on chalk and limestone grassland in south east England but may also occur in a wide variety of other habitats such as heathland, coastal dunes, woodland clearings and road verges. Date: 15th August 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49278574.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16919596796499b4c3d668e.jpgLarge Red Damselfly Flight period: April to August The Large Red Damselfly is one of the three most widespread dragonflies in the UK and one of the first to emerge in spring. They can be found in most wetland habitats from acidic moorland bog pools to brackish ditches but they avoid fast flowing waters. Date: 13th June 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49278580.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19937505006499b4ceda9a8.jpgLarge Red Damselfly Flight period: April to August The Large Red Damselfly is one of the three most widespread dragonflies in the UK and one of the first to emerge in spring. They can be found in most wetland habitats from acidic moorland bog pools to brackish ditches but they avoid fast flowing waters. Date: 13th June 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533670.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_52112424062ca8faab28a1.jpgBlack-tailed Skimmer Flight period: May to August. The Black-tailed Skimmer is a common dragonfly in south east England and it is expanding its range northwards. They can be found around lowland lakes, ponds, sand and gravel workings, slow flowing rivers and brackish water. Date: 26th June 2022 Location: RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43629140.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_419674946118b01174ef3.jpgGatekeeper Flight period: mid-July to early September. The Gatekeeper or Hedge Brown is common and widespread throughout the southern half of the UK. They can be found in areas with hedgerows or in scrubby woodland with wide and sunny rides. Date: 1st August 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo44044932.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_32228012614f10ddb52f9.jpgRuff The Ruff is a medium-sized wading bird in the sandpiper family, Scolopacidae. The original English name for this bird, dating back to at least 1465, is the ree, perhaps derived from a dialectical term meaning "frenzied". A later name reeve, which is still used for the female, is of unknown origin but may be derived from the shire-reeve, a feudal officer, likening the male's flamboyant plumage to the official's robes. The current name was first recorded in 1634 and is derived from the ruff, an exaggerated collar fashionable from the mid-16th century to the mid-17th century, since the male bird's neck ornamental feathers resemble the neck wear. The Ruff has a distinctive appearance with a small head, medium-length bill, longish neck and pot-bellied body. It has long legs that are variable in colour but usually yellow or orange. In flight, it has a deeper, slower wing stroke than other waders of a similar size and it displays a thin, indistinct white bar on the wing and white ovals on the sides of the tail. The Ruff shows very distinctive sexual dimorphism. Although a small percentage of males resemble females, the typical male is much larger than the female and has an elaborate breeding plumage. The male is 11 to 13 inches in length with a 21 to 24 inches wingspan. During the May to June breeding season, the typical male's legs, bill and warty bare facial skin are orange and he has distinctive head tufts and a neck ruff. These ornaments vary on individual birds and are black, chestnut or white with the colouring solid, barred or irregular. The grey-brown back has a scale-like pattern, often with black or chestnut feathers, and the underparts are white with extensive black on the breast. The extreme variability of the main breeding plumage is thought to have developed to aid individual recognition in a species that has communal breeding displays but is usually mute. Outside the breeding season, the typical male's head and neck decorations and the bare facial skin are lost and the legs and bill become duller. The upperparts are grey-brown and the underparts are white with grey mottling on the breast and flanks. The female, or "reeve", is 9 to 10 inches in length with a 18 to 19 inches wingspan. In the breeding plumage, the female has grey-brown upperparts with white-fringed, dark-centred feathers. The breast and flanks are variably blotched with black. In winter, her plumage is similar to that of the male but the sexes are distinguishable on size. The plumage of the juvenile Ruff resembles the non-breeding adult but has upperparts with a neat, scale-like pattern with dark feather centres and a strong buff tinge to the underparts. The Ruff is a migratory species, breeding in wetlands in the colder regions of northern Eurasia and wintering in the tropics, mainly in Africa. There is a limited overlap of the summer and winter ranges in the UK and parts of coastal western Europe and birds may be present throughout the year. The Ruff breeds in Europe and Asia from Scandinavia and the UK almost to the Pacific. In Europe, it is found in cool temperate areas but over its Russian range it is an Arctic species and occurs mainly north of about 65°N. The largest numbers breed in Russia, Sweden, Finland and Norway. Although it also breeds from the UK east through the Low Countries to Poland, Germany and Denmark, the populations are much lower in these more southerly areas. The Ruff is highly gregarious on migration and it travels in large flocks that can contain hundreds or thousands of individuals. Huge dense groups form on the wintering grounds. The males, which play no part in nesting or chick care, leave the breeding grounds in late June or early July followed later in July by the females and juveniles. Males typically make shorter flights and winter further north than females. Many migratory species use this differential wintering strategy since it reduces feeding competition between the sexes and enables territorial males to reach the breeding grounds as early as possible thereby improving their chances of successful mating. Males may also be able to tolerate colder winter conditions because they are larger than females. The Ruff breeds in extensive lowland freshwater marshes and damp grasslands. It avoids barren tundra and areas badly affected by severe weather, preferring hummocky marshes and deltas with shallow water. The wetter areas provide a source of food, the mounds and slopes may be used for leks and dry areas with sedge or low scrub offer nesting sites. When it is not breeding, it can be found in a wider range of shallow wetlands. Dry grassland, tidal mudflats and the seashore are less frequently used. Male Ruffs display during the breeding season at a lek in a traditional open grassy arena. The Ruff is one of the few lekking species in which the display is primarily directed at other males rather than to the females and it is among a small percentage of birds in which the males have well-marked and inherited variations in plumage and mating behaviour. There are 3 male forms: the typical territorial males, satellite males which have a white neck ruff and a very rare variant with female-like plumage. The behaviour and appearance for an individual male remain constant through its adult life and are determined by its genes. The territorial males, about 84% of the total, have strongly coloured black or chestnut ruffs and stake out and occupy small mating territories in the lek. They actively court females and display a high degree of aggression towards other resident males. Between 5 and 20 territorial males each hold an area of the lek about 3 feet across and usually with bare soil in the centre. They perform an elaborate display that includes wing fluttering, jumping, standing upright, crouching with ruff erect or lunging at rivals. They are typically silent even when displaying. Territorial males are very site faithful and 90% return to the same lekking sites in subsequent seasons, the most dominant males being the most likely to reappear. Site faithful males can acquire accurate information about the competitive abilities of other males, leading to well-developed dominance relationships. Such stable relationships reduce conflict and the risk of injury and the consequent lower levels of male aggression are less likely to scare off females. Lower-ranked territorial males also benefit from site fidelity since they can remain on the leks while waiting for the top males eventually to drop out. Satellite males, about 16% of the total number, have white or mottled ruffs and do not occupy territories. Instead, they enter leks and attempt to mate with the females visiting the territories occupied by the resident territorial males. Resident territorial males tolerate the satellite birds because, although they are competitors for mating with the females, the presence of both types of male on a territory attracts additional females. A third type of male was first described in 2006. This is a permanent female mimic, the first such reported for a bird. About 1% of males are small, intermediate in size between males and females and do not grow the elaborate breeding plumage of the territorial and satellite males. This cryptic male obtains access to mating territories together with the females and "steals" matings when the females crouch to solicit copulation. It moults into the prenuptial male plumage with striped feathers but does not go on to develop the ornamental feathers of the normal male. Not all mating takes place at the lek since only a minority of the males attend an active lek. As alternative strategies, males can also directly pursue females or wait for them as they approach good feeding sites. The level of polyandry in the Ruff is the highest known for any avian lekking species and for any shorebird. More than half of females mate with and have clutches fertilised by more than one male. In lekking species, females can choose mates without risking the loss of support from males in nesting and rearing chicks since the males take no part in raising the brood anyway. The nest of the Ruff is a shallow ground scrape lined with grass leaves and stems and concealed in marsh plants or tall grass up to 450 yards from the lek. Nesting is solitary although several females may lay in the general vicinity of a lek. The female lays typically 4 eggs from mid-March to early June depending on latitude. Incubation is undertaken by the female alone and the time to hatching is 20 to 23 days with a further 25 to 28 days to fledging. The precocial chicks have buff and chestnut down, streaked and barred with black and frosted with white. They feed themselves on a variety of small invertebrates. The Ruff normally feeds using a steady walk and pecking action, selecting food items by sight, but it will also wade deeply and submerge its head. During the breeding season, the Ruff’s diet consists almost exclusively of the adults and larva of terrestrial and aquatic insects such as beetles and flies. On migration and during the winter, it eats insects, crustaceans, spiders, molluscs, worms, frogs, small fish and also the seeds of rice and other cereals, sedges, grasses and aquatic plants. The Ruff has a large range and a large population although there is some evidence of a decrease in the population in some regions and countries. However, the species as a whole is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List (i.e. declining more than 30 percent in 10 years or 3 generations). For these reasons, the Ruff is classified as "least concern". However, the range in much of Europe is contracting because of land drainage, increased fertiliser use, the loss of mown or grazed breeding sites and over-hunting. Therefore the Ruff is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 6th September 2021 Location: RSPB Blacktoft Sands, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26270122.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16392249035665508f7abe8.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 4th December 2015 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32709133.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_201809727059ad280dbe57c9.67407510.jpgHortobágy National Park, Hajdú-Bihar county, Hungary Hortobágy National Park (Hortobágy Nemzeti Park) is a national park in eastern Hungary. It is part of the vast Great Hungarian Plain which occupies southern and eastern Hungary, some parts of the eastern Slovakian lowlands, south west Ukraine, western Romania, northern Serbia and eastern Croatia. Hortobágy National Park was designated as a national park in 1972 (the first in Hungary), and as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. It is Hungary's largest protected area. At the time of designation, the area of the National Park was 289 square miles but since then it has been extended to almost 315 square miles. Around 25% of its area has international protection under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance. The entire Hortobágy National Park is part of the Natura 2000 network of the European Union in which Special Protected Areas and Special Areas of Conservation have been designated in a way that they contain and encompass the area of the National Park including organically connected or separate grassland mosaic areas that are outside the National Park. The protection thus ensured by the Natura 2000 areas provides an appropriate basis for the establishment of a buffer zone. A conservation management plan for the Hortobágy National Park was prepared in 1997. Hortobágy National Park contains the largest continuous natural grassland in Europe and the second largest steppe area west of the Ural Mountains. It has outstanding natural features and maintains great biological diversity in respect of species and habitats. It is a unique example of the harmonious coexistence of people and nature based on the considerate use of the land. A major part of the area of the Hortobágy National Park is formed by natural habitats, principally alkaline grasslands (puszta), meadows and the marshes lying between them. From the point of view of nature conservation, the artificial wetlands, which cover a much smaller area, are of considerable importance. These are the fish ponds created during the last century on the worst quality grazing lands and marshes. The Hortobágy National Park is one of Europe’s greatest lowland birding areas containing nesting habitats and migration sites of European significance. The Hortobágyi-Halastó complex just to the west of Hortobágy village is arguably the best site to explore and contains waterbodies of various sizes from small fish ponds to huge lakes. Over 340 bird species have been recorded in the Hortobágy National Park, of which over 150 species breed. For UK birders, it is particularly exciting since several “eastern” species can be found which are at the westernmost extent of their range. These are joined by a large number of temperate European and Mediterranean species. The symbol of the Hortobágy National Park is the Crane. One of the most spectacular sights is the autumn migration when tens of thousands of Cranes can be seen every October as they fly above the grasslands to their overnight roosting places. For thousands of years the wild animals grazing on the grasslands of the Hortobágy National Park, the Aurochs and wild horses, were gradually replaced by domesticated animals. A large number of Long-haired Sheep and Hungarian Grey Cattle can now be found here. Less ancient species are the Mangalica Pig and the Nonius Horse. In the Visitor Centre in Hortobágy village, visitors and tourists can get information and advice on what to see and what to do in the Hortobágy National Park and can also learn about its natural and cultural assets: its flora and fauna, the different natural phenomena, herdsmen’s traditions, craftsmen’s skills and local rare breeds. The Visitor Centre also sells the mandatory permits that are required to visit most of the protected areas. The Hortobágy-halastavi Kisvasút is a narrow gauge railway which runs through Hortobágyi-Halastó. It was built and commissioned in 1915 for the purpose of transporting fish food from the silo in Hortobágyi-Halastó to the fish ponds and transporting freshly caught fish in the opposite direction. The track formerly had a length of 22 miles and was temporarily decommissioned in 1960. Since 2007, the railway has been used as a tourist train. The track now runs for just 3 miles and provides access to the northern end of Hortobágyi-Halastó. A one-way trip lasts 23 minutes. Date: 20th May 2017 Location: northern end of Hortobágy-Halastó, Hortobágy National Park, Hajdú-Bihar county, Hungary http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533263.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_192300339862ca814a5df88.jpgLarge Skipper Flight period: June to July. The Large Skipper is a small golden butterfly which is widespread throughout England and Wales and it is also extending its range northwards in to southern Scotland. They can be found in areas of tall, uncut grassland, woodland rides, roadside verges and hedgerows. Date: 15th June 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082772.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13873399645d307dde54efc.jpg http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37431196.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10442744125c6be83202ed9.jpgHouse Sparrow The House Sparrow is a member of the sparrow family [i]Passeridae[/i]. The House Sparrow is typically about 6.3 inches long, ranging from 5.5 to 7.1 inches, and it is a compact bird with a full chest and a large, rounded head. Its bill is stout and conical. The plumage is mostly different shades of grey and brown and the sexes exhibit strong dimorphism. The female is mostly buffish above and below whilst the male has boldly coloured head markings, a reddish back and grey underparts. The male has a dark grey crown from the top of its bill to its back and chestnut brown flanking its crown on the sides of its head. It has black around its bill, on its throat and on the lores between the bill and the eyes. It has a small white stripe between the lores and crown and small white spots immediately behind the eyes with black patches below and above them. The underparts are pale grey or white, as are the cheeks, ear coverts and stripes at the base of the head. The upper back and mantle are a warm brown, with broad black streaks whilst the lower back, rump and upper tail coverts are greyish brown. The male's bill is black in the breeding season and dark grey during the rest of the year. The female has no black markings or grey crown. Its upperparts and head are brown with darker streaks around the mantle and a distinct pale supercilium. Its underparts are pale grey-brown. The female's bill is brownish-grey and becomes darker in breeding plumage approaching the black of the male's bill. Juveniles are similar to the adult female but deeper brown below and paler above and with paler and less defined supercilia. Juveniles have broader buff feather edges and tend to have looser, scruffier plumage similar to moulting adults. The House Sparrow can be confused with a number of other seed-eating birds, especially its relatives in the sparrow family [i]Passeridae[/i]. The dull coloured female House Sparrow can often not be distinguished from other female sparrows and is nearly identical to those of the Spanish and Italian Sparrows. The Tree Sparrow is smaller and more slender with a chestnut crown and a black patch on each cheek. The male Spanish Sparrow and Italian Sparrow are distinguished by their chestnut crowns. The House Sparrow's flight is direct rather than undulating. On the ground, it typically hops rather than walks. The House Sparrow originated in the Middle East and spread, along with agriculture, to most of Eurasia and parts of north Africa. Since the mid-19th century, it has reached most of the world, mainly due to deliberate introductions but also through natural and shipborne dispersal. Its introduced range encompasses most of north America, central America, south America, south Africa, parts of West Africa, Australia, New Zealand and islands throughout the world. It has become highly successful in most parts of the world where it has been introduced. This is mostly due to its early adaptation to living with humans and its adaptability to a wide range of conditions. It has also greatly extended its range in northern Eurasia since the 1850s and continues to do so. The extent of its range makes the House Sparrow the most widely distributed wild bird on the planet. The House Sparrow is closely associated with human habitation and cultivation. It is believed to have become associated with humans around 10,000 years ago. The only terrestrial habitats that the House Sparrow does not inhabit are dense forest and tundra. Well adapted to living around humans, it frequently lives and even breeds indoors, especially in factories, warehouses and zoos. It reaches its greatest densities in urban centres but its reproductive success is greater in suburbs where insects are more abundant. In most of its range, the House Sparrow is extremely common despite some declines but in more marginal habitats its distribution can be patchy. Most House Sparrows do not move more than a few miles during their lifetimes. However, limited migration occurs in all regions. Some young birds disperse long distances and mountain birds move to lower elevations in winter. The House Sparrow is a very social bird and it is gregarious during all seasons when feeding, often forming flocks with other species of birds. It roosts communally in trees or shrubs, its nests are usually grouped together in clumps and it engages in social activities such as dust or water bathing and "social singing" in which birds call together in bushes. The House Sparrow can breed in the breeding season immediately following its hatching and sometimes it will attempt to do so. However, birds breeding for the first time are rarely successful in raising young and reproductive success increases with age as older birds breed earlier in the breeding season and fledge more young. The timing of mating and egg-laying varies geographically and between specific locations and years because a sufficient supply of insects is needed for egg formation and feeding nestlings. Males take up nesting sites before the breeding season by frequently calling beside them. Unmated males start nest construction and call particularly frequently to attract females. The House Sparrow is monogamous and typically mates for life but birds from pairs often engage in extra-pair copulations. Many birds do not find a nest and a mate and instead may serve as helpers around the nest for mated pairs, a role which increases the chances of being chosen to replace a lost mate. Lost mates of both sexes can be replaced quickly during the breeding season. The formation of a pair and the bond between the 2 birds is tied to the holding of a nest site. Nest sites are varied although cavities are preferred. Nests are most frequently built in the eaves and other crevices of houses. Holes in cliffs and banks or tree hollows are also used and sometimes a nest will be excavated in sandy banks or rotten branches. Especially in warmer areas, the House Sparrow may build its nest in the open, such as on the branches of trees or in the nests of large birds such as storks, although breeding success tends to be lower. The nest is usually domed although it may lack a roof in enclosed sites. It has an outer layer of stems and roots, a middle layer of dead grass and leaves and a lining of feathers as well as of paper and other soft materials. The building of the nest is initiated by the unmated male while displaying to females. The female assists in building but is less active than the male. The female House Sparrow usually lays 4 or 5 eggs although numbers from 1 to 10 have been recorded. At least 2 clutches are usually laid and up to 7 a year may be laid in the tropics or 4 a year in temperate latitudes. When fewer clutches are laid in a year, especially at higher latitudes, the number of eggs per clutch is greater. The female plays the main role in incubating the eggs. The male helps but can only cover the eggs rather than truly incubate them. The female spends the night incubating while the male roosts near the nest. Eggs hatch at the same time, after a short incubation period lasting 11 to 14 days. Young House Sparrows remain in the nest for 11 to 23 days but normally 14 to 16 days. During this time, they are fed by both parents. All the young leave the nest during the same period of a few hours. At this stage, they are normally able to fly. They start feeding themselves partly after 1 or 2 days and sustain themselves completely after 7 to 10 days. In adult House Sparrows, annual survival is 45% to 65%. After fledging and leaving the care of their parents, young House Sparrows have a high mortality rate which lessens as they grow older and more experienced. Only about 20 to 25% of birds hatched survive to their first breeding season. The oldest known wild House Sparrow lived for nearly 20 years and the oldest recorded captive House Sparrow lived for 23 years. The House Sparrow's main predators are cats and birds of prey but many other animals prey on them, including corvids, squirrels and even humans (it has been consumed in the past by people in many parts of the world and it still is in parts of the Mediterranean). As an adult, the House Sparrow mostly feeds on the seeds of grains and weeds but it is opportunistic and adaptable and eats whatever foods are available. In urban areas, it scavenges and feeds largely on food provided directly or indirectly by humans such as bread and leftover food. It will also eat some plant matter including buds, berries and fruits such as grapes and cherries. Animals form another important part of the diet, including beetles, caterpillars, flies, aphids, molluscs, crustaceans earthworms and even vertebrates such as lizards and frogs. Young House Sparrows are fed mostly on insects until about 15 days after hatching. They are also given small quantities of seeds and spiders. The House Sparrow has an extremely large range and population and is not seriously threatened by human activities so it is assessed as “Least Concern” by the IUCN. However, populations have been declining in many parts of the world. These declines were first noticed in north America but have been most severe in west Europe. In the UK, populations peaked in the early 1970s but have since declined by 70% overall and about 90% in some regions. Substantial declines have been noted in both rural and urban populations and the House Sparrow is designated as a “Red List” species. While the decline in England continues, Breeding Bird Survey data indicate recent population increases in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Various causes for the dramatic decreases in population have been suggested. A shortage of nesting sites caused by changes in urban building design is probably a factor together with an insufficient supply of insect food for nestlings arising from an increase of monoculture crops, the heavy use of pesticides and the replacement of native plants in cities with introduced plants and parking areas. Date: 10th January 2019 Location: RSPB Greylake, Somerset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230671.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_178420211564916df77a640.jpgWorld's End, Denbighshire World's End is a narrow vale located between Wrexham and Llangollen. It lies at the head of the Eglwyseg Valley enclosed by the cliffs of Craig y Forwyn, Craig y Cythraul and Craig yr Adar. A remote 11 mile single track road with panoramic views between the small village of Minera and Llangollen crosses Esclusham Mountain and the Ruabon Moors to a public car park at the top of the Eglwyseg valley. Date: 13th May 2023 Location: view from the minor road between Minera and Llangollen http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41349757.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4666917755f201ffd231a5.jpgComma Flight period: March to October. The Comma was a rarity 100 years ago but is now a common and widespread butterfly in England and Wales and is on the point of recolonising Scotland. They are one of the first butterflies to be seen in spring and can be found in open woodland, woodland edges and gardens. Date: 17th July 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28102098.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8685098985777a5fd366d0.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include [url=http://www.gigrin.co.uk/]Gigrin Farm feeding centre[/url] near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 12th June 2016 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41392947.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17360970165f26c07d1ae07.jpgCommon Blue Flight period: June to September. The Common Blue is the UK’s most widespread and common blue butterfly although it has suffered some local declines due to habitat loss. They can be found in sunny, sheltered areas including downland, roadside verges, woodland clearings and rural gardens. Date: 30th July 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51980678.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_132495974066d33441e0c0c.jpgLarge Skipper Flight period: June to July. The Large Skipper is a small golden butterfly which is widespread throughout England and Wales and it is also extending its range northwards in to southern Scotland. They can be found in areas of tall, uncut grassland, woodland rides, roadside verges and hedgerows. Date: 29th June 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28102129.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16899608175777a946098f9.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include [url=http://www.gigrin.co.uk/]Gigrin Farm feeding centre[/url] near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 12th June 2016 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46535269.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_148444627162caa757753ca.jpgLarge Skipper Flight period: June to July. The Large Skipper is a small golden butterfly which is widespread throughout England and Wales and it is also extending its range northwards in to southern Scotland. They can be found in areas of tall, uncut grassland, woodland rides, roadside verges and hedgerows. Date: 6th July 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42082973.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20836259355faa5d465c3b6.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 4th November 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42222544.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14909154446023b91f318e2.jpgMute Swan The Mute Swan is a species of swan native to much of Eurasia. Despite its Eurasian origin, its closest relatives are the Black Swan of Australia and the Black-necked Swan of south America, not the other Northern Hemisphere swans such as the Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan. The name “mute” derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. The adult Mute Swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob at the top of the beak. All Mute Swans are white at maturity although the feathers (particularly on the head and neck) are often stained orange-brown by iron and tannins in the water. Young birds (cygnets) are not the bright white colour of mature adults and their bill is dull greyish-black for the first year. The plumage may range from pure white to grey to buff with grey/buff being the most common. Cygnets typically retain their grey/buff feathers until they are at least 1 year old. On average, the Mute Swan is the second largest waterfowl species after the Trumpeter Swan although the male Mute Swan can easily match or even exceed a male Trumpeter Swan in mass. The adult Mute Swan typically ranges from 55 to 63 inches in length (although it can range in extreme cases from 49 to 67 inches) with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. Males (cobs) are larger than females (pens) and have a larger knob on their bill. The Mute Swan is one of the heaviest flying birds. In several studies from the UK, males were found to average from about 23.4 to 26.2 pounds, with a weight range of 20 to 32 pounds, while the slightly smaller females were found to average about 18.7 to 21.3 pounds, with a weight range of 17 to 23 pounds. The Mute Swan is less vocal than the noisy Bewick's Swan and Whooper Swan although it does make a variety of grunting, hoarse whistling and snorting noises, especially in communicating with their cygnets and threatening competitors or intruders trying to enter their territory. The most familiar sound associated with the Mute Swan is the vibrant throbbing of the wings in flight which is unique to the species and this can be heard from a range of up to 1 mile. The Mute Swan is found naturally mainly in the temperate areas of Europe across west Asia and as far east as Primorsky Krai in the far east of Russia. It is partially migratory throughout the northern latitudes in Europe and Asia as far south as north Africa and the Mediterranean. It is also often kept in captivity outside its natural range as a decoration for parks and ponds and escapes have occurred. The descendants of such birds have become naturalised in east USA and the Great Lakes region across the USA and Canada border. The Mute Swan population in the UK has increased recently probably due to better protection of this species. Some birds are resident all year whilst others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into east England. Mute Swans nest on large mounds that they build with waterside vegetation in shallow water on islands in the middle or at the very edge of a lake. It is a monogamous species and often reuses the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Males and females share the care of the nest. The female lays from 4 to 10 eggs and broods for around 36 days. Cygnets are unable to fly before an age of 120 to 150 days and this limits the distribution of the species in the northern edge of its range since the cygnets must learn to fly before the water freezes. The Mute Swan is usually strongly territorial with just a single pair on smaller lakes although in a few locations where a large area of suitable feeding habitat is found they can be colonial. The largest colonies can hold over 100 pairs such as that at the colony at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset in the UK. Non-mated juveniles up to 3 to 4 years old commonly form larger flocks often at regular traditional sites and these can total several hundred birds. The Mute Swan can be very aggressive in defence of its nest and it is highly protective of its mate and offspring. Most defensive attacks from a Mute Swan begin with a loud hiss and, if this is not sufficient to drive off the predator, are followed by a physical attack. It attacks by smashing at its enemy with bony spurs in the wings accompanied by biting with its large bill. Smaller waterbirds such as ducks are normally grabbed with the bill and dragged or thrown clear. Large waterfowl, such as the Canada Goose, more likely out of competition than in response to potential predation, may be aggressively driven off. The wings of the Mute Swan are very powerful although not strong enough to break an adult man's leg as has been claimed anecdotally. The Mute Swan feeds on a wide range of vegetation, both submerged aquatic plants which they reach with their long necks and by grazing on land. The food commonly includes agricultural crop plants such as oilseed rape and wheat and feeding flocks in the winter may cause significant crop damage, often as much through trampling with their large webbed feet as through direct consumption. Date: 21st January 2021 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42202666.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16609160725ff3111022e0c.jpgBrown Bear cub The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, Ursus arctos arctos. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an evening visit with [url=https://www.karhujenkatselu.fi/en-gb]Karhu-Kuusamo[/url] Date: 7th July 2019 Location: Kuntilampi, near Kuusamo, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533493.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_214420374862ca8a86534fa.jpgCommon Tern The Common Tern is a silvery-grey and white sea bird with a black cap, a black tipped red bill, red legs and long tail streamers. It has a buoyant, graceful flight and frequently hovers over water before plunging down for fish. The Common Tern breeds in colonies along coasts with shingle beaches and rocky islands, on rivers with shingle bars and at inland gravel pits and reservoirs. The Common Tern occurs throughout the summer, arriving in April and leaving in August and September. Date: 25th June 2022 Location: RSPB Minsmere, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40952884.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_275506185e5394d6f24c4.jpgCliffs of Moher, Co. Clare, Ireland The Cliffs of Moher are located at the south western edge of the Burren region in Co. Clare and stretch for about 9 miles. At their southern end, they rise 390 feet above the Atlantic Ocean at Hag's Head and 5 miles to the north they reach their maximum height of 702 feet just north of O'Brien's Tower, a round stone tower near the midpoint of the cliffs built in 1835 by Sir Cornelius O'Brien, and then continue at lower heights. The closest villages are Liscannor, 4 miles to the south, and Doolin, 4 miles, to the north. From the Cliffs of Moher, visitors can see the Aran Islands in Galway Bay, the mountain ranges of the Maumturks and Twelve Pins in Connemara in Co. Galway to the north and Loop Head in Co. Clare to the south. The official Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk runs for about 11 miles from Hag's Head to Doolin. This passes the Visitor Centre and O'Brien's Tower with good viewing throughout subject to rain or sea fog. There are 2 paths near the Visitor Centre, the official one being set back a little for safety whilst an unofficial path runs closer to the edge. In July 2016 the so-called Cliff Walk, outside the official Cliffs of Moher amenities, was temporarily closed because of the risk of rock falls. People were warned to stay on the official path further away from the cliff edge instead of the unofficial path. Since 2011, the Cliffs of Moher have formed a part of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark, one of a family of geotourism destinations throughout Europe that are members of the European Geoparks Network and also recognized by UNESCO. The cliffs are also a "signature point" on the official Wild Atlantic Way tourist trail. The Cliffs of Moher rank among the most visited tourist sites in Ireland with around 1.5 million visits per year. In the 1990s the local authority, Clare County Council, initiated development plans to enable visitors to experience the cliffs without significant intrusive man-made amenities. In keeping with this approach, a modern visitor centre, the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience, was built into a hillside approaching the cliffs. The centre was planned to be environmentally sensitive in its use of renewable energy systems including geothermal heating and cooling, solar panels and grey water recycling. The €32 million facility was planned and built over a 17 year period and officially opened in February 2007. Exhibits include interactive media displays covering the geology, history, flora and fauna of the Cliffs of Moher. The Cliffs of Moher consist mainly of beds of Namurian shale and sandstone with the oldest rocks being found at the bottom of the cliffs. During the time of their formation between 313 and 326 million years ago, a river dumped sand, silt and clay in to an ancient marine basin. Over millions of years, the sediments collecting at the mouth of this ancient delta were compacted and lithified in to the sedimentary strata preserved in the now exposed cliffs. Today the Cliffs of Moher are subject to erosion by wave action which undermines the base of support causing the cliffs to collapse under their own weight. This process creates a variety of coastal landforms characteristic of eroded coasts such as sea caves, sea stacks and sea stumps. Branaunmore, a 220 feet high sea stack at the foot below O'Brien's Tower, was once part of the Cliffs of Moher but coastal erosion gradually removed the layers of rock that joined it with the mainland. A large sea arch can also be seen at Hag's Head below the Napoleonic signal tower and many smaller sea arches can be seen from sea level. During the peak summer breeding season, there are an estimated 30,000 pairs of birds of more than 20 species and the Cliffs of Moher are designated as an Important Bird Area. A wide range of sea life can also be seen from the Cliffs of Moher including Atlantic Grey Seals, various species of whales and dolphins and Basking Sharks. Date: 6th February 2020 Location: view from Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk near Visitor Centre http://www.richardchewphotography.com/meadow-brown https://images.on-this.website/4752_528051115f20179891fb4.jpgMeadow Brown Flight period: June to August. The Meadow Brown is one of the most widespread and abundant of the UK's butterflies. It can be found typically in open grasslands but also other habitats such as roadside verges, woodland rides and urban parks and cemeteries. Date: 12th July 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo0 https://images.on-this.website/4752_472825334559cef8b832a8.jpgStrimonas (Strymon) River near Vironia, Central Macedonia, Greece The Strimonas (Strymon) River flows through Lake Kerkini to the north east and flows out of it to the south east turning the artificial lake into a reservoir for the irrigation of the Serres plain. Date: 12th May 2015 Location: view from the bridge between Vironia and Megalohori, Central Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40755778.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12348041915e2043a378b02.jpgCommon Buzzard The Common Buzzard is a member of the genus [I]Buteo[/I] and the family [i]Accipitridae[/i], a group of medium-sized raptors with robust bodies and broad wings. The [I]Buteo[/I] species of Eurasia and Africa are usually commonly referred to as buzzards whilst those in the Americas are called hawks. Under current classification, the genus [I]Buteo[/I] includes approximately 28 species. The Common Buzzard includes between 7 to 16 sub-species and the western [i]Buteo[/i] group includes [i]Buteo buteo buteo[/i] which is found more or less continuously throughout Europe including the UK. The Common Buzzard is a medium-sized raptor that is highly variable in plumage. It is distinctly round headed with a somewhat slender bill and it has relatively long wings that either reach or fall slightly short of the tail tip when perched, a fairly short tail and somewhat short and mainly bare tarsi. It can appear fairly compact in overall appearance but may also appear large relative to other commoner raptors such as the Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. The Common Buzzard measures between 16 and 23 inches in length with a 3 feet 7 inches to 4 feet 7 inches wingspan. Females average about 2 to 7% larger than males in length and weigh about 15% more. Body mass can show considerable variation from 0.94 to 2.6 pounds in males and 1.07 to 3.02 pounds in females. In Europe, the Common Buzzard is typically dark brown above and on the upperside of the head and mantle but this can become paler and warmer brown with worn plumage. Usually the tail will be narrowly barred grey-brown and dark brown with a pale tip and a broad dark subterminal band but the tail in the palest birds can show a varying amount of white and a reduced sub-terminal band or even appear almost all white. The underside colouring can be variable but typically shows a brown-streaked white throat with a somewhat darker chest. A pale U across the breast is often present followed by a pale line running down the belly which separates the dark areas on the breast side and flanks. These pale areas tend to have highly variable markings that form irregular bars. Juveniles are quite similar to adults and are best told apart by having a paler eye, a narrower sub-terminal band on the tail and underside markings that appear as streaks rather than bars. Beyond the typical mid-range brownish Common Buzzard, birds in Europe can range from almost uniform black-brown above to mainly white. Extreme dark individuals may range from chocolate-brown to blackish with almost no pale colour showing but with a variable or faded U on the breast and with or without faint lighter brown throat streaks. Extreme pale individuals are largely whitish with variable widely spaced streaks or arrowheads of light brown about the mid-chest and flanks and may or may not show dark feather-centres on the head, wing-coverts and sometimes all but part of the mantle. Individuals can show nearly endless variation of colours and hues in between these extremes and the Common Buzzard is among the most variably plumaged diurnal raptors for this reason. The Common Buzzard is often confused with other raptors especially in flight or at a distance including other [i]Buteo[/i] species such as Rough-legged Buzzard and Long-legged Buzzard and also Honey Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, Golden Eagle, Booted Eagle and Short-toed Eagle. The Common Buzzard is found throughout several islands in the eastern Atlantic islands, including the Canary Islands and the Azores, and almost throughout Europe. In the UK, it is found in Northern Ireland and in nearly every part of Scotland and England. In mainland Europe, there are no substantial gaps in the range from Portugal and Spain to Greece, Estonia, Belarus and the Ukraine, although it is present mainly only in the breeding season in much of the eastern half of the latter 3 countries. It is also present in all larger Mediterranean islands such as Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily and Crete. Further north in to Scandinavia, it is found mainly in south Norway, the southern half of Sweden and in the southern two-thirds of Finland. The Common Buzzard reaches its northern limit as a breeder in far eastern Finland and over the border in to European Russia and nearly to the Kola Peninsula. In these northern limits, the Common Buzzard is present typically only in summer. The Common Buzzard generally inhabits the interface of woodlands and open ground and typically lives in forest edge, small broad-leaved, coniferous or mixed woodlands with adjacent grassland, arable fields or other farmland and open moorland as long as there are some trees. It is absent from treeless tundra and sporadic or rare in treeless steppe. The Common Buzzard can be found from sea level to elevations of 6600 feet although it breeds mostly below 3300 feet. It can winter to an elevation of 8200 feet and migrates easily at 14,800 feet. The Common Buzzard is a partial migrant. Autumn and spring movements are subject to extensive variation, even down to the individual level, based on a region's food resources, competition (both from other Common Buzzards and other predators), the extent of human disturbance and weather conditions. Short distance movements are the norm for juveniles and some adults in autumn and winter but more adults in central and south Europe and the UK remain in their year-around areas than do not. The Common Buzzard is a typical [I]Buteo[/I] in much of its behaviour. It is most often seen effortlessly soaring for extended periods at varying heights although it can appear laborious and heavy in level flight. It is also often seen perched prominently on tree tops, bare branches, telegraph poles, fence posts, rocks or ledges or alternatively well inside the tree canopy. It will also stand and forage on the ground. The Common Buzzard is a generalist predator which hunts a wide variety of prey given the opportunity. The prey extents to a wide variety of vertebrates including mammals, birds (from any age from eggs to adult birds), reptiles, amphibians and fish as well as to various invertebrates, mostly insects. In total, well over 300 prey species are known to be taken by the Common Buzzard. However, dietary studies have shown that it mostly preys upon small mammals, mainly small rodents. Furthermore, prey size can vary from tiny beetles, caterpillars and ants to large adult grouse and Rabbits up to nearly twice their body mass. At times, the Common Buzzard will also subsist partially on carrion, usually of dead mammals or fish. Hunting in relatively open areas has been found to increase hunting success whereas more complete shrub cover lowered success. A majority of prey is taken by dropping from a perch and is normally taken on the ground. Prey may also be hunted in a low flight, by random glides or soars or by foraging on the ground. The home range of the Common Buzzard is generally 0.19 to 0.77 square miles and the size of the breeding territory seems to be correlated with food supply. The territory is maintained through flight displays and in Europe territorial behaviour usually starts in February. However, displays are not uncommon throughout the year in resident pairs, especially by males, and can elicit similar displays by their neighbours. In the display, the Common Buzzard generally engages in high circling, spiraling upward on slightly raised wings. Mutual high circling by pairs sometimes goes on at length, especially during the period prior to or during breeding season. During the mutual displays, the male may engage in exaggerated deep flapping or zig-zag tumbling, apparently in response to the female being too distant. Several pairs may circle together at times and as many as 14 individual adults have been recorded over established display sites. Sky-dancing by the Common Buzzard has been recorded in spring and autumn, typically by the male but sometimes by the female, nearly always with much calling. Sky-dances are of the rollercoaster type, with an upward sweep of up to 100 feet until the bird starts start to stall but sometimes embellished with loops or rolls at the top. Next in the sky-dance, the bird will dive at least 200 feet on more or less closed wings before spreading them and shooting up again. These sky-dances may be repeated in series of 10 to 20. In the climax of the sky-dance, the undulations become progressively shallower, often slowing and terminating directly on to a perch. Various other aerial displays include low contour flight or weaving among trees, frequently with deep beats and exaggerated upstrokes which show underwing pattern to rivals perched below. Talon grappling and occasionally cartwheeling downward with feet interlocked has also been recorded. The Common Buzzard tends to build a bulky nest of sticks, twigs and often heather and lined with broad-leaved foliage. Nests are up to 3.3 to 3.9 feet across and 24 inches deep. With reuse over years, the diameter of a nest can reach or exceed 5 feet. Trees are generally used for a nesting location but crags or cliffs are used if trees are unavailable. Nests in trees are usually located by the main trunk at a height of around 10 to 82 feet. Pairs often have 2 to 4 nests in a territory but some pairs may use a single nest over several consecutive years. The breeding season of the Common Buzzard commences at differing times based on latitude. It may fall as early as January to April but typically it is March to July in most of Europe. In the northern limits of the range the breeding season may occur from May to August. Mating usually occurs on or near the nest and eggs are usually laid in 2 to 3 day intervals. The clutch size can range from to 2 to 6 and it appears that local factors such as habitat and food supply are relevant. Eggs are generally laid in late March to early April in the extreme south, sometime in April in most of Europe and in to May and possibly even early June in the extreme north. If eggs are lost to a predator or fail in some other way, replacement clutches are not usually laid although this has been recorded. Incubation lasts for 33 to 35 days and is mostly, but not solely, undertaken by the female. Hatching may take place over 3 to 7 days. Often the youngest nestling dies from starvation, especially in broods of 3 or more. The female remains at the nest brooding the young in the early stages with the male bringing all prey. At about 8 to 12 days, both the male and female will bring prey but the female continues to do all feeding until the young can tear up their own prey. The young are nearly fully feathered rather than downy at about a month of age and can start to feed themselves as well. The first attempts to leave the nest are often at about 40 to 50 days. Fledging occurs typically at 43 to 54 days but in extreme cases as late 62 days. After leaving the nest, the young generally stay close by until full independence 6 to 8 weeks after fledging. Numerous factors may influence the breeding success of the Common Buzzard including the availability of prey populations, habitat, disturbance and persecution levels and competition. The Common Buzzard is one of the most numerous birds of prey in its range and it is the most numerous diurnal bird of prey throughout much of Europe. Date: 6th December 2019 Location: Oudeland van Strijen, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31045379.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_926070455909a1b1a16584.66126828.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 19th April 2017 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40755772.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2293684295e20438ade5af.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle Goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 6th December 2019 Location: Oudeland van Strijen, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41424277.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12610804075f2aa95046ec9.jpgVardø, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Vardø is a town and municipality in Troms og Finnmark in the extreme north east of Norway. It is the eastern most town in Vardø is a town and municipality in Troms og Finnmark in the extreme north east of Norway. It is the eastern most town in Norway and the Nordic countries, located at 31°E, which is east of Saint Petersburg, Kiev and Istanbul. The town of Vardø is located on the island of Vardøya at the mouth of the Varangerfjord but the municipality includes significant area on the mainland of the Varanger peninsula including part of the Varangerhalvøya National Park in the south west. The mountain Domen lies overlooks Vardøya and Vardø. The island of Vardøya is surrounded by a few smaller islands including the bird reserve of Hornøya. The island of Vardøya is connected to the mainland via the undersea Vardø Tunnel (Norway's first such structure). Vardø Airport and the village and port of Svartnes are on the mainland opposite the tunnel entrance. Vardø is a port of call on Norway's Hurtigruten ferry service and it is the northern termination of European route E75 which starts in Sitia in Crete. Vardø has a long settlement history before it was granted status as a town in 1789. Several stone-age sites as well as sites dating from the Sami Iron Age are known on the island. In the Medieval period, Vardø's importance grew as a result of it being the easternmost stronghold of the then-expanding Norwegian royal power. A church was built in Vardø in 1307 and the first fortress was established at about the same time. Even if the presence of the fortress and King's bailiff gave Vardø a certain degree of permanence and stability not experienced by other fishing communities in Finnmark, the town's size and importance waxed and waned with the changing fortunes of the fisheries. After 1850, the town saw a marked expansion. The fisheries grew in importance as did trade with Russia's White Sea region. However, during World War 2, with Norway occupied by the Germans, Vardø was heavily bombed by Allied forces, principally Russian, and most of the town centre was destroyed and the population was evacuated. After the war, the town was completely reconstructed but older, traditional houses survived in the periphery. From 1995 to 2017, the population of Vardø shrank by 50 percent to just over 2000 people, primarily as a result of the collapse of the fisheries. Since 1998, Vardø has housed a radar installation called Globus II. Its official purpose is the tracking of space junk but, due to the site's proximity to Russia and an alleged connection between the Globus II system and US anti-missile systems, the site has been the basis for heated controversy in diplomatic and intelligence circles. In May 2017, work to lay a new electric cable from the Norwegian mainland to the island began. The additional electricity is needed to power an American-funded radar system about 40 miles from Russia's Kola Peninsula, a territory studded with high-security naval bases and restricted military zones. The secrecy surrounding the radar systems has spawned fears that officials are covering up health hazards and other possible dangers. The electromagnetic pulses the current radar system emits interfere with television and radio reception and some residents have blamed them for a rash of miscarriages and cancer cases in a civilian district next to the fenced-in security zone. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: view from near Svartnes, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17055181.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_177586839350ded07e2ddb3.jpgCommon Buzzard The Common Buzzard is a member of the genus [I]Buteo[/I] and the family [i]Accipitridae[/i], a group of medium-sized raptors with robust bodies and broad wings. The [I]Buteo[/I] species of Eurasia and Africa are usually commonly referred to as buzzards whilst those in the Americas are called hawks. Under current classification, the genus [I]Buteo[/I] includes approximately 28 species. The Common Buzzard includes between 7 to 16 sub-species and the western [i]Buteo[/i] group includes [i]Buteo buteo buteo[/i] which is found more or less continuously throughout Europe including the UK. The Common Buzzard is a medium-sized raptor that is highly variable in plumage. It is distinctly round headed with a somewhat slender bill and it has relatively long wings that either reach or fall slightly short of the tail tip when perched, a fairly short tail and somewhat short and mainly bare tarsi. It can appear fairly compact in overall appearance but may also appear large relative to other commoner raptors such as the Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. The Common Buzzard measures between 16 and 23 inches in length with a 3 feet 7 inches to 4 feet 7 inches wingspan. Females average about 2 to 7% larger than males in length and weigh about 15% more. Body mass can show considerable variation from 0.94 to 2.6 pounds in males and 1.07 to 3.02 pounds in females. In Europe, the Common Buzzard is typically dark brown above and on the upperside of the head and mantle but this can become paler and warmer brown with worn plumage. Usually the tail will be narrowly barred grey-brown and dark brown with a pale tip and a broad dark subterminal band but the tail in the palest birds can show a varying amount of white and a reduced sub-terminal band or even appear almost all white. The underside colouring can be variable but typically shows a brown-streaked white throat with a somewhat darker chest. A pale U across the breast is often present followed by a pale line running down the belly which separates the dark areas on the breast side and flanks. These pale areas tend to have highly variable markings that form irregular bars. Juveniles are quite similar to adults and are best told apart by having a paler eye, a narrower sub-terminal band on the tail and underside markings that appear as streaks rather than bars. Beyond the typical mid-range brownish Common Buzzard, birds in Europe can range from almost uniform black-brown above to mainly white. Extreme dark individuals may range from chocolate-brown to blackish with almost no pale colour showing but with a variable or faded U on the breast and with or without faint lighter brown throat streaks. Extreme pale individuals are largely whitish with variable widely spaced streaks or arrowheads of light brown about the mid-chest and flanks and may or may not show dark feather-centres on the head, wing-coverts and sometimes all but part of the mantle. Individuals can show nearly endless variation of colours and hues in between these extremes and the Common Buzzard is among the most variably plumaged diurnal raptors for this reason. The Common Buzzard is often confused with other raptors especially in flight or at a distance including other [i]Buteo[/i] species such as Rough-legged Buzzard and Long-legged Buzzard and also Honey Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, Golden Eagle, Booted Eagle and Short-toed Eagle. The Common Buzzard is found throughout several islands in the eastern Atlantic islands, including the Canary Islands and the Azores, and almost throughout Europe. In the UK, it is found in Northern Ireland and in nearly every part of Scotland and England. In mainland Europe, there are no substantial gaps in the range from Portugal and Spain to Greece, Estonia, Belarus and the Ukraine, although it is present mainly only in the breeding season in much of the eastern half of the latter 3 countries. It is also present in all larger Mediterranean islands such as Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily and Crete. Further north in to Scandinavia, it is found mainly in south Norway, the southern half of Sweden and in the southern two-thirds of Finland. The Common Buzzard reaches its northern limit as a breeder in far eastern Finland and over the border in to European Russia and nearly to the Kola Peninsula. In these northern limits, the Common Buzzard is present typically only in summer. The Common Buzzard generally inhabits the interface of woodlands and open ground and typically lives in forest edge, small broad-leaved, coniferous or mixed woodlands with adjacent grassland, arable fields or other farmland and open moorland as long as there are some trees. It is absent from treeless tundra and sporadic or rare in treeless steppe. The Common Buzzard can be found from sea level to elevations of 6600 feet although it breeds mostly below 3300 feet. It can winter to an elevation of 8200 feet and migrates easily at 14,800 feet. The Common Buzzard is a partial migrant. Autumn and spring movements are subject to extensive variation, even down to the individual level, based on a region's food resources, competition (both from other Common Buzzards and other predators), the extent of human disturbance and weather conditions. Short distance movements are the norm for juveniles and some adults in autumn and winter but more adults in central and south Europe and the UK remain in their year-around areas than do not. The Common Buzzard is a typical [I]Buteo[/I] in much of its behaviour. It is most often seen effortlessly soaring for extended periods at varying heights although it can appear laborious and heavy in level flight. It is also often seen perched prominently on tree tops, bare branches, telegraph poles, fence posts, rocks or ledges or alternatively well inside the tree canopy. It will also stand and forage on the ground. The Common Buzzard is a generalist predator which hunts a wide variety of prey given the opportunity. The prey extents to a wide variety of vertebrates including mammals, birds (from any age from eggs to adult birds), reptiles, amphibians and fish as well as to various invertebrates, mostly insects. In total, well over 300 prey species are known to be taken by the Common Buzzard. However, dietary studies have shown that it mostly preys upon small mammals, mainly small rodents. Furthermore, prey size can vary from tiny beetles, caterpillars and ants to large adult grouse and Rabbits up to nearly twice their body mass. At times, the Common Buzzard will also subsist partially on carrion, usually of dead mammals or fish. Hunting in relatively open areas has been found to increase hunting success whereas more complete shrub cover lowered success. A majority of prey is taken by dropping from a perch and is normally taken on the ground. Prey may also be hunted in a low flight, by random glides or soars or by foraging on the ground. The home range of the Common Buzzard is generally 0.19 to 0.77 square miles and the size of the breeding territory seems to be correlated with food supply. The territory is maintained through flight displays and in Europe territorial behaviour usually starts in February. However, displays are not uncommon throughout the year in resident pairs, especially by males, and can elicit similar displays by their neighbours. In the display, the Common Buzzard generally engages in high circling, spiraling upward on slightly raised wings. Mutual high circling by pairs sometimes goes on at length, especially during the period prior to or during breeding season. During the mutual displays, the male may engage in exaggerated deep flapping or zig-zag tumbling, apparently in response to the female being too distant. Several pairs may circle together at times and as many as 14 individual adults have been recorded over established display sites. Sky-dancing by the Common Buzzard has been recorded in spring and autumn, typically by the male but sometimes by the female, nearly always with much calling. Sky-dances are of the rollercoaster type, with an upward sweep of up to 100 feet until the bird starts start to stall but sometimes embellished with loops or rolls at the top. Next in the sky-dance, the bird will dive at least 200 feet on more or less closed wings before spreading them and shooting up again. These sky-dances may be repeated in series of 10 to 20. In the climax of the sky-dance, the undulations become progressively shallower, often slowing and terminating directly on to a perch. Various other aerial displays include low contour flight or weaving among trees, frequently with deep beats and exaggerated upstrokes which show underwing pattern to rivals perched below. Talon grappling and occasionally cartwheeling downward with feet interlocked has also been recorded. The Common Buzzard tends to build a bulky nest of sticks, twigs and often heather and lined with broad-leaved foliage. Nests are up to 3.3 to 3.9 feet across and 24 inches deep. With reuse over years, the diameter of a nest can reach or exceed 5 feet. Trees are generally used for a nesting location but crags or cliffs are used if trees are unavailable. Nests in trees are usually located by the main trunk at a height of around 10 to 82 feet. Pairs often have 2 to 4 nests in a territory but some pairs may use a single nest over several consecutive years. The breeding season of the Common Buzzard commences at differing times based on latitude. It may fall as early as January to April but typically it is March to July in most of Europe. In the northern limits of the range the breeding season may occur from May to August. Mating usually occurs on or near the nest and eggs are usually laid in 2 to 3 day intervals. The clutch size can range from to 2 to 6 and it appears that local factors such as habitat and food supply are relevant. Eggs are generally laid in late March to early April in the extreme south, sometime in April in most of Europe and in to May and possibly even early June in the extreme north. If eggs are lost to a predator or fail in some other way, replacement clutches are not usually laid although this has been recorded. Incubation lasts for 33 to 35 days and is mostly, but not solely, undertaken by the female. Hatching may take place over 3 to 7 days. Often the youngest nestling dies from starvation, especially in broods of 3 or more. The female remains at the nest brooding the young in the early stages with the male bringing all prey. At about 8 to 12 days, both the male and female will bring prey but the female continues to do all feeding until the young can tear up their own prey. The young are nearly fully feathered rather than downy at about a month of age and can start to feed themselves as well. The first attempts to leave the nest are often at about 40 to 50 days. Fledging occurs typically at 43 to 54 days but in extreme cases as late 62 days. After leaving the nest, the young generally stay close by until full independence 6 to 8 weeks after fledging. Numerous factors may influence the breeding success of the Common Buzzard including the availability of prey populations, habitat, disturbance and persecution levels and competition. The Common Buzzard is one of the most numerous birds of prey in its range and it is the most numerous diurnal bird of prey throughout much of Europe. Date: 17th November 2012 Location: Loch Buie, Mull, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13797111.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4583315624ee9bbf4dd944.jpgBottlenose Dolphin The Bottlenose Dolphin is one of the most well-known species of dolphin. They have a stocky, torpedo-shaped body, a short beak and pointed flippers and are usually dark grey on the back with paler grey flanks and a white or pinkish belly. The sickle-shaped dorsal fin is tall and positioned centrally on the back. Variations in the shape of the dorsal fin along with scars and other markings on the skin can help researchers to identify individuals. The Bottlenose Dolphin is found in coastal waters of most temperate, tropical and subtropical areas. Around the UK, it occurs in the English Channel, in the Moray Firth in north-east Scotland and in Cardigan Bay in Wales. Although lone individuals do occur, Bottle-nosed Dolphins are very sociable animals which usually live in groups numbering between 10 and 100 individuals. They engage in much energetic behaviour, including breaching (clearing the water), lobtailing (slapping the tail flukes down onto the surface of the water) and bow-riding (riding the swell created in front of boats and even large whales). The Bottlenose Dolphin faces a number of threats including human disturbance, entanglement in fishing nets and hunting. Like all cetaceans, they are also vulnerable to chemical and noise pollution. The captivity industry that supplies the world aquarium trade is also a problem. The Bottlenose Dolphin is a UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority species and it is protected in UK waters by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Orders 1985. It is illegal to intentionally kill, injure, or harass any cetacean (whale or dolphin) species in UK waters. The Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans in the Baltic and North Seas (ASCOBANS), has been signed by 7 European Countries including the UK. Provision is made under this agreement to set up protected areas, promote research and monitoring, pollution control and increase public awareness. Under Annex II of the EC Habitats Directive, candidate marine Special Areas of Conservation (SACS) are being set up for this species in Cardigan Bay (Wales) and the Moray Firth (north-east Scotland). Date: 13th April 2009 Location: Moray Firth (from Chanonry Point), Inverness-shire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48137711.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_58769148663bd4a4ceeccb.jpgGreen Woodpecker The (European) Green Woodpecker is a large green woodpecker species. There are 3 sub-species with subtle differences between them whilst the Iberian Green Woodpecker found in Spain and Portugal and the Levaillant's Woodpecker found in north west Africa were formerly considered as sub-species but are now treated as separate species based on the results of studies published in 2011 The Green Woodpecker measures 12 to 14 inches in length with a 18 to 20 inches wingspan. Both sexes are green above and pale yellowish green below with a yellow rump and red crown and nape. The moustachial stripe has a red centre in the male but is solid black in the female. The lores and around the white eye are black in both male and female. Juveniles are spotty and streaked all over with a dark moustachial stripe initially although juvenile males can show some red feathers by early June or usually by July or August. Although the Green Woodpecker is shy and wary, it is usually its loud calls known as “yaffling” which first draw attention. Unlike many other woodpecker species, it rarely “drums” but often gives noisy calls while flying. The flight is undulating with 3 to 4 wingbeats followed by a short glide when the wings are held by the body. More than 75% of the range of the Green Woodpecker is in Europe although it is absent from the extreme north and east and also from Ireland, Greenland and the Macaronesian islands. Otherwise it is distributed widely with over 50% of the European population thought to be in France and Germany with substantial numbers also in the UK. It also occurs in west Asia. The Green Woodpecker is highly sedentary and individuals rarely move far from where they were born. The Green Woodpecker is generally found in semi-open landscapes with small woodlands, hedges, scattered old trees, edges of forests and floodplain forests. Suitable habitats for feeding include grassland, heaths, plantations, orchards and lawns. The Green Woodpecker is the largest of the 3 woodpecker species that breed in the UK. It can be found all year round and it is mainly a lowland species that breeds in open deciduous woodland, parks, orchards and farmland in England, Wales and Scotland although it is absent from the far north and west of the UK. The nest hole of the Green Woodpecker is larger but similar to those of other woodpecker species. It may be a few feet above the ground or at the top of a tall tree. Oaks, beeches, willows, aspens and fruit trees are the preferred nest trees. The hole may be excavated in sound or rotten wood with an entrance hole of 2.5 to 3 inches. The cavity inside may be up to 16 inches deep and excavation work is performed mostly by the male over 15 to 30 days. Some tree holes are used for breeding for more than 10 years but not necessarily by the same pair. The female lays 4 to 6 eggs and, after the last egg is laid, they are incubated for 19 to 20 days by both parents. The chicks fledge 21 to 24 days after hatching. The Green Woodpecker's diet consists primarily of various ant species and it spends much of its time foraging on the ground in grassland areas where the availability of ant nests is high. At ant nests, it probes into the ground and licks up adult ants and their larvae with its long tongue that wraps up and around the back of its head. Other insects and small reptiles are also taken occasionally. Date: 5th January 2023 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405461.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17222968286586e10cb9862.jpgWater Vole The Water Vole is found throughout the UK although it is less common on higher ground. It is infrequently recorded from parts of northern Scotland and is absent in Ireland. Water Voles are legally protected in the UK and recent evidence suggests that they have undergone a long term decline. On current trends it is predicted that they may eventually disappear from 94% of their former sites. The shocking decline in both the range and numbers of the Water Vole is due to a number of factors. The large-scale loss and fragmentation of sensitive waterside habitats due to riverbank modification, drainage and flood defence works has been an important factor as has the pollution of waterways and poisoning by rodenticides. Perhaps the most serious threat facing the Water Vole is predation by the introduced American Mink. Water Voles are sometimes confused with Brown Rats which often also live near water courses. They are sometimes called "the water rat" which is the origin of the Water Vole’s fame as "Ratty" from Kenneth Grahame's book “The Wind in the Willows”. Prime Water Vole sites are found along densely vegetated banks of slow flowing rivers, ditches, lakes and marshes where water is present throughout the year. Water Voles are herbivores and feed on a huge variety of waterside vegetation, consuming 80% of their body weight each day. They excavate extensive burrow systems into the banks of waterways and have sleeping/nest chambers at various levels in the steepest parts of the bank. Burrows usually have underwater entrances to provide a secure route for escape if danger threatens. Water Voles usually have 3 or 4 litters a year depending on the weather. In mild springs the first of these can be born in March or April although cold conditions can delay breeding until May or even June. There are about 5 young in a litter and these are born below ground in a nest made from suitable vegetation such as grasses and rushes. Young water voles grow quickly and are weaned at 14 days. On average, Water Voles only live about 5 months in the wild. Their most important predators are Mink and Stoats although Grey Herons, Barn Owls, Brown Rats and Pike are also known to take them. Date: 9th October 2023 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19507511.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_127858156552528c283a40d.jpgBlack-winged Stilt The Black-winged Stilt is a widely distributed very long-legged wader. They have long pink-red legs, a long thin black bill and are blackish above and white below with a white head and neck with a varying amount of black. Both in flight and at rest the long pink-red legs are characteristic and even if these are hidden in water of unknown depth, the pure white underparts and jet black upperparts are distinctive. The amount of dark feathering on the otherwise white head doesn't necessarily indicate the sex of a stilt although young birds always have smoky patterning on the head. The Black-winged Stilt can be found in central and southern Europe, central and southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Many birds migrate to south of the Sahara from August to November and return in March and April. However, many of those which breed in Iberia are now increasingly remaining throughout the year. The Black-winged Stilt breeds around shallow wetlands, especially coastal lagoons, saltpans and estuaries. The nest site is a bare spot on the ground near water and birds often nest in small groups, sometimes with Avocets. In Europe, the Black-winged Stilt is a regular spring overshoot vagrant north of its normal range, occasionally remaining to breed in northern European countries including the UK. Date: 9th September 2013 Location: La Janda, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46534909.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_190090198162ca9bb5424ed.jpgRazorbill The Razorbill is a seabird and a member of the auk family which also includes the Common Guillemot, Brunnich's Guillemot and Little Auk. It is also the closest living relative to the Great Auk which is now extinct. The Razorbill has white underparts and a black head, neck, back and feet during the breeding season. A thin white line also extends from the eyes to the end of the bill. Its head is darker than that of the CommonGuillemot. Outside the breeding season, the throat and face behind the eye become white and the white line on the face becomes less prominent. The thick black bill has a blunt end. The adult male and female female are very much alike having only small differences such as wing length. The Razorbill has a horizontal stance and the tail feathers are slightly longer in the centre in comparison to other auks making it have a distinctly long tail which is not common for an auk. The Razorbill is distributed across the sub-arctic and boreal waters of the north Atlantic where water surface temperature are typically below 15°c. The world population is estimated to be less than 1 million breeding pairs, making it among the rarest auks in the world. Approximately 60 to 70% of the entire Razorbill population breeds in Iceland., including over 200,000 pairs at Látrabjarg. The breeding habitat is islands, rocky shores and cliffs on north Atlantic coasts, in eastern North America as far south as Maine and in western Europe from north west Russia to northern France. Eurasian birds winter at sea with some moving south as far as the western Mediterranean. North American birds migrate offshore and south. The Razorbill is a colonial breeder and only comes to land to breed. Individuals only breed at 3 to 5 years of age. Females select their mate and will often encourage competition between males before choosing a partner. Once a male is chosen, the pair will usually stay together for life. Nest site determination is very important to ensure protection of young from predators. Unlike Common Guillemots, nest sites are not immediately alongside the sea on open cliff ledges but at least 4 to 6 inches away in crevices on cliffs or among boulders. Generally a nest is not built although some pairs often use their bills to drag material upon which to lay their single egg. The mating pair will often reuse the same site every year. The Razorbill feeds mainly on schooling fish and crustaceans and it will dive deep into the sea using its wings and its streamlined body to propel itself toward their prey. Whilst diving, it rarely stays in groups but instead spreads out to feed. The majority of feeding occurs at a depth of about 80 feet but it has the ability to dive up to 400 feet below the surface. During a single dive the Razorbill can capture and swallow many schooling fish depending on their size. The Razorbill spends approximately 45% of its time foraging at sea and it may well fly more than 60 miles out to sea to feed. However, when feeding chicks it will forage much closer to the nesting grounds and often in shallower water. The Razorbill and its eggs and chicks have several predators which include Great Black-backed Gulls, Peregrines, Ravens and other crows, Arctic Foxes and Polar Bears. In the early 20th century, Razorbills were harvested for their eggs, meat and feathers and this greatly decreased their population. In 1917 they were finally protected which reduced hunting. Other current threats include oil pollution, unintentional bycatch arising from commercial fishing and overfishing which decreases the abundance of prey. Date: 27th June 2022 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo453522.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_154179333346883fe681257.jpgLoch Sunart, Argyll Loch Sunart is a sea loch in the Western Highlands extending almost 20 miles westwards from Glen Tarbert before opening out into the Sound of Mull. Loch Sunart separates the areas of Ardnamurchan and Sunart to the north from Morvern in the south. Date: 6th June 2007 Location: view from the A884 Morvern road looking north east http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo748138.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17493520594749cb94d3de7.jpgDate: 5th November 2007 Location: Loch Indaal, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo31192333.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_722466257591823ec341ff9.17973452.jpgCommon Redstart The Common Redstart, or often simply Redstart, is a small passerine bird. Like its relatives, it was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family but it is now known to be an Old World flycatcher. The Common Redstart shows some affinity to the Robin in many of its habits and actions. It has the same general carriage and chat-like behaviour and it is the same length but slightly slimmer and not quite as heavy. The orange-red tail, from which it and other redstarts get their names ("start" is an old word for "tail"), is frequently quivered. Among common European birds, only the Black Redstart has a similarly coloured tail. In summer, the male Common Redstart has a slate-grey head and upperparts, except the rump and tail, which, like the flanks, underwing coverts and axillaries, are orange-chestnut. The forehead is white and the sides of the face and throat are black. The wings and the two central tail feathers are brown and the other tail feathers are bright orange-red. The orange on the flanks shades to almost white on the belly. The bill and legs are black. In autumn, pale feather fringes on the body feathering obscures the colours of the male and gives it a washed-out appearance. The female is browner with paler underparts and it lacks the black and slate head. The Common Redstart is a summer visitor throughout most of Europe and west Asia (east to Lake Baikal) and also in north west Africa in Morocco. It can be found in open mature birch and oak woodland with low amounts of shrub and understorey especially where the trees are old enough to have holes suitable for its nest. It prefers to nest on the edge of woodland clearings in natural tree holes so dead trees or those with dead limbs are beneficial to it. It also nests in mature open conifer woodland, particularly in the north of the breeding range, and nestboxes are sometimes used. In the UK, the Common Redstart occurs primarily in broadleaf woodlands in upland areas in the north and west with the greatest concentrations in Wales. Further east in Europe it also commonly occurs in lowland areas including parks and old gardens in urban areas. The Common Redstart winters in central Africa and Arabia, south of the Sahara Desert but north of the Equator and from Senegal east to Yemen. It first arrives in its breeding areas in early to mid April, the males often a few days in advance of the females. Following breeding, return migration to Africa occurs between mid August and early October. The Common Redstart is insectivorous and eats a wide variety of small insects and spiders but additionally fruit and berries in the autumn. It often feeds like a flycatcher and makes aerial sallies after passing insects. Date: 8th May 2017 Location: Gilfach RWT reserve, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21893071.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_158523894753d100835204d.jpgCommon Seals Common Seals feed at sea but regularly haul out on to rocky shores or inter-tidal sandbanks to rest, to give birth and to suckle their pups. The most important haul-out areas are around the coast of Scotland, particularly in the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland, and on the east coast of England in the Wash. Date: 18th June 2014 Location: Loch Fleet, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14184874.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17082594854f421f9eb4402.jpgChequered Skipper Flight period: May to June. The last known colony of the Chequered Skipper in England died out in 1976 but small colonies still survive in a few locations in western Scotland. They can be found in open grassland on the edges of broad-leaved woodland and close to a loch or river. Date: 8th June 2006 Location: Undisclosed site, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50776415.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6909304356606e8d876adf.jpgRobin The European Robin, known simply as the Robin in the UK, is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The adult Robin is around 5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. The male and female have similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the UK subspecies), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in UK birds, and the belly is whitish. The legs and feet are brown and the bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration with patches of orange gradually appearing. The Robin can be found in Eurasia east to western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. In the UK and Ireland, the Robin is largely resident but a small minority, usually females, migrate to southern Europe during winter. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Robin is a summer visitor with birds migrating to the UK and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The Robin prefers coniferous woodland in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for deciduous woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens in Ireland and the UK. The male Robin is noted for its highly aggressive territorial behaviour. It will attack other males that stray into its territory. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas. Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a Robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years. However, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one bird has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. The Robin may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest and anything which can offer some shelter may be considered. As well as the usual crevices or sheltered banks, odder objects include pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots and even hats. The nest is composed of moss, leaves and grass with fine grass, hair and feathers for lining. The Robin lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5 or 6 eggs throughout the breeding season which commences in March in the UK. The eggs are a cream, buff or white speckled or blotched with reddish-brown colour. The Robin produces a fluting, warbling song during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing during the winter when they hold separate territories, the song then sounding more plaintive than the summer version. The female Robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male Robin keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, the male Robin usually initiate their morning song an hour before sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around 30 minutes after sunset. However, nocturnal singing can also occur, especially in urban areas that are artificially lighted during the night. The Robin features prominently in UK folklore, and that of north west France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. More recently, the Robin has become strongly associated with Christmas and is depicted on greetings cards and postage stamps. In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the Robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, the Robin was again voted the UK's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote. Date: 27th March 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26270116.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14600110315665507ba067a.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 4th December 2015 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25774285.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1265095893560fe242eee5e.jpgRed Squirrel The Red Squirrel or Eurasian Red Squirrel is a species of tree squirrel in the genus [i]Sciurus[/i]. It is an arboreal and primarily herbivorous rodent. The Red Squirrel has a typical head and body length of 7.5 to 9 inches, a tail length of 6 to 8 inches and a weight of 9 to 12 ounces. Males and females are the same size. The Red Squirrel is smaller and lighter in weight than the Grey Squirrel The coat of the Red Squirrel varies in colour with the time of year and its location and there are several different coat colour morphs ranging from black to red. Red coats are most common in the UK but in other parts of Europe and Asia different coat colours co-exist within populations. The underside of the Red Squirrel is always creamy-white in colour. The Red Squirrel sheds its coat twice a year, switching from a thinner summer coat to a thicker, darker winter coat with noticeably larger ear-tufts (a prominent distinguishing feature of this species) between August and November. A lighter, redder overall coat colour, along with the ear-tufts (in adults) and smaller size, distinguish the Red Squirrel from the Grey Squirrel. The long tail helps the Red Squirrel to balance and steer when jumping from tree to tree and running along branches and it may also keep it warm during sleep. The Red Squirrel, like most tree squirrels, has sharp and curved claws to enable it to climb and descend broad tree trunks, thin branches and even house walls and its strong hind legs enable it to leap gaps between trees. The Red Squirrel can be found in the boreal coniferous woods in north Europe and Siberia where it prefers Scots Pine, Norway Spruce and Siberian Pine. In west and south Europe it can be found in broad-leaved woods where the mixture of tree and shrub species provides a better year round source of food. In most of the UK and in Italy, broad-leaved woodlands are now less suitable for it due to the better competitive feeding strategy of the introduced Grey Squirrel. The Red Squirrel makes a drey (nest) out of twigs in a branch-fork, forming a domed structure about 9 to 12 inches in diameter. This is lined with moss, leaves, grass and bark. Tree hollows and woodpecker holes are also used. The Red Squirrel is generally a solitary animal and is shy and reluctant to share food with others. However, outside the breeding season and particularly in winter, several Red Squirrels may share a drey to keep warm. Social organisation is based on dominance hierarchies within and between sexes. Although males are not necessarily dominant towards females, the dominant animals tend to be larger and older than subordinate animals and dominant males tend to have larger home ranges than subordinate males or females. Mating can occur in late winter during February and March and in summer between June and July. During mating, males detect females that are in oestrus by an odour that they produce and, although there is no courtship, the male will chase the female for up to an hour prior to mating. Usually multiple males will chase a single female until the dominant male, usually the largest in the group, mates with the female. Males and females will mate multiple times with many partners. Females must reach a minimum body mass before they enter oestrus and heavy females on average produce more young. If food is scarce breeding may be delayed. Typically a female will produce her first litter in her second year. Up to 2 litters a year per female are possible. Each litter averages 3 young and these are known as kits. Gestation is about 38 to 39 days and the young are looked after by the mother alone and are born helpless, blind and deaf. Their body is covered by hair at 21 days, their eyes and ears open after 3 to 4 weeks and they develop all their teeth by 42 days. Juveniles can eat solids around 40 days following birth and from that point they can leave the nest on their own to find food. However, they still suckle from their mother until weaning occurs at 8 to 10 weeks. The Red Squirrel eats mostly the seeds of trees, fungi, nuts (especially hazelnuts but also beech and chestnuts), berries and young shoots. More rarely, it may also eat bird eggs or nestlings and may occasionally exhibit opportunistic omnivory similar to other rodents. Excess food is put into caches, either buried or in nooks or holes in trees, and eaten when food is scarce. Although the Red Squirrel remembers where it created caches at a better than chance level, its spatial memory is believed to be substantially less accurate and durable than that of the Grey Squirrel. Therefore it will often have to search for them when in need and many caches are never found again. Between 60% and 80% of the active time of a Red Squirrel may be spent foraging and feeding. The active period is generally in the morning and in the late afternoon and evening. It often rests in its nest in the middle of the day to avoid the heat and the high visibility to birds of prey that are dangers during these hours. During the winter, this midday rest is often much more brief or absent entirely although harsh weather may cause it to stay in its nest for days at a time. No territories are claimed between Red Squirrels and the feeding areas of individuals overlap considerably. A Red Squirrel that survives its first winter has a life expectancy of 3 years. Individuals may reach 7 years of age and 10 years in captivity. Survival is positively related to the availability of autumn and winter tree seeds. On average, 75 to 85% of juveniles die during their first winter and mortality is approximately 50% for winters following the first. Predators include small mammals such as the Pine Marten, the Wildcat and the Stoat which all prey on juveniles. Birds, including owls and raptors such as the Goshawk and Common Buzzard, may also prey on the Red Squirrel as will the Red Fox and domestic cats and dogs when it is on the ground. Humans influence the population size and mortality of the Red Squirrel by destroying or altering habitats, by causing road casualties and by introducing non-native populations of the Grey Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel and the Red Squirrel are not directly antagonistic and violent conflict between these species is not a factor in the decline in Red Squirrel populations. However, the Grey Squirrel appears to contribute to the decrease in the Red Squirrel population for several reasons: it carries a disease, the squirrel parapoxvirus, that does not appear to affect its own health but will often kill the Red Squirrel, it can better digest acorns whilst the Red Squirrel cannot access the proteins and fats in acorns as easily and it can put the Red Squirrel under pressure for food resources resulting in it not breeding as often. In the UK, due to the above circumstances, the population has today fallen to 160,000 Red Squirrels or fewer with the majority of these in Scotland. Outside the UK and Ireland, the impact of competition from the Grey Squirrel has also been observed in Italy where 2 pairs escaped from captivity in 1948. A significant drop in the Red Squirrel population has been observed since 1970 and it is feared that the Grey Squirrel may expand into the rest of Europe. The Red Squirrel is protected in most of Europe although in some areas it is abundant and is hunted for its fur. In the UK there are several active projects to protect the Red Squirrel and its native woodland habitat, introduce or re-introduce it in to areas where it is absent and eradicate and prevent the spread of the Grey Squirrel. Research undertaken in 2007 in the UK credits the Pine Marten with reducing the population of the invasive Grey Squirrel. Where the range of the expanding Pine Marten population meets that of the Grey Squirrel, the population of the latter retreats. It is theorised that, because the Grey Squirrel spends more time on the ground than the Red Squirrel, it is far more likely to come in contact with the Pine Marten. Date: 20th September 2015 Location: Mingarry Lodges, Mingarry, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo17942847.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1933788142518cb060d11cf.jpgBrown Hare The Brown Hare resembles the Rabbit but obvious differences include the Brown Hare's longer, larger body, much longer hind legs and longer ears with black tips. Generally, they are a brown-russet colour with a white underside. The tail is black on the upper surface and white underneath. In contrast to Rabbits, which have a brown iris, the Brown Hare has a golden iris and a black pupil. Brown Hares are the fastest land animals in the UK and can run at speeds of up to 45 mph to evade predators. Brown Hares are widespread in central and western Europe including the UK but they are absent in southern Europe. It is thought that they were introduced in to the UK during Roman times, probably from Asia. They have little legal protection, partly because they are game animals and can be managed by farmers and landowners and partly because they are also a minor pest and can damage crops and young tree plantations. Numbers have substantially declined in the UK and most of Europe since the 1960s mainly due to the intensification of agricultural practices as well as shooting, poaching and coursing and an increase in the number of Foxes. Brown Hares prefer temperate open habitats and can be found in most flat country among open grassland and arable farms. Unlike Rabbits, they do not burrow but rest in a shallow depression in fields or long grass known as a form where only their back and head are visible. An adult occupies a range of 300 hectares which it may share with other hares as they are not territorially aggressive. Courtship involves boxing …. the traditional “mad March hare” behaviour. This is actually unreceptive females fending off males rather than fighting between males. Date: 1st April 2013 Location: Egmere, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/the-quiraing-skye https://images.on-this.website/4752_3184025924681c738ea3bd.jpgThe Quiraing, Skye The Quiraing is part of the Trotternish ridge in north east Skye and is located 2 miles from Staffin. It provides one of the most dramatic areas of geological formations on Skye. Trotternish is the most northerly of Skye's peninsulas, extending north from Portree to its eventual end at Rubha Hunish, and containing some of the most striking landscapes in Scotland. Date: June 2000 Location: view from the unclassified Staffin to Uig road http://www.richardchewphotography.com/bottle-nosed-dolphin https://images.on-this.website/4752_138223124e0978f6356fc.jpgBottlenose Dolphin The Bottlenose Dolphin is one of the most well-known species of dolphin. They have a stocky, torpedo-shaped body, a short beak and pointed flippers and are usually dark grey on the back with paler grey flanks and a white or pinkish belly. The sickle-shaped dorsal fin is tall and positioned centrally on the back. Variations in the shape of the dorsal fin along with scars and other markings on the skin can help researchers to identify individuals. The Bottlenose Dolphin is found in coastal waters of most temperate, tropical and subtropical areas. Around the UK, it occurs in the English Channel, in the Moray Firth in north-east Scotland and in Cardigan Bay in Wales. Although lone individuals do occur, Bottle-nosed Dolphins are very sociable animals which usually live in groups numbering between 10 and 100 individuals. They engage in much energetic behaviour, including breaching (clearing the water), lobtailing (slapping the tail flukes down onto the surface of the water) and bow-riding (riding the swell created in front of boats and even large whales). The Bottlenose Dolphin faces a number of threats including human disturbance, entanglement in fishing nets and hunting. Like all cetaceans, they are also vulnerable to chemical and noise pollution. The captivity industry that supplies the world aquarium trade is also a problem. The Bottlenose Dolphin is a UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority species and it is protected in UK waters by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Orders 1985. It is illegal to intentionally kill, injure, or harass any cetacean (whale or dolphin) species in UK waters. The Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans in the Baltic and North Seas (ASCOBANS), has been signed by 7 European Countries including the UK. Provision is made under this agreement to set up protected areas, promote research and monitoring, pollution control and increase public awareness. Under Annex II of the EC Habitats Directive, candidate marine Special Areas of Conservation (SACS) are being set up for this species in Cardigan Bay (Wales) and the Moray Firth (north-east Scotland). Date: 12th June 2011 Location: Moray Firth (from Chanonry Point), Inverness-shire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/lammergeier https://images.on-this.website/4752_14019934834b19525080fa7.jpgLammergeier The Lammergeier or Bearded Vulture is a huge bird 37 to 49 inches long with a wingspan of nearly 10 feet. It is quite unlike most other vultures in flight due to its large, narrow wings and long, wedge-shaped tail feathers. The adult has a buff-yellow body and head, the latter with the black moustaches which give this species its alternative name. It may rub mud over its chin, breast and leg feathers, giving these areas a rust-coloured appearance. The tail feathers and wings are grey. The juvenile bird is dark all over, and takes five years to reach full maturity. Lammergeiers breed on crags in high mountains in southern Europe, Africa, India, and Tibet where the population is resident. It has been successfully re-introduced into the Alps but is still one of the rarest raptors in Europe. Although the Lammergeier is threatened within its range in Europe, the species has a large range across Asia and Africa and is relatively common across much of that range. The habitat is exclusively mountainous terrain from 1,600 to 13,000 feet. An individual has been seen at 24,000 feet. Like other vultures, the Lammergeier is a scavenger, feeding mostly from carcasses of dead animals. It usually disdains the rotting meat, however, and lives on a diet that is 90% bone marrow. It will drop large bones from a height to crack them into smaller pieces. Its old name of Ossifrage ("bone breaker") relates to this habit. Live tortoises are also dropped in similar fashion to crack them open. Date: 14th November 2009 Location: Bernues, Aragon, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28592769.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_191118416157ab063824858.jpgPeacock Flight period: March to September. The Peacock is a familiar and widespread butterfly which is continuing to expand its range in the UK. It is a highly adaptable species that can be found almost anywhere but the best sites are where favoured nectar plants are available. Date: 5th August 2016 Location: Minsmere, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40755799.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5897624785e2044123a5f5.jpgGrey Heron The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing up to 39 inches tall and measuring 33 to 40 inches long with a 61 to 77 inch wingspan. Its plumage is largely ashy-grey above and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium that terminates in a slender, dangling crest and a white neck with bluish-black streaks on the front. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults with a grey head and neck and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long. The Grey Heron has a slow flight with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills which extend their necks. It flies with slow wing-beats and sometimes glides for short distances or soars and circles to considerable heights. It often perch in trees but also spends much of the time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance often on a single leg. The Grey Heron has an extensive range throughout most of the Palearctic. The range extends to 70° north in Norway and 66° north in Sweden but otherwise its northerly limit is around 60° north across the rest of Europe and Asia eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains. To the south, its range extends to northern Spain, France, central Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, India and Myanmar (Burma). It is also present in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and many of the Mediterranean islands. Over much of its range, the Grey Heron is resident but birds from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards, some remaining in central and southern Europe with others travelling on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Within its range, the Grey Heron can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitat that can supply its food such as lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries and the sea shore. Breeding colonies are usually near feeding areas but exceptionally may be up to 5 miles away and birds sometimes forage as much as 10 miles from the nesting site. Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the Grey Heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill with great rapidity. Small fish are swallowed head first and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed or have hunks of flesh torn off. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk but it is also active at other times of day. The Grey Heron breeds in colonies known as heronries which are usually situated in high trees close to its feeding habitat. Other sites are sometimes chosen and these include low trees and bushes, bramble patches, reed beds, heather clumps and cliff ledges. The same nest is used year after year until it is blown down. It starts as a small platform of sticks but expands into a bulky nest as more material is added in subsequent years. It may be lined with smaller twigs, strands of root or dead grasses. The male usually collects the material while the female constructs the nest. In continental Europe and elsewhere, nesting colonies sometimes include nests of the Purple Heron and other heron and egret species. Breeding activities take place between February and June. A clutch of usually 3 to 5 eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days and then both feed the chicks which fledge when 7 or 8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter but if they do they can expect to live for about 5 years. Date: 8th December 2019 Location: Joure to Terherne area, Friesland, Netherlands http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28887441.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13566553257cc400e726ce.jpgWhite Wagtail The White Wagtail, [i]Motacilla alba[/i], is a small passerine bird in the wagtail family. A number of sub-species are recognised including [i]Motacilla alba alba[/I] found in Europe from the Iberian Peninsula to the Ural Mountains, Turkey, the Levant, Iceland, the Faroe Islands and Greenland's east coast and [I]Motacilla alba yarrellii[/I] (Pied Wagtail) found in the UK and Ireland and which has a much blacker back than the nominate race. The nominate sub-species [I]Motacilla alba alba[/I] is basically grey above and white below with a white face, black cap and black throat. It is a slender bird with a characteristic long tail. The most conspicuous habit of the White Wagtail is a near-constant tail wagging, a trait that has given the bird its common name. In spite of the ubiquity of this behaviour, the reasons for it are poorly understood. It has been suggested that it may flush prey or signal submissiveness to other wagtails. A recent study has suggested instead that it is a signal of vigilance to potential predators. The White Wagtail breeds throughout Eurasia up to latitudes 75°N, only being absent in the Arctic from areas where summer temperatures are less than 4 °C. It also breeds in the mountains of Morocco and western Alaska. It is resident in the milder parts of its range such as western Europe and the Mediterranean but migratory in much of the rest of its range. Northern European breeders winter around the Mediterranean and in tropical and subtropical Africa, Asiatic birds move to the Middle East, India and south east Asia and birds from the north American population also winter in tropical Asia. The White Wagtail has a wide range and whilst the population size is unknown it is believed to be large since the species is described as "common" in at least parts of its range. Population trends have not been quantified but the population in Europe appears to be stable and it has adapted well to human changes to the environment and has exploited human changes such as man-made structures that are used for nesting sites and increased open areas that are used for foraging. The White Wagtail is an insectivorous bird of open country, often near habitation and water. It prefers bare areas for feeding where it can see and pursue its prey. In urban areas it has adapted to foraging on paved areas such as car parks. It nests in crevices and holes in stone walls and similar natural and man-made structures such as bridges and buildings. The diet of the White Wagtail varies by location but terrestrial and aquatic insects and other small invertebrates form the major part of the diet. These range from beetles, dragonflies, small snails, spiders, worms and crustaceans to maggots found in carcasses and flies. It is somewhat unusual in the parts of its range where it is non-migratory as it is an insectivorous bird that continues to feed on insects during the winter when most other insectivorous birds in temperate climates migrate or switch to more vegetable matter. Though it is known to be a host species for the Cuckoo, the White Wagtail typically deserts its nest if it has been parasitised. Date: 10th May 2016 Location: Haapsalu, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081388.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_136922485563a717a386944.jpgHerring Gull The Herring Gull is one of the best known of all gulls along the shores of Europe. Adults in breeding plumage have a grey back and upperwings and white head and underparts. The wingtips are black with white spots known as "mirrors". The bill is yellow with a red spot and there is a ring of bare yellow skin around the pale eye. The legs are normally pink at all ages but can be yellowish. Non-breeding adults have brown streaks on the head and neck. Male and female plumage is identical at all stages of development although adult males are often larger. Juvenile and first-winter birds are mainly brown with darker streaks and have a dark bill and eyes. Second-winter birds have a whiter head and underparts with less streaking and the back is grey. Third-winter individuals are similar to adults but retain some of the features of immature birds such as brown feathers in the wings and dark markings on the bill. The Herring Gull attains adult plumage and reaches sexual maturity at an average age of 4 years. The loud laughing call of the Herring Gull is well known and is often seen as a symbol of the seaside in countries such as the UK. It also has a yelping alarm call and a low barking anxiety call. Chicks and fledglings emit a distinctive, repetitive high-pitched 'peep', accompanied by a head-flicking gesture when begging for food from or calling to their parents. Adult gulls in urban areas will also exhibit this behaviour when fed by humans. The Herring Gull breeds across northern Europe, western Europe, central Europe, eastern Europe, Scandinavia and the Baltic states. Some, especially those resident in colder areas, migrate further south in winter but many are permanent residents such as in the UK or on the North Sea shores. While Herring Gull numbers appear to have been decreased in recent years, possibly by fish population declines and competition, they have proved able to survive in human-adapted areas and can often be seen in towns acting as a scavenger. The Herring Gull, like most gulls, is an omnivore and opportunist and will scavenge from garbage dumps, landfill sites and sewage outflows with refuse comprising up to half of the bird's diet. In addition, it will eat fish, crustaceans and dead animals as well as some plants and it will steal the eggs and young of other birds (including those of other gulls). The Herring Gull may also dive from the surface of the water or engage in plunge diving in the pursuit of aquatic prey although they are typically unable to reach any great depth due to their natural buoyancy. Date: 12th January 2022 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/loch-sunart https://images.on-this.website/4752_19953426315dc6ae063652c.jpgLoch Sunart Loch Sunart is a sea loch in the Western Highlands extending almost 20 miles westwards from Glen Tarbert before opening out into the Sound of Mull. Loch Sunart separates the areas of Ardnamurchan and Sunart to the north from Morvern in the south. Date: 2nd October 2019 Location: view from Camus Torsa near Salen http://www.richardchewphotography.com/kolgrafafjrur-snfellsnes-peninsula-west-iceland https://images.on-this.website/4752_824979205561cd19f1f76f.jpgKolgrafafjörður, Snæfellsnes peninsula, west Iceland Kolgrafafjörður is a fjord situated between Stykkishólmur and Grundarfjörður on the north coast of the Snæfellsnes peninsula in west Iceland. Date: 6th June 2015 Location: view from road 54 west of Stykkishólmur http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071728.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_30161000566433ebeca2f6.jpgBlue Tit The Blue Tit is a small passerine bird in the tit family. It is easily recognisable by its generally blue and yellow plumage and its small size. The Blue Tit is about 4.7 inches long with a wingspan of 7.1 inches. It has an azure blue crown and a dark blue line passing through the eye and encircling the white cheeks to the chin, giving the bird a very distinctive appearance. The forehead and a bar on the wing are white. The nape, wings and tail are blue and the back is yellowish green. The underparts are mostly sulphur-yellow with a dark line down the abdomen. The bill is black and the legs bluish grey. The sexes are similar whilst young birds are noticeably more yellow. The Blue Tit is very agile and it can cling to the outermost branches and hang upside down when searching for food such as insects, caterpillars and seeds. The Blue Tit can be found throughout areas of the European continent with a mainly temperate or Mediterranean climate and in parts of the Middle East. In the UK it is common in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens and widespread across the whole of the country with the exception of some Scottish islands. The Blue Tit will nest in any suitable hole in a tree, wall or stump, often competing with other birds such as the House Sparrow or Great Tit for the site. In addition, it will readily accept an artificial nesting box. The same hole is returned to year after year and when one pair dies another takes possession. The nesting material is usually moss, wool, hair and feathers and the eggs are laid in April or May. The number in the clutch is often very large but 7 or 8 is normal. It is not unusual for a single bird to feed the chicks in the nest at a rate of one feed every 90 seconds during the height of the breeding season. Successful breeding is dependent on a sufficient supply of caterpillars as well as satisfactory weather. Breeding may be affected badly if the weather is cold and wet between May and July, particularly if this coincides with the emergence of the caterpillars on which the nestlings are fed. The small size of the Blue Tit makes it vulnerable to predation by larger birds and the typical lifespan is 3 years or less. The most significant predator is probably the Sparrowhawk, closely followed by the domestic cat. Nests may also be robbed by mammals such as the Weasel and Red and Grey Squirrels. Date: 7th May 2024 Location: RSPB Ham Wall, Somerset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51333220.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14048691766676e08ed51c0.jpgAzure Damselfly Flight period: May to August The Azure Damselfly is one of the two commonest blue damselflies and is a common and widespread species of lowland UK. They can be found around most standing water, preferring small, sheltered sites including ditches and garden ponds. Date: 14th June 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12744820.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17446313414e706d9837329.jpgAtlantic Grey Seal The Atlantic Grey Seal is a widely distributed species of pinniped, a diverse group of carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals comprising the walrus, the eared seals such as sea lions and fur seals and the earless seals or true seals. Its scientific name <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> means "hooked-nosed sea pig". The Atlantic Grey Seal is a large seal, rotund at the torso with a more slender hind end and with a thick layer of blubber to provide insulation against cold sea temperatures. There are significant size differences between adult males and females: males reach 8 to 11 feet long and weigh 370 to 680 pounds whilst the females are much smaller, typically 5 to 6.5 feet long and weighing 220 to 420 pounds. Fully grown males also have thick rolls of flesh around the neck and chest areas and a concave “Roman” nose. The Atlantic Grey Seal has a long, flat face with large eyes and no external ears. The forelimbs are relatively short and blunt and the hind flippers are short and thick. Colouration differs between the sexes: males are dark grey, brown and black with some lighter blotches over the fur whilst females are generally light grey with darker blotches. Pups are born with a thick, creamy-white coloured fur which is moulted for the adult pelage at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The Atlantic Grey Seal is found on both sides of the north Atlantic in temperate and sub-Arctic waters. Three distinct populations occur: the western Atlantic population in Canada and northern USA, the north eastern or Baltic population which is endangered and the eastern Atlantic population which is centred around UK coasts and additionally includes Norway and Iceland. Population studies estimate that just under half of the world population lives in the waters around the UK. The Atlantic Grey Seal is the larger of the UK's two species of breeding seal, the other being the Common (Harbour) Seal. In the UK and Ireland, the Atlantic Grey Seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, Orkney and North Rona off the north coast of Scotland, the Monarch and Treshnish islands off the west coast of Scotland, Ramsey and Skomer islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin. Besides these very large colonies, many much smaller ones exist, some of which are well known as tourist attractions despite their small size. In the German Bight, Atlantic Grey Seal colonies exist off the islands Sylt and Amrum and on Heligoland. An isolated population exists in the Baltic Sea, forming a distinct subspecies. In the western Atlantic, the Atlantic Grey Seal is typically found in large numbers in the coastal waters of Canada and south to about New Jersey in the USA. The Atlantic Grey Seal spends about two-thirds of its time at sea but it will return to land for several weeks each year to breed, moult and rest. By attaching radio tags to individuals, scientists know that most seals will stay within about 45 miles of their haul-out site and can remain at sea for up to 20 days. A commonly observed behaviour is that of “bottling”, where the Atlantic Grey Seal floats vertically in the sea with just its head above the surface. It can be quite curious of humans and boats and it has been known to approach vessels and divers. However, care must be taken when viewing an Atlantic Grey Seal on land as it can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. The Atlantic Grey Seal feeds mainly on fish that live on or near to the sea bed but it will also take some crustaceans and squid. An acute sense of hearing and highly sensitive whiskers helps it to locate its prey. It can sometimes be found swimming between fishing boats in harbours to take advantage of discarded catch and it can also be seen investigating fish farms. In autumn, female Atlantic Grey Seals congregate at traditional pupping sites called rookeries. Pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the western Atlantic. At birth the pups weigh 30 pounds but as the mother's milk contains 60% fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea. Male Atlantic Grey Seals come ashore at the pupping sites to mate. They compete for sole access to a group of females and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as 10 females. After mating, males and females disperse and the pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult of their thick, creamy-white coloured fur. They then go out to sea and may disperse over large distances. The Atlantic Grey Seal was once the target of legal hunts in the UK. Since the late 1970's, no licences have been issued in the UK for commercial hunting or large-scale control measures and numbers have recovered since then. The current UK population is estimated at 107,000 to 171,000, of which over 90% breed in Scotland. The Atlantic Grey Seal is now protected in UK waters, principally by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992. However, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, fishermen with a special licence are permitted to shoot seals seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although some illegal culling may also take place due to the perceived competition with fisheries for commercially valuable fish species. Populations of the Atlantic Grey Seal are also impacted by pollution, either in the form of toxins or oil, and by entanglement in fishing nets and marine litter. Natural predators are probably limited to the Orca (Killer Whale). Date: 7th December 2007 Location: Donna Nook, Lincolnshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/foinaven-and-arkle-highland https://images.on-this.website/4752_12432266954681c76bef37d.jpgFoinaven and Arkle, Highland Height: Foinaven 2999 feet and Arkle 2582 feet. The impressive quartzite massifs of Foinaven and Arkle lie to the north of Loch Stack in the far north of Sutherland. Date: 14th June 2006 Location: view from the A894 road between Scourie and Laxford Bridge http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52518227.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_156606532967545ab1132cc.jpgCommon Buzzard and Carrion Crow The Common Buzzard is a member of the genus Buteo and the family Accipitridae, a group of medium-sized raptors with robust bodies and broad wings. The Buteo species of Eurasia and Africa are usually commonly referred to as buzzards whilst those in the Americas are called hawks. Under current classification, the genus Buteo includes approximately 28 species. The Common Buzzard includes between 7 to 16 sub-species and the western Buteo group includes Buteo buteo buteo which is found more or less continuously throughout Europe including the UK. The Common Buzzard is a medium-sized raptor that is highly variable in plumage. It is distinctly round headed with a somewhat slender bill and it has relatively long wings that either reach or fall slightly short of the tail tip when perched, a fairly short tail and somewhat short and mainly bare tarsi. It can appear fairly compact in overall appearance but may also appear large relative to other commoner raptors such as the Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. The Common Buzzard measures between 16 and 23 inches in length with a 3 feet 7 inches to 4 feet 7 inches wingspan. Females average about 2 to 7% larger than males in length and weigh about 15% more. Body mass can show considerable variation from 0.94 to 2.6 pounds in males and 1.07 to 3.02 pounds in females. In Europe, the Common Buzzard is typically dark brown above and on the upperside of the head and mantle but this can become paler and warmer brown with worn plumage. Usually the tail will be narrowly barred grey-brown and dark brown with a pale tip and a broad dark subterminal band but the tail in the palest birds can show a varying amount of white and a reduced sub-terminal band or even appear almost all white. The underside colouring can be variable but typically shows a brown-streaked white throat with a somewhat darker chest. A pale U across the breast is often present followed by a pale line running down the belly which separates the dark areas on the breast side and flanks. These pale areas tend to have highly variable markings that form irregular bars. Juveniles are quite similar to adults and are best told apart by having a paler eye, a narrower sub-terminal band on the tail and underside markings that appear as streaks rather than bars. Beyond the typical mid-range brownish Common Buzzard, birds in Europe can range from almost uniform black-brown above to mainly white. Extreme dark individuals may range from chocolate-brown to blackish with almost no pale colour showing but with a variable or faded U on the breast and with or without faint lighter brown throat streaks. Extreme pale individuals are largely whitish with variable widely spaced streaks or arrowheads of light brown about the mid-chest and flanks and may or may not show dark feather-centres on the head, wing-coverts and sometimes all but part of the mantle. Individuals can show nearly endless variation of colours and hues in between these extremes and the Common Buzzard is among the most variably plumaged diurnal raptors for this reason. The Common Buzzard is often confused with other raptors especially in flight or at a distance including other Buteo species such as Rough-legged Buzzard and Long-legged Buzzard and also Honey Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, Golden Eagle, Booted Eagle and Short-toed Eagle. The Common Buzzard is found throughout several islands in the eastern Atlantic islands, including the Canary Islands and the Azores, and almost throughout Europe. In the UK, it is found in Northern Ireland and in nearly every part of Scotland and England. In mainland Europe, there are no substantial gaps in the range from Portugal and Spain to Greece, Estonia, Belarus and the Ukraine, although it is present mainly only in the breeding season in much of the eastern half of the latter 3 countries. It is also present in all larger Mediterranean islands such as Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily and Crete. Further north in to Scandinavia, it is found mainly in south Norway, the southern half of Sweden and in the southern two-thirds of Finland. The Common Buzzard reaches its northern limit as a breeder in far eastern Finland and over the border in to European Russia and nearly to the Kola Peninsula. In these northern limits, the Common Buzzard is present typically only in summer. The Common Buzzard generally inhabits the interface of woodlands and open ground and typically lives in forest edge, small broad-leaved, coniferous or mixed woodlands with adjacent grassland, arable fields or other farmland and open moorland as long as there are some trees. It is absent from treeless tundra and sporadic or rare in treeless steppe. The Common Buzzard can be found from sea level to elevations of 6600 feet although it breeds mostly below 3300 feet. It can winter to an elevation of 8200 feet and migrates easily at 14,800 feet. The Common Buzzard is a partial migrant. Autumn and spring movements are subject to extensive variation, even down to the individual level, based on a region's food resources, competition (both from other Common Buzzards and other predators), the extent of human disturbance and weather conditions. Short distance movements are the norm for juveniles and some adults in autumn and winter but more adults in central and south Europe and the UK remain in their year-around areas than do not. The Common Buzzard is a typical Buteo in much of its behaviour. It is most often seen effortlessly soaring for extended periods at varying heights although it can appear laborious and heavy in level flight. It is also often seen perched prominently on tree tops, bare branches, telegraph poles, fence posts, rocks or ledges or alternatively well inside the tree canopy. It will also stand and forage on the ground. The Common Buzzard is a generalist predator which hunts a wide variety of prey given the opportunity. The prey extents to a wide variety of vertebrates including mammals, birds (from any age from eggs to adult birds), reptiles, amphibians and fish as well as to various invertebrates, mostly insects. In total, well over 300 prey species are known to be taken by the Common Buzzard. However, dietary studies have shown that it mostly preys upon small mammals, mainly small rodents. Furthermore, prey size can vary from tiny beetles, caterpillars and ants to large adult grouse and Rabbits up to nearly twice their body mass. At times, the Common Buzzard will also subsist partially on carrion, usually of dead mammals or fish. Hunting in relatively open areas has been found to increase hunting success whereas more complete shrub cover lowered success. A majority of prey is taken by dropping from a perch and is normally taken on the ground. Prey may also be hunted in a low flight, by random glides or soars or by foraging on the ground. The home range of the Common Buzzard is generally 0.19 to 0.77 square miles and the size of the breeding territory seems to be correlated with food supply. The territory is maintained through flight displays and in Europe territorial behaviour usually starts in February. However, displays are not uncommon throughout the year in resident pairs, especially by males, and can elicit similar displays by their neighbours. In the display, the Common Buzzard generally engages in high circling, spiraling upward on slightly raised wings. Mutual high circling by pairs sometimes goes on at length, especially during the period prior to or during breeding season. During the mutual displays, the male may engage in exaggerated deep flapping or zig-zag tumbling, apparently in response to the female being too distant. Several pairs may circle together at times and as many as 14 individual adults have been recorded over established display sites. Sky-dancing by the Common Buzzard has been recorded in spring and autumn, typically by the male but sometimes by the female, nearly always with much calling. Sky-dances are of the rollercoaster type, with an upward sweep of up to 100 feet until the bird starts start to stall but sometimes embellished with loops or rolls at the top. Next in the sky-dance, the bird will dive at least 200 feet on more or less closed wings before spreading them and shooting up again. These sky-dances may be repeated in series of 10 to 20. In the climax of the sky-dance, the undulations become progressively shallower, often slowing and terminating directly on to a perch. Various other aerial displays include low contour flight or weaving among trees, frequently with deep beats and exaggerated upstrokes which show underwing pattern to rivals perched below. Talon grappling and occasionally cartwheeling downward with feet interlocked has also been recorded. The Common Buzzard tends to build a bulky nest of sticks, twigs and often heather and lined with broad-leaved foliage. Nests are up to 3.3 to 3.9 feet across and 24 inches deep. With reuse over years, the diameter of a nest can reach or exceed 5 feet. Trees are generally used for a nesting location but crags or cliffs are used if trees are unavailable. Nests in trees are usually located by the main trunk at a height of around 10 to 82 feet. Pairs often have 2 to 4 nests in a territory but some pairs may use a single nest over several consecutive years. The breeding season of the Common Buzzard commences at differing times based on latitude. It may fall as early as January to April but typically it is March to July in most of Europe. In the northern limits of the range the breeding season may occur from May to August. Mating usually occurs on or near the nest and eggs are usually laid in 2 to 3 day intervals. The clutch size can range from to 2 to 6 and it appears that local factors such as habitat and food supply are relevant. Eggs are generally laid in late March to early April in the extreme south, sometime in April in most of Europe and in to May and possibly even early June in the extreme north. If eggs are lost to a predator or fail in some other way, replacement clutches are not usually laid although this has been recorded. Incubation lasts for 33 to 35 days and is mostly, but not solely, undertaken by the female. Hatching may take place over 3 to 7 days. Often the youngest nestling dies from starvation, especially in broods of 3 or more. The female remains at the nest brooding the young in the early stages with the male bringing all prey. At about 8 to 12 days, both the male and female will bring prey but the female continues to do all feeding until the young can tear up their own prey. The young are nearly fully feathered rather than downy at about a month of age and can start to feed themselves as well. The first attempts to leave the nest are often at about 40 to 50 days. Fledging occurs typically at 43 to 54 days but in extreme cases as late 62 days. After leaving the nest, the young generally stay close by until full independence 6 to 8 weeks after fledging. Numerous factors may influence the breeding success of the Common Buzzard including the availability of prey populations, habitat, disturbance and persecution levels and competition. The Common Buzzard is one of the most numerous birds of prey in its range and it is the most numerous diurnal bird of prey throughout much of Europe. Date: 11th October 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21215568.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_297558486537dc0049bc96.jpgBlackbird The Common Blackbird is a species of true thrush. It is also called Eurasian Blackbird (especially in North America in order to distinguish it from the unrelated New World blackbirds) or simply Blackbird where this does not lead to confusion with a similar-looking local species. The Blackbird’s name derives form 2 Latin words: <i>turdus</i> meaning “thrush” and <i>merula</i> meaning “blackbird”. It may not immediately be clear why the name "blackbird", first recorded in 1486, was applied to this species but not to one of the various other common black English birds, such as the Carrion Crow, Raven, Rook or Jackdaw. However, in Old English and in modern English up to about the 18th century, "bird" was used only for smaller or young birds and larger ones such as crows were called "fowl". At that time, the Blackbird was therefore the only widespread and conspicuous black bird in the UK. The Blackbird is around 9.25 to 11.5 inches in length including a long tail. The adult male has glossy black plumage, blackish-brown legs, a yellow eye-ring and an orange-yellow bill. The bill darkens somewhat in winter. The adult female is sooty-brown with a dull yellowish-brownish bill, a brownish-white throat and some weak mottling on the breast. The juvenile is similar to the female but has pale spots on the upperparts and the very young juvenile also has a speckled breast. Young birds vary in the shade of brown, with darker birds presumably males. The first year male resembles the adult male but has a dark bill and weaker eye ring and its folded wing is brown rather than black like the body plumage. The Blackbird breeds in temperate Eurasia, north Africa, the Canary Islands and south Asia. Populations are sedentary in the south and west of the range although northern birds migrate south as far as north Africa and tropical Asia in winter. Common over most of its range in woodland, the Blackbird has a preference for deciduous trees with dense undergrowth. However, gardens provide the most successful breeding habitat. It occurs up to around 3300 feet in Europe and is often replaced by the related Ring Ousel in areas of higher altitude. The Blackbird has an extensive range and a large population which is generally stable or increasing. However, there have been local declines, especially on farmland, which may be due to agricultural policies that encouraged farmers to remove hedgerows (which provide nesting places) and to drain damp grassland and increase the use of pesticides, both of which could have reduced the availability of invertebrate food. The Blackbird may commence breeding in March when the breeding pair prospect for a suitable nest site in a creeper or bush, favouring evergreen or thorny species such as ivy, holly, hawthorn, honeysuckle or pyracantha. Sometimes they will nest in sheds or outbuildings where a ledge or cavity is used. The cup-shaped nest is made with grasses, leaves and other vegetation and bound together with mud. It is built by the female alone. The nest is often ill-concealed compared with those of other species and many breeding attempts fail due to predation. The female lays 3 to 5 (average 4) bluish-green eggs marked with reddish-brown blotches which are incubated for 12 to 14 days before the chicks are hatched naked and blind. Fledging takes another 10 to 19 (average 13.6) days, with both parents feeding the young. The young are fed by the parents for up to 3 weeks after leaving the nest and they will follow the adults begging for food. If the female starts another nest, the male alone will feed the fledged young. Second broods are common with the female reusing the same nest if the brood was successful. The first-year male Blackbird may start singing as early as late January in fine weather in order to establish a territory, followed in late March by the adult male. The male's song is a varied and melodious low-pitched fluted warble which is given from trees, rooftops or other elevated perches mainly in the period from March to June and sometimes into the beginning of July. During the winter, the Blackbird can be heard quietly singing to itself, so much so that September and October are the only months which the song cannot be heard. The Blackbird is omnivorous, eating a wide range of insects, earthworms, seeds and berries. It feeds mainly on the ground, running and hopping with a start-stop-start progress. It pulls earthworms from the soil, usually finding them by sight but sometimes by hearing, and roots through leaf litter for other invertebrates. Small amphibians and lizards are occasionally hunted. The Blackbird will also perch in bushes to take berries and collect caterpillars and other active insects. Animal prey predominates and this is particularly important during the breeding season with windfall apples and berries taken more in the autumn and winter. Near human habitation the main predator of the Blackbird is the domestic cat, with newly fledged young especially vulnerable. Foxes and predatory birds, such as the Sparrowhawk, also predate the Blackbird when the opportunity arises. Eggs and chicks are also taken by corvids, such as the Magpie or Jay. Date: 7th May 2014 Location: Conwy RSPB reserve, Conwy http://www.richardchewphotography.com/mute-swan-cygnets https://images.on-this.website/4752_677975810649971c7afa3a.jpgMute Swan cygnets The Mute Swan is a species of swan native to much of Eurasia. Despite its Eurasian origin, its closest relatives are the Black Swan of Australia and the Black-necked Swan of south America, not the other Northern Hemisphere swans such as the Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan. The name “mute” derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. The adult Mute Swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob at the top of the beak. All Mute Swans are white at maturity although the feathers (particularly on the head and neck) are often stained orange-brown by iron and tannins in the water. Young birds (cygnets) are not the bright white colour of mature adults and their bill is dull greyish-black for the first year. The plumage may range from pure white to grey to buff with grey/buff being the most common. Cygnets typically retain their grey/buff feathers until they are at least 1 year old. On average, the Mute Swan is the second largest waterfowl species after the Trumpeter Swan although the male Mute Swan can easily match or even exceed a male Trumpeter Swan in mass. The adult Mute Swan typically ranges from 55 to 63 inches in length (although it can range in extreme cases from 49 to 67 inches) with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. Males (cobs) are larger than females (pens) and have a larger knob on their bill. The Mute Swan is one of the heaviest flying birds. In several studies from the UK, males were found to average from about 23.4 to 26.2 pounds, with a weight range of 20 to 32 pounds, while the slightly smaller females were found to average about 18.7 to 21.3 pounds, with a weight range of 17 to 23 pounds. The Mute Swan is less vocal than the noisy Bewick's Swan and Whooper Swan although it does make a variety of grunting, hoarse whistling and snorting noises, especially in communicating with their cygnets and threatening competitors or intruders trying to enter their territory. The most familiar sound associated with the Mute Swan is the vibrant throbbing of the wings in flight which is unique to the species and this can be heard from a range of up to 1 mile. The Mute Swan is found naturally mainly in the temperate areas of Europe across west Asia and as far east as Primorsky Krai in the far east of Russia. It is partially migratory throughout the northern latitudes in Europe and Asia as far south as north Africa and the Mediterranean. It is also often kept in captivity outside its natural range as a decoration for parks and ponds and escapes have occurred. The descendants of such birds have become naturalised in east USA and the Great Lakes region across the USA and Canada border. The Mute Swan population in the UK has increased recently probably due to better protection of this species. Some birds are resident all year whilst others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into east England. Mute Swans nest on large mounds that they build with waterside vegetation in shallow water on islands in the middle or at the very edge of a lake. It is a monogamous species and often reuses the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Males and females share the care of the nest. The female lays from 4 to 10 eggs and broods for around 36 days. Cygnets are unable to fly before an age of 120 to 150 days and this limits the distribution of the species in the northern edge of its range since the cygnets must learn to fly before the water freezes. The Mute Swan is usually strongly territorial with just a single pair on smaller lakes although in a few locations where a large area of suitable feeding habitat is found they can be colonial. The largest colonies can hold over 100 pairs such as that at the colony at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset in the UK. Non-mated juveniles up to 3 to 4 years old commonly form larger flocks often at regular traditional sites and these can total several hundred birds. The Mute Swan can be very aggressive in defence of its nest and it is highly protective of its mate and offspring. Most defensive attacks from a Mute Swan begin with a loud hiss and, if this is not sufficient to drive off the predator, are followed by a physical attack. It attacks by smashing at its enemy with bony spurs in the wings accompanied by biting with its large bill. Smaller waterbirds such as ducks are normally grabbed with the bill and dragged or thrown clear. Large waterfowl, such as the Canada Goose, more likely out of competition than in response to potential predation, may be aggressively driven off. The wings of the Mute Swan are very powerful although not strong enough to break an adult man's leg as has been claimed anecdotally. The Mute Swan feeds on a wide range of vegetation, both submerged aquatic plants which they reach with their long necks and by grazing on land. The food commonly includes agricultural crop plants such as oilseed rape and wheat and feeding flocks in the winter may cause significant crop damage, often as much through trampling with their large webbed feet as through direct consumption. Date: 9th June 2023 Location: Bosherston Lily Ponds, Bosherton, Pembrokeshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13657021.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7026171094ed3694310c2a.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the [i]Canidae[/i] family and is a part of the order [i]Carnivora[/i] within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9564278.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20585074464daeb4ae85533.jpgBlackbird The Common Blackbird is a species of true thrush. It is also called Eurasian Blackbird (especially in North America in order to distinguish it from the unrelated New World blackbirds) or simply Blackbird where this does not lead to confusion with a similar-looking local species. The Blackbird’s name derives form 2 Latin words: <i>turdus</i> meaning “thrush” and <i>merula</i> meaning “blackbird”. It may not immediately be clear why the name "blackbird", first recorded in 1486, was applied to this species but not to one of the various other common black English birds, such as the Carrion Crow, Raven, Rook or Jackdaw. However, in Old English and in modern English up to about the 18th century, "bird" was used only for smaller or young birds and larger ones such as crows were called "fowl". At that time, the Blackbird was therefore the only widespread and conspicuous black bird in the UK. The Blackbird is around 9.25 to 11.5 inches in length including a long tail. The adult male has glossy black plumage, blackish-brown legs, a yellow eye-ring and an orange-yellow bill. The bill darkens somewhat in winter. The adult female is sooty-brown with a dull yellowish-brownish bill, a brownish-white throat and some weak mottling on the breast. The juvenile is similar to the female but has pale spots on the upperparts and the very young juvenile also has a speckled breast. Young birds vary in the shade of brown, with darker birds presumably males. The first year male resembles the adult male but has a dark bill and weaker eye ring and its folded wing is brown rather than black like the body plumage. The Blackbird breeds in temperate Eurasia, north Africa, the Canary Islands and south Asia. Populations are sedentary in the south and west of the range although northern birds migrate south as far as north Africa and tropical Asia in winter. Common over most of its range in woodland, the Blackbird has a preference for deciduous trees with dense undergrowth. However, gardens provide the most successful breeding habitat. It occurs up to around 3300 feet in Europe and is often replaced by the related Ring Ousel in areas of higher altitude. The Blackbird has an extensive range and a large population which is generally stable or increasing. However, there have been local declines, especially on farmland, which may be due to agricultural policies that encouraged farmers to remove hedgerows (which provide nesting places) and to drain damp grassland and increase the use of pesticides, both of which could have reduced the availability of invertebrate food. The Blackbird may commence breeding in March when the breeding pair prospect for a suitable nest site in a creeper or bush, favouring evergreen or thorny species such as ivy, holly, hawthorn, honeysuckle or pyracantha. Sometimes they will nest in sheds or outbuildings where a ledge or cavity is used. The cup-shaped nest is made with grasses, leaves and other vegetation and bound together with mud. It is built by the female alone. The nest is often ill-concealed compared with those of other species and many breeding attempts fail due to predation. The female lays 3 to 5 (average 4) bluish-green eggs marked with reddish-brown blotches which are incubated for 12 to 14 days before the chicks are hatched naked and blind. Fledging takes another 10 to 19 (average 13.6) days, with both parents feeding the young. The young are fed by the parents for up to 3 weeks after leaving the nest and they will follow the adults begging for food. If the female starts another nest, the male alone will feed the fledged young. Second broods are common with the female reusing the same nest if the brood was successful. The first-year male Blackbird may start singing as early as late January in fine weather in order to establish a territory, followed in late March by the adult male. The male's song is a varied and melodious low-pitched fluted warble which is given from trees, rooftops or other elevated perches mainly in the period from March to June and sometimes into the beginning of July. During the winter, the Blackbird can be heard quietly singing to itself, so much so that September and October are the only months which the song cannot be heard. The Blackbird is omnivorous, eating a wide range of insects, earthworms, seeds and berries. It feeds mainly on the ground, running and hopping with a start-stop-start progress. It pulls earthworms from the soil, usually finding them by sight but sometimes by hearing, and roots through leaf litter for other invertebrates. Small amphibians and lizards are occasionally hunted. The Blackbird will also perch in bushes to take berries and collect caterpillars and other active insects. Animal prey predominates and this is particularly important during the breeding season with windfall apples and berries taken more in the autumn and winter. Near human habitation the main predator of the Blackbird is the domestic cat, with newly fledged young especially vulnerable. Foxes and predatory birds, such as the Sparrowhawk, also predate the Blackbird when the opportunity arises. Eggs and chicks are also taken by corvids, such as the Magpie or Jay. Date: 28th December 2008 Location: Folkestone, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/october-2008-red-deer https://images.on-this.website/4752_6854850704e41120f1d59d.jpgOctober 2008 - Red Deer Please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/photo11946552.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/april-2024-red-fox https://images.on-this.website/4752_11156818606689182bde046.jpgApril 2024 - Red Fox Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50931116.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52518190.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1562879484675450f3d7106.jpgRed Admiral Flight period: April to November. The Red Admiral is a familiar and widespread butterfly in the UK although numbers depend on immigration from Europe. It can be found in any flower-rich habitat. Date: 13th September 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071676.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_49092119664335579f80b.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include Gigrin Farm feeding centre near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 4th May 2023 Location: Bwlch Nant yr Arian, Llywernog, Ceredigion http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40952879.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15733830585e5394a72fa9a.jpgCliffs of Moher, Co. Clare, Ireland The Cliffs of Moher are located at the south western edge of the Burren region in Co. Clare and stretch for about 9 miles. At their southern end, they rise 390 feet above the Atlantic Ocean at Hag's Head and 5 miles to the north they reach their maximum height of 702 feet just north of O'Brien's Tower, a round stone tower near the midpoint of the cliffs built in 1835 by Sir Cornelius O'Brien, and then continue at lower heights. The closest villages are Liscannor, 4 miles to the south, and Doolin, 4 miles, to the north. From the Cliffs of Moher, visitors can see the Aran Islands in Galway Bay, the mountain ranges of the Maumturks and Twelve Pins in Connemara in Co. Galway to the north and Loop Head in Co. Clare to the south. The official Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk runs for about 11 miles from Hag's Head to Doolin. This passes the Visitor Centre and O'Brien's Tower with good viewing throughout subject to rain or sea fog. There are 2 paths near the Visitor Centre, the official one being set back a little for safety whilst an unofficial path runs closer to the edge. In July 2016 the so-called Cliff Walk, outside the official Cliffs of Moher amenities, was temporarily closed because of the risk of rock falls. People were warned to stay on the official path further away from the cliff edge instead of the unofficial path. Since 2011, the Cliffs of Moher have formed a part of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark, one of a family of geotourism destinations throughout Europe that are members of the European Geoparks Network and also recognized by UNESCO. The cliffs are also a "signature point" on the official Wild Atlantic Way tourist trail. The Cliffs of Moher rank among the most visited tourist sites in Ireland with around 1.5 million visits per year. In the 1990s the local authority, Clare County Council, initiated development plans to enable visitors to experience the cliffs without significant intrusive man-made amenities. In keeping with this approach, a modern visitor centre, the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience, was built into a hillside approaching the cliffs. The centre was planned to be environmentally sensitive in its use of renewable energy systems including geothermal heating and cooling, solar panels and grey water recycling. The €32 million facility was planned and built over a 17 year period and officially opened in February 2007. Exhibits include interactive media displays covering the geology, history, flora and fauna of the Cliffs of Moher. The Cliffs of Moher consist mainly of beds of Namurian shale and sandstone with the oldest rocks being found at the bottom of the cliffs. During the time of their formation between 313 and 326 million years ago, a river dumped sand, silt and clay in to an ancient marine basin. Over millions of years, the sediments collecting at the mouth of this ancient delta were compacted and lithified in to the sedimentary strata preserved in the now exposed cliffs. Today the Cliffs of Moher are subject to erosion by wave action which undermines the base of support causing the cliffs to collapse under their own weight. This process creates a variety of coastal landforms characteristic of eroded coasts such as sea caves, sea stacks and sea stumps. Branaunmore, a 220 feet high sea stack at the foot below O'Brien's Tower, was once part of the Cliffs of Moher but coastal erosion gradually removed the layers of rock that joined it with the mainland. A large sea arch can also be seen at Hag's Head below the Napoleonic signal tower and many smaller sea arches can be seen from sea level. During the peak summer breeding season, there are an estimated 30,000 pairs of birds of more than 20 species and the Cliffs of Moher are designated as an Important Bird Area. A wide range of sea life can also be seen from the Cliffs of Moher including Atlantic Grey Seals, various species of whales and dolphins and Basking Sharks. Date: 6th February 2020 Location: view from Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk near Visitor Centre http://www.richardchewphotography.com/steingrmsfjrur-westfjords-iceland https://images.on-this.website/4752_1365492756348f57b25d1.jpgSteingrímsfjörður, Westfjords, Iceland Steingrímsfjörður is a fjord situated in the eastern part of the Westfjords with Hólmavík being the main settlement. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: view from road 61 north of Hólmavík http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42626831.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_109649139760a92c66649e6.jpgGreen Woodpecker The (European) Green Woodpecker is a large green woodpecker species. There are 3 sub-species with subtle differences between them whilst the Iberian Green Woodpecker found in Spain and Portugal and the Levaillant's Woodpecker found in north west Africa were formerly considered as sub-species but are now treated as separate species based on the results of studies published in 2011 The Green Woodpecker measures 12 to 14 inches in length with a 18 to 20 inches wingspan. Both sexes are green above and pale yellowish green below with a yellow rump and red crown and nape. The moustachial stripe has a red centre in the male but is solid black in the female. The lores and around the white eye are black in both male and female. Juveniles are spotty and streaked all over with a dark moustachial stripe initially although juvenile males can show some red feathers by early June or usually by July or August. Although the Green Woodpecker is shy and wary, it is usually its loud calls known as “yaffling” which first draw attention. Unlike many other woodpecker species, it rarely “drums” but often gives noisy calls while flying. The flight is undulating with 3 to 4 wingbeats followed by a short glide when the wings are held by the body. More than 75% of the range of the Green Woodpecker is in Europe although it is absent from the extreme north and east and also from Ireland, Greenland and the Macaronesian islands. Otherwise it is distributed widely with over 50% of the European population thought to be in France and Germany with substantial numbers also in the UK. It also occurs in west Asia. The Green Woodpecker is highly sedentary and individuals rarely move far from where they were born. The Green Woodpecker is generally found in semi-open landscapes with small woodlands, hedges, scattered old trees, edges of forests and floodplain forests. Suitable habitats for feeding include grassland, heaths, plantations, orchards and lawns. The Green Woodpecker is the largest of the 3 woodpecker species that breed in the UK. It can be found all year round and it is mainly a lowland species that breeds in open deciduous woodland, parks, orchards and farmland in England, Wales and Scotland although it is absent from the far north and west of the UK. The nest hole of the Green Woodpecker is larger but similar to those of other woodpecker species. It may be a few feet above the ground or at the top of a tall tree. Oaks, beeches, willows, aspens and fruit trees are the preferred nest trees. The hole may be excavated in sound or rotten wood with an entrance hole of 2.5 to 3 inches. The cavity inside may be up to 16 inches deep and excavation work is performed mostly by the male over 15 to 30 days. Some tree holes are used for breeding for more than 10 years but not necessarily by the same pair. The female lays 4 to 6 eggs and, after the last egg is laid, they are incubated for 19 to 20 days by both parents. The chicks fledge 21 to 24 days after hatching. The Green Woodpecker's diet consists primarily of various ant species and it spends much of its time foraging on the ground in grassland areas where the availability of ant nests is high. At ant nests, it probes into the ground and licks up adult ants and their larvae with its long tongue that wraps up and around the back of its head. Other insects and small reptiles are also taken occasionally. Date: 16th April 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41292164.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3730307285f10b21957b73.jpgElk (Moose) The Elk (Eurasia) or Moose (north America) is the largest living deer species and the second largest land animal. The Elk is easily recognised by its humped shoulders, broad and overhanging muzzle and the pendulous flap of skin and hair beneath the throat. The body is heavy and deep, with long, rather gangly legs and wide hooves which aid in walking over mud or soft snow. The coat ranges from blackish to reddish brown in colour and lighter on the underparts and lower legs. It provides excellent insulation, consisting of a fine wool undercoat interspersed with long guard hairs. On average, an adult Elk stands 4.6 to 6.9 feet high at the shoulder, which is more than a foot higher than the next largest deer. The head and body length is 7.9 to 10.2 feet with a small tail adding only a further 2 to 5 inches. Males ("bulls") normally weigh from 838 to 1,543 pounds and females ("cows") typically weigh 441 to 1,080 pounds. The male Elk, as other deer, bears bony, hornlike antlers which are shed each winter and re-grown through the summer. The antlers are massive and palmate (broad and flattened at the base with short projecting branches), measuring up to 6.5 feet across and over 65 pounds in weight, making them the largest of any deer. In Europe, the Elk is currently found in large numbers throughout Norway, Sweden, Finland, Latvia, Estonia and Poland with more modest numbers in the Czech Republic, Belarus and north Ukraine. They are also widespread through Russia on up through the borders with Finland, south towards the border with Estonia, Belarus and Ukraine and east towards Siberia. The Elk was native to most temperate areas with suitable habitat on the continent and even Scotland from the end of the last Ice Age since Europe had a mix of temperate boreal and deciduous forest. However, from medieval times, it slowly disappeared. By the early 20th century, the very last strongholds of the Elk appeared to be in Scandinavian countries and patchy tracts of Russia with a few migrants found in what is now Estonia and Lithuania. The former Soviet Union and Poland managed to restore parts of the range within its borders in the 1950s but political complications obviously limited the ability to reintroduce it to other parts of its range. Attempts in 1930 and again in 1967 in marshland north of Berlin in Germany were unsuccessful. At present in Poland, populations are recorded in the Biebrza river valley, Kampinos National Park and in the Białowieża Forest. It has migrated in to other parts of eastern Europe and has been recorded in east and south Germany. The Elk is fairly adaptable in its habitat requirements but it prefers a mosaic of boreal or broad-leaved forest, lakes, swamps and wetlands, requiring forest for cover and water bodies for foraging. The Elk is often associated with spruce, fir and pine forest and it may also occupy tundra and mountains, often in areas characterised by seasonal snow cover. The Elk may be active by both day and night but activity usually peaks at dawn and dusk. It is a herbivore and is capable of consuming many types of plant or fruit. The diet includes various tree, shrub, grass and herb species as well as twigs and bark in winter. The Elk may markedly alter the structure and dynamics of forest ecosystems through their foraging behaviour. Aquatic vegetation is also taken, the Elk often wading into lakes and streams and sometimes submerging entirely to feed. Some populations migrate in search of food, moving between distinct seasonal home ranges. In winter, Elk are often drawn to roadways, to lick salt that is used as a snow and ice melter. The Elk is essentially solitary although small, loose groups may form during the mating season and during winter. Mating occurs in September and October. The males are polygamous and will seek several females to breed with. During this time both sexes will call to each other. Males produce heavy grunting sounds whilst females produce wail-like sounds. Males will fight for access to females. They either assess which is larger with the smaller bull retreating or they may engage in battles usually only involving the antlers. The female Elk has an 8 month gestation period, usually bearing a single calf, or twins if food is plentiful, in May or June. The young will stay with the mother until just before the next young are born. The life span of an average moose is about 15 to 25 years. A full grown Elk has few enemies except Siberian Tigers which regularly prey on adults but a pack of Wolves can still pose a threat especially to females with calves. The Brown Bear is also known to prey on Elk of various sizes and are the only predator besides the Wolf to attack them although they are more likely to take over a Wolf kill or to take young moose than to hunt an adult Elk on their own. The Wolverine is most likely to eat Elk as carrion but it has been known to kill them when they are weakened by harsh winter conditions. The Killer Whale is the Elk's only known marine predator. The Elk is hunted as a game species in many of the countries where it is found and in addition it is a regular casualty of road traffic and train collisions. Date: 29th June 2019 Location: near Storskog, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833579.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_783085744559cecb4b08e0.jpgNightingale The Nightingale is a small passerine bird best known for its powerful and beautiful song. Slightly larger than the Robin, it is plain brown above except for the reddish tail and buff to white below. The sexes are similar. The Nightingale is a migratory insectivorous bird breeding in forest and scrub in Europe and south west Asia and wintering in west Africa. The distribution is more southerly than the very closely related Thrush Nightingale. In the UK the bird is at the northern limit of its range which has contracted in recent years placing it on the Amber List for conservation. Despite local efforts to safeguard its favoured coppice and scrub habitat, numbers fell by 53% between 1995 and 2008. A survey conducted by the British Trust for Ornithology in 2012 and 2013 recorded some 3,300 territories with most of these clustered in a few counties in the south east of England, notably Kent, Essex, Suffolk and East and West Sussex. By contrast, the European breeding population is estimated at between 3.2 and 7 million pairs, giving it green conservation status (least concern). The song of the Nightingale has been described as one of the most beautiful sounds in nature, inspiring songs, fairy tales, opera, books and a great deal of poetry. The Nightingales is so named because it frequently sings at night as well as during the day. The name has been used for more than 1,000 years, being highly recognisable even in its Old English form nihtgale which means "night songstress". Early writers assumed the female sang when it is in fact the male. The song is loud with an impressive range of whistles, trills and gurgles. Its song is particularly noticeable at night because few other birds are singing. This is why its name includes "night" in several languages. Only unpaired males sing regularly at night and nocturnal song is likely to serve to attract a mate. Singing at dawn, during the hour before sunrise, is assumed to be important in defending the bird's territory. Nightingales sing even more loudly in urban or near-urban environments in order to overcome the background noise. Date: 12th May 2015 Location: Lake Kerkini, Central Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453971.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1695995664ff546e646725.jpgRoller The European Roller is the only member of the Roller family to breed in Europe. It is a stocky bird, the size of a Jackdaw, and it is mainly blue with an orange-brown back. It is striking in its strong direct flight with the brilliant blue contrasting with black flight feathers. Sexes are similar but the juvenile is a drabber version of the adult. The European Roller often perches prominently on trees, posts or overhead wires whilst watching for the large insects, small reptiles, rodents and frogs that they eat. They have a Lapwing-like display with the twisting and turning display flight giving the bird its English name. The European Roller breeds in north Africa from Morocco east to Tunisia, in south west and south central Europe and in Asia Minor east through north west Iran to south west Siberia. It is a long-distance migrant, wintering in southern Africa in two distinct regions, from Senegal east to Cameroon and from Ethiopia west to Congo and south to South Africa. The European Roller can be found in warm, dry, open country with scattered trees, preferring lowland open countryside with patches of oak forest, mature pine woodland with heathery clearings, orchards, mixed farmland, river valleys and plains with scattered thorny or leafy trees. It winters primarily in dry wooded savanna and bushy plains. The European Roller has a large global population of an estimated 100,000 to 220,000 individuals in Europe. However, following a moderate decline during 1970 to 1990, the species has continued to decline especially in Europe with a decrease in the overall European population exceeding 30% in 15 years. Threats include persecution on migration in some Mediterranean countries, the use of pesticides which reduces food availability and sensitivity to changing farming and forestry practices. Date: 29th April 2012 Location: Santa Marta de Magasca to Cáceres, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo440781.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1527579783467ea8955094c.jpgGolden-ringed Dragonfly Flight period: May to September. The Golden-ringed Dragonfly is a distinctive, large dragonfly with black and yellow patterning. They are widely distibuted in the north and west of the UK and can be found around swiftly flowing acidic running water. Date: 12th June 2006 Location: Near Dundonnell, Wester Ross http://www.richardchewphotography.com/unknown-lake-pohjois-pohjanmaa-finland https://images.on-this.website/4752_20469499645ff44a08bc87e.jpgUnknown lake, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland Date: 8th July 2019 Location: Valtavaara-Pyhävaara nature reserve from minor road north of road 8692 between Ruka and Virkkula, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801068.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_208781549164eda29b649ab.jpgBlue-tailed Damselfly Flight period: mid May to early September. Blue-tailed Damselflies are a widespread and common species of damselfly in much of England, Wales and southern Scotland. They can be found around lakes, ponds, canals and ditches, being less common on flowing water and in exposed and upland sites. They can also tolerate some saline and polluted waters. Date: 8th July 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081386.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20934676363a7179f10adf.jpgHerring Gulls The Herring Gull is one of the best known of all gulls along the shores of Europe. Adults in breeding plumage have a grey back and upperwings and white head and underparts. The wingtips are black with white spots known as "mirrors". The bill is yellow with a red spot and there is a ring of bare yellow skin around the pale eye. The legs are normally pink at all ages but can be yellowish. Non-breeding adults have brown streaks on the head and neck. Male and female plumage is identical at all stages of development although adult males are often larger. Juvenile and first-winter birds are mainly brown with darker streaks and have a dark bill and eyes. Second-winter birds have a whiter head and underparts with less streaking and the back is grey. Third-winter individuals are similar to adults but retain some of the features of immature birds such as brown feathers in the wings and dark markings on the bill. The Herring Gull attains adult plumage and reaches sexual maturity at an average age of 4 years. The loud laughing call of the Herring Gull is well known and is often seen as a symbol of the seaside in countries such as the UK. It also has a yelping alarm call and a low barking anxiety call. Chicks and fledglings emit a distinctive, repetitive high-pitched 'peep', accompanied by a head-flicking gesture when begging for food from or calling to their parents. Adult gulls in urban areas will also exhibit this behaviour when fed by humans. The Herring Gull breeds across northern Europe, western Europe, central Europe, eastern Europe, Scandinavia and the Baltic states. Some, especially those resident in colder areas, migrate further south in winter but many are permanent residents such as in the UK or on the North Sea shores. While Herring Gull numbers appear to have been decreased in recent years, possibly by fish population declines and competition, they have proved able to survive in human-adapted areas and can often be seen in towns acting as a scavenger. The Herring Gull, like most gulls, is an omnivore and opportunist and will scavenge from garbage dumps, landfill sites and sewage outflows with refuse comprising up to half of the bird's diet. In addition, it will eat fish, crustaceans and dead animals as well as some plants and it will steal the eggs and young of other birds (including those of other gulls). The Herring Gull may also dive from the surface of the water or engage in plunge diving in the pursuit of aquatic prey although they are typically unable to reach any great depth due to their natural buoyancy. Date: 12th January 2022 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41255243.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17716730645f06f56712318.jpgRed Squirrel The Red Squirrel or Eurasian Red Squirrel is a species of tree squirrel in the genus [i]Sciurus[/i]. It is an arboreal and primarily herbivorous rodent. The Red Squirrel has a typical head and body length of 7.5 to 9 inches, a tail length of 6 to 8 inches and a weight of 9 to 12 ounces. Males and females are the same size. The Red Squirrel is smaller and lighter in weight than the Grey Squirrel The coat of the Red Squirrel varies in colour with the time of year and its location and there are several different coat colour morphs ranging from black to red. Red coats are most common in the UK but in other parts of Europe and Asia different coat colours co-exist within populations. The underside of the Red Squirrel is always creamy-white in colour. The Red Squirrel sheds its coat twice a year, switching from a thinner summer coat to a thicker, darker winter coat with noticeably larger ear-tufts (a prominent distinguishing feature of this species) between August and November. A lighter, redder overall coat colour, along with the ear-tufts (in adults) and smaller size, distinguish the Red Squirrel from the Grey Squirrel. The long tail helps the Red Squirrel to balance and steer when jumping from tree to tree and running along branches and it may also keep it warm during sleep. The Red Squirrel, like most tree squirrels, has sharp and curved claws to enable it to climb and descend broad tree trunks, thin branches and even house walls and its strong hind legs enable it to leap gaps between trees. The Red Squirrel can be found in the boreal coniferous woods in north Europe and Siberia where it prefers Scots Pine, Norway Spruce and Siberian Pine. In west and south Europe it can be found in broad-leaved woods where the mixture of tree and shrub species provides a better year round source of food. In most of the UK and in Italy, broad-leaved woodlands are now less suitable for it due to the better competitive feeding strategy of the introduced Grey Squirrel. The Red Squirrel makes a drey (nest) out of twigs in a branch-fork, forming a domed structure about 9 to 12 inches in diameter. This is lined with moss, leaves, grass and bark. Tree hollows and woodpecker holes are also used. The Red Squirrel is generally a solitary animal and is shy and reluctant to share food with others. However, outside the breeding season and particularly in winter, several Red Squirrels may share a drey to keep warm. Social organisation is based on dominance hierarchies within and between sexes. Although males are not necessarily dominant towards females, the dominant animals tend to be larger and older than subordinate animals and dominant males tend to have larger home ranges than subordinate males or females. Mating can occur in late winter during February and March and in summer between June and July. During mating, males detect females that are in oestrus by an odour that they produce and, although there is no courtship, the male will chase the female for up to an hour prior to mating. Usually multiple males will chase a single female until the dominant male, usually the largest in the group, mates with the female. Males and females will mate multiple times with many partners. Females must reach a minimum body mass before they enter oestrus and heavy females on average produce more young. If food is scarce breeding may be delayed. Typically a female will produce her first litter in her second year. Up to 2 litters a year per female are possible. Each litter averages 3 young and these are known as kits. Gestation is about 38 to 39 days and the young are looked after by the mother alone and are born helpless, blind and deaf. Their body is covered by hair at 21 days, their eyes and ears open after 3 to 4 weeks and they develop all their teeth by 42 days. Juveniles can eat solids around 40 days following birth and from that point they can leave the nest on their own to find food. However, they still suckle from their mother until weaning occurs at 8 to 10 weeks. The Red Squirrel eats mostly the seeds of trees, fungi, nuts (especially hazelnuts but also beech and chestnuts), berries and young shoots. More rarely, it may also eat bird eggs or nestlings and may occasionally exhibit opportunistic omnivory similar to other rodents. Excess food is put into caches, either buried or in nooks or holes in trees, and eaten when food is scarce. Although the Red Squirrel remembers where it created caches at a better than chance level, its spatial memory is believed to be substantially less accurate and durable than that of the Grey Squirrel. Therefore it will often have to search for them when in need and many caches are never found again. Between 60% and 80% of the active time of a Red Squirrel may be spent foraging and feeding. The active period is generally in the morning and in the late afternoon and evening. It often rests in its nest in the middle of the day to avoid the heat and the high visibility to birds of prey that are dangers during these hours. During the winter, this midday rest is often much more brief or absent entirely although harsh weather may cause it to stay in its nest for days at a time. No territories are claimed between Red Squirrels and the feeding areas of individuals overlap considerably. A Red Squirrel that survives its first winter has a life expectancy of 3 years. Individuals may reach 7 years of age and 10 years in captivity. Survival is positively related to the availability of autumn and winter tree seeds. On average, 75 to 85% of juveniles die during their first winter and mortality is approximately 50% for winters following the first. Predators include small mammals such as the Pine Marten, the Wildcat and the Stoat which all prey on juveniles. Birds, including owls and raptors such as the Goshawk and Common Buzzard, may also prey on the Red Squirrel as will the Red Fox and domestic cats and dogs when it is on the ground. Humans influence the population size and mortality of the Red Squirrel by destroying or altering habitats, by causing road casualties and by introducing non-native populations of the Grey Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel and the Red Squirrel are not directly antagonistic and violent conflict between these species is not a factor in the decline in Red Squirrel populations. However, the Grey Squirrel appears to contribute to the decrease in the Red Squirrel population for several reasons: it carries a disease, the squirrel parapoxvirus, that does not appear to affect its own health but will often kill the Red Squirrel, it can better digest acorns whilst the Red Squirrel cannot access the proteins and fats in acorns as easily and it can put the Red Squirrel under pressure for food resources resulting in it not breeding as often. In the UK, due to the above circumstances, the population has today fallen to 160,000 Red Squirrels or fewer with the majority of these in Scotland. Outside the UK and Ireland, the impact of competition from the Grey Squirrel has also been observed in Italy where 2 pairs escaped from captivity in 1948. A significant drop in the Red Squirrel population has been observed since 1970 and it is feared that the Grey Squirrel may expand into the rest of Europe. The Red Squirrel is protected in most of Europe although in some areas it is abundant and is hunted for its fur. In the UK there are several active projects to protect the Red Squirrel and its native woodland habitat, introduce or re-introduce it in to areas where it is absent and eradicate and prevent the spread of the Grey Squirrel. Research undertaken in 2007 in the UK credits the Pine Marten with reducing the population of the invasive Grey Squirrel. Where the range of the expanding Pine Marten population meets that of the Grey Squirrel, the population of the latter retreats. It is theorised that, because the Grey Squirrel spends more time on the ground than the Red Squirrel, it is far more likely to come in contact with the Pine Marten. Date: 28th June 2019 Location: Neljan Tuulen Tupa near Kaamanen, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42670590.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_74701799260b20365c2ee9.jpgHouse Sparrow The House Sparrow is a member of the sparrow family Passeridae. The House Sparrow is typically about 6.3 inches long, ranging from 5.5 to 7.1 inches, and it is a compact bird with a full chest and a large, rounded head. Its bill is stout and conical. The plumage is mostly different shades of grey and brown and the sexes exhibit strong dimorphism. The female is mostly buffish above and below whilst the male has boldly coloured head markings, a reddish back and grey underparts. The male has a dark grey crown from the top of its bill to its back and chestnut brown flanking its crown on the sides of its head. It has black around its bill, on its throat and on the lores between the bill and the eyes. It has a small white stripe between the lores and crown and small white spots immediately behind the eyes with black patches below and above them. The underparts are pale grey or white, as are the cheeks, ear coverts and stripes at the base of the head. The upper back and mantle are a warm brown, with broad black streaks whilst the lower back, rump and upper tail coverts are greyish brown. The male's bill is black in the breeding season and dark grey during the rest of the year. The female has no black markings or grey crown. Its upperparts and head are brown with darker streaks around the mantle and a distinct pale supercilium. Its underparts are pale grey-brown. The female's bill is brownish-grey and becomes darker in breeding plumage approaching the black of the male's bill. Juveniles are similar to the adult female but deeper brown below and paler above and with paler and less defined supercilia. Juveniles have broader buff feather edges and tend to have looser, scruffier plumage similar to moulting adults. The House Sparrow can be confused with a number of other seed-eating birds, especially its relatives in the sparrow family Passeridae. The dull coloured female House Sparrow can often not be distinguished from other female sparrows and is nearly identical to those of the Spanish and Italian Sparrows. The Tree Sparrow is smaller and more slender with a chestnut crown and a black patch on each cheek. The male Spanish Sparrow and Italian Sparrow are distinguished by their chestnut crowns. The House Sparrow's flight is direct rather than undulating. On the ground, it typically hops rather than walks. The House Sparrow originated in the Middle East and spread, along with agriculture, to most of Eurasia and parts of north Africa. Since the mid-19th century, it has reached most of the world, mainly due to deliberate introductions but also through natural and shipborne dispersal. Its introduced range encompasses most of north America, central America, south America, south Africa, parts of West Africa, Australia, New Zealand and islands throughout the world. It has become highly successful in most parts of the world where it has been introduced. This is mostly due to its early adaptation to living with humans and its adaptability to a wide range of conditions. It has also greatly extended its range in northern Eurasia since the 1850s and continues to do so. The extent of its range makes the House Sparrow the most widely distributed wild bird on the planet. The House Sparrow is closely associated with human habitation and cultivation. It is believed to have become associated with humans around 10,000 years ago. The only terrestrial habitats that the House Sparrow does not inhabit are dense forest and tundra. Well adapted to living around humans, it frequently lives and even breeds indoors, especially in factories, warehouses and zoos. It reaches its greatest densities in urban centres but its reproductive success is greater in suburbs where insects are more abundant. In most of its range, the House Sparrow is extremely common despite some declines but in more marginal habitats its distribution can be patchy. Most House Sparrows do not move more than a few miles during their lifetimes. However, limited migration occurs in all regions. Some young birds disperse long distances and mountain birds move to lower elevations in winter. The House Sparrow is a very social bird and it is gregarious during all seasons when feeding, often forming flocks with other species of birds. It roosts communally in trees or shrubs, its nests are usually grouped together in clumps and it engages in social activities such as dust or water bathing and "social singing" in which birds call together in bushes. The House Sparrow can breed in the breeding season immediately following its hatching and sometimes it will attempt to do so. However, birds breeding for the first time are rarely successful in raising young and reproductive success increases with age as older birds breed earlier in the breeding season and fledge more young. The timing of mating and egg-laying varies geographically and between specific locations and years because a sufficient supply of insects is needed for egg formation and feeding nestlings. Males take up nesting sites before the breeding season by frequently calling beside them. Unmated males start nest construction and call particularly frequently to attract females. The House Sparrow is monogamous and typically mates for life but birds from pairs often engage in extra-pair copulations. Many birds do not find a nest and a mate and instead may serve as helpers around the nest for mated pairs, a role which increases the chances of being chosen to replace a lost mate. Lost mates of both sexes can be replaced quickly during the breeding season. The formation of a pair and the bond between the 2 birds is tied to the holding of a nest site. Nest sites are varied although cavities are preferred. Nests are most frequently built in the eaves and other crevices of houses. Holes in cliffs and banks or tree hollows are also used and sometimes a nest will be excavated in sandy banks or rotten branches. Especially in warmer areas, the House Sparrow may build its nest in the open, such as on the branches of trees or in the nests of large birds such as storks, although breeding success tends to be lower. The nest is usually domed although it may lack a roof in enclosed sites. It has an outer layer of stems and roots, a middle layer of dead grass and leaves and a lining of feathers as well as of paper and other soft materials. The building of the nest is initiated by the unmated male while displaying to females. The female assists in building but is less active than the male. The female House Sparrow usually lays 4 or 5 eggs although numbers from 1 to 10 have been recorded. At least 2 clutches are usually laid and up to 7 a year may be laid in the tropics or 4 a year in temperate latitudes. When fewer clutches are laid in a year, especially at higher latitudes, the number of eggs per clutch is greater. The female plays the main role in incubating the eggs. The male helps but can only cover the eggs rather than truly incubate them. The female spends the night incubating while the male roosts near the nest. Eggs hatch at the same time, after a short incubation period lasting 11 to 14 days. Young House Sparrows remain in the nest for 11 to 23 days but normally 14 to 16 days. During this time, they are fed by both parents. All the young leave the nest during the same period of a few hours. At this stage, they are normally able to fly. They start feeding themselves partly after 1 or 2 days and sustain themselves completely after 7 to 10 days. In adult House Sparrows, annual survival is 45% to 65%. After fledging and leaving the care of their parents, young House Sparrows have a high mortality rate which lessens as they grow older and more experienced. Only about 20 to 25% of birds hatched survive to their first breeding season. The oldest known wild House Sparrow lived for nearly 20 years and the oldest recorded captive House Sparrow lived for 23 years. The House Sparrow's main predators are cats and birds of prey but many other animals prey on them, including corvids, squirrels and even humans (it has been consumed in the past by people in many parts of the world and it still is in parts of the Mediterranean). As an adult, the House Sparrow mostly feeds on the seeds of grains and weeds but it is opportunistic and adaptable and eats whatever foods are available. In urban areas, it scavenges and feeds largely on food provided directly or indirectly by humans such as bread and leftover food. It will also eat some plant matter including buds, berries and fruits such as grapes and cherries. Animals form another important part of the diet, including beetles, caterpillars, flies, aphids, molluscs, crustaceans earthworms and even vertebrates such as lizards and frogs. Young House Sparrows are fed mostly on insects until about 15 days after hatching. They are also given small quantities of seeds and spiders. The House Sparrow has an extremely large range and population and is not seriously threatened by human activities so it is assessed as “Least Concern” by the IUCN. However, populations have been declining in many parts of the world. These declines were first noticed in north America but have been most severe in west Europe. In the UK, populations peaked in the early 1970s but have since declined by 70% overall and about 90% in some regions. Substantial declines have been noted in both rural and urban populations and the House Sparrow is designated as a “Red List” species. While the decline in England continues, Breeding Bird Survey data indicate recent population increases in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Various causes for the dramatic decreases in population have been suggested. A shortage of nesting sites caused by changes in urban building design is probably a factor together with an insufficient supply of insect food for nestlings arising from an increase of monoculture crops, the heavy use of pesticides and the replacement of native plants in cities with introduced plants and parking areas. Date: 12th May 2021 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38397299.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15608517125ce127a2a7e3e.jpgChaffinch The Chaffinch is a common UK resident bird and is a colourful member of the finch family. Chaffinches breed anywhere with trees and bushes, including coniferous and deciduous woodland, farmland hedgerows, parks and rural and suburban gardens. Date: 7th May 2019 Location: Weeting Heath NWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26025378.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11356480563741528bb4e.jpgFulmar The (Northern) Fulmar is a highly abundant seabird found primarily in subarctic regions of the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans. Though similar in appearance to gulls, the 2 species of fulmars (Northern and Southern) are in fact members of a different seabird family which include petrels and shearwaters. The Fulmar’s latin name, <i>Fulmarus glacialis</i> can be broken down to the Old Norse word <i>full</i> meaning "foul" and <i>mar</i> meaning "gull". "Foul-gull" is in reference to its stomach oil and also its superficial similarity to gulls. Finally, <i>glacialis</i> is Latin for "glacial" reflecting its extreme northern range. The Fulmar is generally grey and white with a pale yellow and thick bill and bluish legs. However there is both a light morph and a dark morph. Like other petrels, their walking ability is limited but they are strong fliers with a stiff wing action quite unlike the gulls. The Fulmar also looks bull-necked compared to gulls and it has a short stubby bill. The Fulmar is estimated to have between 15 to 30 million mature individuals that occupy a range of around 11 million square miles. Its range increased greatly last century due to the availability of fish offal from commercial fleets but may contract because of less food from this source and climate change. The population increase has been especially notable in the UK. The Fulmar starts breeding at between 6 and 12 years old. It is monogamous, forms long term pair bonds, returns to the same nest site year after year and nests in large colonies. The nest is a scrape on a grassy cliff ledge or a saucer of vegetation on the ground lined with softer material and recently they have started nesting on rooftops and buildings. The Fulmar feeds on shrimp, fish, squid, plankton, jellyfish and carrion as well as refuse. When eating fish, it will dive up to several feet deep to retrieve its prey. Date: 3rd June 2015 Location: Tjörnes peninsula/Öxarfjörður, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13657329.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14991503994ed36def182e1.jpgOtter The Eurasian Otter, also known as the European Otter, Eurasian River Otter, Common Otter and Old World Otter and commonly known as the Otter, is a semi-aquatic mammal and the most widely distributed member of the Otter sub-family of the Weasel family (Mustelidae). The Otter is a typical species of the Otter sub-family and is brown above and cream below. It is 22.5 to 37.5 inches long excluding a tail of 14 to 17.5 inches. The female is shorter than the male. The Otter's average body weight is 15 to 26 pounds, although occasionally a large old male may reach up to 37 pounds. The Otter differs from the North American River Otter by its shorter neck, broader face, the greater space between the ears and its longer tail. However, it is the only Otter species in much of its range so it is rarely confused for any other animal. The Otter is the most widely distributed Otter species and its range including parts of Asia and Africa as well as being widespread across Europe. The Otter can be found throughout most of the UK with the highest densities in Scotland, especially the islands and the north west coast, Wales, parts of East Anglia and the West Country. The Otter declined across its range in the second half of the 20th century primarily due to pollution, habitat loss and hunting. However, populations are now recovering in many parts of Europe. In the UK the number of sites with an Otter presence increased by 55% between 1994 and 2002. In August 2011, the Environment Agency announced that the Otter had returned to every county in England since vanishing from every county except the West Country and parts of Northern England. The recovery of the Otter population in Europe is due to a ban on the most harmful pesticides that has been in place since 1979, improvements in water quality leading to increases in prey populations and direct legal protection under the European Union Habitats Directive and national legislation in several European countries. In general, the Otter’s varied and adaptable diet means that it can be found on any unpolluted body of fresh water, including lakes, streams, rivers and ponds, as long as the food supply is adequate. It can also be found along the coast in salt water but it requires regular access to fresh water to clean its fur. When living in the sea it is sometimes referred to as a "Sea Otter" but it should not be confused with the true Sea Otter which is a North American species much more strongly adapted to a marine existence. The Otter's diet mainly consists of fish. However, during the winter and in colder environments, fish consumption is significantly lower and other sources of food are eaten including amphibians, crustaceans, insects, birds and small mammals. Hunting mainly takes place at night whilst the day is usually spent in the Otter's holt (den). The Otter is strongly territorial and is primarily solitary. An individual's territory may vary between 1 and 25 miles with the length of the territory depending on the density of food available and the width of the water suitable for hunting (it is shorter on coasts, where the available width is much wider and longer on narrower rivers). The Otter uses its spraints to mark its territory. Territories are only held against members of the same sex so those of males and females may overlap. The Otter is a non-seasonal breeder and males and females will breed at any time of the year. It has been found that their mating season is most likely determined simply by the Otters' reproductive maturity and physiological state. Female Otters are sexually mature between 18 and 24 months old and the average age of first breeding is found to be 2.5 years old. Gestation is 60 to 64 days and after the gestation period, 1 to 4 pups are born which remain dependent on the mother for about 13 months. The male plays no direct role in parental care although the territory of a female with her pups is usually entirely within that of the male. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45949048.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5193127356284b3f68e89f.jpgReed Bunting The Reed Bunting is a sparrow-sized but slimmer and with a long, deeply notched tail. The male has a black head, white collar and a drooping “moustache”. Females and winter males are browner and have a streaked head. In flight the tail looks black with broad, white edges. When singing, the male can usually be seen perched on top of a bush or reed. Reed Buntings can be found all year round in the UK, typically in areas of wet vegetation but also farmland and gardens in winter. Date: 25th April 2022 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082325.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8819573705d307bed3a6f2.jpgCormorants The (Great) Cormorant is a widespread member of the cormorant and shag family [i] Phalacrocoracidae[/i]. There is a wide variation in size in the species' wide range and males are typically larger and heavier than females. It has a predominantly black plumage but the adult has white patches on the thighs and throat and a yellow throat during the breeding season. In Europe it can be distinguished from the Shag by its larger size, heavier build, thicker bill, lack of a crest and plumage without any green tinge. The (Great) Cormorant is a very common and widespread bird and it breeds in much of the Old World and the Atlantic coast of north America. It feeds on the sea, in estuaries and on freshwater lakes and rivers. Northern birds migrate south and winter along any coast that is well-supplied with fish. The (Great) Cormorant is found around the UK coastline on rocky shores, coastal lagoons and estuaries and it is increasingly seen inland at reservoirs, lakes and gravel pits. The UK holds internationally important wintering numbers. The (Great) Cormorant mainly nests in colonies near wetlands, rivers and sheltered inshore waters. Pairs will use the same nest site to breed year after year. It builds its nest, which is made mainly from sticks, in trees, on the ledges of cliffs and on the ground on rocky islands that are free of predators. The female lays 3 to 5 eggs which are incubated for a period of about 28 to 31 days. The (Great) Cormorant feeds on fish caught through diving and it will consume all fish of appropriate size that they are able to catch. Many fishermen see the (Great) Cormorant a competitor for fish. Because of this, it was nearly hunted to extinction in the past. Due to conservation efforts, its numbers increased although this has once again brought it in to conflict with fisheries. In the UK, where inland breeding was once uncommon, there are now increasing numbers of birds and many inland fish farms and fisheries now claim to be suffering high losses. In the UK each year, some licences are issued to cull specified numbers in order to help reduce predation although it is still illegal to kill a bird without such a licence. Date: 22nd May 2018 Location: BSPB Poda Protected Area, Burgas Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/shelducks https://images.on-this.website/4752_1210629015559cf4821cad2.jpgShelducks The Shelduck is a mainly white duck, larger than a Mallard but smaller than geese such as Greylag and Canada Geese, and has a particularly prominent red bill, black-green head and chestnut and white upperparts. In flight, Shelducks look heavy and have slow-beating wings. Shelducks can be found all year round mainly in coastal areas although they can also be found around inland waters such as reservoirs and gravel pits. Date: 8th May 2015 Location: Evros Delta (east), East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/red-cuillins-skye https://images.on-this.website/4752_14148869854681c77b0c3c2.jpgRed Cuillins, Skye The Red Cuillin are located to the east of Glen Sligachan and are volcanic in origin. They take their colour from magma which has cooled slowly underground forming crystals which ultimately became speckled red granite. Through processes of uplift and erosion, this has resulted in rounded red granite mountains. On this particular day the Red Cuillin were very white rather than red! Date: February 2003 Location: view from Luib across Loch Ainort http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42202665.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10602304105ff3110c3d240.jpgBrown Bear cubs The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, Ursus arctos arctos. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an evening visit with [url=https://www.karhujenkatselu.fi/en-gb]Karhu-Kuusamo[/url] Date: 7th July 2019 Location: Kuntilampi, near Kuusamo, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23526644.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_126990314154ddc3f3b128b.jpgGrey Partridge The Grey Partridge, also known as the English Partridge, is a game bird in the pheasant family. It is a rotund bird, 11 to 13 inches in length, brown-backed, with grey flanks and chest and an orange face. The belly is white, usually marked with a large chestnut-brown horseshoe mark in males and also in some females. When disturbed, it flies a short distance with whirring wings and occasional glides and often calling. The Grey Partridge is widespread and common throughout much of its range and breeds on farmland across most of Europe in to west Asia. The nest is usually located in the margin of a cereal field where the hens lay up to 20 eggs. The Grey Partridge has also been introduced widely into Canada, the USA, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. It is a non-migratory terrestrial species and groups of up to 15 to 20 birds known as coveys are most usually seen outside the breeding season. In the UK, the Grey Partridge is traditionally found in lowland arable areas but although once very common and widespread, it has undergone a serious population decline throughout most of its range due to a loss of breeding habitat through the intensification of agriculture and possibly due to the loss of food supplies. Numbers have fallen by as much as 85% in the last 25 years and the species is now designated as a Red List species. The Grey Partridge is a seed-eating species but the young in particular take insects as an essential protein supply. During the first 10 days of life, the young can only digest insects. Date: 26th January 2015 Location: Flitcham, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/madzhovoro https://images.on-this.website/4752_17636821985d307d81932c9.jpgEgyptian Vulture mural, Madzharovo, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria Madzharovo is a small town situated on the River Arda in the eastern Rhodopes Mountains in south Bulgaria. It has a population of around 500, making it one of the smallest towns in the country. Madzharovo is located in the centre of a volcanic crater shaped over 35 million years ago and marked by a circle of hills to the west and cliffs to the east. The fields and woodlands, hills and cliffs and the River Arda give the town a perfect setting. However, the landscape is at odds with the drab and derelict town. As a result of the volcanic activity, the rocks around Madzharovo contain precious minerals and it is this natural wealth that determined the town's development during the Communist period as a zinc and lead mining centre. The cheap and functional flats in typical Communist era style were built to house the miners but were largely abandoned when the mines closed in the early 1990s. Around 80% of the flats are now abandoned and derelict and inevitably Madzharovo has fallen in to sharp decline and now appears almost like a ghost town. After industrial activity ceased, many initiatives have been undertaken to develop and promote nature and agro-tourism as a new source of income and Madzharovo is now the centre for nature tourism in the eastern Rhodopes Mountains. The Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB) has established a Nature Conservation Centre in Madzharovo which provides an exhibition, conducts educational programs and provides information for various routes and landmarks. It particularly focuses on the many birds of prey which can be found in the area, especially the 3 species of vulture (Griffon, Black and Egyptian). Date: 24th May 2018 Location: Madzharovo, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/canada-geese-and-goslings https://images.on-this.website/4752_11810694535ea6dfc653485.jpgCanada Geese and goslings The Canada Goose belongs to the Branta genus of geese which contains species with largely black plumage distinguishing it from the grey species of the genus Anser. The black head and neck with a white "chinstrap" distinguish the Canada Goose from all other goose species with the exception of the Cackling Goose from north America and the Barnacle Goose which has a black breast and grey rather than brownish body plumage. The 7 sub-species of the Canada Goose vary widely in size and plumage details but all are recognizable as Canada Geese. Of the "true geese" (i.e. the genera Anser, Branta or Chen), the Canada Goose is on average the largest living species. It ranges from 30 to 43 inches in length and with a 50 to 73 inches wingspan. The male usually weighs 5.7 to 14.3 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 8.6 pounds. The female looks virtually identical but is slightly lighter at 5.3 to 12.1 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 7.9 pounds. It is also generally 10% smaller in linear dimensions than the male. The Canada Goose is native to north America where it breeds in Canada and the north USA in a wide range of habitats. The Great Lakes region maintains a very large population. It occurs all year round in the southern part of its breeding range, including most of the eastern seaboard and the Pacific coast. Between California and South Carolina in the south USA and north Mexico, it is primarily present as a migrant from further north during the winter. Outside north America, the Canada Goose has reached north Europe naturally as has been proved by ringing recoveries. It has also been introduced in to Europe and had established populations in the UK in the middle of the 18th century, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany and Scandinavia. Most European populations are not migratory but those in more northerly parts of Sweden and Finland migrate to the North Sea and Baltic coasts. Semi-tame feral birds are common in parks and have become a pest in some areas. In the early 17th century, explorer Samuel de Champlain sent several pairs of Canada Geese to France as a present for King Louis XIII. Canada Geese were first introduced in to the UK in the late 17th century as an addition to King James II's waterfowl collection in St. James's Park. They were also introduced in to Germany and Scandinavia during the 20th century. During the second year of its life, the Canada Goose finds a mate. It is a monogamous species and most couples stay together all of their lives. If one dies, the other may find a new mate. The female lays from 2 to 9 eggs with an average of 5. Both parents protect the nest while the eggs incubate but the female spends more time at the nest than the male. The nest is usually located in an elevated area near water such as streams, lakes and ponds and the eggs are laid in a shallow depression lined with plant material and down. The incubation period, in which the female incubates the eggs while the male remains nearby, lasts for 24 to 28 days after laying. As soon as the goslings hatch, they are immediately capable of walking, swimming and finding their own food (a diet similar to the adults). Parents are often seen leading their goslings in a line, usually with one adult at the front and the other at the back. While protecting their goslings, parents often violently chase away anything from small birds to lone humans who approach, after warning them by giving off a hissing sound and then attacking with bites and slaps of the wings if the threat does not retreat. Although parents are hostile to unfamiliar geese, they may form groups (crèches) of a number of goslings and a few adults. The goslings enter the fledgling stage any time from 6 to 9 weeks of age. Once it reaches adulthood, due to its large size and often aggressive behaviour, the Canada Goose is rarely preyed on although prior injury may make it more vulnerable to natural predators. The lifespan in the wild of birds that survive to adulthood ranges from 10 to 24 years. The UK longevity record is held by a specimen tagged as a nestling which was observed alive at the age of 31. The Canada Goose is primarily a herbivore although it will sometimes eat small insects and fish. Their diet includes grasses, aquatic plants, beans and grains such as wheat, rice, and corn when they are available. In urban areas, it is also known to pick food out of rubbish bins and it will readily take a variety of food from humans in parks. Date: 26th April 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12081998.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11006898314e48e9c21fac0.jpgCommon Seals Common Seals feed at sea but regularly haul out on to rocky shores or inter-tidal sandbanks to rest, to give birth and to suckle their pups. The most important haul-out areas are around the coast of Scotland, particularly in the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland, and on the east coast of England in the Wash. Date: 7th September 2005 Location: Blakeney Point, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50931118.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7468460136627de724eefc.jpgMallards The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 21st April 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493316.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11100548485f326fe36b1ce.jpgAuk "raft", Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Hornøya is a small uninhabited island lying in the Barents Sea in Troms og Finnmark in the extreme north east of Norway. It lies just east of the larger island of Vardøya where the town of Vardø is located. The island is the easternmost point of Norway. Vardø Lighthouse is situated at the highest point of the island, at an elevation of 213 feet above sea level, and it protects the shipping lanes around the town of Vardø. Daily boat trips run to Hornøya between 1st March and 1st September from Vardø harbour offering the chance to spend several hours on the island. The seabird colony at Hornøya hosts approximately 100,000 seabirds of up to 11 breeding species. The cliffs are dominated by Common Guillemot, Razorbill, Puffin and Kittiwake. Around 500 pairs of Brünnich´s Guillemots, an auk distributed across the polar and sub-polar regions of the Northern Hemisphere, breed between the Common Guillemots. During the seabird breeding season, visitors to Hornøya have a good chance of seeing White-tailed Eagle and Gyrfalcon hunting along the cliffs. In addition to the huge number of birds, Hornøya is also a good location to see Atlantic Grey Seals, Orcas and occasionally Belugas. Hornøya is open to the public but, due to its status as a nature reserve, visitors must stay within the designated areas during the breeding season and it is forbidden to pick plants or disturb the wildlife of the island. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41187420.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8415819395ea6d3dc3880d.jpgBlue Tit The Blue Tit is a small passerine bird in the tit family. It is easily recognisable by its generally blue and yellow plumage and its small size. The Blue Tit is about 4.7 inches long with a wingspan of 7.1 inches. It has an azure blue crown and a dark blue line passing through the eye and encircling the white cheeks to the chin, giving the bird a very distinctive appearance. The forehead and a bar on the wing are white. The nape, wings and tail are blue and the back is yellowish green. The underparts are mostly sulphur-yellow with a dark line down the abdomen. The bill is black and the legs bluish grey. The sexes are similar whilst young birds are noticeably more yellow. The Blue Tit is very agile and it can cling to the outermost branches and hang upside down when searching for food such as insects, caterpillars and seeds. The Blue Tit can be found throughout areas of the European continent with a mainly temperate or Mediterranean climate and in parts of the Middle East. In the UK it is common in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens and widespread across the whole of the country with the exception of some Scottish islands. The Blue Tit will nest in any suitable hole in a tree, wall or stump, often competing with other birds such as the House Sparrow or Great Tit for the site. In addition, it will readily accept an artificial nesting box. The same hole is returned to year after year and when one pair dies another takes possession. The nesting material is usually moss, wool, hair and feathers and the eggs are laid in April or May. The number in the clutch is often very large but 7 or 8 is normal. It is not unusual for a single bird to feed the chicks in the nest at a rate of one feed every 90 seconds during the height of the breeding season. Successful breeding is dependent on a sufficient supply of caterpillars as well as satisfactory weather. Breeding may be affected badly if the weather is cold and wet between May and July, particularly if this coincides with the emergence of the caterpillars on which the nestlings are fed. The small size of the Blue Tit makes it vulnerable to predation by larger birds and the typical lifespan is 3 years or less. The most significant predator is probably the Sparrowhawk, closely followed by the domestic cat. Nests may also be robbed by mammals such as the Weasel and Red and Grey Squirrels. Date: 23rd April 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/brown-bears https://images.on-this.website/4752_19882477595ff31108322e8.jpgBrown Bears The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, Ursus arctos arctos. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an evening visit with [url=https://www.karhujenkatselu.fi/en-gb]Karhu-Kuusamo[/url] Date: 7th July 2019 Location: Kuntilampi, near Kuusamo, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/barnacle-geese-10 https://images.on-this.website/4752_14926291134b522aca2e1bb.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 3rd January 2010 Location: Southerness, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533495.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_212002174062ca8a8b9cd5c.jpgCommon Tern The Common Tern is a silvery-grey and white sea bird with a black cap, a black tipped red bill, red legs and long tail streamers. It has a buoyant, graceful flight and frequently hovers over water before plunging down for fish. The Common Tern breeds in colonies along coasts with shingle beaches and rocky islands, on rivers with shingle bars and at inland gravel pits and reservoirs. The Common Tern occurs throughout the summer, arriving in April and leaving in August and September. Date: 25th June 2022 Location: RSPB Minsmere, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42229317.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1008554746603e66cc5039e.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 5th February 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871745.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14504584454eff21a4dc0ed.jpgBrown Bear The Brown Bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and north America and (with the Polar Bear) it is the largest land-based predator on earth. The Brown Bear is recognized as a national and state animal in several European countries. It is Finland's national animal. There is little agreement on the classification of the Brown Bear because there are so many ways to name and group them. There are several recognized sub-species within the Brown Bear species. Some systems have proposed as many as 90 sub-species while recent DNA analysis has identified as few as 5 sub-species. One of the sub-species is the Eurasian Brown Bear, <i>Ursus arctos arctos</i>. The Brown Bear has long, thick fur with a moderately long mane at the back of the neck. It is not always "brown" and colour varies from dark brown (almost black) to cream (almost white) or yellowish brown. The size of the Brown Bear is variable and the typical size depends upon which population it is from. The Eurasian Brown Bear is typically smaller than other subspecies. Size also varies depending upon sex, age, individual and season. The normal range of physical dimensions for a Brown Bear is a head-and-body length of 4.6 to 9.2 feet and a shoulder height of 28 to 60 inches. Males are larger than females, typically weighing around 30% more. The tail is relatively short, ranging from 2.4 to 8.7 inches in length. Adults generally weigh between 220 and 1,400 pounds. They weigh the least when they emerge from hibernation in the spring and then reach peak weights when preparing for hibernation in the autumn when they often gorge on food. The Brown Bear has very large and curved claws, those present on the front limbs being longer than those on the hind limbs. They may reach 2.0 to 2.4 inches and sometimes 2.8 to 3.9 inches along the curve. The claws are blunt and, due to their claw structure in addition to their excessive weight, adult Brown Bears can not climb trees unlike the Black Bear. The paws of the Brown Bear are quite large and the rear feet of adults have been found to typically measure 8.3 to 14.2 inches long. The adult Brown Bear has a massive, heavily built concave skull which is large in proportion to the body and the forehead is high and rises steeply. It has very strong teeth: the incisors are relatively big and the canine teeth are large, the lower ones being strongly curved. The Brown Bear was once native to much of Asia, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Europe and north America but it is now extinct in some areas and its population has greatly decreased in other areas. There are approximately 200,000 Brown Bears left in the world. The largest populations are in Russia with 120,000, the USA with 32,500, and Canada with around 25,000. In Europe, there are 14,000 Brown Bears in fragmented populations from Spain in the west to Russia in the east and from Norway, Sweden and Finland in the north to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece in the south. The Brown Bear is extinct in the UK, extremely threatened in France and Spain and in decline over most of central Europe. The Brown Bear inhabits the broadest range of habitats of any living bear species. It seems to have no altitudinal preferences and it has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. In most of its range, the Brown Bear generally seems to prefer semi-open country with a scattering of vegetation that can allow them a resting spot during the day. However, it has been recorded as inhabiting every variety of northern temperate forest known to occur. In western Eurasia, the Brown Bear inhabits mostly mountainous woodlands, in ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus, although it may have been driven into more wooded, precipitous habitats due to the prior extensive persecution of the species in some regions. Desolate parts of northern and eastern Europe, such as in Scandinavia and the Carpathian Mountains, have always been quite heavily forested and have maintained relatively stable populations of Brown Bears, indicating that it is well-adapted to forest-dwelling. Although the Brown Bear is primarily nocturnal, it is frequently seen in the early morning and early evening hours. In summer through to autumn, it can double its weight, gaining up to 400 pounds of fat on which it relies to make it through winter when it becomes very lethargic. Although it is not a full hibernator and can be woken easily, the Brown Bear likes to den in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice or hollow log during the winter months. The Brown Bear is mostly solitary although it may gather in large numbers at major food sources and form social hierarchies based on age and size. Adult male Brown Bears are particularly aggressive and they are avoided by adolescent and sub-adult males. Female bears with cubs rival adult males in aggression and are more intolerant of other bears than single females. Young adolescent males tend to be the least aggressive and they have been observed in non-antagonistic interactions with each other. The Brown Bear usually occurs over a vast home range although it is not highly territorial. Several adult males often roam freely over the same area without issue unless rights to a fertile female or food sources are being contested. Males always cover a greater area than females each year and they will try to mate with as many females as they can (although females are not monogamous either). The mating season is from mid-May to early July and Brown Bears remain with the same mate from several days to a couple of weeks. Females mature sexually between the age of 4 and 8 years of age while males first mate about a year later on average when they are large and strong enough to successfully compete with other males for mating rights. Males take no part in raising their cubs and parenting is left entirely to the females. Through the process of delayed implantation, a female's fertilized egg divides and floats freely in the uterus for 6 months. During winter dormancy, the foetus attaches to the uterine wall. The cubs are born 8 weeks later while the mother sleeps. If the mother does not gain enough weight to survive through the winter, the embryo does not implant and it is reabsorbed into the body. The average litter size is 1 to 4 cubs but usually 2 cubs. There have been cases of Brown Bears with as many as 6 cubs. Older females tend to give birth to larger litters. The size of a litter also depends on factors such as geographic location and food supply. At birth, the cubs are blind, toothless, hairless and weigh less than 1 pound. They feed on their mother's milk until spring or even early summer. At this time, the cubs weigh 15 to 20 pounds and have developed enough to follow her and begin to forage for solid food. Cubs remain with their mother from 2 to 4 years, during which time they learn survival techniques such as which foods have the highest nutritional value and where to obtain them, how to hunt, fish, and defend themselves and where to den. The cubs learn by following and imitating their mother's actions during the period they are with her. The Brown Bear practices infanticide. An adult male Brown Bear may kill the cubs of another Brown Bear, either to make the female sexually receptive or simply for consumption. Cubs flee up a tree when they see a strange male Brown Bear and the mother often successfully defends them even though the male may be twice as heavy as she is. The Brown Bear is naturally a long-living animal. Wild females have been known to be able to reproduce at as old as 28 years of age. Males can commonly live to 25 years with the oldest female having been recorded as 37 years old. It can live to 48 years of age in captivity. Annual mortality for Brown Bears of any age is estimated at around 10% in most protected areas but in hunted populations an estimated average mortality rate of 38% is given. Human activity, principally legal or illegal hunting, is the leading cause of mortality. The Brown Bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and it has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear species. Throughout its life, the Brown Bear is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred. Diet varies enormously throughout their differing areas based on opportunity. The Brown Bear is capable of hunting and catching practically all forms of mammals large and small but despite its reputation it is not highly carnivorous and it can derive up to 90% of its dietary food energy from vegetable matter. It often feeds on a variety of plant life including berries, grasses, flowers, acorns and pine cones as well as fungi such as mushrooms. This photo was taken during an overnight stay in a Brown Bear watching hide at [url=http://www.martinselkonen.fi/index.php?id=1&la=en]Martinselkosen Eräkeskus[/url] Date: 1st June 2009 Location: Martinselkosen Eräkeskus, Pirttivaara, Kainuu, Finland <iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/10143012?autoplay=1" width="600" height="450" frameborder="0"></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/10143012">Brown Bears of Martinselkonen</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user3372484">Richard Chew</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>. Music: Jean Sibelius - Andante festivo<br /> </p> http://www.richardchewphotography.com/blackbird https://images.on-this.website/4752_2308521047ae1dde91a75.jpgBlackbird The Common Blackbird is a species of true thrush. It is also called Eurasian Blackbird (especially in North America in order to distinguish it from the unrelated New World blackbirds) or simply Blackbird where this does not lead to confusion with a similar-looking local species. The Blackbird’s name derives form 2 Latin words: <i>turdus</i> meaning “thrush” and <i>merula</i> meaning “blackbird”. It may not immediately be clear why the name "blackbird", first recorded in 1486, was applied to this species but not to one of the various other common black English birds, such as the Carrion Crow, Raven, Rook or Jackdaw. However, in Old English and in modern English up to about the 18th century, "bird" was used only for smaller or young birds and larger ones such as crows were called "fowl". At that time, the Blackbird was therefore the only widespread and conspicuous black bird in the UK. The Blackbird is around 9.25 to 11.5 inches in length including a long tail. The adult male has glossy black plumage, blackish-brown legs, a yellow eye-ring and an orange-yellow bill. The bill darkens somewhat in winter. The adult female is sooty-brown with a dull yellowish-brownish bill, a brownish-white throat and some weak mottling on the breast. The juvenile is similar to the female but has pale spots on the upperparts and the very young juvenile also has a speckled breast. Young birds vary in the shade of brown, with darker birds presumably males. The first year male resembles the adult male but has a dark bill and weaker eye ring and its folded wing is brown rather than black like the body plumage. The Blackbird breeds in temperate Eurasia, north Africa, the Canary Islands and south Asia. Populations are sedentary in the south and west of the range although northern birds migrate south as far as north Africa and tropical Asia in winter. Common over most of its range in woodland, the Blackbird has a preference for deciduous trees with dense undergrowth. However, gardens provide the most successful breeding habitat. It occurs up to around 3300 feet in Europe and is often replaced by the related Ring Ousel in areas of higher altitude. The Blackbird has an extensive range and a large population which is generally stable or increasing. However, there have been local declines, especially on farmland, which may be due to agricultural policies that encouraged farmers to remove hedgerows (which provide nesting places) and to drain damp grassland and increase the use of pesticides, both of which could have reduced the availability of invertebrate food. The Blackbird may commence breeding in March when the breeding pair prospect for a suitable nest site in a creeper or bush, favouring evergreen or thorny species such as ivy, holly, hawthorn, honeysuckle or pyracantha. Sometimes they will nest in sheds or outbuildings where a ledge or cavity is used. The cup-shaped nest is made with grasses, leaves and other vegetation and bound together with mud. It is built by the female alone. The nest is often ill-concealed compared with those of other species and many breeding attempts fail due to predation. The female lays 3 to 5 (average 4) bluish-green eggs marked with reddish-brown blotches which are incubated for 12 to 14 days before the chicks are hatched naked and blind. Fledging takes another 10 to 19 (average 13.6) days, with both parents feeding the young. The young are fed by the parents for up to 3 weeks after leaving the nest and they will follow the adults begging for food. If the female starts another nest, the male alone will feed the fledged young. Second broods are common with the female reusing the same nest if the brood was successful. The first-year male Blackbird may start singing as early as late January in fine weather in order to establish a territory, followed in late March by the adult male. The male's song is a varied and melodious low-pitched fluted warble which is given from trees, rooftops or other elevated perches mainly in the period from March to June and sometimes into the beginning of July. During the winter, the Blackbird can be heard quietly singing to itself, so much so that September and October are the only months which the song cannot be heard. The Blackbird is omnivorous, eating a wide range of insects, earthworms, seeds and berries. It feeds mainly on the ground, running and hopping with a start-stop-start progress. It pulls earthworms from the soil, usually finding them by sight but sometimes by hearing, and roots through leaf litter for other invertebrates. Small amphibians and lizards are occasionally hunted. The Blackbird will also perch in bushes to take berries and collect caterpillars and other active insects. Animal prey predominates and this is particularly important during the breeding season with windfall apples and berries taken more in the autumn and winter. Near human habitation the main predator of the Blackbird is the domestic cat, with newly fledged young especially vulnerable. Foxes and predatory birds, such as the Sparrowhawk, also predate the Blackbird when the opportunity arises. Eggs and chicks are also taken by corvids, such as the Magpie or Jay. Date: 29th December 2007 Location: Bough Beech, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813387.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11683291505d0dde9a81e49.jpgRazorbill The Razorbill is a seabird and a member of the auk family which also includes the Common Guillemot, Brunnich's Guillemot and Little Auk. It is also the closest living relative to the Great Auk which is now extinct. The Razorbill has white underparts and a black head, neck, back and feet during the breeding season. A thin white line also extends from the eyes to the end of the bill. Its head is darker than that of the CommonGuillemot. Outside the breeding season, the throat and face behind the eye become white and the white line on the face becomes less prominent. The thick black bill has a blunt end. The adult male and female female are very much alike having only small differences such as wing length. The Razorbill has a horizontal stance and the tail feathers are slightly longer in the centre in comparison to other auks making it have a distinctly long tail which is not common for an auk. The Razorbill is distributed across the sub-arctic and boreal waters of the north Atlantic where water surface temperature are typically below 15°c. The world population is estimated to be less than 1 million breeding pairs, making it among the rarest auks in the world. Approximately 60 to 70% of the entire Razorbill population breeds in Iceland., including over 200,000 pairs at Látrabjarg. The breeding habitat is islands, rocky shores and cliffs on north Atlantic coasts, in eastern North America as far south as Maine and in western Europe from north west Russia to northern France. Eurasian birds winter at sea with some moving south as far as the western Mediterranean. North American birds migrate offshore and south. The Razorbill is a colonial breeder and only comes to land to breed. Individuals only breed at 3 to 5 years of age. Females select their mate and will often encourage competition between males before choosing a partner. Once a male is chosen, the pair will usually stay together for life. Nest site determination is very important to ensure protection of young from predators. Unlike Common Guillemots, nest sites are not immediately alongside the sea on open cliff ledges but at least 4 to 6 inches away in crevices on cliffs or among boulders. Generally a nest is not built although some pairs often use their bills to drag material upon which to lay their single egg. The mating pair will often reuse the same site every year. The Razorbill feeds mainly on schooling fish and crustaceans and it will dive deep into the sea using its wings and its streamlined body to propel itself toward their prey. Whilst diving, it rarely stays in groups but instead spreads out to feed. The majority of feeding occurs at a depth of about 80 feet but it has the ability to dive up to 400 feet below the surface. During a single dive the Razorbill can capture and swallow many schooling fish depending on their size. The Razorbill spends approximately 45% of its time foraging at sea and it may well fly more than 60 miles out to sea to feed. However, when feeding chicks it will forage much closer to the nesting grounds and often in shallower water. The Razorbill and its eggs and chicks have several predators which include Great Black-backed Gulls, Peregrines, Ravens and other crows, Arctic Foxes and Polar Bears. In the early 20th century, Razorbills were harvested for their eggs, meat and feathers and this greatly decreased their population. In 1917 they were finally protected which reduced hunting. Other current threats include oil pollution, unintentional bycatch arising from commercial fishing and overfishing which decreases the abundance of prey. Date: 10th June 2019 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/beinn-alligin-wester-ross https://images.on-this.website/4752_16743374064e0975b3b2220.jpgBeinn Alligin, Wester Ross Height: Sgurr Mhor 3231 feet and Tom na Gruagaich 3018 feet. The Torridon area, consisting of Loch Torridon, Upper Loch Torridon and Loch Shieldaig, is situated on the west coast of Scotland in Wester Ross. The magnificent mountains here such as Liathach and Beinn Alligin are some of the highest in the UK, rising in places almost vertically to 3500 feet from the deep sea lochs. Date: 11th June 2011 Location: view from the A896 road between Torridon and Shieldaig http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13656997.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10745928394ed3690e9e866.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the [i]Canidae[/i] family and is a part of the order [i]Carnivora[/i] within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533679.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_171799334162ca8fc2866ac.jpgFour-spotted Chaser Flight period: mid May to end August. Four-spotted Chasers are a common and widespread species of dragonfly throughout most of the UK. They can be found around sheltered lowland lakes and ponds and around acidic moorland bogs and sheltered upland lakes. Date: 26th June 2022 Location: RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14185419.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16550717574f42332f740da.jpgGatekeeper Flight period: mid-July to early September. The Gatekeeper or Hedge Brown is common and widespread throughout the southern half of the UK. They can be found in areas with hedgerows or in scrubby woodland with wide and sunny rides. Date: 12th August 2007 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5325512.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13426604654c1dc6f68717b.jpgHerring Gull Herring Gulls are large, noisy gulls and can be found throughout the year around coasts. During winter they can also be found inland around rubbish tips, fields, large reservoirs and lakes. Herring Gulls usually breed in colonies at coastal sites around the UK including cliffs with grassy slopes, shingle beaches, small islands and rooftops in seaside towns. Date: 13th June 2010 Location: Aldeburgh, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51333223.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16367423766676e09e08330.jpgAzure Damselfly Flight period: May to August The Azure Damselfly is one of the two commonest blue damselflies and is a common and widespread species of lowland UK. They can be found around most standing water, preferring small, sheltered sites including ditches and garden ponds. Date: 14th June 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533675.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_87165227662ca8fba51ba5.jpgBlack-tailed Skimmer Flight period: May to August. The Black-tailed Skimmer is a common dragonfly in south east England and it is expanding its range northwards. They can be found around lowland lakes, ponds, sand and gravel workings, slow flowing rivers and brackish water. Date: 26th June 2022 Location: RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41352883.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12370255935f2151fb1f386.jpgPeacock Flight period: March to September. The Peacock is a familiar and widespread butterfly which is continuing to expand its range in the UK. It is a highly adaptable species that can be found almost anywhere but the best sites are where favoured nectar plants are available. Date: 20th July 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21955275.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_151326344953da0ee6b68d1.jpgCommon Guillemots The Common Guillemot, also known as the Common Murre or Thin-billed Murre, is a large species of auk. The auks are a family of seabirds which includes the Brunnich's Guillemot or Thick-billed Murre, Razorbill, Little Auk and the extinct Great Auk. The Common Guillemot is 15 to 18 inches in length with a 24 to 29 inches wingspan. In breeding plumage, it is black or dark brown on the head, back and wings with white underparts. It has a thin dark pointed bill and a small rounded dark tail. Legs are grey and the bill is dark grey. Males and females are identical. Some individuals in the North Atlantic, known as "Bridled Guillemots", have a white ring around the eye extending back as a white line. This is not a distinct subspecies but a polymorphism that becomes more common the farther north the birds breed. The Common Guillemot flies with fast wing beats and has a flight speed of around 50 mph. Groups of birds are often seen flying together in a line just above the surface of the sea. However, it is not a very agile bird and take-off is often difficult. The Common Guillemot becomes flightless for 45 to 60 days while moulting its primary feathers. The Common Guillemot is a pursuit diver that forages for food by swimming underwater using its wings for propulsion. Dives usually last less than one minute but the bird swims underwater for distances of over 100 feet on a regular basis. Diving depths up to 590 feet have been recorded. The Common Guillemot has a circumpolar distribution and it occurs in low Arctic and boreal waters in the north Atlantic and north Pacific. It spends most of its time at sea and only comes to land to breed on rocky cliffs, sea stacks and islands. Some birds are permanent residents but northern birds migrate south to open waters off New England, southern California, Japan, Korea and the western Mediterranean. The Common Guillemot breeds in colonies at high densities and nesting pairs may be in bodily contact with their neighbours. No nest is made and the single egg is laid and incubated on a bare rock ledge on a cliff face. The egg hatches after 30 days incubation and the chick is born downy and can regulate its body temperature after 10 days. Some 20 days after hatching the chick jumps off its nesting ledge and heads for the sea unable to fly but gliding for some distance with fluttering wings and accompanied by its male parent. The chicks are capable of diving as soon as they hit the water. The female stays at the nest site for some 14 days after the chick has left. The Common Guillemot can venture far from its breeding grounds to forage and distances of 60 miles or more are often observed although if sufficient food is available closer by, birds will only travel much shorter distances. It mainly eats small schooling fish 8 inches long or less such as Polar Cod, Capelin, Sand Lances, Sprats, Sandeels, Atlantic Cod and Atlantic Herring. It also eats some molluscs, marine worms, squid and crustaceans. It is often seen carrying fish in its bill with the tail hanging out. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: view from the Farne Islands boat trip from Seahouses Harbour, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28883587.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_206741274057cc0452d5c00.jpgLahemaa National Park, Estonia Lahemaa National Park was established in 1971 and was the first area to be designated as a National Park of the former Soviet Union. It is located about 40 miles east of Tallinn with the Gulf of Finland to the north and the Tallinn to Narva road to the south. It covers an area of 280 square miles including almost 100 square miles of sea and it is the largest National Park in Estonia. Forest covers around 70% of the Lahemaa National Park and much of the remainder includes raised bogs. The area is rich in flora and fauna including a population of Wolves, Brown Bears and Lynx. Date: 19th May 2016 Location: Altja, Lahemaa National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43623033.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21081785486117d2faa8108.jpgFulmar The (Northern) Fulmar is a highly abundant seabird found primarily in subarctic regions of the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans. Though similar in appearance to gulls, the 2 species of fulmars (Northern and Southern) are in fact members of a different seabird family which include petrels and shearwaters. The Fulmar’s latin name, Fulmarus glacialis can be broken down to the Old Norse word full meaning "foul" and mar meaning "gull". "Foul-gull" is in reference to its stomach oil and also its superficial similarity to gulls. Finally, glacialis is Latin for "glacial" reflecting its extreme northern range. The Fulmar is generally grey and white with a pale yellow and thick bill and bluish legs. However there is both a light morph and a dark morph. Like other petrels, their walking ability is limited but they are strong fliers with a stiff wing action quite unlike the gulls. The Fulmar also looks bull-necked compared to gulls and it has a short stubby bill. The Fulmar is estimated to have between 15 to 30 million mature individuals that occupy a range of around 11 million square miles. Its range increased greatly last century due to the availability of fish offal from commercial fleets but may contract because of less food from this source and climate change. The population increase has been especially notable in the UK. The Fulmar starts breeding at between 6 and 12 years old. It is monogamous, forms long term pair bonds, returns to the same nest site year after year and nests in large colonies. The nest is a scrape on a grassy cliff ledge or a saucer of vegetation on the ground lined with softer material and recently they have started nesting on rooftops and buildings. The Fulmar feeds on shrimp, fish, squid, plankton, jellyfish and carrion as well as refuse. When eating fish, it will dive up to several feet deep to retrieve its prey. Date: 4th July 2021 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493314.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12923425695f326fd816cf7.jpgVardø, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Vardø is a town and municipality in Troms og Finnmark in the extreme north east of Norway. It is the eastern most town in Vardø is a town and municipality in Troms og Finnmark in the extreme north east of Norway. It is the eastern most town in Norway and the Nordic countries, located at 31°E, which is east of Saint Petersburg, Kiev and Istanbul. The town of Vardø is located on the island of Vardøya at the mouth of the Varangerfjord but the municipality includes significant area on the mainland of the Varanger peninsula including part of the Varangerhalvøya National Park in the south west. The mountain Domen lies overlooks Vardøya and Vardø. The island of Vardøya is surrounded by a few smaller islands including the bird reserve of Hornøya. The island of Vardøya is connected to the mainland via the undersea Vardø Tunnel (Norway's first such structure). Vardø Airport and the village and port of Svartnes are on the mainland opposite the tunnel entrance. Vardø is a port of call on Norway's Hurtigruten ferry service and it is the northern termination of European route E75 which starts in Sitia in Crete. Vardø has a long settlement history before it was granted status as a town in 1789. Several stone-age sites as well as sites dating from the Sami Iron Age are known on the island. In the Medieval period, Vardø's importance grew as a result of it being the easternmost stronghold of the then-expanding Norwegian royal power. A church was built in Vardø in 1307 and the first fortress was established at about the same time. Even if the presence of the fortress and King's bailiff gave Vardø a certain degree of permanence and stability not experienced by other fishing communities in Finnmark, the town's size and importance waxed and waned with the changing fortunes of the fisheries. After 1850, the town saw a marked expansion. The fisheries grew in importance as did trade with Russia's White Sea region. However, during World War 2, with Norway occupied by the Germans, Vardø was heavily bombed by Allied forces, principally Russian, and most of the town centre was destroyed and the population was evacuated. After the war, the town was completely reconstructed but older, traditional houses survived in the periphery. From 1995 to 2017, the population of Vardø shrank by 50 percent to just over 2000 people, primarily as a result of the collapse of the fisheries. Since 1998, Vardø has housed a radar installation called Globus II. Its official purpose is the tracking of space junk but, due to the site's proximity to Russia and an alleged connection between the Globus II system and US anti-missile systems, the site has been the basis for heated controversy in diplomatic and intelligence circles. In May 2017, work to lay a new electric cable from the Norwegian mainland to the island began. The additional electricity is needed to power an American-funded radar system about 40 miles from Russia's Kola Peninsula, a territory studded with high-security naval bases and restricted military zones. The secrecy surrounding the radar systems has spawned fears that officials are covering up health hazards and other possible dangers. The electromagnetic pulses the current radar system emits interfere with television and radio reception and some residents have blamed them for a rash of miscarriages and cancer cases in a civilian district next to the fenced-in security zone. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: view from Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41539279.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14726650315f3e4b077a536.jpgHoyholmen, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Date: 5th July 2019 Location: view from road Fv890 at Hoyholmen, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405546.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6780540836586f7de029d5.jpgGreat Northern Diver The Great Northern Diver is the largest of the UK's divers with a bigger, heavier head and bill than its commoner relatives. The Great Northern Diver is largely a winter visitor to the UK coast although some non-breeding birds stay off northern coasts in the summer. They start to arrive offshore in August and birds move back to their largely Icelandic breeding grounds in April and May. The largest numbers can be found off the northern and western islands of Scotland. Date: 8th December 2023 Location: Great Notley Country Park, Braintree, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493256.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8356254905f326f1c65c62.jpgPuffins The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39081928.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7958548155d30779855ec8.jpgGolden Jackal The Golden Jackal is a canid within the family [i]Canidae[/i] which includes the South American canids, the fox-like canids and the wolf-like canids. Within the wolf-like canids is the jackal group which includes the 3 jackals: the Golden Jackal, the Black-backed Jackal and the Side-striped Jackal. These 3 species are approximately the same size, possess similar dental and skeletal morphology and are identified from each other primarily by their coat colour. The Golden Jackal is similar to the Grey Wolf but it is distinguished by its smaller size, lighter weight, more elongated torso, less prominent forehead, shorter legs and tail and a muzzle that is narrower and more pointed. The legs are long in relation to its body and the feet are slender with small pads. Males measure 28 to 33 inches in body length and females 27 to 29 inches. Males weigh 13 to 31 pounds and females 15 to 24 pounds. The shoulder height is 18 to 20 inches for both. In comparison, the smallest wolf is the Arabian Wolf which weighs on average 44 pounds. The fur of the Golden Jackal is coarse and relatively short with the base colour golden but varying seasonally from a pale creamy yellow to a dark tawny. The fur on the back is composed of a mixture of black, brown and white hairs, sometimes giving the appearance of the dark saddle like that seen on the Black-backed Jackal. The underparts are a light pale ginger to cream colour. Individuals can be distinguished by their unique light markings on the throat and chest. The coats of Golden Jackals from high elevations tend to be more buff-coloured than those of their lowland counterparts while those of Golden Jackals in rocky and mountainous areas may exhibit a greyer shade. The bushy tail has a tan to black tip. Melanism can cause a dark-coloured coat in some Golden Jackals. The Golden Jackal moults twice a year in spring and in autumn. The spring moult starts in the middle of February to as late as the middle of March and lasts for around 60 days. The spring moult commences with the head and limbs, extends to the flanks, chest, belly and rump, and ends at the tail. Fur on the underparts is absent. The autumn moult occurs from mid-September with the shedding of the summer fur and the growth of the winter fur. The development of the autumn coat starts with the rump and tail and spreads to the back, flanks, belly, chest, limbs and head with full winter fur being attained at the end of November. The Golden Jackal is native to south east Europe, south west Asia, south Asia and parts of south east Asia. The current European range mostly encompasses the Balkan region where habitat loss and mass poisoning caused it to become extinct in many areas during the 1960s with core populations only occurring in scattered regions such as Strandja in south east Bulgaria, the Dalmatian coast of Croatia, the Macedonian region of north Greece and the Peloponnese peninsula in south Greece. It recolonised its former territories in Bulgaria during the early 1960s when a large increase arose from the replacement of natural forests with dense scrub, an increase in animal carcasses from state game farms, reductions in wolf populations and the abandonment of poisoning campaigns. Bulgaria now has the largest population in Europe. It subsequently expanded its range into Romania and Serbia and thereafter in to Italy, Slovenia, Austria, Hungary and Slovakia during the 1980s. The Golden Jackal is continuing to expand beyond south east Europe in to central Europe by occupying areas where there are few or no wolves. Recently, an isolated Golden Jackal population was confirmed in west Estonia, much further north than the principal range. Whether this is an introduced population or a natural migration is unknown. To the east, the Golden Jackal’s range extends through Turkey, Syria, Iraq, Iran, central Asia and the entire Indian sub-continent and then east and south to Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand and parts of Indochina. The Golden Jackal is listed as “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List due to its widespread distribution and with it being common throughout its range and with high densities in those areas where food and shelter are abundant. In Europe, the Golden Jackal is not listed under the 1973 Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora nor the 1979 Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals. It does fall under various international legal instruments. These include the 1979 Berne Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats, the 1992 Convention on Biological Diversity and the 1992 European Union Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora. The Council Directive provides both guidance and limits on what participating governments can do when responding to the arrival of expanding Golden Jackals. These legislative instruments aim to contribute to conserving native wildlife although some governments argue that the Golden Jackal is not native wildlife but an invading species. The Golden Jackal's omnivorous diet allows it to eat a large range of foods and this diet, together with its tolerance of dry conditions, enables it to live in different habitats. It is both a predator and a scavenger and an omnivorous and opportunistic forager with a diet that varies according to its habitat and the season. The Golden Jackal often hunts or forages alone, sometimes in pairs but rarely in a pack. When hunting alone, it trots around an area and occasionally stops to sniff and listen. Once prey is located, it conceals itself, quickly approaches its prey and then pounces on it. When hunting in pairs or packs, Golden Jackals run parallel to their prey and overtake it in unison. The peak times for hunting and foraging are the early morning and the late evening. The Golden Jackal exhibits flexible social organization depending on the availability of food. The breeding pair is the basic social unit and they are sometimes accompanied by their current litter of pups. Family groups of up to 4 to 5 individuals have been recorded. The hunting ranges of several Golden Jackals can overlap. Individuals can travel up to around 10 miles during a single night in search of either food or more suitable habitat. Non-breeding members of a pack may stay near a distant food source, such as a carcass, for up to several days before returning to their home range. Home range sizes can vary between 0.4 to 7.75 square miles depending on the available food supply. Social interactions such as greetings, grooming and group howling are common in the Golden Jackal. Howling is more frequent between December and April when pair bonds are being formed and breeding occurs suggesting that howling has a role in the delineation of territory and for defence. Adults howl standing and the young or subordinates howl sitting. The Golden Jackal is easily induced to howl and a single howl may solicit replies from several others in the vicinity. Howling begins with 2 to 3 low-pitched calls that rise to high-pitched calls. The howl consists of a wail repeated 3 to 4 times on an ascending scale followed by 3 short yelps. The Golden Jackal typically howls at dawn and in the evening. Social canids such as jackals, wolves and coyotes readily respond to human imitations of their howls. The Golden Jackal is monogamous and it will remain with the one partner until death. Females have only one breeding cycle each year with the mating period lasting up to 26 to 28 days. Females are often pursued by several males that may quarrel among themselves. Mating results in a copulatory tie that lasts for several minutes as it does with all other canids. Gestation lasts 63 days and the timing of the births coincides with the annual abundance of food. In Europe, pups are generally born from late March to late April. The number of pups born in a single litter varies geographically but usually ranges from 3 to 8. The pups are born with closed eyes that open after 8 to 11 days with the ears erecting after 10 to 13 days. Their teeth erupt at 11 days after birth and the eruption of adult dentition is completed after 5 months. Pups are born with soft fur that ranges in colour from light grey to dark brown. At the age of 1 month, the fur is shed and replaced with a new reddish-coloured pelt with black speckles. Females possess 4 pairs of teats and lactation lasts for up to 8 to 10 weeks. The pups begin to eat meat at the age of 15 to 20 days. Once the lactation period concludes, the female drives off the pups. Pups born late remain with their mother until early autumn at which time they leave either singly or in groups of 2 to 4 individuals. Females reach sexual maturity after 10 to 11 months and males at 21 to 22 months. Date: 16th May 2018 Location: Vetren, Silistra Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/hoyholmen-varanger-peninsula-troms-og https://images.on-this.website/4752_1491892735f3e4aafa7bb7.jpgHoyholmen, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Date: 5th July 2019 Location: view from road 890 at Hoyholmen, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41392941.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8631728495f26c0719f692.jpgGatekeeper Flight period: mid-July to early September. The Gatekeeper or Hedge Brown is common and widespread throughout the southern half of the UK. They can be found in areas with hedgerows or in scrubby woodland with wide and sunny rides. Date: 30th July 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/river-ribble-north-yorkshire https://images.on-this.website/4752_1578027162467f1c08b18cc.jpgRiver Ribble, North Yorkshire The upper reaches of the River Ribble flow through Ribblesdale in the Yorkshire Dales National Park surrounded by the peaks of Ingleborough and Pen-y-Ghent. Date: 10th April 2006 Location: view from the bridge at Horton-in-Ribblesdale http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48483000.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_848603027640a40039507b.jpgBullfinch The male Bullfinch is unmistakable with a bright pinkish-red breast and cheeks, grey back, black cap and tail and bright white rump. The flash of the rump in flight and the sad call note are usually the first signs of Bullfinches being present. Bullfinches can be found throughout most of the UK but their localised and declining populations make it a Red List species. Bullfinches can be seen all the year round and breed in broad-leaved woodland, thickets, hedgerows, orchards and mature gardens. Date: 1st February 2023 Location: Sculthorpe Moor, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42082971.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16535697175faa5c852f8f7.jpgGreen Woodpecker The (European) Green Woodpecker is a large green woodpecker species. There are 3 sub-species with subtle differences between them whilst the Iberian Green Woodpecker found in Spain and Portugal and the Levaillant's Woodpecker found in north west Africa were formerly considered as sub-species but are now treated as separate species based on the results of studies published in 2011 The Green Woodpecker measures 12 to 14 inches in length with a 18 to 20 inches wingspan. Both sexes are green above and pale yellowish green below with a yellow rump and red crown and nape. The moustachial stripe has a red centre in the male but is solid black in the female. The lores and around the white eye are black in both male and female. Juveniles are spotty and streaked all over with a dark moustachial stripe initially although juvenile males can show some red feathers by early June or usually by July or August. Although the Green Woodpecker is shy and wary, it is usually its loud calls known as “yaffling” which first draw attention. Unlike many other woodpecker species, it rarely “drums” but often gives noisy calls while flying. The flight is undulating with 3 to 4 wingbeats followed by a short glide when the wings are held by the body. More than 75% of the range of the Green Woodpecker is in Europe although it is absent from the extreme north and east and also from Ireland, Greenland and the Macaronesian islands. Otherwise it is distributed widely with over 50% of the European population thought to be in France and Germany with substantial numbers also in the UK. It also occurs in west Asia. The Green Woodpecker is highly sedentary and individuals rarely move far from where they were born. The Green Woodpecker is generally found in semi-open landscapes with small woodlands, hedges, scattered old trees, edges of forests and floodplain forests. Suitable habitats for feeding include grassland, heaths, plantations, orchards and lawns. The Green Woodpecker is the largest of the 3 woodpecker species that breed in the UK. It can be found all year round and it is mainly a lowland species that breeds in open deciduous woodland, parks, orchards and farmland in England, Wales and Scotland although it is absent from the far north and west of the UK. The nest hole of the Green Woodpecker is larger but similar to those of other woodpecker species. It may be a few feet above the ground or at the top of a tall tree. Oaks, beeches, willows, aspens and fruit trees are the preferred nest trees. The hole may be excavated in sound or rotten wood with an entrance hole of 2.5 to 3 inches. The cavity inside may be up to 16 inches deep and excavation work is performed mostly by the male over 15 to 30 days. Some tree holes are used for breeding for more than 10 years but not necessarily by the same pair. The female lays 4 to 6 eggs and, after the last egg is laid, they are incubated for 19 to 20 days by both parents. The chicks fledge 21 to 24 days after hatching. The Green Woodpecker's diet consists primarily of various ant species and it spends much of its time foraging on the ground in grassland areas where the availability of ant nests is high. At ant nests, it probes into the ground and licks up adult ants and their larvae with its long tongue that wraps up and around the back of its head. Other insects and small reptiles are also taken occasionally. Date: 26th October 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/sandfjord-varanger-peninsula-troms-og https://images.on-this.website/4752_21122262015f3e4bb0b2b56.jpgSandfjord, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Date: 5th July 2019 Location: view from road Fv890 between Kongsfjord and Berlevåg, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/gednje-varanger-peninsula-troms-og https://images.on-this.website/4752_15337531865f4d1dd12739b.jpgGednje, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Gednje is located at the road intersection between the 890 and 891 roads to Berlevåg and Båtsfjord. This upland area includes many lakes, pools and bogs which hold a wide range of Arctic species. Date: 6th July 2019 Location: Gednje, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13683341.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12554754304ed730727195d.jpgPolecat The Polecat is a member of the Mustelid group of mammals which also includes the Weasel, Stoat, Otter and Pine Marten. It has blackish guard hairs and yellow underfur on the body giving a “black and tan” appearance, a “bandit” face with a pale muzzle, ear tips and eyebrows and a broad dark band around the eyes, darker legs and belly and a short fluffy tail. The Polecat is found throughout Wales, the Midlands and parts of central southern England and is spreading steadily from these areas. There are isolated populations in Cumbria and Caithness which probably result from unofficial releases. At one time the Polecat was widespread throughout the UK but it was nearly exterminated by 1915. They have never occurred in Ireland or on the outer islands of Scotland. Although it occurs in a wide range of habitats, the Polecat prefers lowland areas. When it was confined to Wales, valleys and farms were favoured, but as it has spread out into England, farmland with hedgerows and small woods are preferred. Polecat dens are commonly in rabbit burrows, especially in summer, but they frequently move into farmyards in winter when they may den in hay bales, under sheds and in rubbish tips. This change of habitat reflects their changing diet through the year. In summer, Rabbits are a major food and the Polecat is slender enough to hunt them within their burrows. In winter, Brown Rats become a favoured food and sites like farmyards and rubbish tips that have good populations become more usual habitats. The Polecat does however kill a wide range of prey. Frogs may be important in spring, when they have gathered to spawn, and birds may also be taken. Polecats have lived up to 14 years in captivity but in the wild most probably die before they are 5 years old. In addition to its protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, the Polecat was added to the list of UK BAP (Biodiveristy Action Plan) mammals in 2007and protected as a species of principal importance for the conservation of biological diversity in England. Until the 19th Century, the Polecat was found throughout much of mainland UK and the Isle of Wight. Habitat fragmentation, persecution by gamekeepers and being killed for their fur drastically reduced this distribution. The Polecat population was reduced to about 5,000 but is now more than 46,000. One worrying problem is the extent to which they might suffer from secondary poisoning from rodenticides. Brown Rats are commonly killed by anticoagulant poisons when they infest homes and farms but there is an evident risk to Polecats from eating sick, dying rats. It is not known how serious this might be at the level of the Polecat population. As they spread further into England, the increasing density of roads and road traffic is also a threat and seems to be slowing the Polecat’s spread into both northern and south east England. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41539346.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12064302975f3e4bb674cf1.jpgSandfjord, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Date: 5th July 2019 Location: view from road Fv890 between Kongsfjord and Berlevåg, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14247106.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8818740804f4e048f92030.jpgRed Fox The Red Fox is a member of the [i]Canidae[/i] family and is a part of the order [i]Carnivora[/i] within the class of mammals. Canids include domestic dogs and the various species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and wild dogs. The Red Fox is the most widely distributed and populous canid in the world. It occurs across Europe including the UK, in Africa north of the Sahara Desert, throughout Asia apart from extreme south east Asia and across north America apart from most of the south west United States and Mexico. It is absent in Iceland, Greenland, Arctic islands, the most northern parts of central Siberia and in extreme deserts. It is not present in New Zealand but it became established across Australia through successive introductions by settlers in the 1830s in the British colonies of Van Diemen's Land (as early as 1833) and the Port Phillip District of New South Wales (as early as 1845) for the purpose of the traditional English sport of fox hunting. The Red Fox is a remarkably resourceful animal and it is able to cope in a very wide range of different environmental conditions from sub-tropical regions to icy tundra. It can be found in almost every habitat: sea cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes, peat bogs, high mountains, woodland and farmland and it is particularly abundant in urban areas. In the UK, where there are no longer any other native wild canids, the Red Fox is usually referred to simply as the Fox. A male Red Fox is called a dog whilst a female is called a vixen. A young Red Fox is called either a cub, kit or pup. A group of Red Foxes is called a “skulk”. The Red Fox has a typical head and body length of 2 to 3 feet and it can reach 5.5 feet including the tail. In the UK, the average weight of an adult male is around 14 pounds whilst adult females are around 12 pounds. The global range for adults is 6.5 to 35 pounds. The largest confirmed specimen was a dog Red Fox which was shot on a farm near Aberdeen in Scotland in 2012 which weighed 38 pounds 1 ounce. Larger animals weighing 41 pounds or more have been reported but remain unverified. As the name suggests, the Red Fox generally has rusty reddish-brown fur but the colour of the fur can be highly variable and this can give rise to black, white, silver or cross morphs. The long, bushy tail, known as a brush or sweep, is often tipped with white fur, the backs of the ears are black as are part of the legs and the underparts are white. The eyes are amber. It has a slender muzzle with white fur on the top lip and some individuals have black tear marks. The Red Fox lacks the facial muscles necessary to bare its teeth unlike most other canids. There is very little sexual dimorphism in the Red Fox (i.e. the sexes look very similar) but males are on average larger than females with broader heads and longer and narrower snouts than females as they age. During the breeding season the cream-coloured scrotum of the male is descended whilst females with young cubs will often have bald stomachs and enlarged teats. The Red Fox has strong legs which allows it to reach speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, a great benefit to catching prey or escaping from predators. The Red Fox is mainly carnivorous but it is generally classed as an omnivore. It feeds mainly on small rodents such as mice, voles and rabbits. However, it will also eat birds, insects, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, blackberries, plums and molluscs and crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. It is opportunistic and will eat almost anything it finds including carrion and human rubbish. The Red Fox is a skilled hunter and is able to sprint, turn and jump with surprising ease for a dog. With its acute sense of hearing, it can locate small mammals in thick grass and it is able to jump high in the air to pounce on its prey. Surplus food is buried and stored (cached) in shallow holes. This resourcefulness is one of the main reasons that it has been able to populate urban areas with great success. The Red Fox is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal being most active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. It has a tendency to be more nocturnal in areas of great human interference. It can sometimes be seen diurnally lying in thick vegetation or patrolling territories. Diurnal activity may also be more common in cub-rearing months in more rural areas. The Red Fox is generally solitary with each individual claiming its own territory and it usually pairs up only during the winter. It can occur in family groups where resources allow such as in urban areas. When in groups, family members may help care for subsequent litters (guard, feed and play with cubs) but subordinates rarely breed. Territories may be as large as 20 square miles but in habitats with abundant food sources they can be much smaller and typically less than 5 square miles. In urban areas, territories can be less than 1 square mile. Territories are often composed of 2 areas: a larger home range area containing a smaller core area. Home ranges may overlap with neighbours but core areas do not and they are violently defended against interlopers. Several dens or earths are utilised within these territories. These may be newly dug out or claimed from other Red Foxes or other mammals. A larger main den is used for winter living, birthing and rearing of young whereas smaller dens are dispersed throughout the territory for emergency and food storage purposes. A series of tunnels often connects the smaller dens with the main den. Socially, the Red Fox communicates with body language and a variety of vocalisations. It also communicates with scent, marking food and territorial boundary lines with urine and faeces. The mating season for the Red Fox is December to February when the vixen can be heard at night uttering her eerie, high pitched scream. Red Foxes primarily form monogamous pairs each winter. The pair stay together to act as parents to the new born cubs after a gestation period of between 51 and 53 days. An average litter of 4 to 6 cubs are born each year from March to late April. Cubs are born blind and the adult female remains with them in a den for 2 to 3 weeks when they are fed by the male. The cubs’ eyes open in about 2 weeks and they take their first exploratory steps out of the den by 5 weeks in early May. By 8 to 10 weeks they are fully weaned. The cubs are independent by 3 to 5 months but usually remain with their mother until September when they disperse at approximately 8 to 10 months old to find territories and mates of their own. Males are more prone to dispersal than females. The oldest (captive) Red Fox was almost 24 years old. Typically, however, the Red Fox lives for only 2 years, especially in urban areas, although more generally a range of 2 to 8 years can be expected. The upper limit in the wild is generally 6 or 8 years. The Red Fox is not under threat in any of its range due to the ability to cope well around humans and its resourcefulness and it is not considered to be endangered. It is hunted for sport throughout much of range although this seems to have little impact on overall numbers. Many are killed by cars in urban areas and mange has decreased numbers in some areas recently. Predators of adults in most of the UK are non-existent (potentially the Golden Eagle in Scotland) although cubs may fall victim to various predators such as birds of prey and other carnivores. Humans have a long history with the Red Fox. Some regard it as nothing more than chicken-stealing vermin to be exterminated whilst others see it as a beautiful and fascinating addition to the native fauna of many countries around the world. It is one of the few mammals seeming to thrive in an increasingly developed and polluted world. Love it or hate it, the Red Fox has an important role to play in our terrestrial ecosystems. Standing defiant against centuries of almost limitless human persecution, the Red Fox's history and relationship with humans seems set to continue for generations to come. Date: 25th February 2012 Location: Rye Meads RSPB reserve, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41623209.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8386580415f4d1f533799a.jpgSandfjord, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Date: 6th July 2019 Location: view from road Fv890 between Kongsfjord and Berlevåg, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41623322.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16251027885f4d2060703fc.jpgSandfjord, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Date: 6th July 2019 Location: view from road Fv890 between Kongsfjord and Berlevåg, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41623131.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15950303655f4d1e6613a48.jpgVaranger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Date: 6th July 2019 Location: view from road Fv890 between Kongsfjord and Berlevåg, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41539278.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_289954765f3e4ac0f3fd0.jpgHoyholmen, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Date: 5th July 2019 Location: view from road Fv890 at Hoyholmen, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13657262.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13851001454ed36be285565.jpgWater Vole The Water Vole is found throughout the UK although it is less common on higher ground. It is infrequently recorded from parts of northern Scotland and is absent in Ireland. Water Voles are legally protected in the UK and recent evidence suggests that they have undergone a long term decline. On current trends it is predicted that they may eventually disappear from 94% of their former sites. The shocking decline in both the range and numbers of the Water Vole is due to a number of factors. The large-scale loss and fragmentation of sensitive waterside habitats due to riverbank modification, drainage and flood defence works has been an important factor as has the pollution of waterways and poisoning by rodenticides. Perhaps the most serious threat facing the Water Vole is predation by the introduced American Mink. Water Voles are sometimes confused with Brown Rats which often also live near water courses. They are sometimes called "the water rat" which is the origin of the Water Vole’s fame as "Ratty" from Kenneth Grahame's book “The Wind in the Willows”. Prime Water Vole sites are found along densely vegetated banks of slow flowing rivers, ditches, lakes and marshes where water is present throughout the year. Water Voles are herbivores and feed on a huge variety of waterside vegetation, consuming 80% of their body weight each day. They excavate extensive burrow systems into the banks of waterways and have sleeping/nest chambers at various levels in the steepest parts of the bank. Burrows usually have underwater entrances to provide a secure route for escape if danger threatens. Water Voles usually have 3 or 4 litters a year depending on the weather. In mild springs the first of these can be born in March or April although cold conditions can delay breeding until May or even June. There are about 5 young in a litter and these are born below ground in a nest made from suitable vegetation such as grasses and rushes. Young water voles grow quickly and are weaned at 14 days. On average, Water Voles only live about 5 months in the wild. Their most important predators are Mink and Stoats although Grey Herons, Barn Owls, Brown Rats and Pike are also known to take them. Date: 16th September, 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493302.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10191503395f326fb3df426.jpgRazorbill The Razorbill is a seabird and a member of the auk family which also includes the Common Guillemot, Brunnich's Guillemot and Little Auk. It is also the closest living relative to the Great Auk which is now extinct. The Razorbill has white underparts and a black head, neck, back and feet during the breeding season. A thin white line also extends from the eyes to the end of the bill. Its head is darker than that of the CommonGuillemot. Outside the breeding season, the throat and face behind the eye become white and the white line on the face becomes less prominent. The thick black bill has a blunt end. The adult male and female female are very much alike having only small differences such as wing length. The Razorbill has a horizontal stance and the tail feathers are slightly longer in the centre in comparison to other auks making it have a distinctly long tail which is not common for an auk. The Razorbill is distributed across the sub-arctic and boreal waters of the north Atlantic where water surface temperature are typically below 15°c. The world population is estimated to be less than 1 million breeding pairs, making it among the rarest auks in the world. Approximately 60 to 70% of the entire Razorbill population breeds in Iceland., including over 200,000 pairs at Látrabjarg. The breeding habitat is islands, rocky shores and cliffs on north Atlantic coasts, in eastern North America as far south as Maine and in western Europe from north west Russia to northern France. Eurasian birds winter at sea with some moving south as far as the western Mediterranean. North American birds migrate offshore and south. The Razorbill is a colonial breeder and only comes to land to breed. Individuals only breed at 3 to 5 years of age. Females select their mate and will often encourage competition between males before choosing a partner. Once a male is chosen, the pair will usually stay together for life. Nest site determination is very important to ensure protection of young from predators. Unlike Common Guillemots, nest sites are not immediately alongside the sea on open cliff ledges but at least 4 to 6 inches away in crevices on cliffs or among boulders. Generally a nest is not built although some pairs often use their bills to drag material upon which to lay their single egg. The mating pair will often reuse the same site every year. The Razorbill feeds mainly on schooling fish and crustaceans and it will dive deep into the sea using its wings and its streamlined body to propel itself toward their prey. Whilst diving, it rarely stays in groups but instead spreads out to feed. The majority of feeding occurs at a depth of about 80 feet but it has the ability to dive up to 400 feet below the surface. During a single dive the Razorbill can capture and swallow many schooling fish depending on their size. The Razorbill spends approximately 45% of its time foraging at sea and it may well fly more than 60 miles out to sea to feed. However, when feeding chicks it will forage much closer to the nesting grounds and often in shallower water. The Razorbill and its eggs and chicks have several predators which include Great Black-backed Gulls, Peregrines, Ravens and other crows, Arctic Foxes and Polar Bears. In the early 20th century, Razorbills were harvested for their eggs, meat and feathers and this greatly decreased their population. In 1917 they were finally protected which reduced hunting. Other current threats include oil pollution, unintentional bycatch arising from commercial fishing and overfishing which decreases the abundance of prey. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/july-2022-large-skipper https://images.on-this.website/4752_1052510524635e60fadb32f.jpgJuly 2022 - Large Skipper Please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46535139.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21808726.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_106069063553c78e9b97a6f.jpgCommon Seal Common Seals feed at sea but regularly haul out on to rocky shores or inter-tidal sandbanks to rest, to give birth and to suckle their pups. The most important haul-out areas are around the coast of Scotland, particularly in the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland, and on the east coast of England in the Wash. Date: 14th July 2014 Location: Blakeney Point, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52698933.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9946383967b0c28991323.jpgBlue Tit The Blue Tit is a small passerine bird in the tit family. It is easily recognisable by its generally blue and yellow plumage and its small size. The Blue Tit is about 4.7 inches long with a wingspan of 7.1 inches. It has an azure blue crown and a dark blue line passing through the eye and encircling the white cheeks to the chin, giving the bird a very distinctive appearance. The forehead and a bar on the wing are white. The nape, wings and tail are blue and the back is yellowish green. The underparts are mostly sulphur-yellow with a dark line down the abdomen. The bill is black and the legs bluish grey. The sexes are similar whilst young birds are noticeably more yellow. The Blue Tit is very agile and it can cling to the outermost branches and hang upside down when searching for food such as insects, caterpillars and seeds. The Blue Tit can be found throughout areas of the European continent with a mainly temperate or Mediterranean climate and in parts of the Middle East. In the UK it is common in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens and widespread across the whole of the country with the exception of some Scottish islands. The Blue Tit will nest in any suitable hole in a tree, wall or stump, often competing with other birds such as the House Sparrow or Great Tit for the site. In addition, it will readily accept an artificial nesting box. The same hole is returned to year after year and when one pair dies another takes possession. The nesting material is usually moss, wool, hair and feathers and the eggs are laid in April or May. The number in the clutch is often very large but 7 or 8 is normal. It is not unusual for a single bird to feed the chicks in the nest at a rate of one feed every 90 seconds during the height of the breeding season. Successful breeding is dependent on a sufficient supply of caterpillars as well as satisfactory weather. Breeding may be affected badly if the weather is cold and wet between May and July, particularly if this coincides with the emergence of the caterpillars on which the nestlings are fed. The small size of the Blue Tit makes it vulnerable to predation by larger birds and the typical lifespan is 3 years or less. The most significant predator is probably the Sparrowhawk, closely followed by the domestic cat. Nests may also be robbed by mammals such as the Weasel and Red and Grey Squirrels. Date: 30th January 2025 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41225581.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19205681365eda0133cf14e.jpgLarge Red Damselfly Flight period: April to August The Large Red Damselfly is one of the three most widespread dragonflies in the UK and one of the first to emerge in spring. They can be found in most wetland habitats from acidic moorland bog pools to brackish ditches but they avoid fast flowing waters. Date: 25th May 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51335116.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19859481066676e612d66d2.jpgCommon Blue Damselfly Flight period: early May to end September. As the name suggests, the Common Blue Damselfly is one of the commonest species in the UK. They can be confused with other blue damselflies, particularly since the markings on this species are rather variable. Common Blue Damselflies are found across most of the UK and are probably the most widespread member of the "blue" damselflies. They can be found around open lakes and ponds, along river and canal banks and streams, provided there is plenty of bankside vegetation. Date: 21st June 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405537.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2920973986586f7a142350.jpgGreat Northern Diver The Great Northern Diver is the largest of the UK's divers with a bigger, heavier head and bill than its commoner relatives. The Great Northern Diver is largely a winter visitor to the UK coast although some non-breeding birds stay off northern coasts in the summer. They start to arrive offshore in August and birds move back to their largely Icelandic breeding grounds in April and May. The largest numbers can be found off the northern and western islands of Scotland. Date: 8th December 2023 Location: Great Notley Country Park, Braintree, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52698389.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14043817267b0be4bb09f1.jpgKnot The Knot is a dumpy, short-legged, stocky wading bird. In winter, the Knot is grey above and white below but in summer the chest, belly and face are brick red, hence the name Red Knot in north America. The Knot breeds in the tundra areas of the far Arctic north of Europe, Russia and Canada. During migration periods, it can be seen on tidal flats, rocky shores and beaches. The Knot undertakes one of the longest migrations of any bird flying from their Arctic breeding grounds to the coasts and estuaries of Europe, Africa and Australia where they spend the winter. During winter, the Knot forms large, wheeling flocks that contain in excess of 100,000 birds. Date: 29th January 2025 Location: EWT Two Tree Island, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/river-morar-highland https://images.on-this.website/4752_1595734378560fb6b276624.jpgRiver Morar, Highland The River Morar, located between Arisaig and Mallaig, is an estuarial river that flows from the Morar Dam at the western end of Loch Morar to the sea at Morar Bay less than a half-mile to the west making it one of the shortest rivers in Scotland. The River Morar is crossed by 3 bridges: one carrying the A830 road from Fort William to Mallaig, an older bridge for the B8008 coastal road and one for the West Highland Line railway. Date: 24th September 2015 Location: view from the B8008 coastal road http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23408464.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_167775382354c20c0c511af.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 3rd January 2015 Location: Mersehead RSPB reserve, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23526647.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_213186433554ddc422176fd.jpgDark-bellied Brent Geese The Brent Goose belongs to the [I]Branta[/I] genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the [I]Anser[/I] genus of grey geese. [I]Branta[/I] is a Latinised form of Old Norse [I]brandgás[/I], meaning "burnt (black) goose", and [i]bernicla[/i] is the medieval Latin name for the barnacle. The Brent Goose and the similar Barnacle Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be the same creature as the crustacean, a myth that can be dated back to at least the 12th century. The Brent Goose, [I]Branta bernicla[/I] is divided into 3 sub-species: Dark-bellied Brent Goose [I]B. b. bernicla[/I], Pale-bellied Brent Goose [i]B. b. hrota[/i] (sometimes also known as Light-bellied Brent Goose) and Black Brant [i]B. b. nigricans[/i]. Some DNA evidence suggests that these forms are genetically distinct and a split into 3 separate species has been proposed. However, other evidence upholds their maintenance as a single species. The Brent Goose is a small goose, 22 to 26 inches long with a wingspan of 42 to 48 inches. The under-tail is pure white and the tail black and very short (the shortest of any goose). The Dark-bellied Brent Goose is fairly uniformly dark grey-brown all over and the flanks and belly are not significantly paler than the back. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds on the Arctic coasts of central and west Siberia and winters in west Europe with over half the population in south England and the rest between north Germany and north west France. The Pale-bellied Brent Goose appears blackish-brown and light grey in colour and the flanks and belly are significantly paler than the back and present a marked contrast. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds in Franz Josef Land, Svalbard, Greenland and north east Canada and winters in Denmark, north east England, Ireland and the Atlantic coast of the USA from Maine to Georgia as well as in a small but significant area in north France. The Black Brant appears blackish-brown and white in colour. This sub-species is very contrastingly black and white with a uniformly dark sooty-brown back, similarly-coloured underparts (with the dark colour extending furthest back of the 3 sub-species) and a prominent white flank patch. It also has a larger white neck patch which forms an almost complete collar. It breeds in north west Canada, Alaska and east Siberia and winters mostly on the west coast of north America from south Alaska to California but also in east Asia, mainly Japan. It sometimes appears as a vagrant in Europe when it associates with the other Brent Goose species. The Brent Goose used to be a strictly coastal bird in winter, seldom leaving tidal estuaries where it feeds on eel-grass and seaweed. In recent decades, it has started using agricultural land a short distance inland, feeding extensively on grass and winter-sown cereals. This may be behaviour learned by following other species of geese. Food resource pressure may also be important in forcing this change since the world population increased over 10-fold by the mid-1980s, possibly reaching the carrying capacity of the estuaries. In the breeding season, the Brent Goose uses low-lying wet coastal tundra for both breeding and feeding. The nest is bowl-shaped, lined with grass and down and located in an elevated position often near a small pond. The Brent Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds applies. Date: 26th January 2015 Location: Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/common-snipe https://images.on-this.website/4752_7042848204cd5724f39477.jpgCommon Snipe The Common Snipe is a medium sized, skulking wading bird with short legs and a long straight bill. Both sexes are mottled brown above with paler buff stripes on the back, dark streaks on the chest and pale underparts. The Common Snipe breeds in marshes, bogs, tundra and wet meadows throughout northern Europe and northern Asia. It is a migratory bird, with European birds wintering in southern and western Europe and Africa. Date: 10th September 2010 Location: Villafáfila, Castille y Leon, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30825701.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_82026087058f3498debf461.14659753.jpgBlack-headed Gulls The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 9th April 2017 Location: EWT Blue House Farm, North Fambridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/namafjall-geothermal-field-north-east https://images.on-this.website/4752_9833203055637224179ecd.jpgNamafjall geothermal field, north east Iceland The Namafjall geothermal field is located in north east Iceland to the east of Lake Mývatn and to the south of the Krafla volcano. At the foothills of this spectacular volcanic mountain with various strange hues is an expanse of hot springs, steaming fumaroles, mud pools and mud pots called Hveraröndor Hverir. Date: 3rd June 2015 Location: view from road 1 east of Lake Mývatn http://www.richardchewphotography.com/petkula-bog-finland https://images.on-this.website/4752_1866365124eff20985404f.jpgMidnight sun at Petkula Bog, Lappi, Finland Date: 28th May 2009 Location: Petkula Bog, north of Sodankylä, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813376.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3703078565d0dde6344ae9.jpgFulmars The (Northern) Fulmar is a highly abundant seabird found primarily in subarctic regions of the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans. Though similar in appearance to gulls, the 2 species of fulmars (Northern and Southern) are in fact members of a different seabird family which include petrels and shearwaters. The Fulmar’s latin name, Fulmarus glacialis can be broken down to the Old Norse word full meaning "foul" and mar meaning "gull". "Foul-gull" is in reference to its stomach oil and also its superficial similarity to gulls. Finally, glacialis is Latin for "glacial" reflecting its extreme northern range. The Fulmar is generally grey and white with a pale yellow and thick bill and bluish legs. However there is both a light morph and a dark morph. Like other petrels, their walking ability is limited but they are strong fliers with a stiff wing action quite unlike the gulls. The Fulmar also looks bull-necked compared to gulls and it has a short stubby bill. The Fulmar is estimated to have between 15 to 30 million mature individuals that occupy a range of around 11 million square miles. Its range increased greatly last century due to the availability of fish offal from commercial fleets but may contract because of less food from this source and climate change. The population increase has been especially notable in the UK. The Fulmar starts breeding at between 6 and 12 years old. It is monogamous, forms long term pair bonds, returns to the same nest site year after year and nests in large colonies. The nest is a scrape on a grassy cliff ledge or a saucer of vegetation on the ground lined with softer material and recently they have started nesting on rooftops and buildings. The Fulmar feeds on shrimp, fish, squid, plankton, jellyfish and carrion as well as refuse. When eating fish, it will dive up to several feet deep to retrieve its prey. Date: 10th June 2019 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847583.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_125745669359bd5371f14cf.jpgMorské oko, Vihorlat Mountains, Košice region, Slovakia Morské oko (literally Sea Eye) is the largest lake in the Vihorlat Mountains (Vihorlatské vrchy) in eastern Slovakia and the third largest natural lake in Slovakia after the Štrbské pleso lake and the Veľké Hincovo pleso lake in the High Tatras. It is situated at 2027 feet high with a maximum length of 0.47 miles and a maximum width of 0.19 miles. It covers an area of 0.05 square miles and has a maximum depth of 82 feet. Morské oko has been designated as a wider National Nature Reserve covering 0.42 square miles since 1984 and it is part of the Vihorlat Protected Landscape Area within the Vihorlat Mountains. There is a walking trail around the lake but recreational activities such as fishing, swimming and boating are prohibited. Morské oko contains many species of fish, of which the most numerous is the European Chub. The Vihorlat Mountains (Vihorlatské vrchy) are a volcanic mountain range in eastern Slovakia and western Ukraine. They form part of the Inner Eastern Carpathian Mountains. The Slovakian section is 34 miles long and up to 9 miles wide. The highest peak is Vihorlat at 3530 feet and the largest lake is Morské oko. It is a mountainous and mostly forested area with a predominance of beech and forests in addition to hornbeam, ash, maple and some conifers. Arable land and unused pastures and meadows can be found in the non-forested and foothill areas. The middle part of the Vihorlat Mountains in the Humenné, Sobrance and Snina districts was designated as the Vihorlat Protected Landscape Area in December 1973 and they were also designated a Special Protection Area in April 2010. Kyjovský prales, a primeval beech forest in the Vihorlat Mountains, was designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in June 2007. Date: 2nd June 2017 Location: Morské oko, Vihorlat Mountains, Košice region, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo22527633.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1305981964542280e16f550.jpgSanna Bay, Ardnamurchan, Highland The small settlement of Sanna lies 6 miles north west of Kilchoan, close to the tip of the Ardnamurchan Peninsula. Sanna Bay lies between Sanna Point to the north and Ardnamurchan Point to the south and is dominated by impressive sand dunes, beautiful white shell sand bays and a stunning turquoise sea. It is one of the most beautiful beaches in Scotland. From Sanna Point there are superb views, extending from the islands of Eigg and Rhum to the north with Skye beyond, round to Ardnamurchan Point and its lighthouse to the south west and the island of Coll beyond that. The Western Isles can be seen to the north west but due west there is nothing but sea until the continent of North America is reached. Date: 9th September 2014 Location: view from Sanna Bay http://www.richardchewphotography.com/tutfed-duck https://images.on-this.website/4752_11687700186643254410f91.jpgTutfed Duck The Tufted Duck is a small diving duck. The adult male is all black except for white flanks and a blue-grey bill. It has an obvious head tuft that gives the species its name. The adult female is brown with paler flanks and is more easily confused with other diving ducks. In particular, some have white around the bill base which resembles the Scaup although the white is never as extensive as in that species. The Tufted Duck breeds widely throughout temperate and northern Eurasia. It occasionally can be found as a winter visitor along both coasts of the United States and Canada. It is migratory in most of its range and winters in the milder south and west of Europe and southern Asia where large flocks form on open water. The Tufted Duck breeds close to marshes and lakes with plenty of vegetation to conceal the nest. It is also found on coastal lagoons and sheltered ponds. The Tufted Duck feeds mainly by diving for molluscs, aquatic insects and aquatic plants. Date: 2nd May 2024 Location: RSPB Minsmere, Suffolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/gjksen-bear-den-pasvikdalen-troms https://images.on-this.website/4752_1202439705f10b90acaf8d.jpgGjøkåsen bear den, Pasvikdalen, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Date: 30th June 2019 Location: Gjøkåsen, Pasvikdalen, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41254065.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7024396055f059e2f39ae9.jpgm/s J.L. Runeberg at Porvoo, Uusimaa, Finland The city of Porvoo can be easily reached by a main road from Helsinki in about 50 minutes but also by a much more leisurely 3.5 hour trip on the steamship m/s J. L. Runeberg along the Porvoonjoki river, the coast and through the Helsinki Archipelago. The m/s J.L. Runeberg was built in Helsinki in 1912. Originally she sailed under the name s/s Helsingfors Skärgård (”Helsinki Archipelago”). In the beginning this steamer cruised west from Helsinki to Porkkala but in the 1930’s the name was changed to s/s J.L. Runeberg and the ship cruised to Porvoo for the first time. Date: 26th June 2019 Location: m/s J.L. Runeberg at Porvoo harbour, Uusimaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24901263.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_161465682255a4c8a31543a.jpgChaffinch The Chaffinch is a common UK resident bird and is a colorful member of the finch family. Chaffinches breed anywhere with trees and bushes, including coniferous and deciduous woodland, farmland hedgerows, parks and rural and suburban gardens. Date: 21st June 2015 Location: Loch of the Lowes SWT reserve, Dunkeld, Perthshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645475.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_84802699551e3ceb6a05af.jpgWhinchat The Whinchat is similar in size to its relative the Robin. Both sexes have brownish upperparts mottled darker, a buff throat and breast, a pale buff to whitish belly and a blackish tail with white bases to the outer tail feathers. The male in breeding plumage has blackish face mask almost encircled by a strong white supercilium and malar stripe, a bright orange-buff throat and breast and small white wing patches. The female is duller overall, in particular having browner face mask, pale buffy-brown breast, and a buff supercilium and malar stripe and smaller or no white wing patches. Males in immature and winter plumage and are similar to females. The Whinchat is a fairly common migratory species in Europe and western Asia with birds arriving at their breeding grounds between the end of April and mid May and departing between mid August and mid September. They winter primarily in tropical sub-Saharan Africa with small numbers also in north west Africa. Date: 21st May 2013 Location: Biebrza area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51980682.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_152906736766d3344e56a71.jpgLarge Skipper Flight period: June to July. The Large Skipper is a small golden butterfly which is widespread throughout England and Wales and it is also extending its range northwards in to southern Scotland. They can be found in areas of tall, uncut grassland, woodland rides, roadside verges and hedgerows. Date: 29th June 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7950402.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2246107254d03ce4a8d5f6.jpgChaffinch The Chaffinch is a common UK resident bird and is a colorful member of the finch family. Chaffinches breed anywhere with trees and bushes, including coniferous and deciduous woodland, farmland hedgerows, parks and rural and suburban gardens. Date: 1st November 2010 Location: Fairburn Ings RSPB reserve, South Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26891963.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15925624356e7d61366c69.jpgChaffinch The Chaffinch is a common UK resident bird and is a colourful member of the finch family. Chaffinches breed anywhere with trees and bushes, including coniferous and deciduous woodland, farmland hedgerows, parks and rural and suburban gardens. Date: 28th February 2016 Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874862.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1695089435561cd046c6f54.jpgGullfoss, south Iceland Gullfoss (Icelandic: "Golden Falls") is a waterfall located in the canyon of the Hvítá river in south west Iceland. The wide Hvítá river rushes southward from the Hvítávatn glacier lake at the Lángjökull glacier about 25 miles north of Gullfoss. Less than a mile above Gullfoss the river turns sharply to the right and flows down into a wide curved three-step "staircase" and then abruptly plunges in 2 stages (36 feet and 69 feet) into a crevice 105 feet deep. The crevice, about 66 feet wide and 1.5 miles in length, extends perpendicular to the flow of the river. The average amount of water running over Gullfoss is 260 to 460 cubic feet per second but the highest flood measured was 6500 cubic feet per second. During the first half of the 20th century and some years into the late 20th century, there was much speculation about using Gullfoss to generate electricity. During this period, Gullfoss was rented indirectly by its owners to foreign investors. However, the investors' attempts were unsuccessful and Gullfoss was later sold to the state of Iceland and is now protected. Gullfoss is popular with tourists and, together with the Haukadalur geothermal area, usually referred to as Geysir, and Þingvellir, it is part of a group of the most famous sights of Iceland known as the "Golden Circle". Date: 7th June 2015 Location: view from the trail from the visitor centre at Gullfoss http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21958195.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_87162778353da448fa97a1.jpgCommon Guillemots The Common Guillemot, also known as the Common Murre or Thin-billed Murre, is a large species of auk. The auks are a family of seabirds which includes the Brunnich's Guillemot or Thick-billed Murre, Razorbill, Little Auk and the extinct Great Auk. The Common Guillemot is 15 to 18 inches in length with a 24 to 29 inches wingspan. In breeding plumage, it is black or dark brown on the head, back and wings with white underparts. It has a thin dark pointed bill and a small rounded dark tail. Legs are grey and the bill is dark grey. Males and females are identical. Some individuals in the North Atlantic, known as "Bridled Guillemots", have a white ring around the eye extending back as a white line. This is not a distinct subspecies but a polymorphism that becomes more common the farther north the birds breed. The Common Guillemot flies with fast wing beats and has a flight speed of around 50 mph. Groups of birds are often seen flying together in a line just above the surface of the sea. However, it is not a very agile bird and take-off is often difficult. The Common Guillemot becomes flightless for 45 to 60 days while moulting its primary feathers. The Common Guillemot is a pursuit diver that forages for food by swimming underwater using its wings for propulsion. Dives usually last less than one minute but the bird swims underwater for distances of over 100 feet on a regular basis. Diving depths up to 590 feet have been recorded. The Common Guillemot has a circumpolar distribution and it occurs in low Arctic and boreal waters in the north Atlantic and north Pacific. It spends most of its time at sea and only comes to land to breed on rocky cliffs, sea stacks and islands. Some birds are permanent residents but northern birds migrate south to open waters off New England, southern California, Japan, Korea and the western Mediterranean. The Common Guillemot breeds in colonies at high densities and nesting pairs may be in bodily contact with their neighbours. No nest is made and the single egg is laid and incubated on a bare rock ledge on a cliff face. The egg hatches after 30 days incubation and the chick is born downy and can regulate its body temperature after 10 days. Some 20 days after hatching the chick jumps off its nesting ledge and heads for the sea unable to fly but gliding for some distance with fluttering wings and accompanied by its male parent. The chicks are capable of diving as soon as they hit the water. The female stays at the nest site for some 14 days after the chick has left. The Common Guillemot can venture far from its breeding grounds to forage and distances of 60 miles or more are often observed although if sufficient food is available closer by, birds will only travel much shorter distances. It mainly eats small schooling fish 8 inches long or less such as Polar Cod, Capelin, Sand Lances, Sprats, Sandeels, Atlantic Cod and Atlantic Herring. It also eats some molluscs, marine worms, squid and crustaceans. It is often seen carrying fish in its bill with the tail hanging out. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Staple Island, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39081956.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20951902275d30788bc1825.jpgEuropean Bee-eater The European Bee-eater is an incredibly colourful bird with an unmistakable appearance. In breeding plumage, it has a rich chestnut crown that blends into gold on its back. The forehead is white, the throat is yellow bordered by black and the underparts are blue. The male European Bee-eater has a chestnut-coloured patch in the middle of the wing while in females this patch is usually smaller or even absent. Occasionally, females may also be distinguished from the males by having a green back. The wings and backs of juvenile European Bee-eaters are entirely green and the eyes are brown in contrast to the bright red eyes of adults. The European Bee-eater breeds in southern Europe and in parts of north Africa and western Asia. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, India and Sri Lanka. European Bee-eaters are occasionally seen in northern Europe (including the UK) as a spring overshoot north of its range with occasional breeding occurring. Just as the name suggests, the European Bee-eater predominantly eats insects, especially bees, wasps and hornets which are caught in the air by sorties from an open perch. Before eating its meal, a European Bee-eater removes the sting by repeatedly hitting the insect on a hard surface. Lizards and frogs are also taken. European Bee-eaters are gregarious, nesting colonially in sandy banks preferably near river shores and also feeding and roosting communally. Date: 17th May 2018 Location: Vetren, Silistra Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833591.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_438867583559ced39cadf1.jpgGreat Crested Grebes The Great Crested Grebe is an elegant water bird which has ornate head plumes during the breeding season and an elaborate courtship display. The Great Crested Grebe can be found across Europe and Asia and it breeds on shallow, reed-fringed freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs and slow rivers. It is resident in the milder west of its range but migrates from the colder regions of its range to sheltered coastal areas in winter. Date: 12th May 2015 Location: Lake Kerkini, Central Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14160970.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13074485374f3e36e973783.jpgCommon Blue Flight period: June to September. The Common Blue is the UK’s most widespread and common blue butterfly although it has suffered some local declines due to habitat loss. They can be found in sunny, sheltered areas including downland, roadside verges, woodland clearings and rural gardens. Date: 26th August 2007 Location: Stow Maries Halt EWT reserve, Stow Maries, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46535275.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_202757718862caa76247414.jpgMarbled White Flight period: July to August The Marbled White is a very distinctive black and white butterfly that is widespread in southern England and expanding its range northwards and eastwards. They can be found in unimproved grassland, coastal grassland, roadside verges and railway embankments. Date: 6th July 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/dartford-warbler https://images.on-this.website/4752_3802133874ff5448fa7218.jpgDartford Warbler The Dartford Warbler is a small warbler distinguished by its long tail compared with that of other warblers. Its plumage comprises unobtrusive and muted tones which blend in with its preferred habitats. Like many warblers, the Dartford Warbler has distinct male and female plumages. The male has a grey back and head, reddish underparts and a red eye. The female is paler below, especially on the throat, and a browner grey above. The song of the Dartford Warbler is a distinctive rattling warble. The largest populations of Dartford Warbler are found in Iberia with smaller populations in France, Italy and the south of the UK. In Africa, they are found in small areas in northern Morocco and northern Algeria. The Dartford Warbler breeds on heathlands amongst gorse, heather and other scrub bushes, sometimes near coasts. Dartford Warblers are named after Dartford Heath in north west Kent in the UK where the population became extinct in the early 20th century. They almost died out in the UK in the severe winter of 1962/63 when the national population dropped to just 10 pairs. However, this species can recover well in good quality habitat, thanks to repeated nesting and a high survival rate for the young. In the UK, Dartford Warblers can now be found at various heathland locations in south and east England. Date: 25th April 2012 Location: road to La Lancha and Embalse del Jándula, Sierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42222325.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15841457976023a30ee74cd.jpgNorthern Hawk Owl The Northern Hawk Owl is a medium sized owl, 14 to 16 inches long and with a wing span of 8.5 to 10 inches. Females are slightly larger than males. The term "hawk" refers to its falcon-like wing shape and long tail. The facial disc is whitish and broadly rimmed blackish at the sides. The eyebrows are white and the eyes are pale yellow. The upperparts are dark grey to dusky greyish-brown with the crown densely spotted whitish and the nape has indistinct false eyes. The mantle and back are dusky grey with some whitish dots and the scapulars are mainly white forming rather broad white bands across the shoulder. The flight feathers are dark grey-brown with rows of white spots. The tail is long and graduated and dark greyish-brown with several narrow whitish bars. The underparts are whitish and barred with greyish-brown. The legs and toes are feathered. The Northern Hawk Owl is found in the boreal coniferous forests of North America and Eurasia, usually on the edges of more open woodland, and hunts in semi-open country with scattered trees or groups of trees. It nests in large tree cavities or uses nests abandoned by other large birds and moves widely within its area of distribution, breeding where food is abundant. The Northern Hawk Owl is a partially diurnal owl which hunts voles and birds like thrushes. It waits on a treetop or other perch and takes advantage of its rapid flight to overtake prey. It has exceptional hearing and can plunge into snow to capture rodents below the surface. The typical male call is a rapid, melodious, purring trill of up to 14 seconds long which consists of about 11 to 15 notes per second. It begins softly, rises slightly in pitch and increases to a vibrating trill before breaking off abruptly. This is repeated at various intervals. Females utter a similar, higher-pitched, less clear song. Date: 9th July 2019 Location: Iivaara, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14184164.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3993286844f4219934a0a7.jpgCommon Blue Flight period: June to September. The Common Blue is the UK’s most widespread and common blue butterfly although it has suffered some local declines due to habitat loss. They can be found in sunny, sheltered areas including downland, roadside verges, woodland clearings and rural gardens. Date: 21st July 2007 Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/brimstone https://images.on-this.website/4752_3878813264f421f9721078.jpgBrimstone Flight period: March to October. The Brimstone is a butter-coloured butterfly which is widespread throughout most of England and parts of Wales. They are one of the first butterflies to be seen in spring and can be found in scrubby woodland and hedgerows. Date: 23rd July 2006 Location: Thompson Common, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49001644.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_93503896468dbb71d3a8.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 11th March 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo7950492.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6864770584d03d0670875f.jpgMallards The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 15th November 2010 Location: Strumpshaw Fen RSPB reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/barnacle-geese-08 https://images.on-this.website/4752_9608666144e15835fb1ee4.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 3rd November 2008 Location: Loch Gruinart, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49797834.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_33085411564eca74c1887a.jpgMarbled White Flight period: July to August The Marbled White is a very distinctive black and white butterfly that is widespread in southern England and expanding its range northwards and eastwards. They can be found in unimproved grassland, coastal grassland, roadside verges and railway embankments. Date: 3rd July 2023 Location: Broadcroft Quarry, Isle of Portland, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23526649.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_54859299254ddc438bd72f.jpgDark-bellied Brent Geese The Brent Goose belongs to the [I]Branta[/I] genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the [I]Anser[/I] genus of grey geese. [I]Branta[/I] is a Latinised form of Old Norse [I]brandgás[/I], meaning "burnt (black) goose", and [i]bernicla[/i] is the medieval Latin name for the barnacle. The Brent Goose and the similar Barnacle Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be the same creature as the crustacean, a myth that can be dated back to at least the 12th century. The Brent Goose, [I]Branta bernicla[/I] is divided into 3 sub-species: Dark-bellied Brent Goose [I]B. b. bernicla[/I], Pale-bellied Brent Goose [i]B. b. hrota[/i] (sometimes also known as Light-bellied Brent Goose) and Black Brant [i]B. b. nigricans[/i]. Some DNA evidence suggests that these forms are genetically distinct and a split into 3 separate species has been proposed. However, other evidence upholds their maintenance as a single species. The Brent Goose is a small goose, 22 to 26 inches long with a wingspan of 42 to 48 inches. The under-tail is pure white and the tail black and very short (the shortest of any goose). The Dark-bellied Brent Goose is fairly uniformly dark grey-brown all over and the flanks and belly are not significantly paler than the back. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds on the Arctic coasts of central and west Siberia and winters in west Europe with over half the population in south England and the rest between north Germany and north west France. The Pale-bellied Brent Goose appears blackish-brown and light grey in colour and the flanks and belly are significantly paler than the back and present a marked contrast. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds in Franz Josef Land, Svalbard, Greenland and north east Canada and winters in Denmark, north east England, Ireland and the Atlantic coast of the USA from Maine to Georgia as well as in a small but significant area in north France. The Black Brant appears blackish-brown and white in colour. This sub-species is very contrastingly black and white with a uniformly dark sooty-brown back, similarly-coloured underparts (with the dark colour extending furthest back of the 3 sub-species) and a prominent white flank patch. It also has a larger white neck patch which forms an almost complete collar. It breeds in north west Canada, Alaska and east Siberia and winters mostly on the west coast of north America from south Alaska to California but also in east Asia, mainly Japan. It sometimes appears as a vagrant in Europe when it associates with the other Brent Goose species. The Brent Goose used to be a strictly coastal bird in winter, seldom leaving tidal estuaries where it feeds on eel-grass and seaweed. In recent decades, it has started using agricultural land a short distance inland, feeding extensively on grass and winter-sown cereals. This may be behaviour learned by following other species of geese. Food resource pressure may also be important in forcing this change since the world population increased over 10-fold by the mid-1980s, possibly reaching the carrying capacity of the estuaries. In the breeding season, the Brent Goose uses low-lying wet coastal tundra for both breeding and feeding. The nest is bowl-shaped, lined with grass and down and located in an elevated position often near a small pond. The Brent Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds applies. Date: 26th January 2015 Location: Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/january-2019-bewicks-swan https://images.on-this.website/4752_12722924055cee288eddcb8.jpgJanuary 2019 - Bewick's Swan Please see [url=https://rlchew1.photium.com/photo37431278.html]here[/url] for further information. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4267529.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15568848544b522ae2950f2.jpgBarnacle Geese The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 3rd January 2010 Location: Southerness, Dumfries and Galloway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11159422.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4982449484e15831a452cc.jpgBarnacle Goose The Barnacle Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. The Barnacle Goose and the similar Brent Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be essentially the same creature as the goose barnacle, a filter-feeding crustacean that lives attached to hard surfaces of rocks and flotsam in the ocean intertidal zone. This gave rise to the English name of the Barnacle Goose and the scientific name of the Brent Goose. The barnacle myth can be dated back to at least the 12th century. Gerald of Wales claimed to have seen these birds hanging down from pieces of timber, William Turner accepted the theory and John Gerard claimed to have seen the birds emerging from their shells. The legend persisted until the end of the 18th century. The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, 22 to 28 inches long with a wingspan of 51 to 57 inches. It has a white face and black head, neck and upper breast. The belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black and white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on them. During flight a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwings are visible. The Barnacle goose breeds mainly on the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. There are 3 main populations, with separate breeding and wintering ranges, from west to east: birds breeding in eastern Greenland and wintering on the Hebrides of western Scotland (especially Islay) and in western Ireland (population about 40000), birds breeding on Svalbard and wintering on the Solway Firth on the England/Scotland border (population about 24000) and birds breeding on Novaya Zemlya and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 130000) A new population, derived from the Novaya Zemlya population, has become established since 1975 breeding on the islands and coasts of the Baltic Sea (Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden) and wintering in the Netherlands (population about 8000). Small numbers of feral birds, derived from escapes from zoo collections, also breed in other north European countries. Occasionally, a wild bird will appear in north east USA or Canada but care must be taken to separate out wild birds from escaped individuals since the Barnacle Goose is popular waterfowl with collectors. Barnacle Geese frequently build their nests high on mountain cliffs away from predators (primarily the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear) but also away from food. Like all geese, the goslings are not fed by the adults and instead of bringing food to the newly hatched goslings, the goslings are brought to the ground. Unable to fly, the 3 day goslings jump off the cliff and fall. Their small size, feathery down and very light weight helps to protect some of them from serious injury when they hit the rocks below but many die from the impact. In addition, Arctic Foxes capture many dead or injured goslings. The Barnacle Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 3rd November 2008 Location: Loch Gruinart, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42524855.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20735718486098f5dabc96b.jpgCanada Geese The Canada Goose belongs to the Branta genus of geese which contains species with largely black plumage distinguishing it from the grey species of the genus Anser. The black head and neck with a white "chinstrap" distinguish the Canada Goose from all other goose species with the exception of the Cackling Goose from north America and the Barnacle Goose which has a black breast and grey rather than brownish body plumage. The 7 sub-species of the Canada Goose vary widely in size and plumage details but all are recognizable as Canada Geese. Of the "true geese" (i.e. the genera Anser, Branta or Chen), the Canada Goose is on average the largest living species. It ranges from 30 to 43 inches in length and with a 50 to 73 inches wingspan. The male usually weighs 5.7 to 14.3 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 8.6 pounds. The female looks virtually identical but is slightly lighter at 5.3 to 12.1 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 7.9 pounds. It is also generally 10% smaller in linear dimensions than the male. The Canada Goose is native to north America where it breeds in Canada and the north USA in a wide range of habitats. The Great Lakes region maintains a very large population. It occurs all year round in the southern part of its breeding range, including most of the eastern seaboard and the Pacific coast. Between California and South Carolina in the south USA and north Mexico, it is primarily present as a migrant from further north during the winter. Outside north America, the Canada Goose has reached north Europe naturally as has been proved by ringing recoveries. It has also been introduced in to Europe and had established populations in the UK in the middle of the 18th century, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany and Scandinavia. Most European populations are not migratory but those in more northerly parts of Sweden and Finland migrate to the North Sea and Baltic coasts. Semi-tame feral birds are common in parks and have become a pest in some areas. In the early 17th century, explorer Samuel de Champlain sent several pairs of Canada Geese to France as a present for King Louis XIII. Canada Geese were first introduced in to the UK in the late 17th century as an addition to King James II's waterfowl collection in St. James's Park. They were also introduced in to Germany and Scandinavia during the 20th century. During the second year of its life, the Canada Goose finds a mate. It is a monogamous species and most couples stay together all of their lives. If one dies, the other may find a new mate. The female lays from 2 to 9 eggs with an average of 5. Both parents protect the nest while the eggs incubate but the female spends more time at the nest than the male. The nest is usually located in an elevated area near water such as streams, lakes and ponds and the eggs are laid in a shallow depression lined with plant material and down. The incubation period, in which the female incubates the eggs while the male remains nearby, lasts for 24 to 28 days after laying. As soon as the goslings hatch, they are immediately capable of walking, swimming and finding their own food (a diet similar to the adults). Parents are often seen leading their goslings in a line, usually with one adult at the front and the other at the back. While protecting their goslings, parents often violently chase away anything from small birds to lone humans who approach, after warning them by giving off a hissing sound and then attacking with bites and slaps of the wings if the threat does not retreat. Although parents are hostile to unfamiliar geese, they may form groups (crèches) of a number of goslings and a few adults. The goslings enter the fledgling stage any time from 6 to 9 weeks of age. Once it reaches adulthood, due to its large size and often aggressive behaviour, the Canada Goose is rarely preyed on although prior injury may make it more vulnerable to natural predators. The lifespan in the wild of birds that survive to adulthood ranges from 10 to 24 years. The UK longevity record is held by a specimen tagged as a nestling which was observed alive at the age of 31. The Canada Goose is primarily a herbivore although it will sometimes eat small insects and fish. Their diet includes grasses, aquatic plants, beans and grains such as wheat, rice, and corn when they are available. In urban areas, it is also known to pick food out of rubbish bins and it will readily take a variety of food from humans in parks. Date: 27th March 2021 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/cormorants-and https://images.on-this.website/4752_1452054634559cef3243781.jpgCormorants and Dalmatian Pelicans For descriptions, please see [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/photo24833627.html]Cormorant[/url] and [url=http://rlchew1.photium.com/dalmatian-pelican]Dalmatian Pelican[/url] Date: 12th May 2015 Location: Lake Kerkini, Central Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48482971.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1133458084640a3df82b6aa.jpgSnow Bunting Snow Buntings are large buntings with striking “snowy” plumages. Males in summer have all white heads and underparts contrasting with a black mantle and wing tips. Females are a more mottled above. In autumn and winter birds develop a sandy/buff wash to their plumage and males have more mottled upperparts. Snow Buntings breed in far northern Europe and migrate south in winter. They are a very scarce breeding species in the UK and can be found on the highest mountain peaks in Scotland where they nest in rocky crevices. Snow Buntings are best looked for in winter (from late September to early March) where they can sometimes be seen in large flocks on the seashore or on adjacent short rough grassland at coastal sites in Scotland and eastern England. Date: 31st January 2023 Location: Cley-next-the-Sea, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15367557.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11307227964fec1cfa642d1.jpgCommon Gull The Common Gull is a medium-sized gull. The north American subspecies is commonly referred to as the Mew Gull although that name is also used by some authorities for the whole species. The Common Gull is noticeably smaller and more gentle looking than the Herring Gull. It is grey above and white below with greenish-yellow legs. It has black wingtips with large white "mirrors". Young birds have scaly black-brown upperparts and a neat wing pattern and grey legs and take 2 to 3 years to reach maturity. In winter, the head is streaked grey and the bill often has a poorly defined blackish band near the tip which is sometimes sufficiently obvious to cause confusion with the Ring-billed Gull. The call is a high-pitched "laughing" cry. The Common Gull breeds colonially near water or in marshes in north Europe, north west north America and north Asia. It is most numerous in Europe with over half (possibly as much as 80 to 90%) of the world population. In the UK, the Common Gull can be found in summer along the coasts and inland marshes and lakes of Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England. Elsewhere in England and Wales, it can be found in winter on farmland, on marshes and lakes and on the coast. Date: 9th June 2012 Location: Tarbet, Sutherland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9591258.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14103623054db17524d9102.jpgCommon Pochard The Common Pochard is a medium-sized and stocky diving duck. The adult male has a long dark bill with a grey band, a red head and neck, a black breast, red eyes and a grey back. The adult female has a brown head and body and a narrower grey bill band. The triangular head shape is distinctive. The Common Pochard is superficially similar to the closely related Redhead and Canvasback found in north America. The Common Pochard breeds in marshes and on lakes in much of temperate and north Europe and in to Asia. It is migratory and spends the winter in the south and west of Europe. In the UK, the Common Pochard breeds in east England and lowland Scotland plus in small numbers in Northern Ireland. Large numbers from Russia and Scandinavia winter in the UK on lakes, reservoirs and gravel pits, often mixing with other diving ducks such as the Tufted Duck. In a number of countries, the Common Pochard is decreasing mainly due to habitat loss and hunting. It is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. The Common Pochard feeds mainly by diving or dabbling for aquatic plants, molluscs, aquatic insects and small fish. Date: 6th January 2008 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28102087.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19622291985777a45e24b4d.jpgRed Kite The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. The Red Kite is 24 to 28 inches long with a 70 inch wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings and a long forked tail which twists as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous, the breast is streaked black and the white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondary feathers. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The Red Kite inhabits broadleaf woodlands and valleys up to around 2,600 feet. It is endemic to the western Palearctic with the European population of 19,000 to 25,000 pairs comprising 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, the Baltic states and the UK and south to southern Italy. There is also a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range but also moving to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The UK is the only country in which the Red Kite population is increasing. The three largest populations in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population, have decreased significantly. The main threats are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection and possibly competition with the generally more successful Black Kite. In the UK, the Red Kite was a ubiquitous scavenger in medieval times that lived on carrion and rubbish. However, by the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. It was saved from national extinction by the successful implementation of protection and re-introduction schemes at various sites in England and Scotland. In England the re-introduced birds can be found in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, the Gateshead and Newcastle area and the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. The Scottish population is centred around the release sites in Dumfries and Galloway, around Stirling and west Perthshire, around the Black Isle north of Inverness and on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In 1999 the Red Kite was named “Bird of the Century” by the BTO and according to the Welsh Kite Trust it has been voted "Wales's favourite bird". As of 2011, non-breeding birds are regularly seen in all parts of the UK and the number of breeding pairs is too large for the RSPB to continue to survey them on an annual basis. The Red Kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits but it also feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. In some parts of mid-Wales Red Kites are regularly fed by humans. This has a dual purpose: it is intended to help sustain and increase the population through the provision of extra food and it also acts as a tourism draw. Locations at which this takes place include [url=http://www.gigrin.co.uk/]Gigrin Farm feeding centre[/url] near Rhayader where between 200 and 500 kites visit per day, the Nant-yr-Arian feeding centre near Ponterwyd and the Black Mountain feeding centre at Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons. Date: 12th June 2016 Location: Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powys http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081392.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_47624424963a718f5b88f8.jpgBlack-headed Gull The Black-headed Gull is a small gull around 15 to 17 inches long with a 37 to 41 inches wingspan. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown rather than black head, a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just 2 dark spots. The Black-headed Gull takes 2 years to reach maturity. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. The Black-headed Gull can be found over much of Europe except Spain, Italy and Greece. It is an uncommon and rare bird in the USA and Canada. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The Black-headed Gull breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes or on islands in lakes and nests on the ground. The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunistic feeder and eats fish, worms, invertebrates, seeds, scraps and carrion. Date: 12th January 2022 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26008516.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1768304543563507c9d78c7.jpgGoðafoss, north east Iceland Goðafoss (Icelandic: waterfall of the gods) is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Iceland. It is located in the Bárðardalur district of north east Iceland at the beginning of the Sprengisandur highland road. The water of the Skjálfandafljót river falls from a height of 40 feet over a width of 98 feet and the waterfall is segmented into 2 main components whilst forming an arcing semi-horseshoe shape. In the year 999 or 1000 the Lawspeaker Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði made Christianity the official religion of Iceland. After his conversion it is said that upon returning from the Alþingi, Þorgeir threw his statues of the Norse gods into the waterfall. Þorgeir's story is preserved in Ari Þorgilsson's Íslendingabók (Icelandic: Book of Icelanders), a historical work dealing with early Icelandic history. Date: 4th June 2015 Location: view from the east bank of the Skjálfandafljót river http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15453958.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8954255174ff5468d0af27.jpgWhite Storks The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 28th April 2012 Location: Embalse de Talavan, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533123.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_127170975762ca752440e35.jpgCommon Blue Damselfly Flight period: early May to end September. As the name suggests, the Common Blue Damselfly is one of the commonest species in the UK. They can be confused with other blue damselflies, particularly since the markings on this species are rather variable. Common Blue Damselflies are found across most of the UK and are probably the most widespread member of the "blue" damselflies. They can be found around open lakes and ponds, along river and canal banks and streams, provided there is plenty of bankside vegetation. Date: 12th June 2022 Location: RSPB Ham Wall, Somerset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082315.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18977902285d307bd9773e7.jpgBSPB Poda Protected Area, Burgas Province, Bulgaria The Burgas lakes or Burgas wetlands are a group of coastal lakes of varying salinity located around the city of Burgas (the fourth largest city in Bulgaria) on the Black Sea coast. They constitute the largest group of lakes in the country and comprise some of Bulgaria's biggest and most important lakes. The total area of the lakes and wetlands (including swamps, marshes, ponds and other reservoirs) amounts to 59 square miles of which 21 square miles are either designated or proposed protected areas that are inhabited by a large number of locally or globally endangered species of birds, mammals and fish. Apart from this, the Burgas lakes are also of economic importance and they are used to obtain sea salt and curative mud as well as to supply the local economy with fresh water in the case of Lake Mandra. The lakes comprise (in north to south order): Lake Pomorie: an ultra-saline lagoon Lake Atanasovsko: a nature reserve and Ramsar site Lake Burgas or Lake Vaya: the largest natural lake in Bulgaria by area Lake Poda: sometimes regarded as a part of Lake Mandra Lake Mandra or Lake Mandrensko: now a fresh water reservoir and the largest of the group The Poda Protected Area is situated in the centre of the Burgas wetlands. It was declared as Poda Protected Area in 1989 when it was the first protected area in Bulgaria to be completely managed and maintained by a non-governmental organization, the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB). Over the years, Poda has proved itself to be a successful model for protected area management. In 2002 it was designated as a Ramsar site and in 2007 it was included in the European Natura 2000 network as the Mandra-Poda Protected Area. Poda is situated on the Via Pontica bird migration flyway and despite occupying a relatively small area (0.6 square miles), around 275 bird species have been recorded and it is an important site for breeding, migrating and wintering birds. The rich biodiversity is attributed to the 3 different types of water habitats it contains: brackish, fresh and hyper-saline salt water. Poda is the only location on the Black Sea coast with a mixed heron breeding colony of Spoonbill, Purple Heron, Grey Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron, Squacco Heron, Great White Egret and Little Egret. Large numbers of Cormorants are also notable and they have forsaken their usual breeding sites in reed beds and made their nests on the abandoned electrical pylons in the area. At Poda, BSPB created the first Nature Conservation Centre in Bulgaria in 1997. This has served as a focal point for environmental protection and conservation, education, information and visitor activities, not just for Poda but also for the rest of the Burgas lakes. The Nature Conservation Centre is open all year and it receives around 15,000 visitors a year, mostly during the spring and summer. Date: 22nd May 2018 Location: BSPB Poda Protected Area, Burgas Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082099.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11492503225d307a620a5dc.jpgPaddyfield Warbler The Paddyfield Warbler is a species of marsh warbler in the genus[i] Acrocephalus[/i]. It is 5.1 inches long and is close in size to the Reed Warbler but with a shorter bill and longer tail. The adult has an unstreaked pale brown back and buff underparts with a warm brown rump. There is a whitish supercilium and the bill is short and pointed. The male and female are identical as with most warblers but young birds are a richer buff colour below. The Paddyfield Warbler breeds in temperate central Asia where it can be found in low vegetation such as long grass, reeds and rice paddy fields. It is migratory and winters in Bangladesh, India and Pakistan. It is a rare vagrant to west Europe although there is a small breeding population along the shores of the Black Sea around the border between Bulgaria and Romania. The song is fast and similar to the Marsh Warbler with much mimicry and whistles typical of the [i] Acrocephalus[/i] warblers. Like most warblers, the Paddyfield Warbler is insectivorous. Date: 19th May 2018 Location: Lake Durankulak, Dobrich Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23806434.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_531056305512ad5319c29.jpgTufted Duck The Tufted Duck is a medium-sized diving duck. Males are black on the head, neck, breast and back and white on the sides with a small crest and a yellow eye. Females are browner in colour. Tufted Ducks breed in the UK across the lowland areas of England, Scotland and Ireland but less commonly in Wales. Numbers increase in the UK in winter due to birds moving to the UK from Iceland and northern Europe. Tufted Ducks can be found all year round in suitable habitats such as a reservoirs, gravel pits or lakes. Date: 7th March 2015 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14247094.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17502796754f4e0438e50be.jpgTufted Duck The Tufted Duck is a medium-sized diving duck. Males are black on the head, neck, breast and back and white on the sides with a small crest and a yellow eye. Females are browner in colour. Tufted Ducks breed in the UK across the lowland areas of England, Scotland and Ireland but less commonly in Wales. Numbers increase in the UK in winter due to birds moving to the UK from Iceland and northern Europe. Tufted Ducks can be found all year round in suitable habitats such as a reservoirs, gravel pits or lakes. Date: 25th February 2012 Location: Rye Meads RSPB reserve, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18645396.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_64189598251e3cd9552d23.jpgSiemianówka area, Poland The Siemianówka lake is a large reservoir on the upper Narew river with vast reedbeds surrounded by old woods and wet meadows. The lake extends from north west to south east, crossed at its eastern part by a railway track (reaching the most remote railway station in Poland) that divides the reservoir into two parts. To the south, the lake touches the northern edges of the Bialowieza Forest. Date: 26th May 2013 Location: Siemianówka area, Poland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39085216.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12374656475d308a857e6a7.jpgFăgăraș Mountains, Sibiu County, Romania The Făgăraș Mountains, commonly known as the “Transylvanian Alps”, are a mountain range in the Southern Carpathians in central Romania. Spread over 43.5 miles from east to west and 28 miles from north to south, the range resembles an immense spine with steep peaks facing north and more gentle ones to the south. The steep north face of the Făgăraș Mountains rises above 8,000 feet and overlooks the Făgăraş Depression or Făgăraş Hollow through which flows the River Olt. The range is bordered to the east by the Piatra Craiului Mountains and by the Oltului Gorge to the west. The mountains are heavily glaciated with lakes, fretted peaks and morainic deposits. The highest peaks, which are also the highest mountains in Romania, are Moldoveanu (8346 feet), Negoiu (8317 feet) and Viștea Mare (8291 feet) and they are covered by snow for 8 to 9 months of the year. There are several other peaks over 8000 feet. Bâlea is the largest lake, Podragu is the deepest lake and the highest lake is in the Hărtopul Leaotei glacial valley. Other lakes include Urlea and Capra. A road known as the Transfăgărășan (road DN7C) runs across the Făgăraș Mountains. It has been described as the "Road to the Sky", the "Road to the Clouds" and the "Best Driving Road in the World" and it is a stunning scenic drive. The road climbs to a height of 6699 feet at Pasul Bâlea, making it the second highest mountain pass in Romania after the Transalpina. It starts at Bascov near Pitești and follows the valley of the River Argea. After mounting the highest point, between the high peaks of Moldoveanu and Negoiu, it descends to Cârțișoara in the valley of the River Olt. It is a winding road and is dotted with steep hairpin turns, long S-curves and sharp descents and it is usually closed from late October until late June because of snow. Depending on the weather, it may remain open until as late as November or it may close even in the summer. The Transfăgărășan has more tunnels (5) and viaducts (27) than any other road in Romania. Near the highest point, at Bâlea Lake, the road passes through Bâlea Tunnel, the longest road tunnel in Romania at 2900 feet. The Transfăgărășan was constructed between 1970 and 1974 during the rule of Nicolae Ceaușescu as a response to the 1968 invasion of Czechoslovakia by the Soviet Union. Ceaușescu wanted to ensure quick military access across the mountains in case of a Soviet Union invasion. At the time, Romania already had several strategic mountain passes through the Southern Carpathians, whether inherited from the pre-Communist era (road DN1 and road DN67C) or built during the initial years of the Communist regime (road DN66). These passes, however, were mainly through river valleys and they would have been easy for the Soviet Union to block and attack. Ceauşescu therefore ordered the construction of a road across the Făgăraş Mountains. Built mainly by junior military forces, the road had a high financial and human cost since work was carried out in an alpine climate at an elevation of 6600 feet. The road was officially opened on 20th September 1974 although work continued until 1980. Date: 7th June 2018 Location: Făgăraș Mountains between Cârțișoara and Bâlea Cascadă, Sibiu County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4466115.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6423489944b8a262c13191.jpgFløyfjellet, Bergen Fløyfjellet or Fløyen is the most visited of the 7 mountains that surround the city centre of Bergen, Norway. It has a funicular railway system (Fløibanen) that transports passengers from the centre of Bergen to a height of 1050 feet in roughly 8 minutes. The actual highest point on Fløifjellet at 1394 feet is approximately 1/2 mile to the north east. From Fløyfjellet there are stunning views of the city of Bergen and the surrounding area. http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo3119910.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_726589444a6c3bfd1e403.jpgCommon Seals Common Seals feed at sea but regularly haul out on to rocky shores or inter-tidal sandbanks to rest, to give birth and to suckle their pups. The most important haul-out areas are around the coast of Scotland, particularly in the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland, and on the east coast of England in the Wash. Date: 13th July 2009 Location: Blakeney Point, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39085244.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_26633465d308a929cd29.jpgFăgăraș Mountains, Sibiu County, Romania The Făgăraș Mountains, commonly known as the “Transylvanian Alps”, are a mountain range in the Southern Carpathians in central Romania. Spread over 43.5 miles from east to west and 28 miles from north to south, the range resembles an immense spine with steep peaks facing north and more gentle ones to the south. The steep north face of the Făgăraș Mountains rises above 8,000 feet and overlooks the Făgăraş Depression or Făgăraş Hollow through which flows the River Olt. The range is bordered to the east by the Piatra Craiului Mountains and by the Oltului Gorge to the west. The mountains are heavily glaciated with lakes, fretted peaks and morainic deposits. The highest peaks, which are also the highest mountains in Romania, are Moldoveanu (8346 feet), Negoiu (8317 feet) and Viștea Mare (8291 feet) and they are covered by snow for 8 to 9 months of the year. There are several other peaks over 8000 feet. Bâlea is the largest lake, Podragu is the deepest lake and the highest lake is in the Hărtopul Leaotei glacial valley. Other lakes include Urlea and Capra. A road known as the Transfăgărășan (road DN7C) runs across the Făgăraș Mountains. It has been described as the "Road to the Sky", the "Road to the Clouds" and the "Best Driving Road in the World" and it is a stunning scenic drive. The road climbs to a height of 6699 feet at Pasul Bâlea, making it the second highest mountain pass in Romania after the Transalpina. It starts at Bascov near Pitești and follows the valley of the River Argea. After mounting the highest point, between the high peaks of Moldoveanu and Negoiu, it descends to Cârțișoara in the valley of the River Olt. It is a winding road and is dotted with steep hairpin turns, long S-curves and sharp descents and it is usually closed from late October until late June because of snow. Depending on the weather, it may remain open until as late as November or it may close even in the summer. The Transfăgărășan has more tunnels (5) and viaducts (27) than any other road in Romania. Near the highest point, at Bâlea Lake, the road passes through Bâlea Tunnel, the longest road tunnel in Romania at 2900 feet. The Transfăgărășan was constructed between 1970 and 1974 during the rule of Nicolae Ceaușescu as a response to the 1968 invasion of Czechoslovakia by the Soviet Union. Ceaușescu wanted to ensure quick military access across the mountains in case of a Soviet Union invasion. At the time, Romania already had several strategic mountain passes through the Southern Carpathians, whether inherited from the pre-Communist era (road DN1 and road DN67C) or built during the initial years of the Communist regime (road DN66). These passes, however, were mainly through river valleys and they would have been easy for the Soviet Union to block and attack. Ceauşescu therefore ordered the construction of a road across the Făgăraş Mountains. Built mainly by junior military forces, the road had a high financial and human cost since work was carried out in an alpine climate at an elevation of 6600 feet. The road was officially opened on 20th September 1974 although work continued until 1980. Date: 7th June 2018 Location: Făgăraș Mountains from near Bâlea Cascadă, Sibiu County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41187494.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15862854095ea6e00a9d281.jpgCanada Goose The Canada Goose belongs to the Branta genus of geese which contains species with largely black plumage distinguishing it from the grey species of the genus Anser. The black head and neck with a white "chinstrap" distinguish the Canada Goose from all other goose species with the exception of the Cackling Goose from north America and the Barnacle Goose which has a black breast and grey rather than brownish body plumage. The 7 sub-species of the Canada Goose vary widely in size and plumage details but all are recognizable as Canada Geese. Of the "true geese" (i.e. the genera Anser, Branta or Chen), the Canada Goose is on average the largest living species. It ranges from 30 to 43 inches in length and with a 50 to 73 inches wingspan. The male usually weighs 5.7 to 14.3 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 8.6 pounds. The female looks virtually identical but is slightly lighter at 5.3 to 12.1 pounds, averaging amongst all sub-species 7.9 pounds. It is also generally 10% smaller in linear dimensions than the male. The Canada Goose is native to north America where it breeds in Canada and the north USA in a wide range of habitats. The Great Lakes region maintains a very large population. It occurs all year round in the southern part of its breeding range, including most of the eastern seaboard and the Pacific coast. Between California and South Carolina in the south USA and north Mexico, it is primarily present as a migrant from further north during the winter. Outside north America, the Canada Goose has reached north Europe naturally as has been proved by ringing recoveries. It has also been introduced in to Europe and had established populations in the UK in the middle of the 18th century, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany and Scandinavia. Most European populations are not migratory but those in more northerly parts of Sweden and Finland migrate to the North Sea and Baltic coasts. Semi-tame feral birds are common in parks and have become a pest in some areas. In the early 17th century, explorer Samuel de Champlain sent several pairs of Canada Geese to France as a present for King Louis XIII. Canada Geese were first introduced in to the UK in the late 17th century as an addition to King James II's waterfowl collection in St. James's Park. They were also introduced in to Germany and Scandinavia during the 20th century. During the second year of its life, the Canada Goose finds a mate. It is a monogamous species and most couples stay together all of their lives. If one dies, the other may find a new mate. The female lays from 2 to 9 eggs with an average of 5. Both parents protect the nest while the eggs incubate but the female spends more time at the nest than the male. The nest is usually located in an elevated area near water such as streams, lakes and ponds and the eggs are laid in a shallow depression lined with plant material and down. The incubation period, in which the female incubates the eggs while the male remains nearby, lasts for 24 to 28 days after laying. As soon as the goslings hatch, they are immediately capable of walking, swimming and finding their own food (a diet similar to the adults). Parents are often seen leading their goslings in a line, usually with one adult at the front and the other at the back. While protecting their goslings, parents often violently chase away anything from small birds to lone humans who approach, after warning them by giving off a hissing sound and then attacking with bites and slaps of the wings if the threat does not retreat. Although parents are hostile to unfamiliar geese, they may form groups (crèches) of a number of goslings and a few adults. The goslings enter the fledgling stage any time from 6 to 9 weeks of age. Once it reaches adulthood, due to its large size and often aggressive behaviour, the Canada Goose is rarely preyed on although prior injury may make it more vulnerable to natural predators. The lifespan in the wild of birds that survive to adulthood ranges from 10 to 24 years. The UK longevity record is held by a specimen tagged as a nestling which was observed alive at the age of 31. The Canada Goose is primarily a herbivore although it will sometimes eat small insects and fish. Their diet includes grasses, aquatic plants, beans and grains such as wheat, rice, and corn when they are available. In urban areas, it is also known to pick food out of rubbish bins and it will readily take a variety of food from humans in parks. Date: 26th April 2020 Location: Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39439630.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21427296625d528d7526d57.jpgBrown Bear, Libearty Bear Sanctuary, Zărneşti, Brașov County, Romania For more information on Brown Bear, please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871734.html]here[/url]. Libearty Bear Sanctuary covers an area of around 0.25 square miles of oak and hazel forest 6 miles north east of the town of Zărnești in central Romania. Libearty Bear Sanctuary is dedicated to Maya, a Brown Bear discovered by a Romanian woman, Cristina Lapis, in 1998 in a filthy cage with metal bars and cement floor in the courtyard of a hotel near Bran Castle. For 4 years, Cristina and her husband travelled around 40 miles every day to feed Maya and spend time with her. Although her health improved, Maya sadly died in March 2002 but Cristina’s experience inspired her to create Libearty Bear Sanctuary. Libearty Bear Sanctuary was created because of the need to rescue over 50 bears found suffering in small and rusted cages around the country where they had been used as pets or as attractions for restaurants and petrol stations. The bears were all caught from the wild as cubs and had lived all their lives in confined cages with a poor diet and little or no veterinary care. This practice of keeping captive bears was illegal in Romania but until the sanctuary was created the authorities were unable to confiscate these bears due to the lack of facilities available to care for such rescued animals. The land for Libearty Bear Sanctuary was donated by the Municipality of Zarnesti and funding was provided from a variety of sources, including from the World Society for the Protection of Animals (now renamed as World Animal Protection) who also designed the sanctuary and helped train the staff. The construction of Libearty Bear Sanctuary started in 2005 and today there are around 70 to 100 rescued Brown Bears living in several large forested enclosures. These forested areas contain large fresh water pools, hibernation dens and hundreds of trees with lush natural vegetation. The bears have a choice whether to stay inside the forested areas or come out to rest or forage in the open meadow areas and pools. For many of them, having been caught from the wild as cubs, this is a new and stimulating experience. The day-to-day management of the sanctuary, including the rescue and care of the bears and all general maintenance around the sanctuary, is undertaken by Cristina Lapis’s organisation, Milioane de Prieteni (Millions of Friends), which is based in Brașov. A large central building contains staff areas, storage and preparation areas for food for the bears, the veterinary clinic and a number of quarantine dens for new or sick bears. Although the bears feed on the natural vegetation, nuts and berries available in the forest they do need additional food and the sanctuary staff distribute a large amount of fruit and vegetables each day around the enclosures. Organised tours of visitors can be guided around the sanctuary while being told the story of the Brown Bear rescues. The sanctuary is not a zoo and the welfare of the bears is the priority but many bears can be seen by visitors near to the enclosure fences. The Libearty Bear Sanctuary has helped to create better awareness of the issues affecting Brown Bears in Romania and the public, the media and also the authorities have now taken this project to their hearts. The sanctuary has given new life to once captive bears and it is a symbol of optimism for the protection of Romania’s rich natural environment. In 2007 Romania joined the European Union and that brought new laws to the country including the EU Zoos Directive. This required that all zoos in Romania had to comply with certain standards of animal management. Many zoos could not comply and the bears in these zoos faced euthanasia but were saved by being re-homed at the Libearty Bear Sanctuary. Date: 6th June 2018 Location: Libearty Bear Sanctuary, Zărneşti, Brașov County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24833187.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_160726929559ce7179b143.jpgLittle Egret The Little Egret is a species of small heron. The genus name comes from the Provençal French [i]Aigrette[/i] (egret), a diminutive of [i]Aigron [/i] (heron). The adult Little Egret is 22 to 26 inches long with a 35 to 42 inches wingspan. Its plumage is normally entirely white although there are dark forms with largely bluish-grey plumage. In the breeding season, the adult has 2 long plumes on the nape that form a crest. These plumes are about 6 inches in length and are pointed and very narrow. There are similar feathers on the breast but the barbs are more widely spread. There are also several elongated scapular feathers that have long loose barbs around 8 inches long. During the winter the plumage is similar but the scapulars are shorter and more normal in appearance. The bill is long and slender and both it and the lores are black. There is an area of greenish-grey bare skin at the base of the lower mandible and around the eye which has a yellow iris. The legs are black and the feet yellow. Juveniles are similar to non-breeding adults but have greenish-black legs and duller yellow feet and may have a certain proportion of greyish or brownish feathers. The Little Egret is mostly silent but it does make various croaking and bubbling calls at its breeding colonies and it produces a harsh alarm call when disturbed. The breeding range of the western race of the Little Egret includes south Europe, the Middle East, much of Africa and south Asia. European populations are migratory and mostly travel to Africa although some remain in southern Europe. During the late 20th century, the range of the Little Egret expanded northwards in Europe and into the New World. The Little Egret's habitat varies widely and includes the shores of lakes, rivers, canals, ponds, lagoons, marshes and flooded land, the bird preferring open locations to dense cover. On the coast it inhabits mudflats, sandy beaches, mangrove areas, swamps and reefs. The Little Egret is a sociable bird and can be seen in small flocks. However, individual birds do not tolerate others coming too close to their chosen feeding site although this depends on the abundance of prey. The Little Egret uses a variety of methods to find its food. It stalks its prey in shallow water, often running with raised wings or shuffling its feet to disturb small fish, or it may stand still and wait to ambush prey. It also makes use of opportunities provided by Cormorants disturbing fish or humans attracting fish by throwing bread into water. On land, it walks or runs while chasing its prey, often feeding on creatures disturbed by grazing livestock. The diet is mainly fish but amphibians, small reptiles, mammals and birds are also eaten as well as crustaceans, molluscs, insects, spiders and worms. The Little Egret nests in colonies, often with other wading birds such as Cattle Egret, Black-crowned Night Heron, Squacco Heron and Glossy Ibis. The nests are usually platforms of sticks built in trees or shrubs or in reed beds or bamboo groves. Pairs defend a small breeding territory, usually extending around 10 to 13 feet from the nest. The 3 to 5 eggs are incubated by both adults for 21 to 25 days before hatching. The young birds are covered in white down feathers are cared for by both parents and fledge after 40 to 45 days. Globally, the Little Egret is not listed as a threatened species and has in fact expanded its range over the last few decades.[5] The IUCN states that their wide distribution and large total population means that they are a species that cause them "least concern". Historical research has shown that the Little Egret was once present, and probably common, in the UK but became extinct there through a combination of over-hunting in the late mediaeval period and climate change at the start of the Little Ice Age. Further declines occurred throughout Europe as the plumes of the Little Egret and other egrets were in demand for decorating hats. They had been used in the plume trade since at least the 17th century but in the 19th century it became a major craze and the number of egret skins passing through dealers reached into the millions. Hunting, which reduced the population of the species to dangerously low levels, stimulated the establishment of Britain's Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in 1889. By the 1950s, the Little Egret had become restricted to south Europe and conservation laws protecting the species were introduced. This allowed the population to rebound strongly and over the next few decades it became increasingly common in western France and later on the north coast. It bred in the Netherlands in 1979 with further breeding from the 1990s onward. Populations are now mostly stable or increasing in Europe. In the UK, the Little Egret was a rare vagrant from its 16th century extinction until the late 20th century. It has, however, recently become a regular breeding species and is commonly present, often in large numbers, at favoured coastal sites. The first recent breeding record in England was on Brownsea Island in Dorset in 1996 and it bred in Wales for the first time in 2002. The population increase has been rapid subsequently with over 750 pairs breeding in nearly 70 colonies in 2008 and a post-breeding total of 4,540 birds in September 2008. Severe winter weather proves only to be a temporary setback and the Little Egret continues to expand both its numbers and range in the UK. Date: 15th May 2015 Location: Kalahori Lagoon, Gulf of Thermaikos, Central Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39085232.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1227604035d308a8b09848.jpgFăgăraș Mountains, Sibiu County, Romania The Făgăraș Mountains, commonly known as the “Transylvanian Alps”, are a mountain range in the Southern Carpathians in central Romania. Spread over 43.5 miles from east to west and 28 miles from north to south, the range resembles an immense spine with steep peaks facing north and more gentle ones to the south. The steep north face of the Făgăraș Mountains rises above 8,000 feet and overlooks the Făgăraş Depression or Făgăraş Hollow through which flows the River Olt. The range is bordered to the east by the Piatra Craiului Mountains and by the Oltului Gorge to the west. The mountains are heavily glaciated with lakes, fretted peaks and morainic deposits. The highest peaks, which are also the highest mountains in Romania, are Moldoveanu (8346 feet), Negoiu (8317 feet) and Viștea Mare (8291 feet) and they are covered by snow for 8 to 9 months of the year. There are several other peaks over 8000 feet. Bâlea is the largest lake, Podragu is the deepest lake and the highest lake is in the Hărtopul Leaotei glacial valley. Other lakes include Urlea and Capra. A road known as the Transfăgărășan (road DN7C) runs across the Făgăraș Mountains. It has been described as the "Road to the Sky", the "Road to the Clouds" and the "Best Driving Road in the World" and it is a stunning scenic drive. The road climbs to a height of 6699 feet at Pasul Bâlea, making it the second highest mountain pass in Romania after the Transalpina. It starts at Bascov near Pitești and follows the valley of the River Argea. After mounting the highest point, between the high peaks of Moldoveanu and Negoiu, it descends to Cârțișoara in the valley of the River Olt. It is a winding road and is dotted with steep hairpin turns, long S-curves and sharp descents and it is usually closed from late October until late June because of snow. Depending on the weather, it may remain open until as late as November or it may close even in the summer. The Transfăgărășan has more tunnels (5) and viaducts (27) than any other road in Romania. Near the highest point, at Bâlea Lake, the road passes through Bâlea Tunnel, the longest road tunnel in Romania at 2900 feet. The Transfăgărășan was constructed between 1970 and 1974 during the rule of Nicolae Ceaușescu as a response to the 1968 invasion of Czechoslovakia by the Soviet Union. Ceaușescu wanted to ensure quick military access across the mountains in case of a Soviet Union invasion. At the time, Romania already had several strategic mountain passes through the Southern Carpathians, whether inherited from the pre-Communist era (road DN1 and road DN67C) or built during the initial years of the Communist regime (road DN66). These passes, however, were mainly through river valleys and they would have been easy for the Soviet Union to block and attack. Ceauşescu therefore ordered the construction of a road across the Făgăraş Mountains. Built mainly by junior military forces, the road had a high financial and human cost since work was carried out in an alpine climate at an elevation of 6600 feet. The road was officially opened on 20th September 1974 although work continued until 1980. Date: 7th June 2018 Location: Făgăraș Mountains between Cârțișoara and Bâlea Cascadă, Sibiu County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/common-darter https://images.on-this.website/4752_192076905467ea8b192fe5.jpgCommon Darter Flight period: end May to early October. Common Darters are the most widespread of the dragonflies over lowland UK but they are absent from upland areas. They can be found in a wide range of habitats including ponds, lakes, ditches, canals, slow flowing rivers and brackish water. They can also be frequently seen some way from water. Date: 15th July 2006 Location: Thrift Wood EWT reserve, Bicknacre, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28883604.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_104221793757cc0642d7f5c.jpgEndla Nature Reserve, Estonia The Endla Nature Reserve is located in central Estonia about 40 miles north west of Tartu and it was established in 1981 to protect a complex of bogs, fens, pools, lakes, rivers, reedbeds, meadows and wet and dry forests. It is also included in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance. The Endla Nature Reserve is a large wilderness area of over 31 square miles and much of it is very difficult to access but it can mainly be explored from the visitor centre at Tooma which is about 20 miles north west of Jõgeva. Date: 19th May 2016 Location: Tooma, Endla Nature Reserve, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5325730.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_237659334c1dd4075b631.jpgCommon Guillemots The Common Guillemot, also known as the Common Murre or Thin-billed Murre, is a large species of auk. The auks are a family of seabirds which includes the Brunnich's Guillemot or Thick-billed Murre, Razorbill, Little Auk and the extinct Great Auk. The Common Guillemot is 15 to 18 inches in length with a 24 to 29 inches wingspan. In breeding plumage, it is black or dark brown on the head, back and wings with white underparts. It has a thin dark pointed bill and a small rounded dark tail. Legs are grey and the bill is dark grey. Males and females are identical. Some individuals in the North Atlantic, known as "Bridled Guillemots", have a white ring around the eye extending back as a white line. This is not a distinct subspecies but a polymorphism that becomes more common the farther north the birds breed. The Common Guillemot flies with fast wing beats and has a flight speed of around 50 mph. Groups of birds are often seen flying together in a line just above the surface of the sea. However, it is not a very agile bird and take-off is often difficult. The Common Guillemot becomes flightless for 45 to 60 days while moulting its primary feathers. The Common Guillemot is a pursuit diver that forages for food by swimming underwater using its wings for propulsion. Dives usually last less than one minute but the bird swims underwater for distances of over 100 feet on a regular basis. Diving depths up to 590 feet have been recorded. The Common Guillemot has a circumpolar distribution and it occurs in low Arctic and boreal waters in the north Atlantic and north Pacific. It spends most of its time at sea and only comes to land to breed on rocky cliffs, sea stacks and islands. Some birds are permanent residents but northern birds migrate south to open waters off New England, southern California, Japan, Korea and the western Mediterranean. The Common Guillemot breeds in colonies at high densities and nesting pairs may be in bodily contact with their neighbours. No nest is made and the single egg is laid and incubated on a bare rock ledge on a cliff face. The egg hatches after 30 days incubation and the chick is born downy and can regulate its body temperature after 10 days. Some 20 days after hatching the chick jumps off its nesting ledge and heads for the sea unable to fly but gliding for some distance with fluttering wings and accompanied by its male parent. The chicks are capable of diving as soon as they hit the water. The female stays at the nest site for some 14 days after the chick has left. The Common Guillemot can venture far from its breeding grounds to forage and distances of 60 miles or more are often observed although if sufficient food is available closer by, birds will only travel much shorter distances. It mainly eats small schooling fish 8 inches long or less such as Polar Cod, Capelin, Sand Lances, Sprats, Sandeels, Atlantic Cod and Atlantic Herring. It also eats some molluscs, marine worms, squid and crustaceans. It is often seen carrying fish in its bill with the tail hanging out. Date: 14/06/06 Location: Handa Island, Sutherland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26008405.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2593822715634f4e9d9a06.jpgDettifoss, Vatnajökull National Park, north east Iceland Dettifoss is a waterfall in Vatnajökull National Park in north east Iceland and it is reputed to be the most powerful waterfall in Europe. Dettifoss is situated on the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river which flows from the Vatnajökull glacier and collects water from a large area in north east Iceland. The falls are 330 feet wide and have a drop of 150 feet down to the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon. It is the largest waterfall in Iceland in terms of volume discharge. Since the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river can not be crossed in the vicinity of Dettifoss, it is reached by 2 separate roads: a new tarmac road for the west bank (road 862 finished in 2011) and an older gravel road for the east bank (road 864). On the west bank there are no facilities and the view of the waterfall is somewhat hindered by the waterfall's spray. On the east bank there is an information panel maintained by the staff of Vatnajökull National Park and a maintained track to the best viewpoints. Dettifoss is located on the “Diamond Circle”, a popular tourist route around Húsavík including Lake Mývatn and the Ásbyrgi canyon. Date: 4th June 2015 Location: view from the west bank of the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51980689.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_134688561166d3346068849.jpgAzure Damselfly Flight period: May to August The Azure Damselfly is one of the two commonest blue damselflies and is a common and widespread species of lowland UK. They can be found around most standing water, preferring small, sheltered sites including ditches and garden ponds. Date: 29th June 2024 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo450670.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_105793575646865ae5e3794.jpgBlue-tailed Damselfly Flight period: mid May to early September. Blue-tailed Damselflies are a widespread and common species of damselfly in much of England, Wales and southern Scotland. They can be found around lakes, ponds, canals and ditches, being less common on flowing water and in exposed and upland sites. They can also tolerate some saline and polluted waters. Date: 2nd June 2006 Location: Chafford Gorges EWT reserve, Grays, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/finnvikdalen-and-vengsya-kvalya-troms https://images.on-this.website/4752_6777715774f743ca4b91d6.jpgFinnvikdalen, Kvaløya, Troms, north Norway Finnvikdalen is a valley on the island of Kvaløya which runs north west to the shore of the Kaldfjorden at Lyfjord and Skulsfjord. Location: view from the road along Finnvikdalen Date: 18th March 2012 http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo16538243.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_203078963150827ee8c721d.jpgLapwing The Northern Lapwing, also known as the peewit, pewit, tuit or tew-it (imitative of its cry), Green Plover (emphasising the colour of the plumage) or (in the UK) just Lapwing (which refers to its peculiar, erratic way of flying), is a bird in the lapwing family. The Lapwing has rounded wings and a crest. It is also the shortest-legged of the lapwing species. It is mainly black and white but the back is tinted green. The male has a long crest and a black crown, throat and breast contrasting with an otherwise white face. Females and young birds have shorter crests and have less strongly marked heads but plumages are otherwise quite similar. The Lapwing is a vocal bird in the breeding season with constant calling as the crazed tumbling display flight is performed by the male. The typical contact call is a loud, shrill "pee-wit" from which they get their other name of peewit. The Lapwing is common through temperate Eurasia and breeds on cultivated land and other short vegetation habitats. The ground scrape nest and young are defended noisily and aggressively against all intruders. It is highly migratory over most of its extensive range, wintering further south as far as north Africa, north India, Pakistan and parts of China. It migrates mainly by day, often in large flocks. Lowland breeders in the westernmost areas of Europe are resident. In winter, it forms huge flocks on open land, particularly arable land and mud-flats. In the UK, the Lapwing has suffered a significant decline in the last 25 years and is an Amber List species because of the importance of its UK wintering population. It breeds on farmland throughout the UK, particularly in lowland areas of north England, the Borders and east Scotland, and prefers fields of spring sown cereals and root crops, permanent unimproved pasture, meadows and fallow fields but also wet grassland and marshes. During the winter, the Lapwing can be seen on flooded grassland, estuaries, coastal wetlands, short grassy fields and ploughed fields. In addition to the UK population, large numbers of north European birds arrive in the autumn for the winter. The Lapwing feeds primarily on insects and other small invertebrates. It often feeds in mixed flocks with Golden Plovers and Black-headed Gulls, the latter often robbing the plovers, but providing a degree of protection against predators. Date: 1st October 2012 Location: Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45456929.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1864939364624fff0d8d823.jpgSanderling The Sanderling is a small, plump, energetic wading bird. It has a short straight black bill and medium length black legs and is pale grey above and white underneath. Sanderlings breed in the high Arctic but can be seen in the UK during the winter months and as a passage migrant in spring and autumn. They can be found where there are long, sandy beaches around most of the coast other than in south west England and the rocky coasts of mainland Scotland. Date: 9th November 2021 Location: Shoeburyness, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49230673.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_40084785464916dfbc11c0.jpgBlack Grouse The Black Grouse is a large game bird in the grouse family. The male has all black plumage with distinctive red wattles over the eyes and striking white stripes along each wing in flight. It has a lyre-shaped tail which is fanned out and raised to show white under-tail feathers when displaying. The female is smaller and grey-brown in colour. The Black Grouse is a sedentary species and breeds across northern Eurasia in moorland and bog areas near to mostly boreal woodland. Although it is declining, it is not considered to be vulnerable globally due to the large population and slow rate of decline. Its decline is due to loss of habitat, disturbance, predation by foxes, crows, etc., and small populations gradually dying out. In the UK, the Black Grouse are found in upland areas of Wales, the Pennines and most of Scotland, especially on farmland and moorland with nearby forestry or scattered trees. Habitat loss and overgrazing have resulted in severe population declines which make the Black Grouse a Red List species. Positive habitat management and re-introduction programmes are helping it to increase in some areas. The Black Grouse has a very distinctive and well-recorded courtship. At dawn in the spring, the males strut around in a traditional area (lek) and display whilst making a highly distinctive and bubbling mating call. This photo was taken at a well known roadside lekking site. If visiting, please remain in your car to avoid disturbance to these vulnerable breeding birds. Date: 13th May 2023 Location: World's End, Denbighshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813338.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1459850305d0dddd819d82.jpgCommon Sandpiper The Common Sandpiper is a small wader. The adult is 7.1 to 7.9 inches long with a 13 to 14 inches wingspan. It has greyish-brown upperparts, white underparts, short dark-yellowish legs and feet and a bill with a pale base and dark tip. In winter plumage, it is duller and has more conspicuous barring on the wings although this is still only visible at close range. Juveniles are more heavily barred above and have buff edges to the wing feathers. The Common Sandpiper habitually bobs up and down and it has a distinctive flight with stiff, bowed wings. Its presence is often betrayed by its three-note call which it gives as it flies off. The Common Sandpiper is widespread and common and breeds across most of temperate and sub-tropical Europe and Asia where it nests on the ground near freshwater. It migrates to Africa, south Asia and Australia in winter. In the UK, the Common Sandpiper breeds along fast-flowing upland streams and rivers and at the edges of lochs and lakes in Scotland, Wales and the north of England. Summer visitors arrive in March and April and leave the breeding grounds in July and August with the young following in September. During the spring and autumn passage migration, it can be found elsewhere in the UK, near lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers, ditches, coastal shores and estuaries. The Common Sandpiper forages by sight on the ground or in shallow water, picking up small food items such as insects, crustaceans and other invertebrates. Date: 7th June 2019 Location: Dulnain Bridge, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52699101.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_211628334967b0c92ac4ff1.jpgSanderling The Sanderling is a small, plump, energetic wading bird. It has a short straight black bill and medium length black legs and is pale grey above and white underneath. Sanderlings breed in the high Arctic but can be seen in the UK during the winter months and as a passage migrant in spring and autumn. They can be found where there are long, sandy beaches around most of the coast other than in south west England and the rocky coasts of mainland Scotland. Date: 14th February 2025 Location: Shoeburyness, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11805630.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19152155914e3a69ec52dfe.jpgCommon Blue Flight period: June to September. The Common Blue is the UK’s most widespread and common blue butterfly although it has suffered some local declines due to habitat loss. They can be found in sunny, sheltered areas including downland, roadside verges, woodland clearings and rural gardens. Date: 2nd August 2011 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41349670.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15741543875f20113971042.jpgLarge Skipper Flight period: June to July. The Large Skipper is a small golden butterfly which is widespread throughout England and Wales and it is also extending its range northwards in to southern Scotland. They can be found in areas of tall, uncut grassland, woodland rides, roadside verges and hedgerows. Date: 12th July 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo494875.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_125851601646a4c24f7fbc2.jpgMeadow Brown Flight period: June to August. The Meadow Brown is one of the most widespread and abundant of the UK's butterflies. It can be found typically in open grasslands but also other habitats such as roadside verges, woodland rides and urban parks and cemeteries. Date: 22nd July 2007 Location: Stow Maries Halt EWT reserve, Stow Maries, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813406.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1841517265d0ddeeb8b238.jpgBuachaille Etive Mor, Argyll Height: Stob Dearg 3352 feet and Stob na Doire 3316 feet. The A82 road from Glasgow to Fort William crosses Rannoch Moor and descends in to Glencoe. Before doing so the rocky pyramid at the north east end of Buachaille Etive Mor stands as a sentinel at the "gateway" to the Highlands. Buachaille Etive Mor lies at the head of Glen Etive and overlooks the north west corner of Rannoch Moor. The best known view of the mountain is from the north and east from where the great rocky pyramid of Stob Dearg is the outstanding feature of the mountain. Date: 13th June 2019 Location: view from Kingshouse just off the A82 road near the junction with the unclassified road along Glen Etive http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51071731.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_198191812266433ed786b65.jpgGreat White Egret The Great White Egret is a large bird with all white plumage. Apart from size, the Great White Egret can be distinguished from other white egrets by its yellow bill and black legs and feet although the bill may become darker and the lower legs lighter in the breeding season. In breeding plumage, delicate ornamental feathers are borne on the back. It has a slow flight with its neck retracted. The Great White Egret is distributed across most of the tropical and warmer temperate regions of the world favouring all kinds of wetland habitats and it is a familiar species in southern Europe. Expanding populations in Europe mean that the Great White Egret is now seen more frequently in the UK and it can turn up in almost any part of the country with the majority of records in south east England and East Anglia. Date: 7th May 2024 Location: RSPB Ham Wall, Somerset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41349623.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18870406515f200708d73a9.jpgSmall Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Small Skipper is a common and widespread butterfly in most parts of England and has been expanding its range northwards. They can be found in rough grassland, roadside verges, edges of fields and woodland glades. Date: 17th June 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081277.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_156513141963a5acc3f2813.jpgBlue Tit The Blue Tit is a small passerine bird in the tit family. It is easily recognisable by its generally blue and yellow plumage and its small size. The Blue Tit is about 4.7 inches long with a wingspan of 7.1 inches. It has an azure blue crown and a dark blue line passing through the eye and encircling the white cheeks to the chin, giving the bird a very distinctive appearance. The forehead and a bar on the wing are white. The nape, wings and tail are blue and the back is yellowish green. The underparts are mostly sulphur-yellow with a dark line down the abdomen. The bill is black and the legs bluish grey. The sexes are similar whilst young birds are noticeably more yellow. The Blue Tit is very agile and it can cling to the outermost branches and hang upside down when searching for food such as insects, caterpillars and seeds. The Blue Tit can be found throughout areas of the European continent with a mainly temperate or Mediterranean climate and in parts of the Middle East. In the UK it is common in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens and widespread across the whole of the country with the exception of some Scottish islands. The Blue Tit will nest in any suitable hole in a tree, wall or stump, often competing with other birds such as the House Sparrow or Great Tit for the site. In addition, it will readily accept an artificial nesting box. The same hole is returned to year after year and when one pair dies another takes possession. The nesting material is usually moss, wool, hair and feathers and the eggs are laid in April or May. The number in the clutch is often very large but 7 or 8 is normal. It is not unusual for a single bird to feed the chicks in the nest at a rate of one feed every 90 seconds during the height of the breeding season. Successful breeding is dependent on a sufficient supply of caterpillars as well as satisfactory weather. Breeding may be affected badly if the weather is cold and wet between May and July, particularly if this coincides with the emergence of the caterpillars on which the nestlings are fed. The small size of the Blue Tit makes it vulnerable to predation by larger birds and the typical lifespan is 3 years or less. The most significant predator is probably the Sparrowhawk, closely followed by the domestic cat. Nests may also be robbed by mammals such as the Weasel and Red and Grey Squirrels. Date: 13th December 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/common-tern https://images.on-this.website/4752_209553100553da5bf66e0d4.jpgCommon Tern The Common Tern is a silvery-grey and white sea bird with a black cap, a black tipped red bill, red legs and long tail streamers. It has a buoyant, graceful flight and frequently hovers over water before plunging down for fish. The Common Tern breeds in colonies along coasts with shingle beaches and rocky islands, on rivers with shingle bars and at inland gravel pits and reservoirs. The Common Tern occurs throughout the summer, arriving in April and leaving in August and September. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Inner Farne, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/dark-bellied-brent-geese https://images.on-this.website/4752_1877707626233066b35913.jpgDark-bellied Brent Geese The Brent Goose belongs to the Branta genus of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the Anser genus of grey geese. Branta is a Latinised form of Old Norse brandgás, meaning "burnt (black) goose", and bernicla is the medieval Latin name for the barnacle. The Brent Goose and the similar Barnacle Goose were previously considered a single species and formerly believed to be the same creature as the crustacean, a myth that can be dated back to at least the 12th century. The Brent Goose, Branta bernicla is divided into 3 sub-species: Dark-bellied Brent Goose B. b. bernicla, Pale-bellied Brent Goose B. b. hrota (sometimes also known as Light-bellied Brent Goose) and Black Brant B. b. nigricans. Some DNA evidence suggests that these forms are genetically distinct and a split into 3 separate species has been proposed. However, other evidence upholds their maintenance as a single species. The Brent Goose is a small goose, 22 to 26 inches long with a wingspan of 42 to 48 inches. The under-tail is pure white and the tail black and very short (the shortest of any goose). The Dark-bellied Brent Goose is fairly uniformly dark grey-brown all over and the flanks and belly are not significantly paler than the back. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds on the Arctic coasts of central and west Siberia and winters in west Europe with over half the population in south England and the rest between north Germany and north west France. The Pale-bellied Brent Goose appears blackish-brown and light grey in colour and the flanks and belly are significantly paler than the back and present a marked contrast. The head and neck are black with a small white patch on either side of the neck. It breeds in Franz Josef Land, Svalbard, Greenland and north east Canada and winters in Denmark, north east England, Ireland and the Atlantic coast of the USA from Maine to Georgia as well as in a small but significant area in north France. The Black Brant appears blackish-brown and white in colour. This sub-species is very contrastingly black and white with a uniformly dark sooty-brown back, similarly-coloured underparts (with the dark colour extending furthest back of the 3 sub-species) and a prominent white flank patch. It also has a larger white neck patch which forms an almost complete collar. It breeds in north west Canada, Alaska and east Siberia and winters mostly on the west coast of north America from south Alaska to California but also in east Asia, mainly Japan. It sometimes appears as a vagrant in Europe when it associates with the other Brent Goose species. The Brent Goose used to be a strictly coastal bird in winter, seldom leaving tidal estuaries where it feeds on eel-grass and seaweed. In recent decades, it has started using agricultural land a short distance inland, feeding extensively on grass and winter-sown cereals. This may be behaviour learned by following other species of geese. Food resource pressure may also be important in forcing this change since the world population increased over 10-fold by the mid-1980s, possibly reaching the carrying capacity of the estuaries. In the breeding season, the Brent Goose uses low-lying wet coastal tundra for both breeding and feeding. The nest is bowl-shaped, lined with grass and down and located in an elevated position often near a small pond. The Brent Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds applies. Date: 25th January 2022 Location: Marsh Farm Country Park, South Woodham Ferrers, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo1907506.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_85229544149230ed7d5a53.jpgLoch Lomond, Argyll Loch Lomond is the largest inland water body in the UK with an area of 27.4 square miles and a shoreline length of 96 miles. The total length is 24 miles extending from Ardlui in the north to Balloch in the south. In the north the loch is relatively narrow but it widens in the south where many of its 38 islands can be found. Loch Lomond is a major tourist attraction due to its closeness to the major population centres of central Scotland and it is now part of Scotland's first National Park, the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, which covers an area of 720 square miles. Date: 2nd November 2008 Location: view from the A82 road near Luss http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo44253548.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15228218161654dabc6156.jpgPied Wagtail The White Wagtail, Motacilla alba, is a small passerine bird in the wagtail family. A number of sub-species are recognised including Motacilla alba alba found in Europe from the Iberian Peninsula to the Ural Mountains, Turkey, the Levant, Iceland, the Faroe Islands and Greenland's east coast and Motacilla alba yarrellii (Pied Wagtail) found in the UK and Ireland and which has a much blacker back than the nominate race. The nominate sub-species Motacilla alba alba is basically grey above and white below with a white face, black cap and black throat. It is a slender bird with a characteristic long tail. The most conspicuous habit of the White Wagtail is a near-constant tail wagging, a trait that has given the bird its common name. In spite of the ubiquity of this behaviour, the reasons for it are poorly understood. It has been suggested that it may flush prey or signal submissiveness to other wagtails. A recent study has suggested instead that it is a signal of vigilance to potential predators. The White Wagtail breeds throughout Eurasia up to latitudes 75°N, only being absent in the Arctic from areas where summer temperatures are less than 4 °C. It also breeds in the mountains of Morocco and western Alaska. It is resident in the milder parts of its range such as western Europe and the Mediterranean but migratory in much of the rest of its range. Northern European breeders winter around the Mediterranean and in tropical and subtropical Africa, Asiatic birds move to the Middle East, India and south east Asia and birds from the north American population also winter in tropical Asia. The White Wagtail has a wide range and whilst the population size is unknown it is believed to be large since the species is described as "common" in at least parts of its range. Population trends have not been quantified but the population in Europe appears to be stable and it has adapted well to human changes to the environment and has exploited human changes such as man-made structures that are used for nesting sites and increased open areas that are used for foraging. The White Wagtail is an insectivorous bird of open country, often near habitation and water. It prefers bare areas for feeding where it can see and pursue its prey. In urban areas it has adapted to foraging on paved areas such as car parks. It nests in crevices and holes in stone walls and similar natural and man-made structures such as bridges and buildings. The diet of the White Wagtail varies by location but terrestrial and aquatic insects and other small invertebrates form the major part of the diet. These range from beetles, dragonflies, small snails, spiders, worms and crustaceans to maggots found in carcasses and flies. It is somewhat unusual in the parts of its range where it is non-migratory as it is an insectivorous bird that continues to feed on insects during the winter when most other insectivorous birds in temperate climates migrate or switch to more vegetable matter. Though it is known to be a host species for the Cuckoo, the White Wagtail typically deserts its nest if it has been parasitised. Date: 9th October 2021 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41524254.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1725368095f3a6f460956c.jpgSmall White Flight period: April to September. The Small White is a highly successful species which is common and widespread in the UK. They can be found almost anywhere including in towns and gardens. Date: 13th August 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/stonesdale-moor-nth-yorkshire https://images.on-this.website/4752_11547173284681c7618815e.jpgStonesdale Moor, Nth Yorkshire Stonesdale Moor is a bleak and remote moorland area situated between Tan Hill and Keld in the northern section of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Date: 10th April 2006 Location: view from near Tan Hill Inn (the highest in Britain at 1732 feet ASL) http://www.richardchewphotography.com/kajaani-to-kuhmo-kainuu-finland https://images.on-this.website/4752_853736052581076f4e5d9e.jpgKajaani to Kuhmo, Kainuu, Finland Kainuu region borders the regions of Pohjois-Pohjanmaa (Northern Ostrobothnia) to the north and Pohjois-Karjala (North Karelia) and Pohjois-Savo (Northern Savonia) to the south. In the east it also borders Russia. The landscape of Kainuu region consists of lakes, hills and vast uninhabited forest areas. Boreal forest makes up most of the region and consists of birches, pines and spruces. Date: 23rd May 2016 Location: view from road 76 between Kajaani and Kuhmo, Kainuu, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/goafoss-north-iceland https://images.on-this.website/4752_3061197156375ad6b05c0.jpgGoðafoss, north east Iceland Goðafoss (Icelandic: waterfall of the gods) is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Iceland. It is located in the Bárðardalur district of north east Iceland at the beginning of the Sprengisandur highland road. The water of the Skjálfandafljót river falls from a height of 40 feet over a width of 98 feet and the waterfall is segmented into 2 main components whilst forming an arcing semi-horseshoe shape. In the year 999 or 1000 the Lawspeaker Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði made Christianity the official religion of Iceland. After his conversion it is said that upon returning from the Alþingi, Þorgeir threw his statues of the Norse gods into the waterfall. Þorgeir's story is preserved in Ari Þorgilsson's Íslendingabók (Icelandic: Book of Icelanders), a historical work dealing with early Icelandic history. Date: 2nd June 2015 Location: view from the west bank of the Skjálfandafljót river http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo18776296.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_198407608451f4cf5c09b32.jpgNorthern Wheatear The Northern Wheatear or Wheatear is a small passerine bird that was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family but is now more generally considered to be an Old World flycatcher. It is the most widespread member of the Wheatear genus in Europe and Asia. The English name has nothing to do with wheat or ears but is probably derived from the Middle English [i]whit ers[/i] meaning "white arse" and referring to the prominent white rump of many Wheatear species The Northern Wheatear is larger than the European Robin at 5.7 to 6.3 inches in length. Both sexes have a white rump and tail with a black inverted T-pattern at the end of the tail. The summer plumaged male has grey upperparts, buff throat and black wings and face mask. In autumn it resembles the female apart from the black wings. The female is pale brown above and buff below with darker brown wings. The Northern Wheatear makes one of the longest migratory flights of any small bird, crossing ocean, ice and desert. It migrates from sub-Saharan Africa in spring to breed in open rocky country, tundra, moorland, heaths and pastures over a vast area of the Northern Hemisphere that includes northern and central Asia, Europe, Greenland, Alaska and parts of Canada. In autumn it returns to winter in central Africa. In the UK, the Northern Wheatear is a summer visitor and passage migrant arriving in early March and leaving in September. It breeds mainly in western and northern Britain and western Ireland although smaller numbers also breed in southern and eastern England. The Northern Wheatear is primarily an insectivorous bird and feeds mostly on beetles, ants, caterpillars, grasshoppers, flies, etc. It also eats spiders, centipedes and snails and berries in the autumn. Date: 20th June 2013 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41234310.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13306479765ee775664e4a6.jpgSeven-spot Ladybird The Seven-spot Ladybird is a very familiar and widespread in the UK. They are small round beetles with three and a half spots on each of their two elytra (wing cases). The thorax is black with two white marks at the side and the head is small and black. The Ladybird's bright colours are a warning to predators of its foul taste. When disturbed the Ladybird will secrete small amounts of its oily foul-smelling yellow blood from its legs as a further warning to predators such as ants or birds. They inhabit gardens, woodland, hedgerows and meadows and have a varied diet of small insects but favour plant-lice and aphids. They are known as the gardener's friend as they eat garden pests. The average Seven-spot Ladybird will eat more than 5,000 aphids in its year-long life. Ladybirds will hibernate in large groups in sites which are used year after year. In the main breeding season during May and June, mating Seven-spot Ladybirds are a common sight in hedgerows and gardens. In her short life, a female may lay more than 2,000 small yellow eggs. The name Ladybird comes from the Middle Ages when the colourful insects were known as the "beetle of Our Lady". They were named after the Virgin Mary because in early religious paintings she was often shown wearing a red cloak. The 7 spots symbolise 7 joys and 7 sorrows. Date: 12th June 2020 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46533667.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_120127950562ca8fa1de9b4.jpgMarsh Harrier The Marsh Harrier is the largest of the harrier species in the UK. It can be recognised by its long tail and light flight with wings held in a shallow “V” and is distinguishable from other harriers by its larger size, heavier build, broader wings and absence of white on the rump. The Marsh Harrier’s future in the UK is now more secure than at any time during the last century but historical declines and subsequent recovery means it is an Amber List species. Marsh Harriers are mainly found in reedbed and marshland habitat in eastern and south east England with others in north west and south-west England and in parts of Scotland. Elmley and Stodmarsh in Kent, Leighton Moss in Lancashire, Minsmere in Suffolk, Titchwell Marsh and Strumpshaw Fen in Norfolk, the Ouse and Nene Washes and Wicken Fen in Cambridgeshire, Blacktoft Sands in south Yorkshire are all reliable locations for Marsh Harriers. Date: 26th June 2022 Location: RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo440787.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1125441107467ea8a0855f4.jpgCommon Darter Flight period: end May to early October. Common Darters are the most widespread of the dragonflies over lowland UK but they are absent from upland areas. They can be found in a wide range of habitats including ponds, lakes, ditches, canals, slow flowing rivers and brackish water. They can also be frequently seen some way from water. Date: 15th July 2006 Location: Thrift Wood EWT reserve, Bicknacre, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo494877.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1604079046a4c255efa6d.jpgMeadow Brown Flight period: June to August. The Meadow Brown is one of the most widespread and abundant of the UK's butterflies. It can be found typically in open grasslands but also other habitats such as roadside verges, woodland rides and urban parks and cemeteries. Date: 22nd July 2007 Location: Stow Maries Halt EWT reserve, Stow Maries, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25874760.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2126399372561ccbc397b6c.jpgSeljalandsfoss, south Iceland Seljalandsfoss is located between Selfoss and Skógafoss in south Iceland and is one of the best known waterfalls in the country. The Seljalandsá river drops 200 feet over the cliffs of the former coastline and it is possible to walk behind the waterfall. Date: 8th June 2015 Location: view from the car park at Seljalandsfoss http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38397339.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9823383595ce12829d6a50.jpgWood Warbler The Wood Warbler is a typical leaf warbler in appearance, green above and white below with a lemon-yellow breast. It can be distinguished from similar species, like the Chiffchaff and the Willow Warbler by its yellow supercilium, throat and upper breast, pale tertial edges, longer primary projection and by its shorter but broader tail. The Wood Warbler is common and widespread and breeds throughout north and temperate Europe and just into the extreme west of Asia in the south Ural Mountains. It is strongly migratory and the entire population winters in tropical Africa. The Wood Warbler can be found in open but shady mature woodlands, such as beech and sessile oak, with some sparse ground cover for nesting. The dome-shaped nest is built near the ground in low shrub. The Wood Warbler is a declining summer visitor to the UK and can be seen from April to August. Unlike much of the population in Europe which is found in forested lowlands, the UK population is predominantly found in upland oak woods in the west with the highest densities in the oak woods Wales. The Wood Warbler has 2 song types which are often given alternatively: a high-pitched fluid metallic trill of increasing tempo (often described as a spinning coin on a marble slab) and a series of 3 to 5 descending piping notes of lower pitch. During the former, the bird’s body shudders and shivers as it delivers the song and there are frequent song flights between different branches. Date: 11th May 2019 Location: Ynys-hir RSPB reserve, Ceredigion http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo10926882.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6293842744e09760212bd9.jpgBottlenose Dolphin The Bottlenose Dolphin is one of the most well-known species of dolphin. They have a stocky, torpedo-shaped body, a short beak and pointed flippers and are usually dark grey on the back with paler grey flanks and a white or pinkish belly. The sickle-shaped dorsal fin is tall and positioned centrally on the back. Variations in the shape of the dorsal fin along with scars and other markings on the skin can help researchers to identify individuals. The Bottlenose Dolphin is found in coastal waters of most temperate, tropical and subtropical areas. Around the UK, it occurs in the English Channel, in the Moray Firth in north-east Scotland and in Cardigan Bay in Wales. Although lone individuals do occur, Bottle-nosed Dolphins are very sociable animals which usually live in groups numbering between 10 and 100 individuals. They engage in much energetic behaviour, including breaching (clearing the water), lobtailing (slapping the tail flukes down onto the surface of the water) and bow-riding (riding the swell created in front of boats and even large whales). The Bottlenose Dolphin faces a number of threats including human disturbance, entanglement in fishing nets and hunting. Like all cetaceans, they are also vulnerable to chemical and noise pollution. The captivity industry that supplies the world aquarium trade is also a problem. The Bottlenose Dolphin is a UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority species and it is protected in UK waters by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Orders 1985. It is illegal to intentionally kill, injure, or harass any cetacean (whale or dolphin) species in UK waters. The Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans in the Baltic and North Seas (ASCOBANS), has been signed by 7 European Countries including the UK. Provision is made under this agreement to set up protected areas, promote research and monitoring, pollution control and increase public awareness. Under Annex II of the EC Habitats Directive, candidate marine Special Areas of Conservation (SACS) are being set up for this species in Cardigan Bay (Wales) and the Moray Firth (north-east Scotland). Date: 12th June 2011 Location: Moray Firth (from Chanonry Point), Inverness-shire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41349638.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5126159395f200906a040e.jpgRuddy Darter Flight period: mid June to mid September. The Ruddy Darter takes its name from its colour and its swift flight behaviour. The male has a deep russet colour over the entire body and the abdomen has a pinched section close to where it joins the thorax. Females are slightly smaller, golden yellow in colour and being less obviously marked are more difficult to identify than the males. There is more than one red coloured darter species in the UK and they can be easily confused with each other. The commonest red species, the Common Darter, can be distinguished as having red veins at the base of the wings and a less ruddy colouration across the body. However, the Ruddy Darter has entirely black legs, distinguishing it from all other red darters which have longitudinal yellow stripes on their legs. The UK range of the Ruddy Darter has undergone something of an expansion in recent years. Although still relatively uncommon in the west and north of Britain, it is increasing in numbers in the Midlands and eastern England. The population is augmented by continental migrants. It is also found over most of Europe except for northern Scandinavia, as far east as western Siberia and south to north Africa. The Ruddy Darter prefers water bodies with tall emergent vegetation, such as reeds and club rush, and it is known to breed in ponds, lakes, canals, ditches and sluggish rivers. They can also be found near coasts and can breed in fairly brackish water. Date: 25th June 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/crested-tit https://images.on-this.website/4752_6911063104b5222851d6c6.jpgCrested Tit Although not as colourful as some other tits, its “bridled”' face pattern and the upstanding black and white crest make the Crested Tit a most distinctive species. Crested Tits feed actively, clinging to trunks and hanging from branches, like most tits, searching for a wide range of invertebrates and pine seeds. Crested Tits are largely confined to the ancient Caledonian pine forests and Scots pine plantations of the Scottish Highlands and can be seen all year round. Date: 29th December 2009 Location: Cairngorm Reindeer Centre, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo23806371.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_956708008551296fa3c0dd.jpgSmew The Smew is a species of diving duck and is the only living member of the genus [i]Mergellus[/i]. This genus is closely related to [i]Mergus[/i] which is represented in the UK by the Red-breasted Merganser and the Goosander. The male Smew is white with a black mask and a black back and is unmistakable. It is often described as having a “cracked ice” appearance. The female and immature male are grey birds with chestnut foreheads and crowns and they can be confused at a distance with the Ruddy Duck. They are often known as "redheads". The Smew's small bill has a hooked tip and serrated edges which help it catch fish when it dives for them. The Smew can be found on the lakes and rivers of the northern taiga region of Europe and Asia. It usually breeds in May and June and nests in tree holes such as old woodpecker nests. As a migrant, it leaves its breeding areas and winters further south on the sheltered coasts or inland lakes of the Baltic Sea, the Black Sea, north Germany and the Low Countries. The Smew is also a winter visitor to the UK in small numbers where it is mainly found south of a line between the Wash and the River Severn, typically on lakes, reservoirs and gravel pits. Sometimes birds move to the UK from Holland and Denmark to escape freezing weather there. The Smew is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. It is not considered threatened on the IUCN Red List although its population is decreasing. This bird was part of the captive collection at the WWT Wetland Centre. Date: 7th March 2015 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39081938.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20682524675d307857653d1.jpgEuropean Bee-eaters The European Bee-eater is an incredibly colourful bird with an unmistakable appearance. In breeding plumage, it has a rich chestnut crown that blends into gold on its back. The forehead is white, the throat is yellow bordered by black and the underparts are blue. The male European Bee-eater has a chestnut-coloured patch in the middle of the wing while in females this patch is usually smaller or even absent. Occasionally, females may also be distinguished from the males by having a green back. The wings and backs of juvenile European Bee-eaters are entirely green and the eyes are brown in contrast to the bright red eyes of adults. The European Bee-eater breeds in southern Europe and in parts of north Africa and western Asia. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, India and Sri Lanka. European Bee-eaters are occasionally seen in northern Europe (including the UK) as a spring overshoot north of its range with occasional breeding occurring. Just as the name suggests, the European Bee-eater predominantly eats insects, especially bees, wasps and hornets which are caught in the air by sorties from an open perch. Before eating its meal, a European Bee-eater removes the sting by repeatedly hitting the insect on a hard surface. Lizards and frogs are also taken. European Bee-eaters are gregarious, nesting colonially in sandy banks preferably near river shores and also feeding and roosting communally. Date: 17th May 2018 Location: Vetren, Silistra Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49278563.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14152561576499b489264e9.jpgGrass Snake The Grass Snake is the UK’s largest terrestrial reptile reaching up to 6 feet in length although such large specimens are rare. Females are considerably larger than males and typically reach a size of 2 feet 11 inches to 3 feet 7 inches when fully grown whilst males are approximately 8 inches shorter. The Grass Snake is typically olive-green, brown or greyish in colour with a variable row of black bars along the sides, occasionally with smaller round markings along the back in double rows. The underside of the Grass Snake is off-white or yellowish with dark triangular or rectangular markings. A characteristic black and yellow collar is present behind the head. The Grass Snake is one of only 3 snakes to occur in the UK and it is distributed throughout lowland areas of England and Wales. It is almost absent from Scotland and is not found in Ireland at all which has no native snakes. The Grass Snake is an aquatic species that is usually closely associated with water where it preys almost entirely on amphibians, especially the Common Toad and the Common Frog, although they may also occasionally eat mammals and fish. It is a strong swimmer and is found in habitats featuring ponds, lakes, streams, marshes and ditches which provide access to sunshine for basking and plenty of shelter. The Grass Snake may also be found in open woodland, rough grassland, wet heathlands, gardens, parks and hedgerows. The Grass Snake, as with most reptiles, is at the mercy of the thermal environment and it needs to overwinter in areas which are not subject to freezing. Therefore it will typically spend the winter underground where the temperature is relatively stable. Date: 13th June 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41225546.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7400269425ed9fec2bf41f.jpgReeve's Muntjac The Reeves' Muntjac, also known as the Chinese Muntjac, is a small, hump-backed deer species. It is named after British naturalist and employee of the East India Company, John Russell Reeves (1774 to 1856). Reeves came across them when he lived in China and sent specimens back to England. It is also called the “barking deer” due to its distinctive barking sound, although this name is also used for other Muntjac species. The barking sound is common during mating or when provoked. The Reeves' Muntjac grows to 1 foot 8 inches high at the shoulder and 3 feet 1 inches in length plus a short tail up to 4 inches long. It is reddish-brown in appearance with striped markings on its face. The belly is creamy-white with lighter fur extending to the neck, chin and the underside of the tail. The males have short antlers, usually 4 inches or less in length, and long upper canines or tusks, usually about 2 inches in length The Reeves' Muntjac is found widely in south east China (from Gansu to Yunnan) and Taiwan but it has also been introduced in Belgium, the Netherlands and Japan. In the UK, it was introduced to Woburn Park in Bedfordshire in 1894 by the then Duke of Bedford and was deliberately released into surrounding woodlands from 1901 onward. Releases, translocations and escapes from the 1930s onwards resulted in wide establishment in south east England and the population is still increasing and spreading across the UK where it can be found in deciduous woodland with a good understorey plus hedgerows, gardens, parks, conifer plantations, railway embankments, etc. Since the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it has been illegal to release the species except where it is already established. The Reeves' Muntjac is a solitary and crepuscular animal and both males and females defend small territories that they mark with preorbital gland secretions that are thought to be pheromonal in nature The Reeves' Muntjac feeds on herbs, blossoms, succulent shoots, fungi, berries, grasses and nuts and it has also been reported to eat tree bark. Eggs and carrion are eaten opportunistically. Date: 15th May 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49801142.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17960320964edad08f1d9f.jpgSpoonbill The Spoonbill is an unmistakable wading bird. Breeding adults are all white except for dark legs, a black spoon-shaped bill with a yellow tip, a yellow breast patch and a crest. Non-breeders lack the crest and breast patch and immature birds have a pale bill and black tips to the primary flight feathers. Unlike herons, Spoonbills fly with their necks outstretched. Feeding birds swing their heads and sweep their bills from side to side through the water. The Spoonbill breeds from the UK and Spain in the west through to Japan and also in North Africa. In Europe, only the Netherlands, Spain, Austria, Hungary and Greece have sizeable populations. Birds from north west and south west Europe winter mainly in west Africa whilst those from south east Europe winter in the Mediterranean and north Africa. Eastern European and Turkish birds appear to move to north east Africa, the Middle East and India. The Spoonbill became extinct in the UK but sporadic breeding attempts in the early 21st century finally culminated with the formation of a colony at Holkham in Norfolk in 2010. The Spoonbill can be found in extensive shallow, wetlands with muddy, clay or fine sandy beds. They may inhabit any type of marsh, river, lake, flooded area and mangrove swamp, whether fresh, brackish or saline but especially those with islands for nesting or dense emergent vegetation such as reedbeds and scattered trees or shrubs. The Spoonbill may also frequent sheltered marine habitats during the winter such as deltas, estuaries, tidal creeks and coastal lagoons. Threats to the Eurasian Spoonbill include habitat destruction through drainage of wetlands and habitat degradation by pollution. Date: 17th July 2023 Location: RSPB Frampton Marsh, near Boston, Lincolnshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51335117.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5389529726676e615d1cb6.jpgCommon Blue Damselfly Flight period: early May to end September. As the name suggests, the Common Blue Damselfly is one of the commonest species in the UK. They can be confused with other blue damselflies, particularly since the markings on this species are rather variable. Common Blue Damselflies are found across most of the UK and are probably the most widespread member of the "blue" damselflies. They can be found around open lakes and ponds, along river and canal banks and streams, provided there is plenty of bankside vegetation. Date: 21st June 2024 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41292184.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17607695155f10b90205ef6.jpgPasvikdalen, Troms og Finnmark, Norway The Pasvik valley (Norwegian: [i]Pasvikdalen[/i]) is a river valley located in Norway and Russia. The Norwegian side of the valley is situated in Sør-Varanger municipality in Troms og Finnmark and the Russian side is located in the Pechengsky district in Murmansk Oblast. Øvre Pasvik National Park (Norwegian: [i]Øvre Pasvik Nasjonalpark[/i]) is located in the south eastern part of the valley and covers an area of 46 square miles. It is dominated by Siberian-like taiga consisting of old-growth forests of Scots pine, shallow lakes and bogs. Proposals for a national park in Øvre Pasvik were first launched in 1936 but it was not created until February 1970. It originally covered 25 square miles but was expanded in August 2003. Øvre Pasvik National Park is part of the larger Pasvik–Inari Trilateral Park along with the adjacent Øvre Pasvik Landscape Protection Area, the joint Norwegian and Russian Pasvik Nature Reserve and Finland's Vätsäri Wilderness Area. The fauna and flora of the Øvre Pasvik National Park is typical of the Siberian taiga. This includes Brown Bear, Wolverine, Wolf, Lynx and Elk and a very interesting diversity of northern and eastern species of birds which breed on the lakes and rivers and in the forests. The River Pasvikelva runs through the valley (giving it the name) and the river defines part of the border between Norway and Russia. It is the outlet from the large Lake Inari in Finland and flows through Norway and Russia to discharge into the Bøkfjorden (which later flows into the Varangerfjorden and then the Barents Sea) not far from the town of Kirkenes. The river has a watershed of 7106 square miles and is 90 miles long. A series of hydroelectric power stations are situated along its course. Since 1826, the River Pasvikelva has marked parts of the border between Norway and Russia, except from 1920 to 1944 when it was along the border between Norway and Finland. The southern part of the valley is also the location of the Treriksrøysa (Three-Country Cairn), a cairn which marks the tripoint where the borders between Norway, Finland and Russia meet. The site is on a hill called Muotkavaara situated west of the River Pasvikelva. It is the only place where 3 time zones meet: Central European Time, Eastern European Time and Further-Eastern European Time. The tripoint can only be approached by the public from the Norwegian side since both Finland and Russia maintain extensive border zones where public access is prohibited. Date: 30th June 2019 Location: Øvre Pasvik National Park, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo44044936.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1851932826614f10e56c6a8.jpgCommon Snipe The Common Snipe is a small, stocky wader native to the Old World. It is the most widespread of several similar snipe species. It most closely resembles the Wilson's Snipe of north America which was previously considered to be a sub-species of the Common Snipe. It is also very similar to the Pin-tailed Snipe and Swinhoe's Snipe of east Asia. A sub-species of Common Snipe can be found in Iceland, the Faroe Islands, Shetland and Orkney. This sub-species winters in the UK and Ireland. The Common Snipe is 9.8 to 10.6 inches in length with a 17 to 19 inches wingspan. The body is mottled brown with straw-yellow stripes on top and pale underneath. It has a dark stripe through the eye with light stripes above and below it. The wings are pointed. It has short greenish-grey legs and a very long (2.2 to 2.8 inches) straight dark bill. The Common Snipe can be found in the marshes, bogs, tundra and wet meadows throughout north Europe and north Asia. It is migratory with European birds wintering in south and west Europe and Africa (south to the Equator) and Asian birds wintering in tropical south Asia. The male Common Snipe performs a "winnowing" display during courtship, flying high in circles and then taking shallow dives to produce a "drumming" sound by vibrating its tail feathers. The nest is located in a well hidden location on the ground. The female lays 4 eggs which are incubated for 18 to 21 days. The young are covered in dark maroon down, variegated with black, white and buff and are cared for by both parents with fledging occurring in 10 to 20 days. The Common Snipe is a well camouflaged bird and it is usually shy and conceals itself close to ground vegetation and flushes only when approached closely. When flushed, it utters a sharp call and flies off in a series of aerial zig-zags to confuse predators. The Common Snipe forages in soft mud, probing or picking up food by sight. It mainly eats insects and earthworms but also some plant material. Overall, the Common Snipe is not a threatened species although populations on the southern fringes of the breeding range in Europe are declining with local extinction in some areas (including in the UK) mainly due to field drainage and agricultural intensification. The Common Snipe is a species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 6th September 2021 Location: RSPB Blacktoft Sands, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo30017237.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1763627722587550706e92e.jpgSmew The Smew is a species of diving duck and is the only living member of the genus [i]Mergellus[/i]. This genus is closely related to [i]Mergus[/i] which is represented in the UK by the Red-breasted Merganser and the Goosander. The male Smew is white with a black mask and a black back and is unmistakable. It is often described as having a “cracked ice” appearance. The female and immature male are grey birds with chestnut foreheads and crowns and they can be confused at a distance with the Ruddy Duck. They are often known as "redheads". The Smew's small bill has a hooked tip and serrated edges which help it catch fish when it dives for them. The Smew can be found on the lakes and rivers of the northern taiga region of Europe and Asia. It usually breeds in May and June and nests in tree holes such as old woodpecker nests. As a migrant, it leaves its breeding areas and winters further south on the sheltered coasts or inland lakes of the Baltic Sea, the Black Sea, north Germany and the Low Countries. The Smew is also a winter visitor to the UK in small numbers where it is mainly found south of a line between the Wash and the River Severn, typically on lakes, reservoirs and gravel pits. Sometimes birds move to the UK from Holland and Denmark to escape freezing weather there. The Smew is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. It is not considered threatened on the IUCN Red List although its population is decreasing. This bird was part of the captive collection at WWT Slimbridge. Date: 2nd January 2017 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29486417.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_512191439581077621e5a7.jpgKajaani to Kuhmo, Kainuu, Finland Kainuu region borders the regions of Pohjois-Pohjanmaa (Northern Ostrobothnia) to the north and Pohjois-Karjala (North Karelia) and Pohjois-Savo (Northern Savonia) to the south. In the east it also borders Russia. The landscape of Kainuu region consists of lakes, hills and vast uninhabited forest areas. Boreal forest makes up most of the region and consists of birches, pines and spruces. Date: 23rd May 2016 Location: view from road 76 between Kajaani and Kuhmo, Kainuu, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/purple-swamphen https://images.on-this.website/4752_11604608324b19415e88f3b.jpgWestern Purple Swamphen The Western Purple Swamphen is a chicken-sized bird and a member of the rail family which includes the Coot and Moorhen. With its large feet, bright plumage and red bill and frontal shield it is easily recognisable in its native range of Spain, Portugal, southern France, Sardinia and north Africa to Tunisia. It used to be considered the nominate subspecies of the Purple Swamphen which has now been split in to 6 separate species since 2015. The Western Purple Swamphen makes loud, quick, bleating and hooting calls, which are hardly bird-like in tone, and it is particularly noisy during the breeding season. Despite being clumsy in flight it can fly long distances and it is also a good swimmer, especially for a bird without webbed feet. The Western Purple Swamphen can be found in wet areas such as reedbeds, swamps, lake edges and damp pastures. It often lives in pairs and larger communities. It clambers through the reeds, eating the tender shoots and vegetable-like matter, although it has been known to eat eggs, ducklings, small fish and invertebrates such as snails. It will often use one foot to bring food to their mouth rather than eat it on the ground. The Western Purple Swamphen in the Mediterranean region has declined due to habitat loss, hunting and pesticide use, and requires strict protection. Date: 9th November 2009 Location: Delta de l’Ebre, Catalunya, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/gullfoss-south-iceland https://images.on-this.website/4752_614319148561cd01d2a796.jpgGullfoss, south Iceland Gullfoss (Icelandic: "Golden Falls") is a waterfall located in the canyon of the Hvítá river in south west Iceland. The wide Hvítá river rushes southward from the Hvítávatn glacier lake at the Lángjökull glacier about 25 miles north of Gullfoss. Less than a mile above Gullfoss the river turns sharply to the right and flows down into a wide curved three-step "staircase" and then abruptly plunges in 2 stages (36 feet and 69 feet) into a crevice 105 feet deep. The crevice, about 66 feet wide and 1.5 miles in length, extends perpendicular to the flow of the river. The average amount of water running over Gullfoss is 260 to 460 cubic feet per second but the highest flood measured was 6500 cubic feet per second. During the first half of the 20th century and some years into the late 20th century, there was much speculation about using Gullfoss to generate electricity. During this period, Gullfoss was rented indirectly by its owners to foreign investors. However, the investors' attempts were unsuccessful and Gullfoss was later sold to the state of Iceland and is now protected. Gullfoss is popular with tourists and, together with the Haukadalur geothermal area, usually referred to as Geysir, and Þingvellir, it is part of a group of the most famous sights of Iceland known as the "Golden Circle". Date: 7th June 2015 Location: view from the trail from the visitor centre at Gullfoss http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51334155.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_21186820306676e351a0ba3.jpgHeath Fritillary Flight period: June to July. The Heath Fritillary is at the north west extreme of its range in the southern UK and its numbers have greatly reduced this century due to changes in woodland management. It is now one of our rarest and most localised butterflies and can only be found at a few sites in Essex and Kent and in south west England. In Essex and Kent, they can be found in coppiced woodland with acid soils where Common Cow Wheat, the preferred foodplant, is available. On Exmoor they favour sheltered combes (valleys) and in Devon and Cornwall abandoned hay meadows are preferred. Detailed study has determined the Heath Fritillary’s precise habitat requirements and its future in the UK depends on deliberate conservation and habitat management. Date: 20th June 2024 Location: EWT Pound Wood, Hadleigh, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46511670.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_173036510262c99230ace4f.jpgPied Flycatcher The Pied Flycatcher is a small passerine bird in the Old World flycatcher family and is 1 of the 4 species of Western Palearctic black and white flycatchers. The breeding male Pied Flycatcher is mainly black above and white below with a large white wing patch, white tail sides and a small forehead patch. Non-breeding males, females and juveniles have the black replaced by a pale brown. The bill is black and it has the broad but pointed shape typical of aerial insectivores. The Pied Flycatcher has a very large range and population size and so it is of “least concern” according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It breeds in most of Europe and west Asia where it can be found in deciduous woodlands, parks and gardens, with a preference for oak trees. It will sometimes use mature open conifer woodland where natural tree holes occur. It builds an open nest in a tree hole and it will readily adapt to nest boxes. In the UK, the Pied Flycatcher is limited by geography and habitat to the north and west of the country where it prefers mature oak woodlands but also mature upland ash and birch woodlands. It has on average decreased in population by 25% within the last 25 years and it has ceased to breed in several parts of its former range. The Pied Flycatcher is migratory, wintering mainly in tropical west Africa from mid September to mid April. It first arrives in its breeding areas from mid April to the end of May. Following breeding, return migration to Africa occurs between August and mid September. The Pied Flycatcher is mainly insectivorous and its diet is composed nearly entirely of insects including flies, bees, wasps, ants, beetles, butterflies, moths, etc. but it will also eat fruit and seeds in late summer and autumn and on migration. Date: 8th May 2022 Location: RSPB Ynys-hir, Ceredigion http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo445640.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15696957434681c4d3d9f23.jpgHanda, Sutherland Handa is an island located just offshore from Scourie with one of the largest seabird colonies in north west Europe. The Sound of Handa on the east side of the island contains 2 small sandy bays which are the places where the small ferry boat from Tarbet lands. Date: June 1999 Location: view from the east side of Handa http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14160966.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3445472174f3e36d832d14.jpgCommon Blue Flight period: June to September. The Common Blue is the UK’s most widespread and common blue butterfly although it has suffered some local declines due to habitat loss. They can be found in sunny, sheltered areas including downland, roadside verges, woodland clearings and rural gardens. Date: 26th August 2007 Location: Stow Maries Halt EWT reserve, Stow Maries, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo52518222.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1042859906754596774b30.jpgMoorhen The Moorhen is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird that is usually found near water. From a distance it looks black with a ragged white line along its body. However, closer up it is olive-brown on the back and the head and blue-grey underneath. It has a red bill with a yellow tip. The Moorhen can be found all year round almost anywhere where there is water. They breed in lowland areas particularly in central and eastern England but are scarce in northern Scotland and the uplands of Wales and northern England. UK breeding birds are residents and seldom travel far. Date: 9th October 2024 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42202617.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13899737005ff30db9d878a.jpgWhite-tailed Eagles The White-tailed Eagle is a very large bird with a 72 to 96 inch wingspan and is the fourth largest eagle in the world. It has broad "barn door" wings, a large head and a thick "meat-cleaver" beak. The adult is mainly brown except for the paler head and neck, blackish flight feathers, distinctive white tail, and yellow bill and legs. In juvenile birds the tail and bill are darker, with the tail becoming white with a dark terminal band in sub-adults. The White-tailed Eagle breeds in northern Europe and northern Asia. The largest population in Europe is found along the coast of Norway. In the UK it became extinct during the early 20th century and the present population in Scotland has arisen from a reintroduction programme which commenced on the island of Rhum in 1975. It is still a rare breeding bird which was previously confined to the west coast of Scotland, although a reintroduction programme is now taking place in east Scotland. Date: 7th July 2019 Location: Kuntilampi, near Kuusamo, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo1278889.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16115014974866c917c60b2.jpgTraigh Allt Chailgeag, Sutherland Traigh Allt Chailgeag is a stunning and remote sandy beach hemmed in by cliffs and headlands located to the east of Durness and just before the A838 road turns south along the eastern shore of Loch Eriboll. Date: 5th June 2008 Location: view from the A838 road between Durness and Tongue http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5325791.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5956617444c1dd5cdf3fc8.jpgSango Bay, Sutherland Sango Bay is a beautiful sandy bay on the north coast of Sutherland and located by the village of Durness 4 miles west of Loch Eriboll. The bay is approximately half a mile in width and surrounded by low cliffs. Date: 3rd June 2010 Location: view from the A838 road east of Durness http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo10926822.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10658354344e09752c71e7a.jpgTraigh Allt Chailgeag, Sutherland Traigh Allt Chailgeag is a stunning and remote sandy beach hemmed in by cliffs and headlands located to the east of Durness and just before the A838 road turns south along the eastern shore of Loch Eriboll. Date: 11th June 2011 Location: view from the A838 road between Durness and Tongue http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38813399.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20950503445d0ddec9b50bd.jpgSound of Handa, Highland Handa is an island located just offshore from Scourie with one of the largest seabird colonies in north west Europe. The Sound of Handa on the east side of the island contains 2 small sandy bays which are the places where the small ferry boat from Tarbet lands. Date: 10th June 2019 Location: view from the east side of Handa http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo1278883.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17419478814866c8ea46fd3.jpgTongue Bay, Sutherland Tongue Bay is an inlet on the north coast of Sutherland and represents the outer section of the Kyle of Tongue to the south from which it is separated by sandbanks lying 2 miles north east of the Kyle of Tongue Causeway. The Rabbit Islands and Eilean nan Ron lie across the entrance to the bay. Date: 5th June 2008 Location: view from the A836 road at Coldbackie http://www.richardchewphotography.com/tongue-bay-sutherland https://images.on-this.website/4752_12968181394e097512c0677.jpgTongue Bay, Sutherland Tongue Bay is an inlet on the north coast of Sutherland and represents the outer section of the Kyle of Tongue to the south from which it is separated by sandbanks lying 2 miles north east of the Kyle of Tongue Causeway. The Rabbit Islands and Eilean nan Ron lie across the entrance to the bay. Date: 11th June 2011 Location: view from the A836 road at Coldbackie http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo445648.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1493693364681c4e3ecc03.jpgHanda Island, Sutherland Handa is an island located just offshore from Scourie with one of the largest seabird colonies in north west Europe. The Sound of Handa on the east side of the island contains 2 small sandy bays which are the places where the small ferry boat from Tarbet lands. Date: 14th June 2006 Location: view from the east side of Handa http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo1278891.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17389446654866c929423a6.jpgSango Bay, Sutherland Sango Bay is a beautiful sandy bay on the north coast of Sutherland and located by the village of Durness 4 miles west of Loch Eriboll. The bay is approximately half a mile in width and surrounded by low cliffs. Date: 5th June 2008 Location: view from the A838 road east of Durness http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo1278888.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16192204544866c90cd90b0.jpgTraigh Allt Chailgeag, Sutherland Traigh Allt Chailgeag is a stunning and remote sandy beach hemmed in by cliffs and headlands located to the east of Durness and just before the A838 road turns south along the eatern shore of Loch Eriboll. Date: 5th June 2008 Location: view from the A838 road between Durness and Tongue http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo445649.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15618057064681c4e59a9ea.jpgHanda Island, Sutherland Handa is an island located just offshore from Scourie with one of the largest seabird colonies in north west Europe. The Sound of Handa on the east side of the island contains 2 small sandy bays which are the places where the small ferry boat from Tarbet lands. Date: 14th June 2006 Location: view from the east side of Handa http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo10926824.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16154509454e09753402e2d.jpgSango Bay, Sutherland Sango Bay is a beautiful sandy bay on the north coast of Sutherland and located by the village of Durness 4 miles west of Loch Eriboll. The bay is approximately half a mile in width and surrounded by low cliffs. Date: 11th June 2011 Location: view from the A838 road east of Durness http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41349753.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10317727715f201ff840cff.jpgSmall Copper Flight period: April to October. The Small Copper is a common and widespread butterfly in the UK but has suffered a population decline due to change in land use and habitat loss. They are fond of warm and dry locations and can be found in a variety of habitats including heathland, unimproved grassland, woodland clearings, waste ground and gardens. Date: 17th July 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo1907575.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_152957574349231443bd36d.jpgDate: 4th November 2008 Location: Loch Gruinart, Islay, Argyll http://www.richardchewphotography.com/hrtafjrur-westfjords-iceland https://images.on-this.website/4752_5772977985635159cc8287.jpgHrútafjörður, Westfjords, Iceland The inlet of Hrútafjörður marks the divide between north west Iceland and the Westfjords. At Staðarskáli there is a junction between road 1 and road 61 which then moves north along the west side of Hrútafjörður and onwards to Hólmavík. Date: 4th June 2015 Location: view from road 61 http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19507479.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_44393718952528bd8bcd7f.jpgCattle Egret The Cattle Egret is a stocky white bird adorned with buff plumes in the breeding season. The easiest way to separate them from Little Egrets is by their short, yellow rather than long, black bills but Cattle Egrets are also smaller, stockier and more squat in shape with shorter, thicker necks and less elegant heads. The Cattle Egret is a cosmopolitan species of heron found in the tropics, subtropics and warm temperate zones. Originally native to parts of Asia, Africa and Europe, it has undergone a rapid expansion in its distribution and successfully colonised much of the rest of the world. Cattle Egrets breed and roost in trees usually close to fresh water and feed in shallow wetlands, especially rice-paddies, but also dry grasslands. They can often be seen feeding around cattle waiting to pick off disturbed insects, including riding on the backs of animals. Cattle Egrets are visiting the UK in increasing numbers and are most likely to be seen in the south of England and Wales. In winter 2007/08, a large influx of Cattle Egrets occurred in the UK, with the largest numbers in south-west England although birds did get as far north as Scotland. This influx led to the first ever pair breeding successfully in Somerset. Date: 8th September 2013 Location: Corredor Verde Dos Bahias near Benalup, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/dunnet-bay-caithness https://images.on-this.website/4752_18057293554e0974e883e63.jpgDunnet Bay, Caithness Dunnet Bay is a large bay on the north coast of Caithness 6 miles north east of Thurso. The bay is 2 miles wide and 4 miles deep with a broad sandy beach lying between the cliffs of Dunnet Head and Murkle Bay. A large and well-developed dune system lies behind the beach and the area is protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) owing to its considerable geomorphological and ecological interest. Date: 11th June 2011 Location: view from the northern end of the bay looking towards Dunnet Head http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo453528.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_115584377546883ff6a5869.jpgFidden, Mull, Argyll Fidden is situated at the western end of the Ross of Mull, the peninsula located on the west of the island of Mull. There are some beautiful sandy bays here and beyond these lies the Sound of Iona and the island of Iona itself. Date: 8th June 2007 Location: view from Fidden Farm http://www.richardchewphotography.com/garganeys https://images.on-this.website/4752_21405935926284b3a409576.jpgGarganeys The Garganey is a scarce and very secretive breeding duck in the UK. It is smaller than a Mallard and slightly bigger than a Teal. The male is most easily recognised with a broad white stripe over the eye. The Garganey is mostly found in central and southern England where it favours shallow wetlands and flooded meadows and ditches with plenty of aquatic vegetation. Breeding birds are present from March and return from July and small numbers of non-breeding birds visit on passage migration in spring and autumn. Date: 25th April 2022 Location: RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40399571.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2947012645dc6add230a5c.jpgLoch Moidart, Ardnamurchan, Highland Loch Moidart is a sea-loch on the west coast of Scotland which opens out to the south of the Sound of Arisaig. It is fed by the River Moidart which rises to the north east and flows through Glen Moidart to meet the loch at the settlement of Kinlochmoidart. Castle Tioram from the Gaelic "Caisteal Tioram" meaning "dry castle" is a ruined castle that sits on the tidal island Eilean Tioram in Loch Moidart located west of Acharacle, approximately 50 miles from Fort William. Though hidden from the sea, the castle controls access to Loch Shiel. The castle, a listed building and scheduled ancient monument, is the traditional seat of Clan MacDonald of Clan Ranald, a branch of Clan Donald. Castle Tioram was seized by Government forces around 1692 when Clan Chief Allan of Clanranald joined the Jacobite Court in France, despite having sworn allegiance to the British Crown. A small garrison was stationed in the castle until the Jacobite Uprising of 1715 when Allan recaptured and torched it, purportedly to keep it out of the hands of Hanoverian forces. It has been unoccupied since that time. The castle is now in extremely poor condition and in 1998 was closed to the public at the request of Highland Council. The castle can be reached on foot across the tidal causeway but there is no access to the interior because of the risk of falling masonry. Date: 29th September 2019 Location: view from the unclassified road north of Shiel Bridge http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39081920.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16224512955d30769db0b5a.jpgEuropean Bee-eater The European Bee-eater is an incredibly colourful bird with an unmistakable appearance. In breeding plumage, it has a rich chestnut crown that blends into gold on its back. The forehead is white, the throat is yellow bordered by black and the underparts are blue. The male European Bee-eater has a chestnut-coloured patch in the middle of the wing while in females this patch is usually smaller or even absent. Occasionally, females may also be distinguished from the males by having a green back. The wings and backs of juvenile European Bee-eaters are entirely green and the eyes are brown in contrast to the bright red eyes of adults. The European Bee-eater breeds in southern Europe and in parts of north Africa and western Asia. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, India and Sri Lanka. European Bee-eaters are occasionally seen in northern Europe (including the UK) as a spring overshoot north of its range with occasional breeding occurring. Just as the name suggests, the European Bee-eater predominantly eats insects, especially bees, wasps and hornets which are caught in the air by sorties from an open perch. Before eating its meal, a European Bee-eater removes the sting by repeatedly hitting the insect on a hard surface. Lizards and frogs are also taken. European Bee-eaters are gregarious, nesting colonially in sandy banks preferably near river shores and also feeding and roosting communally. Date: 13th May 2018 Location: Nisovo to Pisanec, Ruse Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/loch-moidart-highland https://images.on-this.website/4752_356928581542292885b46d.jpgLoch Moidart, Highland Loch Moidart is a sea-loch on the west coast of Scotland which opens out to the south of the Sound of Arisaig. It is fed by the River Moidart which rises to the north east and flows through Glen Moidart to meet the loch at the settlement of Kinlochmoidart. Castle Tioram from the Gaelic "Caisteal Tioram" meaning "dry castle" is a ruined castle that sits on the tidal island Eilean Tioram in Loch Moidart located west of Acharacle, approximately 50 miles from Fort William. Though hidden from the sea, the castle controls access to Loch Shiel. The castle, a listed building and scheduled ancient monument, is the traditional seat of Clan MacDonald of Clan Ranald, a branch of Clan Donald. Castle Tioram was seized by Government forces around 1692 when Clan Chief Allan of Clanranald joined the Jacobite Court in France, despite having sworn allegiance to the British Crown. A small garrison was stationed in the castle until the Jacobite Uprising of 1715 when Allan recaptured and torched it, purportedly to keep it out of the hands of Hanoverian forces. It has been unoccupied since that time. The castle is now in extremely poor condition and in 1998 was closed to the public at the request of Highland Council. The castle can be reached on foot across the tidal causeway but there is no access to the interior because of the risk of falling masonry. Date: 12th September 2014 Location: view from the unclassified road north of Shiel Bridge, Ardnamurchan, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13593651.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_740648334ec8dab37fd6b.jpgPort Uisken, Mull, Argyll Port Uisken is a sandy bay located on the southern shore of the Ross of Mull. Date: 10th November 2011 Location: view from the end of the unclassified road from Bunessan http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13593654.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14674816374ec8dacb98a5c.jpgFidden, Mull, Argyll Fidden is situated at the western end of the Ross of Mull, the peninsula located on the west of the island of Mull. There are some beautiful sandy bays here and beyond these lies the Sound of Iona and the island of Iona itself. Date: 10th November 2011 Location: view from Fidden Farm http://www.richardchewphotography.com/loch-eishort-skye https://images.on-this.website/4752_7338680654228d9cd2ee4.jpgLoch Eishort, Skye Loch Eishort is a sea loch on the coast of Skye and forms an inlet to the north of the Sleat peninsula. Date: 11th September 2014 Location: view from the unclassified road near Tokavaig, Skye http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4267086.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19189919484b5221d47c070.jpgLoch Scridain, Mull, Argyll Loch Scridain is located on the western coastline of the island of Mull in Argyll and is a large sea loch 12 miles in length and 2½ miles at its widest. Extending as far inland as Glen More, the area to the north is known as Ardmeanach while to the south lies the Ross of Mull. Date: 1st January 2010 Location: view from the northern shore http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo33568385.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12549228425a106acd2d5dc.jpgLoch Gruinart, Islay, Argyll Loch Gruinart is a shallow sea loch on the northern coast of the island of Islay in Argyll. It is 4 miles in length and there are a few houses but no significant settlements around its shores. There are extensive sand dune systems around Ardnave Point and Killinallan Point at the mouth of the loch. Date: 4th November 2017 Location: view from the east side from the minor road to Killinallan http://www.richardchewphotography.com/loch-eil-highland https://images.on-this.website/4752_206907328554228381b0203.jpgLoch Eil, Highland Loch Eil is a sea loch which extends almost 7 miles from west to east before opening in to the northern end of Loch Linnhe opposite Fort William. Date: 10th September 2014 Location: view from the A861 road along the south shore http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13593653.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5253990574ec8dac39f84c.jpgSound of Iona, Argyll The Sound Of Iona is the stretch of water between Fionnphort, a village at the western end of the Ross of Mull, and the island of Iona which is crossed several times a day by the CalMac passenger ferry. Date: 10th November 2011 Location: view from Fionnphort http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41493248.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9886997385f326ebf946cd.jpgHerring Gull The (European) Herring Gull is a species of large gull. It is 22 to 26 inches in length with a wingspan of 49 to 61 inches. The male is slightly larger than the female. The adult Herring Gull in breeding plumage has a grey back and upper wings and white head and underparts. The wingtips are black with white spots known as "mirrors". The bill is yellow with a red spot and a ring of bare yellow skin is seen around the pale eye. The legs are normally pink at all ages but can be yellowish. Male and female plumage are identical at all stages of development. Non-breeding adults have brown streaks on their heads and necks. Juvenile and first-winter birds are mainly brown with darker streaks and have a dark bill and eyes. Second-winter birds have a whiter head and underparts with less streaking and the back is grey. Third-winter individuals are similar to adults but retain some of the features of immature birds such as brown feathers in the wings and dark markings on the bill. The Herring Gull attains adult plumage and reaches sexual maturity at an average age of 4 years. The adult Herring Gull is similar to the Ring-billed Gull but it is much larger, has pinkish legs and a much thicker yellow bill with more pronounced gonys. First-winter birds are much browner but second-winter and third-winter birds can be confusing since soft part colours are variable and third-winter birds often show a ring around the bill. Such birds are most easily distinguished by the larger size and larger bill of Herring Gull. The Herring Gull can be differentiated from the closely related and slightly smaller Lesser Black-backed Gull by the latter's dark grey (not actually black) back and upper wing plumage and its yellow legs and feet. The loud, laughing call of the Herring Gull is well known in Europe and it is often seen as a symbol of the seaside in countries such as the UK. It also has a yelping alarm call and a low, barking anxiety call. The most distinct and best known call produced by the Herring Gull is the raucous territorial “long call” used to signal boundaries to other birds. It is performed initially with the head bowed and then raised as the call continues. Chicks and fledglings emit a distinctive, repetitive, high-pitched “peep” accompanied by a head-flicking gesture when begging for food from or calling to their parents. Adults in urban areas also exhibit this behaviour when fed by humans. Herring Gull flocks have a loose pecking order based on size, aggressiveness and physical strength. Adult males are usually dominant over females and juveniles in feeding and boundary disputes whilst adult females are typically dominant when selecting their nesting sites. Communication between birds is complex and highly developed, employing both calls and body language. The Herring Gull is one of the best-known of all gulls and it breeds across north Europe, west Europe, central Europe, east Europe, Scandinavia and the Baltic states. Some birds, especially those breeding in colder areas, migrate further south in winter but many are permanent residents, e.g. in the UK or on the North Sea coast. The Herring Gull is almost exclusively sexually monogamous and may pair up for life provided the couple is successful in breeding. The female lays 2 to 4 eggs, but usually 3, on the ground or cliff ledges in colonies and the nest is defended vigorously. The eggs are incubated by both parents for 28 to 30 days. The chicks hatch with their eyes open, covered with fluffy down and they are able to walk around within hours. Juveniles use their beaks to peck at the red spot on the beaks of adults to indicate hunger and then the parents typically disgorge food. The young birds are able to fly 35 to 40 days after hatching and fledge at 5 or 6 weeks of age. Chicks are generally fed by their parents until they are 11 to 12 weeks old but feeding may continue for more than 6 months of age if the young gulls continue to beg. The Herring Gull has a varied diet, including fish (although despite their name, they have no special preference for herrings), crustaceans and dead animals. Vegetable matter such as roots, tubers, seeds, grains, nuts and fruit, is also taken. It is an opportunistic omnivore like most gulls and it will scavenge from rubbish dumps, landfill sites and sewage outflows with refuse comprising up to half of its diet. It will also take the eggs and young of other birds (including those of other gulls), steal food from other birds as well as seek suitable small prey in fields, on the coast or in urban areas. The Herring Gull may also dive from the surface of the water or engage in plunge diving in the pursuit of aquatic prey although they are typically unable to reach depths greater than 3 to 6 feet due to their natural buoyancy. It can frequently be seen dropping shelled prey from a height to break the shell and it has also been observed using pieces of bread as bait. It may also be observed rhythmically drumming its feet upon the ground for prolonged periods of time for the purpose of creating vibrations in the soil and driving earthworms to the surface which are then consumed. In the UK, the Herring Gull is declining significantly across the country despite an increase in urban areas. The UK population has decreased by 50% in 25 years and it is protected by law. Since January 2010, Natural England has allowed lethal control only with a specific individual licence that is available only in limited circumstances. Natural England made the change following a public consultation in response to the RSPB placing the Herring Gull on its “Red List” of threatened bird species in 2009, affording it the highest possible conservation status. Previously, killing the Herring Gull was allowed under a general licence obtainable by authorised persons (e.g. landowners or occupiers) under certain circumstances (e.g. to prevent serious damage to crops or livestock, to prevent disease or to preserve public health or safety) without requiring additional permission beyond the general licence. The Herring Gull is an increasingly common rooftop nesting bird in urban areas of the UK and many individual birds show little fear of humans. The Clean Air Act 1956 banned the burning of refuse at landfill sites and this provided the Herring Gull with a regular and plentiful source of food. As a direct result, the urban population in the UK increased. Faced with a lack of space at their traditional coastal colonies, the Herring Gull ventured inland in search of new breeding areas. Decreasing fish stocks in the seas around the UK may also have been a significant factor in the move inland. The Herring Gull is now found all year round in the streets and gardens of the UK due to the presence of street lighting (which allows foraging at night), discarded food in streets, food waste contained in easy to tear plastic bin bags, food intentionally left out for other birds, the relative lack of predators and readily available, convenient, warm and undisturbed rooftop nesting space in towns and cities. The survival rate for urban Herring Gulls is much higher than their counterparts in coastal areas, with an annual adult mortality rate of less than 5%. Also, each pair commonly rears 3 chicks per year. This, when combined with their long-lived nature, has resulted in a massive increase in numbers over a relatively short period of time and has brought urban Herring Gulls into conflict with humans. A range of non-lethal attempts to deter them from nesting in urban areas have been largely unsuccessful. Date: 2nd July 2019 Location: Hornøya, Barents Sea, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29487468.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10360470725810805277814.jpgNuuksio National Park, Uusimaa, Finland Nuuksio National Park was established in 1994 and covers an area of 20 square miles of forests and lakes around Espoo, Kirkkonummi and Vihti. About 20 miles north west of Helsinki, it is the second closest National Park to the capital after Sipoonkorpi National Park. The [url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siberian_flying_squirrel]Siberian Flying Squirrel[/url] is the emblem of the Nuuksio National Park due to the density of its population. Date: 30th May 2016 Location: Haukkalampi, Nuuksio National Park, Uusimaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5472454.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3470845054c306a9dba16e.jpgRuddy Darter Flight period: mid June to mid September. The Ruddy Darter takes its name from its colour and its swift flight behaviour. The male has a deep russet colour over the entire body and the abdomen has a pinched section close to where it joins the thorax. Females are slightly smaller, golden yellow in colour and being less obviously marked are more difficult to identify than the males. There is more than one red coloured darter species in the UK and they can be easily confused with each other. The commonest red species, the Common Darter, can be distinguished as having red veins at the base of the wings and a less ruddy colouration across the body. However, the Ruddy Darter has entirely black legs, distinguishing it from all other red darters which have longitudinal yellow stripes on their legs. The UK range of the Ruddy Darter has undergone something of an expansion in recent years. Although still relatively uncommon in the west and north of Britain, it is increasing in numbers in the Midlands and eastern England. The population is augmented by continental migrants. It is also found over most of Europe except for northern Scandinavia, as far east as western Siberia and south to north Africa. The Ruddy Darter prefers water bodies with tall emergent vegetation, such as reeds and club rush, and it is known to breed in ponds, lakes, canals, ditches and sluggish rivers. They can also be found near coasts and can breed in fairly brackish water. Date: 4th July 2010 Location: Thrift Wood EWT reserve, Bicknacre, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/river-boyne-co-meath-ireland https://images.on-this.website/4752_4063238045e5394444e7fe.jpgRiver Boyne, Co. Meath, Ireland The River Boyne (Irish: An Bhóinn or Abhainn na Bóinne) is a river in Leinster, one of the ancient provinces of Ireland. It is 70 miles long, rises at Trinity Well, Newberry Hall, near Carbury in Co. Kildare and flows through Co. Meath to reach the Irish Sea between Mornington in Co. Meath and Baltray in Co. Louth. It has a catchment area of around 1040 square miles. Despite its short course, the River Boyne has historical, archaeological and mythical connotations. The Battle of the Boyne, a major battle in Irish history, took place along the Boyne near Drogheda in 1690 during the Williamite war in Ireland. It passes through the ancient town of Trim, the Hill of Tara (the ancient capital of the High King of Ireland), Navan (the county town of Co.Meath), the Hill of Slane, Brú na Bóinne (see below), the Cistercian Mellifont Abbey and the medieval town of Drogheda. In the River Boyne valley can also be found other historical and archaeological monuments, including at Loughcrew and Kells. Brú na Bóinne is located in a bend of the River Boyne about 5 miles west of Drogheda in Co. Meath. It is surrounded on its southern, western and eastern sides by the River Boyne. Additionally, a small tributary of the River Boyne, the River Mattock, runs along the northern edge, almost completely surrounding Brú na Bóinne with water. All but 2 of the prehistoric sites are on this river peninsula. The area has been a centre of human settlement for at least 6000 years but the major structures date to around 5000 years ago from the Neolithic period. It is a complex of Neolithic mounds, chamber tombs, standing stones, henges and other prehistoric enclosures, some from as early as 35th century BC to 32nd century BC, including the large megalithic passage graves of Knowth, Newgrange and Dowth as well as some 90 additional monuments. The area thus predates the Egyptian pyramids and was built with sophistication and a knowledge of science and astronomy which is most evident in the passage grave of Newgrange. Since 1993, the area has been a World Heritage Site designated by UNESCO and has been known since 2013 as "Brú na Bóinne - Archaeological Ensemble of the Bend of the Boyne". Date: 3rd February 2020 Location: view at Brú na Bóinne, Co. Meath, Ireland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo42222310.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11351064866023a2d2822ca.jpgKuusamo to Iivaara, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland Date: 9th July 2019 Location: view from road 866 between Kuusamo and Iivaara, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084024.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_7196226045d308386c90c8.jpgPirin Mountains, Blagoevgrad Province, Bulgaria The Pirin Mountains are a mountain range in south west Bulgaria spreading over 1000 square miles. They extend about 50 miles from the north west to the south east and they are about 25 miles wide. Vihren at 9560 feet is the highest peak in the Pirin Mountains, the second highest in Bulgaria and the third highest in the Balkans. To the north, the Pirin Mountains are separated from Bulgaria's highest mountain range, the Rila Mountains, by the Paril Saddle whilst to the south they extend towards the mountain of Slavyanka Mountain located on the border of south west Bulgaria and north Greece. To the west is the valley of the River Struma and to the east the valley of the River Mesta which separates the Pirin Mountains from the Rhodopes Mountains. The Pirin Mountains are dotted with 118 glacial lakes, the largest and the deepest of them being Popovo Lake. They also contain Europe's most southern glaciers, Snezhnika and Banski Suhodol. The Snezhnika glacier is a remnant of the former Vihren glacier. It lies at a height of between 7956 feet and 8140 feet in the deep Golemiya Kazan cirque at the steep northern foot of Vihren. The Banski Suhodol glacier is a small glacier which lies below the peak of Kutelo peak (9540 feet) in the upper Banski Suhodol valley. The northern part of the Pirin Mountains is protected by the Pirin National Park (originally named Vihren National Park). It encompasses the larger part of the Pirin Mountains and covers an area of around 155 square miles. It is one of the 3 national parks in Bulgaria, the others being Rila National Park and Central Balkan National Park. Pirin National Park was established in 1962 and its territory has expanded several times since then. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and it is also part of Natura 2000, the network of nature protection areas of the European Union. Pirin National Park falls within the Rodope montane mixed forests terrestrial eco-region of the Palearctic temperate broadleaf and mixed forest. Forests cover 57.3% of the area of Pirin National Park and almost 95% of them are coniferous forests. The average age of the forests is 85 years. Bulgaria's oldest tree, Baikushev's pine, is located in Pirin National Park and it has an approximate age of about 1,300 years. Pirin National Park is noted for its rich and diverse flora and fauna which includes 45 species of mammals, 159 species of birds, 11 species of reptiles, 8 species of amphibia and 6 species of fish. The Pirin Mountains are an important tourist destination. The town of Bansko, situated on the north east slopes of the mountain range, has grown to be the primary ski and winter sports centre in the Balkans. A number of settlements in the foothills have mineral springs and are spa resorts e.g. Banya, Dobrinishte, Gotse Delchev, Sandanski, etc. Melnik is situated in the south west foothills of the mountain. With a population of around 385, it is Bulgaria's smallest town and retains its town status today for historical reasons. The town is an architectural reserve and 96 of its buildings are designated as cultural monuments. It is among the “100 Tourist Sites of Bulgaria” programme which promotes tourism among Bulgaria's most significant cultural, historic and natural landmarks. The town is also a centre of red wine production with numerous vineyards and cellars dug in to the local sandstone rock. The area around Melnik is strikingly eroded, particularly the enormous area of sandstone cliff that serves as a backdrop to the town. This area, covering some 6.5 square miles around Melnik, Kurlanovo and Rozhen has been called the Melnik Earth Pyramids. The hills in this area can rise up to 330 feet high and the unique formations, which can resemble giant mushrooms, ancient towers and obelisks, were formed when heavy rain eroded the sandstone and clay which the hills are composed of. The Melnik Earth Pyramids are a geological phenomenon of global importance and they were declared a natural landmark in 1960 with a total protected area of 5 square miles. Date: 29th May 2018 Location: view from near Melnik, Blagoevgrad Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072416.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10541296584bf6e2226a9dd.jpgSteller's Eiders The Steller's Eider is a medium sized sea duck and the smallest of the 4 species of eider. In it’s breeding plumage, the male is unmistakable with a black back, white shoulders, chestnut breast and belly, a white head with a greenish tuft and small black eye patches. During the late summer and autumn, males are entirely mottled dark brown. Females and juveniles are mottled dark brown all year round. Adults of both sexes have a blue patch with a white border on the upper wing similar to a mallard. The bird is named after the German naturalist Georg Steller. Steller's Eiders breed along the Arctic coasts of northern Russia and northern and western Alaska. It is estimated that the world population of Steller's Eiders is around 220,000 birds, the majority of which nest in Russia. Most Steller's Eiders breeding in Alaska and Russia migrate south after breeding. An estimated 40,000 winter in north eastern Europe along the coasts of Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Finland, Norway and Sweden. It is very scarce south of its wintering range. Date: 14th April 2010 Location: Salltjern, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072247.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2876531834bf6d55f37a41.jpgSiberian Jay The Siberian Jay is noticeably smaller, slighter and proportionately longer-tailed than the Jay with a much shorter and more pointed bill. It is the smallest and most delicate of the Western Palearctic crows and is rather drab brown-grey with rufous-chestnut near the wing-bend and on under wing coverts, rump and sides of tail which set the bird “on fire” in flight. The Siberian Jay is a widespread and highly sedentary resident in Fennoscandia and Russia with Europe accounting for less than half of its global range. It breeds across the higher latitudes of the Western Palearctic and is predominantly at all seasons a bird of coniferous forest, mainly dense stands of forest unmodified by man rather than open growth. The Siberian Jay contrasts with the Jay in a lack of fear of man, readily attaching itself to human travellers and their living quarters, but this has little effect on choice of habitat since its normal range is largely uninhabited by people. Date: 10th April 2010 Location: Neljan Tuulen Tupa near Kaamanen, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo19507482.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_88797060252528be08f21b.jpgCattle Egret The Cattle Egret is a stocky white bird adorned with buff plumes in the breeding season. The easiest way to separate them from Little Egrets is by their short, yellow rather than long, black bills but Cattle Egrets are also smaller, stockier and more squat in shape with shorter, thicker necks and less elegant heads. The Cattle Egret is a cosmopolitan species of heron found in the tropics, subtropics and warm temperate zones. Originally native to parts of Asia, Africa and Europe, it has undergone a rapid expansion in its distribution and successfully colonised much of the rest of the world. Cattle Egrets breed and roost in trees usually close to fresh water and feed in shallow wetlands, especially rice-paddies, but also dry grasslands. They can often be seen feeding around cattle waiting to pick off disturbed insects, including riding on the backs of animals. Cattle Egrets are visiting the UK in increasing numbers and are most likely to be seen in the south of England and Wales. In winter 2007/08, a large influx of Cattle Egrets occurred in the UK, with the largest numbers in south-west England although birds did get as far north as Scotland. This influx led to the first ever pair breeding successfully in Somerset. Date: 8th September 2013 Location: Corredor Verde Dos Bahias near Benalup, Andalucia, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26270593.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1320360920566554869ca67.jpgStonechat The (European) Stonechat is a small passerine bird that was long considered a member of the thrush family although genetic evidence has now placed it and its relatives in the Old World flycatcher family. Two weakly defined sub-species differing in colour intensity are currently accepted: [i]hibernans[/i] found in north west Europe in Atlantic coastal areas, south west Norway, the UK, Ireland and north west France and [i]rubicola[/i] found in the south and east of its range from Denmark south west to Spain and north Morocco, east to Poland and Ukraine and south east to Turkey. The (European) Stonechat is slightly smaller than the Robin. Both sexes have distinctively short wings, shorter than those of the more migratory Whinchat and Siberian Stonechat. The summer male has black upperparts, a black head, an orange throat and breast and a white belly and vent. It also has a white half-collar on the sides of its neck, a small white scapular patch on the wings and a very small white patch on the rump often streaked with black. The female has brown upperparts and head and no white neck patches, rump or belly. Instead these areas are streaked dark brown on paler brown, the only white being the scapular patch on the wings and even this often being buffy-white. The (European) Stonechat can often be seen perched on the tops of low bushes where, as its name suggests, it can be heard uttering a sharp loud call that sounds like stones being knocked together. The male's song is high and twittering like a Dunnock. The (European) Stonechat breeds in heathland, coastal dunes and rough grassland with scattered small shrubs and bramble, open gorse, tussocks or heather. It is a short-distance migrant or non-migratory, with part of the population, particularly from the north east of the range where winters are colder, moving to winter further south in Europe and north Africa. Date: 4th December 2015 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo34209775.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16508107035a997927cdd51.jpgSpotted Sandpiper The Spotted Sandpiper is a small wader. The adult has brown upperparts, white underparts with black spots, short yellowish legs and an orange bill with a dark tip. Non-breeding birds (as in this photo) do not have the spotted underparts and are very similar to the Common Sandpiper of Eurasia. The main difference is the shorter tail, more washed out wing pattern visible in flight and the normally light yellow legs and feet of the Spotted Sandpiper. The Spotted Sandpiper is often solitary and walks with a distinctive teeter, bobbing its tail up and down constantly. When foraging it walks quickly, crouching low, occasionally darting toward prey, all the while bobbing its tail. In flight, the Spotted Sandpipers has quick, snappy wingbeats interspersed with glides, keeping its wings below horizontal. The Spotted Sandpiper is common and widespread across most of Canada and the USA where it breeds almost anywhere near water i.e. along streams, rivers, ponds, lakes and beaches, particularly on rocky shores. It migrates to winter in southern USA and South America and it is a very rare vagrant to western Europe. The Spotted Sandpiper forages on the ground picking up food such as insects, crustaceans and other invertebrates by sight. It may also catch insects in flight and pick up earthworms, small crabs and crayfish, small fish and bits of carrion. This bird was first reported at the Slalom Course/River Trent confluence at Holme Pierrepoint Country Park in mid-January 2018 and remained on site for most of February 2018. Date: 24th February 2018 Location: Holme Pierrepoint Country Park, Nottinghamshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26270605.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10797003375665549f4308c.jpgStonechat The (European) Stonechat is a small passerine bird that was long considered a member of the thrush family although genetic evidence has now placed it and its relatives in the Old World flycatcher family. Two weakly defined sub-species differing in colour intensity are currently accepted: [i]hibernans[/i] found in north west Europe in Atlantic coastal areas, south west Norway, the UK, Ireland and north west France and [i]rubicola[/i] found in the south and east of its range from Denmark south west to Spain and north Morocco, east to Poland and Ukraine and south east to Turkey. The (European) Stonechat is slightly smaller than the Robin. Both sexes have distinctively short wings, shorter than those of the more migratory Whinchat and Siberian Stonechat. The summer male has black upperparts, a black head, an orange throat and breast and a white belly and vent. It also has a white half-collar on the sides of its neck, a small white scapular patch on the wings and a very small white patch on the rump often streaked with black. The female has brown upperparts and head and no white neck patches, rump or belly. Instead these areas are streaked dark brown on paler brown, the only white being the scapular patch on the wings and even this often being buffy-white. The (European) Stonechat can often be seen perched on the tops of low bushes where, as its name suggests, it can be heard uttering a sharp loud call that sounds like stones being knocked together. The male's song is high and twittering like a Dunnock. The (European) Stonechat breeds in heathland, coastal dunes and rough grassland with scattered small shrubs and bramble, open gorse, tussocks or heather. It is a short-distance migrant or non-migratory, with part of the population, particularly from the north east of the range where winters are colder, moving to winter further south in Europe and north Africa. Date: 4th December 2015 Location: Horsey, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13683323.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5527827594ed72dec14f0f.jpgHedgehog The Hedgehog is unmistakeable being the only spiny British mammal. The yellow-tipped 2cm spines on a grey/brown back and sides are perhaps the best known features of the Hedgehog which has relatively long legs and a short tail together with small eyes and ears. The Hedgehog is common in parks, gardens and farmland throughout mainland UK. It has also been introduced to many islands including Orkney, Shetland, Isle of Man and some of the Channel Islands. Hedgehogs prefer woodland edges, hedgerows and suburban habitats where there is plenty of food for them. Intensively farmed arable land is probably a poor habitat as are moorlands and dense conifer forests. Hedgehogs survive well in gardens, particularly assisted by food put out for them as modern tidy gardens may not otherwise provide sufficient food. The Hedgehog is generally nocturnal travelling around a mile each night feeding on a diet of beetles, worms, caterpillars, slugs and almost anything they can catch. They can also take the eggs and chicks of ground-nesting birds although rarely in large numbers. The Hedgehog‘s hibernation usually begins about November and ends around Easter but it is much affected by the weather. They normally wake up several times over winter and often build a new nest. In the spring they commonly spend a few days active and then enter hibernation again during any cold snap. The winter nest or hibernaculum is made of leaves, tucked under a bush or log pile or garden shed or anywhere that offers support and protection. The Hedgehog can live up to 10 years but this is exceptional. Over half die within their first year and average life expectancy is 2 to 3 years in the wild. Hedgehogs may become locally scarce or even disappear but nationwide extinction is unlikely. Nevertheless, the Hedgehog appears to be in decline although the total population is unknown. The biggest threat to the Hedgehog is probably habitat loss with the change from pastoral farming to arable crops over the last 30 years. The use of chemicals in gardens and for intensive farming kills the creatures hedgehogs need for food and may also poison them directly. Many are also killed on the roads. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41292186.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_20166163275f10b909306e4.jpgPasvikdalen, Troms og Finnmark, Norway The Pasvik valley (Norwegian: [i]Pasvikdalen[/i]) is a river valley located in Norway and Russia. The Norwegian side of the valley is situated in Sør-Varanger municipality in Troms og Finnmark and the Russian side is located in the Pechengsky district in Murmansk Oblast. Øvre Pasvik National Park (Norwegian: [i]Øvre Pasvik Nasjonalpark[/i]) is located in the south eastern part of the valley and covers an area of 46 square miles. It is dominated by Siberian-like taiga consisting of old-growth forests of Scots pine, shallow lakes and bogs. Proposals for a national park in Øvre Pasvik were first launched in 1936 but it was not created until February 1970. It originally covered 25 square miles but was expanded in August 2003. Øvre Pasvik National Park is part of the larger Pasvik–Inari Trilateral Park along with the adjacent Øvre Pasvik Landscape Protection Area, the joint Norwegian and Russian Pasvik Nature Reserve and Finland's Vätsäri Wilderness Area. The fauna and flora of the Øvre Pasvik National Park is typical of the Siberian taiga. This includes Brown Bear, Wolverine, Wolf, Lynx and Elk and a very interesting diversity of northern and eastern species of birds which breed on the lakes and rivers and in the forests. The River Pasvikelva runs through the valley (giving it the name) and the river defines part of the border between Norway and Russia. It is the outlet from the large Lake Inari in Finland and flows through Norway and Russia to discharge into the Bøkfjorden (which later flows into the Varangerfjorden and then the Barents Sea) not far from the town of Kirkenes. The river has a watershed of 7106 square miles and is 90 miles long. A series of hydroelectric power stations are situated along its course. Since 1826, the River Pasvikelva has marked parts of the border between Norway and Russia, except from 1920 to 1944 when it was along the border between Norway and Finland. The southern part of the valley is also the location of the Treriksrøysa (Three-Country Cairn), a cairn which marks the tripoint where the borders between Norway, Finland and Russia meet. The site is on a hill called Muotkavaara situated west of the River Pasvikelva. It is the only place where 3 time zones meet: Central European Time, Eastern European Time and Further-Eastern European Time. The tripoint can only be approached by the public from the Norwegian side since both Finland and Russia maintain extensive border zones where public access is prohibited. Date: 30th June 2019 Location: Øvre Pasvik National Park, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26006863.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2976322005634bf1d31df9.jpgEider The Eider is a large sea duck that is distributed over the northern coasts of Europe, north America and eastern Siberia. It breeds in the Arctic and some northern temperate regions but winters somewhat further south in temperate zones when it can form large flocks on coastal waters. The Eider is both the largest of the 4 eider species and the largest duck found in Europe and in north America (except for the Muscovy duck which only reaches north America in a wild state in southernmost Texas and south Florida). The Eider is characterized by its bulky shape and large, wedge-shaped bill. The male is unmistakable with its black and white plumage and green nape. The female is a brown bird but can still be readily distinguished from all ducks, except other eider species, on the basis of size and head shape. The drake's display call is a strange almost human-like "ah-ooo" while the duck utters hoarse quacks. The Eider dives for crustaceans and molluscs, with mussels being a favoured food. The Eider will eat mussels by swallowing them whole. The shells are then crushed in their gizzard and excreted. When eating a crab, the Eider will remove all of its claws and legs and then eat the body in a similar fashion. The Eider is abundant with populations of about 1.5 to 2 million birds in both Europe and north America and also large but unknown numbers in eastern Siberia. The Eider is a colonial breeder nesting on coastal islands in colonies ranging in size of less than 100 to upwards of 10,000 to 15,000 individuals. Female Eiders frequently exhibit a high degree of natal philopatry where they return to breed on the same island where they were hatched. This can lead to a high degree of relatedness between individuals nesting on the same island as well as the development of kin-based female social structures. This relatedness has likely played a role in the evolution of co-operative breeding behaviours amongst Eiders. Examples of these behaviours include laying eggs in the nests of related individuals and crèching where female Eiders team up and share the work of rearing ducklings. The Eider's nest is built close to the sea and is lined with the celebrated eiderdown plucked from the female's breast. This soft and warm lining has long been harvested for filling pillows and quilts but in more recent years has been largely replaced by down from domestic farm geese and synthetic alternatives. Although eiderdown pillows or quilts are now a rarity, eiderdown harvesting continues and is sustainable as it can be done after the ducklings leave the nest with no harm to the birds. Date: 5th June 2015 Location: Steingrímsfjarðarheiði to Ísafjörður, Westfjords, Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26008472.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4706150925634ff2b9999b.jpgLake Mývatn, north east Iceland Mývatn is the undisputed gem of north east Iceland, a tourist and ornithological honeypot. The lake and the surrounding area are starkly beautiful, an otherworldly landscape of spluttering mudpots, weird lava formations, steaming fumaroles and volcanic craters. The Mývatn basin sits squarely on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and the violent geological character of the area has produced an astonishing landscape unlike anywhere else in the country. Mývatn is a shallow eutrophic lake situated in an area of active volcanism not far from Krafla volcano. The lake was created by a large basaltic lava eruption 2300 years ago and the surrounding landscape is dominated by volcanic landforms including lava pillars. The name of the lake (Icelandic mý ("midge") and vatn ("lake") .... the lake of midges) comes from the huge numbers of midges to be found in the summer. The name Mývatn is sometimes used not only for the lake but the whole surrounding inhabited area. The River Laxá, Lake Mývatn and the surrounding wetlands are protected as a nature reserve known as the Mývatn-Laxá Nature Conservation Area which occupies 440,000 hectares. The lake is fed by nutrient-rich springwater and has a high abundance of aquatic insects and plants that form an attractive food supply for ducks. Thirteen species of ducks nest at Mývatn. The duck species composition is unique in the mixture of Eurasian and north American elements and of boreal and Arctic species. Most of the ducks are migratory, arriving in late April to early May from north west Europe. The most abundant is the Tufted Duck whilst the Scaup is the second most common duck species. Other common species include the Red-breasted Merganser, Wigeon, Gadwall, Mallard, Common Scoter, Long-tailed Duck and Teal. Mývatn and the River Laxá are also special in that they support good numbers of Harlequin Ducks and Barrow’s Goldeneyes, 2 species that within Europe are solely confined to Iceland. Other common waterbirds include the Slavonian Grebe, Red-necked Phalarope, Great Northern Diver, Red-throated Diver and Whooper Swan. Date: 4th June 2015 Location: view from the north shore http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26026101.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1570151847563746205b7a1.jpgRed-throated Diver The Red-throated Diver is the smallest and lightest of the world's diver or loon species. Like all divers, it is long-bodied and short-necked and with its legs set far back on its body. The sexes are similar in appearance although males tend to be slightly larger and heavier than females. In breeding plumage, the adult has a dark grey head and neck with narrow black and white stripes on the back of the neck, a triangular red throat patch, white underparts and a dark grey-brown mantle. The non-breeding plumage is drabber with the chin, foreneck and much of the face white, the top of the head and back of the neck grey and considerable white speckling on the dark mantle. The bill is thin, straight and sharp and the bird often holds it at an uptilted angle. In flight, the Red-throated Diver has a distinctive profile. Its small feet do not project far past the end of its body, its head and neck droop below the horizontal (giving the flying bird a distinctly hunchbacked shape) and its thin wings are angled back. It has a quicker, deeper wing beat than other divers. The Red-throated Diver has a large global population and a significant global range but some populations are declining. Oil spills, habitat degradation, pollution and fishing nets are among the major threats and natural predators, such as various gull species and both red and Arctic foxes, will take eggs and young. The Red-throated Diver breeds primarily in the Arctic regions of northern Eurasia and north America and it winters in northern coastal waters, sometimes in groups of considerable size. Unlike other divers, it regularly uses very small freshwater lakes as breeding sites. In Europe, it breeds in Iceland, northern Scotland, Scandinavia and northern Russia and it winters along the coast as far south as parts of Spain. Date: 3rd June 2015 Location: near Kópasker, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/loch-gruinart-rspb-reserve-islay https://images.on-this.website/4752_16585355425a106a7e953b8.jpgLoch Gruinart RSPB reserve, Islay, Argyll Loch Gruinart is a shallow sea loch on the northern coast of the island of Islay in Argyll. It is 4 miles in length and there are a few houses but no significant settlements around its shores. There are extensive sand dune systems around Ardnave Point and Killinallan Point at the mouth of the loch. At the head of the loch is a large area of coastal mudflats, salt marsh, moorland and woodland owned by the RSPB. [url=https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/find-a-reserve/reserves-a-z/reserves-by-name/l/lochgruinart/]RSPB Loch Gruinart[/url] is a special kind of nature reserve because it includes a working farm. In fact, it is the biggest farming operation on a nature reserve anywhere in the UK and possibly in Europe. Roughly a third of the reserve comprises farm land for grazing or for silage or arable crop production. The rest consists of approximately 250 hectares of mudflats and salt marsh and 980 hectares of heather moorland. There are walking trails through the moorland and the woodland areas near the loch. The most popular destination for birders are 2 hides located on the edge of the loch and reached by a trail through the woodland. This provides an excellent place to observe not only birds but other wildlife such as Roe and Red Deer, Otter and Brown Hare. The RSPB also manage a visitor centre which is open all year and provides information on walking trails, special events, guided walks and what to look for in terms of birds and other wildlife. There is something to see all year round on the reserve although the most spectacular time to visit is in October and early November when 45% of the world's population of Barnacle Geese and 60% of the world’s population of Greenland White-fronted Geese return from Greenland for the winter. A maximum count of 24,000 geese has been recorded on the reserve. At the same time Pale-bellied Brent Geese and Whooper Swans fly in from Iceland and stop for a short rest before heading onwards to Ireland. Late autumn/early winter is also a good time to see birds of prey including Golden Eagle, White-tailed Eagle, Hen Harrier, Merlin and Peregrine. Date: 4th November 2017 Location: view from the woodland trail, Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48309164.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_167964116063ee456065d16.jpgLapwings The Northern Lapwing, also known as the peewit, pewit, tuit or tew-it (imitative of its cry), Green Plover (emphasising the colour of the plumage) or (in the UK) just Lapwing (which refers to its peculiar, erratic way of flying), is a bird in the lapwing family. The Lapwing has rounded wings and a crest. It is also the shortest-legged of the lapwing species. It is mainly black and white but the back is tinted green. The male has a long crest and a black crown, throat and breast contrasting with an otherwise white face. Females and young birds have shorter crests and have less strongly marked heads but plumages are otherwise quite similar. The Lapwing is a vocal bird in the breeding season with constant calling as the crazed tumbling display flight is performed by the male. The typical contact call is a loud, shrill "pee-wit" from which they get their other name of peewit. The Lapwing is common through temperate Eurasia and breeds on cultivated land and other short vegetation habitats. The ground scrape nest and young are defended noisily and aggressively against all intruders. It is highly migratory over most of its extensive range, wintering further south as far as north Africa, north India, Pakistan and parts of China. It migrates mainly by day, often in large flocks. Lowland breeders in the westernmost areas of Europe are resident. In winter, it forms huge flocks on open land, particularly arable land and mud-flats. In the UK, the Lapwing has suffered a significant decline in the last 25 years and is an Amber List species because of the importance of its UK wintering population. It breeds on farmland throughout the UK, particularly in lowland areas of north England, the Borders and east Scotland, and prefers fields of spring sown cereals and root crops, permanent unimproved pasture, meadows and fallow fields but also wet grassland and marshes. During the winter, the Lapwing can be seen on flooded grassland, estuaries, coastal wetlands, short grassy fields and ploughed fields. In addition to the UK population, large numbers of north European birds arrive in the autumn for the winter. The Lapwing feeds primarily on insects and other small invertebrates. It often feeds in mixed flocks with Golden Plovers and Black-headed Gulls, the latter often robbing the plovers, but providing a degree of protection against predators. Date: 6th February 2022 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4267229.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19047162514b52235d842f6.jpgMallard The Mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It is common and widespread and there is a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat including in urban areas. It breeds in all parts of the UK and can be found on large and small lakes, slow-flowing rivers, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants and many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. At this time, flocks can be found on large water bodies and the sea. Date: 26th December 2009 Location: Buckenham Marshes, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21959189.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_59066088853da62fac9653.jpgShag The European Shag, Common Shag or simply Shag is a species of cormorant. It is 27 to 31 inches in length with a 37 to 43 inches wingspan. It is mainly black in colour but with a glossy green-tinged sheen in adults. It has a longish tail and a yellow throat-patch. Adults have a small recurved crest in the breeding season. It is distinguished from the Cormorant by its smaller size, lighter build, thinner and narrower bill, and, in breeding adults, by the crest and metallic green-tinged sheen. The Shag breeds around the rocky coasts of west and south Europe, north Africa and south west Asia, mainly wintering in its breeding range except for the northernmost birds. It nests on rocky ledges or in crevices or small caves and the nests are untidy heaps of rotting seaweed or twigs cemented together by the bird's own guano. The nesting season is long and begins in late February although some nests are not started until May or even later. The female lays 3 eggs and the chicks hatch without down and so they rely totally on their parents for warmth, often for a period of 2 months before they can fly. Fledging may occur at any time from early June to late August and exceptionally to mid-October. In the UK, the Shag breeds at coastal sites, mainly in the north and west of the country, and more than half of the population is found at fewer than 10 sites. It can be seen during the breeding season at the large Scottish colonies on Orkney, Shetland, the Inner Hebrides and in the Firth of Forth. Elsewhere it can be seen commonly around the coasts of Wales and south west England, especially in Devon and Cornwall. The Shag feeds in the sea and, unlike the Cormorant, it is rare inland. It is one of the deepest pursuit divers among the cormorant family and it has been shown to dive to at least 150 feet. When it dives, it jumps out of the water first to give extra impetus to the dive. The Shag forages for food on the sea bed and eats a wide range of fish although the commonest prey is the sand eel. It will travel long distances from its breeding and roosting sites in order to feed. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Inner Farne, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405463.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10466805206586e12170077.jpgWater Vole The Water Vole is found throughout the UK although it is less common on higher ground. It is infrequently recorded from parts of northern Scotland and is absent in Ireland. Water Voles are legally protected in the UK and recent evidence suggests that they have undergone a long term decline. On current trends it is predicted that they may eventually disappear from 94% of their former sites. The shocking decline in both the range and numbers of the Water Vole is due to a number of factors. The large-scale loss and fragmentation of sensitive waterside habitats due to riverbank modification, drainage and flood defence works has been an important factor as has the pollution of waterways and poisoning by rodenticides. Perhaps the most serious threat facing the Water Vole is predation by the introduced American Mink. Water Voles are sometimes confused with Brown Rats which often also live near water courses. They are sometimes called "the water rat" which is the origin of the Water Vole’s fame as "Ratty" from Kenneth Grahame's book “The Wind in the Willows”. Prime Water Vole sites are found along densely vegetated banks of slow flowing rivers, ditches, lakes and marshes where water is present throughout the year. Water Voles are herbivores and feed on a huge variety of waterside vegetation, consuming 80% of their body weight each day. They excavate extensive burrow systems into the banks of waterways and have sleeping/nest chambers at various levels in the steepest parts of the bank. Burrows usually have underwater entrances to provide a secure route for escape if danger threatens. Water Voles usually have 3 or 4 litters a year depending on the weather. In mild springs the first of these can be born in March or April although cold conditions can delay breeding until May or even June. There are about 5 young in a litter and these are born below ground in a nest made from suitable vegetation such as grasses and rushes. Young water voles grow quickly and are weaned at 14 days. On average, Water Voles only live about 5 months in the wild. Their most important predators are Mink and Stoats although Grey Herons, Barn Owls, Brown Rats and Pike are also known to take them. Date: 9th October 2023 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/nmafjall-area-north-east-iceland https://images.on-this.website/4752_210875781556371ee7edf6d.jpgNámafjall area, north east Iceland The Namafjall geothermal field is located in north east Iceland to the east of Lake Mývatn and to the south of the Krafla volcano. At the foothills of this spectacular volcanic mountain with various strange hues is an expanse of hot springs, steaming fumaroles, mud pools and mud pots called Hveraröndor Hverir. Date: 3rd June 2015 Location: view from road 1 east of Lake Mývatn http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38116639.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10071535045cc32510a677a.jpgAvocet The (Pied) Avocet is a large black and white wader in the avocet and stilt family. It is one of 4 species of avocet that make up the genus Recurvirostra. The genus name is from the Latin recurvus meaning "curved backwards" and rostrum meaning "bill". The Avocet is a striking white wader with bold black markings. Adults have white plumage except for a black cap and black patches in the wings and on the back. They have long, upturned bills and long, bluish legs. Males and females look alike whilst juveniles resemble the adult but with more greyish and sepia tones. The Avocet breeds in temperate Europe and western and central Asia. The breeding habitat is shallow lakes with brackish water and exposed bare mud where they build a nest on open ground in a lined scrape or on a mound of vegetation. The Avocet is a migratory species and most winter in Africa or southern Asia. Some remain to winter in the mildest parts of their range such as in southern Spain and southern England. The Avocet feeds on crustaceans and insects in shallow brackish water or on mud flats, often scything their bills from side to side in water (a feeding technique that is unique to the avocet species). The Avocet was extinct as a breeding species in the UK by 1840 but its successful recolonisation at Minsmere in Suffolk in 1947 led to its adoption as the logo of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Date: 24th April 2019 Location: EWT Blue House Farm, North Fambridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072227.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3216639584bf6d4c8dfa36.jpgGreat Spotted Woodpecker The Great Spotted Woodpecker is a Blackbird-sized bird with striking black and white plumage. The male has a distinctive red patch on the back of the head and young birds have a red crown. Great Spotted Woodpeckers have a very distinctive bouncing flight and spend most of their time clinging to tree trunks and branches. Their presence is often announced by its loud call or by its distinctive spring “drumming” display. Great Spotted Woodpeckers are widely distributed throughout Europe and northern Asia and are usually resident all year round except in the colder parts of its range. Date: 10th April 2010 Location: Neljan Tuulen Tupa near Kaamanen, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo38116638.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4751362105cc32505bcca3.jpgAvocet The (Pied) Avocet is a large black and white wader in the avocet and stilt family. It is one of 4 species of avocet that make up the genus Recurvirostra. The genus name is from the Latin recurvus meaning "curved backwards" and rostrum meaning "bill". The Avocet is a striking white wader with bold black markings. Adults have white plumage except for a black cap and black patches in the wings and on the back. They have long, upturned bills and long, bluish legs. Males and females look alike whilst juveniles resemble the adult but with more greyish and sepia tones. The Avocet breeds in temperate Europe and western and central Asia. The breeding habitat is shallow lakes with brackish water and exposed bare mud where they build a nest on open ground in a lined scrape or on a mound of vegetation. The Avocet is a migratory species and most winter in Africa or southern Asia. Some remain to winter in the mildest parts of their range such as in southern Spain and southern England. The Avocet feeds on crustaceans and insects in shallow brackish water or on mud flats, often scything their bills from side to side in water (a feeding technique that is unique to the avocet species). The Avocet was extinct as a breeding species in the UK by 1840 but its successful recolonisation at Minsmere in Suffolk in 1947 led to its adoption as the logo of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Date: 24th April 2019 Location: EWT Blue House Farm, North Fambridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41225547.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19835926755ed9fec40e3cd.jpgReeve's Muntjac The Reeves' Muntjac, also known as the Chinese Muntjac, is a small, hump-backed deer species. It is named after British naturalist and employee of the East India Company, John Russell Reeves (1774 to 1856). Reeves came across them when he lived in China and sent specimens back to England. It is also called the “barking deer” due to its distinctive barking sound, although this name is also used for other Muntjac species. The barking sound is common during mating or when provoked. The Reeves' Muntjac grows to 1 foot 8 inches high at the shoulder and 3 feet 1 inches in length plus a short tail up to 4 inches long. It is reddish-brown in appearance with striped markings on its face. The belly is creamy-white with lighter fur extending to the neck, chin and the underside of the tail. The males have short antlers, usually 4 inches or less in length, and long upper canines or tusks, usually about 2 inches in length The Reeves' Muntjac is found widely in south east China (from Gansu to Yunnan) and Taiwan but it has also been introduced in Belgium, the Netherlands and Japan. In the UK, it was introduced to Woburn Park in Bedfordshire in 1894 by the then Duke of Bedford and was deliberately released into surrounding woodlands from 1901 onward. Releases, translocations and escapes from the 1930s onwards resulted in wide establishment in south east England and the population is still increasing and spreading across the UK where it can be found in deciduous woodland with a good understorey plus hedgerows, gardens, parks, conifer plantations, railway embankments, etc. Since the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it has been illegal to release the species except where it is already established. The Reeves' Muntjac is a solitary and crepuscular animal and both males and females defend small territories that they mark with preorbital gland secretions that are thought to be pheromonal in nature The Reeves' Muntjac feeds on herbs, blossoms, succulent shoots, fungi, berries, grasses and nuts and it has also been reported to eat tree bark. Eggs and carrion are eaten opportunistically. Date: 15th May 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29486889.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_185367179858107c40b22be.jpgGoldeneye The Goldeneye is a medium-sized diving duck, named for its golden-yellow eye. Adult males have a dark head with a greenish gloss and a circular white patch below the eye, a dark back and a white neck and belly. Adult females have a brown head and a mostly grey body. The Goldeneye breeds on the lakes and in the rivers of boreal forests in Scandinavia, Canada, north USA and north Russia. Naturally it will nest in cavities in large trees but it will also readily use nestboxes put up on trees close to water. This has enabled a healthy breeding population to establish in the Scottish Highlands from 1970 where it is increasing and slowly spreading. The Goldeneye is migratory and most winter in protected coastal waters or open inland waters at more temperate latitudes. The Goldeneye forages by diving underwater for crustaceans, aquatic insects and molluscs. Insects are the predominant prey while nesting and crustaceans are the predominant prey during migration and winter. Date: 23rd May 2016 Location: Wild Brown Bear Centre, near Vartius, Kainuu, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072341.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_12026734234bf6df6164bf1.jpgSteller's Eider The Steller's Eider is a medium sized sea duck and the smallest of the 4 species of eider. In it’s breeding plumage, the male is unmistakable with a black back, white shoulders, chestnut breast and belly, a white head with a greenish tuft and small black eye patches. During the late summer and autumn, males are entirely mottled dark brown. Females and juveniles are mottled dark brown all year round. Adults of both sexes have a blue patch with a white border on the upper wing similar to a mallard. The bird is named after the German naturalist Georg Steller. Steller's Eiders breed along the Arctic coasts of northern Russia and northern and western Alaska. It is estimated that the world population of Steller's Eiders is around 220,000 birds, the majority of which nest in Russia. Most Steller's Eiders breeding in Alaska and Russia migrate south after breeding. An estimated 40,000 winter in north eastern Europe along the coasts of Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Finland, Norway and Sweden. It is very scarce south of its wintering range. Date: 13th April 2010 Location: Svartnes, Varanger peninsula, Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5072287.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1471477234bf6d84f66cde.jpgReindeer The Reindeer, also known as the Caribou in North America, is a deer from the Arctic and sub Arctic, including both resident and migratory populations. Whilst it is overall widespread and numerous, some of its subspecies are rare or already extinct. The Reindeer is a widespread and numerous species in the northern Holarctic, being present in tundra (frozen arctic plain with lichens, mosses and dwarfed vegetation) and taiga (marshy pine forest) regions. Originally, the Reindeer was found in Scandinavia, eastern Europe, Russia, Mongolia, and northern China. In North America, it was found in Canada, Alaska and the northern USA from Washington to Maine. It also occurred naturally on Sakhalin, Greenland, and probably even in historical times in Ireland. Today, wild Reindeer have disappeared from many areas within this large historical range, especially from the southern parts where it has vanished almost everywhere. Large populations of wild Reindeer are still found in Norway, Finland, Siberia, Greenland, Alaska, and Canada. Wild Reindeer hunting and herding of semi-domesticated Reindeer (for meat, hides, antlers, milk and transportation) are important to several Arctic and Subarctic people. Domesticated Reindeer are mostly found in northern Fennoscandia and Russia with a herd of approximately 150-170 Reindeer also living around the Cairngorms region in Scotland. Reindeer vary considerably in colour and size. Both sexes grow antlers, though they are typically larger in males. Even far outside its range, the Reindeer is well known due to the myth, probably originating in early 19th century America, in which Santa Claus's sleigh is pulled by flying Reindeer, a popular element of Christmas. Date: 11th April 2010 Location: north of Kaamanen, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48081458.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_182325021163a84c896cc0f.jpgCommon Pochards The Common Pochard is a medium-sized and stocky diving duck. The adult male has a long dark bill with a grey band, a red head and neck, a black breast, red eyes and a grey back. The adult female has a brown head and body and a narrower grey bill band. The triangular head shape is distinctive. The Common Pochard is superficially similar to the closely related Redhead and Canvasback found in north America. The Common Pochard breeds in marshes and on lakes in much of temperate and north Europe and in to Asia. It is migratory and spends the winter in the south and west of Europe. In the UK, the Common Pochard breeds in east England and lowland Scotland plus in small numbers in Northern Ireland. Large numbers from Russia and Scandinavia winter in the UK on lakes, reservoirs and gravel pits, often mixing with other diving ducks such as the Tufted Duck. In a number of countries, the Common Pochard is decreasing mainly due to habitat loss and hunting. It is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. The Common Pochard feeds mainly by diving or dabbling for aquatic plants, molluscs, aquatic insects and small fish. Date: 9th January 2022 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26540957.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_209005408156ace9b1caf04.jpgCommon Pochard The Common Pochard is a medium-sized and stocky diving duck. The adult male has a long dark bill with a grey band, a red head and neck, a black breast, red eyes and a grey back. The adult female has a brown head and body and a narrower grey bill band. The triangular head shape is distinctive. The Common Pochard is superficially similar to the closely related Redhead and Canvasback found in north America. The Common Pochard breeds in marshes and on lakes in much of temperate and north Europe and in to Asia. It is migratory and spends the winter in the south and west of Europe. In the UK, the Common Pochard breeds in east England and lowland Scotland plus in small numbers in Northern Ireland. Large numbers from Russia and Scandinavia winter in the UK on lakes, reservoirs and gravel pits, often mixing with other diving ducks such as the Tufted Duck. In a number of countries, the Common Pochard is decreasing mainly due to habitat loss and hunting. It is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. The Common Pochard feeds mainly by diving or dabbling for aquatic plants, molluscs, aquatic insects and small fish. Date: 13th January 2016 Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21955708.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_143555514653da216654cf1.jpgPuffins The (Atlantic) Puffin is a species of seabird in the auk family which also includes the guillemots, murrelets, auklets and the Razorbill. It is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Two related species, the Tufted Puffin and the Horned Puffin, are found in the north eastern Pacific Ocean. The scientific name Fratercula comes from the Medieval Latin fratercula meaning friar and a reference to the black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The specific name arctica refers to the northerly distribution of the bird and is derived from the Greek άρκτος ("arktos") meaning bear and referring to the northerly constellation of the Great Bear. The vernacular name puffin (puffed in the sense of swollen) was originally applied to the fatty, salted meat of young birds of the unrelated species Manx Shearwater which was known as the "Manks puffin". It is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn or poffin) used for the cured carcasses. The Puffin acquired the name at a much later stage, possibly because of its similar nesting habits and it was formally applied to the species in 1768. The Puffin is sturdily built with a thick-set neck and short wings and tail. It is 11 to 12 inches in length from the tip of its stout bill to its blunt-ended tail. Its wingspan is 19 to 25 inches and on land it stands about 8 inches high. The male is generally slightly larger than the female but they are coloured alike. The forehead, crown and nape are glossy black, as are the back, wings and tail. A broad black collar extends around the neck and throat. On each side of the head is a large, lozenge-shaped area of very pale grey. These face patches taper to a point and nearly meet at the back of the neck. The shape of the head creates a crease extending from the eye to the hindmost point of each patch giving the appearance of a grey streak. The eye looks almost triangular in shape because of a small, peaked area of horny blue-grey skin above it and a rectangular patch below. The irises are brown or very dark blue and each has red orbital ring. The underparts of the Puffin and its breast, belly and undertail coverts are white. By the end of the breeding season, the black plumage may have lost its shine or even taken on a slightly brownish tinge. The legs are short and set well back on the body giving the Puffin its upright stance on land. Both legs and large webbed feet are bright orange, contrasting with the sharp black claws. The Puffin’s beak is very distinctive. From the side, the beak is broad and triangular but viewed from above it is narrow. The half nearest the tip is orange-red and the half nearest to the head is slate grey. There is a yellow chevron-shaped ridge separating the two parts and a yellow, fleshy strip at the base of the bill. At the joint of the two mandibles there is a yellow and wrinkled rosette. The exact proportions of the beak vary with the age of the Puffin. In an immature Puffin, the beak has reached its full length but it is not as broad as that of an adult. With time the bill deepens, the upper edge curves and a kink develops at its base. As the Puffin ages, one or more grooves may form on the red portion. The Puffin has a powerful bite. The characteristic bright orange bill plates and other facial characteristics of the Puffin develop in the spring. At the close of the breeding season, these special coatings and appendages are shed in a partial moult. This makes the beak appear less broad, the tip less bright and the base darker grey. The eye ornaments are shed and the eyes appear round. At the same time, the feathers of the head and neck are replaced and the face becomes darker. This winter plumage is seldom seen by humans because when they have left their chicks, Puffins head out to sea and do not return to land until the next breeding season. The juvenile Puffin is similar to the adult in plumage but altogether duller with a much darker grey face and yellowish-brown beak tip and legs. After fledging, it will make its way to the water and will head out to sea and not return to land for several years. In the interim period, each year it will have a broader bill, paler face patches and brighter legs and beak. The striking appearance, large colourful bill, waddling gait and behaviour of the Puffin have given rise to nicknames such as "clown of the sea" and "sea parrot". It is the official bird symbol for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Puffin has a direct flight, typically 30 feet above the surface of the sea and higher over the water than most other auks. It mostly moves by paddling along efficiently with its webbed feet and it seldom takes to the air. It is typically silent at sea except for the soft purring sounds it sometimes makes in flight. At the breeding colony it is quiet above ground but in its burrow makes a growling sound. The Puffin is a bird of the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of north west Europe, the Arctic fringes and eastern north America. The largest colony is on Iceland where 60% of the world's Puffins nest. Other major breeding locations include the north and west coasts of Norway, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland and Orkney islands in Scotland, the west coast of Greenland and the coasts of Newfoundland. Smaller sized colonies are also found elsewhere in the UK, the Murmansk area of Russia, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Maine. Islands seem particularly attractive to Puffins for breeding compared to mainland sites. While at sea, the Puffin ranges widely across the north Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, and it may enter the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the Puffin's southern limit stretches from northern France to Maine in the USA and in winter it may range as far south as the Mediterranean Sea and North Carolina in the USA. The Puffin’s diet consists almost entirely of fish although it occasionally eats shrimps, other crustaceans and molluscs. When fishing, it swims underwater using its semi-extended wings as paddles to "fly" through the water and its feet as a rudder. It swims fast and can reach considerable depths and stay submerged for up to a minute. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in a single dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others. The mandibles are hinged in such a way that they can be held parallel to hold a row of fish in place and these are also retained by inward-facing serrations on the edges of the beak. Like many seabirds, the Puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies. The Puffin leads a solitary existence when out at sea and this part of their life has been little studied as the task of finding even one bird on the vast ocean is formidable. Spending the autumn and winter in the open ocean of the cold northern seas, mature Puffins return to land in spring, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Puffins that have been removed as chicks and released elsewhere have been found to show fidelity to their point of liberation. Puffins congregate for a few days on the sea in small groups offshore before returning to the cliff top nesting sites. Each large Puffin colony is subdivided into sub-colonies by physical boundaries such as stands of bracken or gorse. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Puffin are usually monogamous but this is the result of their fidelity to their nesting sites rather than to their mates and they often return to the same burrow year after year. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. Younger birds may come ashore a month or more after the mature birds and find no remaining nesting sites and will therefore not breed until the following year. The Puffin is an energetic burrow engineer and repairer and the grassy slopes may be undermined by a network of tunnels. This causes the turf to dry out in summer, vegetation to die and dry soil be blown away by the wind. Burrows sometimes collapse and humans may cause this to happen by walking incautiously across nesting slopes. Having spent the winter alone on the ocean, it is unclear whether the Puffin meets its previous partner offshore or whether they encounter each other when they return to their nest of the previous year. On land, they soon set about improving and clearing out the burrow. Often one stands outside the entrance while the other excavates, kicking out quantities of soil and grit that showers the partner standing outside. Some birds collect stems and fragments of dry grasses as nesting materials but others do not bother. Sometimes a beakful of materials is taken underground, only to be brought out again and discarded. Apart from nest-building, the other way in which the birds restore their bond is by billing. This is a practice in which the pair approach each other, each wagging its head from side to side and then rattling their beaks together. This seems to be an important element of their courtship behaviour because it happens repeatedly and the birds continue to bill, to a lesser extent, throughout the breeding season. The Puffin is sexually mature at the age of 4 to 5 years. It is a colonial nester, excavating a burrow on grassy clifftops or reusing an existing burrow. It may also occasionally nest in crevices and amongst rocks and scree. It is in competition with other birds and animals for burrows. It can excavate its own burrow or move into a pre-existing burrow dug by a rabbit and it has been known to peck and drive off the original occupant. The Puffin is monogamous and gives biparental care to its young. The male spends more time guarding and maintaining the nest while the female is more involved in incubation and feeding the chick. Egg laying starts in April in more southerly colonies but seldom occurs before June in the far north in Greenland. The female Puffin lays a single white egg each year but if this is lost early in the breeding season another might be produced. The incubation responsibilities are shared by both parents. Total incubation time is around 39 to 45 days. From above ground level, the first evidence that hatching has taken place is the arrival of an adult Puffin with a beak load of fish. For the first few days the chick may be fed with these beak-to-beak but later the fish are simply dropped on the floor of the nest beside the chick which swallows them whole. The chick is covered in fluffy black down and its eyes are open and it can stand as soon as it is hatched. The chicks take from 34 to 50 days to fledge, the period depending on the abundance of their food supply. In years of fish shortage, the whole colony may experience a longer fledgling period but the normal range is 38 to 44 days, by which time chicks will have reached about 75% of their mature body weight. Although the supply of fish by the adults reduces over the last few days spent in the nest, the chick is not abandoned as happens with the Manx Shearwater. During the last few days underground, the chick sheds its down and the juvenile plumage is revealed. The chick finally leaves its nest at night when the risk of predation is at its lowest. When the moment arrives, it emerges from the burrow and walks, runs and flaps its way to the sea. At this time it can not fly properly so descending a cliff is perilous. When it reaches the water it paddles out to sea. It does not congregate with others of its kind and will not return to land for 2 or 3 years. The Puffin is probably safest when out at sea. However, seals have been known to kill Puffins and large fish may also do so. Most Puffin colonies are on small islands and this is no coincidence as it avoids predation by ground-based mammals such as foxes, rats, stoats and weasels, cats and dogs. Aerial predators of the Puffin include the Great Black-backed Gull, the Great Skua and similar-sized species which can catch a bird in flight or attack one that is unable to escape fast enough on the ground. On detecting danger, Puffins take off and fly down to the safety of the sea or retreat into their burrows but if caught they defend themselves vigorously with beak and sharp claws. Smaller gull species like the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull are hardly able to bring down a healthy adult Puffin but instead they move through the colony taking any eggs that have rolled towards burrow entrances or recently hatched chicks that have ventured too far towards the daylight. They will also steal fish from Puffins returning to feed their young. In its Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN lists the Puffin as being of "least concern" since it has a very large total population and an extensive range. Although the number of Puffins seems to be decreasing, the decline does not reach the threshold for "vulnerable" status. Some of the causes of population decline may be increased predation by gulls and skuas, the introduction of rats, cats, dogs and foxes onto some islands used for nesting, oil spills and other pollution, contamination by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, declining food supplies and global warming and climate change. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Staple Island, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/great-grey-owl-mural https://images.on-this.website/4752_4355287365f059ea002f5d.jpgGreat Grey Owl mural The Great Grey Owl is a very large owl distributed across the Northern Hemisphere. It breeds in North America from as far east as Quebec to the Pacific coast and Alaska whilst in Europe it breeds in Norway and Sweden and more numerously through Finland and Russia. Date: 26th June 2019 Location: Katajanokka harbour, Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/seven-spot-ladybird https://images.on-this.website/4752_1501604865467dca1e1189c.jpgSeven-spot Ladybird The Seven-spot Ladybird is a very familiar and widespread in the UK. They are small round beetles with three and a half spots on each of their two elytra (wing cases). The thorax is black with two white marks at the side and the head is small and black. The Ladybird's bright colours are a warning to predators of its foul taste. When disturbed the Ladybird will secrete small amounts of its oily foul-smelling yellow blood from its legs as a further warning to predators such as ants or birds. They inhabit gardens, woodland, hedgerows and meadows and have a varied diet of small insects but favour plant-lice and aphids. They are known as the gardener's friend as they eat garden pests. The average Seven-spot Ladybird will eat more than 5,000 aphids in its year-long life. Ladybirds will hibernate in large groups in sites which are used year after year. In the main breeding season during May and June, mating Seven-spot Ladybirds are a common sight in hedgerows and gardens. In her short life, a female may lay more than 2,000 small yellow eggs. The name Ladybird comes from the Middle Ages when the colourful insects were known as the "beetle of Our Lady". They were named after the Virgin Mary because in early religious paintings she was often shown wearing a red cloak. The 7 spots symbolise 7 joys and 7 sorrows. Date: 15th July 2006 Location: Thrift Wood EWT reserve, Bicknacre, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/glen-more-and-ben-more https://images.on-this.website/4752_4576293695a106ba792703.jpgGlen More and Ben More, Mull, Argyll The Glen More road is generally considered to be from where the A849 enters the Forestry Commission plantation west of the Strathcoil turn off to Loch Buie and right along that road westwards to the eastern end of Loch Beg. The first section of the road is overlooked by Beinn Bheàrnach to the north before entering another plantation that straddles the road as it climbs uphill. The road is dominated in the north by Beinn A’ Mheadhain and Corr-Bheinnand and then by Ben More itself. The Glen More road has a wealth of different views which in turn change continually with the weather. It is quite common to be passing through heavy rain in Glen More whilst seeing sunshine in the distance and vice versa. Glen More is a superb area for birds of prey such as Golden Eagle, White-tailed Eagle, Hen Harrier, Merlin, Peregrine and Short-eared Owl. Ben More is the highest peak on the island of Mull at 3168 feet and is a prominent feature of many views on the island. It is situated to the west of Mull's main central range of hills to the north of Loch Scridain and to the south of Loch na Keal. Ben More is a massive grey bulk whose upper slopes are covered in a mantle of angular scree. Its north eastern corrie is particularly craggy and often contains snow well into the spring. The Gaelic name Beinn Mhòr means "big hill" or “great mountain”. Date: 7th November 2017 Location: view from the A849 road looking west http://www.richardchewphotography.com/fin-whale https://images.on-this.website/4752_17917150804ee9b89d1607a.jpgFin Whale The Fin Whale is a marine mammal belonging to the suborder of baleen whales. It is the second largest whale and the second largest living animal after the Blue Whale growing to nearly 88 feet long. The Fin Whale has a long and slender body and is brownish-grey with a paler underside. There are at least two distinct subspecies: the Northern Fin Whale of the North Atlantic and the larger Antarctic Fin Whale of the Southern Ocean. The Fin Whale is found in all the world's major oceans from polar to tropical waters. It is absent only from waters close to the ice pack at both the north and south poles and relatively small areas of water away from the open ocean. The highest population density occurs in temperate and cool waters. Like all other large whales, the Fin Whale was heavily hunted during the twentieth century and it is an endangered species. The International Whaling Commission (IWC) has issued a moratorium on commercial hunting of this whale. Date: 12th September 2008 Location: photo taken from Portsmouth to Bilbao P&O ferry http://www.richardchewphotography.com/montagus-harrier https://images.on-this.website/4752_7502327464ff546eb5a853.jpgMontagu's Harrier The Montagu's Harrier is a migratory bird of prey of the harrier family. Its common name commemorates the British naturalist George Montagu. Sexual dimorphism is particularly apparent in the plumage of the Montagu's Harrier. Adult males are characterized by their overall pale grey plumage contrasting with black wingtips. Compared with other harriers, the Montagu's Harrier has characteristic black bands along the secondaries both above and below the wing and rusty streaks on the belly and flanks. Adult females have a broadly similar plumage to that of Pallid and Hen Harriers. The underparts are mostly pale yellow-brown and the upperparts are uniform dark brown except for the white “rump”. A melanistic form occurs regularly in this species. In this form the male is much darker than usual with a black head, brownish black above and grey underparts. The melanistic female is entirely chocolate brown except for grey flight feathers. The Montagu's Harrier has a particularly graceful flight with powerful and elegant wingbeats which give an impression of buoyancy and ease. In true harrier fashion it searches the countryside flying low and generally holds its wings with a marked upward angle. The Montagu's Harrier can still be found throughout most of the Western Palearctic. In most European countries there is at least a small population except in Norway where it is not present. The breeding range extends as far east as the Urals whereas the most western population is that of Portugal. Breeding also occurs in north Africa, mostly in Morocco. In the UK the Montagu's Harrier is a rare breeding bird limited to southern England: the area surrounding The Wash in Norfolk and Lincolnshire and downland areas from Dorset and Hampshire north to Oxfordshire. Despite having a wide distribution, this bird is not common in many areas and has strong populations only in France, Spain, Russia, Belarus and Poland where the greater part of the European population can be found. The Montagu's Harrier is a long distance migrant. Birds from Eurasia spend the winter in sub-Saharan Africa while those from the eastern part of the range migrate to the Indian subcontinent. In Europe, the first birds start to move at the beginning of August and most have left by mid-October. Spring return peaks in April and most birds have arrived by May. The Montagu's Harrier is essentially a lowland species which nests mostly in broad river valleys, plains and levels bordering lakes and the sea. It can breed in wetlands, though these are often smaller and dryer than those used by the Marsh Harrier. It also utilizes heaths, dunes, moors and steppe and adapts to shrublands in gorse or heather and to areas planted with young conifers. When no other suitable habitat is available the Montagu's Harrier will nest in agricultural farmlands where it is vulnerable to early harvesting. Amongst these it chooses especially grasslands and cereal crops. In short, the Montagu's Harrier requires a large open area with sufficiently tall ground vegetation to afford cover without being overgrown. It favours posts on which both male and female can rest and survey the breeding area: these can be fence posts, small trees, or rocky outcrops. When hunting, in any season, it prefers areas of low or sparse vegetation where prey is more visible. Densely settled areas are generally avoided and it is highly susceptible to disturbance. In western Europe an estimated 70% of breeding pairs nest in agricultural farmlands, especially cereal crops. This makes the Montagu's Harrier a very vulnerable species and very dependent on nest protection schemes. Bird protection non-governmental organizations participate in their protection in collaboration with concerned landowners. Once a nest is spotted in a field, it can be safeguarded either by relocating it to a safer area or by creating a protected space which will not be harvested. In France and in the Iberian peninsula, an average 60% of nestlings are saved by these kind of measures. Date: 29th April 2012 Location: Santa Marta de Magasca to Cáceres, Extremadura, Spain http://www.richardchewphotography.com/scourie-bay-sutherland https://images.on-this.website/4752_1451509154688412668427.jpgScourie Bay, Sutherland Scourie is situated on the A894 road between Ullapool and Durness. Here there is a rocky bay which stretches north west towards Handa Island. On the south side of Scourie Bay is a stretch of sand bounded by seaweed covered rocks. Date: 10th June 2007 Location: view from the pier at Scourie http://www.richardchewphotography.com/ringed-plovers https://images.on-this.website/4752_2094662403624ffdb6c3c72.jpgRinged Plovers The Ringed Plover is a small plover with a grey-brown back and wings, a white belly and a white breast with a single black neck band. It has a brown cap, a white forehead, a black mask around the eyes and a short orange and black bill. The legs are orange and only the outer two toes are slightly webbed. The juvenile Ringed Plover is duller than the adult in colour with an often incomplete grey-brown breast band, a dark bill and dull yellowish-grey legs. The Ringed Plover breeds on open ground on beaches or sandflats across northern Eurasia and in Arctic north east Canada. Some birds breed inland and in western Europe they nest as far south as northern France. It is migratory and winters in coastal areas south to Africa. Date: 9th November 2021 Location: Shoeburyness, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/-pelican https://images.on-this.website/4752_383889322559ceadc01cb1.jpgDalmatian Pelican The Dalmatian Pelican is by a slight margin the largest of the pelican species and one of the largest living bird species. It measures 5 feet 3 inches to 6 feet in length with a wingspan of 9 feet 6 inches to 11 feet 4 inches. Its median weight is around 25 pounds which makes it perhaps the world's heaviest flying bird species, although the largest individuals among some male bustard and swan species may be heavier than the largest individual Dalmatian Pelican. The somewhat similar-looking White Pelican broadly overlaps in size but has greater size sexual dimorphism. Female White Pelicans can be noticeably smaller than female Dalmatian Pelicans but male individuals of the two species are essentially the same size and weight. The Dalmatian Pelican differs from the White Pelican in that it has curly nape feathers, grey legs and silvery-white (rather than pure white) plumage. In winter, the adult Dalmatian Pelican goes from silvery-grey to a dingier brownish-grey cream colour. Immature birds are grey and lack the pink facial patch of immature White Pelicans. The bare skin around the eye can vary from yellow to purplish in colour. In the breeding season the Dalmatian Pelican has an orange-red lower mandible and pouch against a yellow upper mandible but in winter the whole bill is a somewhat dull yellow. The bill, at 14 to 18 inches long, is the second largest of any bird after the Australian Pelican. In flight, the Dalmatian Pelican is an elegant soaring bird, with the head held close to and aligned with the body by a downward bend in the neck. Unlike other pelicans, its wings are solid greyish-white with black tips. The Dalmatian Pelican can be found in lakes, rivers, deltas and estuaries from south east Europe to India and China. Compared to the White Pelican, the Dalmatian Pelican is not as tied to lowland areas and will nest in suitable wetlands at many elevations. It is less opportunistic in breeding habitat selection than the White Pelican, usually returning to a traditional breeding site year after year unless it becomes completely unsuitable. The Dalmatian Pelican usually migrates short distances. It is dispersive in Europe, based on feeding opportunities, with most western birds staying through the winter in the Mediterranean region. It is more actively migratory in Asia, where most of the birds that breed in Russia fly down for the winter to the central Middle East, largely around Iran through to the Indian Subcontinent from Nepal to central India. The Dalmatian Pelican has declined greatly throughout its range, more so than the White Pelican. During the 20th century, the species' numbers underwent a dramatic decline for reasons that are not entirely understood. The most likely reason was habitat loss due to human activities such as the drainage of wetlands and land development. Colonies are regularly disturbed by human activity, and, like all pelicans, the parents may temporarily leave their nest if threatened which then exposes the chicks to the risk of predation. Occasionally, Dalmatian Pelicans may be shot by fishermen who believe the birds are dangerously depleting the fish population and hence threatening their livelihood. Dalmatian Pelicans also regularly fly into power-lines and are killed by electrocution. The largest single remaining colony of Dalmatian Pelicans in Europe is at the Prespa lakes shared between Albania and Greece with around 1400 pairs. Approximately 450 pairs breed in the Danube Delta in Romania. The country with the largest breeding population today, including about 70% of pairs or possibly over 3,000 pairs, is Russia. Conservation efforts have been undertaken on behalf of the Dalmatian Pelican especially in Europe. Although they normally nest on the ground, Dalmatian Pelicans have nested on platforms put out in Turkey, Greece, Bulgaria and Romania in order to encourage them to breed. Rafts over water have also been set up for the species to use in Greece and Bulgaria. Power-lines have also been marked or dismantled in areas adjacent to colonies in these countries. Additionally, water-level management and educational programs may be aiding them at a local level. The Dalmatian Pelican feeds almost entirely on fish. It usually forages alone or in groups of only 2 or 3 birds. It normally swims along, placidly and slowly, until it quickly dunks its head underwater and scoops the fish out along with great masses of water. The water is dumped out of the sides of the pouch and the fish is swallowed. Occasionally it may feed cooperatively with other pelicans by corralling fish into shallow waters and may even co-operate similarly while fishing alongside Cormorants. Among a highly social family in general, the Dalmatian Pelican may have the least social inclinations. It naturally nests in relatively small groups compared to most other pelican species and sometimes may even nest alone. However, small colonies are usually formed, which regularly include upwards of 250 pairs. Occasionally, Dalmatian Pelicans may mix in with colonies of White Pelicans. Nesting sites selected are usually either islands in large bodies of water (typically lagoons or river deltas) or dense mats of aquatic vegetation. The nest is a moderately-sized pile of grass, reeds, sticks and feathers and is usually located on or near the ground, often being placed on dense floating vegetation. Breeding commences in March or April, about a month before the White Pelican breeds. Date: 13th May 2015 Location: Great Prespa Lake (Megali Prespa), West Macedonia, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/sami-bridge-utsjoki-lappi-finland https://images.on-this.website/4752_14811629634bf6e2a886267.jpgSami Bridge, Utsjoki, Lappi, Finland The Sami Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge that carries the European route E75 across the Teno/Tana River between Utsjoki in Finland and Finnmark county in Norway. The bridge was opened in 1993 and it is 1,037 feet long with the main span 509 feet high. Date: 15th April 2010 Location: view from Utsjoki, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo15747165.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5585973215017a75d45608.jpgSmall Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Small Skipper is a common and widespread butterfly in most parts of England and has been expanding its range northwards. They can be found in rough grassland, roadside verges, edges of fields and woodland glades. Date: 25th July 2012 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457086.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15791067856685709c80e12.jpgGannet Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13797114.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4934650144ee9bbfc1fe32.jpgBottlenose Dolphin The Bottlenose Dolphin is one of the most well-known species of dolphin. They have a stocky, torpedo-shaped body, a short beak and pointed flippers and are usually dark grey on the back with paler grey flanks and a white or pinkish belly. The sickle-shaped dorsal fin is tall and positioned centrally on the back. Variations in the shape of the dorsal fin along with scars and other markings on the skin can help researchers to identify individuals. The Bottlenose Dolphin is found in coastal waters of most temperate, tropical and subtropical areas. Around the UK, it occurs in the English Channel, in the Moray Firth in north-east Scotland and in Cardigan Bay in Wales. Although lone individuals do occur, Bottle-nosed Dolphins are very sociable animals which usually live in groups numbering between 10 and 100 individuals. They engage in much energetic behaviour, including breaching (clearing the water), lobtailing (slapping the tail flukes down onto the surface of the water) and bow-riding (riding the swell created in front of boats and even large whales). The Bottlenose Dolphin faces a number of threats including human disturbance, entanglement in fishing nets and hunting. Like all cetaceans, they are also vulnerable to chemical and noise pollution. The captivity industry that supplies the world aquarium trade is also a problem. The Bottlenose Dolphin is a UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority species and it is protected in UK waters by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Orders 1985. It is illegal to intentionally kill, injure, or harass any cetacean (whale or dolphin) species in UK waters. The Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans in the Baltic and North Seas (ASCOBANS), has been signed by 7 European Countries including the UK. Provision is made under this agreement to set up protected areas, promote research and monitoring, pollution control and increase public awareness. Under Annex II of the EC Habitats Directive, candidate marine Special Areas of Conservation (SACS) are being set up for this species in Cardigan Bay (Wales) and the Moray Firth (north-east Scotland). Date: 13th April 2009 Location: Moray Firth (from Chanonry Point), Inverness-shire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo37190323.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4210179535c2a1be924f4b.jpgLoch Sunart, Argyll Loch Sunart is a sea loch in the Western Highlands extending almost 20 miles westwards from Glen Tarbert before opening out into the Sound of Mull. Loch Sunart separates the areas of Ardnamurchan and Sunart to the north from Morvern in the south. Date: 26th June 2018 Location: view from the B8007 road at Salen http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308861.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_36615579763ee37eaaeb70.jpgWigeon The Eurasian Wigeon, or simply Wigeon, is one of 3 species of Wigeon in the dabbling duck genus Mareca. The Wigeon is 17 to 20 inches in length with a 28 to 31 inches wingspan. The breeding male has grey flanks and back with a black rear end, a dark green speculum and a brilliant white patch on the upper wings which obvious in flight or at rest. It has a pink breast, white belly and a chestnut head with a creamy crown. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female. The female is generally light brown but it can be distinguished from most other ducks, apart from the American Wigeon, on shape. The Wigeon breeds in the northernmost areas of Europe and Asia where it is the Old World counterpart of north America's American Wigeon. It is a bird of open wetlands, such as wet grassland or marshes with some taller vegetation, and nests on the ground near water and under cover. The Wigeon is strongly migratory and winters further south than its breeding range. It is highly gregarious outside of the breeding season and will form large flocks. In the UK, the Wigeon can be found all year round. It is a scarce breeding bird in central and northern Scotland and in northern England. In winter, many birds arrive in the UK from Iceland, Scandinavia and Russia and very large numbers can be seen on the coasts and at some inland sites. The Wigeon is categorised by the IUCN as a species of “Least Concern” but it is a species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 21st January 2022 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5325661.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_9371481654c1dd332ab38a.jpgChaffinch The Chaffinch is a common UK resident bird and is a colorful member of the finch family. Chaffinches breed anywhere with trees and bushes, including coniferous and deciduous woodland, farmland hedgerows, parks and rural and suburban gardens. Date: 2nd June 2010 Location: Loch Garten, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo43622993.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_3589786236117ce026aeac.jpgFulmar The (Northern) Fulmar is a highly abundant seabird found primarily in subarctic regions of the north Atlantic and north Pacific oceans. Though similar in appearance to gulls, the 2 species of fulmars (Northern and Southern) are in fact members of a different seabird family which include petrels and shearwaters. The Fulmar’s latin name, Fulmarus glacialis can be broken down to the Old Norse word full meaning "foul" and mar meaning "gull". "Foul-gull" is in reference to its stomach oil and also its superficial similarity to gulls. Finally, glacialis is Latin for "glacial" reflecting its extreme northern range. The Fulmar is generally grey and white with a pale yellow and thick bill and bluish legs. However there is both a light morph and a dark morph. Like other petrels, their walking ability is limited but they are strong fliers with a stiff wing action quite unlike the gulls. The Fulmar also looks bull-necked compared to gulls and it has a short stubby bill. The Fulmar is estimated to have between 15 to 30 million mature individuals that occupy a range of around 11 million square miles. Its range increased greatly last century due to the availability of fish offal from commercial fleets but may contract because of less food from this source and climate change. The population increase has been especially notable in the UK. The Fulmar starts breeding at between 6 and 12 years old. It is monogamous, forms long term pair bonds, returns to the same nest site year after year and nests in large colonies. The nest is a scrape on a grassy cliff ledge or a saucer of vegetation on the ground lined with softer material and recently they have started nesting on rooftops and buildings. The Fulmar feeds on shrimp, fish, squid, plankton, jellyfish and carrion as well as refuse. When eating fish, it will dive up to several feet deep to retrieve its prey. Date: 23rd June 2021 Location: Rhossili, Gower peninsula, Swansea http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39084512.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5201599065d308760815d7.jpgWhite Storks The White Stork is a large and unmistakable wading bird, 40 to 50 inches tall with a 60 to 80 inches wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, red legs and a long red bill. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground and flies with its neck outstretched. The White Stork breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), north west Africa and south west Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa down to the south of South Africa and also in the Indian subcontinent. In many parts of Europe the White Stork is an unmissable bird, breeding in towns and villages on the tops of roofs and telegraph poles or in colonies in trees in open parkland and feeding openly in fields and meadows. There has been a severe decline in numbers in Europe since the World War 2 and the biggest concentration remains in the Iberian Peninsula. However, White Storks are generally well protected given the reputation they have for being a lucky bird. The myth about storks bringing babies probably arose because they arrived back in Europe on fairly predictable dates and almost exactly 9 months after the previous mid-summer. Date: 3rd June 2018 Location: Sânpaul Fishponds, Harghita County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/long-tailed-ducks https://images.on-this.website/4752_137865101156374285ab09f.jpgLong-tailed Ducks The Long-tailed Duck is a medium-sized sea duck. Adults have white underparts although the rest of the plumage goes through a complex moulting process. The male has a long pointed tail and a dark grey bill crossed by a pink band. In winter, the male has a dark cheek patch on a mainly white head and neck, a dark breast and mostly white body. In summer, the male is dark on the head, neck and back with a white cheek patch. The female has a brown back and a relatively short pointed tail. In winter, the female's head and neck are white with a dark crown. In summer, the head is dark. Juveniles resemble adult females in autumn plumage, though with a lighter, less distinct cheek patch. The Long-tailed Duck breeds in tundra pools and marshes but also along sea coasts and in large mountain lakes in north America, northern Europe and Russia. It is migratory and winters along the eastern and western coasts of north America, on the Great Lakes, coastal northern and western Europe and Asia. The most important wintering area is the Baltic Sea where a total of about 4.5 million gather. The Long-tailed Duck feeds by diving for molluscs, crustaceans and some small fish. Date: 3rd June 2015 Location: Öxarfjörður, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo5325737.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13323714824c1dd41527ccf.jpgFulmar The Fulmar is almost gull-like but is a grey and white seabird that is related to the albatrosses. It flies low over the sea on stiff wings with shallow wing beats, gliding and banking to show its white under-parts and then grey upper-parts. At its breeding sites it will fly high up the cliff face riding the updraughts. Fulmars feed in flocks out at sea and defend their nests from intruders by spitting out a foul-smelling oil. Fulmars breed on coastal cliffs with suitable ledges and grassy slopes but will occasionally breed on buildings. Fulmars are best looked for at seabird colonies and are most abundant along the Scottish coastline especially in the Northern Isles. They are least common along the east, south and north-west coasts of England. Adults are present at the breeding colonies nearly all year although young birds leave in late summer. Away from the breeding colonies, Fulmars spend their whole time offshore at sea. Date: 3rd June 2010 Location: Handa Island, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28885491.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_5377635857cc3228e7148.jpgCommon Rosefinch The Common Rosefinch is the most widespread and common rosefinch species of Europe and Asia. The male has brilliant rosy-carmine head, breast and rump, heavy bill, dark brown wings with two indistinct bars and a white belly. Females and young males are dull-coloured with yellowish-brown above, brighter on the rump and greyer on the head and buff below. The Common Rosefinch can be found in summer in thickets, woodland and forest edges near rivers and in winter in gardens and orchards, wetlands and locally in dry oak woods. The Common Rosefinch breeds throughout eastern Europe and north, central and east Asia and has spread westward through Europe in recent decades. It is a fairly regular passage visitor to the UK and a scare breeder. Date: 15th May 2016 Location: Tõramaa to Tipu road, Soomaa National Park, Estonia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/lake-mvatn-north-iceland https://images.on-this.website/4752_191753908156376ca28306a.jpgLake Mývatn, north east Iceland Mývatn is the undisputed gem of north east Iceland, a tourist and ornithological honeypot. The lake and the surrounding area are starkly beautiful, an otherworldly landscape of spluttering mudpots, weird lava formations, steaming fumaroles and volcanic craters. The Mývatn basin sits squarely on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and the violent geological character of the area has produced an astonishing landscape unlike anywhere else in the country. Mývatn is a shallow eutrophic lake situated in an area of active volcanism not far from Krafla volcano. The lake was created by a large basaltic lava eruption 2300 years ago and the surrounding landscape is dominated by volcanic landforms including lava pillars. The name of the lake (Icelandic mý ("midge") and vatn ("lake") .... the lake of midges) comes from the huge numbers of midges to be found in the summer. The name Mývatn is sometimes used not only for the lake but the whole surrounding inhabited area. The River Laxá, Lake Mývatn and the surrounding wetlands are protected as a nature reserve known as the Mývatn-Laxá Nature Conservation Area which occupies 440,000 hectares. The lake is fed by nutrient-rich springwater and has a high abundance of aquatic insects and plants that form an attractive food supply for ducks. Thirteen species of ducks nest at Mývatn. The duck species composition is unique in the mixture of Eurasian and north American elements and of boreal and Arctic species. Most of the ducks are migratory, arriving in late April to early May from north west Europe. The most abundant is the Tufted Duck whilst the Scaup is the second most common duck species. Other common species include the Red-breasted Merganser, Wigeon, Gadwall, Mallard, Common Scoter, Long-tailed Duck and Teal. Mývatn and the River Laxá are also special in that they support good numbers of Harlequin Ducks and Barrow’s Goldeneyes, 2 species that within Europe are solely confined to Iceland. Other common waterbirds include the Slavonian Grebe, Red-necked Phalarope, Great Northern Diver, Red-throated Diver and Whooper Swan. Date: 2nd June 2015 Location: view from junction of road 1 and road 87 near Reykjahlíð http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo11654480.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10992330694e3129a719529.jpgArctic Tern The Arctic Tern is a seabird of the tern family. The adult plumage is grey above with a black nape and crown and white cheeks. The upperwings are pale grey with the area near the wingtip being translucent. The tail is white and the underparts pale grey. The beak is dark red as are the short legs and webbed feet. Like most terns, the Arctic Tern has high aspect ratio wings and a tail with a deep fork and long tail streamers. Both sexes are similar in appearance. The winter plumage is similar but the crown is whiter and the bills are darker. Juveniles differ from adults having black bill and legs, "scaly" appearing wings and mantle with dark feather tips, dark carpal wing bar and short tail streamers. During their first summer, juveniles also have a whiter forecrown. Whilst the Arctic Tern is similar to the Common and the Roseate Tern, its colouring, profile and call are slightly different. Compared to the Common Tern, it has a longer tail and mono-coloured bill, whilst the main differences from the Roseate Tern are its slightly darker colour and longer wings. The Arctic Tern has a circumpolar breeding distribution covering the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of Europe, Asia and north America. It is strongly migratory and sees 2 summers each year and more daylight than any other creature on the planet. It migrates along a convoluted route from its northern summer breeding grounds to the northern edge of the Antarctic coast for the southern summer and back again about 6 months later. In the UK, breeding Arctic Terns can best be seen on islands such as the Farne Islands in Northumberland or Orkney and Shetland in northern Scotland where the greatest densities occur. Recent studies have shown average annual roundtrip lengths of 25000 to 50000 miles depending on the route taken and weather and wind conditions. The Arctic Tern is a long-lived bird with many reaching 30 years of age and based on this average it will travel some 1.5 million miles during its lifetime. This is by far the longest migration known in the animal kingdom. Breeding takes place in colonies on coasts, islands and occasionally inland on tundra near water. The Arctic Tern often forms mixed colonies with the Common Tern and Sandwich Tern. As it nests on the ground, the Arctic Tern is vulnerable to predation but it is one of the most aggressive terns and it is fiercely defensive of its nest and young. It will attack humans and large predators, usually striking the top or back of the head. Although it is too small to cause serious injury, it is still capable of drawing blood and repelling many raptorial birds and smaller mammalian predators such as foxes and cats. Other nesting birds, such as auks, often incidentally benefit from the protection provided by nesting in an area defended by Arctic Terns. The diet of the Arctic Tern varies depending on location and time but it usually eats small fish or marine crustaceans by dipping down to the surface of the water to catch prey. While feeding, skuas, gulls and other tern species will often harass the birds and steal their food. Date: 1st June 2008 Location: Lunnasting, East Mainland, Shetland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12082022.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2123557944e48e9d777eb3.jpgCommon Seal Common Seals feed at sea but regularly haul out on to rocky shores or inter-tidal sandbanks to rest, to give birth and to suckle their pups. The most important haul-out areas are around the coast of Scotland, particularly in the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland, and on the east coast of England in the Wash. Date: 7th September 2005 Location: Blakeney Point, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo29240085.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_186539470457eb9643c4f4b.jpgCamas Rubha a' Mhurain, Portnaluchaig, Highland The B8008 coastal road north from Arisaig passes through Portnaluchaig and offers views of the sandy bay of Camas Rubha a' Mhurain and the islands of Eigg and Rhum beyond. Date: 22nd September 2016 Location: view from B8008 road north of Arisaig http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21958786.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_26526443553da53129dd93.jpgArctic Tern The Arctic Tern is a seabird of the tern family. The adult plumage is grey above with a black nape and crown and white cheeks. The upperwings are pale grey with the area near the wingtip being translucent. The tail is white and the underparts pale grey. The beak is dark red as are the short legs and webbed feet. Like most terns, the Arctic Tern has high aspect ratio wings and a tail with a deep fork and long tail streamers. Both sexes are similar in appearance. The winter plumage is similar but the crown is whiter and the bills are darker. Juveniles differ from adults having black bill and legs, "scaly" appearing wings and mantle with dark feather tips, dark carpal wing bar and short tail streamers. During their first summer, juveniles also have a whiter forecrown. Whilst the Arctic Tern is similar to the Common and the Roseate Tern, its colouring, profile and call are slightly different. Compared to the Common Tern, it has a longer tail and mono-coloured bill, whilst the main differences from the Roseate Tern are its slightly darker colour and longer wings. The Arctic Tern has a circumpolar breeding distribution covering the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of Europe, Asia and north America. It is strongly migratory and sees 2 summers each year and more daylight than any other creature on the planet. It migrates along a convoluted route from its northern summer breeding grounds to the northern edge of the Antarctic coast for the southern summer and back again about 6 months later. In the UK, breeding Arctic Terns can best be seen on islands such as the Farne Islands in Northumberland or Orkney and Shetland in northern Scotland where the greatest densities occur. Recent studies have shown average annual roundtrip lengths of 25000 to 50000 miles depending on the route taken and weather and wind conditions. The Arctic Tern is a long-lived bird with many reaching 30 years of age and based on this average it will travel some 1.5 million miles during its lifetime. This is by far the longest migration known in the animal kingdom. Breeding takes place in colonies on coasts, islands and occasionally inland on tundra near water. The Arctic Tern often forms mixed colonies with the Common Tern and Sandwich Tern. As it nests on the ground, the Arctic Tern is vulnerable to predation but it is one of the most aggressive terns and it is fiercely defensive of its nest and young. It will attack humans and large predators, usually striking the top or back of the head. Although it is too small to cause serious injury, it is still capable of drawing blood and repelling many raptorial birds and smaller mammalian predators such as foxes and cats. Other nesting birds, such as auks, often incidentally benefit from the protection provided by nesting in an area defended by Arctic Terns. The diet of the Arctic Tern varies depending on location and time but it usually eats small fish or marine crustaceans by dipping down to the surface of the water to catch prey. While feeding, skuas, gulls and other tern species will often harass the birds and steal their food. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Inner Farne, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21955276.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_47466618053da0f78886da.jpgRazorbills The Razorbill is a medium-sized seabird and breeds around the coast of the UK with the largest colonies in northern Scotland. They breed on rocky cliffs and among boulder scree close to the sea. Birds only come to shore to breed from March to July and they winter in the northern Atlantic. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: view from the Farne Islands boat trip from Seahouses Harbour, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41225558.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_16689002115ed9ff3f3d83f.jpgGrey Squirrel The Grey Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America where it is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. In Europe, where it is known as the Grey Squirrel, it is regarded as an invasive species. The head and body length of the Grey Squirrel ranges from 9 to 12 inches with a tail of 7.5 to 10 inches. It has predominantly grey fur with a white underside and it has a large bushy tail. Males and females are similar in size and colouration. The Grey Squirrel can be found in east and mid-west USA and the south of the eastern provinces of Canada. It was introduced to Vancouver Island in west Canada and has spread widely from there and was also introduced to and thrives in west USA. It has additionally been introduced in to the UK, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Australia (where it was extinct by 1973). Following its introduction to the UK from the USA in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Grey Squirrel spread rapidly across England and then became established in both Wales and parts of southern Scotland. On mainland UK, it has almost entirely displaced the populations of the native Red Squirrel. In the UK, the Grey Squirrel is not regulated by natural predators, other than the Pine Marten, which is generally absent from England and Wales. This has aided its rapid population growth and has led to the species being classed as a pest. Measures are being devised to reduce its numbers. In areas where relict populations of the Red Squirrel survive, such as the islands of Anglesey in Wales and Brownsea in Dorset, programmes exist to eradicate the Grey Squirrel in an effort to allow the Red Squirrel population to recover. The main factor in the Grey Squirrel's displacement of the Red Squirrel is thought to be its greater fitness, hence a competitive advantage over the Red Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel tends to be larger and stronger than the Red Squirrel and has been shown to have a greater ability to store fat for winter. It can therefore compete more effectively for a larger share of the available food, resulting in relatively lower survival and breeding rates among the Red Squirrel. Parapoxvirus may also be a strongly contributing factor. The Red Squirrel has long been fatally affected by the disease whilst the Grey Squirrel is both unaffected but thought to be a carrier. The Red Squirrel is also less tolerant of habitat destruction and fragmentation which has led to its population decline, whilst the more adaptable Grey Squirrel has taken advantage and expanded. The Grey Squirrel can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland with a dense understorey vegetation. Deciduous woodland is preferred over coniferous woodland. Close to human settlements, it can be found in parks, in the gardens of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments. The Grey Squirrel generally prefers constructing its den or drey on large tree branches, in the fork of trees and within the hollow trunks of trees. It has also been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The roughly spherical drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs and is usually insulated and lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass and feathers. Males and females may share the same drey for short periods during the breeding season and during cold winter spells. The Grey Squirrel can breed twice a year but younger and less experienced mothers normally have a single litter per year in the spring. Depending on forage availability, older and more experienced females may breed again in the summer. The breeding seasons are December to February and May to June although this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes. The first litter is born in February or March and the second in June or July, although this may be advanced or delayed by a few weeks depending on climate, temperature and forage availability. Normally, 1 to 4 young are born in each litter but the largest possible litter size is 8. The gestation period is about 44 days and the young are weaned after around 10 weeks. The young begin to leave the nest after 12 weeks with autumn born young often wintering with their mother. Only 1 in 4 squirrel kits survives to 1 year of age with mortality around 55% for the following year. Mortality rates then decrease to around 30% for the following years until they increase sharply at 8 years of age. The Grey Squirrel can live to be 20 years old in captivity but in the wild live much shorter lives due to predation and the challenges of their habitat. At birth its life expectancy is 1 to 2 years, an adult typically can live to be 6 years old and exceptional individuals can make it to 12 years old. The Grey Squirrel eats a wide range of foods such as tree bark, tree buds, berries, many types of seeds and nuts and some types of fungi. It can cause damage to trees by tearing the bark and eating the soft tissue underneath. The Grey Squirrel also has a high enough tolerance for humans to inhabit residential neighbourhoods and raid bird feeders for seeds and nuts and gardens for fruit and other garden crops. On very rare occasions, when its usual food sources are scarce the Grey Squirrel will also prey on insects, frogs, small rodents including other squirrels and small birds, their eggs and young. Date: 17th May 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9579926.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_18153328854db013525904e.jpgLapwing The Northern Lapwing, also known as the peewit, pewit, tuit or tew-it (imitative of its cry), Green Plover (emphasising the colour of the plumage) or (in the UK) just Lapwing (which refers to its peculiar, erratic way of flying), is a bird in the lapwing family. The Lapwing has rounded wings and a crest. It is also the shortest-legged of the lapwing species. It is mainly black and white but the back is tinted green. The male has a long crest and a black crown, throat and breast contrasting with an otherwise white face. Females and young birds have shorter crests and have less strongly marked heads but plumages are otherwise quite similar. The Lapwing is a vocal bird in the breeding season with constant calling as the crazed tumbling display flight is performed by the male. The typical contact call is a loud, shrill "pee-wit" from which they get their other name of peewit. The Lapwing is common through temperate Eurasia and breeds on cultivated land and other short vegetation habitats. The ground scrape nest and young are defended noisily and aggressively against all intruders. It is highly migratory over most of its extensive range, wintering further south as far as north Africa, north India, Pakistan and parts of China. It migrates mainly by day, often in large flocks. Lowland breeders in the westernmost areas of Europe are resident. In winter, it forms huge flocks on open land, particularly arable land and mud-flats. In the UK, the Lapwing has suffered a significant decline in the last 25 years and is an Amber List species because of the importance of its UK wintering population. It breeds on farmland throughout the UK, particularly in lowland areas of north England, the Borders and east Scotland, and prefers fields of spring sown cereals and root crops, permanent unimproved pasture, meadows and fallow fields but also wet grassland and marshes. During the winter, the Lapwing can be seen on flooded grassland, estuaries, coastal wetlands, short grassy fields and ploughed fields. In addition to the UK population, large numbers of north European birds arrive in the autumn for the winter. The Lapwing feeds primarily on insects and other small invertebrates. It often feeds in mixed flocks with Golden Plovers and Black-headed Gulls, the latter often robbing the plovers, but providing a degree of protection against predators. Date: 04/06/06 Location: Upper Spey Valley west of Laggan, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo40713551.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_11990643575e16f73c7771a.jpgGoosander The Goosander (or Common Merganser in north America) is a large “sawbill” duck, so called because of its long, serrated bill which is used for catching fish. The Goosander is 23 to 28 inches long with a 31 to 38 inches wingspan and the male is generally slightly larger than the female. The adult male in breeding plumage has a white body with a variable salmon-pink tinge, a black head with an iridescent green gloss, a grey rump and tail and wings which are largely white on the inner half and black on the outer half. Females, and males in "eclipse" non-breeding plumage, are largely grey with a reddish-brown head, white chin and white secondary feathers on the wing. Juveniles are similar to adult females but also show a short black-edged white stripe between the eye and the bill. The bill and legs are red to brownish-red which are brightest on adult males and dullest on juveniles. The Goosander can be found on rivers and lakes in forested areas of Europe, north and central Asia and north America. It is a partial migrant and moves away from areas where rivers and major lakes freeze in the winter but it is a resident where waters remain open. Within Europe, a marked southward spread has occurred from Scandinavia in the breeding range since about 1850, colonising Scotland in 1871 and England in 1941. Since 1970 it has spread across northern England and in to Wales and south west England. In the UK, it can be found all year round in the breeding range but only in winter on lakes, gravel pits and reservoirs across England south of the Humber. Nesting normally occurs in a tree cavity so the Goosander requires mature forest as its breeding habitat. It will also readily use large nest boxes where provided. In places where trees are absent, it will use holes in cliffs and steep, high banks, sometimes at considerable distances from water. The female lays 6 to 17 eggs, but normally 8 to 12, and raises a single brood in a season. The ducklings are taken by the female in her bill to rivers or lakes immediately after hatching where they feed on freshwater invertebrates and small fish fry, fledging when 60 to 70 days old. The Goosander primarily feeds on fish with the serrated edge to its bill helping it to grip its prey. In addition to fish, it will take a wide range of other aquatic prey such as molluscs, crustaceans, worms, insect larvae and amphibians and, more rarely, small mammals and birds. The salmon-pink tinge shown variably by males is probably diet-related and obtained from the carotenoid pigments present in some crustaceans and fish. When feeding, the Goosander will float down a stream or river for a few miles and either fly back again or more commonly fish their way back, diving incessantly the whole way. It will often fish in a group, forming a semicircle and driving the fish into shallow water where they are captured easily. When floating leisurely, it will position itself in the water similar to ducks but it will also swim deep in the water like a Cormorant. When not diving for food, it is usually seen swimming on the water surface, resting on rocks in midstream or hidden among riverbank vegetation or (in winter) resting on the edge of floating ice. Date: 23rd December 2019 Location: Abberton Reservoir, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308907.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_188298391063ee4347d9b20.jpgSong Thrush The Song Thrush is a familiar and popular songbird, smaller and browner than the Mistle Thrush with smaller spotting on the breast. The Song Thrush can be found all year round in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens across the UK. Numbers are declining seriously making it a Red List species. Date: 5th February 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39439629.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6949247665d528d6fb907f.jpgBrown Bear, Libearty Bear Sanctuary, Zărneşti, Brașov County, Romania For more information on Brown Bear, please see [url=http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13871734.html]here[/url]. Libearty Bear Sanctuary covers an area of around 0.25 square miles of oak and hazel forest 6 miles north east of the town of Zărnești in central Romania. Libearty Bear Sanctuary is dedicated to Maya, a Brown Bear discovered by a Romanian woman, Cristina Lapis, in 1998 in a filthy cage with metal bars and cement floor in the courtyard of a hotel near Bran Castle. For 4 years, Cristina and her husband travelled around 40 miles every day to feed Maya and spend time with her. Although her health improved, Maya sadly died in March 2002 but Cristina’s experience inspired her to create Libearty Bear Sanctuary. Libearty Bear Sanctuary was created because of the need to rescue over 50 bears found suffering in small and rusted cages around the country where they had been used as pets or as attractions for restaurants and petrol stations. The bears were all caught from the wild as cubs and had lived all their lives in confined cages with a poor diet and little or no veterinary care. This practice of keeping captive bears was illegal in Romania but until the sanctuary was created the authorities were unable to confiscate these bears due to the lack of facilities available to care for such rescued animals. The land for Libearty Bear Sanctuary was donated by the Municipality of Zarnesti and funding was provided from a variety of sources, including from the World Society for the Protection of Animals (now renamed as World Animal Protection) who also designed the sanctuary and helped train the staff. The construction of Libearty Bear Sanctuary started in 2005 and today there are around 70 to 100 rescued Brown Bears living in several large forested enclosures. These forested areas contain large fresh water pools, hibernation dens and hundreds of trees with lush natural vegetation. The bears have a choice whether to stay inside the forested areas or come out to rest or forage in the open meadow areas and pools. For many of them, having been caught from the wild as cubs, this is a new and stimulating experience. The day-to-day management of the sanctuary, including the rescue and care of the bears and all general maintenance around the sanctuary, is undertaken by Cristina Lapis’s organisation, Milioane de Prieteni (Millions of Friends), which is based in Brașov. A large central building contains staff areas, storage and preparation areas for food for the bears, the veterinary clinic and a number of quarantine dens for new or sick bears. Although the bears feed on the natural vegetation, nuts and berries available in the forest they do need additional food and the sanctuary staff distribute a large amount of fruit and vegetables each day around the enclosures. Organised tours of visitors can be guided around the sanctuary while being told the story of the Brown Bear rescues. The sanctuary is not a zoo and the welfare of the bears is the priority but many bears can be seen by visitors near to the enclosure fences. The Libearty Bear Sanctuary has helped to create better awareness of the issues affecting Brown Bears in Romania and the public, the media and also the authorities have now taken this project to their hearts. The sanctuary has given new life to once captive bears and it is a symbol of optimism for the protection of Romania’s rich natural environment. In 2007 Romania joined the European Union and that brought new laws to the country including the EU Zoos Directive. This required that all zoos in Romania had to comply with certain standards of animal management. Many zoos could not comply and the bears in these zoos faced euthanasia but were saved by being re-homed at the Libearty Bear Sanctuary. Date: 6th June 2018 Location: Libearty Bear Sanctuary, Zărneşti, Brașov County, Romania http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo51457062.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_35845485166856fe94f59f.jpgTree Sparrow The Tree Sparrow is a member of the sparrow family Passer, a group of small passerine birds that is believed to have originated in Africa and which contains 15 to 25 species. The Tree Sparrow's name is derived from 2 Latin words: passer meaning "sparrow" and montanus meaning "of the mountains". The common name is given to suggest the preference for tree holes for nesting. However, this name and the scientific name montanus do not appropriately describe the Tree Sparrow’s habitat preferences: the German name Feldsperling meaning "field sparrow" comes closer to doing so. The Tree Sparrow is around 5 to 5.5 inches in length with a wingspan of about 8.3 inches, making it roughly 10% smaller than the House Sparrow. The adult's crown and nape are a rich chestnut and there is a kidney-shaped black ear patch on each pure white cheek. The chin, throat and the area between the bill and throat are black. The upperparts are light brown streaked with black and the brown wings have 2 distinct narrow white bars. The legs are pale brown and the bill is lead-blue in summer becoming almost black in winter. The Tree Sparrow is distinctive even within its own family in that there are no plumage differences between the sexes. The juvenile resembles the adult although the colours tend to be duller. The contrasting face pattern makes the Tree Sparrow easily identifiable in all plumages and the smaller size and chestnut (not grey) crown are additional differences from the male House Sparrow. The Tree Sparrow's breeding range comprises most of temperate Europe and Asia south of about latitude 68°N (north of this the summers are too cold) and through south east Asia to Java and Bali. It is sedentary over most of its extensive range but northernmost breeding populations migrate south for the winter and small numbers leave south Europe for north Africa and the Middle East. The Tree Sparrow has been introduced outside its native range but it has not always become successfully established, possibly due to competition with the House Sparrow. Ship-carried birds have colonised some areas and birds have also occurred as vagrants. Despite its scientific name, the Tree Sparrow is not typically a mountain species and reaches only 2300 feet in Switzerland although it has bred at 5600 feet in the northern Caucasus and as high as 14010 feet in Nepal. In Europe, the Tree Sparrow is frequently found in open countryside with small isolated patches of woodland but also on coasts with cliffs, in woodland along slow water courses and in empty buildings. It shows a strong preference for nest sites near wetland habitats and avoids breeding on intensively managed farmland. In Europe, where the Tree Sparrow and the House Sparrow occur in the same region, the House Sparrow generally nests in urban areas while the Tree Sparrow nests in rural areas. Where trees are in short supply, both species may utilise man-made structures as nest sites. Whilst the Tree Sparrow is mainly a rural bird in Europe, it tends to be an urban bird in Asia and Australia. In the UK, the Tree Sparrow is scarcer in upland areas and the far north and west of the and the main populations are now found across the Midlands and south and east England. The Tree Sparrow may breed in isolated pairs or in loose colonies. The male calls from near the nest site in spring to proclaim ownership and attract a mate and he may also carry nest material in to the nest hole. The Tree Sparrow typically builds its nest in a cavity in an old tree or rock face. Some nests are not in holes as such but are built among roots of overhanging bushes. Roof cavities in houses and nest boxes are also readily used. In addition, the Tree Sparrow will breed in the disused nest of a Magpie or other crow species or an active or unused nest of a large bird such as the White Stork or a heron or raptor species. It will sometimes attempt to take over the nest of other birds that breed in holes or enclosed spaces such as tit species, flycatcher species, Swallow, House Martin, Sand Martin or European Bee-eater. The untidy nest is composed of hay, grass, wool or other material and lined with feathers which improve thermal insulation. The female lays 5 or 6 eggs which are incubated by both parents for 12 to 13 days and the chicks fledge after a further 15 to 18 days. There are 2 or 3 broods each year. Hybridisation between the Tree Sparrow and the House Sparrow has been recorded in many parts of the world with male hybrids tending to resemble the Tree Sparrow while female hybrids are more similar to the House Sparrow. The Tree Sparrow is a predominantly seed and grain eating bird which feeds on the ground in flocks and often with House Sparrows, finches and buntings. It may also visit feeding stations. It additionally feeds on invertebrates including insects, woodlice, millipedes, centipedes, spiders, etc. especially during the breeding season when the young are fed mainly on animal food. Adults use a variety of wetlands when foraging for invertebrate prey to feed chicks and aquatic sites play a key role in providing adequate diversity and availability of suitable invertebrate prey to allow successful chick rearing. Large areas of formerly occupied farmland no longer provide these invertebrate resources due to the effects of intensive farming. The Tree Sparrow has a large range and a large population. Although the population is declining, the species is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List. For this reason, the Tree Sparrow is designated as being of “Least Concern”. Although the Tree Sparrow has been expanding its range in Fennoscandia and east Europe, its population has been declining in much of west Europe, a trend reflected in other farmland birds such as the Skylark and Corn Bunting. The collapse in population seems to have been particularly severe in the UK where there was a 93% decline between 1970 and 2008. However, recent Breeding Bird Survey data is encouraging and suggests that numbers may have started to increase albeit from a very low point. The decrease in population is probably the result of agricultural intensification and specialisation, particularly the increased use of herbicides and a trend towards autumn-sown crops at the expense of spring-sown crops that produce stubble fields in winter. The change from mixed to specialised farming and the increased use of insecticides has reduced the amount of insect food available for chicks. Date: 17th June 2024 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo9952236.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1574404744dca3dd9aa698.jpgChaffinch The Chaffinch is a common UK resident bird and is a colorful member of the finch family. Chaffinches breed anywhere with trees and bushes, including coniferous and deciduous woodland, farmland hedgerows, parks and rural and suburban gardens. Date: 7th May 2011 Location: Ynys-hir RSPB reserve, Ceredigion http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo453659.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_10710398994688412ef325d.jpgSound of Handa, Sutherland Handa is an island located just offshore from Scourie with one of the largest seabird colonies in north west Europe. The Sound of Handa lies between the tiny mainland settlement of Tarbet and the island of Handa itself. A small passenger ferry crosses the Sound of Handa during the summer months to take visitors to see the huge seabird colonies. Date: 10th June 2007 Location: view from Tarbet http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21958914.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_79210260953da57c8cf845.jpgArctic Tern The Arctic Tern is a seabird of the tern family. The adult plumage is grey above with a black nape and crown and white cheeks. The upperwings are pale grey with the area near the wingtip being translucent. The tail is white and the underparts pale grey. The beak is dark red as are the short legs and webbed feet. Like most terns, the Arctic Tern has high aspect ratio wings and a tail with a deep fork and long tail streamers. Both sexes are similar in appearance. The winter plumage is similar but the crown is whiter and the bills are darker. Juveniles differ from adults having black bill and legs, "scaly" appearing wings and mantle with dark feather tips, dark carpal wing bar and short tail streamers. During their first summer, juveniles also have a whiter forecrown. Whilst the Arctic Tern is similar to the Common and the Roseate Tern, its colouring, profile and call are slightly different. Compared to the Common Tern, it has a longer tail and mono-coloured bill, whilst the main differences from the Roseate Tern are its slightly darker colour and longer wings. The Arctic Tern has a circumpolar breeding distribution covering the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of Europe, Asia and north America. It is strongly migratory and sees 2 summers each year and more daylight than any other creature on the planet. It migrates along a convoluted route from its northern summer breeding grounds to the northern edge of the Antarctic coast for the southern summer and back again about 6 months later. In the UK, breeding Arctic Terns can best be seen on islands such as the Farne Islands in Northumberland or Orkney and Shetland in northern Scotland where the greatest densities occur. Recent studies have shown average annual roundtrip lengths of 25000 to 50000 miles depending on the route taken and weather and wind conditions. The Arctic Tern is a long-lived bird with many reaching 30 years of age and based on this average it will travel some 1.5 million miles during its lifetime. This is by far the longest migration known in the animal kingdom. Breeding takes place in colonies on coasts, islands and occasionally inland on tundra near water. The Arctic Tern often forms mixed colonies with the Common Tern and Sandwich Tern. As it nests on the ground, the Arctic Tern is vulnerable to predation but it is one of the most aggressive terns and it is fiercely defensive of its nest and young. It will attack humans and large predators, usually striking the top or back of the head. Although it is too small to cause serious injury, it is still capable of drawing blood and repelling many raptorial birds and smaller mammalian predators such as foxes and cats. Other nesting birds, such as auks, often incidentally benefit from the protection provided by nesting in an area defended by Arctic Terns. The diet of the Arctic Tern varies depending on location and time but it usually eats small fish or marine crustaceans by dipping down to the surface of the water to catch prey. While feeding, skuas, gulls and other tern species will often harass the birds and steal their food. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Inner Farne, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39082302.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_4812852495d307bca13837.jpgRopotamo Nature Reserve, Burgas Province, Bulgaria The Ropotamo, from the Ancient Greek word meaning "border river", is a 30 mile long river in south east Bulgaria. Its source is the Bosna Ridge in the Strandzha Mountains. Up until the village of Novo Panicharevo it flows in a north east direction in a deep and narrow forested valley. Further downstream from the village it leaves the mountains and turns eastwards in a wide valley. The Ropotamo then forms a narrow gorge between the ridges Medni Rid and Uzun Bair and enters a wide marshy valley near its mouth. It empties into the Black Sea in a small bay to the west of Cape Saint Demetrius between Dyuni and Primorsko. Near its mouth there is a long and wide estuary lagoon separated from the sea by sandspits. To protect the dense riparian forests of oak, ash, elm and hornbeam, lily-clad marshes and scrub covered hillsides in the lower section of the River Ropotamo, the Ropotamo Nature Reserve was established in 1940. It was subsequently designated as a Ramsar site in 1975 which was extended in 2002 as the Ropotamo Complex covering an area of over 20 square miles and including the swamps of Lake Alepu and Lake Arkutino and several other smaller protected areas. Over 260 bird species, around 50 mammal species and 32 reptile and amphibian species have been recorded in the area. Date: 22nd May 2018 Location: River Ropotamo, Burgas Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41249182.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_13975257415f00b42bbcfaa.jpgRazorbills The Razorbill is a seabird and a member of the auk family which also includes the Common Guillemot, Brunnich's Guillemot and Little Auk. It is also the closest living relative to the Great Auk which is now extinct. The Razorbill has white underparts and a black head, neck, back and feet during the breeding season. A thin white line also extends from the eyes to the end of the bill. Its head is darker than that of the CommonGuillemot. Outside the breeding season, the throat and face behind the eye become white and the white line on the face becomes less prominent. The thick black bill has a blunt end. The adult male and female female are very much alike having only small differences such as wing length. The Razorbill has a horizontal stance and the tail feathers are slightly longer in the centre in comparison to other auks making it have a distinctly long tail which is not common for an auk. The Razorbill is distributed across the sub-arctic and boreal waters of the north Atlantic where water surface temperature are typically below 15°c. The world population is estimated to be less than 1 million breeding pairs, making it among the rarest auks in the world. Approximately 60 to 70% of the entire Razorbill population breeds in Iceland., including over 200,000 pairs at Látrabjarg. The breeding habitat is islands, rocky shores and cliffs on north Atlantic coasts, in eastern North America as far south as Maine and in western Europe from north west Russia to northern France. Eurasian birds winter at sea with some moving south as far as the western Mediterranean. North American birds migrate offshore and south. The Razorbill is a colonial breeder and only comes to land to breed. Individuals only breed at 3 to 5 years of age. Females select their mate and will often encourage competition between males before choosing a partner. Once a male is chosen, the pair will usually stay together for life. Nest site determination is very important to ensure protection of young from predators. Unlike Common Guillemots, nest sites are not immediately alongside the sea on open cliff ledges but at least 4 to 6 inches away in crevices on cliffs or among boulders. Generally a nest is not built although some pairs often use their bills to drag material upon which to lay their single egg. The mating pair will often reuse the same site every year. The Razorbill feeds mainly on schooling fish and crustaceans and it will dive deep into the sea using its wings and its streamlined body to propel itself toward their prey. Whilst diving, it rarely stays in groups but instead spreads out to feed. The majority of feeding occurs at a depth of about 80 feet but it has the ability to dive up to 400 feet below the surface. During a single dive the Razorbill can capture and swallow many schooling fish depending on their size. The Razorbill spends approximately 45% of its time foraging at sea and it may well fly more than 60 miles out to sea to feed. However, when feeding chicks it will forage much closer to the nesting grounds and often in shallower water. The Razorbill and its eggs and chicks have several predators which include Great Black-backed Gulls, Peregrines, Ravens and other crows, Arctic Foxes and Polar Bears. In the early 20th century, Razorbills were harvested for their eggs, meat and feathers and this greatly decreased their population. In 1917 they were finally protected which reduced hunting. Other current threats include oil pollution, unintentional bycatch arising from commercial fishing and overfishing which decreases the abundance of prey. Date: 22nd June 2020 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo39083166.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8595400225d307fe866f48.jpgRed-backed Shrike The Red-backed Shrike is a carnivorous passerine bird and member of the shrike family. The general colour of the male’s upper parts is reddish. It has a grey head and a typical shrike black stripe through the eye. Underparts are tinged pink and the tail has a black and white pattern similar to that of a Wheatear. In the female and young birds the upperparts are brown and vermiculated and the underparts are buff and also vermiculated. The Red-backed Shrike eats large insects, small birds, frogs, rodents and lizards. Like other shrikes it hunts from prominent perches and impales corpses on thorns or barbed wire as a "larder." This practice has earned it the nickname of "butcher bird." The Red-backed Shrike breeds in most of Europe and western Asia and winters in tropical Africa. Once a common migratory visitor to the UK, numbers declined sharply during the 20th century. The bird's last stronghold was in Breckland but by 1988 just a single pair remained, successfully raising young at Santon Downham. The following year for the first time no nests were recorded in the UK but since then sporadic breeding has taken place, mostly in Scotland and Wales, and in September 2010 the RSPB announced that a pair had raised chicks at a secret location on Dartmoor where the bird last bred in 1970. This return to south west England has been an unexpected development and has raised speculation that a warming climate could assist the bird in re-colonising some of its traditional sites, if only in small numbers. Date: 26th May 2018 Location: River Borovitsa valley near Nenkovo, Eastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria http://www.richardchewphotography.com/los-monegros-aragon-spain https://images.on-this.website/4752_12212011034b15835f499a6.jpgLos Monegros, Aragon, Spain Los Monegros is more than twice the size of Las Estepas de Belchite but has a similar landscape and conservation issues. This huge area, which lies north of the Rio Ebre and stretches from Zaragoza in the west to Lleida in the east, is prone to chronic droughts and much of the area is semi-desert. Los Monegros is an area of great importance for steppe birds. Date: 16th November 2009 http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12081948.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1996582344e48e994a8757.jpgCommon Seals Common Seals feed at sea but regularly haul out on to rocky shores or inter-tidal sandbanks to rest, to give birth and to suckle their pups. The most important haul-out areas are around the coast of Scotland, particularly in the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland, and on the east coast of England in the Wash. Date: 7th September 2005 Location: Blakeney Point, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41292180.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17272810385f10b8cce90d4.jpgPasvikdalen, Troms og Finnmark, Norway The Pasvik valley (Norwegian: [i]Pasvikdalen[/i]) is a river valley located in Norway and Russia. The Norwegian side of the valley is situated in Sør-Varanger municipality in Troms og Finnmark and the Russian side is located in the Pechengsky district in Murmansk Oblast. Øvre Pasvik National Park (Norwegian: [i]Øvre Pasvik Nasjonalpark[/i]) is located in the south eastern part of the valley and covers an area of 46 square miles. It is dominated by Siberian-like taiga consisting of old-growth forests of Scots pine, shallow lakes and bogs. Proposals for a national park in Øvre Pasvik were first launched in 1936 but it was not created until February 1970. It originally covered 25 square miles but was expanded in August 2003. Øvre Pasvik National Park is part of the larger Pasvik–Inari Trilateral Park along with the adjacent Øvre Pasvik Landscape Protection Area, the joint Norwegian and Russian Pasvik Nature Reserve and Finland's Vätsäri Wilderness Area. The fauna and flora of the Øvre Pasvik National Park is typical of the Siberian taiga. This includes Brown Bear, Wolverine, Wolf, Lynx and Elk and a very interesting diversity of northern and eastern species of birds which breed on the lakes and rivers and in the forests. The River Pasvikelva runs through the valley (giving it the name) and the river defines part of the border between Norway and Russia. It is the outlet from the large Lake Inari in Finland and flows through Norway and Russia to discharge into the Bøkfjorden (which later flows into the Varangerfjorden and then the Barents Sea) not far from the town of Kirkenes. The river has a watershed of 7106 square miles and is 90 miles long. A series of hydroelectric power stations are situated along its course. Since 1826, the River Pasvikelva has marked parts of the border between Norway and Russia, except from 1920 to 1944 when it was along the border between Norway and Finland. The southern part of the valley is also the location of the Treriksrøysa (Three-Country Cairn), a cairn which marks the tripoint where the borders between Norway, Finland and Russia meet. The site is on a hill called Muotkavaara situated west of the River Pasvikelva. It is the only place where 3 time zones meet: Central European Time, Eastern European Time and Further-Eastern European Time. The tripoint can only be approached by the public from the Norwegian side since both Finland and Russia maintain extensive border zones where public access is prohibited. Date: 30th June 2019 Location: Øvre Pasvik National Park, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308858.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_90310720663ee37e57f237.jpgWigeon The Eurasian Wigeon, or simply Wigeon, is one of 3 species of Wigeon in the dabbling duck genus Mareca. The Wigeon is 17 to 20 inches in length with a 28 to 31 inches wingspan. The breeding male has grey flanks and back with a black rear end, a dark green speculum and a brilliant white patch on the upper wings which obvious in flight or at rest. It has a pink breast, white belly and a chestnut head with a creamy crown. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male looks more like the female. The female is generally light brown but it can be distinguished from most other ducks, apart from the American Wigeon, on shape. The Wigeon breeds in the northernmost areas of Europe and Asia where it is the Old World counterpart of north America's American Wigeon. It is a bird of open wetlands, such as wet grassland or marshes with some taller vegetation, and nests on the ground near water and under cover. The Wigeon is strongly migratory and winters further south than its breeding range. It is highly gregarious outside of the breeding season and will form large flocks. In the UK, the Wigeon can be found all year round. It is a scarce breeding bird in central and northern Scotland and in northern England. In winter, many birds arrive in the UK from Iceland, Scandinavia and Russia and very large numbers can be seen on the coasts and at some inland sites. The Wigeon is categorised by the IUCN as a species of “Least Concern” but it is a species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Date: 21st January 2022 Location: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Greater London http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49797848.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_124410741464eca7633b003.jpgSmall Skipper Flight period: late June to mid August. The Small Skipper has a rusty orange colour to the wings, upper body and the tips of the antennae. The body is silvery white below and it has a wingspan of 25 to 30 mm. It is very similar in appearance to the Essex Skipper but the undersides of the tips of the antennae are yellow orange in the Small Skipper whereas they are black in the Essex Skipper. The Small Skipper is a common and widespread butterfly in most parts of England and has been expanding its range northwards. It can be found in rough grassland, roadside verges, edges of fields and woodland clearings where it is often seen basking on vegetation or making short buzzing flights among tall grass stems. Date: 3rd July 2023 Location: Broadcroft Quarry, Isle of Portland, Dorset http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo46534549.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_123173778262ca986e38eb1.jpgGannets Adult Gannets are large and bright white seabirds with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings. Gannets breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and so they are an "Amber List" species. They breed on coastal cliffs and remote islands and spend the winter out at sea. The biggest mainland breeding colony is at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Big island colonies occur on St Kilda, in Shetland and on Bass Rock in Scotland and on Grassholm in Wales. Gannets arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Date: 27th June 2022 Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21957777.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_84780767453da3f24eb377.jpgShags The European Shag, Common Shag or simply Shag is a species of cormorant. It is 27 to 31 inches in length with a 37 to 43 inches wingspan. It is mainly black in colour but with a glossy green-tinged sheen in adults. It has a longish tail and a yellow throat-patch. Adults have a small recurved crest in the breeding season. It is distinguished from the Cormorant by its smaller size, lighter build, thinner and narrower bill, and, in breeding adults, by the crest and metallic green-tinged sheen. The Shag breeds around the rocky coasts of west and south Europe, north Africa and south west Asia, mainly wintering in its breeding range except for the northernmost birds. It nests on rocky ledges or in crevices or small caves and the nests are untidy heaps of rotting seaweed or twigs cemented together by the bird's own guano. The nesting season is long and begins in late February although some nests are not started until May or even later. The female lays 3 eggs and the chicks hatch without down and so they rely totally on their parents for warmth, often for a period of 2 months before they can fly. Fledging may occur at any time from early June to late August and exceptionally to mid-October. In the UK, the Shag breeds at coastal sites, mainly in the north and west of the country, and more than half of the population is found at fewer than 10 sites. It can be seen during the breeding season at the large Scottish colonies on Orkney, Shetland, the Inner Hebrides and in the Firth of Forth. Elsewhere it can be seen commonly around the coasts of Wales and south west England, especially in Devon and Cornwall. The Shag feeds in the sea and, unlike the Cormorant, it is rare inland. It is one of the deepest pursuit divers among the cormorant family and it has been shown to dive to at least 150 feet. When it dives, it jumps out of the water first to give extra impetus to the dive. The Shag forages for food on the sea bed and eats a wide range of fish although the commonest prey is the sand eel. It will travel long distances from its breeding and roosting sites in order to feed. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: Staple Island, Farne Islands, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/ekkery-varanger-peninsula-troms-og https://images.on-this.website/4752_12879369745f37b4c02466d.jpgEkkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway Ekkerøy is a small village in Troms og Finnmark in north east Norway. It is located on the Varanger peninsula along the shore of the Varangerfjord. The village lies along the European route E75 about 9 miles east of the town of Vadsø. As the ending "øy" in the name indicates, Ekkerøy was originally an island. However, it is now joined to the Varanger peninsula by a narrow isthmus of land. At the mainland end of the isthmus is the small hamlet of Valen. The headland on the northern tip of Ekkerøy is called Varnes and its eastern tip is called Skagodden. The bay on the north east side of the neck which joins Ekkerøy to the mainland is called Yttersida and that on the south west side is called Innersida. Ekkerøy is one of the few places in Troms og Finnmark where pre-World War 2 buildings can be seen. When the German army retreated from the Litsa front and Kirkenes in late 1944, they burned most buildings in the county under Operation Nordlicht, the German “scorched earth” retreat from Finnmark. However, buildings on the north side of the Varangerfjord survived because the Russians advanced so quickly that the German troops in this area fled west to get across the Tana river before they were cut off and therefore did not have enough time to obey the order to destroy all buildings. Historically, the economy of Ekkerøy was based on fishing and farming but today tourism also forms part of the economy. Flåget is a bird reserve with an easily accessible bird cliff just outside the village. The cliffs face south towards the Varangerfjord, stretch for just over 0.5 miles and rise steeply to a height of 130 to 165 feet. They can be reached by a short walk from a small car park. Flåget is best known for a huge colony of breeding Kittiwakes between March and September. In addition, Ekkerøy and nearby Salttjern, have sheltered sandy bays and these, together with the Varangerfjord offshore, provide good habitats for many species of birds and sea mammals. Date: 3rd July 2019 Location: Ekkerøy, Varanger peninsula, Troms og Finnmark, Norway http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo10926894.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15551114484e09762d675cd.jpgBottlenose Dolphin The Bottlenose Dolphin is one of the most well-known species of dolphin. They have a stocky, torpedo-shaped body, a short beak and pointed flippers and are usually dark grey on the back with paler grey flanks and a white or pinkish belly. The sickle-shaped dorsal fin is tall and positioned centrally on the back. Variations in the shape of the dorsal fin along with scars and other markings on the skin can help researchers to identify individuals. The Bottlenose Dolphin is found in coastal waters of most temperate, tropical and subtropical areas. Around the UK, it occurs in the English Channel, in the Moray Firth in north-east Scotland and in Cardigan Bay in Wales. Although lone individuals do occur, Bottle-nosed Dolphins are very sociable animals which usually live in groups numbering between 10 and 100 individuals. They engage in much energetic behaviour, including breaching (clearing the water), lobtailing (slapping the tail flukes down onto the surface of the water) and bow-riding (riding the swell created in front of boats and even large whales). The Bottlenose Dolphin faces a number of threats including human disturbance, entanglement in fishing nets and hunting. Like all cetaceans, they are also vulnerable to chemical and noise pollution. The captivity industry that supplies the world aquarium trade is also a problem. The Bottlenose Dolphin is a UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority species and it is protected in UK waters by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Orders 1985. It is illegal to intentionally kill, injure, or harass any cetacean (whale or dolphin) species in UK waters. The Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans in the Baltic and North Seas (ASCOBANS), has been signed by 7 European Countries including the UK. Provision is made under this agreement to set up protected areas, promote research and monitoring, pollution control and increase public awareness. Under Annex II of the EC Habitats Directive, candidate marine Special Areas of Conservation (SACS) are being set up for this species in Cardigan Bay (Wales) and the Moray Firth (north-east Scotland). Date: 12th June 2011 Location: Moray Firth (from Chanonry Point), Inverness-shire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41349760.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_14721232645f201fffbe32e.jpgSmall Copper Flight period: April to October. The Small Copper is a common and widespread butterfly in the UK but has suffered a population decline due to change in land use and habitat loss. They are fond of warm and dry locations and can be found in a variety of habitats including heathland, unimproved grassland, woodland clearings, waste ground and gardens. Date: 17th July 2020 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo24834058.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1804562933559cf536cb86c.jpgEuropean Bee-eater The European Bee-eater is an incredibly colourful bird with an unmistakable appearance. In breeding plumage, it has a rich chestnut crown that blends into gold on its back. The forehead is white, the throat is yellow bordered by black and the underparts are blue. The male European Bee-eater has a chestnut-coloured patch in the middle of the wing while in females this patch is usually smaller or even absent. Occasionally, females may also be distinguished from the males by having a green back. The wings and backs of juvenile European Bee-eaters are entirely green and the eyes are brown in contrast to the bright red eyes of adults. The European Bee-eater breeds in southern Europe and in parts of north Africa and western Asia. It is strongly migratory and winters in tropical Africa, India and Sri Lanka. European Bee-eaters are occasionally seen in northern Europe (including the UK) as a spring overshoot north of its range with occasional breeding occurring. Just as the name suggests, the European Bee-eater predominantly eats insects, especially bees, wasps and hornets which are caught in the air by sorties from an open perch. Before eating its meal, a European Bee-eater removes the sting by repeatedly hitting the insect on a hard surface. Lizards and frogs are also taken. European Bee-eaters are gregarious, nesting colonially in sandy banks preferably near river shores and also feeding and roosting communally. Date: 7th May 2015 Location: Evros Delta (west), East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo48308911.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_28344066563ee434ca739f.jpgBlue Tit The Blue Tit is a small passerine bird in the tit family. It is easily recognisable by its generally blue and yellow plumage and its small size. The Blue Tit is about 4.7 inches long with a wingspan of 7.1 inches. It has an azure blue crown and a dark blue line passing through the eye and encircling the white cheeks to the chin, giving the bird a very distinctive appearance. The forehead and a bar on the wing are white. The nape, wings and tail are blue and the back is yellowish green. The underparts are mostly sulphur-yellow with a dark line down the abdomen. The bill is black and the legs bluish grey. The sexes are similar whilst young birds are noticeably more yellow. The Blue Tit is very agile and it can cling to the outermost branches and hang upside down when searching for food such as insects, caterpillars and seeds. The Blue Tit can be found throughout areas of the European continent with a mainly temperate or Mediterranean climate and in parts of the Middle East. In the UK it is common in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens and widespread across the whole of the country with the exception of some Scottish islands. The Blue Tit will nest in any suitable hole in a tree, wall or stump, often competing with other birds such as the House Sparrow or Great Tit for the site. In addition, it will readily accept an artificial nesting box. The same hole is returned to year after year and when one pair dies another takes possession. The nesting material is usually moss, wool, hair and feathers and the eggs are laid in April or May. The number in the clutch is often very large but 7 or 8 is normal. It is not unusual for a single bird to feed the chicks in the nest at a rate of one feed every 90 seconds during the height of the breeding season. Successful breeding is dependent on a sufficient supply of caterpillars as well as satisfactory weather. Breeding may be affected badly if the weather is cold and wet between May and July, particularly if this coincides with the emergence of the caterpillars on which the nestlings are fed. The small size of the Blue Tit makes it vulnerable to predation by larger birds and the typical lifespan is 3 years or less. The most significant predator is probably the Sparrowhawk, closely followed by the domestic cat. Nests may also be robbed by mammals such as the Weasel and Red and Grey Squirrels. Date: 5th February 2023 Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45291017.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_623301257623acfd678875.jpgSong Thrush The Song Thrush is a familiar and popular songbird, smaller and browner than the Mistle Thrush with smaller spotting on the breast. The Song Thrush can be found all year round in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens across the UK. Numbers are declining seriously making it a Red List species. Date: 14th March 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo28568601.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_174158171957a86a7f51578.jpgAvocets The (Pied) Avocet is a large black and white wader in the avocet and stilt family. It is one of 4 species of avocet that make up the genus Recurvirostra. The genus name is from the Latin [i]recurvus[/i] meaning "curved backwards" and [i]rostrum[/i] meaning "bill". The Avocet is a striking white wader with bold black markings. Adults have white plumage except for a black cap and black patches in the wings and on the back. They have long, upturned bills and long, bluish legs. Males and females look alike whilst juveniles resemble the adult but with more greyish and sepia tones. The Avocet breeds in temperate Europe and western and central Asia. The breeding habitat is shallow lakes with brackish water and exposed bare mud where they build a nest on open ground in a lined scrape or on a mound of vegetation. The Avocet is a migratory species and most winter in Africa or southern Asia. Some remain to winter in the mildest parts of their range such as in southern Spain and southern England. The Avocet feeds on crustaceans and insects in shallow brackish water or on mud flats, often scything their bills from side to side in water (a feeding technique that is unique to the avocet species). The Avocet was extinct as a breeding species in the UK by 1840 but its successful recolonisation at Minsmere in Suffolk in 1947 led to its adoption as the logo of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Date: 1st August 2016 Location: Titchwell, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo14036891.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_19564172104f213d0d167d1.jpgMute Swan The Mute Swan is a species of swan native to much of Eurasia. Despite its Eurasian origin, its closest relatives are the Black Swan of Australia and the Black-necked Swan of south America, not the other Northern Hemisphere swans such as the Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan. The name “mute” derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. The adult Mute Swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob at the top of the beak. All Mute Swans are white at maturity although the feathers (particularly on the head and neck) are often stained orange-brown by iron and tannins in the water. Young birds (cygnets) are not the bright white colour of mature adults and their bill is dull greyish-black for the first year. The plumage may range from pure white to grey to buff with grey/buff being the most common. Cygnets typically retain their grey/buff feathers until they are at least 1 year old. On average, the Mute Swan is the second largest waterfowl species after the Trumpeter Swan although the male Mute Swan can easily match or even exceed a male Trumpeter Swan in mass. The adult Mute Swan typically ranges from 55 to 63 inches in length (although it can range in extreme cases from 49 to 67 inches) with a 79 to 94 inches wingspan. Males (cobs) are larger than females (pens) and have a larger knob on their bill. The Mute Swan is one of the heaviest flying birds. In several studies from the UK, males were found to average from about 23.4 to 26.2 pounds, with a weight range of 20 to 32 pounds, while the slightly smaller females were found to average about 18.7 to 21.3 pounds, with a weight range of 17 to 23 pounds. The Mute Swan is less vocal than the noisy Bewick's Swan and Whooper Swan although it does make a variety of grunting, hoarse whistling and snorting noises, especially in communicating with their cygnets and threatening competitors or intruders trying to enter their territory. The most familiar sound associated with the Mute Swan is the vibrant throbbing of the wings in flight which is unique to the species and this can be heard from a range of up to 1 mile. The Mute Swan is found naturally mainly in the temperate areas of Europe across west Asia and as far east as Primorsky Krai in the far east of Russia. It is partially migratory throughout the northern latitudes in Europe and Asia as far south as north Africa and the Mediterranean. It is also often kept in captivity outside its natural range as a decoration for parks and ponds and escapes have occurred. The descendants of such birds have become naturalised in east USA and the Great Lakes region across the USA and Canada border. The Mute Swan population in the UK has increased recently probably due to better protection of this species. Some birds are resident all year whilst others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into east England. Mute Swans nest on large mounds that they build with waterside vegetation in shallow water on islands in the middle or at the very edge of a lake. It is a monogamous species and often reuses the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Males and females share the care of the nest. The female lays from 4 to 10 eggs and broods for around 36 days. Cygnets are unable to fly before an age of 120 to 150 days and this limits the distribution of the species in the northern edge of its range since the cygnets must learn to fly before the water freezes. The Mute Swan is usually strongly territorial with just a single pair on smaller lakes although in a few locations where a large area of suitable feeding habitat is found they can be colonial. The largest colonies can hold over 100 pairs such as that at the colony at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset in the UK. Non-mated juveniles up to 3 to 4 years old commonly form larger flocks often at regular traditional sites and these can total several hundred birds. The Mute Swan can be very aggressive in defence of its nest and it is highly protective of its mate and offspring. Most defensive attacks from a Mute Swan begin with a loud hiss and, if this is not sufficient to drive off the predator, are followed by a physical attack. It attacks by smashing at its enemy with bony spurs in the wings accompanied by biting with its large bill. Smaller waterbirds such as ducks are normally grabbed with the bill and dragged or thrown clear. Large waterfowl, such as the Canada Goose, more likely out of competition than in response to potential predation, may be aggressively driven off. The wings of the Mute Swan are very powerful although not strong enough to break an adult man's leg as has been claimed anecdotally. The Mute Swan feeds on a wide range of vegetation, both submerged aquatic plants which they reach with their long necks and by grazing on land. The food commonly includes agricultural crop plants such as oilseed rape and wheat and feeding flocks in the winter may cause significant crop damage, often as much through trampling with their large webbed feet as through direct consumption. Date: 6th January 2012 Location: Elmley, Sheppey, Kent http://www.richardchewphotography.com/shag https://images.on-this.website/4752_135650755453da13c46656a.jpgShag The European Shag, Common Shag or simply Shag is a species of cormorant. It is 27 to 31 inches in length with a 37 to 43 inches wingspan. It is mainly black in colour but with a glossy green-tinged sheen in adults. It has a longish tail and a yellow throat-patch. Adults have a small recurved crest in the breeding season. It is distinguished from the Cormorant by its smaller size, lighter build, thinner and narrower bill, and, in breeding adults, by the crest and metallic green-tinged sheen. The Shag breeds around the rocky coasts of west and south Europe, north Africa and south west Asia, mainly wintering in its breeding range except for the northernmost birds. It nests on rocky ledges or in crevices or small caves and the nests are untidy heaps of rotting seaweed or twigs cemented together by the bird's own guano. The nesting season is long and begins in late February although some nests are not started until May or even later. The female lays 3 eggs and the chicks hatch without down and so they rely totally on their parents for warmth, often for a period of 2 months before they can fly. Fledging may occur at any time from early June to late August and exceptionally to mid-October. In the UK, the Shag breeds at coastal sites, mainly in the north and west of the country, and more than half of the population is found at fewer than 10 sites. It can be seen during the breeding season at the large Scottish colonies on Orkney, Shetland, the Inner Hebrides and in the Firth of Forth. Elsewhere it can be seen commonly around the coasts of Wales and south west England, especially in Devon and Cornwall. The Shag feeds in the sea and, unlike the Cormorant, it is rare inland. It is one of the deepest pursuit divers among the cormorant family and it has been shown to dive to at least 150 feet. When it dives, it jumps out of the water first to give extra impetus to the dive. The Shag forages for food on the sea bed and eats a wide range of fish although the commonest prey is the sand eel. It will travel long distances from its breeding and roosting sites in order to feed. Date: 12th June 2014 Location: view from the Farne Islands boat trip from Seahouses Harbour, Northumberland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/greenfinch https://images.on-this.website/4752_9575477444d03ce6d3ba1f.jpgGreenfinch The European Greenfinch, or simply the Greenfinch, is a small passerine bird in the finch. There are 10 recognised sub-species reflecting its widespread range, including the British Greenfinch found in the UK (except north Scotland) and Ireland and the Northern European Greenfinch found in north Scotland, north and central France and Scandinavia to west Siberia. The Greenfinch is similar in size and shape to a House Sparrow but it is mainly green with yellow in the wings and tail. The female and young birds are duller and have brown tones on the back. The bill is thick and conical. The song contains a lot of trilling twitters interspersed with wheezes and the male has a "butterfly" display flight. The Greenfinch is widespread throughout Europe, north Africa and south west Asia where it is mainly resident although some of the most northern populations migrate further south in autumn and winter. It has also been introduced into Australia, New Zealand, Uruguay and Argentina. The Greenfinch can be found around woodland edges, in farmland hedges and in gardens with relatively thick vegetation favoured for breeding. It can form large flocks outside the breeding season, sometimes mixing with other groups of finches and buntings. In the UK, the Greenfinch is widespread and relatively common (although a sharp decline in the population in recent years has been noted due to an outbreak of trichomonosis, a parasite-induced disease which prevents the birds from feeding properly) and it is only absent from upland areas without trees and bushes. The breeding season occurs in spring and early summer, commencing in the second half of March with the young fledging in early July. Incubation of the eggs is undertaken by the female and lasts about 13 to 14 days with the male feeding her at the nest during this period. The chicks are fed on insect larvae by both adults during the first few days and thereafter by a frequently regurgitated yellowish paste made of seeds. The chicks leave the nest about 13 days later but they are unable to fly. The Greenfinch usually produces 2 or 3 broods per year. The Greenfinch predominantly feeds on seeds but it will also take berries and nuts. Date: 1st November 2010 Location: Fairburn Ings RSPB reserve, South Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/harlequin-ducks https://images.on-this.website/4752_15499648235637657646bea.jpgHarlequin Ducks The Harlequin Duck is a small sea duck which takes its name from Harlequin, a colourfully dressed character in "Commedia dell'arte" (a form of Italian theatre with masked characters). The adult male Harlequin Duck has a colourful and complex plumage pattern. The head and neck are dark slate blue with a large white crescent marking in front of the eye, a small round dot behind the eye and a larger oval spot down the side of the neck. A black crown stripe runs over the top of the head with chestnut patches on either side. A black-bordered white collar separates the head from the breast. The body is largely a lighter slate blue with chestnut sides. A black-bordered white bar divides the breast vertically from the sides. The tail is black, long and pointed. The speculum is metallic blue. The inner secondary feathers are white and form white markings over the back when folded. The bill is blue-grey and the eye is reddish. The adult female Harlequin Duck is less colourful with brownish-grey plumage with three white patches on the head, a round spot behind the eye, a larger patch from the eye to the bill and a small spot above the eye. The Harlequin Duck has smooth, densely packed feathers that trap a lot of air within them. This is vital for insulating such a small body against the chilly waters that it inhabits and it also makes it exceptionally buoyant, making it bounce like a cork after dives. The Harlequin Duck breeds alongside cold fast moving streams in the northern regions of north America, Greenland, Iceland (the only European site) and western Russia. The nest is usually located in a well concealed location on the ground near a stream. They are usually found near pounding surf and white water. It is a short distance migrant and most winter near rocky shorelines on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. The Harlequin Duck is a very rare migrant to western Europe. The Harlequin Duck feeds by swimming under water or diving and also by dabbling. It feeds on molluscs, crustaceans and insects. Date: 2nd June 2015 Location: River Laxá, Lake Mývatn area, north east Iceland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4352174.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_17871777784b687b7dc7d73.jpgSnow Bunting Snow Buntings are large buntings with striking “snowy” plumages. Males in summer have all white heads and underparts contrasting with a black mantle and wing tips. Females are a more mottled above. In autumn and winter birds develop a sandy/buff wash to their plumage and males have more mottled upperparts. Snow Buntings breed in far northern Europe and migrate south in winter. They are a very scarce breeding species in the UK and can be found on the highest mountain peaks in Scotland where they nest in rocky crevices. Snow Buntings are best looked for in winter (from late September to early March) where they can sometimes be seen in large flocks on the seashore or on adjacent short rough grassland at coastal sites in Scotland and eastern England. Date: 1st February 2010 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo26025836.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2735309345637446965c2d.jpgÁsbyrgi canyon, Vatnajökull National Park, north east Iceland Ásbyrgi canyon lies in north east Iceland to the east of Húsavík on the "Diamond Circle" route which additionally includes Lake Mývatn and the Dettifoss Waterfall. The horseshoe-shaped depression of the Ásbyrgi canyon is part of the Vatnajökull National Park and measures approximately 2.2 miles in length and 0.68 miles across. For more than half of its length, the canyon is divided through the middle by a distinctive rock formation 80 feet high called Eyjan ("the Island"), from which there are spectacular views. The canyon's steep sides are formed by cliffs up to 325 feet in height. The canyon habitat is made up of birch and willow woodland. Between 1947 and 1977, a number of foreign tree species were introduced including fir, larch and pine. The small lake Botnstjörn is home to a variety of waterfowl species. The Ásbyrgi canyon was most likely formed by catastrophic glacial flooding of the river Jökulsá á Fjöllum after the last Ice Age 8000 to 10000 years ago and then again some 3000 years ago. The river has since changed its course and now runs a short distance to the east. Legend explains the unusual shape of the canyon differently. Nicknamed “Sleipnir's footprint”, it is said that the canyon was formed when Odin's eight-legged horse, Sleipnir, touched one of its feet to the ground here. Date: 3rd June 2015 Location: view of Eyjan from road 862 south of Ásbyrgi http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo49001658.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_2940720846468de685e673.jpgBlue Tit The Blue Tit is a small passerine bird in the tit family. It is easily recognisable by its generally blue and yellow plumage and its small size. The Blue Tit is about 4.7 inches long with a wingspan of 7.1 inches. It has an azure blue crown and a dark blue line passing through the eye and encircling the white cheeks to the chin, giving the bird a very distinctive appearance. The forehead and a bar on the wing are white. The nape, wings and tail are blue and the back is yellowish green. The underparts are mostly sulphur-yellow with a dark line down the abdomen. The bill is black and the legs bluish grey. The sexes are similar whilst young birds are noticeably more yellow. The Blue Tit is very agile and it can cling to the outermost branches and hang upside down when searching for food such as insects, caterpillars and seeds. The Blue Tit can be found throughout areas of the European continent with a mainly temperate or Mediterranean climate and in parts of the Middle East. In the UK it is common in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens and widespread across the whole of the country with the exception of some Scottish islands. The Blue Tit will nest in any suitable hole in a tree, wall or stump, often competing with other birds such as the House Sparrow or Great Tit for the site. In addition, it will readily accept an artificial nesting box. The same hole is returned to year after year and when one pair dies another takes possession. The nesting material is usually moss, wool, hair and feathers and the eggs are laid in April or May. The number in the clutch is often very large but 7 or 8 is normal. It is not unusual for a single bird to feed the chicks in the nest at a rate of one feed every 90 seconds during the height of the breeding season. Successful breeding is dependent on a sufficient supply of caterpillars as well as satisfactory weather. Breeding may be affected badly if the weather is cold and wet between May and July, particularly if this coincides with the emergence of the caterpillars on which the nestlings are fed. The small size of the Blue Tit makes it vulnerable to predation by larger birds and the typical lifespan is 3 years or less. The most significant predator is probably the Sparrowhawk, closely followed by the domestic cat. Nests may also be robbed by mammals such as the Weasel and Red and Grey Squirrels. Date: 15th March 2023 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo21830189.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_54808311653cbb5595b528.jpgKittiwake The Kittiwake is a gentle looking, medium sized gull with a small yellow bill and a dark eye. It has a grey back and is white underneath. Its legs are short and black. In flight the black wing-tips show no white, unlike other gulls, and look as if they have been “dipped in ink”. The population is declining in some areas, perhaps due to a shortage of sand eels. Kittiwakes are strictly coastal gulls. In the breeding season, they can be found on rocky, steep sea-cliffs at the major seabird colonies around the UK from February until August. From August to October they can be seen flying past offshore and they spend the winter months out at sea. Date: 11th June 2014 Location: Bempton Cliifs, East Yorkshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo50405462.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8345496276586e11535944.jpgWater Vole The Water Vole is found throughout the UK although it is less common on higher ground. It is infrequently recorded from parts of northern Scotland and is absent in Ireland. Water Voles are legally protected in the UK and recent evidence suggests that they have undergone a long term decline. On current trends it is predicted that they may eventually disappear from 94% of their former sites. The shocking decline in both the range and numbers of the Water Vole is due to a number of factors. The large-scale loss and fragmentation of sensitive waterside habitats due to riverbank modification, drainage and flood defence works has been an important factor as has the pollution of waterways and poisoning by rodenticides. Perhaps the most serious threat facing the Water Vole is predation by the introduced American Mink. Water Voles are sometimes confused with Brown Rats which often also live near water courses. They are sometimes called "the water rat" which is the origin of the Water Vole’s fame as "Ratty" from Kenneth Grahame's book “The Wind in the Willows”. Prime Water Vole sites are found along densely vegetated banks of slow flowing rivers, ditches, lakes and marshes where water is present throughout the year. Water Voles are herbivores and feed on a huge variety of waterside vegetation, consuming 80% of their body weight each day. They excavate extensive burrow systems into the banks of waterways and have sleeping/nest chambers at various levels in the steepest parts of the bank. Burrows usually have underwater entrances to provide a secure route for escape if danger threatens. Water Voles usually have 3 or 4 litters a year depending on the weather. In mild springs the first of these can be born in March or April although cold conditions can delay breeding until May or even June. There are about 5 young in a litter and these are born below ground in a nest made from suitable vegetation such as grasses and rushes. Young water voles grow quickly and are weaned at 14 days. On average, Water Voles only live about 5 months in the wild. Their most important predators are Mink and Stoats although Grey Herons, Barn Owls, Brown Rats and Pike are also known to take them. Date: 9th October 2023 Location: RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo25774294.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_1035649377560fe2becb695.jpgPine Marten The Pine Marten is a member of the mustelid family which also includes the Mink, the Otter, the Badger, the Stoat and the Weasel. It is the only mustelid with semi-retractable claws which enables it to lead a more arboreal lifestyle such as climbing or running in trees. The Pine Marten is about the size of a domestic cat and males are slightly larger than females. The fur is usually light to dark brown and grows longer and silkier during the winter months. It has a cream to yellow coloured "bib" marking on their throats and a long fluffy tail. The Pine Marten is usually found in deciduous and coniferous woodland with plenty of cover and it is mainly active at dusk and at night. It has small rounded, highly sensitive ears and sharp teeth adapted for eating small mammals, birds, insects, frogs and carrion although it also eats berries, nuts, fungi, birds' eggs and honey. Pine Marten dens are commonly found in hollow trees or the fallen root masses of Scots Pines, an association that probably earned them their name. Cairns and cliffs covered with scrub are frequently used as alternative den sites. Territories vary in size according to habitat and food availability. The Pine Marten is one of the rarest native mammals in the UK. Until the 19th century, it was found throughout much of mainland UK, the Isle of Wight and some of the Scottish islands although habitat fragmentation, persecution by gamekeepers and hunting for their fur drastically reduced this distribution. By the 1920s, the main Pine Marten population in the UK was restricted to a small area of north west Scotland. Until recently it remained only at all common in this region where some individuals have lost their fear of man and come to take food provided for them, particularly enjoying jam and peanut butter. A study in 2012 found that the Pine Marten has spread from its Scottish Highland stronghold, north into east Sutherland and Caithness and south east from the Great Glen into Moray, Aberdeenshire, Perthshire, Tayside and the Stirling area with some also occurring in the Central Belt and on the Kintyre and Cowal peninsulas. Expansion in south Scotland has been limited and despite reintroduction to the Glen Trool Forest there has only been a restricted spread from there. In England, the Pine Marten is extremely rare with scattered reports from Cumbria, Northumberland and mid Wales. In July 2015 the [url=http://www.shropshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/pine-marten-appeal] first confirmed sighting of a Pine Marten in England for over a century[/url] was recorded by an amateur photographer in woodland in Shropshire. In Wales, the Vincent Wildlife Trust is implementing a [url=http://www.pine-marten-recovery-project.org.uk/news/pine-martens-arrive-in-wales]reintroduction project[/url] through translocations of Pine Martens from Scotland. The Pine Marten is still quite rare in Ireland but the population is recovering and spreading. The traditional strongholds are in the west and south, especially the Burren, but the population in the Midlands has significantly increased in recent years. A study published in 2015 showed that the Pine Marten was distributed across every county in Northern Ireland. Although they are preyed upon occasionally by Golden Eagles and Red Foxes, humans are the largest threat to the Pine Marten. It is vulnerable from conflict with humans, arising from predator control for other species and the use of inhabited buildings for denning. The Pine Marten is also affected by persecution (illegal poisoning and shooting) by gamekeepers and loss of habitat. This record shot of poor quality was taken in very low light and through a window and the Pine Marten was encouraged to visit every evening during a week long stay at Mingarry Lodges with a supply of jam, peanut butter, suet pellets and grapes! Date: 23rd September 2015 Location: Mingarry Lodges, Mingarry, Highland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo32847441.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_98929142559bd5060dc532.jpgLow Tatras, Slovakia The Low Tatras (Nízke Tatry) are a mountain range of the Inner Western Carpathians situated in central Slovakia. They are located south of the High Tatras (Vysoké Tatry) from which they are separated by the valleys of the Váh River and Poprad River. The ridge runs west to east and is about 50 miles long. The Čertovica pass divides the range into 2 parts. The highest peaks of the Low Tatras are located in its western part. Ďumbier is the highest mountain at 6703 feet. Its neighbour Chopok at 6640 feet is accessible by a chairlift and it is the most visited place in the Low Tatras. Other peaks in the western part include Dereše at 6575 feet and Chabenec at 6414 feet. The highest peak in the eastern part is Kráľova hoľa at 6385 feet. The lower elevations are mostly blanketed in dense forest with prevailing coniferous forests in the northern part and mixed forests in the south. At higher elevations there are tarns, deep valleys, limestone cliffs and impressive granite formations. Most of the Low Tatras are protected by the Low Tatras National Park (Národný park Nízke Tatry). This comprises an area of 281 square miles and a buffer zone covering an area of 425 square miles. This makes it the largest National Park in Slovakia. The protection of the Low Tatras started with the first attempts during the period 1918 to 1921 and continuing after World War 2. In 1963, a proposal was made for the establishment of a National Park under the name Central Slovakia National Park. During the period between 1965 and 1966 and right before the completion of the last proposal, a draft for a National Park Ďumbier was proposed. The aim of this draft was to include the north and south part of the central territory of the Low Tatras. From 1967 until 1968 the draft was reformulated with the goal to establish the National Park on the 25th anniversary of the Slovak National Uprising. However, it took another 10 years to overcome various obstacles that prevented the establishment of the National Park. In 1978 the National Park was finally created with the Regulation 119/1978 of the Slovak Socialistic Republic. The area of the national park was set at 313 square miles and its protection zone at 479 square miles. The status of the National Park was published in the same year by the Ministry of Culture of the Slovak Socialistic Republic in Regulation 120/1978. This regulation set out the conditions for the protection of particular areas. The borders of the National Park and the protection zones were revised in June 1997 by Regulation 182/1997 of the government of the Slovak Republic. The revised area of the National Park was adjusted to 281 square miles which is 32 square miles less than the original area. The revised area of the protection zones was adjusted to 425 square miles which is 53 square miles less than the original area. Currently, the following protected areas are established in the Low Tatras National Park or its buffer zone: 10 National Nature Reserves, 10 Nature Reserves, 5 National Nature Monuments, 6 Nature Monuments and 1 Protected Site. The Low Tatras are the second most visited mountains in Slovakia after the High Tatras. Tourism is very popular and during the winter there are several ski resorts such as Jasná and Tále. There are also a range of summer activities such as hiking, trekking, rafting, kayaking, fishing and other outdoor pursuits. Date: 29th May 2017 Location: Low Tatras, Slovakia http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo45202069.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_203064628162372eee2ae61.jpgBlue Tit The Blue Tit is a small passerine bird in the tit family. It is easily recognisable by its generally blue and yellow plumage and its small size. The Blue Tit is about 4.7 inches long with a wingspan of 7.1 inches. It has an azure blue crown and a dark blue line passing through the eye and encircling the white cheeks to the chin, giving the bird a very distinctive appearance. The forehead and a bar on the wing are white. The nape, wings and tail are blue and the back is yellowish green. The underparts are mostly sulphur-yellow with a dark line down the abdomen. The bill is black and the legs bluish grey. The sexes are similar whilst young birds are noticeably more yellow. The Blue Tit is very agile and it can cling to the outermost branches and hang upside down when searching for food such as insects, caterpillars and seeds. The Blue Tit can be found throughout areas of the European continent with a mainly temperate or Mediterranean climate and in parts of the Middle East. In the UK it is common in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens and widespread across the whole of the country with the exception of some Scottish islands. The Blue Tit will nest in any suitable hole in a tree, wall or stump, often competing with other birds such as the House Sparrow or Great Tit for the site. In addition, it will readily accept an artificial nesting box. The same hole is returned to year after year and when one pair dies another takes possession. The nesting material is usually moss, wool, hair and feathers and the eggs are laid in April or May. The number in the clutch is often very large but 7 or 8 is normal. It is not unusual for a single bird to feed the chicks in the nest at a rate of one feed every 90 seconds during the height of the breeding season. Successful breeding is dependent on a sufficient supply of caterpillars as well as satisfactory weather. Breeding may be affected badly if the weather is cold and wet between May and July, particularly if this coincides with the emergence of the caterpillars on which the nestlings are fed. The small size of the Blue Tit makes it vulnerable to predation by larger birds and the typical lifespan is 3 years or less. The most significant predator is probably the Sparrowhawk, closely followed by the domestic cat. Nests may also be robbed by mammals such as the Weasel and Red and Grey Squirrels. Date: 3rd March 2022 Location: Laindon, Essex http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo41255230.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6847360565f06f5335bf34.jpgRed Squirrel The Red Squirrel or Eurasian Red Squirrel is a species of tree squirrel in the genus [i]Sciurus[/i]. It is an arboreal and primarily herbivorous rodent. The Red Squirrel has a typical head and body length of 7.5 to 9 inches, a tail length of 6 to 8 inches and a weight of 9 to 12 ounces. Males and females are the same size. The Red Squirrel is smaller and lighter in weight than the Grey Squirrel The coat of the Red Squirrel varies in colour with the time of year and its location and there are several different coat colour morphs ranging from black to red. Red coats are most common in the UK but in other parts of Europe and Asia different coat colours co-exist within populations. The underside of the Red Squirrel is always creamy-white in colour. The Red Squirrel sheds its coat twice a year, switching from a thinner summer coat to a thicker, darker winter coat with noticeably larger ear-tufts (a prominent distinguishing feature of this species) between August and November. A lighter, redder overall coat colour, along with the ear-tufts (in adults) and smaller size, distinguish the Red Squirrel from the Grey Squirrel. The long tail helps the Red Squirrel to balance and steer when jumping from tree to tree and running along branches and it may also keep it warm during sleep. The Red Squirrel, like most tree squirrels, has sharp and curved claws to enable it to climb and descend broad tree trunks, thin branches and even house walls and its strong hind legs enable it to leap gaps between trees. The Red Squirrel can be found in the boreal coniferous woods in north Europe and Siberia where it prefers Scots Pine, Norway Spruce and Siberian Pine. In west and south Europe it can be found in broad-leaved woods where the mixture of tree and shrub species provides a better year round source of food. In most of the UK and in Italy, broad-leaved woodlands are now less suitable for it due to the better competitive feeding strategy of the introduced Grey Squirrel. The Red Squirrel makes a drey (nest) out of twigs in a branch-fork, forming a domed structure about 9 to 12 inches in diameter. This is lined with moss, leaves, grass and bark. Tree hollows and woodpecker holes are also used. The Red Squirrel is generally a solitary animal and is shy and reluctant to share food with others. However, outside the breeding season and particularly in winter, several Red Squirrels may share a drey to keep warm. Social organisation is based on dominance hierarchies within and between sexes. Although males are not necessarily dominant towards females, the dominant animals tend to be larger and older than subordinate animals and dominant males tend to have larger home ranges than subordinate males or females. Mating can occur in late winter during February and March and in summer between June and July. During mating, males detect females that are in oestrus by an odour that they produce and, although there is no courtship, the male will chase the female for up to an hour prior to mating. Usually multiple males will chase a single female until the dominant male, usually the largest in the group, mates with the female. Males and females will mate multiple times with many partners. Females must reach a minimum body mass before they enter oestrus and heavy females on average produce more young. If food is scarce breeding may be delayed. Typically a female will produce her first litter in her second year. Up to 2 litters a year per female are possible. Each litter averages 3 young and these are known as kits. Gestation is about 38 to 39 days and the young are looked after by the mother alone and are born helpless, blind and deaf. Their body is covered by hair at 21 days, their eyes and ears open after 3 to 4 weeks and they develop all their teeth by 42 days. Juveniles can eat solids around 40 days following birth and from that point they can leave the nest on their own to find food. However, they still suckle from their mother until weaning occurs at 8 to 10 weeks. The Red Squirrel eats mostly the seeds of trees, fungi, nuts (especially hazelnuts but also beech and chestnuts), berries and young shoots. More rarely, it may also eat bird eggs or nestlings and may occasionally exhibit opportunistic omnivory similar to other rodents. Excess food is put into caches, either buried or in nooks or holes in trees, and eaten when food is scarce. Although the Red Squirrel remembers where it created caches at a better than chance level, its spatial memory is believed to be substantially less accurate and durable than that of the Grey Squirrel. Therefore it will often have to search for them when in need and many caches are never found again. Between 60% and 80% of the active time of a Red Squirrel may be spent foraging and feeding. The active period is generally in the morning and in the late afternoon and evening. It often rests in its nest in the middle of the day to avoid the heat and the high visibility to birds of prey that are dangers during these hours. During the winter, this midday rest is often much more brief or absent entirely although harsh weather may cause it to stay in its nest for days at a time. No territories are claimed between Red Squirrels and the feeding areas of individuals overlap considerably. A Red Squirrel that survives its first winter has a life expectancy of 3 years. Individuals may reach 7 years of age and 10 years in captivity. Survival is positively related to the availability of autumn and winter tree seeds. On average, 75 to 85% of juveniles die during their first winter and mortality is approximately 50% for winters following the first. Predators include small mammals such as the Pine Marten, the Wildcat and the Stoat which all prey on juveniles. Birds, including owls and raptors such as the Goshawk and Common Buzzard, may also prey on the Red Squirrel as will the Red Fox and domestic cats and dogs when it is on the ground. Humans influence the population size and mortality of the Red Squirrel by destroying or altering habitats, by causing road casualties and by introducing non-native populations of the Grey Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel and the Red Squirrel are not directly antagonistic and violent conflict between these species is not a factor in the decline in Red Squirrel populations. However, the Grey Squirrel appears to contribute to the decrease in the Red Squirrel population for several reasons: it carries a disease, the squirrel parapoxvirus, that does not appear to affect its own health but will often kill the Red Squirrel, it can better digest acorns whilst the Red Squirrel cannot access the proteins and fats in acorns as easily and it can put the Red Squirrel under pressure for food resources resulting in it not breeding as often. In the UK, due to the above circumstances, the population has today fallen to 160,000 Red Squirrels or fewer with the majority of these in Scotland. Outside the UK and Ireland, the impact of competition from the Grey Squirrel has also been observed in Italy where 2 pairs escaped from captivity in 1948. A significant drop in the Red Squirrel population has been observed since 1970 and it is feared that the Grey Squirrel may expand into the rest of Europe. The Red Squirrel is protected in most of Europe although in some areas it is abundant and is hunted for its fur. In the UK there are several active projects to protect the Red Squirrel and its native woodland habitat, introduce or re-introduce it in to areas where it is absent and eradicate and prevent the spread of the Grey Squirrel. Research undertaken in 2007 in the UK credits the Pine Marten with reducing the population of the invasive Grey Squirrel. Where the range of the expanding Pine Marten population meets that of the Grey Squirrel, the population of the latter retreats. It is theorised that, because the Grey Squirrel spends more time on the ground than the Red Squirrel, it is far more likely to come in contact with the Pine Marten. Date: 28th June 2019 Location: Neljan Tuulen Tupa near Kaamanen, Lappi, Finland http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo4352167.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_15817505024b687b5c74478.jpgSnow Bunting Snow Buntings are large buntings with striking “snowy” plumages. Males in summer have all white heads and underparts contrasting with a black mantle and wing tips. Females are a more mottled above. In autumn and winter birds develop a sandy/buff wash to their plumage and males have more mottled upperparts. Snow Buntings breed in far northern Europe and migrate south in winter. They are a very scarce breeding species in the UK and can be found on the highest mountain peaks in Scotland where they nest in rocky crevices. Snow Buntings are best looked for in winter (from late September to early March) where they can sometimes be seen in large flocks on the seashore or on adjacent short rough grassland at coastal sites in Scotland and eastern England. Date: 1st February 2010 Location: Salthouse, Norfolk http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo13657348.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_6443227494ed36e3d882b9.jpgOtter The Eurasian Otter, also known as the European Otter, Eurasian River Otter, Common Otter and Old World Otter and commonly known as the Otter, is a semi-aquatic mammal and the most widely distributed member of the Otter sub-family of the Weasel family (Mustelidae). The Otter is a typical species of the Otter sub-family and is brown above and cream below. It is 22.5 to 37.5 inches long excluding a tail of 14 to 17.5 inches. The female is shorter than the male. The Otter's average body weight is 15 to 26 pounds, although occasionally a large old male may reach up to 37 pounds. The Otter differs from the North American River Otter by its shorter neck, broader face, the greater space between the ears and its longer tail. However, it is the only Otter species in much of its range so it is rarely confused for any other animal. The Otter is the most widely distributed Otter species and its range including parts of Asia and Africa as well as being widespread across Europe. The Otter can be found throughout most of the UK with the highest densities in Scotland, especially the islands and the north west coast, Wales, parts of East Anglia and the West Country. The Otter declined across its range in the second half of the 20th century primarily due to pollution, habitat loss and hunting. However, populations are now recovering in many parts of Europe. In the UK the number of sites with an Otter presence increased by 55% between 1994 and 2002. In August 2011, the Environment Agency announced that the Otter had returned to every county in England since vanishing from every county except the West Country and parts of Northern England. The recovery of the Otter population in Europe is due to a ban on the most harmful pesticides that has been in place since 1979, improvements in water quality leading to increases in prey populations and direct legal protection under the European Union Habitats Directive and national legislation in several European countries. In general, the Otter’s varied and adaptable diet means that it can be found on any unpolluted body of fresh water, including lakes, streams, rivers and ponds, as long as the food supply is adequate. It can also be found along the coast in salt water but it requires regular access to fresh water to clean its fur. When living in the sea it is sometimes referred to as a "Sea Otter" but it should not be confused with the true Sea Otter which is a North American species much more strongly adapted to a marine existence. The Otter's diet mainly consists of fish. However, during the winter and in colder environments, fish consumption is significantly lower and other sources of food are eaten including amphibians, crustaceans, insects, birds and small mammals. Hunting mainly takes place at night whilst the day is usually spent in the Otter's holt (den). The Otter is strongly territorial and is primarily solitary. An individual's territory may vary between 1 and 25 miles with the length of the territory depending on the density of food available and the width of the water suitable for hunting (it is shorter on coasts, where the available width is much wider and longer on narrower rivers). The Otter uses its spraints to mark its territory. Territories are only held against members of the same sex so those of males and females may overlap. The Otter is a non-seasonal breeder and males and females will breed at any time of the year. It has been found that their mating season is most likely determined simply by the Otters' reproductive maturity and physiological state. Female Otters are sexually mature between 18 and 24 months old and the average age of first breeding is found to be 2.5 years old. Gestation is 60 to 64 days and after the gestation period, 1 to 4 pups are born which remain dependent on the mother for about 13 months. The male plays no direct role in parental care although the territory of a female with her pups is usually entirely within that of the male. Date: 16th September 2011 Location: British Wildlife Centre, Surrey http://www.richardchewphotography.com/photo12078564.html https://images.on-this.website/4752_8578711254e48dd5af060b.jpgWater Vole The Water Vole is found throughout the UK although it is less common on higher ground. It is infrequently recorded from parts of northern Scotland and is absent in Ireland. Water Voles are legally protected in the UK and recent evidence suggests that they have undergone a long term decline. On current trends it is predicted that they may eventually disappear from 94% of their former sites. The shocking decline in both the range and numbers of the Water Vole is due to a number of factors. The large-scale loss and fragmentation of sensitive waterside habitats due to riverbank modification, drainage and flood defence works has been an important factor as has the pollution of waterways and poisoning by rodenticides. Perhaps the most serious threat facing the Water Vole is predation by the introduced American Mink. Water Voles are sometimes confused with Brown Rats which often also live near water courses. They are sometimes called "the water rat" which is the origin of the Water Vole’s fame as "Ratty" from Kenneth Grahame's book “The Wind in the Willows”. Prime Water Vole sites are found along densely vegetated banks of slow flowing rivers, ditches, lakes and marshes where water is present throughout the year. Water Voles are herbivores and feed on a huge variety of waterside vegetation, consuming 80% of their body weight each day. They excavate extensive burrow systems into the banks of waterways and have sleeping/nest chambers at various levels in the steepest parts of the bank. Burrows usually have underwater entrances to provide a secure route for escape if danger threatens. Water Voles usually have 3 or 4 litters a year depending on the weather. In mild springs the first of these can be born in March or April although cold conditions can delay breeding until May or even June. There are about 5 young in a litter and these are born below ground in a nest made from suitable vegetation such as grasses and rushes. Young water voles grow quickly and are weaned at 14 days. On average, Water Voles only live about 5 months in the wild. Their most important predators are Mink and Stoats although Grey Herons, Barn Owls, Brown Rats and Pike are also known to take them. Date: 5th March 2008 Location: Cromford Canal, Derbyshire http://www.richardchewphotography.com/golden-plovers https://images.on-this.website/4752_20734393075a106b18d4dc5.jpgGolden Plovers The European Golden Plover, also known as the Eurasian Golden Plover or just the Golden Plover within Europe, is a largish plover. It is similar to 2 other Golden Plovers: the American Golden Plover and the Pacific Golden Plover which are both smaller, slimmer and relatively longer-legged than the European Golden Plover and have grey rather than white axillary feathers. The Golden Plover is a medium sized plover with a distinctive gold and black summer plumage. In winter the black is replaced by buff and white. It typically stands upright and runs in short bursts. The Golden Plover breeds on the ground in a dry open area on moorland, mountains and fells, tundra and marshland in northern Europe and western Asia as far west as Iceland and as far east as central Siberia. It is migratory and winters in western and southern Europe and in north Africa where it tends to gather in large flocks in open areas and on agricultural plains, ploughed land and short meadows. In the UK, the Golden Plover can be found from May to September on the upland moorlands in the southern uplands of Scotland, the Scottish Highlands, the Western and Northern Isles, the Peak District, north Yorkshire, Wales and Devon. Winter flocks start to appear at lower levels and around the coasts after the breeding season with the largest numbers seen between November and February when Golden Plovers often form large flocks with Lapwings. Date: 4th November 2017 Location: Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve, Islay, Argyll